bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microvascular Free Flaps in Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction following Cancer Ablation
Authors: Yadav Santosh Kumar , Shrestha Suraksha
Published: September 2017

Microsurgical free flaps have become the first choice for reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial (OMF) defects after tumor resection. Till recently the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMC) was considered to be the benchmark for OMF reconstruction. This philosophy is changing fast with rapid advancement in reconstructive microsurgery.Years of innovation in reconstructive microsurgery has given us a reasonably good number of excellent flaps. Tremendous work has been put into producing some exceptionally brilliant research articles, sometimes contradicting each other. This has led to the need for clarity in some areas in this field.This article reviews the most common microvascular free flaps (MFF) namely, radial forearm free flap (RFFF), anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) and free fibula flap (FFF) that are commonly used in OMF reconstruction. Since they can cater to almost all sizeable defects we come across after ablative surgery in the OMF region, they can aptly be titled as the workhorses of OMF reconstruction with regard to free flaps.
Role of Intravenous Ferric Carboxy-maltose in Pregnant Women with Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Authors: Mishra Vineet , Gandhi Khusaili , Roy Riyankur , Hokabaj Shaheen , Shah Kunur N
Published: September 2017

Background: Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency amongst women of childbearing age. Peri-partum iron deficiency anaemia is associated with significant maternal, foetal and infant morbidity. Current options for treatment include oral iron, which can be ineffective and poorly tolerated, and red blood cell transfusions, which carry an inherent risk and should be avoided. Ferric carboxymaltose is a modern treatment option. The study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose for correction of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women.Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Institute of Kidney Disease and Research Centre, Ahmedabad from January 2014 to December 2016. Antenatal women (108) with iron deficiency anaemia were the study subjects. Socio-demographic profile was recorded and anaemia was assessed based on recent haemoglobin reports. Iron deficiency was diagnosed on basis of serum ferritin value. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose as per total correction dose (maximum 1500mg) was administered to all women; the improvement in haemoglobin levels were assessed after 3 weeks of total dose infusion. Results: Most of the women(n= 45, 41.7%), were in the age group of 27-30 years. Most of the women (n = 64, 59.3%) had moderate anaemia as per WHO guidelines. Mean haemoglobin levels significantly increased over a period of 3 weeks after Ferric carboxymaltose administrationand no serious life threatening adverse events were observed.Conclusions: Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose was safe and effective in pregnent women with iron deficiency anaemia.
Can a Leaflet with Brief Verbal Instruction Teach Nepali Women How to Correctly Contract Their Pelvic Floor Muscles?
Authors: Caagbay Delena-Mae , Black Kirsten , Dangal Ganesh , Rayes-Greenow Camille
Published: September 2017

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common disorder for women in Nepal causing symptoms and reduced quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle exercise is a conservative treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse but the effective way to teach women in Nepal is not known. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if an illustrative leaflet with brief verbal instruction could teach Nepali women to correctly contract their pelvic floor muscles.Methods: Fifteen parous women attending two outpatient gynecology clinics in Kathmandu Valley were interviewed to assess their knowledge of pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor muscles exercise. Following verbal instruction and an illustrative leaflet on how to contract their pelvic floor muscles, the transabdominal real time ultrasound was applied to assess the muscle contraction. Results: The median age of 15 participants was 45 years (range 18-75 years) and 10 women had pelvic organ prolapse. Some of the participants (9/15) knew about pelvic organ prolapse but none were aware of the pelvic floor muscles. After being taught how to contract their pelvic floor muscle, only 4 of 14 correctly contracted the pelvic floor muscle. Conclusions: This study highlighted the low knowledge of the pelvic floor muscle, and brief verbal instruction with an illustrative leaflet is also not sufficient in teaching Nepali women how to correctly contract their pelvic floor muscle. Further research is needed to determine how to teach a correct pelvic floor muscle contraction for women with low literacy in resource poor settings.
Iodine and Thyroid Function Status, and Anti-thyroid Peroxidase Antibody among Pregnant Women in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Chaudhary Lalit Narayan , Khatiwada Saroj , Gelal Basanta , Gautam Sharad , Lamsal Madhab , Pokharel Hanoon , Baral Nirmal
Published: September 2017

Background: Iodine deficiency, thyroid dysfunction and development of thyroid autoimmunity during pregnancy may affect mother and the developing fetus. This study was carried out to find iodine status, thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity among pregnant women.Methods: Ninety two pregnant women from three districts of eastern Nepal (Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa) were enrolled for the study, and urine and blood samples were collected. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free thyroxine (free T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels were estimated.Results: The median UIC, mean free T4 and TSH, median thyroglobulin and anti-TPO antibody in the pregnant women were 282.2 (158.42-376) μg/L, 1.14±0.41 ng/dL, 4.57±2.56 IU/mL, 6.5 (4.0-11.0) ng/mL, 1.52 (0.97-2.23) IU/mL respectively. In sufficient (<150 μg/L), adequate (150-249 μg/L) and above requirements (250-499 μg/L) iodine intake was observed in 17 (18.5%), 22 (23.9%) and 53 (57.6%) women respectively. Subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism were seen in 18 (19.5%) and 1(1.1%) women, respectively. Elevated thyroglobulin (>40 ng/mL) and positive anti-TPO antibody was observed in three (3.26%) women for both.Conclusions: Iodine intake was sufficient among pregnant women recently, however, chronic iodine deficiency persisted in small fraction of pregnant women. Mild thyroid dysfunction was common, and thyroid autoimmunity was present in small portion of Nepalese pregnant women population.Keywords: Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody; Iodine deficiency; Nepal; pregnant women; thyroid dysfunction.
Application of Ultraviolet Light in Dental Identification of Avalanche Victims
Authors: Agrawal Nitin Kumar , Dahal Samarika , Wasti Harihar , Soon Alistair
Published: September 2017

