bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Institutional Coordination in Planning for Public Transportation in East Africa: Analysis Based on Perceptions of Stakeholders in Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi
Authors: Kanyama Ahmad
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the challenges of institutional coordination in planning for public transport in Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi. Sources of data included literature review from published and unpublished documents, interviews with institutions involved in public transportation and workshops. The data was coded and analyzed using structural-functional and content analysis. Analysis of results showed a number of challenges that constrain institutional coordination in planning for public transport in the cities of Dar-es-salaam and Nairobi. Those challenges are inherently embedded in the institutional, political, cultural, economic and technological conditions of Tanzania and Kenya. This paper recommends establishment of a framework for institutional coordination in planning for public transport suited to circumstances of each of these countries. This will be a tool to address uncontrolled fragmentation of public transport agreements across different agencies, and a guide to different sectors to pursue individual public transport initiatives within the agreed policy objectives. Good governance and leadership principles should be central attributes in the framework for institutional coordination with emphasis on democratic participation and the development of partnerships between private and public sectors and citizens in planning for public transport.
Farmers’ Knowledge and Perceptions to Climate Variability in North West Cameroon
Authors: Balgah Roland Azibo , Kimengsi Jude Ndzifon , Wirbam Bime, Mary-Juliet , Antonia Forti, Kusamia
Published: August 2016

Global climate variability exerts negative impacts especially on agriculture-dependent economies. Contemporary climate modelling suggests that farming households in developing countries will bear the greatest brunt from climate variability. However, information on farmers’ knowledge and perceptions to climate variability and possible influence on household adaptation strategies especially in developing countries is scarce. This paper assesses farmers’ knowledge and perceptions to climate variability, based on a case study from the North Western region of Cameroon.

A structured questionnaire was used in a cross sectional survey to collect data on knowledge and perceptions to climate variability, from 272 farmers in six randomly selected villages in the North West Region of Cameroon. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 17.0) and Excel. Over 97% of respondents demonstrated contextual knowledge of climate variability. Perceptions to the causes of climate variability were quite diverse. While 20% of respondents had no idea, around 40% attributed climate variability to human activities, 20% to industrial activities and 20% to the anger of the gods.

We conclude with the need for climate variability research to increasingly pay attention to farmers’ indigenous knowledge and perceptions as prerequisites to building resilience amongst farmers in Cameroon.
Glucose-induced lipid deposition in goose primary hepatocytes is dependent on the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Han Chunchun , We Shouhai , He Fang , Qi Song , Xiong Xiangping , Ye Fengjiang , Liu Dandan , Wan Huofu , Liu Hehe , Li Liang , Xu Hongyong , Xu Feng , Zeng Xianyin
Published: August 2016

Previously we showed that fatty liver formation in overfed geese was
accompanied by PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway activation and changes in plasma
glucose concentrations. Here, we show that glucose acts in goose
hepatocellular lipid metabolism through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway.
We observed that glucose increased lipogenesis, decreased fatty acid
oxidation and increased very low density lipoprotein triglyceride (VLDL-TG)
assembly and secretion. Co-treatment with glucose and inhibitors of the
PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway (LY294002, rapamycin, NVP-BEZ235) decreased the levels
of factors involved in lipogenesis and increased the levels of factors
involved in fatty acid oxidation and VLDL-TG assembly and secretion. These
findings show that inhibition of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway decreased
glucose-induced lipogenesis, inhibited the downregulation of fatty acid
oxidation by glucose and increased the upregulation of VLDL-TG assembly and
secretion by glucose. The results presented herein provide further support
for the role of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in lipid metabolism as we showed
that in goose primary hepatocytes, glucose acts through the
PI3K-Akt-mTOR-dependent pathway to stimulate lipid deposition by increasing
lipogenesis and decreasing fatty acid oxidation and VLDL-TG assembly and
secretion.
The Effects of Firm Growth and Model Specification Choices on Tests of Earnings Management in Quarterly Settings
Authors: Collins Daniel W. , Pungaliya Raunaq S. , Vijh Anand M.
Published: August 2016

Commonly used Jones-type discretionary accrual models applied in quarterly settings do not adequately control for nondiscretionary accruals that naturally occur due to firm growth. We show that the relation between quarterly accruals and backward-looking sales growth (measured over a rolling four-quarter window) and forward-looking firm growth (market-to-book ratio) is non-linear. Failure to control for the effects of firm growth and performance on innate accruals leads to excessive Type I error rates in tests of earnings management. We propose simple refinements to Jones-type models that deal with non-linear growth and performance effects and show that the expanded models are well-specified and exhibit high power in quarterly settings where one is testing for earnings management. The expanded models are able to identify the presence of earnings management in a sample of restatement firms. Our findings have important implications for the use of discretionary accrual models in earnings management research.

JEL Classifications: C15; M40; M41.
Speech effects of Hawley and vacuum-formed retainers by acoustic analysis: A single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wan Jia , Wang Tong , Pei Xibo , Wan Qianbing , Feng Wenkun , Chen Junyu
Published: August 2016

Objective: To investigate the effects of alteration on speech articulation of adult patients between Hawley retainers and vacuum-formed retainers by an objective acoustic analysis of vowels and voiceless fricatives.

