bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Combined Administration of a-tocopherol and Diclofenac
Authors: Juaira Tasneema , Begum Noorzahan , Ali Taskina
Published: August 2015

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac are used for relief of pain and inflammation, but frequently cause gastrointestinal complications. This study aimed to explore that combination of diclofenac and ?-tocopherol (áT) are better analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory agent than that of diclofenac alone.Objective: To assess the effects of combination of diclofenac with á-tocopherol on pain and inflammation.Methods: This prospective experimental study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka between January to December 2013. For this purpose, 15 male Long Evans rats were studied. On the basis of vitamin and drug administrations, the rats were divided into three (3) groups (5 rats in each). Control group received normal saline, one experimental group received diclofenac sodium (DS) at a dose of 10 mg/kg/body weight, and another experimental group received combination of DS with áT at a dose of 10 mg/kg/body weight and 500mg/kg/body weight, respectively. All the groups received single dose and equal volume (1 ml) through intraperitoneal route 1 hour before the test. Just one hour after administrations, they were subjected to formalin test followed by formalin induced paw edema test. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni Post Hoc test.Results: Combined administration of DS and áT significantly (p<0.001) lowered the variables for nociceptive pain, central analgesic activity, inflammatory pain and inflammation than individual intervention of DS.Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that, combined administration of diclofenac sodium and ±-tocopherol were more effective in lowering pain and inflammation than individual administration of diclofenac.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2015, June; 10(1): 30-35
Differential structure of values among three educational generations in Bangladesh
Authors: Ara Shawkat , Kabir Balaka , Samad Syeda Shahria , Ahmed Rasel
Published: August 2015

The present study was conducted to investigate the differential structuralproperties of values among the three educational generations in Bangladesh. Underlying conviction of the present study was that certain specific patterns of values are modelled by the history, culture and socio-economic condition of a particular nation in which it is exposed. It was predicted that certain value pattern have different implication in different educational generation having unique experienced and pattern of its own. The sample of the study was composed of 180 Ss equally divided into older teachers, younger teachers and students in different educational institutions of Rajshahi town in Bangladesh (N = 60) for each group separately. Age of the older teachers ranged from 45 to 60 years, younger teachers ranged from 31 to 40 years and students ranged from 20 to 29 years. The datawere obtained through Rokeachs value inventory (Aras Bengali version). These data were factor analyzed by using Kaisers criterion of oblique rotation method. Six factors extracted through factor analysis for older teachers, six factors for younger teachers and seven factors for students revealed the differential structural properties of values. These findings supported the conviction that differential value pattern of three generations stemming from the present political, economic, cultural situation may exert enormous influence on the differential educational institutions causing three different pattern of values.
The excavation of an 18th-century pottery at Gallowgate, Glasgow
Authors: Paton Kevin
Published: August 2015

The excavations at 239 Gallowgate, Glasgow revealed elements of an 18th century pottery works known as the ‘Pighouse’. As well as the corner of the potter's house and workshop, several sections of the flue system, a chimney base and a possible drying shed were revealed, providing indications of the later pottery tenement layout and allowing interpretations to be made about the location of the ‘Pighouse’ kiln. Furthermore, finds from several waster pits located around the pottery structures give some indication of the ceramics being produced. Finally, remnants of other small industries occupying the site during the late 18th century were revealed that provide an indication of the industrial nature of Glasgow's east end.
A late medieval farmstead at Corsankell, near Stevenston, North Ayrshire
Authors: Atkinson Dan , Brown Graeme , Cross Morag , Taylor Simon , Franklin Julie
Published: August 2015

Historical, placename and archaeological evidence have been brought together at Corsankell Farm to indicate that the search for medieval settlement in the west of Scotland can bear fruit. Archaeological excavation found evidence of later medieval settlement remains, and the historical and placename research suggests a date for the settlement of Corsankell back into the 12th century or earlier. The focus of the settlement has shifted at least twice in the history of Corsankell, and physical remains from the 12th century were not found, but this work demonstrates that medieval settlement can be revealed by examining modern-day farms.
Mitochondrial Impairment May Increase Cellular NAD(P)H: Resazurin Oxidoreductase Activity, Perturbing the NAD(P)H-Based Viability Assays
Authors: Aleshin Vasily , Artiukhov Artem , Oppermann Henry , Kazantsev Alexey , Lukashev Nikolay , Bunik Victoria
Published: August 2015

