bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Productive and Reproductive Performances of BLRI-1 and BLRI-2 Ducks in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MS , Khatun H , Islam MN , Faruque S , Sarker MSK
Published: August 2014

A total of 887 ducklings of BLRI-1 duck genotype and 352 ducklings of BLRI-2 duck genotype were studied to measure productive and reproductive performances under intensive management. Data were recorded on body weight, egg production, egg weight, fertility, embryonic mortality, hatchability, feed intake, age at sexual maturity, body weight at maturity and egg weight at maturity. The fertility rate in BLRI-1duck was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of BLRI-2 duck, while hatchability of BLRI-2 duck on fertile eggs were significantly (p<0.05) better compared to BLRI-1 duck. The embryonic mortality was significantly (p<0.01) higher in BLRI-2 duck than BLRI-1 duck. Duckling weight was influenced by egg weight (p<0.05) but difference in duckling: egg ratio was not significant (p>0.05). Hatching weight, 4th week and 12th week of age were significant (p<0.05) influent while the body weight of ducks at 8th week did not differ significantly (p>0.05) for BLRI-1 and BLRI-2 ducks, respectively. The least squares mean for age at sexual maturity were 158 days and 151.75 days, respectively for BLRI-1 and BLRI-2 ducks (p<0.05). BLRI-1 duck started to lay eggs almost one week late compared to BLRI-2 duck. Duck weight at sexual maturity, egg weight at first lay and egg production did not have significant (p>0.05) difference between genotypes. It may be concluded that BLRI-2 duck genotype is superior in terms of hatchability and age at sexual maturity to BLRI-1 duck genotype. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19485 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 10-14
Socio-economic Factors Influencing Profitability of Rice Seed Production in Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque MZ , Haque ME
Published: August 2014

Seed is the foundation of agriculture for enhancing crop production. The economic benefits from the improved quality seed production help scaling up the livelihood standard as well as nutritional status of the common people. The study was carried out in three districts namely Jamalpur, Gazipur and Manikganj to identify the socio-economic dimensions of the government seed production project beneficiaries persuading profitability of rice seed production. Data were collected through intensive survey of randomly selected 211 sample respondents using pre-tested interview schedule. To examine the profitability of rice seed production, the gross margin and cost benefit analysis were carried out. Co-efficient of correlation and multiple stepwise regressions were employed to find out the determinants of profitability in rice seed production. Rice seed production was not found to be so profitable as investment in rice seed cultivation can produce average BCR of only up to 1.44, where highest BCR was found in Jamalpur (1.58) compared to Manikganj (1.48) and Gazipur (1.26). The results revealed that socio-economic factors have a profound influence on profitability of rice seed production as these factors combined explained 54.9 percent variation. Farm size, contact with information sources, knowledge on quality rice production and age of the respondents were identified as significant contributors in profitability of rice seed production, whereas contact with information sources was the single most influential factor (24.6%). Therefore, steps may be taken so that the seed-growers could directly be linked with more information sources dealing with seed production and marketing through the government initiatives to boost up the production as well as to ensure appropriate price of the farmers home grown seed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19578 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 33-40
Usefulness of Banana (Musa paradisiaca) Wastes in Manufacturing of Bio-products: A Review
Authors: Mohiuddin AKM , Saha Manas Kanti , Hossian Md Sanower , Ferdoushi Aysha
Published: August 2014

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is one of the most important gigantic and oldest cultivated fruit crops grown almost everywhere in Bangladesh. Presently, the banana pseudostem is hazardous waste in Bangladesh whilst it has been used in several countries to develop important bio-products such as fibre to make yarn, fabric, apparel as well as fertilizer, fish feed, bio-chemicals, paper, handicrafts, pickles, candy, etc. Looking at this perspective, entrepreneurs of Bangladesh should take this golden opportunity and do the needful for such kind of business. The land of our country is suitable for banana production. Its fruit is a healthy diet and demandable in local markets as well as the free waste could be utilized to produce such bio-products which will contribute directly in our national economy. Thus, farmers or entrepreneurs should cultivate more banana trees in unproductive lands of coastal and hilly areas for extra income from the useless wastes and ensure eco-friendly environment. Women can also be employed in production of different bio-products from banana wastes and thus, they can contribute to their livelihood improvement. In conclusion, this review on banana waste utilization will be of help to the farmers, entrepreneurs, planners, scientists as well as Bangladesh government to take proper initiatives in socioeconomic improvement of Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19870 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 148-158
Steroid Use, Abuse and Withdrawal Protocol
Authors: Mannan MA
Published: August 2014

No abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19850 J Medicine 2014; 15: 1-2
Contraceptive Practice of Married Women: Experience from a Rural Community of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Atiqur , Rahman M , Siddiqui M R , Zaman J A
Published: August 2014

