bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Feasibility of Gap Detection of Power Transformer Partial Discharge UHF Signals: Gap Propagation Characteristics of Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Zhang Guozhi , Li Yalong , Zhang Jian , Huang Rui
Published: October 2017

This study analyzed the transformer electromagnetic gap propagation characteristics. The influence of gap size is also analyzed, and the results experimentally verified. The obtained results indicated that the gap propagation characteristics of electromagnetic wave signals radiated by the partial discharge (PD) source in different directions are substantially different. The intensity of the electromagnetic wave in the gap reaches a maximum at a gap height of 1 cm; and inside the gap, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave depicted an increasing trend at the tail area of the gap. Finally, from the obtained results, some suggestions on where to install sensors in practical systems for ultra high frequency (UHF) PD signal detection in the transformer gap are provided. The obtained results confirmed the feasibility of using this approach. These results can be seen as a benchmark and a challenge for further research in this field.
Instability of Mixed Nash Equilibria in Generalised Hawk-Dove Game: A Project Conflict Management Scenario
Authors: Le Chang Sheryl , Prokopenko Mikhail
Published: October 2017

This paper generalises the Hawk-Dove evolutionary game by introducing cost sharing ratios for both players, and applies the generalised Hawk-Dove model to conflict management in projects through investigating the stability of Nash equilibria. A model with clashing interests between a project owner and a contractor is considered to derive their strategy adaptation given the cost sharing ratios. As expected, the pure Nash equilibria are shown to be dominantly stable while the mixed strategy equilibrium is observed to be unstable, across the range of considered cost sharing ratios. In addition, simulations are conducted on the strategy adaptation and stability of the equilibria under noisy and latent conditions. The obtained results can be used by project managers in optimising their strategy in practice.
Effects of Antidiabetic Drugs on Gut Microbiota Composition
Authors: Montandon Sophie , Jornayvaz François
Published: October 2017

Gut microbiota forms a catalog of about 1000 bacterial species; which mainly belong to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. Microbial genes are essential for key metabolic processes; such as the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA); amino acids; bile acids or vitamins. It is becoming clear that gut microbiota is playing a prevalent role in pathologies such as metabolic syndrome; type 2 diabetes (T2D); inflammatory and bowel diseases. Obesity and related diseases; notably type 2 diabetes, induce gut dysbiosis. In this review; we aim to cover the current knowledge about the effects of antidiabetic drugs on gut microbiota diversity and composition as well as the potential beneficial effects mediated by specific taxa. Metformin is the first-line treatment against T2D. In addition to its glucose-lowering and insulin sensitizing effects, metformin promotes SCFA-producing and mucin-degrading bacteria. Other antidiabetic drugs discussed in this review show positive effects on dysbiosis; but without any consensus specifically regarding the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. Thus, beneficial effects might be mediated by specific taxa.
Biomarkers for Chronic Kidney Disease Associated with High Salt Intake
Authors: Hosohata Keiko
Published: October 2017

High salt intake has been related to the development to chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as hypertension. In its early stages, symptoms of CKD are usually not apparent, especially those that are induced in a “silent” manner in normotensive individuals, thereby providing a need for some kind of urinary biomarker to detect injury at an early stage. Because traditional renal biomarkers such as serum creatinine are insensitive, it is difficult to detect kidney injury induced by a high-salt diet, especially in normotensive individuals. Recently, several new biomarkers for damage of renal tubular epithelia such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) have been identified. Previously, we found a novel renal biomarker, urinary vanin-1, in several animal models with renal tubular injury. However, there are few studies about early biomarkers of the progression to CKD associated with a high-salt diet. This review presents some new insights about these novel biomarkers for CKD in normotensives and hypertensives under a high salt intake. Interestingly, our recent reports using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) fed a high-salt diet revealed that urinary vanin-1 and NGAL are earlier biomarkers of renal tubular damage in SHR and WKY, whereas urinary Kim-1 is only useful as a biomarker of salt-induced renal injury in SHR. Clinical studies will be needed to clarify these findings.
Overemphasized “g”
Authors: Stankov Lazar
Published: October 2017

In this paper I argue that the emphasis on “g” has become a hindrance to the study of broadly defined human cognitive abilities. Abilities captured by the first- and second-stratum factors in the Cattel-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory have been neglected. The focus has been on a narrow range of cognitive processes that excludes those common to some sensory modalities and a host of new tasks and constructs that have become available through recent conceptual analyses and technological developments. These new areas have emerged from psychology itself (complex problem solving tasks and emotional intelligence) and from disciplines related to psychology like education and economics (economic games and cognitive biases in decision-making).
Wind-Driven Overturning, Mixing and Upwelling in Shallow Water: A Nonhydrostatic Modeling Study
Authors: Kämpf Jochen
Published: October 2017

