bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Preemptive Use of Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Reduce Postoperative Pain in Surgical Removal of Third Molars? A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Costa Fábio Wildson Gurgel , Esses Diego Felipe Silveira , de Barros Silva Paulo Goberlânio , Carvalho Francisco Samuel Rodrigues , Sá Carlos Diego Lopes , Albuquerque Assis Filipe Medeiros , Bezerra Tácio Pinheiro , Ribeiro Thyciana Rodrigues , Fonteles Cristiane Sá Roriz , Soares Eduardo Costa Studart
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of preemptive analgesia with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in third-molar surgery. A PubMed literature search was conducted for articles restricted to the English language using the following terms (DeCS/MeSH) or combinations: analgesia, third molar, and preemptive. From a total of 704 articles, 6 (n = 420 subjects) were selected. All studies presented a low risk of bias (Cochrane criteria) but exhibited high heterogeneity of methods. Two studies were excluded from the meta-analysis because they did not have adequate numeric values (dichotomous data) for the calculations. Preemptive analgesia showed no significant benefit (n = 298, P = .2227, odds ratio: 2.30, 0.60–8.73) in reducing postoperative pain after removal of lower impacted third molars. However, there was a probable direct relationship between the effectiveness of NSAIDs in preemptive analgesia for removal of third molars and its selectivity for the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Preemptive analgesia did not have a significant effect in reducing postoperative pain after removal of lower impacted third molars. More homogeneous and well-delineated clinical studies are necessary to determine a possible association between NSAIDs' selectivity for COX-2 and treatment effectiveness.
Development of a Turkish Version of the Sensory Profile: Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Validation
Authors: Kayihan Hülya , Akel Burcu Semin , Salar Sinem , Huri Meral , Karahan Sevilay , Turker Duygu , Korkem Duygu
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Sensory Profile (SP), which is used to measure sensory processing abilities of children ages of 3–10 years, and test its reliability and validity for use with Turkish children with autism. A cross-cultural adaptation process was carried out by bilingual experts, following typical guidelines. The test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity studies of the Turkish SP were done for 144 children with autism. A comparison was also made between results of children with autism and 101 healthy children to test the validity of the Turkish SP. There were significant differences between results of autistic and healthy children on all subsections of the test. The Cronbach's as ranged from .63 to .97 for all subsections except I, J, and N, which had poor internal consistency reliability. Test-retest reliability over a one-week period was excellent (ICC > .90).
L’interclustering
Authors: Cusin Julien , Loubaresse Élodie
Published: June 2015

Cette recherche étudie la dynamique temporelle de l’interclustering et les facteurs qui l’influencent. L’étude de cas du cluster vitivinicole Inno’vin, en Aquitaine, nous permet de retracer les relations interclusters nouées par son pilote depuis le départ. Elle révèle que les pilotes de clusters forment, dans une première phase, une communauté de pratique informelle, où s’échangent des connaissances génériques. Dans une deuxième phase, les relations tendent à se formaliser sous la forme de projets collaboratifs au sein de réseaux d’innovation.
Chemical Properties and Shelf Life of Banana (Musa sapientum L.) as Influenced by Different Postharvest Treatments
Authors: Zomo S A , Ismail S M , Jahan M Shah , Kabir K , Kabir M H
Published: June 2015

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the changes in the chemical properties of banana fruits and their shelf life as influenced by different postharvest treatments. There were two varieties viz. Amritasagar (VI) and Sabri (V2) and seven storage treatments viz.: control (open space, 30±2ºC) (T0); perforated polyethylene, 30±2ºC (T1); non-perforated polyethylene, 30±2ºC (T2); benzyl adenine (BA 30 ppm, 30±2ºC) (T3); gibberellic acid (GA3 150 ppm, 30±2ºC) (T4); benzyl adenine (BA 30 ppm, 15°C ) (T5) and gibberellic acid (GA3 150 ppm, 15°C) (T6). A factorial experiment was laid out in the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Data were recorded on titratable acid content, total sugar content, reducing sugar content, non-reducing sugar content, total soluble solids and pulp pH. Among the chemical parameters, total soluble solids (TSS) and pH of pulp increased while titratable acidity decreased during storage in all the treated and untreated banana fruits. Among the treatments gibberellic acid (GA3 150 ppm, 15°C) treatment exhibited the best storage performance. The treatment combinations of Sabri with gibberellic acid (GA3 150 ppm, 15°C) showed the longest shelf life (16.25 days), whereas the lowest shelf life was in Amritasagar with control (open space, 30±2ºC) treatment combination (6.78 days).The Agriculturists 2014; 12(2) 06-17
An Ex-Post Analysis of Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Research and Extension Investment in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md. Kamrul , Islam M. Serajul
Published: June 2015

