bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatocellular carcinoma-derived exosomal miRNA-21 contributes to tumor progression by converting hepatocyte stellate cells to cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Ren Haozhen , Dai Bo , Li Jun , Shang Longcheng , Huang Jianfei , Shi Xiaolei
Published: December 2018

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates as well as poor response to treatment. The communication between tumor-derived elements and stroma plays a critical role in facilitating cancer progression of HCC. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are released from the cells upon fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. There is emerging evidence indicating that exosomes play a central role in cell-to-cell communication. Much attention has been paid to exosomes since they are found to transport bioactive proteins, messenger RNA (mRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) that can be transferred in active form to adjacent cells or to distant organs. However, the mechanisms underlying such cancer progression remain largely unexplored.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation from conditioned medium of HCC cells and identified by electron microscopy and Western blotting analysis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with different concentrations of exosomes, and the activation of HSCs was analyzed by Western blotting analysis, wound healing, migration assay, Edu assay, CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Moreover, the different miRNA levels of exosomes were tested by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). The angiogenic ability of activated HSCs was analyzed by qRT-PCR, CCK-8 assay and tube formation assay. In addition, the abnormal lipid metabolism of activated HSCs was analyzed by Western blotting analysis and Oil Red staining. Finally, the relationship between serum exosomal miRNA-21 and prognosis of HCC patients was evaluated.

Results

We showed that HCC cells exhibited a great capacity to convert normal HSCs to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Moreover, our data revealed that HCC cells secreted exosomal miRNA-21 that directly targeted PTEN, leading to activation of PDK1/AKT signaling in HSCs. Activated CAFs further promoted cancer progression by secreting angiogenic cytokines, including VEGF, MMP2, MMP9, bFGF and TGF-β. Clinical data indicated that high level of serum exosomal miRNA-21 was correlated with greater activation of CAFs and higher vessel density in HCC patients.

Conclusions

Intercellular crosstalk between tumor cells and HSCs was mediated by tumor-derived exosomes that controlled progression of HCC. Our findings provided potential targets for prevention and treatment of live cancer.
Incidence of infections due to third generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae - a prospective multicentre cohort study in six German university hospitals
Authors: Rohde Anna M. , Zweigner Janine , Wiese-Posselt Miriam , Schwab Frank , Behnke Michael , Kola Axel , Obermann Birgit , Knobloch Johannes K.-M. , Feihl Susanne , Querbach Christiane , Gebhardt Friedemann , Mischnik Alexander , Ihle Vera , Schröder Wiebke , Armean Sabina , Peter Silke , Tacconelli Evelina , Hamprecht Axel , Seifert Harald , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Kern Winfried V. , Gastmeier Petra ,   on behalf of the DZIF-ATHOS study group, Buhl Michael , Busch Dirk , Eisenbeis Simone , Först Gesche , Foschi Federico , Gillis Meyke , Hansen Dorothea , Häcker Georg , Heim Markus , Hug Martin , Kaier Klaus , Küpper Fabian , Langebartels Georg , Liekweg Andrea , Lipp Hans-Peter , Märtin Nayana , Nordmann Mathias , Pelzer Andrea , Peña-Diaz Luis-Alberto , Rupp Jan , Schröder Christin , Spohn Katrin , Steib-Bauert Michaela , Vehreschild Jörg J. , vor dem Esche Ulrich , Wolke Solvy
Published: December 2018

Background

Infections caused by third generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (3GCREB) are an increasing healthcare problem. We aim to describe the 3GCREB infection incidence and compare it to prevalence upon admission. In addition, we aim to describe infections caused by 3GCREB, which are also carbapenem resistant (CRE).

Methods

In 2014–2015, we performed prospective 3GCREB surveillance in clinically relevant patient specimens (screening specimens excluded). Infections counted as hospital-acquired (HAI) when the 3GCREB was detected after the third day following admission, otherwise as community-acquired infection (CAI).

Results

Of 578,420 hospitalized patients under surveillance, 3367 had a 3GCREB infection (0.58%). We observed a similar 3GCREB CAI and HAI incidence (0.28 and 0.31 per 100 patients, respectively). The most frequent pathogen was 3GCR E. coli, in CAI and HAI (0.15 and 0.12 per 100 patients). We observed a CRE CAI incidence of 0.006 and a HAI incidence of 0.008 per 100 patients (0.014 per 1000 patient days).

Conclusions

Comparing the known 3GCREB admission prevalence of the participating hospitals (9.5%) with the percentage of patients with a 3GCREB infection (0.58%), we conclude the prevalence of 3GCREB in university hospitals to be about 16 times higher than suggested when only patients with 3GCREB infections are considered. Moreover, we find the HAI and CAI incidence caused by CRE in Germany to be relatively low.
Estimating 3D human shape under clothing from a single RGB image
Authors: Shigeki Yui , Okura Fumio , Mitsugami Ikuhisa , Yagi Yasushi
Published: December 2018

Estimation of naked human shape is essential in several applications such as virtual try-on. We propose an approach that estimates naked human 3D pose and shape, including non-skeletal shape information such as musculature and fat distribution, from a single RGB image. The proposed approach optimizes a parametric 3D human model using person silhouettes with clothing category, and statistical displacement models between clothed and naked body shapes associated with each clothing category. Experiments demonstrate that our approach estimates human shape more accurately than a prior method.
Implementing design thinking in organizations: an exploratory study
Authors: Dunne David
Published: December 2018

Design thinking has been adopted by organizations in all sectors of the economy. In this qualitative study, I explore organizations’ goals in adopting design thinking, the challenges such programs encounter, and the approaches they have taken to deal with these challenges. I find that unclear goals, the need to build legitimacy, cultural resistance, and leadership turnover can compromise the work of design programs. Possible antidotes include technological and collaborative platforms, and extending design thinking into the implementation process.
Validity of Field and Laboratory Three-Compartment Models in Healthy Adults
Authors: NICKERSON BRETT S. , TINSLEY GRANT M. , ESCO MICHAEL R.
Published: December 2018

Modified laboratory- and field-based multicompartment models have been found valid for estimating body composition. However, the comparability between these models is unknown.

