bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity leads to distinct metabolomic signatures in follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Ruebel Meghan L. , Piccolo Brian D. , Mercer Kelly E. , Pack Lindsay , Moutos Dean , Shankar Kartik , Andres Aline
Published: January 2019

Although obesity negatively influences the metabolic homeostasis of cells within a broad range of tissues, its impact on oocyte metabolism is not fully understood. Prior evidence suggests that obesity increases expression of oocyte genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism; however, the metabolic impact of these genetic differences is not known. To address this gap, we conducted an exploratory assessment of the follicular fluid (FF) metabolome in eight overweight/obese (OW) and nine normal-weight (NW) women undergoing in vitro fertilization. FF and serum were collected and analyzed by untargeted metabolomics using gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and charged-surface hybrid column-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Untargeted metabolomics identified obesity-associated changes in FF metabolites related to oxidative stress/antioxidant capacity, xenometabolism/amino acid biosynthesis, and lipid metabolism. Discriminant FF metabolites included elevated uric acid, isothreonic acid, one unknown primary metabolite, and six unknown complex lipids in OW compared with NW women. Conversely, 2-ketoglucose dimethylacetal, aminomalonate, two unknown primary metabolites, and two unknown complex lipids were decreased in FF of OW relative to NW women. Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a bacteria-derived metabolite, was also decreased in both FF and serum of OW women ( P < 0.05). The significant correlation between antioxidant IPA in serum and FF ( R = 0.95, P < 0.0001) suggests a potential serum biomarker of FF antioxidant status or reflection of the gut metabolism interaction with the follicle. These results suggest that obesity has important consequences for the follicular environment during the preconception period, a window of time that may be important for lifestyle interventions to ameliorate obesity-associated risk factors.
Effects of heavy-intensity priming exercise on pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics and muscle oxygenation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Boyes Natasha G. , Eckstein Janine , Pylypchuk Stephen , Marciniuk Darcy D. , Butcher Scotty J. , Lahti Dana S. , Dewa Dalisizwe M. K. , Haykowsky Mark J. , Wells Calvin R. , Tomczak Corey R.
Published: January 2019

Exercise intolerance is a hallmark feature in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Prior heavy exercise (“priming exercise”) speeds pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o2p) kinetics in older adults through increased muscle oxygen delivery and/or alterations in mitochondrial metabolic activity. We tested the hypothesis that priming exercise would speed V̇o2pon-kinetics in patients with HFpEF because of acute improvements in muscle oxygen delivery. Seven patients with HFpEF performed three bouts of two exercise transitions: MOD1, rest to 4-min moderate-intensity cycling and MOD2, MOD1 preceded by heavy-intensity cycling. V̇o2p, heart rate (HR), total peripheral resistance (TPR), and vastus lateralis tissue oxygenation index (TOI; near-infrared spectroscopy) were measured, interpolated, time-aligned, and averaged. V̇o2pand HR were monoexponentially curve-fitted. TPR and TOI levels were analyzed as repeated measures between pretransition baseline, minimum value, and steady state. Significance was P < 0.05. Time constant (τ; tau) V̇o2p(MOD1 49 ± 16 s) was significantly faster after priming (41 ± 14 s; P = 0.002), and the effective HR τ was slower following priming (41 ± 27 vs. 51 ± 32 s; P = 0.025). TPR in both conditions decreased from baseline to minimum TPR ( P < 0.001), increased from minimum to steady state ( P = 0.041) but remained below baseline throughout ( P = 0.001). Priming increased baseline ( P = 0.003) and minimum TOI ( P = 0.002) and decreased the TOI muscle deoxygenation overshoot ( P = 0.041). Priming may speed the slow V̇o2pon-kinetics in HFpEF and increase muscle oxygen delivery (TOI) at the onset of and throughout exercise. Microvascular muscle oxygen delivery may limit exercise tolerance in HFpEF.
Intestinal electrogenic sodium-dependent glucose absorption in tilapia and trout reveal species differences inSLC5A-associated kinetic segmental segregation
Authors: Subramaniam Marina , Weber Lynn P. , Loewen Matthew E.
Published: January 2019

Electrogenic sodium-dependent glucose transport along the length of the intestine was compared between the omnivorous Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) and the carnivorous rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Ussing chambers. In tilapia, a high-affinity, high-capacity kinetic system accounted for the transport throughout the proximal intestine, midintestine, and hindgut segments. Similar dapagliflozin and phloridzin dihydrate inhibition across all segments support this homogenous high-affinity, high-capacity system throughout the tilapia intestine. Genomic and gene expression analysis supported findings by identifying 10 of the known 12 SLC5A family members, with homogeneous expression throughout the segments with dominant expression of sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1; SLC5A1) and sodium-myoinositol cotransporter 2 (SMIT2; SLC5A11). In contrast, trout’s electrogenic sodium-dependent glucose absorption was 20–35 times lower and segregated into three significantly different kinetic systems found in different anatomical segments: a high-affinity, low-capacity system in the pyloric ceca; a super-high-affinity, low-capacity system in the midgut; and a low-affinity, low-capacity system in the hindgut. Genomic and gene expression analysis found 5 of the known 12 SLC5A family members with dominant expression of SGLT1 ( SLC5A1), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2; SLC5A2), and SMIT2 ( SLC5A11) in the pyloric ceca, and only SGLT1 ( SLC5A1) in the midgut, accounting for differences in kinetics between the two. The hindgut presented a low-affinity, low-capacity system partially attributed to a decrease in SGLT1 ( SLC5A1). Overall, the omnivorous tilapia had a higher electrogenic glucose absorption than the carnivorous trout, represented with different kinetic systems and a greater expression and number of SLC5A orthologs. Fish differ from mammals, having hindgut electrogenic glucose absorption and segment specific transport kinetics.
Role of internal convection in respiratory gas transfer and aerobic metabolism in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Hughes Malcolm C. , Zimmer Alex M. , Perry Steve F.
Published: January 2019

