bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventive AF ablation in patients with mitral valve lesion and left atrium enlargement: 3-month follow-up results
Authors: Bogachev-Prokophiev A. , Sapegin A. , Pivkin A. , Sharifulin R. , Afanasyev A. , Ovcharov M. , Karaskov A.
Published: July 2017

Aim. Persistence or appearance of atrial fibrillation (AF) after mitral valve surgery significantly reduces the number of excellent and good results in the long-term period. AF leads to heart failure and pulmonary hypertension and increases the risk of thromboembolic events and stroke. Drug strategies for prevention of new-onset AF in the postoperative period are well developed, while invasive methods are still under development and clinical trials. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical prevention of atrial fibrillation in patients with left atrium enlargement and mitral valve (MV) lesion at 3-month follow-up.Methods. Forty patients operated in our clinic over a period of 2015–2017 were included in the study. All patients had MV lesion and left atrial dilatation greater than 60 mm. All patients had a sinus rhythm at the time of the operation and no documented AF in the history. The mean age of the patients was 48.9±10.1 (23-69 years). All patients had indications for mitral valve surgery and were randomized into two groups. The first group included patients who underwent a concomitant preventive ablation procedure (n = 20). The second group included patients with isolated MV surgery (n = 20). Complications and heart rhythm were evaluated within 3 months after surgery.Results. Patients who underwent preventive ablation within 3 months after the surgery did not differ significantly in the number of complications as compared with the control. In the group of patients with preventive ablation, a higher freedom from AF in comparison with the group of patients with isolated MV surgery was observed: 95 vs. 40%, respectively. Conclusion. Preventive atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with mitral valve lesion and left atrium enlargement is a safe and effective procedure. Preventive ablation reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation by 1.6 times within 3-month follow-up.Received 24 April 2017. Accepted 28 June 2017.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.Author contributionsConception and study design: A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev, A.V. Sapegin.Data collection and analysis: A.V. Sapegin, A.N. Pivkin, R.M. Sharifulin, A.V. Afanasyev, M.A. Ovcharov. Drafting the article: A.V. Sapegin.Critical revision of the article: A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev.Final approval of the version to be published: A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev, A.V. Sapegin, A.N. Pivkin, R.M. Sharifulin, A.V. Afanasyev, M.A. Ovcharov, A.M. Karaskov.
Semba y rumba - construyendo ritmos y expectativas en dos novelas africanas
Authors: Phaf-Rheinberger Ineke
Published: July 2017

En este artículo se analiza la función de la música popular en dos novelas africanas: Photo de groupe au borde du fleuve, de Emmanuel Dongala, de Congo; y O reino das casuarinas, del angolano José Luis Mendonça. Los autores retratan la situación postcolonial en sus países respectivos en relación con la música popular del año 1950, de acuerdo con el deseo de cambiar el status político colonial. Utilizan los ritmos del semba y de la rumba para indicar el contraste entre las románticas expectativas originarias y la realidad contemporánea.
Dérive; una aproximación al dispositivo estético de Jean-François Lyotard
Authors: Arancibia Romero José Miguel
Published: July 2017

La filosofía francesa moderna ha hecho de la experiencia estética uno de los objetos más privilegiados de estudio, los que permiten reflexionar los aspectos no visibles de la modernidad histórica en que se circunscriben. Esta resignificación del arte hace que el objeto plástico no sea ya una representación (narrativa o transferencial), sino que exhiba sus fuerzas pulsionales en tanto dispositivo estético. En este contexto, el objeto del presente ensayo radica en el despliegue del término dérive propuesto por Jean-François Lyotard en diálogo con la disciplina psicoanalítica y la filosofía moderna, al alero de las obras de Cézanne, Duchamp y Monory.
Mellado, Justo Pastor (2015). Escenas Locales, ficción, historia y política en la gestión de arte contemporáneo. Córdoba: Curatoría Forense. 216 p.
Authors: Mellado Marcelo
Published: July 2017

Reseña
Compulsión de luz… Para una cita de Walter Benjamin
Authors: Arancibia José Miguel
Published: July 2017

Instructivo es reflexionar la correspondencia entre la lectura continua de un texto y su lugar estacionario denominado cita. Ella no sólo ratificaría las ideas centrales que un autor nos propone, sino que parece concentrar indicaciones, advertencias y señalizaciones requeridas a un tránsito lector determinado. Particularmente, bajo el tema estético que supone el texto de Walter Benjamin “La obra de arte en la época de su reproductibilidad técnica”, la cita n° 28 advierte no sólo los peligros que suponen la nueva dimensión de la imagen cinematográfica, sino los aspectos históricos y de representación ocultos en dicha técnica.
La naturaleza (sonora) de la ciudad. Buildings [New York], de Francisco López
Authors: Solomos Makis
Published: July 2017

El artista sonoro Francisco López ha frecuentemente remarcado la importancia de la escucha —“creo que el acto fundamental de composición o creación es escuchar”, escribe. A diferencia de la música electroacústica, que elabora su propia materia sonora, sus obras son mayoritariamente salidas del field recording. Sin embargo, no estamos frente a una lógica de documentación o de representación de paisajes sonoros: si bien, con frecuencia, se reconoce el origen de los sonidos, López tiende a privilegiar la inmersión en el sonido en sí. La escucha de sus obras es así llamada a trabajar sistemáticamente el intervalo entre el sonido como índice y el sonido autonomizado, entre el sonido como dimensión del entorno y el sonido como material artístico. Este intervalo genera formas de subjetivación particulares. El presente texto analizará una obra sonora en donde Francisco López se ha servido de registros realizados en edificios neoyorkinos, dando a escuchar una ciudad hecha de máquinas misteriosas y que parecen en momentos un bosque tropical.
Cuando los sonidos se hacen arte: la ciudad y la radio
Authors: Gallon Ray
Published: July 2017

