bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Efficacy of Phenytoin Versus Lidocaine in the Management of Intractable Seizure in Neonate
Authors: Baqui Shah Abdullah Al , Khan Md Tafazzal Hossain , Mollah Md Abid Hossain , Banerjee Manisha , Rahman Md Mahfuzur , Chowdhury Abu Sayeed , Islam Md Saiful
Published: September 2017

Background : Intractable neonatal seizure are common acute medical emergency in neonatal period than at any other period of life. In our daily practice treatment of intractable neonatal seizures still relies primarily on phenytoin, despite an estimated efficacy of less than 50% and concern over neurodegenerative side effects. Several studies indicate value for lidocaine as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of intractable neonatal seizure.Aim : The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of Phenytoin with Lidocaine in the management of intractable seizure in neonate.Methodology : A Randomized control trial was carried out in the Department of Neonatology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka between July 2013 to June 2014. A total of 78 newborn with neonatal seizure. admitted in SCABU & not responding to total doses of Inj. Phenobarbital (40 mg/kg) were included in the study and were randomly assigned to either Inj. Lidocaine (Group A=39) or to Inj. Phenytoin (Group B=39). The main outcome variables were control of seizure, adverse effects, time of cessation of seizure.Results : The study demonstrated that intractable seizure of 24 neonates (75%) were controlled with Inj. Lidocaine and intractable seizure of 20 neonates (57.1%) were controlled with Inj. Phenytoin(P-Value 0.124). Adverse effects of drugs such as apnea, bradycardia, drowsiness and lethargy were observed in 4 patients (12.5%) of Lidocaine group (Group A) and 10 (28.6%) of Phenytoin group (Group=B) (P-Value 0.106). Time required for cessation of intractable seizures were nearly similar in both groups. In group A 75% of patients responded within 24 hours and in group B 71% patients responded in same duration(P-Value 0.931). Length of hospital stay was less in phenytoin group compare to lidocaine group(P-Value 0.352). None of the following results were statistically significant.Conclusion : The study concluded that Inj. Lidocaine is similar to Inj. Phenytoin in controlling intractable neonatal seizure.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.2, October, 2016, Page 94-99
Comparison of Sula Liquid Media and Conventional Method for Diagnosis of MDR-TB
Authors: Iqbal Hasina , Mamun KZ , Shamsuzzaman SM , Kamal SM Mostafa
Published: September 2017

Background: Tuberculosis is probably the most important infectious disease of human. Early diagnosis of tuberculosis and initiating prompt treatment has been the mainstay in interrupting the transmission of the infection to others in the community.Aim: The present study was aimed at evaluating and comparing the different media which are available for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and at determining their feasibility as diagnostic tests in terms of their effectiveness and affordability.Methods: 100 Z-N stain positive samples were taken from NIDCH, Mohakhali, Dhaka. All samples were cultured on LJ media for 4-6 wks and sula liquid media for 12 days. Drug sensitivity tests against isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), streptomycin (SM) and ethambutol (EMB) were done by both conventional (LJ media) and slide method and additional sensitivity were done against second line drugs such as gatifloxacin (G), kanamycin (K) and ofloxacin (OF) only by slide method. Sensitivity test against P-nitro benzoic acid (PNB) were also done to differentiate typical Mycobacterium from atypical Mycobacterium by both slide and conventional methods.Results: Of the 100 sputum samples which were inoculated onto the sula liquid and LJ medium, all showed growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on sula liquid media after a mean incubation period of 7 days and on LJ medium after a mean incubation period of 34 days.Conclusion: Sula liquid media had an advantage of a shorter turn around period of 12 days when compared with conventional L-J media.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 25, No.2, October, 2016, Page 100-104
Competitive Evaluation of Planar Embedded Glass and Polymer Waveguides in Data Center Environments
Authors: Pitwon Richard , Wang Kai , Yamauchi Akira , Ishigure Takaaki , Schröder Henning , Neitz Marcel , Singh Mayank
Published: September 2017

Optical printed circuit board (OPCB) waveguide materials and fabrication methods have advanced considerably over the past 15 years, giving rise to two classes of embedded planar graded index waveguide based on polymer and glass. We consider the performance of these two emerging waveguide classes in view of the anticipated deployment in data center environments of optical transceivers based on directly modulated multimode short wavelength VCSELs against those based on longer wavelength single-mode photonic integrated circuits. We describe the fabrication of graded index polymer waveguides, using the Mosquito and photo-addressing methods, and graded index glass waveguides, using ion diffusion on thin glass foils. A comparative characterization was carried out on the waveguide classes to show a clear reciprocal dependence of the performance of different waveguide classes on wavelength. Furthermore, the different waveguide types were connected into an optically disaggregated data switch and storage system to evaluate and validate their suitability for deployment in future data center environments.
A New Method for Analysing the Pressure Response Delay in a Pneumatic Brake System Caused by the Influence of Transmission Pipes
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Gangyan , Hua Jian , Li Xingli , Kagawa Toshiharu
Published: September 2017

