bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization of Cu, S doped TiO2 and Its Photocatalytic Activity for Degradation of Remazol Black B
Authors: Haris Abdul , Gunawan Gunawan , Widodo Didik Setiyo , Nuryanto Rahmad , Lusiana Retno Ariadi , Viantikasari Mei
Published: April 2019

Copper and sulfur modified TiO2(Cu-S-TiO2) photocatalyst was successfully synthesized using TiCl4, Cu(NO3)2.3H2O and H2SO4 as precursors by the sol-gel method andcalcination at 450°C for 4 hours. The synthesized photocatalyst was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method. The XRD results showed that the Cu-S-TiO2 photocatalyst had an anatase phase with a crystal grain size of 17.54 nm. However, the SEM image of the modified TiO2 showed inhomogeneous phase due to the crystal clustering of imperfect homogenization during the synthesis and sintering processes. The patterns of EDSof Cu-S-TiO2depicted the elements of Ti, O, Cu and S with doping of Cu and S c.a. 7 and 1%, respectively. Analysis using DRS UV-Vis showed Cu-S-TiO2 was able to shift the absorption of the TiO2 photocatalyst wavelength to the visible region with a band energy gap of 1.9 eV. The BET analysis results showed that the specific surface area (SBET), pore volume (Vp) and average pore volume radius (Dp) were measured from large Cu-S-TiO2, therefore Cu-S-TiO2 had good physicochemical and photocatalytic properties. The photocatalytic activity of 0.1 g Cu-S-TiO2 with 15 Watt tungsten light irradiation for 4 h was able to degrade 50 mL remazol black B 10 mg/L c.a. 92.60 %.
Review: Potensi mikrobial selulase, xilanase, dan protease dalam fermentasi kopi luwak (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) secara in vitro
Authors: Kiyat Warsono El , Mentari Dessy , Santoso Natalia
Published: April 2019

Kopi luwak adalah kopi bernilai tinggi dengan aroma dan rasa khas, yang dihasilkan dari biji kopi yang telah difermentasi sebagian dalam sistem pencernaan luwak (Paradoxurus hermaprodithus). Tingginya permintaan kopi ini dan produksi alami yang unik berimplikasi pada praktek pemaksaan dan penyiksaan hewan luwak, serta adanya kontroversi status kehalalan produk. Fermentasi in vitro menggunakan selulase, xilanase, dan protease yang diisolasi dari kotoran luwak tampaknya dapat menjadi alternatif proses untuk menghindari masalah pelecehan hewan, menjamin kehalalan produk serta memastikan keberlanjutan produksi kopi luwak. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meringkas dan mensintesis peran tiga enzim ini (selulase, xilanase, dan protease) dalam fermentasi in vitro kopi luwak dan pengaruhnya pada karakteristik kimia dan sensori berdasarkan hasil-hasil penelitian terbaru. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa fermentasi in vitro menggunakan selulase, xilanase, dan protease. biji kopi menghasilkan karakteristik kimia dan sensorik yang sama dengan yang dihasilkan melalui proses alami yang melibatkan hewan luwak.
Synthesis of Surfactant Tert-Butyl Glycosides from Glucose and Tert-Butanol
Authors: Pawignya Harsa , Kusworo Tutuk Djoko , Pramudono Bambang
Published: April 2019

In Indonesia, a lot of discarded agricultural waste still contains cellulose (35-50%), the waste can still be hydrolyzed to glucose and then used as raw material in the manufacture of surfactants. Glucose can be reacted with tert-butanol using a para-toluene sulfonic acid catalyst to form tert-butyl glycoside surfactant. The purpose of this study was to study the process conditions influence the variable mole ratio, temperature, and catalyst percent on the yield of tert-butyl glycosides. The results showed that at mole ratio 1:5; temperature 70oC; and the percentage of catalyst 2.5 %, the yield obtained was 98.58 % with tert-butyl glycosides content of 61.2 %. Furthermore, the molecular structure of the surfactant was analyzed using FTIR while surface tension to determine the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value and obtained an HLB value of 4.61 Therefore, tert-butyl glycoside surfactant can be used as an emulsifier in the water-in-oil emulsion system.Keywords: glucose; surfactant; tert-butanol; tert-butyl glycosides
Antimicrobial Activity of Kaffir Lime Peel Extract against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Purwanto Rosalie , Pabontong Jeni , Retnoningtyas Ery Susiany , Irawaty Wenny
Published: April 2019

