bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE COOLING BATH THE GLASS MELTING FURNACE
Authors: Selikhov Yu. A. , Kotsarenko V. A. , Ryabov B. I. , Gaponova E. A. , Davydov V.
Published: June 2018

The proposed additional system of cooling of the outer surface of the system evaporatortive cooling (SEC) the bathroom glass furnace that provides: a slowing of the destruction of refractory brickwork; a decrease in the surface temperature of SEC to 90 °C; the use of heat for needs of the enterprise; fuel savings; reduction of environmental pollution.
IGNITION AND COMBUSTION OF GAS SUSPENSION OF CARBON PARTICLES AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: Orlovskaya S. G. , Zuj O. N. , Liseanskaia M. V.
Published: June 2018

Physical and mathematical modeling of high-temperature heat and mass transfer and kinetics of chemical transformations of a two-fraction gas suspension of carbon particles is carried out. The characteristics of ignition and combustion of gas-suspension particles in air at different gas temperatures are determined. With a decrease in the gas temperature, the induction period of the fine fraction exceeds the induction period of the coarse fraction, and the burning temperature is lower. Critical parameters of ignition and extinction of a two-fraction gas suspension are found.
HEATING BUILDING NEED AND EXERGY THERMAL COMFORT MODEL
Authors: Deshko V. I. , Buyak N. A.
Published: June 2018

Developed regression model to determine a comfortable temperature in the room under exergy approach that vary depending on the person and buildings. The influence for building heating need of factors that depend on humans and buildings using energy and exergic approach to comfort indoors are identifieded.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ТЕПЛОВІДДАЧІ ПРИ ВИМУШЕНІЙ КОНВЕКЦІЇ В РОТОРНО-ДИСКОВОМУ ПЛІВКОВОМУ ВИПАРНОМУ АПАРАТІ
Authors: Obodovich A.N. , Ruzhinskaya L.I. , Kostyk S.I.
Published: June 2018

Отримані значення коефіцієнтів тепловіддачі від теплоносія (вуглекислий газ) до плівки рідини для діапазону швидкостей 9,3...12,5 м/с в каналі роторно-дискового плівкового випарного апарату. Запропоноване модифіковане критеріальне рівняння тепловіддачі при вимушеній конвекції для роторно-дискового плівкового випарного апарату, яке може бути використано для підвищення точності інженерних розрахунків параметрів тепловіддачі тепломасообмінного обладнання.
О ПРОЦЕССАХ ДРОБЛЕНИЯ В УДАРНО-ЦЕНТРОБЕЖНЫХ УСТАНОВКАХ
Authors: Abarzhi Ivan I.
Published: June 2018

На основе теоретического исследования процессов дробления вударно-центробежных установках определены как скорости частиц в установке, так и изменение во времени и пространстве плотности распределения числа частиц по размерам.
ТЕХНОЛОГІЯ SMART GRID В СИСТЕМАХ МОНІТОРИНГУ ОБ’ЄКТІВ ТЕПЛОЕНЕРГЕТИКИ
Authors: Babak V.P. , Zaporozhets A.O. , Sverdlova A.V.
Published: June 2018

Розглянуто основні джерела та види сигналів, що виникають під час експлуатації теплотехнічного обладнання. Розроблено узагальнену структуру інтелектуальної розподіленої багаторівневої системи моніторингу і діагностики теплотехнічного обладнання, яка узгоджується з принципами концепції «розумних мереж» Smart Grid.
Poetry and Transformation
Authors: Murphy Peter
Published: June 2018

This narrative, based on the life experience of the author, focuses on how his evolving attraction to and love of poetry ultimately transformed his life. Blended with this revealing personal story is the author’s assessment of how the relationship of poetry and faith—especially as poetry relates to the revealed word—can have a dramatic effect on one’s struggle for personal transformation in the midst of troubling circumstances of crisis and turmoil. In addition, the author examines the manner in which exposure to this creative art can assist one in comprehending and applying the “Creative Word.”
Ameen Rihani and the Unity of Religion
Authors: Bushrui Suheil
Published: June 2018

In a world that is shaken daily by violence, hatred, and destruction, we are drawn to reflect on the urgent need for reconciliation and mutual understanding between nations if such atrocities are to be avoided in the future. It is sobering to reflect that Tomás Masaryk’s words, written in The Making of a State (1925), remain as pertinent as ever over seventy-five years later: “Chauvinism, racial or national intolerance, not love of one’s own people, is the foe of nations and humanity. Love of one’s own nation does not entail non-love of other nations (435).”
Evolving Role of Bahá’í Scholarship
Authors: Rafati Vahid
Published: June 2018

It is my pleasure and privilege to come to this marvelous gathering and address the issue of the evolution of Bahá’í scholarship. I am thankful to the Association for Bahá’í Studies, and wholeheartedly hope this presentation will contribute to the study of the background, phases of progress, and future of Bahá’í scholarship. I also hope that my comments will shed light on the endeavors required of the younger generations of Bahá’í scholars, and their role in the development of such scholarship.
Editorial
Authors: Mitchell Linda E.
Published: June 2018

With this first issue of Volume 44, I have some announcements to make.
First, I am very sorry to report the death earlier this year of one of our
long-standing members of the Editorial Board, Vicki L. Eaklor. Vicki was a
professor of US history at Alfred University for 30 years before retiring in
2014. She served as a guest editor, peer reviewer, and contributor to the
journal for most of her tenure at AU. A terrific colleague, talented musician,
creative scholar, and brilliant teacher, Vicki will be missed by all who knew
her zest for life, intellectual rigor, sense of humor, and love of good bourbon.

