bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of season on structural composition of drake testes and daily spermatozoa production as determined by quantitative testicular histology
Authors: Okpe Godwin Chidozie , Udoumoh Anietie Francis
Published: September 2016

Seasonal effects on the structural features of drake testes and daily spermatozoa production were investigated by a light microscopy technique, as well as morphometric and quantitative histological procedures. The present study is aimed at understanding the effects of different seasons on the reproductive potential of drakes. The results showed that the volume of the testes occupied by seminiferous tubules was similar (P>0.05) in all the seasons studied. However, the relative percentage of the primary spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa, epithelial height, lumen diameter, and Leydig cells were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the early and late rainy seasons compared to the early and late dry seasons. The daily sperm production per testis in the early rainy season, late rainy season, early dry season, and late dry season were 0.86 × 109± 1.30, 0.84 × 109± 1.20, 0.54 × 109± 1.13 and 0.52 × 109± 1.17, respectively. The daily sperm productions per testis and per gram of testes were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the early rainy season compared to the early and late dry seasons, respectively. All the micrographs examined, showed evidence of normal spermatogenesis throughout the year. The findings in the present study indicate that drakes in the tropical environment (south-eastern Nigeria) are capable of breeding throughout the year; however, sperm production efficiency is optimal during the early rainy season.
Mechanisms of maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by autochthonic microbiota and probiotics
Authors: Binek Marian , Kizerwetter-Świda Magdalena , Cisek Agata Anna , Rzewuska Magdalena , Chrobak-Chmiel Dorota , Gieryńska Małgorzata
Published: September 2016

Intestinal microbes are taxonomically diverse and constitute an ecologically dynamic microbiom interactively performing various physiological and physiopathological processes. It has been proposed that normal intestinal microbiotas play a critical role in the host’s metabolic homeostasis and immune tolerance. The modulation of intestinal microbiota populations by prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics may be beneficial for the host’s health. Under certain conditions, the intestinal microbiota and the host’s homeostasis can be restored by introducing bacteria that co-mediate anti-inflammatory responses. Commensal microbes and probiotics exert their beneficial effect by at least three mechanisms. These include - the maintenance of the epithelial barrier function and the attenuation of changes in intestinal permeability through effects on tight junction, decreasing paracellular permeability, providing innate defense against pathogens, and enhancing the physical impediment of the mucous layer, - competitive exclusion by the application of probiotic bacteria stabilizing the indigenous microflora, - immunomodulatory capacity, affecting a variety of signaling pathways with modulation of proper immune, inflammatory and allergic responses. The epithelial gut barrier faces important challenges, since its function is to prevent pathogens and harmful elements of the gut lumen from penetrating into the internal environment. Competitive exclusion treatment can increase resistance to pathogen colonization and control intestinal disturbance. The dominance of symbiotic and probiotic bacteria among the gut microbiota favors a tolerogenic immune response. The release of secretory IgA stabilizes tight junctions between cells of the epithelial layer as well as hampers pathogens and symbionts invading deeper layers. The understanding of these vital processes may help to protect the host against infection, prevent chronic inflammation, and maintain mucosal integrity.
Physiological leptin resistance
Authors: Gogga Patrycja , Karbowska Joanna , Meissner Włodzimierz , Kochan Zdzisław
Published: September 2016

Leptin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone whose circulating levels correlate with the amount of body fat stores. The main function of this adipokine is to regulate energy metabolism. By modulating the expression of orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides in the hypothalamus, leptin reduces appetite. It also increases energy expenditure, contributing to the decrease of body fat and body weight. Mutations in the leptin receptor gene or prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet may impair leptin action, leading to leptin resistance. Resistance to leptin can also be an adaptive response that occurs in seasonal animals and in pregnant mammals. Reversible insensitivity to the satiety signal of leptin promotes hyperphagia, which is essential for animals living in dynamic environments and experiencing seasonal variation in food availability, since it allows them to forage intensely when food is abundant and accumulate fat reserves necessary to survive periods when food is scarce. Moreover, leptin resistance and subsequent hyperphagia develop during pregnancy in order to meet the energy needs of the growing fetus. Physiological leptin resistance may be due to impaired transport of leptin across the blood-brain barrier and/or to decreased sensitivity of the hypothalamus to this hormone resulting from an inhibition of leptin signalling in hypothalamic neurons. In pregnancy, an increased resistance to leptin action is also mediated by the binding of this adipokine to its placenta-derived soluble receptor. Reduced entry of leptin into the brain as well as alterations in the leptin signalling pathway in the hypothalamus leads to a transient decrease in sensitivity to this hormone preventing appetite suppression.
Influence of environmental stress on immunity of swine
Authors: Pejsak Zygmunt , Truszczyński Marian
Published: September 2016

