bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Relapsed b-Cell Lymphoma in Elderly Patient of Bangladeshi Population with Rituximab, Gemcitabin and Oxaliplatin: an Effective Salvage Regimen
Authors: Hoque Md Ehteshamul , Karim Shahnaz , Giasuddin Rubayet Shekh , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman , Setu Muntahina
Published: May 2014

High-dose therapy (HDT) with stem-cell support is the reference treatment for relapsed lymphoma, but is not appropriate for all patients. In Bangladesh High-dose therapy with stem cell support is not yet available. Conventional salvage chemotherapies have been used with limited efficacy and significant toxicity. Rituximab, gemcitabin and oxaliplatin are active as single agents in relapsed or refractory lymphoma, and have demonstrated synergistic effects in vitro and in vivo. Twenty two patients with relapsed or refractory or b-cell lymphoma received up to Six cycle of R-GemOx (rituximab 375mg/m2 on day 1, gemcitabine 1000mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 100mg/m2 on day 2). The majority (60%) had diffuse large b-cell lymphoma. After four cycle of R-GemOx, the overall response rate was 90% (45% complete response (CR)/unconfirmed CR (CRu). High CR/CRu rates were observed in all histological subtypes. In patients who had previously received rituximab, the CR/CRu rate after six cycles was 70%. The 2 year event-free and overall survival rates (median follow-up of 24 months) were 55%, respectively, among responders, the probability of being disease free for 2 years was 70%. Treatment was generally well tolerated. R-GemOx shows promising activity with acceptable toxicity in patients with relapsed/refractory b-cell lymphoma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18838 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 29-34
Avian Influenza & Human Health
Authors: Roy Prosun , Islam SM Rashed-ul , Rahman Farhana , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman
Published: May 2014

The world is now under human pandemic threat by avian influenza viruses. As the human, animal and the environment interact closely from the dawn of the civilization, human health is tremendously influenced by animal health and their health issues. In last few centuries the world has suffered a number of influenza pandemics killing millions of people such as Spanish Flu (1918), Asiatic or Russian Flu (1889-1890), Asian Flu (1957-1958) etc. The exceptional capability of genetic mutation of the influenza viruses offered threats to the whole world time to time. Like all other countries Bangladesh also not away from the heat of the situation. Human cases of avian influenza subtype H1N1, H3, H5N1, and H9N2 have already been reported from Bangladesh. This article reviews the information available on pandemic potential of avian influenza viruses. The article also sheds light on different avian influenza viruses along with some emphasis on clinical and preventive aspects of the avian influenza viral infections, and on avian influenza pandemic preparedness of Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18839 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 35-38
Enhanced External Counterpulsation: A New Option for the Cardiac Patients of Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal Md Jabed , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman , Salehin Khondaker Syedus , Haque KMHS Sirajul
Published: May 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18840 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 39-41
Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Health Sector of Bangladesh
Authors: Sajani Tabassum Tahmin , Alo Kamrunnahar , Aktaruzzaman Syed AQM
Published: May 2014

Public- Private Partnership (PPP) describes a government service or private business venture which is funded and operated through a partnership of government and one or more private sector companies. The term public refers to government including both central and local level state institutions. Defining private sector has become complicated due to the emergence of a large number of institutions called NGOs. The distinction of the private sector and NGOs is often blurred due to various sizes, functions and objectives of NGOs. The simplest way to distinguish between these two is: in case of profit private sector encompassing commercial enterprises of any size and for non-profit private including NGOs sector, which provides voluntary services. This review has grouped both the profit private sector, and non-profit NGOs under the term private sector. It also highlights PPP concept, importance, financing approaches as well as examples of model partnership in health sector in particular DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18843 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 42-45
Bangladesh is Experiencing Double Burden with Infectious Diseases and Non-communicable Diseases (NCD's): An Issue of Emerging Epidemics
Authors: Islam SM Rashed-ul , Rahman Farhana , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman
Published: May 2014

Unlike many low and middle income countries, double burden diseases are serious problem in Bangladesh. Recently, proper understanding and the need for joint interventions against both infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCD's) has been gradually arising. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD's), diabetes, cancers and chronic lung disease are the most frequent NCD's whereas acute respiratory diseases, diarrhoea, neonatal sepsis and malaria are considered as infectious disease so far. Excess calories intake and unhygienic conditions are the most common risk factors, along with genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices. In addition, under nutrition in childhood also affects the human development in many aspects. The key controls of the situations are primary prevention through maintaining healthy life style during all phase of life. Action should focus controlling the risk factors in a unified fashion. Intervention at all levels of society, from communities to governments, private organizations and nongovernmental groups, is crucial for prevention by intensifying awareness of people about a perfect and healthy lifestyle. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18844 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 46-50
From the desk of Editor in Chief
Authors: Rahman Md Tahminur
Published: May 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18846 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 54
Tertiary enrichment of a manganese oxide tailings material using heavy medium separation (HMS)
Authors: Ali M
Published: May 2014

