bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Subthalamic Stimulation can Improve Sleep Quality in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Deli Gabriella , Aschermann Zsuzsanna , Ács Péter , Bosnyák Edit , Janszky József , Faludi Béla , Makkos Attila , Kovács Márton , Komoly Sámuel , Balás István , Dóczi Tamás , Kovács Norbert
Published: June 2015

Background:

Sleep problems are among the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The PD Sleep Scale 2nd version (PDSS-2) improved the original PDSS by adding more items on different aspects of sleep problems, making it a more robust tool to evaluate the severity of sleep disturbances. However, previous studies on deep brain stimulation (DBS) have not used the PDSS-2.

Objective:

To determine if the PDSS-2 could detect improvement reliably in sleep problems after bilateral subthalamic nucleus DBS for PD.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 25 consecutive patients undergoing DBS implantation were enrolled. Patients were examined twice: 1 week prior to the DBS implantation (baseline) and 12 months postoperatively. Severity of PD symptoms were assessed by the Movement Disorders Society Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). Presence and severity of sleep disturbances were specifically measured by PDSS-2.

Results:

Total score of MDS-UPDRS improved from 81 (median, interquartile-range: 63-103) to 55 points (median, IQR: 46-75, p <  0.001). Health-related quality of life, measured by PDQ-39, also improved from 29 (IQR: 18-40) to 15 (IQR: 9-28) points ( p = 0.002). Most domains of NMSS also improved. At baseline 13 patients reported sleep problems, but 1 year after DBS implantation only 3 did ( p = 0.012). Although only 6 out of 15 items showed a significant decrease after DBS implantation, the total score of PDSS-2 decreased from 24 (IQR: 17-32) to 10 (IQR: 7-18) points ( P <  0.001).

Conclusions:

Based on our results, PDSS-2 can detect improvements in sleep quality reliably after DBS implantation.
E-health Support in People with Parkinson’s Disease with Smart Glasses: A Survey of User Requirements and Expectations in the Netherlands
Authors: Zhao Yan , Heida Tjitske , van Wegen Erwin E.H. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , van Wezel Richard J.A.
Published: June 2015

Recent advances in smart glasses, wearable computers in the form of glasses, bring new therapeutic and monitoring possibilities for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). For example, it can provide visual and auditory cues during activities of daily living that have long been used to improve gait disturbances. Furthermore, smart glasses can personalize therapies based on the state of the user and/or the user environment in real-time using object recognition and motion tracking. To provide guidelines for developers in creating new PD applications for smart glasses, a self-reported questionnaire was designed to survey the requirements, constraints, and attitudes of people with PD with respect to this new technology. The survey was advertised online over an 11 month period on the website of the Parkinson Vereninging. The results were derived from 62 participants (54.8% men and 45.2% women, average age of 65.7 ± 9.1), representing a response rate of 79.5% . The participants were overall very enthusiastic about smart glasses as an assistive technology to facilitate daily living activities, especially its potential to self-manage motor problems and provide navigational guidance, thereby restoring their confidence and independence. The reported level of usage of mobile technologies like tablets and smartphones suggests that smart glasses could be adopted relatively easily, especially by younger people with PD. However, the respondents were concerned about the cost, appearance, efficacy, and potential side effects of smart glasses. To accommodate a wide range of symptoms, personal preferences, and comfort level with technology, smart glasses should be designed to allow simple operation and personalization.
Food Adulteration: a serious public health concern in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Arifur , Sultan Md Zakir , Rahman Mohammad Sharifur , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: June 2015

Adulteration of foods has become a national issue. The problem is not only ignoring the human rights for safer food but also endangering public health seriously with numerous acute and chronic diseases. Our future generation will be seriously affected with vulnerable physical and mental growth inflicted by food adulteration. This paper describes the impact of consumption of adulterated foods on human health and the roles of the concerned authorities to eradicate it. The key objective of this paper is not to blame or undermine anyone. We intend to inform the current scenario of food adulteration and wish to bring a positive change through proper measures by the concerned regulatory authorities.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 1-7, 2015
High performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of ambroxol hydrochloride in presence of antimicrobial preservatives in oral liquid formulation
Authors: Sudha T , Manthena K , Ravikumar VR , Ganesan V
Published: June 2015

