bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF SINTERING TEMPERATURE ON TRANSLUCENCY OF YTTRIA-STABILIZED ZIRCONIA FOR DENTAL CROWN APPLICATIONS
Authors: Hao Chin Chuin , Muchtar Andanastuti , Azhari Che Husna , Razali Masfueh , Aboras Mohamed
Published: November 2016

This study aims to investigate the effect of sintering temperature on the translucency of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) for dental crown applications. YSZ suspension was treated by colloidal processing and 24 h of sedimentation to eliminate agglomerates and aggregates. The green bodies of YSZ were then shaped into pellets through slip casting. These bodies were sintered into a final shape at 1450 °C–1650 °C. The densities of the specimens were measured using Archimedes method. Light transmission of the YSZ specimen was also evaluated using a spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere. Morphological analysis was conducted with field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that sintering temperature significantly influenced the density, light transmission, and microstructure of YSZ. High sintering temperatures produced YSZ with a compact and homogeneous microstructure and a high density. Furthermore, the low light scattering effect on the porosity-free microstructure yielded light transmission as high as 37% in YSZ sintered at 1650 °C. The optimal sintering temperature was found to be 1600 °C, at which 34% light transmission was generated. In conclusion, high sintering temperatures improved the translucency of YSZ. This effect was attributed to effective densification of grains and elimination of pores at high temperatures, thereby alleviating the light scattering effect of the pores. At the optimal temperature, YSZ with high density and translucency and a compact microstructure was formed
DOWN-REGULATION OF ALDH1A1 INCREASED EXPRESSION OF CARCINOGENESIS-RELATED GENES IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER CELL LINE OF A549
Authors: Abu Halim Noor Hanis , Zakaria Norashikin , Yahaya Badrul Hisham
Published: November 2016

Purpose: This study was aimed to isolate the putative cancer stem cell (CSC) populations from A549 lung cancer cell line and to evaluate the difference of carcinogenesis-related genes expression within parental population (A549) and isolated CSC populations (A549 CD166+ /EpCAM+ and CD166+ /CD44+). Methods: We performed flow cytometry analysis to sort out cell positive for these markers; CD166+ /EpCAM + and CD166+ /CD44+ from A549 cancer cell line. The isolated cells were tested for multipotent capacities by clonogenic and differentiation assays. Quantitative real time PCR was performed for both isolated CSC population and parental population to test expression of ALDH1A1 and 6 other genes that known to contribute to carcinogenesis; RARβ CYP24A1, BIRC5, EDN1, IL1β and PTGS2. Result(s): Both CD166+ /EpCAM+ and CD166+ /CD44+ have ability to form colonies and able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocyte. Expression of ALDH1A1 was downregulated in all three cell populations (parental A549, A549 CD166+ /EpCAM+ and A549 CD166+ /CD44+) whereas the other 6 carcinogenesis-related genes were upregulated in all three cancer cell populations. There are no significant differences of gene expressions were detected among all three populations (p > 0.05). Conclusion(s): Downregulation of ALDH1A1 in all three cancer populations up-regulate the expression of other 6 carcinogenesis-related genes. Gene regulations between parental cancer cell (A549) and both putative CSC populations show no significant difference suggesting the existence of various CSC subpopulations reside within parental A549 population
ANTI-INVASIVE EFFECT OF Catharanthus roseus EXTRACT ON HIGHLY METASTATIC HUMAN BREAST CANCER MDA-MB-231 CELLS
Authors: Eltayeb Nagla Mustafa , Ng Shy Yee , Ismail Zhari , Salhimi Salizawati Muhamad
Published: November 2016

Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) is an important medicinal plant contains a lot of useful alkaloids. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of Catharanthus roseus leaves extract on the MDA-MB-231 cancer cell invasion potential and matrix metalloproteinases activity (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF7. MTS cytotoxicity assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the extract against the two tumour cell lines. Transwell invasion assay was used to investigate the invasive activity of MDA-MB-231 cancer cell line and gelatin zymography was used to determine the effect of C. roseus extract on the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 on the two tumour cell lines. The result showed that C. roseus extract was found to be not cytotoxic for both tumor cell line, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, with IC50 values more than 200µg/ml. However the extract showed significant inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 invasion ability (p<0.001), and suppressed the MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity on both tumour cell lines. In conclusion, our findings show C. roseus as a promising therapeutic candidate that inhibits invasive ability of breast cancer through modulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and could potentially suppress the progression of breast cancer
INTERRELATIONSHIP OF CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF BREAST CANCER AMONG DIFFERENT ETHNIC GROUPS
Authors: A Nizuwan , HF Nurdianah , MY Musa
Published: November 2016

