bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An alternative description of aromaticity in metallabenzenes
Authors: Dávila Kleyra L. , Contreras Ricardo R. , Fontal Bernardo , Torres F. Javier , Rincón Luis
Published: January 2018

Experimental and theoretical studies of metallabenzenes have revealed important differences in their aromatic properties when compared with their organic analogs. In this work, an alternative explanation for this unconventional behavior is presented based on the idea that metallabenzenes can be conceived as an intermediate structure between the benzene and the benzenium ion; an idea derived from a critical analysis of the isolobal analogies in metallabenzenes.
Analysis of the interaction of CO2 with Na, K, and Ca-exchanged Mordenite. An infrared spectroscopic study
Authors: Villarreal Aline , Castillo-Villalón Perla , Ramírez Jorge
Published: January 2018

To enquire on the CO2 capture on solid adsorbents, the interactions of CO2 with mordenite exchanged with Na, K, and Ca were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. The results reveal that physisorbed CO2 and different carbonate species are present on the zeolite surface. At high CO2 concentration, the cation polarizing power determines the type of carbonates formed: mainly bidentate carbonates on Ca-mordenite; bi and polydentate carbonates on Na-mordenite; polydentate carbonates on K-mordenite. At low CO2 (10-4 Torr), mostly bidentate carbonates are formed. Pre-adsorbed water produces bicarbonates and decreases CO2 adsorption.
Reactions of alkenes and alkynes with formaldehyde catalyzed by rhodium systems containing phosphine ligands
Authors: Rosales Merlín , González Beatriz , Molina Jessely , Pérez Homero , Modroño-Alonso María , Baricelli Pablo J.
Published: January 2018

The reaction of alkenes (allyl alcohol, styrene and C6 alkenes) with formaldehyde was efficiently performed by using Rh precatalysts formed in situ by the addition of triphenylphosphine (PPh3), 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) or 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl) ethane (triphos) to the complex Rh(acac)(CO)2 at 130ºC in 1,4-dioxane, yielding their corresponding aldehydes; the best catalytic system was Rh(acac)(CO)2/2dppe, which generates the cationic complex [Rh(k2-P,P-dppe)2]+. However, the reaction of phenylacetylene with formaldehyde under the same reaction conditions generated styrene, which was found to be the product of transfer hydrogenation from formaldehyde.
Aqueous-biphasic hydroformylation of 1-hexene catalyzed by the complex HCo(CO)[P(o-C6H4SO3Na)]3
Authors: Modroño-Alonso María , Castro William , Lopez-Linares Francisco , Rosales Merlín , Baricelli Pablo Jose
Published: January 2018

The water soluble cobalt complex HCo(CO)[P(o-C6H4SO-3Na)]3 was used as catalyst precursor for the biphasic aqueous hydroformylation of 1-hexene. The complex was synthesized by reductive carbonylation of CoCl2.6H2O in the presence of o-TPPTS ([P(o-C6H4SO3Na)]3) under nitrogen atmosphere and characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and 31P {1H} NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT – 135, COSY, HSQC, MS (ESI). The catalytic activity of the complex in the biphasic hydroformylation reaction of 1-hexene was evaluated under moderate reaction conditions. The pressure and temperature were varied from 4137 – 7584 kPa (600-1100 psi) of syngas and from 353 – 383 K (80 – 110 °C), respectively. The 1-hexene concentration was varied from 0.021-0,11M and the catalyst from 4x10-4 - 1.1x10-3 M. The best conversion at 363 K and 7584 kPa and 7.5 h was 62% with selectivity towards aldehydes (heptanal and 2-methyl-hexanal) of 66% to with l/b ratio of 2.6. The recycling of the catalytic precursor after four successive times, did not show any loss on the activity, having selectivity towards aldehyde up to 60%.
A pyrazine amide – 4-aminoquinoline hybrid and its rhodium and iridium pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complexes; evaluation of anti-mycobacterial and anti-plasmodial activities
Authors: Ekengard Erik , Bergare Ida , Hansson Josefine , Doverbratt Isa , Monari Magda , Gordhan Bhavna , Kana Bavesh , De Kock Carmen , Smith Peter J. , Nordlander Ebbe
Published: January 2018

The synthesis and characterization of N-(2-((7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)amino)ethyl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide (L), an aminoquinoline – pyrazinamide hybrid, and the complexes (N-(2-((7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)amino)ethyl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide)(cyclopentadienyl) chlorido-rhodium or iridium hexafluorophosphate ([M(L)(Cp*)Cl] PF6; M = Rh, Ir) and the corresponding chlorido salts ([M(L)(Cp*) Cl]Cl; M = Rh, Ir) are described. The ligand and the hexafluorophosphate salts of the metal complexes have been evaluated for anti-plasmodial and anti-mycobacterial activity. The rhodium and the iridium complexes were significantly more active against M. tuberculosis than the free ligand. The crystallographically determined molecular structures of complexes (N-(2-((7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)amino)ethyl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide)(cyclopentadienyl)chlororhodium hexafluoro-phosphate and (N-(2-((7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)amino)ethyl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide)(cyclopentadienyl)chloro-iridium chloride are presented.
Synthesis of (E)-(4-(Aryl)phenyl)(3-(2-(1-phenyl-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-1Hpyrazol-4-yl)vinyl)benzofuran-2-yl)methanones by Claisen Schmidt-Suzuki Cross Coupling and their Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Dongamanti Ashok , Ziauddin Mohammad , Lakshmi Bommidi Vijaya , Sarasija Madderla
Published: January 2018

