bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Visfatin Levels Estimated in Overweight Individuals
Authors: Kabir Fahmida , Haque Shiekh Anisul , Haque KMG
Published: December 2018

Background: Visfatin is a novel adipocytokine predominantly secreted from visceral fat and its blood shows insulin-mimetic effects which correlate with overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and inflammation. Overweight is an important component of metabolic syndrome. However, the relationship between visfatin levels and overweight is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of serum visfatin levels in overweight and apparently healthy subjects.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional comparative study includes 50 overweight subjects who had no disease conditions and 42 controls. Anthropometric measurements included Height (HT), body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC) and hip circumferences (HC) were performed by using standard methods. Serum visfatin levels were analyzed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Biochemical parameters estimated by ELISA and standard methods where fasting serum visfatin, fasting serum insulin and fasting plasma glucose, serum triglycerideg (TG), serum cholesterol (CHOL) levels and lipid profiles were evaluated. All data were presented as Mean (M) and Standard Deviation (±SD) and results were compared with students t-test and correlation coefficient. The values were considered significant at 0.05 level of significance.Results: BMI, WC, HC and %BFM were significantly higher in overweight subjects compaired to controls. Serum visfatin (ng/ml) value in overweight subjects also was observed significantly higher compared to the controls.Conclusion: A significant corelation of plasma visfatin levels was observed with anthropometric parameters whereas no significant relationship observed with any of the biochemical parametres either the study subjects or controls. This study shows correlation between serum visfatin and overweight subjects. Future studies with large population possibly will explore and explain the role and relationship of serum visfatin with overweight, T2DM and others diseases as related to visfatin.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 9, No. 2: Jul 2018, P 91-95
Ejection Fraction <35% - Anaesthetic Experience of 236 Cases: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shaheen Md Shafiul Alam , Sardar Kawsar , Chowdhury AKM Nurnobi , Rahman Md Mushfiqur , Alam Md Noor A , Ahmed Raju , Uddin Md Jashim
Published: December 2018

Background: EF is an important measurement in determining how well the heart is pumping out blood and in diagnosing as well as tracking the heart failure (HF). Normal EF varies at 55% to 70%, while EF 40% to 55% may indicate damage perhaps from previous heart attack, but may not indicate HF. However, measurement under 40% may show evidence of HF or cardiomyopathy and patient with EF< 35% may be at the risk of life threatening irregular heartbeats. Such patients are considered to be at high risk for anaesthesia as life threatening irregular heartbeats lead to sudden cardiac arrest and sudden death.Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out the characteristics of patients, identifying of the risk factors, better understanding of pathophysiology, pre-operative optimization of the patients, uses of stable drugs & anesthetic techniques, reduces intraoperative or early postoperative complications & perioperative morbidity, mortality.Methods: In this retrospective study we described our experiences of 236 cases of very low ejection fraction (20% - 35%) from 1st July 2014 - 30th June 2017. We reviewed their medical history and noted age, sex, type of operation & anesthesia, pattern of operation either elective or emergency, preoperative investigation and preparation, as well as details of anaesthetic management, were also recorded.Results: General anaesthesia was performed in 176 (74.58%) cases and rest of 60(25.42%) cases were regional where spinal 42(17.80%) cases & epidural 18(7.62%) cases. The age of the patients were in the range of 20 to 70 years, with majority of the patients were in 60 to 69 years age group. The majority of the patients about 46.19% were in LVEF 26 - 30% group, 36.01% patients were in 31 - 35% group and rest of 17.80% patients were in 20 - 25% group. Average duration of operation incase of general anesthesia 66.5(±2.28SD) min and incase of regional 44.2(±3.25SD) min. The mortality rate only 1.27%.Conclusions: Preoperative patient optimization, intraoperative haemodynamic stability and postoperative care have contributed to the success of very low ejection fraction patients in our hospital.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 9, No. 2: Jul 2018, P 114-120
Comparative Study of Oral Clonidine Versus Gabapentin as Premedication for Anxiolysis, Sedation and Attenuation of Pressor Response to Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Sazzad , Rashid Mohammad Mamunur , Islam Syed Ariful , Babu Md Anisur Rahman , Saha Devashis , Islam Nadia , Islam Md Sirajul , Chowdhury M Alamgir
Published: December 2018

Background and Aims: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind and controlled trial to compare the effects of oral clonidine and gabapentin as premedication in obtunding hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation in normotensive patients undergoing elective surgery. We also compared the preoperative anxiety and sedation status between these two drugs.Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, aged 20 -50 years of either sex enrolled in the study were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each. Group A patients received oral clonidine 200 mcg and Group B patients received oral gabapentin 900 mg, 90 minutes prior to induction of anesthesia. The heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were observed and recorded pre and post endotracheal intubation. Anxiety and sedation score were noted after 60 minutes of oral administration of drug as well as before induction of anesthesia.Results: Both groups were matched for age, sex, weight and intubation time. Anxiety score and sedation score before induction were significantly better in clonidine group as compared with gabapentin group. Also oral clonidine attenuated the increase in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure better than oral gabapentin (p<0.05).Conclusion: Oral clonidine provided good attenuation of hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation as compared with oral gabapentin. Also clonidine is better agent as anxiolytic and sedative than gabapentin.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 9, No. 2: Jul 2018, P 131-136
From the Desk of Editor in Chief Vol.9(2)
Authors: Rahman Md Tahminur
Published: December 2018