A study was conducted on the enrichment of manganese oxide tailings material generated from sorting spiral concentration at Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) Limited, Nsuta. The investigation explored mineralogical and particle size characterisation and heavy medium separation technique. Analytical methods used include; X-Ray Fluorescence and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The material contained 9.01% Al2O3, 27.43 % SiO2, 23.64% MnO2 and 9.86% Fe2O3, the other oxides range between 0.04 to 1.55 %. By treating the individual size fractions at a bath density of 2.96, the highest ratio of concentration of 3.56 was obtained at 180 ?m, while the highest enrichment ratio of 1.84 and manganese grade of 38.25% were obtained at 1180?m respectively. These qualify the enriched material as suitable for Ferro-alloy industry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i1.18852 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(1), 35-40, 2014
Physical and mechanical properties of ghora neem (Melia azedarach) plywood
Authors: Rahman MK , Asaduzzaman M , Rahman MM , Das AK , Biswas SK
Published: May 2014

This paper gives the results of ghora neem (Melia azedarach) plywood for assessing it as an alternative raw material for plywood industries. Five ply ghora neem plywood of 2400 mm×1200 mm×12 mm size was manufactured using urea formaldehyde adhesive. The important physical and mechanical properties were examined for assessing its quality. The results of physical and mechanical properties of ghora neem plywood were compared with the data obtained with existing market available plywood manufactured with shimul (Bombax ceiba). The density of ghora neem plywood and shimul plywood was 541.00 and 499.80 kg/m3 respectively. The MOR was 58.33 N/mm2 for ghora neem plywood while it was 32.52 N/mm2 for the shimul plywood. The MOE was found for ghora neem plywood 3950.01 N/mm2 and on the other hand, the shimul plywood showed 3224.15 N/mm2. The ghora neem plywood showed better performance for both physical and mechanical properties and it also follows the standard. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i1.18855 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(1), 47-52, 2014
Utilization of Salicornia fruticosa herb for producing antioxidants
Authors: Elsebaie EM , Elsanat SYA , Gouda MS , Elnemr KM
Published: May 2014

The present work was aimed to study the effect of extracted phenolic compounds from Salicornia air part by several solvents as natural antioxidants on preservation of corn oil comparing with synthetic antioxidant (TBA) on the oil stability against oxidative rancidity during storage at 70 °C for 5 days. The results indicate that the best solvent for extracting polyphenolic compounds was methanol followed by ethanol, chloroform and water. HPLC analysis for the total polyphenols extracted from the air part of salicornia fruticosa indicated to presence high percentages of Pyrogallol, Ellagic, B-OH Benzoic and Catechin. The extracted phenolic acids were tested against corn oil keeping quality. Results show that peroxide value and TBA values of corn oil that treated by different types of extracts at different levels were lower than control. Keywords: Salicornia fruticosa; DPPH; Corn oil; Phenolic extract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i1.18856 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(1), 53-58, 2014
Non-Invasive Spectral Phenotyping Methods can Improve and Accelerate Cercospora Disease Scoring in Sugar Beet Breeding
Authors: Jansen Marcus , Bergsträsser Sergej , Schmittgen Simone , Müller-Linow Mark , Rascher Uwe
Published: May 2014

Breeding for Cercospora resistant sugar beet cultivars requires field experiments for testing resistance levels of candidate genotypes in conditions that are close to agricultural cultivation. Non-invasive spectral phenotyping methods can support and accelerate resistance rating and thereby speed up breeding process. In a case study, experimental field plots with strongly infected beet genotypes of different resistance levels were measured with two different spectrometers. Vegetation indices were calculated from measured wavelength signature to determine leaf physiological status, e.g., greenness with the Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI), leaf water content with the Leaf Water Index (LWI) and Cercospora disease severity with the Cercospora Leaf Spot Index (CLSI). Indices values correlated significantly with visually scored disease severity, thus connecting the classical breeders’ scoring approach with advanced non-invasive technology.
Use of a Parasitic Wasp as a Biosensor
Authors: Olson Dawn , Rains Glen
Published: May 2014

Screening cargo for illicit substances is in need of rapid high-throughput inspection systems that accurately identify suspicious cargo. Here we investigate the ability of a parasitic wasp, Microplitis croceipes to detect and respond to methyl benzoate, the volatile component of cocaine, by examining their response to training concentrations, their sensitivity at low concentrations, and their ability to detect methyl benzoate when two concealment substances (green tea and ground coffee) are added to the testing arena. Utilizing classical associative learning techniques with sucrose as reward, we found that M. croceipes learns individual concentrations of methyl benzoate, and they can generalize this learning to concentrations 100× lower than the training concentration. Their sensitivity to methyl benzoate is very low at an estimated 3 ppb. They are also able to detect methyl benzoate when covered completely by green tea, but were not able to detect methyl benzoate when covered completely by coffee grounds. Habituation to the tea and coffee odors prior to testing improves their responses, resulting in effective detection of methyl benzoate covered by the coffee grounds. With the aid of the portable device called ‘the wasp hound’, the wasps appear to have potential to be effective on-site biosensors for the detection of cocaine.
MADS-Box Transcription Factor SsMADS Is Involved in Regulating Growth and Virulence in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Qu Xiaoyan , Yu Baodong , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Xianghui , Li Guihua , Zhang Dongjing , Li Le , Wang Xueliang , Wang Lu , Chen Jingyuan , Mu Wenhui , Pan Hongyu , Zhang Yanhua
Published: May 2014