Second, as of this issue, I am announcing my retirement from the position
of senior editor of Historical Reflections/Réflexions Historiques.

Third, I have the distinct pleasure of announcing that one of our Editorial
Board members, Dr. Elizabeth Macknight, of the University of Aberdeen,
Scotland, will be taking on the duties of senior editor beginning with the second
issue of the year, and that W. Brian Newsome will be remaining as coeditor.
Assessing Violence in the Modern World
Authors: Bessel Richard
Published: June 2018

The argument put forward by Steven Pinker that violence has been in decline
and that “we have been getting kinder and gentler” rests to a considerable degree upon
data concerning violent events, in particular homicide and deaths on the battlefield. In
discussing such data for the modern period, this article questions their reliability and, in
particular, their comparability over time. Pinker’s argument may be stronger with respect
to a growing public sensitivity toward many forms of violence, not least sexual violence, for
which there is considerable evidence. However, the relationship between changing public
sensibilities and changing levels of actual violent acts remains difficult to determine.
Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Serbest Zaman İle İlişkili Tutum, Yönetim Ve Memnuniyetlerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: AKYÜREK Gökçen , KARS Sinem , BUMİN Gonca
Published: June 2018

Genç bireylerin fiziksel ve ruhsal bütünlüğünü olumlu yönde
geliştirmesine katkı sağlayan fiziksel aktivitenin serbest zaman aktiviteleri
içinde yer alması ile ilgili farkındalığın artması önemlidir. Bu nedenle bu
araştırmanın amacı, fiziksel aktivite yapan ve yapmayan üniversite
öğrencilerinin serbest zaman ile ilişkili tutum, yönetim ve tatminlerinin
incelenmesidir. Araştırmanın örneklemini 2017-2018 öğretim yılı güz ve bahar
döneminde Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Ergoterapi
Bölümünde okuyan öğrenciler oluşturdu. Öğrenciler, haftada en az iki günlük
serbest zaman aktivitesini üniversitenin sağladığı bir imkânla fiziksel
aktivite yaparak geçirenler (n=76) ve geçirmeyenler (n=62) olarak iki gruba
ayrıldı. Çalışmada serbest zaman değerlendirme anketi, 18-22 yaş yetişkinlerde
fiziksel aktivite içeren oyunları oynamaya yönelik tutumları ölçeği ve boş
zaman yönetim ölçeği kullanıldı. Verilerin analizinde
bağımsız örneklem t testi kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre
öğrencilerin tutumları ve boş zaman aktivitelerinde memnuniyet düzeyleri
arasında anlamlı fark bulunmuştur (p <0.05); Bununla birlikte, öğrencilerin
boş zaman aktiviteleri üzerine yönetiminde anlamlı bir fark görülmemiştir
(p> 0,05). Bu nedenle zihinsel ve fiziksel sağlık ve refahın sürdürülmesinde
önemli bir yere sahip fiziksel aktivitelerin yeniden yapılandırılması ile
ilgili üniversite yönetimlerinin önlem almasının önemli olduğu düşünülmektedir.
Lise Birinci Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Eğitimi Dersine Karşı Tutumlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: KILIÇ Tahir , UĞURLU Alkan , CENİK Dilara
Published: June 2018

Tarama modelli araştırmamızın amacı, lise 1. Sınıfta öğrenim gören erkek
ve kadın öğrencilerin cinsiyet, okul türü, okul dışında aktif spor yapma durumları
gibi değişkenlere göre beden eğitimi ve spora ilişkin tutumlarının
karşılaştırılmasıdır. Araştırmamızın
evrenini devlet okullarından 117 kadın ve 130 erkek toplam 247 öğrenci, özel
okullardan 122 kadın ve 131 erkek toplam 253 lise 1.sınıf öğrencisi
oluşturmaktadır.

Araştırmada, Demirhan ve Altay (2001) tarafından geliştirilen Beden
Eğitimi ve Spor Tutum Ölçeği (BESTÖ) kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada öğrencilerin
cinsiyeti, okul türü ve okul dışında aktif spor yapıp yapmama durumunu tespit
etmek amacıyla kişisel bilgi formu geliştirilmiştir. Verilerin analizinde
kişisel bilgiler için betimsel istatistik yöntemlerinden frekans (n), yüzde
(%), aritmetik ortalama (X) ve standart sapma (Ss) kullanılmıştır.

