bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation and Performance of Winter Durum Wheat in Virginia
Authors: Schilling A. S. , Abaye A. O. , Griffey C. A. , Brann D. E. , Alley M. M. , Pridgen T. H.
Published: April 2019

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) produced in the northern Great Plains and the Pacific Southwest of the United States is primarily of spring growth habit. The objective of this research was to determine the feasibility of winter durum production in Virginia, typically a soft red winter wheat (T. aestivum L.) production area. Adaptation and yield potential of 19 winter durum lines were evaluated at locations in different regions of Virginia: the northern piedmont plateau (1995–1998), the northern ridge and valley (1995–1998), the southern ridge and valley (1995–1998), and the northern coastal plain (1996–1998). Durum lines were planted in replicated trials along with soft red winter wheat in late September to early October and harvested in late June to early July, depending on location. Durum yields were highest and the yield advantage of soft red winter wheat lowest in the 1996–1997 growing season, which was drier than the 1995–1996 and 1997–1998 growing seasons. The highest yields and test weights of durum wheat were obtained at the northern piedmont plateau location. Winter durum lines from the Ukraine were best adapted to the Virginia climate. Winter durum yields averaged 30 to 40% less than soft red winter wheat. Test weights of most durum lines met the required minimum for grade U.S. no. 2 or better only in 1997. The results demonstrate that durum production in Virginia is possible, but inconsistencies in yield and test weight indicate that durum may be a relatively high‐risk alternative to soft red winter wheat production.
Cyclic Irrigation of Turfgrass Using a Shallow Saline Aquifer
Authors: Schaan C. M. , Devitt D. A. , Morris R. L. , Clark L.
Published: April 2019

A 2‐yr cyclic irrigation study using shallow saline groundwater was conducted on a sports field in southern Nevada [bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. ‘Tifway’) overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ‘Champion’)]. Shallow groundwater with a salinity of 3.3 dS m−1 was substituted for municipal water (0.9 dS m−1) at a rate of one, two, three, or four times per seven irrigation events during the peak water demand periods of 15 May to 15 October. Salinity sensors and tensiometers were installed at depths of 10, 25, and 40 cm and recorded weekly. Midday leaf xylem water potential, canopy temperature, and turfgrass color and cover ratings were taken on a bimonthly basis. Soil salinity cycled up (as high as 24 dS m−1) and down (baseline values of 4.0–10.0 dS m−1) in response to substitution periods. However, the duration in which soil salinity exceeded salt tolerance threshold values for bermudagrass were short in all treatments (<21 d during the 2‐yr period at the 10‐cm depth). These short durations of threshold values being exceeded combined with the successful return to baseline soil salinity values during the cyclic off periods (freshwater only) led to little change in turfgrass color, cover, and plant water status. Freshwater savings as high as 50 cm yr−1 and a reduction in as many as 62 municipal irrigation days (days irrigations took place) during the peak water demand periods occurred. Results of this experiment indicate that the cyclic irrigation strategy is feasible in the urban setting with large turfgrass areas.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Responses and Requirements in Calcareous Sand Greens
Authors: Johnson P. G. , Koenig R. T. , Kopp K. L.
Published: April 2019

Calcareous sands are widely used in the construction of putting greens in the western USA. Plants growing on these sands frequently exhibit nutrient deficiencies and rapidly changing nutrient levels due to the low nutrient‐holding capacity of this medium. Our objectives were to determine the effects of N, P, K, and N × K and P × K interactions on the growth of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferaHuds.) in calcareous sand greens. Measurements included visual ratings of turfgrass quality, soil and tissue nutrient levels, and golf ball roll distance. Creeping bentgrass plots receiving 5.5 kg P ha−1yr−1had lower quality than the remainder of the treatments (27.5–110 kg P ha−1yr−1). Interactions between P and K were not observed. Ball roll was negatively correlated with soil test P. According to linear plateau regression analysis, soil test P level was 3.0 mg kg−1soil, and tissue test P was 0.4% for maximum quality. Nitrogen fertilizer treatments increased turfgrass quality with each successively higher treatment. No N × K interactions were observed. No significant effect of K on turfgrass quality was observed; however, K rates increased soil test K, and tissue K showed a weak correlation (R2= 0.13) with turfgrass quality. Potassium levels within the soil profile indicated leaching of K through the root zone. Alternative K fertilization methods (foliar, increased frequency, and slow‐release forms) may be needed to improve K nutrition of bentgrass growing on calcareous sands.
Burst detection and localization in water pipelines based on an extended differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Badillo-Olvera A. , Pérez-González A. , Begovich O. , Ruíz-León J.
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a new burst detection and location technique for pressurized pipelines based on an extension of the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm. The proposed approach addresses the burst location problem as an optimization task, by considering the dynamic model that describes the behavior of a fluid through a pipeline and the presence of fluid losses produced by a burst. The optimization problem relies on finding suitable estimations related to the burst parameters, i.e. magnitude, pressure and position of a burst, while a defined cost function is minimized. In order to deal with this problem, three strategies are proposed to extend and adapt the DE algorithm: (i) an informed definition of the physical restrictions of the problem according to the pipeline characteristics; (ii) a training stage of the algorithm that allows to find the appropriate synthesis parameters; (iii) a multi-start structure, in order to track dynamical variations of the problem. Experiments on a pipeline prototype illustrate the results obtained by the proposed algorithm on the estimation of the burst parameters, comparing its performance with an algorithm based on the Extended Kalman Filter, which is widely used in the literature.
Using integrated meteorological and hydrological indices to assess drought characteristics in southern Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Hsin-Fu
Published: April 2019

