bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Westfield Sydney – Revitalising a City Centre
Authors: Haysler Mike , O'Shea Martin
Published: May 2013

Sometimes the strategic location of a site in the centre of a city and the potential of creating a valuable asset allows engineering challenges to be undertaken that would normally be discarded due to cost, complexity and risk. On Westfield Sydney, we have been fortunate to achieve our client’s vision through innovative engineering solutions whilst ensuring the sequence of construction maintained the Sydney Tower in a safe and stable condition at all times. To validate this process a real-time monitoring and warning system was developed that measured structural movement against accurately predicted movement based on environmental conditions at that time.
Transformation of a 30 year old Oil Terminal into a modern double LNG Terminal – Part 2: Reconstruction of the New Berthing Line
Authors: Dumortier Sven , Dechamps Mathieu
Published: May 2013

The South Hook LNG Import Terminal is located at the former Esso refinery at Milford Haven, Wales. The original oil unloading jetty, built at the end of the 1950s, consisted of a 1km long approach trestle and a berthing head with five berths. The structure was closed in 1983 and was fully decommissioned in 1990. In 2003 it was decided to transform the Jetty into a modern LNG terminal by refurbishing the approach trestle and replacing the berthing line with two new state of the art berths and a control building platform.

This paper describes the reconstruction of the berthing line. As the upgraded structures were constructed in the location of the existing berths and approach ways, a range of practical problems were encountered. The first challenge to arise was the demolition of the existing trestles and berths, a process that required extensive planning and preparation. A second issue was the debris from the existing piles. Before demolition, a 3D laser scan was undertaken to determine the exact locations of numerous existing piles. All new structures were adapted to ensure that no clashes would occur between the new piles and the remains of the old piles. This was achieved by introducing the results of the 3D laser scans into the 3D calculation models. In the limited cases that conflicts were reported on site, the design team would rework the structures immediately in order to limit construction delays as much as possible. Finally, an innovative solution was developed to ensure that any debris lying on the seabed that could be collected inside new piles during driving would not prevent the drilling of pile sockets.
Building a Bridge Widening above Finish Grade and Lowering it with Jacks
Authors: Vargas Darwin
Published: May 2013

Darwin Vargas, born 1982, received his civil engineering degree from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona CA, USA. And a Masters in Civil Engineering from Norwich University, Northfield VT. His main area of interest and work is in the design and construction of bridges.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) regularly widens cast in place post tensioned bridges in order to increase capacity in the State Highway System. Site restriction sometimes requires innovative use of building formwork and falsework in order to achieve the desired widening. One such method when a bridge site has a vertical restriction is to build the bridge widening or bridge above finish grade, then lower it with hydraulic jacks into its final finish grade. Using this technique of lowering the superstructure of the bridge to a final finish grade has design and construction challenges that must be overcome.
Integrated steel fly-overs for railway in extension of the historic multiple-arch concrete viaduct over the Pede Valley
Authors: De Pauw Bart
Published: May 2013

The existing railway line between Brussels and Ghent crosses the valley of the Pede by a 523 m long historic viaduct. This structure of the 1930’s consists of 16 three-hinged reinforced concrete arches of 32 m span, reaching a maximum height of 40 m and supported by hollow concrete piers, having at least 3.5 m thickness. The railway company decided in increasing the number of tracks of the railway line from 2 to 4 tracks. Widening of the structure by two additional lateral fly-overs was only acceptable if these new structures are respectfully integrated in the historic work of art, allowing continuing to admire the existing viaduct. The paper describes the final design of new steel fly-overs and its supports consisting of steel hollow ribs, which are fading gradually into the existing piers. In advance, the existing foundations were considerably reinforced by additional grouting piles. The design of the superstructure dealing with severe criteria for deformations and accelerations consists of a steel box with variable hollow section. The box section is rectangular at the piers and the upper flange is constant along each span. However, the lower flange rises as it reaches the span center, obtaining less section height, while the flange is twisted about a horizontal axis and becomes wider. This created a waving pattern of the steel structure, complying with the existing arches, both in a horizontal plane as in the front view. The conceptual design of the piers has to deal with both vertical and horizontal forces. Therefore, the superstructure is made continuous over 4 spans. The paper investigates the influence of the slender pier structure to the bridge dynamics. After construction which is completed, continuing strain measurements as well as accelerations measurements were carried out in verifying the design and the stiffness.
Widening of the bridge over Zijkanaal C in highway A9 near Haarlem
Authors: Galjaard Hans (J C. ). , Feenstra Dirk
Published: May 2013

In 2008 the bridge over Zijkanaal C had to be widened at both sides to accommodate an additional (rush hour) driving lane. The design was confined with a number of preconditions which made straightforward widening of the deck unfeasible. Primary reasons were large forces due to restrained deformations in combination with a lack of reinforcement in the original girders.