Purpose

This study determined the validity of field and laboratory three-compartment (3C) models in healthy adults.

Methods

One hundred twenty participants (63 men and 57 women; age, 22 ± 5 yr; BMI, 24.9 ± 3.9 kg·m−2) participated in this study. A criterion four-compartment model (4C-Criterion) was determined with underwater weighing for body volume (BV), bioimpedance spectroscopy for total body water (TBW), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for bone mineral content. Modified laboratory-based 3C models were determined using bioimpedance spectroscopy for TBW and two separate DXA BV equations (3C-DXASR and 3C-DXAW) whereas a field-based 3C model (3C-Field) was obtained using single-frequency bioimpedance analysis for TBW and skinfold-derived BV. In addition, a stand-alone DXA assessment was evaluated.

Results

The effect size of the mean differences when compared to the 4C-Criterion were trivial to small for all modified 3C models and DXA when estimating fat mass, fat-free mass, and body fat percentage. The standard error of estimate and 95% limits of agreement for all modified 3C models and DXA were similar and considered acceptable. However, 3C-Field produced the lowest total error values and 3C-DXASR produced slightly lower total error values than 3C-DXAW and DXA.

Conclusions

The present study found that all modified 3C models and DXA exhibited acceptable errors. When performed by expert personnel, a field-based 3C model appears to be a viable alternative to laboratory-derived models in healthy adults.
Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rahamathulla Mohamudha Parveen
Published: December 2018

Background and Objective: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease and a major public health problem in the Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia. This study has evaluated the seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Central Saudi Arabia.

Methods: The study was conducted for three years (2015-2018) at Wadi Al Dawaser general hospital. A total of 6721 clinically suspected serum samples were collected over three years and tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT), IgM and IgG ELISA. A standard questionnaire to determine the risk factors were used among patients.

Results: Of the total 6721 samples tested, 576 (8.6%) were seropositive for brucellosis. RBPT identified 427 (74.1%), SAT titers 493 (85.6%) cases. IgM ELISA and IgG ELISA were positive for 501 (86.9%) and 558 (96.8%) cases respectively. Among the positive cases, 77.3% were male with the male to female ratio of 3.3:1. Nearly, 82% were Saudi Nationals. Direct contact with domestic animals and consumption of raw milk were the risk factors identified. No seasonal variation was seen. Diagnostic yield of IgM ELISA showed 86.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity; IgG ELISA showed 96.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Both IgG and IgM ELISAs showed 100% Positive predictive value, 98.9% and 95.6% Negative predictive value respectively.

Conclusion: A seroprevalence of 8.6% of human brucellosis was documented from this rural region. This is the first report from Wadi Al Dawaser. Frequent surveillance among risk group, vaccination of livestock, creating awareness and health education among the public and school children are recommended.

How to cite this:Rahamathulla MP. Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Saudi Arabia. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):129-135. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.55

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Dramatic Networks: Marginalized Economics and Labour in The Norwich Grocers’ Play
Authors: Stoyanoff Jeffery G
Published: December 2018

Using actor-network theory, this essay argues that the Norwich Grocers’ Play creates a dramatic network among the city of Norwich, the actors of the play, and the marginal audience members from Norwich and its surrounding countryside when read in light of the Norwich Corporation assembly minute of 1527 and the history of social unrest culminating in Kett’s Rebellion of 1549. The staging, costuming, and language of the play all function to ally the audience with the salvation history presented in the play and, in so doing, ensure the continued peace and prosperity of Norwich in the later 1560s despite challenges that could have led to unrest mirroring that experienced in the 1540s.
Women, Marriage, Property and Law: Contextualizing The Witch of Edmonton
Authors: Stretton Tim
Published: December 2018

Changes in marital property and marriage negotiations, the economy, and personal relations in early modern England form the backdrop for key elements of The Witch of Edmonton. This essay draws on recent scholarship surrounding these changes to provide historical context for analyzing the play. It argues that the commercialization of economic relations and the emergence of trusts facilitated a shift away from customary arrangements (such as dower) towards more contractual ones (such as jointures). Meanwhile, increased reliance on credit and legal instruments, such as bonds, produced record levels of litigation, contributing to legalistic thinking and cynicism about legal agreements.
Generalized Sequential Stochastic Assignment Problem
Authors: Khatibi Arash , Jacobson Sheldon H.
Published: December 2018