Kaffir lime peels contain polyphenols as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. The aims of this study were to (1) extract phenolics compounds from kaffir lime peels using water, ethanol 70% and ethanol 96% as the solvent, and (2) assess the antibacterial activity of the extract against Streptococcus mutans which is the main cause of dental caries. Research methodology includes preparation and extraction of polyphenols from kaffir lime peels, preparation of mouthwash based-kaffir lime peels extracts and evaluation the mouthwash ability to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The results show water exhibited the best solvent to extract polyphenols among the three solvents. The total phenolics content in the water extract was observed at 11.42±0.48 mg GAE/g, whilst in the two ethanolic extracts were 10.91±0.87 and 8.87±0.53 mg GAE/g for ethanol 70 and 96%, respectively. Consequently, the water-based extract performed the highest antimicrobial activity. The highest inhibition zone was demonstrated by 100% extract of concentration extract variation. Although the inhibition zone of the mouthwash was smaller than the commercial product, the extract has the potential to be developed as a safe mouthwash for long-term usage.Keywords: dental caries; kaffir lime; mouthwash; peel; phenolic; Streptococcus mutans
Regulation of Kisspeptin mediated signaling by non-coding RNAs in different cancers: the beginning of a new era
Authors: Farooqi Ammad Ahmad , Attar Rukset , Bageshlooyafshar Behnaz , Sabitaliyevich Uteuliyev Yerzhan , Nurmurzayevich Sadykov Bolat , Yelekenova Armida Bakhytbekovna , Gormus Uzay
Published: April 2019

Kisspeptin-driven intracellular signaling has captured enormous attention because of its central role in cancer onset and progression. Wealth of information has helped us to develop a better understanding of the critical roles of Kisspeptin-mediated signaling in different cancers. However, astonishingly, we have not yet drilled down deep into the mysterious aspects associated with non-coding RNA mediated regulation of Kisspeptin-driven signaling. Therefore, in this mini-review, we will comprehensively analyze available evidence related to miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) and their ability to modulate Kisspeptin-mediated signaling. There are visible knowledge gaps about interplay between non-coding RNAs and Kisspeptin-mediated signaling. It will be appropriate to say that we have just started to scratch the surface of an entirely new regulatory layer of Kisspeptin-mediated transduction cascade. Mechanistically, it has been revealed that inhibition of Kisspeptin mediated signaling activated and stimulated the entry of NFÎºB into the nucleus to stimulate expression of proteins which can sequentially inactivate tumor suppressor miRNAs. miRNAs have also an instrumental role in regulation of proteins which post-translationally modify and inhibit KISS1 expression. It is becoming progressively more understandable that LncRNAs act as miRNA sponges and protect oncogenic mRNAs. However, these facets are also incompletely investigated. Identification of LncRNAs which interfere with Kisspeptin-mediated pathway either through acting as miRNA sponges or working with methylation-associated machinery will be helpful in sharpening the resolution of the pixels of the regulatory network which shapes Kisspeptin-mediated signaling.
The effects of antioxidant combination on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ismet Burcu , Coskun Zeynep Mine , Bolkent Sema , Yanardag Refiye
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study is an investigation the protective effects of vitamin C (Vit C), vitamin E (Vit E), Î²-carotene, sodium selenate combination in indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. Rats were divided into 6 groups. Group I: Intact animals (control). Group II: Control animals receiving Vit C (100 mg/kg/day), Vit E (100 mg/kg/day), Î²-carotene (15 mg/kg/day) and sodium selenate (0.2 mg/kg/day) for 3 days. Group III: Animals receiving 25 mg/kg indomethacin. Group IV: Animals receiving Vit C, Vit E, Î²-carotene and sodium selenate (in same doses) for 3 days 2 h before the administration of indomethacin. Group V: Animals receiving ranitidine (150 mg/kg) for 3 days. Group VI: Animals receiving ranitidine for 3 days 2 h before to the administration of indomethacin (in same dose and time). The administration of indomethacin caused a decrease in the levels of glutathione, mucus, hexosamine and in the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, sodium-potassium ATPase, thromboplastic activity and an increase in the aspartate and alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, lactate dehydrogenase, myeloperoxidase activities and sialic acid, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels.  Stomach caspase-8 immun+ cell numbers showed a slight increase while caspase-9 immun+ cell numbers reduced in indomethacin given group compared to control animals. Our results findings suggest that the combination of Vit C, Vit E, Î²-carotene, sodium selenate and ranitidine has a protective effect on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal injury of rats.
Identification of a novel missense eya4 mutation causing autosomal dominant non"‘syndromic hearing loss in a chinese family
Authors: Xiao Shu-ying , Qu Jing , Zhang Qin , Ao Ting , Zhang Jun , Zhang Rui-hua
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to identify the novel missense eya4 mutation which cause autosomal dominant non syndromic hearing loss In a Chinese family. Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in humans, but the middle-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (MFSNHL) is rare among hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss, and EYA4 is one of the genes reported to be associated with MFSNHL. A genetic analysis of a Chinese family with autosomal dominant non"‘syndromic progressive hearing impairment was conducted and assessed. Targeted exome sequencing, conducted using DNA samples of an affected member in this family, revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.1855T>G in exon 20 of EYA4, causing amino-acid (aa) substitution Gly for Trp at a conserved position aa-619. The p.W619G mutation related to hearing loss in this Chinese family was validated by Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis confirmed the pathogenic effects of this mutation. We identified the novel missense mutation c.1855T>G (p.W619G) in EYA4 causing autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing impairment in the selected Chinese family.
Influence of macerated fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) oil added to trout feed at the different rates on the Feed Conversion Rate (FCR), body length, blood parameters and Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) values "‹"‹of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Wal
Authors: Altinterim Başar
Published: April 2019

