bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrosophic Quadruple BCK/BCI-Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Song Seok-Zun , Smarandache Florentin , Bordbar Hashem
Published: June 2018

The notion of a neutrosophic quadruple BCK/BCI-number is considered, and a neutrosophic quadruple BCK/BCI-algebra, which consists of neutrosophic quadruple BCK/BCI-numbers, is constructed. Several properties are investigated, and a (positive implicative) ideal in a neutrosophic quadruple BCK-algebra and a closed ideal in a neutrosophic quadruple BCI-algebra are studied. Given subsets A and B of a BCK/BCI-algebra, the set NQ(A,B), which consists of neutrosophic quadruple BCK/BCI-numbers with a condition, is established. Conditions for the set NQ(A,B) to be a (positive implicative) ideal of a neutrosophic quadruple BCK-algebra are provided, and conditions for the set NQ(A,B) to be a (closed) ideal of a neutrosophic quadruple BCI-algebra are given. An example to show that the set {0˜} is not a positive implicative ideal in a neutrosophic quadruple BCK-algebra is provided, and conditions for the set {0˜} to be a positive implicative ideal in a neutrosophic quadruple BCK-algebra are then discussed.
Tribooxidation as a Way to Improve the Wear Resistance of Cutting Tools
Authors: Wainstein Dmitry , Kovalev Anatoly
Published: June 2018

This paper generalizes the results of our research, which was aimed at the development of adaptive cutting tool coatings for high speed dry cutting, from the inception of the idea to complex multilayer coatings for processing tough metals. Typically, the streams of external energy and matter during high speed cutting are causing damage to the tool materials and to the hard, protective coatings through multiple mechanical and chemical processes including oxidation, however these oxidation processes could be used to improve the tools’ lifetime. The structure and the phase transformations on the wear surface in the nanostructured single layer and nanolaminated multilayer PVD coatings were investigated by a set of electron spectroscopy methods. The dynamics of the secondary phase formation on the various stages of tool life is demonstrated. The obtained results show that the enhancement of non-equilibrium processes during friction leads to a dominating formation of protective triboceramics on a base of sapphire-like, tungsten, and niobium polyvalent oxides with a structure which decisively improves the wear performance. The mechanisms of the formation of non-equilibrium protective oxides at high speed dry cutting and the non-equilibrium thermodynamics approaches for the tribooxidation description are discussed. Polyvalent metals and multilayer coatings provide a wider set of protective oxide nanofilms.
Potential Indicator Value of Subfossil Gastropods in Assessing the Ecological Health of the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Floodplain System (China)
Authors: Kattel Giri , Cai Yongjiu , Yang Xiangdong , Zhang Ke , Hao Xu , Wang Rong , Dong Xuhui
Published: June 2018

The lakes across China’s middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River system have a long history of sustaining human pressures. These aquatic resources have been exploited for fisheries and irrigation over millennia at a magnitude of scales, with the result that many lakes have lost their ecological integrity. The consequences of these changes in the ecosystem health of lakes are not fully understood; therefore, a long-term investigation is urgently needed. Gastropods (aquatic snails) are powerful bio-indicators that link primary producers, herbivores, and detritivores associated with macrophytes and grazers of periphyton and higher-level consumers. They are sensitive to abrupt environmental change such as eutrophication, dehydration, flooding, and proliferation of toxicity in floodplain lake systems. The use of the remains of gastropod shells (subfossils) preserved in the sedimentary archives of the floodplain lakes of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River system holds high significance, as their potential in environmental change has not been studied in detail in the past. Here, we aim to test the hypothesis that modern and sub-fossil gastropods in the sediments of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River floodplains systems have significant value as bioindicators, as they have the ability to reveal health-gradients of lake-ecosystem change in the region.
Non-Mineralized Fossil Wood
Authors: Mustoe George
Published: June 2018

Under conditions where buried wood is protected from microbial degradation and exposure to oxygen or harsh chemical environments, the tissues may remain unmineralized. If the original organic matter is present in relatively unaltered form, wood is considered to be mummified. Exposure to high temperatures, whether from wild fires or pyroclastic flows, may cause wood to be converted to charcoal. Coalification occurs when plant matter undergoes gradual metamorphosis, producing bituminous alteration products. Examples of all three types of non-mineralized wood are common in the geologic record. This report describes some of the most notable occurrences, reviews past research and introduces data from several localities in North America.
SmartEscape: A Mobile Smart Individual Fire Evacuation System Based on 3D Spatial Model
Authors: Atila Umit , Ortakci Yasin , Ozacar Kasim , Demiral Emrullah , Karas Ismail Rakip
Published: June 2018

