bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic Analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Isolated from Children with Respiratory Tract Infections in Baghdad City, Iraq
Authors: Abduljabbar H L , Hussein A A , Al-Mayah Q S , Aufi I M
Published: July 2019

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants worldwide, genotypes responsible of disease severity and host immune responses. This study aims to determine the infection rate of respiratory syncytial virus in children with respiratory tract infection and identify the genotyping among the study population. Cross sectional study which enrolled 150 infants with acute respiratory tract infection, males 81(54%) and females 69(46%) aged under five years old, who was admitted to Al-Imamin Al-Kadhimin Medical City and Pediatrics Protection Hospital in Baghdad during the period from December 2017 till April 2018. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from each participant and stored as frozen at -70 °C until to use for RNA extraction and convention polymerase chain reaction to detect of respiratory syncytial virus in the study population. According to result of this study out of all these samples, 26 samples were positive for RSV(17.33%). The infection rate of RSV is more common in males 17(65.39%), than females 9(34.61%) and in children ≤ one year (46.15%) also high frequency were noticed among patients live in an urban area (73.08%) and winter 20 (76.92%) than spring 6 (23.08%). According to different clinical feature, fever, cough, and wheezing were more common than other sign. The sequence conducted for all RSV- positive isolates, 11 respiratory syncytial virus positive isolates was in genotype B and 1 in genotype A. The sequence of RSV B the local isolates were closed to Argentina isolation and Tailwind isolate while in genotype A isolates were closed to isolates from different regions (Saudi Arabia, German, India isolation). The conclusion of this study revealed that respiratory syncytial virus B infections were more frequent than RSV A among children with acute respiratory tract infection.
Evaluation of antioxidant properties of some gemcitabinemetal complexes
Authors: Husain Al-Mudhaffar Dhafir M.
Published: July 2019

Some new gemcitabine complexes with some metal (II) chlorides (MCl2) have been prepared in 2:1 molal ratio (Gem : MCl2), where M = Cu(II), Co(II). The prepared complexes have been characterized by FTIR, CHN, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Antioxidant properties for these complexes were evaluated and they showed lower antioxidant properties than the gemcitabine (Gem) alone.
Synthesis, Identification and Studying Biological Activity of Some Heterocyclic Derivatives from 3, 5-Dinitrosalicylic Acid
Authors: Kais R , Adnan S
Published: July 2019

The study deals with synthesizing new thiadiazole compound (2-(5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiaz0l-2-yl)-4,6-dinitrophenol)(1) by reaction of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid with thiosemicarbazide in Phosphoric chloride, then it is (1) reacted with 2-Bromobenzaldehydeto getting Schiff base (2-(5-((2-bromobenzylidene) amino)-1,3,4-thiadiaz0l-2-yl)-4,6-dinitrophenol)(2). T0he compound (2) will reacted with (chloroacetylchloride, thioglycolic acid, glycine, sodium azide, phthalic anhydride) to give (β-lactam, thiazolidine, imidazolidine, tetrazole, oxazepine) derivatives respectively. The new synthesized compounds have been identified by their melting points, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FT-IR spectra. Then the biological activity studied for all the synthesized derivatives toward two type of bacteria.
Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide/Hydrogel Composites and Their Applications to Adsorptive Removal Congo Red from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Atyaa A I , Radhy N D , Jasim L S
Published: July 2019

Graphene oxide / (polyvinylpyrrolidone / acrylic acid) composite GO/ (PVP-AAc) was studied as adsorbent for the Congo red dye. The synthesized composites hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The process of adsorption of the Congo red (CR) dye on the surface of the GO/ (PVP-AAc) composite has reached equilibrium state within 60 minutes. The rate of adsorption of the dye on the surface was good due to the high surface area characteristic of the surface of the composite. The adsorption kinetics of the dye on the surface of the composite GO/ (PVP-AAc) were studied using of pseudo-first order model and pseudo-second order model. The results indicated that the adsorption process follows the pseudo-second order model. The effects of temperature, ionic strength and pH were also studied. In order to determine the maximum adsorption, the linear forms of isotherm of adsorption were studied, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin equations. Also were studied the thermodynamic functions of the process of adsorption of, Gibbs free energy (ΔG), Entropy (ΔS), and Enthalpy (ΔH).
Essentially And Weakly Essentially Coretrectable Modules
Authors: Neamah Al-Aeashi Shukur , Dakhil Shyaa Farhan , Mohammed Ali Hadi Inaam
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we introduce two new notions related with coretrectable modules which are called essentially coretrectable and weakly essentially coretrectable modules. Some basic properties of these classes are investigated and some relationships between these modules and other related concepts are given.
Fibrewise Pairwise Soft Separation Axioms
Authors: Yousif Y Y , Hussain M A , Hussain L A
Published: July 2019

The main idea of this research is to study fibrewise pairwise soft forms of the more important separation axioms of ordinary bitopology named fibrewise pairwise soft T
0 spaces, fibrewise pairwise soft T
1 spaces, fibrewise pairwise soft R
0 spaces, fibrewise pairwise soft Hausdorff spaces, fibrewise pairwise soft functionally Hausdorff spaces, fibrewise pairwise soft regular spaces, fibrewise pairwise soft completely regular spaces, fibrewise pairwise soft normal spaces and fibrewise pairwise soft functionally normal spaces. In addition we offer some results concerning it.
Comparative Analysis of the Results of Aerodynamic Calculation of a Spherical Blunted Cone on a Structured and Unstructured Grid
Authors: Surzhikov S T
Published: July 2019