Materials and Methods: Twenty adults, aged 19.0–29.0 years, who had just finished active orthodontic treatment were included in this study. They were divided into a Hawley retainer group and a vacuum-formed retainer group by sortation randomization method. The assessment of speech sounds was performed objectively using acoustic analysis before and after retainer application at the following time points: before wearing (T0), immediately after wearing (T1), and at 24 hours (T2), 1 week (T3), 1 month (T4), and 3 months (T5).

Results: The production of /з:/, /i:/, /f/, /θ/, /s/, and /∫/ sounds for the Hawley retainer group and /i:/, /θ/, /s/, and /∫/ sounds for the vacuum-formed retainer group showed severe speech impairment according to acoustic analysis (P < .05). A comparison of the Hawley retainer group with the vacuum-formed retainer group revealed that the performance of /i:/, /f/, and /s/ sounds were significantly different (P < .05).

Conclusion: Although sound distortion could be found in both the Hawley retainer group and the vacuum-formed retainer group, changes in articulation were more obvious in the Hawley retainer group.
Salsalate (Salicylate) Uncouples Mitochondria, Improves Glucose Homeostasis, and Reduces Liver Lipids Independent of AMPK-β1
Authors: Smith Brennan K. , Ford Rebecca J. , Desjardins Eric M. , Green Alex E. , Hughes Meghan C. , Houde Vanessa P. , Day Emily A. , Marcinko Katarina , Crane Justin D. , Mottillo Emilio P. , Perry Christopher G.R. , Kemp Bruce E. , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Steinberg Gregory R.
Published: August 2016

Salsalate is a prodrug of salicylate that lowers blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and reduces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in animal models; however, the mechanism mediating these effects is unclear. Salicylate directly activates AMPK via the β1 subunit, but whether salsalate requires AMPK-β1 to improve T2D and NAFLD has not been examined. Therefore, wild-type (WT) and AMPK-β1–knockout (AMPK-β1KO) mice were treated with a salsalate dose resulting in clinically relevant serum salicylate concentrations (∼1 mmol/L). Salsalate treatment increased VO2, lowered fasting glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and led to an ∼55% reduction in liver lipid content. These effects were observed in both WT and AMPK-β1KO mice. To explain these AMPK-independent effects, we found that salicylate increases oligomycin-insensitive respiration (state 4o) and directly increases mitochondrial proton conductance at clinical concentrations. This uncoupling effect is tightly correlated with the suppression of de novo lipogenesis. Salicylate is also able to stimulate brown adipose tissue respiration independent of uncoupling protein 1. These data indicate that the primary mechanism by which salsalate improves glucose homeostasis and NAFLD is via salicylate-driven mitochondrial uncoupling.
Characteristics of cats sterilized through a subsidized, reduced-cost spay-neuter program in Massachusetts and of owners who had cats sterilized through this program
Authors: Benka Valerie A. , McCobb Emily
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine characteristics of cats sterilized through a subsidized, reduced-cost spay-neuter program in Massachusetts and of owners who had their cats sterilized through this program.

DESIGN Cross-sectional anonymous survey and telephone interviews.

SAMPLE 1,188 (anonymous surveys) and 99 (telephone interviews) cat owners.

PROCEDURES Owners who had a cat sterilized at clinics held between January 2006 and December 2008 were invited to complete anonymous surveys. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with owners who had a cat sterilized during clinics held in 2009.

RESULTS Most cats had never been seen by a veterinarian previously; “too expensive” was the most common reason for this. Total annual household income was significantly associated with the number of times the cat had been examined by a veterinarian and reason why the cat had not been spayed or neutered previously. Most cats were acquired through informal means and without actively being sought, and there was often a time lag between acquisition and sterilization. Undesirable behavior and avoiding pregnancy were primary motivations for neutering and spaying, respectively. Nearly half of owners who indicated they would have had their cat sterilized through a private veterinarian if the clinic had not been available stated that the surgery would have been delayed because of cost.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that spay-neuter decisions were related to owner income and procedure cost, that elimination of the reduced-cost spay-neuter program would likely have exacerbated the spay-delay problem, and that gradations of financial need should be considered when evaluating relationships between income and spay-neuter decisions.
Evaluation of peripheral blood and abdominal fluid variables as predictors of intestinal surgical site failure in dogs with septic peritonitis following celiotomy and the placement of closed-suction abdominal drains
Authors: Guieu Liz-Valérie S. , Bersenas Alexa M. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Holowaychuk Marie K. , Ammersbach Melanie A. , Beaufrère Hugues , Fujita Hiroshi , Weese J. Scott
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate peripheral blood and abdominal fluid variables as predictors of intestinal surgical site failure in dogs with septic peritonitis following celiotomy and closed-suction abdominal drain (CSAD) placement.

DESIGN Prospective study.

ANIMALS 26 dogs with septic peritonitis that underwent celiotomy and CSAD placement.

