bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haunted by last season's video letters: amateur films performing spectrality
Authors: Lisa Stuckey
Published: February 2017

This is an assemblage using the film 'Four Siblings' as a basis to reflect on the notion of the artist as analyst in connection with amateurish practices. These are positioned as performative, as they co-create the family system. The video letters, shot on 8 mm and Super 8 films, were sent from my grandmother, who had emigrated to the United States after the Austrian State Treaty in 1955, to my great-grandmother, in Vienna, where the films were developed and watched. During that time three-quarters of all amateur film-makers were men. In the course of 'Four Siblings' the beautiful images are contrasted with issues of violence, rivalry, and ambivalence.
'Haunted by last season’s video letters: amateur films performing spectrality' is an attempt poetically to map non-linear memory. Spectrality, in its simultaneous presence and absence, is introduced to film media as soon as an archive is set up.
Schwannoma of the upper lip: A case report and literature review
Authors: Peediackel Antony , Sebastian Aneesh , Kunnilathu Abraham , Nikolic Zivorad
Published: February 2017

Introduction. Schwannomas or neurilemmomas are well demarcated, benign neurogenic lesions arising by a fibroblastic proliferation of the nerve sheath cell (Schwann cell). They usually present as solitary encapsulated lesions with rare occurrence in the upper lip. Non-diagnosed or misdiagnosed schwannomas present a high risk for the tumor to continue growing and exerting pressure on surrounding nerves. These tumours based on their location could lead to facial weakness and paralysis, pressure in ears, tinnitus, hearing loss, balance loss, and could lead to a life-threatening situation. Case Outline. This case is a rare presentation of a schwannoma located in the upper lip of a 21-year-old male patient of Indian origin. The patient complained of a swelling in the mouth with a difficulty in keeping the mouth closed. The swelling was surgically excised and the patient healed completely. Conclusion. This case of occurrence of tumor on the upper lip points to the possibility of considering schwannoma as a possibility in the diagnosis of oral tumors in the future, as the location of the tumor was rare and had a high chance of misdiagnosis.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of New Nucleoside Analogues from Benzotriazole
Authors:   University of Bagdad, 10071 Jadriyah, Baghdad, Iraq, Al-muamin Thanaa , Al-lami Naeemah ,   University of Bagdad, 10071 Jadriyah, Baghdad, Iraq, Rahman Suroor ,   University of Bagdad, 10071 Jadriyah, Baghdad, Iraq, Ali Rana ,   University of Bagdad, 10071 Jadriyah, Baghdad, Iraq
Published: February 2017

Novel derivatives of 1-(´1, ´3, ´4, ´6-tetra benzoyl-β-D-fructofuranosyl)-1H- benzotriazole and 1-(´1, ´3, ´4, ´6-tetra benzoyl-β-D-fructofuranosyl)-1H-benzotriazole carrying Schiff bases moiety were synthesised and fully characterised. The protection of D-fructose using benzoyl chloride was synthesized, followed by nucleophilic addition/elimination between benzotriazole and chloroacetyl chloride to give 1-(1- chloroacetyl)-1H-benzotriazole. The next step was condensation reaction of protected fructose and 1-(1-chloroacetyl)-1H-benzotriazole producing a new nucleoside analogue. The novel nucleoside analogues underwent a second condensation reaction with different aromatic and aliphatic amines to provide new Schiff bases. The prepared analogues were characterised by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS(EI+) spectra. These analogues were tested against different bacteria to evaluate them as antimicrobial agents.
Preparation and Characterization of Compounds Based on Poly(hydroxymethylacrylamide) and Post-consumer Polypropylene
Authors:   Federal University of Bahia, Institute of Chemistry, R. Barao Jeremoabo, 147, Ondina, 40170-115, Salvador, Brazil, Cirne Ilma , Esperidiao Maria ,   Federal University of Bahia, Institute of Chemistry, R. Barao Jeremoabo, 147, Ondina, 40170-115, Salvador, Brazil, Boaventura Jaime ,   Federal University of Bahia, Institute of Chemistry, R. Barao Jeremoabo, 147, Ondina, 40170-115, Salvador, Brazil, Lucas Elizabete ,   Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, COPPE/PEMM, Av. Horacio Macedo 2030 - Ilha do Fundão, 21941598, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Published: February 2017

In this work, in order to obtain materials with potential for treatment of water from oil industry, polymer composites were synthesized by polymerization reaction via free radical using n-hydroxymethyl acrylamide (HMAA) in the presence of post-consumer polypropylene (PP) with subsequent condensation reaction catalyzed by heating, which avoids the use of crosslinking agents. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), optical microscopy (OM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the bulk density and the degree of swelling were also determined. The synthesis was shown to be reproducible and led to achieving polymer composites with high levels of PP after usage from food packaging, which can be associated with a relatively low cost of production. The swelling capacity and the thermal stability of the composite increased with increasing PP content in the mixture.
The Study of the Mineralogical Composition and Flotation Parameters of Quartz-Graphitized Schist
Authors:   Tashkent Chemical Technological Institute 32 Navoi St., 100011 Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Babakhanova Zebo , Aripova Mastura ,   Tashkent Chemical Technological Institute 32 Navoi St., 100011 Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Khodjaev Nodir ,   Research Institute of Mineral Resources 11a Taras Shevchenko St., 100060 Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Khamidov Renat ,   Research Institute of Mineral Resources 11a Taras Shevchenko St., 100060 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Published: February 2017

