bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dibasic Esters of ortho-/meta-Alkoxyphenylcarbamic Acid Containing 1-Dipropylamino-3-Piperidinopropan-1-yl and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: CSÖLLEI JOZEF , MALÍK IVAN , BUKOVSKÝ MARIÁN , SEDLÁROVÁ EVA
Published: November 2019

In Europe, the presence of microorganisms that have become resistant to antimicrobials as the most significant disease threat has remained. The aim of the current research was to screen the in vitro susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans to the series of dibasic esters of ortho-/meta-alkoxyphenylcarbamic acid previously known for their local anaesthetic effectiveness and to contribute for the structure - antimicrobial potency relationships study within that class of the compounds. The antimicrobial activity investigation involved determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by applying the microdilution method; quantitative screening was performed on a blood agar (S. aureus), Endo agar (E. coli) or on Sabouraud's agar (C. albicans). The activity against all the microorganisms tested was primarily influenced by the position of alkoxy side chain attached to lipophilic aromatic ring and by its length as well. Inspected meta-alkoxy substituted derivatives have shown higher efficiency against all chosen microorganisms than their ortho-alkoxy positional isomers. The most promising results were observed when investigating the activity of meta-alkoxy substituted molecules against E. coli with the estimated MICs in the range of 12-49 microg/ml. Furthermore, such potency was found to be quasi parabolically dependent on alkoxy chain length achieving a maximum for meta-hexyloxy derivative which has shown MIC= 12 microg/ml. Considered compound was also regarded as the most effective against S. aureus with MIC = 98 microg/ml. Evaluating the potency against C. albicans, it was revealed that no molecule within the tested set displayed MIC < 100 microg/ml.
Alternative Genotyping of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains
Authors: ANTONENKO PETRO B. , KRESYUN VALENTIN I. , ANTONENKO KATE O.
Published: November 2019

The aim of the present research was to study the capability of a genotyping method for M. tuberculosis through detection of six VNTR-loci (MIRU10, MIRU26, MIRU31, MIRU39, MIRU40, ETR-A). Loci MIRU10, MIRU26, MIRU40 and ETR-A have exhibited high polymorphism in group non-Beijing, while loci MIRU26 and MIRU31 - in the Beijing family. A combined detection of all six loci for fingerprinting of the isolates both from Beijing and non-Beijing was highly effective (Hunter-Gaston index was 0.88 and 0.93 correspondently), especially in areas with limited financial resources and high prevalence of multidrug resistant M. tuberculosis strains.
Antimicrobial Properties of Substituted quino[3,2-b]benzo[1,4]thiazines
Authors: CZARNY ANNA , ZACZYŃSKA EWA , JELEŃ MAŁGORZATA , ZIMECKI MICHAŁ , PLUTA KRYSTIAN , MORAK-MŁODAWSKA BEATA , ARTYM JOLANTA , KOCIĘBA MAJA
Published: November 2019

Our previous studies demonstrated that among phenothiazines several derivatives could be found showing strong antiproliferative actions and the property of inhibiting inducible tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF a) production in human blood cultures. The aim of this investigation was to determine potential antimicrobial actions of forty four new phenothiazine derivatives with the quinobenzothiazine structure. The compounds showed differential antibacterial and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans depending on the compound structures, concentrations and bacterial strains. More specifically, 6-(1-methyl- 2-piperidylethyl) quinobenzothiazine displayed strongest actions against S. aureus and E. coli whereas 6-methanesulfonylaminobutyl-9-methylthioquinobenzothiazine exhibited the most universal antimicrobial properties. The correlation between antimicrobial activity and the chemical structure of quinobenzothiazines was discussed.
Larvicidal and Repellent Properties of Streptomyces sp. VITJS4 Crude Extract against Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: NAINE S. JEMIMAH , DEVI C. SUBATHRA
Published: November 2019

The aim of the present study was to assess the larvicidal and repellent properties of marine Streptomyces sp. VITJS4 crude extracts. The marine soil samples were collected from the Puducherry coast, Tamil Nadu, India. The isolate Streptomyces sp. VITJS4 was taxonomically characterized and identified. The ethyl acetate crude extract tested for larvicidal property showed 100% mortality for all the 3 species after 24 h exposure against the early fourth instar larvae of malarial vector--Anopheles stephensi at 50% and 90% lethal concentration (LC50 = 132.86, LC90 396.14 ppm); dengue vector--Aedes aegypti (LC50 = 112.78, LC90 336.42 ppm) and filariasis vector--Culex quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 156.53, LC90 468.37 ppm). The Streptomyces sp. VITJS4 solvent extracts of hexane, ethyl acetate, benzene, chloroform and methanol were tested for repellent activity against A. stephensi, A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus. The ethyl acetate extract showed complete protection for 210 min at 6 mg/cm2 against these mosquito bites. The crude extract was analyzed further for Fourier Transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. In addition to the importance of bioactive compounds, the utilization of Streptomyces sp. VITJS4 crude extracts revealed effective larvicidal and repellent activity against the vectors, which perhaps represents a promising tool in the management of mosquito control.
PCR-Based Genomic Deletion Analysis of RD-Regions in the Identification of Mycobacteria Isolated from Adverse Events Following BCG Vaccination or TB Suspected Cases
Authors: KRYSZTOPA-GRZYBOWSKA KATARZYNA , BRZEZIŃSKA SYLWIA , AUGUSTYNOWICZ-KOPEĆ EWA , AUGUSTYNOWICZ EWA , LUTYŃSKA ANNA
Published: November 2019

