bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wear Improvement of Tools in the Cold Forging Process for Long Hex Flange Nuts
Authors: Hsia Shao-Yi , Shih Po-Yueh
Published: September 2015

Cold forging has played a critical role in fasteners and has been widely used in automotive production, manufacturing, aviation and 3C (Computer, Communication, and Consumer electronics). Despite its extensive use in fastener forming and die design, operator experience and trial and error make it subjective and unreliable owing to the difficulty of controlling the development schedule. This study used finite element analysis to establish and simulate wear in automotive repair fastener manufacturing dies based on actual process conditions. The places on a die that wore most quickly were forecast, with the stress levels obtained being substituted into the Archard equation to calculate die wear. A 19.87% improvement in wear optimization occurred by applying the Taguchi quality method to the new design. Additionally, a comparison of actual manufacturing data to simulations revealed a nut forging size error within 2%, thereby demonstrating the accuracy of this theoretical analysis. Finally, SEM micrographs of the worn surfaces on the upper punch indicate that the primary wear mechanism on the cold forging die for long hex flange nuts was adhesive wear. The results can simplify the development schedule, reduce the number of trials and further enhance production quality and die life.
Fast Blue RR—Siloxane Derivatized Materials Indicate Wound Infection Due to a Deep Blue Color Development
Authors: Schiffer Doris , Tegl Gregor , Vielnascher Robert , Weber Hansjoerg , Schoeftner Rainer , Wiesbauer Herfried , Sigl Eva , Heinzle Andrea , Guebitz Georg
Published: September 2015

There is a strong need for simple and fast methods for wound infection determination. Myeloperoxidase, an immune system-derived enzyme was found to be a suitable biomarker for wound infection. Hence, alkoxysilane-derivatized Fast Blue RR was immobilized via simple hydrolytic polymerization. The resulting enzyme-responsive siloxane layers were incubated with myeloperoxidase, wound fluid or hemoglobin. The reaction was monitored via HPLC measurements and the color development quantified spectrophotometrically. Myeloperoxidase was indeed able to oxidize immobilized Fast Blue RR leading to a blue colored product. No conversion was detected in non-infected wound fluids. The visible color changes of these novel materials towards blue enable an easy distinction between infected and non-infected wound fluids.
Performance-Enhanced Textured Silicon Solar Cells Based on Plasmonic Light Scattering Using Silver and Indium Nanoparticles
Authors: Ho Wen-Jeng , Su Shih-Ya , Lee Yi-Yu , Syu Hong-Jhang , Lin Ching-Fuh
Published: September 2015

Performances of textured crystalline-silicon (c-Si) solar cells enhanced by silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and indium nanoparticles (In-NPs) plasmonic effects are experimentally demonstrated and compared. Plasmonic nanoparticles integrated into textured c-Si solar cells can further increase the absorption and enhance the short-circuit current density (Jsc) of the solar cell. To examine the profile of the proposed metallic particles, the average diameter and coverage of the In-NPs (Ag-NPs) at 17.7 nm (19.07 nm) and 30.5% (35.1%), respectively, were obtained using scanning electron microscopy. Optical reflectance and external quantum efficiency response were used to measure plasmonic light scattering at various wavelengths. Compared to a bare reference cell, the application of In-NPs increased the Jsc of the cells by 8.64% (from 30.32 to 32.94 mA/cm2), whereas the application of Ag-NPs led to an increase of 4.71% (from 30.32 to 31.75 mA/cm2). The conversion efficiency of cells with embedded In-NPs (14.85%) exceeded that of cells with embedded Ag-NPs (14.32%), which can be attributed to the broadband plasmonic light scattering of the In-NPs.
Redox Status and Neuro Inflammation Indexes in Cerebellum and Motor Cortex of Wistar Rats Supplemented with Natural Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Astaxanthin: Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Biomass
Authors: Polotow Tatiana , Poppe Sandra , Vardaris Cristina , Ganini Douglas , Guariroba Maísa , Mattei Rita , Hatanaka Elaine , Martins Maria , Bondan Eduardo , Barros Marcelo
Published: September 2015

Health authorities worldwide have consistently recommended the regular consumption of marine fishes and seafood to preserve memory, sustain cognitive functions, and prevent neurodegenerative processes in humans. Shrimp, crabs, lobster, and salmon are of particular interest in the human diet due to their substantial provision of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3/PUFAs) and the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin (ASTA). However, the optimal ratio between these nutraceuticals in natural sources is apparently the key factor for maximum protection against most neuro-motor disorders. Therefore, we aimed here to investigate the effects of a long-term supplementation with (n-3)/PUFAs-rich fish oil, ASTA-rich algal biomass, the combination of them, or krill oil (a natural combination of both nutrients) on baseline redox balance and neuro-inflammation indexes in cerebellum and motor cortex of Wistar rats. Significant changes in redox metabolism were only observed upon ASTA supplementation, which reinforce its antioxidant properties with a putative mitochondrial-centered action in rat brain. Krill oil imposed mild astrocyte activation in motor cortex of Wistar rats, although no redox or inflammatory index was concomitantly altered. In summary, there is no experimental evidence that krill oil, fish oil, oralgal biomass (minor variation), drastically change the baseline oxidative conditions or the neuro-inflammatory scenario in neuromotor-associated rat brain regions.
On the Recent Use of Membrane Technology for Olive Mill Wastewater Purification
Authors: Ochando-Pulido Javier , Martinez-Ferez Antonio
Published: September 2015

