bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histology of the spermateca and stored sperm of Tenuisvalvae notata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Túler Amanda C. , Silva‐Torres Christian S. A. , Teixeira Valéria W. , Teixeira Alvaro A. C. , Guedes Carolina A. , D'Assunção Carolline G. , Brayner Fábio A. , Alves Luiz C.
Published: May 2018

The predatory ladybird beetle Tenuisvalvae notata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) (Mulsant) is a polygamous species and its morphology, as well as the storage capacity of seminal fluid in the spermatheca, may affect its reproductive performance. Thus, the present study evaluates the spermatheca morphology of virgin and mated T. notata females using light and scanning microscopy. The results show that the spermatheca of T. notata is kidney shaped and consists only of the receptacle and spermathecal duct, being morphologically similar in virgin and mated females. There is no secretion in the spermathecae of virgin females and, in mated females, only once it was not possible to observe the presence of spermatozoa. By contrast, females mate multiple times it is possible to observe spermatozoa in the lumen of the spermatheca surrounding the secreted material. Polygamy in T. notata might be related to the maintenance of viable spermatozoa in the spermatheca, in which case the female would prefer to copulate more times during its adult life than to store spermatozoa for a longer period of time.
Quantifying Direct DNA Damage in the Basal Layer of Skin Exposed to UV Radiation from Sunbeds
Authors: Barnard Isla Rose Mary , Tierney Patrick , Campbell Catherine Louise , McMillan Lewis , Moseley Harry , Eadie Ewan , Brown Christian Thomas Alcuin , Wood Kenneth
Published: May 2018

Nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers are attributable to DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. One DNA photoproduct, the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD), is believed to lead to DNA mutations caused by UV radiation. Using radiative transfer simulations, we compare the number of CPDs directly induced by UV irradiation from artificial and natural UV sources (a standard sunbed and the midday summer Mediterranean sun) for skin types I and II on the Fitzpatrick scale. We use Monte Carlo radiative transfer (MCRT) modeling to track the progression of UV photons through a multilayered three dimensional (3D) grid that simulates the upper layers of the skin. By recording the energy deposited in the DNA‐containing cells of the basal layer, the number of CPDs formed can be quantified. The aim of this work was to compare the number of CPDs formed in the basal layer of the skin and by implication the risk of developing cancer, as a consequence of irradiation by artificial and natural sources. Our simulations show that the number of CPDs formed per second during sunbed irradiation is almost three times that formed during solar irradiation.
Haematological and immunological reference intervals for adult population in the state of Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Enawgaw Bamlaku , Birhan Wubet , Abebe Molla , Terefe Betelihem , Baynes Habtamu Wondifraw , Deressa Tekalign , Melku Mulugeta
Published: May 2018

Objective

Reference intervals (RIs) currently being used in Ethiopia are derived from western populations. Thus, this study aimed to establish locally derived haematological and immunological RIs.

Method

The study was conducted in Amhara State, Ethiopia with a total of 967 (55.2% males) participants. 56.9% of males and 43.1% of females were eligible for haematological and immunological RI determination. A non‐parametric test was used for the determination of upper (97.5th percentile) and lower (2.5th percentile) reference interval limits with 95% CI. The Harris and Boyd Rule was used to determine the need of partitioning of reference intervals based on gender.

Result

The established 95% reference intervals (2.5th–97.5th percentile) were: for WBC: 3–11.2 × 109/l; for platelet: 90–399 × 109/l; for RBC: 4–6 × 1012/l for males and 3.5–5.6 × 1012/l for females; for haemoglobin: (Hgb) 12–18.9 g/dl for males and 10.7–17.5 g/dl for females; for PCV: 35.7–55.3% for males and 32.2–50.1% for females; for CD4: 400–1430 × 109/l for males and 466–1523 × 109/l for females; for CD4 percentage: 18–49.1% for males and 21.3–52.9% for females; for MCV: 81–100 fl; for MCH: 25.3–34.6 pg; MCHC: 28.8–36.9%; for RDW: 11.6–15.4% and for MPV: 8–12.3 fl. Males had significantly higher RBC, Hgb and PCV than females. CD4 counts and CD4 percentage were significantly higher in females.

Conclusion

The reference intervals established in this study differ from others and thus should be used for the interpretation of laboratory results in diagnosis and safety monitoring in clinical trials in Amhara.
DOWNSCALING OF DAILY AVERAGE RAINFALL OF KOTA BHARU KELANTAN, MALAYSIA
Authors: Noor Muhammad , Ismail Tarmizi
Published: May 2018

