bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependence of pH level on tribological effect of graphene oxide as an additive in water lubrication
Authors: Alias A.A. , Kinoshita H. , Nishina Y. , Fujii M.
Published: August 2016

A study of the effectiveness of graphene oxides (GO) dispersed in water as a lubricant additive between tungsten carbide (WC) pin against stainless steel (SUS304) plate was carried out. A 0.1 wt.% GO was prepared and used as a lubricant under an applied load of 3 N for 20,000 friction cycles of reciprocating tribological testing. The results show that a GO dispersion with pH 3 provided the lowest friction coefficient, which was approximately 0.05. Worn areas on the wear track of the SUS304 flat plate and WC ball surface were also small. The increasing pH obviously affected the tribological properties, where the friction coefficient increased to approximately 0.10–0.20 in the steady state for pH 5, pH 7 and pH 9. Meanwhile, a GO dispersion with pH 10 was not able to provide good tribological properties for the tested materials. The observations on microscopic images revealed the formation of tribofilms on the wear tracks for low pH. The tribofilms caused reduction of the friction force and protected the plates from severe wear during the sliding tests.
Study on properties of tapioca resin polymer
Authors: Jamiluddin J. , JSiregar . P. , Sulaiman A. , Jalal K. A. A. , Tezara C.
Published: August 2016

Environmental, global warming, renewability, recyclability, and biodegradability issues have encouraged scientists and engineers to partially substitute petrochemical-based polymers with green polymers such as natural fibre polymer composites. A major drawback in the development of natural fiber polymer composites is the incompatibility between the matrix and fibre processing temperature, given the high temperature of the matrix based on petroleum and the low degradation temperature for natural fibre. The creation of poly lactic acid as a “green matrix” provides an alternative and a solution for the development of natural fiber polymer composites. In this work, the physical, thermal and mechanical properties of PLA tapioca resin biopolymer derived from industrial grade tapioca were reported in order to determine the optimum processing temperature. A drying process, injection moulding and hot press process are involved in sample preparation. A density test, hardness test, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry have been conducted. Afterwards, a tensile test was performed with samples at five different injection temperatures of 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C and 180°C in order to determine the optimum processing temperature. The sample at 165°C shows the highest result of ultimate tensile strength with 14.904 MPa, and 320.564 MPa for the elastic modulus result. As a conclusion, 165°C was finalized as the optimum processing temperature of PLA tapioca resin biopolymer for future application in the research and development of natural fibre reinforced tapioca resin biopolymer composite.
Minimum quantity lubrication: Quantifying non-deterministic component of sustainability index for machining operations
Authors: Najiha M.S. , Rahman M.M. , Kadirgam K.
Published: August 2016

Sustainable manufacturing is pursued to achieve the long-term sustainable development of manufacturing systems. In practice, the sustainability of any system is difficult to assess because of uncertain factors involved in the sustainability study. Experts have defined a sustainability index in order to define any system. This sustainability index consists of two components, namely the deterministic component and non-deterministic component. The nondeterministic component consists of the contributing factors of societal, environmental, and economic effects. On account of the uncertainties involved and the non-quantifiable nature of the non-deterministic component, fuzzy logic is used to assess the non-deterministic component. In this paper the nondeterministic component of the sustainability index for a machining process with Minimal Quantity Lubrication is calculated using fuzzy logic. The basic objective of this study is to quantify the non-deterministic component of the sustainability index by using a fuzzy rule-based model for the anticipation and functional analysis of machining with minimal quantity lubrication.
Experimental and simulation study on steam gasification of phoenix-dactylifera date palm seeds
Authors: Babiker M.E. , Aziz A.R.A. , Heikal M. , Yusup S. , Hagos F.Y.
Published: August 2016

To predict the performance of a fluidized bed gasifier (FBG) using date palm seeds (DPSs) as feedstock, a two-phase model was developed. The model simulates the hydrodynamic, kinetic reaction and steady state operations using the Aspen plus software. Experimental works were performed to study the effect of bed temperature, steam to biomass ratio, gas yield and carbon conversion efficiency. Six varieties of date palm seeds were studied: Deglet Nour (DN), Piarom (PI), Safawi (SA), Mabroom (MA), Suffry (SU), and Aliya (AL). The experimental data was used to validate the prediction model. Materials, process energy balances along with the minimization of free energy method were considered to measure the gas mole fraction. Different reactors of Aspen simulator, namely RYield, RGibbs and RCSTR plus MATLAB models were used to investigate the behaviour of DPSs in the FBG. The results confirmed that there were significant differences between all DPS varieties and treatments. The simulated results showed a good agreement with the experimental data. The gas yield (13.4% increase), lower heating value (11.9% increase), carbon conversion efficiency (9.7% increase and steam decomposition (17% increase) improved considerably with the rise of temperature from 730°C to 800°C. Higher temperatures under steam gasification boosted the overall efficiency of the gasification process. H2 and CO production increased by as much as 35% and 29% (by volume) respectively at 800°C. CH4 contributed to the total yield of gas by a maximum of 13% and 15% for experimental and simulation works, respectively. CO2, on the other hand, showed a tendency to react positively (more than 50% of the total gas yield) at higher temperatures in both experimental and simulation studies.
Statistical analysis and optimum performance of the gas turbine power plant
Authors: Ibrahim Thamir K. , Rahman M.M. , Mohammed M.K. , Basrawi Firdaus
Published: August 2016

