bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The R148.3 Gene Modulates Caenorhabditis elegans Lifespan and Fat Metabolism
Authors: Roy-Bellavance Catherine , Grants Jennifer M , Miard Stéphanie , Lee Kayoung , Rondeau Évelyne , Guillemette Chantal , Simard Martin J , Taubert Stefan , Picard Frédéric
Published: June 2017

Despite many advances, the molecular links between energy metabolism and longevity are not well understood. Here, we have used the nematode model Caenorhabditis elegans to study the role of the yet-uncharacterized gene R148.3 in fat accumulation and lifespan. In wild-type worms, a R148.3p::GFP reporter showed enhanced expression throughout life in the pharynx, in neurons, and in muscles. Functionally, a protein fusing a predicted 22 amino acid N-terminal signal sequence (SS) of R148.3 to mCherry displayed robust accumulation in coelomyocytes, indicating that R148.3 is a secreted protein. Systematic depletion of R148.3 by RNA interference (RNAi) at L1 but not at young-adult stage enhanced triglyceride accumulation, which was associated with increased food uptake and lower expression of genes involved in lipid oxidation. However, RNAi of R148.3 at both L1 and young-adult stages robustly diminished mean and maximal lifespan of wild-type worms, and also abolished the long-lived phenotypes of eat-2 and daf-2/InsR mutants. Based on these data, we propose that R148.3 is an SS that modulates fat mass and longevity in an independent manner.
Daily Activity of the Housefly,Musca domestica, Is Influenced by Temperature Independent of 3′ UTRperiodGene Splicing
Authors: Bazalova Olga , Dolezel David
Published: June 2017

Circadian clocks orchestrate daily activity patterns and free running periods of locomotor activity under constant conditions. While the first often depends on temperature, the latter is temperature-compensated over a physiologically relevant range. Here, we explored the locomotor activity of the temperate housefly Musca domestica. Under low temperatures, activity was centered round a major and broad afternoon peak, while high temperatures resulted in activity throughout the photophase with a mild midday depression, which was especially pronounced in males exposed to long photoperiods. While period (per) mRNA peaked earlier under low temperatures, no temperature-dependent splicing of the last per 3ʹ end intron was identified. The expression of timeless, vrille, and Par domain protein 1 was also influenced by temperature, each in a different manner. Our data indicated that comparable behavioral trends in daily activity distribution have evolved in Drosophila melanogaster and M. domestica, yet the behaviors of these two species are orchestrated by different molecular mechanisms.
THE IN VITRO EFFECT OF ELDERBERRY (SAMBUCUS NIGRA) EXTRACT ON THE ACTIVITY AND OXIDATIVE PROFILE OF BOVINE SPERMATOZOA
Authors: Abdramanov Abzal , Massanyi Peter , Sarsembayeva Nurzhan , Usenbayev Altay , Alimov Jahongir , Tvrdá Eva
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the overall results and experimental details of the in vitro assessment of the elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract on the motility, viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of bovine spermatozoa in different time periods (0, 2, 6 and 24 hours). Sambucus nigra is often used for medicinal purposes throughout the world. Modern research reveals that Sambucus nigra extracts may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer and antioxidant properties, because of a high content of biologically active components. Spermatozoa motility was assessed using the Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Cell viability was examined using the metabolic activity MTT assay and ROS generation was quantified using luminometry. The CASA analysis revealed that the motility in the experimental groups supplemented with 100, 50 and 1 μg/mL elderberry extract was lower in comparison with other samples. The experiment showed that the elderberry extract had a considerable in vitro effect on the sperm motility, vitality and oxidative profile. The ROS production as well as the CASA assessment proved that the optimal concentration of both extracts was 10 μg/mL in every time with statistically significant results. The MTT test showed a statistically significant increase of mitochondrial at all time periods with 10 μg/mL elderberry extract when compared to the control group. When lower concentrations of the elderberry extract were used (5 and 1 μg/mL), the mitochondrial activity was higher than in the control group but lower than in the group supplemented with 10 μg/mL of the extract. In these groups this indicator increased maximally after 24 h. The findings of the present study indicate that Sambucus nigra extract possesses activity promoting properties on bovine spermatozoa at 10 and 5 μg/mL.
Effect of air drying process on the physicochemical, antioxidant, and microstructural characteristics of tomato cv. Chonto
Authors: Moreno G. Diana Catalina , Diaz-Moreno Amanda Consuelo
Published: June 2017

The tomato is a Solanaceae plant which globally has the second highest production rate, making it one of the most important vegetative products in global production and consumption. Furthermore, the tomato is valued for its antioxidant components, most notably vitamin C, phenolic components and carotenoids such as lycopene and β-carotene. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of three drying temperatures (50, 60 and 70°C) on the physicochemical, microstructural, and antioxidant characteristics of the tomato. The study analyzed the parameters for color using the coordinates CIE L* a* b* and texture analysis using the methodology of TPA for instrumental analysis and PCA for data analysis, antioxidant capacity and content were measured by spectrophotometric methods and microestructure by Scanning Electron Microscope. The results showed changes in color for the tomato samples treated with 70°C. In addition, the texture of the samples treated at 60°C presented significant differences from the samples dried at 50 and 70°C regarding the fracturability, having a crispier texture and good balance between masticability and hardness. The total carotenoid content increased with the drying process, while the total phenol content decreased. The antioxidant activity was not affected by the temperature variation with respect to the fresh tomato.
Análisis de ciclo de vida aplicado a la producción panelera tradicional en Colombia
Authors: Castañeda-Suárez Juan Esteban , González-Dumar Antonio Miguel , Usma-Rojas Cristian Alejandro , Cano-Londoño Natalia Andrea
Published: June 2017

