bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of treatment results between 3- and 2-stage Gamma Knife radiosurgery for large brain metastases: a retrospective multi-institutional study
Authors: Serizawa Toru , Higuchi Yoshinori , Yamamoto Masaaki , Matsunaga Shigeo , Nagano Osamu , Sato Yasunori , Aoyagi Kyoko , Yomo Shoji , Koiso Takao , Hasegawa Toshinori , Nakazaki Kiyoshi , Moriki Akihito , Kondoh Takeshi , Nagatomo Yasushi , Okamoto Hisayo , Kohda Yukihiko , Kawai Hideya , Shidoh Satoka , Shibazaki Toru , Onoue Shinji , Kenai Hiroyuki , Inoue Akira , Mori Hisae
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE

In order to obtain better local tumor control for large (i.e., > 3 cm in diameter or > 10 cm3 in volume) brain metastases (BMs), 3-stage and 2-stage Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) procedures, rather than a palliative dose of stereotactic radiosurgery, have been proposed. Here, authors conducted a retrospective multi-institutional study to compare treatment results between 3-stage and 2-stage GKS for large BMs.

METHODS

This retrospective multi-institutional study involved 335 patients from 19 Gamma Knife facilities in Japan. Major inclusion criteria were 1) newly diagnosed BMs, 2) largest tumor volume of 10.0–33.5 cm3, 3) cumulative intracranial tumor volume ≤ 50 cm3, 4) no leptomeningeal dissemination, 5) no more than 10 tumors, and 6) Karnofsky Performance Status 70% or better. Prescription doses were restricted to between 9.0 and 11.0 Gy in 3-stage GKS and between 11.8 and 14.2 Gy in 2-stage GKS. The total treatment interval had to be within 6 weeks, with at least 12 days between procedures. There were 114 cases in the 3-stage group and 221 in the 2-stage group. Because of the disproportion in patient numbers and the pre-GKS clinical factors between these two GKS groups, a case-matched study was performed using the propensity score matching method. Ultimately, 212 patients (106 from each group) were selected for the case-matched study. Overall survival, tumor progression, neurological death, and radiation-related adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the case-matched cohort, post-GKS median survival time tended to be longer in the 3-stage group (15.9 months) than in the 2-stage group (11.7 months), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.65). The cumulative incidences of tumor progression (21.6% vs 16.7% at 1 year, p = 0.31), neurological death (5.1% vs 6.0% at 1 year, p = 0.58), or serious radiation-related adverse events (3.0% vs 4.0% at 1 year, p = 0.49) did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective multi-institutional study showed no differences between 3-stage and 2-stage GKS in terms of overall survival, tumor progression, neurological death, and radiation-related adverse events. Both 3-stage and 2-stage GKS performed according to the aforementioned protocols are good treatment options in selected patients with large BMs.
Thoracogenic spinal deformity: a rare cause of early-onset scoliosis
Authors: Eby Sarah F. , Hilaire Tricia St. , Glotzbecker Michael , Smith John , White Klane K. , Larson A. Noelle , _ _
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE

Surgery for severe congenital defects, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart defects, and tracheoesophageal disorders, are life-saving treatments for many infants. However, the incidence of scoliosis following thoracoabdominal surgery has been reported to range from 8% to 50%. Little is known about severe scoliosis that occurs after chest wall procedures in infants. The authors sought to determine the prevalence of thoracogenic scoliosis, disease severity, and need for scoliosis surgery in patients who underwent chest wall procedures in early childhood.

METHODS

A multicenter database of patients with early-onset scoliosis was queried to identify patients with a history of thoracogenic or acquired iatrogenic scoliosis. Patients with significant congenital spine deformities were excluded. Forty-one patients (1.6%) were noted to have thoracogenic scoliosis. Of these patients, 14 patients were observed; 10 received casts and/or braces; and 17 underwent treatment with rib-based distraction rods, Shilla procedures, or spine-based growing rod devices. Radiographs, complications, and patient characteristics were reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean age at scoliosis diagnosis for the 41 patients was 6.0 years. The mean time to follow-up was 2.9 years (4.5 years in the 17 surgical patients). The mean preoperative coronal Cobb angle in the surgical group was 65° and improved to 47° postoperatively (p = 0.01). The mean Cobb angle for the nonoperative group was 31° initially and 32° at follow-up (p = 0.44). Among the 17 patients undergoing surgery for scoliosis, there were 13 complications in 7 patients, including a brachial plexus palsy following rib-based distraction rod placement. This resolved with revision of the rib hooks. There were no known complications in the nonoperative cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe scoliosis can develop after thoracoabdominal surgeries during infancy. Further work is needed to understand the pathogenesis of scoliosis in this population so as to implement measures for prevention and early diagnosis and to guide appropriate treatment.
Penentuan Nilai CBR dan Nilai Penyusutan Tanah Timbunan (Shrinkage Limit) Daerah Barito Kuala
Authors: Norhadi Ahmad , Fauzi Muhammad , Rukmana M. Yogi Indra
Published: September 2018

