bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of U.S. Public Agricultural R&D on U.S. Obesity and its Social Costs
Authors: Alston Julian M. , MacEwan Joanna P. , Okrent Abigail M.
Published: July 2016

How much has food abundance, attributable to U.S. public agricultural R&D, contributed to high and rising U.S. obesity rates? In this paper we investigate the effects of public investment in agricultural R&D on food prices, per capita calorie consumption, adult body weight, obesity, public healthcare expenditures related to obesity, and consumer welfare. We find that a 10% increase in the stream of annual U.S. public investment in agricultural R&D in the latter half of the twentieth century would have caused a modest increase in the average daily calorie consumption of American adults, resulting in small increases in public healthcare expenditures related to obesity. On the other hand, such an increase in spending would have generated very substantial consumer benefits, and net national benefits, given the very large benefit‐cost ratios for agricultural R&D. This implies that current policy objectives of revising agricultural R&D priorities to pursue obesity objectives are likely to be comparatively unproductive and socially wasteful. Moreover, R&D lags of decades mean that such an approach would be totally ineffective in the immediate horizon.
An Analysis of Relative Gait Impairment in Commonly Diagnosed Pediatric Conditions
Authors: Litrenta Jody , Gorton George , Ahuja Bhavna , Masso Peter , Drvaric David
Published: July 2016

Background:

Gait indices were developed to represent the magnitude of impairment extracted from a gait analysis with a single value. The Gillette Gait Index (GGI), and the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) are 2 widely used indices that represent gait impairment differently based on their statistical properties. Our purpose was to (1) report on the results of gait analysis for a broad spectrum of pediatric conditions using the GGI and GDI, and (2) identify the parameters that dominate impairment.

Methods:

A total of 1439 children with 13 different diagnoses with a complete, baseline gait analysis were identified. The GGI and its 16 parameters were calculated in all cases, and the GDI was calculated from a smaller subset. T tests, and z-scores were used to compare each of these values to typically developing children for each diagnosis. A separate linear regression controlling for age, sex, and use of an orthosis, or assistive device was performed for the GGI.

Results:

In our series, there were 71 typically developing children with a GGI of 31. We qualify relative gait impairment as severe, mild, or moderate as based on the GGI, and propose that values <100 represent mild, 100 to 200 represent moderate, and >200 represents severe impairment. On the basis of strong correlation between the GGI and GDI, we suggest that GDI values >80 represent mild, and values <70 represent severe impairment. T tests and z-scores demonstrated that both the number and magnitude of abnormal parameters increase the GGI. These tests also identified the most clinically relevant parameters contributing to functional impairment for each diagnosis. Multivariate linear regression showed that all diagnoses except flatfoot and scoliosis demonstrated statistically significant differences in GGI scores.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to apply these gait indices to a large population of diverse pediatric conditions. We propose GGI and GDI values to qualify gait impairment among these conditions as severe, moderate, or mild. Furthermore, impairment in gait reflects both the number and magnitude of abnormal parameters within each condition.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective comparative study.
Visual Hallucinations During Hepatitis C Treatment With Sofosbuvir and Simeprevir
Authors: Hoogeveen Ruben C. , Sonnen Max P.A.M. , Sankatsing Sanjay U.C.
Published: July 2016

Direct-acting antiviral agents for hepatitis C treatment are not expected to have the neuropsychiatric adverse effects as sociated with interferon-based therapies. We present the first case of visual hallucinations during chronic hepatitis C treatment with sofosbuvir and simeprevir. Hallucinations ceased upon starting antipsychotic medication, and continuation of treatment was safe.
Comparative Effectiveness of Dialyzers: A Longitudinal, Propensity Score-Matched Study of Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Sibbel Scott , Hunt Abigail , Laplante Suzanne , Beck Werner , Gellens Mary , Brunelli Steven M.
Published: July 2016

Differences in dialyzer design may have consequences for patient outcomes. We evaluated the comparative effectiveness of commonly used dialyzers with respect to measures of dialysis treatment, anemia management, inflammation, and dialyzer clotting. Patients receiving hemodialysis between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013, and using polyarylethersulfone–polyvinylpyrrolidone (PAS-PVP; Polyflux Revaclear) or polysulfone (PS; Optiflux 160 or Optiflux 180) dialyzers were followed for 1 year or until end of study or censoring for dialyzer switch, modality change, or loss to follow-up. For each comparison, eligible patients were propensity score-matched 1:1 on a range of baseline characteristics. Outcomes were assessed using generalized linear mixed models. Dialysis adequacy was similar in both dialyzer groups. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) doses were lower for patients using PAS-PVP versus patients using PS-160 (difference range: 75–589 units/treatment; statistically significant in months 1–5 and 7) and for patients using PAS-PVP versus patients using PS-180 (difference range: 27–591 unit/treatment; statistically significant in months 1–9). Intravenous iron doses trended lower for patients using PAS-PVP versus patients using PS, but hemoglobin concentrations were equivalent. In conclusion, use of PAS-PVP versus PS dialyzers was associated with equivalent dialysis adequacy, lower ESA doses, modestly lower Intravenous iron doses, and equivalent hemoglobin concentrations.
Left Atrial Volume Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography in Mid Ventricular Diastasis Predicts Adverse Events
Authors: Boczar Kevin E. , Alam Mohammed , Chow Benjamin J.W. , Dwivedi Girish
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