Teniendo en cuenta la gran producción y demanda panelera en Colombia, es necesario cuantificar las cargas ambientales del proceso productivo con el fin de identificar los componentes del ciclo que requieren una optimización, y así lograr una producción panelera más eficiente y sostenible.Dado que existen pocos estudios de análisis de ciclo de vida sobre la panela en el mundo, y ninguno con suficiente difusión en Colombia, se conoce poco acerca de las cargas ambientales de la producción de este alimento a nivel técnico. En este artículo se presenta el análisis de ciclo de vida como una herramienta necesaria y competente para lograr dicho fin.
Nem intubált, spontán légző betegnél, egy metszésből, minimálisan invazív módon elvégzett tüdőlebeny-eltávolítás mint új műtéti eljárás klinikánk gyakorlatában
Authors: Furák József , Szabó Zsolt , Horváth Theodor , Géczi Tibor , Pécsy Balázs , Németh Tibor , Ottlakán Aurél , Molnár Zsolt , Lázár György
Published: June 2017

Absztrakt

Célkitűzés: A VATS-lobectomiákkal szerzett tapasztalatok
növekedésével egyes centrumokban egyre gyakoribbá váltak az úgynevezett nem
intubált VATS-lobectomiák (non-intubated thoracic surgery – NITS), amelynek
során a beteget nem intubálják, nem relaxálják, hanem a műtét a beteg spontán
légzése mellett történik. Munkánkban az egy metszésből elvégzett NITS-VATS
lobectomiával szerzett tapasztalatainkat ismertetjük. Betegek,
módszer: 2017. január 24. és 2017. március 10. között 16 betegnél
(nyolc nő és nyolc férfi) végeztünk NITS-VATS uniportal lobectomiát tüdőrák
indikációval. Átlagéletkor 59,6 év (42–73). Átlagos FEV1 87,7%
(62–109). Átlagos body mass index 27,1 (18,8–32,8). A betegek a beavatkozást
megelőzően benzodiazepinpremedikációt, a metszéshez helyi érzéstelenítést
(lidokain), majd bupivakain intercostalis és vagusblokádot kapnak.
Rutinmonitorozás mellett bispectral index (BIS-) vezérelt célkontrollált
intravénás (TCI) propofolszedációt végzünk, laringealis maszk segítségével. A
bőr- és lágyrész-metszés az axillaris vonalban, az ötödik bordaközben történik.
Ezen keresztül végezzük a kamera bevezetését, a reszekcióhoz szükséges
manipulációt, a lebeny eltávolítását és a mellkasi drén behelyezését is. A műtét
során teljes atelectasia érhető el. Az eltávolított lebenyek megoszlása a
következő: hét jobb felső, kettő középső, egy jobb alsó, egy jobb alsó + felső
lebeny gépi ékreszekció, öt bal alsó. A reszekciót követően kiterjesztett
mediastinalis sampling vagy blokkdissectio történik.
Eredmények: Perioperatív mortalitás nem volt. Egy esetben
sem kellett a beteget a műtét során intubálni. Átlagos műtét idő 96,5 perc
(80–120), az átlagos drenálási idő 2,9 nap (2–8) volt. Tartós átszívás 1/16
(6,25%). A műtét utáni időszakban egy betegnél lázat, egy betegnél subcutan
emphysemát és egy esetben tüdőgyulladást észleltünk. Egy betegnél kellett
recidív légmell miatt mellkascsövezést végeznünk. Az eltávolított laesiók
szövettani megoszlása a következő: egy bal alsó lebenyi teljes atelectasiát
okozó endobronchialis hamartochondroma, egy gyulladás, illetve 10
adenocarcinoma, két laphámrák, egy carcinosarcoma és egy típusos carcinoid. A 14
malignus daganat stádiummegoszlása a következő: nyolc IA, kettő IB, egy IIA,
kettő IIB, egy IIIA. Az eltávolított mediastinalis nyirokcsomók átlagos száma 12
(7–20). Következtetés: A nem intubált (NITS) VATS-lobectomia
biztonsággal elvégezhető beavatkozás, amely során az onkológiai elveket teljes
egészében érvényesíteni lehet. A műtét utáni mellkasdrenálási idő rövidebb, ami
a műtét során elérhető teljes atelectasiának tudható be.
A transanalis megközelítés előnye a mély rectumdaganatok műtéteinél
Authors: Papp Géza , Besznyák István , Pörneczi Balázs , Saftics György , Bursics Attila
Published: June 2017

