bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiclassical Theory for Low Density Properties of Polar Hard D-Sphere Fluid Mixtures
Authors: Kumar Shyambhu , Yadav Ranjit Prasad
Published: September 2016

In the present paper, expansions are obtained for density-independent pair distribution function and second virial coefficient for D-dimensional molecular fluid mixtures of dipolar hard D-spheres in the semiclassical limit. Numerical results for the second virial coefficient are also estimated for binary mixture of (i) hard spheres and dipolar hard spheres and (ii) hard discs and dipolar hard discs. It is found that the quantum effects increase with increase of dipole moment μ2 as well as the concentration x2. The purpose of the present work is to develop a theory for calculating the low density properties of the polar hard D-sphere fluid mixture in the semiclassical limit. We have also developed the theory for estimating the quantum corrections to the density independent pair distribution function (PDF) and second virial coefficient of the polar D-sphere fluid mixtures.Academic Voices Vol.5 2015: 48-55
Shrot Kendrako Sampadit Bhumika: Ek Ghatana Adhayayan
Authors: Koirala Matrika Prasad
Published: September 2016

Nepali abstract on the PDF.Academic Voices Vol.5 2015: 100-104
Patients Without Borders: Using Telehealth to Provide an International Experience in Veterinary Global Health for Veterinary Students
Authors: Mazan Melissa R. , Kay Gigi , Souhail Mohammed Larbi , Bubeck Kirstin , Jenei Thomas , Merriam Jay
Published: September 2016

There is an increasing need to produce veterinarians with knowledge and critical thinking skills that will allow them to participate in veterinary global health equity delivery, particularly in the developing world, where many people remain dependent on animal-based agriculture for a living. This need for veterinarians trained in global health is reflected by the demand among students for greater exposure and education. At the same time, many students are held back from on-site training in global health due to constraints of cost, time, or family obligations. The purpose of this article is to describe the use of a telemedicine approach to educating veterinary students at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. This approach simultaneously provides expert consultation and support for a pro bono hospital in the developing world. The development of a telemedicine teaching service is discussed, from initial ad hoc email consultation among friends and associates to a more formal use of store-and-forward delivery of data along with real-time videoconferencing on a regular basis, termed tele-rounds. The practicalities of data delivery and exchange and best use of available bandwidth are also discussed, as this very mundane information is critical to efficient and useful tele-rounds. Students are able to participate in discussion of cases that they would never see in their usual clinical sphere and to become familiar with diagnostic and treatment approaches to these cases. By having the patient “virtually” brought to us, tele-rounds also decrease the usual carbon footprint of global health delivery.
Evaluating the Economic and Social Implications of Participation in Clean Vehicle Rebate Programs: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Authors: Rubin Dana , St-Louis Evelyne
Published: September 2016

To motivate consumers to buy fuel-efficient vehicles, governments have established national and state incentives to change purchasing behaviors. With California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) as a case study, this paper assesses the distribution of rebates across census tracts and socioeconomic divisions. Race–ethnicity, income, and socioeconomic and environmental disadvantage were used to understand variations in rebate allocation across census tracts in California between 2010 and 2015. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and negative binomial regressions were conducted to identify the definitive effect that income played in obtaining rebates: wealthier census tracts secure more rebates. Furthermore, this analysis determined a significant and negative relationship between the proportion of Hispanic and African-American residents and the number of rebates received per household, even when controlling for income. These findings suggest that the distribution of CVRP rebates is problematic across economic and racial–ethnic lines, especially given current policies pertaining to climate change equity. This paper aims to inform researchers and policy makers about the barriers of rebate access and provides a discussion to address this de facto bias in rebate allocation by income and race–ethnicity.
A novel minimally invasive, dorsolateral, tubular partial odontoidectomy and autologous bone augmentation to treat dens pseudarthrosis: cadaveric, 3D virtual simulation study and technical report
Authors: Archavlis Eleftherios , Serrano Lucas , Schwandt Eike , Nimer Amr , Molina-Fuentes Moisés Felipe , Rahim Tamim , Ackermann Maximilian , Gutenberg Angelika , Kantelhardt Sven Rainer , Giese Alf
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to demonstrate the clinical and technical nuances of a minimally invasive, dorsolateral, tubular approach for partial odontoidectomy, autologous bone augmentation, and temporary C1–2 fixation to treat dens pseudarthrosis.

METHODS

A cadaveric feasibility study, a 3D virtual reality reconstruction study, and the subsequent application of this approach in 2 clinical cases are reported. Eight procedures were completed in 4 human cadavers. A minimally invasive, dorsolateral, tubular approach for odontoidectomy was performed with the aid of a tubular retraction system, using a posterolateral incision and an oblique approach angle. Fluoroscopy and postprocedural CT, using 3D volumetric averaging software, were used to evaluate the degree of bone removal of C1–2 lateral masses and the C-2 pars interarticularis. Two clinical cases were treated using the approach: a 23-year-old patient with an odontoid fracture and pseudarthrosis, and a 35-year-old patient with a history of failed conservative treatment for odontoid fracture.

