bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outbreak of a new measles B3 variant in the Roma/Sinti population with transmission in the nosocomial setting, Italy, November 2015 to April 2016
Authors: Filia Antonietta , Amendola Antonella , Faccini Marino , Del Manso Martina , Senatore Sabrina , Bianchi Silvia , Borrini Bianca Maria , Ciampelli Alessio , Tanzi Elisabetta , Filipponi Maria Teresa , Piccirilli Giulia , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Pascucci Maria Grazia , Baggieri Melissa , Magurano Fabio
Published: May 2016

A measles outbreak occurred from November 2015 to April 2016 in two northern Italian regions, affecting the Roma/Sinti ethnic population and nosocomial setting. Overall, 67 cases were reported. Median age of 43 cases in three Roma/Sinti camps was four years, nosocomial cases were mainly adults. The outbreak was caused by a new measles virus B3.1 variant. Immunisation resources and strategies should be directed at groups with gaps in vaccine coverage, e.g. Roma/Sinti and healthcare workers.
Agrosystem services: An additional terminology to better understand ecosystem services delivered by agriculture
Authors: Wiggering Hubert , Weißhuhn Peter , Burkhard Benjamin
Published: May 2016

To discriminate between the contributions of ecosystems and the human subsidies to agricultural systems, we propose using an additional terminology to bring clarification into the controversial discussion about i) ecosystems versus agrosystems and ii) ecosystem services versus agrosystem services. A literature review revealed that with the exception of some very recent publications, this has not yet been sufficiently reflected, neither within the scientific nor in the policy discussion. The question remains whether to spoil the discussion with new terms again and again. We reason that it makes sense to underpin the case-specific share of agricultural inputs to the supply of agroecosystem services and to add "agro" to the terminology. We conclude, that there is a need to promote the new terminology of agrosystem services and to strengthen the use of the already established term agroecosystem services within this context. To emphasise the production patterns behind the multiple benefits agricultural systems provide to humans (commodity and non-commodity outputs) and to guarantee a reasonable weighting of related externalities in policy processes, we suggest to introduce the term agrosystem services into the discussion on ecosystem services. Agrosystem services in this context describe the anthropogenic share of agroecosystem services' generation. Agroecosystem services include multiple provisioning, regulating and cultural services from agricultural ecosystems. The inclusion of agrosystem services might accommodate the ecology-based ecosystem services concept to the specificity of managed agricultural ecosystems and therefore could be better implemented by mostly economy-driven agricultural production systems and agricultural policy.
The impact of sexual arousal on elements of sexual decision making: Sexual self-restraint, motivational state, and self-control
Authors: Skakoon-Sparling Shayna , Cramer Kenneth M.
Published: May 2016

Sexual arousal has been shown to have an impact on risk-taking and intentions to engage in risky sexual behaviour (e.g., Ariely & Loewenstein, 2006; Shuper & Fisher, 2008; Skakoon-Sparling, Cramer, & Shuper, 2016); however, the mechanisms underlying this effect are not well understood. To further investigate the effects of sexual arousal on sexual health decision-making, the current study was designed to examine the associations among self-control, sexual self-restraint, and motivational state, as well as the impact of sexual arousal on these factors. Forty-nine female and 26 male participants viewed either sexually arousing (experimental condition) or control video clips and responded to inventories designed to measure their self-control, sexual self-restraint, and meta-motivational state balance (within the Rules domain of Reversal Theory). A moderate positive correlation was found across all participants between self-control and self-restraint. Participants in the sexual arousal condition scored significantly lower on measures of self-control and sexual self-restraint; no effect was found for the meta-motivational state measure used. The results of this study suggest that sexual arousal either functions to deplete individuals' internal reserves of self-control or that it creates conditions that make it difficult to access the cognitive capacity to engage in self-control. This effect, combined with the correspondingly low score on our measure of sexual self-restraint, suggest that this may be an avenue through which sexual arousal negatively impacts sexual health decision-making.
Tissue Grafting and Allograft May Bring About a Revolution in Rehabilitation
Authors: Chowdhury ASM Jahangir , Mondal Anadi Ranjan
Published: May 2016

Abstract not availableFaridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2015;10(1): 1-2
Hepatic Histologic Changes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection with High DNA Level and Normal or Minimally Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase
Authors: Salimullah ASM , Raihan ASMA , Islam MM Shahin Ul , Rahman Mohammad Asadur , Ahmed Dewan Saifuddin , Bhuiyan Mujibur Rahman , Khan Masudur Rahman , Sharmin Maliha , Rahman Mahabub
Published: May 2016

