bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virus-Like Particles Are a Superior Platform for Presenting M2e Epitopes to Prime Humoral and Cellular Immunity against Influenza Virus
Authors: Kim Ki-Hye , Kwon Young-Man , Lee Young-Tae , Kim Min-Chul , Hwang Hye Suk , Ko Eun-Ju , Lee Youri , Choi Hyo-Jick , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: September 2018

Influenza virus M2 protein has a highly conserved ectodomain (M2e) as a cross-protective antigenic target. We investigated the antigenic and immunogenic properties of tandem repeat M2e (5xM2e) proteins and virus-like particles (5xM2e VLP) to better understand how VLP and protein platform vaccines induce innate and protective adaptive immune responses. Despite the high antigenic properties of 5xM2e proteins, the 5xM2e VLP was superior to 5xM2e proteins in inducing IgG2a isotype antibodies, T cell responses, plasma cells and germinal center B cells as well as in conferring cross protection. Mice primed with 5xM2e VLP were found to be highly responsive to 5xM2e protein boost, overcoming the low immunogenicity and protective efficacy of 5xM2e proteins. Immunogenic differences between VLPs and proteins in priming immune responses might be due to an intrinsic ability of 5xM2e VLP to stimulate dendritic cells secreting T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines. We also found that 5xM2e VLP was effective in inducing inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and in recruiting macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and CD11b+ dendritic cells at the injection site. Therefore, this study provides evidence that 5xM2e VLP is an effective vaccine platform, inducing cross-protection by stimulating innate and adaptive immune responses.
PRMT1-Dependent Macrophage IL-6 Production Is Required for Alcohol-Induced HCC Progression
Authors: Zhao Jie , O’Neil Maura , Vittal Anusha , Weinman Steven A. , Tikhanovich Irina
Published: September 2018

Alcohol is a well-established risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, but the mechanisms are not well understood. Several studies suggested that alcohol promotes tumor growth by altering immune cell phenotypes in the liver. Arginine methylation is a common posttranslational modification
generated mostly by a single protein, PRMT1. In myeloid cells PRMT1 is a key regulator of immune response. Myeloid-specific PRMT1 knockout mice are hyperresponsive to LPS and deficient in PPARγ-dependent macrophage M2 polarization. We aimed to define the role of myeloid PRMT1 in alcohol-associated
liver tumor progression using a mouse model of DEN injection followed by Lieber‐DeCarli alcohol liquid diet feeding. We found that PRMT1 knockout mice showed significantly lower expression of IL-10 and IL-6 cytokines in the liver and downstream STAT3 activation, which correlated with
reduced number of surface tumors, reduced proliferation, and reduced number of M2 macrophages in the liver as well as within proliferating nodules. We found that blocking IL-6 signaling in alcohol-fed mice reduced the number of tumors and liver proliferation in wild-type mice but not in knockout
mice suggesting that reduced IL-6 in PRMT1 knockout mice contributes to the protection from alcohol. Additionally, PRMT1 knockout did not show any protection in tumor formation in the absence of alcohol. Finally, we confirmed that this mechanism is relevant in humans. We found that PRMT1 expression
in tumor-associated macrophages correlated with STAT3 activation in human HCC specimens. Taken together, these data suggest that the PRMT1‐IL-6‐STAT3 axis is an important mechanism of alcohol-associated tumor progression.
Elimination of Wnt Secretion From Stellate Cells Is Dispensable for Zonation and Development of Liver Fibrosis Following Hepatobiliary Injury
Authors: Zhang Rong , Kikuchi Alexander T. , Nakao Toshimasa , Russell Jacquelyn O. , Preziosi Morgan E. , Poddar Minakshi , Singh Sucha , Bell Aaron W. , England Steven G. , Monga Satdarshan P.
Published: September 2018

Alterations in the Wnt signaling pathway including those impacting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been implicated in liver fibrosis. In the current study, we first examined the expression of Wnt genes in human HSC (HHSCs) after treatment with a profibrogenic factor TGF-β1.
Next, we generated HSC-specific Wntless (Wls) knockout (KO) using the Lrat-cre and Wls-floxed mice. KO and littermate controls (CON) were characterized for any basal phenotype and subjected to two liver fibrosis protocols. In vitro, TGF-β1 induced expression of Wnt2, 5a and 9a while decreasing
Wnt2b, 3a, 4, and 11 in HHSC. In vivo, KO and CON mice were born at normal Mendelian ratio and lacked any overt phenotype. Loss of Wnt secretion from HSCs had no effect on liver weight and did not impact β-catenin activation in the pericentral hepatocytes. After 7 days of bile duct ligation
(BDL), KO and CON showed comparable levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total and direct bilirubin. Comparable histology, Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemistry for α-SMA, desmin, Ki-67, F4/80, and CD45 indicated similar
proliferation, inflammation, and portal fibrosis in both groups. Biweekly administration of carbon tetrachloride for 4 or 8 weeks also led to comparable serum biochemistry, inflammation, and fibrosis in KO and CON. Specific Wnt genes were altered in HHSCs in response to TGF-β1; however,
eliminating Wnt secretion from HSC did not impact basal β-catenin activation in normal liver nor did it alter the injury‐repair response during development of liver fibrosis.
Elemental Composition at the Cosmic-Ray Source Derived from the ACE-CRIS Instrument. I. 6C to 28Ni
Authors: Israel M. H. , Lave K. A. , Wiedenbeck M. E. , Binns W. R. , Christian E. R. , Cummings A. C. , Davis A. J. , Nolfo G. A. de , Leske R. A. , Mewaldt R. A. , Stone E. C. , Rosenvinge T. T. von
Published: September 2018