In any disaster, it becomes important to identify the deceased for ethical, social and legal causes.Out of the numerous methods of identification, dental comparison is considered to be one of the scientific methods in a Disaster Victim Identification process. The two victims of avalanche in Nepal were identified using dental comparison. The two bodies brought for examination were unidentifiable visually. To aid identification of tooth coloured restorations, ultraviolet light was used. The ultraviolet light made the tooth coloured restorations appear distinct from the adjacent tooth structure in one of the cases. This helped in post-mortem charting of dental examination with greater accuracy. When the ante-mortem dental records and the post-mortem dental findings were compared, positive identification was made for both the cases. The bodies were then handed over to their respective kin. These cases highlighted the importance of ultraviolet light in post-mortem dental examination and the significance of forensic dentistry in identification process.
Transabdominal Pre-peritoneal Mesh Repair versus Lichtenstein’s Hernioplasty
Authors: Koju Rajan , Koju Ram Bhakta , Malla Balaram , Dongol Yashad , Thapa Lok Bikram
Published: September 2017

Background: In the era of minimal invasive surgery, hernia repair has seen a paradigm shift from open to laparoscopic technique. However, superiority of laparoscopic repair over open repair is still controversial. Available literatures have shown laparoscopic technique to be better in term of post-operative pain and early return to work.Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 102 patients aged 21-78 years with inguinal hernia were recruited and enrolled into two comparative groups, namely Lichtenstein’s and Transabdominal pre-peritoneal, and each group containing 51 participants. Hospital ethical committee approval and written informed consent from patients was obtained. Primarily, the duration of operation, post-operative pain and complication, and quality of life after surgery was compared between the two different approaches of hernia repair.Results: The study results demonstrated a statistically significant superiority of trans abdominal pre-peritoneal repair over Lichtenstein’s hernioplasty in terms of post operative pain (2.00±0.63 vs 3.90±0.74 VAS score, P value<0.001), hospital stay (2.33±0.62 vs 2.96±0.20 days, P value <0.001) and quality of life with early return to normal work (13.39±0.60 vs 17.88±0.86 days, P value <0.001); whereas a prolonged operative time was seen in transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair (96.08±27.08 vs 42.55±5.95 mins, P value <0.001). Conclusions: This study has shown that transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair is better than Lichtenstein’s in respect to post-operative pain, quality of life and post-operative complication. However, it has prolonged operative duration than conventional method.
Isolation of Multidrug Resistant Bacteria from Patients Medical Charts
Authors: Thapa Roshan , Pant Narayan Dutt , Yadav Uday Narayan , Thapa Eliza , Singh Anjana , Pokhrel Bharat Mani , Devkota Upendra
Published: September 2017

Background: Patient’s medical charts in hospitals are potentially contaminated by pathogenic bacteria and might act as vehicles for transmission of bacterial infections.This study was aimed to determine the rate of contamination of medical charts by multidrug resistant bacteria.Methods: Sampling of total 250 patient’s medical charts from different wards was done with the help of cotton swabs soaked in sterile normal saline. The swabs thus collected were cultured using standard microbiological procedures.The colonies grown were then identified with the help of colony morphology, Gram’s stain and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Results: Of the total 250 charts sampled, 98.8% grew bacteria; Bacillus spp. in 40.7%, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (17%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp.(CoNS) (17%), Citrobacter freundii (9.6%) and Acinetobacter spp. (4.5%). Rate of multidrug resistance was highest in Acinetobacter spp. (50%). Among 83 isolates of S. aureus, methicillin resistance was found in 29 isolates. Similarly, two out of total 9 isolates of Enterococcus spp. were vancomycin resistant.Conclusions: This study showed that patient’s medical charts were contaminated with multidrug resistant bacteria including methicillin resistant S. aureus and vancomycin resistant Enterococcus spp. Strict hand washing before and after handling medical charts is recommended.
Bacterial adsorption with graphene family materials compared to nano-alumina
Authors: Jastrzębska A.M. , Karwowska E. , Kostecki M. , Olszyna A.R.
Published: September 2017

