bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approach to Child with Constipation and Management Update
Authors: Rukunuzzaman Md , Sonia Zannatul Ferdous , Yasmin Afsana , Karim ASM Bazlul , Nahid Khan Lamia
Published: June 2018

Constipation is a common problem in childhood that need frequent visit to pediatrician. The objective of this review is to provide the general pediatrician an overview of constipation in children discussing the etiology, patient evaluation and management. This review provides an approach to a child with constipation based on the best available evidence from electronic literature searches. Most common etiology of childhood constipation is functional and it needs no laboratory tests. Laboratory investigations are to be done if there are any alarming signs. Management is to do disimpaction if fecal impaction present, then long term maintenance therapy along with behavioral therapy ensure full recovery.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :170-180
Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Negative Hepatitis B virus in Bangladesh: Warrants the Screening for Blood Donors
Authors: Mahmud Salahuddin , Rahman Manjuma , Tasneem Farhana , Afroz Mahenaz , Ahmed Syed Shafi , Hussain Manzoor
Published: June 2018

In every case of blood transfusion, so called proper donor screening is done every day. At the end of beautiful day, after reviewing lots of national and international guidelines and papers of blood transfusion, proved that blood donor screening methods & tests are not adequate & appropriate according to WHO. Lots of multi-transfused thalassemic & hemophiliac patients getting hepatitis B virus undoubtedly. Implementations of strict donor selection criteria and use of sensitive laboratory screening tests reduce the incidence of HBV transfusion. These courageous heartiest review may awake the decision makers thinking rethinking about HBV free blood transfusion service in Bangladesh.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :181-188
Leigh Syndrome: A Rare Mitrochondrial Disorder
Authors: Yadav Archana Shrestha , Mutanabbi Mahbub , Kundu Gopen Kumar , Kawser CA
Published: June 2018

Leigh syndrome is a rare inherited neurometabolic subacute necrotizing encephalopathy mostly involving brainstem and basal ganglia, seen in the early childhood. It is characterized by progressive loss of mental and motor abilities associated with abnormal muscle tone, weakness, visual loss and respiratory failure. There is no effective treatment for this condition, as such the prognosis of this condition is very bad with death occurring within the first few years of life most commonly due to respiratory failure. Here we present a rare case of Leigh syndrome seen in a 3 and half years male Bangladeshi child with clinical and laboratory features of Leigh Syndrome suggested by neuro-imaging.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :189-192
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus - A Rare Report of Two Affected Sibling
Authors: Riaaz Rumana , Mutanabbi Mahbub , Shamaly Kohinoor Jahan , Kawser CA
Published: June 2018

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) is a type of Diabetes Insipidus (DI) where distal nephrons are unresponsive to antidiuretic hormone resulting in polyuria and polydipsia. NDI can be congenital or acquired. There are very few cases of congenital NDI, more in sibs. Here we report two sibs affected with congenital NDI. Both of them presented with polyuria, polydipsia and failure to thrive since early infancy. In both cases, water deprivation tests and urine osmolality were done before and after DDAVP that suggested NDI and the acquired causes has been excluded. Both of them were treated with oral Hydrochlorothiazide and improved.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :193-195
Abstract from Current Literature Vol.41(3)
Authors: Editor -
Published: June 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :196-197
Notes and News Vol.41(3)
Authors: Editor -
Published: June 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :198
Discrimination of Juice Press Fractions for Sparkling Base Wines by a UV-Vis Spectral Phenolic Fingerprint and Chemometrics
Authors: Kerslake Fiona , Longo Rocco , Dambergs Robert
Published: June 2018

The feasibility of an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectral phenolic fingerprint (SPF), combined with principal component analysis (PCA), is evaluated as a rapid, simple, and reliable technique for the discrimination of grape juice press fractions destined for the production of sparkling white wines. Juice press fractions of Vitis vinifera L. Chardonnay and Pinot noir grapes comprising free-run (i.e., juice released during the loading of press), cuvée (i.e., first press fraction), and taille (i.e., subsequent press fraction), were analyzed by SPF combined with multivariate data analysis. Two trials were carried out, a laboratory and a commercial scale trial. In both trials, cuvée and taille of Chardonnay and Pinot noir grapes were clearly separated in their corresponding PCA plots based on their SPF. The proposed method enables a rapid and objective discrimination of juice press fractions, which can be obtained using relatively inexpensive UV-Vis spectrophotometric equipment. Insights arising from this research suggest a future possibility of objective, real-time discrimination of juice quality that could liberate the winemaker from tasting juice at the press.
A New Radiative Model Derived from Solar Insolation, Albedo, and Bulk Atmospheric Emissivity: Application to Earth and Other Planets
Authors: Swift Luke
Published: June 2018