The statistical analyses of the gas turbine power plant are presented in this paper. A novel approach for analysing gas turbine operation and performance is developed utilizing statistical modelling technology, specifically response surface methodology (RSM) which was based on the central composite design (CCD) applied. The proposed correlations have a remarkably satisfactory performance for all simulation data, where the determination coefficient (R 2 ) about 0.985. Moreover, the newly developed correlations were validated with the real data from the gas turbine of MARAFIQ CCGT power plant. Moreover, the newly developed correlations were validated with the real data from the GT units in the MARAFIQ CCGT power plant. The error analysis was applying to approximation the error (1.123% of the GT plants). From applied the ANFIS technique, the optimum thermal efficiency was about 56% with the effect of the pressure ratio and compressor isentropic efficiency.
Low-velocity impact responses of Napier fibre/polyester composites
Authors: Fahmi I. , Abdul Majid M.S. , Afendi M. , E.A. Helmi , J.A. M. Haameem
Published: August 2016

The low-velocity impact response of Napier grass fibre/polyester composites was investigated. Napier grass fibre was used as the reinforcing material in polyester composite laminates. Napier/polyester composites specimens of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% fibre volume fraction were produced using a compression moulding machine. The specimens of the mentioned fractions were impacted with a 5 J energy level using an instrumented drop weight impact tester (IMATEK IM10). The fracture damage of the impacted specimen was analysed using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The experimental result shows the relationship between the volume fraction percentage of Napier fibres and the impact force, energy absorbed and stiffness of the composites. Pure polyester specimens displayed brittle behaviour with a lower peak force, lower energy absorption and less time to failure compared to Napier reinforced composites. The impacted Napier/polyester composites with fibre loading of 30% show higher absorbed energy, peak force and longer time to failure. Furthermore, the experiments on each fibre volume fraction revealed increasing load-bearing capability and energy absorption with an increase in the volume fraction of Napier fibre. The FESEM observation exhibits various failure mechanisms such as fibre breakage, fibre pull-out, matrix cracking and fibre splitting.
An Inversion Disrupting FAM134B Is Associated with Sensory Neuropathy in the Border Collie Dog Breed
Authors: Forman Oliver P , Hitti Rebekkah J , Pettitt Louise , Jenkins Christopher A , O’Brien Dennis P , Shelton G Diane , De Risio Luisa , Quintana Rodrigo Gutierrez , Beltran Elsa , Mellersh Cathryn
Published: August 2016

Sensory neuropathy in the Border Collie is a severe neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of sensory and, to a lesser extent, motor nerve cells with clinical signs starting between 2 and 7 months of age. Using a genome-wide association study approach with three cases and 170 breed matched controls, a suggestive locus for sensory neuropathy was identified that was followed up using a genome sequencing approach. An inversion disrupting the candidate gene FAM134B was identified. Genotyping of additional cases and controls and RNAseq analysis provided strong evidence that the inversion is causal. Evidence of cryptic splicing resulting in novel exon transcription for FAM134B was identified by RNAseq experiments. This investigation demonstrates the identification of a novel sensory neuropathy associated mutation, by mapping using a minimal set of cases and subsequent genome sequencing. Through mutation screening, it should be possible to reduce the frequency of or completely eliminate this debilitating condition from the Border Collie breed population.
Characterization of the Far Transcription Factor Family in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Luo Xingyu , Affeldt Katharyn J , Keller Nancy P
Published: August 2016

Metabolism of fatty acids is a critical requirement for the pathogenesis of oil seed pathogens including the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Previous studies have correlated decreased ability to grow on fatty acids with reduced virulence of this fungus on host seed. Two fatty acid metabolism regulatory transcription factors, FarA and FarB, have been described in other filamentous fungi. Unexpectedly, we find A. flavus possesses three Far homologs, FarA, FarB, and FarC, with FarA and FarC showing a greater protein similarity to each other than FarB. farA and farB are located in regions of colinearity in all Aspergillus spp. sequenced to date, whereas farC is limited to a subset of species where it is inserted in an otherwise colinear region in Aspergillus genomes. Deletion and overexpression (OE) of farA and farB, but not farC, yielded mutants with aberrant growth patterns on specific fatty acids as well as altered expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. Marked differences included significant growth defects of both ∆farA and ∆farB on medium-chain fatty acids and decreased growth of OE::farA on unsaturated fatty acids. Loss of farA diminished expression of mitochondrial β-oxidation genes whereas OE::farA inhibited expression of genes involved in unsaturated fatty acid catabolism. FarA also positively regulated the desaturase genes required to generate polyunsaturated fatty acids. Aflatoxin production on toxin-inducing media was significantly decreased in the ∆farB mutant and increased in the OE::farB mutant, with gene expression data supporting a role for FarB in tying β-oxidation processes with aflatoxin accumulation.
An Eye on Trafficking Genes: Identification of Four Eye Color Mutations inDrosophila
Authors: Grant Paaqua , Maga Tara , Loshakov Anna , Singhal Rishi , Wali Aminah , Nwankwo Jennifer , Baron Kaitlin , Johnson Diana
Published: August 2016