A series of ten novel (E)-(4-(aryl)phenyl)(3-(2-(1-phenyl-3- (thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)vinyl)benzofuran-2-yl)methanones (7a-j) derivatives were prepared by traditional Claisen-Schmidt and Suzuki cross-coupling reaction under conventional and microwave irradiation conditions. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were established on the basis of FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis. The products were assayed for their in vitro antibacterial activity against different types of bacterial strains. Further the antifungal activity was examined by inhibitory action against three fungal strains such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium oxysporum.
Toxicity Assessment of Structurally Relevant Natural Products from Mexican Plants with Antinociceptive Activity
Authors: Martinez-Mayorga Karina , Marmolejo-Valencia Andrés F. , Cortes-Guzman Fernando , García-Ramos Juan Carlos , Sánchez-Flores Eric Iván , Barroso-Flores Joaquín , Medina-Franco Jose L. , Esquivel-Rodriguez Baldomero
Published: January 2018

UNIIQUIM database contains molecules from Mexican plants, one of the richest sources of bioactive molecules in the world. Here, we describe the chemical and toxicological profile of molecules with analgesic activity from UNIIQUIM. Most of the compounds are likely to interact with opioid receptors. The predicted acute toxicity is low and none is predicted mutagenic. Given the structural diversity, and biological and toxicity profiles, these molecules represent a new avenue in the search of molecules with antinociceptive activity.
Synthesis of Metforminium Succinate by Melting. Crystal Structure, Thermal, Spectroscopic and Dissolution Properties
Authors: Plata-Vargas Eduardo , De la Cruz-Hernández Cinthia , Dorazco-González Alejandro , Fuentes-Noriega Inés , Morales-Morales David , Germán-Acacio Juan Manuel
Published: January 2018

The reaction by melt mixing at 220 °C of the antihyperglycemic drug metformin hydrochloride 1 with dehydrated sodium succinate yields efficiently the organic salt [MET]2[SUC] 2 (H-MET+= metforminium and SUC2- = succinate). Solid state CPMAS NMR 13C spectroscopy experiments, powder X-ray diffraction and FT-IR results support the formation of the pharmaceutical salt 2 in good yields. Besides, the charged-assisted hydrogen bonding interactions of type N-H…-O(carboxylate) were thoroughly analyzed by single crystal X-Ray diffraction techniques. Thus, the pharmaceutical salt 2 possesses considerable thermal differences when compared to the pure starting reagents. In addition, intrinsic dissolution rate experiments in buffered aqueous solutions at pH= 6.8 showed a sustained-release behavior of the drug in 2 with a constant value of Kint = 0.885 mg/min * cm2.
A Green and Simple Protocol one-pot Biginelli Condensation using Dicalcium Phosphate as Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Benzekri Zakaria , Benhdidou Redoua , Hamia Sara , Serrar Houda , Boukhris Said , Sallek Brahim , Hassikou Amina , Souizi Abdelaziz
Published: January 2018

Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) was used as a green and reusable catalyst in order to synthesized two important categories of heterocycles, 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-ones and 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-thiones. The advantages of our method are as follow: short reaction times, green process, reduced environmental hazards and high isolated yield of products.
Reactivity Sites in Dopamine Depend on its Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond
Authors: Garc??a-Hernández Erwin , Garza Jorge
Published: January 2018

In this work, three conformers of dopamine were theoretically analyzed, two of them forming an intramolecular hydrogen bond between OH groups in the catechol moiety, the third one without this interaction. The used theoretical method was based on the Kohn-Sham method within the hybrid exchange-correlation functionals without empirical parameters, PBE0. The molecular geometry obtained by this method was contrasted with that obtained from the second-order many-body perturbation theory (MP2) method and the 6-31+G(d), 6-311+G(d) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets. Global reactivity descriptors were predicted by using only the PBE0/6-311++G(d,p) method. This method revealed that dopamine is not a good acceptor of electrons. Thus, in one charge transfer process, this compound prefers donating electrons, as observed experimentally. All global chemical predictors do not show important changes regardless of the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond. However, in the case of local reactivity predictors, oxygen atoms of the catechol moiety exhibit changes when this contact is present. This conclusion was confirmed when 8 catechol derivatives were analyzed with the same procedure applied over the dopamine. Additionally, the carbon atoms opposite to the carbon atoms linked to oxygen atoms, in the catechol moiety, present the biggest changes when these systems donate one electron. Consequently, the electron involved during the charge transfer process of these systems will be detached from the region defined between these two carbon atoms.
Progress on the Computational Development of Epigenetic Modulators of DNA Methyltransferases 3A and 3B
Authors: Palomino-Hernández Oscar , Jardínez-Vera A. Christiaan , Medina-Franco José L.
Published: January 2018

Inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases 3A and 3B (DNMT3A/3B) are promising candidates for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Selective inhibitors of DNMT3A/3B are also attractive as small-molecule probes. During the past few years has increased significantly the research towards the development of DNMT1 inhibitors. However, there are no reviews of the recent progress in the development of small-molecule inhibitors of DNMT3A/B. Herein we review the status of inhibitors of DNMT3A/3B with emphasis on computational guided approaches. We discuss in a critical manner compound databases containing structure-activity information, crystallographic structures of DNMT3s, structure-guided studies, and virtual (in silico) screening coupled with experimental validation that have led to the identification or development of selective inhibitors. Perspectives in the field are also discussed.
Urbanization and Its Effects on Water Resources: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Hassan Rashid Muhammad Abo ul , Manzoor Malik Maliha , Mukhtar Sana
Published: January 2018

Urbanization often causes environmental degradation and harms human health in developing countries. This study has an imperative focus on the effects of rapidly growing urban life and its impact on water resources in the Muzaffarabad city. The data for this paper comes from 20 in-depth interviews with members of the local government, political workers and local residents of the city, carried out during the year 2015, to analyze the ways in which increasing urban life is affecting water quality in the area. The findings indicate that waters of both rivers Jhelum and Neelum are being viciously contaminated by the local residents, which results in a scarcity of drinking water and a number of viral diseases.
An Investigation on the Optimum Composition of Suitable Co-composting Material for the Enhancement of the Soil Organic Carbon in Mango Orchards of Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Natarajan N. , Sabadini K.R. , Shunmuga Priya R. , Anbarasan A. , Sankar V.
Published: January 2018

Soil organic carbon is an important component of the soil. Environmental pollution is increasing day by day leading to significant rise of carbon content in the atmosphere. Growing crops with manure having high soil organic carbon content can facilitate in the reduction of carbon content in the air and subsequent alleviation of environmental pollution. Hoping to fulfill the above objective, this study is aimed at determining the optimum content of suitable co-composting material for the enhancement of soil organic carbon of soil collected from a mango agricultural field. Natural materials, viz. tissue paper, paper ash, wooden powder, egg shells and organic waste matter have been used as co-composting materials. Soil organic carbon content was measured for various combinations of co-composted soil with natural soil. The results of the study suggest that wood ash proves to be a suitable co-composting material for increasing the soil organic carbon content of soil upto 125,847 kg C/ha for a combination of 40% organic co-composted soil and 60% wood ash co-composted soil.
Synergistic Protective Effects of Mitochondrial Division Inhibitor 1 and Mitochondria-Targeted Small Peptide SS31 in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Reddy P. Hemachandra , Manczak Maria , Yin XiangLing , Reddy Arubala P.
Published: January 2018

The purpose of our study was to determine the synergistic protective effects of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SS31 and mitochondria division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi1) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using biochemical methods, we assessed mitochondrial function by measuring the levels of hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, cytochrome c oxidase activity, mitochondrial ATP, and GTPase Drp1 enzymatic activity in mutant AβPP cells. Using biochemical methods, we also measured cell survival and apoptotic cell death. Amyloid-β (Aβ) levels were measured using sandwich ELISA, and using real-time quantitative RT-PCR, we assessed mtDNA (mtDNA) copy number in relation to nuclear DNA (nDNA) in all groups of cells. We found significantly reduced levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in mutant AβPP cells treated with SS31, Mdivi1, and SS31+Mdivi1, and the reduction of Aβ42 levels were much higher in SS31+Mdivi1 treated cells than individual treatments of SS31 and Mdivi1. The levels of mtDNA copy number and cell survival were significantly increased in SS31, Mdivi1, and SS31+Mdivi1 treated mutant AβPP cells; however, the increased levels of mtDNA copy number and cell survival were much higher in SS31+Mdivi1 treated cells than individual treatments of SS31 and Mdivi1. Mitochondrial dysfunction is significantly reduced in SS31, Mdivi1, and SS31+Mdivi1 treated mutant AβPP cells; however, the reduction is much higher in cells treated with both SS31+Mdvi1. Similarly, GTPase Drp1 activity is reduced in all treatments, but reduced much higher in SS31+Mdivi1 treated cells. These observations strongly suggest that combined treatment of SS31+Mdivi1 is effective than individual treatments of SS31 and Mdivi1. Therefore, we propose that combined treatment of SS31+Mdivi1 is a better therapeutic strategy for AD. Ours is the first study to investigate combined treatment of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SS31 and mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 in AD neurons.
Low harmonic design and magnetic equivalent circuit modeling of fractional-slot concentrated-windings permanent-magnet machines
Authors: Cao Donghui , Zhao Wenxiang , Liu Tong , Ji Jinghua , Mao Jingfeng
Published: January 2018