The sequential stochastic assignment problem (SSAP) assigns sequentially arriving tasks with stochastic parameters (coming from a known distribution) to workers with fixed success rates so as to maximize the total expected reward. This paper studies the generalized SSAP (GSSAP), an extension of SSAP with no prior information on task values. GSSAP is described as a generalization of the secretary problem, in which the set of selected elements in the secretary problem are assigned to distinct positions in GSSAP. The weighted secretary problem is used to design two deterministic and one randomized algorithm for GSSAP. The proposed algorithms have a threshold structure: the first few stages of the problem are used as a training phase to compute thresholds. These thresholds are then used to assign tasks to workers after the training phase. These algorithms provide intuitive models to assign tasks arriving in the training phase to workers. Although the expected reward achieved by the deterministic algorithms has a better lower bound, the randomized algorithm provides fairness by assigning each task to any of the workers with equal probability.
5 ways to use… your Christmas tree
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: December 2018

Enjoy the festive season… then, in the spirit of thriftiness, here are five things you could do outdoors to use up every last bit of your tree. By Julie Mountain
A towering success
Authors: Paffard Fran
Published: December 2018

A whole-school outing to the Tower of London by Alice Model Nursery School was repeated this year because of its impact on the children and their families. By Fran Paffard
Chains at 20
Authors: Gaunt Catherine
Published: December 2018

How have the UK's biggest nursery groups – and the early years sector as a whole – changed over the past two decades? Catherine Gaunt goes through the archives
World Religion Day
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: December 2018

Sunday the 20th of January is World Religion Day, which was established to encourage interfaith understanding and mutual tolerance. The following activities explore the Jewish festival of Tu B'Shevat.
Returning to nursery
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2018

Returning to nursery after the festive season can be difficult for both children and parents, but there are a number of strategies that can help make the process easier.
A rhyming artist
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: December 2018

Nick Sharratt is a prolific children's author and illustrator famous for his rhyming text and colourful illustrations. The following activities use his work to develop children's communication and language skills.
Stepping outside
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: December 2018

Make the best of your outdoor play area. In this new series, Karen Hart suggests foraging for materials to make a woodland sensory play area, building a bug box and making a fun assault course.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Sonchus oleraceus Extract in Lipopoly saccharide-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Yang Eun-Jin , Jang Sungchan , Hyun Kwang Hee , Jung Eun-Young , Kim Seung-Young , Hyun Chang-Gu
Published: December 2018

The anti-inflammatory activity and non-toxicity of Sonchus oleraceus extract (J6) were tested by measuring its effect on the levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. We treated the RAW264.7 cells with various concentrations (50, 100, or 200 μg/mL) of J6. Our results showed that J6 inhibited the production of NO, PGE2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner, without compromising cell viability. In addition, we provided supporting evidence that the inhibitory activity of J6 on the production of NO and PGE2 occurred via the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively. Our findings suggest that J6 is a new source for anti-inflammatory drugs and ingredients for healthcare products that include functional cosmetics.
Copper Concentration in the Blood Serum of Low Birth Weight Newborns
Authors: Chernenkov Yu.V. , Bochkova L.G. , Kadymova I.I. , Kiselev A.R.
Published: December 2018

Until now in the information resources data on the reference values of the concentration of this essential trace element in biological fluids in low birth weight (LBW) newborns are absent. The purpose of our study was to study the copper content in serum in various categories of LBW children during the neonatal period. This prospective study included 173 newborns with LBW, including babies with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). The dynamic monitoring of copper concentration in the blood serum, as well as the analysis of these parameters depending on the birth weight has been performed. Quantitative determination of serum copper was carried out by the method of emission spectral analysis. When analyzing the level of copper in the blood serum on the 10th and 25th days of life, a lower content of this element was noted in extremely LBW children with (8.10±1.16 and 6.99±0.41, on the 10th and 25th days of life, respectively) and without IUGR (7.49±1.07 and 7.19±0.91, respectively). On the 25th day of life, serum copper levels were reduced in all groups of children (P<0.001). All LBW newborns and especially in children with IUGR has a deficiency of this micronutrient throughout the observation period. In newborns with ELBW or VLBW, there is a deficiency of serum copper throughout the neonatal period.
Image Analysis on Fingertip Video To Obtain PPG
Authors: Chatterjee Ayan , Prinz Andreas
Published: December 2018

Cardiovascular problems are evolving as the chief cause of death worldwide. Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Respiratory Rate, Oxygen Saturation, Systolic Upstroke Time, Heart Beat duration, Diastolic time, RR intervalare some important physiological parameters that help to monitor our daily health condition. Those parameters are very useful to determine if a person is suffering from any cardiovascular problems or not based on daily data collection and monitoring over a certain period of time and in this context machine learning algorithms will be very helpful for developing a smart cardiovascular tele-monitoring & recommendation system for better lifestyle. Irregularities in the heart signal can pop up a serious indication for upcoming cardiac problem. Here, we have concentrated on intensity variation based heart rate calculation process from PPG with major analysis on captured contact video. Here we have used normal handy smart phone camera which is available to everyone and able to capture fingertip videos of flowing blood in the vessels with visible light wavelength. In this paper, we have performed analysis on captured videos for accurate health parameter capturing and compared it with standard devices (FDA approved).
The Spice For Hypertension: Protective Role of Curcuma Longa
Authors: Leong Xin-Fang
Published: December 2018

