bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupation-related physical activities in osteoarthritis of the knee in female
Authors: Emran Mohammed , Ahmed Syed Mozaffar , Hasan Md. Israt , Emran Ali
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the role of occupation-related physical activities in the osteoarthritis of the knee. The study was conducted on 87 female patients from September 2016 to August 2017. The same number of healthy females of the same age group were included as a control. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, enquiring about demographic data and details of risk factors. There were statistically significant (p<0.05) changes in the occupation-related physical activities like sustained knee bending, climbing stairs (>10 flights/day), kneeling (>30 min/day), squatting (>30 min/day), in patients when compared to the control group. However, there were no significant changes in other occupation-related physical activities. Obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) patients were found 29.9% in the patient and 17.2% in the control group. Patients with a positive family history of osteoarthritis of the knee were 13.8% in the case group and 3.4% in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) between the two groups. In conclusion, occupation-related physical activities like sustained knee bending, climbing stairs, kneeling and squatting had a significant association with osteoarthritis of the knee in the female.
Effect of Solanum melongena peel extract in the treatment of arsenical keratosis
Authors: Sarah Quazi Sahely , Misbahuddin Mir
Published: July 2019

This study was conducted to examine the effect of the ointment containing Solanum melongena peel extract in the treatment of arsenical keratosis. In total, 23 patients were enrolled on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The ointment was given to each patient and advised him/her to apply to the site of lesion twice daily for 12 weeks without any gap. The size of the lesion and its photograph were collected before and at the end of the study. The mean (± SD) diameter of the lesion was 3.9 ± 2.1 cm which reduced to 1.8 ± 1.3 cm (reduction 54%). The results were statistically significant.  In conclusion, S. melongena peel extract is found to be effective in the treatment of arsenical keratosis.
In vitro Seed Germination, Protocorm Formation and Plantlet Regeneration in Aerides ringens Fisher
Authors: Pyati Ashok N
Published: July 2019

An attempt was made to in vitro seed germination and plantlet regeneration in Aerides ringens, a threatened, endemic and epiphytic orchid. Five basal media Knudson C (KC), Vacin and Went (VW), Burgeff’s (N3f), half strength MS, MS were examined for their effectiveness. Germination occurred in all the media. However, KC medium proved to be the best for seed germination (70.8%) and half strength MS was superior for the differentiation of protocorm like bodies (PLBs) into seedlings. The seeds were also cultured on various plant growth regulators (PGRs) to evaluate their effectiveness on seed germination and further differentiation. Among the PGRs tested, 0.57 μM IAA (IAA 89.3%), 4.64 μM Kn (88.6%) and 2.21 μM BAP (90.7%) and 0.57 μM IAA + 0.55 μM BAP (96.5%) were stimulated the germination and further differentiation of PLBs into seedlings. The concentrations of 2.21 μM BAP and combination of 0.57 μM IAA + 0.55 μM BAP stimulated the formation of MPLBs, which later differentiated into shoots and roots. Four potting substrates were evaluated for Ex vitro seedling survivability of which brick: charcoal: decaying litter: coconut husk (1 : 1 : 1 : 1) gave maximum survival rate (89.0%).

Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 29(1): 49-62, 2019 (June)
Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) with Chitinase Gene followed by In vitro Flower and Pod Formation
Authors: Das Subroto K , Shethi Kishwar Jahan , Hoque MI , Sarker RH
Published: July 2019

To investigate the integration of chitinase gene in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) namely, BARI masur-4 (BM-4), BARI masur-5 (BM-5) and BARI masur-6 (BM-6) through Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation was performed using Agrobacterium strain EHA 105 harboring bar (resistant to phosphinotrycin) and chitinase (gene of interest) gene. Selection of transformed shoots was carried out by gradually increasing the concentration of phosphinotrycin (PPT) up to 2.0 mg/l. Transgenic lentil shoots were produced with an overall frequency of 0.36 in case of BM-4 and BM-6 and 0.34 in case of BM-5, respectively. Most of the selected shoots developed in vitro flowers and pods following their sub-culture on half strength of MS supplemented with 20 mg/l IBA, 0.5 mg/l NAA with 50 mg/l ticarcillin. Seedlings germinated from the seeds were successfully transferred to soil for the development of further progeny. Stable integration of target gene was confirmed through PCR analysis.

Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 29(1): 99-109, 2019 (June)
RELACIÓN ENTRE CONOCIMIENTOS EN CIENCIAS BÁSICAS Y CREATIVIDAD EN LOS ESTUDIANTES DEL DÉCIMO CICLO DE LA FACULTAD DE AGROPECUARIAS Y NUTRICIÓN DE LA UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE EDUCACIÓN ENRIQUEZ GUZMÁN Y VALLE
Authors: Fuentes Llanos Rodolfo Aníbal
Published: July 2019

Se realizó una investigación de tipo sustantivo, nivel explicativo, método descriptivo y diseño descriptivo correlacional, con el objetivo de determinar la relación que existe entre los conocimientos en ciencias básicas y la creatividad en los estudiantes del décimo ciclo de la Facultad de Agropecuaria y Nutrición de la Universidad Nacional de Educación Enrique Guzmán y Valle en el año 2014. La muestra estuvo conformada por 73 estudiantes quienes respondieron un cuestionario de conocimientos en ciencias básicas y un cuestionario sobre creatividad. Se concluye que en la determinación de la relación entre los conocimientos en ciencias básicas y la creatividad, se halló un índice de correlación r = 0,5740, y un valor de t calculado de 7,0804, altamente significativo, aceptándose la hipótesis general de que los conocimientos en ciencias básicas se relacionan positiva y significativamente con la creatividad en los estudiantes del décimo ciclo de la Facultad de Agropecuaria y Nutrición de la Universidad Nacional de Educación Enrique Guzmán y Valle en el año 2014.
LA NUEVA FORMA DE HACER NEGOCIOS, UN COMPARATIVO DE LA CULTURA DEL EMPRENDIMIENTO ENTRE MÉXICO Y PERÚ
Authors: Benavides Camarillo Angel
Published: July 2019