The study estimated the benefit and rate of returns to investment on ginger research and extension in Bangladesh. The Economic Surplus Model with ex-post analysis was used to determine the returns to investment and their distribution between production and consumption. Several discounting techniques were also used to assess the efficiency of ginger research. The adoption rate was found increasing over the period. The yield of modern varieties of ginger developed by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) was 78 per cent higher than that of the local varieties. Society got net benefit of Tk. 432.31 million by investing in ginger research and extension. The net present value (NPV) and present value of research cost (PVRC) were estimated to be Tk. 135.01 and 81.15 million, respectively. The internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit cost ratio (BCR) were estimated to be 32 per cent and 3.75, respectively indicating that investment on ginger research and development was profitable. Ginger seed production programme should be taken largely to increase production by increasing improved variety adoption area.The Agriculturists 2014; 12(2) 103-115
Performance Evaluation of the BRRI Reaper and Chinese Reaper Compared to Manual Harvesting of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zami Mahbubul Alam , Hossain Md. Altaf , Sayed M A , Biswas B K , Hossain M A
Published: June 2015

Introduction of appropriate machinery is one of the major factors for reducing time and labor requirements, production cost and also to help fit another crop in between successive two crops. In this study, performance of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) developed self-propelled reaper and an imported Chinese reaper were evaluated for rice harvesting and were compared with manual harvesting. The experiment was conducted at BRRI Regional station in Rajshahi and Rangpur during Boro 2012-13. Average field capacity of the BRRI reaper was 0.250 ha/hr and that of Chinese reaper was 0.203 ha/hr. The average field capacity of manual harvesting was 0.004 ha/hr. Labour requirements for rice harvesting including bundle making were 248 man-hr/ha, 69 man-hr/ha and 68 man-hr/ha for manual, Chinese reaper and BRRI reaper, respectively. On an average, 72 and 03% labour was saved by the BRRI reaper over those of manual harvesting and Chinese reaper, respectively. Harvesting costs were saved by BRRI reaper and Chinese reaper about 68 and 61%, respectively over that of manual harvesting. Average fuel consumption of Chinese reaper and BRRI reaper were 0.727 and 0.826 l/hr, respectively. The walking speed of BRRI reaper (3.78 km/hr) was 62% higher than that of Chinese reaper (2.33 km/hr). The purchase price of imported reaper is almost double than that of BRRI reaper. The BRRI reaper was, therefore, considered as a better machine for harvesting rice in Bangladesh.The Agriculturists 2014; 12(2) 142-150
Antiviral mode of action of Lactobacillus plantarum YML009 on Influenza virus H1N1
Authors: Rather Irfan Ahmad , Choi Kwang-Ho , Bajpai Vivek K. , Park Yong-Ha
Published: June 2015

The development of resistance against antiviral agents has augmented a threat to public health sector. Consequently there is an expanding demand for the development of unconventional antiviral agents that could efficiently replace the existent in-use drugs. The probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have earned the status of being efficient, economical and safe “nutraceutical” in health care armamentarium. A total of 2272 LAB strains were screened against H1N1 virus. The isolate YML009 displayed a pronounced antiviral activity. Sequencing and biochemical assays identified the isolate as Lactoballius plantarum which, exhibited resistance to the damage caused by the acidic conditions such as gastric juice and 5% bile salt. The anti-H1N1 activity of the strain was confirmed by hemagglutination assay and was found to display enhanced efficacy in comparison to the commercially available antiviral drug. This is a primary report on anti-influenza activity of a bacterium L. plantarum YML009.  

 
Antimicrobial resistance- a global concern for human survival
Authors: Ahammad Faruk
Published: June 2015

Abstrcat not availableFaridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(1): 1-2
Comparison of ondansetron used alone and in combination with dexamethasone as a prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting following laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Sanjowal Lipika , Biswas Swapan Kumar , Saha Jitesh Chandra
Published: June 2015

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common after anaesthesia and surgery. In patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) without antiemetic prophylaxis, the incidence can be as high as 76% which would cause unexpected delay in hospital discharge. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of the ondansetron alone with combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone the given as prophylaxis for PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One hundred patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups of 50 each. Group I received 4mg of ondansetron intravenously (iv), whereas Group II received ondansetron 4mg and dexamethasone 4mg just before induction of anaesthesia. Postoperatively, the patients were assessed for episodes of nausea, vomiting and need for rescue antiemetic. Complete response defined as no nausea and vomiting during first 24 hours, was noted in 76% of patients in Group I and in 92% of patients in Group II. Rescue anti emetic requirement was less in Group II (4%) than Group I (20%). So it can be concluded that the combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone is more effective in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy than ondansetron alone.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(1): 3-6
Management of inferior vena cava injury in a non specialized tertiary hospital-a case report
Authors: Rahman ASM Tanjilur , Rahman ASM Zahidur , Shaha Ratan Kumar , Biswas Swapan Kumar , Biswas Sushit Kumar , Sen Sumon Kumar , Biswas Gonopati , Rahman Md Mahfuzur
Published: June 2015