En este texto se reflexiona en torno al ruido como materia prima de composición sonora, visto desde una concepción artística. Se propone que, a partir de una re‐contextualización del ruido, éste se convierte en sonido, y con ello se pueden crear múltiples juegos para el oído, generando incluso situaciones dramáticas y narrativas. Específicamente, se hará referencia a diversas composiciones emanadas del Hörspiel Studio, las que constituían un conjunto de retratos sonoros de ciudades de todo el mundo, en una serie titulada “Metropolis”, de las cuales tuve el privilegio de participar en la creación del retrato sonoro de Barcelona, en el año 2001.
foglalkozás körében elkövetett veszélyeztetés bűncselekményének hatályos szabályozása, különös tekintettel az orvosi műhibákra
Authors: Tóth Emese Boglárka , Rózsavölgyi Bálint
Published: July 2017

Absztrakt nélkül
Választott- és döntőbizottságok múltja és jelene nemzetközi tapasztalatokkal
Authors: Nagyné Dorka Dóra
Published: July 2017

Absztrakt nélkül
egészségügyi ellátás során bekövetkező károk kompenzációjának lehetőségei Németországban
Authors: Zákány Judit
Published: July 2017

Absztrakt nélkül
mediáció helye az új évezred büntetőpolitikájában
Authors: Béky Ágnes Enikő
Published: July 2017

Absztrakt nélkül
Néstor Perlongher: los años de formación intelectual (1968-1978)
Authors: Paniagua García José Antonio
Published: July 2017

La obra poética y ensayística del escritor argentino Néstor Perlongher, desarrollada a lo largo del período comprendido entre los años 1978 y 1992, ha sido estudiada por la crítica, de modo frecuente, a partir de su marco de producción más fructífero: el posestructuralismo. Sin embargo, escasos han sido los esfuerzos por comprender los motivos intelectuales y culturales que llevaron al autor a asumir y desarrollar un trabajo antropológico y literario ligado a este particular enfoque. Por consiguiente, este artículo aspira a construir una primera panorámica sociocultural y política apropiada que explique esta deriva teórica como resultado de su período de formación académica y activista en la Argentina de los años sesenta y setenta.
María Águeda Méndez (ed.), Fiesta y celebración: discurso y espacio novohispanos. El Colegio de México, México, 2009; 341 pp. (Biblioteca Novohispana. Estudios, 1).
Authors: Cándano Fierro Graciela
Published: July 2017

Se reseñó el libro: Fiesta y celebración: discurso y espacio novohispanos.
“Inconsciente y voluntad en los textos inéditos de Orbe (1926-1931), de Juan Larrea”
Authors: Peinado Elliot Carlos
Published: July 2017

Fecha de recepción: 15 de junio de 2011.Fecha de aceptación: 3 de octubre de 2012. La lectura de Orbe ha quedado deformada al disponer sólo de un acceso parcial a la obra. En la parte primera de la misma se describe la crisis que el autor sufre entre 1926 y 1932. En ella asistimos a la desintegración de los principales pilares de la metafísica occidental a partir de la destrucción de la noción del yo individual, bajo el que se descubre un principio único (llamado Inconsciente, Voluntad y, más tarde, Imaginación) que, por medio de la polaridad, organiza teleológicamente toda la realidad. En el presente estudio se analiza este pensamiento idealista y sus fuentes.
Pemanfaatan Abu Sekam Padi menjadi Katalis Heterogen dalam Pembuatan Biodiesel dari Minyak Sawit
Authors: Kusyanto Kusyanto , Hasmara Purwa Aditya
Published: July 2017

Berdasarkan data BPS Kaltim (2014) jumlah produksi padi mencapai 432.612 ton/tahun. Produksi padi tersebut menghasilkan sekam padi rata-rata sebesar 20%. Sekam padi masih kurang dimanfaatkan dengan baik sehingga hanya menjadi tumpukan limbah pertanian.  Abu sekam padi mengandung senyawa yang dapat digunakan sebagai support katalis yaitu diantaranya SiO2. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan abu sekam padi yang telah dikalsinasi dengan impregnasi KOH sebagai katalis pembuatan biodiesel dari minyak sawit secara konvensional. Sekam padi dikalsinasi pada suhu 500Â°C selama 3 jam lalu diimpregnasi dengan KOH 1,9 N. Kemudian dibilas dengan aquadest dan dioven hingga beratnya konstan. Transesterifikasi dilakukan pada minyak sawit dengan perbandingan massa terhadap volume minyak (10%, 15%, 20%, 25% v/b). Hasil yang didapatkan, semakin banyak massa katalis yang digunakan, konversi yield yang diperoleh semakin tinggi yaitu mencapai 67%. Viskositas dan densitas memenuhi standar biodiesel. Hasil uji surface area BET diperoleh surface area spesifik sebelum dan sesudah impregnasi berturut-turut adalah 89,937 m2/g dan 5,471 m2/g. Analisa produk dengan menggunakan GC-MS dilakukan untuk mendapatkan jenis methyl ester sterarate, palmitat, dan Linoleat.
Isolasi dan Karakterisasi Fungi Endofit Tanaman Tapak Dara (Catharanthus Roseus)
Authors: Arifuddin M. , Bone Mahfuzun , Iswahyudi Iswahyudi , Ibrahim Arsyik , Rijai Laode
Published: July 2017