Using a nonhydrostatic numerical model, this work demonstrates that onshore winds are a principal agent of overturning and vigorous vertical mixing in nearshore water of lakes and inner continental shelves. On short (superinertial) timescales of a few hours, onshore winds create surface currents pushing water against the shore which, via the associated pressure gradient force, creates an undercurrent. The resulting overturning circulation rapidly becomes dynamically unstable due to the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability mechanism, internal gravity waves form, and vigorous vertical mixing follows. The vertical extent of the overturning cell depends on the speed of surface currents and density stratification (which is influenced by other processes such as tidal mixing). In smaller enclosed water bodies, wave reflection in conjunction with dynamical instabilities support rapid mixed-layer deepening and overturning of the entire water column. Based on these findings, the author postulates that dynamic instabilities following from onshore wind events are of fundamental importance to biogeochemical cycles and ecological processes in shelf seas and lakes.
Quantification of Age‐Related Lung Tissue Mechanics under Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Kim JongWon , Heise Rebecca , Reynolds Angela , Pidaparti Ramana
Published: October 2017

Elderly patients with obstructive lung diseases often receive mechanical ventilation to support their breathing and restore respiratory function. However, mechanical ventilation is known to increase the severity of ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI) in the elderly. Therefore, it is important to investigate the effects of aging to better understand the lung tissue mechanics to estimate the severity of ventilator‐induced lung injuries. Two age‐related geometric models involving human bronchioles from generation G10 to G23 and alveolar sacs were developed. The first is for a 50‐year‐old (normal) and second is for an 80‐year old (aged) model. Lung tissue mechanics of normal and aged models were investigated under mechanical ventilation through computational simulations. Results obtained indicated that lung tissue strains during inhalation (t = 0.2 s) decreased by about 40% in the alveolar sac (G23) and 27% in the bronchiole (G20), respectively, for the 80‐year‐old as compared to the 50‐year‐old. The respiratory mechanics parameters (work of breathing per unit volume and maximum tissue strain) over G20 and G23 for the 80‐year‐old decreased by about 64% (three‐fold) and 80% (four‐fold), respectively, during the mechanical ventilation breathing cycle. However, there was a significant increase (by about threefold) in lung compliance for the 80‐year‐old in comparison to the 50‐year‐old. These findings from the computational simulations demonstrated that lung mechanical characteristics are significantly compromised in aging tissues, and these effects were quantified in this study.
Influence of Harvest Season and Cultivar on the Variation of Phenolic Compounds Composition and Antioxidant Properties in Vaccinium ashei Leaves
Authors: Cezarotto Verciane , Giacomelli Sandro , Vendruscolo Maria , Vestena Angélica , Cezarotto Caroll , Da Cruz Ritiel , Maurer Luana , Ferreira Luana , Emanuelli Tatiana , Cruz Letícia
Published: October 2017

The effect of variation of harvest season and cultivar on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), HPLC-UV/DAD profile and antioxidant properties in Vaccinium ashei (Rabbiteye blueberry) leaves grown in Brazil was evaluated. The cultivars collected in December and March were Aliceblue, Powderblue, Climax, Bluegem and FloridaM. It was observed that leaves from March had the highest TPC values (222 ± 1 mg gallic acid equivalents/g to Aliceblue cultivar) and highest TFC values (49.8 ± 0.8 and 48.7 ± 0.7 µg rutin/g to Clímax and Powderblue cultivars, respectively). The chromatographic profile was quantitatively similar, however, the proportions of each compound were influenced by cultivar and harvest season. Chlorogenic acid and rutin were the main identified phenolic compounds, but chlorogenic acid was the most abundant in both harvest seasons. Antioxidant capacities values ranged from 5.80 ± 0.04 to 105 ± 2 µg/mL (DPPH) and 178 ± 5 to 431 ± 8 mmol Trolox/100 g (ORAC). The cultivar Bluegem by March had the highest values in both assays. The results indicate that the blueberry leaves from different cultivars and harvest seasons have different phenolic compounds content and different antioxidant capacities. In addition, the antioxidant properties demonstrated a high correlation with rutin content.
The Effect of Different Starch Liberation and Saccharification Methods on the Microbial Contaminations of Distillery Mashes, Fermentation Efficiency, and Spirits Quality
Authors: Pielech-Przybylska Katarzyna , Balcerek Maria , Nowak Agnieszka , Wojtczak Maciej , Czyżowska Agata , Dziekońska-Kubczak Urszula , Patelski Piotr
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different starch liberation and saccharification methods on microbiological contamination of distillery mashes. Moreover, the effect of hop α-acid preparation for protection against microbial infections was assessed. The quality of agricultural distillates was also evaluated. When applying the pressureless liberation of starch (PLS) and malt as a source of amylolytic enzymes, the lactic acid bacteria count in the mashes increased several times during fermentation. The mashes obtained using the pressure-thermal method and malt enzymes revealed a similar pattern. Samples prepared using cereal malt exhibited higher concentrations of lactic and acetic acids, as compared to mashes prepared using enzymes of microbial origin. The use of hop α-acids led to the reduction of bacterial contamination in all tested mashes. As a result, fermentation of both mashes prepared with microbial origin enzyme preparations and with barley malt resulted in satisfactory efficiency and distillates with low concentrations of aldehydes.
5-Hydroxycyclopenicillone Inhibits β-Amyloid Oligomerization and Produces Anti-β-Amyloid Neuroprotective Effects In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Jiaying , Liu Fufeng , Huang Chunhui , Shentu Jieyi , Wang Minjun , Sun Chenkai , Chen Liping , Yan Sicheng , Fang Fang , Wang Yuanyuan , Xu Shujun , Naman C. , Wang Qinwen , He Shan , Cui Wei
Published: October 2017

