bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing patient-reported quality of life in pretreatment orthognathic surgery patients
Authors: Stagles Christopher , Popat Hashmat , Rogers Sheelagh
Published: June 2015

Objective: 

To investigate the relationship between condition-specific quality of life (QoL) and occlusal/skeletal traits of pretreatment orthognathic surgery patients.

Materials and Methods: 

Patients referred for orthognathic surgery during the 2012–2014 period were asked to complete the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) at consultation. Patient demographics, indices of treatment need, occlusal traits, and cephalometric variables were also recorded. Bivariate analyses were carried out between the OQLQ scores and the clinical measurements. Significant variables were added to a multivariate regression model to determine the effect of these predictive factors on OQLQ.

Results: 

One hundred and two patients were recruited. Initial analyses showed that gender and overjet were significantly associated with the overall OQLQ score. Being female increased the overall OQLQ score by 15.6 points when compared to males (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.4–23.8). Females also had significant associations in the social and awareness domains of the OQLQ. The magnitude of overjet away from normal values was associated with poorer overall QoL, with significant relationships in the esthetic and functional domains. The Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need was significantly associated with the functional domain of OQLQ, with patients in category 5 scoring a mean of 10.0 points more than patients in category 4 (95% CI, 2.1–17.8). The Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need and other cephalometric variables were not associated with the OQLQ.

Conclusions: 

Females are more aware of their facial deformity and report a greater social detriment when compared to males. Patients with a higher orthognathic treatment need report greater functional disadvantage.
Effects of oxymorphone hydrochloride or hydromorphone hydrochloride on minimal alveolar concentration of desflurane in sheep
Authors: Sayre Rebecca S. , Lepiz Mauricio A. , Horsley Kristen T. , Pashmakova Medora B. , Barr James W. , Washburn Shannon E.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE To establish the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of desflurane and evaluate the effects of 2 opioids on MAC in sheep.

ANIMALS 8 adult nulliparous mixed-breed sheep.

PROCEDURES A randomized crossover design was used. Each sheep was evaluated individually on 2 occasions (to allow assessment of the effects of each of 2 opioids), separated by a minimum of 10 days. On each occasion, sheep were anesthetized with desflurane in 100% oxygen, MAC of desflurane was determined, oxymorphone (0.05 mg/kg) or hydromorphone (0.10 mg/kg) was administered IV, and MAC was redetermined. Physiologic variables and arterial blood gas and electrolyte concentrations were measured at baseline (before MAC determination, with end-tidal desflurane concentration maintained at 10%) and each time MAC was determined. Timing of various stages of anesthesia was recorded for both occasions.

RESULTS Mean ± SEM MAC of desflurane was 8.6 ± 0.2%. Oxymorphone or hydromorphone administration resulted in significantly lower MAC (7.6 ± 0.4% and 7.9 ± 0.2%, respectively). Cardiac output at MAC determination for desflurane alone and for desflurane with opioid administration was higher than that at baseline. No difference was identified among hematologic values at any point. Effects of oxymorphone and hydromorphone on durations of various stages of anesthesia did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE MAC of desflurane in nulliparous adult sheep was established. Intravenous administration of oxymorphone or hydromorphone led to a decrease in MAC; however, the clinical importance of that decrease was minor relative to the effect in other species.
Cardiovascular effects of equipotent doses of isoflurane alone and isoflurane plus fentanyl in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Tearney Caitlin C. , Barter Linda S. , Pypendop Bruno H.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of equipotent concentrations of fentanyl and isoflurane, compared with isoflurane alone, on cardiovascular variables in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

ANIMALS 6 adult female New Zealand White rabbits.

PROCEDURES Rabbits were anesthetized with isoflurane, and lungs were mechanically ventilated. The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane alone (baseline) and with fentanyl administered IV to achieve 3 targeted plasma concentrations was determined for each rabbit by means of an electrical stimulus. Cardiovascular variables were measured in a separate experiment at 1.3X isoflurane MAC and equipotent doses of isoflurane plus fentanyl at the same 3 targeted plasma concentrations. Blood samples were collected for measurement of blood gas variables and plasma fentanyl concentrations. Treatment effects were evaluated by repeated-measures ANOVA followed by 2-tailed paired t tests with sequentially rejective Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS Mean ± SD MAC of isoflurane was 1.95 ± 0.27%. Mean measured plasma fentanyl concentrations of 4.97, 8.93, and 17.19 ng/mL reduced isoflurane MAC by 17%, 37%, and 56%, respectively. Mean measured plasma fentanyl concentrations during cardiovascular measurements were 5.49, 10.26, and 18.40 ng/mL. Compared with baseline measurements, heart rate was significantly lower at all 3 plasma fentanyl concentrations, mean arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance were significantly higher at mean fentanyl concentrations of 10.26 and 18.40 ng/mL, and cardiac output was significantly higher at 18.40 ng of fentanyl/mL.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Administration of fentanyl in isoflurane-anesthetized rabbits resulted in improved mean arterial blood pressure and cardiac output, compared with isoflurane alone. This balanced anesthesia technique may prove useful in the management of clinical cases in this species.
Effects of nitric oxide on blood-brain barrier permeability in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Kovacić Sanja , Rumora Lada , Gjurcevic Emil , Klaric Maja Šegvic , Ivkic Goran
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE To determine in vivo effects of nitric oxide (NO) on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

ANIMALS 148 carp.