In this study, 1% and 2% of macerated fenugreek oil was added to the feeds of rainbow trout with an average weight of 25.79 ± 1.5 g. At the end of the study, growth rate, blood parameters and NBT (Nitroblue Tetrazolium) level of rainbow trout were determined. The best feed ratio (FCR) was observed in the control group (0.77). Statistically significant differences were found only in MID values (P<0.05), although there was a numerical increase in all blood parameters. There was no statistically significant difference between NBT levels (P> 0.05). Although the best weight gain was in the control group as in the FCR values, the maximum elongation was measured at D1 and then at D2 (P <0.05). The best survival rate was obtained with 96.66% in D1 while the worst was observed in D2 with 60% (p<0,05).
Relationship between the methylation levels of Twist gene and pathogenesis of endometriosis
Authors: Juanqing Li , Hailan Yu , Xiangwei Fei , Tao Zhang , Junyan Ma , Jianhong Zhou , Jun Lin , Jianhua Yang
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference of Twist gene promoter methylation among ovarian ectopic endometrium, eutopic endometrium and non-endometriosis (EMs) endometrium . 15 patients with reproductive age hospitalized at Department of obstetrics and gynecology affiliated to Medicine School of Zhejiang University from January 2013 to June 2016 were selected. Among them, 5 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery due to ovarian type EMs, and were selected after histologic confirmation. Ectopic endometrium and eutopic endometrium were obtained simultaneously. Normal endometrium was obtained from 5 cases of tubal infertility confirmed by hysteroscopy. Six pairs of primers for CpG island of Twist gene promoter were designed, and the difference of promoter methylation levels was detected by pyrosequencing method for methylation specific PCR (MSP) in three groups of endometrial tissues. The promoter of Twist gene is hypomethylated in some areas of ovarian ectopic endometrium and eutopic endometrium of ovarian endometriosis. It is speculated that the regional hypomethylation of Twist gene promoter in ovarian ectopic endometrium and eutopic endometrium may cause over-expression of Twist protein, which may directly lead to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
6-Gingerol inhibits proliferation in gastric cancer via the STAT3 pathway in vitro
Authors: Li Li , Ji Yi , Ma Yan-Xia , Gao Liang-Qin , Zhou Hong-Guang , Wu Mian-Hua
Published: April 2019

The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article. All authors agree to this retraction.
Piperazine ferulate exerts antihypertensive effect and improves endothelial function in vitro and in vivo via the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Jianzhi Shao , Qizeng Wang , Bin Lin , Wenhui Lin , Yunpeng Chen , Chenrong Fan , Lin Zheng , Huiting Chen
Published: April 2019

To investigate the effect of piperazine ferulate (PF) on hypertension and endothelial function, and to assess the possible underlying mechanism. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), adult male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats aged 12 to 14 weeks, and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used for this study. Cell viability, activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), in vivo NO synthesis, arterial systolic blood pressure, vascular function, expressions of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and phosphorylated-eNOS (p-eNOS) were determined or assessed as appropriate. The results of MTT assay showed the number of viable cells were significantly increased with increase in PF concentration (p < 0.05). The level of expression of ACE was significantly reduced with increase in PF concentration (p < 0.05), while the level of HO-1 expression significantly increased (p < 0.05). Results of DAF-FM fluorescent staining showed that the amounts of NO synthesized in vivo was significantly higher in aortic rings of SH and SD rats treated with PF than in the corresponding control groups (p < 0.05). Treatment with PF in vivo significantly improved impaired acetylcholine-induced aortic relaxation in SH rats. Total eNOS expression was significantly increased after treatment with PF (p < 0.05). The expressions of total eNOS and p-eNOS in both groups were not affected by PF when compared to the control group. These results indicate that PF exerts antihypertensive effect and improves endothelial function in vitro and in vivo via the activation of eNOS.
Impact of priming on seed germination, seedling growth and gene expression in common vetch under salinity stress
Authors: Aydinoğlu Bilal , Shabani Akbar , Safavi Seyed Mehdi
Published: April 2019

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors that is expanding its influence because of global climate change and global warming. It causes gene expression changes, a reduction in seed germination and related characteristics, and poor seedling establishment in many crop plants by creating a lower osmotic potential in the seedbed and/or toxic ion effects in germinated seeds. In recent years, seed priming has been considered a promising strategy in modern stress management to protect plants against stress conditions. This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of osmopriming with polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-6000) on seed germination, seedling growth and gene expression in the common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in different saline conditions. Common vetch seeds were primed with PEG-6000 solutions having different osmotic potentials (0.00, -0.50,  -0.75, -1.00, -1.25, and -1.50 MPa) for 12 hours. Control (un-primed) and primed seeds were germinated and seedlings were grown in different saline conditions (EC= zero, 4, 8 and 16 dS m-1). Furthermore, gene expression was compared in the primed seedlings in two different osmotic potentials (0.00 and -1.50 MPa) by microarray technology. Results demonstrated that germination percentage of common vetch seeds and seedling growth were diminished by high salinity. However, several priming treatments alleviated the adverse effects of high salinity on germination and early seedling growth of common vetch. The microarray showed that the expression of many genes in both stress and normal conditions was not significantly different.
Gene cloning, expression pattern analysis, and subcellular localization of LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) homologs in chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.)
Authors: Wu Zhiping , Gao Yike , Fan Min , Gao Yaohui
Published: April 2019