The results of numerical simulation and comparison with experimental data of the aerodynamic characteristics of a blunt cone are presented. Two authors’ computer codes were used, intended for the numerical integration of the Navier-Stokes and Euler equations on tetrahedral unstructured and multi-block structured computational grids. Alternative numerical models on unstructured grids are analyzed in detail.
Meshfree Particle Method Using Molecular Dynamics Techniques for Simulating Viscous Compressible Flows
Authors: Zheleznyakova A L
Published: July 2019

The work to improve and expand of capabilities of the meshfree particle methods by using molecular dynamic simulations approaches was carried out. The theoretical background and methodological basis of the modified technique, computational aspects and software implementation, as well as examples of application of the proposed hybrid technology for solving actual applied problems are described.
Normal glow discharge in nitrogen and inert gases between flat electrodes with distance of 10 mm
Authors: Kozlov P V , Kotov M A , Ruleva L B , Solodovnikov S I , Surzhikov S T
Published: July 2019

Experimental study of normal glow discharge in the installation of IPMech RAS is continued. For problem formulation of discharge behavior between “infinite” electrodes investigations were carried out at a distance of 10 mm between flat electrodes with much greater diameter in the pressure range 1÷10 Torr. Dependencies of the characteristic size of the glow region on the discharge current in helium, argon and nitrogen were obtained. Spectral characteristics were constructed. Rotational and vibrational temperatures of the discharge were estimated.
Modified hydrodynamic equations of quantum liquid, taking into account quantum shell effects
Authors: Kuratov S E , Shidlovski D S
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the modified hydrodynamic equations of a quantum system consisting of a degenerate electron gas and a classical ion gas, which take into account quantum shell effects, are derived. Two approaches are considered. The first is based on the modification of hydrodynamic equations. The modified equations take into account the shell effects by introducing an additional external field into the equations of motion for the electronic component. The second approach is based on a simplified description of the DFT modeling of the electron distribution for a given ionic distribution. In deriving the self-consistent system of equations, the Green’s function method is used in the coordinate representation, previously successfully applied in analyzing quantum shell effects in a gas bubble of submicron size.
Combustion in a solid fuel scramjet with channel geometry variation due to burnout
Authors: Yakush S E , Rashkovskiy S A , Bryzgalov A I
Published: July 2019

Stability of combustion in solid fuel scramjets is contingent upon proper geometry of fuel grain and availability of a flame holder. Flame stabilization is achieved in the recirculation zone developing due to sudden expansion behind the inlet. Previous experimental and theoretical works suggest that there exists an optimum range of length-to-diameter ratios for the flame holder. However, due to fuel burnout the channel and flame holder geometry change in the process of scramjet operation, the regression rate being variable both in time and length. The purpose of this work is to develop a computational model of a solid-fuel scramjet taking into account the geometry variation, as well as to obtain typical flow patterns at the different stages of combustion. The numerical model is based on a system of fully compressible RANS equations with k-epsilon turbulence model. Turbulent combustion is described by the Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC) model.Stability of combustion in solid fuel scramjets is contingent upon proper geometry of fuel grain and availability of a flame holder. Flame stabilization is achieved in the recirculation zone developing due to sudden expansion behind the inlet. Previous experimental and theoretical works suggest that there exists an optimum range of length-to-diameter ratios for the flame holder. However, due to fuel burnout the channel and flame holder geometry change in the process of scramjet operation, the regression rate being variable both in time and length. The purpose of this work is to develop a computational model of a solid-fuel scramjet taking into account the geometry variation, as well as to obtain typical flow patterns at the different stages of combustion. The numerical model is based on a system of fully compressible RANS equations with k-epsilon turbulence model. Turbulent combustion is described by the Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC) model.
Seismic response analysis and damping method of spherical liquid storage tank
Authors: Chen Junqi , Xian Qingjun , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2019

Earthquake is a natural disaster with outburst and ruinous in the world. The damage of spherical liquid storage tank due to earthquake can result in serious deaths and economic loss. In this thesis, the analysis of seismic response of spherical tank, which considering interior pressure, gravity, liquid sloshing and earthquake, is carried out. Seismic response analysis shows that the spherical tank rotates horizontally while rotating a small amount around the horizontal axis, mainly around the vertical axis. Time-history analysis of the tank under passive control is performed. The spherical tank model with dissipative bracing system installed has a very good damping effect by comparing the seismic responses of controlled and uncontrolled structures.
Influence of dressing parameters on surface roughness of workpiece for grinding hardened 9XC tool steel
Authors: Xuan Tu Hoang , Thao Le Phuong , Thi Hong Tran , Thi Thanh Nga Nguyen , Trung Do Duc , Gong Jun , Pi Vu Ngoc
Published: July 2019

