bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Wound Healing Potential of Teucrioside
Authors: ERDEN TAYHAN Seçil , BİLGİN Sema , ELMASTAŞ Mahfuz
Published: September 2018

Herbal medicines are being
used for primary health care due to their efficacy, safety and less side
effects. Teucrium genus is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which is
a medicinal plant have been used in traditional medicine, especially for wound
healing and inflammatory conditions. Teucroside, 9′-decarboxyrosmarinic
acid-4′-O-α-rhamnosyl-(1‴→6‴)-O-β-galactosyl-(1‴→4″)-O-α-rhamnoside is a
natural phenolic compund which is isolated and identified from of Teucrium genus. In this study, because of bioactive
properties of Teucrioside, it was
decided to examine its potential wound healing effect. Wound healing process was investigated by in vitro scratch assay which was an easy, inexpensive and well developed method to measure cell migration. In this context, firstly,
cell viability was determined by MTT assay and the results were evaluated to
find effective concentration for wound
healing. Then the cells were incubated for 48 h with
extract with defined concentration. Finally, after 48 hours of incubation with teucroside, the
wound healing was calculated as 47%. When the data were compared with untreated
control (49%), it was concluded that teucroside had not wound healing potential.
Investigation of leaching conditions of chalcopyrite by chlorine gas in aqueous medium
Authors: TEMUR Hakan , YARTAŞI Ahmet , KOCAKERİM Mehmet Muhtar
Published: September 2018

Generally, copper is obtained by
pyrometallurgical methods from sulphide ores and   SO2, a dangerous gas is emitted to environment. Hydrometallurgical processes is preferred over pyrometallurgical
processes in recent years. The
present work aims to optimize leaching of chalcopyrite with chlorine gas in
aqueous medium by an experimental design using Taguchi method. Thus, both Cl2, a
by-product of chlor-alkali industry, is removed using as a reagent, and
emission of SO2 from copper sulphide prometallurgy is prevented. In  this study, experimental parameters and their
values  were 16-45°C for reaction
temperature,  0.05-0.20 g ml-1
for solid-to-liquid ratio, 30-120 min for reaction time, 0.027-0.4 mol l-1
for [Fe3+] and 0.025-0.4 mol l-1 for   [Cu2+ ].
The optimum conditions were 45°C for reaction temperature, 0.05 g ml-1 for solid-to-liquid
ratio, 0.2 mol l-1 for [Fe3+], 0.025 mol l-1
for   [Cu2+ ] and 120 min for reaction time. Under
these conditions, 68.44% of copper in chalcopyrite dissolved.
The magnetic fructose imprinted polymer for determination of fructose from apple juice
Authors: Okutucu Burcu
Published: September 2018

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) are
synthetic receptors that have an ability to recognize and select its template
molecule from complex matrix. Nowadays many new approaches of MIPs are
researched. One of them is the preparing of magnetic MIPs. Magnetic molecularly
imprinted polymer (MMIP) nanoparticles can be a candidate for solid phase
extraction adsorbent by the porous morphology, narrow size distribution, stable
chemical and thermal property. The aim of this study is to prepare MMIP
nanoparticles for solid phase extraction of fructose from apple juice. The PEG
treated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles surface was coated
with monosaccharide (fructose) imprinted polymer. The monomer acrylamide,
cross-linking agent ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), initiator
azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), the porogen dimethylsulfoxide were used for
fructose imprinting. The structural characterization of MMIP was performed by
FT-IR, and the imprinting characteristics of polymer were also studied by
adsorption experiment and Scatchard analysis. The 65% of fructose was recognized
with fructose MMIP from apple juice using only an external permanent magnet
without filtration/centrifugation.
Band gap Measurement of P – type Monocrystalline Silicon Wafer
Authors: Hashmi G , Basher MK , Hoq M , Rahman MH
Published: September 2018

Band gap of P-type monocrystalline silicon wafer has been measured using spectral response measurement system. To see the spectral response a SR510 lock in amplifier, SR540 optical chopper, monochromator (400nm-1200nm), optical detector and lab view software has been used. From spectral response of polished P-type monocrystalline silicon wafer absorption, reflection and transmission has been respectively seen from 400nm-550nm, 550nm-1050nm and 1050-1200nm. Assuming band gap of silicon is (1.12eV), this result has been theoretically verified using Planck–Einstein relation. Moreover, theoretical band gap of silicon has been calculated (1.127362 eV). The band gap measurement process uses partial concept of Tauc’s downhill negative slop and Planck–Einstein relation. Experimental result shows that, the band gap of silicon is 1.127907 eV.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.53(3), 179-184, 2018
Antioxidant activity of Clematis brachiata Thunb. leaf
Authors: Mostafa M , Ahmed S , Afolayan AJ
Published: September 2018

The antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of different extracts of the Clematis brachiata Thunb leaves were determined. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using spectroscopic methods against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS). Folin Ciocalteu method was used to determine the total phenolics and Aluminium Chloride Colorimetric method was used to determine the flavonoids contents in these extracts. The results showed that the methanol extract of the leaf exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with the value of 180.45 ±2.4 μg mL-1 in DPPH and 60 ±0.80 μg mL-1 in ABTS assay among the extracts. The methanol extract contains more phenolic compounds (178±2.20 mg/g as galic acid equivalent per g dry matter) and the acetone extract contains more flavonoids (135.11±1.20 mg/g as quercitin equivalent per g dry matter) among the extracts. This study provides the evidence that the leaves of the Clematis brachiata Thunb could be a good source of natural antioxidant.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.53(3), 185-192, 2018
Designing of milling tool spindle
Authors: Shaik Jakeer Hussain , Ramakotaiah K
Published: September 2018

Analysis of chatter stability in an end milling process is quite cumbersome because of the inaccurate knowledge in the spindle’s geometrical design, position of the bearings and several issues related to the spindle structure. The effective position of bearings of the spindle plays a key role in investigating the self-excited chatter vibrations, which requires an accurate transfer function at the most flexibility region of the spindle tool structure. The present work focuses on the development of a novel method of measuring the spindle vibration responses experimentally using sine sweep tests for a CNC end milling machine tool. Using these model data, an analytical model of the spindle is estimated by considering the bearing span as a design variable. Trial runs are conducted until the convergence between the identified transfer function from the model and that from experiment is achieved. The final model of the spindle system is then applied with time-varying cutting forces so as to obtain the process stability.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.53(3), 191-198, 2018
Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles for chromium removal
Authors: Hossain MT , Hossain MM , Begum MHA , Shahjahan M , Islam MM , Saha B
Published: September 2018

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method using ferric nitrate and ethylene glycol as precursors at 250ºC and 300ºC. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study was used to determine the particle size and structural properties. The microstructural and particle size analysis were carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were annealed at 250ºC obtained as smaller crystal size than that of 300ºC. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups of active compound in synthesized magnetite nanoparticles and their corresponding bands were observed in the region between 500cm-1 and 4000cm-1 of infrared radiation. The observed peaks at wave number 574cm-1 and 424cm-1 due to the vibration of tetrahedral and octahedral sites which is indicative the formation of spinel structure of magnetite (Fe3O4). Removal of Cr was found 80% by the synthesized magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles 25g/L at pH 4.0 and contact time was 250 minutes. The results showed that prepared magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles can be used for the treatment of wastewater containing chromium.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.53(3), 219-224, 2018
Present scenario of renewable energy sources in Mymensingh and Pabna districts
Authors: Sultana R , Rahman MA , Yeasmin M , Auyon ST , Islam MA
Published: September 2018

The study was carried out to investigate the present scenario of renewable energy sources in Pabna and Mymensingh districts. Data were collected by interviewing 120 randomly selected respondents in each study areas during the period of September 2016 to July 2017. It was observed that available sources of renewable energy were mainly solar, biogas and biomass in both districts. Data were collected based on various independent and dependent variables. The findings revealed that 53.3% respondents in Pabna and 63.3% respondents in Mymensingh showed positive response to renewable energy sources. It was also observed that 38.3% respondents of Pabna had medium and 41.7% respondents of Mymensingh had high familiarity with renewable energy sources. The majority of the respondents commented that biomass energy in Pabna and biogas energy in Mymensingh was the most cost effective sources and the major contribution to energy comes from mainly biogas in Pabna and solar energy in Mymensingh. Besides, a questionnaire survey was done in different GOs and NGOs which involving for creating public awareness and community level sources maintenance in both districts. The most effective strategy of the organization is education and capacity building program in Pabna and in Mymensingh it was renewable energy markets, financing mechanism. The most effective awareness program was found campaigning in Pabna and in Mymensingh it was direct consultation. Survey result showed that 50% organization provided medium amount of loan (5000-8000) in Pabna and in Mymensingh it was 65%. The most effective training program was found customer training in Pabna district and in case of Mymensingh district it was customer motivating training. The majority of the respondents’ percept that government should provide more subsidies to make renewable sources more affordable in case of both study area. The most of the respondents’ percept that saving money was most important for using renewable energy sources in Pabna and in Mymensingh it was availability of renewable energy sources. Therefore, the GO and the NGO should work hand in hand to emphasize more on renewable energy source to produce electricity to solve their power crisis problem.Progressive Agriculture 29 (2): 71-81, 2018
Effects of municipal solid waste compost and fertilizers on the biomass production and yield of BRRI dhan 50
Authors: Aktar S , Islam MS , Hossain MS , Akter H , Maula S , Hossain SSF
Published: September 2018

