bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Content Analysis of Vegetarian Food Blogs Written by Registered Dietitians and Non-Registered Dietitians
Authors: Dumas Audrée-Anne , Lemieux Simone , Lapointe Annie , Dugrenier Marilyn , Desroches Sophie
Published: March 2017

This purpose of this study was to compare the nutritional content of vegetarian recipes published in food blogs written by registered dietitians (RDs) and by non-registered dietitians (non-RDs). Twelve food blogs written by RDs and 12 written by non-RDs were selected using a systematic approach. For each food blog, 2 vegetarian entrée recipes per season were selected (n = 192 recipes). Descriptive analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact test. Median nutritional values per serving between RDs’ and non-RDs’ recipes were compared using Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests. RDs’ recipes were significantly lower in energy, non-heme iron, vitamin C, and sodium, contained significantly more vitamin D and had a higher protein proportion than non-RDs’ recipes. Disparities were also observed across type of entrée and vegetarian dietary pattern. In conclusion, this study showed that RD and non-RD food bloggers provided vegetarian recipes with few nutritional differences. Whether expanding the comparative analysis between RDs and non-RDs’ blogs targeting different nutrition-related topics would yield different results remains to be investigated.
Comparison of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Equations with Other Accepted Equations for Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Indian Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Ramanathan Kumaresan , Padmanabhan Giri
Published: March 2017

Background and Aim: In routine clinical practice, the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on serum creatinine has been followed. However, the reliability of creatinine in estimation of GFR is biased and imprecise, leading to the misdiagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The serum cystatin C is an alternative marker for estimating GFR. Hence, we aimed to compare the newly proposed Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Equations (CKD-EPI) with four approved equations based on both creatinine and cystatin C with reference to Tc-99m-diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (Tc-99m-DTPA) considered as a standard.Materials and Methods:Two hundred and one patients were enrolled in the study from a private nephrology outpatient clinic(OPD), Tiruchirappalli, India. The serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured along with routine biochemistry tests. The measurement of GFR was done by Tc-99m-DTPA gates method. The estimated GFR (eGFR) were calculated using serum cystatin C and creatinine based formulae along with the new CKD-EPI formulae. All eGFR estimations were compared with the measured GFR by gates method.Results: The average measured GFR of end stage, severe, moderate, mild renal disease and normal patient groups were 10.17±2.47, 22.58±4.40, 39.05±7.06, 69.62±24.64 and 118.06±29.23 respectively. When comparing the diagnostic accuracy for predicting GFR using well established formulae, the cystatin C based formulae have shown to be highly accurate in all stages of CKD than creatinine based formulae. Among cystatin C based formulae, CKD-EPI Cystatin C had relatively better diagnostic accuracy for predicting GFR in all stages of CKD.Conclusion: CKD-EPI Cystatin C formula has unbiased and more accurate to predict GFR in all stages of CKD.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(2) 2017 p.238-244
Body mass index and weight status misperception among a sample of college students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Hastuti Janatin , Rahmawati Neni Trilusiana , Suriyanto Rusyad Adi
Published: March 2017

Background: Weight status perception associates with objective weight status and is important in the management of weight control. To date, perception of weight status among Indonesian youths has not been reported.Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between body mass index and weight status perception in a sample of college students in Yogyakarta Province.Materials and Methods: A sample of 209 boys and 269 girls of college students in Yogyakarta Province were measured for their stature and body weight. Body mass index was calculated (BMI). Data of demographic, exercise, and diet were collected. Weight status perception was based on participant responses to a question regarding how they classified their own body size as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. Ordinal regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with weight status misperception among boys and girls.Results: Overall, 43.5% of boys and 37.5% of girls misclassified their own weight status by actual BMI. Of particular note, 75.9% of obese boys and 78.6% of obese girls underestimated their weight status as overweight or normal weight. Whereas, 9.1% and 23.4% of normal weight boys and girls respectively, overestimated their weight status. Ordinal regression analysis revealed that, weight status misperception from others was significantly contributed (p<0.01) to misperception of weight status among boys and girls with OR of 10.31 and 8.13 respectively. Diet practicing was significantly correlated with weight status misperception in boys (p<0.05) with an OR of 19.57.Conclusions: Weight status misperception was prevalent among normal weight and obese students. Obese students of both gender and normal weight boys tended to underestimate their weight status, whereas normal weight girls were likely to overestimate their weight status.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(2) 2017 p.225-232
A comparative evaluation of USG-guided FNAC with conventional FNAC in the preoperative assessment of thyroid lesions: A particular reference to cyto-histologically discordant cases.
Authors: Jalan Shilpa , Sengupta Sanjay , Ray Rudranarayan , Mondal Rajib , Phukan Jyoti , Bardhan Jayati , Ghosh Tapan
Published: March 2017