This study aims to determine the diversity of endophytic fungi Tread Dara (Catharanthus roseus) as one of the potential plants that can produce medicinal efficacious compounds. This study includes the isolation and identification of endophytic fungi on Tapak Dara plant using PDA medium. Based on the results obtained 6 endophytic fungal isolates originating from roots and leaves Tread Dara.
Aquamarine from Thach Khoan Mining Area in Phu Tho Province, Vietnam
Authors: Lý Thùy Dương
Published: July 2017

Abstract: Aquamarine is a kind of gemstone having attractive color, valuable and being a potential material in gemological industry. In Vietnam, Thach Khoan area has become a noticeable location to explore aquamarine. However, the researches of aquamarine are still limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the characteristics of aquamarine. Eight aquamarine samples from granitic pegmatites in Thach Khoan commune, Thanh Son District, Phu Tho Province were investigated by classical gemological methods, Electron Probe Micro-analysis (EMPA) and Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) methods, Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results showed that aquamarine presents a low concentration of alkali and high amount of iron. Raman and IR spectroscopy indicate the vibrations of specific bonds including Si-O, Al-O, Be-O, the presence of CO2 and type I H2O in structural channels. By dint of that, we are going to study the potential treatment methods of aquamarine in Vietnam in the following study to enhance its quality as well as value in the global market.
Water Quality of Havsa Stream Basin Creeks (Thrace Region, Turkey)
Authors: Tokatlı Cem , Baştatli Yasin
Published: July 2017

Abstract: Havsa Stream is located on north – west part of Marmara Region and it is one of the most important branches of Ergene River. As many aquatic habitat Havsa Stream is also under effect of an intensive agricultural pressure. In this study, water quality of Süloğlu, Hasköy, Aşağıova, Havsa, Kuleli and Anadere Creeks that are the significant components of Havsa Steam Basin were investigated. Water samples were collected in spring season of 2016 and total of 13 water quality parameters (pH, conductivity, TDS, salinity, turbidity, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, sulfate, biological oxygen demand, total carbon, total inorganic carbon and total organic carbon) were investigated. Also Cluster Analysis (CA) was applied to detected data in order to classify the creeks in terms of pollution levels. According to detected data, pollution levels of the investigated creeks in parallel to the flow directions as follows; Süloğlu > Hasköy > Aşağıova > Havsa > Kuleli > Anadere in general. According to the results of CA, 3 statistically significant clusters were formed, which were corresponded to Süloğlu and Hasköy (Cluster 1) that were located on the upstream; Kuleli, Havsa and Aşağıova (Cluster 2) that were located on the middlestream; Anadere (Cluster 3) that was located on the downstream.
Documental, memoria e identidad regional (Tras los rastros de rostros)
Authors: Aguilera Camilo , Polanco Gerylee
Published: July 2017

Resta poco menos de un año para que se cumplan 20 años de la aparición del programa documental para televisión Rostros y Rastros -hoy fuera del aire-, ocasión propicia para generar reflexión y memoria de esta experiencia audiovisual. Este artículo expresa el punto de partida de una investigación más amplia* -parcialmente financiada por la Dirección de Patrimonio del Ministerio de Cultura-, cuyos resultados deberán consolidarse en el año 2008. El objetivo de este artículo es, de un lado, indagar sobre los procesos que dieron vida al programa, así como sobre aquellos que propiciaron su desaparición y, de otro lado, rastrear los significados atribuidos a esta experiencia por parte de los diferentes actores a ella vinculados. Como podrá constatarse, el propósito general de este ejercicio reflexivo es situar Rostros y Rastros en el marco de la historia del espacio audiovisual de la región,historia tan profusa en producción y tan exigua en análisis.
No masivo. Los medios comunitarios vistos a tres voces
Authors: Coryat Diana , Caicedo Jorge , Gonzáles Adriana
Published: July 2017

Desde las comunas, los barrios y las esquinas de la ciudad y a través de las cámaras, los micrófonos, las voces y las experiencias artísticas de los comunicadores populares, la otra historia de la ciudad se viene contando entre audiovisuales, fotos, canciones, graffitis y eventos de tarima pública. Son las radios comunitarias surgidas de coyunturas y desgracias colectivas, las televisiones barriales que resisten frente al monopolio de los cable-operadores industriales, los fanzines irreverentes escritos desde las pasiones y los engomes y los colectivos y sus otras formas alternativas de comunicar y encontrar-se, que le dan forma al panorama de la Otra Comunicación. Una docente norteamericana con un discurso cercano y comprometido desde su hacer y un grupo de estudiantes de la Escuela de comunicación de Univalle con las expectativas de ver y oír más, atraviesan estas realidades confrontando experiencias de aquí y de allá; se mueven pisos, se abren opciones. A tres voces, un panorama de lo no masivo de la comunicación caleña.
Los medios de comunicación en la Universidad del Valle
Authors: Hleap José
Published: July 2017

Este texto se pregunta críticamente acerca de la pertinencia de los medios en la Universidad del Valle dentro de un contexto reflexivo sobre las políticas culturales de la institución y sobre la relación que ésta sostiene con la sociedad.
Las voces y el espectro
Authors: Pino Correa Juan Carlos
Published: July 2017

