bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processos biocatalíticos como fonte de fármacos
Authors: Aquino Gilberto L. B. , Oliveira Bruna de , Silva Aline C. da , Braga Lívia F. , Alves Renata X.
Published: May 2016

O número de processos industriais utilizando catalise biológica para preparação de compostos sintéticos, intermediários para as indústrias farmacêutica e agro química e drogas tem crescido consideravelmente. Este trabalho busca mostrar alguns exemplos interessantes da Biocatálise na indústria farmacêutica e perspectivas para o futuro na área, através da aplicação de métodos biocataliticos na biotransformação da Ivermectina com intuito de obter novos fármacos a partir de seus metabólitos.
Aplicação farmacológica e metodologias de síntese para o Alcalóide Fenantridínico Quelidonina
Authors: Oliveira Guilherme R. de , Andrade Carlos Kleber Z. de
Published: May 2016

A Chelidonium majus é uma planta da família Papavaracea. Seu extrato é utilizado no tratamento de várias doenças. O poder medicinal dessas plantas está associado à presença de uma variedade de alcalóides isoquinolínicos e benzofenantridínicos. Dentre os alcalóides fenantridínicos, a quelidonina tem sido utilizada com sucesso no tratamento de diversos tipos de câncer e, apesar de seu interesse farmacológico, poucas sínteses surgiram para essa molécula. Nesse artigo, fazemos uma breve revisão da literatura sobre a aplicação farmacológica desse alcalóide, assim como de algumas metodologias para sua síntese.
Reproductive potential of Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)
Authors: Flajšman Katarina , Jelenko Ida , Poličnik Helena , Pokorny Boštjan
Published: May 2016

European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) is the most important game-management species not only in Slovenia but also in other European countries. For effective game management it is crucial to have an understanding of the ecology and population parameters that shape the population dynamics of the species. Knowledge about the variability of its reproductive potential, i.e. the proportion of fertilized females, litter size and fawn sex ratio, apart from the parameters that are already in use, would be very beneficial for methods of control as it could lead to more efficient adaptive game management, including proper planning of culling measures. Factors affecting the reproductive potential of roe deer include individual (particularly maternal phenotype, i.e. body size, body mass, physical condition), population (e.g. population density, demographic structure, social stress, genetics) and environmental characteristics (habitatquality, weather conditions, interspecific interactions, etc.). The final output of reproductive potential is the sum of all influencing factors and several combinations between them and therefore varies among different populations and environments. Higher densities can lower roe deer fertility rates and furthermore number of fawns per doe. Litter size is influenced by doe's body mass, as heavier females have more fawns in a litter. There are some contradictory findings in studies of sex ratio variation in connection to female body mass. Litter size can also be influenced by age of does, as primiparous females have smaller litters than adults, but also decreases with animal senescence. Roe deer populations from northern environments (Scandinavia) have higher body masses and larger litters than those from the south (e.g. Italy, Spain), which shows the importance of environment for roe deer reproduction. However, in Slovenia this issue has been neglected until now. In the following report we present an overview of the recent European research on factors affecting the fertility and reproductive potential of roe deer. Similar research in Slovenia would also be valuable, as roe deer is exposed to various environmental factors in this area. In addition, it is also involved in unique interspecific interactions that have not been studied in recent foreign research. Furthermore, Slovene distinguishing databases provide an outstanding platform for proficient understanding of different effects on roe deer yield in Central Europe.
Tree diseases determined by the reporting, prognostic and diagnostic service for forests in Slovenia 1982-2012
Authors: Ogris Nikica , Jurc Dušan
Published: May 2016

The Reporting, Prognostic and Diagnostic (RPD) service for forests is a legal forest protection organization in Slovenia and part of the public forest service. The aim of our study was to analyse RPD reports from 1982 to 2012. We analysed 120 reports that contained 992 records of tree diseases encompassing 189 species and genera. The most frequently recorded were foliage diseases (351 records, 42 species), needle diseases (162 records, 23 species), rots (111 records, 56 species), cankers (73 records, 9 species), and shoot diseases (72 records, 14 species). Ten most frequently recorded species were the following fungi: Erysiphe alphitoides, Lophodermium spp., Cryphonectria parasitica, Rhytisma acerinum, Sawadaea bicornis, Diplodia pinea, Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, Mycosphaerella pini, Blumeriella jaapii, and Cronartium ribicola.
Consistency of stand density estimates and their variability in forest inventories in Slovenia
Authors: Hladnik David , Žižek Kulovec Laura
Published: May 2016

The national estimates of forest resources in Slovenia are based on data aggregation from forest inventories conducted in forest management units of Slovenia Forest Service (SFS) and on the parallel forest inventory established within the Forest and Forest Ecosystem Condition Survey (FECS) as a continuation of international forest monitoring programme. Since the difference in sampling design and temporal dynamics of data collection is of key importance for inventories at the level of forest management units compared to large-area forest inventories, the consistency of stand densities was checked in both concepts. Comparing growing stock estimates in FECS on the systematic 4-km grid of sampling plots from SFS forest management planning, no overall significant differences in temporally comparable periods have been detected. We propose a basis enabling consistent estimates of structural forest characteristics at the national level for the process of forest inventory harmonization in Slovenia.
Metodologija za ocene potencialov lesa v Sloveniji
Authors: Ščap Špela , Triplat Matevž , Piškur Mitja , Krajnc Nike
Published: May 2016