PROCEDURES Abdominal fluid and blood samples were collected prior to surgery and daily thereafter until CSAD removal. Abdominal fluid was collected through the CSAD. Analysis of all samples included pH, PCO2, PO2, PCV, WBC count, and total solids, glucose, lactate, and electrolyte concentrations. Abdominal fluid samples also underwent cytologic evaluation and bacterial culture, and the volume of fluid removed through the drain was recorded daily. The blood-to-fluid glucose and lactate differences, fluid-to-blood lactate ratio and blood-to-fluid WBC and neutrophil ratios were determined daily. Dogs were categorized into 2 groups on the basis of whether they had an uneventful recovery (UR) or developed postoperative septic peritonitis (POSP).

RESULTS 23 dogs had a UR and 3 developed POSP. On the third day after surgery, the abdominal fluid WBC count was significantly lower and the blood-to-fluid WBC and neutrophil ratios were significantly higher for dogs in the POSP group, compared with those for dogs in the UR group. None of the other blood and abdominal fluid variables assessed differed significantly between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results failed to identify any objective predictive indicators for POSP in dogs with CSADs. Use of blood-to-fluid WBC and neutrophil ratios as predictive indicators for POSP requires further investigation.
Oral administration of famciclovir for treatment of spontaneous ocular, respiratory, or dermatologic disease attributed to feline herpesvirus type 1: 59 cases (2006–2013)
Authors: Thomasy Sara M. , Shull Olivia , Outerbridge Catherine A. , Lim Christine C. , Freeman Kate S. , Strom Ann R. , Kass Philip H. , Maggs David J.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes for cats treated with orally administered famciclovir 3 times/d for clinical signs attributed to naturally occurring feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) infection and to assess variables related to owner satisfaction with the treatment.

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 59 client-owned cats.

PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed to identify cats treated for presumed FHV-1 infection from 2006 through 2013 with ≥ 1 follow-up visit. Signalment, duration of clinical signs, prior treatment, examination findings, diagnostic test results, concurrent treatments, and outcome data were recorded. Owners were asked to complete a survey regarding patient- and treatment-related variables. Data were compared between cats that received low (approx 40 mg/kg [18 mg/lb]) and high (approx 90 mg/kg [41 mg/lb]) doses of famciclovir, PO, 3 times/d.

RESULTS Patient age ranged from 0.03 to 16 years. Conjunctivitis (51/59 [86%]), keratitis (51 [86%]), blepharitis (19 [32%]), nasal discharge or sneezing (10 [17%]), and dermatitis (4 [7%]) were common findings. Clinical improvement was subjectively graded as marked in 30 (51%) cats, mild in 20 (34%), and nonapparent in 9 (15%). Median time to improvement was significantly shorter, and degree of improvement was significantly greater in the highdose group than in the low-dose group. Adverse effects potentially attributable to famciclovir administration were reported for 10 cats. On the basis of survey responses, most (29/32 [91%]) owners were satisfied with their cat's treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Famciclovir at the prescribed dosages was associated with improved clinical signs in cats with presumed FHV-1 infection, and few adverse effects were attributed to the treatment. Further studies are needed to assess whether a famciclovir dosage of 90 versus 40 mg/kg, PO, 3 times/d would result in increased efficacy and shorter treatment time.
Defining the primary research question in veterinary clinical studies
Authors: Giuffrida Michelle A.
Published: August 2016

A thoughtful, clearly defined research question should be the foundation of any clinical trial or research study. The research question helps determine key study methods, and defining a specific research question helps avoid problems with inadequate sample size, inappropriate design, or multiple statistical comparisons. Rationales and strategies for formulating research questions and using them to define study protocols are discussed, with a focus on application in clinical trials.
Size-Based Analysis of Charitable Foundations: New Evidence from Canadian Data
Authors: Khovrenkov Iryna
Published: August 2016

Using rich administrative tax data, this article offers new evidence on the role of size as well as the private-public distinction in the operation of foundations. Large private foundations have average disbursements just above the minimum requirement, while large public, medium-sized public, and medium-sized private foundations have average disbursements well in excess of the minimum. This suggests consideration of a looser regulatory environment for medium foundations as has recently been implemented for small foundations.
Oxidation of linezolid by permanganate in acidic medium: Pd(II) catalysis, kinetics and pathways
Authors: Kulkarni Raviraj M. , Hanagadakar Manjunath S. , Malladi Ramesh S. , Santhakumari B. , Nandibewoor Sharanappa T.
Published: August 2016

