bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early outcome of acute peripartum cardiomyopathy in eastern part of Nepal
Authors: Nepal Rajesh , Bista Madhav , Ghimire Sita
Published: April 2017

Background and Aims: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an uncommon complication of pregnancy with variable outcome. There is paucity of data related to its outcomes in Nepal. We studied the clinical and echocardiographic outcome of PPCM patients in eastern part of Nepal.Methods: In this prospectively designed study all patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute severe PPCM at Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar, meeting the inclusion criteria over a period of 14 month, were enrolled and followed up for 3 months post partum.The LVEF and Left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) was assessed by echocardiography at baseline and 3 months postpartum. Mortality and survival with normal or depressed ejection fraction were determined. Predictors of outcome were evaluated. Statistical analysis were done using SPSS version 17.Results: Mean age of the study population was 27.6}5.6 years. Ninety five percent of patient had term delivery. Sixty four percent were primigravida. Eighty four percent had the symptoms onset in post partum period. Pulmonary edema was present in 64% during first hospital admission. Mortality was 9% during 3-month follow up period. Thirty six percent had complete recovery of LVEF at 3 months. Fifty five percent survived with depressed LVEF. Age, LVEF less than 30% and LVEDD more than 60 mm at study entry did not correlate significantly with poor clinical recovery at 3 months.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that survival outcome is better even in the patients with severe acute PPCM with early diagnosis and proper management of heart failure.
Coronary angiography finding of exercise tread mill test positive patients in a tertiary care center
Authors: Shrestha Amit , Thapa Sanjeev , Shakya Sheelendra , Shahi Ravi , Paudel Chandra Mani , Pathak Surya Raj
Published: April 2017

Background and Aims: The use of coronary angiography in diagnosing coronary artery disease is limited by its invasive property. In the other hand correct interpretation of tread mill test data and its use as a key diagnostic modality also has been a problem. The study was thus aimed to see the diagnostic accuracy of treadmill test to rule out coronary artery disease.Methods: We included all the patients who had positive tread mill stress test and underwent coronary angiography and were subsequently analyzed for presence of coronary artery disease.Results: A total of 303 patients were included with 119 males and 184 females with mean age of 53.6±10.5 yrs and 51.7±8.6 yrs respectively. Normal coronaries was seen in 114(54.0%), borderline lesion in 29 (13.7%) and significant lesion in 68 (32.2%) with 48(22.7%) having single vessel disease, 29(13.7%) double vessel disease and 14(6.6%) triple vessel disease. Coronary artery diseases was highest among diabetics (57.7%, OR 1.72 (95 % CI: 0.92 to 3.20), p value-0.08).Similarly the risk of coronary artery disease was significantly highest among patient with ≥2 risk factor (OR: 8.10,95 % CI: 4.96 to 13.24, P < 0.0001). Gender distribution showed that coronary artery disease was significantly higher in males than females (53% vs 35% respectively, OR: 2.08, 95 % CI: 1.30 to 3.32, p value-0.002).Conclusion: The value of tread mill test to predict coronary artery disease is highest in patients with two or more risk factor especially in those with diabetes with significance increased among males.
Awareness and Practice of Prevention of Myocardial Infarction among Hypertensive Patients: Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Cardiac Centre of Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Asmita , Bhandari Buna
Published: April 2017

Background and Aims: Hypertension is one of the emerging public health problems in developing country like Nepal. Among complications of hypertension, Myocardial Infarction is most distressing. Although, myocardial infarction is life threatening disease, it is yet preventable. Good knowledge and practice is required for prevention and control of myocardial infarction. Therefore, this study intended to assess knowledge and practice of hypertensive patients regarding prevention of myocardial infarction.Methods: Hospital based cross- sectional study was conducted among ninety-six hypertensive patients in outpatient department of Sahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Nepal. Purposive sampling method was used to select calculated number of study participants. Data was collected by interview method using structured questionnaire and descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data.Results: More than half of the participants (60.4%) had high level of knowledge of prevention of myocardial infarction whereas 39.6% had low level of knowledge. Similarly, 57.3% had good practice; however, 42.7% had poor practice. This study found significant association of knowledge with gender, education and socio-economic status. In the same manner, there was significant association of practice with ethnicity and awareness of disease.Conclusion: Only around half of the hypertensive patients had good knowledge and practice of the prevention of myocardial infraction. Therefore, awareness level should be increased and identified factors needs to be addressed.Nepalese Heart Journal 2017; 14(1): 25-28
UM-Chor1: establishment and characterization of the first validated clival chordoma cell line
Authors: Owen John Henry , Komarck Christine M. , Wang Anthony C. , Abuzeid Waleed M. , Keep Richard F. , McKean Erin L. , Sullivan Stephen , Fan Xing , Prince Mark E. P.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Chordomas are rare malignant tumors thought to arise from remnants of the notochord. They can be located anywhere along the axial skeleton but are most commonly found in the clival and sacrococcygeal regions, where the notochord regresses during fetal development. Chordomas are resistant to many current therapies, leaving surgery as the primary method of treatment. Cancer cell lines have been useful for developing new cancer treatments in a laboratory setting that can then be transferred to the clinic, but there are only 4 validated chordoma cell lines available. The objective of this work was to establish chordoma cell lines from surgical tissue in order to expand the library of lines available for laboratory research.

