bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of fan–jump–fan composite waves in a two-dimensional steady jet for van der Waals gases
Authors: Lai Geng
Published: March 2017

We consider a two-dimensional (2D) steady jet generated by gas streaming in parallel supersonic flow out of a duct and into the atmosphere. When the gas is a van der Waals gas, at the corners at the exit of the duct, the parallel supersonic flow expands symmetrically into centered simple waves, jump–fan (JF) composite waves, fan–jump composite waves, or fan–jump–fan (FJF) composite waves. This paper studies the interaction of the symmetric centered FJF composite waves in the jet. The interaction of the FJF composite waves is more involved in comparison to our earlier work on the interaction of the symmetric centered JF composite waves, since the flow in the FJF composite wave interaction zone is rotational. To construct the flow in the interaction zone, we consider a Goursat-type boundary value problem with discontinuous boundary data associated with the 2D and isentropic steady Euler equations. The existence of a global piecewise smooth solution to this Goursat problem is obtained by a new method based on characteristics.
Local well-posedness for the quantum Zakharov system in one spatial dimension
Authors: Fang Yung-Fu , Shih Hsi-Wei , Wang Kuan-Hsiang
Published: March 2017

We consider the quantum Zakharov system in one spatial dimension and establish a local well-posedness theory when the initial data of the electric field and the deviation of the ion density lie in a Sobolev space with suitable regularity. As the quantum parameter approaches zero, we formally recover a classical result by Ginibre, Tsutsumi, and Velo. We also improve their result concerning the Zakharov system and a result by Jiang, Lin, and Shao concerning the quantum Zakharov system.
Dynamics and pattern formation in a modified Leslie–Gower model with Allee effect and Bazykin functional response
Authors: Feng Peng
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we study the dynamics of a diffusive modified Leslie–Gower model with the multiplicative Allee effect and Bazykin functional response. We give detailed study on the stability of equilibria. Non-existence of non-constant positive steady state solutions are shown to identify the rage of parameters of spatial pattern formation. We also give the conditions of Turing instability and perform a series of numerical simulations and find that the model exhibits complex patterns.
Ag/C:F Antibacterial and hydrophobic nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Kylián Ondřej , Kratochvíl Jiří , Petr Martin , Kuzminova Anna , Slavínská Danka , Biederman Hynek , Beranová Jana
Published: March 2017

Silver-based nanomaterials that exhibit antibacterial character are intensively studied as they represent promising weapon against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Equally important class of materials represent coatings that have highly water repellent nature. Such materials may be used for fabrication of anti-fogging or self-cleaning surfaces. The aim of this study is to combine both of these valuable material characteristics. Antibacterial and highly hydrophobic Ag/C:F nanocomposite films were fabricated by means of gas aggregation source of Ag nanoparticles and sputter deposition of C:F matrix. The nanocomposite coatings had three-layer structure C:F base layer/Ag nanoparticles/C:F top layer. It is shown that the increasing number of Ag nanoparticles in produced coatings leads not only in enhancement of their antibacterial activity, but also causes substantial increase of their hydrophobicity. Under optimized conditions, the coatings are super-hydrophobic with water contact angle equal to 165[Formula: see text] and are capable to induce 6-log reduction of bacteria presented in solution within 4[Formula: see text]h.
An optimal management strategy for stochastic population dynamics of released Plecoglossus altivelis in rivers
Authors: Yaegashi Yuta , Yoshioka Hidekazu , Unami Koichi , Fujihara Masayuki
Published: March 2017

Excessive predation pressure from the waterfowl Phalacrocorax carbo (Great Cormorant) on Plecoglossus altivelis (Ayu) has recently been a severe problem of river environment in Japan. Local fishery cooperatives are currently suffering from economic difficulties due to decrease of the fish catch of P. altivelis. Local fishery cooperatives and municipalities have been enthusiastically trying to develop countermeasures that can effectively reduce the predation pressure; however, their effectiveness and efficiency have not been systematically quantified well. This aim can be achieved with the help of an appropriate mathematical model. In this paper, based on a pure death process, a practical stochastic control model for population dynamics of released P. altivelis in river environment under predation pressure from P. carbo, harvesting by human, and environmental fluctuations is proposed. Finding an optimal management strategy ultimately reduces to solving a 2D Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, which is performed with a finite element scheme. Its application to a Japanese river environment successfully computes the optimal management strategy that is consistent with the reality. Numerical sensitivity analysis of the presented mathematical model is also performed for comprehension of dependence of the optimal strategy on the model parameters.
Mechanical response and simulation for constitutive equations with distributed order derivatives
Authors: Duan Jun-Sheng , Chen YangQuan
Published: March 2017

Mechanical response and simulation for constitutive equation with distributed order derivatives were considered. We investigated the creep compliance, creep recovery, relaxation modulus, stress–strain behavior under harmonic deformation for each case of two constitutive equations. We express these responses and results as easily computable forms and simulate them by using MATHEMATICA 8. The results involve the exponential integral function, convergent improper integrals on the infinite interval [Formula: see text] and the numerical integral method for the convolution integral. For both equations, stress responses to harmonic deformation display hysteresis phenomena and energy dissipation. The two constitutive equations characterize viscoelastic models of fluid-like and solid-like, respectively.
Detecting the filamentary structure of 3D point clouds: Proposal of a wavelet-based method
Authors: D’Ercole Roberto
Published: March 2017