We report new elemental source abundances from 6C to 28Ni for galactic cosmic rays, using observations from the Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (CRIS) on board the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer spacecraft. Abundances were calculated using CRIS energy spectra at energies below 550 MeV/nucleon from the 1997–98 and 2009–10 solar-minimum periods, as well as from the 2001–03 solar-maximum period. These new results, when combined with results for heavier elements reported in a forthcoming paper, are consistent with a model of galactic cosmic-ray origin where nuclei found in interstellar grains are accelerated preferentially over those found in interstellar gas, with this acceleration happening in OB associations.
The Chemical Homogeneity of Sun-like Stars in the Solar Neighborhood
Authors: Bedell Megan , Bean Jacob L. , Meléndez Jorge , Spina Lorenzo , Ramírez Ivan , Asplund Martin , Alves-Brito Alan , Santos Leonardo dos , Dreizler Stefan , Yong David , Monroe TalaWanda , Casagrande Luca
Published: September 2018

The compositions of stars are a critical diagnostic tool for many topics in astronomy such as the evolution of our Galaxy, the formation of planets, and the uniqueness of the Sun. Previous spectroscopic measurements indicate a large intrinsic variation in the elemental abundance patterns of stars with similar overall metal content. However, systematic errors arising from inaccuracies in stellar models are known to be a limiting factor in such studies, and thus it is uncertain to what extent the observed diversity of stellar abundance patterns is real. Here we report the abundances of 30 elements with precisions of 2% for 79 Sun-like stars within 100 pc. Systematic errors are minimized in this study by focusing on solar twin stars and performing a line-by-line differential analysis using high-resolution, high-signal-to-noise spectra. We resolve [X/Fe] abundance trends in galactic chemical evolution at precisions of 10−3 dex Gyr−1 and reveal that stars with similar ages and metallicities have nearly identical abundance patterns. Contrary to previous results, we find that the ratios of carbon-to-oxygen and magnesium-to-silicon in solar-metallicity stars are homogeneous to within 10% throughout the solar neighborhood, implying that exoplanets may exhibit much less compositional diversity than previously thought. Finally, we demonstrate that the Sun has a subtle deficiency in refractory material relative to >80% of solar twins (at 2σ confidence), suggesting a possible signpost for planetary systems like our own.
NICER Discovers mHz Oscillations in the “Clocked” Burster GS 1826−238
Authors: Strohmayer T. E. , Gendreau K. C. , Altamirano D. , Arzoumanian Z. , Bult P. M. , Chakrabarty D. , Chenevez J. , Guillot S. , Guver T. , Homan J. , Jaisawal G. K. , Keek L. , Mahmoodifar S. , Miller J. M. , Ozel F.
Published: September 2018

We report the discovery with the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) of mHz X-ray brightness oscillations from the “clocked burster” GS 1826−238. NICER observed the source in the periods 2017 June 20–29, July 11–13, and September 9–15, for a total useful exposure of 34 ks. Two consecutive dwells obtained on 2017 September 9 revealed highly significant oscillations at a frequency of 8 mHz. The fractional, sinusoidal modulation amplitude increases from 0.7% at 1 keV to ≈2% at 6 keV. Similar oscillations were also detected at lower significance in three additional dwells. The oscillation frequency and amplitude are consistent with those of mHz QPOs reported in other accreting neutron star systems. A thermonuclear X-ray burst was also observed on 2017 June 22. The burst properties and X-ray colors are both consistent with GS 1826 being in a soft spectral state during these observations, findings that are confirmed by ongoing monitoring with MAXI and SWIFT-BAT. Assuming that the mHz oscillations are associated with blackbody emission from the neutron star surface, modeling of the phase-resolved spectra shows that the oscillation is consistent with being produced by modulation of the temperature component of this emission. In this interpretation, the blackbody normalization, proportional to the emitting surface area, is consistent with being constant through the oscillation cycle. We place the observations in the context of the current theory of marginally stable burning and briefly discuss the potential for constraining neutron star properties using mHz oscillations.
The SPECTRAL Ice Chamber: Application to Titan’s Stratospheric Ice Clouds
Authors: Anderson C. M. , Nna-Mvondo D. , Samuelson R. E. , McLain J. L. , Dworkin J. P.
Published: September 2018