Tanah dalam ilmu teknik sipil, mempunyai peranan penting karena tanah sebagai pendukung kekuatan kontruksi di atasnya , maka dari itu pentingnya mengetahui sifat-sifat tanah, nilai activity, dan persentase penyusutan pada tanah timbunan yang akan digunakan guna menghindari tidak tercapainya atau kegagalan dalam perencanan saat menggunakan tanah asli, maka dilakukanlah penelitian tanah asli dari Jl. Semangat Karya yang bertepatan di daerah Barito Kuala. Pengujian yang dilakukan dengan alasan untuk mengetahui sifat sifat tanah asli yang akan digunakan dalam kegiatan kontruksi terdiri dari kadar air sesuai dengan SNI 03-1965:2008, berat jenis sesuai dengan SNI 03-1964:2008, batas plastis sesuai dengan SNI 03-1966:2008, batas cair sesuai dengan SNI 03-1967:2008, hydrometer sesuai dengan SNI 03-3423:2008, nilai activity, CBR sesuai SNI 03 - 1744 – 1989, dan penelitian shringkage limit sesuai SNI 03 - 1996 – 1990. Berdasarkan penelitian dan perhitungan data dari sampel tanah (disturbed) daerah Barito Kuala, maka didapatkan nilai sifat sifat tanah seperti kadar air (W) 98,52%, berat jenis (Gs) 2,415, batas cair (LL) 45%, batas plastis (PL) 33,85%, Plastisitas Indeks (PI) 11,2% Kadar Air Optimum (Omc) 34,9% , Kepadatan kering 1,120 Kg/Cm3 dan CBR design sebesar 3,9%, hasil perhitungan nilai Shrinkage Limit sebesar 38% dan nilai Activity tanah sebesar 2,6. Maka dapat diambil kesimpulan bahwa tanah ini termasuk OL dengan O untuk lanau organic dikarenakan hasil analisis hydrometer didapatkan ukuran butiran 0,002 mm sampai 0,0074 dengan tingkat plastisitas, kadar air yang cukup tinggi, sehingga termasuk tanah yang tidak baik jika digunakan untuk menahan suatu beban kontruksi di atasnya.
Perencanaan Pintu Otomatis Saluran Tersier Rawa Pasang Surut Terantang Kabupaten Barito Kuala Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan
Authors: Darmawani Darmawani , Fahrurrazi Fahrurrazi , Norhadi Ahmad , Setiyo Setiyo
Published: September 2018

Kebutuhan pangan terutama beras terus meningkat dari waktu ke waktu sejalan dengan bertambahnya jumlah penduduk. Di sisi lain ketersediaan pangan terbatas sehubungan dengan terbatasnya lahan yang ada untuk bercocok tanam, teknologi, modal dan tenaga kerja, sehingga defisit penyediaan bahan pangan masih sering terjadi di negeri ini.Agroekosistem lahan rawa faktor pembatas yang menjadi kendala bagi pertumbuhan tanaman adalah genangan air atau banjir, kekeringan lahan pada musim kemarau, sifat fisik, sifat kimia, dan kesuburan tanah kurang baik akibat adanya lapisan pirit, dan intrusi garam sehingga hasil produksi kecil.Pengaruh air asin yang terjadi pada lahan rendah dengan seringnya terjadi pembilasan oleh air pasang surut yang masuk ke dalam lahan akan mengurangi tingkat keasaman bahkan mungkin sampai bersifat netral, untuk meningkatkan ketahanan dan hasil pertanian pangan daerah irigasi rawa dapat dilakukan dengan membuat atau mengubah sistem tata air dua arah menjadi satui arah, karena dengan sistem satu arah dapat mempercepat proses pembilasan pada lahan yaitu air masuk dan keluar pada saluran tersier yang berbeda maka dibuat air pintu otomatis. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara observasi lapangan,wawancara dengan instansi terkait, masyarakat. Data primer berupa dimensi saluran, tinggi air pasang, sedangkan data sekunder berupa hidrologi, topografi, dan luas lahan. Objek studi adalah Daerah Rawa Unit Terantangdengan wilayahnya meliputi Desa Karang Buah, Desa Karang Indah, Desa Karang Bunga, dan Desa Karang Dukuh. Lokasi studi hanya mencakup daerah rawa pasang surut unit Terantang pada ray 19 dan 20 Desa Karang Dukuh Kecamatan Belawang Kabupaten Barito Kuala. Sistem Tata Air yang ada pada Daerah Irigasi Unit Terantang sesuai pengamatan lapangan adalah tipe garpu dengan kolam pasang. Tidak ada aliran mati ataupasang tidak sampai pada saluran tersier Kunyit maupun Kentang. Desain pintu air otomatis ini adalah berbentuk bujur sangkar kemiringan 10o, ukuran tinggi dan lebar 0,76 m, tinggi engsel pintu sama dengan tinggi tabat atau sama dengan tinggi untuk mempertahankan kebutuhan air di sawah 10 cm yaitu sebesar 1,25 m. Adapun nilai h didapat 0,73 m, ketinggian ambang pintu 0,5 m, tinggi lubang saluran pemberi dan keluar adalah 0,75 m. Pintu air otomatis berdasarkan hasil perhitungan dalam studi ini dapat menjamin pola aliran satu arah dengan beda tinggi (Δh) 0,01 m antara muka air di hilir dan di hulu pintu sudah terbuka, dan pada Δh sebesar 0,00 m maka pintu akan tertutup.
Direct one-step synthesis of mesoporous ZnO-silicate matrix using a true liquid crystal method
Authors: Aqeel Tariq , Abdullah Haifaa N.
Published: September 2018

