bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Allopurinol in Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Asymptomatic Hyperuricaemic Subjects
Authors: Anwar ASM Tanim , Chowdhury Md Nizamuddin , Islam Md Nazrul , Ahmed Parvez Iftekher , Sweety Sohely Ahmed , Hasan Rafiqul
Published: September 2017

This was a hospital based prospective, interventional study which included CKD stage 3- 5 patients with higher level of uric acid (male>7mg/dl, female>6mg/dl). The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of allopurinol in chronic kidney disease (stage 3-5) progression in asymptomatic hyperuricaemic patients.One hundred and twenty patients were distributed in two groups. Sixty patients were placed in treatment group and sixty in control group. Purposive sampling technique was followed. In the study mean age was 49 (±9) years in treatment group and 45 (±11) years in control groups. Male were predominant in both groups. There were no significant difference in baseline characteristics between treatment group and control group (p>0.05). Sixty patients of treatment group were administered a dose of 100 mg/d of allopurinol. Follow up assessment was done at basally, at 4 months and at 8 month after starting treatment. No significant differences were seen between baseline SBP, DBP, Hb and HbA1c with 4th month and 8th month follow up in both treatment group and control group, but mean Hb was significantly decreased in control group from the baseline after 8 month. Serum uric acid was decreased in treatment group while it was significantly raised from the base line at 4th month and 8th month in control group. In treatment group serum creatinine was decreased and eGFR was raised from the baseline after 8 month. On the other hand, in control group serum creatinine was significantly raised and eGFR was significantly decreased from the baseline at 8th month. While comparing between two groups results showed means of serum uric acid was significantly decreased in treatment group compared to control group after 8th month. There was a negative correlation between Uric Acid with eGFR after 8 month of allopurinol treatment although this finding was not statistically significant. So, allopurinol may have a protective role in CKD progression by decreasing serum uric acid level in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3 - 5 with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.1, April, 2016, Page 5-15
Etiology of UTI and Frequency of ESBL Producing Bacteria Isolated from Patients of Dhaka Medical College Hospital with Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern
Authors: Begum Shahin Ara , Afreen Shabeen , Ahamed Farook , Chowdhury Akhtaruzzaman , Jobayer Mohammad , Samsuzzaman SM
Published: September 2017

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common of all bacterial infections and occur at any time in the life of an individual. ESBL producing bacteria particularly Escherichia.coli is one of the most common causes of UTIs both in community and healthcare associated settings. Emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) is quite alarming and cause failure of empirical treatment of UTIs. As a result increase the morbidity and mortality rate in the developing countries like Bangladesh.Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the bacteria causing UTI from urine culture and detection of ESBL producing Esch.coli and K.pneumoniae with their anti- microbial susceptibility pattern.Materials and Methods: A total of 1750 urine samples were collected from patients with symptoms and suspected UTI. Clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected from indoor and outdoor patients of Dhaka Medical College Hospital during January 2015 to July 2015.Urine specimens were cultured in 5% Blood agar and MacConkeys agar media. The isolated bacteria were identified by gram staining and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility and detection of ESBL were done by disc diffusion method.Result: Out of 1750 urine samples, 403(23.03%) were positive by culture. Among the culture positive cases, 216 (53.59%) were female and 187 (46.41%) were male. The most common isolated bacteria were Esch.coli 295(73.20%) followed by Pseudomonas aeuroginosa 85(21.09%), K.pneumoniae10(2.48%), Proteus spp. 4(.99%), Acinetobacter spp. 5(1.2%), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) 4(.99%). Among the isolated Esch.coli and K.pneumoniae, ESBL producing bacteria were 202 (68.47%) and 5 (50%) respectively. All the isolated bacteria showed low level susceptibility to all antibiotics that are used during the study period.Conclusion: Treatment of UTIs is difficult when caused by multidrug resistant bacteria. Analysis of culture and sensitivity data should be done periodically to identify ESBL producing bacteria for proper treatment of UTIs.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.1, April, 2016, Page 26-31
Experience of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage V
Authors: Afroz Shireen , Ferdaus Tahmina , Khanam Rokeya , Simi Maliha Alam , Sharmim Sanjida , Hossain Nasir , Rahman M Mizanur
Published: September 2017

The lifespan and outcome of End Stage Kidney Failure (ESKF) children have dramatically improved since the development of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), it offers several advantages over hemodialysis. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy, outcome and to find out the complication profile of CAPD. This prospective longitudinal study was carried out in the department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Bangladesh, over a period of 3 year. A total of 8 children with ESKF were included. (Age 5-14 year, M:F=1:1), All underwent CAPD. Average duration of CAPD 40.6 months with a total of 185 patient months of CAPD. The rate of complications was recorded. Common complications being observed were peritonitis 1 episode per 13.9 patient months, catheter obstruction by omental capture was in 4. Catheter tip dislocation was found in 3 children and all needed laparotomy and omentectomy. Satisfactory level of improvement of mean weight, mean serum albumin and declining of serum creatinine has been found after CAPD in all 8 study children. At the end of the study, 3 out of 8 are still on CAPD, 2 transferred to haemodialysis and 3 expired due to uncontrolled hypertension with congestive heart failure and sepsis. So, CAPD is an effective modality of renal replacement therapy for children. Early detection of complications and prompt therapy is essential for a favourable outcome. Placement of catheter by surgical method with elective omentectomy will reduce catheter related complications.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.1, April, 2016, Page 32-38
Response of oral Melphalan, Prednisone and Thalidomide (MPT) on symptomatic multiple myeloma patients who are non-transplant candidates
Authors: Kamruzzaman Muhammad , Ferdous Jannatul , Islam Sirajul , Khan Mohiuddin Ahmed
Published: September 2017

