bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional responses of Anopheles gambiae s.s mosquito larvae to chronic exposure of cadmium heavy metal
Authors: Muturi Catherine N. , Rono Martin K. , Masiga Daniel K. , Wachira Francis N. , Ochieng Richard , Mireji Paul O.
Published: December 2017

Background: Anopheles gambiae larvae traditionally thrive in non-polluted environments. We previously documented the presence of the larvae in heavy metal polluted urban aquatic environments and the associated biological cost. The goal of this study was to unravel the molecular dynamics involved in the adaptation of the mosquitoes to the heavy metals.

Methods: Total RNA was extracted from third instar larvae of both cadmium treated populations and untreated control populations. The RNA concentrations were normalized and complementary DNAs were prepared. Then annealing control primer (ACP) technology was applied to establish transcriptional responses in An. gambiae larvae following several generational (n=90) chronic exposures to cadmium. Differentially expressed genes were determined by their differential banding patterns on an agarose gel. Gel extraction and purification was then carried out on the DEGs and these were later cloned and sequenced to establish the specific transcripts.   

Results: We identified 14 differentially expressed transcripts in response to the cadmium exposure in the larvae. Most (11) of the transcripts were up-regulated in response to the cadmium exposure and were putatively functionally associated with metabolism, transport and protein synthesis processes. The transcripts included ATP-binding cassette transporter, eupolytin, ribosomal RNA, translation initiation factor, THO complex, lysosomal alpha-mannosidase, sodium-independent sulfate anion transporter and myotubularin related protein 2. The down-regulated transcripts were functionally associated with signal transduction and proteolytic activity and included Protein G12, adenylate cyclase and endoplasmic reticulum metallopeptidase.

Conclusions: Our findings shed light on pathways functionally associated with the adaptation to heavy metals that can be targeted in integrated vector control programs, and potential An. gambiae larvae biomarkers for assessment of environmental stress or contamination.
Coefficient inequality for transforms of certain subclass of analytic functions
Authors: RamReddy T. , Shalini D. , Vamshee Krishna D. , Venkateswarlu B.
Published: December 2017

The objective of this paper is to obtain the best possible sharp upper bound for the second Hankel functional associated with the kth root transform [f(zk)]1/k of normalized analytic function f(z) when it belongs to certain subclass of analytic functions, defined on the open unit disc in the complex plane using Toeplitz determinants.
The improvement of forwarding service in enterprise of furniture industry
Authors: Бычков Владимир , Bychkov Vladimir , Черемисина Наталия , Cheremisina Nataliya , Проскурина Ирина , Proskurina Irina , Усова Юлия , Usova Yuliya
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is forwarding services, since at present transport largely determines the opportunities for development of national economies. The basic requirements on the market are the terms of delivery of goods: at the right time, in the right place, with certain consumer characteristics, in the required quantities. All this highlights the issue of freight forwarding service and choice of optimal method of delivery. In recent years, the latest practices and technologies for the delivery of goods, based on the method of integration of transport and logistics, on the development of the latest technologies in the field of informatics and communications, have been introduced into the economic practice of transport and forwarding enterprises and firms. As in other industries, the market for forwarding services has become a market for buyers. Therefore, it is extremely important for transport and forwarding enterprises to study and analyze the needs of society in all types of transport services in order to meet them. Thus, the successful operation of such enterprises is impossible without the active application of marketing research in their business processes. The modern freight transport market is characterized by a greater variety of forms of service. However, the reforms carried out in the country have not been lifted, but, rather, deepened the contradictions of a socio-economic nature. As a consequence, the problems of regulating transport activities are growing and becoming more complicated, as determined by such factors as insufficient attention of the state and local authorities to the problems of transport; lack of holistic coordination mechanism for management, combining elements of overall system management and operational regulation of transport. In a rapidly changing world, it is necessary to quickly respond to the constantly emerging new demands and requirements. This is especially true in the sphere of services. Therefore, transport and forwarding enterprises in order to remain successful and competitive need to effectively organize their activities and offer quality services.
The tenancy agreement and similar agreements
Authors: Формакидов Дмитрий , Formakidov Dmitriy
Published: December 2017

The book presents a holistic view of the system of agreements pertaining to the provision of residential accommodation for the use of citizens.
In the monograph consistently analyzed the issue of the necessity of forming the General provisions of the tenancy agreement; the existing in Russia varieties of the contract of employment; analyzed related with hiring civil-legal agreements in housing – sublease contract, contract of gratuitous use of housing, agreement on the earliest family members and temporary residents.
Regulatory framework given in the book as of 1 January 2017.
The monograph is addressed to researchers, teachers, postgraduates, undergraduates and law students, judges, lawyers, practicing lawyers and all those interested in issues of civil and housing law.
The adaptive-landscape system of agriculture
Authors: Беленков Алексей , Belenkov Aleksey , Мазиров Михаил , Mazirov Mikhail , Зеленев Александр , Zelenev Aleksandr
Published: December 2017