Exploration studies in Uzbekistan revealed one graphite deposit (Taskazgan) and about 25 sites with varying perspective degree. In order to obtain the graphite for refractory industry uses insufficiently known Rupat, Zauchak and Zahchahona sites were studied. According to the research, Zahchahona site can be classified as a medium-sized field; the refined graphite content in the ore deposit is 3 to 15 %, which meets the requirements of the industry for this type of raw material. Graphite was refined by flotation and leaching process, brought to grade of 75 % carbon.
Optimization of Main Fermentation of High-Gravity Wort
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, 12 S. Bandera St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine, Kosiv Ruslana , Kharandiuk Tetiana ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, 12 S. Bandera St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine, Polyuzhyn Lyubov ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, 12 S. Bandera St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine, Palianytsia Liubov ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, 12 S. Bandera St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine, Berezovska Natalia ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, 12 S. Bandera St., 79013 Lviv, Ukraine
Published: February 2017

The mathematical model has been developed to calculate the content of higher alcohols and esters depending on wort initial concentration and fermentation temperature. The process was optimized in accordance with the developed model. To obtain high-quality beer via high-gravity brewing technology the wort concentration was found to be 14-15 % relative to dry matter and main fermentation temperature of 284–285 K.
Intensification of Man-made Waste Methane Fermentation Process in Complex Fertilizer Technology
Authors:   Dniprodzerzhynsk State Technical University, 2, Dniprobudivska St., 51918 Dniprodzerzhynsk, Ukraine, Byelyanska Alexandra , Voloshyn Mykhola ,   Dniprodzerzhynsk State Technical University, 2, Dniprobudivska St., 51918 Dniprodzerzhynsk, Ukraine, Karmazina Valentina ,   Dniprodzerzhynsk State Technical University, 2, Dniprobudivska St., 51918 Dniprodzerzhynsk, Ukraine
Published: February 2017

The methods of laboratory studies found the opportunity to intensify the process of methane fermentation which is used in the complex fertilizer technology. To intensify fermentation it was suggested to reprocess the mixture by chemical and mechanical ways that consists in the preliminary dispersion. Thus, the duration of mixture methanation process in mesophilic regime has been reduced by more than a half. The functions have been obtained and can be used to select the method of fermented mixture preprocessing in industry.
Fiji media regulation: Emerging from ‘worst of times’ to ‘best of times’?
Authors: Morris Ricardo
Published: February 2017

A tragic result of the repressive media environment in Fiji has been a huge brain drain within the industry. Many of the best and experienced media workers have left or been forced out. In fact, Australia and New Zealand have benefitted by the migration of some of Fiji’s senior media workers from as far back as 1987, the year of the first two military coups by Lieutenant-Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka, and more so in the past eight years since the Voreqe Bainimarama coup in December 2006. Those who have remained have either been moved to non-controversial roles or mellowed to the point of silence.
Arsenic Contamination of Water-Soil-Crop System in an Industrial Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed M. , Kurosawa K.
Published: February 2017

The arsenic (As) concentrations of irrigation water, soils and vegetables were investigated in an agricultural section of Gazipur industrial area in Bangladesh, where industrial wastewater is mixed with irrigation water. The results showed that the mean As concentration of the irrigation water (0.16-0.62 mg L-1) exceeded the permissible limit for agricultural purposes recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (0.10 mg L-1). The mean As concentration of soils (6.48-9.75 mg kg-1) did not exceed the tolerable limit for agricultural soils recommended by the FAO (20.0 mg kg-1). While, the As concentration of the respective vegetables in average varied from 0.63 to 1.07 mg kg-1 dry weight, and the highest As concentration in average was observed in taro root (1.26-2.31 mg kg-1), followed by helencha leaf (1.85-2.02 mg kg-1). The average As concentration of root vegetables (1.84 mg kg-1) exceeded the permissible limit of 1.0 mg kg-1 suggested by the Food and Agriculture Organization, while that of leafy (0.77 mg kg-1) and fruit vegetables (0.14 mg kg-1) did not exceed the limit. Soils irrigated with As containing water that holds much amount of As showed a positive correlation with the vegetable As concentration. A decrease in the As concentration from soil to vegetable was found in root, leafy and fruit vegetables. However, the vegetables were not safe for human consumption. Some countermeasures are, therefore, necessary to reduce the vegetable As concentration.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENT Volume-6, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2016/17, page: 76-86
Effect of Microfinance on Enterprise Level of Poor People: An Empirical Study
Authors: Parajuli Ram Prasad
Published: February 2017