The quality of final machining surfaces in a grinding process, such as the surface roughness and the accuracy depends on the grinding and dressing parameters. In order to improve the surface smoothness and precise tolerances, many grinding and dressing parameters need to be optimized. However, several dressing parameters, i.e., the rough dressing, the final dressing, and the dressing without depth of cut affected on the surface roughness have not yet been mentioned in the grinding process. This paper presents an optimization of these parameters on the surface roughness for grinding the hardened 9XC steel using grinding wheel Cn80MV1 400x40x203. An experimental system was set up to evaluate those parameters. The optimal values of these parameters were determined by using Minitab® 16 for analyzing data from the experiment.
Methods for measuring residual contact pressure of hydraulic expansion joints in heat exchangers
Authors: Jiang Jingyu , Yang Lianfa , Wei Jun , Han Junjie , Huang Jinjie
Published: July 2019

The hydraulic expansion of the heat exchanger tube and tubesheet is an important method in the uniform expansion. Compared with other methods, the advantages of hydraulic expansion are high productivity, low labor intensity and reliable expansion performance. This paper describes several common methods for the determination of the residual contact pressure between the tube and tubesheet, and describes the principle, characteristics and the current status of the measurement at home and abroad. This paper also summarizes the development of future methods for measuring the residual contact pressure in the hydraulic expansion joint.
The state-of-art and prospect of contactless torque measurement methods
Authors: Liu Jun , Yang LianFa , Ma JianPing
Published: July 2019

Torsional vibration is an important factor in the transmission process of mechanical shaft. The torque is also a part of the important parameters for working state of the mechanical shaft. In recent years, research on the measurement method of contactless torque of mechanical transmission shaft has been studied by many scholars. The contactless torque measurement methods have been continuously improved to achieve high precision and high reliability.The methods of contactless torque measurement is presented. The advantages of contactless torque measurement methods are introduced. The development of contactless torque measurement methods in the industry is discussed. Finally, the prospect of contactless torque measurement methods is prospected.
Simulation Analysis of Ground Infrared Background Based on Numerical Fitting Model
Authors: Chengcheng Wang , tao Sun , yan Wang
Published: July 2019

In view of the poor real-time and authenticity of the ground scene generation in the infrared scene simulation, a method of ground infrared background generation based on numerical fitting model is proposed. Combining with the main influencing factors of ground infrared scene, a numerical fitting model of surface temperature field of typical ground material is established. On the basis of the texture of the ground material area, the infrared texture of the ground is dynamically generated in the shader by combining the numerical fitting model of the temperature field and the texture mask generated by the multi-spectral image method. The simulation results show that the numerical fitting model of ground temperature field is in good agreement with the measured data, and the generated infrared texture is more realistic, which meets the real-time and authenticity requirements of infrared scene simulation system.
Simulation of finding the optimized gravel radius of the arrester bed on truck escape ramp
Authors: Qin Pin-Pin , Guang-Yi Qin , Ji-Qiang Mo , Da Wu
Published: July 2019

Propose a simulation method of finding the optimized gravel radius of the arrester bed on truck escape ramp in order to obtain the shortest stopping distance of runaway vehicle. A simulation model between gravel and tire is generated and calibrated by PFC2D (Particle Flow Code in two-dimensions) respectively. Utilize the model to simulate the relationship between radius and stopping distance at varied slopes and initial vehicle speeds. Simulation shows that whatever the slopes and the speeds are, the shortest stopping distance corresponds to gravel radius range is between 8.3mm and 15.7mm, that average radius is 12mm. The average radius is basically consistent with the ideal gravel radius 12.7mm, which indicates that the method is effective and could be a substitute for the full-scale test.
Numerical study of the stopping distance for runaway vehicle on truck escape ramp by using the improved equation of car driving
Authors: Qin Pinpin , Wang Jie , Qin Guangyi , Cheng Ming , Meng Qiang
Published: July 2019

The stopping distance of the runaway vehicle on the mountain road directly affects the length design of the arrester bed. Since the subsidence depth of runaway vehicle wheel on the arrester bed is neglected in the past researches, the stopping distance estimated by the vehicle driving equation is not accurate. The purpose of this paper is to supplement the influence of subsidence depth on rolling resistance and the influence of mountain highway altitude on air resistance, and improve the estimation accuracy through improved vehicle driving equation. Firstly, the formula for fitting the subsidence depth is established, and the formula for calculating the pushing resistance and compaction resistance is added. Considering the influence of the altitude of the mountain road on the air resistance, the formula for calculating the corrected air resistance and the air lift is added too and the improved vehicle driving equation is generated. Secondly, a simulink model is established based on the improved vehicle driving equation and determine the attester bed entering position and the initial entering speed of the runaway vehicle. Finally, the simulation model is run and analysed. The results show that the error rate of the simulation results is less than 8.0% compared with the full-scale test data. Compared with original equation, the shortening rate of the stopping distance is up to 85.59%.
A non-Hertzian contact analysis for the ball and raceway of a deep groove ball bearing
Authors: Xi Qiang , Pi Yangjun , Hu Yumei
Published: July 2019

