bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPAYA PUSAT PELAPORAN DAN ANALISIS TRANSAKSI KEUANGAN DALAM PENANGGULANGAN TINDAK PIDANA PENCUCIAN UANG
Authors: Raharjo Eko
Published: May 2017

The issue of crime not only from the public spotlight in the local and national level, but also a serious concern of the international community. One crime that is now often used as a discussion by scholars of law, economics and banking apparatus of government and law enforcement are on the money laundering crime (money laundering), especially with the notion that the Republic of Indonesia is "heaven" for these practices criminal offenses or the crime of money laundering. The legal issues increasingly into the spotlight with the inclusion of the Republic of Indonesia in the black list or black list. Keywords: Center for Financial Transaction Reporting and Analysis, Money Laundering
ANALISIS KEBIJAKAN KRIMINAL PENANGGULANGAN KEJAHATAN TERHADAPKEAMANANNEGARA BERDASARKAN UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 27 TAHUN 1999 TENTANG PERUBAHAN KITAB UNDANG-UNDANG HUKUM PIDANA YANG BERKAITAN DENGAN KEJAHATAN TERHADAP KEAMANAN NEGARA
Authors: Maroni Maroni
Published: May 2017

criminal policy to eradicate crimes against state security in Indonesia by Law Law Number 27 of 1999 include: (1) the criminalization of acts specified as criminal offenses security of the state, namely the spread of the ideology of communism, founded the organization which is based on communism and the efforts to replace Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution against the law, (2) policy change in the system of sanctions of imprisonment , Criminalization policy has not been able to overcome the forms of crimes against state security, especially with regard to the modus operandi of the crime of spying in the current era of globalization, while the policy of using sanctions pidama prison a single 20-year conflict with the sanctions system imprisonment adopted Criminal Code therefore, the provisions of Article 107 letter d of Law Number 27 of 1999 became null and void so it does not have the force of law Keywords: Criminal Policy, the State Security Crimes
KEKUATAN HUKUM GROSSE AKTA NOTARIS SEBAGAI BENTUK SURAT AUTENTIK
Authors: Oktaviana Selvia
Published: May 2017

Grosse certificates as a form letter is authentic deed that has a distinctive shape. The parties made an agreement in the form of grosse deed will be protected by law, because basically the purpose or rationale for creating grosse deed is to protect the lender in case of default and because of the executorial title. Keywords: Grosse of Deed, Letter Authentic, Notary
PELAKSANAAN SISTEM PEMERINTAHAN DESA BERDASARKAN UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 32 TAHUN 2004 DIDESA KALICINTA KECAMATAN KOTABUMI KABUPATEN LAMPUNG UTARA
Authors: Sari Erna , Neta Yulia
Published: May 2017

Village Administration System implementation as stipulated in the Act Law Number 32 Year 2004 on Regional Government to give freedom to the village to have a genuine authority in managing the household itself. The village also has a delegated power as deconcentration of the government on it. As the embodiment of democracy, the rule penyelenggarakan village consultative body established villages or other designations in accordance with the culture that flourished in their local village, which serves as the regulatory agencies in the governance of the village. Keywords: Village, Village Governance System Implementation
PENGECUALIAN PERJANJIAN HAK KEKAYAAN INTELEKTUAL DALAM HUKUM PERSAINGAN USAHA
Authors: Hakim Dani Amran
Published: May 2017

Law business competition in the country Indonesia know the exceptions  to assert that a the rule of law expressed does not apply for those kind certain agents or behavior particular activity. Law competition business environment in general grant an exemption on the basis of agreement , for example agreement intellectual property rights (IPR). IPR is incentives and reason was given the right monopolizes and protection because IPR need resources and time in an effort to get it, based on article 50 alphabet b Law on Business Competition. An exemption based on article 50 alphabet b Law on Business Competition the elaborated competition supervisory commission by issuing commission rules business competition supervisory Law Number 2 of 2009 on Exceptions The Application of the Law Number 5 of 1999 on Prohibition of Monopoly and Unfair Business Competition of a Pertaining to Intellectual Property Rights Scope arrangement based on Commission Rules Business Competition Supervisory Number 2 of 2009 is: (1) the license agreement that is in scope patent, the right brand, copyright, the right industrial design, the right design the layout integrated circuit and the right trade. (2) Trademark and brand services. (3) the design layout integrated circuit. Keywords: Exeptions, Intellectal Property Rights, Business Competition Law
Pattern of Congenital Heart Diseases and Treatment Options in a Bangladeshi Centre: Analysis of 6914 cases from Non-invasive Cardiac Laboratory
Authors: Fatema Nurun Nahar
Published: May 2017