This study develops an equilibrium radiative model based on a quasi-adiabatic atmosphere that quantifies the average surface flux of a planetary body as a function of absorbed solar radiation P and the bulk emissivity of the atmosphere with respect to surface radiation  ε. The surface flux is then given by  P/(1−ε), and I define the scaling term 1/(1−ε) as the greenhouse factor. The model is applied to all of the rocky planets in the solar system to determine their greenhouse factors, and accounts for the diversity of planetary surface fluxes. The model is modified to allow for a top of atmosphere non-equilibrium state, which when compared with a recent observation-based model of the Earth energy budget, predicts the Earth’s radiative fluxes to within the uncertainty ranges of that model. The model developed in this study is able to quantify the changes in Earth’s surface flux caused by changes in bond albedo and atmospheric bulk emissivity by using the surface temperature, ocean heat content, incoming solar radiation and outgoing longwave radiation records. The model indicates an increase in absorbed solar radiation over the time period from 1979–2015 of the order of 3 W/m2, which was caused by a decrease in planetary bond albedo. The time-series albedo generated by the model is in agreement with Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) derived albedo over the period from 2000–2015. The model also indicates a slight decrease in atmospheric bulk emissivity over the same period. Since atmospheric bulk emissivity is a function of the sum of all of the greenhouse gas species, a simultaneous decrease in atmospheric water vapor may offset the effect of the well-documented increase in the non-condensing greenhouse gases over the period, and result in an overall net decrease in bulk emissivity. Atmospheric water vapor datasets partially support the conclusion, with the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) data supporting a decrease. The NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP-M) data supports a decrease in atmospheric water content over the period 1998–2008, but not over the longer period of 1988–2008. The model indicates that the decrease in planetary albedo was the driver for the increased surface flux over the stated period.
On Bohmian Mechanics, Particle Creation, and Relativistic Space-Time: Happy 100th Birthday, David Bohm!
Authors: Tumulka Roderich
Published: June 2018

The biggest and most lasting among David Bohm’s (1917–1992) many achievements is to have proposed a picture of reality that explains the empirical rules of quantum mechanics. This picture, known as pilot wave theory or Bohmian mechanics among other names, is still the simplest and most convincing explanation available. According to this theory, electrons are point particles in the literal sense and move along trajectories governed by Bohm’s equation of motion. In this paper, I describe some more recent developments and extensions of Bohmian mechanics, concerning in particular relativistic space-time and particle creation and annihilation.
Calculation of Hybrid Ionized Field of AC/DC Transmission Lines by the Meshless Local Petorv–Galerkin Method
Authors: Li Qiang , Yang Hao , Yang Fan , Yao Degui , Zhang Guangzhou , Ran Jia , Gao Bing
Published: June 2018

To save land resources, the construction of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) hybrid transmission lines in the same corridor is inevitable. To provide suggestions for the construction of the AC/DC parallel lines, the hybrid ionized field of AC/DC transmission lines was calculated by the meshless local Petorv–Galerkin (MLPG) method for the first time. In this method, the radius of local sub-domain is adjusted to the nodes close to the global boundary, but not exactly on the boundary. It can avoid the boundary integral, as well as having simplified calculation. The method was validated by comparing with measured results and calculation results. The MLPG method is beneficial to obtaining high-precision results by constructing the more complex shape function. Finally, a field distribution of the parallel line of about ±800 kV DC/500 kV AC was calculated. Moreover, the influence of different parallel spacing and AC voltage level on the hybrid ionized field was analyzed, which provides theoretical basis for real parallel lines design.
Thermal Conductance along Hexagonal Boron Nitride and Graphene Grain Boundaries
Authors: Rabczuk Timon , Azadi Kakavand Mohammad , Palanivel Uma Raahul , Hossein Nezhad Shirazi Ali , Makaremi Meysam
Published: June 2018

We carried out molecular dynamics simulations at various temperatures to predict the thermal conductivity and the thermal conductance of graphene and hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) thin films. Therefore, several models with six different grain boundary configurations ranging from 33–140 nm in length were generated. We compared our predicted thermal conductivity of pristine graphene and h-BN with previously conducted experimental data and obtained good agreement. Finally, we computed the thermal conductance of graphene and h-BN sheets for six different grain boundary configurations, five sheet lengths ranging from 33 to 140 nm and three temperatures (i.e., 300 K, 500 K and 700 K). The results show that the thermal conductance remains nearly constant with varying length and temperature for each grain boundary.
Characterization of a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) System for Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Ando Junior Oswaldo Hideo , Calderon Nelson H. , De Souza Samara Silva
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the development and characterization of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) system for waste heat recovery to low temperature in industrial processes. The relevance of this mode of electric energy harvest is that it is clean energy and it depends only on the capture of losses. These residual energies from industrial processes are, in principle, released into the environment without being exploited. With the proposed device, the waste energy will not be released into the environment and will be used for electrical generation, which is useful for heat production. The characterization of TEGs that are used a data-acquisition system have measured data for the voltage, current, and temperature, in real-time, for temperatures down to 200 °C without signal degradation. As a result, the measured data has revealed an open circuit voltage of VOC = 0.4306 × ΔT, internal resistance of R0 = 9.41 Ω, with tolerance ΔRint = ±0.77 Ω, where Rint = 9.41 ± 0.77 Ω. The measurements were made on the condition that the maximum output was obtained at a temperature gradient of ΔT = 80 °C, resulting in a maximum power gain of Pout ≈ 29 W.
Petrographic Controls on Pore and Fissure Characteristics of Coals from the Southern Junggar Coalfield, Northwest China
Authors: Zhou Sandong , Liu Dameng , Cai Yidong , Karpyn Zuleima , Yao Yanbin
Published: June 2018