PROCEDURES Carp received glyceryl trinitrate (1 mg/kg) as an NO donor or received no treatment (control group). Nitrite and nitrate concentrations in carp sera were determined 0.25, 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after treatment. In control and treatment groups, BBB permeability was analyzed by assessment of leakage of Evans blue dye into various brain areas at 6, 12, and 24 hours after glyceryl trinitrate treatment. Brain edema was determined by means of the wet-dry weight method and assessed with light microscopy on H&E-stained preparations of tissues obtained 6 and 24 hours after glyceryl trinitrate treatment.

RESULTS Treatment with glyceryl trinitrate induced endogenous synthesis of NO, which was upregulated 6 and 8 hours after treatment. Increased NO synthesis was associated with increased permeability of the BBB, which developed 6 hours after treatment with the NO donor. Although the BBB became impermeable again by 12 hours after glycerol trinitrate treatment, brain edema still persisted 24 hours after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, treatment with an NO donor caused reversible opening of the BBB and brain edema in common carp. An intact BBB is important to prevent influx of potentially harmful substances into the brain. This investigation highlighted the possibility of BBB disarrangement caused by NO, a substance found in the CNS of all vertebrates evaluated.
Comparison of axillary and rectal temperatures for healthy Beagles in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment
Authors: Mathis Justin C. , Campbell Vicki L.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE To compare axillary and rectal temperature measurements obtained with a digital thermometer for Beagles in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment.

ANIMALS 26 healthy Beagles (17 sexually intact males and 9 sexually intact females).

PROCEDURES Dogs were maintained in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment for 56 days before rectal and axillary temperatures were measured. Axillary and rectal temperatures were obtained in triplicate for each dog by use of a single commercially available manufacturer-calibrated digital thermometer.

RESULTS Mean rectal and axillary temperatures of Beagles maintained in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment were significantly different, with a median ± SD difference of 1.4° ± 0.15°C (range, 0.7° to 2.1°C). Mean rectal and axillary temperatures were 38.7°C (range, 37.6° to 39.5°C) and 37.2°C (range, 36.6° to 38.3°C), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study indicated that the historical reference of a 0.55°C gradient between rectal and axillary temperatures that has been clinically used for veterinary patients was inaccurate for healthy Beagles in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. Rectal and axillary temperatures can be measured in veterinary patients. Reliable interpretation of axillary temperatures may accommodate patient comfort and reduce patient anxiety when serial measurement of temperatures is necessary. Further clinical studies will be needed.
In vitro comparison of leakage pressure and leakage location for various staple line offset configurations in functional end-to-end stapled small intestinal anastomoses of canine tissues
Authors: Hansen Lane A. , Smeak Daniel D.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE To compare intraluminal pressure at initial leakage (leakage pressure), leakage location, and maximum intraluminal pressure (MIP) for various staple line offset configurations of functional end-to-end stapled anastomosis (FEESA).

SAMPLE Grossly normal jejunal segments from 4 canine cadavers.

PROCEDURES 52 jejunal segments (4 control and 24 anastomosis constructs [2 segments/standard FEESA construct]) were prepared for testing. Segments were assigned to three 8-segment gastrointestinal anastomosis staple line offset groups: complete offset (CSO group), partial gastrointestinal anastomosis offset (PSO group), and no gastrointestinal anastomosis offset (NSO group). Results for leakage pressure, leakage location, and MIP were compared.

RESULTS Mean ± SD leakage pressure differed significantly among all groups and was highest for the PSO group (34.4 ± 3.7 mm Hg), followed by the CSO group (25.9 ± 4.1 mm Hg) and the NSO group (18.8 ± 1.5 mm Hg). Leakage location did not differ significantly among groups but was most commonly associated with the thoracoabdominal staple line. The MIP did not differ significantly among groups (PSO, 83.1 ± 9.4 mm Hg; CSO, 81.7 ± 6.7 mm Hg; and NSO, 58.5 ± 7.7 mm Hg).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, partial staple line offset leaked at a significantly higher pressure, which represented the greatest leakage protection of tested constructs. The thoracoabdominal staple line was more susceptible to leakage than was the gastrointestinal anastomosis staple line. Results suggested that surgeons should avoid FEESA with no staple line offset, strive for partial offset of the gastrointestinal anastomosis staples, and provide precise placement of the thoracoabdominal staple line.
Photographic assessment of overstory and understory leaf area index in beech forests under different management regimes in Central Italy
Authors: Chianucci Francesco , Puletti Nicola , Venturi Ernesto , Cutini Andrea , Chiavetta Ugo
Published: June 2015