Absztrakt

A laparoszkópos rectumsebészet ma már igazoltan alternatívája a hagyományos
műtéti technikának. Ugyanakkor továbbra is problémát jelent a kismedence
mélyének vizualizálása, a megfelelő distalis reszekciós sík biztosítása, a
rectumcsonk egyetlen varrógéppel történő lezárása és ezáltal a biztonságos
anastomosis készítése. A laparoszkópos és a transanalis megközelítés
kombinációjaként jött létre a transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), amely
technikával a világon eddig körülbelül 500 műtétet végeztek. A TaTME a mély
rectumtumorok sebészetének fenti problémáira kínál megoldást. A transanalis
rectumcsonk képzése biztonságos reszekciós sík kialakítását teszi lehetővé,
megoldja a distalis csonk zárásának problémáját, kiváló látási viszonyokat
garantál pont a felülről legnehezebben megközelíthető területen, így a
kismedencei idegfonatok megkímélésében is eredmény várható tőle.
Esetbemutatásunk egy neoadjuváns kezelést követően jelentősen zsugorodott
méretű, az anusnyílástól 5 cm magasságban azonosított tumor eltávolításának
menetét írja le. Tudomásunk szerint Magyarországon korábban hasonló műtétet még
nem közöltek.
Kétkezes technika elsajátításának vizsgálata laparoszkópos training boxon
Authors: Hajnal Bence , Kapossy Lilla , István Gábor , Kakucs Tímea , Benkő Péter , Lukovich Péter
Published: June 2017

Absztrakt

Bevezetés: A rezidensek a sebészeti osztályokon helyenként két
kézzel kezdenek operálni, máshol kizárólag a domináns kezet használják, csak
később térnek át a kétkezes technikára. A szakirodalomban nincs adat arról, hogy
melyik módszer a hatékonyabb. Módszer: Laparoszkópos
tapasztalattal nem rendelkező 20 orvostanhallgatót két csoportba osztottunk: az
egyik csoport végig egy (1K), a másik végig két kézzel (2K) végezte a
feladatokat öt napon át. Az utolsó napon mindkét csoport elvégezte egy és két
kézzel is a feladatokat, majd három új, két kézzel végzendő feladatot. Mértük a
teljesítési időket, és elvégeztük a belső videofelvételek OSATS-pontozását. A
kiértékeléshez egy- és kétmintás t-próbát használtunk, az eredményeket
p < 0,05 esetén tekintettük szignifikánsnak.
Eredmények: Az 1K- és 2K-csoport között az első napon az
időeredményekben (518/500 s) és az OSATS-pontszámokban (87/84; 54/55 pont) sem
volt eltérés. Mindkét csoportban javultak az időeredmények és a pontszámok is
(1K: 52%, 77%; 2K: 50%, 70%), de a különbség a csoportok között egyik esetében
sem volt szignifikáns. Az utolsó napon végzett kétkezes feladatoknál az
átlagidőben (1K: 425 s, 2K: 411 s) és összpontszámban (53/59 és 56/52) nem, de a
kétkezességre adott pontszámoknál szignifikáns volt a különbség.
Következtetés: Vizsgálatunk alapján nem egyértelmű, hogy a
haladó laparoszkópos műtétek elvégzéséhez nélkülözhetetlen bimanualitás az
azonnali kétkezes oktatással gyorsabban elsajátítható.
EFFECTS OF NEUTRALIZATION PERIOD AND TEMPERATURE IN ALKALI REFINING ON THE QUALITY OF SARDINE OIL
Authors: Lrianto Hari Eko , Pudjiastuti Sri Ningrum , Suptijah Pipih
Published: June 2017

Most fish meal weste oil encountered in Indonesia has high free fatty acid (FFA)value, dark colour end strong fishy odour. Thus, the oil needs refining process for thequality improvement before-further uses, such as by alkali refining application.
High-strength steel for resilience of beam-through frames
Authors: Chen Yueshi , Wang Wei , Chen Yiyi
Published: June 2017

The application of high-strength steel has been limited due to stiffness and ductility issues. In tension-only concentrically braced steel beam-through frames (TOCBBTFs), the frame is designed to remain elastic while concentrating damage on the replaceable braces during rare earthquakes, which makes the structure able to recover quickly. Therefore, there is a high potential to apply high-strength steel to the design of the main frames. A design approach is first proposed to achieve seismic resilience for multi-degree-of-freedom TOCBBTFs under rare earthquakes and it is verified by non-linear time history analysis. The main idea is to specify a target drift of the structure within the range between the yielding of braces and the frame. Based on this design approach, different ways to apply high-strength steel to TOCBBTFs are studied. The results show that using high-strength steel can benefit TOCBBTFs in enhancing the seismic resilience performance and reducing the total cost of steel.
The Sorting Nexin 3 Retromer Pathway Regulates the Cell Surface Localization and Activity of a Wnt-Activated Polycystin Channel Complex
Authors: Feng Shuang , Streets Andrew J. , Nesin Vasyl , Tran Uyen , Nie Hongguang , Onopiuk Marta , Wessely Oliver , Tsiokas Leonidas , Ong Albert C.M.
Published: June 2017

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by inactivating mutations in PKD1 (85%) or PKD2 (15%). The ADPKD proteins encoded by these genes, polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2), form a plasma membrane receptor–ion channel complex. However, the mechanisms controlling the subcellular localization of PC1 and PC2 are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the involvement of the retromer complex, an ancient protein module initially discovered in yeast that regulates the retrieval, sorting, and retrograde transport of membrane receptors. Using yeast two-hybrid, biochemical, and cellular assays, we determined that PC2 binds two isoforms of the retromer-associated protein sorting nexin 3 (SNX3), including a novel isoform that binds PC2 in a direct manner. Knockdown of SNX3 or the core retromer protein VPS35 increased the surface expression of endogenous PC1 and PC2 in vitro and in vivo and increased Wnt-activated PC2-dependent whole-cell currents. These findings indicate that an SNX3-retromer complex regulates the surface expression and function of PC1 and PC2. Molecular targeting of proteins involved in the endosomal sorting of PC1 and PC2 could lead to new therapeutic approaches in ADPKD.
Chronic stress and mental disorders in patients with systemic scleroderma: Results of an interdisciplinary study
Authors: Seravina O F , Lisitsyna T A , Starovoytova M N , Desinova O V , Kovalevskaya O B , Veltishchev D Yu
Published: June 2017