Purely diffusive O2transport typically is insufficient to sustain aerobic metabolism in most multicellular organisms. In animals that are small enough, however, a high surface-to-volume ratio may allow passive diffusion alone to supply sufficient O2transfer. The purpose of this study was to explore the impacts of internal convection on respiratory gas transfer in a small complex organism, the larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that internal convection is required for the normal transfer of the respiratory gases O2and CO2and maintenance of resting aerobic metabolic rate in larvae at 4 days postfertilization (dpf). Morpholino knockdown of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) proteins allowed an examination of gas transfer in two independent models lacking internal convection. With the use of a scanning micro-optrode technique to measure regional epithelial O2fluxes ( Jo2), it was demonstrated that larvae lacking convection exhibited reduced Jo2in regions spanning the head to the trunk. Moreover, the acute loss of internal convection caused by heart stoppage resulted in reduced rates of cutaneous Jo2, an effect that was reversed upon the restoration of internal convection. With the use of whole body respirometry, it was shown that loss of internal convection was associated with reduced resting rates of O2consumption and CO2excretion in larvae at 4 dpf. The results of these experiments clearly demonstrate that internal convection is required to maintain resting rates of respiratory gas transfer in larval zebrafish.
Heterozygous Pkhd1C642* mice develop cystic liver disease and proximal tubule ectasia that mimics radiographic signs of medullary sponge kidney
Authors: Shan Dan , Rezonzew Gabriel , Mullen Sean , Roye Ronald , Zhou Juling , Chumley Phillip , Revell Dustin Z. , Challa Anil , Kim Harrison , Lockhart Mark E. , Schoeb Trenton R. , Croyle Mandy J. , Kesterson Robert A. , Yoder Bradley K. , Guay-Woodford Lisa M. , Mrug Michal
Published: January 2019

Heterozygosity for human polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1 ( PKHD1) mutations was recently associated with cystic liver disease and radiographic findings resembling medullary sponge kidney (MSK). However, the relevance of these associations has been tempered by a lack of cystic liver or renal disease in heterozygous mice carrying Pkhd1 gene trap or exon deletions. To determine whether heterozygosity for a smaller Pkhd1 defect can trigger cystic renal disease in mice, we generated and characterized mice with the predicted truncating Pkhd1C642* mutation in a region corresponding to the middle of exon 20 cluster of five truncating human mutations (between PKHD1G617fs and PKHD1G644*). Mouse heterozygotes or homozygotes for the Pkhd1C642* mutation did not have noticeable liver or renal abnormalities on magnetic resonance images during their first weeks of life. However, when aged to ~1.5 yr, the Pkhd1C642* heterozygotes developed prominent cystic liver changes; tissue analyses revealed biliary cysts and increased number of bile ducts without signs of congenital hepatic fibrosis-like portal field inflammation and fibrosis that was seen in Pkhd1C642* homozygotes. Interestingly, aged female Pkhd1C642* heterozygotes, as well as homozygotes, developed radiographic changes resembling MSK. However, these changes correspond to proximal tubule ectasia, not an MSK-associated collecting duct ectasia. In summary, by demonstrating that cystic liver and kidney abnormalities are triggered by heterozygosity for the Pkhd1C642* mutation, we provide important validation for relevant human association studies. Together, these investigations indicate that PKHD1 mutation heterozygosity (predicted frequency 1 in 70 individuals) is an important underlying cause of cystic liver disorders and MSK-like manifestations in a human population.
TRPV1 channels contribute to spontaneous glutamate release in nucleus tractus solitarii following chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Kline David D. , Wang Sheng , Kunze Diana L.
Published: January 2019