Furthermore differential deflections due to traffic between old and new during construction were

too large for hardening concrete. (Partly) closure of the bridge for a couple of days was not tolerable. An innovative method has therefore been used to couple the extension to the original deck requiring closure of the bridge for heavy traffic for no more than 12 hours. The calculations of the long term forces are based on Trost method [1] adapted to be used with a ordinary FE model.
Assessment of structural Condition of an existing Railway Viaduct after excessive Deformations due to nearby tunnelling Works
Authors: Mortier Hans , van Doorn Emile
Published: May 2013

In the city of Delft, the existing two track railway viaduct will be replaced by a four track railway tunnel. In order to enable railway traffic during the seven years lasting construction works, a two phased process was elaborated. In a first phase, a two track tunnel is being built besides the existing railway viaduct. Once the trains can use this new tunnel, the existing viaduct will be demolished in order to create the necessary space to realize the tunnel comprising the two remaining railway tracks. In the central part of the project, the preferred solution using diaphragm walls as tunnel walls in a top down building sequence was altered into a traditional cut and cover building pit with sheet pile walls; due to the estimated risk of historic remains in the subsoil. The installation of these sheet pile walls and grout anchor piles induced considerable deformations of a part of the existing railway viaduct. After a first assessment of the viaduct and its foundation, local strengthening of the viaduct piers and slabs was performed. During this period, railway traffic could continue at reduced speed.

Afterwards a geotechnical investigation and some supplementary mitigating measures resulted in the removal of the temporary reduced speed limit. A complete monitoring scheme was defined, related to the possible risks during the remaining tunnelling works of the first phase in order to guarantee the necessary remaining lifetime of the viaduct. This article will focus on the definition of the load carrying capacity of the deformed viaduct, the design of the mitigating measures, the adapted execution process of the adjacent tunnelling works and the applied monitoring, set up as well as obtained results.
Bridge 6 (Brighton Goods) Reconstruction
Authors: Kynoch Matthew , Short Emily
Published: May 2013

The paper describes the civil engineering works needed to replace the bridge structure originally built in 1890 as part of the London, Chatham and Dover Railway providing an interchange at this site between Kent bound services and the many siding lines, depot and locomotive works that used to be present under the bridge.

The scheme involved the construction of five individual cast in situ reinforced concrete boxes and associated permanent way alignment design of all seven tracks (three above and four below) to suit the geometry of the new arrangement, which was successfully implemented during planned line blockages of the railway.

The structural integrity of the existing masonry piers that supported the existing superstructure had to be maintained at all times during the phased construction of each box.

The existing structure was demolished during a nine day all lines closure of the Kent (Chatham) Lines over the Christmas 2011 period, with the new structure in operation for the New Year. The remaining civil works were completed shortly after in February 2012.
Design and construction of the Schuman Multimodal Point tunnel under the centre of the European district in Brussels
Authors: Vanderhaeghe Pieter , Hamaide Noëlle , De Pauw Bart , Joris Guido , Berten Karlien
Published: May 2013

The railway link « Schuman Josaphat » is a new link on the Belgian railway network and will connect the European Quarter to Brussels Airport in just 12 minutes instead of 32 minutes today.

The link includes a 350 meters long section in the station Brussels-Schuman and a new 1250 meters long tunnel, branching off the existing tunnel under a block of houses.

The construction and installation of all necessary equipment of the new Brussels-Schuman station and the Schuman-Josaphat tunnel started in June 2008 and will be accomplished in 2015.

This article illustrates the particularities of this construction site and details the civil works for the redevelopment and extension of the Schuman station.
Replacing a tower at Cape Verdes – Challenges from hard environmental conditions and a modular concept
Authors: Fuchs Maximilian M. , Romen Norbert
Published: May 2013

The hitherto existing accessible tower used for atmospheric measurements in Sao Vicente / Cape Verdes consisted of a galvanized steel structure heavily deteriorated by corrosion already in a very short time. The high level of corrosion was caused by the fairly hard environmental conditions prevailing at the coast of the island due to the unprotected exposure to strong winds in combination with the spray of seawater. Consequently, the design of the needed replacement structure was reconsidered resulting in a structure built from hardwood connected with stainless steel components. The paper presents the major challenges of designing a sustainable structure in order to resist extremely hard exposition to seawater, high temperatures and heavy wind loading. Additionally, the structure has to be designed for a modular assembling scheme in order to meet the requirements arising from the shipment in containers.
Strengthening of a Single Track Railroad Steel Truss Bridge with Addition of a Two Lane Highway Deck
Authors: Caner Alp , Marianos W. N. , Sarici Barbaros
Published: May 2013

The need for a highway link was highlighted after 12 people died in a ferry accident in 2002 on the Karakaya Dam reservoir near Malatya, Turkey. The closest link to the ferry route is a thirty year old, 2030 meter long single track steel truss railroad bridge. The existing bridge, with 29 identical spans, is supported on massive piers. The existing steel truss superstructure has design-originated seismic deficiencies. This is because the current seismic requirements of the bridge specifications have increased since recent regional analysis has shown demands to increase as compared to past assessments. The main focus of this paper is to demonstrate that the additional highway deck placed on top of the truss not only provides a needed highway link but also helps the bridge structurally to mitigate the seismic deficiencies. As part of this effort, the seismic and structural reliability of the bridge, review of existing design, modifications, material tests and structural monitoring test results are evaluated. The provided solution of the upper highway deck system not only adds mass but also rigidity to the truss bridge, helping to solve some of the inherent design problems associated with the existing structural system.
San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge Second Crossing
Authors: Middlebrook Ronald F. , Mladjov Roumen V.
Published: May 2013