Aim. To analyze of the prevalence of stressful factors and mental disorders (MDs), as well as their clinical psychopathological and clinical psychological characteristics to improve the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of systemic scleroderma (SSD). Subjects and methods. Examinations were performed in 110 patients (predominantly women (n=97 (88.2%); mean age, 49.9±2.47 years) with a documented diagnosis of SSD (its mean duration, 7.25±0.42 years). 62 (56.4%) patients had limited SSD, 36 (32.7%) had diffuse SSD, and 12 (10.9%) had overlap syndrome. The disease was rapidly and slowly progressive in 33 (30%) and 77 (70%) patients, respectively. Oral glucocorticosteroids were used in 99 (90%) patients included in the study, cytotoxic drugs in 66 (60%), plaquenil in 33 (30%); 8 (7%) patients were treated with the biological agent rituximab. All the patients were examined by a psychologist and a psychiatrist. The psychopathological diagnosis of MD was made during a semistructured interview in accordance with the ICD-10 criteria. The Montgomery-Asberg depression and Hamilton anxiety rating scales were used to evaluate the severity of depression and anxiety, respectively. All patients underwent a clinical and psychological examination, including tests assessing memory, attention, and logical thinking, as well as projective techniques. Results. MDs were detected in 91 (83%) patients with SSD. There was a preponderance of depressive disorders in 74 (67.3%) patients: chronic (dysthymia in 33 (30%) patients)) and recurrent (recurrent depressive disorder in 34 (31%)) depressions. Cognitive impairment (CI) of varying severities was diagnosed in 100% of the patients. Schizotypal personality disorder was stated in 44 (40%) patients. 90% of patients were found to have chronic psychic traumas mainly as parental deprivation in childhood (in children less than 11 years of age). 76.7% of the SSD cases developed recurrent episodes of depression in the presence of long-term MD or had a history of the episodes. There was no relationship of MD to gender, age, duration of SSD and its individual clinical manifestations. The nature of SSD treatment did not affect the frequency and spectrum of MD. Conclusion. MDs, predominantly chronic and recurrent depression, and CI are characteristic of most SSD patients. Multiple chronic stressful factors, both previous SSD and those over time, have commonly an impact on the mental health of patients with SSD
Changes in the serum concentrations of adhesion molecules and vascular endothelial growth factor in active ankylosing spondylitis patients taking amtolmetin guacil: Results of a 56-week prospective ореn-label controlled observational study
Authors: Gaydukova I Z , Khondkaryan E V , Aparkina A V , Rebrov A P
Published: June 2017

Aim. To estimate changes in the concentrations of adhesion molecules and vascular endothelial growth factor A after 30-day additional use of amtolmetin guacil (AMG) in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who were unresponsive to previous one-year treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Subjects and methods. 20 patients with active AS who had not reached a BASDAI score
Chondroprotectors: A range of application in general somatic practice
Authors: Shavlovskaya O A
Published: June 2017

Chondroprotectors (CP) are biological agents that contribute to the regeneration of the cartilage surfaces and articular capsule, participating in the metabolic processes of the articular cartilage. Progressive loss of hyaline cartilage and lower levels of chondroitin sulfate were observed in osteoarthritis (OA) at different sites, including dorsopathy. OA therapy is aimed at slowing disease progression, relieving pain symptoms, and reducing functional disorders. For this purpose, oral or injectable CPs (Chondroguard, Sustaguard) are prescribed. The optimal dosing regimen of parenteral CPs is the following: three intramuscular Chondrogard 1 ml (100 mg) jections during the first week; 25—30 intramuscular chondroguard 2 ml (200 mg) injections every other day during the second week, a repeat cycle after 6 months; Sustaguard 400 mg thrice weekly for 4 weeks.
M12 Tangential Flow Filtration v1
Authors: Steven Wilhelm Dr.
Published: June 2017

Please contact Dr. Steven Wilhelm (wilhelm@utk.edu) for additional information regarding this protocol.
Comparison of Amputee Prosthetic Gait when using Two Different Prosthetic Ankles/Feet v1
Authors: Bai Xuefei , David Ewins not provided , Andrew David Crocombe not provided , Wei Xu not provided
Published: June 2017

Improved walking comfort has been linked with better bio-mimicking of the prosthetic ankle. This study investigated if a hydraulic ankle/foot can provide enough motion in both the sagittal and frontal planes during level and camber walking and if the hydraulic ankle/foot better mimics the biological ankle moment pattern compared with a fixed ankle/foot device.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Ezhumalai Arunraj , V. Ravikumar
Published: June 2017