Forest understory may be strongly affected by silvicultural practices such as thinning, which simultaneously modulates the overstory canopy cover and influences the availability of light. However, the understory layer is rarely considered in management decisions, partly because methods to estimate understory leaf area index are poorly developed. In this study we used two different restricted view angle photographic methods to estimate overstory plant area index LO (zenith cover photography), understory leaf area index LU (nadir cover photography) and their related canopy attributes (foliage clumping, foliage cover, crown cover, crown porosity). These measurements were performed in beech stands under different management regime. Results from photography indicated that not only overstory but also understory canopy attributes were significantly influenced by forest management. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between LO and LU. We conclude that the photographic methods are effective for monitoring (overstory and understory) canopy status in managed stands, on account of their rapid and not destructive procedures, which allows large scale implementation of the methods.
Biomass allocation in natural regeneration of Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies trees in Italian Alps
Authors: Pastorella Fabio , Paletto Alessandro
Published: June 2015

Biomass allocation in seedlings and saplings at different stages of growth is important information for studying the response of species to site conditions. The objectives of the paper are: (a) to analyse the relationship between height and biomass in young Norway spruce and European beech trees, (b) to study the influence of the leaf area on ontogenetic growth stages and biomass sequestration capacity on the regeneration of these two species. 96 seedlings (H < 30 cm) and saplings (31 < H < 130 cm) were collected in different light conditions in a case study in the Alps (Trentino province, Italy). Leaf Area Index and shoot/root ratio were used as indicators of the ecological conditions (e.g. light, soil moisture, nutrient status) able to influence the seedlings and saplings growth. Two non-linear regressions were fitted to analyse the relationship between height and biomass and to develop the aboveground and below-ground allometric equations. Non-linear regressions show that sapling or seedling height is a good predictor of above-ground and below-ground biomass with a R2
aj above 0.8 for all equations and a R2
aj above 0.9 for above-ground biomass of Norway spruce. The results show that silvicultural practices may influence the regeneration patterns and increase the biomass allocation rate influencing stand density and canopy cover.
Estimation of standing wood volume and species composition in managed nemoral multi-layer mixed forests by using nearest neighbour classifier, multispectral satellite images and airborne lidar data / Puistute liigilise koosseisu ja tüvemahu hindamine k-lähima naabri meetodil mitmerindelistes majandatavates segametsades
Authors: Lang Mait , Arumäe Tauri , Lükk Tõnu , Sims Allan
Published: June 2015

Nearest neighbour techniques are useful for constructing maps of forest inventory variables based on sample plot and auxiliary data from remote sensing. The most problematic issue of the nearest neighbour technique is possible systematic bias in the estimated values. In this study a 15 by 15 km test site in nemoral multilayer mixed forests was established in Laeva, Estonia. A set of 444 circular sample plots was used as reference set. Airborne lidar data and Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager image were used to construct five different feature variable sets consisting of original variables and alternatively principal components. The response variables were wood volume of first tree layer, wood volume of the second tree layer and main species code. A special test was carried out where a substantial amount of Silver birch dominated plots were removed from the reference set. The wood volume prediction validation was carried out on 89 forest growth sample plots and on 2290 forest stands. Species composition prediction was validated on 986 forest stands. As in many previous studies the results confirmed superiority of airborne lidar variables over spectral variables for wood volume estimation. The first three principal components of airborne lidar variables and first five principal components of all possible original feature variables contained over 99% of the information and performed well in imputations. The imputed wood volume at small values was overestimated and underestimated at large values regardless of used reference set. The feature variable sets containing spectral data performed better for species composition imputation. There was a forest age dependent discrepancy in predicted species proportions: birch and spruce proportions were underestimated in young stands and overestimated in older stands while proportion of aspen had exactly the opposite errors. The lack of fit depended slightly on the feature variable sets. The birch dominated plot partial removal from the reference set changed the predicted proportion of species but did not remove the forest age dependent lack of fit. The result can be important for the studies in which bootstrap samples are used to estimate error statistics for nearest neighbour technique based forest inventory variable maps.
Use of forest inventory data as a new method for cadastral valuation of forestlands in North-West Russia
Authors: Romanchikov Aleksey , Kovyazin Vassily , Belyaev Victor
Published: June 2015

Cadastral valuation of forestlands is poorly developed in Russia. Current methods of evaluation either depend on the probability of harvesting or do not differentiate forest areas by forest stand properties. In this study authors propose to use forest inventory data as a basis for cadastral evaluation of forestlands. At first, forest inventory data is reviewed and variables making the largest contribution to evaluation are determined using correlation matrix. Second, forest inventory data is brought to common comparison year using regression equations of stand development. After that, graphic presentation of cadastral value dependence on inventory data is visually analysed. Results of analysis allow calculating of relative value of forestland and get to absolute value using average regional cost index. Evaluation results correlate with Faustmann method.
Co-Extrusion Layer Multiplication of Rheologically Mismatched Polymers: A Novel Processing Route
Authors: Huang R. , Silva J. , Huntington B. A. , Patz J. , Andrade R. , Harris P. J. , Yin K. , Cox M. , Bonnecaze R. T. , Maia J. M.
Published: June 2015