The present study investigates the bio-activity and bio-adsorption properties of graphene family materials (GFMs) in comparison to nano-Al2O3 (12 nm, gamma phase). This is the first study that determines the type of solid adsorbent (GFMs or nano-Al2O3) preferred by living bacteria cells. The investigated GFMs were: graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The SEM images indicated that bacterial preferences depended on the particular strain, the type of GFM and the composition of the suspension. Generally, bacteria preferred to colonize the GFMs surfaces in the presence of nano-Al2O3 which resulted in no changes of zeta potential ( ζ) measured for bacteria cells due to the fact that carbon is known as a good nourishment for microorganisms. There were however few exceptions from that rule i.e. the Sarcina bacteria preferred to adsorb on the surface of nano-Al2O3 when suspended with RGO flakes, and the E. coli preferred to colonize the surface of nano-Al2O3 when suspended with graphene sheets. For this suspension, ζ of bacteria cells decreased suggesting their starving state on the surface of nano-Al2O3. We also found disruptions in morphology of almost all E. coli cells, when attached to all investigated adsorbents.
Two coordination compounds based on 3-aminofurazan-4-carboxylic acid with copper(II) and nickel(II)
Authors: Wu Bi-Dong , Liang Jie , Geng Xiao-Heng , Huang Hui-Sheng , Zhou Ming-Rui , Wang Jing-Yu
Published: September 2017

Two coordination compounds were synthesized based on 3-aminofurazan-4-carboxylic acid (AFCA) with copper(II) and nickel(II), and characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR characterization. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that [Cu(H2O)4(AFCA)2·H2O] (1) belongs to monoclinic, pertains to P21/c space group, β= 132.451(17)°, D c = 1.921 g·cm–3, and [Ni(H2O)4(AFCA)2·H2O] (2) belongs to orthorhombic, pertains to Pnnm space group, D c = 1.913 g·cm–3. In 1 and 2, metal ion (Cu2 + and Ni2 +) was hexacoordinated with four water molecules and two AFCA anions, which of furazan-ring presents typical monodentate coordination mode. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to assess the thermal decomposition behavior of 1 and 2. The non-isothermal kinetics parameters were calculated by the Kissinger’s method, Ozawa’s method and Starink’s method, respectively. In the end, impact sensitivity was also determined by standard method.
Synthesis, structure and decomposition of the digermane Ph3GeGePh2H
Authors: Komanduri Sangeetha P. , Schrick Aaron C. , Daley Christopher J.A. , Rheingold Arnold L. , Weinert Charles S.
Published: September 2017

Reaction of Ge2Ph6 (1) with trichloroacetic acid at 95°C in toluene for 4 days yields a mixture of the two digermanes (Cl3CCOO)Ph2GeGePh2(OOCCCl3) (2) and Ph3GeGePh2(OOCCCl3) (3) that are converted to a mixture of ClPh2GeGePh2Cl (4) and Ph3GeGePh2Cl (5) using ethereal HCl. Treatment of the mixture of 4 and 5 with LiAlH4 affords the two digermanes HPh2GeGePh2H (6) and Ph3GeGePh2H (7). The digermane 7 was separated from 6 by crystallization and its X-ray crystal structure was determined. Digermane 7 crystallizes in two different morphologies, where one contains three independent molecules in the unit cell (7a) and the other contains only one independent molecule (7b). The Ge – Ge bond distances in these two structures are 2.4234(7) Å (average) in 7a and 2.4213(5) Å in 7b. Compound 7 is thermally unstable and releases Ph3GeH upon heating this material to 200°C in the solid state, with concomitant formation of the germylene Ph2Ge: that polymerizes.
Pop-Up, Liquid Architecture for a Liquid World
Authors: Aglieri Rinella Tiziano , García Rubio Rubén
Published: September 2017

The present paper will translate the term liquid modernity into architecture: What is liquid architecture? In the contemporary world, particularly in big cities, we are observing the spread of a wide range of events that generates sudden demands for transitory and short-term lodgings. International fairs and expos, cultural festivals and sport meets all share the factor of having a strong impact on their urban context with temporary and unstable buildings (forms). These buildings are not just designed by architects but also by artists, graphic designers, musicians, photographers, and even cooks. Therefore, can we call them buildings? How is this liquid architecture?
Electrocarboxylation of Dichlorobenzenes on a Silver Electrode in DMF
Authors: Luo Pei-Pei , Zhang Ying-Tian , Chen Bao-Li , Yu Shu-Xian , Zhou Hua-Wei , Qu Kong-Gang , Kong Yu-Xia , Huang Xian-Qiang , Zhang Xian-Xi , Lu Jia-Xing
Published: September 2017

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the largest contributor to the greenhouse effect, and fixing and using this greenhouse gas in a facile manner is crucial. This work investigates the electrocarboxylation of dichlorobenzenes with the atmospheric pressure of CO2 in an undivided cell with an Ag cathode and an Mg sacrificial anode. The corresponding carboxylic acids and their derivatives, which are important industrial and fine chemicals, are obtained. To deeply understand this reaction, we investigate the influence of various reaction conditions, such as supporting electrolyte, current density, electric charge, and reaction temperature, on the electrocarboxylation yield by using 1,4-dichlorobenzene as the model compound. The electrochemical behavior of dichlorobenzenes is studied through cyclic voltammetry. The relation among the distinct electronic effects of dichlorobenzenes, the electrochemical characteristics of their reduction, and the distribution law of target products is also established.
Light-Induced Current Oscillations in the Charge-Ordered State of (TMTTF)2SbF6
Authors: Peterseim Tobias , Dressel Martin
Published: September 2017

