bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic Bacteria and Drug Sensitivity Analysis of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Patients
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Wang Chuanhui
Published: January 2016

Objective: To study drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in lower respiratory tract infection in patients in Respiratory Department of Internal Medicine. Method: On October 2011 to October 2013, there were 112 patients with lower respiratory tract infection in the hospital respiratory medicine ward were reviewed for analysis by collected patient’s infected blood, urine and sputum for laboratory analysis and investigation of drug resistance. Results: In a total of 112 strains of pathogenic bacteria, gram negative bacteria, the number of strains was 68, accounting for 60.7% of all strains. The analysis of gram positive bacteria had the lowest drug resistance to vancomycin, but the resistance to erythromycin and penicillin was the highest, while gram negative bacteria were the lowest, but the drug resistance was high. Conclusion: In Respiratory Department Of Internal Medicine, patients with lower respiratory tract infection, the pathogenic bacteria which is gram negative bacterial infection is more common, to clarify the distribution of the infection of pathogenic bacteria, and the drug resistance to do a good grasp of the lower respiratory tract infection in patients with lower respiratory tract infection in patients with the role of a thing.
Multi-Slice Computer Tomography Dynamic Enhanced Expression and Clinical Significance of Hepatic Perfusion Abnormalities
Authors: Zhou Shicheng , Shi Jiangwei
Published: January 2016

Objective: To investigate the imaging features and clinical significance of the dynamic enhanced CT perfusion of the liver. Method: 112 cases of hepatic perfusion disorders were collected, including 22 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus, 12 cases of bile duct carcinoma, 16 cases of cholangitis, 31 cases of hemangioma, 10 cases of liver cirrhosis and liver laceration injury in 5 cases, 16 cases of liver abscess, all cases were surgically or clinically confirmed. All cases were performed with three phase enhanced scanning, and the images were loaded into the PACS system. Results: In 26 cases, 76 cases with patchy enhancement around the focus were shown in 10 cases with patchy enhancement. Arterial phase was in 47 cases, 12 cases with high perfusion, and 53 cases with high perfusion. Conclusion: Correct understanding of liver perfusion abnormalities in the diagnosis of lesions and reduce the true extent of the lesion is important.
Clinical Observation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Craniocerebral Trauma
Authors: Wang Shiqiang
Published: January 2016

Objective: To review and analyze the clinical effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of craniocerebral trauma, and to provide reference for the treatment of craniocerebral trauma. Method: From January 2009 to April 2014, we treated 287 cases of patients with craniocerebral trauma, on the basis of conventional treatment, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and assessment for therapeutic effect. Results: After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients with GCS score and GOS levels were significantly improved, compared with before treatment, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05); effect of the treatment of patients with 2−3 courses of treatment was better than patients receive more than 3 courses of treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of craniocerebral trauma can effectively improve patient’s symptoms and signs, there are helpful in the recovery of the body function of patients. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment should be carry out as soon as possible with appropriate extending the duration of treatment, as well as reduce the severe disability, death and sequela.
The Comparative Study of Open and Laparoscopic Partial Hepatectomy in 64 Cases of Patients
Authors: Yu Yaoping , Huang Zhengbin
Published: January 2016

Objective: A comparative study between two methods of open and laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. Method: 64 cases of patients with partial hepatectomy were choosing from our hospital from January 2014 to December 2014. Two groups were assigned according to the principle of random allocation of the open group and laparoscopic group, respectively and were observed its operation index, post-operative recovery indicators and other indicators. Results: Abdominal incision length, intra-operative bleeding volume, post-operative advanced liquid time, and hospitalization time were significantly better in Laparoscopic than laparotomy group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time and complications between the open and laparoscopic group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy is obviously superior to open liver resection where it is worth promoting in clinical practice.
Clinically Studies on Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Induced Right Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Yudong
Published: January 2016

Objective: to study a clinical treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension induced right heart failure. Method: A total of 60 cases of pulmonary heart disease right heart failure patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group in which 30 cases for each group. Results: In the observation group of 30 cases, 14 cases produce an effect, 15 cases is effective, 2 cases is invalid and the total effective rate is 96.6%. In the control group of 30 cases, 8 cases produce an effect, 17 cases is effective, 5 cases is invalid and the total effective rate is 83.3%. Conclusion: Dobutamine can alleviate symptoms of heart failure, reduce heart failure patients’ fatality rate and improve prognosis.
Foams With Wettability-Altering Capabilities for Oil-Wet Carbonates: A Synergistic Approach
Authors: Singh Robin , Mohanty Kishore K.
Published: January 2016

