bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The metopic index: an anthropometric index for the quantitative assessment of trigonocephaly from metopic synostosis
Authors: Wang Joanna Y. , Dorafshar Amir H. , Liu Ann , Groves Mari L. , Ahn Edward S.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Because the metopic suture normally fuses during infancy, there are varying degrees of severity in head shape abnormalities associated with premature fusion. A method for the objective and reproducible assessment of metopic synostosis is needed to guide management, as current methods are limited by their reliance on aesthetic markers. The object of this study was to describe the metopic index (MI), a simple anthropometric cranial measurement. The measurements can be obtained from CT scans and, more importantly, from palpable cranial landmarks, and the index provides a rapid tool for evaluating patients in both pre- and postoperative settings.

METHODS

High-resolution head CT scans obtained in 69 patients (age range 0–24 months) diagnosed with metopic craniosynostosis were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative 3D reconstructions were available in 15 cases, and these were compared with 3D reconstructions of 324 CT scans obtained in a control group of 316 infants (age range 0–24 months) who did not have any condition that might affect head size or shape and also in a subset of this group, comprising 112 patients precisely matched to the craniosynostosis patients with respect to age and sex. Postoperative scans were available and reviewed in 9 of the craniosynostosis patients at a mean time of 7.1 months after surgical repair. 3D reconstructions of these scans were matched with controls based upon age and sex.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative MI for patients with trigonocephaly was 0.48 (SD 0.05), significantly lower than the mean values of 0.57 (SD 0.04) calculated on the basis of all 324 scans obtained in controls (p < 0.001) and 0.58 (SD 0.04) for the subset of 112 age- and sex-matched controls (p < 0.001). For 7 patients with both pre- and postoperative CT scans available for evaluation, the mean postoperative MI was 0.55 (SD 0.03), significantly greater than their preoperative MIs (mean 0.48 [SD 0.04], p = 0.001) and comparable to the mean MI of the controls (p = 0.30). In 4 patients, clinically obtained postoperative MIs by caliper measurement were comparable to measurements derived from CT (p = 0.141).

CONCLUSIONS

The MI is a useful measurement of the severity of trigonocephaly in patients with metopic synostosis. This simple quantitative assessment can potentially be used in the clinical setting to guide preoperative evaluation, surgical repair, and postoperative degree of correction.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of medical ethics among medical intern students in a Medical College in Kathmandu
Authors: Aacharya Ramesh P , Shakya Yagya L
Published: May 2016

This baseline study was conducted to find out the knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical ethics among the undergraduate medical interns who did not have structured ethics curriculum in their course. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered structured questionnaire among the medical undergraduate interns of Maharajgunj Medical Campus, the pioneer medical college of Nepal which enrols 60 students in a year. A total of 46 interns participated in the study. The most common source of knowledge on ethics was lectures/seminars (35.7%) followed by experience at work (24.5%), training (21.4%) and own reading (17.3%). The main contents of Hippocratic Oath were known to 98.8% while 60.9% knew the main contents of Nepal Medical Council (NMC) code of ethics. Great majority (91.3%) regard ethics as very important in medical profession. Doctors know the best irrespective of patients opinion was disagreed by only 39.1% indicating the paternalistic attitude. However, 78.3% were in favour of adhering to the patients wish. None of the participant agreed to abandon confidentiality. Only about one-fourth (26.1%) claim to encounter ethical dilemma every day while the highest number (43.5%) had once in a month. To deal with the situation of ethical dilemma, majority approached to immediate supervisor followed by head of the department and colleagues. Eighty-seven percent of participating interns were involved in research activities involving human subjects. Only one of the participants had encountered the ethical issue on end-of-life and it was do-not-resuscitate consent in a terminally ill patient. On implementation of the curriculum on medical ethics focus should be - principles of biomedical ethics, sensitive ethical dilemmas like end-of-life care and practical experiences with participation in deliberations of the ethics committee.
Hepatoprotective effect of Helicanthus elastica
Authors: Sunil Kumar K.N. , Rajakrishnan R. , Thomas J. , Reddy G. Aadinaath
Published: May 2016

Search for medicinal plants to treat liver disorders is an important research topic on herbs. Acute toxicity study is a prerequisite for safety and dose fixation for further pharmacological actions. In the present study, aqueous and 95% ethanolic extract of whole plant of Helicanthus elastica were subjected to acute oral toxicity. The aqueous and ethanolic extract revealed no observable changes in the rats up to the dose level of 2,000 mg /kg body weight. The extracts were then screened for paracetamol-induced hepatic injury at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (1/10 and 1/5 LD50 based on toxicity study). The aqueous extract of whole plant of H. elastica was found to produce significant (p<0.05) reversal of the paracetamol-induced changes in the measured biochemical and histopathological parameters at lower dose of 200 mg/kg which was found to be better than ethanol extract at the same dose level.

