bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alantolactone selectively ablates acute myeloid leukemia stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Ding Yahui , Gao Huier , Zhang Yu , Li Ye , Vasdev Neil , Gao Yingdai , Chen Yue , Zhang Quan
Published: September 2016

Background

The poor outcomes for patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are largely attributed to leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which are difficult to eliminate with conventional therapy and responsible for relapse. Thus, new therapeutic strategies which could selectively target LSCs in clinical leukemia treatment and avoid drug resistance are urgently needed. However, only a few small molecules have been reported to show anti-LSCs activity.

Methods

The aim of the present study was to identify alantolactone as novel agent that can ablate acute myeloid leukemia stem and progenitor cells from AML patient specimens and evaluate the anticancer activity of alantolactone in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The present study is the first to demonstrate that alantolactone, a prominent eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactone, could specifically ablate LSCs from AML patient specimens. Furthermore, in comparison to the conventional chemotherapy drug, cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), alantolactone showed superior effects of leukemia cytotoxicity while sparing normal hematopoietic cells. Alantolactone induced apoptosis with a dose-dependent manner by suppression of NF-kB and its downstream target proteins. DMA-alantolactone, a water-soluble prodrug of alantolactone, could suppress tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Based on these results, we propose that alantolactone may represent a novel LSCs-targeted therapy and eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones offer a new scaffold for drug discovery towards anti-LSCs agents.
Repair of human periodontal bone defects by autologous grafting stem cells derived from inflammatory dental pulp tissues
Authors: Li Ye , Zhao Shanmei , Nan Xi , Wei Hong , Shi Jianfeng , Li Ang , Gou Jianzhong
Published: September 2016

Background

Recently, stem cells derived from inflammatory dental pulp tissues (DPSCs-IPs) have demonstrated regenerative potential, but the real effect remains to be examined. This pilot study attempted to isolate DPSCs-IPs from two patients and to evaluate the feasibility and the effect of reconstructing periodontal intrabone defects in each patient.

Methods

DPSCs-IPs were harvested from two patients with periodontal intrabone defects with their approval. After discussing the biological characteristics of DPSCs-IPs in each patient, DPSCs-IPs were loaded onto the scaffold material β-tricalcium phosphate and engrafted into the periodontal defect area in the root furcation. After 1, 3, and 9 months, the outcome was evaluated by clinical assessment and radiological study. Furthermore, new samples were collected and the biological characteristics of DPSCs-IPs were further studied compared with normal dental pulp stem cells. The primary cell culture success rate, cell viability, cell cycle analysis, and proliferation index were used to describe the growth state of DPSCs-IPs. In-vitro differentiation ability detection was used to further discuss the stem cell characteristics of DPSCs-IPs.

Results

As expected, DPSCs-IPs were able to engraft and had an effect of regeneration of new bones to repair periodontal defects 9 months after surgical reconstruction. Although the success rate of primary cell culture and growth status was slightly inhibited, DPSCs-IPs expressed comparable levels of stem cell markers as well as retaining their multidifferentiation ability.

Conclusions

We developed a standard procedure that is potentially safe and technological for clinical periodontal treatment using human autologous DPSCs-IPs.

Trial registration

According to the editorial policies, the present study is a purely observational study, so trial registration is not required.
Spectroscopic analysis used to uncover the original paint colour of the Helsinki Government Palace tower clock faces
Authors: Castro Kepa , Knuutinen Ulla , de Vallejuelo Silvia Fdez-Ortiz , Maguregui Maite , Madariaga Juan Manuel , Laakso Raili
Published: September 2016

The paint stratigraphy of the two clock faces from the tower clock of the Government Palace in Helsinki (Finland) was analysed in order to determine their original colour before restoration works. Paint cross-section samples from both clock faces were analysed by confocal Raman microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled to an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM–EDS). The results revealed the complex superimposition of paint layers applied over the original black colour. FTIR/ATR analyses proved that the original paint was prepared with linseed oil-resin media. Most likely not all of the different layer colours were visible. Some of the layers were likely to have been a primer or for rust protection.
The use of carbon dioxide angiography for renal sympathetic denervation: a technical report
Authors: Renton Mary , Hameed Mohammad A , Dasgupta Indranil , Hoey Edward T D , Freedman Jonathan , Ganeshan Arul
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Hypertension is the leading attributable cause of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Patients with hypertension have multiple comorbidities including high rates of concomitant renal disease. Current pharmacological approaches are inadequate in the treatment of resistant hypertension. Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) has been shown to effectively treat resistant hypertension. The traditional use of iodinated contrast in RDN is contraindicated in patients with significant renal insufficiency. In patients with renal impairment, carbon dioxide (CO2) can be used as an alternative contrast material for RDN. This article describes the technical aspects of RDN using CO2 angiography.