The current study tries to set the impact of micro-credit services on improvement in business base in Nepal. The study employed a causal study. The sample for this study consists of participants of MFIs in the Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Sindhupalchok from January 2014 to December January 2016. Stratified random sampling was used to select 400 respondents. Data was collected by use of a questionnaire and in-depth interview. The data was pre-processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Studies shows the credit facilities had the highest impact followed by use of different business base. The study also recommends that the MFIs operating in the Nepal be empowered through provision of finances which can be advanced to the locals as credit to facilitate economic growth of people. To build capacity among the people of the study area, the study recommends that the MFIs operating in the Nepal undertake regular training especially on financial management/ management as well as operational courses so that the local can learn the best financial management skills and thus improve their businesses as well as income.Journal of Advanced Academic Research, Vol. 3, No.3, 2016, page:22-30
Relationship Between Small Farmer Cooperative Limited and Women’s Rights in Household Assets
Authors: Poudel Gehanath
Published: February 2017

Small Farmer Cooperative Limited (SFCL) is one financial institution worked for the welfare of poor and marginalized people. It mostly focuses on the women empowerment from the socio-economic perspective. The main objective of this study is to explore the relationship between SFCL and women's right in household assets. In Nepalese context, males are known as the head of family and led the every decision in household level activities. The study was conducted in the three Village Development Community of Illam district of Nepal during the time of 2016. In total 522 women participated for the study who was the member of SFCL. The study found the significant difference in women before and after involving in the SFCL. Women said that they felt the many changes in their life. They were able to mobilize the economic resources and aware in the right of women. They could actively participate in the decision of mobilization of household assets. SFCL build the level of confidence and sensitized in the right of information in any activities. Women could raise their voice in-front of any authority and could take leadership in community development activities. It was necessary to continue the SFCL to improve the socio-economic life of community. Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol. 3, No.3, 2016, page:31-39
Relationship between study habits and achievements of grade ten students in Nepal
Authors: Poudel Tek Narayan
Published: February 2017

The study environment can have a big effect on the overall performance of students. Factors such as noise, interruptions, lighting, temperature, neatness, comfort and equipment can play a major role in shaping the performance of the student. Study habit involves different kinds of personality traits, attitudes, thinking processes, and behaviors related to how a person approaches a learning task. Improving study skills likely involves changing some habits, and making a conscious decision to do so. It is essential to assess the current study habits and its effect on the achievement of students. The study was conducted among the 511 grade ten students of three districts of Nepal. It shows very weak effect of study habit on performance of student. Regression analysis between the study habit and achievement shows that study habit could explain only 2%-8% variation on achievement of students so it indicates the need of improvement in study habit. Proper orientation of study habit is not adequate among the management, teacher, guardians and students so it should be taken serious by concerned person to improve the effectiveness of study habit.  Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol. 3, No.3, 2016, page:40-52
Acquisition of case markers in typically developing 3-7 years old Nepali speaking children
Authors: Pokharel Sujal , Sharma K. , Shrestha S.
Published: February 2017

Objective: To describe spoken language case markers of Nepali language, to study their presence in typically developing children in the age of 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 years in the conversational sample and picture description and to report on the frequency of occurrence of these case markers in the obtained sample.Material and Methods: 87 (male=54, female=33) typically developing Nepali speaking children of age range 3-7 years, were randomly selected from english schools at kathmandu (Oriental Academy and Mount Secondary English Boarding School) between June 2011 to June 2012. Participants were assigned into 4 groups (i.e. 3-4 years, 4-5 years, 5-6 years and 6-7 years) according to their age during sample collection. Common case markers of Nepali were selected. Conversational samples were collected and analysed.Results There is a general increase in the acquisition as well as the frequency of usage of any type of case marker with the increase in the age of children. Among the different types of case markers, nominative and locative case marker types are the most developed type of case markers among any age group of children.Conclusion: There is an overall positive progression in the acquisition of types of case markers as well as their frequency of occurrence along with the increase in age of the child in normal typically developing children in Nepali language
Hemorheologic alterations in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Fontana Francesco , Ballestri Marco , Makomi Clarisse , Morandi Riccardo , Cappelli Gianni
Published: February 2017

Dialysis patients present a cardiovascular risk substantially higher than general population, due to both traditional and non-traditional risk factors. Hemorheologic alterations have been extensively described in hemodialysis patients (HD), while little data on hemorheology exist about peritoneal dialysis patients (PD). Aim of our study is to characterize the hemorheological profile of 49 PD, and to compare these data with HD and healthy volunteers. PD showed an improvement of parameters related to macro-circulation (plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity at 1-Hz, erythrocyte aggregation index and yield stress) when compared to HD, while microcirculatory function resulted severely impaired, as expressed by high values for whole blood viscosity 200-Hz shear rate and lower erythrocyte deformability (ED). In conclusion, we found hemorheologic alterations in PD, with substantial differences with respect to HD; in particular, PD showed profound dysfunction in microcirculatory flow with impaired ED. This alterations may act as a risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis and precipitate cardiovascular events, and it may have a detrimental effect in the peritoneal microcirculation promoting endothelial activation with subsequent fibrosis, leading to peritoneal membrane malfunctioning.
The Application of Homogenate and Filtrate from Baltic Seaweeds in Seedling Growth Tests
Authors: Michalak Izabela , Dmytryk Agnieszka , Schroeder Grzegorz , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: February 2017

