bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel approach to quorum quenching: rational design of antibacterials in combination with hexahistidine-tagged organophosphorus hydrolase
Authors: Aslanli Aysel , Lyagin Ilya , Efremenko Elena
Published: June 2018

N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are quorum sensing (QS) signal molecules used by most Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. In this article the lactonase activity of the preparations based on hexahistidine-tagged organophosphorus hydrolase (His6-OPH) towards AHLs was studied. Initially, three of the most interesting β-lactam antibiotics were selected from seven that were trialed during molecular docking to His6-OPH. Combinations of antibiotics (meropenem, imipenem, ceftriaxone) and His6-OPH taken in the native form or in the form of non-covalent enzyme-polyelectrolyte complexes (EPCs) with poly(glutamic acid) or poly(aspartic acid) were obtained and investigated. The lactonase activity of the preparations was investigated under different physical-chemical conditions in the hydrolysis of AHLs [N-butyryl-D,L-homoserine lactone, N-(3-oxooctanoyl)-D,L-homoserine lactone, N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone]. An increased efficiency of catalytic action and stability of the lactonase activity of His6-OPH was shown for its complexes with antibiotics and was confirmed in trials with bacterial strains. The broadening of the catalytic action of the enzyme against AHLs was revealed in the presence of the meropenem. Results of molecular docking of AHLs to the surface of the His6-OPH dimer in the presence of antibiotics allowed proposing the mechanism of such interference based on a steric repulsion of the carbon chain of hydrolyzed AHLs by the antibiotics bounded to the enzyme surface.
Numerical Study on the Kinetic Effects of Hydrogen Addition on the Thermal Characteristics of Laminar Methane Diffusion Flames
Authors: Wu Long , Kobayashi Noriyuki , Li Zhanyong
Published: June 2018

The kinetic effects of H2 addition on the thermal characteristics of laminar methane diffusion flames were numerically studied using a detailed chemical kinetics consisting of 53 species and 325 reactions. The variations in the heat release properties and relevant key reactions with H2 addition were analyzed. Results show that the reactions of H + O2 + H2O ⇔ HO2 + H2O (R35), H + HO2 ⇔ OH + OH (R46), H + CH3 (+ M) ⇔ CH4 (+ M) (R52) and OH + H2 ⇔ H + H2O (R84) present important roles in the global heat release and the contributions of these reactions significantly increased as H2 is added to CH4 stream. Moreover, the increase rate of contribution of R84 with H2 addition is much larger than those of the reactions of R35, R46 and R52. The H and OH are the two most important radicals for heat release in the combustion process of CH4-H2 diffusion flame. The reaction of R84 is one of the main contributors for production of H radical and the contribution of R84 significantly increased with H2 addition, while the reaction of H + O2 ⇔ O + OH (R38) dominates the contribution of production of OH, which contributes more than 50 %, no matter whether H2 is added to CH4 stream.
New Numerical Integration Methods for Simulation of Electromagnetic Transients
Authors: Chakraborty Soham , Ramanujam R.
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes two new methods of numerical integration for computation of electromagnetic transients. In the most widely used electromagnetic transients program (EMTP) trapezoidal method (TM) is employed for computation of transients. The TM has many desirable properties but in certain situations it can give rise to non-physical time step oscillations because it does not possess stiff decay property. The proposed methods effectively damp out/eliminate these oscillations. The first method is a single-step single-stage method and the second one is a single-step two-stage method. Both methods possess stiff decay property. The performance of the methods are investigated using techniques such as Z-transform analysis, magnitude and phase plots, regions of absolute stability and time-domain simulations. The investigations include comparison of results from two well-known implicit methods and an existing two-stage method. The proposed methods possess many desirable properties and can be considered for computation of electromagnetic transients and engineering problems that require stiff system computations. In addition to the above, a more efficient algorithm to include non-linear elements has been proposed for the two-stage method.
Divine Vengeance in Herodotus’ Histories
Authors: Smolin Nathan Israel
Published: June 2018

This essay argues that the motifs of divine vengeance present in the Histories reflect a conscious, considered theory of divine action. This theory is defined by Herodotus’ empirical methodology and his lack of poetic revelation or other claimed insight into the nature and motivations of divinity. For Herodotus, divinity possesses a basically regulatory role in the cosmos, ensuring that history follows certain consistent patterns. One such pattern is vengeance, by which a large-scale balance of reciprocity is maintained in human events through human and divine acts of repayment. This theory underlies Herodotus’ historical project, reinforcing his general skepticism about human knowledge and power and making possible his universalizing approach to historical narrative.
Athens and the Anchoring of Roman Rule in the First Century BCE (67–17)
Authors: Heijnen Sam
Published: June 2018

The early Augustan Age witnessed an increase in building activities and overall interest in mainland Greece which has primarily been understood from the perspective of Roman appropriation of Greek culture, or from that of local Greek independence and “re-Hellenization.” Taking late Republican Athens as an extensive case study, this article shows that, when moving beyond either a top-down or bottom-up vision, developments in the late Republican and early Augustan Age can be properly contextualized as being part of a continuous strategy of Roman leaders and the Athenian elite to negotiate power and influence within a shared field of references.
Between Ideology and Social Practice: Baths and Bathing in Christian Communities in Late Antiquity
Authors: DeForest Dallas
Published: June 2018

