bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological effect of co-administration of efavirenz and vitamin E on the liver, and biochemical parameters in wistar rats
Authors: Peter Aniekan I , Edagha Inocent A
Published: August 2016

Background: Efavirenz is a drug used in combination as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Aims and Objectives: To investigate the effects of Efavirenz and vitamin E on the histopathology and biochemical parameters in the liver of Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: Twenty five Wistar rats were divided into fi ve groups. Group A were administered with 1 ml of distil water; group B animals were administered with 8.57 mg/kg Efavirenz, group C were administered with 17.14 mg/kg Efavirenz; group D were administered with 8.57 mg/kg, Efavirenz and 14.82 mg/kg Vitamin E, and group E were administered with 14.82 mg/kg Vitamin E for 32 days. On day 33, the rats were sacrificed using chloroform inhalation method. The liver were excised, routinely processed, stained using haematoxylin and eosin method, and viewed in DPX medium under light microscope. Blood samples from the rats were collected and then centrifuged after 30 minutes to obtain the serum for analysis of aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TB).Results: The liver of Wistar rats administered with Efavirenz, showed distortions with various degree of vacoulations, dilatation of sinusoidal spaces and nuclei pyknoctic changes. In the group where Efavirenz was combined with vitamin E this changes were ameliorated. This also agreed with the biochemical changes which showed significant levels of increase in AST and ALT in Efavirenz groups, this changes were also ameliorated in the group that Efavirenz was combined with vitamin E.Conclusion: Efavirenz administration can damage the liver, vitamin E can ameliorate this effect, therefore Vitamin E should be prescribed for patients on Efavirenz administration.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 81-86
Prevalence of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus stability in commercially available yogurts in Sri lanka
Authors: Ranasinghe JGS , Perera WTR
Published: August 2016

Aims and Objectives: Common starter cultures found in fermented milk products are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The viability of these bacteria is important in order to gain health benefits. It is important to investigate the stability of commercially available yogurts with respect to starter cultures and the quality.Materials and Methods: Yogurt samples were collected from highly marketed different brands designated as A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H from different areas from Sri Lanka. MRS and M17 agar were used to enumerate L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus respectively and a pH change was measured.Results: The pH values decreased significantly and only two of these products maintained 106 cfuml-1 viable count of L. bulgaricus till the end of the shelf life. All products showed the highest number of S. thermophilus.Conclusion: The pH of the yoghurts significantly change with the storage. For optimum benefits, the yogurt products should be consumed within seventh to fourteenth day from its manufacturing date. Only two of the yoghurt products maintained 106 cfuml-1 viable count of L. bulgaricus till the end of the expiry.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 97-101
Should MRI replace mammography as the initial screening modality for asymptomatic women aged 18 – 45 years at high risk of developing breast cancer? A systematic review
Authors: Akpaniwo GM , Boynes S , Danfulani M , Chigozie NI , Umar A
Published: August 2016

Background: Breast cancer occurs in both men and women, although it is more prevalent among women. Mammography is generally the diagnostic imaging modality of choice, but it is limited in the detection of breast cancer in young women, aged 18-45 years due to the dense nature of their breast tissue.Aims and Objectives: This review explores whether MRI should replace mammography as the initial screening modality for asymptomatic women, aged 18-45 years at high risk of developing breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. A search of Medline, Pubmed central, Cinahl and Google scholar for English language literature from 2004 to 2015 was undertaken. Also a review of reference lists, author searching and review of NICE evidence base for exiting guidelines was done. Included studies were assessed for bias using STARD quality assessment tool and data were extracted systematically using a purposefully designed data extraction form. Result: From the seven included studies, 179 participants of the total population had breast cancer and a total of 199 breast cancer was detected by both modality used. MRI detected a total 148 breast cancers compared to 78 detected by mammography, and 10 interval cancer was reported. Sensitivity estimate from the included studies ranged from 25% to 100% while specificity ranged from 79% to 99%. MRI detected more breast cancer but had a moderate specificity compared to mammography as reported in the literature. Conclusion: In the absence of contraindication and accessibility, MRI should be used as the initial screening modality for asymptomatic women aged 18 – 45 years, at high risk of developing breast cancer. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 1-9
Dyslipidemia in chronic renal failure: Cause or effect?
Authors: Lodh Moushumi , Lal Sandhya , Goswami Binita , Karmakar Partha , Parida Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2016