Due to their advantages of high efficiency, high power density, and strong fault-tolerance ability, fractional-slot concentrated-winding permanent-magnet (FSCW-PM) machines are of particular interest in the applications such as wind power generation and electric vehicles. However, FSCW-PM machines suffer from rich winding magnetomotive force (MMF) space harmonics by the armature reaction field, which may increase eddy current loss. In this paper, a new low harmonic FSCW-PM machine is designed, which can reduce some space harmonics of low order in the air-gap flux density. A new magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) model is developed to analyze the designed PM machine, which offers less computation time and more calculation accuracy. Finally, a prototype machine is built and the measured results verify the theoretical analysis and the developed MEC model.
Magnetic flux waveform estimation for fast efficiency map calculation in permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Jin Hyeoncheol , Park Joeun , Kum Dongsuk , Lee Jaewook
Published: January 2018

This paper proposes a numerical scheme for the fast calculation of an efficiency map in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs). The efficiency map is the main performance feature required to design traction motors for electric vehicles. To obtain the efficiency map, iron losses must be calculated across wide speed and current ranges. The iron losses can be estimated from magnetic flux waveforms, which require a huge amount of non-linear time-stepping finite element analysis (FEA) solutions. In this work, the flux waveform estimation scheme is proposed aiming to reduce the number of required FEA solutions. The proposed scheme removes the redundant FEA calculation based on the fact that the time variation of the field at one position is matched with the space variation of the field at one time step in PMSMs. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, not only the flux waveform, but also the iron losses and efficiency map of a PMSM is calculated using both conventional and proposed approaches. The comparison results show that the computation time to build a single efficiency map can be reduced from 8.8 hour down to 1.1 hour within around 5% errors.
Design and mechanical analysis of a mesh- type rotary harmonic piezoelectric motor
Authors: Li Chong
Published: January 2018

To obtain a large output torque and a long lifetime, a mesh-type harmonic piezoelectric motor is proposed in this paper. In addition, the operating principle of the motor is illustrated, and the displacements and forces of amplification mechanism are provided. Moreover, the equations of forces on the transmission system and output torque for the motor are deduced. By utilizing these equations, the output torque of the motor was analyzed and the influence of the system parameters on the output torque was investigated. Furthermore, the experiments of the displacements for the amplification mechanism and the output torque for the motor were studied. The results showed that the largest test output torque is 0.383 Nm when the driving voltage is 150 V. The following parameters should be selected to increase the output torque of the motor: large offset [Formula: see text], length [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], strain constant [Formula: see text], elastic modulus of piezoelectric actuator [Formula: see text], sectional width [Formula: see text], small parameter [Formula: see text], lengths [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and ceramic thickness [Formula: see text]. The results are useful for improving the performance of the motor.
Loss analysis of high speed switched reluctance machine with integrated simulation methods
Authors: Yasa Yusuf , Sozer Yilmaz , Garip Muhammet
Published: January 2018

In this paper, power losses in high-speed switched reluctance machine (HS-SRM) is studied considering the copper loss, including skin and proximity effect, iron loss in machine side; switching and conduction losses in the drive circuit side using interactive coupled simulation methods. In high frequency fed electric machines, copper losses are increased due to the skin and proximity effects. Moreover, iron losses play a significant role in total electrical losses. Nevertheless, its computation is not straight. In addition, power electronics switching devices cause both conduction and switching losses in the SRM drive circuit. Switching loss may reach excessive levels with the high-frequency switching. In this study, the losses are calculated detailed though coupled simulation method. Different wire constructions in the bundle are analyzed and compared. Finally, circuit simulation is performed on different switching devices. The results prove that high-speed switched reluctance machine driving and operating efficiency is really sensible to design methodology with suitable material and device selection.
Simulation research on eddy-current loss of cable trench structure of metal top pipe
Authors: Wang Jingang , Tao Yaqin , Tian Tian , Ren Ran
Published: January 2018

Eddy-current loss will cause waste of electric energy and affect service life of cable. In order to study the method of reducing eddy-current loss of cable trench in metal top pipe, a finite element simulation model was established. Firstly, influence factors of eddy-current loss were determined through a theoretical analysis, including arrangement mode of cable phase, top pipe size and cable distance. Finite element method was then used for optimal calculation of structure of cable trench and effective optimization design method was proposed. Results indicate that: for three-phase multiloop cable trench of metal top pipe, phase arrangement mode has important influence on eddy-current loss. For top pipe size, a comprehensive consideration of eddy-current loss and pipe stability should be taken in the thickness selection, and slotting position could only be at the position with maximum loss density. Both increase of distance between cable loop and top pipe and reduction of spacing between cables on the same loop will contribute to reduction of eddy-current loss of top pipe. Therefore, a cable trench structure commonly used in engineering was optimized and then its eddy-current loss was reduced by 70% effectively.
Development of an item list to assess bilateral upper extremity function of stroke patients with hemiplegia
Authors: Lee Joo-Hyun , Park Ji-Hyuk
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Although there is a myriad of unilateral assessments for stroke survivors, few address bilateral function, which is critical for many daily living tasks.

OBJECTIVE:

To develop an activities of daily living list of tasks requiring bilateral upper extremity function for use when assessing patients with stroke.