Aims & Objectives: To assess the relative usefulness of ultrasound (USG) guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosis of thyroid lesions over conventional FNAC (C-FNAC) & to evaluate the possible causes of pitfalls of cytological diagnosis.Materials & Methods: The study included 84 patients with thyroid swellings. Among them 48 patients underwent only conventional FNAC & 36 underwent both conventional & USG guided FNAC (USGFNAC). Histology was available in 40 cases- 18 from C-FNAC patients & 22 from combined conventional & guided FNAC patients. Cyto-histological correlation was done & diagnostic accuracy calculated.Results: Inadequacy rate was higher with C-FNAC (10.42%) than that of USG-FNAC(2.78%). Sensitivity, specificity & diagnostic accuracy was 71.43%, 90.91%, 83.33% respectively with C-FNAC & 100%, 92.31% , 95.45% respectively with USG-FNAC. False positive & false negative rates were  5.56% & 11.11% for C-FNAC and 4.55% & zero percent with USG-FNAC.Conclusion: FNAC under USG guidance significantly increases the diagnostic accuracy in thyroid lesions than C-FNAC alone; thus reducing the turnaround time & cost in accurate management.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(2) 2017 p.274-280
Unusual presentation of gout: management dilemma of nasal tophacecous
Authors: Manab Farah Wahida Abd , Mutallib NSA , Rahman Hisham Abdul , Yusof Che Yusfarina Che
Published: March 2017

Tophacecous gout presenting elsewhere other than its common sites may mimics malignancy or infection. It presentation at the head and neck region especially nasal area is even unusual. The nature of slowly growing and painless nasal mass mislead to malignancy and unnecessary intervention. As discuss in the report, we compare the outcome of surgically and conservatively treated nasal gouty tophi.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(2) 2017 p.329-331
The Governmental Structure of Utopia
Authors: Farnell James E.
Published: March 2017

A close examination of the mechanics of the government of Amaurot shows that it was most closely modelled on the government of the City of London. Departures from its practice incorporate features of Venice and the Roman Republic. The Utopian federation was probably patterned on the constitutionalist tradition of the Netherlands while the national senate incorporated features of the English Parliament. The implications of More’s use of contemporary government archetypes for the interpretation of Utopia are discussed.
Sanctuary in More’s The History of King Richard III
Authors: Peters John G.
Published: March 2017

More uses the debate concerning sanctuary to discredit the usurper Richard. Sanctuary serves two functions: protection from danger and communion with the deity. Mircea Eliade claims that “sacred space” is a locus for organizing our worlds, and sanctuary is such a place. Sacred space organizes the ordered, and holy from disordered, secular space. For the Christian world. sanctuary also represents Christ’s sacrifice by providing an escape from retribution. Consequently, violating sanctuary carries severe penalties and is analogous to disrupting an ordered universe. More’s portrayal of Richard’s violation of sanctuary shows him not only threatening political stability but also the divinely ordered universe.
Saint John Fisher et le sacerdoce: à propos d’ une ré-édition
Authors: Rouschausse Jean
Published: March 2017

L’auteur présente une réédition américaine de la version anglaise d’un ouvrage latin publié en 1525: Sacri sacerdotii defensio contra Lutherum, où (Saint) John Fisher, évêque de Rochester, défendait le Sacrement de l’Ordre, et le sacrifice de la messe, contre l’opinion de Luther qui, pour exalter le sacerdoce de tous les baptisés, dépréciait la messe privée et le charisme spécifique du prêtre ordonné. La recension analyse en détail les 20 pages d’introduction où le bénédictin Stanley Jaki ne cache pas son propos de mettre les catholiques en garde contre les dérives actuelles qu’illustre l’ordination de femmes et d’homosexuels.
Is It “A Utopia” or “An Utopia”?
Authors: Doyle Charles Clay
Published: March 2017

In early texts, when an indefinite article immediately preceded the English noun utopia or utopian or the adjective utopian (or the eu- counterparts of such words), the article was nearly always an, even though (during much of that interval, at least) those “utopian” words were commonly pronounced with an initial consonant /y/, as they are today. Only in the middle of the nineteenth century did constructions like a utopia and a utopian start to appear with any regularity in the written record. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, thirty-three recorded instances of an occur before “utopian” words, only two of a.
Helen M. Allen: A Neglected Scholar of More and Erasmus
Authors: Schoeck Richard J.
Published: March 2017

Despite a lack of formal university schooling in textual scholarship or in Renaissance studies, Helen Allen became a co-worker and co-editor with Percy Allen in the preparation of the great edition of the letters of Erasmus. Thanks to training she had received from her husband, she herself was largely responsible for the choices in Sir Thomas More, Selections (1924), and the Allens together worked on the notes and glossary.
Rare-event statistics and modular invariance
Authors: Nechaev S K , Polovnikov K
Published: March 2017

Simple geometric arguments based on constructing the Euclid orchard are presented, which explain the equivalence of various types of distributions that result from rare-event statistics. In particular, the spectral density of the exponentially weighted ensemble of linear polymer chains is examined for its number-theoretic properties. It can be shown that the eigenvalue statistics of the corresponding adjacency matrices in the sparse regime show a peculiar hierarchical structure and are described by the popcorn (Thomae) function discontinuous in the dense set of rational numbers. Moreover, the spectral edge density distribution exhibits Lifshitz tails, reminiscent of 1D Anderson localization. Finally, a continuous approximation for the popcorn function is suggested based on the Dedekind η-function, and the hierarchical ultrametric structure of the popcorn-like distributions is demonstrated to be related to hidden SL(2, Z) modular symmetry.
Quasilinear theory of plasma turbulence. Origins, ideas, and evolution of the method
Authors: Bakunin O G
Published: March 2017

