bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Simulation Study of a Restructured Residential Low-Voltage Distribution System Microgrid
Authors: Ramesh L. , Umamageswari Umamageswari
Published: June 2017

A primary and necessary focus in creating a greener environment is the conversion of existing power-generation sources to renewable power sources in the near future. Another important focus is to develop sustainable household power generation to a low-voltage electricity grid with a power purchase and selling facility. To help with achieving the above vision, the objective of this work is to critically analyze the existing low-voltage distribution system and make suggestions for restructuring it to the low-voltage interconnected microgrid (MG). The test was carried out in the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) 100kVA transformer feeder which was connected to supply around 100 houses with electricity. The performance analysis of the proposed system was examined through different case studies, represented as a normal operating condition of the existing distribution system and a reconstructed and interconnected MG to the TNEB grid. The project was designed and analyzed using PSCAD software. The results discussed in the project are helpful in examining the effects of multiple distributed energy resources on distributed generation. In future, knowledge of these effects may be helpful for rural area electrification.
Experimental Investigation of Biogas Production from Kitchen Waste Mixed with Chicken Manure
Authors: Mousa H. , Obaidat A. , Khaled H.B. , Alawaneh A. , Tarawneh A.
Published: June 2017

ogas produced from solid kitchen waste (KW) mixed with chicken manure (M) at different mass ratios was investigated. The effect of the ratio of the amount of water to the mixed solid waste on the amount of biogas produced was studied. The results showed that at a fixed ratio of water-to-solid waste, the amount of biogas increased as the amount of chicken M increased. At a fixed M-to-KW ratio, the amount of biogas produced increased as the solid content increased and then decreased, reaching its maximum value at a solid waste-to-water ratio of 1:1. The pH of the bioreactor containing the KW-M mixture dropped with time, resulting in a decrease in the amount of biogas produced. Controlling the pH value by titrating with NaOH solution improved the production of biogas. Investigating biogas produced from sludge showed that the pH of the reactor slightly decreased and then increased slightly. The results also showed that the amount of biogas produced from sludge containing 3% solid waste was larger than the amount produced from sludge containing 6% solid waste.
Strengthening of Historical Stone Masonry Buildings in Oman using Textile Reinforced Mortars
Authors: Al-Saidy A.H. , Hago A.W. , El-Gamal S. , Dawood M.
Published: June 2017

Most historical buildings and structures in Oman were built using unreinforced stone masonry. Such structures are prone to damage from seismic activity as these structures have negligible resistance to tensile stresses. This paper presents an exploration of the physical and chemical properties of local building materials and the results of experiments with a new strengthening technique using textile reinforced mortar. Limestone and Sarooj  were the main building materials used historically in these buildings. Sarooj  is a local Omani term for artificial pozzolana produced by calcining clays. Two mortar mixes were developed, one as the jointing mortar and the second as the matrix mortar. The second part of the study consisted of the construction of three masonry walls and two columns of 0.35 x 0.25 x 1.2 m (width x depth x height). The three walls were strengthened using externally bonded textiles using three different combinations of mortar and textile. One column specimen was kept as a control and the other was fully wrapped with carbon textile reinforced mortar. The walls were tested under out-of-plane four- point bending. All the wall specimens showed a significant improvement in strength up to three times its self-weight and reasonable deformation before failure. The column specimens were tested under axial compression. The failure load and displacement of the strengthened columns increased by seven and three times, respectively, compared to the control column.
Oxydehydrogenation of Propane over Vanadium Oxide Supported on Kieselguhr or MCM-41
Authors: Jibril BY , Atta A , Al-Dress SA , Al-Kinany MC , Al-Megren HA
Published: June 2017

Supported vanadium oxide (5 wt%) on either Kieselguhr or mesoporous MCM-41 was prepared using impregnation method and tested as a catalyst in propane oxidative dehydrogenation (POD). The catalyst samples were characterized using X-ray elemental analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) physisorption, and Z-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). After impregnation, the catalyst surface area decreased compared with that of the support. More drastic decrease was observed in the case of MCM-41 (77%) than the Kieselguhr supported sample (48%). There are also different degrees of vanadium oxide-support interaction as reflected by the XPS result. Si-O binding energy of 531.5 eV was observed on MCM-41-supported sample compared with 529.5 eV for the Kieselguhr-supported sample. The catalyst tests were conducted at atmospheric pressure, with a propane to oxygen ratio of 0.7 - 3.6 and a reaction temperature of 400 - 700 °C. Oxidative dehydrogenation and combustion products were observed. Minor cracking reaction products (methane, ethane, and ethene) were also produced above 550 °C. The highest propene yield of 14% was obtained from the Kieselguhr-supported sample at 700 °C and with a C3 H8 /O2  ratio of 1.5.
Los alcances de un diagnóstico comunitario sobre suicidio: reflexiones a partir de una experiencia
Authors: Maroto Vargas Adriana , Castillo Echeverría Carolina
Published: June 2017