Genes that code for proteins involved in organelle biogenesis and intracellular trafficking produce products that are critical in normal cell function . Conserved orthologs of these are present in most or all eukaryotes, including Drosophila melanogaster. Some of these genes were originally identified as eye color mutants with decreases in both types of pigments found in the fly eye. These criteria were used for identification of such genes, four eye color mutations that are not annotated in the genome sequence: chocolate, maroon, mahogany, and red Malpighian tubules were molecularly mapped and their genome sequences have been evaluated. Mapping was performed using deletion analysis and complementation tests. chocolate is an allele of the VhaAC39-1 gene, which is an ortholog of the Vacuolar H+ ATPase AC39 subunit 1. maroon corresponds to the Vps16A gene and its product is part of the HOPS complex, which participates in transport and organelle fusion. red Malpighian tubule is the CG12207 gene, which encodes a protein of unknown function that includes a LysM domain. mahogany is the CG13646 gene, which is predicted to be an amino acid transporter. The strategy of identifying eye color genes based on perturbations in quantities of both types of eye color pigments has proven useful in identifying proteins involved in trafficking and biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles. Mutants of these genes can form the basis of valuable in vivo models to understand these processes.
Rapid Screening for CRISPR-Directed Editing of the Drosophila Genome Using white Coconversion
Authors: Ge Daniel Tianfang , Tipping Cindy , Brodsky Michael H , Zamore Phillip D
Published: August 2016

Adoption of a streamlined version of the bacterial clustered regular interspersed short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 defense system has accelerated targeted genome engineering. The Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 protein, directed by a simplified, CRISPR-like single-guide RNA, catalyzes a double-stranded DNA break at a specific genomic site; subsequent repair by end joining can introduce mutagenic insertions or deletions, while repair by homologous recombination using an exogenous DNA template can incorporate new sequences at the target locus. However, the efficiency of Cas9-directed mutagenesis is low in Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we describe a strategy that reduces the time and effort required to identify flies with targeted genomic changes. The strategy uses editing of the white gene, evidenced by altered eye color, to predict successful editing of an unrelated gene-of-interest. The red eyes of wild-type flies are readily distinguished from white-eyed (end-joining-mediated loss of White function) or brown-eyed (recombination-mediated conversion to the whitecoffee allele) mutant flies. When single injected G0 flies produce individual G1 broods, flies carrying edits at a gene-of-interest were readily found in broods in which all G1 offspring carried white mutations. Thus, visual assessment of eye color substitutes for wholesale PCR screening of large numbers of G1 offspring. We find that end-joining-mediated mutations often show signatures of microhomology-mediated repair and that recombination-based mutations frequently involve donor plasmid integration at the target locus. Finally, we show that gap repair induced by two guide RNAs more reliably converts the intervening target sequence, whereas the use of Lig4169 mutants to suppress end joining does not improve recombination efficacy.
Mutations in the Motile Cilia Gene DNAAF1 Are Associated with Neural Tube Defects in Humans
Authors: Miao Chunyue , Jiang Qian , Li Huili , Zhang Qin , Bai Baoling , Bao Yihua , Zhang Ting
Published: August 2016

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe malformations of the central nervous system caused by complex genetic and environmental factors. Among genes involved in NTD, cilia-related genes have been well defined and found to be essential for the completion of neural tube closure (NTC). We have carried out next-generation sequencing on target genes in 373 NTDs and 222 healthy controls, and discovered eight disease-specific rare mutations in cilia-related gene DNAAF1. DNAAF1 plays a central role in cytoplasmic preassembly of distinct dynein-arm complexes, and is expressed in some key tissues involved in neural system development, such as neural tube, floor plate, embryonic node, and brain ependyma epithelial cells in zebrafish and mouse. Therefore, we evaluated the expression and functions of mutations in DNAAF1 in transfected cells to analyze the potential correlation of these mutants to NTDs in humans. One rare frameshift mutation (p.Gln341Argfs*10) resulted in significantly diminished DNAAF1 protein expression, compared to the wild type. Another mutation, p.Lys231Gln, disrupted cytoplasmic preassembly of the dynein-arm complexes in cellular assay. Furthermore, results from NanoString assay on mRNA from NTD samples indicated that DNAAF1 mutants altered the expression level of NTC-related genes. Altogether, these findings suggest that the rare mutations in DNAAF1 may contribute to the susceptibility for NTDs in humans.
Initial Experience With Propranolol Treatment of Lymphatic Anomalies: A Case Series
Authors: Wu June K. , Hooper Ellen D. , Laifer-Narin Sherelle L. , Simpson Lynn L. , Kandel Jessica , Shawber Carrie J. ,   on behalf of the Lymphatics Work Group at CUMC
Published: August 2016

