bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principal Component Analysis of Some Quantitative and Qualitative Traits in Iranian Spinach Landraces
Authors: Mohebodini Mehdi , Sabaghnia Naser , Behtash Farhad , Janmohammadi Mohsen
Published: September 2017

Landraces of spinach in Iran have not been sufficiently characterised for their morpho-agronomic traits. Such characterisation would be helpful in the development of new genetically improved cultivars. In this study 54 spinach accessions collected from the major spinach growing areas of Iran were evaluated to determine their phenotypic diversity profile of spinach genotypes on the basis of 10 quantitative and 9 qualitative morpho-agronomic traits. High coefficients of variation were recorded in some quantitative traits (dry yield and leaf area) and all of the qualitative traits. Using principal component analysis, the first four principal components with eigen-values more than 1 contributed 87% of the variability among accessions for quantitative traits, whereas the first four principal components with eigen-values more than 0.8 contributed 79% of the variability among accessions for qualitative traits. The most important relations observed on the first two principal components were a strong positive association between leaf width and petiole length; between leaf length and leaf numbers in flowering; and among fresh yield, dry yield and petiole diameter; a near zero correlation between days to flowering with leaf width and petiole length. Prickly seeds, high percentage of female plants, smooth leaf texture, high numbers of leaves at flowering, greygreen leaves, erect petiole attitude and long petiole length are important characters for spinach breeding programmes.
Environmental geology and hydrology
Authors: Nakić Zoran , Mileusnić Marta , Pavlić Krešimir , Kovač Zoran
Published: September 2017

Environmental geology is scientific discipline dealing with the interactions between humans and the geologic environment. Many natural hazards, which have great impact on humans and their environment, are caused by geological settings. On the other hand, human activities have great impact on the physical environment, especially in the last decades due to dramatic human population growth. Natural disasters often hit densely populated areas causing tremendous death toll and material damage. Demand for resources enhanced remarkably, as well as waste production. Exploitation of mineral resources deteriorate huge areas of land, produce enormous mine waste and pollute soil, water and air. Environmental geology is a broad discipline and only selected themes will be presented in the following subchapters: (1) floods as natural hazard, (2) water as geological resource and (3) the mining and mineral processing as types of human activities dealing with geological materials that affect the environment and human health.
Measurements of excitation functions of α-particle induced reactions on natNi: possibility of production of the medical isotopes 61Cu and 67Cu
Authors: Uddin Md. Shuza , Kim Kwangsoo , Nadeem Muhammad , Sudár Sandor , Kim Guinyun
Published: September 2017

Excitation functions of the natNi(α,x)60,61Cu and 64Ni(α,p)67Cu reactions were measured using the stacked-foil activation technique. The experimental data achieved were compared with literature data as well as with nuclear model calculations performed using the code TALYS-1.8. Integral yields from the respective thresholds to 44 MeV were deduced from the measured excitation curves. The >99% pure 61Cu can be produced using the energy window of Eα=20→7 MeV, the yield amounting to 116 MBq/μAh. After a 2 h cooling time, the short-lived 60Cu (T1/2=23 min) impurity will be reduced to <0.1%. Due to low isotopic abundance of 64Ni, the enriched 64Ni target would be needed for the production of 67Cu via the (α,p) reaction. The cost would, however, be very high. In a few cases, particularly above 24 MeV, we have given new data points. In general, our measurements have strengthened the database.
Sham transcranial electrical stimulation and its effects on corticospinal excitability: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dissanayaka Thusharika D. , Zoghi Maryam , Farrell Michael , Egan Gary F. , Jaberzadeh Shapour
Published: September 2017

Sham stimulation is used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy of active stimulation and placebo effects. It should mimic the characteristics of active stimulation to achieve blinding integrity. The present study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to identify the effects of sham transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) – including anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS, c-tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) – on corticospinal excitability (CSE), compared to baseline in healthy individuals. Electronic databases – PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Science Direct and MEDLINE (Ovid) – were searched for RCTs of tES from 1990 to March 2017. Thirty RCTs were identified. Using a random-effects model, meta-analysis of a-tDCS, c-tDCS, tACS, tRNS and tPCS studies showed statistically non-significant pre-post effects of sham interventions on CSE. This review found evidence for statically non-significant effects of sham tES on CSE.
Ozone therapy – a rare and avoidable source of infectious pathology of the spine
Authors: Balan Corneliu , Schiopu Mihai , Balasa Daniel , Balan Corina
Published: September 2017

Ozone therapy is considered by many as an effective therapy for spinal degenerative pathologies. Despite its possible favorable results, we present a series of serious infectious complications, clearly related to ozone therapy and their treatment. The authors discuss their results compared with the literature and advocate for prudence when recommending ozone therapy.
High lumbar disc herniation coexisting with thoracic meningioma – an issue of differential diagnostic
Authors: Dabija M. , Dorobăţ V. , Paiu Alina
Published: September 2017