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) PD ranks second among the common neurodegenerative disease next only to Alzheimer’s dementia. Autonomic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease is very common.  This study assesses the autonomic dysfunction in PD, their prevalence, type and severity in related to staging.Methods: The study was conducted in Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital, Institute of neurology Madras medical college between 2011 to 2013, 141 patients fulfilling the criteria of Parkinson’s disease brain bank society were included in the study. All the patients were clinically examined with special attention to history, clinical features and symptoms and signs of Autonomic dysfunction. The patients were graded using the Hoehn and Yahr staging system.Results: Among 141 patients, 118 (83.7%) had autonomic dysfunction. Among 87 males, 72 patients had ANS dysfunction and among 54 females, 46 patients had ANS dysfunction. Stage wise 39 patients of 53 patients (73.6%) belonging to Stage I; 37 of 44 (84.1%) belonging to Stage II; 26 of 28 (92.8%) belonging to Stage III and all patients belonging to Stage IV and V had ANS dysfunction.Conclusions: ANS dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease is a common problem and the prevalence of it is 82.75% in males and 85.2% in females and overall in 83.7% of patients. The prevalence of ANS dysfunction in Males and females increases as the Hoehn and Yahr stage increases as evidenced by 68.7% of males and 80.9% of females have ANS dysfunction in stage I, while 100% of males and females in stage IV and V have ANS dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction (84.7%) ranks first followed by gastrointestinal (56.9%), and thermoregulatory (51.3%) autonomic disturbances in males and urinary disturbances (78.3%), ranks first followed by thermoregulatory (65.2%), and cardiovascular disturbances (56.5%) in females.
Climate Policies and Nationally Determined Contributions: Reconciling the Needed Ambition with the Political Economy
Authors: Vogt-Schilb Adrien , Hallegatte Stephane
Published: June 2017

Countries have pledged to stabilize global warming at a 1.5 to 2°C increase. Either target requires reaching net zero emissions before the end of the century, which implies a major transformation of the economic system. This paper reviews the literature on how policymakers can design climate policies and their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reach zero-net emissions before the end of the century in a socially and politically-acceptable manner. To get the ambition right, policymakers can use sectoral roadmaps with targets and indicators that track progress towards zero emissions (e.g. regarding renewable power or reforestation). Indeed, monitoring economy-wide emissions reductions alone would not ensure that short-term action contributes meaningfully to the long-term decarbonization goal. To get the political economy right, climate policies can be designed so that they contribute to non-climate objectives and create coalitions of supporters. For instance, revenues from carbon taxes can fund social assistance and infrastructure investment, while reducing tax evasion and informality. To minimize social and economic disruptions and avoid stranded assets, policymakers can start with a low carbon price level and use complementary policies. Designed at the sector level, complementary policies such as performance standards or feebates for cars, building norms, or moratoriums on new coal power plants can be negotiated in partnership with local stakeholders and trigger a transition to zero carbon without creating disruptive stranded assets.
Greener And Expedient Approach for the Wastewater Treatment by Fenton and Photo-Fenton Processes: A Review
Authors: Jain Abhilasha , Kotwal Marazban , Khan Saima
Published: June 2017

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have emerged as a promising technology for the treatment of wastewaters containing toxic, recalcitrant organic compounds such as dyes, pesticides etc. This review paper focuses on the Fenton and photo- Fenton technique which is one of the most efficient AOPs developed to decolorize and/or degrade organic pollutants. This oxidation method can produce biodegradable intermediates and mineralize complex organic pollutants effectively and efficiently. In this paper Fenton and photo-Fenton methods are categorised into two broad groups as homogeneous and heterogeneous Fenton and photo-Fenton processes. Applications of fundamental and advanced combined Fenton and photo-Fenton processes are also discussed.
Development and Validation of UV Spectrophotometric Method for Quantitative Estimation of Clobetasol 17-Propionate
Authors: Devi Neelam , Kumar Sunil , Rajan Sunny , Gegoria Jagbir , Mahant Sheefali , Rao Rekha
Published: June 2017

Clobetasol 17-propionate is used most potent topical glucocorticoid clinical effective in treatment of topical dermatitis, vitiligo and psoriasis. A rapid, simple, selective and precise UV- Visible Spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of Clobetasol 17-Propionate (CP) in bulk forms and dosage formulations. The spectrophotometric detection was carried out at an absorption maximum of 239 nm using ethanol as solvent. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The detector response for the CP was linear over the selected concentration range 2 to 40μg/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The accuracy was between 99.1 and 101.4 %. The precision of 4μg/ml sample preparation three times in a day (intraday) was 0.1325%. The Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) are 0.84 and 2.55μg/ml, respectively. The recovery of CP was about 101.84%. The results demonstrated that the excipients in the commercial formulation did not interfere with the method and can be conveniently employed for daily routine quality control analysis of CP in bulk drug, marketed formulations.
Application of Sequential Design of Experiments to Develop Ibuprofen (400 mg) Tablets by Direct Compression
Authors: Alpizar-Ramos Socorro , Parra Mario González-de la
Published: June 2017

A strategy based on sequential design of experiments (screening, optimization and confirmation) was used to develop a tablet formulation of ibuprofen (400 mg) that is manufactured by direct compression. This formulation has a high content of ibuprofen (76%), in spite of the poor flowability of the drug substance. Sequential design of experiments proved to be an effective and efficient strategy in formulation development.
Tracking the Money for Open Educational Resources in South African basic Education: What We Don’t Know
Authors: Goodier Sarah
Published: June 2017

Limited research has been done to date on the extent of public funding of Open Educational Resources (OER) within basic education (K-12 equivalent) in South Africa. As claims have been made about the potential cost reductions that come with using OER, this study aimed to establish a benchmark of public spending on educational resources, uncover how much is being spent on OER and assess cost-savings of OER adoption.