El artículo analiza los retos y las lecciones aprendidas de un proyecto que realizó un diagnóstico comunitario sobre el suicidio en una comunidad rural en San José, Costa Rica. En un primer momento se presenta una reflexión teórica desde el abordaje psicosocial del suicidio y posteriormente los cinco momentos que se siguieron en el proceso (planificación, revisión de información, trabajo de campo, redacción del informe, presentación de resultados y devolución). Se concluye con reflexiones sobre los retos y las lecciones aprendidas, indicando que el diagnóstico permite conocer la problemática, proponer estrategias de trabajo y facilitar el acercamiento a la comunidad.
O CRIMINOSO OU ANTISSOCIAL PREDETERMINADO: A BUSCA PELA IDENTIFICAÇÃO E NEUTRALIZAÇÃO DO INDIVÍDUO ANTES DE PRATICAR O FATO POR MEIO DE ARGUMENTOS BIOLÓGICOS, NEUROCIENTÍFICOS E ESTATÍSTICOS
Authors: (UERJ) Humberto Souza Santos , (Universidade Federal Fluminense) João Paulo Orsini Martinelli , (UFR-RJ) José Danilo Tavares Lobato
Published: June 2017

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo expor algumas ideias desenvolvidas pelas ciências naturais para a determinação da personalidade criminosa e os conflitos com a ciência jurídica. O principal ponto de discussão é a existência do livre arbítrio e de circunstâncias que possam condicionar o comportamento humano. Essa discussão sempre influenciou e ainda influencia o embate entre livre arbítrio e determinismo, especialmente com os modernos estudos da neurociência.
Information and Data Distribution System for Rural Areas of Indonesia
Authors: Amron Kasyful , Basuki Achmad , Pramukantoro Eko Sakti , Yahya Widhi
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Internet becomes critical infrastructure in the distribution of information. The information is used for decision making and ensure the success of human activities. However, the distribution of information in rural Indonesia is inconvenient, because the digital communication infrastructure (internet) doesn’t cover all areas in Indonesia. This problem causes the digital divide in Indonesia. This study proposes communications infrastructure and data transfer mechanism or media sharing that can be applied to a variety of rural areas conditions in Indonesia, which has limited communications infrastructure. The approach is to build low power digital carrier devices in the form of minicomputer and utilize Delay or Disruptions Tolerant Network (DTN) architecture. Testing results in the digital carrier node show that the data is successfully delivered. Keywords: Rural Area, Mini-PC, Delay Tolerant Network
Rhizoctonia solani and Bacterial Inoculants Stimulate Root Exudation of Antifungal Compounds in Lettuce in a Soil-Type Specific Manner
Authors: Windisch Saskia , Bott Sebastian , Ohler Marc-Andreas , Mock Hans-Peter , Lippmann Rico , Grosch Rita , Smalla Kornelia , Ludewig Uwe , Neumann Günter
Published: June 2017

Previous studies conducted on a unique field site comprising three contrasting soils (diluvial sand DS, alluvial loam AL, loess loam LL) under identical cropping history, demonstrated soil type-dependent differences in biocontrol efficiency against Rhizoctonia solani-induced bottom rot disease in lettuce by two bacterial inoculants (Pseudomonas jessenii RU47 and Serratia plymuthica 3Re-4-18). Disease severity declined in the order DS > AL > LL. These differences were confirmed under controlled conditions, using the same soils in minirhizotron experiments. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of rhizosphere soil solutions revealed benzoic and lauric acids as antifungal compounds; previously identified in root exudates of lettuce. Pathogen inoculation and pre-inoculation with bacterial inoculants significantly increased the release of antifungal root exudates in a soil type-specific manner; with the highest absolute levels detected on the least-affected LL soil. Soil type-dependent differences were also recorded for the biocontrol effects of the two bacterial inoculants; showing the highest efficiency after double-inoculation on the AL soil. However, this was associated with a reduction of shoot growth and root hair development and a limited micronutrient status of the host plants. Obviously, disease severity and the expression of biocontrol effects are influenced by soil properties with potential impact on reproducibility of practical applications.
Entropy Analysis for Damage Quantification of Hysteretic Dampers Used as Seismic Protection of Buildings
Authors: Suarez Elisabet , Roldán Andrés , Gallego Antolino , Benavent-Climent Amadeo
Published: June 2017

Relative wavelet energy entropy (RWEE) is proposed to detect and quantify damage to hysteretic dampers used for the passive seismic control of building structures. Hysteretic dampers have the role of dissipating most of the energy input of an earthquake. Minor or moderate earthquakes do not exhaust the energy dissipation capacity of the dampers, yet they damage them. For this reason, continuous or periodic damper-health evaluation is required to decide if they need to be replaced. Such evaluation calls for the application of efficient structural health monitoring techniques (SHM). This paper focuses on the well-known vibration technique, which is applied to a particular type of hysteretic damper called Web Plastifying Damper (WPD), patented by the University of Granada. Vibration signals, properly recorded by piezoelectric sensors attached around the damaged area of the dampers, are decomposed by means of wavelet packet analysis. Then, the relative wavelet energy entropy of these decompositions is used to calculate the proposed index. Validation of RWEE for this particular application involved dampers installed in two different specimens of reinforced concrete structures subjected to earthquake sequences of increasing intensity. When compared with a well-established mechanical energy-based damage index, results demonstrate that RWEE is a successful and low-cost technique for reliable in-situ monitoring of dampers.
Optimized Design of Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems for Waste Heat Recovery from Exhaust Pipes
Authors: Nesarajah Marco , Frey Georg
Published: June 2017