In this tutorial, methodological and practical basis of adaptiv-but-landscape systems of the earth-Delia, are the characteristics of the component parts, including the system of crop rotation Rotov, tillage, fertilizers, integrated plant protection, plant breeding and seed production, technology tillage crops. The essence and mechanism of formation of adaptive landscape systems of agriculture in the conditions of modern agricultural production.
Asthma: an overview of prehospital care
Authors: Scholes Steven
Published: December 2017

Asthma exacerbations are characterized by progressive increase in shortness of breath, decrease in expiratory airflow, productive or non-productive cough, wheezing and feeling of chest tightness. Emergency hospital admissions for asthma are costly and it is estimated 75% are avoidable through effective asthma management and routine care. This article addresses asthma management in prehospital care explaining relevant underlying pathophysiology of asthma exacerbations to provide clinicians with a greater understanding of asthma and its pharmacological and ventilatory management. .
Cannulated screw versus Kirschner-wire fixation for Milch II lateral condyle fractures in a paediatric sawbone model: A biomechanical comparison
Authors: Franks D. , Shatrov J. , Symes M. , Little D. G. , Cheng T. L.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Lateral condyle fractures of the humerus are common in the paediatric population, accounting for up to 20% of elbow fractures. Traditional management involves internal fixation with Kirschner (K)-wires, however, this has been associated with complications and insufficiently rigid fixation. Recently, cannulated screws have been proposed as a more stable method of fixation. While cannulated screws have been thought to allow earlier range of movement and shorten time to union, data regarding the biomechanical performance and optimal screw placement is scarce. We hypothesize that cannulated screw fixation is superior to K-wire fixation and screw placement can enhance the stability of the construct.

Methods

Paediatric humerus sawbones with Milch II fractures were fixed with one of three methods. Fractures were reduced with either a single cannulated screw either through the centre of the capitellum (oblique), or placed up the lateral column across the growth plate (lateral), or fixed with two K-wires. Fixed sawbone fractures were then mechanically tested in two directions simulating in vivo forces.

Results

The lateral screw construct had a higher maximum force to failure, higher stiffness and absorbed higher energy as compared with the K-wire fixation and oblique screw under an anterior force. When loaded from the posterior direction, only the lateral column screw was better than K-wire fixation.

Conclusions

Screw fixation is a biomechanically effective alternative to K-wire fixation, especially when placed up the lateral column of the distal humerus. Further clinical studies are required before transcapitellar screw fixation can be adopted.
The Effects of Fatty Acid Composition and Storage Conditions on the Oxidative Stability of Various Vegetable Seed Oils
Authors: Lee Jin-Won , Seo Mi-Sook , Park Jang Woo
Published: December 2017

Vegetable seed oils (VSOs) have been extracted and used not only as ingredients in food and as sources of dietary lipids, but also as sources of nutraceuticals used to overcome the various oxidative stresses that contribute to the development of diseases, including cancer and other chronic conditions. The chemical compositions and oxidative stabilities of various VSOs were therefore investigated; samples were stored for 35 d, with each oil having been tested under O2 exposure, sealed from O2 exposure and sealed from O2 exposure while containing O2 scavengers. Oxidative stability was evaluated by peroxide value (POV), p-anisidine value (p-AnV), iodine value (IV), and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value. Perilla seed and flaxseed oil were mostly composed of linolenic acid (45.5% and 59.7%, respectively), whereas pine seed oil was mostly composed of linoleic acid (48.3%). Meanwhile, camellia seed and olive oils contained 80% oleic acid, which correlated strongly with oxidative stability. The POV, p-AnV, and TBA values were the highest under O2 exposure, and the lowest in the presence of O2 scavengers. These results indicate that VOS oxidative stability depends not only on storage conditions, but on unsaturated fatty acid profiles as well.
Impact of Tofu Paste and Non-starch Polysaccharides on Oil Uptake Reduction in Cake Doughnuts
Authors: Jung Gil-Young , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Ko Eun-Sol , Kim Hyun-Seok
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of combinations of tofu paste and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on the oil uptake reduction (OTR) of deep-fat fried cake doughnuts. OTR agents were tofu paste (from grinding tofu with deionized water, followed by passage through a 60 mesh sieve), and five neutral and nine anionic NSPs. A control doughnut (without tofu paste or NSP), tofu doughnut (with tofu paste) and NSP-tofu doughnut (with tofu paste and NSP) were prepared. The moisture and total lipid (TL) content, cross-section image, color characteristic, and specific volume were measured. The tofu and NSP-tofu doughnuts exhibited higher moisture and lower TL content than the control. OTR was 10.8% for the tofu doughnut, and between 13.2% and 41.2% for the NSP-tofu doughnut. The highest OTR (41.2%) was found in the NSP-tofu doughnut with a combination of tofu paste and sodium alginate (NaA). The specific volume of the NSP-tofu doughnuts with combinations of tofu paste with NaA (2.5 mL/g), locust bean gum (2.5 mL/g), and κ-carrageenan (2.4 mL/g) was very close to that of the control (2.6 mL/g). Considering the OTR and specific volume of doughnuts, the combination of tofu paste and NaA would be most effective in reducing the oil uptake of doughnuts during deep-fat frying.
Antibacterial and Proteolytic Activities of Bacterial Isolates from Ethnic Fermented Seafoods in the East Coast of Korea
Authors: Park Woo Jung , Lee Seung Hwan , Lee Hyungjae
Published: December 2017