METHOD:

A list of 938 items was generated based on a literature review, opinions of occupational therapists and patients with stroke. A panel of professional experts then validated that the items were bilateral and functional. Similar items were then combined and duplicates eliminated.

RESULTS:

The list was reduced to 69 items and 40 items were selected based on the content validity index. Based on the bilateral function, importance, expansion, and deletion criteria, the expert panel selected 27 items that best represented bilateral activities of daily living.

CONCLUSIONS:

A final list of 27 activities of daily living requiring bilateral function was generated and validated. Future work will focus on development of a tool to assess bilateral upper extremity function of patients with stroke.
International Characteristics of the Macro-Logistics System of Freight Villages
Authors: Oláh Judit , Nestler Steffen , Nobel Thomas , Popp József
Published: January 2018

This study of the international characteristics of the macro-logistics system of freight villages is a first overview of the subject, which has not previously been available. The study is divided into four parts. The first part describes the empirical method of the study and introduces the databases which were set up. The second and most relevant part deals with the different continents and their logistics sectors. The “Classic” and “Challenger” countries of the continents in the field of logistics have also been identified on the basis of the “Logistics Performance Index 2014” from the World Bank. A comparison between the single continents makes up the third part. The final part introduces selected outstanding locations which were found during the research. In addition, the study can provide support for various actors (for example, logistics real estate developers) in opening up new markets.
Comparative overview of different fish feed industries in Noakhali region of Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun Sabiha , Rahman Md Mofizur , Sarkar Chayan Chandra
Published: January 2018

Aqua feeds have been considered as a major subsector in aquaculture. About 25 commercial fish feed industries in Bangladesh are now formulating over 1 million tones of commercial pelleted feed for the use by aquaculture farmers. A survey of different fish feed industries, their produced feed, used raw materials, machineries, distribution and marketing channel was carried out in 2015 at Noakhali of Bangladesh. Four fish feed industries were found having legal permission to produce fish feed in Noakhali. These were Globe-agro vet Ltd, Partex agro fish feed Ltd, Setu feed mills and R.P (Rasulpur) fish feed Ltd with an area of 9, 3, 2 and 3.5 acre, respectively. They used different types of machineries. Maximum machineries were found in Globe-agro vet Ltd. They used 19 types of raw materials where some were local and some were imported. Maximum raw materials were found in Globe-agro vet Ltd and they used 16 types of raw materials. Four types of fish feed were being produced in four fish feed industries and these are nursery, starter, grower, finisher. Square company was common of different raw materials supplier. Feed companies were linked with other business and take loan from local NGO and foreign organization. Their production capacity was not same rate all round the year. They like to produce feed from March to October. There was not so far difference in proximate composition of surveyed feed industries. Protein ranged at 28-35%, Lipid 5-8 %, moisture 10-12 % and Ash 12-18 %. The government should move forward with financial as well as technical support for the expansion and modernization of fish feed industries with a view to protecting the nature from incursive pollutants generated during feed manufacturing process.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2017, 3(4): 488-493
Toxic effects of agro-pesticide cypermethrin on histological changes of kidney in Tengra, Mystus tengara
Authors: Haque Shahroz Mahean , Sarkar Chayan Chandra , Khatun Sabiha , Sumon Kaizar Ahmed
Published: January 2018

Cypermethrin, the synthetic pyrethroid commonly used as a pesticide, contaminates the aquatic ecosystem as a toxic pollutant from agricultural and domestic washouts. An experiment was conducted to carry out an empirical study to investigate the sub-lethal effects of LC50 value of a pyrethroid pesticide, cypermethrin 10EC on histological changes of kidney in Tengra, Mystus tengara at wet laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The LC50 value of cypermethrin 10EC was calculated by probit analysis and LC50 value for 96 hours was found 0.133 ppm. The experiment was conducted with four treatments, each with three replications. Treatment one (T1) was used as control (0 ppm) and three concentrations, such as 0.026 ppm (20% of 96 h LC50), 0.052 ppm (40% of 96 h LC50) and 0.104 ppm (80% of 96 h LC50) were used as Treatment two (T2), Treatment three (T3) and Treatment four (T4), respectively. For histological study kidney of studied fish were collected from control and experimental group at 7, 14 and 28 days interval up to the end of experiment of 28 days. The physical reactions observed in the treated fish were erratic swimming, discolorations of the skin, loss of reflex, hyperactivities, motionless state and these effects increased with increasing concentration of the toxicants and duration of exposure. The changes observed in the kidney tissues were vacuolation, necrosis, ruptured kidney tubules, Cellular degeneration and karyolysis were recorded. Cypermethrin 10 EC has adverse effects on the organs of fish, so it should not be used indiscriminately in agriculture and aquaculture.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2017, 3(4): 494-498
Effects of stocking density on the growth rate of gold fish fry reared in hapa
Authors: Shajib Md Saroar Hossain , Sarker Baadruzzoha , Asif Abdulla Al , Rahman Md Mizanur , Zafar Md Abu , Hossain Amir
Published: January 2018

