bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La morfometría y la producción lechera de vacas holstein mestizas en dos establos – Ecuador
Authors: Condo Plaza Luis Alfonso , Gutiérrez Reynoso Gustavo Augusto
Published: July 2019

En la provincia de Chimborazo se utilizaron 70 hembras bovinas de establo Guayllabamba y 18 del establo Balcashi, cuyo objetivo fue determinar los índices morfométricos, que permitieron construir modelos de producción lechera en vacas Holstein mestizas, para lo cual los resultados se sometieron al modelo de efecto fijo; cuyos factores fueron: semestre de nacimiento de la cría (enero – junio y julio - diciembre) factor A y número de parto de la madre (1, 2 y > 3) factor B; además se analizó a través de la regresión múltiple por el método Stiwise para determinar el modelo de producción en función de las características morfométricas. Determinándose que las vaquillas del tercer parto reportaron los mejores indicadores como el índice corporal de 72.85±3.56, índice de proporcionalidad 98.35±2.46, y el coeficiente de proporcionalidad de 87.20±7.95 que fueron superiores; de la misma manera el peso de 431.95 ±19.66; la producción de leche no fue significativo peor alcanzó volumen de producción de 3235.90±206.10 litros ajustados a 305 días, y un promedio diario de 9.67±0.48 litros/vaca/día; finalmente la producción de leche en función de los rasgos morfométricos responde a la alzada a la cruz, longitud de craneal, Índice corporal, índice de compacidad e índice facial conseguido según Stipwise a una probabilidad (P=0.15).
Evaluación de la capacidad de mineral aluminosilicato de la localidad de Cacha para la remoción de color en efluentes de la industria de lavado de blue jeans
Authors: Lara Hernández Andrés , Calderón Hugo , Ramos Flores. Marcelo , Ramos Flores Ma. Eugenia
Published: July 2019

La contaminación de efluentes afecta los cuerpos de agua dulce por su baja capacidad de autodepuración y limitación para el ingreso de luz para procesos fotosintéticos; este problema es notorio en poblaciones donde la industria textil usa métodos tradicionales de tinturado y lavado, como Pelileo y Guano. El uso de minerales aluminosilicatos de tipo arcilloso ha tomado relevancia en los últimos años como alternativa de bajo costo y menor huella ambiental para el desarrollo de adsorbentes para remoción de colorantes; por lo que su estudio es de interés en países en vías de desarrollo. La presente investigación presenta los resultados de la aplicación de cuatro adsorbentes desarrollados a partir de mineral aluminosilicato de la localidad de Cacha, provincia de Chimborazo, uno en estado natural y los restantes obtenidos por modificación ácida, básica y térmica, sobre efluente de una lavandería de jeans del cantón Pelileo. Los resultados mostraron que, en todos los casos, el uso de estos adsorbente logra el cumplimiento de lo indicado en el TULSMA; no obstante, los mayores porcentajes de remoción se dieron en los tratamientos térmico y básico. Los resultados evidencian la viabilidad del uso de minerales aluminosilicatos de tipo arcilloso como base para el desarrollo de tecnologías para la remoción de residuos contaminantes.
Análisis de la eficiencia de un motor diésel, mediante el estudio estadístico de fallos de filtros de combustible.
Authors: Huilca Álvarez Alejandro , Haro Acosta. Silvana
Published: July 2019

En la industria automotriz se emplea una diversidad de filtros para combustible diésel, con la finalidad de proporcionar una mejor capacidad de filtrado. El objeto del estudio es determinar si los tipos de filtros empleados en el sistema de alimentación de combustible afectan directamente en el rendimiento y eficiencia de un motor diésel, mediante el análisis matemático estadístico de los datos respecto a las fallas ocurridas causadas por las partículas contaminantes en los vehículos analizados que utilizan las 3 marcas de filtros recurrentes en la ciudad de Riobamba provincia de Chimborazo, declarando una hipótesis que afirma o niega, el cambio positivo de la eficiencia del motor, tomando en cuenta una muestra del parque automotor de la ciudad. Los resultados arrojados fueron que los tipos de filtros empleados no afectan en la eficiencia del motor, pudiendo ser otros componentes operacionales los que influyen en lo expuesto, por tal motivo se recalca que el presente estudio solo refleja una premisa probabilística mediante el resultado del análisis matemático estadístico, pudiendo servir en un futuro para una investigación exhaustiva de las condiciones y parámetros que influyen en la eficiencia de un motor.
Caracterización bromatología, microbiológica y sensorial de la salchicha Frankfurt elaborada con Citrato de Calcio como antioxidante natural
Authors: Guzmán Acán Fabricio Armando , Bonifaz Ramos Verónica de los Ángeles , Esparza Bonilla Cristian José
Published: July 2019