A desk review and document analysis of official information sources on South African basic education was conducted to develop a conceptual understanding of funding allocations the South African government uses for educational resources. A review of publicly available government reports and budgets showed that there is insufficient information at this time to determine how much is being spent on OER specifically or to act as a benchmark for potential cost savings of OER. This study highlights the information gaps which would need to be filled in order to make claims about OER and their potential as cost savers.
Cultivating Textbook Alternatives From the Ground Up: One Public University’s Sustainable Model for Open and Alternative Educational Resource Proliferation
Authors: Lashley Jonathan , Cummings-Sauls Rebel , Bennett Andrew B. , Lindshield Brian L.
Published: June 2017

This note from the field reviews the sustainability of an institution-wide program for adopting and adapting open and alternative educational resources (OAER) at Kansas State University (K-State). Developed in consult of open textbook initiatives at other institutions and modified around the needs and expectations of K-State students and faculty, this initiative proposes a sustainable means of incentivizing faculty participation via institutional support, encouraging the creation and maintenance of OAER through recurring funding, promoting innovative realizations of “educational resources” beyond traditional textbooks, and rallying faculty participation in adopting increasingly open textbook alternatives. The history and resulting structure of the initiative raise certain recommendations for how public universities may sustainably offset student textbook costs while also empowering the pedagogies of educators via a more methodical approach to adopting open materials.
A Preliminary Exploration of the Relationships Between Student-Created OER, Sustainability, and Students Success
Authors: Wiley David , Webb Ashley , Weston Sarah , Tonks DeLaina
Published: June 2017

This article explores the relationship between open educational resources (OER) created by students for use by other students, the long-term sustainability of the movement toward OER, and the success of students who use OER created by other students as part of their core curricular materials. We begin by providing definitions and a broader context for thinking about the possibility of student-created OER. We then describe a course context in which student-created OER have been slowly integrated into an online class over several years and examine the impact on student learning associated with their introduction. 
Student Perceptions of College Faculty Who Use OER
Authors: Vojtech Gabrielle , Grissett Judy
Published: June 2017

Research indicates that students find open educational resources (OER) favorable, but there is no research regarding students’ perceptions of faculty who use open textbooks. In the present study we examined this topic experimentally with two undergraduate psychology courses at a small public university. Participants read two passages—one about an instructor using an open textbook and another using a traditional copyrighted textbook—and rated each instructor on a range of characteristics through closed- and open-ended questions. Participants rated faculty using an open textbook higher on kindness, encouragement, and creativity than faculty using a traditional copyrighted textbook, and were more likely to want to take a class with faculty using an open textbook. Participants frequently mentioned textbook cost in their justifications.
Logistical Techniques on Measuring Road Roughness using Mobile Applications and further comparing the Road Roughness of PPP and Non PPP Roads
Authors: Lohani Juhi
Published: June 2017

This paper compares the quality of roads built under Public Private Partnership and those which are not built under PPP. The quality of roads is measured by the vibrations captured while driving over the roads. The paper has tried to model that the variance in measuring accelerations on accelerometer is an underestimate of the actual accelerations on the road.
Using the HEXACO Model of Personality to Test the Validity of the Durand Adaptive Psychopathic Traits Questionnaire
Authors: Durand Guillaume
Published: June 2017

Multiple studies reported a negative relationship between the Honesty-Humility factor of the HEXACO model and psychopathy. The Durand Adaptive Psychopathic Traits Questionnaire (DAPTQ), which was developed to assess adaptive traits known to be related to psychopathic traits, has previously demonstrate positive relationships with all factors of the Big Five Model, at the exception of a negative relationship with neuroticism. The current study aims to validate the previously reported association between the DAPTQ and the five major components of the personality, while also examining its relationship with the Honesty-Humility factor as defined by the HEXACO model. The results (N = 171) support the good internal consistency, two weeks test-retest validity and inter-correlation of the DAPTQ. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis further supports the nine-factor model of the DAPTQ. When compared to the HEXACO, the DAPTQ did not display any relationship with the Honesty-Humility factor, nor the Agreeableness and Openness factors, but kept its similar association to Emotionality, Extroversion, and Conscientiousness as initially reported in its development phase. Overall, the results support the discriminant validity of the DAPTQ to assess adaptive traits related to the psychopathic personality without overlapping with psychopathic personality traits. Results are discussed in terms of implications and further improvements to validate the DAPTQ.
Machine Tool Energy Efficiency – A Component Mapping-Based Approach
Authors: Schudeleit Timo ,   Institute of Machine Tools and Manufacturing (IWF), ETH Zürich, Züst Simon , Weiss Lukas , Wegener Konrad
Published: June 2017

The European Commission outlined the energy-related products (ErPs) meant to be labelled and regulated in order to achieve the goals to reduce the European amount of CO2-emissions by 20% by 2020 compared to projections. Machine tools (MTs) fulfill all mandatory criteria to be categorized as ErP, namely: significant sales volume, significant environmental impact and significant improvement potential. However, the energy consumption and energy efficiency of MTs strongly depend on their utilization. A generic evaluation approach for quantifying a MT’s energy efficiency is still under development by the working group ISO/TC 39/WG 12, which drives forward the ISO 14955 series for environmental evaluation of MTs.