Scholars of Late Antiquity have explored rhetorical constructions of the Christian life from many different angles, yet they have not done so in the context of public bathing culture. This article explores the polyvalent ways in which baths and bathing culture were used in rhetorical constructions of the Christian life in Late Antiquity, and how, in turn, this discourse structured Christian communities ideologically and affected the attitudes and practices of the laity. Since bathing culture was intimately associated with the Roman body, self, and personal appearance, it was implicated in rigorist Christian discourse quite commonly. Ultimately, this article demonstrates that Late Antique Christians, especially rigorists, wrote about baths and bathing because it was an important element in constructing a framework for an idealized Christian life and maintaining meaningful divisions within the Christian oikoumene based on ascetic practices and spirituality. But these writings should not be taken as an accurate reflection of social practice or mentalities concerning bathing in Late Antiquity, although certain changes, which reflect the importance of the ideal among the laity, are notable. In the end, Late Antique Christians emerge here as quite Roman in the manner in which they cared for their bodies, personal appearance, and health. And public bathing culture allows us to glimpse the rich social mosaic of Late Antiquity vividly.
Routes across Calabria in Antiquity: Locri Epizephiri’s communications over the peninsula and its control of the Tyrrhenian littoral
Authors: Wonder John W. , Jansson James
Published: June 2018

Locri Epizephiri, a city-state on the Ionian Sea, established settlements on the Tyrrhenian coast and routes across the peninsula of Calabria. Although some scholars have questioned the importance of land routes over the peninsula, this study indicates these itineraries were vital, particularly during the Classical period when Locri came into conflict with Rhegium, master of the Straits of Messina. This study examines Locri’s struggles for supremacy of the Tyrrhenian coast and investigates the major routes in Locri’s territory between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. Much evidence for the itineraries is from the authors’ explorations on the ground in Calabria.
Torsion, torsion length and finitely presented groups
Authors: Chiodo Maurice , Vyas Rishi
Published: June 2018

We show that a construction by Aanderaa and Cohen used in their proof of the Higman Embedding Theorem preserves torsion length. We give a new construction showing that every finitely presented group is the quotient of some

C
′

⁢

(

1
/
6

)

{C^{\prime}(1/6)}

finitely presented group by the subgroup generated by its torsion elements. We use these results to show there is a finitely presented group with infinite torsion length which is

C
′

⁢

(

1
/
6

)

{C^{\prime}(1/6)}

, and thus word-hyperbolic and virtually torsion-free.
An inverse problem for the integro-differential Dirac system with partial information given on the convolution kernel
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia Pavlovna
Published: June 2018

An integro-differential Dirac system with an integral term in the form of convolution is considered.
We suppose that the convolution kernel is known a priori on a part of the interval, and recover it on the remaining part,
using a part of the spectrum. We prove the uniqueness theorem, provide an algorithm for the solution of the inverse problem
together with necessary and sufficient conditions for its solvability.
New methods of construction of cartesian authentication codes from geometries over finite commutative rings
Authors: Jirakitpuwapat Wachirapong , Chaipunya Parin , Kumam Poom , Dhompongsa Sompong , Thounthong Phatiphat
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we construct some cartesian authentication codes from geometries over finite commutative rings. We only assume the uniform probability distribution over the set of encoding rules in order to be able to compute the probabilities of successful impersonation attack and substitution attack. Our methods are comfortable and secure for users, i.e., our encoding rules reduce the probabilities of successful impersonation attack and substitution attack.
Das Maß der Gewalt. Normalität und Exzess von körperlicher Gewalt als historiographisches Problem
Authors: Mauntel Christoph
Published: June 2018

This paper deals with the question, how an abstract practice like ‘violence’ can be measured. On a methodological level, there are two possibilities: On the one hand, a quantitative approach that tries to determine homicide rates allegedly allowing comparisons over regions and time. On the other hand, there is a qualitative approach that analyses key concepts like ‘cruelty’ in order to define the limits of acceptable violence. However, both approaches have clear shortcomings. This article proposes another perspective: Using the example of France in the later Middle Ages, it scrutinises contemporary ideas of violence as they were expressed in chronicles and treatises. By focussing on decidedly negative descriptions of violent acts, we can pinpoint several characteristics that show which cultural aspects were of special importance for the contemporaries, e. g. the social standing of the people involved, the context of the act itself as well as the physical integrity of the nobles’ bodies.
Evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of five yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco populations by microsatellite markers
Authors: Zhong Liqiang , Wang Minghua , Pan Jianlin , Li Daming , Tang Shengkai , Bian Wenji , Chen Xiaohui
Published: June 2018

Yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, is an important commercial freshwater species in China. Knowledge about the genetic diversity of the yellow catfish is important to support the management and conservation programs, which would subsequently support the sustainable production of this species. To investigate the genetic diversity and the structure of yellow catfish in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, 125 individuals from five lakes were genotyped using 13 microsatellite markers. Moderate genetic diversity was determined in all populations, with the observed heterozygosity (H
O) ranging from 0.42 to 0.49 and the expected heterozygosity (H
E) ranging from 0.51 to 0.61. Low to moderate genetic differentiation among the populations was revealed from pairwise F
ST values (p < 0.05), as well as from analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). The UPGMA dendrogram and Bayesian clustering analysis indicated a correlation between genetic differences and geographic distance – four populations from the lower reaches clustered together, whereas the Poyang Lake (PY) population formed a separate cluster. The present study would be helpful in the wild stock management and artificial propagation programs for yellow catfish in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
Ascidian diversity (Chordata: Tunicata) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: Murugan Rajaram , Ananthan Gnanakkan
Published: June 2018

Ascidians are filter-feeding sac-like marine urochordates of great evolutionary, ecological and economic importance. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most important hot spots of biodiversity in India, while the ascidian diversity of this region is very scanty. Ascidians belonging to 29 species were identified at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the field research carried out from March 2014 to April 2015. Eight species (Didemnum granulatum, Didemnum molle, Didemnum psammatodes, Diplosoma listerianum, Lissoclinum fragile, Lissoclinum levitum, Lissoclinum patella, Trididemnum Cyclops) from the Didemnidae family were found and identified. Various diversity indices, such as the Shannon -Wiener index (H’), Margalef’s index (D), Pielou’s index (J’), K-dominance curves, Cluster Analysis and Multidimensional Scaling, were used to analyze the diversity, richness and evenness of species, and to compare the diversity between samples and their resemblance in terms of species composition. The maximum species richness was observed in Campbell Bay (2.424) and the minimum in Haddo Wharf (0.910). This finding shows the rich species diversity of ascidian fauna at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Spatial variability of long-term trends in significant wave height over the Gulf of Gdańsk using System Identification techniques
Authors: Badur Jordan , Cieślikiewicz Witold
Published: June 2018

The significant wave height field over the Gulf of Gdańsk in the Baltic Sea is simulated back to the late 19th century using selected data-driven System Identification techniques (Takagi-Sugeno-Kang neuro-fuzzy system and non-linear optimization methods) and the NOAA/OAR/ESRL PSD Reanalysis 2 wind fields. Spatial variability of trends in the simulated dataset is briefly presented to show a cumulative “storminess” increase in the open, eastern part of the Gulf of Gdańsk and a decrease in the sheltered, western part of the Gulf.
Texte, discours, cognition
Authors: Achard-Bayle Guy
Published: June 2018

Le but de cet article est d’interroger les trois notions de texte, discours et cognition, et les modèles théoriques, complémentaires ou opposés, qui les illustrent et les défendent. Pour cela, les notions ne seront pas analysées à la suite, une par une, mais en parallèle, deux par deux. Reprenant les orientations de mes travaux actuels en linguistique textuelle et en linguistique cognitive, je les confronterai en deux temps : texte vs. discours et texte vs. cognition. Cette double confrontation, avec le texte pour dénominateur commun, laisse ainsi entendre, d’une part, que si je prends en compte le discours comme le cadre contextuel, situationnel, générique, où apparaît le texte, je m’attache au texte comme objet d’analyse, suivant en cela une tradition « pragoise », à la fois structurale ou macro-syntaxique et fonctionnelle ; cela laisse entendre, d’autre part, que cette conception du texte permet de concilier les théories néo-pragoises à celles que développent les linguistiques cognitives d’aujourd’hui, centrées sur diverses compétences, activités ou opérations, mentales, sémantiques, pragmatiques et sémiotiques, souvent regroupées sous le terme englobant ou résultant de représentation : espaces mentaux, projections, mélange (blending), émergence de sens. Pour finir je montre que la procédure de double intégration, conceptuelle et prédicative, permet d’illustrer la complémentarité des deux modèles, mental-cognitif et macrosyntaxique-textuel.
Center of Pressure Trace and Sensory Components of the Limits of Stability Test in Older Adults With Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Kuo Fang-Chuan , Chang Shin-Tsu , Liao Yin-Yin , Lee Cheng-Hung
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose:

Patients with vertebral compression fracture (VCF) usually exhibit impaired postural control and consequently are at an increased risk of falling. This study aimed to assess the sensory and kinematic components of the limits of stability (LOS) test in patients with VCF.

Methods:

This study enrolled 13 adults with VCF (VCF group), 13 older adults without spinal deformity (NE group), and 13 young adults (NY group). The Biodex balance system was employed to calculate the balance score and the LOS of participants. An inertia motion system was used to record kinematic data. The center of pressure signals of postural stability and LOS were used to calculate the frequency power spectrum for interpreting the sensory component.

Results:

Compared with the NY group, the VCF group exhibited a longer reaction time and lower balance scores and used a higher median frequency in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior direction of body acceleration to perform the LOS test. The required ranges of hip rotation and pelvic pitch were significantly higher in the older adult group than in the NY group. In the postural stability test, the VCF group exhibited significantly higher frequency power in the 0.01- to 0.5-Hz band (visual and vestibular) under both the eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions than the other groups. In the LOS test, the VCF group also exhibited lower sensory component activity than the other groups, particularly in vestibular function (0.1-0.5 Hz).