The productive potential of coalbed methane projects is controlled by pore and fissure characteristics, which are intrinsically related to coal petrology. This work attempts to identify the influence of petrographic factors on the development of pore and fissure systems in the southern Junggar Coalfield, Northwest China. Here, Middle Jurassic coal (lignite and subbituminous) petrology in coal seam No. 45 of the southern Junggar Coalfield (SJC) is studied with respect to the characteristics of pore and fissure structure with the aid of optical microscopes, scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Maceral analysis shows coals at the SJC are dominated by vitrinite (38–87 vol %), with moderate quantities of inertinite (1–28 vol %) and liptinite (0.5–30 vol %). Decomposition of plants occurs under slightly oxic–anoxic conditions, with good tissue retention. Four types of coal facies are classified using petrographic indices, comprising (1) lower delta plain marsh, (2) lower delta plain fen, (3) upper delta plain wet forest swamp; and (4) piedmont plain moor. Pores and fissures are generally observed in telinite, collotelinite, fusinite, and semifusinite in SJC coals, indicating that the generation of pores and fissures is strongly influenced by coal macerals. Pore and fissure structures of coals in coal facies (1) appear weakly connected, whereas those in coal facies (2) reveal good connectivity. Coals in coal facies (3) and (4) show moderate connectivity between pore and fissure structure. Therefore, pore and fissure structures are significantly controlled by coal facies. This work provides practical recommendations and implementation methods for petrological studies in future coalbed methane exploration/development in the SJC. This study also serves to predict the physical properties of pores and fissures and interpret the control mechanism of coalbed methane production using coal petrology.
A Simplified Physical Model Construction Method and Gas-Water Micro Scale Flow Simulation in Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Fengjiao , Liu Yikun , Hu Chaoyang , Shen Anqi , Liang Shuang , Cai Bo
Published: June 2018

Accuracy defects exist when modeling fluid transport by the classical capillary bundle model for tight porous media. In this study, a three-dimensional simplified physical model construction method was developed for tight sandstone gas reservoirs based on the geological origin, sedimentary compaction and clay mineral-cementation. The idea was to reduce the porosity of the tangent spheres physical model considering the synergistic effect of the above two factors and achieve a simplified model with the same flow ability as the actual tight core. Regarding the wall surface of the simplified physical model as the boundary and using the Lattice Boltzmann (LB) method, the relative permeability curves of gas and water in the simplified model were fitted with experimental results and a synergistic coefficient could be obtained, which we propose for characterizing the synergistic effect of sedimentary compaction and clay mineral-cementation. The simplified physical model and the results simulated by the LB method are verified with the experimental results under indoor experimental conditions, and the two are consistent. Finally, we have carried out a simulation of gas flooding water under conditions of high temperature and high pressure which are consistent with the actual tight sandstone gas reservoir. The simulation results show that both gas and water have relatively stronger seepage ability compared with the results of laboratory experiments. Moreover, the interfacial tension between gas and water is lower, and the swept volume is larger during placement. In addition, the binding ability of the rock surface to the water film adhered to it becomes reduced. The method proposed in this study could indicate high frequency change of pores and throats and used to reflect the seepage resistance caused by frequent collisions with the wall in microscopic numerical simulations of tight sandstone gas reservoirs.
A Novel Hybrid Interval Prediction Approach Based on Modified Lower Upper Bound Estimation in Combination with Multi-Objective Salp Swarm Algorithm for Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Wang Jiyang , Gao Yuyang , Chen Xuejun
Published: June 2018

Effective and reliable load forecasting is an important basis for power system planning and operation decisions. Its forecasting accuracy directly affects the safety and economy of the operation of the power system. However, attaining the desired point forecasting accuracy has been regarded as a challenge because of the intrinsic complexity and instability of the power load. Considering the difficulties of accurate point forecasting, interval prediction is able to tolerate increased uncertainty and provide more information for practical operation decisions. In this study, a novel hybrid system for short-term load forecasting (STLF) is proposed by integrating a data preprocessing module, a multi-objective optimization module, and an interval prediction module. In this system, the training process is performed by maximizing the coverage probability and by minimizing the forecasting interval width at the same time. To verify the performance of the proposed hybrid system, half-hourly load data are set as illustrative cases and two experiments are carried out in four states with four quarters in Australia. The simulation results verified the superiority of the proposed technique and the effects of the submodules were analyzed by comparing the outcomes with those of benchmark models. Furthermore, it is proved that the proposed hybrid system is valuable in improving power grid management.
Forest Regeneration Following Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairemaire) Enhances Mesophication in Eastern Hardwood Forests
Authors: Dolan Benjamin , Kilgore Jason
Published: June 2018

Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairemaire) is a phloem-feeding beetle that was introduced into North America in the late 20th century and is causing widespread mortality of native ash (Fraxinus) species. The loss of an entire genus from the forest flora is a substantial disturbance, but effects vary because of differences in Fraxinus dominance and remaining vegetation. At three sites near the center of the North American EAB range, we investigated the impacts of Fraxinus mortality on recruitment of woody and non-native vegetation in 14 permanent plots from 2012 to 2017. We used the change in relative Fraxinus basal area to determine the impact of EAB on density of woody species and non-native vegetation less than 2.5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh). Changes in canopy cover were not correlated with loss of Fraxinus from the overstory, and only the density of shade-tolerant shrubs and saplings increased with Fraxinus mortality. Both native and non-native shrub species increased in density at sites where they were present before EAB, but no new invasions were detected following Fraxinus mortality. These shifts in understory vegetation indicate that Fraxinus mortality enhances the rate of succession to shade-tolerant species.
A Privacy Preserving Framework for Worker’s Location in Spatial Crowdsourcing Based on Local Differential Privacy
Authors: Dai Jiazhu , Qiao Keke
Published: June 2018

With the development of the mobile Internet, location-based services are playing an important role in everyday life. As a new location-based service, Spatial Crowdsourcing (SC) involves collecting and analyzing environmental, social, and other spatiotemporal information of individuals, increasing convenience for users. In SC, users (called requesters) publish tasks and other users (called workers) are required to physically travel to specified locations to perform the tasks. However, with SC services, the workers have to disclose their locations to untrusted third parties, such as the Spatial Crowdsourcing Server (SC-server), which could pose a considerable threat to the privacy of workers. In this paper, we propose a new location privacy protection framework based on local difference privacy for spatial crowdsourcing, which does not require the participation of trusted third parties by adding noises locally to workers’ locations. The noisy locations of workers are submitted to the SC-server rather than the real locations. Therefore, the protection of workers’ locations is achieved. Experiments showed that this framework not only preserves the privacy of workers in SC, but also has modest overhead performance.
A Novel Environmental Justice Indicator for Managing Local Air Pollution
Authors: Zhao Jing , Gladson Laura , Cromar Kevin
Published: June 2018

Environmental justice efforts in the United States seek to provide equal protection from environmental hazards, such as air pollution, to all groups, particularly among traditionally disadvantaged populations. To accomplish this objective, the U.S. EPA has previously required states to use an environmental justice screening tool as part of air quality planning decision-making. The generally utilized approach to assess potential areas of environmental justice concern relies on static comparisons of environmental and demographic information to identify areas where minority and low income populations experience elevated environmental exposures, but does not include any additional information that may inform the trade-offs that sub-populations of varying socio-demographic groups make when choosing where to reside in cities. In order to address this limitation, job accessibility (measured by a mobility index defining the number of jobs available within a set commuting time) was developed as a novel environmental justice indicator of environmental justice priority areas at the local level. This approach is modeled using real-world data in Allegheny County, PA (USA), and identifies areas with relatively high levels of outdoor air pollution and low access to jobs. While traditional tools tend to flag the poorest neighborhoods for environmental justice concerns, this new method offers a more refined analysis, targeting populations suffering from the highest environmental burden without the associated benefits of urban living.
Research on the Relationship between Water Diversion and Water Quality of Xuanwu Lake, China
Authors: Song Weiwei , Xu Qing , Fu Xingqian , Zhang Peng , Pang Yong , Song Dahao
Published: June 2018

Water diversion is often used to improve water quality to reach the standard of China in the short term. However, this large amount of water diversion can not only improve the water quality, but also lead to a decline in the water quality (total phosphorus, total nitrogen) of Xuanwu Lake. Through theoretical analysis, the relationship between water quality and water diversion is established. We also found that the multiplication of the pollutant degradation coefficient (K) and the water residence time (T) is a constant (N), K⋅T=N. The water quality changed better at first, with the increase of inflow discharge, and then became worse, and the optimal water quality inflow discharge is 180,000 m3/day. By constructing two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality models, the optimal diversion water plan is calculated. Through model calculations, it can be seen that reducing the inflow discharge makes the water residence time longer (15.3 days changed to 23.8 days). Thereby, increasing the degradation of pollutants, and thus improving water quality. Compared with other wind directions, the southwest wind makes the water quality of Xuanwu Lake the most uniform. The concentration of water quality first became smaller and then became larger, as the wind speed increased, and eventually became constant. Implementing these results for water quality improvement in small and medium lakes will significantly reduce the cost of water diversion.
Tuberculosis Specific Interferon-Gamma Production in a Current Refugee Cohort in Western Europe
Authors: Jablonka Alexandra , Dopfer Christian , Happle Christine , Sogkas Georgios , Ernst Diana , Atschekzei Faranaz , Hirsch Stefanie , Schäll Annabelle , Jirmo Adan , Solbach Philipp , Schmidt Reinhold Ernst , Behrens Georg M. N. , Wetzke Martin
Published: June 2018

