bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH NILAI DAN GAYA HIDUP TERHADAP PREFERENSI DAN PERILAKU PEMBELIAN BUAH-BUAHAN IMPOR
Authors: Sukmaningtyas Astari , Hartoyo Hartoyo
Published: March 2017

This study was intended to determine the influence of values and lifestyle on the preferences and purchasing behavior of imported fruits. This study applied cross sectional design and involved 60 housewives which were randomly selected. The result showed that most of the housewives’ ethnocentrism level was categorized at low level and most of them were considered to perform family oriented lifestyle. The fruit preferences showed that imported apple and longan were more preferred than the local ones, while local oranges were more preferred than the imported one.The result also indicated that preferences toward imported longan significantly correlated with preferences toward imported apple and oranges. Regression analysis revealed that ethnocentrism significantly affect preferences of imported oranges and purchasing of imported apple. The results also confirmed that social active oriented lifestyle significantly affected purchasing of imported apple.
ANALISIS PERILAKU PEMBELIAN BUAH DI PERDESAAN DAN PERKOTAAN
Authors: Retnaningsih Retnaningsih , Parhati Rahmi , Simanjuntak Megawati
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to analyze the differences of purchasing behavior of fruit in rural and urban areas. In addition, this study also aimed to analyze the influence of family characteristics and knowledge on the purchasing behavior of the fruit. The study was conducted in the Panaragan Village (Bogor City) and Cihideung Ilir village (Bogor Regency) and involved a number of respondents that were 99 housewives that were selected randomly. Data were collected by interviews and analyzed by descriptive analysis, different test, and regression test. The results showed that the housewives of rural areas had the knowledge and purchasing behavior that were significantly different than in the urban’s housewives. Purchasing behavior based on the type of fruit, fruit origin, frequency of purchase, and the purchase amount of fruit were affected by age and length of education. In addition, income and knowledge also influenced the purchasing behavior of fruit housewives based on the origin of the fruit.
"Ahorita: lexicalización y cambio lingüístico en la comunidad de habla caraqueña"
Authors: Malaver Irania
Published: March 2017

Se examinan las ocurrencias de ahorita y los valores temporales con los que es empleado el diminutivo en el habla de Caracas. Además de describir el adverbio ahora, se discute el concepto de lexicalización con el fin de analizar ahorita como un caso de cambio lingüístico. Se examinan las acepciones del diminutivo en los diccionarios académicos y de americanismos de los siglos xix y xx para comprobar los cambios semánticos que ha experimentado el diminutivo y se ofrecen datos diacrónicos y contemporáneos de distintos corpus sociolingüísticos americanos. Los datos caraqueños confirman que ahorita posee frecuencias de uso muy altas y que se halla en un estado parcial de lexicalización.
"Pedro de Padilla, imitador de Boccaccio: Filocolo y De mulieribus claris en las Églogas pastoriles"
Authors: Pérez Abadín Soledad
Published: March 2017

Dos obras de Boccaccio dejan en las Églogas pastoriles de Pedro de Padilla una impronta mediatizada por las correspondientes traducciones castellanas. En la égloga VI, la contienda de dubbi adapta cuatro de las trece Quistioni d’amore del libro IV (17-72) del Filocolo. Numerosos indicios remiten a la traducción, el Laberinto de amor (1541) o Treze qvestiones (1546). La égloga IX ofrece una apología femenina en la que se enumeran trece mujeres ejemplares por su talento, valor o fidelidad. Los nombres han sido tomados del De mulieribus claris de Boccaccio, a través de la traducción castellana De las illustres mujeres en romance (1494). Por lo tanto, las Églogas pastoriles constituyen un testimonio de la presencia de Boccaccio en la literatura española del siglo xvi.
A Transnational Black Feminist Framework: Rooting in Feminist Scholarship, Framing Contemporary Black Activism
Authors: Hall Kia M. Q.
Published: March 2017

What is the role of feminist scholar-activists in contemporary Black freedom movements such as Black Lives Matter? This article proposes a Transnational Black Feminist framework as a theoretical complement to grassroots activism in Black communities. The proposed framework is rooted in Black feminist and transnational feminist traditions, and has as its core the guiding principles of intersectionality, scholar-activism, solidarity building, and attention to borders and boundaries.
On Forbidden Wombs and Transnational Reproductive Justice
Authors: Jolly Jallicia
Published: March 2017

This essay proposes transnational reproductive justice as a useful approach to the liberation of multiply marginalized women. I center the systematic terror and denigration of women of color by various institutions, practices, and policies in order to demonstrate why we need a reproductive justice approach to address dynamic state-sanctioned violence. After explaining the content and significance of a reproductive justice framework, I explain the possibilities a transnational perspective on reproductive justice offers to address interrelated global forces of domination.
#WhenIFellInLoveWithMyself: Disrupting the Gaze and Loving Our Black Womanist Self As an Act of Political Warfare
Authors: Barlow Jameta N.
Published: March 2017