Abdominal vascular injury are among the most challenging and lethal injuries in the traumatized patients. Inferior vena cava (IVC) is the most frequently injured vein during the blunt or penetrating trauma. Ligation of IVC, venorrhaphy, venoplasty, end to end anastomosis, endovascular stenting or graft interposition should be considered in selected cases. However most of the procedures require special setting and surgical team. Relatively simple procedure e.g. venorrhaphy produces narrowing of lumen in many cases. Ligation of IVC may result in thrombosis and embolism thus increases morbidity of patients. Here, in the present case the authors report a patient with IVC injury repaired by venoplasty (cavaplasty) with great saphenous vein patch in a non specialized tertiary hospital and it can be performed by a team led by general surgeon.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(1): 53-55
“Learning by doing…” “Studentbedrift” som pedagogisk tilnærming til entreprenørskap i yrkesfaglærerutdannelsen
Authors: Småland Goth Ursula , Schøn Eldbjørg
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Society is changing, and with that the challenges vocational teachers meet. Entrepreneurship is today defined as one of the key competences in various educational programs. This article aims to shed light on today’s teaching practice of practical entrepreneurship through the creation, implementation and management of student enterprises. Method: The following data were used within a qualitative approach: seven semi-structured interviews with students, data from course evaluations for the years 2006-2012, a strategic literature search and data from exam assessments for the years 2006 to 2012. Results: Practical related tasks mediated through student enterprises gave a sense of increased competence and an overall picture of future challenges. Not all students described those results as vocationally relevant. Too many students experienced the project student enterprise as negative. Several students’ complaint that focus was only set on commercial activities and the product itself. Dissemination of key values in pedagogical entrepreneurship like social interaction and collaboration was not accomplished. Conclusion: A stronger focus should be set on pedagogical entrepreneurship. This might be achieved if the design focuses increasingly on knowledge, collaboration and teaching skills.
Fermented Apple Pomace as a Feed Additive to Enhance Growth Performance of Growing Pigs and Its Effects on Emissions
Authors: Ajila Chandran , Sarma Saurabh , Brar Satinder , Godbout Stephane , Cote Michel , Guay Frederic , Verma Mausam , Valéro Jose
Published: June 2015

Apple pomace is a by-product from the apple processing industry and can be used for the production of many value-added compounds such as enzymes, proteins, and nutraceuticals, among others. An investigation was carried out to study the improvement in the protein content in apple pomace by solid-state fermentation using the fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium by tray fermentation method. The effect of this protein in terms of how it enriched apple pomace as animal feed for pigs has also been studied. There was a 36% increase in protein content in the experimental diet with 5% w/w fermented apple pomace. The efficiency of conversion of ingested food was increased from 43.5 ± 2.5 to 83.1 ± 4.4 in the control group and the efficiency of conversion of feed increased from 55.4 ± 4.5 to 92.1 ± 3.6 in the experimental group during the animal feed experiment. Similarly, the effect of a protein enriched diet on odor emission and greenhouse gas emission has also been studied. The results demonstrated that the protein enrichment of apple pomace by solid state cultivation of the fungus P. chrysosporium makes it possible to use it as a dietary supplement for pigs.
Study of Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Myrianthus Arboreus (Cecropiaceae) Root Bark Extracts
Authors: Kasangana Pierre , Haddad Pierre , Stevanovic Tatjana
Published: June 2015

In order to evaluate the therapeutic potential of polyphenolic extracts from root bark of M. arboreus, we have determined the content of various polyphenols in aqueous and ethanol (EtOH) extract as well as two sub-fractions of the latter: ethyl acetate (EAc) and hexane (Hex). The total phenols, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and proanthocyanidins have been determined for all studied extracts/fractions by spectrophotometric methods. Both TP content (331.5 ± 2.5 mg GAE/g) and HCA content (201 ± 1.5 mg CAE/g) were determined to be the highest in EAc fraction of EtOH extract. All studied extracts were however determined to have a low content in flavonoids. The determination of antioxidant capacities of the studied extracts has also been performed by the following in vitro antioxidant tests: DPPH scavenging, phosphomolybdenum method and oxygen radical absorbance (ORACFl and ORACPRG) assay. The results of the DPPH free radical and ORACFl assays showed that there is no significant difference between the EAc fraction and Oligopin®, but the EAc fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity as determined by the phosphomolybdenium method. In addition, the EtOH extract was determined to have the same antioxidant efficiency as the synthetic antioxidant BHT or commercial extract Oligopin® by phosphomolybdenum method. On the other hand, a positive correlation (r < 0.6) was found between different classes of polyphenols and the results of the phosphomolybdenum method, ORACFl as well as ORACPRG, except for the DPPH assay, for which a negative correlation was indicated (r < 0.62). Interestingly, it seems that the content in hydroxycinnamic acids played a big role in all assays with r < 0.9. According to the present study, EAc fraction and EtOH extract should be further studied for the potential use in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
On Roof Geometry for Urban Wind Energy Exploitation in High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Toja-Silva Francisco , Peralta Carlos , Lopez-Garcia Oscar , Navarro Jorge , Cruz Ignacio
Published: June 2015