The analysis of the filamentary structure of the cosmo as well as that of the internal structure of the polar ice suggests the development of models based on three-dimensional (3D) point processes. A point process, regarded as a random measure, can be expressed as a sum of Delta Dirac measures concentrated at some random points. The integration with respect to the point process leads the continuous wavelet transform of the process itself. As possible mother wavelets, we propose the application of the Mexican hat and the Morlet wavelet in order to implement the scale-angle energy density of the process, depending on the dilation parameter and on the three angles which define the direction in the Euclidean space. Such indicator proves to be a sensitive detector of any variation in the direction and it can be successfully implemented to study the isotropy or the filamentary structure in 3D point patterns.
Uniform Kernelization Complexity of Hitting Forbidden Minors
Authors: Giannopoulou Archontia C. , Jansen Bart M. P. , Lokshtanov Daniel , Saurabh Saket
Published: March 2017

The
F
-M
inor
-F
ree
D
eletion
problem asks, for a fixed set
F
and an input consisting of a graph
G
and integer
k
, whether
k
vertices can be removed from
G
such that the resulting graph does not contain any member of
F
as a minor. At FOCS 2012, Fomin et al. showed that the special case when
F
contains at least one planar graph has a kernel of size
f
(
F
) ċ
k

g
(
F
)

for some functions
f
and
g
. They left open whether this P
lanar
F
-M
inor
-F
ree
D
eletion
problem has kernels whose size is uniformly polynomial, of the form
f
(
F
) ċ

k
c

for some universal constant
c
. We prove that some P
lanar
F
-M
inor
-F
ree
D
eletion
problems do not have uniformly polynomial kernels (unless NP ⊆ coNP/poly), not even when parameterized by the vertex cover number. On the positive side, we consider the problem of determining whether
k
vertices can be removed to obtain a graph of treedepth at most η. We prove that this problem admits uniformly polynomial kernels with
O
(
k
6
) vertices for every fixed η.
Communication in Organizations
Authors: Keyton Joann
Published: March 2017

This article focuses on the study of organizational communication, which is a dominant subarea of communication scholarship as recognized by the National Communication Association (NCA) and the International Communication Association (ICA). Because communication, and organizational communication as a subarea, is multiperspectival, this article first defines communication and then organizational communication. Next, the article describes the philosophical perspectives of organizational communication. The next section points to specific areas of individual-, dyadic-, group-, and organizational-level communication research in which communication and organizational psychology and organizational behavior (OPOB) share similar interests. The article concludes by describing practical implications of this area of scholarship (i.e., what can organizations and individuals do with the findings of organizational communication scholarship) and by identifying promising areas of organizational communication study.
Whey protein effects on energy balance link the intestinal mechanisms of energy absorption with adiposity and hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression
Authors: Nilaweera Kanishka N. , Cabrera-Rubio Raul , Speakman John R. , O’Connor Paula M. , McAuliffe AnneMarie , Guinane Caitriona M. , Lawton Elaine M. , Crispie Fiona , Aguilera Mònica , Stanley Maurice , Boscaini Serena , Joyce Susan , Melgar Silvia , Cryan John F. , Cotter Paul D.
Published: March 2017

We tested the hypothesis that dietary whey protein isolate (WPI) affects the intestinal mechanisms related to energy absorption and that the resulting energy deficit is compensated by changes in energy balance to support growth. C57BL/6 mice were provided a diet enriched with WPI with varied sucrose content, and the impact on energy balance-related parameters was investigated. As part of a high-sucrose diet, WPI reduced the hypothalamic expression of pro-opiomelanocortin gene expression and increased energy intake. The energy expenditure was unaffected, but epididymal weight was reduced, indicating an energy loss. Notably, there was a reduction in the ileum gene expression for amino acid transporter SLC6a19, glucose transporter 2, and fatty acid transporter 4. The composition of the gut microbiota also changed, where Firmicutes were reduced. The above changes indicated reduced energy absorption through the intestine. We propose that this mobilized energy in the adipose tissue and caused hypothalamic changes that increased energy intake, acting to counteract the energy deficit arising in the intestine. Lowering the sucrose content in the WPI diet increased energy expenditure. This further reduced epididymal weight and plasma leptin, whereupon hypothalamic ghrelin gene expression and the intestinal weight were both increased. These data suggest that when the intestine-adipose-hypothalamic pathway is subjected to an additional energy loss (now in the adipose tissue), compensatory changes attempt to assimilate more energy. Notably, WPI and sucrose content interact to enable the component mechanisms of this pathway.
First-Trimester Crown-Rump Length and Embryonic Volume of Fetuses with Structural Congenital Abnormalities Measured in Virtual Reality: An Observational Study
Authors: Baken L. , Benoit B. , Koning A. H. J. , van der Spek P. J. , Steegers E. A. P. , Exalto N.
Published: March 2017