Early identification of mycobacterial species is crucial for early diagnosis. PCR-multiplex method performed on randomly chosen 54 mycobacteria isolates originating from clinical samples was found to be an inexpensive, quick and reliable alternative for commercially available diagnostics tests. Although the results of gene probes identification performed by NTLDR were generally consistent with multiplex PCR, two mixed Mycobacterium bovis BCG/Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections and a single misdiagnosis of M. tuberculosis with M. bovis were found. The routine application of multiplex-PCR has the potential to make diagnostics surveillance studies feasible.
市政道路与桥梁施工质量问题分析和监控
Authors: 王 瑞谦
Published: November 2019

科学技术的高速发展，带来了生产力的极大提升，进而带动了经济社会的繁荣和进步，人们大量的从农村走到城市，参与到城镇化建设的大浪潮当中。城市版图逐渐扩大，市政工程项目建设如火如荼，不论是建造质量还是建设规模都有较大的提升，在市政工程项目的建设过程中，人们非常关注建筑项目的质量和安全。但是，目前的建筑行业在发展阶段，还存在着一系列的行业乱象，一些建筑企业为了追求眼前的经济利益，在建筑工程项目施工过程中以次充好、偷工减料，在建筑材料的采购、使用，施工工序的合规等方面出现了很多的问题，这直接影响到了市政工程项目的建造质量和施工水平，特别是在市政道路和桥梁工程的施工环节，由于该工程项目的建造施工涉及到比较复杂的施工工序，施工技术的难度也相对较大，这些问题都将会影响到市政道路和桥梁工程项目的建造施工情况，以及工程竣工后的使用性能和使用寿命。因此，建筑工程企业必须要加强对市政道路和桥梁工程项目的施工的监督管理和控制，及时发现工程项目施工中的质量和安全问题，切实有效的处理和解决，以提高市政道路桥梁工程项目的建造水平和整体质量。
有关城市建设中海绵城市规划设计的探讨
Authors: 程 萌
Published: November 2019

随着社会及城市的不断发展，海绵城市理念在我国很多城市建设中被广泛应用，特别是近年来城市洪涝灾害越发受到关注，海绵城市已经成为城市发展过程中非常重要的一项内容。海绵城市理念的应用实现了雨水的自然积存、自然渗透、自然净化和可持续水循环，提高了城市水生态系统的自然修复能力，增强了城市防灾减灾能力，保障了城市水安全。因此在加强城市化发展的过程中，要进一步加强对城市建设中海绵规划设计的研究，充分发挥海绵效应在城市建设中的作用，寻求城市发展与自然关系的协调，使得城市能够和谐、健康地快速发展。
固化淤泥结构性力学特性的试验研究
Authors: 闫 高欢
Published: November 2019

以完全扰动重塑的泥浆作为评价基准，从土结构性的角度考察了水泥固化淤泥的力学特性，发现固化淤泥是一种典型的结构性土，存在明显的固结屈服应力，屈服前后固化淤泥的力学性质显著不同。固化淤泥的压缩曲线位于淤泥的固有压缩曲线的上方，屈服之前固化淤泥的压缩性很小，屈服后压缩性迅速增大。水泥添加量越高，固化淤泥的固结屈服应力越大。固结不排水剪切试验中，若固化淤泥未在固结围压下屈服，剪切时表现出超固结土的性质，若在围压下屈服，固化淤泥则表现出正常固结土的性质。屈服之前，固化淤泥的不排水强度基本不随围压改变，屈服后的强度随围压线性增大。水泥的加入会使黏聚力和内摩擦角都增大，屈服前阶段固化淤泥的强度由胶结作用所控制，屈服后阶段由组构作用所控制。在固化淤泥的实际工程应用中，应考虑到它所特有的结构性力学特性。
Developmental Changes in Gut Microbiota and Enzyme Activity Predict Obesity Risk in Rats Arising From Reduced Nests
Authors: ŠEFČÍKOVÁ Z. , BUJŇÁKOVÁ D. , RAČEK Ľ , KMEŤ V. , MOZEŠ Š.
Published: November 2019