Araştırma sonuçlarına göre; kadın ve erkek öğrencilerin tutum puanları
karşılaştırıldığında erkek öğrencilerin tutumlarının kadın öğrencilere göre
daha yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Öğrencilerin spor yapıp yapmama durumlarına
göre beden eğitimi ve spor dersine yönelik tutumları incelendiğinde; anlamlı
bir farkın olduğu görülmektedir (p<0.05). Buna göre okul dışında aktif
olarak spor yapan öğrenciler, spor yapmayan öğrencilere göre beden eğitimi
dersine daha olumlu bir tutum sergilemektedirler. Öğrencilerin okudukları okul
türüne göre devlet ve özel okul arasında beden eğitimi dersine yönelik
tutumları ile ilgili anlamlı bir fark bulunmadığı saptanmıştır(p>0.05). Anket
sorularından, Beden eğitimi ve spor eğitimi dersinde korku hissine kapılırım,
beden eğitimi dersinde çok sıkılırım, beden eğitimi dersinden daima sıkılırım,
sorularına verilen yanıtlar tamamen katılmıyorum ve katılmıyorum cevaplarında
yoğunlaşmıştır. Okul ders programlarının her yılında beden eğitimi ve spor
dersi olmalıdır, sorusuna öğrencilerin verdikleri cevaplara bakıldığında
tamamen katılıyorum ve katılıyorum cevabını verdikleri görülmektedir.
Cranioplasty with a low-cost customized polymethylmethacrylate implant using a desktop 3D printer
Authors: Morales-Gómez Jesús A. , Garcia-Estrada Everardo , Leos-Bortoni Jorge E. , Delgado-Brito Miriam , Flores-Huerta Luis E. , De La Cruz-Arriaga Adriana A. , Torres-Díaz Luis J. , de León Ángel R. Martínez-Ponce
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

Cranioplasty implants should be widely available, low in cost, and customized or easy to mold during surgery. Although autologous bone remains the first choice for repair, it cannot always be used due to infection, fragmentation, bone resorption, or other causes, which led to use of synthetic alternatives. The most frequently used allogenic material for cranial reconstructions with long-term results is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Three-dimensional printing technology has allowed the production of increasingly popular customized, prefabricated implants. The authors describe their method and experience with a customized PMMA prosthesis using a precise and reliable low-cost implant that can be customized at any institution with open-source or low-cost software and desktop 3D printers.

METHODS

A review of 22 consecutive patients undergoing CT-based, low-cost, customized PMMA cranioplasty over a 1-year period at a university teaching hospital was performed. Preoperative data included patient sex and age; CT modeling parameters, including the surface area of the implant (defect); reason for craniectomy; date(s) of injury and/or resections; the complexity of the defect; and associated comorbidities. Postoperative data included morbiditiy and complications, such as implant exposure, infection, hematoma, seroma, implant failure, and seizures; the cost of the implant; and cosmetic outcome.

RESULTS

Indications for the primary craniectomy were traumatic brain injury (16, 73%), tumor resection (3, 14%), infection (1, 4%), and vascular (2, 9%). The median interval between previous surgery and PMMA cranioplasty was 12 months. The operation time ranged from 90 to 150 minutes (mean 126 minutes). The average cranial defect measured 65.16 cm2 (range 29.31–131.06 cm2). During the recovery period, there was no sign of infection, implant rejection, or wound dehiscence, and none of the implants had to be removed over a follow-up ranging from 1 to 6 months. The aesthetic appearance of all patients was significantly improved, and the implant fit was excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a customized PMMA was associated with excellent patient, family, and surgeon satisfaction at follow-up at a fraction of the cost associated with commercially available implants. This technique could be an attractive option to all patients undergoing cranioplasty.
On Not Saying, Not Knowing and Thinking about Nothing: Adorno, Dionysius, Derrida and the Negation of Art
Authors: Malt Johanna
Published: June 2018

This article examines accounts of negation or the apophatic in Pseudo-Dionysius, Theodor Adorno and Jacques Derrida alongside a contemporary work of art by London Fieldworks, Null Object: Gustav Metzger Thinks about Nothing (2011). By exploring models of negative knowledge offered in these works, it asks what happens to the work of art when it becomes preoccupied with negation and how a work of art might embody or manifest — without reproducing — philosophical discourses about negation.
Innovative Technologies Changing Cancer Treatment
Authors: Charmsaz Sara , Prencipe Maria , Kiely Maeve , Pidgeon Graham P. , Collins Denis M.
Published: June 2018

Conventional therapies for cancer such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy remain a mainstay in treatment, but in many cases a targeted approach is lacking, and patients can be vulnerable to drug resistance. In recent years, novel concepts have been emerging to improve the traditional therapeutic options in cancers with poor survival outcomes. New therapeutic strategies involving areas like energy metabolism and extracellular vesicles along with advances in immunotherapy and nanotechnology are driving the next generation of cancer treatments. The development of fields such as theranostics in nanomedicine is also opening new doors for targeted drug delivery and nano-imaging. Here we discuss the use of innovative technologies presented at the Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) Annual Meeting, highlighting examples of where new approaches may lead to promising new treatment options for a range of cancer types.
Renal Impairment in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Review
Authors: Kamimura Hiroteru , Setsu Toru , Kimura Naruhiro , Yokoo Takeshi , Sakamaki Akira , Kamimura Kenya , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Takamura Masaaki , Yamagiwa Satoshi , Terai Shuji
Published: June 2018