The resistance and reinforcement of structures of gender and race are central to a discussion on identity politics and intersectionality in mental health services research. The goal of the Saving Our Sisters’ (SOS) digital archive project (www.savingoursistersproject.com) is to have a space where Black women can find healing in others’ moments of clarity about self-love, self-care, mental health, and well-being. Inspired by bell hooks’s discourse on the gaze and rooted in community psychological research with a Womanist approach, the S.O.S. Project builds upon intrinsic motivation as applied to the mental health and well-being for Black women. The impact of the S.O.S. digital archive project has implications for both public health and mental health policy and practice, but most importantly for Black women. By focusing on community members’ perceptions of mental health and well-being, Black women begin to strengthen relational and shared experiences and promote agentic health behaviors as an act of social justice. Additionally, this essay includes a lesson plan outline that provides outcomes, strategies, and assessments for teachers to design a lesson plan that will teach their students how to write personal narratives and transform them into digital technologies for social engagement, innovation, and intervention. The goal of the lesson plan is to allow teachers to engage deeply with the essay and to then determine and develop the best strategies for helping their students enter into and fully engage with the topic.
Bacteriological Profile of Blood Culture Positive Sepsis in Newborn at BPKIHS, Dharan Nepal
Authors: Kanodia Piush , Yadav Sunil Kumar , Singh Rupa Rajbhandari , Bhatta Nisha Keshari
Published: March 2017

Background & Objectives: Neonatal infections currently cause about 1.6 million deaths annually in developing countries. Sepsis and meningitis is responsible for most of these deaths. This study was undertaken to determine the bacteriological profiles and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolates from blood cultures of neonates admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern Nepal.Materials & Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at pediatric department from January, 2014 to December 2014. Total 1009 newborns blood sample with suspected and clinical sepsis were cultured by using standard microbiological technique and antibiotic sensitivity patterns were studied. Results: The positive blood culture was 32.4% (327/1009). Gram positive bacteria were more common 231(71%) than gram negative bacteria 96(29%). Staphylococcus aureus 174 (53.2%) and acinetobacter 46(14.1%) were the commonest isolates in blood culture. Most of the organisms showed sensitivity with aminoglycosides (gentamicin and amikacin) and third generation cephalosporins.Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella species remain the principal organisms causing neonatal sepsis and antibiotics like amino glycosides should be first choice of drugs.
Ultrasonography in acute appendicitis
Authors: Prasad V Natraj , Chhetri Pramod Kumar
Published: March 2017

Background & Objectives: This study was undertaken to establish the Ultrasonographic (USG) findings in acute appendicitis and to establish the accuracy of USG in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.Materials & Methods: One hundred patients who presented to the emergency department with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis were subjected to USG. USG findings of those patients suggestive of acute appendicitis were noted. The decision to operate for appendicitis was made on the surgeon's final clinical impression after correlating with USG findings. Histopathological examination of the appendicectomy specimen was taken as the gold standard for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.Results: USG diagnosis of acute appendicitis is based on a combination of sonographic features. The findings of an aperistaltic tubular structure arising from the caecum with a target appearance on cross section, outer diameter of  > 6 mm, mural wall thickness > 3 mm, and probe tenderness over the visualized appendix should prompt the diagnosis in the appropriate clinical settings. The visualization of appendicolith is associated with higher rate of perforation and the visualization of fluid with internal echoes in acute appendicitis could suggest abscess formation.Conclusion: USG is a very useful and essential modality in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with a sensitivity of 93.93%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NPV of 89.47% and an overall accuracy of 96% in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Echocardiographic evaluation of complete and incomplete Kawasaki disease in terms of coronary and non coronary cardiac involvement
Authors: Sarkar Uttam Kumar , Chatterjee Anish , Periwal Sumit , Basu Suprit , Dutta Indranil
Published: March 2017

Background & Objectives: With increasing incidence of Kawasaki disease and its associated complications, the need of the hour is early diagnosis. Incomplete  Kawasaki is often diagnosed late and is frequently associated with morbidities and mortalities. Our study aims to emphasize the importance of echocardiography in detection of incomplete Kawasaki disease.Materials & Methods: A total of 150 children, clinically diagnosed as Kawasaki disease were evaluated echocardiographically and involvement of coronary artery and associated cardiac involvements were studied.Results: Amongst the incomplete Kawasaki disease patients 76% were from extremes of ages and 19.2% of them had coronary involvement. Myocarditis(38.1%) was the commonest non-coronary findings.Conclusion: Atypical Kawasaki disease is more common in extremes of ages and echocardiography helps in detecting atypical disease at the earliest, thus facilitating prompt treatment and reducing complications.
Incidence, clinical features, and treatment of familial moyamoya in pediatric patients: a single-institution series
Authors: Gaillard Jonathan , Klein Jennifer , Duran Daniel , Storey Armide , Scott R. Michael , Kahle Kristopher , Smith Edward R.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Limited data exist on familial moyamoya in children. The purpose of this study was to characterize presentation and outcomes of pediatric moyamoya patients who have relatives diagnosed with moyamoya.