The information on wooden potentials from Slovenian forests is important for all stakeholders involved in the forest-wood chain (such as enterprises engaged in purchasing, processing or sales of roundwood, pulp industry, CHP plants ...). For these stakeholders, the actual amounts of wood appearing on the market are relevant. Thus the amount of wood consumed by forest owners for their own needs should be excluded. The Slovenian Forestry Institute has developed its own methodology for the evaluation of the actual and theoretical estimates of the quantities of timber. This article presents the potentials of both coniferous and deciduous roundwood as well as wood of lower quality. The actual potentials are based on the five-year averages (2009-2013) of wood that had previously been marked by district foresters for harvesting and at that time appeared on the market. The theoretical potentials, on the other hand, delineate the maximum amount of wood that can be harvested annually and sold on the market, while providing for sustainable forest management at the same time. The results are given in net cubic metres (m3 without bark) and oven-dry tons (ODT) when dealing with energy potential of lower-quality wood. The results show that in the case of spruce and fir trees the actual net quantity of roundwood on the market amounts to 1,239,000 m3. The assessment of theoretically marketable potentials of deciduous roundwood is 410,000 m3, while the actual amount of the deciduous roundwood on the market is 206,000 m3. In the case of lower-quality wood, the assessment of the total theoretically marketable potential is 1,443,000 ODT, while the assessment of the actual potentials on the market amounts to 468,000 ODT. The results indicate a low utilization rate of Slovenian forests, especially as far as privately owned forests are concerned. Still, we should be cautious in interpreting the results, as the analyses of the actual potential consider only the timber that was marked for harvesting by district forester, while in reality the harvested quantities are likely to be greater especially in privately owned forests.
Building Private Sector Resilience: Directions After the 2015 Sendai Framework
Authors: Haraguchi Masahiko ,   Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University 500 West 122, Lall Upmanu , Watanabe Kenji ,   Street Room 918, New York, NY 10027, USA,   Graduate School of Social Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology Gokiso, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8555, Japan
Published: May 2016

During recent mega-disasters, such as the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2011 Thailand floods, interdependencies in supply chains caused substantial economic damage, often exacerbated by vulnerable small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, a new global framework in disaster risk reduction, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, mentions the role of the private sector in achieving a resilient society. However, the framework’s statements are abstract and they need to be converted into actionable agendas. This paper identifies future directions for private sector resilience to disasters, focusing on business continuity. Even though business continuity has been regarded as a critical factor in conventional disaster planning, Business Continuity Management (BCM), articulated as a holistic management process, tends to be designed and implemented selectively by each organization. To address SMEs and supply chain resilience, this paper proposes a new type of BCM, a regional BCM based on Public-Private Partnership (PPP), and a new role for the insurance industry.
Multi-Temporal Correlation Method for Damage Assessment of Buildings from High-Resolution SAR Images of the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan
Authors: Nakmuenwai Pisut ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan, Yamazaki Fumio , Liu Wen ,   Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, Thailand
Published: May 2016

In this study, damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the city of Tacloban, Philippines is extracted from COSMO-SkyMed imagery data. A multitemporal correlation map, i.e., a color composite of the backscattering coefficients obtained on different days and their correlation coefficients, is used to indicate changes. The Hyperboloid Change Index is proposed as a measure of the level of destruction. The method is demonstrated in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system to elaborate the relationships among the aforementioned parameters. Compared to other candidate methods, a hyperboloid equation is found to be the most suitable for change detection, and its resulting positive value indicates that the typhoon had a high level of impact on the area. Potential damage areas are extracted using a thresholding operation, and the results are compared to two WorldView-2 satellite images to specifically assess coastal erosion and damage to buildings and offshore fish traps.
Credit Where Credit is Due. Innovative Teaching Within the Applied Professional Studies Suite of Programmes
Authors: Gould Andy , Nicholls Mike , Hall Dai
Published: May 2016

This paper will discuss teaching and learning in the programme Applied Professional Studies (APS). While there is nothing particularly new about the pedagogic principles discussed, it is rare that such market-led, student-centric and flexible approaches have been incorporated into one programme. This paper sheds light on APS, how it is structured, run and assessed with a special emphasis on the use of flexibility through learning contracts and student designed learning outcomes and the use of APEL, that together gives credit to students to know their own learning needs, to devise their own programme and to be given credit for what they know already.
“It’s just a stage I’m going through”: moving student teachers from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’.
Authors: Betteney Mark
Published: May 2016

This article identifies three published models of professional progression in Initial Teacher Education (ITE), and uses them to ask questions about the stages of pedagogic development that student teachers tend to go through. It is written to enhance student teacher’s understanding of the processes involved, and to give them the vocabulary they may need to reflect on their on-going professional development
Bubbl.us – Web 2.0 Mind Mapping
Authors: Stair Nola
Published: May 2016