Algal filtrate and homogenate, obtained from Baltic seaweeds, were applied in seedling growth tests. Radish seeds were used in order to assess algal products phytotoxicity and their biostimulant effect on growth and nutrient uptake. Algal filtrate, at concentrations ranging from 5.0% to 100% was used for seed soaking and as a liquid biostimulant (soil and foliar application). Algal homogenate was developed for seed coating. Algal filtrate and homogenate were also enriched with Zn(II) ions in order to examine the influence on metal ion complexation. The optimal doses of algal filtrate and homogenate, as well as soaking time were established. Multi-elemental analyses of the raw biomass, filtrate, homogenate, and radish were also performed using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma—Optical Emission Spectrometry). The best results in terms of seedlings’ length and weight were obtained using clear filtrate at a concentration of 50% applied to the soil and for homogenate applied at a dose of 50 mg/g of seeds. Clear filtrate at a concentration of 50% used for seed soaking for one hour showed the best results. The applied algal products increased the content of elements in seedlings. Among the tested products, a concentration of 50% algal filtrate is recommended for future pot and field experiments.
Crosstalk of the Androgen Receptor with Transcriptional Collaborators: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Obinata Daisuke , Takayama Kenichi , Takahashi Satoru , Inoue Satoshi
Published: February 2017

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer among males in Western countries. It is also the most commonly diagnosed male cancer in Japan. The progression of prostate cancer is mainly influenced by androgens and the androgen receptor (AR). Androgen deprivation therapy is an established therapy for advanced prostate cancer; however, prostate cancers frequently develop resistance to low testosterone levels and progress to the fatal stage called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Surprisingly, AR and the AR signaling pathway are still activated in most CRPC cases. To overcome this problem, abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide were introduced for the treatment of CRPC. Despite the impact of these drugs on prolonged survival, CRPC acquires further resistance to keep the AR pathway activated. Functional molecular studies have shown that some of the AR collaborative transcription factors (TFs), including octamer transcription factor (OCT1), GATA binding protein 2 (GATA2) and forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), still stimulate AR activity in the castration-resistant state. Therefore, elucidating the crosstalk between the AR and collaborative TFs on the AR pathway is critical for developing new strategies for the treatment of CRPC. Recently, many compounds targeting this pathway have been developed for treating CRPC. In this review, we summarize the AR signaling pathway in terms of AR collaborators and focus on pyrrole-imidazole (PI) polyamide as a candidate compound for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Aerodynamic Performance of a NREL S809 Airfoil in an Air-Sand Particle Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Douvi Dimitra , Margaris Dionissios , Davaris Aristeidis
Published: February 2017

This paper opens up a new perspective on the aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine airfoil. More specifically, the paper deals with a steady, incompressible two-phase flow, consisting of air and two different concentrations of sand particles, over an airfoil from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL S809. The numerical simulations were performed on turbulence models for aerodynamic operations using commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The computational results obtained for the aerodynamic performance of an S809 airfoil at various angles of attack operating at Reynolds numbers of Re = 1 × 106 and Re = 2 × 106 in a dry, dusty environment were compared with existing experimental data on air flow over an S809 airfoil from reliable sources. Notably, a structured mesh consisting of 80,000 cells had already been identified as the most appropriate for numerical simulations. Finally, it was concluded that sand concentration significantly affected the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil; there was an increase in the values of the predicted drag coefficients, as well as a decrease in the values of the predicted lift coefficients caused by increasing concentrations of sand particles. The region around the airfoil was studied by using contours of static pressure and discrete phase model (DPM) concentration.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Graphene/Cu2SnSe3 Composites
Authors: Zhao Degang , Wang Xuezhen , Wu Di
Published: February 2017

Cu2SnSe3 material is regarded as a potential thermoelectric material due to its relatively high carrier mobility and low thermal conductivity. In this study, graphene was introduced into the Cu2SnSe3 powder by ball milling, and the bulk graphene/Cu2SnSe3 thermoelectric composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering. The graphene nanosheets distributed uniformly in the Cu2SnSe3 matrix. Meanwhile, some graphene nanosheets tended to form thick aggregations, and the average length of these aggregations was about 3 μm. With the fraction of graphene increasing, the electrical conductivity of graphene/Cu2SnSe3 samples increased greatly while the Seebeck coefficient was decreased. The introduction of graphene nanosheets can reduce the thermal conductivity effectively resulting from the phonon scattering by the graphene interface. When the content of graphene exceeds a certain value, the thermal conductivity of graphene/Cu2SnSe3 composites starts to increase. The achieved highest figure of merit (ZT) for 0.25 vol % graphene/Cu2SnSe3 composite was 0.44 at 700 K.
The Integer Nucleolus of Directed Simple Games: A Characterization and an Algorithm
Authors: Wolff Reiner
Published: February 2017

