bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pear Responses to Split Fertigation and Band Placement of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Yin Xinhua , Bai Jinhe , Seavert Clark F.
Published: December 2018

Single broadcast application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on the soil surface results in low use efficiency of applied N and P in pear (Pyrus communis) production systems in Oregon and the Pacific northwestern United States. A field experiment was conducted from 2005 through 2006 to evaluate the effects of split fertigation and band placement as alternate N and P management practices in ‘Anjou’ pears growing on a Parkdale loam soil near Parkdale, OR. Measurement and analysis of tree nutrition, fruit yield, quality, and storability, as well as indigenous soil nutrient supply was the scope of the experiment. To evaluate fertilizer management practices on pear growth and productivity, the following four treatments were tested with a randomized complete block design replicated four times: 1) broadcast application of N and P on the soil surface in a 10-ft-wide, weed-free strip centered on the tree row, 2) band placement of N and P on both sides of tree rows in 1 × 1-ft ditches (width × depth), 3) 1 × 1-ft ditches were dug using the band placement equipment, the dug soil was completed returned to the ditch without any fertilizer, and the broadcast application of N and P on the soil surface was applied on a 10-ft-wide, weed-free strip centered on the tree row, and 4) fertigation of N and P split into five equal applications throughout the growing season. Nitrogen and P fertilizers were applied to treatments 1, 2, and 3 at 100 lb/acre N and 55 lb/acre P, while treatment 4 received only 80 lb/acre N and 44 lb/acre P. The 2-year average results show leaf N and P concentrations in the fall were increased by 10.0% and 10.6%, respectively, with split fertigation compared with broadcast application on the soil surface. Band placement increased leaf N by 7.1% relative to broadcast application on the soil surface with soil disturbance caused by band placement. Split fertigation and band placement slightly increased fruit yield, but increased marketable fruit (the total of excellent and very slightly scalded fruit) by 20.9% and 11.1% (absolute value) when compared with broadcast application of N and P and broadcast application of N and P with soil disturbance caused by band placement, respectively, and after 3 months of cold storage. No detrimental effects on fruit weight or reduction in soil amino sugar N were observed from lowering the N and P application rates by 20% with split fertigation. Overall, split fertigation and band placement of N and P can be used to replace single broadcast application on the soil surface on pear orchards to reduce fruit superficial scald during cold storage and improve the use efficiency of applied N and P in the mid-Columbia region of Oregon.
Postharvest Evaluation of Cut Dahlia, Linaria, Lupine, Poppy, Rudbeckia, Trachelium, and Zinnia
Authors: Dole John M. , Viloria Zenaida , Fanelli Frankie L. , Fonteno William
Published: December 2018

Vase life of ‘Karma Thalia’ dahlia (Dahlia ×hybrida), ‘Lace Violet’ linaria (Linaria maroccana), ‘Sunrise’ lupine (Lupinus hartwegii ssp. cruickshankii), ‘Temptress’ poppy (Papaver nudicaule), ‘Indian Summer’ rudbeckia (Rudbeckia ×hybrida), ‘Jemmy Royal Purple’ trachelium (Trachelium caeruleum), and ‘Benary's Giant Scarlet’ and ‘Sun Gold’ zinnias (Zinnia elegans) was determined after being subjected to postharvest handling procedures. Cut dahlia, lupine, poppy, rudbeckia, trachelium, and ‘Sun Gold’ and ‘Benary's Giant Scarlet’ zinnia flowers could be held in unamended tap or deionized (DI) water with no effect on vase life. Vase life of linaria was longest when placed in DI water with 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate and a solution pH of 3.5. A vase solution of 2% sucrose without foam extended consumer vase lives for linaria, trachelium, and ‘Benary's Giant Scarlet’ zinnia. Floral foam or 2% or 4% sucrose had no effect on the consumer vase life of dahlia, lupine, rudbeckia, and poppy. Trachelium and rudbeckia did not tolerate a 20% sucrose treatment for 24 h, whereas linaria and ‘Benary's Giant Scarlet’ zinnia had a longer vase life with a 10% sucrose pulse than a water-only pulse. For trachelium, the longest (17.5 days) consumer vase life occurred when the Chrysal Professional 2 Processing solution (CP2) was used after pretreatment with DI water. Either of two commercial holding solutions, CP2 or Floralife Professional (FLP), similarly extended the vase life of linaria. The use of FLP or CP2 improved consumer vase life of dahlia, lupine, and poppy compared with DI water. Dahlia, trachelium, and zinnia flowers could not be cold stored at 2 °C. Lupine and poppy could be stored at 2 °C wet or dry for 2 weeks. Linaria and rudbeckia could be cold stored for 3 weeks. Lupine and trachelium were susceptible to 1 μL·L−1 exogenous ethylene, which induced floret abscission in lupine and stopped floret opening in trachelium. 1-Methylcyclopropene and silver thiosulfate similarly suppressed the ethylene effect. Cut linaria, zinnia, dahlia, rudbeckia, and poppy flowers were unaffected by exogenous ethylene.
The Occurrence of Codling Moth in Low Latitude Countries: Validation of Pest Distribution Reports
Authors: Willett Michael J. , Neven Lisa , Miller Charles E.
Published: December 2018