Downscaling Global Circulation Model (GCM) output is important in order tounderstand the present climate as well as future climate changes at local scale. In this study,Random Forest (RF) was used to downscale the mean daily rainfall at Kota Bahru meteorologicalstation located in Kelantan Malaysia. The RF model was used to downscale daily rainfall fromGCM of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), BCC-CSM1.1. The potentialpredictors were selected using stepwise regression at grid points located around the study area.Quantile mapping was used to remove the bias in the prediction. The results showed that the RFmodel was able to establish a good relation between observed and downscaled rainfall. TheQuantile mapping was found to perform well to correct errors in prediction. The statisticalmeasures of performance of downscaling and bias correction approaches show that they are ableto replicate daily observed rainfall with Nash-Schutclif efficiency greater than 0.75 for all themonths. It can be concluded that RF and Quantile mapping are reliable and effective methods fordownscaling rainfall.
UNDERSTANDING OF SPEED BEHAVIOUR IN RELATION TO ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: A COMPARISON BETWEEN MALAYSIAN AND VIETNAMESE DRIVERS
Authors: Mohamad Farah Fazlinda , Abdullah Ahmad Saifizul , Mohamad Jamilah , Karim Mohamed Rehan
Published: May 2018

Speed behaviour has always been associated with road traffic accident in Malaysia andVietnam. The speed behaviour may vary from one moment to another depending on externalfactors or internal factors affecting the driver at that particular moment. Understanding the speedbehaviour between Malaysian drivers & Vietnamese drives are important to pin down the factorscausing the road traffic accident in each respective country, with a countermeasures proposal toimprove driver’s speed behaviour in a long run. Following a set of questionnaire completed by150 Malaysian and Vietnamese drivers respectively, a certain degree of similarity betweenMalaysian and Vietnamese driver’s speed behaviour were observed. The results revealedsimilarity in primary factors affecting the driver’s speed choice which are road design (tendencyto speed on wide lane), circumstances of journey (time pressure to meet schedule or deadline),emotion (impatient and enjoying the feeling while speeding) and strong self-belief (confident inovertaking other vehicle safely and believing that speeding is normal). In conclusion, Malaysianand Vietnamese drivers have similar speed behaviour, with countermeasures to improve thespeed behaviour are proposed and discussed.
STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF SPACE TRUSSES UNDER FIRE
Authors: M. Ibrahim Amr , A. Elshafey Ahmed , A. El-taly Boshra , S. Kandil Kamel
Published: May 2018

An experimental program was designed in the current work to capture the structuralbehavior of two different space trusses under static loads and under increasing the temperature atthe truss nodes up to failure. The results of the two space trusses tested include the centraldeflection of the truss and the axial forces in truss members under the applied loads andtemperature. Also analytical studies based on finite element method for the two tested trusses areintroduced in this paper. A comparison between experimental work and analytical study ispresented and discussed. The finite element simulation gives good agreement with theexperimental results. Also the results of the current work indicate that increasing the temperaturecauses a local failure due to fusion of the node at which the temperature was applied.
SEISMIC FRAGILITY ASSESSMENT AND RETROFIT OF A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL BUILDING IN CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH
Authors: AbulHasan Md. , Bhuiyan Md. Abdur Rahman
Published: May 2018

Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) is one of the most important government hospitals in Bangladesh. It is located in the heart of Chittagong city, the only port city of Bangladesh. Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) is the only official document, which has been used since 1993 as guidelines for seismic design of buildings. As per the guidelines of BNBC, the CMCH building was designed for an earthquake ground motion having a return period of 200 years. However, the revised version of BNBC has suggested that the building structures shall be designed for an earthquake ground motion having a return period of 2475 years. It is mentioned that a single seismic performance objective, the life safety, of the building is considered in both versions of BNBC. Considering the significant importance of CMCH building in providing the emergency facilities during and after the earthquake, it is indispensable to evaluate its seismic vulnerability for the two types of earthquake ground motion records having return period of 200 (Type-I) and 2475 (Type-II) years. In this regard, this paper deals with the seismic vulnerability assessment of the existing ancillary building (AB) of CMCH. The seismic vulnerability of building is usually expressed in the form of fragility curves, which display the conditional probability that the structural demand (structural response) caused by various levels of ground shaking exceeds the structural capacity defined by a damage state. The analytical method based on elastic response spectrum analyses results is used in evaluating the seismic fragility curves of the building. To the end, 3-D finite element model of the building subjected to 18 ground motion records having PGA of 0.325g to 0.785g has been used in theresponse spectrum analysis in order to evaluate its inter-story-drift ratio (IDR), an engineeringdemand parameter (EDP) for developing fragility curves. The analytical results have shown thatstructural deficiencies exist in the existing ancillary building (AB) for the Type-II earthquakeground motion record, which requires the building to be retrofitted to ensure that the existingancillary building (AB) becomes functional during and after the Type-II earthquake groundmotion record.
SEISMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITIES: A GIS BASED APPLICATION FOR CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH
Authors: Mazumder Ram Krishna , Uddin Utsob Mohammad Tais , Bhuiyan M. A. Rahman
Published: May 2018