We attempted to investigate antibacterial and proteolytic activities of bacteria isolated from three ethnic fermented seafoods in the east coast of South Korea, gajami sikhae, squid jeotgal, and fermented jinuari (Grateloupia filicina). Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, Staphylococcus aureus KCTC 1916, Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 43895, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 4931 were selected to determine the antibacterial activity of the bacterial isolates. Among 233 isolates from the three foods, 36 isolates (15.5%) showed antibacterial activity against B. cereus ATCC 14579, the highest incidence of inhibition, followed by S. aureus KCTC 1916 (7.7%) and L. monocytogenes ATCC 15313 (6.0%). However, only five and three strains among the isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against Gram-negative indicators, E. coli ATCC 43895 and Sal. enterica ATCC 4931, respectively. The proteolytic activity of the isolates was determined via hydrolysis of skim milk after 24, 48, and 72 h incubation. After 72 h incubation, 72 out of 233 isolates (30.9%) showed proteolytic activity, and the isolates of fermented jinuari exhibited the highest incidence of proteolytic activity (60%, 36 isolates). These results suggest that ethnic fermented seafoods in the east coast of South Korea might be a promising source of bacterial strains producing antibacterial and proteolytic compounds.
‘Let Prudence Plain-Dress be your companion’: Dress of female preachers during the Second Great Awakening (1790–1865)
Authors: Strifler Jennise , Mamp Michael
Published: December 2017

The Second Great Awakening (1790–1865) created large numbers of new Christian congregants. In order for churches to effectively minister their burgeoning populations, they enlisted the help of women to serve as itinerant preachers. This research analysed the autobiographies of female preachers, period newspaper articles and imagery to better understand the relationship between the sartorial choices and public personas of female preachers. Most did not align themselves with feminist ideologies of the time but rather claimed the will of God as justification. However, these women were highly criticized and therefore sought a balance between their gender and their faith. This was achieved in part through the adoption of a plain style of dress that stood in stark contrast to superfluous fashions of the time. The style of plain dress was modelled after the attire of the Quakers with neutral colours, no embellishments and simple fabrications. Women were told by male preachers, such as John Wesley, that they should dress plainly. Many congregants, as well as female preachers, told stories of extreme conversions where they immediately eschewed their fashionable clothing.
Miki Vargas: Queer-fashion photographer and The Handsome Revolution
Authors: Reddy-Best Kelly L.
Published: December 2017

This study documents and analyses the life and work of Miki Vargas (1973–present), a photographer who captured and promoted images, for both commercial and personal projects, of masculine women and transmen and circulated these photographs in the media where this aesthetic is largely if not almost entirely absent. Vargas worked at the forefront of the burgeoning queer-fashion movement in the twenty-first century as the cornerstone photographer for Saint Harridan, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ)-focused brand selling men’s fashion to masculine-of-centre women and transmen. Alongside her commercial work, Vargas created a personal series, The Handsome Revolution, where she captured the fashions and aesthetics of masculine-presenting women or transmen, which have quite a similar aesthetic to her work for Saint Harridan. In this article, I also analyse the alternative styles/photographs in The Handsome Revolution and corresponding statements of what masculinity meant to each participant, which Vargas documented for 98 LGBTQ women and transmen. I highlight how Vargas’ photography work created a space for gender non-conforming individuals to feel empowered by their masculine appearance, aesthetic and continual subject formation. This research examines the ongoing possibilities of gender expression in relation to fashion.
English lexical items in Egyptian Arabic. Code-switching or borrowing?
Authors: Kniaź Małgorzata
Published: December 2017

The study aims to answer the question of whether lone English items that occur in Arabic-English code-switching are borrowings or code-switches. This is based on empirical data collected at the American University in Cairo. The data were analyzed within the framework of the Matrix Language Frame model. 3443 bilingual projections of complementizer (CP) were investigated. They were divided into two types: (1) CPs with Arabic as the Matrix Language (ML) and (2) CPs with English as the ML. The analysis shows a clear discrepancy between categories of items used in the two types. In Arabic CPs, the most frequently switched category concerns English nouns related to the field of study and academic life as well as Standard Arabic in monolingual discourse. The interviews conducted with the participants in the study revealed that they were mostly used due to the lack of Arabic equivalents at the speakers’ disposal. In English CPs, mainly Arabic conjunctions and discourse markers appear. We claim that this categorial and functional variation between Arabic and English results from the linguistic situation in the Arab world. For bilingual speakers in Arabic diglossic communities, educated in schools with instruction in English and non-proficient in Standard Arabic, English items are the only means to communicate in many fields. Such items become part of their mental lexicon and thus should be considered as borrowings even if they are not established loans.
New fabrication method using additive manufacturing technologies for the pattern of pressed lithium disilicate onlay restorations
Authors: Revilla-Leon Marta , Olea-Vielba Marina , Esteso-Díaz Ana , Martinez-Klemm Iñaki , Reuss Rodriguez-Vilaboa Jose Manuel , Özcan Mutlu
Published: December 2017