Below T CO = 157 K the quasi-one-dimensional charge-transfer salt (TMTTF) 2 SbF 6 undergoes a pronounced phase transition to a charge-ordered ground state. We have explored the non-linear and photoconductive behavior as a function of applied voltage, laser pulse energy and temperature. Besides a decay of the photoconductive signal in a double exponential fashion in the millisecond range, we discover current oscillations in the kHz range induced by the application of short laser pulses. While the resonance frequencies do not depend on voltage or laser intensity and vary only slightly with temperature, the amplitude changes linearly with the laser intensity and voltage. We suggest that photo-induced fluctuations of the charge-ordered state alter the current flow of the single particles and hence, the photocurrent. The findings are discussed and compared to comparable phenomena in other low-dimensional electron systems.
Classification via an Embedded Approach
Authors: Rubio José , Avila Francisco , Meléndez Adolfo , Stein Juan , Meda Jesús , Aguilar Carlos
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the results of an automated volatile organic compound (VOC) classification process implemented by embedding a machine learning algorithm into an Arduino Uno board. An electronic nose prototype is constructed to detect VOCs from three different fruits. The electronic nose is constructed using an array of five tin dioxide (SnO2) gas sensors, an Arduino Uno board used as a data acquisition section, as well as an intelligent classification module by embedding an approach function which receives data signals from the electronic nose. For the intelligent classification module, a training algorithm is also implemented to create the base of a portable, automated, fast-response, and economical electronic nose device. This solution proposes a portable system to identify and classify VOCs without using a personal computer (PC). Results show an acceptable precision for the embedded approach in comparison with the performance of a toolbox used in a PC. This constitutes an embedded solution able to recognize VOCs in a reliable way to create application products for a wide variety of industries, which are able to classify data acquired by an electronic nose, as VOCs. With this proposed and implemented algorithm, a precision of 99% for classification was achieved into the embedded solution.
Systems Thinking for Understanding Sustainability? Nordic Student Teachers’ Views on the Relationship between Species Identification, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development
Authors: Palmberg Irmeli , Hofman-Bergholm Maria , Jeronen Eila , Yli-Panula Eija
Published: September 2017

Sustainability is a complex concept including ecological, economic and social dimensions, which in turn involve several aspects that are interrelated in a complex way, such as cultural, health and political aspects. Systems thinking, which focuses on a system’s interrelated parts, could therefore help people understand the complexity of sustainability. The aim of this study is to analyse student teachers’ level of systems thinking regarding sustainability, especially the ecological dimension, and how they explain the relationship between species identification, biodiversity and sustainability. Nordic student teachers (N = 424) participated in a questionnaire and their open answers were content-analysed and categorised. The results indicate the student teachers’ low level of systems thinking regarding ecological sustainability. About a quarter of them (25.4%) had a basic level including interconnections (13.7%), additional feedback (8.9%) and also behavioural aspects (2.8%), but none of them reached an intermediate or advanced level. The low level of systems thinking could be explained by two main factors: (1) Systems thinking has not been used as an educational method of developing understanding of sustainability in teacher education programmes; and (2) systems thinking is also a result of life experiences; the older ones showing more systems thinking than the younger ones. Therefore, elementary forms of systems thinking should be an educational method already in primary education.
Breakdown Voltage and Its Influencing Factors of Thermally Aged Oil-Impregnated Paper at Pulsating DC Voltage
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Feipeng , Li Jian , Ran Hehuan , Li Xudong , Fu Qiang
Published: September 2017

Breakdown strength is an important electrical property of insulating paper. Oil-impregnated paper of various aging states was prepared. Its breakdown voltage was then measured at pulsating direct current (DC) voltage with various ripple factors, and alternating current (AC) and DC voltage for comparison, respectively. The AC breakdown voltage is the smallest, and pulsating DC (r = 1/5) breakdown voltage is the greatest before the paper reaches its end of life. A dielectric model was adopted to investigate the difference in magnitude of breakdown voltage at different voltage waveforms. Meanwhile, it was found that breakdown voltage fluctuated and even increased occasionally during the thermal aging process, and a somewhat opposite changing tendency versus aging time was observed for breakdown voltage at DC voltage and pulsating DC voltage with small ripple factors (r = 1/5 and 1/3), compared with AC voltage. The degree of polymerization (DP) and moisture content of the paper were measured, and the characteristics of the pores and cracks of the paper were obtained to investigate the possible influencing factors of breakdown voltage at different aging states. The results showed that the moisture content, oil absorption ability associated with pores and cracks of paper, and the damage to paper structure all contributed to the variation of the breakdown voltage versus aging time, while the importance of their influence differed as the aging state of paper varied.
Anaerobic Digestion of Feedstock Grown on Marginal Land: Break-Even Electricity Prices
Authors: Abdul-Salam Yakubu , Ehlers Melf-Hinrich , Harnmeijer Jelte
Published: September 2017