This study aims to propose an analysis method for resolving the pressure response of a pneumatic brake circuit considering the effect of a transmission pipe. Pneumatic brake systems (PBS) are widely used in commercial vehicles. The pressure response characteristic of the PBS is the key factor affecting braking performance. By using the thermodynamics of a variable-quality system, the pressure response model of the brake chamber is established, which includes the dynamic model of the pipe considering the unsteady friction and heat transfer. The partial-differential control equations of pipe are solved by introducing the constrained interpolation profile (CIP) method, and a virtual chamber model is proposed to set the boundary condition so as to solve the pressure response in the brake chamber simultaneously. Thus, the regularity of the brake pressure response is obtained by considering the influence of the pipe. Lastly, the model is verified experimentally. The present study indicates that the main factors that affect the pressure response delay are the pipe length and the combination forms of the sonic conductances of the orifices inlet and outlet. Furthermore, it helps to verify that the CIP method is an effective way of solving the pressure response of a brake circuit because of its high accuracy. The present study serves as a foundation for the design and analysis of a PBS.
Radiative Decay Rates for Electric Dipole, Magnetic Dipole and Electric Quadrupole Transitions in Triply Ionized Thulium (Tm IV)
Authors: Enzonga Yoca Saturnin , Quinet Pascal
Published: September 2017

A new set of radiative decay parameters (oscillator strengths, transition probabilities) for spectral lines in triply ionized thulium (Tm IV) has been obtained within the framework of the pseudo-relativistic Hartree-Fock (HFR) approach. The effects of configuration interaction and core-polarization have been investigated in detail and the quality of the results has been assessed through a comparison between different HFR physical models. The spectroscopic data listed in the present paper cover electric dipole as well as magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transitions in a wide range of wavelengths from extreme ultraviolet to near infrared.
Noncovalent Interactions in the Catechol Dimer
Authors: Barone Vincenzo , Cacelli Ivo , Ferretti Alessandro , Prampolini Giacomo
Published: September 2017

Noncovalent interactions play a significant role in a wide variety of biological processes and bio-inspired species. It is, therefore, important to have at hand suitable computational methods for their investigation. In this paper, we report on the contribution of dispersion and hydrogen bonds in both stacked and T-shaped catechol dimers, with the aim of delineating the respective role of these classes of interactions in determining the most stable structure. By using second-order Møller–Plesset (MP2) calculations with a small basis set, specifically optimized for these species, we have explored a number of significant sections of the interaction potential energy surface and found the most stable structures for the dimer, in good agreement with the highly accurate, but computationally more expensive coupled cluster single and double excitation and the perturbative triples (CCSD(T))/CBS) method.
Ground Motion in Areas of Abandoned Mining: Application of the Intermittent SBAS (ISBAS) to the Northumberland and Durham Coalfield, UK
Authors: Gee David , Bateson Luke , Sowter Andrew , Grebby Stephen , Novellino Alessandro , Cigna Francesca , Marsh Stuart , Banton Carl , Wyatt Lee
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we investigate land motion and groundwater level change phenomena using differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) over the Northumberland and Durham coalfield in the United Kingdom. The study re-visits earlier research that applied a persistent scatterers interferometry (PSI) technique to ERS (European Remote Sensing) and ENVISAT (Environmental Satellite) data. Here, the Intermittent Small Baseline Subset (ISBAS) DInSAR technique is applied to ERS, ENVISAT and Sentinel-1 SAR datasets covering the late 1990s, the 2000s and the mid-2010s, respectively, to increase spatial coverage, aid the geological interpretation and consider the latest Sentinel-1 data. The ERS data identify surface depressions in proximity to former collieries, while all three data sets ascertain broad areas are experiencing regional scale uplift, often occurring in previously mined areas. Uplift is attributed to increases in pore pressure in the overburden following the cessation of groundwater pumping after mine closure. Rising groundwater levels are found to correlate to ground motion measurements at selected monitoring sites, most notably in the surrounding area of Ashington. The area is divided by an impermeable EW fault; to the south, surface heave was identified as groundwater levels rose in the 1990s, whereas to the north, this phenomenon occurred two decades later in the 2010s. The data emphasize the complexity of the post-mining surface and subsurface environment and highlight the benefit that InSAR, utilizing the ISBAS technique, can provide in its characterization.
Distribution of Non-Persistent Endocrine Disruptors in Two Different Regions of the Human Brain
Authors: Van der Meer Thomas P. , Artacho-Cordón Francisco , Swaab Dick F. , Struik Dicky , Makris Konstantinos C. , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , Frederiksen Hanne , Van Vliet-Ostaptchouk Jana V.
Published: September 2017