An ice chamber for obtaining thin-film transmission spectra of Titan-relevant organic ices between 50 and 11,700 cm−1 (200–0.85 μm) is described in detail in this work. The ice chamber, called the SPECtroscopy of Titan-Related ice AnaLogs chamber, is located in the Spectroscopy for Planetary ICes Environments laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Organic vapors are typically deposited between 30 and 150 K via a variable leak valve onto a chemical vapor deposition diamond substrate, where condensation directly into the solid state occurs. Quantitative thin-film infrared transmission spectra of the given ice or ice mixture are then measured, from which optical constants (complex indices of refraction) are computed. These optical constants in turn provide the necessary input for interpreting radiative transfer analyses of Cassini’s Composite InfraRed Spectrometer observations of Titan’s organic stratospheric ice clouds to determine their chemical compositions, abundances, and vertical distributions as functions of Titan latitude and season.
Comparison of Predictor of Desaturation Disorders and Daytime Sleepiness Based On Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG Questionnaires in Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Kahramfar Zohreh , Rahimi Besharat
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterised by recurrence in upper airway obstruction during sleep.
AIM: This study aimed to compare the predictive values of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and STOP-BANG in the desaturation of patients with mild to moderate obstructive apnea based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scale.
METHODS: A group of 79 patients (43 male and 36 female) were selected. The suspected patients were introduced to the sleep clinic, and the ESS and STOP-BANG questionnaires were filled up, then subjected to polysomnography test, and the scores of the disease were also determined based on an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI). Finally, the desaturation rate (SO2 < 3% based on the baseline) and desaturation index were determined in patients. Consequently, the finding was compared with the results of the questionnaires.
RESULTS: Patients with STOP-BANG score above 3 had significantly higher weight, oxygen desaturation index (ODI) index and average desatu, while peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) base and average SpO2 were lower than those with scores below 3 (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the patients with the ESS questionnaire score above 10 and below 10 (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The results of these two questionnaires reflect the unsaturated oxygen index in the blood, and can be considered for the evaluation of the severity of the disease.
Les liens familiaux des esclaves à Saint-Domingue au xviii e siècle. L’exemple des habitations Galliffet (1774-1775)
Authors: Cousseau Vincent
Published: September 2018

Les habitations Galliffet, situées dans la riche et prospère colonie de Saint-Domingue, regroupaient, en 1775, plus d’un millier d’esclaves sur trois grandes habitations sucrières à Petite-Anse et deux habitations caféières à Grande-Rivière. Le Marquis de Galliffet en avait confié la gestion à un « procureur-gérant », scrupuleux et attentif à la bonne administration, d’où l’existence d’un inventaire détaillé indiquant les liens conjugaux et de nombreux liens de filiation. Il apparaît que la très grande majorité des esclaves partageaient des liens de parenté et que les individus isolés et sans parents étaient généralement minoritaires. Le mariage était assez commun sur les habitations sucrières, créolisées et proches de l’église, mais exceptionnel sur les habitations caféières, isolées et de constitution récente. La nuptialité n’avait cependant pas d’impact net sur le niveau de natalité, les couples se formant au préalable, le plus souvent vers l’âge de vingt ans.
Les Espagnols dans la région d’Oran au milieu du xix e siècle. Mariage, comportements matrimoniaux, liens familiaux et liens sociaux
Authors: Brunet Guy , Kateb Kamel
Published: September 2018

Les migrants venus d’Espagne ont joué un rôle très important dans le peuplement et le développement économique de la partie occidentale de l’Algérie, l’Oranais. Le courant migratoire le plus fort concerne des villages de la province d’Alicante, et quelques-uns ont fourni de nombreux jeunes hommes et jeunes femmes mariés dans la ville portuaire d’Arzew. L’analyse des mariages enregistrés dans cette ville entre 1847 et 1874, ainsi que la reconstitution de quelques généalogies permettent de mettre en évidence que la migration a parfois eu lieu par groupes familiaux. Sur place, des migrants ont souvent adopté un comportement endogame, non seulement à l’échelle de la province, mais souvent à l’échelle du village d’origine. En outre, généralement confinés dans des activités professionnelles peu qualifiées et mal rémunérées, ces immigrés espagnols ont constitué un groupe assez fermé, préservant une vie « à l’espagnole » avec des fêtes collectives.
Peter Handke liest Paris
Authors: Wormer Jörg
Published: September 2018

Peter Handke séjourne plusieurs fois à Paris entre 1967 et 1970. De fin 1970 à 1978 il habite le centre de Paris, puis sa banlieue, et depuis 1990, Chaville, à l’ouest de Paris. Il parle de la capitale sur le mode autobiographique dans Kindergeschichte (1981), de même dans son journal Das Gewicht der Welt (1977), journal continué jusqu’à 1980 dans Die Geschichte des Bleistifts (1982). C’est dans Die Stunde der wahren Empfindung (1975), ainsi que dans Die linkshändige Frau (1976), que Paris s’impose comme espace, lieu et fond de réflexion de son œuvre. L’allemand est la langue de Handke, mais c’est la France et avant tout Paris qui sont sa source principale d’inspiration. La réalité complexe de cette métropole a déjà été lue comme une sorte de texte par Friedrich Schlegel, Paul Valéry et Walter Benjamin. Le présent essai est axé sur Handke, lecteur de Paris plutôt que lecteur de textes. Handke pratique un mode de lecture de Paris dans lequel ses perceptions, ses impressions et ses aperceptions sensuelles se transforment en prose poétique. L’écrivain, sans cesser d’être un lecteur de littérature, est aussi un lecteur du monde qui l’entoure. Peter Handke est nourri des auteurs grecs et latins, il traduit Shakespeare, il vénère Goethe et transpose en littérature des potentialités non encore entièrement définies. Ainsi en est-il dans Gedicht an die Dauer (1986), Versuch über die Jukebox (1990), Versuch über den geglückten Tag (1991) ou Mein Jahr in der Niemandsbucht (1994). Peter Handke travaille la langue comme l’artisan-maçon travaille la pierre. Ce travail sur la langue recèle un combat avec un Moi qui oscille entre mise en question et certitude profondément éprouvée.
Schleiermacher, de la religion des Reden au protestantisme de la Glaubenslehre
Authors: Reymond Bernard
Published: September 2018