RESULTS

At 8 cadaveric levels, the mean volumetric bone removal of the C1–2 lateral masses on 1 side was 3% ± 1%, and the mean resection of the pars interarticularis on 1 side was 2% ± 1%. The median angulation of the trajectory was 50°, and the median distance from the midline of the incision entry point on the skin surface was 67 mm. The authors measured the diameter of the working channel in relation to head positioning and assessed a greater working corridor of 12 ± 4 mm in 20° inclination, 15° contralateral rotation, and 5° lateral flexion to the contralateral side. There were no violations of the dura. The reliability of C-2 pedicle screws and C-1 lateral mass screws was 94% (15 of 16 screws) with a single lateral breach. The patients treated experienced excellent clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A minimally invasive, dorsolateral, tubular odontoidectomy and autologous bone augmentation combined with C1–2 instrumentation has the ability to provide excellent 1-stage management of an odontoid pseudarthrosis. The procedure can be completed safely and successfully with minimal blood loss and little associated morbidity. This approach has the potential to provide not only a less invasive approach but also a function-preserving option to treat complex C1–2 anterior disease.
Potentials of earthworm and its by-products in animal agriculture and waste management - A review
Authors: Ndelekwute EK , Essien EB , Assam ED , Ekanem NJ
Published: September 2016

A review work was conducted to unveil the potentials of earthworm (EW) and its by  products such as earthworm meal (EWM) and earthworm casts (EWC) in poultry nutrition and management of animal waste. Production of EW is called vermiculture and using it to decompose organic matter is vermicomposting while processing it into such product as EWM is known as vermitechnology. Being a hermaphrodite, breeding is simple and fast, requiring only two EW to come together irrespective of their sexes. Fresh EW could be fed to fish and chickens. Based on literature EWM is high in protein 62 to 65%, essential amino acids such as lysine 6 to 8%, methionine 2 to 5%, leucine 8 to 10%, isoleucine  4 to 6% and phenylalanine 4 to 6%; fat 5 to 8% and fibre< 8%. At dietary inclusion level of 0.2 to 0.6%, EWM reportedly increased feed intake, supported growth, improved carcass quality in broiler chickens, and marginally increased egg size and hen day in layers. Dry EWC could replace 5 to 10% maize in diet for finishing broiler chickens. Rich in macro plant nutrients (e.g. nitrogen 1.94%, calcium 4.4% and potassium 0.7%) EWC is nutritionally sound for growth of pasture crops especially legumes. Earthworm has cellulase, lichenase, chitinase and cellulolytic microorganisms which enable it to degrade organic waste. Cattle dung and other animal manure can be degraded by earthworm thereby reducing environmental pollution. In this era of organic farming and sustainable environment, EW could therefore have a potential place in animal nutrition and management of waste from animals.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (2): 1-9
Evaluation of dahi collected from Netrokona district in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed S , Islam MN , Rashid MH , Islam MM , Masum AKM
Published: September 2016

The aim of the present research work was to make a comparative study between the quality of dahi available in Netrokona district of Bangladesh and dahi prepared in the laboratory by following standard manufacturing process. For this purpose dahi (control) was prepared in Dairy Technology Laboratory of the Department of dairy science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The Laboratory made dahi was designated as A type dahi. On the other hand four different types of dahi sample were collected from four different sweetmeat shop of Netrokona district. One sample was taken from each sweetmeat shop and three replications were made for each sample. Source of dahi samples were Khan Mistanno Vandar; Krisno Mistanno Vandar; Shankar Mistanno Vandar; Misti Mokh, These samples were designated as B, C, D and E respectively. Parameters used to monitor the quality of dahi were physical, chemical and microbiological. Collected data were compiled and statistically analyzed by using one way analysis of varience (ANOVA) test by using MSTAT statistical package. It was observed that total physical score for A, B, C, D and E type of samples were 93.21±0.51, 86.98,±0.63, 78.99±0.62, 76.47±0.25 and 83.89±0.44 respectively. Statistical analysis showed that total score for A type (Lab. made) dahi was significantly (p >0.01) higher than the total score of other dahi samples. Chemical analysis showed that average fat, protein, total solids, solids not fat, ash and lactose content of A type dahi were significantly ( p > 0.01) higher than that of the B, C. D and E type dahi samples collected from different shops of Netrokona district. Microbiological analysis showed that total bacterial count, yeast and mould count of B, C, D and E type dahi samples were also significantly (p > 0.01) higher than A type dahi which was prepared in the laboratory. Although total number of coliform bacteria was lower in A type sample but there was no significant difference within different dahi samples. Judging from the results of all parameters studied it was observed that dahi samples collected from Netrokona district was inferior to dahi prepared in the Laboratory. It was also observed that quality of other four dahi samples of Netrokona was nearly similar.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (2): 60-65
Quality of raw milk collected from Mymensingh town in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin MS , Habib MR , Islam MA , Afrin S , Rashid MH
Published: September 2016