Video Clip:

Acute toxicity study and others: 5 min 38 sec

 
Chemostratigraphy of Sediments in Benin West -1, Benin Flank: Paleoenvironmental Implications
Authors: Odedede O.
Published: May 2016

Chemostratigraphical study was carried out on sediments of Benin west -1 well in order to understand their paleoenvironmental   setting and geochemical zonations. Six chemozones (CHM 1, CHM 2, CHM 3, CHM 4, CHM 5 and CHM 6) were recognized in the stratigraphic column.  Sedimentological attributes and maxima peaks and / or fluctuating trends of Zn, SiO2, K2O, Sr  adjudged CHM 3 zone as a potential lowstand systems tract.  Synergy of sedimentological and chemostratigraphical fingerprints suggests a marine to distributary channel environment of deposition.
Water Pollution by Industrial Effluent and Phytoplankton Diversity of Shitalakhya River, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam S. M. D. , Huda M. E.
Published: May 2016

The present study investigated the water quality of Shitalakhya River, phytoplankton abundance, diversity and the effect of pollutants on phytoplankton as well as the primary productivity. The water of the collected samples was mostly alkaline (7.01-8.2) and showed a wide range of variation in EC (1171-2700 ?S/cm), TDS (576-1345 mg/L), DO (0.92-2.7 mg/L), free-CO2 (15-31 mg/L), BOD (12.03-28.38 mg/L) and COD (101.2-109.2 mg/L).  A total of 62 species were identified of which 9 belonged to Chlorophyceae, 11 Cyanophyceae, 14 Euglenophyceae and 28 Bacillariophyceae. Among all the members, Bacillariophyceae were found to be dominant and lowest of Chlorophyceae indicates that this group is more sensitive to the pollutants discharged by the industry.
Chemotaxis of Biofilm Producing Pseudomonas spp. towards Refined Petroleum Oil
Authors: Dutta S. , Singh P.
Published: May 2016

The bioavailability of organic contaminants to the degrading bacteria is a major limitation to efficient bioremediation of sites contaminated with hydrophobic pollutants. Studies were conducted to analyze the presence of biodegrading bacteria on the sites of refinery and garage oil spills with abundance of hydrocarbons. Contaminated soils were collected from these rich hydrocarbon sites and bacteria were isolated from samples using regular bacterial media enriched with petroleum oil. These isolates were characterized for their efficiency to utilize refining petroleum oil as their energy source and then the most common isolate was characterized.  Further investigations examine the formation of biofilm by naturally existing oil-degrading bacteria on refine petroleum oil degradation. Here also studied the abilities of these Pseudomonas strains to respond chemo tactically to refine petroleum oil. Microbial chemotaxis plays important role for formation of biofilm. 16S rDNA analysis of the best degrader was found to belong to the Pseudomonas species. Interestingly, one of the best isolates was found to be close to Pseudomonas aeruginosa family.
Studies of Antimicrobial Activity of 2',4',5'- and 2',3',4'-Trimethoxy Flavanones
Authors: Rahim A. , Ali R. , Islam A.
Published: May 2016

2',4',5'- and 2',3',4'-trimethoxy flavanones have been synthesized starting with 2-hydroxyacetophone and substituted aldehyde. Antibacterial activities of the flavanones have been tested along with their corresponding chalcones against two human pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus-b-haemolyticus and  Klebsiella sp. (G-)). Antifungal activities of the flavanones have also been investigated against  two plants pathogenic mold fungi (Rhizactonia solani Sclerotium rolfsii). The structures of the synthesized compounds have been characterized with the help of  UV, IR and 1H NMR and 13C-NMR spectra. The antibacterial and antifungal screening were performed in vitro by the filter paper disc diffusion method and poisoned food technique. The flavanones showed antibacterial activity while no activity was observed to their corresponding chalcones against the tested bacteria. On the other hand, chalcones and their corresponding flavanones both showed fungicidal activities.
A Simple Method for the Evaluation of the Pulse Width of an Ultraviolet Femtosecond Laser Used in Two-Photon Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Imasaka Tomoko , Hamachi Akifumi , Okuno Tomoya , Imasaka Totaro
Published: May 2016

A simple method was proposed for on-site evaluation of the pulse width of an ultraviolet femtosecond laser coupled with a mass spectrometer. This technique was based on measurement of a two-photon ionization signal in mass spectrometry by translation of the prism in the pulse compressor of the femtosecond laser. The method was applied to optical pulses that were emitted at wavelengths of 267, 241, and 219 nm; the latter two pulses were generated by four-wave Raman mixing using the third harmonic emission of a Ti:sapphire laser (267 nm) in hydrogen gas. The measurement results show that this approach is useful for evaluation of the pulse width of the ultraviolet femtosecond laser used in mass spectrometry for trace analysis of organic compounds.
Multi-Configuration Dirac–Hartree–Fock (MCDHF) Calculations for B-Like Ions
Authors: Khatri Indu , Goyal Arun , Singh Avnindra , Mohan Man
Published: May 2016

Relativistic configuration interaction results are presented for several B-like ions (Ge XXVIII, Rb XXXIII, Sr XXXIV, Ru XL, Sn XLVI, and Ba LII) using the multi-configuration Dirac–Hartree–Fock (MCDHF) method. The calculations are carried out in the active space approximation with the inclusion of the Breit interaction, the finite nuclear size effect, and quantum electrodynamic corrections. Results for fine structure energy levels for 1s22s22p and 2s2p2 configurations relative to the ground state are reported. The transition wavelengths, transition probabilities, line strengths, and absorption oscillator strengths for 2s22p–2s2p2 electric dipole (E1) transitions are calculated. Both valence and core-valence correlation effects were accounted for through single-double multireference (SD-MR) expansions to increasing sets of active orbitals. Comparisons are made with the available data and good agreement is achieved. The values calculated using core–valence correlation are found to be very close to other theoretical and experimental values. The behavior of oscillator strengths as a function of nuclear charge is studied. We believe that our results can guide experimentalists in identifying the fine-structure levels in their future work.
An Overview of Topological Groups: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Authors: Morris Sidney
Published: May 2016

