bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of viral infection transmission in dental practice
Authors: Latkovic Marina
Published: December 2014

The risk of transmission of viral infections in dentistry has caused great
public fear both among patients and dentists. This is primarily related to
the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis viruses (HBV and HCV),
which can cause many complications. This problem is particularly important in
dental practice where the appropriate protection during all dental procedures
is required. The application of preventive measures against blood-borne
infections (HIV, HBV and HCV) may prevent transmission of these infectious
agents during dental intervention. The aim of this study was to emphasize
possible ways of transmission and advise prevention and protection measures
against HIV, HBV and HCV infections in dental practice.
Teacher Performance Trajectories in High- and Lower-Poverty Schools
Authors: Xu Zeyu , Özek Umut , Hansen Michael
Published: December 2014

This study explores whether teacher performance trajectory over time differs by school-poverty settings. Focusing on elementary school mathematics teachers in North Carolina and Florida, we find no systematic relationship between school student poverty rates and teacher performance trajectories. In both high- (≥60% free/reduced-price lunch [FRPL]) and lower-poverty (<60% FRPL) schools, teacher performance improves the fastest in the first 5 years and then flattens out in years 5 to 10. Teacher performance growth resumes between year 10 and 15 in North Carolina but remains flat in Florida. In both school-poverty settings, there is a significant variation in teacher performance trajectories. Among novice and early-career teachers, the fastest-growing teachers (75th percentile) improve by 0.04 standard deviations more in student gain scores annually than slower teachers (25th percentile). In both school settings, novice teachers who started with low effectiveness also grew at a slower rate in the next 5 years than novice teachers with higher initial effectiveness. Our findings suggest that the lack of productivity “return” to experience in high-poverty schools reported in the literature is unlikely to be the result of differential teacher learning in high- and lower-poverty schools.
Pattern of Skin Diseases in Patients Visiting Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital (UCMS-TH) from the Three Districts of Terai Region in Nepal
Authors: Poudyal Y , Rajbhandari SL
Published: December 2014

INTRODUCTION: The pattern of skin disease varies from country to country and in various regions within same country due to differences in socioeconomic and geographic factors. This study aimed to determine the pattern of skin disease from the three districts of Terai region in Nepal. MATERIALAND METHODS: This was retrospective study done from the hospital OPD patient's record of Universal college of Medical Sciences & Teaching Hospital (UCMS-TH), from 1st  September 2011 to 31st August 2012. Patients from Rupandehi, Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu districts were taken. The diagnosis were entered in 15 categories like Acne, Alopecia Areata, Dermatophytosis, Drug reaction, Eczema, Leprosy, Lichen Planus, Melasma, Psoriasis, Pyoderma, Scabies, sexually transmitted diseses (STI), Urticaria, Viral infection and Vitiligo. Any diagnosis not in these categories, was kept at “Other” category. Monthly trend of disease was also analysed.RESULT:  Total number of patients from Rupandehi, Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi districts were 12446 (89.3%), 661 (4.7%), 836 (6%) respectively. Dermatophytosis was the commonest 2003 (16.1%) in Rupandehi district, it was second in number in Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu. Eczema was the commonest in Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi district with 103 (15.6%) and 136 (16.3%) respectively. Eczema was second in number in Rupandehi district. Acne was third in number in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi but vitiligo was third common dermatosis recorded in Kapilvastu district.CONCLUSION: Dermatophytosis and Eczema are the most common dermatologic disorders in Terai region.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11820 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 3-8
Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs among 12 and 15-year-old Government and Private School Children in Rupandehi District (Bhairahawa) Nepal
Authors: Halwai HK , Bhat PK , Shekhar M , Yadav B
Published: December 2014

INTRODUCTION : Good oral health is important and have major impact on peoples daily lives and activities. This study  was conducted to assess dental caries, periodontal health, and malocclusion of school children aged 12 and 15 years and to compare them in government and private schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 12- and 15-year-old children in government and private schools was conducted in Rupendehi (Bhairahawa) Nepal. A sample of 1011 school children (both males and females) was selected by a two-stage cluster sampling method. Clinical recordings of dental caries and malocclusion were done according to World Health Organization diagnostic criteria 1997. Periodontal health was assessed by Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs index. The data collected was analyzed by SPSS versons 13. The statistical tests used were t-test and Chi-square tests.RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was 32.6% and 42.2% at 12 and 15 years of age, respectively. At 12 years of age, the mean decayed, missing, filled teeth were 0.62 ± 1.42 and it was 1.06 ± 2.93 at 15 years of age. Females had higher level of caries than males at both the ages. At both ages, mean of decayed teeth was statistically higher in government schools as compared with private schools. Children in government schools had significantly less number of mean filled teeth at both ages as compared with private schools. The healthy component of gingiva was present in higher percentage of children in private schools as compared with government schools at both the age groups. The prevalence of malocclusion among the 12- year-old (58.1%) was more as compared with that among the 15-year-old (53.5%).CONCLUSION: The caries experience of 12 and 15 years old children was low but the prevalence of gingivitis and malocclusion was quite high. Effective oral health promotion strategies need to be implemented to improve the oral health of school children further in Rupendehi District , Bhairahawa, Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11822 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 15-19
Antenatal Care Practices in Rangeli VDC of Morang District, Nepal
Authors: Sah RB , Subedi L , Shah U , Jha N , Pokharel PK
Published: December 2014