Many reclamation treatments as well as integrated processes for the purification of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) have already been proposed and developed but not led to completely satisfactory results, principally due to complexity or cost-ineffectiveness. The olive oil industry in its current status, composed of little and dispersed factories, cannot stand such high costs. Moreover, these treatments are not able to abate the high concentration of dissolved inorganic matter present in these highly polluted effluents. In the present work, a review on the actual state of the art concerning the treatment and disposal of OMW by membranes is addressed, comprising microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO), as well as membrane bioreactors (MBR) and non-conventional membrane processes such as vacuum distillation (VD), osmotic distillation (OD) and forward osmosis (FO). Membrane processes are becoming extensively used to replace many conventional processes in the purification of water and groundwater as well as in the reclamation of wastewater streams of very diverse sources, such as those generated by agro-industrial activities. Moreover, a brief insight into inhibition and control of fouling by properly-tailored pretreatment processes upstream the membrane operation and the use of the critical and threshold flux theories is provided.
Enhanced Bioaccessibility of Crocetin Sugar Esters from Saffron in Infusions Rich in Natural Phenolic Antioxidants
Authors: Ordoudi Stella , Kyriakoudi Anastasia , Tsimidou Maria
Published: September 2015

The present study aims to examine whether and to what extent the bioaccessibility of the major saffron apocarotenoids, namely crocetin sugar esters (CRTSEs), is affected by the presence of strong water-soluble antioxidants, ingredients of the herbs found in commercial tea blends with saffron. An in vitro digestion model was applied to infusions from these products to investigate the possible changes. All of the studied infusions were rich in total phenols (9.9–22.5 mg caffeic acid equivalents/100 mg dry infusion) and presented strong DPPH radical scavenging activity regardless of the composition of the corresponding herbal blends. RP-HPLC-DAD and LC-MS analysis enabled the grouping of the infusions into hydroxycinnamic acid-rich and in flavan-3-ol-rich ones. CRTSEs in herbal tea infusions were found to be significantly more bioaccessible (66.3%–88.6%) than those in the reference saffron infusion (60.9%). The positive role of strong phenolic antioxidants (caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid) on the stability of CRTSEs was also evidenced in model binary mixtures. On the contrary, cinnamic acid, exerting no antioxidant activity, did not have such an effect. Our findings suggest that strong radical scavengers may protect the crocetin sugar esters from oxidation during digestion when present in excess.
Glucuronoyl Esterase Screening and Characterization Assays Utilizing Commercially Available Benzyl Glucuronic Acid Ester
Authors: Sunner Hampus , Charavgi Maria-Despoina , Olsson Lisbeth , Topakas Evangelos , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: September 2015

Research on glucuronoyl esterases (GEs) has been hampered by the lack of enzyme assays based on easily obtainable substrates. While benzyl d-glucuronic acid ester (BnGlcA) is a commercially available substrate that can be used for GE assays, several considerations regarding substrate instability, limited solubility and low apparent affinities should be made. In this work we discuss the factors that are important when using BnGlcA for assaying GE activity and show how these can be applied when designing BnGlcA-based GE assays for different applications: a thin-layer chromatography assay for qualitative activity detection, a coupled-enzyme spectrophotometric assay that can be used for high-throughput screening or general activity determinations and a HPLC-based detection method allowing kinetic determinations. The three-level experimental procedure not merely facilitates routine, fast and simple biochemical characterizations but it can also give rise to the discovery of different GEs through an extensive screening of heterologous Genomic and Metagenomic expression libraries.
Phenolics and Polyphenolics from Melastomataceae Species
Authors: Serna Diana , Martínez José
Published: September 2015

The Melastomataceae family, the seventh largest flowering plants, has been studied in several fronts of natural product chemistry, including terpenoids, simple phenolics, flavonoids, quinones, lignans and their glycosides, as well as a vast range of tannins or polyphenols. This review concerns the phenolic and polyphenolic metabolites described in the literature for several genera of this family, the mode of isolation and purification, and the structure elucidation of these new natural products that has been achieved by extensive spectral analyses, including ESI-MS, 1H-, 13C-NMR spectra and two-dimensional experiments, COSY, TOCSY, J-resolved, NOESY, HMQC, DEPT, and HMBC, as well as chemical and enzymatic degradations and the chemotaxonomic meaning. Finally, a general biogenetic pathway map for ellagitannins is proposed on the bases of the most plausible free radical C-O oxidative coupling.
Bioassay-Guided Isolation and Identification of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Constituents from the Leaves of Perilla frutescens
Authors: Huo Li-Na , Wang Wei , Zhang Chun-Yu , Shi Hai-Bo , Liu Yang , Liu Xiao-Hong , Guo Bing-Hua , Zhao Dong-Mei , Gao Hua
Published: September 2015