This piece discusses the use of Bubbl.us mind mapping software in teaching.
Supervision Tracking: Improving the student and staff experience for projects and dissertations
Authors: Stoneham Ray , Essop Aliyah
Published: May 2016

An Supervision tracking system used for the management of projects is described and evaluated.  A proposed enhanced version with applicability accross a university, and for disserations as well as projects, is presented.  The benefits of the current and proposed systems are articulated.
Effective/Cost-effective Screencasting
Authors: Simmonds Tatiana , Gent Darrenlloyd , Stoneham Ray
Published: May 2016

This article reports on a case study exploring the use of screencasts inthree different areas in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences(CMS) at the University of Greenwich.
On Being Original
Authors: Stoneham Ray
Published: May 2016

This case study evaluates a range of techniques that have been used over the past ten years in a variety of contexts to attempt to address the issue of plagiarism by students in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Greenwich.  The importance of plagiarism prevention in ensuring authentic assessment is emphasised, and the barriers to implementing a comprehensive strategy are highlighted.
Exit velocity: is there truth in the commonly-held belief that grades for undergraduate students tend to improve from Year 2 to Year 3? A case study
Authors: Betteney Mark
Published: May 2016

This case study makes analysis of final-year Progression and Award Board data of a professional undergraduate degree programme taken from three annual cohorts (2010-11 to 2012-13). The analysis shows that for each cohort there was a degree of exit velocity for those students achieving a lower second class degree or better, with the more able students achieving most progress in grade improvement from Year 2 to Year 3. However, for those students who achieved only a third class degree, there was consistent grade regression from Year 2.
Podcasting for Learning and Assessment in Undergraduate History
Authors: Byrne Angela
Published: May 2016

This case study reflects on the implementation and outcomes of podcasting in learning and assessment on an undergraduate History course at the University of Greenwich. The podcast formed part of an holistic series of summative and formative assessments intended to foster independent learning and research and presentation skills.
Students as Producers: The Postgraduate Teaching Assistant Pilot Project
Authors: Foley Finnan Ann , Gibbs Claire Louise , Waite Marion , Davison-Fischer Jan
Published: May 2016

This paper reports on a pilot project in which two postgraduate students were supported to function in the role of teaching assistants (TAs) as part of their learning experience. The project embraced the notion of students as producers rather than consumers. Using a reflective approach, this case study was jointly written by TAs and their teaching staff. It incorporates feedback from other students collected through an anonymous module feedback survey, which was analysed by attribution to themes. The role of TAs benefitted others students, staff, and the TAs; the project is a strong affirmation of the principle of treating students as producers. The impact of the role on both the students undertaking the TA role and the tutors was profound, and student experience was enhanced as a result. TAs can assist in bridging student-teacher communication gaps and support students’ learning through sharing their knowledge by creating resources. This article is written from the perspectives of both the TAs and the tutors.
The view from the fence
Authors: Rochon Rebecca , Knight John
Published: May 2016

This opinion piece reflects on assessment from the dual perspective of academic and student. It offers a slightly tongue-in-cheek consideration of the common traditional written assessment and the potential dangers associated with 'too much' information delivered alongside the assignment brief. Specifically, it suggests that providing excessive supplementary information, while well intentioned, can be confusing to students. It acknowledges that co-development of assessment briefs may circumvent difficulties, but notes that relatively simple strategies may be used to ensure that students are empowered to recognise their own role in the assessment process.
Peer assisted study sessions improve academic achievement. Why don’t more institutions make use of them?
Authors: Brack Paul
Published: May 2016

Participation in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) or Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) improves academic achievement. The barriers to its implementation across the entire higher education sector are largely the result of easily-correctable misconceptions and surmountable logistical issues. This article briefly describes these barriers and the methods which can be used to overcome them and highlights the important role that PASS/PAL can have in the higher education sector in the UK.
Increasing student engagement using Augmented Reality
Authors: Vyas Dee
Published: May 2016

This paper will highlight the development and implementation of Augmented Reality (AR) at the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) using Aurasma, an augmented reality platform. A combination of multimedia information, including images, textual information, videos, animation and sound can be superimposed on printed material.AR was used through two approaches: to engage visitors at an Open Day at the University and to enable students to highlight their skills at the Graduate Art Show. Engagement with visitors and students provided an immersive media-based experience of using AR to blur the line between what is real and what is computer-generated by enhancing the real world.The majority of visitors at the Open Day (85%) indicated that this was their first use of AR and student feedback about the experience was very positive. This successful use of AR has led to a proposal for the development of an Open Day app for visitors. Using AR at the Graduate Art Show to create a visual online presence to enhance graduate employability resulted in the development of an ARCV, a product superior to the traditional CV. Further development of the ARCV, to achieve greater interaction with the viewer than previously and to include three-dimensional content, is to follow.
Perspectives on changing the environment for change
Authors: Chatterton Peter , Phipps Lawrie
Published: May 2016