Background: Bangladesh is a country having high density of population in the world. Its fertility rate ranges from 4.1 to 5.49. This study was conducted to investigate socio-demographic characteristics, type of used contraceptive method, reasons for non use of contraceptive methods and also the side effects due to use of contraceptive method among the married women in some villages of Keranigonj Upazila, Dhaka. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out among 240 married women of reproductive age from July to December, 2012 in some villages of Keranigonj, Upazila, Dhaka. Results: The mean age of the study population was 29±6.5 years with the mean age at marriage of 17.18±2.7 years. 73(31%) were practicing some methods of contraception, while 167 (69%) were not using it. OCP (Oral Contraceptive Pill) was the commonest method of contraception followed by Condoms 12(5%), Injectable 12(5%), Implant 12(5%) & Tubectomy 6(3%). None was found using IUCD and Traditional method ( withdrawal, rhythm method ) and emergency contraceptive method. The use of contraceptives were more common in grand multipara (p<0.01), >35 years old ladies (p<0.05). No statistical association was found between the use of contraceptive method and educational status of the respondents and their husband. Non users of contraceptives in this study were 167 (69%) and the major reasons for the non use were intention to have more children 53(31.46%) followed by pressure from the husband 21(12.35%), prohibition by the religion 18 (10.9%) and desire for son 17 (10.11%). Among the 73 contraceptive users 38 (52%) experienced side effects with the use of contraceptives. The commonest side effects were menstrual irregularities 17(23.8%) followed by change in body weight 8(11.19%). Conclusion: Frequency of contraceptive use was found comparatively low among rural married women despite high level of awareness. Desire for larger family, religious concerns and fear of side effects were the main factors responsible for non users. Religious scholars must play their role in clarifying many aspects regarding contraceptives.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19852 J Medicine 2014; 15: 9-13
Incidence of Aspiration Pneumonia in Patients with Altered Consciousness Admitted in DMCH
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Rashed Alam , Azad Khan Abul Kalam , Siddiqui Mahmudur Rahman , Saad Sanjeeda
Published: August 2014

Background: Aspiration Pneumonia is a common complication in patients with altered consciousness if general supportive care is not taken properly. There is no national study on incidence of aspiration pneumonia in hospitalized patients with altered consciousness. This study was done to see the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in patients with altered consciousness admitted in a tertiary care hospital in our country. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted among the 50 adult patients of aspiration pneumonia with altered consciousness admitted in the medicine department of DMCH, during January 2010 to December 2010. Aspiration pneumonia was confirmed by clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Assessment of altered conscious patient was done by application of the Glasgow Coma Scale. Case record forms with appropriate questionnaire were filled for all patients. Results: The mean (±SD) age was 38.9±17.3 years. Maximum numbers (24.5%) of patients were found in the age group of 51-60 years. Male female ratio was 3:1. Fever, chest pain and productive cough were the most common clinical features. Stroke (64%), Encephalitis (16%) and Hepatic encephalopathy (16%) were found as main precipitating factors.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19853 J Medicine 2014; 15: 14-17
Dengue NS1 Antigen: A Tool in Early Detection of Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Biswas Rama , Mohammed Fazle Rabbi , Sengupta Poly , Ahmed Hasan Shahrear , Rahman Md. Motlabur , Sarker Mohammad Abdus Sattar , Nazimuddin Mirza
Published: August 2014

Objectives: This aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of NS1 antigen assay for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in medicine unit of Square hospital from May to August 2013. Total 100 patients with dengue fever were included. Complete blood count, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Dengue NS1 antigen and IgM and IgG antibodies of dengue virus were done in all cases. Results: Of the 100 sera tested, 75% were positive for dengue virus infection based on dengue NS1 antigen, IgM antibody and IgG antibody. Dengue NS1 antigen and IgM, IgG antibody were able to detect dengue virus infection between day 1 to day 8 in 92% of samples, 86.7% of samples and 82.6% of samples respectively. Sixty nine percent (69%) were found positive for dengue NS1 antigen, 65% were IgM positive and 62% were IgG positive. Based on the dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody combination, 74% were positive for dengue virus infections. Sensitivity of Dengue NS1 antigen was 92.3% and specificity of 74.28% in comparison to IgM antibody. Based on the antigen and IgG antibody combination, detection rate increased to 75%. Sensitivity of dengue NS1 antigen was 90.3% and specificity of 65.8% in comparison to IgG antibody. Conclusion: Dengue NS1 antigen is a useful, sensitive and specific test for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection and it improves diagnostic efficiency in combination with antibody test.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v15i1.19856 J Medicine 2014; 15: 28-30
Implementing an Assessment Clinic in a Residential PTSD Program
Authors: McDowell Joan , McManus Eliza , Rodriguez Jessica
Published: August 2014

