bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Resealed Erythrocytes as A New Trend in Treatment of Asthma
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed , Zaky Alaa , Afouna Mohsen , Samy Ahmed
Published: August 2017

Carrier erythrocytes are emerging as one of the most promising biological drug delivery systems investigated in recent
decades. Beside its biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to circulate throughout the body, it has the ability to
perform extended release system of the drug for a long period. The ultimate goal of this study is to introduce a new carrier
system for Salbutamol, maintaining suitable blood levels for a long time, as atrial to resolve the problems of nocturnal
asthma medication Therefore in this work we study the effect of time, temperature as well as concentration on the loading
of salbutamol in human erythrocytes to be used as systemic sustained release delivery system for this drug. After the
loading process is performed the carrier erythrocytes were physically and cellulary characterized. Also, the in vitro release
of salbutamol from carrier erythrocytes was studied over time interval. From the results it was found that, human
erythrocytes have been successfully loaded with salbutamol using endocytosis method either at 25 Co or at 37 Co
. The
highest loaded amount was 3.5 mg/ml and 6.5 mg/ml respectively. Moreover, the percent of cells recovery is 90.7± 1.64%.
Hematological parameters and osmotic fragility behavior of salbutamol loaded erythrocytes were similar that of native
erythrocytes. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the salbutamol loaded cells has moderate change in the
morphology. Salbutamol releasing from carrier cell was 43% after 36 hours in phosphate buffer saline. The releasing
pattern of the drug from loaded erythrocytes showed initial burst release in the first hour followed by a very slow release,
obeying zero order kinetics. It concluded that salbutamol is successfully entrapped into erythrocytes with acceptable
loading parameters and moderate morphological changes, this suggesting that erythrocytes can be used as prolonged release
carrier for salbutamol.
Optimization of Composition and Process for Preparing Metaxalone Nanosuspension using Factorial Design
Authors: Gubbala Lakshmi , Arutla Srinivas , Venkateshwarlu Vobalaboina
Published: August 2017

In the current study, the composition and process for preparing the nanosuspension of metaxalone (MX) has been optimized
by using design of experiments (DOE). MX is skeletal muscle relaxant and belongs to BCS class II1
, the class wherein invivo
drug dissolution is a rate-limiting step for drug absorption2
. High pressure homogenization (HPH) method was used
to prepare the nanosuspension and Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as surface
stabilizers. For optimization studies three square (32
) factorial design was used. For the composition optimization,
concentration of the stabilizers and for process optimization homogenization time and pressure are used as independent
variables. The dependent variables were particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP). The relationship
between the dependent and independent variables was studied by response surface plots and contour plots. From the data
it has been observed that 2.5 % HPMC, 0.5 % SLS were optimum concentrations and 1000 bar pressure, 120 minutes of
homogenization were optimum process conditions producing least PS, PDI and high zeta potential. The optimized nano
composition prepared by using optimum process conditions was observed to release more than 80 % within 30 minutes
and found to be stable after 3 months of storage at room temperature. The solid state characterization (XRD, DSC) data
of spray dried nanoparticles of the optimized composition has shown retention of drug crystallinity. IR has shown drug is
compatible with the excipients used. SEM photograph has shown spherical drug nanoparticles. The optimization studies
by applying the DOE resulted in considerable decrease in the experimentation work to achieve the stable nanosuspension
with desired parameters such as PS, PDI and ZP.
Formulation and Evaluation Gel from Extract of Plumbago indica for Acne
Authors: Kaur Darshpreet , Prasad Shyam , Verma Surajpal
Published: August 2017

In current study, an attempt has been taken for formulation and evaluation acetone extract of Plumbago indica for
antiacne activity. The gel containing acetone extract of Plumbago indica was prepared by adding gel-forming material in
sterile distilled water while the mixture was stirred and allowed to stand to hydrate. Extract was added in PEG 400 and
polyethylene glycol mixture. Methyl paraben and propyl paraben were added as the preservative and triethanolamine was
added as the neutralizer. The anti-acne activity was investigated against two causative bacteria, i.e., Propionibacterium
acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis and yeast (Malassezia furfur) by the well diffusion method. The result showed
that gel passes all test of evaluation and was found to be active against acne causing microorganisms. Plumbago indica
extract based gel has potential activity against acne-causing microorganism.
Quantification of Doxycycline Hyclate in Different Pharmaceutical Samples by UV Assay
Authors: Hasan Kazi Md , Haque Md Anwarul , Kobir Sm Alamgir , Hossain Mobarak
Published: August 2017