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that can be classified using a variety of clinical and pathological features. In Malaysia, breast cancer remains the most prevalence malignancy among women which vary substantially by racial/ ethnic group. A pilot study was conducted to determine clinical characteristics of breast cancer (BrCa) and the association with demographic factors from a set of data retrieved from Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (n = 236). In this study, 55.1% of the patients were Malay followed by Chinese (33.9%) and Indian (11.0%). By using Pearson Chi-Square test, it was reported that ethnicity was significantly associated with age at diagnosis (p = 0.001) and family history (p = 0.034). In addition, interrelationships (p value < 0.05) existed between: (1) ethnics with age at diagnosis (2) ER with PR, TNM staging and grading (3) PR with tumor grading. In summary, interrelationships status of BrCa clinicopathological features can be used to better understand BrCa in predicting prognosis for the patients.
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL AND ENZYMATIC INTERESTERIFICATION ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PALM OIL AND. PALM KERNEL OIL BLENDS
Authors: Abd Rashid Norizzah , Kamarulzaman Nur Azimah , Omar Zaliha
Published: November 2016

Palm oil (PO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) have different chemical composition and physical properties. Both oils have limited application in their natural form. To widen their commercial values, PO and PKO were modified by blending and subsequently followed by interesterification (IE). Interesterification is the rearrangement of fatty acids within and among different triacylglycerols, using enzyme or chemical as the catalysts. Palm oil with iodine value (IV) of 52.6 and PKO (IV = 17.5) were mixed in different ratios from 25:75 to 75:25 (%wt/wt) at 25% increment. The blends were subjected to chemical and enzymatic interesterification using sodium methoxide and Lipozyme TL IM as catalysts, respectively. The effects of chemical and enzymatic interesterification on the triacylglycerols (TAG) composition, thermal properties, solid fat content (SFC) and slip melting point (SMP) were investigated.  Chemical interesterification (CIE) caused significant changes in the TAG composition of the oil blend compared to enzymatic interesterification (EIE). This changes led to a significantly higher (p<0.05) SMP for the chemically-interesterified than the enzymatically-interesterified blends. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) melting thermograms confirmed that harder product with higher final complete melting temperature was obtained from the chemically-interesterified blends. Similar SFC profiles for all oil blends were observed with steep SFC slopes for blend with high proportion of PKO. Chemical interesterification reduced the eutectic interactions that occurred at 5 to 25°C in the non-interesterified and enzymatically-interesterified blends. Thus, CIE caused significant changes in physicochemical properties of the PO and PKO blends compared to EIE. Results from this study could improve the existing PO and PKO properties and widen their usage in food and non-food applications.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PLASTICIZED POLYLACTIC ACID/STARCH BLEND
Authors: Ali Fathilah , J.Awale Raina , Mirghani Mohamed Elwathig Saeed , Anuar Hazleen , Samat Norasikin
Published: November 2016

Petroleum based packaging materials has raised environmental concerns due to its non-environmentally friendly degradation. Conventional plastic takes a long time to degrade and remains in the waste dump. Since then, attention to biodegradable plastics has been heightened for its greener degradation. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a renewable polymer with mechanical properties comparable to those of the conventional plastics. This study aims to improve the mechanical and thermal properties and reducing the cost of PLA production by blending PLA with starch as filler and epoxy palm oil (EPO) as plasticizer. The PLA/starch/EPO blends were prepared by solution casting and melt blending methods and properties of the blends were studied and characterized. The thermal properties of plasticized PLA/starch were investigated by Differential Screening Calorimetry (DSC) followed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FT-IR) in order to observe the degree of interaction of plasticized PLA/starch blend. The mechanical properties were investigated using Universal Tensile Test
FACTORIAL DESIGN SCREENING FOR THE RED PIGMENT PRODUCTION BY MONASCUS PURPUREUS FTC 5356
Authors: Hamid Nor Farhana , Mohd Said Farhan
Published: November 2016

Factorial design experiment was used to obtain maximum information from the least amount of experimental runs. The goal of this study was to screen the significant factors from multivariable parameters which can influence the production of red pigment by Monascus purpureus FTC 5356 under solid state fermentation (SSF) using oil palm frond (OPF). Five factors such as initial moisture content (A), nitrogen source concentration (B), percentage of OPF leaflet to petiole (C), initial pH of substrate (D), and inoculum size (E) were screened in sixteen experimental runs. To reduce cost, the feasibility of OPF as an alternative substrate was investigated. Percentage of OPF leaflet and initial pH of OPF substrate contributed significantly (P-values of 0.0121 and 0.0229, respectively). Meanwhile, other factors such as initial moisture content (P- value 0.0766) and inoculum size (P-value 0.0895) had least impact to the red pigment production
BIODEGRADABLE FILM FROM Pleurotus sajor-caju WASTE
Authors: Husain Hazwani , Rahman Ahmad Yazid , Senawi Norshazila , A/P Kuthiah Yamunasri , Khairudin Syaliyana , A/P Nadarajah Thivya
Published: November 2016