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) reduces afferent-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) but enhances basal spontaneous (s) and asynchronous (a) EPSCs in second-order neurons of nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS), a major area for cardiorespiratory control. The net result is an increase in synaptic transmission. The mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown. The N-type calcium channel and transient receptor potential cation channel TRPV1 play prominent roles in nTS sEPSCs and aEPSCs. The functional role of these channels in CIH-mediated afferent-evoked EPSC, sEPSC, and aEPSC was tested in rat nTS slices following antagonist inhibition and in mouse nTS slices that lack TRPV1. Block of N-type channels decreased aEPSCs in normoxic and, to a lesser extent, CIH-exposed rats. sEPSCs examined in the presence of TTX (miniature EPSCs) were also decreased by N-type block in normoxic but not CIH-exposed rats. Antagonist inhibition of TRPV1 reduced the normoxic and the CIH-mediated increase in sEPSCs, aEPSCs, and mEPSCs. As in rats, in TRPV1+/+ control mice, aEPSCs, sEPSCs, and mEPSCs were enhanced following CIH. However, none were enhanced in TRPV1−/− null mice. Normoxic tractus solitarii (TS)-evoked EPSC amplitude, and the decrease after CIH, were comparable in control and null mice. In rats, TRPV1 was localized in the nodose-petrosal ganglia (NPG) and their central branches. CIH did not alter TRPV1 mRNA but increased its protein in NPG consistent with an increased contribution of TRPV1. Together, our studies indicate TRPV1 contributes to the CIH increase in aEPSCs and mEPSCs, but the CIH reduction in TS-EPSC amplitude occurs via an alternative mechanism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides information on the underlying mechanisms responsible for the chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) increase in synaptic transmission that leads to exaggerated sympathetic nervous and respiratory activity at baseline and in response to low oxygen. We demonstrate that the CIH increase in asynchronous and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and miniature EPSCs, but not decrease in afferent-driven EPSCs, is dependent on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1). Thus TRPV1 is important in controlling nucleus tractus solitarii synaptic activity during CIH.
Application of Multiple Unsupervised Models to Validate Clusters Robustness in Characterizing Smallholder Dairy Farmers
Authors: Nyambo Devotha G. , Luhanga Edith T. , Yonah Zaipuna O. , Mujibi Fidalis D. N.
Published: January 2019

The heterogeneity of smallholder dairy production systems complicates service provision, information sharing, and dissemination of new technologies, especially those needed to maximize productivity and profitability. In order to obtain homogenous groups within which interventions can be made, it is necessary to define clusters of farmers who undertake similar management activities. This paper explores robustness of production cluster definition using various unsupervised learning algorithms to assess the best approach to define clusters. Data were collected from 8179 smallholder dairy farms in Ethiopia and Tanzania. From a total of 500 variables, selection of the 35 variables used in defining production clusters and household membership to these clusters was determined by Principal Component Analysis and domain expert knowledge. Three clustering algorithms, K-means, fuzzy, and Self-Organizing Maps (SOM), were compared in terms of their grouping consistency and prediction accuracy. The model with the least household reallocation between clusters for training and testing data was deemed the most robust. Prediction accuracy was obtained by fitting a model with fixed effects model including production clusters on milk yield, sales, and choice of breeding method. Results indicated that, for the Ethiopian dataset, clusters derived from the fuzzy algorithm had the highest predictive power (77% for milk yield and 48% for milk sales), while for the Tanzania data, clusters derived from Self-Organizing Maps were the best performing. The average cluster membership reallocation was 15%, 12%, and 34% for K-means, SOM, and fuzzy, respectively, for households in Ethiopia. Based on the divergent performance of the various algorithms evaluated, it is evident that, despite similar information being available for the study populations, the uniqueness of the data from each country provided an over-riding influence on cluster robustness and prediction accuracy. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the difficulty of generalizing model application and use across countries and production systems, despite seemingly similar information being collected.
The Topographical Effect of Optical Zone Diameter in Orthokeratology Contact Lenses in High Myopes
Authors: Carracedo G. , Espinosa-Vidal T. M. , Martínez-Alberquilla I. , Batres L.
Published: January 2019

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of the optical zone diameter (OZ) in orthokeratology contact lenses regarding the topographical profile in patients with high myopia (−4.00 D to −7.00 D) and to study its effect over the visual quality. Materials and Methods. Twelve patients (18 eyes) were fitted with overnight orthokeratology (OrthoK) with a randomized 6 mm or 5 mm OZ lens worn for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period, between both designs. Keratometry (K) readings, optical zone treatment diameter (OZT), peripheral ring width (PRW), higher-order aberrations (HOA), high (HC) and low contrast (LC) visual acuity, and subjective vision and comfort were measured at baseline and after 2 weeks of OrthoK lens wear of each contact lens. Results. No significant differences were found between any measurements for the same subject at both baselines (p value > 0.05). There was no difference between OZ lens designs found in refraction, subjective vision or comfort, and HC and LC visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity was decreased in the 5 mm OZ lens design compared with 6 mm OZ design (p-value < 0.05). 5 mm OZ design provoked a greater flattening, more powerful midperipheral ring and 4th-order corneal and total spherical aberration than the 6 mm OZ design, being statistically significant after 7 days, for corneal aberration, and 15 days, for corneal and total, of wearing the lens (p-value < 0.05). The OZT obtained were 2.8 ± 0.2 mm and 3.1 ± 0.1 mm for 5 mm and 6 mm OZ design, respectively (p-value < 0.05). Regarding PRW, the 5 mm OZ design had a wider ring width in both the nasal and temporal zones (p-value < 0.05). Conclusions. A smaller diameter optical zone (5 mm) in orthokeratology lenses produces a smaller treatment area and a larger and more powerful midperipheral ring, increasing the 4th-order spherical aberration that affects only the contrast sensitivity but without differences in visual acuity and subjective vision compared with a larger OZ diameter (6 mm).
Gait Assessment of Younger and Older Adults with Portable Motion-Sensing Methods: A User Study
Authors: Zhong Runting , Rau Pei-Luen Patrick , Yan Xinghui
Published: January 2019