Aiming at the premature damage of deep groove ball bearings, considering axial load, elastic-plastic constitutive, coordinated contact and bearing clearance and so on, a non-Hertzian elasto-plastic contact analysis for the bearing ball and the raceway is performed by trans-scale three-dimensional finite element simulation. The results shown that the failure mechanism of the bearing is extremely similar to the L-P fatigue life theory. The effects of load magnitude and direction on contact state were further studied. It indicates that a certain angle of load is beneficial to reduce the maximum internal stress of the bearing, but the angle should not be too large. Besides, increasing the load magnitude results in an increase in the stress value and the depth of maximum stress, but when the load is too heavy, the area that touches the contact surface will be damaged firstly and quickly.
Application of Augmented Reality in Satellite Cable Network Assembly
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Changyu , Chen Huajun , Sun Gang , Zhao Shuping
Published: July 2019

This paper reviews the traditional cable installation in assembly and integration process of satellite. An effective and accurate cable network assembly information transmission method from designers to operators is not formed, in the process of laying complex cables, operators need to frequently confirm cable laying status back and forth between satellite and computer stations, this can easily lead to cable routing error or cable fixing point selection error. In order to improve efficiency and quality of satellite cable installation, a cable assembly system based on AR technology is designed. The successful application of this system provides a new solution for satellite cable laying and marks a new step in the digital assembly capacity.
New direction in research on extraction of Citrus aurantifolia (Lemon fruit) essential oil grown in Mekong Delta - Vietnam via microwave-assisted hydrodistillation
Authors: Hien Tran Thien , Tien Nguyen Van , Phat Dao Tan , Duc Lam Tri , Quoc Toan Tran , Duy Nguyen Trinh , Vo Dai-Viet N. , Anh Vy Tran , Bui Le Minh
Published: July 2019

A new research approach has been applied to the extraction of lemon essential oils to increase the extraction efficiency and improve the quality of isolated essential oils. In this study, the combination of microwave extraction method and response surface method is employed to investigate factors influencing lemon peel essential oil extraction process; including size of the raw material particles, raw material to water ratio, extraction time, and microwave power. The results showed that lemon peel of sizes 1 to 2 mm, material: solvent ratio 1:3 g/mL, extraction time of 60 min and microwave power of 450 W gave the highest yield of essential oil (2.4 %). The GC-MS results showed the domination of D-Limonene, the main ingredient of citrus essential oils, in higher concentrations than those reported by previous studies.
A Facile Synthesis and Properties of Bismuth Vanadate (BiVO4) Photocatalyst by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Duy Trinh Nguyen , Hoang Ho Huy , Xuan Linh Nong , Huu Vinh Nguyen , Thi Vu Hien , Thanh Nguyen Hai , Vo Dai-Viet N. , Do Sy Trung , Tri Duc Lam
Published: July 2019

In this study, BiVO4 photocatalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal method using Bi(NO3)3·5H2O and NH4VO3 as raw materials followed by calcination at different temperatures in the range from 350 °C to 600 °C. The as-synthesized BiVO4 samples were characterized by a number of physicochemical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and UV-Visible (UV-Vis) light diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry. The effect of temperatures calcination on structure, surface morphology, visible-light photocatalytic activity and light absorption performance of BiVO4 was discussed in details.
Visible Light Induced Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Industrial Effluents (Rhodamine B) Using BiVO4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Duy Trinh Nguyen , Hoang Ho Huy , Xuan Linh Nong , Huu Vinh Nguyen , Thi Vu Hien , Thanh Nguyen Hai , Do Sy Trung , Viet N-Vo Dai
Published: July 2019

This study investigates the photodegradation of the organic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation by BiVO4 photocatalysts synthesized hydrothermal method. A RhB solution (100 mL, 15 ppm) was degraded in 20 min using the BiVO4 photocatalysts with visible light irradiation. The effect of temperatures calcination on visible-light photocatalytic activity and light absorption performance of BiVO4 was discussed in details. The results showed that BiVO4 sample calcined at 450 °C exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance on the degradation of a Rhodamine B solution. The RhB degradation by the BiVO4 catalyst is 62.38% after 200 min of simulated solar irradiation.
Photochemical Synthesis of Composite Noble Metal Nanoparticles for Fuel Cell Catalysts
Authors: Dong Yingnan , Li Shanshan , Zhu Mei , Tang Jian , Niu Wei , Bi Xiaoguo
Published: July 2019

Direct methanol fuel cell is an ideal way for energy use because of its low noise, simple structure, rich fuel source, low price, easy storage and transportation. However, in the commercial application, it is necessary to overcome high catalyst cost and short life. The work used photochemical reduction and seed crystal growth to reduce PtII and PdII on the surface of Ag nanoparticles to form Ag@Pt-Pd core-shell composite nanoparticles with particle size of about 5∼10 nm. The results showed that the synthesized composite nanoparticles have good electrocatalytic activity, with good research and application in the electrode catalysts of fuel cells.
Comparison of Calibration Methods Used for Rietveld Quantitative Phase Analysis of Cement and Fly Ash
Authors: Wei Y Q , Yao W , Wang C Y
Published: July 2019