Meningiomas involving the spinal compartment are relatively rare compared to the intracranial ones representing between 7,5% and 12,5% of all CNS meningiomas, most of them being located in the intradural compartment respecting the pial layer of the spinal cord. Affecting ten times more often women rather than men, especially in the 5th and 6th decade of life, they pose a difficult diagnostic setting despite modern neuroimagistic techniques. The matter of correct differential diagnosis becomes even more doubtful, most of the patients of that age having also associative degenerative disorders, e.g. lumbar disc herniation. In this case proper neurological examination is the key as we will furthermore demonstrate - the MRI exam being targeted on the level of the sensorial dysfunction and not on the most common region which gives according pathology. The following case presentation can be considered “classic” representing a patient with all the criteria mentioned above including a long history of rheumatologic and chronic back pain medication for pain relief. We used the Frankel Scale for grading the pre- and postoperative neurological status. Acute neurological deterioration (under 24 hours) is an important criteria for admission in emergency unit with around the clock exploration followed by microsurgical operation for the best possible outcome. Coexisting chronic lesions may be left behind and kept under surveillance, operated only when clear signs of health disorder appear. Because there are reported cases of thoracic meningiomas discovered after hernia disc operation and even cases of paraplegia due to a missed lesion, the aim of this article is to emphasize the importance of proper neurological examination preceding any MRI exploration.
Multilevel “fish vertebrae” in a patient with tumor-induced osteomalacia
Authors: Adam D. , Iftimie D. , Burduşa Gina , Moisescu Cristiana
Published: September 2017

Background and importance: “Fish vertebra” is an uncommon anomaly of vertebral body shape, consisting of central depression of the superior and inferior vertebral surfaces. It has been associated with various conditions: osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hyperparathyroidism, Paget disease, sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Clinical presentation: A 29-year-old male patient, previously treated for ankylosing spondylitis (with NSAIDs and TNFα inhibitor), without any clinical improvement, was admitted to our Neurosurgical Department. He complained of difficult gait, possible only with the aid of a cane, low back pain and bilateral hip pain, but without leg pain. He denied any history of recent trauma. Neurological examination was normal. Plain thoracic and lumbar spine X-rays revealed multilevel “fish vertebrae”. Lumbar spine MRI and contrast thoraco-abdominal CT scan showed fractures of multiple structures: left L4 pedicle, right L4 lamina and pars interarticularis, right II-VII costal arches, left I-V costal arches and bilateral sacral alae. We performed extensive laboratory tests that detected low seric phosphorous and PTH levels, with increased alkaline phosphatase, indicating a possible endocrinological cause for this condition. Subsequently, we decided to transfer the patient to an Endocrinological Department. A diagnosis of hypophosphatemic osteomalacia was established and increased FGF23 levels, later determined, suggested it was tumor-induced osteomalacia. Whole-body MRI was unable to locate the tumor, but Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET/CT revealed a small (15 mm in diameter), hyperfixating mass in the head of the right femur. The patient was treated with oral calcitriol and phosphate, with alleviation of symptoms. Surgical excision of the tumor was recommended, but the patient decided to postopone the operation.

Conclusion: Modern medical imaging and biochemical testing have made the leap from merely observing vertebral biconcavities to diagnosing their cause and, consequently, the possibility to adequately treat uncommon causes of “fish vertebra”, such as neuroendocrine tumor-induced osteomalacia.
Giant Subgaleal cerebrospinal fluid leakage: An unusual complication of chronic subdural hematoma surgery
Authors: Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Agrawal Amit , Calderon-Miranda Willem , Pacheco-Hernandez Alfonso
Published: September 2017

We report a rare case of chronic subdural hematoma complicated with a Giant subgaleal cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Physical examination was performed with no alteration in mental status and no focal neurological disorder. The subdural hematoma was drained and two weeks later, patient was admitted to our hospital with a giant scalp swelling. Physical examination revealed a left parietal subcutaneous collection. The patient was reoperated with a correction in the fistula, he presented a satisfactory postoperative evolution. To our knowledge, this is the first report in literature of a chronic subdural hematoma with a complicated giant subgaleal cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Antioxidant therapies in traumatic brain injury: a review
Authors: Romero-Rivera Hector Rolando , Cabeza-Morales Marticela , Soto-Zarate Enrique , Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Padilla-Zambrano Huber , Joaquim Andrei F. , Rubiano Andres M. , Hernandez Alfonso Pacheco , Agrawal Amit , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: September 2017

Oxidative stress constitute one of the commonest mechanism of the secondary injury contributing to neuronal death in traumatic brain injury cases. The oxidative stress induced secondary injury blockade may be considered as to be a good alternative to improve the outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment. Due to absence of definitive therapy of traumatic brain injury has forced researcher to utilize unconventional therapies and its roles investigated in the improvement of management and outcome in recent year. Antioxidant therapies are proven effective in many preclinical studies and encouraging results and the role of antioxidant mediaction may act as further advancement in the traumatic brain injury management it may represent aonr of newer moadlaity in neurosurgical aramamentorium, this kind of therapy could be a good alternative or adjuct to the previously established neuroprotection agents in TBI.
Pre-hospital care: Data profile from traumatic brain injury registry
Authors: Jena Ranjan Kumar , Agrawal Amit , Ashok M. , Subrahmanyam B.V.
Published: September 2017

Introduction: There are multiple factors from injury spot till patient reach trauma unit, which affect their outcome. The literature of same from developing country is mere. The present study investigates primary care, mode of transportation and emergency management among TBI patients visiting a tertiary institute.

