bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pregabalin Use as Preemptive Analgesia after Abdominal Hysterectomy on Heart Rate and Arterial Pressure
Authors: Asfia Kazi Nur , Hossain Moinul , Aktaruzzaman AKM , Kamal Mostofa , Yusuf Mohammad Abdullah , Zainab Farhanaz
Published: October 2017

Background: Effect of pregabalin on heart rate and arterial pressure is important in its use as preemptive analgesia. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pregabalin use as preemptive analgesia after abdominal hysterectomy on heart rate and arterial pressure.Methodology: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2010 to June 2012 for a period of two years. Women aged between 40-60 years scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy under sub-arachnoid block were selected as study population for this study. A total of one hundred and twenty women meeting the above mentioned criteria were randomly allocated into two equal groups by card sampling. 120 cards, 60 for each group were prepared by another person who was not aware of the study. Group A was known as study group who were received 300mg oral pregnabin one hour before performance of SAB and group B was known as control group who were received matching placebo one hour before SAB. The patients were examined preoperatively and preoperative baseline parameters including heart rate, mean arterial pressure were recorded immediately before sub-arachnoid block (SAB). Patients were visited by the investigators at ½, 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 h after operation. In each visit, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were measured and were recorded. Result: The present study was conducted on 120 women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Of them, 60 received preemptive single oral doses (300mg) Pregabalin (Group A) and the rest 60 received matching placebos (Group B) 1hr before surgery. The mean heart rate with SD before SAB was 79.4±4.7 and 90.5±5.7 in group A and B respectively (p=0.011). After 24 hours of operation the mean heart rate with SD was 73±5 and 85±4 in group A and B respectively (p= 0.043). The mean arterial pressure with SD before SAB was 94.3±5.3 and 95.8±20.4 in group A and B respectively (p=0.569). After 24 hours of operation the mean arterial pressure with SD was 89.4±4.45 and 96.1±2.56 in group A and B respectively (p <0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion the mean heart rate and arterial pressure are statistically significantly changes in the women after abdominal hysterectomy to whom pregabalin is used as preemptive analgesia. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2016;2(2): 98-102
Use of lateral calcaneal flap for coverage of posterior heel defects
Authors: Islam MT , Abdullah SN , Uddin MJ , Rahman TR
Published: October 2017

Lateral calcaneal flap is frequently used for coverage of lateral calcaneum and posterior heel defects. We conducted a prospective study using lateral calcaneal artery flap to cover posterior heel defects from July 2011 to June 2015 in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Khulna Medical College to observe the clinical outcome of use of lateral calcaneal artery flap. A total number of ten soft tissue defects in posterior heel with and without exposed Achilles tendon or calcaneus due to different causes were reconstructed with lateral calcaneal artery flap. All ten flaps survived completely with no subsequent breakdown of the skin, even after regular wearing of normal shoes. The flap donor sites were grafted with split-thickness skin grafts in all cases. Partial graft loss was noted in two cases which were eventually healed spontaneously with dressing without the need for a secondary graft. Epidermal necrosis developed in one case which was ultimately healed with conservative treatment. There was no loss of sensation in flap area but sensory disturbance at the lateral part of the dorsum of foot was found in all cases. Our results were satisfactory in terms of coverage adequacy, perioperative morbidity, and functional and aesthetical outcomes. The lateral calcaneal artery skin flap can be used safely to provide sensory skin coverage in posterior heel defects.Mediscope Vol. 4, No. 1: Jan 2017, Page 5-10
Etiological causes of exudative pleural effusion in patients treated in a teaching hospital
Authors: Chowdhury PK , Ahmed S , Biswas P , Ghosh DK , Alam SMT , Padder Sk
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to find out the common etiological causes of exudative pleural effusion in patients before starting treatment. Fifty patients, diagnosed with pleural effusion on admission were randomly selected from Medicine and Paediatric wards of Khulna Medical College Hospital during the period from March 2016 to November 2016. Etiological diagnosis was established by sequential clinical history and findings on physical examination, laboratory tests, chest radiograph, CT scan of the chest and pleural fluid analysis. Patients who remained undiagnosed were subjected to fibro-optic bronchoscopy, thoracoscopic pleural biopsy, and histopathology. Among the patients having pleural effusion, there were tuberculosis, pneumonia, malignancy and systemic lupus erythematosus in 27 (54%), 11 (22%), 7 (14%) and 1 (2%), respectively. Despite all investigations, 4 (8%) were remained undiagnosed etiologically. Most of the pleural effusion cases were diagnosed as tuberculosis. Early and adequate treatment resulted in complete recovery of the patients.Mediscope Vol. 4, No. 1: Jan 2017, Page 30-33
Invasive mole presenting as acute abdomen- a case report
Authors: Peea AJ
Published: October 2017