Abstract not availableAnwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 9, No. 2: Jul 2018, P 158
Uppgifter som medierande artefakter inom yrkeslärarutbildningen
Authors: Lagercrantz All Katarina , Pettersson Jan , Teräs Marianne
Published: December 2018

Vocational teacher students accomplish a number of different assignments, which are meaningful for their learning and future work as vocational teachers. In Sweden, this education is relatively short (90 ECTS), partly conducted as distance education. The students enter the education with previous vocational knowledge and experiences. The aim of this study was to explore and describe assignments the students face during their vocational teacher education. The study questions focused on what is a form of assignment as mediating artefact and what kind of vocational knowledge is required? Conceptual background involved the concepts of mediation, artefact, vocational knowledge and knowledge culture. The data consisted of 13 course overviews. The results suggested dominance of individual written assignments. Even though some assignments were identified as ‘doings’ like teaching. The assignments were complex involving several vocational knowledge dimensions and the students needed to navigate between different knowledge domains. Furthermore, the students were asked to integrate their previous vocational knowledge with pedagogical knowledge. The assignments as mediating artefacts were connected to different knowledge cultures.
Gender Leadership and Excellence: The Case of Higher Education in Lebanon
Authors: Haidar Noha Hamie
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to explore the employment status of women in the higher educational sector and to uphold women’s productivity and commitment in executive positions of responsibility. Management tended to show preferential treatment for men in top management positions; hence, women were less engaged in the decision-making process. Women possess the potential to be transformative leaders in higher education institutions (HEI). The research purpose of this study was to speculate that some Lebanese educational institutions still practice discrimination and prefer men over women in executive positions, as well as to show that excellence in educational institutions is linked to women being in these executive positions. Currently, the higher education sector in Lebanon is under development as numerous educational developments are being implemented. The problem is that a peculiar attitude toward women in the HEI sector and specifically in top management positions still exists. In this study, the author explored women’s engagement at the top levels of higher education management and found that only 15 out of 65 Dean’s positions were filled by women and aimed to discover the factors behind the misrepresentation of women within the higher education system in Lebanon. In addition, the study found a positive relationship between the presence of women and the performance of HEIs. In this study, I aimed to focus on women’s engagement at the top management level and to emphasize the advantages of their skills and expertise, as well as to enhance the presence of women. The findings were significant and clear: There was misrepresentation, bias and stereotyping in HEIs. A clear strategic plan is needed to engage women in the decision-making process along with a well-designed incentive plan to achieve the required purpose. The aim of this study was to highlight this matter and to accentuate the benefit of women’s leadership roles in higher education in Lebanon. A qualitative strategy was used: Primary information was obtained from interviews with 12 chairpersons at six different schools. Data were gathered and analyzed to provide insightful results and recommendations.
Nutritional Supplements Fortified with Oils from Canola, Flaxseed, Safflower and Rice Bran Improve Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Australian Prime Lambs
Authors: Le Hung , Nguyen Quang , Nguyen Don , Malau-Aduli Bunmi , Nichols Peter , Malau-Aduli Aduli
Published: December 2018

This study investigated live animal performance and carcass characteristics of Australian prime lambs fed oil based polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched pellets in a feedlot system. The tested hypothesis was that supplementation of lambs with a variety of dietary oil based PUFA enriched pellets would enhance growth and carcass characteristics compared with the control lambs fed only with lucerne hay. Seventy-two, 6 months old White Suffolk x Corriedale first-cross prime lambs with an average liveweight (LWT) of 35.7 ± 0.9 kg were allocated to six treatment groups in a completely randomised experimental design. The treatments were: (1) control: lucerne hay only; or lucerne hay plus wheat-based pellets infused with 50 mL/kg dry matter (DM) of oils from (2) rice bran (RBO); (3) canola (CO); (4) rumen protected (RPO); (5) flaxseed (FO) and (6) safflower (SO) dietary sources. All lambs had ad libitum access to lucerne hay and clean fresh water. Supplemented lambs were fed 1 kg of pellet/head/day for 10 weeks. Feed intake, final LWT, average daily gain (ADG), body conformation and carcass characteristics of lambs in the supplemented groups were all greater than for the control group. SO lambs had the lowest ADG of 190.3 g/day. RBO and CO treatments had the lowest feed cost per unit gain of AU$3.0/kg. Supplemented lambs had similar over the hooks (OTH) incomes that were all higher than that of the control group. This empirical evidence-based data demonstrated that supplementation of lambs with RBO and CO had comparatively lower feed costs without compromising ADG, carcass characteristics and OTH income.
Involvement of Glutaredoxin and Thioredoxin Systems in the Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosis between Legumes and Rhizobia
Authors: Alloing Geneviève , Mandon Karine , Boncompagni Eric , Montrichard Françoise , Frendo Pierre
Published: December 2018