Flowering is a very important developmental stage in the plant life cycle. LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) has been shown to participate in epigenetic silencing of flowering genes. Here, for the first time, we isolated and characterized six CmLHP1 homolog genes from the important day-neutral ornamental Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivar ‘Jin budiao'. These homolog genes were most likely generated by whole-genome duplication. Bioinformatic analysis showed that chrysanthemum LHP1 homologs present low similarity to other plant LHP1-like genes. However, three nuclear localization signals and two domains were highly conserved among them. The secondary structures of the CmLHP1 homologs mainly include Î±-helices and random coils, indicating that the proteins are mixed proteins. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that the six CmLHP1 genes constituted a small clade and had the closest relationship with LsLHP1 (Lactuca sativa LHP1). Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the CmLHP1 homologs were expressed in different tissues during the developmental period of chrysanthemum, but they were highly expressed in the buds, especially during the key S1 stage of the inflorescence. Furthermore, the expression patterns of CmLHP1 homologs showed divergence under different photoperiods. Both CmLHP1b and CmLHP1e exhibited photoperiod sensitivity in leaves. Intriguingly, CmLHP1c was insensitive to photoperiod in both the shoot apexes and the leaves. Subcellular localization revealed that the six CmLHP1 proteins were located in the nucleus. These results reveal that CmLHP1 homolog genes could be strong candidates as important regulators of flowering time in chrysanthemum.
Molecular role of peptides/proteins in subfertility of polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Celik Onder , Aydin Suleyman , Celik Nilufer , Ugur Kader , Yavuzkir Seyda , Hatirnaz Safak , Yardim Meltem , Celik Sude
Published: April 2019

Obesity and hyperandrogenemia are known to have adverse effects on both developing follicle and endometrium receptivity in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Insulin resistance also contributes to this dilemma as a cause or a consequence and leads to worsening of the clinical picture. The difficulty in obtaining pregnancy despite the presence of a large number of oocyte has concentrated our attention on oocyte quality and development. However, the occurence of subfertility has also caused us to investigate the presence of different etiologic agents in non-obese PCOS women with normal androgen and insulin levels. In this context peptides have become the most accused and investigated molecules in cases of impaired fertility due to PCOS. Most of the studies investigating the relationship between PCOS and peptide did not support each other. The difficulties in measuring peptide levels as well as the individual variations in peptide synthesis and release are possible causes of this incongruity. For all these reasons, the incorporation of studies investigating the relationship between PCOS, peptide and subfertility in an article has become critical to pioneering future work. Understanding the association between peptides and subfertility will help us to understand the effects of peptides on failed fertility in PCOS. Moreover, updating our knowledge about peptides may allow us designing new drugs to to treat subfertility in PCOS. This review provides a general summary of the mechanisms of action of neuroendocrine peptides in regulating reproductive events. Since it is not usual to discuss all peptides in this context, only the effects of key central and peripheral peptides on fertility in PCOS have been extensively addressed.
The concurrent effect of acyclovir and rosemary on glioblastoma cell culture
Authors: í–zdemir Meryem Damla , Göktürk Dilek
Published: April 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a beta herpesvirus which large amount of people in world has interacted with. Recent studies indicated that CMV DNA is associated with several cancer types including "Glioblastoma (GBM)” which is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain cancer. In clinical studies it was shown that several antiviral medicines prolonged life span of glioblastoma patients. One of them is Acyclovir (ACV) which is a type of nucleoside analog, used to cure viral infections and might be a potential treatment supplement for Glioblastoma. In this study we aimed to investigate if ACV had cytotoxic effect on glioblastoma cell line U87 MG and also the effect of ACV on healthy cells. Furthermore it was aimed to search the effect of Rosmarinus Officinalis also known as rosemary which is an aromatic, perennial plant concurrent with ACV on glioblastoma and healthy cells.
The selection of contract strategies using the analytic network process for oil and gas projects: a case study
Authors: De Jesus Vinicius Maia , Monteiro Gomes Luiz Flavio Autran , Filardi Fernando
Published: April 2019

The key objective of this study was to select Oil & Gas projects contract strategies. The ANP method was used in order to achieve this objective. The candidate strategies had multiple, interrelated consequences and generated a series of impacts (technical, commercial and environmental). The study carried out by using the ANP added significant value to the company by making the evaluation and selection processes more transparent and efficient as well as by reducing environmental impacts and optimizing the use of natural resources. A working group was formed to analyze the possible contract strategies for a particularly complex project and an ex post facto analysis was performed. The case study was therefore developed in a setting of investment review by the working group including professionals from different subareas. Those professionals were responsible for recommending the most adequate contract strategy. The working group focused on four possible alternatives (A, B, C and D). However, A and B were discarded for not attending to the restrictions related to the necessary cash and debt impact. Therefore, only C and D were analyzed, taking into account the five criteria with greater relative weight: cost, performance, deadline, control, and number of interfaces. Besides those, other criteria had also a significant contribution to the study. A sensitivity analysis took into account the independence of clusters and did not change the ranking of the alternatives, leading to a robust solution of the problem.
Volatility behavior of virtual currencies
Authors: Andrade Jéssica Gonçalves , Brandalise Nilson
Published: April 2019