Background: Oral melphalan, prednisone and Thalidomide (MPT) has been tested and proved efficacy in multiple myeloma (MM). But, no data are available on the response rate and adverse effect of oral MPT in diagnosed symptomatic MM patients who are non-transplant candidates in our population and ethnic diversity. Here, we evaluated response rate and adverse effects of MPT.Methods: 16 diagnosed symptomatic MM patients (age range 45-75 years) received MPT (Melphalan 4 mg/m2 divided dose and Prednisone 40 mg/m2 once daily for 7 days every month plus Thalidomide 100 mg/day at night continuously) from January 2010 to December 2011 at department of Hematology, Dhaka medical college and hospital, Dhaka. After 3 courses of MPT, 2 patients had no improvement, so changed to another protocol. Rest 14 patients had completed 6 cycles of MPT and evaluated for both response rate and toxicity.Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 87.5% (n=14); complete response (CR) rate 50% (n=8), partial response (PR) rate 31.25% (n=5), minimal response (MR) rate 6.25% (n=1) and no response (NR) was 12.50% (n=2) of patients. During MPT therapy, MM patients noticed abdominal discomfort in 31.11% (n=14), insomnia in 17.78% (n=8), constipation in 13.33% (n=6), numbness/ peripheral neuropathy in 13.33% (n=6) and developed infection in 6.67% (n=3) and hyperglycaemia in 4.44% (n=2) of patients. Life threatening complications like DVT were absent. Almost all adverse effects were mild, reversible grade 1/2 toxicity and mostly developed within first cycle of MPT. Treatment related mortality was absent.Conclusions: It clearly reveals MPT induces increase response rate with low cost and minimal side effects which might bring hope to the poor patients of our country.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.1, April, 2016, Page 61-66
Tracheostomy at a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh: any change in pattern?
Authors: Talukdar Debesh Chandra , Mahamud Mashuque , Mahmud Sharfuddin , Islam Md Shaikhul , Akaiduzzaman DGM , Litu Manilal Aich , Biswas Dipali
Published: September 2017

Objective: This study was conducted on tracheostomy to find out the different indications and complications occured at the tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh. Study design: Cross-sectional observational study.Place and Duration: This study was conducted at the department of Otolaryngology & Head Neck surgery and department of ICU, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka & DMCH over one year from January 2014 to December 2014.Methodology: 55 tracheostomy operation were performed in both genders and all age groups either in emergency situations or within an elective environment. All the patients were registered with a definite protocol by filling a pre designed proforma equipped with demographic data, details of present illness mirroring the indication for the procedure, relevant physical examination & investigations, details of the surgical procedure of tracheostomy and postoperative follow up with note of any attendant complications described as immediate, early and late postoperative.Results: Mean age of this study was 40.09 years and male female ratio iwas 3.2: 1. 30(54.54%) patients underwent emergency tracheostomy and 25(45.46%) underwent tracheostomy electively. The commonest indications were laryngeal & hypopharyngeal malignancies which affected 28(50.9%) patients. The overall rate of complications was 25.45%. These were 4(28.57%) immediate post operative, 8(57.14%) early post operative and 2(3.63%) late post operative. Out of overall 14 complications, 11(36.66%) complications occurred in 40 patients who underwent tracheostomy in emergency and 3(12%) complications occurred in 25 patients who underwent tracheostomy electively.Conclusion: Upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal and hypopharyngal carcinoma still remains the most common indication for tracheostomy in our centre but prolonged intubation as an indication for tracheostomy is evolving based on recent improvement in the facilities available at our ICU.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.1, April, 2016, Page 67-71
A Review on Choosing the Preferable Route of Hysterectomy
Authors: Saha Mukti Rani , Yasmin Nahid , Nasrin Shammi , Ahmed Shahrin , Akter Fatema Mahbooba
Published: September 2017

Introduction: In the present times, the emphasis on minimally invasive surgery has lead to a resurgence of interest and importance of vaginal Hysterectomy for non-prolapsed indications i.e. non decent vaginal Hysterectomy (NDVH) as the scar less Hysterectomy. It has several benefits over abdominal Hysterectomy in terms of cosmetic advantages, lesser post operatives morbidity and faster recovery.Objectives: The study was to compare and assess various factors like operative duration of surgery intra operative blood loss, intra operative and post operative complications, post operative analgesia requirement, post operative ambulation and duration of post operative hospital stay and to put forward best route of hysterectomy.Conclusions: Non-decent vaginal hysterectomy is a better alternative to abdominal hysterectomy in cases with benign pathology of the uterus, uterine size<14 weeks, uterus with good mobility and adequate vaginal access.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.1, April, 2016, Page 72-73
Risk of Stroke among the Women: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Hoque Md Azharul
Published: September 2017