A simple gradient reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of ambroxol hydrochloride in presence of antimicrobial preservatives in oral liquid formulation. The chromatographic separation was achieved by an Inertsil C8 (250 X 4.6 mm, 5? particle size) column using gradient technique. The eluents were detected at 245 nm with photodiode array detector. The optimized mobile phase consisted of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid as a mobile phase A and a mixture of mobile phase A and acetonitrile in the ratio of 76:24 % v/v as mobile phase B. Ambroxol hydrochloride and microbial preservatives were eluted at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The method validated according to the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The calibration curves were linear over the (r2 > 0.99) concentrations range from 300 to 900 ppm for ambroxol hydrochloride, 10 to 30 ppm for propyl paraben and 100 to 300 ppm for methyl paraben. The limit of detection was found to be 0.024 ppm for ambroxol hydrochloride, 0.018 ppm for propyl paraben and 0.009 ppm for methyl paraben. The percentage recoveries were found to be in the range from 99.55 to 101.1% for ambroxol hydrochloride, 100.31 to 101.46% for propyl paraben and 98.18 to 101.61% for methyl paraben. Stability indicating capability was established by forced degradation experiments. No chromatographic interference from the degradation products was found. The proposed method was highly sensitive, precision and accurate and hence successfully applied for the quantification of ambroxol active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and preservatives content in the commercially available oral liquid formulation.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 8-14, 2015
Studies on the preparation and in vitro - in vivo evaluation of mucoadhesive microspheres of glycyrrhetinic acid isolated from liquorice
Authors: Visht Sharad , Kulkarni GT
Published: June 2015

The present work deals with the formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive microspheres containing glycyrrhetinic acid. Mucoadhesive microspheres were prepared by single phase emulsification method and heat stabilization method. Chemical stabilization appeared as fast and simple technique for producing glycyrrhetinic acid loaded microspheres. Microspheres prepared by this method produced sufficient production yield, high drug encapsulation efficiency and reproducibility. Among the different formulations, microspheres with drug - polymer ratio of 1:1 (C1) was found to have the maximum mucoadhesive property as well as in vitro and in vivo drug release property. Therefore, it could be considered as the best formulation.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 30-37, 2015
Screening for antiparasitic activity of crude extracts of Pleurotus highking, a Bangladeshi edible mushroom
Authors: Haque Md Anwarul , Sarker Ashish Kumar , Paul Ratan Kumar , Khan Sultana Shakila , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: June 2015

Compounds obtained from natural sources play significant role to identify various novel drug molecules. This study was designed to investigate parasitic susceptibility of methanolic extract from the Pleurotus highking, an edible mushroom commercially cultivated in Bangladesh against Pheretima posthuma. Extraction was carried out by continuous hot percolation method using methanol as a solvent. Four concentrations (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/ml) of the extract were used for screening and results were expressed in terms of the time paralysis and death of worms. The extract exhibited promising antiparasitic activity at the concentration of 80 mg/ml. Albendazole and distilled water were used as reference standard and control, respectively. The extract showed its activity in the dose and time dependent manner. This is the first report of the antiparasitic activity of methanolic extract of P. highking.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 38-41, 2015
Grouping of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from dieback- affected sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) using phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Mühlbach HP , Tantau H , Stubbe A , Palm D , Schulze J , Hoque MI , Sarker RH , Alam Sk S , Saha ML , Khan Md S
Published: June 2015

Dieback of sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) is a devastating plant disease, whose causative biotic agents were not yet identified unequivocally. Our previous studies revealed that bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas were associated with dieback?affected sissoo trees. To study the bacterial community associated with dieback-affected sissoo trees, DNA based approaches were used in the present work. Sequencing almost the complete 16S rRNA gene of 33 selected Pseudomonas isolates allowed them to be grouped into two main clusters only. The major group consisted of 19 isolates related to P. oryzihabitans, while in the minor one ten isolates related to P. putida were found together with very few other pseudomonads. Almost the same clustering was obtained a with the independent grouping methods of amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). These results strongly indicate that mainly bacteria strains related to Pseudomonas oryzihabitans were associated with dieback-affected Dalbergia sissoo trees. Immuno-histological studies with thin-sections of sissoo roots using Pseudomonas-specific antibodies showed that bacteria had invaded the root parenchyma.

Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 141-153, 2014 (December)
In vitro micropropagation and cytomorphological evaluation of Centella asiatica (L.) urban (Mandukparni) from Himachal Pradesh, India - an endemic, endangered and threatened herb
Authors: Singh Gurwinder , Kaur Bhawandeep , Sharma Navdeep , Bano Anisha , Kumar Sanjeev , Dhaliwal Harcharan S , Sharma Vivek
Published: June 2015

The present research work reports the cytomorphological evaluation and an efficient protocol for in vitro micropropagation of an endemic, endangered and threatened herb Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Mandukparni) from Himachal Pradesh, India. Plant species is a potent memory enhancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticancerous and also reported to have cardiovascular properties and used to cure chronic hepatitis disorders. Eight morphometric characters for each 10 different accessions were extensively studied, but no new morphotype was reported. As per the cytology, the present report (2n = 18) confirmed the earlier chromosome counts from India and abroad. As there is an important need to preserve this plant species and to make it available all over the year to pharmaceutical industries without causing loss of germplasm from the wild region, efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol through nodal explant has been developed. As per the results, the highest percentage of multiple shoot induction was 90.20 showing average 16.3 number of shoots on the medium augmented with 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l Kn. Whereas, the combined concentration of 1.0 mg/l NAA + 1.0 mg/l IBA showed highest 92.2% root induction with average 16.5 number of roots per shoot. The survival rate of these plantlets under green house condition was 80%. This protocol can be used for further regeneration and genetic transformation studies in Centella

Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 155-171, 2014 (December)
Influence of different pathways of regeneration on genetic and phytochemical instability of Curculigo orchioides
Authors: Alagar Parameswari , Nair Rahul Raveendran , Doss Ganesh
Published: June 2015

Micropropagated plants of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. through five different modes of regeneration were evaluated for their genetic stability and major flavanoids content that contribute to medicinal properties of the rhizome. Leaf explants that produced callus and bulbils have produced plantlets at a higher frequency. However, direct regeneration of plants from leaf tissues without intervening callus produced a low frequency of plantlets. Explants of rhizome produced healthy plantlets directly from the terminal part of the explant. Plantlets regenerated through five different modes of regeneration did not show any morphological variation. The duration of regeneration was varying from 60 to 145 days depending upon the type of the explant. Analysis of genomic DNA among the plantlets regenerated through five different modes of micropropagation revealed about 66% polymorphism. Major flavanoids such as rutin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, quercitrin that contributed to medicinal properties of the rhizomes differed quantitatively among the plantlets regenerated through different pathways. Present study suggests that plantlets regenerated directly from the rhizome as well as from the leaf tips of in vitro grown plants are stable genetically and phytochemically.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 173-189, 2014 (December)
Nutrient optimization for improved in vitro plant regeneration in Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. and assessment of genetic fidelity using RAPD analysis
Authors: Bardar Shruti , Kaul Varsha Khurana , Kachhwaha Sumita , Kothari SL
Published: June 2015

This study highlights the effect of different inorganic micronutrients like copper, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, boron, iodine, iron and manganese in accelerating and amplifying in vitro shoot bud induction and proliferation of a medicinally important plant, Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. Direct shoot bud induction was observed on MS fortified with Kn (2 mg/l). However, maximum number of shoots was achieved when GA3, 0.5 mg/l was added to induction medium along with 1?M copper sulphate (ten times the normal MS level). Optimization of nutrient level in the basal medium promoted maximum regeneration response from both shoot tips and nodal explants. Elongated shoots were rooted in MS supplemented with IBA, 1.0 mg/l. Healthy, green plantlets with well developed roots, flowered normally in the field. Genetic stability of micropropagated plantlets was evaluated using RAPD markers. The amplification products were monomorphic in micropropagated plantlets and similar to those of mother plant revealing the genetic uniformity of plantlets. The regeneration protocol is highly efficient and reproducible so would be useful for mass multiplication, ex situ conservation and genetic transformation of E. alba (L.) Hassk.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 223-234, 2014 (December)
Effect of light emutting diode (LED) lamps and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) on organogenesis in protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of a Cymbidium hybrid cultured in vitro
Authors: Kamal Mohammad Mostafa , Shimasaki Kazuhiko , Akter Nasren
Published: June 2015

Abstract not available

Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 273-277, 2014 (December)
Impact of Coupled NOx/Aerosol Aircraft Emissions on Ozone Photochemistry and Radiative Forcing
Authors: Pitari Giovanni , Iachetti Daniela , Di Genova Glauco , De Luca Natalia , Søvde Ole , Hodnebrog Øivind , Lee David , Lim Ling
Published: June 2015

Three global chemistry-transport models (CTM) are used to quantify the radiative forcing (RF) from aviation NOx emissions, and the resultant reductions in RF from coupling NOx to aerosols via heterogeneous chemistry. One of the models calculates the changes due to aviation black carbon (BC) and sulphate aerosols and their direct RF, as well as the BC indirect effect on cirrus cloudiness. The surface area density of sulphate aerosols is then passed to the other models to compare the resulting photochemical perturbations on NOx through heterogeneous chemical reactions. The perturbation on O3 and CH4 (via OH) is finally evaluated, considering both short- and long-term O3 responses. Ozone RF is calculated using the monthly averaged output of the three CTMs in two independent radiative transfer codes. According to the models, column ozone and CH4 lifetime changes due to coupled NOx/aerosol emissions are, on average, +0.56 Dobson Units (DU) and −1.1 months, respectively, for atmospheric conditions and aviation emissions representative of the year 2006, with an RF of +16.4 and −10.2 mW/m2 for O3 and CH4, respectively. Sulphate aerosol induced changes on ozone column and CH4 lifetime account for −0.028 DU and +0.04 months, respectively, with corresponding RFs of −0.63 and +0.36 mW/m2. Soot-cirrus forcing is calculated to be 4.9 mW/m2.
Application of Photocured Polymer Ion Selective Membranes for Solid-State Chemical Sensors
Authors: Abramova Natalia , Bratov Andrey
Published: June 2015