The accumulation of waste is a growing environmental concern on the issues all around the world.  One green option is to convert waste into valuable materials.  This study aims to recycle mushroom waste from Pleurotus sajor-caju from ‘Rumah Cendawan’, Politeknik Nilai to develop biofilm which has the potential to be molded into a variety of products.  Forty two formulations have been molded and 14 best formulations have been tested.  The tensile strengths of these 14 biofilms have been determined by using Shimadzu Universal Testing Machine and the biodegradability characteristics of the films have been tested.  In a conclusion, biodegradable films from Pleurotus sajor-caju waste can be developed as a better alternative to the existing plastics in the market.
EFFECTS OF SOLID STATE FERMENTATION BY Monascus purpureus ON PHENOLIC CONTENT AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF COCONUT TESTA AND RICE BRAN
Authors: Jamaluddin Anisah , Abd. Razak Dang Lelamurni , Abd. Rashid Nur Yuhasliza , Sharifudin Shaiful Adzni , Abd. Kahar Ainaa , Md. Saad Ainur Zunira , Long Kamariah
Published: November 2016

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is an alternative low cost useful process that has many important applications in the field of biotechnology.  In this study, SSF has been employed as a process for the production of value-added agricultural by-product using coconut testa (CT), rice bran (RB) and the combination of both substrates (CT-RB). The effect of SSF by Monascus purpureus on total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase of the substrates were studied and compared with its non-fermented counterparts.  The results showed that the SSF has improved the TPC up to three-fold higher in the studied substrates.  Antioxidant potential evaluated using FRAP analysis also exhibited an enhancement in fermented substrates with the values ranging from 23.70 to 63.15 mg AAE/g sample.  On the other hand, the radical scavenging activity evaluated using DPPH assay showed a different trend in comparison to the TPC and FRAP analyses.  In another two analyses, tyrosinase and elastase inhibition activities were also enhanced in most substrates upon the fermentation. The changes in free phenolic acids content (p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, sinapic, vanillic, protocatechuic, gallic and 4-hydroxybenzoic and syringic acid) of the substrates after fungal fermentation was also examined through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. In summary, SSF offers a tool to further increase the bioactive potential of the studied substrate.
THE MODE OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTION OF Cinnamomum burmannii’s ESSENTIAL OIL & CINNAMALDEHYDE
Authors: Awang Anis Fadhlina Izyani , Taher Muhammad , Susanti Deny
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to postulate the mode of antimicrobial actions of both essential oil and cinnamaldehyde from Cinnamomum burmannii on the cell membrane of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The essential oil was extracted by steam distillation and followed by the isolation of cinnamaldehyde. Four modes of action were tested including time-killing assay, salt tolerance assay, crystal violet assay and leakage of cellular metabolites. The antimicrobial effect on the cell membrane was dose-dependent whereby stronger antimicrobial action was observed by cinnamaldehyde at concentration equal to 4×MIC (1.33 mg/mL) compared to the essential oil. The potential of cinnamaldehyde as an antimicrobial compound of the cinnamon essential oil was discovered and proven to act on the cell membrane of tested microorganisms particularly against C. albicans.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT METHODS AND SOLVENTS ON THE EXTRACTION OF POLYPHENOLS IN GINGER (Zingiber officinale
Authors: Sharif Mohd Faez , Bennett Muhd Taha
Published: November 2016

Food ingredients derived from plants are a rich source of polyphenols. In recent times, polyphenols have become popular for their therapeutic properties as antioxidants. 6-gingerol, the main bioactive phenolic compound in Zingiber officinale, is well known for its free radical scavenging capabilities in treating multiple ailments. The most common method for extracting polyphenols from plant materials is through the use of solvents. The extraction of polyphenols from plant matrix is largely dependent on the type of solvent used and the extraction method employed. However, due to the complexity of plant chemistry there is no obvious choice in solvent or extraction method. In this study we made use of three different solvents; acetone, ethanol, and methanol. Variations of two different methods were used.  The reflux was run for 30 minutes at 95  and maceration was done at room temperature for 8 hours. Between the different methods, maceration extracts generally showed better TPC, 6-gingerol content and antioxidant activity. Ethanol was significantly the best extracting solvent due to its higher polarity index. While the maceration ethanol extracts significantly had the highest TPC and 6-gingerol content, its antioxidant activity was not significantly different from the ethanol reflux extracts. A significantly positive correlation was determined between TPC and antioxidant activity, with reflux extracts having a better correlation than the maceration extracts. A significant positive correlation was also drawn between TPC and 6-gingerol content.
Will Decline in Foreign Trade Reshape Internal Economic Geography? Simulations in an Estimated Model of the Chinese Space-economy
Authors: Mao Qiliang , Wang Fei
Published: November 2016

This study evaluates the role of decline in foreign trade in shaping China’s internal economic Geography. In a first step, we develop a multi-region multi-industry economic geography model under Cournot competition, of which we estimate the parameter values from real regional and industry data to obtain a predictable model. Next, we set some scenarios reflecting a decline in export to simulate the evolution of industrial spatial pattern. The simulations indicate the evident impact of decreasing export on the spatial distribution of industries; besides, the degree of influence varies across different industries. Moreover, the decline in export of one industry not only influences its own location, but also the location of the forward or backward-linked industries. However, the general spatial pattern, observed after policy reforms and trade liberalization, will not be reversed due to export recession in China.
Prediction of interface structures and energies via virtual screening
Authors: Kiyohara Shin , Oda Hiromi , Miyata Tomohiro , Mizoguchi Teruyasu
Published: November 2016

