bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geological and Geophysical Observations to Determine the Gas Seepage Source of Titas Gas Field Region, Bangladesh
Authors: Bijoy Sourov Datta , Gazi Md Yousuf , Kabir SM Mainul , Imam Badrul
Published: April 2020

Titas Gas Field, the largest gas field in Bangladesh, has been encountering gas seepages in numerous points at the surface in an area of about 7 sq. km. at the southeastern part of the field since 2006. Gas has been seeping through the water wells, small and large holes in the fields including agricultural lands, in the river and through the cracks in the ground. The present research attempts to point out the source of the gas seepages based on the field studies, wireline log analyses and other available borehole data. A reconnaissance resistivity survey has been carried out around the high seepages area to detect any evidence of shallow subsurface fault. No fault was detected by resistivity survey in the shallow depth in the seepage area and thus fault as a conduit for the seepage could not be confirmed. Primarily, all wells of Titas Well Location (TWL-C) (Titas-06, 08, 09 and 10) were suspected as possible source wells as the surface distribution of seepages generally clusters around TWL-C. Titas-06 and Titas-08 were taken out of suspect list as the gas seepage distributions do not follow well path and cement bonding against reservoir sands including ‘A’ sand in these two wells are also good. Gas seepages follow the well trajectories of Titas-09 and 10 wells but cement bonding against ‘A’ gas sand in Titas-09 also discarded the well as a probable source of the gas seepage. Also, the suggestion that Titas well-03 could be a source of gas seep is also ruled out because of the fact that it is located 3 km away from the seepage area, there is no evidence of any seepage in between the well 3 and the seepage area, and the gas sands are also well protected. The above evidences turned the whole focus onto Titas-10. Gamma ray, resistivity, density, sonic and neutron log signatures recorded initially in the Titas-10 well strongly indicated a major gas sand and has been designated ‘A1’ gas sand. On the basis of various logs including CBL/VDL log it is evident that about 23 meters (3157-3180-meter MD) gas sand at the top which is not protected by cement. It is most likely source of gas seeps in Titas gas field is the gap in the cement protection at the top of A sand in Titas-10 well.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(1): 93-109, June 2019
Development, Host Preference and Leaf Consumption of the Lime Swallow Tail Butterfly, Papilio Polytes Romulus Cramer (Papilionidae: Lepidoptera) on Citrus
Authors: Khan MMH , Molla MN , Rahman MA
Published: April 2020

Studies were conducted to know the developmental period and host preference of the lime swallow tail butterfly, Papilio polytes romulus Cramer and leaf consumption by its larvae on citrus in the laboratory. Ten Citrus host plants such as Kagoji lime-BAU-1, BAU-2, BAU-3, BAU-4, BARI kagoji, elachi lime, sweet orange, orange, jamir and Pumelo were used as study materials. Results revealed that the most preferred host of Papilio polytes romulus L. was Elachi followed by BAU-3 and Orange while the least preferred host was Pumelo. Eggs were pale yellow and spherical. The average length of newly hatched caterpillars, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larvae were 2.32 mm, 10.75 mm, 14.50 mm, 24.80 mm and 39.50 mm, respectively. The mean duration of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th instar larvae and pre-pupa were 2.20, 2.15, 2.35, 2.25, 2.35 and 1.0 days, respectively. The average length of the pupal stage, adult male and female butterfly were 29.50, 24.00 and 25.75 mm, respectively. The mean longevity of female and male was 6.5 and 3.9 days. The percentage of leaf area consumed was increased with increasing the age of larvae. The highest percentage of leaf area was consumed by the 5th instar larva (100) followed by 4th instar (75) while the lowest percentage of leaf area was consumed by the 1st instar larva (15) in 72 hours after release.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(1): 111-125, June 2019
Estimation of Carbon Stock in the Peat Soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin MJ , Mohiuddin ASM
Published: April 2020

There are a very few study on the estimation of carbon stocks in the peat soils of Bangladesh. There are three categories of peat soils in Bangladesh: Sapric peat, Hemic peat and Fibric peat. A study was conducted in these three kinds of peat soils at 100 cm depths regarding their stock. The study shows that the carbon in peat soils is about 0.12 Pg whereas it was about 0.25 Pg during 1970s. So, it was found that soil organic carbon loss is alarming and it has been reduced by half during 50 years of agricultural intensification in Bangladesh. These peat soils are losing their carbon due to the decrease of inundation level by climate change, intensive agricultural use and even fuel use for cooking purposes by the local stakeholders. So, it is very much urgent to take steps in preserving the peat soils of Bangladesh.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(1): 127-136, June 2019
Pesticide Residue Analysis in Pond and Canal Water Samples From the Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin MA , Rashid MH , Chowdhury NUA , Nesha M , Choudhury MAZ , Rahman MA
Published: April 2020

Abstract Not Available

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(1): 145-149, June 2019
Seed Germination in Six Anticancerous Plants of Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Nahid , Rahman M Oliur , Hassan Md Abul
Published: April 2020