Wearable motion sensors with built-in accelerometers have been deployed for gait assessment. This study aims at exploring gait patterns between younger and older adults using a motion-sensing system and exploring sensor technology acceptance among participants. The motion-sensing system was formed by a smart bracelet, an Android application, and a website based on Microsoft Azure. The study employed quasi-experimental, nonexperimental, and qualitative design. A total of 28 younger and 28 older adults were recruited. The gait assessment result indicated that the root mean square (RMS) acceleration increased significantly as the walking pace increased based on the right ankle sensor. Older participants usually presented a lower magnitude of acceleration patterns in the anteroposterior and mediolateral direction compared with the younger participants, while the stride regularity and variability were not significantly different between younger and older participants. User evaluation indicated that the user experience of the motion-sensing system could be further enhanced by providing feedback on the smart bracelet display, generating an analysis report on the gait visualization website, and involving family members in data sharing for older adults. Study findings demonstrated that it is feasible to use portable motion-sensing methods to measure gait characteristics among Chinese adults. Suggestions proposed through user evaluation could be of value to improve the user experience of the motion-sensing system.
One‐Step FE Model Updating Using Local Correspondence and Mode Shape Orthogonality
Authors: Jull Martin Ø. Ø. , Amador Sandro D. R. , Skafte Anders , Hansen Jannick B. , Aenlle Manuel L. , Brincker Rune
Published: January 2019

In this paper, it is described how the matrix mixing model updating technique can be combined with the local correspondence (LC) mode shape expansion algorithm, to give a new finite element (FE) model updating method. The matrix mixing method uses that the inverse mass and stiffness matrices can be expressed as a linear combination of outer products of FE mode shape vectors, where the low‐frequency part of these sums are substituted with expanded test modes. The approach is meant to update FE models in one‐step and is exact, except for the following two approximations: the mode shape smoothing and the mass scaling of the expanded experimental mode shapes. A simulation study illustrates the errors from the two approximations and shows the ability of the technique to improve the modal assurance criterion (MAC) values so that they get very close to unity. Finally, the performance of the proposed updating method is assessed by means of an application example in which the FE model is updated based on the test modes of a real structure.
Effects of Formulation and Baking Process on Acrylamide Formation in Kolompeh, a Traditional Cookie in Iran
Authors: Shakeri Fatemeh , Shakeri Somayeh , Ghasemi Sajad , Troise Antonio Dario , Fiore Alberto
Published: January 2019

Thermal treatments and recipes are two critical aspects for the formation of acrylamide at ordinary household cooking conditions and industrial level. Kolompeh is a traditional Iranian cookie, and the aim of this study was to monitor acrylamide formation in four different recipes: traditional sugary Kolompeh (TSK), traditional simple Kolompeh (TSIK), industrial sugary Kolompeh (ISK), and industrial simple Kolompeh (ISIK). Along with the measurement of reducing sugars, moisture, and pH, acrylamide was quantified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results indicated that acrylamide content was 1758, 1048, 888, and 560 μg/kg for TSK, TSIK, ISK, and ISIK, respectively, revealing that the kind of thermal treatment in combination with higher concentrations of reducing sugars were the major driver for acrylamide formation. In particular, acrylamide concentration in TSIK direct heating was 1.87 times higher than industrial indirect heating treatment, highlighting that domestic preparation of Kolompeh required a specific attention as a source of potential toxic molecule formation.
Local Convergence Balls for Nonlinear Problems with Multiplicity and Their Extension to Eighth‐Order Convergence
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Martínez Eulalia , Cevallos Fabricio , Alshomrani Ali S.
Published: January 2019

The main contribution of this study is to present a new optimal eighth‐order scheme for locating zeros with multiplicity m ≥ 1. An extensive convergence analysis is presented with the main theorem in order to demonstrate the optimal eighth‐order convergence of the proposed scheme. Moreover, a local convergence study for the optimal fourth‐order method defined by the first two steps of the new method is presented, allowing us to obtain the radius of the local convergence ball. Finally, numerical tests on some real‐life problems, such as a Van der Waals equation of state, a conversion chemical engineering problem, and two standard academic test problems, are presented, which confirm the theoretical results established in this paper and the efficiency of this proposed iterative method. We observed from the numerical experiments that our proposed iterative methods have good values for convergence radii. Further, they not only have faster convergence towards the desired zero of the involved function but also have both smaller residual error and a smaller difference between two consecutive iterations than current existing techniques.
An Efficient Selectfluor-Mediated Oxidative Thio- and Selenocyanation of Diversely Substituted Indoles and Carbazoles
Authors: Abonia Rodrigo , Gutierrez Luisa F. , Zwarycz Angela T. , Correa Smits Sebastián , Laali Kenneth K.
Published: January 2019

A facile Selectfluor-mediated oxidative method for direct introduction of SCN and SeCN groups into diversely substituted indoles and carbazoles is described, by employing readily available thiocyanate and selenocyanate salts, and the scope of the method is underscored by providing 24 examples. The feasibility to sequentially introduce SCN followed by SeCN on a carbazole framework and to synthesize the corresponding S-tetrazole and Se-tetrazole derivatives is also demonstrated.
Effects of Shugan Hewei Granule on Depressive Behavior and Protein Expression Related to Visceral Sensitivity in a Rat Model of Nonerosive Reflux Disease
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Guanwu , Wang Xiaosu , Zhu Shengliang
Published: January 2019