Numerous drought index assessment methods have been developed to investigate droughts. This study proposes a more comprehensive assessment method integrating two drought indices. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) are employed to establish an integrated drought assessment method to study the trends and characteristics of droughts in southern Taiwan. The overall SPI and SDI values and the spatial and temporal distributions of droughts within a given year (November to October) revealed consistent general trends. Major droughts occurred in the periods of 1979–1980, 1992–1993, 1994–1995, and 2001–2003. According to the results of the Mann–Kendall trend test and the Theil–Sen estimator analysis, the streamflow data from the Sandimen gauging station in the Ailiao River Basin showed a 30% decrease, suggesting increasing aridity between 1964 and 2003. Hence, in terms of water resources management, special attention should be given to the Ailiao River Basin. The integrated analysis showed different types of droughts occurring in different seasons, and the results are in good agreement with the climatic characteristics of southern Taiwan. This study suggests that droughts cannot be explained fully by the application of a single drought index. Integrated analysis using multiple indices is required.
Simulation of a lock-release gravity current based on a non-hydrostatic model
Authors: Zhang Xueqing , Yu Jinzhen , Feng Yilei
Published: April 2019

Gravity currents are important in many fields, including the estuarine sciences, meteorology and hydraulic engineering. The NHWAVE (non-hydrostatic wave) model was applied to simulate the detailed interface structure between a lock-release gravity current and the ambient fluid. The simulated structures, including the front height, front position and velocity of the current, are consistent with the results of laboratory experiments. However, the internal structure of the current is different from that revealed by previous research. The Kelvin–Helmholtz phenomenon in the interface and the interface vortices were successfully captured by the NHWAVE model. The difference in velocity between the front and rear vortices leads to entrainment, further causing changes in the shapes and amount of vortices. Flow field results obtained by the NHWAVE model reveal the existence of a significant circular flow, as well as some small eddies within it. The significant circular flow supports the forward movement of the current, whereas the small eddies reflect interface vortices. In contrast, hydrostatic simulation with the same model settings fails to capture the vortices. This research shows that the NHWAVE model performs better than a hydrostatic model when simulating the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability phenomenon and vortex entrainment in a lock-release gravity current.
Artificial intelligence-based monitoring system of water quality parameters for early detection of non-specific bio-contamination in water distribution systems
Authors: Tinelli Silvia , Juran Ilan
Published: April 2019

This research aims to simulate bio-contamination risk propagation under real-life conditions in the water distribution system (WDS) of Lille University's Scientific City Campus (France), solving the source identification and the response modeling. Neglecting dynamic reactions and not considering the possible chemical decay of most of the contaminants leads to an overestimation of the exposed population. Therefore, unlike the available event detection models, this study considers the interrelated change of several water-quality parameters such as free chlorine concentration, pH, alkalinity, and total organic carbon (TOC) resulting from the pollutants blending. In fact, starting from regular WDS monitoring, the baseline thresholds for each of the mentioned parameters are established; then, significant deviations from the baseline are used as indication for contaminations. For this reason, the purpose of the research was to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart monitoring system that will effectively enable water operators to ensure a quasi real-time quality control for early chemical and/or bio-contamination detection and preemptive risk management. Advanced pattern recognizers, such as Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and innovative sensing technology solutions, such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), have been used for this purpose, identifying the anomalies and the severity-level assessment.
Prognostic value of the most frequent cytogenetic rearrangements in neuroblastoma. Results of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology of the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Proleskovskaya I. V. , Valochnik E. V. , Bukat V. P. , Bydanov O. I. , Konoplya N. E.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the study is to assess the frequency of occurrence of the most frequent cytogenetic rearrangements in neuroblastoma (NB) and their correlation with clinical and biological characteristics and outcome of therapy in the Republic of Belarus. Materials and methods. 280 patients with primary diagnosed NB from 10.10.2007 to 01.04.2018 were studied. The material for the study was the primary tumor or tumor metastases in the bone marrow (damage more than 60 %) according to the criteria of the protocol. The study was conducted by the method of fluorescent hybridization in situ. Results. The frequency of occurrence of such cytogenetic aberrations as MYCN amplification (20.1 %), 11q deletion/imbalance (19.7 %) and 1p aberration (28%) in the studied population corresponds to literature data. The frequency of occurrence of gain17q (34.5 %) was lower than the literature data. The negative effect on event-free survival (EFS) of patients with NB was statistically confirmed and the presence of such genetic aberrations in the tumor, such as MYCN amplification, 11q deletion/imbalance, 1p aberration. Statistically reliably confirmed higher rates of event-free survival for patients with near-triloid set of chromosomes in the tumor, as compared with near-/tetroploid (97 ± 3 % versus 63 ± 5 %). For patients who lacked structural aberrations in the tumor, EFS was 75 ± 4 % versus 51 ± 9 % in the group with aberrations (p < 0.0001).
Isolated chemoperfusion of the lung and pleura as a method of treatment in children with common forms of solid bone tumors
Authors: Levchenko E. V. , Gumbatova E. D. , Kuleva S. A. , Senchik K. Yu. , Mamontov O. Yu. , Kalinin P. S. , Senchurov E. M. , Punanov Yu. A.
Published: April 2019

