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Soil erosion, considered a major environmental and social problem, leads to the loss of soil nutrients and the degradation of soil structure and impacts plant growth. However, data on the effects of land use changes caused by vegetation restoration on soil nutrients and erodibility for different slope aspects are limited. This study was conducted to detect the response of soil nutrients and erodibility to slope aspect in a typical watershed in the northern agro-pastoral ecotone in China. The following indexes were used to determine the improvement in soil nutrients and erodibility through a weighted summation method: the comprehensive soil nutrient index and the comprehensive soil erodibility index. The results showed that the vegetation types with the highest comprehensive soil quality index (CSQI) values on western, northern, southern, and eastern slopes were Pinus sylvestris and Astragalus melilotoides (1.45), Caragana korshinskii and Capillipedium parviflorum (2.35), Astragalus melilotoides (4.78), and Caragana korshinskii and Lespedeza bicolor (5.00), respectively. Slope aspect had a significant effect on understory vegetation characteristics, soil nutrients, and soil erodibility. Understory vegetation and soil characteristics explained 50.86 %–74.56 % of the total variance in soil nutrients and the erodibility. Mean weight diameter and total phosphorus were the main factors that affected the CSQI for different slope aspects. Our study suggests that the combinations of species, such as C. korshinskii and L. bicolor, were the optimal selection to improve soil nutrients and soil erodibility for any slope aspect.

Orthodontic therapy is becoming a mainstay for the correction of esthetic and functional disturbances in both young and older adults. Orthodontic forces act on the periodontium and can have wide-ranging effects, from beneficial to harmful, from being a hindrance to oral hygiene maintenance to causing irreversible periodontal breakdown. In some patients, the presence of periodontal conditions like gingival recession, before start of orthodontic therapy, raises many questions. Much controversy and confusion exist regarding the need for periodontal therapy, its sequencing, especially in case of recession in a young patient who needs orthodontic therapy. An interactive, interdisciplinary approach is essential in such cases for success. This case report illustrates the interdisciplinary management of a young patient with gingival recession with an eight-year follow-up of the case.

The demand for high-intensity lasers has grown ever since the invention of lasers in 1960, owing to their applications in the fields of inertial confinement fusion, plasma-based relativistic particle accelerators, complex X-ray and gamma-ray sources, and laboratory astrophysics. To create such high-intensity lasers, free-running lasers were either Q-switched or mode-locked to increase the peak power to the gigawatt range. Later, chirped pulse amplification was developed, allowing the generation of peak power up to 1012 W. However, the next generation of high-intensity lasers might not be able to be driven by the solid-state technology alone as they are already operating close to their damage thresholds. In this scenario, concepts of amplification based on plasmas has the potential to revolutionize the laser industry, as plasma is already a broken-down medium, and hence does not pose any problems related to the damage thresholds. On the other hand, there are many other aspects that need to be addressed before developing technologies based on plasma-based amplification, and they are being investigated via theoretical and numerical methods and supported by several experiments. In this report, we review the prospects of employing plasma as the medium of amplification by utilising stimulated scattering techniques, such as the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) techniques, to modulate high-power laser pulses, which would possibly be the key to the next generation of high-power lasers. The 1980s saw the commencement of research in this field, and possibilities of obtaining high peak powers were verified theoretically with the help of numerical calculations and simulations. The extent of amplification by these stimulated scattering schemes are limited by a number of instabilities such as forward Raman scattering (FRS), filamentation, etc., and here, magnetised plasma played an important role in counteracting these parasitic effects. The current research combines all these factors to experimentally realise a large-scale plasma-based amplifier, which can impact the high-energy laser industry in the near future.