Medical facilities are one of the most important lifelines that need to remain functionalduring and after an earthquake. Bangladesh is a multi-hazard prone country located in thesouthern part of Asia where a significant number of natural disasters are recorded each year. Thesecond largest city and economic hub, Chittagong, is located in the south-eastern part of thecountry, falls in the seismically moderate zone as per Bangladesh National Building Code(BNBC 2017) with a seismic zoning coefficient of 0.28g based on 2 percent probability ofexceedance in 50 years. Most of the buildings were built before implementation of seismic codepracticed in Bangladesh. Based on growing need for developing disaster risk plan, seismicperformance is evaluated for existing important medical facilities by applying simple visual riskassessment procedure. The structural database is developed through field survey and result ofseismic performance is presented in Geographic Information System (GIS).
EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL CONTAMINATED CURING WATER ON STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE PREPARED FOR BRIDGE SUB-STRUCTURES
Authors: Ogbonna Alban Chidiebere , Abubakar Mikailu
Published: May 2018

In this study aggregate characteristics were studies and the cylindrical concretespecimens were prepared at the mix ratio of 1: 1½: 3 and cured in curing water of 0%, 5%, 10%,15%, 20%, 25% and 30% contamination with crude oil. The compressive strengths of theconcrete specimens were evaluated at the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th and 56th day age, split tensilestrengths and flexural strengths of the specimens were evaluated at the 7th and 28th day age. Thestrength properties evaluated increased with increase in age and decreased with increase inpercentage contamination of the curing water with crude oil. Concrete specimens cured withportable water containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of crude oil contaminationsatisfied the minimum 28 days compressive strength. The research therefore concludes thatconcrete bridge sub structures exposed to crude oil contaminated environment should bemonitored and maintained regularly.
Tokoh Pelayar Muslim Ibn Majid Dan Aplikasi Teknologi Maritim Dalam Aktiviti Pelayarannya
Authors: Surtahman Asma' Wardah , Yusof Abdullah
Published: May 2018

The history of the world's navigation activities was dominated by the European up to the point that been planted in people’s mind that there were no other races in the world excel or know about it. The names of Christoper Columbus, Vasco Da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan had been more prominent than the names of Arab-Islamic sailors such as Ibn Majid. Among the European nations, Ibn Majid remained known to their knowledge. In facts, he was regarded as the 15th-century ‘Father of Sailings' by the European. The objective of this study was to analyze the navigation technology aspect that been used by Ibn Majid in his voyages. This includes the elements of astronomy, engineering and geography. This research focuses on whether these elements had been invented or adapt through existing technology adopted by him. This researched had used qualitative approach which used qualitative content analysis.Data collections of this study were based on documents and library research. Meanwhile, inductive approach had been used in his research. This study finds that the knowledge, technology and navigation technology owned and controlled by Ibn Majid's were in par or comparable to the expertise, knowledge and technology of the European navigation in term of creation or amendment of the equipment.
The Relationship of Workplace Spirituality on Organizational Citizenship Behaviour
Authors: Yusof Junaidah , Yaacob Hashim Fauzy , Abdul Rahman Siti Aisyah
Published: May 2018

Organizational citizenship behaviour has been defined as the individual’s behaviour that is discretionary and not directly recognized by the formal reward system, but it promotes the effective functioning of the organization. Because the importance of organizational citizenship behaviour in organization especially in service sector, this study focused more details on how workplace spirituality enhance the performance of organizational citizenship behaviour among nurses. This relationship grounded by Social Exchange Theory. There were three dimension of workplace spirituality, which meaningfulness, sense of community, and organizational values alignment. While, organizational citizenship behaviour has been measured using five dimensions, which altruism, courtesy, civic virtue, conscientiousness, and sportsmanship. An 800 sets of questionnaire have been distributed in four selected public hospital in Malaysia. Cluster and simple random sampling were used in this study. SPSS 23 and Amos 23 have been used in order analyses the data. Overall, the result revealed workplace spirituality has significant relationship towards organizational citizenship behaviour.
Urine Specific Gravity as a Practical Marker for Identifying Suboptimal Fluid Intake of Runners ∼12-hr Postexercise
Authors: O’Neal Eric Kyle , Johnson Samantha Louise , Davis Brett Alan , Pribyslavska Veronika , Stevenson-Wilcoxson Mary Caitlin
Published: May 2018

The legitimacy of urine specific gravity (USG) as a stand-alone measure to detect hydration status has recently been challenged. As an alternative to hydration status, the purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic capability of using the traditional USG marker of >1.020 to detect insufficient recovery fluid consumption with consideration for moderate versus high sweat losses (2.00–2.99 or >3% body mass, respectively). Adequate recovery fluid intake was operationally defined as ≥100% beverage fluid intake plus food water from one or two meals and a snack. Runners (n = 59) provided 132 samples from five previous investigations in which USG was assessed 10–14 hr after 60–90 min runs in temperate-to-hot environments. Samples were collected after a meal (n = 58) and after waking (n = 74). When sweat losses exceeded 3% body mass (n = 60), the relationship between fluid replacement percentage and USG increased from r = −.55 to −.70. Correct diagnostic decision improved from 66.6 to 83.3%, and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve increased the diagnostic accuracy score from 0.76 to approaching excellent (0.86). Artifacts of significant prerun hyperhydration (eight of 15 samples has USG <1.005) may explain false positive diagnoses, while almost all (84%) cases of false positives were found when sweat losses were <3.0% of body mass. Evidence from this study suggests that euhydrated runners experiencing significant sweat losses who fail to reach adequate recovery fluid intake levels can be identified by USG irrespective of acute meal and fluid intake ∼12-hr postrun.
Molecular Epidemiology of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) on New Zealand Dairy Farms: Application of a Culture-Independent Assay and Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Browne A. Springer , Midwinter Anne C. , Withers Helen , Cookson Adrian L. , Biggs Patrick J. , Marshall Jonathan C. , Benschop Jackie , Hathaway Steve , Haack Neville A. , Akhter Rukhshana N. , French Nigel P.
Published: May 2018