Non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals (npEDCs) can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. Whether npEDCs can accumulate in the human brain is largely unknown. The major aim of this pilot study was to examine the presence of environmental phenols and parabens in two distinct brain regions: the hypothalamus and white-matter tissue. In addition, a potential association between these npEDCs concentrations and obesity was investigated. Post-mortem brain material was obtained from 24 individuals, made up of 12 obese and 12 normal-weight subjects (defined as body mass index (BMI) > 30 and BMI < 25 kg/m2, respectively). Nine phenols and seven parabens were measured by isotope dilution TurboFlow-LC-MS/MS. In the hypothalamus, seven suspect npEDCs (bisphenol A, triclosan, triclocarban and methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, and benzyl paraben) were detected, while five npEDCs (bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, triclocarban, methyl-, and n-propyl paraben) were found in the white-matter brain tissue. We observed higher levels of methylparaben (MeP) in the hypothalamic tissue of obese subjects as compared to controls (p = 0.008). Our findings indicate that some suspected npEDCs are able to cross the blood–brain barrier. Whether the presence of npEDCs can adversely affect brain function and to which extent the detected concentrations are physiologically relevant needs to be further investigated.
Lipase Activity in the Larval Midgut of Rhynchophorus palmarum: Biochemical Characterization and the Effects of Reducing Agents
Authors: Santana Camilla , Barbosa Leandro , Júnior Irinaldo , Nascimento Ticiano , Dornelas Camila , Grillo Luciano
Published: September 2017

Lipases have key roles in insect lipid acquisition, storage, and mobilization and are also fundamental to many physiological processes in insects. Lipids are an important component of insect diets, where they are hydrolyzed in the midgut lumen, absorbed, and used for the synthesis of complex lipids. The South American palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum is one of the most important pests on commercial palm plantations. However, there are few studies about lipid digestion for this insect. In this work, we have described the biochemical characterization of the lipase activity in the posterior midgut of the R. palmarum palm weevil. Lipase activity was highest between the temperatures of 37 °C and 45 °C and at pH 6.5. Lipase activity was also sensitive to variations in salt and calcium concentrations. Lipases have been described structurally as enzymes with the Ser-His-Asp Catalytic Triad, containing an active serine. The serine protease inhibitor PMSF (phenylmethane sulfonyl fluoride) inhibited the lipases from R. palmarum, demonstrating the importance of a serine residue for this activity. The ability of the lipases to hydrolyze p-Nitrophenyl esters with different chain lengths has revealed the activities of a broad range of substrates. The lipase activities of R. palmarum increased in the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH) and dithiothreitol (DTT), while in the presence of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), activities were drastically reduced. To our knowledge, this study has provided the first information about lipase activity in the R. palmarum palm weevil.
Measuring the Pull-Off Force of an Individual Fiber Using a Novel Picoindenter/Scanning Electron Microscope Technique
Authors: Sahay Rahul , Radchenko Ihor , Budiman Arief , Baji Avinash
Published: September 2017

We employed a novel picoindenter (PI)/scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique to measure the pull-off force of an individual electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibers. Individual fibers were deposited over a channel in a custom-designed silicon substrate, which was then attached to a picoindenter. The picoindenter was then positioned firmly on the sample stage of the SEM. The picoindenter tip laterally pushed individual fibers to measure the force required to detach it from the surface of substrate. SEM was used to visualize and document the process. The measured pull-off force ranged between 5.8 ± 0.2 μN to ~17.8 ± 0.2 μN for individual fibers with average diameter ranging from 0.8 to 2.3 μm. Thus, this study, a first of its kind, demonstrates the use of a picoindenter to measure the pull-off force of a single micro/nanofiber.
Pitting Initiation and Propagation of X70 Pipeline Steel Exposed to Chloride-Containing Environments
Authors: Yang Zixuan , Kan Bo , Li Jinxu , Su Yanjing , Qiao Lijie , Volinsky Alex A.
Published: September 2017

Inclusion-induced pitting initiation mechanisms in X70 steel were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM), immersion and electrochemical polarization tests in chloride-containing ion solutions. There are three inclusion types in the X70 steel. Corrosion test results indicated that pitting corrosion resistance of type A inclusion < type C inclusion < type B inclusion, i.e., (Mn, Ca)S < matrix < (Al, Ca)O. SKPFM test results show that the type A inclusion exhibited both lower and higher potentials than the matrix, while the type B inclusion exhibited higher potential than the matrix. The corrosion test and the SKPFM potential test results are consistent. Potentiodynamic polarization results indicate that the type A and C are active inclusions, while the type B is an inactive inclusion. Three kinds of possible mechanisms of inclusion-induced pitting corrosion are established for the X70 steel.
Effects of Post-Sinter Processing on an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu Powder Metallurgy Alloy
Authors: Harding Matthew , Donaldson Ian , Hexemer Junior Rich , Bishop Donald
Published: September 2017

The objective of this work was to study the effects of several post-sinter processing operations (heat-treatment, sizing, shot peening) on a press-and-sinter 7xxx series aluminum powder metallurgy (PM) alloy. The characterization of the products was completed through a combination of non-contact surface profiling, hardness measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile, and three-point bend fatigue testing. It was determined that sizing in the as-quenched state imparted appreciable reductions in surface hardness (78 HRB) and fatigue strength (168 MPa) relative to counterpart specimens that were sized prior to solutionizing (85 HRB and 228 MPa). These declines in performance were ascribed to the annihilation of quenched in vacancies that subsequently altered the nature of precipitates within the finished product. The system responded well to shot peening, as this process increased fatigue strength to 294 MPa. However, thermal exposure at 353 K (80 °C) and 433 K (160 °C) then reduced fatigue performance to 260 MPa and 173 MPa, respectively, as a result of residual stress relaxation and in-situ over-aging.
Optimization and Comparison of Synthetic Procedures for a Group of Triazinyl-Substituted Benzene-Sulfonamide Conjugates with Amino Acids
Authors: Krajčiová Dominika , Pecher Daniel , Garaj Vladimír , Mikuš Peter
Published: September 2017