The uncatalysed and Pd(II)-catalysed oxidation of linezolid (LNZ) by permanganate (PMGT) in acidic medium was carried out in the pH range from 3.0 to 6.0. The second order rate constants were found to decrease with increase in pH. The apparent second order rate constants for the uncatalysed reaction were, for example, k″app = 6.32 dm3 mol–1 s–1 at pH 3.0 and k″app. = 2.64 dm3 mol–1 s–1 at pH 6.0 and at 25 ± 0.2 °C and for the Pd(II)-catalysed reaction the total apparent second order rate constants were k″app = 75.5 dm3 mol–1 s–1 at pH 3.0 and k″app. = 45.66 dm3 mol–1 s–1 at pH 6.0 and at 25 ± 0.2 °C. The rate constant of the Pd(II)-catalysed reaction was thus ten times higher than for the uncatalysed reaction. The oxidation products of the reaction were identified using high resolution LC–MS. The reaction progresses via formation of a Pd–LNZ complex, which reacts with acidic PMGT to form an intermediate compound, which then decomposes to give oxidised products. The dependence of the rate of reaction on various parameters, such as pH, temperature, [LNZ], [PMGT], [Pd(II)], dielectric constant and ionic strength were studied and activation parameters for the reaction were evaluated and discussed.
Effect of calcination temperature of La- and Ni-promoted S2O82–/ZrO2–Al2O3 catalysts on the isomerisation of n-pentane
Authors: Song Hua , Lele Zhao , Wang Na , Song Hualin , Li Feng
Published: August 2016

A series of bimetal La- and Ni-promoted S2O82–/ZrO2–Al2O3 (SZA) catalysts were prepared at different calcination temperatures. The effect of calcination temperature on the characteristics and performance of La-Ni-S2O82–/ZrO2–Al2O3 (La-Ni-SZA) catalysts towards the n-pentane isomerisation reaction was determined. In order to relate the catalytic activity to their physical, chemical and textural features, the catalysts were characterised by various techniques including X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), FTIR spectra of adsorbed pyridine and BET specific surface area and H2 temperature-programmed reduction analyses. The results showed that tetragonal ZrO2 was the dominant phase in the calcination temperature range of 600–700 °C. The change of textural features of the catalysts results from transformation of the ZrO2 crystal phase and the collapse of the partial pore structure occurs at the high calcination temperature of 700 °C. The sulfur could be lost at calcination temperatures > 660 °C. The total acidity of the catalysts at a desorption temperature of 350 °C decreases in the order: La-Ni-SZA-650 > La-Ni-SZA-600 > La-Ni-SZA-700 > La-Ni-SZA-550. The La-Ni-SZA catalyst calcined at 650 °C had more tetragonal phase ZrO2, higher acidity, higher sulfur content, a larger BET surface area and exhibited the best catalytic performance, with the isopentane yield reaching a maximum 66.5% at a lower reaction temperature of 150 °C, with a selectivity to isopentane of 98.5%.
Comparison of radiation therapy alone and concurrent chemoradiation therapy for in operable cervical cancer
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Zillur Rahman , Rahman Atiar , Alam Sarwar , Firoz Towfiqul Hasan , Shaheen Sheikh Saiful Islam , Bishwas Joly
Published: August 2016

Objectives: Concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for inoperable cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of CCRT with cisplatin and radiotherapy (RT) for inoperable cervical cancer. Methods: From January 2O12 to June 2012, 60 female patients with FIGO stage IIB to IVA were enrolled in this randomized phase III trial to compare radiotherapy (RT) alone with chemo radiotherapy (RT 5 Fraction in a week and Cinplatin 40 mg weekly). External beam radiation therapy was delivered using a telecobalt-60 unit. This was followed by 21 Gy of intracavitary brachytherapy. Results: In total, 30 patients were recruited: RT alone (30) and CCRT (30). The age of patients ranged from 26-65 years. There was statistically significant (p value < 0.037) complete response (70.00%) CCRT group vs 43.30% RT group) in CCRT group. Conclusion: CCRT was seen to have better efficacy for patients with inoperable cervical cancer than RT alone.
Laparoscopic findings of infertile women at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
Authors: Ishrat Shakeela , Deeba Farzana , Banu Jesmine , Diti Afruna Rahman
Published: August 2016

Background: Laparoscopy is an important component of infertility work up. It is the gold standard for evaluation of pelvic pathology and assessment of tubal patency. Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the laparoscopic findings of infertile women presenting at Infertlity unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Method: We had a retrospective cross-sectional study on Japaroscopic findings of 110 women. Results: Out of all patients 22.7% women had endometriosis. Various degrees of adhesion of pouch of Douglus was present in 16.4 %. Regarding tubal pate:1cy , 26.4% had unilateral block and 28.2% had bilateral block. Conclusion: A significant number of infertile women at the Infertility unit of BSMMU has tuboperitoneal disease and bilateral tubal block and ultimately need in vitro fertilization.
Pattern of semen analysis at andrology lab of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University: Findings and the shortcomings to overcome
Authors: Lshrat Shakeela , Fatima Parveen , Begum Nurjahan , Diti Afruna Rahman
Published: August 2016

Background: The Infertility wing dept. of gyne & obst at BSMMU provides services to the infertile couples who are referred from primary care levels and who cannot afford the expensive private facilities. The semen analysis is performed for the male partners of infertile couples at the Andrology Lab of BSMMU for detecting male factor abnormalities. Objectives: The objective of the study is to find out the pattern of semen parameters in our population and to find out the frequency and type of abnormal semen parameters. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of the semen analysis performed at the Andrology Lab of BSMMU during the year 2011. A total of 200 consecutive samples were analysed. The procedure and reference values were according to the WHO guidelines 1999. Results: Semen parameters were abnormal in 38.5% of semen analysis. Severe male factor abnormality (azospermia and severe oligospermia combined) was in 28%. Sperm concentration had the highest variability followed by motility and morphology respectively in the n01moozospermic males. Conclusion: Severe oligospennia and azospermia are the most common abnormali­ties among the infertile men presenting at the Infertility unit ofBSMMU. It is recommended that the service at the Infertility wing of BSMMU should be more focused on these male factor abnormalities.
Frequency of ischemic heart disease within metabolic syndrome
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Ashfaqul Islam , Patwary Md. Ismail , Rahman Md. Matiur , Ahbab M. A.
Published: August 2016