Methods: The data of 337 patients was selected from a trauma registry. The data of TBI patients visiting emergency were entered in standard computer interface after obtaining their consent. The standard proforma was developed by FileMaker Pro Advanced 13 (Copyright © 1994-2015, FileMaker, Inc) and web data entry interface Drupal CMS. Data was analyzed using Stats Direct version 3.0.150.

Results: Seventy five percent of patients were from rural setup. About 67% of patients visiting emergency had undergone first aid from both rural and urban setup. Forty percent of patients came directly, only about 5% were referred from other hospitals. Majority of patients were accompanied by relatives (87%) followed by spouse (8.6%). Non ambulance mode (31%) was more than ground ambulance (25%) to reach emergency setup. Emergency management of airway, breathing and circulation was significant with outcome at discharge (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study reports that majority of patients had undergone first aid before reaching trauma unit. Non ambulance mode of transportation is more. The study emphasis for detail study on pre hospital care variables with larger sample size.
Brain hydatidosis: review of the literature
Authors: Maraby-Salgado Johana , Mo-Carrascal Joulen , Aquino-Matus Jorge , Calderon-Miranda Willem Guillermo , Agrawal Amit , Joaquin Andrei F. , Al-Dhahir Mohammed , Hoz Samer , Pacheco-Hernandez Maria Teresa , Padilla Huber , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: September 2017

Hydatidosis is a common disease worldwide. The causal agent may compromise any Organ of the body, the cerebral location is infrequent. The infection is caused by the larval form of Cestodo Echinococcus granulosus. The man is an accidental intermediary host for food consumption or water contaminated with eggs present in animal feces. We present a review of the literature. At the imaging level, the disease has a classic characteristic consisting of single, usually unilocular and less frequent multilocular, intra-axial and more frequently hemispheric cerebral lesions, compromising the vascular territory of the middle cerebral artery by the hematogenous dissemination of the parasite.
The many faces of primary cauda equina myxopapillary ependymoma: clinicoradiological manifestations of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Mehrjardi Mohammad Zare , Mirzaei Samira , Haghighatkhah Hamid Reza
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a benign and slow growing tumor that originates exclusively from the conus medullaris and cauda equina nervous tissue. It occurs more commonly in young patients. In addition, clinical presentations are non-specific and may mimic benign conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating this tumor. We hereby report on two young patients with long-lasting non-specific symptoms, which were clinically attributed to benign conditions. However, cauda equina tumor was revealed on MRI in both patients.

Case report: Two cases of cauda equina MPE, a 19-year-old female and a 38-year-old male, with different clinical manifestations are reported. The first patient presented with paresis and paresthesia of the lower limbs, and the second patient’s complaint was chronic low-back pain and urinary incontinence. In both cases, MRI detected a tumor originated from the cauda equina, and histopathologic examination was compatible with MPE.

Conclusion: Cauda equina tumors should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the young patients presented with neurologic deficits in the lower limbs, sphincter or erectile dysfunction, and even a simple low-back pain (particularly when symptoms are long-lasting and/or progressive).
Unilateral traumatic hemorrhage of the basal ganglion and bihemisferic cerebral infarction
Authors: Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Calderon-Miranda Willem Guillermo , Rubiano Andres M. , Agrawal Amit , Satyarthee Guru Dutta
Published: September 2017

Among the various injuries caused by the cerebral tramatic lesion are traumatic brain contusions. Hemorrhagic contusions of the basal ganglia are unusual. Different injuries such as cranial fractures, epidural hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage among others may be associated with brain contusions. In some cases traumatic brain injury arises. We present a case of a patient with unilateral cerebral contusion associated with bihemispheric cerebral infarction.
Spontaneous regression of extruded lumbar disc herniation: case report and its pathogenesis
Authors: Prasad Prajapati Hanuman , Deepak Kumar Singh , Rakesh Kumar Singh , Faran Ahmed
Published: September 2017

Lumbar disc herniation is a common disease that present with back pain and radicular pain. The most efficient method for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation is still controversial. Spontaneous regression of lumbar disc herniation has been recognized with the advancement of radiological diagnostic tools and can explain the reason of spontaneous relief of symptoms without treatment. The proposed hypothesis are; dehydration, retraction of the disc herniation in the annulus fibrosus, enzymatic catabolism and phagocytosis. In this study we present a case with large lumbar disc herniation regressing by itself and the potential mechanisms of disc regression have been discussed.
Burr hole site acute extradural hematoma after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery: a rare case report and its pathogenesis
Authors: Prasad Prajapati Hanuman , Deepak Kumar Singh , Rakesh Kumar Singh , Faran Ahmed , Anuj Chhabra
Published: September 2017