Marginal farm land is land characterised by low food, feed and fodder crop productivity due to soil and environmental limitations. Such land may however be utilised for bio-energy crop production. We investigate the economic viability of small scale combined heat and power anaerobic digestion (CHP AD) projects based on feedstock from farm waste and bio-energy crops grown on a representative temperate latitude marginal farm land in the UK. Using a realistic set of five project feedstock-mix scenarios, and considering standard technology and current market and policy regimes, we deploy a stochastic framework to assess prices of electricity required for these projects to break-even and conduct sensitivity analyses of key project parameters. Accounting for the current market prices and policy tariffs for heat, we find that critical electricity sale prices of about 17.46 p/kWh to 27.12 p/kWh are needed for the projects to break even. These prices are well above the current combined feed-in-tariff support and market prices for electricity over the past years in the UK. We conclude that the use of marginal land to generate power for export using small-scale CHP AD in the UK and the wider temperate latitude countries is unviable, if energy and farming policy regimes do not provide substantial support.
Rapid Shifts in Soil Nutrients and Decomposition Enzyme Activity in Early Succession Following Forest Fire
Authors: Knelman Joseph , Graham Emily , Ferrenberg Scott , Lecoeuvre Aurélien , Labrado Amanda , Darcy John , Nemergut Diana , Schmidt Steven
Published: September 2017

While past research has studied forest succession on decadal timescales, ecosystem responses to rapid shifts in nutrient dynamics within the first months to years of succession after fire (e.g., carbon (C) burn-off, a pulse in inorganic nitrogen (N), accumulation of organic matter, etc.) have been less well documented. This work reveals how rapid shifts in nutrient availability associated with fire disturbance may drive changes in soil enzyme activity on short timescales in forest secondary succession. In this study, we evaluate soil chemistry and decomposition extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) across time to determine whether rapid shifts in nutrient availability (1–29 months after fire) might control microbial enzyme activity. We found that, with advancing succession, soil nutrients correlate with C-targeting β-1,4-glucosidase (BG) EEA four months after the fire, and with N-targeting β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) EEA at 29 months after the fire, indicating shifting nutrient limitation and decomposition dynamics. We also observed increases in BG:NAG ratios over 29 months in these recently burned soils, suggesting relative increases in microbial activity around C-cycling and C-acquisition. These successional dynamics were unique from seasonal changes we observed in unburned, forested reference soils. Our work demonstrates how EEA may shift even within the first months to years of ecosystem succession alongside common patterns of post-fire nutrient availability. Thus, this work emphasizes that nutrient dynamics in the earliest stages of forest secondary succession are important for understanding rates of C and N cycling and ecosystem development.
Dust Deficiency in the Interacting Galaxy NGC 3077
Authors: Armijos-Abendaño Jairo , López Ericson , Llerena Mario , Aldás Franklin , Logan Crispin
Published: September 2017

Using 70 μ m observations taken with the PACS instrument of the Herschel space telescope, the dust content of the nearby and interacting spiral galaxy NGC 3077 has been compared with the dust content of the isolated galaxies such as NGC 2841, NGC 3184 and NGC 3351. The dust content has allowed us to derive dust-to-gas ratios for the four spiral galaxies of our sample. We find that NGC 2841, NGC 3184 and NGC 3351 have dust masses of 6.5–9.1 × 10 7 M ⊙ , which are a factor of ∼10 higher than the value found for NGC 3077. This result shows that NGC 3077 is a dust deficient galaxy, as was expected, because this galaxy is affected by tidal interactions with its neighboring galaxies M81 and M82. NGC 3077 reveals a dust-to-gas ratio of 17.5%, much higher than the average ratio of 1.8% of the isolated galaxies, evidencing that NGC 3077 is also deficient in H 2 + HI gas. Therefore, it seems that, in this galaxy, gas has been stripped more efficiently than dust.
Investigation of Antimicrobial Peptide Genes Associated with Fungus and Insect Resistance in Maize
Authors: Noonan Joseph , Williams William , Shan Xueyan
Published: September 2017

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small defense proteins present in various organisms. Major groups of AMPs include beta-barrelin, hevein, knottin, lipid transfer protein (LTP), thionin, defensin, snakin, and cyclotide. Most plant AMPs involve host plant resistance to pathogens such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria, whereas a few plant AMPs from the cyclotide family carry insecticidal functions. In this research, a genome-wide investigation on antimicrobial peptide genes in maize genome was conducted. AMPs previously identified from various plant species were used as query sequences for maize genome data mining. Thirty-nine new maize AMPs were identified in addition to seven known maize AMPs. Protein sequence analysis revealed 10 distinguishable maize AMP groups. Analysis of mRNA expression of maize AMP genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed different expression patterns in a panel of 10 maize inbred lines. Five maize AMP genes were found significantly associated with insect or fungus resistance. Identification of maize antimicrobial peptide genes will facilitate the breeding of host plant resistance and improve maize production.
Thioredoxin 2 Offers Protection against Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in H9c2 Cells and against Myocardial Hypertrophy Induced by Hyperglycemia
Authors: Li Hong , Xu Changqing , Li Quanfeng , Gao Xiuxiang , Sugano Erkio , Tomita Hiroshi , Yang Liming , Shi Sa
Published: September 2017

