bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust H∞ Control for Nonlinear Uncertain Switched Descriptor Systems with Time Delay and Nonlinear Input: A Sliding Mode Approach
Authors: Kchaou Mourad , Al Ahmadi Saleh
Published: June 2017

This paper addresses the problem of sliding mode control (SMC) design for a class of uncertain switched descriptor systems with state delay and nonlinear input. An integral sliding function is designed and an adaptive sliding mode controller for the reaching motion is then synthesised such that the trajectories of the resulting closed-loop system can be driven onto a prescribed sliding surface and maintained there for all subsequent times. Moreover, based on a new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, a delay-dependent sufficient condition is established such that the admissibility as well as the H∞ performance requirement of the sliding mode dynamics can be guaranteed in the presence of time delay, external disturbances, and nonlinear input which comprises dead-zones and/or sector nonlinearities. The major contributions of this paper of this approach include (i) the closed-loop system exhibiting strong robustness against nonlinear dynamics and (ii) the control scheme enjoying the chattering-free characteristic. Finally, two representative examples are given to illustrate the theoretical developments.
Association between Gastric Cancer Risk and Serum Helicobacter pylori Antibody Titers
Authors: Shuto Mitsutaka , Fujioka Toshio , Matsunari Osamu , Okamoto Kazuhisa , Mizukami Kazuhiro , Okimoto Tadayoshi , Kodama Masaaki , Takigami Shigeru , Seguchi Chuichi , Nonaka Yoshihito , Sato Ryugo , Yamaoka Yoshio , Murakami Kazunari
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims. It is difficult to confirm the accurate cutoff value to diagnose Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection using commercial serology kits. It is reported that there were many cases with present/past infection that even the serum Hp-IgG antibody (HpAb) titers were below the cutoff value (e.g., 10 U/mL for E-Plate®), suggesting that we might overlook many gastric cancer (GC). We investigated an association between gastric cancer risk and serum Helicobacter pylori antibody titers. Methods. We conducted a primary screening between 2014 and 2015. We performed gastroendoscopy if HpAb titers were ≥3.0 U/mL (i.e., more than measurable limit, E-Plate). These patients were divided into two groups: HpAb = 3.0–9.9 U/mL (“negative-high” group) and HpAb ≥ 10 U/mL; cutoff value (“over-10 U/mL” group). Hp infection status was investigated, and the number of GC patients was counted. Results. Among the 3321 subjects in the primary screening, 56.9% (1891/3321) showed HpAb titers ≥3.0 U/mL; 1314 patients underwent gastroendoscopy. Ten were GC. 421 patients were “negative-high” group; two were GC. After evaluating 381 patients for Hp infection, 22.6%/60.6% was with present/past infection among the “negative-high” group. Conclusion. We also found a correlation between HpAb titers and Hp infection status. “Negative-high” group has a risk of GC.
Drug Target Protein-Protein Interaction Networks: A Systematic Perspective
Authors: Feng Yanghe , Wang Qi , Wang Tengjiao
Published: June 2017

The identification and validation of drug targets are crucial in biomedical research and many studies have been conducted on analyzing drug target features for getting a better understanding on principles of their mechanisms. But most of them are based on either strong biological hypotheses or the chemical and physical properties of those targets separately. In this paper, we investigated three main ways to understand the functional biomolecules based on the topological features of drug targets. There are no significant differences between targets and common proteins in the protein-protein interactions network, indicating the drug targets are neither hub proteins which are dominant nor the bridge proteins. According to some special topological structures of the drug targets, there are significant differences between known targets and other proteins. Furthermore, the drug targets mainly belong to three typical communities based on their modularity. These topological features are helpful to understand how the drug targets work in the PPI network. Particularly, it is an alternative way to predict potential targets or extract nontargets to test a new drug target efficiently and economically. By this way, a drug target’s homologue set containing 102 potential target proteins is predicted in the paper.
Optimization of ITS Construction Scheme for Road Network under the Restriction of Different Transports’ Passenger Person‐Kilometers
Authors: Li Ming-wei
Published: June 2017

Diversified transport modes and increased personal transportation demands have increased in urban traffic problems such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution. To cope with traffic problems, advanced transportation technologies are being developed as intelligent transportation system (ITS). There is a growing trend to coordinate varying kinds of transportation modes. However, the effective construction and application of ITS in urban traffic can be affected by many factors, such as transport mode. Therefore, how to reasonably construct ITS by consideration of different transport modes’ characteristics and requirements is an important research challenge. Additionally, both costs and negative effects must be minimized and application efficiency is required to be optimal in the construction process. To address these requirements, a multiobjective optimization model and a fuzzy selecting optimum model were combined to study the construction scheme based on optimization results. The empirical analysis of Beijing, China, suggested several considerations for improvements to future road network ITS construction with controlled costs. Finally, guidelines are proposed to facilitate ITS construction, improve ITS application efficiency, and transform and innovate strategies to cope with urban traffic.
Primary Occipital Ewing’s Sarcoma with Subsequent Spinal Seeding
Authors: Alqahtani Ali , Amer Roaa , Bakhsh Eman
Published: June 2017