Este texto narra la visita de un personaje a Caquiona, en el Nudo de Almaguer, Cauca, con el fin de conocer el funcionamiento de una radio indígena, WayraLlayta Yanacuna y, de paso, ser testigo de las reacciones de los indígenas ante la "corrección" dictada por una Asamblea de juzgamiento. La narración es un testimonio de recuperación de la identidad cultural perdida.
Pharmacognostical Studies and Evaluation of Quality Parameters of Spinacia oleracea
Authors: Patel Mariyan R. , Patel Harsha V. , Shukla Sangita
Published: July 2017

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an edible flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae native to central and western Asia.
Its leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Spinach has a high nutritional value because it is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C,
vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, iron , riboflavin vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Pharmacognostic standardization, physicochemical evaluation of the Leaves of Spinacia oleracea was carried out to
determine its macro-and microscopical characters and also total ash, insoluble ash, alcohol- and water-soluble extractive
values were determined for phytochemical evaluations. Preliminary phytochemical screening was also done to detect
different phytoconstituents. The Proximate analysis of powder was also carried out in which extractive value, ash value,
foreign matter, loss on drying were determined and also successive solvent extraction was carried out using soxhlet
extractor in which ethanol was used. Aqueous extract was also carried out by maceration method. Preliminary
phytochemical screening of various successive extracts of leaves was done qualitatively which revealed the presence of
phytosterol, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins and amino acids.
GC-MS Analysis of Phytocomponents in the Various Extracts of Shorea robusta Gaertn F.
Authors: Sushma Vashisht , Pal Singh Manish , Viney Chawla
Published: July 2017

The current investigation was carried out to determine the possible phytocomponents present in the different extracts of
Shorea robusta using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The dried powdered resin of Shorea robusta was
extracted exhaustively by Soxhlet apparatus with different solvents such as methanol, ethanol and chloroform. The
prepared extracts were analyzed by GC-MS to identify and characterize the phytocomponents present in the crude extracts.
Qualitative determination of different phytocomponents from crude extracts of Shorea robusta using GC-MS revealed
different types of high and low molecular weight phytoconstituents with varying quantities present in each of the extracts.
The GC-MS analysis provided a variety of peaks determining the presence of different compounds in various extracts of
Shorea robusta namely Caryophyllene (1.50%), Caryophylline oxide (6.65%), Ledene oxide (11.17%), Calarene epoxide
(5.15%), Alloaromadendrene oxide-(1) (8.72%), Beta-amyrin (7.99%), Alpha-amyrin (1.40%), Cycloisolongifolene
(2.54%), Isolongifolene (4.73%), Silane (2.64%). The three extracts possess major phytoconstituents that were identified
and characterized spectroscopically. The abundance of phytoconstituents was found to decrease in the order: methanol
extract>ethanol extract>chloroform extract.
Sea Buckthorn Juice: Nutritional Therapeutic Properties and Economic Considerations
Authors: Pallavee Kapoor , Ashwani Mathur
Published: July 2017

In recent years sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) juice has become a commercially desirable product due to
inevitable nutritional and therapeutic benefits. The juice extracted from the fresh berries of the plant had an extraordinary
amount of vitamin C and carotenoids and is also rich in other bioactive nutrients components like amino acids, sugars,
volatile compounds, phenolics and antioxidants. Variations in these components are highly influenced by factors like
origin of the subspecies, population, genetic background and individuals. The existence of such vital constituents in the
sea buckthorn berries has made sea buckthorn juice a popular demanded product in the international market. It effectively
adds to the economic growth of a country.
However, low awareness about these benefits, restrict wide acceptance of Sea buckthorn juice. Current review emphasize
on the nutritional benefits and production strategies of Sea buckthorn juice with a broader perspective of its acceptance as
a nutritional and therapeutic supplement world over and to explore the commercialization strategies of the juice and
derived products.
Characteristics of phosphate phase (fluorapatite and monazite) in the South Nam Xe carbonatites, Northwest Vietnam
Authors: Thủy Nguyễn Thị , Nụ Nguyễn Thị Hồng
Published: July 2017

This paper presents characteristics of appearance and mineral chemistry of phosphate phase, including fluorapatite and monazite in the South Nam Xe carbonatite dykes in Northwest Vietnam. These minerals occur in both calcio- and ferrocarbonatites in various modes. Most of the fluorapatites in the calciocarbonatites are oblong to elongated, and have sharp contacts with calcite, aegirine and phlogopite suggesting their primary origin; whereas those in the ferrocarbonatites are commonly present in forms of stubby to perfect hexagonal prismatic crystals, which partly replaced by the monazite. The monazites in the ferrocarbonatites also occur as hundreds micro isolated crystals, which associated with ankerite, feldspar, magnetite and phlogopite.