INTRODUCTION: Nepal has one of the worst maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality due to the lack of antenatal care (ANC) practices of pregnant women.The objective of this study was to find out the ANC practices and to find out the association between sociodemographic characteristics and antenatal care visits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st March to 14th March, 2014 among the residents of Rangeli VDC of Morang District in Eastern Nepal where 300 households were taken as subjects. Simple random sampling technique was applied for data collection. Semi-structured questionnaire was used and face to face interview was conducted. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between sociodemographic characteristics and antenatal care visits.RESULTS: Almost fifty five percent of respondents attended ANC visits.The findings revealed that about 55% received iron, calcium and folic acid tablets and almost 61% of the pregnant women took the tetanus toxoid (TT) injections among who attended ANC. Almost 54.6% of pregnant Hindu women have completed four ANC visits. Women with School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and higher education level was more likely to ANC visits (100%) than women with below SLC (73%) and no education (25%). Furthermore, education of husband shows stronger association with ANC visits (P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The problem of ANC practices is common and has become a key public health concern for all. Lack of education and poor occupation of wife and husband led some of the respondents not to attend the recommended ANC visits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11824 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 26-29
Effectiveness of Syndromic STI Case Management/RH Training in Knowledge and Practice of Auxiliary Health Workers
Authors: Adhikari C , Sherchan L , Thapa SB , Adhikari LM
Published: December 2014

INTRODUCTION: Auxiliary Health Workers (AHWs) are the undergraduate 2nd  class health workforce of Nepal. Syndromic Sexually Transmitted Infection Case Management/Reproductive Health (SSCM/RH) training for AHWs is designed to develop knowledge, attitude and skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the training in knowledge and practice of AHWs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Achham district from where all AHWs were purposively selected for cross-sectional study. Total number of trained AHWs was 35 and untrained was 19, who were interviewed to fulfill the structured pretested questionnaire that included knowledge inventory and self reported practice.The data collected from29th May to 25th July, 2005. Written consent was taken from respondents after permission taken from Achham DHO. Statistical tests used were mean, median, SD, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rho and chi-square. Values with p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS : All AHWs were male, with mean age of 32.1 years. Regarding knowledge, the scores in all syndromes diagnosis and treatment regimen were significantly different in two groups except in two syndromes. Two practices were found significant. The median knowledge score was 20 (IQR, 16-22) and 16 (IQR, 12-20) in trained and untrained respectively. Similarly, median practice score was found 14 (IQR, 10-16) and 7 (IQR, 6-9) in trained and untrained respectively. In aggregate, both the practice score (U=38.5, p<0.001, two-tailed) and the knowledge score (U=205, p=0.020, two-tailed) of trained group significantly differed from that of untrained. Knowledge and practice score was also found positively and moderately correlated (P=0.616, p<0.001, two-tailed).CONCLUSION: The training was effectivein bringing about changes both in knowledge and practice of AHWs. The higher the knowledge level, the higher the practice level.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11826 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 34-37
Idiopathic Juxtafoveolar Telangiectasis Type 1A. A Case Report
Authors: Pandey A , Anand A , Singh A , Chandra A
Published: December 2014

No Abstract AvailableIdiopathic juxtafoveolar telangiectasisis a descriptive term for various disease entities presenting with incompetence, ectasia, and/or irregular dilations of the capillary network affecting only the juxtafoveolar region of one or both eyes. A 65 years male presented with the chief complaint of painless progressive diminution of vision in his left eye for 6 months' duration. Past ocular, surgical, medical, drug and family history was non contributory. The patient was non hypertensive and non diabetic. His best corrected visual acuity was 6/60 right eye and 6/36 left eye. Right eye, fundus was grossly normal whereas, on the left eye, few microaneurysms and circinate pattern of hard exudates were noticed on the perifoveolar region. Fundal reflex was dull and the foveal depression was absent indicating thickening. Fluorescein angiography showed clusters of telangiectatic vessels around exudates, hyperfluorescent dots of microaneurysms with a circinate pattern of leakage in the late phase. Optical coherence tomography showed macular thickening of 487 micrometer with cystoid changes. Injection Bevacizumab 0.2ml was given after final diagnosis of Left Eye Idiopathic Juxtafoveolar Telangiectasis Type 1A. Three types of idiopathic juxtafoveolar telangiectasis has been defined. Its pathophysiology is also less understood and the treatment modalities are not established yet.This case was an incidental finding, as these patients do not oftenly have profound diminution of vision, unless neovascularization has occurred and the clinical features too are very subtle.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11827 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 38-40
Panfacial Trauma - A Flexible Surgical Approach
Authors: Mall BB , Kandel L , Mishra R , Kandel S
Published: December 2014

