bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased population density of neurosurgeons associated with decreased risk of death from motor vehicle accidents in the United States
Authors: Desai Atman , Bekelis Kimon , Zhao Wenyan , Ball Perry A.
Published: July 2012

Object

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a leading cause of death and disability in young people. Given that a major cause of death from MVAs is traumatic brain injury, and neurosurgeons hold special expertise in this area relative to other members of a trauma team, the authors hypothesized that neurosurgeon population density would be related to reduced mortality from MVAs across US counties.

Methods

The Area Resource File (2009–2010), a national health resource information database, was retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome variable was the 3-year (2004–2006) average in MVA deaths per million population for each county. The primary independent variable was the density of neurosurgeons per million population in the year 2006. Multiple regression analysis was performed, adjusting for population density of general practitioners, urbanicity of the county, and socioeconomic status of the county.

Results

The median number of annual MVA deaths per million population, in the 3141 counties analyzed, was 226 (interquartile range [IQR] 151–323). The median number of neurosurgeons per million population was 0 (IQR 0–0), while the median number of general practitioners per million population was 274 (IQR 175–410). Using an unadjusted analysis, each increase of 1 neurosurgeon per million population was associated with 1.90 fewer MVA deaths per million population (p < 0.001). On multivariate adjusted analysis, each increase of 1 neurosurgeon per million population was associated with 1.01 fewer MVA deaths per million population (p < 0.001), with a respective decrease in MVA deaths of 0.03 per million population for an increase in 1 general practitioner (p = 0.007). Rural location, persistent poverty, and low educational level were all associated with significant increases in the rate of MVA deaths.

Conclusions

A higher population density of neurosurgeons is associated with a significant reduction in deaths from MVAs, a major cause of death nationally. This suggests that the availability of local neurosurgeons is an important factor in the overall likelihood of survival from an MVA, and therefore indicates the importance of promoting neurosurgical education and practice throughout the country.
Farmers attitude towards the use of USG in rice cultivation in three selected villages of Netrakona district
Authors: Basak NC , Pandit JC
Published: July 2012

The study was conducted to determine the attitude of farmers towards the use of urea super granule (USG) in rice cultivation and explore relationship between the selected characteristics of the farmers. Data were collected through personal interview from 84 randomly selected USG users in rice cultivation of the three villages under Sadar Upazila of Netrakona district during October to December 2008. A five point Likert scale was used to determine the attitude of farmers. The majority (73.81%) of the farmers had moderately favourable, 21.43% slightly favourable and 4.76% highly favourable attitude towards use of USG in rice cultivation. Level of education, farm size, annual income, farming information, agricultural training exposure and rice farming knowledge of the farmers had significant positive relationship but family subsistence pressure had significant negative relationship with their attitude towards the use of USG.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.10983 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 179185, 2011
Determining optimum rate of boron application for higher yield of wheat in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain soil
Authors: Debnath MR , Jahiruddin M , Rahman MM , Haque MA
Published: July 2012

The effect of different rates of boron application on wheat cv. Bijoy was studied through a field experiment at    Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) farm, Mymensingh during 2009-10 rabi season. The BAU farm belongs to    Old Brahmaputra Floodplain agroecological zone (AEZ 9). Texturally the soil was silt loam, with 7.2 pH, 0.81%    organic matter and 0.15 mg kg-1 available boron content. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete    block design with five boron rates and four replications. Boron rates were 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25 and 3.0 kg ha-1, with boric    acid as a source. Every plot received blanket doses of 115 kg N, 25 kg P, 75 kg K and 15 kg S ha-1 from urea, TSP,    MoP and gypsum, respectively. Treatment receiving B @ 2.25 kg ha-1 produced the highest grain yield (4.22 t ha-1) which was statistically identical with that obtained with 1.75 kg B ha-1. However, the crop response curve showed    1.90 kg ha-1 to be the optimum boron rate for the maximization of wheat yield. The lowest grain yield (2.84 t/ha) was    recorded with control treatment. There was a positive relationship between grain yield and number of grains spike-1.   Boron had significant influence on N, P, K, S and B uptake by the crop which, in deed, was more influenced by crop    yield and less by nutrient concentration, except N and B uptake where concentration had more influence than yield.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.10987   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 205210, 2011
Genetic relationship and similarity of some selected chicken strains
Authors: Monira KN , Islam MN , Khatun R , Ahmed S
Published: July 2012

Random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD) technique was applied to detect genetic similarity between seven local  chicken strains selected for eggs and meat production in Bangladesh. Conservation and improvement strategies     ought to be based on proper genetic characterization in association with phenotypic characterization. White Leghorn, White Rock, Rhode Island Red, and Barred Plymouth Rock fall under recognized strain and Hilly, Deshi and Necked Neck fall under native bird group. Based on four oligonucleotide primers, the genetic similarity between the eggproducing strains (White Leghorn; White Rock; Rhode Island Red and Barred Plymouth Rock) was between 81.3 to 89.3 %. While the genetic similarity of three native chicken strains selected for meat production (Hilly, Deshi and Necked Neck) was 69.0 to 78.7 % similar based on the RAPD Marker. So, RAPD markers appeared to be effective in detecting similarity between chicken strains and they provide a potential tool for studying the inter-strain genetic similarity.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.10989   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 217220, 2011
Epidemiology of intestinal schistosomiasis in ruminants of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MN , Begum N , Alam MZ , Mamun MAA
Published: July 2012