METHODS

The authors performed a single-institution retrospective analysis of a case series including all surgically treated children with moyamoya with first- or second-degree relatives with moyamoya. Clinical and radiographic characteristics were analyzed, along with surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 537 patients underwent surgery for moyamoya during the study period. Eighteen of those patients (3.4% of the total series) had moyamoya and a family history of moyamoya and were included in this study. Of these 18 patients, 14 were non-twin siblings, and the remaining 4 represented 2 pairs of identical (affected) twins.

The presentation was predominantly ischemic (72%), but 4 patients (33%) were asymptomatic when they were found to have moyamoya. Bilateral disease was present in 13 patients (72%). Radiographic stroke prevalence (67%), Suzuki grade (3.3), and angiographic findings were comparable to findings in nonfamilial moyamoya patients. Thirty revascularization procedures were performed, with a 3.3% operative stroke rate per hemisphere and no new strokes in an average follow-up period of 4.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In a North American surgical series, familial moyamoya existed in 3.4% of cases, and was distinguished by manifesting in a broad range of ethnic groups, with a higher proportion of male patients and increased rates of asymptomatic and unilateral disease in comparison to nonfamilial moyamoya. Screening indications remain controversial and the current data are used to suggest guidelines. Surgical therapy is warranted, effective, and durable in these patients, but patients should be carefully selected.
Pathophysiological consideration of medullary streaks on FLAIR imaging in pediatric moyamoya disease
Authors: Suzuki Hime , Mikami Takeshi , Kuribara Tomoyoshi , Yoshifuji Kazuhisa , Komatsu Katsuya , Akiyama Yukinori , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Houkin Kiyohiro , Mikuni Nobuhiro
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Medullary streaks detected on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging have been considered to be reflected ischemic regions in pediatric moyamoya disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these medullary streaks both clinically and radiologically and to discuss associated pathophysiological concerns.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed data from 14 consecutive pediatric patients with moyamoya disease treated between April 2009 and June 2016. Clinical and radiological features and postoperative imaging changes were analyzed. In 4 patients, hyperintense medullary streaks on FLAIR imaging (HMSF) at the level of the centrum semiovale were detected.

RESULTS

The HMSF were coincident with hyperintense medullary streaks on a T2-weighted image, though they were not completely coincident with the vasculature on either a T2*-weighted image or contrast-enhanced CT. Analysis revealed significantly higher values in terms of MR angiography scores, number of flow voids of the basal ganglia, and the presence of the medullary artery in the group with HMSF than in those without. In contrast, the presence of white matter damage was significantly less frequent in the HMSF group. All HMSF disappeared after surgery, and the mean apparent diffusion coefficient at the same level was significantly reduced postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although HMSF should be associated with collateral circulation in moyamoya disease, other factors may be involved, including stagnated cerebrospinal fluid or vasogenic edema that is relevant to the impaired state of the white matter. Findings in this study provide insight into the pathophysiological basis of the perivascular space in moyamoya disease.
Dry Matter Production and Seed Yield of Soybean as Affected by Post-Flowering Salinity and Water Stress
Authors: Khan MSA , Chowdhury JA , Razzaque MA , Ali MZ , Paul SK , Aziz MA
Published: March 2017

The experiment was conducted in a vinyl house of the Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur, during rabi season of 2015-2016 to evaluate the sensitivity of different post-flowering growth stages of soybean to salinity (100 mM NaCl) and water stress (70% depletion of available water) imposed at 4th to 6th, 6th to 8th, 8th to 10th and 10th to 12th wees after emergence. Shoot dry weight wa found more sensitive to salt and water stress than root dry weight at all the post flowering growth stages. The highest relative shoot dry weight (91.47%) and relative root dry weight (95.58%) were recorded from salt and water stressed plants, respectively when both the treatments imposed at 4th to 6th weeks after emergence. The highest seed yield (10.47 g plant-1 ) was obtained from the control treatment followed by that (8.68 g plant-1) under salt stress treatment imposed at 10th to 12th weeks after emergence. Contrary, the lowest seed yield of 0.69 g plant-1 was obtained from the salt stress treatment imposed at 4th to 6th weeks after emergence. Among the stages, 4th to 6th weeks after emergence of soybean was found the most sensitive to salt stress in relation to seed yield reduction. The salt stress imposed at 6th to 8th weeks after emergence was also found damaging for seed yield production.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 21-27
Alleviation of Adverse Effect of Drought Stress on Soybean (Glycine max. L.) by Using Poultry Litter Biochar
Authors: Mannan MA , Halder E , Karim MA , Ahmed JU
Published: March 2017

