bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary spinal cord astroblastoma: case report
Authors: Yamada Shoko Merrit , Tomita Yusuke , Shibui Soichiro , Takahashi Mikiko , Kawamoto Masashi , Nobusawa Sumihito , Hirato Junko
Published: March 2018

Astroblastoma is a rare tumor that is thought to occur exclusively in the cerebrum. To the authors’ knowledge, no cases of spinal cord astroblastoma have been reported. A 20-year-old woman presented with numbness in her legs. MRI demonstrated a 2-cm intramedullary enhancing lesion in the spinal cord at the T-1 level. The patient declined to undergo resection of the tumor because she was able to walk unassisted; however, she returned for surgery 1 month later because she had developed paraplegia with bladder and rectal dysfunction, and MRI showed enlargement of the tumor. Intraoperatively, the border between the tumor and normal tissue was poorly defined. Biopsy samples were obtained for histopathological examinations, and a diagnosis of astroblastoma with a Ki-67 index of 5% was made. Considering the rapid tumor growth on MRI and remarkable deterioration in her symptoms, the patient was treated with a combination of radiation therapy, temozolomide (TMZ), and bevacizumab. After completion of the combined treatment, she was able to move her toes, and oral TMZ and bevacizumab injections were continued. Six months later, definite tumor shrinkage was identified on MRI, and the patient was able to stand up from a wheelchair without assistance and walk by herself. No therapeutic regimens for residual astroblastoma are established; however, in this case the authors’ therapeutic strategy was successful in treating the spinal cord astroblastoma.
Invasionen und Zusammenbrüche von Baumarten nach der Eiszeit
Authors: Tinner Willy , (Pim) van der Knaap W.O. , Conedera Marco , Ammann Brigitta
Published: March 2018

Invasions and collapses of tree species after the Ice Age

Pollen and macrofossils are used to reconstruct mechanisms and processes of past invasions and collapses of tree species. They are also providing bottom lines for future invasions and collapses. The Swiss forest communities were always shifting to adjust to climate and land use changes. Some invasions occurred surprisingly synchronous in space. Ecosystem adjustment processes started rapidly after climate change or disturbance, but usually lasted several centuries, given that they involved several tree generations. The available climate and vegetation history evidence suggests that the today's rather homogenous sweet chestnut, oak, beech and spruce forests are particularly prone to be invaded, because the communities were created by millennial-long land use and also because the realized climatic niche of the dominant species is strongly anthropogenically widened. On the other hand, the realized climatic niche of silver fir is strongly narrowed by human impact. This implies that silver fir is far more resilient to climate change than its today's range would suggest. Thus new plant species may have considerable difficulties to enter quasi-natural mixed silver fir forest communities. A similar finding, although less pronounced, was obtained for linden, elm, ash and maple species. Evergreen broadleaved species from the Mediterranean region, which are native to Switzerland since millennia but were not able to expand due to climatic reasons (e.g. Quercus ilex), will presumably spread spontaneously within a few decades under changing climate. Such future invasions can be considered as a natural process from an ecological point of view, if the invading species involved originate from the neighboring subtropics.
Götterbaum und Paulownie: die «neuen Wilden» im Schweizer Wald?
Authors: Wunder Jan , Knüsel Simon , Dorren Luuk , Schwarz Massimiliano , Bourrier Franck , Conedera Marco
Published: March 2018

Ailanthus and Paulownia: “The New Wild” in Swiss forests?

“The New Wild” resulting from biological invasions is a controversial concept focussing on the integration of exotic species into indigenous ecosystems. Following this rationale, the great vitality of the new species could be exploited to populate ecosystems heavily altered or largely destroyed by man. Here we discuss this integration approach using the example of Ailanthus altissima and Paulownia tomentosa. Both species have begun to spread spontaneously into some forests in Switzerland. New studies indicate that the two pioneer tree species will not prevail on a large scale and that they do not necessarily reduce the required forest services. For example, Ailanthus trees growing in forests protecting from natural hazards appear to be similarly resistant to rockfall as the local tree species and less affected by heart rot decay than originally feared. For Switzerland, a spatially differentiated strategy with control and integration measures is required.
Stratégie de lutte envers une néophyte envahissante – exemple de la puéraire
Authors: Morisoli Romina , Conedera Marco , Moretti Giorgio , Crivelli Simona , Soldati Veronica , Bertossa Mario , Pezzatti Gianni Boris
Published: March 2018

Strategy to control an invasive neophyte: the study case of kudzu

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a vine native to East Asia that grows under optimal conditions up to 30 cm per day. In Switzerland, the species is found on the blacklist of the invasive neophytes. At present 41 spots covering 35 141 m2 are known in southern Switzerland. Historical spots known since 2006 have extended their area by 45% in the last six years, whereas 16 new spots have been registered and four sites have been eradicated. Seeds produced by mature lianas revealed to be viable and able to germinate in the wild. Kudzu has thus passed the naturalization stage and may soon enter the phase of a possible rapid expansion, what suggests adopting a strategy of systematic eradication of the species in the mid-term. Preliminary tests allowed to confirm the efficiency of the chemical and the mechanical (surgical removing of root crowns) control methods, the last allowing the treatment of kudzu in forest and in protected areas as well. Kudzu represents thus a good example for how combining early detection, better understanding of the ecology, and the development of suitable eradication methods of the species may allow to control or even systematically eradicate a species at reasonable costs.
Numerical investigation of pump performance and internal characteristics in ALIP with different winding schemes
Authors: Zhao Ruijie , Li Huiwen , Zhang Desheng , Huang Jun , Shi Weidong
Published: March 2018