Mitochondrial oxidative stress is thought to be a key contributor towards the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2) is a mitochondrial antioxidant that, along with Trx reductase 2 (TrxR2) and peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3), scavenges H2O2 and offers protection against oxidative stress. Our previous study showed that TrxR inhibitors resulted in Trx2 oxidation and increased ROS emission from mitochondria. In the present study, we observed that TrxR inhibition also impaired the contractile function of isolated heart. Our studies showed a decrease in the expression of Trx2 in the high glucose-treated H9c2 cardiac cells and myocardium of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Overexpression of Trx2 could significantly diminish high glucose-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage and improved ATP production in cultured H9c2 cells. Notably, Trx2 overexpression could suppress high glucose-induced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene expression. Our studies suggest that high glucose-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage can be prevented by elevating Trx2 levels, thereby providing extensive protection to the diabetic heart.
Hsp90α Mediates BMI1 Expression in Breast Cancer Stem/Progenitor Cells through Facilitating Nuclear Translocation of c-Myc and EZH2
Authors: Lee Yueh-Chun , Chang Wen-Wei , Chen Yi-Ying , Tsai Yu-Hung , Chou Ying-Hsiang , Tseng Hsien-Chun , Chen Hsin-Lin , Wu Chun-Chieh , Chang-Chien Ju , Lee Hsueh-Te , Yang Huei-Fan , Wang Bing-Yen
Published: September 2017

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that facilitates the correct folding and functionality of its client protein. Numerous Hsp90-client proteins are involved in cancer development. Thus, Hsp90 inhibitors have potential applications as anti-cancer drugs. We previously discovered that Hsp90α expression increased in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which can initiate tumorigenesis and metastasis and resist treatment. In the present study, we further demonstrated that 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG), an inhibitor of Hsp90, could suppress the self-renewal of BCSCs by downregulating B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI1), a polycomb family member with oncogenic activity in breast cancer. Through immunoprecipitation analysis, we found that BMI1 did not interact with Hsp90α and that the downregulation of BMI1 by 17-DMAG was mediated by the inhibition of c-Myc and enhancement of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression. The transcriptional and BMI1 promoter-binding activities of c-Myc in BCSCs were inhibited by 17-DMAG treatment. The overexpression of EZH2 attenuated the inhibitory effect of 17-DMAG on BMI1 and c-Myc expression. Furthermore, Hsp90α could be co-immunoprecipitated with c-Myc and EZH2 and bind to the BMI1 promoter. Treatment with 17-DMAG decreased the nuclear expression of EZH2 and c-Myc but not that of Hsp90α. In conclusion, our data suggested that Hsp90α could positively regulate the self-renewal of BCSCs by facilitating the nuclear translocation of c-Myc and EZH2 to maintain BMI1 expression.
Ancient Living Organisms Escaping from, or Imprisoned in, the Vents?
Authors: Jackson J.
Published: September 2017

We have recently criticised the natural pH gradient hypothesis which purports to explain how the difference in pH between fluid issuing from ancient alkali vents and the more acidic Hadean ocean could have driven molecular machines that catalyse reactions that are useful in prebiotic and autotrophic chemistry. In this article, we temporarily suspend our earlier criticism while we consider difficulties for primitive organisms to have managed their energy supply and to have left the vents and become free-living. We point out that it may have been impossible for organisms to have acquired membrane-located proton (or sodium ion) pumps to replace the natural pH gradient, and independently to have driven essential molecular machines such as the ATP synthase. The volumes of the ocean and of the vent fluids were too large for a membrane-located pump to have generated a significant ion concentration gradient. Our arguments apply to three of the four concurrent models employed by the proponents of the natural pH gradient hypothesis. A fourth model is exempt from these arguments but has other intrinsic difficulties that we briefly consider. We conclude that ancient organisms utilising a natural pH gradient would have been imprisoned in the vents, unable to escape and become free-living.
Development, Optimization and In Vitro/In Vivo Characterization of Collagen-Dextran Spongious Wound Dressings Loaded with Flufenamic Acid
Authors: Ghica Mihaela , Albu Kaya Mădălina , Dinu-Pîrvu Cristina-Elena , Lupuleasa Dumitru , Udeanu Denisa
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was the development and optimization of some topical collagen-dextran sponges with flufenamic acid, designed to be potential dressings for burn wounds healing. The sponges were obtained by lyophilization of hydrogels based on type I fibrillar collagen gel extracted from calf hide, dextran and flufenamic acid, crosslinked and un-crosslinked, and designed according to a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken experimental design. The sponges showed good fluid uptake ability quantified by a high swelling ratio. The flufenamic acid release profiles from sponges presented two stages—burst effect resulting in a rapid inflammation reduction, and gradual delivery ensuring the anti-inflammatory effect over a longer burn healing period. The resistance to enzymatic degradation was monitored through a weight loss parameter. The optimization of the sponge formulations was performed based on an experimental design technique combined with response surface methodology, followed by the Taguchi approach to select those formulations that are the least affected by the noise factors. The treatment of experimentally induced burns on animals with selected sponges accelerated the wound healing process and promoted a faster regeneration of the affected epithelial tissues compared to the control group. The results generated by the complex sponge characterization indicate that these formulations could be successfully used for burn dressing applications.
Silicon and Nitrate Differentially Modulate the Symbiotic Performances of Healthy and Virus-Infected Bradyrhizobium-nodulated Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), Yardlong Bean (V. unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) and Mung Bean (V. radiata)
Authors: Izaguirre-Mayoral Maria , Brito Miriam , Baral Bikash , Garrido Mario
Published: September 2017