We study the class of directed simple games, assuming that only integer solutions are admitted; i.e., the players share a resource that comes in discrete units. We show that the integer nucleolus—if nonempty—of such a game is composed of the images of a particular payoff vector under all symmetries of the game. This payoff vector belongs to the set of integer imputations that weakly preserve the desirability relation between the players. We propose an algorithm for finding the integer nucleolus of any directed simple game with a nonempty integer imputation set. The algorithm supports the parallel execution of multiple threads in a computer application. We also consider the integer prenucleolus and the class of directed generalized simple games.
Rapid Sampling of Escherichia coli After Changing Oxygen Conditions Reveals Transcriptional Dynamics
Authors: Von Wulffen Joachim , Ulmer Andreas , Jäger Günter , Sawodny Oliver , Feuer Ronny
Published: February 2017

Escherichia coli is able to shift between anaerobic and aerobic metabolism by adapting its gene expression, e.g., of metabolic genes, to the new environment. The dynamics of gene expression that result from environmental shifts are limited, amongst others, by the time needed for regulation and transcription elongation. In this study, we examined gene expression dynamics after an anaerobic-to-aerobic shift on a short time scale (0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 min) by RNA sequencing with emphasis on delay times and transcriptional elongation rates (TER). Transient expression patterns and timing of differential expression, characterized by delay and elongation, were identified as key features of the dataset. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed early upregulation of respiratory and iron-related gene sets. We inferred specific TERs of 89 operons with a mean TER of 42.0 nt/s and mean delay time of 22.4 s. TERs correlate with sequence features, such as codon bias, whereas delay times correlate with the involvement of regulators. The presented data illustrate that at very short times after a shift in oxygenation, extensional changes of the transcriptome, such as temporary responses, can be observed. Besides regulation, TERs contribute to the dynamics of gene expression.
Hydrological Modeling and Runoff Mitigation in an Ungauged Basin of Central Vietnam Using SWAT Model
Authors: Rafiei Emam Ammar , Kappas Martin , Linh Nguyen , Renchin Tsolmon
Published: February 2017

The A-Luoi district in Thua Thien Hue province of Vietnam is under extreme pressure from natural and anthropogenic factors. The area is ungauged and suffering from data scarcity. To evaluate the water resources availability and water management, we used Soil and Water Assessment Tools (SWAT). A multi-approach technique was used to calibrate the hydrological model. The model was calibrated in three time scales: daily, monthly and yearly by river discharge, actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and crop yield, respectively. The model was calibrated with Nash-Sutcliffe and R2 coefficients greater than 0.7, in daily and monthly scales, respectively. In the yearly scale, the crop yield inside the model was calibrated and validated with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) less than 2.4 ton/ha. The water resource components were mapped temporally and spatially. The outcomes showed that the highest mean monthly surface runoff, 323 to 369 mm, between September and November, resulted in extreme soil erosion and sedimentation. The monthly average of actual evapotranspiration was the highest in May and lowest in December. Furthermore, installing “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) reduced surface runoff in agricultural lands. However, using event-based hydrological and hydraulic models in the prediction and simulation of flooding events is recommended in further studies.
A Systematic Study of Dysregulated MicroRNA in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: He Yuqing , Ding Yuanlin , Liang Biyu , Lin Juanjuan , Kim Taek-Kyun , Yu Haibing , Hang Hanwei , Wang Kai
Published: February 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that modulate the cellular transcriptome at the post-transcriptional level. miRNA plays important roles in different disease manifestation, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Many studies have characterized the changes of miRNAs in T2DM, a complex systematic disease; however, few studies have integrated these findings and explored the functional effects of the dysregulated miRNAs identified. To investigate the involvement of miRNAs in T2DM, we obtained and analyzed all relevant studies published prior to 18 October 2016 from various literature databases. From 59 independent studies that met the inclusion criteria, we identified 158 dysregulated miRNAs in seven different major sample types. To understand the functional impact of these deregulated miRNAs, we performed targets prediction and pathway enrichment analysis. Results from our analysis suggested that the altered miRNAs are involved in the core processes associated with T2DM, such as carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, insulin signaling pathway and the adipocytokine signaling pathway. This systematic survey of dysregulated miRNAs provides molecular insights on the effect of deregulated miRNAs in different tissues during the development of diabetes. Some of these miRNAs and their mRNA targets may have diagnostic and/or therapeutic utilities in T2DM.
Omalizumab Is Equally Effective in Persistent Allergic Oral Corticosteroid-Dependent Asthma Caused by Either Seasonal or Perennial Allergens: A Pilot Study
Authors: Domingo Christian , Pomares Xavier , Navarro Albert , Rudi Núria , Sogo Ana , Dávila Ignacio , Mirapeix Rosa
Published: February 2017