Application of conducting polymers with additional functional groups for a solid contact formation and photocurable membranes as sensitive elements of solid-state chemical sensors is discussed. Problems associated with application of UV-curable polymers for sensors are analyzed. A method of sensor fabrication using copolymerized conductive layer and sensitive membrane is presented and the proof of concept is confirmed by two examples of solid-contact electrodes for Ca ions and pH.
Entropies from Markov Models as Complexity Measures of Embedded Attractors
Authors: Arias-Londoño Julián , Godino-Llorente Juan
Published: June 2015

This paper addresses the problem of measuring complexity from embedded attractors as a way to characterize changes in the dynamical behavior of different types of systems with a quasi-periodic behavior by observing their outputs. With the aim of measuring the stability of the trajectories of the attractor along time, this paper proposes three new estimations of entropy that are derived from a Markov model of the embedded attractor. The proposed estimators are compared with traditional nonparametric entropy measures, such as approximate entropy, sample entropy and fuzzy entropy, which only take into account the spatial dimension of the trajectory. The method proposes the use of an unsupervised algorithm to find the principal curve, which is considered as the “profile trajectory”, that will serve to adjust the Markov model. The new entropy measures are evaluated using three synthetic experiments and three datasets of physiological signals. In terms of consistency and discrimination capabilities, the results show that the proposed measures perform better than the other entropy measures used for comparison purposes.
Probabilistic Teleportation via Quantum Channel with Partial Information
Authors: Liu Desheng , Huang Zhiping , Guo Xiaojun
Published: June 2015

Two novel schemes are proposed to teleport an unknown two-level quantum state probabilistically when the sender and the receiver only have partial information about the quantum channel, respectively. This is distinct from the fact that either the sender or the receiver has entire information about the quantum channel in previous schemes for probabilistic teleportation. Theoretical analysis proves that these schemes are straightforward, efficient and cost-saving. The concrete realization procedures of our schemes are presented in detail, and the result shows that our proposals could extend the application range of probabilistic teleportation.
Entropy Production of Stars
Authors: Martyushev Leonid , Zubarev Sergey
Published: June 2015

The entropy production (inside the volume bounded by a photosphere) of main-sequence stars, subgiants, giants, and supergiants is calculated based on B–V photometry data. A non-linear inverse relationship of thermodynamic fluxes and forces as well as an almost constant specific (per volume) entropy production of main-sequence stars (for 95% of stars, this quantity lies within 0.5 to 2.2 of the corresponding solar magnitude) is found. The obtained results are discussed from the perspective of known extreme principles related to entropy production.
Death, Dying and Bereavement in Norway and Sweden in Recent Times
Authors: Gustavsson Anders
Published: June 2015

One of my research projects examines pictorial symbols and epitaphs on gravestones in Norway and Sweden. The focus has been on the 1990s and the 2000s. The choice of this period is motivated by the fact that new national burial laws were adopted in both countries in the early 1990s. These laws provided the next of kin with the possibility of choosing memorial symbols and inscriptions more freely than had previously been the case. To judge from the data under study, individual symbols have gained popularity, especially in Sweden, while Norway has been more faithful to earlier traditions of a collective character; moreover, secular motifs are more manifest on the gravestones in Sweden than in Norway. Another research project analyses memorial websites on the Internet related to persons who have died in recent years. The all-inclusive issue in these studies concerns mourners’ expressions of their emotions and beliefs regarding the deceased person’s afterlife, that is, beliefs in after-death existence. Belief in the deceased being somewhere in heaven is common. Belief in angels is also a popular concept in memorial websites. Moreover, in Sweden, this includes deceased pets as well. The previously strictly observed distinction between humans and pets has become indiscernible in Sweden. Norwegian practice, however, remains critical towards this type of “humanlike characterization”. In Norway, memorial websites for the deceased are generally associated with more traditional Christian concepts than are similar sites in Sweden. By contrast, in Sweden, one observes a kind of diffuse religiosity reminiscent of New Age ways of thinking, according to which the individual plays the central role, and glorification of afterlife existence prevails. Secularization, that is, a decline in the influence of traditional forms of religious experience, is conspicuously more prominent in Sweden. Within the project on memorial websites, I have performed a special study of memorials of persons who have committed suicide. In Norway, differences between suicide and deaths by other causes are conceived in an entirely different manner than on memorial websites in Sweden. There, the contrast between suicide and other forms of death has been increasingly wiped out. Norway has preserved earlier mortuary traditions to a greater extent, and no notions of a bright afterlife, or of angels, are to be found in connection with suicides.
Class 1 Integrons and the Antiseptic Resistance Gene (qacEΔ1) in Municipal and Swine Slaughterhouse Wastewater Treatment Plants and Wastewater—Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wan Min , Chou Chin
Published: June 2015