Previous studies have demonstrated that left atrial (LA) volume has incremental prognostic value in predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE). However, the predictive ability of LA volume in mid diastasis has not been investigated. We determined the incremental predictive value of LA volume indexed to body surface area (LAVi) measured in mid ventricular diastasis.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 96 patients with MACE (all-cause mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction) were matched to 96 controls without adverse events on follow-up. Coronary computed tomographic angiography images were reconstructed at the 75% phase (mid ventricular diastasis). LA volumes were measured and indexed to the body surface area. The predictive value of LAVi was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models for the MACE.

Results:

LAVi was significantly larger (P<0.001) in the cases with adverse clinical outcomes (63.8±2.1 mL/m2) versus the controls (50.3±1.2 mL/m2). In a multivariate analysis, both significant coronary artery disease (defined as >70% stenosis in at least 1 coronary artery) and LAVi emerged as significant predictors of MACE with P-values of 0.0022 and 0.0001, respectively.

Conclusions:

A significantly larger LAVi was associated with MACE. LAVi was an incremental predictor to traditional clinical variables for MACE. The assessment of LAVi may be considered during coronary computed tomographic angiography and could potentially be incorporated into risk stratification and decision-making strategies.
The structure of a valinomycin–hexaaquamagnesium trifluoromethanesulfonate compound
Authors: Fujita Megumi , Kazerouni Amaan M. , Bacsa John
Published: July 2016

Valinomycin is a naturally occurring cyclic dodecadepsipeptide with the formulacyclo-[D-HiVA→L-Val →L-LA→L-Val]3(D-HiVA is D-α-hydroxyisovaleic acid, Val is valine and LA is lactic acid), which binds a K+ion with high selectively. In the past, several cation-binding modes have been revealed by X-ray crystallography. In the K+, Rb+and Cs+complexes, the ester O atoms coordinate the cation with a trigonal antiprismatic geometry, while the six amide groups form intramolecular hydrogen bonds and the network that is formed has a bracelet-like conformation (Type 1 binding). Type 2 binding is seen with the Na+cation, in which the valinomycin molecule retains the bracelet conformation but the cations are coordinated by only three ester carbonyl groups and are not centrally located. In addition, a picrate counter-ion and a water molecule is found at the center of the valinomycin bracelet. Type 3 binding is observed with divalent Ba2+, in which two cations are incorporated, bridged by two anions, and coordinated by amide carbonyl groups, and there are no intramolecular amide hydrogen bonds. In this paper, we present a new Type 4 cation-binding mode, observed in valinomycin hexaaquamagnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) trihydrate, C54H90N6O18·[Mg(H2O)6](CF3SO3)2·3H2O, in which the valinomycin molecule incorporates a whole hexaaquamagnesium ion, [Mg(H2O)6]2+,viahydrogen bonding between the amide carbonyl groups and the hydrate water H atoms. In this complex, valinomycin retains the threefold symmetry observed in Type 1 binding, but the amide hydrogen-bond network is lost; the hexaaquamagnesium cation is hydrogen bonded by six amide carbonyl groups.1H NMR titration data is consistent with the 1:1 binding stoichiometry in acetonitrile solution. This new cation-binding mode of binding a whole hexaaquamagnesium ion by a cyclic polypeptide is likely to have important implications for the study of metal binding with biological models under physiological conditions.
Crystal structure of 6,7-dihydroxy-6,7-dihydro-3H-imidazo[1,2-a]purin-9(5H)-one
Authors: Guo Wei , Li Cheng-Xun , Lv Jie , Wang Jing
Published: July 2016

The title purine derivative, C7H7N5O3, is an adduct of guanine with glyoxal. In the molecule, the dihydroimidazole ring adopts a twisted conformation on the C—C bond, and the two hydroxyl groups lie on opposite sides of the mean plane of the ring. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by N—H...O, O—H...N and N—H...N hydrogen bonds forming a three-dimensional framework. The crystal packing is reinforced by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and by offset π–π stacking of the purine ring systems of inversion related molecules [intercentroid distance = 3.4839 (12) Å].
Crystal structures of two substituted thiazolidine derivatives
Authors: Viswanathan Vijayan , Rao Naga Siva , Raghunathan Raghavachary , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: July 2016