Leguminous plants can form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, during which plants provide bacteria with carbohydrates and an environment appropriate to their metabolism, in return for fixed atmospheric nitrogen. The symbiotic interaction leads to the formation of a new organ, the root nodule, where a coordinated differentiation of plant cells and bacteria occurs. The establishment and functioning of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis involves a redox control important for both the plant-bacteria crosstalk and the regulation of nodule metabolism. In this review, we discuss the involvement of thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems in the two symbiotic partners during symbiosis. The crucial role of glutathione in redox balance and S-metabolism is presented. We also highlight the specific role of some thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems in bacterial differentiation. Transcriptomics data concerning genes encoding components and targets of thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems in connection with the developmental step of the nodule are also considered in the model system Medicago truncatula–Sinorhizobium meliloti.
Mediterranean Green Roof Simulation in Caldes de Montbui (Barcelona): Thermal and Hydrological Performance Test of Frankenia laevis L., Dymondia margaretae Compton and Iris lutescens Lam
Authors: Vestrella Antonio , Biel Carmen , Savè Robert , Bartoli Flavia
Published: December 2018

Green roofs provide a number of environmental advantages like increasing urban biodiversity, reducing pollution, easing burdens on drainage systems, and lowering energy costs thanks to thermal insulation. Frankenia laevis, Dymondia margaretae and Iris lutescens were tested in a green roof installation. For all three species, we assessed two minimal irrigation treatments and one rain-fed treatment to resemble Mediterranean climate conditions analyzing the thermal and hydrological performance of all three species and their substrates through an evaluation of green cover, mortality, and biomass. The most influential factors registered for all three species are the relationship between air and water in the substrate and the interaction between green cover and substrate, respectively, for summer and winter seasons. In particular, D. margaretae preserved more water in its substrate than the other species both in summer and winter and after each rainfall event. F. laevis registered the highest level of variation in terms of substrate water content and of rainwater retention. I. lutescens achieved low hydrological performance, a limited amount of green cover, and slow growth. Our results suggest the absolute need of additional irrigation, managed in accordance with specific functional objectives, for all three species analyzed under Mediterranean conditions and different water regime.
Highly Dispersed Mn–Ce Binary Metal Oxides Supported on Carbon Nanofibers for Hg0 Removal from Coal-Fired Flue Gas
Authors: Xia Yongjun , Liao Zhiqiang , Zheng Yan , Zhou Zijian
Published: December 2018

Highly dispersed Mn–Ce binary metal oxides supported on carbon nanofibers (MnOx–CeO2/CNFs(OX)) were prepared for Hg0 removal from coal-fired flue gas. The loading value of the well-dispersed MnOx–CeO2 was much higher than those of many other reported supports, indicating that more active sites were loaded on the carbon nanofibers. In the present study, 30 wt % metal oxides (15 wt % MnOx and 15 wt % CeO2) were successfully deposited on the carbon nanofibers, and the sorbent yielded the highest Hg0 removal efficiency (>90%) within 120–220 °C under a N2/O2 atmosphere. An increase in the amount of highly dispersed metal oxides provided abundant active species for efficient Hg0 removal, such as active oxygen species and Mn4+ cations. Meanwhile, the carbon nanofiber framework provides the pathway for charge transfer during the heterogeneous Hg0 capture reaction processes. Under a N2+6%O2 atmosphere, a majority of Hg0 was removed via chemisorption reactions. The effects of flue gas composition were also investigated. O2 replenished the active oxygen species on the surface and thus greatly promoted the Hg0 removal efficiency. SO2 had an inhibitory effect on Hg0 removal, but NO facilitated Hg0 capture performance. Overall, carbon nanofibers seems to be a good candidate for the support and MnOx–CeO2/CNFs(OX) may be promising for Hg0 removal from coal-fired flue gas.
Attosecond Pulse Shaping by Multilayer Mirrors
Authors: Guggenmos Alexander , Cui Yang , Heinrich Stephan , Kleineberg Ulf
Published: December 2018