Built in the 1930’s, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge reached its capacity to adequately carry traffic in the 1980’s. After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the bridge’s West crossing was reinforced and its East crossing is currently being replaced in its entirety (Fig.1). Despite these improvements, the traffic capacity of Northern California’s busiest highway link remains unchanged -- clearly inadequate for the current demands of Bay Area Traffic. The authors discuss a creative alternative to the proposed demolition plans for the soon-to-be-retired East crossing elements: reusing these structures as part of a new, separate crossing. This paper describes several potential benefits of relocating and converting these existing steel structures into a new bridge, including nearly doubling current traffic capacity, as well as significant time/cost savings.
Anti flood Protection System at the Tihange Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Latteur Pierre , Basire Sebastien , Debauche Pierre , Gilbert Marcel , Vanbellinghen Dimitri , Van Echelpoel Erna
Published: May 2013

This paper describes the main aspects of a current project of an anti-flood system for the Belgian nuclear site of Tihange, situated along the Meuse River. The project includes the various aspects related to the construction of a 2 km-long concrete wall and of other special buildings subjected to seismicity, special hydro-geological and geotechnical conditions, shocks due to floating objects, and constraints imposed by the plant operations, in particular the necessity of keeping the plant operational during the construction process.
A doubly curved steel and glass dome for the historic Maritime Museum Amsterdam
Authors: Verbeeck Kenny , Ney Laurent
Published: May 2013

An international design competition was launched in 2004 to design a glass roof for the courtyard of the Dutch maritime museum in Amsterdam.

The building was designed by Daniel Stalpaert in 1656 as a warehouse in the water. The building needed drastic renovations in order to continue its mission, since it had been turned into a museum in the 1970’s. The renovation/restoration of the building was designed by Dok Architecten.

The lines on a historic navigation map serve as a basis for the design of the structure of the roof. In order to maximize the graphic effect of thin lines, the final shape of the roof was determined using form finding and form optimization thus creating a doubly curved shape. Through an integrated 3D calculation model it was designed to be entirely supported by the original masonry walls of the museum.

This paper discusses in detail how the glass roof was designed such that all polygonal glass panels are planar, that the structure is only 40mm thick, and that the entire roof only transfers vertical loads to the historic masonry walls.
Replacement of Botlek Lifting Bridge, Motorway A15, Netherlands
Authors: Schedler Robert , Eder Ulrich , Jille Erik
Published: May 2013

The new Botlek twin lifting bridge is one of the largest lifting bridges in the world and currently under construction as part of the new extended Motorway A15 from Vaanplein to Maasvlakte in the harbour of Rotterdam and part of the respective DBFM project. The bridge will accommodate two navigation channels of approximately 90 m each, and provide a vertical clearance of 14,60 m for crossing road and rail traffic and a lifted clearance of 45,60 m for large ship traffic. The lifting time for the 5.000 to lifting weight per deck is limited to 90 seconds and requires a fully balanced lifting system. The subject of this paper will focus on the bridge functionality, the design requirements, the interaction between railway and roadway actions, lifting requirements, the dimensioning of the massive concrete foundations of approx. 60 m length, 16 m width and 30 m height and the approx. 100 m long and 50 m wide three steel truss girder lifting elements.
Upgrading Railway Bridges in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Maxwell Ken
Published: May 2013

There is an ongoing programme of upgrading railway bridges on the Sydney metropolitan railway network in Australia. This paper outlines the superstructures types used, substructure re-use through strengthening and associated construction issues.
Understanding, recognizing, and managing toxicities of targeted anticancer therapies
Authors: Dy Grace K. , Adjei Alex A.
Published: May 2013

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Advances in genomics and molecular biology have identified aberrant proteins in cancer cells that are attractive targets for cancer therapy. Because these proteins are overexpressed or dysregulated in cancer cells compared with normal cells, it was assumed that their inhibitors will be narrowly targeted and relatively nontoxic. However, this hope has not been achieved. Current targeted agents exhibit the same frequency and severity of toxicities as traditional cytotoxic agents, with the main difference being the nature of the toxic effects. Thus, the classical chemotherapy toxicities of alopecia, myelosuppression, mucositis, nausea, and vomiting have been generally replaced by vascular, dermatologic, endocrine, coagulation, immunologic, ocular, and pulmonary toxicities. These toxicities need to be recognized, prevented, and optimally managed. CA Cancer J Clin 2013;63:249–279. ©2013 American Cancer Society, Inc.
HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE TO FOWL CHOLERA VACCINE IN DIFFERENT BREEDS OF COMMERCIAL BIRDS
Authors: Parvin MS , Siddique MP , Islam MT
Published: May 2013

