bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTRATUNNEL THE EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF BONE MARROW MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS (BM-MSCs) AND VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR (VEGF) TENDON-BONE TO INTERFACE HISTOLOGICAL GRAFT ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT APPEARANCE AFTER RECONSTRUCTION IN RABBITS
Authors: Abirama Atria
Published: September 2018

The success of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a tendon graft is determined by integration in the bone tendon-graft interface on the bone tunnel. The use of stem cells and growth factors proved to accelerate the healing of the bone tendon-graft interface. The aim of this study was to inveestigate the difference of histology picture in the tendon-bone tunnel model after ACL reconstruction with intratunnel intravenous allogenic bone marrow mesenchymalstemcells (BM-MSCs) and intratunnel vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This research used Post-Test Only Control Group design with 20 rabbits divided into treatment group and control group. Each group performed histologic image evaluation (thickness of collagen fiber or sharpey fiber) at week 3 and 6. Evaluation of histology overview at week 3 and week 6 showed a significantly thicker thickness of collagen fiber or sharpey fiber in treatment group compared with control group (p <0.05). Intravenous administration of BM-SCs and VEGF after ACL reconstruction can speed healing of the bone tunnel significantly from week 3 and 6. The study by Faridyan et al has concluded that intravenous BM-SCs + VEGF increased ultimate tension strength in the bone-tendon interface significantly. In this study, intravenous administration of BM-SCs and VEGF gave histologic images showing acceleration of bone tunnel healing.Keywords:Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, allogenic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, vascular endothelial growth factor, graft tunnel healing, and Sharpey fiber.
Culturally Adapted, Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Spanish-Speaking Individuals With Substance Use Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Paris Manuel , Silva Michelle , Añez-Nava Luis , Jaramillo Yudilyn , Kiluk Brian D. , Gordon Melissa A. , Nich Charla , Frankforter Tami , Devore Kathleen , Ball Samuel A. , Carroll Kathleen M.
Published: September 2018

Objectives. To evaluate whether adding Web-based cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) to standard outpatient psychiatric or addiction treatment improved substance use outcomes.

Methods. We conducted a randomized clinical trial in New Haven, Connecticut, between 2014 and 2017 comparing 8 weeks of standard outpatient treatment to the same treatment with access to a culturally adapted version of Web-based CBT with a 6-month follow-up. Participants were 92 treatment-seeking individuals with Spanish as their primary language and current substance use disorder, with few other restrictions.

Results. Treatment completion and data availability were high (98% of the randomized sample). For the primary outcome (change in frequency of primary substance used), there was a significant effect of treatment condition by time (t 1, 718 = −2.64; 95% confidence interval = −0.61, 0.09; P = .01), indicating significantly greater reductions for those assigned to Web CBT, which were durable through the 6-month follow-up. The knowledge test indicated significantly greater increases for those assigned to Web CBT.

Conclusions. Adding a culturally adapted version of Web-based CBT to standard treatment improved substance use outcomes.

Public Health Implications. This approach has high potential to address health disparities by providing an easily accessible, inexpensive form of evidence-based treatment to a range of Latinos with substance use disorders.
The Physician’s Duty to Treat During Pandemics
Authors: Orentlicher David
Published: September 2018

Physicians assume a primary ethical duty to place the welfare of their patients above their own interests. Thus, for example, physicians must not exploit the patient–physician relationship for personal financial gain through the practice of self-referral. But how far does the duty to patient welfare extend? Must physicians assume a serious risk to their own health to ensure that patients receive needed care?

In the past, physicians were expected to provide care during pandemics without regard to the risk to their own health. In recent decades, however, the duty to treat during pandemics has suffered from erosion even while the risks to physicians from meeting the duty has gone down.

After exploring the historical evolution of the duty to treat and the reasons for the duty, I conclude that restoring a strong duty to treat would protect patient welfare without subjecting physicians to undue health risks.
The Effect of the Australian National Firearms Agreement on Suicide and Homicide Mortality, 1978–2015
Authors: Gilmour Stuart , Wattanakamolkul Kittima , Sugai Maaya Kita
Published: September 2018

Objectives. To investigate the impact of the Australian National Firearms Agreement (NFA) on suicide and assault mortality.

Methods. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional difference-in-difference study of the impact of the NFA on national mortality rates in the Australian population from 1961 to 2015.

Results. The NFA had no additional statistically observable impact on firearm-related suicides in women (P = .09) and was associated with a statistically significant increase in the trend in men (P < .001). Trends in non–firearm-related suicide deaths declined by 4.4% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.1%, 4.8%) in men after the introduction of the NFA and increased in women by 0.3% (95% CI = 0.1%, 0.7%). Trends in non–firearm-related homicides declined by 2.2% per year (95% CI = 1.5, 3.8%) in women and 2.9% per year (95% CI = 2.0%, 3.7%) in men after the introduction of the NFA, with a statistically significant improvement in trends for women (P = .04) but not for men (P = .80).

Conclusions. The NFA had no statistically observable additional impact on suicide or assault mortality attributable to firearms in Australia.
Rollover Protective Structures, Worker Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness: New York, 2011–2017
Authors: Myers Melvin , Kelsey Timothy , Tinc Pam , Sorensen Julie , Jenkins Paul
Published: September 2018

Objectives. To measure cost-effectiveness of an intervention to increase retrofitting of rollover protective structures (ROPS) on tractors.