MADS-box proteins, a well-conserved family of transcription factors in eukaryotic organisms, specifically regulate a wide range of cellular functions, including primary metabolism, cell cycle, and cell identity. However, little is known about roles of the MADS-box protein family in the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In this research, the S. sclerotiorum MADS-box gene SsMADS was cloned; it encodes a protein that is highly similar to Mcm1 orthologs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other fungi, and includes a highly conserved DNA-binding domain. MADS is a member of the MADS box protein SRF (serum response factor) lineage. SsMADS function was investigated using RNA interference. Silenced strains were obtained using genetic transformation of the RNA interference vectors pS1-SsMADS and pSD-SsMADS. SsMADS expression levels in silenced strains were analyzed using RT-PCR. The results showed that SsMADS mRNA expression in these silenced strains was reduced to different degrees, and growth rate in these silenced strains was significantly decreased. Infecting tomato leaflets with silenced strains indicated that SsMADS was required for leaf pathogenesis in a susceptible host. Our results suggest that the MADS-box transcription factor SsMADS is involved in S. sclerotiorum growth and virulence.
Microwave Assistant Synthesis, Antifungal Activity and DFT Theoretical Study of Some Novel 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives Containing Pyridine Moiety
Authors: Sun Guo-Xiang , Yang Ming-Yan , Shi Yan-Xia , Sun Zhao-Hui , Liu Xing-Hai , Wu Hong-Ke , Li Bao-Ju , Zhang Yong-Gang
Published: May 2014

In order to investigate the biological activity of novel 1,2,4-triazole compounds, seventeen novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing pyridine moiety were synthesized under microwave assistant condition by multi-step reactions. The structures were characterized by 1H NMR, MS and elemental analyses. The target compounds were evaluated for their fungicidal activities against Stemphylium lycopersici (Enjoji) Yamamoto, Fusarium oxysporum. sp. cucumebrium, and Botrytis cinerea in vivo, and the results indicated that some of the title compounds displayed excellent fungicidal activities. Theoretical calculation of the title compound was carried out with B3LYP/6-31G (d,p). The full geometry optimization was carried out using 6-31G (d,p) basis set, and the frontier orbital energy, atomic net charges were discussed, and the structure-activity relationship was also studied.
Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Li–Air Batteries: Lithium Metal Cycling
Authors: Grande Lorenzo , Paillard Elie , Kim Guk-Tae , Monaco Simone , Passerini Stefano
Published: May 2014

In this work, the electrochemical stability and lithium plating/stripping performance of N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr14TFSI) are reported, by investigating the behavior of Li metal electrodes in symmetrical Li/electrolyte/Li cells. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and galvanostatic cycling at different temperatures are performed to analyze the influence of temperature on the stabilization of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), showing that TFSI-based ionic liquids (ILs) rank among the best candidates for long-lasting Li–air cells.
Rationale for the Use of Upfront Whole Brain Irradiation in Patients with Brain Metastases from Breast Cancer
Authors: Tallet Agnes , Azria David , Rhun Emilie , Barlesi Fabrice , Carpentier Antoine , Gonçalves Antony , Taillibert Sophie , Dhermain Frédéric , Spano Jean-Philippe , Metellus Philippe
Published: May 2014

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of brain metastases and deserves particular attention in relation to current prolonged survival of patients with metastatic disease. Advances in both systemic therapies and brain local treatments (surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery) have led to a reappraisal of brain metastases management. With respect to this, the literature review presented here was conducted in an attempt to collect medical evidence-based data on the use of whole-brain radiotherapy for the treatment of brain metastases from breast cancer. In addition, this study discusses here the potential differences in outcomes between patients with brain metastases from breast cancer and those with brain metastases from other primary malignancies and the potential implications within a treatment strategy.
Fabrication of a Low Density Carbon Fiber Foam and Its Characterization as a Strain Gauge
Authors: Luhrs Claudia , Daskam Chris , Gonzalez Edwin , Phillips Jonathan
Published: May 2014