In this work, a commercially available water treatment polymer poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and a hydrophobically modified polymer (HMP) designed to adhere to bubble surfaces were applied for the first time in the novel Posi-dissolved air flotation process (PosiDAF) that uses polymer-modified bubbles, at pilot-scale for the treatment of waste stabilisation pond samples rich in algae. It was found that PDADMAC in PosiDAF gave comparable removal to that achieved using conventional DAF at >95% cell separation. Furthermore, the float layer was more uniform and thicker with up to 8% solid contents compared to conventional DAF, which comprised discrete floc clusters with an average solid concentration of ∼4.1%. In contrast to the use of PDADMAC, the application of the HMP did not achieve similarly good separation at pilot scale. It was hypothesised that this may be due to the micellisation of the HMP on the bubble surface, creating unstable bubbles that coalesced and prevented polymer–bubble–cell interactions, which are crucial for effective cell separation. On comparison of the costs of PosiDAF and conventional DAF, it was found that PosiDAF resulted in cost-savings of up to 74% due to low chemical consumption. In summary, PosiDAF reduced chemical cost and increased solid contents in the metal-free float. HIGHLIGHTS Effective translation of PosiDAF from laboratory to pilot-scale is achieved.; PosiDAF float layer is structurally coherent compared to the conventional DAF float layer.; Compared to conventional DAF, PosiDAF can reduce 74% costs due to low chemical use.;

The stability of calcium alginate beads for microalgae immobilization in wastewater treatment has been a concern due to the potential exchange of Ca2+ ions from the bead surface with the environment. To overcome this constraint, adding biopolymers might improve the properties of alginate gel. The purpose of the study is to immobilize Chlorella vulgaris in blends of sodium alginate with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or pectin in different concentrations (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) to evaluate the microalgae growth and nutrient removal from culture media. The microalgae growth was assessed by cell counting and chlorophyll content using a fluorescent excitation–emission matrix. Nutrient removal was conducted by measuring the phosphate and nitrate concentration using ion chromatography. The characterization of beads, such as size, shrinkage degree, swelling ratio, water content, and dry weight, was also investigated. Compared to alginate-only beads, the results present better performance for cell growth and, similarly, for removing nutrients in the presence of pectin and CMC blends. Microalgae in alginate with 1.0% of pectin grew 26% more than in alginate-only beads on day 8. The blends with CMC showed faster removal of nutrients compared to pectin blends and alginate-only in only 3 days. For phosphate, the highest removal was by immobilized microalgae of 95% for 2.0% of CMC and 86% for 2.0% of pectin. For nitrate, the immobilized microalgae removed 100% in 1.0% and 1.5% of CMC and 98% in 1.0% of pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is the most common reactive gingival lesion. The cause and pathology are well understood. Peripheral giant cell granuloma, pyogenic granuloma, fibroma, and peripheral fibroma are among the differential diagnoses. The confirmed diagnosis for POF is based on histopathological evidence. A healthy 49-year-old man with fibrous swelling in the lower left anterior region of his jaw is discussed in this case report. Excisional biopsy was performed utilizing a diode laser in pulse mode at 980 nm. The patient was monitored for a year, and there was no recurrence.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of direct and indirect composite resin restorations placed in posterior teeth after 2 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 teeth were restored with a direct composite resin (BRILLIANT EverGlowTM– Coltene) and an indirect composite resin (CeramageTM– Shofu). All restorations were assessed using the Modified United States Public Health Service criteria at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months after placement. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi-Square test and Cochran's Q test. Results: At the 2-year evaluation, all restorations were retained, with Alpha ratings at 100%. Only two teeth (in the direct restoration group) required endodontic intervention after 18 months due to secondary caries. Surface texture, marginal discoloration, and marginal integrity were predominantly scored as Alpha after 2 years for both groups. Color match was scored as Alpha in 65.4% of direct restorations and 84.4% of indirect restorations. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that the clinical performance of the indirect restorations was much improved than that of direct restorations.