Background.With the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound it has become possible to measure volumes. The relative increase in embryonic volume (EV) is much larger than that of the crown-rump length (CRL) over the same time period. We examined whether EV is a better parameter to determine growth restriction in fetuses with structural congenital abnormalities.Study Design, Subjects, and Outcome Measures.CRL and EV were measured using a Virtual Reality (VR) system in prospectively collected 3D ultrasound volumes of 56 fetuses diagnosed with structural congenital abnormalities in the first trimester of pregnancy (gestational age 7+5to 14+5weeks). Measured CRL and EV were converted toz-scores and to percentages of the expected mean using previously published reference curves of euploid fetuses. The one-samplet-test was performed to test significance.Results.The EV was smaller than expected for GA in fetuses with structural congenital abnormalities (−35%  p<0.001,z-score −1.44  p<0.001), whereas CRL was not (−6.43%  p=0.118,z-score −0.43  p=0.605).Conclusions.CRL is a less reliable parameter to determine growth restriction in fetuses with structural congenital abnormalities as compared with EV. By measuring EV, growth restriction in first-trimester fetuses with structural congenital abnormalities becomes more evident and enables an earlier detection of these cases.
Exercise and Protein Intake: A Synergistic Approach against Sarcopenia
Authors: Martone Anna Maria , Marzetti Emanuele , Calvani Riccardo , Picca Anna , Tosato Matteo , Santoro Luca , Di Giorgio Angela , Nesci Antonio , Sisto Alex , Santoliquido Angelo , Landi Francesco
Published: March 2017

Sarcopenia, the age-dependent loss of muscle mass and function/strength, is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for adverse outcomes in frail older people. As such, the skeletal muscle is a relevant target for interventions aimed at preventing or postponing the occurrence of negative health-related events in late life. The association among physical inactivity, insufficient intake of energy and protein, and poor muscle health in older adults suggests that physical exercise and targeted nutritional supplementation may offer substantial therapeutic gain against sarcopenia and its negative correlates. This view is supported by observational studies as well as by small-scale clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the available evidence on the beneficial effects of behavioral interventions on sarcopenia. We also briefly describe how the knowledge gathered so far has been used to design the “Sarcopenia and Physical fRailty IN older people: multicomponenT Treatment strategies” (SPRINTT) project. The randomized clinical trial conducted within SPRINTT will provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of exercise and nutrition at preventing negative outcomes associated with sarcopenia and physical frailty.
Active Mode Remote Infrared Spectroscopy Detection of TNT and PETN on Aluminum Substrates
Authors: Castro-Suarez John R. , Pacheco-Londoño Leonardo C. , Aparicio-Bolaño Joaquín , Hernández-Rivera Samuel P.
Published: March 2017

Two standoff detection systems were assembled using an infrared telescope coupled to a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, a cryocooled mercury-cadmium telluride detector, and a telescope-coupled midinfrared excitation source. Samples of the highly energetic materials (HEMs) 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) were deposited on aluminum plates and detected at several source-target distances by carrying out remote infrared spectroscopy (RIRS) measurements on the aluminum substrates in active mode. The samples tested were placed at 1–30 m for the RIRS detection experiments. The effect of the angle of incidence/collection of the IR beams on the vibrational band intensities and the signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) were investigated. Experiments were performed at ambient temperature. Surface concentrations from 50 to 400 μg/cm2 were studied. Partial least squares regression analysis was applied to the spectra obtained. Overall, RIRS detection in active mode was useful for quantifying the HEMs deposited on the aluminum plates with a high confidence level up to the target-collector distances of 1–25 m.
Toward Small-Scale Wind Energy Harvesting: Design, Enhancement, Performance Comparison, and Applicability
Authors: Zhao Liya , Yang Yaowen
Published: March 2017

The concept of harvesting ambient energy as an alternative power supply for electronic systems like remote sensors to avoid replacement of depleted batteries has been enthusiastically investigated over the past few years. Wind energy is a potential power source which is ubiquitous in both indoor and outdoor environments. The increasing research interests have resulted in numerous techniques on small-scale wind energy harvesting, and a rigorous and quantitative comparison is necessary to provide the academic community a guideline. This paper reviews the recent advances on various wind power harvesting techniques ranging between cm-scaled wind turbines and windmills, harvesters based on aeroelasticities, and those based on turbulence and other types of working principles, mainly from a quantitative perspective. The merits, weaknesses, and applicability of different prototypes are discussed in detail. Also, efficiency enhancing methods are summarized from two aspects, that is, structural modification aspect and interface circuit improvement aspect. Studies on integrating wind energy harvesters with wireless sensors for potential practical uses are also reviewed. The purpose of this paper is to provide useful guidance to researchers from various disciplines interested in small-scale wind energy harvesting and help them build a quantitative understanding of this technique.
Regional Relationship between Macular Retinal Thickness and Corresponding Central Visual Field Sensitivity in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Liu Chun-Hsiu , Chang Shirley H. L. , Wu Shiu-Chen
Published: March 2017