We propose SmartEscape, a real-time, dynamic, intelligent and user-specific evacuation system with a mobile interface for emergency cases such as fire. Unlike past work, we explore dynamically changing conditions and calculate a personal route for an evacuee by considering his/her individual features. SmartEscape, which is fast, low-cost, low resource-consuming and mobile supported, collects various environmental sensory data and takes evacuees’ individual features into account, uses an artificial neural network (ANN) to calculate personal usage risk of each link in the building, eliminates the risky ones, and calculates an optimum escape route under existing circumstances. Then, our system guides the evacuee to the exit through the calculated route with vocal and visual instructions on the smartphone. While the position of the evacuee is detected by RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, the changing environmental conditions are measured by the various sensors in the building. Our ANN (Artificial Neural Network) predicts dynamically changing risk states of all links according to changing environmental conditions. Results show that SmartEscape, with its 98.1% accuracy for predicting risk levels of links for each individual evacuee in a building, is capable of evacuating a great number of people simultaneously, through the shortest and the safest route.
Prostate-Associated Gene 4 (PAGE4): Leveraging the Conformational Dynamics of a Dancing Protein Cloud as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Salgia Ravi , Jolly Mohit , Dorff Tanya , Lau Clayton , Weninger Keith , Orban John , Kulkarni Prakash
Published: June 2018

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. While genomic alterations have been identified in PCa, in contrast to some other cancers, use of such information to personalize treatment is still in its infancy. Here, we discuss how PAGE4, a protein which appears to act both as an oncogenic factor as well as a metastasis suppressor, is a novel therapeutic target for PCa. Inhibiting PAGE4 may be a viable strategy for low-risk PCa where it is highly upregulated. Conversely, PAGE4 expression is downregulated in metastatic PCa and, therefore, reinstituting its sustained expression may be a promising option to subvert or attenuate androgen-resistant PCa. Thus, fine-tuning the levels of PAGE4 may represent a novel approach for personalized medicine in PCa.
Potential of Soil, Sludge and Sediment for Mineral Carbonation Process in Selinsing Gold Mine, Malaysia
Authors: Syed Hasan Sharifah Nur Munirah , Mohd Kusin Faradiella , Jusop Shamshuddin , Mohamat Yusuff Ferdius
Published: June 2018

Soil, sludge and sediment that are rich in alkaline earth silicates play significant roles as passive agents for removing carbon dioxide through mineral carbonation process. This study was conducted to characterize the mineralogical component and chemical composition of gold mining wastes and to identify the availability of natural silicate minerals as a feedstock for the mineral carbonation process. Particle-size distribution analysis was performed, and pH of the soil, sludge, and sediment were determined, whereas the mineralogical component and chemical composition of the samples were also analyzed. Results demonstrated that the presence of sepiolite and chlorite-serpentine in the stockpile and mine tailings can sequester carbon dioxide into magnesium carbonates, while the presence of stilpnomelane in the stockpile can be sequestered into iron carbonate. The presence of large amounts of small-size particles (silt fraction) in sludge (78.23%) at the mine tailings was identified to have higher surface area to absorb carbon dioxide. pH conditions of sludge (pH 7.9) and sediment (pH 8.3) from the mine tailings were favorable to enhance carbonate precipitation. Therefore, gold mine wastes have shown the potential for passive sequestration of carbon dioxide, thus, providing more insights into the enhancement of mineral carbonation process and the potential of natural silicate minerals.
Identification and Characterization of Flavonoid Biosynthetic Enzyme Genes in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Deng Yuxing , Li Caili , Li Heqin , Lu Shanfa
Published: June 2018

Flavonoids are a class of important secondary metabolites with a broad spectrum of pharmacological functions. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a broad diversity of flavonoids. However, flavonoid biosynthetic enzyme genes have not been systematically and comprehensively analyzed in S. miltiorrhiza. Through genome-wide prediction and molecular cloning, twenty six flavonoid biosynthesis-related gene candidates were identified, of which twenty are novel. They belong to nine families potentially encoding chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavone synthase (FNS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H), flavonol synthase (FLS), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), respectively. Analysis of intron/exon structures, features of deduced proteins and phylogenetic relationships revealed the conservation and divergence of S. miltiorrhiza flavonoid biosynthesis-related proteins and their homologs from other plant species. These genes showed tissue-specific expression patterns and differentially responded to MeJA treatment. Through comprehensive and systematic analysis, fourteen genes most likely to encode flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes were identified. The results provide valuable information for understanding the biosynthetic pathway of flavonoids in medicinal plants.
Identification of a 3-Alkylpyridinium Compound from the Red Sea Sponge Amphimedon chloros with In Vitro Inhibitory Activity against the West Nile Virus NS3 Protease
Authors: O’Rourke Aubrie , Kremb Stephan , Duggan Brendan M. , Sioud Salim , Kharbatia Najeh , Raji Misjudeen , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Gerwick William H. , Voolstra Christian R.
Published: June 2018