The goal of this work is to systematically study the effect of wettability alteration and foaming, either acting individually or synergistically, on tertiary oil recovery in oil-wet carbonate cores. Three types of anionic-surfactant formulations were used: alkyl propoxy sulfate (APS), which exhibited low interfacial tension (IFT), wettability alteration, and weak foaming; alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS), which showed no wettability alteration but good foaming; and a blend of APS, AOS, and a zwitterionic-foam booster, which showed low IFT, wettability alteration, and good foaming. First, contact-angle experiments were conducted on oil-wet calcite plates to evaluate their wettability-altering capabilities. Second, spontaneous imbibitions in a microchannel were performed to study the role of IFT reduction and wettability alteration by these formulations. Third, static foam tests were conducted to evaluate their foaming performance in bulk. Fourth, foam-flow experiments were conducted in cores to evaluate potential synergism between the anionic-surfactant AOS and the zwitterionic surfactants in stabilizing foam in the absence of crude oil. Finally, oil-displacement experiments were performed by use of a vuggy, oil-wet, dolomite core saturated with a crude oil. After secondary waterfloods, surfactant solutions were coinjected with methane gas at a fixed foam quality (gas-volume fraction). Contact-angle and spontaneous-imbibition experiments showed that AOS can act as a wettability-altering surfactant in the presence of sodium carbonate, but not alone. No synergy was observed in foam stabilization by means of the blend of zwitterionic surfactant and AOS solution (1:1) in a water-wet carbonate core. Oil-displacement experiments in oil-wet carbonate core revealed that coinjection of wettability-altering surfactant and gas can recover a significant amount of oil [33% original oil in place (OOIP)] over waterflood. During foam flooding, with AOS as the foaming agent, only a weak foam was propagated in a carbonate core, irrespective of the core wettability. A blend of wettability-altering surfactant, AOS, and zwitterionic surfactant not only altered the wettability of carbonate core from oil-wet to water-wet, but also significantly increased the foam-pressure gradient in the presence of crude oil.
Field Performance and Consumption of Indoxacarb Bait for Control of Mole Crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) in Turfgrass
Authors: Held David W. , Xu Yao
Published: January 2016

Mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) are among the most problematic pests of turfgrass in the southeastern United States. Surface‐applied insecticides or insecticidal baits are often required to prevent damage to lawns, golf course, or sports turf. The purpose of this study was to evaluate indoxacarb baits against mole crickets in the field and laboratory. A field test evaluated application rates from 56 to 224 kg product/ha (0.11–0.44 lb a.i./acre) and determined that the rates ≥112 kg product/ha were efficient to reduce mole cricket damage to turfgrass. Laboratory no‐choice tests determined the amount of indoxacarb bait consumed by tawny (Scapteriscus vicinus Scudder) and southern (S. borellii Giglio‐Tos) mole crickets. Southern mole crickets consumed more bait per insect, but significantly less than tawny mole crickets when based on amount of bait consumed per insect body mass. Results of the lab tests suggest that labeled rates <112 kg product/ha may not provide enough bait per unit area to control mole crickets under field conditions. The cost of a single application of indoxacarb bait is comparable to standard surface‐applied insecticides but provides limited residual protection. Additional work is needed to compare the efficacy of indoxacarb bait and standard insecticides. Until then, indoxacarb bait serves a niche for mole cricket control where surface‐applied products have breakthroughs in control or on sites where irrigation is limited.
Do prenatal and postnatal hypothyroidism affect the craniofacial structure?: An experimental study
Authors: Cesur Mine Gecgelen , Cesur Gokhan , Ogrenim Mert , Alkan Afra
Published: January 2016

Objective: To investigate the effect of experimental prenatal and postnatal hypothyroidism (HT) on the craniofacial structure in rats.

Materials and Methods: Female Wistar albino rats were mated with males for fertilization. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 (methimazole [MMI]-induced prenatal hypothyroidism group) mother rats were given MMI water during and after pregnancy. Group 2 (MMI-induced postnatal hypothyroidism group) mother rats were given MMI water after pregnancy. After the breast-feeding period, group 1 and 2 rat pups received the same water as their lactating mothers drank. Group 3 (control group) pregnant rats and rat pups were given normal tap water. When the rat pups were 90 days of age, lateral cephalometric and posteroanterior films were taken under anesthesia.

Results: Posteroanterior radiographs revealed that palatal, cranial, bizygomatic arch, and bigonial width measurements were significantly shorter in prenatal HT and postnatal HT groups compared to the control group (P < .001). Intragroup comparisons in lateral cephalometric radiographs showed that, nearly all of the comparisons were statistically significant (P < .05), with the exception of the Co-Gn, E-Pg/S-Gn measurements between the prenatal and postnatal HT groups.

Conclusions: Sagittal and transverse measurements showed that untreated HT has detrimental effects on the growth of the maxilla and mandible.
Comparative Associations of Working Memory and Pain Catastrophizing With Chronic Low Back Pain Intensity
Authors: Simon Corey B. , Lentz Trevor A. , Bishop Mark D. , Riley Joseph L. , Fillingim Roger B. , George Steven Z.
Published: January 2016

Background

Because of its high global burden, determining biopsychosocial influences of chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a research priority. Psychological factors such as pain catastrophizing are well established. However, cognitive factors such as working memory warrant further investigation to be clinically useful.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine how working memory and pain catastrophizing are associated with CLBP measures of daily pain intensity and movement-evoked pain intensity.