This paper deals with pigs kept in environments, where they are exposed to a high number of pathogenic microbes and have reduced feed intake and growth, even when no obvious acute illness exists. According to the presented article this chronic drain on production is called immunologic stress. Sentinel immune cells (e.g. macrophages) supervise the diverse microbial environment by detecting pathogen – associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are molecules associated with groups of pathogens. The immune sentinels detect PAMPs mainly with Toll – like receptors (TLRs). Stimulation of macrophages through their TLRs leads to the synthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, initiating the inflammatory response that recruits both immune molecules and circulating immune cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines enable the immune system to communicate with other physiological systems. They rearrange the animal’s metabolic priorities, resulting in re-partitioning of nutrients away from productive processes towards responses that support the immune system. Thus, the immune system, through detection of PAMPs and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, is the critical chain link connecting the pathogenic environment to productivity. The evaluation indicates, that at maintenance a healthy animal uses about 0,5-2% of the body’s lysine for leucocytes, antibodies and acute phase proteins. In the situation of contamination by pathogens of the environment the immune response is estimated to account for about 9% of the body’s lysine. Providing additional lysine in the diet does not improve the reduced growth of the pig, caused by immunologic stress as the result of contamination of the pig environment by pathogenic or facultatively pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, minimizing exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and providing sound environmental management practices is a high priority.
Alfredo Morales Mustelier FSC (1927-2012): historia de vida y catálogo de obras musicales
Authors: Suárez Marrero Pablo Alejandro , Escudero Suástegui Miriam Esther
Published: September 2016

En Cuba, la mayoría de los estudios sobre música religiosa han estado centrados en las expresiones músico-danzarias de ritos afrocubanos que constituyen patrimonio inmaterial de la nación. Sin embargo, cada vez es más importante la salvaguarda del patrimonio histórico-documental relacionado con la práctica de la liturgia católico-romana, en aras de valorar su trascendencia cultural para nuestra música. En el archivo de música de la Catedral de Santiago de Cuba fueron localizadas partituras del Hno. Alfredo Morales Mustelier F.S.C., uno de los precursores del uso de ritmos y melodías folklóricas en la liturgia católica, constituyendo el único reservorio en Cuba que conserva sus obras. Los aportes de este compositor al patrimonio musical pre y post-conciliar han sido poco estudiados, por lo que es necesario la reconstrucción de su historia de vida como paso ineludible para contextualizar su obra creativa, así como la confección de un catálogo que permita conocer lo atesorado en archivo para convertir sus obras en objeto de estudio de próximas investigaciones. Este estudio forma parte de los proyectos de investigación del Gabinete de Patrimonio Musical Esteban Salas para el rescate del patrimonio histórico-documental de la música existente en los archivos de catedrales e iglesias de Cuba.
Exploring the effects of domestic water management measures to water conservation attitudes using agent based modelling
Authors: Koutiva Ifigeneia , Makropoulos Christos
Published: September 2016

The urban water system's sustainable evolution requires managing both water supply and water demand within a complete urban water cycle framework. Such an approach, however, requires tools to analyse and simulate the complete system including both physical and cultural environments. One of the main challenges, in this regard, is the design and development of tools able to simulate the society's water demand behaviour and the way policy measures affect it. The effects of these policy measures are a function of personal attitudes that subsequently lead to the formation of people's behaviours. This work focuses on the exploration of social impact theory on water conservation attitudes of urban households. A model is designed and implemented using agent based modelling. The developed model's ability to represent social structure and mechanisms of social influences is tested against historical data from the 1988–1994 drought of Athens, Greece as a case study.
Modeling the impact of nitrate fertilizers on groundwater quality in the southern part of the Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Eltarabily Mohamed Galal , Negm Abdelazim M. , Yoshimura Chihiro , Saavedra Oliver C.
Published: September 2016

The use of fertilizers in agriculture in Egypt, especially nitrogen, has increased significantly in the last decade, resulting in nonpoint contamination of the groundwater resources. This study investigated the effect of using nitrogen fertilizer on groundwater contamination with nitrate in the central southern part of the Nile Delta. NO3− concentrations in shallow groundwater were assessed based on the applied urea dose (the common nitrogen fertilizer used) in year 2014. A groundwater modeling system (GMS) comprising MODFLOW and MT3D was used to simulate the three-dimensional groundwater flow and NO3− transportation processes in El-Menoufia Governorate, located in the central region of the Nile Delta aquifer. Calibration for MODFLOW was conducted to match known head configurations to minimize the water balance differences. Calibration of MT3D was accomplished by fitting the model to the measured NO3− concentrations during the year 2014. The results highlighted areas of groundwater contamination by NO3−, which occurred at shallow depths (40 m) due to the significant loads of nitrogen fertilizer application and the flood irrigation method. While the results suggested one approach was to avoid using contaminated shallow groundwater as a water source, a more sustainable approach would be to implement best management practices to reduce and control the amount of nitrate leaching into the shallow groundwater system in the future.
Inovação tecnológica no trabalho final de curso no mestrado profissional
Authors: Barbosa Brito Cleiton Fernando , Neves Faria Helder Henrique , Santos Rodrigues Carlindo
Published: September 2016

A inovação tecnológica é um fator fundamental para a manutenção de atividades e para o crescimento e o desenvolvimento socioeconômico do país. Dessa forma, a integração entre inovação e mestrado profissional pode gerar potencialidades, pois há um esforço no sentido de afirmar sua identidade como categoria de curso de pós-graduação com estrutura de base inovadora. Alguns trabalhos vêm sendo publicados na tentativa de entender como a modalidade de mestrado profissional vem se constituindo, mas ainda sem tomarem como objeto de estudo a inovação tecnológica nos trabalhos finais do curso. Neste contexto, objetivou-se realizar, por meio de uma revisão de literatura, uma abordagem sobre inovação tecnológica como trabalho final de curso no mestrado profissional.
Стандартизована оцінка тяжкості вогнепальних та мінно-вибухових пошкоджень, що виникли внаслідок сучасних бойових дій
Authors: Huriev S.O. , Kravtsov D.I. , Ordatii A.V.
Published: September 2016