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasms include the tumour spectrum of hydatidiform mole (complete and partial), invasive mole, (chorioadenoma destruens), placental site trophoblastic tumour and choriocarcinoma. Here a case is reported as invasive hydatidiform mole presenting as an acute haemoperitoneum. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and signs of haemoperitoneum. Emergency laparatomy releaved a perforating molar pregnancy, resulting in massive haemoperitoneum. Total hysterectomy was done, 5 units blood were transfused. Serum _HCG levels regress quickly and spontaneously.Mediscope Vol. 4, No. 1: Jan 2017, Page 38-39
Development of a Variable Rate Chemical Sprayer for Monitoring Diseases and Pests Infestation in Coconut Plantations
Authors: Samseemoung Grianggai , Soni Peeyush , Suwan Pimsiri
Published: October 2017

An image processing-based variable rate chemical sprayer for disease and pest-infested coconut plantations was designed and evaluated. The manual application of chemicals is considered risky and hazardous to workers, and provides low precision. The designed sprayer consisted of a sprayer frame, motors, a power system, a chemical tank and pump, a crane, a nozzle with a remote monitoring system, and motion and crane controlling systems. As the target was confirmed, the nozzle was moved towards the target area (tree canopy) using the remote monitoring system. The pump then sprayed chemicals to the target at a specified rate. The results suggested optimal design values for 5–9 m tall coconut trees, including the distance between nozzle and target (1 m), pressure (1.5 bar), spraying rate (2.712 L/min), the highest movement speed (1.5 km/h), fuel consumption (0.58 L/h), and working capacity (0.056 ha/h). The sprayer reduced labor requirements, prevented chemical hazards to workers, and increased coconut pest controlling efficiency.
Fracture Initiation of an Inhomogeneous Shale Rock under a Pressurized Supercritical CO2 Jet
Authors: Hu Yi , Liu Yiwei , Cai Can , Kang Yong , Wang Xiaochuan , Huang Man , Chen Feng
Published: October 2017

Due to the advantages of good fracture performance and the application of carbon capture and storage (CCS), supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) is considered a promising alternative for hydraulic fracturing. However, the fracture initiation mechanism and its propagation under pressurized SC-CO2 jet are still unknown. To address these problems, a fluid–structure interaction (FSI)-based numerical simulation model along with a user-defined code was used to investigate the fracture initiation in an inhomogeneous shale rock. The mechanism of fracturing under the effect of SC-CO2 jet was explored, and the effects of various influencing factors were analyzed and discussed. The results indicated that higher velocity jets of SC-CO2 not only caused hydraulic-fracturing ring, but also resulted in the increase of stress in the shale rock. It was found that, with the increase of perforation pressure, more cracks initiated at the tip. In contrast, the length of cracks at the root decreased. The length-to-diameter ratio and the aperture ratio distinctly affected the pressurization of SC-CO2 jet, and contributed to the non-linear distribution and various maximum values of the stress in shale rock. The results proved that Weibull probability distribution was appropriate for analysis of the fracture initiation. The studied parameters explain the distribution of weak elements, and they affect the stress field in shale rock.
Computing the Scale of an Endomorphism of a totally Disconnected Locally Compact Group
Authors: Willis George
Published: October 2017

The scale of an endomorphism of a totally disconnected, locally compact group G is defined and an example is presented which shows that the scale function is not always continuous with respect to the Braconnier topology on the automorphism group of G. Methods for computing the scale, which is a positive integer, are surveyed and illustrated by applying them in diverse cases, including when G is compact; an automorphism group of a tree; Neretin’s group of almost automorphisms of a tree; and a p-adic Lie group. The information required to compute the scale is reviewed from the perspective of the, as yet incomplete, general theory of totally disconnected, locally compact groups.
Immunotherapy for Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Sayour Elias , Mitchell Duane
Published: October 2017

Malignant brain tumors are the most common cause of solid cancer death in children. New targeted therapies are vital to improve treatment outcomes, but must be developed to enable trafficking across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Since activated T cells cross the BBB, cancer immunotherapy can be harnessed to unlock the cytotoxic potential of the immune system. However, standard of care treatments (i.e., chemotherapy and radiation) applied concomitant to pediatric brain tumor immunotherapy may abrogate induction of immunotherapeutic responses. This review will discuss the development of immunotherapies within this paradigm using emerging approaches being investigated in phase I/II trials in children with refractory brain tumors, including checkpoint inhibitors, vaccine immunotherapy, and adoptive cell therapy.
Expression Profiling of Differentiating Emerin-Null Myogenic Progenitor Identifies Molecular Pathways Implicated in Their Impaired Differentiation
Authors: Iyer Ashvin , Koch Adam J. , Holaska James M.
Published: October 2017