The quasilinear method of describing weak plasma turbulence is one of the most important elements of current plasma physics research. Today, this method is not only a tool for solving individual problems but a full-fledged theory of general physical interest. The author’s objective is to show how the early ideas of describing the wave–particle interactions in a plasma have evolved as a result of the rapid expansion of the research interests of turbulence and turbulent transport theorists.
Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species on Tubular Transport along the Nephron
Authors: Gonzalez-Vicente Agustin , Garvin Jeffrey
Published: March 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are oxygen-containing molecules naturally occurring in both inorganic and biological chemical systems. Due to their high reactivity and potentially damaging effects to biomolecules, cells express a battery of enzymes to rapidly metabolize them to innocuous intermediaries. Initially, ROS were considered by biologists as dangerous byproducts of respiration capable of causing oxidative stress, a condition in which overproduction of ROS leads to a reduction in protective molecules and enzymes and consequent damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. In fact, ROS are used by immune systems to kill virus and bacteria, causing inflammation and local tissue damage. Today, we know that the functions of ROS are not so limited, and that they also act as signaling molecules mediating processes as diverse as gene expression, mechanosensation, and epithelial transport. In the kidney, ROS such as nitric oxide (NO), superoxide (O2−), and their derivative molecules hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxynitrite (ONO2−) regulate solute and water reabsorption, which is vital to maintain electrolyte homeostasis and extracellular fluid volume. This article reviews the effects of NO, O2−, ONO2−, and H2O2 on water and electrolyte reabsorption in proximal tubules, thick ascending limbs, and collecting ducts, and the effects of NO and O2− in the macula densa on tubuloglomerular feedback.
Investigation on Unsteady Flow Characteristics of a SCO2 Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Shi Dongbo , Zhang Di , Xie Yonghui
Published: March 2017

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) is a vital working fluid in the application of power units and its high density helps to achieve a compact mechanical structure. Centrifugal compressors are of vital use in various kinds of equipment. In this paper, a SCO2 centrifugal compressor of large input power and mass flow rate is designed and numerically investigated. A thorough numerical analysis of the unsteady flow field in the centrifugal compressor is performed in ANSYS-CFX. The computation adopts hexahedral mesh, finite volume method, and the RNG k-ε two-equation turbulence model. Streamlines, temperature, pressure, and Mach number distributions at different time steps in one revolution period are covered to present the unsteady effect of turbomachinery. Meanwhile, the force on a single rotor blade is monitored to investigate the frequency components of exciting force, thus providing the foundation for vibration analysis. Moreover, the torque, output power, pressure ratio, and isentropic efficiency in the steady and the unsteady time-averaged condition are calculated and compared with the design condition to measure the validity of the design. In summary, the unsteady computation result reveals that the unsteady flow characteristics are prominent in the designed compressor and the design of impeller and diffuser meet the requirement.
Influence Analysis of a Higher-Order CSI Effect on AMD Systems and Its Time-Varying Delay Compensation Using a Guaranteed Cost Control Algorithm
Authors: Chen Chaojun , Li Zuohua , Teng Jun , Wang Ying
Published: March 2017

A control-structure interaction (CSI) effect commonly exists between an active mass damper/driver (AMD) system with a DC motor and a controlled building. Additionally, its higher-order component leads to the fact that the actual control force acts behind its theoretical time; i.e., time delay. In this paper, the main influencing factors of a higher-order CSI effect are analyzed, including the input frequency of the control voltage, the structural parametric uncertainties, and the control gains. In addition, a new time-delay compensation controller based on a guaranteed cost control (GCC) algorithm is designed, to consider the higher-order CSI effect for multi-level steel frame structures. Experiments on a typical four-storey frame are conducted, to verify the performances of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed controller has an excellent control effect and stable control parameters, even under the situation of large parametric uncertainties and long time-varying delays.
Eco-Friendly Physical Activation Methods for Suzuki–Miyaura Reactions
Authors: Martina Katia , Manzoli Maela , Gaudino Emanuela Calcio , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: March 2017

Eco-compatible activation methods in Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions offer challenging opportunities for the design of clean and efficient synthetic processes. The main enabling technologies described in the literature are microwaves, ultrasound, grinding (mechanochemistry) and light. These methods can be performed in water or other green solvents with phase-transfer catalysis or even in solventless conditions. In this review, the authors will summarize the progress in this field mainly from 2010 up to the present day.
The Quantum Harmonic Otto Cycle
Authors: Kosloff Ronnie , Rezek Yair
Published: March 2017