Conclusions:

Both musculoskeletal degeneration and sensory integration impairment may contribute to poor direction control and a longer reaction time in patients with VCF.
Influence of Environmental Conditions on the Performance of Bituminous Mixtures
Authors: Das Bhaskar Pratim , Bhargava Nishant , Siddagangaiah Anjan Kumar
Published: June 2018

Aging and moisture damage are considered as major environmental factors which affect the performance of bituminous mixtures. This study investigated the effect of aging and moisture invasion on the performance of bituminous mixtures in terms of tensile strength and rutting resistance. Two different types of aggregates sources and one unmodified bituminous binder with and without warm additive were used. Bituminous mixtures were subjected to two levels of aging conditions (short-term and long-term aged) and two levels of moisture conditions (1 and 3 freeze-thaw cycles). A total of 24 different combinations were investigated for tensile strength and permanent deformation characteristics. Mineralogical investigations characterized the crushed stone as calcareous and bank run as siliceous aggregates. Results from this study demonstrate that levels of aging had a significant impact on the tensile strength of bituminous mixtures with warm mix additive as compared to conventional bituminous mixtures. Fracture work density, a surrogate cracking parameter was able to adequately capture the influence of aggregate mineralogy on the moisture susceptibility of long term aged mixtures. In addition, moisture conditioning was found to influence fracture work density of mixtures more than aging. Further, the rutting resistance of mixtures was determined in terms of flow numbers obtained using Francken model. In general, the rutting resistance of conventional mixtures was relatively higher than a mixture with warm mix additive. As expected, the flow number of conventional mixtures increased with aging and further reduced with moisture conditioning. Interestingly, the flow numbers of bituminous mixtures with warm mix additive was not negatively impacted by moisture at short term aged conditions. However, flow number of both mixtures after long term aging exhibited a similar trend. Additionally, statistical analysis showed that an increase in freeze-thaw cycles from one to three did not significantly impact the tensile characteristics of the mixtures.
Overconsolidation and Cementation in Sands: Impacts on Geotechnical Properties and Evaluation Using Dilatometer Tests
Authors: Choo Hyunwook , Lee Woojin , Lee Changho
Published: June 2018

Both overconsolidated and cemented soils, which are very common in nature, show very distinctive behaviors (e.g., increased strength and stiffness) compared to normally consolidated (NC) soils, uncemented soils, or both. Therefore, the characterization of soil properties in an overconsolidated/cemented state is important in many geotechnical projects for the safe and economical design and analysis of geostructures. Although there have been many attempts to evaluate overconsolidated or cemented sediments using in situ tests, the complexity of the behaviors of overconsolidated or cemented sands has contributed to the difficulty in interpreting in situ test results. Among the various in situ testing methods, such as the cone penetration test, the dilatometer test (DMT), the standard penetration test, and others, the DMT is very sensitive to the stress history effect and overconsolidation in sand. Therefore, the impacts of overconsolidation and cementation on geotechnical properties of sands are reviewed first in this study, and then the methods for evaluating overconsolidation and cementation in sands using DMTs are reviewed/suggested.
Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of the Blending of Virgin and RAP Binders in Hot Recycled Asphalt Mixture with CTBN as Tracer
Authors: Yang Zhen , Xu Wei
Published: June 2018

This study conducted an infrared analysis of a recycled asphalt mixture that contains a high percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and uses carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (CTBN), which has an absorption peak at 2,238 cm−1, as a tracer in the virgin asphalt. The infrared spectroscopy results of the asphalt test specimens containing 1–15 wt. % of CTBN indicated that 5 wt. % virgin asphalt is most appropriate. Infrared spectroscopy was performed on specimens of recycled asphalt mixture that contained 45 % RAP, and a statistical analysis was performed on the results. The results indicated that the virgin and RAP asphalt binders were not completely mixed, as is typically assumed. The blending degree of the virgin binder and RAP binder in the outer layer of the RAP aggregate particles was higher than that in the inner layer. The blending degree is inhomogeneous and has a three-dimensional hierarchy that depends on the depth and location of the asphalt mastic membrane over the aggregate.
Improvements in the Hole-Drilling Test Method for Determining Residual Stresses in Polymeric Materials
Authors: Valentini Emilio , Bertelli Lorenzo , Benincasa Alessio
Published: June 2018

This article describes some improvements of the hole-drilling test method to increase the accuracy in determining residual stresses in polymeric materials. Unlike traditional applications of the hole-drilling technique to metals, when applied to polymers, it is essential to take into account important aspects such as the influence of ambient temperature, local heating, and thermal and mechanical effects generated by drilling operations. Unfilled polymers have a great coefficient of linear thermal expansion range, but the strain gauges for residual stresses available on the market are self-compensated only for some metallic materials. Furthermore, their low thermal diffusivity and the strong temperature dependence of their mechanical properties, notably, elastic modulus, creep, and relaxation, could determine local heating problems. The article investigates the hole-drilling technology on these materials and presents a testing procedure suitable for minimizing sources of error. The tests are carried out in a temperature-controlled test environment, and drilling is performed using the automatic drilling technique with a remote control, rather than a manual, drilling technique. Selections of the drilling rotational speed, feed rate, and type of drilling cutter are examined in detail. In order to validate the measurement approach, the experimental results obtained with a bending test bench on a polyethylene terephthalate sample are shown.
Développer l’autonomie et le gout d’apprendre par le plan de travail
Authors: Gignac Marie-Élaine , Normandeau Laura , Monney Nicole
Published: June 2018