Abstract not availableJournal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh 2016; 2(1): 1-2
A Review of Mixture Theory for Deformable Porous Media and Applications
Authors: Siddique Javed , Ahmed Aftab , Aziz Asim , Khalique Chaudry
Published: September 2017

Mixture theory provides a continuum framework to model a multi-phase system. The basic assumption is, at any instant of time all phases are present at every material point and momentum and mass balance equations are postulated. This paper reviews the recent developments in mixture theory and focuses on the applications of the theory in particular areas of biomechanics, composite manufacturing and infiltration into deformable porous materials. The complexity based upon different permeability and stress functions is also addressed. The review covers the literature presented in the past fifty years and summarizes applications of mixture theory in specific areas of interest, for the sake of brevity, only necessary details are provided rather than complete modeling and simulation.
Detecting Anatomical Leg Length Discrepancy Using the Plug-in-Gait Model
Authors: Khamis Sam , Danino Barry , Springer Shmuel , Ovadia Dror , Carmeli Eli
Published: September 2017

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a significant factor influencing several pathological conditions. Gait analysis is based on biomechanical gait models calculating joint kinematics; however, no previous study has validated its ability to detect anatomical LLD. The aim of the present study was to compare the validity of the Vicon® Plug-in-Gait-model (PGM) in measuring femur and tibia segmental length discrepancy with measurements attained by X-ray. Fifteen participants with suspected leg length discrepancies underwent a lower limb X-ray and a standing calibration trial using a motion analysis system (Vicon®, Oxford Metrics, UK). Femur and tibia segment lengths were deducted from both measurements. No differences were found when measuring the discrepancies between sides for the femur (p = 0.3) and tibia (p = 0.45) segmental length. A high correlation was found between methods (r = 0.808–0.962, p < 0.001), however, a significant difference was observed when measuring the femur and tibia length (p < 0.0001). PGM was found to be a valid model in detecting segmental length discrepancy when based on the location of the joint centers compared to X-ray. A variance was noted in the femur and tibial segmental length. The impact of this inconsistency in segmental length on kinematics and kinetics should be further evaluated.
Agent-Based Model for Automaticity Management of Traffic Flows across the Network
Authors: Raya-Díaz Karina , Gaxiola-Pacheco Carelia , Castañón-Puga Manuel , Palafox Luis , Castro Juan , Flores Dora-Luz
Published: September 2017

This paper presents an agent-based model that performs the management of traffic flows in a network with the purpose of observing in a simulation of distinctive congestion scenarios how the automation of the monitoring task improves the network performance. The model implements a decision-making algorithm to determine the path that the data flows will follow to reach their destination, according to the results of the negotiation between the agents. In addition, we explain how the behavior of the network is affected by its topology. The aim of this paper is to propose an agent-based model that simplifies the management of the traffic flows in a communications network towards the automaticity of the system.
High Performance MRAM with Spin-Transfer-Torque and Voltage-Controlled Magnetic Anisotropy Effects
Authors: Cai Hao , Kang Wang , Wang You , Naviner Lirida , Yang Jun , Zhao Weisheng
Published: September 2017

The Internet of Things (IoTs) relies on efficient node memories to process data among sensors, cloud and RF front-end. Both mainstream and emerging memories have been developed to achieve this energy efficiency target. Spin transfer torque magnetic tunnel junction (STT-MTJ)-based nonvolatile memory (NVM) has demonstrated great performance in terms of zero standby power, switching power efficiency, infinite endurance and high density. However, it still has a big performance gap; e.g., high dynamic write energy, large latency, yield and reliability. Recently, voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) has been introduced to achieve improved energy-delay efficiency and robust non-volatile writing control with an electric field or a switching voltage. VCMA-MTJ-based MRAM could be a promising candidate in IoT node memory for high-performance, ultra-low power consumption targets.
Increase in the Surface Catalytic Ability by Addition of Palladium in C14 Metal Hydride Alloy
Authors: Young Kwo-Hsiung , Ouchi Taihei , Nei Jean , Chang Shiuan
Published: September 2017

A combination of analytic tools and electrochemical testing was employed to study the contributions of Palladium (Pd) in a Zr-based AB2 metal hydride alloy (Ti12Zr22.8V10 Cr7.5Mn8.1Co7Ni32.2Al0.4). Pd enters the A-site of both the C14 and C15 Laves phases and shrinks the unit cell volumes, which results in a decrease of both gaseous phase and electrochemical hydrogen storage capacities. On the other hand, the addition of Pd benefits both the bulk transport of hydrogen and the surface electrochemical reaction. Improvements in high-rate dischargeability and low-temperature performances are solely due to an increase in surface catalytic ability. Addition of Pd also decreases the surface reactive area, but such properties can be mediated through incorporation of additional modifications with rare earth elements. A review of Pd-addition to other hydrogen storage materials is also included.
Detection of Intra-Varietal Diversity Based on Differences in the Accumulation of Secondary Metabolites for Winemaking Management of High-Quality Red Wines
Authors: Savino Michele , Basile Teodora , Alba Vittorio , Bolettieri Dina , Paradiso Fiorella , Tamborra Pasquale , Suriano Serafino , Tarricone Luigi
Published: September 2017