Creating useful treatment plans can help improve services to consumers of mental health services. As more evidence-based practices are implemented, deciding what treatment, at what time, for whom becomes an important factor in facilitating positive outcomes. Readiness for trauma-focused treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) such as Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure Therapy may influence whether an individual can successfully complete either protocol. In addition, components of adjunctive therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy may be useful in moving a particular patient toward readiness and successful completion of treatment. Psychological assessment adds valuable data to inform these types of treatment decisions. This paper describes the implementation of a psychological assessment clinic in a residential PTSD treatment setting. Barriers to implementation, use of the data, and Veterans’ reactions to the feedback provided to them are included.
Investigation of the Ergopeptide Epimerization Process
Authors: Andrae Karsten , Merkel Stefan , Durmaz Vedat , Fackeldey Konstantin , Köppen Robert , Weber Marcus , Koch Matthias
Published: August 2014

Ergopeptides, like ergocornine and a-ergocryptine, exist in an S- and in an R-configuration. Kinetic experiments imply that certain configurations are preferred depending on the solvent. The experimental methods are explained in this article. Furthermore, computational methods are used to understand this configurational preference. Standard quantum chemical methods can predict the favored configurations by using minimum energy calculations on the potential energy landscape. However, the explicit role of the solvent is not revealed by this type of methods. In order to better understand its influence, classical mechanical molecular simulations are applied. It appears from our research that “folding” the ergopeptide molecules into an intermediate state (between the S- and the R-configuration) is mechanically hindered for the preferred configurations.
Evaluation of Model Based State of Charge Estimation Methods for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zou Zhongyue , Xu Jun , Mi Chris , Cao Binggang , Chen Zheng
Published: August 2014

Four model-based State of Charge (SOC) estimation methods for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are studied and evaluated in this paper. Different from existing literatures, this work evaluates different aspects of the SOC estimation, such as the estimation error distribution, the estimation rise time, the estimation time consumption, etc. The equivalent model of the battery is introduced and the state function of the model is deduced. The four model-based SOC estimation methods are analyzed first. Simulations and experiments are then established to evaluate the four methods. The urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS) current profiles are applied to simulate the drive situations of an electrified vehicle, and a genetic algorithm is utilized to identify the model parameters to find the optimal parameters of the model of the Li-ion battery. The simulations with and without disturbance are carried out and the results are analyzed. A battery test workbench is established and a Li-ion battery is applied to test the hardware in a loop experiment. Experimental results are plotted and analyzed according to the four aspects to evaluate the four model-based SOC estimation methods.
Study of Epigenetic Properties of Poly(HexaMethylene Biguanide) Hydrochloride (PHMB)
Authors: Creppy Edmond , Diallo Aboudoulatif , Moukha Serge , Eklu-Gadegbeku Christophe , Cros Daniel
Published: August 2014

Poly(HexaMethylene Biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB) CAS No. [32289-58-0] is a particularly effective member of the biguanides antiseptic chemical group, and has been in use since the early fifties in numerous applications. It has been proposed that PHMB be classified as a category 3 carcinogen although PHMB is not genotoxic. It has been hypothesized that PHMB may have epigenetic properties effects, including non-genotoxic modifications of DNA bases, DNA methylation and mitogenic cytokine production. These properties have been assessed in vitro using 3 cell types: Caco-2 cells (from a human colon adenocarcinoma) with a non-functional p53 gene. (∆p53: mut p53), N2-A (Neuro-2A cells, mouse neural cells), the brain being a possible target organ in rodents and HepG2 cells (human hepatocellular carcinoma) with functional p53 gene. From the concentration 1 µg/mL up to 20 µg/mL of PHMB, no effect was observed, either growth stimulation or inhibition. Viability testing using neutral red led to an IC 50 of 20–25 µg/mL after treatment with PHMB for 3 h, whereas the MTT test led to IC50 values of 80 µg/mL, 160 µg/mL and 160 µg/mL respectively for HepG2 cells, Neuro-2A cells and Caco-2 cells. PHMB does not induce significant oxidative stress (production of MDA or lipoperoxidation, nor does it induce hydroxylation of DNA (8-OH-dG) and/or its hypermethylation (m5dC), the latter being strongly implicated in DNA replication and regulation and cell division. PHMB does not induce significant production of mitogenic cytokines such as TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), interleukins (IL-1 alpha), and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) which can cause either apoptosis or stimulate the growth of transformed cells or tumors. Instead, from concentrations of 20 to 100 µg/mL, PHMB kills cells of all types in less than 3 h. The expression of genes involved in the mechanisms of cell death induced by PHMB, including p53, the pro apoptotic gene bax and others, the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and caspase-3 has been evaluated by RT-PCR. Finally, the status of GAP-junctions (GJIC) in the presence of PHMB has been determined and appeared to not be significantly affected. Taken together the data show that in vitro PHMB does not exhibit clear and remarkable epigenetic properties except a slight increase of some cytokines and transcription factor at higher concentrations at which cell lysis occurs rapidly.
Atopic Diseases and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Epidemiological Study of the Risks and Correlations
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Ping , Tsai Jeng-Dau , Muo Chih-Hsin , Tsai Chung-Hung , Sung Fung-Chang , Liao Ya-Tang , Chang Yen-Jung , Yang Jen-Hung
Published: August 2014