Під час проведення антитерористичної операції (АТО) на Сході України спостерігається значне збільшення постраждалих із мінно-вибуховою травмою. Це, безумовно, потребує стандартизації показників тяжкості пошкодження та стану постраждалих, що дозволить сформувати адекватну та ефективну лікувальну тактику та визначити оптимальні клініко-організаційні форми надання медичної допомоги. Дане дослідження ґрунтується на багатокомпонентному аналізі випадків вогнепальних та мінно-вибухових пошкоджень у постраждалих, які отримали травму під час бойових дійна під час проведення АТО на Сході України за період із січня по березень 2015 р. Було піддано аналізу 151 випадок мінно-вибухових пошкоджень. Масив дослідження було піддано оцінці за шкалами ASS, PTS, RTS, TS та Lindzau в модифікації Г.О. Можаєва та І.Р. Малиша. На підставі аналізу із застосуванням шкали Lindzau нами були введено ряд додаткових критеріїв, за якими здійснювалась оцінка. У результаті модифікації стандартизованої системи індексу травми за Lindzau ми розробили шкалу ГКО, що дозволяє ефективно й адекватно оцінити тяжкість пошкодження та стан постраждалого, рівень збігу даних із реальними становить 85–90 %. Також перевагою даної шкали є її простота в застосуванні та стислий термін оцінки.
Ідентифікація нейропатичного компонента болю в пацієнтів з остеоартрозом колінних суглобів
Authors: Povorozniuk V.V. , Pryimych U.I.
Published: September 2016

Біль при остеоартрозі є результатом стимуляції ноцицепторів і виникає внаслідок тканинного пошкодження та локального запалення. Останні дані вказують на наявність симптомів нейропатичного болю в пацієнтів з остеоартрозом. Мета дослідження: з’ясувати структуру больового синдрому та виявити наявність нейропатичного компонента болю. Матеріали і методи. Було обстежено 37 пацієнтів з остеоартрозом колінних суглобів ІІ–ІІІ стадії за Kallgren — Lawrence. Для виявлення нейропатичного компонента болю використовували скринінгові шкали нейропатичного болю — painDETECT, LANSS, DN4. Додатково пацієнтів опитували за візуальною аналоговою шкалою, WOMAC та EuroQol-5D. Результати. Згідно з опитувальником painDETECT нейропатичний компонент болю в пацієнтів з остеоартрозом колінних суглобів виявлено у 5,4 % обстежених, за LANSS — у 29,7 % та за DN4 — у 35,1 %. Встановлено вірогідні помірні кореляційні зв’язки з інтенсивністю больового синдрому та результатами анкетування за скринінговими шкалами (painDETECT, LANSS, DN4) (p < 0,05). Також виявлено, що вищі результати анкетування за painDETECT та DN4 позитивно корелювали з порушенням щоденної активності, оціненої за допомогою WOMAC (p < 0,05). Дані рainDETECT мали позитивний зв’язок з опитувальником EuroQol-5D (p < 0,01).
Епілепсія після ішемічного інсульту: чи є сенс призначати антиконвульсанти після першого нападу?
Authors: Sofilkanych N.V. , Oros M.M. , Smolanka V.I. , Luts V.V.
Published: September 2016

Актуальність. Частота розвитку епілептичних нападів у хворих, які перенесли інсульт, коливається в широкому діапазоні — від 3 до понад 60 % [8, 11–15]. Сьогодні в темі постінсультної епілепсії залишаються до кінця не вивченими чимало аспектів цієї проблеми, в тому числі питання щодо призначення протиепілептичних препаратів. Мета дослідження — визначити прогноз розвитку симптоматичної епілепсії після інсульту залежно від прийому антиконвульсантів пацієнтами після першого епілептичного нападу. Матеріали та методи. Комплексно обстежено 1012 пацієнтів (562 чоловіки і 450 жінок) віком від 49 до 90 років, які перенесли ішемічний інсульт протягом 2011–2014 років. Під час проведення аналізу стану всіх 1012 пацієнтів було встановлено, що протягом 6 місяців після перенесеного інсульту хоча б один епілептичний напад було зафіксовано у 161 пацієнта. За типом нападів переважали фокальні (89,9 %; р < 0,001), і лише в 11,1 % пацієнтів були діагностовані первинно-генералізовані епілептичні напади. Результати та обговорення. Для порівняння перебігу стану пацієнтів з інсультом після першого епілептичного нападу нами були сформовані подібні групи: перша (n = 81) і друга (n = 80). У першій групі призначали протиепілептичні препарати після першого епілептичного нападу, у другій групі не призначали. Стан пацієнтів було оцінено через рік після виникнення першого епілептичного нападу. Критеріями оцінки були: наявність другого епілептичного нападу і більше, тобто діагностика симптоматичної постінсультної епілепсії, або взагалі відсутність жодного епілептичного нападу. Відповідно до результатів спостереження, у першій групі, яка приймала антиконвульсанти, протягом року повторні епілептичні напади були зафіксовані у 22 пацієнтів, що становило 27,1 %, тоді як у другій групі, де не проводилося лікування антиконвульсантами, протягом року повторні епілептичні напади були зафіксовані у 43 пацієнтів, що становило 53,75 %. Висновок. Дані результати є підставою для подальших досліджень та можливої рекомендації призначення протиепілептичних препаратів вже після першого епілептичного нападу у пацієнтів, які перенесли інсульт.
Препараты гинкго билоба: по пути открытий в клинической нейрофармакологии
Authors: Burchynskyi S.H.
Published: September 2016