Methods. Tractor overturns are the leading cause of farm fatalities. ROPS prevent these deaths. This study updates a 2011 cost-effectiveness assessment of a New York State intervention to increase use of ROPS. We subtracted intervention cost from the cost of injuries averted, then divided this figure by the number of averted injuries. We used related probabilities and costs of fatalities and injuries from published literature to calculate the program’s cost-effectiveness.

Results. The total cost of the injuries averted from 2007 to 2017 was $6 018 742 versus a total program cost of $1 776 608. The one-time retrofit costs will continue to prevent injuries as long as the tractors are used, generating additional (projected) future savings of $12 136 512, $15 781 027, and $18 924 818 if retrofitted tractors remain in operation 15, 20, or 25 years after their retrofit.

Conclusions. Social marketing was cost-effective for reducing injuries from tractor overturns.

Public Health Implications. These results indicate that the intervention model is effective from both a public health and economic standpoint and should be expanded into other states.
Parent-Based Intervention to Improve Child Restraint Use Among Kindergarteners in China
Authors: Lei Huiqian , Gao Ran , Yang Jingzhen , Li Liping
Published: September 2018

Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of parent-based child restraint system (CRS) education and hands-on CRS installation training.

Methods. We conducted a randomized trial with cluster sampling from May 2016 to January 2017 in 6 selected kindergarten classes in Shantou and Chaozhou, China. Parents were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the 3 study conditions: CRS education only, CRS education plus hands-on CRS installation training, or control (child electricity safety).

Results. Three months after the intervention, significantly higher CRS use was reported in the CRS education plus hands-on CRS installation training group than was reported in the control group (41.2% vs 18.5%; P = .011). However, no significant difference in CRS use was found between the CRS education only and the control groups (26.7% vs 18.5%; P = .33). The ratings on child passenger safety awareness increased significantly in both intervention groups but remained unchanged in the control group after the intervention.

Conclusions. The CRS education plus hands-on CRS installation training increased the use of child restraints, but the CRS education only condition did not. Both intervention methods helped to improve child passenger safety awareness.
ANÁLISE DE ONDAS DE CALOR E DE FRIO EM PASSO FUNDO/RS POR QUATRO DIFERENTES MÉTODOS
Authors: De Melo Jordanna Sousa , De Brito José Ivaldo Barbosa
Published: September 2018

A variabilidade interanual e intrasazonal de variáveis climáticas, como, por exemplo, a temperatura do ar, tem sido amplamente investiga. As ondas de calor e de frio fazem parte da grande variabilidade do clima, várias pesquisas vêm sido desenvolvidas visando conhecer o que está provocando estes eventos, bem como as análises de episódios extremos. Ondas de calor e frio são tipicamente definidos como eventos que excedemdurante um número mínimo de diasos limites de temperatura especificados. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar e analisar as ondas de calor e de frio que ocorrem em Passo Fundo/RS, obtidas por quatro diferentes métodos durante o período de 1956 a 2010. Através dos dados das temperaturas máximas e mínimos diários oriundos das Estações Meteorológicas do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) realizaram-se análises, das quais foram considerados três índices, o Índice da Média Histórica Simples (ORGANIZAÇÃO METEOROLOGICA MUNDIAL), Índice Sazonal e o Índice Diário e o software RClimdex. O índice sugerido pela Organização Meteorológica Mundial apresentou um grande número de ondas de calor durante o verão e apontou apenas dois casos no inverno, isto é decorrente da metodologia associada à grande amplitude térmica observada em Passo Fundo, nenhum índice registrou ondas de frio durante o verão.
AVALIAÇÃO DA ATIVIDADE POZOLÂNICA DO LODO DE PAPEL
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Adriano , Crisane Caon Giane , Risson Kathleen Dall Bello de Souza
Published: September 2018

A reciclagem do papel é um dos métodos que contribui para a preservação do meio ambiente, porém seu processo tem por consequência a geração de um resíduo denominado lodo de papel. Esse resíduo, dependendo de sua composição, quando lançado indevidamente em solos e aterros sanitários, poderá prejudicar o meio ambiente e a saúde dos seres vivos. Tendo em vista uma destinação ecologicamente correta para o lodo de papel e visando a busca da reutilização de materiais, este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar o índice atividade pozolânica do lodo de papel com o cimento Portland. Efetuou-se a calcinação nas temperaturas de 600 ºC, 750 ºC e 900 ºC por 2 horas. Posteriormente o resíduo foi moído e peneirado em uma malha com abertura 0,075mm (75?m). De acordo com a NBR 5752 (2014), produziu-se uma argamassa sem adição do resíduo, sendo denominada argamassa de referência e outras três com a adição de 25% de lodo de papel em substituição ao cimento Portland. Após o ensaio de resistência à compressão nas quatro argamassas, obtiveram-se os valores de índice de desempenho 79%, 55% e 44% em relação à argamassa de referência, para a adição de lodo a 600 ° C, 750 ° C e 900 ° C respectivamente. De acordo com a NBR12653 (2012), o índice de atividade pozolânica da amostra em relação à argamassa de referência tem que ser ?75%, ou seja, o lodo de papel calcinado a 600 ºC é considerado um material pozolânico.
ESTUDO NUMÉRICO APLICADO À MELHORIA DO COMPORTAMENTO MECÂNICO DE PLACAS FINAS DE AÇO COM ENRIJECEDORES SUBMETIDAS À FLEXÃO
Authors: Ramos Alexandro Pereira , Real Mauro Vasconcellos , Isoldi Liércio André
Published: September 2018