Background: Echocardiography is the most sensitive tool to diagnose congenital heart diseases efficiently. It can be repeated as many times as required to see the progress, outcome of treatment and complications. Echocardiography laboratory can give a scenario of pattern of congenital heart diseases existing in Bangladesh as well as natural history of the cases and treatment options offered.Methods: It is a retrospective review of database of echocardiography patient from pediatric noninvasive laboratory of a cardiac hospital from January 2012 to December 2012.Results: Out of 6914 cases 55.73% were male and 44.27% female. Neonates include 8.48%, 36.62% Down Syndrome were infant, 34.02% were under 5 years, 17.97% were children and adolescents and 2.96% were adults. Normal Echocardiography finding was found in 17.28% cases. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) was found in 18.60% cases, Atrial septal defects (ASD) in 15.41% cases, Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in 8.59% cases, Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) in 1.97% cases, Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in 4.79% cases and Transposition of great arteries (TGA) in 2.26% cases. Down syndrome was the commonest chromosomal abnormality seen in 2.4% cases.Conclusion: This study shows that VSD is the commonest congenital heart lesions in our country followed by ASD. Down syndrome was the commonest chromosomal abnormality seen in 2.4% cases.Cardiovasc. j. 2017; 9(2): 97-105
Prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases in a rural area of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Jasimuddin , Zaman M Mostafa , Choudhury Sohel R , Zissan Tashfin , Ahmed Mehedi Hasan , Ahmed Masud
Published: May 2017

Background: Data on risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are still inadequate Bangladesh. More data, especially from rural population because 70 percent of Bangladeshi people leave in rural area, are necessary to plan intervention and monitor progress of NCD control. The aim of the study was to determine distribution and prevalence of risk factors of NCDs in a rural adult population of Bangladesh.Method: A cross-sectional study targeting one adult (15 years or older) from each of 1088 households of a village was carried out in 2008. Among them 1011 participated. Information on age and education of the respondents and risk factors such as tobacco, fruit and vegetable intake, habit of added salt while taking the meal, blood pressure and waist circumference were obtained using standardized protocol.Results: Mean age of the subjects was 42.4 years. Age adjusted prevalence of tobacco consumption was 59.5% (smoking 31.0% and smokeless tobacco use 36.3%). More than nine in ten (92.8%) of the respondents consumed less than 5 serving of fruit and/or vegetables per day. Nine in ten (88.5%) used extra salt during meal. Prevalence of hypertension and central obesity was found 19.7% and 18.8% respectively.Conclusion: NCD risk factors are widely prevalent even in this rural population having a traditional agricultural lifestyle. Interventions those are appropriate to this kind of community are needed to be developed in Bangladesh.Cardiovasc. j. 2017; 9(2): 122-128
Development of Height Indicators using Omnidirectional Images and Global Appearance Descriptors
Authors: Amorós Francisco , Payá Luis , Ballesta Mónica , Reinoso Oscar
Published: May 2017

Nowadays, mobile robots have become a useful tool that permits solving a wide range of applications. Their importance lies in their ability to move autonomously through unknown environments and to adapt to changing conditions. To this end, the robot must be able to build a model of the environment and to estimate its position using the information captured by the different sensors it may be equipped with. Omnidirectional vision sensors have become a robust option thanks to the richness of the data they capture. These data must be analysed to extract relevant information that permits estimating the position of the robot taking into account the number of degrees of freedom it has. In this work, several methods to estimate the relative height of a mobile robot are proposed and evaluated. The framework we present is based on the global appearance of the scenes, which has emerged as an efficient and robust alternative comparing to methods based on local features. All the algorithms have been tested with some sets of images captured under real working conditions in several indoor and outdoor spaces. The results prove that global appearance descriptors provide a feasible alternative to estimate topologically the relative altitude of the robot.
Late Reverberation Synthesis Using Filtered Velvet Noise
Authors: Välimäki Vesa , Holm-Rasmussen Bo , Alary Benoit , Lehtonen Heidi-Maria
Published: May 2017

This paper discusses the modeling of the late part of a room impulse response by dividing it into short segments and approximating each one as a filtered random sequence. The filters and their associated gain account for the spectral shape and decay of the overall response. The noise segments are realized with velvet noise, which is sparse pseudo-random noise. The proposed approach leads to a parametric representation and computationally efficient artificial reverberation, since convolution with velvet noise reduces to a multiplication-free sparse sum. Cascading of the differential coloration filters is proposed to further reduce the computational cost. A subjective test shows that the resulting approximation of the late reverberation often leads to a noticeable difference in comparison to the original impulse response, especially with transient sounds, but the difference is minor. The proposed method is very efficient in terms of real-time computational cost and memory storage. The proposed method will be useful for spatial audio applications.
Toward Measuring Network Aesthetics Based on Symmetry
Authors: Chen Zengqiang , Dehmer Matthias , Emmert-Streib Frank , Mowshowitz Abbe , Shi Yongtang
Published: May 2017

In this exploratory paper, we discuss quantitative graph-theoretical measures of network aesthetics. Related work in this area has typically focused on geometrical features (e.g., line crossings or edge bendiness) of drawings or visual representations of graphs which purportedly affect an observer’s perception. Here we take a very different approach, abandoning reliance on geometrical properties, and apply information-theoretic measures to abstract graphs and networks directly (rather than to their visual representaions) as a means of capturing classical appreciation of structural symmetry. Examples are used solely to motivate the approach to measurement, and to elucidate our symmetry-based mathematical theory of network aesthetics.
Human Cell Line-Derived Monoclonal IgA Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Hart Felix , Danielczyk Antje , Goletz Steffen
Published: May 2017