En el Centro de Producción de Cárnicos de la ESPOCH, se evaluó diferentes niveles de citrato de calcio obtenido de las cáscaras de huevos como antioxidante (0.1, 0.2 y 0.3%) en la elaboración de salchicha tipo Frankfurt, con tres repeticiones por tratamiento y un tamaño de la unidad experimental de 8 kg que contenían carne de res, carne de cerdo, grasa de cerdo, hielo, aditivos y condimentos. Determinándose que la calidad nutritiva no se vio afectada estadísticamente por efecto de la adición de citrato de calcio. No se encontró cargas de aerobios mesófilos y coliformes totales, en todos los tratamientos, considerándose un alimento apto para el consumo humano. Las características organolépticas presentaron diferencias entre los valores reportados, considerándose todos los tratamientos aceptables para el consumidor  obteniendo una calificación de muy buena. En la vida de anaquel, todas las formulaciones sobrepasaron los 15 días de refrigeración. Con los tres tratamientos  de citrato de calcio  los costos de producción se reducen con respecto al  testigo (3.72 a 3.68), un beneficio/costo de 1.29 dólares con el testigo y de 1.31con el resto de tratamientos, por lo que se recomienda emplear cualquiera de estas formulaciones.
Penambahan Serutan Besi terhadap Kuat Tekan Batako
Authors: Trinugraha Deni Akhmad , Darma Eko , Sylviana Rika
Published: July 2019

Material construction resources are very limited, but the demand for these materials tends to increase. Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternative materials such as utilizing used goods (garbage) as construction materials. An alternative material used in this study was iron shavings waste as an additional material in the concrete brick mixture to replace sand. Therefore, it can minimize the use of sand and reduce iron shavings. The study was conducted by changing the standard size of the brick according to SNI to a size of 10 x 10 x 10 cm. The results showed that the addition of iron shavings in the concrete mixture was able to increase compressive strength value. The percentage increases in compressive strength of normal concrete blocks were: 14.87%, 24.79%, 45.45%, and 71.90%. The compressive strength of ordinary concrete brick of age 7 days is 41,374 KN, and after iron shaving addition the strength improve by 47,529 KN, 51,632 KN, 60,18 KN and 71,123 KN with the percentage of iron shaving of 2.5%, 5% , 7.5% and 10% respectively. These improve value was also categorized as quality I, II and III according to SNI 03-0349-1989 requirement.
Critical Analysis of Athlete Retirement from Sport
Authors: Treigienė Milda , Šukys Saulius
Published: July 2019

Object of the analysis. Investigation problem. Athletes' retirement from sports activities and their life after the end of their sports career is relevant in scientific, practical and social terms. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of scientific studies on athletes’ retirement from sport and how it relates to their life after their carrier in sports.Research methods. The analysis of scientific literature revealed that the main reasons for athletes to finish their careers in sports were trauma, health-related problems or age. Retirement can also be associated with family or family planning. Sports career termination is discussed in two ways, when one retires from sport voluntarily and when one is forced to do so. Voluntary retirement for athletes is usually a planned event and thus most often it does not have a negative impact on their future life. These athletes tend to choose a family over their sports carriers, continue their education or go to work in sports related sectors. Another important factor is athletic identity. Athletes with strong athletic identity during their sports careers tend to have better social life after their retirement. These athletes also tend to have a strong athletic identity after their careers, thus they are less likely to experience stress or depressive symptoms due to their sports career termination. Forced retirement from sports career is usually due to career-ending injuries. Such career outcome is associated with greater short-term and long-term problems in the post-sport transition period. Since athletic careers are strongly controlled by others, the unforeseen outcomes of an unexpected sports career termination results in negative consequences that are related to increased personal responsibility for their further actions. This becomes a greater problem for those athletes that have a higher level of athletic identity as it results in anxiety and depression. Therefore, forced retirement from a sports career is considered to be the most troublesome and worrying problem in the field.Outcomes and conclusions An examination of research literature focused on athlete’s retirement suggests that termination of a sports career is an important event the consequences of which depend on whether it ends by own choice or not. Since the planned retirement from the sports career is less challenging, it is important to help athletes prepare for this stage of their lives. Additionally, it is crucial to focus all efforts on creating a support system for athletes who were forced to end their athletic careers.Keywords: athletic carrier, retirement, life after sport.
‘Art for a New Understanding’: An Interview with Valerie Keenan, Manager of Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre
Authors: Butler Sally
Published: July 2019

A network of Indigenous art and culture centres across Australia play a significant role in promoting cross-cultural understanding. These centres represent specific Indigenous cultures of the local country, and help sustain local Indigenous languages, traditional knowledge, storytelling and other customs, as well as visual arts. They are the principle point of contact for information about the art, and broker the need to sustain cultural heritage at the same time as supporting new generations of cultural expression. This interview with Dr Valerie Keenan, Manager of Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre in northern Australia, provides rare insight into the strategies, challenges, and aspirations of Indigenous art centres and how the reception of the art impacts on artists themselves. It provides a first-hand account of how Indigenous artists strive to generate a new understanding of their culture and how they participate in a global world.
Association of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cordts Kathrin , Seelig Doreen , Lund Natalie , Carrier Lucie , Böger Rainer H. , Avanesov Maxim , Tahir Enver , Schwedhelm Edzard , Patten Monica
Published: July 2019