Cellular NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase activity with artificial dyes (NAD(P)H-OR) is an indicator of viability, as the cellular redox state is important for biosynthesis and antioxidant defense. However, high NAD(P)H due to impaired mitochondrial oxidation, known as reductive stress, should increase NAD(P)H-OR yet perturb viability. To better understand this complex behavior, we assayed NAD(P)H-OR with resazurin (Alamar Blue) in glioblastoma cell lines U87 and T98G, treated with inhibitors of central metabolism, oxythiamin, and phosphonate analogs of 2-oxo acids. Targeting the thiamin diphosphate (ThDP)-dependent enzymes, the inhibitors are known to decrease the NAD(P)H production in the pentose phosphate shuttle and/or upon mitochondrial oxidation of 2-oxo acids. Nevertheless, the inhibitors elevated NAD(P)H-OR with resazurin in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, suggesting impaired NAD(P)H oxidation rather than increased viability. In particular, inhibition of the ThDP-dependent enzymes affects metabolism of malate, which mediates mitochondrial oxidation of cytosolic NAD(P)H. We showed that oxythiamin not only inhibited mitochondrial 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases, but also induced cell-specific changes in glutamate and malate dehydrogenases and/or malic enzyme. As a result, inhibition of the 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases compromises mitochondrial metabolism, with the dysregulated electron fluxes leading to increases in cellular NAD(P)H-OR. Perturbed mitochondrial oxidation of NAD(P)H may thus complicate the NAD(P)H-based viability assay.
Thermal System Analysis and Optimization of Large-Scale Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
Authors: Fu Zhongguang , Lu Ke , Zhu Yiming
Published: August 2015

As an important solution to issues regarding peak load and renewable energy resources on grids, large-scale compressed air energy storage (CAES) power generation technology has recently become a popular research topic in the area of large-scale industrial energy storage. At present, the combination of high-expansion ratio turbines with advanced gas turbine technology is an important breakthrough in energy storage technology. In this study, a new gas turbine power generation system is coupled with current CAES technology. Moreover, a thermodynamic cycle system is optimized by calculating for the parameters of a thermodynamic system. Results show that the thermal efficiency of the new system increases by at least 5% over that of the existing system.
Influence of Hydrogen-Based Storage Systems on Self-Consumption and Self-Sufficiency of Residential Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Pötzinger Christian , Preißinger Markus , Brüggemann Dieter
Published: August 2015

This paper analyzes the behavior of residential solar-powered electrical energy storage systems. For this purpose, a simulation model based on MATLAB/Simulink is developed. Investigating both short-time and seasonal hydrogen-based storage systems, simulations on the basis of real weather data are processed on a timescale of 15 min for a consideration period of 3 years. A sensitivity analysis is conducted in order to identify the most important system parameters concerning the proportion of consumption and the degree of self-sufficiency. Therefore, the influences of storage capacity and of storage efficiencies are discussed. A short-time storage system can increase the proportion of consumption by up to 35 percentage points compared to a self-consumption system without storage. However, the seasonal storing system uses almost the entire energy produced by the photovoltaic (PV) system (nearly 100% self-consumption). Thereby, the energy drawn from the grid can be reduced and a degree of self-sufficiency of about 90% is achieved. Based on these findings, some scenarios to reach self-sufficiency are analyzed. The results show that full self-sufficiency will be possible with a seasonal hydrogen-based storage system if PV area and initial storage level are appropriate.
Interval Type-II Fuzzy Rule-Based STATCOM for Voltage Regulation in the Power System
Authors: Hong Ying-Yi , Hsieh Yu-Lun
Published: August 2015

The static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) has recently received much attention owing to its ability to stabilize power systems and mitigate voltage variations. This paper investigates a novel interval type-II fuzzy rule-based PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller for the STATCOM to mitigate bus voltage variations caused by large changes in load and the intermittent generation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays. The proposed interval type-II fuzzy rule base utilizes the output of the PID controller to tune the signal applied to the STATCOM. The rules involve upper and lower membership functions that ensure the stable responses of the controlled system. The proposed method is implemented using the NEPLAN software package and MATLAB/Simulink with co-simulation. A six-bus system is used to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Comparative studies show that the proposed method is superior to traditional PID and type-I fuzzy rule-based methods.
Assessing Douglas-Fir Seedling Establishment Using Two Modified Forestry Reclamation Approaches in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Miller Colton , King Grace , Liu Yurong , Harrison Robert , Turnblom Eric , Zabowski Darlene
Published: August 2015