Objective: Doxycycline hyclate is a broad spectrum antibiotic with activity against a wide range of gram-positive and
gram-negative bacteria and it is widely used as a pharmacological agent. A simple, selective, linear, precise and accurate
ultraviolet detection (UV) method has been developed and applied for the determination of doxycycline hyclate in different
pharmaceutical samples. Methods: Acid-base analysis and titrimetric method were utilized to determine the value of pH
and moisture content of purchased pharmaceutical samples. A mixture of methanol and hydrochloric acid (0.01N
Methanolic HCl) was used to determine the biochemical properties of doxycycline hyclate. UV detector set at 349 nm was
used to monitor the effluent. The purified water was used as solvent. Results: In 1% aqueous solution of doxycycline, three
samples (4th, 5th and 7th) showed lower pH values of 1.97, 1.98, and 1.99 respectively. Furthermore, the same samples
indicated the additional moisture contents of 2.81%, 2.85% and 2.83% respectively while considering the acceptance level
(1.4% to 2.8%). The method proved to be linear (R2=0.993), precise (RSD=0.79% for inter-day precision), accurate
(Recovery=100.59%) and selective regarding possible impurities and excipients of the samples. The doxycycline content
obtained in the sample analysis was within the range of 84.05% to 85.80%. Conclusion: The optimized and validated
method may be successfully employed to perform routine quality control analyses. Investigation of the pH, moisture
content and potency of doxycycline hyclate in different samples give a general view of local pharmacies trade and ensure
that the method applied here was validated for this kind of analysis.
A Review on Emerging Floating Drug Delivery System
Authors: Mary M Christe , Swamiappan Sasikumar
Published: August 2017

Presently, various approaches have been exploited in the prolongation of gastric residence time which includes floating
drug delivery system (FDDS), swelling and expanding systems, bio-adhesive systems, modified shape systems and high
density systems. Among various methods, floating drug delivery system is considered to be a predominant method. Gastric
emptying of dosage forms is an extremely varying process and ability to extend and control the emptying time is a valuable
resource for the dosage forms. This FDDS is having the ability to provides a solution for this purpose. The FDDS is a bulk
density system lower than the gastric fluid, so that the rest will float on the stomach contents for a prolonged period of time
and allowing the drug to release slowly at a desired rate from the system and intensifies the bio-availability of the drug
having narrow absorption window. The main intension of writing this review on floating drug delivery system is to study
the mechanism of flotation to acheive the gastric retention and to discuss briefly about the background of FDDS, advantages
and disadvantages, application of FDDS and factors affecting the gastric retension time.
Bosentan Monohydrate Vesicles Loaded Transdermal Drug Delivery System: In Vitro In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: M. Revathi , Y. Indira
Published: August 2017

This study elucidates the enhancement of the permeation of bosentan monohydrate through skin by encapsulating it in
vesicles loaded transdermal delivery system. Niosomal vesicles were formulated by ether injection method. Formulation
FN7 (span 60: cholesterol: poloxamer 401, 1.25:1:0.25) showed maximum entrapment efficiency of 96.7±0.037% and
was optimized for loading in to transdermal system. Transdermal systems were formulated using both hydrophilic and
hydrophobic polymers like HPMC, HEC and EC. Formulation F1 with HPMC was optimized based on in vitro release
(99.21±1.45 %) and was further evaluated for ex-vivo permeation. The results indicate that the ex vivo release
(98.13±1.65%) was as par with in vitro release and followed zero order super case- II transport mechanism. The in vivo
studies were done on New Zealand male rabbits for oral and transdermal route. The results inferred no significant change
in half-life of drug but a substantial difference in Tmax, AUC and MRT was observed in transdermal systems. A two fold
increase in AUC was observed in transdermal route (18.609±7.251µg/ml/h) when compared to oral route
(9.644±5.621µg/ml/h). A controlled release was attained up to 35h and reservoir effect was observed and this may be due
to the barrier properties of skin. Drug encapsulated niosomes were released in to the skin by loosening the lipid layers
and the surfactant acted as penetration enhancer. The study infers that niosomes loaded transdermal patches of bosentan
monohydrate can enhance the bioavailability and provided controlled release for better therapeutic efficacy and safety of drug.
Improved Solubility and Dissolution Rate of Ketoprofen by Beta Cyclodextrin Ternary Complexes Incorporating Hydrophilic Polymers
Authors: Jafar Mohammed , Ali Sadath , Ghonaim Hassan
Published: August 2017

The aim of the presentstudy wasto improve the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of a BCS Class-IIdrug,ketoprofen
by β-cyclodextrin ternary complexes incorporating hydrophilic polymers polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) and
polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Initially,ketoprofen (KPF)binary complexes with β-Cyclodextrin (βCD)wereformulated by
physical mixing,co-grinding, and solvent evaporation methods which was followed by ternary complex formulation of
selected KPF-βCD binary complex incorporatingPEG6000 and PVP.The solvent evaporation method was used in the
formulation of ternary complexesof ketoprofen, sincein the beginning of this study, it was proved to be the best
methodcomparatively in yielding promising binary complexes of ketoprofen.Ketoprofen formed 1:1 M stoichiometric
binary and ternary inclusion complexes as demonstrated by the AL-type of phase solubility graph. An increase in the
stability constant value (Kc) of KPF- βCD complex in the presence of PEG6000 and PVP conceded higher complexation
competency. FTIR and SEM studies evidenced the perfect ternary inclusion complex formation. Ternary complexes
showed improved drug dissolution compared with Ketoprofenalone and KPF-βCD binary complex. The ternary complex
containg 1:1:2 molar ratio of KPF:βCD:PEG6000exhibited 94.24% drug dissolution in 2 hours, which was significantly
high in relation to ternary complexes containg PVPand it was found to follow first order release mechanism. Complex
studied for stabilityshowed no significant change in physical appearance, drug content and drug dissolution characteristic
indicating high stability.
Design and Evaluation of Chronotherapeutic Delivery of Terbutaline Sulphate by Pulsincap Technology
Authors: M. Sreejan , V. Krishnaveni , K. Sai , K. Satyavathi , P. Bhojaraju , M. Madhubabu
Published: August 2017