In the quest of preparing mesoporous zinc oxide via true liquid crystal templating (TLCT) a novel one-step synthesis was discovered to form a mesoporous zinc oxide/silica matrix using a modified (TLCT) method. 6% wt/wt of ZnO/SiO2 mesoporous structure was successfully synthesized and shown to have the highest BET surface area of 530 m2g–1 reported and pore diameter range of 22–36Å. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 sorption analysis, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX/EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) and Ultraviolet/Visible spectroscopy (UV/VIS) were used to investigate the structural morphology and composition.
Kandungan Protein dan Kalsium Pada Biskuit Formula Tempe dengan Penambahan Tepung Daun Kelor (Moringa oleifera) Sebagai Makanan Pendamping ASI (MP-ASI)
Authors: Suhartini Tri , Zakaria Zakaria , Pakhri Asmarudin , Mustamin Mustamin
Published: September 2018

The results of the research on tempe biscuit with the substitution of moringa flour as MP-ASI did not reveal the content of protein and calcium which is a nutrient Which is important to know as fast food. This study aims to determine the content of protein and calcium in tempe biscuit formula with kelor leaf flour substitution.This research uses laboratory. Samples analyzed were 2 samples with no substitution of 0% Moringa  flour (control) and samples with Moringa flour substitution 9% (13.5 g) based on consumer acceptance. Aanalysis of proteins by khjedal method and mineral by atomic analysis spektrofothometer (AAS).          The results showed that the content of protein and calcium biscuit of tempe formula with the substitution of maize flour 9% (13.5 g) respectively by 14.9% and 38.3 mg,  Greater than non-substitution of maize leaf powder respectively 12.6% and 21.4 g.          It was concluded that the content of protein and calcium biscuit with the substitution of moringa flour is higher than that without the substitution of moringa flour. Further research on the formulation of complementari of food for breast milk  is required to balance the nutritional value in accordance with the needs of infants 6-24 months. Keywords     : Biscuits, Protein Content, Calcium Conten
Multi-Level Elasticity for Wide-Area Data Streaming Systems: A Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Russo Russo Gabriele , Nardelli Matteo , Cardellini Valeria , Lo Presti Francesco
Published: September 2018

The capability of efficiently processing the data streams emitted by nowadays ubiquitous sensing devices enables the development of new intelligent services. Data Stream Processing (DSP) applications allow for processing huge volumes of data in near real-time. To keep up with the high volume and velocity of data, these applications can elastically scale their execution on multiple computing resources to process the incoming data flow in parallel. Being that data sources and consumers are usually located at the network edges, nowadays the presence of geo-distributed computing resources represents an attractive environment for DSP. However, controlling the applications and the processing infrastructure in such wide-area environments represents a significant challenge. In this paper, we present a hierarchical solution for the autonomous control of elastic DSP applications and infrastructures. It consists of a two-layered hierarchical solution, where centralized components coordinate subordinated distributed managers, which, in turn, locally control the elastic adaptation of the application components and deployment regions. Exploiting this framework, we design several self-adaptation policies, including reinforcement learning based solutions. We show the benefits of the presented self-adaptation policies with respect to static provisioning solutions, and discuss the strengths of reinforcement learning based approaches, which learn from experience how to optimize the application performance and resource allocation.
Physical and Mathematical Modeling of a Wave Energy Converter Equipped with a Negative Spring Mechanism for Phase Control
Authors: Têtu Amélie , Ferri Francesco , Kramer Morten Bech , Todalshaug Jørgen Hals
Published: September 2018

A wave-energy converter has been studied through the combination of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. The converter model is a semi-submerged axi-symmetric buoy with a circular cross section with a diameter of 26 cm at the water plane. The buoy is pitching about a fixed external axis oriented such that the buoy works primarily in heave. The laboratory model is equipped with a spring mechanism referred to as WaveSpring, which works to shift the resonance period and increase the response bandwidth of the system. A controlled electric actuator was connected and programmed to provide a velocity-proportional force for power extraction. The buoy mass was varied at two levels and the experimental setup was exposed to a selection of regular and irregular waves. The power take-off (PTO) damping was set as a function of sea state. A mathematical model for global motion response was developed based on linear hydrodynamic theory and rigid-body dynamics. Comparison of laboratory measurements and numerical simulation results shows that the dominant physical effects have been well captured by the mathematical model. Overall, the study gives an experimental verification that a negative spring mechanism mounted in parallel with the power take-off machinery of a wave energy converter may be used to increase the average converted power.
A Mixed-Strategy-Based Whale Optimization Algorithm for Parameter Identification of Hydraulic Turbine Governing Systems with a Delayed Water Hammer Effect
Authors: Ding Tan , Chang Li , Li Chaoshun , Feng Chen , Zhang Nan
Published: September 2018

For solving the parameter optimization problem of a hydraulic turbine governing system (HTGS) with a delayed water hammer (DWH) effect, a Mixed-Strategy-based Whale Optimization Algorithm (MSWOA) is proposed in this paper, in which three improved strategies are designed and integrated to promote the optimization ability. Firstly, the movement strategies of WOA have been improved to balance the exploration and exploitation. In the improved movement strategies, a dynamic ratio based on improved JAYA algorithm is applied on the strategy of searching for prey and a chaotic dynamic weight is designed for improving the strategies of bubble-net attacking and encircling prey. Secondly, a guidance of the elite’s memory inspired by Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to lead the movement of the population to accelerate the convergence speed. Thirdly, the mutation strategy based on the sinusoidal chaotic map is employed to avoid prematurity and local optimum points. The proposed MSWOA are compared with six popular meta-heuristic optimization algorithms on 23 benchmark functions in numerical experiments and the results show that the MSWOA has achieved significantly better performance than others. Finally, the MSWOA is applied on parameter identification problem of HTGS with a DWH effect, and the comparative results confirm the effectiveness and identification accuracy of the proposed method.
Temporal Trends of Urinary Phthalate Concentrations in Two Populations: Effects of REACH Authorization after Five Years
Authors: Tranfo Giovanna , Caporossi Lidia , Pigini Daniela , Capanna Silvia , Papaleo Bruno , Paci Enrico
Published: September 2018

