bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Describing a new canton: the geology and lithology of Geneva by Louis-Albert Necker (1786–1861)
Authors: Hollier John , Hollier Anita
Published: April 2015

In 2015 Geneva celebrates the bicentenary of the Republic's adhesion to the Swiss Confederation in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. Unlike other cantons formed at the same time, the territory of the new canton of Geneva was significantly larger than that of the previous entity, changing the political and confessional character of the ‘Protestant Rome'. A synopsis of the new canton was quickly published, aiming to promote a new cantonal identity, and this included a section on the lithology and geology of the canton by Louis-Albert Necker. A translation of this previously unrecognized work by Necker is presented, along with brief biographical notes and comments on his geological description of Geneva compared with that of his grandfather Horace-Bénédict de Saussure.
Organic Growing Media: Constituents and Properties
Authors: Carlile W.R. , Cattivello Costantino , Zaccheo Patrizia
Published: April 2015

Organic growing media are essentially bulk products. Availability in large quantity allied to its excellent air and water retention, low pH and salinity, and freedom from pests and diseases has led to peat being the dominant organic constituent of growing media in many parts of the world for the last 50 yr. The unique microporous properties of Sphagnum peat and its resistance to degradation are matched by few other growing media constituents. Nevertheless, local scarcity of Sphagnum peat and the expense of transport has led to the use of other materials in growing media. Notable among these is coir, which unlike peat, a CO2 sink, is widely regarded as a rapidly renewable resource. Indeed, advances in processing and quality control in situ have led to a huge upsurge in the export and use of coir in growing media, particularly in Europe but also in the western United States. Locally available organic materials such as bark, composted materials including green (yard) wastes, municipal solid wastes, and even sewage sludge are also used in growing media. While possessing advantages such as the high air content of bark and nutrient supply of many composted materials, these media components may have disadvantages, from limited supplies due to bioenergy pulls and N lock‐up in bark, to physical, chemical, and microbial contaminants in composts. Current innovative approaches involve increasing use of wood fiber in Europe, whole pine‐tree thinnings in the United States, and realizing the use and transformation of composted wastes as next‐generation constituents of growing media.
Chezy’s Resistance Coefficient in a Circular Conduit
Authors: Achour Bachir
Published: April 2015

In the literature, there is no explicit method for calculating the resistance coefficient of Chezy, especially for a
circular conduit. Existing relationships are either implicit or do not take into account all parameters influencing the flow
such as kinematic viscosity or the slope of the conduit. In many practical cases, one affects arbitrarily a constant value for
Chezy’s coefficient. It is a physically unjustified approach, because Chezy’s coefficient varies with flow parameters, especially
the filling rate of the conduit and the absolute roughness. In this paper, simple and explicit relationships are presented
for the calculation of Chezy’s resistance coefficient in a circular conduit. These relationships have been established
based on the rough model method. The Chezy’s resistance coefficient is expressed in terms of known hydraulic parameters
of the flow in a referential rough model. For fast calculation of Chezy’s coefficient, the simplified method is the most
appropriate since it requires only four parameters which are the discharge, the absolute roughness, the slope and the kinematic
viscosity. The study also shows that the Chezy’s resistance coefficient reaches a maximum whose expression is well
defined. Some examples are presented showing how to calculate Chezy's coefficient in a circular conduit with a minimum
practical data.
Growth promoting characteristics of rhizobacteria and AM Fungi for biomass amelioration of Zea mays
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Kaur Amandeep , Pachouri Chandra , Singh Joginder
Published: April 2015

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhiza were evaluated on
the growth (biomass) and yield of Zea mays. In the present study, selective
rhizospheric PGPR (Azotobacter chroococcum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Azospirillum brasilense and Streptomyces sp.) and a combination of six
strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Acaulospora morrowae,
Gigaspora margarita, Glomus constrictum, Glomus mossae, Glomus aggregatum and
Scutellospora calospora) were isolated and identified with standard methods
and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. PGPR and AMF were checked for their
growth-promoting behavior under specific treatment conditions. The
30-48-day-old treated plants in all combinations showed a significantly
higher mass value. The average dry weight from the shoot was in a range from
41-52% as compared to the control. This increase also translated into a
higher mass value of the roots. Overall, an 82% growth rate was observed in
terms of height as the consequence of biomass production, specifically in the
case of AMF + rhizobacteria combination. We report an efficient, sustainable
and cost-effective biofertilizer for enhanced biomass of Z. mays, one of the
staple food crops worldwide.
John Damascene or Jerusalem monk John
Authors: Pavlovic Jovana
Published: April 2015

Most of original manuscripts wrongly claim authority of the treatise Adversus
Constantinum Caballinum to John of Damascus. We applied the method of
detailed linguistic analysis in order to check the hypothesis that Jerusalem
monk John, the representative of three eastern patriarchs on the Second
Council of Nicaea, wrote this iconophile work. Stylistic resemblance between
the speech that John of Jerusalem held on the Second Council of Nicaea and
sermon Adversus Constantinum Caballinum could indicate the same person as
author.
Maria Angelina Doukaina Palaiologina and her depictions in post-byzantine mural paintings
Authors: Agoritsas Demetrios
Published: April 2015