Ewing’s sarcoma is a primary bone cancer that mainly affects the long bones. This malignancy is particularly common in pediatric patients. Primary cranial involvement accounts for 1% of cases, with occipital involvement considered extremely rare. In this case study, primary occipital Ewing’s sarcoma with a posterior fossa mass and subsequent relapse resulting in spinal seeding is reported. A 3-year-old patient presented with a 1-year history of left-sided headaches, localized over the occipital bone with progressive torticollis. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed a mass in the left posterior fossa compressing the brainstem. The patient then underwent surgical excision followed by adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Two years later, the patient presented with severe lower back pain and urinary incontinence. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) seeding from the L5 to the S4 vertebrae. Primary cranial Ewing’s sarcoma is considered in the differential diagnosis of children with extra-axial posterior fossa mass associated with destructive permeative bone lesions. Although primary cranial Ewing’s sarcoma typically has good prognosis, our patient developed metastasis in the lower spine. Therefore, with CNS Ewing’s sarcoma, screening of the entire neural axis should be taken into consideration for early detection of CSF seeding metastasis in order to decrease the associated morbidity and mortality.
Luminomagnetic Silica-Coated Heterodimers of Core/Shell FePt/Fe3O4 and CdSe Quantum Dots as Potential Biomedical Sensor
Authors: Souza Caio Guilherme Secco de , Souza João Batista , Beck Watson , Varanda Laudemir Carlos
Published: June 2017

We report the synthesis of a new multifunctional nanomaterial based on silica-coated FePt/Fe3O4-CdSe heteronanostructures, combining luminescent and magnetic properties in a promising bifunctional sensor for biomedical applications. Spherical Fe3O4-coated FePt (FePt/Fe3O4) superparamagnetic nanoparticles (10.8 ± 1.5 nm) with high saturation magnetization and controlled size and shape were obtained using thermal decomposition coupled with seed-mediated growth method. Luminescent property was added to the nanomaterial by using the FePt/Fe3O4 magnetic core as seed and growing the CdSe quantum dots (2.7 ± 0.6 nm) onto its surface in a heterodimer-like structure using the hot-injection approach. The FePt/Fe3O4-CdSe luminomagnetic heteronanostructures were coated with silica shell using the reverse-micelle microemulsion route to avoid solvent-quenching effects. After silica coating, the water-dispersible heteronanostructures showed a diameter of 25.3 ± 2 nm, high colloidal stability, magnetic saturation of around 11 emu g−1, and photoluminescence in the blue-green region, as expected for potential bifunctional platform in biomedical applications. The saturation magnetization of heteronanostructures can be increased to 28 emu g−1 by annealing at 550°C due to the presence of the FePt phase.
Evaluation of Stability and In Vitro Security of Nanoemulsions Containing Eucalyptus globulus Oil
Authors: de Godoi Samantha Nunes , Quatrin Priscilla Maciel , Sagrillo Michele Rorato , Nascimento Kátia , Wagner Roger , Klein Bruna , Santos Roberto Christ Vianna , Ourique Aline Ferreira
Published: June 2017

Essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus presents several pharmacological properties. However, their therapeutic efficacy may be affected by limitations due to several conditions, rendering it difficult to obtain stable and effective pharmaceutical formulations. The use of nanotechnology is an alternative to improve their characteristics aiming to ensure their stability and effectiveness. Furthermore, studies about the possible toxic effects of nanostructures are necessary to evaluate safety when the formulation comes into contact with human cells. Hence, in this paper, we evaluate for the first time the stability and in vitro cytogenotoxicity of nanoemulsions containing Eucalyptus globulus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. As a result, the stability study found that the best condition for storage up to 90 days was refrigeration (4°C); it was the condition that best preserved the nanometric features. The content of the major compounds of oil was maintained after nanoencapsulation and preserved over time. In tests to evaluate the safety of this formulation, we can conclude that, at a low concentration (approximately 0.1%), Eucalyptus globulus nanoemulsion did not cause toxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and also showed a protective effect in cells against possible damage when compared to oil in free form.
Role of pH in the Aqueous Phase Reactivity of Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles with Acid Orange 7, a Model Molecule of Azo Dyes
Authors: Freyria F. S. , Esposito S. , Armandi M. , Deorsola F. , Garrone E. , Bonelli B.
Published: June 2017

The effect of both pH and surface oxidation of nanoparticles is studied on the interaction between a commercial slurry of Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron (NZVI) and the azo dye Acid Orange 7 (AO7). NZVI is a reducing agent used for the degradation of several pollutants, including azo dyes: during pollutant degradation, it undergoes progressive oxidation and dissolution. Though it is generally acknowledged that NZVI consists of core-shell nanoparticles, where the core of metallic iron is covered by FexOy shell, it still remains a poorly defined system. In this work, the solid fraction recovered by filtration and drying was characterized by means of XRD diffraction with Rietveld refinement, N2 isotherms at 77 K, FE-SEM and TEM observation, EDX analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Powders were obtained from both the parent slurry and the same slurry pretreated with HCl in order to remove FexOy shell, finally reactivating the nanoparticles. The aforementioned physicochemical characterization allowed figuring out some correlations between the properties of the studied nanomaterial and the processes occurring when it is in contact with AO7 in aqueous phase. The type of interaction occurring within the NZVI/AO7 system (adsorption and type of redox reactions) strongly depends not only on the pH of the starting solution, but also on the surface oxidation of the nanoparticles.
Does Dopamine Depletion Trigger a Spreader Lexical-Semantic Activation in Parkinson’s Disease? Evidence from a Study Based on Word Fluency Tasks
Authors: Zabberoni S. , Carlesimo G. A. , Peppe A. , Caltagirone C. , Costa A.
Published: June 2017