Cet article présente une pratique pédagogique d’une enseignante au Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean à savoir, le plan de travail. Le plan de travail permet à l’enseignante de gérer efficacement son temps en se consacrant davantage à l’enseignement des notions et en impliquant les élèves dans la gestion de leurs apprentissages (Caron, 1996 ; Boushey & Moser, 2015). L’article décrit les modalités d’intégration du plan de travail ainsi que les apports et les prospectives à l’utiliser.
Lipocalin 2 regulates retinoic acid-induced activation of beige adipocytes
Authors: Deis Jessica A , Guo Hong , Wu Yingjie , Liu Chengyu , Bernlohr David A , Chen Xiaoli
Published: June 2018

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has been previously characterized as an adipokine regulating thermogenic activation of brown adipose tissue and retinoic acid (RA)-induced thermogenesis in mice. The objective of this study was to explore the role and mechanism for LCN2 in the recruitment and retinoic acid-induced activation of brown-like or ‘beige’ adipocytes. We found LCN2 deficiency reduces key markers of thermogenesis including uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) in inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) and inguinal adipocytes derived fromLcn2−/−mice.Lcn2−/−inguinal adipocytes have attenuated insulin-induced upregulation of thermogenic gene expression and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathway activation. This is accompanied by a lower basal and maximal oxidative capacity inLcn2−/−inguinal adipocytes, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. Recombinant Lcn2 was able to restore insulin-induced p38MAPK phosphorylation in both WT andLcn2−/−inguinal adipocytes. Rosiglitazone treatment during differentiation ofLcn2−/−adipocytes is able to recruit beige adipocytes at a normal level, however, further activation of beige adipocytes by insulin and RA is impaired in the absence of LCN2. Further, the synergistic effect of insulin and RA on UCP1 and PGC-1α expression is markedly reduced inLcn2−/−inguinal adipocytes. Most intriguingly, LCN2 and the retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RAR-α) are concurrently translocated to the plasma membrane of adipocytes in response to insulin, and this insulin-induced RAR-α translocation is absent in adipocytes deficient in LCN2. Our data suggest a novel LCN2-mediated pathway by which RA and insulin synergistically regulates activation of beige adipocytes via a non-genomic pathway of RA action.
Chromatin That Guides Dosage Compensation Is Modulated by the siRNA Pathway inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Deshpande Nikita , Meller Victoria H
Published: June 2018

A family of X-linked repetitive elements enhances dosage compensation of nearby genes in male flies. Here, Deshpande and Meller show that chromatin around these repeats is modified in a siRNA-dependent manner. Proteins that interact with the siRNA effector...

Many heterogametic organisms adjust sex chromosome expression to accommodate differences in gene dosage. This requires selective recruitment of regulatory factors to the modulated chromosome. How these factors are localized to a chromosome with requisite accuracy is poorly understood. Drosophila melanogaster males increase expression from their single X chromosome. Identification of this chromosome involves cooperation between different classes of X-identity elements. The chromatin entry sites (CES) recruit a chromatin-modifying complex that spreads into nearby genes and increases expression. In addition, a family of satellite repeats that is enriched on the X chromosome, the 1.688X repeats, promotes recruitment of the complex to nearby genes. The 1.688X repeats and CES are dissimilar, and appear to operate through different mechanisms. Interestingly, the siRNA pathway and siRNA from a 1.688X repeat also promote X recognition. We postulate that siRNA-dependent modification of 1.688X chromatin contributes to recognition of nearby genes. In accord with this, we found enrichment of the siRNA effector Argonaute2 (Ago2) at some 1.688X repeats. Mutations in several proteins that physically interact with Ago2, including the histone methyltransferase Su(var)3-9, enhance the lethality of males with defective X recognition. Su(var)3-9 deposits H3K9me2 on some 1.688X repeats, and this mark is disrupted upon ectopic expression of 1.688X siRNA. Furthermore, integration of 1.688X DNA on an autosome induces local H3K9me2 deposition, but enhances expression of nearby genes in a siRNA-dependent manner. Our findings are consistent with a model in which siRNA-directed modification of 1.688X chromatin contributes to recognition of the male X chromosome for dosage compensation.
PERCUTANEOUS EPIDURAL NEUROPLASTY (PEN) USING COMBINATION OF HYALURONIDASE AND HYPERTONIC SALINE (NaCl 3%) IN TREATING FAILED BACK SURGERY SYNDROME
Authors: Mulyawan Wawan , Wiwoho Yudi Yuwono , Ichwan Syaiful
Published: June 2018