Six medicinal plants, namely Boerhavia diffusa L., Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br., Jatropha gossypifolia L., Leonurus sibiricus L., Plumbago zeylanica L. and Ricinus communis L. of Bangladesh having anticancerous properties were investigated with a view to knowing their seed germination time, rate and pattern. The minimum days taken for seed germination in B. diffusa, C. procera, J. gossypifolia, L. sibiricus, P. zeylanica and R. communis were 70, 9, 24, 75, 11 and 14, respectively. The maximum time (130 days) required for germination was observed in Leonurus sibiricus. The highest germination rate (100%) was observed in Plumbago zeylanica, while the lowest rate (10%) was found in Ricinus communis. Epigeal type of germination was noted in all the species employed.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 151-159, December 2019
New Records of the Goatfish, Upeneus Vittatus (Forsskal 1775) and Upeneus Supravittatus (Uiblein and Heemstra 2010) (Preciformes, Mullidae), From Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Shilpi , Sehrin Subrina , Masud Abdullah Al , Habib Kazi Ahsan , Sarker Anirban , Baki Mohammad Abdul
Published: April 2020

Genus Upeneus distributed in Indo-Pacific, South Africa, north to southern Japan and south to New Caledonia. Although there is difficulty in identifying accurately goatfish solely on the basis of morphology, U. vittatus and U. supravittatus were confirmed by both using morphological characters and DNA barcoding cytochrome oxidase I subunit (COI) approach for the first time in St. Martin’s Island, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Increased number of species of the genus Upeneus was found in Bangladesh from 3 to 5 and extended the distribution range.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 161-173, December 2019
Incorporation of Sequence Stratigraphy in Gas Reservoir Correlation: A Case Study
Authors: Parvin Afroza , Woobaidullah ASM
Published: April 2020

The application of sequence stratigraphy to resolve the miscorrelation between different genetic units in reservoir characterization in a gas field of Surma Basin is dealt with. Interpretation of available seismic and wireline logs (gamma ray, resistivity, density and neutron porosity) give the sequence stratigraphic correlation of reservoir sands. The reservoirs geometry, its extent, seal architecture and trapping styles have been revealed better with this correlation. There is juxtaposition of two reservoir sands, namely A1 and A2. A1 is located at older highstand sand, whereas A2 is in the younger lowstand sand. Lithostratigraphically they might be same but sequences stratigraphy reveals that they are different and deposited at different times. Moreover, the concept reveals that lowstand sand has better reservoir quality than any highstand and transgressive sand.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 209-216, December 2019
Effects of Wetting Media Cattle Blood, Rice Gruel and Water on the Yield and Amino Acid Composition of Tubificid Worms
Authors: Hasan Mahmud , Haque Md Inja Mamun , Akter Nafia , Rahman Mohammad Shamsur , Eti Afroza Sultana
Published: April 2020

The effects of three wetting media (cattle blood, rice gruel and subsurface clean water) of the culture media ingredients (a mixture of mustard oil cake, soybean meal and mud) on the yield and amino acid composition of tubificid worms cultured on a pilot scale in a fish farm for 42 days were evaluated. The worm yields were in the order: cattle blood wetted media (683.68 ± 3.86 mg/cm2), rice gruel (615.63 ± 3.66 mg/cm2), water (584. 38 ± 1.41 mg/cm2). Lysine, arginine and leucine were the most prevalent of the eight essential amino acids in worms cultured in the media wetted in cattle blood medium. The results suggested that a mixture of 40% mustard oil cake, 30% soybean meal and 30% mud can be used for the commercial culture of tubificid worms as live fish food. The tubificid worms showed high level of amino acids suitable for fish that require a high content of dietary amino acids.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 229-239, December 2019
Effects of Drought Stress on Growth and Accumulation of Proline in Five Rice Varieties (Oryza Sativa L.)
Authors: Saha Shukanta , Begum Hasna Hena , Nasrin Shamima
Published: April 2020

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of drought stress on growth and accumulation of proline in five rice varieties namely BRRI dhan-30, BRRI dhan-32, BRRI dhan-34, BRRI dhan-38 and BRRI dhan-56 and to characterize them on the basis of their behavior of drought tolerance. Drought stress caused the decrease of growth like root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, the ratio of root-shoot length. Among the rice varieties, BRRI dhan-56 showed the lowest decrease of growth of plant. BRRI dhan-56 showed the least decrease of water content in both root and shoot. On the other hand, the accumulation of proline was increased in five rice varieties under stress. BRRI dhan-56 showed the highest (3.7- folds) increase in the accumulation of proline in leaf under stress. This study suggests that BRRI dhan-56 may possess drought tolerance characteristics while BRRI dhan-30, BRRI dhan-32, BRRI dhan-34 and BRRI dhan-38 may be drought sensitive based on their growth and proline accumulation behavior.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 241-247, December 2019
Application of Repeated Average Method on Generalized Fuzzy Soft Matrix for Decision Making
Authors: Hasan MK , Rahman MM , Sultana Abeda
Published: April 2020

Molodtsov introduced the theory of soft sets, which can be seen as a new mathematical approach to vagueness. Maji and his associates have further initiated several basic notions of soft set theory. They have also introduced the concept of fuzzy soft set, a more generalized concept, which is a combination of fuzzy set and soft set. In this paper, Repeated Average Method has been used in Generalized Fuzzy Soft Matrix for prompt decision making.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 249-259, December 2019
Medical School Accreditation in Libya: Current Trends and Future Challenges.
Authors: Atia Ahmed
Published: April 2020