Phthalates are widely used in the industrial manufacture of many products. Some phthalates have shown reproductive toxicity in humans, acting as endocrine disruptors, so they were included in the authorization process defined in Reg. CE 1907/2006 (REACH). Two groups of population were recruited, before and after the inclusion of some phthalates in the authorization list in REACH: the first group of 157 volunteers was studied in 2011 and the second, 171 volunteers, in 2016. Each subject completed a questionnaire about personal lifestyle, working activities and use of chemical products. The main urinary metabolites of five phthalates were analyzed by HPLC/MS/MS: mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) and mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) for di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) exposure; monoethylphthalate (MEP) for diethylphtahate (DEP); monobenzylphthalate (MBzP) for butylbenzylphtahalate (BBP) and dibenzylphthalate (DBzP), mono-n-butylphthalate (MnBP) for butylbenzylphtahalate (BBP) and di-n-butylphthalate (DnBP). The results show a significant difference for all metabolites between the two periods, with the exception of MEP in women. The comparison of the two sets of results shows a decrease in urinary metabolites excretion from 2011 to 2016, statistically significant for the three phthalates included in Annex XIV of REACH. DEP, not currently included in the list for authorization, maintains a constant presence in the daily life of the population, particularly for women.
Mothers and Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Treatment Interventions
Authors: Anderson Kimberley , Van Ee Elisa
Published: September 2018

Although a growing field, much is still unknown about how different clinical and social care services might improve outcomes for female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and their children who are indirectly exposed to it. This review sought to characterize the structure of programs that have been tested and documented in existing literature, and the mechanisms by which change, if any, may occur. Seventeen individual interventions and two follow-ups (n = 19) were included in the review. Findings suggest that a multileveled program of mothers and children working both separately and jointly together across sessions might generate the most successful psychosocial recovery for mothers and children who have experienced violence in the home. The mechanism by which this happens is likely a collaborative one, focused on enhancing the dyadic interaction. This article adds to the growing evidence base on IPV and confirms the positive impact on well-being that programs for IPV victims can have. The evidence-base overall could benefit from testing and replicating a combination of the results found in this review.
Hospital-Wide Surveillance of Healthcare-Associated Infections as a Source of Information about Specific Hospital Needs. A 5-Year Observation in a Multiprofile Provincial Hospital in the South of Poland
Authors: Kołpa Małgorzata , Wałaszek Marta , Różańska Anna , Wolak Zdzisław , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: September 2018

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are adverse complications of hospitalisation resulting in delayed recovery and increased costs. The aim of this study was an analysis of epidemiological factors obtained in the framework of constant, comprehensive (hospital-wide) infection registration, and identification of priorities and needs in infection control, both with regard to targeted surveillance, as well as preventative actions. The study was carried out according to the methodology recommended by the HAI-Net (Surveillance Network) coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, in the multiprofile hospital in Southern Poland, between 2012 and 2016. A total of 159,028 patients were under observation and 2184 HAIs were detected. The incidence was 1.4/100 admissions (2.7/1000 patient-das of hospitalisation) and significantly differed depending on the type of the patient care: in intensive care units (ICU) 16.9%; in surgical units, 1.3%; non-surgical units, 1.0%; and paediatric units, 1.8%. The most common HAI was gastrointestinal infections (GIs, 28.9%), followed by surgical site infections (SSIs, 23.0%) and bloodstream infections (BSIs, 16.1%). The vast majority of GIs, BSIs, urinary tract infections, and incidents of pneumonia (PN) were detected in non-ICUs. As many as 33.2% of cases of HAI were not confirmed microbiologically. The most frequently detected etiologic agent of infections was Clostridium difficile—globally and in GI (49%). Comprehensive analysis of the results allowed to identify important elements of surveillance of infections, i.e., surveillance of GI, PN, and BSI not only in ICU, but also in non-ICU wards, indicating a need for implementing rapid actions to improve compliance with HAI prevention procedures.
In the Heart of the Amazon: Noncommunicable Diseases and Apolipoprotein E4 Genotype in the Riverine Population
Authors: Arrifano Gabriela , Alvarez-Leite Jacqueline , Souza-Monteiro José , Augusto-Oliveira Marcus , Paraense Ricardo , Macchi Barbarella , Pinto André , Oriá Reinaldo , Do Nascimento José , Crespo-Lopez Maria
Published: September 2018