O presente trabalho realiza uma análise numérica, por meio de modelos computacionais baseados no Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF) e desenvolvidos no software ANSYS®, sobre o comportamento mecânico de chapas finas de aço. Essas estruturas são amplamente utilizadas em engenharia, especialmente em estruturas navais e offshore, devido à sua capacidade de resistir mecanicamente a cargas, apesar de seu peso relativamente baixo. Inicialmente, estudou-se uma placa quadrada de aço sem enrijecedores, simplesmente apoiada em suas quatro bordas, submetida à flexão (devido a uma carga aplicada transversal uniforme), sendo seu deslocamento transversal máximo adotado como referência. Em seguida, foi adotado o parâmetro fração volumétrica (?), que representa a razão entre o volume dos enrijecedores e o volume total da placa enrijecida. Considerou-se um valor de ? = 0,50, destacando-se que o volume total de aço utilizado para a placa de referência (sem enrijecedores) foi mantido constante para as placas com enrijecedores. Além disso, o comprimento e a largura da placa de referência também foram preservados, de tal forma que o parâmetro ? altera somente a espessura da placa de referência para a definição das placas endurecidas. A partir disso, diferentes configurações geométricas para as placas endurecidas foram propostas, pela variação do número de enrijecedores e pela variação da razão entre a altura e a espessura dos enrijecedores. O objetivo principal é determinar a configuração geométrica que minimiza a deflexão máxima das placas com enijecedores. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que é possível melhorar o comportamento mecânico relacionado ao deslocamento transversal da placa em torno de 600%, quando a melhor configuração geométrica é comparada com as placas de referência (sem enrijecedores).
RESOLUÇÃO NUMÉRICA DE EQUAÇÕES DIFERENCIAIS PARCIAIS FRACIONÁRIAS NO ESPAÇO USANDO O MÉTODO DA COLOCAÇÃO ORTOGONAL
Authors: Lobato Fran Sérgio , Lima William Júnio , Arouca Fábio Oliveira
Published: September 2018

Nas últimas décadas, o interesse pelo estudo de equações diferenciais parciais fracionárias tem atraído a atenção da comunidade científica. Isto se deve a necessidade de estudos relacionados ao desenvolvimento de modelos matemáticos com ordens fracionárias, a influência destas ordens nos perfis obtidos e na adaptação das tradicionais técnicas para o contexto fracionário. Do ponto de vista numérico, tais equações diferenciais parciais fracionárias têm sido resolvidas considerando o Métodos das Diferenças Finitas e de suas variantes. Diante do que foi apresentado, a presente contribuição tem como objetivo aplicar o Método da Colocação Ortogonal como metodologia numérica para a resolução de equações diferenciais parciais fracionárias no espaço. Para essa finalidade, dois estudos de caso são apresentados. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a metodologia proposta é configurada como uma interessante estratégia para resolver este tipo de problema.
PLATAFORMA COMPUTACIONAL PARA AVALIAÇÃO DE DESEMPENHO LOGÍSTICO
Authors: Cardoso de Oliveira Frank Willian , Barão Carlos Eduardo , Braga Lopes Luiz Fernando
Published: September 2018

A globalização comercial está deixando o mercado cada vez mais complexo, e para se manterem competitivas as organizações precisam adotar políticas de gestão mais eficientes e de baixo custo. Um dos setores presentes em muitas empresas é o de logística, e para obter melhores resultados é importante mensurar a performance dos seus processos e atividades, assim, os gestores podem entender a situação da empresa e a partir das informações obtidas fazer planejamentos de ações futuras. Nesse contexto, este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento de uma plataforma computacional de código fonte aberto para avaliação de desempenho logístico, que é composta pelos seguintes módulos: uma base de dados para centralizar e disponibilizar informações, uma aplicação web, uma API (Interface de Programação de Aplicações) para permitir a integração com outras aplicações e um aplicativo para disposititvos móveis, que facilitará, principalmente, o acompanhamento mais fácil das informações. Para o desenvolvimento da plataforma utilizou-se tecnologias atuais e de uso livre, como a linguagem de programação Java, Javascript, framework Java server faces, o banco de dados Mysql, o Ionic framework, entre outras. O desenvolvimento da plataforma tomou como base o modelo de avaliação proposto por Barão et al. (2016), adaptado de Rey (1999), a qual já sugere aos gestores o conjunto de processos e indicadores disponíveis no trabalho dela e em alguns outros da literatura. Além disso, para auxiliar na definição dos indicadores a serem utilizados na avaliação de desempenho, a plataforma desenvolvida utiliza a metodologia SMART. Em testes realizados durante o desenvolvimento, a plataforma demonstrou ser de fácil utilização, podendo ser uma ferramenta que pode trazer excelentes resultados.
MODELAGEM NUMÉRICA DA REPRODUTIBILIDADE DE DERRAME DE ÓLEO BUNKER DURANTE OPERAÇÃO DE ABASTECIMENTO DE EMBARCAÇÃO
Authors: Monteiro Caroline Barbosa , Oleinik Phelype Haron , Lopes Bruno Vasconcellos , Costi Juliana , Kirinus Eduardo de Paula , Marques Wiliam Correa
Published: September 2018