The present study was conducted to investigate effects of stocking density on growth performances of gold fish (Carassius auratus) in hapas. Experiment was conducted for a month with three treatments where three stocking densities were T1 (10 fry/hapa), T2 (15 fry/hapa) andT3 (20 fry/hapa) each having three replications which were selected randomly. In the present experiment hapa (3ft × 2ft × 2ft) with 1 mm mesh net was used. Gold fish fry having a mean body weight of 0.007 g were used in all treatments. Fishes were fed at the rate of 10% of their body weight containing 34.11% protein. Water quality parameters were monitored at 10 days interval and the ranges were –temperature 24.75 to 27.75 oC, dissolved oxygen 3.68 to 4.09 mg/L, pH 7.3 to 8.16, ammonia 0.3 to 1 mg/L, nitrite 0.01 to 0.03 mg/L, phosphate 0.6 to 1 mg/L and alkalinity 119 to 187 mg/L. At the growth performances were evaluated by comparing mean final body weight, specific growth rate and food conversion ratio. The present study showed that the gold fish fry in T1 resulted the best mean final weight gain (1.188 g) followed by T2 (0.834 g) and T3 (0.686 g). The SGR ranged between 6.64 and 7.43% per day and FCR ranged between 3.56 and 4.12 with T1 showing the lowest FCR. The survival rate (%) ranged between 76.67% to 85.67%. From the present experiment it was found that individual fish growth rate was decreased with the increase of stocking density.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2017, 3(4): 504-515
Reflections of Indian Philosophy in Deleuze's ‘Body without Organs’
Authors: Gupta Meenu
Published: January 2018

As the title suggests, this paper looks at the Deleuzian concept of body without organs and compares it with Indian Philosophy. In the Indian context, the concept of moksha/nirvana comes near to it as both are practices that aim at liberation; here, ‘liberation’ is never the awaited end of the process but the process itself. The traditional western substantialism rests on things whereas Deleuze, like Indian Philosophy, celebrates ‘experience’ and the ‘incorporeal’. Thus, body without organs plays a role in individuation. It hints at a journey beyond ‘the self’ which is full of ecstasy or the ananda of the Indian thought system. The question of Being, which not only is conceptual identification, is presented in terms of the virtual and the actual. For Deleuze and Guattari, every actual body has a virtual dimension, a vast reservoir of potentials, and this is the body without organs. The actual emerges from it and carries it with it. Further, the plane of immanence is a field in which concepts are produced. It is neither external to the Self nor forms an external self or a non-self. It is ‘an absolute outside’, very much like Brahman. The pragmatics of Deleuzian theory is that it explains life to be ‘immanence of immanence, absolute immanence’ – an utter beatitude – which has a Vedantic counterpart where the essential Brahman is a combination of three attributes – sat (being), chit (mind) and ananda (bliss). Thus, this paper aims at the interesting comparison between Deleuzian theory and Indian Philosophy.
RETRACTED: A Matrine Derivative M54 Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis and Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss by Targeting Ribosomal Protein S5
Authors: Xin Zhi , Jin Cui , Chao Liu , Zheng Zhang , Liehu Cao , Panpan Pan , Weizong Weng , Xiao Zhai , Qingjie Zhao , Honggang Hu , Longjuan Qin , Xiao Chen , Jiacan Su
Published: January 2018

Post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. The over-activated osteoclastogenesis, which plays an important role in osteoporosis, has become an important therapeutic target. M54 was a bioactive derivative of the Chinese traditional herb matrine. We found that M54 could suppress RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow mononuclear cells and RAW264.7 cells through suppressing NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and MAPKs pathways activity in vitro, and prevent ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo. Our previous study has proved that ribosomal protein S5 (RPS5) was a direct target of M19, based on which M54 was synthesized. Thus we deduced that M54 also targeted RPS5. During osteoclastogenesis, the RPS5 level in RAW264.7 cells was significantly down-regulated while M54 could maintain its level. After RPS5 was silenced, the inhibitory effects of M54 on osteoclastogenesis were partially compromised, indicating that M54 took effects through targeting RPS5. In summary, M54 was a potential clinical medicine for post-menopause osteoporosis treatment, and RPS5 is a possible key protein in PMOP.
A Realistic Approach of the Maximum Work Extraction from Solar Thermal Collectors
Authors: Bellos Evangelos , Tzivanidis Christos
Published: January 2018

In this study, the maximum work extraction from the incident solar energy on solar thermal collectors is investigated by coupling solar collectors with a Carnot machine. A simplified thermal model for the solar collector performance is developed in which the radiation losses play a significant role. In every examined case, the optimum operating temperature that leads to maximum work extraction is calculated. The final results are presented parametrically, covering a great variety of real solar collectors. Moreover, the validation procedure of the developed model proves high accuracy. The results show that non-concentrating collectors should operate up to 400 K while concentrating collectors in higher temperature levels. More specifically, a parabolic trough collector can operate efficiently in temperature levels up to 850 K, while solar dish collectors can operate efficiently in temperature levels up to 1100 K. The results of this study can be exploited for the preliminary design and optimization of solar thermal systems. Moreover, a clear and realistic upper limit concerning the exergy production of solar irradiation with solar thermal collectors is given.
Electrotransfer of Different Control Plasmids Elicits Different Antitumor Effectiveness in B16.F10 Melanoma
Authors: Bosnjak Masa , Jesenko Tanja , Kamensek Urska , Sersa Gregor , Lavrencak Jaka , Heller Loree , Cemazar Maja
Published: January 2018