Background: The common clustering of glucose intolerance, abdominal adiposity, high triglyceride level, low high­density lipoprotein cholesterol level and high blood pressure in a single individual is referred to as Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and it is associated with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Objectives: To find out the relationship between MS and lHD. Design: Cross sectional observational study. Materials: 100 subjects were selected following simple random sampling technique. 50 patients of MS and another 50 non MS were enrolled as case and controlled respectively in the department of medicine and cardiology at Sylhet M.A. G. Osmani medical college hospital. Results: Proportion of IHD was found to be high among the MS (40%) compared to non MS (16%) and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.008) indicating there is a relationship between MS and lliD. Among the components of MS proportion of hyperten­sion (39.2%), diabetes mellitus (41.9%), dyslipidernia (42.6%) and family history of cardiovascular disease (47.1 %) had significant higher association with patients with IHD (p<0.05). Conclusion: The MS has a significant association with IHD by electrocardiogram criteria.
Vascularized dorsal dartos flap to prevent fistula in tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for primary distal and mid shaft hypospadias
Authors: Hossain A. K. M. Zahid , Hasan Gazi Zahirul , Mondal Susankar Kumar , Shahinoor A. M. , Nooruzzaman Md. , Koirala Dinesh Prasad
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the importance of neourethral covering using vascularized dorsal flap for preventing fistula in Tabularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty. The study included 52 children (aged 2-10 years) who had hypospadias repaired including 44  with distal and 8  with mid shaft hypospadias. In all children, a standard tabularized incised plate urethroplasty was followed by reconstruction of new surrounding urethral tissue. A longitudinal dartos flap was harvested from excessive dorsal preputial and penile hypospadiac skin and transposed to ventral side by a buttonhole maneuver. It was sutured to the glans wings and the neomeatus and to the corpora covernosa over the neo-urethra. Thus the new urethra was completely covered with well-vascularzed subcutaneous tissue. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, the result was successful with no fistula or urethral stenosis, except 2 of the mid penile hypospadias. All patients had good functional and cosmetic results with straight penis and vertical slit shaped meatus at the tip of the penis. The 2 patients developed tiny fistula, which were closed spontaneously after meatal dilatation. In conclusion, urethral covering should be part of TIP urethroplasty. A dorsal well-vascularized dartos flap, button holed ventrally is a good choice for preventing fistula for distal and mid shaft hypospadias.
Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG avidity assay: Role and implication in the confirmatory diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis in seropositive pregnant women
Authors: Naheen Chowdhury Rafia , Tarafder Shirin , Sattar Humayun , Khan Shafinaz
Published: August 2016

This study was undertaken to apply Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG avidity test in seropositive pregnant women to differentiate acute and past infection. T. gondii specific IgG avidity test was conducted in 39 seropositive pregnant women and their pregnancy outcomes were observed later on. Out of 39 T. gondii seropositive pregnant women 33 (84%) were only IgG positive and 6 (15.4%) were both IgG-IgM positive. All the IgG positive cases (100%) and 2(33.3%) IgG-IgM positive cases had high avidity antibodies and they gave birth to healthy babies. Rest of the 4 (66.7%) IgG-IgM positive women had low avidity and 50% of them had abortion and 50% gave birth to unhealthy babies. This reveals that the seropositive mothers having high IgG avidity had past infection and no risk of congenital transmission. Seropositive mothers having low IgG avidity had acute infection and so congenital transmission occurred. Presence of T. gondii specific IgG and IgM antibody does not indicate acute infection always. IgG-IgM positive pregnant women should be further evaluated by IgG avidity assay to confirm acute infection.
Rapidly progressing and resistant warts in an immuno-competent male
Authors: Sikder Md. Shahidullah , Bhuiyan Mohammed Saiful Islam , Noor Tauhida
Published: August 2016

Cutaneous warts are common skin conditions caused by different specific strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), mostly affect children as localized lesion on the hands and feet. They are slowly progressing and disseminated lesions are found in immuno-compromised situations. Usually majority of warts disappear by few months to two years. This is a case of extensive, giant, rapidly progressing and resistant warts in an immuno-competent adult male.
Transient Changes of Optical Properties in Semiconductors in Response to Femtosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Tkachenko Victor , Medvedev Nikita , Ziaja Beata
Published: August 2016