The oligomer of β-amyloid (Aβ) is considered the main neurotoxin in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, the inhibition of the formation of Aβ oligomer could be a target for AD therapy. In this study, with the help of the dot blotting assay and transmission electronic microscopy, it was have discovered that 5-hydroxycyclopenicillone, a cyclopentenone recently isolated from a sponge-associated fungus, effectively reduced the formation of Aβ oligomer from Aβ peptide in vitro. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested hydrophobic interactions between 5-hydroxycyclopenicillone and Aβ peptide, which might prevent the conformational transition and oligomerization of Aβ peptide. Moreover, Aβ oligomer pre-incubated with 5-hydroxycyclopenicillone was less toxic when added to neuronal SH-SY5Y cells compared to the normal Aβ oligomer. Although 5-hydroxycyclopenicillone is not bioavailable in the brain in its current form, further modification or encapsulation of this chemical might improve the penetration of 5-hydroxycyclopenicillone into the brain. Based on the current findings and the anti-oxidative stress properties of 5-hydroxycyclopenicillone, it is suggested that 5-hydroxycyclopenicillone may have potential therapeutic efficacy in treating AD.
Characterization of the Ornithine Hydroxylation Step in Albachelin Biosynthesis
Authors: Bufkin Kendra , Sobrado Pablo
Published: October 2017

N-Hydroxylating monooxygenases (NMOs) are involved in siderophore biosynthesis. Siderophores are high affinity iron chelators composed of catechol and hydroxamate functional groups that are synthesized and secreted by microorganisms and plants. Recently, a new siderophore named albachelin was isolated from a culture of Amycolatopsis alba growing under iron-limiting conditions. This work focuses on the expression, purification, and characterization of the NMO, abachelin monooxygenase (AMO) from A. alba. This enzyme was purified and characterized in its holo (FAD-bound) and apo (FAD-free) forms. The apo-AMO could be reconstituted by addition of free FAD. The two forms of AMO hydroxylate ornithine, while lysine increases oxidase activity but is not hydroxylated and display low affinity for NADPH.
Protective Effects of Parkia biglobosa Protein Isolate on Streptozotocin-Induced Hepatic Damage and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Ogunyinka Bolajoko , Oyinloye Babatunji , Osunsanmi Foluso , Opoku Andrew , Kappo Abidemi
Published: October 2017

This study sought to investigate the possible protective role of Parkia biglobosa seed protein isolate (PBPi) against streptozotocin-induced hepatic damage and oxidative stress in diabetic male rats. Prior to animal experiments, a HPLC fingerprint of PBPi was recorded. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg body weight). Diabetic rats were orally treated daily with PBPi (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) or insulin (5 U/kg, i.p.) for 28 days. The degree of protection was evaluated using biochemical parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, serum transaminases (ALT and AST), total protein, total glutathione (Total GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activities. Histology of liver sections was also performed. The HPLC fingerprint of PBPi revealed eleven distinct peaks; PBPi at tested doses significantly attenuates STZ-induced elevated levels of serum IL-6, ALT and AST; and hepatic TBARS levels. Hepatic antioxidants (Total GSH, GST, SOD, CAT) as well as total protein were markedly restored in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological results strongly support the protective role of PBPi. These results suggest PBPi could confer protection by ameliorating hepatic damage and oxidative stress caused by STZ in animal model possibly via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Dietary Anthocyanins against Obesity and Inflammation
Authors: Lee Yoon-Mi , Yoon Young , Yoon Haelim , Park Hyun-Min , Song Sooji , Yeum Kyung-Jin
Published: October 2017

Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of obesity, due to its associated chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases and cancer. Thus, targeting inflammation is an attractive strategy to counter the burden of obesity-induced health problems. Recently, food-derived bioactive compounds have been spotlighted as a regulator against various chronic diseases due to their low toxicity, as opposed to drugs that induce severe side effects. Here we describe the beneficial effects of dietary anthocyanins on obesity-induced metabolic disorders and inflammation. Red cabbage microgreen, blueberry, blackcurrant, mulberry, cherry, black elderberry, black soybean, chokeberry and jaboticaba peel contain a variety of anthocyanins including cyanidins, delphinidins, malvidins, pelargonidins, peonidins and petunidins, and have been reported to alter both metabolic markers and inflammatory markers in cells, animals, and humans. This review discusses the interplay between inflammation and obesity, and their subsequent regulation via the use of dietary anthocyanins, suggesting an alternative dietary strategy to ameliorate obesity and obesity associated chronic diseases.
Heparin Mimetics: Their Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Mohamed Shifaza , Coombe Deirdre
Published: October 2017