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection can causes spectrum of diseases ranging from clinically asymptomatic state to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is ongoing debate in the management of asymptomatic patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (CHBV) infection with high DNA and normal ALT level. It has been recently shown that a significant proportion of patients with CHBV infection with high DNA and normal ALT level have significant histological abnormality. So this study was aimed to see the histological changes in patients with CHBV infection with high DNA and ALT level <2 times of upper limit of normal (ULN). Total 64 patients were included in this cross sectional study. Mean age was 29 years, 55 (85.9%) patients were men. Forty patients (62.5%) were HBeAg positive. Thirty seven (57.8%) patients had normal ALT levels and 27 patients (42.2%) had ALT levels 1-2 x ULN. Out of 64 patients 46.8% had significant histological abnormalities. Among them 31.2% had significant fibrosis and 26.5% had significant necroinflammatory changes. Among 37 patients with normal ALT levels 35% had significant histological abnormalities. But among 27 patients with ALT levels of 1-2 x ULN, 63% had significant histological abnormalities. In this series significant histological abnormalities were found in 40% of HBeAg+ve cases and 58.3% of HBeAg-ve cases. But this difference was not statistically significant. It was also found that patients with significant histological abnormalities were significantly older and had a lower median HBV DNA level, lower mean platelet count, lower mean prothrombin activity ratio and lower mean albumin level than patients with nonsignificant histological changes. In logistic regression analysis it was found that serum ALT levels and age at which patients entered the study were independently associated with the risk for significant histological abnormalities.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2015;10(1): 3-8
Is There Any Association between Helicobacter pylori CagA Status and Patient's Habits with Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Hassan Md Ali , Ahad Md Abdul , Rahman Md Habibur , Bhuiyan Md Sohrab Hossain , Khan Md Amzad Hossain
Published: May 2016

Enormous studies have been conducted worldwide regarding CagA+ status of H. pylori and patients habits in gastric carcinoma. But no study has been carried out in our country yet. Thus, this study has been designed to see the association between CagA+ H. pylori strain and patients habits with gastric carcinoma. For this purpose, a total number of 80 (eighty) patients were selected. Of the 80 (eighty) patients 40 (forty) were selected as cases (malignant) and the remainder 40 (forty) were selected as controls (non-malignant). H. pylori was detected by applying noninvasive (H. pylori IgG serology and CagA IgG serology) and invasive (Histology and rapid urease test) technique. Of them Histology was done by Modified Giemsa stain, CagA IgG was detected by ELISA method. In this study, we see that among the 40 cases, 35 (thirty five) possess the CagA+ H. pylori strain. And among the 40 controls, 33 (thirty three) bear the CagA+ H. pylori strain. This study also discloses that among cases, who were habituated with betel leaf and betel-nut ranking the highest number of gastric carcinoma. There are sufficient papers in favor of it which argues that CagA positivity as well as H. pylori positivity is not the sole causative agent of gastric carcinoma. If so, it merely acts as an initiator.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2015;10(1): 9-13
Prevalence of Scabies in Skin and VD OPD of Faridpur Medical College Hospital
Authors: Sen Krishna Gopal , Ali Ahammed , Mostofa Md Kamal , Sarkar Sumitendra Kumar , Sorcar Chandona , Begum Kohinoor
Published: May 2016

The burden of scabies is highest in tropical countries, but recent data from Bangladesh is scanty. This cross sectional study was carried out to find the prevalence of scabies in skin & VD Out Patient Department (OPD) of Faridpur Medical College Hospital (FMCH) during the period of April 2013 to March 2014. Total 22,399 patients attended to the skin & VD OPD, were included in this study. We identified 15,455 patents with scabies. The total prevalence was 69%. Prevalence in January was highest & was 78%. Most cases were uncomplicated but 17.28% of complicated scabies patients were found. Scabies was more in poor socio-economic group than others. The present study showed a high prevalence of scabies in patients presenting to skin & VD OPD, FMCH. Prevalence was higher overall in children. Our data show that scabies is common in patients presenting to skin & VD OPD & this finding may be used as an indicator of the general population.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2015;10(1): 17-19
Anomalies Associated with Ano Rectal Malformation: Experience in Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital
Authors: Shahjahan Md , Karim Sabbir , Ferdous Kazi Md Noor ul , Khan Tariq Akhtar , Rashid Md Aminur
Published: May 2016

Anorectal Malformation is one of the most common congenital anomalies. It is associated with others anomalies. But those others anomalies are sometime neglected. The purpose of this study is to review the incidence of other congenital anomalies associated with anorectal malformation (ARM). This prospective study was carried out in the department of Pediatric Surgery, Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital during the period of June, 2013 to July, 2014. A number of 45 cases were included and data were collected on the type of ARM and associated congenital anomalies which were categorized according to organ system. Total study population was 45. Male: Female ratio was 1.37:1. Majority (55.55%) presented with ARM without fistula, followed by recto vestibular fistula 26.67%, perineal fistula 13.33%, and 2 patients had cloacal anomaly. Thirty two (71.1%) patients had associated congenital anomaly. Among them, 42%, urogenital anomalies, 37.78% cardiovascular, 20% craniofacial anomalies, 11.11% musculoskeletal and anomalies of central nervous system 11%. Among 32 patients, 57.14% patients had multiple congenital anomalies. It is imperative that a thorough clinical evaluation and systemic investigations of all patients with anorectal malformation necessary to exclude or confirm the presence of genitourinary, cardiac and other abnormalities which are directly related with mortality and morbidity.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2015;10(1): 23-25
Early Enteral Feeding Versus Traditional Feeding After Colostomy Closure in Paediatric Patients: A Comparative Study of Postoperative Outcome
Authors: Paul Swapan Kumar , Biswas I , Howlader Suprotim , Paul Subinoy Krishna , Khan Abdur Rahed
Published: May 2016