Panfacial fractures are those involving the mandible, maxilla, and zygomatic complex at the same time and usually accompanying naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) and frontal bone fractures. When there are multiple facial fractures, involving upper & lower face, reconstruction should be approached as puzzle. It is difficult to follow an established pattern of sequencing and organizing the repair of panfacial fractures. Successful reconstructions can be achieved through a flexible approach that adheres to several key principles. The goal of treatment as with all facial fracture is to restore both the functions and pre-injury 3-dimensional facial contours. To achieve this goal, various management schemes have been proposed including “bottom to top,” “top to bottom,” “inside-out,” or “outside-in”. Nevertheless, despite aggressive management, severe post-traumatic deformities continue to appear. The correct timing of surgical intervention and use of rigid fixation allows the restoration of morphological and functional nature of face after Panfacial fractures. The aim of presenting the paper is to analyze the principles that determine the choice of method of treatment and that prevent the development of secondary deformity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11828 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 41-44
Snake-Bite in Nepal
Authors: Chaudhary S , Singh S , Chaudhary N , Mahato SK
Published: December 2014

Snake-bite is one of the diseases which is included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of neglected tropical diseases. It is a well-known life threatening medical emergency commonly seen in farmers, plantation workers, herders, fishermen, snake restaurant workers and other food producers. In Nepal, snake-bite take a heavy toll of human lives. It is due to poor health services in rural areas especially for antisnake venom (ASV) treatment facility. Exact magnitudes of problem and mortality from snake-bite are very difficult to estimate due to serious misreporting. This review article aims to discuss the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of snake-bite envenomation in South Asia region particularly in Nepal and helping in improving the knowledge and understanding of snake-bite to save precious human lives. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11829 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 45-53
Eine neue kombinierte Randschichttechnologie für hochbeanspruchte Gusseisenwerkstoffe*
Authors: Buchwalder A. , Zenker R. , Rüthrich K. , Nagel K. , Griesbach W. , Hartwig S. , Siedler J.
Published: December 2014

Kurzfassung

Legierungs- und gießtechnische Neu- und Weiterentwicklungen von Gusseisen haben zur Erweiterung der Einsatzgebiete dieser Werkstoffe für Bauteile und Werkzeuge auch unter dem Aspekt des Leichtbaus geführt. Zur zusätzlichen lokalen Verbesserung der tribologischen und korrosiven Beanspruchbarkeit wurde eine Technologie zur kombinierten Randschichtbehandlung entwickelt. Dabei wird das Gusseisen lokal mittels Elektronenstrahl umgeschmolzen, sodass eine harte (650 HV 0,3), graphitfreie ledeburitische Schicht entsteht. Diese thermisch gut beständige Schicht (bis ca. 1100 °C) dient als Stützschicht für eine nachfolgend durch Plasmanitrieren erzeugte relativ dünne (< 10 μm), harte Verbindungsschicht. Es werden sowohl die werkstoffspezifischen Einflussfaktoren, wie Graphitmorphologie, chemische Zusammensetzung etc., als auch die Auswirkungen der Prozessparameter auf das Ergebnis der Einzel- und Kombinationsbehandlungen erörtert. Vergleichende Untersuchungen zum Verschleißverhalten (Kugel-Scheibe) haben gezeigt, dass insbesondere bei höheren Lasten (> 100 N) der Mehrwert der Kombinationsbehandlung gegenüber den Einzelbehandlungen voll zum Tragen kommt. Die deutliche Verbesserung des Korrosionsverhaltens nach der Kombinationsbehandlung resultiert aus der defektfreien Ausbildung der Nitrierschicht auf der graphitfreien Umschmelzschicht.
Modellierung und Simulation der Oberflächen-kinetik beim Niederdruck-Carbonitrieren*
Authors: Hagymási L. , Waldenmaier T. , Schulze V. , Reimert R.
Published: December 2014

Kurzfassung

Die Vorteile des Niederdruck-Carbonitrier-Verfahrens gegenüber dem bereits etablierten Niederdruck-Aufkohlen liegen in der Möglichkeit, durch den zusätzlich eingebrachten Stickstoff eine höhere Verschleiß- und Temperaturbeständigkeit des behandelten Bauteils zu erreichen. In einer früheren Veröffentlichung [1] wurde ein Modell zur Beschreibung der Transportvorgänge von Stickstoff und Kohlenstoff im Stahl vorgestellt. Im Rahmen der weitergeführten Untersuchungen wurden nun dazu ergänzend Geschwindigkeitskoeffizienten der mathematischen Ansätze zur Beschreibung der Oberflächenkinetik, bestehend aus Ammoniakadsorption und –zerfall, Lösen, Desorbieren und Effundieren von Stickstoff, mittels thermogravimetrischer Untersuchungen (TGA) ermittelt. Somit stehen Ansätze und Daten zur Verfügung, um beim Carbonitrieren die Konzentrationsprofile von Kohlenstoff- und Stickstoff im Stahl vorherzusagen. Das vollständige Modell wurde anhand experimenteller Untersuchungen validiert. Die Übereinstimmung mit den Messergebnissen ist gut bis ausreichend.
Simulation des Anlassens eines dickwandigen Bauteils aus dem Stahl X40CrMoV5-1*
Authors: Eser A. , Bezold A. , Broeckmann C. , Schruff I. , Greeb T.
Published: December 2014

