bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing extracellular vesicles to direct endochondral repair of large bone defects
Authors: Ferreira E. , Porter R. M.
Published: April 2018

Large bone defects remain a tremendous clinical challenge. There is growing evidence in support of treatment strategies that direct defect repair through an endochondral route, involving a cartilage intermediate. While culture-expanded stem/progenitor cells are being evaluated for this purpose, these cells would compete with endogenous repair cells for limited oxygen and nutrients within ischaemic defects. Alternatively, it may be possible to employ extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by culture-expanded cells for overcoming key bottlenecks to endochondral repair, such as defect vascularization, chondrogenesis, and osseous remodelling. While mesenchymal stromal/stem cells are a promising source of therapeutic EVs, other donor cells should also be considered. The efficacy of an EV-based therapeutic will likely depend on the design of companion scaffolds for controlled delivery to specific target cells. Ultimately, the knowledge gained from studies of EVs could one day inform the long-term development of synthetic, engineered nanovesicles. In the meantime, EVs harnessed from in vitro cell culture have near-term promise for use in bone regenerative medicine. This narrative review presents a rationale for using EVs to improve the repair of large bone defects, highlights promising cell sources and likely therapeutic targets for directing repair through an endochondral pathway, and discusses current barriers to clinical translation.

Cite this article: E. Ferreira, R. M. Porter. Harnessing extracellular vesicles to direct endochondral repair of large bone defects. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:263–273. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.74.BJR-2018-0006.
Lateral orbital propeller flap technique for reconstruction of the lower eyelid defect
Authors: Ding J-P , Chen B , Yao J
Published: April 2018

The lower eyelid, which has a unique anatomy and esthetic importance, is a common site of basal cell carcinoma. The reconstruction of the defect after the wide excision of the tumour is a special concern of many plastic surgeons. How to achieve the most satisfying effect through minimal invasive is important for patients. We successfully applied the lateral orbital propeller flap for one-stage reconstruction of a large lower eyelid defect after tumour resection. We consider that this flap can achieve better tissue mobilisation as it provides effective coverage of soft tissue defects and thus is especially useful for repairing facial defects.
A rare case of Schneiderian papilloma of the middle ear presenting with pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Mummadi SM , Darr A , Hakim N , Din S , Bhimrao SK
Published: April 2018

Schneiderian papillomas (ISP) of the middle ear are uncommon conditions, with only 45 cases published within literature. They are locally aggressive tumours, with a high rate of recurrence and associated malignancy. We present a rare case of a 53-year-old man presenting with unilateral pulsatile tinnitus, otorrhoea, aural fullness, pruritis and hearing loss. Angiography was employed to exclude a glomus tumour and the patient underwent a modified radical mastoidectomy. Tissue samples confirmed a histological diagnosis of ISP of the middle ear. Follow-up magnetic resonanc imaging one year postoperatively showed no evidence of disease recurrence.
Ethmoidal metastasis as a first presentation of breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Maity A , Maughan E , Vasani S , Alusi G
Published: April 2018

Distant metastasis in advanced breast cancer is not uncommon; however, spread to the paranasal sinuses is extremely rare. We present a case of a woman who presented to our ophthalmology colleagues with worsening unilateral proptosis secondary to a tumour mass within her ethmoid sinuses. Biopsy of the ethmoid tumour showed adenocarcinoma of unknown origin. Whole-body positron emission computed tomography demonstrated a breast primary lesion. The patient was treated with palliative chemotherapy, and the patient remains well at this point. The importance of specialist head and neck radiological interpretation of imaging cannot be underestimated. Early tissue diagnosis is essential before ascribing patients with orbital symptoms to non-malignant process.
Predictors of success in the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination
Authors: Scrimgeour DSG , Cleland J , Lee AJ , Brennan PA
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS, Parts A and B) is designed to safeguard patients and ensure high standards for trainees wishing to pursue a surgical career. We investigated which factors predict Part A and B success.

Methods

UK graduates who had attempted both parts of MRCS from September 2007 to February 2016 were included. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine the linear relationship between each part of MRCS and logistic regression analysis to identify potential independent predictors of MRCS pass/fail outcome.

Results

A positive correlation between Part A and B score was identified (r = 0.41, P < 0.01). In Part A, males had higher pass rates than females (odds ratio, OR, 2.78, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.83–4.19), white candidates were more likely to pass than black minority and ethnic doctors (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.52–1.89), foundation year 1 doctors had higher pass rates than all other grades (e.g. core surgical year 2 trainees vs. foundation year 1 doctors, OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32–0.77) and younger graduates were more likely to pass than older graduates (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.81–3.63). In addition to ethnicity and stage of training, Part A performance (number of attempts and score) was an independent predictor for Part B.