Heparin mimetics are synthetic and semi-synthetic compounds that are highly sulfated, structurally distinct analogues of glycosaminoglycans. These mimetics are often rationally designed to increase potency and binding selectivity towards specific proteins involved in disease manifestations. Some of the major therapeutic arenas towards which heparin mimetics are targeted include: coagulation and thrombosis, cancers, and inflammatory diseases. Although Fondaparinux, a rationally designed heparin mimetic, is now approved for prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism, the search for novel anticoagulant heparin mimetics with increased affinity and fewer side effects remains a subject of research. However, increasingly, research is focusing on the non-anticoagulant activities of these molecules. Heparin mimetics have potential as anti-cancer agents due to their ability to: (1) inhibit heparanase, an endoglycosidase which facilitates the spread of tumor cells; and (2) inhibit angiogenesis by binding to growth factors. The heparin mimetic, PI-88 is in clinical trials for post-surgical hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced melanoma. The anti-inflammatory properties of heparin mimetics have primarily been attributed to their ability to interact with: complement system proteins, selectins and chemokines; each of which function differently to facilitate inflammation. The efficacy of low/non-anticoagulant heparin mimetics in animal models of different inflammatory diseases has been demonstrated. These findings, plus clinical data that indicates heparin has anti-inflammatory activity, will raise the momentum for developing heparin mimetics as a new class of therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.
Transport Emissions and Energy Consumption Impacts of Private Capital Investment in Public Transport
Authors: Xue Yunqiang , Guan Hongzhi , Corey Jonathan , Zhang Bing , Yan Hai , Han Yan , Qin Huanmei
Published: October 2017

Introducing private capital into the public transport system for its sustainable development has been increasing around the world. However, previous research ignores emissions and energy consumption impacts, which are important for private capital investment policy-making. To address this problem, the system dynamic (SD) approach was used to quantitatively analyze the cumulative effects of different private capital investment models in public transport from the environmental perspective. The SD model validity was verified in the case study of Jinan public traffic. Simulation results show that the fuel consumption and emission reductions are obvious when the private capital considering passenger value invests in public transport compared with the no private capital investment and traditional investment models. There are obvious cumulative reductions for fuel consumption, CO2, CO, SO2, and PM10 emissions for 100 months compared with no private capital investment. This research verifies the superiority of the passenger value investment model in public transport from the environmental point of view, and supplies a theoretical tool for administrators to evaluate the private capital investment effects systematically.
Empirical Study on Sustainable Opportunities Recognition. A Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Joinery Industry Analysis Using Augmented Sustainable Development Process Model
Authors: Ceptureanu Eduard-Gabriel , Ceptureanu Sebastian-Ion , Orzan Mihai Cristian , Bordean Ovidiu Niculae , Radulescu Violeta
Published: October 2017

This paper analyzes factors influencing recognition of sustainable opportunities by using an augmented sustainability process model. The conceptual model used two main factors, Knowledge and Motivation, and one moderating variable, Social embeddedness. We investigated entrepreneurs from PVC joinery industry and concluded that while market orientation and sustainable entrepreneurial orientation definitely and positively influence sustainable opportunity recognition, others variables like knowledge of the natural/communal environment, awareness of sustainable development or focus on success have less support. Among all variables analyzed, perception of the threat of the natural/communal environment and altruism toward others have the poorest impact on opportunity recognition. Finally, we concluded that social embeddedness has a moderating effect on sustainable opportunity recognition, even though the results were mixed.
Does Driving Range of Electric Vehicles Influence Electric Vehicle Adoption?
Authors: Kim Seiho , Lee Jaesik , Lee Chulung
Published: October 2017

This study aims to determine the influential factors on the market share of electric vehicles through panel data analysis based on time series data from 2011 to 2015 in 31 countries. We selected five significant independent variables that are expected to affect electric vehicle adoption based on literature review. The econometric model in this study suggests that the relative price of electric vehicle compared to internal combustion engine vehicle, driving range, and number of models available in markets are correlated to the market share of electric vehicles. On the other hand, relationship between recharging infrastructure—an important factor for electric vehicle adoption in many studies—and market share of electric vehicles turned out to be insignificant in this study. From a political point of view, we argue that policy makers need to allocate more resources to research and development in order to extend driving range at the early stage of electric vehicle deployment in the markets.
Integrating Cellular Automata with the Deep Belief Network for Simulating Urban Growth
Authors: Zhou Ye , Zhang Feng , Du Zhenhong , Ye Xinyue , Liu Renyi
Published: October 2017