Introduction. Therapy of malignant tumors is one of the most important problems of modern pediatric oncology. The presence of distant metastases is considered as the main sign of generalization of the tumor process. In order to improve the results of treatment of these patients, we proposed to supplement cytoreductive surgery with intraoperative isolated chemoperfusion of the lung and/or pleura with cytostatic. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of metastasectomy combined with isolated lung/pleura chemoperfusion (ILCP/PCP) under conditions of hyperoxia in children. Materials and methods. For 10 years of research (2008–2018) on the basis of the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology produced 45 ILCP and PCP in 30 patients with intrapulmonary and intrapleural metastases of various malignant bone tumors. The ILCP method is a surgical procedure, during which the lung is temporarily switched off from the circulation and perfused with modified saline containing high concentrations of an antitumor drug (melphalan or cisplatin), which allows delivery of high doses of cytostatics while avoiding systemic exposure to the drug. In cases of detection of metastatic lesions of the parietal pleura after metastasectomy, PCP was performed, consisting in drainage of the pleural cavity and intraoperatively conducting, after suturing the surgical wound, hyperthermic (42 o С) chemoperfusion of the pleural cavity with a cisplatin solution for 2 hours. Results. In children with malignant bone tumors, 37 isolated chemoperfusions with cisplatin and 8 with melphalan were performed. In 27 patients, 36 ILCP were performed, in 7 patients – 9 PCP. Nine (20 %) patients underwent bilateral perfusion with an interval from 1.5 to 31 months. There were no lethal outcomes during operations and in the postoperative period. The average duration of surgical interventions was 270 ± 90 (120–520) minutes. The number of remote foci – from 1 to 56 (average value – 9). The average blood loss was 300 ± 200 (150–1000) ml. The mean follow-up was 45 months; median overall survival – 38 months; 3-year overall survival – 65.5 ± 9.4 %. Survival without progression – 40.5 ± 10.5 % (n = 30). Conclusions. ILCP/PCP with cytostatics is a method of complex therapy that can improve the quality and increase the life expectancy of patients, especially with the exhausted possibility of other treatment options.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein (MCP)-2 as Biomarker in Response to PE35/PPE68 Proteins: A Promising Diagnostic Method for the Discrimination of Active and Latent Tuberculosis
Authors: Mamishi Setareh , Pourakbari Babak , Sadeghi Reihaneh Hosseinpour , Marjani Majid , Mahmoudi Shima
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Several studies have been conducted to find new biomarkers for the discrimination of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) from active TB (ATB); however, their findings are inconsistent. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the potential of in vitro antigenspecific expression of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein (MCP)-2 for discrimination of ATB and LTBI after stimulation of whole blood with PE35 and PPE68 recombinant proteins.

Materials and Methods:

The recombinant PE35 and PPE68 proteins were evaluated at a final concentration of 5 µg/ml by a 3-day whole blood assay. Secreted MCP-2 from the culture supernatants were measured by commercially available Human MCP2 ELISA Kit. The diagnostic performance of MCP-2 was ascertained by Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve and measuring the Area Under the Curve (AUC) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cut-offs was estimated at various sensitivities and specificities and at the maximum Youden’s index (YI), i.e. sensitivity specificity–1.

Results:

The median MCP-2 response to both PE35 and PPE68 in those with LTBI was significantly higher than patients with ATB. The discrimination performance of MCP-2 response following stimulation of PE35 (assessed by AUC) between LTBI and patients with ATB was 0.98 (95%CI: 0.94-1.00). Maximum discrimination was reached at a cut-off of 86pg/mL with 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity. The highest sensitivity and specificity was obtained using cut off 58 pg/mL following stimulation with PPE68 (100% and 90%, respectively; AUC: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.85- 1.00).