The aim of the present research was to develop pulsincap formulation of terbutaline sulphate for chronotherapeutic colon
targeted delivery. Formaldehyde treatment was done to increase the disintegration time of capsule body. Hydrogel plug
was prepared by combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers to obtain the exact degree of swelling. Based on the
disintegration time of the capsule bodies, M3 formulation was selected for preparation of pulsincap. The powder blend was
prepared by varying the concentration of sodium starch glycolate and sodium bicarbonate concentration with terbutaline
sulphate. The pulsincaps were formulated with the optimized concentration of sodium starch glycolate and sodium
bicarbonate sealed with prepared hydrogel plug. FTIR study confirms that there was no incompatibility between terbutaline
sulphate and polymers. The drug content was estimated by using pH 7.4 buffer solution and it was found to vary between
97.37 ± 0.67 % to 100.45 ± 0.25 %. The swelling study was carried out by using three different buffer solutions and found
in the range of 50.12 ± 0.21 %to 56.75 ± 0.61 %. Formulation F9 was found to have the desired time dependent drug
release pattern, and hence was considered as the optimized formulation. From this study, it can be concluded that the
pulsincap formulation can serve as a useful technique for time dependent colon targeted delivery of terbutaline sulphate.
Optimization of Microcrystalline Cellulose PH 101, Lactose, and Kollidon® K 30 To Obtain Co-Processed Excipient Through Spray Drying
Authors: P. Kusuma , Y Syukri , F. Sholehuddin , N. Fazzri , . Romdhonah , B. F. Hakim
Published: August 2017

The most efficient tablet processing method is direct compression. For this method, the filler-binder can be made by coprocessing
via spray drying method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of spray dried co-processing
on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) PH 101, lactose and Kollidon® K 30 as well as to define the optimum proportions.
Spray dried MCC PH 101, lactose, and Kollidon® K 30 were varied in 13 different mixture design proportions to obtain
compact, free-flowing filler-binder co-processed excipients (CPE). Compactibility and flow properties became the key
parameters to determine the optimum proportions of CPE that would be compared to their physical mixtures. The result
showed that the optimum proportion of CPE had better compactibility and flow properties than the physical mixtures. The
optimum CPE, consisting of only MCC PH 101 and Kollidon® K 30 without lactose, that were characterized using infrared
spectrophotometer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope
(SEM) indicated no chemical change therein. Therefore, this study showed that spray dried MCC PH 101, lactose and
Kollidon® K 30 could be one of the filler-binder alternatives for direct compression process.
Exploration of Bis(Arylimidazole) Iridium Picolinate Complexes
Authors: Huckaba Aron , aghazada sadig , zimmermann iwan , grancini giulia , gasilova natalia , schouwink pascal , nazeeruddin mohammad khaja
Published: August 2017

The straightforward synthesis and photophysical properties of a new series of heteroleptic Iridium (III) bis(2-arylimidazole) picolinate complexes is reported. Each complex has been characterized by NMR, UV-Vis, cyclic voltammetry, and the emissive properties of each is described. By systematically modifying first the cyclometallating aryl group on the arylimidazole ligand and then the picolinate ligand, the ramifications of ligand modification in these complexes was better understood through the construction of a structure-property relationship.
KONFLIK KEJIWAAN TOKOH UTAMA DALAM NOVEL KORUPSI KARYA TAHAR BEN JELLEOUN (Psychological Conflict of The Main Character in Tahar Ben Jelleoun’s Novel, Korupsi)
Authors: Rahmawati Nfn
Published: August 2017

This study aims to describe main characters and psychological conflict experienced by the characters in “Korupsi” novel. The method used is qualitative descriptive method. Two issues are: (1) how the character of the character in “Korupsi” novel and (2) what psychological conflict  experienced by the main character will be studied by combining a structural approach and psychological literature. The structural approach is used to understand the characterization aspect as one of the novel structures that discusses character and main figure’s character. The psychological literature is employed to understand psychological conflict and psychological problems experienced by the main characters.  he results show that the main characters are easily tempted, inconsistent, impatient for having all his needs fulfilled. These characters makes him trapped in corruption case. The bribery money makes him in corruption trap in his office causes inevitable psychological conflicts. The main character decision to get involved in corruption case is inseparable from influence and pressure from family and his friends in his office. The action to neglect principle, integrity, and honesty that have been retained for many years causes him trapped in psychological conflicts. Psychological conflicts experienced by the main characters lead to psychological problem in the main characters, such as guilt, shame, negative hallucinations, nightmares, and desire to suicide.
PERGESERAN MAKNA DALAM BERITA TENTANG SAMPAH DI GORIAU (Meaning Shift of Garbage News in GoRiau)
Authors: Saleh Raja
Published: August 2017