The Serbian Despot of Ioannina Thomas Preljubovic and his wife Maria Angelina
Doukaina Palaiologina were frequently connected with religious endowments and
artefacts that were donated in churches and monasteries. One of them, an icon
of the ?Doubting Thomas? with the depiction of Maria Palaiologina among the
Apostles, was donated by Maria to the monastery of Metamorphosis (Great
Meteoron) most probably in the memory of her husband Thomas. This rare
iconographic type is traced in post-byzantine painted monuments in Epirus,
Thessaly and Macedonia from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. The
transmis?sion of the above iconography is due to the spiritual and artistic
influence of two important monastic centers, the Philanthropenos monastery in
Ioannina and the Varlaam monastery in Meteora region, whose founders - the
Philanthropenos and Apsaras families - were strongly connected to the Serbian
rulers of Ioannina and especially Maria Palaiologina.
Effects of transverse relationships between maxillary arch, mouth, and face on smile esthetics
Authors: Zhang Ke , Huang Lan , Yang Lin , Xu Li , Xue Chaoran , Xiang Zichao , Zhao Mengyuan , Li Song , Bai Yuxing , Bai Ding
Published: April 2015

Objective: 

To identify the ideal ratios between the widths of the maxillary arch, mouth, and face, respectively, and to determine the range of acceptable esthetic variations based on these ideal ratios.

Materials and Methods: 

A photograph of a young female with a harmonious smile was selected and digitally altered to produce two sets of images. The first image showed an altered intercanine width, while the second one showed an altered oral fissure breadth. These alterations were independently rated by judges, including 23 orthodontists and 30 undergraduates. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the scores given by male and female judges and those given by professional and nonprofessional judges.

Results: 

The following ideal transverse ratios were determined: intercanine width/oral fissure breadth, 0.638; oral fissure breadth/interparopia width: the distance between left and right paropia, 0.617; and intercanine width/face width at the level of the labial commissures, 0.300. A range of −10% to +10% was proposed as the thresholds of esthetic smile evaluations. It was shown that gender of the raters had no effect on the rating of photographs, nor were there any statistically significant differences between the professional and nonprofessional judges’ ratings.

Conclusions: 

Balanced transverse relationships in the facial region are important for smile esthetics, and there is a wide range of esthetically acceptable variations in the transverse relationships between the maxillary arch, mouth, and face.
Correlation of B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) with Left Ventricle Systolic Function Echocardiographic Parameters in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Authors: Prohic Nejra , Resic Halima , Spasovski Goce , Masnic Fahrudin , Beciragic Amela , Spasovska Jelka Masin , Coric Aida
Published: April 2015

Introduction. BNP plasma levels are significantly increased in heart failure and have an excellent negative predictive value for left ventricular dysfunction. Measurement of BNP level is useful for “screening” in high-risk populations. It is suitable for detection of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and/or dysfunction and risk assessment in the sub-acute phase of acute myocardial infarction in hypertensive patients. The aim of our study was to find whether BNP may correlate with the left ventricular systolic function, i.e. its echocardiographic parameters in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods. In a prospective study performed at the Department of Nephrology and Clinic for hemodialysis at the Clinical Center in Sarajevo we followed-up 80 patients stratified in three separate groups according to CKD stage (Stage III, IV and V) for two years, regardless of their cardiovascular symptoms. We analyzed levels of BNP before and after diuretic therapy or hemodialysis and echocardiographic characteristics of the left ventricle.

Results. There was a strong negative correlation between BNP values and the size of the EF before (rho=−0.692, p<0.0001) and after diuretic therapy (rho=−0.683, p<0.0001) for patients in CKD stage III, stage IV (rho=−0.314, p>0.05) and after diuretic therapy (rho=−495, p<0.05) Similarly, a negative correlation was found for BNP and EF values before (rho=−0.432, p<0.05) and after hemodialysis (rho=−0.556, p<0.01) for stage V CKD.

Conclusions. Our study confirmed that the value of BNP in CKD patients may represent a measure of left ventricular systolic function with a strong negative correlation with ejection fraction. BNP measurement is a reliable parameter for further follow-up and prognosis in patients with established left ventricular dysfunction, acute coronary syndrome and for estimation of the left ventricular dysfunction.
Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Type 1 Secondary to an Infected Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: a Case Report
Authors: Paliouras Christos , Lamprianou Foteini , Ntetskas Georgios , Mattas Georgios , Karvouniaris Nikolaos , Aperis Georgios , Alivanis Polichronis
Published: April 2015