The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins. Liver dysfunction affects many organs because it communicates with the spleen and all digestive organs through the portal vein. Additionally, the kidney is an organ that is closely related to the liver and is involved in liver diseases. Glomerulonephritis is an important extrahepatic manifestation of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy effectively suppresses HBV replication by inhibiting HBV polymerase, thus decreasing the levels of serum HBV-DNA and delaying the progression of cirrhosis. Although NA therapy is recommended for all patients with chronic HBV infection, regardless of the level of renal dysfunction, there is limited information on NA use in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, in patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis, hepatorenal syndrome can be fatal. Hence, we should take into account the stage of impaired renal function in patients with cirrhosis. The aims of this article are to review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention of HBV-associated nephropathy.
Analysis of Carbon Storage and Its Contributing Factors—A Case Study in the Loess Plateau (China)
Authors: Liu Gaohuan , Zhao Zhonghe
Published: June 2018

The Chinese Loess Plateau is an ecologically fragile and sensitive area. The carbon storage dynamics in this region and the contributions from land use/land cover change (LUCC) and carbon density from 2000 to 2010 were analyzed in this paper. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), biomass and soil carbon data in 2000 were used for regression analysis of biomass and soil carbon, and an inversion analysis was used to estimate biomass and soil carbon in 2005 and 2010. Quadrat data, including aboveground biomass and soil organic carbon, were used to calibrate the model output. Carbon storage and sequestration were calculated by the InVEST toolset with four carbon pools, including aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, dead wood and soil carbon. The results showed that carbon storage increased steadily from 2000 to 2010, increasing by 0.260 billion tons, and that woodland area increased and arable land decreased; the overall trend in land cover improved, but the improvement was not pronounced. Carbon storage in the Loess Plateau was correlated with geographical factors. We found that when assuming a constant carbon density, carbon storage decreased, accounting for −1% of the carbon storage dynamics. When assuming no land conversion, carbon storage increased, accounting for 101% of the carbon storage dynamics.
Analysis and Optimization of the Electromagnetic Performance of a Novel Stator Modular Ring Drive Thruster Motor
Authors: Li Yukai , Song Baowei , Mao Zhaoyong , Tian Wenlong
Published: June 2018

A rim driven thruster (RDT) is an integrated deep-sea motor thruster that has been widely studied. In order to improve the performance of RDT, a novel RDT motor with a modular stator is proposed in this paper. The electromagnetic performance of the new RDT motor is analyzed by the finite element method (FEM). The influence of structure parameters on the electromagnetic performance of the new RDT motor are analyzed in detail. It is shown that the effect of additional tooth width and pole arc coefficient on the electromagnetic performance of the stator modular RDT motor is significant. To obtain the optimal design with a maximum average electromagnetic torque and minimum torque fluctuation ratio, a multi-objective optimization design method combining the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), Kriging method and FEM is presented in this paper. A set of Pareto optimal solutions is obtained, and the optimal design point is selected from the Pareto fronts. Compared with the initial design, the average electromagnetic torque of the optimized model is improved by 16.591% and the fluctuation ratio is reduced to 3.18%.
Performance of Reverse Osmosis Membranes in the Treatment of Flue-Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Wastewaters
Authors: Conidi Carmela , Macedonio Francesca , Argurio Pietro , Cassano Alfredo , Drioli Enrico
Published: June 2018

Reverse osmosis (RO) was studied to reduce salinity of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewaters after softening with Na2CO3·H2O and ultrafiltration (UF). Two commercial thin film composite polyamide RO membranes (SWC-2540 and ESPA-2540, from Hydranautics) in spiral-wound configuration were tested and their performance in terms of salinity reduction as well as permeate flux, fouling index and water recovery was evaluated. Experimental runs were performed according to the feed and bleed configuration in selected operating conditions. For the SWC-2540 membrane experiments were also performed in total recycle configuration in order to evaluate the effect of operating pressure on permeate flux and quality. Experimental results indicated that the SWC-2540 membrane showed a better performance in the rejection of ions: Mg2+ ions were completely rejected, while the rejection towards monovalent ions such as Na+ was of about 95.5%. The ESPA-2540 membrane showed rejections towards Ca2+ and Mg2+ higher than 86.5% whilst the observed rejection towards Na+ was of 80%. For the SWC-2540 membrane an increased rejection for Ca2+ and Na+ ions was observed by increasing the operating pressure in the range 16-50 bar. Mg2+ ions were totally rejected independently by the operating pressure.
Decomposition of Used Tyre Rubber by Pyrolysis: Enhancement of the Physical Properties of the Liquid Fraction Using a Hydrogen Stream
Authors: Ramirez-Canon Anyela , Muñoz-Camelo Yahir , Singh Paul
Published: June 2018

The disposal of discarded tyres represents an environmental challenge for solid waste management entities. The need to reduce solid waste in urban areas along with the depletion of natural resources have made it necessary to reincorporate used materials into productive processes, giving value to what is considered waste, and minimizing the requirement of natural resources. In this study, pyrolysis was selected to thermally decompose used ground waste vulcanized rubber from automobile tyres. This rubber was exposed to the pyrolytic process in an indirectly heated batch reactor at three different temperatures. Three fractions (i.e., gas, liquid and solid) were obtained during the process. The effect of a hydrogen stream on the properties of the liquid fraction was analysed and characterized following the American Society for Testing and Materials procedures (ASTM) for the pyrolysis of liquid fuels. A multifactorial statistical analysis was used to evaluate the experimental data and thermographs of the process were recorded. Differences in thermographs suggest a different degradation pathway for the rubber exposed to 600 °C compared to the rubber exposed to lower temperatures. Temperatures in the range of 450 to 500 °C favored the production of carbon black regardless of the use of a hydrogen stream. In contrast, high temperatures favored the production of liquid and gas fractions. The highest production of liquid fraction was obtained at 550 °C, where 37% of the rubber was turned into liquid. Results also showed that a constant flow of hydrogen improves the appearance of the pyrolysis liquid. Furthermore, the hydrogen atmosphere reduces the sulphur content, water and sediments; and increases the values for the heat of combustion and the liquid fraction.
Transcription Factors Controlling Primary and Secondary Metabolism in Filamentous Fungi: The β-Lactam Paradigm
Authors: García-Estrada Carlos , Domínguez-Santos Rebeca , Kosalková Katarina , Martín Juan-Francisco
Published: June 2018