In order to do a volatility analysis, since the exchange rate is higher than the average risk, the higher the average rate of return, the higher the average growth rate of the year. applied the method of data analysis. An attempt to volatility analysis can be made in one year, in the middle of the end of 2016.
Chronic Alcohol Drinking Slows Brain Development in Adolescent and Young Adult Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Shnitko Tatiana A. , Liu Zheng , Wang Xiaojie , Grant Kathleen A. , Kroenke Christopher D.
Published: April 2019

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is associated with brain remodeling in the final stages of developmental growth. It is also a period when a large proportion of this age group engages in binge alcohol drinking (occasional consumption of four to five drinks leading to intoxication) and heavy alcohol drinking (binge drinking on ≥5 d in a month). Here we report on magnetic resonance imaging of developmental changes in the brain occurring during late adolescence and early adulthood (3.5–7.5 years of age) in a rhesus macaque model of alcohol self-administration. Monkeys were imaged prior to alcohol exposure, and following ∼6 and ∼12 months of daily (22 h/d) access to ethanol and water. The results revealed that the brain volume increases by 1 ml/1.87 years throughout the late adolescence and early adulthood in controls. Heavy alcohol drinking reduced the rate of brain growth by 0.25 ml/year per 1 g/kg daily ethanol. Cortical volume increased throughout this period with no significant effect of alcohol drinking on the cortical growth rate. In subcortical regions, age-dependent increases in the volumes of globus pallidus, thalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum were observed. Heavy drinking attenuated the growth rate of the thalamus. Thus, developmental brain volume changes in the span of late adolescence to young adulthood in macaques is altered by excessive alcohol, an insult that may be linked to the continuation of heavy drinking throughout later adult life.
A Normalization Circuit Underlying Coding of Spatial Attention in Primate Lateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Duong Lyndon , Leavitt Matthew , Pieper Florian , Sachs Adam , Martinez-Trujillo Julio
Published: April 2019

Lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) neurons signal the allocation of voluntary attention; however, the neural computations underlying this function remain unknown. To investigate this, we recorded from neuronal ensembles in the LPFC of twoMacaca fascicularisperforming a visuospatial attention task. LPFC neural responses to a single stimulus were normalized when additional stimuli/distracters appeared across the visual field and were well-characterized by an averaging computation. Deploying attention toward an individual stimulus surrounded by distracters shifted neural activity from an averaging regime toward a regime similar to that when the attended stimulus was presented in isolation (winner-take-all; WTA). However, attentional modulation is both qualitatively and quantitatively dependent on a neuron’s visuospatial tuning. Our results show that during attentive vision, LPFC neuronal ensemble activity can be robustly read out by downstream areas to generate motor commands, and/or fed back into sensory areas to filter out distracter signals in favor of target signals.
A Computational Model of the Escape Response Latency in the Giant Fiber System ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Augustin Hrvoje , Zylbertal Asaph , Partridge Linda
Published: April 2019

The giant fiber system (GFS) is a multi-component neuronal pathway mediating rapid escape response in the adult fruit-flyDrosophila melanogaster, usually in the face of a threatening visual stimulus. Two branches of the circuit promote the response by stimulating an escape jump followed by flight initiation. A recent work demonstrated an age-associated decline in the speed of signal propagation through the circuit, measured as the stimulus-to-muscle depolarization response latency. The decline is likely due to the diminishing number of inter-neuronal gap junctions in the GFS of ageing flies. In this work, we presented a realistic conductance-based, computational model of the GFS that recapitulates the experimental results and identifies some of the critical anatomical and physiological components governing the circuit’s response latency. According to our model, anatomical properties of the GFS neurons have a stronger impact on the transmission than neuronal membrane conductance densities. The model provides testable predictions for the effect of experimental interventions on the circuit’s performance in young and ageing flies.
Epidemiology of Children With Multiple Complex Chronic Conditions in a Mixed Urban-Rural US Community
Authors: Bjur Kara A. , Wi Chung-Il , Ryu Euijung , Crow Sheri S. , King Katherine S. , Juhn Young J.
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Children with multiple complex chronic conditions (MCCs) represent a small fraction of our communities but a disproportionate amount of health care cost and mortality. Because the temporal trends of children with MCCs within a geographically well-defined US pediatric population has not been previously assessed, health care planning and policy for this vulnerable population is limited.

METHODS:

In this population-based, repeated cross-sectional study, we identified and enrolled all eligible children residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, through the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a medical record linkage system of Olmsted County residents. The pediatric complex chronic conditions classification system version 2 was used to identify children with MCCs. Five-year period prevalence and incidence rates were calculated during the study period (1999–2014) and characterized by age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) by using the housing-based index of socioeconomic status, a validated individual housing-based SES index. Age-, sex-, and ethnicity-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates were calculated, adjusting to the 2010 US total pediatric population.