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of preweaning overnutrition upon the ontogeny of intestinal microbiota, alkaline phosphatase activity (AP) and parameters of growth and obesity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. We tested whether intestinal characteristics acquired in suckling pups could programme the development of enhanced fat deposition during normalized nutrition beyond weaning. Postnatal nutrition was manipulated by adjusting the number of pups in the nest to 4 (small litters - SL) and 10 (normal litters - NL). In the postweaning period both groups were fed with a standard diet. The jejunal and colonic Lactobacillus/Enterococcus (LAB) and the Bacteroides/Prevotella (BAC) were determined using the FISH technique, and the jejunal AP activity was assayed histochemically. At 15 and 20 days of age the SL pups became heavier, displayed increased adiposity accompanied by significantly higher LAB and lower numbers of BAC and with higher AP activity in comparison with rats nursed in NL nests. These differences persisted to day 40 and withdrawal of the previous causal dietary influence did not prevent the post-weaning fat accretion. These results reveal the significance of early nutritional imprint upon the gut microbial/functional development and allow better understanding of their involvement in the control of obesity.
The Effect of Rat Strain, Diet Composition and Feeding Period on the Development of a Nutritional Model of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats
Authors: KUČERA O. , GARNOL T. , LOTKOVÁ H. , STAŇKOVÁ P. , MAZUROVÁ Y. , HROCH M. , BOLEHOVSKÁ R. , ROUŠAR T. , ČERVINKOVÁ Z.
Published: November 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of this work was to establish and characterize a nutritional model of NAFLD in rats. Wistar or Sprague-Dawley male rats were fed ad libitum a standard diet (ST-1, 10 % kcal fat), a medium-fat gelled diet (MFGD, 35 % kcal fat) and a high-fat gelled diet (HFGD, 71 % kcal fat) for 3 or 6 weeks. We examined the serum biochemistry, the hepatic malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH) and cytokine concentration, the respiration of liver mitochondria, the expression of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) mRNA in the liver and histopathological samples. Feeding with MFGD and HFGD in Wistar rats or HFGD in Sprague-Dawley rats induced small-droplet or mixed steatosis without focal inflammation or necrosis. Compared to the standard diet, there were no significant differences in serum biochemical parameters, except lower concentrations of triacylglycerols in HFGD and MFGD groups. Liver GSH was decreased in rats fed HFGD for 3 weeks in comparison with ST-1. Higher hepatic malondialdehyde was found in both strains of rats fed HFGD for 6 weeks and in Sprague-Dawley groups using MFGD or HFGD for 3 weeks vs. the standard diet. Expression of UCP-2 mRNA was increased in Wistar rats fed MFGD and HFGD for 6 weeks and in Sprague-Dawley rats using HFGD for 6 weeks compared to ST-1. The present study showed that male Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats fed by HFGD developed comparable simple steatosis without signs of progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis under our experimental conditions.
Hyperandrogenic States in Pregnancy
Authors: KAŇOVÁ N. , BIČÍKOVÁ M.
Published: November 2019

Hyperandrogenic states in pregnancy are almost always the result of a condition that arises during pregnancy. The onset of virilization symptoms is often very fast. The mother is protected against hyperandrogenism by a high level of SHBG, by placental aromatase and a high level of progesterone. The fetus is protected from the mother’s hyperandrogenism partly by the placental aromatase, that transforms the androgens into estrogens, and partly by SHGB. Nevertheless there is a significant risk of virilization of the female fetus if the mother’s hyperandrogenic state is serious. The most frequent cause of hyperandrogenic states during pregnancy are pregnancy luteoma and hyperreactio luteinalis. Hormonal production is evident in a third of all luteomas, which corresponds to virilization in 25-35 % of mothers with luteoma. The female fetus is afflicted with virilization with two thirds of virilized mothers. Hyperreactio luteinalis is created in connection with a high level of hCG, e.g. during multi-fetus pregnancies. This condition most frequently arises in the third trimester, virilization of the mother occurs in a third of cases. Virilization of the fetus has not yet been described. The most serious cause of hyperandrogenism is represented by ovarian tumors, which are fortunately rare.
Emeklilik Yatırım Fonlarına Etki Eden Makroekonomik Faktörlerin En Küçük Kareler ve VAR Yöntemi ile Analizi: Türkiye ve Seçilmiş Ülkeler
Authors: DEMİRKALE Özge , ÖZKAN Turgut
Published: November 2019

Bu çalışmanın amacı, gelişmiş ve gelişmekte olan emeklilik fon pazarına sahip ülkelerin borsa endeksi, döviz sepeti, enflasyon ve faiz oranı verilerinin emeklilik yatırım fonlarının performansına olan etkilerini en küçük kareler yöntemi ve VAR analizi yardımıyla incelemektir. Analiz Ocak 2005 – Mart 2019 dönemi verileri kullanılarak başta Türkiye olmak üzere seçilmiş Asya ve Kuzey Amerika ülkelerini kapsamaktadır. Emeklilik yatırım fonları ile makroekonomik değişkenler arasındaki ilişki regresyon analizi yöntemiyle en küçük kareler metoduyla açıklanmıştır. VAR yöntemi yardımıyla etki tepki ve varyans ayrıştırma analizleri yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın ampirik kanıtlarına göre Türkiye ve analiz edilen diğer ülkelerde emeklilik yatırım fonlarının performansı ile borsa endeksi arasında güçlü bir ilişkinin olduğu bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca elde edilen sonuçlar doğrultusunda analize dahil olan ülkelerde borsa endeksinin emeklilik yatırım fonlarını açıklayan en önemli değişken olduğu ifade edilebilir.
Prediksi Promosi Jabatan Karyawan Dengan Algoritma C4.5 (Studi Kasus: Apartemen Senayan Jakarta)
Authors: Sunarti Sunarti
Published: November 2019

Promosi jabatan merupakan aktivitas penting pada sebuah perusahaan. Dengan adanya promosi jabatan karyawan akan bekerja dengan baik dan bertanggung jawab. Permasalahan yang dihadapi dalam mempromosikan karyawan adalah perusahaan mengalami kesulitan dalam menentukan karyawan yang akan dipromosikan, karena belum adanya proses penilaian kinerja yang dilakukan secara pasti, dalam hal ini hanya dilakukan secara sepihak, tidak adanya standar baku atau bobot nilai yang pasti dalam menentukan karyawan yang layak untuk dipromosikan. Untuk melakukan prediksi karyawan yang akan dipromosikan maka Apartemen Senayan Jakarta membutuhkan teknik klasifikasi dan prediksi data mining memecahkan masalah yang ada. Klasifikasi yang digunakan dalam data mining adalah Decision Tree dikarenakan pada teknik tersebut banyak digunakan dan menghasilkan output dengan aturan yang ada. Untuk data dianalisis menggunakan perangkat lunak Rapidminer yakni salah satu perangkat lunak berbasis open source. Pada teknik tersebut dapat menyajikan data karyawan yang dipromosikan dan tidak dipromosikan. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan data mining Algoritma C4.5 untuk menghasilkan aturan klasifikasi dipromosikan dan tidak dipromosikan karyawan dan hasil akurasinya di dapat 78.00 %.
Perbandingan Kinerja Filter Butterworth Berdasarkan Spesifikasi Frekuensi untuk Pengolahan Sinyal Suara
Authors: Bustamin Anugrayani , Prayogi A. Ais
Published: November 2019