Purpose. To investigate the relationship between macular retinal thickness (MRT) and central visual field sensitivity (VFS) in patients with glaucoma.Methods. This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. All study patients underwent Humphrey 10-2 visual field (VF) test and Spectralis spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) exam for MRT measurement.Results. Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients were examined. The correlation coefficients between VFS and MRT were 0.331 (P=0.006) and 0.491 (P=0.000) in the superior and inferior hemispheres, respectively. The average MRT in the eyes with abnormal 10-2 VF hemifields was significantly thinner than that in the eyes without abnormal hemifields in both hemispheres (P=0.005and 0.000 in the superior and inferior hemisphere, resp.). The average MRT values with an optimal sensitivity-specificity balance for discriminating the abnormal VF hemifield from the normal hemifield were 273.5 μm and 255.5 μm in the superior and inferior hemisphere, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.701 in the superior hemisphere and 0.784 in the inferior hemisphere (bothP<0.05).Conclusions. MRT measured through SD-OCT was significantly correlated with central VFS. Lower MRT values might be a warning sign for central VF defects in glaucoma patients.
Dihydromyricetin Protects against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wu Bin , Lin Jie , Luo Jian , Han Dong , Fan Miaomiao , Guo Tao , Tao Ling , Yuan Ming , Yi Fu
Published: March 2017

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cause of heart failure in diabetic patients. The present study sought to explore the potential effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on DCM and its possible mechanism. A diabetic model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in C57BL/6J mice. Two weeks after the STZ injection, mice were randomly allocated into the following 4 groups for treatment: the control group (CON), the control treated with DHM group (CON + DHM), the diabetes group (DM), and the diabetes treated with DHM group (DM + DHM). DHM was dissolved in distilled water and administered daily by gavage. For 14 weeks, the CON + DHM group and DM + DHM group were given a dose of 100 mg/kg/day DHM (Sigma-Aldrich), while the CON and DM groups were intragastrically given equivalent volumes of distilled water. Assessments and comparisons were made among the groups based on cardiac function and structural changes, inflammation factors, markers of oxidative stress, mitochondria function, apoptosis, and autophagy. The DHM treatment normalized body weight, preserved cardiac function, attenuated oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px), reduced the levels of inflammation factors (IL-6, TNF-α), alleviated pathological changes, improved mitochondrial function (ATP content, CS activity, and complex Ι/ΙΙ/ΙΙΙ/ΙV/V activities), inhibited cardiac apoptosis, and restored autophagy in diabetic mice. DHM may have a great therapeutic potential in the treatment of DCM.
A Parallel Strategy for Convolutional Neural Network Based on Heterogeneous Cluster for Mobile Information System
Authors: Zhang Jilin , Xiao Junfeng , Wan Jian , Yang Jianhua , Ren Yongjian , Si Huayou , Zhou Li , Tu Hangdi
Published: March 2017

With the development of the mobile systems, we gain a lot of benefits and convenience by leveraging mobile devices; at the same time, the information gathered by smartphones, such as location and environment, is also valuable for business to provide more intelligent services for customers. More and more machine learning methods have been used in the field of mobile information systems to study user behavior and classify usage patterns, especially convolutional neural network. With the increasing of model training parameters and data scale, the traditional single machine training method cannot meet the requirements of time complexity in practical application scenarios. The current training framework often uses simple data parallel or model parallel method to speed up the training process, which is why heterogeneous computing resources have not been fully utilized. To solve these problems, our paper proposes a delay synchronization convolutional neural network parallel strategy, which leverages the heterogeneous system. The strategy is based on both synchronous parallel and asynchronous parallel approaches; the model training process can reduce the dependence on the heterogeneous architecture in the premise of ensuring the model convergence, so the convolution neural network framework is more adaptive to different heterogeneous system environments. The experimental results show that the proposed delay synchronization strategy can achieve at least three times the speedup compared to the traditional data parallelism.
Using a Spectrofluorometer for Resonance Raman Spectra of Organic Molecules
Authors: Masilamani Vadivel , Ghaithan Hamid M. , Aljaafreh Mamduh J. , Ahmed Abdullah , al Thagafi Reem , Prasad Saradh , Alsalhi Mohamad S.
Published: March 2017

Scattering (Rayleigh and Raman) and fluorescence are two common light signals that frequently occur together, confusing the researchers and graduate students experimenting in molecular spectroscopy laboratories. This report is a brief study presenting a clear discrimination between the two signals mentioned, employing a common spectrofluorometer such as the PerkinElmer LS 55. Even better, the resonance Raman signal of a molecule (e.g., acetone) can be obtained elegantly using the same instrument.
XRCC5 VNTR, XRCC6 -61C>G, and XRCC7 6721G>T Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Male Infertility Risk: Evidences from Case-Control and In Silico Studies
Authors: Jahantigh Danial , Hosseinzadeh Colagar Abasalt
Published: March 2017

We evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms of XRCC5 VNTR, XRCC6 -61C>G, and XRCC7 6721G>T with male infertility susceptibility. A total of 392 men including 178 infertile males (102 idiopathic azoospermia and 76 severe oligozoospermia) and 214 healthy controls were recruited. XRCC6 -61C>G and XRCC7 6721G>T genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP whereas XRCC5 VNTR was performed by PCR. The 2R allele and 2R allele carriers of XRCC5 VNTR polymorphism significantly decreased risk of male infertility. The mutant GG genotypes and carriers of the CG and GG genotypes of XRCC6 -61C>G showed increased risk for the male infertility. Furthermore, the G allele of the XRCC6 -61C>G was correlated with increased susceptibility to male infertility. Likewise, the T allele of the XRCC7 6721G>T polymorphism was associated with increased susceptibility to male infertility in azoospermia. In silico analysis predicted that the presence of tandem repeats in XRCC5 gene prompter can be sequence to bind to more nuclear factors. Also, rs2267437 (C>G) variant was located in a well-conserved region in XRCC6 promoter and this variation might lead to differential allelic expression. The XRCC7 6721G>T gene polymorphism occurred in an acceptor-splicing site, but this polymorphism has no severe modification on XRCC7 mRNA splicing. Our results indicate the association of XRCC5 VNTR, XRCC6 -61C>G, and XRCC7 6721G>T gene polymorphisms with male infertility in Iranian men.
The Dual Burden of Malnutrition and Associated Dietary and Lifestyle Habits among Lebanese School Age Children Living in Orphanages in North Lebanon
Authors: El-Kassas Germine , Ziade Fouad
Published: March 2017

Childhood is a crucial period affecting physical and intellectual development. Although children living in orphanages are among the most vulnerable groups at risk of malnutrition, there is scarcity of data concerning their nutritional status in Lebanon. To investigate these data, a cross-sectional survey was conducted including a sample of 153 institutionalized children aged 5–14 years from all orphanages in Tripoli. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric, clinical, and dietary tools. Interpretation of anthropometric data showed that 13.8% were stunted while the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 9.2% according to the World Health Organization (WHO) reference criteria. Physical signs suggesting nutritional deficiencies were detected in about 25% of the sample. Dietary intake evaluation showed that about half of the participants had inadequate dietary intakes of proteins, fruits, and vegetables and 92% had inadequate milk and dairy intakes recommended for their age specific needs. Multivariate regression analysis revealed statistically significant positive association of age, skipping breakfast, and increased screen time with stunting while it showed statistically significant negative association of inadequate protein intake with overweight/obesity. The coexistence of under- and overnutrition among institutionalized children calls for implementation of comprehensive intervention strategies committed to reducing undernutrition while simultaneously preventing overnutrition through improving diet quality and physical activity of these children.
Breast Cancer Suspicion in a Transgender Male-to-Female Patient on Hormone Replacement Therapy Presenting with Right Breast Mass: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Presentation of a Rare Lesion
Authors: Tongson Krystina , Konovalova Victoria , Dhawan Naveen , Sharma Steffi , Bahl Jaya , Masri Mohammad
Published: March 2017

There has been an increasing use of hormonal therapy among male-to-female (MtF) transgender individuals. This long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) renders MtF individuals a unique patient subgroup in terms of breast cancer risk. This case describes a MtF transgender who presented with a breast lesion concerning for malignancy following hormonal replacement therapy. The patient additionally had a strong family history of breast cancer. Final pathology revealed lobular hyperplasia in the setting of gynecomastia and pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH). Both pathology findings are rare in biological females, let alone in the setting of hormone replacement therapy in a MtF individual. While the number of reported cases of suspicious breast lesions in this population remains scarce, it presents both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to the nature of the treatment course and the lack of research in this recently growing subgroup of patients.
Synthesis of L-Ascorbyl Flurbiprofenate by Lipase-Catalyzed Esterification and Transesterification Reactions
Authors: Xin Jia-ying , Sun Li-rui , Chen Shu-ming , Wang Yan , Xia Chun-gu
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of L-ascorbyl flurbiprofenate was achieved by esterification and transesterification in nonaqueous organic medium with Novozym 435 lipase as biocatalyst. The conversion was greatly influenced by the kinds of organic solvents, speed of agitation, catalyst loading amount, reaction time, and molar ratio of acyl donor to L-ascorbic acid. A series of solvents were investigated, and tert-butanol was found to be the most suitable from the standpoint of the substrate solubility and the conversion for both the esterification and transesterification. When flurbiprofen was used as acyl donor, 61.0% of L-ascorbic acid was converted against 46.4% in the presence of flurbiprofen methyl ester. The optimal conversion of L-ascorbic acid was obtained when the initial molar ratio of acyl donor to ascorbic acid was 5 : 1. kinetics parameters were solved by Lineweaver-Burk equation under nonsubstrate inhibition condition. Since transesterification has lower conversion, from the standpoint of productivity and the amount of steps required, esterification is a better method compared to transesterification.
Plackett-Burman Design for rGILCC1 Laccase Activity Enhancement in Pichia pastoris: Concentrated Enzyme Kinetic Characterization
Authors: Morales-Álvarez Edwin D. , Rivera-Hoyos Claudia M. , Cardozo-Bernal Ángela M. , Poutou-Piñales Raúl A. , Pedroza-Rodríguez Aura M. , Díaz-Rincón Dennis J. , Rodríguez-López Alexander , Alméciga-Díaz Carlos J. , Cuervo-Patiño Claudia L.
Published: March 2017