Design

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of individuals with ≥3 months of CLBP (n=60) compared with pain-free controls (n=30).

Method

Participants completed measures of working memory, pain catastrophizing, and daily pain intensity. Movement-evoked pain intensity was assessed using the Back Performance Scale. Outcome measures were compared between individuals with CLBP and those who were pain-free using nonparametric testing. Associations were determined using multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Participants with CLBP (mean age=47.7 years, 68% female) had lower working memory performance (P=.008) and higher pain catastrophizing (P<.001) compared with pain-free controls (mean age=47.6 years, 63% female). For individuals with CLBP, only working memory remained associated with daily pain intensity (R2=.07, standardized beta=−.308, P=.041) and movement-evoked pain intensity (R2=.14, standardized beta=−.502, P=.001) after accounting for age, sex, education, and interactions between pain catastrophizing and working memory.

Limitations

The cross-sectional design prevented prospective analysis. Findings also are not indicative of overall working memory (eg, spatial) or cognitive performance.

Conclusion

Working memory demonstrated the strongest association with daily pain and movement-evoked pain intensity compared with (and after accounting for) established CLBP factors. Future research will elucidate the prognostic value of working memory on prevention and recovery of CLBP.
Communication Ethics in Dermatology
Authors: Pokhrel Dinesh Binod
Published: January 2016

Not available.NJDVL Vol.  13, No. 1, 2015
Recent advances in Immunobullous diseases
Authors: Bhari N , Verma K K
Published: January 2016

The researches in the recent past have led to better understanding of pathogenesis, diagnostic methods and treatment of autoimmune bullous diseases. Significant advances in our understanding of pathogenesis of pemphigus have resulted in development of multiple pathogenic models and discovery of new signalling pathways involved in its pathogenesis. Various newer clinical variants have been described and diagnostic methods have been developed. Disease activity scoring methods in pemphigus provide comparable and interpretable results which facilitate better understanding of disease activity and assessment of treatment response. Use of biological agents have led to better control of disease activity and other newer therapeutic options are being explored.NJDVL Vol.  13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 1-11
Comparison of clotrimazole 1% cream with 50% tea tree oil extract in a cream base for the treatment of tinea corporis/cruris: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pokharel Achyut , Yaptinchay C , Thaebtharm A E
Published: January 2016

Background: Tinea cruris and corporis are common diseases and can be widespread. Estimated lifetime probability of contracting the disease is as high as 10-20%. Dermatophytic infections are one of the three most frequently observed skin diseases among poor communities in tropical countries. Tea tree oil exerts its antifungal activity by altering membrane properties and compromising membrane associated function resulting in clinical improvement and mycological cure of superficial dermatophytes. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of tea tree oil 50% in a cream base compared with clotrimazole 1% cream for the treatment of tinea corporis or cruris. Material and Methods: Sixty patients were enrolled in the study and randomized into tea tree oil and clotrimazole groups with 30 patients in each group. Both groups were instructed to apply cream two times a day after cleaning with soap for 4 weeks. The patients were asked to follow-up every 2 weeks for photography, microscopic and clinical assessment. Before enrollment, patient signed a written consent form. Results: Using intention to treat analysis, the assessment of mycological cure, clinical cure, global physician assessments and overall patient perception were done. There were no statistical difference of all the parameters between tea tree oil group and clotrimazole group. Conclusion: Tea tree oil 50% cream is safe and as effective as clotrimazole 1% cream for the treatment of tinea corporis or cruris.NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 24-30
Urticaria pigmentosa: A case report
Authors: Keen Mohammad Abid
Published: January 2016

Mastocytosis is a heterogenous group of diseases characterized by abnormal infiltration of mast cells in the skin and other organs. Urticaria Pigmentosa is the most common variant of cutaneous mastocytosis. We herein report a case of urticaria pigmentosa in a three year old boy.NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 57-60
Germline mutations in pancreatic cancer become better defined
Authors: Barton Mary Kay
Published: January 2016

Key Points

Germline mutations occur in approximately 15% of patients with PAC.

These 2 studies suggest that genetic counseling and testing are appropriate for patients with early‐onset PAC or a family history of PAC, those with one of several associated cancers, and those of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.