Regiões costeiras podem apresentar alta suscetibilidade a derramamentos de óleo, devido ao intensificado transporte e manuseio de combustíveis em áreas portuárias, por exemplo. Derrames de óleo ambiente marinho podem gerar efeitos crônicos em curto, médio e longo prazo, justificando a modelagens desses eventos. O deslocamento e o intemperismo partículas de óleo na água foram avaliados por simulação numérica de reprodutibilidade de um derrame de óleo marítimo bunker em um Terminal de Petróleo e derivados em uma zona estuarina. Foi utilizada a configuração acoplada do modelo ECOS (Easy Coupling Oil System) ao código fonte do modelo hidrodinâmico tridimensional Telemac3D. Tal configuração possibilitou a transferência de resultados hidrodinâmicos para o modelo de óleo, permitindo assim o cálculo das trajetórias e do comportamento das partículas de óleo. Os resultados hidrodinâmicos foram analisados em termos dos campos de velocidade de correntes e elevação da superfície livre do mar, e pela análise de séries temporais da elevação da superfície associada a análise das principais forçantes físicas atuantes na área de estudo. A contribuição da velocidade de ventos representou cerca 60% e a intensidade de correntes aproximadamente 10% dos processos simulados. Os resultados apontam boa equivalência entre as informações simuladas e as observações realizadas em campo, no relatório de emergência ambiental do acidente. Tal similaridade entre dados modelados e informações coletas em campo para o acidente apontam a competência d
Substrate and operational conditions as regulators of fluid properties in full-scale continuous stirred-tank biogas reactors – implications for rheology-driven power requirements
Authors: Björn Annika , Šafarič Luka , Karlsson Anna , Danielsson Åsa , Ejlertsson Jörgen , Svensson Bo H. , Yekta Sepehr Shakeri
Published: September 2018

Understanding fluid rheology is important for optimal design and operation of continuous stirred-tank biogas reactors (CSTBRs) and is the basis for power requirement estimates. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the applicability of total solid (TS) and/or total volatile solid (TVS) contents of CSTBR fluids as proxies for rheological properties. Thus, the present study investigates relationships between rheological properties of 12 full-scale CSTBR fluids, their substrate profiles, and major operational conditions, including pH, TS and TVS contents, organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time, and temperature. Rheology-driven power requirements based on various fluid characteristics were evaluated for a general biogas reactor setup. The results revealed a significant correlation only between the rheological fluid properties and TS or TVS contents for sewage sludge digesters and thermophilic co-digesters (CD), but not for mesophilic CD. Furthermore, the calculated power requirements for pumping and mixing, based on the various fluid characteristics of the studied CSTBRs, varied broadly irrespective of TS and TVS contents. Thus, this study shows that the TS and/or TVS contents of digester fluid are not reliable estimators of the rheological properties in CSTBRs digesting substrates other than sewage sludge.
Equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics of Cu(II) biosorption on Chinese chestnut shell pretreated with steam explosion
Authors: Qie Li-Mei , Yao Zeng-Yu , Li Guo-Wei , Xie Sang-Bin , Yang Qi , Qi Jian-Hua
Published: September 2018

The shells of Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima) are an agricultural residue. This work aimed to evaluate this feasibility of using steam explosion to modify this residue for Cu(II) biosorption from aqueous solutions. Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were evaluated. The steam-explosion pretreatment increased the surface area of the chestnut shell and exposed more hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which are binding sites for Cu(II). It changed the sorption from a spontaneous process driven by enthalpy to a nonspontaneous one driven by entropy. It increased the Cu(II) sorption capacity at higher temperatures while it decreased the capacity at lower ones. Compared with untreated chestnut shell, the steam-exploded shell is preferable for Cu(II) sorption at higher temperatures.
Genetic algorithm and artificial neural network model for prediction of discoloration dye from an electro-oxidation process in a press-type reactor
Authors: Picos Alain , Peralta-Hernández Juan M.
Published: September 2018

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an artificial neural network-genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) artificial intelligence (AI) model in the prediction of behavior and optimization of an electro-oxidation pilot press-type reactor, which treats a synthetic wastewater prepared with a dye. The ANN was built from real experimental data using as input the following variables: time, flow, j, dye concentration, and as output discoloration. The performance of the ANN was measured with MAPE (8.3868%), calculated from real and predicted values. The coupled AI model was used to find the best operational conditions: discoloration efficiency (above 90%) at j = 27 mA/cm2 and dye concentration of 230 mg/L.
Efficient removal of heavy metals from melting effluent using multifunctional hydrogel adsorbents
Authors: Ma Jianhong , Zhang Yuanmeng , Tang Yanhong , Wei Yuanfeng , Liu Yutang , Liu Chengbin
Published: September 2018