Kurzfassung

In den letzten Jahren hat die numerische Simulation der Wärmebehandlung stark an Bedeutung gewonnen. Die meisten bekannten Anwendungen beschränken sich jedoch auf die Simulation des Härtens. Die Simulation des Anlassens wurde bisher häufig vernachlässigt oder rein phänomenologisch und in der Regel stark vereinfachend durchgeführt. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Entwicklung des Verzugs und der Eigenspannungen in einem dickwandigen Bauteil aus dem Warmarbeitsstahl X40CrMoV5-1, Werkst.-Nr. 1.2344, während des Härtens und des Anlassens realitätsnah vorherzusagen. Materialmodelle der thermomechanisch-metallurgischen Vorgänge während der Wärmebehandlung des Stahls wurden in eine FEM-Software (Abaqus®) implementiert. Die für die Simulation erforderlichen Materialkennwerte wurden experimentell ermittelt. Die Verifikation des vorhergesagten Verzugs und der Eigenspannungen anhand eines dickwandigen, gehärteten und angelassenen Bauteils ergab eine gute Übereinstimmung zwischen Simulationsrechnung und den experimentell gemessenen Werten.
Soret effects due to natural convection in a non-Newtonian fluid flow in porous medium with heat and mass transfer
Authors: Raju M.C , Varma S.V.K
Published: December 2014

The problem of unsteady MHD free convective, incompressible electrically conducting, non-Newtonian fluid through porous medium bounded by an infinite porous plate in the presence of constant suction has been studied. A magnetic field of uniform strength is assumed to be applied normal to the plate. The equations governing the fluid flow which are highly nonlinear are reduced to linear by using perturbation method and have been solved subject to the relevant boundary conditions. It is noted that the velocity of the fluid is increased as Soret number and suction parameter increase, whereas reverse phenomenon is observed in case of magnetic field strength and sink strength. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v11i2.17563
Deep ocean wave energy systems (DOWES): experimental investigations
Authors: Chandrasekaran Srinivasan , Raphel Deepak C , Shree Sai
Published: December 2014

Deep water offshore structures have access to very powerful ocean waves by virtue of their location and site condition. Should the energy possessed by these waves be harnessed, it can be one of the popular green energy systems. Present study aims at the design and development of a new device that can be fitted on an offshore semisubmersible platform and can produce electricity to meet their operational energy demands partially. Few wave energy devices are developed in the recent past; Common idea in all such devices is that they harness heave, or surge energy of the wave. In the present study, heave energy of the buoy is converted to mechanical work by deploying hydraulic cylinders and a motor. The generated power from the waves shall be primarily utilized in the semi-submersible platform for deep sea mining application.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v11i2.18420
Numerical simulation of water entry of different arbitrary bow sections
Authors: Ghadimi Parviz , Feizi Chekab Mohammad A. , Dashtimanesh Abbas
Published: December 2014

Water impact phenomenon of general bow section is a critical event for planning hulls. In this paper, the water entry of several arbitrary bow sections is investigated. For this purpose, arbitrary bow shapes which are introduced by Lewis form approximation are considered. In order to obtain pressure distribution and free surface profile, volume of fluid (VOF) method coupled with finite volume method (FVM) are utilized in Ansys-CFX solver. The main feature of present study is consideration of some new arbitrary bow sections which have not been previously studied. Another motivation of the current work is investigation of water entry of arbitrary bow sections using a coupled numerical solution of FVM/VOF. Pressure distribution, free surface, and evolution of intersection point on bow sections are presented, while secondary water impact is demonstrated. Comparison of selected current findings against the results of previous studies indicates favorable agreement.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v11i2.18724
The Big World of Nanothermodynamics
Authors: Chamberlin Ralph
Published: December 2014

Nanothermodynamics extends standard thermodynamics to facilitate finite-size effects on the scale of nanometers. A key ingredient is Hill’s subdivision potential that accommodates the non-extensive energy of independent small systems, similar to how Gibbs’ chemical potential accommodates distinct particles. Nanothermodynamics is essential for characterizing the thermal equilibrium distribution of independently relaxing regions inside bulk samples, as is found for the primary response of most materials using various experimental techniques. The subdivision potential ensures strict adherence to the laws of thermodynamics: total energy is conserved by including an instantaneous contribution from the entropy of local configurations, and total entropy remains maximized by coupling to a thermal bath. A unique feature of nanothermodynamics is the completely-open nanocanonical ensemble. Another feature is that particles within each region become statistically indistinguishable, which avoids non-extensive entropy, and mimics quantum-mechanical behavior. Applied to mean-field theory, nanothermodynamics gives a heterogeneous distribution of regions that yields stretched-exponential relaxation and super-Arrhenius activation. Applied to Monte Carlo simulations, there is a nonlinear correction to Boltzmann’s factor that improves agreement between the Ising model and measured non-classical critical scaling in magnetic materials. Nanothermodynamics also provides a fundamental mechanism for the 1/f noise found in many materials.
Improving Performance and Versatility of Systems Based on Single-Frequency DFT Detectors Such as AD5933
Authors: Matsiev Leonid
Published: December 2014