Further study and guidelines are needed to integrate genetic testing for PAC into practice.
Strengthening human resource information system at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of Bangladesh
Authors: Nuruzzaman Md
Published: January 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 1-2
Anaesthetic and analgesic eects of adding fentanyl to bupivacaine-lignocaine mixtures in supraclavicular brachial plexus block  a comparative study with or without fentanyl
Authors: Zainab Farhanaz , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Talukder Moumita , Yeasmeen Sabina , Alam AKM Shamsul , Haque AKM Faizul
Published: January 2016

Brachial plexus block is gaining popularity day by day for upper extremity surgery because it has manifold advantages. Supraclavicular approach offers a high success rate for elbow, forearm, hand surgery. Different mixtures of local anesthetics are intended to provide faster block onset than long-acting agents and to extend the duration typically seen with intermediate or short-acting agents. This prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted to compare the onset time of sensory block, onset time of motor block and time to achieve complete block, duration of analgesia adding fentanyl with bupivacaine-lignocaine mixtures in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. A total of 60 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study & devided into two groups. Group A received lignocaine-bupivacaine mixtures( 1% lignocaine, 0.25% bupivacaine) and was considered control; group Group B received fentanyl (100?g) with the local anaesthetic mixtures( 1% lignocaine, 0.25% bupivacaine). The mean onset of sensory and motor block were significantly early in group B compared with that of group A. The mean time to achieve complete block and duration of analgesia were significantly longer in group B. It was revealed in the study that patients of group B had no pain up to 4 hrs, there was first reporting of pain (VAS >4) around 5 hrs, the worst pain was experienced after 8 hrs, first dose of analgesic was administered according to patients request. The patients of group A had no pain up to 3 hrs. Thereafter pain intensity increased at 4 hrs, around 6 hrs postoperatively the patients experienced the worst pain . This feature reveals a significantly longer duration of analgesia in group B. This study revealed that addition of fentanyl significantly causes early onset of anaesthesia and longer duration of analgesia without any side effects.Bangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 26-31
A young female of systemic lupus erythematosus with hepatic necrosis
Authors: Shahin Md Abu , Sultan Mohammad Imtiaz , Sultana Nadia , Saeed Atia , Yeasmin Sabrina , Choudhury Minhaj Rahim
Published: January 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology which can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system and other organs of the body. Clinical and radiological liver diseases are uncommon in patients with SLE. We report a 40-year-old female with known SLE presented with fever, severe abdominal pain, progressive abdominal distension, vomiting & absence of bowel movement for 4 days. Laboratory tests revealed thrombocytopenia, elevated ALT, AST, Alkaline phosphatase and high titer anti ds-DNA. USG revealed mild hepatosplenomegaly. serum bilirubin, serum electrolyte, serum amylase, 24 hour urinary amylase and serum lipase were normal. Serum anti phospholipid antibody was negative. Computed tomography (CT) of abdomen showed hypodense lesions in the liver that mimicked multiple liver abscesses and CT abdominal angiography showed hepatic infarction. She was treated with pulse methylprednisolone followed by high dose oral prednisolone and intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide. Patient improved clinically; platelet count & liver enzymes returned to the normal range. This patient represents a rare case of SLE who had hepatic vasculitis mimicking multiple liver abscesses.Bangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 43-45
Obstetrics obstacles: a focus on social obstetrics of Bangladesh
Authors: Banu Nasreen , Ferdoush Jannatul , Begum Tahera
Published: January 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 57
First man with two mind-controlled prosthetic limbs
Authors: Sumon Md Sohel Parvez
Published: January 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh Med J. 2015 Jan; 44 (1): 59-60
Residential Demand Response Scheduling with Consideration of Consumer Preferences
Authors: Jovanovic Raka , Bousselham Abdelkader , Bayram Islam
Published: January 2016

This paper proposes a new demand response scheduling framework for an array of households, which are grouped into different categories based on socio-economic factors, such as the number of occupants, family decomposition and employment status. Each of the households is equipped with a variety of appliances. The model takes the preferences of participating households into account and aims to minimize the overall production cost and, in parallel, to lower the individual electricity bills. In the existing literature, customers submit binary values for each time period to indicate their operational preferences. However, turning the appliances “on” or “off” does not capture the associated discomfort levels, as each appliance provides a different service and leads to a different level of satisfaction. The proposed model employs integer values to indicate household preferences and models the scheduling problem as a multi-objective mixed integer programming. The main thrust of the framework is that the multi-level preference modeling of appliances increases their “flexibility”; hence, the job scheduling can be done at a lower cost. The model is evaluated by using the real data provided by the Department of Energy & Climate Change, UK. In the computational experiments, we examine the relation between the satisfaction of consumers based on the appliance usage preferences and the electricity costs by exploring the Pareto front of the related objective functions. The results show that the proposed model leads to significant savings in electricity cost, while maintaining a good level of customer satisfaction.
Non-Abelian Pseudocompact Groups
Authors: Comfort W. , Remus Dieter
Published: January 2016