The Amazon River basin is the largest tropical forest in the world. Most of the Amazon belongs to Brazil, a developing country that currently faces huge challenges related to the consolidation of its universal healthcare system. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in Brazil, accounting for 74% of all deaths, and NCDs are probably underestimated in Amazonian population because of their geographical isolation and the precariousness of riverine communities. Important risk factors, such as genetic susceptibility, remain undetermined in the riverine population. This study performed fasting blood sugar (FBS) and blood pressure measurements and investigated the presence of the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE4) to determine the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and the genetic risk of NCDs. FBS and APOE4 were measured in blood samples from 763 participants using spectrometry and real-time PCR; 67.5% showed altered measurements, and 57.9% had never been diagnosed or treated. Altered FBS was found in 28.3% of the participants, hypertension in 57.6% and APOE4 in 32.0%. The health profile of the riverine population appears to differ from that of urban population in the Amazon. Additional risk factors for NCDs, such as environmental contamination and nutritional transition, may contribute more than increased genetic susceptibility to the prevalence of altered FBS and hypertension. Our results will help guide the development of preventive strategies and governmental actions for more effective management of NCDs in the Amazon area.
Field Evaluation of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators on Construction Jobsites for Protection against Airborne Ultrafine Particles
Authors: Adhikari Atin , Mitra Aniruddha , Rashidi Abbas , Ekpo Imaobong , Schwartz Jacob , Doehling Jefferson
Published: September 2018

Exposure to high concentrations of airborne ultrafine particles in construction jobsites may play an important role in the adverse health effects among construction workers, therefore adequate respiratory protection is required. The performance of particulate respirators has never been evaluated in field conditions against ultrafine particles on construction jobsites. In this study, respiratory protection levels against ultrafine particles of different size ranges were assessed during three common construction related jobs using a manikin-based set-up at 85 L/min air flow rate. Two NanoScan SMPS nanoparticle counters were utilized for measuring ultrafine particles in two sampling lines of the test filtering facepiece respirator—one from inside the respirator and one from outside the respirator. Particle size distributions were characterized using the NanoScan data collected from outside of the respirator. Two models of N95 respirators were tested—foldable and pleated. Collected data indicate that penetration of all categories of ultrafine particles can exceed 5% and smaller ultrafine particles of <36.5 nm size generally penetrated least. Foldable N95 filtering facepiece respirators were found to be less efficient than pleated N95 respirators in filtering nanoparticles mostly at the soil moving site and the wooden building frameworks construction site. Upon charge neutralization by isopropanol treatment, the ultrafine particles of larger sizes penetrated more compared to particles of smaller sizes. Our findings, therefore, indicate that N95 filtering facepiece respirators may not provide desirable 95% protection for most categories of ultrafine particles and generally, 95% protection is achievable for smaller particles of 11.5 to 20.5 nm sizes. We also conclude that foldable N95 respirators are less efficient than pleated N95 respirators in filtering ultrafine particles, mostly in the soil moving site and the wooden building framework construction site.
Resveratrol and Pterostilbene, Two Analogue Phenolic Compounds, Affect Aquaglyceroporin Expression in a Different Manner in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Gómez-Zorita Saioa , Trepiana Jenifer , Fernández-Quintela Alfredo , González Marcela , Portillo María P.
Published: September 2018

Aquaglyceroporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channels that mediate glycerol release and glycerol uptake. They are involved in fat metabolism, with implications in obesity. The aim was to determine whether the administration of resveratrol and pterostilbene during the six weeks of the experimental period would modify AQPs expression in white and brown adipose tissues from Wistar rats fed an obesogenic diet, and to establish a potential relationship with the delipidating properties of these compounds. Consequently, thirty-six rats were divided into four groups: (a) group fed a standard diet; and three more groups fed a high-fat high-sucrose diet: (b) high-fat high-sucrose group: (c) pterostilbene-treated group (30 mg/kg/d): (d) resveratrol-treated group (30 mg/kg/d). Epididymal, subcutaneous white adipose tissues and interscapular brown adipose tissue were dissected. AQPs gene expression (RT-PCR) and protein expression (western-blot) were measured. In white adipose tissue, pterostilbene reduced subcutaneous adipose tissue weight and prevented the decrease in AQP9 induced by obesogenic feeding, and thus glycerol uptake for triglyceride accumulation. Resveratrol reduced epididymal adipose tissue weight and avoided the decrease in AQPs related to glycerol release induced by high-fat high-sucrose feeding, suggesting the involvement of lipolysis in its body-fat lowering effect. Regarding brown adipose tissue, AQP7 seemed not to be involved in the previously reported thermogenic activity of both phenolic compounds.
Comparative Transcriptomics Identifies Novel Genes and Pathways Involved in Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Development and Progression
Authors: Sebastian Aimy , Chang Jiun C. , Mendez Melanie E. , Murugesh Deepa K. , Hatsell Sarah , Economides Aris N. , Christiansen Blaine A. , Loots Gabriela G.
Published: September 2018

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often result in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind PTOA development following ACL injury, we profiled ACL injury-induced transcriptional changes in knee joints of three mouse strains with varying susceptibility to OA: STR/ort (highly susceptible), C57BL/6J (moderately susceptible) and super-healer MRL/MpJ (not susceptible). Right knee joints of the mice were injured using a non-invasive tibial compression injury model and global gene expression was quantified before and at 1-day, 1-week, and 2-weeks post-injury using RNA-seq. Following injury, injured and uninjured joints of STR/ort and injured C57BL/6J joints displayed significant cartilage degeneration while MRL/MpJ had little cartilage damage. Gene expression analysis suggested that prolonged inflammation and elevated catabolic activity in STR/ort injured joints, compared to the other two strains may be responsible for the severe PTOA phenotype observed in this strain. MRL/MpJ had the lowest expression values for several inflammatory cytokines and catabolic enzymes activated in response to ACL injury. Furthermore, we identified several genes highly expressed in MRL/MpJ compared to the other two strains including B4galnt2 and Tpsab1 which may contribute to enhanced healing in the MRL/MpJ. Overall, this study has increased our knowledge of early molecular changes associated with PTOA development.
Bifactor Models for Predicting Criteria by General and Specific Factors: Problems of Nonidentifiability and Alternative Solutions
Authors: Eid Michael , Krumm Stefan , Koch Tobias , Schulze Julian
Published: September 2018