IgA antibodies have great potential to improve the functional diversity of current IgG antibody-based cancer immunotherapy options. However, IgA production and purification is not well established, which can at least in part be attributed to the more complex glycosylation as compared to IgG antibodies. IgA antibodies possess up to five N-glycosylation sites within their constant region of the heavy chain as compared to one site for IgG antibodies. The human GlycoExpress expression system was developed to produce biotherapeutics with optimized glycosylation and used here to generate a panel of IgA isotype antibodies directed against targets for solid (TA-mucin 1, Her2, EGFR, Thomsen–Friedenreich) and hematological (CD20) cancer indications. The feasibility of good manufacturing practice was shown by the production of 11 g IgA within 35 days in a one liter perfusion bioreactor, and IgA antibodies in high purity were obtained after purification. The monoclonal IgA antibodies possessed a high sialylation degree, and no non-human glycan structures were detected. Kinetic analysis revealed increased avidity antigen binding for IgA dimers as compared to monomeric antibodies. The IgA antibodies exhibited potent Fab- and Fc-mediated functionalities against cancer cell lines, whereby especially granulocytes are recruited. Therefore, for patients who do not sufficiently benefit from therapeutic IgG antibodies, IgA antibodies may complement current regiment options and represent a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. In conclusion, a panel of novel biofunctional IgA antibodies with human glycosylation was successfully generated.
Update on Treatment Guideline in Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Focus on Pharmacology
Authors: Kia Sanam , Choy Ernet
Published: May 2017

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition with unknown aetiology. The pathophysiology of the disease is incompletely understood; despite advances in our knowledge with regards to abnormal central and peripheral pain processing, and hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal dysfunction, there is no clear specific pathophysiological therapeutic target. The management of this complex condition has thus perplexed the medical community for many years, and several national and international guidelines have aimed to address this complexity. The most recent guidelines from European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) (2016), Canadian Pain Society (2012), and The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) (2012) highlight the change in attitudes regarding the overall approach to FMS, but offer varying advice with regards to the use of pharmacological agents. Amitriptyline, Pregabalin and Duloxetine are used most commonly in FMS and though modestly effective, are useful adjunctive treatment to non-pharmaceutical measures.
Physicians’ Religious Topic Avoidance during Clinical Interactions
Authors: Villagran Melinda , MacArthur Brenda , Lee Lauren , Ledford Christy , Canzona Mollie
Published: May 2017

Religious and spiritual (R/S) conversations at the end-of-life function to help patients and their families find comfort in difficult circumstances. Physicians who feel uncertain about how to discuss topics related to religious beliefs may seek to avoid R/S conversations with their patients. This study utilized a two-group objective structured clinical examination with a standardized patient to explore differences in physicians’ use of R/S topic avoidance tactics during a clinical interaction. Results indicated that physicians used more topic avoidance tactics in response to patients’ R/S inquiries than patients’ R/S disclosures; however, the use of topic avoidance tactics did not eliminate the need to engage in patient-initiated R/S interactions.
Metformin in Lung Cancer: Review of in Vitro and in Vivo Animal Studies
Authors: Yousef Michael , Tsiani Evangelia
Published: May 2017

Cancer cells display enhanced growth rates and a resistance to apoptosis. The ability of cancer cells to evade homeostasis and proliferate uncontrollably while avoiding programmed cell death/apoptosis is acquired through mutations to key signaling molecules, which regulate pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival and these mutations allow them to develop resistance to many chemotherapeutic agents, highlighting the need for development of new potent anti-cancer agents. Metformin has long been used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and has recently attracted attention as a potential agent to be used in the treatment of cancer. The present review summarizes the existing in vitro and in vivo animal studies focusing on the anti-lung cancer effects of metformin and its effects on key proliferative and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways.
Post Synthesis of Aluminum Modified Mesoporous TUD-1 Materials and Their Application for FCC Diesel Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts
Authors: Xia Zesheng , Fu Jianye , Duan Aijun , Han Longnian , Wu Huadong , Zhao Zhen , Xu Chunming , Wang Dong , Wang Bo , Meng Qian
Published: May 2017

Post-synthesis methods are a promising technology and have received much attention. In this paper, a series of post-synthesis aluminum modified TUD-1 (PAT) materials with different Al contents were successfully prepared by using aluminum isopropoxide to be Al sources, then the as-synthesized materials were adopted as support additives mixed with commercial γ-Al2O3 to prepare hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts for FCC diesel. The supports and catalysts were analyzed using N2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, SEM, Py-IR, ICP, 27Al MAS NMR, UV-vis, H2-TPR and HRTEM techniques. The results of Py-IR and 27Al MAS NMR indicated that the addition of Al species could bring Lewis (L) and Brönsted (B) sites into Si-TUD-1, and that the material of PAT-3 had the highest total acidity sites and Brönsted acid sites among the series PAT composites. The HRTEM technique showed that, compared to the traditional catalyst NiMo/γ-Al2O3, the sulfided catalyst NiMo/APAT-3 had a relatively short length (3.2 nm) and suitable stacking number (2.5) of MoS2 slabs. The HDS efficiencies of all the catalysts were tested in a fixed bed micro-reactor with FCC diesel as feedstock. The catalytic results confirmed that the catalyst NiMo/APAT-3 possessed the highest HDS efficiency (97.0%), due to synergistic effects of advantageous properties such as higher acidity, moderate MSI, and relatively short length of the MoS2 slabs.
Preparation of Salen–Metal Complexes (Metal = Co or Ni) Intercalated ZnCr-LDHs and Their Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Meng Yue , Luo Wei , Xia Shengjie , Ni Zheming
Published: May 2017