В статье приведены наиболее актуальные и современные данные об основных механизмах действия экстракта гинкго билоба: нейромедиаторных, нейрометаболических и вазотропных эффектах. Популярность экстракта гинкго билоба в неврологии связана с его эффективностью и безопасностью.
Диференціальна діагностика макроцефалій (мегаленцефалій) у дітей
Authors: Kyrylova L.H. , Tkachuk L.I. , Miroshnykov O.O. , Yuzva O.O.
Published: September 2016

Статтю присвячено проблемі диференціальної діагностики макроцефалії в нейропедіатричній практиці. На підставі аналізу сучасної літератури наведено детальний опис клінічної картини, підходів до діагностики та лікування станів, що супроводжуються макроцефалією. Особливу увагу в статті приділено питанню поєднання макроцефалії з генетичними захворюваннями у дітей. У даний час дана проблема мало висвітлена як у закордонній, так і вітчизняній літературі. При обстеженні пацієнтів з макроцефалією у фахівців має бути настороженість щодо генетичних синдромів, що можуть лежати в основі захворювання. Наведено клінічний приклад дитини з макроцефалією, у якої було діагностовано рідкісне генетичне захворювання — синдром Сотоса.
Effect of Patiromer on Urinary Ion Excretion in Healthy Adults
Authors: Bushinsky David A. , Spiegel David M. , Gross Coleman , Benton Wade W. , Fogli Jeanene , Hill Gallant Kathleen M. , Du Mond Charles , Block Geoffrey A. , Weir Matthew R. , Pitt Bertram
Published: September 2016

Background and objectives

Patiromer is a nonabsorbed potassium-binding polymer that uses calcium as the counterexchange ion. The calcium released with potassium binding has the potential to be absorbed or bind phosphate. Because binding is not specific for potassium, patiromer can bind other cations. Here, we evaluate the effect of patiromer on urine ion excretion in healthy adults, which reflects gastrointestinal ion absorption.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We analyzed the effect of patiromer on urine potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate in two studies. Healthy adults on controlled diets in a clinical research unit were given patiromer up to 50.4 g/d divided three times a day for 8 days (dose-finding study) or 25.2 g/d in a crossover design as daily or divided (two or three times a day) doses for 18 days (dosing regimen study). On the basis of 24-hour collections, urinary ion excretion during the baseline period (days 5–11) was compared with that during the treatment period (days 13–19; dose-finding study), and the last 4 days of each period were compared across regimens (dosing regimen study).

Results

In the dose-finding study, patiromer induced a dose-dependent decrease in urine potassium, urine magnesium, and urine sodium (P<0.01 for each). Patiromer at 25.2 g/d decreased urine potassium (mean±SD) by 1140±316 mg/d, urine magnesium by 45±1 mg/d, and urine sodium by 225±145 mg/d. Urine calcium increased in a dose-dependent manner, and urine phosphate decreased in parallel (both P<0.01). Patiromer at 25.2 g/d increased urine calcium by 73±23 mg/d and decreased urine phosphate by 64±40 mg/d. Urine potassium, urine sodium, and urine magnesium were unaffected by dosing regimen, whereas the increase in urine calcium was significantly lower with daily compared with three times a day dosing (P=0.01). Urine phosphate also decreased less with daily compared with two or three times a day dosing (P<0.05).

Conclusions

In healthy adults, patiromer reduces urine potassium, urine sodium, urine magnesium, and urine phosphate, while modestly increasing urine calcium. Compared with divided dosing, administration of patiromer once daily provides equivalent reductions in urine potassium, urine sodium, and urine magnesium, with less effect on urine calcium and urine phosphate.
Air-side performance of a micro-channel heat exchanger in wet surface conditions
Authors: Srisomba Raviwat , Asirvatham Lazarus , Mahian Omid , Dalkılıç Ahmet , Awad Mohamed , Wongwises Somchai
Published: September 2016