METHODS

Chordoma tissue from the clivus was processed and sorted by flow cytometry to obtain an isolated population of chordoma cells. These cells were grown in culture and expanded until enough doublings to consider the line established. Identification of a chordoma cell line was made with known markers for chordoma, and the line was observed for ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase) subpopulations and tested in serum-free growth conditions as well as in vivo.

RESULTS

A fifth chordoma cell line, UM-Chor1, was successfully established. This is the first chordoma cell line originating from the clivus. Validation was confirmed by phenotype and positivity for the chordoma markers CD24 and brachyury. The authors also attempted to identify an ALDHhigh cell population in UM-Chor1, UCH1, and UCH2 but did not detect a distinct population. UM-Chor1 cells were able to form spheroids in serum-free culture, were successfully transduced with luciferase, and could be injected parasacrally and grown in NOD/SCID mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of this novel clival chordoma cell line for in vitro and in vivo research provides an opportunity for developments in treatment against the disease.
Noninvasive neuromodulation and thalamic mapping with low-intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Dallapiazza Robert F. , Timbie Kelsie F. , Holmberg Stephen , Gatesman Jeremy , Lopes M. Beatriz , Price Richard J. , Miller G. Wilson , Elias W. Jeffrey
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Ultrasound can be precisely focused through the intact human skull to target deep regions of the brain for stereotactic ablations. Acoustic energy at much lower intensities is capable of both exciting and inhibiting neural tissues without causing tissue heating or damage. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effects of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) for neuromodulation and selective mapping in the thalamus of a large-brain animal.

METHODS

Ten Yorkshire swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) were used in this study. In the first neuromodulation experiment, the lemniscal sensory thalamus was stereotactically targeted with LIFU, and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were monitored. In a second mapping experiment, the ventromedial and ventroposterolateral sensory thalamic nuclei were alternately targeted with LIFU, while both trigeminal and tibial evoked SSEPs were recorded. Temperature at the acoustic focus was assessed using MR thermography. At the end of the experiments, all tissues were assessed histologically for damage.

RESULTS

LIFU targeted to the ventroposterolateral thalamic nucleus suppressed SSEP amplitude to 71.6% ± 11.4% (mean ± SD) compared with baseline recordings. Second, we found a similar degree of inhibition with a high spatial resolution (∼ 2 mm) since adjacent thalamic nuclei could be selectively inhibited. The ventromedial thalamic nucleus could be inhibited without affecting the ventrolateral nucleus. During MR thermography imaging, there was no observed tissue heating during LIFU sonications and no histological evidence of tissue damage.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that LIFU can be safely used to modulate neuronal circuits in the central nervous system and that noninvasive brain mapping with focused ultrasound may be feasible in humans.
Reversible postoperative blindness caused by bilateral status epilepticus amauroticus following thoracolumbar deformity correction: case report
Authors: Ibrahim Tarik F. , Sweis Rochelle T. , Nockels Russ P.
Published: April 2017

Postoperative vision loss (POVL) is a devastating complication and has been reported after complex spine procedures. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and posterior optic neuropathy are the 2 most common causes of POVL. Bilateral occipital lobe seizures causing complete blindness are rare and have not been reported as a cause of POVL after spine surgery with the patient prone. The authors report the case of a 67-year-old man without a history of seizures who underwent a staged thoracolumbar deformity correction and developed POVL 6 hours after surgery. Imaging, laboratory, and ophthalmological examination results were nonrevealing. Routine electroencephalography study results were negative, but continuous electroencephalography captured bilateral occipital lobe seizures. The patient developed nonconvulsive status epilepticus despite initial treatment with benzodiazepines and loading doses of levetiracetam and lacosamide. He was therefore intubated for status epilepticus amauroticus and received a midazolam infusion. After electrographic seizure cessation for 48 hours, the patient was weaned off midazolam. The patient was maintained on levetiracetam and lacosamide without seizure recurrence and returned to his preoperative visual baseline status.
Defeasible argumentation over relational databases
Authors: Deagustini Cristhian Ariel David , Fulladoza Dalibón Santiago Emanuel , Gottifredi Sebastián , Falappa Marcelo Alejandro , Chesñevar Carlos Iván , Simari Guillermo Ricardo
Published: April 2017