Salen–metal complexes (SalenM) were successfully intercalated into ZnCr layered double hydroxides (LDHs) through coprecipitation method, then a series of novel organic–inorganic hybrid materials were obtained. The structure and properties of the materials were thoroughly characterized by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). Meanwhile, with Rhodamine B (RhB) as a target contaminant, the photocatalytic activities of SalenM-intercalated ZnCr-LDHs were investigated and compared with the traditional LDHs (ZnCr-LDHs, ZnCoCr-LDHs, and ZnNiCr-LDHs). Furthermore, the effect of the intercalation amount of SalenM (M = Co or Ni) on the photocatalytic activity was studied. The results showed that when the molar ratio of SalenM to Cr was 0.75, SalenM-intercalated ZnCr-LDHs exhibited significantly higher photocatalytic activities than the traditional LDHs. The degradation rates of RhB reached about 90%, and all of them had good recycling rates. In addition, the kinetics of photocatalytic process and the mechanism of photocatalysis are discussed.
Efficacy of Phoenix dactylifera L. (Date Palm) Creams on Healthy Skin
Authors: Meer Sidra , Akhtar Naveed , Mahmood Tariq , Igielska-Kalwat Joanna
Published: May 2017

The date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L. Arecaceae) is used in most of the countries of the world and is an essential part of the diet, especially in many Arabian countries. Phoenix dactylifera L. fruits are a rich source of sugars (glucose and fructose), vitamins (A, C, and B complex), fibers, minerals, and phenolic compounds having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study is designed to explore the Phoenix dactylifera L. fruit for skin care. A single-blinded, placebo control trial was conducted, including 11 healthy female volunteers after their informed consent. The efficacy of the Phoenix dactylifera L. extract (4%) was evaluated in cream form after one, two, three, four, six, and eight weeks of treatment compared with the baseline. Prior to the study, the composition of the extract was analyzed to understand the underlying mechanisms by which the extract affects skin. Treating facial skin with the Phoenix dactylifera L. extract significantly improved all parameters investigated, such as skin elasticity, pigmentation, redness, brightness, and hydration and led to the improvement of the facial skin. There were no adverse reactions noted during the course of the patch test, demonstrating that the extract could be safe to apply on the skin. The Phoenix dactylifera L. fruit extract serves as a skin care ingredient that significantly improves characteristics important for perception of skin ageing and health. The efficacy of the treatment is possibly due to a combination of numerous active substances found in the Phoenix dactylifera L. extract.
A Diagram of the Structure Evolution of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3) O3-9%PbTiO3 Relaxor Ferroelectric Crystals with Excellent Piezoelectric Properties
Authors: Zhou Hua , Li Tao , Zhang Nian , Mai Manfang , Ye Mao , Lin Peng , Huang Chuanwei , Zeng Xierong , Huang Haitao , Ke Shanming
Published: May 2017

Piezoelectric properties are of significant importance to medical ultrasound, actuators, sensors, and countless other device applications. The mechanism of piezoelectric properties can be deeply understood in light of structure evolutions. In this paper, we report a diagram of the structure evolutions of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.91Ti0.09O3 (PZN-9PT) crystals with excellent piezoelectric properties among orthorhombic, tetragonal, and cubic phases, with a temperature increasing from room temperature to 220 °C. Through fitting the temperature-dependent XRD curves with Gauss and Lorenz functions, we obtained the evolutions of the content ratio of three kinds of phases (orthorhombic, tetragonal and cubic) and the lattice parameters of the PZN-9PT system with the changes of temperature. The XRD fitting results together with Raman and dielectric spectra show that the phase transitions of PZN-9PT are a typical continuous evolution process. Additionally, resonance and anti-resonance spectra show the excellent piezoelectric properties of these crystals, which probably originate from the nano twin domains, as demonstrated by TEM images. Of particular attention is that the thickness electromechanical coupling factor kt is up to 72%.
Boltzmann Entropy of a Newtonian Universe
Authors: Cabrera D. , Fernández de Córdoba Pedro , Isidro J.M.
Published: May 2017