Methods:

Our centre is experienced in the innovative RDN procedure using CO2 angiography. We describe the protocol for CO2 angiography for RDN using a home-made CO2 delivery system and the Symplicity™ (Minneapolis MN 55432 USA) catheter (Medtronic) device.

Results:

CO2 angiography is an excellent alternative to iodinated contrast for RDN procedures.

Conclusion:

CO2 angiography for RDN is a safe and effective alternative to iodinated contrast. RDN using CO2 angiography is an easy and feasible procedure that can be used in patients with renal insufficiency or iodinated contrast allergies.

Advances in knowledge:

There is a paucity of descriptive reports for CO2 angiography for RDN and we provide details of the optimal protocol for the procedure. In particular, we describe the use of a Symplicity Spyral™ catheter (Medtronic), which has not been reported to date for use in this procedure.
A pilot study: Can heart rate variability (HRV) be determined using short-term photoplethysmograms?
Authors: Elgendi Mohamed , Norton Ian , Brearley Matt , Dokos Socrates , Abbott Derek , Schuurmans Dale
Published: September 2016

To date, there have been no studies that investigate the independent use of the photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal to determine heart rate variability (HRV). However, researchers have demonstrated that PPG signals offer an alternative way of measuring HRV when electrocardiogram (ECG) and PPG signals are collected simultaneously. Based on these findings, we take the use of PPGs to the next step and investigate a different approach to show the potential independent use of short 20-second PPG signals collected from healthy subjects after exercise in a hot environment to measure HRV. Our hypothesis is that if the PPG--HRV indices are negatively correlated with age, then short PPG signals are appropriate measurements for extracting HRV parameters. The PPGs of 27 healthy male volunteers at rest and after exercise were used to determine the HRV indices: standard deviation of heartbeat interval (SDNN) and the root-mean square of the difference of successive heartbeats (RMSSD). The results indicate that the use of the $aa$ interval, derived from the acceleration of PPG signals, is promising in determining the HRV statistical indices SDNN and RMSSD over 20-second PPG recordings. Moreover, the post-exercise SDNN index shows a negative correlation with age. There tends to be a decrease of the PPG--SDNN index with increasing age, whether at rest or after exercise. This new outcome validates the negative relationship between HRV in general with age, and consequently provides another evidence that short PPG signals have the potential to be used in heart rate analysis without the need to measure lengthy sequences of either ECG or PPG signals.
Geo-portal for tourism as a tool of research results visualization and promotion of destination
Authors: Сафарян Азат , Safaryan Azat
Published: September 2016

It has long been observed that tourism is a rapidly changing area of the economy. This applies to both types of tourism, and to tourist destinations. In this context, there is objective problem of reliable and comprehensive information support of tourists and travelers in relation to both the traditional tourism countries and new places. Based on the experience of majority of tourism advanced economies, we believe that geo-portal dedicated to the tourism can serve as such resource. It will have multifaceted importance. On the one hand, the geo-portal can visualize the research results of the territory´s tourism potential and to provide a basis for further scientific and educational works. On the other hand it gives the opportunity for tourists to understand the differences and peculiarities of destination, and for investors - to select promising areas for development. The author gives the example of the geo-portal for tourism created by him with the help of geographic information systems. One of the main distinguishing features of geo-portal is considerations of local differences, because every place has its own uniqueness. For the Republic of Armenia, country with a developing tourism sector, this resource will be useful and necessary. The mountainous terrain and the people living in this area for a long historical period are the main features of the tourism potential of the Republic of Armenia. Geo-portal will provide an opportunity to demonstrate not only a popular attractive tourist sites, but also other objects that may be of tourist interest. This will reduce the pressure on the several popular tourist destinations, as well as to develop tourism in the new parts of the country.
Social and political foundations of liability in the hospitality industry
Authors: Мишуров Иван , Mishurov Ivan , Мишурова Ольга , Mishurova Olga
Published: September 2016

The article deals with the social and political foundations of the study of social liability in the hospitality industry of the Russian Federation. It is well known that social liability has a profound, comprehensive, multi-channel effect on the functioning of not only society, but also the tourism activity. Should be understood that socially responsible activity in the hospitality industry should pursue not only economic goals, that is making a profit, but also take into account the human and social aspects of the impact of its activities on employees, consumers. It should make a positive contribution to the solution of social problems in its field, and also contribute to the development of social liability. Thus, social liability as a social phenomenon, its manifestation and realization in the hospitality industry is multifaceted and multidimensional, and should represent a system, integrity. Social and political foundations of social liability in terms of the Russian Federation are an element of this system, its operation conditions. Analysis of the Russian socio-political circumstances as objective foundations of social responsibility of Russian citizens in the hospitality industry allows us to give a generalized description of social life and highlight its main features. They include: spiritualized sovereign statehood of society, the centuries-old clan customs, the natural gravitation toward the help each other, a strong commitment to principles of social justice, ancient traditions to assemble general Council for making important decisions, primordial respect of our fellow citizens to the general opinion, shared decision-making, collective intelligence, the desire for all-people unity in the face of the formidable challenges. Thus, the socio-political characteristics of the people of the Russian Federation, taking them into account in the implementation of social liability in the hospitality industry are a necessary condition of its normal functioning.
The importance of vitamin D: Looking beyond bones
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: September 2016