Laccases are multicopper oxidases that catalyze aromatic and nonaromatic compounds with concomitant reduction of molecular oxygen to water. They are of great interest due to their potential biotechnological applications. In this work we statistically improved culture media for recombinant GILCC1 (rGILCC1) laccase production at low scale from Ganoderma lucidum containing the construct pGAPZαA-GlucPost-Stop in Pichia pastoris. Temperature, pH stability, and kinetic parameter characterizations were determined by monitoring concentrate enzyme oxidation at different ABTS substrate concentrations. Plackett-Burman Design allowed improving enzyme activity from previous work 36.08-fold, with a laccase activity of 4.69 ± 0.39 UL−1 at 168 h of culture in a 500 mL shake-flask. Concentrated rGILCC1 remained stable between 10 and 50°C and retained a residual enzymatic activity greater than 70% at 60°C and 50% at 70°C. In regard to pH stability, concentrated enzyme was more stable at pH 4.0 ± 0.2 with a residual activity greater than 90%. The lowest residual activity greater than 55% was obtained at pH 10.0 ± 0.2. Furthermore, calculated apparent enzyme kinetic parameters were a Vmax of 6.87 × 10−5 mM s−1, with an apparent Km of 5.36 × 10−2 mM. Collectively, these important stability findings open possibilities for applications involving a wide pH and temperature ranges.
Quantifying the Spatial Variations of Hyporheic Water Exchange at Catchment Scale Using the Thermal Method: A Case Study in the Weihe River, China
Authors: Zhang Junlong , Song Jinxi , Long Yongqing , Zhang Yan , Zhang Bo , Wang Yuqi , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: March 2017

Understanding the dynamics of hyporheic water exchange (HWE) has been limited by the hydrological heterogeneity at large catchment scale. The thermal method has been widely used to understand water exchange patterns in a hyporheic zone. This study was conducted in the Weihe River catchment in Shaanxi Province, China. A conceptual model was developed to determine water transfer patterns, and a one-dimensional heat diffusion-advection equation was employed to estimate vertical fluxes of ten different segments in the hyporheic zone in various ten segments of the catchment. The amount of water exchange varied from 78.47 mm/d to 23.66 mm/d and a decreasing trend from the upstream to downstream of catchment was observed. The spatial correlation of variability between the water exchange and distance is 0.62. The results indicate that mountain’s topography trend is the primary driver influencing the distribution of river tributaries, and the water exchange amount has a decreasing trend from upstream to downstream of the main river channel.
The Increased Circulating Plasma Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Do Not Correlate to Metabolic Control
Authors: Singh Kailash , Sandler Stellan , Espes Daniel
Published: March 2017

Aim.To characterize the plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) and its relation to both present and historical metabolic control and microvascular complications.Methods.Plasma levels of VEGF and routine clinical parameters were analyzed in 115 patients with long-standing T1D and 45 healthy controls (HC). All patients were under clinical routine diabetes treatment at Uppsala University Hospital.Results.The plasma levels of VEGF were increased by 37% in patients with T1D when compared to HC (18.2±0.8versus13.2±1.0 pg/ml,p<0.001). The levels of VEGF correlated to insulin needs and BMI but not to present or historical metabolic control. The levels of VEGF were similar in patients with T1D and microvascular complications (microalbuminuria and retinopathy) when compared with patients without microvascular complications. Historical HbA1c levels were found to be the best predictor for present metabolic control.Conclusion.Circulating plasma levels of VEGF do not correlate to present or historical metabolic control in long-standing T1D and the levels are not affected by the presence of microvascular complications.
Multidisciplinary Approach in the Management of a Complex Case: Implant-Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Periodontal Smoking Patient with Partial Edentulism, Malocclusion, and Aesthetic Diseases
Authors: Lanza Alessandro , Di Francesco Fabrizio , De Marco Gennaro , Scognamiglio Fabio , Aruta Valeria , Itro Angelo
Published: March 2017

Complex periprosthetic cases are considered as challenges by clinicians. Clinical and radiographic parameters should be considered separately to make the right choice between an endodontically or periodontally compromised treated tooth and implant. Therefore, in order to decide whether the tooth is safe or not, data that have to be collected are specific parameters of both the patient and the clinician. In addition, the presence of periodontal, prosthetic, and orthodontic diseases requires patients to be set in multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this case report is to describe how the multidisciplinary approach could be the best way to manage difficult cases of implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. How to rehabilitate with fixed prosthesis on natural teeth and dental implants a smoker patient who presents with active periodontitis, multiple edentulous areas, dental malocclusion, and severe aesthetic problems was also described.
Extramedullary Relapse in a CML Patient after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yilmaz Asu Fergun , Soyer Nur , Ozsan Nazan , Cagirgan Seckin , Gunes Ajda , Comert Melda , Sahin Fahri , Saydam Guray , Gunel Nur Selvi , Vural Filiz
Published: March 2017