The overestimated contents of crystalline phases in polycrystalline powder samples containing amorphous phases must be calibrated when they are done by using Rietveld phase analysis (RPA) for quantitative X-ray diffraction patterns of samples. It has been indicated that there are two methods for this calibration are verified with nice accuracy involving internal standard method (ISM) and G-factor method (GFM) that have been applied to the RPA of both cement and fly ash that contain amorphous mine phases. However, the consistency between these two methods in quantitative determination of phase contents in silicate materials has not yet been discussed. Therefore, the accuracy and consistency between them in quantifying standard mixtures, cement and fly ash were evaluated experimentally. Results indicate that (1) both ISM and GFM gained the very nice accuracy and consistency for the ternary standard mixture, and also the good consistency for cement clinker and fly ash; (2) relatively, GFM is suitable for systems with any content of amorphous phases while ISM is preferably suitable for the system with much more amorphous phase contents, e.g. more than 50% in weight (denoted as wt.% henceforth), by adding the suggested 10wt.% of Al2O3 as internal standard;(3) ISM is not suggested to be used for quantifying the system containing less than 10w.t % of amorphous phases, and the wisely higher addition of internal standard, such as 20%, should be employed when it applied to quantifying the system with amorphous phases from 10wt.% to 50 wt.% in content.
Design of Automatic Billiard Sports Service Machine
Authors: Sichun Luo , Tanggen Wen , Xiang Lan , Jin Gong , Chunlai Tian
Published: July 2019

The billiard sports service machine which adapts to most of the billiards matches now is designed in this paper. It has strong environmental adaptability with the purposes of saving manpower, high efficiency and smooth transport of billiards. It has five main parts, such as billiards collection part, billiards sorting part, billiards push up part and billiards placement part. It is operated according with the working principles of billiard service machine. It uses the color sensor to identify the color of billiard balls. It applies the single chip microcomputer to control the mechanical actors. It makes use of the rubber sucker and the vacuum pump to grab the billiard balls. The waiting time for the new balls arrangement is shorten significantly to help players enjoy the game. The design with the feasibility plan is provided for the realization of the service for the automated billiard sports.
The Inhibitory effect of Natural materials Black Tea Theaflavins on MMPs-2 and MMPs-9 activities in Dentine
Authors: Li Hong , Wang Yina , Xu Jiongyuan
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of black tea theaflavins(TF) on gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) in human dentine. Protein extracts from demineralized human dentine powder were treated with TFs concentration range from 0.1-1.6 mg/mL; Samples treated with EDTA was used as a positive control while untreated sample as a negative control; Zymography was utilized to assess MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in dentin. The results demonstrated that untreated demineralized dentine showed the strongest band of MMPs activity on zymography, while EDTA treatment completely inhibited MMPs activity; MMPs activity was inhibited by TFs in a concentration dependent manner. We conclude that theaflavins inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities, suggesting that natural product theaflavins could be a potential supplementary therapy both for prevention and treatment of dentine caries.
An extension theorem of holomorphic functions on hyperconvex domains
Authors: Lee Seungjae , Nagata Yoshikazu
Published: July 2019

Let

n
≥
3

n \geq 3

and let

Ω
\Omega

be a bounded domain in

C

n

\mathbb {C}^n

with a smooth negative plurisubharmonic exhaustion function

φ
\varphi

. As a generalization of Y. Tiba’s result, we prove that any holomorphic function on a connected open neighborhood of the support of

(
i
∂

∂
¯

φ

)

n
−
2

(i\partial \bar \partial \varphi )^{n-2}

in

Ω
\Omega

can be extended to the whole domain

Ω
\Omega

. To prove it, we combine an

L
2

L^2

version of Serre duality and Donnelly-Fefferman type estimates on

(
n
,
n
−
1
)

(n,n-1)

- and

(
n
,
n
)

(n,n)

-forms.
Diagonal subalgebras of residual intersections
Authors: Ananthnarayan H. , Kumar Neeraj , Mukundan Vivek
Published: July 2019

Let

k

\mathsf {k}

be a field, let

S
S

be a bigraded

k

\mathsf {k}

-algebra, and let

S
Δ

S_\Delta

denote the diagonal subalgebra of

S
S

corresponding to

Δ
=
{
(
c
s
,
e
s
)

|

s
∈

Z

}

\Delta = \{ (cs,es) \; | \; s \in \mathbb {Z} \}

. It is known that the

S
Δ

S_\Delta

is Koszul for

c
,
e
≫
0

c,e \gg 0

. In this article, we find bounds for

c
,
e

c,e

for

S
Δ

S_\Delta

to be Koszul when

S
S

is a geometric residual intersection. Furthermore, we also study the Cohen-Macaulay property of these algebras. Finally, as an application, we look at classes of linearly presented perfect ideals of height two in a polynomial ring, show that all their powers have a linear resolution, and study the Koszul and Cohen-Macaulay properties of the diagonal subalgebras of their Rees algebras.
Effects of Package Size on Household Food Purchases
Authors: Çakır Metin , Balagtas Joseph V. , Okrent Abigail M. , Urbina‐Ramirez Mariana
Published: July 2019