Viruses are underrepresented as targets in pharmacological screening efforts, given the difficulties of devising suitable cell-based and biochemical assays. In this study we found that a pre-fractionated organic extract of the Red Sea sponge Amphimedon chloros was able to inhibit the West Nile Virus NS3 protease (WNV NS3). Using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the identity of the bioactive compound was determined as a 3-alkylpyridinium with m/z = 190.16. Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) NMR and NMR relaxation rate analysis suggest that the bioactive compound forms oligomers of up to 35 kDa. We observed that at 9.4 μg/mL there was up to 40–70% inhibitory activity on WNV NS3 protease in orthogonal biochemical assays for solid phase extracts (SPE) of A. chloros. However, the LC-MS purified fragment was effective at inhibiting the protease up to 95% at an approximate amount of 2 µg/mL with negligible cytotoxicity to HeLa cells based on a High-Content Screening (HCS) cytological profiling strategy. To date, 3-alkylpyridinium type natural products have not been reported to show antiviral activity since the first characterization of halitoxin, or 3-alkylpyridinium, in 1978. This study provides the first account of a 3-alkylpyridinium complex that exhibits a proposed antiviral activity by inhibiting the NS3 protease. We suggest that the here-described compound can be further modified to increase its stability and tested in a cell-based assay to explore its full potential as a potential novel antiviral capable of inhibiting WNV replication.
Emergence of Quantum Phase-Slip Behaviour in Superconducting NbN Nanowires: DC Electrical Transport and Fabrication Technologies
Authors: Constantino Nicolas G. N. , Anwar Muhammad Shahbaz , Kennedy Oscar W. , Dang Manyu , Warburton Paul A. , Fenton Jonathan C.
Published: June 2018

Superconducting nanowires undergoing quantum phase-slips have potential for impact in electronic devices, with a high-accuracy quantum current standard among a possible toolbox of novel components. A key element of developing such technologies is to understand the requirements for, and control the production of, superconducting nanowires that undergo coherent quantum phase-slips. We present three fabrication technologies, based on using electron-beam lithography or neon focussed ion-beam lithography, for defining narrow superconducting nanowires, and have used these to create nanowires in niobium nitride with widths in the range of 20–250 nm. We present characterisation of the nanowires using DC electrical transport at temperatures down to 300 mK. We demonstrate that a range of different behaviours may be obtained in different nanowires, including bulk-like superconducting properties with critical-current features, the observation of phase-slip centres and the observation of zero conductance below a critical voltage, characteristic of coherent quantum phase-slips. We observe critical voltages up to 5 mV, an order of magnitude larger than other reports to date. The different prominence of quantum phase-slip effects in the various nanowires may be understood as arising from the differing importance of quantum fluctuations. Control of the nanowire properties will pave the way for routine fabrication of coherent quantum phase-slip nanowire devices for technology applications.
In Situ Synthesis of Ag@Cu2O-rGO Architecture for Strong Light-Matter Interactions
Authors: Guo Shuang , Wang Yaxin , Zhang Fan , Gao Renxian , Liu Maomao , Dong Lirong , Liu Yang , Zhang Yongjun , Chen Lei
Published: June 2018

Emerging opportunities based on two-dimensional (2D) layered structures can utilize a variety of complex geometric architectures. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of a 2D+0D unique ternary platform-core-shell nanostructure, termed Ag@Cu2O-rGO, where the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) 2D acting as a platform is uniformly decorated by Ag@Cu2O core-shell nanoparticles. Cu2O nanoparticles occupy the defect positions on the surface of the rGO platform and restore the conjugation of the rGO structure, which contributes to the significant decrease of the ID/IG intensity ratio. The rGO platform can not only bridge the isolated nanoparticles together but also can quickly transfer the free electrons arising from the Ag core to the Cu2O shell to improve the utilization efficiency of photogenerated electrons, as is verified by high efficient photocatalytic activity of Methyl Orange (MO). The multi-interface coupling of the Ag@Cu2O-rGO platform-core-shell nanostructure leads to the decrease of the bandgap with an increase of the Cu2O shell thickness, which broadens the absorption range of the visible light spectrum.
Listeria Monocytogenes: A Model Pathogen Continues to Refine Our Knowledge of the CD8 T Cell Response
Authors: Qiu Zhijuan , Khairallah Camille , Sheridan Brian
Published: June 2018

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection induces robust CD8 T cell responses, which play a critical role in resolving Lm during primary infection and provide protective immunity to re-infections. Comprehensive studies have been conducted to delineate the CD8 T cell response after Lm infection. In this review, the generation of the CD8 T cell response to Lm infection will be discussed. The role of dendritic cell subsets in acquiring and presenting Lm antigens to CD8 T cells and the events that occur during T cell priming and activation will be addressed. CD8 T cell expansion, differentiation and contraction as well as the signals that regulate these processes during Lm infection will be explored. Finally, the formation of memory CD8 T cell subsets in the circulation and in the intestine will be analyzed. Recently, the study of CD8 T cell responses to Lm infection has begun to shift focus from the intravenous infection model to a natural oral infection model as the humanized mouse and murinized Lm have become readily available. Recent findings in the generation of CD8 T cell responses to oral infection using murinized Lm will be explored throughout the review. Finally, CD8 T cell-mediated protective immunity against Lm infection and the use of Lm as a vaccine vector for cancer immunotherapy will be highlighted. Overall, this review will provide detailed knowledge on the biology of CD8 T cell responses after Lm infection that may shed light on improving rational vaccine design.
A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Formation of Interstellar Propylene Oxide (CH3CHCH2O)—A Chiral Molecule
Authors: Bergantini Alexandre , Abplanalp Matthew J. , Pokhilko Pavel , Krylov Anna I. , Shingledecker Christopher N. , Herbst Eric , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: June 2018