There are 7 categories for the additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and a wide variety of materials that can be used to build a computer aided designed (CAD) 3-Dimensional (3D) object. The present article reviews the main AM processes for polymers for dental applications: stereolithography (SLA), direct light processing (DLP), material jetting (MJ) and material extrusion (ME). The manufacturing process, accuracy and precision of these methods will be reviewed, as well as, their prosthodontic applications. Keywords: 3D printing; Additive manufacturing technologies; Direct light processing; Fused deposition modelling; Material extrusion; Material jetting; Multijet printing; Prosthodontics; Stereolitography.
Chitosan in different concentrations added to a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system: influence on bond strength to dentin
Authors: Nunes Rafael Avellar de Carvalho , Amaral Flávia Lucisano Botelho do , França Fabiana Mantovani Gomes , Turssi Cecilia Pedroso , Basting Roberta Tarkany
Published: December 2017

Objective: the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of adding different concentrations of chitosan to an experimental two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system on the bond strength and failure mode to dentin. Material and Methods: thirty-two flat dentin surfaces were obtained from extracted human third molars and divided into four groups  (n=8) for application of the adhesive systems: AD - conventional two-step adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2); EXP – experimental two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system; Chi0.2% - EXP with addition of 0.2% Chitosan; Chi0.5% - EXP with addition of 0.5% Chitosan. Resin composite build-ups were made and the composite/dentin specimens were sectioned to obtain rectangular beams with a bond area of approximately 1mm2. After 24 hours, the sticks were submitted to microtensile bond strength tests in a universal test machine. The fracture pattern was evaluated under a stereoscopic loupe at 40X magnification. Results: one-way analysis of variance showed that the type of adhesive system had no significant effect on the bond strength values (p = 0.142), showing the mean bond strength values (standard deviation), in MPa, for the groups as follows: AD=20.1 (5.4); EXP=16.6 (2.3); Chi0.2%=16.1 (2.8); Chi0.5%=16.9 (2.3). In all the groups there was predominance of cohesive fractures in dentin, representing 68 to 82% of the failure modes. Conclusion: the addition of 0.2 or 0.5% of chitosan had no influence on the bond strength and failure mode of an experimental two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system to dentin.KeywordsChitosan; Dental Adhesives; Failure Mode; Microtensile Bond Strength.
Mixing failures of endodontic sealers: an in vivo biocompatibility study
Authors: Bueno Carlos Roberto Emerenciano , Lopes Gustavo Arcos , Valentim Diego , Marques Vanessa Abreu Sanches , Vasques Ana Maria Veiga , Cury Marina Tolomei sandoval , Sivieri-Araujo Gustavo , Jacinto Rogerio de Castilho , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo , Dezan-Junior Eloi
Published: December 2017

Objective: Evaluate, in vivo, the influence of mixing failures on endodontic sealers. Material and methods: To alveolus analysis, 80 rats were divided into Sealapex® and AH Plus® groups. Within each group, the sealer was subjected to either partial (incomplete homogenization—simulating handling failures) or total mixing (complete homogenization) over two periods of 7 and 30 days (n = 20). The maxillary incisor was extracted and a polyethylene tube containing the sealer was inserted. To quantify edema, 40 male rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). The animals received 2% Evans Blue intravenously, and either AH Plus® or Sealapex® was injected subcutaneously. The rats were euthanized after 3 or 6 hours and analyzed in a spectrophotometer (630 ?m). To analyze the subcutaneous tissue, 20 rats received polyethylene tube implants with the sealers in the dorsal area (n=10), then euthanized after either 7 or 30 days, and inflammation was evaluated according to an inflammatory cells score. Results: In the alveolar 7-day group, control group presented an inflammation score 1, while all other groups presented a score 2, except AH plus® total mix group (3). After 30 days, all groups presented a score 1. The edemogenic test showed less edema in Sealapex® groups (p < 0.5). In subcutaneous 7-day period, all groups presented score 2. In 30 days, all groups revealed score 1, except AH Plus® partial mix group (2). Conclusion: Regarding mixing of the sealers, there were no significant differences among the groups.KeywordsAH Plus; Inflammation; Materials testing; Root canal filling materials; Sealapex.
Eje 1. Documentales, actores, personajes y circuitos de circulación: Relaciones cinematográficas transnacionales entre México y España: el caso de las producciones Calderón
Authors: Flores Silvana
Published: December 2017