It is hard to balance high water permeability and good mechanical strength of hydrogel adsorbents. In this study, an enhanced double network hydrogel adsorbent of poly (vinyl alcohol)/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PVA/PAMPS) was prepared via simple free-radical polymerization. Hydrophilic PAMPS guaranteed high swellability of the adsorbent, which made the sufficient diffusion of metal ions towards adsorbent inside. Meanwhile, the cross-linkage between PVA and PAMPS chains ensured good mechanical strength of the adsorbent. Significantly, the introduction of multifunctional groups (-NHR, -SO3H and -OH) endowed the adsorbent with both chelation and ion exchange function for enhancing heavy metal adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacities of Pb2+ and Cd2+ reached 340 and 155.1 mg/g, respectively. The adsorbent could efficiently remove heavy metals in melting effluent, especially Pb2+ and Cd2+. The removal efficiencies reached 88.1% for Pb2+, 91.4% for Cd2+, 70.4% for Zn2+, 77.4% for Cu2+, 42.5% for Mn2+, 45.1% for Ni2+ and 95.4% for Fe3+ using 2 g/L adsorbent in 2 h. Moreover, the adsorbent showed a good reusability, and the removal efficiencies maintained 94% for Pb2+ and 93% for Cd2+ in the fifth cycle (m/V = 1 g dry gel/L). This work developed a highly practical hydrogel adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater.
A Review of Recent Advances and Research on Drug Target Identification Methods
Authors: Hu Yang , Zhao Tianyi , Zhang Ningyi , Zhang Ying , Cheng Liang
Published: September 2018

Background:

From a therapeutic viewpoint, understanding how drugs bind and regulate the functions of their target proteins to protect against disease is crucial. The identification of drug targets plays a significant role in drug discovery and studying the mechanisms of diseases. Therefore the development of methods to identify drug targets has become a popular issue.

Methods:

We systematically review the recent work on identifying drug targets from the view of data and method. We compiled several databases that collect data more comprehensively and introduced several commonly used databases. Then divided the methods into two categories: biological experiments and machine learning, each of which is subdivided into different subclasses and described in detail.

Results:

Machine learning algorithms are the majority of new methods. Generally, an optimal set of features is chosen to predict successful new drug targets with similar properties. The most widely used features include sequence properties, network topological features, structural properties, and subcellular locations. Since various machine learning methods exist, improving their performance requires combining a better subset of features and choosing the appropriate model for the various datasets involved.

Conclusion:

The application of experimental and computational methods in protein drug target identification has become increasingly popular in recent years. Current biological and computational methods still have many limitations due to unbalanced and incomplete datasets or imperfect feature selection methods
Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Muser Daniele , Santangeli Pasquale , Selvanayagam Joseph B. , Nucifora Gaetano
Published: September 2018

Ventricular Arrhythmias (VAs) may present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mildly symptomatic frequent premature ventricular contractions to lifethreatening events such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Myocardial scar plays a central role in the genesis and maintenance of re-entrant arrhythmias which are commonly associated with Structural Heart Diseases (SHD) such as ischemic heart disease, healed myocarditis and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. However, the arrhythmogenic substrate may remain unclear in up to 50% of the cases after a routine diagnostic workup, comprehensive of 12-lead surface ECG, transthoracic echocardiography and coronary angiography/ computed tomography. Whenever any abnormality cannot be identified, VAs are referred as to “idiopathic”. In the last decade, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging has acquired a growing role in the identification and characterization of myocardial arrhythmogenic substrate, not only being able to accurately and reproducibly quantify biventricular function, but, more importantly, providing information about the presence of myocardial structural abnormalities such as myocardial fatty replacement, myocardial oedema, and necrosis/ fibrosis, which may otherwise remain unrecognized. Moreover, CMR has recently demonstrated to be of great value in guiding interventional treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation, by reliably identifying VA sites of origin and improving long-term outcomes. In the present manuscript, we review the available data regarding the utility of CMR in the workup of apparently “idiopathic” VAs with a special focus on its prognostic relevance and its application in planning and guiding interventional treatments.
In vivo Monitoring of Oxygen Levels in Human Brain Tumor Between Fractionated Radiotherapy Using Oxygen-enhanced MR Imaging
Authors: Qian Junchao , Yu Xiang , Li Bingbing , Fei Zhenle , Huang Xiang , Luo Peng , Zhang Liwei , Zhang Zhiming , Lou Jianjun , Wang Hongzhi
Published: September 2018

Background::

It was known that the response of tumor cells to radiation is closely related
to tissue oxygen level and fractionated radiotherapy allows reoxygenation of hypoxic tumor
cells. Non-invasive mapping of tissue oxygen level may hold great importance in clinic.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of oxygen-enhanced MR imaging in the
detection of tissue oxygen levels between fractionated radiotherapy.

Methods:

A cohort of 10 patients with brain metastasis was recruited. Quantitative oxygen enhanced
MR imaging was performed prior to, 30 minutes and 22 hours after first fractionated radiotherapy.

Results:

The ΔR1 (the difference of longitudinal relaxivity between 100% oxygen breathing and air
breathing) increased in the ipsilateral tumor site and normal tissue by 242% and 152%, respectively,
30 minutes after first fractionated radiation compared to pre-radiation levels. Significant recovery
of ΔR1 in the contralateral normal tissue (p < 0.05) was observed 22 hours compared to 30
minutes after radiation levels.