Transcription factors are key regulatory proteins in all living beings. In fungi, transcription factors include either broad-domain regulatory proteins that affect the expression of many genes involved in biosynthetic processes, or proteins encoded by cluster-associated (also called pathway-specific) regulatory genes. Belonging to the most interesting transcription factors in fungi are binuclear zinc finger proteins. In addition to the transcription factors in the strict sense, other proteins play a very important role in the expression of genes for primary and secondary metabolism in fungi, such as winged helix regulators, the LaeA protein and the velvet complex. LaeA appears to be involved in heterochromatin reorganization, and the velvet complex proteins, which are nuclear factors that associate with LaeA, also have a determining role in both differentiation (sporulation) and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The genes involved in the biosynthesis of β-lactam antibiotics are well known and serve as an excellent model to understand the transcriptional control of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Interaction between different regulatory proteins in the promoter regions may represent a cross-talk regulation between different gene clusters.
Prevention of the Aggregation of Nanoparticles during the Synthesis of Nanogold-Containing Silica Aerogels
Authors: Lázár István , Szabó Hanna Judit
Published: June 2018

Nanogold is widely used in many areas of physics and chemistry due to its environment-sensitive plasmon resonance absorption. The immobilization of gold nanoparticles in highly porous silica aerogel offers an attractive alternative to liquid gold solutions as they show a mechanically stable structure, are permeable to gases, and can even be used at elevated temperatures. We have found that the commercially available citrate-stabilized 10 nm gold nanoparticles may suffer from aggregation prior to or under the base-catalyzed gelation process of tetramethoxy silane. In the wet gels, Au particles increased in size, changed shape, and demonstrated the loss of plasmon resonance absorption, due to the formation of larger aggregates. We have studied a range of water-miscible organic solvents, stabilizing agents, and the gelation conditions to minimize changes from occurring in the aerogel setting and the supercritical drying process. It has been found that atmospheric carbon dioxide has a significant effect on aggregation, and it cannot be entirely excluded under normal synthetic conditions. Methanol resulted in an increase in the particle size only, while dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, and urea changed the shape of nanoparticles to rod-like shapes, and diols led to an increase in both size and shape. However, using the polymeric stabilizer poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) efficiently prevented the aggregation of the particles, even in the presence of high concentrations of carbon dioxide, and allowed the production of nanoAu containing silica aerogels in a single step, without the modification of technology.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Biomechanical and Exercise Considerations
Authors: Levine Nicholas A. , Rigby Brandon R.
Published: June 2018

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) describes a group of disorders that are due to a dynamic compression of blood vessels or nerves, between the clavicle and first rib or cervical vertebral nerve roots. Individuals with TOS typically experience upper limb pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that is exacerbated by shoulder or neck movement. The causes of TOS vary, and can include abrupt movements, hypertrophy of the neck musculature, and anatomical variations in which the brachial plexus roots pass through this musculature, edema, pregnancy, repeated overhead motions, the blockage of an artery or vein, or abnormal posture. To understand the complexity of this condition, an analysis of shoulder anatomy and mechanics are needed to help describe limitations and the subsequent pathophysiology of TOS. Several treatment options are available, including surgery, medications, and exercise. A comprehensive study of shoulder anatomy and biomechanics, and knowledge of the benefits of exercise, may help clinicians and healthcare practitioners determine the most appropriate treatment plan for an individual with TOS.
Understanding Intersectionality and Resiliency among Transgender Adolescents: Exploring Pathways among Peer Victimization, School Belonging, and Drug Use
Authors: Hatchel Tyler , Marx Robert
Published: June 2018

Transgender youth experience elevated levels of victimization and may therefore report greater drug use than their cisgender peers, yet little is known about protective factors like school belonging that may mediate this relationship. Further, scant research has explored the experiences of youth at the intersection of transgender identity and youth of color status or low socioeconomic status, especially with respect to these multiple minority statuses’ associations with peer victimization, drug use, and school belonging. Using data from the California Healthy Kids Survey, the current study employs structural equation modeling to explore the relationships among school belonging, peer victimization, and drug use for transgender youth. Findings indicate that school belonging does mediate the pathway between peer victimization and drug use for transgender youth and that although youth of color experience greater victimization, they do not engage in greater drug use than their white transgender peers. Based on these results, those concerned with the healthy futures of transgender youth should advocate for more open and affirming school climates that engender a sense of belonging and treat transgender youth with dignity and fairness.
Structure–Activity Relationship of Piplartine and Synthetic Analogues against Schistosoma mansoni and Cytotoxicity to Mammalian Cells
Authors: Campelo Yuri , Ombredane Alicia , Vasconcelos Andreanne , Albuquerque Lucas , Moreira Daniel , Plácido Alexandra , Rocha Jefferson , Hilarion Fokoue Harold , Yamaguchi Lydia , Mafud Ana , Mascarenhas Yvonne , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Borges Tatiana , Joanitti Graziella , Arcanjo Daniel , Kato Massuo , Kuckelhaus Selma , Silva Marcos , De Moraes Josué , Leite José
Published: June 2018

