bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteriological assessment of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) water in southwest coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Md. Pervez , Islam Md. Atikul , Akber Md. Ali , Ahsan Md. Sabbir
Published: June 2016

Safe drinking water is scarce in southwest coastal Bangladesh. Harvested rainwater and rain-fed pond water are the main sources of drinking water for people living in this area. Both government and non-government organizations are promoting aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) schemes to provide safe drinking water for this population. This study assessed the bacteriological quality of both source water and abstracted water from five ASR sites. Water sampling and laboratory analysis for indicator bacteria and physico-chemical parameters were conducted once every 2 months, over a period of 1 year. Samples were taken from source ponds, abstraction wells and household storage containers (point of use) for each of the ASR sites. Although the water from abstraction wells showed a 97% and 82% lowering of E. coli and Enterococci counts, respectively, from that of the source ponds, they did not satisfy the WHO drinking water standard. Moreover, the microbial quality of the water deteriorated at the point of use. This indicates the requirement for both in-house treatment and improved hygiene practice for consuming ASR water.
Effects of magnetized water application on soil and maize growth indices under different amounts of salt in the water
Authors: Abedinpour Meysam , Rohani Ebrahim
Published: June 2016

Application of low quality water for irrigation is compulsive in facing water scarcity. Use of a magnetic field is an approach to overcome this challenge. This study examined the impact of magnetic field technology on improving germination under water of different salinity levels. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of saline water levels, i.e. (S1):0.5, (S2):2, (S3):4 and (S4):6 dS/m combined with magnetized technology (with or without) on maize growth. Thus, magnetic treatment was applied by passing the irrigation water through a 1,500 mT magnetic field at 3 litres per minute (lpm) flow rate. Some emergence indices, such as emergence index, emergence rate index (ERI) and mean emergence time, were used to evaluate the germination of maize seed. As for soil properties after plant harvest, the use of magnetically treated irrigation water reduced soil pH but increased soil electrical conductivity and available N and P. ERI increased from 7.6 to 10.2, 9.1 to 11.1, 10.3 to 13.3, and 11.8 to 13.3 when applying the magnetized field for S1, S2, S3 and S4, respectively. Overall, the growth parameters of maize were improved by using magnetic technology with saline water, while the opposite trend was shown for increasing salinity without magnetic treatment.
Investigation of soil properties influence on the heavy metals sorption by plants and possibilities for prediction of their bioaccumulation by response surface methodology
Authors: Velickovic Zlate , Ivankovic Negovan , Strikovic Vanja , Karkalic Radovan , Jovanovic Dalibor , Bajic Zoran , Bogdanov Jovica
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to determine soil properties influence on the heavy
metals sorption by vegetables which are used in the diet and possibilities
for prediction of their bioaccumulation by response surface methodology
(RSM). Lettuce was used as biosorbent, and cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were
used as contaminants. Lettuce is grown on compost (previously contaminated
with different concentrations of Cd and Pb) which pH was adjusted with
different amounts of NPK fertilizers. The content of heavy metals was
determined by ICP-MS. Results showed that Cd content in lettuce was below the
toxic values, but Pb concentration was above allowable, which indicates that
limit value for Pb is not set in accordance with the food safety regulations.
It was found that the heavy metals accumulation in plants depends not only on
its content in the soil, but also on the plant affinity to the specific
metal, and the individual or the interactive effects of different soil
properties. Through the transfer factor it was found that lettuce has a much
higher affinity to Cd in relation to Pb. RSM has proved to be very good for
the examination of a large number of variables with a small number of
experiments.
Analysis of the brachistochronic motion of a variable mass nonholonomic mechanical system
Authors: Jeremic Bojan , Radulovic Radoslav , Obradovic Aleksandar
Published: June 2016

The paper considers the brachistochronic motion of a variable mass
nonholonomic mechanical system [3] in a horizontal plane, between two
specified positions. Variable mass particles are interconnected by a
lightweight mechanism of the ?pitchfork? type. The law of the time-rate of
mass variation of the particles, as well as relative velocities of the
expelled particles, as a function of time, are known. Differential equations
of motion, where the reactions of nonholonomic constraints and control forces
figure, are created based on the general theorems of dynamics of a variable
mass mechanical system [5]. The formulated brachistochrone problem, with
adequately chosen quantities of state, is solved, in this case, as the
simplest task of optimal control by applying Pontryagin?s maximum principle
[1]. A corresponding two-point boundary value problem (TPBVP) of the system
of ordinary nonlinear differential equations is obtained, which, in a general
case, has to be numerically solved [2]. On the basis of thus obtained
brachistochronic motion, the active control forces, along with the reactions
of nonholonomic constraints, are determined. The analysis of the
brachistochronic motion for different values of the initial position of a
variable mass particle B is presented. Also, the interval of values of the
initial position of a variable mass particle B, for which there are the TPBVP
solutions, is determined.
Chemically reacting fluid flow induced by an exponentially accelerated infinite vertical plate in a magnetic field and variable temperature via LTT and FEM
Authors: Srinivasa Raju , Aruna G. , Naidu Swamy , Varma S.V.K. , Rashidi M.M.
Published: June 2016