With the increasing interest in energy efficiency and resource protection, waste heat recovery processes have gained importance. Thereby, one possibility is the conversion of the heat energy into electrical energy by thermoelectric generators. Here, a thermoelectric energy harvesting system is developed to convert the waste heat from exhaust pipes, which are very often used to transport the heat, e.g., in automobiles, in industrial facilities or in heating systems. That is why a mockup of a heating is built-up, and the developed energy harvesting system is attached. To build-up this system, a model-based development process is used. The setup of the developed energy harvesting system is very flexible to test different variants and an optimized system can be found in order to increase the energy yield for concrete application examples. A corresponding simulation model is also presented, based on previously developed libraries in Modelica®/Dymola®. In the end, it can be shown—with measurement and simulation results—that a thermoelectric energy harvesting system on the exhaust pipe of a heating system delivers extra energy and thus delivers a contribution for a more efficient usage of the inserted primary energy carrier.
Estimating Cloud and Aerosol UV Modification Factors Based on Spectral Measurement from the Brewer Spectrophotometer
Authors: Park Sang , Kim Migyoung , Lee Hanlim , Lee Hana , Kim Sang-Min , Lee Yun
Published: June 2017

Cloud and aerosol modification factors are investigated in the spectral range of ultraviolet (UV) to correct for cloud and aerosol extinction effects from clear sky irradiance. The cloud modification factor (CMF) and aerosol modification factor (AMF) are estimated using radiative transfer model (RTM) simulations and ground-based observations in Seoul, Korea. The modification factors show a spectral dependence within the spectral range of 300 to 360 nm, which is the range used to estimate erythemal UV. The CMF and AMF values are estimated with high spectral resolution with considerations of solar zenith angle (SZA), cloud/aerosol amount, and total ozone variation. From the simulation studies, the variation in the CMFs within the spectral range of 300–360 nm is estimated to be 0.031–0.055, which is twice as large as the decrease in CMFs resulting from a SZA increase of 10°. In addition, the CMFs estimated from observational data show significant spectral dependence, varying from 2.5% to 10.0%. Because of the small aerosol optical depth (AOD) value, however, the variation in the AMF calculated from simulations is estimated to be between 0.007 and 0.045, indicating lower spectral dependence than the CMF. Furthermore, the spectral difference in the AMF calculated from observational data is insignificant relative to the daily-averaged total ozone error and uncertainties related to the reference irradiance spectrum under aerosol-free conditions.
ADP-Ribosylation Reactions in Animals, Plants, and Bacteria
Authors: Poltronieri Palmiro
Published: June 2017

PARP2017, a meeting on ADP-ribosylation reactions, was held in Budapest (17–19 May 2017).[...]
Theoretical Study on Electronic, Optical Properties and Hardness of Technetium Phosphides under High Pressure
Authors: Feng Shiquan , Cheng Xuerui , Cheng Xinlu , Yue Jinsheng , Li Junyu
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the structural properties of technetium phosphides Tc3P and TcP4 are investigated by first principles at zero pressure and compared with the experimental values. In addition, the electronic properties of these two crystals in the pressure range of 0–40 GPa are investigated. Further, we discuss the change in the optical properties of technetium phosphides at high pressures. At the end of our study, we focus on the research of the hardness of TcP4 at different pressures by employing a semiempirical method, and the effect of pressure on the hardness is studied. Results show that the hardness of TcP4 increases with the increasing pressure, and the influence mechanism of pressure effect on the hardness of TcP4 is also discussed.
Potential and Limits of Retrieving Conifer Leaf Area Index Using Smartphone-Based Method
Authors: Qu Yonghua , Wang Jian , Song Jinling , Wang Jindi
Published: June 2017

Forest leaf area index (LAI) is a key characteristic affecting a field canopy microclimate. In addition to traditional professional measuring instruments, smartphone-based methods have been used to measure forest LAI. However, when smartphone methods were used to measure conifer forest LAI, very different performances were obtained depending on whether the smartphone was held at the zenith angle or at a 57.5° angle. To further validate the potential of smartphone sensors for measuring conifer LAI and to find the limits of this method, this paper reports the results of a comparison of two smartphone methods with an LAI-2000 instrument. It is shown that the method with the smartphone oriented vertically upwards always produced better consistency in magnitude with LAI-2000. The bias of the LAI between the smartphone method and the LAI-2000 instrument was explained with regards to four aspects that can affect LAI: gap fraction; leaf projection ratio; sensor field of view (FOV); and viewing zenith angle (VZA). It was concluded that large FOV and large VZA cause the 57.5° method to overestimate the gap fraction and hence underestimate conifer LAI. For the vertically upward method, the bias caused by the overestimated gap fraction is compensated for by an underestimated leaf projection ratio.
Trypanorhynch Assemblages Indicate Ecological and Phylogenetical Attributes of Their Elasmobranch Final Hosts
Authors: Palm Harry W. , Yulianto Irfan , Piatkowski Uwe
Published: June 2017