Conclusion:

R1-based oxygen-enhanced MR imaging may provide a sensitive endogenous marker
for oxygen changes in the brain tissue between fractionated radiotherapy.
Rational Design of Colchicine Derivatives as anti-HIV Agents via QSAR and Molecular Docking
Authors: Worachartcheewan Apilak , Songtawee Napat , Siriwong Suphakit , Prachayasittikul Supaluk , Nantasenamat Chanin , Prachayasittikul Virapong
Published: September 2018

Background:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infective agent that causes
an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Therefore, the rational design of inhibitors for
preventing the progression of the disease is required.

Objective:

This study aims to construct quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models,
molecular docking and newly rational design of colchicine and derivatives with anti-HIV
activity.

Methods:

A data set of 24 colchicine and derivatives with anti-HIV activity were employed to
develop the QSAR models using machine learning methods (e.g. multiple linear regression
(MLR), artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM)), and to study a molecular
docking.

Results:

The significant descriptors relating to the anti-HIV activity included JGI2, Mor24u, Gm
and R8p+ descriptors. The predictive performance of the models gave acceptable statistical qualities
as observed by correlation coefficient (Q2) and root mean square error (RMSE) of leave-one
out cross-validation (LOO-CV) and external sets. Particularly, the ANN method outperformed
MLR and SVM methods that displayed LOO−CV
2 Q and RMSELOO-CV of 0.7548 and 0.5735 for LOOCV
set, and
Ext
2 Q of 0.8553 and RMSEExt of 0.6999 for external validation. In addition, the molecular
docking of virus-entry molecule (gp120 envelope glycoprotein) revealed the key interacting
residues of the protein (cellular receptor, CD4) and the site-moiety preferences of colchicine
derivatives as HIV entry inhibitors for binding to HIV structure. Furthermore, newly rational design
of colchicine derivatives using informative QSAR and molecular docking was proposed.

Conclusion:

These findings serve as a guideline for the rational drug design as well as potential
development of novel anti-HIV agents.
A Novel Amino Acid Sequence-based Computational Approach to Predicting Cell-penetrating Peptides
Authors: Tang Jihui , Ning Jie , Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Baoming , Hu Rongfeng
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Machine Learning is a useful tool for the prediction of cell-penetration compounds as drug candidates.  Materials and Methods: In this study, we developed a novel method for predicting Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) membrane penetrating capability. For this, we used orthogonal encoding to encode amino acid and each amino acid position as one variable. Then a software of IBM spss modeler and a dataset including 533 CPPs, were used for model screening.  Results: The results indicated that the machine learning model of Support Vector Machine (SVM) was suitable for predicting membrane penetrating capability. For improvement, the three CPPs with the most longer lengths were used to predict CPPs. The penetration capability can be predicted with an accuracy of close to 95%.  Conclusion: All the results indicated that by using amino acid position as a variable can be a perspective method for predicting CPPs membrane penetrating capability.
Deposition of Cr Atoms Using Switching-Detuning Light Mask for Direct Atom Lithography
Authors: Zhu Li , Deng Xiao , Liu Jie , Cheng Xinbin , Li Tongbao
Published: September 2018

Background:

As progress on the nanofabrication has made semiconductor developed
rapidly, there is an increasing need in precise pitch standards to calibrate the structure of devices at
nanoscale. Nano-gratings fabricated by atom lithography are unique and suitable to act as precise
pitch standard because its pitch distance is directly traceable to a natural constant. As the scaling
down of nano-devices, it is very challenging to double the spatial frequency of nano-grating while
keeping the self-traceability in atom lithography.

Methods:

In this study, the switching-detuning light mask is utilized for Cr atom lithography. During
a single deposition process, the standing wave frequency is switching from positive detuning to negative
detuning alternatively.

Results:

Nano-gratings fabricated using switching-detuning light mask is successfully replicated
with double spatial frequency and self-traceability. Non-uniformity between neighboring Cr lines
shows up with a corrected pitch of 107.15

Conclusion:

Non-uniformity is mainly caused by the dipole force discrepancy between positive and
negative detuning light mask. Therefore, to increase the high uniformity of nano-gratings, the deposition
time of negative detuning should be at least twice as the positive detuning. On the other hand, to
reduce the pitch uncertainty, it is necessary to reduce the distance between the atom beam and reflection
mirror as close as possible. These two significant optimization designs are promising to increase
the spatial frequency doubling performance with high uniformity and accuracy.
Multi-scales Image Denoising Method Based on Joint Confidence Probability of Coefficients
Authors: Tan Dandan , Zhang Yiming , Han Bingxu
Published: September 2018

Background:

It is a classic problem that we estimate the original coefficient from the
known coefficient disturbed with noise.

Methods:

This paper proposes an image denoising method which combines the dual-tree complex
wavelet with good direction selection and translation invariance. Firstly, we determine the expression
of probability density function through estimating the parameters by the variance and the
fourth-order moment. Secondly, we propose two assumptions and calculate the joint confidence
probability of original coefficient under the situation that the disturbed parental and present coefficients
from neighborhood scale are known. Finally, we set the joint confidence probability as shrinkage
function of coefficient for implementing the image denoising.

Results:

The simulation experiment results show that, compared to these traditional methods, this
new method can reserve more detail information.