Conclusions

Part A performance is related to Part B score. Many independent predictors of MRCS success were identified, but only stage of training and ethnicity were found to be common predictors of both parts. This article summarises the findings of our most recent MRCS study which was published in The Surgeon (online) in October 2017. 1
Rethinking knowledge translation for public health policy
Authors: Fafard Patrick , Hoffman Steven J
Published: April 2018

There is continuing interest in using the best available research evidence to inform public health policy. However, all too often efforts to do so rely on mechanistic and unrealistic views of the process by which public policy is made. As a result, traditional dyadic knowledge translation (KT) approaches may not be particularly effective when applied to public policy decision making. However, using examples drawn from public health policy, it is clear that work in political science on multiplicity, hierarchy and networks can offer some insight into what effective KT might look like for informing public policy. To be effective, KT approaches must be more appropriately tailored depending on the audience size, audience breadth, the policy context, and the dominant policy instrument.
The strategic uses of evidence in UK e-cigarettes policy debates
Authors: Hawkins Benjamin , Ettelt Stefanie
Published: April 2018

Background

Current debates on e-cigarette policy in the UK are highly acrimonious and are framed in terms of evidence-based policymaking.

Aims and objectives

The article aims to understand the use of evidence in policymaking in the context of both political controversy and limited policy-relevant evidence via a case study of UK e-cigarette debates.

Methods

The study draws on a series of semi-structured interviews with policy actors to examine their positions on e-cigarette policy process and their use of evidence to support this.

Findings

Policy actors articulate a strong commitment to evidence-based policymaking and claim that their positions are evidence-based. Some actors also claim emerging consensus around their positon as a rhetorical tool in the debate. Respondents argued that actors adopting opposing policy positions fail to follow the evidence base. This is attributed to a lack of understanding or disregard for the relevant evidence for political or ideological reasons.

Discussion

Respondents adhere to a rationalist understanding of policymaking in which policy disputes can be settled by recourse to ‘the evidence’. Interpretative policy analysis suggests that multiple legitimate framings of policy issues, supported by different bodies of evidence, are possible. Policy differences are thus not due to bad faith but to policy actors framing the issue at stake in different terms and thus advocating different policy responses.

Conclusions

Process of ‘frame reflection’ may help to overcome the acrimony of current policy leading to more effective engagement by public health actors in the e-cigarettes policy debates.
Reprint Retrospective—"Historical Roots of Consumer Culture" from Advertising, The Uneasy Persuasion
Authors: Schudson Michael
Published: April 2018

Abstract: This is a reprint of "Historical Roots of Consumer Culture," Chapter 5 from Michael Schudson's book Advertising, The Uneasy Persuasion: Its Dubious Impact on American Society (Basic Books, 1986). The selection is accompanied by an interview with Michael Schudson about the book, the development of consumer culture, the relationship between advertising and journalism, and Schudson's research since this book's publication. The reprint and interview's goals are to encourage reflection on advertising's place in consumer culture as well as advertising's changing relationship to journalism. In the interview, Schudson covers the inspiration for Advertising, The Uneasy Persuasion , his work on cigarettes and anti-smoking efforts, the blurring lines between advertising and journalism, his recent book on transparency, fake news, and advice on conducting advertising and journalism history research.
SOCIAL PANIC DISORDER AND ITS IMPACTS
Authors: Barroso Marianna Leite , Maranhão Thércia Lucena Grangeiro , Batista Hermes Melo Teixeira , Neves Fernanda Pereira de Brito , Oliveira Gislene Farias de
Published: April 2018

Panic disorder has been increasingly focused on health services and the media, where it affects young people aged 20-40. The incidence of these disorders affects 22% of the adult world population. Of these, 2.8% are grouped in severe disorders (schizophrenia, manic-depressive psychosis and severe forms of depression, panic syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder) in adults (Stuart, Laraia, 2002). This study aims to identify the risk factors for the development of Panic Disorder (PD), through the literature consulted; analyze the authors' discourse and provide health professionals with the necessary subsidies for prevention and early intervention in the presence of possible signs and symptoms of PD. This is a bibliographic study carried out in libraries, the internet, scientific technical books and monographs. The results evidenced that in Brazil there is still no research that shows the real incidence of people affected with this syndrome. It is hoped that this discourse can guide the work of health professionals - specifically nurses - in the development of the syndrome and provide the means for adequate care directed at the patients and their families.  Keywords: Panic Disorder; Risk factors; Intervention; Prevention.
Notes from the Editors, April 2018
Authors: The Editors -
Published: April 2018

buy this issueBuilding on Marx's own open-ended critique, three revolutionary new developments have recently arisen in Marxist theory, addressing social reproduction, the expropriation of nature, and racial capitalism.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism
Authors: Horne Gerald
Published: April 2018

From the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries, millions of Africans and Native Americans were enslaved and traded by European settlers in the Americas. This story of slavery, colonialism, and emerging capitalism—and their handmaiden, white supremacy—is integral to that of modernity itself.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
The New Service Proletariat
Authors: Antunes Ricardo
Published: April 2018