This study explores non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) as a tool for investigating parasites as indicators of the elasmobranch biology. An attractive feature of nMDS is its ability to allow assemblage-level parasite data to be simultaneously applied to questions of host biology. This method was examined using the tapeworm order Trypanorhyncha Diesing, 1863, which is known to be transmitted among their hosts through the marine food web (via predation), can unambiguously be identified in the intermediate and final hosts, and has the potential as an indicator of the host feeding biology. Our analyses focused on trypanorhynch assemblages in elasmobranchs as definitive hosts. The relationships between trypanorhynch assemblages and the depth, feeding ecology, habitat, and phylogeny for all sharks were complex, but we found that depth distribution, diet composition and habitat type were the major influencing factors. Several species of sharks showed different characters than known from their descriptions that could be attributed to the change of shark behavior or the trypanorhynch host path. The relationship between the trypanorhynch assemblage and factors for carcharhiniform species alone was more robust than for all sharks. In the carcharhiniform analysis, the relationship between habitat type and trypanorhynch assemblage was most remarkable. Overlapping host ecology was evident even in phylogenetically-distant related hosts.
Assessing Statistically Significant Heavy-Metal Concentrations in Abandoned Mine Areas via Hot Spot Analysis of Portable XRF Data
Authors: Kim Sung-Min , Choi Yosoon
Published: June 2017

To develop appropriate measures to prevent soil contamination in abandoned mining areas, an understanding of the spatial variation of the potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in the soil is necessary. For the purpose of effective soil sampling, this study uses hot spot analysis, which calculates a z-score based on the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify a statistically significant hot spot sample. To constitute a statistically significant hot spot, a feature with a high value should also be surrounded by other features with high values. Using relatively cost- and time-effective portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) analysis, sufficient input data are acquired from the Busan abandoned mine and used for hot spot analysis. To calibrate the PXRF data, which have a relatively low accuracy, the PXRF analysis data are transformed using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) data. The transformed PXRF data of the Busan abandoned mine are classified into four groups according to their normalized content and z-scores: high content with a high z-score (HH), high content with a low z-score (HL), low content with a high z-score (LH), and low content with a low z-score (LL). The HL and LH cases may be due to measurement errors. Additional or complementary surveys are required for the areas surrounding these suspect samples or for significant hot spot areas. The soil sampling is conducted according to a four-phase procedure in which the hot spot analysis and proposed group classification method are employed to support the development of a sampling plan for the following phase. Overall, 30, 50, 80, and 100 samples are investigated and analyzed in phases 1–4, respectively. The method implemented in this case study may be utilized in the field for the assessment of statistically significant soil contamination and the identification of areas for which an additional survey is required.
Optimization of Polyplex Formation between DNA Oligonucleotide and Poly(ʟ-Lysine): Experimental Study and Modeling Approach
Authors: Vasiliu Tudor , Cojocaru Corneliu , Rotaru Alexandru , Pricope Gabriela , Pinteala Mariana , Clima Lilia
Published: June 2017

The polyplexes formed by nucleic acids and polycations have received a great attention owing to their potential application in gene therapy. In our study, we report experimental results and modeling outcomes regarding the optimization of polyplex formation between the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and poly(ʟ-Lysine) (PLL). The quantification of the binding efficiency during polyplex formation was performed by processing of the images captured from the gel electrophoresis assays. The design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to investigate the coupling effect of key factors (pH and N/P ratio) affecting the binding efficiency. According to the experimental observations and response surface analysis, the N/P ratio showed a major influence on binding efficiency compared to pH. Model-based optimization calculations along with the experimental confirmation runs unveiled the maximal binding efficiency (99.4%) achieved at pH 5.4 and N/P ratio 125. To support the experimental data and reveal insights of molecular mechanism responsible for the polyplex formation between dsDNA and PLL, molecular dynamics simulations were performed at pH 5.4 and 7.4.
β-Cyanoalanine Synthases and Their Possible Role in Pierid Host Plant Adaptation
Authors: Herfurth Anna-Maria , Ohlen Maike , Wittstock Ute
Published: June 2017