A virtual screening method achieved a maximum boost in speed of several tens of thousands–fold while determining the interface structure.
Complex formation dynamics in a single-molecule electronic device
Authors: Wen Huimin , Li Wengang , Chen Jiewei , He Gen , Li Longhua , Olson Mark A. , Sue Andrew C.-H. , Stoddart J. Fraser , Guo Xuefeng
Published: November 2016

The formation dynamics of a host-guest complex is successfully investigated in graphene-based single-molecule electronic devices.
Amnion-assisted conjunctival epithelial redirection in limbal stem cell grafting
Authors: Dua Harminder S , Miri Ammar , Elalfy Mohamed S , Lencova Anna , Said Dalia G
Published: November 2016

Aims

To develop a technique using amniotic membrane (AM) to prevent admixture of conjunctival epithelial cells and limbal explant-derived corneal epithelial cells in patients undergoing limbal stem cell transplantation. To compare this technique with the current method of ‘sequential sector conjunctival epitheliectomy’ (SSCE).

Methods

26 patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency who underwent ocular surface reconstruction with limbal stem cells transplantation were retrospectively studied. Patients were categorised into group A (11) in which AM was used to direct the conjunctival epithelial cells away from the corneal surface so that the latter could be covered by the limbal explant-derived epithelial cells—the procedure was termed ‘amnion-assisted conjunctival epithelial redirection’ (ACER)—and group B (15) in which the conjunctival epithelium was prevented from migrating on to the corneal surface by SSCE.

Results

In nine eyes of group A, the conjunctival epithelium was successfully directed on to the AM, preventing admixture with limbal explant-derived corneal epithelial cells. The AM was removed or it came off spontaneously within 1–4 weeks. Patients treated with SSCE (group B) underwent two to four interventions until complete re-epithelialisation. 12 patients had pain or discomfort. 11 patients had conjunctival haemorrhage during SSCE. The cornea was epithelised from the limbal explant-derived epithelium in all patients.

Conclusions

ACER is a viable option in limbal transplantation that reduces multiple patient visits, bleeding and pain that can be associated with SSCE.
Long-term visual and systemic prognoses of 83 cases of biopsy-proven sarcoid uveitis
Authors: Rochepeau Cédric , Jamilloux Yvan , Kerever Sebastien , Febvay Camille , Perard Laurent , Broussolle Christiane , Burillon Carole , Kodjikian Laurent , Seve Pascal
Published: November 2016

Aims

To determine the long-term visual and systemic outcomes of uveitis patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis.

Methods

A retrospective study of biopsy-proven sarcoid uveitis, with a 3-year minimum follow-up, seen at Lyon University Hospital, between April 2004 and January 2016.

Results

A total of 83 patients were included, with a median age at onset of 52 (37−62) years and an unbalanced gender ratio (women 77.1%). Thirty-one patients had original systemic sarcoidosis in addition to ocular localisation, whereas 52 initially presented with isolated sarcoid uveitis. Among the latter, 7.7% (n=4) developed an extraocular disease after a median follow-up duration of 60 (44−110) months. The systemic spread in these patients included cutaneous sarcoids (n=2), arthritis (n=1) and multiple mononeuritis (n=1). Complete visual recovery was obtained for 60.2% of all patients and 89.2% had retrieved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) >20/50 in both eyes. A unilateral loss of BCVA of worse than 20/200 was documented in two patients in the isolated sarcoid uveitis group. No patient suffered from bilateral severe visual impairment or blindness. Factors linked to a poor visual prognosis, defined by BCVA ≤20/50 in at least one eye, were chronic macular oedema (p=0.009) and persistent ocular inflammation (p=0.0005).

Conclusions

In this large European series of biopsy-proven sarcoidosis to date, with a prolonged follow-up, sarcoid uveitis was suggestive of a favourable systemic and visual outcome. Clinically isolated uveitis that revealed sarcoidosis remained a strictly ocular condition in most cases.
Coach-directed education is associated with injury-prevention behaviour in players: an ecological cross-sectional study
Authors: Brown James C , Gardner-Lubbe Sugnet , Lambert Michael Ian , van Mechelen Willem , Verhagen Evert
Published: November 2016

Background/aim

Rugby union (‘rugby’) presents an above-average risk of injury to participants.BokSmartis a South African nationwide intervention that aims to reduce rugby-related injuries in players. This is achieved by educating coaches and referees to improve injury behaviour of players. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess if the receipt of injury-prevention education was associated with player behaviour.

Methods

Junior (n=2279) and senior (n=1642) players, who attended merit-based South African Rugby tournaments (2008–2012), completed an anonymous questionnaire. Logistic regressions investigated if player injury-prevention behaviours were associated with the receipt of education on the same topic. Additionally, players' preferred sources of education were explored through frequency and χ2analyses.