The emerging research field of attosecond science allows for the temporal investigation of one of the fastest dynamics in nature: electron dynamics in matter. These dynamics are responsible for chemical and biological processes, and the ability to understand and control them opens a new door of fundamental science, with the possibility to influence all lives if medical issues can thereby be addressed. Multilayer optics are key elements in attosecond experiments; they are used to tailor attosecond pulses with well-defined characteristics to facilitate detailed and accurate insight into processes, e.g., photoemission, Auger decay, or (core-) excitons. Based on the investigations and research efforts from the past several years, multilayer mirrors today are routinely used optical elements in attosecond beamlines. As a consequence, the generation of ultrashort pulses, combined with their dispersion control, has proceeded from the femtosecond range in the visible/infrared spectra to the attosecond range, covering the extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray photon range up to the water window. This article reviews our work on multilayer optics over the past several years, as well as the impact from other research groups, to reflect on the scientific background of their nowadays routine use in attosecond physics.
Natural Wolframite Used as Cathode Photocatalyst for Improving the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Shi Junxian , Lu Anhuai , Chu Haibin , Wu Hongyu , Ding Hongrui
Published: December 2018

Developing simple and cheap electrocatalysts or photocatalysts for cathodes to increase the oxygen reduction process is a key factor for better utilization of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Here, we report the investigation of natural wolframite employed as a low-cost cathode photocatalyst to improve the performance of MFCs. The semiconducting wolframite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The band gap and photo respond activities were determined by UV-vis spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), respectively. Compared with the normal graphite cathode, when MFCs were equipped with a wolframite-coated cathode, the maximum power density was increased from 41.47 mW·m−2 to 95.51 mW·m−2. Notably, the maximum power density further improved to 135.57 mW·m−2 under light irradiation, which was 2.4 times higher than with a graphite cathode. Our research demonstrated that natural wolframite, a low-cost and abundant natural semiconducting mineral, showed promise as an effective photocathode catalyst which has great potential applications related to utilizing natural minerals in MFCs and for environmental remediation by MFCs in the future.
CFD Investigation of a High Head Francis Turbine at Speed No-Load Using Advanced URANS Models
Authors: Decaix Jean , Hasmatuchi Vlad , Titzschkau Maximilian , Münch-Alligné Cécile
Published: December 2018

Due to the integration of new renewable energies, the electrical grid undergoes instabilities. Hydroelectric power plants are key players for grid control thanks to pumped storage power plants. However, this objective requires extending the operating range of the machines and increasing the number of start-up, stand-by, and shut-down procedures, which reduces the lifespan of the machines. CFD based on standard URANS turbulence modeling is currently able to predict accurately the performances of the hydraulic turbines for operating points close to the Best Efficiency Point (BEP). However, far from the BEP, the standard URANS approach is less efficient to capture the dynamics of 3D flows. The current study focuses on a hydraulic turbine, which has been investigated at the BEP and at the Speed-No-Load (SNL) operating conditions. Several “advanced” URANS models such as the Scale-Adaptive Simulation (SAS) SST k − ω and the BSL- EARSM have been considered and compared with the SST k − ω model. The main conclusion of this study is that, at the SNL operating condition, the prediction of the topology and the dynamics of the flow on the suction side of the runner blade channels close to the trailing edge are influenced by the turbulence model.
Detection of Osteoporosis from Percussion Responses Using an Electronic Stethoscope and Machine Learning
Authors: Scanlan Jamie , Li Francis F. , Umnova Olga , Rakoczy Gyorgy , Lövey Nóra , Scanlan Pascal
Published: December 2018

Osteoporosis is an asymptomatic bone condition that affects a large proportion of the elderly population around the world, resulting in increased bone fragility and increased risk of fracture. Previous studies had shown that the vibroacoustic response of bone can indicate the quality of the bone condition. Therefore, the aim of the authors’ project is to develop a new method to exploit this phenomenon to improve detection of osteoporosis in individuals. In this paper a method is described that uses a reflex hammer to exert testing stimuli on a patient’s tibia and an electronic stethoscope to acquire the impulse responses. The signals are processed as mel frequency cepstrum coefficients and passed through an artificial neural network to determine the likelihood of osteoporosis from the tibia’s impulse responses. Following some discussions of the mechanism and procedure, this paper details the signal acquisition using the stethoscope and the subsequent signal processing and the statistical machine learning algorithm. Pilot testing with 12 patients achieved over 80% sensitivity with a false positive rate below 30% and accuracies in the region of 70%. An extended dataset of 110 patients achieved an error rate of 30% with some room for improvement in the algorithm. By using common clinical apparatus and strategic machine learning, this method might be suitable as a large population screening test for the early diagnosis of osteoporosis, thus avoiding secondary complications.
Triptolide Decreases Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Death in Triple Negative MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Varghese Elizabeth , Samuel Samson Mathews , Varghese Sharon , Cheema Sohaila , Mamtani Ravinder , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: December 2018