En este artículo se enumerarán y analizarán los nexos transnacionales que se han efectuado durante el período clásico–industrial del cine mexicano con España, teniendo en cuenta diferentes mecanismos de intercambio que incluyen, entre varios aspectos, la migración de actores y directores desde Europa hacia América, las transacciones de coproducción, la conformación de parejas transnacionales en la estructura dramática de los filmes y la inclusión de temáticas y elementos culturales vinculados al hispanismo. Considerando que este fenómeno abarca largo tiempo, además de géneros y corrientes estéticas, el estudio será circunscripto a las producciones realizadas por los hermanos José Luis, Pedro y Guillermo Calderón, empresarios cinematográficos mexicanos que desplegaron una amplia productividad en dichas conexiones y perduraron a lo largo de las décadas. Se apuntará en consecuencia a comprobar que la integración continental e intercontinental ha existido en el área del cine aun con anterioridad a la modernización de las cinematografías latinoamericanas en los años sesenta.
Eje 4. Análisis de textos cinematográficos: en tanto representación de nuevas formas de sociabilidad y como acción social reflexiva: Crisis y zoon elektronikón. Reflexiones sobre La red social de David Fincher, 2010
Authors: Huici Vicente A.
Published: December 2017

Al calor de Facebook, la expansión de las denominadas redes sociales durante los últimos años ha abierto paso a un nuevo tipo de ser humano para quien las nuevas tecnologías constituyen el eje de articulación de su socialización. Para denominar a este tipo de ser humano nos acogemos a una nueva denominación, el zoon elektronikón. La red social (2010), de David Fincher, pretende ser una crónica sobre el origen y desarrollo de Facebook y de este nuevo tipo de ser humano que ha surgido al acelerarse las dinámicas sociales por la vía electrónica.
Una nueva generación española en Alemania. Análisis de las motivaciones para la emigración bajo el manto de la crisis
Authors: Pérez-Caramés Antía
Published: December 2017

Esta contribución se enmarca en el estudio de los nuevos procesos de emigración del sur al norte de Europa en un contexto marcado por la crisis económica y el aumento sin precedentes de la tasa de paro. Concretamente, se aborda la emigración española que desde el año 2008 escoge como destino la ciudad de Hamburgo, en Alemania. El objetivo principal consiste en analizar las motivaciones para emigrar, enmarcándolas en procesos socioestructurales de carácter más amplio, al tiempo que se presenta un estudio de las percepciones en torno al perfil y características que tiene esta emigración a respecto de esta ola migratoria. La metodología que sustenta la investigación es de corte cualitativo y consiste en entrevistas semiestructuradas a emigrantes recientes en Hamburgo (Alemania), así como seguimiento de comunidades virtuales y observación participante.
Radiation Induced Gastrointestinal Damage and Protection: Nigella Sativa Seed Extract and Thymoquinone
Authors: Pandey Nidhi , Shri Priya , Pandey Harsh , Tripathi Yamini B.
Published: December 2017

Ionising radiation therapy is a common treatment for different types of cancers. The side effects associated with radiation includes destruction of normal cells, especially the dividing cells. The cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bone marrow are the primary targets. The GI damage is reflected by early histological changes, functional alterations and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This has been designated as the radiation syndrome. Many synthetic drugs have been used to treat GI disorders but a definite cure has not been discovered so far and these available medications also cause several side effects. The herbal extracts are being tested for long time as preventive food supplement/drug in this disease. The radio protective effects of Nigella sativa (black cumin, (Ranunculacea) is already reported but its mechanism of action is not well established. Here in this review this aspect has been explored with special reference to various in vitro and in vivo models.
Gamma Ray Irradiation for Crop Protection Against Salt Stress
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Sharma Vasundhara , Yadav Poonam , Singh Bhupinder
Published: December 2017

Legumes have tremendous dietary value for human nutrition. However, the productivity of food legumes is always compromised owing to their insufficient ability to tolerate abiotic stresses such as drought or water logging, marginal soil, low/high temperatures and salt stress. Stress induces changes at the morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular level which are consequently manifested in terms of reduced seed yield and quality. Salt stress is one of the most important constraints to crop production particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Low dose of ionising radiation like gamma ray is reported to induce growth and several other physiological attributes in non-legume and legume crops. Relationship between seed gamma irradiation and salinity stress response could be related to favourable maintenance of gas exchange attributes (Pn, gs and E), 14C partitioning, activity of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT and POX), membrane stability index (MSI) K+ to Na+ ratio, proline and glycine betaine content. One or more mechanisms may contribute simultaneously towards salt tolerance response of crop plants. The present review critically analyses the effect of gamma ray irradiation on growth and development of legumes under salt stress and evaluates the contribution of various physiological and biochemical mechanisms towards radiation mediated alleviation of salt stress response.
Detection and classification of Bacteria using Raman Spectroscopy Combined with Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Sil S. , Mukherjee R. , Kumar N. S. , S. Aravind , Kingston J. , Singh U. K.
Published: December 2017