This article analyzes household food purchase behavior in response to changes in product package size. In particular, we exploit food manufacturer package downsizing strategy and design a difference‐in‐difference analysis to track shifts in household purchase volume in affected and comparison product groups before and after package size changes. We use UPC‐level purchase data from a panel of households over a seven‐year period for analysis. Our empirical approach overcomes two important limitations of the extant literature: it (i) accounts for determinants of purchase behavior and (ii) produces results that elucidate the long‐term effects of package size changes. The main finding is that, on average, smaller package size significantly reduces household purchase volume, which indicates a positive correlation between package size and food‐at‐home consumption. The results also show that downsizing does not have a significant effect on the purchase volume of non‐downsized products and on the number of packages purchased. The implications of the results for policy and potential interventions are discussed.
The Colonial/Imperial History of Insect Food Avoidance in the United States
Authors: Lesnik Julie J
Published: July 2019

Interest in edible insects has increased greatly since the 2013 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization demonstrated that insects offer an appealing option for a more sustainable livestock alternative. However, overcoming the cultural bias against insect consumption is necessary in order to see widespread adoption. In order to overcome the bias, it is important to first understand it. There is not a simple answer as to why westerners do not eat insects, but using the United States as an example, this paper works to untangle the history that western culture has with insects as food; a history that is stained by the colonial exploitation of native peoples. Notions that insects are a ‘primitive’ food source and the strong disgust response they trigger can be traced back to the 15th century and Age of Exploration. These ideas have persisted because of the perpetuation of European imperial attitudes and the unconscious transfer of the disgust emotion from parents to offspring for many generations. Fortunately, continued outreach events that normalize insects as food, especially those open to families, will be helpful in reprogramming mindsets that have been deeply rooted in our culture for centuries.
Dose–Response Characteristics of the Alcohol Biomarker Phosphatidylethanol (PEth)—A Study of Outpatients in Treatment for Reduced Drinking
Authors: Helander Anders , Hermansson Ulric , Beck Olof
Published: July 2019

Aim

Measurement of whole-blood phosphatidylethanol (PEth) offers high sensitivity and specificity as alcohol biomarker. A remaining issue of importance for the routine application is to better establish the relationship between PEth concentration and amount and duration of drinking.

Methods

The study included 36 subjects (32–83 years) voluntarily attending outpatient treatment for reduced drinking. At ~ 3- to 4-week intervals, they provided a diary on their daily alcohol intake and gave blood samples for measurement of PEth and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). Whole-blood PEth 16:0/18:1 was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and serum CDT (%disialotransferrin) by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

At start, the self-reported past 2-week alcohol intake ranged 0–1260 (median 330) g ethanol, the PEth 16:0/18:1 concentration ranged 0.05–1.20 (median 0.23) μmol/L, and the CDT value ranged 0.7–13.0% (median 1.5%). At the final sampling after 5–20 (median 12) weeks, neither reported alcohol intake nor PEth and CDT levels differed significantly from the starting values. The PEth concentration showed best association with past 2-week drinking, followed by for intake in the next last week. The changes in PEth concentration vs past 2-week alcohol intake between two successive tests revealed that an increased ethanol intake by ~ 20 g/day elevated the PEth concentration by on average ~ 0.10 μmol/L, and vice versa for decreased drinking.

Conclusions

The PEth concentration correlated well with past weeks alcohol intake, albeit with a large inter-individual scatter. This indicates that it is possible to make only approximate estimates of drinking based on a single PEth value, implying risk for misclassification between moderate and heavy drinking.
The evolution of self-medication behaviour in mammals
Authors: Neco Lucia C , Abelson Eric S , Brown Asia , Natterson-Horowitz Barbara , Blumstein Daniel T
Published: July 2019

Self-medication behaviour is the use of natural materials or chemical substances to manipulate behaviour or alter the body’s response to parasites or pathogens. Self-medication can be preventive, performed before an individual becomes infected or diseased, and/or therapeutic, performed after an individual becomes infected or diseased. We summarized all available reports of self-medication in mammals and reconstructed its evolution. We found that reports of self-medication were restricted to eutherian mammals and evolved at least four times independently. Self-medication was most commonly reported in primates. Detailed analyses of primates suggest that self-medication is a life-history trait associated with body size, absolute brain size and longevity, but we found no support for the hypothesis that self-medication evolved to reduce the costs of social living. Large, longer-lived species might thus benefit uniquely from self-medication.
The Effect of Calcium Buffering and Calcium Sensor Type on the Sensitivity of an Array-Based Bitter Receptor Screening Assay
Authors: Roelse Margriet , Wehrens Ron , Henquet Maurice Gl , Witkamp Renger F , Hall Robert D , Jongsma Maarten A
Published: July 2019