We assessed the prevalence and seasonal variations of intestinal schistosomiasis in association with age, sex, breed and rearing system of cattle and goats in different districts of Bangladesh. Fecal samples from 240 cattle and 146      goats were examined. Schistosoma eggs were found in 47.5% cattle and 43.84% goats. Two species of schistosomes were identified. No mixed infection was recorded. Prevalence of Schistosoma indicum was higher in cattle (42.5%) than in goats (34.25%) whereas goats (9.59%) were more susceptible to Schistosoma spindale infection than cattle (5.0%). Age, sex, breed, rearing system and topography of the country had significant (P<0.01, P<0.05) effect on the prevalence of schistosomiasis among cattle, whether only seasons of the year had significant (P<0.01) effect on schistosome prevalence among goats of Bangladesh. Higher infection rate was found in rainy season, in older age group, in males, in local breeds (cattle) and animals reared under semi intensive system. Prevalence was highest in the Rangpur district and lowest in the Dhaka district. The prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was very high among cattle and goats in the study area irrespective of age, sex, breed, seasons and rearing system of cattle and goats.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.10990   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 221228, 2011
Epidemiological investigation of Paramphistomiasis in cattle at selected areas of Sirajgonj district of Bangladesh
Authors: Paul AK , Talukder M , Begum K , Rahman MA
Published: July 2012

To investigate the Epidemiology of Paramphistomum infection in cattle, faecal samples from 360 cattle were collected from individual areas of the Sirajgonj district from March 2009 to April 2010. One hundred and ninety one animals (53.1%) were infected with single or multiple species of Paramphistomum. Age of animals significantly (P<0.05) influenced the prevalence of Paramphistomiasis. Older animals suffered (60.3%) more than growing (44.4%) and young (54.0%) ones. Older animals were 1.94 times more susceptible than growing animals. Furthermore, females       were more (59.5%; 1.79 times) susceptible to Paramphistamum spp. than males (45%). Breed has also significant (p<0.05) effect. The prevalence of Paramphistomiasis was higher (p<0.05) in crossbred (61.8%) animals than that of local (49.2%) cattle. The crossbreed cattle were 1.7 times more susceptible than indigenous cattle. The prevalence of Paramphistomiasis in cattle varied (p<0.05) depending on the season of the year; being highest in the rainy season (60.8%) followed by the summer (50%) and lowest during the winter (48.3%). A high percentage of    paramphistomiasis was recorded in the cattle studied during the winter irrespective of age and genetics of animals and seasons of the year.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.10992   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 229232, 2011
Impact of introducing low lift pump on improving income of farm households in some areas of Bhola district in Bangladesh
Authors: Majumder MK , Rahman MS
Published: July 2012

This study focuses the impact of low lift pump (LLP) on farm income and cropping patterns followed by the selected farmers in Bhola district. A random sampling technique was used for the study. Primary data were collected from 60 LLP users from January to March, 2010 through two set of pre-tested questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and profit function were used in the study. Most of the farmers are well experience in farming. The average age of the household head is 47 for owner, 45 for tenant, 44 for owner cum tenant and 41 for LLP owners. The average educational level is 6 for owner, 4 for cash tenant, 5 for owner cum tenant and 5 for LLP Owners. Household size is the largest for cash tenant which is 5.36. Mug  Fallow - B.Aman was the main cropping patterns before using LLP and it was 39.22%. On the other hand, Boro  Fallow -T.Aman was the main cropping pattern after introducing LLP and it was 53.22% in the study area. The income increased in all categories of farmers due to the introduction of LLP. Cash tenant earned more and owner cultivators earned less among the farmers categories.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11035   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 233240, 2011
Anthropometric study on children of Garo and non-Garo families in Netrakona district of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman SMB , Uddin MB , Hussain I
Published: July 2012

Anthropometric indicators such as weight-for-height (wasting), height-for-age (stunting) and weight-for-age   (underweight) are important in evaluating the health and nutrition status of children in low-income areas of   Bangladesh where malnutrition is still a large public health problem. Present investigation was carried out to assess   the anthropometric status of tribal (Garo) and non tribal women of different villages of four Unions of Kalmakanada   upazila under Netrakona district. Data were collected through well structured questionnaire. Total one hundred   seventy families, ninety from tribal (Garo) and one hundred eighty from non-tribal constituted the sample of the study.   The results show that malnutrition problem in this area is common due to poverty and children have low weight, under   height, wasting and malnourished. The hierarchical interrelationships of potential determinants of malnutrition,   wasting and underweight turned out to be independently predicted by morbidity factors. Stunting, however, was   predicted by socioeconomic, environmental and health-care factors in addition to morbidity. Strategies aimed at   improving the growth of infants and young children in rural communities should address morbidity due to common   childhood illness coupled with environmental and socio-economically oriented measures.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11039   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 267272, 2011
Synthesis of esterified solid fat from fractionated rapeseed oil and palm stearin modeling by response surface methodology
Authors: Alim MA , Alim MA , Wessman P , Dutta PC
Published: July 2012