The effects of operating conditions on the air-side heat transfer, and
pressure drop of a micro-channel heat exchanger under wet surface conditions
were studied experimentally. The test section was an aluminum micro-channel
heat exchanger, consisting of a multi-louvered fin and multi-port
mini-channels. Experiments were conducted to study the effects of inlet
relative humidity, air frontal velocity, air inlet temperature, and
refrigerant temperature on air-side performance. The experimental data were
analyzed using the mean enthalpy difference method. The test run was
performed at relative air humidities ranging between 45% and 80%; air inlet
temperature ranges of 27, 30, and 33?C; refrigerant-saturated temperatures
ranging from 18 to 22?C; and Reynolds numbers between 128 and 166. The
results show that the inlet relative humidity, air inlet temperature, and the
refrigerant temperature had significant effects on heat transfer performance
and air-side pressure drop. The heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop
for the micro-channel heat exchanger under wet surface conditions are
proposed in terms of the Colburn j factor and Fanning f factor.
The impact of Mediterranean oscillations on periodicity and trend of temperature in the valley of the Nisava River: A fourier and wavelet approach
Authors: Martic-Bursac Natasa , Bursac Branislav , Ducic Vladan , Radivojevic Aleksandar , Zivkovic Nenad , Ivanovic Radomir , Djokic Mrdjan , Stricevic Ljiljana , Gocic Milena
Published: September 2016

Periodicity of temperature on three stations in the Nisava River valley in period 1949-2014, has been analyzed by means of Fourier and wavelet transforms. Combined periodogram based on fast Fourier transform shows considerable similarity among individual series and identifies significant periods on 2.2, 2.7, 3.3, 5, 6-7, and 8.2 years in all datasets. Wavelet coherence analysis connects strongest 6-7 years spectral component to Mediterranean oscillation, starting in 1980s. Combined periodogram of Mediterranean oscillation index reveals 6-7 years spectral component as a dominant mode in period 1949-2014. Wavelet power spectra and partial combined periodograms show absence of 6-7 years component before 1975, after which this component becomes dominant in the spectrum. Consistency between alternation in temperature trend in the Nisava River valley and change in periodicity of Mediterranean oscillation was found.
Solution of the direct alloy solidification problem including the phenomenon of material shrinkage
Authors: Hetmaniok Edyta , Słota Damian , Zielonka Adam
Published: September 2016

In the paper we describe the solution technique for solving the direct
problem of the alloy solidifying within the casting mould with the phenomenon
of material shrinkage taken into account. Due to the difference between
densities of the liquid and solid phases, the shrinkage of metal often
appears during the solidification. The investigated process is modeled by
means of the solidification in the temperature interval basing on the heat
conduction equation with the source element enclosed which includes the
latent heat of fusion and the volume contribution of solid phase. Whereas the
shrinkage of metal is modeled by the proper application of the mass balance
equation.
Simple and accurate correlations for some problems of heat conduction with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions
Authors: Laraqi Najib , Chahour El-Khansaa , Monier-Vinard Eric , Fahdi Nouhaila , Zerbini Clémence , Nguyen Minh-Nhat
Published: September 2016

Heat conduction in solids subjected to non-homogenous boundary conditions
leads to singularities in terms of heat flux density. That kind of issues can
be also encountered in various scientists? fields as electromagnetism,
electrostatic, electrochemistry and mechanics. These problems are difficult
to solve by using the classical methods such as integral transforms or
separation of variables. These methods lead to solving of dual integral
equations or Fredholm integral equations, which are not easy to use. The
present work addresses the calculation of thermal resistance of a finite
medium submitted to conjugate surface Neumann and Dirichlet conditions, which
are defined by a band-shape heat source and a uniform temperature. The
opposite surface is subjected to a homogeneous boundary condition such
uniform temperature, or insulation. The proposed solving process is based on
simple and accurate correlations that provide the thermal resistance as a
function of the ratio of the size of heat source and the depth of the medium.
A judicious scale analysis is performed in order to fix the asymptotic
behaviour at the limits of the value of the geometric parameter. The
developed correlations are very simple to use and are valid regardless of the
values of the defined geometrical parameter. The performed validations by
comparison with numerical modelling demonstrate the relevant agreement of the
solutions to address singularity calculation issues.
Remarks on a green functions approach to diffusion models with singular kernels in fading memories
Authors: Alkahtani Badr , Atangana Abdon
Published: September 2016

Diffusion problems with singulars kernels in fading memories are very interesting physical problem that have attracted attention of many researchers. In this paper, we aim to provide exact solutions of these problems using the green function method with some integral transform operators. The singular kernel used in this paper is based upon the power law function, which is used to construct the well-known Riemann-Liouville derivative with fractional order.
The Dirichlet problem of a conformable advection-diffusion equation
Authors: Avci Derya , İskender Eroğlu , Özdemir Necati
Published: September 2016

The fractional advection-diffusion equations are obtained from a fractional
power law for the matter flux. Diffusion processes in special types of porous
media which has fractal geometry can be modelled accurately by using these
equations. However, the existing nonlocal fractional derivatives seem
complicated and also lose some basic properties satisfied by usual
derivatives. For these reasons, local fractional calculus has recently been
emerged to simplify the complexities of fractional models defined by nonlocal
fractional operators. In this work, the conformable, a local, well-behaved
and limit-based definition, is used to obtain a local generalized form of
advection-diffusion equation. In addition, this study is devoted to give a
local generalized description to the combination of diffusive flux governed
by Fick?s law and the advection flux associated with the velocity field. As a
result, the constitutive conformable advection-diffusion equation can be
easily achieved. A Dirichlet problem for conformable advection-diffusion
equation is derived by applying fractional Laplace transform with respect to
time t and finite sin-Fourier transform with respect to spatial coordinate x.
Two illustrative examples are presented to show the behaviours of this new
local generalized model. The dependence of the solution on the fractional
order of conformable derivative and the changing values of problem parameters
are validated using graphics held by MATLcodes.
Numerical analysis of heat, air, and moisture transfers in a wooden building material
Authors: Mnasri Faiza , Abahri Kamilia , El Ganaoui , Bennacer Rachid , Gabsi Slimane
Published: September 2016