Annular linear induction pump (ALIP) is considered as an ideal type of coolant pump in liquid metal cooled reactors. However, the low pump efficiency and the flow instability have yet been solved, especially for large-scale pump design. In this work, a two-dimensionally symmetrical ALIP model is developed and both single-sided (SS) and double-sided (DS) windings in stators are simulated in the designed ALIP model. The pump performance characteristics (H-Q curve) are obtained by calculating the differential pressure between inlet and outlet at varying flow rate conditions. The simulated results are validated with the previously published experiment. The results show that the differential pressure of the DS-type pumps is slightly lower than that of SS pump with the same input energy while the radial velocity profile in the channel of the DS pumps with the winding number of outer stator twice that of inner stator shows the best uniform velocity distribution. By peeking into the Lorentz force and induced magnetic field, the DS pump with equal winding numbers at inner and outer stators actually deteriorates the induced magnetic field, resulting in a highly non-uniform Lorentz force in the channel radial direction, particularly at high flow rate. The results demonstrate the importance of finding an appropriate ratio of winding numbers in the DS-type pump design in order to improve the pump performance.
Design and performance analysis of a novel transverse flux permanent-magnet motor
Authors: Deng Xianming , Liu Na , Sun Yuanda , Li Shaowu , Ye Zongbin
Published: March 2018

A novel surface-mounted outer rotor transverse flux permanent-magnet motor (SMOR-TFPM) with simple structure and good performance is proposed in this paper. The basic structure and operating principle of the motor are introduced. According to the deficiency of the SMOR-TFPM electrical performance, this paper presents an improved design of the stator so that the motor performance is improved by transforming parts of the leakage flux into the main flux. The finite element model of the motor is established, the influence of the relevant parameters on the no-load magnetic leakage coefficient is optimally analyzed based on the three-dimensional finite element method. The main parameters design of a three-phase and fifteen-pair-pole SMOR-TFPM is completed based on the improved design and optimization analysis. The coupling relationship of the interphase magnetic field is verified. Besides, the motor torque characteristics are researched and analyzed. The results prove that the structure and dimensions design of the motor is reasonable and the characteristics are stable, which has a certain feasibility.
Experimental Study and Neural Network Modeling of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Canard Aircraft at High Angles of Attack
Authors: Ignatyev Dmitry , Khrabrov Alexander
Published: March 2018

Flow over an aircraft at high angles of attack is characterized by a combination of separated and vortical flows that interact with each other and with the airframe. As a result, there is a set of phenomena negatively affecting the aircraft’s performance, stability and control, namely, degradation of lifting force, nonlinear variation of pitching moment, positive damping, etc. Wind tunnel study of aerodynamic characteristics of a prospective transonic aircraft, which is in a canard configuration, is discussed in the paper. A three-stage experimental campaign was undertaken. In the first stage, a steady aerodynamic experiment was conducted. The influence of a reduced oscillation frequency and angle of attack on unsteady aerodynamic characteristics was studied in the second stage. In the third stage, forced large-amplitude oscillation tests were carried out for the detailed investigation of the unsteady aerodynamics in the extended flight envelope. The experimental results demonstrate the strongly nonlinear behavior of the aerodynamic characteristics because of canard vortex effects on the wing. The obtained data are used to design and test mathematical models of unsteady aerodynamics via different popular approaches, namely the Neural Network (NN) technique and the phenomenological state space modeling technique. Different NN architectures, namely feed-forward and recurrent, are considered and compared. Thorough analysis of the performance of the models revealed that the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) is a universal approximation tool for modeling of dynamic processes with high generalization abilities.
The Application of Gene Expression Profiling in Predictions of Occult Lymph Node Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Peyravian Noshad , Larki Pegah , Gharib Ehsan , Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad Ehsan , Anaraki Fakhrosadate , Young Chris , McClellan James , Ashrafian Bonab Maziar , Asadzadeh-Aghdaei Hamid , Zali Mohammad
Published: March 2018

A key factor in determining the likely outcome for a patient with colorectal cancer is whether or not the tumour has metastasised to the lymph nodes—information which is also important in assessing any possibilities of lymph node resection so as to improve survival. In this review we perform a wide-range assessment of literature relating to recent developments in gene expression profiling (GEP) of the primary tumour, to determine their utility in assessing node status. A set of characteristic genes seems to be involved in the prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in colorectal patients. Hence, GEP is applicable in personalised/individualised/tailored therapies and provides insights into developing novel therapeutic targets. Not only is GEP useful in prediction of LNM, but it also allows classification based on differences such as sample size, target gene expression, and examination method.
A Semi-Supervised Learning Algorithm for Predicting Four Types MiRNA-Disease Associations by Mutual Information in a Heterogeneous Network
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Yin Jian , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2018

Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) may lead to a variety of diseases. Therefore, identifying disease-related miRNAs is a crucial problem. Currently, many computational approaches have been proposed to predict binary miRNA-disease associations. In this study, in order to predict underlying miRNA-disease association types, a semi-supervised model called the network-based label propagation algorithm is proposed to infer multiple types of miRNA-disease associations (NLPMMDA) by mutual information derived from the heterogeneous network. The NLPMMDA method integrates disease semantic similarity, miRNA functional similarity, and Gaussian interaction profile kernel similarity information of miRNAs and diseases to construct a heterogeneous network. NLPMMDA is a semi-supervised model which does not require verified negative samples. Leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) was implemented for four known types of miRNA-disease associations and demonstrated the reliable performance of our method. Moreover, case studies of lung cancer and breast cancer confirmed effective performance of NLPMMDA to predict novel miRNA-disease associations and their association types.
Citizen Science and Community Engagement in Tick Surveillance—A Canadian Case Study
Authors: Lewis Julie , Boudreau Corinne , Patterson James , Bradet-Legris Jonathan , Lloyd Vett
Published: March 2018

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in North America and Europe, and on-going surveillance is required to monitor the spread of the tick vectors as their populations expand under the influence of climate change. Active surveillance involves teams of researchers collecting ticks from field locations with the potential to be sites of establishing tick populations. This process is labor- and time-intensive, limiting the number of sites monitored and the frequency of monitoring. Citizen science initiatives are ideally suited to address this logistical problem and generate high-density and complex data from sites of community importance. In 2014, the same region was monitored by academic researchers, public health workers, and citizen scientists, allowing a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of each type of surveillance effort. Four community members persisted with tick collections over several years, collectively recovering several hundred ticks. Although deviations from standard surveillance protocols and the choice of tick surveillance sites makes the incorporation of community-generated data into conventional surveillance analyses more complex, this citizen science data remains useful in providing high-density longitudinal tick surveillance of a small area in which detailed ecological observations can be made. Most importantly, partnership between community members and researchers has proven a powerful tool in educating communities about of the risk of tick-vectored diseases and in encouraging tick bite prevention.
Grey Language Hesitant Fuzzy Group Decision Making Method Based on Kernel and Grey Scale
Authors: Li Qingsheng , Diao Yuzhu , Gong Zaiwu , Hu Aqin
Published: March 2018

Based on grey language multi-attribute group decision making, a kernel and grey scale scoring function is put forward according to the definition of grey language and the meaning of the kernel and grey scale. The function introduces grey scale into the decision-making method to avoid information distortion. This method is applied to the grey language hesitant fuzzy group decision making, and the grey correlation degree is used to sort the schemes. The effectiveness and practicability of the decision-making method are further verified by the industry chain sustainable development ability evaluation example of a circular economy. Moreover, its simplicity and feasibility are verified by comparing it with the traditional grey language decision-making method and the grey language hesitant fuzzy weighted arithmetic averaging (

G
L
H
W
A
A

) operator integration method after determining the index weight based on the grey correlation.
Effects of Passage Number and Differentiation Protocol on the Generation of Dopaminergic Neurons from Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Shall Gabrielle , Menosky Megan , Decker Sarah , Nethala Priya , Welchko Ryan , Leveque Xavier , Lu Ming , Sandstrom Michael , Hochgeschwender Ute , Rossignol Julien , Dunbar Gary
Published: March 2018

Multiple studies have demonstrated the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into dopamine-producing cells, in vitro and in vivo, indicating their potential to be used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there are discrepancies among studies regarding the optimal time (i.e., passage number) and method for dopaminergic induction, in vitro. In the current study, we compared the ability of early (P4) and later (P40) passaged bone marrow-derived MSCs to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons using two growth-factor-based approaches. A direct dopaminergic induction (DDI) was used to directly convert MSCs into dopaminergic neurons, and an indirect dopaminergic induction (IDI) was used to direct MSCs toward a neuronal lineage prior to terminal dopaminergic differentiation. Results indicate that both early and later passaged MSCs exhibited positive expression of neuronal and dopaminergic markers following either the DDI or IDI protocols. Additionally, both early and later passaged MSCs released dopamine and exhibited spontaneous neuronal activity following either the DDI or IDI. Still, P4 MSCs exhibited significantly higher spiking and bursting frequencies as compared to P40 MSCs. Findings from this study provide evidence that early passaged MSCs, which have undergone the DDI, are more efficient at generating dopaminergic-like cells in vitro, as compared to later passaged MSCs or MSCs that have undergone the IDI.
Highly-Bioreactive Silica-Based Mesoporous Bioactive Glasses Enriched with Gallium(III)
Authors: Sanchez-Salcedo Sandra , Malavasi Gianluca , Salinas Antonio , Lusvardi Gigliola , Rigamonti Luca , Menabue Ledi , Vallet-Regi Maria
Published: March 2018