Untreated hypertension is a major cause for a wide array of diseases affecting cardiovascular system. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of hypertension. The impairment between the balance of antioxidants and pro-oxidants contributes to the elevation of blood pressure. Over generation of free radicals produces a decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide. Eventually, this will cause a rise in total peripheral resistance and lead to endothelial dysfunction. Noticeable symptoms are usually experienced when hypertension enters the advanced stage with lifelong health complications. Hypertensive patients are required to take medications for indefinite period of time to prevent further deterioration. Many of these therapeutic agents are costly and associated with unwanted side effects. Curcuma longa (CL) or turmeric is one of the alternative herbs which confers medicinal properties. This review aims to summarise the effects of CL and its active constituents on blood pressure derived from preclinical and clinical published articles. Studies documented that CL and its active constituents could reduce blood pressure. These were achieved by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, calcium (II) ion concentration interference, β2-adrenergic receptor activation, and renin-angiotensin system inhibition. There is a prospect for CL in the management of hypertension. However, limited researches of CL have been conducted on human. Thus, more well-planned studies should be carried out to ascertain its effectiveness.
The Potential of Basal Medium Astemporary Prolong Culture of Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymalstem Cells
Authors: Pawita Jeanne Adiwinata , Kispa Tera Dria , Liem Isabella Kurnia , Mujadid Fajar , Novialdi Novialdi
Published: December 2018

To compare the viability and characteristics of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) when they were kept in culture in three types of αMEM after confluence for various time points. Viability and characteristic assessments were done after keeping UC-MSC confluent cultures for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96hours in αMEM with glutamax (Himedia), and without glutamax (Himedia or Gibco).There were thirty cultures, which each ten of them were kept in the three types of basal media, and for each time point and type of basal medium, two flasks were harvested. All viability and characteristic assessments were done after harvest. Viability assessments were done in duplicate, while characteristics assessment by flowcytometry for CD73, CD90 and CD105 were done only once.Further, differences between the various time points in terms of viability and CD73, CD90 and CD105 percentage after various time points were compared and tested by appropriate statistical analysis. Viability was >70% upto 72 hours and 48 hours when the cells were kept in Himediaglutamax containing αMEM and αMEM without glutamax respectively. Flow cytometry showed that CD73, CD90 and CD negative percentage did not differ to initial percentage, but after 24 hours CD105 was slightly decreased to > 60% in Himediaglutamax containing αMEM, while in the two αMEM media without glutamaxthe percentages were below 40%. For our UC-MSC culture, glutamax containing αMEM is better compared to αMEM without glutamax as temporary storage solution, and storage should be restricted to 24 hours.
Fan and Ventilation Rate Monitoring of Cage-Free Layer Houses in California
Authors: Lin Xingjun , Zhang Ruihong , Jiang Shumei , El-Mashad Hamed M. , Xin Hongwei
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Ventilation rates were continuously monitored from 1 March 2012 to 13 May 2013 in two cage-free layer houses in California. The average number of brown Lohmann laying hens in each house was 33,300. Temperature, relative humidity, static pressure, and running status of 48 ventilation fans were continuously monitored and recorded every minute. Regression models were developed to relate house temperature and ventilation rate to inlet air temperature and to relate airflow rate to building static pressure (R2 = 0.98). Results showed that the daily mean ventilation rate per hen ranged from 1.91 to 8.72 m3 h-1 hen-1, averaging 4.49 ±1.53 m3 h-1 hen-1. The standard uncertainty of daily mean ventilation rate was determined to be 3.7%. The 91 cm and 130 cm fans were found to perform at 82% and 63% of the manufacturer-rated airflow rates, respectively. Minimum and maximum static pressures were 11.0 and 50.6 Pa, respectively, corresponding to 2 and 16 running tunnel fans. When the house temperature exceeded 30°C, an evaporative cooling system was activated, which could reduce the inlet air temperature by 6.3°C and concurrently increased the indoor air humidity ratio by 3.4 g per kg dry air. Cooling pad efficiency was 66%. The sidewall fans and tunnel fans were operated at 65% and 20%, respectively, of the total time when layers occupied the houses. A new rational formula for calculating dry base ventilation rate was developed based on the ratio of water vapor volume to moist air volume. The developed models and data collected in this research can be used to calculate the ventilation rates in cage-free layer houses to ensure the healthy conditions needed for laying hens. The models and data can also be used in the design of cage-free houses and in calculating emissions of air pollutants from these houses. Keywords: Cage-free laying hen house, Fan curve, Static pressure, Ventilation.
Simulation of Hydrogen Sulfide Emission from Deep-Pit Manure Storage During Agitation
Authors: Lin Hongjian , Liu Weiwei , Gan Jing , Wang Yuchuan , Hu Bo
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Human and animal exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in animal barns has long been a serious issue due to the acute and chronic toxicity of H2S. The H2S concentration in the room air of deep-pit swine barns is usually within hundreds of parts per billion by volume; however, it can sharply increase to hundreds and even thousands of parts per million (ppm) during manure agitation and pump-out. To explore the sudden release and concentration distribution of H2S, this study collected and analyzed samples from varying depths of a normal non-foaming barn and a foaming barn and then mathematically simulated the H2S concentrations and emissions in the pit headspace and room air for both barns during pit agitation. Simulations were conducted for six ventilation scenarios, or six different combinations of pit fan and wall fan ventilation rates. The simulation results suggested that pit ventilation was more effective than wall ventilation in decreasing H2S concentration in room air where pigs may be housed during agitation. A minimal pit ventilation rate of 40 cfm per pig was necessary to lower the peak concentration in room air to less than the permissible exposure limit of 20 ppm. The simulation results also indicated that gas bubble release during agitation accounted for the main part (81%) of H2S emission in the foaming barn, and expedited molecular diffusion contributed the main part (70.2%) of H2S emission in the non-foaming barn. The disturbed air-manure interface during agitation induced a pH decrease and therefore increased the apparent overall mass transfer coefficient of H2S, resulting in a substantially increased mass transfer rate and concentration. The immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) concentration of 100 ppm may be reached during pit agitation if pit fan ventilation is not fully provided, and the duration of the exceedance could be more than 30 min. The results provide empirical data for future simulation of spatial and temporal H2S distribution and are beneficial for developing methods to control H2S below hazardous levels so that the health and safety of workers can be better secured. Keywords: Agricultural safety, Deep-pit storage, Hydrogen sulfide concentration, Sulfide distribution, Swine manure.
Dust Reduction Efficiency of a Single-Row Vegetative Barrier (Maclura pomifera)
Authors: Gonzales Howell B. , Tatarko John , Casada Mark E. , Maghirang Ronaldo G. , Hagen Lawrence J. , Barden Charles J.
Published: December 2018