Phytosanitary restrictions are increasingly a factor in the ability of U.S. tree fruit exporters to gain and maintain access to worldwide markets. Under international trade rules, these restrictions must be based on specific guidelines, including an assessment of whether the proposed quarantine pest is likely to establish and spread under the climatic conditions of the importing country. Given the interest in and growth of temperate fruit production in the tropics, countries in the region (such as Taiwan, Columbia, Indonesia, and Thailand) have begun to impose a range of quarantine restrictions aimed at preventing the introduction of temperate zone pests. Apples (Malus ×domestica) are regulated in certain tropical/subtropical countries, such as Taiwan, for the presence of codling moth (CM; Cydia pomonella) in spite of reports in the literature that the distribution of CM is theoretically limited by daylength and chilling requirements to temperate regions. This work provides background as to why CM has been identified as a potential pest of quarantine concern in some low latitude countries; describes an approach used to validate worldwide CM distribution reports, providing additional information to allow for the revision of CM distribution maps; and demonstrates how accurate information regarding pest species distribution reports can aid in establishing an argument of ecological nonadaptability in the pest risk analysis process. Currently, a report of CM in Peru remains the only account of this pest's presence in low latitude countries that could not be refuted by the approach described here.
Promoting Germination in Ornamental Palm Seeds through Dormancy Alleviation
Authors: Pérez Hector E.
Published: December 2018

Delayed and inconsistent seed germination often hampers commercial production of palms (Arecaceae). Such sporadic germination is commonly due to seed dormancy. Mature, freshly shed seeds of palms typically display a combination of underdeveloped embryos (morphological dormancy) and the inability of developing embryos to rupture covering structures (physiological dormancy). Fruit and seedcoats are capable of imbibing water. Therefore, dormancy due to water-impermeable fruit or seedcoats (physical dormancy) does not occur. Removal of embryo covering structures, such as the pericarp and operculum, followed by incubation under moist, warm (25–35 °C) conditions promotes rapid and complete germination. Complete burial in soil promotes germination of seeds in intact fruit of loulu palm (Pritchardia remota).
Palms on the Edge: Species and Strategies for Landscape Utilization
Authors: McDonald Garry V. , Schnelle Michael A. , Arnold Michael A.
Published: December 2018

An emerging niche in landscape design is the creation of exotic venues in commercial and residential settings using unusual plant materials. For instance, the creation of a tropical looking pool area at a hotel, a southwestern desert look for a Mexican restaurant or an oasis for the consumer at a shopping venue can all be in part achieved by the addition of specific plants. Palms (Arecaceae) can be an important component of this effort, even in temperate landscapes. This article focuses on issues related to the incorporation of palms in temperate landscapes. Although palms are signature plants of tropical regions, a surprising number of species can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture cold hardiness zones 8, 7, or colder via a combination of appropriate genotype selection, attention to microclimates in design specifications, and/or special cultural practices to mitigate the impact of cold temperatures. Cold-tolerant palms can be a critical design element, especially when paired with other lush tropical-appearing plants, to achieve the goal of creating the illusion of an exotic tropical locale in temperate-climate landscapes. Genotypic and site specification, careful attention to establishment requirements, and modified maintenance practices are critical determinants for success that will be addressed.
Influence of Benzyladenine, Trinexapac-ethyl, or Uniconazole Applications on Height and Tillering of Six Ornamental Grasses
Authors: Padhye Sonali R. , Groninger Judith K.
Published: December 2018

Three ornamental grasses, each within the families Cyperaceae [leatherleaf sedge (Carex buchananii), ‘Frosted Curls’ sedge (Carex comans), and ‘Toffee Twist’ sedge (Carex flagellifera)] and Poaceae [‘Rosea’ pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), ‘Gracillimus’ miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis), and muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)], received two foliar sprays 2 weeks apart of benzyladenine (BA) at 500 or 1000 mg·L−1, trinexapac-ethyl (TE) at 220 mg·L−1, or uniconazole at 20 or 40 mg·L−1. The influence of these spray applications on plant height and tiller number was assessed 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the initial treatment (WAIT). Benzyladenine applications did not suppress the height of leatherleaf sedge or ‘Gracillimus’ miscanthus, yet did suppress the height of the other ornamental grasses by <15% compared to the controls, depending on the concentration used and the time. Applications of BA increased tiller production only in ‘Toffee Twist’ sedge at 2 and 4 WAIT compared to the controls; however, at 8 WAIT, this increase was diminished. Depending on the species, uniconazole suppressed the height of the Cyperaceae grasses by 11% to 22% compared to the controls at 8 WAIT. In Poaceae species, uniconazole suppressed the height of only ‘Rosea’ pampas grass by up to 32% compared to the controls. Uniconazole applications did not increase the tillering of any ornamental grasses tested, except ‘Toffee Twist’ sedge at 8 WAIT. Within Cyperaceae, TE suppressed the height of only ‘Toffee Twist’ sedge compared to the controls, while TE effectively controlled the height of all Poaceae grasses. Based on the species and time, TE application elicited up to 37% height suppression compared to the controls of Poaceae grasses, while it did not influence the tiller number of any ornamental grasses in this study.
Low-cost Container Yard for School-based Restoration Nurseries
Authors: Bush Edward W. , Blanchard Pamela B.
Published: December 2018