Both atopic diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are immune disorders that may lead to physical complications or multi-system comorbidities. This population-based case-control study was designed to evaluate the risk of SLE associated with atopic diseases. Using a national insurance claims dataset in Taiwan, we identified 1673 patients newly diagnosed with SLE and 6692 randomly selected controls frequency matched for gender, age and index date. The odds ratios (OR) for SLE were calculated for associations with allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and asthma. The SLE patients were predominantly female (82.5%) with a mean age of 40.1 (SD = 18.2). The patients with SLE had a higher rate of atopic dermatitis (6.81% vs. 3.06%), and asthma (10.6% vs. 7.64%) was approximately 2 times more common in the patients with lupus than in those without. The patients with atopic disease (atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma) were at a significant risk for SLE. The overall risk for SLE increased as the number of atopic diseases increased from 1.46 to 2.29, compared with—individuals without the diseases (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, this population-based case-control study demonstrates a significant relationship between atopic diseases and the risk of SLE, especially for females. Atopic dermatitis plays a stronger role than other types of atopic disease in association with SLE.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Its Potential as a Life-Sustaining Solvent in a Planetary Environment
Authors: Budisa Nediljko , Schulze-Makuch Dirk
Published: August 2014

Supercritical fluids have different properties compared to regular fluids and could play a role as life-sustaining solvents on other worlds. Even on Earth, some bacterial species have been shown to be tolerant to supercritical fluids. The special properties of supercritical fluids, which include various types of selectivities (e.g., stereo-, regio-, and chemo-selectivity) have recently been recognized in biotechnology and used to catalyze reactions that do not occur in water. One suitable example is enzymes when they are exposed to supercritical fluids such as supercritical carbon dioxide: enzymes become even more stable, because they are conformationally rigid in the dehydrated state. Furthermore, enzymes in anhydrous organic solvents exhibit a “molecular memory”, i.e., the capacity to “remember” a conformational or pH state from being exposed to a previous solvent. Planetary environments with supercritical fluids, particularly supercritical carbon dioxide, exist, even on Earth (below the ocean floor), on Venus, and likely on Super-Earth type exoplanets. These planetary environments may present a possible habitat for exotic life.
Synephrine Inhibits Eotaxin-1 Expression via the STAT6 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Roh Kyung-Baeg , Kim Il-Hyun , Kim Young-Soo , Lee Myungjae , Lee Jung-A , Jung Eunsun , Park Deokhoon
Published: August 2014

Citrus contain various flavonoids and alkaloids that have multiple biological activities. It is known that the immature Citrus contains larger amounts of bioactive components, than do the mature plants. Although Citrus flavonoids are well known for their biological activities, Citrus alkaloids have not previously been assessed. In this study, we identified synephrine alkaloids as an active compound from immature Citrus unshiu, and investigated the effect of synephrine on eotaxin-1 expression. Eotaxin-1 is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils, and a critical mediator, during the development of eosinophilic inflammation. We found that synephrine significantly inhibited IL-4-induced eotaxin-1 expression. This synephrine effect was mediated through the inhibition of STAT6 phosphorylation in JAK/STAT signaling. We also found that eosinophil recruitment induced by eotaxin-1 overexpression was inhibited by synephrine. Taken together, these findings indicate that inhibiting IL-4-induced eotaxin-1 expression by synephrine occurs primarily through the suppression of eosinophil recruitment, which is mediated by inhibiting STAT6 phosphorylation.
Nutrient Intake in Italian Infants and Toddlers from North and South Italy: The Nutrintake 636 Study
Authors: Zuccotti Gian , Cassatella Cristina , Morelli Ambra , Cucugliato Maria , Catinello Giuseppina , Del Balzo Valeria , Guidarelli Lucia , Agostoni Carlo , Mameli Chiara , Troiano Ersilia , Bedogni Giorgio
Published: August 2014