It was in 1969 that I began my graduate studies on topological group theory and I often dived into one of the following five books. My favourite book “Abstract Harmonic Analysis” [1] by Ed Hewitt and Ken Ross contains both a proof of the Pontryagin-van Kampen Duality Theorem for locally compact abelian groups and the structure theory of locally compact abelian groups.[...]
Implementing Silicon Nanoribbon Field-Effect Transistors as Arrays for Multiple Ion Detection
Authors: Stoop Ralph , Wipf Mathias , Müller Steffen , Bedner Kristine , Wright Iain , Martin Colin , Constable Edwin , Fanget Axel , Schönenberger Christian , Calame Michel
Published: May 2016

Ionic gradients play a crucial role in the physiology of the human body, ranging from metabolism in cells to muscle contractions or brain activities. To monitor these ions, inexpensive, label-free chemical sensing devices are needed. Field-effect transistors (FETs) based on silicon (Si) nanowires or nanoribbons (NRs) have a great potential as future biochemical sensors as they allow for the integration in microscopic devices at low production costs. Integrating NRs in dense arrays on a single chip expands the field of applications to implantable electrodes or multifunctional chemical sensing platforms. Ideally, such a platform is capable of detecting numerous species in a complex analyte. Here, we demonstrate the basis for simultaneous sodium and fluoride ion detection with a single sensor chip consisting of arrays of gold-coated SiNR FETs. A microfluidic system with individual channels allows modifying the NR surfaces with self-assembled monolayers of two types of ion receptors sensitive to sodium and fluoride ions. The functionalization procedure results in a differential setup having active fluoride- and sodium-sensitive NRs together with bare gold control NRs on the same chip. Comparing functionalized NRs with control NRs allows the compensation of non-specific contributions from changes in the background electrolyte concentration and reveals the response to the targeted species.
Comparison of Moving Boundary and Finite-Volume Heat Exchanger Models in the Modelica Language
Authors: Desideri Adriano , Dechesne Bertrand , Wronski Jorrit , Van den Broek Martijn , Gusev Sergei , Lemort Vincent , Quoilin Sylvain
Published: May 2016

When modeling low capacity energy systems, such as a small size (5–150 kWel) organic Rankine cycle unit, the governing dynamics are mainly concentrated in the heat exchangers. As a consequence, the accuracy and simulation speed of the higher level system model mainly depend on the heat exchanger model formulation. In particular, the modeling of thermo-flow systems characterized by evaporation or condensation requires heat exchanger models capable of handling phase transitions. To this aim, the finite volume (FV) and the moving boundary (MB) approaches are the most widely used. The two models are developed and included in the open-source ThermoCycle Modelica library. In this contribution, a comparison between the two approaches is presented. An integrity and accuracy test is designed to evaluate the performance of the FV and MB models during transient conditions. In order to analyze how the two modeling approaches perform when integrated at a system level, two organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system models are built using the FV and the MB evaporator model, and their responses are compared against experimental data collected on an 11 kWel ORC power unit. Additionally, the effect of the void fraction value in the MB evaporator model and of the number of control volumes (CVs) in the FV one is investigated. The results allow drawing general guidelines for the development of heat exchanger dynamic models involving two-phase flows.
Evaluation of Batteries for Safe Air Transport
Authors: Williard Nicholas , Hendricks Christopher , Sood Bhanu , Chung Jae , Pecht Michael
Published: May 2016

Lithium-ion batteries are shipped worldwide with many limitations implemented to ensure safety and to prevent loss of cargo. Many of the transportation guidelines focus on new batteries; however, the shipment requirements for used or degraded batteries are less clear. Current international regulations regarding the air transport of lithium-ion batteries are critically reviewed. The pre-shipping tests are outlined and evaluated to assess their ability to fully mitigate risks during battery transport. In particular, the guidelines for shipping second-use batteries are considered. Because the electrochemical state of previously used batteries is inherently different from that of new batteries, additional considerations must be made to evaluate these types of cells. Additional tests are suggested that evaluate the risks of second-use batteries, which may or may not contain incipient faults.
Performance Analysis of a Grid-Connected Upgraded Metallurgical Grade Silicon Photovoltaic System
Authors: Huang Chao , Edesess Michael , Bensoussan Alain , Tsui Kwok
Published: May 2016