The European program HORIZON2020 aims to have 20% of electricity produced by renewable sources. The building sector represents 40% of the European Union energy consumption. Reducing energy consumption in buildings is therefore a priority for energy efficiency. The present investigation explores the most adequate roof shapes compatible with the placement of different types of small wind energy generators on high-rise buildings for urban wind energy exploitation. The wind flow around traditional state-of-the-art roof shapes is considered. In addition, the influence of the roof edge on the wind flow on high-rise buildings is analyzed. These geometries are investigated, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and the turbulence intensity threshold for horizontal axis wind turbines is considered. The most adequate shapes for wind energy exploitation are identified, studying vertical profiles of velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulence intensity. Curved shapes are the most interesting building roof shapes from the wind energy exploitation point of view, leading to the highest speed-up and the lowest turbulence intensity.
Entropy-Based Privacy against Profiling of User Mobility
Authors: Rodriguez-Carrion Alicia , Rebollo-Monedero David , Forné Jordi , Campo Celeste , Garcia-Rubio Carlos , Parra-Arnau Javier , Das Sajal
Published: June 2015

Location-based services (LBSs) flood mobile phones nowadays, but their use poses an evident privacy risk. The locations accompanying the LBS queries can be exploited by the LBS provider to build the user profile of visited locations, which might disclose sensitive data, such as work or home locations. The classic concept of entropy is widely used to evaluate privacy in these scenarios, where the information is represented as a sequence of independent samples of categorized data. However, since the LBS queries might be sent very frequently, location profiles can be improved by adding temporal dependencies, thus becoming mobility profiles, where location samples are not independent anymore and might disclose the user’s mobility patterns. Since the time dimension is factored in, the classic entropy concept falls short of evaluating the real privacy level, which depends also on the time component. Therefore, we propose to extend the entropy-based privacy metric to the use of the entropy rate to evaluate mobility profiles. Then, two perturbative mechanisms are considered to preserve locations and mobility profiles under gradual utility constraints. We further use the proposed privacy metric and compare it to classic ones to evaluate both synthetic and real mobility profiles when the perturbative methods proposed are applied. The results prove the usefulness of the proposed metric for mobility profiles and the need for tailoring the perturbative methods to the features of mobility profiles in order to improve privacy without completely loosing utility.
How do Light and Water Acquisition Strategies Affect Species Selection during Secondary Succession in Moist Tropical Forests?
Authors: Schönbeck Leonie , Lohbeck Madelon , Bongers Frans , Ramos Miguel , Sterck Frank
Published: June 2015

Pioneer tree species have acquisitive leaf characteristics associated with high demand of light and water, and are expected to be shade and drought intolerant. Using leaf functional traits (specific leaf area, photosynthetic rate, relative water content and stomatal conductance) and tree performance (mortality rate) in the field, we assessed how shade and drought tolerance of leaves are related to the species’ positions along a successional gradient in moist tropical forest in Chiapas, Mexico. We quantified morphological and physiological leaf shade and drought tolerance indicators for 25 dominant species that characterize different successional stages. We found that light demand decreases with succession, confirming the importance of light availability for species filtering during early stages of succession. In addition, water transport levels in the leaves decreased with succession, but high water transport did not increase the leaf’s vulnerability to drought. In fact, late successional species showed higher mortality in dry years than early successional ones, against suggestions from leaf drought tolerance traits. It is likely that pioneer species have other drought-avoiding strategies, like deep rooting systems and water storage in roots and stems. More research on belowground plant physiology is needed to understand how plants adapt to changing environments, which is crucial to anticipate the effects of climate change on secondary forests.
Protein Crystallography in Vaccine Research and Development
Authors: Malito Enrico , Carfi Andrea , Bottomley Matthew
Published: June 2015

The use of protein X-ray crystallography for structure-based design of small-molecule drugs is well-documented and includes several notable success stories. However, it is less well-known that structural biology has emerged as a major tool for the design of novel vaccine antigens. Here, we review the important contributions that protein crystallography has made so far to vaccine research and development. We discuss several examples of the crystallographic characterization of vaccine antigen structures, alone or in complexes with ligands or receptors. We cover the critical role of high-resolution epitope mapping by reviewing structures of complexes between antigens and their cognate neutralizing, or protective, antibody fragments. Most importantly, we provide recent examples where structural insights obtained via protein crystallography have been used to design novel optimized vaccine antigens. This review aims to illustrate the value of protein crystallography in the emerging discipline of structural vaccinology and its impact on the rational design of vaccines.
Do Matrix Metalloproteases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteases in Tenocytes of the Rotator Cuff Differ with Varying Donor Characteristics?
Authors: Klatte-Schulz Franka , Aleyt Thomas , Pauly Stephan , Geißler Sven , Gerhardt Christian , Scheibel Markus , Wildemann Britt
Published: June 2015