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) do not respond to conventional estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor/human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 targeted interventions due to the absence of the respective receptor targets. They are aggressive, exhibit early recurrence, metastasize, are more invasive in nature, and develop drug resistance. Some plant-derived substances have been screened and have gained attention as efficient anticancer drugs for TNBCs with few adverse effects. Here, we evaluate triptolide (concentrations in the range of 100 pM to 10 µM), a di-terpene tri-epoxide isolated from thunder god vine for its efficacy as anticancer drug in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) (MTS) assay and trypan blue exclusion assay, respectively. A flow cytometry-based apoptosis assay was performed by using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated annexin V and propidium iodide (PI). Western blotting was performed to determine the levels of apoptotic and autophagy proteins such as caspase 3, LC3B and SQSTM1/p62. Results indicate that in 72 h of 1 nM triptolide treatment, the percentage of cell proliferation in MDA-MB-231 cells declined to 49 ± 18.9% (mean ± standard deviation (SD)), whereas the proliferation rate did not drop below 80% in MCF-7 cells (non-TNBC cells which express the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) even at the highest concentration tested (10 µM). The MDA-MB-468 cells showed a similar trend to MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, triptolide treatment for 72 h significantly decreased cell viability at concentrations above 10 nM. Apoptotic cell death assay in 72 h triptolide-treated MDA-MB-231 cells revealed 29.3 ± 10.57% of early apoptotic cells in comparison to the control group (4.61 ± 2.24%). Cell cycle analysis indicated accumulation of cells in sub G0/G1 phase, indicating apoptosis. Western blot analysis in the 25 nM triptolide treatment group revealed induction of autophagy as shown by a significant decrease in the levels of autophagy marker p62 (by 0.2-fold p < 0.0001) and with an increase in the levels of LC3B-II (by 8-fold p < 0.05). An increase in the levels of the apoptotic marker cleaved caspase 3 (by 4-fold p < 0.05) was also observed in triptolide treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Our data shows that triptolide could be an efficient anticancer agent in the treatment of TNBCs.
Clinical Development of Targeted Fragile X Syndrome Treatments: An Industry Perspective
Authors: Lee Anna W. , Ventola Pamela , Budimirovic Dejan , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Visootsak Jeannie
Published: December 2018

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading known cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. It is caused by a mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene, resulting in a deficit of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). The clinical presentation of FXS is variable, and is typically associated with developmental delays, intellectual disability, a wide range of behavioral issues, and certain identifying physical features. Over the past 25 years, researchers have worked to understand the complex relationship between FMRP deficiency and the symptoms of FXS and, in the process, have identified several potential targeted therapeutics, some of which have been tested in clinical trials. Whereas most of the basic research to date has been led by experts at academic institutions, the pharmaceutical industry is becoming increasingly involved with not only the scientific community, but also with patient advocacy organizations, as more promising pharmacological agents are moving into the clinical stages of development. The objective of this review is to provide an industry perspective on the ongoing development of mechanism-based treatments for FXS, including identification of challenges and recommendations for future clinical trials.
Retrieval-Induced Forgetting in a Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Epilepsy Model in the Rat
Authors: Almahozi Ahmad , Alsaaid Maan , Bin Jabal Saeed , Kamal Amer
Published: December 2018

The selective retrieval of some information may lead to the forgetting of related, but non-retrieved information. This memory phenomenon is termed retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF). Active inhibition is thought to function to resolve interference from competing information during retrieval, which results in forgetting. Epilepsy is associated with impaired inhibitory control that contributes to executive dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether rats in a kindling model of epilepsy demonstrate normal levels of RIF. Rats were divided into two groups: saline and kindling. Pentylenetetrazole was injected intraperitoneally until the rats kindled. RIF was tested using a modified version of the spontaneous object recognition test, consisting of a sample phase, retrieval or interference phase, and a test phase. Exploration time for each object was analyzed. RIF was demonstrated in the saline group when rats subjected to the retrieval phase failed to discriminate between the familiar object and the novel object later in the test phase. Kindled rats, on the other hand, did not suffer forgetting even when they were subjected to the retrieval phase, as they spent significantly longer times exploring the novel rather than the familiar object in the test phase. Therefore, RIF was not observed in the kindling group. These findings indicate impaired retrieval-induced forgetting in kindled rats, which may be suggestive of a deficit in the inhibitory control of memory.
A Simplified Approach for the Annual and Spatial Evaluation of the Comfort Classes of Daylight Glare Using Vertical Illuminances
Authors: Giovannini Luigi , Favoino Fabio , Lo Verso Valerio R. M. , Pellegrino Anna , Serra Valentina
Published: December 2018