The Forestry Reclamation Approach uses uncompacted, mounded spoils to reforest mined-land and has been successful in hardwood forests in the Appalachian region. A surface coalmine reclamation site in the Pacific Northwest was used to compare the site’s standard reclamation approach (Reference) with a modified version of the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) along with a modified FRA treatment that also incorporated an amendment of bottom ash from the coal burning power plant on-site (FRA + Ash). Survival and growth were followed for three growing seasons in bareroot and container Douglas-fir seedlings. Soil characteristics and understory cover were also assessed. Considerable variation in microsite characteristics was observed in the study area. Container seedlings did not improve survival compared to bareroot seedlings. In the soil reclamation treatments, seedling survival was significantly higher in FRA + Ash treatments compared to FRA and Reference treatments at the end of the second growing season. Survival declined in each year of the study, but the order of treatment effectiveness did not change. Relativized growth increment was significantly higher in the FRA treatment compared to both the Reference and FRA + Ash treatments during the third growing season. Understory cover was established after three years, but varied substantially across the study area.
Prevalence of Genes of OXA-23 Carbapenemase and AdeABC Efflux Pump Associated with Multidrug Resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates in the ICU of a Comprehensive Hospital of Northwestern China
Authors: Jia Wei , Li Caiyun , Zhang Haiyun , Li Gang , Liu Xiaoming , Wei Jun
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to explore the molecular epidemiology and the genetic support of clinical multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) isolates in an ICU ward of a comprehensive hospital. A total of 102 non-duplicate drug-resistant A. baumannii isolates were identified and 93 (91.1%) of them were MDR strains. Molecular analysis demonstrated that carbapenemase genes blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 were presented in all 93 MDR isolates (100%), but other carbapenemase genes, including blaOXA-24, blaOXA-58, blaIMP-1, blaIMP-4, blaSIM, and blaVIM genes were completely absent in all isolates. In addition, genes of AdeABC efflux system were detected in 88.2% (90/102) isolates. Interestingly, an addition to efflux pump inhibitor, reserpine could significantly enhance the susceptibility of MDR isolates to moxifloxacin, cefotaxime, and imipenem (p < 0.01). Clonal relationship analysis further grouped these clinical drug-resistant isolates into nine clusters, and the MDR strains were mainly in clusters A, B, C, and D, which include 16, 13, 25, and 15 isolates, respectively. This study demonstrated that clinical isolates carrying carbapenemase-encoding genes blaOXA-23 and AdeABC efflux pump genes are the main prevalent MDR A. baumannii, and the co-expression of oxacillinase and efflux pump proteins are thus considered to be the important reason for the prevalence of this organism in the ICU of this hospital.
A Population-Based, Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study on Influenza Vaccination Status among Cancer Survivors in Korea
Authors: Oh Myeung , Han Mi , Yun Na-Ra , Park Jong , Ryu So , Kim Dong-Min , Choi Seong-Woo
Published: August 2015

Cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing influenza-related complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the vaccination coverage among cancer survivors in Korea using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Adult cancer survivors were selected from fourth (2007–2009) and fifth (2010–2012) KNHANES (n = 1156) datasets. General characteristics, cancer-related data, and influenza vaccination status were collected using self-report questionnaires. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between influenza vaccination coverage and associated factors. Overall, 51% of survivors were vaccinated. Vaccine prevalence exceeded 75% in those more than 65 years but was only 26% in survivors aged 19–44. Increasing age, low frequency of alcohol consumption, having poor self-rated health, and having a shorter duration since cancer diagnosis were significant predictors of vaccination status among cancer survivors under 65 years of age. Influenza vaccine coverage remains much lower than recommended among cancer survivors, particularly in the younger age groups. Further study is needed to determine the factors that contribute to the lack of vaccination in cancer survivors, despite their increased risk for influenza.
Identification of Major Risk Sources for Surface Water Pollution by Risk Indexes (RI) in the Multi-Provincial Boundary Region of the Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Yao Hong , Li Weixin , Qian Xin
Published: August 2015

Environmental safety in multi-district boundary regions has been one of the focuses in China and is mentioned many times in the Environmental Protection Act of 2014. Five types were categorized concerning the risk sources for surface water pollution in the multi-provincial boundary region of the Taihu basin: production enterprises, waste disposal sites, chemical storage sites, agricultural non-point sources and waterway transportations. Considering the hazard of risk sources, the purification property of environmental medium and the vulnerability of risk receptors, 52 specific attributes on the risk levels of each type of risk source were screened out. Continuous piecewise linear function model, expert consultation method and fuzzy integral model were used to calculate the integrated risk indexes (RI) to characterize the risk levels of pollution sources. In the studied area, 2716 pollution sources were characterized by RI values. There were 56 high-risk sources screened out as major risk sources, accounting for about 2% of the total. The numbers of sources with high-moderate, moderate, moderate-low and low pollution risk were 376, 1059, 101 and 1124, respectively, accounting for 14%, 38%, 5% and 41% of the total. The procedure proposed could be included in the integrated risk management systems of the multi-district boundary region of the Taihu basin. It could help decision makers to identify major risk sources in the risk prevention and reduction of surface water pollution.
Atherosclerotic Calcification Detection: A Comparative Study of Carotid Ultrasound and Cone Beam CT
Authors: Jashari Fisnik , Ibrahimi Pranvera , Johansson Elias , Ahlqvist Jan , Arnerlöv Conny , Garoff Maria , Jäghagen Eva , Wester Per , Henein Michael
Published: August 2015