Because of their low cost, photovoltaic (PV) cells made from upgraded metallurgical grade silicon (UMG-Si) are a promising alternative to conventional solar grade silicon-based PV cells. This study investigates the outdoor performance of a 1.26 kW grid-connected UMG-Si PV system over five years, reporting the energy yields and performance ratio and estimating the long-term performance degradation rate. To make this investigation more meaningful, the performance of a mono-Si PV system installed at the same place and studied during the same period of time is presented for reference. Furthermore, this study systematizes and rationalizes the necessity of a data selection and filtering process to improve the accuracy of degradation rate estimation. The impact of plane-of-array irradiation threshold for data filtering on performance ratio and degradation rate is also studied. The UMG-Si PV system’s monthly performance ratio after data filtering ranged from 84% to 93% over the observation period. The annual degradation rate was 0.44% derived from time series of monthly performance ratio using the classical decomposition method. A comparison of performance ratio and degradation rate to conventional crystalline silicon-based PV systems suggests that performance of the UMG-Si PV system is comparable to that of conventional systems.
The Study of Fuzzy Proportional Integral Controllers Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization for Permanent Magnet Direct Drive Wind Turbine Converters
Authors: Xiao Yancai , Zhang Tieling , Ding Zeyu , Li Chunya
Published: May 2016

In order to meet the requirements of high precision and fast response of permanent magnet direct drive (PMDD) wind turbines, this paper proposes a fuzzy proportional integral (PI) controller associated with a new control strategy for wind turbine converters. The purpose of the control strategy is to achieve the global optimization for the quantization factors, ke and kec, and scale factors, kup and kui, of the fuzzy PI controller by an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. Thus the advantages of the rapidity of the improved PSO and the robustness of the fuzzy controller can be fully applied in the control process. By conducting simulations for 2 MW PMDD wind turbines with Matlab/Simulink, the performance of the fuzzy PI controller based on the improved PSO is demonstrated to be obviously better than that of the PI controller or the fuzzy PI controller without using the improved PSO under the situation when the wind speed changes suddenly.
Pattern and Drivers of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Herbivory on Tree Saplings across a Plateau Landscape
Authors: Evans Jonathan , Oldfield Callie , Cecala Kristen , Hiers John , Van De Ven Chris , Armistead Meg
Published: May 2016

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations are impacting long-term regeneration across eastern United States forests. Deer distribution and resulting herbivory patterns are variable across a landscape due to habitat patchiness and topography. It is poorly understood how features associated with topography control deer herbivory. We examined the heterogeneity of deer herbivory as it affects sapling densities across a single forest-type landscape on the Cumberland Plateau. The 1242 hectare site represented a peninsula of tableland that transitioned from developed land to forest and was surrounded on three sides by a bluff, irregularly punctuated by drainages. We examined the spatial variability of deer impacts on sapling density and modeled the relative importance of plateau accessibility features related to topography, proximity to edge, and deer culling as predictors of sapling variation. We used a stratified random design to sample sapling density across the landscape in 2012 and 2015. The intensity of deer herbivory on saplings varied, with the fewest saplings in forests surrounded by residential development. Our model predicted that plateau accessibility measures best determined sapling densities, followed by distance from edge and deer culling measures. Our results suggest that herbivory impacts may not be homogeneous in a contiguous uniform landscape if there are topographic barriers.
Natural Drag-Reducing Polymers: Discovery, Characterization and Potential Clinical Applications
Authors: Marhefka Joie , Kameneva Marina
Published: May 2016

About seven decades ago, it was discovered that special long-chain soluble polymers added to fluid at nanomolar concentrations significantly reduce resistance to turbulent flow (Toms effect). These so-called drag-reducing polymers (DRPs) do not affect resistance to laminar flow. While the flow parameters associated with the Toms effect do not occur in the cardiovascular system, many later studies demonstrated that intravenous injections of DRPs given to experimental animals produced significant hemodynamic effects, such as increasing tissue perfusion, suggesting potential clinical use of these polymers. Moreover, it was found that the specific viscoelastic properties of these polymers make them capable of modifying traffic of blood cells in microvessels and beneficially redistributing them in the blood capillary system—a phenomenon related to rheological properties of DRPs and not related to their specific chemistry. The domain of drag reducing polymers includes many organic and water-soluble, synthetic and natural long-chain molecules. The study presented here employed chemical and rheological methods, as well as macro and microfluidic tests, to characterize the DRP that we discovered in the Aloe vera plant, which was found to be a more powerful drag reducer and less fragile than many synthetic DRPs. The drag-reducing component of aloe gel was purified and chemically identified, which helped to standardize preparation and made this polymer a strong candidate for clinical use. Examples of successful testing of the aloe-derived DRP in animal models are described.
Transcultural Space and the Writer
Authors: Baranay Inez
Published: May 2016

(1) As a long time writer, I always found, even before I began to publish, that my work was difficult to categorise, even while categories seemed essential for publication, reception and visibility. (2) In this personal essay, I apply the notion of the transcultural to a short writing [auto]biography. The methodology adopted for this purpose is a form of autoethnography: “a form of self-reflection and writing that explores the researcher’s personal experience and connects this autobiographical story to wider cultural, political, and social meanings and understandings”1 to explore how my immigrant background and transcultural lived experience is reflected in my creative writing, and to give an account of how my literary output has been placed in various but always restrictive pre-existing categories. I am also encouraged by Mikhail Epstein’s proposed “scriptorics”, the study of the one who writes Each section of the essay is divided into two: the first sections provide a succinct version of the issues in a developing writer’s life, framed by the need for the practice and production to “belong” somewhere; the second sections take them to a posited “Transcultural Space” where the work seems more authentically to have originated and in which it seems to be more perceptively read. (3) The result is not so much a conventional academic article as a fiction writer’s reflection on her work in the embrace of an inclusive and meaning-making realm.
Urinary Mineral Concentrations in European Pre-Adolescent Children and Their Association with Calcaneal Bone Quantitative Ultrasound Measurements
Authors: Van den Bussche Karen , Herrmann Diana , De Henauw Stefaan , Kourides Yiannis , Lauria Fabio , Marild Staffan , Molnár Dénes , Moreno Luis , Veidebaum Toomas , Ahrens Wolfgang , Sioen Isabelle
Published: May 2016