Omalizumab is marketed for chronic severe asthma patients who are allergic to perennial allergens. Our purpose was to investigate whether omalizumab is also effective in persistent severe asthma due to seasonal allergens. Thirty patients with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma were treated with Omalizumab according to the dosing table. For each patient with asthma due to seasonal allergens, we recruited the next two consecutive patients with asthma due to perennial allergens. The dose of oral methyl prednisolone (MP) was tapered at a rate of 2 mg every two weeks after the start of treatment with omalizumab depending on tolerance. At each monthly visit, a forced spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement were performed and the accumulated monthly MP dose was calculated. At entry, there were no differences between groups in terms of gender, body mass index or obesity, year exacerbation rate, monthly dose of MP, FeNO and blood immunoglobuline E (IgE) values, or spirometry (perennial: FVC: 76%; FEV1: 62%; seasonal: FVC: 79%; FEV1: 70%). The follow-up lasted 76 weeks. One patient in each group was considered a non-responder. Spirometry did not worsen in either group. There was a significant intragroup reduction in annual exacerbation rate and MP consumption but no differences were detected in the intergroup comparison. Omalizumab offered the same clinical benefits in the two cohorts regardless of whether the asthma was caused by a seasonal or a perennial allergen. These results strongly suggest that allergens are the trigger in chronic asthma but that it is the persistent exposure to IgE that causes the chronicity.
β-N-Oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic Acid (β-ODAP) Content in Lathyrus sativus: The Integration of Nitrogen and Sulfur Metabolism through β-Cyanoalanine Synthase
Authors: Xu Quanle , Liu Fengjuan , Chen Peng , Jez Joseph , Krishnan Hari
Published: February 2017

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an important legume crop grown mainly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This underutilized legume can withstand harsh environmental conditions including drought and flooding. During drought-induced famines, this protein-rich legume serves as a food source for poor farmers when other crops fail under harsh environmental conditions; however, its use is limited because of the presence of an endogenous neurotoxic nonprotein amino acid β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP). Long-term consumption of Lathyrus and β-ODAP is linked to lathyrism, which is a degenerative motor neuron syndrome. Pharmacological studies indicate that nutritional deficiencies in methionine and cysteine may aggravate the neurotoxicity of β-ODAP. The biosynthetic pathway leading to the production of β-ODAP is poorly understood, but is linked to sulfur metabolism. To date, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in grass pea on the sulfur assimilatory enzymes and how these enzymes regulate the biosynthesis of β-ODAP. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of sulfur metabolism in grass pea and its contribution to β-ODAP biosynthesis. Unraveling the fundamental steps and regulation of β-ODAP biosynthesis in grass pea will be vital for the development of improved varieties of this underutilized legume.
Electrodeposited Organic Layers Formed from Aryl Diazonium Salts for Inhibition of Copper Corrosion
Authors: Chira Ana , Bucur Bogdan , Radu Gabriel-Lucian
Published: February 2017

Copper substrates deposed on a gold screen-printed electrode were covered with different aryl diazonium salts by electrodeposition at 0.25 mA for 30 or 300 s. Seven compounds were investigated: 4-aminophenylacetic acid, 4-aminophenethyl alcohol, 4-fluoroaniline, 4-(heptadecafluorooctyl)aniline, 4-aminoantipyrine, 4-(4-aminophenyl)butyric acid and 3,4,5-trimethoxyaniline. Quantitative monitoring of the electrodeposition process was carried out by electrogravimetry using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The electrodeposited mass varies between 26 ng/cm2 for 4-fluoroaniline formed during 30 s to 442 ng/cm2 for 4-phenylbutyric acid formed during 300 s. The corrosion inhibition properties of aryl-modified layers have been studied in buffer citrate with pH = 3 or 3.5% NaCl solutions using electrochemical noise (ECN) and Tafel potentiodynamic polarization measurements. A corrosion inhibiting efficiency up to 90% was found. The highest corrosion inhibition was obtained for 4-(4-aminophenyl)butyric acid and the lowest for 4-fluoroaniline. A relation between the inhibition efficiency and the chemical nature of the substituents in the protective layer was found.
Structure-Dependent Spectroscopic Properties of Yb3+-Doped Phosphosilicate Glasses Modified by SiO2
Authors: Wang Ling , Zeng Huidan , Yang Bin , Ye Feng , Chen Jianding , Chen Guorong , Smith Andew , Sun Luyi
Published: February 2017