Conclusion:

MCP-2 induced by PE35 and PPE68 shows good discriminatory power for discrimination of ATB and LTBI. Additional studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the advantage of this marker, alone or combined with other markers; however, these findings present a promising method, which can discriminate between ATB and LTBI.
Advanced Approaches of Bioactive Peptide Molecules and Protein Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Thotakura Nagarani , Kaushik Lokesh , Kumar Vipin , Preet Simran , Babu Penke Vijaya
Published: April 2019

Despite the fact that protein and peptide therapeutics are widely employed in the treatment of various
diseases, their delivery is posing an unembellished challenge to the scientists. It was discovered that delivery of
these therapeutic systems through oral route is easy with high patient compliance. However, proteolytic degradation
and absorption through the mucosal epithelium are the barriers in this route. These issues can be minimized
by the use of enzyme inhibitors, absorption enhancers, different carrier systems or either by direct modification.
In the process of investigation, it was found that transdermal route is not posing any challenges of enzymatic
degradation, but, still absorption is the limitation as the outer layer of skin acts as a barrier. To suppress the effect
of the barrier and increase the rate of the absorption, various advanced technologies were developed, namely,
microneedle technology, iontophoresis, electroporation, sonophoresis and biochemical enhancement. Indeed,
even these molecules are targeted to the cells with the use of cell-penetrating peptides. In this review, delivery of
the peptide and protein therapeutics using oral, transdermal and other routes is discussed in detail.
Nanotechnology: Revolutionizing the Science of Drug Delivery
Authors: Mishra Mohini , Kumar Pramod , Rajawat Jitendra Singh , Malik Ruchi , Sharma Gitanjali , Modgil Amit
Published: April 2019

Growing interest in the field of nanotechnology has led to its emergence in the field of medicine too.
Nanomedicines encompass the various medical tools, diagnostic agents and the drug delivery vehicles being
evolved with the advancements in the aura of nanotechnology. This review emphasizes on providing a cursory
literature on the past events that led to the procession of nanomedicines, various novel drug delivery systems
describing their structural features along with the pros and cons associated with them and the nanodrugs that
made a move to the clinical practice. It also focuses on the need of the novel drug delivery systems and the challenges
faced by the conventional drug delivery systems.
Creation of Cultures Containing Mutations Linked with Cardiovascular Diseases using Transfection and Genome Editing
Authors: Sazonova Margarita A. , Ryzhkova Anastasia I. , Sinyov Vasily V. , Sazonova Marina D. , Khasanova Zukhra B. , Nikitina Nadezhda A. , Karagodin Vasily P. , Orekhov Alexander N. , Sobenin Igor A.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

In this review article, we analyzed the literature on the creation of cultures containing mutations associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) using transfection, transduction and editing of the human genome.

Methods:

We described different methods of transfection, transduction and editing of the human genome, used in the literature.

Results:

We reviewed the researches in which the creation of сell cultures containing mutations was described. According to the literature, system CRISPR/Cas9 proved to be the most preferred method for editing the genome. We found rather promising and interesting a practically undeveloped direction of mitochondria transfection using a gene gun. Such a gun can direct a genetically-engineered construct containing human DNA mutations to the mitochondria using heavy metal particles. However, in human molecular genetics, the transfection method using a gene gun is unfairly forgotten and is almost never used.

:

Ethical problems arising from editing the human genome were also discussed in our review. We came to a conclusion that it is impossible to stop scientific and technical progress. It is important that the editing of the genome takes place under the strict control of society and does not bear dangerous consequences for humanity. To achieve this, the constant interaction of science with society, culture and business is necessary.

Conclusion:

he most promising methods for the creation of cell cultures containing mutations linked with cardiovascular diseases, were system CRISPR/Cas9 and the gene gun.
A Review on the Most Important Medicinal Plants Effective in Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Sedighi Mehrnoosh , Sewell Robert D. E. , Nazari Afshin , Abbaszadeh Saber , Cheraghi Mostafa , Amini Abdolhakim , Heydari Zahra , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud
Published: April 2019

:

Ischemia, referring to reduction and restriction of perfusion to myocardial tissue which involves coronary
artery through the formation of misplaced clots and thrombosis, is one of the most important cardiovascular
diseases. Plant-based compounds help to improve or prevent disease by affecting the factors involved in the disease.
This review was conducted to report the medicinal plants and factors effective in cardiac ischemiareperfusion
(I/R) injury to supplement the knowledge about this disease and its prevention and treatment using
certain medicinal plants and their active compounds. For this purpose, medicinal plants and their potential antioxidant
activities, effects on lipid levels and plaque formation, atherosclerosis and development of cardiovascular
diseases and ischemia were reviewed.