Background: In 2015, a high number of refugees with largely unknown health statuses immigrated to Western Europe. To improve caretaking strategies, we assessed the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in a refugee cohort. Methods: Interferon-Gamma release assays (IGRA, Quantiferon) were performed in n = 232 inhabitants of four German refugee centers in the summer of 2015. Results: Most refugees were young, male adults. Overall, IGRA testing was positive in 17.9% (95% CI = 13.2–23.5%) of subjects. Positivity rates increased with age (0% <18 years versus 46.2% >50 years). Age was the only factor significantly associated with a positive IGRA in multiple regression analysis including gender, C reactive protein, hemoglobin, leukocyte, and thrombocyte count and lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, basophil, and eosinophil fraction. For one year change in age, the odds are expected to be 1.06 times larger, holding all other variables constant (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Observed LTBI frequencies are lower than previously reported in similar refugee cohorts. However, as elderly people are at higher risk for developing active tuberculosis, the observed high rate of LTBI in senior refugees emphasizes the need for new policies on the detection and treatment regimens in this group.
Chrysin Attenuates Cell Viability of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells through Autophagy Induction Unlike 5-Fluorouracil/Oxaliplatin
Authors: Lin Yueh-Ming , Chen Chih-I , Hsiang Yi-Ping , Hsu Yung-Chia , Cheng Kung-Chuan , Chien Pei-Hsuan , Pan Hsiao-Lin , Lu Chien-Chang , Chen Yun-Ju
Published: June 2018

Chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with oxaliplatin is often used as the standard treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). The disturbing side effects and drug resistance commonly observed in chemotherapy motivate us to develop alternative optimal therapeutic options for CRC treatment. Chrysin, a natural and biologically active flavonoid abundant in propolis, is reported to have antitumor effects on a few CRCs. However, whether and how chrysin achieves similar effectiveness to the 5-FU combination is not clear. In this study, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assayed. We found that chrysin exhibited similar inhibition of cell viability as the 5-FU combination in a panel of human CRC cells. Furthermore, the results showed that chrysin significantly increased the levels of LC3-II, an autophagy-related marker, in CRC cells, which was not observed with the 5-FU combination. More importantly, blockage of autophagy induction restored chrysin-attenuated CRC cell viability. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that chrysin, not the 5-FU combination, induced ROS generation, and in turn, inhibited the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Collectively, these results imply that chrysin may be a potential replacement for the 5-FU and oxaliplatin combination to achieve antitumor activity through autophagy for CRC treatment in the future.
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)—Receptor Survival Axis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dudás József , Dietl Wolfgang , Romani Angela , Reinold Susanne , Glueckert Rudolf , Schrott-Fischer Anneliese , Dejaco Daniel , Johnson Chacko Lejo , Tuertscher Raphaela , Schartinger Volker Hans , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: June 2018

Neurotrophins and their receptors might regulate cell survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). mRNA expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and protein synthesis of high (NTRK1) and low affinity neurotrophin (p75 neurotrophin receptor; NTR) receptors were investigated in normal oral mucosa and in HNSCC. HNSCC cell lines were treated with mitomycin C (MMC) and cell survival was investigated. Normal and malignant epithelial cells expressed NGF mRNA. NTRK1 was upregulated in 80% of HNSCC tissue, and 50% of HNSCC samples were p75NTR positive. Interestingly, in HNSCC tissue: NTRK1 and p75NTR immunohistochemical reactions were mutually exclusive. Detroit 562 cell line contained only p75NTR, UPCI-SCC090 cells synthesized NTRK1 but not p75NTR and SCC-25 culture had p75NTR and NTRK1 in different cells. NGF (100 ng/mL) significantly improved (1.4-fold) the survival of cultured UPCI-SCC090 cells after MMC-induced cell cycle arrest, while Detroit 562 cells with high levels of p75NTR did not even get arrested by single short MMC treatment. p75NTR in HNSCC might be related with NGF-independent therapy resistance, while NTRK1 might transduce a survival signal of NGF and contribute in this way to improved tumor cell survival after cell cycle arrest.
Phloretin Promotes Adipogenesis via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways in Mouse Marrow Stromal ST2 Cells
Authors: Takeno Ayumu , Kanazawa Ippei , Notsu Masakazu , Tanaka Ken-ichiro , Sugimoto Toshitsugu
Published: June 2018