A simplified approach to calculate the daylight glare comfort class (imperceptible, perceptible, disturbing, or intolerable glare) on annual basis and for a grid of points in a space is presented. This method relies on the calculation of the vertical illuminance (Ev) for each grid point only, which is compared to an Ev threshold value for each daylight glare comfort class. These Ev threshold values are determined through a comparison with the Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) values on an annual basis through a fault-detection technique, for a reduced number of points. Compared to an annual calculation of exact DGP values on a certain grid, this approach is able to evaluate the daylight glare comfort classes only, but it is less time consuming. The paper presents and critically discusses this simplified method by means of its application to different case-studies: south and west oriented office in Turin (Lat 45.1° N), in which the DGP is assessed for three points in the space, considering glazing with different transmission properties (specular or scattering) and visible transmittances, as well as three operable internal shading systems (one venetian blinds and two roller blinds, for solar or glare control). For the presented case studies, the average error in the classification of the space according to daylight glare comfort classes is below 5% when comparing this simplified approach to related DGP values.
Obatoclax and Paclitaxel Synergistically Induce Apoptosis and Overcome Paclitaxel Resistance in Urothelial Cancer Cells
Authors: Jiménez-Guerrero Rocío , Gasca Jessica , Flores M. Luz , Pérez-Valderrama Begoña , Tejera-Parrado Cristina , Medina Rafael , Tortolero María , Romero Francisco , Japón Miguel A. , Sáez Carmen
Published: December 2018

Paclitaxel is a treatment option for advanced or metastatic bladder cancer after the failure of first-line cisplatin and gemcitabine, although resistance limits its clinical benefits. Mcl-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein that promotes resistance to paclitaxel in different tumors. Obatoclax, a BH3 mimetic of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, antagonizes Mcl-1 and hence may reverse paclitaxel resistance in Mcl-1-overexpressing tumors. In this study, paclitaxel-sensitive 5637 and -resistant HT1197 bladder cancer cells were treated with paclitaxel, obatoclax, or combinations of both. Apoptosis, cell cycle, and autophagy were measured by Western blot, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, Mcl-1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in bladder carcinoma tissues. Our results confirmed that paclitaxel alone induced Mcl-1 downregulation and apoptosis in 5637, but not in HT1197 cells; however, combinations of obatoclax and paclitaxel sensitized HT1197 cells to the treatment. In obatoclax-treated 5637 and obatoclax + paclitaxel-treated HT1197 cells, the blockade of the autophagic flux correlated with apoptosis and was associated with caspase-dependent cleavage of beclin-1. Obatoclax alone delayed the cell cycle in 5637, but not in HT1197 cells, whereas combinations of both retarded the cell cycle and reduced mitotic slippage. In conclusion, obatoclax sensitizes HT1197 cells to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis through the blockade of the autophagic flux and effects on the cell cycle. Furthermore, Mcl-1 is overexpressed in many invasive bladder carcinomas, and it is related to tumor progression, so Mcl-1 expression may be of predictive value in bladder cancer.
Immune Gene Signature Delineates a Subclass of Papillary Thyroid Cancer with Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Kim Kyuryung , Jeon Sora , Kim Tae-Min , Jung Chan
Published: December 2018

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) represents a heterogeneous disease with diverse clinical outcomes highlighting a need to identify robust biomarkers with clinical relevance. We applied non-negative matrix factorization-based deconvolution to publicly available gene expression profiles of thyroid cancers in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) consortium. Among three metagene signatures identified, two signatures were enriched in canonical BRAF-like and RAS-like thyroid cancers with up-regulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and cell adhesions, respectively. The third metagene signature representing up-regulation of immune-related genes further segregated BRAF-like and RAS-like PTCs into their respective subgroups of immunoreactive (IR) and immunodeficient (ID), respectively. BRAF-IR PTCs showed enrichment of tumor infiltrating immune cells, tall cell variant PTC, and shorter recurrence-free survival compared to BRAF-ID PTCs. RAS-IR and RAS-ID PTC subtypes included majority of normal thyroid tissues and follicular variant PTC, respectively. Immunopathological features of PTC subtypes such as immune cell fraction, repertoire of T cell receptors, cytolytic activity, and expression level of immune checkpoints such as and PD-L1 and CTLA-4 were consistently observed in two different cohorts. Taken together, an immune-related metagene signature can classify PTCs into four molecular subtypes, featuring the distinct histologic type, genetic and transcriptional alterations, and potential clinical significance.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Estriol Using Iron-Doped TiO2 under High and Low UV Irradiation
Authors: Ramírez-Sánchez Irwing M. , Bandala Erick R.
Published: December 2018

Iron-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (Fe-TiO2) were synthesized and photocatalitically investigated under high and low fluence values of UV radiation. The Fe-TiO2 physical characterization was performed using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS evidenced that the ferric ion (Fe3+) was in the TiO2 lattice and unintentionally added co-dopants were also present because of the precursors of the synthetic method. The Fe3+ concentration played a key role in the photocatalytic generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and estriol (E3) degradation. Fe-TiO2 accomplished E3 degradation, and it was found that the catalyst with 0.3 at.% content of Fe (0.3 Fe-TiO2) enhanced the photocatalytic activity under low UV irradiation compared with TiO2 without intentionally added Fe (zero-iron TiO2) and Aeroxide® TiO2 P25. Furthermore, the enhanced photocatalytic activity of 0.3 Fe-TiO2 under low UV irradiation may have applications when radiation intensity must be controlled, as in medical applications, or when strong UV absorbing species are present in water.
Microcystis aeruginosa Synergistically Facilitate the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride and Cr(VI) on PAN/TiO2/Ag Nanofiber Mats
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Changbo , Cheng Rong , Ali Jafar , Wang Zhenbo , Mailhot Gilles , Pan Gang
Published: December 2018