The goal of biodiversity preservation is the conservation and enhancement of diversity, which is often stored in different clones of the same grape variety. Fourteen different autochthonous accessions of Aglianico grown in the same area (Vulture, Italy) have been investigated to evaluate the possible significant differences in terms of secondary metabolites belonging to the polyphenolic class, compounds which show a number of beneficial health related properties. During winemaking, grape polyphenols are extracted into wine, therefore the knowledge of the polyphenolic composition of grape is important for the appropriate design of the winemaking process, especially in winemaking management of high-quality red wines. The results of this study are useful tools for the individuation of the most promising candidates in the perspective of Aglianico del Vulture clonal selections from a winemaking point of view.
Encapsulation of Oregano (Origanum onites L.) Essential Oil in β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD): Synthesis and Characterization of the Inclusion Complexes
Authors: Kotronia Margarita , Kavetsou Eleni , Loupassaki Sofia , Kikionis Stefanos , Vouyiouka Stamatina , Detsi Anastasia
Published: September 2017

The aim of the present work was to study the encapsulation of Origanum onites L. essential oil (oregano EO) in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes (ICs), using the co-precipitation method. The formed β-CD–oregano EO ICs were characterized by diverse methods, such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), FT-IR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV-Vis spectroscopy was used for the determination of the inclusion efficacy and the study of the encapsulated oregano EO release profile. The interactions between host (β-CD) and guest (oregano EO) in the formed ICs were proven by the FT-IR, DSC, TG and NMR analyses. The ICs, which derived from different batches, presented nanoscale size (531.8 ± 7.7 nm and 450.3 ± 11.5 nm, respectively), good size dispersion (0.308 ± 0.062 and 0.484 ± 0.029, respectively) and satisfactory stability in suspension (ζ-potential = −21.5 ± 1.2 mV and −30.7 ± 1.8 mV). Inclusion efficiency reached up to 26%, whereas the oregano EO release from the ICs followed a continuous delivery profile for up to 11 days, based on in vitro experiments. The formed ICs can find diverse applications, such as in the preparation of films for active packaging of food products, in personal care products for the improvement of their properties (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc.), as well as in insect repellent products.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Childhood Autism
Authors: Cieślińska Anna , Kostyra Elżbieta , Chwała Barbara , Moszyńska-Dumara Małgorzata , Fiedorowicz Ewa , Teodorowicz Małgorzata , Savelkoul Huub
Published: September 2017

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of heterogeneous, behaviorally defined disorders whereby currently no biological markers are common to all affected individuals. A deregulated immune response may be contributing to the etiology of ASD. The active metabolite of vitamin D3 has an immunoregulatory role mediated by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in monocyte, macrophages, and lymphocytes. The effects of vitamin D and interaction with the VDR may be influenced by polymorphism in the VDR gene. Methods: Genetic association of four different VDR polymorphisms (Apa-I, Bsm-I, Taq-I, Fok-I) associated with susceptibility to the development of autism in children was investigated. Results: We uniquely found an association between the presence of the T allele at position Taq-I and presence of the a allele at position Apa-I of the VDR gene with decreased ASD incidence. There was also an association between female gender and the presence of the T allele. We found no statistical significant correlation between VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and vitamin D3 concentration in serum of ASD children. Conclusion: Genetic polymorphism in two SNP in VDR may be correlated with development of ASD symptoms by influencing functionality of vitamin D3 metabolism, while vitamin D3 levels were not significantly different between ASD and non-ASD children.
Acute and Late Toxicities of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally-Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Verma Vivek , Simone Charles , Werner-Wasik Maria
Published: September 2017

For patients with unresectable locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC), concurrent chemoradiotherapy improves overall survival as compared to sequential chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but is associated with higher rates of toxicities. Acute, clinically significant esophagitis or pneumonitis can occur in one in five patients. The risks of esophagitis and pneumonitis can impact the decision to deliver concurrent therapy and limit the total dose of radiation therapy that is delivered. Hematologic toxicities and emesis are common toxicities from systemic therapies for LA-NSCLC and can result in delaying chemotherapy dosing or chemotherapy dose reductions. Late treatment morbidities, including pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac toxicities, can also significantly impact quality of life and potentially even survival. Recent advances in radiation therapy treatment delivery, better knowledge of normal tissue radiotherapy tolerances and more widespread and improved uses of supportive care and medical management of systemic therapy toxicities have improved the therapeutic ratio and reduced the rates of chemoradiotherapy-induced toxicities. This review details the acute and late toxicities associated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for LA-NSCLC and discusses toxicity management and strategies to mitigate the risks of treatment-related toxicities.
The PI3Kδ Inhibitor Idelalisib Inhibits Homing in an in Vitro and in Vivo Model of B ALL
Authors: Adam Etai , Kim Hye Na , Gang Eun Ji , Schnair Caitlin , Lee Solomon , Lee Solah , Khazal Sajad , Kosoyan Osanna , Konopleva Marina , Parekh Chintan , Bhojwani Deepa , Wayne Alan S. , Abdel-Azim Hisham , Heisterkamp Nora , Kim Yong-Mi
Published: September 2017