From call centers to fast-food restaurants, the future of service work is one of precarious employment, with no stable schedules, wages, benefits, or union representation. Should these workers be considered part of a new service proletariat, or treated as a new class altogether, the "precariat"?Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
A Predatory System
Authors: Paulani Leda Maria
Published: April 2018

For several decades, intellectuals and economists who follow Marxist theory have hotly debated the financialization of capitalism. François Chesnais's latest book represents the most thorough and polished attempt yet to clarify several lingering questions around the matter.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Teacher perceptions of a new performance evaluation system and their influence on practice: A within- and between-school level analysis
Authors: Finster Matthew , Milanowski Anthony
Published: April 2018

Teacher performance evaluation systems (PESs) are central to policy efforts to increase teacher effectiveness and student learning. We argue that for these reforms to work, PESs need to be treated as coherent systems, in which teachers perceive that there are linkages between the PES components. Using teacher survey data from a large, midwestern school district, this article explores the linkages between teacher perceptions of a new PES using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and multilevel CFA. We also examine whether a strong evaluation climate developed in this district. The CFA and SEM analysis demonstrate that teacher perceptions of PES are interrelated and linked to perceptions of changes in teaching practices and to the potential impact on student learning. The multilevel CFA demonstrates cross-level noninvariance, with fewer factors being identified at the school levels. These results suggest a need for a school‐level theory of action with corresponding school‐level constructs. While we did not find evidence of a shared strong evaluation climate, the results of the analysis illustrate the importance of examining within-school agreement, both to assess the reliability of between-school differences in average teacher perceptions and to assess whether schools are developing a strong evaluation climate.
The role of personality measures as predictors of job performance: Teacher sample
İş performansının öngörülmesinde kişilik ölçümünün rolü: Öğretmen örneği
Authors: Saltukoğlu Gaye , Tatar Arkun
Published: April 2018

The present study aims to examine the personality characteristics of teachers by five factor model of personality and to plot their personality profiles. The participants were 349 teachers, 241 women and 108 men, aged between 22-65. The data used to compare teachers with was a total of 3920 people, 1777 women, 2143 men aged between 18 and 79. The comparison of female teachers with the female comparison group showed that female teachers had lower average scores on the Emotional Lability and Self-Distrust dimensions and Emotional Instability factor, and had higher average score on Agreement, Sensitivity, Analytical Thinking, and Openness to Newness dimensions and Openness to Experience factor than the comparison group. Male teachers had lower average scores on Excitement Seeking dimension and higher scores on Analytical Thinking dimension than the comparison group.Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetBu çalışmada öğretmenlerin beş faktör kişilik modeliyle kişilik özelliklerinin incelenmesi ve grup olarak profillerinin çıkarılması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmaya 22-65 yaşları arasında 241 kadın, 108 erkek olmak üzere toplam 349 öğretmen katılmıştır. Bu çalışmada, öğretmenlerin verisini karşılaştırmak amacıyla 18-79 yaşları arasında 1777 kadın, 2143 erkek olmak üzere 3920 kişilik yetişkin verisi kullanılmıştır. Kadın öğretmenler, kadın karşılaştırma grubuyla karşılaştırıldığında Duygusal Değişkenlik, Kendine Güvensizlik boyutlarında ve Duygusal Tutarsızlık faktöründe daha düşük, Uzlaşma, Duyarlılık, Analitik Düşünme, Yeniliğe Açıklık boyutlarında ve Gelişime Açıklık faktöründe de daha yüksek puan ortalamasına sahiptirler. Erkek öğretmenlerin ise erkek karşılaştırma grubuyla karşılaştırıldığında sadece Heyecan Arama boyutunda daha düşük, Analitik Düşünme boyutunda da daha yüksek puan ortalamasına sahip oldukları görülmüştür.
Somaclonal variations for crop improvement: Selection for disease resistant variants in vitro
Authors: Anil Veena S , Lobo Savitha , Bennur Spurti
Published: April 2018

Somaclonal variations (SV) are genetic or epigenetic changes induced in plant cell and tissue culture. Induction of somaclonal variation, is an alternate approach to conventional breeding and transgenic approaches to introduce desirable genetic variability in the gene pool. SVs that occur spontaneously in culture induce changes in a range of plant characters. However, the probability of improving a key agronomic trait such as disease resistance can be cumbersome when left to chance alone. The efficiency of developing disease resistant SVs is better with the imposition of an appropriate in vitro selection pressure. Selection agents that have been applied include pathogen elicitors, pathogen culture filtrate and purified pathotoxins. This method of SV selection has been successful in enhancing disease resistance in several crops and it is an accepted biotechnological approach with tremendous potential for crop improvement.
Monolithic photonic integration for visible and short near-infrared wavelengths: technologies and platforms for bio and life science applications
Authors: Porcel Marco A.G. , Artundo Iñigo , Domenech J. David , Geuzebroek Douwe , Sunarto Rino , Hoofman Romano
Published: April 2018

This tutorial aims to provide a general overview on the state-of-the-art of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in the visible and short near-infrared (NIR) wavelength ranges, mostly focusing in silicon nitride (SiN) substrates, and a guide to the necessary steps in the design toward the fabrication of such PICs. The focus is put on bio- and life sciences, given the adequacy and, thus, a large number of applications in this field.
The Role of Adolescent Health in Adult SES Outcomes
Authors: Andersen Dana C. , Gunes Pinar Mine
Published: April 2018

This paper explores the effects of adolescent health and adolescent mental health on long-term socioeconomic outcomes in the United States. Within-twin estimations are employed to overcome the bias generated by unobserved family background and genetic traits. The results indicate that poor adolescent health reduces long-term health, earnings, and household income. Accounting for life-cycle effects suggests that the effect of poor adolescent health on household income and earnings increases over the life cycle. Finally, we demonstrate that the effects on income are a consequence of the persistence of adolescent health on future health.
Survey of content of cadmium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, sodium and zinc in chamomile and green tea leaves by electrothermal or flame atomizer atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Prkić Ante , Politeo Nives , Giljanović Josipa , Sokol Vesna , Bošković Perica , Brkljača Mia , Stipišić Angela
Published: April 2018

Due to the simplicity of tea preparation (pouring hot water onto different dried herbs) and its high popularity as a beverage, monitoring and developing a screening methodology for detecting the metal content is very important. The concentrations of Cd, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Na and Zn in 8 samples of green tea (Camellia sinesis) and in 11 samples chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) purchased both at local herbal pharmacies and supermarkets were determined using electrothermal atomizer atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and flame atomizer atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The found concentrations in chamomile were: Cd (0.008 – 284 mg kg−1), Ca (2.42 – 6.29%), Cr (0.91 – 6.92 mg kg−1), Cu (6.27 – 11.39 mg kg−1), Fe (133.5 – 534 mg kg−1), Pb (0.561 – 1.277 mg kg−1), Mg (2.27 – 3.73%), Mn (62.2 – 165.6 mg kg−1), Hg (0.660 – 1.346 μg kg−1), Na (0.91 – 1.28%) and Zn (63.37 – 108.5 mg kg−1), in green tea Cd (36.29 – 202.1 mg kg−1), Ca (2.77 – 6.40%), Cr (1.520 – 5.278 mg kg−1), Cu (9.354 – 22.56 mg kg−1), Fe (162.6 – 513.3 mg kg−1), Pb (1.808 – 4.770 mg kg−1), Mg (1.41 – 2.62 %), Mn (1.147 – 1.729 g kg−1), Hg (1.045 – 2.802 μg kg−1), Na (0.44 – 0.98%) and Zn (30.65 – 115.6 mg kg−1), respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify factors (soil, climate and country of origin) influencing the content of the measured elements in herbal samples. The proposed methodology developed in this work was successfully applied to the detection of metals in herbal samples. The analysis showed that the content of toxic metals in green tea samples was significantly higher and very close to the maximum dose recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Hydrographic parameters and distribution of dissolved Cu, Ni, Zn and nutrients near Jeddah desalination plant
Authors: Fallatah Mohammad M. , Kavil Yasar N. , Ibrahim Ahmed S. A. , Orif Mohammed I. , Shaban Yasser A. , Farawati Radwan Al
Published: April 2018

The development of safe desalination plants with low environmental impact is as important an issue as the supply of drinking water. The desalination plant in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia, Red Sea coast) produces freshwater from seawater by multi-stage flash distillation (MSFD) and reverse osmosis (RO). The process produces brine as by-product, which is dumped into the sea. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Jeddah desalination plant on the coastal water in the nearby of the plant. Total concentrations of dissolved Cu, Ni, Zn and nutrients in several locations around the plant were analyzed by cathodic stripping voltammetry. The average levels of dissolved Cu, Ni, and Zn on surface in the sampling locations were 15.02, 11.02, and 68.03 nM respectively, whereas the levels at the seafloor near the discharging point were much higher. Distribution of temperature, salinity, nutrients and dissolved oxygen were quite normal both on surface and in depth.
On the failure behaviour to striking bow penetration of impacted marine-steel structures
Authors: Prabowo Aditya Rio , Muttaqie Teguh , Sohn Jung Min , Bae Dong Myung , Setiyawan Agus
Published: April 2018

Demands for water transportation modes are continuously increasing as rapid economic and industrial growths in the recent decade. Ship as representative of the water transportation is generally needed to carry various products from one location to another. Besides as product carrier, ship also acts as public facility to transport human across islands for number of reasons, such as tourism and vehicle. Considering its importance, structural damage due to accidental loads or so-called impact can cause unacceptable casualties which threat ship passenger, shipping industry and maritime environment in same time. The most frequent impact phenomena occur in forms of collision and grounding, which are targeting side structure and double bottom consecutively. However, since responses of the impacts on structure are highly nonlinear and vary due to development of ship structures, sustainable analysis as an update of pioneer calculation can be beneficial as rational reference for improving safety and navigational instruments. This work aims to assess failures of the side structures subjected to penetration of striking bow in ship-ship collision scenario. Locations of impact are idealized to happen on after-end, midsection and fore-end to provide complete assessment. Striking bow is to be deployed by varying input velocity to observe significance of the fractures on the side structure. This configuration is implemented on the designed collision scenario, and later calculated using nonlinear finite element method (NLFEM). Summary of the solution indicated that the midsection produced the highest resistance against side collision. Breaching of the inner shell was successfully avoided on the fore-end, but the critical damage to the cargo was observed during bow penetration to the after-end region. This location was recommended to be added by longitudinal framing to increase its resistance against ship collision.
Ontological Analysis of the Project Risk Management Concept ‘Risk’
Authors: Uzulāns Juris
Published: April 2018

The aim of the current research series is to examine the definitions of the concept ‘risk’ and analyze the concepts used in the definitions of ‘risk’ in the sources of these definitions in order to perform the ontological analysis of the concept of ‘risk’. Ontological and epistemological analysis of the concepts in the definition of the concept ‘risk’ was used to answer the question what ‘risk’ means in project management. This investigation represents a part of the research series where the ontological, epistemological and methodological analysis of project risk is performed with the aim to improve risk registers and risk management as a whole. In the previous studies the author analyzed the concept of ‘event’ that defines the content of the concept ‘risk’. The use of ‘event’ was analyzed in different sources to find out how the concept should be used. The ontological, epistemological and methodological analysis of the definitions of the concept ‘risk’ is the theoretical foundation for risk register creation because it is possible to create complete and understandable register for the participants of the project risk management process. The author believes that the conducted research helps establish confidence that ontological analysis is the method that together with the epistemological and methodological analysis provides opportunity to perform analysis of risk management sources aimed at improving risk management. The results of the study cannot be considered sufficient for deriving valid conclusions about project risk management and developing recommendations for improving risk management with regard to the content of the risk register. For valid conclusions and recommendations, a deeper research is needed which, first of all, would analyze a larger number of sources.
Cannabinoids in health and disease: pharmacological potential in metabolic syndrome and neuroinflammation
Authors: Mastinu Andrea , Premoli Marika , Ferrari-Toninelli Giulia , Tambaro Simone , Maccarinelli Giuseppina , Memo Maurizio , Bonini Sara Anna
Published: April 2018

The use of different natural and/or synthetic preparations of Cannabis sativa is associated with therapeutic strategies for many diseases. Indeed, thanks to the widespread diffusion of the cannabinoidergic system in the brain and in the peripheral districts, its stimulation, or inhibition, regulates many pathophysiological phenomena. In particular, central activation of the cannabinoidergic system modulates the limbic and mesolimbic response which leads to food craving. Moreover, cannabinoid agonists are able to reduce inflammatory response. In this review a brief history of cannabinoids and the protagonists of the endocannabinoidergic system, i.e. synthesis and degradation enzymes and main receptors, will be described. Furthermore, the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids will be outlined. An overview of the involvement of the endocannabinoidergic system in neuroinflammatory and metabolic pathologies will be made. Finally, particular attention will also be given to the new pharmacological entities acting on the two main receptors, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), with particular focus on the neuroinflammatory and metabolic mechanisms involved.
Water Dynamics of Mung bean (Vigna radiata) Sprouts Treated with 6-Benzylaminopurine: Discrimination by Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Spectrometry
Authors: Lin Zhuyi , Wang Ruiying , Wang Siqi , Tan Mingqian
Published: April 2018

Mung bean sprouts are a kind of favorite healthy food across the world. As a forbidden plant hormone cytokinins, the use of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) in promoting the growth of bean sprouts is forbidden due to its safety concerns. Rapid analysis of 6-BAP treated bean sprouts is required to assess their growth changes and discriminate them from the normal sample. In this study, the water dynamics of growth for 6-BAP treated bean sprouts was monitored by the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging. A simplified cartoon model of the water dynamics was proposed to explain the LF-NMR analysis result. Principal component analysis of the NMR relaxation data clearly showed the different water distribution of 6-BAP treated bean sprouts from the control sample. The juice of 6-BAP treated bean sprouts showed significant difference in the ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectra. Therefore, combining the spectrometry, the LF-NMR may have potential for rapid discrimination of the 6-BAP treated bean sprouts.
Numerical Exploration of Heat Transfer and Lorentz Force Effects on the Flow of MHD Casson Fluid over an Upper Horizontal Surface of a Thermally Stratified Melting Surface of a Paraboloid of Revolution
Authors: Makinde O. D. , Sandeep N. , Ajayi T. M. , Animasaun I. L.
Published: April 2018

Considering the recent aspiration of experts dealing with the painting of aircraft and bonnet of cars to further understand the relevance of skin friction and heat transfer while painting all these objects that are neither horizontal nor vertical, neither a cone/wedge or cylinder but upper horizontal surface of a paraboloid of revolution; a two-dimensional electrically conducting Casson fluid flow on an upper horizontal thermally stratified surface of a paraboloid of revolution is analyzed. The influence of melting heat transfer and thermal stratification are properly accounted for by modifying classical boundary condition of temperature. Plastic dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity of the fluid are assumed to vary linearly with temperature. In view of this, all necessary models were modified to suit the case

T
m

<

T
∞

$T_m<T_\infty$

. It is assumed that natural convection is driven by buoyancy; hence the suitable model of Boussinesq approximation is adopted. A suitable similarity transformation is applied to reduce the governing equations to coupled ordinary differential equations. These equations along with the boundary conditions are solved numerically by using Runge–Kutta technique along with shooting method. Effects of the magnetic field, temperature-dependent plastic dynamic viscosity and buoyancy parameters on the velocity and temperature are showed graphically and discussed. Normal influence of Lorentz force exists on Casson fluid flow when the thickness of the surface is small. Scientists and experts are urge to note an adverse effect of this force occurs on the fluid flow when the thickness of the surface is large.
Role of viruses in biliary atresia: news from mice and men
Authors: Petersen Claus , Madadi-Sanjani Omid
Published: April 2018

Biliary atresia (BA) is still an enigmatic disease of unknown etiology and cryptic pathomechanism. Despite the fact that BA is rated among rare diseases, it represents the most frequent indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Although every effort is made to elucidate the origin of the ongoing deterioration of liver function, no breakthrough has so far been achieved, which switches the surgical but symptomatic therapy to a cause-oriented approach. The nowadays leading hypothesis focuses on hepatotropic virus as a triggering agent for an autoimmunological self-limiting inflammatory process along the entire biliary tree. The present review highlights the current state of research on the factor “viruses in biliary atresia” in both patients undergoing the Kasai procedure and the virus-induced BA mouse model.
Voltage regulation and power losses reduction in a wind farm integrated MV distribution network
Authors: Fandi Ghaeth , Igbinovia Famous Omar , Tlusty Josef , Mahmoud Rateb
Published: April 2018

A medium-voltage (MV) wind production system is proposed in this paper. The system applies a medium-voltage permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) as well as MV interconnection and distribution networks. The simulation scheme of an existing commercial electric-power system (Case A) and a proposed wind farm with a gearless PMSG insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power electronics converter scheme (Case B) is compared. The analyses carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment shows an enhanced voltage profile and reduced power losses, thus, efficiency in installed IGBT power electronics devices in the wind farm. The resulting wind energy transformation scheme is a simple and controllable medium voltage application since it is not restrained by the IGBT power electronics voltage source converter (VSC) arrangement. Active and reactive power control is made possible with the aid of the gearless PMSG IGBT power converters.
Determination of oxidative stress balance in follicular fluid
Authors: Fabjan Teja , Vrtačnik-Bokal Eda , Kumer Kristina , Osredkar Joško
Published: April 2018

Background:

The role of oxidative stress in female reproduction is an area that needs more investigation. This study aims to assess the oxidative stress levels in follicular fluid (FF) samples of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to relate them to different diagnoses.

Methods:

A total of 199 woman were enrolled; 37 of them were diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 71 with endometriosis and 41 with tubal factor infertility (TFI) and 50 of the patients were used as a control group. A sample of FF was collected from each patient at an oocyte retrieval day and analyzed for oxidative stress by measuring a class of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) (dROMs test) and also analyzed for the plasma antioxidant test (PAT).

Results:

The data analyzed in FF were related to different diagnoses. Groups were not significantly different in age and body mass index (BMI), except for the PCOS group. There was a significant difference between dROMs and PAT levels in FF of patients vs. control group. The same finding was seen when the dROM/PAT ratio was used.

Conclusions:

We conclude that the evaluation of oxidative stress in FF needs more investigation with regard to markers in the follicular microenvironment.
On the efficient simulation of the left-tail of the sum of correlated log-normal variates
Authors: Alouini Mohamed-Slim , Ben Rached Nadhir , Kammoun Abla , Tempone Raul
Published: April 2018

The sum of log-normal variates is encountered in many challenging applications such as performance analysis of wireless communication systems and financial engineering. Several approximation methods have been reported in the literature. However, these methods are not accurate in the tail regions. These regions are of primordial interest as small probability values have to be evaluated with high precision. Variance reduction techniques are known to yield accurate, yet efficient, estimates of small probability values. Most of the existing approaches have focused on estimating the right-tail of the sum of log-normal random variables (RVs). Here, we instead consider the left-tail of the sum of correlated log-normal variates with Gaussian copula, under a mild assumption on the covariance matrix. We propose an estimator combining an existing mean-shifting importance sampling approach with a control variate technique. This estimator has an asymptotically vanishing relative error, which represents a major finding in the context of the left-tail simulation of the sum of log-normal RVs. Finally, we perform simulations to evaluate the performances of the proposed estimator in comparison with existing ones.
Estimates for Solutions of Differential Equations in a Banach Space via Commutators
Authors: Gil’ Michael
Published: April 2018

In a Banach space we consider the equation dx(t)/dt = (A + B(t))×(t) (t ≥ 0), where A is a constant bounded operator, and B(t) is a bounded variable operator.Norm estimates for the solutions of the considered equation are derived in terms of the commutator AB(t) − B(t)A. These estimates give us sharp stability conditions. Our results are new even in the finite dimensional case.We also discuss applications of the obtained results to a class of integro-differential equations.
Photo-Induced Holographic Recording in an Optically Active Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layer
Authors: Chanishvili A. , Ponjavidze N. , Petriashvili G. , Chilaya G. , Jullien A. , Bortolozzo U. , Residori S.
Published: April 2018

A few microns thick layer of an optically active cholesteric liquid crystal is realized by using a photoisomerizable nematic component and a chiral dopant. It is shown that such a photosensitive optically active medium can be used as a holographic material for optical information and dynamic grating recording. The photo-induced gratings are written by exploiting the light-induced photoisomerization phase transition from an optically active chiral liquid crystal to an isotropic liquid, which results in the rotation of the light polarization plane from 90 to 0 degrees and corresponding to maximum, respectively, zero transmittance. The results highlight applications in the field of optical storage by the recording of static gratings, as well as in the feld of nonlinear beam-coupling via the holographic writing of dynamic gratings
closo-Dodecaborate-conjugated human serum albumins: preparation and in vivo selective boron delivery to tumor
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Shunsuke , Kawai Kazuki , Ishii Satomu , Sato Shinichi
Published: April 2018

Maleimide-functionalized closo-dodecaborate (MID) and isothiocyanate-functionalized closo-dodecaborate (ISD) were synthesized from closo-dodecaborate via ring opening reaction of 1,4-dioxane-closo-dedecaborate complex 1 with ammonia. MID was found to possess highest conjugation efficacy to bovine serum albumin among three closo-dodecaborate derivatives, MID, ISD, and 1. The conjugation reaction of MID to human serum albumin (HSA) proceeded under PBS buffer conditions (pH 7.4). Boron distribution studies in colon 26 tumor-bearing mice revealed that HSA-MID was highly accumulated in tumor (23 ppm B), whereas boron concentrations in other organs such as liver, kidney and spleen were low (3~8 ppm B).
Dynamic characteristics of triaxial active control magnetic bearing with asymmetric structure
Authors: Nakajima Atsushi , Hirata Katsuhiro , Niguchi Noboru , Kato Masayuki
Published: April 2018

Supporting forces of magnetic bearings are lower than those of mechanical bearings. In order to solve these problems, this paper proposes a new three-axis active control magnetic bearing (3-axis AMB) with an asymmetric structure where its rotor is attracted only in one axial direction due to a negative pressure of fluid. Our proposed 3-axis AMB can generate a large suspension force in one axial direction due to the asymmetric structure. The performances of our proposed 3-axis AMB are computed through 3-D finite element analysis.
Thermal constitutive matrix applied to asynchronous electrical machine using the cell method
Authors: Domínguez Pablo Ignacio González , Monzón-Verona José Miguel , Rodríguez Leopoldo Simón , Sánchez Adrián de Pablo
Published: April 2018

This work demonstrates the equivalence of two constitutive equations. One is used in Fourier’s law of the heat conduction equation, the other in electric conduction equation; both are based on the numerical Cell Method, using the Finite Formulation (FF-CM). A 3-D pure heat conduction model is proposed. The temperatures are in steady state and there are no internal heat sources. The obtained results are compared with an equivalent model developed using the Finite Elements Method (FEM). The particular case of 2-D was also studied. The errors produced are not significant at less than 0.2%. The number of nodes is the number of the unknowns and equations to resolve. There
is no significant gain in precision with increasing density of the mesh.
Model of the multipolar engine with decreased cogging torque by asymmetrical distribution of the magnets
Authors: Goryca Zbigniew , Paduszyński Kamil , Pakosz Artur
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the results of field calculations of cogging torque for a 12-pole torque motor with an 18-slot stator. A constant angular velocity magnet and the same size gap between n-1 magnets were assumed. In these conditions, the effect of change of the n-th gap between magnets on the cogging torque was tested. Due to considerable length of the machine the calculations were performed using a 2D model. The n-th gap for which the cogging torque assumed the lowest value was evaluated. The cogging torque of the machine with symmetrical magnetic circuit (the same size of gap between magnets) was compared to the one of the asymmetrical machine. With proper choice of asymmetry, the cogging torque for the machine decreased by four times.
Determination of the energy transitions and half-lives of Rubidium nuclei
Authors: Biçer Ahmet , Manisa Kaan , Engin Çalık Abdullah , Erdoğan Mehmet , Şen Mürsel , Bircan Hasan , Dapo Haris , Boztosun Ismail
Published: April 2018

The photonuclear reactions, first extensively studied in the 1970’s and performed using the gamma rays obtained via bremsstrahlung, are a standard nuclear physics experiment. In this study, a non-enriched Rubidium sample was irradiated with photons produced by a clinical linear electron accelerator (cLINACs) with energies up to 18 MeV with the aim of activating it through photonuclear reactions. The activated sample was measured with a high purity germanium detector (HPGe) with the aim of measuring the transition energies and half-lives. The spectroscopic analysis performed on the obtained data yielded high quality results for the transition energies with precision matching or surpassing the literature data. For the half-lives the results were consistent with the literature, most notably the half-life of 84mRb decay was determined as 20.28(2) m. The results for both energies and half-lives further show that the clinical linear accelerators can be successfully used as an efficient tool in experimental nuclear research endeavors.
Evolution of the Stabilis® Database: Creation of a Level of Evidence for Stability Studies
Authors: D’Huart Elise , Lider Pauline , Vigneron Jean , Demoré Béatrice
Published: April 2018

Background

Stabilis® is an international database on stability and compatibility of drugs. The stability data comes mainly from publications of pharmaceutical journals. As the quality of the published stability studies is not equivalent, the objective of this work was to propose a level of evidence for the physico-chemical stability studies selected for the database.

Methods

At first, we evaluated the main pharmacological class consulted by the users. This work was then divided into 5 steps: (1) updating of the criteria to validate a stability study, (2) creating a grid rating articles, (3) rating of the articles of stability studies for anticancer, antifungal and antiviral drugs by 2 evaluators, (4) creation of new screens in the database to enter rating, to visualize the pictograms and commentaries by the users, (5) creation of a guideline to explain the different levels of evidence.

Results

The main pharmacological class consulted by Stabilis® users is the anticancer drugs and then antiinfectives. We have selected anticancer, antifungal and antiviral drugs for our study. Two hundred and forty publications were evaluated. The highest level attributed was A for anticancer and antifungal drugs and C for antiviral drugs. This difference can be explained by the fact that the majority of publications about antiviral drugs were older.

The most frequent anomalies in the rating of articles were an incomplete or imperfect validation of the analytical method (high value of the coefficient of variation) and a defect in the evaluation of the stability indicating capacity.

It must be noted that the level of evidence is not the quality level of the analytical method but the mixture of the quality of the method validation and of the results. This aspect was a choice of the Stabilis® team and seems important because the security of the patient is impacted by both aspects.

Conclusions

This new function contributes to help the Stabilis® users to evaluate the stability data published and to take a decision for their use in daily practice. This function will be progressively extended to other pharmacological classes of injectable drugs and then for non-injectable preparations.
Formulation of a 3-months Stability Oral Viscous Budesonide Gel and Development of an Indicating Stability HPLC Method
Authors: Bonnet Mathilde , Dermu Marine , Roessle Clara , Bellaiche Marc , Abarou Tarik , Vasseur Véronique , Benakouche Samira , Storme Thomas
Published: April 2018

Background

Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an increasing pathology which can cause stomach symptom like dysphagia, vomiting, food blockage. The treatment consists in dietary therapy and topical corticosteroid therapy to avoid the important number of side effects of the oral corticosteroids. There is presently no available topical form adapted for treating esophageal pathology.

Methods

The aim of this work was to develop an oral viscous budesonide gel (OVBG). A focus on palatability was made in order to use OVBG in children. A stability indicating HLPC method able to quantify budesonide contained in our OVBG has been developed.

Results

Previous work of Hefner and Al. showed that xanthan gum had a longer esophageal mucosal contact time than sucralose. This encouraged the development of a xanthan gum-based formulation. This OVBG has also the advantage to facilitate compliance thanks to its taste and pleasant texture. The stability length of the preparation can be extended over a 3-months period, stored in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C.

Conclusions

An adapted pediatric formulation with a 3-months stability was developed. Furthermore, the formulation can be easily reproduced in community pharmacy. Regarding the increasing number of patients concerned OVBG is a good answer to a real clinical need.