The genetically encoded calcium sensor protein Cameleon YC3.6 has previously been applied for functional G protein–coupled receptor screening using receptor cell arrays. However, different types of sensors are available, with a wide range in [Ca2+] sensitivity, Hill coefficients, calcium binding domains, and fluorophores, which could potentially improve the performance of the assay. Here, we compared the responses of 3 structurally different calcium sensor proteins (Cameleon YC3.6, Nano140, and Twitch2B) simultaneously, on a single chip, at different cytosolic expression levels and in combination with 2 different bitter receptors, TAS2R8 and TAS2R14. Sensor concentrations were modified by varying the amount of calcium sensor DNA that was printed on the DNA arrays prior to reverse transfection. We found that ~2-fold lower concentrations of calcium sensor protein, by transfecting 4 times less sensor-coding DNA, resulted in more sensitive bitter responses. The best results were obtained with Twitch2B, where, relative to YC3.6 at the default DNA concentration, a 4-fold lower DNA concentration increased sensitivity 60-fold and signal strength 5- to 10-fold. Next, we compared the performance of YC3.6 and Twitch2B against an array with 11 different bitter taste receptors. We observed a 2- to 8-fold increase in sensitivity using Twitch2B compared with YC3.6. The bitter receptor arrays contained 300 spots and could be exposed to a series of 18 injections within 1 h resulting in 5400 measurements. These optimized sensor conditions provide a basis for enhancing receptomics calcium assays for receptors with poor Ca2+ signaling and will benefit future high-throughput receptomics experiments.
Isolation and purification of four phenolic glycoside isomers from the leaves of Idesia polycarpa Maxim. by high-speed counter-current chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Huang Lei , Peng Tong , Li Yu , Zhang Shiyan , Xiao Shiji , Lu Qiuxia , Chen Fang , Tang Lin
Published: July 2019

We established an efficient method using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) combined with preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC) for isolating and purifying phenolic glycoside isomers. The method involves a rapid and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-under voltage(UPLC-UV) technique using a sub-2 μm core–shell particle column for qualitative and quantitative analysis of four phenolic glycoside isomers from Idesia polycarpa Maxim. leaves. The partially purified samples from ethyl acetate extraction of ethanol extracts of I. polycarpa Maxim. leaves were obtained by HSCCC with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water solution (3:5:3:5, v/v/v/v) to obtain fractions I and II, which contain two phenolic glycoside isomers. The two fractions were further isolated by prep-HPLC to yield compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 with purities of 98.29%, 98.71%, 98.49% and 98.52%, and total recoveries of 93.5%, 72.2%, 75.5% and 88.3%, respectively. Compound 1 was first isolated from I. polycarpa Maxim., while compound 2 was reported to be a new phenolic glycoside, which is 1-[(6′-O-(Z)-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-oxy-2-phenol. The chemical structures of the four phenolic glycoside isomers were analyzed and confirmed by UPLC, UV, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR), 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) spectra. This study opens prospects for broad industrial applications of HSCCC/prep-HPLC for the isolation and purification of isomers.
On the necessity of money in an exchange-constituted economy: the cases of Smith and Marx
Authors: Weber Isabella M
Published: July 2019

The debate over theories of the nature of money has recently been revisited in this Journal. This paper shifts the focus from the stuff that is being positioned as money to the social totality. Credit theorists claim that commodity theories of money imply monetary neutrality and a primacy of real analysis. In contrast, this paper argues based on Marx and Smith that, independently of whether money is a commodity or credit, the necessity of money depends on the constitution of the economy in terms of the relation between production and circulation. If social production is constituted through the exchange between private specialised producers, money is not neutral but essential. For Smith, real analysis is nevertheless meaningful, in that, he treats the spheres of exchange and production separately. By contrast, Marx exposes real analysis as commodity fetishism and stresses the mutually constitutive social relations between money, commodity exchange and capitalist production.
Tropoelastin: an in vivo imaging marker of dysfunctional matrix turnover during abdominal aortic dilation
Authors: Lavin Begoña , Lacerda Sara , Andia Marcelo E , Lorrio Silvia , Bakewell Robert , Smith Alberto , Rashid Imran , Botnar René M , Phinikaridou Alkystis
Published: July 2019

Aims

Dysfunctional matrix turnover is present at sites of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and leads to the accumulation of monomeric tropoelastin rather than cross-linked elastin. We used a gadolinium-based tropoelastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent (Gd-TESMA) to test whether quantifying regional tropoelastin turnover correlates with aortic expansion in a murine model. The binding of Gd-TESMA to excised human AAA was also assessed.

Methods and results

We utilized the angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE−/−) murine model of aortic dilation and performed in vivo imaging of tropoelastin by administering Gd-TESMA followed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and T1 mapping at 3 T, with subsequent ex vivo validation. In a cross-sectional study (n = 66; control = 11, infused = 55) we found that Gd-TESMA enhanced MRI was elevated and confined to dilated aortic segments (control: LGE=0.13 ± 0.04 mm2, control R1= 1.1 ± 0.05 s−1 vs. dilated LGE =1.0 ± 0.4 mm2, dilated R1 =2.4 ± 0.9 s−1) and was greater in segments with medium (8.0 ± 3.8 mm3) and large (10.4 ± 4.1 mm3) compared to small (3.6 ± 2.1 mm3) vessel volume. Furthermore, a proof-of-principle longitudinal study (n = 19) using Gd-TESMA enhanced MRI demonstrated a greater proportion of tropoelastin: elastin expression in dilating compared to non-dilating aortas, which correlated with the rate of aortic expansion. Treatment with pravastatin and aspirin (n = 10) did not reduce tropoelastin turnover (0.87 ± 0.3 mm2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.44 mm2) or aortic dilation (4.86 ± 2.44 mm3 vs. 4.0 ± 3.6 mm3). Importantly, Gd-TESMA-enhanced MRI identified accumulation of tropoelastin in excised human aneurysmal tissue (n = 4), which was confirmed histologically.