Methods:

To conduct this review, relevant articles published between 1983 and 2018 were retrieved from the
Google Scholar, PubMed, Scientific Information Database, Web of Science, and Scopus using search terms antioxidant,
ischemia, reperfusion, heart, infarct, inflammation, cholesterol and medicinal plants. Then, the eligible
articles were reviewed.

Results:

The active compounds of plants, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant compounds,
can be effective on certain pathogenic factors particularly in decreasing cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing
an increase in free radicals and ultimately reducing blood clots and vascular resistance to reduce and prevent
ischemic disease and its harmful effects.

Conclusion:

Medicinal plants discussed in this article seem to be able to prevent cardiac damage and the disease
progression via affecting the factors that are involved in ischemia.
Nitrogen Mustards as Anticancer Chemotherapies: Historic Perspective, Current Developments and Future Trends
Authors: Diethelm-Varela Benjamin , Ai Yong , Liang Dongdong , Xue Fengtian
Published: April 2019

Nitrogen mustards, a family of DNA alkylating agents, marked the start of cancer pharmacotherapy. While traditionally characterized by their dose-limiting toxic effects, nitrogen mustards have been the subject of intense research efforts, which have led to safer and more effective agents. Even though the alkylating prodrug mustards were first developed decades ago, active research on ways to improve their selectivity and cytotoxic efficacy is a currently active topic of research. This review addresses the historical development of the nitrogen mustards, outlining their mechanism of action, and discussing the improvements on their therapeutic profile made through rational structure modifications. A special emphasis is made on discussing the nitrogen mustard prodrug category, with Cyclophosphamide (CPA) serving as the main highlight. Selected insights on the latest developments on nitrogen mustards are then provided, limiting such information to agents that preserve the original nitrogen mustard mechanism as their primary mode of action. Additionally, future trends that might follow in the quest to optimize these invaluable chemotherapeutic medications are succinctly suggested.
How to Start a Total Synthesis from the Wieland-Miescher Ketone?
Authors: Liu Zai-Qun
Published: April 2019

Background:

he Wieland-Miescher ketone consists of a couple of enantiomers of 9-methyl-
Δ5(10)-octalin-1,6-dione, in which the configuration at 9-position is S- or R-type. The Robinson annulation of
2-methyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione with methyl vinyl ketone is able to afford the Wieland-Miescher ketone. As
widely used in the total synthesis, the Wieland-Miescher ketone is treated at the beginning of total synthesis,
and protocols for treating the Wieland-Miescher ketone are worthy to be addressed.

Objective:

The presented review provides the progress of the usage of Wieland-Miescher ketone for the total
synthesis, while treatments on C=C and C=O in the Wieland-Miescher ketone at the beginning of total
synthesis are exemplified herein.

Conclusion:

Modifications of the Wieland-Miescher ketone are composed of oxidation, reduction, and electrophilic
or nucleophilic addition. In addition, protection of non-conjugated C=O with glycol or protection of conjugated
C=O with ethanedithiol, and the introduction of substituents into α-position of C=C can also be used to
modify the structure of the Wieland-Miescher ketone. It is reasonably believed that many novel strategies will
be found to treat the Wieland-Miescher ketone in the future total synthesis.
Transition Metal-Catalyzed Reactions of Alkynyl Halides
Authors: Petko Dina , Koh Samuel , Tam William
Published: April 2019

Background:

Transition metal-catalyzed reactions of alkynyl halides are a
versatile means of synthesizing a wide array of products. Their use is of particular interest
in cycloaddition reactions and in constructing new carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom
bonds. Transition metal-catalyzed reactions of alkynyl halides have successfully been
used in [4+2], [2+2], [2+2+2] and [3+2] cycloaddition reactions. Many carbon-carbon
coupling reactions take advantage of metal-catalyzed reactions of alkynyl halides,
including Cadiot-Chodkiewicz, Suzuki-Miyaura, Stille, Kumada-Corriu and Inverse
Sonogashira reactions. All the methods of constructing carbon-nitrogen, carbon-oxygen,
carbon-phosphorus, carbon-sulfur, carbon-silicon, carbon-selenium and carbon-tellurium
bonds employed alkynyl halides.

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to highlight and summarize research conducted in transition metalcatalyzed
reactions of alkynyl halides in recent years. The focus will be placed on cycloaddition and coupling
reactions, and their scope and applicability to the synthesis of biologically important and industrially relevant
compounds will be discussed.