This study investigates differences and associations between urinary mineral concentrations and calcaneal bone measures assessed by quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) in 4322 children (3.1–11.9 years, 50.6% boys) from seven European countries. Urinary mineral concentrations and calcaneal QUS parameters differed significantly across countries. Clustering revealed a lower stiffness index (SI) in children with low and medium urinary mineral concentrations, and a higher SI in children with high urinary mineral concentrations. Urinary sodium (uNa) was positively correlated with urinary calcium (uCa), and was positively associated with broadband ultrasound attenuation and SI after adjustment for age, sex and fat-free mass. Urinary potassium (uK) was negatively correlated with uCa but positively associated with speed of sound after adjustment. No association was found between uCa and QUS parameters after adjustment, but when additionally adjusting for uNa, uCa was negatively associated with SI. Our findings suggest that urinary mineral concentrations are associated with calcaneal QUS parameters and may therefore implicate bone properties. These findings should be confirmed in longitudinal studies that include the food intake and repeated measurement of urinary mineral concentrations to better estimate usual intake and minimize bias.
Poly(acrylic acid)-regulated Synthesis of Rod-Like Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles for Inducing the Osteogenic Differentiation of MC3T3-E1 Cells
Authors: Yang Wei , Yao Chenxue , Cui Zhengyang , Luo Dandan , Lee In-Seop , Yao Juming , Chen Cen , Kong Xiangdong
Published: May 2016

Calcium carbonate, especially with nanostructure, has been considered as a good candidate material for bone regeneration due to its excellent biodegradability and osteoconductivity. In this study, rod-like calcium carbonate nanoparticles (Rod-CC NPs) with desired water dispersibility were achieved with the regulation of poly (acrylic acid). Characterization results revealed that the Rod-CC NPs had an average length of 240 nm, a width of 90 nm with an average aspect ratio of 2.60 and a negative ζ-potential of −22.25 ± 0.35 mV. The degradation study illustrated the nanoparticles degraded 23% at pH 7.4 and 45% at pH 5.6 in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution within three months. When cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells, the Rod-CC NPs exhibited a positive effect on the proliferation of osteoblast cells. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays together with the osteocalcin (OCN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression observations demonstrated the nanoparticles could induce the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Our study developed well-dispersed rod-like calcium carbonate nanoparticles which have great potential to be used in bone regeneration.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Functional Lipophilic Compounds from Arthrospira platensis
Authors: Esquivel-Hernández Diego , López Víctor , Rodríguez-Rodríguez José , Alemán-Nava Gibrán , Cuéllar-Bermúdez Sara , Rostro-Alanis Magdalena , Parra-Saldívar Roberto
Published: May 2016

Arthrospira platensis biomass was used in order to obtain functional lipophilic compounds through green extraction technologies such as supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction (SFE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The temperature (T) factor was evaluated for MAE, while for SFE, pressure (P), temperature (T), and co-solvent (ethanol) (CS) were evaluated. The maximum extraction yield of the obtained oleoresin was (4.07% ± 0.14%) and (4.27% ± 0.10%) for SFE and MAE, respectively. Extracts were characterized by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The maximum contents of functional lipophilic compounds in the SFE and MAE extracts were: for carotenoids 283 ± 0.10 μg/g and 629 ± 0.13 μg/g, respectively; for tocopherols 5.01 ± 0.05 μg/g and 2.46 ± 0.09 μg/g, respectively; and for fatty acids 34.76 ± 0.08 mg/g and 15.88 ± 0.06 mg/g, respectively. In conclusion, the SFE process at P 450 bar, T 60 °C and CS 53.33% of CO2 produced the highest yield of tocopherols, carotenoids and fatty acids. The MAE process at 400 W and 50 °C gives the best extracts in terms of tocopherols and carotenoids. For yield and fatty acids, the MAE process at 400 W and 70 °C produced the highest values. Both SFE and MAE showed to be suitable green extraction technologies for obtaining functional lipophilic compounds from Arthrospira platensis.
Morphometric Analysis of Recognized Genes for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Obesity in Relationship to the Distribution of Protein-Coding Genes on Human Chromosomes
Authors: McGuire Austen , Rafi Syed , Manzardo Ann , Butler Merlin
Published: May 2016