Class 1 integrons are mobile gene elements (MGEs) containing qacEΔ1 that are resistant to quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) disinfectants. This study compared the abundances of class 1 integrons and antiseptic resistance genes in municipal (M) and swine slaughterhouse (S) wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and investigated the presence of class 1 integrons and antiseptic resistance genes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from wastewater samples. The abundances of intI1 and qacEΔ1 genes in 96 wastewater samples were quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR), and 113 MRSA isolates recovered from the wastewater samples were detected class 1 integrons and linked antiseptic resistance genes (qacEΔ1), and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for QAC antiseptics. The intI1 and qacEΔ1 genes were detected in all the wastewater samples, and they were more abundant in S-WWTP samples than in M-WWTP samples. A higher percentage of MRSA isolates carried qacEΔ1 in MRSA from swine wastewater samples (62.8%) than in municipal MRSA (3.7%). All the MRSA isolates showed high MICs for antiseptic agents. This study provides important evidence regarding the abundances of intI1 and qacEΔ1 genes in municipal and swine slaughterhouse wastewater, and antiseptic-resistant MRSA strains were detected in swine slaughterhouse wastewater.
An iPad-Based Tool for Improving the Skills of Children with Attention Deficit Disorder
Authors: Wrońska Natalia , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya , Mendez-Zorrilla Amaia
Published: June 2015

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with a worldwide prevalence of 5.29%–7.1%, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children and adolescents. Apart from typical symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, patients also evidence attention deficit problems with reading comprehension. This in turn causes poor school performance and widens the gap with peers without ADHD. This paper presents a novel and interactive tool based on Serious Games for Health, whose aim is not only to improve comprehension, but also hold the user’s attention. This tool is geared towards assessing reading quality and is intended for iPad devices. Preliminary results obtained from the experiment performed to evaluate the game are included in this report. A group of six typically developing children from Colegio Vizcaya aged between 8 and 12 took part in the evaluation of motivation, satisfaction and usability of the same therapy in the new media. Results obtained by participants playing the game were analysed together with questionnaires concerning the usability of the system. Game evaluation resulted in relatively good statistics-average score was 3 points out of 4 and average time for completing the exercise was 59 seconds. A SUS questionnaire with an average score of 92.75 out of 100 indicates that the game presented is user-friendly and an effective tool. Moreover, based on the feedback obtained from participants, the game had been improved and additional functionality introduced. Older participants completed the first game faster than the younger ones, but age was not influential in subsequent games.
Relationship between Urinary Pesticide Residue Levels and Neurotoxic Symptoms among Women on Farms in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Motsoeneng Portia , Dalvie Mohamed
Published: June 2015

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between urinary pesticide residue levels and neurotoxic symptoms amongst women working on Western Cape farms in South Africa. Method: A total of 211 women were recruited from farms (n = 121) and neighbouring towns (n = 90). Participant assessment was via a Q16 questionnaire, reporting on pesticide exposures and measurement of urinary OP metabolite concentrations of dialkyl phosphates (DAP) and chlorpyriphos, 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCPY) and of pyrethroid (PYR) metabolite concentrations (3- phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4F3PBA), cis-2,2-dibromovinyl-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (DBCA), and the cis- and trans isomers of 2,2-dichlorovinyl-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid. Results: Median urinary pesticide metabolites were slightly (6%–49%) elevated in the farm group compared to the town group, with 2 metabolites significantly higher and some lower in the farm group. The prevalence of all Q16 symptoms was higher amongst farm women compared to town women. Three Q16 symptoms (problems with buttoning, reading and notes) were significantly positively associated with three pyrethroid metabolites (cis- and trans-DCCA and DBCA), although associations may due to chance as multiple comparisons were made. The strongest association for a pyrethroid metabolite was between problems with buttoning and DBCA (odds ratio (OR) = 8.93, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.71–46.5. There was no association between Q16 symptoms and OP metabolites. Conclusions: Women farm residents and rural women from neighbouring towns in the Western Cape are exposed to OP and PYR pesticides. The study did not provide strong evidence that pesticides are associated with neurotoxic symptoms but associations found could be explored further.
Induction of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidative Mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana after Uranium Exposure at pH 7.5
Authors: Saenen Eline , Horemans Nele , Vanhoudt Nathalie , Vandenhove Hildegarde , Biermans Geert , Van Hees May , Wannijn Jean , Vangronsveld Jaco , Cuypers Ann
Published: June 2015

To evaluate the environmental impact of uranium (U) contamination, it is important to investigate the effects of U at ecologically relevant conditions. Since U speciation, and hence its toxicity, strongly depends on environmental pH, the present study aimed to investigate dose-dependent effects of U at pH 7.5. Arabidopsis thaliana plants (Mouse-ear Cress) were exposed for three days to different U concentrations at pH 7.5. In the roots, the increased capacities of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase indicate an important role for the ascorbate-glutathione cycle during U-induced stress. However, a significant decrease in the ascorbate redox state was observed after exposure to 75 and 100 µM U, indicating that those roots are severely stressed. In accordance with the roots, the ascorbate-glutathione cycle plays an important role in the antioxidative defence systems in A. thaliana leaves exposed to U at pH 7.5 as the ascorbate and glutathione biosynthesis were upregulated. In addition, small inductions of enzymes of the antioxidative defence system were observed at lower U concentrations to counteract the U-induced stress. However, at higher U concentrations it seems that the antioxidative defence system of the leaves collapses as reductions in enzyme activities and gene expression levels were observed.
Neutron Scattering at the Intersection of Heart Health Science and Biophysics
Authors: Marquardt Drew , Alsop Richard , Rheinstädter Maikel , Harroun Thad
Published: June 2015