Ventricular shunting is the usual method for treatment of congenital or acquired hydrocephalus. Immune-mediated glomerulonephritis (shunt nephritis) is a rare but life-threatening complication of this neurosurgical technique. Intraglomerular deposition of circulating immune complexes and the subsequent activation of the classical pathway of serum complement’s cascade result in glomerular inflammation. Membranoproliferative gomerulonephritis is the most common histologic pattern observed in renal biopsy. The diagnosis needs high suspicion and is based on clinical and laboratory findings. Deterioration of renal function in association with signs of infection and low levels of serum complement’s proteins C3 and C4 make the diagnosis possible. The prognosis is variable and depends on the time of diagnosis after the onset of glomerular injury. The optimal treatment includes timely removal of the infected shunt in combination with aggressive antibiotic therapy. In this paper we present the case of a membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type 1 in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Although this type of shunting is considered safer than the ventriculoatrial one, the risk of complications such as an immune-mediated glomerulonephritis still exists.
Drusen Formation in Type II Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Milinkovic Marija , Jovicic-Pavlovic Svetlana , Golubovic-Arsovska Milena , Naumovic Radomir
Published: April 2015

Type II membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a systemic disease that almost invariably recurs in renal allografts. This is a case of a 45-year-old woman with biopsy proven type II MPGN that led to renal failure 10 years after diagnosis. During the fifth month after cadaveric transplantation she was treated with pulse doses of methylprednisolone owing to acute T-cell mediated rejection without pathohistological signs of type II MPGN recurrence. One month later the patient was hospitalized due to acute bilateral vision deterioration. Ophthalmoscopy showed bilateral, multifocal drusen, concentrating in the posterior pole, and exudative ablation of the retinal pigment epithelium. Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) revealed focal retinal pigment epithelial elevation and detachments. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg) for 3 days. Therapy led to regression of exudation and flattening of the pigment epithelial detachments with discrete subjective visual improvement. Type II MPGN almost invariably recurs and leads to graft failure in 50% of cases. Our patient had evident chronic eye changes due to type II MPGN leaving allograft function intact during the first year of follow-up. Considering these potentially devastating effects of the disease, type II MPGN patients should be observed carefully from both the renal and eye point of view, because the severity of ocular changes, like in our case, is not always in line with allograft function.
Study of Bacteriological pathogen causing neonatal sepsis at NICU in Ad-din medical college hospital
Authors: Begum Marium , Hassan Mahmuda , Haque ZSM , Jahan N , Chowdhury Kona , Rob AWS
Published: April 2015

Objective : To determine the common causative bacterial agents of neonatal sepsis and their antimicrobial susceptibility in NICUMethods : Newborns with clinical signs of septicemia and positive blood culture during twelve months were prospectively studied. Samples for blood cultures, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, sugar, electrolytes were obtained ; ampicillin and gentamycin were started empirically.Result : Seven hundred and three neonates were investigated to rule out of sepsis. The male, female ratio was 1.3:1 and 56(63.63%) of patients were preterm and 32(36.36%) were term neonates. There were 68 (77.27%) cases of Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and 20(22.64%) of Late onset neonatal sepsis (LONS). Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS) was the most common 37(42.04%) Gm+ve pathogen causing early onset neonatal sepsis and Acinetobacter was common Gm-ve pathogen in both early onset 16(18%) and late-onset 8 (9%) sepsis. CONS sepsis showed high degree of resistance to commonly used antibiotics; ampicillin (86.5%), oxacillin (60%),cefotaxime (67%) but comparatively low resistance to vancomycin (0%), gentamicin (25%), Levofloxacin(36%) & Imipenem (49%). Acinetobacter were highly resistant to ampicillin (100), gentamicin(75%), cefotaxime(100) and sensitive to Amikacin (58.33%), ciprofloxacin (54.16%), Levofloxacin and Imipenem (62.5%)and Colistin (95.83%).Conclusion : Neonatal sepsis in our NICU is mainly caused by grampositive organisms, which are developing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The initial empirical choice of Ampicillin and Gentamicin appears to be unreasonable for our environment.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(1) 2013: 297-300
Correlative analysis of blood pressure and other biochemical parameters with type 2 DM subjects
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Laila Runa , Ahmed Shamim , Begum Nasreen , Begum Ismat Ara , Sen Moushumi , Yousuf Abul Kalam Mohammad , Ferdousi Sohani
Published: April 2015