Sustainable urban development is a focus of regional policy makers; therefore, how to measure and understand urban growth is an important research topic. This paper quantified the amount of urban growth on land use maps that were derived from multi-temporal Landsat images of Jiaxing City as a rapidly-growing city in Zhejiang Province from 2000–2015. Furthermore, a new approach coupled the heuristic bat algorithm (BA) and deep belief network (DBN) with the cellular automata (CA) model (DBN-CA), which was developed to simulate the urban expansion in 2015 and forecast the distribution of urban areas of Jiaxing City in 2024. The BA was proposed to obtain the best structure of the DBN, while the optimized DBN model considered the nonlinear spatial-temporal relationship of driving forces in urban expansion. Comparisons between the DBN-CA and the conventional artificial neural network-based CA (ANN-CA) model were also performed. This study demonstrates that the proposed model is more stable and accurate than the ANN-CA model, since the minimum and maximum values of the kappa coefficient of the DBN-CA were 77.109% and 78.366%, while the ANN-CA’s values were 63.460% and 76.151% over the 200 experiments, respectively. Therefore, the DBN-CA model is a potentially effective new approach to survey land use change and urban expansion and allows sustainability research to study the health of urban growth trends.
Developing Policy Scenarios for Sustainable Urban Growth Management: A Delphi Approach
Authors: Perveen Sajida , Kamruzzaman Md. , Yigitcanlar Tan
Published: October 2017

In many parts of the world, a rapid urbanization process is taking place at an unprecedented scale, and its drastic impacts on societies and the environment are evident. To combat the externalities of such rapid, and to a degree uncontrolled, development, many cities around the globe introduced various urban growth management policies. However, policy making—to provide sustainable outcomes, while generating growth opportunities—has been a daunting task for urban administrators. To ease the task, scenario-based planning methods are introduced to produce alternative visions for managing urban growth in sustainable ways by incorporating various socio-environmental issues. However, even though modelling urban growth and associated impacts based on these scenarios have emerged to strengthen and quantify the future of urban policies and related planning actions, this process has a number of glitches. Major issues include the uncertainties associated with the selection of suitable methods to generate scenarios, identify indicators to be used to assess scenarios, evaluate scenarios to prioritize for policy formulation, and assess the impacts of policy scenarios. This paper aims to address the challenge of developing suitable policy scenarios for sustainable urban growth. As for the methodological approach, the study undertakes a thorough review of the literature and current practices, and conducts a two-round Delphi survey—involving experts from public, private and academic sectors specialized in the fields of urban planning, environmental planning, social planning, transportation modelling, and economic development. The expert driven policy scenarios are validated in a local context by comparing findings against the policy options as proposed in the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017 (Australia). The findings offer valuable guidelines for planners, modellers, and policy makers in adopting suitable methods, indicators, and policy priorities, and thus, easing the daunting task of generating sustainable policy solutions.
Chiral Separation in Preparative Scale: A Brief Overview of Membranes as Tools for Enantiomeric Separation
Authors: Fernandes Carla , Tiritan Maria , Pinto Madalena
Published: October 2017

Given the importance of chirality in the biological response, regulators, industries and researchers require chiral compounds in their enantiomeric pure form. Therefore, the approach to separate enantiomers in preparative scale needs to be fast, easy to operate, low cost and allow obtaining the enantiomers at high level of optical purity. A variety of methodologies to separate enantiomers in preparative scale is described, but most of them are expensive or with restricted applicability. However, the use of membranes have been pointed out as a promising methodology for scale-up enantiomeric separation due to the low energy consumption, continuous operability, variety of materials and supports, simplicity, eco-friendly and the possibility to be integrated into other separation processes. Different types of membranes (solid and liquid) have been developed and may provide applicability in multi-milligram and industrial scales. In this brief overview, the different types and chemical nature of membranes are described, showing their advantages and drawbacks. Recent applications of enantiomeric separations of pharmaceuticals, amines and amino acids were reported.
Scale Effect and Anisotropy Analyzed for Neutrosophic Numbers of Rock Joint Roughness Coefficient Based on Neutrosophic Statistics
Authors: Chen Jiqian , Ye Jun , Du Shigui
Published: October 2017

In rock mechanics, the study of shear strength on the structural surface is crucial to evaluating the stability of engineering rock mass. In order to determine the shear strength, a key parameter is the joint roughness coefficient (JRC). To express and analyze JRC values, Ye et al. have proposed JRC neutrosophic numbers (JRC-NNs) and fitting functions of JRC-NNs, which are obtained by the classical statistics and curve fitting in the current method. Although the JRC-NNs and JRC-NN functions contain much more information (partial determinate and partial indeterminate information) than the crisp JRC values and functions in classical methods, the JRC functions and the JRC-NN functions may also lose some useful information in the fitting process and result in the function distortion of JRC values. Sometimes, some complex fitting functions may also result in the difficulty of their expressions and analyses in actual applications. To solve these issues, we can combine the neutrosophic numbers with neutrosophic statistics to realize the neutrosophic statistical analysis of JRC-NNs for easily analyzing the characteristics (scale effect and anisotropy) of JRC values. In this study, by means of the neutrosophic average values and standard deviations of JRC-NNs, rather than fitting functions, we directly analyze the scale effect and anisotropy characteristics of JRC values based on an actual case. The analysis results of the case demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed neutrosophic statistical analysis of JRC-NNs and can overcome the insufficiencies of the classical statistics and fitting functions. The main advantages of this study are that the proposed neutrosophic statistical analysis method not only avoids information loss but also shows its simplicity and effectiveness in the characteristic analysis of JRC.
Gravitational Waves in Locally Rotationally Symmetric (LRS) Class II Cosmologies
Authors: Bradley Michael , Forsberg Mats , Keresztes Zoltán
Published: October 2017