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, a common neurosurgical procedure, has a long list of known complications associated with it. A rare but dangerous complication of VP shunt procedure is extradural hematoma (EDH). It can be diagnosed and managed easily before it turns into a catastrophic complication.
Cirsoid Aneurysm of the Scalp: a case report
Authors: Ahmad Faran , Singh Deepak Kumar , Prajapati Hanuman Prasad , Chhabra Anuj
Published: September 2017

Cirsoid aneurysms (arteriovenous malformations [AVMs]) are Anomalous fistulous arteriovenous communications of scalp with ill-defined natural course that are rarely encountered in neurosurgery. Patients with AVM of the scalp present clinically with headache and either a small innocuous-looking subcutaneous scalp lump or a large, pulsatile mass with or without bruit, which has a propensity to massive hemorrhage. Complex vascular anatomy and interconnections and high shunt flow make their management difficult. We report a rare case of a 40-year-old man who presented with a swelling over his occipital region that progressively enlarged over the course of 6 years. Being high flow shunt surgical excision was attempted.
Making Full Use of Heterogeneous Reference Potential
Authors: Huginn Freyr Thorsteinsson
Published: September 2017

The aim of this paper is to develop an account of semantic reference initially put forward by Philip Kitcher that should be of interest to scientific realists. I discuss the motivations behind Kitcher’s proposal and especially how it faces a retrospection problem viz. the beliefs used to fix reference are selected retrospectively but not by the historical actors at the time. In order to sidestep this problem, I look at the idea of partial reference as put forward by Hartry Field and further advanced by Christina McLeish. I discuss the merits of these proposals and will argue that McLeish’s development of the idea leads to a deeply confused semantics for realism. In the last section, Kitcher’s account of heterogeneous reference potential is further developed in light of the issues raised in relation to partial reference and the retrospection problem. I think this raises the prospect of filling in a descriptivist picture of reference for theoretical terms of science.
Speaking about the normativity of meaning
Authors: Patrizio Lo Presti
Published: September 2017

Contemporary debate on the nature of meaning centres on whether meaning is normative. Agreement is widespread that meaning implies correctness, but disagreement on whether correctness is normative remains. Normativists argue that correctness implies obligations or permissions. Anti-normativists disagree and hold that correctness is a descriptive term. This paper argues that, fundamentally, meaning presupposes norms, but not in the generic normativist sense: a vocabulary is recognisable as part of a language if and only if it is part of a practice of committing and entitling to ask for and provide reasons for what is said. To commit and entitle is not obliged or permitted. It is a presupposition for speaking about obligations and permissions.
Growth Performance and Heritability Estimation of Acacia crassicarpa in a Progeny Trial in eastern Thailand
Authors: Hanchor Uraiwan , Maelim Somporn , Suanpaga Wathinee , Park Ji-Min , Kang Kyu-Suk
Published: September 2017

Growth performance and heritability were studied in a progeny trial of Acacia crassicarpa in Chacheongsao province, eastern Thailand in order to provide information on suitable families for seed improvement and production. A randomized complete block design (originally 8 blocks, 80 family plots/block, 4 trees/plot) of the best 80 half-sib families selected from 7 provenances was thinned at ages 2.5, 4 and 5 years based on growth and tree form and so that there was one tree/plot remained at the stage of present study. All remaining trees were measured for diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height (H), individual volume (VOL) and stem form (straightness and forked height) at ages 12, 12.5, 13 and 13.5 years, respectively. Narrow sense heritability (h
2) based on family was estimated for each characteristic. Analysis of variance showed that there were highly significant differences among families at the four ages for DBH, H and VOL. Stem straightness and forked height were not significantly different among families. The heritability of DBH was increased as trees were mature (h
2 = 0.236, 0.285, 0.288, and 0.291) but those of H and VOL were a little decreased. The heritability of stem straightness was very low (0.013) and that of forked height was also low (0.138). The results implied that the tree breeding of A. crassicarpa could improve DBH, H and VOL considerably. Further selection testing is required to increase the heritability of stem form. The measured data would be useful for tree improvement and seed orchard establishment of Acacia crassicarpa.
¿Hablas castellano? Do you speak English?oXerres mallorquí?: Ideologías y actitudes lingüísticas en Mallorca en una era de crisis económica
Authors: Aguiló-Mora Francisca , Lynch Andrew
Published: September 2017

Desde 2011 hasta 2015, el presidente del gobierno de las Illes Balears llevó a cabo una serie de reformas lingüísticas con el supuesto objetivo de abrir las puertas del mercado laboral local y global a la población balear. En reacción a estas políticas, una parte significativa de la población balear salió a la calle acusando al gobierno de enmascarar un ataque a la lengua catalana. A partir de un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de datos de 316 encuestas a residentes y 20 entrevistas personales, examinamos las actitudes e ideologías que la población mallorquina alberga respecto al conflicto lingüístico más reciente, las cuales se manifiestan irremediablemente ligadas a la crisis económica existente en el periodo. Subrayamos la percepción del valor económico del inglés y del castellano frente al catalán o a la variedad regional mallorquina en plena crisis económica del país.
Prosodic timing and language contact: Spanish and Yagua in Amazonian Peru
Authors: Henriksen Nicholas , Fafulas Stephen
Published: September 2017