The quest continues for targeted therapies to reduce the morbidity of chemotherapy and to improve the response of resistant leukemia. Adhesion of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells to bone marrow stromal cells triggers intracellular signals that promote cell-adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). Idelalisib, an U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved PI3Kδ-specific inhibitor has been shown to be effective in CLL in down-regulating p-Akt and prolonging survival in combination with Rituximab; herein we explore the possibility of its use in B ALL and probe the mechanism of action. Primary B ALL in contact with OP9 stromal cells showed increased p-Aktser473. Idelalisib decreased p-Akt in patient samples of ALL with diverse genetic lesions. Addition of idelalisib to vincristine inhibited proliferation when compared to vincristine monotherapy in a subset of samples tested. Idelalisib inhibited ALL migration to SDF-1α in vitro and blocked homing of ALL cells to the bone marrow in vivo. This report tests PI3Kδ inhibitors in a more diverse group of ALL than has been previously reported and is the first published report of idelalisib inhibiting homing of ALL cells to bone marrow. Our data support further pre-clinical evaluation of idelalisib for the therapy of B ALL.
Heck Reaction—State of the Art
Authors: Jagtap Sangeeta
Published: September 2017

The Heck reaction is one of the most studied coupling reactions and is recognized with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Thousands of articles, hundreds of reviews and a number of books have been published on this topic. All reviews are written exhaustively describing the various aspects of Heck reaction and refer to the work done hitherto. Looking at the quantum of the monographs published, and the reviews based on them, we found a necessity to summarize all reviews on Heck reaction about catalysts, ligands, suggested mechanisms, conditions, methodologies and the compounds formed via Heck reaction in one review and generate a resource of information. One can find almost all the catalysts used so far for Heck reaction in this review.
Graphene Coated Nanoprobes: A Review
Authors: Hui Fei , Chen Shaochuan , Liang Xianhu , Yuan Bin , Jing Xu , Shi Yuanyuan , Lanza Mario
Published: September 2017

Nanoprobes are one of the most important components in several fields of nanoscience to study materials, molecules and particles. In scanning probe microscopes, the nanoprobes consist on silicon tips coated with thin metallic films to provide additional properties, such as conductivity. However, if the experiments involve high currents or lateral frictions, the initial properties of the tips can wear out very fast. One possible solution is the use of hard coatings, such as diamond, or making the entire tip out of a precious material (platinum or diamond). However, this strategy is more expensive and the diamond coatings can damage the samples. In this context, the use of graphene as a protective coating for nanoprobes has attracted considerable interest. Here we review the main literature in this field, and discuss the fabrication, performance and scalability of nanoprobes.
Hardware Design of a Small UAS Helicopter for Remote Sensing Operations
Authors: Royo Pablo , Pastor Enric , Barrado Cristina , Cuadrado Raul , Barrao Felix , Garcia Antonio
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the hardware design and integration process employed to develop an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) helicopter. The design process evolves from the bare airframe (without any electronics), to become a complete and advanced UAS platform for remote sensing applications. The improvements, design decisions and justifications are described throughout the paper. Two airframes have been used during the design and integration process: the AF25B model and the more advanced AF30 model, from the Copterworks company. The airframe engine reliability and fuel economy have been improved by adding an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI), both managed by an Engine Control Unit (ECU). On-board power supply generation and regulation have also been designed and validated. Finally, the integration process incorporates on-board mission computation to improve the concept of operation in remote sensing applications. Several flight tests have been performed to verify the reliability of the whole system. The flight test results demonstrate the correct process of integration and the feasibility of the UAS.
Implications of Coupling in Quantum Thermodynamic Machines
Authors: Thomas George , Banik Manik , Ghosh Sibasish
Published: September 2017

We study coupled quantum systems as the working media of thermodynamic machines. Under a suitable phase-space transformation, the coupled systems can be expressed as a composition of independent subsystems. We find that for the coupled systems, the figures of merit, that is the efficiency for engine and the coefficient of performance for refrigerator, are bounded (both from above and from below) by the corresponding figures of merit of the independent subsystems. We also show that the optimum work extractable from a coupled system is upper bounded by the optimum work obtained from the uncoupled system, thereby showing that the quantum correlations do not help in optimal work extraction. Further, we study two explicit examples; coupled spin- 1 / 2 systems and coupled quantum oscillators with analogous interactions. Interestingly, for particular kind of interactions, the efficiency of the coupled oscillators outperforms that of the coupled spin- 1 / 2 systems when they work as heat engines. However, for the same interaction, the coefficient of performance behaves in a reverse manner, while the systems work as the refrigerator. Thus, the same coupling can cause opposite effects in the figures of merit of heat engine and refrigerator.
A Characterization of the Domain of Beta-Divergence and Its Connection to Bregman Variational Model
Authors: Woo Hyenkyun
Published: September 2017