Background: Various organ systems within the human body are intimately connected to each other. This organ crosstalk mediated by soluble & cellular mediators help maintain normal homeostasis & optimum body functioning. But during disease states, this very crosstalk can carry over the influence of the diseased organ to initiate & perpetuate functional dysfunctions in other organs. Chronic kidney disease may result from different conditions, which may be inherent to the kidney or a consequence of a systemic disease.Aims and Objectives: We conducted this study with the objective to study the metabolic abnormalities in chronic kidney disease patients admitted for dialysis. Such a study has not been documented earlier from this part of India.Materials and Methods: Milky serum of such patients has been recognized as early sign of dyslipidemia. We studied the lipid profile and mineral metabolism in chronic kidney disease and then reviewed all the biochemical pathways involved in etiopathogenesis of renal dyslipidemia.Results: Our study group showed significant hypocalcemia, hypermagnesemia, and hyperphosphatemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. The lipid profile was also deranged with statistically significant elevation in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and significantly lower HDL levels as compared to the controls.Conclusion: Such a study has not been documented earlier from eastern India. The metabolic abnormalities we have observed in chronic kidney disease enhance the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in these patients. More prospective studies with larger sample size are required to establish the observations made in this study. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 42-46
Neuromyelitis optica in a 9 year old girl: A case report
Authors: Seth Soutrik , Biswas Tanmoy , Das Rajib , Roy Atanu
Published: August 2016

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an acquired demyelinating disorder affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord either simultaneously or sequentially. Prognosis is guarded particularly for the optic neuritis.We report here a case of first attack of NMO occurring in a 9 year old girl child coming from a rural area of Burdwan.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 132-134
Assessment of role of eosinophils in the progression of tongue carcinoma
Authors: Hallikeri Kaveri , Acharya Swetha , Chatni Shilpa , Gandhi Darshika , Patil BR
Published: August 2016

Background: Tumor associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) is known as stromal infiltration of eosinophils in the stroma of tumor not associated with tumor necrosis or ulceration. It has been described in a variety of neoplasms, but the role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of tongue has not yet been clearly defined. Association of TATE with OSCC has shown variable results ranging from favorable to unfavorable or even no influence on prognosis.Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to correlate TATE with histopathological grades, lymph node status, tumor thickness and nature of tumor cells at the invasive front in OSCC of tongue.Material and Methods: Retrospectively fifty six cases of OSCC of tongue treated with radical neck dissection were included, which were divided into Group I consists 22 cases (lymph node with metastasis) & Group II consists 34 cases (lymph node without metastasis). H & E stained sections were used to analyze TATE and compared with histopathological grades, lymph node status, tumor thickness and nature of invasive front. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test.Results: TATE did not have any significant association with histopathological grades, lymph node status and nature of tumor cells at invasive front. But, tumor thickness and presence of eosinophils showed significant association. Also as the tumor thickness increased, the cells were more discohesive at the invasive front region.Conclusion: Microenvironment of tumor significantly contributes in the tumor progression. Tumor thickness, nature of tumor cells at the invasive front and TATE together can help in assessing the behavior of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 17-21
On the Drama of Canadian Public Arts Funding: An Analysis of Justin Trudeau’s Mandate Letter to Mélanie Joly
Authors: Waubert de Puiseau Fannina
Published: August 2016

This article is both an analysis of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mandate letter to the Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly and a call to action to Canadian artists. I argue that, in order to ensure a sustainable and productive realization of Justin Trudeau’s plans for Canadian arts and culture, we, as artists, must construct a clear vision for the importance of arts and culture to the health of our democracy and clearly communicate that vision to government. Unless Trudeau’s promises are embedded in that kind of vision—a universally acknowledged central purpose—his promises create no new security for Canadian artists. Concretely put, we must overcome our inertia, extract ourselves from our current economic context, and reacquaint ourselves with our actual purpose. Why do we make art? Why is it important that we do? We must become agents of our own identities, lives, and livelihoods by changing the conversation about arts and culture in Canada from the bottom up. It is essential and timely that we reconfigure the terms with, and the context within which, arts and culture are currently defined.
Addressing the Cost Barrier: Downstage’s Pay-It-Forward Program
Authors: Mallett Simon , Close Ellen
Published: August 2016

As part of a strategy designed to cultivate an audience that is as diverse as the demographics of Calgary, Downstage is introducing a new ticketing model called Pay-It-Forward in which we’re making 25 per cent of all tickets available at no cost to anyone who wants them. Coupled with a series of deliberate invitations to a number of key community partners, we’re about to test this model during the run of our world premiere production of Benefit by Matthew MacKenzie. In this article, we discuss what’s brought us to this point, exploring the evolution of Downstage from a theatre company interested in socially engaged work to one focused on facilitating critical conversations among audience members on a nightly basis. We also examine the various barriers to accessing theatre faced by many Calgarians and focus in on the multiple ways that cost can act as a barrier to attendance. We explain the Pay-It-Forward Program as we’ve designed it and where we draw our inspiration from and outline our hopes as we stand at the precipice about to take a leap that we hope will help transform our audiences and our company.
The Numbers Game
Authors: Lepp Brad
Published: August 2016