Results

Of the 16 injury-prevention behaviours, 12 (75%) were associated with receiving education on that topic. The four behaviours not associated with education were: warming-up (before trainingandmatches), and avoiding heatandmassage post injury. Of the seven possible sources of this education, the majority of players chose either coaches or physiotherapists as their preferred media. In comparison with junior players, more senior players chose physiotherapists instead of coaches for warming-up and cooling-down education.

Conclusions

The results of this study support, to a large degree, the strategy ofBokSmart—influence of player behaviour through coach education. However, these findings also suggest thatBokSmartcould target team physiotherapists in addition to coaches and referees with their safety education. Also, players might have different preferences for this education depending on their age.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and death from cancer: a 42-year follow-up from the Copenhagen Male Study
Authors: Jensen Magnus Thorsten , Holtermann Andreas , Bay Hans , Gyntelberg Finn
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with death from cancer. If follow-up time is short, this association may be confounded by subclinical disease already present at the time of CRF assessment. This study investigates the association between CRF and death from cancer and any cause with 42 years and 44 years of follow-up, respectively.

Setting, participants and main outcome measures

Middle-aged, employed and cancer-free Danish men from the prospectiveCopenhagen Male Study, enrolled in 1970–1971, were included. CRF (maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)) was estimated using a bicycle ergometer test and analysed in multivariable Cox models including conventional risk factors, social class and self-reported physical activity. Death from cancer and all-cause mortality was assessed using Danish national registers. Follow-up was 100% complete.

Results

In total, 5131 men were included, mean (SD) age 48.8 (5.4) years. During 44 years of follow-up, 4486 subjects died (87.4%), 1527 (29.8%) from cancer. In multivariable models, CRF was highly significantly inversely associated with death from cancer and all-cause mortality ((HR (95% CI)) 0.83 (0.77 to 0.90) and 0.89 (0.85 to 0.93) per 10 mL/kg/min increase in estimated VO2max, respectively). A similar association was seen across specific cancer groups, except death from prostate cancer (1.00 (0.82 to 1.2); p=0.97; n=231). The associations between CRF and outcomes remained essentially unchanged after excluding subjects dying within 10 years (n=377) and 20 years (n=1276) of inclusion.

Conclusions

CRF is highly significantly inversely associated with death from cancer and all-cause mortality. The associations are robust for exclusion of subjects dying within 20 years of study inclusion, thereby suggesting a minimal influence of reverse causation.
Coxsackie–adenovirus receptor expression is enhanced in pancreas from patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hodik M , Anagandula M , Fuxe J , Krogvold L , Dahl-Jørgensen K , Hyöty H , Sarmiento L , Frisk G ,   POD-V Consortium
Published: November 2016

Objectives

One of the theories connecting enterovirus (EV) infection of human islets with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the development of a fertile field in the islets. This implies induction of appropriate proteins for the viral replication such as the coxsackie–adenovirus receptor (CAR). The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent CAR is expressed in human islets of Langerhans, and what conditions that would change the expression.

Design

Immunohistochemistry for CAR was performed on paraffin-embedded pancreatic tissue from patients with T1D (n=9 recent onset T1D, n=4 long-standing T1D), islet autoantibody-positive individuals (n=14) and non-diabetic controls (n=24) individuals. The expression of CAR was also examined by reverse transcription PCR on microdissected islets (n=5), exocrine tissue (n=5) and on explanted islets infected with EV or exposed to chemokines produced by EV-infected islet cells.

Results

An increased frequency of patients with T1D and autoantibody-positive individuals expressed CAR in the pancreas (p<0.039). CAR staining was detected more frequently in pancreatic islets from patients with T1D and autoantibody-positive subjects (15/27) compared with (6/24) non-diabetic controls (p<0.033). Also in explanted islets cultured in UV-treated culture medium from coxsackievirus B (CBV)-1-infected islets, the expression of the CAR gene was increased compared with controls. Laser microdissection of pancreatic tissue revealed that CAR expression was 10-fold higher in endocrine compared with exocrine cells of the pancreas. CAR was also expressed in explanted islets and the expression level decreased with time in culture. CBV-1 infection of explanted islets clearly decreased the expression of CAR (p<0.05). In contrast, infection with echovirus 6 did not affect the expression of CAR.

Conclusions

CAR is expressed in pancreatic islets of patients with T1D and the expression level of CAR is increased in explanted islets exposed to proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines produced by infected islets. T1D is associated with increased levels of certain chemokines/cytokines in the islets and this might be the mechanism behind the increased expression of CAR in TID islets.
Association between adolescent tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use and individual and environmental resilience protective factors
Authors: Hodder Rebecca Kate , Freund Megan , Bowman Jenny , Wolfenden Luke , Gillham Karen , Dray Julia , Wiggers John
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Research suggests that individual and environmental resilience protective factors may be associated with adolescent substance use; however, the associations between a broad range of such factors and use of various types of substances have not been examined. The study aimed to determine the association between a comprehensive range of adolescent individual and environmental resilience protective factors and measures of tobacco, alcohol and illicit substance use.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

32 Australian secondary schools.

Participants

Grade 7–10 students (aged 11–17 years).