Here are three recently-established theorems from the literature. (A) (2006) Every non-metrizable compact abelian group K has 2|K| -many proper dense pseudocompact subgroups. (B) (2003) Every non-metrizable compact abelian group K admits 22|K| -many strictly finer pseudocompact topological group refinements. (C) (2007) Every non-metrizable pseudocompact abelian group has a proper dense pseudocompact subgroup and a strictly finer pseudocompact topological group refinement. (Theorems (A), (B) and (C) become false if the non-metrizable hypothesis is omitted.) With a detailed view toward the relevant literature, the present authors ask: What happens to (A), (B), (C) and to similar known facts about pseudocompact abelian groups if the abelian hypothesis is omitted? Are the resulting statements true, false, true under certain natural additional hypotheses, etc.? Several new results responding in part to these questions are given, and several specific additional questions are posed.
Re-Use of Established Drugs for Anti-Metastatic Indications
Authors: Entschladen Frank , Thyssen Dane , Drell David
Published: January 2016

Most patients that die from cancer do not die due to the primary tumor but due to the development of metastases. However, there is currently still no drug on the market that specifically addresses and inhibits metastasis formation. This lack was, in the past, largely due to the lack of appropriate screening models, but recent developments have established such models and have provided evidence that tumor cell migration works as a surrogate for metastasis formation. Herein we deliver on several examples a rationale for not only testing novel cancer drugs by use of these screening assays, but also reconsider established drugs even of other fields of indication.
Simulation of 50-nm Gate Graphene Nanoribbon Transistors
Authors: Nanmeni Bondja Cedric , Geng Zhansong , Granzner Ralf , Pezoldt Jörg , Schwierz Frank
Published: January 2016

An approach to simulate the steady-state and small-signal behavior of GNR MOSFETs (graphene nanoribbon metal-semiconductor-oxide field-effect transistor) is presented. GNR material parameters and a method to account for the density of states of one-dimensional systems like GNRs are implemented in a commercial device simulator. This modified tool is used to calculate the current-voltage characteristics as well the cutoff frequency fT and the maximum frequency of oscillation fmax of GNR MOSFETs. Exemplarily, we consider 50-nm gate GNR MOSFETs with N = 7 armchair GNR channels and examine two transistor configurations. The first configuration is a simplified MOSFET structure with a single GNR channel as usually studied by other groups. Furthermore, and for the first time in the literature, we study in detail a transistor structure with multiple parallel GNR channels and interribbon gates. It is shown that the calculated fT of GNR MOSFETs is significantly lower than that of GFETs (FET with gapless large-area graphene channel) with comparable gate length due to the mobility degradation in GNRs. On the other hand, GNR MOSFETs show much higher fmax compared to experimental GFETs due the semiconducting nature of the GNR channels and the resulting better saturation of the drain current. Finally, it is shown that the gate control in FETs with multiple parallel GNR channels is improved while the cutoff frequency is degraded compared to single-channel GNR MOSFETs due to parasitic capacitances of the interribbon gates.
Can Xanthophyll-Membrane Interactions Explain Their Selective Presence in the Retina and Brain?
Authors: Widomska Justyna , Zareba Mariusz , Subczynski Witold
Published: January 2016

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that a high dietary intake of carotenoids may offer protection against age-related macular degeneration, cancer and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Humans cannot synthesize carotenoids and depend on their dietary intake. Major carotenoids that have been found in human plasma can be divided into two groups, carotenes (nonpolar molecules, such as β-carotene, α-carotene or lycopene) and xanthophylls (polar carotenoids that include an oxygen atom in their structure, such as lutein, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin). Only two dietary carotenoids, namely lutein and zeaxanthin (macular xanthophylls), are selectively accumulated in the human retina. A third carotenoid, meso-zeaxanthin, is formed directly in the human retina from lutein. Additionally, xanthophylls account for about 70% of total carotenoids in all brain regions. Some specific properties of these polar carotenoids must explain why they, among other available carotenoids, were selected during evolution to protect the retina and brain. It is also likely that the selective uptake and deposition of macular xanthophylls in the retina and brain are enhanced by specific xanthophyll-binding proteins. We hypothesize that the high membrane solubility and preferential transmembrane orientation of macular xanthophylls distinguish them from other dietary carotenoids, enhance their chemical and physical stability in retina and brain membranes and maximize their protective action in these organs. Most importantly, xanthophylls are selectively concentrated in the most vulnerable regions of lipid bilayer membranes enriched in polyunsaturated lipids. This localization is ideal if macular xanthophylls are to act as lipid-soluble antioxidants, which is the most accepted mechanism through which lutein and zeaxanthin protect neural tissue against degenerative diseases.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Snow Density and Its Influence on Snow Water Equivalence Estimates in a Large Mountainous Basin
Authors: Wetlaufer Karl , Hendrikx Jordy , Marshall Lucy
Published: January 2016