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are congenital lymphatic lesions that impose significant and costly morbidities on affected patients. Treatment options are limited due to incomplete understanding of LM pathobiology. Expression of an activated β2-adrenergic receptor has been described in LM tissue, suggesting that this pathway may contribute to the clinical manifestations of LM. We hypothesized that propranolol, a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, might improve symptoms of patients with LMs and lymphatic anomalies. A retrospective chart review of patients treated with propranolol as an adjunct therapy was conducted; analyses included demographic characteristics, clinical features, and response to propranolol. Three patients with cystic and noncystic LMs displayed clinical improvement at a minimum dose of 0.7 mg/kg/d, whereas symptomatic relapses were observed when propranolol doses dropped below this threshold. Two patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome demonstrated partial clinical responses with reduced edema. The fetus of a mother treated with propranolol from a gestational age of 35 weeks through delivery displayed arrested growth of a cervicofacial LM. Our retrospective review suggests that propranolol improved symptoms in a subset of patients with lymphatic anomalies. Propranolol treatment may also limit the growth of congenital LMs in utero.
Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Bieleninik Łucja , Ghetti Claire , Gold Christian
Published: August 2016

CONTEXT:

Given the recent expansion of research in the area of music therapy (MT) for preterm infants, there is a need for an up-to-date meta-analysis of rigorously designed studies that focus exclusively on MT.

OBJECTIVE:

To systematically review and meta-analyze the effect of MT on preterm infants and their parents during NICU hospitalization and after discharge from the hospital.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science, RILM.

STUDY SELECTION:

Only parallel or crossover randomized controlled trials of MT versus standard care, comparison therapy, or placebo were included.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Independent extraction by 2 reviewers, including risk of bias indicators.

RESULTS:

From 1803 relevant records, 16 met inclusion criteria, of which 14 contained appropriate data for meta-analysis involving 964 infant participants and 266 parent participants. Overall, random-effects meta-analyses suggested significant large effects favoring MT for infant respiratory rate (mean difference, –3.91/min, 95% confidence interval, −7.8 to −0.03) and maternal anxiety (standardized mean difference, –1.82, 95% confidence interval, −2.42 to −1.22). There was not enough evidence to confirm or refute any effects of MT on other physiologic and behavioral outcomes or on short-term infant and service-level outcomes. There was considerable heterogeneity between studies for the majority of outcomes.

LIMITATIONS:

This review is limited by a lack of studies assessing long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is sufficient evidence to confirm a large, favorable effect of MT on infant respiratory rate and maternal anxiety. More rigorous research on short-term and long-term infant and parent outcomes is required.
Prognostic Disclosures to Children: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Bluebond-Langner Myra , Wiener Lori , Mack Jennifer , Wolfe Joanne
Published: August 2016

Prognostic disclosure to children has perpetually challenged clinicians and parents. In this article, we review the historical literature on prognostic disclosure to children in the United States using cancer as an illness model. Before 1948, there was virtually no literature focused on prognostic disclosure to children. As articles began to be published in the 1950s and 1960s, many clinicians and researchers initially recommended a “protective” approach to disclosure, where children were shielded from the harms of bad news. We identified 4 main arguments in the literature at this time supporting this “protective” approach. By the late 1960s, however, a growing number of clinicians and researchers were recommending a more “open” approach, where children were included in discussions of diagnosis, which at the time was often synonymous with a terminal prognosis. Four different arguments in the literature were used at this time supporting this “open” approach. Then, by the late 1980s, the recommended approach to prognostic disclosure in pediatrics shifted largely from “never tell” to “always tell.” In recent years, however, there has been a growing appreciation for the complexity of prognostic disclosure in pediatrics. Current understanding of pediatric disclosure does not lead to simple “black-and-white” recommendations for disclosure practices. As with most difficult questions, we are left to balance competing factors on a case-by-case basis. We highlight 4 categories of current considerations related to prognostic disclosure in pediatrics, and we offer several approaches to prognostic disclosure for clinicians who care for these young patients and their families.
Caatinga plants with nutritional potential: a review from the work “Contribution to the study of the Flora from Pernambuco, Brazil” (1954) by Dárdano de Andrade Lima
Authors: Nunes Alissandra Trajano , Nascimento Viviany , Feitosa Ivanilda , Medeiros Maria Franco Trindade , Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino de
Published: August 2016