An experiment was conducted at the soil science field laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University(BAU), Mymensingh during Boro season of 2011 to evaluate the effect of municipal waste compost (MSW) and chemical fertilizer on the biomass production and yield of boro rice(BRRI dhan50). The experimental field was silty loam in texture having pH 6.58, organic carbon 1.0% total nitrogen 0.17%, availableP11.0ppm, exchangeable K 0.11meq/100 gm soil and available sulphur 11.8ppm. the experiment comprised of 9 treatments T0 = Control (no fertilizer or compost), T1= 100% recommended fertilizer dose (N, P, K, S), T2 = Compost 5 t ha-1, T3= Compost 5 t ha-1 +100% RDF, T4 = Compost 7.5 t ha-1, T5 = Compost 7.5 t ha-1+100% RDF, T6 =Compost 10 t ha-1,  T7= Compost 10 t ha-1 +100% RDF,  T8= Compost 20 t ha-1.Compost was prepared  with MSW collected from Mymensingh. Recommended dose of NPK and S at 135, 20, 50 and 10 kg/ha respectively were applied as Urea, TSP, MOP and Gypsum. Application of MSW compost either alone or in combination of fertilizer at positive and significant effect on all the parameter studied. The plant characters like plant height, panicle length, effective tillers per hill, grain per panicle, Shoot dry weight, Root dry weight were significantly influenced by the different treatments. The highest biomass yield of 925 g/m2 was recorded with the  T7 treatment and the lowest yield was noted in the T0 treatment. The same treatment i.e. T7 demonstrated the highest grain yield (6.3t/ha) and the T0 (control) treatment had the lowest yield (3.90 t/ha). Application of MSW compost@ 10 ton/ha with 100% RDF (T7) also produced the highest straw yield. Lone application of MSW compost even at 20 ton/ha was not comparable with recommended dose of fertilizer in producing rice yield. Further study in needed to explore a positively to reduce fertilizer dose to the use of MSW for achieving sustainable soil fertility and crop yield.Progressive Agriculture 29 (2): 82-90, 2018
Production potential of lactating Red Chittagong cows due to improved feeding in small-scale dairy farm
Authors: Asaduzzaman M , Amin MR , Sarkar NR , Huque KS
Published: September 2018

The aim of the experiment was to reveal the production potential of lactating Red Chittagong cows through improved feeding. To achieve the aim, the experiment was designed in a completely randomized design with three dietary treatment groups having ten Red Chittagong cows in each group for a period of six months. The cows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups, i.e., T0, T1 and T2. The cows of T0 group received only farmers’ diet (63% of dry matter intake of cows according to ARC, 1995) without the supplementation, served as control. The cows of T1 group received farmers’ diet (63%) plus 25% supplementation of formulated concentrate diet for deficit of requirement of cows {(63 + 9.25) = 72.25% dry matter intake of cows according to ARC, 1995)} and T2 group received farmers’ diet (63%) plus formulated concentrate diet to meet 100% requirement of cows according to ARC (1995) {(63% + 37%) = 100%}. The average milk production of Red Chittagong cows of T0, T1 and T2 groups was 2.40, 3.27 and 4.82 kg per day, respectively. The milk fat, protein, solids not fat, total solids and ash were 4.30, 3.85, 9.02, 13.34 and 0.70; 4.75, 3.70, 8.97, 13.73 and 0.71; and 5.45, 3.56, 8.86, 14.30 and 0.72, g per 100g milk, respectively, for T0, T1 and T2 groups. Therefore, the farmers’ diet plus supplementation of formulated concentrate diet (FCD) to meet 100% requirement of cows was a better improved feeding system of lactating Red Chittagong cows to derive good performance.Progressive Agriculture 29 (2): 147-157, 2018
Distortionary tax and general equilibrium analysis of welfare maximized private and public goods consumption
Authors: Islam SMA
Published: September 2018

There is a debate on economic efficiency and the improvement of economic welfare. In this research, I have fixed the value of rich and poor with equal weight with an assumption that the consumption tax is the source of government expenditure for public goods. This paper optimized improvement of equality and private consumption share of public goods with the prime revenue of consumption tax. This optimization process has also been analyzed in accordance with the theoretical assumption of Roy`s identity and Marshallian ordinary market demand function for justification of equity and welfare. Finally, this process compared implicitly to the process of Kuznets pattern economic development with taking assumption of distortionary consumption tax to penetrate the relationship between long term economic growth and economic welfare. The empirical evidence found in my earlier publication that consumption tax is welfare augmented in long run if the source of government expenditure is consumption tax to produce public goods. This welfare maximized general equilibrium evidences have potential opportunity of welfare augmented resource mobilization in a developing country where consumption tax is the source of prime revenue.Progressive Agriculture 29 (2): 178-185, 2018
Comparison of nutritional and functional properties of BK2 foxtail millet with rice, wheat and maize flour
Authors: Meherunnahar M , Chowdhury RS , Hoque MM , Satter MA , Islam MF
Published: September 2018

The proximate composition, mineral contents and functional properties of BK2 FTM flour was determined and compared with three major cereals commonly consumed in Bangladesh like rice, wheat and maize flour. The samples were cleaned of foreign materials, milled and sieved through 60 μm meshes. The results showed that the BK2 FTM flour contained significantly higher (P<0.05) amount of energy (382.01 kcal) and fat (5.01 g/100g) compared to other major cereals. It also took the second highest value of protein, 9.06%, whereas wheat contained 10.39%, Rice, 6.31% and maize, 6.86%. Similarly, BK2 FTM flour enriched with iron 7.01 mg/100g, copper 1.43 mg/100g and phosphorous 595.12 mg/100g. The foaming capacity and bulk density of BK2 FTM flour were very similar to wheat flour. However, it varied significantly (p<0.05) as compared to rice and maize flour.Progressive Agriculture 29 (2): 186-194, 2018
Beckett in Stuttgart, 1977: Memory and the Aesthetics of Disunity in the Late Works
Authors: Chinitz Michele
Published: September 2018