Up to a third of children aged 4 to 10 years and approximately 40% of adolescents have low vitamin D levels. As a result, rickets and other skeletal problems linked to vitamin D deficiency seem to be re-emerging. Meanwhile, biologists increasingly recognise that vitamin D has numerous roles beyond bone metabolism and calcium homoeostasis. Indeed, low levels may predispose to several chronic conditions, including osteoporosis, diabetes, some cancers, as well as certain cardiovascular, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Against this background, NICE suggests that people working in nurseries, schools and children's centres should ‘raise awareness of the importance of vitamin D supplements among the local population’.
Fulfilling the first aid requirements in schools
Authors: Hammett Emma
Published: September 2016

Schools may struggle to navigate the legislation surrounding first aid requirements in schools Emma Hammett provides an overview of the requirements that need to be met and offers useful advice.
What to do if you are concerned that a child or young person is, or is at risk of, being trafficked
Authors: Hayward Melanie
Published: September 2016

The ‘What to do if’ series aims to provide school nursing practitioners with practical safeguarding information on a variety of issues. The fifth article in this series focuses on human trafficking.
Markers-traits association for iron toxicity tolerance in selected Indonesian rice varieties
Authors: NUGRAHA YUDHISTIRA , UTAMI DWINITA W , ROSDIANTI IDA , ARDIE SINTHO WAHYUNING , GHULAMMAHDI MUNIF , SUWARNO SUWARNO , ASWIDINNOOR HAJRIAL
Published: September 2016

Nugraha Y, Utami DW, Rosdianti I, Ardie SW, Ghulammahdi M, Suwarno, Aswidinnoor H. 2016. Markers-traits association for iron toxicity tolerance in selected Indonesian rice varieties. Biodiversitas 17: 753-763. Ferrous iron toxicity is a mineral disorder frequently occurring under flooded soils condition where rice is cultivated. Here we study identification the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) markers associated with iron toxicity tolerance characters. The phenotypical data was collected from exploiting of twenty-four rice genotypes that were grown under Yoshida + 0.2% agar solution with treatment of 400 mg. L-1 Fe2+ and control conditions. The same genotypes were grown in iron toxicity acute and control sites at Taman Bogo, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The Principle Component Analysis (PCA) of the phenotypic data showed that 18 rice genotypes were selected representing grouping of related characters to iron toxicity condition. The genotyping of selected genotypes was carried out using multiplexes of 384 SNPs Golden Gate IlluminaÂ© assay. We identified, TBGI380435 which located on 14.45 Mbp of chromosome 9 was associated to leaf bronzing and relative shoot weight characters in the greenhouse experiment. The marker was associated with heavy metal transport detoxification (HTDT). The results are expected to assist in locating the potential candidate genes or Fe toxicity tolerance and to allow for precise marker-assisted selection. This research will serve for rice improvement through marker-assisted breeding and genomic selection in Indonesia. Keywords: Golden gate assay, grain yield, leaf bronzing scores, principle component analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism Abbreviations: SNPs = Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, AM = Association Mapping, LD= Linkage Disequilibrium, GG= Golden Gate Assay, NGS= Next Generation sequencing ,QTL = Quantitative Trait Loci, LBS = Leaf Bronzing Score, PCA = Principle Component Analysis, SES = Standard Evaluation System For Rice, GLM = General Linear Model, PC = Principle Component, HTDT = Heavy Metal Transport Detoxification
Tension pneumoperitoneum: a very rare complication of acute gangrenous appendicitis
Authors: Das P , Mukherjee R , Pathak D , Gangopadhyay A , Halder S , Singh SK
Published: September 2016

Tension pneumoperitoneum is a very rare consequence of acute gangrenous appendicitis. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, progressively increasing abdominal distension, profound hemodynamic instability and ventilatory compromise. The diagnosis of tension pneumoperitoneum was confirmed by computed tomography, which showed compression of the intra-abdominal viscera and liver (saddlebag sign) by a large volume of intraperitoneal free air. Urgent needle decompression was done as an emergency measure. Exploratory laparotomy, planned due to persistent peritonitis, revealed gangrenous appendicitis with perforation near its base. Appendicectomy with excision of gangrenous portion of caecum was performed.

