Formaldehyde Adsorption and Sensing: A Density Functional Theory Study on Pd4 Nanocluster Decorated CNT Structure

The sensing of formaldehyde, one of the volatile organic compounds used in chemical processes, is very important. In this study, the adsorption and sensing of formaldehyde molecule on Pd4 nanocluster decorated carbon nanotube (Pd4-CNT) was investigated by using DFT method. The WB97XD hybrid method was used in DFT calculations. The adsorption energy value was calculated as −8.1 kJ/mol. This low adsorption energy confirms the very short recovery time and the predominance of weak interactions. There was a decrease of approximately 20% in the HOMO-LUMO gap after the interaction. This result shows that the Pd4-CNT can be used as a sensor at room temperature

Early Maturation of Corpus Luteum in Rabbits - Effect of Sildenafil Citrate on Luteolytic Capacity in the Early Luteal Period

Background:  Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) binds to the specific receptor (PTGFR) on the corpus luteum (CL) in mammals, inducing regression of the CL structure (luteolysis) and initiating a new cycle. While PGF2α is effective only on mature CL, the immature CL structure (early luteal phase) resists PGF2α. In this study, sildenafil citrate, which is used to increase blood flow in the genital organs for treating specific pregnancy issues in women, was administered during the early luteal phase in a rabbit model to test the hypothesis of enhancing blood flow to the CL, thereby promoting earlier maturation and enabling a response to PGF2α. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in 2 sub-studies: clinical and molecular. A large number of rabbits were initially included in the sub-studies to ensure a sufficient number of pseudo-pregnant rabbits. Ovulation in rabbits was induced with buserelin acetate and was considered as day 0 of the study. The sub-studies were continued with rabbits whose pseudo-pregnancies were confirmed according to progesterone (P4) results. As a result, the studies were continued with a total of 41 pseudo-pregnant New Zealand female rabbits, 21 of which were included in the clinical sub-study and 20 in the molecular sub-study. In both sub-studies, on day 3 of the luteal period, rabbits in the treatment group received 5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate and all rabbits received a single dose of exogenous PGF2α on day 4 to induce luteolysis. In the clinical sub-study, echotexture and intraovarian blood flow changes in the ovaries were determined by ultrasonography (USG) examination. In the molecular sub-study, the expression changes of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (HIF1A) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) related to angiogenesis, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) related to P4 metabolism, Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) related to prostaglandin (PG) mechanism and 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (HPGD) genes at mRNA level were determined using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in CL tissues obtained with ovariohysterectomy (OVH) at 1 and 12 h after PGF2α injection. In addition, blood samples were collected for determine P4 levels from all rabbits. In the clinical sub-study; there was no difference between the groups in mean gray values (MGV), whereas there was a significant decrease in both pulsatile index (PI) and resistance index (RI) values at 40 min after PGF2α injection (P < 0.05). In the molecular sub-study, it was determined that sildenafil citrate had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the expression levels 1 and 12 h after PGF2α injection.  According to the results of the molecular sub-study, no significant effect of sildenafil citrate on the mRNA expression levels in the investigated genes was detected (P > 0.05). However, within each group, differences were found according to OVH time after PGF2α injection. It was observed that PTGS2 and HPGD mRNA expressions decreased at the 12th h compared to the 1st h, while HIF1A expression increased (P < 0.05). Discussion: According to the results obtained from clinical and molecular sub-studies, it was determined that a single dose of sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg) applied on the 3rd day of the luteal period did not contribute to the maturation process of the CL, did not increase blood flow, and was insufficient to break the resistance of the CL against PGF2α applied on the 4th day of the luteal period. However, a significant decrease in the PI value at the 40th min after PGF2α injection suggests that sildenafil citrate has a supportive effect, and that this decrease is also seen in the RI value, suggesting that its effect is insufficient against the vasoconstrictive effect of PGF2α. Keywords: sildenafil citrate, PGF2 alpha, corpus luteum, early luteal stage, rabbit

Microstructural Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Volcanic Tuff (Malatya, Turkey) Used as Building Stone for the Restoring Cultural Heritage

Old stone buildings constitute a significant percentage of the residential buildings in many countries. These structures are highly vulnerable, and important losses in masonry structures occur even in moderate earthquakes. Therefore, safety evaluations of these structures have gained significant attention in recent years. In this study, the mechanical, physical and microstructural characteristics of tuff samples used in the old buildings were investigated in Battalgazi within the boundaries of Malatya Province during the Seljuk time. The characteristics of the building materials were examined in detail using in-situ and laboratory tests. Because adequate samples could not be obtained from the historical buildings, quarry areas with the same characteristics were identified. First, original building stone (OBS) used in construction was taken from fallen and unusable blocks. Then, the properties of the restoration building stones (RBS) brought from the quarries were investigated. The RBS samples were also examined using in the laboratory, and the mechanical and microstructural properties of the building components were determined. The dynamic and static moduli of elasticity were determined using ultrasonic pulse velocity and uniaxial compression test. The OBS and RBS samples yielded similar results after the microstructural analyses. Our results showed that the dynamic elastic modulus value was higher than the static elastic modulus value. The results revealed by both methods showed that the static and dynamic elastic moduli were closely linked. The OBS and RBS samples exhibited microlitic porphyritic and vesicular textures and nearly the same mineralogical and textural characteristics

HPV Vaccines: Myths and Facts

Many types of HPV virus found in nature are known to cause anogenital diseases and cancers in both of men and women. Genital condylomas caused by some types of HPV can cause important dermocosmetic, social, and psychological problems. On the other hand, cervical cancers caused by high-risk HPV types can be detected and treated in early stage or preinvasive period by using effective screening programs. But the main goal is to fight with the viruses causing the disease. Therefore, protective and preventive HPV virus vaccines are important. However, for effective administration of vaccines, it is necessary to know the effects of the vaccines, to whom it is applicable, any adverse effects, and to overcome prejudices against the vaccines and to clarify misinformation. In this chapter, in the light of current information about HPV vaccines, known facts and myths about vaccines are shared

Simkania negevensis: Is it a real respiratory pathogen?