Accurate representation of the spatial distribution of snow water equivalent (SWE) in mountainous basins is critical for furthering the understanding of snow as a water resource, especially in the Western United States. To estimate the spatial distribution and total volume of SWE over mountainous basins, previous work has either assumed uniform snow density or used simple approaches to estimate density. This study uses over 1000 direct measurements of SWE and snow depth (from which density was calculated) in sampling areas that were physiographically proportional to a large (207 km2) mountainous basin in southwest Montana. Using these data, modeled spatial distributions of density and depth were developed and combined to obtain estimates of total basin SWE. Six estimates of SWE were obtained using varying combinations of the distributed depth and density models and were compared to the average of three different models that utilized direct measurements of SWE. Models utilizing direct SWE measurements varied by approximately 1% around their mean, while SWE estimates derived from combined depth and density models varied by over 14% around the same mean. This study highlights the need to carefully consider the spatial variability of density when estimating SWE based on snow depth in these environments.
Descriptive Characteristics of Surface Water Quality in Hong Kong by a Self-Organising Map
Authors: An Yan , Zou Zhihong , Li Ranran
Published: January 2016

In this study, principal component analysis (PCA) and a self-organising map (SOM) were used to analyse a complex dataset obtained from the river water monitoring stations in the Tolo Harbor and Channel Water Control Zone (Hong Kong), covering the period of 2009–2011. PCA was initially applied to identify the principal components (PCs) among the nonlinear and complex surface water quality parameters. SOM followed PCA, and was implemented to analyze the complex relationships and behaviors of the parameters. The results reveal that PCA reduced the multidimensional parameters to four significant PCs which are combinations of the original ones. The positive and inverse relationships of the parameters were shown explicitly by pattern analysis in the component planes. It was found that PCA and SOM are efficient tools to capture and analyze the behavior of multivariable, complex, and nonlinear related surface water quality data.
Back-Analyses of Landfill Instability Induced by High Water Level: Case Study of Shenzhen Landfill
Authors: Peng Ren , Hou Yujing , Zhan Liangtong , Yao Yangping
Published: January 2016

In June 2008, the Shenzhen landfill slope failed. This case is used as an example to study the deformation characteristics and failure mode of a slope induced by high water levels. An integrated monitoring system, including water level gauges, electronic total stations, and inclinometers, was used to monitor the slope failure process. The field measurements suggest that the landfill landslide was caused by a deep slip along the weak interface of the composite liner system at the base of the landfill. The high water level is considered to be the main factor that caused this failure. To calculate the relative interface shear displacements in the geosynthetic multilayer liner system, a series of numerical direct shear tests were carried out. Based on the numerical results, the composite lining system simplified and the centrifuge modeling technique was used to quantitatively evaluate the effect of water levels on landfill instability.
Differences in Ambient Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Concentrations between Streets and Alleys in New York City: Open Space vs. Semi-Closed Space
Authors: Lovinsky-Desir Stephanie , Miller Rachel , Bautista Joshua , Gil Eric , Chillrud Steven , Yan Beizhan , Camann David , Perera Frederica , Jung Kyung
Published: January 2016

Background: Outdoor ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations are variable throughout an urban environment. However, little is known about how variation in semivolatile and nonvolatile PAHs related to the built environment (open space vs. semi-closed space) contributes to differences in concentrations. Methods: We simultaneously collected 14, two-week samples of PAHs from the outside of windows facing the front (adjacent to the street) open side of a New York City apartment building and the alley, semi-closed side of the same apartment unit between 2007 and 2012. We also analyzed samples of PAHs measured from 35 homes across Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, 17 from street facing windows with a median floor level of 4 (range 2–26) and 18 from alley-facing windows with a median floor level of 4 (range 1–15). Results: Levels of nonvolatile ambient PAHs were significantly higher when measured from a window adjacent to a street (an open space), compared to a window 30 feet away, adjacent to an alley (a semi-closed space) (street geometric mean (GM) 1.32 ng/m3, arithmetic mean ± standard deviation (AM ± SD) 1.61 ± 1.04 ng/m3; alley GM 1.10 ng/m3, AM ± SD 1.37 ± 0.94 ng/m3). In the neighborhood-wide comparison, nonvolatile PAHs were also significantly higher when measured adjacent to streets compared with adjacent to alley sides of apartment buildings (street GM 1.10 ng/m3, AM ± SD 1.46 ± 1.24 ng/m3; alley GM 0.61 ng/m3, AM ± SD 0.81 ± 0.80 ng/m3), but not semivolatile PAHs. Conclusions: Ambient PAHs, nonvolatile PAHs in particular, are significantly higher when measured from a window adjacent to a street compared to a window adjacent to an alley, despite both locations being relatively close to street traffic. This study highlights small-scale spatial variations in ambient PAH concentrations that may be related to the built environment (open space vs. semi-closed space) from which the samples are measured, as well as the relative distance from street traffic, that could impact accurate personal exposure assessments.
Altered Pre-mRNA Splicing Caused by a Novel Intronic Mutation c.1443+5G>A in the Dihydropyrimidinase (DPYS) Gene
Authors: Nakajima Yoko , Meijer Judith , Zhang Chunhua , Wang Xu , Kondo Tomomi , Ito Tetsuya , Dobritzsch Doreen , Van Kuilenburg André
Published: January 2016