A small inexpensive (less than $1000) container yard, measuring 10 × 10 ft square, with an automatic irrigation system was designed for schools participating in the Louisiana State University Coastal Roots Program: A School Seedling Nursery Program for Habitat Restoration. Students helped install the container yard on their school site and oversee native plant production through the course of the school year. Teachers and other school staff checked the nursery during summer months to ensure that the irrigation system was working properly and the plants were healthy. Students grew ≈1000 restoration seedlings per year in their container yard. Each year they transplanted their seedlings and grass plugs on trips to habitat restoration sites across Louisiana's coastal zone. Since the inception of the program in 2000, the students using this container yard design have produced nearly 24,500 trees and shrubs and over 8000 grass plugs.
Evaluation of investment environment security in Ukraine
Authors: Blakyta Ganna , Guliaieva Nataliia , Vavdijchyk Iryna , Matusova Olena , Kasianova Anastasia
Published: December 2018

World economic crises, internal economic and political instability have led to declining the level of investment attractiveness and investment security of Ukraine. The aim of the article is to propose an integral index in order to assess investment environment security and determine factors affecting the investment environment security of Ukraine. The suggested assessment is based on the data of World Bank’s indexes with the following blocks of factors: the availability of economic freedom, favorable organizational conditions for doing business, political and legal freedom, supply of resources and infrastructure development. The assessment of Ukrainian investment environment security and its Western neighbors – the European Union member states – has shown that it has lowest rank and highest volatility in Ukraine. The article identifies a direct statistical relation between the volume of foreign direct investment flows in Ukraine and the indicator of political stability and the absence of violence in the country. The main reasons of investment attractiveness reduction in Ukraine were as follows: conservative attitude of investors towards risks due to political instability, manifestations of violence and terrorism; deterioration of the overall financial situation of enterprises, which are the recipients of investments. The article substantiates that conditions for the investment attraction and secure environment in Ukraine have not been formed yet. The system of indicators and criteria for assessing the level of investment environment security should be expanded.
Adenosine Deaminase Activity and HLA-DRB as Diagnostic Markers for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Valadbeigi Shirin , Saghiri Reza , Ebrahimi-Rad Mina , Khatami Shohreh , Akhbari Hadi
Published: December 2018

Background:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic multi systemic disorder with the unclarified ethiopathology. Although several markers have been presented for recognition of RA, but none of them has been specific. New markers such as HLA typing and activity of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) isoenzymes could be useful and specific.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the pattern of ADA isoenzymes activity and HLA typing in both RA patients and healthy cases.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 55 RA patients and 60 healthy subjects, over a period of 6 months. Levels of C-reactive Protein (CRP), Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and ADA (ADA1, ADA2, total ADA) were measured using AVITEX kit and HITACHI Auto Analyzer. In addition, HLA-DRB1*01,*04 and *10 was detected using PCR-SSP.

Results:

ADA activity, particularly ADA2 level, was significantly higher among RA group (Pv <0.05). The concentrations of tADA in patients with RF and CRP positive were significantly higher (Pv <0.05). The allele prevalence of DRB1*01 was significantly higher in RA patients (13.1%) compared with control group (5.5%, respectively) (P <0.05, Bonferroni adjustment P<0.003). Calculated sensitivity and specificity for diagnostic tests in this study are listed as: CRP (75%), RF (80%), ADA (84%) and RF (90%), ADA (83%), CRP (72%), respectively.

Conclusion:

Increased tADA level and the frequency of DRB1*10 and *01 caused susceptibility to RA.
New Resensitizers for the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor by Ligand-Based Pharmacophore Modeling
Authors: Wein Thomas , Wanner Klaus T. , Rappenglück Sebastian , Sichler Sonja , Niessen Karin V. , Seeger Thomas , Worek Franz , Thiermann Horst
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Irreversible inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase upon intoxication with organophosphorus
compounds leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft and a subsequent
desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors which may ultimately result in respiratory
failure. A direct intervention at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) was proposed as an alternative
therapeutic approach to the treatment with atropine and oximes.

Methods: The bispyridinium compound MB327 has been found to recover functional activity of
nAChR thus representing a promising starting point for the development of new drugs for the treatment
of organophosphate poisoning. Recent solid-supported membrane-based electrophysiological
experiments have identified symmetrically substituted bispyridinium compounds e.g. MB327, MB583,
and PTM0001 that are able to resensitize nAChR of Torpedo californica. In addition, six compounds
have been found not to show any resensitizing potential and were thus classified as inactive. This set
of active and inactive bispyridinium compounds was taken to develop a pharmacophore model and in
silico screening of a virtual database of bispyridinium compounds to identify new compounds that are
able to restore the functional activity of desensitized nAChR.