The bifactor model is a widely applied model to analyze general and specific abilities. Extensions of bifactor models additionally include criterion variables. In such extended bifactor models, the general and specific factors can be correlated with criterion variables. Moreover, the influence of general and specific factors on criterion variables can be scrutinized in latent multiple regression models that are built on bifactor measurement models. This study employs an extended bifactor model to predict mathematics and English grades by three facets of intelligence (number series, verbal analogies, and unfolding). We show that, if the observed variables do not differ in their loadings, extended bifactor models are not identified and not applicable. Moreover, we reveal that standard errors of regression weights in extended bifactor models can be very large and, thus, lead to invalid conclusions. A formal proof of the nonidentification is presented. Subsequently, we suggest alternative approaches for predicting criterion variables by general and specific factors. In particular, we illustrate how (1) composite ability factors can be defined in extended first-order factor models and (2) how bifactor(S-1) models can be applied. The differences between first-order factor models and bifactor(S-1) models for predicting criterion variables are discussed in detail and illustrated with the empirical example.
Lead Compounds from Mangrove-Associated Microorganisms
Authors: Ancheeva Elena , Daletos Georgios , Proksch Peter
Published: September 2018

The mangrove ecosystem is considered as an attractive biodiversity hotspot that is intensively studied in the hope of discovering new useful chemical scaffolds, including those with potential medicinal application. In the past two decades, mangrove-derived microorganisms, along with mangrove plants, proved to be rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites as exemplified by the constant rise in the number of publications, which suggests the great potential of this important ecological niche. The present review summarizes selected examples of bioactive compounds either from mangrove endophytes or from soil-derived mangrove fungi and bacteria, covering the literature from 2014 to March 2018. Accordingly, 163 natural products are described in this review, possessing a wide range of potent bioactivities, such as cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, α-glucosidase inhibitory, protein tyrosine phosphatase B inhibitory, and antiviral activities, among others.
Novel Group of AChE Reactivators—Synthesis, In Vitro Reactivation and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Malinak David , Nepovimova Eugenie , Jun Daniel , Musilek Kamil , Kuca Kamil
Published: September 2018

The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators (e.g., obidoxime, asoxime) became an essential part of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning treatment, together with atropine and diazepam. They are referred to as a causal treatment of OP poisoning, because they are able to split the OP moiety from AChE active site and thus renew its function. In this approach, fifteen novel AChE reactivators were determined. Their molecular design originated from former K-oxime compounds K048 and K074 with remaining oxime part of the molecule and modified part with heteroarenium moiety. The novel compounds were prepared, evaluated in vitro on human AChE (HssAChE) inhibited by tabun, paraoxon, methylparaoxon or DFP and compared to commercial HssAChE reactivators (pralidoxime, methoxime, trimedoxime, obidoxime, asoxime) or previously prepared compounds (K048, K074, K075, K203). Some of presented oxime reactivators showed promising ability to reactivate HssAChE comparable or higher than the used standards. The molecular modelling study was performed with one compound that presented the ability to reactivate GA-inhibited HssAChE. The SAR features concerning the heteroarenium part of the reactivator’s molecule are described.
Logical Inference Framework for Experimental Design of Mechanical Characterization Procedures
Authors: Rus Guillermo , Melchor Juan
Published: September 2018

Optimizing an experimental design is a complex task when a model is required for indirect reconstruction of physical parameters from the sensor readings. In this work, a formulation is proposed to unify the probabilistic reconstruction of mechanical parameters and an optimization problem. An information-theoretic framework combined with a new metric of information density is formulated providing several comparative advantages: (i) a straightforward way to extend the formulation to incorporate additional concurrent models, as well as new unknowns such as experimental design parameters in a probabilistic way; (ii) the model causality required by Bayes’ theorem is overridden, allowing generalization of contingent models; and (iii) a simpler formulation that avoids the characteristic complex denominator of Bayes’ theorem when reconstructing model parameters. The first step allows the solving of multiple-model reconstructions. Further extensions could be easily extracted, such as robust model reconstruction, or adding alternative dimensions to the problem to accommodate future needs.
Gas Leak Location Detection Based on Data Fusion with Time Difference of Arrival and Energy Decay Using an Ultrasonic Sensor Array
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Xiaoran , Hong Mingyu
Published: September 2018

Ultrasonic gas leak location technology is based on the detection of ultrasonic waves generated by the ejection of pressured gas from leak holes in sealed containers or pipes. To obtain more accurate leak location information and determine the locations of leak holes in three-dimensional space, this paper proposes an ultrasonic leak location approach based on multi-algorithm data fusion. With the help of a planar ultrasonic sensor array, the eigenvectors of two individual algorithms, i.e., the arrival distance difference, as determined from the time difference of arrival (TDOA) location algorithm, and the ratio of arrival distances from the energy decay (ED) location algorithm, are extracted and fused to calculate the three-dimensional coordinates of leak holes. The fusion is based on an extended Kalman filter, in which the results of the individual algorithms are seen as observation values. The final system state matrix is composed of distances between the measured leak hole and the sensors. Our experiments show that, under the condition in which the pressure in the measured container is 100 kPa, and the leak hole–sensor distance is 800 mm, the maximum error of the calculated results based on the data fusion location algorithm is less than 20 mm, and the combined accuracy is better than those of the individual location algorithms.
Indoor Localization Based on Weighted Surfacing from Crowdsourced Samples
Authors: Lin Junhong , Wang Bang , Yang Guang , Zhou Mu
Published: September 2018