Une lecture attentive de la Glaubenslehre (1821) de Schleiermacher fait prendre conscience du fait que le terme « protestantisme » y joue un rôle déterminant, qui revient à celui de « religion » dans les Reden (1799). Bernard Reymond montre que la raison de cette différence tient à un important changement tant du contexte socio-politique prussien que des auditoires visés par Schleiermacher, quand bien même la perspective d’ensemble reste la même.
L’unification du mouvement coopératif au Bureau international du travail : la « révolution silencieuse » d’Albert Thomas
Authors: Dhermy-Mairal Marine
Published: September 2018

Cet article décrit un projet porté par Albert Thomas, directeur du Bureau international du travail entre 1919 et 1932 : rapprocher les coopératives agricoles de production des coopératives de consommation, afin de transformer le régime capitaliste en un régime de justice sociale. Il s’agit, à l’instar du programme d’économie sociale de Charles Gide, de sortir d’une conception misérabiliste de la coopération pour en faire un instrument plus général de transformation économique et sociale du monde marchand. Ce projet, dont les fondements intellectuels sont exposés dans cet article, est aussi étudié au prisme des activités du Bureau international du travail, dont le point d’orgue fut la constitution en 1932 d’un Comité international des relations intercoopératives.
Femmes britanniques et pratiques internationales de justice sociale dans la première moitié du XX e siècle
Authors: Hidalgo-Weber Olga
Published: September 2018

Cet article questionne le lien entre l’émancipation politique des femmes britanniques, obtenue en 1918 dans leur pays, et leurs carrières dans les organisations internationales créées en 1919 : la Société des Nations et l’Organisation internationale du travail (OIT). Les relations entre la nation britannique et ces organisations sont examinées, afin de cerner les réseaux susceptibles de favoriser les carrières féminines à l’échelle internationale. Différents exemples illustrent la manière dont certaines femmes britanniques contribuent à l’internationalisation de la justice sociale dans l’entre-deux-guerres, pour le bénéfice des travailleurs de leur pays et des colonies. Les raisons et les moyens mobilisés par ces femmes sur la scène internationale mettent en lumière l’usage qu’elles font de l’OIT pour poursuivre des combats freinés sur la scène domestique. Certaines d’entre elles possèdent une expertise en matière sociale, dont les fonctionnaires de l’Organisation tirent parti. Inversement, l’OIT leur sert de caisse de résonance et permet d’observer ce qu’elles retirent de cet investissement.
Le genre de l’OIT. Place des femmes dans les organes représentatifs, hiérarchie sexuée des emplois et politiques genrées de justice sociale
Authors: Thébaud Françoise
Published: September 2018

Poser la question du genre de l’Organisation internationale du travail (OIT) ouvre une fenêtre originale sur le fonctionnement et l’histoire de l’Organisation. L’article questionne la place respective des hommes et des femmes dans toutes ses instances, la construction différenciée des catégories de travailleur et travailleuse, ainsi que la dimension sexuée de la législation internationale du travail qui entend instaurer la justice sociale. Il met le focus sur les deux premières décennies de l’OIT, mais précise les évolutions de long terme. Ce faisant, il souligne le genre longtemps masculin de l’Organisation et jauge les efforts entrepris ces dernières décennies pour la mise en œuvre de politiques et de pratiques plus égalitaires : en particulier, les années 2000 apparaissant déterminantes. Cet article nuance également la mémoire institutionnelle d’un tournant radical post-guerre, qui ferait passer d’une politique de protection spécifique des travailleuses à une politique d’égalité professionnelle.
Alternative protein production for animal feed:Musca domestica productivity on poultry litter and nutritional quality of processed larval meals
Authors: Fitches E.C. , Dickinson M. , De Marzo D. , Wakefield M.E. , Charlton A.C. , Hall H.
Published: September 2018