Results:

Screening of a virtual compound database of symmetrically substituted bispyridinium compounds
with the derived pharmacophore yielded several promising compounds which satisfy the pharmacophore
and ought to have the same or even better resensitizing effect on nAChR as the parent
compound MB327.
Interference of Gold Nanoparticles with In vitro Endotoxin Detection Assays
Authors: Vetten Melissa A. , Gulumian Mary
Published: December 2018

Background:

Endotoxin-free engineered nanoparticle suspensions are imperative for their
successful applications in the field of nanomedicine as well as in the investigations in their toxicity.
Gold nanoparticles are known to interfere with various in vitro assays due to their optical properties
and potential for surface reactivity. In vitro endotoxin testing assays are known to be susceptible to
interference caused by the sample being tested.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify a preferred assay for the testing of endotoxin contamination
in gold nanoparticle suspensions.

Methods:

The interference by gold nanoparticles on three assays namely, the commonly used
limulus amebocyte lysate chromogenic assay, the limulus amebocyte lysate gel-clot method, and the
less common recombinant Factor C (rFC) assay, was tested.

Results:

Possible interference could be observed with all three assays. The interference with the absorbance-
based chromogenic assay could not be overcome by dilution; whilst the qualitative nature
of the gel-clot assay excluded the possibility of distinguishing between a false positive result due to
enhancement of the sensitivity of the assay, and genuine endotoxin contamination. However, interference
with the rFC assay was easily overcome through dilution.

Conclusion:

The rFC assay is recommended as an option for endotoxin contamination detection in
gold nanoparticle suspensions.
Precision Displacement Control of a Diamond-shaped Amplifying Mechanism Driven by Piezoelectric Actuator Based on Fuzzy Fractionalorder PIλDμ Controller
Authors: Lu Shizhou , Liu Wei , Zhu Chenyu , Zhai Qiang , Cao Renshui
Published: December 2018

Background:

As a high-performance functional material, stacked piezoelectric actuator can produce a displacement under the effect of changing voltage. Its advantages of fast response and easy operation make it to be widely applied in the precision structure field. However, its small displacement stroke and hysteresis nonlinearity affect the accuracy of the output.

:

In the next step, some experiments were undertaken based on the constructed platform.

Methods:

In order to enlarge the displacement of piezoelectric actuator and reduce the influence of hysteresis, this study designs a diamond-shaped amplifying mechanism to amplify the output of the piezoelectric actuator, and then develops a self-tuning fuzzy fractional-order PIλDμ controller for the high precision displacement control of the proposed amplifying mechanism. After analyzing the working principle and modeling the amplifying mechanism, the fractional-order PIλDμ control model of the proposed mechanism was built and discretized according to the theoretical base of the fractional calculus in the time domain. Moreover, the fuzzy control algorithm was also introduced to achieve self-turning of parameters. Besides, the amplifying mechanism was also adopted for a microdroplet jetting dispenser to verify the practicability of the mechanism and control strategy. In the next step, some experiments were undertaken based on the constructed platform.

Results:

Experiments show that the displacement overshoots, the times of reaching a steady state of the traditional integer-order controller and the fractional-order controller are 5.08%, 1.17% and 17.25 s, 12.00 s, respectively. However, the fuzzy PIλDμ controller lowers the overshoot and the time of reaching a steady state to 0.95% and 9.00 s, respectively. The control algorithm can not only improve the follow-ability of the output displacement of the proposed mechanism, but also maintain the deviation within the range of 0.4% after the displacement stroke is stable and reduce the entering time of the mechanism up to 47.8%. In actual application, the droplet volume of micro-droplet jetting dispenser under fuzzy fractional-order PID control method is more stable, and its repeatability accuracy can reach up to 1.6475%.

Conclusion:

Experimental results indicate that the self-tuning fuzzy fractional-order PIλDμ controller can significantly improve the tracking performances of the PID and the integer-order PID with regard to the amplifying mechanism with the advantages of good dynamic character and regulation precision. Furthermore, the diamond-shaped amplification mechanism and control strategy can be applied for some micro-droplet jetting dispensers used in microelectronic packaging, life science and 3D printing fields.
Recurrent Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma: A Case Report
Authors: Barros de Alencar Catarina Ribeiro , Porto Damião Edgleys , Cavalcanti Alidianne Fábia Cabral , Cavalcanti Alessandro Leite
Published: December 2018

Objective:

This article describes a case of a Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma (PGCG) in a girl.

Introduction:

PGCG is a relatively infrequent benign reactive lesion of the gingiva or alveolar ridge that develops in response to local irritation. Clinical appearance consists of a firm or soft smooth surface nodule in dissimilar colors of varying size with sessile or pedunculated implantation base. Radiographic features are generally nonspecific, thereby definitive diagnosis depends on microscopic examination to confirm the entity of PGCG.

Case Report:

A 6-year-old female patient was referred to the outpatient clinic of an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department with the chief complaint of an intraoral swelling. The intraoral examination showed a painless sessile mass with exophytic growth similar to a tumorous lesion located on the mandibular alveolar ridge extending from distal aspect of right mandibular primary canine to mesial aspect of first permanent molar of the same side.