Sulfonamides incorporating 1,3,5-triazine moieties can selectively and potently inhibit carbonic anhydrase transmembrane isoforms IX, XII, and XIV over cytosolic isoforms I and II. In the present work, a highly effective synthetic procedure was proposed for this group of potent cancerostatic drugs and compared with previously used methods. The synthesis of triazinyl-substituted benzene-sulfonamide conjugates with amino acids can be easily carried out using sodium carbonate-based water solution as a synthetic medium instead of N,N-Diisopropylethylamine/Dimethylformamide. The benefits of this synthetic procedure include: (i) high selectivity of the creation of disubstituted conjugates; (ii) several times higher yield (≥95%) than that achieved previously; (iii) elimination of organic solvents by the use of an environmental friendly water medium (green chemistry); (iv) simple and fast isolation of the product. The synthesis and resulting products were evaluated using TLC, IR, NMR, and MS methods. The present work demonstrates a significant advantage in providing shortened routes to target structures.
Concept for Recycling Waste Biomass from the Sugar Industry for Chemical and Biotechnological Purposes
Authors: Modelska Magdalena , Berlowska Joanna , Kregiel Dorota , Cieciura Weronika , Antolak Hubert , Tomaszewska Jolanta , Binczarski Michał , Szubiakiewicz Elzbieta , Witonska Izabela
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study was to develop a method for the thermally-assisted acidic hydrolysis of waste biomass from the sugar industry (sugar beet pulp and leaves) for chemical and biotechnological purposes. The distillates, containing furfural, can be catalytically reduced directly into furfurayl alcohol or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. The sugars present in the hydrolysates can be converted by lactic bacteria into lactic acid, which, by catalytic reduction, leads to propylene glycol. The sugars may also be utilized by microorganisms in the process of cell proliferation, and the biomass obtained used as a protein supplement in animal feed. Our study also considered the effects of the mode and length of preservation (fresh, ensilage, and drying) on the yields of furfural and monosaccharides. The yield of furfural in the distillates was measured using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The content of monosaccharides in the hydrolysates was measured spectrophotometrically using enzymatic kits. Biomass preserved under all tested conditions produced high yields of furfural, comparable to those for fresh material. Long-term storage of ensiled waste biomass did not result in loss of furfural productivity. However, there were significant reductions in the amounts of monosaccharides in the hydrolysates.
Water Diffusion through a Titanium Dioxide/Poly(Carbonate Urethane) Nanocomposite for Protecting Cultural Heritage: Interactions and Viscoelastic Behavior
Authors: Abbate Mario , D’Orazio Loredana
Published: September 2017

Water diffusion through a TiO2/poly (carbonate urethane) nanocomposite designed for the eco-sustainable protection of outdoor cultural heritage stonework was investigated. Water is recognized as a threat to heritage, hence the aim was to gather information on the amount of water uptake, as well as of species of water molecules absorbed within the polymer matrix. Gravimetric and vibrational spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that diffusion behavior of the nanocomposite/water system is Fickian, i.e., diffusivity is independent of concentration. The addition of only 1% of TiO2 nanoparticles strongly betters PU barrier properties and water-repellency requirement is imparted. Defensive action against penetration of water free from, and bonded through, H-bonding association arises from balance among TiO2 hydrophilicity, tortuosity effects and quality of nanoparticle dispersion and interfacial interactions. Further beneficial to antisoiling/antigraffiti action is that water-free fraction was found to be desorbed at a constant rate. In environmental conditions, under which weathering processes are most likely to occur, nanocomposite Tg values remain suitable for heritage treatments.
Pharmacokinetic and Toxicodynamic Characterization of a Novel Doxorubicin Derivative
Authors: Alrushaid Samaa , Sayre Casey , Yáñez Jaime , Forrest M. , Senadheera Sanjeewa , Burczynski Frank , Löbenberg Raimar , Davies Neal
Published: September 2017

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective anti-cancer medication with poor oral bioavailability and systemic toxicities. DoxQ was developed by conjugating Dox to the lymphatically absorbed antioxidant quercetin to improve Dox’s bioavailability and tolerability. The purpose of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics and safety of Dox after intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administration of DoxQ or Dox (10 mg/kg) and investigate the intestinal lymphatic delivery of Dox after PO DoxQ administration in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Drug concentrations in serum, urine, and lymph were quantified by HPLC with fluorescence detection. DoxQ intact IV showed a 5-fold increase in the area under the curve (AUC)—18.6 ± 1.98 compared to 3.97 ± 0.71 μg * h/mL after Dox—and a significant reduction in the volume of distribution (Vss): 0.138 ± 0.015 versus 6.35 ± 1.06 L/kg. The fraction excreted unchanged in urine (fe) of IV DoxQ and Dox was ~5% and ~11%, respectively. Cumulative amounts of Dox in the mesenteric lymph fluid after oral DoxQ were twice as high as Dox in a mesenteric lymph duct cannulation rat model. Oral DoxQ increased AUC of Dox by ~1.5-fold compared to after oral Dox. Concentrations of β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) but not cardiac troponin (cTnI) were lower after IV DoxQ than Dox. DoxQ altered the pharmacokinetic disposition of Dox, improved its renal safety and oral bioavailability, and is in part transported through intestinal lymphatics.
Model Uncertainty in Operational Risk Modeling Due to Data Truncation: A Single Risk Case
Authors: Yu Daoping , Brazauskas Vytaras
Published: September 2017