Defeasible argumentation has been applied successfully in several real-world domains in which it is necessary to handle incomplete and contradictory information. In recent years, there have been interesting attempts to carry out argumentation processes supported by massive repositories developing argumentative reasoning applications. One of such efforts builds arguments by retrieving information from relational databases using the DBI-DeLP framework; this article presents eDBI-DeLP, which extends the original DBI-DeLP framework by providing two novel aspects which refine the interaction between DeLP programs and relational databases. First, we expand the expressiveness of dbi-delp programs by providing ways of controlling how the information in databases is recovered; this is done by introducing filters that enable an improved fine-grained control on the argumentation processes which become useful in applications, providing the semantics and the implementation of such filters. Second, we introduce an argument comparison criterion which can be adjusted at the level of literals to model particular features such as credibility and topic expertise, among others. These new tools can be particularly useful in environments such as medical diagnosis expert systems, decision support systems, or recommender systems based on argumentation, where datasets are often provided in the form of relational databases.
Genomic Alterations and Outcomes with VEGF-Targeted Therapy in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Carlo M.I. , Manley B. , Patil S. , Woo K.M. , Coskey D.T. , Redzematovic A. , Arcila M. , Ladanyi M. , Lee W. , Chen Y.B. , Lee C.H. , Feldman D.R. , Hakimi A.A. , Motzer R.J. , Hsieh J.J. , Voss M.H.
Published: April 2017

Background: Mutations in VHL, PBRM1, SETD2, BAP1, and KDM5C are common in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and presence of certain mutations has been associated with outcomes in patients with non-metastatic disease. Limited information is available regarding the correlation between genomic alterations and outcomes in patients with metastatic disease, including response to VEGF-targeted therapy.

Objective: To explore correlations between mutational profiles and cancer-specific outcomes, including response to standard VEGF-targeted agents, in patients with metastatic cc RCC.

Methods: A retrospective review of 105 patients with metastatic ccRCC who had received systemic therapy and had targeted next-generation sequencing of tumors was conducted. Genomic alterations were correlated to outcomes, including overall survival and time to treatment failure to VEGF-targeted therapy.

Results: The most frequent mutations were detected in VHL (83%), PBRM1 (51%), SETD2 (35%), BAP1 (24%), KDM5C (16%), and TERT (14%). Time to treatment failure with VEGF-targeted therapy differed significantly by PBRM1 mutation status ( p = 0.01, median 12.0 months for MT versus 6.9 months for WT) and BAP1 mutation status ( p = 0.01, median 6.4 months for MT versus 11.0 months for WT). Shorter overall survival was associated with TERT mutations ( p = 0.03, median 29.6 months for MT versus 52.6 months for WT) or BAP1 mutations ( p = 0.02, median 28.7 months for MT versus not reached for WT).

Conclusions: Genomic alterations in ccRCC tumors have prognostic implications in patients with metastatic disease. BAP1 and TERT promoter mutations may be present in higher frequency than previously thought, and based on this data, deserve further study for their association with poor prognosis.
A Case Report of Severe Type B Lactic Acidosis Following First Dose of Nivolumab in a VHL-Mutated Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nakajima Erica , Leger Paul , Mayer Ingrid A. , Neuss Michael N. , Chism David D. , Rathmell W. Kimryn
Published: April 2017

We report a case of severe type B lactic acidosis (LA) in a 51-year-old male, 12 days after he received his first dose of nivolumab for metastatic Von Hippel Lindau ( VHL)-mutated, clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Throughout his hospital course, infection, hypoperfusion, and tissue necrosis were not identified. We propose that his LA may have resulted from either inherent tumor glycolysis or immune activation and enhanced metabolism. The patient’s course was complicated by acute renal failure, and his LA rose progressively, eventually necessitating daily hemodialysis (HD). After receiving five consecutive days of HD, the patient started everolimus daily with the intent of reducing glycolytic metabolism. Subsequently, the rate of lactic acid production slowed, and HD was no longer required after two doses of everolimus. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of type B LA following nivolumab administration, and the use of everolimus to treat type B LA in a patient with renal cancer.
Isolation and Identification of Ficus Palmata Leaves and Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Kothiyal S. C. , Saklani S.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this work is to investigate functional compounds analysis and their antimicrobial activity of Ficus palmata leave. In this work some functional compounds were isolated by column chromatographic techniques and identification of their structure by spectroscopic (NMR, IR, Mass, UV, etc.) methods. Catechin, Genistein, ?-Sitosterol and Stigmasterol compounds were isolated. These compounds firstly were isolated from F. palmata leave. The antimicrobial activity of these compounds has been investigated with some different bacterial stains. In this study, it has been shown that zone of inhibition power activities of these compounds showed potent antimicrobial activity as compared to standard drug.
Synthesis and Characterization with Antimicrobial Activity Studies on some Transition Metal Complexes of N, O Donor Novel Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Hossain M. S. , Zakaria C. M. , Zahan M. K.
Published: April 2017

Metal complexes of Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II) and Cd(II) ions with Schiff base ligand 4-{(pyridin-2-ylimino)methyl}phenol derived from condensation of 2-amino pyridine with 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde was prepared. The ligand and complexes were isolated from the reaction in the solid form  and characterized by conductivity, magnetic moment, TLC, IR, UV-Visible, thermal analysis and some physical measurements. During complexation reaction with transition metal ions Schiff base act as a deprotonated tridentate ligand and IR spectra showed that N and O atoms are coordinated to the central metal atom. The observed values confirmed that the complexes have octahedral geometry. The Schiff base and its metal complexes have been found to have moderate to strong antibacterial activity.
Some Theorems For Generalized (U,M)-Derivations In Semiprime Gamma-Rings
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Paul A. C.
Published: April 2017