In this research paper, we found both numerical and analytical solutions for
the effect of chemical reaction on unsteady, incompressible, viscous fluid
flow past an exponentially accelerated vertical plate with heat absorption
and variable temperature in a magnetic field. The flow problem is governed by
a system of coupled non-linear partial differential equations with suitable
boundary conditions. We have solved the governing equations by an efficient,
accurate, powerful finite element method (FEM) as well as Laplace transform
technique (LTT). The evaluation of the numerical results are performed and
graphical results for the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles
within the boundary layer are discussed. Also, the expressions for the
skin-friction, Nusselt number and the Sherwood number coefficients have been
derived and discussed through graphs and tabular forms for different values
of the governing parameters.
Protein Phosphatase 1-α Regulates AS160 Ser588 and Thr642 Dephosphorylation in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Sharma Pragya , Arias Edward B. , Cartee Gregory D.
Published: June 2016

Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) phosphorylation on Thr642 and Ser588 by Akt is essential for insulin’s full effect on glucose transport. However, protein phosphorylation is determined by the balance of actions by kinases and phosphatases, and the specific phosphatase(s) controlling AS160 dephosphorylation is (are) unknown. Accordingly, we assessed roles of highly expressed skeletal muscle serine/threonine phosphatases (PP1, PP2A, PP2B, and PP2C) on AS160 dephosphorylation. Preliminary screening of candidate phosphatases used an AS160 dephosphorylation assay. Lysates from insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle were treated with pharmacological phosphatase inhibitors and assessed for AS160 Ser588 and Thr642 dephosphorylation. AS160 dephosphorylation on both phosphorylation sites was unaltered by PP2B or PP2C inhibitors. Okadaic acid (low dose inhibits PP2A; high dose inhibits PP1) delayed AS160 Ser588 (both doses) and Thr642 (high dose only) dephosphorylation concomitant with greater Akt phosphorylation (both doses). AS160 was coimmunoprecipitated with PP1-α but not with PP1-β, PP1-γ1, or PP2A. Recombinant inhibitor-2 protein (a selective PP1 inhibitor) delayed AS160 dephosphorylation on both phosphorylation sites without altering Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, knockdown of PP1-α but not PP1-β or PP1-γ1 by small interfering RNA caused greater AS160 Ser588 and Thr642 phosphorylation concomitant with unaltered Akt phosphorylation. Together, these results identified PP1-α as a regulator of AS160 Thr642 and Ser588 dephosphorylation in skeletal muscle.
β-Lapachone Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity by Increasing Energy Expenditure and Stimulating the Browning of White Adipose Tissue via Downregulation of miR-382 Expression
Authors: Choi Won Hee , Ahn Jiyun , Jung Chang Hwa , Jang Young Jin , Ha Tae Youl
Published: June 2016

There has been great interest in the browning of fat for the treatment of obesity. Although β-lapachone (BLC) has potential therapeutic effects on obesity, the fat-browning effect and thermogenic capacity of BLC on obesity have never been demonstrated. Here, we showed that BLC stimulated the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT), increased the expression of brown adipocyte–specific genes (e.g., uncoupling protein 1 [UCP1]), decreased body weight gain, and ameliorated metabolic parameters in mice fed a high-fat diet. Consistently, BLC-treated mice showed significantly higher energy expenditure compared with control mice. In vitro, BLC increased the expression of brown adipocyte–specific genes in stromal vascular fraction-differentiated adipocytes. BLC also controlled the expression of miR-382, which led to the upregulation of its direct target, Dio2. Upregulation of miR-382 markedly inhibited the differentiation of adipocytes into beige adipocytes, whereas BLC recovered beige adipocyte differentiation and increased the expression of Dio2 and UCP1. Our findings suggest that the BLC-mediated increase in the browning of WAT and the thermogenic capacity of BAT significantly results in increases in energy expenditure. Browning of WAT by BLC was partially controlled via the regulation of miR-382 targeting Dio2 and may lead to the prevention of diet-induced obesity.
Hyaluronidase 1 Deficiency Preserves Endothelial Function and Glycocalyx Integrity in Early Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Dogné Sophie , Rath Géraldine , Jouret François , Caron Nathalie , Dessy Chantal , Flamion Bruno
Published: June 2016