Over the last decade, researchers, practitioners, and regulators have had intense debates about how to treat the data collection threshold in operational risk modeling. Several approaches have been employed to fit the loss severity distribution: the empirical approach, the “naive” approach, the shifted approach, and the truncated approach. Since each approach is based on a different set of assumptions, different probability models emerge. Thus, model uncertainty arises. The main objective of this paper is to understand the impact of model uncertainty on the value-at-risk (VaR) estimators. To accomplish that, we take the bank’s perspective and study a single risk. Under this simplified scenario, we can solve the problem analytically (when the underlying distribution is exponential) and show that it uncovers similar patterns among VaR estimates to those based on the simulation approach (when data follow a Lomax distribution). We demonstrate that for a fixed probability distribution, the choice of the truncated approach yields the lowest VaR estimates, which may be viewed as beneficial to the bank, whilst the “naive” and shifted approaches lead to higher estimates of VaR. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach and the probability distributions under study are further investigated using a real data set for legal losses in a business unit (Cruz 2002).
Estimating Ground Level NO2 Concentrations over Central-Eastern China Using a Satellite-Based Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression Model
Authors: Qin Kai , Rao Lanlan , Xu Jian , Bai Yang , Zou Jiaheng , Hao Nan , Li Shenshen , Yu Chao
Published: September 2017

People in central-eastern China are suffering from severe air pollution of nitrogen oxides. Top-down approaches have been widely applied to estimate the ground concentrations of NO2 based on satellite data. In this paper, a one-year dataset of tropospheric NO2 columns from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) together with ambient monitoring station measurements and meteorological data from May 2013 to April 2014, are used to estimate the ground level NO2. The mean values of OMI tropospheric NO2 columns show significant geographical and seasonal variation when the ambient monitoring stations record a certain range. Hence, a geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model is introduced to treat the spatio-temporal non-stationarities between tropospheric-columnar and ground level NO2. Cross-validations demonstrate that the GTWR model outperforms the ordinary least squares (OLS), the geographically weighted regression (GWR), and the temporally weighted regression (TWR), produces the highest R2 (0.60) and the lowest values of root mean square error mean (RMSE), absolute difference (MAD), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Our method is better than or comparable to the chemistry transport model method. The satellite-estimated spatial distribution of ground NO2 shows a reasonable spatial pattern, with high annual mean values (>40 μg/m3), mainly over southern Hebei, northern Henan, central Shandong, and southern Shaanxi. The values of population-weight NO2 distinguish densely populated areas with high levels of human exposure from others.
Estimating Rice Leaf Nitrogen Concentration: Influence of Regression Algorithms Based on Passive and Active Leaf Reflectance
Authors: Sun Jia , Yang Jian , Shi Shuo , Chen Biwu , Du Lin , Gong Wei , Song Shalei
Published: September 2017

Nitrogen (N) is important for the growth of crops. Estimating leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) accurately and nondestructively is important for precision agriculture, reduces environmental pollution, and helps model global carbon and N cycles. Leaf reflectance, especially in the visible and near-infrared regions, has been identified as a useful indicator of LNC. Except reflectance passively acquired by spectrometers, the newly developed multispectral LiDAR and hyperspectral LiDAR provide possibilities for measuring leaf spectra actively. The regression relationship between leaf reflectance spectra and rice (Oryza sativa) LNC relies greatly on the algorithm adopted. It would be preferable to find one algorithm that performs well with respect to passive and active leaf spectra. Thus, this study assesses the influence of six popular linear and nonlinear methods on rice LNC retrieval, namely, partial least-square regression, least squares boosting, bagging, random forest, back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and support vector regression of different types/kernels/parameter values. The R2, root mean square error and relative error in rice LNC estimation using these different methods were compared through the passive and active spectral measurements of rice leaves of different varieties at different locations and time (Yongyou 4949, Suizhou, 2014, Yangliangyou 6, Wuhan, 2015). Results demonstrate that BPNN provided generally satisfactory performance in estimating rice LNC using the three kinds of passive and active reflectance spectra.
Relationships between Isometric Force-Time Characteristics and Dynamic Performance
Authors: Dos’Santos Thomas , Thomas Christopher , Comfort Paul , McMahon John , Jones Paul
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force-time characteristics (peak force and time-specific force vales (100–250 ms)) and dynamic performance and compare dynamic performance between stronger and weaker athletes. Forty-three athletes from different sports (rowing, soccer, bicycle motocross, and hockey) performed three trials of the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and IMTP, and performed a one repetition maximum power clean (PC). Reactive strength index modified (RSImod) was also calculated from the CMJ. Statistically significant large correlations between IMTP force-time characteristics and PC (ρ = 0.569–0.674, p < 0.001), and moderate correlations between IMTP force-time characteristics (excluding force at 100 ms) and RSImod (ρ = 0.389–0.449, p = 0.013–0.050) were observed. Only force at 250 ms demonstrated a statistically significant moderate correlation with CMJ height (ρ = 0.346, p = 0.016) and no statistically significant associations were observed between IMTP force-time characteristics and SJ height. Stronger athletes (top 10) demonstrated statistically significantly greater CMJ heights, RSImods, and PCs (p ≤ 0.004, g = 1.32–1.89) compared to weaker (bottom 10) athletes, but no differences in SJ height were observed (p = 0.871, g = 0.06). These findings highlight that the ability to apply rapidly high levels of force in short time intervals is integral for PC, CMJ height, and reactive strength.
Public Preference for Pet-Rabies Prophylaxis: Opportunities and Information Dissemination
Authors: Palamar Maria , Correa Maria , Peterson Nils , DePerno Christopher
Published: September 2017