Objective. To explore the effect of Shugan Hewei Granule (SGHWG) and to provide the experimental basis for its clinical application.Methods. 40 healthy male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, with 8 rats in each group, including control group, model group, normal saline (NS) group, SGHWG group, and Rabeprazole group. The control group was not treated. The model group was treated with fructose intake and mental stress to be the model of NERD. The other groups were treated as the model group and then gavaged with the corresponding drugs. The pH value of lower third of esophagus, immobile time in tail suspension test, CRF protein expression in both hypothalamus and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and SP protein in esophageal mucosa in lower third of esophagus detected by immunofluorescence and NMDAR1 protein expression in spinal cord detected by immunohistochemistry of each group were compared.Results. The pH values of both the SGHWG group and the Rabeprazole group were higher than that of the model group (P<0.01), but the Rabeprazole group increased more obviously. The immobile time of the SGHWG group was shorter than that of the model group (P<0.01) and the Rabeprazole group (P<0.05). The expression of the CRF in the hypothalamus and ACC, NMDAR1 in the spinal cord, and SP in the esophageal mucosa in lower third of esophagus of the SGHWG group decreased significantly, compared with the model group (P<0.01), and was obviously lower than that in the Rabeprazole group (P<0.05).Conclusions. This study provided an evidence that SGHW formula was inferior to Rabeprazole in acid inhibition, but it might reduce the expression of CRF protein of hypothalamus and ACC, lower the levels of NMDAR1 in spinal dorsal horn and SP in esophageal mucosa in lower third of esophagus, and regulate depressive behavior simultaneously, related to the improvement of visceral hypersensitivity in rat model of NERD.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Properties, and Inhibition of Catalase Activity of 1,4-Naphtho- and Benzoquinone Derivatives Containing N-, S-, O-Substituted
Authors: Kurban Semih , Deniz Nahide Gulsah , Sayil Cigdem , Ozyurek Mustafa , Guclu Kubilay , Stasevych Maryna , Zvarych Viktor , Komarovska-Porokhnyavet Olena , Novikov Volodymyr
Published: January 2019

A series of new 1,4-naphtho- and benzoquinone derivatives possessing N-, S-, O-substituted groups which has not been reported yet has been synthesized from 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone 1 and 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorocyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione 15 involving a Michael addition. In the synthesized compounds, antimicrobial activity at low concentrations against Escherichia coli B-906, Staphylococcus aureus 209-P, and Mycobacterium luteum B-917 bacteria and Candida tenuis VKM Y-70 and Aspergillus niger F-1119 fungi in comparison with controls was identified. 2-Chloro-3-((2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)naphthalene-1,4-dione 3g and 2,5-dichloro-3-ethoxy-6-((2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)amino)cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione 17 were the most potent, with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 15.6 μg/mL against test-culture M. luteum and S. aureus, respectively. Furthermore, in this work, a catalase activity of benzo- and naphthoquinone derivatives was examined for the first time. The catalase activity of benzo- and naphthoquinone derivatives was determined, showing that compound 3g had significant inhibition activity for catalase enzyme.
The Identification of Marketing Performance Using Text Mining of Airline Review Data
Authors: Hong Jae-Won , Park Seung-Bae
Published: January 2019

We are aim firstly to extract major keywords using text mining method, secondly to identify prominent keyword from the keywords extracted from text mining analysis, and then to confirm differences in influences of the keywords which affect corporate performance. Results were as following. First, keywords have been found to show distinctive features. Since the keywords posted from the clients showed certain tendency, airlines accordingly need service management by identifying the service property through keyword analysis. Second, prominent keywords have been found out of the keyword extracted from text mining. Some of the keywords have significantly correlated with marketing performance, but others not. This implies that the company could uncover consumers’ needs through the prominent keywords and managing the properties related to the prominent keywords would help with improving corporate performance. Third, “recommend” should be treated distinctively with “satisfaction” in terms of service management through the keywords. Results suggest strategic implications to the practical business environment by analyzing keywords around the industry using text mining. We believe this work, which aims to establish common ground for understanding these analyses across multiple disciplinary perspectives, will encourage further research and development of service industry.
On Edge Magic Total Labeling of (7, 3)-Cycle Books
Authors: Swita Baki , Rafflesia Ulfasari , Henni Ms Nova , Stio Adji Dolly , Simanihuruk Mudin
Published: January 2019

A graph G is called (a, b)-cycle books B[(Ca, m), (Cb, n), Pt] if G consists of m cycles Ca and n cycles Cb with a common path Pt. In this article we show that the (7, 3)-cycle books B[(C7, 1), (C3, n), P2] admits edge-magic total labeling. In addition we prove that (a, 3)-cycle books B[(Ca, 1), (C3, n), P2] admits super edge-magic total labeling for a = 7 and extends the values of a to 4x − 1 for any positive integer x. Moreover we prove that the (7, 3)-cycle books B[(C7, 2), (C3, n), P2] admits super edge-magic total labeling.
Investigation on Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer among Elderly Patients Treated with Chinese Herbal Medicine versus Chemotherapy: A Pooled Analysis of Individual Data
Authors: Sun Lingling , Yim Wan Sze , Fahey Paul , Wang Shutang , Zhu Xiaoshu , Qiao Jing , Lai Hezheng , Lin Lizhu
Published: January 2019