Measures

Data regarding 14 student individual and environmental resilience protective factors and seven substance use measures (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, other illicit drug use) were obtained via an online self-report survey. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses examined the association between all student resilience protective factors and seven substance use measures.

Results

Inverse univariate associations were found for 94 of 98 relationships examined (n=10 092). Multivariate analyses found: consistent inverse associations between 2 of 14 protective factors and all substance use measures (‘goals and aspirations’, ‘prosocial peers’); inverse associations between 4 protective factors with multiple substance use measures (‘home support’ (5 of 7), ‘school support’ (3 of 7), ‘self-awareness’ (2 of 7), ‘community meaningful participation’ (2 of 7)); positive associations between 2 resilience protective factors with multiple measures of substance use (‘community support’ (3 of 7), ‘peer caring relationships’ (5 of 7)) and 6 protective factors not to be associated with any substance use measure.

Conclusions

Despite individual relationships between the majority of resilience protective factors and substance use types, the protective benefit of such factors for adolescent substance use was limited to only a small number of such factors when considered collectively. Such results suggest that interventions seeking to reduce adolescent substance use may need to target specific protective factors to address specific types of substance use.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12611000606987, Results.
Study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial of an NCD access to medicines initiative: evaluation ofNovartis Accessin Kenya
Authors: Rockers Peter C , Wirtz Veronika J , Vian Taryn , Onyango Monica A , Ashigbie Paul G , Laing Richard
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Novartis recently launchedNovartis Access, an initiative to provide a basket of reduced price medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to be sold through the public and private non-profit sectors in programme countries. This study will evaluate the impact ofNovartis Accesson the availability and price of NCD medicines at health facilities and households in Kenya, the first country to receive the programme.

Methods and analysis

This study will be a cluster-randomised controlled trial. 8 counties in Kenya will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group using a covariate constrained randomisation method to maximise balance on demographic and health characteristics. In intervention counties, public and private non-profit health facilities will be able to orderNovartis AccessNCD medicines from the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS). Data will be collected from a random sample of 384 health facilities and 800 households at baseline, midline after 1-year of intervention, and end-line after 2 years. Quarterly surveillance data will also be collected from health facilities and a subsample of households through phone-based interviews. Households will be eligible if at least one resident has been previously diagnosed and prescribed a medicine for an NCD addressed byNovartis Access, including hypertension and diabetes. The primary outcomes will be availability and price of NCD medicines at health facilities, and availability, price, and expenditures on NCD medicines at households. Impacts will be estimated using intention-to-treat analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at Strathmore University and at Boston University. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants at the start of the trial. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, and meetings and events organised with local stakeholders.

Trial registration number

NCT02773095.
Predicting tuberculosis risk in the foreign-born population of British Columbia, Canada: study protocol for a retrospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Ronald Lisa A , Campbell Jonathon R , Balshaw Robert F , Roth David Z , Romanowski Kamila , Marra Fawziah , Cook Victoria J , Johnston James C
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Improved understanding of risk factors for developing active tuberculosis (TB) will better inform decisions about diagnostic testing and treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI) in migrant populations in low-incidence regions. We aim to examine TB risk factors among the foreign-born population in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and to create and validate a clinically relevant multivariate risk score to predict active TB.

Methods and analysis

This retrospective population-based cohort study will include all foreign-born individuals who acquired permanent resident status in Canada between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 2013 and acquired healthcare coverage in BC at any point during this period. Multiple administrative databases and disease registries will be linked, including a National Immigration Database, BC Provincial Health Insurance Registration, physician billings, hospitalisations, drugs dispensed from community pharmacies, vital statistics, HIV testing and notifications, cancer, chronic kidney disease and dialysis treatment, and all TB and LTBI testing and treatment data in BC. Extended proportional hazards regression will be used to estimate risk factors for TB and to create a prognostic TB risk score.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study has been obtained from the University of British Columbia Clinical Ethics Review Board. Once completed, study findings will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. An online TB risk score calculator will also be created.
Access of non-specialist sexual health services by men who have sex with men: do they differ from those attending specialist services?
Authors: Mebrahtu Helen , Furegato Martina , Sile Bersabeh , Were John , Mohammed Hamish , Hughes Gwenda
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of STIs. While routine STI surveillance data suggest MSM regularly access specialist genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics for their sexual healthcare, the extent to which MSM attend non-specialist sexual health services (SHSs) is unclear.

Methods

We used data from the GUM Clinic Activity Data Set (GUMCADv2), the national STI surveillance system, to compare the characteristics, service usage and STI outcomes of MSM accessing specialist and non-specialist (non-GUM) SHSs in England in 2014. Pearson's χ2, Student's t-test and logistic regression analysis were used.