The effects of 2 mM silicon (Si) and 10 mM KNO3 (N)—prime signals for plant resistance to pathogens—were analyzed in healthy and Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) or Cowpea mild mottle virus (CMMV)-infected Bradyrhizobium-nodulated cowpea, yardlong bean and mung bean plants. In healthy plants of the three Vigna taxa, nodulation and growth were promoted in the order of Si + N > N > Si > controls. In the case of healthy cowpea and yardlong bean, the addition of Si and N decreased ureide and α-amino acids (AA) contents in the nodules and leaves in the order of Si + N> N > Si > controls. On the other hand, the addition of N arrested the deleterious effects of CCMV or CMMV infections on growth and nodulation in the three Vigna taxa. However, the addition of Si or Si + N hindered growth and nodulation in the CCMV- or CMMV-infected cowpea and yardlong bean, causing a massive accumulation of ureides in the leaves and nodules. Nevertheless, the AA content in leaves and nodules of CCMV- or CMMV-infected cowpea and yardlong bean was promoted by Si but reduced to minimum by Si + N. These results contrasted to the counteracting effects of Si or Si + N in the CCMV- and CMMV-infected mung bean via enhanced growth, nodulation and levels of ureide and AA in the leaves and nodules. Together, these observations suggest the fertilization with Si + N exclusively in virus-free cowpea and yardlong bean crops. However, Si + N fertilization must be encouraged in virus-endangered mung bean crops to enhance growth, nodulation and N-metabolism. It is noteworthy to see the enhanced nodulation of the three Vigna taxa in the presence of 10 mM KNO3.
Osteogenesis of Adipose-Derived and Bone Marrow Stem Cells with Polycaprolactone/Tricalcium Phosphate and Three-Dimensional Printing Technology in a Dog Model of Maxillary Bone Defects
Authors: Lee Jeong , Chu Seung , Kim Hak , Choi Kang , Oh Eun , Shim Jin-Hyung , Yun Won-Soo , Huh Jung , Moon Sung , Kang Seong , Chung Ho
Published: September 2017

Bone graft material should possess sufficient porosity and permeability to allow integration with native tissue and vascular invasion, and must satisfy oxygen and nutrient transport demands. In this study, we have examined the use of three-dimensional (3D)-printed polycaprolactone/tricalcium phosphate (PCL/TCP) composite material in bone grafting, to estimate the scope of its potential application in bone surgery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) are known to enhance osteointegration. We hypothesized that a patient-specific 3D-printed solid scaffold could help preserve seeded ADSCs and BMSCs and enhance osteointegration. Diffuse osteogenic tissue formation was observed by micro-computed tomography with both stem cell types, and the ADSC group displayed similar osteogenesis compared to the BMSC group. In histological assessment, the scaffold pores showed abundant ossification in both groups. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that the BMSC group had higher expression of genes associated with ossification, and this was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The ADSC- and BMSC-seeded 3D-printed PCL/TCP scaffolds displayed promising enhancement of osteogenesis in a dog model of maxillary bone defects.
A Multi-Constraint Combined Method for Ground Surface Point Filtering from Mobile LiDAR Point Clouds
Authors: Yan Li , Liu Hua , Tan Junxiang , Li Zan , Chen Changjun
Published: September 2017

Point cloud filtering is an essential preprocessing step in 3D (three-dimensional) LiDAR (light detection and ranging) point cloud processing. The filtering of mobile LiDAR scanning point clouds is much more challenging due to their non-uniform distribution, the large-scale of missing data areas and the existence of both large size objects and small land features. This paper proposes a new filtering method that combines range constraint, slope constraint and angular position constraint to filter ground surface points from mobile LiDAR point clouds. Firstly, a cylindrical coordinate system (CCS) is established for each block of mobile LiDAR point clouds and three attributes of mobile LiDAR points, i.e., the angular position attribute (AA), longitudinal distance attribute (LA) and range attribute (RA), are computed. Then, the mobile LiDAR point clouds are structured into a grid according to the AA and LA. Finally, the point clouds are filtered by a single cross-section filter (SCSF) using range constraint and slope constraint, followed by a multiple cross-section filter (MCSF) using range constraint and angular position constraint. Five datasets are used to validate the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed new filtering method achieves an average type I error, type II error, and total error of 1.426%, 1.885%, and 1.622%, respectively.
Simultaneous Recognition and Relative Pose Estimation of 3D Objects Using 4D Orthonormal Moments
Authors: Dominguez Sergio
Published: September 2017