Sinyal suara terkadang masih mengandung noise pada saat dilakukan proses pengolahan. Filter dilakukan untuk menyaring sinyal-sinyal suara yang tidak dibutuhkan ataupun dianggap mengganggu (noise). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan preprocessing sinyal suara dengan membandingkan kinerja filter Infinite Impulse Respon (IIR) pada desain filter Butterworth berdasarkan frekuensi yang dilewatkan. Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dari tahap preprocessing yaitu  mengolah suara agar dapat diambil karakteristik atau cirinya. Sinyal suara sampel yang akan difilter yaitu perekaman suara laki-laki pada frekuensi sampling 16000Hz. Pada penelitian ini filter Infinite Impulse Respon (IIR) digunakan dengan respon filter Butterworth. Validasi dilakukan dengan menghitung Signal Noise to Ratio (SNR) dari masing-masing jenis filter berdasarkan frekuensi yang dilewatkan. Hasil yang diperoleh berdasarkan nilai SNR tertinggi yaitu 29,9321 dB pada orde filter 6. Nilai dari SNR ini juga menunjukkan bahwa BPF lebih baik dibandingkan dengan LPF dan HPF.
Interpretasi Pengujian Usabilitas Wibatara Menggunakan System Usability Scale
Authors: Handayani Febria Sri , Adelin Adelin
Published: November 2019

Wibatara.com sedari awal dirancang untuk dapat digunakan sebagai katalog online ragam batik nusantara. Ide utamanya berasal dari keresahan bahwa adanya upaya asing untuk menguasai batik karena tidak bisa diberlakukan paten terhadap batik. Oleh karena itu diberikan solusi untuk menrancang wibatara.com sebagai media untuk memperkenalkan ragam batik nusantara bahkan hingga ke mancanegara. Untuk dapat digunakan sebagaimana mestinya, perlu dilakukan pengujian usabilitas terhadap wibatara.com. Pengujian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner System Usability Scale (SUS). Distribusi kuesioner dilakukan pada 50 orang responden yang terdiri dari pelajar, mahasiswa, guru, dosen, maupun masyarakat umum. Responden ini dinilai cukup mewakili karena keseharian mereka lumayan intens berkenaan dengan batik, terutama budaya menggunakan batik setiap hari kamis atau jumat, baik disekolah, perguruan tinggi, perkantoran ataupun pada acara lainnya. Pembobotan pilihan jawaban untuk tiap pertanyaan dalam kuesioner menggunakan skala Likert. Perhitungan hasil pengujian menggunakan rumus (SUS). Hasil uji reliability data kuesioner SUS menunjukkan angka 0,615 (questionable) dan hasil rata-rata skor SUS wibatara.com sebesar 79,52 (acceptable).
LASER SYSTEM FOR STUDYING THE DYNAMICS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE COMBUSTION
Authors: Li Lin , Gubarev Fedor , Mostovshchikov Andrei , Ilyin Alexander
Published: November 2019

The paper is devoted to development of methods for studying the dynamics of high-temperature combustion of aluminum nanopowder.The difficulty in studying the combustion of nanopowders is the high temperature and intensity of light emissionduring the combustion process, which makes the visual observation virtually impossible.The paper discusses various schemes using laser radiation to study the combustion processes of metal nanopowders.Particular mentions the use of the laser monitor based on an active medium on copper bromide vapor to study the combustion process of various powders and mixtures.The laser monitor combines the functions of the narrow-band laser illuminator and the brightness amplifier, thereby achieving the visualization at a narrow gain wavelength. Therefore, the laser monitor can be used to observe the changes in the surface of a burning sample with high temporal and spatial resolution.
Yield and Quality of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L. var. major) Genotypes as a Vegetable for Fresh Consumption: A Comparison between Italian Landraces and Commercial Varieties
Authors: De Cillis Francesca , Leoni Beniamino , Massaro Maria , Renna Massimiliano , Santamaria Pietro
Published: November 2019

Legumes crops play significant roles both in human diets and agriculture, and contribute to sustainable farming. In this study, we evaluated both some quality traits and yield of four landraces (Cegliese, Iambola, San Francesco, and FV5) of faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. major Harz) for fresh consumption in order to assess and distinguish the landraces also in comparison with two commercial varieties (Aguadulce supersimonia and Extra-early purple) by using a crop system without irrigation. Independently of the genotype, we obtained the same pods yield (1794 g m−2) without affecting the seed size. All genotypes can be considered a good source of vitamin C, although Extra-early purple and San Francesco reveal the highest content (703 and 646 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight—FW, respectively). Cegliese showed the highest L-dopa content (10.14 mg 100 g−1 FW), suggesting its use as a natural rich source of L-dopa (dopamine precursor used for Parkinson’s disease treatment) instead of using synthesized L-dopa. In conclusion, this study highlight interesting quality traits of faba bean when consumed as fresh vegetables, suggesting its positive role on human health and the possibility of its production by using local horticultural systems that are skilled in optimizing resource utilization.
Growth and K Nutrition of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Seedlings as Affected by Balancing Soil Exchangeable Cations Ca, Mg, and K of Continuously Monocropped Soil from Upland Fields Converted Paddy
Authors: Wacal Cosmas , Ogata Naoki , Basalirwa Daniel , Sasagawa Daisuke , Masunaga Tsugiyuki , Yamamoto Sadahiro , Nishihara Eiji
Published: November 2019