Phloretin, a glucose transporter (GLUT) inhibitor, has pleiotropic effects. The present study examined the effects of phloretin on the commitment of marrow stromal cells to adipocytes, using the mouse marrow stromal cell line ST2. Oil red O staining showed that treatment with phloretin 10–100 µM promoted lipid accumulation. Real-time PCR showed that phloretin significantly increased the expression of adipogenic markers, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid-binding protein 4, and adiponectin. Western blotting showed that phloretin inhibited ERK1/2 and JNK but activated p38 MAPK. Treatment with a MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor and a JNK inhibitor enhanced adipogenesis, similar to phloretin. In contrast, a p38 MAPK inhibitor suppressed phloretin-induced adipogenesis. Although phloretin phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), co-incubation with an AMPK inhibitor did not block phloretin-induced adipogenesis. The 2-deoxyglucose colorimetric assay showed that phloretin and siRNA silencing of GLUT1 decreased glucose uptake. However, unlike phloretin treatment, GLUT1 silencing inhibited adipogenesis. In addition, phloretin enhanced adipogenesis in GLUT1 knocked-down cells. Taken together, phloretin induced adipogenesis of marrow stromal cells by inhibiting ERK1/2 and JNK and by activating p38 MAPK. The adipogenic effects of phloretin were independent of glucose uptake inhibition. Phloretin may affect energy metabolism by influencing adipogenesis and adiponectin expression.
An Electrochemical Study on the Copolymer Formed from Piperazine and Aniline Monomers
Authors: Dkhili Samiha , López-Bernabeu Sara , Kedir Chahineze Nawel , Huerta Francisco , Montilla Francisco , Besbes-Hentati Salma , Morallon Emilia
Published: June 2018

A study on the electrochemical oxidation of piperazine and its electrochemical copolymerization with aniline in acidic medium is presented. It was found that the homopolymerization of piperazine cannot be achieved under electrochemical conditions. A combination of electrochemistry, in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectroscopies was used to characterize both the chemical structure and the redox behavior of an electrochemically synthesized piperazine–aniline copolymer. The electrochemical sensing properties of the deposited material were also tested against ascorbic acid and dopamine as redox probes.
Marine Myxobacteria: A Few Good Halophiles
Authors: Albataineh Hanan , Stevens D.
Published: June 2018

Currently considered an excellent candidate source of novel chemical diversity, the existence of marine myxobacteria was in question less than 20 years ago. This review aims to serve as a roll call for marine myxobacteria and to summarize their unique features when compared to better-known terrestrial myxobacteria. Characteristics for discrimination between obligate halophilic, marine myxobacteria and halotolerant, terrestrial myxobacteria are discussed. The review concludes by highlighting the need for continued discovery and exploration of marine myxobacteria as producers of novel natural products.
Effects of Dietary Daidzein Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Serum Hormones, and Reproductive-Related Genes in Rats
Authors: Zhang Qiqi , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Mao Xiangbing , Huang Zhiqing , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Zheng Ping , Luo Yuheng , He Jun
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary daidzein supplementation on reproductive performance in rats. A total of twenty-four female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated to two groups and fed either with a basal diet (CON) or basal diet containing 50 mg/kg daidzein (DAI) from gestation until delivery stage. The results show that daidzein supplementation significantly increased the total litter weight and the total viable newborn weight (p < 0.05). Interestingly, daidzein supplementation acutely elevated the concentrations of serum estrogen, progesterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (p < 0.01) after the maternal rats’ delivery. The concentrations of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were also significantly higher in the DAI maternal rats than in the CON maternal rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, daidzein significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in maternal rats’ sera and in newborns (p < 0.05) and elevated the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both the maternal rats’ sera and their ovaries (p < 0.05). Importantly, daidzein supplementation significantly elevated the expression levels of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and NR5A2 genes in maternal rats’ ovaries (p < 0.05) and downregulated the expression level of prolactin receptor (PRLR) in newborns (p < 0.05). These results suggest that dietary daidzein supplementation improves reproductive performance and fetal development in rats, which is associated with changes in serum hormones, tissue antioxidant capacity, and expression levels of reproductive-related genes, both in maternal rats and their offspring.
Dietary Cholesterol, Lipid Levels, and Cardiovascular Risk among Adults with Diabetes or Impaired Fasting Glucose in the Framingham Offspring Study
Authors: Lin Hsuan-Ping , Baghdasarian Siyouneh , Singer Martha R. , Mott Melanie M. , Bradlee M. Loring , Pickering Richard T. , Moore Lynn L.
Published: June 2018

Previous recommendations to limit dietary cholesterol intake have been eliminated for most adults. Questions remain about whether dietary cholesterol has adverse cardiovascular effects among individuals with impaired fasting glucose or diabetes (IFG/T2DM). We used data for 993 adults (40.9% female), ages 35–<65 years, with prevalent IFG/T2DM in the prospective Framingham Offspring Study to address this question. Dietary cholesterol was assessed using 3-day diet records at exams 3 and 5 and used to classify subjects into sex-specific tertiles of mean cholesterol intake. Outcomes included fasting lipid levels over 20 years and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statistical analyses included repeated measures mixed regression models and Cox proportional hazards models to adjust for confounding. Among adults with T2DM/IFG, there was no consistent association between dietary cholesterol intake and fasting low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), LDL/HDL ratio, or triglycerides over 20 years of follow-up. In longitudinal analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio for CVD in the highest (vs. lowest) sex-specific tertile of cholesterol intake was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.90). These analyses provide no evidence of an adverse association between dietary cholesterol and serum lipid levels or atherosclerotic CVD risk among adults with prevalent IFG/T2DM.
Pratyabhijñā Apoha Theory, Shannon–Weaver Information, Saussurean Structure, and Peircean Interpretant Agency
Authors: Lawrence David
Published: June 2018