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the glycocalyx involved in the vascular wall and endothelial glomerular permeability barrier. Endocytosed hyaluronidase HYAL1 is known to degrade HA into small fragments in different cell types, including endothelial cells. In diabetes, the size and permeability of the glycocalyx are altered. In addition, patients with type 1 diabetes present increased plasma levels of both HA and HYAL1. To investigate the potential implication of HYAL1 in the development of diabetes-induced endothelium dysfunction, we measured endothelial markers, endothelium-dependent vasodilation, arteriolar glycocalyx size, and glomerular barrier properties in wild-type and HYAL1 knockout (KO) mice with or without streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We observed that 4 weeks after STZ injections, the lack of HYAL1 1) prevents diabetes-induced increases in soluble P-selectin concentrations and limits the impact of the disease on endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)–mediated vasorelaxation; 2) increases glycocalyx thickness and maintains glycocalyx structure and HA content during diabetes; and 3) prevents diabetes-induced glomerular barrier dysfunction assessed using the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and urinary ratio of 70- to 40-kDa dextran. Our findings suggest that HYAL1 contributes to endothelial and glycocalyx dysfunction induced by diabetes. HYAL1 inhibitors could be explored as a new therapeutic approach to prevent vascular complications in diabetes.
The TIDieR Checklist Will Benefit the Physical Therapy Profession
Authors: Yamato Tiê , Maher Chris , Saragiotto Bruno , Moseley Anne , Hoffmann Tammy , Elkins Mark , Abbott J. Haxby
Published: June 2016

The TIDieR (template for intervention description and replication) checklist and guide were developed to improve the reporting of interventions in any evaluative study, including randomized trials. The checklist contains 12 items and was developed as an extension to the CONSORT 2010 and SPIRIT 2013 statements to provide further guidance for authors on the key information to include in trial reports. Incomplete reporting of interventions in physical therapy studies is an important problem, and we endorse the use of the TIDieR checklist as a potential solution.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):402–404. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0108
Tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) Joint Injury in an Athlete With Persistent Foot Pain
Authors: Greenberg Eric T. , Queller Hayley Rintel
Published: June 2016

The patient was a 20-year-old female ultimate frisbee player who felt a “pop” in her left foot with resultant pain and bruising along the plantar aspect of her midfoot. She was seen by an orthopaedic physician, who ordered standard radiographs that were found to be unremarkable. Although initial non-weight-bearing films were normal, these findings do not rule out tarsometatarsal joint injury. Following presentation to physical therapy 4 months after the initial injury, the patient was referred to a sports medicine physician. Weight-bearing radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were ordered and confirmed a high-grade Lisfranc ligament tear.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):494. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0408
A Century of Progress
Authors: Scammacca Nancy K. , Roberts Garrett J. , Cho Eunsoo , Williams Kelly J. , Roberts Greg , Vaughn Sharon R. , Carroll Megan
Published: June 2016

The history of research on interventions for struggling readers in Grades 4 through 12 dates back to 19th-century case studies of seemingly intelligent children who were unable to learn to read. Physicians, psychologists, educators, and others were determined to help them. In the process, they launched a century of research on a wide variety of approaches to reading intervention. As shown in this systematic narrative review, much has changed over time in the conceptualization of reading interventions and the methods used to determine their efficacy in improving outcomes for struggling readers. Building on the knowledge gathered over the past 100 years, researchers and practitioners are well-poised to continue to make progress in developing and testing reading interventions over the next 100 years.
Clinical adjacent-segment pathology after central corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: incidence and risk factors
Authors: Vedantam Aditya , Rajshekhar Vedantam
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of clinical adjacent-segment pathology (CASP) following central corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

METHODS

The authors reviewed 353 cases involving patients operated on by a single surgeon with a minimum 12-month follow-up after central corpectomy for CSM or OPLL between 1995 and 2007. Patients with symptoms consistent with CASP at follow-up were selected for the study. The authors analyzed the prevalence and risk factors for CASP after central corpectomy for CSM/OPLL.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (13 male, 1 female; mean age 46.9 ± 7.7 years) were diagnosed with symptoms of CASP (3.9% of 353 patients) at follow-up. The mean interval between the initial surgery and presentation with symptoms of CASP was 95.6 ± 54.1 months (range 40–213 months). Preoperative Nurick grades ranged from 2 to 5 (mean 3.5 ± 1.2), and the Nurick grades at follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 (mean 3.0 ± 1.3, p = 0.27). Twelve patients had myelopathic symptoms and 2 had radiculopathy at follow-up. Patients with poorer preoperative Nurick grades had a higher risk for development of CASP (HR 2.6 [95% CI 1.2–5.3], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, CASP was seen in 3.9% of patients following central corpectomy for CSM/OPLL. The risk of CASP after central corpectomy for CSM/OPLL was higher in patients with poorer preoperative Nurick grades.
Comparison of anterior corpectomy and fusion versus laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Zihao , Liu Bin , Dong Jianwen , Feng Feng , Chen Ruiqiang , Xie Peigen , Zhang Liangming , Rong Limin
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of anterior corpectomy and fusion (ACF) with laminoplasty for the treatment of patients diagnosed with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

METHODS

The authors searched electronic databases for relevant studies that compared the use of ACF with laminoplasty for the treatment of patients with OPLL. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted, and statistical software was used for data analysis. The random effects model was used if there was heterogeneity between studies; otherwise, the fixed effects model was used.