The main purpose of the study was to produce esterified solid fat (ESF) from fractionated rapeseed oil and palm   stearin through lipase-catalyzed reaction. The response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for optimization of   three reaction factors such as substrate mole ratio, enzyme percent, and reaction time. The design was adequate   and reproducible due to satisfactory levels of coefficient of determination (R2, 0.98) for both cases and coefficient   variation (CV, 4.06 for SFC at 10 °C and 7.95 for SFC at 30 °C, respectively). The substrate mole ratio was the   significant term for affecting the response of SFC (P<0.05) rather than reaction time and enzyme percent. Based on   ridge analysis, the production of ESF with SFC 51.48 ±0.94 % at 10 ºC would be predicted by the combinations of   optimized 24.07 h reaction time, 10.66 % enzyme and 1: 1.52 substrate mole ratios. On the other hand, the SFC of   21.44±0.83 at 30 ºC would be predicted by the combinations of optimized 24.37 h reaction time, 10.23 % enzyme and   1: 1.5 substrate mole ratios. The ESF contained mainly of palmitic (45.1%), oleic (40.8%), linoleic (5.6%) and stearic   (4.5%) acids, respectively. The total sterol and tocopherol contents of ESF were 243.27 mg/100g and 19.26 mg/100 g,   respectively. Therefore, these results in this study suggested that RSM can be used to optimize the lipase-catalyzed   synthesis of ESF with suitable physical characteristics.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11040   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 273282, 2011
Landing centers and availability of fish species in fish markets of Mymensingh town
Authors: Chandra KJ , Basak SS , Hasan M
Published: July 2012

An investigation was carried out on fish landing centers, fish markets and fish fauna of the Mymensingh town to   overview the location of the fish landing/entering centers, the source of supply and availability of fisheries organisms   in Mymensingh town. The investigation was conducted from October 2009 to September 2010 in sixteen landing   centers and markets of Mymensingh town. Among a total of 122 species of fishes were available of which, 113 were   finfish and 9 were shellfish. Out of 113 finfish, 85 were freshwater fish species, 14 were exotic species, 14 were   marine species, 7 were prawn /shrimps and 2 were mud crab and tortoise. Different types of freshwater fish, marine   fish, crustacean and dry fish were found in Mymensingh town. The most abundant freshwater fish species were Catla   catla, Labeo rohita, Clarias batrachus, Cirrhinus cirrhosus, Channa punctatus. Among the marine fishes Lates   calcarifer, Euthynnus affinis and Mugil cephalus were recorded. The shellfishes, Macrobrachium rosenbergii and   Penaeus monodon were most abundant. Significant amount of carps were imported from inside and outside of the   districts. Besides the carps, small quantities of other fish, e.g, hilsha, catfish, tilapia, small indigenous fish, prawn and   shrimp and other fish including marine can be seen in the fish landing centers and fish markets in Mymensingh town.   Trains, buses, trucks and pickups were used as transport of fish to the landing centers from outside of Mymensingh   town. Virtually most of the fish (84.6 %) were brought from different areas of the district and adjacent district like   Netrokona, Jamalpur, Gazipur and Kishoreganj. The rest (15.4 %) were brought from external source in Mechhua   bazar, Natun bazar, Sankipara bazar, Charpara bazar and Kathgola bazar. Main source of the fishes were different   ponds, haors, beels and rivers of Mymensingh and adjacent districts.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11046   ]J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 311318, 2011
Assessing livelihood impacts of cage based fish fingerlings production on Adivasi households in north-east and north-west Bangladesh
Authors: Gupta N , Haque MM
Published: July 2012

In Bangladesh, Adivasi, the indigenous people are of the poorest sections of the society due to their vulnerable    livelihoods with lack of resources. Cage based fish fingerling production (CBFFP) was promoted with Adivasi households in the north-east and north-west regions of Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire based survey was    conducted with a sample size of 150 CBFFP adopting households to assess the livelihood impacts of CBFFP on the    Adivasi households. Geographically, the study represents Sherpur and Netrakona districts from north-east and    Dinajpur, Rangpur, and Joypurhat districts from north-west regions of Bangladesh. In terms of socio-economic    characteristics, the average household size of Adivasi households was 4.21± 1.28 with day labour (40%) based    primary occupation. Majority (64%) of households heads were found illiterate and the remaining with low level    education attainment. Most of the Adivasi households depended on a single persons (household head) income. The    average size of ponds in which the cages were set was about 1.2±1.4 hectare with the depth of 1.5-3 m. The cage    provided with Adivasi farmer was of 1 m3 in size and made of locally available materials, mainly bamboo made frame,    net and plastic bottles as floats. The average cost of a cage construction was about BDT 400±85.2 (USD 5.71±1.2).    The fry of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), rui (Labeo rohita), mrigal    (Cirrhinus cirrhosus), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Thai sarpunti (Barbonymus    gonionotus) were stocked in the cages for fingerling production. The average stocking density was about 875±507    fry/cage (about 3.4cm in length). In average, fingerling production cost was about BDT 268±129.2/cage (USD    3.83±1.8/cage) and selling value was about BDT 431±509.1/cage (USD 6.16±7.2/cage). The major impacts of    CBFFP include increased household level income (1.7%), use of this income to buy livestock for rearing further.    Moreover, CBFFP impacted positively on other aspects of livelihoods such as purchasing food in lean period, saving    money and paying credit. The large size fingerlings produced in the cages were used as food fish for household level    consumption. The main constrains of Adivasi households to adopt CBFFP were poaching of fish from cages and    variable access to ponds for cage installation.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11047     J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 319326, 2011
Effects of stocking densities on growth and survival of Thai Sharpunti (Barbonymus gonionotus) in earthen ponds
Authors: Mollah MFA , Moniruzzaman M , Rahman MM
Published: July 2012