Beneficial effects in bone cell growth and antibacterial action are currently attributed to Ga3+ ions. Thus, they can be used to upgrade mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs), investigated for tissue engineering, whenever they released therapeutic amounts of gallium ions to the surrounding medium. Three gallium-enriched MBGs with composition (in mol %) xSiO2–yCaO–zP2O5–5Ga2O3, being x = 70, y = 15, z = 10 for Ga_1; x = 80, y = 12, z = 3 for Ga_2; and x = 80, y = 15, z = 0 for Ga_3, were investigated and compared with the gallium-free 80SiO2–15CaO–5P2O5 MBG (B). 29Si and 31P MAS NMR analyses indicated that Ga3+ acts as network modifier in the glass regions with higher polymerization degree and as network former in the zones with high concentration of classical modifiers (Ca2+ ions). Ga_1 and Ga_2 exhibited a quick in vitro bioactive response because they were coated by an apatite-like layer after 1 and 3 days in simulated body fluid. Although we have not conducted biological tests in this paper (cells or bacteria), Ga_1 released high but non-cytotoxic amounts of Ga3+ ions in Todd Hewitt Broth culture medium that were 140 times higher than the IC90 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, demonstrating its potential for tissue engineering applications.
Investigations on Structural, Optical and X-Radiation Responsive Properties of a-Se Thin Films Fabricated by Thermal Evaporation Method at Low Vacuum Degree
Authors: Li Jitao , Zhu Xinghua , Yang Dingyu , Gu Peng , Wu Haihua
Published: March 2018

Amorphous selenium (a-Se) thin films with a thickness of 1200 nm were successfully fabricated by thermal evaporation at a low vacuum degree of 10−2 Pa. The structural properties involving phase and morphology showed that a-Se thin films could be resistant to 60 °C in air. Also, a transformation to polycrystalline Selenium (p-Se) was shown as the annealing temperature rose to 62 °C and 65 °C, with obvious changes in color and surface morphology. Moreover, as the a-Se transformed to p-Se, the samples’ transmittance decreased significantly, and the band gap declined dramatically from 2.15 eV to 1.92 eV. Finally, the X-radiation response of a-Se was investigated as an important property, revealing there is a remarkable response speed of photogeneration current both X-ray on and X-ray off, with a requirement of only a very small electrical field.
Real-Time Dynamic Observation of Micro-Friction on the Contact Interface of Friction Lining
Authors: Feng Cunao , Zhang Dekun , Chen Kai , Guo Yongbo
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to investigate the microscopic friction mechanism based on in situ microscopic observation in order to record the deformation and contact situation of friction lining during the frictional process. The results show that friction coefficient increased with the shear deformation and energy loss of the surfacee, respectively. Furthermore, the friction mechanism mainly included adhesive friction in the high-pressure and high-speed conditions, whereas hysteresis friction was in the low-pressure and low-speed conditions. The mixed-friction mechanism was in the period when the working conditions varied from high pressure and speed to low pressure and speed.
Chemical and Biological Significance of Oenothein B and Related Ellagitannin Oligomers with Macrocyclic Structure
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Yoshimura Morio , Amakura Yoshiaki
Published: March 2018

In 1990, Okuda et al. reported the first isolation and characterization of oenothein B, a unique ellagitannin dimer with a macrocyclic structure, from the Oenothera erythrosepala leaves. Since then, a variety of macrocyclic analogs, including trimeric–heptameric oligomers have been isolated from various medicinal plants belonging to Onagraceae, Lythraceae, and Myrtaceae. Among notable in vitro and in vivo biological activities reported for oenothein B are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibitory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities. Oenothein B and related oligomers, and/or plant extracts containing them have thus attracted increasing interest as promising targets for the development of chemopreventive agents of life-related diseases associated with oxygen stress in human health. In order to better understand the significance of this type of ellagitannin in medicinal plants, this review summarizes (1) the structural characteristics of oenothein B and related dimers; (2) the oxidative metabolites of oenothein B up to heptameric oligomers; (3) the distribution of oenotheins and other macrocyclic analogs in the plant kingdom; and (4) the pharmacological activities hitherto documented for oenothein B, including those recently found by our laboratory.
Thermogelling 3D Systems towards Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Therapies
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Young David , Wu Yun-Long , Loh Xian
Published: March 2018

Stem cell culturing and differentiation is a very important research direction for tissue engineering. Thermogels are well suited for encapsulating cells because of their non-biotoxic nature and mild sol-gel transition as temperature increases. In particular, thermogels provide a 3D growth environment for stem cell growth, which is more similar to the extracellular matrix than flat substrates, so thermogels as a medium can overcome many of the cell abnormalities caused by 2D cell growth. In this review, we summarize the applications of thermogels in cell and stem cell culture in recent years. We also elaborate on the methods to induce stem cell differentiation by using thermogel-based 3D scaffolds. In particular, thermogels, encapsulating specific differentiation-inducing factor and having specific structures and moduli, can induce the differentiation into the desired tissue cells. Three dimensional thermogel scaffolds that control the growth and differentiation of cells will undoubtedly have a bright future in regenerative medicine.
A Novel Class of Schistosoma mansoni Histone Deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) Inhibitors Identified by Structure-Based Virtual Screening and In Vitro Testing
Authors: Simoben Conrad , Robaa Dina , Chakrabarti Alokta , Schmidtkunz Karin , Marek Martin , Lancelot Julien , Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Melesina Jelena , Shaik Tajith , Pierce Raymond , Romier Christophe , Jung Manfred , Sippl Wolfgang
Published: March 2018