Traditional practice of postoperative starvation after abdominal surgery recently has been changed. Early enteral feeding has been shown benefits in reduction of postoperative ileus and hospital stay by various clinical trials. In this study postoperative outcome was analized after colostomy closure in paediatric patients in relation to early vursus traditional enteral feeding. This is a prospective comparative study done in Dhaka Shishu (children) Hospital between January 2009 to December 2013. Total 125 patients were included and divided into two groups. Group-A (n=55) and Group-B (n=70) underwent traditional enteral feeding and early enteral feeding in post-operative period respectively. Unpaired 't' test were used for statistical analysis. Post-operative hospital stay and complications such as vomiting, diarrhoea, wound disruption were assessed. Lower gastro-intestinal bleeding, urinary tract infection (UTI), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and unspecified fever >48 hours were used as parameters of study. In group-B, post-operative hospital stay and complications such as vomiting, diarrhoea, wound disruption, lower G.I bleeding, UTI, URTI and unspecified fever >48 hours were significantly lesser than group-A. Parents were satisfied with early enteral feeding in post-operative period. By this study early enteral feeding patients found to be more advantageous than the traditional feeding patients undergoing colostomy closure.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jan 2015;10(1): 29-32
‘But the real problem is….’: The Chameleonic Insidiousness of ‘Overpopulation’ in the Environmental Humanities
Authors: Clark Timothy
Published: May 2016

This paper offers an overview of the chameleonic nature of overpopulation as an environmental issue, and of the relative evasion of population as an issue in ecocriticism and elsewhere: the very multiplicity of environmental factors means that population pressure can always seem to be finessed as “really” something else. Overpopulation looks drastically different as an issue, depending on whether it is considered at the level of the nation state, that of individual right, or as a global phenomenon. Finally, the chameleonic nature of overpopulation poses intractable challenges to literary representation, since it resists representation at the scalar norms of realism.
Living, Again: Population and Paradox in Recent Cinema
Authors: Clavin Keith
Published: May 2016

The last several decades have witnessed a drastic increase in ecological writing, but also a substantial lack in regards to the discussion of human population control. This article argues that the deficiency has been reproduced within several recent examples of eco-cinema, Snowpiercer and Mad Max: Fury Road. Despite strong conservationist themes and narratives encouraging social revolution, the films encounter similar theoretical difficulties, and enact similar resulting absences, within their representational fields. As a consequence, the environmental topics are filtered through an anthropocentric lens that generates a set of paradoxes regarding human consumption, sacrifice and the visualisation of future sustainable states.
Extended First Law for Entanglement Entropy in Lovelock Gravity
Authors: Kastor David , Ray Sourya , Traschen Jennie
Published: May 2016

The first law for the holographic entanglement entropy of spheres in a boundary CFT (Conformal Field Theory) with a bulk Lovelock dual is extended to include variations of the bulk Lovelock coupling constants. Such variations in the bulk correspond to perturbations within a family of boundary CFTs. The new contribution to the first law is found to be the product of the variation δ a of the “A”-type trace anomaly coefficient for even dimensional CFTs, or more generally its extension δ a * to include odd dimensional boundaries, times the ratio S / a * . Since a * is a measure of the number of degrees of freedom N per unit volume of the boundary CFT, this new term has the form μ δ N , where the chemical potential μ is given by the entanglement entropy per degree of freedom.
CFD Analysis on the Thermal Hydraulic Performance of an SAH Duct with Multi V-Shape Roughened Ribs
Authors: Kumar Anil , Kim Man-Hoe
Published: May 2016

This study presents the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics in a rib-roughened SAH (solar air heater) channel. The artificial roughness of the rectangular channel was in the form of a thin circular wire in discrete multi V-pattern rib geometries. The effect of this geometry on heat transfer, fluid flow, and performance augmentation was investigated using the CFD (computational fluid dynamics). The roughness parameters were a relative discrete distance of 0.69, a relative rib height of 0.043, a relative rib pitch of 10, a relative rib width of 6.0, and a flow-attack-angle of 60°. The discrete width ratios and Reynolds numbers ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 and from 2000 to 20,000, respectively. The CFD results using the renormalization k-epsilon model were in good agreement with the empirical relationship. This model was used to investigate the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics in the multi V-pattern rib roughened SAH channel. The thermo-hydraulic performance was found to be the best for the discrete width ratio of 1.0. A discrete multi V-pattern rib combined with dimple staggered ribs also had better overall thermal performance compared to other rib shapes.
Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Analysis of the Short-Time and Peak Withstand Current Tests in Substation Connectors
Authors: Capelli Francesca , Riba Jordi-Roger , Pérez Joan
Published: May 2016