Several studies have shown that different control plasmids may cause antitumor action in different murine tumor models after gene electrotransfer (GET). Due to the differences in GET protocols, plasmid vectors, and experimental models, the observed antitumor effects were incomparable. Therefore, the current study was conducted comparing antitumor effectiveness of three different control plasmids using the same GET parameters. We followed cytotoxicity in vitro and the antitumor effect in vivo after GET of control plasmids pControl, pENTR/U6 scr and pVAX1 in B16.F10 murine melanoma cells and tumors. Types of cell death and upregulation of selected cytosolic DNA sensors and cytokines were determined. GET of all three plasmids caused significant growth delay in melanoma tumors; nevertheless, the effect of pVAX1 was significantly greater than pControl. While DNA sensors in vivo were not upregulated significantly, cytokines IFN β and TNF α were upregulated after GET of pVAX1. In vitro, the mRNAs of some cytosolic DNA sensors were overexpressed after GET; however, with no significant difference among the three plasmids. In summary, although differences in antitumor effects were observed among control plasmids in vivo, no differences in cellular responses to plasmid GET were detected in tumor cells in vitro. Thus, the tumor microenvironment as well as some plasmid properties are most probably responsible for the antitumor effectiveness.
Coleopteran Communities Associated with Forests Invaded by Emerald Ash Borer
Authors: Savage Matthew , Rieske Lynne
Published: January 2018

Extensive ash mortality caused by the non-native emerald ash borer alters canopy structure and creates inputs of coarse woody debris as dead and dying ash fall to the forest floor; this affects habitat heterogeneity; resource availability; and exposure to predation and parasitism. As EAB-induced (emerald ash borer-induced) disturbance progresses the native arthropod associates of these forests may be irreversibly altered through loss of habitat; changing abiotic conditions and altered trophic interactions. We documented coleopteran communities associated with EAB-disturbed forests in a one-year study to evaluate the nature of these changes. Arthropods were collected via ethanol-baited traps on five sites with varying levels of EAB-induced ash mortality from May to September; captured beetles were identified to the family level and assigned to feeding guilds (herbivore; fungivore; xylophage; saprophage; predator; or parasite). Over 11,700 Coleoptera were identified in 57 families. In spite of their abundance; herbivores comprised a relatively small portion of coleopteran family richness (8 of 57 families). Conversely, coleopteran fungivore richness was high (23 families), and fungivore abundance was low. Herbivores and fungivores were more abundant at sites where ash decline was most evident. The predatory Trogossitidae and Cleridae were positively correlated with ash decline, suggesting a positive numerical response to the increased prey base associated with EAB invasion. Ash forests are changing, and a deeper understanding of arthropod community responses will facilitate restoration.
Intraspecific Variation in Pines from the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt Grown under Two Watering Regimes: Implications for Management of Genetic Resources
Authors: Flores Andrés , Climent José , Pando Valentín , López-Upton Javier , Alía Ricardo
Published: January 2018

Management of forest genetic resources requires experimental data related to the genetic variation of the species and populations under different climatic conditions. Foresters also demand to know how the main selective drivers will influence the adaptability of the genetic resources. To assess the inter- and intraspecific variation and plasticity in seedling drought tolerance at a relevant genetic resource management scale, we tested the changes in growth and biomass allocation of seedlings of Pinus oocarpa, P. patula and P. pseudostrobus under two contrasting watering regimes. We found general significant intraspecific variation and intraspecific differences in plasticity, since both population and watering by population interaction were significant for all three species. All the species and populations share a common general avoidance mechanism (allometric adjustment of shoot/root biomass). However, the intraspecific variation and differences in phenotypic plasticity among populations modify the adaptation strategies of the species to drought. Some of the differences are related to the climatic conditions of the location of origin. We confirmed that even at reduced geographical scales, Mexican pines present differences in the response to water stress. The differences among species and populations are relevant in afforestation programs as well as in genetic conservation activities.
Polyphenolic Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Malus domestica and Prunus domestica Cultivars from Costa Rica
Authors: Navarro Mirtha , Moreira Ileana , Arnaez Elizabeth , Quesada Silvia , Azofeifa Gabriela , Vargas Felipe , Alvarado Diego , Chen Pei
Published: January 2018