Samples of carbon nano-fiber foam (CFF), essentially a 3D solid mat of intertwined nanofibers of pure carbon, were grown using the Constrained Formation of Fibrous Nanostructures (CoFFiN) process in a steel mold at 550 °C from a palladium particle catalysts exposed to fuel rich mixtures of ethylene and oxygen. The resulting material was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Surface area analysis (BET), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Transient and dynamic mechanical tests clearly demonstrated that the material is viscoelastic. Concomitant mechanical and electrical testing of samples revealed the material to have electrical properties appropriate for application as the sensing element of a strain gauge. The sample resistance versus strain values stabilize after a few compression cycles to show a perfectly linear relationship. Study of microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of the low density samples confirm the uniqueness of the material: It is formed entirely of independent fibers of diverse diameters that interlock forming a tridimensional body that can be grown into different shapes and sizes at moderate temperatures. It regains its shape after loads are removed, is light weight, presents viscoelastic behavior, thermal stability up to 550 °C, hydrophobicity, and is electrically conductive.
Magnetic Properties of the Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys Ni50+xMn27−xGa23 in Magnetic Fields
Authors: Sakon Takuo , Otsuka Kohei , Matsubayashi Junpei , Watanabe Yuushi , Nishihara Hironori , Sasaki Kenta , Yamashita Satoshi , Umetsu Rie , Nojiri Hiroyuki , Kanomata Takeshi
Published: May 2014

Thermal strain, permeability, and magnetization measurements of the ferromagnetic shape memory alloys Ni50+xMn27−xGa23 (x = 2.0, 2.5, 2.7) were performed. For x = 2.7, in which the martensite transition and the ferromagnetic transition occur at the same temperature, the martensite transition starting temperature TMs shift in magnetic fields around a zero magnetic field was estimated to be dTMs/dB = 1.1 ± 0.2 K/T, thus indicating that magnetic fields influences martensite transition. We discussed the itinerant electron magnetism of x = 2.0 and 2.5. As for x = 2.5, the M4 vs. B/M plot crosses the origin of the coordinate axis at the Curie temperature, and the plot indicates a good linear relation behavior around the Curie temperature. The result is in agreement with the theory by Takahashi, concerning itinerant electron ferromagnets.
Synthesis of (3S,3′S)- and meso-Stereoisomers of Alloxanthin and Determination of Absolute Configuration of Alloxanthin Isolated from Aquatic Animals
Authors: Yamano Yumiko , Maoka Takashi , Wada Akimori
Published: May 2014

In order to determine the absolute configuration of naturally occurring alloxanthin, a HPLC analytical method for three stereoisomers 1a–c was established by using a chiral column. Two authentic samples, (3S,3′S)- and meso-stereoisomers 1b and 1c, were chemically synthesized according to the method previously developed for (3R,3′R)-alloxanthin (1a). Application of this method to various alloxanthin specimens of aquatic animals demonstrated that those isolated from shellfishes, tunicates, and crucian carp are identical with (3R,3′R)-stereoisomer 1a, and unexpectedly those from lake shrimp, catfish, biwa goby, and biwa trout are mixtures of three stereoisomers of 1a–c.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Nitric Oxide are Involved in Salicylic Acid-Induced Salvianolic Acid B Production in Salvia miltiorrhiza Cell Cultures
Authors: Guo Hongbo , Dang Xiaolin , Dong Juane
Published: May 2014

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) are key signaling molecules in cells whose levels are increased in response to various stimuli and are involved in plant secondary metabolite synthesis. In this paper, the roles of H2O2 and NO on salvianolic acid B (Sal B) production in salicylic acid (SA)-induced Salvia miltiorrhiza cell cultures were investigated. The results showed that H2O2 could be significantly elicited by SA, even though IMD (an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase) or DMTU (a quencher of H2O2) were employed to inhibit or quench intracellular H2O2. These elicited H2O2 levels significantly increased NO production by 1.6- and 1.46 fold in IMD+SA and DMTU+SA treatments, respectively, and induced 4.58- and 4.85-fold Sal B accumulation, respectively. NO was also markedly elicited by SA, in which L-NNA (an inhibitor of NO synthase) and cPTIO (a quencher of NO) were used to inhibit or quench NO within cells, and the induced NO could significantly enhance H2O2 production by 1.92- and 1.37-fold in L-NNA+SA and cPTIO+SA treatments, respectively, and 3.27- and 1.50-fold for Sal B accumulation, respectively. These results indicate that elicitation of SA for either H2O2 or NO was independent, and the elicited H2O2 or NO could act independently or synergistically to induce Sal B accumulation in SA-elicited cells.
Quantifying Responses of Spectral Vegetation Indices to Dead Materials in Mixed Grasslands
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Guo Xulin
Published: May 2014