Turning grand concepts such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities into reality requires the development and deployment of a wide variety of computing devices incorporated into the Internet infrastructure. Unsupervised sensing is the cornerstone capability that these devices must have to perform useful functions, while also having low cost of acquisition and ownership, little energy consumption and a small footprint. Impedimetric sensing systems based on the so-called single-frequency DFT detectors possess many of these desirable attributes and are often introduced in remote monitoring and wearable devices. This study presents new methods of improving performance of such detectors. It demonstrates that the main source of systematic errors is the discontinuous test phasor causing the crosstalk between the in-phase and quadrature outputs and the leakage of the input signal. The study derives expressions for these errors as a function of the number of samples and operating frequency, and provides methods for correction. The proposed methods are applied to the operation of a practical device—a network analyzer integrated circuit AD5933—and discussed in detail. These methods achieve complete elimination of leakage errors and expansion of the low limit of the operation frequency range by nearly two decades without additional hardware.
Biodegradation Kinetics of Tetrahydrofuran, Benzene, Toluene, and Ethylbenzene as Multi-substrate by Pseudomonas oleovorans DT4
Authors: Chen Dong-Zhi , Ding Yun-Feng , Zhou Yu-Yang , Ye Jie-Xu , Chen Jian-Meng
Published: December 2014

The biodegradation kinetics of tetrahydrofuran, benzene (B), toluene (T), and ethylbenzene (E) were systematically investigated individually and as mixtures by a series of aerobic batch degradation experiments initiated by Pseudomonas oleovorans DT4. The Andrews model parameters, e.g., maximum specific growth rates (μmax), half saturation, and substrate inhibition constant, were obtained from single-substrate experiments. The interaction parameters in the sum kinetics model (SKIP) were obtained from the dual substrates. The μmax value of 1.01 for tetrahydrofuran indicated that cell growth using tetrahydrofuran as carbon source was faster than the growth on B (μmax, B = 0.39) or T (μmax, T = 0.39). The interactions in the dual-substrate experiments, including genhancement, inhibition, and co-metabolism, in the mixtures of tetrahydrofuran with B or T or E were identified. The degradation of the four compounds existing simultaneously could be predicted by the combination of SKIP and co-metabolism models. This study is the first to quantify the interactions between tetrahydrofuran and BTE.
Gene Mutation Analysis in EGFR Wild Type NSCLC Responsive to Erlotinib: Are There Features to Guide Patient Selection?
Authors: Ulivi Paola , Delmonte Angelo , Chiadini Elisa , Calistri Daniele , Papi Maximilian , Mariotti Marita , Verlicchi Alberto , Ragazzini Angela , Capelli Laura , Gamboni Alessandro , Puccetti Maurizio , Dubini Alessandra , Burgio Marco , Casanova Claudia , Crinò Lucio , Amadori Dino , Dazzi Claudio
Published: December 2014

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are very efficacious in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring activating Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations. However, about 10% of EGFR wild type (wt) patients respond to TKI, with unknown molecular mechanisms of sensitivity. We considered a case series of 34 EGFR wt NSCLC patients responsive to erlotinib after at least one line of therapy. Responsive patients were matched with an equal number of non-responsive EGFR wt patients. A panel of 26 genes, for a total of 214 somatic mutations, was analyzed by MassARRAY® System (Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA). A 15% KRAS mutation was observed in both groups, with a prevalence of G12C in non-responders (80% vs. 40% in responders). NOTCH1, p53 and EGFR-resistance-related mutations were found more frequently in non-responders, whereas EGFR-sensitizing mutations and alterations in genes involved in proliferation pathways were more frequent in responders. In conclusion, our findings indicate that p53, NOTCH1 and exon 20 EGFR mutations seem to be related to TKI resistance. KRAS mutations do not appear to influence the TKI response, although G12C mutation is more frequent in non-responders. Finally, the use of highly sensitive methodologies could lead to the identification of under-represented EGFR mutations potentially associated with TKI sensitivity.
Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Capacity in Edible Flowers: Characterisation of Phenolic Compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn
Authors: Navarro-González Inmaculada , González-Barrio Rocío , García-Valverde Verónica , Bautista-Ortín Ana , Periago María
Published: December 2014