Objective : To determine the association of blood pressure and other biochemical parameters with type 2 DM subjects.Methodology : This was an observational study with case control design was conducted in the Biomedical Research Group, Research Division, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes ,Endocrine Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka Bangladesh, during the period of July 2008 to June 2009. A total of 153 subjects were included in study of which 63 belonged to T2 Diabetes Mellitus group and 90 were healthy Controls. Insulin glucose ratio were assayed in patients and controls and identified the association, using standardized assay methods. We also assessed the type  2 diabetic patients who had significantly raised Fasting blood sugar, insulin HOMA-B %= B cell function assessed by homeostasis model assessment to compared with the healthy controls. Correlation analysis of HOMA-B % with biochemical parameters, blood pressure, fasting and post prandial glucose also analysed.Results : Age of Control and type 2 DM subjects ( Mean±SD),P-value] were (46 ± 8.31) and (47 ±7.58), (P=0.326) respectively and BMI, among subject and control (kg/m2), (Mean ± SD), (24 ± 3.96, 25 ± 2.72 p=0.754). WHR [cm, (Mean±SD), p=<0.001], showed significant difference between T2 DM and healthy subjects. The median (range) of the glucose and insulin ratio of the study group, there was significant difference between Control vs. T2DM (p<0.001). Systolic blood pressure[S-BP, mean±SD] & Diastolic blood pressure [D-BP, mean±SD] were significant in T2DM as compared to control subjects {( p= 0.008) ( p= 0.003)} respectively ; Fasting plasma glucose levels [mmol/l, (Mean± SD)] , post prandial plasma glucose level [mmol/l, (Mean± SD)]and the HOMA%B level median (range) among subject and control of the study group[(8.27±2.19) , (11.79 ± 2.69), {71 ( 4.90 - 391.30)}] were a significant difference in between Control vs type2 DM {(p <0.001), (p <0.001)and. (p <0.001)} respectively.Conclusion : In this study, boty systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose level and insulin status and WHR were found the significant parameters for maintaining type to DM under control condition. Development of hypertension cardio vascular disease and other complication can be prevented on keeping these parameters in normal level.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(1) 2013: 306-308
Cat scratch disease- a case report
Authors: Yasmeen BH Nazma , Jahan Rowshan Akhter , Ahmed Shafi , Hussain Mahfuza , Khan Abbas Uddin , Begum Jostna Ara , Hoque Md Mahabubul
Published: April 2015

We are reporting a case of a 10 year old boy admitted in Dhaka Shishu (Children) hospital with the complaints of swelling of both side of inguinal region for 2 months, tenderness of the same area for 1 month and low grade fever for 2 months. With the history and physical examination of the patients our differential diagnosis was Tuberculosis/Lymphoma/Cat scratch disease (CSD). He had only a history of contact with a kitten for 1 week 3 months back but no history of cat scratch or bite. Lymph node biopsy revealed that it was a case of Cat scratch disease.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(1) 2013: 316-317
Association of infection, blood transfusion and other clinical factors with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Authors: Akter Shaheen , Parvin Rubiya , Yasmeen BH Nazma , Anwar Kazi Shabbir , Hossain M Monir
Published: April 2015

Background : In Bangladesh advancement of neonatal care has increased the survival of preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates; thus the incidence of Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has also been increased.Objective : To identify the cases of ROP and to observe the association of birth weight, infection and other clinical factors (recorded during hospital stay) with its occurrence.Method : This was a prospective observational study at special care baby unit (SCABU) and Intensive care unit of Dhaka Shishu Hospital from July, 2006 to March, 2008 among premature ( 34 weeks) and/or VLBW ( 1500 gm) neonates. Neonates who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were followed up daily to record certain clinical factors and features suggestive of sepsis.Infants were divided into No ROP group that included newborns without ROP (n=35), and ROP group that included newborns with ROP (n=23). Comparative analysis of recorded clinical factors was done between the two groups.Result : Among the study neonates rate of ROP occurrence is 40% (23 of 58). VLBW, culture proven septicaemia, mean total hours of oxygen inhalation, mechanical ventilation, cumulative volume of blood transfusion, and intra ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade II were significantly related with ROP. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed birth weight [p=.004, Odds Ratio (OR), .33; Confidence Interval (CI), 0.14 to.436], culture proven septicaemia (p=.005; OR, 4.0 CI, 2.50 to 9.99) and cumulative volume of blood transfusion (p=.013; OR,.43; CI, .028 to .653) to be most significant factors.Conclusion : Rate of ROP occurrence in the current study is 40% and VLBW, culture proven septicaemia and large volume of blood transfusion are significant risk factorsNorthern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(2) 2014: 325-328
Breast feeding practices among rural women in a selected area of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mumtaz , Begum Nasreen , Rahman Md Mahbubar , Nayan Shafia Khatun , Zinia Sumsun Nahar
Published: April 2015

Background : It has been already established that appropriate breast feeding practices reduce child morbidity and mortality; improve immunity in children besides being essential for their optimal growth and development.Objective : To evaluate the status of breast feeding practices among the women in a selected rural area of Bangladesh.Methodology : Descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between January to June 2013. A total 191 women, age between 18- 45yrs who had children below 2 years were selected purposively from a village. Mothers were the respondents and data were collected by face to face interview using pretested questionnaire.Results : Socio demographic characteristics of respondents revealed 80.63% were house wife; their mean age was 23.91yrs. Most of them were educated. Economical status was lower middle class. Exclusive breast feeding was found among 70.68% respondents and 75.92% mothers fed colostrums to their babies. During antenatal care 84.47% respondents got advice on breast feeding. Within one hour after birth 56.54% mothers initiated breast feeding. Total 24.08% mothers gave pre-lacteal feed. During childs sickness 92.67% respondents continued breast feeding.Conclusion : Exclusive Breast feeding practice among rural women which was higher than the national target. Educated mothers were more motivated and also those who received advices on breast feeding during antenatal care. Strengthening of Breast feeding counseling during antenatal care is recommended to maintain sustainability.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(2) 2014: 345-348
Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum
Authors: Bhuiyan Ishrat , Hossain Md Shahadat , Joarder Yasmin , Alam Mahbubul
Published: April 2015

Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum (SCAP) is a rare papilloma resembles to benign tumour. It is characterized by extensive papillary epithelial elements growing in to dermis. A 9 years old boy presented with slowly growing dome shaped plaque consists of clusters of rose-red like vesicles of firm consistent, smooth-surfaced papules over the occipital region of the scalp. There was no family history of such type of lesions. Histopathological examination showed few cystic invaginations from the epidermis into dermis. Papillary projections are extending from the base of the cyst into lumen of the cystic spaces that consistent with Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum (SCAP).The treatment of choice is surgical excision.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(2) 2014: 349-350
Dosimetric Comparison and Potential for Improved Clinical Outcomes of Paediatric CNS Patients Treated with Protons or IMRT
Authors: Armoogum Kris , Thorp Nicola
Published: April 2015

Background: We compare clinical outcomes of paediatric patients with CNS tumours treated with protons or IMRT. CNS tumours form the second most common group of cancers in children. Radiotherapy plays a major role in the treatment of many of these patients but also contributes to late side effects in long term survivors. Radiation dose inevitably deposited in healthy tissues outside the clinical target has been linked to detrimental late effects such as neurocognitive, behavioural and vascular effects in addition to endocrine abnormalities and second tumours. Methods: A literature search was performed using keywords: protons, IMRT, CNS and paediatric. Of 189 papers retrieved, 10 were deemed relevant based on title and abstract screening. All papers directly compared outcomes from protons with photons, five papers included medulloblastoma, four papers each included craniopharyngioma and low grade gliomas and three papers included ependymoma. Results: This review found that while proton beam therapy offered similar clinical target coverage, there was a demonstrable reduction in integral dose to normal structures. Conclusions: This in turn suggests the potential for superior long term outcomes for paediatric patients with CNS tumours both in terms of radiogenic second cancers and out-of-field adverse effects.
Probabilistic Precipitation Estimation with a Satellite Product
Authors: Krakauer Nir , Pradhanang Soni , Panthi Jeeban , Lakhankar Tarendra , Jha Ajay
Published: April 2015

Satellite-based precipitation products have been shown to represent precipitation well over Nepal at monthly resolution, compared to ground-based stations. Here, we extend our analysis to the daily and subdaily timescales, which are relevant for mapping the hazards caused by storms as well as drought. We compared the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42RT product with individual stations and with the gridded APHRODITE product to evaluate its ability to retrieve different precipitation intensities. We find that 3B42RT, which is freely available in near real time, has reasonable correspondence with ground-based precipitation products on a daily timescale; rank correlation coefficients approach 0.6, almost as high as the retrospectively calibrated TMPA 3B42 product. We also find that higher-quality ground and satellite precipitation observations improve the correspondence between the two on the daily timescale, suggesting opportunities for improvement in satellite-based monitoring technology. Correlation of 3B42RT and 3B42 with station observations is lower on subdaily timescales, although the mean diurnal cycle of precipitation is roughly correct. We develop a probabilistic precipitation monitoring methodology that uses previous observations (climatology) as well as 3B42RT as input to generate daily precipitation accumulation probability distributions at each 0.25° x 0.25° grid cell in Nepal and surrounding areas. We quantify the information gain associated with using 3B42RT in the probabilistic model instead of relying only on climatology and show that the quantitative precipitation estimates produced by this model are well calibrated compared to APHRODITE.
Hydrogen Storage in Pristine and d10-Block Metal-Anchored Activated Carbon Made from Local Wastes
Authors: Aboud Mohamed , ALOthman Zeid , Habila Mohamed , Zlotea Claudia , Latroche Michel , Cuevas Fermin
Published: April 2015

Activated carbon has been synthesized from local palm shell, cardboard and plastics municipal waste in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It exhibits a surface area of 930 m2/g and total pore volume of 0.42 cm3/g. This pristine activated carbon has been further anchored with nickel, palladium and platinum metal particles by ultrasound-assisted impregnation. Deposition of nanosized Pt particles as small as 3 nm has been achieved, while for Ni and Pd their size reaches 100 nm. The solid-gas hydrogenation properties of the pristine and metal-anchored activated carbon have been determined. The pristine material exhibits a reversible hydrogen storage capacity of 2.3 wt% at 77 K and 3 MPa which is higher than for the doped ones. In these materials, the spillover effect due to metal doping is of minor importance in enhancing the hydrogen uptake compared with the counter-effect of the additional mass of the metal particles and pore blocking on the carbon surface.
Application of a Backfilling Method in Coal Mining to Realise an Ecologically Sensitive “Black Gold” Industry
Authors: Feng Xiaowei , Zhang Nong , Gong Lianyuan , Xue Fei , Zheng Xigui
Published: April 2015