Contents of fluor and rare earth elements (REE) are relatively high (F up to 4.26 wt.%; REE up to 5.19 wt.%) indicating a F- and REE-enriched precipitation for the carbonatites. The enrichment in light REEs in the fluorapatite is paired with an enrichment in Na, varying from 0.25 wt.% to 0.89 wt.%. The replacement of REE and Na for Ca in the fluorapatites, which leads to change in CaO/P2O5 ratios might show an open system where Ca and P are added to areas of the fluorapatite depleted in light REE (LREE). REE contents in the monazite show a very limited variation, and are mainly composed of La, Ce and Nd (La2O3 = 21.09-22.72 wt.%, Ce2O3 = 32.82-33.35 wt.%, Nd2O3 = 6.96-8.20 wt.% in calciocarbonatite; La2O3 = 16.61-17.39 wt.%, Ce2O3 = 32.07-33.52 wt.%, Nd2O3 = 8.92-10.94 wt.% in ferrocarbonatite). 
“Advocates Change the World; Evaluation Can Help”: A Literature Review and Key Insights from the Practice of Advocacy Evaluation
Authors: Glass Juniper
Published: July 2017

Abstract: It is only since the new millennium that assessments of policy and systems change initiatives have been given much attention in practice or in research. A comprehensive literature review of advocacy in human services non-profit organizations (NGOs) has found a “lack of systemic, rational evaluation and measurement of the effectiveness of advocacy.” Similarly, in a survey of 211 NGOs that undertake advocacy, only one in four (24.6 percent) reported that this work had been evaluated. While the survey was conducted in the United States, it is likely that Canadian NGOs are in a similar situation, not because of a lack of interest or value for evaluation but, rather, because assessing systems change initiatives is challenging territory and NGOs face considerable resource and time constraints that put such evaluation low on the priority list. This article provides a review of key insights from advocacy evaluation practice and research that may help orient and inform NGOs as they decide on evaluation strategies. I will outline the state of the field of systems- and policy-change evaluation in North America as well as its benefits and challenges. Finally, a synthesis of the main steps in advocacy evaluation planning and implementation offers a broad map to NGOs seeking to enhance this practice in their own organizations.
Molecular Mechanisms behind Free Radical Scavengers Function against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ahmadinejad Fereshteh , Geir Møller Simon , Hashemzadeh-Chaleshtori Morteza , Bidkhori Gholamreza , Jami Mohammad-Saeid
Published: July 2017

Accumulating evidence shows that oxidative stress is involved in a wide variety of human diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancers, etc. Here, we discuss the significance of oxidative conditions in different disease, with the focus on neurodegenerative disease including Parkinson’s disease, which is mainly caused by oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively), collectively known as RONS, are produced by cellular enzymes such as myeloperoxidase, NADPH-oxidase (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Natural antioxidant systems are categorized into enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant groups. The former includes a number of enzymes such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase, while the latter contains a number of antioxidants acquired from dietary sources including vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. There are also scavengers used for therapeutic purposes, such as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) used routinely in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (not as a free radical scavenger), and 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (Edaravone) that acts as a free radical detoxifier frequently used in acute ischemic stroke. The cell surviving properties of L-DOPA and Edaravone against oxidative stress conditions rely on the alteration of a number of stress proteins such as Annexin A1, Peroxiredoxin-6 and PARK7/DJ-1 (Parkinson disease protein 7, also known as Protein deglycase DJ-1). Although they share the targets in reversing the cytotoxic effects of H2O2, they seem to have distinct mechanism of function. Exposure to L-DOPA may result in hypoxia condition and further induction of ORP150 (150-kDa oxygen-regulated protein) with its concomitant cytoprotective effects but Edaravone seems to protect cells via direct induction of Peroxiredoxin-2 and inhibition of apoptosis.
Collinear FAST CARS for Chemical Mapping of Gases
Authors: Shutov Anton , Pestov Dmitry , Altangerel Narangerel , Yi Zhenhuan , Wang Xi , Sokolov Alexei , Scully Marlan
Published: July 2017

We examine the concentration dependence of the Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) signal obtained for gas mixtures at various conditions using the Femtosecond Adaptive Spectroscopic Technique (FAST). We use the CARS signal of the Q-branch vibrational oscillation of molecular oxygen (1556 cm−1) to confirm the quadratic dependence of the coherent signal on the number of molecules in a test volume. In addition, we demonstrate multi-shot FAST CARS imaging of a gas flow in free space by raster-scanning the area of interest.
Experimental Study of Vibration Isolation Characteristics of a Geometric Anti-Spring Isolator
Authors: Yan Lixun , Gong Xinglong
Published: July 2017

In order to realize low-frequency vibration isolation, a novel geometric anti-spring isolator consisting of several cantilever blade springs are developed in this paper. The optimal design parameters of the geometric anti-spring isolator for different nonlinear geometric parameters are theoretically obtained. The transmissibility characteristic of the geometric anti-spring isolator is investigated through mathematical simulation. A geometric anti-spring isolator with a nonlinear geometric parameter of 0.92 is designed and its vibration isolation performance and nonlinearity characteristic is experimentally studied. The experiment results show that the designed isolator has good low-frequency vibration isolation performance, of which the initial isolation frequency is less than 3.6 Hz when the load weight is 21 kg. The jump phenomena of the response of the isolator under linear frequency sweep excitation are observed, and this result demonstrates that the geometric anti-spring isolator has a complex nonlinearity characteristics with the increment of excitation amplitude. This research work provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of the nonlinear geometric anti-spring low-frequency passive vibration isolation technology in engineering practice.
Simulating the Effects of the Airborne Lidar Scanning Angle, Flying Altitude, and Pulse Density for Forest Foliage Profile Retrieval
Authors: Qin Haiming , Wang Cheng , Xi Xiaohuan , Tian Jianlin , Zhou Guoqing
Published: July 2017