This study aims at obtaining kinds of meaning shift that exist in garbage news in GoRiau and getting to know words that undergo meaning shift. The data of this study are taken from the news about garbage released by GoRiau, an online media. The data are collected by downloading garbage news in GoRiau online media. Based on the data collected, there are 34 news in GoRiau related to garbage. After downloading the data, they are analyzed by applying some steps, namely 1) identifying each news that undergoes meaning shift, 2) reducing the news that do not undergo the meaning shift, 3) classifying each word that undergoes meaning shift based on the type of meaning shifts, 4) describing each meaning shift qualitatively and comparing it with its definition in Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI). The result of this study shows that there are all of meaning shift types in the news related to garbage in GoRiau.com. The meaning shifts are  widening meaning, narrowing meaning, amelioration, pejorative, synecdoche, and association.
The influence of the built environment on adverse birth outcomes
Authors: Woods N. , Gilliland J. , Seabrook J.A.
Published: August 2017

Adverse birth outcomes are associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, and higher risk for coronary heart disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Although there has been considerable research investigating the association between maternal and environmental factors on adverse birth outcomes, one risk factor, not fully understood, is the influence of the built environment. A search of MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane was conducted to find articles assessing the influence of the built environment on preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). In total, 41 studies met our inclusion criteria, and were organized into nine categories: Roadways, Greenness, Power Plants, Gas Stations/Wells, Waste Management, Power Lines, Neighborhood Conditions, Food Environment, and Industry. The most common built environmental variable was roads/traffic, encompassing 17/41 (41%) of the articles reviewed, of which 12/17 (71%) found a significant small to moderate association between high traffic exposure and adverse birth outcomes.
Neonatal complex arrhythmias possibly related to a TTN mutation
Authors: Evans William N. , Acherman Ruben J. , Law Ian H. , Von Bergen Nicholas H. , Samson Ricardo A. , Restrepo Humberto
Published: August 2017

We describe a neonate born with complex arrhythmias that included concurrent atrial and ventricular tachycardias. Genetic testing demonstrated a mutation in the TTN gene, which codes for titin, a large protein found in striated muscle sarcomeres. The complex arrhythmias were successfully treated with amiodarone and flecainide. The patient remains asymptomatic with normal biventricular function. We speculate that the complex arrhythmias and TTN gene mutation may be related.
Reduction in necrotizing enterocolitis and improved outcomes in preterm infants following routine supplementation with Lactobacillus GG in combination with bovine lactoferrin
Authors: Meyer Michael P. , Alexander Tanith
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:

Preterm infants remain at high risk of adverse outcomes following necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late onset sepsis (LOS). Meta-analysis of randomized trials has indicated a reduction in severe NEC following use of probiotics and bovine lactoferrin (LF). Overall, however, uncertainty remains over which probiotic, or combination to use. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of severe NEC and LOS before and after routine supplementation with Lactobacillus GG (LGG) and LF.

METHODS:

In this retrospective cohort study, infants <32 weeks or <1500 g routinely received LGG and 100 mg lactoferrin daily from 2011 –2015 were compared with similar infants born from 2004–2008. Cases of NEC were Bell stage 2 or greater and LOS was blood or spinal fluid culture positive after 48 hrs of age.

RESULTS:

We noted a marked decline in the incidence of NEC from 3% to 1% with a RR of 0.29 (CI 0.1–0.9) and a number needed to benefit of 50. The cost of preventing one case of NEC was estimated to be NZ $2800, considerably lower than the cost of treatment. LOS rates were not significantly different. There was a decrease in retinopathy treatment rates. During the period there was one case of LGG sepsis in a 23 week gestation infant with abdominal pathology and one infant developed NEC after stopping prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION:

The rates of severe NEC was markedly reduced following prophylaxis. The case of LGG sepsis indicates caution is required in extremely preterm infants.
Risk of morbidity following catheter removal among neonates with catheter associated bloodstream infection
Authors: Garland J.S. , Kanneberg S. , Mayr K.A. , Porter D.M. , Vanden Heuvel A. , Kurziak J. , McAuliffe T.L.
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE:

We hypothesized that infectious morbidities following percutaneously inserted central venous catheter (PICC) removal would be greater among neonates with central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLBASI).

STUDY DESIGN:

This retrospective cohort study, included all neonates who required a PICC over a ten-year period. Outcomes assessed following PICC removal included: late bloodstream infection, rule-out sepsis workups, need for a subsequent PICC and antibiotic days and PICC days after PICC removal. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined for outcomes. Regression analyses were used to control for confounders.