It has been hypothesised that, in Parkinson’s disease (PD), dopamine might modulate spreading activation of lexical-semantic representations. We aimed to investigate this hypothesis in individuals with PD without dementia by assessing word frequency and typicality in verbal fluency tasks. We predicted that the average values of both of these parameters would be lower in PD patients with respect to healthy controls (HC). We administered letter-cued and category-cued fluency tasks to early PD patients in two experimental conditions: the tasks were administered both after 12–18 hours of dopaminergic stimulation withdrawal (“OFF” condition) and after the first daily dose of dopaminergic therapy (“ON” condition). HC were also given the two tasks in two conditions with the same intersession delay as PD patients but without taking drugs. Results showed that in both OFF and ON treatment conditions PD patients did not differ from HC in word frequency or typicality. Moreover, in the PD group, no significant difference was found between the experimental conditions. Our results show that semantic spreading was not altered in the PD sample examined; this suggests that in early PD the functioning of the semantic system is relatively independent from the activity of dopamine brain networks.
Brewer–Dobson Circulation: Recent-Past and Near-Future Trends Simulated by Chemistry-Climate Models
Authors: Hu Dingzhu , Guo Yipeng , Wang Feiyang , Xu Qi , Li Yuanpu , Sang Wenjun , Wang Xudong , Liu Meichen
Published: June 2017

Based on data from 16 chemistry-climate models (CCMs) and separate experimental results using a state-of-the-art CCM, the trends in the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) during the second half of the 20th century (1960–2000) and the first half of the 21st century (2001–2050) are examined. From the ensemble mean of the CCMs, the BDC exhibits strengthening trends in both the 20th and 21st centuries; however, the acceleration rates of tropical upwelling and southern downwelling during 2001–2050 are smaller than those during 1960–2000, while the acceleration rate of the northern downward branch of the BDC during 2001–2050 is slightly larger than that during 1960–2000. The differences in the extratropical downwelling trends between the two periods are closely related to changes in planetary-wave propagation into the stratosphere caused by the combined effects of increases in the concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and changes in stratospheric ozone. Model simulations demonstrate that the response of southern downwelling to stratospheric ozone depletion is larger than that to the increase in GHGs, but that the latter plays a more important role in the strengthening of northern downwelling. This result suggests that, under the expected future climate, northern downwelling will play a more important role in balancing tropical upwelling.
The Implied Risk Neutral Density Dynamics: Evidence from the S&P TSX 60 Index
Authors: Souissi Nessim
Published: June 2017

The risk neutral density is an important tool for analyzing the dynamics of financial markets and traders’ attitudes and reactions to already experienced shocks by financial markets as well as the potential ones. In this paper, we present a new method for the extraction information content from option prices. By eliminating bias caused by daily variation of contract maturity through a completely nonparametric technique based on kernel regression, we allow comparing evolution of risk neutral density and extracting from time continuous indicators that detect evolution of traders’ attitudes, risk perception, and belief homogeneity. This method is useful to develop trading strategies and monetary policies.
Sestrin2 as a Novel Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Various Diseases
Authors: Pasha Mazhar , Eid Ali H. , Eid Assaad A. , Gorin Yves , Munusamy Shankar
Published: June 2017

Sestrin2 (SESN2), a highly conserved stress‐inducible metabolic protein, is known to repress reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provide cytoprotection against various noxious stimuli including genotoxic and oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and hypoxia. Studies demonstrate that the upregulation of Sestrin2 under conditions of oxidative stress augments autophagy‐directed degradation of Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1), which targets and breaks down nuclear erythroid‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key regulator of various antioxidant genes. Moreover, ER stress and hypoxia are shown to induce Sestrins, which ultimately reduce cellular ROS levels. Sestrin2 also plays a pivotal role in metabolic regulation through activation of the key energy sensor AMP‐dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Other downstream effects of Sestrins include autophagy activation, antiapoptotic effects in normal cells, and proapoptotic effects in cancer cells. As perturbations in the aforementioned pathways are well documented in multiple diseases, Sestrin2 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for various diseases. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the upstream regulators and the downstream effectors of Sestrins and to highlight the significance of Sestrin2 as a biomarker and a therapeutic target in diseases such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
Iron Homeostasis in Tissues Is Affected during Persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in Mice
Authors: Edvinsson Marie , Tallkvist Jonas , Nyström-Rosander Christina , Ilbäck Nils-Gunnar
Published: June 2017

Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) may be a mediator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. For its growth C. pneumoniae depends on iron (Fe), but how Fe changes in tissues during persistent infection or affects bacterial replication in tissues is unknown. C. pneumoniae-infected C57BL/6J mice were sacrificed on days 4, 8, 20, and 40. Mice had bacteria in the lungs and liver on all days. Inflammatory markers, chemokine Cxcl2 and interferon-gamma, were not affected in the liver on day 40. The copper (Cu)/zinc (Zn) ratio in serum, another marker of infection/inflammation, increased on day 4 and tended to increase again on day 40. The Fe markers, transferrin receptor (TfR), Hepcidin (Hamp1), and ferroportin 1 (Fpn1), increased in the liver on day 4 and then normalized except for TfR that tended to decrease. TfR responses were similar to Fe in serum that increased on day 4 but tended to decrease thereafter. In the liver, Fe was increased on day 4 and also on day 40. The reappearing increases in Cu/Zn on day 40 concomitant with the increase in liver Fe on day 40, even though TfR tended to decrease, and the fact that viable C. pneumoniae was present in the lungs and liver may indicate the early phase of activation of recurrent infection.
Micropore Structures in Cenosphere-Containing Cementitious Materials Using Micro-CT
Authors: Yoon Seyoon , Park Inhwan
Published: June 2017

Cenospheres have been recently applied to increase the volume of uniform micropores in hardened cementitious materials. Therefore, application of micro-CT to cenosphere-containing binders will help better understand the micropores formed by cenospheres in the hardened materials. Accordingly, the present study prepared Portland cement paste, alkali-activated fly ash/silica fume, and alkali-activated fly ash with 60% weight replacement by cenospheres and reconstructed their micropore structures using micro-CT. From the pore structure, individual micropores were extracted and analyzed using the principal moment ratios (I11/I33 and I22/I33). Based on the moment ratios, the representative pore shapes were determined in the different pore-volume ranges. Four-factor pore compliance contribution (4-factor PCC) model was then applied to predict the influences of the micropores on the elastic moduli of the micropore/matrix composites.
Placenta Percreta in a Gravid Bicornuate Unicollis Uterus
Authors: Ngichabe Sammy , Sura Mandeep
Published: June 2017

Background. Identifying bicornuate uterus can be challenging especially as a cause of early pregnancy bleeding. On ultrasonographic examination, it is difficult to misdiagnose pregnancy in a bicornuate uterus as an ectopic pregnancy due to the continuity of the endometrium. A rudimentary horn of a bicornuate uterus in early pregnancy can occasionally be misdiagnosed for an ectopic pregnancy especially when compounded by severe abdominal pains and supportive sonographic evidence. Myometrial invasive grading of placenta may be necessary for emergency preparedness and consenting. Hemihysterectomy is lifesaving when percreta has caused severe postpartum haemorrhage. Case Presentation. We present a 24-year-old primigravida who presented to the maternity department with severe abdominal pains at 35 weeks. She was pale on clinical examination and haemodynamically unstable. She underwent emergency caesarean section with a preoperative diagnosis of concealed abruptio placentae. Intraoperatively we encountered a bicornuate uterus, delivered a fresh stillbirth, and noted a placenta percreta. A hemihysterectomy was done and she recovered after transfusion without complications. Conclusion. A gravid horn of a bicornuate uterus may present as an ectopic pregnancy; careful assessment at laparotomy or laparoscopy is required to prevent inadvertent surgical termination of pregnancy. Placental myometrial invasive assessment is important for delivery emergency preparedness.
A Structural Property of Trees with an Application to Vertex‐Arboricity
Authors: Wang Ming-jia , Han Jing-ti
Published: June 2017

We provide a structural property of trees, which is applied to show that if a plane graph G contains two edge‐disjoint spanning trees, then its dual graph G⁎ has the vertex‐arboricity at most 2. We also show that every maximal plane graph of order at least 4 contains two edge‐disjoint spanning trees.
Automated Detection of Motion Artefacts in MR Imaging Using Decision Forests
Authors: Lorch Benedikt , Vaillant Ghislain , Baumgartner Christian , Bai Wenjia , Rueckert Daniel , Maier Andreas
Published: June 2017

The acquisition of a Magnetic Resonance (MR) scan usually takes longer than subjects can remain still. Movement of the subject such as bulk patient motion or respiratory motion degrades the image quality and its diagnostic value by producing image artefacts like ghosting, blurring, and smearing. This work focuses on the effect of motion on the reconstructed slices and the detection of motion artefacts in the reconstruction by using a supervised learning approach based on random decision forests. Both the effects of bulk patient motion occurring at various time points in the acquisition on head scans and the effects of respiratory motion on cardiac scans are studied. Evaluation is performed on synthetic images where motion artefacts have been introduced by altering the k-space data according to a motion trajectory, using the three common k-space sampling patterns: Cartesian, radial, and spiral. The results suggest that a machine learning approach is well capable of learning the characteristics of motion artefacts and subsequently detecting motion artefacts with a confidence that depends on the sampling pattern.
An Investigation on the Dynamic Response of Cable Stayed Bridge with Consideration of Three-Axle Vehicle Braking Effects
Authors: Nguyen Xuan-Toan , Tran Van-Duc , Hoang Nhat-Duc
Published: June 2017