Conclusion:

Compared to the current methods, our novel algorithm can remove the most noise and
reserve the detail texture in denoising results, which can make better visualization. In addition, our
algorithm also shows advantage in PSNR.
Chitosan: A Natural and Sustainable Polymeric Organocatalyst for C-C Bond Formation During the Synthesis of 5-amino-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d] thiazole-4,6-dicarbonitriles
Authors: Shivhare Km N. , Siddiqui Ibadur R.
Published: September 2018

Background:

A green, recyclable and reusable chitosan catalyst has been utilized for the
synthesis of 5-amino-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-4,6-dicarbonitrile and its derivatives.

Methods and Results:

Three-component reaction protocol incorporates the reaction of aldehydes,
malononitrile and rhodanine derivatives. This is examined as an efficient route for the synthesis of
dicarbonitriles utilizing a green, biodegradable, environmentally benign, and easily available chitosan
catalyst. In the reported protocol, catalyst can be recycled and not any substantial dropping in its catalytic
activity during the recycling steps was obtained.

Conclusion:

A green and environmentally benign, one pot three-component protocol has been
illustrated for the synthesis of 5-amino-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole-4,6-dicarbonitrile derivatives.
Adequately yield products were gained via the natural catalytic approach with the recyclability of the
catalyst. The use of chitosan represents this procedure as an attractive substitute for the synthesis of
biaryls complex by multicomponent reaction condition.
Double PEGylation Significantly Improves Pharmacokinetic Properties of Irinotecan Containing Nanoparticles in a Zebrafish Model
Authors: Saxena Uday , Rajadurai Marina , Basaveni Surendar , Yellanki Swapna , Medishetti Raghavender , Sevilimedu Aarti , Kulkarni Pushkar
Published: September 2018

Background:

Plasma pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of oral or injectable
drugs dictate whether the drug is clinically viable or not. Poor PK properties often result in
termination of the development of the drug. Optimizing PK properties of drugs is a major
challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. Ideally, sufficient circulating time of the drug in
the plasma is required, so that it has adequate opportunity to reach the target tissue.

Methods:

We have used irinotecan, a known drug with poor PK properties, as a prototype
to apply our idea of improving PK in plasma by PEGylation. We compared the PK profile
of free irinotecan, irinotecan packaged in nanoparticles (NPs) with single polyethylene
glycol (PEG) layer and irinotecan packaged in NPs with double PEG layer. PK properties
of these formulations were compared in a zebrafish model when given intraperitoneally.

Results:

Dramatic differences in the PK properties of the three formulations were observed.
The AUC, Cmax and T1/2 of irinotecan in each of these formulations differed from
each other significantly. Approx. 4.5 - fold higher peak concentration (Cmax) and ~3 - fold
higher exposure (AUC0-t) were observed for double PEGylated NPs as compared to free
irinotecan and single PEGylated NPs.

Conclusion:

In summary, our data suggest that double PEGylation of NPs could be a very
effective way to improve PK properties of drugs such as irinotecan.
The Implementation of Combined Roughness and Reflected Model (CRRM) in Tsunami Run-up Simulation through Coastal Vegetation
Authors: B. Iska Benazir , Triatmadja Radianta , Rahardjo Adam Pamudji , Yuwono Nur
Published: September 2018

Hydraulics resistance is commonly used to simulate or replace drag and inertia forces due to vegetation when modeling tsunami run-up. A new numerical method was proposed which was named Combined Roughness and Reflected Model (CRRM). This method accommodates the reflection process of tsunami flow by tree surfaces. A series of experimental work was performed in laboratory to verify the numerical results. The physical process of laboratory work was discussed to explain the interaction between tsunami and vegetation models. The relation of some notable parameters was reviewed for both models. The physical model verified that the deviations between the physical and the numerical model were below 20%. With such numerical method, more challenging forest layout such as zigzag arrangement can be studied more accurately. It is concluded that the zigzag arrangement of trees layout and higher density of trees were capable of reducing tsunami run-up on land significantly.
Evaluation on Flushing Operation Frequency of Sand Trap of Pendowo and Pijenan Weirs
Authors: Widaryanto Lilik Hendro
Published: September 2018

Sediment deposited in the sand trap of Pendowo and Pijenan Weirs are influenced by the water discharge that enters the sand trap, the soil conditions next to the sand trap, and flushing time. The off schedule of the flushing time is because of the farmers’ water demand for their farming fields and fish ponds. These conditions would affect the sand trap performance. Thus, an evaluation is required. The objective of this study was to identify the performance of sand trap in Pendowo Weir and Pijenan Weir. Calculation of the irrigation water demand was aimed to identify the irrigation water discharge. Sediment that was taken from the sand trap was used to identify its index properties followed by the sediment transport calculation applying the Meyer-Peter and Muller formula. The results showed that the sand trap in Pendowo and Pijenan Weirs was still in a good performance, as indicated by their ability to hydraulically deposit and flush the sediment under frequent flushing operation in once every 6 months and 3 months during the rainy season at Pendowo and Pijenan Weir respectively. Further operation of the sand trap at both weirs with the same frequency will sustain the sand trap to function properly.
Analysis and Risk Study on Landslide Hazard Frequency at Road Corridor of Batu City – Kediri Regency Border
Authors: Wahyudianto Emil
Published: September 2018