RESULTS:

Two-thousand nine hundred and thirteen neonates required at least one PICC during the study period. After adjusting for confounders neonates with CLABSI were 3.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5, 4.6) and 2.2 (95% CI 1.2, 4.0) times more likely respectively to require a subsequent PICC or develop a late bloodstream infection after PICC removal. Neonates with CLABSI required 1.33 (95% CI 0.77, 1.89) more days of antibiotic treatment and 6.85 (95% CI 5.34, 8.37) more PICC days following PICC removal than neonates without a CLABSI.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neonates with CLABSI are at risk for additional infectious morbidities after PICC removal. Future intervention studies aimed at reducing CLABSI should evaluate whether morbidities following catheterization are also reduced.
Isolated neonatal MRI punctate white matter lesions in very preterm neonates and quality of life at school age
Authors: Arberet C. , Proisy M. , Fausser J.L. , Curt M. , Bétrémieux P. , Tréguier C. , Rozel C. , Pladys P.
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To study the quality of life at school age of very preterm infants presenting isolated punctate periventricular white matter lesions (IPWL) on late-preterm or term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS:

In 1996–2000, 16 of the 131 very preterm neonates explored by MRI were found to have IPWL. At the age of 9–14, 12 children from the IPWL group were compared with 54 children born preterm but with a normal MRI (no lesion). Quality of life (Health Status Classification System Pre School questionnaire), school performance, and motor outcome were investigated.

RESULTS:

Overall quality of life did not differ between the groups (classified as perfect in 2/12 of the IPWL vs 20/54 in the no-lesion). The sub-items mobility and dexterity differed significantly between the two groups, with impairment in the IPWL group ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). This group also displayed higher levels of motor impairment: they began walking later [20(4) vs. 15(3) months), p < 0.01], had higher frequencies of cerebral palsy (6/12 vs. 2/54, p < 0.05), and dyspraxia (4/12 vs. 0/54, p < 0.001). The rate of grade retention did not differ between the groups (3/12 in the IPWL group vs. 17/54 in the no-lesions group) but, as expected, was higher than that of the French general population (17.4%) during the study period.

CONCLUSION:

This long-term follow-up study detected no increase in the risk of subsequent cognitive impairment in very preterm infants with IPWL, but suggests that these children may have a significantly higher risk of dyspraxia, and motor impairment.
Effects of injection Shenkang and alprostadil combination on contrast-induced nephropathy in patient with diabetes complicated with mild to moderate renal insufficiency
Authors: Zhang Yanfang , Sun Jianxun , Liu Hui , Zhai Xiaolin
Published: August 2017

The diabetic patients (n=109) with mild or moderate renal insufficiency underwent coronary intervention were randomly divided into control group and observation group. The patients in observation group were treated with injection Shenkang and alprostadil before operation. The results showed that the level of serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and blood urea nitrogen had no significant difference (p>0.05) before and postoperative day 1 and day 2 in both groups. However, the value of serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and blood urea nitrogen were significantly different on post-operative day 3 (p<0.05). The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy was 14.8% in control group, and markedly higher than observation group (3.6%) (p<0.05). Shenkang injection combined with alprostadil injection decreased the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with mild to moderate renal insufficiency.
Effect of Enzymatic Beech Fagus Sylvatica Wood Hydrolysate on Chlorella Biomass, Fatty Acid and Pigment Production
Authors: Miazek Krystian , Remacle Claire , Richel Aurore , Goffin Dorothee
Published: August 2017

This work evaluates the possibility of applying enzymatic beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) hydrolysate as a feedstock for Chlorella sorokiniana growth, and fatty acid and pigment production. Beech wood solids were pretreated with NaOH at high temperature to partially remove xylose and Klason lignin, and enable production of glucose during subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. Neutralized wood enzymatic hydrolysate containing glucose (TGP-Enz10), was tested on Chlorella growth during heterotrophic cultivation and compared with microalgae growth in a medium containing synthetic glucose (TGP). Results show that enzymatic hydrolysate enabled Chlorella growth in the dark for biomass, fatty acid and pigment production due to the presence of glucose, although the productivity obtained was smaller, if compared to heterotrophic cultivation in a synthetic TGP medium. Partial growth inhibition and diminished productivity in wood hydrolysate supplemented Chlorella culture was due to the presence of neutralized citrate buffer. Neutralized citrate buffer (TGP-Cit10) was found to partially inhibit heterotrophic growth and also strongly suppress mixotrophic growth in Chlorella culture. This buffer was also shown to alter fatty acid composition and to slightly affect ChlTotal/CarTotal ratio during heterotrophic cultivation. Heterotrophic Chlorella cultivation with TGP-Enz10 showed that wood enzymatic hydrolysate can constitute a potential feedstock for microalgae cultivation, although the composition of the buffer used during enzymatic hydrolysis should be taken into consideration.
Modified Adversarial Hierarchical Task Network Planning in Real-Time Strategy Games
Authors: Sun Lin , Jiao Peng , Xu Kai , Yin Quanjun , Zha Yabing
Published: August 2017

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to real-time strategy (RTS) games includes considerable challenges due to the very large state spaces and branching factors, limited decision times, and dynamic adversarial environments involved. To address these challenges, hierarchical task network (HTN) planning has been extended to develop a method denoted as adversarial HTN (AHTN), and this method has achieved favorable performance. However, the HTN description employed cannot express complex relationships among tasks and accommodate the impacts of the environment on tasks. Moreover, AHTN cannot address task failures during plan execution. Therefore, this paper proposes a modified AHTN planning algorithm with failed task repair functionality denoted as AHTN-R. The algorithm extends the HTN description by introducing three additional elements: essential task, phase, and exit condition. If any task fails during plan execution, the AHTN-R algorithm identifies and terminates all affected tasks according to the extended HTN description, and applies a novel task repair strategy based on a prioritized listing of alternative plans to maintain the validity of the previous plan. In the planning process, AHTN-R generates the priorities of alternative plans by sorting all nodes of the game search tree according to their primary features. Finally, empirical results are presented based on a µRTS game, and the performance of AHTN-R is compared to that of AHTN and to the performances of other state-of-the-art search algorithms developed for RTS games.
The Impact of Residential Combustion Emissions on Health Expenditures: Empirical Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Badamassi Aboubacar , Xu Deyi , Leyla Boubacar
Published: August 2017