Mammalian chromosomes are comprised of complex chromatin architecture with the specific assembly and configuration of each chromosome influencing gene expression and function in yet undefined ways by varying degrees of heterochromatinization that result in Giemsa (G) negative euchromatic (light) bands and G-positive heterochromatic (dark) bands. We carried out morphometric measurements of high-resolution chromosome ideograms for the first time to characterize the total euchromatic and heterochromatic chromosome band length, distribution and localization of 20,145 known protein-coding genes, 790 recognized autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes and 365 obesity genes. The individual lengths of G-negative euchromatin and G-positive heterochromatin chromosome bands were measured in millimeters and recorded from scaled and stacked digital images of 850-band high-resolution ideograms supplied by the International Society of Chromosome Nomenclature (ISCN) 2013. Our overall measurements followed established banding patterns based on chromosome size. G-negative euchromatic band regions contained 60% of protein-coding genes while the remaining 40% were distributed across the four heterochromatic dark band sub-types. ASD genes were disproportionately overrepresented in the darker heterochromatic sub-bands, while the obesity gene distribution pattern did not significantly differ from protein-coding genes. Our study supports recent trends implicating genes located in heterochromatin regions playing a role in biological processes including neurodevelopment and function, specifically genes associated with ASD.
Guanabenz Downregulates Inflammatory Responses via eIF2α Dependent and Independent Signaling
Authors: Takigawa Shinya , Chen Andy , Nishimura Akinobu , Liu Shengzhi , Li Bai-Yan , Sudo Akihiro , Yokota Hiroki , Hamamura Kazunori
Published: May 2016

Integrated stress responses (ISR) may lead to cell death and tissue degeneration via eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α (eIF2α)-mediated signaling. Alleviating ISR by modulating eIF2α phosphorylation can reduce the symptoms associated with various diseases. Guanabenz is known to elevate the phosphorylation level of eIF2α and reduce pro-inflammatory responses. However, the mechanism of its action is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the signaling pathway through which guanabenz induces anti-inflammatory effects in immune cells, in particular macrophages. Genome-wide mRNA profiling followed by principal component analysis predicted that colony stimulating factor 2 (Csf2, or GM-CSF as granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor) is involved in the responses to guanabenz. A partial silencing of Csf2 or eIF2α by RNA interference revealed that Interleukin-6 (IL6), Csf2, and Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2) are downregulated by guanabenz-driven phosphorylation of eIF2α. Although expression of IL1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNFα) was suppressed by guanabenz, their downregulation was not directly mediated by eIF2α signaling. Collectively, the result herein indicates that anti-inflammatory effects by guanabenz are mediated by not only eIF2α-dependent but also eIF2α-independent signaling.
Functional and Activity Analysis of Cattle UCP3 Promoter with MRFs-Related Factors
Authors: Chen Wei , Xu Houqiang , Chen Xiang , Liu Zhongwei , Zhang Wen , Xia Dan
Published: May 2016

Uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) is mainly expressed in muscle. It plays an important role in muscle, but less research on the regulation of cattle UCP3 has been performed. In order to elucidate whether cattle UCP3 can be regulated by muscle-related factors, deletion of cattle UCP3 promoter was amplified and cloned into pGL3-basic, pGL3-promoter and PEGFP-N3 vector, respectively, then transfected into C2C12 myoblasts cells and UCP3 promoter activity was measured using the dual-Luciferase reporter assay system. The results showed that there is some negative-regulatory element from −620 to −433 bp, and there is some positive-regulatory element between −433 and −385 bp. The fragment (1.08 kb) of UCP3 promoter was cotransfected with muscle-related transcription factor myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) and myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A). We found that UCP3 promoter could be upregulated by Myf5, Myf6 and MyoD and downregulated by MyoG and MEF2A.
Morphological, Rheological, and Mechanical Properties of Polyamide 6/Polypropylene Blends Compatibilized by Electron-Beam Irradiation in the Presence of a Reactive Agent
Authors: Shin Boo , Ha Man , Han Do
Published: May 2016

An immiscible polyamide 6 (PA6)/polypropylene (PP) blend was compatibilized by electron-beam irradiation in the presence of reactive agent. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was chosen as a reactive agent for interfacial cross-copolymerization between dispersed PP and continuous PA6 phases initiated by electron-beam irradiation. The PA6/PP (80/20) mixture containing GMA was prepared using a twin-screw extruder, and then exposed to an electron-beam at various doses at room temperature to produce compatibilized PA6/PP blends. The morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties of blends produced were investigated. Morphology analysis revealed that the diameter of PP particles dispersed in PA6 matrix was decreased with increased irradiation dose and interfacial adhesion increased due to high surface area of treated PP particles. Complex viscosities (η*) and storage moduli (G’) of blends increased with increasing irradiation dose and were higher than those of PA6 and PP. The complex viscosity of the blend irradiated at 200 kGy was 64 and 8 times higher than PA6 and PP, respectively. The elongation at break of blend irradiated less than 100 kGy was about twice that of PA6. Electron beam treatment improved the compatibility at the interface between PA6 and PP matrix in the presence of GMA.
Influence of Interleaved Films on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber Fabric/Polypropylene Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Kim Jong , Lee Joon
Published: May 2016