RESULTS

A total of 10 nonrandomized controlled studies involving 819 patients were included. Postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score (p = 0.02, 95% CI 0.30–2.81) was better in the ACF group than in the laminoplasty group. The recovery rate was superior in the ACF group for patients with an occupying ratio of OPLL of ≥ 60% (p < 0.00001, 95% CI 21.27–34.44) and for patients with kyphotic alignment (p < 0.00001, 95% CI 16.49–27.17). Data analysis also showed that the ACF group was associated with a higher incidence of complications (p = 0.02, 95% CI 1.08–2.59) and reoperations (p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.83–14.79), longer operation time (p = 0.01, 95% CI 17.72 –160.75), and more blood loss (p = 0.0004, 95% CI 42.22–148.45).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with an occupying ratio ≥ 60% or with kyphotic cervical alignment, ACF appears to be the preferable treatment method. Nevertheless, laminoplasty seems to be effective and safe enough for patients with an occupying ratio < 60% or with adequate cervical lordosis. However, it must be emphasized that a surgical strategy should be made based on the individual patient. Further randomized controlled trials comparing the use of ACF with laminoplasty for the treatment of OPLL should be performed to make a more convincing conclusion.
Comparison of clinical outcomes in decompression and fusion versus decompression only in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mehdi Syed K. , Alentado Vincent J. , Lee Bryan S. , Mroz Thomas E. , Benzel Edward C. , Steinmetz Michael P.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a pathological calcification or ossification of the PLL, predominantly occurring in the cervical spine. Although surgery is often necessary for patients with symptomatic neurological deterioration, there remains controversy with regard to the optimal surgical treatment. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors identified differences in complications and outcomes after anterior or posterior decompression and fusion versus after decompression alone for the treatment of cervical myelopathy due to OPLL.

METHODS

A MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science search was performed for studies reporting complications and outcomes after decompression and fusion or after decompression alone for patients with OPLL. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate effect summary mean values, 95% CIs, Q statistics, and I2 values. Forest plots were constructed for each analysis group.

RESULTS

Of the 2630 retrieved articles, 32 met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of excellent and good outcomes and of fair and poor outcomes between the decompression and fusion and the decompression-only cohorts. However, the decompression and fusion cohort had a statistically significantly higher recovery rate (63.2% vs 53.9%; p < 0.0001), a higher final Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (14.0 vs 13.5; p < 0.0001), and a lower incidence of OPLL progression (< 1% vs 6.3%; p < 0.0001) compared with the decompression-only cohort. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications between the 2 cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the only comprehensive review of outcomes and complications after decompression and fusion or after decompression alone for OPLL across a heterogeneous group of surgeons and patients. Based on these results, decompression and fusion is a superior surgical technique compared with posterior decompression alone in patients with OPLL. These results indicate that surgical decompression and fusion lead to a faster recovery, improved postoperative neurological functioning, and a lower incidence of OPLL progression compared with posterior decompression only. Furthermore, decompression and fusion did not lead to a greater incidence of complications compared with posterior decompression only.
Amrubicin therapy improves patients with refractory small-cell lung cancer: A single-arm confirmatory Chinese clinical study
Authors: Zheng Mengli , Zhou Naikang , Ma Lianjun , Jin Wenbo
Published: June 2016

Our objective was to evaluate an open-label, multicenter, single-arm study to appraise whether amrubicin therapy improves patients with refractory small-cell lung cancer in Chinese clinical study. Patients (n=95) with refractory small-cell lung cancer received 3 consecutive days amrubicin therapy for 21 days. Overall response rate of response to amrubicin was 39%. Anemia, febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, infection, elevated serum transaminases levels were appeared, but the incidences of adverse events were very few. Our results suggest amrubicin therapy can improve patients with refractory small-cell lung cancer and may be an effective and safe treatment option.

 
Ferric reducing anti-oxidant power assay in plant extract
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Maruthamuthu , Ruckmani Kandasamy
Published: June 2016

The ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP) assay involved the following steps:  a) preparation of samples, b) reactions and c) finally measuring absorbance of sample and standard at 700 nm using spectrophotometer. The samples were methanolic extract, different fractions (n-hexane, chloroform) and standard ascorbic acid. The solutions prepared were buffer solution (pH 6.6), 1% potassium ferricyanide solution, 10% trichloroacetic acid and 0.1% ferric chloride. 