Results

Where sexual orientation was recorded (92%), 11% (4552/41 597) of non-GUM attendances were among MSM compared with 28% (280 466/999 331) of GUM attendances (p<0.001). Compared with those attending GUM services, MSM attending non-GUM services were younger (mean age: 30.2 years vs 37.7 years; p<0.001) and were more likely to be of mixed ethnicity (4.9% vs 3.5%; p<0.001), to have had a full sexual health screen (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV tests) (48.0% vs 37.0%; p<0.001) and to be diagnosed with chlamydia (7.4% vs 4.1%; p<0.001) and gonorrhoea (8.5% vs 6.5%: p<0.001). MSM attending non-GUM services had slightly lower HIV test uptake (87.0% vs 95.0%; p=0.157) and were less likely to be diagnosed with HIV (0.5% vs 0.8%; p=0.019), compared with those attending GUM clinics.

Conclusions

Non-specialist SHSs play an important role in the care of MSM and should ensure services meet their needs.
Imaging diagnosis: chronic unilateral trigeminal neuropathy masquerading as a trigeminal peripheral nerve tumour on MRI in a dog
Authors: Coia Mark , Guevar Julien , Penderis Jacques , Hammond Gawain
Published: November 2016

A seven‐year‐old crossbred dog presented with chronic, progressive left unilateral masticatory muscle atrophy. The neurolocalisation was to the left mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve. MRI identified thickening of the left trigeminal nerve root, which was isointense to grey matter on T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images and displayed contrast enhancement. The masticatory muscles (temporalis muscle) ipsilateral to the trigeminal neuropathy (left‐sided) demonstrated contrast enhancement. Although a peripheral nerve sheath tumour was initially suspected, the lesion had largely resolved on repeated investigations after four months, supportive of a presumed diagnosis of trigeminal neuritis. Although unusual, unilateral trigeminal neuritis should be considered as a differential diagnosis, despite a progressive and chronic clinical course.
Investigations on Cu2+-substituted Ni–Zn ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Amarjeet  , Kumar Vinod
Published: November 2016

[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) nanoparticles were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. The developed nanoparticles were characterized for structural properties by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Peak position in the X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the single spinel phase of the developed particles. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy in mid-IR range showed the presence of characteristic absorption bands corresponding to octahedral and tetrahedral bonds in the spinel structure of prepared samples. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements showed a considerable weight loss in the developed samples above 700[Formula: see text]C. Frequency dependence of the electrical properties of the developed material pellets was studied in the frequency range of 1 kHz–5 MHz. Temperature dependence of the dielectric constant of [Formula: see text] was studied at different temperatures, i.e. at 425, 450 and 475 K, in the frequency range of 1 kHz–5 MHz. It was found that the electrical conductivity decreases with increasing Cu[Formula: see text] ion content while it increases with the increase in temperature.
Structural, electronic, sodium diffusion and elastic properties of Na–P alloy anode for Na-ion batteries: Insight from first-principles calculations
Authors: Lu Huansheng , Xu Bo , Shi Jing , Wu Musheng , Hu Yinquan , Ouyang Chuying
Published: November 2016

Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have recently received great attentions because of the relatively high abundance of sodium. Searching for suitable anode materials has always been a hot topic in the field of NIB study. Recent reports show that phosphorus-based materials are potential as the anode materials for NIBs. Using first-principles calculations, herein, we study the atomic and electronic structures, diffusion dynamics and intrinsic elastic properties of various Na–P alloy compounds (NaP5, Na3P[Formula: see text], NaP and Na3P) as the intermediate phases during Na extraction/insertion in phosphorus-based anode materials. It is found that all the crystalline phases of Na–P alloy phases considered in our study are semiconductors with band gaps larger than that of black phosphorus (BP). The calculations of Na diffusion dynamics indicate a relatively fast Na diffusion in these materials, which is important for good rate performance. In addition, the diffusion channels of sodium ions are one-dimensional in NaP5 phase and three-dimensional in other three phases (Na3P[Formula: see text], NaP and Na3P). Elastic constant calculations indicate that all four phases are mechanically stable. Among them, however, NaP5, Na3P[Formula: see text] and NaP alloy phases are ductile, while the fully sodiated phase Na3P is brittle. In order to improve the electrochemical performance of Na–P alloy anodes for NIBs, thus, promoting ductility of Na–P phase with high sodium concentration may be an effective way.
Research on PGNAA adaptive analysis method with BP neural network
Authors: Peng Ke-Xin , Yang Jian-Bo , Tuo Xian-Guo , Du Hua , Zhang Rui-Xue
Published: November 2016