Simkania negevensis, a recently discovered Chlamydia-like organism, has been associated with respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in children and adults. The aim of the present study was to evaluate S. negevensis in the etiology of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia, bronchiolitis and asthma exacerbation in our region. Overall, 102 patients and 46 healthy controls were included in the study. S. negevensis was investigated by real time PCR (Primer Design, UK) in nasopharyngeal swab samples. It failed to be detected in either the study or control group. In conclusion, our results suggest that S. negevensis is not an important respiratory pathogen in our region

Plasma profile of Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins during Postpartum period in Konya Merino ewes lambing single and twin

This study investigated the plasma profile of Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) after lambing in Konya Merino ewes using specific cattle pregnancy test kit. A total of 16 Konya Merino ewes were used as a material. Four groups were set up, ewes birthing a male lamb (SM group, n=4), a female lamb (SF group, n=4), twin male lambs (TM group, n=4) or twin female lambs (TF group, n=4). Blood plasma samples were taken on days 0 (lambing day), 3, 7, 10, 14 and then weekly until day 35. All samples were analysed using a bovine pregnancy test kit to detect of PAGs level. It was determined that there was a strong negative correlation between PAGs levels in peripheral blood and days after lambing (r2=0.969; P<0.01). However, no relationship was found between PAGs level and lamb gender or birth type. In conclusion, plasma PAGs level decreases rapidly in Konya Merino ewes regardless of lamb gender and birth type. Moreover, the results showed that the plasma profile of PAGs after lambing in Konya Merino ewes can be monitored with a bovine commercial ELISA–based pregnancy test kit, and the test results can be used in decisions and assessments based on the levels of PAG molecules

2D and 3D Positioning Performance of UAV-Based Photogrammetry in Residential Regions

UAVs Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are commonly used in photogrammetric observations in research fields like agriculture, archaeology, industry and construction of base maps. They present several advantages like low-cost platforms, rapid results, high positioning accuracy and less labor effort in the field. In this study, we evaluate the positioning accuracy of UAV based photogrammetry with conventional observation techniques in a sample area. Our main motivation is to examine if the final model of a low altitude UAV can reach the positioning accuracy of conventional observation techniques, especially in residential regions. For this purpose, we evaluate the results of 3 separate photogrammetric flights in a pre-observed field. Results indicate that low-altitude UAV flights can provide high accuracy both in 2D and 3D positioning in residential and densely constructed areas

The efficacy of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

Aim: To investigate the accuracy of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in determining the diagnosis and treatment options of prostate cancer (PCa), and its pathology correlation. Methods: Between October 2017 and January 2018, 73 patients were subjected to an mpMRI at our clinic. Of these patients, 11 were radical prostatectomy (RP) after treatment, and four were post- radiation therapy (RT) follow-up. The remaining 58 patients were assigned to the PSA elevation and / or positive digital rectal examination (DRE) patient group in this study and their outcomes were evaluated. Results: Of the 58 patients included in the study, 13 were found to have a PI-RADS 5 on mpMRI and in 9 (90%) of 10 patients undergoing simultaneous biopsy, PCa was detected. The biopsy results of all cases evaluated as PI-RADS 1 were benign. All of the patients who were ISUP 3 and above had a PI-RADS 5. Patients with a PI-RADS score of 4 and above being ISUP 2 and above was statistically significant (p=0.011). A case had undergone a previous radical prostatectomy assessment revealed that tPSA increased to 2 ng/ml during the follow-up, and so RT was added to the treatment; although LAP was identified in the left iliac region on an mpMRI performed upon the continued increase of tPSA. During the follow-ups of the patient who had regional RT, the tPSA dropped below 0.01 ng/ml. Conclusion: The results of our study show that mpMRI can gain a new and important place in urology due to the guidance it provides in biopsies, facilitating targeted biopsy, its effectiveness in determining treatment modalities and its importance in post-PCa treatment follow-ups

Aerodynamic performance of a horizontal axis wind turbine with forward and backward swept blades

Blades are the most important components of wind turbines in order to convert wind energy to mechanical energy. This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) with forward and backward swept blades. The effect of the blade sweep direction, the location of the sweep start up and the tip offset on the aerodynamic performance are investigated using a model HAWT with a 0.9 m rotor as the baseline configuration. Changes in power and thrust coefficients with swept blades are investigated for the design tip speed ratio of the baseline wind turbine at a wind speed of 10 m/s. The wind turbine with the forward swept blade that has sweep start up at rss/R = 0.15 and tip offset of d/D = 0.2 has been found to give a remarkable boost to the power output with an increase of about 2.9% over the baseline turbine. The backward swept blade with rss/R = 0.75 and d/D = 0.2 has shown the highest reduction in thrust coefficient, namely 5.4%, at the design tip speed ratio. In conclusion, it is found that the forward swept blades have the ability of increasing the performance while the backward swept blades tend to decrease the thrust coefficient