The productivity ofMusca domestica larvae reared on poultry litter and the nutritional parameters of insect meal as an animal feed ingredient have been evaluated. In laboratory bioassays, a seeding density of 0.32 g eggs/kg wet weight litter produced maximal yields of >50 g of naturally egressing larvae/kg substrate. Substrate composition and moisture content were critical determinants for insect development and generally litter wetted to water holding capacity (approx. 23% dry weight) was optimal for larval production. Four different processing methods were evaluated, but had no significant effects upon the nutritional quality of insect meals and all were effective in reducing microbial (Enterobacteriacae) populations to levels considered acceptable by feed regulations. Processed samples contained an average of 59.9% protein and 24.2% fat. Differences in levels of fatty acids, particularly palmitic, linoleic and α-linolenic were observed in larvae reared on different substrates. By contrast, highly similar amino acid profiles were derived from larvae reared on different substrates. With well-balanced amino acid profiles, superior to soymeal and more comparable to fishmeal,M. domestica larval meals have considerable potential for use as a protein-rich animal feed.
Marketing of edible insects in Lake Victoria basin: the case of Uganda and Burundi
Authors: Odongo W. , Okia C.A. , Nalika N. , Nzabamwita P.H. , Ndimubandi J. , Nyeko P.
Published: September 2018

This paper assesses the marketing of edible insects with the aim of understanding the market opportunities, market players, and the value chain of edible insect products in the Lake Victoria basin. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on edible insects marketing from 147 edible insect traders in Uganda and Burundi. Results showed that the most commercialised edible insect wasRuspolia differens. The marketing of edible insects was concentrated in urban areas, where they were considered a delicacy. Household collections were largely consumed within the homes and a small proportion was sold to neighbours. The marketing of edible insects was characterised by minimal value addition, lack of standardisation and adequate market information. We find that edible insects have high market potentials, with demand often outstripping supply throughout the year, and unit prices always higher than competing products such as beef, pork and poultry in the market. Marketing of edible insects therefore presents a livelihood opportunity and option for the communities in the Lake Victoria basin. However, for this to be realised there is need to explore options of adding value to edible insects as well as standardising their packaging, weighing and pricing.
Morphology of Bi2O3 Nanowires and Nanoflowers in the Synthesis of MnBi Alloys
Authors: Charoensuk Thanida , Sirisathitkul Chitnarong , Boonyang Upsorn , Jantaratana Pongsakorn
Published: September 2018

High temperature phase (HTP) MnBi alloys were formed using the arc-melting method. The drastic difference in the melting points of Mn and Bi resulted in non-homogeneity. The MnBi, Mn, Bi and O were detected by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed the morphology of each phase. The rod-like and flower-like nanostructures were consistent with Bi2O3 as indicated by EDS and X-ray diffactometry. The HTP MnBi was transformed to the low temperature phase (LTP) following the annealing process. The remaining Bi and Mn are susceptible to oxidation leading to the subsequent formation of Bi2O3 as well as MnO. Whereas LTP MnBi alloys are useful for their hard magnetic properties, Bi2O3 nanowire is receiving attention for potential applications in optoelectronic devices.
Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanopowder by Microwave Method
Authors: Pookmanee Pusit , Sangthep Pimpaka , Tafun Jiratchaya , Kruefu Viruntachar , Kojinok Suchanya , Phanichphant Sukon
Published: September 2018

Copper oxide nanopowder was successfully synthesized by microwave method. Copper acetate and sodium hydroxide were used as the starting precursors. The microwave power was set to 800 Watt for 2-6 min and fine black nanopowder was obtained. The nanopowder was milled and dried at 80 °C for 12 h. The structure was identified by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). A monoclinic single phase of CuO nanopowder structure was obtained without calcination steps. The morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The particle was irregular in shape and agglomerated. The chemical composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXS). The chemical compositions showed the characteristic X-ray energy of copper (Kα=8.048 keV) and oxygen (Kα=0.525 keV), respectively. The functional group was investigated by fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The functional groups of the vibration Cu-O bending showed the wavenumber at 491-615 cm-1.
Hydrothermal Solid Carrot Spheres
Authors: Chayasombat Bralee , Yordsri Visittapong , Amornkitbamrung Vittaya , Lowpa Seksan , Pimanpang Samuk , Maiaugree Wasan , Ratchapolthavisin Nattawat , Uppachai Pikaned , Mitravong Santipap , Boothroyd Chris , Thanachayanont Chanchana
Published: September 2018

In this study, hydrothermal carbonization of carrot juice was conducted at 180 °C for 6 hours, followed by annealing at 500 °C for 6 hours. In the absence of a catalyst, hydrothermal carbonization of carrot juice produced hollow and solid carbon microspheres (CMS) with diameters ranging from 0.3 to 4.0 µm. SEM and TEM images of the CMS showed various morphologies and sizes. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy indicated the CMS had a disordered graphitic structure. A HAADF micrograph showed that although the majority of the CMS in this study were hollow, there were also solid spheres which had not previously been reported for hydrothermal carbonization. STEM EDS mapping of a solid CMS indicated approximately 95 wt% of C with traces of N, O, Si, P, S, Cl and K. The effect of the starting precursors on the hard sphere formation mechanism is discussed.
Surface Hardening of Stainless Steel by Coating Graphene Using Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Ruammaitree Akkawat , Phokharatkul Disayut , Wisitsoraat Anurat
Published: September 2018