A promising means in the search of new small molecules for the treatment of schistosomiasis (amongst other parasitic ailments) is by targeting the parasitic epigenome. In the present study, a docking based virtual screening procedure using the crystal structure of histone deacetylase 8 from Schistosoma mansoni (smHDAC8) was designed. From the developed screening protocol, we were able to identify eight novel N-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-3-yl)-n-alkylhydroxamate derivatives as smHDAC8 inhibitors with IC50 values ranging from 4.4–20.3 µM against smHDAC8. These newly identified inhibitors were further tested against human histone deacetylases (hsHDAC1, 6 and 8), and were found also to be exerting interesting activity against them. In silico prediction of the docking pose of the compounds was confirmed by the resolved crystal structure of one of the identified hits. This confirmed these compounds were able to chelate the catalytic zinc ion in a bidentate fashion, whilst showing an inverted binding mode of the hydroxamate group when compared to the reported smHDAC8/hydroxamates crystal structures. Therefore, they can be considered as new potential scaffold for the development of new smHDAC8 inhibitors by further investigation of their structure–activity relationship.
Search for Fibrous Aggregates Potentially Useful in Regenerative Medicine Formed under Physiological Conditions by Self-Assembling Short Peptides Containing Two Identical Aromatic Amino Acid Residues
Authors: Fraczyk Justyna , Lipinski Wojciech , Chaberska Agata , Wasko Joanna , Rozniakowski Kamil , Kaminski Zbigniew J. , Bogun Maciej , Draczynski Zbigniew , Menaszek Elzbieta , Stodolak-Zych Ewa , Kaminska Marta , Kolesinska Beata
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the propensity of short peptides to self-organize and the influence of aggregates on cell cultures. The dipeptides were derived from both enantiomers of identical aromatic amino acids and tripeptides were prepared from two identical aromatic amino acids with one cysteine or methionine residue in the C-terminal, N-terminal, or central position. The formation or absence of fibrous structures under physiological conditions was established using Congo Red and Thioflavine T assays as well as by microscopic examination using normal and polarized light. The in vitro stability of the aggregates in buffered saline solution was assessed over 30 days. Materials with potential for use in regenerative medicine were selected based on the cytotoxicity of the peptides to the endothelial cell line EA.hy 926 and the wettability of the surfaces of the films, as well as using scanning electron microscopy. The criteria were fulfilled by H-dPhedPhe-OH, H-dCysdPhedPhe-OH, H-CysTyrTyr-OH, H-dPhedPhedCys-OH, H-TyrTyrMet-OH, and H–TyrMetTyr–OH. Our preliminary results suggest that the morphology and cell viability of L919 fibroblast cells do not depend on the stereochemistry of the self-organizing peptides.
E-Nose and GC-MS Reveal a Difference in the Volatile Profiles of White- and Red-Fleshed Peach Fruit
Authors: Xin Rui , Liu Xiaohong , Wei Chunyan , Yang Chong , Liu Hongru , Cao Xiangmei , Wu Di , Zhang Bo , Chen Kunsong
Published: March 2018

First purchases of fruit are mainly dependent on aspects of appearance such as color. However, repeat buys of fruit are determined by internal quality traits such as flavor-related volatiles. Differences in volatile profiles in white- and red-fleshed peach fruit are not well understood. In the present study, peach cultivars with white- and red-fleshed fruit were subjected to sensory analysis using electronic nose (e-nose) to evaluate overview volatile profiles. Approximately 97.3% of the total variation in peach color-volatiles was explained by the first principle component 1 (PC1) and PC2. After analyzing sensory differences between peach fruit samples, 50 volatile compounds were characterized based on GC-MS. Multivariate analysis such as partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to identify volatile compounds that contribute to difference in white- and red-fleshed peach fruit cultivars. A total of 18 volatiles that could separate peach fruit cultivars with different colors in flesh during ripening were identified based on variable importance in projection (VIP) score. Fruity note latone γ-hexalactone had higher contents in red-fleshed cultivars, while grassy note C6 compounds such as hexanal, 2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenal, 1-hexanol, and (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol showed great accumulation in white-fleshed peach fruit.
MicroRNA-342 Prohibits Proliferation and Invasion of Melanoma Cells by Directly Targeting Zinc-Finger E-Box-Binding Homeobox 1
Authors: Shi Quan , He Qi , Wei Jing
Published: March 2018