Residential combustion of fuels, especially solid, for cooking, heating and other activities generates high level emissions that considerably contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollutants concentrations, which adversely affect human health and are likely to influence heath expenditures. We used the system General Method of Moments (GMM) technique to examine the role of residential combustion (proxied by: particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions) in determining health expenditures while controlling for ambient air pollutants emissions from the other categories such as transportation, manufacturing industries and construction, and others. We employed data covering the period 1995–2010 in 44 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Health expenditures are categorized into per capita, public and private out-of-pocket; and we run three separate regressions according to the categories. The findings indicate that residential sector combustion was significantly associated with higher health expenditures, especially the out-of-pocket compared with other categories. Moreover, PM2.5 is found to have the highest impact on health expenditures. The implementation of effective public health and environmental health policies that encourage the access and use of cleaner fuels or improved cook stoves in SSA would be associated with not only a reduction in healthcare expenditures but also with other health and socio-economic benefits.
Pedestrian-Level Urban Wind Flow Enhancement with Wind Catchers
Authors: Chew Lup , Nazarian Negin , Norford Leslie
Published: August 2017

Dense urban areas restrict air movement, causing airflow in urban street canyons to be much lower than the flow above buildings. Boosting near-ground wind speed can enhance thermal comfort in warm climates by increasing skin convective heat transfer. We explored the potential of a wind catcher to direct atmospheric wind into urban street canyons. We arranged scaled-down models of buildings with a wind catcher prototype in a water channel to simulate flow across two-dimensional urban street canyons. Velocity profiles were measured with Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters. Experiments showed that a wind catcher enhances pedestrian-level wind speed in the target canyon by 2.5 times. The flow enhancement is local to the target canyon with little effect in other canyons. With reversed flow direction, a “reversed wind catcher” has no effect in the target canyon but reduces the flow in the immediate downstream canyon. The reversed wind catcher exhibits a similar blockage effect of a tall building amid an array of lower buildings. Next, we validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of all cases with experiments and extended the study to reveal impacts on three-dimensional ensembles of buildings. A wind catcher with closed sidewalls enhances maximum pedestrian-level wind speed in three-dimensional canyons by four times. Our results encourage better designs of wind catchers to increase wind speed in targeted areas.
The Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Amines Using a Whole-Cell Biocatalyst Co-Expressing Amine Dehydrogenase and NADH Oxidase
Authors: Jeon Hyunwoo , Yoon Sanghan , Ahsan Md , Sung Sihyong , Kim Geon-Hee , Sundaramoorthy Uthayasuriya , Rhee Seung-Keun , Yun Hyungdon
Published: August 2017

Amine dehydrogenase (AmDH) possesses tremendous potential for the synthesis of chiral amines because AmDH catalyzes the asymmetric reductive amination of ketone with high enatioselectivity. Although a reductive application of AmDH is favored in practice, the oxidative route is interesting as well for the preparation of chiral amines. Here, the kinetic resolution of racemic amines using AmDH was first extensively studied, and the AmDH reaction was combined with an NADH oxidase (Nox) to regenerate NAD+ and to drive the reaction forward. When the kinetic resolution was carried out with 10 mM rac-2-aminoheptane and 5 mM rac-α-methylbenzylamine (α-MBA) using purified enzymes, the enantiomeric excess (ee) values were less than 26% due to the product inhibition of AmDH by ketone and the inhibition of Nox by the substrate amine. The use of a whole-cell biocatalyst co-expressing AmDH and Nox apparently reduces the substrate and product inhibition, and/or it increases the stability of the enzymes. Fifty millimoles (50 mM) rac-2-aminoheptane and 20 mM rac-α-MBA were successfully resolved into the (S)-form with >99% ee using whole cells. The present study demonstrates the potential of a whole-cell biocatalyst co-expressing AmDH and Nox for the kinetic resolution of racemic amines.
Electrostatic Potential and a Simple Extended Electric Dipole Model of Hydrogen Fluoride as Probes of Non-Bonding Electron Pairs in the Cyclic Ethers 2,5-Dihydrofuran, Oxetane and Oxirane
Authors: Hill J. , Legon Anthony
Published: August 2017