An imbalance between matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) may have a negative impact on the healing of rotator cuff tears. The aim of the project was to assess a possible relationship between clinical and radiographic characteristics of patients such as the age, sex, as well as the degenerative status of the tendon and the MMPs and TIMPs in their tenocyte-like cells (TLCs). TLCs were isolated from ruptured supraspinatus tendons and quantitative Real-Time PCR and ELISA was performed to analyze the expression and secretion of MMPs and TIMPs. In the present study, MMPs, mostly gelatinases and collagenases such as MMP-2, -9 and -13 showed an increased expression and protein secretion in TLCs of donors with higher age or degenerative status of the tendon. Furthermore, the expression and secretion of TIMP-1, -2 and -3 was enhanced with age, muscle fatty infiltration and tear size. The interaction between MMPs and TIMPs is a complex process, since TIMPs are not only inhibitors, but also activators of MMPs. This study shows that MMPs and TIMPs might play an important role in degenerative tendon pathologies.
The rs2516839 Polymorphism of the USF1 Gene May Modulate Serum Triglyceride Levels in Response to Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Niemiec Pawel , Nowak Tomasz , Iwanicki Tomasz , Gorczynska-Kosiorz Sylwia , Balcerzyk Anna , Krauze Jolanta , Grzeszczak Wladyslaw , Wiecha Maria , Zak Iwona
Published: June 2015

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the USF1 gene (upstream stimulatory factor 1) influence plasma lipid levels. This study aims to determine whether USF1 SNPs interact with traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis to increase coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. In the present study serum lipid levels and USF1 gene polymorphisms (rs2516839 and rs3737787) were determined in 470 subjects: 235 patients with premature CAD and 235 controls. A trend of increasing triglycerides (TG) levels in relation to the C allele dose of rs2516839 SNP was observed. The synergistic effect of cigarette smoking and C allele carrier state on CAD risk was also found (SIM = 2.69, p = 0.015). TG levels differentiated significantly particular genotypes in smokers (1.53 mmol/L for TT, 1.80 mmol/L for CT and 2.27 mmol/L for CC subjects). In contrast, these differences were not observed in the non-smokers subgroup (1.57 mmol/L for TT, 1.46 mmol/L for CT and 1.49 mmol/L for CC subjects). In conclusion, the rs2516839 polymorphism may modulate serum triglyceride levels in response to cigarette smoking. Carriers of the C allele seem to be particularly at risk of CAD, when exposed to cigarette smoking.
Small RNA Detection by in Situ Hybridization Methods
Authors: Urbanek Martyna , Nawrocka Anna , Krzyzosiak Wlodzimierz
Published: June 2015

Small noncoding RNAs perform multiple regulatory functions in cells, and their exogenous mimics are widely used in research and experimental therapies to interfere with target gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the most thoroughly investigated representatives of the small RNA family, which includes short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), PIWI-associated RNA (piRNAs), and others. Numerous methods have been adopted for the detection and characterization of small RNAs, which is challenging due to their short length and low level of expression. These include molecular biology methods such as real-time RT-PCR, northern blotting, hybridization to microarrays, cloning and sequencing, as well as single cell miRNA detection by microscopy with in situ hybridization (ISH). In this review, we focus on the ISH method, including its fluorescent version (FISH), and we present recent methodological advances that facilitated its successful adaptation for small RNA detection. We discuss relevant technical aspects as well as the advantages and limitations of ISH. We also refer to numerous applications of small RNA ISH in basic research and molecular diagnostics.
Two Glass Transitions Associated to Different Dynamic Disorders in the Nematic Glassy State of a Non-Symmetric Liquid Crystal Dimer Dopped with g-Alumina Nanoparticles
Authors: Diez-Berart Sergio , López David , Salud Josep , Diego José , Sellarès Jordi , Robles-Hernández Beatriz , De la Fuente María , Ros María
Published: June 2015

In the present work, the nematic glassy state of the non-symmetric LC dimer α-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yloxy)-ω-(1-pyrenimine-benzylidene-4′-oxy) undecane is studied by means of calorimetric and dielectric measurements. The most striking result of the work is the presence of two different glass transition temperatures: one due to the freezing of the flip-flop motions of the bulkier unit of the dimer and the other, at a lower temperature, related to the freezing of the flip-flop and precessional motions of the cyanobiphenyl unit. This result shows the fact that glass transition is the consequence of the freezing of one or more coupled dynamic disorders and not of the disordered phase itself. In order to avoid crystallization when the bulk sample is cooled down, the LC dimer has been confined via the dispersion of γ-alumina nanoparticles, in several concentrations.
Numerical Study on Crack Propagation in Brittle Jointed Rock Mass Influenced by Fracture Water Pressure
Authors: Li Yong , Zhou Hao , Zhu Weishen , Li Shucai , Liu Jian
Published: June 2015

The initiation, propagation, coalescence and failure mode of brittle jointed rock mass influenced by fissure water pressure have always been studied as a hot issue in the society of rock mechanics and engineering. In order to analyze the damage evolution process of jointed rock mass under fracture water pressure, a novel numerical model on the basis of secondary development in fast Lagrangian analysis of continua (FLAC3D) is proposed to simulate the fracture development of jointed rock mass under fracture water pressure. To validate the feasibility of this numerical model, the failure process of a numerical specimen under uniaxial compression containing pre-existing fissures is simulated and compared with the results obtained from the lab experiments, and they are found to be in good agreement. Meanwhile, the propagation of cracks, variations of stress and strain, peak strength and crack initiation principles are further analyzed. It is concluded that the fissure water has a significant reducing effect on the strength and stability of the jointed rock mass.
Low-Molecular-Weight Metabolites from Diatoms: Structures, Biological Roles and Biosynthesis
Authors: Stonik Valentin , Stonik Inna
Published: June 2015