A laminated composite was produced using a thermoplastic prepreg by inserting an interleaved film with the same type of matrix as the prepreg during the lay-up process to improve the low interlaminar properties, which is a known weakness of laminated composites. Carbon fiber fabric (CFF) and polypropylene (PP) were used to manufacture the thermoplastic prepregs. Eight prepregs were used to produce the laminated composites. Interleaved films with different thicknesses were inserted into each prepreg. The physical properties of the composite, such as thickness, density, fiber volume fraction (Vf), and void content (Vc), were examined. The tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), impact property, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the mechanical properties. Compared to the composite without any inserted interleaved film, as the thickness of the inserted interleaved resin film was increased, Vc decreased by 51.45%. At the same time, however, the tensile strength decreased by 8.75%. Flexural strength increased by 3.79% and flexural modulus decreased by 15.02%. Interlaminar shear strength increased by 11.05% and impact strength increased by 15.38%. Fracture toughness of the laminated composite was improved due to insertion of interleaved film.
Silver Nanocoatings for Reducing the Exogenous Microbial Colonization of Wound Dressings
Authors: Radulescu Marius , Andronescu Ecaterina , Dolete Georgiana , Popescu Roxana , Fufă Oana , Chifiriuc Mariana , Mogoantă Laurenţiu , Bălşeanu Tudor-Adrian , Mogoşanu George , Grumezescu Alexandru , Holban Alina
Published: May 2016

The aim of this work was to obtain an antimicrobial coating (NanoAg) for polyester-nylon wound dressings (WDs) for reducing the risk of exogenous wound related infections. The as-prepared NanoAg-WDs were characterized by XRD (X-ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SAED (Selected Area Electron Diffraction) and IRM (InfraRed Microscopy). Biological characterization consisted of in vitro evaluation of the interaction with fibroblast cell cultures and in vivo biodistribution studies of AgNPs on mice models. Then, specimens of commercial WDs were immersed in a glucose and NaOH solution of silver nanoparticles, followed by the subsequent dropwise addition of AgNO3 solution. The antimicrobial efficiency of the NanoAg-WDs was assessed by in vitro qualitative and quantitative analyses on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the tested nanoparticles utilized to coat WDs have a good biocompatibility, allowing the normal development of cultured human cells and revealing a normal biodistribution within a mouse model, without toxic effects. The modified and viable cells count analyses proved that the modified WDs exhibit an improved inhibitory activity of microbial colonization, attachment and biofilm growth. The reported data recommend this type of coatings to obtain modified WDs with antibacterial properties, able to prevent the exogenous microbial contamination of the wound tissue, colonization and further biofilm development.
Torque-Detected Electron Spin Resonance as a Tool to Investigate Magnetic Anisotropy in Molecular Nanomagnets
Authors: Dörfel María , Kern Michal , Bamberger Heiko , Neugebauer Petr , Bader Katharina , Marx Raphael , Cornia Andrea , Mitra Tamoghna , Müller Achim , Dressel Martin , Bogani Lapo , Van Slageren Joris
Published: May 2016

The method of choice for in-depth investigation of the magnetic anisotropy in molecular nanomagnets is high-frequency electron spin resonance (HFESR) spectroscopy. It has the benefits of high resolution and facile access to large energy splittings. However, the sensitivity is limited to about 107 spins for a reasonable data acquisition time. In contrast, methods based on the measurement of the deflection of a cantilever were shown to enable single spin magnetic resonance sensitivity. In the area of molecular nanomagnets, the technique of torque detected electron spin resonance (TDESR) has been used sporadically. Here, we explore the applicability of that technique by investigating molecular nanomagnets with different types of magnetic anisotropy. We also assess different methods for the detection of the magnetic torque. We find that all types of samples are amenable to these studies, but that sensitivities do not yet rival those of HFESR.
Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Promotes Process Outgrowth in Neural Cells and Exerts Protective Effects against Tropodithietic Acid
Authors: Wichmann Heidi , Brinkhoff Thorsten , Simon Meinhard , Richter-Landsberg Christiane
Published: May 2016

The marine environment harbors a plethora of bioactive substances, including drug candidates of potential value in the field of neuroscience. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), produced by several algae, corals and higher plants, on cells of the mammalian nervous system, i.e., neuronal N2a and OLN-93 cells as model system for nerve cells and glia, respectively. Additionally, the protective capabilities of DMSP were assessed in cells treated with tropodithietic acid (TDA), a marine metabolite produced by several Roseobacter clade bacteria. Both cell lines, N2a and OLN-93, have previously been shown to be a sensitive target for the action of TDA, and cytotoxic effects of TDA have been connected to the induction of oxidative stress. Our data shows that DMSP promotes process outgrowth and microtubule reorganization and bundling, accompanied by an increase in alpha-tubulin acetylation. Furthermore, DMSP was able to prevent the cytotoxic effects exerted by TDA, including the breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulation of heat shock protein Hsp32 and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). Our study points to the conclusion that DMSP provides an antioxidant defense, not only in algae but also in mammalian neural cells.
A Maternal High-Energy Diet Promotes Intestinal Development and Intrauterine Growth of Offspring
Authors: Liu Peilin , Che Long , Yang Zhenguo , Feng Bin , Che Lianqiang , Xu Shengyu , Lin Yan , Fang Zhengfeng , Li Jian , Wu De
Published: May 2016