The experiment was conducted under controlled condition at the Department of Agronomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh from January to April 2015 to clarify the mechanism that might be involved in the ameliorating effects of poultry litter biochar on soybean plants grown under water deficit stress. The treatments were (i) water regimes (well watered and 40% field capacity) and (ii) biochar (0, 25, 50 and 100 t ha-1). Results indicated that water deficit stress induced reduction in growth, leaf water and chlorophyll content and yield of soybean plant compared with those of the unstressed plants. On the other hand, water deficit stress led to increases in proline content. The improvement of drought tolerance resulted from biochar application were accompanied with improved water and proline accumulation as well as less degradation of chlorophyll in leaf was observed. These results clearly demonstrate that harmful effect of drought could reduce on plant height, leaf water and chlorophyll contents and yield of soybean. Consequently, application of poultry litter biochar is a good strategy to effectively solve the seasonal drought stress problem in dry lands.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 61-69
Ankuri Technology for Seed Germination and Seedling Emergence of Rice in Cold Environment
Authors: Ansari Tahmid Hossain , Ahmed Montasir
Published: March 2017

Rice seed germination as well as seedling emergence in cold environment is a challenge for successful rice cultivation during dry (Boro) season in northern Bangladesh Experiments were conducted in two consecutive Boro seasons in Rajshahi to develop techniques for improving germination and seedling emergence under cold conditions.. Seeds of rice var. BRRI dhan29 and BRRI dhan50 were germinated following the traditional Zag-method and separately in a frame covered with air tight heat insulating plastic tripal (called Ankuri- germinator). Then vapor therapy was given inside Ankuri and maintained 25-350C with high humidity. External and internal temperatures of Ankuri were recorded. Seed germination was checked at 12 h interval. In another experiment, germinated seeds of BRRI dhan29 were sown on soil in trays followed by light irrigation. One set of trays was placed in Ankuri. Another two sets of trays were placed in the field with polythene covered and uncovered. Similar experiment using non-germinated dry seed was also conducted. Vapor therapy was applied in Ankuri only in and trays were checked regularly to observe the plumule and radicle growth. The germination rate (%) of the tested varieties in Ankuri ranged from 82-96% which was 64-92% in Zag-method. High variation of germination in Zag-method was due to improper temperature and humidity during the Zag period. Seed germination was faster in Ankuri which was observed within 2.5 days. This was also 2.5 days earlier in comparison with the Zag-method. Soaking period ranged 22-24 h outside in cold water/weather. But 18 h soaking in Ankuri resulted good germination. Irrespective of varieties, the growth was 5.4 and 1.7 times more respectively for plumule and radicle in Ankuri than Zag-method. Seedling emergence was 2-3 days earlier in both dry and soaked/germinated seeds sown in trays of Ankuri than the outside polythene covered trays. Seedling emergence failed in open-trays. Average air temperature from 18:00-9:00 was cooler (150C) than 9:00-18:00 period (150C). Ankuri maintained 25-350C and high humidity which favored seed germination and seedling growth. Therefore, Ankuri could be an effective seed germination technique with faster germination, radicle and plumule growth.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 115-123
Love Redirected: On Adam Smith's Love of Praiseworthiness
Authors: Sivertsen Sveinung S.
Published: March 2017

Why be moral? Why, in the language of Adam Smith, act on what you think is praiseworthy even when it does not get you praise from other people? Because, answers Smith, you love praiseworthiness. But what is this love of praiseworthiness, and where does it come from? In this article, 1) I argue that we start to love praiseworthiness when we redirect our love of praise away from other people toward the ‘impartial spectator’-aspect of ourselves, and 2) show how this fits with evidence that the rudimentary moral compass which guides us early in childhood needs correction through socialisation to develop into a mature moral conscience.
Not Just an Inferior Virtue, nor Self-Interest: Adam Smith on Prudence
Authors: Viganò Eleonora
Published: March 2017

This paper focuses on the treatment of prudence by Adam Smith. Smith was one of the few philosophers to conceive of it as a moral virtue. Smithian prudence is the care of one's own happiness that is limited and ennobled, respectively, by the sense of justice and that of self-command. A reconstruction of Smith's view of prudence helps to clarify three central points in his thought: the interaction between the agent's economic and moral dimensions, the relationship between the self and the other, and the dialectical tension between partiality and impartiality. Furthermore, Smithian prudence is important, in itself, as an approach to the above-mentioned points that is still viable. These three points are recurrent crucial issues in the history of ethics.
Magnetohydrodynamic Nanoliquid Thin Film Sprayed on a Stretching Cylinder with Heat Transfer
Authors: Khan Noor , Gul Taza , Islam Saeed , Khan Ilyas , Alqahtani Aisha , Alshomrani Ali
Published: March 2017