A historical review about the native food species from caatinga in Pernambuco state, Brazil was conducted. A matrix of the food plants was created using a primary source (“Contribution to the study of the flora from Pernambuco, Brazil”, by Dárdano de Andrade-Lima) and secondary sources of past use (centuries XVI/ XVII/ XIX), contemporary (50s-70s decades) and current (from the 70s decade) to the central work. This study has revealed the potential of the native food flora from caatinga and the importance of prioritizing the record of this information, which is proven, the number of research for nutritional analysis of these species is still limited.
How is local knowledge about plants distributed among residents near a protected area?
Authors: Poderoso Renata Andressa , Hanazaki Natalia , Junior Antonio Dunaiski
Published: August 2016

The interactions between people and plants may result in knowledge of plant resources. This knowledge can vary according to factors such as age, gender, occupation, resource availability, urbanization and restrictions on the use of native resources. This study aimed to understand the interaction between people and plants in two rural communities surrounding the National Forest (FLONA) of Ibirama, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Specifically, the study aimed to investigate the distribution of local knowledge of plants according to gender, age and occupation of residents in these communities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted followed by free listing and guided tours.  A total of 104 interviews were conducted with adult men and women, who cited 475 plants found in the region that are used for numerous purposes. Of these plants, 184 are cultivated, 183 are extracted and 8 are cultivated and extracted. In general plant knowledge is shared between communities, in relation to gender, age and occupation. However, there are differences in the knowledge of timber resources, which is found to be higher among men and people with 41 years or more in age. These differences can be attributed to the influence of urban centers and the presence of the National Forest. However, respondents also view the FLONA positively, once they recognize the advances related to the conservation of nature, since there is greater control of deforestation and an increase in local avifauna. It is necessary to develop strategies to involve communities in the management of protected areas in order to ensure effective conservation of natural resources and the maintenance of local plant knowledge.
Is Non-Timber Forest Product Harvest Sustainable in the Less Developed World? A Systematic Review of the Recent Economic and Ecological Literature
Authors: Stanley Denise , Voeks Robert , Short Leaa
Published: August 2016

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provide material subsistence and cash income to millions of rural people, particularly in less developed countries. This paper offers a systematic review of recent trends (2000-2010) in the ecological and economic sustainability of NTFPs. Of 101 NTFP ecological studies, most addressed harvest consequences at the population-individual level (62.4%), and over half (52.5%) were carried out in Latin America. Nearly two-thirds of research (63.3%) reported that extraction was sustainable or likely to be so, compared to less than one-fifth (17.8%) that found it to be unsustainable. Extractive enterprise in Latin America was most often reported as ecologically sustainable (82.6%), and least often in Asia (58.8%). Because little of the economic NTFP literature identifies whether extractive returns meet the financial needs of extractors, at least on a daily basis, we outline economic sustainability criteria in terms of whether returns surpass an absolute poverty line or alternative wage. Of the 71 articles presenting financial data, over two-thirds met or exceeded the threshold of economic sustainability. Roughly 75% of studies demonstrated that gatherers earned more than USD$2 PPP/day (the international absolute poverty line) or more than a local wage. These positive results do not, however, demonstrate that gathering reduces long-term poverty because forest dependence, and likely tenure security, remains low among these populations. Caution must be exercised in terms of extending these results into the future, as changing economic conditions, rates and sources of habitat modification, and climate change all point to increased extractive pressures on tropical forests and savannas.
Use of fauna in the traditional medicine of native Toba (qom) from the Argentine Gran Chaco region: an ethnozoological and conservationist approach
Authors: Martínez Gustavo J.
Published: August 2016

The Gran Chaco region is an area of vast cultural and biological richness that is inhabited by different American indigenous hunter-gatherer groups and has a great number of threatened wildlife species. An ethnozoological investigation was carried out to study the medicinal uses of fauna by the Toba (qom) communities of Central Chaco in the surroundings of the river Bermejito. Qualitative, quantitative and participative methods were used alternately to document and characterize the knowledge, significance and role of animals from the Chaco forest within the Toba cultural and medical context. A total of 199 uses corresponding to 72 species belonging to 52 families were documented as part of the animal pharmacopoeia employed by the natives. Information obtained by open and semistructured interviews was used to develop an Index of Local Conservation Priorities (ILCP) that allowed ordering the species according to their Relative Importance, Ecological and Cultural Value, and Conservation Status. Our results showed that of the wide range of species used in Toba zootherapy, a substantial number of reptiles, mammals and birds are included in lists of threatened species for Argentina. The ethnozoological perspective of this study provides an integral view of social and ecological elements that are useful for the protection and/or sustainable management of native species on a regional scale.
Bioactivity and Osseointegration of PEEK Are Inferior to Those of Titanium: A Systematic Review
Authors: Najeeb Shariq , BDS Zohaib Khurshid , BDS Sana Zohaib , BDS Muhammad Sohail Zafar
Published: August 2016