A dynamical estimate is given for the Boltzmann entropy of the Universe, under the simplifying assumptions provided by Newtonian cosmology. We first model the cosmological fluid as the probability fluid of a quantum-mechanical system. Next, following current ideas about the emergence of spacetime, we regard gravitational equipotentials as isoentropic surfaces. Therefore, gravitational entropy is proportional to the vacuum expectation value of the gravitational potential in a certain quantum state describing the matter contents of the Universe. The entropy of the matter sector can also be computed. While providing values of the entropy that turn out to be somewhat higher than existing estimates, our results are in perfect compliance with the upper bound set by the holographic principle.
Cockroach Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Travel Planning
Authors: Kwiecień Joanna , Pasieka Marek
Published: May 2017

In transport planning, one should allow passengers to travel through the complicated transportation scheme with efficient use of different modes of transport. In this paper, we propose the use of a cockroach swarm optimization algorithm for determining paths with the shortest travel time. In our approach, this algorithm has been modified to work with the time-expanded model. Therefore, we present how the algorithm has to be adapted to this model, including correctly creating solutions and defining steps and movement in the search space. By introducing the proposed modifications, we are able to solve journey planning. The results have shown that the performance of our approach, in terms of converging to the best solutions, is satisfactory. Moreover, we have compared our results with Dijkstra’s algorithm and a particle swarm optimization algorithm.
A Soft-Switching SEPIC with Multi-Output Sources
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Tao , Su Jye-Chau
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a soft-switching single-ended-primary-inductance converter (SEPIC) with multi-output sources is proposed. The proposed SEPIC has the following advantages: (1) The conversion efficiency can be increased. To incorporate a soft-switching cell with a flyback-type, the power switches can achieve zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) and zero-current-switching (ZCS) features under turn-on transitions, resulting in reducing the switching losses and electromagnetic interference (EMI); (2) The applicability can be maximized. To apply the voltage ratio of the transformers, the proposed SEPIC has multi-output sources with step-up/down voltage functions. Finally, a prototype of the soft-switching SEPIC with multi-output sources is built and implemented. Simulated and experimental results are presented to verify the performance and the feasibility of the proposed soft-switching SEPIC with multi-output sources.
Active Vibration Control of Swash Plate-Type Axial Piston Machines with Two-Weight Notch Least Mean Square/Filtered-x Least Mean Square (LMS/FxLMS) Filters
Authors: Kim Taeho , Ivantysynova Monika
Published: May 2017

In this paper, swash plate active vibration control techniques were investigated utilizing the weight-limited multi-frequency two-weight notch Least Mean Square (LMS) filter with unit delay compensation and multi-frequency two-weight notch Filtered-x Least Mean Sqaure (FxLMS) filter with offline modeling to achieve adjustable swash plate vibration reduction at the desired frequency. Simulation studies of the high fidelity pump control system model including realistic swash plate moments are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the swash plate active vibration control. A 75-cm3/rev swash plate type axial piston pump was modified to implement a high bandwidth pump control system which is required for canceling the swash plate vibration. High speed real-time controllers were proposed and realized using an National Instrument LabVIEW Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Vibration measurements using a tri-axial swash plate acceleration sensor were conducted to show the influence and effectiveness of the proposed swash plate active vibration control system and algorithms.
Infectious Diseases and Tropical Cyclones in Southeast China
Authors: Zheng Jietao , Han Weixiao , Jiang Baofa , Ma Wei , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2017

Southeast China is frequently hit by tropical cyclones (TCs) with significant economic and health burdens each year. However, there is a lack of understanding of what infectious diseases could be affected by tropical cyclones. This study aimed to examine the impacts of tropical cyclones on notifiable infectious diseases in southeast China. Disease data between 2005 and 2011 from four coastal provinces in southeast China, including Guangdong, Hainan, Zhejiang, and Fujian province, were collected. Numbers of cases of 14 infectious diseases were compared between risk periods and reference periods for each tropical cyclone. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated to estimate the risks. TCs were more likely to increase the risk of bacillary dysentery, paratyphoid fever, dengue fever and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (ps < 0.05) than to decrease the risk, more likely to decrease the risk of measles, mumps, varicella and vivax malaria (ps < 0.05) than to increase the risk. In conclusion, TCs have mixed effects on the risk of infectious diseases. TCs are more likely to increase the risk of intestinal and contact transmitted infectious diseases than to decrease the risk, and more likely to decrease the risk of respiratory infectious diseases than to increase the risk. Findings of this study would assist in developing public health strategies and interventions for the reduction of the adverse health impacts from tropical cyclones.
Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges
Authors: Foreman Anne , Glenn Margaret , Meade B. , Wirth Oliver
Published: May 2017

Pet dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs can be seen in workplaces with increasing frequency. Although dogs may provide many benefits to employees and employers, their presence may introduce additional hazards and concerns to the work environment. Therefore, decisions to accept dogs in the workplace may include many considerations including the health, safety, and well-being of employees, legal and cultural sensitivities, and animal welfare. The present paper serves to introduce the issue of dogs in the workplace and outline the potential benefits and challenges to their presence. The legal accommodations afforded to certain types of dogs in workplace settings are discussed, and the research findings pertaining to the potential benefits of dogs on human health and well-being are summarized. The paper concludes with considerations for human resource management personnel in the areas of diversity, employee relations, ethics and corporate responsibility, organizational and employee development, safety and security, and legal considerations, as well as suggested topics for future research.
Interleukin 17A Promotes Lymphocytes Adhesion and Induces CCL2 and CXCL1 Release from Brain Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wojkowska Dagmara , Szpakowski Piotr , Glabinski Andrzej
Published: May 2017