In this work we consider perturbations of homogeneous and hypersurface orthogonal cosmological backgrounds with local rotational symmetry (LRS), using a method based on the 1 + 1 + 2 covariant split of spacetime. The backgrounds, of LRS class II, are characterised by that the vorticity, the twist of the 2-sheets, and the magnetic part of the Weyl tensor all vanish. They include the flat Friedmann universe as a special case. The matter contents of the perturbed spacetimes are given by vorticity-free perfect fluids, but otherwise the perturbations are arbitrary and describe gravitational, shear, and density waves. All the perturbation variables can be given in terms of the time evolution of a set of six harmonic coefficients. This set decouples into one set of four coefficients with the density perturbations acting as source terms, and another set of two coefficients describing damped source-free gravitational waves with odd parity. We also consider the flat Friedmann universe, which has been considered by several others using the 1 + 3 covariant split, as a check of the isotropic limit. In agreement with earlier results we find a second-order wavelike equation for the magnetic part of the Weyl tensor which decouples from the density gradient for the flat Friedmann universes. Assuming vanishing vector perturbations, including the density gradient, we find a similar equation for the electric part of the Weyl tensor, which was previously unnoticed.
Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT2 Restricts HCV Replication by Modulating Viral Proteins Degradation
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Dan , Gao Xiaoxiao , Hu Xue , Zhou Yuan , Wu Chunchen , Wang Yun , Chen Jizheng , Pei Rongjuan , Chen Xinwen
Published: October 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in cells is controlled by many host factors. In this report, we found that protein inhibitor of activated STAT2 (PIAS2), which is a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase, restricted HCV replication. During infection, HCV core, NS3 and NS5A protein expression, as well as the viral assembly and budding efficiency were enhanced when endogenous PIAS2 was knocked down, whereas exogenous PIAS2 expression decreased HCV core, NS3, and NS5A protein expression and the viral assembly and budding efficiency. PIAS2 did not influence the viral entry, RNA replication, and protein translation steps of the viral life cycle. When expressed together with SUMO1, PIAS2 reduced the HCV core, NS3 and NS5A protein levels expressed from individual plasmids through the proteasome pathway in a ubiquitin-independent manner; the stability of these proteins in the HCV infectious system was enhanced when PIAS2 was knocked down. Furthermore, we found that the core was SUMOylated at amino acid K78, and PIAS2 enhanced the SUMOylation level of the core.
The Missing Link: A Case of Absent Pituitary Infundibulum and Ectopic Neurohypophysis in a Pediatric Patient with Heterotaxy Syndrome
Authors: Omer Adil , Haddad Dana , Pisinski Leszek , Krauthamer Alan V.
Published: September 2017

We report a case of absent pituitary infundibulum and ectopic neurohypophysis in a 4-year-old patient presenting clinically with hypopituitarism as well as heterotaxy syndrome complicated by global developmental delay and growth retardation.  The clinical and laboratory workup of our patient suggested underlying hypopituitarism related to either congenital or acquired pathology, necessitating MRI to distinguish between them.  We explain the various structural causes of hypopituitarism and detail how to predict the MRI findings and treatment, based on a fundamental understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the hypothalamic pituitary axis and distinguishing anterior versus posterior pituitary hormone derangements.  We also discuss two important theories widely acknowledged in the literature to explain congenital hypopituitarism: 1. Head trauma typically during birth resulting in a stretch injury to the infundibulum. 2. Congenital fetal maldevelopment of midline structures.
De parque a mosaico: ecologia de paisagem no processo de recategorização do parque estadual Jacupiranga (SP)
Authors: Bim Ocimar José Baptista , Assis Julia Camara de , Campolim Marcos Buhrer , Furlan Sueli Angelo
Published: September 2017

Cette étude présente une analyse du processus de reclassement de Parc à Mosaïque d’Aires Protegées du Parc Régional Jacupiranga (MOJAC), situé dans l’État de São Paulo, en rapport avec les conceptions de conservation préconisées par les principes de l'Écologie du Paysage. Pour la réalisation de l’analyse, l'état de la connectivité structurel du paysage entre les unités d’aires protégées et les aires d'utilisation durable du MOJAC a été identifié. L'Inventaire forestier de l’État de São Paulo a été utilisé pour la réalisation d’une cartographie de la couverture et de l’occupation du sol par photo-interprétation d’images datées des années 2000 et 2001, à l'échelle de 1: 35.000. Les métriques du paysage calculées pour les classes groupées de la couverture et l’occupation du sol comprennent la superficie totale et le pourcentage de chaque classe et le nombre de taches. L'état de conservation du MOJAC et l'identification des régions les plus vulnérables à la fragmentation ont été analysés. Le reclassement de la cartographie et le calcul des métriques ont été faits en utilisant le logiciel ArcGIS 9.3. Il a été conclu que la proposition de Mosaïque ne comporte pas de risques pour la conception de conservation, puisque la structure du paysage conservée indique des connexions potentielles pour le déplacement des espèces dans le paysage qui n’a pas été fragmenté, assurant ainsi la préservation des grands fragments. Les Aires protégées d'utilisation durable sont recommandés pour des projets d'agroécologie et de récupération des zones dépourvues de couverture forestière.
Rede urbana e redes de serviços bancários, postais e educacionais do Rio Grande do Norte: coexistências de hierarquias
Authors: Tavares Edseisy Silva Barbalho
Published: September 2017