Conclusion:

Peripheral giant cell granuloma is a relatively uncommon lesion in children and potential for collaboration with the treatment in young patients should be considered for a successful therapeutic approach.
Global Stability and Optimal Control Analysis of Malaria Dynamics in the Presence of Human Travelers
Authors: Olaniyi Samson , Okosun Kazeem O. , Adesanya Samuel O. , Areo Emmanuel A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

The impact of unguarded human movement on the spread of infectious disease like malaria cannot be underestimated. Therefore, this study examines the significance of short term human travelers on malaria transmission dynamics.

Methods:

A non-autonomous system of ordinary differential equations incorporating four control strategies, namely personal protection, chemo-prophylaxis, chemotherapy and mosquito-reduction effort is presented to describe the dynamics of malaria transmission between two interacting populations. Suitable Lyapunov functions are constructed to analyze the global dynamics of the autonomous version. Moreover, the model which incorporates time-dependent vigilant controls is qualitatively analyzed with the overall goal of minimizing the spread of malaria and the associated costs of control implementation using the optimal control theory. An iterative method of forward-backward Runge-Kutta fourth order scheme is used to simulate the optimality system in order to investigate the effects of the control strategies on the magnitude of infected individuals in the population.

Results:

Analysis of the autonomous system shows that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable whenever the basic reproduction is less than unity and a uniquely determined endemic equilibrium is shown to be globally asymptotically stable whenever the associated basic reproduction number exceeds unity. In the case of non-autonomous system, necessary conditions for the optimal control of malaria are derived. It is shown that adherence to the combination of the control strategies by short term human travelers helps in curtailing the spread of malaria in the population.
Capturing Day-to-day Diurnal Variations in Stability in the Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Nielson Jordan , Bhaganagar Kiran
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Large Eddy Simulation (LES) modelers must begin to answer the question of how to better incorporate large datasets into simulations. This question is important because, at a given location, the diurnal, seasonal, and day-to-day variations of atmospheric stability have significant consequences for the power generated by wind turbines. The following study provides a methodology to obtain discrete values of surface flux, inversion height and geostrophic wind for LES using field data over multiple diurnal cycles (averaged over a month) at 12 Local Time (LT) (during the convective ABL). The methodology will allow the discrete LES to quantify the day-to-day variations over multiple diurnal cycles.

Methods:

The study tests the hypothesis that LES can capture the mean velocity and TKE profiles from the averaged variations in surface heat flux at 12 LT measured in the field (mean, +1 standard deviation, and -1 standard deviation). The discrete LES from the mean, +1 standard deviation, and -1 standard deviation surface heat flux represent the variations in the ABL due to the day-to-day variations in surface heat flux. The method calculates the surface heat flux for the NREL NWTC M5 dataset. The field data were used to generate Probability Density Functions (PDFs) of surface heat flux for the January and July 12 LT. The PDFs are used to select the surface heat fluxes as inputs into the discrete LES.

Results / Conclusion:

A correlation function between the surface heat flux and the boundary layer height was determined to select the initial inversion height, and the geostrophic departure function was used to determine the geostrophic wind for each surface heat flux. The LES profiles matched the averaged velocity profiles from the field data to 4% and the averaged TKE profiles to 6% and, therefore, validated the methodology. The method allows for further quantification of day-to-day stability variations using LES.
Synthesis, α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of 2,4-Thiazolidinedione Derivatives
Authors: Naeem Fawad , Nadeem Humaira , Muhammad Aun , Zahid Muhammad Ammar , Saeed Adil
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

2,4-Thiazolidinedione and its derivatives exhibit a variety of pharmacological activities including antidiabetic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and aldose reductase inhibitory activities. Keeping in mind the pharmacological potential of 2,4-Thiazolidinedione derivatives as antidiabetic agents, seven arylidene derivatives of 2,4-thiazolidinedione1(a-g)and four corresponding acetic acid derivatives 2(a-d)have been synthesized by a three-step procedure.

Methods:

All the synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR,1HNMR, and13CNMR and further screened for their α-amylase inhibitory potential.

Results:

All the compounds1(a-g)and2(a-d)showed varying degree of α-amylase inhibition, especially compound1c(IC50= 6.59μg/ml),1d(IC50=2.03μg/ml) and1g(IC50= 3.14μg/ml) displayed significantly potent α-amylase inhibition as compared to the standard acarbose (IC50= 8.26μg/ml). None of the acetic acid derivatives of 5-arylidene-2,4-thiazolidinedione showed prominent inhibitory activity. Docking results indicated that the best binding conformation was found inside the active site cleft of enzyme responsible for hydrolysis of carbohydrates.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it can be concluded that 2,4-thiazolidinedione derivatives can be used as effective lead molecules for the development of α-amylase inhibitors for the management of diabetes.
Effect of Cash Transfer on School Dropout Rates using Longitudinal Data Modelling: A Randomized Trial of Research Initiative to Support the Empowerment of girls (RISE) in Zambia
Authors: Sampa Mutale , Jacobs Choolwe , Musonda Patrick
Published: December 2018

Background:

School dropout rates, as well as early marriages and pregnancies, are high among adolescent girls in rural Zambia. In the quest to fight this, the Research Initiative to Support the Empowerment of girls (RISE) trial has been providing cash transfers and community dialogues to adolescent girls in rural Zambia. The overall goal of the study was to establish the effects of cash transfers on adolescent girls’ school dropout rates in selected provinces of Zambia.