Mutations in the gene encoding emerin cause Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), a disorder causing progressive skeletal muscle wasting, irregular heart rhythms and contractures of major tendons. RNA sequencing was performed on differentiating wildtype and emerin-null myogenic progenitors to identify molecular pathways implicated in EDMD, 340 genes were uniquely differentially expressed during the transition from day 0 to day 1 in wildtype cells. 1605 genes were uniquely expressed in emerin-null cells; 1706 genes were shared among both wildtype and emerin-null cells. One thousand and forty-seven transcripts showed differential expression during the transition from day 1 to day 2. Four hundred and thirty-one transcripts showed altered expression in both wildtype and emerin-null cells. Two hundred and ninety-five transcripts were differentially expressed only in emerin-null cells and 321 transcripts were differentially expressed only in wildtype cells. DAVID, STRING and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified pathways implicated in impaired emerin-null differentiation, including cell signaling, cell cycle checkpoints, integrin signaling, YAP/TAZ signaling, stem cell differentiation, and multiple muscle development and myogenic differentiation pathways. Functional enrichment analysis showed biological functions associated with the growth of muscle tissue and myogenesis of skeletal muscle were inhibited. The large number of differentially expressed transcripts upon differentiation induction suggests emerin functions during transcriptional reprograming of progenitors to committed myoblasts.
Effect of Coating Palm Oil Clinker Aggregate on the Engineering Properties of Normal Grade Concrete
Authors: Abutaha Fuad , Abdul Razak Hashim , Ibrahim Hussein
Published: October 2017

Palm oil clinker (POC) is a waste material generated in large quantities from the palm oil industry. POC, when crushed, possesses the potential to serve as an aggregate for concrete production. Experimental investigation on the engineering properties of concrete incorporating POC as aggregate and filler material was carried out in this study. POC was partially and fully used to replace natural coarse aggregate. The volumetric replacements used were 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. POC, being highly porous, negatively affected the fresh and hardened concrete properties. Therefore, the particle-packing (PP) method was adopted to measure the surface and inner voids of POC coarse aggregate in the mixtures at different substitution levels. In order to enhance the engineering properties of the POC concrete, palm oil clinker powder (POCP) was used as a filler material to fill up and coat the surface voids of POC coarse, while the rest of the mix constituents were left as the same. Fresh and hardened properties of the POC concrete with and without coating were determined, and the results were compared with the control concrete. The results revealed that coating the surface voids of POC coarse with POCP significantly improved the engineering properties as well as the durability performance of the POC concrete. Furthermore, using POC as an aggregate and filler material may reduce the continuous exploitation of aggregates from primary sources. Also, this approach offers an environmental friendly solution to the ongoing waste problems associated with palm oil waste material.
Binuclear Copper(I) Borohydride Complex Containing Bridging Bis(diphenylphosphino) Methane Ligands: Polymorphic Structures of [(µ2-dppm)2Cu2(η2-BH4)2] Dichloromethane Solvate
Authors: Belkova Natalia , Golub Igor , Gutsul Evgenii , Lyssenko Konstantin , Peregudov Alexander , Makhaev Viktor , Filippov Oleg , Epstein Lina , Rossin Andrea , Peruzzini Maurizio , Shubina Elena
Published: October 2017

Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane copper(I) tetrahydroborate was synthesized by ligands exchange in bis(triphenylphosphine) copper(I) tetrahydroborate, and characterized by XRD, FTIR, NMR spectroscopy. According to XRD the title compound has dimeric structure, [(μ2-dppm)2Cu2(η2-BH4)2], and crystallizes as CH2Cl2 solvate in two polymorphic forms (orthorhombic, 1, and monoclinic, 2) The details of molecular geometry and the crystal-packing pattern in polymorphs were studied. The rare Twisted Boat-Boat conformation of the core Cu2P4C2 cycle in 1 is found being more stable than Boat-Boat conformation in 2.
Formation Mechanism of CaCO3 Spherulites in the Myostracum Layer of Limpet Shells
Authors: Wu Shitao , Chiang Chang-Yang , Zhou Wuzong
Published: October 2017

CaCO3 spherulites were found in the myostracum layer of common limpet shells collected from East Sands, St Andrews, Scotland. Their microstructures were revealed by using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The formation mechanisms of these spherulites and their morphology evolution were postulated. It was proposed that spherical particles of an inorganic and biological composite formed first. In the centre of each spherical particle a double-layer disk of vaterite crystal sandwiching a biological sheet developed. The disk crystal supplies a relatively strong mirror symmetric dipole field, guiding the orientations of the nanocrystallites and the arrangement of mesorods and, therefore, determining the final morphology of the spherulite.
Peptide-Based Physical Gels Endowed with Thixotropic Behaviour
Authors: Zanna Nicola , Tomasini Claudia
Published: October 2017

Thixotropy is one of the oldest documented rheological phenomenon in colloid science and may be defined as an increase of viscosity in a state of rest and a decrease of viscosity when submitted to a constant shearing stress. This behavior has been exploited in recent years to prepare injectable hydrogels for application in drug delivery systems. Thixotropic hydrogels may be profitably used in the field of regenerative medicine, which promotes tissue healing after injuries and diseases, as the molten hydrogel may be injected by syringe and then self-adapts in the space inside the injection site and recovers the solid form. We will focus our attention on the preparation, properties, and some applications of biocompatible thixotropic hydrogels.
Clinical and Genetic Evaluation of a Cohort of Pediatric Patients with Severe Inherited Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Di Iorio Valentina , Karali Marianthi , Brunetti-Pierri Raffaella , Filippelli Mariaelena , Di Fruscio Giuseppina , Pizzo Mariateresa , Mutarelli Margherita , Nigro Vincenzo , Testa Francesco , Banfi Sandro , Simonelli Francesca
Published: October 2017