What makes an effective change programme? An often debated question, which usually generates more questions than answers. How do we measure effective change? What are our criteria for change? How will we know when we are successful? Sometimes the answer is generated by the way in which the question is measured. Sometimes the measuring takes more time than the change project! As colleges and universities seek to become more agile, more responsive to changing priorities and more focused on students, change initiatives and projects must also reflect this changing environment. Large-scale project and programme management, with their own language and culture, are no longer fit for purpose. Integrated, guerrilla changes aligned with institutional aspirations are responsive, low-cost and effective, often delivering sustainable change.
Enhancing medical students’ leadership skills through student-selected components
Authors: Byrne Alex , Jefferies Richard , Jones Calan , Kawai-Calderhead Bill , Goodsman Danë
Published: May 2016

Historical context: The importance of effective leadership in the healthcare setting has become increasingly apparent through such high-profile NHS enquiries as the Francis Report into failings at Mid Staffordshire hospitals (Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Enquiry, 2013).  These examples of failings in patient safety and care have brought about numerous attempts to improve healthcare quality through leadership and management initiatives.The authors, a team of four medical students under the guidance of an academic tutor, aimed to design additional leadership and management learning resources to complement their university’s current undergraduate medical curriculum as part of this drive to improve patient care and safety.Specifications of Project: A two-year Student Selected Component (SSC), spanning years 4 and 5 of the undergraduate medical course, was created to provide students with the opportunity to develop their medical leadership and management skills.Discussion of Pedagogy/Practice: An action learning approach was employed to enable the authors to take control of their learning and to aid professional development. The flexibility of the university’s SSC model allowed for a variety of activities to be undertaken.Implementation: Self-directed study combined with a seminar series, external speaker events, industry placements and self-development courses formed the basis of the SSC.Evaluation: The authors judged the project’s success through continuation and increased recruitment to the SSC this academic year, and through the positive personal reflections of students having completed the pilot.Lessons Learnt: The six key lessons identified related to: planning, communication, sustainability, pursuing opportunities, self-directed learning and ambition.
Residual Effects of Fertilization History Increase Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Zero‐N Controls: Implications for Estimating Fertilizer‐Induced Emission Factors
Authors: LaHue Gabriel T. , van Kessel Chris , Linquist Bruce A. , Adviento‐Borbe Maria Arlene , Fonte Steven J.
Published: May 2016

Agricultural N fertilization is the dominant driver of increasing atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations over the past half‐century, yet there is considerable uncertainty in estimates of N2O emissions from agriculture. Such estimates are typically based on the amount of N applied and a fertilizer‐induced emission factor (EF), which is calculated as the difference in emissions between a fertilized plot and a zero‐N control plot divided by the amount of N applied. A fertilizer‐induced EF of 1% is currently recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) based on several studies analyzing published field measurements of N2O emissions. Although many zero‐N control plots used in these measurements received historical N applications, the potential for a residual impact of these inputs on N2O emissions has been largely ignored and remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we compared N2O emissions under laboratory conditions from soils sampled within zero‐N control plots that had historically received N inputs versus soils from plots that had no N inputs for 20 yr. Historical N fertilization of zero‐N control plots increased initial N2O emissions by roughly one order of magnitude on average relative to historically unfertilized control plots. Higher N2O emissions were positively correlated with extractable N and potentially mineralizable N. This finding suggests that accounting for fertilization history may help reduce the uncertainty associated with the IPCC fertilizer‐induced EF and more accurately estimate the contribution of fertilizer N to agricultural N2O emissions, although further research to demonstrate this relationship in the field is needed.

Core Ideas

The IPCC fertilizer‐induced emission factor for N2O is based on zero‐N control plots.

Many of these zero‐N control plots received fertilizer N inputs 1 to 2 yr earlier.

We compared soils with no N inputs (>20 yr) to soils with N inputs until 1 to 2 yr ago.

Soils with historical N inputs had higher N2O emissions during an incubation.

Higher N2O emissions were related to increased soil inorganic N and labile organic N.
QMRAcatch: Human‐Associated Fecal Pollution and Infection Risk Modeling for a River/Floodplain Environment
Authors: Derx Julia , Schijven Jack , Sommer Regina , Zoufal‐Hruza Christa M. , van Driezum Inge H. , Reischer Georg , Ixenmaier Simone , Kirschner Alexander , Frick Christina , de Roda Husman Ana Maria , Farnleitner Andreas H. , Blaschke Alfred Paul
Published: May 2016

Protection of drinking water resources requires addressing all relevant fecal pollution sources in the considered catchment. A freely available simulation tool, QMRAcatch, was recently developed to simulate concentrations of fecal indicators, a genetic microbial source tracking (MST) marker, and intestinal pathogens in water resources and to conduct a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). At the same time, QMRAcatch was successfully applied to a region of the Danube River in Austria, focusing on municipal wastewater emissions. Herein, we describe extension of its application to a Danube River floodplain, keeping the focus on fecal sources of human origin. QMRAcatch was calibrated to match measured human‐associated MST marker concentrations for a dry year and a wet year. Appropriate performance characteristics of the human‐associated MST assay were proven by simulating correct and false‐positive marker concentrations, as determined in human and animal feces. With the calibrated tool, simulated and measured enterovirus concentrations in the rivers were compared. Finally, the calibrated tool allowed demonstrating that 4.5 log10 enterovirus and 6.6 log10 norovirus reductions must be achieved to convert current surface water to safe drinking water that complies with a health‐based target of 10−4 infections person−1 yr−1. Simulations of the low‐ and high‐pollution scenarios showed that the required viral reductions ranged from 0 to 8 log10. This study has implications for water managers with interests in assessing robust catchment protection measures and water treatment criteria by considering the fate of fecal pollution from its sources to the point of abstraction.