Little is known about the dust removal efficiency of common vegetative barriers. This study of blowing dust reduction was conducted on one of the most common vegetative barriers used for wind erosion control in Kansas and the U.S. Great Plains, the deciduous tree species (Osage orange). A dust generator and distributor were fabricated to generate dust particles for determining the dust removal efficiency of a single-row Osage orange barrier. Simultaneous upwind and downwind dust concentrations were measured using mini-vol samplers for total suspended particulates (TSP) at heights of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 m above the ground. Measurements were made using two towers located at upwind and downwind distances equal to the height of the barrier. Particle size distribution (PSD) analysis of the initial generated dust showed that most particles were large (GMD = 102.8 µm), while about 5% of the dust was particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) and 15% was less than 10 µm (PM10). Laser diffraction analysis of particles from the sample filters was used to determine the dust reduction efficiency of the barrier. Results showed that dust reduction was significantly related to reduction in wind speed at lower heights, causing an overall decrease in dust concentration as particles passed through the barrier. Concentrations of larger particles (~100 µm) were also reduced relative to smaller particles when dust passed through the barrier. The data also showed that 4.5 m above the ground, near the crown of the canopy, was most efficient at removing the PM2.5 (15% to 54%) and PM10 (23% to 65%) fractions of the generated dust. Keywords: Generated dust, Osage orange, PM2.5, PM10, TSP, Wind erosion.
Thermal Behavior and Kinetic Study of the Effects of Zinc-Modified Biochar Catalyst on Lignin and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Co-Pyrolysis
Authors: Bu Quan , Chen Kun , Morgan Hervan Marion , Liang Jianghui , Zhang Xiaodong , Yan Lishi , Mao Hanping
Published: December 2018

Abstract. The effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and a zinc-modified biochar catalyst on lignin pyrolysis were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Thermal decomposition analysis disclosed that lignin and LDPE co-pyrolysis was more complicated than pyrolysis of lignin alone, addition of the catalyst caused a decrease in reaction temperature and a slight increase in the conversion rate, and most of the compounds decomposed at 260°C for lignin alone and at about 450°C for the lignin/LDPE blend. The synergistic effect between lignin and LDPE in co-pyrolysis with the catalyst was also analyzed. The kinetic parameters indicated that lignin pyrolysis was a third-order reaction, while lignin/LDPE co-pyrolysis was a second-order reaction. Addition of LDPE to lignin during pyrolysis lowered the activation energy from 49.10 to 30.26 kJ mol-1. Analysis of the reaction kinetics revealed that the reaction rate improved with addition of the catalyst. Keywords: Biochar catalyst, LDPE, Lignin co-pyrolysis/pyrolysis, Reaction kinetics, Thermal decomposition.
Effect of Moisture Content and Inoculum Size on Cell Wall Composition and Ethanol Yield from Switchgrass after Solid-State Pleurotus ostreatus Treatment
Authors: Li Mengxing , Marek Stephen M. , Peng Jiaqi , Liu Zhongdong , Wilkins Mark R.
Published: December 2018

Abstract.

The white-rot fungus is capable of selectively degrading lignin over polymeric sugars. Solid-state cultivation and subsequent simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for ethanol production were performed. Effects of moisture content (MC) and fungus inoculum on biomass degradation, ligninolytic enzyme, and ethanol production were evaluated. First, fungal pretreatment was performed with varied MC and inoculum levels and sampled every 20 days. The highest xylose yield observed was 15.6% for samples with 75% MC and 5 mL inoculum at fungal pretreatment of 40 days. The highest lignin degradation of 52% and highest ethanol yield of 31% (based on the glucan present in the raw switchgrass) were achieved for 80-day fungal-treated samples with 75% MC and 5 mL inoculum. Keywords: KLywords. Bioenergy, Fungal pretreatment, Oyster mushroom, Perennial grass.
Fading Activities of Herbicidal Droplets Amended with Emulsifiable Spray Adjuvants on Cucurbitaceous Leaves
Authors: Lin Jeng-Liang , Zhu Heping
Published: December 2018

Abstract.