The nature of the interaction between Th17 cells and the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is critical for the development of autoimmune inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or interleukin 17 (IL-17) stimulation is known to enhance the adherence of Th17 cells to the brain endothelium. The brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3) express Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), the receptor responsible for inflammatory cell adhesion, which binds very late antigen 4 (VLA-4) on migrating effector lymphocytes at the early stage of brain inflammation. The present study examines the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-17 on the adherence of Th17 cells to bEnd.3. The bEnd.3 cells were found to increase production of CCL2 and CXCL1 after stimulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines, while CCL2, CCL5, CCL20 and IL17 induced Th17 cell migration through a bEnd.3 monolayer. This observation may suggest potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of autoimmune neuroinflammation development in the CNS.
Negative Correlation between Serum Cytokine Levels and Cognitive Abilities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Sasayama Daimei , Kurahashi Kana , Oda Kayoko , Yasaki Takehiko , Yamada Yoshiyuki , Sugiyama Nobuhiro , Inaba Yuji , Harada Yuzuru , Washizuka Shinsuke , Honda Hideo
Published: May 2017

Evidence suggests that cytokines may be one of the major factors influencing cognitive development in those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To shed light on the neural and cognitive mechanisms of ASD, we investigated the association between peripheral cytokine levels and cognitive profiles in children with ASD. The serum levels of 10 cytokines (granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were examined in 14 children with ASD using the Human Ultrasensitive Cytokine Magnetic 10-Plex Panel for the Luminex platform. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) was administered to each subject, and the relationships between WISC scores and serum levels of the cytokines were examined. The full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) was significantly negatively correlated with the levels of IL-6 (Spearman’s rank, p < 0.0001, false discovery rate q < 0.01). The levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ showed significant negative correlations with the verbal comprehension index (p < 0.001, q < 0.01) and working memory index (p < 0.01, q < 0.05), respectively. No other cytokines were significantly correlated with full-scale IQ or with any of the subscale scores of the WISC. The present results suggest negative correlations of IL-6 and IFN-γ levels with cognitive development of children with ASD. Our preliminary findings add to the evidence that cytokines may play a role in the neural development in ASD.
Current Insights into the Modulation of Oral Bacterial Degradation of Dental Polymeric Restorative Materials
Authors: Zhang Ning , Ma Yansong , Weir Michael D. , Xu Hockin H. K. , Bai Yuxing , Melo Mary Anne S.
Published: May 2017

Dental polymeric composites have become the first choice for cavity restorations due to their esthetics and capacity to be bonded to the tooth. However, the oral cavity is considered to be harsh environment for a polymeric material. Oral biofilms can degrade the polymeric components, thus compromising the marginal integrity and leading to the recurrence of caries. Recurrent caries around restorations has been reported as the main reason for restoration failure. The degradation of materials greatly compromises the clinical longevity. This review focuses on the degradation process of resin composites by oral biofilms, the mechanisms of degradation and its consequences. In addition, potential future developments in the area of resin-based dental biomaterials with an emphasis on anti-biofilm strategies are also reviewed.
Enhanced CO2 Adsorption on Activated Carbon Fibers Grafted with Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Chiang Yu-Chun , Hsu Wei-Lien , Lin Shih-Yu , Juang Ruey-Shin
Published: May 2017

In this paper, multiscale composites formed by grafting N-doped carbon nanotubes (CNs) on the surface of polyamide (PAN)-based activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were investigated and their adsorption performance for CO2 was determined. The spaghetti-like and randomly oriented CNs were homogeneously grown onto ACFs. The pre-immersion of cobalt(II) ions for ACFs made the CNs grow above with a large pore size distribution, decreased the oxidation resistance, and exhibited different predominant N-functionalities after chemical vapor deposition processes. Specifically, the CNs grafted on ACFs with or without pre-immersion of cobalt(II) ions were characterized by the pyridine-like structures of six-member rings or pyrrolic/amine moieties, respectively. In addition, the loss of microporosity on the specific surface area and pore volume exceeded the gain from the generation of the defects from CNs. The adsorption capacity of CO2 decreased gradually with increasing temperature, implying that CO2 adsorption was exothermic. The adsorption capacities of CO2 at 25 °C and 1 atm were between 1.53 and 1.92 mmol/g and the Freundlich equation fit the adsorption data well. The isosteric enthalpy of adsorption, implying physical adsorption, indicated that the growth of CNTs on the ACFs benefit CO2 adsorption.
A New Energy-Critical Plane Damage Parameter for Multiaxial Fatigue Life Prediction of Turbine Blades
Authors: Yu Zheng-Yong , Zhu Shun-Peng , Liu Qiang , Liu Yunhan
Published: May 2017