Core Ideas

QMRAcatch is a fecal pollution and infection risk model for water resources.

QMRAcatch was successfully applied to a river/floodplain environment.

Successful calibration was shown using human‐associated HF183 MST marker data.

Sustainable viral reduction targets to achieve safe drinking water quality were estimated.

Results show a high potential for targeting human emissions in the catchment.
Physiologic Activity of Bisphosphonates – Recent Advances
Authors: Chmielewska Ewa , Kafarski Paweł
Published: May 2016

Background:

Bisphosphonates are drugs commonly used for the medication and prevention of diseases caused by decreased mineral density. Despite such important medicinal use, they display a variety of physiologic activities, which make them promising anti-cancer, anti-protozoal, antibacterial and antiviral agents.

Objective:

To review physiological activity of bisphosphonates with special emphasis on their ongoing and potential applications in medicine and agriculture.

Method:

Critical review of recent literature data.

Results:

Comprehensive review of activities revealed by bisphosphonates.

Conclusion:

although bisphosphonates are mostly recognized by their profound effects on bone physiology their medicinal potential has not been fully evaluated yet. Literature data considering enzyme inhibition suggest possibilities of far more wide application of these compounds. These applications are, however, limited by their low bioavailability and therefore intensive search for new chemical entities overcoming this shortage are carried out.
Microwave assisted synthesis of 2-(2-(tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinolin-4-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1h-benzo[b][1,4]diazepin-4-yl) substituted phenols and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ashok Dongamanti , Rao Velagapuri , Kavitha Rangu
Published: May 2016

A series of new benzodiazepines 4a-h have been synthesized by Michael
addition of chalcones 3a-h with o-phenylenediamine (OPDA) in presence of
sodium acetate under conventional heating and microwave irradiation.
Structures of the newly synthesized benzodiazepines 4a-h have been
established on the basis of IR, 1H & 13C NMR and mass spectral data and
tested for antimicrobial activity.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new 3,5-diarylidene-4-piperidone derivatives
Authors: Singaram Kulathooran , Marimuthu Dhamodaran , Baskaran Selvakumar , Ramaswamy Venkataraman
Published: May 2016

Three series of heteroaromatic analogs (twenty seven compounds) with
monoketone linkers have been synthesized and evaluated for their
antimicrobial activity against six microbial strains. Among them,
3,5-dibenzylidene-1-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxyphenylsulfonyl)piperidin-4-one 5e
showed best antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus
fumigatus. Structural elucidation of the synthesized compounds was determined
on the basis of various spectroscopic methods.
Conflicting interests in biomedical research and medical practice
Authors: Igic Rajko
Published: May 2016

nema
The dawn of post antibiotic era: Are we prepared?
Authors: Joshi Aishana
Published: May 2016

Not available.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 4, No. 2, Issue 12, Apr.-Jun., 2015, Page : 37-38
Prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy: Can it prevent chronic groin pain after Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair?
Authors: Joshi Arbin
Published: May 2016

Background: Contrary to the previous belief, division of the ilioinguinal nerve prophylactically during mesh repair has been practiced to reduce the incidence and intensity of persistent postoperative pain after hernia repair. Objectives: To evaluate whether prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy prevents chronic groin pain after primary Lichtenstein hernia repair.Methods: Patients undergoing elective open mesh repair of inguinal hernia were randomized in two groups; nerve excision and nerve preservation group by opaque envelope method. Fifty cases were included in each group. A telephone interview was conducted after three months of the surgery. Pain scoring was done with Numeric Pain Intensity Scale and its effect in daily activities was measured with Patient Disability Index.Results: Forty-four patients in excision group and 45 in preservation group satisfied the inclusion criteria. Nine (20%) in the previous group and 16 (34.78%) in the latter group had chronic pain (p=0.113). Mean severity score in patients who had pain was significantly high in preservation group (2.22 versus 3.31, p=0.039). The incidence of scrotal numbness was higher in excision group (20% versus 13.3%, p=0.370).Conclusion: Though insignificant reduction in incidence of chronic groin pain was observed after division of ilioinguinal nerve, significant reduction in the intensity of the chronic pain especially during activities related to home and during self care has been shown.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 4, No. 2, Issue 12, Apr.-Jun., 2015, Page: 39-44
Clinico-etiological profile of children with seizures admitted in a tertiary centre
Authors: Ojha Anil Raj , Ojha Umesh Raj
Published: May 2016