Vibrational spectroscopic techniques have advantages over conventional microbiological approaches towards identification & detection of pathogens. Since unique spectral fingerprint is obtained, one can identify very closely related bacteria using such methods. In this study Raman microspectroscopy in combination with chemometric method has been used to classify four strains of E. coli (two pathogenic & two non-pathogenic). Different multivariate approaches such as hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis & linear discriminant analysis were explored to obtain efficient classification of the Raman signals obtained from the four strains of E.coli. It was observed that multivariate analysis was able to classify the bacteria at strain level. Linear discrimination analysis using PC scores (PC-LDA) was found to give very good result with as high as 100% accuracy. This hybrid technique (Raman spectroscopy & multivariate analysis) has tremendous potential to be developed as a tool for bacterial identification. 
Critical Analysis of Background Subtraction Techniques on Real GPR Data
Authors: Sharma Prabhat , Kumar Bambam , Singh Dharmendra , Gaba S. P.
Published: December 2017

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is used to detect the underground buried objects for civil as well as defence applications under varying conditions of soil moisture content. The capability of detection depends upon soil moisture, target characteristics and subsurface characteristics, which are mainly responsible for contaminating the GPR images with clutter. Researchers earlier have used averaging, mean, median, Eigen values, etc. for subtracting the background from GPR images. To analyse the background subtraction or clutter reduction problems, in this paper, we have experimentally reviewed background subtraction techniques with or without target conditions to enhance the target detection under variable soil moisture content. Indigenously developed GPR has been used to collect the data for different soil conditions and several background subtraction signal processing techniques were critically reviewed like, mean, median, singular value decomposition (SVD), principal component analysis (PCA), independent component analysis (ICA) and training methods. The signal to clutter ratio (SCR) measurement has been used for performance evaluation of each technique. The relative merits and demerits of each technique has also been analysed. The background subtraction techniques have been appliedto experimental GPR data and it is observed that in comparison of mean, SVD, median, ICA, PCA, the training method shows the highest SCR with buried target. Finally, this review helps to select the comparatively better background subtraction technique to enhance the detection capability in GPR.
Study of an Energetic-oxidant Co-crystal: Preparation, Characterisation, and Crystallisation Mechanism
Authors: Gao Han , Jiang Wei , Liu Jie , Hao Gazi , Xiao Lei , Ke Xiang , Chen Teng
Published: December 2017

An energetic co-crystal consisting of the most promising military explosive 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and the most well-known oxidant applied in propellants ammonium perchlorate has been prepared with a simple solvent evaporation method. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of co-crystal differs greatly from each component. The X-ray diffraction spectrum, FTIR, Raman spectra, and differential scanning calorimetry characterisation further prove the formation of the co-crystal. The result of determination of hygroscopic rate indicated the hygroscopicity was effectively reduced. At last, the crystallisation mechanism has been discussed.
Priority Scheduling Algorithm for Traffic in a LTE-based Defence Mesh Network Incorporating Centralised Scheduling Architecture
Authors: Shukla Sidharth , Bhatia Vimal
Published: December 2017

Wireless mesh networks (WMN) are the networks of future and can operate on multiple protocols ranging from WiFi, WiMax to long term evolution (LTE). As a recent trend defence networks are incorporating off-the-shelf, state of the art commercial protocols to enhance the capability of their networks. LTE is one such commercially available protocol which is easy to deploy and provide high data rate which can be ideally implemented in WMN for defence networks. To enable these high data rate services LTE-based defence mesh networks (DMN) are the requirement of the day and future. However, LTE-based DMN are prone to congestion at times of active operations or full-fledged war. The congestion scenarios may lead to LTE packet loss. Hence, it is pertinent that these networks amalgamate information grooming algorithms to alleviate the throughput of the network in peak hour conditions. An efficient priority scheduling algorithm based on class of service prioritisation, data rate consumption and location of origin of traffic in the DMN is proposed. The simulations demonstrate that by incorporating the proposed priority scheduling algorithm, the overall packet loss of priority packets in the DMN reduces substantially.
Parameter Estimation of Unstable Aircraft using Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Verma Hari Om , Peyada N. K.
Published: December 2017

The parameter estimation of unstable aircraft using extreme learning machine method is presented. In the past, conventional methods such as output error method, filter error method, equation error method and non-conventional method such as artificial neural-network based methods have been used for aircraft’s aerodynamic parameter estimation. Nowadays, a trend of finding an accurate nonlinear function approximation is required to represent the aircraft’s equations-of-motion. Such type of nonlinear function approximation is usually achieved using artificial neural-network which is trained with the aircraft input-output flight data using a training algorithm. The accuracy of estimated parameters, which is achieved using the trained network, is highly dependent on the generalisation capability of the network which can be improved using extreme learning machine based network in contrast to artificial neural-network. To estimate the unstable aircraft parameters from the simulated flight data, Gauss-Newton based optimisation method has been used with a predefined aerodynamic model using the trained network. Further, the confidence of the estimated parameters has been shown in comparison to that of the standard parameter estimation methods in terms of the Cramer-Rao bounds.
Standoff Detection of Explosives at 1 m using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Gundawar Manoj Kumar , Junjuri Rajendhar , Myakalwar Ashwin Kumar
Published: December 2017