Schistosomiasis, caused by helminth flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, is an infectious disease mainly associated with poverty that affects millions of people worldwide. Since treatment for this disease relies only on the use of praziquantel, there is an urgent need to identify new antischistosomal drugs. Piplartine is an amide alkaloid found in several Piper species (Piperaceae) that exhibits antischistosomal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the structure–function relationship between piplartine and its five synthetic analogues (19A, 1G, 1M, 14B and 6B) against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms, as well as its cytotoxicity to mammalian cells using murine fibroblast (NIH-3T3) and BALB/cN macrophage (J774A.1) cell lines. In addition, density functional theory calculations and in silico analysis were used to predict physicochemical and toxicity parameters. Bioassays revealed that piplartine is active against S. mansoni at low concentrations (5–10 µM), but its analogues did not. In contrast, based on 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays, piplartine exhibited toxicity in mammalian cells at 785 µM, while its analogues 19A and 6B did not reduce cell viability at the same concentrations. This study demonstrated that piplartine analogues showed less activity against S. mansoni but presented lower toxicity than piplartine.
Collagen as Coating Material for 45S5 Bioactive Glass-Based Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Hum Jasmin , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: June 2018

Highly porous 45S5 bioactive glass-based scaffolds were fabricated by the foam replica technique and coated with collagen by a novel method. After an initial cleaning step of the bioactive glass surface to expose reactive –OH groups, samples were surface functionalized by (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTS). Functionalized scaffolds were immersed in a collagen solution, left for gelling at 37 °C, and dried at room temperature. The collagen coating was further stabilized by crosslinking with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). Applying this coating method, a layer thickness of a few micrometers was obtained without affecting the overall scaffold macroporosity. In addition, values of compressive strength were enhanced by a factor of five, increasing from 0.04 ± 0.02 MPa for uncoated scaffolds to 0.18 ± 0.03 MPa for crosslinked collagen-coated scaffolds. The composite material developed in this study exhibited positive cell (MG-63) viability as well as suitable cell attachment and proliferation on the surface. The combination of bioactivity, mechanical competence, and cellular response makes this novel scaffold system attractive for bone tissue engineering.
Diethyl Blechnic, a Novel Natural Product Isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Inhibits Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis by Inhibiting ROS and Activating JNK1/2
Authors: Yu Jie , Gao Hongwei , Wu Chuanhong , Xu Qiong-Ming , Lu Jin-Jian , Chen Xiuping
Published: June 2018

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used antineoplastic agent in clinics. However, its clinical application is largely limited by its cardiotoxicity. Diethyl blechnic (DB) is a novel compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Here, we study the effect of DB on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms. Cellular viability was tested by 3-[-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and protein level was evaluated by Western blotting. 5,5’,6,6’-tetrachloro-1,1’,3,3’-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining was performed to determine the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Hoechst 33342 staining and TUNEL staining was performed to test the apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was investigated by using flow cytometry. DB significantly inhibited DOX-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells and primary cultured cardiomyocytes. Moreover, DB decreased cell apoptotic morphological changes and reversed the mitochondrial membrane potential induced by DOX. Meanwhile, pre-treatment with DB increased the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xl), and survivin and reduced the expression levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), p-p53, cytochrome c (cyt c), and cleaved-caspase 3, 7, 8, 9 in the protein levels in DOX-treated H9c2 cells. Furthermore, DB suppressed ROS generation. The DB-mediated protective effects were accompanied by increased c-Jun N-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK1/2) expression. In addition, SP600125, the inhibitor of JNK1/2, abolished the protective effect of DB. We concluded that DB protected cardiomyocytes against DOX-induced cytotoxicity by inhibiting ROS and activating the JNK1/2 pathway. Therefore, DB is a promising candidate as a cardioprotective agent against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
NHC-Based Iron Sensitizers for DSSCs
Authors: Duchanois Thibaut , Liu Li , Pastore Mariachiara , Monari Antonio , Cebrián Cristina , Trolez Yann , Darari Mohamed , Magra Kevin , Francés-Monerris Antonio , Domenichini Edoardo , Beley Marc , Assfeld Xavier , Haacke Stefan , Gros Philippe C.
Published: June 2018