Growth of sesame is known to be limited by poor K nutrition as a result of imbalance in soil exchangeable cations that cause a competitive ion effect in continuous monocropping from upland fields converted paddy. We hypothesized that balancing soil exchangeable cations will improve the K nutrition and growth of sesame plants. Therefore, the specific objectives of this study were to determine the effect of balancing soil exchangeable cations Ca, Mg, and K of continuously monocropped soils on the growth and cation uptake of sesame seedlings and also identify a suitable source of nutrients for improving K nutrition. A pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse condition in a 3 × 3 factorial design consisting of three levels of balancing treatments i.e. inorganic fertilizer for Ca, Mg, and K, rice husk biochar to increase K content, and the three durations of continuous monocropping soils of one year, two years, and four years from upland fields converted paddy. Balancing soil exchangeable cations was aimed at achieving optimal base saturations (CaO, 75%; MgO, 25%; and K2O, 10%). Results showed that balancing exchangeable cations did not significantly affect growth and cation uptake in the one and two-year soils but significant effect was observed in the four-year soil. Overall, plant height and dry weight increased for the balancing treatments of inorganic fertilizer K and rice husk biochar. Balancing exchangeable cations with biochar was more beneficial than with inorganic fertilizers. The four-year soil’s growth increase was attributed to an increase in K concentration and uptake due to the decrease in the soil Ca/K and Mg/K ratios to that of acceptable levels, which eliminated competitive ion effect as the soil K saturation increased above 5.0%, enhancing sesame growth. Therefore, a balanced soil exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K that eliminates a competitive ion effect will improve sesame growth and K nutrition although future research should focus on ensuring balanced cation rations under field conditions in continuous monocropping.
Increased Consumption of Sulfur Amino Acids by Both Sows and Piglets Enhances the Ability of the Progeny to Adverse Effects Induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xu Bao-Yang , Zhao Ling , Zhu Luo-Yi , Batonon-Alavo Dolores , Jachacz Jeremy , Qi De-Sheng , Zhang Shu-Jun , Ma Li-Bao , Sun Lv-Hui
Published: November 2019

This study determined the effects of increased consumption of sulfur amino acids (SAA), as either DL-Met or Hydroxy-Met (OH-Met), by sows and piglets on their performance and the ability of the progeny to resist a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Thirty primiparous sows were fed a diet adequate in SAA (CON) or CON + 25% SAA, either as DL-Met or OH-Met from gestation day 85 to postnatal day 21. At 35 d old, 20 male piglets from each treatment were selected and divided into 2 groups (n = 10/treatment) for a 3 × 2 factorial design [diets (CON, DL-Met or OH-Met) and challenge (saline or LPS)]. OH-Met and/or DL-Met supplementation increased (p ≤ 0.05) piglets’ body weight gain during day 0–7 and day 7–14. Sow’s milk quality was improved in the supplemented treatments compared to the CON. The LPS challenge decreased (p ≤ 0.05) piglets’ performance from 35 to 63 d and increased (p ≤ 0.05) the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-a, and malondialdehyde. Plasma albumin, total protein, total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase decreased post-challenge. The results were better with OH-Met than DL-Met. The increase of Met consumption, particularly as OH-Met increased piglets’ growth performance during the lactation phase and the challenging period.
In-Vitro Inhibition of Staphylococcal Pathogenesis by Witch-Hazel and Green Tea Extracts
Authors: Rasooly Reuven , Molnar Adel , Choi Hwang-Yong , Do Paula , Racicot Kenneth , Apostolidis Emmanouil
Published: November 2019

whISOBAX (WH), an extract of the witch-hazel plant that is native to the Northeast coast of the United States, contains significant amounts of a phenolic compound, Hamamelitannin (HAMA). Green tea (GT) is a widely consumed plant that contains various catechins. Both plants have been associated with antimicrobial effects. In this study we test the effects of these two plant extracts on the pathogenesis of staphylococci, and evaluate their effects on bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and toxin production. Our observations show that both extracts have antimicrobial effects against both strains of S. aureus and S. epidermidis tested, and that this inhibitory effect is synergistic. Also, we confirmed that this inhibitory effect does not depend on HAMA, but rather on other phenolic compounds present in WH and GT. In terms of biofilm inhibition, only WH exhibited an effect and the observed anti-biofilm effect was HAMA-depended. Finally, among the tested extracts, only WH exhibited an effect against Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A (SEA) production and this effect correlated to the HAMA present in WH. Our results suggest that GT and WH in combination can enhance the antimicrobial effects against staphylococci. However, only WH can control biofilm development and SEA production, due to the presence of HAMA. This study provides the initial rationale for the development of natural antimicrobials, to protect from staphylococcal colonization, infection, or contamination.
GSTO2 Isoforms Participate in the Oxidative Regulation of the Plasmalemma in Eutherian Spermatozoa during Capacitation
Authors: Hamilton Lauren E. , Zigo Michal , Mao Jiude , Xu Wei , Sutovsky Peter , O’Flaherty Cristian , Oko Richard
Published: November 2019