Fingerprinting-based indoor localization suffers from its time-consuming and labor-intensive site survey. As a promising solution, sample crowdsourcing has been recently promoted to exploit casually collected samples for building offline fingerprint database. However, crowdsourced samples may be annotated with erroneous locations, which raises a serious question about whether they are reliable for database construction. In this paper, we propose a cross-domain cluster intersection algorithm to weight each sample reliability. We then select those samples with higher weight to construct radio propagation surfaces by fitting polynomial functions. Furthermore, we employ an entropy-like measure to weight constructed surfaces for quantifying their different subarea consistencies and location discriminations in online positioning. Field measurements and experiments show that the proposed scheme can achieve high localization accuracy by well dealing with the sample annotation error and nonuniform density challenges.
Smartwatch User Interface Implementation Using CNN-Based Gesture Pattern Recognition
Authors: Kwon Min-Cheol , Park Geonuk , Choi Sunwoong
Published: September 2018

In recent years, with an increase in the use of smartwatches among wearable devices, various applications for the device have been developed. However, the realization of a user interface is limited by the size and volume of the smartwatch. This study aims to propose a method to classify the user’s gestures without the need of an additional input device to improve the user interface. The smartwatch is equipped with an accelerometer, which collects the data and learns and classifies the gesture pattern using a machine learning algorithm. By incorporating the convolution neural network (CNN) model, the proposed pattern recognition system has become more accurate than the existing model. The performance analysis results show that the proposed pattern recognition system can classify 10 gesture patterns at an accuracy rate of 97.3%.
Non-metal-templated approaches to bis(borane) derivatives of macrocyclic dibridgehead diphosphines via alkene metathesis
Authors: Fiedler Tobias , Barbasiewicz Michał , Stollenz Michael , Gladysz John A
Published: September 2018

Two routes to the title compounds are evaluated. First, a ca. 0.01 M CH2Cl2 solution of H3B·P((CH2)6CH=CH2)3 (1·BH3) is treated with 5 mol % of Grubbs' first generation catalyst (0 °C to reflux), followed by H2 (5 bar) and Wilkinson's catalyst (55 °C). Column chromatography affords H3B·P(n-C8H17)3 (1%), H3B·P((CH2)13CH2)(n-C8H17) (8%; see text for tie bars that indicate additional phosphorus–carbon linkages, which are coded in the abstract with italics), H3B·P((CH2)13CH2)((CH2)14)P((CH2)13CH2)·BH3 (6·2BH3, 10%), in,out-H3B·P((CH2)14)3P·BH3 (in,out-2·2BH3, 4%) and the stereoisomer (in,in/out,out)-2·2BH3 (2%). Four of these structures are verified by independent syntheses. Second, 1,14-tetradecanedioic acid is converted (reduction, bromination, Arbuzov reaction, LiAlH4) to H2P((CH2)14)PH2 (10; 76% overall yield). The reaction with H3B·SMe2 gives 10·2BH3, which is treated with n-BuLi (4.4 equiv) and Br(CH2)6CH=CH2 (4.0 equiv) to afford the tetraalkenyl precursor (H2C=CH(CH2)6)2(H3B)P((CH2)14)P(BH3)((CH2)6CH=CH2)2 (11·2BH3; 18%). Alternative approaches to 11·2BH3 (e.g., via 11) were unsuccessful. An analogous metathesis/hydrogenation/chromatography sequence with 11·2BH3 (0.0010 M in CH2Cl2) gives 6·2BH3 (5%), in,out-2·2BH3 (6%), and (in,in/out,out)-2·2BH3 (7%). Despite the doubled yield of 2·2BH3, the longer synthesis of 11·2BH3 vs 1·BH3 renders the two routes a toss-up; neither compares favorably with precious metal templated syntheses.
THE EFFECTS OF REDLINING IN SINGAPORE’S RED-LIGHT DISTRICT
Authors: Zheng Mo
Published: September 2018

There are cities or regions with legal red-light districts in both developed and developing countries, but there are also regions or countries with no clear rules regarding prostitution. Financing issues in red-light districts represent another aspect rarely examined in the academic world. Most research studies about redlining are focused on racial or poverty levels, but this paper investigates it in relation to moral issues concerning vice activities. The objectives of this paper are to firstly analyse the red-light phenomenon in relation to sales prices and rent prices, secondly to test the redlining effect on property markets. This paper contributes to the current academic literature. The research setting of this paper is Geylang, Singapore, a place known for its centralized location, 24/7 stores, historic locales and prostitution-related business. The results indicate that the existence of Singapore’s red-light district has a negative effect on both residential purchase prices and rent levels. The results also indicate that there exists a redlining effect since the home prices have a much higher dis-count than rents.
On the Kinematic Signature of the Galactic Warp As Revealed By the LAMOST-TGAS Data
Authors: Huang Y. , Schönrich R. , Liu X.-W. , Chen B.-Q. , Zhang H.-W. , Yuan H.-B. , Xiang M.-S. , Wang C. , Tian Z.-J.
Published: September 2018