Despite genetic heterogeneity, early manifestation of diastolic dysfunction (DD) is common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Nitric oxide (NO) may contribute to myocardial relaxation. NO synthases (NOS) use l-arginine (Arg) as a substrate, as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a direct endogenous inhibitor of NOS. This study aimed to analyze the association of Arg and its derivates, i.e., l-homoarginine (hArg), ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), with DD in HCM patients. In 215 HCM patients (mean age 54 ± 15 years, 58% male) transmitral and mitral annulus velocities were echocardiographically analyzed. Plasma concentrations of Arg derivatives were measured by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. In 143 (70%) patients suffering from DD, ADMA showed the strongest association with DD (0.66 ± 0.16, 0.72 ± 0.24, and 0.76 ± 0.26 µmol/L, p < 0.01 for trend). In linear regression analyses, positive association per standard deviation increase of ADMA was found with E-wave (beta coefficient (95% confidence interval): 4.72 (0.43–9.01); p < 0.05) and mean E/E’ (1.76 (0.73–2.79) p < 0.001). Associations were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and arterial hypertension. Elevated ADMA is associated with the severity of DD in HCM. Higher ADMA level might lead to decreased NO production and thus an impaired myocardial relaxation pattern.
Discovery and Rational Design of a Novel Bowman-Birk Related Protease Inhibitor
Authors: Miao Yuxi , Chen Guanzhu , Xi Xinping , Ma Chengbang , Wang Lei , Burrows James F. , Duan Jinao , Zhou Mei , Chen Tianbao
Published: July 2019

Anuran amphibian skin secretions are a rich source of peptides, many of which represent novel protease inhibitors and can potentially act as a source for protease inhibitor drug discovery. In this study, a novel bioactive Bowman-Birk type inhibitory hexadecapeptide of the Ranacyclin family from the defensive skin secretion of the Fukien gold-striped pond frog, Pelophlax plancyi fukienesis, was successfully isolated and identified, named PPF-BBI. The primary structure of the biosynthetic precursor was deduced from a cDNA sequence cloned from a skin-derived cDNA library, which contains a consensus motif representative of the Bowman-Birk type inhibitor. The peptide was chemically synthesized and displayed a potent inhibitory activity against trypsin (Ki of 0.17 µM), as well as an inhibitory activity against tryptase (Ki of 30.73 µM). A number of analogues of this peptide were produced by rational design. An analogue, which substituted the lysine (K) at the predicted P1 position with phenylalanine (F), exhibited a potent chymotrypsin inhibitory activity (Ki of 0.851 µM). Alternatively, a more potent protease inhibitory activity, as well as antimicrobial activity, was observed when P16 was replaced by lysine, forming K16-PPF-BBI. The addition of the cell-penetrating peptide Tat with a trypsin inhibitory loop resulted in a peptide with a selective inhibitory activity toward trypsin, as well as a strong antifungal activity. This peptide also inhibited the growth of two lung cancer cells, H460 and H157, demonstrating that the targeted modifications of this peptide could effectively and efficiently alter its bioactivity.
System for Collecting, Processing, Visualization, and Storage of the MT-Monitoring Data
Authors: Bataleva Elena , Rybin Anatoly , Matiukov Vitalii
Published: July 2019

On the basis of the Research Station of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Bishkek, a unique scientific infrastructure—a complex geophysical station—is successfully functioning, realizing a monitoring of geodynamic processes, which includes research on the network of points of seismological, geodesic, and electromagnetic observations on the territory of the Bishkek Geodynamic Proving Ground located in the seismically active zone of the Northern Tien Shan. The scientific and practical importance of monitoring the geodynamical activity of the Earth’s crust takes place not only in seismically active regions, but also in the areas of the location of particularly important objects, mining, and hazardous industries. Therefore, it seems highly relevant to create new software and hardware to study geodynamic processes in the earth’s crust of seismically active zones, based on integrated monitoring of the geological environment in the widest possible depth range. The use of modern information technology in such studies provides an effective data management tool. The considering system for collecting, processing, and storing monitoring electromagnetic data of the Bishkek geodynamic proving ground can help overcome the scarcity of experimental data in the field of Earth sciences.
How Much Would You Pay to Change a Game before Playing It?
Authors: Wolpert David , Grana Justin
Published: July 2019

Envelope theorems provide a differential framework for determining how much a rational decision maker (DM) is willing to pay to alter the parameters of a strategic scenario. We generalize this framework to the case of a boundedly rational DM and arbitrary solution concepts. We focus on comparing and contrasting the case where DM’s decision to pay to change the parameters is observed by all other players against the case where DM’s decision is private information. We decompose DM’s willingness to pay a given amount into a sum of three factors: (1) the direct effect a parameter change would have on DM’s payoffs in the future strategic scenario, holding strategies of all players constant; (2) the effect due to DM changing its strategy as they react to a change in the game parameters, with the strategies of the other players in that scenario held constant; and (3) the effect there would be due to other players reacting to a the change in the game parameters (could they observe them), with the strategy of DM held constant. We illustrate these results with the quantal response equilibrium and the matching pennies game and discuss how the willingness to pay captures DM’s anticipation of their future irrationality.
On Fault Prediction for Wind Turbine Pitch System Using Radar Chart and Support Vector Machine Approach
Authors: Xiao Cheng , Liu Zuojun , Zhang Tieling , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2019