Spectral vegetation indices have been the primary resources for characterizing grassland vegetation based on remotely sensed data. However, the use of spectral indices for vegetation characterization in grasslands has been challenged by the confounding effects from external factors, such as soil properties, dead materials, and shadowing of vegetation canopies. Dead materials refer to the dead component of vegetation, including fallen litter and standing dead grasses accumulated from previous years. The abundant dead materials have been presenting challenges to accurately estimate green vegetation using spectral vegetation indices (VIs) derived from remote sensing data in mixed grasslands. Therefore, a close investigation of the relationship between VIs and dead materials is needed. The identified relationships could provide better insight into not only using remote sensing data for quantitative estimation of dead materials, but also the improvement of green vegetation estimation in the mixed grassland that has a high proportion of dead materials. In this article, the spectral reflectance of dead materials and green vegetation mixtures and dead material cover were measured in mixed grasslands located in Grassland National Park (GNP), Saskatchewan, Canada. Nine VIs were derived from the measured spectral reflectance. The relationship between dead material cover and VIs was quantified using the regression model and sensitivity analysis. Results indicated that the relationship between dead material cover and VIs is a function of the amount of dead material cover. Weak positive relationship was found between VIs and dead materials where the cover was less than 50%, and a significant high negative relationship was evident when cover was greater than 50%. When the combined exponential and linear model was applied to fit the negative relationships, more than 90% variation in dead material cover could be explained by VIs. Sensitivity analysis was further applied to the developed models, indicating that sensitivities of all VIs were significant over the entire range of dead material cover except for the triangular vegetation index (TVI), which has insignificant sensitivity when dead material cover was greater than 94%. Among all VIs, the weighted difference vegetation index (WDVI) had the highest sensitivity to changes in dead material cover higher than 50%. The results from this study indicated that vegetation indices based on combination of reflectance in red and NIR bands can be used to estimate dead material cover that is greater than 50%.
Dynamic Compressed HRRP Generation for Random Stepped-Frequency Radar Based on Complex-Valued Fast Sequential Homotopy
Authors: You Peng , Liu Zhen , Wang Hongqiang , Wei Xizhang , Li Xiang
Published: May 2014

Compressed sensing has been applied to achieve high resolution range profiles (HRRPs) using a stepped-frequency radar. In this new scheme, much fewer pulses are required to recover the target’s strong scattering centers, which can greatly reduce the coherent processing interval (CPI) and improve the anti-jamming capability. For practical applications, however, the required number of pulses is difficult to determine in advance and any reduction of the transmitted pulses is attractive. In this paper, a dynamic compressed sensing strategy for HRRP generation is proposed, in which the estimated HRRP is updated with sequentially transmitted and received pulses until the proper stopping rules are satisfied. To efficiently implement the sequential update, a complex-valued fast sequential homotopy (CV-FSH) algorithm is developed based on group sparse recovery. This algorithm performs as an efficient recursive procedure of sparse recovery, thus avoiding solving a new optimization problem from scratch. Furthermore, the proper stopping rules are presented according to the special characteristics of HRRP. Therefore, the optimal number of pulses required in each CPI can be sought adapting to the echo signal. The results using simulated and real data show the effectiveness of the proposed approach and demonstrate that the established dynamic strategy is more suitable for uncooperative targets.
A Catalyst toward Sustainability? Exploring Social Learning and Social Differentiation Approaches with the Agricultural Poor
Authors: Shaw Alison , Kristjanson Patti
Published: May 2014

Emerging sustainability challenges, such as food security, livelihood development and climate change, require innovative and experimental ways of linking science, policy and practice at all scales. This requires the development of processes that integrate diverse knowledge to generate adaptive development strategies into the future. Social learning is emerging as a promising way to make these linkages. If and how social learning approaches are being applied in practice among smallholder farming families—the bulk of the world’s food producers, requires specific attention. In this paper we use a case study approach to explore social learning among the agricultural poor. Five key evaluative factors: context assessment, inclusive design and management, facilitating learning, mobilizing knowledge and assessing outcomes, are used to analyze nine projects and programs in (or affiliated with) the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). We explore three main questions: (1) in what contexts and in what ways are socially differentiated and marginalized groups enrolled in the learning process? (2) what, if any, are the additional benefits to social learning when explicitly using strategies to include socially differentiated groups? and (3) what are the benefits and trade-offs of applying these approaches for development outcomes? The findings suggest that, in the agricultural development context, social learning projects that include socially differentiated groups and create conditions for substantive two-way learning enhance the relevance and legitimacy of knowledge and governance outcomes, increasing the potential for accelerating sustainable development outcomes.
Application of Digital Image Analysis to Determine Pancreatic Islet Mass and Purity in Clinical Islet Isolation and Transplantation
Authors: Wang Ling-Jia , Kissler Hermann J. , Wang Xiaojun , Cochet Olivia , Krzystyniak Adam , Misawa Ryosuke , Golab Karolina , Tibudan Martin , Grzanka Jakub , Savari Omid , Kaufman Dixon B. , Millis Michael , Witkowski Piotr
Published: May 2014