RESULTS:

Five-year prevalence and incidence rates of children with MCCs in Olmsted County increased from 1200 to 1938 per 100 000 persons and from 256 to 335 per 100 000 person-years, respectively, during the study period. MCCs tend to be slightly more prevalent among children with a lower SES and with a racial minority background.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both 5-year prevalence and incidence rates of children with MCCs have significantly increased over time, and health disparities are present among these children. The clinical and financial outcomes of children with MCCs need to be assessed for formulating suitable health care planning given limited resources.
Parent Perceptions of Real-time Access to Their Hospitalized Child’s Medical Records Using an Inpatient Portal: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kelly Michelle M. , Thurber Anne S. , Coller Ryan J. , Khan Alisa , Dean Shannon M. , Smith Windy , Hoonakker Peter L.T.
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Engaging with parents in care improves pediatric care quality and patient safety; however, parents of hospitalized children often lack the information necessary to effectively participate. To enhance engagement, some hospitals now provide parents with real-time online access to information from their child’s inpatient medical record during hospitalization. Whether these “inpatient portals” provide benefits for parents of hospitalized children is unknown. Our objectives were to identify why parents used an inpatient portal application on a tablet computer during their child’s hospitalization and identify their perspectives of ways to optimize the technology.

METHODS:

Semistructured in-person interviews were conducted with 14 parents who were given a tablet computer with a commercially available inpatient portal application for use throughout their child’s hospitalization. The portal included vital signs, diagnoses, medications, laboratory test results, patients’ schedule, messaging, education, and provider pictures and/or roles. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed and continued until reaching thematic saturation. Three researchers used an inductive approach to identify emergent themes regarding why parents used the portal.

RESULTS:

Five themes emerged regarding parent motivations for accessing information within the portal: (1) monitoring progress, (2) feeling empowered and/or relying less on staff, (3) facilitating rounding communication and/or decision-making, (4) ensuring information accuracy and/or providing reassurance, and (5) aiding memory. Parents recommended that the hospital continue to offer the portal and expand it to allow parents to answer admission questions, provide feedback, and access doctors’ daily notes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Providing parents with real-time clinical information during their child’s hospitalization using an inpatient portal may enhance their ability to engage in caregiving tasks critical to ensuring inpatient care quality and safety.
Economic Burden of Home Antimicrobial Therapy: OPAT Versus Oral Therapy
Authors: Krah Nathan M. , Bardsley Tyler , Nelson Richard , Esquibel Lawanda , Crosby Mark , Byington Carrie L. , Pavia Andrew T. , Hersh Adam L.
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND:

There is increasing evidence that outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is overused for children and that outcomes with oral therapy are equivalent. Our objective was to compare economic burden between OPAT and oral therapy, accounting for direct and indirect costs and caregiver quality of life (QoL).

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective cohort study of caregivers for children after hospitalization who were treated with prolonged antimicrobial therapy. We collected data about missed work and school and time spent administering therapy. Caregivers completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory to assess QoL. Clinical information included length of stay, treatment indication, and type of therapy (OPAT versus oral therapy). Direct medical costs were obtained by using a microcosting system and accounted for medication, supplies, and home-nursing visits. The primary cost outcome was the mean daily cost of therapy. Multivariable models were developed to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS:

Two hundred and twelve caregivers completed surveys: 123 (58%) for oral therapy and 89 (42%) for OPAT. Caregivers administering OPAT reported more missed work, missed school for their children, time with daily medication administration (90 vs 6 minutes; P < .01) and lower QoL scores (77.8 vs 68.9) than caregivers administering oral therapy. The mean daily cost was $65 (95% confidence interval: $51–$78) for OPAT and $7 (95% confidence interval: $4–$9) for oral therapy. Relative differences in cost and QoL between groups did not change after model adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS:

The overall burden of OPAT is substantially higher than that of oral therapy, including higher direct and indirect costs and greater impact on caregiver QoL. These findings strongly support efforts to use oral therapy in place of OPAT when clinically appropriate.
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: Using Nominal Group Technique to Identify and Prioritize Education Topics for Regional Hospitals
Authors: Sauers-Ford Hadley S. , Hamline Michelle Y. , Tzimenatos Leah , McKnight Heather , Hamilton Charlaine M. , McKennan Maureen G. , Rosenthal Jennifer L.
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND:

Our 121-bed children’s hospital is a quaternary care referral center for a 33-county region. Referring hospitals asked for Pediatric Acute Care Education Sessions (PACES). To determine which topics to prioritize for these sessions, nominal group technique (NGT) methods were used to obtain stakeholder-prioritized consensus on education topics.

METHODS:

Five NGT sessions were conducted over 6 weeks at referring hospitals throughout central and northern California. Each session lasted ∼90 minutes and engaged a diverse multidisciplinary group of stakeholders. At these sessions, stakeholders answered the question “What are your top 5 clinical topics that should be prioritized by PACES?” NGT numeric ranking methods were used to determine prioritized topics. A thematic analysis was performed on the session transcripts.