In order to reduce operation and maintenance cost and improve fault diagnosis and detection accuracy for wind turbines, a study on advanced methods has been carried out. The purpose of this paper is to present a new method developed using radar chart and support vector machine (SVM) approach for fault diagnosis and prediction of wind turbine pitch system as it usually has a higher failure rate. In the study, the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system data are utilized as source data for SVM prediction. First of all, the characteristics of the indicator variable data collected by the SCADA system are analyzed, and the radar charts corresponding to the normal and faulty operation of the wind turbine pitch system are constructed using the indicator variable data. Secondly, the SVM method is used to extract the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features and histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) features of the radar charts, and the SVM classifier is trained. Then, the operational status is predicted, the classification effect is evaluated by the confusion matrix, and the prediction evaluation index is calculated. Thirdly, the support vector regression method is used to analyze the SCADA indicator variable data, the input and output of the regression model are determined, and the training prediction model is established, and the prediction accuracy of the test model is analyzed using the test sample data. Finally, the forecasting evaluation indexes obtained by the above two methods are compared. It proves that the proposed method using SVM to analyze the system radar charts has a higher prediction accuracy of 91.24% than the support vector regression method. The prediction accuracy is improved by 8.6%. Hence, it is verified that the new method using a radar chart and SVM approach has superiority over the support vector regression method.
firebehavioR: An R Package for Fire Behavior and Danger Analysis
Authors: Ziegler Justin P. , Hoffman Chad M. , Mell William
Published: July 2019

Wildland fire and ecological researchers use empirical and semi-empirical modeling systems to assess fire behavior and danger. This technical note describes the firebehavioR package, a porting of two fire behavior modeling systems, Crown Fire Initiation and Spread and a Rothermel-based framework, to the R programming language. We also highlight supporting data objects and functions to predict inputs required for fire behavior estimation. Last, this package contains functions for fifteen indices to express fire danger using weather and/or fuels observations. Specific advantages of predicting fire behavior using R, a free-and-open-source programming language, include freedom to adapt calculations to suit users’ needs, transparency of source code, and reduction of workflow inefficiencies, thereby aiding in sophisticated fire behavior analyses.
Long Non-coding RNAs as Important Biomarkers in Laryngeal Cancer and Other Head and Neck Tumours
Authors: Cossu Alessia Maria , Mosca Laura , Zappavigna Silvia , Misso Gabriella , Bocchetti Marco , De Micco Federica , Quagliuolo Lucio , Porcelli Marina , Caraglia Michele , Boccellino Mariarosaria
Published: July 2019

Head and neck carcinoma (HNC) is a heterogeneous disease encompassing a variety of tumors according to the origin. Laryngeal cancer (LC) represents one of the most frequent tumors in the head and neck region. Despite clinical studies and advance in treatment, satisfactory curative strategy has not yet been reached. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the identification of specific molecular signatures that better predict the clinical outcomes and markers that serve as suitable therapeutic targets. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are reported as important regulators of gene expression and represent an innovative pharmacological application as molecular biomarkers in cancer. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most relevant epigenetic and histological prognostic biomarkers in HNC, with particular focus on LC. We summarize the emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in HNC and LC development and their possible use in early diagnosis.
Autologous Cellular Method Using Micrografts of Human Adipose Tissue Derived Follicle Stem Cells in Androgenic Alopecia
Authors: Gentile Pietro
Published: July 2019

Hair bio-engineering has risen at the crossing point of various manipulations to meet a clinical requirement for innovations to advance hair growth. The authors reported the microscopic and trichoscopic results of an autologous cell biological technique to compare, through histological, immunocytochemistry, and cytospin analysis, hair re-growth obtained by micro-grafts from scalp tissue containing Human Intra- and Extra-Dermal Adipose Tissue-Derived Hair Follicle Stem Cells (HD-AFSCs) versus placebo (saline solution). An autologous solution of micro-grafts was obtained from mechanical fragmentation and centrifugation of scalp biopsy’s (2 × 2 mm) using “Gentile protocol”. The micro-grafts solution was mechanically infiltrated on half of the selected patients’ scalps with Androgenic Alopecia (Norwood–Hamilton 2–5 and Ludwig 1–2). The other half was infiltrated with saline solution. Three injections were performed to each patient at 45-day intervals. Of the 35 patients who were enrolled, 1 was excluded and 1 was rejected. 23 and 44 weeks after the last micro graft’s injections, the patients displayed a hair density improvement, with a mean increment of 33% ± 7.5% and 27% ± 3.5% respectively, contrasted with baseline values, for the treated region. Microscopic assessment appeared, in scalp biopsies, to show an expansion in the number of hair follicles per mm2 following 11 months from the last micro-grafts application compared with baseline (1.4 + 0.27 versus 0.46 + 0.15, respectively; p < 0.05). HD-AFSCs contained in micro-grafts may represent a safe and effective alternative therapy option against hair loss.
Histone Deacetylase HDT1 is Involved in Stem Vascular Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Yongzhuo , Yin Bin , Zhang Jiaxue , Cheng Ziyi , Liu Yadi , Wang Bing , Guo Xiaorui , Liu Xiatong , Liu Di , Li Hui , Lu Hai
Published: July 2019