Cyanide is generated in larvae of the glucosinolate-specialist Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera:Pieridae) upon ingestion of plant material containing phenylalanine-derived glucosinolates as chemical defenses. As these glucosinolates were widespread within ancient Brassicales, the ability to detoxify cyanide may therefore have been essential for the host plant shift of Pierid species from Fabales to Brassicales species giving rise to the Pierinae subfamily. Previous research identified β-cyanoalanine and thiocyanate as products of cyanide detoxification in P. rapae larvae as well as three cDNAs encoding the β-cyanoalanine synthases PrBSAS1-PrBSAS3. Here, we analyzed a total of eight species of four lepidopteran families to test if their cyanide detoxification capacity correlates with their feeding specialization. We detected β-cyanoalanine synthase activity in gut protein extracts of all six species tested, which included Pierid species with glucosinolate-containing host plants, Pierids with other hosts, and other Lepidoptera with varying food specialization. Rhodanese activity was only scarcely detectable with the highest levels appearing in the two glucosinolate-feeding Pierids. We then amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 14 cDNAs encoding β-cyanoalanine synthases from seven species. Enzyme characterization and phylogenetic analysis indicated that lepidopterans are generally equipped with one PrBSAS2 homolog with high affinity for cyanide. A second β-cyanoalanine synthase which grouped with PrBSAS3 was restricted to Pierid species, while a third variant (i.e., homologs of PrBSAS1), was only present in members of the Pierinae subfamily. These results are in agreement with the hypothesis that the host shift to Brassicales was associated with the requirement for a specialized cyanide detoxification machinery.
Lie Symmetries, Optimal System and Invariant Reductions to a Nonlinear Timoshenko System
Authors: Al-Omari Shadi , Zaman Fiazuddin , Azad Hassan
Published: June 2017

Lie symmetries and their Lie group transformations for a class of Timoshenko systems are presented. The class considered is the class of nonlinear Timoshenko systems of partial differential equations (PDEs). An optimal system of one-dimensional sub-algebras of the corresponding Lie algebra is derived. All possible invariant variables of the optimal system are obtained. The corresponding reduced systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are also provided. All possible non-similar invariant conditions prescribed on invariant surfaces under symmetry transformations are given. As an application, explicit solutions of the system are given where the beam is hinged at one end and free at the other end.
Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Adamantyl-Based Derivatives and Their Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Kwong Huey , Mah Siau , Chia Tze , Quah Ching , Lim Gin , Kumar C.
Published: June 2017

Adamantyl-based compounds are clinically important for the treatments of type 2 diabetes and for their antiviral abilities, while many more are under development for other pharmaceutical uses. This study focused on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of adamantyl-based ester derivatives with various substituents on the phenyl ring using Ellman’s colorimetric method. Compound 2e with a 2,4-dichloro electron-withdrawing substituent on the phenyl ring exhibited the strongest inhibition effect against AChE, with an IC50 value of 77.15 µM. Overall, the adamantyl-based ester with the mono-substituent at position 3 of the phenyl ring exhibited good AChE inhibition effects with an ascending order for the substituents: Cl < NO2 < CH3 < OCH3. Furthermore, compounds with electron-withdrawing groups (Cl and NO2) substituted at position 3 on their phenyl rings demonstrated stronger AChE inhibition effects, in comparison to their respective positional isomers. On the other hand, compound 2j with a 3-methoxyphenyl ring showed the highest inhibition effect against BChE, with an IC50 value of 223.30 µM. Molecular docking analyses were conducted for potential AChE and BChE inhibitors, and the results demonstrated that the peripheral anionic sites of target proteins were predominant binding sites for these compounds through hydrogen bonds and halogen interactions instead of hydrophobic interactions in the catalytic active site.
Repositioning FDA Drugs as Potential Cruzain Inhibitors from Trypanosoma cruzi: Virtual Screening, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Palos Isidro , Lara-Ramirez Edgar E. , Lopez-Cedillo Julio Cesar , Garcia-Perez Carlos , Kashif Muhammad , Bocanegra-Garcia Virgilio , Nogueda-Torres Benjamin , Rivera Gildardo
Published: June 2017

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which affects underdeveloped countries. The current drugs of choice are nifurtimox and benznidazole, but both have severe adverse effects and less effectivity in chronic infections; therefore, the need to discover new drugs is essential. A computer-guided drug repositioning method was applied to identify potential FDA drugs (approved and withdrawn) as cruzain (Cz) inhibitors and trypanocidal effects were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies. 3180 FDA drugs were virtually screened using a structure-based approach. From a first molecular docking analysis, a set of 33 compounds with the best binding energies were selected. Subsequent consensus affinity binding, ligand amino acid contact clustering analysis, and ranked position were used to choose four known pharmacological compounds to be tested in vitro. Mouse blood samples infected with trypomastigotes from INC-5 and NINOA strains were used to test the trypanocidal effect of four selected compounds. Among these drugs, one fibrate antilipemic (etofyllin clofibrate) and three β-lactam antibiotics (piperacillin, cefoperazone, and flucloxacillin) showed better trypanocidal effects (LC50 range 15.8–26.1 μg/mL) in comparison with benznidazole and nifurtimox (LC50 range 33.1–46.7 μg/mL). A short-term in vivo evaluation of these compounds showed a reduction of parasitemia in infected mice (range 90–60%) at 6 h, but this was low compared to benznidazole (50%). This work suggests that four known FDA drugs could be used to design and obtain new trypanocidal agents.
Emerging Disparities in Dietary Sodium Intake from Snacking in the US Population
Authors: Dunford Elizabeth , Poti Jennifer , Popkin Barry
Published: June 2017