Fowl cholera is a highly contagious and economically important disease of poultry worldwide. Control of fowl cholera depends mainly on vaccination throughout the world including Bangladesh. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the antibody titre following vaccination with fowl cholera vaccine in different breeds of commercial birds including Aseel and its F1 crosses. The study was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm during the period from March to December 2011. A total of 37 birds of four types of breeds (Synthetic - 10, White Rock - 10, Aseel - 7 and Aseel×Rhode Island Red - 10) of both sex and 17 weeks old were used in this trial. Primary and booster vaccination were done in all the birds of four groups with fowl cholera vaccine (BAU-FCV) @ 0.5 ml/bird IM at 20 weeks and 26 weeks of age, respectively. Blood samples were collected at different occasions of vaccination. The immune responses (serum antibody titre) were determined by using passive haemagglutination assay (PHA). All the four groups of vaccinated birds induced significantly higher humoral immune response after primary and booster vaccination. However, no significant differences were observed in antibody titres between breeds on different occasions of vaccination. Of the four groups, antibody titres were slightly higher in breeds of Aseel×RIR and White Rock birds than other two breeds. It appears from the study that breed variation has no significant effect on immune response to fowl cholera vaccine.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v9i2.13453
UDDER-HALVE-WISE COMPARATIVE PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL AND SUB-CLINICAL MASTITIS IN LACTATING GOATS WITH THEIR BACTERIAL PATHOGENS AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY PATTERNS IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Sarker H , Samad MA
Published: May 2013

Goats are the major parts of subsidiary economy of the rural people in Bangladesh. Dairy animals including lactating goats are prone to the intramammary infection (IMI) and associated with a lot of economic impact on the farmers but the reports on caprine mastitis are very limited in inland literature. This study was undertaken to determine the udder-halve-wise comparative prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical caprine mastitis with their associated bacterial pathogens and antibiotic sensitivity patterns during the period from January to May 2010. The teat and udder of a lactating population of 1025 Black Bengal goats maintained under rural (village) condition in two different districts (Joypurhat and Mymensingh) of Bangladesh were physically examined, of which 54 (5.27%) goats had clinical mastitis which constituted as experimental animals for this study. Of the 54 selected goats, 59 (54.63%) udder-halves were affected with clinical mastitis whereas the remaining 49 (45.37%) udder-halves of the selected goats were found physically normal. Out of 59 udder-halves, 49 (90.74%) were unilaterally and 5 (9.26%) were bilaterally affected with clinical mastitis. The prevalence of clinical mastitis was found significantly (p < 0.01) higher in left udder-haves (H = 47; 79.66%) in comparison to the right (H = 12; 20.34%) udder-halves. Milk samples collected from all the 108 udder-halves were examined bacteriologically, of which 102 (94.44%) udder-halves had bacterial infection. No significant differences was observed on the status of bacterial pathogens between clinically (H = 55; 93.22%) and sub-clinically (H = 47; 95.92%) affected udder-halves, and between the single (CH = 45; 76.27% and SCH = 35; 71.43%) and mixed (CH = 10; 16.95% and SCH = 12; 24.49%) bacterial infections in both the clinical and sub-clinical mastitis udder-halves. The major bacterial pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus spp. which showed to be highest frequency (38.98%), followed by Escherichia coli (27.12%) and Bacillus spp. (10.17%) as a single clinical IMI whereas mixed IMI were also detected in both clinically and sub-clinically affected udder-halves. Antibiotic sensitivity results showed a relatively high level of resistance to ampicillin, amoxycillin and streptomycin, whereas gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were found to be the most effective drugs. These results indicate the high prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in apparently normal quarters of lactating goats than those had clinical mastitis in other udder-halves, and therefore, there is a need for the prudent use of antibacterial in animal health and production through bacteriological and antibiogram studies in Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v9i2.13456
MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON ROTAVIRUS INFECTION CAUSING SEVERE DIARRHEA IN HUMAN, ANIMALS AND POULTRY
Authors: Alam MN , Alam MM , Nahar A , Kobayashi N
Published: May 2013