RESULTS:

The 5 sessions had 43 total participants, including nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, and administrators. The top 4 prioritized topics were sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, respiratory failure or support, and bronchiolitis and/or respiratory syncytial virus. Unique education needs for each hospital were also uncovered in the NGT discussion. Three qualitative themes emerged from the discussion: diverse educational needs, the need for guidelines on telemedicine and transfer, and relationship building.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of NGT to engage multisite, multidisciplinary stakeholders helped to inform an education program. The use of NGT methods provided rich information that would not have been obtained through surveys alone and helped facilitate relationship building. The PACES group was able to identify and prioritize education topics of interest to referring community hospitals.
Neonatal Respiratory Support on Transport
Authors: Brennan Gillian , Colontuono Jill , Carlos Christine
Published: April 2019

Respiratory support is frequently required during neonatal transport. This review identifies the various modalities of respiratory support available during neonatal transport and their appropriate clinical uses. The respiratory equipment required during neonatal transport and appropriate safety checks are also reviewed. In addition, we discuss potential respiratory emergencies and how to respond to them to decrease the risk of complications during transport and improve health outcomes.
Bioclimatic modeling for determining the minimum area of natural ventilation in buildings for the wet processing of coffee
Authors: Osorio Hernandez Robinson , Aristizábal-Torres Iván Darío , Osorio-Saraz Jairo Alexander , Ferreira-Tinôco Ilda de Fátima , Guerra-Garcia Lina Marcela
Published: April 2019

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo encontrar el área mínima de ventilación natural necesaria para instalaciones de beneficio húmedo de café con secado mecánico en su interior, con el fin de preservar la calidad de café a través de un ambiente bioclimático que propicie la inocuidad biológica, este estudio se realizó con ayuda de simulaciones computacionales en el programa EnergyPlusTM. Se encontró que a medida que se incrementa la capacidad de secado, y por ende la potencia de las máquinas de secado, la temperatura y la humedad relativa interna tienden a aumentar. Por otra parte, se encontró una correlación lineal inversa entre el área de ventilación natural y las variables temperatura y humedad relativa. Por último, se encontraron relaciones de área mínima de ventilación natural con la capacidad de secado, con el fin de obtener un ambiente bioclimático adecuado para la preservación del café pergamino.
Continuous Estimation of Speed and Torque of Induction Motors Using the Unscented Kalman Filter under Voltage Sag
Authors: Darvishi Amin , Doroudi Aref
Published: April 2019

Due to sensor limitations in some applications, induction motors state estimators are widely used in industries. One of the most powerful tools available for estimation is the Kalman filter. In this paper, unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and extended Kalman filter (EKF) is used to estimate the speed and torque of an induction motor. In the UKF algorithm, three types of unscented transformation (UT): basic, general and spherical types are presented and compared. It will be shown that the spherical UKF presents good estimation performance. Speed and torque Estimation approach is applied at both steady state conditions and at the time of sudden and rapid change in the motor input voltage. It will be shown that, EKF cannot trace the motor speed at the time of a large disturbance. Finally, experimental validation is presented to show the effectiveness of UKF for continuous estimation of torque and speed of induction motors.
Curvas Intensidad-Duración-Frecuencia no estacionarias para la cuenca del río Medellín
Authors: Carvajal-Serna Luis Fernando , Grajales-Cardona Daniela
Published: April 2019

Las curvas Intensidad-Duración-Frecuencia (IDF) actuales suponen que la precipitación no varía significativamente con el tiempo, subestimando así sus eventos extremos, lo que aumenta el riesgo de inundaciones y de daños en la infraestructura, es por esto que se deben estudiar metodologías que permitan su estimación en condición de cambio climático, es decir, con un enfoque no estacionario, tal como en este estudio, en el que se estimaron curvas IDF estacionarias y no estacionarias para 9 estaciones pluviográficas dispuestas sobre la cuenca del río Medellín. Para ajustar las series de tiempo de precipitación se hizo uso de la distribución de valores extremos EV1, sus parámetros estacionarios fueron calculados por medio del método de los L-momentos y los no estacionarios por el de ventanas móviles. Se evidencia el efecto del cambio climático en intensidades altas y duraciones pequeñas, obteniéndose que el enfoque estacionario puede subestimar los eventos extremos hasta en un 39%.
Assessment of simultaneous incorporation of crumb rubber and asphaltite in asphalt binders
Authors: Mantilla Forero Javier Eduardo , Castañeda Pinzón Eduardo Alberto
Published: April 2019

Every day, roads are submitted to greater stresses. Thereby, additives have been incorporated to asphalt mixtures to enhance pavements performance. The purpose of this experimental study is to characterize for the first time, to date, the viscoelastic properties of asphalt samples modified with recycled rubber —from used vehicles tires— and asphaltite in the same mixture, at different temperatures and frequencies. All with the aim of optimizing the material properties and coming up with a proposal to an environmental issue: discarded vehicles tires and their after-service use. The stiffness of briquettes was analyzed by axial compression test. The results were principally represented in Black Space and Cole-Cole plot and indicate a substantial increase in stiffness and elasticity of the modified asphalt throughout the whole temperature range. This shows that the simultaneous addition of these two ingredients to the bitumen is a favorable alternative in road construction using asphalt pavements.
Implementation of the ultrasonic through-transmission technique for the elastic characterization of fiber-reinforced laminated composite
Authors: Meza Carlos A. , Franco Ediguer E. , Ealo Joao L.
Published: April 2019