In image and signal processing, the beta-divergence is well known as a similarity measure between two positive objects. However, it is unclear whether or not the distance-like structure of beta-divergence is preserved, if we extend the domain of the beta-divergence to the negative region. In this article, we study the domain of the beta-divergence and its connection to the Bregman-divergence associated with the convex function of Legendre type. In fact, we show that the domain of beta-divergence (and the corresponding Bregman-divergence) include negative region under the mild condition on the beta value. Additionally, through the relation between the beta-divergence and the Bregman-divergence, we can reformulate various variational models appearing in image processing problems into a unified framework, namely the Bregman variational model. This model has a strong advantage compared to the beta-divergence-based model due to the dual structure of the Bregman-divergence. As an example, we demonstrate how we can build up a convex reformulated variational model with a negative domain for the classic nonconvex problem, which usually appears in synthetic aperture radar image processing problems.
User-Aware Electricity Price Optimization for the Competitive Market
Authors: De Filippo Allegra , Lombardi Michele , Milano Michela
Published: September 2017

Demand response mechanisms and load control in the electricity market represent an important area of research at the international level: the trend towards competition and market liberalization has led to the development of methodologies and tools to support energy providers. Demand side management helps energy suppliers to reduce the peak demand and remodel load profiles. This work is intended to support energy suppliers and policy makers in developing strategies to act on the behavior of energy consumers, with the aim to make a more efficient use of energy. We develop a non-linear optimization model for the dynamics of the electricity market, which can be used to obtain tariff recommendations or for setting the goals of a sensibilization campaign. The model comes in two variants: a stochastic version, designed for residential electricity consumption, and a deterministic version, suitable for large electricity users (e.g., public buildings, industrial users). We have tested our model on data from the Italian energy market and performed an extensive analysis of different scenarios. We also tested the optimization model in a real setting in the context of the FP7 DAREED project (http://www.dareed.eu/), where the model has been employed to provide tariff recommendations or to help the identification of goals for local policies.
A Pontryagin Minimum Principle-Based Adaptive Equivalent Consumption Minimum Strategy for a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Bus on a Fixed Route
Authors: Xie Shaobo , Li Huiling , Xin Zongke , Liu Tong , Wei Lang
Published: September 2017

When developing a real-time energy management strategy for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, it is still a challenge for the Equivalent Consumption Minimum Strategy to achieve near-optimal energy consumption, because the optimal equivalence factor is not readily available without the trip information. With the help of realistic speeding profiles sampled from a plug-in hybrid electric bus running on a fixed commuting line, this paper proposes a convenient and effective approach of determining the equivalence factor for an adaptive Equivalent Consumption Minimum Strategy. Firstly, with the adaptive law based on the feedback of battery SOC, the equivalence factor is described as a combination of the major component and tuning component. In particular, the major part defined as a constant is applied to the inherent consistency of regular speeding profiles, while the second part including a proportional and integral term can slightly tune the equivalence factor to satisfy the disparity of daily running cycles. Moreover, Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle is employed and solved by using the shooting method to capture the co-state dynamics, in which the Secant method is introduced to adjust the initial co-state value. And then the initial co-state value in last shooting is taken as the optimal stable constant of equivalence factor. Finally, altogether ten successive driving profiles are selected with different initial SOC levels to evaluate the proposed method, and the results demonstrate the excellent fuel economy compared with the dynamic programming and PMP method.
Vertical Ozone Gradients above Forests. Comparison of Different Calculation Options with Direct Ozone Measurements above a Mature Forest and Consequences for Ozone Risk Assessment
Authors: Gerosa Giacomo , Marzuoli Riccardo , Monteleone Beatrice , Chiesa Maria , Finco Angelo
Published: September 2017

The estimation of the ozone (O3) stomatal dose absorbed by a forest is a crucial step for O3 risk assessment. For this purpose, data on O3 concentrations at the forest top-canopy are needed. However, O3 is barely measured at that height, while more often it is measured at a lower height above a different surface, typically a grassland near to the forest edge. The DO3SE model for O3 stomatal flux calculation estimates the top-canopy O3 concentration in near neutral stability conditions. However, near-neutrality is quite rare in the field, particularly in southern Europe. In this work, we present a modification of the DO3SE gradient calculation scheme to include the atmospheric stability. The performance of the new calculation scheme was tested against the direct measurements above a mature forest. Different gradient estimation options were also tested and evaluated. These options include simplified gradient calculation schemes and the techniques of the tabulated gradients described in the UN/ECE Mapping Manual for O3 risk assessment. The results highlight that the inclusion of the atmospheric stability in the DO3SE model greatly improves the accuracy of the stomatal dose estimation. However, the simpler technique of the tabulated gradients had the best performance on a whole-season time frame.
Strategic Behavior of Moralists and Altruists
Authors: Alger Ingela , Weibull Jörgen
Published: September 2017