A rede urbana do Rio Grande do Norte no período atual apresenta uma configuração resultante das características do período técnico-científico-informacional em que emerge uma superposição de redes que coabitam nesse território. Esta estrutura de rede urbana se manifesta em função das mudanças promovidas no território, das quais se destaca a expansão e espacialização dos novos fixos geográficos financeiros, postais e educacionais. Nesta perspectiva, o objetivo deste estudo é compreender o papel e como os serviços financeiros, postais e educacionais dos diversos níveis de ensino promovem interações espaciais que redirecionam os fluxos na rede urbana do estado, contribuindo para uma nova configuração da rede urbana, assim como para a ruptura de uma hierarquia urbana rígida. Na presente pesquisa foi realizada pesquisa teórica-conceitual e empírica, esta junto a instituições bancárias, de ensino e aos Correios buscando compreender como esses serviços se distribuem e usam o território, e a partir desse uso reestruturam a rede urbana potiguar. A partir do que foi possível analisar e interpretar fica evidente que a nova dinâmica do território gerada por esses serviços não somente orienta fluxos em direção às cidades mais hierarquizadas da rede, mas proporciona interações espaciais em diversas escalas simultaneamente e também apresenta convergência de fixos e fluxos para centros não muito densos no contexto da rede urbana do estado.
Characteristics of multi-institutional health sciences education research: a systematic review
Authors: Schiller Jocelyn Huang , Beck Dallaghan Gary L. , Kind Terry , McLauchlan Heather , Gigante Joseph , Smith Sherilyn
Published: October 2017

Objectives: Multi-institutional research increases the generalizability of research findings. However, little is known about characteristics of collaborations across institutions in health sciences education research. Using a systematic review process, the authors describe characteristics of published, peer-reviewed multi-institutional health sciences education research to inform educators who are considering such projects.Methods: Two medical librarians searched MEDLINE, the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), EMBASE, and CINAHL databases for English-language studies published between 2004 and 2013 using keyword terms related to multi-institutional systems and health sciences education. Teams of two authors reviewed each study and resolved coding discrepancies through consensus. Collected data points included funding, research network involvement, author characteristics, learner characteristics, and research methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: One hundred eighteen of 310 articles met inclusion criteria. Sixty-three (53%) studies received external and/or internal financial support (87% listed external funding, 37% listed internal funding). Forty-five funded studies involved graduate medical education programs. Twenty (17%) studies involved a research or education network. Eighty-five (89%) publications listed an author with a master’s degree or doctoral degree. Ninety-two (78%) studies were descriptive, whereas 26 studies (22%) were experimental. The reported study outcomes were changes in student attitude (38%; n=44), knowledge (26%; n=31), or skill assessment (23%; n=27), as well as patient outcomes (9%; n=11).Conclusions: Multi-institutional descriptive studies reporting knowledge or attitude outcomes are highly published. Our findings indicate that funding resources are not essential to successfully undertake multi-institutional projects. Funded studies were more likely to originate from graduate medical or nursing programs.
Phrase truncation in PubMed searches
Authors: Shanman Roberta
Published: October 2017

Comment on Duffy S, de Kock S, Misso K, Noake C, Ross J, Stirk L. Supplementary searches of PubMed to improve currency of MEDLINE and MEDLINE In-Process searches via Ovid. J Med Libr Assoc. 2016 Oct;104(4):309–12. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3163/1536-5050.104.4.011.
Sentidos y narrativas en torno al amor entre la juventud española heterosexual
Authors: Vicente Olmo Ana
Published: October 2017