This paper builds upon my earlier studies in interpreting interculturally how the Kashmiri nondual Śaiva thinkers Upaladeva (c. 900–950 CE) and Abhinavagupta (c. 950–1020 CE) in their Pratyabhijñā philosophical theology respond to and reinterpret the Buddhist semantic theory of reference as the exclusion of the inapplicable (anyāpoha). It engages the issues in the Pratyabhijñā debate with the Buddhists, with the interrelations of Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver’s theory of Information, Saussurean structuralist semiotics, and Peircean pragmatic semiotics.
Potential of Different Optical and SAR Data in Forest and Land Cover Classification to Support REDD+ MRV
Authors: Sirro Laura , Häme Tuomas , Rauste Yrjö , Kilpi Jorma , Hämäläinen Jarno , Gunia Katja , De Jong Bernardus , Paz Pellat Fernando
Published: June 2018

The applicability of optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for land cover classification to support REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) MRV (measuring, reporting and verification) services was tested on a tropical to sub-tropical test site. The 100 km by 100 km test site was situated in the State of Chiapas in Mexico. Land cover classifications were computed using RapidEye and Landsat TM optical satellite images and ALOS PALSAR L-band and Envisat ASAR C-band images. Identical sample plot data from Kompsat-2 imagery of one-metre spatial resolution were used for the accuracy assessment. The overall accuracy for forest and non-forest classification varied between 95% for the RapidEye classification and 74% for the Envisat ASAR classification. For more detailed land cover classification, the accuracies varied between 89% and 70%, respectively. A combination of Landsat TM and ALOS PALSAR data sets provided only 1% improvement in the overall accuracy. The biases were small in most classifications, varying from practically zero for the Landsat TM based classification to a 7% overestimation of forest area in the Envisat ASAR classification. Considering the pros and cons of the data types, we recommend optical data of 10 m spatial resolution as the primary data source for REDD MRV purposes. The results with L-band SAR data were nearly as accurate as the optical data but considering the present maturity of the imaging systems and image analysis methods, the L-band SAR is recommended as a secondary data source. The C-band SAR clearly has poorer potential than the L-band but it is applicable in stratification for a statistical sampling when other image types are unavailable.
Multiscale Comparative Evaluation of the GPM IMERG v5 and TRMM 3B42 v7 Precipitation Products from 2015 to 2017 over a Climate Transition Area of China
Authors: Chen Cheng , Chen Qiuwen , Duan Zheng , Zhang Jianyun , Mo Kangle , Li Zhe , Tang Guoqiang
Published: June 2018

The performance of the latest released Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM mission (IMERG) version 5 (IMERG v5) and the TRMM Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis 3B42 version 7 (3B42 v7) are evaluated and compared at multiple temporal scales over a semi-humid to humid climate transition area (Huaihe River basin) from 2015 to 2017. The impacts of rainfall rate, latitude and elevation on precipitation detection skills are also investigated. Results indicate that both satellite estimates showed a high Pearson correlation coefficient (r, above 0.89) with gauge observations, and an overestimation of precipitation at monthly and annual scales. Mean daily precipitation of IMERG v5 and 3B42 v7 display a consistent spatial pattern, and both characterize the observed precipitation distribution well, but 3B42 v7 tends to markedly overestimate precipitation over water bodies. Both satellite precipitation products overestimate rainfalls with intensity ranging from 0.5 to 25 mm/day, but tend to underestimate light (0–0.5 mm/day) and heavy (>25 mm/day) rainfalls, especially for torrential rains (above 100 mm/day). Regarding each gauge station, the IMERG v5 has larger mean r (0.36 for GPM, 0.33 for TRMM) and lower mean relative root mean square error (RRMSE, 1.73 for GPM, 1.88 for TRMM) than those of 3B42 v7. The higher probability of detection (POD), critical success index (CSI) and lower false alarm ratio (FAR) of IMERG v5 than those of 3B42 v7 at different rainfall rates indicates that IMERG v5 in general performs better in detecting the observed precipitations. This study provides a better understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of accuracy of IMERG v5 and 3B42 v7 precipitation and the influencing factors, which is of great significance to hydrological applications.
Forest Type Identification with Random Forest Using Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-2A, Multi-Temporal Landsat-8 and DEM Data
Authors: Liu Yanan , Gong Weishu , Hu Xiangyun , Gong Jianya
Published: June 2018

Carbon sink estimation and ecological assessment of forests require accurate forest type mapping. The traditional survey method is time consuming and labor intensive, and the remote sensing method with high-resolution, multi-spectral commercial satellite images has high cost and low availability. In this study, we explore and evaluate the potential of freely-available multi-source imagery to identify forest types with an object-based random forest algorithm. These datasets included Sentinel-2A (S2), Sentinel-1A (S1) in dual polarization, one-arc-second Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission Digital Elevation (DEM) and multi-temporal Landsat-8 images (L8). We tested seven different sets of explanatory variables for classifying eight forest types in Wuhan, China. The results indicate that single-sensor (S2) or single-day data (L8) cannot obtain satisfactory results; the overall accuracy was 54.31% and 50.00%, respectively. Compared with the classification using only Sentinel-2 data, the overall accuracy increased by approximately 15.23% and 22.51%, respectively, by adding DEM and multi-temporal Landsat-8 imagery. The highest accuracy (82.78%) was achieved with fused imagery, the terrain and multi-temporal data contributing the most to forest type identification. These encouraging results demonstrate that freely-accessible multi-source remotely-sensed data have tremendous potential in forest type identification, which can effectively support monitoring and management of forest ecological resources at regional or global scales.
A Ship Detector Applying Principal Component Analysis to the Polarimetric Notch Filter
Authors: Zhang Tao , Marino Armando , Xiong Huilin , Yu Wenxian
Published: June 2018