The purpose of the reporting this case is to highlight that the tension pneumoperitoneum can be, very rarely, associated with gangrenous appendicitis and timely diagnosis is very important for the emergency management of this deadly condition.
short subject: Creativity, protest, training: Three modes of independent film-making in Denmark
Authors: Hansen Kim Toft
Published: September 2016

This short subject explores Danish independent film production from around the turn of the millennium until today, highlighting three, non-exclusive modes of independent film-making: protest, creativity and training. Digital innovation within modes of production and distribution has laid the ground for this development, which only to a limited degree has attracted the attention of the general public.
short subject: An alternative digital film culture: The new independent Norwegian film production
Authors: Iversen Gunnar
Published: September 2016

In Norway, a number of independent feature films have been produced in the last fifteen years that received no government support and are distributed digitally. I argue that new digital tools have made it possible to create a new Norwegian film culture, outside or on the margins of ordinary film culture. These new, mostly B-films challenge the concept of art cinema, ‘quality’ film production and Norwegian cultural values, and have become a vibrant complement to mainstream film culture.
Energy and area minimizers in metric spaces
Authors: Lytchak Alexander , Wenger Stefan
Published: September 2016

We show that in the setting of proper metric spaces one obtains a
solution of the classical 2-dimensional Plateau problem by minimizing
the energy, as in the classical case, once a definition of area has been chosen appropriately.
We prove the quasi-convexity of this new definition of area. Under the assumption of a quadratic isoperimetric inequality we establish regularity results for energy minimizers
and improve Hölder exponents of some area-minimizing discs.
Performance of point-of-care HbA1ctest devices: implications for use in clinical practice – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hirst Jennifer A. , McLellan Julie H. , Price Christopher P. , English Emma , Feakins Benjamin G. , Stevens Richard J. , Farmer Andrew J.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Point-of-care (POC) devices could be used to measure hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) in the doctors’ office, allowing immediate feedback of results to patients. Reports have raised concerns about the analytical performance of some of these devices. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis using a novel approach to compare the accuracy and precision of POC HbA1cdevices.

Methods:

Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched in June 2015 for published reports comparing POC HbA1cdevices with laboratory methods. Two reviewers screened articles and extracted data on bias, precision and diagnostic accuracy. Mean bias and variability between the POC and laboratory test were combined in a meta-analysis. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS2 tool.

Results:

Two researchers independently reviewed 1739 records for eligibility. Sixty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis of mean bias. Devices evaluated were A1cgear, A1cNow, Afinion, B-analyst, Clover, Cobas b101, DCA 2000/Vantage, HemoCue, Innovastar, Nycocard, Quo-Lab, Quo-Test and SDA1cCare. Nine devices had a negative mean bias which was significant for three devices. There was substantial variability in bias within devices. There was no difference in bias between clinical or laboratory operators in two devices.

Conclusions:

This is the first meta-analysis to directly compare performance of POC HbA1cdevices. Use of a device with a mean negative bias compared to a laboratory method may lead to higher levels of glycemia and a lower risk of hypoglycaemia. The implications of this on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes now need to be tested in a randomized trial.
Material Distribution Optimization for the Shell Aircraft Composite Structure
Authors: Shevtsov S. , Zhilyaev I. , Oganesyan P. , Axenov V.
Published: September 2016

One of the main goal in aircraft structures designing isweight decreasing and stiffness increasing. Composite structures recently became popular in aircraft because of their mechanical properties and wide range of optimization possibilities.Weight distribution and lay-up are keys to creating lightweight stiff strictures. In this paperwe discuss optimization of specific structure that undergoes the non-uniform air pressure at the different flight conditions and reduce a level of noise caused by the airflowinduced vibrations at the constrained weight of the part. Initial model was created with CAD tool Siemens NX, finite element analysis and post processing were performed with COMSOL Multiphysicsr and MATLABr. Numerical solutions of the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations supplemented by k-w turbulence model provide the spatial distributions of air pressure applied to the shell surface. At the formulation of optimization problem the global strain energy calculated within the optimized shell was assumed as the objective. Wall thickness has been changed using parametric approach by an initiation of auxiliary sphere with varied radius and coordinates of the center, which were the design variables. To avoid a local stress concentration, wall thickness increment was defined as smooth function on the shell surface dependent of auxiliary sphere position and size. Our study consists of multiple steps: CAD/CAE transformation of the model, determining wind pressure for different flow angles, optimizing wall thickness distribution for specific flow angles, designing a lay-up for optimal material distribution. The studied structure was improved in terms of maximum and average strain energy at the constrained expense ofweight growth. Developed methods and tools can be applied to wide range of shell-like structures made of multilayered quasi-isotropic laminates.
Opening the „Black Box” of Organic Agriculture in Bulgaria: the Problem with Top-down Institutional Development
Authors: Stoeva Svetla
Published: September 2016

The aim of this article is to examine the institutional development of organic agriculture (OA) in Bulgaria. The primary focus is on explaining certain contradictory trends observed during an examination of the phenomenon. First, although the origins of OA in Bulgaria can be traced back to the last years of socialism, it was not until 2010 that a “boom” of organic operators and certified land occurred. Second, although a full range of policies and instruments to support OA have been implemented and the importance of OA has been politically recognised, only approximately 1.1% of the agricultural land in Bulgaria is currently managed organically. Additionally, despite the development of national policies, the introduction of financial instruments and the emergence of OA organisations, the domestic organic food market is backward, as the largest portion of OA production is intended for export. Finally, there is evidence that calls into question the potential of OA to encourage socially and economically productive activities when it is motivated by subsidies rather than market value.