The quantum Otto cycle serves as a bridge between the macroscopic world of heat engines and the quantum regime of thermal devices composed from a single element. We compile recent studies of the quantum Otto cycle with a harmonic oscillator as a working medium. This model has the advantage that it is analytically trackable. In addition, an experimental realization has been achieved, employing a single ion in a harmonic trap. The review is embedded in the field of quantum thermodynamics and quantum open systems. The basic principles of the theory are explained by a specific example illuminating the basic definitions of work and heat. The relation between quantum observables and the state of the system is emphasized. The dynamical description of the cycle is based on a completely positive map formulated as a propagator for each stroke of the engine. Explicit solutions for these propagators are described on a vector space of quantum thermodynamical observables. These solutions which employ different assumptions and techniques are compared. The tradeoff between power and efficiency is the focal point of finite-time-thermodynamics. The dynamical model enables the study of finite time cycles limiting time on the adiabatic and the thermalization times. Explicit finite time solutions are found which are frictionless (meaning that no coherence is generated), and are also known as shortcuts to adiabaticity.The transition from frictionless to sudden adiabats is characterized by a non-hermitian degeneracy in the propagator. In addition, the influence of noise on the control is illustrated. These results are used to close the cycles either as engines or as refrigerators. The properties of the limit cycle are described. Methods to optimize the power by controlling the thermalization time are also introduced. At high temperatures, the Novikov–Curzon–Ahlborn efficiency at maximum power is obtained. The sudden limit of the engine which allows finite power at zero cycle time is shown. The refrigerator cycle is described within the frictionless limit, with emphasis on the cooling rate when the cold bath temperature approaches zero.
Characterization of the Diamond Wire Sawing Process for Monocrystalline Silicon by Raman Spectroscopy and SIREX Polarimetry
Authors: Würzner Sindy , Herms Martin , Kaden Thomas , Möller Hans , Wagner Matthias
Published: March 2017

A detailed approach to evaluate the sub-surface damage of diamond wire-sawn monocrystalline silicon wafers relating to the sawing process is presented. Residual stresses, the presence of amorphous silicon and microcracks are considered and related to diamond wire velocity and cutting ability. In particular, the degree of amorphization of the wafer surface is analyzed, as it may affect the etching performance (texturing) during solar cell manufacture. Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Infrared Stress Explorer (SIREX) measurements are used independently as non-destructive, contactless optical characterization methods to provide stress imaging with high spatial resolution. Raman mappings show that amorphous silicon layers can occur inhomogeneously across the surface of diamond wire-sawn wafers. The Raman and SIREX results reveal a connection between a higher fraction of the amorphous phase, a more inhomogeneous stress distribution and a lower peak maximum of the stress difference on wafers, depending on both the wire wear and the wire velocity. SIREX line scans of the in-plane difference of the principal stress components ∆σ taken across the sawing grooves show significant differences in magnitude and periodicity. Furthermore, the results are compared with the microcrack depth from the same investigation areas. The possibility to optimize the diamond wire sawing processes by analyzing the sub-surface stress of the wafers is offered by complementary use of both Raman and SIREX measurements.
Coordinated Control and Fault Protection Investigation of a Renewable Energy Integration Facility with Solar PVs and a Micro-Turbine
Authors: Hu Jiefeng
Published: March 2017

In this paper, a renewable energy integration facility (REIF) with photovoltaic (PV) distributed generation resources for micro-grid applications is studied. In grid-tied operation, the PV system together with the grid supply the power to the local loads while the surplus energy is fed back to the grid. In stand-alone mode, a gas micro-turbine is operated as a master to establish the common AC bus voltage to which the PV inverters can synchronize The experimental results demonstrate the stable operation of the REIF under various generation and load conditions. The power quality can meet the IEEE Standard 1547. Furthermore, the responses of the REIF under different fault conditions are investigated. Relevant protection mechanisms are then developed, providing insights into the fault protection for the future grid.
A Lightweight CUDA-Based Parallel Map Reprojection Method for Raster Datasets of Continental to Global Extent
Authors: Li Jing , Finn Michael , Blanco Castano Marta
Published: March 2017

Geospatial transformations in the form of reprojection calculations for large datasets can be computationally intensive; as such, finding better, less expensive ways of achieving these computations is desired. In this paper, we report our efforts in developing a Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA)-based parallel algorithm to perform map reprojections for raster datasets on personal computers using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). This algorithm has two unique features: a) an output-space-based parallel processing strategy to handle transformations more rigorously, and b) a chunk-based data decomposition method for projected space in conjunction with an on-the-fly data retrieval mechanism to avoid memory overflow. To demonstrate the performance of our CUDA-based map reprojection approaches, we have conducted tests between this method and the traditional serial version using the Central Processing Unit (CPU). The results show that speedup ratios range from 10 times to 100 times in all test scenarios. The lessons learned from the tests are summarized.
Effects of a Sativex-Like Combination of Phytocannabinoids on Disease Progression in R6/2 Mice, an Experimental Model of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Valdeolivas Sara , Sagredo Onintza , Delgado Mercedes , Pozo Miguel , Fernández-Ruiz Javier
Published: March 2017