After decades of advocating the value of the arts through our economic impact, there seems to be growing resistance from within the community. Have our governmental structures pulled us toward this methodology, or has the industry done it to ourselves, and if so, how have we benefited? Do we take our public sector funders for granted? What are some alternative avenues by which we might explore our value to our society?
Including the Inclusive: An Online Conversation with Col Cseke, Hope McIntyre, Majdi Bou-Matar, and Kate Rubin
Authors: Cseke Col , McIntyre Hope , Bou-Matar Majdi , Rubin Kate
Published: August 2016

The landscape of Canadian arts funding is rapidly evolving to embrace new criteria that values greater diversity, equity, and community impact. These elements are often found to be at odds with long-held standards of professionalism and artistic excellence. Representatives from four Canadian companies convened for an online forum to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of running companies that often lie apart from conventional professional theatre practices.
Questions That Emerge in Dramaturgy in Motion
Authors: Kugler DD
Published: August 2016

After seventeen-years as dramaturg with choreographer Ralph Lemon, Katherine Profeta understands the dramaturg’s role as a “quality of motion.” In the five compelling chapters of Dramaturgy in Motion—text and language, research, audience, movement, and interculturalism—Profeta’s writing mirrors “the dramaturg’s frequent travels from theory to practice and back again – until, in motion, the distinction blurs.”
Performing the Global City
Authors: Bain Alison L.
Published: August 2016

This review of the edited collection Performance and the Global City engages in an extended conversation initiated by D. J. Hopkins and Kim Solga between performance studies and urban studies. It values the regional breadth of cities from the global South and global North that may not be conventional exemplars in urban scholarship yet can reframe and reimagine what constitutes a global city in practice. Case studies that showcase the political power of performance to both question and reimagine the urban are highlighted. Through intimate micro-portraits and performative glimpses the global city is shown to be networked and connected, but also lived and experienced in finely grained particularities.
A Collaborative Director Prepares: Ric Knowles’s Fundamentals of Directing
Authors: Rollie Emily A.
Published: August 2016

This review considers Ric Knowles’s Fundamentals of Directing, identifying Knowles’s emphasis on the need for a more collaborative, communicative model of directing in contemporary Canadian theatre and outlining the way the text offers aspiring and experienced directors a useful road map of directorial best practices for the creative process.
Wool Wash: Technical Performance and Consumer Habits
Authors: Laitala Kirsi , Klepp Ingun Grimstad
Published: August 2016

This paper discusses consumers’ wool washing habits and the possibilities for improving the laundering process with the aim of reducing the total environmental impacts of clothing consumption. Wool has great potential when compared to other fibres, such as cotton, especially when the energy per day of use is compared to energy per washing cycle. Wool products can be used longer between washing cycles due to the natural soil repellence, some washing can be replaced by airing, and the wool wash programs have lower washing temperatures and shorter washing cycles. Two surveys supplemented with in-depth interviews were conducted to study consumers’ clothing maintenance habits in Norway and Sweden. Results confirm that consumers use woollen products longer between washes than similar products made from cotton. However, there is still a potential to reduce the energy consumption from wool wash further both through technical washing program development and through changes in consumer behaviour.
Microbicidal Action of Heat, Detergents and Active Oxygen Bleach as Components of Laundry Hygiene
Authors: Brands Britta , Brinkmann Angelina , Bloomfield Sally , Bockmühl Dirk P.
Published: August 2016

It is known that decreasing temperatures in laundry can have a significant impact on the hygiene efficacy of laundering. This study used suspension tests to investigate the microbicidal effects of heat, detergent and activated oxygen bleach and their contributions to laundry hygiene. The results indicate that heat at 60°C contributes significantly to the microbicidal action, while detergent only has limited effects. Activated oxygen bleach strongly enhances the microbicidal action and thus has the potential to compensate for the loss of antimicrobial efficacy due to temperature decrease. This effect varied with the test strain and the temperature, and further work is needed to determine whether it is possible to achieve a hygiene effectiveness equivalent to that at 60°C across both fungal and bacterial strains.
Weldability of duplex stainless steels with and without Cu/Ni interlayer using plasma arc welding
Authors: Kirik Ihsan , Ozdemir Niyazi , Gulumser Mehmet , Balalan Zulkuf
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a monel/nickel interlayer electrode prepared with a thickness of 2 mm on the weldability properties of duplex stainless steel plates welded by means of plasma transfer arc welding. After welding, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometry were carried out to determine the microstructural changes that occurred in the interface regions of the welds. Moreover, tensile strength, microhardness and fractography tests were conducted for assessing the mechanical properties of the welded specimens. The results of tests and examinations indicated that the tensile strength of welded parts with a nickel interlayer was higher than that of with and without a monel interlayer.
Strain measurement in concrete using embedded carbon roving-based sensors
Authors: Quadflieg Till , Gries Thomas , Stolyarov Oleg
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the results of the application of carbon rovings as strain sensors for measuring the strain in concrete. In this work, three types of electrically conductive carbon roving with different characteristics were used. The possibility of using carbon rovings as a strain sensor is demonstrated via measurements in tensile and four point bending tests. The experimental setups and methods for measuring the electrical resistance of carbon roving in the roving and concrete are described. The results of the characterization of the electrical behavior as a function of strain of carbon rovings and concrete are presented and discussed. The obtained results indicate that the strain range of carbon rovings optimally corresponds to the strain range of concrete. This characteristic behavior makes the carbon rovings well suited for the use as strain sensors. A good correlation has been found between the electrical resistance-strain curve of the carbon roving and the measurements in the concrete.
Characteristics of austenitic stainless steel T-joints welded using the DMAG process with solid wire
Authors: Mert Tolga , Gultekin Nurullah , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: August 2016