The cable-stayed bridge (CSB) is often used to span over the large rivers on the highway with a high-level navigational clearance; however, CSB is very sensitive to live load. Most of the previous studies on vibration analysis of CSB that focus on complex traffic loading and vehicle dynamic interaction as well as on the bridge deck do not consider braking effects thoroughly. In this paper, the finite element method (FEM) is used to investigate the dynamic response of CSB due to a three-axle vehicle considering braking effects. Vertical reaction forces of axles that change with time make bending vibration of the bridge deck increase significantly. The braking in a span is able to create response in other spans, towers, and cables. In addition, the impact factors are investigated on both FEM and experiment with a case study of Pho Nam bridge (Danang city, Central Vietnam). The results of this study provide an improved understanding of the CSB dynamic behaviors, and they can be used as useful references for bridge codes by practicing engineers.
Clinical Comparison of the Subepithelial Connective Tissue versus Platelet-Rich Fibrin for the Multiple Gingival Recession Coverage on Anterior Teeth Using the Tunneling Technique
Authors: Pazmiño Victor Fabrizio Cabrera , Rodas Miguel Agusto Riquelme , Cáceres Carlos David Barrios , Duarte Guillermo Gustavo Renault , Azuaga Melanie Vanesa Cano , de Paula Bruna Luísa , Caliente Eliana Aparecida , Soares Simone , Silveira Elcia Maria Varize
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare, clinically, the efficiency of the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) using the tunnel technique to cover the multiple gingival recessions on anterior teeth, in the same patient. Within the limits of this study, we conclude that both SCTG and L-PRF proved to be reliable options for the treatment of gingival recessions, efficiently supporting the biological and aesthetic demand, stimulating the periodontal tissues’ health, and bringing reliable and highly predictable results.
Novel Genetic Findings in a Chinese Family with Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome
Authors: Li Kuanshu , Yang Liu , Liu Ying , Lin Ding
Published: June 2017

Purpose. To describe a Chinese family with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) and report our novel genetic findings.Methods. Nine members of the same family underwent complete ophthalmologic examinations and genetic analysis. Genomic DNA was isolated from veinal blood and amplifed using PCR; the products of PCR were sequenced and compared with FOXC1 and PITX2 genes, from which the mutations were found.Results. Through the ophthalmologic examinations, 8 subjects were diagnosed as ARS and 1 subject was normal. A homozygous mutation c.1139_1141dupGCG(p.Gly380_Ala381insGly) and a heterozygous mutation c.1359_1361dupCGG(p.Gly456_Gln457insGly) in FOXC1 were identified in all subjects. The mutation (c.-10-30T>C) was identified in PITX2 in subjects III-1 and III-3.Conclusions.We found novel gene mutations in a Chinese family with ARS, which provides us with a better understanding of the gene mutation spectrum of ARS and the assistance for the genetic counseling and gene-specific therapy in the future.
Rapid Separation of Indole Glucosinolates in Roots of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapaSubsp. Pekinensis) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection
Authors: Aires Alfredo , Carvalho Rosa
Published: June 2017

Glucosinolates are a class of sulphur-containing plant compounds with diverse biological properties. They have been found exclusively in the Brassicaceae family plants and studied exhaustively in biosynthetic and application perspectives. The aim of this current study is to present a simple and updated method to quantify indole glucosinolate content in hairy root cultures of Chinese cabbage by HPLC-DAD-UV/Vis. Method validation controls were performed and recovery experiments were assayed. The data was statically treated and compared with published works. The current method allowed a feasible identification of indole glucosinolates and it was possible to identify accurately three indole glucosinolate compounds (glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and 1-methoxyglucobrassicin) in roots of Chinese cabbage. The method demonstrated a good linearity (R2>0.99), a good precision, and selectivity sensitivity. In conclusion, this protocol provides an accessible method to extract and quantify glucosinolates in plant samples. Thus, based on our results, the method is valid and can be extended to other plant or food matrices.
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography of Drugs: Parallel Factor Analysis for Column Testing in a Wide Range of Operational Conditions
Authors: Al Bakain Ramia Z. , Al-Degs Yahya , Andri Bertyl , Thiébaut Didier , Vial Jérôme , Rivals Isabelle
Published: June 2017

Retention mechanisms involved in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) are influenced by interdependent parameters (temperature, pressure, chemistry of the mobile phase, and nature of the stationary phase), a complexity which makes the selection of a proper stationary phase for a given separation a challenging step. For the first time in SFC studies, Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) was employed to evaluate the chromatographic behavior of eight different stationary phases in a wide range of chromatographic conditions (temperature, pressure, and gradient elution composition). Design of Experiment was used to optimize experiments involving 14 pharmaceutical compounds present in biological and/or environmental samples and with dissimilar physicochemical properties. The results showed the superiority of PARAFAC for the analysis of the three-way (column × drug × condition) data array over unfolding the multiway array to matrices and performing several classical principal component analyses. Thanks to the PARAFAC components, similarity in columns’ function, chromatographic trend of drugs, and correlation between separation conditions could be simply depicted: columns were grouped according to their H-bonding forces, while gradient composition was dominating for condition classification. Also, the number of drugs could be efficiently reduced for columns classification as some of them exhibited a similar behavior, as shown by hierarchical clustering based on PARAFAC components.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Delayed Sputum Conversion among Patients Treated for Smear Positive PTB in Northwestern Rural Tanzania: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gunda Daniel W. , Nkandala Igembe , Kavishe Godfrey A. , Kilonzo Semvua B. , Kabangila Rodrick , Mpondo Bonaventura C.
Published: June 2017