In addition to perinuclear theca anchored glutathione-s-transferase omega 2 (GSTO2), whose function is to participate in sperm nuclear decondensation during fertilization (Biol Reprod. 2019, 101:368–376), we herein provide evidence that GSTO2 is acquired on the sperm plasmalemma during epididymal maturation. This novel membrane localization was reinforced by the isolation and identification of biotin-conjugated surface proteins from ejaculated and capacitated boar and mouse spermatozoa, prompting us to hypothesize that GSTO2 has an oxidative/reductive role in regulating sperm function during capacitation. Utilizing an inhibitor specific to the active site of GSTO2 in spermatozoa, inhibition of this enzyme led to a decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation late in the capacitation process, followed by an expected decrease in acrosome exocytosis and motility. These changes were accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and membrane lipid peroxidation and culminated in a significant decrease in the percentage of oocytes successfully penetrated by sperm during in vitro fertilization. We conclude that GSTO2 participates in the regulation of sperm function during capacitation, most likely through protection against oxidative stress on the sperm surface.
Inhibitory Effects Induced by Vicia faba, Uncaria rhyncophylla, and Glycyrrhiza glabra Water Extracts on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Dopamine Turnover in HypoE22 Cells and Isolated Rat Striatum Challenged with 6-Hydroxydopamine
Authors: Orlando Giustino , Chiavaroli Annalisa , Leone Sheila , Brunetti Luigi , Politi Matteo , Menghini Luigi , Recinella Lucia , Ferrante Claudio
Published: November 2019

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common and progressive neurodegenerative and oxidative stress-related disorder, characterized by a dramatic loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in the nigrostriatal tissue. The first-line drug for PD treatment is represented by l-dopa, although clinical and preclinical studies pointed out the potential efficacy of medicinal plant- and food-derived antioxidants as brain protective agents. In this regard, the potential application of Vicia faba, Uncaria rhyncophylla, and Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts is of noteworthy interest, despite a lack of information in the scientific literature as regards their effect on striatal DA level. Methods: The protective effects of V. faba, U. rhyncophylla, and G. glabra water extracts were investigated on HypoE22 cells and isolated rat striatum specimens challenged with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA). The extract effects against lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitrites, and 8-iso-prostaglandin(PG)F2α were evaluated using either single-extract treatments or a treatment with a pharmacological association. Additionally, the turnover of DA was measured. Results: The pharmacological association of the extracts was the most effective in contrasting the upregulated LDH and nitrite levels and in reducing striatal DA turnover. Conclusion: The present findings corroborate the rational for the traditional use of V. faba, G. glabra, and U. rhyncophylla extracts, supporting their pharmacological association in order to improve their protective effects.
Metabolic Remodelling: An Accomplice for New Therapeutic Strategies to Fight Lung Cancer
Authors: Mendes Cindy , Serpa Jacinta
Published: November 2019

Metabolic remodelling is a hallmark of cancer, however little has been unravelled in its role in chemoresistance, which is a major hurdle to cancer control. Lung cancer is a leading cause of death by cancer, mainly due to the diagnosis at an advanced stage and to the development of resistance to therapy. Targeted therapeutic agents combined with comprehensive drugs are commonly used to treat lung cancer. However, resistance mechanisms are difficult to avoid. In this review, we will address some of those therapeutic regimens, resistance mechanisms that are eventually developed by lung cancer cells, metabolic alterations that have already been described in lung cancer and putative new therapeutic strategies, and the integration of conventional drugs and genetic and metabolic-targeted therapies. The oxidative stress is pivotal in this whole network. A better understanding of cancer cell metabolism and molecular adaptations underlying resistance mechanisms will provide clues to design new therapeutic strategies, including the combination of chemotherapeutic and targeted agents, considering metabolic intervenients. As cancer cells undergo a constant metabolic adaptive drift, therapeutic regimens must constantly adapt.
An Abstract Framework for Non-Cooperative Multi-Agent Planning
Authors: Jordán Jaume , Bajo Javier , Botti Vicent , Julian Vicente
Published: November 2019

In non-cooperative multi-agent planning environments, it is essential to have a system that enables the agents’ strategic behavior. It is also important to consider all planning phases, i.e., goal allocation, strategic planning, and plan execution, in order to solve a complete problem. Currently, we have no evidence of the existence of any framework that brings together all these phases for non-cooperative multi-agent planning environments. In this work, an exhaustive study is made to identify existing approaches for the different phases as well as frameworks and different applicable techniques in each phase. Thus, an abstract framework that covers all the necessary phases to solve these types of problems is proposed. In addition, we provide a concrete instantiation of the abstract framework using different techniques to promote all the advantages that the framework can offer. A case study is also carried out to show an illustrative example of how to solve a non-cooperative multi-agent planning problem with the presented framework. This work aims to establish a base on which to implement all the necessary phases using the appropriate technologies in each of them and to solve complex problems in different domains of application for non-cooperative multi-agent planning settings.
A New Method for Determining Critical Irrigation Period for Large Regions Based on Precipitation-Meteorological Yield Integral Regression Relationship—A Case Study of Winter Wheat in Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Yang Ting , Zhao Rongheng , Jiang Kongtao , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: November 2019