This essay argues that Beckett's examination of media forms, rather than being eclipsed by, culminated in the return to prose around 1980, and that Beckett's long-term preoccupation with silence, incoherence and ‘the unword’ manifests in the relational nature of nostalgia in his later texts. Attending to a particular moment of Beckett's work on television and late prose – his directing the teleplay Geistertrio (Ghost Trio) at Süddeutscher Rundfunk (SDR) and his simultaneous composition of the novella Company – compels examination of the reconfiguration of some of Beckett's earlier concerns with form and media in his late aesthetics. The use of separate recording processes for the audio track and visual footage in the production of Geistertrio is reflected in the disunity of visual and aural forms of expression in Company and later works. While Beckett still incorporates antagonistic relations figuratively in Company, the separate positioning of descriptions of sound and sight allows for a prominent tone of longing and affection, if also mixed with subtle irony. In this late phase of Beckett's work, the sense of disunity inherent to Beckett's conceptions of remembering and imagining operates through the combined separation of visual and aural expression. The haunting character of the affective and compositional structure of these late works connects to the function of Beethoven's piano trio ‘Geistertrio’ in Beckett's eponymous teleplay. At this point Beckett takes an interest in silence that occurs through the interplay of instrumental parts in Beethoven's music. Among Beckett's earlier formulations of the tension between form and incoherence, his juxtaposition of form with the chaos and distress of history anticipates the way in which Beckett uses formal disunity to let a path through the past be imagined in Company. The analysis which follows brings together Beckett's recently published letters, recollections from his colleagues of 1976 and 1977 and close textual study.
The Observer Observed. The Promise of the Posthuman: Homeostasis,Autopoiesisand Virtuality in Samuel Beckett
Authors: Vos Laurens De
Published: September 2018

This essay will argue that the structure and poetics of many Beckett plays follows the technological and informational new, self-generative patterns that have been associated with posthumanism. If we can distinguish three main waves in posthumanism – homeostasis, reflexivity and virtuality –, it appears that these can be clearly discerned in Beckett's work. Drawing on examples from among others Krapp's Last Tape, Endgame, Play and Ohio Impromptu, we will not only trace this posthumanist inclination, but align this way of thinking to the wave of performativity that emerged in the second half of the 20thcentury. Thus, Beckett also informs us about the underlying ideology of posthumanism itself.
Estimating the Volume of the Solution Space of SMT(LIA) Constraints by a Flat Histogram Method
Authors: Gao Wei , Lv Hengyi , Zhang Qiang , Cai Dunbo
Published: September 2018

The satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) problem is to decide the satisfiability of a logical formula with respect to a given background theory. This work studies the counting version of SMT with respect to linear integer arithmetic (LIA), termed SMT(LIA). Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to count the number of solutions (volume) of a SMT(LIA) formula, which has many important applications and is computationally hard. To solve the counting problem, an approximate method that employs a recent Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling strategy called “flat histogram” is proposed. Furthermore, two refinement strategies are proposed for the sampling process and result in two algorithms, MCMC-Flat1/2 and MCMC-Flat1/t, respectively. In MCMC-Flat1/t, a pseudo sampling strategy is introduced to evaluate the flatness of histograms. Experimental results show that our MCMC-Flat1/t method can achieve good accuracy on both structured and random instances, and our MCMC-Flat1/2 is scalable for instances of convex bodies with up to 7 variables.
“We Always Hurt the Things We Love”—Unnoticed Abuse of Companion Animals
Authors: Rollin Bernard E.
Published: September 2018

Despite the fact that companion animals enjoy the status of “members of the family” in contemporary society, there are numerous diseases affecting the longevity of these animals and their quality of life. Some of the most pervasive and damaging problems accrue to pedigreed animals whose genetic lines contain many major and severe diseases which are detrimental to both the quality and length of life. If one considers the most popular dog breeds in the United States, the top 10 include the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, Beagle, Poodle, Rottweiler, Yorkshire Terrier, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Some idea of the pervasiveness of genetic defects across breeds can be gleaned from a recent book detailing genetic predisposition to disease. The book contains 93 pages of references. The list of diseases for the most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever, is 6.25 pages long. Yet, despite the tragic consequences of such diseases in animals regarded as beloved family members, breed standards associated with these diseases remain unchanged. This represents a major tragedy to which insufficient attention is paid. The point of this paper is to show that even as dogs have increasingly become viewed as “members of the family”, this status is belied by the proliferation of genetic diseases perpetuated by breed standards.
Study on Structural Robustness of Isolated Structure Based on Seismic Response
Authors: Yang Wenwei , Bao Chao , Ma Xiaotong , Zhang Shangrong
Published: September 2018