Background: The US population consumes dietary sodium well in excess of recommended levels. It is unknown how the contribution of snack foods to sodium intake has changed over time, and whether disparities exist within specific subgroups of the US population. Objective: To examine short and long term trends in the contribution of snack food sources to dietary sodium intake for US adults and children over a 37-year period from 1977 to 2014. Methods: We used data collected from eight nationally representative surveys of food intake in 50,052 US children aged 2–18 years, and 73,179 adults aged 19+ years between 1977 and 2014. Overall, patterns of snack food consumption, trends in sodium intake from snack food sources and trends in food and beverage sources of sodium from snack foods across race-ethnic, age, gender, body mass index, household education and income groups were examined. Results: In all socio-demographic subgroups there was a significant increase in both per capita sodium intake, and the proportion of sodium intake derived from snacks from 1977–1978 to 2011–2014 (p < 0.01). Those with the lowest household education, Non-Hispanic Black race-ethnicity, and the lowest income had the largest increase in sodium intake from snacks. While in 1977–1978 Non-Hispanic Blacks had a lower sodium intake from snacks compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (p < 0.01), in 2011–2014 they had a significantly higher intake. Conclusions: Important disparities are emerging in dietary sodium intake from snack sources in Non-Hispanic Blacks. Our findings have implications for future policy interventions targeting specific US population subgroups.
Involvement of CD36 in Modulating the Decrease of NPY and AgRP Induced by Acute Palmitic Acid Stimulation in N1E-115 Cells
Authors: Ma Yan , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Hongying , Zhang Xu , Yang Nianhong
Published: June 2017

Central nervous system (CNS) fatty acid sensing plays an important role in the regulation of food intake, and palmitic acid (PA) is the most important long chain fatty acid (LCFA) in the mammalian diet. To explore the effect of PA on central neuropeptide expression and the role of the cluster of the differentiation of 36 (CD36) in the process, N1E-115 cells were cultured with PA in the presence or absence of sulfosuccinimidyl-oleate (SSO), a CD36 inhibitor. Results showed that 10 μmol/L PA significantly reduced NPY and AgRP mRNA expression after 20 min of exposure, while the expression of CD36 was upregulated. The presence of SSO significantly attenuated the decrease of NPY and AgRP expression that was induced by PA alone, although no notable effect on PA- induced CD36 gene expression was observed. In conclusion, our study suggests the involvement of CD36 in the PA-induced decrease of NPY and AgRP in N1E-115 cells.
Bioavailability of Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids Added to a Variety of Sausages in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Köhler Anton , Heinrich Johanna , Von Schacky Clemens
Published: June 2017

A low Omega-3 Index (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in erythrocytes) is associated with cardiac, cerebral, and other health issues. Intake of EPA and DHA, but not of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), increases the Omega-3 Index. We investigated bioavailability, safety, palatability and tolerability of EPA and DHA in a novel source: a variety of sausages. We screened 96 healthy volunteers, and recruited 44 with an Omega-3 Index <5%. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a variety of sausages enriched with approximately 250 mg EPA and DHA per 80 g (n = 22) daily for 8 weeks, or matching placebo sausages (n = 22). All sausages contained approximately 250 mg ALA/80 g. In the verum group, the mean Omega-3 Index increased from 4.18 ± 0.54 to 5.72 ± 0.66% (p < 0.001), while it remained unchanged in the placebo group. While ALA levels increased only in the placebo group, DPA levels increased in both groups. Inter-individual variability in the response was large. The mean increase of the Omega-3 Index per intake of EPA and DHA we observed was higher than for other sources previously studied, indicating superior bioavailability. As increasing production of EPA and DHA is difficult, improvements of bioavailability can facilitate reaching the target range for the Omega-3 Index (8–11%).
The Consumption of Dairy Products Is Associated with Reduced Risks of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Women but not in Men
Authors: Lee Kyung , Cho Wookyoun
Published: June 2017

We aimed to investigate the association between dairy product consumption and the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults. Data from 13,692 Korean adults aged ≥19 years from the KNHANES 2010–2013 were used. The study participants were divided into three groups according to the serving size of dairy products they consumed based on a single 24-h recall. About 58% of the Korean adults did not consume any dairy products in one day. In both the sexes, only those who adhered to the recommendation for dairy products (≥1 serving/day) achieved the daily requirement of calcium. Women who consumed ≥1 serving/day of dairy products had lower risks of obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66–0.89; p for trend < 0.01) and MetS (AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.56–0.80; p for trend < 0.01) than women who did not consume dairy products. However, these significant associations were not observed in men. In conclusion, consuming ≥ 1 serving/day of dairy products could be an easy and efficient strategy for meeting daily calcium requirement as well as lowering risks of obesity and MetS among Korean women.
Photo-Induced Vertical Alignment of Liquid Crystals via In Situ Polymerization Initiated by Polyimide Containing Benzophenone
Authors: Wang Fei , Shao Leishan , Bai Qiyao , Che Xinyuan , Liu Bin , Wang Yinghan
Published: June 2017