Histone acetylation and deacetylation play essential roles in eukaryotic gene regulation. HD2 (HD-tuins) proteins were previously identified as plant-specific histone deacetylases. In this study, we investigated the function of the HDT1 gene in the formation of stem vascular tissue in Arabidopsis thaliana. The height and thickness of the inflorescence stems in the hdt1 mutant was lower than that of wild-type plants. Paraffin sections showed that the cell number increased compared to the wild type, while transmission electron microscopy showed that the size of individual tracheary elements and fiber cells significantly decreased in the hdt1 mutant. In addition, the cell wall thickness of tracheary elements and fiber cells increased. We also found that the lignin content in the stem of the hdt1 mutants increased compared to that of the wild type. Transcriptomic data revealed that the expression levels of many biosynthetic genes related to secondary wall components, including cellulose, lignin biosynthesis, and hormone-related genes, were altered, which may lead to the altered phenotype in vascular tissue of the hdt1 mutant. These results suggested that HDT1 is involved in development of the vascular tissue of the stem by affecting cell proliferation and differentiation.
Phenotypic Characterization of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells and Derived Stromal Cell Populations from Human Iliac Crest, Vertebral Body and Femoral Head
Authors: Herrmann Marietta , Hildebrand Maria , Menzel Ursula , Fahy Niamh , Alini Mauro , Lang Siegmund , Benneker Lorin , Verrier Sophie , Stoddart Martin J. , Bara Jennifer J.
Published: July 2019

(1) In vitro, bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs) demonstrate inter-donor phenotypic variability, which presents challenges for the development of regenerative therapies. Here, we investigated whether the frequency of putative BMSC sub-populations within the freshly isolated mononuclear cell fraction of bone marrow is phenotypically predictive for the in vitro derived stromal cell culture. (2) Vertebral body, iliac crest, and femoral head bone marrow were acquired from 33 patients (10 female and 23 male, age range 14–91). BMSC sub-populations were identified within freshly isolated mononuclear cell fractions based on cell-surface marker profiles. Stromal cells were expanded in monolayer on tissue culture plastic. Phenotypic assessment of in vitro derived cell cultures was performed by examining growth kinetics, chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. (3) Gender, donor age, and anatomical site were neither predictive for the total yield nor the population doubling time of in vitro derived BMSC cultures. The abundance of freshly isolated progenitor sub-populations (CD45−CD34−CD73+, CD45−CD34−CD146+, NG2+CD146+) was not phenotypically predictive of derived stromal cell cultures in terms of growth kinetics nor plasticity. BMSCs derived from iliac crest and vertebral body bone marrow were more responsive to chondrogenic induction, forming superior cartilaginous tissue in vitro, compared to those isolated from femoral head. (4) The identification of discrete progenitor populations in bone marrow by current cell-surface marker profiling is not predictive for subsequently derived in vitro BMSC cultures. Overall, the iliac crest and the vertebral body offer a more reliable tissue source of stromal progenitor cells for cartilage repair strategies compared to femoral head.
psbE-psbL and ndhA Intron, the Promising Plastid DNA Barcode of Fagopyrum
Authors: Huang Yue , Li Zhiqiang , Wang Chenglong , Zou Chenyan , Wen Wen , Shao Jirong , Zhu Xuemei
Published: July 2019

Buckwheat is an important functional food material with high nutritional value. However, it is still a difficult task for the taxonomy studies of wild buckwheat that are only based on morphology. In order to demonstrate the most efficient DNA barcode in the phylogenetic research of buckwheat, promote the investigation of wild buckwheat, and also reveal the phylogenetic relationship between Fagopyrum species, psbE-psbL and ndhA intron were validated here, which previously have been proved to be promising DNA barcode candidates for phylogenetic studies in genera Fagopyrum. Meanwhile, ndhA intron + psbE-psbL and matK + psbE-psbL could distinguish the relationship between species clearly. Combining the results of morphology and molecular markers, we suggested the buckwheat species should be divided into two subgroups, one subgroup consisted of F. tataricum, F. esculentum, F. cymosum and its related wild species, and the other subgroup included other wild buckwheat species. Our results could fulfill molecular markers of taxonomy research in genera Fagopyrum, promote wild buckwheat species identification, and assist in the use of wild buckwheat resources in the future. Additionally, the phylogenetic relationship revealed here could provide valuable information for molecular breeding of buckwheat and provide reference for inter-species hybridization.
Human Skeletal Muscle Cells Derived from the Orbicularis Oculi Have Regenerative Capacity for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Yamanaka Yukito , Takenaka Nana , Sakurai Hidetoshi , Ueno Morio , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie , Sato Takahiko
Published: July 2019

Skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) have been proposed as suitable candidates for cell therapy in muscular disorders since they exhibit good capacity for myogenic regeneration. However, for better therapeutic outcomes, it is necessary to isolate human MuSCs from a suitable tissue source with high myogenic differentiation. In this context, we isolated CD56+CD82+ cells from the extra eyelid tissue of young and aged patients, and tested in vitro myogenic differentiation potential. In the current study, myogenic cells derived from extra eyelid tissue were characterized and compared with immortalized human myogenic cells. We found that myogenic cells derived from extra eyelid tissue proliferated and differentiated myofibers in vitro, and restored DYSTROPHIN or PAX7 expression after transplantation with these cells in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Thus, human myogenic cells derived from extra eyelid tissue including the orbicularis oculi might be good candidates for stem cell-based therapies for treating muscular diseases.
Diagnostic Performance of Dengue Virus Envelope Domain III in Acute Dengue Infection
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Minh , Duong Bao Tuan , Azam Mudsser , Phuong Truong Thai , Park Hyun , Thuy Phung Thi Bich , Yeo Seon-Ju
Published: July 2019

Dengue, one of the most prevalent illnesses caused by dengue viruses that are members of the genus Flavivirus, is a significant global health problem. However, similar clinical symptoms and high antigenic homologies with other Flaviviruses in the endemic area pose difficulties for differential diagnosis of dengue from other arbovirus infections. Here, we investigated four types of recombinant envelope protein domain III (DV-rED III) derived from four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes for diagnostic potential in detecting IgM in acute phase (mainly 2–3 days after onset of fever). Each independent DV-1, -3, and -4-rED III-ELISA showed less than 60% sensitivity, but the combined results of DV-1, -3, and -4-rED III-ELISA led to sensitivity of 81.82% (18/22) (95% CI, 59.72 to 94.81) and 100% specificity (46/46) (95% CI, 92.29 to 100.00) as each antigen compensated the other antigen-derived negative result. In conclusion, the independent combination of data derived from each recombinant antigen (DV1-, DV3-, and DV4-rED III) showed comparable efficacy for the detection of IgM in patients with acute-phase dengue infection.
Special Issue “MoDAT: Designing the Market of Data”
Authors: Ohsawa Yukio
Published: July 2019

The fifth International Workshop on the Market of Data (MoDAT2017) was held on November 18th, 2017 in New Orleans, USA in conjunction with IEEE ICDM 2017 [...]
Validation of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Measurements in Adolescents
Authors: Migliano Pedro , Kabiri Laura S. , Cross Megan , Butcher Allison , Frugé Amy , Brewer Wayne , Ortiz Alexis
Published: July 2019

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important indicator of adolescent cardiovascular well-being and future cardiometabolic health but not always feasible to measure. The purpose of this study was to estimate the concurrent validity of the non-exercise test (NET) for adolescents against the Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (PACER®) and direct measures of VO2max as well as to examine the concurrent validity of the PACER® with a portable metabolic system (K4b2™). Forty-six adolescents (12–17 years) completed the NET prior to performing the PACER® while wearing the K4b2™. The obtained VO2max values were compared using linear regression, intra-class correlation (ICC), and Bland–Altman plots, and α was set at 0.05. The VO2max acquired directly from the K4b2™ was significantly correlated to the VO2max indirectly estimated from the NET (r = 0.73, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.53, ICC = 0.67). PACER® results were significantly related to the VO2max estimates from the NET (r = 0.81, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.65, ICC = 0.72). Direct measures from the K4b2™ were significantly correlated to the VO2max estimates from the PACER® (r = 0.87, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.75, ICC = 0.93). The NET is a valid measure of CRF in adolescents and can be used when an exercise test is not feasible.
Numerical and Experimental Modelling of a Wave Energy Converter Pitching in Close Proximity to a Fixed Structure
Authors: Heras Pilar , Thomas Sarah , Kramer Morten , Kofoed Jens Peter
Published: July 2019

Free-floating bodies are commonly modelled using Cummins’ equation based on linear potential flow theory and including non-linear forces when necessary. In this paper, this methodology is applied to a body pitching around a fixed hinge (not free-floating) located close to a second bottom-fixed body. Due to the configuration of the setup, strong hydrodynamic interactions occur between the two bodies. An investigation is made into which non-linear forces need to be included in the model in order to accurately represent reality without losing computational efficiency. The non-linear forces investigated include hydrostatic restoring stiffness and different formulations of excitation forces and quadratic drag forces. Based on a numerical comparison, it is concluded that the different non-linear forces, except for the quadratic drag force, have a minor influence on the calculated motion of the pitching body. Two formulations of the quadratic drag force are shown to result in similar motions, hence the most efficient one is preferred. Comparisons to wave basin experiments show that this model is, to a large extent, representative of reality. At the wave periods where the hydrodynamic interactions between the bodies are largest, however, the amplitudes of motion measured in the wave basin are lower than those calculated numerically.
Novel Structures and Magnetic Properties of Two [Mn2] Complexes with 2,4-di-2-pyridyl-2,4-pentanediol as the Ligand
Authors: Yang En-Che , Chang Yu-Ying , Huang Shi-Yi , Hong Ling-Xuan , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Sheu Hwo-Shuenn , Chang Chung-Kai
Published: July 2019