Cyanobacterial blooms can cause serious damage to aquatic ecosystems. However, we have demonstrated that typical algae-blooming species Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) combined with photocatalysts could synergistically facilitate the photodecontamination of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and Cr(VI). In this study, for the first time, harmful algae were successfully converted into photoreactive bionano hybrid materials by immobilizing M. aeruginosa cells onto polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-TiO2/Ag hybrid nanofibers, and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated. The addition of M. aeruginosa significantly improved the photodecontamination, and the reaction rate constant (k) values of TC and Cr(VI) degradation by M. aeruginosa-PAN/TiO2/Ag nanofiber mats were 2.4 and 1.5-fold higher than that of bare PAN/TiO2/Ag nanofiber. Photoreaction caused damage to algae cells, but no microcystin was found that had been photodegraded simultaneously. The effects of various active species were also investigated, and the photodegradation mechanism was proposed. Recycling tests revealed that this flexible M. aeruginosa-PAN/TiO2/Ag hybrid mat had potential application in the removal of mixed organic and inorganic pollutants with high efficiency and without secondary pollutants. Thus, harmful algae blooms could serve as an efficient materials to remove toxic pollutants in a sustainable way under visible light irradiation.
Differential Expression of HOX Genes in Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Osteoarthritic Patients Is Independent of Their Promoter Methylation
Authors: Mucientes Arkaitz , Herranz Eva , Moro Enrique , Lajas Cristina , Candelas Gloria , Fernández-Gutiérrez Benjamín , Lamas José Ramón
Published: December 2018

Skeletogenesis, remodeling, and maintenance in adult tissues are regulated by sequential activation of genes coding for specific transcription factors. The conserved Homeobox genes (HOX, in humans) are involved in several skeletal pathologies. Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by homeostatic alterations of cartilage and bone synthesis, resulting in cartilage destruction and increased bone formation. We postulate that alterations in HOX expression in Mesenchymal Stem cells (MSCs) are likely one of the causes explaining the homeostatic alterations in OA and that this altered expression could be the result of epigenetic regulation. The expression of HOX genes in osteoarthritic-derived MSCs was screened using PCR arrays. Epigenetic regulation of HOX was analyzed measuring the degree of DNA methylation in their promoters. We demonstrate the downregulated expression of HOXA9 and HOXC8 in OA-MSCs. However, their expression does not correlate with promoter methylation status, suggesting that other epigenetic mechanisms could be implicated in the regulation of HOX expression. Studies on the role of these genes under active differentiation conditions need to be addressed for a better knowledge of the mechanisms regulating the expression of HOX, to allow a better understanding of OA pathology and to define possible biomarkers for therapeutic treatment.
Exploring MicroRNA Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease from mRNA Expression Profiles
Authors: Taguchi Y-h. , Wang Hsiuying
Published: December 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by both motor and nonmotor features. The diagnose of PD is based on a review of patients’ signs and symptoms, and neurological and physical examinations. So far, no tests have been devised that can conclusively diagnose PD. In this study, we explore both microRNA and gene biomarkers for PD. Microarray gene expression profiles for PD patients and healthy control are analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA)-based unsupervised feature extraction (FE). 244 genes are selected to be potential gene biomarkers for PD. In addition, we implement these genes into Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and find that the 15 microRNAs (miRNAs), hsa-miR-92a-3p, 16-5p, 615-3p, 877-3p, 100-5p, 320a, 877-5p, 23a-3p, 484, 23b-3p, 15a-5p, 324-3p, 19b-3p, 7b-5p and 505-3p, significantly target these 244 genes. These miRNAs are shown to be significantly related to PD. This reveals that both selected genes and miRNAs are potential biomarkers for PD.
Carbon Nanostructures as a Multi-Functional Platform for Sensing Applications
Authors: Mendes Rafael Gregorio , Wróbel Paweł S. , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Sun Jingyu , Gemming Thomas , Liu Zhongfan , Rümmeli Mark Hermann
Published: December 2018

The various forms of carbon nanostructures are providing extraordinary new opportunities that can revolutionize the way gas sensors, electrochemical sensors and biosensors are engineered. The great potential of carbon nanostructures as a sensing platform is exciting due to their unique electrical and chemical properties, highly scalable, biocompatible and particularly interesting due to the almost infinite possibility of functionalization with a wide variety of inorganic nanostructured materials and biomolecules. This opens a whole new pallet of specificity into sensors that can be extremely sensitive, durable and that can be incorporated into the ongoing new generation of wearable technology. Within this context, carbon-based nanostructures are amongst the most promising structures to be incorporated in a multi-functional platform for sensing. The present review discusses the various 1D, 2D and 3D carbon nanostructure forms incorporated into different sensor types as well as the novel functionalization approaches that allow such multi-functionality.
Unravelling the Potential of Density Functional Theory through Integrated Computational Environments: Recent Applications of the Vienna Ab Initio Simulation Package in the MedeA® Software
Authors: Eyert Volker , Christensen Mikael , Wolf Walter , Reith David , Mavromaras Alexander , Freeman Clive , Wimmer Erich
Published: December 2018