Este trabajo se adentra en las narrativas amorosas de jóvenes españoles heterosexuales a partir del análisis del material empírico producido en 24 entrevistas en profundidad y 6 grupos de discusión. Se identifican las principales visiones sobre el amor entre esta juventud y se analiza qué narrativas, concepciones y metáforas están detrás de las mismas. La investigación realizada muestra que conviven significados muy dispares –incluso contrarios– en torno al amor. Por un lado, los y las jóvenes recurren a sentidos ligados al trabajo y al esfuerzo cuando hablan de su relación amorosa en el día a día, pero en otras ocasiones necesitan apelar a significados románticos para explicar aquello que han vivido. Un tercer tipo de sentidos contemporáneos más individualistas y reflexivos completa la amalgama de significados con los que estos jóvenes dialogan y negocian constantemente. Pero aunque se identifiquen estos tres repertorios, este estudio concluye que a pesar de la profunda contradicción presente en el referente romántico –combinar la intensidad del sentimiento con la estabilidad de la relación– y aunque a veces los jóvenes lo rechacen reflexivamente o inhiban su reconocimiento al acercarse a él desde estrategias como el humor o la ironía, es el modelo con más fuerza performativa porque ocupa el lugar central de sus sueños y anhelos, un hecho que conlleva tozudas paradojas y ambivalencias.
Tracheal decellularization using a combination of chemical, physical and bioreactor methods
Authors: Tchoukalova Yourka D. , Hintze Justin M. , Hayden Richard E. , Lott David G.
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to compare different decellularization protocols with the conventional detergent enzymatic method (DEM) using continuous agitation.

Methods:

The first experiment compared conventional DEM with sonication and lyophilization+freeze-thaw cycles. A second experiment was carried out to compare time-adjusted DEM (2-hour instead of 4-hour incubations with 4% deoxycholate) to decellularization in a bioreactor. Cellularity was determined by DNA-quantitation, H&E-staining and immunostaining for major histocompatibility complex-1 (MHC-1).

Results:

Compared to untreated trachea, DNA content significantly decreased after 2 cycles in all groups in the first experiment and dropped below the minimal criteria for efficient decellularization (<50 ng dsDNA/mg dry weight) after 4 cycles. However, nuclei were seen in the cartilage and MCH-1 staining was detected in some submucosal areas, indicating presence of chondrocytes and cellular residues that may render the scaffold immunogenic. In the second experiment DNA content significantly decreased after 1 cycle in both groups; however, even after 4 cycles, DNA content was above the minimal criteria for efficient decellularization. While collagen-levels remained stable, glycosaminoglycans diminished significantly after the initial cycles.

Conclusions:

Efficient decellularization can be achieved after only 4 cycles of DEM compared to the 17 cycles previously reported. The use of a bioreactor can preserve the integrity of the extracellular matrix.
Potential of fish scales as a filling material in surface coating of cellulosic paper
Authors: Ural Elif , Kandirmaz Emine A.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Paper is one of the important inputs for the printing industry, and the most important leading parameter in the printing process is its brightness. Brightness can be brought to paper using coatings and sizing. Desired surface properties and, most importantly, surface roughness can be achieved by changing the contents of the coating and sizing of the materials it contains. The use of biomaterials is becoming more important in the paper industry, as they represent substances with a lower carbon footprint. Fish scales are already used as a filling material, cosmetic material and fish food, as well as for determining the age of fish.

Methods:

Fish scales were brought to different sizes by a milling process. Paper formulations including different amounts of fish scales were prepared with fish scales, and coatings on raw paper were subjected to test printings in IGT-C1, with formulations and physical characteristics of coatings such as brightness, lightfastness, strength, adhesion etc. being determined.

Results:

Regarding the value of yellowness, mixtures of 2.5%-10% can be used. The maximum value of brightness was obtained from a mixture of 10%. Aging visibly changed the colors.

Conclusions:

The coatings obtained were brighter than the initial coating compositions. The top quality formulation was the coating with 5% medium-sized fish scale particles.
Development and preliminary validation of the Scleroderma Support Group Leader Self-efficacy Scale
Authors: Pal Nicole E. , Gumuchian Stephanie T. , Delisle Vanessa C. , Pépin Mia , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Carrier Marie-Eve , Kwakkenbos Linda , Peláez Sandra , El-Baalbaki Ghassan , Thombs Brett D. ,   Scleroderma Support Group Project Advisory Team*
Published: October 2017

Support groups are an important resource for people living with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Peer support group leaders play an important role in the success and sustainability of SSc support groups, but face challenges that include a lack of formal training. An SSc support group leader training program could improve leader self-efficacy to carry out important leadership tasks, including the management of group dynamics. However, no measures exist to assess self-efficacy among SSc support group leaders. The objective of this study was to develop and provide preliminary evidence on the reliability and validity of the Scleroderma Support Group Leader Self-efficacy Scale (SSGLSS). The SSGLSS was administered to two sets of SSc support group leaders from North America, Europe, and Australia. Study 1 participants (n = 102) completed the SSGLSS only. Study 2 participants (n = 55) completed the SSGLSS and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). For both studies, we evaluated internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha. Convergent validity was assessed in Study 2 using Pearson correlations of the SSGLSS with the OLBI exhaustion and disengagement subscales. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 in Study 1 and 0.95 in Study 2. Consistent with our hypotheses, there was a small negative correlation between SSGLSS scores and the OLBI exhaustion subscale (r = -0.25, p<0.01) and a moderate negative correlation between SSGLSS scores and the disengagement subscale (r = -0.38, p<0.01). These results suggest that the SSGLSS is a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy for carrying out support group leadership tasks.