The electrostatic potential near to the oxygen atom in each of the cyclic ethers 2,5-dihydrofuran, oxetane and oxirane has been calculated by using a distributed multipole analysis (DMA) of each molecule. The electrostatic potential energy V(φ) of a unit non-perturbing positive charge was calculated (via the DMA of the cyclic ether molecule) as a function of the angle φ between the C2 axis of the cyclic ether and a vector of length r from the O atom to the unit charge. The resulting potential energy functions each has two equivalent minima. The angles φmin at the minima are compared with the angles φ0 and φe made by the O⋯H bond with the C2 axes in the cyclic ether⋯HF complexes, as determined by rotational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations at the CCSD(T)-F12c/cc-pVTZ-F12 level of theory, respectively. An electrostatic model of cyclic ether⋯HF complexes in which the DMA of the cyclic ether interacts with a simple extended electric dipole representation of HF is also used to calculate the variation of the potential energy VHF(φ) of the HF molecule with φ. The angles φmin generated by this model are also compared with φ0 and φe. The extent to which the electrostatic potential and the extended electric dipole HF model can be used as probes for the directions of non-bonding electron pairs carried by O in these cyclic ethers is discussed.
The Effect of Silver and Copper Nanoparticles on the Condition of English Oak (Quercus robur L.) Seedlings in a Container Nursery Experiment
Authors: Olchowik Jacek , Bzdyk Roman , Studnicki Marcin , Bederska-Błaszczyk Magdalena , Urban Alexander , Aleksandrowicz-Trzcińska Marta
Published: August 2017

Some studies indicate that metal nanoparticles can be used in plant cultivation as fungicides and growth stimulators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silver (AgNPs) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the growth parameters, on the extent of leaves infected by powdery mildew and on spontaneous ectomycorrhizal colonization of English oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings growing in containers. Nanoparticles were applied to foliage four times during one vegetation season, at four concentrations: 0, 5, 25 and 50 ppm. The adsorption of NPs to leaves was observed by microscopical imaging (TEM). The tested concentrations of AgNPs and CuNPs did not have any significant effect on the growth parameters of the oak seedlings. TEM results showed disturbances in the shape of plastids, plastoglobules and the starch content of oak leaves treated with 50 ppm Cu- and AgNPs, while no changes in the ultrastructure of stems and roots of oak plants treated with NPs were observed. No significant difference in powdery mildew disease intensity was observed after NP foliar app lication. Four ectomycorrhizal taxa were detected on oak roots (Sphaerosporella brunnea, Thelephora terrestris, Paxillus involutus and Laccaria proxima). Oak seedlings treated (foliar) with CuNPs and AgNPs at 25 ppm were characterised by the highest degree of mycorrhization (respectively, 37.1% and 37.5%) among all treatments including the control treatment. None of the tested NPs manifested phytotoxicity in the examined Q. robur seedlings under container nursery conditions.
Lianas Abundance is Positively Related with the Avian Acoustic Community in Tropical Dry Forests
Authors: Hilje Branko , Stack Shauna , Sánchez-Azofeifa Arturo
Published: August 2017

Dry forests are important sources of biodiversity where lianas are highly abundant given their ability to grow during times of drought and as a result of secondary growth processes. Lianas provide food and shelter for fauna such as birds, but there are no studies assessing the influence of liana abundance on birds in dry forests. Here we evaluate the influence of liana abundance on the avian acoustic community in the dry forests of Costa Rica at Santa Rosa National Park. We selected forest sites with different levels of liana abundance and set up automated sound recorders for data collection, analysis and estimation of the avian acoustic community. When the number of lianas increases, the avian acoustic community becomes more complex. Lianas could provide important direct and indirect resources for birds such as structure for shelter, protection, nesting and roosting, and food. The positive relationship that lianas have with birds is particularly important in dry forests where lianas are becoming highly abundant due to the level of forest disturbance and climate change, especially for some bird species that are restricted to this ecosystem. By validating the number of bird species detected in the recordings with the acoustic complexity index, we found that a higher acoustic complexity means higher species richness.
Phytostabilization—Management Strategy for Stabilizing Trace Elements in Contaminated Soils
Authors: Radziemska Maja , Vaverková Magdalena , Baryła Anna
Published: August 2017

Contamination of soil by copper (Cu) has become a serious problem throughout the world, causing the reduction of agricultural yield and harmful effects on human health by entering the food chain. A glasshouse pot experiment was designed to evaluate the potential use of halloysite as an immobilizing agent in the aided phytostabilization of Cu-contaminated soil, using Festuca rubra L. The content of Cu in plants, i.e., total and extracted by 0.01 M CaCl2, was determined using the method of spectrophotometry. Cu content in the tested parts of F. rubra differed significantly when halloysite was applied to the soil, as well as with increasing concentrations of Cu. The addition of halloysite significantly increased plant biomass. Cu accumulated in the roots, thereby reducing its toxicity to the aerial parts of the plant. The obtained values of bioconcentration and translocation factors observed for halloysite treatment indicate the effectiveness of using F. rubra in phytostabilization techniques.
Importance of Endogenous Fibrinolysis in Platelet Thrombus Formation
Authors: Gue Ying , Gorog Diana
Published: August 2017