The present study was conducted over 4 months during 1st September to 30th December 2005 to observe the effects of stocking density on growth and survival of Thai Sharpunti, Barbodes gonionotus in 3 earthen ponds of size of 2.8    decimal each. The stocking densities of 80, 100 and 120 fish/decimal were treated as T1, T2 and T3, respectively. All    the treatments were subjected to the same feeding regime and fertilization. The range of water quality parameters    such as temperature were 30.31, 30.16 and 29.65 0C, transparency were 29.94, 37.63, and 40.02 cm, water depth    were 143.91, 148.67 and 151.54 cm, dissolved oxygen were 4.72, 4.35 and 4.24 mg/l, pH were 7.71, 7.49 and 7.31,    plankton biomass were 43.05 x 105 /l, 37.97 x 105 /l and 36.05 x 105 /l in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Among the    growth parameters, mean weight gain were 48.87 g, 41.43 g and 34.09 g, percent weight gain were 698.21%,    591.93% and 487%, the average daily gains were 1.65, 1.54 and 1.20 g, the specific growth rate were 1.73, 1.61 and    1.47%, in T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The gross total productions of Barbonymus gonionotus were 1041.96, 1085.71    and 1019.64 kg/ha/120 days while the net productions were 911.60, 929.46 and 846.43 kg/ha/120 days in T1, T2 and    T3, respectively. The gross and net total productions in T2 were highest among the treatments. The highest growth    and survival rate were obtained in T1.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11048   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 327338, 2011
Optimization of hormonal dose during masculinization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry
Authors: Ferdous Z , Ali MM
Published: July 2012

The experiment was conducted to optimize the dose of 17?-methyl testosterone (MT) during masculinization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. Five treatments were designed with various doses of hormone to find out the most effective one. The treatments were designated as T1 (0 mg MT/kg), T2 (40 mg MT/kg), T3 (50 mg MT/kg), T4 (60 mg MT/kg) and T5 (70 mg MT/kg). MT was administered orally by using nursery feed and Ethanol (as hormone carrier solvents) diet to tilapia fry for 28 days in hapa. After completion of the trial period of 28 days nursing of the experimental fry was continued for further 2 months with commercial feed. At the end of experiment the sex ratio was      determined by examining gonad after dissecting the fish. Growth performance was monitored by recording the morphometric characteristics i.e. weight gain (g), average daily weight gain (g). The analysis of growth data showed significant variation in weight, % weight gain, SGR (% /day) of fish among the different treatments. SGR increases with the increase of hormone dose. The present study demonstrated that all MT receiving treatments showed a significantly (p<0.01) higher male proportion (94.28%) than control (48.57%). The dose of 60 mg MT/kg of feed resulted in maximum male population (94.28%). The result indicated that the optimum dose of MT hormone was 60 mg /kg with a feeding period of 28 days after hatching.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11052   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 359364, 2011
Use of Anion Exchange Resins for One-Step Processing of Algae from Harvest to Biofuel
Authors: Jones Jessica , Lee Cheng-Han , Wang James , Poenie Martin
Published: July 2012

Some microalgae are particularly attractive as a renewable feedstock for biodiesel production due to their rapid growth, high content of triacylglycerols, and ability to be grown on non-arable land. Unfortunately, obtaining oil from algae is currently cost prohibitive in part due to the need to pump and process large volumes of dilute algal suspensions. In an effort to circumvent this problem, we have explored the use of anion exchange resins for simplifying the processing of algae to biofuel. Anion exchange resins can bind and accumulate the algal cells out of suspension to form a dewatered concentrate. Treatment of the resin-bound algae with sulfuric acid/methanol elutes the algae and regenerates the resin while converting algal lipids to biodiesel. Hydrophobic polymers can remove biodiesel from the sulfuric acid/methanol, allowing the transesterification reagent to be reused. We show that in situ transesterification of algal lipids can efficiently convert algal lipids to fatty acid methyl esters while allowing the resin and transesterification reagent to be recycled numerous times without loss of effectiveness.
DAYCENT Simulations to Test the Influence of Fire Regime and Fire Suppression on Trace Gas Fluxes and Nitrogen Biogeochemistry of Colorado Forests
Authors: Gathany Mark A. , Burke Ingrid C.
Published: July 2012