Methods:

The study was nested in the RISE trial which is a cluster randomized trial conducted in Central and Southern provinces of Zambia. A total of 3500 adolescent girls were included in the study. Random intercepts model was used to model the individual effects estimates, taking account of the dependency that was likely to occur due to the repeated measurements and clustering in the study.

Results:

Girls who were married or cohabiting and girls who had given birth, were significantly less likely to be in school (OR=0.004, 95% CI {0.001-0.02}, p-value=<0.0001) and (OR=0.003, 95% CI {0.02-0.04}, p-value=<0.0001) respectively. Consistently receiving cash transfers increased the chance of a girl being in school (OR=8.51, 95% CI {4.50-16.08}, p-value=<0.0001). There was an indication that the combined intervention arm had a reduced chance of girls being in school, however, we could not rule out chance finding (OR=0.89, 95% CI {0.59-1.36}, p=0.606).

Conclusion:

The study found that marriage or cohabiting and giving birth whilst in school reduce the chances of the girl continuing schooling. No significant association could be attributed to the type of intervention, However, consistent receipt of cash transfers was shown to be a protective factor of school dropout rates in the study.
Effects of Various Agroindustrial Wastes on Nutrition Yield and Quality of Canola (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Seçer Müzeyyen , Ömer Lütfü Elmaci , Ceylan Şafak
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Canola is an important agricultural crop generally grown for oil and biofuel generation.

Materials and Methods:

The agroindustrial solid wastes of oregano and cumin wastes were used in a vegetation experiment to determine their effect on the nutrition, yield and quality of the canola plant (Brassica napusL.) The experiment was performed on 12 plots of 6 m2and was conducted with four treatments of composted oregano and cumin wastes, mineral fertilization and control in three replications. Physical and chemical properties and macro-micro nutrients were determined in the soils at the beginning and the end of the experiment.

Results and Discussion:

The leaves showed sufficient levels of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and low sufficient levels of Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn. The boron content of the leaves was insufficient. Manganese and B were affected significantly by the applications. The applications did not affect plant height, shoot and carob number per plant, and seed numbers per carob significantly. Statistically, the highest number of plants per m2was observed in the plots to which cumin wastes were applied, and these plots also showed the maximum yield.

Conclusion:

Seed yield, protein and oil percentages were not affected significantly by the applications.
Oral Monosodium Glutamate Differentially Affects Open-Field Behaviours, Behavioural Despair and Place Preference in Male and Female Mice
Authors: AY Onaolapo , OI Olawore , FO Yusuf , AM Adeyemo , IO Adewole , OJ Onaolapo
Published: December 2018

Background:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer which induces behavioural changes in animals. However the influence of sex on the behavioural response to MSG has not been investigated.

Objective:

The sex-differential effects of MSG on open-field behaviours, anxiety-related behaviour, behavioural despair, place-preference, and plasma/brain glutamate levels in adult mice were assessed.

Methods:

Mice were assigned to three groups (1-3), based on the models used to assess behaviours. Animals in group 1 were for the elevated-plus maze and tail-suspension paradigms, group 2 for the open-field and forced-swim paradigms, while mice in group 3 were for observation in the conditioned place preference paradigm. Mice in all groups were further assigned into five subgroups (10 males and 10 females), and administered vehicle (distilled water at 10 ml/kg) or one of four doses of MSG (20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg) daily for 6 weeks, following which they were exposed to the behavioural paradigms. At the end of the behavioural tests, the animals were sacrificed, and blood was taken for estimation of glutamate levels. The brains were also homogenised for estimation of glutamate levels.

Results:

MSG was associated with a reduction in locomotion in males and females (except at 160 mg/kg, male), an anxiolytic response in females, an anxiogenic response in males, and decreased behavioural despair in both sexes (females more responsive). Postconditioning MSG-associated place-preference was significantly higher in females. Plasma/ brain glutamate was not significantly different between sexes.

Conclusion:

Repeated MSG administration alters a range of behaviours in a sex-dependent manner in mice.
Research Progress on Mechanical Properties of Short Carbon Fibre/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Zhao Guanghui , Zhong Jijia , Zhang Y.X.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Short carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites have many advantages such as
high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, low cost, short fabrication time and easy manufacturing.
Researches on the mechanical performance of the composites are mainly carried out by means
of experimental techniques and numerical calculation.

Objective:

The study aims to report the latest progress in the studies of mechanical properties of short
carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites.