In this paper we present an overview of our theoretical simulations on the interaction of ultrafast laser pulses with matter. Our dedicated simulation tool, X-ray induced Thermal And Non-thermal Transitions (XTANT) can currently treat semiconductors irradiated with soft to hard X-ray femtosecond pulses. During the excitation and relaxation of solids, their optical properties such as reflectivity, transmission and absorption, are changing, affected by transient electron excitation and, at sufficiently high dose, by atomic relocations. In this review we report how the transient optical properties can be used for diagnostics of electronic and structural transitions occurring in irradiated semiconductors. The presented methodology for calculation of the complex dielectric function applied in XTANT proves to be capable of describing changes in the optical parameters, when the solids are driven out of equilibrium by intense laser pulses. Comparison of model predictions with the existing experimental data shows a good agreement. Application of transient optical properties to laser pulse diagnostics is indicated.
Evaluating Major Electrode Types for Idle Biological Signal Measurements for Modern Medical Technology
Authors: Albulbul Anas
Published: August 2016

Biological signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyography (EMG) that can be measured at home can reveal vital information about the patient’s health. In today modern technology, the measured ECG or EMG signals at home can be monitored by medical staff from long distance through the use of internet. Biopotential electrodes are crucial in monitoring ECG, EMG, etc., signals. Applying the right type of electrode that lasts for a long time and assists in recording high signal quality is desirable in medical devices industry. Three types of electrodes (Silver/Silver Chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes, Orbital electrodes and Stainless steel electrodes) were tested to identify the most appropriate one for recording biological signals. The evaluation was based on determining the electrode circuit model components and having high capacitance value or high capacitor value of electrode circuit model (Cd) and low electrode-skin impedance value or low resistor value of electrode circuit model (Rd). The results revealed that Ag/AgCl is the best type of electrodes, followed by Orbital electrodes. Stainless steel electrodes had performed poorly. However, Orbital electrodes material can last longer than Ag/AgCl and hence perform similar to Ag/AgCl electrodes, which can be idle for monitoring biological signals at home without the need for medical staff to replace the electrodes in a short period of time.
Capitalizing on Cancer Specific Replication: Oncolytic Viruses as a Versatile Platform for the Enhancement of Cancer Immunotherapy Strategies
Authors: Bastin Donald , Walsh Scott , Al Saigh Meena , Wan Yonghong
Published: August 2016

The past decade has seen considerable excitement in the use of biological therapies in treating neoplastic disease. In particular, cancer immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy have emerged as two frontrunners in this regard with the first FDA approvals for agents in both categories being obtained in the last 5 years. It is becoming increasingly apparent that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive and that much of the therapeutic benefit obtained from the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) is in fact the result of their immunotherapeutic function. Indeed, OVs have been shown to recruit and activate an antitumor immune response and much of the current work in this field centers around increasing this activity through strategies such as engineering genes for immunomodulators into OV backbones. Because of their broad immunostimulatory functions, OVs can also be rationally combined with a variety of other immunotherapeutic approaches including cancer vaccination strategies, adoptive cell transfer and checkpoint blockade. Therefore, while they are important therapeutics in their own right, the true power of OVs may lie in their ability to enhance the effectiveness of a wide range of immunotherapies.
Carbon-Based Air-Breathing Cathodes for Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Merino-Jimenez Irene , Santoro Carlo , Rojas-Carbonell Santiago , Greenman John , Ieropoulos Ioannis , Atanassov Plamen
Published: August 2016

A comparison between different carbon-based gas-diffusion air-breathing cathodes for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is presented in this work. A micro-porous layer (MPL) based on carbon black (CB) and an activated carbon (AC) layer were used as catalysts and applied on different supporting materials, including carbon cloth (CC), carbon felt (CF), and stainless steel (SS) forming cathode electrodes for MFCs treating urine. Rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) analyses were done on CB and AC to: (i) understand the kinetics of the carbonaceous catalysts; (ii) evaluate the hydrogen peroxide production; and (iii) estimate the electron transfer. CB and AC were then used to fabricate electrodes. Half-cell electrochemical analysis, as well as MFCs continuous power performance, have been monitored. Generally, the current generated was higher from the MFCs with AC electrodes compared to the MPL electrodes, showing an increase between 34% and 61% in power with the AC layer comparing to the MPL. When the MPL was used, the supporting material showed a slight effect in the power performance, being that the CF is more powerful than the CC and the SS. These differences also agree with the electrochemical analysis performed. However, the different supporting materials showed a bigger effect in the power density when the AC layer was used, being the SS the most efficient, with a power generation of 65.6 mW·m−2, followed by the CC (54 mW·m−2) and the CF (44 mW·m−2).
Hydrological Climate Change Impact Assessment at Small and Large Scales: Key Messages from Recent Progress in Sweden
Authors: Olsson Jonas , Arheimer Berit , Borris Matthias , Donnelly Chantal , Foster Kean , Nikulin Grigory , Persson Magnus , Perttu Anna-Maria , Uvo Cintia , Viklander Maria , Yang Wei
Published: August 2016