New Zealand has a relatively high incidence of human cases of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC), with 8.9 STEC cases per 100,000 people reported in 2016. Previous research showed living near cattle and contact with cattle feces as significant risk factors for STEC infections in humans in New Zealand, but infection was not linked to food-associated factors. During the 2014 spring calving season, a random, stratified, cross-sectional study of dairy farms (
n
= 102) in six regions across New Zealand assessed the prevalence of the “Top 7” STEC bacteria (serogroups O157, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) in young calves (
n
= 1,508), using a culture-independent diagnostic test (PCR/MALDI-TOF). Twenty percent (306/1,508) of calves on 75% (76/102) of dairy farms were positive for at least one of the “Top 7” STEC bacteria. STEC carriage by calves was associated with environmental factors, increased calf age, region, and increased number of calves in a shared calf pen. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ρ) indicated strong clustering of “Top 7” STEC-positive calves for O157, O26, and O45 serogroups within the same pens and farms, indicating that if one calf was positive, others in the same environment were likely to be positive as well. This finding was further evaluated with whole-genome sequencing, which indicated that a single
E. coli
O26 clonal strain could be found in calves in the same pen or farm, but different strains existed on different farms. This study provides evidence that would be useful for designing on-farm interventions to reduce direct and indirect human exposure to STEC bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Cattle are asymptomatic carriers of Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
(STEC) bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and kidney failure in humans if ingested. New Zealand has relatively high numbers of STEC cases, and contact with cattle feces and living near cattle are risk factors for human infection. This study assessed the national prevalence of STEC in young dairy cattle by randomly selecting 102 farms throughout New Zealand. The study used a molecular laboratory method that has relatively high sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional methods. “Top 7” STEC was found in 20% of calves on 75% of the farms studied, indicating widespread prevalence across the country. By examining the risk factors associated with calf carriage, potential interventions that could decrease the prevalence of “Top 7” STEC bacteria at the farm level were identified, which could benefit both public health and food safety.
Comparative Genomics Reveals the Core Gene Toolbox for the Fungus-Insect Symbiosis
Authors: Wang Yan , Stata Matt , Wang Wei , Stajich Jason E. , White Merlin M. , Moncalvo Jean-Marc
Published: May 2018

Modern genomics has shed light on many entomopathogenic fungi and expanded our knowledge widely; however, little is known about the genomic features of the insect-commensal fungi. Harpellales are obligate commensals living in the digestive tracts of disease-bearing insects (black flies, midges, and mosquitoes). In this study, we produced and annotated whole-genome sequences of nine Harpellales taxa and conducted the first comparative analyses to infer the genomic diversity within the members of the Harpellales. The genomes of the insect gut fungi feature low (26% to 37%) GC content and large genome size variations (25 to 102 Mb). Further comparisons with insect-pathogenic fungi (from both Ascomycota and Zoopagomycota), as well as with free-living relatives (as negative controls), helped to identify a gene toolbox that is essential to the fungus-insect symbiosis. The results not only narrow the genomic scope of fungus-insect interactions from several thousands to eight core players but also distinguish host invasion strategies employed by insect pathogens and commensals. The genomic content suggests that insect commensal fungi rely mostly on adhesion protein anchors that target digestive system, while entomopathogenic fungi have higher numbers of transmembrane helices, signal peptides, and pathogen-host interaction (PHI) genes across the whole genome and enrich genes as well as functional domains to inactivate the host inflammation system and suppress the host defense. Phylogenomic analyses have revealed that genome sizes of Harpellales fungi vary among lineages with an integer-multiple pattern, which implies that ancient genome duplications may have occurred within the gut of insects.

IMPORTANCE
Insect guts harbor various microbes that are important for host digestion, immune response, and disease dispersal in certain cases. Bacteria, which are among the primary endosymbionts, have been studied extensively. However, fungi, which are also frequently encountered, are poorly known with respect to their biology within the insect guts. To understand the genomic features and related biology, we produced the whole-genome sequences of nine gut commensal fungi from disease-bearing insects (black flies, midges, and mosquitoes). The results show that insect gut fungi tend to have low GC content across their genomes. By comparing these commensals with entomopathogenic and free-living fungi that have available genome sequences, we found a universal core gene toolbox that is unique and thus potentially important for the insect-fungus symbiosis. This comparative work also uncovered different host invasion strategies employed by insect pathogens and commensals, as well as a model system to study ancient fungal genome duplication within the gut of insects.
Fighting Antibiotic-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with “Sweet” Immune Targets
Authors: Adamo Roberto , Margarit Immaculada
Published: May 2018