Road corridor of Kota Batu – Kediri Regency Boundary is a provincial road that has a vital function for the economic and tourism movement from and to Batu City in East Java Province. This inter-regency road is historically vulnerable to disaster events such as landslide, Kali Konto flash flood, Kelud Mountain lahar, flood inundation, etc. This research was referred to Regulation of Ministry of Public Work No.22/PRT/M/2007 on Guidelines for Spatial Planning of Landslide Vulnerable Areas and helped with Geographic Information System (GIS). Method comparison was also conducted by Meiliana (2011) with the indicators from the same regulation, and by using Landslide Hazard Assessment (LHA) method that is based on historical data. The landslide risk mapping with LHA method that is combined with analysis result from the vulnerability of moving vehicles is suggested to be the reference in mapping the mass-movement disaster risk on Indonesian road corridors. Analysis on frequency of rainfall that triggered landslide concluded that the probability of landslide occurrence (PLO) on daily rainfall was 126.2 mm, or 3 days-cumulative rainfall of 192.26 mm.
Study of Flood and Coastal Flood Control in Madukoro Area, Semarang City, Indonesia
Authors: Jatmiko Dian Wahyu
Published: September 2018

Madukoro area located on the northern coast of Semarang City has been prone to flooding caused by rainfall and seawater high-tide. Ineffective flood control management and land subsidence are considered as the cause of this problem. In order to understand land subsidence effect and flood control performance, location, water surface height of the inundation in West Flood Canal, western part of Madukoro area need to analyze. Flood analysis was conducted using HEC-HMS software and rational method. Flow hydraulics on five channels, i.e. the West Flood Canal, Ronggolawe River, Karangayu River, Arterial Channel and Madukoro were analyzed using HEC-RAS software. Increasing levee level and additional water pumps in Madukoro and Ronggolawe were chosen as flood control alternatives. Its performance was investigated through software simulation. The results showed total runoff volume in all drainage channels for 2-years return period discharge was about 80% of capacity with 0.7 m water depth. Runoff volume in West Flood Canal with 50-years return period discharge was about 40%. Land subsidence 4 cm/year affected the water level increase on West Flood Canal. Operation of 2 - 4 pump units could not significantly decrease water level at flood peak, yet increase flood recession time 6 - 8 hours.
Review Study on Location Plan of Temporary Shelter for Tsunami Disaster in Kuta Bay of Central Lombok
Authors: Mawardin Adi
Published: September 2018

Historical record showed in 1977, tsunami attacked Lombok and caused extensive damages due to tectonic activity. Kuta Bay located in the southern area of Lombok has a high risk of earthquake and tsunami, thus mitigation plan on tsunami attack is very important. This study aimed to determine the arrival time, run-up height of tsunami and the coverage areas, so it could be used to determine the temporary shelter location (Tempat Evakuasi Sementara-TES). Simulation of the tsunami wave propagation used the TUNAMI modified (beta version) program with three scenarios of earthquake magnitude variation (Mw), namely 7.7, 8.1, 8.3, and 7.9 (based on the Sumba earthquake event in 1977). Field surveys, questionnaire distributions, and interviews were used in determining input parameters of Tsunami Evacuation Simulation (Simulasi Evakuasi Tsunami-SET) by using 2011 EVACUWARE 1.0 version. Tsunami wave propagation simulation showed the tsunami arrival time on Kuta Bay ranged between 21 - 38 minutes. Tsunami run-up height was about 1.01 - 8.71 meters along Kuta Bay, with the farthest distance of inundation was 860 meters from the seashore. The percentage of survivors based on SET results in scenario 1 and 2 for 20 minutes of evacuation time were respectively, 63.62% and 93.27%.
Team Autonomy Amplifies the Positive Effects of Proactive Personality on Work Engagement
Authors: Lv Aiqin , Lv Ran , Xu Haixia , Ning Yujun , Ning Ying
Published: September 2018

From the perspective of the interaction of person and situation, we examined the effects of proactive personality on inrole performance investment and extrarole behavior of employees, and how these effects are amplified by situational conditions. Specifically, we investigated the effects
of proactive personality on employees’ work engagement and altruism, and the moderating effect of team-level autonomy on these effects. Data were collected from 464 nurses and their supervisors in 75 teams at 4 hospitals in Shandong, China. Results suggest that proactive personality
is positively related to work engagement and altruism of employees. The positive relationship between proactive personality and work engagement is stronger with a higher level of team autonomy, whereas the positive relationship between proactive personality and altruism is not significantly
moderated by degree of team autonomy. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Supervisor‐Subordinate Guanxi and Employee Voice Behavior: Trust in Supervisor as a Mediator
Authors: Yan Peilin
Published: September 2018

Previous researchers have shown that supervisor‐subordinate guanxi (s‐s guanxi) is related to a wide range of subordinates’ work-related outcomes, such as voice behavior; however, few have examined the correlation between s‐s guanxi and employee voice behavior.
With a sample of 221 employees and their supervisors from 3 private companies in China, I examined the mediating effect of trust in supervisor on the relationship between s‐s guanxi and employee voice behavior by using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping analysis. Results
showed that s‐s guanxi was positively related to employees’ promotive and prohibitive voice, and that trust in supervisor partly mediated these correlations. My findings extend extant research on the effects of s‐s guanxi on employee voice behavior and can be used as a
guide by companies adopting diverse measures to achieve good s‐s behavior and, in turn, inspire employees’ voice behavior.