Foliage profile is a key biophysical parameter for forests. Airborne Light Detection and Ranging is an effective tool for vegetation parameter retrieval. Data acquisition conditions influence the estimation of biophysical parameters. To acquire accurate foliage profiles at the lowest cost, we used simulations to explore the effects of data acquisition conditions on forest foliage profile retrieval. First, a 3-D forest scene and the airborne small-footprint full-waveform LiDAR data were simulated by the DART model. Second, the foliage profile was estimated from LiDAR data based on a Geometric Optical and Radiative Transfer model. Lastly, the effects of the airborne LiDAR scanning angle, flying altitude, and pulse density on foliage profile retrieval were explored. The results indicated that the scanning angle was an important factor in the foliage profile retrieval, and the optimal scanning angle was 20°. The optimal scanning angle was independent of flying altitude and pulse density, and combinations of multiple scanning angles could improve the accuracy of the foliage profile estimation. The flying altitude and pulse density had little influence on foliage profile retrieval at plot level and could be ignored. In general, our study provides reliable information for selecting the optimal instrument operational parameters to acquire more accurate foliage profiles and minimize data acquisition costs.
On-Line Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on the Optimized Gray Model GM(1,1)
Authors: Zhou Dong , Xue Long , Song Yijia , Chen Jiayu
Published: July 2017

Lithium-ion battery on-line remaining useful life (RUL) prediction has become increasingly popular. The capacity and internal resistance are often used as the batteries’ health indicator (HI) for quantifying degradation and predicting the RUL. However, the capacity and internal resistance are too difficult to measure on-line due to the batteries’ internal state variables being inaccessible to sensors under operational conditions. In addition, measuring these variables requires accurate measurement devices, which can be expensive, and have limited applicability in practice. In this paper, a novel HI is extracted from the operating parameters of lithium-ion batteries for degradation models and RUL prediction. Moreover, the Box–Cox transformation is applied to improve the correlation between the extracted HI and the battery’s real capacity. Then, Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses are utilized to assess the similarity between the real capacity and the estimated capacity derived from the HI. An optimized gray model GM(1,1) is employed to predict the RUL based on the presented HI. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective and accurate for battery degradation modeling and RUL prediction.
Role of Proteins and of Some Bioactive Peptides on the Nutritional Quality of Donkey Milk and Their Impact on Human Health
Authors: Vincenzetti Silvia , Pucciarelli Stefania , Polzonetti Valeria , Polidori Paolo
Published: July 2017

Donkey milk could be considered a good and safer alternative, compared to other types of milk, for infants affected by cow’s milk protein allergy, when breastfeeding is not possible. Interestingly, donkey milk has low allergenicity, mainly due to the low total casein amount, and the content of some whey proteins that act as bioactive peptides. The amount of lysozyme, an antibacterial agent, is 1.0 g/L, similar to human milk. Lactoferrin content is 0.08 g/L, with this protein being involved in the regulation of iron homoeostasis, anti-microbial and anti-viral functions, and protection against cancer development. Lactoperoxidase, another protein with antibacterial function, is present in donkey milk, but in very low quantities (0.11 mg/L). β-lactoglobulin content in donkey milk is 3.75 g/L—this protein is able to bind and transport several hydrophobic molecules. Donkey milk’s α-lactalbumin concentration is 1.8 g/L, very close to that of human milk. α-lactalbumin shows antiviral, antitumor, and anti-stress properties. Therefore, donkey milk can be considered as a set of nutraceuticals properties and a beverage suitable, not only for the growing infants, but for all ages, especially for convalescents and for the elderly.
Virtual Reality as a Promising Strategy in the Assessment and Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: De Carvalho Marcele , Dias Thiago , Duchesne Monica , Nardi Antonio , Appolinario Jose
Published: July 2017

Several lines of evidence suggest that Virtual Reality (VR) has a potential utility in eating disorders. The objective of this study is to review the literature on the use of VR in bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement for reporting systematic reviews, we performed a PubMed, Web of Knowledge and SCOPUS search to identify studies employing VR in the assessment and treatment of BN and BED. The following search terms were used: “virtual reality”, “eating disorders”, “binge eating”, and “bulimia nervosa”. From the 420 articles identified, 19 were selected, nine investigated VR in assessment and 10 were treatment studies (one case-report, two non-controlled and six randomized controlled trials). The studies using VR in BN and BED are at an early stage. However, considering the available evidence, the use of VR in the assessment of those conditions showed some promise in identifying: (1) how those patients experienced their body image; and (2) environments or specific kinds of foods that may trigger binge–purging cycle. Some studies using VR-based environments associated to cognitive behavioral techniques showed their potential utility in improving motivation for change, self-esteem, body image disturbances and in reducing binge eating and purging behavior.
Potential of Integrin Inhibitors for Treating Ovarian Cancer: A Literature Review
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Sawada Kenjiro , Kimura Tadashi
Published: July 2017

Epithelial ovarian cancer is a fatal disease, with a cure rate of only 30%. Several recent studies have targeted integrins for cancer treatment. Preclinical studies have shown the effectiveness of several integrin inhibitors for blocking cancer progression, especially by blocking angiogenesis. Because the initial critical step in ovarian cancer metastasis is the attachment of cancer cells to the peritoneum or omentum and because clinical trials have provided positive results for anti-angiogenic therapy, therapies targeting integrins may be the most feasible approach for treating cancer. This review summarizes the current understanding of integrin biology in ovarian cancer metastasis and various therapeutic approaches involving integrin inhibitors. However, no integrin inhibitor has shown favorable results thus far. However, conjugates of cytotoxic agents with the triplet sequence arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptides targeting α5β1-, αvβ3-, and αvβ6-integrins may be promising integrin-targeting therapies for further clinical investigation.
Low-Temperature Synthesis of Anatase/Rutile/Brookite TiO2 Nanoparticles on a Polymer Membrane for Photocatalysis
Authors: Fischer Kristina , Gawel Alina , Rosen David , Krause Maria , Abdul Latif Amira , Griebel Jan , Prager Andrea , Schulze Agnes
Published: July 2017