Using a sample of about 123,000 stars with accurate 3D velocity measurements from the LAMOST-TGAS data, we confirm the kinematic signature of the Galactic warp recently found by Schönrich & Dehnen. The data reveal a clear trend of increasing mean vertical velocity

as a function of absolute vertical angular momentum L

z
and azimuthal velocity V

ϕ
for guiding center radius R

g
between 6.0 and 10.5 kpc. The trend is consistent with a large-scale Galactic warp. Similar to Schönrich & Dehnen, we also find a wave-like pattern of

versus L

z
with an amplitude of ∼0.9 km s−1 on a scale of ∼2.0 kpc, which could arise from bending waves or a winding warp. Finally, we confirm a prominent, localized peak in

near L

z
 ∼ 2150 kpc km s−1 (corresponding to R

g
∼ 9 kpc and V

ϕ
∼ 255 km s−1). The additional line-of-sight velocity information from LAMOST reveals that stars in this feature have a large, inward radial velocity of V

R
 ∼ −13.33 ± 0.59 km s−1 and a small radial velocity dispersion of σ

R
 ∼ 25.27 ± 0.89 km s−1, suggesting that a stellar stream gives rise to this feature.
Two-temperature GRRMHD Simulations of M87
Authors: Ryan Benjamin R. , Ressler Sean M. , Dolence Joshua C. , Gammie Charles , Quataert Eliot
Published: September 2018

We present axisymmetric two-temperature general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the inner region of the accretion flow onto the supermassive black hole M87. We address uncertainties from previous modeling efforts through inclusion of models for (1) self-consistent dissipative and Coulomb electron heating (2) radiation transport (3) frequency-dependent synchrotron emission, self-absorption, and Compton scattering. We adopt a distance D = 16.7 Mpc, an observer angle θ = 20°, and consider black hole masses

and spins a
⋆ = (0.5, 0.9375) in a four-simulation suite. For each (M, a
⋆), we identify the accretion rate that recovers the 230 GHz flux from very long baseline interferometry measurements. We report on disk thermodynamics at these accretion rates (

). The disk remains geometrically thick; cooling does not lead to a thin disk component. While electron heating is dominated by Coulomb rather than dissipation for r ≳ 10GM/c
2, the accretion disk remains two-temperature. Radiative cooling of electrons is not negligible, especially for r ≲ 10GM/c
2. The Compton y parameter is of order unity. We then compare derived and observed or inferred spectra, millimeter images, and jet powers. Simulations with M/M
⊙ = 3.3 × 109 are in conflict with observations. These simulations produce millimeter images that are too small, while the low-spin simulation also overproduces X-rays. For

, both simulations agree with constraints on radio/IR/X-ray fluxes and millimeter image sizes. Simulation jet power is a factor 102–103 below inferred values, a possible consequence of the modest net magnetic flux in our models.
Identidad, ciudadanía y patrimonio. Análisis comparativo de su tratamiento didáctico en museos de Estados Unidos y España
Authors: Cuenca-López José María , Molina-Puche Sebastián , Martín-Cáceres Myriam J.
Published: September 2018

La conformación de las identidades y sus relaciones con la formación de la ciudadanía son problemas relevantes dentro de las sociedades actuales, que están siendo también abordados desde la perspectiva de la educación patrimonial, tanto en la educación formal, como no formal e informal. Este trabajo analiza las relaciones entre identidad, ciudadanía y patrimonio, centrándose en el tratamiento didáctico que se desarrolla desde esta perspectiva en los museos. Para ello, se contrastan, empleando una metodología cualitativa, tablas de categorías, de observación y registro de datos, las propuestas educativas de museos del ámbito norteamericano con las de museos españoles. Se ponen de manifiesto dos formas diferentes de articular este discurso, reflexionando sobre las diferencias encontradas entre ambos contextos culturales y los obstáculos detectados para desarrollar propuestas educativas dentro del marco de referencia teórico, simbólico-identitario, holístico, participativo y socio-crítico, del que se parte.
Aspectos lógicos del pensamiento intuitivo
Authors: Builes Roldán Isabella , Manrique Tisnés Horacio
Published: September 2018

En el presente artículo defendemos la hipótesis de que es posible encontrar en el pensamiento intuitivo una serie de características o leyes que dan cuenta de aspectos lógicos, distintos a la lógica simbólica clásica, y que involucran tanto el lado racional (intelectual) como emocional del ser humano. Para ello, proponemos una articulación entre autores provenientes de perspectivas diversas que, no obstante, argumentan a favor de la existencia de aspectos lógicos en el pensamiento intuitivo o en el pensamiento en general. En principio planteamos qué entendemos por aspectos lógicos, teniendo como base los términos lógica y logos, y diferenciamos los aspectos lógicos de un sistema lógico propiamente dicho. Posteriormente proponemos, siguiendo a Ramírez (2012), quien se basa en planteamientos psicológicos, psicoanalíticos, filosóficos y matemáticos, que existen dos tipos de lógica que consideramos se encuentran en la base del proceso de pensamiento intuitivo: una lógica primaria y una lógica secundaria, las cuales interactúan en un tercer tipo de lógica denominado lógica fractal. Finalmente proponemos una articulación entre la lógica fractal y el pensamiento intuitivo.