Edible flowers are commonly used in human nutrition and their consumption has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to ascertain the nutritional composition and the content and profile of phenolic compounds of three edible flowers, monks cress (Tropaeolum majus), marigold (Tagetes erecta) and paracress (Spilanthes oleracea), and to determine the relationship between the presence of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity. Proximate composition, total dietary fibre (TDF) and minerals were analysed according to official methods: total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined with Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent, whereas antioxidant capacity was evaluated using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assays. In addition, phenolic compounds were characterised by HPLC-DAD-MSn. In relation to the nutritional value, the edible flowers had a composition similar to that of other plant foods, with a high water and TDF content, low protein content and very low proportion of total fat—showing significant differences among samples. The levels of TPC compounds and the antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in T. erecta, followed by S. oleracea and T. majus. Thirty-nine different phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with flavonols being the major compounds detected in all samples, followed by anthocyanins and hydroxycynnamic acid derivatives. In T. erecta small proportions of gallotannin and ellagic acid were also identified.
Responses to Oxidative and Heavy Metal Stresses in Cyanobacteria: Recent Advances
Authors: Cassier-Chauvat Corinne , Chauvat Franck
Published: December 2014

Cyanobacteria, the only known prokaryotes that perform oxygen-evolving photosynthesis, are receiving strong attention in basic and applied research. In using solar energy, water, CO2 and mineral salts to produce a large amount of biomass for the food chain, cyanobacteria constitute the first biological barrier against the entry of toxics into the food chain. In addition, cyanobacteria have the potential for the solar-driven carbon-neutral production of biofuels. However, cyanobacteria are often challenged by toxic reactive oxygen species generated under intense illumination, i.e., when their production of photosynthetic electrons exceeds what they need for the assimilation of inorganic nutrients. Furthermore, in requiring high amounts of various metals for growth, cyanobacteria are also frequently affected by drastic changes in metal availabilities. They are often challenged by heavy metals, which are increasingly spread out in the environment through human activities, and constitute persistent pollutants because they cannot be degraded. Consequently, it is important to analyze the protection against oxidative and metal stresses in cyanobacteria because these ancient organisms have developed most of these processes, a large number of which have been conserved during evolution. This review summarizes what is known regarding these mechanisms, emphasizing on their crosstalk.
Development and Application of a Label-Free Fluorescence Method for Determining the Composition of Gold Nanoparticle–Protein Conjugates
Authors: Sotnikov Dmitriy , Zherdev Anatoly , Dzantiev Boris
Published: December 2014

A method was developed for determining the composition of the conjugates between gold nanoparticles and proteins based on the intrinsic fluorescence of unbound protein molecules. The fluorescence was evaluated after separation of the conjugates from the reaction mixture by centrifugation. Gold nanoparticles obtained using the citrate technique (average diameter 24 nm) were conjugated at pH 5.4 with the following four proteins: human immunoglobulin G (IgG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), recombinant streptococcal protein G (protein G), and Kunitz-type soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI). The compositions of these conjugates were determined using the developed method. The conjugate compositions were dependent on the concentration of the added protein, and in all cases reached saturation. The equilibrium dissociation constants of the gold nanoparticle conjugates with IgG, BSA, protein G, STI in the initial section of the concentration dependence curve were 4, 6, 10, and 15 nM, respectively. Close to saturation, the corresponding values were 25, 76, 175, and 100 nM, respectively. The maximal binding capacities of a single gold nanoparticle for IgG, BSA, Protein G, and STI were 52, 90, 500, and 550, respectively, which agrees well with the hypothesis of monolayer immobilization.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of G Alpha Proteins from the Western Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus hesperus
Authors: Hull J. , Wang Meixian
Published: December 2014

The Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins play critical roles in the activation of diverse signal transduction cascades. However, the role of these genes in chemosensation remains to be fully elucidated. To initiate a comprehensive survey of signal transduction genes, we used homology-based cloning methods and transcriptome data mining to identity Gα subunits in the western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus Knight). Among the nine sequences identified were single variants of the Gαi, Gαo, Gαs, and Gα12 subfamilies and five alternative splice variants of the Gαq subfamily. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses of the putative L. hesperus Gα subunits support initial classifications and are consistent with established evolutionary relationships. End-point PCR-based profiling of the transcripts indicated head specific expression for LhGαq4, and largely ubiquitous expression, albeit at varying levels, for the other LhGα transcripts. All subfamilies were amplified from L. hesperus chemosensory tissues, suggesting potential roles in olfaction and/or gustation. Immunohistochemical staining of cultured insect cells transiently expressing recombinant His-tagged LhGαi, LhGαs, and LhGαq1 revealed plasma membrane targeting, suggesting the respective sequences encode functional G protein subunits.
Control of Cowpea Weevil, Callosobruchus Maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), Using Natural Plant Products
Authors: Tiroesele Bamphitlhi , Thomas Kesegofetse , Seketeme Seipati
Published: December 2014