The magnetohydrodynamic thin film nanofluid sprayed on a stretching cylinder with heat transfer is explored. The spray rate is a function of film size. Constant reference temperature is used for the motion past an expanding cylinder. The sundry behavior of the magnetic nano liquid thin film is carefully noticed which results in to bring changes in the flow pattern and heat transfer. Water-based nanofluids like Al 2 O 3 -H 2 O and CuO-H 2 O are investigated under the consideration of thin film. The basic constitutive equations for the motion and transfer of heat of the nanofluid with the boundary conditions have been converted to nonlinear coupled differential equations with physical conditions by employing appropriate similarity transformations. The modeled equations have been computed by using HAM (Homotopy Analysis Method) and lead to detailed expressions for the velocity profile and temperature distribution. The pressure distribution and spray rate are also calculated. The comparison of HAM solution predicts the close agreement with the numerical method solution. The residual errors show the authentication of the present work. The CuO-H 2 O nanofluid results from this study are compared with the experimental results reported in the literature showing high accuracy especially, in investigating skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number. The present work discusses the salient features of all the indispensable parameters of spray rate, velocity profile, temperature and pressure distributions which have been displayed graphically and illustrated.
Gear Wear Process Monitoring Using a Sideband Estimator Based on Modulation Signal Bispectrum
Authors: Zhang Ruiliang , Gu Xi , Gu Fengshou , Wang Tie , Ball Andrew
Published: March 2017

As one of the most common gear failure modes, tooth wear can produce nonlinear modulation sidebands in the vibration frequency spectrum. However, limited research has been reported in monitoring the gear wear based on vibration due to the lack of tools which can effectively extract the small sidebands. In order to accurately monitor gear wear progression in a timely fashion, this paper presents a gear wear condition monitoring approach based on vibration signal analysis using the modulation signal bispectrum-based sideband estimator (MSB-SE) method. The vibration signals are collected using a run-to-failure test of gearbox under an accelerated test process. MSB analysis was performed on the vibration signals to extract the sideband information. Using a combination of the peak value of MSB-SE and the coherence of MSB-SE, the overall information of gear transmission system can be obtained. Based on the amplitude of MSB-SE peaks, a dimensionless indicator is proposed to assess the effects of gear tooth wear. The results demonstrated that the proposed indicator can be used to accurately and reliably monitor gear tooth wear and evaluate the wear severity.
A Comparative Study of Additively Manufactured Thin Wall and Block Structure with Al-6.3%Cu Alloy Using Cold Metal Transfer Process
Authors: Cong Baoqiang , Qi Zewu , Qi Bojin , Sun Hongye , Zhao Gang , Ding Jialuo
Published: March 2017

In order to build a better understanding of the relationship between depositing mode and porosity, microstructure, and properties in wire + arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) 2319-Al components, several Al-6.3%Cu deposits were produced by WAAM technique with cold metal transfer (CMT) variants, pulsed CMT (CMT-P) and advanced CMT (CMT-ADV). Thin walls and blocks were selected as the depositing paths to make WAAM samples. Porosity, microstructure and micro hardness of these WAAM samples were investigated. Compared with CMT-P and thin wall mode, CMT-ADV and block process can effectively reduce the pores in WAAM aluminum alloy. The microstructure varied with different depositing paths and CMT variants. The micro hardness value of thin wall samples was around 75 HV from the bottom to the middle, and gradually decreased toward the top. Meanwhile, the micro hardness value ranged around 72–77 HV, and varied periodically in block samples. The variation in micro hardness is consistent with standard microstructure characteristics.
Cranioplasty and Craniofacial Reconstruction: A Review of Implant Material, Manufacturing Method and Infection Risk
Authors: Kwarcinski Jeremy , Boughton Philip , Ruys Andrew , Doolan Alessandra , Van Gelder James
Published: March 2017

Analysis of current literature highlights a wide variation in reported infection risk for different materials in cranial repair. The purpose of these composite materials are to mimic natural bone and assist in restoring function (structurally and aesthetically) to the human skull. This review aims to examine the meta-data in order to provide an amalgamated overview of potential trends between implant material, manufacturing method and infection risk, in order to provide a core reference point for future studies surrounding emerging biomedical materials in the fields of cranioplasty by providing base point for understanding the capabilities and limitations of current technologies. Methods: A search for articles was conducted, with the following criteria seen as fundamental in providing an accurate picture of the current landscape: publication in the last decade, provision of a numerical value for both number of implants and infection cases, patient sample of 10+, adult patients, and cranioplasty/cranial repair. Results: A total of 41 articles were seen to meet the author’s inclusion criteria. Average infection rates per material ranged between 2.04% and 10.98%. The results indicate that there is variation between materials in regards to total infection risk, however, depending on the materials compared, this value may be insignificant. Alternative risk factors associated with infection, including surgical time, revisions and previous infection, have a greater impact on infection potential than material variation. Comparison of fabrication methods did highlight a notable effect on average infection rate. Trends can be observed showing that materials with greater levels of surface interaction and active support of tissue ingrowth presented greater infection resistance. Such characteristics are due to the physical structures of the implants. Conclusions: It can be said that the manufacturing methods can influence biomedical materials to assist in minimizing implant infection risk.
Low Voltage Charge/Discharge Behavior of Manganese Hexacyanoferrate
Authors: Shibata Takayuki , Takachi Masamitsu , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: March 2017