Background: Seizure is one of the common neurological manifestations and cause of morbidity leading to hospital admission in children. Asserting the causes and types of seizure is vital to management.Objectives: To identify the clinical profile of children and the characteristics of seizures in them.Methods: This is a descriptive study of 32 months duration and involved analysis of the patient records including the demographics of the patients who presented with seizure. Also, type and duration of seizure were noted. All necessary investigations were done to explore the cause of seizure. Sample size was calculated using resift sample size calculator, and the data were entered in Microsoft excel. Statistical analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences version 21.Results: Out of the 5229 children admitted, 533 (10.2%) were admitted for seizure. Male accounted for 346 (65%) cases. 424 (79.5%) of the children were below five years. Fever was associated with seizure in 407 (75.5%) cases. Generalized tonic clinic seizure was observed in 436 (81%) children. 37 children (7%) presented in status epileptics. A total of 370 (68.6%) patients were diagnosed as febrile seizure, 86 (16%) epilepsy, 15 (2.8%) cerebral palsy, 13 (2.4%) neurocysticercosis, 13 (2.4%) tubercular meningitis, 12 (2.2%) viral meningitis, 11 (2%) phylogenic meningitis. The mean (standard deviation) duration of hospital stay was 3.3 (±2.84) days.Conclusion: Seizures are common in less than five years of age and febrile seizure is the most common cause of hospital admission. Most of these seizures are generalized in nature.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 4, No. 2, Issue 12, Apr.-Jun., 2015, page: 55-58
Cutting parameters for optimum surface roughness during end milling of carbon fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Uysal Alper
Published: May 2016

In machining operations, achieving better surface roughness is one of the important goals, furthermore, composite materials are increasingly replacing conventional materials. But their machinability differs from metals, because of anisotropic properties of the composites. In this research, the influence of milling parameters (feed, cutting speed, depth of cut) on surface roughness of bidirectional carbon fiber reinforced composite was investigated. Measurements were performed on both parallel and perpendicular directions of feed motion. Taguchi experimental design was used to determine the optimum milling condition and the effective parameter on the surface roughness. The optimum condition was obtained with a cutting speed of 125 m × min−1, a feed of 0.1 mm × rev−1 and a depth of cut of 1.5 mm. In addition, the most effective parameter on the surface roughness of parallel direction (Rax) was found to be feed and that of perpendicular direction (Ray) was found to be cutting speed.
Einfluss der Messstellenvorbereitung durch grobes Schleifen auf die Eigenspannungsermittlung mithilfe der Bohrlochmethode
Authors: von Mirbach David , Schlüter Andreas
Published: May 2016

Kurzfassung

Für die Installation von Dehnungsmessstreifen muss die Oberfläche vorbereitet werden. Bei groben Oberflächen muss diese glatt geschliffen werden. In dieser Studie wurde der Einfluss des Schleifens der Oberfläche auf den oberflächennahen Eigenspannungszustand untersucht. Dafür wurden die Eigenspannungen nach der Bohrlochmethode an verschieden geschliffenen Oberflächen ermittelt und mit dem ungeschliffenen Zustand verglichen. Als Schleifmittel wurde eine Teller-, Schrupp- bzw. Fächerscheibe verwendet.
Mechanical behavior of a multiple forged 6082 Al alloy
Authors: Ben Naser Tareg S. , Krallics György
Published: May 2016

6082 Al alloy was investigated in its initial state (IS) and in its multiple forged (MF) state. The MF specimens were obtained using multi-step closed die forging. A cold compression test at room temperature was accomplished in order to measure the deformation anisotropy of MF specimens; it was also used to obtain the standard stress-strain curve. The homogeneity and structure were both evaluated by Vickers hardness measurements. While image analysis was based on optical microscopy investigations. Moreover, the open and closed die forging were simulated using Simufact software. The results showed the effects of the multiple forging process on the material. The outcome of the hardness measurement demonstrated the homogeneity of the structure. Whereas the micrographs described the microstructure development (during the multiple forging process) and the change of the grains shape over the cross section of the MF specimen.
Effect of tempering conditions on the fatigue behavior of an AA 6082 aluminum alloy
Authors: Doruk Emre , Pakdil Murat
Published: May 2016

In this study, the fatigue tests were conducted on the AA6082 alloy sheets both in tempered (softened) and in T6 temper conditions, and the results obtained were examined. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the tempering condition on the fatigue characteristics of the alloy. Microstructural evolutions in the tempered samples were examined using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and interpreted. The investigations have revealed that the tempering condition significantly affects the fatigue life of the alloy.
Effects of nitrogen and hydrogen in argon shielding gas on bead profile, delta-ferrite and nitrogen contents of the pulsed GTAW welds of AISI 316L stainless steel
Authors: Phakpeetinan Panyasak , Chianpairot Amnuysak , Viyanit Ekkarut , Hartung Fritz , Lothongkum Gobboon
Published: May 2016