Risky human behavior and high density of rabies vectors in urban environments combine to increase the risk of rabies. Pet vaccination, wildlife vector management, and public health education may be the most efficient ways to prevent urban rabies epidemics. Racial, ethnic, and socio-economic factors influence the use of low-cost rabies vaccination clinics, understanding rabies reporting requirements, and learning preferences. In collaboration with the City of Greensboro and Animal Control in Guilford County, NC, we conducted a survey of rabies prevention and transmission across socio-economic strata representing Latinos, African Americans, and Whites, and different income and education levels. Compliance with vaccination was low among Latinos; African Americans and Latinos were not aware of low-cost rabies vaccination clinics; and most respondents were willing to report rabid animals but did not know whom to call. White respondents preferred online information delivery, whereas Latinos and African Americans preferred postal mail. Communication targeting the public requires the consideration of different message decoding and interpretation based on the ethnicity, income, and educational level, and other barriers such as language. Differing message delivery methods may be required to achieve full dissemination.
Applications of Mobile Augmented Reality to Water Resources Management
Authors: Mirauda Domenica , Erra Ugo , Agatiello Roberto , Cerverizzo Marco
Published: September 2017

The present paper proposes a mobile prototype platform, based on Augmented Reality and multimedia smart-phone technology, which operates on a combination of real environment and computer-generated data in order to increase the human perception of a scene in real time. By enhancing visible details and displaying invisible or inexistent objects, this platform could improve water monitoring activities as well as the understanding of physical processes by technical and non-technical mobile workforces. At the same time, such a tool might support decision-makers in choosing strategies and actions aimed at forecasting, preventing, and mitigating environmental risks. A preliminary validation of the prototype performance was carried out in the field of water management, specifically for sample basin of Southern Italy. During the testing phase, this innovative application showed its ability to speed up field surveys, easily move around in unknown or remote places, and allow the employment of less-specialised users. These results could help reduce the time and costs of water monitoring activities, which would be perceived as essential by local administrators, contributing thus to the safeguard and the correct use of water resources.
Swainsonine Inhibits Invasion and the EMT Process in Esophageal Carcinoma Cells by Targeting Twist1
Authors: Ma Junxun , Wang Lijie , Li Jinyu , Zhang Guoqing , Tao Haitao , Li Xiaoyan , Sun Danyang , Hu Yi
Published: September 2017

Esophageal cancer is a common gastrointestinal cancer, with a very high mortality rate in patients with metastasis. Swainsonine, a cytotoxic fungal alkaloid, has been shown to inhibit cell growth in esophageal cancer. In the present study, we explored the effects of swainsonine on cell
invasion and metastasis in esophageal cancer cells. Human esophageal carcinoma cells were treated with different doses of swainsonine, and then cell viability, invasion, and apoptosis were measured. The mRNA and protein expressions of Twist1, apoptosis- and EMT-related factors, and PI3K/AKT
pathway factors were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Swainsonine had no effect on esophageal cancer cell viability and apoptosis, but it significantly decreased cell invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Swainsonine increased the expression of E-cadherin but decreased the expression of
N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB1, and snail in a dose-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting EMT. Last, we found that swainsonine inhibits cell invasion and EMT in the esophageal carcinoma cells by downregulation of Twist1 and deactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Mitotic Arrest-Deficient Protein 2B Overexpressed in Lung Cancer Promotes Proliferation, EMT, and Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Hua , He Xiuquan , Yu Wenfei , Yue Bingqing , Yu Ziting , Qin Ying
Published: September 2017