There is an urgent quest for improved heart health. Here, we review how neutron radiation can provide insight into the molecular basis of heart health. Lower cholesterol, a daily intake of aspirin and supplemental vitamin E are argued to all improve heart health. However, the mechanisms behind these common regimens, and others, are not entirely understood. It is not clear why a daily intake of aspirin can help some people with heart disease, and the benefits of vitamin E in the treatment of reperfusion injury have been heavily debated. The molecular impact of cholesterol in the body is still a hot topic. Neutron scattering experiments present a unique opportunity for biophysicists attempting to address these problems. We review some recently published studies that are advancing our understanding of how cholesterol, vitamin E and aspirin work at the molecular level, by studying the impact of these molecules on the cell membrane. These insights engage the broader health science community with new ways of thinking about these molecules.
A Manual Curation Strategy to Improve Genome Annotation: Application to a Set of Haloarchael Genomes
Authors: Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Oesterhelt Dieter
Published: June 2015

Genome annotation errors are a persistent problem that impede research in the biosciences. A manual curation effort is described that attempts to produce high-quality genome annotations for a set of haloarchaeal genomes (Halobacterium salinarum and Hbt. hubeiense, Haloferax volcanii and Hfx. mediterranei, Natronomonas pharaonis and Nmn. moolapensis, Haloquadratum walsbyi strains HBSQ001 and C23, Natrialba magadii, Haloarcula marismortui and Har. hispanica, and Halohasta litchfieldiae). Genomes are checked for missing genes, start codon misassignments, and disrupted genes. Assignments of a specific function are preferably based on experimentally characterized homologs (Gold Standard Proteins). To avoid overannotation, which is a major source of database errors, we restrict annotation to only general function assignments when support for a specific substrate assignment is insufficient. This strategy results in annotations that are resistant to the plethora of errors that compromise public databases. Annotation consistency is rigorously validated for ortholog pairs from the genomes surveyed. The annotation is regularly crosschecked against the UniProt database to further improve annotations and increase the level of standardization. Enhanced genome annotations are submitted to public databases (EMBL/GenBank, UniProt), to the benefit of the scientific community. The enhanced annotations are also publically available via HaloLex.
Nanostructured Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Capacitor Applications
Authors: Choi Hojin , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: June 2015

The advent of novel organic and inorganic nanomaterials in recent years, particularly nanostructured carbons, conducting polymers, and metal oxides, has enabled the fabrication of various energy devices with enhanced performance. In this paper, we review in detail different nanomaterials used in the fabrication of electrochemical capacitor electrodes and also give a brief overview of electric double-layer capacitors, pseudocapacitors, and hybrid capacitors. From a materials point of view, the latest trends in electrochemical capacitor research are also discussed through extensive analysis of the literature and by highlighting notable research examples (published mostly since 2013). Finally, a perspective on next-generation capacitor technology is also given, including the challenges that lie ahead.
A Comparison of Postoperative Early Enteral Nutrition with Delayed Enteral Nutrition in Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wang Gongchao , Chen Hongbo , Liu Jun , Ma Yongchen , Jia Haiyong
Published: June 2015

We examined esophageal cancer patients who received enteral nutrition (EN) to evaluate the validity of early EN compared to delayed EN, and to determine the appropriate time to start EN. A total of 208 esophagectomy patients who received EN postoperatively were divided into three groups (Group 1, 2 and 3) based on whether they received EN within 48 h, 48 h–72 h or more than 72 h, respectively. The postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOH), days for first fecal passage, cost of hospitalization, and the difference in serum albumin values between pre-operation and post-operation were all recorded. The statistical analyses were performed using the t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the chi square test. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Group 1 had the lowest thoracic drainage volume, the earliest first fecal passage, and the lowest LOH and hospitalization expenses of the three groups. The incidence of pneumonia was by far the highest in Group 3 (p = 0.019). Finally, all the postoperative outcomes of nutritional conditions were the worst by a significant margin in Group 3. It is therefore safe and valid to start early enteral nutrition within 48 h for postoperative esophageal cancer patients.
Lack of Efficacy of a Salience Nudge for Substituting Selection of Lower-Calorie for Higher-Calorie Milk in the Work Place
Authors: Wilson Amy , Bogomolova Svetlana , Buckley Jonathan
Published: June 2015