Vertical alignment of liquid crystal (LC) was achieved in an easy and effective way: in situ photopolymerization of dodecyl acrylate (DA) monomers initiated by polyimide based on 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride and 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane (BTDA-DMMDA PI). The alignment behavior and alignment stabilities were characterized by a polarizing optical microscope (POM), which showed a stable vertical alignment after 12 h of thermal treatment. The chemical structures, morphology, and water contact angles of alignment films peeled from LC cells with and without DA monomers were analyzed by means of a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a contact angle tester, separately. The results confirmed that the DA monomers underwent self-polymerization and grafting polymerization initiated by the BTDA-DMMDA PI under ultraviolet irradiation, which aggregated on the surfaces of PI films. The water contact angles of the alignment films were about 15° higher, indicating a relative lower surface energy. In conclusion, the vertical alignment of LC was introduced by the low surface free energy of PI films grafted with DA polymer and intermolecular interactions between LC and DA polymers.
Land Cover, Land Use, and Climate Change Impacts on Endemic Cichlid Habitats in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Kalacska Margaret , Arroyo-Mora J. , Lucanus Oliver , Kishe-Machumu Mary
Published: June 2017

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened on Earth, facing environmental and anthropogenic pressures often surpassing their terrestrial counterparts. Land use and land cover change (LUCC) such as degradation and fragmentation of the terrestrial landscape negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems. Satellite imagery allows for an impartial assessment of the past to determine habitat alterations. It can also be used as a forecasting tool in the development of species conservation strategies through models based on ecological factors extracted from imagery. In this study, we analyze Landsat time sequences (1984–2015) to quantify LUCC around three freshwater ecosystems with endemic cichlids in Tanzania. In addition, we examine population growth, agricultural expansion, and climate change as stressors that impact the habitats. We found that the natural vegetation cover surrounding Lake Chala decreased from 15.5% (1984) to 3.5% (2015). At Chemka Springs, we observed a decrease from 7.4% to 3.5% over the same period. While Lake Natron had minimal LUCC, severe climate change impacts have been forecasted for the region. Subsurface water data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite observations further show a decrease in water resources for the study areas, which could be exacerbated by increased need from a growing population and an increase in agricultural land use.
Simulations of Blast Wave and Fireball Occurring Due to Rupture of High-Pressure Hydrogen Tank
Authors: Kim Wookyung , Shentsov Volodymyr , Makarov Dmitriy , Molkov Vladimir
Published: June 2017

In the present study, pilot simulations of the phenomena of blast wave and fireball generated by the rupture of a high-pressure (35 MPa) hydrogen tank (volume 72 L) due to fire were carried out. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model includes the realizable k-ε model for turbulence and the eddy dissipation model coupled with the one-step chemical reaction mechanism for combustion. The simulation results were compared with experimental data on a stand-alone hydrogen tank rupture in a bonfire test. The simulations provided insights into the interaction between the blast wave propagation and combustion process. The simulated blast wave decay is approximately identical to the experimental data concerning pressure at various distances. Fireball is first ignited at the ground level, which is considered to be due to stagnation flow conditions. Subsequently, the flame propagates toward the interface between hydrogen and air.
Image Enhancement for Surveillance Video of Coal Mining Face Based on Single-Scale Retinex Algorithm Combined with Bilateral Filtering
Authors: Si Lei , Wang Zhongbin , Xu Rongxin , Tan Chao , Liu, Xinhua , Xu Jing
Published: June 2017

Surveillance videos of coal mining faces have close relation to the safety of coal miners and mining efficiency. However, surveillance videos are always disturbed by some severe conditions such as atomization, low illumination, glare, and so on. Therefore, this paper proposed a hybrid algorithm (SSR-BF) based on the integration of single-scale Retinex (SSR) and bilateral filtering (BF) to enhance the image quality of surveillance videos. BF was coupled with SSR to reduce the noises and perfect the edge information in the image. The schematic diagram and pseudocode of SSR-BF was designed, and the parameters were set rationally to ensure the enhancement effects through some simulations. Finally, some comparisons with other methods were carried out, and the simulation results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm was superior to others and could be applied to image enhancement for poormonochrome images, especially the surveillance video of a coal mining face.
Nutrients and Other Environmental Factors Influence Virus Abundances across Oxic and Hypoxic Marine Environments
Authors: Finke Jan , Hunt Brian , Winter Christian , Carmack Eddy , Suttle Curtis
Published: June 2017