We performed a cross-sectional study to compare the intake of energy, macronutrients, fiber, sodium and iron and the anthropometric status of infants and toddlers living in North (Milano) and South Italy (Catania). Nutrient intake was evaluated using a 7-day weighed food record. Out of 400 planned children aged 6 to 36 months, 390 (98%) were recruited, 189 in Milano and 201 in Catania. The mean (standard deviation) age was 17 (9) months in Milano and 17 (10) months in Catania. Anthropometry, energy intake and macronutrient intake were similar in Milano and Catania. However, iron intake was 27% lower and fiber intake 16% higher in Milano than in Catania. Despite normal anthropometry and energy intake, in the pooled sample there was a high intake of proteins, simple carbohydrates, saturated fats and sodium, and a low intake of iron and fiber compared to Italian reference values. This is the first study to report the macro- and micro-nutrient intake of children aged <12 months using the 7-day weighed food record and one of the very few studies that have employed such reference method in children from the general population.
Photostress Testing Device for Diagnosing Retinal Disease
Authors: Swan Elizabeth , Schwiegerling Jim , Peyman Gholam , Enikov Eniko
Published: August 2014

Retinal diseases such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) affect nearly one in three elderly patients. ARMD damages the central vision photoreceptors in the fovea. The Photostress Test is a simple technique for testing for the early effects of ARMD. Here, the illumination sources in a novel self-administered Photostress Testing device were modeled for safety and distribution in illumination software. After satisfying the design constraints in the model, a prototype of the illumination system was fabricated and tested to confirm the modeling results. The resultant prototype can be used to aid in the diagnosis of retinal disease and is well within retinal safety levels.
The Empirical Ties between Religious Motivation and Altruism in Foster Parents: Implications for Faith-Based Initiatives in Foster Care and Adoption
Authors: Howell-Moroney Michael
Published: August 2014

Amidst a crisis shortage of foster homes in the child welfare system, a number of innovative faith-based collaborations aimed at recruiting foster parents have recently emerged. It has been suggested that these collaborations offer a unique opportunity to recruit committed and altruistic parents as caregivers, providing much needed capacity to an overloaded child welfare system. This paper uses data from the National Survey of Current and Former Foster Parents to examine the associations between religious motivations for fostering, altruism and various measures of foster home utilization and longevity. The empirical results demonstrate that religiously motivated foster parents are more likely to have altruistic reasons for fostering, and scored higher than the non-religiously motivated group on an index of altruism. A separate empirical analysis shows that the interaction of high levels of altruism and religious motivation is associated with higher foster home utilization. No association was found between religious altruism and the parent’s expressed intent to continue providing foster care. The implications of these findings for current faith-based collaboration in the child welfare arena are discussed.
High Temperature, High Power Piezoelectric Composite Transducers
Authors: Lee Hyeong , Zhang Shujun , Bar-Cohen Yoseph , Sherrit Stewart
Published: August 2014

Piezoelectric composites are a class of functional materials consisting of piezoelectric active materials and non-piezoelectric passive polymers, mechanically attached together to form different connectivities. These composites have several advantages compared to conventional piezoelectric ceramics and polymers, including improved electromechanical properties, mechanical flexibility and the ability to tailor properties by using several different connectivity patterns. These advantages have led to the improvement of overall transducer performance, such as transducer sensitivity and bandwidth, resulting in rapid implementation of piezoelectric composites in medical imaging ultrasounds and other acoustic transducers. Recently, new piezoelectric composite transducers have been developed with optimized composite components that have improved thermal stability and mechanical quality factors, making them promising candidates for high temperature, high power transducer applications, such as therapeutic ultrasound, high power ultrasonic wirebonding, high temperature non-destructive testing, and downhole energy harvesting. This paper will present recent developments of piezoelectric composite technology for high temperature and high power applications. The concerns and limitations of using piezoelectric composites will also be discussed, and the expected future research directions will be outlined.
Comparing Two Methods of Determining Infiltration Rates of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers
Authors: W.B.Nichols Peter , Lucke Terry , Dierkes Carsten
Published: August 2014

Adequate infiltration through Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements (PICPs) is critical to their hydraulic performance. Detected by monitoring infiltration performance, reduced infiltration rates can indicate that maintenance is required. Measurement of infiltration rates has previously been problematic on PICPs because of a lack of accepted standard methodologies and the practical difficulties in modifying existing testing methodologies. On large sites, standard methodologies necessitate multiple measurements to achieve accuracy. Standard methods also contend with practical issues such as sealing the rings to the surface to prevent lateral water flow. This study examined the performance of two PICP surface infiltration rate measurement methods: a modified double-ring infiltrometer (DRIT), and a specially designed rainfall simulation infiltrometer (RSIT). A positive correlation (R2 = 0.85) of results was found between the two, demonstrating that the RSIT was comparable to the DRIT. The modified DRIT produced surface infiltration results approximately 60% higher than the RSIT results. The RSIT provided lower variation between tests, requiring fewer measurements in large sites whilst still maintaining accuracy, thereby improving testing efficiency. The new RSIT method also eliminates some of the practical difficulties with existing methodologies such as unrealistic pressure heads artificially increasing infiltration rates, and the use of sealant under test measurement infiltration rings.
Isolation and characterization of platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Aatonen Maria T. , Öhman Tiina , Nyman Tuula A. , Laitinen Saara , Grönholm Mikaela , Siljander Pia R.‐M.
Published: August 2014

Background

Platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate, for example, in haemostasis, immunity and development. Most studies of platelet EVs have targeted microparticles, whereas exosomes and EV characterization under various conditions have been less analyzed. Studies have been hampered by the difficulty in obtaining EVs free from contaminating cells and platelet remnants. Therefore, we optimized an EV isolation protocol and compared the quantity and protein content of EVs induced by different agonists.