The epidemiology of rotavirus infection in human, calves, sheep, goats and poultry were studied. Among total  of 800 collected fecal samples , 320 samples from human, 125 samples from calves, 82 samples from sheep, 7 samples from goats, 267 samples from poultry were collected from July 2010 to May 2011 and examined by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Silver Staining (PAGE-SS) technique for the detection of presence of rotavirus dsRNA. Human rotavirus was detected 10.94 % (35/320) in diarrhoeic fecal samples. The highest prevalence was recorded in September 33.33% and the lowest in May 4.54%. The prevalence of rotavirus infections was 33.33% in autumn (September), 11.69% in late autumn (October-November), 9.6% in winter (December-January), 9.72% in spring (February- March), 6.12% in summer (April-May) season in diarrhoeic samples indicated the presence of rotavirus in human round the year in Bangladesh and as such no marked seasonal variation in rotavirus infection in human. No calves, sheep and goat fecal sample was found positive for rotavirus on PAGE-SS technique. During the study period, 267 faecal samples (diarrhoeic and nondiarrhoeic) of chicken (from one day to one month of age) were tested and only one was found positive on PAGE-SS technique for rotavirus infection (0.38%; 1/267). The positive cases were found in samples collected in winter season from layer chicks aged 10 days. The migration patterns of detected positive strains were not similar on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and their migration speed was different types. Five electropherotypes were determined among 35 human rotavirus positive samples. All the electropherotypes were under group A and long pattern. The genome migration of avian rotavirus was distinct from human types and under group D and long pattern. In the present study, it was not investigated that bacteria, parasite or any other viruses which might be responsible for development of diarrhoea.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v9i2.13473
PREVALENCE OF GIARDIA LAMBLIA INFECTION IN CHILDREN AND CALVES IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Suman MSH , Alam MM , Pun SB , Khair A , Ahmed S , Uchida RY
Published: May 2013

Giardia lamblia is highly infectious protozoan parasite capable of causing gastrointestinal illness in both humans and animals. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection in children < 5 years old and calves. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) has been used for the detection of Giardia lamblia. A total of 266 children and 15 calves diarrheic fecal samples were tested for Giardia lamblia during January 2011 to May 2012. The prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection among children was 3.8% while 13.3% in calves. Giardia lamblia was highest in children between 24 and 60 months of age (8.7%). Giardia lamblia infection was higher in male (4.7%) than in female (2.0%). Male calves (14.3%) have slightly higher prevalence than female calves (12.5%). The highest prevalence (33.3%) of Giardia lamblia infection in calves was between the ages 6 and 9 months. This is the first study to determine the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection in calves using ELISA method in Bangladesh. A larger scale study is needed for accurate estimates of prevalence of Giardia lamblia to undertake an appropriate control strategy in future.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v9i2.13474
Efficiency Measurement on Banking Sector in Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Md. Rashedul , Rayhan Md. Israt
Published: May 2013

Nowadays banking sector in Bangladesh plays a considerable role in the economic development and business improvement, in this aspect ranking of banks is vital. In this study, an attempt has been made to rank some of the Bangladeshi Banks. Also, the most efficient bank is identified here. Data Envelopment Analysis is used for this purpose. The data from the annual reports of different banks are used in this study for the purpose of efficiency checking. In Data Envelopment Analysis two types measurement techniques are used  constant returns to scale and variable returns to scale. Since this study attempts to maximize output, that is, the operating profit, so the output oriented Data Envelopment Analysis is used here. The most efficient bank is identified here by the highest efficiency score obtained by that specific bank. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 1-5, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15088
A Computer Program for Solving LP Problems by 2-Basic Variables Replacement at Each Simplex Iteration
Authors: Hasan M Babul , Asaduzzaman SM
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we develop a computer technique to implement the existing 2-basic variable replacement method of Paranjape for solving linear programming (LP) problems. To our knowledge there is no such computer oriented program which implemented Paranjapes method. Our computer oriented program is a faster method for solving linear programs. A number of numerical examples are illustrated to demonstrate our algorithm. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 13-18, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15090
Application of Bounded Variable Simplex Algorithm in Solving Maximal Flow Model
Authors: Jahan Sohana , Yesmin Marzia , Jahra Fatima Tuj
Published: May 2013

In this paper, A comparative study is made on the determination of maximum flow in a network by Maximal Flow Algorithm and Bounded Variable Simplex Method. We have introduced a technique to find the route of a flow in any iteration of the bounded variable simplex algorithm. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 19-26, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15091
Radiative Heat and Mass Transfer of an MHD Free Convection Flow Along a Stretching Sheet with Chemical Reaction, Heat Generation and Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Zahan Ishrat , Samad MA
Published: May 2013

In the present study, an analysis is carried out to investigate the effect of chemical reaction and radiation on a steady two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) heat and mass transfer free convection flow of a viscous incompressible fluid along a stretching sheet with heat generation along with the effect of viscous dissipation. The basic non-linear partial differential equations governing the flow field are reduced to a system of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations by similarity transformations and the equations are solved numerically by applying Nachtsheim-Swigert shooting iteration technique along with sixth order Runge-Kutta integration scheme. The numerical results with respect to embedded parameters are displayed graphically for the non-dimensional velocity, temperature and concentration profiles. Finally the effects of the pertinent parameters which are of physical and engineering interest are presented in tabular form. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 27-34, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15092
Studies on Selected Metals and other Pollutants in Urban Atmosphere in Dhaka Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Rahim Abdur , Siddique Nur-E-Alam , Alam AM Shafiqul
Published: May 2013