The present study was conducted to know the chemical qualities and adulteration of fresh raw milk collected from local markets (Bhangnamari bazaar, Sutiakhali bazaar, Vabokhali bazaar, Shombhuganj bazaar and Mymensingh sadar bazaar) of Mymensingh sadar, Bangladesh. Milk samples were analyzed for chemical parameters (contents of acidity, total solids, solids-not-fat, fat, protein and ash) and adulteration (presence of formalin, sugar or starch). Also, lactometer reading was recorded to monitor the specific gravity of the collected milk samples. Result showed that the specific gravity of milk from different sources differed non-significantly. The total solids, fat and protein contents of all the samples were in normal range except the milk fat content collected from Shombhuganj bazaar (32.66±4.04 g/Kg) and Mymensingh sadar bazaar (30.66±4.51 g/Kg) which had less (p<0.01) than the minimum legal standard of milk fat (35.00 g/Kg). The solids-not-fat content of the milk samples collected from Bhangnamari bazaar (72.93±8.78 g/Kg) and Vabokhali bazaar (79.33±6.81 g/Kg) were less than that from Mymensingh sadar bazaar (95.67±11.72 g/Kg). Developed acidity was detected in the samples from Bhangnamari bazaar (0.180±0.03), Sutiakhali bazaar (0.187±0.04%) and Mymensingh sadar bazaar (0.180±0.02%), while other samples were found to the fresh (0.150-0.157%). All of the adulteration tests showed negative results. The results suggested that though there were some fluctuations in quality among the bazaars regarding the standard of parameters, the raw milk samples were of acceptable quality.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (2): 73-78
Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance amongst Common Bacterial Pathogens in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital
Authors: Shamsuzzaman AKM , Paul Shyamal Kumar , Mahmud Md. Chand , Musa AKM , Hossain Md. Akram
Published: September 2016

Antimicrobial resistance has been coming up as one of the challenging business for treating domiciliary and nosocomial infections. The present study compared rate of resistance towards different commonly used antibiotics for common bacterial pathogens isolated during 2001 to 2003. Regarding Escherichia coli, mentionable increase (p<0.01) of resistance was noted against ceftazidime (47% to 77%) and ceftriaxone (43% to 71%). Imipenem (2% to 1%) and pefloxacin (40% to 17%) showed decreased trend. For Staphylococcus aureus, marked increase in resistance was shown against almost all antibiotics except co-trimoxazole (55% to 57%). Mentionable increase in resistance (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) was noted against ciprofloxacin (17% to 43%) and ceftriaxone (28% to 83%). Although, oxacillin resistance increased from 22% to 42% but no resistance against vancomycin was noted during this period. Strains  of  Pseudomonas  species  showed  increase  (p<0.05)  in  resistance  against  ciprofloxacin  (47%  to  71%), ceftriaxone (50% to 74%) and ceftazidime (39% to 58%). Carbenicillin showed decreased resistance (92% to 50%) and none of the strains was found resistant to imipenem. Emphasis was given towards judicial use of antibiotics by followig local antibiogram.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2007; 01 (01): 04-09
LD Bodies From Blood Buffy Coat: an Easy Approach for Definitive Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Shamsuzzaman AKM , Mahmud Md. Chand , Akhter Shamima , Musa AKM , Hossain Md. Akram
Published: September 2016

This observational study was carried out as a preliminary one to see the effectiveness and reliability of an easy noninvasive approach for the confirmatory diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) by detection of amastigote forms (LD bodies) of the parasite. Clinically suspected 73 febrile cases were investigated by examination of bone marrow/splenic aspirate to detect LD bodies, of whom 57 (41.61%) showed LD positive result on microscopy and/or culture in modified Novy, Nichole, MacNeal (NNN) medium. Blood buffy coat was obtained by the method of density gradient centrifugation using mono-nuclear cell separation fluid "Lymphoprep" from all the cases confirmed as VL. Thin smears on microscopic slides were prepared from all 57 buffy coats, and stained by Leishman stain to see LD bodies microscopically. Out of 57 buffy coat smears, 53 (92.98%) yielded LD bodies. Findings of the present study has encouraged to carry out a field trial so that this easy approach can be practiced as a clinical diagnostic procedure.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2007; 01 (02): 43-47
Infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of the Isolates from Dhaka Medical College Hospital
Authors: Rashid Aliya , Chowdhury Akhtaruzzaman , Rahman Sufi HZ , Begum Shahin Ara , Muazzam Naima
Published: September 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common gram-negative microorganisms identified in the clinical specimens of hospital admitted patients. This was a retrospective study done among the patients attending Dhaka Medical College Hospital during January to December, 2006. A total 294 strains of P. aeruginosa were isolated of which 206 (70%) were from admitted patients and 88 (30%) from outpatients. Some 175 (60%) of the isolates were from males while 119 (40%) from females. Majority of the patients (141, 41.2%) were aged between 21-40 years and 102 (34.7%) were below 20 years. A significant proportion (about 45%) of the patients were from casualty wards, surgical outdoor, ear-nose-throat outdoor and burn unit. Four of the clinical specimens including wound swab, pus, aural swab and urine comprised of 279 (95%) of the total samples. The bacteria isolated were identified by colony morphology, microscopy and relevant biochemical tests. Antimicrobial sensitivity pattern was tested using standard guidelines. Almost all of the P. aeruginosa isolates were resistant to cefixime (93.3%) and co-trimoxazole (93.5%), majority were resistant to ceftazidime (86.8%), gentamycin (77.3%) and ciprofloxacin (75.5%). The result of the study shows that imipenem is the most effective drugagainst P. aeruginosa, followed by amikacin and ciprofloxacin.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2007; 01 (02): 48-51
Coagulase Typing and spa Typing of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Relatedness Among Patients' and Carrier Strains
Authors: Afroz Sadia , Hossain ABM Bayezid , Lutfor Afzalunnessa Binte , Muazzam Naima
Published: September 2016

This study was carried out to determine the types of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by two typing systems, Coagulase typing and spa typing and to identify relationship between types of MRSA strains isolated from patients and hospital staff carriers. A total of 40 MRSA strains, 33 from cases of wound infection and 7 from anterior nares of hospital staffs were investigated. Coagulase typing showed that all the MRSA strains isolated from patients were coagulase type VI and all the strains isolated from carriers were coagulase type VII. In spa typing, seven spa types were detected such as S4, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10 and S11. Predominant spa type in patients was S7 detected in 15 (45.45%) MRSA isolates, followed by S4 in 8 (24.24%) strains and S6 in 5(15.15%) strains. Other spa types detected in patients in small numbers were S8 (3.03%), S9 (3.03%), S10 (6.06%) and S11 (3.03%). While in strains of MRSA isolated from carriers, only two types S4 and S9 were detected. Both the spa types identified from carriers were also detected in a total of 9 (27.2%) of MRSA strains isolated from patients.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008; 02 (01): 3-7DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v2i1.21780
Prospects of Control of Malaria
Authors: Ferdousi Reena Saad , Siddiqua Mahmuda , Sultana Sakila , Tahmina Sanya
Published: September 2016

No Abstarct AvailableBangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008; 02 (01): 33-36DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v2i1.21789
Bacteriological Etiology of Flood Affected Diarrhoeal Patients Admitted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Antibiogram of the isolates
Authors: Rahman Abdur , Rashid Aliya , Begum Shaheen Ara , Chowdhury Aktheruzzaman , Begum Shahin Ara , Shahid Sazzad Bin
Published: September 2016

Diarrhoea is a self-limiting  disease  caused by various  enteropathogens and antimicrobial  therapy  is  an  important adjunct  to  fluid  therapy  in  the  management of the  cases.  We have studied  the  flood-affected  diarrhoeal  (post-flood diarrhoea) patients  admitted in  Dhaka Medical College Hospital  during  August to September,  2007.  A total  of ll4 faecal  samples  were  collected  from  the  patients of all age  groups,  and  investigated  for  bacterial  enteropathogens. Specimens  were cultured  in  appropriate  media and  identification  of the  organisms  showing  growth  was done  by relevant  biochemical  tests.  In addition, the isolates of Vbrio cholera wer confirmed  using  pollvalent  antisera. Sensitivity of the isolated organisms was done by disc diffusion method.  Among the isolated bacterial enteropathogens, majority was V. cholera (46, 40.3%). Other  isolates  included Escherichia coli (18,  23.0%),  Aeromonas species  (8,10.O%)  and V parahaemolyticus  (5,  7.0%). No pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 27 of the cases.  No Salmonella or Shigella was detected in any case. Majority of the cases  (24, 52.0%)  infected  with V cholerae  were  children  having  less than  L0 years of  age. Most of the isolates of V cholerae (77.7%) were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin.  Almost all of the V cholerae isolates (97.90 ) were resistant to Tetracycline, followed by Co-trimoxazloe (93,5%)  and  Nalidixic  acid (59.2%).  All of the E. coli isolates (100.0%) were sensitive to Ceftriaxone, followed by Ceftazidime (88.8%) and Ciprofloxacin (77.7oh).  Thus it  can  be concluded  that  Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone  can  be considered  as the drugs  ofchoice  for  the  treatment  of  post-flood  diarrhoea  along  with proper  rehydration  therapy.Bangladesh  J Med Microbiol2008;  02 (01):13-17DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v8i1.21929
Antibiotic Policy: An Essential, Time Demanded but Ignored Reality in Treating Infectious Diseases in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam KM Shahidul , Alam Md. Ashraful
Published: September 2016

Abstract Not AvailableBangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008;2(2):1-2
Honey and Cancer: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Porcza Laura , Simms Claire , Chopra Mridula
Published: September 2016

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and poses a challenge to treatment. With overwhelming evidence of the role played by diet and lifestyle in cancer risk and prevention, there is a growing interest into the search for chemopreventative or chemotherapeutic agents derived from natural products. Honey is an important source of bioactive compounds derived from plants and recent years have seen an increased interest in its anticancer properties. This review examines the role of honey in targeting key hallmarks of carcinogenesis, including uncontrolled proliferation, apoptosis evasion, angiogenesis, growth factor signalling, invasion, and inflammation. The evidence for honey as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapy is also presented. The review also highlights gaps in the current understanding and concludes that, before translation of evidence from cell culture and animal studies into the clinical setting, further studies are warranted to examine the effects of honey at a molecular level, as well as on cells in the tumour environment.
Using Spatial Optimization to Create Dynamic Harvest Blocks from LiDAR-Based Small Interpretation Units
Authors: Pascual Adrián , Pukkala Timo , Rodríguez Francisco , De-Miguel Sergio
Published: September 2016

Spatial and temporal differences in forest features occur on different scales as forest ecosystems evolve. Due to the increased capacity of remote sensing methods to detect these differences, forest planning may now consider forest compartments as transient units which may change in time and depend on the management objectives. This study presents a methodology for implementing these transient units, referred to as dynamic treatment units (DTU). LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) data and field sample plots were used to estimate forest stand characteristics for 500-m2 pixels and compartments, and a set of models was developed to enable growth simulations. The DTUs were obtained by maximizing a utility function which aimed at maximizing the aggregation of harvest areas and the ending growing stock volume with even-flow cutting targets for three 10-year periods. Remote sensing techniques, modeling, simulation, and spatial optimization were combined with the aim of having an efficient methodology for assigning cutting treatments to forest stands and delineating compact harvest blocks. Pixel-based planning led to more accurate estimation of stand characteristics and more homogeneity inside the delineated harvest blocks while the compartment-based planning resulted in larger and higher area/perimeter ratio.
Modified Aloe Polysaccharide Restores Chronic Stress-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice
Authors: Lee Youngjoo , Im Sun-A , Kim Jiyeon , Lee Sungwon , Kwon Junghak , Lee Heetae , Kong Hyunseok , Song Youngcheon , Shin Eunju , Do Seon-Gil , Lee Chong-Kil , Kim Kyungjae
Published: September 2016

Chronic stress generally experienced in our daily lives; is known to augment disease vulnerability by suppressing the host immune system. In the present study; the effect of modified Aloe polysaccharide (MAP) on chronic stress-induced immunosuppression was studied; this Aloe compound was characterized in our earlier study. Mice were orally administered with MAP for 24 days and exposed to electric foot shock (EFS; duration; 3 min; interval; 10 s; intensity; 2 mA) for 17 days. The stress-related immunosuppression and restorative effect of MAP were then analyzed by measuring various immunological parameters. MAP treatment alleviated lymphoid atrophy and body weight loss. The numbers of lymphocyte subsets were significantly normalized in MAP-treated mice. Oral administration of MAP also restored the proliferative activities of lymphocytes; ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T cell proliferation; antibody production; and the cell killing activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In summary; oral administration of MAP ameliorated chronic EFS stress-induced immunosuppression.
Investigation of Self-Assembly Processes for Chitosan-Based Coagulant-Flocculant Systems: A Mini-Review
Authors: Bhalkaran Savi , Wilson Lee
Published: September 2016

The presence of contaminants in wastewater poses significant challenges to water treatment processes and environmental remediation. The use of coagulation-flocculation represents a facile and efficient way of removing charged particles from water. The formation of stable colloidal flocs is necessary for floc aggregation and, hence, their subsequent removal. Aggregation occurs when these flocs form extended networks through the self-assembly of polyelectrolytes, such as the amine-based polysaccharide (chitosan), which form polymer “bridges” in a floc network. The aim of this overview is to evaluate how the self-assembly process of chitosan and its derivatives is influenced by factors related to the morphology of chitosan (flocculant) and the role of the solution conditions in the flocculation properties of chitosan and its modified forms. Chitosan has been used alone or in conjunction with a salt, such as aluminum sulphate, as an aid for the removal of various waterborne contaminants. Modified chitosan relates to grafted anionic or cationic groups onto the C-6 hydroxyl group or the amine group at C-2 on the glucosamine monomer of chitosan. By varying the parameters, such as molecular weight and the degree of deacetylation of chitosan, pH, reaction and settling time, dosage and temperature, self-assembly can be further investigated. This mini-review places an emphasis on the molecular-level details of the flocculation and the self-assembly processes for the marine-based biopolymer, chitosan.
Dexmedetomidine-Induced Contraction Involves CPI-17 Phosphorylation in Isolated Rat Aortas
Authors: Ok Seong-Ho , Kwon Seong-Chun , Baik Jiseok , Hong Jeong-Min , Oh Jiah , Han Jeong , Sohn Ju-Tae
Published: September 2016

Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective α-2 adrenoceptor agonist, produces vasoconstriction, which leads to transiently increased blood pressure. The goal of this study was to investigate specific protein kinases and the associated cellular signal pathways responsible for the increased calcium sensitization induced by dexmedetomidine in isolated rat aortas, with a particular focus on phosphorylation-dependent inhibitory protein of myosin phosphatase (CPI-17). The effect of Y-27632 and chelerythrine on the dexmedetomidine-induced intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and tension were assessed using fura-2-loaded aortic strips. The effects of rauwolscine, Y-27632, chelerythrine, and ML-7 hydrochloride on the dexmedetomidine-induced phosphorylation of CPI-17 or of the 20-kDa regulatory light chain of myosin (MLC20) were investigated in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. The effects of rauwolscine, Y-27632, and chelerythrine on the membrane translocation of Rho-kinase and protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation induced by dexmedetomidine were assessed. Y-27632 and chelerythrine each reduced the slopes of the [Ca2+]i-tension curves of dexmedetomidine-induced contraction, and Y-27632 more strongly reduced these slopes than did chelerythrine. Rauwolscine, Y-27632, chelerythrine, and ML-7 hydrochloride attenuated the dexmedetomidine-induced phosphorylation of CPI-17 and MLC20. Taken together, these results suggest that dexmedetomidine-induced contraction involves calcium sensitization, which appears to be mediated by CPI-17 phosphorylation via Rho-kinase or PKC.
Disease Activity and Conversion into Multiple Sclerosis after Optic Neuritis Is Treated with Erythropoietin
Authors: Sühs Kurt-Wolfram , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Hein Katharina , Pul Refik , Scholz Kerstin , Heesen Christoph , Diem Ricarda
Published: September 2016

Changes in cerebral lesion load by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study on erythropoietin in clinically isolated optic neuritis (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00355095) were analyzed. Therefore, patients with acute optic neuritis were assigned to receive either 33,000 IU of recombinant human erythropoietin (IV) daily for three days, or a placebo, as an add-on to methylprednisolone. Of 35 patients, we investigated changes in cerebral lesion load in MRIs obtained at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 16. In 5 of the 35 patients, we found conversion into multiple sclerosis (MS) based on MRI progression only. These five patients had received the placebo. Another five patients showed MRI progression together with relapses. Three of these patients had received erythropoietin, and two the placebo. Yet, analyzing the change in absolute numbers of periventricular, juxtacortical, and infratentorial lesions including gadolinium-enhancing lesions, there were no significant differences between the groups. Although effective in terms of retinal nerve fiber layer protection, erythropoietin treatment of acute isolated optic neuritis did not influence further evolution of MRI lesions in the brain when comparing absolute numbers. However, early conversion from clinically isolated syndrome to MS assessed by MRI activity seemed to occur more frequently in the placebo-treated group.
Visual Analytics of Complex Genomics Data to Guide Effective Treatment Decisions
Authors: Nguyen Quang , Khalifa Nader , Alzamora Pat , Gleeson Andrew , Catchpoole Daniel , Kennedy Paul , Simoff Simeon
Published: September 2016

In cancer biology, genomics represents a big data problem that needs accurate visual data processing and analytics. The human genome is very complex with thousands of genes that contain the information about the individual patients and the biological mechanisms of their disease. Therefore, when building a framework for personalised treatment, the complexity of the genome must be captured in meaningful and actionable ways. This paper presents a novel visual analytics framework that enables effective analysis of large and complex genomics data. By providing interactive visualisations from the overview of the entire patient cohort to the detail view of individual genes, our work potentially guides effective treatment decisions for childhood cancer patients. The framework consists of multiple components enabling the complete analytics supporting personalised medicines, including similarity space construction, automated analysis, visualisation, gene-to-gene comparison and user-centric interaction and exploration based on feature selection. In addition to the traditional way to visualise data, we utilise the Unity3D platform for developing a smooth and interactive visual presentation of the information. This aims to provide better rendering, image quality, ergonomics and user experience to non-specialists or young users who are familiar with 3D gaming environments and interfaces. We illustrate the effectiveness of our approach through case studies with datasets from childhood cancers, B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) and Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) patients, on how to guide the effective treatment decision in the cohort.
Multi-Layered TiO2 Films towards Enhancement of Escherichia coli Inactivation
Authors: Yoriya Sorachon , Chumphu Angkana , Pookmanee Pusit , Laithong Wreerat , Thepa Sirichai , Songprakorp Roongrojana
Published: September 2016

Crystalline TiO2 has shown its great photocatalytic properties in bacterial inactivation. This work presents a design fabrication of low-cost, layered TiO2 films assembled reactors and a study of their performance for a better understanding to elucidate the photocatalytic effect on inactivation of E. coli in water. The ability to reduce the number of bacteria in water samples for the layered TiO2 composing reactors has been investigated as a function of time, while varying the parameters of light sources, initial concentration of bacteria, and ratios of TiO2 film area and volume of water. Herein, the layered TiO2 films have been fabricated on the glass plates by thermal spray coating prior to screen printing, allowing a good adhesion of the films. Surface topology and crystallographic phase of TiO2 for the screen-printed active layer have been characterized, resulting in the ratio of anatase:rutile being 80:20. Under exposure to sunlight and a given condition employed in this study, the optimized film area:water volume of 1:2.62 has shown a significant ability to reduce the E. coli cells in water samples. The ratio of surface area of photocatalytic active base to volume of water medium is believed to play a predominant role facilitating the cells inactivation. The kinetic rate of inactivation and its behavior are also described in terms of adsorption of reaction species at different contact times.
Conductive Polymer Synthesis with Single-Crystallinity via a Novel Plasma Polymerization Technique for Gas Sensor Applications
Authors: Park Choon-Sang , Kim Dong , Shin Bhum , Kim Do , Lee Hyung-Kun , Tae Heung-Sik
Published: September 2016

This study proposes a new nanostructured conductive polymer synthesis method that can grow the single-crystalline high-density plasma-polymerized nanoparticle structures by enhancing the sufficient nucleation and fragmentation of the pyrrole monomer using a novel atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) results show that the plasma-polymerized pyrrole (pPPy) nanoparticles have a fast deposition rate of 0.93 µm·min−1 under a room-temperature process and have single-crystalline characteristics with porous properties. In addition, the single-crystalline high-density pPPy nanoparticle structures were successfully synthesized on the glass, plastic, and interdigitated gas sensor electrode substrates using a novel plasma polymerization technique at room temperature. To check the suitability of the active layer for the fabrication of electrochemical toxic gas sensors, the resistance variations of the pPPy nanoparticles grown on the interdigitated gas sensor electrodes were examined by doping with iodine. As a result, the proposed APPJ device could obtain the high-density and ultra-fast single-crystalline pPPy thin films for various gas sensor applications. This work will contribute to the design of highly sensitive gas sensors adopting the novel plasma-polymerized conductive polymer as new active layer.
TiC Reinforcement Composite Coating Produced Using Graphite of the Cast Iron by Laser Cladding
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Qu Weicheng , Su Yu
Published: September 2016

In this study, a TiC-reinforced composite coating was produced to improve the wear resistance of a pearlite matrix grey iron using a pre-placed Ti powder by laser cladding. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed that the coating was composed of TiC particles and two kinds of α-Fe phase. The fine TiC particles were only a few microns in size and uniformly distributed on the matrix phase in the composite coating. The microstructure characteristic of the composite coating resulted in the microhardness rising to about 1000 HV0.3 (China GB/T 4342-1991) and the wear resistance significantly increased relative to the substrate. In addition, the fine and homogeneous solidification microstructure without graphite phase in the transition zone led to a good metallurgical bonding and transition between the coating and the substrate. It was of great significance for the cast iron to modify the surface and repair surface defects or surface damage.
Combustion Synthesis of MoSi2-Al2O3 Composites from Thermite-Based Reagents
Authors: Yeh Chun-Liang , Peng Je-An
Published: September 2016

Formation of MoSi2–Al2O3 composites with a broad range of the MoSi2/Al2O3 ratio was conducted by thermite-based combustion synthesis in the SHS mode. The addition of two thermite mixtures composed of MoO3 + 2Al and 0.6MoO3 + 0.6SiO2 + 2Al into the Mo–Si reaction systems facilitated self-sustaining combustion and contributed to in situ formation of MoSi2 and Al2O3. The samples adopting the former thermite reagent were more exothermic and produced composites with MoSi2/Al2O3 from 2.0 to 4.5, beyond which combustion failed to proceed. Because of lower exothermicity of the reactions, the final products with MoSi2/Al2O3 from 1.2 to 2.5 were fabricated from the SHS process involving the latter thermite mixture. Combustion temperatures of both reaction systems decreased from about 1640 to 1150 °C with increasing MoSi2/Al2O3 proportion, which led to a phase transition of MoSi2. It was found that the dominant silicide was β-MoSi2 when the combustion temperature of the synthesis reaction exceeded 1550 °C and shifted to α-MoSi2 as the combustion temperature fell below 1320 °C. The results of this study showed an energy-efficient fabrication route to tailor the phase and content of MoSi2 in the MoSi2–Al2O3 composite.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids in Snow Chrysanthemum (Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.) by HPLC-DAD and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS
Authors: Yang Yinjun , Sun Xinguang , Liu Jinjun , Kang Liping , Chen Sibao , Ma Baiping , Guo Baolin
Published: September 2016

A simple, accurate and reliable high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method was developed and then successfully applied for simultaneous quantitative analysis of eight compounds, including chlorogenic acid (1), (R/S)-flavanomarein (2), butin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), isookanin (4), taxifolin (5), 5,7,3′,5′-tetrahydroxyflavanone-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), marein (7) and okanin (8), in 23 batches of snow chrysanthemum of different seed provenance and from various habitats. The results showed total contents of the eight compounds in the samples with seed provenance from Keliyang (Xinjiang, China), are higher than in samples from the other five provenances by 52.47%, 15.53%, 19.78%, 21.17% and 5.06%, respectively, which demonstrated that provenance has a great influence on the constituents in snow chrysanthemum. Meanwhile, an ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was also employed to rapidly separate and identify flavonoids and phenolic acids in snow chrysanthemum from Keliyang. As a result, a total of 30 constituents, including 26 flavonoids and four phenolic acids, were identified or tentatively identified based on the exact mass information, the fragmentation characteristics, and retention times of eight reference standards. This work may provide an efficient approach to comprehensively evaluate the quality of snow chrysanthemum.
Synthesis of a 1-Aryl-2,2-chlorosilyl(phospha)silene Coordinated by an N-Heterocyclic Carbene
Authors: Kyri Andreas , Majhi Paresh , Sasamori Takahiro , Agou Tomohiro , Nesterov Vitaly , Guo Jing-Dong , Nagase Shigeru , Tokitoh Norihiro , Streubel Rainer
Published: September 2016

Phosphasilenes, P=Si doubly bonded compounds, have received considerable attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties. We report on the synthesis and structure of a chlorophosphasilene coordinated by an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), which has the potential of functionalization at the Si–Cl moiety. Treatment of a silylphosphine, ArPH–SiCl2RSi (Ar = bulky aryl group, RSi = Si(SiMe3)3) with two equivalents of Im-Me4 (1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene) afforded the corresponding NHC-coordinated phosphasilene, ArP=SiClRSi(Im-Me4) as a stable compound. Bonding properties of the P=Si bond coordinated to an NHC will be discussed on the basis of theoretical calculations.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Might Citrus Flavonoids Play a Protective Role?
Authors: Cirmi Santa , Ferlazzo Nadia , Lombardo Giovanni , Ventura-Spagnolo Elvira , Gangemi Sebastiano , Calapai Gioacchino , Navarra Michele
Published: September 2016

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) result from the gradual and progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system or both. They are characterized by deterioration of neurons and/or myelin sheath, disruption of sensory information transmission and loss of movement control. There is no effective treatment for ND, and the drugs currently marketed are symptom-oriented, albeit with several side effects. Within the past decades, several natural remedies have gained attention as potential neuroprotective drugs. Moreover, an increasing number of studies have suggested that dietary intake of vegetables and fruits can prevent or delay the onset of ND. These properties are mainly due to the presence of polyphenols, an important group of phytochemicals that are abundantly present in fruits, vegetables, cereals and beverages. The main class of polyphenols is flavonoids, abundant in Citrus fruits. Our review is an overview on the scientific literature concerning the neuroprotective effects of the Citrus flavonoids in the prevention or treatment of ND. This review may be used as scientific basis for the development of nutraceuticals, food supplements or complementary and alternative drugs to maintain and improve the neurophysiological status.
Molecular Electron Density Theory: A Modern View of Reactivity in Organic Chemistry
Authors: Domingo Luis
Published: September 2016

A new theory for the study of the reactivity in Organic Chemistry, named Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT), is proposed herein. MEDT is based on the idea that while the electron density distribution at the ground state is responsible for physical and chemical molecular properties, as proposed by the Density Functional Theory (DFT), the capability for changes in electron density is responsible for molecular reactivity. Within MEDT, the reactivity in Organic Chemistry is studied through a rigorous quantum chemical analysis of the changes of the electron density as well as the energies associated with these changes along the reaction path in order to understand experimental outcomes. Studies performed using MEDT allow establishing a modern rationalisation and to gain insight into molecular mechanisms and reactivity in Organic Chemistry.
Erratum: The Non-Coding RNA Journal Club: Highlights on Recent Papers—4. Non-Coding RNA 2016, 2, 9
Authors: Gautheret Daniel , Taube Joseph , Mani Sendurai , Santulli Gaetano , Cuerda-Gil Diego , Slotkin R. , Zhang Bo , Wang Yanli , Salzman David , Weidhaas Joanne
Published: September 2016

Please note that in the published editorial [1], afﬁliations 1, and 8 contained errors.[...]
Optimal Use of Space-Borne Advanced Infrared and Microwave Soundings for Regional Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Liu Chian-Yi , Kuo Szu-Chen , Lim Agnes , Hsu Shen-Cha , Tseng Kuo-Hsin , Yeh Nan-Ching , Yang Yu-Chi
Published: September 2016

Satellite observations can either be assimilated as radiances or as retrieved physical parameters to reduce error in the initial conditions used by the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model. Assimilation of radiances requires a radiative transfer model to convert atmospheric state in model space to that in radiance space, thus requiring a lot of computational resources especially for hyperspectral instruments with thousands of channels. On the other hand, assimilating the retrieved physical parameters is computationally more efficient as they are already in thermodynamic states, which can be compared with NWP model outputs through the objective analysis scheme. A microwave (MW) sounder and an infrared (IR) sounder have their respective observational limitation due to the characteristics of adopted spectra. The MW sounder observes at much larger field-of-view (FOV) compared to an IR sounder. On the other hand, MW has the capability to reveal the atmospheric sounding when the clouds are presented, but IR observations are highly sensitive to clouds, The advanced IR sounder is able to reduce uncertainties in the retrieved atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles due to its higher spectral-resolution than the MW sounder which has much broader spectra bands. This study tries to quantify the optimal use of soundings retrieved from the microwave sounder AMSU and infrared sounder AIRS onboard the AQUA satellite in the regional Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model through three-dimensional variational (3D-var) data assimilation scheme. Four experiments are conducted by assimilating soundings from: (1) clear AIRS single field-of-view (SFOV); (2) retrieved from using clear AMSU and AIRS observations at AMSU field-of-view (SUP); (3) all SFOV soundings within AMSU FOVs must be clear; and (4) SUP soundings which must have all clear SFOV soundings within the AMSU FOV. A baseline experiment assimilating only conventional data is generated for comparison. Various atmospheric state variables at different pressure levels are used to assess the impact from assimilating these different data by comparing them with European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) reanalysis data. Results indicate assimilation of SUP soundings improve the mid and upper troposphere, whereas assimilation of SFOV soundings has positive impact on the lower troposphere. Two additional assimilation experiments are carried out to determine the combination of SUP and SFOV soundings that will provide the best performance throughout the troposphere. The results indicate that optimal combination is to assimilate clear-sky matched IR retrievals with non-matched MW soundings.