It has been suggested that maternal nutrition during gestation is involved in an offspring’s intestinal development. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects of maternal energy on the growth and small intestine development of offspring. After mating, twenty gilts (Large White (LW) breeding, body weight (BW) at 135.54 ± 0.66 kg) were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments: a control diet (CON) group and a high-energy diet (HED) group, respectively. The nutrient levels of the CON were referred to meet the nutrient recommendations by the National Research Council (NRC, 2012), while the HED was designed by adding an amount of soybean oil that was 4.6% of the total diet weight to the CON. The dietary treatments were introduced from day 1 of gestation to farrowing. At day 90 of gestation, day 1 post-birth, and day 28 post-birth, the weights of fetuses and piglets, intestinal morphology, enzyme activities, and gene and protein expressions of intestinal growth factors were determined. The results indicated that the maternal HED markedly increased the BW, small intestinal weight, and villus height of fetuses and piglets. Moreover, the activities of lactase in fetal intestine, sucrase in piglet intestine were markedly increased by the maternal HED. In addition, the maternal HED tended to increase the protein expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) in fetal intestine, associated with significantly increased the gene expression of IGF-1R. In conclusion, increasing energy intake could promote fetal growth and birth weight, with greater intestinal morphology and enzyme activities.
Consumption of the Soluble Dietary Fibre Complex PolyGlycopleX® Reduces Glycaemia and Increases Satiety of a Standard Meal Postprandially
Authors: Solah Vicky , O’Mara-Wallace Babette , Meng Xingqiong , Gahler Roland , Kerr Deborah , James Anthony , Fenton Haelee , Johnson Stuart , Wood Simon
Published: May 2016

The effect of consumption of PolyGlycopleX® (PGX®) was compared to wheat dextrin (WD) in combination with a standard meal, on postprandial satiety and glycaemia in a double-blind, randomised crossover trial, of 14 healthy subjects trained as a satiety panel. At each of six two-hour satiety sessions, subjects consumed one of three different test meals on two separate occasions. The test meals were: a standard meal plus 5 g PGX; a standard meal plus 4.5 g of PGX as softgels; and a standard meal plus 5 g of WD. Subjects recorded fullness using a labelled magnitude scale at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min and the total area under the curve (AUC), mean fullness vs. time was calculated. The meals with PGX (in granular and softgel form) gave higher satiety (AUC) (477 ± 121 and 454 ± 242 cm·min), than the meal with WD (215 ± 261 cm·min) (p < 0.001). Subjects had blood glucose levels measured after the meals with PGX (granules) and WD. Glucose response (AUC) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) after the PGX meal than for the WD meal. The high viscosity reported for PGX is a likely mechanism behind the significant satiety and blood glucose modulating effects observed in this study.
Macronutrient Balance and Dietary Glycemic Index in Pregnancy Predict Neonatal Body Composition
Authors: Kizirian Nathalie , Markovic Tania , Muirhead Roslyn , Brodie Shannon , Garnett Sarah , Louie Jimmy , Petocz Peter , Ross Glynis , Brand-Miller Jennie
Published: May 2016

The influence of maternal macronutrient balance and dietary glycemic index (GI) on neonatal body composition has received little study. We hypothesized that the overall quantity and quality of macronutrients, particularly carbohydrate, in the maternal diet could have trimester-specific effects on neonatal growth and body composition in women at risk of gestational diabetes. Maternal diet was assessed using 3-day food records in mid (n = 96) and late (n = 88) pregnancy as part of the GI Baby 3 study. Neonatal body composition was assessed by air-displacement plethysmography within 48 h of birth, adjusted for length, and expressed as fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI). In mid pregnancy, higher maternal intake of carbohydrate energy was negatively correlated with infant FFMI (p = 0.037). In late pregnancy, higher dietary GI was associated with lower FFMI (p = 0.010) and higher carbohydrate energy predicted lower FMI (p = 0.034). Higher fat intake (%E) and saturated fat, but not protein, also predicted neonatal body composition (higher FFMI in mid pregnancy and higher FMI in late pregnancy). Depending on pregnancy stage, a high carbohydrate-low fat diet, particularly from high glycemic sources, may reduce neonatal indices of both lean mass and adiposity.
Role of Protein Carbonylation in Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss Associated with Chronic Conditions
Authors: Barreiro Esther
Published: May 2016

Muscle dysfunction, characterized by a reductive remodeling of muscle fibers, is a common systemic manifestation in highly prevalent conditions such as chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer cachexia, and critically ill patients. Skeletal muscle dysfunction and impaired muscle mass may predict morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic diseases, regardless of the underlying condition. High levels of oxidants may alter function and structure of key cellular molecules such as proteins, DNA, and lipids, leading to cellular injury and death. Protein oxidation including protein carbonylation was demonstrated to modify enzyme activity and DNA binding of transcription factors, while also rendering proteins more prone to proteolytic degradation. Given the relevance of protein oxidation in the pathophysiology of many chronic conditions and their comorbidities, the current review focuses on the analysis of different studies in which the biological and clinical significance of the modifications induced by reactive carbonyls on proteins have been explored so far in skeletal muscles of patients and animal models of chronic conditions such as COPD, disuse muscle atrophy, cancer cachexia, sepsis, and physiological aging. Future research will elucidate the specific impact and sites of reactive carbonyls on muscle protein content and function in human conditions.