In the first of the compounds reported herein, namely 6′-ferrocenyl-6a′-nitro-6′,6a′,6b′,7′,9′,11a′-hexahydro-2H-spiro[acenaphthylene-1,11′-chromeno[3′,4′:3,4]pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazol]-2-one, [Fe(C5H5)(C29H21N2O4S)], (I), the thiazolidine ring adopts a twist conformation on the methine N—C atoms. In the second compound,viz.6′-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6a′-nitro-6′,6a′,6b′,7′,9′,11a′-hexahydro-2H-spiro[acenaphthylene-1,11′-chromeno[3′,4′:3,4]pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazol]-2-one, [Fe(C5H5)(C26H19N2O5S)], (II), the thiazolidine ring adopts an envelope conformation with a methine C atom as the flap. In both compounds, the pyrrolidine ring adopts a twist conformation on the thiazolidine and tetrahydropyran C atoms. The mean planes of the thiazolidine and pyrrolidine rings subtend angles of 67.30 (1) and 62.95 (7)° in (I) and (II), respectively, while the mean plane of the pyrrolidine ring makes dihedral angles of 76.53 (1) and 87.74 (7)° with the acenaphthylene ring system in (I) and (II), respectively. In both compounds, an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond forms anS(7) ring motif. In the crystal of (I), molecules are linkedviatwo different C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [001] and [100]. In (II), they are linked through C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming dimers with anR22(10) ring motif while C—H...π interactions link the molecules in a head-to-tail fashion, forming chains along thea-axis direction.
Crystal structure of anhydrous tripotassium citrate from laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data and DFT comparison
Authors: Rammohan Alagappa , Kaduk James A.
Published: July 2016

The crystal structure of anhydrous tripotassium citrate, [K3(C6H5O7)]n, has been solved and refined using laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. The three unique potassium cations are 6-, 8-, and 6-coordinate (all irregular). The [KOn] coordination polyhedra share edges and corners to form a three-dimensional framework, with channels running parallel to thecaxis. The only hydrogen bond is an intramolecular one involving the hydroxy group and the central carboxylate group, with graph-set motifS(5).
Recruitment process outsourcing: a case study in Malaysia
Authors: Siew-Chen Sim , Vinayan Gowrie
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the conduct of recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), based on a real-life case study of one company in Malaysia. The paper analyses the company’s process of recruitment outsourcing from beginning to end, in three sections: RPO decision, RPO implementation and RPO outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

– The case study was carried out through semi-structured interviews with relevant respondents, including the country HR manager, the HR staff and operation managers in the organisation, plus with the RPO provider.

Findings

– The key findings, from a theoretical and academic viewpoint, are that RPO decisions and implementation cannot be fully or properly explained by one theory, but are better explained by integrating transaction cost economics, the resource-based view and the Agency Theory. The study also highlights the importance of involving end users in the RPO process.

Research limitations/implications

– While this single case study gives a clear, in-depth insight into the issues in this particular instance, future research extending to a wider range of organisations would serve to expand the findings and provide more generalisable results.

Practical implications

– Practitioners and service providers should be able to draw valuable lessons from the experience of Tech-solution, particularly from the different perceptions and levels of satisfaction about the service provider’s performance between internal HR and the internal end users (operation managers).

Originality/value

– This paper provides a specific and detailed analysis of RPO implementation in practice. It also addresses the call for more RPO outsourcing-specific research in the extant literature.
Influences of Schneiderian membrane conditions on the early outcomes of osteotome sinus floor elevation technique: a prospective cohort study in the healing period
Authors: Qin Lei , Lin Sheng‐xiao , Guo Zheng‐Ze , Zhao Ningbo , Song Ying‐Liang , Xie Chao , Li De‐Hua
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To radiographically investigate early outcomes of osteotome sinus floor elevation in the healing phase utilizing cone beam computed tomography and evaluate influences of Schneiderian membrane conditions.

Material and methods

One hundred patients were consecutively recruited for osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) surgery using deproteinized bone mineral. CBCT was taken prior to (T0), immediately post‐operatively (T1), and after the healing period (T2). Linear and volumetric measurements of the elevated region from T0 to T1 were performed for evaluation on computed tomography (CT).

Results

Osteotome sinus floor elevation were performed in 100 patients. One implant of each patient was selected. Mean residual bone height (RH) was 7.21 ± 1.12 mm. Mean sinus floor elevation height (SE) was 4.81 ± 0.75 mm. The mean endo‐sinus bone gain after the healing period was 3.25 ± 0.83 mm. Pre‐opterative CBCT scans revealed that 72 patients had a normal sinus membrane in osteotome region, 13 patients presented with flat thickened mucosa and 15 patients with antral pseudocysts. There is no significant difference in sinus mucosa elevation height, bone graft volume and new bone formation in group of Thickening membrane and Antral pseudocysts compared with normal.

Conclusions

The radiographical results show that OSFE is a safe and predictable surgical procedure in residual bone height of 7.21 ± 1.12 mm. Mild flat thickening (>2 and <5 mm) and antral pseudocysts in a small size without clinical symptoms may not be contraindications to OSFE surgery.
Prognostic impact of lymph node skip metastasis in Stage III colorectal cancer
Authors: Bao F. , Zhao L.‐y. , Balde A. I. , Liu H. , Yan J. , Li T.‐t. , Chen H. , Li G.‐x.
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of lymph node skip metastasis (LNSM) in patients with Stage III colorectal cancer.

Method

Between April 2003 and December 2014, a total of 41 patients with lymph node skip metastasis (skip+) were compared with 86 patients with pericolic lymph node metastases [lymph node distribution (LND)1] and 57 patients with intermediate and/or main lymph node metastasis (LND2+3). All patients had radical D3 lymphadenectomy, performed either laparoscopically or as open surgery.