Conclusion

Tropoelastin MRI identifies dysfunctional matrix remodelling that is specifically expressed in regions of aortic aneurysm or dissection and correlates with the development and rate of aortic expansion. Thus, it may provide an additive imaging marker to the serial assessment of luminal diameter for surveillance of patients at risk of or with established aortopathy.
HAND1 loss-of-function within the embryonic myocardium reveals survivable congenital cardiac defects and adult heart failure
Authors: Firulli Beth A , George Rajani M , Harkin Jade , Toolan Kevin P , Gao Hongyu , Liu Yunlong , Zhang Wenjun , Field Loren J , Liu Ying , Shou Weinian , Payne Ronald Mark , Rubart-von der Lohe Michael , Firulli Anthony B
Published: July 2019

Aims

To examine the role of the basic Helix-loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factor HAND1 in embryonic and adult myocardium.

Methods and results

Hand1 is expressed within the cardiomyocytes of the left ventricle (LV) and myocardial cuff between embryonic days (E) 9.5–13.5. Hand gene dosage plays an important role in ventricular morphology and the contribution of Hand1 to congenital heart defects requires further interrogation. Conditional ablation of Hand1 was carried out using either Nkx2.5 knockin Cre (Nkx2.5Cre) or α-myosin heavy chain Cre (αMhc-Cre) driver. Interrogation of transcriptome data via ingenuity pathway analysis reveals several gene regulatory pathways disrupted including translation and cardiac hypertrophy-related pathways. Embryo and adult hearts were subjected to histological, functional, and molecular analyses. Myocardial deletion of Hand1 results in morphological defects that include cardiac conduction system defects, survivable interventricular septal defects, and abnormal LV papillary muscles (PMs). Resulting Hand1 conditional mutants are born at Mendelian frequencies; but the morphological alterations acquired during cardiac development result in, the mice developing diastolic heart failure.

Conclusion

Collectively, these data reveal that HAND1 contributes to the morphogenic patterning and maturation of cardiomyocytes during embryogenesis and although survivable, indicates a role for Hand1 within the developing conduction system and PM development.
Robotic versus laparoscopic approach to treat symptomatic achalasia: systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Milone M , Manigrasso M , Vertaldi S , Velotti N , Aprea G , Maione F , Gennarelli N , De Simone G , De Conno B , Pesce M , Sarnelli G , De Palma G D
Published: July 2019

Minimally invasive Heller myotomy is considered the gold standard surgical approach for symptomatic achalasia because it is a safe and effective procedure. Over the last years, several studies comparing the laparoscopic and robotic approach for Heller myotomy have been published. Although the robotic approach appears to have some advantages over standard laparoscopy, data on this topic are still controversial and no definite conclusions have been drawn. This metanalysis has been designed to systematically evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of the robot-assisted Heller myotomy as compared to the standard laparoscopic approach. According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search on both laparoscopic and robotic Heller myotomy was performed in all the major electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE), using the following search string: (achalasia OR Dor) AND robotic. Six articles were included in the final analysis. A metaregression analysis was performed to assess the possible effects of demographic variables (age, gender, body mass indes (BMI)) and previous abdominal surgery or endoscopic intervention on the analyzed outcomes. No statistical difference was observed in operative times (mean difference (MD) = 20.79, P = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) −10.05,51,62), estimated blood loss (MD = −17.10, P = 0.13, 95% CI −40.48,5.08), conversion rate to open surgery (risk difference (RD) = −0.01, P = 0.33, 95% CI −0.05,0.02), length of hospital stay (MD = −0.73, P = 0.15, 95% CI −1.71,0.25) and long-term recurrence (odds ratio (OR) = 0.59, P = 0.45, 95% CI 0.15,2.33). On the contrary, the robotic approach was found to be associated with a significantly significant lower rate of intraoperative esophageal perforations (OR = 0.13, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.04, 0.45). Our results suggest that the robotic approach is safer than the laparoscopic Heller myotomy, encouraging the use of robot-assisted surgery. However, our analysis is limited because of the exiguous number of comparative studies and because most of the included studies were statistically underpowered, given the small sample size. Moreover, a high degree of heterogeneity was observed in most of published studies. Taking in consideration the additional costs of robot-assisted procedures, larger Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are advocated to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the robotic approach, and its advantages over standard laparoscopic surgery. In conclusion, well-designed prospective trials and RCTs with homogeneous parameters are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the best surgical approach to pursue in treating symptomatic achalasia.
Perceiving the sea and crossing senses in La Chambre and La Vie tranquille
Authors: Reynolds Dee
Published: July 2019

La Chambre (1988) is a short dance film by Compagnie l’Esquisse, which cites Marguerite Duras’s novel La Vie tranquille (1944). In La Chambre, the sea is not seen, but is present across different senses and in the dancers’ movements, as well as in the quotation from Duras’s novel with which the film opens, which contains the sentence: ‘J’ai pensé à la mer que je ne connaissais pas.’ I argue that in both the novel and the film, the sea is sensed across different modalities that influence one another. Whereas in the novel ‘sensory crossings’ are produced by interactions between the lexical fields of words, in the film they occur when stimuli are presented in ways that invite viewers to make cross-sensory connections. Cross-modality of the senses can make us aware of the reciprocal action of one sensory mode on another and intensify affective charge.