China, as the largest coal-producing and -consuming country in the world, is highly dependent on its coal industry, or “Black Gold” industry, for the national energy and economy. The consequent environmental crises, however, have persisted for decades, and the most serious effect is surface subsidence induced by underground mining. Underground coal excavation in China has ignored this problem for thousands of years, even though it causes conspicuous damage to the surface ecosystem and construction projects due to the subsidence of overlying strata. This study recommends paste backfilling to replace the space originally occupied by coal resources to avoid such subsidence and proposes backfilling schemes for two mainstream mining methods used in China’s collieries, namely, continuous mining and fully mechanised coal mining. These methodologies have been successfully implemented in some collieries, and the gob area can be backfilled immediately to prevent surface subsidence. To promote an ecological ideology when conflict exists between economic profits and environmental protection, experience from developed countries should be considered, support and appropriate legislation from the government are essential, and the perspective of colliery managers should be taken into account, and further in-depth study on strata subsidence and backfilling material must be pursued.
miRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Qu Bo , Shen Nan
Published: April 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were first discovered as regulatory RNAs that controlled the timing of the larval development of Caenorhabditis elegans. Since then, nearly 30,000 mature miRNA products have been found in many species, including plants, warms, flies and mammals. Currently, miRNAs are well established as endogenous small (~22 nt) noncoding RNAs, which have functions in regulating mRNA stability and translation. Owing to intensive investigations during the last decade, miRNAs were found to play essential roles in regulating many physiological and pathological processes. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by elevated autoantibodies against nuclear antigens and excessive inflammatory responses affecting multiple organs. Although efforts were taken and theories were produced to elucidate the pathogenesis of SLE, we still lack sufficient knowledge about the disease for developing effective therapies for lupus patients. Recent advances indicate that miRNAs are involved in the development of SLE, which gives us new insights into the pathogenesis of SLE and might lead to the finding of new therapeutic targets. Here, we will review recent discoveries about how miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE and how it can promote the development of new therapy.
A Fusion Protein of RGD4C and β-Lactamase Has a Favorable Targeting Effect in Its Use in Antibody Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhou Xiao-Liang , Long Wei , Liu Jin-Jian , Fan Fei-Yue
Published: April 2015

Antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) utilizing β-lactamase is a promising treatment strategy to enhance the therapeutic effect and safety of cytotoxic agents. In this method, a conjugate (antibody-β-lactamase fusion protein) is employed to precisely activate nontoxic cephalosporin prodrugs at the tumor site. A major obstacle to the clinical translation of this method, however, is the low catalytic activity and high immunogenicity of the wild-type enzymes. To overcome this challenge, we fused a cyclic decapeptide (RGD4C) targeting to the integrin with a β-lactamase variant with reduced immunogenicity which retains acceptable catalytic activity for prodrug hydrolysis. Here, we made a further investigation on its targeting effect and pharmacokinetic properties, the results demonstrated that the fusion protein retains a targeting effect on integrin positive cells and has acceptable pharmacokinetic characteristics, which benefits its use in ADEPT.
Structural Basis for Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Mechanisms of Carbapenemases Conferring Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Jeon Jeong , Lee Jung , Lee Jae , Park Kwang , Karim Asad , Lee Chang-Ro , Jeong Byeong , Lee Sang
Published: April 2015

Carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, biapenem, ertapenem, and doripenem) are β-lactam antimicrobial agents. Because carbapenems have the broadest spectra among all β-lactams and are primarily used to treat infections by multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, the emergence and spread of carbapenemases became a major public health concern. Carbapenemases are the most versatile family of β-lactamases that are able to hydrolyze carbapenems and many other β-lactams. According to the dependency of divalent cations for enzyme activation, carbapenemases can be divided into metallo-carbapenemases (zinc-dependent class B) and non-metallo-carbapenemases (zinc-independent classes A, C, and D). Many studies have provided various carbapenemase structures. Here we present a comprehensive and systematic review of three-dimensional structures of carbapenemase-carbapenem complexes as well as those of carbapenemases. We update recent studies in understanding the enzymatic mechanism of each class of carbapenemase, and summarize structural insights about regions and residues that are important in acquiring the carbapenemase activity.
New Coumarin Derivatives and Other Constituents from the Stem Bark of Zanthoxylum avicennae: Effects on Neutrophil Pro-Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Chen Jih-Jung , Yang Chieh-Kai , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Hwang Tsong-Long , Kuo Wen-Lung , Lim Yun-Ping , Sung Ping-Jyun , Chang Tsung-Hsien , Cheng Ming-Jen
Published: April 2015

Three new coumarin derivatives, 8-formylalloxanthoxyletin (1), avicennone (2), and (Z)-avicennone (3), have been isolated from the stem bark of Zanthoxylum avicennae (Z. avicennae), together with 15 known compounds (4–18). The structures of these new compounds were determined through spectroscopic and MS analyses. Compounds 1, 4, 9, 12, and 15 exhibited inhibition (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ≤7.65 µg/mL) of superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils in response to formyl-l-methionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB). Compounds 1, 2, 4, 8 and 9 inhibited fMLP/CB-induced elastase release with IC50 values ≤8.17 µg/mL. This investigation reveals bioactive isolates (especially 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 12 and 15) could be further developed as potential candidates for the treatment or prevention of various inflammatory diseases.
Ultrasound Imaging for Risk Assessment in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Steinl David , Kaufmann Beat
Published: April 2015