Obesity is a major burden on healthcare systems. Simple, cost effective interventions that encourage healthier behaviours are required. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a salience nudge for promoting a change in milk selection from full-cream to low-fat (lower calorie) in the kitchen of a university-based research institute that provided full-cream and low-fat milk free of charge. Milk selection was recorded for 12 weeks (baseline). A sign with the message “Pick me! I am low calorie” was then placed on the low-fat milk and consumption was recorded for a further 12 weeks. During baseline, selection of low-fat milk was greater than selection of full-cream milk (p = 0.001) with no significant milk-type × time interaction (p = 0.12). During the intervention period overall milk selection was not different from baseline (p = 0.22), with low-fat milk consumption remaining greater than full-cream milk selection (p < 0.001) and no significant milk-type × time interaction (p = 0.41). However, sub-analysis of the first two weeks of the intervention period indicated an increase in selection of both milk types (p = 0.03), but with a greater increase in low-fat milk selection (p = 0.01, milk-type × time interaction). However, milk selection then returned towards baseline during the rest of the intervention period. Thus, in the present setting, salience nudging promoted a transient increase in low-fat milk consumption, but also increased selection of full-cream milk, indicating that nudging was not effective in promoting healthier milk choices.
Food Choice Architecture: An Intervention in a Secondary School and its Impact on Students’ Plant-based Food Choices
Authors: Ensaff Hannah , Homer Matt , Sahota Pinki , Braybrook Debbie , Coan Susan , McLeod Helen
Published: June 2015

With growing evidence for the positive health outcomes associated with a plant-based diet, the study’s purpose was to examine the potential of shifting adolescents’ food choices towards plant-based foods. Using a real world setting of a school canteen, a set of small changes to the choice architecture was designed and deployed in a secondary school in Yorkshire, England. Focussing on designated food items (whole fruit, fruit salad, vegetarian daily specials, and sandwiches containing salad) the changes were implemented for six weeks. Data collected on students’ food choice (218,796 transactions) enabled students’ (980 students) selections to be examined. Students’ food choice was compared for three periods: baseline (29 weeks); intervention (six weeks); and post-intervention (three weeks). Selection of designated food items significantly increased during the intervention and post-intervention periods, compared to baseline (baseline, 1.4%; intervention 3.0%; post-intervention, 2.2%) χ2(2) = 68.1, p < 0.001. Logistic regression modelling also revealed the independent effect of the intervention, with students 2.5 times as likely (p < 0.001) to select the designated food items during the intervention period, compared to baseline. The study’s results point to the influence of choice architecture within secondary school settings, and its potential role in improving adolescents’ daily food choices.
Accessing Fellow Academics as Research Participants: Constraints, Collegiality, and “Academic Citizenship”
Authors: Li Yongyan
Published: June 2015

In this paper I discuss some constraints and implications in accessing fellow academics as research participants, a topic that has rarely been addressed thus far in the literature. I will point out that a lack of cooperation from fellow academics may defeat our research purposes, and will survey some studies involving U.S., European, and Chinese academics as research participants to illustrate education researchers’ efforts to work with fellow academics against the odds. By referencing my personal experience of engaging with Chinese academics, I will then discuss the role of personal contacts in research and reflect upon various constraints in accessing fellow academics as research participants. I will suggest that, when we do participate in a fellow researcher’s project, the incentive is a desire to support our peers in the spirit of “academic citizenship.”
Inter-Calibrating SMMR, SSM/I and SSMI/S Data to Improve the Consistency of Snow-Depth Products in China
Authors: Dai Liyun , Che Tao , Ding Yongjian
Published: June 2015

Long-term snow depth/snow water equivalent (SWE) products derived from passive microwave remote sensing data are fundamental for climatological and hydrological studies. However, the temporal continuity of the products is affected by the updating or replacement of passive microwave sensors or satellite platforms. In this study, we inter-calibrated brightness temperature (Tb) data obtained from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMI/S). Then, we evaluated the consistency of the snow cover area (SCA) and snow depth derived from the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR), SSM/I and SSMI/S. The results indicated that (1) the spatial pattern of the SCA derived from the SMMR and SSM/I data was more consistent after calibration than before; (2) the relative biases in the SCA and snow depth in China between the SSM/I and SSMI/S data decreased from 42.42% to 1.65% and from 66.18% to −1.5%, respectively; and (3) the SCA and snow depth derived from the SSM/I data carried on F08, F11 and F13 were highly consistent. To obtain consistent snow depth and SCA products, inter-sensor calibrations between SMMR, SSM/I and SSMI/S are important. In consideration of the snow data product continuation, we suggest that the brightness temperature data from all sensors be calibrated based on SSMI/S.
Longitudinal Modes along Thin Piezoelectric Waveguides for Liquid Sensing Applications
Authors: Caliendo Cinzia
Published: June 2015