This study examines measures of prosodic timing (i. e., segment-to-segment durational variability) in Yagua and Spanish spoken in Amazonian Peru. We performed an acoustic analysis of consonantal and vocalic durations from sociolinguistic interviews in Spanish (for Yagua-Spanish bilinguals and Spanish monolinguals) and from oral narratives in Yagua (for Yagua-Spanish bilinguals). Subsequently, we applied variability metrics to the speech of each group to compare their respective timing values. Our results show that, first, Yagua displays more segment-to-segment durational variability than monolingual Spanish. Second, L1-Yagua/L2-Spanish speakers show primarily Yagua-like timing values in Spanish, whereas Yagua-Spanish simultaneous bilinguals show primarily Spanish-like values in Spanish. These results suggest that ethnic Yagua communities are converging toward Spanish-like patterns of prosodic timing. This research contributes to the Spanish contact and prosodic timing literature by offering bilingual and monolingual data from one of the world’s most complex and typologically diverse geolinguistic areas.
Un fenómeno bien curioso: New methods for analyzing variable intensification across four dialects of Spain and Argentina
Authors: Kanwit Matthew , Terán Virginia , Sarrió Silvia Pisabarro
Published: September 2017

Empirical study of variation between the Spanish intensifiersbien‘very’ andmuy‘very’ has received little attention. A recent exception is (Brown, Esther L. & Mayra Cortés-Torres. 2013. Puerto Rican intensifiers:Bien/muyvariables. In Ana Maria Carvalho & Sara Beaudrie (eds.),Selected proceedings of the 6th Workshop on Spanish Sociolinguistics, 11–19. Somerville, MA: Cascadilla Proceedings Project), who considered the conditioning factors of the intensifiers, although the study’s interview data included low use of the variants in certain linguistic contexts. Accordingly, our contextualized preference task elicits greater token counts across contexts and extends intensifier research across dialects. In our analysis of the four dialects of Tarragona and Madrid, Spain, and Tucumán and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we test the descriptive claims thatbienis selected at higher rates in Latin America than Spain and that monolingual speakers from Madrid selectbienat lower rates than Spanish-Catalan bilinguals from Tarragona, as predicted by descriptive literature. Furthermore, we investigate whether possible differences in rates and predictors between one capital city variety and that of a smaller city are mirrored across our two capital city contexts. We surveyed 205 native speakers of Spanish via a 24-item contextualized preference task. Participants chose their preferred intensifier or indicated that both were acceptable. We manipulated three independent linguistic variables: adjective quality, verb type, and animacy, and we consider the social variables age, gender, and, in the case of Tarragona, home language. Overall, we extend research on intensifier variation through a more controlled experimental design and cross-dialectal comparison.
Mood variation after expressions of uncertainty in Spanish
Authors: Waltermire Mark
Published: September 2017

According to prescriptive grammars of Spanish, subordinate clauses after expressions of uncertainty require the subjunctive when introduced by the complementizerque‘that’ (e. g.,No creo que venga (S). ‘I don’t believe that he’ll come.’) but require the indicative when introduced by the complementizersi‘if/whether’ (e. g.,No sé si viene (I). ‘I don’t know if he’ll come.’). The use of these moods in actual speech, however, is highly variable. Using a database of conversational Spanish from 10 cities in Latin America and Spain, 428 tokens of subjunctive and indicative mood use were examined according to the following linguistic and social factors – subject agreement, intervening material, frequency of the subordinate verb, age, sex, and education level. Of these variables, only intervening material is statistically significant in the conditioning of mood variation. The use of the subjunctive is preferred after the complementizerquewhen there is no intervening material separating it from the subordinate verb. In order to further explore possible interactions between individual factors, a Joint Multiple Correspondence Analysis using R was conducted. Results from this exploratory analysis suggest that the use of the subjunctive correlates with young, male, and highly educated speakers whereas the indicative correlates with older, female, and less educated speakers. The variable use of mood after expressions of uncertainty in Spanish may be socially motivated, as these results suggest. As such, the impact of social variables on mood variation should be explored in future studies.
Effects of chromium picolinate on the parameters of oxidative and chromosomal DNA damage in rabbits
Authors: Şentürk Meryem , Uyanık Fatma , Hamurcu Zuhal
Published: September 2017

Objectives

This study investigated the effects of chromium chloride (CrCl3·6H2O), chromium picolinate (CrPic) and picolinic acid on malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hidroksi-2′-deoksiguanosine (8-OHdG) and genome damage in rabbits.

Material and methods

Forty, New Zealand rabbits were equally assigned to four groups which received either distilled water or 20 mg/day Cr (CrC13·6H20), 200 μg/day CrPic and 1400 μg/day picolinic acid for 50 days. On the 25th and 50th days, MDA and 8-OHdG levels and the apoptotic-necrotic cells, micronucleus (MN), micronuclear buds (NBUD) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB) frequencies and on the 50th day, serum Cr and liver MDA levels were determined.