The present paper aims to predict the hygrothermal behavior of massive wood panel considered as bio-based building material. In this context, we developed a macroscopic model coupled no linear heat, air, and moisture transfers that incorporates simultaneously the effect of thermal diffusion and infiltration phenomenon on the building material. The model inputs parameters were evaluated experimentally according to the recognized standards of material?s characterization. Therefore, numerous series of hygrothermal calculation were carried out on the 1-D and 2-D configuration in order to assess the dimensionless effect on such wooden material. Two types of boundary conditions were considered and examined. The first are at the material scale of wood drying process. The second type of conditions is at the wall scale, where the conditions of the building ambiance are considered. Moreover, the model sensitivity to the driving potentials coupling and to the parameters variability was considered and examined. It has been found that the coupling in the model had a remarkable impact on both kinetics of temperature and moisture content.
Subdiffusion model with time-dependent diffusion coefficient: Integral-balance solution and analysis
Authors: Hristov Jordan
Published: September 2016

The paper addresses approximate integral-balance approach to a
time-fractional diffusion equation of order 0 < ? < 1 with a time-dependent
diffusion coefficient of power-law type D(t)=D0t? where 0 < ? < 1. The form
of the solution spreading in a semi-infinite medium through an analysis of
the second moment of the approximate solution reveals that depending on the
sum ?+? the solution can model subdiffusive (?+?<1), superdiffusive (?+?>1)
or Gaussian (?+?=1) process of transport. The optimal exponents of the
approximate parabolic profiles have been determined by minimization the mean
squared error of approximation over the penetration depth.
Absence of Peripheral Pulses and Risk of Major Vascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mohammedi Kamel , Woodward Mark , Zoungas Sophia , Li Qiang , Harrap Stephen , Patel Anushka , Marre Michel , Chalmers John
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

The burden of vascular diseases remains substantial in patients with type 2 diabetes, requiring identification of further risk markers. We tested the absence of dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses as predictors of major macrovascular and microvascular events, death, and cognitive decline in this population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were derived from 11,120 patients with type 2 diabetes in the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified-Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) study. Absent peripheral pulses at baseline were defined as absence of at least one dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial pulse.

RESULTS

Absent compared with present peripheral pulses (n = 2,218) were associated with increased 5-year risks for major macrovascular events (hazard ratio 1.47 [95% CI 1.28–1.69], P < 0.0001), myocardial infarction (1.45 [1.13–1.87], P = 0.003), stroke (1.57 [1.23–2.00], P = 0.0003), cardiovascular death (1.61 [1.33–1.95], P < 0.0001), heart failure (1.49 [1.21–1.84], P = 0.0002), all-cause mortality (1.48 [1.29–1.71], P < 0.0001), major microvascular events (1.17 [1.00–1.36], P = 0.04), nephropathy (1.24 [1.00–1.54], P = 0.04), end-stage renal disease or renal death (2.04 [1.12–3.70], P = 0.02), and peripheral neuropathy (1.13 [1.05–1.21], P = 0.0008) after multiple adjustment. Participants with absent dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial pulses had comparable hazard ratios. Risks increased proportionally with the number of absent peripheral pulses, with the highest risks observed in patients with three or four absent pulses. Every additional absent pulse increases the risk of all outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Absent dorsalis pedis and/or posterior tibial pulses are independent predictors of major vascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. These simple clinical indicators should be used to improve risk stratification and treatment of these patients.
Cutaneous Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis in Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center: A 12 year Retrospective Study
Authors: Bajracharya S. , Ismael D.K. , Venida M.L.A.
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is the commonest vasculitis of skin affecting small vessels.Objectives: To study epidemiology, etiology, clinical and laboratory features and treatment outcomes in LCV patients.Material and methods: This is a Hospital based retrospective analytical study where cases with histological evidence of LCV were collected from pathology database since January 2000 to December 2011. Records were analyzed for variables, clinical features, etiological factors, laboratory results, and treatment outcome.Results: Of total 98 cases, 70 (71.43%) were Female and 28(28.57%) Male. Mean age was 28.35 years (range 1 to 71 years). Palpable purpura was commonest presentation (74.49%) involving mostly lower limbs (91.84%). Commonest symptom was abdominal pain (27.55%), followed by arthralgia (25.51%) and pruritus (24.49%). Majority of cases had unknown etiology (69.07%). Those with documented etiology included infection (25.51%) and drugs (5.10%). Leukocytosis was commonest laboratory abnormality. Forty one percentage of patients had complete remission, 33% improved, 2 % deteriorated and 24% were lost to follow up.Conclusion: Females were more affected. Palpable purpura in lower limb was commonest presentation. Majority were idiopathic LCV. Amoxicillin and UTI were commonest among causes of drugs and infection, respectively. Commonest abnormality was leukocytosis. The majority of the cases improved with therapy.Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol.14(1) 2016, pp.18-24
Occurrence of Acanthosis Nigricans, A Benign Condition or Associated with Systemic Disease. A Case-Control Study
Authors: Acharya R. , Rijal A.
Published: September 2016