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the effects of natural products on the reproduction and damage of Callosobruchus maculatus, the cowpea weevil, on cowpea seeds at Botswana College of Agriculture in Gaborone, Botswana. The cowpea variety Blackeye was used in the study. Fifty grams of each plant product (garlic, peppermint and chilies) was added to 500 g of the cowpea seeds. Findings of this experiment revealed that chilies and garlic had negative effects on cowpea weevils for all parameters measured. Peppermint also showed significant reduction in the F1 progeny of the cowpea weevils but with less effect on weevils than garlic and chilies. The results indicate that these plant products have the potential to protect cowpea seeds from cowpea weevils’ damage compared to when the seeds are left or stored unprotected. They should, therefore, be included in pest management strategies for cowpea weevil in grains stored on-farm in rural tropical and subtropical regions.
Does a Barcoding Gap Exist in Prokaryotes? Evidences from Species Delimitation in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Eckert Ester , Fontaneto Diego , Coci Manuela , Callieri Cristiana
Published: December 2014

The amount of information that is available on 16S rRNA sequences for prokaryotes thanks to high-throughput sequencing could allow a better understanding of diversity. Nevertheless, the application of predetermined threshold in genetic distances to identify units of diversity (Operative Taxonomic Units, OTUs) may provide biased results. Here we tests for the existence of a barcoding gap in several groups of Cyanobacteria, defining units of diversity according to clear differences between within-species and among-species genetic distances in 16S rRNA. The application of a tool developed for animal DNA taxonomy, the Automatic Barcode Gap Detector (ABGD), revealed that a barcoding gap could actually be found in almost half of the datasets that we tested. The identification of units of diversity through this method provided results that were not compatible with those obtained with the identification of OTUs with threshold of similarity in genetic distances of 97% or 99%. The main message of our results is a call for caution in the estimate of diversity from 16S sequences only, given that different subjective choices in the method to delimit units could provide different results.
Synthesis of Co3O4 Cotton-Like Nanostructures for Cholesterol Biosensor
Authors: Elhag Sami , Ibupoto Zafar , Nour Omer , Willander Magnus
Published: December 2014

The use of templates to assist and possess a control over the synthesis of nanomaterials has been an attractive option to achieve this goal. Here we have used sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to act as a template for the low temperature synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanostructures. The use of SDS has led to tune the morphology, and the product was in the form of “cotton-like” nanostructures instead of connected nanowires. Moreover, the variation of the amount of the SDS used was found to affect the charge transfer process in the Co3O4. Using Co3O4 synthesized using the SDS for sensing of cholesterol was investigated. The use of the Co3O4 synthesized using the SDS was found to yield an improved cholesterol biosensor compared to Co3O4 synthesized without the SDS. The improvement of the cholesterol sensing properties upon using the SDS as a template was manifested in increasing the sensitivity and the dynamic range of detection. The results achieved in this study indicate the potential of using template assisted synthesis of nanomaterials in improving some properties, e.g., cholesterol sensing.
Differently Shaped Au Nanoparticles: A Case Study on the Enhancement of the Photocatalytic Activity of Commercial TiO2
Authors: Pap Zsolt , Tóth Zsejke , Danciu Virginia , Baia Lucian , Kovács Gábor
Published: December 2014

In the present work, the influence of a gold nanoparticle’s shape was investigated on the commercially available Evonik Aeroxide P25. By the variation of specific synthesis parameters, three differently shaped Au nanoparticles were synthetized and deposited on the surface of the chosen commercial titania. The nanoparticles and their composites’ morphological and structural details were evaluated, applying different techniques such as Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The influence of the Au nanoparticles’ shape was discussed by evaluating their photocatalytic efficiency on phenol and oxalic acid degradation and by investigating the H2 production efficacy of the selected composites. Major differences in their photocatalytic performance depending on the shape of the deposited noble metal were evidenced.
A Comparison of the Environmental Impact of Different AOPs: Risk Indexes
Authors: Giménez Jaime , Bayarri Bernardí , González Óscar , Malato Sixto , Peral José , Esplugas Santiago
Published: December 2014

Today, environmental impact associated with pollution treatment is a matter of great concern. A method is proposed for evaluating environmental risk associated with Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) applied to wastewater treatment. The method is based on the type of pollution (wastewater, solids, air or soil) and on materials and energy consumption. An Environmental Risk Index (E), constructed from numerical criteria provided, is presented for environmental comparison of processes and/or operations. The Operation Environmental Risk Index (EOi) for each of the unit operations involved in the process and the Aspects Environmental Risk Index (EAj) for process conditions were also estimated. Relative indexes were calculated to evaluate the risk of each operation (E/NOP) or aspect (E/NAS) involved in the process, and the percentage of the maximum achievable for each operation and aspect was found. A practical application of the method is presented for two AOPs: photo-Fenton and heterogeneous photocatalysis with suspended TiO2 in Solarbox. The results report the environmental risks associated with each process, so that AOPs tested and the operations involved with them can be compared.
Heart Rate Variability and Cognitive Function Following a Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation with Added Guarana (Paullinia cupana)
Authors: Pomportes Laura , Davranche Karen , Brisswalter Ioanna , Hays Arnaud , Brisswalter Jeanick
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to assess cognitive performance and heart rate variability (HRV) following the ingestion of either a multi-vitamin-mineral preparation supplemented with 300 mg guarana (Ac); a caffeine supplement (C) or a placebo supplement (Pl). Fifty-six subjects took part in a randomized, double-blind crossover design, consisting of three experimental sessions ran on a different day. Cognitive performance was assessed using a go/no-go task and a simple reaction time (SRT) task. HRV was assessed in the time domain (RMSSD) and in the frequency domain (HF) and cognitive tasks were performed before ingestion, 15 min after ingestion and then every 15 min over the course of 3 h. Responses were faster (without change in accuracy) when the go/no-go task was performed between 30 and 90 min after ingestion of Ac (4.6% ± 0.8%, p < 0.05). No effect was observed on SRT task. A significant decrease in HRV was observed during the first hour under C and Pl, whereas HRV remained stable under Ac. The results suggest that the ingestion of a multi-vitamin-mineral with added guarana improves decision-making performance and is accompanied by a stable autonomic nervous system regulation during the first hour.
Energy Balance of Triathletes during an Ultra-Endurance Event
Authors: Barrero Anna , Erola Pau , Bescós Raúl
Published: December 2014