Methods:

Based on recently published patents and journal papers, the experimental studies of short
carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites are reviewed and the effects of short carbon fibre on the
mechanical properties of the composites are discussed. Numerical studies using representative volume
element in simulating macroscopic mechanical properties of the short fibre reinforced composites are
also reviewed. Finally, future research of short carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites is proposed.

Results:

Experimental techniques, experimental results and numerical simulating methods are
discussed.

Conclusion:

Mechanical properties of epoxy can be improved by adding short carbon fibres. Fiber surface
treatment and matrix modification are effective in enhancing interfacial adhesion between fiber
and matrix, and as a result, better mechanical performance is achieved. Compared to the studies on
equivalent mechanical properties of the composites, researches on the micro-mechanism of interaction
between fiber and matrix are still in infancy due to the complexity of both the internal structure and
reinforcing mechanism.
Recent Patents on Boiler Burners for Natural Gas
Authors: Yang Daolong , Li Jianping , Wang Yanxiang , Tian Chao , Zhang Chi
Published: December 2018

Background:

With the development of natural gas and shale gas worldwide, the consumption of gas will continue to increase in the future. Natural gas is flammable and explosive, and the exhaust gas produced during the combustion of natural gas in boiler burners is one of the main sources of NOx in the air.

Objective:

This paper introduces patents and researches of natural gas boiler burners to improve the safety of natural gas boiler burners and reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides.

Methods:

In summarizing the existing boiler burner for natural gas, this paper introduces three new patents of natural gas boiler burner: the low-nitrogen burner, the energy-saving leakage-detecting burner and the small boiler burner.

Results:

The low-nitrogen burner identifies the fixed control of gas flow, enhances the gas flow’s antiinterference ability, and achieves a relatively accurate ratio of the fuel-air flow. The energy-saving leakage-detecting burner enhances the natural gas and air flow stability and improves combustion efficiency and the safety and reliability by optimizing the ratio of natural gas to air. The small boiler burner improves the safety and reliability of the natural gas boiler burner, prolongs the service life of the igniter, and makes up for the shortcomings of high stability in the gas pressure.

Conclusion:

On the basis of ensuring the safety of the burner, the low-nitrogen transformation of the boiler burner is as energy-efficient as possible in order to maximize the advantages of natural gas resources.
Vibration Transmission and Isolation in the Cutting Process of Machine Tools
Authors: Zhang Keguo , Xu Xiaodong
Published: December 2018

Background:

Machining is an important method for manufacturing parts. It is characterized
by high cutting speed with a considerable influence of high-frequency vibration. Various relevant papers
and patents have studied vibration transmission and isolation in the machining process.

Objective:

To investigate vibration transmission and isolation in the machining process, and simplify
the cutting process of a machine tool.

Methods:

Firstly single-layer and double-layer vibration isolation models are established, the substructure
matrix analysis method is adopted and the vibration power flow transmission characteristics of
double-layer vibration isolation system under complex excitation are analyzed. Secondly, the optimal
control strategy based on the minimum power flow inputted into the base is proposed. Then the control
effect of the active actuator under different installation modes is analysed and compared.

Results:

It has been proved that low-frequency coupling is characterized by the rigid mode of the
workpiece or the grinding wheel when cutting, whereas high-frequency coupling exhibits the dynamic
characteristics of the machine tool bed. A good vibration isolation effect can be achieved for three types
of installation modes in a double-layer vibration isolation system, and only the actuators installed between
the vibration source and the middle mass exhibit the best control effect.

Conclusion:

The vibration isolation model has been established and the optimal installation mode of
the actuator in the double-layer vibration isolation system has been found. And the paper provides a
reference for the study of vibration transmission, control of machine tools and the elimination of grinding
chatter.
Nuevos registros para la flora de Veracruz en el Parque Nacional Cañón del Río Blanco, México
Authors: Vargas Rueda Abel Felipe , Rivera Hernández Jaime Ernesto , Cházaro Basáñez Miguel De Jesús , Alcántara Salinas Graciela
Published: December 2018

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Con algunas pocas exploraciones desde el siglo XIX y colectas aisladas, el Parque Nacional Cañón del Río Blanco ha sido poco estudiado desde el punto de vista florístico; sin embargo, se han documentado nuevos registros para la flora del estado de Veracruz, México, en la poligonal abarcada por esta Área Natural Protegida. El objetivo de este estudio fue dar a conocer las novedades que este sitio aporta para dicha flora.Métodos: Se llevaron a cabo exploraciones botánicas en dos periodos diferentes: el primero entre 2012 y 2014 y el segundo en 2016. Se hicieron colectas botánicas y los especímenes fueron fotografiados en su hábitat para posteriormente ser determinados taxonómicamente con ayuda de literatura especializada. Finalmente, los especímenes fueron depositados en los herbarios nacionales CORU, MEXU y XAL.Resultados clave: Se reporta Manfreda verhoekiae (Asparagaceae), Cypripedium molle (Orchidaceae), Goodyera brachyceras (Orchidaceae), Krameria pauciflora (Krameriaceae) y Crusea psyllioides (Rubiaceae) como nuevos registros para la flora de Veracruz, mientras que Dioscorea orizabensis (Dioscoreaceae) y Nectouxia formosa (Solanaceae) se presentan como redescubrimientos para la misma flora.Conclusiones: Se refuerza la teoría sobre la afinidad florística de la vegetación de esta región semiárida veracruzana con la flora del Valle de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. Se sugiere continuar con la exploración botánica dentro de esta Área Natural Protegida.
Assessment of Temporary Community-Based Health Care Facilities During Arbaeenia Mass Gathering at Karbala, Iraq: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Lami Faris , Hameed Inam , Arbaji Ali
Published: December 2018