We performed a clinical and genetic characterization of a pediatric cohort of patients with inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) to identify the most suitable cases for gene therapy. The cohort comprised 43 patients, aged between 2 and 18 years, with severe isolated IRD at the time of presentation. The ophthalmological characterization also included assessment of the photoreceptor layer integrity in the macular region (ellipsoid zone (EZ) band). In parallel, we carried out a targeted, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based analysis using a panel that covers over 150 genes with either an established or a candidate role in IRD pathogenesis. Based on the ophthalmological assessment, the cohort was composed of 24 Leber congenital amaurosis, 14 early onset retinitis pigmentosa, and 5 achromatopsia patients. We identified causative mutations in 58.1% of the cases. We also found novel genotype-phenotype correlations in patients harboring mutations in the CEP290 and CNGB3 genes. The EZ band was detectable in 40% of the analyzed cases, also in patients with genotypes usually associated with severe clinical manifestations. This study provides the first detailed clinical-genetic assessment of severe IRDs with infantile onset and lays the foundation of a standardized protocol for the selection of patients that are more likely to benefit from gene replacement therapeutic approaches.
Characteristics and Dynamics of a Large Sub-Tidal Sand Wave Field—Habitat for Pacific Sand Lance (Ammodytes personatus), Salish Sea, Washington, USA
Authors: Greene H. , Cacchione David , Hampton Monty
Published: October 2017

Deep-water sand wave fields in the San Juan Archipelago of the Salish Sea and Pacific Northwest Washington, USA, have been found to harbor Pacific sand lance (PSL, Ammodytes personatus), a critical forage fish of the region. Little is known of the dynamics of these sand waves and the stability of the PSL sub-tidal habitats. Therefore, we have undertaken an initial investigation to determine the dynamic conditions of a well-known PSL habitat in the San Juan Channel within the Archipelago using bottom sediment sampling, an acoustical doppler current profiling (ADCP) system, and multi-beam echo sounder (MBES) bathymetry. Our study indicates that the San Juan Channel sand wave field maintained its shape and bedforms geometry throughout the years it has been studied. Based on bed phase diagrams for channelized bedforms, the sand waves appear to be in a dynamic equilibrium condition. Sea level rise may change the current regime within the Archipelago and may alter some of the deep-water or sub-tidal PSL habitats mapped there. Our findings have global significance in that these dynamic bedforms that harbor PSL and sand-eels elsewhere along the west coast of North America and in the North Sea may also be in a marginally dynamic equilibrium condition and may be prone to alteration by sea level rise, indicating an urgency in locating and investigating these habitats in order to sustain the forage fish.
More than Stories, More than Myths: Animal/Human/Nature(s) in Traditional Ecological Worldviews
Authors: Sepie Amba
Published: October 2017

Reason and rationality, upon which modern, westernized, societies have been founded, have powerfully characterized the nature of human relations with other species and with the natural world. However, countless indigenous and traditional worldviews tell of a very different reality in which humans, conceived of as instinctual and intuitive, are a part of a complex web of ecological relationships. Other species, elements of the natural world, and people are active participants in relations overflowing with communications, interactions sometimes recorded in ethnographies, or as ‘myths’ and ‘stories’. The present article draws upon a range of traditions to explore the biases which shape how indigenous and traditional life-ways are represented in westernized contexts; the phenomenon of receiving direct insight or intuitive knowing from more-than-human worlds; and the numerous valuable understandings regarding the nature of the human being, other species, and how to live well, that are offered by a deeper comprehension of different worldviews. I also argue that the various capacities for instinctual and intuitive knowledge which accompanies these life-ways are endemic to the human species yet overlooked, the correction of which might work to usefully recalibrate our ethical relations with each other, and with other life on earth.
Wear and Tear of Tyres: A Stealthy Source of Microplastics in the Environment
Authors: Kole Pieter Jan , Löhr Ansje J. , Van Belleghem Frank , Ragas Ad
Published: October 2017

Wear and tear from tyres significantly contributes to the flow of (micro-)plastics into the environment. This paper compiles the fragmented knowledge on tyre wear and tear characteristics, amounts of particles emitted, pathways in the environment, and the possible effects on humans. The estimated per capita emission ranges from 0.23 to 4.7 kg/year, with a global average of 0.81 kg/year. The emissions from car tyres (100%) are substantially higher than those of other sources of microplastics, e.g., airplane tyres (2%), artificial turf (12–50%), brake wear (8%) and road markings (5%). Emissions and pathways depend on local factors like road type or sewage systems. The relative contribution of tyre wear and tear to the total global amount of plastics ending up in our oceans is estimated to be 5–10%. In air, 3–7% of the particulate matter (PM2.5) is estimated to consist of tyre wear and tear, indicating that it may contribute to the global health burden of air pollution which has been projected by the World Health Organization (WHO) at 3 million deaths in 2012. The wear and tear also enters our food chain, but further research is needed to assess human health risks. It is concluded here that tyre wear and tear is a stealthy source of microplastics in our environment, which can only be addressed effectively if awareness increases, knowledge gaps on quantities and effects are being closed, and creative technical solutions are being sought. This requires a global effort from all stakeholders; consumers, regulators, industry and researchers alike.
Monitoring Rural Water Points in Tanzania with Mobile Phones: The Evolution of the SEMA App
Authors: Lemmens Rob , Lungo Juma , Georgiadou Yola , Verplanke Jeroen
Published: October 2017