The concentration of lead, iron and potassium were determined in suspended particulates matters (SPM) in the atmosphere Dhaka, Bangladesh between January and June, 2008. The sampling areas are Khandakar Mukarram Hossain Biggan Bhaban, University of Dhaka, Tejgaon, Hazaribagh, Uttara and Agargaon new colony. The average concentrations of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 were 68, 43 and 35 ?g m-3, respectively. About 82% particles were from fine fraction (PM2.5) and 18% were from coarse fraction (PM10-2.5), which indicates mechanical processes are one of the main sources for the particulate matters in air of Dhaka. The concentration of lead, iron and potassium were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) for the size fraction of PM10 with highest concentrations recorded for iron (10.8 ?g/m3) and lowest for lead (0.10 ?g/m3). The average concentration of NOx, O3 and SOx with eight hours sampling were 82.8, 22.5 and 25.5 ?g/m3 respectively. This study revealed that the concentrations of Pb, K, Fe, CO, NOx, O3 and SOx in Dhaka City were higher than the WHO (World Health Organization) guideline values. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 41-46, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15094
Solution of Transcendental Equation Using Clamped Cubic Spline
Authors: Ahmed Mostak , Bhowmik Samir Kumar
Published: May 2013

Bisection and regular false-position methods are widely used to find roots of a transcendental function f(x) in a certain interval [a,b] satisfying f(a). f(b) < 0. The paper develops a new algorithm to find roots of transcendental functions based on false position method. We use two end points of the interval to interpolate f(x) by an equivalent cubic polynomial using clamped cubic spline formula. We consider one of the roots of the interpolated function to define a new interval and to approximate the root of f(x). Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 47-52, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15095
Numerical Approximation of a Linear Parabolic PDE
Authors: Bhowmik Samir Kumar
Published: May 2013

We study stability and convergence analysis of a finite difference approximation of a linear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) in a periodic domain. In particular, we analyze consistency, stability and order of accuracy of a central space forward time scheme to solve the PDE. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 59-63, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15097
An Alternative Algorithm for Classification Based on Robust Mahalanobis Distance
Authors: Sajib AH , Shafiullah AZM , Sumon AH
Published: May 2013

This study considers the classification problem for binary output attribute when input attributes are drawn from multivariate normal distribution, in both clean and contaminated case. Classical metrics are affected by the outliers, while robust metrics are computationally inefficient. In order to achieve robustness and computational efficiency at the same time, we propose a new robust distance metric for K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) method. We call our proposed metric Alternative Robust Mahalanobis Distance (ARMD) metric. Thus KNN using ARMD is alternative KNN method. The classical metrics use non robust estimate (mean) as the building block. To construct the proposed ARMD metric, we replace non robust estimate (mean) by its robust counterpart median. Thus, we developed ARMD metric for alternative KNN classification technique. Our simulation studies show that the proposed alternative KNN method gives better results in case of contaminated data compared to the classical KNN. The performance of our method is similar to classical KNN using the existing robust metric. The major advantage of proposed method is that it requires less computing time compared to classical KNN that using existing robust metric. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 81-85, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15101
Serret-Frenet Equations in Minkowski Space
Authors: Ali Md. Showkat , Sarkar Md. Abu Hanif
Published: May 2013

In this paper we established the Serret-Frenet equations in Minkowski space. These equations originally formulated in Euclidean space in R3, constitute a beautiful set of vector differential equations which contains all intrinsic properties of parameterized curve. From the local theory of curves in R3 states that a curve lies in a plane if and only if its torsion vanishes, which gives us clear geometrical insight in the notion of torsion. This theorem has two counterparts in Minkowski space that has been focused. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 87-92, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15102
On Submanifolds of (kappa, mu)  Contact Metric Manifolds
Authors: Sarkar Avijit , Ali Md. Showkat , Biswas Dipankar
Published: May 2013

The object of the present paper is to obtain conditions of integrability of some distributions of semi-invariant submanifolds of contact metric manifolds with ? belonging to (?, ?) -nulity distribution. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 93-96, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15103
Effect of Heat Treatment on Dilute Solution Properties of Sugar Beet Pectin
Authors: Rahman Kazi S , Hossain Khandker S , Takada A , Takahashi Y , Nishinari K
Published: May 2013

Beet Pectin (SBP) polysaccharide. Aqueous solution properties of these samples have been studied using Ubbelohde capillary viscometer in the dilute regime. Intrinsic viscosity [?] was estimated for different SBP solution samples prepared from heat-treated SBP powdered samples with different heating time. Results suggest that heat treatment has a significant effect on solution behavior of SBP samples. Intrinsic viscosities decreased with increasing heating time indicating that heat-treated SBP molecules are compact than the untreated one and the compactness increases with increasing heating time at 80°C. The intrinsic viscosities of these samples were plotted as a function of the corresponding molecular weight of the samples and can be expressed by a power law. The power law exponent was estimated as 1.4 indicating that pectin molecules takes the conformation of stiff polymer chains in dilute solution. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 117-123, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15107
Comparing Two Diagnostic Processes: Operating Characteristics of Nonparametric Methods
Authors: Hossain Md. Akhtar , Sumi Nahid Sultana
Published: May 2013