Video Clip
Ferric reducing anti-oxidant power assay:21 min 18 sec
 
Performance and Applications of L1B2 Ultrasonic Motors
Authors: Peled Gal , Yasinov Roman , Karasikov Nir
Published: June 2016

Piezoelectric ultrasonic motors offer important advantages for motion applications where high speed is coupled with high precision. The advances made in the recent decades in the field of ultrasonic motor based motion solutions allow the construction of complete motion platforms in the fields of semiconductors, aerospace and electro-optics. Among the various motor designs, the L1B2 motor type has been successful in industrial applications, offering high precision, effective control and operational robustness. This paper reviews the design of high precision motion solutions based on L1B2 ultrasonic motors—from the basic motor structure to the complete motion solution architecture, including motor drive and control, material considerations and performance envelope. The performance is demonstrated, via constructed motion stages, to exhibit fast move and settle, a repeatability window of tens of nanometers, lifetime into the tens of millions of operational cycles, and compatibility with clean room and aerospace environments. Example stages and modules for semiconductor, aerospace, electro-optical and biomedical applications are presented. The described semiconductor and aerospace solutions are powered by Nanomotion HR type motors, driven by a sine wave up to 80 V/mm rms, having a driving frequency of 39.6 kHz, providing a maximum force up to 4 N per driving element (at 5 W power consumption per element) and a maximum linear velocity above 300 mm/s. The described electro-optical modules are powered by small Nanomotion Edge motors driven by voltages up to 11 V AC, providing stall forces up to 0.35 N (power consumption up to 0.75 W) and maximum linear velocity above 200 mm/s.
Plant Toxin-Based Immunotoxins for Cancer Therapy: A Short Overview
Authors: Polito Letizia , Djemil Alice , Bortolotti Massimo
Published: June 2016

Immunotoxins are chimeric proteins obtained by linking a toxin to either an intact antibody or an antibody fragment. Conjugation can be obtained by chemical or genetic engineering, where the latter yields recombinant conjugates. An essential requirement is that the target molecule recognized by the antibody is confined to the cell population to be deleted, or at least that it is not present on stem cells or other cell types essential for the organism’s survival. Hundreds of different studies have demonstrated the potential for applying immunotoxins to many models in pre-clinical studies and in clinical trials. Immunotoxins can be theoretically used to eliminate any unwanted cell responsible for a pathological condition. The best results have been obtained in cancer therapy, especially in hematological malignancies. Among plant toxins, the most frequently employed to generate immunotoxins are ribosome-inactivating proteins, the most common being ricin. This review summarizes the various approaches and results obtained in the last four decades by researchers in the field of plant toxin-based immunotoxins for cancer therapy.
Variation of Thermochromic Glazing Systems Transition Temperature, Hysteresis Gradient and Width Effect on Energy Efficiency
Authors: Warwick Michael , Ridley Ian , Binions Russell
Published: June 2016

Due to increasing pressure to reduce the energy demand in buildings, thermochromic thin film based glazing has become a recognized potential solution due to the intrinsic ability to modulate the solar heat gain of a window as a function of the materials temperature. These “intelligent” glazings have been investigated for several years, and it has been found that, through variation of synthetic route, the thermochromic properties (transition temperature, hysteresis gradient and width) can be altered; however, less attention has been applied to how such alterations affect the overall energy savings attributed to the materials. In this study the building simulation software EnergyPlus TM has been used to model a series of idealized thermochromic spectra in a series of different environments to evaluate their energy saving potential against both clear glass systems and industry standards. The idealized spectra are used to see what effect each of the materials thermochromic properties and therefore elucidate which are the most important with respect to the energy saving properties. It was found that the best thermochromic materials were those with a narrow sharp hysteresis and a low transition temperature and result in an increase in energy saving between 30%–45% across the different environments compared to clear glass systems.
Thermal Protection of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites by Ceramic Particles
Authors: Kandola Baljinder , Sarker Forkan , Luangtriratana Piyanuch , Myler Peter
Published: June 2016

The thermal barrier efficiency of two types of ceramic particle, glass flakes and aluminum titanate, dispersed on the surface of carbon-fiber epoxy composites, has been evaluated using a cone calorimeter at 35 and 50 kW/m2, in addition to temperature gradients through the samples’ thicknesses, measured by inserting thermocouples on the exposed and back surfaces during the cone tests. Two techniques of dispersing ceramic particles on the surface have been employed, one where particles were dispersed on semi-cured laminate and the other where their dispersion in a phenolic resin was applied on the laminate surface, using the same method as used previously for glass fiber composites. The morphology and durability of the coatings to water absorption, peeling, impact and flexural tension were also studied and compared with those previously reported for glass-fiber epoxy composites. With both methods, uniform coatings could be achieved, which were durable to peeling or water absorption with a minimal adverse effect on the mechanical properties of composites. While all these properties were comparable to those previously observed for glass fiber composites, the ceramic particles have seen to be more effective on this less flammable, carbon fiber composite substrate.
Continuous and Jump Betas: Implications for Portfolio Diversification
Authors: Alexeev Vitali , Dungey Mardi , Yao Wenying
Published: June 2016

Using high-frequency data, we decompose the time-varying beta for stocks into beta for continuous systematic risk and beta for discontinuous systematic risk. Estimated discontinuous betas for S&P500 constituents between 2003 and 2011 generally exceed the corresponding continuous betas. We demonstrate how continuous and discontinuous betas decrease with portfolio diversification. Using an equiweighted broad market index, we assess the speed of convergence of continuous and discontinuous betas in portfolios of stocks as the number of holdings increase. We show that discontinuous risk dissipates faster with fewer stocks in a portfolio compared to its continuous counterpart.
Distribution of Clay Minerals in Light Coal Fractions and the Thermal Reaction Products of These Clay Minerals during Combustion in a Drop Tube Furnace
Authors: Tian Sida , Zhuo Yuqun , Zhan Zhonghua , Shu Xinqian , Kang Zhizhong
Published: June 2016