Myeloid or granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a tumoral lesion consisting of immature granulocytic cells. It is a rare entity during the course of CML patients especially after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Relapse without bone marrow involvement is much rarer. We report a case of CML patient who relapsed with isolated granulocytic sarcoma after allogeneic SCT during cytogenetic and molecular remission. 28-year-old male was diagnosed as CML and allogeneic SCT was performed because of refractory disease to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Complete cytogenetic and molecular response was achieved after allogeneic SCT followed by dasatinib treatment. Approximately 5 years after the transplantation, very rapidly progressive lesion was documented and diagnosed as GS although he was at molecular and cytogenetic remission. The patient died during chemotherapy due to sepsis. GS relapse after allogeneic SCT is a very rare type of relapse in CML patients with molecular and cytogenetic remission. Since it is a very aggressive disease with a poor prognosis, combined chemoradiotherapies with other possible options like DLI or second allogeneic SCT should be considered as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed.
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose to Assess Dawn Phenomenon in Chinese People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wu Wen , Huang Yuxin , Qiu Jieyuzhen , Sun Jiao , Wang Haidong
Published: March 2017

Aims. We investigated whether self-monitoring of blood glucose could be used to assess dawn phenomenon in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods. A total of 306 people with T2DM underwent continuous glucose monitoring and self-monitoring of blood glucose for 72 h. A linear model was used to fit the optimal linear formula of the magnitude of dawn phenomenon (ΔDawn) and self-monitoring of blood glucose values.Results. The prevalence of dawn phenomenon was similar within different oral antidiabetic drug groups (42.5%, 31.5%, and 40.9%,P=0.216). Multiple variable linear regression showed that prebreakfast, prelunch, and predinner glucose measurements were independently and significantly correlated with ΔDawn. The linear formula between ΔDawn and blood glucose was as follows:ΔDawn mg/dL=0.557×prebreakfast−0.065×prelunch−0.164×predinner−20.894 mg/dL(adjustedR2=0.302,P=0.000).Conclusions. Dawn phenomenon could be partly assessed by blood glucose self-monitoring in Chinese people with T2DM using the abovementioned formula. The incidence of dawn phenomenon was similar among patients in different oral antidiabetic drug groups.
The Personalization of Clopidogrel Antiplatelet Therapy: The Role of Integrative Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacometabolomics
Authors: Amin Arwa M. , Sheau Chin Lim , Azri Mohamed Noor Dzul , SK Abdul Kader Muhamad Ali , Kah Hay Yuen , Ibrahim Baharudin
Published: March 2017

Dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel is pivotal for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the variable platelets reactivity response to clopidogrel may lead to outcome failure and recurrence of cardiovascular events. Although many genetic and nongenetic factors are known, great portion of clopidogrel variable platelets reactivity remain unexplained which challenges the personalization of clopidogrel therapy. Current methods for clopidogrel personalization includeCYP2C19genotyping, pharmacokinetics, and platelets function testing. However, these methods lack precise prediction of clopidogrel outcome, often leading to insufficient prediction. Pharmacometabolomics which is an approach to identify novel biomarkers of drug response or toxicity in biofluids has been investigated to predict drug response. The advantage of pharmacometabolomics is that it does not only predict the response but also provide extensive information on the metabolic pathways implicated with the response. Integrating pharmacogenetics with pharmacometabolomics can give insight on unknown genetic and nongenetic factors associated with the response. This review aimed to review the literature on factors associated with the variable platelets reactivity response to clopidogrel, as well as appraising current methods for the personalization of clopidogrel therapy. We also aimed to review the literature on using pharmacometabolomics approach to predict drug response, as well as discussing the plausibility of using it to predict clopidogrel outcome.
Hybridization State Detection of DNA-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles Using Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Murdock Richard C. , Khan Omar A. , Lamkin Thomas J. , Hussain Saber M. , Kelley-Loughnane Nancy
Published: March 2017

Hyperspectral imaging has the unique ability of capturing spectral data for multiple wavelengths at each pixel in an image. This gives the ability to distinguish, with certainty, different nanomaterials and/or distinguish nanomaterials from biological materials. In this study, 4 nm and 13 nm gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were synthesized, functionalized with complimentary oligonucleotides, and hybridized to form large networks of NPs. Scattering spectra were collected from each sample (unfunctionalized, functionalized, and hybridized) and evaluated. The spectra showed unique peaks for each size of Au NP sample and also exhibited narrowing and intensifying of the spectra as the NPs were functionalized and then subsequently hybridized. These spectra are different from normal aggregation effects where the LSPR and reflected spectrum broaden and are red-shifted. Rather, this appears to be dependent on the ability to control the interparticle distance through oligonucleotide length, which is also investigated through the incorporation of a poly-A spacer. Also, hybridized Au NPs were exposed to cells with no adverse effects and retained their unique spectral signatures. With the ability to distinguish between hybridization states at nearly individual NP levels, this could provide a new method of tracking the intracellular actions of nanomaterials as well as extracellular biosensing applications.
Study of the Hypoglycemic Activity of Derivatives of Isoflavones from Cicer arietinum L.
Authors: Wei Ying , Li Pengshou , Li Bo , Gao Jiaqi , Wang Dongchao , Qin Lingling , Sun Wen , Xu Yunling , Shi Haoxia , Xu Tunhai , Liu Tonghua
Published: March 2017