This work presents an approach for a generic energy efficiency evaluation of MTs. Component-specific behavior is investigated and aggregated in order to entirely describe the power consumption of a MT for any utilization by power mapping. Power maps contain all possible operational scenarios under the condition of the component boundaries. The approach allows a generic MT evaluation independent on the utilization and forms the base for future MT energy efficiency labelling. The presented approach is applied and validated in a practical case study.
Influence of Workpiece Materials on the Characteristics of the Layers by Electrical Discharge Coating
Authors: Sumi Nobuyuki ,   Nagoya Works, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Kato Chihiro , Shimada Keita , Mizutani Masayoshi , Kuriyagawa Tsunemoto ,   Department of Mechanical Systems and Design, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
Published: June 2017

We investigated the influence of iron-based workpiece materials on the characteristics of the Si layers by electrical discharge coating. It was found that the chemical elements of the precipitations were uniformly dispersed in the layers on the workpieces containing precipitations a few micrometers in diameter. By contrast, voids occurred in the layer on the workpiece containing bigger precipitations because the precipitations that had not totally melted in the coating process were the starting points of the voids. In addition, the surface of the Si layer on FC250 was extremely rough, and the distribution of the chemical elements of the layer was inhomogeneous. However, the layer was amorphous, and the friction coefficient of the layer was lower than that of the workpiece.
Effect of Water Potential and Void Ratio on Erodibility for Agricultural Soils
Authors: Liu Q.J. , Wells R.R. , Dabney S.M. , He J.J.
Published: June 2017

Core Ideas:

Critical shear stress can be modeled by silt content, void ratio and water potential.

Erodibility can be predicted by critical shear stress, clay content and void ratio.

Bulk density displayed a convex trend as antecedent soil moisture increasing.

Soil erodibility has confounded researchers for decades. Difficulties arise with initiation of motion, pore‐water status, physical, and perhaps biological, material properties and type of applied energy (i.e., rainfall, runoff, freezing or thawing, wind). Though specific tests have been developed to determine critical shear stress and soil erodibility, solutions do not seem to conform to theory. We have models for erosion assessment and, although each provides practical information for planning and management, all share a need to improve predictions for soil detachment. Here, a series of submerged jet tests (JET) are performed on samples of three soils prepared to represent agricultural conditions (i.e., modest bulk density), five initial soil water contents are imposed during sample packing that affected soil void ratio, and four water potential gradients are imposed during jet testing. Results, for both coarse‐ and fine‐grained soils, indicate that critical shear stress can be predicted with knowledge of the silt content, void ratio and water potential gradient, and soil erodibility can be predicted with knowledge of critical shear stress, clay content and void ratio. This study was limited by the number of soils examined; however, the results are thought provoking.
Manipulation of Soil Texture to Remove Salts from a Drip‐Irrigated Root Zone
Authors: Berezniak Arbel , Ben-Gal Alon , Mishael Yael , Nachshon Uri
Published: June 2017

Core Ideas

Root zone soil texture manipulation improved leaching efficacy for drip irrigation.

Manipulation consists of coarse medium, with roots within, surrounded by fine medium.

Capillary barrier between coarse and fine media prevents salt return to roots.

Study results may contribute to the practice of irrigation with salty water

Drip irrigation is a useful method for the application of low‐quality water because it does not wet the foliage and limits the spread of contaminants. Nevertheless, when using water containing high levels of dissolved salts, drip irrigation may be insufficient for leaching and can lead to soil salinization. A new conceptual model was tested experimentally and numerically to examine if manipulation of the distribution of soils with different textures could promote the removal of salts from the root zone and increase leaching efficiency. The manipulated root zone consisted of a volume of coarse soil, located under a drip irrigation emitter, surrounded by finer texture soil. We hypothesized that the differences in hydraulic properties between the two soils and the capillary barrier developed at their interface would generate a one‐directional flow path of the salty water from the location of irrigation to the fine soil. This would enforce salt accumulation beyond the root zone. The concept was tested in a series of lysimeter and Hele–Shaw chamber experiments, together with a two‐dimensional flow model created in HYDRUS‐2D. Results showed preferential salt accumulation beyond the coarse segment of the manipulated soil, providing a volume of leached soil sufficient to support a healthy root system. Under conditions of homogenous soil texture, a notable buildup of salinity was observed in the central root zone, whereas under the manipulated texture conditions, such salt buildup was not observed.
Viscous Flow Approach to Rapid Infiltration and Drainage in a Weighing Lysimeter
Authors: Germann Peter F. , Prasuhn Volker
Published: June 2017

Core Ideas

Preferential flow in a free‐draining lysimeter is approached by viscous flow theory.

Water perching at the lysimeter bottom is assessed with viscous flow theory.

Viscous flow theory is applied to rewetting after exceptional drought.