Purpose. Many patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seek help from Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the survival between CHM and chemotherapy (CT) treatment of patients aged ≥60 years with advanced Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) wild type NSCLC and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 60. Methods. We extracted individual data of all eligible patients from 1 randomized control trial and 2 cohort studies and performed a pooled analysis. Survival outcomes of patients were compared between CHM group and CT group using Cox regression model stratified for study. Results. A total of 486 patients were included in the study, including 262 patients in the CHM group and 224 patients in the CT group. The median overall survival time was 10.9 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 8.9-13.0) months in CHM group and 9.8 (95% CI: 8.1-11.5) days in CT group (p=0.592). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI for CHM compared to CT are 0.98 (0.87, 1.10, p=0.751) in the stratified Cox regression model. Stratified analysis showed a trend that previously treated elderly patients with EGFR wild type advanced NSCLC probably gain greater survival benefit from CHM (adjusted HR:0.83, 95% CI: 0.68-1.01, p=0.063). Conclusions. There might be no significant difference in survival for elderly patients with advanced EGFR wild type NSCLC between the CHM and CT groups in the current study. And previously treated elderly patients with advanced NSCLC probably receive greater benefit from CHM. However, limited by the design and unpreplanned study hypothesis, the results must be confirmed by randomized control trial before making a conclusion.
LMC and SDL Complexity Measures: A Tool to Explore Time Series
Authors: Piqueira José Roberto C. , Mattos Sérgio Henrique Vannucchi Leme de
Published: January 2019

This work is a generalization of the López‐Ruiz, Mancini, and Calbet (LMC) and Shiner, Davison, and Landsberg (SDL) complexity measures, considering that the state of a system or process is represented by a continuous temporal series of a dynamical variable. As the two complexity measures are based on the calculation of informational entropy, an equivalent information source is defined by using partitions of the dynamical variable range. During the time intervals, the information associated with the measured dynamical variable is the seed to calculate instantaneous LMC and SDL measures. To show how the methodology works generating indicators, two examples, one concerning meteorological data and the other concerning economic data, are presented and discussed.
Examining Students’ Attitudes and Readiness for Interprofessional Education and Practice
Authors: Groessl Joan M. , Vandenhouten Christine L.
Published: January 2019

This study examined RN-to-BSN and Master of Social Work students’ attitudes and readiness for interprofessional (IP) practice and educational experiences. The Attitudes toward Health Care Teams Scale (ATHCTS) developed by Heinemann et al. measures attitudes toward health care teams including the quality of care/process and physician centrality. Students’ readiness for IP education was measured by the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) developed by Parsell and Bligh. Discussion of an interprofessional activity including student reactions is provided. Statistically significant differences were found in the mean scores for the Patient-Centeredness subscale of the RIPLS and in overall ATHCTS scores as well as the Physician Centrality subscale scores. Overall, participants demonstrated readiness and benefits of IP education.
Dynamic Analysis of Tapered Thin‐Walled Beams Using Spectral Finite Element Method
Authors: Shen Yiping , Zhu Zhijun , Wang Songlai , Wang Gang
Published: January 2019

Tapered thin‐walled structures have been widely used in wind turbine and rotor blade. In this paper, a spectral finite element model is developed to investigate tapered thin‐walled beam structures, in which torsion related warping effect is included. First, a set of fully coupled governing equations are derived using Hamilton’s principle to account for axial, bending, and torsion motion. Then, the differential transform method (DTM) is applied to obtain the semianalytical solutions in order to formulate the spectral finite element. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted for tapered thin‐walled wind turbine rotor blades and validated by the ANSYS. Modal frequency results agree well with the ANSYS predictions, in which approximate 30,000 shell elements were used. In the SFEM, one single spectral finite element is needed to perform such calculations because the interpolation functions are deduced from the exact semianalytical solutions. Coupled axial‐bending‐torsion mode shapes are obtained as well. In summary, the proposed spectral finite element model is able to accurately and efficiently to perform the modal analysis for tapered thin‐walled rotor blades. These modal frequency and mode shape results are important to carry out design and performance evaluation of the tapered thin‐walled structures.
Visual Identity‐Based Earthquake Ground Displacement Testing Method
Authors: Su Chen , Sicheng Zhao , Zhijun Dai , Xiaojun Li , Yue Zhou
Published: January 2019

Ground deformation observation is wildly concerned in the field of earthquake engineering. This paper proposes a high‐precision displacement measurement technology based on both computer vision and numerical simulation. During the earthquake, the vision‐based testing system collects visual data of the target installed on the location to be observed. The visual data streams can be quantified to the dynamic relative displacement value automatically, by employing mathematical vision algorithms and then by taking the relative displacement as an intermediate quantity, which is brought into the numerical model for iteration. When the test result is close to the simulated one, the absolute ground displacement data could be obtained approximately. A series of experiments have been carried out to suggest that the proposed method presents an innovative and low‐cost solution to ground measurement in high accuracy. The method not only realizes the real‐time ground deformation observation; moreover, it also provides a wider range of reliable data support to understand deformation mechanism, investigate seismic source information, and recognize the ground motion characteristics.
Age-Dependent Protein Expression of Serine/Threonine Phosphatases and Their Inhibitors in the Human Cardiac Atrium
Authors: Gergs Ulrich , Trapp Theresa , Bushnaq Hasan , Simm Andreas , Silber Rolf-Edgar , Neumann Joachim
Published: January 2019