This work reveals via a combined experimental, computational, and astrochemical modeling study that racemic propylene oxide (c-C3H6O)—the first chiral molecule detected outside Earth toward the high-mass star-forming region Sagittarius B2(N)—can be synthesized by non-equilibrium reactions initiated by the effects of secondary electrons generated in the track of cosmic rays interacting with ice-coated interstellar grains through excited-state and spin-forbidden reaction pathways operating within low-temperature interstellar ices at 10 K. Our findings confront traditional hypotheses that thermal chemistries followed by processing of interstellar grains dictate the formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) in molecular clouds. Instead, we reveal a hitherto poorly quantified reaction class involving excited-state and spin-forbidden chemistry leading to racemic mixtures of COMs inside interstellar ices prior to their sublimation in star-forming regions. This fundamental production mechanism is of essential consequence in aiding our understanding of the origin and evolution of chiral molecules in the universe.
An Isothermal Outflow in High-mass Star-forming Region G240.31+0.07
Authors: Liu 刘峻 Junhao 豪 , Qiu Keping , Wyrowski Friedrich , Menten Karl , Güsten Rolf , Cao Yue , Wang Yuwei
Published: June 2018

We present Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) observations toward the massive star-forming region G240.31+0.07 in the CO J = 3–2, 6–5, and 7–6 lines. We detect a parsec-sized, bipolar, and high-velocity outflow in all the lines, which allow us, in combination with the existing CO J = 2–1 data, to perform a multi-line analysis of physical conditions of the outflowing gas. The CO 7–6/6–5, 6–5/3–2, and 6–5/2–1 ratios are found to be nearly constant over a velocity range of ∼5–25 km s−1 for both blueshifted and redshifted lobes. We carry out rotation diagram and large velocity gradient calculations of the four lines and find that the outflow is approximately isothermal with a gas temperature of ∼50 K and that the CO column density clearly decreases with the outflow velocity. If the CO abundance and the velocity gradient do not vary much, the decreasing CO column density indicates a decline in the outflow gas density with velocity. By comparing with theoretical models of outflow driving mechanisms, our observations and calculations suggest that the massive outflow in G240.31+0.07 is being driven by a wide-angle wind and further support a disk-mediated accretion at play for the formation of the central high-mass star.
Long-term Outcomes After Same Amount of Bilateral Rectus Muscle Recession for Intermittent Exotropia With the Same Angle of Deviation
Authors: Lee Haeng-Jin , Kim Seong-Joon , Yu Young Suk
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate long-term outcomes of homogenous bilateral rectus recession in patients with the same preoperative angle of deviation in intermittent exotropia and investigate factors associated with surgical outcomes.

Methods:

In this retrospective review, patients with the same preoperative angle of deviation who underwent bilateral 6-mm lateral rectus recession between January 2008 and January 2014 were observed for 2 or more years. Patients were classified into two groups based on deviation angle: success (orthophoria or exodeviation < 10 prism diopters [PD]) or recurrence (exodeviation ≥ 10 PD). Preoperative and postoperative ophthalmologic factors were compared between groups.

Results:

The success and recurrence groups contained 50 and 49 patients, respectively. Preoperative maximum angle of deviation was 29.0 ± 1.8 PD at distance in the success group and 28.9 ± 1.8 PD in the recurrence group. Deviation at the 2-year follow-up was 3.7 ± 3.7 and 18.3 ± 5.3 PD in the success and recurrence groups, respectively (
P
< .001). Preoperative factors were not significantly different between groups except for presence of lateral incomitance; success group patients presented more lateral incomitance (
P
= .035). The success group also presented more esodeviation just after the operation and showed a more stable course during follow-up. Surgical outcomes of patients with 10 PD or more of esodeviation 1 week postoperatively were significantly more favorable than patients with less than 10 PD of esodeviation (
P
= .027, log-rank test).

Conclusions:

Presence of lateral incomitance and early postoperative overcorrection were significantly associated with favorable surgical outcome and should be considered when planning intermittent exotropia surgery.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2018;55(5):319-325.]
Implementation of a Clinical Prediction Model Using Daily Postnatal Weight Gain, Birth Weight, and Gestational Age to Risk Stratify ROP
Authors: McCauley Kortany , Chundu Anupama , Song Helen , High Robin , Suh Donny
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To develop a simple prognostic model using postnatal weight gain, birth weight, and gestational age to identify infants at risk for developing severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:

Medical records from two tertiary referral centers with the diagnosis code “Retinopathy of Prematurity” were evaluated. Those with a birth weight of 1,500 g or less, gestational age of 30 weeks or younger, and unstable clinical courses were included. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to transform three independent variables into a growth rate algorithm.

Results:

Seventeen of 191 neonates had severe ROP. Weight gain of at least 23 g/d was determined as a protective cut-off value against development of severe ROP. This value maintained 100% sensitivity with 62% specificity to ensure all neonates who require treatment would be captured. Overall, the Omaha (OMA)-ROP model calculated a 58% reduction in eye examinations within the cohort.