Using the “black box” allegory to approach the above observations, this article aims to explain the institutional development of OA in Bulgaria during the period spanning 1990-2013. Using the institutional analysis perspective as an analytical tool, the article addresses two main research questions: 1) What were the driving forces behind the emergence of the OA concept and its political recognition? and 2) What factors have led to the questionable outcomes of OA development? The article also uses qualitative data to critically assess the “boom” of the OA sector, as indicated by official statistics.
Current Delimitation and Typology of the Czech Countryside and its Importance for Rural Development
Authors: Klufová Renata
Published: September 2016

The aim of the paper is to delimit the countryside in the Czech Republic (according to local conditions) and the rural municipalities’ typology (according to their development potential). The author also focuses on the usage of a combination of Geographic Information Systems, spatial data analysis, and spatial statistics tools, together with traditional multivariate statistical methods for rural delimitation and typology. The typology of the rural municipalities, according to their development potential, is based on up-to-date socio-economic indicators from the 2011 Census, which makes up the final part of the article, followed by conclusions and considerations about future rural development in the Czech Republic.
Treatment of fluoride in well-water in Khanhhoa, Vietnam by aluminum hydroxide coated rice husk ash
Authors: Tuyen Tran Ngoc , Vu Quyen Nguyen Duc , Ngoc Tran Minh , Minh Hai Ho Van , Quang Tran Ngoc , Trong Sy Hoang , Lam Tran Dai
Published: September 2016

In this study, aluminum hydroxide coated rice husk ash [RHA/Al(OH)3] was synthesized and used for adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solution. The amorphous material containing 20% (w/w) of Al2O3 was obtained by stirring the mixture of RHA burned at 700°C for 60 min and 0.1 m AlCl3 solution for 30 min. This material possessed porous ordered structure with uniform particle size in the range of 50–100 nm and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)-specific surface area of 81 m2 g−1. The isotherm data were fitted well to Langmuir model, and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 8.2 mg g−1 at 25°C. The kinetic results revealed that the pseudo-second-order rate model fitted the experiments data better than the pseudo-first-order one and demonstrated the chemical nature of the adsorption of fluoride. Thermodynamic parameters in the temperature range 30–70°C showed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and an endothermic process. RHA/Al(OH)3 can be used for well treatment of fluoride in contaminated well-water in the Ninhhoa district (Khanhhoa province). With the initial fluoride concentration (10.1 mg l−1) and the 2 h of treatment process with the dose of 4.0–7.0 g l−1, the content of fluoride decreased to 0.5–1.5 mg l−1, which met the acceptable limit of WHO.
The states of water in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) studied by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LFNMR) relaxometry: assignment of free-water populations based on quantitative wood anatomy
Authors: Fredriksson Maria , Thygesen Lisbeth Garbrecht
Published: September 2016

Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LFNMR) relaxometry was applied to determine the spin-spin relaxation time (T
2) of water-saturated Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) specimens cut from mature sapwood (sW) and mature and juvenile heartwood (hW), where earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) were separated. In combination with quantitative wood anatomy data focusing on the void volumes in various morphological regions, the NMR data served for a more reliable assignment of free-water populations found in water-saturated solid wood. Two free-water populations were identified within most sample types. One was assigned to water in the tracheid lumen and the other to water inside bordered pits. Whether water in the ray cell lumina was included in one or the other of these two populations depends on the curve-fit method applied (continuous or discrete). In addition, T
2 differences between the different tissue types were studied and, for comparison, sorption isotherms were measured by means of a sorption balance. There was a significant difference between EW and LW as well as between juvenile wood and mature wood in terms of T
2 related to the cell wall water. However, no differences were seen between the sorption isotherms, which indicates that the observed T
2 differences were not due to differences in cell wall moisture content (MC).
Characteristic of β-O-4 structures in different reaction wood lignins of Eusideroxylon zwageri T. et B. and four other woody species
Authors: Nawawi Deded Sarip , Akiyama Takuya , Syafii Wasrin , Matsumoto Yuji
Published: September 2016