The qualitative analysis for structural robustness study subjected to severe earthquakes is unable to meet engineering requirements, and a quantitative analysis method for structural robustness is needed to be proposed. The existing analysis methods, such as Incremental Dynamic Analysis Method and Pushover method, only study the response of the structure directly from the macroscopic view, rather than focusing on the response of a single component on the structure. Especially for the construction of isolated structure, the impact of accidental bearing failure on the isolated structure and the impact of progressive collapse cannot be considered. In this paper, based on the Alternative Load Path Method, the quantitative analysis method for structural robustness analysis under earthquake is proposed. The structural robustness of some different vertical irregular isolated structures under different earthquakes is studied.
Current Challenges in Orographic Flow Dynamics: Turbulent Exchange Due to Low-Level Gravity-Wave Processes
Authors: Vosper Simon B. , Ross Andrew N. , Renfrew Ian A. , Sheridan Peter , Elvidge Andrew D. , Grubišić Vanda
Published: September 2018

This paper examines current understanding of the influence of orographic flow dynamics on the turbulent transport of momentum and scalar quantities above complex terrain. It highlights three key low-level orographic flow phenomena governed by gravity-wave dynamics: Foehn flow, atmospheric rotors and gravity-wave modulation of the stable boundary layer. Recent observations and numerical simulations are used to illustrate how these flows can cause significant departures from the turbulent fluxes, which occur over flat terrain. Orographically forced fluxes of heat, moisture and chemical constituents are currently unaccounted for in numerical models. Moreover, whilst turbulent orographic drag parameterisation schemes are available (in some models), these do not represent the large gravity-wave scales associated with foehn dynamics; nor do they account for the spatio-temporal heterogeneity and non-local turbulence advection observed in wave-rotor dynamics or the gravity waves, which modulate turbulence in the boundary layer. The implications for numerical models, which do not resolve these flows, and for the parametrisation schemes, which should account for the unresolved fluxes, are discussed. An overarching need is identified for improved understanding of the heterogeneity in sub-grid-scale processes, such as turbulent fluxes, associated with orographic flows, and to develop new physically-based approaches for parameterizing these processes.
Optical Pumping of TeH+: Implications for the Search for Varying mp/me
Authors: Stollenwerk Patrick , Kokish Mark , De Oliveira-Filho Antonio , Ornellas Fernando , Odom Brian
Published: September 2018

Molecular overtone transitions provide optical frequency transitions sensitive to variation in the proton-to-electron mass ratio ( μ ≡ m p / m e ). However, robust molecular state preparation presents a challenge critical for achieving high precision. Here, we characterize infrared and optical-frequency broadband laser cooling schemes for TeH + , a species with multiple electronic transitions amenable to sustained laser control. Using rate equations to simulate laser cooling population dynamics, we estimate the fractional sensitivity to μ attainable using TeH + . We find that laser cooling of TeH + can lead to significant improvements on current μ variation limits.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor and Aldosterone-Related Biomarkers of End-Organ Damage in Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Gorini Stefania , Marzolla Vincenzo , Mammi Caterina , Armani Andrea , Caprio Massimiliano
Published: September 2018

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was first identified as a blood pressure regulator, modulating renal sodium handling in response to its principal ligand aldosterone. The mineralocorticoid receptor is also expressed in many tissues other than the kidney, such as adipose tissue, heart and vasculature. Recent studies have shown that MR plays a relevant role in the control of cardiovascular and metabolic function, as well as in adipogenesis. Dysregulation of aldosterone/MR signaling represents an important cause of disease as high plasma levels of aldosterone are associated with hypertension, obesity and increased cardiovascular risk. Aldosterone displays powerful vascular effects and acts as a potent pro-fibrotic agent in cardiovascular remodeling. Mineralocorticoid receptor activation regulates genes involved in vascular and cardiac fibrosis, calcification and inflammation. This review focuses on the role of novel potential biomarkers related to aldosterone/MR system that could help identify cardiovascular and metabolic detrimental conditions, as a result of altered MR activation. Specifically, we discuss: (1) how MR signaling regulates the number and function of different subpopulations of circulating and intra-tissue immune cells; (2) the role of aldosterone/MR system in mediating cardiometabolic diseases induced by obesity; and (3) the role of several MR downstream molecules as novel potential biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases, end-organ damage and rehabilitation outcome.
Phase I Study of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy and Image-Guided Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Authors: Ohno Tatsuya , Noda Shin-ei , Murata Kazutoshi , Yoshimoto Yuya , Okonogi Noriyuki , Ando Ken , Tamaki Tomoaki , Kato Shingo , Hirakawa Takashi , Kanuma Tatsuya , Minegishi Takashi , Nakano Takashi ,   On behalf of the Working Group for Gynecologic Cancer
Published: September 2018