Results

CrPic increased live weight and feed consumption. On the 25th day of treatment, decreases were detected in MDA levels and MN, NPK and NBUD frequencies in CrPic and picolinic acid groups, and in 8-OHdG levels in CrCl3·6H2O and CrPic groups. Slight or significant differences were determined in all investigated parameters between the measurements of on days 25 and 50.

Conclusion

Improvements in of MDA and 8-OHdG levels and genome damage indicators due to CrPic and picolinic acid on the 25th day of the treatment may show that short term of CrPic supplementation reduces oxidative and chromosomal DNA damage in rabbits.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 affects human umbilical vein endothelial cells in high glucose by the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Jie , Guo Pingfan , He Tianmin , Cai Fanggang
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To investigate the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) for the apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in high glucose and the related mechanisms.

Material and methods

HUVECs were cultured under different conditions for 48 h. The apoptosis rate of cells was detected by flow cytometry, the expression of p-Akt and p-eNOS was measured by Western blot, and the production of nitric oxide (NO) was detected by NO assay kit.

Results

HUVECs were incubated in high glucose, the apoptosis rate of cells increased, the expression of p-Akt and p-eNOS reduced, and the production of NO decreased. After GLP-1 was added into the high glucose, the apoptosis rate of cells significantly reduced, the expression of p-Akt and p-eNOS and the production of NO obviously increased. After exendin, wortmannine and L-NAME were added into high glucose and GLP-1, respectively, exendin, wortmannine and L-NAME increased the cell apoptosis, down-regulated the expression of p-Akt and p-eNOS and dropped the production of NO, except that L-NAME made no difference on the expression of p-Akt.

Conclusion

GLP-1 increased the expression of Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in HUVECs via the up-regulation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway and decreased the apoptosis rate of HUVECs in high glucose.
Prediction of Lean Blowout Limits for Methane-Air Bluff Body Stabilized Combustion using a Temperature Gradient Method in a Model Gas-Turbine Afterburner
Authors: Maran P. , Boopathi S. , Gowtham P. , Chidambaram S.
Published: September 2017

In the present work, LBO limits for methane-air combustion stabilized by a V-Gutter have been predicted by a hybrid method using numerical simulation and empirical relations. The numerical simulations have been carried out to study the stable methane-air combustion and temperature gradients at exit and recirculation region in a model gas turbine afterburner with a planar V-Gutter as a bluff body for four inlet air pressure conditions and three V-Gutter angles. The calculated average exit gas temperature (AEGT) and the average gas temperature in recirculation region have been used for predicting the blowout conditions. An empirical method based on Feature Section Criterion has been used to determine Fuel-Air Ratio (FAR) at blowout conditions very accurately from the numerically calculated average temperature in the central recirculation zone (CRZ).The predicted Fuel-Air Ratio (FAR) at lean blowout conditions has been compared with the experimental results obtained for the same conditions and are found to be in good agreement.
Homotopy Perturbation Method for Creeping Flow of Non-Newtonian Power-Law Nanofluid in a Nonuniform Inclined Channel with Peristalsis
Authors: Abou-zeid Mohamed Y. , Mohamed Mona A. A.
Published: September 2017

This article is an analytic discussion for the motion of power-law nanofluid with heat transfer under the effect of viscous dissipation, radiation, and internal heat generation. The governing equations are discussed under the assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The solutions for temperature and nanoparticle profiles are obtained by using homotopy perturbation method. Results for the behaviours of the axial velocity, temperature, and nanoparticles as well as the skin friction coefficient, reduced Nusselt number, and Sherwood number with other physical parameters are obtained graphically and analytically. It is found that as the power-law exponent increases, both the axial velocity and temperature increase, whereas nanoparticles decreases. These results may have applicable importance in the research discussions of nanofluid flow in channels with small diameters under the effect of different temperature distributions.
The Exchange-Correlation Field Effect over the Magnetoacoustic-Gravitational Instability in Plasmas
Authors: Rasheed A. , Jamil M. , Jung Young-Dae , Sahar A. , Asif M.
Published: September 2017

Jeans instability with magnetosonic perturbations is discussed in quantum dusty magnetoplasmas. The quantum and smaller thermal effects are associated only with electrons. The quantum characteristics include exchange-correlation potential, recoil effect, and Fermi degenerate pressure. The multifluid model of plasmas is used for the analytical study of this problem. The significant contribution of electron exchange is noticed on the threshold value of wave vector and Jeans instability. The presence of electron exchange and correlation effects reduce the time to stabilise the phenomenon of self-gravitational collapse of massive species. The results of Jeans instability by magnetosonic perturbations at quantum scale help to disclose the details of the self-gravitating dusty magnetoplasma systems.
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Restricts Small Dye Iontophoresis Entry into Central Neurons
Authors: Kennedy Tyler , Broadie Kendal
Published: September 2017

Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) loss causes Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a major disorder characterized by autism, intellectual disability, hyperactivity, and seizures. FMRP is both an RNA- and channel-binding regulator, with critical roles in neural circuit formation and function. However, it remains unclear how these FMRP activities relate to each other and how dysfunction in their absence underlies FXS neurological symptoms. In testing circuit level defects in theDrosophilaFXS model, we discovered a completely unexpected and highly robust neuronal dye iontophoresis phenotype in the well mapped giant fiber (GF) circuit. Controlled dye injection into the GF interneuron results in a dramatic increase in dye uptake in neurons lacking FMRP. Transgenic wild-type FMRP reintroduction rescues the mutant defect, demonstrating a specific FMRP requirement. This phenotype affects only small dyes, but is independent of dye charge polarity. Surprisingly, the elevated dye iontophoresis persists inshaking Bmutants that eliminate gap junctions and dye coupling among GF circuit neurons. We therefore used a wide range of manipulations to investigate the dye uptake defect, including timed injection series, pharmacology and ion replacement, and optogenetic activity studies. The results show that FMRP strongly limits the rate of dye entry via a cytosolic mechanism. This study reveals an unexpected new phenotype in a physical property of central neurons lacking FMRP that could underlie aspects of FXS disruption of neural function.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTFXS is a leading heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Although researchers established the causal link with FMRP loss >;25 years ago, studies continue to reveal diverse FMRP functions. TheDrosophilaFXS model is key to discovering new FMRP roles, because of its genetic malleability and individually identified neuron maps. Taking advantage of a well characterizedDrosophilaneural circuit, we discovered that neurons lacking FMRP take up dramatically more current-injected small dye. After examining many neuronal properties, we determined that this dye defect is cytoplasmic and occurs due to a highly elevated dye iontophoresis rate. We also report several new factors affecting neuron dye uptake. Understanding how FMRP regulates iontophoresis should reveal new molecular factors underpinning FXS dysfunction.
Uterine flushings from women treated with levonorgestrel affect sperm functionality in vitro
Authors: Chirinos Mayel , Durand Marta , González-González María Elena , Hernández-Silva Gabriela , Maldonado-Rosas Israel , López Pablo , Larrea Fernando
Published: September 2017

Levonorgestrel (LNG), a synthetic 19 nor-testosterone derivative, is widely used for emergency contraception. It is well known that LNG prevents ovulation only when given prior to the surge of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) during the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. This observation suggests that LNG, given its contraceptive efficacy, has additional effects other than those affecting ovulation. In this study, we have evaluated the effects on human sperm functionality of uterine flushings (UF) obtained from women at day LH + 1 of a control cycle (CTR-LH + 1) and after receiving LNG (LNG-LH + 1) two days before the surge of LH. Human sperm from normozoospermic donors were incubated with UF and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, sperm motility, acrosome reaction as well as zona pellucida (ZP) binding capacity were assessed. A significant decrease in total motility and tyrosine phosphorylation accompanied by an increase on spontaneous acrosome reaction was observed when sperm were incubated in the presence of LNG-LH + 1. None of these effects were mimicked by purified glycodelin A (GdA). Moreover, the addition of UF obtained during the periovulatory phase from LNG-treated women or the presence of purified GdA significantly decreased sperm-ZP binding. The data were compatible with changes affecting sperm capacitation, motility and interaction with the ZP. These results may offer evidence on additional mechanisms of action of LNG as an emergency contraceptive.
Interferon-tau and fertility in ruminants
Authors: Forde N , Lonergan P
Published: September 2017

Establishment of pregnancy in domestic ruminants includes pregnancy recognition signalling by the conceptus, implantation and placentation. Despite the high fertilisation success rate in ruminants, a significant amount of embryo loss occurs, primarily during early gestation. Interferon-tau (IFNT), a type I interferon that is exclusively secreted by the cells of the trophectoderm of the ruminant conceptus, has been recognised as the primary agent for maternal recognition of pregnancy in ruminants. It produces its antiluteolytic effect on the corpus luteum by inhibiting the expression of oxytocin receptors in the uterine epithelial cells, which prevents pulsatile, luteolytic secretion of prostaglandin F2α by the uterine endometrium. While the importance of IFNT in maternal recognition of pregnancy and prevention of luteolysis in ruminants is unequivocal, important questions, for example, relating to the threshold level of IFNT required for pregnancy maintenance, remain unanswered. This paper reviews data linking IFNT with measures of fertility in ruminants.
Machine Learning Analysis IdentifiesDrosophila Grunge/Atrophinas an Important Learning and Memory Gene Required for Memory Retention and Social Learning
Authors: Kacsoh Balint Z , Greene Casey S , Bosco Giovanni
Published: September 2017

High-throughput experiments are becoming increasingly common, and scientists must balance hypothesis-driven experiments with genome-wide data acquisition. We sought to predict novel genes involved in Drosophila learning and long-term memory from existing public high-throughput data. We performed an analysis using PILGRM, which analyzes public gene expression compendia using machine learning. We evaluated the top prediction alongside genes involved in learning and memory in IMP, an interface for functional relationship networks. We identified Grunge/Atrophin (Gug/Atro), a transcriptional repressor, histone deacetylase, as our top candidate. We find, through multiple, distinct assays, that Gug has an active role as a modulator of memory retention in the fly and its function is required in the adult mushroom body. Depletion of Gug specifically in neurons of the adult mushroom body, after cell division and neuronal development is complete, suggests that Gug function is important for memory retention through regulation of neuronal activity, and not by altering neurodevelopment. Our study provides a previously uncharacterized role for Gug as a possible regulator of neuronal plasticity at the interface of memory retention and memory extinction.
Transplantation of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat liver cirrhosis in mice: a comparison of tail and portal vein injection
Authors: Le Trinh Van , Nguyen Nam Hai , Do Huy Quang , Le Huy Minh , Truong Nhung Hai
Published: September 2017