Conclusion:

It can be seen from the review that the work done on this topic has employed the use of many
different transition metal catalysts to perform various cycloadditions, cyclizations, and couplings using alkynyl
halides. The reactions involving alkynyl halides were efficient in generating both carbon-carbon and carbonheteroatom
bonds. Proposed mechanisms were included to support the understanding of such reactions. Many
of these reactions face retention of the halide moiety, allowing additional functionalization of the products,
with some new products being inaccessible using their standard alkyne counterparts.
Treatment of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults: What is Best?
Authors: Hals Ingrid K.
Published: April 2019

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), although formally classified as Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), very often (at least in Western countries) appear clinically with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)-like features as overweight and insulin resistance. LADA patients do not need exogenous insulin at the time they are diagnosed with diabetes, but a large percentage will within a few years develop need for such treatment. The decline in beta cell function progresses much faster in LADA than in T2D, presumably because of the ongoing autoimmune assault in LADA, and therefore necessitates insulin therapy much earlier in LADA than in T2D. Despite high prevalence of LADA (about 10% of the total diabetic population in many countries), the treatment of LADA patients is far less elucidated than is the case for T1D and T2D. Finding a treatment strategy for LADA from the time of diagnosis, that can reduce the decline of beta cell function, ensure adequate metabolic control and thereby reduce the risk of diabetic complications is thus an important clinical challenge. Conclusions from the randomized treatment studies so far do not indicate an optimal treatment strategy in LADA. This review aims to give an overview of current practices for the medical treatment of LADA as well as an update on results from recent studies on the treatment of the disease.
Trace Extraction of Metoprolol from Plasma, Urine and EBC Samples Using Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles Followed by Spectrofluorimetric Determination for Drug Monitoring Purposes
Authors: Tarfiei Mohammad Ali , Tabrizi Ahad Bavili , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: April 2019

Background:

Metoprolol is a selective β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist (β-blockers). It is
widely used for the treatment of hypertension and other related diseases. Metoprolol can be used as a
doping agent in sports, thus has been included in the list of forbidden drugs. In Iran, therapeutic drug
monitoring (TDM) of β-blockers is an applied procedure in some cases. A therapeutic regimen could be
easily managed by the determination of drug levels in biological fluids which is a relatively costly process
and requires highly skilled technical staff. Using a simple and low-cost analytical procedure may
help to use TDM in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

A real biological sample was prepared and its pH was adjusted to 3-4, then metoprolol was
quickly extracted using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) modified by sodium dodecyl sulfate
(SDS) and determined by applying spectrofluorimetry at 340 ± 3 nm after excitation at 283 ± 3 nm.

Results:

The extraction and determination conditions including, the amount of MIONPs and SDS, pH of
the solution, standing time, desorption solvent type and volume were investigated and adjusted. Calibration
curves were linear over the concentration range of 6–100 ng/mL for plasma and 5–100 ng/mL for
water, urine and exhaled breath condensate samples, respectively. Intra and inter-day precision values
for determination of metoprolol in different samples were less than 5.6 % and 6 %, respectively, and
accuracy (as a relative error) was better than 5 %. Moreover, standard addition recovery tests were carried
out, and the analytical recoveries ranged from 86 % to 113 %. The limits of detection (LOD) and
limits of quantification (LOQ) of metoprolol were found to be in the range of 2.1-3.4 ng/mL and 6.3-
10.2 ng/mL, respectively.

Conclusion:

The developed method was successfully applied to biological samples taken from a volunteer
who was given an oral tablet of 50 mg metoprolol.
Electrospun Nanofibers for Diabetes: Tissue Engineering and Cell-Based Therapies
Authors: Hoveizi Elham , Tavakol Shima , Shirian Sadegh , Sanamiri Khadije
Published: April 2019

Diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease which causes loss of insulin secretion producing hyperglycemia by promoting progressive destruction of pancreatic β cells. An ideal therapeutic approach to manage diabetes mellitus is pancreatic β cells replacement. The aim of this review article was to evaluate the role of nanofibrous scaffolds and stem cells in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Various studies have pointed out that application of electrospun biomaterials has considerably attracted researchers in the field of tissue engineering. The principles of cell therapy for diabetes have been reviewed in the first part of this article, while the usability of tissue engineering as a new therapeutic approach is discussed in the second part.
The Application of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells for Regenerative Therapy of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yu Chao , Xia Kaishun , Gong Zhe , Ying Liwei , Shu Jiawei , Zhang Feng , Chen Qixin , Li Fangcai , Liang Chengzhen
Published: April 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event, and there are still no effective therapies currently available. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have gained increasing attention as promising regenerative therapy of SCI. NSCs based therapies of various neural diseases in animal models and clinical trials have been widely investigated. In this review we aim to summarize the development and recent progress in the application of NSCs in cell transplantation therapy for SCI. After brief introduction on sequential genetic steps regulating spinal cord development in vivo, we describe current experimental approaches for neural induction of NSCs in vitro. In particular, we focus on NSCs induced from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Finally, we highlight recent progress on the NSCs, which show great promise in the application to regeneration therapy for SCI.
The Scalability of Wet Ball Milling for The Production of Nanosuspensions
Authors: Lestari Maria L.A.D. , Müller Rainer H. , Möschwitzer Jan P.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Miniaturization of nanosuspensions preparation is a necessity in
order to enable proper formulation screening before nanosizing can be performed on a
large scale. Ideally, the information generated at small scale is predictive for large scale
production.