Medical school education plays a significant role in the advancement of any country. The recent global progressions and changes in medical education will create a great burden on the third world countries, including Libya. In order to measure the quality educational systems, it is relevant to establish a functional system that recognizes and measure the essential abilities to meet quality service needs in communities as well as apply principles of emerging basics for quality medical practice locally and internationally. Since its establishment in 2006 to the present, the national center for quality assurance and accreditation in Libya NCQAA has accomplished its command as the sole accreditation council for the all existing medical schools in Libya. With prospective vision, the NCQAA’s role will be to further encourage all medical schools in Libya towards the nonstop improvement to meet the international standards. Furthermore, the 2015 revision of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) requires that all medical schools meet the new accreditation standards by 2023. Hence, the next step for NCQAA is to audit the progress and increase the standard of medical education in individual schools, with the eventual goal of reaching superior standard of medical education for all schools in Libya. This commentary describes the current trends in Libyan medical education accreditation and how this concern has inspired the Libyan authorities to take action in this regard.
Serum Omentin Levels in Adolescent Girls With Anorexia Nervosa and Obesity
Authors: OŚWIĘCIMSKA J. , SUWAŁA A. , ŚWIĘTOCHOWSKA E. , OSTROWSKA Z. , GORCZYCA P. , ZIORA-JAKUTOWICZ K. , MACHURA E. , SZCZEPAŃSKA M. , KUKLA M. , STOJEWSKA M. , ZIORA D. , ZIORA K.
Published: April 2020

It is believed that omentin is secreted by stromal cells of adipose tissue and modulates insulin sensitivity. Data from a few studies have shown lower serum omentin in obese children and higher in anorexia nervosa. However, to date, there is lack of research on serum omentin concentrations in adolescent patients in a wide range of body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance. In this cross-sectional study omentin-1 serum concentrations were evaluated using commercially available ELISA kit in 47 Polish girls with restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN), 50 with simple obesity (OB) and 39 healthy controls (C). The mean serum omentin-1 concentration in girls with AN was statistically significantly higher than that of C and OB girls. Statistically significant (P<0.0001) negative correlations between the serum concentrations of omentin-1 and body weight (r=−0.73), BMI (r=−0.75), standard deviation score for body mass index (BMI-SDS) (r=−0.75), insulin (r=−0.81) and HOMA-IR index (r=−0.82) were seen in the entire examined population. We conclude, that omentin-1 is the nutritional marker reflecting body weight and insulin resistance. Our findings support the hypothesized role of omentin in maintenance of body weight and regulation of appetite and suggest the adaptation of its secretion to body weight and glucose metabolism.
Hydrogen Sulfide Improves the Endothelial Dysfunction in Renovascular Hypertensive Rats
Authors: XUE H. , ZHOU S. , XIAO L. , GUO Q. , LIU S. , WU Y.
Published: April 2020

As a novel gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has vasodilating and antihypertensive effects in cardiovascular system. Thus, we hypothesized that H2S might have beneficial effects on thoracic endothelial function in two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) rats, a model of renovascular hypertension. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 56 μmol/kg/day) was administrated intra-peritoneally from the third day after the 2K1C operation. Along with the development of hypertension, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured before the operation and each week thereafter. The oxidative stress was determined by measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and protein expression of oxidative stress-related proteins (AT1R, NADPH oxidase subunits). Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vasocontraction were performed on isolated thoracic aorta. The SBP was significantly increased from the first week after operation, and was lowered by NaHS. NaHS supplementation ameliorated endothelial dysfunction. The protein expression of oxidative stress-related proteins were downregulated, while SOD activity upregulated. In conclusion, improvement of endothelial function is involved in the antihypertensive mechanism of H2S. The protective effect of H2S is attributable to suppression of vascular oxidative stress that involves inhibition of Ang II-AT1R action, downregulation of oxidases, as well as upregulation of antioxidant enzyme.
Impaired PI3K/Akt Signaling as a Potential Cause of Failure to Precondition Rat Hearts Under Conditions of Simulated Hyperglycemia
Authors: ZÁLEŠÁK M. , BLAŽÍČEK P. , GABLOVSKÝ I. , LEDVÉNYIOVÁ V. , BARTEKOVÁ M. , ZIEGELHÖFFER A. , RAVINGEROVÁ T.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of simulated acute hyperglycemia (HG) on PI3K/Akt signaling in preconditioned and non-preconditioned isolated rat hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution containing normal (11 mmol/l) or elevated (22 mmol/l) glucose subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning (IP) was induced by two 5-min cycles of coronary occlusion followed by 5-min reperfusion. Protein levels of Akt, phosphorylated (activated) Akt (P-Akt), as well as contents of BAX protein were assayed (Western blotting) in cytosolic fraction of myocardial tissue samples taken prior to and after 30-min global ischemia and 40-min reperfusion. In “normoglycemic” conditions (NG), IP significantly increased P-Akt at the end of long-term ischemia, while reperfusion led to its decrease together with the decline of BAX levels as compared to non-preconditioned hearts. On the contrary, under HG conditions, P-Akt tended to decline in IP-hearts after long-term ischemia, and it was significantly higher after reperfusion than in non-preconditioned controls. No significant influence of IP on BAX levels at the end of I/R was observed under HG conditions. It seems that high glucose may influence IP-induced activation of Akt and its downstream targets, as well as maintain persistent Akt activity that may be detrimental for the heart under above conditions.
ROS Scavenger Decreases Basal Perfusion Pressure, Vasoconstriction and NO Synthase Activity in Pulmonary Circulation During Pulmonary Microembolism
Authors: MIZERA R. , HODYC D. , HERGET J.
Published: April 2020