To estimate the contribution of clay minerals in light coal fractions to ash deposition in furnaces, we investigated their distribution and thermal reaction products. The light fractions of two Chinese coals were prepared using a 1.5 g·cm−3 ZnCl2 solution as a density separation medium and were burned in a drop-tube furnace (DTF). The mineral matter in each of the light coal fractions was compared to that of the relevant raw coal. The DTF ash from light coal fractions was analysed using hydrochloric acid separation. The acid-soluble aluminium fractions of DTF ash samples were used to determine changes in the amorphous aluminosilicate products with increasing combustion temperature. The results show that the clay mineral contents in the mineral matter of both light coal fractions were higher than those in the respective raw coals. For the coal with a high ash melting point, clay minerals in the light coal fraction thermally transformed more dehydroxylation products compared with those in the raw coal, possibly contributing to solid-state reactions of ash particles. For the coal with a low ash melting point, clay minerals in the light coal fraction produced more easily-slagging material compared with those in the raw coal, playing an important role in the occurrence of slagging. Additionally, ferrous oxide often produces low-melting substances in coal ash. Due to the similarities of zinc oxide and ferrous oxide in silicate reactions, we also investigated the interactions of clay minerals in light coal fractions with zinc oxide introduced by a zinc chloride solution. The extraneous zinc oxide could react, to a small extent, with clay minerals in the coal during DTF combustion.
A Service-Oriented Approach for Dynamic Chaining of Virtual Network Functions over Multi-Provider Software-Defined Networks
Authors: Martini Barbara , Paganelli Federica
Published: June 2016

Emerging technologies such as Software-Defined Networks (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) promise to address cost reduction and flexibility in network operation while enabling innovative network service delivery models. However, operational network service delivery solutions still need to be developed that actually exploit these technologies, especially at the multi-provider level. Indeed, the implementation of network functions as software running over a virtualized infrastructure and provisioned on a service basis let one envisage an ecosystem of network services that are dynamically and flexibly assembled by orchestrating Virtual Network Functions even across different provider domains, thereby coping with changeable user and service requirements and context conditions. In this paper we propose an approach that adopts Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) technology-agnostic architectural guidelines in the design of a solution for orchestrating and dynamically chaining Virtual Network Functions. We discuss how SOA, NFV, and SDN may complement each other in realizing dynamic network function chaining through service composition specification, service selection, service delivery, and placement tasks. Then, we describe the architecture of a SOA-inspired NFV orchestrator, which leverages SDN-based network control capabilities to address an effective delivery of elastic chains of Virtual Network Functions. Preliminary results of prototype implementation and testing activities are also presented. The benefits for Network Service Providers are also described that derive from the adaptive network service provisioning in a multi-provider environment through the orchestration of computing and networking services to provide end users with an enhanced service experience.
Evaluation of Different Irrigation Methods for an Apple Orchard Using an Aerial Imaging System
Authors: Bulanon Duke , Lonai John , Skovgard Heather , Fallahi Esmaeil
Published: June 2016

Regular monitoring and assessment of crops is one of the keys to optimal crop production. This research presents the development of a monitoring system called the Crop Monitoring and Assessment Platform (C-MAP). The C-MAP is composed of an image acquisition unit which is an off-the-shelf unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a multispectral camera (near-infrared, green, blue), and an image processing and analysis component. The experimental apple orchard at the Parma Research and Extension Center of the University of Idaho was used as the target for monitoring and evaluation. Five experimental rows of the orchard were randomly treated with five different irrigation methods. An image processing algorithm to detect individual trees was developed to facilitate the analysis of the rows and it was able to detect over 90% of the trees. The image analysis of the experimental rows was based on vegetation indices and results showed that there was a significant difference in the Enhanced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (ENDVI) among the five different irrigation methods. This demonstrates that the C-MAP has very good potential as a monitoring tool for orchard management.
Plant Metabolomics: An Indispensable System Biology Tool for Plant Science
Authors: Hong Jun , Yang Litao , Zhang Dabing , Shi Jianxin
Published: June 2016

As genomes of many plant species have been sequenced, demand for functional genomics has dramatically accelerated the improvement of other omics including metabolomics. Despite a large amount of metabolites still remaining to be identified, metabolomics has contributed significantly not only to the understanding of plant physiology and biology from the view of small chemical molecules that reflect the end point of biological activities, but also in past decades to the attempts to improve plant behavior under both normal and stressed conditions. Hereby, we summarize the current knowledge on the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying plant growth, development, and stress responses, focusing further on the contributions of metabolomics to practical applications in crop quality improvement and food safety assessment, as well as plant metabolic engineering. We also highlight the current challenges and future perspectives in this inspiring area, with the aim to stimulate further studies leading to better crop improvement of yield and quality.
Identification of Protein–Excipient Interaction Hotspots Using Computational Approaches
Authors: Barata Teresa , Zhang Cheng , Dalby Paul , Brocchini Steve , Zloh Mire
Published: June 2016