Co-extruded films with up to 65 layers of two rheologically mismatched polymer systems – polystyrene/poly(methylmethacrylate) (PS/PMMA) and hard/soft thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) – were successfully produced using a combination of a 9-layer feedblock, low-pressure drop multiplier dies, and external lubricants. Formation of viscoelastic instabilities was studied using a custom visualization and by finite element method (FEM) simulations of a standard multiplier. The results showed that the flow inside the standard multiplier die is highly non-uniform, with severe gradients in shear and normal stresses and viscous encapsulation occurring mainly in the initial multiplication stages where there is enough material available in the low-viscosity layers to proceed with the encapsulation. To mitigate layer degradation the standard 2- or 3-layer feedblock was replaced with a 9-layer one, thereby decreasing the thickness of each layer at the end of the feedblock. Also, subsequent layering was performed using a low flow resistance die. This new multiplier die yields a more uniform flow profile and imparts a more homogeneous thermo-mechanical history on the melt which results in an improved layer stability. Simulations showed that in the standard die the second normal-stress difference (N2) responsible for elastic instabilities at the edges of the die are very high. These can be reduced by inducing slip at the wall resulting in be much improved layer uniformity and stability. This was accomplished experimentally via the use of external lubricants, and the resulting layered structure was indeed much better than was possible to achieve with the conventional multiplier dies.
The Mechanical Properties of Plasticized PVC Processed in an Extruder with a Modified Feed Zone
Authors: Sikora J. W. , Samujlo B. , Stasiek A. , Tor-Świątek A.
Published: June 2015

The work presents the results of experimental studies of selected mechanical properties of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) extruded by a single-screw extruder with a modified feed section. The variable factors were: feed opening width, feed pocket depth in the extruder barrel and the rotational speed of the screw. The following parameters were studied: yield strength ReH (MPa), tensile strength Rm (MPa), percentage total extension at maximum force ∊m (%), Shore hardness H (°ShA). It was found that the increase in the depth of the pocket and the decrease in the width of the feed opening in the studied range increase mechanical properties (besides percentage total extension at maximum force). It was determined that the increase of the screw speed and the simultaneous displacement of both the axis and edge of the feed opening in relation to the plasticizing system axis towards the direction of revolutions of the screw is favorable.
Modification Induced in Light Diffusing Polycarbonate due to Proton Irradiation
Authors: Nouh S. A. , Alghamdi S. K. , Alsobhi B. O. , Benthami K. , El-Shamy N. T.
Published: June 2015

Light diffusing polycarbonate samples were exposed to protons fluences at levels between 1011 and 1016 p/cm2. The variation of the refractive index and color intensity with the proton fluence has been studied. The results show that the polycarbonate samples acquire color changes under proton irradiation. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis has been performed. It was found that both the onset temperature and activation energy of thermal decomposition are affected by the proton fluencies owing to the degradation and crosslinking processes. Moreover, structural property studies using X-ray diffraction, intrinsic viscosity and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed.
Repercussion of Cenosphere Filler Size on Mechanical and Dry Sliding Wear Peculiarity of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites Using Taguchi Analysis and Neural Network
Authors: Singh A. K. , Siddhartha
Published: June 2015

Filler plays a significant role in determining the properties and behavior of particulate composites. In this experimental study, mechanical and tribological behaviors of sub-micron size cenospheres filled glass-polyester composites are investigated. Cenospheres and glass fiber-reinforced polyester composites are prepared by hand lay-up technique. Composites are fabricated by filling 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% of 800 nm and 200 nm size of cenosphere filler particulate respectively along with 40 wt.% of glass fiber. Glass polyester composite without filler is also prepared for proportional analysis. A series of dry sliding wear test are conducted on a pin-on-disc machine with three sliding velocities of 1.57, 2.62 and 3.66 m/s under three different normal loading of 20, 25 and 40 N for three sliding distances of 1000, 2500 and 4000 m respectively. A statistics-based design of experiments approach is used by using Taguchi's orthogonal arrays. Results reveal that mechanical properties and wear resistance of the composites increase with a decrease in the particle size. Artificial neural network (ANN) approach is also applied to the friction and wear data for subsequent validation. Finally, optimal factor settings are determined using genetic algorithm (GA).
Helicopter-borne observations with portable microwave radiometer in the Southern Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Tamura Takeshi , Ohshima Kay I. , Lieser Jan L. , Toyota Takenobu , Tateyama Kazutaka , Nomura Daiki , Nakata Kazuki , Fraser Alexander D. , Jansen Peter W. , Newbery Kym B. , Massom Robert A. , Ushio Shuki
Published: June 2015

Accurately measuring and monitoring the thickness distribution of thin ice is crucial for accurate estimation of ocean–atmosphere heat fluxes and rates of ice production and salt flux in ice-affected oceans. Here we present results from helicopter-borne brightness temperature (TB) measurements in the Southern Ocean in October 2012 and in the Sea of Okhotsk in February 2009 carried out with a portable passive microwave (PMW) radiometer operating at a frequency of 36 GHz. The goal of these measurements is to aid evaluation of a satellite thin-ice thickness algorithm which uses data from the spaceborne Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–Earth Observing System AMSR-E) or the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-II (AMSR-II). AMSR-E and AMSR-II TB agree with the spatially collocated mean TB from the helicopter-borne measurements within the radiometers’ precision. In the Sea of Okhotsk in February 2009, the AMSR-E 36GHz TB values are closer to the mean than the modal TB values measured by the helicopter-borne radiometer. In an Antarctic coastal polynya in October 2012, the polarization ratio of 36GHz vertical and horizontal TB is estimated to be 0.137 on average. Our measurements of the TB at 36 GHz over an iceberg tongue suggest a way to discriminate it from sea ice by its unique PMW signature.
A data-driven approach for assessing ice-sheet mass balance in space and time
Authors: Zammit-Mangion Andrew , Bamber Jonathan L. , Schoen Nana W. , Rougier Jonathan C.
Published: June 2015