Development professionals have deployed several mobile phone-based ICT (Information and Communications Technology) platforms in the global South for improving water, health, and education services. In this paper, we focus on a mobile phone-based ICT platform for water services, called Sensors, Empowerment and Accountability in Tanzania (SEMA), developed by our team in the context of an action research project in Tanzania. Water users in villages and district water engineers in local governments may use it to monitor the functionality status of rural water points in the country. We describe the current architecture of the platform’s front-end (the SEMA app) and back-end and elaborate on its deployment in four districts in Tanzania. To conceptualize the evolution of the SEMA app, we use three concepts: transaction-intensiveness, discretion and crowdsourcing. The SEMA app effectively digitized only transaction-intensive tasks in the information flow between water users in villages and district water engineers. Further, it resolved two tensions over time: the tension over what to report (by decreasing the discretion of reporters) and over who should report (by constraining the reporting “crowd”).
Molecular Docking and Screening Studies of New Natural Sortase A Inhibitors
Authors: Nitulescu Georgiana , Nicorescu Isabela , Olaru Octavian , Ungurianu Anca , Mihai Dragos , Zanfirescu Anca , Nitulescu George , Margina Denisa
Published: October 2017

To date, multi-drug resistant bacteria represent an increasing health threat, with a high impact on mortality, morbidity, and health costs on a global scale. The ability of bacteria to rapidly and permanently acquire new virulence factors and drug-resistance elements requires the development of new antimicrobial agents and selection of new proper targets, such as sortase A. This specific bacterial target plays an important role in the virulence of many Gram-positive pathogens, and its inhibition should produce a mild evolutionary pressure which will not favor the development of resistance. A primary screening using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay was used to experimentally evaluate the inhibitory activity of several compounds on sortase A. Using molecular docking and structure-activity relationship analyses, several lead inhibitors were identified, which were further tested for antimicrobial activity using the well diffusion test and minimum inhibitory concentration. The toxicity was assessed using the Daphnia magna test and used as a future screening filter. Three natural compounds were identified in this study as promising candidates for further development into therapeutically useful anti-infective agents that could be used to treat infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogens which include sortase A in their enzymatic set.
Stimuli-Responsive Gold Nanoparticles for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Tian Li , Lu Linfeng , Qiao Yang , Ravi Saisree , Salatan Ferandre , Melancon Marites
Published: October 2017

An emerging concept is that cancers strongly depend on both internal and external signals for growth and invasion. In this review, we will discuss pathological and physical changes in the tumor microenvironment and how these changes can be exploited to design gold nanoparticles for cancer diagnosis and therapy. These intrinsic changes include extracellular and intracellular pH, extracellular matrix enzymes, and glutathione concentration. External stimuli include the application of laser, ultrasound and X-ray. The biology behind these changes and the chemistry behind the responding mechanisms to these changes are reviewed. Examples of recent in vitro and in vivo studies are also presented, and the clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Preparation and Characterization of Ternary Antimicrobial Films of β-Cyclodextrin/Allyl Isothiocyanate/Polylactic Acid for the Enhancement of Long-Term Controlled Release
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Qiu Chao , Narsimhan Ganesan , Jin Zhengyu
Published: October 2017

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) are natural essential oil components that have outstanding antimicrobial activities. However, low water solubility, high volatility, and easy degradation by heat, restricting their application in food packing industry. Development of the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin/AITC (β-CD/AITC) is a promising solution. Furthermore, the incorporation of β-CD/AITC complex into polylactic acid (PLA) films would be an attractive method to develop food antimicrobial materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the enhancement in physicochemical properties, antimicrobial activities, and controlled release of β-CD/AITC from such films. The addition of β-CD/AITC significantly increased the flexibility and thermal stability of films. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results revealed that the interactions between β-CD/AITC and PLA films occurred. The controlled release of AITC encapsulated in β-CD was significantly affected by relative humidity and temperature. The PLA films containing β-CD/AITC can be applied as an effective antimicrobial packing material for food and non-food applications.
Cl-Assisted Large Scale Synthesis of Cm-Scale Buckypapers of Fe3C-Filled Carbon Nanotubes with Pseudo-Capacitor Properties: The Key Role of SBA-16 Catalyst Support as Synthesis Promoter
Authors: Boi Filippo , He Yi , Wen Jiqiu , Wang Shanling , Yan Kai , Zhang Jingdong , Medranda Daniel , Borowiec Joanna , Corrias Anna
Published: October 2017