Both three-dimensional (3D) object recognition and pose estimation are open topics in the research community. These tasks are required for a wide range of applications, sometimes separately, sometimes concurrently. Many different algorithms have been presented in the literature to solve these problems separately, and some to solve them jointly. In this paper, an algorithm to solve them simultaneously is introduced. It is based on the definition of a four-dimensional (4D) tensor that gathers and organizes the projections of a 3D object from different points of view. This 4D tensor is then represented by a set of 4D orthonormal moments. Once these moments are arranged in a matrix that can be computed off-line, recognition and pose estimation is reduced to the solution of a linear least squares problem, involving that matrix and the 2D moments of the observed projection of an unknown object. The abilities of this method for 3D object recognition and pose estimation is analytically proved, demonstrating that it does not rely on experimental work to apply a generic technique to these problems. An additional strength of the algorithm is that the required projection is textureless and defined at a very low resolution. This method is computationally simple and shows very good performance in both tasks, allowing its use in applications where real-time constraints have to be fulfilled. Three different kinds of experiments have been conducted in order to perform a thorough validation of the proposed approach: recognition and pose estimation under z axis (yaw) rotations, the same estimation but with the addition of y axis rotations (pitch), and estimation of the pose of objects in real images downloaded from the Internet. In all these cases, results are encouraging, at a similar level to those of state-of-the art algorithms.
Tilted Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor with Graphene Oxide Coating for Humidity Sensing
Authors: Chiu Yung-Da , Wu Chao-Wei , Chiang Chia-Chin
Published: September 2017

In this study, we propose a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) humidity sensor fabricated using the phase mask method to produce a TFBG that was then etched with five different diameters of 20, 35, 50, 55 and 60 μm, after which piezoelectric inkjet technology was used to coat the grating with graphene oxide. According to the experimental results, the diameter of 20 μm yielded the best sensitivity. In addition, the experimental results showed that the wavelength sensitivity was −0.01 nm/%RH and the linearity was 0.996. Furthermore, the measurement results showed that when the relative humidity was increased, the refractive index of the sensor was decreased, meaning that the TFBG cladding mode spectrum wavelength was shifted. Therefore, the proposed graphene oxide film TFBG humidity sensor has good potential to be an effective relative humidity monitor.
How Legacies of Genocide Are Transmitted in the Family Environment: A Qualitative Study of Two Generations in Rwanda
Authors: Berckmoes Lidewyde , Eichelsheim Veroni , Rutayisire Theoneste , Richters Annemiek , Hola Barbora
Published: September 2017

The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and its aftermath led to large-scale individual traumatization, disruption of family structures, shifts in gender roles, and tensions in communities, which are all ongoing. Previous research around the world has demonstrated the transgenerational effects of mass violence on individuals, families and communities. In Rwanda, in light of recurrent episodes of violence in the past, attention to the potential ‘cycle of violence’ is warranted. The assumption that violence is passed from generation to generation was first formulated in research on domestic violence and child abuse, but is receiving increasing attention in conflict-affected societies. However, the mechanisms behind intergenerational transmission are still poorly understood. Based on qualitative research with 41 mothers and their adolescent children, we investigated how legacies of the 1994 genocide and its aftermath are transmitted to the next generation through processes in the family environment in Rwanda. Our findings reveal direct and indirect pathways of transmission. We also argue that intergenerational effects might best be described as heterotypic: genocide and its aftermath lead to multiple challenges in the children’s lives, but do not necessarily translate into new physical violence. Further research is needed on how children actively engage with conflict legacies of the past.
Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Performance during the Running Based Anaerobic Sprint Test in Trained Youth and Recreationally Active Male Football Players
Authors: Godwin Charlie , Cook Matthew , Willems Mark
Published: September 2017

It was observed previously that New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract reduced slowing of the maximal 15 m sprint speed during the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test. We examined the effect of NZBC extract on the performance of the Running Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST, 6 × 35-m sprints with 10 seconds passive recovery) in trained youth and recreationally active football players. Fifteen recreationally active (University team) (age: 20 ± 1 years, height: 174 ± 19 cm, body mass: 80 ± 13 kg) and nine trained youth players (English professional club) (age: 17 ± 0 years, height: 178 ± 8 cm, body mass: 69 ± 9 kg, mean ± SD) participated in three testing sessions. Prior to the RASTs, participants consumed two capsules of NZBC extract (600 mg∙day−1 CurraNZ®) or placebo (P) for 7 days (double blind, randomised, cross-over design, wash-out at least 14 days). Ability difference between groups was shown by sprint 1 time. In the placebo condition, trained youth players had faster times for sprint 1 (5.00 ± 0.05 s) than recreationally active players (5.42 ± 0.08 s) (p < 0.01). In trained youth players, there was a trend for an effect of NZBC extract (p = 0.10) on the slowing of the sprint 1 time. NZBC extract reduced slowing of the sprint 5 time (P: 0.56 ± 0.22 s; NZBC: 0.35 ± 0.25, p = 0.02) and this was not observed in recreationally active players (P: 0.57 ± 0.48 s; NZBC: 0.56 ± 0.33, p = 0.90). For fatigue index, expressed as a % change in fastest sprint time, there was a strong trend to be lower in both trained youth and recreationally active players combined by NZBC extract (P: −13 ± 7%; NZBC: −11 ± 6%, p = 0.06) with 12 participants (five trained youth) experiencing less fatigue. New Zealand blackcurrant extract seems to benefit repeated sprint performance only in trained football players.