Yb3+-doped phosphate glasses containing different amounts of SiO2 were successfully synthesized by the conventional melt-quenching method. The influence mechanism of SiO2 on the structural and spectroscopic properties was investigated systematically using the micro-Raman technique. It was worth noting that the glass with 26.7 mol % SiO2 possessed the longest fluorescence lifetime (1.51 ms), the highest gain coefficient (1.10 ms·pm2), the maximum Stark splitting manifold of 2F7/2 level (781 cm−1), and the largest scalar crystal-field NJ and Yb3+ asymmetry degree. Micro-Raman spectra revealed that introducing SiO2 promoted the formation of P=O linkages, but broke the P=O linkages when the SiO2 content was greater than 26.7 mol %. Based on the previous 29Si MAS NMR experimental results, these findings further demonstrated that the formation of [SiO6] may significantly affect the formation of P=O linkages, and thus influences the spectroscopic properties of the glass. These results indicate that phosphosilicate glasses may have potential applications as a Yb3+-doped gain medium for solid-state lasers and optical fiber amplifiers.
Special Issue: 3D Printing for Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Chua Chee , Yeong Wai , An Jia
Published: February 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has a long history of applications in biomedical engineering. The development and expansion of traditional biomedical applications are being advanced and enriched by new printing technologies. New biomedical applications such as bioprinting are highly attractive and trendy. This Special Issue aims to provide readers with a glimpse of the recent profile of 3D printing in biomedical research.
Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Mortar with Sand Washing Waste as Filler
Authors: Yemam Dinberu , Kim Baek-Joong , Moon Ji-Yeon , Yi Chongku
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential use of sand washing waste as filler for epoxy resin mortar. The mechanical properties of four series of mortars containing epoxy binder at 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt. % mixed with sand blended with sand washing waste filler in the range of 0–20 wt. % were examined. The compressive and flexural strength increased with the increase in epoxy and filler content; however, above epoxy 20 wt. %, slight change was seen in strength due to increase in epoxy and filler content. Modulus of elasticity also linearly increased with the increase in filler content, but the use of epoxy content beyond 20 wt. % decreased the modulus of elasticity of the mortar. For epoxy content at 10 wt. %, poor bond strength lower than 0.8 MPa was observed, and adding filler at 20 wt. % adversely affected the bond strength, in contrast to the mortars containing epoxy at 15, 20, 25 wt. %. The results indicate that the sand washing waste can be used as potential filler for epoxy resin mortar to obtain better mechanical properties by adding the optimum level of sand washing waste filler.
Magnetic Anisotropy and Field‐induced Slow Relaxation of Magnetization in Tetracoordinate CoII Compound [Co(CH3‐im)2Cl2]
Authors: Nemec Ivan , Herchel Radovan , Kern Michal , Neugebauer Petr , Van Slageren Joris , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: February 2017

Static and dynamic magnetic properties of the tetracoordinate CoII complex [Co(CH3‐im)2Cl2], (1, CH3‐im = N‐methyl‐imidazole), studied using thorough analyses of magnetometry, and High‐Frequency and ‐Field EPR (HFEPR) measurements, are reported. The study was supported by ab initio complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) calculations. It has been revealed that 1 possesses a large magnetic anisotropy with a large rhombicity (magnetometry: D = −13.5 cm−1, E/D = 0.33; HFEPR: D = −14.5(1) cm−1, E/D = 0.16(1)). These experimental results agree well with the theoretical calculations (D = −11.2 cm−1, E/D = 0.18). Furthermore, it has been revealed that 1 behaves as a field‐induced single‐ion magnet with a relatively large spin‐reversal barrier (Ueff = 33.5 K). The influence of the Cl–Co–Cl angle on magnetic anisotropy parameters was evaluated using the CASSCF calculations.
Mechanisms and Materials of Flexible and Stretchable Skin Sensors
Authors: Zhao Yicong , Huang Xian
Published: February 2017

Wearable technology has attracted significant public attention and has generated huge societal and economic impact, leading to changes of both personal lifestyles and formats of healthcare. An important type of devices in wearable technology is flexible and stretchable skin sensors used primarily for biophysiological signal sensing and biomolecule analysis on skin. These sensors offer mechanical compatibility to human skin and maximum compliance to skin morphology and motion, demonstrating great potential as promising alternatives to current wearable electronic devices based on rigid substrates and packages. The mechanisms behind the design and applications of these sensors are numerous, involving profound knowledge about the physical and chemical properties of the sensors and the skin. The corresponding materials are diverse, featuring thin elastic films and unique stretchable structures based on traditional hard or ductile materials. In addition, the fabrication techniques that range from complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication to innovative additive manufacturing have led to various sensor formats. This paper reviews mechanisms, materials, fabrication techniques, and representative applications of flexible and stretchable skin sensors, and provides perspective of future trends of the sensors in improving biomedical sensing, human machine interfacing, and quality of life.
Looking Inside the Intramolecular C−H∙∙∙O Hydrogen Bond in Lactams Derived from α-Methylbenzylamine
Authors: Mejía Sandra , Hernández-Pérez Julio , Sandoval-Lira Jacinto , Sartillo-Piscil Fernando
Published: February 2017

Recently, strong evidence that supports the presence of an intramolecular C−H···O hydrogen bond in amides derived from the chiral auxiliary α-methylbenzylamine was disclosed. Due to the high importance of this chiral auxiliary in asymmetric synthesis, the inadvertent presence of this C−H···O interaction may lead to new interpretations upon stereochemical models in which this chiral auxiliary is present. Therefore, a series of lactams containing the chiral auxiliary α-methylbenzylamine (from three to eight-membered ring) were theoretically studied at the MP2/cc-pVDZ level of theory with the purpose of studying the origin and nature of the C−Hα···O interaction. NBO analysis revealed that rehybridization at C atom of the C−Hα bond (s-character at C is ~23%) and the subsequent bond polarization are the dominant effect over the orbital interaction energy n(O)→σ*C−Hα (E(2) < 2 kcal/mol), causing an important shortening of the C−Hα bond distance and an increment in the positive charge in the Hα atom.
Isolation and Structure Identification of Novel Brominated Diketopiperazines from Nocardia ignorata—A Lichen-Associated Actinobacterium
Authors: Noël Alba , Ferron Solenn , Rouaud Isabelle , Gouault Nicolas , Hurvois Jean-Pierre , Tomasi Sophie
Published: February 2017