Background: Following surgical treatments for low back pain, lower extremity pain or neurologic symptoms would last or recur, this is defined as failed sack surgery syndrome (FBSS). FBSS usually occurs in 5-40% of these surgical patients. The most common cause is an epidural scar adhesion. Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty is the non-mechanical treatment for this condition. Previously, the use of hyaluronidase and hypertonic saline separately is commonly used for epidurolysis but the combination of hyaluronidase and hypertonic saline 3% has not been explored.Objective: To investigate the two-year outcomes of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a combination of hyaluronidase and hypertonic saline 3% in patients with FBSS.Methods: Twelve patients who experience low back pain, with or without radiculopathy, who have underwent lumbar spine surgery previously were assigned to the study. Parameters, such as the visual analogue scale scores for the back (VAS-B) and legs (VAS-L), and the Oswestry disability index (ODI), were recorded and compared between pretreatment, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year and 2 years follow-up.Results: For all 12 patients, the postoperative VAS-B, VAS-L, and ODI were significantly different from the preoperative values in all follow-up periods: 1 month, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years.Conclusion: Based off this study group, percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a combination of hyaluronidase and hypertonic saline 3% has a favourable outcome in the 2 years follow-up
MODIFIED LAMINOPLASTY AFTER EXCISION OF CERVICAL SCHWANNOMA WITH LARGE EXTRAVERTEBRAL EXTENSION
Authors: Faris Muhammad , Bajamal Abdul Hafid , Bajamal Zaky , Prihastomo Krisna Tsaniadi
Published: June 2018

Tumour excision and laminoplasty are commonly performed as surgical treatment of extra vertebral extension of cervical schwannoma. It is worth knowing that the conventional technique of multilevel laminectomy may hinder younger patients in the long-term. This article reports a 30-year old man with an intradural-extramedullary tumour which extended from C4 to T1 that underwent modified laminoplasty.  This modified technique is preferable in maintaining the anteroposterior diameter of spinal canal as well as reducing the displacement of guttered laminae
SLIDING MODE CONTROL FOR PARALLEL ROBOTS DRIVEN BY ELECTRIC MOTORS IN TASK SPACE
Authors: Hoang Nguyen Quang , Vuong Vu Duc
Published: June 2018

This paper addresses the modelling of parallel robots including electric actuators. The dynamic model of the system is derived by applying the substructure method and Lagrangian equations with multipliers in form of redundant generalized coordinates. These equations are then transformed to the form of minimal coordinates of operational variables. Based on this form a sliding mode controller is designed for trajectory tracking in task space. Numerical simulations in MATLAB are carried out based on the 3RRR parallel robot in order to show the effectiveness of the proposal approach. The obtained results show a good behavior of the proposed task space tracking controller.
Solving a nonlinear biharmonic boundary value problem
Authors: A Dang Quang , Hai Truong Ha , Huong Nguyen Thanh , Quy Ngo Thi Kim
Published: June 2018

In this paper we study a boundary value problem for a nonlinear biharmonic equation, which models a bending plate on nonlinear elastic foundation. We propose a new approach to existence and uniqueness  and numerical solution of the problem. It is based on the reduction of the problem to finding fixed point of a nonlinear operator for the nonlinear term. The result is that under some easily verified conditions we have established the existence and uniqueness of a solution and the convergence of an iterative method for the solution. The positivity of the solution and the monotony of iterations are also considered. Some examples demonstrate the applicability of the obtained theoretical results and the efficiency of the iterative method.
MODELING THE DIFFERENTIAL MOTION OF A MOBILE MANIPULATOR AND DESIGNING A NEW VISUAL SERVOING FOR TRACKING A FLYING TARGET
Authors: Thuong Hoang Thi , Tinh Nguyen Van , Kiem Nguyen Tien
Published: June 2018

This article describes the process of modeling the differential motion of a mobile manipulator which is a two-degree-of-freedom robotic arm (pan-tilt) mounted on a wheeled mobile robot (WMR). Next, a new visual servoing is designed for this arm so that the image feature of a target converges to the center of the image plane of a camera which is attached to the arm's end-effector, when not only the target considered as a material point is flying with an unknown trajectory but also the WMR is moving on the floor with another unknown trajectory. The global uniform asymptotic stability of this control method is guaranteed by Lyapunov standard. Simulation results implemented by Matlab-Simulink software confirm both the truth and performance of the entire system.
Gomphonema Ehrenberg (Bacillariophyceae, Gomphonemataceae) of the São Francisco Falso River, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Medeiros Gabriela , Amaral Mailor Wellinton Wedig , Ferreira Paula Carolina , Ludwig Thelma Veiga , Bueno Norma Catarina
Published: June 2018