The objective of this paper is to establish some results for generalized (U,M)-derivation in semiprime Gamma-ring, where U is a Lie ideal of a semiprime Gamma-ring. Let d be a-(U,M)-derivation and  f be a generalized (U,M)-derivation of M then we prove that f(u?v)=f(u)?v+u?d(v) for all u,v belongs to U and a belongs to Gamma, when U is an admissible Lie ideal of M;  f(u?m)=f(u)?m+u?d(m) for all u belongs to U, m belongs to M and a belongs to Gamma,  when U is a square closed Lie ideal of M.
Correlation amongst Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Sireesha N. L.
Published: April 2017

The calculation of carbon dioxide (CO2)  intensities can be employed to see the quality of indoor air and ventilation. The studies undertaken till date have been distorted. The current study summaries the association amongst carbon dioxide and building air quality and ventilation, with carbon dioxide being the marker to evaluate air quality and ventilation performance. High carbon dioxide intensities may show insufficient ventilation per occupant and high indoor contaminants intensities, resulting in the Sick Building Syndrome (SBI) Symptoms. The researcher assessed the literature related to indoor air quality (IAQ), ventilation, and building-linked health issues in schools linked to CO2 discharges and recognised general indicated building-linked well-being signs found in schools. A high rise in the ventilation rate or enhancement in ventilation efficacy and/or indoor contaminant source regulation would be anticipated to reduce the occurrence of chosen signs to its optimum.
Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders Among In Patients at Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College Hospital
Authors: Ali Md Zulfikar , Iqbal Said Mohammad , Ali Shah Mohammad Keramat , Hossain Bellal , Shahjahan -
Published: April 2017

Gastrointestinal tract disorders are a public health problem in our country. The objective of this study was to find out hospital based information and risk factors of prevalence of the patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. We included all suffering from upper abdominal pain and visiting KYAMCH, A total number of 1196 patients were endoscopically examined. Among them 25.54% were found to be suffering from upper gastrointestinal tract disorders, 9.86% had erosion, 8.01% had ulcer, 3.62% had inflammation and 4.04% was found to be malignant. Duodenum Ulcer Disease among male 4% and in females 3%. The prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in a tertiary level hospital in rural Bangladesh is increasing.KYAMC Journal Vol. 4, No.-1, July 2013, Page 316-320
Retrospective Review of TURP Done in One Year and Report on Postoperative Outcome
Authors: Uddin Md Mohsin , Amin Ruhul , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Chowdhury Sirajum Monira , Khan Md Rashed , Islam Md Rashedul
Published: April 2017

To assess the short-term clinical outcome of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) at Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College & Hospital (KYAMCH).This is a retrospective study performed in the urology department of our hospital for a period of one year. For all patients conventional monopolar resection was performed. Glycine was used as irrigant. Usually patients were admitted 1 day before surgery. TURP was performed under spinal anesthesia. All patients received intravenous prophylactic antibiotic. In most patients we have removed indwelling catheter on 2nd postoperative day.In one year, we have performed 45 TURPs. The median age of the patient was 67.0(48-85) years. Most common indication was acute retention of urine (62.2%). Median prostatic volume was 52.3mls on transabdominal ultrasound. The median weight of resected prostatic tissue was 24.25gm (5-60 gms), with a median resection time of 63.5 min. There was no mortality. Five patients (11.1%) received blood transfusion during or immediate post operative period of TURP. No patient develop TURP syndrome, one patient developed post-TURP febrile UTI. No patient developed permanent incontinence in our study.TURP is safe and effective in reducing the symptoms and complications related to benign prostatic hyperplasia .Advances in techniques, instrumentation, surgical and perioperative management, careful selection of patients and early catheter removal policy might increase the efficiency of TURP with acceptable complication rates.KYAMC Journal Vol. 4, No.-1, July 2013, Page 321-325
Effect of Vitamin C on Blood Glucose & Serum Lipids in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Nath Ronjon Kumer , Akhter Marufa , Sarker Kali Rani , Rahman Md Rezwanur , Chowdhury Shahela Sultana , Ishrat Rumana
Published: April 2017

Background & objectives: The prevalence of diabetes is rising at an alarming sign through out the world & is one of the major metabolic disorders that cause micro & macro-vascular complications. Dyslipidaemia is considered as risk factor for cardiovascular disease & it is higher risk in diabetes subjects than normal. The control of glycemic & lipid profile status can reduced the risk of micro & macro-vascular complications. As vitamin C is anti oxidant vitamins so we aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of its on blood glucose & serum lipids in T2DM patients.Materials & methods: A total of 46 patients with T2DM were included in this study. They received 1000 mg of vitamin C for eight weeks. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low & high density lipoprotein (LDL & HDL) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured before & after vitamin consumption and the results were analyzed.Results: A significant decrease in TG, TC, LDL, and HbA1c was seen in the group supplemented with 1000 mg vitamin C. In case of FBG & HDL there was no significant difference.Interpretation & conclusions: Our results indicate that daily consumption of 1000 mg supplementary antioxidant vitamin-C may be beneficial in decreasing glycemic status and lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes and thus reducing the risk of complications.KYAMC Journal Vol. 4, No.-1, July 2013, Page 337-340
Melioidosis
Authors: Haque Nazia , Bari Md Shafikul , Hoque Md Moinul , Islam Md Amirul , Hoque Syada Monira , Sarkar Santana Rani , Kabir Md Rashedul , Rahman Md Arifur
Published: April 2017