X 2 CrNi 18 9 austenitic stainless steel material with web and flange thickness of 6 mm was welded by conventional GMAW and double channel shielding gas method (DMAG) to form double fillet T-joints. The differences between these two methods were characterized by measurements of mean welding parameters, thermal camera temperature measurements, Vickers hardness profiles and bead geometries of the joints. Results show higher mean current but lower mean voltage using double channel shielding gas method. Vickers hardness differences between the two methods were insignificant. Moreover, molten mean filler metal area was larger with double channel shielding gas method, which depicted that welding speed for the same filler metal deposition could be increased and this could yield increased productivity.
Application of the Taguchi method for surface roughness predictions in the turning process
Authors: Ozturk Sabri
Published: August 2016

This work is concentrates on the experimental and analytical study of 7075-T6 aluminum alloys in turning operations. The results are analyzed in terms of surface roughness of the workpiece machined using carbide inserts. Taguchi's experimental design method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed to analyze the effect of cutting parameters on surface finish values. It is demonstrated by the experiments that feed rate affects the surface quality more than the depth of cut and cutting speed. The correlations between the factors and surface roughness are determined by multivariable regression analysis which was developed to predict the surface roughness using the test data. Multivariable regression and prediction used with Taguchi results are compared using statistical methods. Taguchi method gives an approximation with 1.15 % error and produces the better results compared to multivariable regression. Experimental study shows that an increase in feed rate causes adhesion of the aluminum on the tool insert. The amount of stuck aluminum adversely affects the quality of the surface.
Experimental failure testing and repair of internal pressurized composite pipes using different fracture models
Authors: Sülü İsmail Yasin , Şahinaslan Apdulmutalip
Published: August 2016

The failure testing and repair of composite pipes using different fracture models and different orientation angles under internal pressure was experimentally investigated. Patches with different dimensions were made from composite material for repair. Fracture models on composite pipes were created for three different angles. These are horizontal crack, vertical crack and inclined crack. Adhesive layers created by using DP 410 for repair and failure testing of the composite pipes with different fractures were carried out. Failure loads were obtained from experimental tests. The shear extension coupling of composite pipe and patch was considered because the lay-up angles with + θ and – θ layers were in different radii. Effects of orientation angles and types of fracture models were investigated regarding interaction between the pipe, the adhesive and the patch. The most effective patch width and orientation angles were determined.
Effects of different wire chemical compositions on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of copper brazing joints
Authors: Findik Tayfun , Arabaci Uğur , Çinar Sefa
Published: August 2016

In this study, commercially pure (99.5 wt.-%) copper alloy plates were brazed using an oxy-gas flame with four different brazing alloys in butt and lap joints, and the brazing capability, the microstructural and mechanical property changes were examined. The experimental results showed that L-CuZn39Sn brazing wire used in the butt joining caused porosity and an adverse effect on the microstructural and mechanical properties. However, in lap joining, it was observed that the mechanical properties of this material show identical characteristics compared to other brazing wires. In lap joining conducted using the L-CuNi10Zn42 alloyed brazing wires, a very good grain structure originated by diffusion was observed.
Inspection of domestic nuclear fuel rods using neutron radiography at the Tehran Research Reactor
Authors: Dastjerdi Mohammad Hosein Choopan , Khalafi Hossein , Kasesaz Yaser , Movafeghi Amir
Published: August 2016

Three unused domestic fuel rods were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively by means of thermal neutron radiography. The neutron radiography tests were performed by the image plate method at Tehran research reactor in order to check the fuel properties. The pellets of these three fuel rods contained three different U-235 enrichments and different sizes that were filled into a zircalloy tube. In the qualitative investigations, the difference in size and enrichment between the pellets and the gaps between them were obviously recognized in the image of the fuel rods. In the quantitative investigations, data of the pellets compositions, their sizes (lengths and diameters) and the gaps between them were extracted from obtained images. It was found that the measured data and the manufacturer's specifications are in good agreement.
Effect of Preparation on the Correct Interpretation of Thermal Spray Coatings on the Basis of Selected Atmospheric Plasma and Flame Spray Coatings
Authors: Schultz S.
Published: August 2016

For quality assurance, thermal spray coatings undergo, metallographic examination, among other things, Here, for example, unmelted particles, pores, oxides, phase fractions, homogeneity, separations, cracks and impurities are estimated.