Atherosclerosis and its consequences like acute myocardial infarction or stroke are highly prevalent in western countries, and the incidence of atherosclerosis is rapidly rising in developing countries. Atherosclerosis is a disease that progresses silently over several decades before it results in the aforementioned clinical consequences. Therefore, there is a clinical need for imaging methods to detect the early stages of atherosclerosis and to better risk stratify patients. In this review, we will discuss how ultrasound imaging can contribute to the detection and risk stratification of atherosclerosis by (a) detecting advanced and early plaques; (b) evaluating the biomechanical consequences of atherosclerosis in the vessel wall; (c) assessing plaque neovascularization and (d) imaging the expression of disease-relevant molecules using molecular imaging.
Microfluidic Impedance Flow Cytometry Enabling High-Throughput Single-Cell Electrical Property Characterization
Authors: Chen Jian , Xue Chengcheng , Zhao Yang , Chen Deyong , Wu Min-Hsien , Wang Junbo
Published: April 2015

This article reviews recent developments in microfluidic impedance flow cytometry for high-throughput electrical property characterization of single cells. Four major perspectives of microfluidic impedance flow cytometry for single-cell characterization are included in this review: (1) early developments of microfluidic impedance flow cytometry for single-cell electrical property characterization; (2) microfluidic impedance flow cytometry with enhanced sensitivity; (3) microfluidic impedance and optical flow cytometry for single-cell analysis and (4) integrated point of care system based on microfluidic impedance flow cytometry. We examine the advantages and limitations of each technique and discuss future research opportunities from the perspectives of both technical innovation and clinical applications.
Immune Pathways in Atopic Dermatitis, and Definition of Biomarkers through Broad and Targeted Therapeutics
Authors: Mansouri Yasaman , Guttman-Yassky Emma
Published: April 2015

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease. Recent research findings have provided an insight into the complex pathogenic mechanisms involved in this disease. Despite a rising prevalence, effective and safe therapeutics for patients with moderate-to-severe AD are still lacking. Biomarkers of lesional, nonlesional skin, and blood have been developed for baseline as well as after treatment with broad and specific treatments (i.e., cyclosporine A and dupilumab). These biomarkers will help with the development of novel targeted therapeutics and assessment of disease reversal, with the promise of a more personalized treatment approach. Since AD involves more than one subtype (i.e., intrinsic/extrinsic, pediatric/adult, etc.), these molecular fingerprints needs to be validated in all subpopulations with AD.
Materials and Their Failure Mechanisms in Total Disc Replacement
Authors: Reeks John , Liang Hong
Published: April 2015

Adults suffering from lower back pain often find the cause of pain is degenerative disc disease. While non-surgical treatment is preferred, spinal fusion and total disc replacement remain surgical options for the patient. Total disc replacement is an emerging and improving treatment for degenerative discs. This paper provides a review of lumbar disc replacement for treatment of lower back pain. The mechanics and configuration of the natural disc are first discussed, followed by an introduction of treatment methods that attempt to mimic these mechanics. Total disc replacement types, materials, and failure mechanisms are discussed. Failure mechanisms primarily involve biochemical reactions to implant wear, as well as mechanical incompatibility of the device with natural spine motion. Failure mechanisms include: osteolysis, plastic deformation of polymer components, pitting, fretting, and adjacent level facet and disc degeneration.
Revisiting the Hydrogen Storage Behavior of the Na-O-H System
Authors: Mao Jianfeng , Gu Qinfen , Gregory Duncan
Published: April 2015

Solid-state reactions between sodium hydride and sodium hydroxide are unusual among hydride-hydroxide systems since hydrogen can be stored reversibly. In order to understand the relationship between hydrogen uptake/release properties and phase/structure evolution, the dehydrogenation and hydrogenation behavior of the Na-O-H system has been investigated in detail both ex- and in-situ. Simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis coupled to mass spectrometry (TG-DTA-MS) experiments of NaH-NaOH composites reveal two principal features: Firstly, an H2 desorption event occurring between 240 and 380 °C and secondly an additional endothermic process at around 170 °C with no associated weight change. In-situ high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction showed that NaOH appears to form a solid solution with NaH yielding a new cubic complex hydride phase below 200 °C. The Na-H-OH phase persists up to the maximum temperature of the in-situ diffraction experiment shortly before dehydrogenation occurs. The present work suggests that not only is the inter-phase synergic interaction of protic hydrogen (in NaOH) and hydridic hydrogen (in NaH) important in the dehydrogenation mechanism, but that also an intra-phase Hδ+… Hδ– interaction may be a crucial step in the desorption process.
Synthesis of Fe-Al-Ti Based Intermetallics with the Use of Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS)
Authors: Kwiatkowska Monika , Zasada Dariusz , Bystrzycki Jerzy , Polański Marek
Published: April 2015

The Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) technique was combined with direct synthesis to fabricate L21-ordered Fe-Al-Ti based intermetallic alloys. It was found that ternary Fe-Al-Ti alloys can be synthesized using the LENS technique from a feedstock composed of a pre-alloyed Fe-Al powder and elemental Ti powder. The obtained average compositions of the ternary alloys after the laser deposition and subsequent annealing were quite close to the nominal compositions, but the distributions of the elements in the annealed samples recorded over a large area were inhomogeneous. No traces of pure Ti were observed in the deposited alloys. Macroscopic cracking and porosity were observed in all investigated alloys. The amount of porosity in the samples was less than 1.2 vol. %. It seems that the porosity originates from the porous pre-alloyed Fe-Al powders. Single-phase (L21), two-phase (L21-C14) and multiphase (L21-A2-C14) Fe-Al-Ti intermetallic alloys were obtained from the direct laser synthesis and annealing process. The most prominent feature of the ternary Fe-Al-Ti intermetallics synthesized by the LENS method is their fine-grained structure. The grain size is in the range of 3–5 μm, indicating grain refinement effect through the highly rapid cooling of the LENS process. The Fe-Al-Ti alloys synthesized by LENS and annealed at 1000 °C in the single-phase B2 region were prone to an essential grain growth. In contrast, the alloys annealed at 1000 °C in the two-phase L21-C14 region exhibited almost constant grain size values after the high-temperature annealing.
Footprints of Optimal Protein Assembly Strategies in the Operonic Structure of Prokaryotes
Authors: Ewald Jan , Kötzing Martin , Bartl Martin , Kaleta Christoph
Published: April 2015

In this work, we investigate optimality principles behind synthesis strategies for protein complexes using a dynamic optimization approach. We show that the cellular capacity of protein synthesis has a strong influence on optimal synthesis strategies reaching from a simultaneous to a sequential synthesis of the subunits of a protein complex. Sequential synthesis is preferred if protein synthesis is strongly limited, whereas a simultaneous synthesis is optimal in situations with a high protein synthesis capacity. We confirm the predictions of our optimization approach through the analysis of the operonic organization of protein complexes in several hundred prokaryotes. Thereby, we are able to show that cellular protein synthesis capacity is a driving force in the dissolution of operons comprising the subunits of a protein complex. Thus, we also provide a tested hypothesis explaining why the subunits of many prokaryotic protein complexes are distributed across several operons despite the presumably less precise co-regulation.
A Substantial Fraction of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Low Phytic Acid Mutations Have Little or No Effect on Yield across Diverse Production Environments
Authors: Raboy Victor , Peterson Kevin , Jackson Chad , Marshall Juliet , Hu Gongshe , Saneoka Hirofumi , Bregitzer Phil
Published: April 2015

The potential benefits of the low phytic acid (lpa) seed trait for human and animal nutrition, and for phosphorus management in non-ruminant animal production, are well documented. However, in many cases the lpa trait is associated with impaired seed or plant performance, resulting in reduced yield. This has given rise to the perception that the lpa trait is tightly correlated with reduced yield in diverse crop species. Here we report a powerful test of this correlation. We measured grain yield in lines homozygous for each of six barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) lpa mutations that greatly differ in their seed phytic acid levels. Performance comparisons were between sibling wild-type and mutant lines obtained following backcrossing, and across two years in five Idaho (USA) locations that greatly differ in crop yield potential. We found that one lpa mutation (Hvlpa1-1) had no detectable effect on yield and a second (Hvlpa4-1) resulted in yield losses of only 3.5%, across all locations. When comparing yields in three relatively non-stressful production environments, at least three lpa mutations (Hvlpa1-1, Hvlpa3-1, and Hvlpa4-1) typically had yields similar to or within 5% of the wild-type sibling isoline. Therefore in the case of barley, lpa mutations can be readily identified that when simply incorporated into a cultivar result in adequately performing lines, even with no additional breeding for performance within the lpa line. In conclusion, while some barley lpa mutations do impact field performance, a substantial fraction appears to have little or no effect on yield.
Novices’ Struggles with Conceptual and Theoretical Framing in Writing Dissertations and Papers for Publication
Authors: Casanave Christine , Li Yongyan
Published: April 2015

In this conceptual paper, we address the problem that novice scholars in social sciences sometimes have in constructing conceptual or theoretical frameworks for their dissertations and papers for publication. In the first part of the paper, we discuss why the topic is important in the high pressure environment that novice scholars face, in which finishing a doctoral degree and getting published can make a difference in career success or failure, and explain our understanding of theoretical/conceptual framing, including provisionally defining some key terms. We then elucidate ten problems that novice scholars have with theoretical/conceptual framing, using our own experiences as manuscript reviewers and writers as examples. The paper concludes with ways that novice scholars can address the task of framing their scholarly work conceptually and theoretically, on the understanding that the struggles continue over the lifetime of a scholarly career.