Hydrological climate change impact assessment is generally performed by following a sequence of steps from global and regional climate modelling, through data tailoring (bias-adjustment and downscaling) and hydrological modelling, to analysis and impact assessment. This “climate-hydrology-assessment chain” has been developed with a primary focus on applicability to a medium-sized rural basin, which has been and still is the main type of domain investigated in this context. However, impact assessment is to an increasing degree being performed at scales smaller or larger than the medium-sized rural basin. Small-scale assessment includes e.g., impacts on solute transport and urban hydrology and large-scale assessment includes e.g., climate teleconnections and continental modelling. In both cases, additional complexity is introduced in the process and additional demands are placed on all components involved, i.e., climate and hydrology models, tailoring methods, assessment principles, and tools. In this paper we provide an overview of recent progress with respect to small- and large-scale hydrological climate change impact assessment. In addition, we wish to highlight some key issues that emerged as a consequence of the scale and that need further attention from now on. While we mainly use examples from work performed in Europe for illustration, the progress generally reflects the overall state of the art and the issues considered are of a generic character.
Comprehensive Exergy Analysis of Three IGCC Power Plant Configurations with CO2 Capture
Authors: Siefert Nicholas , Narburgh Sarah , Chen Yang
Published: August 2016

We have conducted comprehensive exergy analyses of three integrated gasification combined cycle with carbon capture and storage (IGCC-CCS) power plant configurations: (1) a baseline model using Selexol™ for H2S/CO2 removal; (2) a modified version that adds a H2-selective membrane before the Selexol™ acid gas removal system; and (3) a modified baseline version that uses a CO2-selective membrane before the Selexol™ acid gas removal system. While holding the coal input flow rate and the CO2 captured flow rates constant, it was determined that the H2-selective membrane case had a higher net power output (584 MW) compared to the baseline (564 MW) and compared to the CO2-selective membrane case (550 MW). Interestingly, the CO2-selective membrane case destroyed the least amount of exergy within the power plant (967 MW), compared with the Baseline case (999 MW) and the H2-membrane case (972 MW). The main problem with the CO2-selective membrane case was the large amount of H2 (48 MW worth of H2 chemical exergy) remaining within the supercritical CO2 that exits the power plant. Regardless of the CO2 capture process used, the majority of the exergy destruction occurred in the gasifier (305 MW) and gas turbine (~380 MW) subsystems, suggesting that these two areas should be key areas of focus of future improvements.
Research on Operation Principle and Control of Novel Hybrid Excitation Bearingless Permanent Magnet Generator
Authors: Zhu Huangqiu , Hu Yamin
Published: August 2016

Under the condition of load changing, the magnetic field of traditional permanent magnet generators (PMG) is hard to be adjusted, and the mechanical bearings are significantly worn. To overcome the drawbacks above, a novel hybrid excitation bearingless permanent magnet generator (HEBPMG) is proposed in this paper, which has integrated the merits of hybrid excitation permanent magnet generators and magnetic bearings. Firstly, the structure and winding configuration of the HEBPMG are introduced, and then the principles of radial suspension and power generation are presented. The suspension principle as well as power generation principle is analyzed in this paper. Then, the flux linkage and induced voltage equations are derived, and the accurate mathematical model of radial suspension force is built based on the Maxwell tensor method. Subsequently, by means of the finite element analysis software-ANSYS Maxwell, the corresponding electromagnetic characteristics are analyzed to verify the correctness of the mentioned models. In addition, a compensation control strategy based on flux-linkage observation is proposed to solve the problems of unstable suspension force and generating voltage under variable load condition in this paper. Meanwhile, the corresponding control system is constructed and its feasibility is validated by simulation results. Finally, an experimental prototype of a 2.2 kW HEBPMG is tested. Experimental researches show that the HEBPMG can operate steadily under variable load condition and possess good suspension performance and power generation quality.
Ecosystem Services and Disservices of Mangrove Forests: Insights from Historical Colonial Observations
Authors: Friess Daniel
Published: August 2016

Ecosystem services are now strongly applied to mangrove forests, though they are not a new way of viewing mangrove-people interactions; the benefits provided by such habitats, and the negative interactions (ecosystem disservices) between mangroves and people have guided perceptions of mangroves for centuries. This study quantified the ecosystem services and disservices of mangroves as written by colonial explorers from 1823–1883 through a literature survey of 96 expedition reports and studies. Ecosystem disservices were most commonly discussed (60%), with settlers considering mangroves as reservoirs of diseases such as malaria, with wide-ranging implications, such as the global drainage of wetlands in the 19th–20th centuries. Multiple ecosystem services were discussed, especially provisioning services for export, representing colonial views of new lands as ripe for economic use. Interestingly, regulating services of mangroves such as erosion control and sediment accretion that are a focus of much contemporary research were recognized as early as 1865. This study shows that the ecosystem service paradigm has a long history in mangroves. We should not underestimate mangrove ecosystem disservices, and how contemporary perceptions of mangroves may be influenced by such historical viewpoints. Archival materials provide a rich resource to study human-environment interactions, and how they change through time.
Flavonoids Extracted from Licorice Prevents Colitis-Associated Carcinogenesis in AOM/DSS Mouse Model
Authors: Huo Xiaowei , Liu Dongyu , Gao Li , Li Liyong , Cao Li
Published: August 2016