Stainless steel is widely used due to its high resistance to corrosion, rust and stains. However, the surface hardness of stainless steel is not high. This limits its engineering applications. Graphene is a material with a very high intrinsic strength. In order to broaden the range of applications of stainless steel, coating it with graphene is a good choice to enhance its surface hardness. In this report, we have improved the surface hardness of stainless steel by growing graphene on stainless steel surface using thermal chemical vapor deposition. The growth of graphene was also studied. The results show that the growth of graphene on stainless steel can harden the surface of stainless steel.
Preparation and Characterization of Rice Husks-Derived Silicon-Tin/Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Laokawee Viratchara , Jarulertwathana Nutpaphat , Autthawong Thanapat , Masuda Takuya , Chimupala Yothin , Chaiklangmuang Suparin , Sarakonsri Thapanee
Published: September 2018

Silicon (Si) and Tin (Sn) are promising materials for anodes in lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and abundance of Si on earth. Si can be derived from rice husk which is the main agricultural byproduct in Thailand. However, the challenge of using these materials in lithium-ion batteries is the large volume expansion during charge-discharge process which leads to pulverization of electrodes. The effective solution is to combine these metals as composite with carbon supporter. Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (NrGO) has been used as carbon supporter in this research because of its high surface area, electrical conductivity and rate of electron transfer. To confirm phases of products, X-rays diffraction techniques (XRD) was measured. The results show that there were peaks of Si, Sn and carbon in XRD patterns. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to illustrate the morphology of prepared composites. From SEM and TEM results, there were small-sized particles of Si and Sn dispersed randomly on NrGO sheets. Furthermore, electrochemical properties of these products were measured to confirm their efficiency as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries by coin cell assembly. The prepared composite can deliver the highest initial capacity of 1600 mA h g-1 and expected to use as anode materials in the next generation lithium-ion batteries.
Characterization and Quick Screening Methodology of Novel Alloys for Biomedical Applications Using Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc Deposited Thin Film
Authors: Tantavisut Saran , Lohwongwatana Boonrat , Khamkongkaeo Atchara , Bootchai Suparat , Tangpornprasert Pairat , Tanavalee Aree , Ittiravivong Pibul
Published: September 2018

Ti-based amorphous alloys containing no harmful elements are desired. However, many Ti-based amorphous alloys contain toxic elements such as Al, Ni, V and Be. The presence of toxic elements within amorphous alloys is a concern when they are intended for use as a biomaterial. This problem has steered many researchers toward the development of Ti-based amorphous alloys without toxic elements. Our novel amorphous alloys were developed based on this principle. A series of Ti44Zr10Pd10Cu6+xCo23-xTa7 (x = 0, 4, 8) amorphous alloys were developed for biomedical application. A series of protocol tests were performed to check for biocompatibility and potential use of the novel alloys in humans. First, alloy ingots were alloyed by induction melting and then cast into copper molds. The cast rod was then used as the plasma cathode in a filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition chamber to coat the 25-nm amorphous alloy thin film on the cover glass slides. These coated cover glass slides were then examined for biocompatibility. Cell proliferation and cell differentiation were investigated using Methylthiazol Tetrazolium assay test and by alkaline phosphatase assay on osteoblast like cells (SaOS-2), respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was performed to evaluate the thin film surface characteristics. The thickness of thin film was analyzed using a Stylus profilometer. An adhesion scratch test was administered to evaluate the thin film adhesive strength and indirect hardness comparison. Electron Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry was performed to study the elemental composition. Lastly, a medical grade Ti-6Al-4V alloy was studied in parallel as a control material. Results indicated that all investigated Ti-based amorphous alloys were non-cytotoxic and were comparable to the Ti-6AL-4V. They also demonstrated an ability to support differentiation of osteoblast like cells. The adhesion and the hardness of the thin films on the substrates were superior to that of Ti-6Al-4V. The results suggested that the novel alloys in this study could be potentially utilized in biomedical applications.
Characterization of Metakaolin-Based Materials for Dye Adsorption from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lertcumfu Narumon , Jaita Pharatree , Rujijanagul Gobwute , Tunkasiri Tawee
Published: September 2018

The properties of metakaolin-based materials were investigated. The studied materials were prepared by mixing metakaolin and aluminum oxide in alkaline solution. The obtained samples were cast into plastic molds and then left at 27°C for 24 h. The properties of the materials were investigated using XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The obtained results suggested that reaction of the mixed materials occurred. The adsorption properties of the materials, including removal efficiency, distribution coefficient, and uptake capacity were determined. The obtained results revealed that the studied materials exhibited high adsorption capacity, which is good for the adsorbent applications.
State-of-the-Art Assessment Allows for Improved Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Test-Retest Reliability
Authors: Behtani Lydia , Maheu Maxime , Delcenserie Audrey , Nooristani Mujda , Champoux François
Published: September 2018

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability values of myogenic responses using the latest guidelines for vestibular assessment. Twenty-two otologically and neurologically normal adults were assessed twice, on two different days. The analyses were carried out using interclass correlations. The results showed that the latest recommendations for vestibular assessment lead to test-retest reliability values that are as high, or greater, than those reported in previous studies. The results suggest that state-of-the-art testing, using the latest recommendations as well as electromyography control, improves reliability values of myogenic responses, more specifically for the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. The impact of small differences in experimental procedures on the reliability values of myogenic responses is also addressed.
Follow-up of hepatitis b virus vaccine response in healthy individuals
Authors: El-Deen Mohamed Nessren M.B. , Abuo-El-Yazed Abuo-El-Hassan Hanna , El-Deen Mohamed Hend M.B.
Published: September 2018

Background

The long-term protective effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and the need for booster dose vaccination remain unclear. Detection of nonresponders to HBV vaccine and search for factors that lead to nonresponse will help in prevention of HBV infection, hepatocellular carcinoma related to hepatitis B infection and hepatitis D virus infection.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of follow-up of hepatitis B vaccine response and evaluate the persistence of seroprotection after HBV vaccination to determine the necessity of a booster dose in healthy individuals after 5 and 10 years of vaccination.