Diatoms are abundant and important biological components of the marine environment that biosynthesize diverse natural products. These microalgae are rich in various lipids, carotenoids, sterols and isoprenoids, some of them containing toxins and other metabolites. Several groups of diatom natural products have attracted great interest due to their potential practical application as energy sources (biofuel), valuable food constituents, and prospective materials for nanotechnology. In addition, hydrocarbons, which are used in climate reconstruction, polyamines which participate in biomineralization, new apoptotic agents against tumor cells, attractants and deterrents that regulate the biochemical communications between marine species in seawaters have also been isolated from diatoms. However, chemical studies on these microalgae are complicated by difficulties, connected with obtaining their biomass, and the influence of nutrients and contaminators in their environment as well as by seasonal and climatic factors on the biosynthesis of the corresponding natural products. Overall, the number of chemically studied diatoms is lower than that of other algae, but further studies, particularly those connected with improvements in the isolation and structure elucidation technique as well as the genomics of diatoms, promise both to increase the number of studied species with isolated biologically active natural products and to provide a clearer perception of their biosynthesis.
Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Screening and Free-Radical Scavenging Activity of Some Novel Substituted Pyrazoles
Authors: Hamada Nagwa , Abdo Nadia
Published: June 2015

The present work deals with the synthesis of acetoxysulfonamide pyrazole derivatives, substituted 4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-carbothioamide and 4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-isonicotinoyl derivatives starting from substituted vanillin chalcones. Acetoxysulfonamide pyrazole derivatives were prepared from the reaction of chalcones with p-sulfamylphenylhydrazine followed by treatment with acetic anhydride. At the same time 4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-carbothioamide and 4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-isonicotinoyl derivatives were prepared from the reaction of chalcones with either thiosemicarbazide or isonicotinic acid hydrazide, respectively. The synthesized compounds were structurally characterized on the basis of IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR spectral data and microanalyses. All of the newly isolated compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activities. The antimicrobial screening using the agar well-diffusion method revealed that the chloro derivatives are the most active ones. Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of these chloro derivatives are also studied using the DPPH radical scavenging and NO radical scavenging methods, respectively.
Efficient Esterification of Oxidized l-Glutathione and Other Small Peptides
Authors: Vogel Emily , Jackson William , Masterson Douglas
Published: June 2015

Oxidized l-glutathione was esterified to the tetra methyl ester using thionyl chloride in methanol solvent. Other alcohols were tested and the reaction progress was monitored via ESI-MS. This procedure proved to be compatible with other small peptides not containing serine and cysteine residues. In contrast to previously reported methods this procedure provided convenient access to esterified peptides requiring no purification, extended reaction times, or complicated reaction setups.
Selenium Catalyzed Oxidation of Aldehydes: Green Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids and Esters
Authors: Sancineto Luca , Tidei Caterina , Bagnoli Luana , Marini Francesca , Lenardão Eder , Santi Claudio
Published: June 2015

The stoichiometric use of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a selenium-containing catalyst in water is here reported as a new ecofriendly protocol for the synthesis of variously functionalized carboxylic acids and esters. The method affords the desired products in good to excellent yields under very mild conditions starting directly from commercially available aldehydes. Using benzaldehyde as a prototype the gram scale synthesis of benzoic acid is described, in which the aqueous medium and the catalyst could be recycled at last five times while achieving an 87% overall yield.
Antiviral, Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of a BODIPY-Based Photosensitizer
Authors: Carpenter Bradley , Situ Xingci , Scholle Frank , Bartelmess Juergen , Weare Walter , Ghiladi Reza
Published: June 2015

Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) employing the BODIPY-based photosensitizer 2,6-diiodo-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)-4,4′-difluoro-boradiazaindacene (DIMPy-BODIPY) was explored in an in vitro assay against six species of bacteria (eight total strains), three species of yeast, and three viruses as a complementary approach to their current drug-based or non-existent treatments. Our best results achieved a noteworthy 5–6 log unit reduction in CFU at 0.1 μM for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-2913), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (ATCC-44), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (ATCC-2320), a 4–5 log unit reduction for Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC-19606 (0.25 μM), multidrug resistant A. baumannii ATCC-1605 (0.1 μM), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-97 (0.5 μM), and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC-2146 (1 μM), and a 3 log unit reduction for Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 (ATCC-700084). A 5 log unit reduction in CFU was observed for Candida albicans ATCC-90028 (1 μM) and Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC-64538 (0.5 μM), and a 3 log unit reduction was noted for Candida glabrata ATCC-15545 (1 μM). Infectivity was reduced by 6 log units in dengue 1 (0.1 μM), by 5 log units (0.5 μM) in vesicular stomatitis virus, and by 2 log units (5 μM) in human adenovirus-5. Overall, the results demonstrate that DIMPy-BODIPY exhibits antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal photodynamic inactivation at nanomolar concentrations and short illumination times.
Endothelium-Independent Vasorelaxant Effect of Ligusticum jeholense Root and Rhizoma on Rat Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Kim Bumjung , Lee Kyungjin , Chinannai Khanita , Ham Inhye , Bu Youngmin , Kim Hocheol , Choi Ho-Young
Published: June 2015