Background and Aim: Arterial calcification is often detected on ultrasound examination but its diagnostic accuracy is not well validated. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of carotid ultrasound B mode findings in detecting atherosclerotic calcification quantified by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: We analyzed 94 carotid arteries, from 88 patients (mean age 70 ± 7 years, 33% females), who underwent pre-endarterectomy ultrasound examination. Plaques with high echogenic nodules and posterior shadowing were considered calcified. After surgery, the excised plaques were examined using CBCT, from which the calcification volume (mm3) was calculated. In cases with multiple calcifications the largest calcification nodule volume was used to represent the plaque. Carotid artery calcification by the two imaging techniques was compared using conventional correlations. Results: Carotid ultrasound was highly accurate in detecting the presence of calcification; with a sensitivity of 88.2%. Based on the quartile ranges of calcification volumes measured by CBCT we have divided plaque calcification into four groups: <8; 8–35; 36–70 and >70 mm3. Calcification volumes ≥8 were accurately detectable by ultrasound with a sensitivity of 96%. Of the 21 plaques with <8 mm3 calcification volume; only 13 were detected by ultrasound; resulting in a sensitivity of 62%. There was no difference in the volume of calcification between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion: Carotid ultrasound is highly accurate in detecting the presence of calcified atherosclerotic lesions of volume ≥8 mm3; but less accurate in detecting smaller volume calcified plaques. Further development of ultrasound techniques should allow better detection of early arterial calcification.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Levels in Blood and Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Children: Is There a Link?
Authors: Lassandro Carlotta , Banderali Giuseppe , Radaelli Giovanni , Borghi Elisa , Moretti Francesca , Verduci Elvira
Published: August 2015

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in the pediatric population. Considering the different existing criteria to define metabolic syndrome, the use of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria has been suggested in children. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been associated with beneficial effects on health. The evidence about the relationship of DHA status in blood and components of the metabolic syndrome is unclear. This review discusses the possible association between DHA content in plasma and erythrocytes and components of the metabolic syndrome included in the IDF criteria (obesity, alteration of glucose metabolism, blood lipid profile, and blood pressure) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children. The current evidence is inconsistent and no definitive conclusion can be drawn in the pediatric population. Well-designed longitudinal and powered trials need to clarify the possible association between blood DHA status and metabolic syndrome.
Influence of Hematocrit and Total-Spot Volume on Performance Characteristics of Dried Blood Spots for Newborn Screening
Authors: Hall Elizabeth , Flores Sharon , De Jesús Víctor
Published: August 2015

Dried blood spots (DBS) have been used in newborn screening (NBS) tests for over 50 years. The Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program (NSQAP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted studies to assess the individual impacts of hematocrit and total-spot volume on characteristics of DBS samples. Per-punch serum volumes decreased 27%, RBC volumes more than doubled, absorption times increased over 300%, and spot diameters decreased marginally between the hematocrits of 40% to 65%. Per-punch serum and RBC volumes decreased logarithmically with lowering total-spot volumes. Patient hematocrit is an uncontrollable variable and inevitably affects the resulting punch from a DBS sample. It may be possible, though, to identify samples that fall outside of an acceptable range by noting certain physical characteristics of the DBS.
Novel Methanotrophs of the Family Methylococcaceae from Different Geographical Regions and Habitats
Authors: Islam Tajul , Larsen Øivind , Torsvik Vigdis , Øvreås Lise , Panosyan Hovik , Murrell J. , Birkeland Nils-Kåre , Bodrossy Levente
Published: August 2015

Terrestrial methane seeps and rice paddy fields are important ecosystems in the methane cycle. Methanotrophic bacteria in these ecosystems play a key role in reducing methane emission into the atmosphere. Here, we describe three novel methanotrophs, designated BRS-K6, GFS-K6 and AK-K6, which were recovered from three different habitats in contrasting geographic regions and ecosystems: waterlogged rice-field soil and methane seep pond sediments from Bangladesh; and warm spring sediments from Armenia. All isolates had a temperature range for growth of 8–35 °C (optimal 25–28 °C) and a pH range of 5.0–7.5 (optimal 6.4–7.0). 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that they were new gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs, which form a separate clade in the family Methylococcaceae. They fell into a cluster with thermotolerant and mesophilic growth tendency, comprising the genera Methylocaldum-Methylococcus-Methyloparacoccus-Methylogaea. So far, growth below 15 °C of methanotrophs from this cluster has not been reported. The strains possessed type I intracytoplasmic membranes. The genes pmoA, mxaF, cbbL, nifH were detected, but no mmoX gene was found. Each strain probably represents a novel species either belonging to the same novel genus or each may even represent separate genera. These isolates extend our knowledge of methanotrophic Gammaproteobacteria and their physiology and adaptation to different ecosystems.
Image-Guided Hydrodynamic Gene Delivery: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Kamimura Kenya , Yokoo Takeshi , Abe Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Yuji , Ogawa Kohei , Shinagawa Yoko , Inoue Ryosuke , Terai Shuji
Published: August 2015