Patients and methods

Serum samples were tested for quantitative detection of hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBsAb) using ELISA for 30 individuals who received HBV vaccine of less than or equal to 5 years (group I) and 30 individuals who received HBV vaccine for more than or equal to 10 years (group II), and if the results were negative or less than 10 IU/ml, evaluations of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antibodies (total) were done.

Results

HBsAb was positive among 66.7% of each group, and the median HBsAb level was 59.73 and 51.21 in groups I and II, respectively.

Conclusion

Approximately 33% of the studied groups were nonresponders of HBV vaccine regardless of postvaccination years (5–10). Hepatitis B infection and occult hepatitis B infection results were negative in all of nonresponders.

Recommendations

Follow-up of HBsAb levels in vaccinated individuals after having completed three doses of hepatitis B vaccination on a large scale is important to detect nonresponses and revaccinate them.
Evaluation of serum YKL-40 and cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease
Authors: El Senosy Fatma M. , Morsy Mona M. , Mohamed Nagwa A. , Albanna ALRomisa S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem. Patients with end-stage renal disease have high prevalence of atherosclerosis and consequently development of cardiovascular disease resulting in elevated mortality rates. YKL-40 has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and abnormal angiogenesis. It is closely related to the early and late phases in the development of atherosclerosis.

Aim

To study serum YKL-40 levels in patients with CKD and to assess its correlation with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a predictor for early atherosclerosis.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional study included 40 CKD patients. Group I was classified into: Ia which 20 patients on regular hemodialysis and Ib which included 20 predialysis patients’ CKD (stages 4–5), compared with 40 healthy controls of the same age and sex (group II). Routine laboratory investigations were done and serum Hs-CRP and YKL-40 level were measured in both groups and healthy controls. CIMT was measured by B-mode ultrasound.

Results

There were a highly significant increase of serum YKL-40 and Hs-CRP levels and intima-media thickness of carotid artery in group I when compared with the control group and a highly significant increase in group Ia in comparison to group Ib. There were highly significance positive correlations between YKL-40 level and Hs-CRP, CIMT in groups Ia and Ib.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the serum level of YKL-40 is significantly elevated in patients with chronic renal failure both hemodialysis and predialysis and there was significant positive correlation between YKL-40 and CIMT as well as Hs-CRP in all patients with chronic renal failure. We suggest that YKL-40 had a role as an inflammatory marker and for early detection of atherosclerosis.
Comparison of SRK/T and Haigis formulae in the prediction of refractive outcome after phacoemulsification
Authors: Mansour Mona N. , Kamel Rehab M. , Hegazy Hanan S.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of SRK/T and Haigis formulae used for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation by a partial coherence interferometer in patients undergoing phacoemulsification surgery.

Patients and methods

A prospective interventional clinical study included 70 eyes of 60 patients, who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification with IOL implantation from October 2015 to December 2017. Preoperative axial length (AL), corneal curvature (keratometry), and preoperative anterior chamber depth (preoperative ACD) were measured using Nidek AL-scan optical biometer and the IOL power was determined using both SRK/T and Haigis formulae. The difference between the predicted value and the postoperative spherical equivalent was calculated for both the formulae by the end of the follow-up (3 months postoperatively).

Results

The mean errors of the two formulae were SRK/T: −0.225±0.61 D and Haigis: 0.171±0.68 D; the mean absolute errors of the two formulae were 0.534±0.36 and 0.533±0.44 D, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean error of the two formulas used in the overall performance, but was significant in eyes with an AL of more than 25 mm. The proportion of patients having a prediction error within ±0.50 D of SRK/T formula (54.29%) was comparable to those of Haigis (55.71%) and the prediction errors within ±1.0 D were 87.14 and 85.71%, respectively. There is a weak correlation between the mean AL, keratometry and the Haigis–SRK/T prediction differences (r
2=0.273).

Conclusion

The calculation of IOL power using SRK/T and Haigis formulae resulted in an accurate postoperative refraction. In long AL subcategory, the mean absolute error of Haigis was less compared with the SRK/T formula.
The role of serum retinol in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mourad Fatma A.S. , El Sayed Zeinab H. , Showman Heba A.M. , Abo Ragab Mona M.M. , Mohamed Nagwa Abd El-Ghaffer
Published: September 2018

Background

Retinol has been involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have emerged as the most common chronic liver diseases. A minority of affected patients develop subsequently hepatic fibrosis, whereas most of them exhibit simple steatosis. Indeed, the relation between retinol and NAFLD and NASH is still incomplete and unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the clinical relevance of retinol in patients with NAFLD and NASH.