Ship detection using polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) data has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Polarimetry can provide information regarding the scattering mechanisms of targets, which helps discriminate between ships and sea clutter. This enhancement is particularly valuable when we aim at detecting smaller vessels in rough sea states. This work exploits a ship detector called the Geometrical Perturbation-Polarimetric Notch Filter (GP-PNF), and it is aimed at improving its performance especially when less polarimetric images are available (e.g., dual-polarimetric data). The idea is to design a new polarimetric feature vector containing more features that are renowned to allow separation between ships and sea clutter. Then, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is further used to reduce the dimensionality of the new feature space. Experiments on four real Sentinel-1 datasets are carried out to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method and compare it against other ship detectors. Analyses of the experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can not only reduce the false alarms significantly, but also enhance the target-to-clutter ratio (TCR) so that it can more effectively detect weaker ships.
Quantitative Estimation of Wheat Phenotyping Traits Using Ground and Aerial Imagery
Authors: Khan Zohaib , Chopin Joshua , Cai Jinhai , Eichi Vahid-Rahimi , Haefele Stephan , Miklavcic Stanley J.
Published: June 2018

This study evaluates an aerial and ground imaging platform for assessment of canopy development in a wheat field. The dependence of two canopy traits, height and vigour, on fertilizer treatment was observed in a field trial comprised of ten varieties of spring wheat. A custom-built mobile ground platform (MGP) and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were deployed at the experimental site for standard red, green and blue (RGB) image collection on five occasions. Meanwhile, reference field measurements of canopy height and vigour were manually recorded during the growing season. Canopy level estimates of height and vigour for each variety and treatment were computed by image analysis. The agreement between estimates from each platform and reference measurements was statistically analysed. Estimates of canopy height derived from MGP imagery were more accurate (RMSE = 3.95 cm, R2 = 0.94) than estimates derived from UAV imagery (RMSE = 6.64 cm, R2 = 0.85). In contrast, vigour was better estimated using the UAV imagery (RMSE = 0.057, R2 = 0.57), compared to MGP imagery (RMSE = 0.063, R2 = 0.42), albeit with a significant fixed and proportional bias. The ability of the platforms to capture differential development of traits as a function of fertilizer treatment was also investigated. Both imaging methodologies observed a higher median canopy height of treated plots compared with untreated plots throughout the season, and a greater median vigour of treated plots compared with untreated plots exhibited in the early growth stages. While the UAV imaging provides a high-throughput method for canopy-level trait determination, the MGP imaging captures subtle canopy structures, potentially useful for fine-grained analyses of plants.
Investigation and Analysis of All-Day Atmospheric Water Vapor Content over Xi’an Using Raman Lidar and Sunphotometer Measurements
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Tang Liu , Gao Tianle , Wang Qing , Lu Chuan , Song Yuehui , Hua Dengxin
Published: June 2018

All-day atmospheric water vapor content measurements determined by Raman lidar and a sunphotometer were combined to investigate the all-day variation characteristics in the water vapor distribution in Xi’an, China (34.233°N, 108.911°E). To enhance the daytime lidar performance, the wavelet threshold de-noising method is used to filter out the strong solar background light, and effective denoised results are demonstrated with the following optimization: wavelet sym6, the improved threshold function, and the improved threshold selection. The denoised system signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the water vapor daytime measurement is validated, with an enhancement of ~3.4 times up to a height of 3 km compared to that of the original signal. The time series of the atmospheric water vapor mixing ratio profiles and the obtained precipitable water vapor (PWV) measured by Raman lidar are used to reveal the temporal and spatial variations in water vapor, and the comparisons with the total column water vapor content (TCWV) measured by a sunphotometer validate the daytime variation trend of the water vapor. All-day continuous observations clearly present a consistent variation trend in the water vapor between the sunphotometer and Raman lidar measurements. The correlation analysis between TCWV and PWV at the layers below 850 hPa and below 700 hPa yields a good positive correlation coefficient (>0.75), indicating that PWV determination in the bottom layer by Raman lidar can directly reflect the variations in the total water vapor content. Moreover, different diurnal variation trends in water vapor are also observed, that is, a downward trend from the afternoon to the night, or a tendency of being high in the morning and afternoon and low at noon, demonstrating the high temporal-spatial variation characteristics of water vapor and close correlation with weather changes. The results reflected and validated that the diurnal variation in water vapor is complicated and can be an indicator of the weather to a certain extent.