The nutritional strategy during an ultra-endurance triathlon (UET) is one of the main concerns of athletes competing in such events. The purpose of this study is to provide a proper characterization of the energy and fluid intake during real competition in male triathletes during a complete UET and to estimate the energy expenditure (EE) and the fluid balance through the race. Methods: Eleven triathletes performed a UET. All food and drinks ingested during the race were weighed and recorded in order to assess the energy intake (EI) during the race. The EE was estimated from heart rate (HR) recordings during the race, using the individual HR-oxygen uptake (Vo2) regressions developed from three incremental tests on the 50-m swimming pool, cycle ergometer, and running treadmill. Additionally, body mass (BM), total body water (TBW) and intracellular (ICW) and extracellular water (ECW) were assessed before and after the race using a multifrequency bioimpedance device (BIA). Results: Mean competition time and HR was 755 ± 69 min and 137 ± 6 beats/min, respectively. Mean EI was 3643 ± 1219 kcal and the estimated EE was 11,009 ± 664 kcal. Consequently, athletes showed an energy deficit of 7365 ± 1286 kcal (66.9% ± 11.7%). BM decreased significantly after the race and significant losses of TBW were found. Such losses were more related to a reduction of extracellular fluids than intracellular fluids. Conclusions: Our results confirm the high energy demands of UET races, which are not compensated by nutrient and fluid intake, resulting in a large energy deficit.
Fucoidan Supplementation Improves Exercise Performance and Exhibits Anti-Fatigue Action in Mice
Authors: Chen Yi-Ming , Tsai Yi-Hsin , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Chiu Yen-Shuo , Wei Li , Chen Wen-Chyuan , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: December 2014

Fucoidan (FCD) is a well-known bioactive constituent of seaweed extract that possess a wide spectrum of activities in biological systems, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and modulation of immune systems. However, evidence on the effects of FCD on exercise performance and physical fatigue is limited. Therefore, we investigated the potential beneficial effects of FCD on ergogenic and anti-fatigue functions following physiological challenge. Male ICR mice from three groups (n = 8 per group) were orally administered FCD for 21 days at 0, 310 and 620 mg/kg/day, which were, respectively, designated the vehicle, FCD-1X and FCD-2X groups. The results indicated that the FCD supplementations increased the grip strength (p = 0.0002) and endurance swimming time (p = 0.0195) in a dose-depend manner. FCD treatments also produced dose-dependent decreases in serum levels of lactate (p < 0.0001) and ammonia (p = 0.0025), and also an increase in glucose level (p < 0.0001) after the 15-min swimming test. In addition, FCD supplementation had few subchronic toxic effects. Therefore, we suggest that long-term supplementation with FCD can have a wide spectrum of bioactivities on health promotion, performance improvement and anti-fatigue.
Diverse Responses of Remotely Sensed Grassland Phenology to Interannual Climate Variability over Frozen Ground Regions in Mongolia
Authors: Sun Zhigang , Wang Qinxue , Xiao Qingan , Batkhishig Ochirbat , Watanabe Masataka
Published: December 2014

Frozen ground may regulate the phenological shifts of dry and cold grasslands at the southern edge of the Eurasian cryosphere. In this study, an investigation based on the MODIS Collection 5 phenology product and climatic data collected from 2001 to 2009 reveals the diverse responses of grassland phenology to interannual climate variability over various frozen ground regions in Mongolia. Compared with middle and southern typical steppe and desert steppe, the spring (start of season; SOS) and autumn (end of season; EOS) phenological events of northern forest steppe with lower air temperature tend to be earlier and later, respectively. Both the SOS and EOS are less sensitive to climate variability in permafrost regions than in other regions, whereas the SOS of typical steppe is more sensitive to both air temperature and precipitation over sporadic permafrost and seasonal frozen ground regions. Over various frozen ground regions in Mongolia; the SOS is mainly dominated by the prior autumn precipitation, and frozen ground plays a vital role in storing the precipitation of the previous autumn for the subsequent grass green-up. The EOS is mainly dominated by autumn air temperature. These findings could help to improve phenological models of grasslands in extremely dry and cold regions.