Introduction.Smear positive TB carries high morbidity and mortality. The TB treatment aims at sputum conversion by two months of antituberculous. Patients who delay sputum conversion remain potentially infectious, with risk of treatment failure, drug resistance, and mortality. Little is known about the magnitude of this problem in our setting. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of delayed sputum conversion in northwestern rural part of Tanzania.Methods.This was a retrospective cohort study involving smear positive TB patients at Sengerema DDH in 2015. Demographic data, HIV status, and sputum results at TB diagnosis and on TB treatment were collected and analyzed using STATA 11.Results.In total, 156 patients were studied. Males were 97 (62%); the median age was 39 [30–51] years. Fifty-five (35.3%) patients were HIV coinfected and 13 (8.3%) patients had delayed sputum conversion which was strongly associated with male gender (OR=8.2,p=0.046), age >50 years (OR=6.7,p=0.003), and AFB 3+ (OR=8.1,p=0.008).Conclusions.Delayed sputum conversion is prevalent in this study. These patients can potentially fail on treatment, develop drug resistance, and continue spreading TB. Strategies to reduce the rate of delayed sputum conversion could also reduce these potential unfavorable outcomes.
Role of ARPC2 in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Yi , Yu Chang-Jun , Dai Fu , Xiong Jie , Li Hong-Jun , Wu Zheng-Sheng , Ding Rui , Wang Hong
Published: June 2017

Gastric cancer continues to be the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths worldwide. However, the exact molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Further research to find potential targets for therapy is critical and urgent. In this study, we found that ARPC2 promoted cell proliferation and invasion in the human cancer cell line MKN-28 using a cell total number assay, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide) assay, cell colony formation assay, migration assay, invasion assay, and wound healing assay. For downstream pathways, CTNND1, EZH2, BCL2L2, CDH2, VIM, and EGFR were upregulated by ARPC2, whereas PTEN, BAK, and CDH1 were downregulated by ARPC2. In a clinical study, we examined the expression of ARPC2 in 110 cases of normal human gastric tissues and 110 cases of human gastric cancer tissues. ARPC2 showed higher expression in gastric cancer tissues than in normal gastric tissues. In the association analysis of 110 gastric cancer tissues, ARPC2 showed significant associations with large tumor size, lymph node invasion, and high tumor stage. In addition, ARPC2-positive patients exhibited lower RFS and OS rates compared with ARPC2-negative patients. We thus identify that ARPC2 plays an aneretic role in human gastric cancer and provided a new target for gastric cancer therapy.
Chloride Diffusivity and Life Prediction of Cracked RC Beams Exposed to Different Wet-Dry Ratios and Exposure Duration
Authors: Wu Jieqiong , Diao Bo , Ye Yinghua , Zheng Xiaoning
Published: June 2017

Effects of crack width, wet-dry ratio, and exposure duration of wet-dry cycles on chloride ingress of RC beams were experimentally studied. Crack widths of 40, 70, 90, and 120 microns were, respectively, induced by three-point flexural loading and four wet-dry ratios (seawater spraying 1 d in one wet-dry cycle) of 1 : 3, 1 : 7, 1 : 11, and 1 : 15 were selected. Chloride contents of RC beams were tested every 32 d (or 16 d) of wet-dry cycles. Results show that chloride content increased significantly when crack width was larger than 90 microns and wet-dry ratio was 1 : 3, and it increased slightly when crack width was 120 microns and wet-dry ratio was 1 : 7, 1 : 11, and 1 : 15. The chloride content on steel bar surface became the largest when crack width was less than 90 microns and wet-dry ratio was 1 : 7, and while crack width was equal to or greater than 90 microns and wet-dry ratio was 1 : 3, it was the largest. Based on the testing results, chloride diffusion model and prediction model of residual service life of RC beams were suggested considering combined effects of crack width and exposure duration. The predicted residual service lives were corresponding well with experimental results and they decreased as crack width increased.
Hand Hygiene Practices and Microbial Investigation of Hand Contact Swab among Physiotherapists in an Ebola Endemic Region: Implications for Public Health
Authors: Ibeneme S. , Maduako V. , Ibeneme G. C. , Ezuma A. , Ettu T. U. , Onyemelukwe N. F. , Limaye D. , Fortwengel G.
Published: June 2017