We report the ‘standoff detection’ of explosives at 1 m in laboratory conditions, for the first time in India, using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis. The spectra of a set of five secondary explosives were recorded at a distance of 1 m from the focusing as well as collection optics. The plasma characteristics viz., plasma temperature and electron density were estimated from Boltzmann statistics and Stark broadening respectively. Plasma temperature was estimated to be of the order of (10.9 ± 2.1) .103 K and electron density of (3.9 ± 0.5) .1016 cm-3. Using a ratiometric approach, C/H and H/O ratios showed a good correlation with the actual stoichiometric ratios and a partial identification success could be achieved. Finally employing principle component analysis, an excellent classification could be attained. 
Crecimiento plantular en condiciones de invernadero de la especie forestal Dialium guianense (Aubl.) Sandwith
Authors: Vargas Simon Georgina , Pire Reinaldo , Lazaro Dzul Martha Olivia
Published: December 2017

Dialium guianense es una especie tropical arbórea de bosques perennifolios utilizada por su madera y frutos comestibles. Estos ecosistemas son amenazados, por lo que el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el crecimiento inicial de la planta con miras a establecer programas de propagación. Las plántulas fueron cultivadas en bolsas de vivero y se empleó un diseño completamente aleatorio con una población inicial de 200 plantas durante 10 meses. El tallo y la raíz alcanzaron longitudes de 32.8 y 28.9 cm, respectivamente. El número de hojas compuestas fue de 12.3 con siete folíolos. La acumulación de biomasa fue de 2.5 g en el tallo, 1.6 g en la raíz y 3.7 g en las hojas. La relación vástago/raíz mostró, aproximadamente, cuatro veces mayor biomasa en el vástago. La TRC media fue de 15 mg g-1 día-1. El crecimiento de D. guianense resultó lento, indicando que es una especie tardía sucesionalmente.
Riqueza florística y recambio de especies en la vertiente orinoquense de los Andes, Colombia
Authors: Trujillo William Fernando , Henao Maria Mónica
Published: December 2017

El mecanismo de neutralidad propone que la diversidad beta es controlada por limitaciones de dispersión y que la similitud florística está correlacionada con la distancia geográfica. En este trabajo se evaluó dicha hipótesis y se comparó la riqueza de bosques subandinos de la Orinoquía con otras vertientes en Colombia, Ecuador y Perú. Se usó una prueba de Mantel para evaluar la correlación entre distancia y similitud florística en 19 parcelas de 0.1 ha y una prueba de Mann-Whitney para el análisis comparativo de riqueza. Se encontró que la distancia fue buen predictor de la similitud florística, sugiriendo que las limitaciones de dispersión son un mecanismo importante para explicar el recambio. La riqueza hallada (47–84 especies) fue significativamente más baja que en las vertientes Amazonía y Pacífico de los Andes, pero similar a la reportada en la vertiente Magdalena. La composición florística estuvo de acuerdo con el patrón reportado previamente para Orinoquía.
Assessment of Plant Germination Intensity with the Use of Automated System with Computer Vision Method
Authors: Szparaga Agnieszka , Czerwińska Ewa , Tomkiewicz Dariusz , Wilk Lesław
Published: December 2017

The objective of the paper was to show various options of using by author an automated stand with computer image analysis for control of plant germination on the example of cauliflower Brassica oleracea L. ‘Pionier” variety. The developed system consisted of a mobile platform equipped with the acquisition and image processing system based on Raspberry PL processor. Germination of cauliflower seeds was the object of observation, which in one case were sown to soil after dressing them with plant extracts (sweet flagAcorus calamusL., great burdock rootsArctium lappaL.). In the other case, undressed seeds were sown in the place of previous application of the above-mentioned extracts. The use of a robot for monitoring plant germination enabled the automated analysis of the investigated material with higher frequency than it has been possible so far. Simultaneously, higher germination was reported when seeds were treated with macerates and extracts from great burdock roots.
Determination of diffusion coefficient and permeability through the barrier of substance in simulated biomedical systems
Authors: Adach Anna , Kister Natalia , Skassa Andrzej , Bugalska Aleksandra
Published: December 2017

The investigations deal with mass transfer in simulated biomedical systems. The modification of classical diffusion chamber, sequential unit (SU) system, imitated different biomedical setups, boundary conditions. The experiments simulated: diffusion chamber (also with two barriers), transport through the membrane to the blood stream, transport from the stent eluting drug simultaneously to the vessel cells and to the blood stream. The concentrations of substances and the relative mass increases/decreases for SU systems indicate that the order of the curves follows the order of mass transfer resistances. The strong dependence of mass transfer rates versus type of diffusing substance was confirmed. The calculated drug fluxes, diffusion coefficients, permeation coefficients are convergent with literature. Permeation coefficients for complex sequential systems can be estimated as parallel connexion of constituent coefficients. Experiments approved functionality of the SU for investigations in a simulated biomedical system. Obtained data were used for numerical verification.
Changes of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells membrane fluidity from type 1 Gaucher disease patients: an electron paramagnetic resonance study
Authors: Pavićević Aleksandra , Lakočević Milan , Popović Milan , Popović-Bijelić Ana , Daković Marko , Mojović Miloš
Published: December 2017