Methods

Platelets isolated with iodixanol gradient were activated by thrombin and collagen, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Ca2+ ionophore. Microparticles and exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugations. EVs were quantitated by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and total protein. Size distributions were determined by NTA and electron microscopy. Proteomics was used to characterize the differentially induced EVs.

Results

The main EV populations were 100–250 nm and over 90% were <500 nm irrespective of the activation. However, activation pathways differentially regulated the quantity and the quality of EVs, which also formed constitutively. Thrombogenic activation was the most potent physiological EV‐generator. LPS was a weak inducer of EVs, which had a selective protein content from the thrombogenic EVs. Ca2+ ionophore generated a large population of protein‐poor and unselectively packed EVs. By proteomic analysis, EVs were highly heterogeneous after the different activations and between the vesicle subpopulations.

Conclusions

Although platelets constitutively release EVs, vesiculation can be increased, and the activation pathway determines the number and the cargo of the formed EVs. These activation‐dependent variations render the use of protein content in sample normalization invalid. Since most platelet EVs are 100–250 nm, only a fraction has been analyzed by previously used methods, for example, flow cytometry. As the EV subpopulations could not be distinguished and large vesicle populations may be lost by differential centrifugation, novel methods are required for the isolation and the differentiation of all EVs.
Teachers’ changing practices with information and communication technologies: an up-close, longitudinal analysis
Authors: Orlando Joanne
Published: August 2014

While digital technology has become a significant resource for contemporary schooling, we still have little understanding of how these resources shape teachers’ scholarly practices and what support is needed to improve and move forward. This paper reports on a 5-year qualitative, longitudinal study on the scholarly practices of a small number of Australian primary and secondary school teachers in their use of digital technology. The study aimed to understand the complexity of their changing practices. Four categories of change were evident in the teachers’ practice with digital technology over time: knowledge, learning organisation, pedagogy and core approaches to teaching. The changes each teacher demonstrated reflected their distinct knowledge sets and beliefs. Tracing their changes longitudinally showed that some teachers demonstrated faster and more consistent change in their practices with digital technology than others and that visible change in their practices was not evident over the short term. This study highlights that change in digital scholarship is a personal and complex process and worthy changes are those that meaningfully respond to the context and also contribute to the teachers’ commitment to reflection and renewal of practice. Significant support is therefore that which provides the space and opportunity for teachers’ individualised professional understandings and aspirations to be acknowledged and built on.Keywords: digital technology; teachers; change; longitudinal; digital scholarship(Published: 8 August 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 22: 21354 -http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.21354
Synthesis and bioactivity of analogues of the marine antibiotic tropodithietic acid
Authors: Rabe Patrick , Klapschinski Tim A , Brock Nelson L , Citron Christian A , D’Alvise Paul , Gram Lone , Dickschat Jeroen S
Published: August 2014

Tropodithietic acid (TDA) is a structurally unique sulfur-containing antibiotic from the Roseobacter clade bacterium Phaeobacter inhibens DSM 17395 and a few other related species. We have synthesised several structural analogues of TDA and used them in bioactivity tests against Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio anguillarum for a structure–activity relationship (SAR) study, revealing that the sulfur-free analogue of TDA, tropone-2-carboxylic acid, has an antibiotic activity that is even stronger than the bioactivity of the natural product. The synthesis of this compound and of several analogues is presented and the bioactivity of the synthetic compounds is discussed.
L'article 231 du traité de Versailles, les faits et les représentations. Retour sur un mythe
Authors: Laniol Vincent
Published: August 2014

L’article 231, lieu de toutes les hostilités au traité de Versailles, n’a pas été rédigé dans le but d’obtenir un aveu de culpabilité morale par l’Allemagne. Il a pour seule origine la volonté américaine de s’opposer à la revendication franco-britannique d’un droit à réparation intégrale de la part des Allemands. Ce faisant, les rédacteurs du traité tentèrent de fonder juridiquement les réparations et déclinèrent une responsabilité théorique (civile) de l’Allemagne pour les dommages causés ce qui n’excluait pas une certaine ambiguïté quant à son aspect moral. C’est en réalité la délégation allemande et plus particulièrement son chef, Brockdorff-Rantzau, qui lui donnèrent la signification morale qu’ils s’attendaient à trouver dans les clauses de la paix. Les « cultures de guerre » et leurs représentations héritées du conflit empêchèrent tant que les Allemands que les Alliés de revenir à la signification originelle de l’article 231.
Pechkoff et le Japon, 1946-1949
Authors: Miyashita Yuichiro
Published: August 2014