Activity-directed fractionation and purification processes were employed to identify xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory compounds from the leaves of Perilla frutescens. The total extract was evaluated in vitro on XO inhibitory activity and in vivo in an experimental model with potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in mice which was used to evaluate anti-hyperuricemic activity. The crude extract showed expressive urate-lowering activity results. Solvent partitioning of the total extract followed by macroporous resin column chromatography of the n-butanol extract yielded four extracts and eluted parts. Among them, only the 70% ethanol eluted part of the n-butanol extract showed strong activity and therefore was subjected to separation and purification using various chromatographic techniques. Five compounds showing potent activity were identified by comparing their spectral data with literature values to be caffeic acid, vinyl caffeate, rosmarinic acid, methyl rosmarinate, and apigenin. These results indicate that pending further study, these compounds could be used as novel natural product agents for the treatment of hyperuricemia.
Body Mass Index and Risk of Gallbladder Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Tan Wenbin , Gao Min , Liu Ning , Zhang Guoan , Xu Tong , Cui Wen
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVES: To provide a quantitative assessment of the association between excess body weight, interpreted as increased body mass index (BMI), and the risk of gallbladder cancer (GBC). METHODS: We identified eligible studies in Medline and EMBASE up to 1 February 2015, and reference lists of retrieved articles. Summary relative risks with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated in a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to study design, gender, geographic location, ascertainment of exposure and adjustment for confounders. RESUITS: A total of 12 cohort studies and 8 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with “normal” weight, the summary relative risks of GBC were 1.14 (95% CI, 1.04–1.25) for overweight individuals (BMI 25–30 kg/m2) and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.41–1.73) for obese individuals (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Obese women had a higher risk of GBC than men did (women: SRRs 1.67, 95% CI 1.38–2.02; men: SRRs 1.42, 95% CI 1.21–1.66), and there was significant association between overweight and GBC risk in women (SRRs 1.26, 95% CI 1.13–1.40), but not in men (SRRs 1.06, 95% CI 0.94–1.20). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this meta-analysis indicate that obesity is associated with an increased risk of GBC, especially in women. Overweight is associated with GBC risk only in women.
A Design-Oriented Combined Model (7 MPa to 190 MPa) for FRP-Confined Circular Short Columns
Authors: Girgin Zehra , Girgin Konuralp
Published: September 2015

This study addresses a design oriented combined model to predict the ultimate strengths and ultimate strains in an extensive range of unconfined strength (7 to 190 MPa) for the axially loaded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-wrapped circular short columns. Modified Hoek-Brown strength criterion, which was previously extended to FRP-confined concrete from 7 to 108 MPa, is revisited and verified. An empirical strength model beyond 108 MPa encompassing ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC) and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) data, as well as empirical strain models, are defined to accomplish the design oriented combined model. This article especially focuses on the verification of the proposed strain models. The assessment performances of those models for carbon FRP (CFRP) and glass FRP (GFRP) confinement are compared with specific models in the current literature. Strength and strain predictions for UHSC and UHPC are integrated into the design oriented combined model as well. The assessments on this model agree with the experimental results in high accuracy.
A Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Cableless Geophone Unit for Passive Surface Wave Surveys
Authors: Dai Kaoshan , Li Xiaofeng , Lu Chuan , You Qingyu , Huang Zhenhua , Wu H.
Published: September 2015

The passive surface wave survey is a practical, non-invasive seismic exploration method that has increasingly been used in geotechnical engineering. However, in situ deployment of traditional wired geophones is labor intensive for a dense sensor array. Alternatively, stand-alone seismometers can be used, but they are bulky, heavy, and expensive because they are usually designed for long-term monitoring. To better facilitate field applications of the passive surface wave survey, a low-cost energy-efficient geophone system was developed in this study. The hardware design is presented in this paper. To validate the system’s functionality, both laboratory and field experiments were conducted. The unique feature of this newly-developed cableless geophone system allows for rapid field applications of the passive surface wave survey with dense array measurements.
Layered Location-Based Security Mechanism for Mobile Sensor Networks: Moving Security Areas
Authors: Wang Ze , Zhang Haijuan , Wu Luqiang , Zhou Chang
Published: September 2015

Network security is one of the most important issues in mobile sensor networks (MSNs). Networks are particularly vulnerable in hostile environments because of many factors, such as uncertain mobility, limitations on computation, and the need for storage in mobile nodes. Though some location-based security mechanisms can resist some malicious attacks, they are only suitable for static networks and may sometimes require large amounts of storage. To solve these problems, using location information, which is one of the most important properties in outdoor wireless networks, a security mechanism called a moving security area (MSA) is proposed to resist malicious attacks by using mobile nodes’ dynamic location-based keys. The security mechanism is layered by performing different detection schemes inside or outside the MSA. The location-based private keys will be updated only at the appropriate moments, considering the balance of cost and security performance. By transferring parts of the detection tasks from ordinary nodes to the sink node, the memory requirements are distributed to different entities to save limited energy.
Development of Metal-Ceramic Coaxial Cable Fabry-Pérot Interferometric Sensors for High Temperature Monitoring
Authors: Trontz Adam , Cheng Baokai , Zeng Shixuan , Xiao Hai , Dong Junhang
Published: September 2015