Hydrodynamics-based delivery has been used as an experimental tool to express transgene in small animals. This in vivo gene transfer method is useful for functional analysis of genetic elements, therapeutic effect of oligonucleotides, and cancer cells to establish the metastatic cancer animal model for experimental research. Recent progress in the development of image-guided procedure for hydrodynamics-based gene delivery in large animals directly supports the clinical applicability of this technique. This review summarizes the current status and recent progress in the development of hydrodynamics-based gene delivery and discusses the future directions for its clinical application.
A Context-Aware EEG Headset System for Early Detection of Driver Drowsiness
Authors: Li Gang , Chung Wan-Young
Published: August 2015

Driver drowsiness is a major cause of mortality in traffic accidents worldwide. Electroencephalographic (EEG) signal, which reflects the brain activities, is more directly related to drowsiness. Thus, many Brain-Machine-Interface (BMI) systems have been proposed to detect driver drowsiness. However, detecting driver drowsiness at its early stage poses a major practical hurdle when using existing BMI systems. This study proposes a context-aware BMI system aimed to detect driver drowsiness at its early stage by enriching the EEG data with the intensity of head-movements. The proposed system is carefully designed for low-power consumption with on-chip feature extraction and low energy Bluetooth connection. Also, the proposed system is implemented using JAVA programming language as a mobile application for on-line analysis. In total, 266 datasets obtained from six subjects who participated in a one-hour monotonous driving simulation experiment were used to evaluate this system. According to a video-based reference, the proposed system obtained an overall detection accuracy of 82.71% for classifying alert and slightly drowsy events by using EEG data alone and 96.24% by using the hybrid data of head-movement and EEG. These results indicate that the combination of EEG data and head-movement contextual information constitutes a robust solution for the early detection of driver drowsiness.
Reliable Fusion of Stereo Matching and Depth Sensor for High Quality Dense Depth Maps
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Chunpeng , Fan Xuefeng , Wang Zhaoqi
Published: August 2015

Depth estimation is a classical problem in computer vision, which typically relies on either a depth sensor or stereo matching alone. The depth sensor provides real-time estimates in repetitive and textureless regions where stereo matching is not effective. However, stereo matching can obtain more accurate results in rich texture regions and object boundaries where the depth sensor often fails. We fuse stereo matching and the depth sensor using their complementary characteristics to improve the depth estimation. Here, texture information is incorporated as a constraint to restrict the pixel’s scope of potential disparities and to reduce noise in repetitive and textureless regions. Furthermore, a novel pseudo-two-layer model is used to represent the relationship between disparities in different pixels and segments. It is more robust to luminance variation by treating information obtained from a depth sensor as prior knowledge. Segmentation is viewed as a soft constraint to reduce ambiguities caused by under- or over-segmentation. Compared to the average error rate 3.27% of the previous state-of-the-art methods, our method provides an average error rate of 2.61% on the Middlebury datasets, which shows that our method performs almost 20% better than other “fused” algorithms in the aspect of precision.
Less Is More: The Physiological Basis for Tapering in Endurance, Strength, and Power Athletes
Authors: Murach Kevin , Bagley James
Published: August 2015

Taper, or reduced-volume training, improves competition performance across a broad spectrum of exercise modes and populations. This article aims to highlight the physiological mechanisms, namely in skeletal muscle, by which taper improves performance and provide a practical literature-based rationale for implementing taper in varied athletic disciplines. Special attention will be paid to strength- and power-oriented athletes as taper is under-studied and often overlooked in these populations. Tapering can best be summarized by the adage “less is more” because maintained intensity and reduced volume prior to competition yields significant performance benefits.
Cloak and Dagger: Alternative Immune Evasion and Modulation Strategies of Poxviruses
Authors: Bidgood Susanna , Mercer Jason
Published: August 2015

As all viruses rely on cellular factors throughout their replication cycle, to be successful they must evolve strategies to evade and/or manipulate the defence mechanisms employed by the host cell. In addition to their expression of a wide array of host modulatory factors, several recent studies have suggested that poxviruses may have evolved unique mechanisms to shunt or evade host detection. These potential mechanisms include mimicry of apoptotic bodies by mature virions (MVs), the use of viral sub-structures termed lateral bodies for the packaging and delivery of host modulators, and the formation of a second, “cloaked” form of infectious extracellular virus (EVs). Here we discuss these various strategies and how they may facilitate poxvirus immune evasion. Finally we propose a model for the exploitation of the cellular exosome pathway for the formation of EVs.
A first test of elemental allelopathy via heterospecific pollen receipt
Authors: Wipf Heidi M.‐L. , Meindl George A. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: August 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Coflowering plants often share pollinators and may receive mixed species pollen loads. Although detrimental effects of heterospecific pollen receipt have been documented, trait‐based modifiers of interactions on the stigma remain largely unknown. Chemicals that mediate interactions between sporophytes could also influence pollen–pollen or pollen–style interactions. We test for the first time whether nickel (Ni) accumulation in pollen can lead to “elemental allelopathy” and intensify the fitness consequences of heterospecific pollen receipt.

METHODS:

We grew Ni‐hyperaccumulator Streptanthus polygaloides in soils augmented with three concentrations of Ni, measured pollen Ni concentration, and hand‐pollinated non‐Ni hyperaccumulator Mimulus guttatus. We assayed pollen germination, tube growth and seeds of M. guttatus after pure and mixed species pollinations.