The area under ROC curve (AUC) is frequently used as a measure for the effectiveness of diagnostic processes. The aim of this paper is to explore and evaluate several nonparametric test methods of comparing the effectiveness and performance of two competing diagnostic processes producing quantitative ratings. These nonparametric methods make use of ROC curves when comparing the diagnostics processes. An extensive simulation study is performed to investigate the operating characteristics of the test methods in a wide range of settings. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 131-138, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15114
An Analytic Treatment of the Falkner-Skan Boundary Layer Equation
Authors: Molla Mohammad Riazuddin
Published: May 2013

The existence and uniqueness of a positive solution of a singular nonlinear boundary value problem formulated from the Falkner-Skan boundary layer equation, are studied. The constructive method such as the method of upper and lower solutions is used to show the existence and uniqueness of a positive solution. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 139-144, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15115
Chitosan and Carboxymethyl Chitosan from Fish Scales of Labeo rohita
Authors: Muslim Tanvir , Rahman Mohammad Habibur , Begum HOsne Ara , Rahman Md. Azizur
Published: May 2013

Chitin was extracted from the fish scales of Labeo rohita and chitosan was successfully prepared from it by deacetylation reaction. The prepared chtiosan was characterized by FT-IR spectral analysis and degree of decetylation was determined by pH-metric titration. The molecular weight of chitosan was estimated by viscometric method. Chitosan was converted into its carboxymethyl derivative using alkali and monochloroacetic acid. The prepared carboxymethyl chitosan was characterized by FT-IR spectral analysis and degree of substitution was estimated. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 145-148, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15116
Improving Man-Optimal Stable Matchings by Minimum Change of Preference Lists
Authors: Inoshita Takao , Irving Robert , Iwama Kazuo , Miyazaki Shuichi , Nagase Takashi
Published: May 2013

In the stable marriage problem, any instance admits the so-called man-optimal stable matching, in which every man is assigned the best possible partner. However, there are instances for which all men receive low-ranked partners even in the man-optimal stable matching. In this paper we consider the problem of improving the man-optimal stable matching by changing only one man’s preference list. We show that the optimization variant and the decision variant of this problem can be solved in time O(n3) and O(n2), respectively, where n is the number of men (women) in an input. We further extend the problem so that we are allowed to change k men’s preference lists. We show that the problem is W[1]-hard with respect to the parameter k and give O(n2k+1)-time and O(nk+1)-time exact algorithms for the optimization and decision variants, respectively. Finally, we show that the problems become easy when k = n; we give O(n2.5 log n)-time and O(n2)-time algorithms for the optimization and decision variants, respectively.
Role and Redirection of IgE against Cancer
Authors: Nigro Elisa , Siccardi Antonio , Vangelista Luca
Published: May 2013

IgE is a highly elusive antibody class, yet a tremendously powerful elicitor of immune reactions. Despite huge efforts spent on the characterization and understanding of the IgE system many questions remain either unanswered or only marginally addressed. One above all relates to the role of IgE. A common doubt is based on whether IgE mode of action should only be relegated to anti-parasite immunity and allergic manifestations. In search for a hidden role of IgE, reports from several laboratories are described herein in which a natural IgE link to cancer or the experimental redirection of IgE against cancer have been investigated. Epidemiological and investigational studies are trying to elucidate a possible direct intervention of endogenous IgE against cancer, raising thus far no definitive evidence. Conversely, experimental approaches implementing several strategies and engineered IgE formats built up a series of convincing results indicating that cancer might be tackled by the effector functions of this immunoglobulin class. Because of its peculiar immune features, IgE may present a superior anti-tumor performance as compared to IgG. However, extreme care should be taken on how IgE-based anti-tumor approaches should be devised. Overall, IgE appears as a promising resource, likely destined to enrich the anti-cancer arsenal.
Analysis of Entropy Generation Rate in an Unsteady Porous Channel Flow with Navier Slip and Convective Cooling
Authors: Chinyoka Tirivanhu , Makinde Oluwole
Published: May 2013

This study deals with the combined effects of Navier Slip, Convective cooling, variable viscosity, and suction/injection on the entropy generation rate in an unsteady flow of an incompressible viscous fluid flowing through a channel with permeable walls. The model equations for momentum and energy balance are solved numerically using semi-discretization finite difference techniques. Both the velocity and temperature profiles are obtained and utilized to compute the entropy generation number. The effects of key parameters on the fluid velocity, temperature, entropy generation rate and Bejan number are depicted graphically and analyzed in detail.
Exact Expressions for the Pericenter Precession Caused by Some Dark Matter Distributions and Constraints on Them from Orbital Motions in the Solar System, in the Double Pulsar and in the Galactic Center
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: May 2013