Metal-ceramic coaxial cable Fabry-Pérot interferometric (MCCC-FPI) sensors have been developed using a stainless steel tube and a stainless steel wire as the outer and inner conductors, respectively; a tubular α-alumina insulator; and a pair of air gaps created in the insulator along the cable to serve as weak reflectors for the transmitting microwave (MW) signal. The MCCC-FPI sensors have been demonstrated for high temperature measurements using MW signals in a frequency range of 2–8 GHz. The temperature measurement is achieved by monitoring the frequency shift (Δƒ) of the MW interferogram reflected from the pair of weak reflectors. The MW sensor exhibited excellent linear dependence of Δƒ on temperature; small measurement deviations (±2.7%); and fast response in a tested range of 200–500 °C. The MCCC has the potential for further developing multipoint FPI sensors in a single-cable to achieve in situ and continuous measurement of spatially distributed temperature in harsh environments.
Onboard Image Processing System for Hyperspectral Sensor
Authors: Hihara Hiroki , Moritani Kotaro , Inoue Masao , Hoshi Yoshihiro , Iwasaki Akira , Takada Jun , Inada Hitomi , Suzuki Makoto , Seki Taeko , Ichikawa Satoshi , Tanii Jun
Published: September 2015

Onboard image processing systems for a hyperspectral sensor have been developed in order to maximize image data transmission efficiency for large volume and high speed data downlink capacity. Since more than 100 channels are required for hyperspectral sensors on Earth observation satellites, fast and small-footprint lossless image compression capability is essential for reducing the size and weight of a sensor system. A fast lossless image compression algorithm has been developed, and is implemented in the onboard correction circuitry of sensitivity and linearity of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors in order to maximize the compression ratio. The employed image compression method is based on Fast, Efficient, Lossless Image compression System (FELICS), which is a hierarchical predictive coding method with resolution scaling. To improve FELICS’s performance of image decorrelation and entropy coding, we apply a two-dimensional interpolation prediction and adaptive Golomb-Rice coding. It supports progressive decompression using resolution scaling while still maintaining superior performance measured as speed and complexity. Coding efficiency and compression speed enlarge the effective capacity of signal transmission channels, which lead to reducing onboard hardware by multiplexing sensor signals into a reduced number of compression circuits. The circuitry is embedded into the data formatter of the sensor system without adding size, weight, power consumption, and fabrication cost.
Performance Evaluation of Wearable Sensor Systems: A Case Study in Moderate-Scale Deployment in Hospital Environment
Authors: Sun Wen , Ge Yu , Zhang Zhiqiang , Wong Wai-Choong
Published: September 2015

A wearable sensor system enables continuous and remote health monitoring and is widely considered as the next generation of healthcare technology. The performance, the packet error rate (PER) in particular, of a wearable sensor system may deteriorate due to a number of factors, particularly the interference from the other wearable sensor systems in the vicinity. We systematically evaluate the performance of the wearable sensor system in terms of PER in the presence of such interference in this paper. The factors that affect the performance of the wearable sensor system, such as density, traffic load, and transmission power in a realistic moderate-scale deployment case in hospital are all considered. Simulation results show that with 20% duty cycle, only 68.5% of data transmission can achieve the targeted reliability requirement (PER is less than 0.05) even in the off-peak period in hospital. We then suggest some interference mitigation schemes based on the performance evaluation results in the case study.
A Network Analysis Model for Selecting Sustainable Technology
Authors: Park Sangsung , Lee Seung-Joo , Jun Sunghae
Published: September 2015

Most companies develop technologies to improve their competitiveness in the marketplace. Typically, they then patent these technologies around the world in order to protect their intellectual property. Other companies may use patented technologies to develop new products, but must pay royalties to the patent holders or owners. Should they fail to do so, this can result in legal disputes in the form of patent infringement actions between companies. To avoid such situations, companies attempt to research and develop necessary technologies before their competitors do so. An important part of this process is analyzing existing patent documents in order to identify emerging technologies. In such analyses, extracting sustainable technology from patent data is important, because sustainable technology drives technological competition among companies and, thus, the development of new technologies. In addition, selecting sustainable technologies makes it possible to plan their R&D (research and development) efficiently. In this study, we propose a network model that can be used to select the sustainable technology from patent documents, based on the centrality and degree of a social network analysis. To verify the performance of the proposed model, we carry out a case study using actual patent data from patent databases.
Symmetry Breaking and Establishment of Dorsal/Ventral Polarity in the Early Sea Urchin Embryo
Authors: Cavalieri Vincenzo , Spinelli Giovanni
Published: September 2015