The phenolic composition of skin and flesh from Malus domestica apples (Anna cultivar) and Prunus domestica plums (satsuma cultivar) commercial cultivars in Costa Rica, was studied using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS) on enriched-phenolic extracts, with particular emphasis in proanthocyanidin and flavonoids characterization. A total of 52 compounds were identified, including 21 proanthocyanidins ([(+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin]) flavan-3-ols monomers, five procyanidin B-type dimers and two procyanidin A-type dimers, five procyanidin B-type trimers and two procyanidin A-type trimers, as well as one procyanidin B-type tetramer, two procyanidin B-type pentamers, and two flavan-3-ol gallates); 15 flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin and naringenin derivatives); nine phenolic acids (protochatechuic, caffeoylquinic, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives); five hydroxychalcones (phloretin and 3-hydroxyphloretin derivatives); and two isoprenoid glycosides (vomifoliol derivatives). These findings constitute the first report of such a high number and diversity of compounds in skins of one single plum cultivar and of the presence of proanthocyanidin pentamers in apple skins. Also, it is the first time that such a large number of glycosylated flavonoids and proanthocyanidins are reported in skins and flesh of a single plum cultivar. In addition, total phenolic content (TPC) was measured with high values observed for all samples, especially for fruits skins with a TPC of 619.6 and 640.3 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract respectively for apple and plum. Antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods were evaluated, with results showing also high values for all samples, especially again for fruit skins with IC50 of 4.54 and 5.19 µg/mL (DPPH) and 16.8 and 14.6 mmol TE/g (ORAC) respectively for apple and plum, indicating the potential value of these extracts. Significant negative correlation was found for both apple and plum samples between TPC and DPPH antioxidant values, especially for plum fruits (R = −0.981, p < 0.05) as well as significant positive correlation between TPC and ORAC, also especially for plum fruits (R = 0.993, p < 0.05) and between both, DPPH and ORAC antioxidant methods (R = 0.994, p < 0.05).
Association between Drug Usage and Constipation in the Elderly Population of Greater Western Sydney Australia
Authors: Fragakis Alexandra , Zhou Jerry , Mannan Haider , Ho Vincent
Published: January 2018

The low socioeconomic region of Greater Western Sydney (GWS) has higher than average rates of gastrointestinal symptoms. The relationship between prescription drug usage and constipation has not been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of drug use on constipation in the elderly population of GWS (NSW, Australia). A random selection of elderly residents completed a postal questionnaire for constipation and drug use (response 30.7%). Bivariate associations between constipation and number of drug use and number of drug use with constipation adverse effect were compared. For multivariate analysis multiple logistic regression was performed for constipation with the number of drugs, use of drugs with known constipation side effects, and each drug class (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC) level 4) as independent variables. The prevalence of constipation was 33.9%. There was a dose–response relationship between constipation and the number of drugs used (odds ratio 1.24, p < 0.001) and the usage of drugs with known constipation adverse effects (odds ratio 2.21, p = 0.009). These findings suggest that constipation is associated with the number of drugs used, particularly those with constipation adverse-effects, in the elderly of GWS.
Association between Social Activities and Cognitive Function among the Elderly in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fu Chang , Li Zhen , Mao Zongfu
Published: January 2018

Participation in social activities is one of important factors for older adults’ health. The present study aims to examine the cross-sectional association between social activities and cognitive function among Chinese elderly. A total of 8966 individuals aged 60 and older from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were obtained for this study. Telephone interviews of cognitive status, episodic memory, and visuospatial abilities were assessed by questionnaire. We used the sum of all three of the above measures to represent the respondent’s cognitive status as a whole. Types and frequencies of participation in social groups were used to measure social activities. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between social activities and cognitive function. After adjustment for demographics, smoking, drinking, depression, hypertension, diabetes, basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and self-rated health, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that interaction with friends, participating in hobby groups, and sports groups were associated with better cognitive function among both men and women (p < 0.05); doing volunteer work was associated with better cognitive function among women but not among men (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that there is a cross-sectional association between participation in social activities and cognitive function among Chinese elderly. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the effects of social activities on cognitive function.
The External Performance Appraisal of China Energy Regulation: An Empirical Study Using a TOPSIS Method Based on Entropy Weight and Mahalanobis Distance
Authors: Wang Zheng-Xin , Li Dan-Dan , Zheng Hong-Hao
Published: January 2018

In China’s industrialization process, the effective regulation of energy and environment can promote the positive externality of energy consumption while reducing negative externality, which is an important means for realizing the sustainable development of an economic society. The study puts forward an improved technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution based on entropy weight and Mahalanobis distance (briefly referred as E-M-TOPSIS). The performance of the approach was verified to be satisfactory. By separately using traditional and improved TOPSIS methods, the study carried out the empirical appraisals on the external performance of China’s energy regulation during 1999~2015. The results show that the correlation between the performance indexes causes the significant difference between the appraisal results of E-M-TOPSIS and traditional TOPSIS. The E-M-TOPSIS takes the correlation between indexes into account and generally softens the closeness degree compared with traditional TOPSIS. Moreover, it makes the relative closeness degree fluctuate within a small-amplitude. The results conform to the practical condition of China’s energy regulation and therefore the E-M-TOPSIS is favorably applicable for the external performance appraisal of energy regulation. Additionally, the external economic performance and social responsibility performance (including environmental and energy safety performances) based on the E-M-TOPSIS exhibit significantly different fluctuation trends. The external economic performance dramatically fluctuates with a larger fluctuation amplitude, while the social responsibility performance exhibits a relatively stable interval fluctuation. This indicates that compared to the social responsibility performance, the fluctuation of external economic performance is more sensitive to energy regulation.