Understanding reactions of surfactant-amended droplets on difficult-to-wet weed surfaces could help develop application strategies to increase herbicide efficacy. Behaviors of herbicidal droplets containing different emulsifiable anti-evaporation spray adjuvants were investigated by characterizing 250 and 450 µm herbicidal droplet dispersion and fading time on cucurbitaceous leaves placed inside a 20°C chamber at 30% and 60% relative humidity (RH). Droplet maximum coverage area increased with droplet size but not with RH, while droplet fading time increased with both droplet size and RH. Despite 450 µm droplets having greater maximum coverage area than 250 µm droplets, the larger droplets had higher fading rates and lower ratios of maximum coverage area to droplet volume. Droplet maximum coverage area and fading time on leaves were affected by adding spray adjuvants to the herbicide-only solution. The Uptake surfactant was more effective than the other two surfactants (AntiEvap+BS1000 and Enhance) in increasing droplet maximum coverage area and fading time. Compared to the herbicide-only solution, addition of Uptake surfactant to the herbicide solution could increase maximum coverage area by 68% and 52% for 250 and 450 µm droplets, respectively, but addition of AntiEvap+BS1000 or Enhance surfactants did not show significant increase. Similarly, addition of Uptake surfactant to the herbicide-only solution increased droplet fading times by 11.1% and 13.2% at 30% and 60% RH, respectively, for 250 µm droplets and by 34.7% and 2.8% at 30% and 60% RH, respectively, for 450 µm droplets. In contrast, addition of AntiEvap+BS1000 surfactant reduced fading time, and addition of Enhance surfactant did not significantly affect fading time. Therefore, appropriate selection of spray adjuvants for herbicide applications could significantly influence droplet deposit behaviors on cucurbitaceous leaves, leading to improved effectiveness of weed control. Keywords: Herbicide application, Spray deposition, Spray droplet, Surfactant, Weed control.
PERAN AKTOR DALAM SOSIOLOGI PEMBANGUNAN: Analisis PERGUB No.16 Tahun 2017 tentang Jaringan Trayek Perkotaan Trans Jogja
Authors: Azmi Mohammad Wildan
Published: December 2018

This article describe about the role of actor concept sociology of development (Analysis PERGUB D.I. Yogyakarta No. 16 Tahun 2017 Tentang Jaringan Trayek Perkotaan Trans Jogja (Trans Jogja’s City Route)). Development is one of the way to raise social welfare, and do not related only by economic or politic, but social problem also. Transportation is part of development to care needs of people life’s. Actor’s policy become the main point of development, due the transportation sector using public transportation for people needs life’s. Furthermore, actor’s policy on sociology development from public transportation (Bus Trans Jogja) has important rule to gain people’s welfare (social welfare).Artikel ini menjelaskan peran aktor kebijakan dalam sosiologi pembangunan sebagai upaya memenuhi kebutuhan hidup masyarakat dan meningkatkan kesejahteraan sosial. PERGUB D.I. Yogyakarta No. 16 Tahun 2017 tentang Jaringan Trayek Perkotaan Trans Jogja adalah upaya pemerintah sebagai aktor dalam meningkatkan pelayanan publik melalui sektor transportasi publik (Bus Trans Jogja). Pembangungan bukan sekedar dari sektor ekonomi dan politik saja, melainkan sektor sosial juga memiliki peran penting dalam pembangunan mewujudkan kesejahteraan sosial. Dengan demikian aktor kebijakan dalam sosiologi pembangunan dari sektor transportasi publik (Bus Trans Jogja) memiliki peran penting dalam mewujudkan kesejahteraan rakyat.Keywords: Actor’s Policy, Sociology of Development, Transportation and Social Welfare
Kamu Yönetiminde Sevgi ve Adaletin Gerekliliği Ve Önemi
Authors: Aydın Ahmet Hamdi , Çamur Ömer
Published: December 2018

Sevgi ve
adalet kavramları, tarihin her döneminde üzerinde çokça durulan ve ne olduğu
tartışılan kavramlardır. Sevgi ve adalet, bireysel anlamda yetkinliğin
sağlanmasında ve toplumsal anlamda düzenin tesis edilmesinde önemli işlevleri
bulunan temel ahlaki ilkelerdir. Adalet sevginin halifesidir ve toplumsal
yaşamda sevgi adaletten önce gelmektedir. Dolayısıyla sevginin bulunduğu bir
toplumda adalete ihtiyaç duyulmamaktadır. Toplumsal hayatta birliğin
sağlanmasında oldukça etkili olan sevgi ve adalet kavramları kamu yönetimi için
de önemli bir yere sahiptir. Özellikle halkın ihtiyaç duyduğu hizmetlerin
sunulması için faaliyet gösteren kamu yönetiminde sevgi ve adaletin varlığı, hem
kamu yönetiminin işleyişini hem de vatandaşlarla olan ilişkilerini olumlu yönde
etkilemektedir. Bu nedenle yapılan bu çalışmada, öncelikle “sevgi”, “adalet” ve
“kamu yönetimi” kavramları açıklanacak ve çalışmanın devamında kamu yönetiminde
sevgi ve adaletin gerekliliği ve önemi tartışılacaktır.
Çocukluk Dönemi Cinsel İstismarına İlişkin Mitler Ölçeği’nin Geliştirilmesi: Geçerlik Ve Güvenirlik Çalışması
Authors: Koçtürk Nilüfer , Kızıldağ Seval
Published: December 2018