Recently, Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been reported to exhibit a low voltage charge/discharge behavior with high capacity (300–545 mAh/g) in lithium-ion secondary batteries (LIBs) [...]
Viroimmunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Clinical Studies
Authors: Chaurasiya Shyambabu , Warner Susanne
Published: March 2017

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer incidence and death. Therapies for those with unresectable or recurrent disease are not considered curative at present. More effective and less toxic therapies are desperately needed. Historically, the immune system was thought to be an enemy to oncolytic viral therapy. Thinking that oncolysis would be the only mechanism for cell death, oncolytic virologists theorized that immune clearance was a detriment to oncolysis. Recent advances in our understanding of the tumor microenvironment, and the interplay of tumor survival and a patient’s immune system have called into question our understanding of both arenas. It remains unclear what combination of restrictions or enhancements of innate and/or cell-mediated immunity can yield the highest likelihood of viral efficacy. This article reviews the variety of mechanisms explored for viruses such as immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.
Simpliﬁcation of Reaction Networks, Conﬂuence and Elementary Modes
Authors: Madelaine Guillaume , Tonello Elisa , Lhoussaine Cédric , Niehren Joachim
Published: March 2017

Reaction networks can be simpliﬁed by eliminating linear intermediate species in partial steadystates. Inthispaper,westudythequestionwhetherthisrewriteprocedureisconﬂuent,so that for any given reaction network with kinetic constraints, a unique normal form will be obtained independently of the elimination order. We ﬁrst show that conﬂuence fails for the elimination of intermediates even without kinetics, if “dependent reactions” introduced by the simpliﬁcation are not removed. This leads us to revising the simpliﬁcation algorithm into a variant of the double description method for computing elementary modes, so that it keeps track of kinetic information. Folklore results on elementary modes imply the conﬂuence of the revised simpliﬁcation algorithm with respect to the network structure, i.e., the structure of fully simpliﬁed networks is unique. We show, however, that the kinetic rates assigned to the reactions may not be unique, and provide a biological example where two different simpliﬁed networks can be obtained. Finally, we give a criterion on the structure of the initial network that is sufﬁcient to guarantee the conﬂuence of both the structure and the kinetic rates.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Properties of Two Coordination Polymers Built from Imidazolyl and Carboxylate Ligands
Authors: Guo Xing-Zhe , Zhang Zhi-You , Li Zi-Long , Shi Shan-Shan , Chen Shui-Sheng
Published: March 2017

Two new two-dimensional (2D) layer coordination polymers—namely, [Cd(L)2]n (1) and [Co(L)2(H2O)]n (2)—were synthesized by the reaction of corresponding metal salts with 3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzoic acid (HL) incorporating 4-imidazolyl and carboxylate functional groups, and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Complex 1 is a 2D network with (4, 4) topology, while 2 is a typical 63-hcb topology net. Complex 1 exhibits intense light blue emission in the solid state at room temperature.
Microsatellites Reveal Genetic Homogeneity among Outbreak Populations of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Harrison Hugo , Pratchett Morgan , Messmer Vanessa , Saenz-Agudelo Pablo , Berumen Michael
Published: March 2017

Specific patterns in the initiation and spread of reef-wide outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish are important, both to understand potential causes (or triggers) of outbreaks and to develop more effective and highly targeted management and containment responses. Using analyses of genetic diversity and structure (based on 17 microsatellite loci), this study attempted to resolve the specific origin for recent outbreaks of crown-of-thorns on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR). We assessed the genetic structure amongst 2705 starfish collected from 13 coral reefs in four regions that spanned ~1000 km of the GBR. Our results indicate that populations sampled across the full length of the GBR are genetically homogeneous (G’ST = −0.001; p = 0.948) with no apparent genetic structure between regions. Approximate Bayesian computational analyses suggest that all sampled populations had a common origin and that current outbreaking populations of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) in the Swains are not independent of outbreak populations in the northern GBR. Despite hierarchical sampling and large numbers of CoTS genotyped from individual reefs and regions, limited genetic structure meant we were unable to determine a putative source population for the current outbreak of CoTS on the GBR. The very high genetic homogeneity of sampled populations and limited evidence of inbreeding indicate rapid expansion in population size from multiple, undifferentiated latent populations.
High Performance Silicon Carbide Power Packaging—Past Trends, Present Practices, and Future Directions
Authors: Seal Sayan , Mantooth Homer
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a vision for the future of 3D packaging and integration of silicon carbide (SiC) power modules. Several major achievements and novel architectures in SiC modules from the past and present have been highlighted. Having considered these advancements, the major technology barriers preventing SiC power devices from performing to their fullest ability were identified. 3D wire bondless approaches adopted for enhancing the performance of silicon power modules were surveyed, and their merits were assessed to serve as a vision for the future of SiC power packaging. Current efforts pursuing 3D wire bondless SiC power modules were described, and the concept for a novel SiC power module was discussed.
Cumulative Risk Assessment in the Lorraine Region: A Framework to Characterize Environmental Health Inequalities
Authors: Caudeville Julien , Ioannidou Despoina , Boulvert Emmanuelle , Bonnard Roseline
Published: March 2017