Melioidosis is an important disease caused by a Gram-negative bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei. The true incidence of melioidosis is unknown for most countries of the world including Bangladesh. Due to its increasing incidence in many countries of the world it is an important issue now days. Due to variability of clinical features and limited availability of laboratory facilities the disease remains largely under-reported.Early and specific diagnosis is important to ensure a favourable outcome regarding this disease. In this paper history, transmission, sign symptoms, diagnosis and prevention of melioidosis are critically reviewed to know about something regarding this diseaseKYAMC Journal Vol. 4, No.-1, July 2013, Page 353-356
Complete Intraluminal Migration of Surgical Sponge (Gossypiboma) With Complete Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Hossain Mohd Farid , Rahman Anisur , Rouf Abdur
Published: April 2017

A 33 years aged gentle lady presented with the features suggestive of acute intestinal obstruction due to complete intraluminal migration of a laparotomy sponge, five years after open cholecystectomy in a private clinic. Contrast enhanced CT scan of whole abdomen revealed an elongated intraluminal mass in the distal ileum causing intestinal obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy revealed circumvented loop of ileum with intraluminal mass sized around 6x12 cm in the terminal ileum. Enterotomy delivered a surgical sponge with no external or internal communication. Though intraluminal migration of retained surgical sponge has often been reported. But complete migration with features of intestinal obstruction is rare.KYAMC Journal Vol. 4, No.-1, July 2013, Page 362-365
Religious Change and Secularisation in Scotland: An Analysis of Affiliation and Attendance
Authors: Clements Ben
Published: April 2017

Building on Brown (1997) and Field's (2001) research into religious decline and secularisation in Scotland in the later decades of the 20th-century, this article uses data from recurrent social surveys, nationally-representative of the Scottish adult population, to assess the nature and extent of religious change in the 21st-century. It examines recent trends in religious affiliation and attendance in Scotland, compares key indicators in England and Scotland to assess areas of similarity and difference in terms of religion and secularity, and assesses the contemporary socio-demographic basis of affiliation and attendance in Scotland. The empirical results show that religious affiliation and attendance have further attenuated in Scotland in recent years, with a growing proportion of adults reporting that they were raised outside of any religious tradition. Indicators of secularity are most marked amongst younger age groups. The ‘haemorrhage of faith’ documented in the latter part of the 20th-century in Scotland has continued into the early part of the 21st-century.
Sectarianism in the Scottish Labour Market; what the 2011 Census Shows
Authors: Bruce Steve , Glendinning Tony
Published: April 2017

As disadvantage can have causes other than discrimination, its presence cannot prove discrimination. However, the absence of patterns of disadvantage in large data sets would be very strong evidence against the presence of sectarian discrimination. In this paper we analyse data on religion, social class, education, gender and region from the 2011 Scottish census. Against those who argue that sectarianism is endemic in the west of Scotland, we find no sectarian association between religion and social class among people at the peak age of their labour market involvement. The class profiles of people in the Other Religion categories are unusual but the profile for Catholics is pretty much the same as for Other Christians. That this analysis involves 487,694 people gives us confidence that the results are robust. Hence we conclude there is no evidence that the Scottish labour market is characterised by sectarian discrimination. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of the staff of the office of the Registrar General for Scotland who kindly provided us with the census data.
Design and Evaluation of a Semi-Active Magneto-rheological Mount for a Wheel Loader Cabin
Authors: Yang Soon-Yong , Han Chulhee , Shin Sang-Un , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: April 2017

In this study, a semi-active magneto-rheological (MR) mount is designed and manufactured to minimize unwanted vibrations for the cabin of heavy vehicles. Normally, working conditions in heavy vehicles are extremely rugged. Usually, the heavy vehicles use passive rubber mounts for the reduction of vibrations from road. However, the passive mount has definite performance limitations because the passive mount has a fixed resonance frequency when the design is finished. An MR application is one of the solutions because the viscosity of MR fluid can be controlled. As a first step, an experimental apparatus was established for performance evaluation of the mounts. The apparatus has hydraulic excitatory, force, and displacement sensors. Performance of two different passive mounts used in industrial fields were evaluated. The passive mount data of force-displacement, force-velocity, and displacement transmissibility were collected and tested. After that, an MR mount was designed and manufactured that provides better performance using the passive mount data. The MR mount uses two different flow paths, annular duct and radial channels, for generating the required damping force. The field-dependent damping forces were then evaluated with respect to the moving stroke and input current. In this work, in order to control the damping force, an on-off controller associated with the fast Fourier transform (FFT) was used. The control results of the MR mount were compared with the results of passive rubber mounts. It was shown that the semi-active MR mount can attenuate vibrations more effectively at all frequency ranges compared with the passive rubber mount.
Design Point Performance and Optimization of Humid Air Turbine Power Plants
Authors: Brighenti Giovanni , Orts-Gonzalez Pau , Sanchez-de-Leon Luis , Zachos Pavlos
Published: April 2017