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN), a common cutaneous finding, characterized by hyperpigmentation and velvety hyperplasia of the epidermis affecting flexures. Its exact prevalence varies according to age, race, degree of obesity and endocrinopathy.Objectives: Though previous studies have identified AN as marker of hyperinsulinemia and its common association with obesity, this study was done to see if AN occurs as benign condition or has any underlying disease and also to identify the possible risk factors associated with it.Material and methods: Clinically diagnosed cases of AN (n=55) were included with equal number of healthy control. Height, weight, abdominal circumference, body mass index (BMI), level of Blood Sugar and Lipids were measured. Comorbidities were defined as hypertension: Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg; Diabetes mellitus: Fasting Blood sugar (FBS) >125mg/dl, Post prandial >160mg/dl, Obesity grading as per WHO criteria and Metabolic Syndrome: ATP III criteria. Data were assessed using univariate analysis with crude odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Variables with p-value ≤ 0.05 were tested in multivariate model.Results: Of 55 cases of AN, 94.5% had one or more underlying disease. Obesity (89.09%) was the most common associated condition followed by dyslipidemia (87.2%), metabolic syndrome (56%), hypertension (38.18%), diabetes (18.8%) and hypothyroidism (14.54%). There was a strong association of AN with increased waist circumferences (OR 7.93), BMI (OR 6.8), metabolic syndrome (OR 6.79), family history (OR 4.6) and FBS (OR 3.98). High densitiy lipid (HDL) was found to have protective role (OR 0.36) in AN.Conclusion: Findings strongly support that patients with AN are at higher risk for having metabolic syndrome with all components than those without AN.Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol.14(1) 2016, pp.37-43
A Rare Case of Extensive Lichen Striatus
Authors: Marahatta S. , Khadka D.K. , Agarawal M.
Published: September 2016

Lichen striatus is a rare dermatitis characterized by lichenoid papules arranged in a linear band along the Blaschko’s line. Extremities are commonly affected sites. Sometimes, abdomen, buttocks and thighs may also be involved in a single extensive lesion. But, multiple lesions involving many Blaschko’s lines are rare with only few publications till now. Hence, we are reporting a case of 14-year-old male presented with lichen striatus over left upper and lower extremities as well as left side of trunk.Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol.14(1) 2016, pp.48-50
Understanding Jacob's Ladder through The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Authors: DeSanti Brady , Blizek William
Published: September 2016

Abstract:

This article examines the correlations between the movie Jacob's Ladder and The Great Book of Natural Liberation through Understanding in the Between, or what is most often referred to as The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Directed by Adrian Lyne and starring Timothy Robbins, Jacob's Ladder confused audiences and critics alike upon its release in 1990. While it may be possible to interpret the movie from a biblical angle, given the title and names of some of the characters, we believe Jacob's Ladder is better understood using The Tibetan Book of the Dead as a guide. The film addresses death, coming to terms with its inevitability, and the need to see through the trappings of the ego, all of which serve as the basis behind the imagery and teachings of The Tibetan Book of the Dead.
Filmic Constructions of Religious Spaces: Churches as Settings for Trauma, Change, and Redemption
Authors: Sjö Sofia
Published: September 2016

Building on current research into space and film, this article explores the construction of traditional religious spaces in contemporary Nordic films. The focus is on one film, Letters to Father Jacob, and the spaces in the film, which demonstrate how the characters can be comprehended, how the film narrative as a whole is portrayed, and how the mood of the film is created. It is argued that the way the religious spaces are represented in the film, and in films like it, suggests a great deal about how churches are currently comprehended in the Nordic countries. A focus on space and place is shown to be useful when analyzing the representation of religious themes in films more generally as well.
Replenishing Humic Acids in Agricultural Soils
Authors: Susic Michael
Published: September 2016

For many decades, it was commonly believed that humic acids were formed in soils by the microbial conversion of plant lignins. However, an experiment to test whether these humic acids were formed prior to plant matter reaching the soil was never reported until the late 1980s (and then only as a side issue), even though humic acids were first isolated and reported in 1786. This was a serious omission, and led to a poor understanding of how the humic acid content of soils could be maintained or increased for optimum fertility. In this study, commercial sugar cane mulch and kelp extracts were extracted with alkali and analyzed for humic acid content. Humic acids in the extracts were positively identified by fluorescence spectrophotometry, and this demonstrated that humic acids are formed in senescent plant and algal matter before they reach the soil, where they are then strongly bound to the soil and are also resistant to microbial metabolism. Humic acids are removed from soils by wind and water erosion, and by water leaching, which means that they must be regularly replenished. This study shows that soils can be replenished or fortified with humic acids simply by recycling plant and algal matter, or by adding outside sources of decomposed plant or algal matter such as composts, mulch, peat, and lignite coals.
Gelatin-Based Films and Coatings for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Ramos Marina , Valdés Arantzazu , Beltrán Ana , Garrigós María
Published: September 2016