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been suggested as an alternative to replace titanium as a dental implant material. However, PEEK's bioactivity and osseointegration are debatable. This review has systematically analyzed studies that have compared PEEK (or PEEK-based) implants with titanium implants so that its feasibility as a possible replacement for titanium can be determined. The focused question was: “Are the bioactivity and osseointegration of PEEK implants comparable to or better than titanium implants?” Using the key words “dental implant,” “implant,” “polyetheretherketone,” “PEEK,” and “titanium” in various combinations, the following databases were searched electronically: PubMED/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Database. 5 in vitro and 4 animal studies were included in the review. In 4 out of 5 in vitro studies, titanium exhibited more cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, osteoblast maturation, and osteogenesis compared to PEEK; one in vitro study observed comparable outcomes regardless of the implant material. In all animal studies, uncoated and coated titanium exhibited a more osteogenic behavior than did uncoated PEEK, while comparable bone-implant contact was observed in HA-coated PEEK and coated titanium implants. Unmodified PEEK is less osseoconductive and bioactive than titanium. Furthermore, the majority of studies had multiple sources of bias; hence, in its unmodified form, PEEK is unsuitable to be used as dental implant. Significantly more research and long-term trials must focus on improving the bioactivity of PEEK before it can be used as dental implant. More comparative animal and clinical studies are warranted to ascertain the potential of PEEK as a viable alternative to titanium.
Continuous Review of Accreditation Standards and Quality Improvement in a Medical Education Program – Practical Recommendations for Implementing a Program
Authors: Clinch Charles Randall , Violato Claudio
Published: August 2016

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Background: Accreditation reviews of medical education program standards are becoming more common throughout the world. The consequences of unfavorable decisions on a school's accreditation status can be significant. As accrediting bodies have become more rigorous in applying the standards required for medical schools to maintain their accreditation, a school's ability to ensure compliance with standards and act upon identified problems should not be left until the school's preparation for the next accreditation review cycle. Aim and Method: Based upon a review of the literature related to accreditation standard review and continuous quality improvement (CQI), regulatory documents of agencies impacting accreditation requirements, and our own experience with developing and implementing a process of continuous review of accreditation standards and quality improvement of the medical education program, we propose practical recommendations for schools interested in initiating such a program or modifying an existing program. Results: A program of continuous review of accreditation standards and quality improvement of the medical education program can be implemented at an institution by clearly defining the expectations for such a program by institutional leadership, by assigning a faculty and staff member the responsibility of facilitating the implementation and evaluation of the program, by utilizing a practical approach of regular review of entire standards and specific topics within standards deemed to be of critical importance to the school, by involving a committee of key leaders of the medical education program to oversee the evaluation of the review program and link its results and decisions to action plans and CQI efforts, and by utilizing common work flow processes and software available at most institutions. Conclusion: Establishing a regular review process of the medical education program's accreditation standards and linking the review process to CQI goals of the medical education program (based upon the findings of an institutional self-study) is a manageable endeavor, will provide updated data to the medical education program's leadership for the purposes of strategic planning and CQI effort prioritization, will lead to the creation of a continually updated self-study data collection instrument that facilitates the process of the next complete self-study, and may lead to fewer negative accreditation decisions by a program's accrediting organization.
Influence of Tillage Method on Management ofAmaranthusSpecies in Soybean
Authors: Farmer Jaime A. , Bradley Kevin W. , Young Bryan G. , Steckel Lawrence E. , Johnson William G. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Davis Vince M. , Loux Mark M.
Published: August 2016

A field study was conducted in 2014 and 2015 in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Missouri to determine the effects of tillage system and herbicide program on season-long emergence ofAmaranthusspecies in glufosinate-resistant soybean. The tillage systems evaluated were deep tillage (fall moldboard plow followed by (fb) one pass with a field cultivator in the spring), conventional tillage (fall chisel plow fb one pass with a field cultivator in the spring), minimum tillage (one pass of a vertical tillage tool in the spring), and no-tillage (PRE application of paraquat). Each tillage system also received one of two herbicide programs; PRE application of flumioxazin (0.09 kg ai ha–1) fb a POST application of glufosinate (0.59 kg ai ha−1) plusS-metolachlor (1.39 kg ai ha–1), or POST-only applications of glufosinate (0.59 kg ha−1). The deep tillage system resulted in a 62, 67, and 73% reduction inAmaranthusemergence when compared to the conventional, minimum, and no-tillage systems, respectively. The residual herbicide program also resulted in an 87% reduction inAmaranthusspecies emergence compared to the POST-only program. The deep tillage system, combined with the residual program, resulted in a 97% reduction inAmaranthusspecies emergence when compared to the minimum tillage system combined with the POST-only program, which had the highestAmaranthusemergence. Soil cores taken prior to planting and herbicide application revealed that only 28% of theAmaranthusseed in the deep tillage system was placed within the top 5-cm of the soil profile compared to 79, 81, and 77% in the conventional, minimum, and no-tillage systems. Overall, the use of deep tillage with a residual herbicide program provided the greatest reduction inAmaranthusspecies emergence, thus providing a useful tool in managing herbicide-resistantAmaranthusspecies where appropriate.
Banking Across Borders With Heterogeneous Banks
Authors: Niepmann Friederike
Published: August 2016