The general effects of 1, 2, 3 and 4 vol.-% nitrogen and 1, 5 and 10 vol.-% hydrogen in argon shielding gas on weld bead profile (depth/width ratio: D/W) and the δ-ferrite content of AISI 316L pulsed GTAW welds were investigated. The limits for imperfections for the quality levels of welds were based on ISO 5817 B. The plates with a thickness of 6 mm were welded at the flat position and the bead on plate. Increasing hydrogen content in argon shielding gas increases the D/W ratio. Excessive hydrogen addition to argon shielding gas will result in incompletely filled groove and excessive penetration of weld. Increasing welding speed decreases the weld-metal volume and the D/W ratios. Nitrogen addition to argon shielding gas has no effect on the D/W ratio. The addition of a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen to argon shielding gas on the D/W ratio does not show any interaction between them. An effect on the D/W ratio can be exclusively observed as a function of hydrogen content. Increasing hydrogen content in argon shielding gas increases the δ-ferrite content of weld metal. Increasing either nitrogen content in shielding gas or welding speed decreases the δ-ferrite content of weld metal. The nitrogen addition increases the weld metal nitrogen content, however, the hydrogen addition leads to a decrease of weld metal nitrogen content.
Registration of ‘Wyandot‐14’ Soybean with Resistance to Soybean Aphid and Powdery Mildew
Authors: Mian M. A. Rouf , McHale Leah K. , Michel Andy P. , Dorrance Anne E.
Published: May 2016

‘Wyandot‐14’ soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. No. CV‐520, PI 676304) with resistance to soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) biotypes 1 and 2 and resistance to powdery mildew (caused by Microsphaera diffusa Cooke & Peck) was jointly released by the USDA‐ARS and The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center as a late maturity group (MG) II (2.9) food‐grade conventional cultivar. Soybean aphid is a major insect pest of soybean in the United States. The objective of this research was to incorporate soybean aphid and powdery mildew resistance into the popular food‐grade soybean cultivar Wyandot. Wyandot‐14 was developed by backcrossing the Rag2 and Rmd_PI243540 alleles for resistance to soybean aphid and powdery mildew, respectively, from PI 243540 into Wyandot. Compared to Wyandot, Wyandot‐14 showed no yield drag in the absence of soybean aphid and/or powdery mildew pressures. In soybean aphid‐infested fields, Wyandot‐14 had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher yield than Wyandot. Like Wyandot, Wyandot‐14 has white flowers, gray pubescence, brown pods, round seed with a shiny yellow seed coat, and a yellow (clear) hilum, and it has an indeterminate growth habit. Wyandot‐14 should be an excellent replacement for Wyandot.
Registration of ‘NE05548’ (Husker Genetics Brand Panhandle) Hard Red Winter Wheat
Authors: Baenziger P. S. , Graybosch R. A. , Regassa T. , Klein R. N. , Kruger G. R. , Santra D. K. , Xu L. , Rose D. J. , Wegulo S. N. , Jin Y. , Kolmer J. , Hein G. L. , Chen M.-S. , Bai G. , Bowden R. L. , Poland J.
Published: May 2016

Western Nebraska wheat producers and those in adjacent areas want taller wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars that retain their height under drought for better harvestability. ‘NE05548’ (Reg. No. CV‐1117, PI 670462) hard red winter wheat was developed cooperatively by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station and the USDA‐ARS and released in January 2014 by the developing institutions. NE05548 was released primarily for its superior performance under rainfed conditions in western Nebraska and adjacent areas of the Great Plains and its tall plant stature. NE05548 was selected from the cross NE97426/NE98574 made in 1999 where the pedigree of NE97426 is ‘Brigantina’/2*‘Arapahoe’ and the pedigree of NE98574 is CO850267/‘Rawhide’. The F1 generation was grown in the greenhouse in 2000, and the F2 to F3 generations were advanced using the bulk breeding method in the field at Mead, NE, in 2001 to 2002. In 2003, single F3–derived F4 head rows were grown for selection. There was no further selection thereafter. The F3:5 was evaluated as a single four‐row plot at Lincoln, NE, and a single row at Mead, NE, in 2004. In 2005, it was assigned the experimental line number NE05548. NE05548 was evaluated in replicated trials thereafter. It has excellent winter survival, acceptable disease reactions to many of the common diseases in its target area, and acceptable end‐use quality for bread making.
N-terminal α Dystroglycan (αDG-N): A Potential Serum Biomarker for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Crowe Kelly E. , Shao Guohong , Flanigan Kevin M. , Martin Paul T.
Published: May 2016

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, neuromuscular disorder of childhood. While a number of serum factors have been identified as potential biomarkers of DMD, none, as yet, are proteins within the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein (DAG) complex.

Objective: We have developed an immobilized serum ELISA assay to measure the expression of a constitutively cleaved and secreted component of the DAG complex, the N-terminal domain of α dystroglycan (αDG-N), and assayed relative expression in serum from muscular dystrophy patients and normal controls.

Methods: ELISAs of immobilized patient or mouse serum and Western blots were used to assess αDG-N expression.