Power devices intended for high-voltage systems must be tested according to international standards, which includes the short-time withstand current test and peak withstand current test. However, these tests require very special facilities which consume huge amounts of electrical power. Therefore, mathematical tools to simulate such tests are highly appealing since they allow reproducing the electromagnetic and thermal behavior of the test object in a fast and economical manner. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM) approach to simulate the transient thermal behavior of substation connectors is presented and validated against experimental data. To this end, a multiphysics 3D-FEM method is proposed, which considers both the connector and the reference power conductors. The transient and steady-state temperature profiles of both the conductors and connector provided by the 3D-FEM method prove its suitability and accuracy as compared to experimental data provided by short-circuit tests conducted in two high-current laboratories. The proposed simulation tool, which was proven to be accurate and realistic, may be particularly useful during the design and optimization phases of substation connectors since it allows anticipating the results of mandatory laboratory tests.
Wool Keratin-Associated Protein Genes in Sheep—A Review
Authors: Gong Hua , Zhou Huitong , Forrest Rachel , Li Shaobin , Wang Jiqing , Dyer Jolon , Luo Yuzhu , Hickford Jon
Published: May 2016

The importance of sheep’s wool in making textiles has inspired extensive research into its structure and the underlying genetics since the 1960s. Wool keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are a key structural component of the wool fibre. The characterisation of the genes encoding these proteins has progressed rapidly with advances in the nucleotide and protein sequencing. This review describes our knowledge of ovine KAPs, their categorisation into families, polymorphism in the proteins and genes, the clustering and chromosomal location of the genes, some characteristics of gene expression and some potential effects of the KAPs on wool traits. The extent and nature of genetic variation in wool KAP genes and its association with fibre characteristics, provides an opportunity for the development of gene-markers for selective breeding of sheep to produce better wool with properties highly matched to specific end-uses.
Selection and Verification of Candidate Reference Genes for Mature MicroRNA Expression by Quantitative RT-PCR in the Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Song Hui , Zhang Xiao , Shi Cong , Wang Shuangshuang , Wu Ailin , Wei Chaoling
Published: May 2016

Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a rapid and sensitive method for analyzing microRNA (miRNA) expression. However, accurate qRT-PCR results depend on the selection of reliable reference genes as internal positive controls. To date, few studies have identified reliable reference genes for differential expression analysis of miRNAs among tissues, and among experimental conditions in plants. In this study, three miRNAs and four non-coding small RNAs (ncRNA) were selected as reference candidates, and the stability of their expression was evaluated among different tissues and under different experimental conditions in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) using the geNorm and NormFinder programs. It was shown that miR159a was the best single reference gene in the bud to the fifth leaf, 5S rRNA was the most suitable gene in different organs, miR6149 was the most stable gene when the leaves were attacked by Ectropis oblique and U4, miR5368n and miR159a were the best genes when the leaves were treated by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA), respectively. Our results provide suitable reference genes for future investigations on miRNA functions in tea plants.
A Chloroplast-Localized Rubredoxin Family Protein Gene from Puccinellia tenuiflora (PutRUB) Increases NaCl and NaHCO3 Tolerance by Decreasing H2O2 Accumulation
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Panpan , Takano Tetsuo , Liu Shenkui
Published: May 2016

Rubredoxin is one of the simplest iron–sulfur (Fe–S) proteins. It is found primarily in strict anaerobic bacteria and acts as a mediator of electron transfer participation in different biochemical reactions. The PutRUB gene encoding a chloroplast-localized rubredoxin family protein was screened from a yeast full-length cDNA library of Puccinellia tenuiflora under NaCl and NaHCO3 stress. We found that PutRUB expression was induced by abiotic stresses such as NaCl, NaHCO3, CuCl2 and H2O2. These findings suggested that PutRUB might be involved in plant responses to adversity. In order to study the function of this gene, we analyzed the phenotypic and physiological characteristics of PutRUB transgenic plants treated with NaCl and NaHCO3. The results showed that PutRUB overexpression inhibited H2O2 accumulation, and enhanced transgenic plant adaptability to NaCl and NaHCO3 stresses. This indicated PutRUB might be involved in maintaining normal electron transfer to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation.
MicroRNAs: Key Regulators in the Central Nervous System and Their Implication in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Cao Dan-Dan , Li Lu , Chan Wai-Yee
Published: May 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, well-conserved noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They have been demonstrated to regulate a lot of biological pathways and cellular functions. Many miRNAs are dynamically regulated during central nervous system (CNS) development and are spatially expressed in adult brain indicating their essential roles in neural development and function. In addition, accumulating evidence strongly suggests that dysfunction of miRNAs contributes to neurological diseases. These observations, together with their gene regulation property, implicated miRNAs to be the key regulators in the complex genetic network of the CNS. In this review, we first focus on the ways through which miRNAs exert the regulatory function and how miRNAs are regulated in the CNS. We then summarize recent findings that highlight the versatile roles of miRNAs in normal CNS physiology and their association with several types of neurological diseases. Subsequently we discuss the limitations of miRNAs research based on current studies as well as the potential therapeutic applications and challenges of miRNAs in neurological disorders. We endeavor to provide an updated description of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in normal CNS functions and pathogenesis of neurological diseases.
Engineering and Scaling the Spontaneous Magnetization Reversal of Faraday Induced Magnetic Relaxation in Nano-Sized Amorphous Ni Coated on Crystalline Au
Authors: Li Wen-Hsien , Lee Chi-Hung , Kuo Chen-Chen
Published: May 2016