Entre 1946 et 1949, le général Zinovi Pechkoff est envoyé à Tokyo en tant que chef de la mission française de liaison auprès du commandant supérieur allié au Japon. Il représente la France dans le Japon sous occupation alliée, laquelle est en réalité une occupation américaine. La France, en raison de sa présence en Indochine, se considère comme une puissance majeure en Asie. Elle souhaite donc faire entendre sa voix auprès des Américains sur divers problèmes liés au sort du Japon. Mais les Américains ne se soucient guère des intérêts français. À Tokyo, Pechkoff doit faire face à cette réalité alors que des projets grandioses sont élaborés à Paris. Des malentendus existent non seulement entre Paris et Washington mais aussi entre Paris et Pechkoff. Le but de cet article est de rendre compte de ceux-ci à travers les actions de ce dernier.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF DIELECTROPHORESIS FORCE IN THE ISOLATED ELECTRODE: A COMPARATIVE APPROACH
Authors: Malekshahi Mazdak Rad , Ansaroudi Karim , Veladi Hadi , Bahrami Manouchehr , Esmaeilzadeh Esmaeil
Published: August 2014

One of the general methods for particle separation in lab-on-a-chips (LOCs) is dielectrophoresis (DEP). The effects of electrode isolation in DEP-based particle separation devices are discussed throughout this paper. One advantage of the electrode isolation is reducing electrode–electrolyte–sample mutual interactions. In this study, the conventional DEP forces using interdigitated electrode arrays is numerically investigated without and in the presence dielectric layer in the interface of electrode and electrolytic fluid. The study includes the effect of dielectric layer thickness when fluids of different electrical conductivity are involved. The results show that the electric field and also intra-channel gradient of electric field square depend on frequency and an isolating layer acts as high-pass filter, thus frequency response of conventional DEP force besides Clausius–Mossotti (CM) factor is depended on the electric field gradient. The results also show that in contactless model, the frequency response of the DEP forces can be engineered by dielectric thickness and electrical conductivity of the suspending medium. According to the obtained results, during particle separation with DEP method in the presence of insolated electrodes and considering the reduction in electric field intensity, an appropriate and optimal choice for working frequency, voltage of electrodes and thickness of dielectric layer should be considered. The particles and dielectric isolated layer under study is polystyrene beads and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric polymer, respectively.
Reflecting Emerging Digital Technologies in Leadership Models
Authors: Smith Peter A. C. , Cockburn Tom
Published: August 2014

In this chapter, Smith and Cockburn reaffirm the claim that they made in a previous book (Smith & Cockburn, 2013), namely that today's global business environments are characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, and that leaders must focus less on developing behavioral competencies and more on complex thinking abilities and mindsets. In so doing, leaders must be familiar with emerging digital technologies, their benefits and drawbacks, and utilize these technologies in their practice as appropriate. In their previous book (Smith & Cockburn, 2013), the authors defined flexible and dynamic leadership models that assure successful leadership in the above turbulent contexts, and also described learning related processes that are essential to mastering the ability to learn and adapt at rates consistent with the business complexity leaders face. In this chapter, the authors extend their previous research (Smith & Cockburn, 2013), review newly emerging elements of social digital connectivity that are contributing to global business complexity, and explain how these elements may be applied by leaders to augment the power of the recommended dynamic leadership models.
Big Data Applications in Healthcare
Authors: Ranjan Jayanthi
Published: August 2014

Big data is in every industry. It is being utilized in almost all business functions within these industries. Basically, it creates value by converting human decisions into transformed automated algorithms using various tools and techniques. In this chapter, the authors look towards big data analytics from the healthcare perspective. Healthcare involves the whole supply chain of industries from the pharmaceutical companies to the clinical research centres, from the hospitals to individual physicians, and anyone who is involved in the medical arena right from the supplier to the consumer (i.e. the patient). The authors explore the growth of big data analytics in the healthcare industry including its limitations and potential.
Review of the Consumer Perspective Framework for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Tin Eh Eh , Cummings Elizabeth , Borycki Elizabeth
Published: August 2014

Cummings, Borycki, and Roehrer (2013) developed a Consumer Perspectives Framework that identified a range of consumer-related issues and concerns that should be considered when downloading and using healthcare applications for mobile phones. The framework identifies data-related issues with mobile applications, such as ownership, location, completeness, corporate use, storage, and privacy. This chapter documents research undertaken in confirming the Consumer Perspectives Framework. Finally, the authors propose a method by which the Consumer Perspectives Framework can be implemented for use by consumers prior to downloading healthcare applications.
Analysis and Linkage of Data from Patient-Controlled Self-Monitoring Devices and Personal Health Records
Authors: Paton Chris
Published: August 2014