Results

The frequency of pT1–2 stage cancer was significantly higher in the skip+ group than in the LND1 group (26.8% vs 5.8%, P = 0.001). The number of metastatic lymph nodes in the skip+ group was lower than in the LND2+3 group (1.9 ± 1.5 vs 6.5 ± 6.0, P < 0.001). The 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) of the skip+, LND1 and LND2+3 groups was 64.8%, 69.7% and 40.1%, respectively (P = 0.008). The 3‐year systemic recurrence rates of the skip+, LND1 and LND2+3 groups were 30.2%, 20.3% and 48.1%, respectively; (P = 0.002). Cox regression analysis revealed that preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) of ≥ 5 ng/ml [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.2, P = 0.029], poor differentiation (HR = 3.8, P = 0.001) and skip+ (HR = 0.2, P = 0.021) were independently prognostic factors for DFS.

Conclusion

The prognosis for the LND1‐negative lymph node skip metastasis group was better than for the LND2+3 group and was comparable with that of the LND1 group after radical D3 lymphadenectomy.
Evaluating the utility of Binax NOW Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen test in adults with community acquired pneumonia in China
Authors: Zhou Fei , Gu Li , Qu Jiu Xin , Liu Ying Mei , Cao Bin ,   For CAP‐China network
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Binax NOW rapid immunochromatographic membrane test (ICT), a rapid method for detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen, has been used widely in Europe and America, but rarely in China.

Objective

Our aim is to evaluate the utility of the ICT among adult patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in China.

Methods

Adult patients with CAP were prospectively recruited from 12 general hospitals. ICT tests were done in all patients and clinical data were recorded. Qualified sputum culture was used as the standard for determining the diagnostic usefulness of ICT test.

Result

Thousand hundred fifty four CAP patients were enrolled in analysis, with median (IQR) age of 48 (35) years. 276 (23.9%) patients had underling diseases, 770 (66.7%) had received antibiotics before ICT test. Overall, the positive rate of ICT test was 3.3%, with sensitivity and specificity 57.9% and 96.6%, respectively. Disease severity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increased age; respiratory rate (RR), neutrophil ratio, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), procalcitonin (PCT) and the decreased oxygenation index were associated with positive results of ICT tests. Patients with BUN >7 mmol/L, CURB‐65 3‐5, PCT > 2ng/mL were the top three groups with highest positive rate of ICT test (22.6%, 22.2% and 21.1% respectively).

Conclusion

ICT test has a moderate sensitivity and high specificity in adults with CAP in China. Patients classified as sever pneumonia, or those with BUN > 7 mmol/L, or PCT > 2 ng/mL are more likely to have positive results.
Herpes zoster of gingiva in an older woman: a rare case report
Authors: Chopra Aditi , Sivaraman Karthik , Thomas Betsy S.
Published: July 2016

Objective

The aim of the article is to highlight the distinguishing features of secondary varicella gingival infection in an older women.

Background

Herpes zoster is an acute sporadic, painful viral infection in older people caused by the reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus. Herpes zoster affecting the gingiva without any dermal lesions is a rare pathological condition that mimics many intraoral vesiculobullous lesions. The ambiguous nature of this condition creates a diagnostic dilemma.

Materials and methods

A 58‐year‐old woman presented with an acute, unilateral and persistent burning sensation and pain in the gingiva with desqaumating vesicullobulous lesion.

Results

The women was diagnosed with secondary varicella zoster infection.

Conclusion

Herpes zoster of the gingiva could manifest as painful desquamative vesicular lesions, pulpal or other painful neuralgic condition in older individuals which need careful diagnosis before formulating appropiate treatment plan
Blood Pressure and All‐Cause Mortality by Level of Cognitive Function in the Elderly: Results From a Population‐Based Study in Rural Greece
Authors: Georgakis Marios K. , Protogerou Athanasios D. , Kalogirou Eleni I. , Kontogeorgi Evangelia , Pagonari Ioanna , Sarigianni Fani , Papageorgiou Sokratis G. , Kapaki Elisabeth , Papageorgiou Charalampos , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Petridou Eleni Th.
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to investigate whether the effect of blood pressure (BP) on mortality differs by levels of cognitive function. The associations of brachial systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure with all‐cause mortality were prospectively explored (follow‐up 7.0±2.2 years) in 660 community‐dwelling individuals (≥60 years) using adjusted Cox models, stratified by cognitive impairment (Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE] <24). No association between brachial BP variables and mortality was shown for the total sample in quartiles analysis; however, MAP in the highest quartile, compared with the second, was associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence intervals, 1.09–3.12) among cognitively impaired individuals. The fractional‐polynomials approach for BP confirmed this finding and further showed, solely in the MMSE <24 subcohort, U‐shaped trends of MAP and systolic BP, with increased mortality risk in extremely low or high values; no such pattern was evident for patients with MMSE ≥24. Elderly individuals with cognitive impairment might be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of low and elevated MAP and systolic BP.
Cutaneous characteristics and association with antinuclear antibodies in 402 patients with different subtypes of lupus erythematosus
Authors: Patsinakidis N. , Gambichler T. , Lahner N. , Moellenhoff K. , Kreuter A.
Published: July 2016

Background

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a heterogeneous spectrum of skin manifestations and organ affection, and is frequently associated with serum autoantibodies, which mostly remain positive through the course of the disease. The classification of LE is still a controversial topic.