We report on the generation of large inverse remanent magnetizations in nano-sized core/shell structure of Au/Ni by turning off the applied magnetic field. The remanent magnetization is very sensitive to the field reduction rate as well as to the thermal and field processes before the switching off of the magnetic field. Spontaneous reversal in direction and increase in magnitude of the remanent magnetization in subsequent relaxations over time were found. All of the various types of temporal relaxation curves of the remanent magnetizations are successfully scaled by a stretched exponential decay profile, characterized by two pairs of relaxation times and dynamic exponents. The relaxation time is used to describe the reduction rate, while the dynamic exponent describes the dynamical slowing down of the relaxation through time evolution. The key to these effects is to have the induced eddy current running beneath the amorphous Ni shells through Faraday induction.
Tethered and Polymer Supported Bilayer Lipid Membranes: Structure and Function
Authors: Andersson Jakob , Köper Ingo
Published: May 2016

Solid supported bilayer lipid membranes are model systems to mimic natural cell membranes in order to understand structural and functional properties of such systems. The use of a model system allows for the use of a wide variety of analytical tools including atomic force microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, neutron reflectometry, and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Among the large number of different types of model membranes polymer-supported and tethered lipid bilayers have been shown to be versatile and useful systems. Both systems consist of a lipid bilayer, which is de-coupled from an underlying support by a spacer cushion. Both systems will be reviewed, with an emphasis on the effect that the spacer moiety has on the bilayer properties.
Models to Predict the Viscosity of Metal Injection Molding Feedstock Materials as Function of Their Formulation
Authors: Gonzalez-Gutierrez Joamin , Duretek Ivica , Kukla Christian , Poljšak Andreja , Bek Marko , Emri Igor , Holzer Clemens
Published: May 2016

The viscosity of feedstock materials is directly related to its processability during injection molding; therefore, being able to predict the viscosity of feedstock materials based on the individual properties of their components can greatly facilitate the formulation of these materials to tailor properties to improve their processability. Many empirical and semi-empirical models are available in the literature that can be used to predict the viscosity of polymeric blends and concentrated suspensions as a function of their formulation; these models can partly be used also for metal injection molding binders and feedstock materials. Among all available models, we made a narrow selection and used only simple models that do not require knowledge of molecular weight or density and have parameters with physical background. In this paper, we investigated the applicability of several of these models for two types of feedstock materials each one with different binder composition and powder loading. For each material, an optimal model was found, but each model was different; therefore, there is not a universal model that fits both materials investigated, which puts under question the underlying physical meaning of these models.
Vanadium Effect on a Medium Carbon Forging Steel
Authors: Garcia-Mateo Carlos , Morales-Rivas Lucia , Caballero Francisca , Milbourn David , Sourmail Thomas
Published: May 2016

In the present work the influence of vanadium on the hardenability and the bainitic transformation of a medium carbon steel is analyzed. While V in solid solution enhances the former, it hardly affects bainitic transformation. The results also reveal an unexpected result, an increase of the prior austenite grain size as the V content increases.
Advantages of Array-Based Technologies for Pre-Emptive Pharmacogenomics Testing
Authors: Shahandeh Al , Johnstone Daniel , Atkins Joshua , Sontag Jean-Marie , Heidari Moones , Daneshi Nilofar , Freeman-Acquah Elvis , Milward Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

As recognised by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI), microarray technology currently provides a rapid, inexpensive means of identifying large numbers of known genomic variants or gene transcripts in experimental and clinical settings. However new generation sequencing techniques are now being introduced in many clinical genetic contexts, particularly where novel mutations are involved. While these methods can be valuable for screening a restricted set of genes for known or novel mutations, implementation of whole genome sequencing in clinical practice continues to present challenges. Even very accurate high-throughput methods with small error rates can generate large numbers of false negative or false positive errors due to the high numbers of simultaneous readings. Additional validation is likely to be required for safe use of any such methods in clinical settings. Custom-designed arrays can offer advantages for screening for common, known mutations and, in this context, may currently be better suited for accredited, quality-controlled clinical genetic screening services, as illustrated by their successful application in several large-scale pre-emptive pharmacogenomics programs now underway. Excessive, inappropriate use of next-generation sequencing may waste scarce research funds and other resources. Microarrays presently remain the technology of choice in applications that require fast, cost-effective genome-wide screening of variants of known importance, particularly for large sample sizes. This commentary considers some of the applications where microarrays continue to offer advantages over next-generation sequencing technologies.
Metabolic Profile Changes of CCl4-Liver Fibrosis and Inhibitory Effects of Jiaqi Ganxian Granule
Authors: Wang Ge , Li Zehao , Li Hao , Li Lidan , Li Jian , Yu Changyuan
Published: May 2016