Conclusions:

Inclusion of postnatal growth rate in risk stratification will minimize the number of eye examinations performed without increasing adverse visual outcomes. The OMA-ROP model predicts neonates who gain less than 23 g/d are at higher risk for developing severe ROP. Although promising, larger cohort studies may be necessary to validate and implement new screening practices among preterm infants.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2018;55(5):326-334.]
Large Scale Physical Modelling Study of a Flexible Barrier under the Impact of Granular Flows
Authors: Tan Dao-Yuan , Yin Jian-Hua , Feng Wei-Qiang , Qin Jie-Qiong , Zhu Zhuo-Hui
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Flexible barriers are being increasingly applied to mitigate the danger of debris flows. However, how barriers can be better designed to withstand the impact loads of debris flows is still an open question in natural hazard engineering. Here we report an improved large-scale physical modelling device and the results of two consecutive large-scale granular flow tests using this device to study how flexible barriers react under impact from granular flows. In the study, the impact force directly on the flexible barrier and the impact force transferred to the supporting structures are measured, calculated and compared. Based on the comparison, the impact loading attenuated by the flexible barrier is quantified. The hydro-dynamic and hydro-static approaches are also validated using the calculated impact forces.
The role of European windstorm clustering for extreme seasonal losses as determined from a high resolution climate model
Authors: Priestley Matthew D. K. , Dacre Helen F. , Shaffrey Len C. , Hodges Kevin I. , Pinto Joaquim G.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Extratropical cyclones are the most damaging natural hazard to affect western Europe. Serial clustering occurs when many intense cyclones affect one area in a period of time which can potentially lead to very large seasonal losses. Previous studies have shown that intense cyclones may be more likely to cluster than less intense cyclones. We revisit this topic using a high resolution climate model with the aim to determine how important clustering is for windstorm related losses. The role of windstorm clustering is investigated using a quantifiable loss-based metric (storm severity index (SSI)) based on near-surface meteorological variables (10-metre wind speed) that is used to convert a wind footprint into losses for individual windstorms or seasons. 918 years of high resolution coupled climate model data from the High-Resolution Global Environment Model (HiGEM) are compared to ERA-Interim re-analysis. HiGEM is able to successfully reproduce the wintertime North Atlantic/European circulation, and represent the large-scale circulation associated with the serial clustering of European windstorms. We use two measures to identify any changes in the contribution of clustering to the overall seasonal losses for increasing return periods. Above a return period of 3 years, the accumulated seasonal loss from HiGEM is up to 20 % larger than the accumulated seasonal loss from a set of random realisations of the HiGEM data. Seasonsal losses are increased by 10–20 % relative to randomised seasonal losses at a return period of 200 years. The contribution of the single largest event in a season to the accumulated seasonal loss does not change with return period, generally ranging between ~ 0.25–0.5. Given the realistic dynamical representation of cyclone clustering in HiGEM, and comparable statistics to ERA-Interim, we conclude that our estimation of clustering and its dependence on the return period will be useful for informing the development of risk models for European windstorms, particularly for longer return periods.
Factores sociales, políticos y económicos de la modernidad arquitectónica en El Salvador
Authors: Cornejo Mejía Cristina Maricela
Published: June 2018

Which are the buildings that we define as Modern Architecture in El Salvador? The word “modern” in architecture has a meaning and period in time that differs to the term coined by the general public, where it is usually points out the characteristics of a building of recent construction and with a particular aesthetic of formal finishes, according to the tendencies of the current market. So how is Modern Architecture in El Salvador? Where is it? In the history of El Salvador this period is defined between 1940 and 1980, where the meaning of the design of the buildings during this time was radically transformed. The aspects that drove this change are directly linked to the economic situation (bonanza periods), socio-political (military governments), technological (industrialization) and cultural (cinema, radio and television redefined social life).Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 150, 2017: 41-64
Entrevista al arquitecto Juan José Rodríguez
Authors: Departamento de Organización del Espacio Equipo de investigación
Published: June 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 150, 2017: 169-185
Effects of Urogenital Schistosomiasis on Academic Performance and Anthropometric Parameters of School-aged Children
Authors: INYANG-ETOH Paul Columba , AKPAN Francisca Benedict , OPARA-OSUOHA Uloma
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the current

prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and its effects on academic

performance and anthropometric parameters of school-aged children in Akpet

community, Nigeria.

Methods: Urine

samples from randomly selected 300 school children aged 3-15 years were

examined for the presence of ova of Schistosoma

haematobium in their urine using standard filtration techniques.

Questionnaires were also administered.