Heart failure and aging of the heart show many similarities regarding hemodynamic and biochemical parameters. There is evidence that heart failure in experimental animals and humans is accompanied and possibly exacerbated by increased activity of protein phosphatase (PP) 1 and/or 2A. Here, we wanted to study the age-dependent protein expression of major members of the protein phosphatase family in human hearts. Right atrial samples were obtained during bypass surgery. Patients (n=60) were suffering from chronic coronary artery disease (CCS 2-3; New York Heart Association (NYHA) stage 1–3). Age ranged from 48 to 84 years (median 69). All patients included in the study were givenβ-adrenoceptor blockers. Other medications included angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or angiotensin-receptor-1 (AT1) inhibitors, statins, nitrates, and acetylsalicylic acid (ASS). 100 µg of right atrial homogenates was used for western blotting. Antibodies against catalytic subunits (and their major regulatory proteins) of all presently known cardiac serine/threonine phosphatases were used for antigen detection. In detail, we studied the expression of the catalytic subunit of PP1 (PP1c); I1PP1and I2PP1, proteins that can inhibit the activity of PP1c; the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac); regulatory A-subunit of PP2A (PP2AA); regulatory B56α-subunit of PP2A (PP2AB); I1PP2Aand I2PP2A, inhibitory subunits of PP2A; catalytic and regulatory subunits of calcineurin: PP2BAand PP2BB; PP2C; PP5; and PP6. All data were obtained within the linear range of the assay. There was a significant decline in PP2Ac and I2PP2Aexpression in older patients, whereas all other parameters remained unchanged with age. It remains to be elucidated whether the decrease in the protein expression of I2PP2Amight elevate cardiac PP2A activity in a detrimental way or is overcome by a reduced protein expression and thus a reduced activity of PP2Ac.
Natural Growth‐Inspired Distributed Self‐Reconfiguration of UBot Robots
Authors: Bie Dongyang , Sajid Iqbal , Han Jianda , Zhao Jie , Zhu Yanhe
Published: January 2019

The decentralized self‐reconfiguration of modular robots has been a challenging problem. This work proposed a biological method inspired by the plant growth for the distributed self‐reconfiguration of UBot systems. L‐systems are implemented to construct target topology, and turtle interpretation is extended to lead the self‐reconfiguration process. Parametric reproduction rules introduce the external influence to the reconfiguration process by distributed modules’ local sensing. Each module can move independently to change relative positions, and robotic structures develop in the natural growth style. This leads to a convergent and environmentally sensitive control method for the distributed self‐reconfiguration. Reconfiguration processes can converge to desired configuration and are scalable to module numbers by reproducing predefined substructures in principle. The overall performance of the proposed strategy is evaluated with simulations and 11 experiments. Simulation and experimental results turn out to be convergent and environmentally sensitive.
Eco-Efficient Biosorbent Based on Leucaena leucocephala Residues for the Simultaneous Removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) Ions from Water System: Sorption and Mechanism
Authors: Cimá-Mukul C. A. , Abdellaoui Youness , Abatal Mohamed , Vargas Joel , Santiago Arlette A. , Barrón-Zambrano Jesús Alberto
Published: January 2019

Leucaena leucocephala is a potential source of polyphenols widely available in southern Mexico. This work highlights the extraction of polyphenols from Leucaena leucocephala leaves waste (LLEPs) and the evaluation of their efficiency to remove the single and multicomponent Pb(II) and Cd(II) metal ions from aqueous solutions. Batch test conditions were carried out to examine the effects of contact time, initial metal ion concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the biosorption process. The surface textures and the composition of the LLEP biosorbent was characterized using pH of point of zero charge (pHPZC), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, respectively. Further analysis using ATR-FTIR after adsorption contact of biosorbent was also investigated. The highest Langmuir saturation monolayer adsorption capacity, qm, for the removal of Pb(II) by LLEPs was obtained as 25.51 and 21.55 mg/g in mono- and bimetal solutions, respectively. The pseudo-second-order model provided the best fit for the kinetic data obtained for the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), and their mixture, and the k2 values depend on the adsorbent mass. This implied that the chemisorption process might be the mechanism of the solute ions-LLEPs interaction in this study. Furthermore, nearly 100% removal of lead and cadmium individually and 95% of their mixture was found using 0.9 g of LLEPs.
Surgical Treatment of Proximal Segmental Occlusion of the Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Babić Srdjan , Tanasković Slobodan , Nešković Mihailo , Gajin Predrag , Nenezić Dragoslav , Stevanović Predrag , Aleksić Nikola , Ševković Milorad , Ilijevski Nenad , Matić Predrag , Popov Petar , Vučurević Goran , Unić-Stojanović Dragana , Radak Djordje
Published: January 2019