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder, caused by an impaired function of β-glucocerebrosidase, which results in accumulation of glucocerebroside in cells, and altered membrane ordering. Using electron paramagnetic resonance spin labeling, a statistically significant difference in the order parameter between the peripheral blood mononuclear cell membranes of GD patients and healthy controls was observed. Moreover, the results show that the introduction of the enzyme replacement therapy leads to the restoration of the physiological membrane fluidity. Accordingly, this simple method could serve as a preliminary test for GD diagnosis and therapy efficiency.
The Voice of Conscience, Kierkegaard’s Theory of Indirect Communication, and Buber’s Philosophy of Dialogue
Authors: Welz Claudia
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the concept and the experience of conscience as an interface of aesthetic, ethical, and religious aspects of Kierkegaard’s existential approach, while criticizing his reductionist definition of ‘aesthetics’ and the opposition he draws between ethics and aesthetics. A comparison of Kierkegaard’s theory of indirect ‘existence’-communication with Martin Buber’s philosophy of dialogue shows that Kierkegaard overlooks three crucial moments of truly liberating, conscientious communication, including the dialogical dynamics of becoming-oneself vis-à-vis the Other.
Bimodal RMS distributions for the objective detection of theta (θ) and gamma (γ) brain oscillations during long-term continuous LFP recordings in mice
Authors: Molnár László , Domokos József , Ferando Isabella , Módy István
Published: December 2017

In the rodent’s brain the theta (5-12 Hz) and gamma (30-120 Hz) oscillations can be readily detected in local field potential (LFP) recordings, but there is no universal consensus about an objective threshold for their detection.

We FIR-filtered the long-term local field potential (LFP) recordings for theta and gamma oscillations. The RMS (root mean square) values of 8 s epochs in 0.5-4 s steps (using corresponding overlaps) were obtained from the filtered recordings. For both theta and gamma oscillations, the histograms showed a bimodal distribution well fitted by two Gaussians. The point of intersection between the two distributions proved to be the most reliable for separating the RMS values belonging to the two Gaussians.
Vector lattices in synaptic algebras
Authors: Foulis David J. , Jenčová Anna , Pulmannová Sylvia
Published: December 2017

A synaptic algebraAis a generalization of the self-adjoint part of a von Neumann algebra. We study a linear subspaceVofAin regard to the question of whenVis a vector lattice. Our main theorem states that ifVcontains the identity element ofAand is closed under the formation of both the absolute value and the carrier of its elements, thenVis a vector lattice if and only if the elements ofVcommute pairwise.
Embrittling Components in Sintered Steels: Comparison of Phosphorus and Boron
Authors: Danninger Herbert , Vassileva Vassilka , Gierl-Mayer Christian
Published: December 2017

In ferrous powder metallurgy, both boron and phosphorus have been known to be sintering activators for a long time. However, the use has been widely different: while P is a standard additive to sintered iron and steels, boron has been frequently studied, but its use in practice is very limited. Both additives are also known to be potentially embrittling, though in a different way. In the present study the differences between the effects of both elements are shown: while P activates sintering up to a certain threshold, in part by stabilizing ferrite, in part by forming a transient liquid phase, boron is the classical additive enhancing persistent liquid phase, being virtually insoluble in the iron matrix. The consequence is that sintered steels can tolerate quite a proportion of phosphorus, depending on composition and sintering process; boron however is strongly embrittling in particular in combination with carbon, which requires establishing a precisely defined content that enhances sintering but is not yet embrittling. The fracture mode of embrittled materials is also different: while with Fe-P the classical intergranular fracture is observed, with boron a much more rugged fracture surface appears, indicating some failure through the eutectic interparticle network but mostly transgranular cleavage. If carbon is added, in both cases transgranular cleavage dominates even in the severely embrittled specimens, indicating that no more the grain boundaries and sintering necks are the weakest links in the systems.
Models of governance in the urban functional areas: Policy lessons from the implementation of integrated territorial investments (ITIs) in Poland
Authors: Kaczmarek Tomasz , Kociuba Dagmara
Published: December 2017

The aim of this paper is to present the genesis and the development of two models of the “leading path” to the integrated management of functional urban areas of voivodeship centres (FUA VC) in Poland in the context of the implementation of the new instrument of the EU’s Cohesion Policy – Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs). The implementation of ITIs is presented in the light of the inter-commune cooperation in FUA VC, which has been realised variously so far. As examples of the “leading path” to the integrated management based on the ITI, two functional areas have been selected, differing in this respect, Poznań in western Poland (an example of a bottom-up model) and Lublin in its eastern part (an example of a top-down model). In the conclusion, the instrument of ITI was evaluated as a factor which initiates, deepens or complicates the cooperation of local governments in FUAs. It has been emphasised, that in spite of the creation of organisational and financial instruments (ITIs) which activate the cooperation of self-governments in functional areas, one must take into account the need for legislative changes which give a special status to metropolitan areas, income sources and specific powers.