Objectives

To examine the prevalence and long‐term course of autoantibodies in patients with cutaneous LE (CLE) and/or systemic LE (SLE) treated in the outpatient clinic for connective tissue diseases of the department of Dermatology in Bochum, Germany.

Methods

Four hundred and two patients with LE were evaluated for antinuclear antibodies at a whole of 1572 time points. The prevalence as well as the long‐term positivity of antinuclear antibodies and their correlation with the various subtypes of disease was examined.

Results

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing and anti‐ds‐DNA antibodies were not only more prevalent in SLE patients (as expected from the ACR criteria for diagnosis of SLE, P < 0.0001), but also have had a more consistent course in the long‐term evaluation (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0111 respectively). Subacute cutaneous LE (SCLE) was associated with ANA (P = 0.0075), anti‐Ro (P < 0.0001) and anti‐La (P < 0.0001) antibodies, showing also higher consistency rates for these antibodies than discoid LE (DLE, P = 0.049, P = 0.004, P = 0.0004). Our data from 100 patients with LE tumidus (LET) support its perception as a distinct subtype of LE, not correlating with systemic disease or antinuclear antibodies (P < 0.0001). Anti‐U1‐ribonucleoprotein antibodies correlated with CLE in SLE patients (P = 0.0237), whereas non‐LE‐specific antinuclear antibodies were a rare, inconsistent autoimmune epiphenomenon in patients with SLE.

Conclusion

Long‐term analysis of antinuclear antibodies has shown significant differences in various clinical subtypes of LE, confirming the actual classification of the disease. A serial evaluation of antinuclear antibodies may support the classification of disease in LE patients with overlapping clinical features.
Optimization of Operation Parameters of a Vertical Sterilizer of Medium‐Scale Oil Palm Mill Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Morakinyo T. Afolabi , Bamgboye A. Isaac
Published: July 2016

In this study optimum operation parameters of a newly developed sterilizer of the medium‐scale oil palm processing mill were investigated for maximum oil yield. Taguchi's experimental design of orthogonal array L9 (
) was adopted to generate nine runs of experiment. Response surface method was used to optimize operation parameters and validated using Taguchi's table. However, experimental result was analyzed to generate predicted‐dependent operation parameters through linear multiple regression equations. Hence, coefficients of correlations were established using Karl Persons's formula. The optimum predicted indepenent operation parameters for the sterilizer were Tenera 33.33 years, 128.89°C, 3 bar, 51.11 min for age of Tenera fruits, initial temperature, pressure of superheated steam, and sterilization period, respectively. These optimum values correspond to 6th run on Taguchi's table. The coefficients of correlations between experimental and predicted values were: 0.87, 0.85, 0.99, and 0.54 for equilibrium temperature, equilibrium pressure, oil yield, and efficiency, respectively.

Practical Applications

The indigenous technology of oil palm processing in Nigeria has not been developed beyond small‐scale method, which is characterized with unscientific techniques and facility. In this small‐scale method oil palm fruits are sterilized using unpressurize vessel without instrumentation and control devices for parameters regulation and monitoring. Because of the poor economy in Africa and Nigeria in particular, large‐scale mill remain unaffordable. Hence to enhance productivity of oil palm, a vertical sterilizer was developed as one of the unit operations of a synchronized medium‐scale oil palm fruit processing mill. In this synchronized mill, fresh oil palm fruits were sterilized using developed sterilizer (pressure vessel) that was coupled with fire‐in‐tube boiler. For the effective handling of this facility, investigation of the optimum operation parameters of the sterilizer such as: age of Tenera fruits, superheated steam temperature and pressure, likewise sterilization period is essential to enhance oil yield, hence this study.
Effect of Drying Temperature on Agave tequilana Leaves: A Pretreatment for Releasing Reducing Sugars for Biofuel Production
Authors: Avila‐Gaxiola Evangelina , Avila‐Gaxiola Jorge , Velarde‐Escobar Oscar , Ramos‐Brito Francisco , Atondo‐Rubio Gelacio , Yee‐Rendon Cristo
Published: July 2016

The leaves of Agave tequilana Weber variety Blue represent a viable, inexpensive, and renewable source of lignocellulosic biomass and fructans for the production of second generation biofuels. The objective was to study the effect of drying temperature on the release of reducing sugars for the agave leaves. It was found that with pretreatment‐drying at 100°C for 30.5 ± 1.0 min had a maximum of the release of reducing sugars with a 66% increment compared to 60°C. An aqueous extract obtained from the powder of the leaves after drying did not show the presence of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural compounds. Phenolic compounds were detected in order of 120.8 ± 1.0 mg L−1 below 1 g L−1 reported to cause inhibition of the alcoholic fermentation. In addition the drying of the leaves also can be used as preservation of agave leaf for biomass storing. The results show that pretreatment‐drying allow increase the release of reducing sugars, avoids thermal degradation and does not produce significant concentrations of fermentation inhibitors.