Patients and methods

This study enrolled 90 individuals who were selected from the outpatient clinic of Al Zahraa University Hospital, Egypt, which comprised 30 patients with NAFLD, 30 with NASH and 30 healthy persons as a control group. Serum glucose, lipid profiles, markers of liver damage, serum retinol, and abdominal ultrasound were studied.

Results

Serum retinol concentrations were significantly lower in NAFLD and NASH than in control, where the mean serum retinol concentration in patients with NAFLD was 23.02±2.9 and NASH was 11.7±2.3, and it was significantly lower than those in controls, with 36.1±2.7 (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Circulating retinol concentrations were lower in patients with NAFLD and were associated with hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin resistance.
A study of correlation of fine-needle aspiration cytology with postoperative histopathological examination in patients with either solitary thyroid nodule or multiple nodules
Authors: Sirry Mohammed A. , Abdelwahab Elsayed M. , Abdelaziz Heba T. , Badr Maher F.
Published: September 2018

Background

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid gland is now a well-established, first-line diagnostic test for the evaluation of thyroid nodules with the main purpose of confirming benign lesions and thereby, reducing unnecessary surgery. Different imaging techniques are now used for diagnosis of thyroid nodules like radionucleotide scanning and ultrasonography. However, FNAC is still regarded as the single most accurate and cost-effective procedure, particularly if ultrasound is used as a guide for better sample collection, especially for cystic lesions.

Aim

The aim of the work is to evaluate the correlation of preoperative FNAC with postoperative histopathological examination in patients with either solitary thyroid nodule and multiple nodules.

Patients

and methods This prospective study was done between April 2016 and November 2017 on 100 patients presented to the General Surgical Department with either solitary or multiple thyroid nodule. This was done to assess the correlation between preoperative FNAC and postoperative histopathological examination.

Results

Statistical analysis of our study showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, false-positive fraction, false-negative fraction, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FNAC to be 92, 81, 84, 36, 3.3, 63, and 96%, respectively.

Conclusion

The FNAC is a sensitive, specific, and accurate initial diagnostic test for the preoperative evaluation of patients with thyroid swellings in our setting as well. The correlation of cytological and histopathological diagnoses is an important quality assurance method, as it allows cytopathologists to calculate their false-positive and false-negative results.
Estimation of bladder wall thickness at different areas with ultrasound and its relation to cystocele
Authors: Foda Basem I. , Saad Adel , El-Dydamony Eman M.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim was to verify our hypothesis that decreasing bladder wall thickness will facilitate ballooning of the bladder wall at this thin part that will be involved in a process of cystocele other than the last traditional reported factors.

Patients and methods

This prospective study included 80 female patients between 20 and 45 years of age who were divided into two groups. Group I: 40 women were normal (control group); 20 of them were married and 20 were virgins and Group II: Comprising 40 patients have clinical manifestations of cystocele. All underwent complete history taking, physical examination, translabial, and transabdominal ultrasound examination with measurement of anterior and posterior detrusor wall thickness (DWT); also multichannel urodynamic testing was done to diagnose if there is associated obstruction or not.

Results

In group I, the mean DWT in 20 virgin women was 3.28±0.79 at the anterior bladder wall and 2.72±0.77 at the posterior bladder wall by transabdominal ultrasound, whereas by translabial ultrasound it measured 3.34±0.83 at the anterior bladder wall and 2.62±0.94 at the posterior bladder wall. In 20 married women of the control group without cystocele the mean DWT was 2.85±0.72 and 2.70±0.75 at the anterior and the posterior bladder wall, respectively, by transabdominal ultrasound. Also, the mean DWT was 2.90±0.69 and 2.75±0.74 at the anterior and the posterior bladder wall, respectively, by translabial ultrasound. In group II the anterior and the posterior wall measured 2.95±0.95 and 2.25±0.73, respectively, by transabdominal ultrasound, while it measured 4.35±1.40 and 2.40±0.77, respectively, by translabial ultrasound. With obvious obstruction in group II, P
det.Q
max. was 29.18±7.54 whereas it was 18.10±13.40 in group I. An increased level of Q
max was noticed in group I with a mean value of 25.73±8.56 whereas it was of a less value in group II (15.83±6.21).

Conclusion

Our findings verify our hypothesis that decreasing bladder wall thickness will facilitate ballooning of the bladder wall at this thin part. Moreover, an increase in intravesical pressure during micturition will form a pseudo-diverticulum of the bladder wall, which in turn had lost the scaffolding of the fascia and/or vaginal wall.
Minkowski valuations on lattice polytopes
Authors: Böröczky Károly J. , Ludwig Monika
Published: September 2018

A complete classification is established of Minkowski valuations on lattice polytopes that intertwine the special linear group over the integers and are translation invariant. In the contravariant case, the only such valuations are multiples of projection bodies. In the equivariant case, the only such valuations are generalized difference bodies combined with multiples of the newly defined discrete Steiner point.