This paper develops a model of banking across borders where banks differ in their efficiencies that can replicate key patterns in the data. More efficient banks are more likely to have assets, liabilities and affiliates abroad and have larger foreign operations. Banks are more likely to be active in countries that have less efficient domestic banks, are bigger and more open to foreign entry. In the model, banking sector integration leads to bank exit and entry and convergence in the return on loans and funding costs across countries. Bank heterogeneity matters for the associated welfare gains. Results suggest that differences in bank efficiencies across countries drive banking across borders, that fixed costs are crucial for foreign bank operations and that globalization makes larger banks even larger.
A pesar de las estadísticas el numero de niños muertos en colombia por desnutrición es menor a lo esperado
Authors: Pérez Cárdenas Jorge Enrique
Published: August 2016

La desnutrición y la muerte infantil asociada con este problema en Colombia es la consecuencia de la pobreza extrema en primer término, pero también de una serie de factores que la agudizan y que, en mi criterio, se presentan con una frecuencia más baja de lo esperado, a pesar de la reacción mediática y de las estadísticas.

La pobreza extrema en nuestro país es un aspecto que ya se ha determinado por parte del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística en Colombia (DANE); estudios realizados en el año 2015 muestran como la pobreza extrema en todo Colombia es del 7,9%; sin embargo, a pesar de este bajo valor, la misma es mucho mayor en zonas rurales, con un 18%. La región de La Guajira presenta aspectos particulares con respecto al resto del país que hacen que sea posible una mayor desnutrición en esta región, la cual se ha calculado que es del 80% en niños. Lo más importante quizás sean las condiciones de supervivencia de las comunidades indígenas ya que viven en unas zonas inhóspitas sin agua; la falta de agua, elemento indispensable para la supervivencia de cualquier ser vivo, hace que estas comunidades sean nómadas y además no puedan subsistir de la agricultura; de igual manera, la tenencia de animales se ve restringida por la ausencia de este vital líquido.
Efecto de la presencia de sales inorgánicas sobre la inactivación fotocatalítica de E. Coli en agua
Authors: Velasco Edwing , Giraldo Sonia A , Moreno Andrea L
Published: August 2016

En este artículo se presenta el efecto de las sales inorgánicas MgSO4, NaCl y CaCO3 en la desinfección fotocatalítica del agua. Se usó TiO2-P25 como fotocatalizador y E. Coli como microorganismo contaminante. Las pruebas de desinfección se realizaron mediante la iluminación controlada de reactores batch cargados con agua contaminada, sales y TiO2. Los resultados de estas pruebas fueron usados para determinar los parámetros cinéticos de un modelo tipo Langmuir-Hinshelwood. Se encontró que las sales tienen una fuerte inﬂuencia sobre la inactivación fotocatalítica de E. Coli, y que cada sal y su concentración afectan la desinfección de forma diferente y en el siguiente orden: NaCl>CaCO3>>MgSO4. Adicionalmente, el valor de los parámetros calculados fue diferente para cada sal, evidenciando que las sales afectan el proceso por varios mecanismos relacionados con las interacciones ion-bacteria, ion-especie oxidante e ion-TiO2.
Solución de la ecuación de Rayleigh-Plesset por medio del método del elemento finito
Authors: Ramírez G.A , Jácome C.E , Giraldo J.C
Published: August 2016

En este trabajo se plantean soluciones numéricas a la ecuación de Rayleigh-Plesset que describe la evolución de las burbujas en la cavitación. Para ello, se considera el MEFG (Método del Elemento Finito de Galerkin); tal simulación se realiza en un fluido invíscido e incompresible en un campo de temperatura uniforme, una tensión superficial esencialmente constante, y el modelo de cavitación en el flujo siendo la presión interna de las burbujas igual a la presión de vapor del fluido. De esta manera, para el problema se considera el problema de Dirichlet y se obtienen los criterios de frontera que auspician el fenómeno de cavitación a través del crecimiento de las burbujas o cavidades.
Why Should you Choose to Publish your Article in International Journal of Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine?
Authors: Boukhatem Mohamed Nadjib
Published: August 2016

Choosing a scientific journal for publication of research article or review paper is a universal problem faced by all scientists and PhD students after finishing his/her scientific research. Generally, the authors of pharmaceutical and medical journals are neither paid nor do they expect any financial recompense for their publication. What then is the motivating power behind researcher’s enthusiasm to publish their paper? It is possibly, the pleasure and gratification of being an element of the progression of pharmaceutical sciences and medicine through research and successive publication.Nevertheless, the true worth of a research deception is in its citation by other scientists after publication. Thus, the paper should be read by as several researchers as possible. The aim of this editorial paper is to talk about the significant reasons that the scientist and author should consider and judge while choosing International Journal of Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine (IJPPE) for submission and publication, so as to improve and increase the probability of acceptance to add value to their research and study, and most of all guarantee an extensive distribution and readership. Then why not submit and publish your best scientific articles in IJPPE and add value to your research and paper.
The Potential Use of a Food-Dyeing Plant Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr. in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Quan Nguyen Van , Khang Do Tan , Dep Luan Thi , Minh Truong Ngoc , Nobukazu Nakagoshi , Xuan Tran Dang
Published: August 2016