Purpose. To present the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of carotid endarterectomy in patients with type II internal carotid artery occlusions, including the long-term outcomes. Methods. From March 2008 to August 2015, 74 consecutive patients (48 men with a mean age of 65.1 ± 8.06 years) underwent carotid endarterectomy because of internal carotid artery (ICA) segmental occlusions. These were verified with preoperative carotid duplex scans (CDS) and CT angiography (CTA). Also, brain CT scanning was performed in all these patients. The indication for treatment was made jointly by a vascular surgeon, neurologist, and an interventional radiologist in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) context. After successful treatment, all the patients were followed-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, then every 6 months thereafter. Results. The most common symptom at presentation was transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in 49 patients (66.2%), followed by stroke in the past six months in the 17 remaining patients (23%). Revascularisation of the ICA with endarterectomy techniques was performed successfully in all the patients with an average clamp time of 11.9 min. All the procedures were performed under general anaesthesia in combination with a superficial cervical block. The early complication rate was 8.1% and included two cardiac events (2.7%) (one rhythm disorder and one acute coronary syndrome), three TIAs (4.1%), and one intracerebral hemorrhage (1.3%). Only one patient with the intracerebral hemorrhage died 5 days after surgery giving a postoperative mortality of 1.3% for this series. During the follow-up period (mean 50.4 ± 31.3 months), the primary patency rates at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 98.4%, 94.9%, 92.9%, and 82.9%, respectively. Likewise, the survival rates were 98.7%, 96.8%, 89%, and 77.6%, respectively. Ultrasound Doppler controls during follow-up detected 8 ICA restenoses; however, only 3 of these patients required further endovascular treatment. Conclusions. Carotid endarterectomy of internal carotid artery (ICA) segmental occlusion is a safe and effective procedure associated with acceptable risk and good long-term results. Therefore, the current guidelines which do not recommend carotid endarterectomy in this patient group should be reassessed, with the requirement for ongoing large-scale randomized controlled trials to compare CEA with best medical therapy in this patient cohort.
Hierarchical Low Si/Al Ratio Ferrierite Zeolite by Sequential Postsynthesis Treatment: Catalytic Assessment in Dehydration Reaction of Methanol
Authors: Catizzone Enrico , Migliori Massimo , Aloise Alfredo , Lamberti Rossella , Giordano Girolamo
Published: January 2019

In contrast to high silica zeolites, it is difficult to obtain mesoporosity in zeolites with low Si/Al ratio (e.g., <20) via conventional NaOH-based treatment, making the obtainment of hierarchical zeolites with high acidity a challenging target. In this paper, we report the preparation of hierarchical FER-type zeolite at low Si/Al molar ratio (about 10) by postsynthesis etching involving a sequence of three treatments with NaAlO2, HCl, and NaOH solutions and investigate the effect of both NaAlO2 solution concentration and time of treatment on the textural properties. The obtained materials exhibit a mesoporous volume higher than the parent ferrierite with no significant effect on the sample acidity. The catalytic activity of some samples was investigated in vapour-phase methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether, revealing the superiority of hierarchical zeolites in terms of methanol conversion, although the presence of mesopores causes formation of light hydrocarbons at high temperatures.
A Study of the Impact of Municipal Solid Waste on Some Soil Physicochemical Properties: The Case of the Landfill of Ain-El-Hammam Municipality, Algeria
Authors: Mouhoun-Chouaki Saïda , Derridj Arezki , Tazdaït Djaber , Salah-Tazdaït Rym
Published: January 2019

Discharging of untreated municipal solid wastes (MSWs) onto land is very widespread in developing countries. The compounds contained in MSW cause a harmful effect to human and environment. Hence, an assessment of the extent of their local impact is of great interest to figure out the pollution they cause. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of discharge of solid wastes on soil quality within the landfill of Ain-El-Hammam municipality (Algeria). To achieve this, different soil physicochemical parameters were considered: granulometry, electrical conductivity, pH, organic matter content, and heavy metal concentration. The results indicated the influence of the MSW on the physicochemical characteristics of the soil by enhancing the organic matter content of soil (4.53%) and increasing heavy metal content (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr), which is a clear indication of the level of pollution they are generating.
Agronomic Response of Corn (Zea maysL.) Hybrids to Plant Populations
Authors: Fromme Dan D. , Spivey Todd A. , Grichar W. James
Published: January 2019

Field studies were conducted in 2016 and 2017 under rain-fed conditions in south-central Louisiana, (a) to determine the effects of plant density levels on plant height, ear height, stalk diameter, lodging, corn grain yield, test weight, and photosynthetically active radiation with modern corn hybrids in central Louisiana and (b) to test the hypothesis that the response of grain yield to plant population density would depend on the reproductive plasticity (flex, semiflex, or fixed ear) of the hybrids evaluated. Rainfall was above average while air temperatures were below average during the growing season in both years. Grain yield showed a hybrid response in one of two years (fixed ear greater than semiflex ear) while yields increased as plant populations increased. Test weights were less with the fixed ear hybrid and the effect of plant populations was inconsistent with increased populations resulting in greater test weight in one of two years. Lodging increased as plant populations increased with the fixed ear hybrid resulting in greater lodging in one of two years. There was a hybrid by plant population interaction for ear height and seed weight. The effect of plant populations is an important factor for corn yield; however, yield gains associated with higher plant populations may be dependent on the genetic predisposition of corn hybrids (regardless of the reproductive plasticity) to tolerate various environmental conditions and stresses associated with higher populations.