We show a novel chemical vapour deposition (CVD) approach, in which the large-scale fabrication of ferromagnetically-filled cm-scale buckypapers is achieved through the deposition of a mesoporous supported catalyst (SBA-16) on a silicon substrate. We demonstrate that SBA-16 has the crucial role of promoting the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a horizontal plane with random orientation rather than in a vertical direction, therefore allowing a facile fabrication of cm-scale CNTs buckypapers free from the onion-crust by-product observed on the buckypaper-surface in previous reports. The morphology and composition of the obtained CNTs-buckypapers are analyzed in detail by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while structural analysis is performed by Rietveld Refinement of XRD data. The room temperature magnetic properties of the produced buckypapers are also investigated and reveal the presence of a high coercivity of 650 Oe. Additionally, the electrochemical performances of these buckypapers are demonstrated and reveal a behavior that is compatible with that of a pseudo-capacitor (resistive-capacitor) with better performances than those presented in other previously studied layered-buckypapers of Fe-filled CNTs, obtained by pyrolysis of dichlorobenzene-ferrocene mixtures. These measurements indicate that these materials show promise for applications in energy storage systems as flexible electrodes.
The Effect of Strain on the Formation of an Intermetallic Layer in an Al-Ni Laminated Composite
Authors: Azimi Monireh , Toroghinejad Mohammad Reza , Shamanian Morteza , Kestens Leo
Published: October 2017

In the present work, the influence of strain on phase formation at the Al/Ni interface was investigated during cold roll bonding and annealing. A sandwich sample composed of an Al-Ni-Al stack was cold rolled with reductions in the range of 50% to 90%, followed by annealing at 450 °C for 60 min. The crystallography of the annealed sandwich samples was analyzed by XRD (X-ray diffraction), whereas the microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy, equipped with EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) analysis, and optical microscope. In the annealed samples, the intermetallic phase Al3Ni has formed at the Ni/Al interface, preferentially on the Al side of the interface. It is found that the applied strains did not have an effect on the type of intermetallic phase that was formed. However, the rolling reduction has a significant effect on the morphology of the intermetallic layer, as it was observed that after the lowest reduction of 50% only some scattered intermetallic nuclei were present, whereas at the highest rolling reduction of 90% a continuous intermetallic layer of 4.1 μm was exhibited. The formation of the intermetallic layer is discussed in terms of Al and Ni diffusion at the interface and irregular nature of the Al/Ni bonded interface after rolling reductions.
3D Modelling of Flash Formation in Linear Friction Welded 30CrNiMo8 Steel Chain
Authors: Effertz Pedro , Fuchs Franz , Enzinger Norbert
Published: October 2017

Linear friction welding (LFW) is a solid-state welding process that has been thoroughly investigated for chain welding in recent years in order to replace the currently in use Flash Butt Welding (FBW) process. Modelling has proven to be an indispensable tool in LFW, thus providing necessary insight to the process, regardless of its final application. This article describes a 3D model developed in the commercial software DEFORM to study the LFW process of 30CrNiMo8 high strength steel in the Hero chain. Hence, a weakly coupled thermal and mechanical model were used, by means of the process experimental input such as displacement histories. The flash morphology and intervening mechanisms were analyzed. A thermal evaluation of different regions in the studied geometry was considered, and a correlation of the modeled and experimental width of the extrusion zone was established.
Analysis of Intracellular Metabolites from Microorganisms: Quenching and Extraction Protocols
Authors: Pinu Farhana , Villas-Boas Silas , Aggio Raphael
Published: October 2017

Sample preparation is one of the most important steps in metabolome analysis. The challenges of determining microbial metabolome have been well discussed within the research community and many improvements have already been achieved in last decade. The analysis of intracellular metabolites is particularly challenging. Environmental perturbations may considerably affect microbial metabolism, which results in intracellular metabolites being rapidly degraded or metabolized by enzymatic reactions. Therefore, quenching or the complete stop of cell metabolism is a pre-requisite for accurate intracellular metabolite analysis. After quenching, metabolites need to be extracted from the intracellular compartment. The choice of the most suitable metabolite extraction method/s is another crucial step. The literature indicates that specific classes of metabolites are better extracted by different extraction protocols. In this review, we discuss the technical aspects and advancements of quenching and extraction of intracellular metabolite analysis from microbial cells.
Phytotherapeutics: The Emerging Role of Intestinal and Hepatocellular Transporters in Drug Interactions with Botanical Supplements
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Ullah Naveed , Mukhtar Farah , Nawazish Shamyla , Muneer Saiqa , Mariam
Published: October 2017

In herbalism, botanical supplements are commonly believed to be safe remedies, however, botanical supplements and dietary ingredients interact with transport and metabolic processes, affecting drug disposition. Although a large number of studies have described that botanical supplements interfere with drug metabolism, the mode of their interaction with drug transport processes is not well described. Such interactions may result in serious undesired effects and changed drug efficacy, therefore, some studies on interaction between botanical supplement ingredients and drug transporters such as P-gp and OATPs are described here, suggesting that the interaction between botanical supplements and the drug transporters is clinically significant.
Cellulase-Assisted Extraction of Polysaccharides from White Hyacinth Bean: Characterization of Antioxidant Activity and Promotion for Probiotics Proliferation
Authors: Shu Guo-Wei , He Yun-Xia , Lei Ni , Cao Ji-Li , Chen He , Chen Li
Published: October 2017