Several cannabinoids afforded neuroprotection in experimental models of Huntington’s disease (HD). We investigated whether a 1:1 combination of botanical extracts enriched in either ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), which are the main constituents of the cannabis-based medicine Sativex®, is beneficial in R6/2 mice (a transgenic model of HD), as it was previously shown to have positive effects in neurotoxin-based models of HD. We recorded the progression of neurological deficits and the extent of striatal deterioration, using behavioral, in vivo imaging, and biochemical methods in R6/2 mice and their corresponding wild-type mice. The mice were daily treated, starting at 4 weeks after birth, with a Sativex-like combination of phytocannabinoids (equivalent to 3 mg/kg weight of pure CBD + ∆9-THC) or vehicle. R6/2 mice exhibited the characteristic deterioration in rotarod performance that initiated at 6 weeks and progressed up to 10 weeks, and elevated clasping behavior reflecting dystonia. Treatment with the Sativex-like combination of phytocannabinoids did not recover rotarod performance, but markedly attenuated clasping behavior. The in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) analysis of R6/2 animals at 10 weeks revealed a reduced metabolic activity in the basal ganglia, which was partially attenuated by treatment with the Sativex-like combination of phytocannabinoids. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H+-MRS) analysis of the ex vivo striatum of R6/2 mice at 12 weeks revealed changes in various prognostic markers reflecting events typically found in HD patients and animal models, such as energy failure, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excitotoxicity. Some of these changes (taurine/creatine, taurine/N-acetylaspartate, and N-acetylaspartate/choline ratios) were completely reversed by treatment with the Sativex-like combination of phytocannabinoids. A Sativex-like combination of phytocannabinoids administered to R6/2 mice at the onset of motor symptoms produced certain benefits on the progression of striatal deterioration in these mice, which supports the interest of this cannabinoid-based medicine for the treatment of disease progression in HD patients.
Cytosolic BNIP3 Dimer Interacts with Mitochondrial BAX Forming Heterodimers in the Mitochondrial Outer Membrane under Basal Conditions
Authors: Hendgen-Cotta Ulrike , Esfeld Sonja , Rudi Katharina , Miinalainen Ilkka , Klare Johann , Rassaf Tienush
Published: March 2017

The primary function of mitochondria is energy production, a task of particular importance especially for cells with a high energy demand like cardiomyocytes. The B-cell lymphoma (BCL-2) family member BCL-2 adenovirus E1B 19 kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) is linked to mitochondrial targeting after homodimerization, where it functions in inner membrane depolarization and permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) mediating cell death. We investigated the basal distribution of cardiac BNIP3 in vivo and its physical interaction with the pro-death protein BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX) and with mitochondria using immunoblot analysis, co-immunoprecipitation, and continuous wave and pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques. We found that BNIP3 is present as a dimer in the cytosol and in the outer membrane of cardiac mitochondria under basal conditions. It forms disulfide-bridged, but mainly non-covalent dimers in the cytosol. Heterodimers with BAX are formed exclusively in the MOM. Furthermore, our results suggest that BNIP3 interacts with the MOM directly via mitochondrial BAX. However, the physical interactions with BAX and the MOM did not affect the membrane potential and cell viability. These findings suggest that another stimulus other than the mere existence of the BNIP3/BAX dimer in the MOM is required to promote BNIP3 cell-death activity; this could be a potential disturbance of the BNIP3 distribution homeostasis, namely in the direction of the mitochondria.
Impact of Coagulant and Flocculant Addition to an Anaerobic Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor (AnDMBR) Treating Waste-Activated Sludge
Authors: Kooijman Guido , Lopes Wilton , Zhou Zhongbo , Guo Hongxiao , De Kreuk Merle , Spanjers Henri , Van Lier Jules
Published: March 2017

In this work, we investigated the effects of flocculation aid (FA) addition to an anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor (AnDMBR) (7 L, 35 °C) treating waste-activated sludge (WAS). The experiment consisted of three distinct periods. In period 1 (day 1–86), the reactor was operated as a conventional anaerobic digester with a solids retention time (SRT) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 days. In period 2 (day 86–303), the HRT was lowered to 18 days with the application of a dynamic membrane while the SRT was kept the same. In period 3 (day 303–386), a cationic FA in combination with FeCl3 was added. The additions led to a lower viscosity, which was expected to lead to an increased digestion performance. However, the FAs caused irreversible binding of the substrate, lowering the volatile solids destruction from 32% in period 2 to 24% in period 3. An accumulation of small particulates was observed in the sludge, lowering the average particle size by 50%. These particulates likely caused pore blocking in the cake layer, doubling the trans-membrane pressure. The methanogenic consortia were unaffected. Dosing coagulants and flocculants into an AnDMBR treating sludge leads to a decreased cake layer permeability and decreased sludge degradation.
Assessment of the Anti-Hyperglycaemic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of the Methanol Extract of Moringa Oleifera in Diabetes-Induced Nephrotoxic Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Omodanisi Elizabeth , Aboua Yapo , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi
Published: March 2017