Dihydropyrimidinase (DHP) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the DPYS gene. Patients present with highly elevated levels of dihydrouracil and dihydrothymine in their urine, blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The analysis of the effect of mutations in DPYS on pre-mRNA splicing is hampered by the fact that DHP is primarily expressed in liver and kidney cells. The minigene approach can detect mRNA splicing aberrations using cells that do not express the endogenous mRNA. We have used a minigene-based approach to analyze the effects of a presumptive pre-mRNA splicing mutation in two newly identified Chinese pediatric patients with DHP deficiency. Mutation analysis of DPYS showed that both patients were compound heterozygous for a novel intronic mutation c.1443+5G>A in intron 8 and a previously described missense mutation c.1001A>G (p.Q334R) in exon 6. Wild-type and the mutated minigene constructs, containing exons 7, 8 and 9 of DPYS, yielded different splicing products after expression in HEK293 cells. The c.1443+5G>A mutation resulted in altered pre-mRNA splicing of the DPYS minigene construct with full skipping of exon 8. Analysis of the DHP crystal structure showed that the deletion of exon 8 severely affects folding, stability and homooligomerization of the enzyme as well as disruption of the catalytic site. Thus, the analysis suggests that the c.1443+5G>A mutation results in aberrant splicing of the pre-mRNA encoding DHP, underlying the DHP deficiency in two unrelated Chinese patients.
Proteomic Analysis of Pathogenic Fungi Reveals Highly Expressed Conserved Cell Wall Proteins
Authors: Champer Jackson , Ito James , Clemons Karl , Stevens David , Kalkum Markus
Published: January 2016

We are presenting a quantitative proteomics tally of the most commonly expressed conserved fungal proteins of the cytosol, the cell wall, and the secretome. It was our goal to identify fungi-typical proteins that do not share significant homology with human proteins. Such fungal proteins are of interest to the development of vaccines or drug targets. Protein samples were derived from 13 fungal species, cultured in rich or in minimal media; these included clinical isolates of Aspergillus, Candida, Mucor, Cryptococcus, and Coccidioides species. Proteomes were analyzed by quantitative MSE (Mass Spectrometry—Elevated Collision Energy). Several thousand proteins were identified and quantified in total across all fractions and culture conditions. The 42 most abundant proteins identified in fungal cell walls or supernatants shared no to very little homology with human proteins. In contrast, all but five of the 50 most abundant cytosolic proteins had human homologs with sequence identity averaging 59%. Proteomic comparisons of the secreted or surface localized fungal proteins highlighted conserved homologs of the Aspergillus fumigatus proteins 1,3-β-glucanosyltransferases (Bgt1, Gel1-4), Crf1, Ecm33, EglC, and others. The fact that Crf1 and Gel1 were previously shown to be promising vaccine candidates, underlines the value of the proteomics data presented here.
π-Conjugated Materials as the Hole-Transporting Layer in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gheno Alexandre , Vedraine Sylvain , Ratier Bernard , Bouclé Johann
Published: January 2016

Hybrid organometal halide perovskites have attracted much attention these past four years as the new active layer for photovoltaic applications. Researches are now intensively focused on the stability issues of these solar cells, the process of fabrication and the design of innovative materials to produce efficient perovskite devices. In this review, we highlight the recent progress demonstrated in 2015 in the design of new π-conjugated organic materials used as hole transporters in such solar cells. Indeed, several of these “synthetic metals” have been proposed to play this role during the last few years, in an attempt to replace the conventional 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis-(N,N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD) reference. Organic compounds have the benefits of low production costs and the abundance of raw materials, but they are also crucial components in order to address some of the stability issues usually encountered by this type of technology. We especially point out the main design rules to reach high efficiencies.
The Structure-Activity Relationship of the Antioxidant Peptides from Natural Proteins
Authors: Zou Tang-Bin , He Tai-Ping , Li Hua-Bin , Tang Huan-Wen , Xia En-Qin
Published: January 2016

Peptides derived from dietary proteins, have been reported to display significant antioxidant activity, which may exert notably beneficial effects in promoting human health and in food processing. Recently, much research has focused on the generation, separation, purification and identification of novel peptides from various protein sources. Some researchers have tried to discover the structural characteristics of antioxidant peptides in order to lessen or avoid the tedious and aimless work involving the ongoing generated peptide preparation schemes. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the relationship between the structural features of peptides and their antioxidant activities. The relationship between the structure of the precursor proteins and their abilities to release antioxidant fragments will also be summarized and inferred. The preparation methods and antioxidant capacity evaluation assays of peptides and a prediction scheme of quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) will also be pointed out and discussed.
Identification of Selective ERRγ Inverse Agonists
Authors: Kim Jina , Im Chun , Yoo Eun , Ma Min , Kim Sang-Bum , Hong Eunmi , Chin Jungwook , Hwang Hayoung , Lee Sungwoo , Kim Nam , Jeon Jae-Han , Lee In-Kyu , Jeon Yong , Choi Hueng-Sik , Kim Seong , Cho Sung
Published: January 2016