Food-derived polysaccharides have advantages over synthetical compounds and have attracted interest globally for decades. In this study, we optimized the cellulase-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from white hyacinth bean (PWBs) with the aid of response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction parameters were a pH of 7.79, a cellulase of 2.73%, and a ratio of water to material of 61.39, producing a high polysaccharide yield (3.32 ± 0.03)%. The scavenging ability of PWBs varied on three radicals (hydroxyl > 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) > superoxide). Furthermore, PWBs contributed to the proliferation of three probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus LB6). These investigations of PWBs provide a novel bioresource for the exploitation of antioxidant and probiotic bacterial proliferation.
Residue Dynamics and Risk Assessment of Prochloraz and Its Metabolite 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol in Apple
Authors: Fang Qingkui , Yao Gengyou , Shi Yanhong , Ding Chenchun , Wang Yi , Wu Xiangwei , Hua Rimao , Cao Haiqun
Published: October 2017

The residue dynamics and risk assessment of prochloraz and its metabolite 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) in apple under different treatment concentrations were investigated using a GC-ECD method. The derivatization percent of prochloraz to 2,4,6-TCP was stable and complete. The recoveries of prochloraz and 2,4,6-TCP were 82.9%–114.4%, and the coefficients of variation (CV) were 0.7%–8.6% for the whole fruit, apple pulp, and apple peel samples. Under the application of 2 °C 2.0 g/L, 2 °C 1.0 g/L, 20 °C 2.0 g/L, and 20 °C 1.0 g/L treatment, the half-life for the degradation of prochloraz was 57.8–86.6 d in the whole fruit and apple peel, and the prochloraz concentration in the apple pulp increased gradually until a peak (0.72 mg·kg−1) was reached. The concentration of 2,4,6-TCP was below 0.1 mg·kg−1 in four treatment conditions and not detected (<LOD) in apple pulp. Finally, based on the detection of market samples in Hefei (China), we believe that the residual level of prochloraz in apples meets the requirements of the Chinese standards.
Protective Effect of Prunus Cerasus (Sour Cherry) Seed Extract on the Recovery of Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Retinal Damage in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rat
Authors: Varga Balázs , Priksz Dániel , Lampé Nóra , Bombicz Mariann , Kurucz Andrea , Szabó Adrienn , Pósa Anikó , Szabó Renáta , Kemény-Beke Ádám , Remenyik Judit , Gesztelyi Rudolf , Juhász Béla
Published: October 2017

Among diabetes patients, ophthalmological complications are very frequent. High blood glucose and (consequential) ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury contribute significantly to the severity of retinopathies. Diabetic retinopathy is among the leading causes of blindness. Our study demonstrates the effect of sour cherry seed extract (SCSE) on blood glucose and function of the retina with electroretinography (ERG) in a diabetic setting with or without ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. Our results prove that the SCSE has a retinoprotective effect in diabetic rats: according to ERG measurements, SCSE treatment mitigated the retinal function-damaging effect of diabetes, and proved to be protective in the diabetic eye against ischemia-reperfusion injuries of the retina. Outcomes suggest that the protective effects of SCSE may occur through several pathways, including HO-1 dependent mechanisms. The observation that SCSE treatment decreases blood glucose is also novel. These findings offer the possibility for development of novel therapeutic strategies utilizing this emerging functional food, in particular in the prevention of conditions resulting from high blood glucose or I/R injury, such as deterioration of retinal microcirculation.
The Emperor’s New Augmented Clothes. Digital Objects as Part of the Every Day
Authors: Liberati Nicola
Published: October 2017

The main aim of this work is to solve a problem that Augmented Reality is facing by using phenomenological and phenomenological analyses and projectors. Augmented reality seeks to merge the digital and real world by producing a mixed reality where the digital objects are usually visualised thanks to the head mounted or mobile devices. However, this technology is facing problems because the objects generated by the digital devices are existing merely inside the small group of people while using specific devices. Therefore, these objects look fictitious for the other members of the society who are not using them. In order to analyse the elements which make these objects fictitious for the other member of the society, we will take into account the story of The Emperor’s new clothes because, even in this story, there are fictional entities not perceivable by other members of the community. Thanks to this story, it will be possible to highlight some elements which make the objects part of the everyday world. Moreover, it will show how the intersubjectivity of these objects is directly related to their way of being perceived by the subjects and, in the case of augmented reality, to the devices used to make them perceivable. For this reason, it is possible to solve the problem Augmented Reality is facing by changing the devices used to produce these digital objects. At the end of the work, we will propose a project which can solve the problem by following the elements previously highlighted. We will show how, thanks to wearable projectors, it is possible to produce digital clothes as part of the everyday world of every subject. Thanks to these digital clothes people will be able to wear the digital objects as if they were common, usual objects without being naked.
Dielectric and Carrier Transport Properties of Silicone Rubber Degraded by Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Min Daomin , Yan Chenyu , Huang Yin , Li Shengtao , Ohki Yoshimichi
Published: October 2017