Does altruism and morality lead to socially better outcomes in strategic interactions than selfishness? We shed some light on this complex and non-trivial issue by examining a few canonical strategic interactions played by egoists, altruists and moralists. By altruists, we mean people who do not only care about their own material payoffs but also about those to others, and, by a moralist, we mean someone who cares about own material payoff and also about what would be his or her material payoff if others were to act like himself or herself. It turns out that both altruism and morality may improve or worsen equilibrium outcomes, depending on the nature of the game. Not surprisingly, both altruism and morality improve the outcomes in standard public goods games. In infinitely repeated games, however, both altruism and morality may diminish the prospects of cooperation, and to different degrees. In coordination games, morality can eliminate socially inefficient equilibria while altruism cannot.
Advances in Genomic Profiling and Analysis of 3D Chromatin Structure and Interaction
Authors: Tang Binhua , Cheng Xiaolong , Xi Yunlong , Chen Zixin , Zhou Yufan , Jin Victor
Published: September 2017

Recent sequence-based profiling technologies such as high-throughput sequencing to detect fragment nucleotide sequence (Hi-C) and chromatin interaction analysis by paired-end tag sequencing (ChIA-PET) have revolutionized the field of three-dimensional (3D) chromatin architecture. It is now recognized that human genome functions as folded 3D chromatin units and looping paradigm is the basic principle of gene regulation. To better interpret the 3D data dramatically accumulating in past five years and to gain deep biological insights, huge efforts have been made in developing novel quantitative analysis methods. However, the full understanding of genome regulation requires thorough knowledge in both genomic technologies and their related data analyses. We summarize the recent advances in genomic technologies in identifying the 3D chromatin structure and interaction, and illustrate the quantitative analysis methods to infer functional domains and chromatin interactions, and further elucidate the emerging single-cell Hi-C technique and its computational analysis, and finally discuss the future directions such as advances of 3D chromatin techniques in diseases.
The Bruneau Woodpile: A Miocene Phosphatized Fossil Wood Locality in Southwestern Idaho, USA
Authors: Viney Mike , Mustoe George , Dillhoff Thomas , Link Paul
Published: September 2017

The Bruneau Woodpile site has long been popular among fossil collectors; however, the deposit has received scant attention from scientists. Our research reveals that the fossilized wood was deposited ca. 6.85 Ma, within the Chalk Hills Formation, and was mineralized with carbonate-fluorapatite. The diverse assemblage of conifers and hardwoods is representative of the warm temperate forests that flourished in southwest Idaho, USA during the late Miocene. Limb and trunk fragments preserved in a single thin sandstone bed appear to represent woody debris that was transported by streams. One possible explanation is that wood, pumice, and sandy volcaniclastic sediment arrived separately as a result of ordinary stream action, and later were combined into a single assemblage during a subsequent high-energy sedimentation event. We favor an alternate hypothesis: a catastrophic event (e.g., a windstorm) damaged trees on slopes bordering the ancient lake. Branches and small trunk fragments were carried by wind and rain into local streams and ponds where they became waterlogged. After a delay that allowed pumice and wood to become saturated, storm water transported these materials, along with finer volcaniclastic sediment, into a lake. The resulting density current produced a fining-upward sedimentary cycle where wood was preserved in the lowest, coarsest stratum.
The Burden of Suicide in Rural Bangladesh: Magnitude and Risk Factors
Authors: Sharmin Salam Shumona , Alonge Olakunle , Islam Md , Hoque Dewan , Wadhwaniya Shirin , Ul Baset Md , Mashreky Saidur , El Arifeen Shams
Published: September 2017