Jiaqi Ganxian Granule (JGG) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine, which has been long used in clinical practice for treating liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying its anti-hepatic fibrosis is still not clear. In this study, an Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-TOF-MS)-based metabolomics strategy was used to profile the metabolic characteristic of serum obtained from a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with JGG treatment. Through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), it was shown that metabolic perturbations induced by CCl4 were inhibited after treatment of JGG, for 17 different metabolites related to CCl4. Among these compounds, the change tendency of eight potential drug targets was restored after the intervention with JGG. The current study indicates that JGG has a significant anti-fibrosis effect on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats, which might be by regulating the dysfunction of sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, N-acylethanolamine biosynthesis, fat digestion and absorption, while glycerophospholipid metabolism played vital roles in the inhibitory effects of JGG on hepatic fibrosis according to Metabolic Pathway Analysis (MetPA). Our findings indicated that the metabolomics approach may provide a useful tool for exploring potential biomarkers involved in hepatic fibrosis and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the action of therapies used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Inhalable Antitubercular Therapy Mediated by Locust Bean Gum Microparticles
Authors: Alves Ana , Cavaco Joana , Guerreiro Filipa , Lourenço João , Rosa da Costa Ana , Grenha Ana
Published: May 2016

Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem and alternative therapeutic approaches are needed. Considering the high prevalence of lung tuberculosis (80% of cases), the pulmonary delivery of antitubercular drugs in a carrier system capable of reaching the alveoli, being recognised and phagocytosed by alveolar macrophages (mycobacterium hosts), would be a significant improvement to current oral drug regimens. Locust bean gum (LBG) is a polysaccharide composed of galactose and mannose residues, which may favour specific recognition by macrophages and potentiate phagocytosis. LBG microparticles produced by spray-drying are reported herein for the first time, incorporating either isoniazid or rifabutin, first-line antitubercular drugs (association efficiencies >82%). Microparticles have adequate theoretical properties for deep lung delivery (aerodynamic diameters between 1.15 and 1.67 μm). The cytotoxic evaluation in lung epithelial cells (A549 cells) and macrophages (THP-1 cells) revealed a toxic effect from rifabutin-loaded microparticles at the highest concentrations, but we may consider that these were very high comparing with in vivo conditions. LBG microparticles further evidenced strong ability to be captured by macrophages (percentage of phagocytosis >94%). Overall, the obtained data indicated the potential of the proposed system for tuberculosis therapy.
Synthesis of New Polyether Ether Ketone Derivatives with Silver Binding Site and Coordination Compounds of Their Monomers with Different Silver Salts
Authors: Girard Jérôme , Joset Nathalie , Crochet Aurélien , Tan Milène , Holzheu Anja , Brunetto Priscilla , Fromm Katharina
Published: May 2016

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a well-known polymer used for implants and devices, especially spinal ones. To overcome the biomaterial related infection risks, 4-4′-difluorobenzophenone, the famous PEEK monomer, was modified in order to introduce binding sites for silver ions, which are well known for their antimicrobial activity. The complexation of these new monomers with different silver salts was studied. Crystal structures of different intermediates were obtained with a linear coordination between two pyridine groups and the silver ions in all cases. The mechanical and thermal properties of different new polymers were characterized. The synthesized PEEKN5 polymers showed similar properties than the PEEK ones whereas the PEEKN7 polymers showed similar thermal properties but the mechanical properties are not as good as the ones of PEEK. To improve these properties, these polymers were complexed with silver nitrate in order to “cross-link” with silver ions. The presence of ionic silver in the polymer was then confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Finally, a silver-based antimicrobial compound was successfully coated on the surface of PEEKN5.
Demethylation of Wheat Straw Alkali Lignin for Application in Phenol Formaldehyde Adhesives
Authors: Song Yan , Wang Zhixin , Yan Ning , Zhang Rong , Li Jinchun
Published: May 2016