Objective:

This study was aimed to investigate the scalability when producing nanosuspensions
starting from a 10 g scale of nanosuspension using low energy wet ball milling up to
production scales of 120 g nanosuspension and 2 kg nanosuspension by using a standard
high energy wet ball milling operated in batch mode or recirculation mode, respectively.

Methods:

Two different active pharmaceutical ingredients, i.e. curcumin and hesperetin,
have been used in this study. The investigated factors include the milling time, milling
speed, and the type of mill.

Results:

Comparable particle sizes of about 151 nm to 190 nm were obtained for both active
pharmaceutical ingredients at the same milling time and milling speed when the drugs
were processed at 10 g using low energy wet ball milling or 120 g using high energy wet
ball milling in batch mode, respectively. However, an adjustment of the milling speed was
needed for the 2 kg scale produced using high energy wet ball milling in recirculation
mode to obtain particle sizes comparable to the small scale process.

Conclusion:

These results confirm in general, the scalability of wet ball milling as well as
the suitability of small scale processing in order to correctly identify the most suitable formulations
for large scale production using high energy milling.
The Use of Montmorillonite (MMT) in Food Nanocomposites: Methods of Incorporation, Characterization of MMT/Polymer Nanocomposites and Main Consequences in the Properties
Authors: Vilarinho Fernanda , Vaz Malia Fátima , Silva Ana Sanches
Published: April 2019

Background:

The clay Montmorillonite (MMT) is among the nanofillers more frequently
used in food packaging. The uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in polymers confers considerable
improvement of mechanical, thermal, optical, and/or barrier properties in polymer/clay
nanocomposites.

Objective:

The aim is to ascertain the state of the art of the use of MMT for packaging purposes,
with special emphasis on food applications.

Methods:

A literature review was carried out through recent papers and patents that focused on the
incorporation of MMT in polymers.

Results:

This review emphasizes the interaction of MMT with polymers and their levels of incorporation
in the nanocomposites. This work also highlights the analytical methodologies used for the
characterization of the polymer/clay nanocomposites and the main consequences of the fillers in the
properties of nanocomposites. Challenges remain about increasing the compatibility between clays
and biopolymers to promote their utilization in food packaging. New strategies for immobilization
of oxides, enzymes, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds are needed.

Conclusion:

MMT-based composite materials are promising to be used in intelligent and active
packaging.
Low Cost and Centimeter-Level Global Positioning System Accuracy Using Real-Time Kinematic Library and Real-Time Kinematic GPSA
Authors: Gianey Hemant K. , Ali Mumtaz , Vijayakumar Varadarajan , Sharma Ashutosh , Kumar Rajiv
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Accuracy and total design and implementation cost of the GPS framework
determine the viability of GPS based projects. As the greater part of the advanced framework including
telemetry, IoT, Cloud, and AUTOSAR frameworks use GPS to get exact outcomes, finding a
software-controlled error correction becomes important. The execution of open source library such
as RTKLIB will help in controlling and revising GPS blunders.

Methods:

The project utilizes the RTKLIB along with two stations for better accuracy. The RTKGPS
framework works under Linux environment, which is embedded in the Beagleboard. The
communication between the GPS system is set up utilizing both serial communication protocol and
TCP/IP suite.

Results:

To get high precision inside the network, two GPS modules are utilized. One of them will
be mounted on the rover and another GPS is the base station of the setup. Both the GPS will have a
double radio wire setup to increase the reception level to reduce the noise and obtain centimeterlevel
precision. For long-range communication, rover utilizes Wi-Fi with TCP/IP stack protocol. In
this research paper, setup is intended to accomplish the centimeter level precision through libraries
in a Linux environment.

Conclusion:

The design will be set up and tried on a college campus under various conditions with
different error parameters to acquire a low cost and centimeter level GPS accuracy.
Pose and Illumination Invariant Hybrid Feature Extraction for Newborn
Authors: Singh Rishav , Singh Ritika , Acharya Aakriti , Tiwari Shrikant , Om Hari
Published: April 2019

Background:

Abduction, swapping and mix-ups are the unfortunate events that could
happen to Newborn while in hospital premises and medical personnel are finding it difficult to curb
this unfortunate incident. Accurate patient identification (ID) is essential for patient safety, especially
with our smallest and most vulnerable paediatric patients.

The level of security is very crucial issue in maternity ward and the problem of missing and swapping
of Newborn is of prime concern to the persons involved and affected. There is a common perception
in the society that nothing can be done to prevent this unfortunate tragedy. In comparison to
developed nations the developing countries are facing more challenges because of overcrowding and
scarcity of medical facilities in the hospital. The face of a newborn baby changes appearance in different
lighting conditions in spite of various contrast enhancement techniques. The class of images
which are under similar environment conditions (inter-class) may result in more differences than
that of the intra-class images under different illumination conditions. This gives rise to the misclassification
of images.