Background: The association between preganancy and poor oral health and its effects on preterm low birth infants are well documented in scientific literature. A pilot study was conducted with 160 pregnant women in the year 2016 showed that oral hygiene awareness among pregnant women was least among those who did not complete basic school education. This was the motive to conduct the present survey. Aims and Objectives: The Aim of this survey is to determine the knowledge and awareness on oral hygiene practices and to evaluate the role of education status on awareness of poor oral health and pregnancy outcomes among 500 pregnant women in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, using self-tested questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 500 pregnant women attending maternity clinics in Chennai using Self administered questionnaire. Results: Among 500 participants majority of them 72% of school educated never visited dentist. Only 6.2% of Undergraduate women was referred by gynecologist for dental check up during pregnancy. 31.3% of school educated felt that first trimester was safe to undergo dental treatment with p=0.000. Conclusion: This survey showed that level of education played a significant role in awareness about oral hygiene among pregnant women.

The realization of compact X-ray sources is one of the most intriguing applications of laser-plasma based electron acceleration. These sources based on the oscillation of short micron-sized bunches of relativistic electrons provide femtosecond X-ray pulses that are collimated, bright, and partially coherent. The state-of-the-art laser plasma X-ray sources can provide photon flux of over 1011 photons/shot. The photon flux can further be enhanced with the availability of high repetition rate, high-power lasers, providing capacities complementary to the large scale facilities such as synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers. Even though the optimization of such sources has been underway for the last two decades, their applications in material and biological sciences are still emerging, which entail the necessity of a user-oriented X-ray beamlines. Based on this concept, a high-power-laser-based user-oriented X-ray source is being developed at ELI Beamlines. This article reports on the ELI Gammatron beamline and presents an overview of the research accessible with the ultrashort hard X-ray pulses at the ELI Gammatron beamline.

The DNA helicase RECQL4 is known for its roles in DNA replication and repair. RECQL4 mutations cause several genetic disorders including Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), characterized by developmental defects and predisposition to osteosarcoma. Here we reprogrammed fibroblasts with a heterozygous RECQL4 mutation (c.1878 + 32_1878 + 55del24) to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These iPSCs are pluripotent and are able to be differentiated into all three germ layers, providing a novel tool to further interrogate the role of RECQL4 DNA helicase in vitro.

Three dimensional meta surface lens is proposed to improve the gain and beam shaping of horn antenna. Hence an array of SRR as a meta surface lens has been designed, fabricated and investigated. This meta surface lens can be used to convert the spherical wave to plane wave for a wide range of frequency. It is proved by permeability and permittivity of meta surface. In this work the operating bandwidth of the proposed antenna is in the range of 9GHz to 11GHz for satellite application. The radiation pattern of E and H plane is sharpened in this work. The antenna 3dB beam width, and front to back ratio were 9.2, 28dB at 10GHz. The radiation characteristics of horn antenna with meta surface have been studied numerically and confirmed experimentally, showing an average gain improvement of ~3dB with respect to horn antenna without meta surface lens.

Genetic mutations in TP53 contribute to multiple human cancers. Here we report the generation of a H1-p53(R248W/R248W) human embryonic stem cell line harboring a homozygous TP53 R248W mutation created by TALEN-mediated precise gene editing. The H1-p53(R248W/R248W) cell line maintains a normal karyotype, robust pluripotency gene expression, and the potential to differentiate to the three germ layers.

The tumor suppressor gene TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers. Many hot-spot mutations of TP53 confer novel functions not found in wild-type p53 and contribute to tumor development and progression. We report on the generation of a H1 human embryonic stem cell line carrying a homozygous TP53 R282W mutation using TALEN-mediated genome editing. The generated cell line demonstrates normal karyotype, maintains a pluripotent state, and is capable of generating a teratoma in vivo containing tissues from all three germ layers.