KEY RESULTS:

Streptanthus polygaloides pollen accumulated Ni in proportion to soil availability and at levels significantly greater than M. guttatus pollen. Although receipt of S. polygaloides pollen increased M. guttatus pollen germination, it decreased the proportion of pollen tubes reaching the ovary and seed number. Increased Ni in pollen, however, did not significantly intensify the effect of S. polygaloides pollen receipt on M. guttatus seed production.

CONCLUSIONS:

Different levels of Ni in the pollen of S. polygaloides achieved in the greenhouse did not significantly reduce the fitness of M. guttatus. Stigma tolerance to Ni may also have contributed to the lack of response to increased Ni in heterospecific pollen. This study paves the way for additional tests in other metal hyperaccumulators and recipients, and to identify mechanisms of interactions on the stigma.
Nanotechnology in the real world: Redeveloping the nanomaterial consumer products inventory
Authors: Vance Marina E , Kuiken Todd , Vejerano Eric P , McGinnis Sean P , Hochella Michael F , Rejeski David , Hull Matthew S
Published: August 2015

To document the marketing and distribution of nano-enabled products into the commercial marketplace, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies created the Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory (CPI) in 2005. The objective of this present work is to redevelop the CPI by leading a research effort to increase the usefulness and reliability of this inventory. We created eight new descriptors for consumer products, including information pertaining to the nanomaterials contained in each product. The project was motivated by the recognition that a diverse group of stakeholders from academia, industry, and state/federal government had become highly dependent on the inventory as an important resource and bellweather of the pervasiveness of nanotechnology in society. We interviewed 68 nanotechnology experts to assess key information needs. Their answers guided inventory modifications by providing a clear conceptual framework best suited for user expectations. The revised inventory was released in October 2013. It currently lists 1814 consumer products from 622 companies in 32 countries. The Health and Fitness category contains the most products (762, or 42% of the total). Silver is the most frequently used nanomaterial (435 products, or 24%); however, 49% of the products (889) included in the CPI do not provide the composition of the nanomaterial used in them. About 29% of the CPI (528 products) contain nanomaterials suspended in a variety of liquid media and dermal contact is the most likely exposure scenario from their use. The majority (1288 products, or 71%) of the products do not present enough supporting information to corroborate the claim that nanomaterials are used. The modified CPI has enabled crowdsourcing capabilities, which allow users to suggest edits to any entry and permits researchers to upload new findings ranging from human and environmental exposure data to complete life cycle assessments. There are inherent limitations to this type of database, but these modifications to the inventory addressed the majority of criticisms raised in published literature and in surveys of nanotechnology stakeholders and experts. The development of standardized methods and metrics for nanomaterial characterization and labelling in consumer products can lead to greater understanding between the key stakeholders in nanotechnology, especially consumers, researchers, regulators, and industry.
Donor Unrestricted T Cells: A Shared Human T Cell Response
Authors: Van Rhijn Ildiko , Moody D. Branch
Published: August 2015

The now-famous term “restriction” derived from experiments in which T cells from Donor A failed to recognize Ags presented by cells from Donor B. Restriction results from interdonor variation in MHC genes. Donor restriction dominates immunologists’ thinking about the T cell response because it governs organ transplantation and hinders the discovery of disease-associated Ags. However, other T cells can be considered “donor unrestricted” because their targets, CD1a, CD1b, CD1c, CD1d, or MR1, are expressed in a similar form among all humans. A striking feature of donor unrestricted T cells is the expression of invariant TCRs with nearly species-wide distribution. In this article, we review new evidence that donor unrestricted T cells are common in humans. NKT cells, mucosa-associated invariant T cells, and germline-encoded mycolyl-reactive T cells operate outside of the familiar principles of the MHC system, providing a broader picture of T cell function and new opportunities for therapy.
Fundus auto fluorescence and spectral domain ocular coherence tomography in the early detection of chloroquine retinopathy
Authors: Goodman Megan B. , Ziskind Ari
Published: August 2015

Purpose: To determine the sensitivity of spectral domain ocular coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus auto fluorescence (FAF) images as a screening test to detect early changes in the retina prior to the onset of chloroquine retinopathy.Method: The study was conducted using patients taking chloroquine (CQ), referred by the Rheumatology Department to the Ophthalmology Department at Tygerberg Academic Hospital. Group A consisted of 59 patients on CQ for less than 5 years, and Group B consisted of 53 patients on CQ for more than 5 years. A 200 × 200 macula thickness map, 5-line raster SD-OCT on a Carl Zeiss Meditec Cirrus HD-OCT and FAF images on a Carl Zeiss Meditec Visucam 500 were recorded for 223 eyes. Images were reviewed independently, and then those of Groups A and B compared.Results: There were no statistically significant differences between Groups A and B. The criteria included the internal limiting membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium (ILM-RPE) thickness, interdigitation zone integrity (p = 0.891, df = 1, χ² = 0.1876), ellipsoid zone integrity (p = 0.095, df = 2, χ² = 4.699) and FAF image irregularities (p = 0.479, df = 1, χ²= 4995978).Conclusion: The inclusion of SD-OCT and FAF as objective tests into the prescribed screening guidelines does not appear to simplify the detection of subclinical injury in patients on chloroquine treatment.
The understanding and the use of the term Allah as a term for God in translations of the Bible and the Qur’an with specific reference to the Talysh speakers of Azerbaijan
Authors: Van der Spuy Roelie
Published: August 2015