Two mechanisms contribute in the development of pulmonary hypertension in pulmonary embolism (PE) – obstruction of pulmonary blood vessels and vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that hypoxia, increased shear stress and/or activation of gathered leukocytes in the PE may cause a release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore our aim was to determine the influence of the ROS scavenger Tempol on pulmonary hypertension and to describe NO synthase activity and production of NO oxidative products (NOx) after PE. In general anesthesia sephadex microspheres suspended in PSS were applied in right jugular vein as the pulmonary microembolism. Than we measured in isolated salt solution-perfused lungs the changes in perfusion pressure, activity of NO synthase and NOx plasma concentration in 7 groups of rats: C: control group (n=5), CN: C + sodium nitroprusside (SN) (n=5), EN: PE + SN (n=5), ETN: Tempol + PE + SN (n=5), CL: C + L-NAME (n=5), EL: PE + L-NAME (n=5), ETL: Tempol + PE + L-NAME (n=5). Tempol was applied intraperitoneally before PE. Animals that received Tempol (groups TN, TL) had significantly lower basal perfusion pressure than those which did not receive Tempol (EN, EL). Overall we measured a higher decrease of perfusion pressure than in the control group (C) after application of SN. Administration of L NAME after PE (EL) increased the pressure more than in the control group (NL). NOx concentration was higher after PE. We found that preventive administration of Tempol decreases the increase in perfusion pressure after PE. PE increased NO release and concentration of NOx.
The Protective Influence of Selenium on Oxidant Disturbances in Brain of Rats Exposed to Lithium
Authors: KIEŁCZYKOWSKA M. , KOCOT J. , LEWANDOWSKA A. , ŻELAZOWSKA R. , MUSIK I.
Published: April 2020

For more than sixty years lithium carbonate has been used in medicine. However, during its administration different side effects including oxidative stress can occur. Selenium belongs to essential elements possessing antioxidant properties. This study aimed at evaluating if selenium could be used as a protective adjuvant in lithium therapy. The experiment was performed on four groups of Wistar rats: I (control), II (Li), III (Se), IV (Li + Se) treated with saline, lithium carbonate (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w.), sodium selenite (0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.) and lithium carbonate (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w.) + sodium selenite (0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.), respectively. All substances were administered as water solutions by stomach tube for 3 or 6 weeks. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were determined in brain homogenates. Lithium slightly enhanced MDA and depressed CAT and SOD after 6 weeks as well as GPx after 3 weeks. Selenium co-administration showed tendency to restore the disturbed parameters. Selenium alone and given with lithium significantly increased GPx vs. Li-treated group after 3 weeks. Having regarded the outcomes of this study, the research on application of selenium during lithium treatment seems to be worth continuation.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation Improves Cardiac Dysfunction in Rats With Chronic Pressure Overload
Authors: LI Z.-Z. , JIANG H. , CHEN D. , LIU Q. , GENG J. , GUO J.-Q. , SUN R.-H. , ZHU G.-Q. , SHAN Q.-J.
Published: April 2020

Varied causative and risk factors can lead to cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac dysfunction often evolves into heart failure by cardiac remodeling due to autonomic nervous system disturbance and neurohumoral abnormalities, even if the detriment factors are removed. Renal sympathetic nerve activity plays a pivotal regulatory role in neurohumoral mechanisms. The present study was designed to determine the therapeutic effects of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) on cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, and neurohumoral response in transverse aortic constriction (TAC) rats with chronic pressure overload. The present study demonstrated that RSD attenuated myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy, and structural remodeling of the left atrium and ventricle, up-regulated cardiac β adrenoceptor (β-AR, including β1AR and β2AR) and sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) while down-regulated angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), and decreased plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin II (Ang II), and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels in TAC rats with chronic pressure overload. We conclude that RSD attenuates myocardial fibrosis, the left atrial enlargement, and the left ventricular wall hypertrophy; inhibits the overdrive of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and AVP system in TAC rats with chronic pressure overload. RSD could be a promising non-pharmacological approach to control the progression of cardiac dysfunction.
Hepatocyte Transplantation Attenuates the Course of Acute Liver Failure Induced by Thioacetamide in Lewis Rats
Authors: KOBLIHOVÁ E. , LUKŠAN O. , MRÁZOVÁ I. , RYSKA M. , ČERVENKA L.
Published: April 2020