We analytically calculate the secular precession of the pericenter of a test particle orbiting a central body surrounded by a continuous distribution of Dark Matter (DM) by using some commonly adopted spherically symmetric density profiles for it. We obtain exact expressions without resorting to a-priori simplifying assumptions on the orbital geometry of the test particle. Our formulas allow us to put constraints on the parameters of the DM distributions considered in several local astronomical and astrophysical scenarios, such as the Sun's planetary system, the double pulsar, and the stellar system around the supermassive black hole in Sgr A∗, all characterized by a wide variety of orbital configuratio ns. As far as our Solar System is concerned, latest determinations of the supplementary perihelion precessions ̟˙ with the EPM2011 ephemerides and the common power-law DM density profile ρDM(r) = ρ0r−γ λγ yield 5 × 103 GeV cm−3 (γ = 0) ≤ ρ0 ≤ 8 × 103 GeV cm−3 (γ = 4), corresponding to 8.9 × 10−21 g cm−3 ≤ ρ0 ≤ 1.4 × 10−20 g cm−3, at the Saturn's distance. From the periastron of the pulsar PSR J0737-3039A and the same power-low DM density, one has 1.7 × 1016 GeV cm−3 (γ = 0) ≤ ρ0 ≤ 2 × 1016 (γ = 4) GeV cm−3, corresponding to 3.0 × 10−8 g cm−3 ≤ ρ0 ≤ 3.6 × 10−8 g cm−3. The perinigricon of the S0-2 star in Sgr A∗ and the power-law DM model give 1.2 × 1013 GeV cm−3 (γ = 0) ≤ ρ0 ≤ 1 × 1016 (γ = 4, λ = rmin) GeV cm−3, corresponding to 2.1 × 10−11 g cm−3 ≤ ρ0 ≤ 1.8 × 10−8 g cm−3.
New Evidence for Cross Talk between Melatonin and Mitochondria Mediated by a Circadian-Compatible Interaction with Nitric Oxide
Authors: Sarti Paolo , Magnifico Maria , Altieri Fabio , Mastronicola Daniela , Arese Marzia
Published: May 2013

Extending our previous observations, we have shown on HaCat cells that melatonin, at ~10−9 M concentration, transiently raises not only the expression of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) mRNA, but also the nNOS protein synthesis and the nitric oxide oxidation products, nitrite and nitrate. Interestingly, from the cell bioenergetic point of view, the activated NO-related chemistry induces a mild decrease of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) efficiency, paralleled by a depression of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The OXPHOS depression is apparently balanced by glycolysis. The mitochondrial effects described have been detected only at nanomolar concentration of melatonin and within a time window of a few hours’ incubation; both findings compatible with the melatonin circadian cycle.
Value of PCA3 to Predict Biopsy Outcome and Its Potential Role in Selecting Patients for Multiparametric MRI
Authors: Leyten Gisele , Wierenga Elisabeth , Sedelaar J. , Van Oort Inge , Futterer Jurgen , Barentsz Jelle , Schalken Jack , Mulders Peter
Published: May 2013

PCA3 (prostate cancer gene 3) and multiparametric 3 tesla MRI are new promising diagnostic tools in the detection of PCa. Our aim was to study the clinical value of the Progensa PCA3-test: its predictive value for biopsy outcome, Gleason score and MRI outcome. We evaluated, retrospectively, 591 patients who underwent a Progensa PCA3-test at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre between May 2006 and December 2009. Prostate biopsies were performed in 290 patients; a multiparametric 3 tesla MRI of the prostate was performed in 163/591 patients. The PCA3-score was correlated to biopsy results and MRI outcome. The results show that PCA3 was highly predictive for biopsy outcome (p < 0.001); there was no correlation with the Gleason score upon biopsy (p = 0.194). The PCA3-score of patients with a suspicious region for PCa on MRI was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in patients with no suspicious region on MRI (52 vs. 21). In conclusion, PCA3 is a valuable diagnostic biomarker for PCa; it did not correlate with the Gleason score. Furthermore, multiparametric MRI outcome was significantly correlated with the PCA3-score. Thus, PCA3 could be used to select patients that require MRI. However, in patients with a negative PCA3 and high clinical suspicion of PCa, a multiparametric MRI should also be done.
Characterization of the Pinus massoniana Transcriptional Response to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Infection Using Suppression Subtractive Hybridization
Authors: Xu Liang , Liu Zhen-Yu , Zhang Kai , Lu Quan , Liang Jun , Zhang Xing-Yao
Published: May 2013

Pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the most destructive diseases of pine and poses a threat of serious economic losses worldwide. Although several of the mechanisms involved in disease progression have been discovered, the molecular response of Pinus massoniana to PWN infection has not been explored. We constructed four subtractive suppression hybridization cDNA libraries by taking time-course samples from PWN-inoculated Masson pine trees. One-hundred forty-four significantly differentially expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified, and 124 high-quality sequences with transcriptional features were selected for gene ontology (GO) and individual gene analyses. There were marked differences in the types of transcripts, as well as in the timing and levels of transcript expression in the pine trees following PWN inoculation. Genes involved in signal transduction, transcription and translation and secondary metabolism were highly expressed after 24 h and 72 h, while stress response genes were highly expressed only after 72 h. Certain transcripts responding to PWN infection were discriminative; pathogenesis and cell wall-related genes were more abundant, while detoxification or redox process-related genes were less abundant. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms that control the biochemical and physiological responses of pine trees to PWN infection, particularly during the initial stage of infection.