Laminated composites are widely used in applications when a high strength-to-weight ratio is required. Aeronautic, naval and automotive industries use these materials to reduce the weight of the vehicles and, consequently, fuel consumption. However, the fiber-reinforced laminated materials are anisotropic and the elastic properties can vary widely due to non-standardized manufacturing processes. The elastic characterization using mechanical tests is not easy, destructive and, in most cases, not all the elastic constants can be obtained. Therefore, alternative techniques are required to assure the quality of the mechanical parts and the evaluation of new materials. In this work, the implementation of the ultrasonic through-transmission technique and the characterization of some engineering materials is reported. Isotropic materials and laminated composites of carbon fiber and glass fiber in a polymer matrix were characterized by ultrasound and mechanical tests. An improved methodology for the transit time delay calculation is reported.
Influencia del contenido de oxígeno atmosférico en el proceso de purgado con argón en la soldadura TIG de tubería de acero inoxidable AISI 304
Authors: Espín Lagos Segundo Manuel , Coello Fiallos Diana Carolina , Guamanquispe Toasa Jorgr Patricio , Perez Salinas Cristian , Paredes Zumbana Jorge
Published: April 2019

Se realizaron soldaduras TIG en tuberías de acero inoxidable AISI 304 purgadas con argón, con 999, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25 y 10 ppm de oxígeno atmosférico en la cámara de purga para determinar si esto influye en la calidad superficial de la zona afectada por el calor (ZAC) en la parte interna de la tubería. En este estudio se realizaron ensayos mecánicos, análisis metalográfico y morfológico. Se determinó que los niveles de decoloración en la ZAC están directamente influenciados por la cantidad de oxigeno atmosférico presente en la purga, por lo que con cantidades entre 50 a 10 ppm se evidencia decoloraciones de acuerdo a las normas AWS D18.1 y AWS D18.2. Se evidenció buena resistencia en la junta soldada debido a que la falla se da en el metal base y no en la ZAC que no ha tenido influencia de la decoloración superficial que corresponde a 10 ppm.
Manufacturing and reliability of a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor designed for uniaxial compression test of rocks
Authors: Castro Caicedo Alvaro Jesus , Nieto Callejas Maria Julia , Torres Pedro , Laín Ricardo , Suarez Burgoa Ludger Oswaldo
Published: April 2019

In this work we present an optical Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) strain sensor appropriate for uniaxial compression test of rocks. The rocks are a complex aggregate of materials and may exhibit in some cases mineral grains of size bigger than the conventional electrical strain gages used. Furthermore, commercial surface mountable optical FBG strain sensors are packaged in planar configuration, which is not appropriate for the cylindrical rock cores in uniaxial compression test. The optical FBG sensors were designed and manufactured manually fitted for cylindrical rock samples. A calibration process was carried out in order to stablish the mechanical performance of the FBG packaging; later, a compression test was conducted on hard rock sample and the strain was recorded by the traditional electrical strain gage (ESG) and FBG system. Under this comparison, the FBG sensors reaches a larger recording area, sensitivity under 100 microstrain and a reliable strain transfer, all of which is appropriate to measure strain for heterogeneous rock composition and minerals grain size.
Evaluation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs) production with a bacterial isolate using cassava flour hydrolysates as an alternative substrate
Authors: Alcaraz Zapata Wilman , Acosta Cárdenas Alejandro , Villa Restrepo Andrés Felipe
Published: April 2019

In the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), the costs of the process are mainly associated with the carbon source and most of the production studies are carried out with commercial strains. In this study, PHA production was evaluated using a strain, SB-34, compared with a referenced strain, Ralstonia eutropha H16, growing in cassava flour hydrolysates as an alternative carbon source. SB-34 reached a biomass maximum of 5,49 ± 0,21 g / L, and PHA product of 3,23 ± 0,21 g / L exceeding the maximum values obtained by R. eutropha H16 (3,8 ± 0,45 g / L and 2,42 ± 0,23 g / L, respectively). Analyzes with FTIR indicate that the polymer obtained with SB-34 is like polyhydroxybutyrate P(3-HB) type. Molecular analysis identified SB-34 as Burkholderia sp. with 96 % of similarity.
Hybrid model to design a distribution network in contract farming
Authors: Granillo-Macias Rafael , Gonzalez Hernandez Isidro Jesus , Martinez-Flores Jose Luis , Caballero-Morales Santiago Omar , Olivarez-Benitez Elias
Published: April 2019

This paper suggests a hybrid model to solve a distribution problem incorporating the impact of uncertainty in the solution. The model combines the deterministic approach and the simulation including stochastic variables such as harvest yield, loss risk and penalties/benefits to design a distribution network with the minimal cost. Through a case study that includes farmers, hubs and malt producers in the supplying chain of barley in Mexico, nine possible scenarios were analyzed to plan and distribute the harvested grain based on contract farming. This approach gets an optimal solution through an iterative process simulating the suggested solution by a mixed-integer linear programming model under uncertain conditions. The results show the convenience of maintaining the operation between four and five hubs depending on the possible scenario; besides, the variation of the levels of the barley producers’ capacities are key elements in the planning to minimize the distribution cost throughout the suggested chain