Background. Hand hygiene practices (HHP), as a critical component of infection prevention/control, were investigated among physiotherapists in an Ebola endemic region. Method. A standardized instrument was administered to 44 randomly selected physiotherapists (23 males and 21 females), from three tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Fifteen participants (aged 22–59 years) participated in focus group discussions (FGDs) and comprised 19 participants in a subsequent laboratory study. After treatment, the palms/fingers of physiotherapists were swabbed and cultured, then incubated aerobically overnight at 37°C, and examined for microbial growths. An antibiogram of the bacterial isolates was obtained. Results. The majority (34/77.3%) of physiotherapists were aware of the HHP protocol, yet only 15/44.1% rated self-compliance at 71–100%. FGDs identified forgetfulness/inadequate HHP materials/infrastructure as the major barriers to HHP. Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent organisms, prior to (8/53.33%) and after (4/26.67%) HPP, while Pseudomonas spp. were acquired thereafter. E. coli were the most antibiotic resistant microbes but were completely removed after HHP. Ciprofloxacin and streptomycin were the most effective antibiotics. Conclusion. Poor implementation of HPP was observed due to inadequate materials/infrastructure/poor behavioral orientation. Possibly, some HPP materials were contaminated; hence, new microbes were acquired. Since HPP removed the most antibiotic resistant microbes, it might be more effective in infection control than antibiotic medication.
The Antioxidant Properties of Pectin Fractions Isolated from Vegetables Using a Simulated Gastric Fluid
Authors: Smirnov Vasily V. , Golovchenko Victoria V. , Vityazev Fedor V. , Patova Olga A. , Selivanov Nikolay Yu. , Selivanova Olga G. , Popov Sergey V.
Published: June 2017

The antioxidant properties of vegetable pectin fractions against intraluminal reactive oxygen species were elucidated in vitro in conjunction with their structural features. The pectin fractions were isolated using a simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.5, pepsin 0.5 g/L, 37°C, 4 h) from fresh white cabbage, carrot, onion, and sweet pepper. The fraction from onion was found to inhibit the production of superoxide radicals by inhibiting the xanthine oxidase. The high molecular weight of onion pectin and a large number of galactose residues in its side chains appeared to participate in interaction with xanthine oxidase. All the isolated pectic polysaccharides were found to be associated with protein (2–9%) and phenolics (0.5–0.7%) as contaminants; these contaminants were shown to be responsible for the antioxidant effect of vegetable pectin fractions against the hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals.
Global Asymptotic Stability for Discrete Single Species Population Models
Authors: Bilgin A. , Kulenović M. R. S.
Published: June 2017

We present some basic discrete models in populations dynamics of single species with several age classes. Starting with the basic Beverton-Holt model that describes the change of single species we discuss its basic properties such as a convergence of all solutions to the equilibrium, oscillation of solutions about the equilibrium solutions, Allee’s effect, and Jillson’s effect. We consider the effect of the constant and periodic immigration and emigration on the global properties of Beverton-Holt model. We also consider the effect of the periodic environment on the global properties of Beverton-Holt model.
Conditional Stability and Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions of Weakly Delayed Linear Discrete Systems in R2
Authors: Diblík Josef , Halfarová Hana , Šafařík Jan
Published: June 2017

Two-dimensional linear discrete systems x(k+1)=Ax(k)+∑l=1nBlxl(k-ml),  k≥0, are analyzed, where m1,m2,…,mn are constant integer delays, 0<m1<m2<⋯<mn, A, B1,…,Bn are constant 2×2 matrices, A=(aij), Bl=(bijl),  i,j=1,2,  l=1,2,…,n, and x:{-mn,-mn+1,…}→R2. Under the assumption that the system is weakly delayed, the asymptotic behavior of its solutions is studied and asymptotic formulas are derived.
Antihypercholesterolemic Effects of Fruit Aqueous Extract of Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore in Mice Diet‐Induced Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Paim Raquel Teixeira Terceiro , Benjamin Stephen Rathinaraj , Rondina Davide , Marques Márcia Maria Mendes , Viana Daniel de Araújo , Gonzaga Maria Leônia da Costa , Vieira Ícaro Gusmão Pinto , Mendes Francisca Noélia Pereira , Rodrigues Paula Alves Salmito , Guedes Maria Izabel Florindo
Published: June 2017

The present objective of the investigation is to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic activity of the aqueous fruit pulp extract (APE) of Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore (Arecaceae family). Various chemical characterization methods like thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR, and molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography have been employed to characterize the extracted pectin. The present study demonstrated that hypercholesterolemic diet (HD) created hypercholesterolemia, caused significant increases in body weight, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein, and caused decreases in high‐density lipoprotein in serum compared with SD group. Two doses (APE 150 and 300 mg/Kg b.w./day) were administered to hyperlipidemic mice for 90 days. APE reversed body weight changes, changed serum lipids to normal values, and significantly inhibited the changes of lipid peroxidation and inflammation in the liver tissues. The renal parameters analyzed (urea and creatinine) altered by diet were reverted to normal values. Our results revealed that aqueous fruit pulp extracts of carnauba reduced hypercholesterolemia showing a potential preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases without side effects cause.
Studies on Characterization of Corn Cob for Application in a Gasification Process for Energy Production
Authors: Anukam Anthony I. , Goso Boniswa P. , Okoh Omobola O. , Mamphweli Sampson N.
Published: June 2017