Nanostructured dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are promising photovoltaic devices because of their low cost and transparency. Ruthenium polypyridine complexes have long been considered as lead sensitizers for DSSCs, allowing them to reach up to 11% conversion efficiency. However, ruthenium suffers from serious drawbacks potentially limiting its widespread applicability, mainly related to its potential toxicity and scarcity. This has motivated continuous research efforts to develop valuable alternatives from cheap earth-abundant metals, and among them, iron is particularly attractive. Making iron complexes applicable in DSSCs is highly challenging due to an ultrafast deactivation of the metal–ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) states into metal-centered (MC) states, leading to inefficient injection into TiO2. In this review, we present our latest developments in the field using Fe(II)-based photosensitizers bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, and their use in DSSCs. Special attention is paid to synthesis, photophysical, electrochemical, and computational characterization.
Full Reference Objective Quality Assessment for Reconstructed Background Images
Authors: Shrotre Aditee , Karam Lina J.
Published: June 2018

With an increased interest in applications that require a clean background image, such as video surveillance, object tracking, street view imaging and location-based services on web-based maps, multiple algorithms have been developed to reconstruct a background image from cluttered scenes. Traditionally, statistical measures and existing image quality techniques have been applied for evaluating the quality of the reconstructed background images. Though these quality assessment methods have been widely used in the past, their performance in evaluating the perceived quality of the reconstructed background image has not been verified. In this work, we discuss the shortcomings in existing metrics and propose a full reference Reconstructed Background image Quality Index (RBQI) that combines color and structural information at multiple scales using a probability summation model to predict the perceived quality in the reconstructed background image given a reference image. To compare the performance of the proposed quality index with existing image quality assessment measures, we construct two different datasets consisting of reconstructed background images and corresponding subjective scores. The quality assessment measures are evaluated by correlating their objective scores with human subjective ratings. The correlation results show that the proposed RBQI outperforms all the existing approaches. Additionally, the constructed datasets and the corresponding subjective scores provide a benchmark to evaluate the performance of future metrics that are developed to evaluate the perceived quality of reconstructed background images.
Copolymerization of UF Resins with Dimethylurea for Improving Storage Stability without Impairing Adhesive Performance
Authors: Pereira Pedro , Pereira João , Paiva Nádia. T. , Ferra João. M. , Martins Jorge M. , Carvalho Luísa. H. , Magalhães Fernão. D.
Published: June 2018

Urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins are the most used resins in the wood industry due to high reactivity and low price. However, their reduced stability during storage is a drawback, imposing strict limits in terms of allowable shipping distances and storage times. This instability, manifested by viscosity increase that renders the resin unusable, occurs due to the progress of condensation reactions between the polymeric species present in the liquid medium. In order to achieve a stable resin formulation, dimethylurea (DMeU) was selected for being less reactive than urea. Dimethylurea is shown to co-polymerize with the UF polymer during the acidic synthesis condensation step. However, during storage it behaves like an end group blocker, due to its lower reactivity at basic pH. By adding 1.25% DMeU, it was possible to obtain a formulation that remained with stable viscosity during two-month storage at 40 °C. The reference UF resin remained stable only for eight days in these conditions. Wood particleboards produced with modified resins showed internal bond strengths of about 0.5 N·mm−2, similar to the fresh reference UF resin, even when the resins were used after the two-month storage period. Formaldehyde content values were below the limit for E1 class, ≤8 mg/100 g oven dry board (EN 13986).
Characterization and Microstructure of Linear Electrode-Electrospun Graphene-Filled Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofiber Films
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Yan Mengxue , Jiang Qian , Peng Hao-Kai , Lin Jia-Horng , Lou Ching-Wen
Published: June 2018

With the aim of achieving controllable mass production of electrospun nanofiber films, this study proposes and investigates the feasibility of using a custom-made linear electrode- electrospun device to produce conductive graphene (GR)-filled polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers. The film morphology and diameter of nanofibers are observed and measured to examine the effects of viscosity and conductivity of the PVA/GR mixtures. Likewise, the influence of the content of graphene on the hydrophilicity, electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMSE), and thermal stability of the PVA/GR nanofiber films is investigated. The test results show that the PVA/GR mixture has greater viscosity and electric conductivity than pure PVA solution and can be electrospun into PVA/GR nanofiber films that have good morphology and diameter distribution. The diameter of the nanofibers is 100 nm and the yield is 2.24 g/h, suggesting that the process qualifies for use in large-scale production. Increasing the content of graphene yields finer nanofibers, a smaller surface contact angle, and higher hydrophilicity of the nanofiber films. The presence of graphene is proven to improve the thermal stability and strengthens the EMSE by 20 dB at 150–1500 MHz. Mass production is proven to be feasible by the test results showing that PVA/GR nanofiber films can be used in the medical hygiene field.
Forecast-Triggered Model Predictive Control of Constrained Nonlinear Processes with Control Actuator Faults
Authors: Xue Da , El-Farra Nael
Published: June 2018