Abstract: Gomphonema Ehrenberg is a genus well represented in periphytic algal flora of epicontinental environments. The substrate colonization is facilitated by the secretion of mucilage by the pore field, allowing cell adhesion. Samples were scraped off and analyzed from vegetative portions of the macrophyte Eichhornia azurea Kunth, collected in São Francisco Falso River, located in Santa Helena City, Paraná State. The sampling occurred in four different sites, in four different periods, totaling 16 samples. The quantitative material analysis resulted in 28 identified taxa, in which Gomphonema brasiliense ssp. pacificum, Gomphonema neoapiculatum Lange-Bertalot, Reichardt & Metzeltin Gomphonema pantropicum Reichardt and Gomphonema perapicatum Metzeltin & Lange-Bertalot represented pioneer citations for Paraná diatomflorula. The ultrastructure observations of some species were crucial to distinguish a few taxa, as Gomphonema brasiliense and Gomphonema brasiliensoide D. Metzeltin, Lange-Bertalot & F. García-Rodríguez. We suggest future studies in this environment, once it has propitious characteristics to the development of epilithic diatoms. Moreover, phylogenetic studies are also recommended for a better distinction of taxa with a wide morphologic variation.
Do we underestimate the impact of roads on arboreal animals? Roadkill as an important threat to Chaetomys subspinosus (Mammalia: Rodentia)
Authors: Srbek-Araujo Ana Carolina , Alvarenga Aline de Castro , Bertoldi Ariane Teixeira
Published: June 2018

Abstract: The Thin-spined Porcupine (Chaetomys subspinosus) is a medium-sized and mainly arboreal rodent, endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and threatened with extinction. Habitat loss, hunting, forest fires, agriculture and livestock are threats identified for the species. Here we raise the alert to the impact of roads on remaining populations of C. subspinosus based on roadkill records from the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. Mortality due to roadkill is likely to impact C. subspinosus in different regions of the state, and is a widespread problem, not unique to a single location or population. The pattern of roadkills in the studied regions suggest that the species is more susceptible to collisions with vehicles in the breeding period. Additionally, concrete barriers that divide lanes on highways seens to increase the likelihood of roadkill for Thin-spined Porcupines. We recommend that roadkill should be included in the list of threats to C. subspinosus in the Espírito Santo. Mortality due to roadkill is probably relevant also for populations in the states of Bahia and Sergipe, and it should be evaluated locally. The installation of road-crossing structures for wildlife, such as arboreal overpasses, is recommended on roads crossing or close to protected areas with C. subspinosus presence in Espírito Santo and elsewhere.
Perfil de gestantes em tratamento para a infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana
Authors: Beck Sandra Trevisan , Cauzzo Leticia Dalla Corte , Vielmo Laura , Andrade Claudia Sala
Published: June 2018

Introdução: A via de transmissão predominante em casos de HIV/AIDS pediátrica continua sendo a transmissão vertical. Sendo a infecção pelo HIV uma doença crônica e controlável, o acompanhamento do tratamento da mãe e seu filho são fundamentais. Objetivo: verificar o momento em que a gestante recebeu o diagnóstico de portadora do HIV e o perfil desta gestante, atendida em um Hospital público da região central do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, retrospectivo, descritivo com 46 gestantes, recebendo terapia antirretroviral (TARV) para HIV durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2015 junto a Unidade dispensadora de medicamentos. Os dados foram obtidos através da consulta no Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos, junto à farmácia hospitalar, e através de consulta em prontuários clínicos, a partir da aprovação ética CAAE 47638515.3.0000.5346. Resultados: A média da idade no período da gestação foi de 29 anos, apenas 24% teve o diagnóstico fora do período gestacional, e a maioria (65,22%) sabia ser portadora do HIV antes da gestação atual, sendo que apenas 11,6% estavam esperando o primeiro filho. A maioria das gestantes recebeu TARV por mais de seis meses de gestação (60,9%). O pré-natal não foi realizado adequadamente em 19,6%, ficando estas gestantes sem TARV. Conclusão: Sendo o HIV uma infecção silenciosa, a gestação torna-se um momento oportuno para o diagnóstico desta infecção. Porém, é necessária maior conscientização quanto à importância de um pré-natal precoce e de adesão a TARV, buscando minimizar os riscos da transmissão vertical do HIV
Nutrient mobilization, growth and field survival of Pinus pringlei inoculated with three ectomycorrhizal mushrooms
Authors: López-Gutiérrez Araceli , Perez-Moreno Jesus , Hernández-Santiago Faustino , Uscanga-Mortera Ebandro , García-Esteva Antonio , Cetina-Alcalá Victor Manuel , Cardoso-Villanueva María del Rosario , Xoconostle-Cázares Beatriz
Published: June 2018

Background. All of the Pinaceae require the ectomycorrhizal interaction to survive under field conditions. However, their use has not traditionally been considered in the production of forest plants in Neotropical areas.Hypothesis. There will be an increase in plant quality in greenhouse and in survival in the field of Pinus pringlei inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF).Site of study. The experiment was carried out in Texcoco, Mexico, in two sites: i) greenhouse of the Colegio de Postgraduados; and ii) in the field, in the San Pablo Ixayoc town.Methods. P. pringlei plants, a native species of Mexico, were inoculated with the ECMF: i) Hebeloma alpinum (Ha); ii) Laccaria trichodermophora (Lt); and iii) Thelephora terrestris (Tt). The effect of this inoculation on plant growth and nutritient translocation was evaluated. A morphological and molecular characterization of ectomycorrhizal roots and an evaluation of the seedling field survival were carried out, and compared with non-inoculated plants.Results. Pinus pringlei plants inoculated with ECMF increased their growth and nutrient content. A significant nutritional allocation from root to stem mainly of K, Fe, and Zn was recorded.The morpho-anatomical and molecular characterization showed the presence of Ha, Lt and Tt in ectomycorrhizal roots. Two-year old plants mainly inoculated with Ha and Tt showed higher survival in the field than non-inoculated plants.Conclusions. The beneficial effects of ECMF on P. pringlei growth, nutrimental translocation (mainly on K, Fe and Zn), and field survival rates are reported for the first time.
Agave americana and Furcraea andina : Key Species to Andean Cultures in Ecuador
Authors: De la Torre Lucía , Cummins Ian , Logan-Hines Eliot
Published: June 2018