Lignin analyses were performed on the reaction woods of five tropical wood species. The reaction woods of these five species and that of Gnetum gnemon L. (previously reported) were categorized into three types based on eccentric thickening growth and p-hydroxyphenyl/guaiacyl/syringyl (H/G/S) ratios: compression wood (CW) containing GH-lignin observed in gymnosperms (GH-lignin-CW), tension wood (TW) containing GS-lignin observed in angiosperms (GS-lignin-TW), and reaction wood that resembles CW and contains GS-lignin (GS-lignin-CW). GS-lignin-CW is an unusual type that was found in the angiosperm Eusideroxylon zwageri and in the gymnosperm G. gnemon. The erythro/threo ratio of the β-O-4 structures and the S/G ratio were higher on the upper side (usW) of the leaning wood stem or branch, and both ratios decreased along the periphery of the stem toward the lower side (lsW). Except for a difference in thickening growth, these distribution patterns were similar to the GS-lignin-TW patterns for Melia azedarach L. and Avicennia sp. Reaction wood of Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen was also classified as a GS-lignin-TW, but this was lacking a clear distribution pattern. In contrast, the GH-lignin-CW of the usW of Pinus merkusii Jungh. et de Vriese had a low erythro/threo ratio, which increased toward the lsW along with increasing lignin contents and H/G ratios.
α-Lipoic acid attenuates transplacental nicotine-induced germ cell and oxidative DNA damage in adult mice
Authors: Anto Santo K. , Koyada Naresh , Khan Sabbir , Jena Gopabandhu
Published: September 2016

Background:

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with numerous fetal and developmental complications and reproductive dysfunctions in the offspring. Nicotine is one of the key chemicals of tobacco responsible for addiction. The present study was aimed to investigate the protective role of α-lipoic acid (ALA) during the transplacental nicotine-induced germ cell and DNA damage in the offspring of Swiss mice.

Methods:

Pregnant mice were treated with nicotine (20 mg/kg/day) in drinking water from 10 to 20 days of gestation period, and ALA (120 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for the same period. Endpoint of evaluation includes general observations at delivery and throughout the study, litter weight and size, sperm count and sperm head morphology, while structural damages and protein expression were assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Results:

Maternal nicotine exposure led to decreased growth rate, litter and testicular weight, testosterone level, 3β-HSD expression and sperm count as well as increased sperm head abnormalities, micronucleus frequency and 8-oxo-dG positive cells, and the effects have been restored by ALA supplementation.

Conclusions:

The present study clearly demonstrated that ALA ameliorates nicotine-associated oxidative stress, DNA damage and testicular toxicity in the offspring by improving steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and sperm count.
The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) on gentamycin-induced renal damage
Authors: Maduka Stephen O. , Ugwu Chidiebere E. , Onwudinjo Oluchi J.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Despite the acclaimed beneficial effects of Telfaria occidentalis (TO), it is yet to be established that its aqueous extract is safe in the condition of renal impairment. Thus, the study investigated the effects of TO aqueous leaves extract on gentamycin-induced renal damage.

Methods:

The animals were distributed into five groups. Group A (control) was placed on standard rat feed. Groups B and C received 500 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of TO and gentamicin for 21 days, respectively. Group D received 500 mg/kg of TO 14 days before 7 days administration of 80 mg/kg of gentamycin. Group E received 80 mg/kg of gentamicin for 14 days before 7 days administration of 500 mg/kg TO. Group F received 500 mg/kg of TO and 80mg/kg of gentamycin concurrently for 21 days. Biochemical and histological examinations were analysed by standard methods.

Results:

The administration of TO for 7 days after 14 days of gentamycin injection and its concomitant administration with gentamicin for 21 days caused significant reduction (p<0.05) on the relative kidney weight, creatinine and uric acid levels compared to groups C and D. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the mean serum potassium level in group C compared to groups A, B, D, and F. The histological reports showed that the combination of the extract and gentamycin (group F) seems to ameliorate the deleterious effect observed when gentamycin was administered alone.

Conclusions:

The administration of the extract together with and after the administration of gentamycin reverses renal damage caused by gentamycin.
Searching for the Hidden God: The Intimacy of Sound and Listening among Krishna Devotees in Mayapur
Authors: Ermel Marje
Published: September 2016

This article looks at how the Krishna devotees in Mayapur, West Bengal, learn how to chant and listen to the sound of the holy name properly. They suggest that if one is ‘pure’ enough and knows how to listen one experiences the syneasthetic level of sound calledpashyanti. At this level, one can reach beyond the duality of the ‘hidden and manifested’ worlds, the external and internal levels of sound; and one can ultimately see God face to face. This is also considered a level at which one can realise that the sound of God’s name and God himself are the same. I will focus on how the devotees learn to create this sense of intimacy with God through the sound of his holy name, and argue that listening is not merely a process connected to our auditory sense but rather a creative and engaging activity, a skill that one can develop.
Glycemic variability predicts inflammation in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hoffman Robert P. , Dye Amanda S. , Huang Hong , Bauer John A.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as elevations in biomarkers of systemic inflammation, plasma protein oxidation and vascular endothelial injury. It is unclear whether hyperglycemia itself, or variations in blood glucose are predictors of these abnormalities.