The aim of the paper is to quantify the burden and risk factors of fatal and non-fatal suicidal behaviors in rural Bangladesh. A census was carried out in seven sub-districts encompassing 1.16 million people. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at the household level. Descriptive analyses were done to quantify the burden and Poisson regression was run to determine on risk factors. The estimated rates of fatal and non-fatal suicide were 3.29 and 9.86 per 100,000 person years (PY) observed, respectively. The risk of suicide was significantly higher by 6.31 times among 15–17 and 4.04 times among 18–24 olds compared to 25–64 years old. Married adolescents were 22 times more likely to commit suicide compared to never-married people. Compared to Chandpur/Comilla district, the risk of suicide was significantly higher in Narshingdi. Students had significantly lower risk of non-fatal suicidal behavior compared to skilled laborers. The risk of non-fatal suicidal behavior was lower in Sherpur compared to Chandpur/Comilla. Among adolescents, unskilled laborers were 16 times more likely to attempt suicide than students. The common methods for fatal and non-fatal suicidal behaviors were hanging and poisoning. Suicide is a major public health problem in Bangladesh that needs to be addressed with targeted interventions.
Lipid Profiles, Glycated Hemoglobin, and Diabetes in People Living at High Altitude in Nepal
Authors: Aryal Nirmal , Weatherall Mark , Bhatta Yadav , Mann Stewart
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to describe lipid profiles and the distribution of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a sample of a high altitude population of Nepal and to explore associations between these metabolic risk variables and altitude. A cross-sectional survey of cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors was conducted among 521 people living at four different altitude levels, all above 2800 m, in the Mustang and Humla districts of Nepal. Urban participants (residents at 2800 m and 3620 m) had higher total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) than rural participants. A high ratio of TC to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) (TC/HDL ≥ 5.0) was found in 23.7% (95% CI 19.6, 28.2) and high TG (≥1.7 mmol/L) in 43.3% (95% CI 38.4, 48.3) of participants overall. Mean HbA1c levels were similar at all altitude levels although urban participants had a higher prevalence of diabetes. Overall, 6.9% (95% CI 4.7, 9.8) of participants had diabetes or were on hypoglycaemic treatment. There was no clear association between lipid profiles or HbA1c and altitude in a multivariate analysis adjusted for possible confounding variables. Residential settings and associated lifestyle practices are more strongly associated with lipid profiles and HbA1c than altitude amongst high altitude residents in Nepal.
Human CD3+ T-Cells with the Anti-ERBB2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor Exhibit Efficient Targeting and Induce Apoptosis in ERBB2 Overexpressing Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Munisvaradass Rusheni , Kumar Suresh , Govindasamy Chandramohan , Alnumair Khalid , Mok Pooi
Published: September 2017

Breast cancer is a common malignancy among women. The innate and adaptive immune responses failed to be activated owing to immune modulation in the tumour microenvironment. Decades of scientific study links the overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2) antigen with aggressive tumours. The Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) coding for specific tumour-associated antigens could initiate intrinsic T-cell signalling, inducing T-cell activation, and cytotoxic activity without the need for major histocompatibility complex recognition. This renders CAR as a potentially universal immunotherapeutic option. Herein, we aimed to establish CAR in CD3+ T-cells, isolated from human peripheral blood mononucleated cells that could subsequently target and induce apoptosis in the ERBB2 overexpressing human breast cancer cell line, SKBR3. Constructed CAR was inserted into a lentiviral plasmid containing a green fluorescent protein tag and produced as lentiviral particles that were used to transduce activated T-cells. Transduced CAR-T cells were then primed with SKBR3 cells to evaluate their functionality. Results showed increased apoptosis in SKBR3 cells co-cultured with CAR-T cells compared to the control (non–transduced T-cells). This study demonstrates that CAR introduction helps overcome the innate limitations of native T-cells leading to cancer cell apoptosis. We recommend future studies should focus on in vivo cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against ERBB2 expressing tumours.
Structure of Pigment Metabolic Pathways and Their Contributions to White Tepal Color Formation of Chinese Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis cv Jinzhanyintai
Authors: Ren Yujun , Yang Jingwen , Lu Bingguo , Jiang Yaping , Chen Haiyang , Hong Yuwei , Wu Binghua , Miao Ying
Published: September 2017

Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis) is one of the ten traditional flowers in China and a famous bulb flower in the world flower market. However, only white color tepals are formed in mature flowers of the cultivated varieties, which constrains their applicable occasions. Unfortunately, for lack of genome information of narcissus species, the explanation of tepal color formation of Chinese narcissus is still not clear. Concerning no genome information, the application of transcriptome profile to dissect biological phenomena in plants was reported to be effective. As known, pigments are metabolites of related metabolic pathways, which dominantly decide flower color. In this study, transcriptome profile and pigment metabolite analysis methods were used in the most widely cultivated Chinese narcissus “Jinzhanyintai” to discover the structure of pigment metabolic pathways and their contributions to white tepal color formation during flower development and pigmentation processes. By using comparative KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, three pathways related to flavonoid, carotenoid and chlorophyll pigment metabolism showed significant variations. The structure of flavonoids metabolic pathway was depicted, but, due to the lack of F3ʹ5ʹH gene; the decreased expression of C4H, CHS and ANS genes; and the high expression of FLS gene, the effect of this pathway to synthesize functional anthocyanins in tepals was weak. Similarly, the expression of DXS, MCT and PSY genes in carotenoids synthesis sub-pathway was decreased, while CCD1/CCD4 genes in carotenoids degradation sub-pathway was increased; therefore, the effect of carotenoids metabolic pathway to synthesize adequate color pigments in tepals is restricted. Interestingly, genes in chlorophyll synthesis sub-pathway displayed uniform down-regulated expression, while genes in heme formation and chlorophyll breakdown sub-pathways displayed up-regulated expression, which also indicates negative regulation of chlorophyll formation. Further, content change trends of various color metabolites detected by HPLC in tepals are consistent with the additive gene expression patterns in each pathway. Therefore, all three pathways exhibit negative control of color pigments synthesis in tepals, finally resulting in the formation of white tepals. Interestingly, the content of chlorophyll was more than 10-fold higher than flavonoids and carotenoids metabolites, which indicates that chlorophyll metabolic pathway may play the major role in deciding tepal color formation of Chinese narcissus.