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical syndrome resulting from widespread damage of hepatocytes, with extremely high mortality rate. Urgent orthotopic liver transplantation was shown to be the most effective therapy for ALF but this treatment option is limited by scarcity of donor organs. Therefore, hepatocyte transplantation (Tx) has emerged as a new therapeutical measure for ALF, however, the first clinical applications proved unsatisfactory. Apparently, extensive preclinical studies are needed. Our aim was to examine if hepatocytes isolated from transgenic “firefly luciferase” Lewis rats into the recipient liver would attenuate the course of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced ALF in Lewis rats. Untreated Lewis rats after TAA administration showed a profound decrease in survival rate; no animal survived 54 h. The rats showed marked increases in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, in plasma level of bilirubin and ammonia (NH3), and in a significant decrease in plasma albumin. Hepatocyte Tx attenuated the course of TAA-induced ALF Lewis rats which was reflected by improved survival rate and reduced degree of liver injury showing as lowering of elevated plasma ALT, AST, NH3 and bilirubin levels and increasing plasma albumin. In addition, bioluminescence imaging analyses have shown that in the TAA damaged livers the transplanted hepatocyte were fully viable throughout the experiment. In conclusion, the results show that hepatocyte Tx into the liver can attenuate the course of TAA induced ALF in Lewis rats. This information should be considered in attempts to develop new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of ALF.
Recombinant Human Tissue Non-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase Successfully Counteracts Lipopolysaccharide Induced Sepsis in Mice
Authors: BENDER B. , BARANYI M. , KEREKES A. , BODROGI L. , BRANDS R. , UHRIN P. , BÖSZE Z.
Published: April 2020

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and death especially if not recognized early and treated promptly. Molecular mechanisms underlying the systemic inflammatory response syndrome associated with sepsis are still not completely defined and most therapies developed to target the acute inflammatory component of the disease are insufficient. In this study we investigated a possibility of combating sepsis in a mouse model by intravenous treatment with recombinant human tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (rhTNAP) derived from transgenic rabbit milk. We induced sepsis in mice by intraperitoneal injection of LPS and three hours later treated experimental group of mice by intravenous injection with rhTNAP derived from transgenic rabbits. Such treatment was proved to be physiologically effective in this model, as administration of recombinant rhTNAP successfully combated the decrease in body temperature and resulted in increased survival of mice (80 % vs. 30 % in a control group). In a control experiment, also the administration of bovine intestinal alkaline phosphatase by intravenous injection proved to be effective in increasing survival of mice treated with LPS. Altogether, present work demonstrates the redeeming effect of the recombinant tissue non-specific AP derived from milk of genetically modified rabbits in combating sepsis induced by LPS.
CARM1 Modulators Affect Epigenome of Stem Cells and Change Morphology of Nucleoli
Authors: FRANEK M. , LEGARTOVÁ S. , SUCHÁNKOVÁ J. , MILITE C. , CASTELLANO S. , SBARDELLA G. , KOZUBEK S. , BÁRTOVÁ E.
Published: April 2020

CARM1 interacts with numerous transcription factors to mediate cellular processes, especially gene expression. This is important for the maintenance of ESC pluripotency or intervention to tumorigenesis. Here, we studied epigenomic effects of two potential CARM1 modulators: an activator (EML159) and an inhibitor (ellagic acid dihydrate, EA). We examined nuclear morphology in human and mouse embryonic stem cells (hESCs, mESCs), as well as in iPS cells. The CARM1 modulators did not function similarly in all cell types. EA decreased the levels of the pluripotency markers, OCT4 and NANOG, particularly in iPSCs, whereas the levels of these proteins increased after EML159 treatment. EML159 treatment of mouse ESCs led to decreased levels of OCT4 and NANOG, which was accompanied by an increased level of Endo-A. The same trend was observed for NANOG and Endo-A in hESCs affected by EML159. Interestingly, EA mainly changed epigenetic features of nucleoli because a high level of arginine asymmetric di-methylation in the nucleoli of hESCs was reduced after EA treatment. ChIP-PCR of ribosomal genes confirmed significantly reduced levels of H3R17me2a, in both the promoter region of ribosomal genes and rDNA encoding 28S rRNA, after EA addition. Moreover, EA treatment changed the nuclear pattern of AgNORs (silver-stained nucleolus organizer regions) in all cell types studied. In EA-treated ESCs, AgNOR pattern was similar to the pattern of AgNORs after inhibition of RNA pol I by actinomycin D. Together, inhibitory effect of EA on arginine methylation and effect on related morphological parameters was especially observed in compartment of nucleoli.
Polymorphisms Associated With Low Bone Mass and High Risk of Atraumatic Fracture
Authors: ZOFKOVA I. , NEMCIKOVA P. , KUKLIK M.
Published: April 2020

Osteoporosis is a serious disease characterized by high morbidity and mortality due to atraumatic fractures. In the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, except environment and internal factors, such as hormonal imbalance and genetic background, are also in play. In this study candidate genes for osteoporosis were classified according to metabolic or hormonal pathways, which regulate bone mineral density and bone quality (estrogen, RANKL/RANK/OPG axis, mevalonate, the canonical circuit and genes regulating the vitamin D system). COL1A1 and/or COL1A2 genes, which encode formation of the procollagen 1 molecule, were also studied. Mutations in these genes are well-known causes of the inborn disease ‘osteogenesis imperfecta’. In addition to this, polymorphisms in COL1A1 and/or COL1A2 have been found to be associated with parameters of bone quality in adult subjects. The authors discuss the perspectives for the practical utilization of pharmacogenetics (identification of single candidate genes using PCR) and pharmacogenomics (using genome wide association studies (GWAS) to choose optimal treatment for osteoporosis). Potential predictors of antiresorptive therapy efficacy include the following well established genes: ER, FDPS, Cyp19A1, VDR, Col1A1, and Col1A2, as well as the gene for the canonical (Wnt) pathway. Unfortunately, the positive outcomes seen in most association studies have not been confirmed by other researchers. The controversial results could be explained by the use of different methodological approaches in individual studies (different sample size, homogeneity of investigated groups, ethnic differences, or linkage disequilibrium between genes). The key pitfall of association studies is the low variability (7-10 %) of bone phenotypes associated with the investigated genes. Nevertheless, the identification of new genes and the verification of their association with bone density and/or quality (using both PCR and GWAS), remain a great challenge in the optimal prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
The Comparison of In Vivo Properties of Water-Soluble HPMA-Based Polymer Conjugates with Doxorubicin Prepared by Controlled RAFT or Free Radical Polymerization
Authors: CHYTIL P. , ŠÍROVÁ M. , KOZIOLOVÁ E. , ULBRICH K. , ŘÍHOVÁ B. , ETRYCH T.
Published: April 2020