The correct evaluation of thermal spray samples is heavily influenced by embedding and preparation methods.
Microstructural Characterisation of Glass Ceramics as a Component Part of High Pressure Discharge Lamps
Authors: Dressel K. , Görz B.
Published: August 2016

The investigation presented is of part of a high pressure discharge lamp. The heart of the lamp is a ceramic burner which is sealed with a so-called glass solder, a glass ceramic comprised of a mixture of Oxides (Dysprosium Oxide, Aluminium Oxide and Silicon Oxide).

Two different chemical compositions of glass solder, which are part of type of a composite material comprised of a broad spectrum of materials, are compared microscopically. The morphology of solidification, which has an effect on the operating life of the lamps is characterised using various classical methods such as optical light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Developing a Model to Estimate Pile Setup for Individual Soil Layers on the Basis of Piezocone Penetration Test Data
Authors: Haque M. Nafiul , Abu-Farsakh Murad Y. , Zhang Zhongjie , Okeil Ayman
Published: August 2016

This paper analyzes the results of 15 instrumented prestressed concrete test piles that were driven in four sites in Louisiana as part of a pile setup study. Static and dynamic load tests were conducted at specific time intervals to quantify the amount of setup after the end of driving. Laboratory and in situ soil investigations, such as the Piezocone penetration test (PCPT), were conducted at each test pile location to evaluate the subsurface soil condition. Vibrating wire strain gauges were installed in pairs in all instrumented test piles to measure the load transfer and increase in side resistance of individual soil layers over time. The load test results showed that setup followed a linear logarithmic trend. The unit side resistance, instead of the total pile resistance, was used to measure the logarithmic setup parameter A for individual soil layers along the pile lengths. Observations from the test results showed that the average A values for clayey and sandy soil layers for the four tested sites were 0.31 and 0.15, respectively. Analyses of the setup of individual soil layers showed that the parameter A decreases with increased corrected cone tip resistance measured by PCPT. A simple linear regression model is proposed to predict the side resistance setup for individual soil layers by correlating the setup parameter A with the corrected cone tip resistance.
Quantum mechanical investigation on the hydroxycarbonylation of styrene using a palladium complex catalyst
Authors: Elahi Morteza , Beyramabadi S. Ali , Morsali Ali
Published: August 2016

Here we have investigated the kinetics and mechanism of [Pd(pyca)(PPh3)(OTS)/PPh3/TSOH/LiCl] system-catalysed hydroxycarbonylation of styrene using density functional theory (DFT). A new mechanism is proposed in which there is an unoccupied coordination position on the Pd. In the final step, this provides the necessary conditions for an attack of the coordinated H2O on the acyl moiety, resulting in production of the final product. The proposed mechanism consists of three main steps. The final step, the formation of the products, is rate-determining. The DFT results are in good agreement with experiment.
Anicare Book Reviews: The Assessment and Treatment of Children Who Abuse Animals. By Kenneth Shapiro, Mary Lou Randour, Susan Krinsk and Joann L. Wolf. Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2014; 124 pp; $49.99; ISBN 978-3-319-01088-5; The Identification, Assessment, and Treatment of Adults who Abuse Animals. By Kenneth Shapiro and Antonia J.Z. Henderson. Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2016; 115 pp; $79.99; ISBN: 978-3-319-27362-4
Authors: Tiplady Catherine
Published: August 2016

The connection between abuse of animals and human interpersonal violence has attracted increasing interest from researchers, professionals and the community in recent decades.[...]
Thermodynamic Simulation on the Performance of Twin Screw Expander Applied in Geothermal Power Generation
Authors: Qi Yuanqu , Yu Yuefeng
Published: August 2016

A three-dimensional (3D) geometry model of twin screw expander has been developed in this paper to measure and analyze geometric parameters such as groove volume, suction port area, and leakage area, which can be described as functions of rotation angle of male rotor. Taking the suction loss, leakage loss, and real gas effect into consideration, a thermodynamic model is developed using continuity and energy conservation equation. The developed model is verified by comparing predicted results of power output and internal efficiency with experimental data. Based on the model, the relationship between mass flow rate through inlet port and leakage path with rotation angle of male rotor as well as effects of the inlet parameter and operating parameter on the performance of the expander are analyzed.
A Power Balance Aware Wireless Charger Deployment Method for Complete Coverage in Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks
Authors: Lin Tu-Liang , Li Sheng-Lin , Chang Hong-Yi
Published: August 2016