Antibiotics and vaccines have greatly impacted human health in the last century by dramatically reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases. The recent challenge posed by the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria could possibly be addressed by novel immune prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. Among the newly threatening pathogens,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is particularly worrisome in the nosocomial setting, and its surface polysaccharides are regarded as promising antigen candidates. The majority of
Klebsiella
carbapenem-resistant strains belong to the sequence type 158 (ST258) lineage, with two main clades expressing capsular polysaccharides CPS1 and CPS2. In a recent article, S. D. Kobayashi and colleagues (mBio 9:e00297-18, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00297-18
) show that CPS2-specific IgGs render ST258 clade 2 bacteria more sensitive to human serum and phagocytic killing. E. Diago-Navarro et al. (mBio 9:e00091-18, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00091-18
) generated two murine monoclonal antibodies recognizing distinct glycotopes of CPS2 that presented functional activity against multiple ST258 strains. These complementary studies represent a step toward the control of this dangerous pathogen.
Physicochemical, catalytic, and antimicrobial activities of porous cobalt oxide nanoparticles (kinetics study of H2O2 decomposition using fluorometric and gasometric methods)
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa M. , El-Molla Sahar A.
Published: May 2018

Co3O4 nanomaterials were prepared by different methods. The samples were nominated as Co3O4 (Pr), Co3O4 (Co), and Co3O4 (Hy) due to preparation by precipitation, combustion, and a hydrothermal method, respectively. These nanomaterials were characterized by studying their structural, morphological, and surface properties. The catalytic activity was evaluated by following H2O2 decomposition through fluorometric and gasometric methods. The obtained results showed that the catalytic efficiency of the catalysts was affected by their preparation methods. The order of catalytic activities of the investigated samples using fluorometric method is compatible with that obtained by gasometric method. Co3O4 (Hy) exhibited much higher catalytic activity due to the high surface area, small particle size, different oxidation states, different shapes, and the high production of hydroxyl radical. The antimicrobial activity is studied against standard bacterial and fungal strains, and the studies showed that the hydrothermal method enhanced antimicrobial activity more than other preparation methods.
Fatigue life evaluation of pavement embankments made with tire derived aggregates
Authors: Asefzadeh Arian , Hashemian Leila , Bayat Alireza
Published: May 2018

Rapid growth of populations and extension of societies leads to the production of waste by-products, which puts a burden on landfills. To address this issue, tire derived aggregates (TDA) from scrap tires have been used as road embankments in several projects. Three different test sections using different TDA, and TDA and soil mixtures, were constructed at the Integrated Road Research Facility test road in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Based on falling weight deflectometer tests in different months, the fatigue life performance of the TDA embankments was evaluated against that of a conventional control section using the measured horizontal strains at the bottom of the asphalt layer and the Asphalt Institute’s fatigue model. The results showed satisfactory performance of all three TDA test sections and significantly longer fatigue lives as opposed to the fatigue life of the control section. This analysis showed compelling evidence regarding the long-term performance of TDA material as road embankments in construction projects.
Efficient Multi-Domain Bivariate Spectral Collocation Solution for MHD Laminar Natural Convection Flow from a Vertical Permeable Flat Plate with Uniform Surface Temperature and Thermal Radiation
Authors: Goqo Sicelo P. , Mondal Sabyasachi , Sibanda Precious , Motsa Sandile S.
Published: May 2018

A recently developed numerical method, multidomain quasilinearization, is applied on a steady laminar, natural convection boundary layer flow of MHD viscous and incompressible fluid from a vertical permeable flat plate with uniform temperature in this paper. Nondimensionless variables are used to transform the governing equations to a system of nondimensional nonlinear partial differential equations. Then the resulting equations are solved numerically by using multidomain quasilinearization method. The numerical results for tangential velocity, transverse velocity, and temperature, skin friction are calculated and shown in various tables and graphs.
Photocatalytic Degradation Mechanism of Tetracycline by Ag@ZnO/C Core–Shell Plasmonic Photocatalyst Under Visible Light
Authors: Yu Longbao , Ye Zhefei , Li Jinze , Ma Chunhong , Ma Changchang , Liu Xinlin , Wang Huiqin , Tang Lili , Huo Pengwei , Yan Yongsheng
Published: May 2018

A series of hamburger-like Ag@ZnO/C core–shell plasmonic photocatalysts have been synthesized via a simple solvothermal method for degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation, possessing high photocatalytic activity and good stability. The presence of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the Ag core has increased the photocatalytic activity over an extended wavelength range. The plasmon-induced resonant energy transfer (PIRET) and direct electron transfer (DET) have facilitated the excitation and separation of photogenerated [Formula: see text] pairs, which has been further confirmed by electrochemical investigations. The presences of hydroxyl radicals ([Formula: see text]), superoxide radicals ([Formula: see text] and singlet oxygen (1O[Formula: see text] in the photocatalytic reaction system of Ag@ZnO/C photocatalyst have been demonstrated by electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. All of the experiment results indicate that the ternary structure of Ag@ZnO/C can effectively enhance the photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the effects of introduced Ag contents and carbon source dosage were researched by comparative photocatalytic experiments, and the potential structures of photodegradation products were studied by HPLC-MS.
Self-Supported Bi2MoO6 Nanosheet Arrays as Advanced Integrated Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries with Super High Capacity and Long Cycle Life
Authors: Chen Wei-bin , Zhang Li-na , Ji Zhi-jing , Zheng Ya-dan , Yuan Shuang , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2018