Ligusticum jeholense has been used as the traditional medicine ‘Go-Bon’ (Chinese name, Gao-ben) in China and Korea. Considering the increased use of medicinal herbs to treat hypertension, in this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms of the vasorelaxation effect caused by L. jeholense. We tested the methanol (MeOH) extract of L. jeholense root and rhizoma for vasorelaxant effects; while using an isolated organ-chamber technique, L. jeholense extract (LJE) induced relaxation in the rat aortic rings by stimulating vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. LJE showed concentration-dependent relaxant effects on endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted with both phenylephrine (PE) and potassium chloride (KCl) in Krebs-Henseleit (KH) buffer. The vasorelaxant effect of LJE was partly attenuated by pre-treatment with glibenclamide or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) as K+ channel blockers. Moreover, LJE showed concentration-dependent inhibition of vasoconstriction by Ca2+ supplementation in the aortic rings that were pre-contracted with PE or KCl in Ca2+-free KH buffer. In addition, a combination of LJE and nifedipine, pre-incubated further, decreased PE-induced contractions. The results suggested that LJE-induced vasorelaxation were related to blocking K+ channels and inhibiting entry of extracellular Ca2+ via receptor-operative Ca2+ channels (ROCCs) or voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs).
Profiling of Current Transients in Capacitor Type Diamond Sensors
Authors: Gaubas Eugenijus , Ceponis Tomas , Meskauskaite Dovile , Kazuchits Nikolai
Published: June 2015

The operational characteristics of capacitor-type detectors based on HPHT and CVD diamond have been investigated using perpendicular and parallel injection of carrier domain regimes. Simulations of the drift-diffusion current transients have been implemented by using dynamic models based on Shockley-Ramo’s theorem, under injection of localized surface domains and of bulk charge carriers. The bipolar drift-diffusion regimes have been analyzed for the photo-induced bulk domain (packet) of excess carriers. The surface charge formation and polarization effects dependent on detector biasing voltage have been revealed. The screening effects ascribed to surface charge and to dynamics of extraction of the injected bulk excess carrier domain have been separated and explained. The parameters of drift mobility of the electrons μe = 4000 cm2/Vs and holes μh = 3800 cm2/Vs have been evaluated for CVD diamond using the perpendicular profiling of currents. The coefficient of carrier ambipolar diffusion Da = 97 cm2/s and the carrier recombination lifetime τR,CVD ≌ 110 ns in CVD diamond were extracted by combining analysis of the transients of the sensor current and the microwave probed photoconductivity. The carrier trapping with inherent lifetime τR,HPHT ≌ 2 ns prevails in HPHT diamond.
Maximum Constrained Directivity of Oversteered End-Fire Sensor Arrays
Authors: Trucco Andrea , Traverso Federico , Crocco Marco
Published: June 2015

For linear arrays with fixed steering and an inter-element spacing smaller than one half of the wavelength, end-fire steering of a data-independent beamformer offers better directivity than broadside steering. The introduction of a lower bound on the white noise gain ensures the necessary robustness against random array errors and sensor mismatches. However, the optimum broadside performance can be obtained using a simple processing architecture, whereas the optimum end-fire performance requires a more complicated system (because complex weight coefficients are needed). In this paper, we reconsider the oversteering technique as a possible way to simplify the processing architecture of equally spaced end-fire arrays. We propose a method for computing the amount of oversteering and the related real-valued weight vector that allows the constrained directivity to be maximized for a given inter-element spacing. Moreover, we verify that the maximized oversteering performance is very close to the optimum end-fire performance. We conclude that optimized oversteering is a viable method for designing end-fire arrays that have better constrained directivity than broadside arrays but with a similar implementation complexity. A numerical simulation is used to perform a statistical analysis, which confirms that the maximized oversteering performance is robust against sensor mismatches.
Discomfort Evaluation of Truck Ingress/Egress Motions Based on Biomechanical Analysis
Authors: Choi Nam-Chul , Lee Sang
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a quantitative discomfort evaluation method based on biomechanical analysis results for human body movement, as well as its application to an assessment of the discomfort for truck ingress and egress. In this study, the motions of a human subject entering and exiting truck cabins with different types, numbers, and heights of footsteps were first measured using an optical motion capture system and load sensors. Next, the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) ratios of the muscles were calculated through a biomechanical analysis of the musculoskeletal human model for the captured motion. Finally, the objective discomfort was evaluated using the proposed discomfort model based on the MVC ratios. To validate this new discomfort assessment method, human subject experiments were performed to investigate the subjective discomfort levels through a questionnaire for comparison with the objective discomfort levels. The validation results showed that the correlation between the objective and subjective discomforts was significant and could be described by a linear regression model.
Time-Domain Simulation of Along-Track Interferometric SAR for Moving Ocean Surfaces
Authors: Yoshida Takero , Rheem Chang-Kyu
Published: June 2015