Protein formulation development relies on the selection of excipients that inhibit protein–protein interactions preventing aggregation. Empirical strategies involve screening many excipient and buffer combinations using force degradation studies. Such methods do not readily provide information on intermolecular interactions responsible for the protective effects of excipients. This study describes a molecular docking approach to screen and rank interactions allowing for the identification of protein–excipient hotspots to aid in the selection of excipients to be experimentally screened. Previously published work with Drosophila Su(dx) was used to develop and validate the computational methodology, which was then used to determine the formulation hotspots for Fab A33. Commonly used excipients were examined and compared to the regions in Fab A33 prone to protein–protein interactions that could lead to aggregation. This approach could provide information on a molecular level about the protective interactions of excipients in protein formulations to aid the more rational development of future formulations.
Update on the Management of Pediatric Acute Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis
Authors: Castellazzi Luca , Mantero Marco , Esposito Susanna
Published: June 2016

Acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are two infections whose frequencies are increasing in pediatric patients. Acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis need to be carefully assessed, diagnosed, and treated to avoid devastating sequelae. Traditionally, the treatment of acute osteoarticular infection in pediatrics was based on prolonged intravenous anti-infective therapy. However, results from clinical trials have suggested that in uncomplicated cases, a short course of a few days of parenteral antibiotics followed by oral therapy is safe and effective. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians an update on recent controversies and advances regarding the management of acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in children. In recent years, the emergence of bacterial species resistant to commonly used antibiotics that are particularly aggressive highlights the necessity for further research to optimize treatment approaches and to develop new molecules able to fight the war against acute osteoarticular infection in pediatric patients.
Aquaporin-11 (AQP11) Expression in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Koike Shin , Tanaka Yasuko , Matsuzaki Toshiyuki , Morishita Yoshiyuki , Ishibashi Kenichi
Published: June 2016

Aquaporin-11 (AQP11) is an intracellular aquaporin expressed in various tissues, including brain tissues in mammals. While AQP11-deficient mice have developed fatal polycystic kidneys at one month old, the role of AQP11 in the brain was not well appreciated. In this study, we examined the AQP11 expression in the mouse brain and the brain phenotype of AQP11-deficient mice. AQP11 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein were expressed in the brain, but much less than in the thymus and kidney. Immunostaining showed that AQP11 was localized at the epithelium of the choroid plexus and at the endothelium of the brain capillary, suggesting that AQP11 may be involved in water transport at the choroid plexus and blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the brain. The expression of AQP4, another brain AQP expressed at the BBB, was decreased by half in AQP11-deficient mice, thereby suggesting the presence of the interaction between AQP11 and AQP4. The brain of AQP11-deficient mice, however, did not show any morphological abnormalities and the function of the BBB was intact. Our findings provide a novel insight into a water transport mechanism mediated by AQPs in the brain, which may lead to a new therapy for brain edema.
Tetrapropylammonium Occlusion in Nanoaggregates of Precursor of Silicalite-1 Zeolite Studied by 1H and 13C NMR
Authors: Haouas Mohamed , Petry David , Anderson Michael , Taulelle Francis
Published: June 2016

The dynamic behavior of tetrapropylammonium (TPA) cations in the clear precursor sols for silicalite synthesis has been investigated by 1H diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY), T1, T2, and T1ρ 1H relaxation, as well as 1H→13C cross polarization (CP) nuclear magnetic resonance. The DOSY NMR experiments showed the presence of strong solute–solvent interactions in concentrated sols, which are decreasing upon dilution. Similarities in dependence of diffusion coefficients with fractional power of the viscosity constant observed for nanoparticles, TPA cations and water led to the conclusion that they aggregate as anisotropic silicate-TPA particles. Relaxation studies as well as 1H→13C CP experiments provide information on dynamic properties of ethanol, water and TPA cations, which are function of silicate aggregates. The general tendency showed that the presence of silicate as oligomers and particles decreases the relaxation times, in particular T2 and T1ρH, as a consequence of involvement of these latter in ion-pairing interactions with water-solvated TPA molecules slowing down their mobility. Furthermore, from the 1H→13C CP dynamics curve profiles a change in the CP transfer regime was observed from fast (TCH << T1ρH) for solutions without silicates to moderate (TCH~T1ρH) when silicates are interacting with the TPA cations that may reflect the occlusion of TPA into flexible silicate hydrate aggregates.
Calcium Phosphate as a Key Material for Socially Responsible Tissue Engineering
Authors: Uskoković Vuk , Wu Victoria
Published: June 2016