As documented in numerous studies, microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in various biological processes associated with melanoma occurrence and development. In this study, we found that miRNA-342 (miR-342) was significantly downregulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines. Additionally,
the ectopic expression of miR-342 prohibited the cell proliferation and invasion of melanoma. Moreover, zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was identified as a direct target gene of miR-342 in melanoma. Similar with the results induced by miR-342 overexpression, ZEB1 knockdown attenuated
cell proliferation and invasion in melanoma. Furthermore, the restoration of ZEB1 expression reversed the suppressive effects of miR-342 on the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells. These findings suggest that miR-342 may play tumor-suppressing roles in melanoma, at least partially,
by directly inhibiting ZEB1 expression. Therefore, miR-342 may be developed as a potential candidate for the treatment of patients with this aggressive type of cancer.
Searching Ultra-compact Pulsar Binaries with Abnormal Timing Behavior
Authors: Gong B. P. , Li Y. P. , Yuan J. P. , Tian J. , Zhang Y. Y. , Li D. , Jiang B. , Li X. D. , Wang H. G. , Zou Y. C. , Shao L. J.
Published: March 2018

Ultra-compact pulsar binaries are both ideal sources of gravitational radiation for gravitational wave detectors and laboratories for fundamental physics. However, the shortest orbital period of all radio pulsar binaries is currently 1.6 hr. The absence of pulsar binaries with a shorter orbital period is most likely due to technique limit. This paper points out that a tidal effect occurring on pulsar binaries with a short orbital period can perturb the orbital elements and result in a significant change in orbital modulation, which dramatically reduces the sensitivity of the acceleration searching that is widely used. Here a new search is proposed. The abnormal timing residual exhibited in a single pulse observation is simulated by a tidal effect occurring on an ultra-compact binary. The reproduction of the main features represented by the sharp peaks displayed in the abnormal timing behavior suggests that pulsars like PSR B0919+06 could be a candidate for an ultra-compact binary of an orbital period of ∼10 minutes and a companion star of a white dwarf star. The binary nature of such a candidate is further tested by (1) comparing the predicted long-term binary effect with decades of timing noise observed and (2) observing the optical counterpart of the expected companion star. Test (1) likely supports our model, while more observations are needed in test (2). Some interesting ultra-compact binaries could be found in the near future by applying such a new approach to other binary candidates.
Blowing in the Milky Way Wind: Neutral Hydrogen Clouds Tracing the Galactic Nuclear Outflow
Authors: Di Teodoro Enrico M. , McClure-Griffiths N. M. , Lockman Felix J. , Denbo Sara R. , Endsley Ryan , Ford H. Alyson , Harrington Kevin
Published: March 2018

We present the results of a new sensitive survey of neutral hydrogen above and below the Galactic Center with the Green Bank Telescope. The observations extend up to Galactic latitude

with an effective angular resolution of 9.′5 and an average rms brightness temperature noise of 40 mK in a 1

channel. The survey reveals the existence of a population of anomalous high-velocity clouds extending up to heights of about 1.5 kpc from the Galactic plane and showing no signature of Galactic rotation. These clouds have local standard of rest velocities

, and assuming a Galactic Center origin, they have sizes of a few tens of parsec and neutral hydrogen masses spanning

. Accounting for selection effects, the cloud population is symmetric in longitude, latitude, and V
LSR. We model the cloud kinematics in terms of an outflow expanding from the Galactic Center and find the population consistent with being material moving with radial velocity

distributed throughout a bicone with opening angle

. This simple model implies an outflow luminosity

erg s−1 over the past 10 Myr, consistent with star formation feedback in the inner region of the Milky Way, with a cold gas mass-loss rate

. These clouds may represent the cold gas component accelerated in the nuclear wind driven by our Galaxy, although some of the derived properties challenge current theoretical models of the entrainment process.
The Associated Absorption Features in Quasar Spectra of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. I. Mg ii Absorption Doublets
Authors: Chen Zhi-Fu , Huang Wei-Rong , Pang Ting-Ting , Huang Hong-Yan , Pan Da-Sheng , Yao Min , Nong Wei-Jing , Lu Mei-Mei
Published: March 2018

Using the SDSS spectra of quasars included in the DR7Q or DR12Q catalogs, we search for Mg ii
λλ2796, 2803 narrow absorption doublets in the spectra data around Mg ii
λ2798 emission lines. We obtain 17,316 Mg ii doublets, within the redshift range of 0.3299 ≤ z
abs ≤ 2.5663. We find that a velocity offset of υ

r
 < 6000 km s−1 is a safe boundary to constrain the vast majority of associated Mg ii systems, although we find some doublets at υ

r
 > 6000 km s−1. If associated Mg ii absorbers are defined by υ

r
 < 6000 km s−1, ∼33.3% of the absorbers are supposed to be contaminants of intervening systems. Removing the 33.3% contaminants, ∼4.5% of the quasars present at least one associated Mg ii system with