A time-domain simulation of along-track interferometric synthetic aperture radar (AT-InSAR) has been developed to support ocean observations. The simulation is in the time domain and based on Bragg scattering to be applicable for moving ocean surfaces. The time-domain simulation is suitable for examining velocities of moving objects. The simulation obtains the time series of microwave backscattering as raw signals for movements of ocean surfaces. In terms of realizing Bragg scattering, the computational grid elements for generating the numerical ocean surface are set to be smaller than the wavelength of the Bragg resonant wave. In this paper, the simulation was conducted for a Bragg resonant wave and irregular waves with currents. As a result, the phases of the received signals from two antennas differ due to the movement of the numerical ocean surfaces. The phase differences shifted by currents were in good agreement with the theoretical values. Therefore, the adaptability of the simulation to observe velocities of ocean surfaces with AT-InSAR was confirmed.
Does Electric Stimulation of the Vastus Medialis Muscle Influence Rehabilitation After Total Knee Replacement?
Authors: Avramidis Kyriakos , Karachalios Theofilos , Popotonasios Konstantinos , Sacorafas Dimitrios , Papathanasiades Athanasios A. , Malizos Konstantinos N.
Published: June 2015

Patients with knee osteoarthritis present with reduced quadriceps muscle strength, which is partially responsible for impaired function and disability. Although total knee replacement (TKR) is an effective surgical procedure, residual muscle weakness is not usually addressed and may persist for years postoperatively. This article reports the results of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial evaluating the effect of electric muscle stimulation of the vastus medialis on the speed and effort of walking, quality of life, and knee performance in patients undergoing TKR.

Seventy patients who underwent TKR were randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients in group A received electric muscle stimulation and standard physiotherapy for 6 weeks, while patients in group B received physiotherapy only. All patients were assessed with both subjective and objective clinical scales preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Patients in group A demonstrated a statistically significant increase in walking speed, Oxford Knee Score, and American Knee Society function score compared to those in group B at 6 weeks (P=.003, .001, and .001, respectively) and at 12 weeks (allP=.001). A statistically significant increase in the SF-36 physical component summary score was observed at 6, 12, and 52 weeks (allP=.001). Three patients found the sensation of the electrical stimulation uncomfortable and abandoned its use. No skin reactions and surgical site infections were observed. Electrical stimulation of the vastus medialis muscle in addition to conventional physiotherapy improves functional recovery and early rehabilitation after TKR.
Late Symptomatic Heterotopic Ossification of the Patellar Tendon After Medial Parapatellar Intramedullary Nailing of the Tibia
Authors: Howell Ronald Damani , Park Ji Hae , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: June 2015

This article describes a case of a 21-year old man who presented with symptomatic heterotopic ossification of the patellar tendon 3.5 years postinjury. The patient sustained an open tibia fracture during a fall and was treated by reamed intramedullary nailing through a medial paratendinous approach. Radiographic evidence of heterotopic ossification in the patellar tendon was first noted at the 4-week follow-up. He presented at 3.5 years postinjury with new-onset anterior knee pain and reported no interval trauma to the knee. Radiographs revealed a well-circumscribed area of calcification within the patellar tendon, which was excised within 2 weeks. On excision, the patient’s symptoms had resolved.

This case is unique because the patellar tendon was not violated at initial or subsequent surgeries, and because of the delayed presentation of heterotopic bone within the patellar tendon. To date, there have been only 3 reported cases of heterotopic ossification of the patellar tendon after intramedullary nailing of the tibia. We present a case of late symptomatic heterotopic ossification of the patellar tendon after medial paratendinous intramedullary nailing of an open tibia shaft fracture.
Repeatability Data and Agreement of Keratometry With the VERION System Compared to the IOLMaster
Authors: Nemeth Gabor , Szalai Eszter , Hassan Ziad , Lipecz Agnes , Berta Andras , Modis Laszlo
Published: June 2015

PURPOSE:

To analyze the repeatability of keratometric and white-to-white (WTW) distance measurements with the VERION Measurement Module (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) and to compare the measured data to the results of the IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany).

METHODS:

Three images were captured with the VERION and the flattest and steepest keratometric data, the astigmatism axis, and the WTW distance were recorded. Subsequently, the axial length, the keratometric data with axis, and the WTW distance were measured with an IOLMaster. The repeatability data of the keratometric value of the VERION System, converted to cross cylinder J
0
and J
45
vector components, were analyzed. The agreement data for keratometry obtained by the VERION System and the differences regarding keratometric data and WTW distance compared to IOLMaster were calculated.

RESULTS:

The measurements were conducted in 50 eyes of 50 healthy volunteers (median age: 50.32 years, range: 19.34 to 85.3 years). The flattest and the steepest keratometric data, the diopter of astigmatism, the J
0
and J
45
vector components, and WTW distance did not differ significantly between devices (
P
> .05). Intraclass correlation coefficients (range: 0.863 to 0.994) and Cronbach’s alpha values (range: 0.950 to 0.998) were high for all parameters measured by the VERION System.

CONCLUSIONS:

The VERION System has high repeatability and agreement with the IOLMaster, making it suitable as an alternative tool in clinical practice.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(5):333–337.]