Results: Urogenital

schistosomiasis was observed in 57(19%). Subjects aged 6-8 years had the

highest prevalence of infection 10 (37%) while subjects aged 3-5 years had the

lowest prevalence 3 (10%) (p≤0.001). Subjects with weight 30-39 kg had the highest

prevalence of infection 6 (25%) while subjects with weight 10-19 kg had the

lowest prevalence of infection 2 (10%) (p≤0.001). Subjects with height 130-139

cm had the highest prevalence 4 (28.5%) while subjects 70-79 cm, 80-89 cm and

140-149 cm had the lowest prevalence 0 (0%) (p≤0.001). Subjects with shoulder

length 15-20 cm had the highest prevalence 6(100%) while subjects with shoulder

length 21-26 cm had the lowest prevalence 2 (7.7%) (p≤0.001). Subjects with

average grade score “D and E” had the highest prevalence 6 (27.3%) while

subjects with average grade score “F” had the lowest prevalence 1 (8.33%)

(p≤0.020).

Conclusion: Urogenital schistosomiasis is endemic in Akpet

community. Age, weight, height, shoulder lengths and academic performance have

influence on the prevalence of this infection.

Urogenital

schistosomiasis has also shown to be significantly associated with the presence

of hematuria and proteinuria among residents of this endemic community. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(2):49-54
STUDY OF SYNTHESIS FEATURES OF NANOCRYSTALLINE ZINC FERRITE
Authors: Shabelskaya N.P. , Sulima S.I. , Sulima E.V. , Vlasenko A.I.
Published: June 2018

In work the process of formation of nanocrystal zinc ferrite was studied. The samples obtained were characterized with XPS, BET and SEM. The received samples have the developed surface. The average size of crystallites determined by Debye-Scherrer equation was 3 nm.
CATHODIC AND ANODIC PROCESSES IN SOLUTIONS OF ZINC SULFATE IN PRESENCE OF SURFACTANTS
Authors: Kolesnikov A.V.
Published: June 2018

We investigated the cathodic and anodic processes in solutions of zinc sulfate in the presence of a surfactant and the background solution of sodium sulfate over a wide potential range. It was shown that anionic surfactants increase the anode current and the cation ones decrease. An explanation for the increase in the magnitude of the anode current in presence of anionic surfactants and reduction in the presence of cation-active surfactant was done. Experimental data and thermodynamic calculations has shown that the reason for the lack of influence of surfactants on the magnitude of the cathode current for the background electrolyte solution of sodium sulfate is probably associated with the processes of sulfate reduction.
Safety Instrumented Systems
Authors: Summers Angela E.
Published: June 2018

A safety instrumented system (SIS) executes safety functions that are independent from the process control system and the process operator to address events resulting from loss of process control. One of the most common engineered safeguards,SISuses instrumentation and controls to detect abnormal process conditions and to take action to stop event propagation. Moreover,SIScan be tailored to meet operating, maintainability, and reliability goals of the process unit.

A sustainable strategy to ensure that the operating plan,SISdesign, and maintenance procedures are in alignment helps reduce costs and improve process safety over the life of process units.
Storage Protein Synthesis
Authors: Thompson Richard D
Published: June 2018

Seed storage proteins are synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum and accumulate in protein bodies in the cotyledon and endosperm storage tissues during seed development. Their synthesis relies on remobilisation of nitrogen from vegetative tissues. They are adapted for storing rapidly and in an inert form a high concentration of remobilisable nitrogen. Upon germination, they provide the seedling with amino acids during the heterotrophic growth phase. They also represent a major protein source for humans and livestock. Although having limiting quantities of essential amino acids, notably lysine and methionine, a combination of cereal and legume seed proteins, for example constitutes a good dietary amino acid balance for monogastric animals. Seed proteins have been classified by their differing solubilities. With the benefit of sequence data, we now know that within a solubility class different sequence types may exist. Interestingly, despite their contrasted primary sequences, the conservation of short sequence motifs shows that different storage protein classes are derived from a common evolutionary ancestor. Storage proteins embrace a large range of valuable technological properties, which find varied uses in the food industry.

Key Concepts

Seed storage proteins have evolved to store nitrogen efficiently as a source for the germinating seedling.

Most monocotyledons store mainly prolamin storage proteins, whereas dicotyledons store mainly globulins.

Prolamins consist mainly of short tandem repeats of noncharged amino acids, which renders them insoluble in water.

Globulins are assembled into multimers that reduce their solubility.

Seeds contain antinutritional compounds that reduce digestibility of the storage proteins by humans or livestock unless eliminated by breeding or processing.

The secondary/tertiary structure of cereal glutelins confers the property of viscoelasticity, of fundamental importance to breadmaking.

Storage proteins are encoded by multigene families, and mutations having a major effect on their accumulation are mostly
in trans
, at loci regulating their synthesis or deposition in protein bodies.

The seed's structure and its development are highly adapted to permit a rapid accumulation of storage products during the limited period of seed maturation.

Storage protein deposition relies on remobilisation of nitrogen from vegetative tissue.