Background: The rich Agaveae-based culture that exists in the Ecuadorian Andes is little known. Wild and cultivated rosettes of Agave americana and Furcraea andina coexist in arid Andean landscapes. A. americana is considered an introduced species to Ecuador.Questions: What are Agaveae use patterns and cultural importance in the Ecuadorian Andes? Is the ethnobotanical significance of Agave in Ecuador comparable to that in Mexico and other Andean countries?Species studied: Agave americana, Furcraea andina Study site, dates: Ecuadorian Andes, 2016.Methods: Semi-structured interviews to Agaveae users (37) and a review of literature on ethnobotanical research conducted in Ecuador since the 18th century.Results: A. americana is more diversely and widely used than F. andina (124 vs 36 uses and 548 vs 140 use records, respectively).  The versatility of A. americana lies in its mishki (sap extracted from its heart) which has multiple medicinal, edible and ceremonial applications. We found significant variation of its use patterns throughout the region. The main use of F. andina as a source of fiber is disappearing. Most productive initiatives involve A. americana (92 %, n = 53).Conclusion: The importance of A. americana in the Ecuadorian Andes is comparable to that of agaves in Mexico, but not to its importance in other Andean countries where it is used sporadically. It can be considered a cultural keystone species. F. andina could have had that role in the past. A. americana versatility and availability through cultivation could explain why, irrespective of whether or not it is introduced, it remains an icon of identity and cultural cohesion in the Ecuadorian Andes.
Estructura de la selva alta perennifolia de Nahá, Chiapas, México
Authors: Durán-Fernández Alejandro , Aguirre-Rivera Juan Rogelio , Levy-Tacher Samuel Israel , De-Nova José Arturo
Published: June 2018

Antecedentes: Hasta mediados del siglo pasado se consideraba que la selva alta perennifolia cubría alrededor de 12.8 % de la superficie del territorio mexicano. Actualmente, sólo una pequeña porción de ella ostenta una vegetación boscosa madura ya que en su mayoría es ocupada por terrenos agrícolas, praderas y vegetación secundaria. Uno de los problemas más serios que enfrenta la región Lacandona, es la disminución de su área selvática, como consecuencia de un fuerte proceso de colonización por parte de los pobladores locales, expansión de vías de comunicación, la tala inmoderada y la incorporación de nuevas áreas de selva para aprovechamiento agrícola y pecuario.
Pregunta: ¿Cómo es la estructura y composición en los relictos de vegetación madura o mejor conservada de la selva alta perennifolia en la comunidad Lacandona de Nahá?
Sitio de estudio y periodo de investigación: Este estudio se realizó en la comunidad Lacandona de Nahá, ubicada al norte, en el municipio de Ocosingo, Chiapas, durante los meses de noviembre de 1993 hasta mayo de 1995.
Métodos: Dentro de esta comunidad, se realizaron 25 levantamientos de vegetación en parcelas de 400 m2 cada una (una hectárea en total) en rodales maduros de selva alta perennifolia. Los atributos de la vegetación evaluados fueron: composición florística, densidad, frecuencia, área basal y altura. Se calculó el valor de importancia de las especies en la comunidad y su contribución relativa en los seis estratos reconocidos con ayuda de los informantes lacandones.
Resultados: En el área total muestreada se registraron 283 especies de plantas vasculares, pertenecientes a 199 géneros de 84 familias. El análisis de la estructura de la vegetación corroboró la existencia de seis estratos con alturas, una composición florística y formas vitales distintivas. La densidad en la hectárea estudiada fue de 15,632 individuos y el área basal absoluta de 136.78 m2. El valor de importancia permitió definir de forma adecuada la importancia relativa de las especies en cada estrato, en concordancia con lo observado en el campo. Terminalia amazonia registró el valor de importancia más alto en el estrato arbóreo sobresaliente y en todos los demás estratos.
Conclusiones: Se logró describir de forma detalla la composición y estructura de la selva alta perennifolia de Nahá. El apoyo de los informantes lacandones fue fundamental para el reconocimiento tanto de las zonas de selva madura, como de los estratos que la conforman. Existe una relación inversa entre la densidad y el área basal. Se destaca la importancia de evaluar cuantitativamente los relictos de vegetación madura o bien conservada, como referentes indispensables para rehabilitar áreas deterioradas o aplicar medidas correctivas de aprovechamiento de manera fundamentada.