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease of multiple aetiologies in insulin secretion. A deficiency in insulin results in hyperglycemia with metabolic disturbances of biomolecules. Moringa oleifera (MO) is endemic in the tropics with a variety of ethnomedicinal importance. The leaf of this plant has been reported to possess antioxidant and medicinal properties that may be helpful in the treatment and management of diabetes and its associated complications. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally in rats by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) and treated with methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (250 mg/kg b.wt) for six weeks. Forty-eight (48) adult male Wistar strain rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), Moringa oleifera treated control rats (NC + MO), diabetic rats (DM) and Moringa oleifera treated diabetic rats (DM + MO). Estimation of antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols, flavonoids and flavonols content of Moringa oleifera extract was performed and serum biochemical markers were evaluated. Antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, glutathione (GSH) and inflammatory biomarkers were determined in the kidney. Results showed high antioxidant capacities of MO extract and improved serum biochemical markers, whilst lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels were reduced in non-diabetic and diabetic rats after MO treatment when compared to normal control. Subsequent administration of MO led to an increased concentration of serum albumin, globulin and total protein with a decrease in the level of MDA, and improvements in CAT, SOD, GSH, GPx, (tumour necrosis factor-alpha)TNF-α and (interleukin-6)IL-6. MO contains potent phytochemical constituents that offer protective action against diabetic-induced renal damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation and could therefore play a role in reducing diabetic complications, particularly in developing countries such as in Africa where the majority cannot afford orthodox medicine.
Silane Modified Diopside for Improved Interfacial Adhesion and Bioactivity of Composite Scaffolds
Authors: Shuai Cijun , Shuai Chenying , Feng Pei , Yang Youwen , Xu Yong , Qin Tian , Yang Sheng , Gao Chengde , Peng Shuping
Published: March 2017

Diopside (DIOP) was introduced into polyetheretherketone/polyglycolicacid (PEEK/PGA) scaffolds fabricated via selective laser sintering to improve bioactivity. The DIOP surface was then modified using a silane coupling agent, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570), to reinforce interfacial adhesion. The results showed that the tensile properties and thermal stability of the scaffolds were significantly enhanced. It could be explained that, on the one hand, the hydrophilic group of KH570 formed an organic covalent bond with the hydroxy group on DIOP surface. On the other hand, there existed relatively high compatibility between its hydrophobic group and the biopolymer matrix. Thus, the ameliorated interface interaction led to a homogeneous state of DIOP dispersion in the matrix. More importantly, an in vitro bioactivity study demonstrated that the scaffolds with KH570-modified DIOP (KDIOP) exhibited the capability of forming a layer of apatite. In addition, cell culture experiments revealed that they had good biocompatibility compared to the scaffolds without KDIOP. It indicated that the scaffolds with KDIOP possess potential application in tissue engineering.
Wideband Spectrum Sensing Based on Riemannian Distance for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Lu Qiuyuan , Yang Shengzhi , Liu Fan
Published: March 2017

Detecting the signals of the primary users in the wideband spectrum is a key issue for cognitive radio networks. In this paper, we consider the multi-antenna based signal detection in a wideband spectrum scenario where the noise statistical characteristics are assumed to be unknown. We reason that the covariance matrices of the spectrum subbands have structural constraints and that they describe a manifold in the signal space. Thus, we propose a novel signal detection algorithm based on Riemannian distance and Riemannian mean which is different from the traditional eigenvalue-based detector (EBD) derived with the generalized likelihood ratio criterion. Using the moment matching method, we obtain the closed expression of the decision threshold. From the considered simulation settings, it is shown that the proposed Riemannian distance detector (RDD) has a better performance than the traditional EBD in wideband spectrum sensing.
Systems Research and the Quest for Scientific Systems Principles
Authors: Rousseau David
Published: March 2017

Systems Research formally originated in the 1950s, but a scientific understanding of systemness is still nascent. This shortcoming produces significant risks for complex systems engineering and practice. Current “systems principles” are qualitative heuristics, and systems science is scientific more in attitude than because of any grounding in systems principles employing clear and quantifiable concepts. In this paper, I propose that a model of how principles and laws are understood across the specialized sciences can, when applied to systems science, open up new ways to discover systems principles. This approach has led to the identification of six new avenues for discovering systems principles. In this paper I explain one of these research avenues (which leverages the maturation profile of the specialized sciences) in detail, and reference active projects to pursue others. The research approach advocated in this paper has the potential to lead to a new perspective on the nature of and relationship between systems science and systems engineering.
A Review: Epigenetic Mechanism in Ochratoxin A Toxicity Studies
Authors: Zhu Liye , Zhang Boyang , Dai Yaqi , Li Hongyu , Xu Wentao
Published: March 2017

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a natural contaminant that has displayed nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in mammals. It contaminates a great variety of foodstuffs and threatens people’s lives. The molecular mechanism of OTA-induced toxicity has been studied since 1965. Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms are also studied in OTA-induced toxicity. Additionally, the mode of OTA epigenetic research has been advanced in research hotspots. However, there is still no epigenetic study of OTA-induced toxicity. In this review, we discuss the relationship between these epigenetic mechanisms and OTA-induced toxicity. We found that studies on the epigenetic mechanisms of OTA-induced toxicity all chose the whole kidney or liver as the model, which cannot reveal the real change in DNA methylation or miRNAs or histone in the target sites of OTA. Our recommendations are as follows: (1) the specific target site of OTA should be detected by advanced technologies; and (2) competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) should be explored with OTA.
Quantum Entanglement in the Multiverse
Authors: Kanno Sugumi
Published: March 2017