Two conjugates of anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) covalently bound by the hydrolytically degradable hydrazone bond to the polymer carrier based on water-soluble N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers were synthesized and their properties were compared, namely their behavior in vivo. The polymer carriers differed in dispersity due to different methods of synthesis; the carrier with relatively high dispersity (HD) was prepared by free radical polymerization (Mw = 29 900 g/mol, Ð = 1.75) and the carrier with low dispersity (LD) by controlled radical polymerization (Mw = 30 000 g/mol, Ð = 1.13). Both polymer-Dox conjugates showed prolonged blood circulation and tumor accumulation of the drug in comparison with the free drug; e.g. the tumor-to-blood ratio for the polymer-bound Dox was 3-5 times higher. The LD polymer-Dox conjugate exhibited moderately higher tumor accumulation than the HD one at a dose of 1 x 15 mg Dox (eq.)/kg. Also, their anti-tumor activity did not differ when injected at this dose. However, the increase of the dose to 1 x 25 mg Dox (eq.)/kg resulted in the enhanced therapeutic activity of the conjugates, especially of the LD one with 100 % of long-term survivals. The dispersity of polymer drug carriers influenced the tumor accumulation rate, which affected the overall anti-cancer activity of polymer-drug conjugates.
MENINGKATKAN KINERJA GURU DALAM PROSES PEMBELAJARAN DI KELAS MELALUI SUPERVISI EDUKATIF KOLABORATIF DI SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Aina Tuti
Published: April 2020

penelitian ini dilatorbelakangi oleh masih lemahnya guru dalam melaksanakan proses pembelajaran di sekolah dasar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan sekolah yang dilaksanakan di SD Negeri 001 Pujud dan SD Negeri 002 Pujud. Subjek penelitian ini adalah guru SD yang berjumlah 12 orang. Strategi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah supervise edukatif kolabaoratif. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kinerja guru dalam proses pembelajaran. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa hasil perencanaan pada siklus I mendapat nilai sebesar 72.1% dan meningkat pada siklus II menjadi 87.9%. penilaian pada pelaksanaan siklus I mendapat nilai sebesar 71,9% dan meningkat pada siklus II menjadi 88.6%. Penilaian pada evaluasi siklus I mendapat nilai sebesar 71.2%, dan pada siklus II meningkat menjadi 90.7%. penilain tindak lanjut pada siklus I mendapat nilai sebesar 64.96% dan pada siklus II meningkat menjadi 88.2%. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa dengan menerapkan supervise edukatif kolaboratif dapat meningkatkan kompetensi guru dalam proses pembelajaran yang dilakukan di Sekolah Dasar
Effectiveness of Ketapang Leaf Extract (Terminal Capta L) in Water Media on Crude Egg Hatching
Authors: Basir Buana , Kaharuddin Kaharuddin
Published: April 2020

Ketapang leaves are one of the leaves that are already known bioactive materials contained therein which can be utilized in aquaculture media. This study aims to analyze the use of ketapang (Termianal capta L.) leaf extract in water media on the hatchability of cork fish eggs (Channa striata). The research is expected to provide knowledge about the benefits of ketapang leaves in aquaculture media and the hatchability of cork fish eggs. The study was conducted at the Fish Seed Center (BBI) Bantimurung, Maros Regency. The test sample came from BBI Bantimurung. The study used 4 experimental methods with 3 replications each addition of ketapang leaf extract on water media, namely media without ketapang leaf extract (A), the addition of ketapang leaf extract 10 ppm (B), the addition of ketapang leaf extract 20 ppm (C), addition of 30 ppm ketapang leaf extract (D). The results showed that the treatment significantly affected the hatchability of cork fish eggs. The highest average hatchability of eggs in treatment D with a concentration of ketapang leaf extract was 30 ppm. Water quality parameters under optimal conditions, namely temperature 27.5-28 0C, pH 7.1-7.5, DO 4.5-5.5 ppm, NH3 0.001-0.016 ppm. Ketapang leaf extract can increase the hatchability of cork fish eggs to a concentration of 30 ppm.
Incubation Temperature Influences the Duration of Egg Hatching and Early Development in the Boreal Digging Frog, Kaloula Borealis
Authors: Rae Rho-Jeong
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the boreal digging frog, Kaloula borealis, to determine the egg hatching period and whether the hatching period is affected by incubation temperature. The results of this study showed that all the eggs hatched within 48 h after spawning, with 28.1% (±10.8, n=52) hatching within 24 h and 99.9% (±0.23, n=49) within 48 h after spawning. A significant difference was noted in the mean hatching proportion of tadpoles at different water temperatures. The mean hatching rates between 15 and 24 h after spawning was higher at a water temperature of 21.1 (±0.2) °C than at 24.1 (±0.2) °C. These results suggest that incubation temperature affected the early life stages of the boreal digging frog, since they spawn in ponds or puddles that form during the rainy season.
Do Contraceptive Rods Affect the Behaviour of African Lions (Panthera leo) in Captivity?
Authors: Jansen Anne Lucia , Thodberg Karen
Published: April 2020