Bu
çalışmada araştırmacılar tarafından üniversite öğrencilerinin ÇCİ mitlerini
ölçmek amacıyla Çocukların Cinsel İstismarına İlişkin Mitler Ölçeği (ÇCİMÖ)
geliştirilmiştir. Ölçek geliştirme çalışması kapsamında 2017-2018 öğretim yılı
bahar yarıyılında Adıyaman Üniversitesi’nde öğrenim görmekte olan ve dört ayrı
çalışma grubundan elde edilen veriler üzerinde analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ölçeğin
geçerlik çalışmaları kapsamında kapsam, görünüş ve yapı geçerliğine
bakılmıştır. Ölçeğin yapı geçerliği için açımlayıcı, doğrulayıcı faktör
analizi, madde toplam korelasyonu analizleri yapılmıştır. Test tekrar test
güvenirlikleri için düzeltilmiş korelasyon katsayıları birinci boyut için .93
ikinci boyut için .89 olarak saptanmıştır. Toplam 22 maddeden ve “bildirim ve
güvenilirlik” ile “istismarcı özellikleri” olmak üzere iki faktörden oluşan ÇCİMÖ’nün
uyum indekslerinin anlamlı olduğu bulunmuştur. Sonuç olarak ÇCİMÖ’nün
üniversite öğrencilerinin ÇCİ mitlerini ölçebilecek, geçerli ve güvenilir bir
ölçme aracı olabileceğini göstermektedir. Elde edilen sonuçlar ilgili literatür
ışığında tartışılmış ve önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Avukatlarda Tükenmişliğin Negatif Duyguya Olan Etkisinin Yapısal Eşitlik Modeliyle (YEM) Araştırılması
Authors: Bilge Hüriyet
Published: December 2018

Çalışmanın temel amacı avukatların tükenmişlikleri ve
negatif duyguları arasındaki ilişkinin yapısal eşitlik modeliyle (YEM)
araştırılmasıdır. Bu amaçla LİSREL 8.8. kullanılarak bir yapısal eşitlik modeli
(YEM) geliştirilmeye çalışılmıştır. Geliştirilen YEM modelinin uygunluğu
çeşitli uyum kriterleri dikkate alınarak tartışılmış ve belirlenmiştir. 162
avukattan elde edilen veriler Maslach Tükenmişlik (MBI) ve Negatif Duygu
ölçeklerinin faktör yapıları doğrulayıcı faktör analiziyle (DFA) test
edilmiştir. YEM’den elde edilen sonuçlar çerçevesinde avukatların müvekkilleri
ve tüm çevresindekilerle ilişkilerini tüketmeleri ya da tamamen arttırmaları
durumunun onları negatif duyguya yöneltebileceği ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bununla
birlikte çalışmada, avukatların yakın çevresindekilere karşı hissizleşmeleri,
onları negatif duyguya itebileceği konusunda bir kanıt elde edilememiştir.
Ayrıca avukatların kişisel başarıları arttıkça negatif duygudan uzaklaşmaları
söz konusudur.
Aspect-Oriented Sentiment Analysis: A Topic Modeling-Powered Approach
Authors: Anoop V.S. , Asharaf S.
Published: December 2018

Because of exponential growth in the number of people who purchase products online, e-commerce organizations are vying for each other to offer innovative and improved services to its customers. Current platforms give its customers innovative services such as product recommendations based on their purchase histories and location, product comparison, and most importantly, a platform for expressing their experience and feedback. It is important for any e-commerce organization to analyze this feedback and to find out the sentiment of the customers for giving them better products and services. As large reviews may contain feedback in a mixed manner where a customer gives his opinion on different product features in the same review, finding out the exact sentiment is tedious. This work proposes aspect-specific sentiment analysis of product reviews using a well-sophisticated topic modeling algorithm called latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA). The topic words, thus, extracted are mapped with various aspects of an entity to perform the aspect-specific sentiment analysis on product reviews. Experiments with synthetic and real dataset show promising results compared to existing methods of sentiment analysis.
A novel method for the determination of uranium and free acidity in nuclear fuel process samples by extraction spectrophotometry
Authors: Thakur Raghbendra , Tarafder Pranab K. , Jha Raj Ranjan
Published: December 2018

A novel and useful extraction spectrophotometric method for the rapid determination of uranium and free acidity in nuclear fuel process samples using the reagent, 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene as an extractant as well as color forming agent is described. Uranium at milligram level forms a yellowish- orange anionic complex with the ligand, 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene over a pH range, 10–12. This anionic complex is easily extracted into ethylacetate as an ion-pair complex with cetyltrimethylammonium cation (CTA+). The absorbance of the ion-pair complex in ethylacetate is measured at 390 nm. The molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity of the system being 5.0×103 L·mol−1 cm−1 and 0.047 μg cm−2, respectively at 390 nm. This very reagent (2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene) also forms a yellowish-orange nitro product with free nitric acid (HNO3) in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. This nitro- product is easily extracted into the same solvent (ethylacetate) and absorbs maximum at 380 nm. The molar absorptivity (ε) and Sandell’s sensitivity of the system being 2.4×103 L·mol−1 cm−1 and 0.027 μg cm−2, respectively. By using the single chromophoric agent (2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene), both uranium and free acidity can be easily and reliably determined separately in the process solution. The relative standard deviations (RSD) are in the range, 0.5–2.0% and 1.5–2.0%, respectively for uranium and free nitric acid determinations. The method has been applied to nuclear fuel process solutions, and the results obtained have been found to be favorably comparable with those obtained from standard methods.
Effects of Flywheel Strength Training on the Running Economy of Recreational Endurance Runners
Authors: Festa Luca , Tarperi Cantor , Skroce Kristina , Boccia Gennaro , Lippi Giuseppe , La Torre Antonio , Schena Federico
Published: December 2018