A series of complex post-build heat treatment procedures are usually inevitable for selective laser melted (SLMed) Al-Si-Mg alloys, aiming to remove significant process-induced residual strains. In this work, we propose a new method to avoid the post-build heat treatment without compromising the mechanical properties in SLMed Al alloy A357. By heating up the build platform (up to 90 °C) during SLM fabrication or applying post heat treatment after SLM, the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties for Al-7Si-0.6Mg alloy are compared at different conditions. Characterisations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and hardness tests suggest heating up the build platform is more effective in alleviating residual strain and resulting in uniform precipitates in the Al matrix. Tensile properties imply that SLMed A357 fabricated with a heated substrate possesses improved mechanical properties compared to SLMed A357 build on room temperature platforms and even with post-build heat treatment. Keywords: Selective laser melting, Al-Si-Mg alloys, Heat treatment, Residual strains, Mechanical properties

The data described herein are related to the article entitled “Tumor necrosis factor-α regulates triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1-dependent matrix metalloproteinases in the carotid plaques of symptomatic patients with carotid stenosis” (Rao et al., 2016) [1]. Additional data are provided on the dose–response effect of TNF-α, TREM-1 antibody and recombinant rTREM-1/Fc fusion chimera (TREM-1/FC) on the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from human carotid endarterectomy tissues. Data are also presented on the distribution of CD86+ M1- and CD206+ M2-macrophages and their co-localization with TREM-1 in symptomatic carotid plaques as visualized by dual immunofluorescence. The interpretation of this data and further extensive insights can be found in Rao et al. (2016) [1]. Keywords: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1, Carotid plaques, Atherosclerosis, Matrix metalloproteinases, Macrophages, Vulnerable plaque, Unstable plaque, Vascular smooth muscle cells

Fibronectin is a main component of connective tissue and has various biologically significant roles to play in tissue integrity, remodelling and repair, apart from influencing pathological processes. This review looks into the physiology of fibronectin and its influences in health and disease.

The solidification microstructure and phase transition of ten La-Nd-Fe alloys were studied experimentally by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Phase compositions and phase transition temperatures of La-Nd-Fe alloys were measured and the formed phases were identified. The solidification behavior of La-Nd-Fe alloys was analyzed based on the experimental results of both solidification microstructure and phase transitions with the reported Nd-Fe, La-Fe and La-Nd sub-binary phase diagrams. The results indicated that the solidification processes of all La-Nd-Fe alloys begin with the precipitation of primary phase fcc( γ -Fe) and then follow by the formation of bcc( α -Fe) and/or Fe _17 Nd _2 phases through different peritectic reactions. The solidification microstructure of three Fe _65 La _29 Nd _6 , Fe _65 La _25 Nd _10 and Fe _65 La _22 Nd _13 alloys presents three-phase microstructure with bcc( α -Fe), Fe _17 Nd _2 and fcc(La,Nd) phases, while that of three Fe _65 La _19 Nd _16 , Fe _65 La _9 Nd _26 and Fe _65 La _15.5 Nd _19.5 alloys shows three-phase microstructure with bcc( α -Fe), Fe _17 Nd _2 and dhcp(La,Nd) phases. The two-phase micorstructure with Fe _17 Nd _2 and dhcp(La,Nd) ohases was formed in the solidification microstructure of four Fe _65 La _12 Nd _23 , Fe _65 La _6.5 Nd _28.5 , Fe _65 La _4 Nd _31 and Fe _65 La _1.5 Nd _33.5 alloys. Moreover, no stable ternary intermetallic compound was found in the present experiments. The solidification microstructure and phase transition of La-Nd-Fe alloys would provide a basis for the design of La-Nd-Fe-B magnetic alloys.