In this report, we consider cosmological implications of quantum entanglement between two causally disconnected universes in the multiverse. Supposing that our universe was initially entangled with a causally separated universe, we compute the spectrum of vacuum fluctuations of our universe. To clearly see the effect of entanglement, we compare it with the spectrum of an initially non-entangled state. It is found that, due to quantum interference, scale-dependent modulations may enter the spectrum for the case of an initially non-entangled state. We discuss that the existence of causally disconnected universes may be experimentally tested by analyzing correlators in detail.
Cranial thoracic vertebral canal stenosis in three juvenile large-breed brachycephalic dogs treated by unilateral hemilaminectomy
Authors: Marchevsky Andrew , Miller Amanda
Published: March 2017

Objective: To describe the surgical treatment and outcome for juvenile dogs with cranial thoracic vertebral canal stenosis treated by unilateral hemilaminectomy.

Study design: Case series.

Animals: Three large-breed brachycephalic dogs of various breeds (Dogue de Bordeaux, Australian Bulldog, Boerboel) with neurological signs consistent with a myelopathy of the third thoracic (T) to third lumbar (L) spinal cord segment.

Methods: Information on clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, recovery and outcome is described.

Results: Neurological signs were present and progressive for two to four weeks prior to surgery and ranged from mild ataxia to paralysis. Cranial thoracic vertebral canal stenosis was diagnosed with computed tomography imaging. Lateral and dorsolateral spinal cord compression was present at multiple sites between T2 and T6. Alternating left and right-sided compressions were common. Surgical treatment was by unilateral, continuous hemilaminectomy over three to six vertebral spaces. Postoperative morbidity was minimal and return of independent ambulation was rapid (median: 13.5 days, range: 2–29 days). Neurological status in one dog worsened four months after surgery due to reoccurrence of osseous compression; unilateral hemilaminectomy was repeated in this dog. Long-term follow-up ranged from six to 10 months; neurological signs had completely resolved in one dog and substantially improved in the other two dogs.

Clinical significance: Unilateral hemilaminectomy was associated with rapid return of independent ambulation and substantial improvement in neurological scores.
Temporal Variation of the Rotation of the Solar Mean Magnetic Field
Authors: Xie J. L. , Shi X. J. , Xu J. C.
Published: March 2017

Based on continuous wavelet transformation analysis, the daily solar mean magnetic field (SMMF) from 1975 May 16 to 2014 July 31 is analyzed to reveal its rotational behavior. Both the recurrent plot in Bartels form and the continuous wavelet transformation analysis show the existence of rotational modulation in the variation of the daily SMMF. The dependence of the rotational cycle lengths on solar cycle phase is also studied, which indicates that the yearly mean rotational cycle lengths generally seem to be longer during the rising phase of solar cycles and shorter during the declining phase. The mean rotational cycle length for the rising phase of all of the solar cycles in the considered time is 28.28 ± 0.67 days, while for the declining phase it is 27.32 ± 0.64 days. The difference of the mean rotational cycle lengths between the rising phase and the declining phase is 0.96 days. The periodicity analysis, through the use of an auto-correlation function, indicates that the rotational cycle lengths have a significant period of about 10.1 years. Furthermore, the cross-correlation analysis indicates that there exists a phase difference between the rotational cycle lengths and solar activity.
JCMT Spectral and Continuum Imaging of Comet 252P/LINEAR
Authors: Coulson Iain M. , Cordiner Martin A. , Kuan Yi-Jehng , Tseng Wei-Ling , Chuang Yo-Ling , Lin Zhong-Yi , Milam Stefanie N. , Charnley Steven B. , Ip Wing-Huen
Published: March 2017

Comet 252P/LINEAR passed the Earth at a distance of 0.035 au on 2016 March 21, presenting a rare opportunity to study a comet at high spatial resolution. Even with a single dish facility such as JCMT, the chemical structure of the coma could be observed on scales of 500–1000 km, which are smaller than the scale lengths of known distributed cometary molecules. Our week-long observing campaign at JCMT started on March 27 (UT), 12 days after perihelion, and ended on April 3, during which time the comet's distance from Earth increased from 0.045 to 0.078 au. Our observations of the J = 4 − 3 transition of HCN showed generally uniform levels of activity. Expansion velocities were ∼0.6 km s−1 (±10%), and the derived mean HCN production rate during the week was 6.4 × 1024 mol s−1. Comparison with independent estimates of the water production rate during the same period yields a mixing ratio of 0.12% with respect to water. Methanol emissions appear to arise from an extended source—probably in the form of an ice halo—suggesting that all the gases from 252P may originate in large part from the sublimation of icy grains in the coma. Adopting a mean dust particle size of 1 mm, the mass of dust in the coma at the same time is estimated at 4 × 107 kg, implying a total dust production rate of 4 kg s−1. The dust-to-gas mass ratio of ∼0.025 is one of the lowest values ever observed for a comet.
Kinetic Properties of the Neutral Solar Wind
Authors: Florinski V. , Heerikhuisen J.
Published: March 2017