Objective:

The main objective of this paper is perform newborn face recognition in a hybrid approach.
Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) and Local Binary Pattern (LBP).

Methods:

The scientific contributions of the proposed work are stated below:

For face recognition of newborns in a semi controlled environment.

Overcoming the pose and illumination challenge.

Uses single gallery image.

Uses a hybrid approach to improve the results.

Conclusion:

In this paper new semi supervised technique is used for demonstrate the improve the performance
of the newborn face recognition system in different illumination and pose conditions. In our.

Results:

The average Rank 1 accuracy of the proposed method is 93.65% whereas that of the existing
algorithms is quite low. The proposed technique is 12.8% more accurate than LBP, 10.5% more
accurate than SURF, 12.8% more accurate than LDA and 18.1% more accurate than PCA for rank1.
Recent Contributions of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Organocatalysis Mechanism Elucidation
Authors: De Carvalho Gustavo Senra Gonçalves , Granato Álisson Silva , De Castro Pedro Pôssa , Amarante Giovanni Wilson
Published: April 2019

Background:

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is one of the most employed techniques
in structural elucidation of organic compounds. In addition to its use in structural characterization,
it has been widely employed in the investigation of reaction mechanisms, especially those involving
catalysis.

Objective:

In this review, we aim to provide recent examples of the interface of NMR and organocatalysis
reaction mechanism.

Methods:

Selected examples of different approaches for mechanism elucidation will be presented,
such as isotopic effect, catalyst labelling and online reaction monitoring. A discussion involving the
use of solid-state NMR will also be disclosed.

Conclusion:

NMR consists of a non-destructive technique, extremely useful in the real-time identification
of intermediates in crude reaction mixtures. With the advent of two-dimensional experiments
and high field NMR spectrometers, the reports of studies involving mechanistic elucidation were
greatly enhanced. In this context, nowadays NMR appears as a powerful tool for the comprehension
of reaction mechanisms, including the possibility of the proposal of unknown reaction mechanisms
within organocatalysis.
Simulation Aspects of the High Pressure Die Casting Process
Authors: Bubenkó Marianna , Molnár Dániel
Published: April 2019

High pressure die casting (HPDC) is a manufacturing process for producing accurately dimensioned, sharply defined, smooth or textured surface metal parts. It is accomplished by injecting liquid metal at fast velocity and under high pressure into reusable steel dies. Compared to other casting processes, die casting is at the top end of both velocity and pressure. The high velocity translates into a very turbulent flow condition. The process is often described as the shortest distance between raw material and the finished product.
Action Ethnography of Community Reintegration for Veterans and Military Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Melillo Christine , Downs Kiersten , Dillahunt-Aspillaga Christina , Lind Jason , Besterman-Dahan Karen , Hahm Bridget , Antinori Nicole , Elnitsky Christine , Sander Angelle M , Belanger Heather G , Toyinbo Peter , Powell-Cope Gail
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies of community reintegration (CR) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been conducted in civilian populations, but research is limited in veteran and military service member populations. Little is known about how knowledge from civilian studies translates into veterans’ experiences and needs. The US Department of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recognizes the distinctive health care needs of post-9/11 veteran and military service members, particularly with TBI, including the need to bridge health and rehabilitation-related services from acute care and inpatient settings to veteran and military service members’ homes and communities to facilitate CR.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to better understand the experiences of veterans with complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI; their families; and CR workers as veterans and servicemembers transition to and sustain living in communities. This paper describes the rationale, design, and methods used to reach this goal.

METHODS

This five-year longitudinal mixed methods study uses both a community-engaged research (CEnR) approach and an ethnographic approach. The sample includes 30 veterans and service members with TBI, 13 family caregivers, 11 CR specialists, 16 key stakeholders, and 82 community events. Interviews and observations are coded and analyzed using hierarchical coding schemes and thematic analysis. Analyses include data from surveys, interviews, and participant observations. Content analysis is used to highlight the complex social context of reintegration and to triangulate quantitative data. Egocentric (personal) social network analysis is used to examine the support system a veteran or service member has in place to facilitate reintegration.

RESULTS

Study enrollment and data collection are completed. Data analyses are underway.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study may provide a heightened understanding of environmental factors affecting CR in complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI. Veteran, servicemember and family voices and insights provide VHA clinicians and policy makers with an ecological view of CR that is grounded in the life experiences of veterans, military service members, and families. The results of this study provide a roadmap for designing and testing interventions to maximize CR in a variety of domains. The longitudinal ethnographic approach allows for capturing detailed experiences within the naturalistic context. CEnR allows collaborative assessment of the social context of reintegration with community members.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/14170