Combinations of various numerical models and datasets with diverse observation characteristics have been used to assess the mass evolution of ice sheets. As a consequence, a wide range of estimates have been produced using markedly different methodologies, data, approximation methods and model assumptions. Current attempts to reconcile these estimates using simple combination methods are unsatisfactory, as common sources of errors across different methodologies may not be accurately quantified (e.g. systematic biases in models). Here we provide a general approach which deals with this issue by considering all data sources simultaneously, and, crucially, by reducing the dependence on numerical models. The methodology is based on exploiting the different space–time characteristics of the relevant ice-sheet processes, and using statistical smoothing methods to establish the causes of the observed change. In omitting direct dependence on numerical models, the methodology provides a novel means for assessing glacio-isostatic adjustment and climate models alike, using remote-sensing datasets. This is particularly advantageous in Antarctica, where in situ measurements are difficult to obtain. We illustrate the methodology by using it to infer Antarctica’s mass trend from 2003 to 2009 and produce surface mass-balance anomaly estimates to validate the RACMO2.1 regional climate model.
Energy- and mass-balance comparison between Zhadang and Parlung No. 4 glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhu Meilin , Yao Tandong , Yang Wei , Maussion Fabien , Huintjes Eva , Li Shenghai
Published: June 2015

Tibetan glaciers experience spatially heterogeneous changes, which call for further investigation of the mechanisms responsible from an energy and mass perspective. In this study, 2 year parallel observations (August 2010–July 2012) at 5665 m a.s.l. on Zhadang glacier (a subcontinental glacier) and 5202 m a.s.l. on Parlung No. 4 glacier (a maritime glacier) were used to reveal the drivers of surface energy and mass balance at these sites. Glacio-meteorological data show that air temperature and specific humidity were 1.7°C and 0.5 g kg−1lower on Zhadang glacier than on Parlung No. 4 glacier. The mass accumulation occurred primarily before the Indian summer monsoon onset on Parlung No. 4 glacier and after its onset on Zhadang glacier. Point net mass loss was 2.5 times larger on Parlung No. 4 glacier than on Zhadang glacier, mainly due to the difference in melt energy. Overall, the physical mechanisms controlling the mass and energy difference can be attributed to both the feedback role of surface albedo through different snow accumulation characteristics and longwave radiation emission of the atmosphere due to different meteorological backgrounds. Finally, a review of the few studies dealing with energy balance on the Tibetan glaciers describes the possible spatial characteristics requiring further investigation in the future on larger spatial and temporal scales.
Differentiating bubble-free layers from melt layers in ice cores using noble gases
Authors: Orsi Anais J. , Kawamura Kenji , Fegyveresi John M. , Headly Melissa A. , Alley Richard B. , Severinghaus Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2015

Melt layers are clear indicators of extreme summer warmth on polar ice caps. The visual identification of refrozen meltwater as clear bubble-free layers cannot be used to study some past warm periods, because, in deeper ice, bubbles are lost to clathrate formation. We present here a reliable method to detect melt events, based on the analysis of Kr/Ar and Xe/Ar ratios in ice cores, and apply it to the detection of melt in clathrate ice from the Eemian at NEEM, Greenland. Additionally, melt layers in ice cores can compromise the integrity of the gas record by dissolving soluble gases, or by altering gas transport in the firn, which affects the gas chronology. We find that the easily visible 1 mm thick bubble-free layers in the WAIS Divide ice core do not contain sufficient melt to alter the gas composition in the core, and do not cause artifacts or discontinuities in the gas chronology. The presence of these layers during winter, and the absence of anomalies in soluble gases, suggests that these layers can be formed by processes other than refreezing of meltwater. Consequently, the absence of bubbles in thin crusts is not in itself proof of a melt event.
An annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Sundarban Mangrove Forest of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Sayedur , Hossain Gazi Mosharof , Khan Saleh Ahammad , Uddin Sarder Nasir
Published: June 2015