Biological activity and the physical environment regulate greenhouse gas fluxes (CH4, N2O and NO) from upland soils. Wildfires are known to alter these factors such that we collected daily weather records, fire return intervals, or specific fire years, and soil data of four specific sites along the Colorado Front Range. These data were used as primary inputs into DAYCENT. In this paper we test the ability of DAYCENT to simulate four forested sites in this area and to address two objectives: (1) to evaluate the short-term influence of fire on trace gas fluxes from burned landscapes; and (2) to compare trace gas fluxes among locations and between pre-/post- fire suppression. The model simulations indicate that CH4 oxidation is relatively unaffected by wildfire. In contrast, gross nitrification rates were reduced by 13.5–37.1% during the fire suppression period. At two of the sites, we calculated increases in gross nitrification rates (>100%), and N2O and NO fluxes during the year of fire relative to the year before a fire. Simulated fire suppression exhibited decreased gross nitrification rates presumably as nitrogen is immobilized. This finding concurs with other studies that highlight the importance of forest fires to maintain soil nitrogen availability.
The Immunomodulatory and Neuroprotective Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE): A Model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Al Jumah Mohammed A. , Abumaree Mohamed H.
Published: July 2012

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that differentiate into the mesenchymal lineages of adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. MSCs can also transdifferentiate and thereby cross lineage barriers, differentiating for example into neurons under certain experimental conditions. MSCs have anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on neurons. Therefore, MSCs were tested in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), for their effectiveness in modulating the pathogenic process in EAE to develop effective therapies for MS. The data in the literature have shown that MSCs can inhibit the functions of autoreactive T cells in EAE and that this immunomodulation can be neuroprotective. In addition, MSCs can rescue neural cells via a mechanism that is mediated by soluble factors, which provide a suitable environment for neuron regeneration, remyelination and cerebral blood flow improvement. In this review, we discuss the effectiveness of MSCs in modulating the immunopathogenic process and in providing neuroprotection in EAE.
A Theoretical Study on Reductive Debromination of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers
Authors: Hu Ji-Wei , Zhuang Yuan , Luo Jin , Wei Xiong-Hui , Huang Xian-Fei
Published: July 2012

Recent progress has been made in the reductive debromination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) by nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). To better understand the mechanism of this reaction, seven selected BDE congeners and their anions were investigated at the density functional theory (DFT) level using four different methods, including B3LYP/6-31G(d), B3LYP/6-31+G(d), B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311G(d,p). The cleaved C–Br bonds observed in the equilibrium structures of anionic PBDEs were adopted as the probe of the susceptible debromination position of PBDEs in the presence of nZVI, and the proposed major reaction pathways based on our calculations can satisfactorily conform to the reported experimental results. The debromination preference is theoretically evaluated as meta-Br > ortho-Br > para-Br. In addition, both the calculated frontier orbital energies and adiabatic electronic affinities were found to be highly related to their experimental reductive debromination rate constants. The highest linear regression coefficient was observed in the case using the energy of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital as the molecular descriptor obtained from B3LYP/6-31G(d) (R2 = 0.961, n = 7) or B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) (R2 = 0.961, n = 7). The results clearly showed the evidence of an electron transfer mechanism associated with this reductive debromination reaction.
Molecular Characterization and Comparative Sequence Analysis of Defense-Related Gene, Oryza rufipogon Receptor-Like Protein Kinase 1
Authors: Law Yee-Song , Gudimella Ranganath , Song Beng-Kah , Ratnam Wickneswari , Harikrishna Jennifer Ann
Published: July 2012

Many of the plant leucine rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) have been found to regulate signaling during plant defense processes. In this study, we selected and sequenced an LRR-RLK gene, designated as Oryza rufipogon receptor-like protein kinase 1 (OrufRPK1), located within yield QTL yld1.1 from the wild rice Oryza rufipogon (accession IRGC105491). A 2055 bp coding region and two exons were identified. Southern blotting determined OrufRPK1 to be a single copy gene. Sequence comparison with cultivated rice orthologs (OsI219RPK1, OsI9311RPK1 and OsJNipponRPK1, respectively derived from O. sativa ssp. indica cv. MR219, O. sativa ssp. indica cv. 9311 and O. sativa ssp. japonica cv. Nipponbare) revealed the presence of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with five non-synonymous substitutions, and 23 insertion/deletion sites. The biological role of the OrufRPK1 as a defense related LRR-RLK is proposed on the basis of cDNA sequence characterization, domain subfamily classification, structural prediction of extra cellular domains, cluster analysis and comparative gene expression.
Magnesium Matrix Composite Foams—Density, Mechanical Properties, and Applications
Authors: Gupta Nikhil , Luong Dung D. , Cho Kyu
Published: July 2012