A phase I study was performed to determine the recommended dose of carbon ion radiotherapy and 3D image-guided brachytherapy for histologically confirmed stage II (≥4 cm), III, or IVA cervical cancer. Dose-limiting toxicities (treatment-related toxicities occurring within three months from the start of carbon ion radiotherapy) included Grade 3 non-hematological toxicity, Grade 4 hematological toxicity, or interruption of treatment for more than two weeks due to treatment-related toxicities. Carbon ion radiotherapy consisted of whole-pelvic irradiation with 36.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) in 12 fractions and local boost with 19.2 Gy in four fractions for the primary site, and for positive lymph nodes. Three sessions of three-dimensional (3D) image-guided brachytherapy were administered after completion of carbon ion radiotherapy. Weekly cisplatin at a dose of 40 mg/m2 was given concurrently. At a dose level of one, a total rectosigmoid D2cc dose between 67.2 Gy and 71.3 Gy at a biological equivalent dose of 2 Gy per fraction from carbon ion radiotherapy and 3D image-guided brachytherapy was prescribed. Six patients were enrolled into this dose level. No patients developed the pre-defined dose-limiting toxicities. For late toxicities, however, one patient developed Grade 3 rectal hemorrhage requiring transfusion at 10 months after treatment. The median survival time was 50.0 months for the five surviving patients. No further dose escalation was performed, and we determined the dose of level one as the recommended rectosigmoid dose. Although our results are preliminary, the study regimen encourages further investigation (registration: UMIN000013340).
Performance of Mn-Fe-Ce/GO-x for Catalytic Oxidation of Hg0 and Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx in the Same Temperature Range
Authors: An Donghai , Zhang Xiaoyang , Cheng Xingxing , Dong Yong
Published: September 2018

A series of composites of Mn-Fe-Ce/GO-x have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Their performance in simultaneously performing the catalytic oxidation of Hg0 and the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the same temperature range were investigated. In order to investigate the physicochemical properties and surface reaction, basic tests, including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), XRD, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were selected. The results indicate that the active components deposited on graphene play an important role in the removal of mercury and NOx, with different valences. Especially, the catalyst of Mn-Fe-Ce/GO-20% possesses an excellent efficiency in the temperature range of 170 to 250 °C. Graphene has a huge specific surface area and good mechanical property; thus, the active components of the Mn-Fe-Ce catalyst can be highly dispersed on the surface of graphene oxide. In addition, the effects of O2, H2O, NO and SO2 on the removal efficiency of Hg0 were examined in flue gas. Furthermore, the regeneration experiments conducted by thermal methods proved to be promising methods.
Biosynthesis of Nylon 12 Monomer, ω-Aminododecanoic Acid Using Artificial Self-Sufficient P450, AlkJ and ω-TA
Authors: Ahsan Md Murshidul , Patil Mahesh D. , Jeon Hyunwoo , Sung Sihyong , Chung Taeowan , Yun Hyungdon
Published: September 2018

ω-Aminododecanoic acid is considered as one of the potential monomers of Nylon 12, a high-performance member of the bioplastic family. The biosynthesis of ω-aminododecanoic acid from renewable sources is an attractive process in the polymer industry. Here, we constructed three artificial self-sufficient P450s (ArtssP450s) using CYP153A13 from Alcanivorax borkumensis and cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) domains of natural self-sufficient P450s (CYP102A1, CYP102A5, and 102D1). Among them, artificial self-sufficient P450 (CYP153A13BM3CPR) with CYP102A1 CPR showed the highest catalytically activity for dodecanoic acid (DDA) substrate. This form of ArtssP450 was further co-expressed with ω-TA from Silicobacter pomeroyi and AlkJ from Pseudomonas putida GPo1. This single-cell system was used for the biotransformation of dodecanoic acid (DDA) to ω-aminododecanoic acid (ω-AmDDA), wherein we could successfully biosynthesize 1.48 mM ω-AmDDA from 10 mM DDA substrate in a one-pot reaction. The productivity achieved in the present study was five times higher than that achieved in our previously reported multistep biosynthesis method (0.3 mM).
Metal Ion Interactions with Crude Oil Components: Specificity of Ca2+ Binding to Naphthenic Acid at an Oil/Water Interface
Authors: Taylor Spencer E. , Chu Hiu Tung
Published: September 2018

On the basis of dynamic interfacial tension measurements, Ca2+ has been shown specifically to interact with naphthenic acid (NA) at the n-heptane/water interface, consistent with NA adsorption followed by interfacial complexation and formation of a more ordered interfacial film. Optimum concentrations of Ca2+ and NA have been found to yield lower, time-dependent interfacial tensions, not evident for Mg2+ and Sr2+ or for several alkali metal ions studied. The results reflect the specific hydration and coordination chemistry of Ca2+ seen in biology. Owing to the ubiquitous presence of Ca2+ in oilfield waters, this finding has potential relevance to the surface chemistry underlying crude oil recovery. For example, “locking” acidic components at water/oil interfaces may be important for crude oil emulsion stability, or in bonding bulk oil to mineral surfaces through an aqueous phase, potentially relevant for carbonate reservoirs. The relevance of the present results to low salinity waterflooding as an enhanced crude oil recovery technique is also discussed.
Evaluating Sustainability of Regional Water Resources Based on Improved Generalized Entropy Method
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhou Jinghong , Zhou Runjuan
Published: September 2018