The propagation of longitudinally polarized acoustic modes along thin piezoelectric plates (BN, ZnO, InN, AlN and GaN) is theoretically studied, aiming at the design of high frequency electroacoustic devices suitable for work in liquid environments. The investigation of the acoustic field profile across the plate revealed the presence of longitudinally polarized Lamb modes, travelling at velocities close to that of the longitudinal bulk acoustic wave propagating in the same direction. Such waves are suitable for the implementation of high-frequency, low-loss electroacoustic devices operating in liquid environments. The time-averaged power flow density, the phase velocity and the electroacoustic coupling coefficient K2 dispersion curves were studied, for the first (S0) and four higher order (S1, S2, S3, S4) symmetrical modes for different electrical boundary conditions. Two electroacoustic coupling configurations were investigated, based on interdigitated transducers, with or without a metal floating electrode at the opposite plate surface. Enhanced performances, such as a K2 as high as 8.5% and a phase velocity as high as 16,700 m/s, were demostrated for the ZnO- and BN-based waveguides, as an example. The relative velocity changes, and the inertial and viscous sensitivities of the first symmetric and anti-symmetric mode, S0 and A0, propagating along thin plates bordered by a viscous liquid were derived using the perturbation approach. The present study highlights the feasibility of the piezoelectric waveguides to the development of high-frequency, integrated-circuits compatible electroacoustic devices suitable for working in liquid environment.
Quantum Dot-Based Molecular Beacon to Monitor Intracellular MicroRNAs
Authors: Lee Jonghwan , Moon Sung , Lee Yong , Ali Bahy , Al-Khedhairy Abdulaziz , Ali Daoud , Ahmed Javed , Al Salem Abdullah , Kim Soonhag
Published: June 2015

Fluorescence monitoring of endogenous microRNA (miRNA or miR) activity related to neuronal development using nano-sized materials provides crucial information on miRNA expression patterns in a noninvasive manner. In this study, we report a new method to monitor intracellular miRNA124a using quantum dot-based molecular beacon (R9-QD-miR124a beacon). The R9-QD-miR124a beacon was constructed using QDs and two probes, miR124a-targeting oligomer and arginine rich cell-penetrating peptide (R9 peptide). The miR124a-targeting oligomer contains a miR124a binging sequence and a black hole quencher 1 (BHQ1). In the absence of target miR124a, the R9-QD-miR124a beacon forms a partial duplex beacon and remained in quenched state because the BHQ1 quenches the fluorescence signal of the R9-QD-miR124a beacon. The binding of miR124a to the miR124a binding sequence of the miR124a-targeting oligomer triggered the separation of the BHQ1 quencher and subsequent signal-on of a red fluorescence signal. Moreover, enhanced cellular uptake was achieved by conjugation with the R9 peptide, which resulted in increased fluorescent signal of the R9-QD-miR124a beacons in P19 cells during neurogenesis due to the endogenous expression of miR124a.
Determinants of Electricity Demand in Nonmetallic Mineral Products Industry: Evidence from a Comparative Study of Japan and China
Authors: Du Gang , Sun Chuanwang
Published: June 2015

Electricity intensity is an important indicator for measuring production efficiency. A comparative study could offer a new perspective on investigating determinants of electricity demand. The Japanese non-metallic mineral products industry is chosen as the object for comparison considering its representative position in production efficiency. By adopting the cointegration model, this paper examines influencing factors of electricity demand in Japanese and Chinese non-metallic mineral products industries under the same framework. Results indicate that although economic growth and industrial development stages are different between the two countries, major factors that affect the sectoral energy consumption are the same. Specifically, economic growth and industrial activity contribute to the growth of sectoral electricity consumption, while R&D intensity, per capita productivity and electricity price are contributors to the decline of sectoral electricity consumption. Finally, in order to further investigate the development trend of sectoral electricity demand, future electricity consumption and conservation potential are predicted under different scenarios. Electricity demand of the Chinese non-metallic mineral products industry is predicted to be 680.53 TWh (terawatt-hours) in 2020 and the sectoral electricity conservation potentials are estimated to be 118.26 TWh and 216.25 TWh under the moderate and advanced electricity-saving scenarios, respectively.
Analyzing Fluctuating Asymmetry with Geometric Morphometrics: Concepts, Methods, and Applications
Authors: Klingenberg Christian
Published: June 2015

Approximately two decades after the first pioneering analyses, the study of shape asymmetry with the methods of geometric morphometrics has matured and is a burgeoning field. New technology for data collection and new methods and software for analysis are widely available and have led to numerous applications in plants and animals, including humans. This review summarizes the concepts and morphometric methods for studying asymmetry of shape and size. After a summary of mathematical and biological concepts of symmetry and asymmetry, a section follows that explains the methods of geometric morphometrics and how they can be used to analyze asymmetry of biological structures. Geometric morphometric analyses not only tell how much asymmetry there is, but also provide information about the patterns of covariation in the structure under study. Such patterns of covariation in fluctuating asymmetry can provide valuable insight about the developmental basis of morphological integration, and have become important tools for evolutionary developmental biology. The genetic basis of fluctuating asymmetry has been studied from empirical and theoretical viewpoints, but serious challenges remain in this area. There are many promising areas for further research that are only little explored at present.