As the noncatalytic subunit of mammalian DNA polymerase, mitotic arrest-deficient protein 2B (MAD2B) has been reported to play a role in cell cycle regulation, DNA damage tolerance, gene expression, and carcinogenesis. Although its expression is known to be associated with poor prognosis
in several types of human cancers, the significance of MAD2B expression in lung malignancies is still unclear. Our study showed that MAD2B expression significantly increased in lung cancer, especially in the metastatic tissues. We also found that knockdown of MAD2B inhibited the migration,
invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of lung cancer cells in vitro and the metastasis in vivo, while overexpression of MAD2B had the opposite effect. Microarray and Western blotting data indicated that slug might be its downstream target since knockdown of MAD2B inhibited,
while overexpression increased, the expression of slug. Moreover, the expression of MAD2B was found to be positively correlated with slug in lung cancer tissues as well. Collectively, these findings indicate an oncogenic role of MAD2B in lung cancer, and slug might be involved in the process.
Reading between the vines: Hosts as islands for extreme holoparasitic plants
Authors: Barkman Todd J. , Klooster Matthew R. , Gaddis Keith D. , Franzone Brian , Calhoun Sondra , Manickam Sugumaran , Vessabutr Suyanee , Sasirat Sawitree , Davis Charles C.
Published: September 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Partitioning of population genetic variation in plants may be affected by numerous factors including life history and dispersal characteristics. In parasitic plants, interactions with host populations may be an additional factor influencing partitioning. To test for hierarchical population genetic patterns related to obligate endoparasitism, we studied three species of Rafflesiaceae, which grow as extremely reduced endophytes infecting Tetrastigma vines in Southeast Asia.

METHODS:

Microsatellite markers were developed and multilocus genotypes were determined for Rafflesia cantleyi, Rafflesia tuan‐mudae, and Sapria himalayana and each of their Tetrastigma hosts. Relatedness among parasite individuals was estimated, and AMOVAs were used to determine levels of population genetic subdivision.

KEY RESULTS:

Microsatellite genotypes for 340 paired parasite and host samples revealed that host vines were infected by numerous Rafflesiaceae individuals that may spread for up to 14 m within stem tissues. Surprisingly, Rafflesiaceae parasites within a given host are significantly more closely related to each other than individuals of the same species in other host individuals. The pattern of hierarchical population genetic subdivision we detected across species is likely due to limited seed dispersal with reinfection of natal host vines.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings demonstrate common population genetic patterns between animal and plant parasites, potentially indicating advantages of close relatives infecting hosts. This study also has important conservation implications for Rafflesiaceae since our data suggest that destruction of a single infected host vine could result in large genetic losses.
Diverse Long-term Variability of Five Candidate High-mass X-Ray Binaries from Swift Burst Alert Telescope Observations
Authors: Corbet Robin H. D. , Coley Joel B. , Krimm Hans A.
Published: September 2017

We present an investigation of long-term modulation in the X-ray light curves of five little-studied candidate high-mass X-ray binaries using the Swift Burst Alert Telescope. IGR J14488-5942 and AX J1700.2-4220 show strong modulation at periods of 49.6 and 44 days, respectively, which are interpreted as orbital periods of Be star systems. For IGR J14488-5942, observations with the Swift X-ray Telescope show a hint of pulsations at 33.4 s. For AX J1700.2-4220, 54 s pulsations were previously found with XMM-Newton. Swift J1816.7-1613 exhibits complicated behavior. The strongest peak in the power spectrum is at a period near 150 days, but this conflicts with a determination of a period of 118.5 days by La Parola et al. AX J1820.5-1434 has been proposed to exhibit modulation near 54 days, but the extended BAT observations suggest modulation at slightly longer than double this at approximately 111 days. There appears to be a long-term change in the shape of the modulation near 111 days, which may explain the apparent discrepancy. The X-ray pulsar XTE J1906+090, which was previously proposed to be a Be star system with an orbital period of ∼30 days from pulse timing, shows peaks in the power spectrum at 81 and 173 days. The origins of these periods are unclear, although they might be the orbital period and a superorbital period respectively. For all five sources, the long-term variability, together with the combination of orbital and proposed pulse periods, suggests that the sources contain Be star mass donors.
A 6.7 GHz Methanol Maser Survey at High Galactic Latitudes
Authors: Yang Kai , Chen Xi , Shen Zhi-Qiang , Li Xiao-Qiong , Wang Jun-Zhi , Jiang Dong-Rong , Li Juan , Dong Jian , Wu Ya-Jun , Qiao Hai-Hua , Ren Zhiyuan
Published: September 2017

We performed a systematic 6.7 GHz Class II methanol maser survey using the Shanghai Tianma Radio Telescope toward targets selected from the all-sky Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) point catalog. In this paper, we report the results from the survey of those at high Galactic latitudes, i.e.,

2°. Of 1473 selected WISE point sources at high latitude, 17 point positions that were actually associated with 12 sources were detected with maser emission, reflecting the rarity (1%–2%) of methanol masers in the region away from the Galactic plane. Out of the 12 sources, 3 are detected for the first time. The spectral energy distribution at infrared bands shows that these new detected masers occur in the massive star-forming regions. Compared to previous detections, the methanol maser changes significantly in both spectral profiles and flux densities. The infrared WISE images show that almost all of these masers are located in the positions of the bright WISE point sources. Compared to the methanol masers at the Galactic plane, these high-latitude methanol masers provide good tracers for investigating the physics and kinematics around massive young stellar objects, because they are believed to be less affected by the surrounding cluster environment.
Detection of 36 GHz Class I Methanol Maser Emission toward NGC 4945
Authors: McCarthy Tiege P , Ellingsen Simon P. , Chen Xi , Breen Shari L. , Voronkov Maxim A. , Qiao Hai-hua
Published: September 2017