Hierarchical Bi2MoO6 nanosheet arrays (BNAs) growing on three-dimensional (3D) Ni foam are synthesized by one-step template-free route. The obtained BNAs are used as binder-free integrated electrode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) directly. The electrode exhibits a super high reversible discharge capacity of 2311.7[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Ah[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] (1741.4[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]), and an excellent cycle stability. The outstanding electrochemical properties are reasonable from the self-supported integrated electrode in which the electrolyte is easy to infiltrate active materials, electrons and ions are readily transported along the 3D conductive substrate and the stable electrode structure.
Non-commuting graphs of certain almost simple groups
Authors: Jahandideh M. , Modabernia R. , Shokrolahi S.
Published: May 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a non-abelian finite group and [Formula: see text] be the center of [Formula: see text]. The non-commuting graph, [Formula: see text], associated to [Formula: see text] is the graph whose vertex set is [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text]. We conjecture that if [Formula: see text] is an almost simple group and [Formula: see text] is a non-abelian finite group such that [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text]. Among other results, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a certain almost simple group and [Formula: see text] is a non-abelian group with isomorphic non-commuting graphs, then [Formula: see text].
Nonfatigating Brain–Computer Interface Based on SSVEP and ERD to Command an Autonomous Car
Authors: Castillo-Garcia Javier F. , Müller Sandra , Caicedo-Bravo Eduardo F. , Bastos Teodiano F. , De Souza Alberto F.
Published: May 2018

This work describes the development of a nonfatigating Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) based on Steady State Evoked Potentials (SSVEP) and Event-Related Desynchronization (ERD) to control an autonomous car. Through a graphical interface presented to the user in the autonomous car, destination places are shown. The selection of commands is performed through visual stimuli and brain signals. The signals are captured on the occipital region of the scalp, and are processed in order to obtain the necessary data for the planning system of the autonomous car. Test performed obtained success rate of 90% for a synchronous BCI and 83% for an asynchronous BCI. The proposed system is a hybrid-BCI, which includes the ability to enable and disable the visual stimuli, reducing fatigue associated with the use of SSVEP-based BCIs. The video showing this development can be accessed on: cbeb2020.org/AutonomousCarVideo.mp4.
Visualization of Biomedical Data
Authors: O'Donoghue Seán I. , Baldi Benedetta Frida , Clark Susan J. , Darling Aaron E. , Hogan James M. , Kaur Sandeep , Maier-Hein Lena , McCarthy Davis J. , Moore William J. , Stenau Esther , Swedlow Jason R. , Vuong Jenny , Procter James B.
Published: May 2018

The rapid increase in volume and complexity of biomedical data requires changes in research, communication, and clinical practices. This includes learning how to effectively integrate automated analysis with high–data density visualizations that clearly express complex phenomena. In this review, we summarize key principles and resources from data visualization research that help address this difficult challenge. We then survey how visualization is being used in a selection of emerging biomedical research areas, including three-dimensional genomics, single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), the protein structure universe, phosphoproteomics, augmented reality–assisted surgery, and metagenomics. While specific research areas need highly tailored visualizations, there are common challenges that can be addressed with general methods and strategies. Also common, however, are poor visualization practices. We outline ongoing initiatives aimed at improving visualization practices in biomedical research via better tools, peer-to-peer learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration with computer scientists, science communicators, and graphic designers. These changes are revolutionizing how we see and think about our data.
Population Screening for Hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Goonasekera H.W. , Paththinige C.S. , Dissanayake V.H.W.
Published: May 2018

Hemoglobinopathies are the most common single-gene disorders in the world. Their prevalence is predicted to increase in the future, and low-income hemoglobinopathy-endemic regions need to manage most of the world's affected persons. International organizations, governments, and other stakeholders have initiated national or regional prevention programs in both endemic and nonendemic countries by performing population screening for α- and β-thalassemia, HbE disease, and sickle cell disease in neonates, adolescents, reproductive-age adults (preconceptionally or in the early antenatal period), and family members of diagnosed cases. The main aim of screening is to reduce the number of affected births and, in the case of sickle cell disease, reduce childhood morbidity and mortality. Screening strategies vary depending on the population group, but a few common screening test methods are universally used. We discuss the salient features of population-screening programs around the globe as well as current and proposed screening test methodologies.
The Social Psychology of Property: Looking Beyond Market Exchange
Authors: Nadler Janice
Published: May 2018