This review discusses the latest advances in the composition of gelatin-based edible films and coatings, including nanoparticle addition, and their properties are reviewed along their potential for application in the food packaging industry. Gelatin is an important biopolymer derived from collagen and is extensively used by various industries because of its technological and functional properties. Nowadays, a very wide range of components are available to be included as additives to improve its properties, as well as its applications and future potential. Antimicrobials, antioxidants and other agents are detailed due to the fact that an increasing awareness among consumers regarding healthy lifestyle has promoted research into novel techniques and additives to prolong the shelf life of food products. Thanks to its ability to improve global food quality, gelatin has been particularly considered in food preservation of meat and fish products, among others.
Influence of the Aqueous Environment on Protein Structure—A Plausible Hypothesis Concerning the Mechanism of Amyloidogenesis
Authors: Roterman Irena , Banach Mateusz , Kalinowska Barbara , Konieczny Leszek
Published: September 2016

The aqueous environment is a pervasive factor which, in many ways, determines the protein folding process and consequently the activity of proteins. Proteins are unable to perform their function unless immersed in water (membrane proteins excluded from this statement). Tertiary conformational stabilization is dependent on the presence of internal force fields (nonbonding interactions between atoms), as well as an external force field generated by water. The hitherto the unknown structuralization of water as the aqueous environment may be elucidated by analyzing its effects on protein structure and function. Our study is based on the fuzzy oil drop model—a mechanism which describes the formation of a hydrophobic core and attempts to explain the emergence of amyloid-like fibrils. A set of proteins which vary with respect to their fuzzy oil drop status (including titin, transthyretin and a prion protein) have been selected for in-depth analysis to suggest the plausible mechanism of amyloidogenesis.
Propositions for Confidence Interval in Systematic Sampling on Real Line
Authors: Çankaya Mehmet
Published: September 2016

Systematic sampling is used as a method to get the quantitative results from tissues and radiological images. Systematic sampling on a real line ( R ) is a very attractive method within which biomedical imaging is consulted by practitioners. For the systematic sampling on R , the measurement function ( M F ) occurs by slicing the three-dimensional object equidistant systematically. The currently-used covariogram model in variance approximation is tested for the different measurement functions in a class to see the performance on the variance estimation of systematically-sampled R . An exact calculation method is proposed to calculate the constant λ ( q , N ) of the confidence interval in the systematic sampling. The exact value of constant λ ( q , N ) is examined for the different measurement functions, as well. As a result, it is observed from the simulation that the proposed M F should be used to check the performances of the variance approximation and the constant λ ( q , N ) . Synthetic data can support the results of real data.
Energy Efficiency Enhancement of Photovoltaics by Phase Change Materials through Thermal Energy Recovery
Authors: Hasan Ahmad , Alnoman Hamza , Shah Ali
Published: September 2016

Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert a certain amount of incident solar radiation into electricity, while the rest is converted to heat, leading to a temperature rise in the PV. This elevated temperature deteriorates the power output and induces structural degradation, resulting in reduced PV lifespan. One potential solution entails PV thermal management employing active and passive means. The traditional passive means are found to be largely ineffective, while active means are considered to be energy intensive. A passive thermal management system using phase change materials (PCMs) can effectively limit PV temperature rises. The PCM-based approach however is cost inefficient unless the stored thermal energy is recovered effectively. The current article investigates a way to utilize the thermal energy stored in the PCM behind the PV for domestic water heating applications. The system is evaluated in the winter conditions of UAE to deliver heat during water heating demand periods. The proposed system achieved a ~1.3% increase in PV electrical conversion efficiency, along with the recovery of ~41% of the thermal energy compared to the incident solar radiation.
Optimal Sizing of a Stand-Alone Hybrid Power System Based on Battery/Hydrogen with an Improved Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Dong Weiqiang , Li Yanjun , Xiang Ji
Published: September 2016

A distributed power system with renewable energy sources is very popular in recent years due to the rapid depletion of conventional sources of energy. Reasonable sizing for such power systems could improve the power supply reliability and reduce the annual system cost. The goal of this work is to optimize the size of a stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/wind turbine (WT)/battery (B)/hydrogen system (a hybrid system based on battery and hydrogen (HS-BH)) for reliable and economic supply. Two objectives that take the minimum annual system cost and maximum system reliability described as the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) have been addressed for sizing HS-BH from a more comprehensive perspective, considering the basic demand of load, the profit from hydrogen, which is produced by HS-BH, and an effective energy storage strategy. An improved ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm has been presented to solve the sizing problem of HS-BH. Finally, a simulation experiment has been done to demonstrate the developed results, in which some comparisons have been done to emphasize the advantage of HS-BH with the aid of data from an island of Zhejiang, China.
Carbamate-Based Bolaamphiphile as Low-Molecular-Weight Hydrogelators
Authors: Latxague Laurent , Gaubert Alexandra , Maleville David , Baillet Julie , Ramin Michael , Barthélémy Philippe
Published: September 2016

A new bolaamphiphile analog featuring carbamate moieties was synthesized in six steps starting from thymidine. The amphiphile structure exhibits nucleoside-sugar polar heads attached to a hydrophobic spacer via carbamate (urethane) functions. This molecular structure, which possesses additional H-bonding capabilities, induces the stabilization of low-molecular-weight gels (LMWGs) in water. The rheological studies revealed that the new bolaamphiphile 7 stabilizes thixotropic hydrogels with a high elastic modulus (G′ > 50 kPa).