We have searched for emission from the 36.2 GHz (

4

−
1

→

3

0

E

) methanol transition toward NGC 4945, using the Australia Telescope Compact Array. 36.2 GHz methanol emission was detected offset southeast from the Galactic nucleus. The methanol emission is narrow, with a line width <10 km s−1 and a luminosity five orders of magnitude higher than Galactic class I masers from the same transition. These characteristics combined the with physical separation from the strong central thermal emission suggests that the methanol emission is a maser. This emission is a factor of ∼90 more luminous than the widespread emission detected from the Milky Way central molecular zone. This is the fourth detection of extragalactic class I emission and the third detection of extragalactic 36.2 GHz maser emission. These extragalactic class I methanol masers do not appear to be simply highly luminous variants of Galactic class I emission and instead appear to trace large-scale regions of low-velocity shocks in molecular gas, which may precede, or be associated with, the early stages of large-scale star formation.
Laminar and Turbulent Dynamos in Chiral Magnetohydrodynamics. I. Theory
Authors: Rogachevskii Igor , Ruchayskiy Oleg , Boyarsky Alexey , Fröhlich Jürg , Kleeorin Nathan , Brandenburg Axel , Schober Jennifer
Published: September 2017

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) description of plasmas with relativistic particles necessarily includes an additional new field, the chiral chemical potential associated with the axial charge (i.e., the number difference between right- and left-handed relativistic fermions). This chiral chemical potential gives rise to a contribution to the electric current density of the plasma (chiral magnetic effect). We present a self-consistent treatment of the chiral MHD equations, which include the back-reaction of the magnetic field on a chiral chemical potential and its interaction with the plasma velocity field. A number of novel phenomena are exhibited. First, we show that the chiral magnetic effect decreases the frequency of the Alfvén wave for incompressible flows, increases the frequencies of the Alfvén wave and of the fast magnetosonic wave for compressible flows, and decreases the frequency of the slow magnetosonic wave. Second, we show that, in addition to the well-known laminar chiral dynamo effect, which is not related to fluid motions, there is a dynamo caused by the joint action of velocity shear and chiral magnetic effect. In the presence of turbulence with vanishing mean kinetic helicity, the derived mean-field chiral MHD equations describe turbulent large-scale dynamos caused by the chiral alpha effect, which is dominant for large fluid and magnetic Reynolds numbers. The chiral alpha effect is due to an interaction of the chiral magnetic effect and fluctuations of the small-scale current produced by tangling magnetic fluctuations (which are generated by tangling of the large-scale magnetic field by sheared velocity fluctuations). These dynamo effects may have interesting consequences in the dynamics of the early universe, neutron stars, and the quark–gluon plasma.
Observations of Reconnection Flows in a Flare on the Solar Disk
Authors: Wang Juntao , Simões P. J. A. , Jeffrey N. L. S. , Fletcher L. , Wright P. J. , Hannah I. G.
Published: September 2017

Magnetic reconnection is a well-accepted part of the theory of solar eruptive events, though the evidence is still circumstantial. Intrinsic to the reconnection picture of a solar eruptive event, particularly in the standard model for two-ribbon flares (CSHKP model), are an advective flow of magnetized plasma into the reconnection region, expansion of field above the reconnection region as a flux rope erupts, retraction of heated post-reconnection loops, and downflows of cooling plasma along those loops. We report on a unique set of Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly imaging and Hinode/EUV Imaging Spectrometer spectroscopic observations of the disk flare SOL2016-03-23T03:54 in which all four flows are present simultaneously. This includes spectroscopic evidence for a plasma upflow in association with large-scale expanding closed inflow field. The reconnection inflows are symmetric, and consistent with fast reconnection, and the post-reconnection loops show a clear cooling and deceleration as they retract. Observations of coronal reconnection flows are still rare, and most events are observed at the solar limb, obscured by complex foregrounds, making their relationship to the flare ribbons, cusp field, and arcades formed in the lower atmosphere difficult to interpret. The disk location and favorable perspective of this event have removed these ambiguities giving a clear picture of the reconnection dynamics.
En Face Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Imaging Versus Fundus Photography in the Measurement of Choroidal Nevi
Authors: Lee Michele D. , Kaidonis Georgia , Kim Alice Y. , Shields Ryan A. , Leng Theodore
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Choroidal nevi are common benign intraocular tumors with a small risk of malignant transformation. This retrospective study investigates the use of en face spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD-OCTA) in determining the clinical features and measurement of choroidal nevi.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Patients with choroidal nevi were imaged with both OCTA and a fundus photography device. Greatest longitudinal dimension (GLD), perpendicular dimension (PD), and the GLD/PD ratio were assessed on each device. Inter-device variation and intra- and inter-rater reliability analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

Fourteen patients with choroidal nevi were included. No significant difference between the GLD/PD ratio as measured by all three devices was found (Chi-square = 2.8, 2 df,
P
= .247). Intraclass correlation coefficients were greater than 0.7 for repeated measures on all devices, suggesting good repeatability and reproducibility.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrated inter-device consistency and high intra- and inter-rater reliability when measuring choroidal nevi.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2017;48:741–747.]