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is generally considered as a major risk factor in the progression of colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC). Thus, it is well accepted that ameliorating inflammation creates a potential to achieve an inhibitory effect on CAC. Licorice flavonoids (LFs) possess strong anti-inflammatory activity, making it possible to investigate its pharmacologic role in suppressing CAC. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anti-tumor potential of LFs, and further explore the underlying mechanisms. Firstly, an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model was established and administered with or without LFs for 10 weeks, and then the severity of CAC was examined macroscopically and histologically. Subsequently, the effects of LFs on expression of proteins associated with apoptosis and proliferation, levels of inflammatory cytokine, expression of phosphorylated-Janus kinases 2 (p-Jak2) and phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-Stat3), and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) and P53 were assessed. We found that LFs could significantly reduce tumorigenesis induced by AOM/DSS. Further study revealed that LFs treatment substantially reduced activation of NFκB and P53, and subsequently suppressed production of inflammatory cytokines and phosphorylation of Jak2 and Stat3 in AOM/DSS-induced mice. Taken together, LFs treatment alleviated AOM/DSS induced CAC via P53 and NFκB/IL-6/Jak2/Stat3 pathways, highlighting the potential of LFs in preventing CAC.
Oridonin, a Promising ent-Kaurane Diterpenoid Lead Compound
Authors: Li Dahong , Han Tong , Liao Jie , Hu Xu , Xu Shengtao , Tian Kangtao , Gu Xiaoke , Cheng Keguang , Li Zhanlin , Hua Huiming , Xu Jinyi
Published: August 2016

Oridonin belongs to ent-kaurane tetracyclic diterpenoid and was first isolated from Isodon species. It exhibits inhibitory activities against a variety of tumor cells, and pharmacological study shows that oridonin could inhibit cell proliferation, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis of cancer cells, induce apoptosis and exhibit an antimutagenic effect. In addition, the large amount of the commercially-available supply is also very important for the natural lead oridonin. Moreover, the good stability, suitable molecular weight and drug-like property guarantee its further generation of a natural-like compound library. Oridonin has become the hot molecule in recent years, and from the year 2010, more than 200 publications can be found. In this review, we summarize the synthetic medicinal chemistry work of oridonin from the first publication 40 years ago and share our research experience of oridonin for about 10 years, which may provide useful information to those who are interested in this research field.
Phase Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Cyclic Butylene Terephthalate Oligomer-Containing Rubbers: Effect of Mixing Temperature
Authors: Halász István , Bárány Tamás
Published: August 2016

In this work, the effect of mixing temperature (Tmix) on the mechanical, rheological, and morphological properties of rubber/cyclic butylene terephthalate (CBT) oligomer compounds was studied. Apolar (styrene butadiene rubber, SBR) and polar (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, NBR) rubbers were modified by CBT (20 phr) for reinforcement and viscosity reduction. The mechanical properties were determined in tensile, tear, and dynamical mechanical analysis (DMTA) tests. The CBT-caused viscosity changes were assessed by parallel-plate rheometry. The morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CBT became better dispersed in the rubber matrices with elevated mixing temperatures (at which CBT was in partially molten state), which resulted in improved tensile properties. With increasing mixing temperature the size of the CBT particles in the compounds decreased significantly, from few hundred microns to 5–10 microns. Compounding at temperatures above 120 °C and 140 °C for NBR and SBR, respectively, yielded reduced tensile mechanical properties most likely due to the degradation of the base rubber. The viscosity reduction by CBT was more pronounced in mixes with coarser CBT dispersions prepared at lower mixing temperatures.
Upscaling of a Batch De-Vulcanization Process for Ground Car Tire Rubber to a Continuous Process in a Twin Screw Extruder
Authors: Saiwari Sitisaiyidah , Van Hoek Johannes , Dierkes Wilma , Reuvekamp Louis , Heideman Geert , Blume Anke , Noordermeer Jacques
Published: August 2016

As a means to decrease the amount of waste tires and to re-use tire rubber for new tires, devulcanization of ground passenger car tires is a promising process. Being an established process for NR and EPDM, earlier work has shown that for ground passenger car tire rubber with a relatively high amount of SBR, a devulcanization process can be formulated, as well. This was proven for a laboratory-scale batch process in an internal mixer, using diphenyl disulfide as the devulcanization aid and powder-sized material. In this paper, the devulcanization process for passenger car tire rubber is upscaled from 15 g per batch and transformed into a continuous process in a co-rotating twin screw extruder with a capacity of 2 kg/h. As SBR is rather sensitive to devulcanization process conditions, such as thermal and mechanical energy input, the screw design was based on a low shear concept. A granulate with particle sizes from 1–3.5 mm was chosen for purity, as well as economic reasons. The devulcanization process conditions were fine-tuned in terms of: devulcanization conditions (time/temperature profile, concentration of devulcanization aid), extruder parameters (screw configuration, screw speed, fill factor) and ancillary equipment (pre-treatment, extrudate handling). The influence of these parameters on the devulcanization efficiency and the quality of the final product will be discussed. The ratio of random to crosslink scission as determined by a Horikx plot was taken for the evaluation of the process and material. A best practice for continuous devulcanization will be given.