With the recent drive towards higher thermal efficiencies and lower emission levels in the power generation market, advanced cycle power plants have become an increasingly appealing option. Among these systems, humid air turbines have been previously identified as promising candidates to deliver high efficiency and power output with notably low overall system volume, weight and emissions footprint. This paper investigates the performance of an advanced humid air turbine power cycle and aims to identify the dependencies between key cycle design variables, thermal performance, weight and cost by means of a parametric design optimization approach. Designs of the main heat exchangers are generated, aiming to ascertain the relationship between their technology level and the total weight and acquisition cost of them. The research outcomes show that the recuperator and the intercooler are the two components with the largest influence on the thermal efficiency and the total cost. The total weight of the power system is driven by the technology level of the recuperator and the economizer. Finally, the effectiveness of the aftercooler seems to have the greatest impact in reducing the total acquisition cost of the system with minimum penalty on its thermal efficiency.
Fed-Batch Synthesis of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) and Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-4-Hydroxybutyrate) from Sucrose and 4-Hydroxybutyrate Precursors by Burkholderia sacchari Strain DSM 17165
Authors: Miranda De Sousa Dias Miguel , Koller Martin , Puppi Dario , Morelli Andrea , Chiellini Federica , Braunegg Gerhart
Published: April 2017

Based on direct sucrose conversion, the bacterium Burkholderia sacchari is an excellent producer of the microbial homopolyester poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). Restrictions of the strain’s wild type in metabolizing structurally related 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) precursors towards 3HV-containing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolyester calls for alternatives. We demonstrate the highly productive biosynthesis of PHA copolyesters consisting of 3-hydroxybuytrate (3HB) and 4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB) monomers. Controlled bioreactor cultivations were carried out using saccharose from the Brazilian sugarcane industry as the main carbon source, with and without co-feeding with the 4HB-related precursor γ-butyrolactone (GBL). Without GBL co-feeding, the homopolyester PHB was produced at a volumetric productivity of 1.29 g/(L•h), a mass fraction of 0.52 g PHB per g biomass, and a final PHB concentration of 36.5 g/L; the maximum specific growth rate µmax amounted to 0.15 1/h. Adding GBL, we obtained 3HB and 4HB monomers in the polyester at a volumetric productivity of 1.87 g/(L•h), a mass fraction of 0.72 g PHA per g biomass, a final PHA concentration of 53.7 g/L, and a µmax of 0.18 1/h. Thermoanalysis revealed improved material properties of the second polyester in terms of reduced melting temperature Tm (161 °C vs. 178 °C) and decreased degree of crystallinity Xc (24% vs. 71%), indicating its enhanced suitability for polymer processing.
A Comprehensive Diverse ‘-omics’ Approach to Better Understanding the Molecular Pathomechanisms of Down Syndrome
Authors: Ishihara Keiichi , Akiba Satoshi
Published: April 2017

Diverse ‘-omics’ technologies permit the comprehensive quantitative profiling of a variety of biological molecules. Comparative ‘-omics’ analyses, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, are powerful and useful tools for unraveling the molecular pathomechanisms of various diseases. As enhanced oxidative stress has been demonstrated in humans and mice with Down syndrome (DS), a redox proteomic analysis is useful for understanding how enhanced oxidative stress aggravates the state of individuals with oxidative stress-related disorders. In this review, ‘-omics’ analyses in humans with DS and mouse models of DS are summarized, and the molecular dissection of this syndrome is discussed.
The Role of Synthetic Fuels for a Carbon Neutral Economy
Authors: Rosa Rui
Published: April 2017

Fossil fuels depletion and increasing environmental impacts arising from their use call for seeking growing supplies from renewable and nuclear primary energy sources. However, it is necessary to simultaneously attend to both the electrical power needs and the specificities of the transport and industrial sector requirements. A major question posed by the shift away from traditional fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources lies in matching the power demand with the daily and seasonal oscillation and the intermittency of these natural energy fluxes. Huge energy storage requirements become necessary or otherwise the decline of the power factor of both the renewable and conventional generation would mean loss of resources. On the other hand, liquid and gaseous fuels, for which there is vast storage and distribution capacity available, appear essential to supply the transport sector for a very long time ahead, besides their domestic and industrial roles. Within this context, the present assessment suggests that proven technologies and sound tested principles are available to develop an integrated energy system, relying on synthetic fuels. These would incorporate carbon capture and utilization in a closed carbon cycle, progressively relying mostly on solar and/or nuclear primary sources, providing both electric power and gaseous/liquid hydrocarbon fuels, having ample storage capacity, and able to timely satisfy all forms of energy demand. The principles and means are already available to develop a carbon-neutral synthetic fuel economy.
Timp1 Promotes Cell Survival by Activating the PDK1 Signaling Pathway in Melanoma
Authors: Toricelli Mariana , Melo Fabiana , Hunger Aline , Zanatta Daniela , Strauss Bryan , Jasiulionis Miriam
Published: April 2017