Pancreatic islet mass, represented by islet equivalent (IEQ), is the most important parameter in decision making for clinical islet transplantation. To obtain IEQ, the sample of islets is routinely counted under a microscope and discarded thereafter. Islet purity, another parameter in islet processing, is routinely assessed by estimation only. In this study, we validated our digital image analysis (DIA) system by using the software of Image Pro Plus and a custom-designed Excel template to assess islet mass and purity to better comply with current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards. Human islet samples (60 collected from a single isolation and 24 collected from 12 isolations) were captured as calibrated digital images for the permanent record. Seven trained technicians participated in determination of IEQ and purity by the manual counting method (manual image counting, Manual I) and DIA. IEQ count showed statistically significant correlations between the Manual I and DIA in all sample comparisons ( r > 0.819 and p < 0.0001). A statistically significant difference in IEQ between Manual I and DIA was not found in all sample groups ( p > 0.05). In terms of purity determination, statistically significant differences between assessment and DIA measurement were found in high-purity 100-μl samples ( p < 0.005) and low-purity 100-μl samples ( p < 0.001) of the single isolation. In addition, islet particle number (IPN) and the IEQ/IPN ratio did not differ statistically between Manual I and DIA. In conclusion, the DIA used in this study is a reliable technique to determine IEQ and purity. Islet sample preserved as a digital image and results produced by DIA can be permanently stored for verification, technical training, and information exchange among islet centers. Therefore, DIA complies better with cGMP requirements than the manual counting method. We propose DIA as a quality control tool to supplement the established standard manual method for islet counting and purity estimation.
cis–trans Isomerization of silybins A and B
Authors: Novotná Michaela , Gažák Radek , Biedermann David , Di Meo Florent , Marhol Petr , Kuzma Marek , Bednárová Lucie , Fuksová Kateřina , Trouillas Patrick , Křen Vladimír
Published: May 2014

Methods were developed and optimized for the preparation of the 2,3-cis- and the 10,11-cis-isomers of silybin by the Lewis acid catalyzed (BF3∙OEt2) isomerization of silybins A (1a) and B (1b) (trans-isomers). The absolute configuration of all optically pure compounds was determined by using NMR and comparing their electronic circular dichroism data with model compounds of known absolute configurations. Mechanisms for cis–trans-isomerization of silybin are proposed and supported by quantum mechanical calculations.
BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING CALCULATION OF THE STRESS-RIBBON BRIDGE WITH EXTERNAL TENDONS / DVIJUOSČIO LANKSTAUS KABAMOJO PLIENO TILTO ELGSENOS ANALIZĖ IR INŽINERINIS SKAIČIAVIMAS
Authors: Sandovič Giedrė , Juozapaitis Algirdas
Published: May 2014

The current article discusses a single-span composite steel pedestrian bridge, the load-bearing structure of which is comprised of a stress-ribbon with extended tendons. The analysis is focused on the behaviour of such structure under symmetric loads. The article reviews the general displacement thrust force of load-bearing suspension structures of such bridge as well as presents calculation analysis values of such displacements and the thrust force. In addition, it provides results of the numerical experiment and comparative analysis of the stress-ribbon structure with extended tendons. Santrauka Straipsnyje aptariama vieno tarpatramio pėsčiųjų kombinuotų tiltų lanksti dvijuostė kabamoji konstrukcija. Analizuojama tokios konstrukcijos elgsena veikiant simetrinėms apkrovoms. Apžvelgiami tokių tiltų laikančiųjų kabamųjų konstrukcijų bendrieji poslinkiai ir skėtimo jėgos, pateikiamos tokių poslinkių ir skėtimo jėgų skaičiavimo analizinės išraiškos. Pateikiami skaitinio eksperimento rezultatai, bei vienajuostės ir dvijuostės kabamųjų konstrukcijų lyginamoji analizė.
Checklist of Fishes from Madagascar Reef, Campeche Bank, México
Authors: Zarco Perello Salvador , Moreno Mendoza Rigoberto , Simões Nuno
Published: May 2014

This study presents the first list of fish species from Madagascar Reef, Campeche Bank, Gulf of México. Field surveys and literature review identified 54 species belonging to 8 orders, 30 families and 43 genera, comprising both conspicuous and cryptic fishes. Species richness was lower at this reef site compared to reefs in the Mexican Caribbean, Veracruz or Tuxpan, but was similar to other reefs in the same region. Species composition was a mixture of species present in all the reef systems of the Mexican Atlantic. Hypoplectrus ecosur was recorded here for the first time in the Gulf of Mexico, Mycteroperca microlepis, Equetus lanceolatus and Chaetodipterus faber were new records for the reefs of the Campeche Bank, Elacatinus xanthiprora was recorded for the second time in Mexico and expanded its known distribution westwards from Alacranes Reef and Sanopus reticulatus, endemic of the Yucatan state, was recorded here for the first time on a reef.
Headache and Refractive Errors in Children
Authors: Roth Zachary , Pandolfo Katie R. , Simon John , Zobal-Ratner Jitka
Published: May 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the association between uncorrected or miscorrected refractive errors in children and headache, and to determine whether correction of refractive errors contributes to headache resolution.

Methods:

Results of ophthalmic examination, including refractive error, were recorded at initial visit for headache. If resolution of headache on subsequent visits was not documented, a telephone call was placed to their caregivers to inquire whether headache had resolved.