The sustainability of regional water resources has important supporting data needed for establishing policies on the sustainable development of the social economy. The purpose of this paper is to propose an assessment method to accurately reflect the sustainability of regional water resources in various areas. The method is based on the relative entropy of the information entropy theory. The steps are as follows. Firstly, the pretreatment of the evaluation sample data is required, before the relative entropy of each standard evaluation sample and evaluation grade (SEG) is calculated to obtain the entropy weight of each evaluation index. After this, the entropy weighted comprehensive index (WCI) of the standard evaluation grade sample is obtained. The function relation between WCI and SEG can be fitted by the cubic polynomial to construct the evaluation function. Using the above steps, a generalized entropy method (GEM) for the sustainable assessment of regional water resources is established and it is used to evaluate the sustainability of water resources in the Pingba and Huai River areas in China. The results show that the proposed GEM model can accurately reflect the sustainable water resources in the two regions. Compared with the other evaluation models, such as the Shepherd method, Artificial Neural Network and Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the GEM model has larger differences in its evaluation results, which are more reasonable. Thus, the proposed GEM model can provide scientific data support for coordinating the relationship between the sustainable development and utilization of regional water resources in order to improve the development of regional population, society and economy.
Reduced Computational Complexity Orthogonal Matching Pursuit Using a Novel Partitioned Inversion Technique for Compressive Sensing
Authors: Kim Seonggeon , Yun Uihyun , Jang Jaehyuk , Seo Geunsu , Kang Jongjin , Lee Heung-No , Lee Minjae
Published: September 2018

This paper reports a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) design of compressed sensing (CS) using the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm. While solving the least-squares (LS) problem in the OMP algorithm, the complexity of the matrix inversion operation at every loop is reduced by the proposed partitioned inversion that utilizes the inversion result in the previous iteration. By the proposed matrix (n × n) inversion method inside the OMP, the number of operations is reduced down from O(n3) to O(n2). The OMP algorithm is implemented with a Xilinx Kintex UltraScale. The architecture with the proposed partitioned inversion involves 722 less DSP48E compared with the conventional method. It operates with a sample period of 4 ns, signal reconstruction time of 27 μs, and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) of 30.26 dB.
An Irregular Current Injection Islanding Detection Method Based on an Improved Impedance Measurement Scheme
Authors: Liu Menghua , Zhao Wei , Wang Qing , Huang Songling , Shi Kunpeng
Published: September 2018

One class of islanding detection methods, known as impedance measurement-based methods and voltage change monitoring-based methods, are implemented through injecting irregular currents into the network, for which reason they are defined in this paper as irregular current injection methods. This paper indicates that such methods may be affected by distributed generation (DG) unit cut-in events. Although the network impedance change can still be used as a judgment basis for islanding detection, the general impedance measurement scheme cannot separate island events from DG unit cut-in events in multi-DG operation. In view of this, this paper proposes a new islanding detection method based on an improved impedance measurement scheme, i.e., dynamic impedance measurement, which will not be affected by DG unit cut-in events and can further assist some other equipment in islanding detection. The simulations and experiments verify the stated advantages of the new islanding detection method.
Forecasting Carbon Emissions Related to Energy Consumption in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region Based on Grey Prediction Theory and Extreme Learning Machine Optimized by Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Li Menglu , Wang Wei , De Gejirifu , Ji Xionghua , Tan Zhongfu
Published: September 2018

Carbon emissions and environmental protection issues have brought pressure from the international community during Chinese economic development. Recently, Chinese Government announced that carbon emissions per unit of GDP would fall by 60–65% compared with 2005 and non-fossil fuel energy would account for 20% of primary energy consumption by 2030. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is an important regional energy consumption center in China, and its energy structure is typically coal-based which is similar to the whole country. Therefore, forecasting energy consumption related carbon emissions is of great significance to emissions reduction and upgrading of energy supply in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Thus, this study thoroughly analyzed the main energy sources of carbon emissions including coal, petrol, natural gas, and coal power in this region. Secondly, the kernel function of the support vector machine was applied to the extreme learning machine algorithm to optimize the connection weight matrix between the original hidden layer and the output layer. Thirdly, the grey prediction theory was used to predict major energy consumption in the region from 2017 to 2030. Then, the energy consumption and carbon emissions data for 2000–2016 were used as the training and test sets for the SVM-ELM (Support Vector Machine-Extreme Learning Machine) model. The result of SVM-ELM model was compared with the forecasting results of SVM (Support Vector Machine Algorithm) and ELM (Extreme Learning Machine) algorithm. The accuracy of SVM-ELM was shown to be higher. Finally, we used forecasting output of GM (Grey Prediction Theory) (1, 1) as the input of the SVM-ELM model to predict carbon emissions in the region from 2017 to 2030. The results showed that the proportion of energy consumption seriously affects the amount of carbon emissions. We found that the energy consumption of electricity and natural gas will reach 45% by 2030 and carbon emissions in the region can be controlled below 96.9 million tons. Therefore, accelerating the upgradation of industrial structure will be the key task for the government in controlling the amount of carbon emissions in the next step.
Laboratory Test Bed for Analyzing Fault-Detection Reaction Times of Protection Relays in Different Substation Topologies
Authors: Jurišić Goran , Havelka Juraj , Capuder Tomislav , Sučić Stjepan
Published: September 2018