Virus particles are highly abundant in seawater and, on average, outnumber microbial cells approximately 10-fold at the surface and 16-fold in deeper waters; yet, this relationship varies across environments. Here, we examine the influence of a suite of environmental variables, including nutrient concentrations, salinity and temperature, on the relationship between the abundances of viruses and prokaryotes over a broad range of spatial and temporal scales, including along a track from the Northwest Atlantic to the Northeast Pacific via the Arctic Ocean, and in the coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada. Models of varying complexity were tested and compared for best fit with the Akaike Information Criterion, and revealed that nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, as well as prokaryote abundances, either individually or combined, had significant effects on viral abundances in all but hypoxic environments, which were only explained by a combination of physical and chemical factors. Nonetheless, multivariate models of environmental variables showed high explanatory power, matching or surpassing that of prokaryote abundance alone. Incorporating both environmental variables and prokaryote abundances into multivariate models significantly improved the explanatory power of the models, except in hypoxic environments. These findings demonstrate that environmental factors could be as important as, or even more important than, prokaryote abundance in describing viral abundance across wide-ranging marine environments
Survey of Cold Water Lines in Protoplanetary Disks: Indications of Systematic Volatile Depletion
Authors: Du Fujun , Bergin Edwin Anthony , Hogerheijde Michiel , Dishoeck Ewine F. van , Blake Geoff , Bruderer Simon , Cleeves Ilse , Dominik Carsten , Fedele Davide , Lis Dariusz C. , Melnick Gary , Neufeld David , Pearson John , Yıldız Umut
Published: June 2017

We performed very deep searches for 2 ground-state water transitions in 13 protoplanetary disks with the HIFI instrument on board the Herschel Space Observatory, with integration times up to 12 hr per line. We also searched for, with shallower integrations, two other water transitions that sample warmer gas. The detection rate is low, and the upper limits provided by the observations are generally much lower than predictions of thermo-chemical models with canonical inputs. One ground-state transition is newly detected in the stacked spectrum of AA Tau, DM Tau, LkCa 15, and MWC 480. We run a grid of models to show that the abundance of gas-phase oxygen needs to be reduced by a factor of at least

to be consistent with the observational upper limits (and positive detections) if a dust-to-gas mass ratio of 0.01 were to be assumed. As a continuation of previous ideas, we propose that the underlying reason for the depletion of oxygen (hence the low detection rate) is the freeze-out of volatiles such as water and CO onto dust grains followed by grain growth and settling/migration, which permanently removes these gas-phase molecules from the emissive upper layers of the outer disk. Such depletion of volatiles is likely ubiquitous among different disks, though not necessarily to the same degree. The volatiles might be returned back to the gas phase in the inner disk (

au), which is consistent with current constraints. Comparison with studies on disk dispersal due to photoevaporation indicates that the timescale for volatile depletion is shorter than that of photoevaporation.
Modeling of Lithium-ion Battery for Charging/Discharging Characteristics Based on Circuit Model
Authors: Haizhou Zhai
Published: June 2017

The paper describes the principle and charging/discharging characteristics of lithium-ion battery. It is as the research objects that Lithium-ion batteries with positive and negative materials of LiyMn2O4 and LixC6 were selected. A mathematical model is made for simulating the electrochemical behavior of Lithium-ion batteries. It is established that the electrochemical cell model and the one RC cell model based on aforementioned. The case of voltage, current, temperature, SOC and the charging/discharging characteristics were studied. The model is dynamic, and it reflects the transient state of the battery output. This is part of a laboratory setup used to test power system of an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle to simulate electrochemical energy storage. The results show that accurate battery charging/discharging strategy management and SOC measurement can be achieved.
“Homens como outros quaisquer”: Construção das masculinidades entre homens em situação de conjugalidade homossexual no Brasil e na Argentina
Authors: Lopes Moisés
Published: June 2017

Este artigo visa desenvolver uma discussão a respeito da construção das masculinidades entre homens homossexuais que viviam relações estáveis de conjugalidade com outros homens. Nesta pesquisa inspiro-me em uma perspectiva que busca trazer à tona elementos intersecionais de análise, tais como gênero, cor/raça/ etnia/nacionalidade, classe/camada social, religião, grupo etário/geracional. Apesar da impossibilidade de analisar estes elementos de forma dissociada, pois, como apontou Brah (2006), a interseção deve ser pensada de maneira articulada e contextual, já que é nela que se produzem determinadas relações interpessoais, formas particulares de opressão e privilégio, formas contextuais de ser e estar no mundo, produz-se, com isso, uma identidade, um sujeito específico e uma subjetividade particular. Neste artigo tomarei como foco de análise a construção das masculinidades entre homens brancos de camadas médias da população em situação de conjugalidade homossexual, no Brasil e na Argentina, a partir de dados de campo levantados entre 2006 e 2008 para a elaboração de minha tese de doutorado em Antropologia Social.
Buscas por tratamento
Authors: Pereira Diogo Neves
Published: June 2017

O artigo objetiva aprofundar nossa compreensão em torno do modo como os pacientes do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) interpretam as relações que com ele estabelecem. Explora como as concepções dos pacientes acerca de processos de saúde/doença influenciam a procura pelo serviço público de saúde e, mais além, como elas se transformam na medida em que seus tratamentos se desenrolam. Procura ultrapassar a constatação de que os indivíduos utilizam o SUS e analisar o papel desta escolha de ação no interior de seus itinerários terapêuticos. Aborda assim o lugar do sistema público de saúde nos sentidos que seus pacientes dão às suas experiências. Ao fazê-lo, identifica a dinâmica da busca por tratamento como elemento essencial para a compreensão da forma como os pacientes se relacionam com as instituições e com suas doenças.