This chapter outlines the recent advances in self-tracking technology both for wellness and healthcare purposes. It addresses one of the key challenges in mobile health: how to link the data from self-tracking devices with data in clinical data systems, such as Personal Health Records and Electronic Health Records systems. This chapter also discusses advances in visualisation and analysis for personally controlled data from self-tracking and PHR systems.
Creating Believable and Effective AI Agents for Games and Simulations
Authors: Umarov Iskander , Mozgovoy Maxim
Published: August 2014

The rapid development of complex virtual worlds (most notably, in 3D computer and video games) introduces new challenges for the creation of virtual agents, controlled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Two important sub-problems in this topic area that need to be addressed are (a) believability and (b) effectiveness of agents' behavior (i.e. human-likeness of the characters and high ability to achieving their own goals). In this chapter, the authors study current approaches to believability and effectiveness of AI behavior in virtual worlds. They examine the concepts of believability and effectiveness and analyze several successful attempts to address these challenges. In conclusion, the authors provide a case study that suggests that believable and effective behavior can be achieved through learning behavioral patterns from observation with subsequent automatic selection of effective acting strategies.
New Efficient Evolutionary Algorithm Applied to Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch
Authors: Roy Provas Kumar
Published: August 2014

Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) are well-known optimization techniques to deal with nonlinear and complex optimization problems. However, most of these population-based algorithms are computationally expensive due to the slow nature of the evolutionary process. To overcome this drawback and to improve the convergence rate, this chapter employs Quasi-Opposition-Based Learning (QOBL) in conventional Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO) technique. The proposed Quasi-Oppositional BBO (QOBBO) is comprehensively developed and successfully applied for solving the Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch (ORPD) problem by minimizing the transmission loss when both equality and inequality constraints are satisfied. The proposed QOBBO algorithm's performance is studied with comparisons of Canonical Genetic Algorithm (CGA), five versions of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Local Search-Based Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution (L-SADE), Seeker Optimization Algorithm (SOA), and BBO on the IEEE 30-bus, IEEE 57-bus, and IEEE 118-bus power systems. The simulation results show that the proposed QOBBO approach performed better than the other listed algorithms and can be efficiently used to solve small-, medium-, and large-scale ORPD problems.
Candidaemia in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Oladele Rita O. , Bakare Rashidi A. , Petrou Michael A. , Oduyebo Oyinlola O. , Richardson Malcolm
Published: August 2014

Background: Candidaemia is a widely-studied and reviewed topic in the developed world; however, there is a dearth of information on nosocomial candidaemia in Nigeria, despite the increasing use of more invasive therapeutic modalities, immunosuppressive agents and increasing incidence of immunosuppression as a result of malignancies and HIV.Objectives: To determine the hospital-based frequency of candidaemia in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.Method: This was a prospective descriptive study which included 230 immunosuppressed patients. All isolates were identified to the species level using both conventional and automated methods. Thereafter, all Candida species isolated were tested for antifungal susceptibility using the broth microdilution method.Results: Candidaemia occurred in 12 (5.21%) of the 230 study patients, with C. tropicalis accounting for 50% of the infections. Four patients (33.3%) presented with C. parapsilosis, one (8.3%) with C. albicans and one (8.3%) with a mixed infection of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. All 12 isolates were sensitive to fluconazole (minimal inhibitory concentration < 8 mg/mL). Univariate analysis revealed that old age, multiple surgeries and long-term hospitalisation were significant contributing factors for the occurrence of candidaemia. Eleven (91.7%) of the 12 patients with candidaemia had Candida colonisation of other sterile sites including the bladder, peritoneum and trachea. Furthermore, bivariate analysis revealed that mucositis (p = 0.019) and diarrhoea (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with an increased risk of candidaemia. The crude mortality rate of candidaemia was 91.7%.Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of nosocomial candidaemia and the need for proactive laboratory investigation and clinical management of this life-threatening disease.
Die erediens as fees of die fees as erediens?: �n Andrew Murray pryswenner �n kwarteeu later herlees
Authors: Wepener Cas , Bartlett Andr�
Published: August 2014

Worship as feast or feast as worship? Re-reading an Andrew Murray prizewinner one quarter of a century later. The aim of this contribution is to bring the book Die erediens as fees into discussion with the surrounding culture almost one quarter of a century after its publication. The surrounding culture, we shall call, following Martin Stringer and his so-called discourse of globalisation and consumerism, �the feast as worship service�. Based on this discussion, our research question pertains to the value of Die erediens as fees for the field of Liturgical Studies today. An answer is attempted by, firstly, sketching the liturgical landscape as well as national and international liturgical-scientific developments in our day and, secondly, providing a liturgical-aesthetical exploration and positioning Die erediens as fees within these developments and exploration.