Practical Applications

The research in industrial waste materials has received special attention worldwide because it is potential for production of biofuels. This study propose a simple method of drying that acts as a thermal pretreatment of Agave tequilana Weber variety Blue leaves that increases the release of reducing sugars, avoids thermal degradation, not produce significant concentrations of fermentation inhibitors for ethanol production and can be used as a preservation method for storing biomass of the agave leaves. The results would be useful not only in the energy field but also in the alimentary and pharmaceutical industry. Fructans and phenolic compounds found in the agave are used as functional ingredients in the food industry and also bioactive compounds that by themselves promotes future research for the Agave tequilana.
Men at risk for paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after cryolipolysis
Authors: Keaney Terrence C , Naga Lina I
Published: July 2016

Cryolipolysis, an aesthetic procedure that reduces adipose tissue by exposure to cold temperature, is generally well tolerated with mild side effects including temporary numbness, erythema, and tenderness. However, as cryolipolysis is gaining popularity and more treatments are being performed, reports of rare adverse events including delayed onset pain and paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) have been described. Recent studies have suggested that PAH can be more common than expected and have a predilection for males, as a disproportionate number of the cases reported in the literature have occurred in men despite the fact that fewer men are likely to be treated with cryolipolysis. Sexual dimorphism in adipose anatomy may provide insight into the increased susceptibility of men to PAH. Careful patient selection avoiding men with visceral abdominal adipose and firm, nondistensible, fibrous fat may be important to minimize the risk of PAH.
Amyloid: a multifaceted player in human health and disease
Authors: Johansson J. , Olson L. , Andersson J. , Johansson G. , Winblad B.
Published: July 2016

Content List – Read more articles from the symposium: Amyloid ‐ a multifaceted player in human health and disease.
Increased early inflammatory response and osteoclastic activity in gingival tissues following conventional osseous resective surgery compared with the fibre retention technique: a pilot study
Authors: Romano F. , Graziano A. , Spina A. , Ercoli E. , Audagna M. , Mariani G. M. , Ferrarotti F. , Aimetti M.
Published: July 2016

Background and Objective

The retention of suprabony connective fibres attached into the root cementum during fibre retention osseous resective surgery (FibReORS) results in a more conservative intrasurgical removal of bone, and limits further bone loss and patient morbidity during healing, compared with conventional osseous resective surgery (ORS). This may be a result of the protective effect of preserved connective tissue over the interproximal sites and the lower activation of the inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to compare the expression of inflammatory and osteoclastic activity markers in gingival tissues following FibReORS and ORS in the early postsurgical phase.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐six posterior sextants requiring osseous resective surgery were selected in 13 patients with chronic periodontitis: 13 sextants were randomly assigned to ORS and 13 to FibReORS in a split‐mouth design. Gingival biospies were collected during the surgical sessions and at suture removal. Tissue samples were analysed to evaluate the expression of proinflammatory and immunity regulatory mediators (interleukin‐1α, C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 5, interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14; a monocyte/macrophage marker) and TRAP (an osteoclast marker) using immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and cytofluorimetric analyses, respectively.

Results

Postsurgery, a higher number of inflammatory cells and stronger expression of proinflammatory cytokines were observed in the epithelium and connective tissue of ORS gingival samples compared with FibReORS gingival samples (p < 0.001). This was accompanied by increased numbers of CD14‐positive and TRAP‐positive cells.

Conclusion

Retention of the supracrestal connective fibres appears to reduce the postsurgical intensity of the host‐mediated inflammatory response.
Baiting for carnivores might negatively affect capture rates of prey species in camera‐trap studies
Authors: Rocha D. G. , Ramalho E. E. , Magnusson W. E.
Published: July 2016

Surveying and monitoring of elusive animals with naturally low densities and large home ranges, such as many medium‐ and large‐sized mammals, is challenging. Low capture rates can preclude detailed analyses. The use of bait has been used as a strategy to increase carnivore capture rates in many camera‐trap surveys. Here, we test the effect of one carnivore bait type (mix of fresh sardine and egg) on the capture rates of carnivores and prey species in a camera‐trap survey in the Central Brazilian Amazon. We also test if the quality of records of naturally marked felids for individual identification is enhanced by the use of bait. We found that the bait had no apparent effect on the carnivore capture rates, but it might have repelled some prey species. The number of suitable photos for individual identification of naturally marked felids was greater at baited stations than at unbaited stations, but this did not result in practical advantages for individual identification. We recommend that the use of carnivore bait should be carefully considered at the planning stage of camera‐trap studies as it can negatively affect recording of prey species.
Replacement of glass in the Nakhla meteorite by berthierine: Implications for understanding the origins of aluminum‐rich phyllosilicates on Mars
Authors: Lee Martin R. , Chatzitheodoridis Elias
Published: July 2016