Quintessential characteristics of corn cob were investigated in this study in order to determine its gasification potential. Results were interpreted in relation to gasification with reference to existing data from the literature. The results showed that the gasification of corn cob may experience some challenges related to ash fouling, slagging, and sintering effects that may be orchestrated by high ash content recorded for corn cob, which may contribute to increasing concentration of inorganic elements under high temperature gasification conditions, even though EDX analysis showed reduced concentration of these elements. The study also found that the weight percentages of other properties such as moisture, volatile matter, and fixed carbon contents of corn cob as well as its three major elemental components (C, H, and O) including its clearly exhibited fiber cells make corn cob a suitable feedstock for gasification. FTIR analysis revealed the existence of –OH, C–O, C–H, and C=C as the major functional group of atoms in the structure of corn cob that may facilitate formation of condensable and noncondensable liquid and gaseous products during gasification. TGA results indicated that complete thermal decomposition of corn cob occurs at temperatures close to 1000°C at a heating rate of 20°C/min.
Development of Stabilized Magnetite Nanoparticles for Medical Applications
Authors: Ardelean Ioana Lavinia , Stoencea Luric Bogdan Niculae , Ficai Denisa , Ficai Anton , Trusca Roxana , Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Nechifor Gheorghe , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: June 2017

We report a facile method to synthesize magnetite nanoparticles with mesoporous structure by coprecipitation method using different stabilizing agents like salicylic acid, glutamic acid, and trichloroacetic acid. The stabilizing agents were used to prevent the aggregation of the magnetite nanocrystals and to obtain stable nanostructures even in the biological environment. The structure and morphology of magnetic nanocrystals were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, infrared (IR) spectra, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The results reveal important differences between these magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which are mainly attributed to the stabilizing agents. The smallest nanoparticles were obtained in the presence of trichloroacetate ions. The mechanism of formation of these suprastructures is strongly correlated with the end functional groups of the stabilizing agent. Thus, the obtained nanoparticles are potential candidates for contrast agents as well as targeted carrier for specific diseases, especially cancer.
On the Potential of 25 Years (1991–2015) of Rawinsonde Measurements for Elucidating Climatological and Spatiotemporal Patterns of Afternoon Boundary Layer Depths over the Contiguous US
Authors: Lee Temple R. , Pal Sandip
Published: June 2017

The daytime planetary boundary layer (PBL) depth is an essential parameter in, for example, dispersion models and numerical weather prediction. We applied a recently developed technique to estimate afternoon PBL depths from 516,887 daily rawinsonde measurements obtained at 0000 UTC between 1 Jan 1991 and 31 Dec 2015 from 67 US sites. We discuss salient features in the PBL depth variability and examine the climatology of afternoon PBL depths as a function of geographical region and Köppen-Geiger climate regime. Results indicated a strong east to west PBL depth gradient, with higher PBL depths over the semiarid regions of the western US in spring and summer. Many sites located near coastlines exhibited no seasonal cycle due to marine boundary layer influences, and an inverse relationship was found between distance from the coast and observed afternoon PBL depth. Differentiating by climate type, BWk (arid, desert, and cold) has the largest median winter (1075 m) and summer (2500 m) PBL depths. Median PBL depths for Cfa (temperate, no dry season, and hot summers), Dfa (cold, no dry season, and warm summer), and Dfb (cold, no dry season, and hot summers) climate types are 750 m and 1000 m during winter and summer, respectively.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Meets Biological Networks of Complex Diseases: A Computational Perspective
Authors: Gu Shuo , Pei Jianfeng
Published: June 2017

With the rapid development of cheminformatics, computational biology, and systems biology, great progress has been made recently in the computational research of Chinese herbal medicine with in‐depth understanding towards pharmacognosy. This paper summarized these studies in the aspects of computational methods, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound databases, and TCM network pharmacology. Furthermore, we chose arachidonic acid metabolic network as a case study to demonstrate the regulatory function of herbal medicine in the treatment of inflammation at network level. Finally, a computational workflow for the network‐based TCM study, derived from our previous successful applications, was proposed.
Relationship between Height-Weight Difference Index and Body-Fat Percentage Estimated by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Thai Adults
Authors: Juntaping Kanokkarn , Chittawatanarat Kaweesak , Prasitwattanaseree Sukon , Chaijaruwanich Jeerayut , Traisathit Patrinee
Published: June 2017

Introduction. The height-weight difference index (HWDI) is a new indicator for evaluating obesity status. While body-fat percentage (BF%) is considered to be the most accurate obesity evaluation tool, it is a more expensive method and more difficult to measure than the others.Objective. Our objectives were to find the relationship between HWDI and BF% and to find a BF% prediction model from HWDI in relation to age and gender.Method. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure BF% in 2,771 healthy adult Thais. HWDI was calculated as the difference between height and weight. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between HWDI and BF%. Multiple linear and nonlinear regression analysis were used to construct the BF% prediction model.Results. HWDI and BF% were found to be inverse which related to a tendency toward a linear relationship. Results of a multivariate linear regression analysis, which included HWDI and age as variables in the model, predicted BF% to be 34.508 − 0.159 (HWDI) + 0.161 (age) for men and 53.35 − 0.265 (HWDI) + 0.132 (age) for women.Conclusions. The prediction model provides an easy-to-use obesity evaluation tool that should help awareness of underweight and obesity conditions.