Using the extremely limited water for deficit irrigation is a notable measure to improve crop yield in water shortage regions. Hence, determining a reasonable irrigation period in large regions is crucial. In this study, a simple and applicable process to determine the irrigation period in a large area by using the precipitation-yield integral regression method of crop growth period was proposed, and the winter wheat planting regions with a serious water shortage in Shaanxi, China were referred to as an example. According to the regional topography, soil, precipitation, temperature, and evaporation, the study area was first divided into four subregions; then, the rainfall water surplus and deficit characteristics of the subregions during the growth period of winter wheat were analyzed, and the precipitation-yield integral regression function of the subregions was calculated. In accordance with the sensitivity of rainfall to crop yield in different periods, the reasonable irrigation period of winter wheat in each subregion was determined. The results are basically consistent with irrigation habits of local farmers, and can be used to guide the irrigation of local winter wheat. They also demonstrate that the method has the advantages of requiring fewer data and being simple and reliable, and can overcome the problem that the existing method is difficult to determine the optimal irrigation period in the large-scale region, due to the lack of test points and representativeness. The proposed method application value in determining the deficit irrigation period with small water amount, in a large region lacking research materials.
A Robot with Decoupled Mechanical Structure and Adapted State Machine Control for Both Ground and Staircase Situations
Authors: Wen Hao , Yang Hongcheng , Chen Yu , Zhou Lin , Wu Di
Published: November 2019

The rapid development of e-commerce makes the last-mile problem more and more prominent. To meet the requirements of such a scenario, this paper proposes a robot with a decoupled mechanical structure. Such a hexapod robot is divided into a chassis frame with a pair of auxiliary wheel-legs for horizontal movement, a tetrapod for vertical movement, and a slide-and-rail mechanism to connect the former two parts. Such a structure is simple and, thus, cost-efficient; by managing the horizontal and vertical movements, such a robot can keep the balance and safety of the load in the various operation environments, such as roads, staircases, and even indoor ones. Meanwhile, a state-machine-based controller, which adapts well to the unique structure of the proposed robot, is also proposed, simplifying the sequential control of the robot. A prototype robot with 30-kg load ability was built, and the experimental results prove the validity of the design.
STN-Homography: Direct Estimation of Homography Parameters for Image Pairs
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Li Xin
Published: November 2019

Estimating a 2D homography from a pair of images is a fundamental task in computer vision. Contrary to most convolutional neural network-based homography estimation methods that use alternative four-point homography parameterization schemes, in this study, we directly estimate the 3 × 3 homography matrix value. We show that after coordinate normalization, the magnitude difference and variance of the elements of the normalized 3 × 3 homography matrix is very small. Accordingly, we present STN-Homography, a neural network based on spatial transformer network (STN), to directly estimate the normalized homography matrix of an image pair. To decrease the homography estimation error, we propose hierarchical STN-Homography and sequence STN-homography models in which the sequence STN-Homography can be trained in an end-to-end manner. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is demonstrated based on experiments on the Microsoft common objects in context (MSCOCO) dataset, and it is shown that they significantly outperform the current state-of-the-art. The average processing time of the three-stage hierarchical STN-Homography and the three-stage sequence STN-Homography models on a GPU are 17.85 ms and 13.85 ms, respectively. Both models satisfy the real-time processing requirements of most potential applications.
E-Waste Reverse Supply Chain: A Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Doan Linh Thi Truc , Amer Yousef , Lee Sang-Heon , Phuc Phan Nguyen Ky , Dat Luu Quoc
Published: November 2019

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become one of the fastest-growing waste, leading a globe issue. Reverse supply chain (RSC) is considered a potential way for e-waste management. Over the last two decades, RSC has received significant attention from industries, governments, experts, and researchers. A large number of studies have been published in the field of e-waste RSC. Most of the existing review papers concentrated on the general RSC models for all types of returned products. However, the review papers focusing on specific products, such as e-waste, are quite limited. To fill this gap published papers in the area of RSC for a specific product, e-waste, from 1999 to 2019 have been selected for review and analysis in this study. E-waste RSC studies have been divided into four main groups, namely, factors of implementation, performance evaluation and decision making, foresting product returns, and network design. Finally, some potential directions for e-waste RSC models have been suggested for future research.
Comparison of Diverse Dust Control Products in Wind-Induced Dust Emission from Unpaved Roads
Authors: Katra Itzhak
Published: November 2019

Surfaces of unpaved roads are subjected to dust PM10 (particulate matter < 10 µm) emission by wind process regardless of vehicles (wheels) transport. However, there is little quantitative information on wind-induced dust emission from unpaved roads and the efficiency of diverse dust control products. The study aimed to fill this clear applied scientific gap using wind-tunnel experiments under laboratory and field conditions. The wind-tunnel complies with aerodynamics requirements and is adjusted to dynamic similitude by appropriately scaling all variables that affect dust transport. The results of the control sample (no-treatment) clearly show that dust emission by wind from unpaved road could be a substantial contribution to mass transfer and air pollution, and thus should be considered. Diverse dust control products of synthetic and organic polymers (Lignin, Resin, Bitumen, PVA, Brine) were tested. In the first stage, the products were tested under controlled-laboratory conditions. The results enabled quantitative assessment of the product efficacy in wind erosion without the impact of vehicle transport. In the second stage, the products were tested in field experiment in an active quarry, in which the products were applied on plots along the road. The field experiment was conducted after transportation of the quarry-haul trucks in two time points: several days after the application, and several weeks after the application. The results show that in most of the plots the dust emission increases with the wind velocity. PM10 fluxes from the road surface in each plot were calculated to determine the effectiveness of the dust control products. Some products significantly reduced dust emission from quarry roads, especially when using the Hydrous magnesium chloride (Brine). Additional experiments revealed that such Brine can be applied with reduced amounts and still keeping on low emission.
Optimization of the Orifice Shape of Cooling Fan Units for High Flow Rate and Low-Level Noise in Outdoor Air Conditioning Units
Authors: Park Se Min , Ryu Seo-Yoon , Cheong Cheolung , Kim Jong Wook , Park Byung Il , Ahn Young-Chull , Oh Sai Kee
Published: November 2019