Two ligands, 2,4-di-2-pyridyl-2,4-pentanediol (rD and mD), were employed to synthesize two Mn2 complexes, [Mn2(rD)2Br2] (1) and [Mn2(mD)2(H2O)2]Br2 (2). Compound 1 crystallized in a tetragonal space group, P41212, with a novel hamburger shaped structure. A detailed study indicated that compound 1 did not contain a metal–metal bond, but antiferromagnetic coupling was observed between the Mn(III) ions. Compound 2 crystallized in a monoclinic space group, C2/c, with one Mn(II) and the other with Mn(IV). The two manganese ions were bridged by two alkoxide ligands, resulting in ferromagnetic coupling. Magnetic property studies confirm the above assignments.
On Conformal and Concircular Diffeomorphisms of Eisenhart’s Generalized Riemannian Spaces
Authors: Petrović Miloš Z. , Stanković Mića S. , Peška Patrik
Published: July 2019

We consider conformal and concircular mappings of Eisenhart’s generalized Riemannian spaces. We prove conformal and concircular invariance of some tensors in Eisenhart’s generalized Riemannian spaces. We give new generalizations of symmetric spaces via Eisenhart’s generalized Riemannian spaces. Finally, we describe some properties of covariant derivatives of tensors analogous to Yano’s tensor of concircular curvature in Eisenhart symmetric spaces of various kinds.
Anti-Diabetic Effects and Mechanisms of Dietary Polysaccharides
Authors: Ganesan Kumar , Xu Baojun
Published: July 2019

Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial, heterogeneous metabolic disorder, causing various health complications and economic issues, which apparently impacts the human’s life. Currently, commercial diabetic drugs are clinically managed for diabetic treatment that has definite side effects. Dietary polysaccharides mainly derive from natural sources, including medicinal plants, grains, fruits, vegetables, edible mushroom, and medicinal foods, and possess anti-diabetic potential. Hence, this review summarizes the effects of dietary polysaccharides on diabetes and underlying molecular mechanisms related to inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and diabetes in various animal models. The analysis of literature and appropriate data on anti-diabetic polysaccharide from electronic databases was conducted. In vivo and in vitro trials have revealed that treatment of these polysaccharides has hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, which enhance pancreatic β-cell mass and alleviates β-cell dysfunction. It enhances insulin signaling pathways through insulin receptors and activates the PI3K/Akt pathway, and eventually modulates ERK/JNK/MAPK pathway. In conclusion, dietary polysaccharides can effectively ameliorate hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, low-grade inflammation, and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and, thus, consumption of polysaccharides can be a valuable choice for diabetic control.
Data Fusion of Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared (MIR) and Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopies to Identify Geographical Origin of Wild Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis
Authors: Pei Yi-Fei , Zuo Zhi-Tian , Zhang Qing-Zhi , Wang Yuan-Zhong
Published: July 2019

Origin traceability is important for controlling the effect of Chinese medicinal materials and Chinese patent medicines. Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is widely distributed and well-known all over the world. In our study, two spectroscopic techniques (Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) and near-infrared (NIR)) were applied for the geographical origin traceability of 196 wild P. yunnanensis samples combined with low-, mid-, and high-level data fusion strategies. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and random forest (RF) were used to establish classification models. Feature variables extraction (principal component analysis—PCA) and important variables selection models (recursive feature elimination and Boruta) were applied for geographical origin traceability, while the classification ability of models with the former model is better than with the latter. FT-MIR spectra are considered to contribute more than NIR spectra. Besides, the result of high-level data fusion based on principal components (PCs) feature variables extraction is satisfactory with an accuracy of 100%. Hence, data fusion of FT-MIR and NIR signals can effectively identify the geographical origin of wild P. yunnanensis.
Study on the Material Basis of Houpo Wenzhong Decoction by HPLC Fingerprint, UHPLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS, and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Luo Juyuan , Chen Gongsen , Liu Donghan , Wang Yan , Qi Qi , Hu Haiyan , Li Pengyue , Bai Jie , Du Shouying , Lu Yang , Wang Yuming , Liu Cun
Published: July 2019

Houpo Wenzhong Decoction (HWD) as a classical prescription has been widely used for hundreds of years. However, the quality of HWDs is difficult to control because of its herb materials from different regions. It is a new idea to use HPLC fingerprints, LTQ-ESI-Orbitrap-MS, and network pharmacology in combination to screen common components (CCs) as potential quality control indicators. In this paper, the fingerprints of HWDs were established, which were used to determine HWDs compounded from different sources of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Through the similarity analysis, 45 CCs were selected. UHPLC-LTQ-ESI-Orbitrap-MS was used to carry out the chemical composition analysis of HWD. Seventy-three chemical constituents were distinguished, and 30 CCs were identified. Through network pharmacology, networks of candidate CCs, diseases, and candidate targets were constructed. Finally, four CCs were screened as potential active ingredient markers of HWD, and a method for content determination of these four components was established. A rapid, reasonable, and effective method for quality evaluation and control of HWDs was established. It provides a reference for the further development and research of HWDs and a new way of thinking for the research of other Chinese medicine prescriptions.
No Effect of Tart Cherry Juice or Pomegranate Juice on Recovery from Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Non-Resistance Trained Men
Authors: Lamb Kirstie L. , Ranchordas Mayur K. , Johnson Elizabeth , Denning Jessica , Downing Faye , Lynn Anthony
Published: July 2019