Methods:

This study was designed to determine the relationship of inflammatory (C-reactive protein, CRP), oxidative (total anti-oxidative capacity, TAOC) and endothelial injury (soluble intracellular adhesion molecule 1, sICAM1) markers to glycemic control measures from 3 days of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and to hemoglobin A

Results:

Seventeen adolescents (8 F/9M; age, 13.1±1.6 years (mean±SD); duration, 4.8±3.8 years, BMI, 20.3±3.1 kg/m

Conclusions:

Increased glucose variability is associated with increased inflammation in adolescents withT1D. Increased TAOC with increasing variability may be an effort to compensate for the ongoing oxidative stress.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between mumps during childhood and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Saad Hafi Anwer , Patterson Chris C. , Cardwell Chris R.
Published: September 2016

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between mumps and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Literature searches were conducted using Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science including studies published before February 2014. Crude and, where available, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from the published reports of each included study. Combined OR estimates and tests of heterogeneity were obtained using meta-analysis techniques. The analysis was repeated in subgroups of studies on the basis of quality defined by the score on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). In total, 18 articles met the eligibility criteria, and overall there was some evidence of a weak association between clinically diagnosed mumps and T1DM (OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.00–1.51; p=0.05) but marked heterogeneity between studies (I
Laplace Adomian decomposition method for solving a fish farm model
Authors: Sambath M. , Balachandran K.
Published: September 2016

In this work, a combined form of the Laplace transform method and the Adomian decomposition
method is implemented to give an approximate solution of nonlinear systems of differential equations such as
fish farm model with three components nutrient, fish and mussel. The technique is described and illustrated
with a numerical example.
Progress in the understanding of soundscape:
objective variables and objectifiable criteria that
predict acoustic comfort in urban places
Authors: Herranz-Pascual Karmele , García Igone , Aspuru Itziar , Díez Itxasne , Santander Álvaro
Published: September 2016

The overall aim of this research was to find a
group of easy-to-access variables, that are measurable or
assessable, and which help predict acoustic comfort in urban
places, in order to make further progress in developing
a soundscape indicator based on indices readily available
in urban environments. Our main conceptual framework
has been the Environmental Experience Model and
the ISO of Soundscape, together with the most up-to-date
information and technology, where parameters that influence
the soundscape and comfort in urban public places
have been identified. This work has been undertaken as
part of the CITI-SENSE project. A viable technical and procedural
solutionwas designed and tested in a field demonstration,
where 53 people were engaged to provide 120 observations
in the city ofVitoria-Gasteiz, using environmental
sensors connected to a smartphone. The results were
analysed and are discussed here with the aim of defining
an indicator that permits an easy evaluation of acoustic
comfort in urban places. The results presented in this article
are considered a step forward in the development of
a soundscape indicator based on indices readily available
in urban environments. The limitations of the findings are
also discussed, as are suggestions for further research.
A soundscape approach to exploring design
strategies for acoustic comfort in modern public
libraries: a case study of the Library of
Birmingham
Authors: Xiao Jieling , Aletta Francesco
Published: September 2016

Taking the soundscape approach to a study of
the Library of Birmingham, this paper explored acoustic
comfort in modern public libraries and measured the
quality of the perceived sound environment, focusing on
the appropriateness of the spatial organisation to facilitate
users’ activities of reading and writing. The research
involved four groups of participants taking soundwalks
which provided data at four main floors in the Library,
identifying types of sounds, measuring sound pressure
levels and evaluating the overall quality and appropriateness
of perceived sound environment. A human sound
dominated sound environment was found in the studied
case. The overall soundscape quality varied among
different levels and different functional spaces. However,
the results showed that the overall soundscape quality
of each floor varied and was not necessarily determined
by the overall appropriateness and sound pressure level.
The participants in the study were found influenced by
their soundscape cognitions of spaces through visual and
acoustic perceptions, as well as by their purposes of using
the space. From these results, the layout of spaces is suggested
as a determining factor of acoustic comfort, and design
strategies were discussed to achieve acoustic comfort
in modern public libraries.
Corrosion of non-irradiated UAlx–Al fuel in the presence of clay pore solution: a quantitative XRD secondary phase analysis applying the DDM method
Authors: Neumann Andreas , Klinkenberg Martina , Curtius Hildegard
Published: September 2016