Charge-exchange collisions between the solar wind protons and interstellar hydrogen produce a distinctive population of neutral hydrogen streaming radially at nearly the solar-wind speed. This tenuous population, known as the neutral solar wind (NSW) is thought to play a key role in the appearance of the Interplanetary Boundary EXplorer ribbon, a bright circular band in the sky that is the source of neutral hydrogen with energies near 1 keV. According to the leading model of the ribbon, the velocity distribution of NSW hydrogen is imparted on the pickup ions (PUIs) generated via charge exchange with the interstellar protons beyond the heliopause, and in this way controls the stability of the resulting ring distribution of PUIs against hydromagnetic wave generation. In this paper, we examine the velocity distributions of the NSW atoms in the heliosphere and the outer heliosheath regions by following the phase-space trajectories of the Boltzmann equation. It is demonstrated that these distributions are highly anisotropic, with the parallel (radial) temperature greatly exceeding the perpendicular temperature. Ions picked up near 90° from the anisotropic NSW would form a stable ring distribution capable of generating the ribbon flux. We also discuss a second population of neutrals born in charge transfer collisions with interstellar PUIs, the so-called neutralized pickup ion (NPI) component. Their high thermal velocities translate into large parallel velocity spread of the daughter ribbon PUIs, which would adversely affect plasma stability in local interstellar space.
An Experimental Analysis of Lactic Acid Esterification Process Using Langmuir-Hinshelwood Model
Authors: Okon Edidiong , Shehu Habiba , Gobina Edward
Published: March 2017

In this study, esterification of lactic acid and ethanol to produce ethyl lactate using different cation-exchange resin catalysts was performed at 100 °C. The catalysts used for the esterification process were amberlyst 16 and dowex 50W8x cation-exchange resins. Two simplified mechanisms based on Langmuir-Hinshelwood model were employed to describe the components that adsorbed most on the surface of the catalysts. Fourier Transform Infrared (Nicolet iS10 FTIR) was employed to verify the rationality of the mechanisms. FTIR of the esterification product reflected C=O, H=O and C=C bonds on the spectra confirming water and ethanol as the most adsorbed components. The kinetic study of the retention time and the peak areas of the esterification produced with the different catalysts were compared using an autosampler gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (autosampler GC-MS). The chromatogram of the esterification product catalysed by amberlyst 16 showed a faster elution at 1.503 mins with the peak area of 1229816403 m2 in contrast to the dowex 50W8x. The BET surface area and BJH pore size distribution of the resin catalysts were determined using liquid nitrogen adsorption (Quantachrome, 2013) at 77 K. The BET surface area results of amberlyst 16 resin catalysts was found to be 1.659m2/g compared to 0.1m2/g for the dowex 50W8x. The BJH results of the catalysts exhibited a type IV isotherm with hysteresis confirming that the materials were mesoporous with pore size in the region of 2 – 50 nm.
Separation of Methane from Shuttle Tanker Vents Gases by Adsorption on a Polyurethane/Zeolite Membrane
Authors: Shehu Habiba , Okon Edidiong , Gobina Edward
Published: March 2017

Shuttle tankers are becoming more widely used in deep water installations as a means of transporting crude oil to storage plants and refineries. The emissions of hydrocarbon vapours arise mainly during loading and offloading operations. Experiments have been carried out on the use of polyurethane/zeolite membrane on an alumina support for the separation of methane from carbon dioxide and oxygen. The physical properties of the membrane were investigated by FTIR. Single gas permeation tests with methane, propane, oxygen and carbon dioxide at a temperature of 293 K and pressure ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 x 10-5 Pa were carried out. The molar flux of the gases through the membrane was in the range of 3 x 10-2 to 1 x 10-1 molm-2s-1. The highest separation factor of CH4/CO2 and CH4/O2 and CH4/C3H8 was determined to be 1.7, 1.7 and 1.6 respectively.
Neutronic Analysis of Thorium Nitride (Th, U233)N Fuel for 500MWth Gas Cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) Long Life without Refueling
Authors: Syarifah Ratna Dewi , Yulianto Yacobus , Su’ud Zaki , Basar Khairul , Irwanto Dwi
Published: March 2017

Neutronic analysis of Thorium Nitride (Th, U233)N fuel of 500MWth Gas Cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) has been done. In this study the neutronic analysis use SRAC2006 code both PIJ and CITATION calculation. The data libraries use JENDL 4.0. First calculation is survey parameter with U-233 enrichment variation. From the homogeneous core configuration calculation, when the enrichment of U-233 is 8.2%, the maximum k-eff value is 1,00819 with excess reactivity value 0,812%. The average power density is 63 Watt/cc and the maximum power density 100 Watt/cc. The heterogeneous core configuration calculation has been done to flattening the power of the reactor. The variation fuel of F1:F2:F3 = 7.8%:8%:8.8%. The fraction of fuel : cladding: coolant = 60%:10%:30%. The max k-eff value of heterogeneous core configuration is 1,01229 with excess reactivity value 1.21%. The average power density is 65 Watt/cc and the maximum power density 92 Watt/cc. The power density distribution of heterogeneous core configuration is flatter than homogeneous core configuration.