GSK5182 (4) is currently one of the lead compounds for the development of estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) inverse agonists. Here, we report the design, synthesis, pharmacological and in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET) properties of a series of compounds related to 4. Starting from 4, a series of analogs were structurally modified and their ERRγ inverse agonist activity was measured. A key pharmacophore feature of this novel class of ligands is the introduction of a heterocyclic group for A-ring substitution in the core scaffold. Among the tested compounds, several of them are potent ERRγ inverse agonists as determined by binding and functional assays. The most promising compound, 15g, had excellent binding selectivity over related subtypes (IC50 = 0.44, >10, >10, and 10 μM at the ERRγ, ERRα, ERRβ, and ERα subtypes, respectively). Compound 15g also resulted in 95% transcriptional repression at a concentration of 10 μM, while still maintaining an acceptable in vitro ADMET profile. This novel class of ERRγ inverse agonists shows promise in the development of drugs targeting ERRγ-related diseases.
Impact of Backbone Fluorination on π-Conjugated Polymers in Organic Photovoltaic Devices: A Review
Authors: Leclerc Nicolas , Chávez Patricia , Ibraikulov Olzhas , Heiser Thomas , Lévêque Patrick
Published: January 2016

Solution-processed bulk heterojunction solar cells have experienced a remarkable acceleration in performances in the last two decades, reaching power conversion efficiencies above 10%. This impressive progress is the outcome of a simultaneous development of more advanced device architectures and of optimized semiconducting polymers. Several chemical approaches have been developed to fine-tune the optoelectronics and structural polymer parameters required to reach high efficiencies. Fluorination of the conjugated polymer backbone has appeared recently to be an especially promising approach for the development of efficient semiconducting polymers. As a matter of fact, most currently best-performing semiconducting polymers are using fluorine atoms in their conjugated backbone. In this review, we attempt to give an up-to-date overview of the latest results achieved on fluorinated polymers for solar cells and to highlight general polymer properties’ evolution trends related to the fluorination of their conjugated backbone.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of the Response to Zinc, Magnesium, and Calcium Deficiency in Specific Cell Types of Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Fukao Yoichiro , Kobayashi Mami , Zargar Sajad , Kurata Rie , Fukui Risa , Mori Izumi , Ogata Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2016

The proteome profiles of specific cell types have recently been investigated using techniques such as fluorescence activated cell sorting and laser capture microdissection. However, quantitative proteomic analysis of specific cell types has not yet been performed. In this study, to investigate the response of the proteome to zinc, magnesium, and calcium deficiency in specific cell types of Arabidopsis thaliana roots, we performed isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics using GFP-expressing protoplasts collected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Protoplasts were collected from the pGL2-GFPer and pMGP-GFPer marker lines for epidermis or inner cell lines (pericycle, endodermis, and cortex), respectively. To increase the number of proteins identified, iTRAQ-labeled peptides were separated into 24 fractions by OFFGFEL electrophoresis prior to high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis. Overall, 1039 and 737 proteins were identified and quantified in the epidermal and inner cell lines, respectively. Interestingly, the expression of many proteins was decreased in the epidermis by mineral deficiency, although a weaker effect was observed in inner cell lines such as the pericycle, endodermis, and cortex. Here, we report for the first time the quantitative proteomics of specific cell types in Arabidopsis roots.
Development of a Regional Coral Observation Method by a Fluorescence Imaging LIDAR Installed in a Towable Buoy
Authors: Sasano Masahiko , Imasato Motonobu , Yamano Hiroya , Oguma Hiroyuki
Published: January 2016

Coral bleaching and mortality is predicted to increase under global climate change. A new observation technique is required to monitor regional coral conditions. To this end, we developed a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system installed in a towable buoy for boat observations, which acquires continuous fluorescent images of the seabed during day-time. Most corals have innate fluorescent proteins in their tissue, and they emit fluorescence by ultraviolet excitation. This fluorescence distinguishes living coral from dead coral skeleton, crustose coralline algae, and sea algae. This paper provides a proof of concept for using the LIDAR system and fluorescence to map coral distribution within 1 km scale and coral cover within 100 m scale for a single reef in Japan.
Lead-Free Piezoelectric Diaphragm Biosensors Based on Micro-Machining Technology and Chemical Solution Deposition
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Wu Xiaoqing , Shi Peng , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we present a new approach to the fabrication of integrated silicon-based piezoelectric diaphragm-type biosensors by using sodium potassium niobate-silver niobate (0.82KNN-0.18AN) composite lead-free thin film as the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric diaphragms were designed and fabricated by micro-machining technology and chemical solution deposition. The fabricated device was very sensitive to the mass changes caused by various targets attached on the surface of diaphragm. The measured mass sensitivity value was about 931 Hz/μg. Its good performance shows that the piezoelectric diaphragm biosensor can be used as a cost-effective platform for nucleic acid testing.