A scanning and transmission electron microscope study of aluminosilicate glasses within melt inclusions from the Martian meteorite Nakhla shows that they have been replaced by berthierine, an aluminum‐iron serpentine mineral. This alteration reaction was mediated by liquid water that gained access to the glasses along fractures within enclosing augite and olivine grains. Water/rock ratios were low, and the aqueous solutions were circumneutral and reducing. They introduced magnesium and iron that were sourced from the dissolution of olivine, and exported alkalis. Berthierine was identified using X‐ray microanalysis and electron diffraction. It is restricted in its occurrence to parts of the melt inclusions that were formerly glass, thus showing that under the ambient physico‐chemical conditions, the mobility of aluminum and silicon were low. This discovery of serpentine adds to the suite of postmagmatic hydrous silicates in Nakhla that include saponite and opal‐A. Such a variety of secondary silicates indicates that during aqueous alteration compositionally distinct microenvironments developed on sub‐millimeter length scales. The scarcity of berthierine in Nakhla is consistent with results from orbital remote sensing of the Martian crust showing very low abundances of aluminum‐rich phyllosilicates.
Pulmonary interstitial emphysema due to respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Aiyoshi Tsubasa , Masumoto Kouji , Shinkai Toko , Tanaka Yasunari , Fujii Shunsuke , Sasaki Takato , Chiba Fumiko , Sakamoto Naoya , Gotoh Chikashi , Urita Yasuhisa , Nakao Makoto , Takayasu Hajime , Tanaka Hideaki , Imai Hironori
Published: July 2016

Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) primarily affects premature infants on positive pressure ventilation. PIE is rarely reported in infants and children in the absence of mechanical ventilation and/or associated respiratory infection. We report a case of PIE in a 22‐month‐old girl who had severe respiratory distress due to respiratory syncytial virus infection. Chest computed tomography showed cystic lung lesions mimicking congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation. The cystic lesions spontaneously resolved after conservative treatment. Based on the clinical course and the chronological changes on imaging, the cystic lung lesions were diagnosed as localized persistent PIE.
The Design of Feature‐Limited Demonstration Software: Choosing the Right Features to Include
Authors: Ray Jyotishka , Samuel Jayarajan , Menon Syam , Mookerjee Vijay
Published: July 2016

Today, software supports many important tasks in a variety of industries. In the specialized nature of these environments, a common problem faced by software vendors is to correctly signal the true value of a software product to the end users. For example, telecommunications equipment manufacturers design complex software for important functions like provisioning new users in the network. These software products automate various functions that would otherwise need to be done manually. In order to enable potential customers—telecommunications providers—to evaluate and recognize the full value of the product, equipment vendors often provide a free, feature‐limited version of the product to the customer. As the specific features included in the feature‐limited version influence whether the full product is purchased or not, it is essential that the features included in the feature‐limited version be selected judiciously. While the importance of identifying the best set of features has been well recognized, there has been little research to date that systematically addresses this fundamental business decision. This study fills this gap in the literature by providing an objective approach to the design of demonstration software. We illustrate the benefits of our approach through a case study involving the design of a feature‐limited demo for a wireless telecommunications equipment manufacturer.
Molecular, genetic and evolutionary analysis of a paracentric inversion in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fransz Paul , Linc Gabriella , Lee Cheng‐Ruei , Aflitos Saulo Alves , Lasky Jesse R. , Toomajian Christopher , Ali Hoda , Peters Janny , van Dam Peter , Ji Xianwen , Kuzak Mateusz , Gerats Tom , Schubert Ingo , Schneeberger Korbinian , Colot Vincent , Martienssen Rob , Koornneef Maarten , Nordborg Magnus , Juenger Thomas E. , de Jong Hans , Schranz Michael E.
Published: July 2016

Chromosomal inversions can provide windows onto the cytogenetic, molecular, evolutionary and demographic histories of a species. Here we investigate a paracentric 1.17‐Mb inversion on chromosome 4 of Arabidopsis thaliana with nucleotide precision of its borders. The inversion is created by Vandal transposon activity, splitting an F‐box and relocating a pericentric heterochromatin segment in juxtaposition with euchromatin without affecting the epigenetic landscape. Examination of the RegMap panel and the 1001 Arabidopsis genomes revealed more than 170 inversion accessions in Europe and North America. The SNP patterns revealed historical recombinations from which we infer diverse haplotype patterns, ancient introgression events and phylogenetic relationships. We find a robust association between the inversion and fecundity under drought. We also find linkage disequilibrium between the inverted region and the early flowering Col‐FRIGIDA allele. Finally, SNP analysis elucidates the origin of the inversion to South‐Eastern Europe approximately 5000 years ago and the FRI‐Col allele to North‐West Europe, and reveals the spreading of a single haplotype to North America during the 17th to 19th century. The ‘American haplotype’ was identified from several European localities, potentially due to return migration.
A practical study of white‐clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) mitigation during in‐channel construction works, North‐East England
Authors: Latham Dorian , Bubb Damian , Hardy Maria , Guarnaccio Jon
Published: July 2016