Our social norms and moral values shape our beliefs about the propriety of different types of market exchanges. This review considers social and moral influences on beliefs about property and the consequences of these beliefs for the legal regulation of property. The focus is mainly on empirical evidence from social psychology, with additions from related areas like cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, and other social sciences. After briefly reviewing empirical findings on perceptions of property at the level of the individual person, I examine how social relationships shape perceptions about ownership and exchange of property, as well as the boundaries of the broad category of property. Finally, I explore one important type of socially embedded property—the home—and how social psychological conceptions of property as embedded in social relationships have clashed with the development of the legal doctrine of eminent domain.
Intestinal Absorption of Fructose
Authors: Ferraris Ronaldo P. , Choe Jun-yong , Patel Chirag R.
Published: May 2018

Increased understanding of fructose metabolism, which begins with uptake via the intestine, is important because fructose now constitutes a physiologically significant portion of human diets and is associated with increased incidence of certain cancers and metabolic diseases. New insights in our knowledge of intestinal fructose absorption mediated by the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT5 in the apical membrane and by GLUT2 in the basolateral membrane are reviewed. We begin with studies related to structure as well as ligand binding, then revisit the controversial proposition that apical GLUT2 is the main mediator of intestinal fructose absorption. The review then describes how dietary fructose may be sensed by intestinal cells to affect the expression and activity of transporters and fructolytic enzymes, to interact with the transport of certain minerals and electrolytes, and to regulate portal and peripheral fructosemia and glycemia. Finally, it discusses the potential contributions of dietary fructose to gastrointestinal diseases and to the gut microbiome.
Apocarotenoids: Emerging Roles in Mammals
Authors: Harrison Earl H. , Quadro Loredana
Published: May 2018

Apocarotenoids are cleavage products of C40 isoprenoid pigments, named carotenoids, synthesized exclusively by plants and microorganisms. The colors of flowers and fruits and the photosynthetic process are examples of the biological properties conferred by carotenoids to these organisms. Mammals do not synthesize carotenoids but obtain them from foods of plant origin. Apocarotenoids are generated upon enzymatic and nonenzymatic cleavage of the parent compounds both in plants and in the tissues of mammals that have ingested carotenoid-containing foods. The best-characterized apocarotenoids are retinoids (vitamin A and its derivatives), generated upon central oxidative cleavage of provitamin A carotenoids, mainly β-carotene. In addition to the well-known biological actions of vitamin A, it is becoming apparent that nonretinoid apocarotenoids also have the potential to regulate a broad spectrum of critical cellular functions, thus influencing mammalian health. This review discusses the current knowledge about the generation and biological activities of nonretinoid apocarotenoids in mammals.
The Historical Evolution of Alternative Metrics for Developing Countries’ Food and Agriculture Policy Assessment
Authors: Josling Tim
Published: May 2018

The demand for quantitative assessments of the impacts of food and agricultural policies has grown steadily in the past four decades. From the application of social cost-benefit analysis to investments in developing countries in the 1970s to the use of increasingly sophisticated general equilibrium models today, the menu of available techniques for policy assessment has expanded rapidly. In addition, both partial and general equilibrium models have been developed to analyze world markets for agricultural commodities and the effects of government policies on such markets. Alongside the modeling of markets and the quantitative impact of policies, several indicators have been developed that build on trade policy measures, including effective protection and tariff equivalents. One example is the producer subsidy equivalent. This has been used by the OECD to estimate the level of support provided by government policies to the agricultural sector. The indicators have more recently been applied to developing countries as a form of benchmarking to give a snapshot of the transfers among stakeholders inherent in such policies.
Latin America, a Continent in Movement but Where To? A Review of Social Movements' Studies in the Region
Authors: Inclán María
Published: May 2018

This article offers a review of the most salient studies on Latin American social movements published in the last 25 years. It not only assesses the questions and empirical implications that these studies have uncovered, but it also points out theoretical and empirical puzzles that are currently investigated or are yet to be examined. In doing so, this article reviews two type of studies: those that in the author's opinion cover the most salient movements in the region and those that offer us most promising propositions for the development of the subfield in the future. With this review, the author hopes to open the debate and help include Latin American social movements within the systematic study of comparative social mobilization in sociology and comparative politics.
Static Magnetic Fields Modulate the Response of Different Oxidative Stress Markers in a Restraint Stress Model Animal
Authors: Coballase-Urrutia E. , Navarro L. , Ortiz J. L. , Verdugo-Díaz L. , Gallardo J. M. , Hernández Maria Eugenia , Estrada-Rojo F.
Published: May 2018