The study revealed the occurrence of 528 species of vascular plants belonging to 356 genera and 111 families in the Sundarban Mangrove Forest of Bangladesh. Among these species, 24 were pteridophytes and the rest were angiosperms, of which only 24 were true mangroves and 70 were mangrove associates. Magnoliopsida and Liliopsida were represented by 373 and 131 species, respectively. These species belonged to 345 herbs, 89 shrubs and 94 trees. Sixty-four species were climbers, 14 were epiphytes, 6 were parasites, and 7 were palms. The species number per family varied from 1 to 42. In pteridophytes, Pteridaceae with 4 genera and 5 species was the largest family. In angiosperms, Fabaceae with 24 genera and 42 species and Poaceae with 27 genera and 42 species were the largest families, respectively, in Magnoliopsida and Liliopsida. Most of the species included in this checklist were found in oligohaline zone, Sarankhola range and the forest margins, and recognized as economically important. Eleven species categorized as threatened in Bangladesh were found to occur in this mangrove forest.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(1): 1741, 2015 (June)
Elatostema magni-auriculatum (Urticaceae), a new species from China
Authors: Duan Lin-Dong , Lin Yun , An Mingtai , Bi Hai-Yan
Published: June 2015

Elatostema magni-auriculatum, a new species from Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, China is described and illustrated. The species is related to E. myrtillus (Lévl.) Hand.-Mazz., but differs from the latter by stems longitudinally angled, stipules linear-lanceolate, leaf blade obliquely ovate or obliquely ovate-elliptic, and staminate perianth lobes oblong-cymbiform.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(1): 4346, 2015 (June)
A revised infrageneric classification of Dimeria R. Br. (Poaceae: Andropogoneae)
Authors: Raj M.S. Kiran , Sivadasan M. , Veldkamp J.F. , Alfarhan A.H. , Tamimi A.S.M. Amal
Published: June 2015

The four sections of the little known genus Dimeria R. Br. of the rather anomalous paleotropical subtribe Dimeriinae Hack. (PoaceaePanicoideaeAndropogoneae) are revised. A key is provided. Three Peninsular Indian species, viz. Dimeria sivarajanii, D. idukkiensis and D. borii are treated here as subspecies of D. bialata, D. kurumthotticalana and D. mooneyi respectively; and five, viz. D. chelariensis, D. copei, D. eradii, D. jayachandranii and D. kollimalayana are reduced to synonymy.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(1): 4754, 2015 (June)
Polymorphism in Lyngbya notarisii (Meneghini) Wille in culture
Authors: Aziz Abdul
Published: June 2015

Not available. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(1): 5961, 2015 (June)
Insights into Indoor/Outdoor PM Concentration Ratios due to Dust Storms in an Arid Region
Authors: Krasnov Helena , Katra Itzhak , Friger Michael
Published: June 2015

Dust storms have impacts on both human and physical environments, associated with an increase in atmospheric particulate matter (PM) concentrations. Most studies on exposure to PM have focused on the outdoor air, while information on indoor pollution, is still lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of desert dust events on PM concentrations in indoor environments. A total of over 200 real time measurements of PM were conducted in houses in the Negev Desert during dust storms. Indoor and outdoor PM concentrations were characterized, as well as the relationships between the two datasets. The findings indicated that atmospheric PM10 concentrations can increase from 20–120 μg·m−3 on non-dust days to more than 1500 μg·m−3 during dust events. Indoor concentrations can reach as high as 1000 μg·m−3. The calculated indoor/outdoor (I/O) PM ratio ranged from 0.79 for low-level storms to 0.58 during stronger events. Indoor PM concentrations were found to be dependent on the dust storm intensity (low, medium, high) and duration with a time lag. The information obtained in this study is critical for assessment of policy interventions to reduce exposure risk and health effects due dust storms.
New Insights into the Functions of Transcription Factors that Bind the RNA Polymerase Secondary Channel
Authors: Zenkin Nikolay , Yuzenkova Yulia
Published: June 2015

Transcription elongation is regulated at several different levels, including control by various accessory transcription elongation factors. A distinct group of these factors interacts with the RNA polymerase secondary channel, an opening at the enzyme surface that leads to its active center. Despite investigation for several years, the activities and in vivo roles of some of these factors remain obscure. Here, we review the recent progress in understanding the functions of the secondary channel binding factors in bacteria. In particular, we highlight the surprising role of global regulator DksA in fidelity of RNA synthesis and the resolution of RNA polymerase traffic jams by the Gre factor. These findings indicate a potential link between transcription fidelity and collisions of the transcription and replication machineries.
Synthetic Proteins and Peptides for the Direct Interrogation of α-Synuclein Posttranslational Modifications
Authors: Pratt Matthew , Abeywardana Tharindumala , Marotta Nicholas
Published: June 2015

α-Synuclein is the aggregation-prone protein associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related neurodegenerative diseases. Complicating both its biological functions and toxic aggregation are a variety of posttranslational modifications. These modifications have the potential to either positively or negatively affect α-synuclein aggregation, raising the possibility that the enzymes that add or remove these modifications could be therapeutic targets in PD. Synthetic protein chemistry is uniquely positioned to generate site-specifically and homogeneously modified proteins for biochemical study. Here, we review the application of synthetic peptides and proteins towards understanding the effects of α-synuclein posttranslational modifications.
Correlating Stiffness and Shear Lag Behavior with Brace Configuration of Tall Truss Tube Buildings
Authors: Gaur Himanshu , Goliya Ravindra
Published: June 2015