Background

Arbaeenia mass gathering (MG) in Karbala, Iraq, is becoming one of the largest MGs in the world. The health care infrastructure in Iraq is inadequately prepared to serve the health needs of the millions of pilgrims.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the temporary health care facilities installed and run by the local community to provide health care services to Arbaeenia pilgrims in Karbala, Iraq.

Methods

A survey was conducted in all community-based health care facilities located along part of Najaf to Karbala road within Karbala governorate. A structured questionnaire was answered through an interview with the workers and direct observation. Data were collected on staff profile, type of services provided, use of basic infection control measures, medical equipment, drugs and supplies, and the most commonly encountered medical problems.

Results

The total number of health care facilities was 120, staffed by 659 workers. Only 18 (15.0%, 18/120) facilities were licensed, and 44.1% (53/120) of the workers were health professionals. The health care workers provided different services including dispensing drugs (370/1692, 21.87%), measuring blood pressure and blood sugar (350/1692, 20.69%), and caring for wounds and injuries (319/1692, 18.85%). Around 97% (116/120) health facilities provided services for musculoskeletal disorders and only 16.7% (20/120) provided services for injuries. The drugs available in the clinic were analgesics, drugs for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, and antibiotics, with an availability range of 13.3% to 100.0%. Infection control practices for individual protection, environmental sanitation, and medical waste disposal were available in a range of 18.1% to 100.0%.

Conclusions

Community-based health care facilities experienced a profound shortage of trained human resources and medical supplies. They can significantly contribute to health services if they are adequately equipped and follow standardized operation procedures.
Trastornos musculoesqueléticos en odontólogos
Authors: Fimbres Salazar Karla Lizbeth , García Puga Julio Alfredo , Tinajero González Rosa María , Salazar Rubial Rosa Elena , Quintana Zavala María Olga
Published: December 2018

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue identificar trastornos musculoesqueléticos en odontólogos de una clínica dental en Hermosillo, Sonora. Material y método. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, no experimental, transversal y observacional, el muestreo fue no probabilístico y la muestra estuvo constituida por 30 sujetos. Se utilizaron los instrumentos Cuestionario Estandarizado Nórdico y el método Rapid Entire Body Assessment. Resultados. Se obtuvo un nivel de riesgo medio (70%) y con una necesidad de implementar acciones del 70%. Al evaluar la sintomatología de cada zona anatómica, durante la práctica odontológica, se observó un predomino de sintomatología en cuello (70%), región dorsal o lumbar (63,3 %), hombros (46,7%), el lado derecho presenta más alteraciones (36,7%), manos o muñecas (46,7 %) y mayor frecuencia en mano o muñeca derecha (33,3 %), en codos o antebrazos la mayoría señala no tener molestia (90%). Conclusiones. De los trastornos músculo-esqueléticos en odontólogos sobresalen molestias en cuello, región dorsal o lumbar, hombros, manos y muñecas, con mayor alteración en la parte derecha. Desde la enfermería laboral se deben proponer acciones para disminuir el riesgo
Circulating Exosomal miR-20b-5p Is Elevated in Type 2 Diabetes and Could Impair Insulin Action in Human Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Katayama Mutsumi , Wiklander Oscar P.B. , Fritz Tomas , Caidahl Kenneth , El-Andaloussi Samir , Zierath Juleen R. , Krook Anna
Published: December 2018

miRNAs are noncoding RNAs representing an important class of gene expression modulators. Extracellular circulating miRNAs are both candidate biomarkers for disease pathogenesis and mediators of cell-to-cell communication. We examined the miRNA expression profile of total serum and serum-derived exosome-enriched extracellular vesicles in people with normal glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes. In contrast to total serum miRNA, which did not reveal any differences in miRNA expression, we identified differentially abundant miRNAs in patients with type 2 diabetes using miRNA expression profiles of exosome RNA (exoRNA). To validate the role of these differentially abundant miRNAs on glucose metabolism, we transfected miR-20b-5p, a highly abundant exoRNA in patients with type 2 diabetes, into primary human skeletal muscle cells. miR-20b-5p overexpression increased basal glycogen synthesis in human skeletal muscle cells. We identified AKTIP and STAT3 as miR-20b-5p targets. miR-20b-5p overexpression reduced AKTIP abundance and insulin-stimulated glycogen accumulation. In conclusion, exosome-derived extracellular miR-20b-5p is a circulating biomarker associated with type 2 diabetes that plays an intracellular role in modulating insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism via AKT signaling.