Lignin is a natural biopolymer with a complex three-dimensional network. It is the second most abundant natural polymer on earth. Commercially, lignin is largely obtained from the waste liquors of pulping and bioethanol productions. In this study, wheat straw alkali lignin (WSAL) was demethylated by using an in-situ generated Lewis acid under an optimized demethylation process. The demethylation process was monitored by a semi-quantitative Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) method. The demethylated wheat straw alkali lignin (D-WSAL) was further characterized by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and titration methods. After the demethylation process, it was found that the relative value of the methoxy group decreased significantly from 0.82 to 0.17 and the phenolic hydroxyl group increased from 5.2% to 16.0%. Meanwhile, the hydroxyl content increased from 6.6% to 10.3%. GPC results suggested that the weighted averaged molecular weight of D-WSAL was lower than that of WSAL with a smaller polydispersity index. The D-WSAL was then used to replace 60 wt % of phenol to prepare lignin-based phenol formaldehyde adhesives (D-LPF). It was found that both the free formaldehyde content and the free phenol content in D-LPF were less than those of the lignin-based phenol formaldehyde adhesives without lignin demethylation (LPF). Gel time of D-LPF was shortened. Furthermore, the wet and dry bonding strengths of lap shear wood samples bonded using D-LPF were higher than those of the samples bonded using LPF. Therefore, D-WSAL has shown good potential for application in phenol formaldehyde adhesives.
Monitoring Pre-Stressed Composites Using Optical Fibre Sensors
Authors: Krishnamurthy Sriram , Badcock Rodney , Machavaram Venkata , Fernando Gerard
Published: May 2016

Residual stresses in fibre reinforced composites can give rise to a number of undesired effects such as loss of dimensional stability and premature fracture. Hence, there is significant merit in developing processing techniques to mitigate the development of residual stresses. However, tracking and quantifying the development of these fabrication-induced stresses in real-time using conventional non-destructive techniques is not straightforward. This article reports on the design and evaluation of a technique for manufacturing pre-stressed composite panels from unidirectional E-glass/epoxy prepregs. Here, the magnitude of the applied pre-stress was monitored using an integrated load-cell. The pre-stressing rig was based on a flat-bed design which enabled autoclave-based processing. A method was developed to end-tab the laminated prepregs prior to pre-stressing. The development of process-induced residual strain was monitored in-situ using embedded optical fibre sensors. Surface-mounted electrical resistance strain gauges were used to measure the strain when the composite was unloaded from the pre-stressing rig at room temperature. Four pre-stress levels were applied prior to processing the laminated preforms in an autoclave. The results showed that the application of a pre-stress of 108 MPa to a unidirectional [0]16 E-glass/913 epoxy preform, reduced the residual strain in the composite from −600 µε (conventional processing without pre-stress) to approximately zero. A good correlation was observed between the data obtained from the surface-mounted electrical resistance strain gauge and the embedded optical fibre sensors. In addition to “neutralising” the residual stresses, superior axial orientation of the reinforcement can be obtained from pre-stressed composites. A subsequent publication will highlight the consequences of pres-stressing on fibre alignment, the tensile, flexural, compressive and fatigue performance of unidirectional E-glass composites.
Towards a Multifunctional Electrochemical Sensing and Niosome Generation Lab-on-Chip Platform Based on a Plug-and-Play Concept
Authors: Kara Adnane , Rouillard Camille , Mathault Jessy , Boisvert Martin , Tessier Frédéric , Landari Hamza , Melki Imene , Laprise-Pelletier Myriam , Boisselier Elodie , Fortin Marc-André , Boilard Eric , Greener Jesse , Miled Amine
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we present a new modular lab on a chip design for multimodal neurotransmitter (NT) sensing and niosome generation based on a plug-and-play concept. This architecture is a first step toward an automated platform for an automated modulation of neurotransmitter concentration to understand and/or treat neurodegenerative diseases. A modular approach has been adopted in order to handle measurement or drug delivery or both measurement and drug delivery simultaneously. The system is composed of three fully independent modules: three-channel peristaltic micropumping system, a three-channel potentiostat and a multi-unit microfluidic system composed of pseudo-Y and cross-shape channels containing a miniature electrode array. The system was wirelessly controlled by a computer interface. The system is compact, with all the microfluidic and sensing components packaged in a 5 cm × 4 cm × 4 cm box. Applied to serotonin, a linear calibration curve down to 0.125 mM, with a limit of detection of 31 μ M was collected at unfunctionalized electrodes. Added sensitivity and selectivity was achieved by incorporating functionalized electrodes for dopamine sensing. Electrode functionalization was achieved with gold nanoparticles and using DNA and o-phenylene diamine polymer. The as-configured platform is demonstrated as a central component toward an “intelligent” drug delivery system based on a feedback loop to monitor drug delivery.
A Linked List-Based Algorithm for Blob Detection on Embedded Vision-Based Sensors
Authors: Acevedo-Avila Ricardo , Gonzalez-Mendoza Miguel , Garcia-Garcia Andres
Published: May 2016

Blob detection is a common task in vision-based applications. Most existing algorithms are aimed at execution on general purpose computers; while very few can be adapted to the computing restrictions present in embedded platforms. This paper focuses on the design of an algorithm capable of real-time blob detection that minimizes system memory consumption. The proposed algorithm detects objects in one image scan; it is based on a linked-list data structure tree used to label blobs depending on their shape and node information. An example application showing the results of a blob detection co-processor has been built on a low-powered field programmable gate array hardware as a step towards developing a smart video surveillance system. The detection method is intended for general purpose application. As such, several test cases focused on character recognition are also examined. The results obtained present a fair trade-off between accuracy and memory requirements; and prove the validity of the proposed approach for real-time implementation on resource-constrained computing platforms.
VLC-Based Positioning System for an Indoor Environment Using an Image Sensor and an Accelerometer Sensor
Authors: Huynh Phat , Yoo Myungsik
Published: May 2016