Results: Immobilization of diluted serum on ELISA plates was important for this assay, as methods to measure serum αDG-N in solution were less robust. αDG-N ELISA signals were significantly reduced in DMD serum (27±3% decrease, n = 9, p < 0.001) relative to serum from otherwise normal controls ( n = 38), and calculated serum αDG-N concentrations were reduced in DMD relative to normal ( p < 0.01) and Becker Muscular Dystrophy ( n = 11, p < 0.05) patient serum. By contrast, ELISA signals from patients with Inclusion Body Myositis were not different than normal (4±3% decrease, n = 8, p = 0.99). αDG-N serum signals were also significantly reduced in utrophin-deficient mdx mice as compared to mdx and wild type mice.

Conclusions: Our results are the first demonstration of a component of the DAG complex as a potential serum biomarker in DMD. Such a serum measure could be further developed as a tool to help reflect overall muscle DAG complex expression or stability.
Bethlem Myopathy Phenotypes and Follow Up: Description of 8 Patients at the Mildest End of the Spectrum
Authors: Cruz Simao , Figueroa-Bonaparte Sebastian , Gallardo Eduard , de Becdelièvre Alix , Gartioux Corine , Allamand Valérie , Piñol Patricia , Garcia Maria Angels Rodriguez , Jiménez-Mallebriera Cecilia , Llauger Jaume , González-Rodríguez Lidia , Cortes-Vicente Elena , Illa Isabel , Díaz-Manera Jordi
Published: May 2016

The classical phenotypes of collagen VI-associated myopathies are well described. Little is known, however, about the progression of patients at the mildest end of the clinical spectrum. In this report, we describe the clinical findings and the results of MRI, muscle biopsy, collagen VI expression in cultured skin fibroblasts and genetic tests of a series of patients with Bethlem myopathy. Our series highlights the existence of mild presentations of this disorder that progresses only slightly and can easily be overlooked. Analysis of the genetic studies suggests that missense mutations can be associated to a milder clinical presentation. Muscle MRI is extremely useful as it shows a pathognomonic pattern in most patients, especially those with some degree of muscle weakness.
Homozygosity of the Dominant Myotilin c.179C>T (p.Ser60Phe) Mutation Causes a More Severe and Proximal Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Rudolf Gabrielle , Suominen Tiina , Penttilä Sini , Hackman Peter , Evilä Anni , Lannes Béatrice , Echaniz-Laguna Andoni , Bierry Guillaume , Tranchant Christine , Udd Bjarne
Published: May 2016

Most myotilinopathy patients present with a dominant late onset distal phenotype and myofibrillar pathology, although the first MYOT mutation in a family reported to have LGMD phenotype. We report here a French family affected with a late onset proximal and distal muscle weakness and myofibrillar myopathy on muscle pathology, in which the siblings known to be clinically affected were homozygous for the c.179C>T (p.Ser60Phe) myotilin gene mutation. One subjectively asymptomatic member of the family was heterozygous for this mutation. This is the first report of a family with patients being homozygous for a known dominant MYOT mutation. Dominant negative mutations are generally considered not to cause a more severe disease in homozygosity, but our data clearly demonstrate the existence of dominant MYOT mutations with a possible dose effect causing a more severe disease phenotype in homozygosity in the spectrum of myofibrillar myopathies (MFM).
Characterization of New Transgenic Mouse Models for Two Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Causing HspB1 Mutations using the Rosa26 Locus
Authors: Bouhy Delphine , Geuens Thomas , De Winter Vicky , Almeida-Souza Leonardo , Katona Istvan , Weis Joachim , Hochepied Tino , Goossens Steven , Haigh Jody J. , Janssens Sophie , Timmerman Vincent
Published: May 2016

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and associated neuropathies, the most common inherited diseases of the peripheral nervous system, remain so far incurable. Three existing murine models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2F (CMT2F) and/or distal hereditary motor neuropathy type IIb (dHMNIIb), caused by mutations in the small heat shock protein B1 gene ( HSPB1/ HSP27), partially recapitulate the hallmarks of peripheral neuropathy. Because these models overexpress the HSPB1 mutant proteins they differ from the patients’ situation.

Objective: To overcome the possible bias induced by overexpression, we generated and characterized a transgenic model in which the wild type or mutant HSPB1 protein was expressed at a moderate, more physiologically relevant level.

Methods: We generated a new transgenic mouse model in which a human wild type (hHSPB1WT) or mutant (hHSPB1R127W; hHSPB1P182L) HSPB1 transgene was integrated in the mouse ROSA26 locus. The motor and sensory functions of the mice was assessed at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 month.

Results: However, the mice expressing the mutant hHSPB1 do not develop motor or sensory deficits and do not show any sign of axonal degeneration, even at late age. Quantitative PCR analyses reveal contrasting tissue-specific expression pattern for the endogenous mouse and exogenous human HSPB1 and show that the ratio of human HSPB1 to the endogenous mouse HspB1 is lower in the sciatic nerve and spinal cord compared to the brain.

Conclusion: These results suggest that expressing the transgene at a physiological level using the ROSA26 locus may not be sufficient to model inherited peripheral neuropathies caused by mutation in HSPB1.