The term Allah is a term that quite often evokes strong negative emotions in the Western world. Since both the Bible and the Qur’an are being translated into Talysh, it is worth evaluating what term to use for God, and whether it would have a negative effect or not to use the term Allah in these translations. Suggestions are made from a Western point of view that Tanrı, a Turkish term for God, would be a better term touse than Allah, as the term for the word God in translations of the Bible. The Qur’an aswell as some Bible translations use the term Allah, which is one of the most common terms for God in the greater Turkic-speaking world in several languages. Should the Talysh Bible translation follow suit to make the translation culturally more acceptable?Die verstaan en die gebruik van die term Allah as ‘n term vir God in Bybel- en dieKoranvertalings, met spesifieke verwysing na die Talysh sprekers in Azerbaijan. Die term Allah is een wat altyd baie sterk negatiewe emosies uitlok in the Westerse wêreld. Aangesien die Bybel sowel as die Koran op die oomblik in Talysh vertaal word, is dit betekenisvol om te evalueer watter term vir God gebruik moet word, en of die gebruik van die term Allah enige negatiewe uitwerking op die vertalings sal hê aldan nie. Sekere mense vanuit ’n Westerse wêreldbeskouing reken dat dit meer aanvaarbaar sal wees om die term Tanrı in Bybelvertalings te gebruik as die term Allah. Die Koran sowel as sekere Bybelvertalings in die groter Turks-sprekende area gebruik die term Allah. Allah is een van die mees algemene terme vir God in verskeie tale in daardie area. Moet die Talysh Bybelvertaling ook die voorbeeld navolg en Allah in hulle vertaling gebruik om dit kultureelmeer aanvaarbaar te maak of nie?
Verrucous carcinoma and squamous cell papilloma of the oral cavity: Report of two cases and review of literature
Authors: Alan Hilal , Agacayak Serkan , Kavak Gulten , Ozcan Ayse
Published: August 2015

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) of oral cavity is a rare variant of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and squamous papilloma is a benign proliferation of the stratified squamous epithelium, which results in a papillary or verrucous exophytic mass. There is a certain clinical similarity between squamous cell papilloma and VC. We presented a report of two cases which are VC and squamous cell papilloma that are showed the same clinical appearance but different pathological appearance, with a review of the literature.
The relationship between occlusal support and maxillary development: An animal study
Authors: Da Costa Fabricio F. , Santos Gabriela S. M. Q. , Farias-Neto Arcelino , Sanchez-Ayala Alfonso , Rizzatti-Barbosa Célia M.
Published: August 2015

Objective: To test the hypothesis that maxillary development may be affected by occlusal support. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed by Wistar rats (5 weeks old) divided into three groups: Control (n = 10), extraction of mandibular molar teeth – left side (n = 10), extraction mandibular molar teeth – left and right sides (n = 10). The rats were sacrificed 8 weeks postextraction. Cone beam computed tomography scan images were taken for posterior measurement of maxillary length and width. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (Tukey test as post-hoc test). Results: Maxillary length was significantly shorter (P < 0.005) in both groups after tooth extraction. No difference was observed regarding maxillary width and body weight. Conclusion: Reduced occlusal support may impair the development of the maxilla in rats.
A different wax sculpture technique for implant-retained auricular prosthesis
Authors: Demir Necla , Cevik Pınar , Okutan Yener , Ozturk A. Nilgun , Colpan Bahar
Published: August 2015

Replacement of missing ears is a challenging task in which extensive array of materials and techniques have been employed. This article describes a different and simplified procedure for fabricating auricular prostheses very similar to the intact left ear of the patient. A 65-year-old male patient was referred to the Department of Prosthodontics with the loss of the right ear. In this case, the impression was made using hydrocolloid material (alginate) from the both defected and the opposite side. After hardening of the stone casts, a custom-made transparent splint plate was designed for the left auricular side. The splint was reversed and a cast model of the right auricular side was obtained as pouring the dental stone into transparent orthodontic splint. After getting the impression from cast model, conventional wax pattern and try on process was done. Finally, silicone elastomer was polymerized and the retention of the prosthesis acquired with the magnetic attachments. The technique described is economical, conventional, and time-saving. Furthermore, the prosthesis imitates the patient's intact auricular tissue.
Comparison of patients perception of dental care offered by male or female dentist: Cross-sectional hospital based study
Authors: Ibrahim Haifaa Mohamed , Awooda Elhadi Mohieldin
Published: August 2015