. The fraction of associated Mg ii systems with high-velocity outflows correlates with the average luminosities of their central quasars, indicating a relationship between outflows and the quasar feedback power. The υ

r
distribution of the outflow Mg ii absorbers is peaked at 1023 km s−1, which is smaller than the corresponding value of the outflow C iv absorbers. The redshift number density evolution of absorbers (dn/dz) limited by υ

r
 > −3000 km s−1 differs from that of absorbers constrained by υ

r
 > 2000 km s−1. Absorbers limited by υ

r
 > 2000 km s−1 and higher values exhibit profiles similar to dn/dz. In addition, the dn/dz is smaller when absorbers are constrained with larger υ

r
. The distributions of equivalent widths, and the ratio of

, are the same for associated and intervening systems, and independent of quasar luminosity.
Eosinophil Cationic Protein Concentrations among Crop and Dairy Farmers with Asthma
Authors: Stoleski Saso , Minov Jordan , Karadzinska-Bislimovska Jovanka , Mijakoski Dragan , Atanasovska Aneta
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE: To assess the mean serum eosinophil cationic protein (s-ECP) concentrations among crop and dairy farmers and office controls, and further examine its relation to exposure duration, smoking habit, as well as presence or absence of asthma.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed including examined group (EG), composed by agricultural workers (87 crop - EG1 and 83 dairy farmers - EG2), and control group (CG) composed by 80 office workers within the same enterprise.  We have used a questionnaire to record the chronic respiratory symptoms, detailed work history, specific farming activities and tasks performed and smoking history. Evaluation of examined subjects also included lung function tests, diagnosis of asthma, and measurement of s-ECP as a marker of inflammation.RESULTS: The main finding of the present study is that s-ECP concentrations were raised in subjects with asthma independent of the smoking habit. The mean s-ECP concentrations were higher in subjects of EG1 and EG2 compared with those in CG, but without reaching statistical significance. Mean s-ECP concentrations were significantly higher among subjects in EG1 exposed more than 20 years, while mean s-ECP concentrations were non-significantly higher in subjects of EG2 exposed more than 20 years, compared to those exposed less than 20 years. Mean s-ECP concentrations were higher among smokers within all three groups, but without reaching statistical significance between smokers and non-smokers. Mean s-ECP concentrations were significantly higher in subjects with asthma within EG1 (P = 0.049) and EG2 (P = 0.040), but also within those in CG (P = 0.046).CONCLUSION: Data obtained suggest that airway inflammation is present in farmers with asthma, and s-ECP is an important biomarker in means of reflecting disease severity and prognosis among exposed workers.
Práticas de comunicação da governança pública em municípios brasileiros por intermédio de portais governamentais
Authors: Silva Marcelo Rodrigues da , Vicentin Ivan Carlos
Published: March 2018

Considerando o aprofundamento da relação Estado e Sociedade; o fortalecimento dos conceitos de governança pública e da comunicação pública; e a consolidação do uso contínuo da Internet no Brasil, o objetivo deste artigo foi identificar as práticas de comunicação utilizadas pelas prefeituras municipais para disseminação, à sociedade, dos princípios de governança pública, por intermédio dos portais governamentais na Internet. As técnicas de coleta de dados utilizadas foram observação dos portais e questionário aos gestores de comunicação. Dentre os resultados alcançados, destacaram-se: (i) todos os princípios de governança estão, em algum grau, presentes e sendo comunicados por meio dos portais; (ii) a percepção dos gestores indica dificuldades na comunicação da governança por meio dos portais; (iii) os portais são predominantemente utilizados como ferramentas de práticas de informação. Considera-se relevante esta discussão pois aborda a comunicação pública de todos os princípios de governança pública, para além do princípio da transparência.
An illustrated key to the genera of Eumeninae from China, with a checklist of species (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)
Authors: Tan Jiang-Li , Carpenter James M. , van Achterberg Cornelis
Published: March 2018

An illustrated key to the currently recognized genera of the subfamily Eumeninae (Vespidae) from China is presented together with a list of 267 species and subspecies, belonging to 51 genera. Nortozumia van der Vecht, 1937 is reported for the first time from China. Two replacement names are proposed for junior primary homonyms: Ancistrocerus rufofrustius Tan & Carpenter, nom. n. replacing Ancistrocerus rufopictus (Kostylev) and Orientalicesa confasciatus Tan & Carpenter, nom. n. replacing Orientalicesa unifasciatus (von Schulthess, 1934).
Tous rois
Authors: de Biasi Pierre-Marc
Published: March 2018

Il tient dans le creux de la main. Comme le silex d’ homo sapiens , l’outil de notre premier affranchissement. Et comme le sceptre d’ homo numericus , qui fait de chaque spécimen un roi avec divertissement. Petite phénoménologie d’un médiateur mi-matériel mi-spirituel.
Une technogenèse
Authors: Billard Jacques
Published: March 2018

Un miracle ? Oui, mais produit d’une suite de menus et décisifs déplacements. Sous la disruption, une continuité.
Beyond High-Fidelity Simulation: Emerging Technologies in Leadership Development
Authors: Bleich Michael R. , Jackson Christina , Werner Stacy H. , Hines Diana , Stuart Nancy , Nelson Alison
Published: March 2018

Technology offers educators active learning and new teaching strategies. Five lower cost and scalable technology applications are presented as alternative or complement to high-fidelity simulation. Professional nurse educators should adopt technology when teaching and interact with vendors to generate real-world applications that advance development.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(3):105–108.
Peer-Review Competency Assessment Engages Staff and Influences Patient Outcomes
Authors: Mangold Kara , Tyler Brenda , Velez Lyda , Clark Constance
Published: March 2018

Background:

Nurse educators must guide competency assessment in a way that influences safe patient care. The goal of this innovative competency assessment was for RNs to demonstrate performance of sound practice related to anticoagulation medication, pressure injuries, and pain management using a peer-review format.