Traditional sensor nodes are usually battery powered, and the limited battery power constrains the overall lifespan of the sensors. Recently, wireless power transmission technology has been applied in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to transmit wireless power from the chargers to the sensor nodes and solve the limited battery power problem. The combination of wireless sensors and wireless chargers forms a new type of network called wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs). In this research, we focus on how to effectively deploy chargers to maximize the lifespan of a network. In WSNs, the sensor nodes near the sink consume more power than nodes far away from the sink because of frequent data forwarding. This important power unbalanced factor has not been considered, however, in previous charger deployment research. In this research, a power balance aware deployment (PBAD) method is proposed to address the power unbalance in WRSNs and to design the charger deployment with maximum charging efficiency. The proposed deployment method is effectively aware of the existence of the sink node that would cause unbalanced power consumption in WRSNs. The simulation results show that the proposed PBAD algorithm performs better than other deployment methods, and fewer chargers are deployed as a result.
Efficient Wireless Charger Deployment for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks
Authors: Jiang Jehn-Ruey , Liao Ji-Hau
Published: August 2016

A wireless rechargeable sensor network (WRSN) consists of sensor nodes that can harvest energy emitted from wireless chargers for refilling their batteries so that the WRSN can operate sustainably. This paper assumes wireless chargers are equipped with directional antennas, and are deployed on grid points of a fixed height to propose two heuristic algorithms solving the following wireless charger deployment optimization (WCDO) problem: how to deploy as few as possible chargers to make the WRSN sustainable. Both algorithms model the charging space of chargers as a cone and calculate charging efficiency according power regression expressions complying with the Friis transmission equation. The two algorithms are the greedy cone covering (GCC) algorithm and the adaptive cone covering (ACC) algorithm. The GCC (respectively, ACC) algorithm greedily (respectively, adaptively) generates candidate cones to cover as many as possible sensor nodes. Both algorithms then greedily select the fewest number of candidate cones, each of which corresponds to the deployment of a charger, to have approximate solutions to the WCDO problem. We perform experiments, conduct simulations and do analyses for the algorithms to compare them in terms of the time complexity, the number of chargers deployed, and the execution time.
The Development of Dewatering Predictions of the Velenje Coalmine
Authors: Vukelić Željko , Dervarič Evgen , Šporin Jurij , Vižintin Goran
Published: August 2016

The complex hydro-geological situation, particularly in terms of groundwater, has been a constant threat to the mining carried out at the Velenje colliery since its inception. Of particular interest to the authors are the difficulties presented to the colliery by the adjacent sand aquifers, as the water pressure within these sands directly impacts mining safety, and the aquifers themselves are most directly affected by dewatering. In order to monitor water levels and estimate dewatering at the Velenje wells, multi-layered modelling using 3D Finite Difference Method (FDM) has already been carried out. However, FDM is not optimal due to its greater dependence on cell size than on water flow. In 2017 in Velenje, a series of wells will be terminated as a result of mining and mining-induced subsidence, leading to dewatering and danger of flooding. As part of a plan to address this by replacing dewatering structures, a series of drive-in filters will be implemented around the entry and exit point tunnels of a longwall face. Because FDM seems to be inadequate for purposes of optimising this process, the Finite Elements Method (FEM) was applied in this case. Based on such an application of FEM, a prediction of the optimisation of drive-in filters was carried out by the authors.
Gamma-Ray Variability Induced by Microlensing on Intermediate Size Structures in Lensed Blazars
Authors: Sitarek Julian , Bednarek Włodek
Published: August 2016

Changes of the magnification ratio of images in a lensed blazar, caused by microlensing on individual stars, have been proposed as a probe of the size and velocity of the emission region in the lensed source. We study whether similar changes in the magnification ratio can be caused by the microlensing on the intermediate size structures in the lensing galaxy, namely stellar clusters and giant molecular clouds. Our numerical simulations show that changes in the magnification ratio of two images with similar time scales (as seen in QSO B0218+357) can be obtained for relativistically-moving emission regions with sizes up to 0.01 pc in the case of microlensing on clumps in giant molecular clouds.
Possible Therapeutic Doses of Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor Antagonist Reverses Key Alterations in Fragile X Syndrome Mouse Model
Authors: Gomis-González Maria , Busquets-Garcia Arnau , Matute Carlos , Maldonado Rafael , Mato Susana , Ozaita Andrés
Published: August 2016