Removing pollutants from water by using the photocatalyst TiO2 is a highly-promising method. A large amount of work has been done to increase the activity of TiO2, whereas the main two findings are increasing the surface area and applying mixed phase modifications (anatase, brookite, and rutile). Here, we present a method to directly synthesize non-agglomerated TiO2 nanoparticles with different crystal phase ratios via low temperature dissolution-precipitation (LTDRP) on a porous microfiltration membrane (polyethersulfone). The amount of hydrochloric acid and the temperature was varied between 0.1–1 M and 25–130 °C, respectively, while the concentration of titanium precursor (titanium(IV) isopropoxide) was kept unchanged. The TiO2 nanoparticles and the membrane were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), measuring the water contact angle and permeation flux, and examining the degradation of methylene blue. The mixed phase anatase/brookite with a main component being anatase exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity in removing methylene blue. Higher synthesis temperature induces enhanced crystallinity and, subsequently, the degradation rate of methylene blue was improved. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity remains high and unchanged for up to nine repeated cycles, i.e., full recovery of the photocatalytic properties is sustained.
Influence of Process Parameters on High Velocity Oxy-Fuel Sprayed Cr3C2-25%NiCr Coatings
Authors: Xie Mingxiang , Lin Yue , Ke Peng , Wang Shuoyu , Zhang Shihong , Zhen Zhicheng , Ge Liangshui
Published: July 2017

In this work, the Cr3C2-25% NiCr powder was deposited on stainless steel with different combustion pressures and powder feed rates using HVOF technique. The microstructure, porosity, micro-hardness, indentation fracture toughness, adhesion strength, and wear resistance at 500 °C of the coatings were investigated. The results showed that HVOF sprayed Cr3C2-25% NiCr coatings possessed low porosity, high micro-hardness, and enough adhesion strength. The powder feed rate had obvious effect on porosity, micro-hardness and indention fracture toughness of the coatings, and the coating sprayed under the powder feed rate of 33.5 g/min possessed the optimal performance. The wear tests illustrated that the HVOF sprayed Cr3C2-25NiCr coating possessed good wear resistance at the temperature of 500 °C, in which the coating sprayed at the powder feed rate of 33.5 g/min had the best wear resistance due to its dense structure and enough fracture toughness.
Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry of Both Hips Helps Appropriate Diagnosis of Low Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis
Authors: Afzelius Pia , Garding Mette-Marie , Molsted Stig
Published: July 2017

Controversy still remains regarding the use of bilateral hip scanning when bone mineral density (BMD) is measured, and bilateral hip scanning is not mandatory in international guidelines for screening of osteoporosis. BMD of both hips and the lumbar spine was analyzed in 133 consecutive individuals. There were discrepancies between the lowest T-scores of both hips. Fourteen of the 133 participants (11%) were diagnosed with a poorer BMD status when the BMD of the hip of the dominant leg was analyzed. The total hip BMD of the dominant hip was lower than in the non-dominant hip, (p = 0.035), whereas there were no differences in the femoral neck area of the dominant and the non-dominant leg (p = 0.754). When classified by Z- or T-scores, there was consistency in 60 cases (45%) and inconsistency in 59 cases (44%). In 14 cases (11%), T- or Z-scores were the same, and it did not matter whether the non-dominant hip or the dominant hip had been chosen. A diagnostic discordance of 11% between the left and the right hip was observed when the lumbar spine was evaluated. The lowest Z- and T-scores of the hips were, in 44% of the cases, found in the hip of the assumed dominant leg. BMD measurements of both hips are recommended as clinical practice.
Contrasting Impacts of Climate and Competition on Large Sugar Pine Growth and Defense in a Fire-Excluded Forest of the Central Sierra Nevada
Authors: Slack Andrew , Kane Jeffrey , Knapp Eric , Sherriff Rosemary
Published: July 2017

Many forest ecosystems with a large pine component in the western United States have experienced environmental stress associated with climate change and increased competition with forest densification in the absence of fire. Information on how changes in climate and competition affect carbon allocation to tree growth and defense is needed to anticipate changes to tree vigor and, ultimately, stand structure. This study retrospectively examined the influence of annual climate and competition measures on the growth and defense of 113 large sugar pines (Pinus lambertiana) in a mixed-conifer forest of the central Sierra Nevada of California. We found that growth in large sugar pine was positively associated with higher January temperatures and lower intraspecific competition. Resin duct size was negatively associated with climatic water deficit and total competition, while resin duct area contrastingly showed a positive relationship with total competition. From 1979 to 2012, the rates of growth increased, while resin duct size decreased. Our results suggest that tree vigor measures can respond differently to climate and competition factors that may lead to separate growth and defense trends over time. Stress associated with warmer temperatures and higher competition may distinctly influence individual tree and stand-level vigor with potential implications for future forest dynamics.
Biotechnological Production of Fumaric Acid: The Effect of Morphology of Rhizopus arrhizus NRRL 2582
Authors: Papadaki Aikaterini , Androutsopoulos Nikolaos , Patsalou Maria , Koutinas Michalis , Kopsahelis Nikolaos , Castro Aline , Papanikolaou Seraphim , Koutinas Apostolis
Published: July 2017