Aim: To assess patient perception toward male or female dentists, whether gender stereotyping of dentists offering dental treatment played a role. The study then went further to investigate if patients reacted differently toward the dentist′s gender when placed in certain situations. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Academy Dental Teaching Hospital, the total number of participants was 384 adult over 18 years male and female their number was equally divided. Data were collected by the use of a self-administered questionnaire. Questions were closed ended in which the patient had one of three options: male dentist, female dentist or no difference. The participants with experience of being treated by both a male and female dentist were only included. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test with a level of significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Overall there is no specific dentist gender preference among the studied population. With the decrease in patient′s age an association was found concerning patients perception, the range of 18-39 years showed the highest percentage of preference toward a specific gender. More than half (62.2%) of patients stated that if given the choice, they would not choose a dentist gender of different sex. Conclusion: Gender was not an issue for patients when it came down to the treatment process, and it was however established that patients perceived certain characteristics represented specific dentist genders. Patients felt more relaxed when they were being treated by a female dentist, but felt male dentists showed more confidence during the treatment process.
POLE-SHAPED OBJECT DETECTION USING MOBILE LIDAR DATA IN RURAL ROAD ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Yadav M. , Husain A. , Singh A. K. , Lohani B.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Pole-shaped objects (PSOs) located along a road play key role in road safety and planning. Automation is required for calculating the numbers of trees need to be removed and utility poles need to be relocated during rural road widening. Road-side poles are among the most frequently struck road-side objects during road-side accidents. An automatic method is therefore proposed for detecting PSOs using LiDAR point cloud captured along the roadway using Mobile LiDAR system. The proposed method is tested on the point cloud data of rural road environment in India. Dataset of study area having text file size of 1.22 GB is processed in 13 minutes resulting in completeness of 88.63 % and correctness of 95.12 % in identifying PSOs within 10m of the road boundary. In data of across road coverage of 5m of the road boundary, the completeness of 93.10 % and correctness of 100% are achieved. Poles attached with other objects, tilted poles and the poles occluded by tree branches and shrubs are detected by the proposed method.
EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL OF MULTISPECTRAL AIRBORNE LIDAR FOR TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING AND LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Wichmann V. , Bremer M. , Lindenberger J. , Rutzinger M. , Georges C. , Petrini-Monteferri F.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Recently multispectral LiDAR became a promising research field for enhanced LiDAR classification workflows and e.g. the assessment of vegetation health. Current analyses on multispectral LiDAR are mainly based on experimental setups, which are often limited transferable to operational tasks. In late 2014 Optech Inc. announced the first commercially available multispectral LiDAR system for airborne topographic mapping. The combined system makes synchronic multispectral LiDAR measurements possible, solving time shift problems of experimental acquisitions. This paper presents an explorative analysis of the first airborne collected data with focus on class specific spectral signatures. Spectral patterns are used for a classification approach, which is evaluated in comparison to a manual reference classification. Typical spectral patterns comparable to optical imagery could be observed for homogeneous and planar surfaces. For rough and volumetric objects such as trees, the spectral signature becomes biased by signal modification due to multi return effects. However, we show that this first flight data set is suitable for conventional geometrical classification and mapping procedures. Additional classes such as sealed and unsealed ground can be separated with high classification accuracies. For vegetation classification the distinction of species and health classes is possible.
ROBUST CLASSIFICATION AND SEGMENTATION OF PLANAR AND LINEAR FEATURES FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE PROGRESS MONITORING AND STRUCTURAL DIMENSION COMPLIANCE CONTROL
Authors: Maalek R. , Lichti D. D. , Ruwanpura J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The application of terrestrial laser scanners (TLSs) on construction sites for automating construction progress monitoring and controlling structural dimension compliance is growing markedly. However, current research in construction management relies on the planned building information model (BIM) to assign the accumulated point clouds to their corresponding structural elements, which may not be reliable in cases where the dimensions of the as-built structure differ from those of the planned model and/or the planned model is not available with sufficient detail. In addition outliers exist in construction site datasets due to data artefacts caused by moving objects, occlusions and dust. In order to overcome the aforementioned limitations, a novel method for robust classification and segmentation of planar and linear features is proposed to reduce the effects of outliers present in the LiDAR data collected from construction sites. First, coplanar and collinear points are classified through a robust principal components analysis procedure. The classified points are then grouped using a robust clustering method. A method is also proposed to robustly extract the points belonging to the flat-slab floors and/or ceilings without performing the aforementioned stages in order to preserve computational efficiency. The applicability of the proposed method is investigated in two scenarios, namely, a laboratory with 30 million points and an actual construction site with over 150 million points. The results obtained by the two experiments validate the suitability of the proposed method for robust segmentation of planar and linear features in contaminated datasets, such as those collected from construction sites.