As one of fracture critical components of an aircraft engine, accurate life prediction of a turbine blade to disk attachment is significant for ensuring the engine structural integrity and reliability. Fatigue failure of a turbine blade is often caused under multiaxial cyclic loadings at high temperatures. In this paper, considering different failure types, a new energy-critical plane damage parameter is proposed for multiaxial fatigue life prediction, and no extra fitted material constants will be needed for practical applications. Moreover, three multiaxial models with maximum damage parameters on the critical plane are evaluated under tension-compression and tension-torsion loadings. Experimental data of GH4169 under proportional and non-proportional fatigue loadings and a case study of a turbine disk-blade contact system are introduced for model validation. Results show that model predictions by Wang-Brown (WB) and Fatemi-Socie (FS) models with maximum damage parameters are conservative and acceptable. For the turbine disk-blade contact system, both of the proposed damage parameters and Smith-Watson-Topper (SWT) model show reasonably acceptable correlations with its field number of flight cycles. However, life estimations of the turbine blade reveal that the definition of the maximum damage parameter is not reasonable for the WB model but effective for both the FS and SWT models.
Traditional Small-Size Citrus from Taiwan: Essential Oils, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Chen Min-Hung , Yang Kai-Min , Huang Tzou-Chi , Wu Mei-Li
Published: May 2017

Background: The calamondin (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) and the kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle) are two small-size citrus fruits that have traditionally been consumed in Taiwan; however, there has been a lack of scientific research regarding the active compounds and functionalities of these fruits. Methods: Analysis of volatile composition of essential oil and phytosterol was carried out using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Flavonoid and limonoid were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, antioxidant capacity from their essential oils and extracts were assessed in vitro. Results: The compositions of the essential oils of both fruits were identified, with the results showing that the calamondin and kumquat contain identified 43 and 44 volatile compounds, respectively. In addition, oxygenated compounds of volatiles accounted for 4.25% and 2.04%, respectively, consistent with the fact that oxygenated compounds are generally found in high content in citrus fruits. In terms of flavonoids, the calamondin exhibited higher content than the kumquat, with disomin-based flavonoids being predominant; on the other hand, phytosterol content of kumquat was higher than that of calamondin, with amyrin being the dominant phytosterol. Both of them contain high amounts of limonoids. The ethanol extracts and essential oils of small-sized citrus fruits have been shown to have antioxidant effects, with those effects being closely related to the flavonoid content of the fruit in question. Conclusions: The present study also reviewed antioxidant activity in terms of specific bioactive compounds in order to find the underlying biological activity of both fruits. The calamondin and kumquat have antioxidant effects, which are in turn very important for the prevention of chronic diseases.
Design and Experimental Research of a Novel Stick-Slip Type Piezoelectric Actuator
Authors: Zhou Mingxing , Fan Zunqiang , Ma Zhichao , Zhao Hongwei , Guo Yue , Hong Kun , Li Yuanshang , Liu Hang , Wu Di
Published: May 2017

A linear piezoelectric actuator based on the stick-slip principle is presented and tested in this paper. With the help of changeable vertical preload force flexure hinge, the designed linear actuator can achieve both large travel stick-slip motion and high-resolution stepping displacement. The developed actuator mainly consists of a bridge-type flexure hinge mechanism, a compound parallelogram flexure hinge mechanism, and two piezoelectric stacks. The mechanical structure and motion principle of the linear actuator were illustrated, and the finite element method (FEM) is adopted. An optimal parametric study of the flexure hinge is performed by a finite element analysis-based response surface methodology. In order to investigate the actuator’s working performance, a prototype was manufactured and a series of experiments were carried out. The results indicate that the maximum motion speed is about 3.27 mm/s and the minimum stepping displacement is 0.29 μm. Finally, a vibration test was carried out to obtain the first natural frequency of the actuator, and an in situ observation was conducted to investigate actuator’s stick-slip working condition. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the proposed actuator, and the motion speed and displacement are both improved compared with the traditional stick-slip motion actuator.
Characteristics of Double Planar Micro-Inductor with Patterned NiFe Thin-Films for DC/DC Integration
Authors: Chen Mingming , Ding Guifu , Cheng Ping , Zhang Congchun , Zhu Xiaomin , Liu Zhe
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes a double-planar-coil microinductor with patterned permalloy magnetic film for high frequency DC–DC integration. The effects of magnetic film’s patterning and thickness on the inductance and quality factor of the micro-inductor are investigated by using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Simulation results indicate that the magnetic film improves the inductance of microinductor effectively and patterning of the magnetic film reduces eddy current loss in high frequency range. The micro-inductor is fabricated by using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technique. The inductance of approximately 2.17 μH at 1.5 MHz and the quality factor of 2.8 are achieved for the microinductor with patterned magnetic film. The performances of the micro-inductor applied in a low-power DC/DC converter are tested. The results indicate that the micro-inductor with the patterned magnetic film effectively has improved inductance and quality factor compared to that with non-patterned magnetic film. The maximum efficiency of measured converter is 67% at 1.5 MHz and the output current is 100 mA.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Carboxymethyl Pachyman in Fluorouracil-Treated CT26-Bearing Mice
Authors: Wang Canhong , Huo Xiaowei , Gao Li , Sun Guibo , Li Cao
Published: May 2017