Surplus animals in zoos and wildlife parks are handled differently across Europe. Some zoos use the “Breed and Cull”-method where animals are allowed to reproduce, and surplus animals culled when the mature. Other zoos sterilize the animals or inject them with contraceptive rods to prevent reproduction. Naturally secreted hormones affect both behaviour and morphology, but the effect of the injected hormones has not been studied in lions. The aim of this observational study was to compare the behaviour in captive groups of female lions, that had either been injected with contraceptive rods or not. The study was made in eight different zoos in Denmark, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. We found no significant differences in the behaviour of the two groups (with and without rods), indicating that there was no effect of contraceptive rods. However, the small sample size, and unbalanced factors such as pride composition, age and weather could have blurred our results. In order to address the challenge of surplus animals, we suggest, future studies with a more optimal experimental design and larger sample sizes and the inclusion of physiological measurement in addition to quantitative behavioural recordings.
The Characteristics of The Gig Economy
Authors: Zheng Qi , Yang Weiguo
Published: April 2020

In the industrial era, traditional firms emerged as an efficient resource allocation. In the past two decades, informatization and technological development have spawned a series of emerging economic models, among which the gig economy attracts much attention globally. With the popularity of the Internet, mobile applications, and all other social, economic, political, and cultural changes, traditional mass production is no longer able to adapt to such incredibly fast development, let alone to meet the diversified needs for commodities and service. As a result, the gig economy, as a new mechanism to achieve optimal resource allocation, was born, characterized by the decomposition of jobs, skillization and capitalization of workers, integration of internal and external human capital, and decentralization of corporate management. But there are still problems, as keeping market density while avoiding “blockage” , and protecting users’ privacy, which need to be seriously considered in future research and policy formulation.
A Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Protein–Protein Interactions Extraction from Biomedical Literature
Authors: Quan Changqin , Luo Zhiwei , Wang Song
Published: April 2020

The exponentially increasing size of biomedical literature and the limited ability of manual curators to discover protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in text has led to delays in keeping PPI databases updated with the current findings. The state-of-the-art text mining methods for PPI extraction are primarily based on deep learning (DL) models, and the performance of a DL-based method is mainly affected by the architecture of DL models and the feature embedding methods. In this study, we compared different architectures of DL models, including convolutional neural networks (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and hybrid models, and proposed a hybrid architecture of a bidirectional LSTM+CNN model for PPI extraction. Pretrained word embedding and shortest dependency path (SDP) embedding are fed into a two-embedding channel model, such that the model is able to model long-distance contextual information and can capture the local features and structure information effectively. The experimental results showed that the proposed model is superior to the non-hybrid DL models, and the hybrid CNN+Bidirectional LSTM model works well for PPI extraction. The visualization and comparison of the hidden features learned by different DL models further confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Changes in Physicochemical Properties and Volatiles of Kiwifruit Pulp Beverage Treated with High Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Chen Yajing , Feng Xiaoping , Ren Hong , Yang Hongkai , Liu Ye , Gao Zhenpeng , Long Fangyu
Published: April 2020

Physicochemical properties and volatiles of kiwifruit pulp beverage treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP, 400–600 MPa/5–15 min) were investigated during 40-day refrigerated storage. Compared with heat treatment (HT), HHP ranged from 400–500 MPa was superior in retaining vitamin C, fresh-like color and volatiles, while soluble solids content and pH were not affected significantly. Furthermore, HHP improved brightness and inhibited browning of kiwifruit pulp beverage. Samples treated at 400 MPa for 15 min showed significantly higher vitamin C content and lower ∆E values over 40 days than heat-treated kiwifruit pulp beverage. The total content of alcohols, esters, acids, and ketones gradually increased, whereas the total aldehydes content decreased during storage. Interestingly, HHP treatment at 500 MPa for 15 min mostly retained important characteristic volatiles including hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal, indicating this treatment was more conducive to preserve the original fruity, fresh, grassy and green notes of kiwifruit pulp beverage than HT.
Deeply Integrated GNSS/Gyro Attitude Determination System
Authors: Perov Alexander , Shatilov Alexander
Published: April 2020