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common monogenetic cause of intellectual disability. The cognitive deficits in the mouse model for this disorder, the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (Fmr1) knockout (KO) mouse, have been restored by different pharmacological approaches, among those the blockade of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor. In this regard, our previous study showed that the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant normalized a number of core features in the Fmr1 knockout mouse. Rimonabant was commercialized at high doses for its anti-obesity properties, and withdrawn from the market on the bases of mood-related adverse effects. In this study we show, by using electrophysiological approaches, that low dosages of rimonabant (0.1 mg/kg) manage to normalize metabotropic glutamate receptor dependent long-term depression (mGluR-LTD). In addition, low doses of rimonabant (from 0.01 mg/kg) equally normalized the cognitive deficit in the mouse model of FXS. These doses of rimonabant were from 30 to 300 times lower than those required to reduce body weight in rodents and to presumably produce adverse effects in humans. Furthermore, NESS0327, a CB1 receptor neutral antagonist, was also effective in preventing the novel object-recognition memory deficit in Fmr1 KO mice. These data further support targeting CB1 receptors as a relevant therapy for FXS.
Gambling in the Landscape of Adversity in Youth: Reflections from Men Who Live with Poverty and Homelessness
Authors: Hamilton-Wright Sarah , Woodhall-Melnik Julia , Guilcher Sara , Schuler Andrée , Wendaferew Aklilu , Hwang Stephen , Matheson Flora
Published: August 2016

Most of the research on gambling behaviour among youth has been quantitative and focused on measuring prevalence. As a result, little is known about the contextual experiences of youth gambling, particularly among those most vulnerable. In this paper, we explore the previous experiences of youth gambling in a sample of adult men experiencing housing instability and problem gambling. We present findings from a qualitative study on problem gambling and housing instability conducted in Toronto, Canada. Thirty men with histories of problem or pathological gambling and housing instability or homelessness were interviewed. Two thirds of these men reported that they began gambling in youth. Five representative cases were selected and the main themes discussed. We found that gambling began in early life while the men, as youth, were also experiencing adversity (e.g., physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse, neglect, housing instability, homelessness, substance addiction and poverty). Men reported they had access to gambling activity through their family and wider networks of school, community and the streets. Gambling provided a way to gain acceptance, escape from emotional pain, and/or earn money. For these men problematic gambling behaviour that began in youth, continued into adulthood.
A New Folding Kinetic Mechanism for Human Transthyretin and the Influence of the Amyloidogenic V30M Mutation
Authors: Jesus Catarina , Almeida Zaida , Vaz Daniela , Faria Tiago , Brito Rui
Published: August 2016

Protein aggregation into insoluble amyloid fibrils is the hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, chief among them Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Although caused by different proteins, these pathologies share some basic molecular mechanisms with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), a rare hereditary neuropathy caused by amyloid formation and deposition by transthyretin (TTR) in the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. Among the amyloidogenic TTR mutations known, V30M-TTR is the most common in FAP. TTR amyloidogenesis (ATTR) is triggered by tetramer dissociation, followed by partial unfolding and aggregation of the low conformational stability monomers formed. Thus, tetramer dissociation kinetics, monomer conformational stability and competition between refolding and aggregation pathways do play a critical role in ATTR. Here, we propose a new model to analyze the refolding kinetics of WT-TTR and V30M-TTR, showing that at pH and protein concentrations close to physiological, a two-step mechanism with a unimolecular first step followed by a second-order second step adjusts well to the experimental data. Interestingly, although sharing the same kinetic mechanism, V30M-TTR refolds at a much slower rate than WT-TTR, a feature that may favor the formation of transient species leading to kinetic partition into amyloidogenic pathways and, thus, significantly increasing the probability of amyloid formation in vivo.
Surface Modified Multifunctional and Stimuli Responsive Nanoparticles for Drug Targeting: Current Status and Uses
Authors: Siafaka Panoraia , Üstündağ Okur Neslihan , Karavas Evangelos , Bikiaris Dimitrios
Published: August 2016

Nanocarriers, due to their unique features, are of increased interest among researchers working with pharmaceutical formulations. Polymeric nanoparticles and nanocapsules, involving non-toxic biodegradable polymers, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and inorganic–organic nanomaterials, are among the most used carriers for drugs for a broad spectrum of targeted diseases. In fact, oral, injectable, transdermal-dermal and ocular formulations mainly consist of the aforementioned nanomaterials demonstrating promising characteristics such as long circulation, specific targeting, high drug loading capacity, enhanced intracellular penetration, and so on. Over the last decade, huge advances in the development of novel, safer and less toxic nanocarriers with amended properties have been made. In addition, multifunctional nanocarriers combining chemical substances, vitamins and peptides via coupling chemistry, inorganic particles coated by biocompatible materials seem to play a key role considering that functionalization can enhance characteristics such as biocompatibility, targetability, environmental friendliness, and intracellular penetration while also have limited side effects. This review aims to summarize the “state of the art” of drug delivery carriers in nanosize, paying attention to their surface functionalization with ligands and other small or polymeric compounds so as to upgrade active and passive targeting, different release patterns as well as cell targeting and stimuli responsibility. Lastly, future aspects and potential uses of nanoparticulated drug systems are outlined.
The Impact of Soy Isoflavones on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells Using a Global Metabolomic Approach
Authors: Uifălean Alina , Schneider Stefanie , Gierok Philipp , Ionescu Corina , Iuga Cristina , Lalk Michael
Published: August 2016