The development of density functional theory and the tremendous increase of compute power in recent decades have created a framework for the incredible success of modern computational materials engineering (CME). CME has been widely adopted in the academic world and is now established as a standard tool for industrial applications. As theory and compute resources have developed, highly efficient computer codes to solve the basic equations have been implemented and successively integrated into comprehensive computational environments leading to unprecedented increases in productivity. The MedeA software of Materials Design combines a set of comprehensive productivity tools with leading computer codes such as the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP), LAMMPS, GIBBS and the UNiversal CLuster Expansion code (UNCLE), provides interoperability at different length and time scales. In the present review, technological applications including microelectronic materials, Li-ion batteries, disordered systems, high-throughput applications and transition-metal oxides for electronics applications are described in the context of the development of CME and with reference to the MedeA environment.
Thermal Properties and Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly (δ-Valerolactone) and Poly (δ-Valerolactone)/Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Saeed Waseem Sharaf , Al-Odayni Abdel-Basit , Alghamdi Abdulaziz Ali , Alrahlah Ali , Aouak Taieb
Published: December 2018

New poly (δ-valerolactone)/titanium dioxide (PDVL/TiO2) nanocomposites with different TiO2 nanoparticle loadings were prepared by the solvent-casting method and characterized by Fourier transform infra-red, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry analyses. The results obtained reveal good dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles in the polymer matrix and non-formation of new crystalline structures indicating the stability of the crystallinity of TiO2 in the composite. A significant increase in the degree of crystallinity was observed with increasing TiO2 content. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the PDVL/TiO2 system indicate that the crystallization process involves the simultaneous occurrence of two- and three-dimensional spherulitic growths. The thermal degradation analysis of this nanocomposite reveals a significant improvement in the thermal stability with increasing TiO2 loading.
An Exploration of Subjective-Life of Spirituality and Its Impact
Authors: Ogretici Yusuf Ziya
Published: December 2018

This paper contributes to the discussion on how morality may be uncertain when life orientation changes, for instance, from religious belief to spirituality. Accepting the ‘subjectivation’ thesis as a key concept in understanding the contemporary world, the spiritual realm is treated as a site on which the subjective turn has made a tremendous impact. That turn is investigated particularly in a comparison between “subjective-life” spirituality and “life-as” religion. Then, this paper asks what happens to morality when people’s religious belief disappears, changes, or evolves into spiritual experience. Educational practices are also viewed as a resonant field where the subjective turn has impacted on morality. The context of this paper refers to the subjective turn, as explained by The Spiritual Revolution: Why Religion is Giving Way to Spirituality. Then, the comparison of “life-as” and “subjective-life” is expressed according to their diverse values. Finally, the conclusion deals with the crucial points of morality in subjective life. In this regard, it is stressed that ‘subjectivation’ is a feature of our time, and presenting a remarkable challenge in the realm of values. Since their orientations are different, ‘subjective-lives’ have a different disposition in morality than the mode of “life-as”. Although it is impossible to generalize concerning whether or not spirituality is moral, nevertheless, it is expected that there will be challenges for religious education when dealing with spirituality.
Neural Spike Digital Detector on FPGA
Authors: Vallicelli Elia Arturo , Reato Marco , Maschietto Marta , Vassanelli Stefano , Guarrera Daniele , Rocchi Federico , Collazuol Gianmaria , Zeitler Ralf , Baschirotto Andrea , De Matteis Marcello
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a multidisciplinary experiment where a population of neurons, dissociated from rat hippocampi, has been cultivated over a CMOS-based micro-electrode array (MEA) and its electrical activity has been detected and mapped by an advanced spike-sorting algorithm implemented on FPGA. MEAs are characterized by low signal-to-noise ratios caused by both the contactless sensing of weak extracellular voltages and the high noise power coming from cells and analog electronics signal processing. This low SNR forces to utilize advanced noise rejection algorithms to separate relevant neural activity from noise, which are usually implemented via software/off-line. However, off-line detection of neural spikes cannot be obviously used for real-time electrical stimulation. In this scenario, this paper presents a proper FPGA-based system capable to detect in real-time neural spikes from background noise. The output signals of the proposed system provide real-time spatial and temporal information about the culture electrical activity and the noise power distribution with a minimum latency of 165 ns. The output bit-stream can be further utilized to detect synchronous activity within the neural network.