Attitude determination systems based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) work on principle of phase interferometer, using multiple receiving antennas. They rely on a good quality of carrier phase tracking, that is not the case in real dynamic environment with low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), for example, in a ground vehicle moving through an urban area or forest. There is still a problem in providing a GNSS attitude in such common conditions. This research is focused on improving sensitivity (i.e., the capability of providing attitude at a low SNR) and the reliability of the GNSS attitude determination system. It is contrasted with the majority of publications, where precision or computational efficiency is the main goal, but sensitivity and reliability are out of their scope. In the proposed system, sensitivity improved by using two measures: (a) tracking only phase differences instead of tracking full carrier phases—this is more sensitive due to the lower dynamics of the underlying process, and (b) using deep integration with gyroscope, where all phase differences are tracked in a vector gyro-aided loop closed on user’s attitude in state vector. The algorithm synthesis is given, and simulation results are presented in this article. This shows that the minimal working SNR is lowered from 27–36 dBHz (typical) down to 20 dBHz, even with a low-cost MEMS gyroscope.
A Trust Model Using Edge Nodes and a Cuckoo Filter for Securing VANET under the NLoS Condition
Authors: Soleymani Seyed Ahmad , Goudarzi Shidrokh , Anisi Mohammad Hossein , Kama Nazri , Adli Ismail Saiful , Azmi Azri , Zareei Mahdi , Hanan Abdullah Abdul
Published: April 2020

Trust, as a key element of security, has a vital role in securing vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs). Malicious and selfish nodes by generating inaccurate information, have undesirable impacts on the trustworthiness of the VANET environment. Obstacles also have a negative impact on data trustworthiness by restricting direct communication between nodes. In this study, a trust model based on plausibility, experience, and type of vehicle is presented to cope with inaccurate, incomplete and uncertainty data under both line of sight (LoS) and none-line of sight (NLoS) conditions. In addition, a model using the k-nearest neighbor (kNN) classification algorithm based on feature similarity and symmetry is developed to detect the NLoS condition. Radio signal strength indicator (RSSI), packet reception rate (PDR) and the distance between two vehicle nodes are the features used in the proposed kNN algorithm. Moreover, due to the big data generated in VANET, secure communication between vehicle and edge node is designed using the Cuckoo filter. All obtained results are validated through well-known evaluation measures such as precision, recall, overall accuracy, and communication overhead. The results indicate that the proposed trust model has a better performance as compared to the attack-resistant trust management (ART) scheme and weighted voting (WV) approach. Additionally, the proposed trust model outperforms both ART and WV approaches under different patterns of attack such as a simple attack, opinion tampering attack, and cunning attack. Monte-Carlo simulation results also prove validity of the proposed trust model.
Indicadores socioeconómicos de desarrollo humano y desarrollo relativo al género en la sección municipal de Sabancuy, Carmen, Campeche
Authors: Canepa Pérez Ileana Mercedes , Cú Quijano Fajime
Published: April 2020

El objetivo del presente estudio es conocer el grado de desarrollo que se ha alcanzado en la sección municipal de Sabancuy, localizada en el municipio del Carmen, Campeche, México, utilizando la metodología del programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) obteniéndose dos indicadores socioeconómicos: El Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDH) e Índice de Desarrollo Relativo al Género (IDG). El IDH reveló que la sección municipal de Sabancuy tiene un desarrollo humano medio (0.6358) y el IDG fue de 0.6195, lo que indica que hay una pérdida en los niveles de bienestar cuando se consideran las desigualdades de género
Cultura empresarial y rendimiento de la PYME en el estado de Aguascalientes (México)
Authors: García Pérez de Lema Domingo , González Adame Martha , Vivanco Florido Salvador
Published: April 2020

La cultura empresarial es un factor determinante para alcanzar el éxito competitivo de las organizaciones. Este trabajo analiza el tipo de cultura implementado en las empresas y su relación con el rendimiento. Para llevar a cabo este análisis se ha realizado un estudio empírico con una muestra de 400 micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas (mPyme) del estado de Aguascalientes (México). Los resultados muestran que la cultura predominante en las empresas es la de tipo clan. Y encontramos evidencia de que existe una relación positiva entre la cultura clan y el rendimiento de la empresa, mientras que surge una relación negativa con la cultura jerárquica.
Crecimiento económico y el crédito bancario: un análisis de causalidad para México
Authors: Alcántara Lizarraga José Ángel , De la Cruz Gallegos José Luis
Published: April 2020

Se estima la relación que existe entre el sistema bancario y el crecimiento económico en México. Para ello se considera el crédito otorgado por los bancos al sector privado. Con el objeto de establecer las relaciones causales entre las variables se elaboran vectores autorregresivos y de cointegración. Los resultados muestran que prevalece una relación de causalidad entre el crédito y el crecimiento total, así como una interrelación bidireccional de este último con el financiamiento al consumo. De igual manera prevalece una relación entre el crédito al consumo y el crecimiento del sector terciario de la economía. Para los otros tipos de financiamiento no se encuentran resultados estadísticamente significativos, lo cual señala que el crédito bancario no impulsa el desarrollo de los sectores primarios y secundarios de la economía.
El impacto de la apertura comercial en la eficiencia técnica de las manufacturas en México: un análisis por entidad federativa
Authors: Tovar Montiel Sandra Haydeé
Published: April 2020

El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo determinar si la eficiencia técnica de los sectores manufactureros altamente tecnológicos se incrementó después de la apertura comercial y si la eficiencia es influenciada por factores de aglomeración como la especialización y urbanización. Mediante el análisis envolvente de datos, DEA (por sus siglas en inglés), se encontró un aprovechamiento de los factores productivos por parte de entidades del sur, además el sector de baja tecnología presentó altos niveles de eficiencia en entidades con mayor concentración urbana. Se demostró que la eficiencia aumentó después de la apertura comercial de manera inicial; así como la especialización y urbanización influyen sobre ésta.