High TIMP1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in melanoma, where it can bind to CD63 and β1 integrin, inducing PI3-kinase pathway and cell survival. Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3), generated under phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) activation, enables the recruitment and activation of protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) at the membrane, resulting in the phosphorylation of a host of other proteins. Using a melanoma progression model, we evaluated the impact of Timp1 and AKT silencing, as well as PI3K, PDK1, and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors on aggressiveness characteristics. Timp1 downregulation resulted in decreased anoikis resistance, clonogenicity, dacarbazine resistance, and in vivo tumor growth and lung colonization. In metastatic cells, pAKTThr308 is highly expressed, contributing to anoikis resistance. We showed that PDK1Ser241 and PKCβIISer660 are activated by Timp1 in different stages of melanoma progression, contributing to colony formation and anoikis resistance. Moreover, simultaneous inhibition of Timp1 and AKT in metastatic cells resulted in more effective anoikis inhibition. Our findings demonstrate that Timp1 promotes cell survival with the participation of PDK1 and PKC in melanoma. In addition, Timp1 and AKT act synergistically to confer anoikis resistance in advanced tumor stages. This study brings new insights about the mechanisms by which Timp1 promotes cell survival in melanoma, and points to novel perspectives for therapeutic approaches.
Long Non-Coding RNAs: Key Regulators of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Tumour Drug Resistance and Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Heery Richard , Finn Stephen , Cuffe Sinead , Gray Steven
Published: April 2017

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), the adoption by epithelial cells of a mesenchymal-like phenotype, is a process co-opted by carcinoma cells in order to initiate invasion and metastasis. In addition, it is becoming clear that is instrumental to both the development of drug resistance by tumour cells and in the generation and maintenance of cancer stem cells. EMT is thus a pivotal process during tumour progression and poses a major barrier to the successful treatment of cancer. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) often utilize epigenetic programs to regulate both gene expression and chromatin structure. One type of ncRNA, called long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has become increasingly recognized as being both highly dysregulated in cancer and to play a variety of different roles in tumourigenesis. Indeed, over the last few years, lncRNAs have rapidly emerged as key regulators of EMT in cancer. In this review, we discuss the lncRNAs that have been associated with the EMT process in cancer and the variety of molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways through which they regulate EMT, and finally discuss how these EMT-regulating lncRNAs impact on both anti-cancer drug resistance and the cancer stem cell phenotype.
In Search of Governing Gas Flow Mechanism through Metal Solid Foams
Authors: Gancarczyk Anna , Piątek Marcin , Iwaniszyn Marzena , Jodłowski Przemysław , Łojewska Joanna , Kowalska Jolanta , Kołodziej Andrzej
Published: April 2017

Solid foams have been intensely studied as promising structured catalytic internals. However, mechanisms governing flow and transport phenomena within the foam structures have not been properly addressed in the literature. The aim of this study was to consider such flow mechanisms based on our experimental results on flow resistance. Two mechanisms were considered: developing laminar flow in a short capillary channel (flow-through model), and flow around an immersed solid body, either a cylinder or sphere (flow-around model). Flow resistance experiments were performed on three aluminum foams of 10, 20, and 40 PPI (pores per inch), using a 57 mm ID test column filled with the foams studied. The foam morphology was examined using microtomography and optical microscopy to derive the geometric parameters applied in the model equations. The flow-through model provided an accuracy of 25% for the experiments. The model channel diameter was the foam cell diameter, and the channel length was the strut thickness. The accuracy of the flow-around model was only slightly worse (35%). It was difficult to establish the geometry of the immersed solid body (sphere or cylinder) because experiment characteristics tended to change from sphere to cylinder with increasing PPI value.
Comparison of CPAP and HFNC in Management of Bronchiolitis in Infants and Young Children
Authors: Pedersen Majken , Vahlkvist Signe
Published: April 2017

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been used in infants with bronchiolitis for decades. Recently, high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy was introduced We conducted a retrospective study of treatment with CPAP vs. HFNC between 2013 and 2015, comparing the development in respiratory rate, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and heart rate, treatment failure, duration of treatment, and length of hospital stay. A sample size of 49 children were included. Median age was 1.9 months. Median baseline pCO2 was 7.4 kPa in both groups, respiratory rate per minute was 57 vs. 58 (CPAP vs. HFNC). Respiratory rate decreased faster in the CPAP group (p < 0.05). FiO2 decreased in the CPAP group and increased in the HFNC group during the first 12 h, whereafter it decreased in both groups. (p < 0.01). Heart rate development was similar in both groups. Twelve children (55%) changed systems from HFNC to CPAP due to disease progression. There was no difference in length of treatment, hospital stay, or transmission to intensive care unit between the groups. CPAP was more effective than HFNC in decreasing respiratory rate (RR) and FiO2. No differences were observed in length of treatment or complications. Further studies should be conducted to compare the efficacy of the two treatments of bronchiolitis, preferably through prospective randomized trials.
Parent, partner, co-parent or partnership? The need for clarity as family systems thinking takes hold in the quest to motivate behavioural change
Authors: May Chris , Chai Li Kheng , Burrows Tracy
Published: April 2017