Visions of energy transition focus on activating end users, meaning that numerous flexible-distribution network-level devices become active participants in power-system operations. This implies a fast, reliable, and secure exchange of data, enabling the distribution-system operators to maintain, or even improve, the quality and delivery of service. With the introduction of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850 standard, the path is set for a single communication topology covering all substation levels. The standard has the potential to change the way substations are designed, built, tested, and maintained. This means that the key segment of the substation, its protection system, will go through a transition period with the end goal of having a digitized substation where all information exchange is performed over an Ethernet communication bus. This paper analyzes the performance impact of the IEC 61850-9-2LE on the protection system. To do this, a laboratory hardware-in-the-loop test setup was developed representing traditional-, hybrid-, and digital-substation topology. The setup serves to simulate faults and create transient waveforms in an extended IEEE 123-node test system, which is then used to detect the reaction times of protection relay devices. To verify the results, a significant number of tests was performed clearly showing the benefits of digitalizing the distribution system.
Comparative Analysis of CO2, N2, and Gas Mixture Injection on Asphaltene Deposition Pressure in Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhao Fenglan , Hou Jirui , Lu Guoyong , Zhang Meng , Wang Zhixing
Published: September 2018

CO2 and N2 injection is an effective enhanced oil recovery technology in the oilfield especially for low-permeability and extra low-permeability reservoirs. However, these processes can induce an asphaltene deposition during oil production. Asphaltene-deposition-induced formation damage is a fairly severe problem. Therefore, predicting the likelihood of asphaltene deposition in reservoir conditions is crucial. This paper presents the results of flash separation experiments used to investigate the composition of crude oil in shallow and buried-hill reservoirs. Then, PVTsim Nova is used to simulate the composition change and asphaltene deposition of crude oil. Simulation tests indicate that the content of light components C1-C4 and heavy components C36+ decrease with increasing CO2 and N2 injection volumes. However, the extraction of CO2 is significantly stronger than that of N2. In shallow reservoirs, as the CO2 injection volume increases, the deposition pressure range decreases and asphaltenes are easily deposited. Conversely, the asphaltene deposition pressure of crude oil injected with N2 is higher and will not cause serious asphaltene deposition. When the CO2-N2 injection ratio reaches 1:1, the deposition pressure range shows a significant transition. In buried-hill reservoirs, asphaltene deposition is unlikely to occur with CO2, N2, and a gas mixture injection.
Health Risks Associated with Occupational Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution in Commercial Drivers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lawin Herve , Ayi Fanou Lucie , Hinson Antoine Vikkey , Stolbrink Marie , Houngbegnon Parfait , Kedote Nonvignon Marius , Fayomi Benjamin , Kagima Jacqueline , Katoto Patrick , Ouendo Edgard Marius Dona , Mortimer Kevin
Published: September 2018

Ambient air pollution is a major global health problem and commercial drivers are particularly exposed to it. As no systematic assessment of the health risks associated with occupational exposure to ambient air pollution in this population had yet been carried out, we conducted a systematic review using a protocol-driven strategy. Papers published from inception to April 20, 2018 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, African journals online, the Cochrane library, ISRCTN WHO ICTRP, and the Web of Science and Scopus databases were screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers. Original articles with at least an available abstract in English or French were included. The initial search retrieved 1454 published articles of which 20 articles were included. Three studies reported a significant difference in white blood cells (106/L) among commercial motorcyclists compared to rural inhabitants (5.041 ± 1.209 vs. 5.900 ± 1.213, p = 0.001), an increased risk of lung cancer (RR = 1.6, 95%CI 1.5–1.8) in bus drivers and an increased standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in bus drivers from Hodgkin’s lymphoma (SMR 2.17, 95%CI 1.19–3.87) compared to white-collar workers. Other studies also found that drivers had more oxidative DNA damage and chromosome breaks. Four papers failed to demonstrate that the drivers were more exposed to air pollution than the controls. Three other studies also reported no significant difference in lung function parameters and respiratory symptoms. The genetic polymorphisms of detoxifying enzymes were also not homogeneously distributed compared to the controls. There is some evidence that occupational exposure to ambient air pollution among commercial drivers is associated with adverse health outcomes, but the existing literature is limited, with few studies on small sample size, methodological weaknesses, and contradictory findings—thus, further research is recommended.
The Epidemiology of Food Allergy in the Global Context
Authors: Loh Wenyin , Tang Mimi L. K.
Published: September 2018

There is a lack of high-quality evidence based on the gold standard of oral food challenges to determine food allergy prevalence. Nevertheless, studies using surrogate measures of food allergy, such as health service utilization and clinical history, together with allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), provide compelling data that the prevalence of food allergy is increasing in both Western and developing countries. In Western countries, challenge-diagnosed food allergy has been reported to be as high as 10%, with the greatest prevalence noted among younger children. There is also growing evidence of increasing prevalence in developing countries, with rates of challenge-diagnosed food allergy in China and Africa reported to be similar to that in Western countries. An interesting observation is that children of East Asian or African descent born in a Western environment are at higher risk of food allergy compared to Caucasian children; this intriguing finding emphasizes the importance of genome-environment interactions and forecasts future increases in food allergy in Asia and Africa as economic growth continues in these regions. While cow’s milk and egg allergy are two of the most common food allergies in most countries, diverse patterns of food allergy can be observed in individual geographic regions determined by each country’s feeding patterns. More robust studies investigating food allergy prevalence, particularly in Asia and the developing world, are necessary to understand the extent of the food allergy problem and identify preventive strategies to cope with the potential increase in these regions.