Method:

The process was initiated through the unit-based team. The clinical RN was required to bring forth the information that he or she had met the competency requirements. Rubrics provided consistency in evaluation.

Results:

The process was perceived to have evaluated actual performance and allowed demonstration of performance. For patient outcomes, anticoagulation safety measures were sustained, pressure injury measures were improved, and pain outcome measures were not improved during and after the competency period.

Conclusion:

A peer-review process for clinical RN competency assessment enhanced professionalism through professional practice evaluation, was perceived as favorable, and was associated with positive patient outcomes.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(3):119–126.
Knowledge of Nurses About Preoperative Fasting in a Corporate Hospital
Authors: Mohan Shivegowda , Chakravarthy Murali , George Antony , Devanahalli Ashokanand , Kumar Jeevan
Published: March 2018

Background:

Preoperative fasting is a requirement to be made by anesthesiologists, but they generally depend on nurses to ensure it is carried out by patients. Lack of updated knowledge among nurses may cause complications.

Method:

The objective of this study was to understand the knowledge of nurses about preoperative fasting. The multi-unit study was conducted in the units of our hospitals using an Internet-based survey. The responders were anonymous to the authors.

Results:

The survey was sent to approximately 5,000 nurses, with more than 600 responding to the survey. Most of the respondents were aware of the preoperative fasting guidelines. The understanding regarding preoperative fasting appeared to be insufficient among nurses. The nurses appreciated the concern of the anesthesiologists about fasting. The nurses opined that additional training regarding preoperative fasting might benefit them.

Conclusion:

This survey conveyed to the authors that the nurses of our hospitals were knowledgeable but required further training to update them.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(3):127–131.
Sertulum Ternstroemiacearum II: Ternstroemia tepuiensis J.R.Grande, sp. nov. (Ternstroemiaceae),especie nueva del Escudo Guayanés
Authors: Grande Allende José Ramón
Published: March 2018

Como adelanto de la revisión del género Ternstroemia para el área del Escudo Guayanés, en el norte de Sudamérica, T. tepuiensis J.R.Grande, sp. nov. es descrita como especie nueva para la ciencia. Esta especie, caracterizada por presentar hojas, flores y frutos relativamente grandes, los frutos con dehiscencia circuncisa, solo se conoce de las montañas tabulares de arenisca comúnmente llamadas «tepuyes», donde parece ser un elemento florístico bastante común. Se incluye información morfoanatómica y notas sobre su ecología y distribución, y se determina su estado de conservación como LC —Preocupación Menor, de acuerdo con las categorías de la Lista Roja de la UICN—. Al final de este trabajo, se incluye una clave para diferenciar esta especie del resto de los miembros de Ternstroemia con frutos de dehiscencia circuncisa.
Defect characterization, diagnosis and repair of wood flooring based on a field survey
Authors: Delgado A. , Pereira C. , De Brito J. , Silvestre J. D.
Published: March 2018

A statistical characterization of defects in 35 buildings and 98 wood floorings (softwood and hardwood floors, and laminated and engineered wood floors), their diagnostic methods and repair solutions is presented. An expert system for inspecting wood flooring, comprising the classification of defects, their most probable causes, diagnostic methods and repair techniques, was used. Results include age, affected area, severity and frequency of defects and their main causes, as well as appropriate diagnostic methods, preventive and curative repair solutions most prescribed and the most significant correlations. Scratches were detected in more than five sixths of the sample, highly associated with exterior mechanical actions, and with an inadequate finishing layer. Wearing of the finishing layer was detected in a quarter of the inspected floorings. Accordingly, the application of a suitable finishing layer and, alternatively, its replacement are the most prescribed repair techniques.
COMMUNITY, CAMPUS, AND CLIMATE AT CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE—3C INITIATIVE
Authors: Boroff Craig , Eickmeier Jason , Eklund Kali , Garcia Cynthia , Miller Scott , Newton Benjamin , Pecka Brian , Samuelson Toby , Staab Joanell , Whittaker Olivia
Published: March 2018

INTRODUCTION

Central Community College (CCC) has multiple campuses and centers in rural agricultural communities throughout Central Nebraska and College President, Dr. Greg Smith, was an early adopter to the vision of economic and environmental sustainability. Central Community College has been a Cum Laude Leader since 2011 and signatory of the Climate Commitment as part of the Climate Leadership Network (previously the ACUPCC). CCC made a commitment to educate, implement and model the practices needed for a sustainable future. For our communities and ultimately globally, we believe environmental sustainability is important and necessary for healthy communities, people and economic sustainability. Each CCC campus and center also has available land to commit to renewable energy, typically not available in most major metropolitan campuses. The State of Nebraska is a late adopter to renewable energy, but with the potential for reduced operating costs, is now embracing sustainable development with CCC and providing leadership with our 3C initiative and Environmental Sustainability Action Plan.