Rapid infiltration and drainage in a free‐draining weighing lysimeter are assessed with a viscous flow approach that is based on the concept of moving water films. The two parameters film thickness and specific contact area of the film per unit volume of the permeable medium together with the rate and duration of water input suffice to quantify viscous flow at the Darcy scale. The two parameters are deducible from wetting front velocities and water content variations during the passing of the film. Temporarily perching water tables at lysimeter bottoms are considered artifacts of the lysimeter method that may severely alter the biogeochemistry of the effluent. The viscous flow approach assesses the duration of water perching from drainage flow interpretation. Perching in the sense of viscous flow occurred at most 10% of the time during drainage flow. Drainage ceased completely during a 6‐mo period that yielded only 46% of rainfall compared with the 30‐yr average. During rewetting of the lysimeter soil, viscous flow applied to infiltrations of nine precipitation episodes, showing successive penetrations of wetting fronts shortly before the onset of drainage.
A comparison between direct and indirect frameworks to evaluate impacts of climate change on streamflows: case study of Karkheh River basin in Iran
Authors: Nasseri Mohsen , Zahraie Banafsheh , Forouhar Leila
Published: June 2017

In this paper, two approaches to assess the impacts of climate change on streamflows have been used. In the first approach (direct), a statistical downscaling technique was utilized to predict future streamflows based on large-scale data of general circulation models (GCMs). In the second approach (indirect), GCM outputs were downscaled to produce local climate conditions which were then used as inputs to a hydrological simulation model. In this article, some data-mining methods such as model-tree, multivariate adaptive regression splines and group method of data handling were utilized for direct downscaling of streamflows. Projections of HadCM3 model for A2 and B2 SRES scenarios were also used to simulate future climate conditions. These evaluations were done over three sub-basins of Karkheh River basin in southwest Iran. To achieve a comprehensive assessment, a global uncertainty assessment method was used to evaluate the results of the models. The results indicated that despite simplifications included in the direct downscaling, this approach is accurate enough to be used for assessing climate change impacts on streamflows without computational efforts of hydrological modeling. Furthermore, comparing future climate projections, the uncertainty associated with elimination of hydrological modeling is estimated to be high.
Biosurfactant production by Mucor circinelloides on waste frying oil and possible uses in crude oil remediation
Authors: Hasanizadeh Parvin , Moghimi Hamid , Hamedi Javad
Published: June 2017

Biosurfactants are biocompatible surface active agents which many microorganisms produce. This study investigated the production of biosurfactants by Mucor circinelloides. The effects of different factors on biosurfactant production, including carbon sources and concentrations, nitrogen sources, and iron (II) concentration, were studied and the optimum condition determined. Finally, the strain's ability to remove the crude oil and its relationship with biosurfactant production was evaluated. The results showed that M. circinelloides could reduce the surface tension of the culture medium to 26.6 mN/m and create a clear zone of 12.9 cm diameter in an oil-spreading test. The maximum surface tension reduction was recorded 3 days after incubation. The optimum condition for biosurfactant production was achieved in the presence of 8% waste frying oil as a carbon source, 2 g/L yeast extract as a nitrogen source, and 0.01 mM FeSO4. M. circinelloides could consume 8% waste frying oil in 5 days of incubation, and 87.6% crude oil in 12 days of incubation. A direct correlation was observed between oil degradation and surface tension reduction in the first 3 days of fungal growth. The results showed that the waste frying oil could be recommended as an inexpensive oily waste substance for biosurfactant production, and M. circinelloides could have the potential to treat waste frying oil. According to the results, the produced crude biosurfactant or fungal strain could be directly used for the mycoremediation of crude oil contamination in oil fields.
Effects of Polyphenolic Derivatives on Heme Oxygenase-System in Metabolic Dysfunctions
Authors: Pittala Valeria , Vanella Luca , Salerno Loredana , Romeo Giuseppe , Marrazzo Agostino , Di Giacomo Claudia , Sorrenti Valeria
Published: June 2017

Background:

The aim of this review is to summarize the effects of various naturally
occurring polyphenols in the management of metabolic dysfunctions. This cluster of metabolic
abnormalities comprises insulin resistance, increased levels of free fatty acids, hypercholesterolemia,
obesity, hyperglycemia and hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1
(T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) along with DM-induced complications. Most of them are included
in the well-known metabolic syndrome (MS). These metabolic dysfunctions in turn are
tightly associated to a high risk of development of cardiovascular diseases. Although molecular
mechanisms underlying the onset of metabolic dysfunctions and related complications are
not yet clear, it is widely recognized that they are associated to oxidative stress and chronic
low-grade of inflammatory levels.

Methods:

We undertook a structured search of bibliographic references through the use of
SciFinder. The database was provided by a division of ACS (American Chemical Society)
and guarantees access to the world's most extensive and authoritative source of references.
The search was performed using “heme oxygenase-1” as research topic and a subsequent refinement
was done by using inclusion/exclusion criteria. The quality of retrieved papers was
evaluated on the basis of standard tools.

Results:

From a careful review of the selected literature, of interest, the use of natural antioxidant
polyphenols seems to be the ideal pharmacological treatment since they are endowed
with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, some polyphenols
such as curcumin, quercetin, genistein, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester are able to potently
activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and related downstream expression
of enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Indeed, an overexpression of HO-1 has been
demonstrated to play a beneficial role in metabolic diseases.

Conclusion:

The following review is intended to stimulate interest in the role of natural occurring
HO-1 inducers in metabolic dysfunction, focusing on the clinical potential of HO-1
activity to restore the balance between pro-oxidant and anti-oxidants systems.