The study explores spatial data processing methods and the associated impact on the characterization and quantification of a combined health risk indicator at a regional scale and at fine resolution. To illustrate the methodology of combining multiple publicly available data sources, we present a case study of the Lorraine region (France), where regional stakeholders were involved in the global procedures for data collection and organization. Different indicators are developed by combining technical approaches for assessing and characterizing human health exposure to chemical substances (in soil, air and water) and noise risk factors. The results permit identification of pollutant sources, determinants of exposure, and potential hotspot areas. A test of the model’s assumptions to changes in sub-indicator spatial distribution showed the impact of data transformation on identifying more impacted areas. Cumulative risk assessment permits the combination of quantitative and qualitative evaluation of health risks by including stakeholders in the decision process, helping to define a subjective conceptual analysis framework or assumptions when uncertainties or knowledge gaps operate.
The Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula mKG on Allergic Asthma by Regulating Lung and Plasma Metabolic Alternations
Authors: Yu Meng , Jia Hong-Mei , Cui Feng-Xia , Yang Yong , Zhao Yang , Yang Mao-Hua , Zou Zhong-Mei
Published: March 2017

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway and is characterized by airway remodeling, hyperresponsiveness, and shortness of breath. Modified Kushen Gancao Formula (mKG), derived from traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCM), has been demonstrated to have good therapeutic effects on experimental allergic asthma. However, its anti-asthma mechanism remains currently unknown. In the present work, metabolomics studies of biochemical changes in the lung tissue and plasma of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma mice with mKG treatment were performed using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Partial least squares–discriminate analysis (PLS−DA) indicated that the metabolic perturbation induced by OVA was reduced after mKG treatment. A total of twenty-four metabolites involved in seven metabolic pathways were identified as potential biomarkers in the development of allergic asthma. Among them, myristic acid (L3 or P2), sphinganine (L6 or P4), and lysoPC(15:0) (L12 or P16) were detected both in lung tissue and plasma. Additionally, l-acetylcarnitine (L1), thromboxane B2 (L2), 10-HDoHE (L10), and 5-HETE (L11) were first reported to be potential biomarkers associated with allergic asthma. The treatment of mKG mediated all of those potential biomarkers except lysoPC(15:0) (P16). The anti-asthma mechanism of mKG can be achieved through the comprehensive regulation of multiple perturbed biomarkers and metabolic pathways.
Isolating Spermathecae and Determining Mating Status of Drosophila suzukii: A Protocol for Tissue Dissection and Its Applications
Authors: Avanesyan Alina , Jaffe Benjamin , Guédot Christelle
Published: March 2017

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an emerging invasive pest, which attacks a wide variety of fruits and berries. Although previous studies have focused on different aspects of D. suzukii reproductive biology, there are no protocols available for determining the mating status of D. suzukii females and drosophilids in general. In this study, a step-by-step protocol for tissue dissection, isolating spermathecae, and determining the mating status of females was developed specifically for D. suzukii. This protocol is an effective and relatively quick method for determining female mating status. It has important applications from exploring reproductive output of D. suzukii females to understanding the biology of D. suzukii winter morph, which presumably plays the main role in the overwintering of this invasive species. We demonstrated applicability of this protocol for both field collected flies and flies reared in the lab, including fly specimens stored on a long-term basis.
Novel Pharmacological Activity of Artesunate and Artemisinin: Their Potential as Anti-Tubercular Agents
Authors: Choi Won
Published: March 2017

Tuberculosis is a major infectious disease that globally causes the highest human mortality. From this aspect, this study was carried out to evaluate novel pharmacological activities/effects of artesunate and artemisinin causing anti-tubercular activity/effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The anti-Mtb activities/effects of artesunate and artemisinin were evaluated using different anti-Mtb indicator assays, such as the resazurin microtiter assay, the Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) 960 system assay, and the Ogawa slant medium assay, as well as in vivo tests. Artesunate showed selective anti-Mtb effects by strongly inhibiting the growth of Mtb compared to artemisinin, and consistently induced anti-Mtb activity/effects by effectively inhibiting Mtb in the MGIT 960 system and in Ogawa slant medium for 21 days with a single dose; its minimum inhibitory concentration was 300 µg/mL in in vitro testing. Furthermore, artesunate demonstrated an anti-tubercular effect/action with a daily dose of 3.5 mg/kg in an in vivo test for four weeks, which did not indicate or induce toxicity and side effects. These results demonstrate that artesunate effectively inhibits the growth and/or proliferation of Mtb through novel pharmacological activities/actions, as well as induces anti-Mtb activity. This study shows its potential as a potent candidate agent for developing new anti-tuberculosis drugs of an effective/safe next generation, and suggests novel insights into its effective use by repurposing existing drugs through new pharmacological activity/effects as one of the substantive alternatives for inhibiting tuberculosis.
Investigation on Friction and Wear of Cold Rolled High Strength Steel against an AISI52100 Counterpart
Authors: Hur Jiwon , Kim Kyungmok
Published: March 2017