Storage protein remobilisation during germination involves activation of preexisting proteases and induction of de novo synthesis.
Self‐Assembling Nanoclay Diffusion Gels for Bioactive Osteogenic Microenvironments
Authors: Shi Pujiang , Kim Yang‐Hee , Mousa Mohamed , Sanchez Roxanna Ramnarine , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Dawson Jonathan I.
Published: June 2018

Laponite nanoparticles have attracted attention in the tissue engineering field for their protein interactions, gel‐forming properties, and, more recently, osteogenic bioactivity. Despite growing interest in the osteogenic properties of Laponite, the application of Laponite colloidal gels to host the osteogenic differentiation of responsive stem cell populations remains unexplored. Here, the potential to harness the gel‐forming properties of Laponite to generate injectable bioactive microenvironments for osteogenesis is demonstrated. A diffusion/dialysis gelation method allows the rapid formation of stable transparent gels from injectable, thixotropic Laponite suspensions in physiological fluids. Upon contact with buffered saline or blood serum, nanoporous gel networks exhibiting, respectively, fivefold and tenfold increases in gel stiffness are formed due to the reorganization of nanoparticle interactions. Laponite diffusion gels are explored as osteogenic microenvironments for skeletal stem cell containing populations. Laponite films support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells in 2D. Laponite gel encapsulation significantly enhances osteogenic protein expression compared with 3D pellet culture controls. In both 2D and 3D conditions, cell associated mineralization is strongly enhanced. This study demonstrates that Laponite diffusion gels offer considerable potential as biologically active and clinically relevant bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
Dual Upconverted and Downconverted Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Donor–Acceptor Assemblies
Authors: Yang Dong , Duan Pengfei , Liu Minghua
Published: June 2018

Through mimicking both the chiral and energy transfer in an artificial self‐assembled system, not only was chiral transfer realized but also a dual upconverted and downconverted energy transfer system was created that emit circularly polarized luminescence. The individual chiral π‐gelator can self‐assemble into a nanofiber exhibiting supramolecular chirality and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). In the presence of an achiral sensitizer PdII octaethylporphyrin derivative, both chirality transfer from chiral gelator to achiral sensitizer and triplet‐triplet energy transfer from excited sensitizer to chiral gelator could be realized. Upconverted CPL could be observed through a triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion (TTA‐UC), while downconverted CPL could be obtained from chirality‐transfer‐induced emission of the achiral sensitizer. The interplay between chiral energy acceptor and achiral sensitizer promoted the communication of chiral and excited energy information.
Pneumoscrotum after colorectal surgery: A case report
Authors: Willburger Johanna , Suter Basil , Wimmer Matthias , Kirchhoff Philipp
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Pneumoscrotum is a very rare complication. Currently, very little evidence‐based medicine exists on treatment guidelines. We think a prophylactic antibiotic course and a 48 hours in hospital observation are justified in these rare cases.
Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrates on Quality of Recovery in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Jeong Soo , Song Young , Kim Ji Young , Park Joon Seong , Yoon Dong Sup
Published: June 2018

Background

While carbohydrate loading is an important component of enhanced patient recovery after surgery, no study has evaluated the effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) on patient satisfaction and overall recovery. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative oral carbohydrates on scores from the quality of recovery 40‐item (QoR‐40) questionnaire after LC.

Methods

A total of 153 adults who underwent LC were randomized into three groups. Group MN‐NPO was fasted from midnight until surgery. Group No‐NPO received 400 mL of a carbohydrate beverage on the evening before surgery, and a morning dose of 400 mL was ingested at least 2 h before surgery. Group Placebo received the same quantity of flavored water as for group No‐NPO. The quality of recovery after general anesthesia was evaluated using QoR‐40 questionnaire. Intraoperative hemodynamics were also evaluated.

Results

There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of the pre‐ and postoperative global QoR‐40 scores (P = 0.257). Group MN‐NPO had an elevated heart rate compared to patients who ingested a preoperative beverage (groups No‐NPO and Placebo; P = 0.0412).

Conclusions

The preoperative carbohydrate beverage did not improve quality of recovery using the QoR‐40 questionnaire after general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to placebo or conventional fasting. However, the preoperative fasting group had a consistently increased heart rate during changes in body position that induced hypotension, which is likely a result of depletion of effective intravascular volume caused by traditional fasting over 8 h.

Trial Registration

Clinical trial.gov identifier: NCT02555020.
Synthetic biology advances and applications in the biotechnology industry: a perspective
Authors: Katz Leonard , Chen Yvonne Y , Gonzalez Ramon , Peterson Todd C , Zhao Huimin , Baltz Richard H
Published: June 2018

Synthetic biology is a logical extension of what has been called recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology or genetic engineering since the 1970s. As rDNA technology has been the driver for the development of a thriving biotechnology industry today, starting with the commercialization of biosynthetic human insulin in the early 1980s, synthetic biology has the potential to take the industry to new heights in the coming years. Synthetic biology advances have been driven by dramatic cost reductions in DNA sequencing and DNA synthesis; by the development of sophisticated tools for genome editing, such as CRISPR/Cas9; and by advances in informatics, computational tools, and infrastructure to facilitate and scale analysis and design. Synthetic biology approaches have already been applied to the metabolic engineering of microorganisms for the production of industrially important chemicals and for the engineering of human cells to treat medical disorders. It also shows great promise to accelerate the discovery and development of novel secondary metabolites from microorganisms through traditional, engineered, and combinatorial biosynthesis. We anticipate that synthetic biology will continue to have broadening impacts on the biotechnology industry to address ongoing issues of human health, world food supply, renewable energy, and industrial chemicals and enzymes.
Retrospective evaluation of fidaxomicin versus oral vancomycin for treatment of Clostridium difficile infections in allogeneic stem cell transplant
Authors: Prohaska Laura , Mahmoudjafari Zahra , Shune Leyla , Singh Anurag , Lin Tara , Abhyankar Sunil , Ganguly Siddhartha , Grauer Dennis , McGuirk Joseph , Clough Lisa
Published: June 2018