Silicone rubber (SiR) is used as an insulating material for cables installed in a nuclear power plant. Gamma rays irradiated SiR sheets for various periods at temperatures of 145 and 185 °C, and the resultant changes were analyzed by examining complex permittivity spectra and surface potential decay characteristics. Three different processes, namely, instantaneous polarization, electrode polarization due to the accumulation of ions to form double charge layers at dielectric/electrode interfaces, and DC conduction caused by directional hopping of ions, contribute to the complex permittivity. By fitting the spectra to theoretical equations, we can obtain the dielectric constant at high frequencies, concentration and diffusion coefficient of ions and DC conductivity for the pristine and degraded samples. The instantaneous polarization becomes active with an increase of dose and ageing temperature. The thermal expansion coefficient estimated from the temperature dependence of dielectric constant at high frequencies becomes smaller with an increase in dose, which is in good agreement with the experimental results of the swelling ratio. Additionally, trap distributions are calculated from surface potential decay measurements and analyzed to explain the variation in conductivity. Trap energy increases firstly, and then decreases with an increase in dose, leading to a similar change in DC conductivity. It is concluded that generations of both oxidative products and mobile ions, as well as the occurrence of chain scission and crosslinking are simultaneously induced by gamma rays.
Self-Healing Polymeric Composite Material Design, Failure Analysis and Future Outlook: A Review
Authors: Mphahlele Keletso , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Kolesnikov Andrei
Published: October 2017

The formation of micro-cracks and crack propagation is still an acute problem in polymer and polymer composites. These micro-cracks usually occur while the materials are manufactured or serviced. The development and coalescence of these cracks reduces the lifespan and brings about a catastrophic failure of the materials. Novel scientific research on polymeric self-healing is emphasised in a number of publications, which consist of contributions from many of the prominent researchers in this area. Progress in this field can eventually enable scientist to construct new flexible materials that both monitor the material’s integrity and repair the deformed material prior to the occurrence of any fatal failures. This report describes recent trends that have been used in material science and computational methods to mitigate the development of micro-cracks and crack propagation in polymer composites.
Anionic Polymerization of Styrene and 1,3-Butadiene in the Presence of Phosphazene Superbases
Authors: Ntetsikas Konstantinos , Alzahrany Yahya , Polymeropoulos George , Bilalis Panayiotis , Gnanou Yves , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: October 2017

The anionic polymerization of styrene and 1,3-butadiene in the presence of phosphazene bases (t-BuP4, t-BuP2 and t-BuP1), in benzene at room temperature, was studied. When t-BuP1 was used, the polymerization proceeded in a controlled manner, whereas the obtained homopolymers exhibited the desired molecular weights and narrow polydispersity (Ð < 1.05). In the case of t-BuP2, homopolymers with higher than the theoretical molecular weights and relatively low polydispersity were obtained. On the other hand, in the presence of t-BuP4, the polymerization of styrene was uncontrolled due to the high reactivity of the formed carbanion. The kinetic studies from the polymerization of both monomers showed that the reaction rate follows the order of [t-BuP4]/[sec-BuLi] >>> [t-BuP2]/[sec-BuLi] >> [t-BuP1]/[sec-BuLi] > sec-BuLi. Furthermore, the addition of t-BuP2 and t-BuP1 prior the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene allowed the synthesis of polybutadiene with a high 1,2-microstructure (~45 wt %), due to the delocalization of the negative charge. Finally, the one pot synthesis of well-defined polyester-based copolymers [PS-b-PCL and PS-b-PLLA, PS: Polystyrene, PCL: Poly(ε-caprolactone) and PLLA: Poly(L-lactide)], with predictable molecular weights and a narrow molecular weight distribution (Ð < 1.2), was achieved by sequential copolymerization in the presence of t-BuP2 and t-BuP1.
Novel Polyamides with 5H-Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl-Substituted Triphenylamine: Synthesis and Visible-NIR Electrochromic Properties
Authors: Lu Qingyi , Cai Wanan , Niu Haijun , Wang Wen , Bai Xuduo , Hou Yanjun
Published: October 2017

In this study, a new diamine monomer, namely 4,4′-diamino-4″-(5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)triphenylamine, was prepared and polymerized with four kinds of dicarboxylic acids via direct polycondensation reaction resulting in a novel series of soluble and electroactive polyamides (PAs). The tough thin films of all PAs could be solution-cast onto an indium-tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrate owing to the good solubility in polar organic solvents. Two pairs of obvious redox peaks for these films were observed in cyclic voltammetry (CV) with low onset potentials (Eonset) of 0.37–0.42 V accompanying with remarkable reversible color changes between light yellow and dark blue. A new absorption peak at around 915 nm emerged in near infrared (NIR) spectra; the increasing potential indicated that PAs could be used as a NIR electrochromic material. Moreover, the PAs showed high coloration efficiency (CE; η) in the range of 190–259 cm2 C−1.