The mechanisms imposing the Dorsal/Ventral (DV) polarity of the early sea urchin embryo consist of a combination of inherited maternal information and inductive interactions among blastomeres. Old and recent studies suggest that a key molecular landmark of DV polarization is the expression of nodal on the future ventral side, in apparent contrast with other metazoan embryos, where nodal is expressed dorsally. A subtle maternally-inherited redox anisotropy, plus some maternal factors such as SoxB1, Univin, and p38-MAPK have been identified as inputs driving the spatially asymmetric transcription of nodal. However, all the mentioned factors are broadly distributed in the embryo as early as nodal transcription occurs, suggesting that repression of the gene in non-ventral territories depends upon negative regulators. Among these, the Hbox12 homeodomain-containing repressor is expressed by prospective dorsal cells, where it acts as a dorsal-specific negative modulator of the p38-MAPK activity. This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms governing the establishment of DV polarity in sea urchins, focusing on events taking place in the early embryo. Altogether, these findings provide a framework for future studies aimed to unravel the inceptive mechanisms involved in the DV symmetry breaking.
Polythiophene and oligothiophene systems modified by TTF electroactive units for organic electronics
Authors: Kanibolotsky Alexander L , Findlay Neil J , Skabara Peter J
Published: September 2015

The aim of this review is to give an update on current progress in the synthesis, properties and applications of thiophene-based conjugated systems bearing tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units. We focus mostly on the synthesis of poly- and oligothiophenes with TTF moieties fused to the thiophene units of the conjugated backbone either directly or via a dithiin ring. The electrochemical behaviour of these materials and structure–property relationships are discussed. The study is directed towards the development of a new type of organic semiconductors based on these hybrid materials for application in organic field effect transistors and solar cells.
ANALYSIS OF INTERSPIKE-INTERVALS FOR THE GENERAL CLASS OF INTEGRATE-AND-FIRE MODELS WITH PERIODIC DRIVE
Authors: Signerska-Rynkowska Justyna
Published: September 2015

We study one-dimensional integrate-and-fire models of the general type x˙ = F(t, x) and analyze properties of the firing map which iterations recover consecutive spike timings. We impose very week constraints for the regularity of the function F(t, x), e.g. often it suffices to assume that F is continuous. If additionally F is periodic in t, using mathematical study of the displacement sequence of an orientation preserving circle homeomorphism, we provide a detailed description of the regularity properties of the sequence of interspike-intervals and behaviour of the interspike-interval distribution.
POSITIVE SOLUTIONS OF THE SEMIPOSITONE NEUMANN BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM
Authors: Henderson Johnny , Kosmatov Nickolai
Published: September 2015

In this paper we consider the Neumann boundary value problem at resonance −u''(t) = f t, u(t) , 0 < t < 1, u' (0) = u' (1) = 0. We assume that the nonlinear term satisfies the inequality f(t, z) + α2z + β(t) ≥ 0, t ∈ [0, 1], z ≥ 0, where β : [0, 1] → R + , and α ≠ 0. The problem is transformed into a non-resonant positone problem and positive solutions are obtained by means of a Guo–Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem.
SCHEMES CONVERGENT Ε-UNIFORMLY FOR PARABOLIC SINGULARLY PERTURBED PROBLEMS WITH A DEGENERATING CONVECTIVE TERM AND A DISCONTINUOUS SOURCE
Authors: Clavero Carmelo , Gracia Jose Luis , Shishkin Grigorii I. , Shishkina Lidia P.
Published: September 2015

We consider the numerical approximation of a 1D singularly perturbed convection-diffusion problem with a multiply degenerating convective term, for which the order of degeneracy is 2p + 1, p is an integer with p ≥ 1, and such that the convective flux is directed into the domain. The solution exhibits an interior layer at the degeneration point if the source term is also a discontinuous function at this point. We give appropriate bounds for the derivatives of the exact solution of the continuous problem, showing its asymptotic behavior with respect to the perturbation parameter ε, which is the diffusion coefficient. We construct a monotone finite difference scheme combining the implicit Euler method, on a uniform mesh, to discretize in time, and the upwind finite difference scheme, constructed on a piecewise uniform Shishkin mesh condensing in a neighborhood of the interior layer region, to discretize in space. We prove that the method is convergent uniformly with respect to the parameter ε, i.e., ε-uniformly convergent, having first order convergence in time and almost first order in space. Some numerical results corroborating the theoretical results are showed.
The role of immunity and neuroinflammation in genetic predisposition and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yoon Seoyoung , Kim Yong-Ku
Published: September 2015

Alzheimer's disease is an important public concern with rising prevalence across the globe. While many therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease have been developed, there are currently no validated disease-modifying treatments. Thus, in order to develop novel treatment strategies, there is a significant need to progress our understanding of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Several large genome-wide association studies and whole genome and exome sequencing studies have identified novel genes associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Interestingly, many of the genes are associated with inflammation and the immune system, including complement receptor 1, clusterin, CD33, EPH receptor A1, membrane-spanning 4-domains subfamily A, ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 7, major histocompatibility complex class II, inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase, myocyte enhancer factor 2C, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2. The pathogenetic contributions of immune reaction and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease have been regarded largely as part of amyloid cascade hypothesis. The neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) induces activation of immune cells, such as microglia, astrocytes, perivascular macrophages and lymphocytes and decreased capability of clearing Aβ by immune system and chronic inflammation caused by activated immune cells aggravate neuronal damage and eventually Alzheimer's disease. But the precise mechanism and hereditary impact on such process is largely unknown. The current findings in genetic studies suggest that the immunological mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease may extend beyond passive reaction of Aβ, including the development of Alzheimer's disease such as time of onset and rate of progression. In this article, we aimed to review the mechanisms of immune reaction and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease, with an emphasis on the function of genes known to be associated with a risk of Alzheimer's disease in terms of neuroinflammation and immune function.
Comparison of Diagnostic Ability of Storage Phosphor Plate in Detecting Proximal Caries with Direct Measurement by Stereomicroscope: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vivek Velayudhannair , Thomas Sunila , Nair Bindu J. , Vineet Alex Daniel , Thomas Jincy , Ranimol Prasanna , Vijayan Aswathy K.
Published: September 2015