Potential of widespread industrial applications of magnesium has been realized in recent years. A variety of magnesium alloy matrix composites are now being studied for mechanical properties. Since magnesium is the lightest structural metal, it can replace aluminum in existing applications for further weight savings. This review presents an overview of hollow particle filled magnesium matrix syntactic composite foams. Fly ash cenospheres are the most commonly used hollow particles for such applications. Fly ash cenospheres primarily have alumino-silicate composition and contain a large number of trace elements, which makes it challenging to study the interfacial reactions and microstructure in these composites. Microstructures of commonly studied AZ and ZC series magnesium alloys and their syntactic foams are discussed. Although only a few studies are available on these materials because of the nascent stage of this field, a comparison with similar aluminum matrix syntactic foams has provided insight into the properties and weight saving potential of magnesium matrix composites. Analysis shows that the magnesium matrix syntactic foams have higher yield strength at the same level of density compared to most other metal matrix syntactic foams. The comparison can guide future work and set goals that need to be achieved through materials selection and processing method development.
1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Metabolomic Study of Chronic Organophosphate Exposure in Rats
Authors: Alam Todd M. , Neerathilingam Muniasamy , Alam M. Kathleen , Volk David E. , Ansari G. A. Shakeel , Sarkar Swapna , Luxon Bruce A.
Published: July 2012

1H NMR spectroscopy and chemometric analysis were used to characterize rat urine obtained after chronic exposure to either tributyl phosphate (TBP) or triphenyl phosphate (TPP). In this study, the daily dose exposure was 1.5 mg/kg body weight for TBP, or 2.0 mg/kg body weight for TPP, administered over a 15-week period. Orthogonal signal correction (OSC) -filtered partial least square discriminant analysis (OSC-PLSDA) was used to predict and classify exposure to these organophosphates. During the development of the model, the classification error was evaluated as a function of the number of latent variables. NMR spectral regions and corresponding metabolites important for determination of exposure type were identified using variable importance in projection (VIP) coefficients obtained from the OSC-PLSDA analysis. As expected, the model for classification of chronic (1.5–2.0 mg/kg body weight daily) TBP or TPP exposure was not as strong as the previously reported model developed for identifying acute (15–20 mg/kg body weight) exposure. The set of majorly impacted metabolites identified for chronic TBP or TPP exposure was slightly different than those metabolites previously identified for acute exposure. These metabolites were then mapped to different metabolite pathways and ranked, allowing the metabolic response to chronic organophosphate exposure to be addressed.
A Proposed Model to Assess and Map Irrigation Water Well Suitability Using Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Omran El-Sayed E.
Published: July 2012

Assessing the vulnerability of groundwater is the first step toward careful management of water resources to avoid or, at least, to minimize impacts on agriculture. The objective of this study was to propose a simple method to assess the groundwater quality and to map its spatial variation in terms of suitability for irrigation in the Darb El-Arbaein area, Southwestern Desert, Egypt. Thirty-six surveyed wells were used to assess and map the groundwater quality. For calculating the Water Quality Index (WQI), a total of 20 (13 chemical, two physical, and five calculated) parameters were considered e.g., EC, pH, Cl, SAR, B, Zn, iron, Mn, Pb and Cd. The results of analyses were used to propose a water quality model. The different water quality maps were produced using GIS software. The results show that three water samples fall into the moderate WQI. Most of the samples (26) fall into the unsuitable WQI category. Seven samples fall into the suitable WQI category. Groundwater samples that fall into the low salinity hazard class and high WQI can be used for irrigation of most crops and the majority of soils. The WQI for the samples ranges from 47.9 to 88.6. The WQI distribution maps delineating an area of 266.66 ha are suitable for irrigation in villages (3,4) and areas of 382.35 ha are moderately suitability for villages (1,2). Since the final map shows the spatial distribution of irrigation water quality in the area, it is now much easier for a decision maker to assess the water quality for irrigation and to locate the most suitable site for drilling wells. The present study demonstrates high efficiency for GIS to analyze complex spatial data and groundwater quality mapping.
Contribución de Graells a la posición de España en el primer convenio internacional para la protección de ciertas especies de la fauna silvestre (1902)
Authors: Ferrero-García J. J.
Published: July 2012

Se describe el proceso que siguió España para decidir si debía suscribir el Convenio Internacional para la Protección de las Aves Útiles a la Agricultura, firmado en 1902. Se pone de manifiesto el papel fundamental que tuvo Mariano de la Paz Graells, uno de los más importantes naturalistas españoles del siglo XIX, en el examen técnico y aceptación del proyecto de dicho convenio, redactado en 1895. Además, se ha realizado un análisis crítico de la postura de Graells en relación con la que puede calificarse como la primera convención internacional para la conservación de ciertas especies de la fauna silvestre.
Comparison of Methods for Processing Sweep-Net Samples of Aquatic Invertebrates From Forested Wetlands
Authors: Foth Justyn R. , Straub Jacob N. , Kaminski Richard M.
Published: July 2012