Research is increasingly pointing to the importance of extending the focus of childhood obesity intervention to include fathers, fathering figures, and other members of a child’s primary parenting network. Advances in communication technology are now making it possible to achieve this aim, within current resources, using modalities such text messaging, web-based resources and apps that extend intervention to parents not in attendance at face to face interactions. However, published research is often unclear as to which parent/s they targeted or engaged with, whether interventions planned to influence behaviours and capabilities across family systems, and how this can be achieved. As childhood obesity research employing information technology to engage with family systems takes hold it is becoming important for researchers clearly describe who they engage with, what they hope to achieve with them, and the pathways of influence that they aim to activate. This paper integrates extant knowledge on family systems thinking, parenting efficacy, co-parenting, and family intervention with the way parents are represented and reported in childhood obesity research. The paper concludes with recommendations on terminology that can be used to describe parents and parenting figures in future studies.
The Synergetic Effects of Combining Structural Biology and EPR Spectroscopy on Membrane Proteins
Authors: Wunnicke Dorith , Hänelt Inga
Published: April 2017

Protein structures as provided by structural biology such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and NMR spectroscopy are key elements to understand the function of a protein on the molecular level. Nonetheless, they might be error-prone due to crystallization artifacts or, in particular in case of membrane-imbedded proteins, a mostly artificial environment. In this review, we will introduce different EPR spectroscopy methods as powerful tools to complement and validate structural data gaining insights in the dynamics of proteins and protein complexes such that functional cycles can be derived. We will highlight the use of EPR spectroscopy on membrane-embedded proteins and protein complexes ranging from receptors to secondary active transporters as structural information is still limited in this field and the lipid environment is a particular challenge.
Entropy “2”-Soft Classification of Objects
Authors: Popkov Yuri , Volkovich Zeev , Dubnov Yuri , Avros Renata , Ravve Elena
Published: April 2017

A proposal for a new method of classification of objects of various nature, named “2”-soft classification, which allows for referring objects to one of two types with optimal entropy probability for available collection of learning data with consideration of additive errors therein. A decision rule of randomized parameters and probability density function (PDF) is formed, which is determined by the solution of the problem of the functional entropy linear programming. A procedure for “2”-soft classification is developed, consisting of the computer simulation of the randomized decision rule with optimal entropy PDF parameters. Examples are provided.
On the Definition of Diversity Order Based on Renyi Entropy for Frequency Selective Fading Channels
Authors: Chae Seungyeob , Rim Minjoong
Published: April 2017

Outage probabilities are important measures of the performance of wireless communication systems, but to obtain outage probabilities it is necessary to first determine detailed system parameters, followed by complicated calculations. When there are multiple candidates of diversity techniques applicable for a system, the diversity order can be used to roughly but quickly compare the techniques for a wide range of operating environments. For a system transmitting over frequency selective fading channels, the diversity order can be defined as the number of multi-paths if multi-paths have all equal energy. However, diversity order may not be adequately defined when the energy values are different. In order to obtain a rough value of diversity order, one may use the number of multi-paths or the reciprocal value of the multi-path energy variance. Such definitions are not very useful for evaluating the performance of diversity techniques since the former is meaningful only when the target outage probability is extremely small, while the latter is reasonable when the target outage probability is very large. In this paper, we propose a new definition of diversity order for frequency selective fading channels. The proposed scheme is based on Renyi entropy, which is widely used in biology and many other fields. We provide various simulation results to show that the diversity order using the proposed definition is tightly correlated with the corresponding outage probability, and thus the proposed scheme can be used for quickly selecting the best diversity technique among multiple candidates.
Sydowia polyspora Dominates Fungal Communities Carried by Two Tomicus Species in Pine Plantations Threatened by Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Muñoz-Adalia E. , Sanz-Ros Antonio , Flores-Pacheco Juan , Hantula Jarkko , Diez Julio , Vainio Eeva , Fernández Mercedes
Published: April 2017

Bark beetles (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) carry a diverse filamentous fungal community sometimes acting as vectors or carriers of phytopathogens. In this study, mycobiota carried by two Tomicus species (Tomicus piniperda and Tomicus destruens) were investigated through (i) morphological and molecular identification of taxa; (ii) taxonomic richness, diversity, evenness, dominance and phoresy indices; (iii) ecological network analysis and (iv) statistical co-occurrence analysis. The studied mycobiota were formed by eleven taxa and showed a moderate fungal diversity with low evenness. The fungus Sydowia polyspora was significantly abundant and dominated the community. All the fungal taxa were randomly associated. Both insect species (T. piniperda and T. destruens) were collected from plantations of Pinus radiata infected by Fusarium circinatum. The ecological factors that could drive community ecology and phoretic links between fungi and bark beetles are discussed.