The phase formation of the (Nd _0.70 Pr _0.30−x Ce _x ) _2.28 Fe _13.58 B _1.14 (x = 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20; hereafter defined as Pr _20 Ce _10 , Pr _15 Ce _15 and Pr _10 Ce _20 , respectively) and (Nd _0.60 Pr _0.40−y Ce _y ) _2.28 Fe _13.58 B _1.14 (y = 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30; hereafter defined as Pr _30 Ce _10 , Pr _20 Ce _20 and Pr _10 Ce _30 , respectively) alloys that were prepared via the arc-melting method was investigated experimentally. The x-ray diffraction results revealed that all alloys annealed at 1173 K for 360 h consisted of a (NdPrCe) _2 Fe _14 B main phase with a tetragonal Nd _2 Fe _14 B-typed structure (space group P4 _2 /mnm) and an α -Fe minor phase, except for the Pr _10 Ce _30 alloy, which contained an additional CeFe _2 phase. The magnetic properties of the (Nd _0.70 Pr _0.30−x Ce _x ) _2.28 Fe _13.58 B _1.14 and (Nd _0.60 Pr _0.40−y Ce _y ) _2.28 Fe _13.58 B _1.14 ribbons that were prepared by melt spinning were examined. The remanence (B _r ) and maximum magnetic energy product ((BH) _max ) of the (Nd _0.70 Pr _0.30−x Ce _x ) _2.28 Fe _13.58 B _1.14 ribbons increased first and then decreased, whereas the coercivity (H _cj ) of the ribbons increased with an increase in Ce content. The B _r and (BH) _max of the (Nd _0.60 Pr _0.60−y Ce _y ) _2.28 Fe _13.58 B _1.14 ribbons increased, whereas the H _cj of the ribbons decreased gradually with an increase in Ce content. This changed behavior of magnetic properties is attributed to the variation of volume fraction of the α -Fe phase and different phase formations in the melt-spun ribbons. The Curie temperatures (T _c ) of all ribbons decreased slightly with Ce substitution, which results from the lower Curie temperatures of Pr _2 Fe _14 B and Ce _2 Fe _14 B. The Pr _10 Ce _30 ribbon with a higher Ce content exhibited optimal magnetic properties (B _r = 9.71 kGs, H _cj = 13.09 kOe, (BH) _max = 18.78 MGOe), which indicates that suitable magnetic properties of the Nd–Pr–Ce–Fe–B melt-spun ribbons can be achieved by alloy-composition and phase-formation design.

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a kind of cellulose ether widely used in industrial production. CMC wastewater usually have high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and salinity (>10 %), which result from organic and inorganic by-products during CMC production. It is significant that the wastewater is pretreated to decrease salinity and recover valuable organics before biochemical methods are employed. In this paper, distillation-extraction method was used to pretreat CMC wastewater and recover valuable chemical compounds from wastewater (Fig. 1). Initial pH of CMC wastewater was adjusted to different values (6.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 12.0) before distillation to study the effect of pH on by-products in wastewater. By-products obtained from CMC wastewater were extracted and characterized by NMR, XRD and TGA. Distillate obtained from distillation of wastewater was treated using biological method, i.e., upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)-contact oxidation process. Domestic sewage and flushing water from manufacturing shop was added into distillate to decrease initial COD and increase nutrients such as N, P, K. Experimental results showed that by-products extracted from CMC wastewater mainly include ethoxyacetic acid and NaCl, which were confirmed by NMR and XRD (Fig. 2). TGA results of by-products indicated that the content of NaCl in inorganic by-products reached 96 %. Increasing initial pH value of CMC wastewater might significantly raise the purity of ethoxyacetic acid in organic by-products. UASB-contact oxidation process showed a good resistance to shock loading. Results of 45-day continuous operation revealed that CODCr of final effluent might be controlled below 500 mg l−1 and meet Shanghai Industrial Wastewater Discharge Standard (CODCr < 500 mg l−1), which indicated that the treatment process in this study was appropriate to treat distillate of wastewater from CMC production industry.

We report a 35-year-old gentleman who presented to us with respiratory distress. He was diagnosed to have a large anterior mediastinal mass and was and posted for debulking of mediastinal mass. Immediately after intubation, airway collapsed and there was difficulty in ventilating the lungs, followed by drop in oxygen saturation. After sternotomy, oxygen saturation and airway pressures improved. In this report we discussed in detail about the successful anaesthetic considerations for patients with large anterior mediastinal tumour including the management of airway obstruction.