As the height of buildings increases, effect of shear lag also becomes considerable in the design of high rise buildings. In this paper, shear lag effect in tall buildings of heights, i.e., 120, 96, 72, 48 and 36 stories of which aspect ratio ranges from 3 to 10 is studied. Tube in tube structural system with façade bracing is used for designing the building of height 120 story. It is found that bracing system considerably reduces the shear lag effect and hence increases the building stiffness to withstand lateral loads. Different geometric patterns of the bracing system are considered. The best effective geometric configuration of a bracing system is concluded in this study. Lateral force, as wind load, is applied on the buildings as it is the most dominant lateral force for such heights. Wind load is set as per Indian standard code of Practice IS 875 Part 3. For analysis purposes, the SAP2000 software program is used.
Two Closely Related Organic Charge-Transfer Complexes Based on Tetrathiafulvalene and 9H-fluorenone Derivatives. Competition between Hydrogen Bonding and Stacking Interactions
Authors: Salmerón-Valverde Amparo , Bernès Sylvain
Published: June 2015

Two 1:1 charge-transfer organic complexes were formed using tetrathiafulvalene as a donor and a 9H-fluorenone derivative as acceptor: 4,5,7-trinitro-9H-fluoren-9-one-2-carboxylic acid (complex 1) or 4,5,7-trinitro-9H-fluoren-9-one-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (complex 2). Both systems crystallize with alternated donor and acceptor stacks. However, the crystal structure of 1 is influenced by classical hydrogen bonds involving carboxylic acid groups, which force to arrange acceptors as centrosymmetric dimers in the crystal, via R2 2(8) ring motifs, while such a restriction is no longer present in the case of 2, affording thus a different crystal structure. This main difference is reflected in stacking interactions, and, in turn, in the degree of charge transfer observed in the complexes. The degree of charge transfer, estimated using Raman spectroscopy, is δ1 = 0.07 for 1 and δ2 = 0.14 for 2. It thus seems that, at least for the studied complexes, hydrogen bonding is an unfavorable factor for charge transfer.
What You Gotta Know to Play Good in the Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma
Authors: Akin Ethan
Published: June 2015

For the iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma there exist good strategies which solve the problem when we restrict attention to the long term average payoff. When used by both players, these assure the cooperative payoff for each of them. Neither player can benefit by moving unilaterally to any other strategy, i.e., these provide Nash equilibria. In addition, if a player uses instead an alternative which decreases the opponent’s payoff below the cooperative level, then his own payoff is decreased as well. Thus, if we limit attention to the long term payoff, these strategies effectively stabilize cooperative behavior. The existence of such strategies follows from the so-called Folk Theorem for supergames, and the proof constructs an explicit memory-one example, which has been labeled Grim. Here we describe all the memory-one good strategies for the non-symmetric version of the Prisoner’s Dilemma. This is the natural object of study when the payoffs are in units of the separate players’ utilities. We discuss the special advantages and problems associated with some specific good strategies.
Anxiety and Depression during Transition from Hospital to Community in Older Adults: Concepts of a Study to Explain Late Age Onset Depression
Authors: Lalor Aislinn , Brown Ted , Robins Lauren , Lee Den-Ching , O'Connor Daniel , Russell Grant , Stolwyk Rene , McDermott Fiona , Johnson Christina , Haines Terry
Published: June 2015

The transition between extended hospitalization and discharge home to community-living contexts for older adults is a critical time period. This transition can have an impact on the health outcomes of older adults such as increasing the risk for health outcomes like falls, functional decline and depression and anxiety. The aim of this work is to identify and understand why older adults experience symptoms of depression and anxiety post-discharge and what factors are associated with this. This is a mixed methods study of adults aged 65 years and over who experienced a period of hospitalization longer than two weeks and return to community-living post-discharge. Participants will complete a questionnaire at baseline and additional monthly follow-up questionnaires for six months. Anxiety and depression and their resulting behaviors are major public health concerns and are significant determinants of health and wellbeing among the ageing population. There is a critical need for research into the impact of an extended period of hospitalization on the health status of older adults post-discharge from hospital. This research will provide evidence that will inform interventions and services provided for older adults after they have been discharged home from hospital care.
Shewanella sp. O23S as a Driving Agent of a System Utilizing Dissimilatory Arsenate-Reducing Bacteria Responsible for Self-Cleaning of Water Contaminated with Arsenic
Authors: Drewniak Lukasz , Stasiuk Robert , Uhrynowski Witold , Sklodowska Aleksandra
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was a detailed characterization of Shewanella sp. O23S, a strain involved in arsenic transformation in ancient gold mine waters contaminated with arsenic and other heavy metals. Physiological analysis of Shewanella sp. O23S showed that it is a facultative anaerobe, capable of growth using arsenate, thiosulfate, nitrate, iron or manganite as a terminal electron acceptor, and lactate or citrate as an electron donor. The strain can grow under anaerobic conditions and utilize arsenate in the respiratory process in a broad range of temperatures (10–37 °C), pH (4–8), salinity (0%–2%), and the presence of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Se, V and Zn). Under reductive conditions this strain can simultaneously use arsenate and thiosulfate as electron acceptors and produce yellow arsenic (III) sulfide (As2S3) precipitate. Simulation of As-removal from water containing arsenate (2.5 mM) and thiosulfate (5 mM) showed 82.5% efficiency after 21 days of incubation at room temperature. Based on the obtained results, we have proposed a model of a microbially mediated system for self-cleaning of mine waters contaminated with arsenic, in which Shewanella sp. O23S is the main driving agent.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Exhibit Reduced Expression of CLEC16A Isoforms in Peripheral Leukocytes
Authors: Tam Rachel , Lee Alfred , Yang Wanling , Lau Chak , Chan Vera
Published: June 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease with multiple etiological factors. The SLE susceptibility locus on chromosome 16p13 encodes a novel gene CLEC16A and its functional relationship with SLE is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression correlation of the two major CLEC16A spliced transcripts with SLE development. Expressions of the long (V1) and short (V2) CLEC16A isoforms in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were assayed by quantitative real time PCR and compared between healthy individuals and SLE patients. Correlation of CLEC16A isoform expression levels with SLE susceptibility, disease severity and twelve clinical parameters were also evaluated. Full length transcripts of CLEC16A V1 and V2 isoforms were readily amplified from PBMCs of healthy controls and patients at varying abundance. Compared with healthy controls (n = 86), expression levels of V1 and V2 were significantly reduced by ~two- and four-fold respectively in SLE patients (n = 181). The relative V2/V1 ratio was also significantly reduced by approximately two-fold. With regard to SLE disease parameters, only a weak positive correlation was found between CLEC16A V1 expression levels and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score. Taken together, CLEC16A was found to be a susceptibility factor for SLE, with possible contribution to the development of the disease.
Communication and Sensing Circuits on Cellulose
Authors: Alimenti Federico , Mariotti Chiara , Palazzi Valentina , Virili Marco , Orecchini Giulia , Mezzanotte Paolo , Roselli Luca
Published: June 2015