Radiography plays an important role in detection of interproximal caries. The aim of study is to compare diagnostic ability of photo stimulable phosphor (PSP) with direct measurement using stereomicroscope in detecting proximal caries. Hundred proximal surfaces of 50 extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed with dental X-ray unit. The image receptors used was storage phosphor plate Vista scan (size 2), (time of exposure 0.4 s). Radiographs were interpreted and caries lesions were classified on a 4-point scale suggested by Abesi et al. The teeth were sectioned with diamond disc and were examined under a stereomicroscope with 20x magnification. Diagnostic accuracy of digital image is similar to that observed with stereomicroscope. The PSP plate digital X ray system can effectively be employed for detecting proximal caries as compared to direct observation by stereomicroscope. Further study with more number of observer/evaluator and large sample size is recommended.
Cognitive Impairment and Electroconvulsive Therapy in Geriatric Depression, What Could Be the Role of Rivastigmine? A Case Series
Authors: van Schaik Audrey Monica , Rhebergen Didi , Henstra Marieke Jantien , Kadouch Daniel J. , van Exel Eric , Stek Maximilianus Lourentius
Published: September 2015

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), albeit highly effective in treating depression, is frequently associated with cognitive impairment, either temporary or more persistent. Especially in older patients, who generally respond even better, serious cognitive impairment during the course of ECT may lead to premature termination of ECT. Treatment of this cognitive impairment is of utmost importance. In this case series report, we present the effect of rivastigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, on cognitive impairment in three older, severely depressed patients during or after a course of ECT. An improvement of cognitive functioning, in particular a decline of confusional symptoms, was observed in two patients with structural brain alterations associated with aging. In the other patient, who suffered primarily from amnesia, no effect of rivastigmine was observed. These preliminary results emphasize the need for detailed profiling of cognitive impairment when developing a research design to study the potential benefits of rivastigmine in the prevention or treatment of cognitive impairment in severely depressed patients treated with ECT.
A long-term study on crustacean plankton of a shallow tropical lake: the role of invertebrate predation
Authors: Arcifa Marlene S. , Dos Santos Ferreira Tânia C. , Fileto Claudia , Maioli Castilho-Noll Maria S. , Bunioto Taís C. , Minto Walter J.
Published: September 2015

The primary factor that governs the size and species composition of zooplankton is still a controversial issue and temperature is considered the main factor responsible for latitudinal differences. In waters with a narrow temperature range, such as in the tropics, predation may be a more important factor. Nearly three decades of intermittent studies of the crustacean plankton in a shallow tropical lake revealed that the main event that led to their restructuring was the appearance of a second predator, the water mite Krendowskia sp. The new predator and larvae of the dipteran Chaoborus brasiliensis Theobald exerted a combined, although asymmetrical effect on microcrustaceans. The period when the mite was detected was followed by the restructuring of the crustacean plankton community. Predation by these two invertebrates emerged as the factor responsible for community changes, involving an increased contribution of copepods and decreases in the relative abundance of smaller cladoceran species. In the short term, the mite caused a decrease in species richness and the annual mean instantaneous composition of cladocerans, a predominance of large-sized species (Daphnia ambigua Scourfield and Daphnia gessneri Herbst) and the virtual disappearance of small species (e.g., Bosmina tubicen Brehm). The long-term impact resulted in increased species richness and the dominance of large and medium-sized cladocerans, such as D. gessneri and Ceriodaphnia richardi Sars. The larger body size of three cladocerans, the two Daphnia species and B. tubicen, in the long term, may be a response to the dominant predator, Chaoborus. The seasonal variation in the predator abundance, mainly Chaoborus larvae, allowed the prey to recover during the cool season. The copepods Tropocyclops prasinus meridionalis (Fischer) and Thermocyclops decipiens Kiefer were less affected by predation than the cladocerans; their contribution to the crustacean plankton increased 12-28% after the mite appeared. The top-down effect on crustacean plankton did not affect the phytoplankton, which remained dominated by chlorophyceans and the nanoplankton fraction before and after the zooplankton community restructuring.
Spatial and temporal distribution of coloured dissolved organic matter in a hypertrophic freshwater lagoon
Authors: Vaičiūtė Diana , Bresciani Mariano , Bartoli Marco , Giardino Claudia , Bučas Martynas
Published: September 2015