The processes of thrombosis and coagulation are finely regulated by endogenous fibrinolysis maintaining healthy equilibrium. When the balance is altered in favour of platelet activation and/or coagulation, or if endogenous fibrinolysis becomes less efficient, pathological thrombosis can occur. Arterial thrombosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world despite advances in medical therapies. The role endogenous fibrinolysis in the pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis has gained increasing attention in recent years as it presents novel ways to prevent and treat existing diseases. In this review article, we discuss the role of endogenous fibrinolysis in platelet thrombus formation, methods of measurement of fibrinolytic activity, its role in predicting cardiovascular diseases and clinical outcomes and future directions.
The Candida albicans Inhibitory Activity of the Extract from Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seed Relates to Mitochondria Dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Weijun
Published: August 2017

The inhibitory activity of the papaya seed extract (PSE) on Candida albicans (C. albicans) was determined by turbidimetry method. The inhibitory mechanisms were also evaluated from the prospective of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decrease, and the activities of four complex enzymes in mitochondria respiratory chain. Results obtained from this study indicated that the PSE exhibited an effective inhibitory activity on C. albicans and induced significant accumulation of ROS and collapse of MMP. The Complex I and Complex III exhibited continues significant decrease in mitochondrial enzyme activity assays, but the Complex II and Complex IV activities were not positively correlated. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis demonstrated that the PSE represents a rich and high-purity source of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), which indicated the BITC may be responsible for the mitochondrial dysfunction.
A Robust Timetabling Model for a Metro Line with Passenger Activity Information
Authors: Wei Lai , Yuan Zhenzhou
Published: August 2017

Timetable design is crucial to the reliability of a metro service. In terms of the delays caused by passengers’ boarding and alighting behaviors during rush hours, the planned timetable for a metro line with high-frequency service tends to be difficult to implement. General oversaturation events, rather than accidents or track damage, still have a significant impact on metro systems, so that trains are canceled and delayed. When the activity reality diverges from the real-time or historical information, it is imperative that dispatchers present a good solution during the planning stage in order to minimize the nuisance for passengers and reduce the crowding risk. This paper presents a robust timetabling model (RTM) for a metro line with passenger activity information, which takes into account congestion and buffer time adjustments. The main objective pursued by dispatchers in the model is the enhancement of punctuality while minimizing train delays by adjusting the buffer time. By explicitly taking the passenger activity information into account, a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model was developed, and a genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to solve the model. Finally, numerical experiments based on the Batong line of the Beijing Metro were carried out, the results of which verify the effectiveness and efficiency of our method.
Life’s Late Digital Revolution and Why It Matters for the Study of the Origins of Life
Authors: Baum David , Lehman Niles
Published: August 2017

The information contained in life exists in two forms, analog and digital. Analog information is manifest mainly in the differing concentrations of chemicals that get passed from generation to generation and can vary from cell to cell. Digital information is encoded in linear polymers such as DNA and RNA, whose side chains come in discrete chemical forms. Here, we argue that the analog form of information preceded the digital. Acceptance of this dichotomy, and this progression, can help direct future studies on how life originated and initially complexified on the primordial Earth, as well as expected trajectories for other, independent origins of complex life.
Experimental Study on Fatigue Behaviour of Shot-Peened Open-Hole Steel Plates
Authors: Wang Zhi-Yu , Wang Qing-Yuan , Cao Mengqin
Published: August 2017

This paper presents an experimental study on the fatigue behaviour of shot-peened open-hole plates with Q345 steel. The beneficial effects induced by shot peening on the fatigue life improvement are highlighted. The characteristic fatigue crack initiation and propagation modes of open-hole details under fatigue loading are revealed. The surface hardening effect brought by the shot peening is analyzed from the aspects of in-depth micro-hardness and compressive residual stress. The fatigue life results are evaluated and related design suggestions are made as a comparison with codified detail categories. In particular, a fracture mechanics theory-based method is proposed and demonstrated its validity in predicting the fatigue life of studied shot-peened open-hole details.
Enhancing the Ignition, Hardness and Compressive Response of Magnesium by Reinforcing with Hollow Glass Microballoons
Authors: Manakari Vyasaraj , Parande Gururaj , Doddamani Mrityunjay , Gupta Manoj
Published: August 2017

Magnesium (Mg)/glass microballoons (GMB) metal matrix syntactic foams (1.47–1.67 g/cc) were synthesized using a disintegrated melt deposition (DMD) processing route. Such syntactic foams are of great interest to the scientific community as potential candidate materials for the ever-changing demands in automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors. The synthesized composites were evaluated for their microstructural, thermal, and compressive properties. Results showed that microhardness and the dimensional stability of pure Mg increased with increasing GMB content. The ignition response of these foams was enhanced by ~22 °C with a 25 wt % GMB addition to the Mg matrix. The authors of this work propose a new parameter, ignition factor, to quantify the superior ignition performance that the developed Mg foams exhibit. The room temperature compressive strengths of pure Mg increased with the addition of GMB particles, with Mg-25 wt % GMB exhibiting the maximum compressive yield strength (CYS) of 161 MPa and an ultimate compressive strength (UCS) of 232 MPa for a GMB addition of 5 wt % in Mg. A maximum failure strain of 37.7% was realized in Mg-25 wt % GMB foam. The addition of GMB particles significantly enhanced the energy absorption by ~200% prior to compressive failure for highest filler loading, as compared to pure Mg. Finally, microstructural changes in Mg owing to the presence of hollow GMB particles were elaborately discussed.