Aquatic invertebrate data are useful for assessing wetland community structure, function, and water quality. Although collecting samples of aquatic invertebrates is relatively efficient and economical, processing these samples can be time consumptive and costly. Accordingly, researchers have devised methods to increase processing efficiency and effectiveness. For example, supersaturated solutions of solutes in various aqueous media have been used to separate invertebrates from aquatic media and organic matter. However, no study has evaluated this method for extracting invertebrates from sweep-net samples from flooded bottomland hardwood forests. We compared invertebrate recovery rates from samples processed using 1) tap water (control), 2) a supersaturated solution of sugar and water, and 3) a supersaturated solution of salt and water. We also evaluated a subsampling procedure by comparing taxonomic Order-level richness and Shannon diversity between sub- and whole samples. Numbers and dry biomass of invertebrates recovered were similar among the three aforementioned treatments. Use of supersaturated solutions did not reduce processing time, because invertebrates and leaf litter both floated instead of separating. Thus, we recommend using only tap water in processing sweep-net samples of invertebrates from forested wetlands that contain abundant leaf litter. Overall, we recovered 72.2% (95% CI  =  3.0%) of all detected invertebrates and 48.0% (95% CI  =  7.5%) of invertebrate biomass. Invertebrates that weighed less than others (e.g., mosquito larvae; Diptera) were more efficiently recovered than were heavier taxa (e.g., snails; Pulmonata). Our subsampling method underestimated Order-level richness and diversity indexes by 12% and 19%, respectively. However, processing subsamples was nearly two times faster than processing whole samples. Our method of using a sieve to subsample invertebrates is appropriate when numerical abundances are desired, because most (70%) invertebrates were detected and recovered.
Inhibition of CD73 Improves B Cell-Mediated Anti-Tumor Immunity in a Mouse Model of Melanoma
Authors: Forte Giovanni , Sorrentino Rosalinda , Montinaro Antonella , Luciano Antonio , Adcock Ian M. , Maiolino Piera , Arra Claudio , Cicala Carla , Pinto Aldo , Morello Silvana
Published: July 2012

CD73 is a cell surface enzyme that suppresses T cell-mediated immune responses by producing extracellular adenosine. Growing evidence suggests that targeting CD73 in cancer may be useful for an effective therapeutic outcome. In this study, we demonstrate that administration of a specific CD73 inhibitor, adenosine 5′-(α,β-methylene)diphosphate (APCP), to melanoma-bearing mice induced a significant tumor regression by promoting the release of Th1- and Th17-associated cytokines in the tumor microenvironment. CD8+ T cells were increased in melanoma tissue of APCP-treated mice. Accordingly, in nude mice APCP failed to reduce tumor growth. Importantly, we observed that after APCP administration, the presence of B cells in the melanoma tissue was greater than that observed in control mice. This was associated with production of IgG2b within the melanoma. Depletion of CD20+ B cells partially blocked the anti-tumor effect of APCP and significantly reduced the production of IgG2b induced by APCP, implying a critical role for B cells in the anti-tumor activity of APCP. Our results also suggest that APCP could influence B cell activity to produce IgG through IL-17A, which significantly increased in the tumor tissue of APCP-treated mice. In support of this, we found that in melanoma-bearing mice receiving anti–IL-17A mAb, the anti-tumor effect of APCP was ablated. This correlated with a reduced capacity of APCP-treated mice to mount an effective immune response against melanoma, as neutralization of this cytokine significantly affected both the CD8+ T cell- and B cell-mediated responses. In conclusion, we demonstrate that both T cells and B cells play a pivotal role in the APCP-induced anti-tumor immune response.
Aerodynamic Optimization Study of a Coaxial Rotor in Hovering Flight
Authors: Syal Monica , Leishman J. Gordon
Published: July 2012

A primary design goal with a coaxial rotor is to minimize the combined sources of losses on the upper and lower rotors that have their source in aerodynamic interference. To this end, parametric studies were conducted using a free-vortex wake method to study the aerodynamic interference
effects of changing interrotor spacing, blade twist rates, and blade planform on the interdependent loads produced on the upper and lower rotors, respectively. A formal, multistep optimization process was then conducted by coupling the aerodynamic method to an optimization approach based on
the method of feasible directions, the goal being to expeditiously find the individual blade geometries that would give the highest levels of efficiency from the coaxial as a system. Because of the inherent aerodynamic differences between the upper and lower rotors of a coaxial, it is shown
that the best performing coaxial rotors may require the use of different blade shapes on each rotor, but substantially different blade designs may also achieve similar values of aerodynamic efficiency. It is also shown that the nonconvexity of the design problem for a coaxial rotor may limit
the usefulness of formal optimization methods, and extensive parametric studies may still be required in the process of design.
Protection of mice against Japanese encephalitis virus group II strain infections by combinations of monoclonal antibodies to different antigenic domains on glycoprotein E
Authors: Gupta Ashok Kumar , Koshy Attiyaril Abraham , Lad Vaibhavi Jawahar
Published: July 2012

A combination of at least three hemagglutination- inhibition-positive (HAI) and virus-specific (Hs) monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to glycoprotein E (gpE) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) fully protected (100%) mice against JEV strain 733913 infections (group 1). However, these representative epitopes are reported to have been lost on JEV group II strains. In the present study, therefore, the protective effect of various combinations of anti-gpE MAbs representing antigenic epitopes other than Hs was studied on mice infections with JEV group II strains: JEV strains 641686 and 691004. MAbs used in the protective experiments were characterized as HAI-negative virus-specific (NHs) and HAI-positive flavivirus cross-reactive (Hx). Additionally, one of the Hs MAbs (MAb Hs-3) was included in the experiments. Mice were first administered single MAbs or their combinations intraperitoneally and 24 h later, infected with the virus intracerebrally. Protection rates of 70-75% were obtained with a combination of four MAbs: MAbs NHs-1, Hx-1, Hx-3 and Hs-3. However, protection rates of only 20-40% were obtained with three MAbs but none was observed with single or two MAbs. There was, however, a substantial increase in mice survival. The protective effect of several combinations of anti-gpE MAbs representing different antigenic epitopes might be due to the enhancement of binding within the same group and also between different MAb groups. The present results indicate that NHs and Hx epitopes should be incorporated with three Hs epitopes in a JEV vaccine that would have an added advantage, particularly in the flaviviral endemic areas with JEV strain variations.
Knowledge, attitude and practice study of HIV in female adolescents presenting for contraceptive services in a rural health district in the north-east of Namibia
Authors: Ntumba Alexis , Scott Vera , Igumbor Ehimario
Published: July 2012