Results:

Of the 158 patients, 75.3% had normal or unchanged eye examinations, including refractions. Follow-up data were available for 110 patients. Among those, 32 received new or changed spectacle correction and 78 did not require a change in refraction. Headaches improved in 76.4% of all patients, whether with (71.9%) or without (78.2%) a change in refractive correction. The difference between these two groups was not statistically significant (
P
= .38).

Conclusions:

Headaches in children usually do not appear to be caused by ophthalmic disease, including refractive error. The prognosis for improvement is favorable, regardless of whether refractive correction is required.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(3):177–179.]
Injection Force Comparison of the Old and New Dexamethasone Implant Insertion Needles in Porcine Eyes and Synthetic Sclera
Authors: Eaton Alexander M. , Gordon Gabriel M. , Booth Dave , Wafapoor Hussein , Avery Robert L.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Determine whether the new dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex; Allergan, Irvine, CA) injector needle design can reduce the force needed for insertion when compared to the original needle design.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In vitro testing assessed the force required for insertion from five new-design and five old-design Ozurdex needles on a synthetic test medium and explanted porcine eyes. Maximum penetration force was measured in grams-force, while the total work of the needle was measured in joules.

RESULTS:

The new design required 29% and 68% less overall work to perform an injection in the synthetic medium (
P
= .0002) and porcine eyes (
P
= .009), respectively. The maximum force required to insert the new needle was 25% and 61% that of the old needle in the synthetic medium (
P
= .001) and porcine eyes (
P
= .007), respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The new needle design significantly reduces the force and work needed for insertion, which should improve physician control as well as patient safety and comfort.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:232–238.]
Blurry Vision After Orbital Decompression Surgery
Authors: Elshatory Yasser , Shah Vinay A. , Hildebrand P. Lloyd
Published: May 2014

Pathologic myopia may be associated with abnormal vitreomacular adhesions that can portend a higher risk of retinal detachment. The authors report a case of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a complex macular tear after orbital decompression surgery in a patient with pathologic myopia. This case highlights the importance of retinal detachment in the setting of orbital decompression.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:247–249.]
An Experiment to Model Spatial Diffusion Process with Nearest Neighbor Analysis and Regression Estimation
Authors: Lee Jay , Lay Jinn-Guey , Chin Wei Chien Benny , Chi Yu-Lin , Hsueh Ya-Hui
Published: May 2014

Spatial diffusion processes can be seen in many geographic phenomena that spread or migrate across space and over time. Studies of these processes were mostly done with verbal description until Hägerstrand (1966) started to approach it with quantitative models. A variety of attempts were made to continue this effort, but only with various degrees of success. Recognizing the critical role that distances between geographic objects or events play in a spatial diffusion process, we experimented with a new approach that uses these distances to detect and distinguish different types of spatial diffusion processes. Our approach is a two-step process that first calculates nearest neighbor ratios in a point process at each time step and then applies regression curve estimation to observe how these ratios change over time. We first report the results from applying this method to three spatio-temporal data sets which show the feasibility of our approach. We then report results of randomly simulated spatial diffusion processes to see if our approach is effective for the purpose of distinguishing different types of spatial diffusion processes. With only extreme cases as exceptions, our experiment found that using estimated regression curves of nearest neighbor ratios over time is usable in classifying spatial diffusion processes to either contagious/expansion or hierarchical/relocation diffusion processes.
Geospatial Technology Curriculum Development
Authors: Bryant Lara M. P.
Published: May 2014

The final project for students enrolled in Geospatial Technologies for the K-12 Classroom (GEOG 321) is the development of a lesson for their future classroom. An obstacle to implementing geospatial technologies in public classrooms is lack of relevant curriculum and data. After reviewing the limited existing curriculum, students design age-appropriate lessons for possible publication on the New Hampshire Geographic Alliance website. The objectives for this final project were: 1) students will determine age-appropriate skills that utilize geospatial technologies to support instruction in their intended discipline, 2) students will demonstrate the appropriate skills needed to design feasible lessons for the K-12 classroom, 3) students can integrate geospatial technology skills into a variety of disciplines and age levels, and 4) students can employ the geographic inquiry method in their lessons. Students presented their lessons to peers and outside reviewers to receive feedback. The students had the option to submit their lessons to the New Hampshire Geographic Alliance for pilot testing and dissemination to help fill the need for relevant curriculum and data.
Web Platform for Public E-Participation Management
Authors: Quental Carlos , Gouveia Luis Borges
Published: May 2014

The e-participation can be considered an area under constant focus. This paper presents a brief analysis of e-participation and e-democracy, and proposes a platform for electronic participation based on social media principles, designed to gather teachers and unions in a shared deliberative space. Interaction and collaboration are supported through questions, answers, suggestions, comments, votes, surveys and live debates. This proposal is intended to narrow the communication gap between teachers and unions and encourage teachers to become involved and participate in educational debates and important topics about the profession. The platform presented enables effective participation in formal and informal decision-making processes via the Internet, either as standalone or widgets with full integration into any Website. It is under constant development and will be improved along with this project. The actors in this study were chosen from the National Federation of Teachers due to its representativeness regarding associate teachers and provide an opportunity to assess the platform potential to support participation in a union context. The platform will be used in a trade union linked to teachers of several grade levels to understand their participation in this organization.
IT Security Risk Management Model for Cloud Computing
Authors: Wahlgren Gunnar , Kowalski Stewart
Published: May 2014