Actinobacteria are well known for their potential in biotechnology and their production of metabolites of interest. Lichens are a promising source of new bacterial strains, especially Actinobacteria, which afford a broad chemical diversity. In this context, the culture medium of the actinobacterium Nocardia ignorata, isolated from the terrestrial lichen Collema auriforme, was studied. The strain was cultivated in a BioFlo 115 bioreactor, and the culture medium was extracted using an XAD7HP resin. Five known diketopiperazines: cyclo (l-Pro-l-OMet) (1), cyclo (l-Pro-l-Tyr) (2), cyclo (d-Pro-l-Tyr) (3), cyclo (l-Pro-l-Val) (4), cyclo (l-Pro-l-Leu) (5), and one auxin derivative: indole-carboxaldehyde (8) were isolated, along with two new brominated diketopiperazines: cyclo (d-Pro-l-Br-Tyr) (6) and cyclo (l-Pro-l-Br-Tyr) (7). Structure elucidation was performed using HRMS and 1D and 2D NMR analysis, and the synthesis of compounds 6 and 7 was carried out in order to confirm their structure.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Essential Oil from Premna microphylla Turczaninow
Authors: Zhang Han-Yu , Gao Yang , Lai Peng-Xiang
Published: February 2017

Premna microphylla Turczaninow, an erect shrub, was widely used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat dysentery, appendicitis, and infections. In this study, the essential oil from P. microphylla Turcz. was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC (Gas Chromatography) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer). Fifty-six compounds were identified in the oil which comprised about 97.2% of the total composition of the oil. Major components of the oil were blumenol C (49.7%), β-cedrene (6.1%), limonene (3.8%), α-guaiene (3.3%), cryptone (3.1%), and α-cyperone (2.7%). Furthermore, we assessed the in vitro biological activities displayed by the oil obtained from the aerial parts of P. microphylla, namely the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. For this, the IC50 value was estimated to be 0.451 mg/mL. The essential oil of P. microphylla exhibited considerable antibacterial capacity against Escherichia coli with an MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) value of 0.15 mg/mL, along with noticeable antibacterial ability against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with an MIC value of 0.27 mg/mL. However, the essential oil did not show significant activity against fungus. The oil was tested for its cytotoxic activity towards HepG2 (liver hepatocellular cells) and MCF-7 Cells (human breast adenocarcinoma cell line) using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide) assay, and exerted cytotoxic activity with an IC50 of 0.072 and 0.188 mg/mL for 72 h. In conclusion, the essential oil from P. microphylla is an inexpensive but favorable resource with strong antibacterial capacity as well as cytotoxic activity. Thus, it has the potential for utilization in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
Enantioselective Modulatory Effects of Naringenin Enantiomers on the Expression Levels of miR‐17‐3p Involved in Endogenous Antioxidant Defenses
Authors: Curti Valeria , Di Lorenzo Arianna , Rossi Daniela , Martino Emanuela , Capelli Enrica , Collina Simona , Daglia Maria
Published: February 2017

Naringenin is a flavanone present in citrus fruit as a mixture of chiral isomers. The numerous biological properties attributed to this compound include antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities, even though the molecular mechanisms of these remain unknown. This study aims to evaluate the effects of racemic and enantiomeric naringenin on the expression levels of miR‐17‐3p, miR‐25‐5p and relative mRNA targets, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Caco‐2 cells, a well characterized in vitro model which mimics the intestinal barrier, were treated with subtoxic concentrations of racemate and enantiomers. The expression levels of miR‐17‐3p and miR‐25‐5p were determined by Real‐Time PCR and were found to be decreased for both miRNAs. miR‐17‐3p behavior was in agreement with the increased levels of target mRNAs coding for two antioxidant enzymes, manganese‐dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPx2), while expression levels of miR‐25‐5p were not in agreement with its target mRNAs, coding for two pro‐inflammatory cytokines, Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). These results lead to the conclusion that naringenin could exert its antioxidant activity through epigenetic regulation operated by miRNAs, while anti‐inflammatory activity is regulated by other miRNAs and/or mechanisms.
A Feedback Optimal Control Algorithm with Optimal Measurement Time Points
Authors: Jost Felix , Sager Sebastian , Le Thuy
Published: February 2017

Nonlinear model predictive control has been established as a powerful methodology to provide feedback for dynamic processes over the last decades. In practice it is usually combined with parameter and state estimation techniques, which allows to cope with uncertainty on many levels. To reduce the uncertainty it has also been suggested to include optimal experimental design into the sequential process of estimation and control calculation. Most of the focus so far was on dual control approaches, i.e., on using the controls to simultaneously excite the system dynamics (learning) as well as minimizing a given objective (performing). We propose a new algorithm, which sequentially solves robust optimal control, optimal experimental design, state and parameter estimation problems. Thus, we decouple the control and the experimental design problems. This has the advantages that we can analyze the impact of measurement timing (sampling) independently, and is practically relevant for applications with either an ethical limitation on system excitation (e.g., chemotherapy treatment) or the need for fast feedback. The algorithm shows promising results with a 36% reduction of parameter uncertainties for the Lotka-Volterra fishing benchmark example.