A new approach method to dealing with the puzzle of spectral analysis in prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) is developed and demonstrated. It consists of utilizing BP neural network to PGNAA energy spectrum analysis which is based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, the main tasks which we will accomplish as follows: (1) Completing the MC simulation of PGNAA spectrum library, we respectively set mass fractions of element Si, Ca, Fe from 0.00 to 0.45 with a step of 0.05 and each sample is simulated using MCNP. (2) Establishing the BP model of adaptive quantitative analysis of PGNAA energy spectrum, we calculate peak areas of eight characteristic gamma rays that respectively correspond to eight elements in each individual of 1000 samples and that of the standard sample. (3) Verifying the viability of quantitative analysis of the adaptive algorithm where 68 samples were used successively. Results show that the precision when using neural network to calculate the content of each element is significantly higher than the MCLLS.
Thermal quantum speed limit for classical-driving open systems
Authors: Wu W.-J. , Yan K. , Wu Yinzhong , Hao Xiang
Published: November 2016

Quantum speed limit (QSL) time for open systems driven by classical fields is studied in the presence of thermal bosonic environments. The decoherence process is quantitatively described by the time convolutionless master equation. The evolution speed of an open system can be accelerated by means of driving classical fields at finite temperatures. It is found out that the structural reservoir at low temperature may contribute to the acceleration of quantum evolution. The manifest oscillation of QSL time happens under the circumstance of classical driving field. The scaling property of QSL for entangled systems is also investigated. It is demonstrated that the entanglement of open systems can be considered as one kind of resource for improving the potential capacity of thermal quantum speedup.
Topological steps toward the Homflypt skein module of the lens spaces L(p,1) via braids
Authors: Diamantis Ioannis , Lambropoulou Sofia , Przytycki Jozef H.
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we work toward the Homflypt skein module of the lens spaces [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] using braids. In particular, we establish the connection between [Formula: see text], the Homflypt skein module of the solid torus ST, and [Formula: see text] and arrive at an infinite system, whose solution corresponds to the computation of [Formula: see text]. We start from the Lambropoulou invariant [Formula: see text] for knots and links in ST, the universal analog of the Homflypt polynomial in ST, and a new basis, [Formula: see text], of [Formula: see text] presented in [I. Diamantis and S. Lambropoulou, A new basis for the Homflypt skein module of the solid torus, J. Pure Appl. Algebra 220(2) (2016) 577–605, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpaa.2015.06.014 , arXiv:1412.3642 [math.GT]]. We show that [Formula: see text] is obtained from [Formula: see text] by considering relations coming from the performance of braid band move(s) [bbm] on elements in the basis [Formula: see text], where the bbm are performed on any moving strand of each element in [Formula: see text]. We do that by proving that the system of equations obtained from diagrams in ST by performing bbm on any moving strand is equivalent to the system obtained if we only consider elements in the basic set [Formula: see text]. The importance of our approach is that it can shed light on the problem of computing skein modules of arbitrary c.c.o. [Formula: see text]-manifolds, since any [Formula: see text]-manifold can be obtained by surgery on [Formula: see text] along unknotted closed curves. The main difficulty of the problem lies in selecting from the infinitum of band moves some basic ones and solving the infinite system of equations.
Deriving Correlated Sets of Website Features for Phishing Detection: A Computational Intelligence Approach
Authors: Thabtah Fadi , Abdelhamid Neda
Published: November 2016

Classification is one of the major tasks in data mining which aims to build classifiers for decision making. One of the most recent online threats is phishing, which has caused significant losses to online shoppers, electronic businesses and financial institutions. A common way of phishing is impersonating online websites to deceive online users and steal their financial information. One way to guide the anti-phishing classification method is to preliminarily identify a minimal set of related features so the search space can be reduced. The aim of this paper is to compare different features assessment techniques in the website phishing context in order to determine the minimal set of features for detecting phishing activities. Experimental results on real phishing datasets consisting of 30 features has been conducted using three known features selection methods. New features cutoffs have been identified after statistical analysis utilising three data mining classification methods. We have been able to identify new clusters of features that when used together are able to detect phishing activities. Further, important correlations among common features have been derived.
Static Analysis of Functionally Graded Laminates According to Power-Law Variation of Elastic Modulus Under Bidirectional Bending
Authors: Pendhari Sandeep S. , Mahajan Mihir P. , Kant Tarun
Published: November 2016

Three-dimensional static response of all-around simply supported functionally graded square/rectangular laminates is presented here based on higher order shear-normal (HOSNT) deformation theory and semi-analytical approach. Modulus of elasticity is assumed to be varied according to power law through the thickness of laminate and other material properties are assumed to be constant over the domain. Semi-analytical approach consists of defining two-point boundary value problem (BVP) in the thickness direction. It involves displacements and transverse stresses as primary degrees of freedoms (DOFs) and therefore, general stress boundary conditions can be applied on both top and bottom surface of laminate during the numerical solution. Whereas, in HOSNT, only displacements are considered as primary DOFs and Taylor’s series are used to expand primary DOFs through thickness direction which helps to take into account of transverse cross-sectional deformation modes. Minimum potential energy is used in HOSNT to derive equilibrium and boundary equation and Navier’s solutions techniques is used to obtain closed form solution. The efficiency of the developed formulation in terms of accuracy and simplicity is examined by various numerical examples and compared with available results based on shear deformation theories.