This paper addresses the problem of fault-tolerant stabilization of nonlinear processes subject to input constraints, control actuator faults and limited sensor–controller communication. A fault-tolerant Lyapunov-based model predictive control (MPC) formulation that enforces the fault-tolerant stabilization objective with reduced sensor–controller communication needs is developed. In the proposed formulation, the control action is obtained through the online solution of a finite-horizon optimal control problem based on an uncertain model of the plant. The optimization problem is solved in a receding horizon fashion subject to appropriate Lyapunov-based stability constraints which are designed to ensure that the desired stability and performance properties of the closed-loop system are met in the presence of faults. The state-space region where fault-tolerant stabilization is guaranteed is explicitly characterized in terms of the fault magnitude, the size of the plant-model mismatch and the choice of controller design parameters. To achieve the control objective with minimal sensor–controller communication, a forecast-triggered communication strategy is developed to determine when sensor–controller communication can be suspended and when it should be restored. In this strategy, transmission of the sensor measurement at a given sampling time over the sensor–controller communication channel to update the model state in the predictive controller is triggered only when the Lyapunov function or its time-derivative are forecasted to breach certain thresholds over the next sampling interval. The communication-triggering thresholds are derived from a Lyapunov stability analysis and are explicitly parameterized in terms of the fault size and a suitable fault accommodation parameter. Based on this characterization, fault accommodation strategies that guarantee closed-loop stability while simultaneously optimizing control and communication system resources are devised. Finally, a simulation case study involving a chemical process example is presented to illustrate the implementation and evaluate the efficacy of the developed fault-tolerant MPC formulation.
Effect of excess body weight on quality of life and satisfaction with body image among middle-aged Lithuanian inhabitants of Kaunas city
Authors: Bacevičienė Miglė , Rėklaitienė Regina , Tamošiūnas Abdonas
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to identify the effect of overweight, obesity, and conditions related to body weight on quality of life and to assess the relationship between body weight and satisfaction with body image between middle-aged Lithuanian inhabitants of Kaunas city. Material and methods. A random sample of 1403 Kaunas men and women, aged 35–64 years and stratified by age and sex, was examined in 2001–2002. Response rate was 62.4%. Examination included physical measurements and information on risk factors related to lifestyle. Quality of life was assessed by World Health Organization Quality of Life 100 questionnaire. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the effect of excess body weight and conditions linked to body weight on quality of life. Results. Less than three-fourths (73%) of men and women had excess body weight (body mass index, ≥25.0 kg/m2). Obesity in a complex with other analyzed factors had a negative effect on men’s quality of life in the independence domain as compared to ones with BMI of <25.0 kg/ m2 (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.08–3.26). Obesity for women increased the odds of having worse quality of life in the psychological and independence domains. Mean scores of body image and appearance facet for men with normal body mass were 73.5, for overweigh ones 72.2, and for obese 66.8 (for women 69.9, 63.3, and 52.9, respectively; P=0.0001). Conclusions. Among women excess body weight was associated with impaired quality of life. Men with excess body weight reported better overall quality of life. Obese persons were less satisfied with their body image as compared to ones with normal body weight.
Desmoglein1 Deficiency Is a Potential Cause of Cutaneous Eruptions Induced by Shuanghuanglian Injection
Authors: Zhang Yidan , Zhang Xiujun , Fan Shanshan , Song Lili , Yang Zhen , Zhuang Pengwei , Zhang Yanjun
Published: June 2018

Cutaneous eruption is a common drug-adverse reaction, characterised by keratinocytes inflammation and apoptosis. Shuanghuanglian injeciton (SHLI) is a typical Chinese medicine injection, which is used to treat influenza. It has been reported that SHLI has the potential to induce cutaneous adverse eruptions. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Since desmoglein 1 (DSG1) shows a crucial role in maintaining skin barrier function and cell susceptibility, we assume that DSG1 plays a critical role in the cutaneous eruptions induced by SHLI. In our study, retinoic acid (RA) was selected to downregulate the DSG1 expression, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was first used to identify the susceptibility of the DSG1-deficiency Hacat cells. Then, SHLI was administrated to normal or DSG1-deficient Hacat cells and mice. The inflammatory factors and apoptosis rate were evaluated by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. The skin pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Our results show that treated only with SHLI could not cause IL-4 and TNF-α mRNA increases in normal Hacat cells. However, in the DSG1-deficient Hacat cells or mice, SHLI induced an extreme increase of IL-4 and TNF-α mRNA levels, as well as in the apoptosis rate. The skin tissue showed a local inflammatory cell infiltration when treated with SHIL in the DSG1-deficient mice. Thus, we concluded that DSG1 deficiency was a potential causation of SHLI induced eruptions. These results indicated that keratinocytes with DSG1 deficiency were likely to induce the cutaneous eruptions when stimulated with other medicines.
Analysis of the Volatile Profile of Core Chinese Mango Germplasm by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ma Xiao-Wei , Su Mu-Qing , Wu Hong-Xia , Zhou Yi-Gang , Wang Song-Biao
Published: June 2018

Despite abundant published research on the volatile characterization of mango germplasm, the aroma differentiation of Chinese cultivars remains unclear. Using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the composition and relative content of volatiles in 37 cultivars representing the diversity of Chinese mango germplasm were investigated. Results indicated that there are distinct differences in the components and content of volatile compounds among and within cultivars. In total, 114 volatile compounds, including 23 monoterpenes, 16 sesquiterpenes, 29 non-terpene hydrocarbons, 25 esters, 11 aldehydes, five alcohols and five ketones, were identified. The total volatile content among cultivars ranged from 211 to 26,022 μg/kg fresh weight (FW), with 123-fold variation. Terpene compounds were the basic background volatiles, and 34 cultivars exhibited abundant monoterpenes. On the basis of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), terpinolene and α-pinene were important components constituting the aroma of Chinese mango cultivars. Most obviously, a number of mango cultivars with high content of various aroma components were observed, and they can serve as potential germplasms for both breeding and direct use.