This paper proposes a review of several circuits for communication and wireless sensing applications implemented on cellulose-based materials. These circuits have been developed during the last years exploiting the adhesive copper laminate method. Such a technique relies on a copper adhesive tape that is shaped by a photo-lithographic process and then transferred to the hosting substrate (i.e., paper) by means of a sacrificial layer. The presented circuits span from UHF oscillators to a mixer working at 24 GHz and constitute an almost complete set of building blocks that can be applied to a huge variety communication apparatuses. Each circuit is validated experimentally showing performance comparable with the state-of-the-art. This paper demonstrates that circuits on cellulose are capable of operating at record frequencies and that ultra- low cost, green i.e., recyclable and biodegradable) materials can be a viable solution to realize high frequency hardware for the upcoming Internet of Things (IoT) era.
A Bone Sample Containing a Bone Graft Substitute Analyzed by Correlating Density Information Obtained by X-ray Micro Tomography with Compositional Information Obtained by Raman Microscopy
Authors: Charwat-Pessler Johann , Musso Maurizio , Petutschnigg Alexander , Entacher Karl , Plank Bernhard , Wernersson Erik , Tangl Stefan , Schuller-Götzburg Peter
Published: June 2015

The ability of bone graft substitutes to promote new bone formation has been increasingly used in the medical field to repair skeletal defects or to replace missing bone in a broad range of applications in dentistry and orthopedics. A common way to assess such materials is via micro computed tomography (µ-CT), through the density information content provided by the absorption of X-rays. Information on the chemical composition of a material can be obtained via Raman spectroscopy. By investigating a bone sample from miniature pigs containing the bone graft substitute Bio Oss®, we pursued the target of assessing to what extent the density information gained by µ-CT imaging matches the chemical information content provided by Raman spectroscopic imaging. Raman images and Raman correlation maps of the investigated sample were used in order to generate a Raman based segmented image by means of an agglomerative, hierarchical cluster analysis. The resulting segments, showing chemically related areas, were subsequently compared with the µ-CT image by means of a one-way ANOVA. We found out that to a certain extent typical gray-level values (and the related histograms) in the µ-CT image can be reliably related to specific segments within the image resulting from the cluster analysis.
Beneficiation of Low-Grade Phosphate Deposits by a Combination of Calcination and Shaking Tables: Southwest Iran
Authors: Shariati Shahram , Ramadi Aisan , Salsani Armin
Published: June 2015

Three quarters of the world’s phosphate deposits are of sedimentary origin and 75%–80% of those include carbonate gangue. In this study, carbonate sedimentary phosphate deposits of the Lar Mountains of southwest Iran are studied. These deposits consist mainly of calcite, fluorapatite, quartz, kaolinite and illite, with an average P2O5 grade of 9%–10% (low-grade). Various pre-processing and processing methods have been developed for concentrating low-grade phosphate up to marketable grade and this study aims to select the optimal method to produce an economically viable grade of phosphate concentrate from low-grade ore. Different concentration methods, including calcination and gravity separation, were applied on samples at both a laboratory and semi-industrial scale (pilot scale). Using an integrated method of calcination (performed in a rotary kiln) and shaking table for concentrating the low-grade phosphate ore, the results show promise at producing grades of 30.77% P2O5 with 60.7%–63.2% recovery.