A dataset of 224 Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) full resolution satellite images were processed to retrieve the concentration of coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in a hypertrophic estuary (Curonian Lagoon, Lithuania and Russia). Images covered a period of 7 months, spanning from the ice melting (March) to the late summer (September) of 7 consecutive years (2005-2011). The aim of the study was to analyse the spatial and temporal variations of CDOM, by focusing on the main regulating factors (riverine discharge, sea-lagoon water exchange, water temperature, chlorophyll a, wind) in a large estuary. The working hypothesis is that CDOM distribution may reveal distinct, site specific seasonal patterns. Our results demonstrated that CDOM concentrations at the whole lagoon level were elevated (1.5-4 m-1) and slightly but significantly higher in spring (1.50 m-1 on average) compared to the summer (1.45 m-1 on average). This is due to very different flow of CDOM-rich freshwater from the main lagoon tributary in spring compared to summer. They also highlight macroscopic differences among areas within the lagoon, depending on season, suggesting a complex regulation of CDOM in this system. Significant factors explaining observed differences are the dilution of lagoon water with CDOM-poor brackish water, regeneration of large amounts of dissolved organic matter from sediments and combinations of uptake/release from phytoplankton. CDOM and its variations are understudied due to inherent methodological and analytical difficulties. However, this pool has a demonstrated relevant role in the biogeochemistry of aquatic environments. We speculate that the dissolved organic pool in the Curonian Lagoon has a mainly allochthonous origin in the high discharge period and an autochthonous origin in the summer, algal bloom period. Both positive and negative relationships between CDOM and phytoplankton suggest that pelagic microalgae may act as a source or as a sink of this pool, in particular when inorganic nutrients are limiting. 
Aeolian particle transport inferred using a ~150-year sediment record from Sayram Lake, arid northwest China
Authors: Ma Long , Wu Jinglu , Abuduwaili Jilili , Liu Wen
Published: September 2015

We studied sediment cores from Sayram Lake in the Tianshan Mountains of northwest China to evaluate variations in aeolian transport processes over the past ~150 years. Using an end-member modeling algorithm of particle size data, we interpreted end members with a strong bimodal distribution as having been transported by aeolian processes, whereas other end members were interpreted to have been transported by fluvial processes. The aeolian fraction accounted for an average of 27% of the terrigenous components in the core. We used the ratio of aeolian to fluvial content in the Sayram Lake sediments as an index of past intensity of aeolian transport in the Tianshan Mountains. During the interval 1910-1930, the index was high, reflecting the fact that dry climate provided optimal conditions for aeolian dust transport. From 1930-1980, the intensity of aeolian transport was weak. From the 1980s to the 2000s, aeolian transport to Sayram Lake increased. Although climate in northwest China became more humid in the mid-1980s, human activity had by that time altered the impact of climate on the landscape, leading to enhanced surface erosion, which provided more transportable material for dust storms. Comparison of the Lake Sayram sediment record with sediment records from other lakes in the region indicates synchronous intervals of enhanced aeolian transport from 1910 to 1930 and 1980 to 2000.
Exploring copepod distribution patterns at three nested spatial scales in a spring system: habitat partitioning and potential for hydrological bioindication
Authors: Stoch Fabio , Fiasca Barbara , Di Lorenzo Tiziana , Porfirio Silvano , Petitta Marco , Galassi Diana M.P.
Published: September 2015

In groundwater-fed springs, habitat characteristics are primarily determined by a complex combination of geomorphic features and physico-chemical parameters, while species assemblages are even more intricate. Springs host species either inhabiting the spring mouth, or colonizing spring habitats from the surface or from the aquifers which feed the springs. Groundwater species living in springs have been claimed as good candidates for identifying dual aquifer flowpaths or changes in groundwater pathways before reaching the spring outlets. However, the reliability of spring species as hydrological biotracers has not been widely investigated so far. Our study was aimed at analysing a large karstic spring system at three nested spatial scales in order: i) to assess, at whole spring system scale, the presence of a groundwater divide separating two aquifers feeding two spring units within a single spring system, by combining isotope analyses, physico-chemistry, and copepod distribution patterns; ii) to test, at vertical spring system scale, the effectiveness of copepods in discriminating surface and subsurface habitat patches within the complex mosaic spring environment; iii) to explore, at local spring unit level, the relative role of hydrochemistry and sediment texture as describers of copepod distribution among microhabitats. The results obtained demonstrated the presence of a hierarchical spatial structure, interestingly reflected in significant differences in assemblage compositions. Copepod assemblages differed between the two contiguous spring units, which were clearly characterized by their hydrochemistry and by significant differences in the groundwater flowpaths and recharge areas, as derived by the isotope analyses. The biological results suggested that stygobiotic species seem to be related to the origin of groundwater, suggesting their potential role as hydrological biotracers. At vertical scale, assemblage composition in surface and subsurface habitats was significantly different, both between spring units and among microhabitats, supporting strong habitat preferences of copepod species. At the smaller local scale, the response to habitat patchiness of subsurface copepod assemblages resulted in distribution patterns primarily defined by sediment texture, while the sensitivity to differences in hydrochemistry was negligible.
Morphological changes of Microcystis aeruginosa colonies in culture
Authors: Sun Qianqian , Zhu Wei , Li Ming , Tan Xiao
Published: September 2015