Fumaric acid is a platform chemical with many applications in bio-based chemical and polymer production. Fungal cell morphology is an important factor that affects fumaric acid production via fermentation. In the present study, pellet and dispersed mycelia morphology of Rhizopus arrhizus NRRL 2582 was analysed using image analysis software and the impact on fumaric acid production was evaluated. Batch experiments were carried out in shake flasks using glucose as carbon source. The highest fumaric acid yield of 0.84 g/g total sugars was achieved in the case of dispersed mycelia with a final fumaric acid concentration of 19.7 g/L. The fumaric acid production was also evaluated using a nutrient rich feedstock obtained from soybean cake, as substitute of the commercial nitrogen sources. Solid state fermentation was performed in order to produce proteolytic enzymes, which were utilised for soybean cake hydrolysis. Batch fermentations were conducted using 50 g/L glucose and soybean cake hydrolysate achieving up to 33 g/L fumaric acid concentration. To the best of our knowledge the influence of R. arrhizus morphology on fumaric acid production has not been reported previously. The results indicated that dispersed clumps were more effective in fumaric acid production than pellets and renewable resources could be alternatively valorised for the biotechnological production of platform chemicals.
Monitoring Red Sea Bream Scale Fluorescence as a Freshness Indicator
Authors: Liao Qiuhong , Suzuki Tetsuhito , Yasushi Kohno , Al Riza Dimas , Kuramoto Makoto , Kondo Naoshi
Published: July 2017

Red sea bream (Pagrus major) scale fluorescence characteristics were identified as a potential rapid and non-destructive means for assessing the fish’s freshness. To investigate this, live red sea breams were purchased, slaughtered, and prior to measurement, stored at 22 ± 2 °C for 27 h. During subsequent storage, the K value of the dorsal meat—as a standard freshness indicator—along with front-face fluorescence spectra of representative dorsal scales, were measured simultaneously at 3 h intervals. Two major fluorescent peaks, A and B, were identified with excitation and emission wavelength pairs of 280/310 nm and 340/420 nm, which were mainly contributed to by tyrosine and collagen, respectively. Subsequent analysis showed that the fluorescence intensity ratio of peak B to A (IB/IA) increased linearly during storage (R2 = 0.95) and is proposed as a potential non-destructive index of fish freshness. Thus, our results suggest that the fluorescence characteristics of fish scales can be used to assess fish carcass freshness during storage.
Automated Webcam Monitoring of Fractional Snow Cover in Northern Boreal Conditions
Authors: Arslan Ali , Tanis Cemal , Metsämäki Sari , Aurela Mika , Böttcher Kristin , Linkosalmi Maiju , Peltoniemi Mikko
Published: July 2017

Fractional snow cover (FSC) is an important parameter to estimate snow water equivalent (SWE) and surface albedo important to climatic and hydrological applications. The presence of forest creates challenges to retrieve FSC accurately from satellite data, as forest canopy can block the sensor’s view of snow cover. In addition to the challenge related to presence of forest, in situ data of FSC—necessary for algorithm development and validation—are very limited. This paper investigates the estimation of FSC using digital imagery to overcome the obstacle caused by forest canopy, and the possibility to use this imagery in the validation of FSC derived from satellite data. FSC is calculated here using an algorithm based on defining a threshold value according to the histogram of an image, to classify a pixel as snow-covered or snow-free. Images from the MONIMET camera network, producing a continuous image series in Finland, are used in the analysis of FSC. The results obtained from automated image analysis of snow cover are compared with reference data estimated by visual inspection of same images. The results show the applicability and usefulness of digital imagery in the estimation of fractional snow cover in forested areas, with a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) in the range of 0.1–0.3 (with the full range of 0–1).
Progestin Intrauterine Devices and Metformin: Endometrial Hyperplasia and Early Stage Endometrial Cancer Medical Management
Authors: Nwanodi Oroma
Published: July 2017

Globally, endometrial cancer is the sixth leading cause of female cancer-related deaths. Non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia (EH), has a lifetime progression rate to endometrial cancer ranging from less than 5%, if simple without atypia, to 40%, if complex with atypia. Site specific, long-acting intrauterine devices (IUDs) provide fertility sparing, progestin-based EH medical management. It is unclear which IUD is most beneficial, or if progesterone sensitizing metformin offers improved outcomes. For resolution, PubMed searches for “Mirena” or “Metformin,” “treatment,” “endometrial hyperplasia,” or “stage 1 endometrial cancer,” were performed, yielding 33 articles. Of these, 19 articles were included. The 60 mg high-dose frameless IUD/20 mcg levonorgestrel has achieved sustained regression of Grade 3 endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia for 14 years. Case series on early stage endometrial cancer (EC) treatment with IUDs have 75% or greater regression rates. For simple through complex EH with atypia, the 52 mg-IUD/10–20 mcg-LNG-14t has achieved 100% complete regression in 6-months. Clearly, IUDs have an outcome advantage over oral progestins. However, studies on metformin for EH, and of progestins or metformin for early stage EC management are underpowered, with inadequate dose ranges to achieve significant differences in, or optimal outcomes for, the treatment modalities. Therefore, outcomes from the feMMe trial for the 52 mg-IUD/10–20 mcg-LNG-14t and metformin will fill a gap in the literature.