Socially responsible technologies are designed while taking into consideration the socioeconomic, geopolitical and environmental limitations of regions in which they will be implemented. In the medical context, this involves making therapeutic platforms more accessible and affordable to patients in poor regions of the world wherein a given disease is endemic. This often necessitates going against the reigning trend of making therapeutic nanoparticles ever more structurally complex and expensive. However, studies aimed at simplifying materials and formulations while maintaining the functionality and therapeutic response of their more complex counterparts seldom provoke a significant interest in the scientific community. In this review we demonstrate that such compositional simplifications are meaningful when it comes to the design of a solution for osteomyelitis, a disease that is in its natural, non-postoperative form particularly prevalent in the underdeveloped parts of the world wherein poverty, poor sanitary conditions, and chronically compromised defense lines of the immune system are the norm. We show that calcium phosphate nanoparticles, which are inexpensive to make, could be chemically designed to possess the same functionality as a hypothetic mixture additionally composed of: (a) a bone growth factor; (b) an antibiotic for prophylactic or anti-infective purposes; (c) a bisphosphonate as an antiresorptive compound; (d) a viral vector to enable the intracellular delivery of therapeutics; (e) a luminescent dye; (f) a radiographic component; (g) an imaging contrast agent; (h) a magnetic domain; and (i) polymers as viscous components enabling the injectability of the material and acting as carriers for the sustained release of a drug. In particular, calcium phosphates could: (a) produce tunable drug release profiles; (b) take the form of viscous and injectable, self-setting pastes; (c) be naturally osteo-inductive and inhibitory for osteoclastogenesis; (d) intracellularly deliver bioactive compounds; (e) accommodate an array of functional ions; (f) be processed into macroporous constructs for tissue engineering; and (g) be naturally antimicrobial. All in all, we see in calcium phosphates the presence of a protean nature whose therapeutic potentials have been barely tapped into.
Smoothness in Binomial Edge Ideals
Authors: Damadi Hamid , Rahmati Farhad
Published: June 2016

In this paper we study some geometric properties of the algebraic set associated to the binomial edge ideal of a graph. We study the singularity and smoothness of the algebraic set associated to the binomial edge ideal of a graph. Some of these algebraic sets are irreducible and some of them are reducible. If every irreducible component of the algebraic set is smooth we call the graph an edge smooth graph, otherwise it is called an edge singular graph. We show that complete graphs are edge smooth and introduce two conditions such that the graph G is edge singular if and only if it satisfies these conditions. Then, it is shown that cycles and most of trees are edge singular. In addition, it is proved that complete bipartite graphs are edge smooth.
Topical Formulation Comprising Fatty Acid Extract from Cod Liver Oil: Development, Evaluation and Stability Studies
Authors: Ilievska Biljana , Loftsson Thorsteinn , Hjalmarsdottir Martha , Asgrimsdottir Gudrun
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to develop a pharmaceutical formulation containing fatty acid extract rich in free omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid for topical use. Although the health benefits of cod liver oil and other fish oils taken orally as a dietary supplement have been acknowledged and exploited, it is clear that their use can be extended further to cover their antibacterial properties. In vitro evaluation showed that 20% (v/v) fatty acid extract exhibits good activity against strains of the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptoccoccus pyogenes and Streptoccoccus pneumonia. Therefore, free polyunsaturated fatty acids from cod liver oil or other fish oils can be used as safe and natural antibacterial agents. In this study, ointment compositions containing free fatty acids as active antibacterial agents were prepared by using various natural waxes and characterized. The effects of different waxes, such as carnauba wax, ozokerite wax, laurel wax, beeswax, rice bran wax, candelilla wax and microcrystalline wax, in the concentration range of 1% to 5% (w/w) on the ointment texture, consistency and stability were evaluated. The results showed significant variations in texture, sensory and rheological profiles. This was attributed to the wax’s nature and chain composition. Microcrystalline wax gave the best results but laurel wax, beeswax and rice bran wax exhibited excellent texturing, similar sensory profiles and well-balanced rheological properties.
Biosynthetic Functional Gene Analysis of Bis-Indole Metabolites from 25D7, a Clone Derived from a Deep-Sea Sediment Metagenomic Library
Authors: Yan Xia , Tang Xi-Xiang , Qin Dan , Yi Zhi-Wei , Fang Mei-Juan , Wu Zhen , Qiu Ying-Kun
Published: June 2016

This work investigated the metabolites and their biosynthetic functional hydroxylase genes of the deep-sea sediment metagenomic clone 25D7. 5-Bromoindole was added to the 25D7 clone derived Escherichia coli fermentation broth. The new-generated metabolites and their biosynthetic byproducts were located through LC-MS, in which the isotope peaks of brominated products emerged. Two new brominated bis-indole metabolites, 5-bromometagenediindole B (1), and 5-bromometagenediindole C (2) were separated under the guidance of LC-MS. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC). The biosynthetic functional genes of the two new compounds were revealed through LC-MS and transposon mutagenesis analysis. 5-Bromometagenediindole B (1) also demonstrated moderately cytotoxic activity against MCF7, B16, CNE2, Bel7402, and HT1080 tumor cell lines in vitro.