bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLASSIC LIVER LOBULE AS A MODEL FOR STUDYING THE INFLUENCE OF CADMIUM SUBTOXIC DOSES
Authors: Elyasin P A , Zalavina S V , Mashak A N , Ravilova Y R , Pervoykin D M , Nadeev A P , Aidagulova S V
Published: February 2019

The goal was to study the liver structural features of Wistar -rat-male-adolescents under sudacute influence of cadmium sulphate. The study was carried out by means of optical microscopy (Axio Scope.Al, С. Zeiss) and submicroscopy (JEM 100-S и JEM 1400) taking into account the classic liver lobule which is the liver tissular model with the arterial-venous gradient coinciding with a cell turnover vector. To assess the significancy of tissular and ultrastructural stereological differences between the groups the nonparametric Mann-Whitney method was used. The lobular topographical features of alterative and regenerative reactions of adolescents were revealed on tissular and cell levels. Hepatocyte destruction is associated with single lymphocytes and macrophages, moving from the expanded perivenular sinusoids. The tissular stereological analysis indicated the synchronous growth of space density of parenchymatous liver compartment and liver sinusoids of rats with toxic influence compared to the control group. According to the stereological analysis of hepatocytes ultrastructural organization a progressive space density decrease of the biosynthetic organelles - of granular cytoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria was revealed. We observed reduction of cytoplasmic reticulum profiles with preservation of its perinuclear compartments and ultrastructural equivalents of "stress" - the folds of osmiophylic membranes in giant vacuoles. A certain balance between alterative processes of toxic genesis and compensatory processes in the liver parenchyma of male-adolescents Wistar was revealed.
25(OH)D LEVELS IN THE POPULATION OF ARKHANGELSK CITY IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS
Authors: Malyavskaya S I , Kostrova G N , Lebedev A V , Golysheva E V , Karamyan V G
Published: February 2019

Vitamin D deficit is a worldwide recognized health problem due to its role in pathogenesis and progression of different diseases. We take special interest in the study of vitamin D supply of different age group population living in the Arctic and subarctic regions where the risk of vitamin D deficit due to the low insolation level is becoming higher because of extreme climatic and geographic factors. Objective: to estimate vitamin D supply among the population of Arkhangelsk city in different age groups. Methods: 25-OH vitamin D blood serum concentration was estimated in a cross-sectional (instant) uncontrolled study carried out among the citizens of both sexes in Arkhangelsk city during spring-autumn period between 2013 and 2014, winter season 2016. Moderate deficit (deficiency) was estimated at the level of 25 (OH) D within the range of 20-30 ng/ml, deficit and severe deficit within the range of 10-19 ng/ ml and less than 10 ng/ml respectively. Results: newborns (n = 55), their mothers (n = 55), children under the age of 3 (n = 155), schoolchildren at the age of 6 and 7 (n = 80), adolescents between the age of 13 and 15 (n = 367), university students between the age of 18 and 22 (n = 260), adults between the age of 24 and 60 (n = 85) were included in the study. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 26, 27, 25, 20, 19, 32 and 41 % people respectively. Deficit was found in 36, 33, 23, 49, 66, 40, and 29 people respectively. Severe deficit was found in 31, 5, 8, 22, 14, 8, and 4 % people studied respectively. Conclusion: high frequency of vitamin D deficit of various degree was revealed in all age group populations living in Arkhangelsk city. Study results indicate the necessity of developing and implementing target regional and all-Russian prevention programmes as well as early diagnosis and correction of vitamin D deficit and deficit-related disorders in the Russian Federation.
CONTEMPORARY DYNAMICS OF COMPLEX BIOCLIMATIC INDICES DURING RESORT SEASON ON CRIMEAN PENINSULA
Authors: Danova T E , Nikiforova M P
Published: February 2019

Contemporary dynamics of complex bioclimatic indices has been studied. Initial data was based on time series of few meteorological parameters for resort season (May - September) obtained as a result of daily monitoring on 19 Crimean stations during 2006-2014. For estimation of meteorological factors impact on human body radiative equivalent effective temperature (REET) and heat index (HI) were chosen. Dynamics of REET repetition (%) distribution by grades has shown, that on the whole peninsula territory number of cases of grade "less than comfort zone" was declining. Such dynamics is due to climatic changes manifested in air temperature growth. Grades "comfort zone" and "more than comfort zone" ate characterized by Crimean territory splitting on east and west zones with mixed tendencies. Grade "more than comfort zone" repetition for west part of peninsula is declining, and for east one - is increasing. Most favorable conditions for heliotherapy of patients with different forms of cardiovascular system diseases are evolving in resort period beginning - during May and June. Use of Steadman method for heat index evaluation allowed to estimate spatial-temporal distribution of this characteristics over Crimean peninsula territory. Formation of repetition (%) maximum of heat index in 4 p. m. in Crimea central part has been shown. In coastal zone the softening impact of Black sea is seen. In seasonal course repetition maximum of heat index is shifted to September. Distribution of heat index values by grades has shown, that the majority of cases (to 90 %) accounts grade 32-41 °C; all others - grade 41-54 °C. Dynamics of steady shifting of repetition to grade 32-41 °C was revealed.
ECOLOGICAL SAFETY IN PLANT INTRODUCTION IN URBAN LANDSCAPE OF THE EUROPEAN NORTH
Authors: Nikanov A N , Zhirov V K , Kizeev A N , Frolova N M , Popova O N , Sturlis N V
Published: February 2019

The problem of ecological safety of exploitation of the territories exposed to anthropogenic influence can be considered within the framework of reclamation of the disturbed vegetative cover, and subsequent use of the greening material for nutrition and pharmacological purposes. To date, for the northern regions that are part of the federal property, in accordance with the federal laws and standards. With further expansion of this assortment, it is necessary to take into account not only the presence of new plant species in local conditions, but also their synthesis of nutrient and pharmacologically valuable compounds. These include, in particular, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are anti-sclerotic and are involved in the mechanism of regulation of cholesterol level in the blood. In this work Euonymus Europaea L. is for the first time considered from this point of view. The results of analysis of the content of high fatty acids in the pericarp of its fruits at different stages of maturation are shown. It is found out that PUFA content of the lipid fraction of the total lipid fraction is significantly higher than that of saturated fatty acids. The distribution of fatty acids by groups is shown depending on the content of double bounds in their molecules. The results obtained are evidence of the expedience of analyzing the lipid acid contents of plant fruits. As an environmentally safe and pharmacologically valuable object from this point of view, European sprouts Euonymus Europaea L. can be recommended for cultivation on anthropogenically contaminated territories of the European North.
BIOLOGICAL AGE OF MEN - ROTATION WORKERS OF ARCTIC, RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTHERN PART OF TYUMEN REGION - A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Durov A M , Gubin D G , Prokopiev N Ya , Zuevsky V P , Solovieva S V
Published: February 2019

Objective. To study circadian rhythms of the cardiovascular and respiratory system variables and to evaluate biological age in people of adult men, involved in Arctic Sojourn vs. residents of the of the Tyumen region South. Methods. Functional indices of the cardiovascular system and external respiration were studied four times a day at 8, 12, 16 and 20 hours in 34 men (mean age 30.1 ± 0.8 years), long time working in the village of Kharasavey (The Arctic group), and 30 men aged 37.0 ± 1.0 years living and working in the South of the Tyumen region (Tyumen Control group). Biological age was estimated in the both groups on the basis of chronobiological approach. Results. Circadian rhythms of the cardiovascular and respiratory system indices in men in the Control group were more robust than that of the Arctic group. This was manifested in higher values of amplitudes and more stable acrophases. Diurnal rhythm amplitudes of the number of variables (systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, vital capacity of lungs) of the Control group were significantly higher than those of the Arctic group. Conclusions. The structure of biological rhythms of physiological parameters (especially amplitude) is a sensitive indicator of the functional state of humans and can be successfully used to assess biological age. The biological age of the Arctic group men more profoundly exceeded chronological age compared to men working in the South region.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN INDICATORS OF THE IMMUNE AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS OF ATHLETES IN THE NATURAL AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF THE MIDDLE OB REGION
Authors: Gubina A E , Koynosov An P
Published: February 2019

The article presents the study results of some indicators of the immune and endocrine systems of young men and women with high physical activity during the year periods with the minimum and maximum duration of daylight. The study involved 60 sportsmen of high qualification (40 women and 20 men). The amount of physical activity of the surveyed ranged from 18 to 32 hours a week. Type of the research is observational (longitudinal). The method of sampling is non-randomized. The following parameters were studied: immunoglobulins A, M, G, free triiodothyronine and thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, cortisol, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The study revealed that young men and women with high physical activity had a statistically significant seasonal changes in blood levels of immunoglobulin M and G, thyroid hormones, correlations between north and sports experience and investigated blood parameters. A statistically significant trend has been revealed, which indicated an increase in the functional activity of steroid hormones during the maximum duration of daylight. The obtained results testify to the optimal adaptation of the immune and endocrine systems of athletes to specific climatic and geophysical conditions of the North and intensive physical loads, which consists in changing the reactivity of the humoral link of immunity, thyroid hormone activity, adrenal cortex and gonads. The individual values of the studied indicators did not exceed the limits of physiological standards.
Modelo Psicobiológico de Personalidad de Eysenck: una historia proyectada hacia el futuro
Authors: Schmidt Vanina , Firpo L , Vion D , Oliván M E De Costa , Casella L , Cuenya L , Blum G D , Pedrón V
Published: February 2019

En el presente artículo, se revisan las circunstancias particulares, autores e ideas que influyeron en la generación de uno de los modelos de personalidad más sólidos con que cuenta la Psicología hasta nuestros días: el ModeloPsicobiológico de Eysenck. Se presentan las características principales del mismo, las cuales lo definen como un modelo disposicional, dimensional, jerárquico y psicobiológico. El intento de mejorar la descripción, explicación y medición de las dimensiones llevó a este autor a proponer modificaciones a su teoría original y a sus instrumentos. Se analizan de este modo las distintas etapas de su modelo. A pesar de la proliferación de teorías de personalidad, el modelo de Eysenck tienen una validez empírica que pocos poseen. Disponemos en Psicología de la Personalidad de un cuerpo de conocimientos que representa el Paradigma dentro del cual con mucha probabilidad nos moveremos en los próximos años.
El uso de las redes semánticas naturales en las representaciones sociales de la responsabilidad
Authors: Aguilera Arévalo Humberto Emilio
Published: February 2019

El estudio de las representaciones sociales de la responsabilidad es un constructo fundamental de las sociedades democráticas actuales. Las aproximaciones a través de diversas técnicas empíricas como las redes semánticas naturales permite mejorar de manera significativa las técnicas de corte asociacionista que tradicionalmente se han utilizado para acercarse a objeto de estudio. El presente trabajo estudia las redes semánticas naturales de seis palabras estímulo con respecto a la responsabilidad e irresponsabilidad a nivel individual, endogrupal y exogrupal de una muestra de estudiantes universitarios guatemaltecos.
Terapias cognitivo-conductuales de tercera generación (TTG): la atención plena / mindfulness
Authors: Coutiño Ana Moreno
Published: February 2019

La intención del presente trabajo es reseñar el tratamiento basado en la atención plena,también conocida como Mindfulness, el cual es una de las llamadas terapias cognitivo-conductuales de tercera generación (TTG). Las aportaciones de las TTG se aprecian en las terapias concretas que la constituyen, las cuales tienen como principio terapéutico el abandono de la lucha contra los síntomas y en su lugar la reorientación de la vida.Recientemente las TTG han comenzado a estudiarse en las principales universidades del mundo, así como a ser utilizadas de manera satisfactoria en diversos escenarios clínicos yen diversos países occidentales. Este tipo de terapia también ha comenzado a ser evaluada en Latino América, sin embargo su introducción en el ámbito clínico y académico ha sido más lento, quizá debido a que los principios generales de la atención plena aún no han sido suficientemente difundidos. Este trabajo recapitula las bases de las TTG y expone los principales preceptos budistas en los que se encuentra fundada la atención plena, siendo su objetivo principal el describir esta aproximación terapéutica y recapitular el estado actual de las investigaciones desarrolladas hasta el momento.
Cambios y permanencias en la representación social del VIH en un grupo de mujeres portadoras
Authors: Romero Ana Celia Chapa , Palacios Fátima Flores
Published: February 2019

A  30 años de la aparición del primer caso de Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Humana en México, el curso de este padecimiento ha experimentado cambios significativos, entre ellos su actual carácter de enfermedad crónica y un aumento de infecciones en grupos no considerados clave, particularmente en  población femenina. Desde la teoría de las representaciones sociales esta enfermedad ha sido un objeto de estudio privilegiado, aunque la experiencia de vivir con la enfermedad y la  condición de género en la construcción de dichas representaciones han sido abordadas en menor medida.  El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la representación social que un grupo de mujeres seropositivas ha elaborado sobre su condición de salud, ubicando los cambios y permanencias a partir de su  diagnóstico y condición de género. Se llevaron a cabo 12 entrevistas en profundidad con usuarias de dos centros de atención primaria y se realizó análisis de contenido  por medio del software N Vivo. El análisis de las entrevistas arrojó 12 categorías que fueron agrupadas en tres meta categorías que develaron 2 tipos de contenidos representacionales en la muestra estudiada: hegemónicos (muerte, sexualidad ilícita) y emancipados (cronicidad). Los hallazgos pusieron de manifiesto por un lado,  la vigencia del sistema de normas y valores sobre género y sexualidad arraigados en el pensamiento social  pese a los avances científicos que se han dado en el campo de la salud y; por otro, una negociación de significados a partir de la experiencia vivida. Se recomienda para futuras investigaciones llevar a cabo diversas comparaciones entre grupos de mujeres con VIH con el objetivo  de poder establecer diferencias más precisas en cuanto a posicionamiento social y  contenidos representacionales, que permitan desarrollar estrategias eficaces y pertinentes tanto en prevención primaria como positiva.
El Mindfulness Disposicional y su Relación con el Bienestar, la Salud Emocional y la Regulación Emocional
Authors: Cepeda-Hernández Sonia L.
Published: February 2019

Una de las prácticas de la sociedad oriental que se ha insertado en múltiples campos del saber y la investigación es el mindfulness, tanto la práctica como el rasgo disposicional. El mindfulness, entendido como rasgo disposicional, se refiere a un conjunto de conductas observables, disposiciones o tendencias innatas de los seres humanos, relacionadas a la tendencia natural de ser consciente (mindful) (Baer, Smith, Hopkings, Krietemeyer & Toney, 2006), en la cual se presentan rasgos específicos en los cuales hay diferencias individuales (Brown & Ryan,2003), que pueden ser cultivados. Se realiza una revisión narrativa de literatura, de los últimos 10 años, con el propósito de conocer: ¿Cuáles son los hallazgos en torno a la relación entre el mindfulness disposicional y el bienestar,  la salud  emocional y la regulación emocional? La literatura revisada es consistente en señalar la relación entre la presencia del rasgo de mindfulness disposicional en los individuos e indicadores de bienestar, salud emocional y regulación emocional y el impacto de estos en emociones, pensamientos, conductas y estilos de vida más positivos. Se recomienda: que se continúen realizando investigaciones con diversa metodología, tanto cuantitativa como cualitativa sobre estos temas, la inclusión de estrategias que desarrollen los rasgos de mindfulness disposicional en intervenciones terapéuticas en salud mental y el desarrollo de programas terapéuticos y educativos sobre las bases de mindfulness como práctica y como rasgo disposicional.
Validación de un Inventario de Comportamientos Agresivos en el Tránsito
Authors: Dorantes Argandar Gabriel
Published: February 2019

Anualmente fallecen más de 20 mil personas en accidentes viales. (Cervantes-Trejo, 2009). Asimismo, otras 700 mil sufren daños que requieren de hospitalización, así como 40 mil personas  sufren lesiones que terminan en algún tipo de discapacidad (Cervantes-Trejo, 2009). Sin embargo, estos números rápidamente van en aumento año tras año (Cervantes-Trejo, 2009). Una de las causas principales de la accidentalidad es la agresividad vial. Para este estudio, la agresividad vial se define en términos de poca consideración, conducción de riesgo y manifestación de frustración/enfado. Para ello, este estudio estableció como objetivo principal el construir el Inventario de Comportamientos Agresivos en el Tránsito que midiera el constructo. Se planteó la siguiente pregunta de investigación: ¿Es válido y fiable el inventario generado? Esta investigación fue una validación local en Cuernavaca, Morelos, con 2454 participantes. Se hicieron tres estudios. El primero encontró que hubo más ítems generados en manifestación de frustración/enfado que para poca consideración y conducción de riesgo. El segundo estudio encontró una alta validez de constructo y aceptable consistencia interna. El tercer estudio encontró una alta validez de constructo y buena consistencia interna. Sin embargo, no se evaluaron la validez de contenido, convergente ni divergente. Se concluye que el Inventario de Comportamientos Agresivos es un instrumento válido pero requiere de estudios adicionales para evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra representativa.
Terapia Familiar y Adicciones. Un enfoque práctico con resultados prácticos
Authors: Villaseñor Miguel Alberto Ramírez
Published: February 2019

En el presente trabajo, se describe el fenómeno dela adicción cómo un problema familiar. No sólo por cómo la familia es afectada, sino por la manera en que ésta participa, no en la génesis de la misma sino en el mantenimiento de las conductas consideradas como parte de la enfermedad. Por lo mismo, se describen características que la familia presenta descritas en la literatura especializada de terapia familiar (Stanton y Todds, 1988) y que han sido corroboradas en la práctica clínica qué contradicen muchas de las ideas populares sobre familias de adictos tales cómo: desintegración familiar, descuido familiar, deseos de llamar la atención, madres que trabajan y otros. Las características mencionadas en la literatura son: Dependencia química multigeneracional (generalmente alcohol). Propensión al juego y a mirar T.V. Conspicuamente no esquizofrénica. Fuertes relaciones externas como refugio generalmente después de un conflicto. Ilusión de independencia mayor gracias a la subcultura de la droga. Expresión del conflicto mas primitivo. Alianzas entre miembros y subsistemas explícitas. Prácticas de crianza y necesidades “simbióticas”. Predominio de temas relacionados con la muerte y muertes prematuras, inesperadas y repentinas dentro de la familia. Y disparidad cultural padres-hijos.
Violencia en el Noviazgo Adolescente
Authors: Sainz Yvonne Escoto , Castro Marcela González , Sandoval Andrea Muñoz , Quintana Yannel Salomon
Published: February 2019

La presente investigación con diseño no experimental y de carácter descriptivo, determina si existe la violencia en cualquiera de sus manifestaciones en el noviazgo adolescente actual. Se les aplicó un cuestionario a veinte mujeres adolescentes entre 15 y 18 años de edad, donde además se revelan los valores que no se encuentran involucrados en sus relaciones de pareja. Surgieron similitudes entre ellas obteniendo así que la mayor parte sufre de violencia tipo psicológica y, por otro lado, una minoría recibe abuso de tipo físico y sexual. Además se dejo ver que el respeto  no es un valor que caracterice su relación de pareja. Son datos que nos van introduciendo al nuevo estilo de noviazgo que entre adolescentes se lleva, en el cual influyen muchos factores como familiares, ambientales, culturales, etc.; que, no importa donde ni cuando, siempre tendrán consecuencias que se reflejan en la calidad de las relaciones interpersonales.
Depressionsförebyggande kurser krockar med skolans pedagogiska vardag
Authors: Wickström Anette
Published: February 2019

Manualbaserade program för social och emotionell träning är trubbiga verktyg som krockar med skolans pedagogiska arbete. Anette Wickström visar hur flickor i årskurs 7 tillsammans med sina lärare förändrar kursens fokus på inre tankar till ett fokus på kommunikation och samarbete. Det är elevernas motstånd och lärarnas pedagogiska kompetens som räddar programmen från att misslyckas, skriver Anette Wickström som också analyserar varför kurserna är populära bland lärare och skolledare.
Individanpassat arbetssätt – utmaningar och möjligheter
Authors: Forslund Frykedal Karin , Thorsten Anja
Published: February 2019

Det har inom det svenska skolsystemet länge funnits en strävan att utveckla en skola som med hjälp av individualiserade arbetssätt ökar möjligheten för varje elev att lära och utvecklas utifrån sina förutsättningar. Individualisering är följaktligen en term som ofta används i svensk skolkontext och som begrepp finns det omskrivet i alla skolans styrdokument. Eleven i centrum har därför kommit att betraktas som ett viktigt inslag i undervisningen och i linje med det har arbetsformer som utgår från individens förutsättningar och förmågor blivit ideal.
Evidensbaserat arbete i specialpedagogik
Authors: Farrel Michael
Published: February 2019

I en dramatisk rättegångsscen i Stieg Larssons bok Luftslottet som sprängdes vittnar en viss Dr Teleborian om att hans tidigare patient Lisbeth Salander har fantiserat ihop en redogörelse för hur hon blivit våldtagen av sin övervakare. Vittnesmålet blir helt tillintetgjort när man i rätten visar en videoinspelning av övergreppet. Hårda fakta (synliga bevis) blir vinnare i målet.
Läs för demokratins skull! Läsningens betydelse för omvärldsuppfattning och demokrati
Authors: Nyberg Peter
Published: February 2019

Läsinlärning är en lång och ansträngande process. Mina elever frågar ofta varför de tvingas läsa avancerad litteratur och frågan är berättigad i en tid då de utan vidare kan besöka andra världar utan böckers hjälp. Samtidigt är läsningen grundläggande för vår omvärldsuppfattning. Så hur förklarar man för sina elever att läsning kan ses som själva fundamentet i demokratin?
Transformation, interaktion eller kunskapskonkurrens – Forskningsanvändning i praktiken
Authors: Hultman Glenn
Published: February 2019

Användningen av forskningsresultat har aktualiserats inom ett delprojekt inom SKOLFORSK. I projektet spåras det som faktiskt sker i kommuner och skolor i dag där mycket av arbetet har bäring på hur forskningen kan användas för att utveckla skolan. Fokus ligger på dynamiken mellan forskning och skolor och vilken typ av forskning som är användbar och på vilket sätt den realiseras och används av lärare i deras arbete.
Störande elevbeteenden i gymnasieskolan
Authors: Fredriksson Niklas , Lundqvist Johan
Published: February 2019

Elevers uppförande och ordning är ett ständigt diskussionsämne i lärarrum, medier och politiken. I vår studie framkommer att gymnasielärare uppfattar Otillåtet prat samt Otillåten mobiltelefon-/datoranvändning som de mest störande och mest förekommande störande elevbeteendena i undervisningen. Resultatet kan ge lärare insikt om störande elevbeteenden som de dagligen möter i klassrummet.
Unsupervised Greenhouse Tomato Plant Segmentation Based on Self-Adaptive Iterative Latent Dirichlet Allocation from Surveillance Camera
Authors: Cao Qifan , Xu Lihong
Published: February 2019

It has long been a great concern in deep learning that we lack massive data for high-precision training sets, especially in the agriculture field. Plants in images captured in greenhouses, from a distance or up close, not only have various morphological structures but also can have a busy background, leading to huge challenges in labeling and segmentation. This article proposes an unsupervised statistical algorithm SAI-LDA (self-adaptive iterative latent Dirichlet allocation) to segment greenhouse tomato images from a field surveillance camera automatically, borrowing the language model LDA. Hierarchical wavelet features with an overlapping grid word document design and a modified density-based method quick-shift are adopted, respectively, according to different kinds of images, which are classified by specific proportions between fruits, leaves, and the background. We also utilize the feature correlation between several layers of the image to make further optimization through three rounds of iteration of LDA, with updated documents to achieve finer segmentation. Experiment results show that our method can automatically label the organs of the greenhouse plant under complex circumstances, fast and precisely, overcoming the difficulty of inferior real-time image quality caused by a surveillance camera, and thus obtain large amounts of valuable training sets.
Reply to “Comment on Ahmad, I.M. et al. Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation Exhibit Altered Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Redox Parameters. Antioxidants, 2019, 8, 12”
Authors: Ahmad Iman M.
Published: February 2019

Bevelacqua and Mortazavi [...]
Coenzyme Q10 and Degenerative Disorders Affecting Longevity: An Overview
Authors: Mantle David , Hargreaves Iain
Published: February 2019

Longevity is determined by a number of factors, including genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. A major factor affecting longevity is the development of degenerative disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease, particularly where these occur as co-morbidities. In this article, we review the potential role of supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for the prevention or management of these disorders. Thus, randomised controlled clinical trials have shown supplementation with CoQ10 or CoQ10 plus selenium reduces mortality by approximately 50% in patients with cardiovascular disease, or in the normal elderly population, respectively. Similarly, CoQ10 supplementation improves glycaemic control and vascular dysfunction in type II diabetes, improves renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease, and reduces liver inflammation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The beneficial role of supplemental CoQ10 in the above disorders is considered to result from a combination of its roles in cellular energy generation, as an antioxidant and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Pullout Response of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete with Twisted Steel Fibers
Authors: Ye Judong , Liu Guohua
Published: February 2019

This paper aims to develop a pullout force formula and increase the understanding of the damage mechanisms of ultra-high-performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) with twisted steel fibers (TSFs) through a pull-out test and finite element analysis (FEA). The formula was first obtained through a theoretical force analysis with model assumptions that are based on the experimental data in the literature. A microscale in-situ X-ray computed tomography (µXCT) was used to prepare 3D images of the cross-section of concrete before and after TSFs with three embedment lengths were pulled out. The tested pullout force values were used for comparison with the developed formula values. The µXCT images show the concrete matrix was preserved after the TSF was pulled out, indicating the stable pullout force values at the strain hardening stage was mainly caused by the fiber untwisting. FEA results show this untwisting behavior occurs on the effective untwisting length of TSF close to the exterior concrete surface. The theoretical formula values were found match well with the testing data. The developed formula is potentially used to analyze the pullout behavior of TSF with different geometries; thus, the design of the UHPFRC with TSFs can be optimized in the field.
Reliable Visual Exploration System with Fault Tolerance Structure
Authors: Chen Weinan , Zhu Lei , He Li , Guan Yisheng , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2019

Reliability of visual tracking and mapping is a challenging problem in robotics research, and it limits the promotion of vision-based mobile robot applications to a great extent. In this paper, we propose to improve the reliability of visual exploration in terms of its fault tolerance. Three modules are involved in our visual exploration system: visual localization and mapping, active controller and termination condition. High maintainability of mapping is obtained by the submap-based visual mapping module, persistent driving is achieved by a semantic segmentation based active controller, and robustness of re-localization is guaranteed by a novel completeness evaluation method in the termination condition. All the modules are integrated tightly for maintaining mapping and improving visual tracking. The system is verified with simulations and real world experiments, and all the solutions to fault tolerance are verified to overcome the failure conditions of visual tracking and mapping.
Automated Enemy Avoidance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Cheng Qiao , Wang Xiangke , Yang Jian , Shen Lincheng
Published: February 2019

This paper focuses on one of the collision avoidance scenarios for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where the UAV needs to avoid collision with the enemy UAV during its flying path to the goal point. Such a type of problem is defined as the enemy avoidance problem in this paper. To deal with this problem, a learning based framework is proposed. Under this framework, the enemy avoidance problem is formulated as a Markov Decision Process (MDP), and the maneuver policies for the UAV are learned based on a temporal-difference reinforcement learning method called Sarsa. To handle the enemy avoidance problem in continuous state space, the Cerebellar Model Arithmetic Computer (CMAC) function approximation technique is embodied in the proposed framework. Furthermore, a hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulation environment is established. Simulation results show that the UAV agent can learn a satisfying policy under the proposed framework. Comparing with the random policy and the fixed-rule policy, the learned policy can achieve a far higher possibility in reaching the goal point without colliding with the enemy UAV.
Influence of Chip Materials on Charge Generation in Flowing Solution in Nanobiosensors
Authors: Ivanov Yuri D. , Kozlov Andrey F. , Galiullin Rafael A. , Tatur Vadim Yu. , Ivanova Nina D. , Ziborov Vadim S.
Published: February 2019

Nowadays, nanobiosensors are being intensively developed due to the potential possibilities of their use for early diagnosis of diseases. This interest is enhanced by the fact that, as is known, a pathological process at an early stage is characterized by the appearance of marker proteins at very low (10−15 M and lower) concentrations in blood. Highly-sensitive nanobiosensor systems (including those based on an atomic force microscope, AFM) allows one to detect proteins at such low concentrations. The influence of the charge generated in the analyte solution flowing through the biosensor injector into the measuring cell during measurements is considered to be an important factor conditioning such a high detection sensitivity. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the presence of an AFM chip (made of mica and graphite) near the nozzle of the injector supplying an analyte solution into the measuring cell of the AFM-based fishing system (AFM-based nanobiosensors) causes an increase in charge generation upon the injection of the solution. Moreover, the influence of polymer materials (which are widely used in nanobiosensors) and communications on charge generation in the flow-based section of AFM-based nanobiosensors was studied. A stimulating influence of a low (femtomolar) concentration of proteins on the charge generation in polymeric injectors of flow-based nanobiosensors was demonstrated. Besides, a stimulating influence of an external low-frequency AC electric field on the charge generation in the nanobiosensor injector was found. Measurements were carried out in the temperature range corresponding to the physiological temperature (35 °C).
Dielectric-Based Rear Surface Passivation Approaches for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells—A Review
Authors: Birant Gizem , de Wild Jessica , Meuris Marc , Poortmans Jef , Vermang Bart
Published: February 2019

This review summarizes all studies which used dielectric-based materials as a passivation layer at the rear surface of copper indium gallium (di)selenide, Cu(In,Ga)Se2, (CIGS)-based thin film solar cells, up to 2019. The results regarding the kind of dielectric materials, the deposition techniques, contacting approaches, the existence of additional treatments, and current–voltage characteristics (J–V) of passivated devices are emphasized by a detailed table. The techniques used to implement the passivation layer, the contacting approach for the realization of the current flow between rear contact and absorber layer, additional light management techniques if applicable, the solar simulator results, and further characterization techniques, i.e., external quantum efficiency (EQE) and photoluminescence (PL), are shared and discussed. Three graphs show the difference between the reference and passivated devices in terms of open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Jsc), and efficiency (η), with respect to the thicknesses of the absorber layer. The effects of the passivation layer at the rear surface are discussed based on these three graphs. Furthermore, an additional section is dedicated to the theoretical aspects of the passivation mechanism.
Defining the Minimum Security Baseline in a Multiple Security Standards Environment by Graph Theory Techniques
Authors: Olifer Dmitrij , Goranin Nikolaj , Cenys Antanas , Kaceniauskas Arnas , Janulevicius Justinas
Published: February 2019

One of the best ways to protect an organization’s assets is to implement security requirements defined by different standards or best practices. However, such an approach is complicated and requires specific skills and knowledge. In case an organization applies multiple security standards, several problems can arise related to overlapping or conflicting security requirements, increased expenses on security requirement implementation, and convenience of security requirement monitoring. To solve these issues, we propose using graph theory techniques. Graphs allow the presentation of security requirements of a standard as graph vertexes and edges between vertexes, and would show the relations between different requirements. A vertex cover algorithm is proposed for minimum security requirement identification, while graph isomorphism is proposed for comparing existing organization controls against a set of minimum requirements identified in the previous step.
The TLR3 Agonist Poly Inosinic:Cytidylic Acid Significantly Augments the Therapeutic Activity of an Anti-CD7 Immunotoxin for Human T-Cell Leukaemia
Authors: Flavell David J. , Holmes Suzanne E. , Warnes Sarah L , Flavell Sopsamorn U.
Published: February 2019

We have previously shown that antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) cooperates with immunotoxin (IT)-mediated killing of human leukaemia cells in an severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (SCID-HSB-2 mice), but not in an equivalent non-obese diabetic (NOD)/SCID mouse model. In these earlier studies, we reasoned that diminished ADCC due to the functional deficit in natural killer (NK) cell activity in NOD/SCID mice resulted in a failure of effective perforin/granzyme-mediated cytotoxicity necessary for the delivery of the augmentative effect. Poly-inosinic-cytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] is a synthetic dsRNA toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist that possesses a number of biological properties that includes the in vivo activation of NK cells. We show here that intravenous (i.v.) injection of SCID mice with [poly (I:C)] results in characteristic time-related changes in serum interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-12, and interferon γ (INFγ) cytokine levels that are consistent with TLR3 driven activation of SCID mouse NK cells. Concomitantly, there are changes in the expression levels of CD2, CD16/32 (FcγRII/RIII), CD161 (NK1.1), and F4/80 in the bulk splenocyte population. These observed changes correlate with an increase in the in vitro lytic capabilities of putative NK cells from within the splenocyte population of [poly (I:C)] treated SCID mice. We demonstrate that the in vivo activation of NK cells with [poly (I:C)] in SCID mice bearing disseminated human T-cell leukaemia xenografts resulted in a significant improvement in the therapeutic activity exerted by an intact murine monoclonal antibody against human CD7. This was also seen for a saporin-based immunotoxin constructed with the same intact antibody (HB2-SAPORIN), but not with an F(ab’)2 derivative of the same antibody or of an IT constructed with the same F(ab’)2 HB2 antibody derivative. This study further demonstrates the previously reported reinforcing role of ADCC for the therapeutic activity of IT in an SCID mouse model of human T-ALL and the potential to significantly boost this further with [poly (I:C)]. Our study provides the rationale to justify the exploration of the clinical utility of IT based therapeutics in combination with TLR3 agonists, such as [poly (I:C)], for the treatment of haematological, and possibly other, malignancies.
Nitric Oxide Antagonism to Anti-Glioblastoma Photodynamic Therapy: Mitigation by Inhibitors of Nitric Oxide Generation
Authors: Fahey Jonathan M. , Girotti Albert W.
Published: February 2019

Many studies have shown that low flux nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS/NOS2) in various tumors, including glioblastomas, can promote angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and migration/invasion. Minimally invasive, site-specific photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly promising anti-glioblastoma modality. Recent research in the authors’ laboratory has revealed that iNOS-derived NO in glioblastoma cells elicits resistance to 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-based PDT, and moreover endows PDT-surviving cells with greater proliferation and migration/invasion aggressiveness. In this contribution, we discuss iNOS/NO antagonism to glioblastoma PDT and how this can be overcome by judicious use of pharmacologic inhibitors of iNOS activity or transcription.
Appraisal of Sulphonation Processes to Synthesize Palm Waste Biochar Catalysts for the Esterification of Palm Fatty Acid Distillate
Authors: Akinfalabi Shehu-Ibrahim , Rashid Umer , Yunus Robiah , Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin
Published: February 2019

Palm waste biochar (PWB) catalysts were synthesized as bio-based catalysts using different sulphonation methods. (NH4)2SO4, ClSO3H, and H2SO4 were applied to functionalize PWB and appraise the discrepancies between the sulfonic agents, as they affect the esterification reaction in terms of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield and conversion while using palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) as feedstock. The PWB was first soaked in phosphoric acid (H3PO4) for 24 h and then pyrolized at 400 °C for 2 h in tube furnace. Afterwards, sulphonation was done with different sulfonic agents and characterized with thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and temperature programmed desorption–ammonia (TPD-NH3). The three synthesized catalysts showed high free fatty acid (FFA) conversions of 90.1% for palm waste biochar-ammonium sulfate (PWB-(NH4)2SO4), 91.5% for palm waste biochar-chlorosulfonic acid (PWB-ClSO3H), and 97.4% for palm waste biochar - sulphuric acid (PWB-H2SO4), whereas FAME yields were 88.6% (PWB-(NH4)2SO4), 89.1% (PWB-ClSO3H), and 96.1% (PWB-H2SO4). It was observed that PWB-H2SO4 has the best catalytic activity, which was directly linked to its high acid density (11.35 mmol/g), improved pore diameter (6.25 nm), and increased specific surface area (372.01 m2 g−1). PWB-H2SO4 was used for the reusability study, where it underwent eight reaction runs and was stable until the seventh run. PWB-H2SO4 has shown huge promise for biodiesel synthesis, owing to its easy synthetic process, recyclability, and high catalytic activity for waste oils and fats.
Plasma Catalysis: Distinguishing between Thermal and Chemical Effects
Authors: Giammaria Guido , van Rooij Gerard , Lefferts Leon
Published: February 2019

The goal of this study is to develop a method to distinguish between plasma chemistry and thermal effects in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge nonequilibrium plasma containing a packed bed of porous particles. Decomposition of CaCO3 in Ar plasma is used as a model reaction and CaCO3 samples were prepared with different external surface area, via the particle size, as well as with different internal surface area, via pore morphology. Also, the effect of the CO2 in gas phase on the formation of products during plasma enhanced decomposition is measured. The internal surface area is not exposed to plasma and relates to thermal effect only, whereas both plasma and thermal effects occur at the external surface area. Decomposition rates were in our case found to be influenced by internal surface changes only and thermal decomposition is concluded to dominate. This is further supported by the slow response in the CO2 concentration at a timescale of typically 1 minute upon changes in discharge power. The thermal effect is estimated based on the kinetics of the CaCO3 decomposition, resulting in a temperature increase within 80 °C for plasma power from 0 to 6 W. In contrast, CO2 dissociation to CO and O2 is controlled by plasma chemistry as this reaction is thermodynamically impossible without plasma, in agreement with fast response within a few seconds of the CO concentration when changing plasma power. CO forms exclusively via consecutive dissociation of CO2 in the gas phase and not directly from CaCO3. In ongoing work, this methodology is used to distinguish between thermal effects and plasma–chemical effects in more reactive plasma, containing, e.g., H2.
Dehydration of Bioethanol to Ethylene over H-ZSM-5 Catalysts: A Scale-Up Study
Authors: Moon Sanggil , Chae Ho-Jeong , Park Min Bum
Published: February 2019

Bioethanol dehydration was carried out in a bench scale reactor-loaded H-ZSM-5 molded catalyst, which increased by tens of times more than at lab scale (up to 60 and 24 times based on the amount of catalyst and ethanol flow rate, respectively). From the results of the lab scale reaction, we confirmed the optimum Si/Al ratio (14) of H-ZSM-5, reaction temperature (~250 °C), and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) (<5 h−1) indicating high ethanol conversion and ethylene selectivity. Five types of cylindrical shaped molded catalysts were prepared by changing the type and/or amount of organic solid binder, inorganic solid binder, inorganic liquid binder, and H-ZSM-5 basis catalyst. Among them, the catalyst exhibiting the highest compression strength and good ethanol dehydration performance was selected. The bench scale reaction with varying reaction temperature of 245–260 °C and 1.2– 2.0 h−1 WHSV according to reaction time showed that the conversion and ethylene selectivity were more than 90% after 400 h on stream. It was also confirmed that even after the successive catalyst regeneration and the reaction for another 400 h, both the ethanol conversion and ethylene selectivity were still maintained at about 90%.
Proteins of the Nucleolus of Dictyostelium discoideum: Nucleolar Compartmentalization, Targeting Sequences, Protein Translocations and Binding Partners
Authors: O’Day Danton H.
Published: February 2019

The nucleoli of Dictyostelium discoideum have a comparatively unique, non-canonical, localization adjacent to the inner nuclear membrane. The verified nucleolar proteins of this eukaryotic microbe are detailed while other potential proteins are introduced. Heat shock protein 32 (Hsp32), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (eIF6), and tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) are essential for cell survival. NumA1, a breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein-C Terminus domain-containing protein linked to cell cycle, functions in the regulation of nuclear number. The cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 homologue forkhead-associated kinase A (FhkA) and BRG1-associated factor 60a homologue Snf12 are also discussed. While nucleoli appear homogeneous ultrastructurally, evidence for nucleolar subcompartments exists. Nucleolar localization sequences (NoLS) have been defined that target proteins to either the general nucleolar area or to a specific intranucleolar domain. Protein translocations during mitosis are protein-specific and support the multiple functions of the Dictyostelium nucleolus. To enrich the picture, binding partners of NumA1, the most well-characterized nucleolar protein, are examined: nucleolar Ca2+-binding protein 4a (CBP4a), nuclear puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase A (PsaA) and Snf12. The role of Dictyostelium as a model for understanding the contribution of nucleolar proteins to various diseases and cellular stress is discussed throughout the review.