Festa, L, Tarperi, C, Skroce, K, Boccia, G, Lippi, G, La Torre, A, and Schena, F. Effects of flywheel strength training on the running economy of recreational endurance runners. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 684–690, 2019—Running economy (RE) has been defined as the most important determining factor in endurance performance in both elite and recreational runners. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of flywheel strength training (FST) and high-intensity training (HIT) protocols on RE and strength parameters in a group of recreational runners. Twenty-nine recreational runners were recruited to take part in the study and were randomly assigned to FST (n = 9; 44.5 ± 6.0 years; V̇o
2max 48.8 ± 5.2 ml·min−1·kg−1), HIT (n = 9; 42.2 ± 8.6 years; V̇o
2max 50.3 ± 3.7 ml·min−1·kg−1), or low-intensity training (LIT) (n = 11; 45.4 ± 8.0 years; V̇o
2max 50.2 ± 6.8 ml min−1 kg−1) groups. Before and after 8 weeks of an experimental period, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o
2max), ventilatory thresholds (VTs), maximal dynamic force (1 repetition maximum [1RM]), and anthropometric data were evaluated. The FST group showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in 1RM and RE. No differences were found in the other groups. Significative changes are found for all groups on average speed on 2 and 10 km (p < 0.05). Anthropometric data were unchanged after the training period. The results of this study indicate that in recreational runners, FST seems able to obtain improvements in RE and neuromuscular adaptation.
Performance Evaluation of a Bridge Infrastructure Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Shafikani Ali , Bheemasetti Tejo V. , Puppala Anand J.
Published: December 2018

Monitoring techniques, used to assess the condition of infrastructures, have been impacted by the rapid developments in remote sensing technology. While these technologies have improved performance evaluation, cogent procedures for evaluating ground movements have yet to be developed. This article presents an application of the three-dimensional terrestrial laser scanning (3D-TLS) technology for assessing the performance of bridge infrastructures, including highway embankments, bridge decks, approach slabs, abutments, and columns supported on drilled shafts. In this research study, a framework was developed, using 3D-TLS technology, to evaluate the ground movements. The survey process, variables, and analysis were demonstrated by performing the field operations at a rehabilitated bridge infrastructure located in North Texas. The analysis depicted vertical movements that were experienced by the approach slab during different time periods. The validation of 3D-TLS results was performed by comparing the vertical movements from the four horizontal inclinometers installed underneath the pavement. The comparison studies revealed similar movement patterns of both inclinometers and processed scans, while the latter provided detailed soil movements over a larger area.
Degeneration of ipRGCs in Mouse Models of Huntington's Disease Disrupts Non-Image-Forming Behaviors Before Motor Impairment
Authors: Lin Meng-Syuan , Liao Po-Yu , Chen Hui-Mei , Chang Ching-Pang , Chen Shih-Kuo , Chern Yijuang
Published: December 2018

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which express the photopigment melanopsin, are photosensitive neurons in the retina and are essential for non-image-forming functions, circadian photoentrainment, and pupillary light reflexes. Five subtypes of ipRGCs (M1–M5) have been identified in mice. Although ipRGCs are spared in several forms of inherited blindness, they are affected in Alzheimer's disease and aging, which are associated with impaired circadian rhythms. Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat in thehuntingtingene. In addition to motor function impairment, HD mice also show impaired circadian rhythms and loss of ipRGC. Here, we found that, in HD mouse models (R6/2 and N171-82Q male mice), the expression of melanopsin was reduced before the onset of motor deficits. The expression of retinal T-box brain 2, a transcription factor essential for ipRGCs, was associated with the survival of ipRGCs. The number of M1 ipRGCs in R6/2 male mice was reduced due to apoptosis, whereas non-M1 ipRGCs were relatively resilient to HD progression. Most importantly, the reduced innervations of M1 ipRGCs, which was assessed by X-gal staining in R6/2-OPN4Lacz/+male mice, contributed to the diminished light-induced c-fos and vasoactive intestinal peptide in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), which may explain the impaired circadian photoentrainment in HD mice. Collectively, our results show that M1 ipRGCs were susceptible to the toxicity caused by mutant Huntingtin. The resultant impairment of M1 ipRGCs contributed to the early degeneration of the ipRGC–SCN pathway and disrupted circadian regulation during HD progression.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCircadian disruption is a common nonmotor symptom of Huntington's disease (HD). In addition to the molecular defects in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the cause of circadian disruption in HD remains to be further explored. We hypothesized that ipRGCs, by integrating light input to the SCN, participate in the circadian regulation in HD mice. We report early reductions in melanopsin in two mouse models of HD, R6/2, and N171-82Q. Suppression of retinal T-box brain 2, a transcription factor essential for ipRGCs, by mutant Huntingtin might mediate the reduced number of ipRGCs. Importantly, M1 ipRGCs showed higher susceptibility than non-M1 ipRGCs in R6/2 mice. The resultant impairment of M1 ipRGCs contributed to the early degeneration of the ipRGC–SCN pathway and the circadian abnormality during HD progression.