Recently, it is believed that lighting and communication technologies are being replaced by high power LEDs, which are core parts of the visible light communication (VLC) system. In this paper, by taking advantages of VLC, we propose a novel design for an indoor positioning system using LEDs, an image sensor (IS) and an accelerometer sensor (AS) from mobile devices. The proposed algorithm, which provides a high precision indoor position, consists of four LEDs mounted on the ceiling transmitting their own three-dimensional (3D) world coordinates and an IS at an unknown position receiving and demodulating the signals. Based on the 3D world coordinates and the 2D image coordinate of LEDs, the position of the mobile device is determined. Compared to existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm only requires one IS. In addition, by using an AS, the mobile device is allowed to have arbitrary orientation. Last but not least, a mechanism for reducing the image sensor noise is proposed to further improve the accuracy of the positioning algorithm. A simulation is conducted to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Detuned Plasmonic Bragg Grating Sensor Based on a Defect Metal-Insulator-Metal Waveguide
Authors: Qu Shinian , Song Ci , Xia Xiushan , Liang Xiuye , Tang Baojie , Hu Zheng-Da , Wang Jicheng
Published: May 2016

A nanoscale Bragg grating reflector based on the defect metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide is developed and numerically simulated by using the finite element method (FEM). The MIM-based structure promises a highly tunable broad stop-band in transmission spectra. The narrow transmission window is shown to appear in the previous stop-band by changing the certain geometrical parameters. The central wavelengths can be controlled easily by altering the geographical parameters. The development of surface plasmon polarition (SPP) technology in metallic waveguide structures leads to more possibilities of controlling light at deep sub-wavelengths. Its attractive ability of breaking the diffraction limit contributes to the design of optical sensors.
Unobtrusive Estimation of Cardiac Contractility and Stroke Volume Changes Using Ballistocardiogram Measurements on a High Bandwidth Force Plate
Authors: Ashouri Hazar , Orlandic Lara , Inan Omer
Published: May 2016

Unobtrusive and inexpensive technologies for monitoring the cardiovascular health of heart failure (HF) patients outside the clinic can potentially improve their continuity of care by enabling therapies to be adjusted dynamically based on the changing needs of the patients. Specifically, cardiac contractility and stroke volume (SV) are two key aspects of cardiovascular health that change significantly for HF patients as their condition worsens, yet these parameters are typically measured only in hospital/clinical settings, or with implantable sensors. In this work, we demonstrate accurate measurement of cardiac contractility (based on pre-ejection period, PEP, timings) and SV changes in subjects using ballistocardiogram (BCG) signals detected via a high bandwidth force plate. The measurement is unobtrusive, as it simply requires the subject to stand still on the force plate while holding electrodes in the hands for simultaneous electrocardiogram (ECG) detection. Specifically, we aimed to assess whether the high bandwidth force plate can provide accuracy beyond what is achieved using modified weighing scales we have developed in prior studies, based on timing intervals, as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimates. Our results indicate that the force plate BCG measurement provides more accurate timing information and allows for better estimation of PEP than the scale BCG (r2 = 0.85 vs. r2 = 0.81) during resting conditions. This correlation is stronger during recovery after exercise due to more significant changes in PEP (r2 = 0.92). The improvement in accuracy can be attributed to the wider bandwidth of the force plate. ∆SV (i.e., changes in stroke volume) estimations from the force plate BCG resulted in an average error percentage of 5.3% with a standard deviation of ±4.2% across all subjects. Finally, SNR calculations showed slightly better SNR in the force plate measurements among all subjects but the small difference confirmed that SNR is limited by motion artifacts rather than instrumentation.
Medical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adults
Authors: Malaty John
Published: May 2016

Chronic rhinosinusitis can be refractory and has detrimental effects not only on symptoms, but also on work absences, work productivity, annual productivity costs, and disease-specific quality of life measures. The pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis continues to evolve. There is evidence that it is driven by various inflammatory pathways and host factors and is not merely an infectious problem, although pathogens, including bacterial biofilms, may certainly contribute to this inflammatory cascade and to treatment resistance. Given this, medical management should be tailored to the specific comorbidities and problems in an individual patient. In addition to treating acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis with amoxicillin-clavulanate, second or third generation cephalosporins, or fluoroquinolones, one must consider if nasal polyps are present, when symptoms and disease severity correlate to mucosal eosinophilia, and there is the best evidence for intranasal corticosteroids and saline irrigation. Asthma worsens severity of chronic rhinosinusitis and it is felt to be mediated by increased leukotrienes, when leukotriene antagonists may be utilized. Cystic fibrosis has a genetic defect and increased mucin, which are potential treatment targets with dornase alfa showing efficacy. Other comorbidities that may impact treatment include allergies, ciliary dyskinesia, immunodeficiency, and possibly allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.