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the chemotherapeutic agent of first choice for the treatment ofcolorectal cancer, however, treatment-related liver toxicity remains a major concern. Thereby, it is desirable to search for novel therapeutic approaches that can effectively enhance curative effects and reduce the toxic side effects of 5-FU. Carboxymethyl Pachyman (CMP) exhibits strong antitumor properties, but the antitumor and hepatoprotective effects of CMP and the molecular mechanisms behind these activities, are however poorly explored. Thereby, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of CMP in 5-FU-treated CT26-bearing mice, and further explore the underlying mechanism(s) of action. Initially, a CT26 colon carcinoma xenograft mice model was established. The immune organ indexes, blood indicators, liver tissue injury, and indicators associated with inflammation, antioxidant and apoptosis were then measured. Our results showed that CMP administration increased the tumor inhibitory rates of 5-FU and, meanwhile, it reversed reduction of peripheral white blood cells (WBC) and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC), increase of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), GSH-Px and glutathione(GSH) induced by 5-FU. Moreover, CMP in combination with 5-FU alleviated severe liver injury induced by 5-FU via reducing the levels of ROS, IL-1β, and IL-6, decreasing expression of p-IκB-α, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, pp38 and Bax, and elevating levels of Nrf2, GCL, HO-1 and Bcl-2. Collectively, these outcomes suggested that CMP effectively enhanced the curative effects of 5-FU and simultaneously reduced the liver injuries induced by 5-FU in CT26-bearing mice, and the mechanism may be associated with regulation of NF-κB, Nrf2-ARE and MAPK/P38/JNK pathways.
Ionic Liquid as an Efficient Medium for the Synthesis of Quinoline Derivatives via α-Chymotrypsin-Catalyzed Friedländer Condensation
Authors: Le Zhang-Gao , Liang Meng , Chen Zhong-Sheng , Zhang Sui-Hong , Xie Zong-Bo
Published: May 2017

An efficient, convenient, and eco-friendly biocatalytic approach was developed for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives via the α-chymotrypsin-catalyzed Friedländer reaction. Interestingly, α-chymotrypsin exhibited higher catalytic activity in an ionic liquid (IL) aqueous solution as compared to that observed in our previous relevant study, which was conducted using an organic solvent, and a series of substrates gave similar excellent yields at lower reaction temperature and under reduced enzyme-loading conditions.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Essential Oil-Derived β-Methoxyacrylate Derivatives as High Potential Fungicides
Authors: Su Haihuan , Wang Wenda , Bao Longzhu , Wang Shuangshuang , Cao Xiufang
Published: May 2017

Essential oils (EOs) are plant-derived aroma compounds with a wide range of biological activity, but their actions are slow, and they are typically unstable to light or heat, difficult to extract and so on. To find highly potential fungicides derived from natural EOs, a series of essential oil-based β-methoxyacrylate derivatives have been designed and synthesized. The target compounds have been screened for their potential fungicidal activity against eleven species of plant pathogen fungi, including Alternaria alternata, Phomopsis adianticola, Pestalotiopsis theae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, etc. Compared with intermediates I, the parent essential oils and azoxystrobin, almost all of essential oil-based β-methoxyacrylate derivatives exhibited significantly better fungicidal activity. Further investigation revealed that some compounds showed remarkable inhibitory activities against Pestalotiopsis theae, Phomopsis adianticola, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Magnapothe grisea at different concentrations in contrast to the commercial product azoxystrobin. Compound II-8 exhibited particularly significant fungicidal activity.
Agronomic Approach of Zinc Biofortification Can Increase Zinc Bioavailability in Wheat Flour and thereby Reduce Zinc Deficiency in Humans
Authors: Liu Dunyi , Liu Yumin , Zhang Wei , Chen Xinping , Zou Chunqin
Published: May 2017

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common disorder of humans in developing countries. The effect of Zn biofortification (via application of six rates of Zn fertilizer to soil) on Zn bioavailability in wheat grain and flour and its impacts on human health was evaluated. Zn bioavailability was estimated with a trivariate model that included Zn homeostasis in the human intestine. As the rate of Zn fertilization increased, the Zn concentration increased in all flour fractions, but the percentages of Zn in standard flour (25%) and bran (75%) relative to total grain Zn were constant. Phytic acid (PA) concentrations in grain and flours were unaffected by Zn biofortification. Zn bioavailability and the health impact, as indicated by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) saved, increased with the Zn application rate and were greater in standard and refined flour than in whole grain and coarse flour. The biofortified standard and refined flour obtained with application of 50 kg/ha ZnSO4·7H2O met the health requirement (3 mg of Zn obtained from 300 g of wheat flour) and reduced DALYs by >20%. Although Zn biofortification increased Zn bioavailability in standard and refined flour, it did not reduce the bioavailability of iron, manganese, or copper in wheat flour.