The chickpea, a food and medicine used by the people of Xinjiang, has a beneficial hypoglycemic effect. To better utilize this national resource and develop hypoglycemic agents from components of the chickpea, a series of new derivatives of isoflavone compounds from the chickpea were synthesized. An insulin‐resistant (IR) HepG2 cell model was used to screen the hypoglycemic activities of these compounds. And the structure‐activity relationships of these compounds were explored. Additionally, several combinations of these compound displayed higher hypoglycemic activity than any single compound, and they had similar hypoglycemic activity to that of the positive control group (p > 0.05). In addition, combination 3 and combination 6 exerted different effects on the insulin sensitivity of H4IIE cells stimulated with resistin. And the results indicated that combination 3 would have higher hypoglycemic activity. These findings demonstrate the characteristics of multiple components and targets of Chinese herbal medicine. This evidence may provide new ideas for the development of hypoglycemic drugs.
Dynamic Changes of Typical Blowouts Based on High‐Resolution Data: A Case Study in Hulunbuir Sandy Land, China
Authors: Yang Yi , Guan Chao , Hasi Eerdun
Published: March 2017

Blowouts are an important ground indication of wind‐sand activity in the Hulunbuir grassland. They include two basic geomorphologic units, erosion depression and sand deposition, and three typical morphological types: saucer type, trough type, and compound type. In this study, the dynamic changes of typical blowouts within the past decade were analyzed via multiperiod high‐resolution remote sensing images. RTK was used to repeatedly measure the blowouts to obtain their high‐precision 3D terrain data in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Short‐term dynamic changes in 3D blowout morphology were carefully analyzed to discover the following. (1) From 2002 to 2012, the depressions of typical blowouts exhibited downwind extension and lateral expansion trends, as they continuously grew in size. Regarding the sand deposition zones, those of the saucer blowout grew continuously, while those of the trough and compound blowouts fluctuated between growth and contraction. (2) The erosion depression of saucer blowouts eroded downward and spread horizontally; that of trough blowouts first accumulated then eroded but also spread horizontally. The erosion depression of compound blowouts exhibited horizontal spreading accompanied with bottom accumulation. The sand deposition zones of all three types of blowouts exhibited decreasing length with increasing width and height.
Protective Effects of Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes under Oxidative Stress in the Heart
Authors: Kapelko Valery I. , Lakomkin Vladimir L. , Abramov Alexander A. , Lukoshkova Elena V. , Undrovinas Nidas A. , Khapchaev Asker Y. , Shirinsky Vladimir P.
Published: March 2017

Background. Nitric oxide can successfully compete with oxygen for sites of electron‐transport chain in conditions of myocardial hypoxia. These features may prevent excessive oxidative stress occurring in cardiomyocytes during sudden hypoxia‐reoxygenation. Aim. To study the action of the potent stable NO donor dinitrosyl iron complex with glutathione (Oxacom®) on the recovery of myocardial contractile function and Ca2+ transients in cardiomyocytes during hypoxia‐reoxygenation. Results. The isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30 min hypoxia followed by 30 min reoxygenation. The presence of 30 nM Oxacom in hypoxic perfusate reduced myocardial contracture and improved recovery of left ventricular developed pressure partly due to elimination of cardiac arrhythmias. The same Oxacom concentration limited reactive oxygen species generation in hypoxic cardiomyocytes and increased the viability of isolated cardiomyocytes during hypoxia from 12 to 52% and after reoxygenation from 0 to 40%. Oxacom prevented hypoxia‐induced elevation of diastolic Ca2+ level and eliminated Ca2+ transport alterations manifested by slow Ca2+ removal from the sarcoplasm and delay in cardiomyocyte relaxation. Conclusion. The potent stable NO donor preserved cardiomyocyte integrity and improved functional recovery at hypoxia‐reoxygenation both in the isolated heart and in cardiomyocytes mainly due to preservation of Ca2+ transport. Oxacom demonstrates potential for cardioprotection during hypoxia‐reoxygenation.
Dahuang Fuzi Decoction Attenuates Renal Fibrosis and Ameliorates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chronic Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy
Authors: Shui Guang-xing , Sang Dong , Yin Xun , Cai Yun , Sun Wei
Published: March 2017

Objectives. The effects of the traditional formula Dahuang Fuzi Decoction (DFD) on chronic aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) in mice and its underlying mechanisms were studied. Methods. Mice were randomly divided into the following six groups: the control group, the model group (AAN), the saline‐treated group (AAN + vehicle), the normal dose DFD‐treated group (AAN + NDFD), the high dose DFD‐treated group (AAN + HDFD), and the rosiglitazone treated group (AAN + Rosi). After treating for 8 weeks, 24 h urine and blood samples were collected and the mice sacrificed to study the biochemical parameters associated with renal function. The samples were analyzed for renal fibrosis and mitochondrial dysfunction (MtD) markers. To achieve that, collagen III, collagen I, mitochondrial DNA copy numbers (mtDNA), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP content, and ROS production were evaluated. Results. Our results showed that proteinuria, kidney function, and the renal pathological characteristics were improved by DFD and rosiglitazone. The expression of collagen III and collagen I decreased after treating with either DFD or rosiglitazone. Mitochondrial dysfunction based on the increase in ROS production, decrease in mitochondrial DNA copy numbers, and reduction of MMP and ATP content was improved by DFD and rosiglitazone. Conclusions. DFD could protect against renal impairments and ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic AAN mice.