This article investigates the friction and wear of cold rolled high strength steel at various displacement amplitudes. Reciprocal sliding tests are carried out using a ball-on-flat testing apparatus. The tangential force occurring at the contact surface between a high strength steel specimen and an AISI52100 ball is measured during the tests. After each test, the worn surface profile on the steel specimen is determined. Experimental results show that the ratio of the maximum tangential to the normal force remains at 0.7 after an initial rapid increase, and the ratio does not greatly change according to the imposed displacement amplitudes (in the range of 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm). The wear volume loss on the steel specimen increases according to the number of cycles. It is determined that the wear rate of the specimen changes with respect to the imposed displacement amplitude. That is, the wear rate rapidly increases within the displacement amplitude range of 0.05 mm to 0.09 mm, while the wear rate gradually increases when the displacement amplitude is greater than 0.2 mm. The obtained results provide the friction and wear behaviors of cold rolled high strength steel in fretting and reciprocal sliding regimes.
Usefulness of the Waist Circumference-to-Height Ratio in Screening for Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome among Korean Children and Adolescents: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2010–2014
Authors: Choi Dong-Hyun , Hur Yang-Im , Kang Jae-Heon , Kim Kyoungwoo , Cho Young , Hong Soo-Min , Cho Eun
Published: March 2017

The aims of this study were to assess the diagnostic value of the weight-to-height ratio (WHtR) for the detection of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Korean children and adolescents, and to determine the advantages of WHtR as a population-based screening tool in comparison with other obesity indicators, such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from 3057 children and adolescents (1625 boys, 1332 girls) aged 10–19 years who were included in the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2010–2012) up to the second year of the sixth KNHANES (2013–2014). Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the optimal cutoff value and accuracy of WHtR for predicting individual obesity indicators or more than two non-WC components of MS. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) is a measure of the diagnostic power of a test. A perfect test will have an AUC of 1.0, and an AUC equal to 0.5 means that the test performs no better than chance. The optimal WHtR cutoff for the evaluation of general obesity and central obesity was 0.50 in boys and 0.47–0.48 in girls, and the AUC was 0.9. Regarding the assessment of each MS risk factor, the optimal WHtR cutoff was 0.43–0.50 in boys and 0.43–0.49 in girls, and these cutoffs were statistically significant only for the detection of high triglyceride and low High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. When a pairwise comparison of the AUCs was conducted between WHtR and BMI/WC percentiles to quantify the differences in power for MS screening, the WHtR AUC values (boys, 0.691; girls, 0.684) were higher than those of other indices; however, these differences were not statistically significant (boys, p = 0.467; girls, p = 0.51). The WHtR cutoff value was 0.44 (sensitivity, 67.7%; specificity, 64.6%) for boys and 0.43 (sensitivity, 66.4%; specificity, 66.9%) for girls. There was no significant difference between the diagnostic power of WHtR and that of BMI/WC when screening for MS. Although the use of WHtR was not superior, WHtR is still useful as a screening tool for metabolic problems related to obesity because of its convenience.
Parenteral Nutrition: Amino Acids
Authors: Hoffer Leonard
Published: March 2017

There is growing interest in nutrition therapies that deliver a generous amount of protein, but not a toxic amount of energy, to protein-catabolic critically ill patients. Parenteral amino acids can achieve this goal. This article summarizes the biochemical and nutritional principles that guide parenteral amino acid therapy, explains how parenteral amino acid solutions are formulated, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of different parenteral amino acid products with enterally-delivered whole protein products in the context of protein-catabolic critical illness.
The Effect of Short-Term Dietary Fructose Supplementation on Gastric Emptying Rate and Gastrointestinal Hormone Responses in Healthy Men
Authors: Yau Adora , McLaughlin John , Maughan Ronald , Gilmore William , Evans Gethin
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to examine gastric emptying rate and gastrointestinal hormone responses to fructose and glucose ingestion following 3 days of dietary fructose supplementation. Using the 13C-breath test method, gastric emptying rates of equicaloric fructose and glucose solutions were measured in 10 healthy men with prior fructose supplementation (fructose supplement, FS; glucose supplement, GS) and without prior fructose supplementation (fructose control, FC; glucose control, GC). In addition, circulating concentrations of acylated ghrelin (GHR), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and insulin were determined, as well as leptin, lactate, and triglycerides. Increased dietary fructose ingestion resulted in accelerated gastric emptying rate of a fructose solution but not a glucose solution. No differences in GIP, GLP-1, or insulin incremental area under curve (iAUC) were found between control and supplement trials for either fructose or glucose ingestion. However, a trend for lower ghrelin iAUC was observed for FS compared to FC. In addition, a trend of lower GHR concentration was observed at 45 min for FS compared to FC and GHR concentration for GS was greater than GC at 10 min. The accelerated gastric emptying rate of fructose following short-term supplementation with fructose may be partially explained by subtle changes in delayed postprandial ghrelin suppression.