Corrosion experiments with non-irradiated metallic UAlx–Al research reactor fuel elements were carried out in autoclaves to identify and quantify the corrosion products. Such compounds, considering the long-term safety assessment of final repositories, can interact with the released inventory and this constitutes a sink for radionuclide migration in formation waters. Therefore, the metallic fuel sample was subjected to clay pore solution to investigate its process of disintegration by analyzing the resulting products and the remnants, i.e. the secondary phases. Due to the fast corrosion rate a full sample disintegration was observed within the experimental period of 1 year at 90°C. The obtained solids were subdivided into different grain size fractions and prepared for analysis. The elemental analysis of the suspension showed that, uranium and aluminum are concentrated in the solids, whereas iron was mainly dissolved. Non-ambient X-ray diffraction (XRD) combined with the derivative difference minimization (DDM) method was applied for the qualitative and quantitative phase analysis (QPA) of the secondary phases. Gypsum and hemihydrate (bassanite), residues of non-corroded nuclear fuel, hematite, and goethite were identified. The quantitative phase analysis showed that goethite is the major crystalline phase. The amorphous content exceeded 80 wt% and hosted the uranium. All other compounds were present to a minor content. The obtained results by XRD were well supported by complementary scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis.
Repeated-Sprint Sequences During Female Soccer Matches Using Fixed and Individual Speed Thresholds
Authors: Nakamura Fábio Y. , Pereira Lucas A. , Loturco Irineu , Rosseti Marcelo , Moura Felipe A. , Bradley Paul S.
Published: September 2016

Nakamura, FY, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, Rosseti, M, Moura, FA, and Bradley, PS. Repeated-sprint sequences during female soccer matches using fixed and individual speed thresholds. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1802–1810, 2017—The main objective of this study was to characterize the occurrence of single sprint and repeated-sprint sequences (RSS) during elite female soccer matches, using fixed (20 km·h−1) and individually based speed thresholds (>90% of the mean speed from a 20-m sprint test). Eleven elite female soccer players from the same team participated in the study. All players performed a 20-m linear sprint test, and were assessed in up to 10 official matches using Global Positioning System technology. Magnitude-based inferences were used to test for meaningful differences. Results revealed that irrespective of adopting fixed or individual speed thresholds, female players produced only a few RSS during matches (2.3 ± 2.4 sequences using the fixed threshold and 3.3 ± 3.0 sequences using the individually based threshold), with most sequences composing of just 2 sprints. Additionally, central defenders performed fewer sprints (10.2 ± 4.1) than other positions (fullbacks: 28.1 ± 5.5; midfielders: 21.9 ± 10.5; forwards: 31.9 ± 11.1; with the differences being likely to almost certainly associated with effect sizes ranging from 1.65 to 2.72), and sprinting ability declined in the second half. The data do not support the notion that RSS occurs frequently during soccer matches in female players, irrespective of using fixed or individual speed thresholds to define sprint occurrence. However, repeated-sprint ability development cannot be ruled out from soccer training programs because of its association with match-related performance.
Genus Glyphonycteris Thomas, 1896 (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in Ecuador: first confirmed record of G. sylvestris Thomas, 1896 and a geographical review to G. daviesi (Hill, 1965) [with erratum]
Authors: Tirira Diego G. , Camacho M. Alejandra , Tinoco Nicolás , Solórzano María Fernanda , Burneo Santiago F.
Published: September 2016

Herein we present a geographical review to the genus Glyphonycteris in Ecuador. We confirm the first record for G. sylvestris for the country, which extends its range about 680 km southwest of the nearest previously known record. This first record belongs to an individual captured inSangay National Park, Morona Santiago province, eastern slopes of the Andes. We also review the records of G. daviesi deposited in scientific collections and mentioned in literature, report a new record from west of the Andes, and present a distribution map.
Editorial
Authors: Costa Lucia De Fátima Lúcio Gomes da
Published: September 2016

Caros leitores,

É com satisfação que apresentamos o primeiro volume de 2016 da Revista Brasileira de Gestão, Negócio e Tecnologia da Informação - EmpíricaBR. Nesta edição, são apresentados quatro artigos. O primeiro deles tem o título: “A governança eletrônica inserida no orçamento participativo virtual”, que discute aspectos relativos à gestão participativa por meio da utilização de recursos tecnológicos na gestão da coisa pública.

O Segundo texto intitulado por “Processos do comércio exterior na movimentação de mercadorias: aspectos operacionais e praticagem” que apresenta a relevância da atividade de praticagem para a logística de mercadorias no modal maritimo.

O terceiro artigo, “A aplicabilidade do modelo de governança de tecnologia da informação: o caso UNP”, aborda aspectos de governança em tecnologia da informação em uma instituição de ensino e evidencia a corroboração de modelos de governança por meio de um estudo de caso.

Por fim, o texto “O papel das aceleradoras na consolidação de novas empresas de cultura empreendedora a luz da metodologia Lean Startup” apresenta uma abordagem voltada para a visão de aceleradoras de startups e investiga como o modelo Lean pode ser aplicado nesse tipo de empreendimento.

O ponto forte e comum às pesquisas apresentadas nesse volume é o esforço de entender o aperfeiçoamento dos meios operacionais para garantir os objetivos das instituições. Nesse sentido, a tecnologia da informação tem sido lugar comum para essas pesquisas.

Assim, fazemos o convite à leitura desses textos que apresentam contribuições importantes sobre as novas formas do uso da tecnologia em negócios e na gestão pública.

Boa leitura.

Lúcia de Fátima Lúcio Gomes da Costa.