Despite substantial research, the understanding of the chemopreventive mechanisms of soy isoflavones remains challenging. Promising tools, such as metabolomics, can provide now a deeper insight into their biochemical mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to offer a comprehensive assessment of the metabolic alterations induced by genistein, daidzein and a soy seed extract on estrogen responsive (MCF-7) and estrogen non-responsive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), using a global metabolomic approach. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that all test compounds induced a biphasic effect on MCF-7 cells and only a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) profiling of extracellular metabolites and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of intracellular metabolites confirmed that all test compounds shared similar metabolic mechanisms. Exposing MCF-7 cells to stimulatory concentrations of isoflavones led to increased intracellular levels of 6-phosphogluconate and ribose 5-phosphate, suggesting a possible upregulation of the pentose phosphate pathway. After exposure to inhibitory doses of isoflavones, a significant decrease in glucose uptake was observed, especially for MCF-7 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, the glutamine uptake was significantly restricted, leading to alterations in protein biosynthesis. Understanding the metabolomic alterations of isoflavones represents a step forward in considering soy and soy derivates as functional foods in breast cancer chemoprevention.
Exposure to Zinc Sulfate Results in Differential Effects on Olfactory Sensory Neuron Subtypes in Adult Zebrafish
Authors: Hentig James , Byrd-Jacobs Christine
Published: August 2016

Zinc sulfate is a known olfactory toxicant, although its specific effects on the olfactory epithelium of zebrafish are unknown. Olfactory organs of adult zebrafish were exposed to zinc sulfate and, after 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 or 14 days, fish were processed for histological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and behavioral analyses. Severe morphological disruption of the olfactory organ was observed two days following zinc sulfate exposure, including fusion of lamellae, epithelial inflammation, and significant loss of anti-calretinin labeling. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the apical surface of the sensory region was absent of ciliated structures, but microvilli were still present. Behavioral analysis showed significant loss of the ability to perceive bile salts and some fish also had no response to amino acids. Over the next several days, olfactory organ morphology, epithelial structure, and anti-calretinin labeling returned to control-like conditions, although the ability to perceive bile salts remained lost until day 14. Thus, exposure to zinc sulfate results in rapid degeneration of the olfactory organ, followed by restoration of morphology and function within two weeks. Zinc sulfate appears to have a greater effect on ciliated olfactory sensory neurons than on microvillous olfactory sensory neurons, suggesting differential effects on sensory neuron subtypes.
Effect of Low Pressure on Surface Roughness and Morphological Defects of 4H-SiC Epitaxial Layers
Authors: Hu Jichao , Jia Renxu , Xin Bin , Peng Bo , Wang Yuehu , Zhang Yuming
Published: August 2016

In this work, 4H-SiC epilayers are performed on 4° off-axis substrates under low pressure condition by horizontal hot wall chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) with a standard chemistry of silane-propane-hydrogen, which focuses on the effects of growth pressure on morphology, basal plane dislocations (BPDs) and crystalline quality. It is found that morphological defects reduce with the decreasing of growth pressure, since the surface diffusion length of absorbed adatoms increases under low growth pressure, which suppresses the nucleation of adatoms on terraces and the formation of morphological defects. However, as the surface diffusion length increases under low growth pressure, the difference of growth velocity at steps is enhanced, which leads to the extension of the steps’ width and the formation of step-bunching. Besides variation of surface diffusion length, the phenomenon described above can be correlated with different dominate modes for the minimization of surface energy at varied growth pressure. Because of the contrary influence of increased C/Si ratio and enhanced step-flow growth on the propagation of BPDs, the dislocation densities of BPDs and threading edge dislocations (TEDs) in epilayers grown at varied pressures remain basically unchanged. The crystalline quality is almost independent of growth pressure based on high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) measurements.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N- Pyrazolyl Derivatives and Pyrazolopyrimidine Bearing a Biologically Active Sulfonamide Moiety as Potential Antimicrobial Agent
Authors: Hafez Hend , El-Gazzar Abdel-Rhman
Published: August 2016

A series of novel pyrazole-5-carboxylate containing N-triazole derivatives 3,4; different heterocyclic amines 7a–b and 10a–b; pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine containing sulfa drugs 14a,b; and oxypyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives 17, 19, 21 has been synthesized. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was elucidated on the basis of analytical and spectral analyses. All compounds have been screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against three gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as three fungi. The results revealed that compounds 14b and 17 had more potent antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains than reference drug Cefotaxime. Moreover compounds 4, 7b, and 12b showed excellent antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans in low inhibitory concentrations but slightly less than the reference drug miconazole against Aspergillus flavus.