Executive Summary In the years to come, India will be highly vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea level, floods and droughts, water pollution, and the associated health hazards. In addition to the severe effect of water-related concerns on health and heat stress, water scarcity problems would also impact generation of electricity, both in hydel and thermal power sectors, industrial production, which often requires large volumes of water, and irrigation, which again is highly water-based. To address such severe concerns in the realm of unavailability of water in desired quantity and quality, many industry initiatives have been implemented. However, the challenge is huge and full industry participation in this endeavour is still awaited in India. Private sector participation would be a relevant and much-needed initiative to the cause of water management in the country. However, the inclination of private sector in taking up such initiatives has not been ascertained yet. Therefore, an empirical academic research was undertaken to determine (a) if there is an awareness in private sector in India with regard to existence and impacts of water crisis and (b) if such awareness would lead to voluntary participation on the part of private sector. A research instrument in the form of survey questionnaire was administered on a population of practising managers across the country. Thereafter, structural equation modelling was carried out to analyse the data, thus, obtained. The research concludes that there is significant awareness that (a) water crisis does exist in India, (b) there is a possibility of spread of disease due to water stress, and that (c) private sector could help in recycling, treatment of wastewater, and conservation initiatives. Further, the research also shows a significant link between awareness about disease impacts due to water stress and propensity to support individual initiatives. The awareness that private sector could help in recycling and treatment of wastewater and in conservation initiatives would lead to voluntary participation of private sector both in the organizational capacity as well as in managers taking up individual initiatives.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with atherosclerotic plaques containing inflammatory cells, including T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages that are responsible for progression and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. Stressed cells undergoing necrosis release molecules that act as endogenous danger signals to alert and activate innate immune cells. In atherosclerotic tissue the number of DCs increases with the progression of the lesion and produce several inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 plays a crucial role in inflammation. However, relationship of DCs and the role of TREM-1 with the stability of atherosclerotic plaques have not been examined. In this study, we investigated the heterogeneity of the plaque DCs, myeloid (mDC1 and mDC2) and plasmacytoid (pDCs), and examined the expression of TREM-1 and their co-localization with DCs in the plaques from symptomatic (S) and asymptomatic (AS) patients with carotid stenosis. We found increased expression of HLA-DR, fascin, and TREM-1 and decreased expression of TREM-2 and α-smooth muscle actin in S compared to AS atherosclerotic carotid plaques. Both TREM-1 and fascin were co-localized suggesting increased expression of TREM-1 in plaque DCs of S compared to AS patients. These data were supported by increased mRNA transcripts of TREM-1 and decreased mRNA transcripts of TREM-2 in carotid plaques of S compared to AS patients. There was higher density of both CD1c+ mDC1 and CD141+ mDC2 in the carotid plaques from AS compared to S patients, where as the density of CD303+ pDCs were higher in the carotid plaques of S compared to AS patients. These findings suggest a potential role of pDCs and TREM-1 in atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. Thus, newer therapies could be developed to selectively block TREM-1 for stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques.

Ridge preservation measures, which include the filling of extraction sockets with bone substitutes, have been shown to reduce ridge resorption, while methods that do not require primary soft tissue closure minimize patient morbidity and decrease surgical time and cost. In a case series of 10 patients requiring single extraction, in situ hardening beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were utilized as a grafting material that does not necessitate primary wound closure. After 4 months, clinical observations revealed excellent soft tissue healing without loss of attached gingiva in all cases. At reentry for implant placement, bone core biopsies were obtained and primary implant stability was measured by final seating torque and resonance frequency analysis. Histological and histomorphometrical analysis revealed pronounced bone regeneration (24.4 ± 7.9% new bone) in parallel to the resorption of the grafting material (12.9 ± 7.7% graft material) while high levels of primary implant stability were recorded. Within the limits of this case series, the results suggest that β-TCP coated with polylactide can support new bone formation at postextraction sockets, while the properties of the material improve the handling and produce a stable and porous bone substitute scaffold in situ, facilitating the application of noninvasive surgical techniques.