Introduction: To date, there have been many studies indicating the positive effects of stem cells on treating liver cirrhosis. In this study, we used umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) for treatment in a mouse model of liver cirrhosis. Specifically, we determined and compared the effectiveness of two methods of MSC injection (tail vein versus portal vein).

Methods: Liver cirrhosis in male Swiss mice (of age approximately 11 weeks or under) was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4; 1 ml/kg). One million UCB-MSCs were then transplanted into cirrhotic mice via the portal vein or tail vein. After 21 days, blood samples were collected for measurement of transaminase, bilirubin and albumin. The expression of fibrosis-associated genes, specifically procollagen – alpha 1 and integrin – beta1, were assessed using quantitative RT-PCR. The histopathology of the specimens was also evaluated using hematoxylin/eosin, Masson trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry using collagen type 1 and alpha-SMA antibodies.

Results: After 21 days, cirrhotic mice treated with UCB-MSCs showed recovery of bilirubin index, increase of liver albumin synthesis, inhibition of fibrosis-related gene expression (e.g. procollagen – alpha 1 and integrin – beta1), and remodeling of liver histology. From comparison of the different routes of transplantation, UCB-portal route was significantly more effective than UCB-tail route at reducing aspartate transaminase (AST) activity and bilirubin index (P<0.05), and inhibiting procollagen – alpha 1 and integrin – beta1 expression (P<0.05). UCB-MSCs from both transfusion routes showed accelerated improvement of liver histopathology.

Conclusion: Therapeutic strategies using UCB-MSCs have proven to be promising for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Injection of UCB-MSC via portal vein was more effective than tail vein for cirrhosis treatment.

 

Peer Review Details

Peer review method: Single-Blind (Peer-reviewers: 02) Peer-review policy

Plagiarism software screening?: Yes

Date of Original Submission: 17 August 2017

Date accepted: 30 August 2017

Peer reviewers approved by: Dr. Lili Hami

Editor who approved publication: Dr. Phuc Van Pham
Profile of the \(^{12}\)CO(3-2) Emission Line Detected From the Debris Disc of 49 Ceti
Authors: Tuyet Nhung Pham Thi , Anh Pham Tuan , Hoai Do Thi , Diep Pham Ngoc , Phuong Nguyen Thi , Thao Nguyen Thi , Dariulat Pierre
Published: September 2017

The CO(3-2) emission of the debris disc of the young A star 49 Ceti, known to be particularly gas rich, has been recently detected and measured using the ALMA interferometer. We study the observed line profile and comment on each of the possible contributions to its width. Line broadening is found to be dominated by Keplerian shear and an upper limit of 0.8 kms FWHM is placed on other possible contributions,including temperature, confirming the quietness of the gas contained in the disc and disfavouring models that would require relatively violent events to generate secondary gas.
Structural and optical properties of SrTiO3 nano material obtained by sol-gel method
Authors: Phuong Doan Thi Thuy , Huy Nguyen Xuan , Oanh Le Thi Mai , Bich Do Danh , Chau Trieu Thi Minh
Published: September 2017

SrTiO3 nano particles were prepared by sol-gel process in order to optimize the temperature condition to obtain good quality material for different applications. The thermal treating condition was selected out through XRD, FTIR and Raman analysis of the synthesized power. The structural and optical property of the powder were studied carefully with XRD, SEM, FTIR, Raman and UV-Vis measurement. At optimized annealing temperature (from 900 oC to 1000 oC), the synthesized STO nano particles have good structure. The shape, size and optical band gap of obtained material are suitable for further applications.
Synthesis and Optical Characterization of Building-Block Plasmonic Gold Nanostructures
Authors: Nguyen Oanh Thi Tu , Le Chi Ha , Pham Long Duy , Nguyen Hieu Sy , Hoang Chung Vu
Published: September 2017

Plasmonics, the field involves manipulating light at the nanoscale, has been being an emergent research field worldwide. Synthesizing the plasmonic gold nanostructures with controlled morphology and desired optical properties is of special importance towards specific applications in the field. Here, we report the chemical synthesis and the optical properties of various plasmonic Au nanostructures, namely Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), Au nanorods (AuNRs) and random Au nano-islands (AuNI) that are the building blocks for plasmonic research. The results show that the AuNPs exhibited a single plasmonic resonance, the AuNRs displayed two identical and separated modes of the resonance, and the random Au nano-islands presented a very broad resonance. Specifically, tailoring the anisotropy of the Au nanorods enabled extending their resonant frequencies from the visible to the near infrared ones, which is in accordance with the finite different time domain simulations.