Demand for air conditioners is steadily increasing due to global warming and improved living standards. The noise, as well as the performance of air conditioners, are recognized as one of the crucial factors that determine the air conditioners’ values. The performance and noise of the air conditioner are mostly determined by those of its outdoor unit, which in turn depend on those of the cooling fan unit. Therefore, a cooling fan unit of high-performance and low noise is essential for air-conditioner manufacturers and developers. In this paper, the flow performance and flow noise of the entire outdoor unit with an axial cooling fan in a split-type air-conditioner were investigated. First, a virtual fan tester constructed by using about 18 million grids is developed for highly resolved flow simulation. The unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations are numerically solved by using finite-volume computational fluid dynamics techniques. To verify the validity of the numerical analysis, the predicted P–Q curve of the cooling fan in a full outdoor unit is compared with the measured one. There was an excellent agreement between the two curves. The further detailed analysis identifies the coherent vortex structures between the fan blade tip and fan orifice, which adversely affect the flow performance and causes flow noise. Based on this analysis, the optimization of fan orifice was carried out using the response surface method with three geometric parameters: inlet radius, neck length, and outlet angel of the orifice. The optimum layout for the high flow rate is proposed under the understanding that the increased flow rate can be converted to noise reduction. The additional computation using the proposed optimum orifice shows that the flow rate is increased by 4.6% at the operating point. Finally, the engineering sample was manufactured by using the optimum design, and the measured data confirmed that the flow rate were increased by 2.1%, the noise reduction was made by 2.8 dBA, and the power consumption is reduced by 4.0% at the operating rotational speed.
Low-Background Shielding Box for Autoradiography of Environmental Samples and the α-, β-, and γ-ray Sensitivities of the Imaging Plates
Authors: Shizuma Kiyoshi , Oba Yurika
Published: November 2019

Autoradiography using imaging plates is a conventional method for the visualization of the distribution of radionuclides. Imaging plates have high sensitivity to the charged particles of α- and β-rays but are also sensitive to γ-rays. When the radioactivity level in the sample is low, a longer exposure time is needed, and shielding of the natural background radiation is necessary. Large imaging plates (e.g., 35 × 40 cm), which can obtain the radioactivity distribution over a wider area, were developed. In this work, a low-background shielding box is developed for large imaging plates, and the shielding characteristics of the box and sensitivities of the imaging plate to α-, β-, and γ-rays are quantitatively investigated. It is shown, by considering the sensitivity of imaging plates to α-, β-, and γ-rays, that most images of environmental samples are the result of α- or β-rays emitted from radionuclides at the sample surface, but not from the whole sample. To exemplify autoradiography using the presented shielding box, some environmental samples contaminated with radioactive fallout from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident are measured. The distribution of radionuclides is clearly visualized and, furthermore, information of the migration of radiocesium in the sample is obtained.
Response of Near-Surface Meteorological Conditions to Advection under Impact of the Green Roof
Authors: Tan Haochen , Ray Pallav , Tewari Mukul , Brownlee James , Ravindran Ajaya
Published: November 2019

Due to rapid urbanization, the near-surface meteorological conditions over urban areas are greatly modulated. To capture such modulations, sophisticated urban parameterizations with enhanced hydrological processes have been developed. In this study, we use the single-layer urban canopy model (SLUCM) available within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to assess the response of near-surface temperature, wind, and moisture to advection under the impact of the green roof. An ensemble of simulations with different planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes is conducted in the presence (green roof (GR)) and absence (control (CTL)) of green roof systems. Our results indicate that the near-surface temperature is found to be driven primarily by the surface heat flux with a minor influence from the zonal advection of temperature. The momentum budget analysis shows that both zonal and meridional momentum advection during the evening and early nighttime plays an important role in modulating winds over urban areas. The near-surface humidity remains nearly unchanged in GR compared to CTL, although the physical processes that determine the changes in humidity were different, in particular during the evening when the GR tends to have less moisture advection due to the reduced temperature gradient between the urban areas and the surroundings. Implications of our results are discussed.
Petrochemical and Industrial Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds Analyzed via Regional Wind-Driven Network in Shanghai
Authors: Qiu Wanyi , Li Shule , Liu Yuhan , Lu Keding
Published: November 2019

Due to the development of industrialization and urbanization, secondary pollution is becoming increasingly serious in the Yangtze River Delta. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are key precursors of the near-surface ozone, secondary organic aerosol (SOA), and other secondary pollutants. In this study, we chose a serious ozone pollution period (01 May–31 July 2017) in Jinshan, which is a petrochemical and industrial area in Shanghai. We explored the VOCs distribution characteristics and contribution to secondary pollutants via constructing a regional network based on wind patterns. We determined that dense pollutants were accumulated at adjacent sites under local circulation (LC), and pollution from petrochemical discharge was more serious than industry for all sites under southeast (SE) wind. We also found that cyclopentane, o-xylene, m/p-xylene, 1-3-butadiene, and 1-hexene were priority-controlled species as they were most vital to form secondary pollutants. This study proves that regional network analysis can be successfully applied to explore pollution characteristics and regional secondary pollutants formation.