An investigation on the current usage status and experience in usingPeristrophe bivalvis(L.) Merr. was conducted in the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam. Five varieties were collected and recorded as a source of foodstuff-dyeing and medicinal plants on indigenous knowledge of ethnic minorities in the study area, of which, three varieties were dyed purple, one red and one yellow-orange; with two varieties being used for the treatment of haemoptysis, dysentery, liver disease, kidney failure, and jaundice. Two extraction methods using organic solvents and aqueous solvent were applied to spectrophotometrically investigate the phytochemical contents ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties. Accordingly, the coloration components ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties were contributed by a complex compound of photosynthetic pigments, anthocyanins, flavonoids. Also, the total phenolics, total flavonoids and effect of extraction methods, dissolved solutions (water and methanol) on these contents were assessed. Besides, screening antioxidant capacity ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarietieswas assayed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method which showed stronger radical inhibition of organic extractions than that of aqueous extractions. The results of determination of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity support the knowledge and experience in usingPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties as natural dyeing production for food and pharmaceutical industry.
Studies on Interaction of Lidocaine Drug with Natural Cellulosic Fibres
Authors: Ashaduzzaman Md , Al-Rafin Abdullah , Mustary Nusrat , Md Shamsuddin Sayed
Published: August 2016

Naturally engineered cellulosic fibres are of particular interest due to their diverse interfacial behavior; which could be well suited to operating interaction with functionalized drug. In the present work, interaction of Lidocaine (LC) hydrochloride, 2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl) acetamide was widely studied with cellulosic fibres i.e. cotton, jute and coir in presence of 0.1M HCl aqueous solution. In UV-Vis spectroscopy measurement, it is revealed that the highest interaction (adsorption 18 mg/g of fibres) of LC was occurred onto the cotton fibres surfaces from 3.5 mg/mL aqueous solution after 30 minutes gentle shaking. Kinetic studies in case of cotton fibres showed a linear relationship (R2= 0.9987) during desorption of LC upto 30 minutes at 25 °C temperature. The cotton fibres concentration was to be calculated 0.0085 g unit mol/L by considering the unit molecular weight of glucose unit. When 2.5 mg/mL (0.0108 g mol/L) LC drug solution was used then the ratio between glucose unit and LC drug was found to be 1.27. The interaction of LC was also increased direct-proportionally to the weight of cotton fibres. The resulting interaction phenomena of model LC would help us to deign dosage of anesthetic drug for specific physiological conditions.
Identification and Quantification of Total Polyphenols in Plants with Bioactive Potentially
Authors: Sandru Daniela , Niculescu Violeta , Lengyel Ecaterina , Tița Ovidiu
Published: August 2016

This meaning of this specific work is to identify and quantify the polyphenolic compounds that exist in plants with bioactive potentially. The study was monitorising 16 different plants: bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), artichoke (Cynara scolymus), chicory (Cichorium intybus), dumb (Teucrium chamaedrys), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), thorn (Xanthium spinosum), juniper (Juniperus communis), mint (Mentha), cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), willow herb (Epilobium), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), oregano (Origanum vulgare), centaury (Centaurium erythraea). The total polyphenolic compound was determined onspectrophotometricmethod,Folin-Ciocalteu. The polyphenols have a very wide range value starting on low amounts on centaury (Centaurium erythraea) 271.613 mg/L and reaching highest values of 5975.616 mg/L in wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). The results can be use in the design of digestive drinks in the food industry due to higher concentration of total polyphenols in the studied plants.
Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effect of Ficus benghalensis against Alloxan Induced Diabetic Neuropathy in Rats
Authors: Stalin Chandrasekeran , Gunasekaran V. , Jayabalan G.
Published: August 2016

Neuropathic pain in diabetics is characterized by both hyperalgesia and allodynia. This is attributed to both uncontrolled glycemia and the further complications which it leads to. The objective of the study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Ficus benghalensis against alloxan induced diabetic neuropathy in rats.Material and methods:Experimental diabetes was induced in wistar albino rats by single intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). The methanolic extract of leaves of Ficus benghalensis at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was administered at single dose per day to diabetes induced rats for a period of 28 days. Neuropathic pain was assessed in diabetic rats with various painful procedures. hot and cold water tail immersion test, pinprick test, cold allodynia, hot plate test, actophotometer and rota-rod tests were performed to assess the degree of thermal, mechanical, cold hyperalgesia and locomotor activity as well as motor co-ordination.Results:Animals treated with methanolic extract of Ficus benghalensis (200, and 400 mg/kg p.o.) showed good results in different parameters such as thermal allodynia (hot and cold), thermal hyperalgesia and motor co-ordination in comparison with diabetic control group. Thus, from this study we conclude that Ficus benghalensis exhibits significant neuroprotective activities against Alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats.