bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunosuppressant Cyclosporin A-Based Regulation of Lipopolysaccharide-Triggered Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in the Genital Tract of Female Rabbits
Authors: Yang Li-Qin , Wu Qiu-Ying , Chen Xuan-Yu , Wang Chun , Yan Zhang , Zeng Yu-Tian , Ling Xu , Zeng Chang-Jun , Zhou Guang-Bin , Qazi Izhar Hyder , Angel Christiana , Zhang Ming
Published: November 2018

In this study, we evaluated the effects of Cyclosporine A (CsA) on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine production in the genital tract of female rabbits. Twelve sexually mature and healthy female rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n = 3 each). The rabbits in the LPS group were given an intrauterine infusion of Escherichia coli LPS (4 mg/kg body weight (BW)). Rabbits in the CsA group were given CsA (20 mg/kg BW). Rabbits in the LPS + CsA group were given LPS (4 mg/kg BW) and CsA (20 mg/kg BW). The control group received only LPS and CsA carrier. The gene expression and protein levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were observed using qRT-PCR and immuno-histochemical (IHC) assay, respectively. Our study showed that IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β were expressed in female genital organs. The LPS challenge increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the uterine body and IL-1β in the uterotubal junction compared to the control group. CsA increased the basal mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-4 in the uterine body, uterotubal junction, and oviductal ampulla; IL-10 in the cervix, oviductal isthmus, and ampulla; and TGF-β in the uterotubal junction and oviductal ampulla) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-6 and IL-8 in the cervix; IL-1β in the oviductal isthmus; TNF-α in the oviductal ampulla; and IFN-γ in the uterine body compared to the control group). In addition, CsA inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 in the uterine body, uterotubal junction, and oviductal isthmus; TNF-α in the uterine body; and IFN-γ in the uterotubal junction and oviductal isthmus induced by the LPS challenge. The IHC assay showed the LPS-induced increase in protein production of IL-6 in the uterine body and oviductal isthmus. CsA increased the protein production of IL-10 in the cervix, uterine body, oviductal ampulla, and isthmus. Moreover, CsA decreased the protein production of IL-6 in the uterine body and oviductal isthmus induced by LPS.
Diagnosis of Intermittently Faulty Units at System Level
Authors: Mashkov Viktor , Fišer Jiří , Lytvynenko Volodymyr , Voronenko Maria
Published: November 2018

System level diagnosis is an abstraction of high level and, thus, its practical implementation to particular cases of complex systems is the task which requires additional investigations, both theoretical and modeling. Mostly, diagnosis at system level intends to identify only permanently faulty units. In the paper, we consider the case when both permanently and intermittently faulty units can occur in the system. Identification of intermittently faulty units has some specifics which we have considered in this paper. We also suggest the method which allows distinguishing among different types of intermittent faults. Diagnosis procedure was suggested for each type of intermittent faults.
Planting Date, Hybrid Maturity, and Weather Effects on Maize Yield and Crop Stage
Authors: Baum M. E. , Archontoulis S. V. , Licht M. A.
Published: November 2018

Core Ideas

Planting in mid‐May can significantly diminish Iowa maize grain yields.

Grain yield variability is explained mostly by planting date with minor effect from relative maturity.

Silking date is a good indicator of grain yield; silking beyond 25 July was detrimental.

Unfavorable weather conditions frequently cause farmers to plant maize (Zea mays L.) outside the optimum planting timeframe. We analyzed maize yield and phenology from a multi‐location, year, hybrid relative maturity, and planting date experiment performed in Iowa, USA. Our objectives were to determine the optimum combination of planting date and relative maturity to maximize maize grain yield per environment and to elucidate the risk associated with the use of “full‐season hybrids” when planting occurs beyond the optimum planting date. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) attributed 70% of the variability in grain yield to planting date and only 10% to relative maturity indicating that short and full‐season hybrid relative maturities produced similar grain yields regardless of when they were planted as long as the crops reached maturity before harvesting. Our analysis indicated time to silking is a good indication of expected yield potential with a critical time (beyond which yield is reduced) to be 23 July for Iowa. Furthermore, we found that a minimum growing degree accumulation of 648°C‐day during the grain‐filling period maximized maize yield. Overall, this study brings new results to assist decision making regarding planting date by hybrid relative maturity across Iowa.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism‐Based Haplotypes Associated with Charcoal Rot Resistance in Brazilian Soybean Germplasm
Authors: Vinholes Patrícia , Rosado Renato , Roberts Philip , Borém Aluízio , Schuster Ivan
Published: November 2018

Core Ideas

Incorporation of resistance to Charcoal Rot is an important goal for soybean breeding programs.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with Charcoal Rot resistance will be an important breeding component.

Genome wide association studies that use haplotype information can afford new insights into the traits determinants.

Incorporation of resistance to Charcoal Rot (CR), caused by the soil‐borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid., is an important goal for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeding programs. However, the limited accessible information on sources and hereditary mechanisms related to resistance has impeded progress, as reflected in the lack of commercial CR‐resistant soybean varieties around the world. The identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes associated with CR resistance will be an important breeding component. In this study, a genome wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken to identify genomic regions controlling CR resistance in a soybean association mapping panel, using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and haplotype information. The soybean varieties (N = 169) were field‐evaluated on a site with a history of heavy CR infestation in Citrus Research Center and Agricultural Experiment Station (CRC‐AES) at the University of California, Riverside, USA, and genotyped with 6000 SNP markers. Symptoms of mortality were evaluated for 12 wk after the first symptoms of infection. Two SNP‐based haplotypes were found associated with CR in the genome‐wide haplotype association analysis. Two associations of stable haplotypes for CR, haplotype TAC and CGA of the markers Gm08_18909193_A_G, Gm08_44422211_T_C, and Gm19_34320762_A_C were identified. These markers are associated with other important disease resistance genes in the soybean genome. These findings will allow breeders to improve tropical soybean breeding for CR resistance. A haplotype‐based GWAS can provide more information into the genetic basis of CR resistance that could not be captured by the single marker approach.
Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Scale (IERS): Adaptation and Psychometric Properties in a Turkish Sample
Authors: MALKOÇ Asude , ASLAN GÖRDESLİ Meltem , ARSLAN Reyhan , ÇEKİCİ Ferah , AYDIN SÜNBÜL Zeynep
Published: November 2018

This study aims to test the validity and
reliability of the Turkish adaption of Hofmann, Carpenter and Curtis’ (2016)
Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Scale (IERS). 
The original scale is comprised of four sub-dimensions; namely,
enhancing positive affect, perspective taking, soothing, and social modeling.
The study was carried out with 326 students from various departments of Medipol
University. Work on adapting the scale began with an attempt to find linguistic
equivalence. After ensuring this linguistically equivalence for the scale’s
original form, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis was launched to examine its
construct validity. The results of this confirmatory factor analysis revealed
that the four-factor original structure of the scale was also valid for the
Turkish sample and the goodness of fit indices of the scale was within
acceptable limits. The Cronbach-Alpha internal consistency coefficient was
found as .92 for the overall scale. The scale shows outstanding psychometric
characteristics.
A comparative study of different methods of irrigation therapy in adults and children
Authors: Angotoeva I. B. , Starunova Ya. G. , Polyakov D. P. , Vinnikov A. K.
Published: November 2018

Irrigation therapy is currently an integral part of the prevention and treatment of various ENT diseases. In and amongst all the variety of drugs of irrigation therapy, intranasal sprays are the most widely available. The article presents a comparative study of the intranasal spray characteristics. The advantages of using Marimer spray include minimal discomfort, jet sensation; the spray gets into the nasopharynx, but does not cause the Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Pilot study on advanced treatment of geosmin and 2-MIB with O3/GAC
Authors: Chen Siying , Dong Bingzhi , Gao Kuo , Li Tian
Published: November 2018

The removal efficiencies of geosmin/2-MIB by conventional treatment (flocculation, sedimentation and sand filtration) combined with advanced treatment (ozonation and granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration) in a pilot-scale experiment were investigated in a comprehensive manner. The objective of this study is to provide useful information for practical applications to solve the taste and odor problem during algal blooms in Lake Taihu. Results showed that the conventional treatment removed 38–59% and 36–64% of 2-MIB and geosmin, respectively, with ozone dosage from 0 to 1.0 mg/L. In particular, the increase in ozone concentration promoted the removal of 2-MIB/geosmin by sand filtration, meanwhile lowering the odorant removal efficiency by GAC filtration, with the key reason being the higher biomass produced in the sand filter through the strengthening effect of the ozonation. The organics with higher molecular weight (MW) showed the most significant decline in the pre-ozonation process with 1.0 mg/L ozone dosage, resulting in an enhanced removal efficiency of 2-MIB/geosmin by pre-ozonation. With ozone dosage of 1.0 mg/L, geosmin and 2-MIB in the treated water were 0.1 and 3.85 ng/L, respectively, which were below their odor threshold concentrations (OTCs) with the preliminary concentration of ∼200 ng/L of 2-MIB/geosmin.
Celibat osób duchownych jako przeszkoda do zawarcia małżeństwa
Authors: Smolińska Natalia
Published: November 2018

Opracowanie pt.: „Celibat osób duchownych jako przeszkoda do zawarcia małżeństwa” przybliża tematykę związaną z celibatem i dyspensowaniem od obowiązku jego zachowania. Tekst podzielony jest na cztery punkty. Pierwszy przedstawia rys historyczny instytucji celibatu, poczynając od czasów biblijnych aż po erę nowożytną, ukazując najważniejsze punkty zwrotne rozwoju celibatu duchowieństwa. Drugi punkt przedstawia pokrótce instytucje celibatu we współczesnym nauczaniu Kościoła katolickiego, odnosząc się do Kodeksu prawa kanonicznego oraz dokumentów Soboru Watykańskiego II, a także do nauczania ostatnich Biskupów Rzymu. Punkt trzeci artykułu przedstawia problem święceń jako przeszkody do zawarcia związku małżeńskiego, nawiązując do kanonów Kodeksu prawa kanonicznego. W czwartej części artykułu omówione jest zagadnienie dyspensowania od celibatu, z mocnym akcentem położonym na fakt, że dyspensa od celibatu nie jest prawem przysługującym kapłanowi porzucającemu kapłaństwo, a raczej aktem łaski udzielanej po rozważeniu każdej sytuacji indywidualnie, na prośbę zainteresowanego.
Znaczenie Maryi w polskim Kościele a prymasostwo kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego
Authors: Stasiak Danuta
Published: November 2018

Chrześcijaństwo w ciągu dziejów doświadczało wiele kryzysów doktrynalnych, a mimo to istnieje już przeszło dwa tysiące lat. Poważnym objawem kryzysu jest ateizm. Brakuje elementarnego pragnienia Boga i to staje się największym problemem religijnym w obecnych czasach. Cała Europa stoi dziś wobec wezwania, by opowiedzieć się na nowo po stronie Boga. Kardynał August Hlond wierzył, że nastąpi wielki triumf Serca Matki Bożej, po którym dopiero zakróluje Zbawiciel nad światem przez Polskę. „Polska ma stanąć na czele maryjnego zjednoczenia narodów”. Naród Polski posłuszny woli Zbawiciela zostaje wezwany do służebnego mesjanizmu w celu religijnego odrodzenia ludzkości. Zwycięstwo ma przyjść przez Maryję. Kardynał Stefan Wyszyński wprowadza program odnowy, zawarty w Ślubach Jasno-górskich Matki Bożej Częstochowskiej. W ślad za Kardynałem Wyszyńskim poszedł Karol Wojtyła, który świadomie stał na straży wartości moralnych.
Pastoraltheologische Vorschläge von Papst Franziskus für Ältere Priester und Ordensleute
Authors: Celary Ireneusz
Published: November 2018

Niniejszy artykuł, oparty na analizie nauczania papieża Franciszka, dotyczy sytuacji starszych kapłanów i osób zakonnych w dzisiejszym świecie. Zawiera pastoralno-teologiczne propozycje względem nich. Papież mówił o nich w wielu swoich przemówieniach i innych dokumentach. Czynił to, analizując trzy ewangeliczne cnoty: ubóstwo, bezżeństwo i posłuszeństwo. Publikacja składa się z trzech rozdziałów. Pierwszy zawiera rozważania pa-pieża na temat realizacji cnoty ubóstwa w życiu starszych kapłanów i osób zakonnych. Drugi ukazuje przemyślenia papieża na temat realizacji – w ich posłudze – cnoty bezżeństwa. Trzeci zaś zawiera refleksje związane z cnotą posłuszeństwa w ostatnich latach ich doczesnej egzystencji.
Wyzwania stojące przed nauczaniem religii we współczesnej szkole
Authors: Kępińska-Walczak Zofia
Published: November 2018

Dzisiejsza katecheza funkcjonuje w takim kontekście społeczno-kulturowym, w jakim funkcjonują przede wszystkim jej odbiorcy. Ten kontekst, a także indywidualne uwarunkowania dotyczące każdego z uczniów, muszą być znane katechecie, by mógł do uczniów dotrzeć z przekazem Ewangelii. Współczesny kontekst społeczno-kulturowy, a raczej jego składowe: konsumpcjonizm, seksualizacji, technicyzacja, pluralizm „prawd”, ale też podkreślenie wolności i autonomii człowieka, są prawdziwym wyzwaniem dla formacji katechety i powinny wyzwalać w nim konkretne działania. W epoce, która tak wiele mówi o wolności i godności człowieka, również katecheta musi się do nich odwoływać i stale je podkreślać, a nade wszystko szanować w swych uczniach. W nauczaniu religii, będąc otwartym na dialog i współpracę z uczniami, katecheta powinien pobudzać uczniów do działania i własnej refleksji, zadając im pytania, prowadząc twórcze rozmowy i aktywizując ich na różne sposoby. Nauczyciel religii powinien uznać za swój obowiązek stałe poszerzanie swej wiedzy na temat bieżących spraw, a także pogłębianie własnej formacji duchowej. ta formacja jest w tym kontekście najbardziej fundamentalną kwestią. Jeśli bowiem zabraknie autentycznego świadectwa, na nic się zdadzą inne działania. Katecheta w każdym miejscu i czasie musi żyć ewangelią i przy każdej sposobności świadczyć o Chrystusie.
Multimodal Chromatography for Purification of Biotherapeutics – A Review
Authors: Halan Vivek , Maity Sunit , Bhambure Rahul , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: November 2018

Process chromatography forms the core of purification of biotherapeutics. The unparalleled selectivity that it offers over other alternatives combined with the considerable robustness and scalability make it the unit operation of choice in downstream processing. It is typical to have three to five chromatography steps in a purification process for a biotherapeutic. Generally, these steps offer different modes of separation such as ion-exchange, reversed phase, size exclusion, and hydrophobic interaction. In the past decade, multimodal chromatography has emerged as an alternative to the traditional modes. It involves use of more than one mode of separation and typically combines ion-exchange and hydrophobic interactions to achieve selectivity and sensitivity. Over the last decade, numerous authors have demonstrated the significant potential that multimode chromatography offers as a protein purification tool. This review aims to present key recent developments that have occurred on this topic together with a perspective on future applications of multimodal chromatography.
The Development of Epigenetics and Related Inhibitors for Targeted Drug Design in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Na , Zhao Rongtong , Ma Yue , Wang Dongyuan , Yan Chen , Zhou Dongxian , Yin Feng , Li Zigang
Published: November 2018

Epigenetics process is the heritable change in gene function that does not involve changes in
the DNA sequence. Until now, several types of epigenetic mechanisms have been characterized, including
DNA methylation, histone modification (acetylation, methylation, etc.), nucleosome remodeling, and
noncoding RNAs. With the biological investigations of these modifiers, some of them are identified as
promoters in the process of various diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and virus infection.
Epigenetic changes may serve as potential “first hits” for tumorigenesis. Hence, targeting epigenetic
modifiers is being considered as a promising way for disease treatment. To date, six agents in two epigenetic
target classes (DNMT and HDAC) have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). Most of these drugs are applied in leukemia, lymphoma therapy, or are combined with other
drugs for the treatment of solid tumor. Due to the rapid development of epigenetics and epigenetics targeted
drugs, it is becoming an emerging area in targeted drug design.
The Design and Synthesis of Novel Phenothiazine Derivatives as Potential Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Luan Yepeng , Liu Jinyi , Gao Jianjun , Wang Jinhua
Published: November 2018

Background:

Cancer incidence and mortality have been increasing and cancer is still the
leading cause of death all over the world. Despite the enormous progress in cancer treatment, many
patients died of ineffective chemotherapy and drug resistance. Therefore, the design and development
of anti-cancer drugs with high efficiency and low toxicity is still one of the most challenging
tasks. Tricyclic heterocycles, such as phenothiazine, are always important sources of scaffolds for
anti-cancer drug discovery.

Methods:

In this work, ten new urea-containing derivatives of phenothiazine coupled with different
kinds of amine motifs at the endpoint through a three carbon long spacer were designed and synthesized.
The structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated and confirmed by 1H NMR and
HRMS. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their antitumor activity in vitro against the
proliferation of PC-3 cells, and the compounds with best potency entered further cytotoxicity evaluations
against other 22 human tumor cell lines. Mechanism was also studied.

Results:

From all data, it showed that among all 10 target compounds, TTi-2 showed the best effect
in inhibiting the proliferation of 23 human cancer cell lines while TTi-2 without obvious inhibitory
effect on normal cell. Furthermore, our results also showed that TTi-2 could inhibit migration, invasion and
colony formation of MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, TTi-2 can induce arrest of cell cycle at G0/G1 phase and
cell apoptosis by activating the caspase 3 activity.

Conclusion:

All these results suggested that TTi-2 might be used as a promising lead compound for anticancer
drug development.
Effect of Natural Fermentation on Antioxidant Activity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)
Authors: Srivastava Urvashi , Saini Pinki , Singh Anchal
Published: November 2018

Background:

Millets are small-seeded cereals having excellent nutritional quality. They are
comparable or superior to some commonly consumed cereals like wheat and rice. Millets are gluten-free,
have low Glycemic Index and are a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, zinc magnesium and B vitamins.
Natural fermentation of millets can improve their lower cooking quality, taste, low bioavailability
and palatability.

Objective:

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of natural fermentation on antioxidant activity
of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum).

Methods:

The present work has been done to standardize the natural fermentation process of pearl millet
using response surface methodology for enhanced iron content and antioxidant activity. Pearl millet was
treated with natural fermentation process at varying temperature (30-50°C), time (4-12 hrs) and pH (3-7).
The effect of these fermentation treatments were studied on total reducing sugar, iron content, antioxidant
activity (Total Phenolic content and DPPH), tannin content and antinutritional factors of pearl millet
using a second order central composite design.

Results:

The cofficient of determination, R2 values for Total reducing sugar, iron content, antioxidant
activity and tannin content was greater than 0.900. Statistical analysis showed that sugar, iron content,
antioxidant activity and tannin content varied significantly (p <0.05) with a change in pH, temperature
and time. pH was found to be the most important factor affecting the quality parameters of the pearl millet
during fermentation as it exerted a strong influence (p < 0.01) on all the dependent variables.

Conclusion:

Increase in total reducing sugar, iron content, antioxidant activity and decrease in tannin
content of pearl millet were observed along with a decrease in pH and temperature of fermentation. On
the basis of response surface and contour plots, the fermentation conditions of pearl millet were optimized
at a temperature of 40°C, pH 5 and time duration of 8 hours.
Emission Characteristics of Hydrogen and Carbon in Various Ambient Gases using Pulsed-CO2 Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Khumaeni Ali , Budi Wahyu S. , Wardaya Asep Y. , Niki Hideaki , Kurihara Kazuyoshi , Kagawa Kiichiro
Published: November 2018

Background:

Hydrogen (H) and Carbon (C) are major elements that occur in various materials, including organic matter. The identification and analysis of C and H are necessary for several fields. LIBS is an excellent method for such analysis because it is rapid, and can be conducted remotely. The technique has been employed for the analysis of H in zircaloy metals. However, few studies on the emission characteristics of H and C in various gases have been undertaken because of the difficulty of identifying H and C using standard LIBS techniques. In this work, the emission characteristics of H and C were studied using pulsed CO2 LIBS. H and C elements were obtained from ethanol vapor. Various gas environments were employed, including Nitrogen (N2), Argon (Ar), and Helium (He) gases, in order to study the stability of the laser-induced plasma, the plasma lifetime, and the excitation mechanisms of H and C.

Methods:

The LIBS system used in this work consisted of a pulsed TEA CO2 laser (Shibuya SQ 2000), pulse generator, and optical multichannel analyzer. In this work, the laser with a wavelength of 10.6 µm, pulse duration of 200 ns, and pulse energy of 3 J, was used as the irradiation source. The laser energy used was 1.5 J. The laser was irradiated, and focused, using a 200 mm zinc selenide (ZnSe) lens, onto a metal surface in order to initiate and induce a luminous plasma. The sample used in this study was ethanol vapor, obtained from ethanol (99.5%, Merck). For this purpose, 10 mL ethanol was poured into a glass beaker, and this was placed into a closed chamber that could be evacuated by ambient gases including N2, Ar, and He gases.

Results:

Identification of H emission line has been successfully carried out using this present technique demonstrated in various gases including N2, Ar, and He. From the results, it was observed that in N2 gas, the Hα I 656.3 nm emission line was clearly expressed, with a wide, full-width halfmaximum, and quite a low emission intensity.

Conclusion:

The emission characteristics of H and C in laser-induced plasma, produced in various ambient gases, including N2, Ar, and He, were studied. The emission spectra of Hα and Hβ were expressed clearly, with high intensity and low background emission, in He, while they were broad and had high background emissions in N2 and Ar. Based on the time-resolved emissions, the Hα emission had a longer lifetime in Ar and He. It was assumed that the metastable atoms of Arand He were predominant in the excitation process of H and C. The characteristics of the H and C emissions in various gases are important in selecting a suitable ambient gas for the study of light atomic emission in the medical field, which mostly deals with organic materials containing H, C, and oxygen.
Topical Lipid Based Drug Delivery Systems for Skin Diseases: A Review
Authors: Sahu Suresh Kumar , Raj Rakesh , Raj Pooja Mongia , Alpana Ram
Published: November 2018

Treatment of skin ailments through systemic administration is limited due to toxicity and
patients discomfort. Hence, lower risk of systemic side effects from topical dosage forms like ointments,
creams, emulsions and gels is more preferred for the treatment of skin disease. Application
of lipid based carriers in drug delivery in topical formulations has recently become one of the major
approaches to improve drug permeation, safety, and effectiveness. These delivery systems include
liposomes, ethosomes, transfersomes, Nanoemulsions (NEs), Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs)
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) and micelles. Most of the liposomes and SLNs based products
are in the market while some are under investigation. Transcutaneous delivery of therapeutics
to the skin layer by novel lipid based carriers has enhanced topical therapy for the treatment of skin
ailments. This article covers an overview of the lipid-based carriers for topical uses to alleviate skin
diseases.
Elastic Net Regularized Softmax Regression Methods for Multi-subtype Classification in Cancer
Authors: Zhang Lin , He Yanling , Song Haiting , Wang Xuesong , Lu Nannan , Sun Lei , Liu Hui
Published: November 2018

Background: Various regularization methods have been proposed to improve the prediction
accuracy in cancer diagnosis. Elastic net regularized logistic regression has been widely
adopted for cancer classification and gene selection in genetics and molecular biology but is commonly
applied to binary classification and regression. However, usually, the cancer subtypes can
be more, and most likely cannot be decided precisely.

Objective: Besides the multi-class issue, the feature selection problem is also a critical problem for
cancer subtype classification.

Methods: An Elastic Net Regularized Softmax Regression (ENRSR) for multi-classification is put
forward to tackle the multiple classification issue. As an extension of elastic net regularized logistic
regression, ENRSR enforces structure sparsity and ‘grouping effect’ for gene selection based
on gene expression data, which may exhibit high correlation. The sparsity structure and ‘grouping
effect’ help to select more propriate discriminable features for multi-classification.

Result: It is demonstrated that ENRSR gains more accurate and robust performance compared to
the other 6 competing algorithms (K-means, Hierarchical Clustering, Expectation Maximization,
Nonnegative Matrix Factorization, Support Vector Machine and Random Forest) in predicting
cancer subtypes both on simulation data and real cancer gene expression data in terms of F measure.

Conclusion: Our proposed ENRSR method is a reliable regularized softmax regression for multisubtype
classification.
Biodiesel Synthesis Monitoring using Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Gelinski Estela Kamile , Hamerski Fabiane , Corazza Marcos Lúcio , Santos Alexandre Ferreira
Published: November 2018

Objective:

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel considered as the main substitute for fossil fuels. Its industrial production is mainly made by the transesterification reaction. In most processes, information on the production of biodiesel is essentially done by off-line measurements.

Methods:

However, for the purpose of control, where online monitoring of biodiesel conversion is required, this is not a satisfactory approach. An alternative technique to the online quantification of conversion is the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, which is fast and accurate. In this work, models for biodiesel reactions monitoring using NIR spectroscopy were developed based on the ester content during alkali-catalyzed transesterification reaction between soybean oil and ethanol. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection was employed as the reference method for quantification. FT-NIR spectra were acquired with a transflectance probe. The models were developed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression with synthetic samples at room temperature simulating reaction composition for different ethanol to oil molar ratios and conversions. Model predictions were then validated online for reactions performed with ethanol to oil molar ratios of 6 and 9 at 55ºC. Standard errors of prediction of external data were equal to 3.12%, hence close to the experimental error of the reference technique (2.78%), showing that even without using data from a monitored reaction to perform calibration, proper on-line predictions were provided during transesterification runs.

Results:

Additionally, it is shown that PLS models and NIR spectra of few samples can be combined to accurately predict the glycerol contents of the medium, making the NIR spectroscopy a powerful tool for biodiesel production monitoring.
Imaging In Acute Bronchiolitis: Evaluation of The Current Practice In a Kuwaiti Governmental Hospital and Its Possible Impact on Hospitalization Period
Authors: Abdel-Kader Alaa , Nassar May Fouad , Qabazard Zahra , Disawi Mohamed
Published: November 2018

Background and objectives:

Guidelines for acute bronchiolitis recommend primarily supportive care, but unnecessary treatment measures remain well documented. This study was designed to assess the Al-Adan Hospital pediatricians` attitude towards imaging of inpatients with bronchiolitis aiming to evaluate its utilization and possible impact on patients` management and length of hospital stay.

Subjects and methods:

This study included 194 cases of acute bronchiolitis admitted to Al-Adan Hospital. Number of X-Rays done following admission and reasons stated in the files were recorded. Bronchiolitis severity was estimated from the data obtained.

Results:

Chest X-Rays were ordered in 52.1% of our inpatients with acute bronchiolitis. In nearly half of those cases, the reason for X-Ray request is a clinical severity factor, namely desaturations and apneas, and in rest of the cases, no specific reason for ordering X-Rays was documented. Significantly more patients who had two or more X-Rays were prescribed antibiotics and had statistically longer hospital stay. The number of X-Rays performed during admission was not a significant contributor to the need for PICU care, however, it was a significant factor affecting the length of hospital stay.

Conclusion:

The implementation of acute bronchiolitis guidelines regarding imaging in admitted cases with acute bronchiolitis is highly recommended in Al-Adan hospital. Clear documentation for the reasons behind ordering X-Rays is needed for those cases. A decrease in the X-Ray utilization and subsequent unnecessary antibiotic use can help in decreasing the costs and hazards of hospitalization for patients with acute bronchiolitis.
Successful Treatment of Total Hip Arthroplasty to a Patient Associated with Alcoholic Cirrhosis and Severe Plated Deficiency with Preoperative Partial Splenic Embolization
Authors: Yamanaka Yasuhiro , Nakano Hiroaki , Nakayama Hiroshi , Okumura Junichiro
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

We present the first report of the successful treatment of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) to a patient associated with alcoholic cirrhosis and plated deficiency undergoing preoperative Partial Splenic Embolization.

Case Report:

A 45-year woman who had Liver Cirrhosis (LC) and alcohol residue heritage failure suffered from severe groin pain and had a difficulty in walking for a long period due to avascular necrosis of bilateral femoral head. She was referred to our orthopaedic service and THA was planned. Despite preoperative transfusion for her platelet deficiency coursed by LC, preoperative platelet count decreased less than a normal range. Therefore, Partial Splenic Embolization (PSE) was applied to her so as to increase platelet count. PSE could temporally reduce the portal vein pressure and prevent a hyperspleism and cytopenia. After the procedure, THA was performed to bilateral hip safely through a direct anterior approach. At the time of the latest follow-up, the patient had an excellent clinical result.

Conclusion:

Preoperative PSE may be a useful procedure to the patients with LC and severe plated deficiency who need arthroplasty including THA. Pre-existing physical and psychological factors have an effect on the outcome of arthroplasty and appropriate strategies might be needed.
Is the Responsibility to Protect an Accepted Norm of International Law in the post-Libya Era?
Authors: Sarkin Jeremy
Published: November 2018

This article explores the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) in the post-Libya era to determinewhether it is now an accepted norm of international law. It examines what RtoP means intoday`s world and whether the norm now means that steps will be taken against states thatare committing serious human rights violations. The building blocks of RtoP are examined tosee how to make the doctrine more relevant and more applicable. It is contended that theresponsibility to react should be viewed through a much wider lens and that it needs to bemore widely interpreted to allow it to gain greater support. It is argued that there is a need tofocus far more on the responsibility to rebuild and that it ought to focus on the transitionallegal architecture as well as transitional justice. It is contended that these processes ought notto be one-dimensional, but ought to have a variety of constituent parts. It is further arguedthat the international and donor community ought to be far more engaged and far moredirective in these projects.
How Conflict and Displacement Fuel Human Trafficking and Abuse of Vulnerable Groups. The Case of Colombia and Opportunities for Real Action and Innovative Solutions.
Authors: Nagle Luz Estella
Published: November 2018

Disaffected, impoverished, and displaced people in weak and failing states are particularly vulnerable. Human trafficking exploits social and political turmoil caused by natural disasters, economic crisis, and armed conflict. The exploitation and forced servitude of millions of trafficking victims take many forms. Women and children are trafficked into becoming child soldiers and concubines of illegal armed groups, men, women and children are trafficked into forced labor and sexual slavery, forced to sell drugs, steal, and beg money for the criminals controlling them, and thousands are coerced or forced into a growing black market trade in human body parts. The growth in illegal mining operations by illegal armed groups and organized crime is also fueling conditions of forced labor. Trafficking victims are dehumanized and suffer grave physical and mental illness and often die at the hands of their captors and exploiters. Colombia is particularly afflicted by the scourge of human trafficking. All the elements of modern-day slavery and human exploitation are present in this Latin American state that is struggling to overcome decades of internal armed conflict, social fragmentation, poverty, and the constant debilitating presence of organized crime and corruption. Women’s Link Worldwide recently reported that human trafficking is not viewed as an internal problem among Colombian officials, despite estimates that more than 70,000 people are trafficked within Colombia each year. This article examines human trafficking in its many forms in Colombia, the parties involved in trafficking, and the State’s response or lack of response to human trafficking. The article also presents innovations that might be effective for combating human trafficking, and proposes that Colombia can serve as an effective model for other countries to address this growing domestic and international human rights catastrophe.
Trafficking of Human Beings for the Purpose of Organ Removal: Are (International) Legal Instruments Effective Measures to Eradicate the Practice?
Authors: Aronowitz Alexis A. , Isitman Elif
Published: November 2018

Organ trafficking is perhaps the most obscure form of human trafficking. It is an international problem with transnational dimensions and involves the intersection between the world of organized crime, impoverished organ donors, sick recipients and unscrupulous medical staff. This article starts out by exploring the global patterns of organ trafficking, highlighting the physical and psychological harm caused to victims. The statistics on organ transplants and patterns of organ trafficking as well as the social, economic and legal dimensions of this type of crime are examined. The article subsequently continues with a discussion of the domestic, regional and international legal and semi-legal instruments established to battle organ trafficking and reflects upon whether or not these instruments are effective in curtailing this growing problem. The article ends with a discussion of alternative approaches to deal with the problem of organ trafficking and makes a case for more problem-driven solutions, such as increased extra-legal measures, international cooperation and a focus upon the causes and victims of organ trafficking rather than focusing upon criminal law alone.
China’s Role in the Transition to a New International Energy Order
Authors: Yang Zewei
Published: November 2018

With the shift of energy production centres and oil consumption markets the international energy order has been changing, indicating four trends: the Arctic region and the international seabed area will become new energy sources; the exploitation of unconventional energy sources - a new focus; and the rulemaking right in the energy market - a new battlefield. Contemporary international law promotes, regulates, and safeguards the transition to a new international energy order, in which China should make efforts to shift its role from a passive recipient to an active innovator of international energy rules; from an onlooker to an active participant in international energy affairs; and from a receiver to a contributor of international energy public goods.
Evidentiary Rules in International Arbitration – A Comparative Analysis of Approaches and the Need for Regulation
Authors: Kubalczyk Anna Magdalena
Published: November 2018

The article discusses the procedure of taking evidence in international commercial arbitration from the perspective of balancing different legal cultures and values. It analyses the results of the existing evidentiary rules and attempts to harmonise the procedure, and their sufficiency in terms of securing the interests, expectations and rights of the parties involved in the international arbitration. The actual outcome must be estimated taking into consideration the balancing of the relationships and the differences between legal cultures, fairness and flexibility. In the first instance the author analyses each of the legal systems, civil law and common law, in order to compare the differences and similarities in terms of the procedure, especially in relation to evidentiary issues. A further step involves the analysis of the need for harmonised rules of procedure and in particular evidentiary rules in international arbitration and the factors in the determination and application of the rules, with a focus on the role of the tribunal’s discretion, the parties’ autonomy, as well as the impact of cultural background. Furthermore, the International Bar Association (IBA) Rules on Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration are analysed in terms of their completeness in such areas as admissibility and assessment of evidence, which permits the comprehension of the strengths and weaknesses of the IBA Rules and the need for the introduction of further rules. Finally, conclusions follow as to the proper way of balancing the competing values and approaches and the need for the application of new solutions in terms of taking of evidence in order to achieve the desired outcome in arbitral proceedings.
Protecting the Human Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS: A European Approach?
Authors: Danisi Carmelo
Published: November 2018

HIV/AIDS is a medical matter as well as a human rights issue. Recent developments in the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) have contributed to better define the level of protection that people living with HIV/AIDS may currently derive from it. Thanks to the recognition of the condition of vulnerability suffered by this group, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has been able to apply the non-discrimination complementary provision (Article 14) to contrast the social stigma and prejudice associated with HIV/AIDS in Europe and, in some situations, to develop positive obligations. A different restrictive approach has been adopted towards a specific part of the ECHR, that is the prohibition of refoulement. While this approach can be reassessed, taking into account the interpretation of the ECHR as a ‘living instrument’ and the necessity to read the ECHR as a coherent whole, recently the European Court of Justice has expressly referred to it to define the level of protection provided by European Union (EU) law to people living with HIV/AIDS in the field of migration. As a result, it reinforced the emerging divide between substantial guarantees and procedural obligations, which grant a wide protection pending expulsion and are defined in light of the special needs of people living with the infection, as required by a vulnerability approach. If a common ‘European approach’ to the issue of HIV/AIDS and human rights is thus emerging, until now it seems to have been guided by conflicting views. At the same time, in relation to some issues, the mutual influence between ECHR and EU law has served to narrow the protection to people living with HIV/AIDS instead of setting higher standards through an inclusive interpretation of human rights. This article explores a human rights-based approach to HIV/AIDS and whether the emerging European attitude matches it or not. While it calls for enhancing the role of vulnerability in the interpretation of the fundamental rights catalogue taken as a whole, it investigates the possible evolution within the two European systems of protection when the needs of this specific group are at stake, especially in the fields of non-discrimination and migration. The result does not provide given solutions but suggests a methodology for a consistent and genuine ‘European approach’ which, in turn, may positively influence the evolution of the international response to HIV/AIDS.
The Apple Does Not Fall Far from the Tree: Self-Defence in the Context of State-Sponsored Terrorism
Authors: Maogoto Jackson Nyamuya
Published: November 2018

The Article will examine the parameters of state-sponsored terrorism through an evaluation of the tenets of state responsibility. Under customary international law, States are not perpetrators of terrorism because terrorism is a penal offence and states are not subjects of international criminal law. Nonetheless, General Assembly resolutions repeatedly condemn States that undertake and/or support acts of terrorism. It reflects the absolute prohibition on the use of force except in reaction to a conventional armed attack and the seeming metamorphosis and fluidity of the traditional understanding.
Developing mobile learning as ecology practical tool using three-layer observation framework
Authors: Sambodo Rizki Agung , Prayitno Baskoro Adi , Karyanto Puguh , Sulistyowati Eka
Published: November 2018

Developing a practical tool in ecology that addresses the challenge of transferring the ecologicalconcept systematically has become an essential factor in achieving a better understanding of the teaching process. Three-layer Observation Framework (TlOF) is one of the best methods that can be adopted in designing practical work in ecology since its power in providing a step-by-step concept reconstruction. This research aimed to develop a sample of practical work in ecological teaching and learning based on the TlOF. This research followed the ADDIE method in developing the product with some modifications. The research focus was set to gain product’s appropriateness from validators and users. The developed product was tested in Biology Education Department at the State Islamic University of Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta in order to collect responses for further product improvement. The results of the appropriateness test from three validators showed that the developed product is “very good” with an average score of 81.8. During the performed preliminary test by users, as high as 82.5 was achieved. It means that the developed product gained a good perception from the respondents. According to the results, TlOF-based mobile learning the practical tool is the potential to become an alternative media in improving practical work in term of encompassing ecological concepts.
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF LEAVES AND STEM OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA IN DIFFERENT SOLVENT EXTRACT
Authors: Garg Praveen , Garg Rajesh
Published: November 2018

Tinospora cordifolia is known as Giloe and Guduchi, with significant importance in the traditional medicinal systems. It is dioeciously plant. It is mostly used in Ayurved system. It is also known as a ‘Rasayans’ of medicinal system, which develops immune system of the body and protect against infection. The aim of this study is carried out to analyse the phytochemical compounds in leaves and stem extracts of T. cordifolia by using phytochemical screening tests and estimate total flavonoid content (TFC) by using aluminium chloride method in the sample extracts. The leaf and stem extracts of T. cordifolia expressed the presence of several phytochemicals viz., flavonoids, amino acids, diterpines, protein, saponins and carbohydrates. The result of phytochemical screening tests revealed that diterpines and carbohydrates are positive in all extracts of T. cordifolia, but flavonoids and saponins only present in  methanol and ethanol extracts. TFC of T. cordifolia was higher in ethanolic leaves extracts than mathanolic leaves extracts. The studies justify that T. cordifolia use in traditional medicines. The investigation further proposed that the phytochemicals present in stems and leaves of T. cordifolia, which can be use as natural antioxidants in medicinal drugs.

Keywords: Tinospora cordifolia, Phytochemicals, Flavonoids