Background: Namibia bears a large burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and the youth are disproportionately affected. Objectives: To explore the current knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of female adolescents attending family planning to HIV prevention.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used on a sample 251 unmarried female adolescents aged from 13 years to 19 years accessing primary care services for contraception using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using Epi Info 2002. Crude associations were assessed using cross-tabulations of knowledge, attitude and behaviour scores against demographic variables. Chi-square tests and odds ratios were used to assess associations from the cross-tabulations. All p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: A quarter of sexually active teenagers attending the family-planning services did not have adequate knowledge of HIV prevention strategies. Less than a quarter (23.9%) always used a condom. Most respondents (83.3%) started sexual intercourse when older than 16 years, but only 38.6% used a condom at their sexual debut. The older the girls were at sexual debut, the more likely they were to use a condom for the event (8% did so at age 13 years and 100% at age 19 years).Conclusions: Knowledge of condom use as an HIV prevention strategy did not translate into consistent condom use. One alternate approach in family-planning facilities may be to encourage condom use as a dual protection method. Delayed onset of sexual activity and consistent use of condoms should be encouraged amongst schoolchildren, in the school setting.
The Gauss–Bonnet theorem for noncommutative two tori with a general conformal structure
Authors: Fathizadeh Farzad , Khalkhali Masoud
Published: July 2012

In this paper we give a proof of the Gauss–Bonnet theorem of Connes and Tretkoff for noncommutative two tori

\mathbb{T}_{\theta}^2

equipped with an arbitrary translation invariant complex structure. More precisely, we show that for any complex number

\tau

in the upper half plane, representing the conformal class of a metric on

\mathbb{T}_{\theta}^2

, and a Weyl factor given by a positive invertible element

k \in C^{\infty}(\mathbb{T}_{\theta}^2)

, the value at the origin,

\zeta (0)

, of the spectral zeta function of the Laplacian

\triangle\mkern-.5mu '

attached to

(\mathbb{T}_{\theta}^2, \tau, k)

is independent of

\tau

and

k

.
A categorical approach to cyclic duality
Authors: Böhm Gabriella , Ştefan Dragoş
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to provide a unifying categorical framework for the many examples of para-(co)cyclic modules arising from Hopf cyclic theory. Functoriality of the coefficients is immediate in this approach. A functor corresponding to Connes’s cyclic duality is constructed. Our methods allow, in particular, to extend Hopf cyclic theory to (Hopf) bialgebroids.
The Short-term Clinical Performance of a Silorane-based Resin Composite in the Proximal Contacts of Class II Restorations
Authors: Gonçalves Fabiana Santos , Castro Carolina Dolabela Leal , Bueno Audrey Cristina , de Freitas Amanda Beatriz Dadah Aniceto , Moreira Alysson Nogueira , Magalhães Cláudia Silami
Published: July 2012

Aim

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the proximal contact of a silorane-based resin composite with a conventional methacrylate-based resin composite in class II restorations after a 6 months follow-up period.

Materials and methods

After obtaining informed consent, 33 patients were randomly allocated into a test group (Filtek P90/Adhesive System-3M ESPE) or control group (Filtek P60/ Adper SE Plus-3M ESPE), and 100 direct resin composite restorations (n = 50) were placed. A single operator performed the cavities and restorations. After rubber dam placement, a metal matrix and wooden wedge were placed. The restorative systems were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. After 1 week, the restorations were finished and polished. The proximal contacts were assessed blindly and independently by two calibrated examiners (kW = 0.8) at the baseline and after 6 months according to a three-step grading criteria. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed Rank tests (α = 0.05). Results: After 6 months, 96% of the restoration contacts were present for evaluation. The frequencies of restorations classified as Bravo in control and test groups were 6 and 8% at the baseline, and 6.25 and 12.75% after 6 months. No significant difference was found between the restorative materials (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U-test) neither between baseline and 6 months period (p > 0.05; Wilcoxon signed Rank tests).

Conclusion

Both materials performed satisfactorily over 6 months follow-up period.

Clinical significance

The short-term clinical performance of a silorane-based resin composite in the proximal contacts of class II restorations was similar to the well-known methacrylate-based resin composite.

How to cite this article

Gonçalves FS, Castro CDL, Bueno AC, de Freitas ABDA, Moreira AN, Magalhães CS. The Shortterm Clinical Performance of a Silorane-based Resin Composite in the Proximal Contacts of Class II Restorations. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):251-256.