The authors combined ISO 27005 framework for IT Security Risk Management with NIST Multitier framework. With this combined framework the authors create a new approach to IT Security Risk Management where IT Security Risk Management is place at the strategic, tactical and operational levels of an organizational. In this paper the authors concentrate on the monitoring and communication steps of IT Security Risk Management and especially escalation of new IT Security Incidents. The authors present a first draft to an IT Security Risk Escalation Capability Maturity Model based on ISACA´s Risk IT Framework. Finally the authors apply the approach to typical cloud computing environment as a first step to evaluate this new approach.
Clustering and Ranked Search for Enterprise Content Management
Authors: Rats Juris , Ernestsons Gints
Published: May 2014

The aim of this work is to understand more closely where the border lies between relational and Not Only Structured Query Language (NoSQL) platform as concerns Enterprise Content Management (ECM) area. Another objective (closely related to the first one) is to specify the conceptual architecture of the distributed ECM system. The authors specify the model of the prototype ECM system and compare two platforms for this model – MS SQL based for the relational platform and Clusterpoint for the NoSQL platform. The results of performance measurements of SQL and NoSQL technologies for Enterprise Content Management specific tasks are presented and analyzed. The viability of NoSQL Document-oriented database solution based on clustering and ranked search is demonstrated. The ways to leverage the improved performance and scalability of the software to better serve the business needs of the Enterprise are discussed. The conceptual architecture of the prototype system is outlined.
A Business Classifier to Detect Readability Metrics on Software Games and Their Types
Authors: Tashtoush Yahya M. , Darwish Derar , Albdarneh Motasim , Alsmadi Izzat M. , Alkhatib Khalid
Published: May 2014

Readability metric is considered to be one of the most important factors that may affect games business in terms of evaluating games' quality in general and usability in particular. As games may go through many evolutions and developed by many developers, code readability can significantly impact the time and resources required to build, update or maintain such games. This paper introduces a new approach to detect readability for games built in Java or C++ for desktop and mobile environments. Based on data mining techniques, an approach for predicting the type of the game is proposed based on readability and some other software metrics or attributes. Another classifier is built to predict software readability in games applications based on several collected features. These classifiers are built using machine learning algorithms (J48 decision tree, support vector machine, SVM and Naive Bayes, NB) that are available in WEKA data mining tool.
Modeling Trust Relationships for Developing Trustworthy Information Systems
Authors: Pavlidis Michalis , Islam Shareeful , Mouratidis Haralambos , Kearney Paul
Published: May 2014

Developing a trustworthy information system is a challenging task. The overall trustworthiness of an information system depends on trust relationships that are generally assumed without adequate justification. However, lack of appropriate analysis of such relationships and of appropriate justification of relevant trust assumptions might lead to systems that fail to fully achieve their functionalities. Existing literature does not provide adequate guidelines for a systematic process or an appropriate modeling language to support such trust-focused analysis. This paper fills this gap by introducing a process that allows developers to capture possible trust relationships and to reason about them. The process is supported by a modeling language based on a set of concepts relating to trust and control and a CASE tool. An illustrative example from the UK health care domain is used to demonstrate the applicability and usefulness of the approach.
Human Dendritic Cells Exhibit a Pronounced Type I IFN Signature following Leishmania major Infection That Is Required for IL-12 Induction
Authors: Favila Michelle A. , Geraci Nicholas S. , Zeng Erliang , Harker Brent , Condon David , Cotton Rachel N. , Jayakumar Asha , Tripathi Vinita , McDowell Mary Ann
Published: May 2014

Leishmania major–infected human dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit a marked induction of IL-12, ultimately promoting a robust Th1-mediated response associated with parasite killing and protective immunity. The host cell transcription machinery associated with the specific IL-12 induction observed during L. major infection remains to be thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we used Affymetrix GeneChip (Affymetrix) to globally assess the host cell genes and pathways associated with early L. major infection in human myeloid-derived DCs. Our data revealed 728 genes were significantly differentially expressed and molecular signaling pathway revealed that the type I IFN pathway was significantly enriched. Addition of a neutralizing type I IFN decoy receptor blocked the expression of IRF7 and IL-12p40 during DC infection, indicating the L. major–induced expression of IL-12p40 is dependent upon the type I IFN signaling pathway. In stark contrast, IL-12p40 expression is not elicited by L. donovani, the etiological agent of deadly visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, we examined the gene expression profile for several IFN response genes in L. major versus L. donovani DC infections. Our data revealed that L. major, but not L. donovani, induces expression of IRF2, IRF7, and IFIT5, implicating the regulation of type I IFN–associated signaling pathways as mediating factors toward the production of IL-12.