Tart cherry juice (TC) and pomegranate juice (POM) have been demonstrated to reduce symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), but their effectiveness has not been compared. This randomized, double-blind, parallel study compared the effects of TC and POM on markers of EIMD. Thirty-six non-resistance trained men (age 24.0 (Interquartile Range (IQR) 22.0, 33.0) years, body mass index (BMI) 25.6 ± 4.0 kg·m−2) were randomly allocated to consume 2 × 250 mL of: TC, POM, or an energy-matched fruit-flavored placebo drink twice daily for nine days. On day 5, participants undertook eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors of their non-dominant arm. Pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h post-exercise, maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), creatine kinase (CK), and range of motion (ROM) were measured. The exercise protocol induced significant decreases in MIVC (p < 0.001; max decrease of 26.8%, 24 h post-exercise) and ROM (p = 0.001; max decrease of 6.8%, 72 h post-exercise) and significant increases in CK (p = 0.03; max increase 1385 U·L−1, 96 h post-exercise) and DOMS (p < 0.001; max increase of 26.9 mm, 48 h post-exercise). However, there were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups (main effect of group p > 0.05 or group x time interaction p > 0.05). These data suggest that in non-resistance trained men, neither TC nor POM enhance recovery from high-force eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors.
Feasibility of a Coordinated Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program between a Medical Clinic and a Community Pharmacy
Authors: Doucette William R. , Kent Kelly , Seegmiller Laura , McDonough Randal P. , Evans William
Published: July 2019

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage could be enhanced by community pharmacies working with medical clinics to coordinate completion of the HPV vaccination series. The objective for this study was to assess the feasibility of a coordinated model of HPV vaccine delivery in which a clinic gives the first dose and refers patients to a partnering community pharmacy to receive subsequent doses. A medical clinic-community pharmacy team was established in a Midwestern state to develop and operate a coordinated care model for HPV vaccinations. Under the coordinated model, the clinic identified patients needing HPV vaccination(s), administered the first dose and described the option to complete the vaccination series at the pharmacy. Interested patients then had an information sheet faxed and electronic prescriptions sent to the pharmacy. The pharmacy contacted the patients to schedule administration of 2nd and 3rd doses of the HPV vaccine. Over a 12-month period, 51 patients were referred to the pharmacy by the clinic. Of these, 23 patients received a total of 25 vaccinations. Clinic and pharmacy personnel mostly rated the coordinated program favorably. An initial study of a coordinated HPV vaccination program between a medical clinic and a community pharmacy supported patients getting HPV vaccinations.
A Robust Method for Adjustment of Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging during Transcranial Mouse Brain Visualization
Authors: Kalchenko Vyacheslav , Sdobnov Anton , Meglinski Igor , Kuznetsov Yuri , Molodij Guillaume , Harmelin Alon
Published: July 2019

Laser speckle imaging (LSI) is a well-known and useful approach for the non-invasive visualization of flows and microcirculation localized in turbid scattering media, including biological tissues (such as brain vasculature, skin capillaries etc.). Despite an extensive use of LSI for brain imaging, the LSI technique has several critical limitations. One of them is associated with inability to resolve a functionality of vessels. This limitation also leads to the systematic error in the quantitative interpretation of values of speckle contrast obtained for different vessel types, such as sagittal sinus, arteries, and veins. Here, utilizing a combined use of LSI and fluorescent intravital microscopy (FIM), we present a simple and robust method to overcome the limitations mentioned above for the LSI approach. The proposed technique provides more relevant, abundant, and valuable information regarding perfusion rate ration between different types of vessels that makes this method highly useful for in vivo brain surgical operations.
Preparation and Performance Analysis of Graphite Additive/Paraffin Composite Phase Change Materials
Authors: Li Wei , Dong Yan , Zhang Xu , Liu Xueling
Published: July 2019

In the thermal energy storage system, the thermal properties of phase change materials (PCM) have a great influence on the system performance. In this paper, paraffin-based composite phase change material with different graphite additive (expanded graphite, EG; graphene, GR; and graphene oxide, GO) and different concentrations (0.5 to 2.0%) are manufactured by a two-step method combining mechanical agitation and ultrasonic vibration. The characteristics of charge/discharge processes are studied, and the thermophysical properties are measured by T-history method. The experimental results show that the thermal conductivity and heat charge rate of the composite PCM are effectively improved by adding the graphite additive to the PCM, and the addition of additives can improve the melting point of the material. When the same graphite additive is added, the higher the concentration, the higher the thermal conductivity of the composite PCM, and the latent heat decreases with the increase of concentration. When adding the same amount of carbon additives, the graphene/paraffin composite PCM has the highest heat charge/discharge rate and thermal conductivity. It is finally concluded that graphene is the most promising candidate for heat transfer enhancement of paraffin among three carbon additives even though the EG-based composite PCM gives relatively high latent heat.