We investigated the changes in the morphology, genetics and photosynthetic characteristics of Microcystis aeruginosa colonies during two months of cultivation. The colonies were collected in Lake Taihu, kept under 25°C on a 12h:12h light/dark cycle at a light density of about 45 μmol m-2 s-1. M. novacekii-type colonies were detected on the 10th day and their percentage of the population tended to increase until the 60th day. With M. novacekii-like colonies increased, the proportion of M. aeruginosa colonies decreased and reached almost zero by the end of the experiment. M. novacekii-like colony size (D50; this value indicates that particles below D50 accounts for 50%) was greater than 500 μm when these colonies first appeared and was similar to that of M. aeruginosa in the experiment. No differences in cell size were found between these two Microcystis morphotypes either collected from Lake Taihu or cultured in the laboratory. Through molecular tools (16S rDNA, 16S-23S ITS and cpcBA-IGS), there were strong evidences to claim that the original M. aeruginosa colonies isolated from Lake Taihu and the later M. novacekii-like colonies in our cultures were the same species. We suggest that M. aeruginosa colonies consistently changed their colonial morphology to that of a typical M. novacekii.
The freshwater diaptomid copepod fauna (Crustacea: Copepoda: Diaptomidae) of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra with notes on distribution, species richness and ecology
Authors: Kulkarni Mihir R. , Pai Kalpana
Published: September 2015

The diversity of many invertebrate taxa from Western Ghats of Maharashtra remains unknown due to lack of systematic studies. We studied freshwater calanoid copepods from this region, and found eleven species of diaptomid copepods in 180 samples collected from 80 sites in the study area. Most of these are new records for this region. The observed fauna includes Oriental, Gondwanan, Palaearctic and Indian endemic taxa. Locality data for all the observed species, along with notes on some ecological aspects of the sampled sites are provided. Non-parametric estimates of species richness for the region suggested an overall adequacy of sampling effort, and probable missing out of some species from habitats with longer hydroperiod. Hydroperiod, depth, electrical conductivity, altitude, mean annual temperature and latitude largely influenced the distribution of species in the study area. Co-occurrences of species were overall rare but more common in temporary habitats. Assemblages of diaptomid copepods restricted to certain sites were identified. The importance of temporary habitats is discussed in the light of their species richness, faunal composition and the increasing anthropogenic pressures they face.
Fecal Impaction Causing Pelvic Venous Compression and Edema
Authors: Naramore Sara , Aziz Faisal , Alexander Chandran Paul , Methratta Sosamma , Cilley Robert , Rocourt Dorothy
Published: September 2015

Chronic constipation is a common condition which may result in fecal impaction. A 13-year-old male with chronic constipation and encopresis presented with fecal impaction for three weeks. The impaction caused abdominal pain, distension, encopresis, and decreased oral intake. He was found in severe distress with non-pitting edema of his feet and ankles along with perineal edema. The pedal edema worsened after receiving a fluid bolus, so concern arose for venous compression or a thrombus. A Duplex Ultrasound demonstrated changes in the venous waveforms of the bilateral external iliac and common femoral veins without thrombosis. Manual disimpaction and polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes resolved the pedal and perineal edema. Four months later, he had soft bowel movements without recurrence of the edema. A repeat Duplex Ultrasound was normal. We present a child in whom severe fecal impaction caused pelvic venous compression resulting in bilateral pedal and perineal edema.
Exploration of the affordances of mobile devices in integrating theory and clinical practice in an undergraduate nursing programme
Authors: Willemse Juliana J. , Bozalek Vivienne
Published: September 2015

Background: Promoting the quality and effectiveness of nursing education is an important factor, given the increased demand for nursing professionals. It is important to establish learning environments that provide personalised guidance and feedback to students about their practical skills and application of their theoretical knowledge.Objective: To explore and describe the knowledge and points of view of students and educators about introduction of new technologies into an undergraduate nursing programme.Method: The qualitative design used Tesch’s (1990) steps of descriptive data analysis to complete thematic analysis of the data collected in focus group discussions (FGDs) andindividual interviews to identify themes.Results: Themes identified from the students’ FGDs and individual interviews included:mobile devices as a communication tool; email, WhatsApp and Facebook as methods of communication; WhatsApp as a method of communication; nurses as role-models in the clinical setting; setting personal boundaries; and impact of mobile devices in clinical practiceon professionalism. Themes identified from the FGD, individual interviews and a discussion session held with educators included: peer learning via mobile devices; email, WhatsApp and Facebook as methods of communication; the mobile device as a positive learning method; students need practical guidance; and ethical concerns in clinical facilities about Internet access and use of mobile devices.Conclusion: The research project established an understanding of the knowledge and points of view of students and educators regarding introduction of new technologies into an undergraduate nursing programme with the aim of enhancing integration of theory and clinical practice through use of mobile devices.