The article provides a unique opportunity to study a large white‐clawed crayfish mitigation exercise on the River Wansbeck, Northumberland in North East England. The translation was necessary to allow the construction of a dam on the river to reduce flood risk to the town of Morpeth. The study provides an assessment of the methodology used for the capture and translocation activities, and provides an insight into the speed of colonisation and population establishment in a 300‐m diversion channel and the structure of translocated populations. Over 3500 + white‐clawed crayfish were caught when the natural channel was dewatered, with 5400 animals removed the following year when the diversion channel was closed. Average density based on the number of white‐clawed crayfish caught was estimated as in excess of 5 per 1 m2. The study demonstrates the importance of the River Wansbeck for white‐clawed crayfish.
Homogeneity of cohomology classes associated with Koszul matrix factorizations
Authors: Polishchuk Alexander
Published: July 2016

In this work we prove the so-called dimension property for the cohomological field theory associated with a homogeneous polynomial $W$ with an isolated singularity, in the algebraic framework of [A. Polishchuk and A. Vaintrob, Matrix factorizations and cohomological field theories, J. Reine Angew. Math. 714 (2016), 1–122]. This amounts to showing that some cohomology classes on the Deligne–Mumford moduli spaces of stable curves, constructed using Fourier–Mukai-type functors associated with matrix factorizations, live in prescribed dimension. The proof is based on a homogeneity result established in [A. Polishchuk and A. Vaintrob, Algebraic construction of Witten’s top Chern class, in Advances in algebraic geometry motivated by physics (Lowell, MA, 2000) (American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 2001), 229–249] for certain characteristic classes of Koszul matrix factorizations of $0$. To reduce to this result, we use the theory of Fourier–Mukai-type functors involving matrix factorizations and the natural rational lattices in the relevant Hochschild homology spaces, as well as a version of Hodge–Riemann bilinear relations for Hochschild homology of matrix factorizations. Our approach also gives a proof of the dimension property for the cohomological field theories associated with some quasihomogeneous polynomials with an isolated singularity.
A Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Oil–Air Flow Between the Cage and Inner Race of an Aero-engine Bearing
Authors: Adeniyi Akinola A. , Morvan Hervé , Simmons Kathy
Published: July 2016

In aero-engines, the shafts are supported on bearings that carry the radial and axial loads. A ball bearing is made up of an inner race, an outer race, and a cage, which contains the balls, these together comprise the bearing elements. The bearings require oil for lubrication and cooling. The design of the bearing studied in this work is such that the oil is fed to the bearing through holes/slots in the inner race. At each axial feed location, the oil is fed through a number of equispaced feedholes/slots but there are a different number of holes at each location. Once the oil has passed through the bearing, it sheds outward from both sides into compartments known as the bearing chambers. A number of studies have been carried out on the dynamics of bearings. Most of the analyses consider the contributions of fluid forces as small relative to the interaction of the bearing elements. One of the most sophisticated models for a cage–raceway analysis is based on the work of Ashmore et al. (2003, “Hydrodynamic Support and Dynamic Response for an Inner-Piloted Bearing Cage,” Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part G, 217, pp. 19–28], where the cage–raceway is considered to be a short journal bearing divided into sectors by the oil feeds. It is further assumed that the oil exits from the holes and forms a continuous block of oil that exits outward on both sides of the cage–raceway. In the model, the Reynolds equation is used to estimate the oil dynamics. Of interest in this current work is the behavior of the oil and air within the space bounded by the cage and inner race. The aim is to determine whether oil feed to the bearing can be modeled as coming from a continuous slot or if the discrete entry points must be modeled. A volume of fluid (VOF) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach is applied. A sector of a ball bearing is modeled with a fine mesh, and the detailed simulations show the flow behavior for different oil splits to the three feed locations of the bearing, thus providing information useful to understanding oil shedding into the bearing chambers. This work shows that different flow behaviors are predicted by models where the oil inlets through a continuous slot are compared to discrete entry holes. The form and speed of oil shedding from the bearing are found to depend strongly on shaft speed with the shedding speed being slightly higher than the cage linear speed. The break-up pattern of oil on the cage inner surface suggests that smaller droplets will be shed at higher shaft speed.
A Model of Capillary-Driven Flow Between Contacting Rough Surfaces
Authors: Rostami Amir , Streator Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2016

A liquid film can flow between two solid surfaces in close proximity due to capillary effects. Such flow occurs in natural processes such as the wetting of soils, drainage through rocks, water rise in plants and trees, as well as in engineering applications such as liquid flow in nanofluidic systems and the development of liquid bridges within small-scale devices. In this work, a numerical model is formulated to describe the radial capillary-driven flow between two contacting, elastic, annular rough surfaces. A mixed lubrication equation with capillary-pressure boundary conditions is solved for the pressure within the liquid film and both macro- and micro-contact models are employed to account for solid–solid contact pressures and interfacial deformation. Measurements of interfacial spreading rate are performed for liquids of varying viscosity flowing between an optical flat and a metallic counter surface. Good agreement is found between modeling and experiment. A semi-analytical relation is developed for the capillary flow between the two contacting surfaces.