Stress is a state of vulnerable homeostasis that alters the physiological and behavioral responses. Stress induces oxidative damage in several organs including the brain, liver, kidney, stomach, and heart. Preliminary findings suggested that the magnetic stimulation could accelerate the healing processes and has been an effective complementary therapy in different pathologies. However, the mechanism of action of static magnetic fields (SMFs) is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of static magnetic fields (0.8 mT) in a restraint stressed animal model, focusing on changes in different markers of oxidative damage. A significant increase in the plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glycation end products (AGEs) were observed in restraint stress model. Exposure to SMFs over 5 days (30, 60, and 240 min/day) caused a decrease in the NO, MDA, AGEs, and AOPP levels; in contrast, the SOD and GSH levels increased. The response to SMFs was time-dependent. Thus, we proposed that exposure to weak-intensity SMFs could offer a complementary therapy by attenuating oxidative stress. Our results provided a new perspective in health studies, particularly in the context of oxidative stress.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of a Forged Mg-Al-Zn Alloy with Different Surface Conditions
Authors: Yin Zhongwei , Liu Fengjuan , Song Dongdong , He Shihuan , Lin Jun , Yu Feng
Published: May 2018

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of a forged Mg-Al-Zn magnesium alloy with different surface conditions was studied by the four-point bending test and alternate immersion test in NaCl solution. The results showed that the bare Mg-Al-Zn magnesium alloy has low susceptivity to SCC, and no abrupt rupture happened after the immersion test for 5 days under an initial stress load of 0.15–0.75σ0.2. With microarc oxidation (MAO) coating, corrosion resistance was enhanced, but more surface cracks were induced, and microcracks could be detected inside corrosive pits when the load was 0.75σ0.2, which is similar to the bare alloy. The composite coating totally avoided both SCC and corrosion. The low susceptivity of the forged AQ80M alloy to SCC should be attributed to the fine grain size and even distribution of secondary phases around the grain boundary.
Polyethyleneimine Modified Carbon Cloth Anode for Self-Pumping Enzymatic Glucose Biofuel Cell
Authors: Huang Li Z. , Duong Ngoc Bich , Wang Jhang H. , Yang Hsiharng
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a simplified process that immobilizes enzymes onto carbon cloth electrodes to increase biofuel cell functionality. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is used to modify carbon cloth electrodes to reduce the processing time and increase self-pumping enzymatic glucose biofuel cell (self-pumping EGBC) electricity. PEI is usually used in biochemical engineering gene transfection as GOx support to enhance enzyme immobilization. PEI is a good candidate for increasing enzymatic biofuel cell (EBC) redox current. PEI and GOx have been successfully immobilized onto carbon cloth electrodes through FT-IR analysis. A UV/Vis spectrophotometer was used to investigate the best PEI support concentration. PEI was proven to improve redox current by cyclic voltammetry analysis. The results show that the GOx/PEI electrode has excellent hydrophilicity on the GOx/PEI electrode surface using contact angle measurement. The optical and electrochemical analysis result shows that GOx/PEI was successfully immobilized onto carbon cloth electrodes. Experimental analysis showed that self-pumping EGBC achieved a power output of 0.609 mW/cm2 (126.9 mW/cm3). PEI contributes to the shortening of the process from a few hours to 5–10 minutes and enhances GOx fuel cell performance.
Design of Reduced‐Order Multiple Observers for Uncertain Systems with Unknown Inputs
Authors: Lungu Mihai
Published: May 2018

The paper presents the design of a new reduced‐order multiple observer for the estimation of the state associated with Takagi‐Sugeno systems with unknown inputs, this being only the second reduced‐order multiple observer ever designed. The design of reduced‐order multiple observers which can achieve the finite‐time state reconstruction for nonlinear systems described by multiple models is a niche area problem; the author of this paper continuing his work started with the introduction of the reduced‐order multiple observer concept. The new multiple observer is a combination of a typical reduced‐order observer for linear‐time invariant multivariable systems and a full‐order multiple observer for Takagi‐Sugeno systems. The sufficient stability conditions of the observer are derived via the Lyapunov theory and its robustness is improved by means of a novel and efficient method which cancels the negative effect of the uncertainties appearing in the system. To validate the suggested design algorithm, the steps of the design procedure have been summarized and software implemented for the concrete case of a light aircraft lateral‐directional motion.
Experimental Study on the Vibration Control Effect of Long Elastic Sleeper Track in Subways
Authors: Cai Xiaopei , Li Dacheng , Zhang Yanrong , Miao Qian , Cui Rixin
Published: May 2018

The vibration effect of urban rail transit has gained attention from both academia and the industry sector. Long Elastic Sleeper Track (LEST) is a new structure for vibration reduction which has recently been designed and applied to Chinese subways. However, little research has been devoted to its vibration reduction effect. In this study, field tests were conducted during peak transit hours on Beijing Subway Line 15 to examine the vibration reduction effects of the common ballastless track and LEST on both straight and curved sections. The results demonstrate that although LEST increases the wheel‐rail vertical forces, rail vertical displacements, and rail accelerations to some extent, these effects do not threaten subway operational safety, and vibrations of track bed and tunnel wall are positively mitigated. LEST has an obvious vibration reduction effect at frequencies above 40 Hz. In straight track, the vibration of bottom of the tunnel wall measured in one‐third octave bands is reduced by 10.52 dB, while the vibration at point on the tunnel wall at 1.5 m height is reduced by 9.60 dB. For the curved track, the vibrations at those two points are reduced by 9.35 dB and 8.44 dB, respectively. This indicates that LEST reduces vibrations slightly more for the straight track than for the curved track.