Objective/background:

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a potential complication during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and no specific recommendations exist regarding treatment of CDI in allogeneic SCT patients. Use of metronidazole and oral vancomycin has been associated with clinical failure. Fidaxomicin has previously been found noninferior to the use of oral vancomycin for the treatment of CDI, and no studies have compared the use of oral vancomycin with fidaxomicin for the treatment of CDI in allogeneic SCT.

Methods:

This retrospective chart review included 96 allogeneic SCT recipients who developed CDI within 100 days following transplantation. Participants were treated with oral vancomycin (n = 52) or fidaxomicin (n = 44). The primary outcome was clinical cure, defined as no need for further retreatment 2 days following completion of initial CDI treatment. Secondary outcomes were global cure, treatment failure, and recurrent disease.

Results:

No differences in clinical cure were observed between patients receiving oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin (75% vs. 75%, p = 1.00). Secondary outcomes were similar between oral vancomycin and fidaxomicin in regards to global cure (66% vs. 67%, p = .508), treatment failure (28% vs. 27%, p =.571), and recurrent disease (7% vs. 5%, p = .747). In a subanalysis of individuals that developed acute graft-versus-host disease following CDI, the difference in mean onset of acute graft-versus-host disease was 21.03 days in the oral vancomycin group versus 32.88 days in the fidaxomicin group (p = .0031).

Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that oral vancomycin and fidaxomicin are comparable options for CDI treatment in allogeneic SCT patients within 100 days following transplant.
Condoning the Use of Force: The UN Security Council as Interpreter of the Jus ad Bellum
Authors: Johnstone Ian
Published: June 2018

Monica Hakimi's article probes the legal significance of an interesting phenomenon: the UN Security Council condoning the use of force, as opposed to authorizing it. She offers an innovative perspective on this little-studied dimension of how the Council contributes to the development of jus ad bellum. While I applaud much in the article, I question her characterization of what the Council is condoning in the cases she reviews. She claims these are “fact-specific decisions,” whereas I argue that the Council is endorsing controversial interpretations of the law on the use of force. This disagreement does not detract from Hakimi's observations about the policy implications of the practice, or about the Council's role as a site for deliberation and argumentation about the content of international law. But it does cast doubt on her conceptual claim that there are two distinct “regulatory forms,” which together provide the content of jus ad bellum, one particularistic and procedural, the other general and substantive. All legal claims and justifications entail the application of general standards to particular facts, either explicitly or implicitly. Most of her case studies can be explained in those terms. Thus, while the Council's practice of condoning the use of force is important to understand, the “conventional account” she derides provides a more persuasive and parsimonious explanation of that phenomenon.
Path selection of a spherical capsule in a microfluidic branched channel: towards the design of an enrichment device
Authors: Wang Z. , Sui Y. , Salsac A.-V. , Barthès-Biesel D. , Wang W.
Published: June 2018

We computationally study the motion of an initially spherical capsule flowing through a straight channel with an orthogonal lateral branch, using a three-dimensional immersed-boundary lattice-Boltzmann method. The capsule is enclosed by a strain-hardening membrane and contains an internal fluid of the same viscosity as the fluid in which it is suspended. Our primary focus is to study the influence of the geometry of the side branch on the capsule path selection. Specifically, we consider the case where the side branch cross-section is half that of the straight channel and study various bifurcation configurations, where the branch is rectangular or square, centred or not on the straight channel axis. The capsule is initially centred on the axis of the straight channel. We impose the flow rate split ratio between the two downstream branches of the bifurcation. We summarise the results obtained for different capsule-to-channel size ratios, flow Reynolds number $Re$ (based on the parent channel size and average flow speed) and capsule mechanical deformability (as measured by the capillary number) in phase diagrams giving the critical flow rate split ratio above which the capsule flows into the side branch. A major finding is that, at equal flow rate split between the two downstream branches, the capsule will enter a branch which is narrow in the spanwise direction, but will not enter a branch which is narrow in the flow direction. For $Re\leqslant 5$, this novel intriguing phenomenon primarily results from the background flow, which is strongly influenced by the side branch geometry. For higher values of $Re$, the capsule relative size and deformability also play specific roles in the path selection. The capsule trajectory does not always obey the classical Fung’s bifurcation law, which stipulates that a particle (in Fung’s case, a red blood cell) enters the bifurcation branch with the highest flow rate. We also consider the same branched channels operating under constant pressure drop conditions and show that such systems are difficult to control due to the transient additional pressure drop caused by the capsule. The present results obtained for dilute systems open new perspectives on the design of microfluidic systems, with optimal channel geometries and flow conditions to enrich cell and particle suspensions.