Desde décadas atrás se busca que la acción de emprender se convierta en una cultura en países como México y Perú a tal grado que se han modificado desde los programas de estudio de las escuelas hasta los planes de desarrollo a nivel gobierno, con la finalidad de poder competir y ser reconocidos como impulsores del emprendimiento y ver a este como un elemento clave para el beneficio económico y social que permite a los individuos de un país tener su propia fuente de ingresos y además otorgar trabajo a personas de su mismo ámbito social. Disminuyendo así la tasa de desempleo y haciendo crecer el ingreso monetario de los individuos, en consecuencia, mejora las condiciones sociales del país.

El presente artículo recopila información de la planeación y actividades que se han realizado en los últimos años en los países de México y Perú, cuáles han sido los negocios de nueva creación que han alcanzado renombre por los beneficios que otorgan a sus participantes, haciendo uso principalmente de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación como el caso de las startup. Para Eduardo Morelos, director de Startupbootcamp Fintech México, la startupes una gran empresa en su etapa temprana; a diferencia de una Pyme, aquella se basa en un negocio que será escalable más rápida y fácilmente, haciendo uso de tecnologías digitales.
La hipertensión arterial y los cuidados del corazón
Authors: Rodríguez Menéndez Abelardo Emilio , Liendo Liendo Elfren Raúl
Published: July 2019

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es una enfermedad que afecta a todas las personas a nivel mundial, pero en especial ataca a los hombres de raza negra y mujeres después de la menopausia, es una de las enfermedades que más muertes ha causado por su especial característica de ser silenciosa y acabar con órganos importantes del cuerpo humano, por lo tanto su control ha sido una de las principales preocupaciones, para poder disminuir la mortalidad y la morbilidad.
DETERMINACIÓN DE LA CONCENTRACIÓN DE PLOMO POR ESPECTROFOTOMETRÍA DE ABSORCIÓN ATÓMICA EN SOMBRAS DE OJOS QUE SE COMERCIALIZAN EN LOS MERCADILLOS DE TACNA, 2014
Authors: Delgado Carolina Jaqueline
Published: July 2019

OBJETIVO: Determinar la concentración de plomo por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica en sombras de ojos que se comercializan en los mercadillos de Tacna, 2014. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron 45 sombras de ojos de 15 marcas comerciales distribuidas en nuestra ciudad. La concentración de plomo se determinó por el método de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica por llama. Con la estadística descriptiva se determinó la media, desviación estándar y análisis de varianza (ANOVA) con la estadística inferencial. RESULTADOS: Se encontró mayor contenido de plomo en las muestras SO-05 (15,387 ppm), SO-07 (11,286 ppm), SO-08 (13,911 ppm) y SO-10 (17,227 ppm); contrastadas con los límites máximo permisibles (LMP) establecidos por la FDA (20 ppm) y ASEAN, PNUMA (10 ppm). CONCLUSIONES: El resultado de todas las sombras de ojos analizadas se encuentran dentro del LMP establecido por la FDA, 20 ppm de Pb.
INJERTO DE TEJIDO CONECTIVO OBTENIDO DE ZONA DE TUBEROSIDAD: REPORTE DE CASO CLÍNICO
Authors: Bárcena Taco Jaime , Aldana Cáceres Alejandro
Published: July 2019

El manejo adecuado de los tejidos blandos periimplantarios es sumamente importante para obtener una respuesta además de funcional, estética; siendo el sector anterior el más expuesto durante la actividad diaria al hablar, sonreír y en la vida cotidiana, requiere mayor atención. El presente caso clínico muestra la técnica de injerto de tejido epitelioconectivo des-epitelizado, tomado de la zona edéntula de la tuberosidad, para corregir un defecto vestibular horizontal y vertical sobre una restauración soportada por implante. La obtención del injerto de la tuberosidad es sencilla, no genera mayor trauma y puede considerarse incluso de un postoperatorio más cómodo para el paciente, no requiere el uso de una placa palana como en los casos de obtenerse del paladar. Además, podemos luego de una volumetría adecuada decidir extraer mayor candad de tejido con el beneficio de tener una mayor cobertura.
Lean Management: organizational innovations in hematological Day-Hospitals
Authors: Bianciardi Caterina , Guercini Jacopo
Published: July 2019

Background. Lean Thinking is a management method which, despite its industrial origins, has spread in health-care environment too.

Objective. To describe the path followed and the results reached implementing Lean Thinking in four case studies. 

Methods. Such case studies were conducted in as many hematological Day-Hospitals (DHs), located in Central-Italy. At the beginning of each study, the DH internal processes, activity volumes and patient flows were analyzed and satisfaction questionnaires were administered to both operators and patients. Based on the returned questionnaires, deficiencies were focused on; for each deficiency data was collected and objectives defined. Following such definitions, analysis of inefficiency causes was performed and countermeasures were identified. In the final meeting the results were assessed and monitoring/maintenance methods were defined. All these steps were supported by Lean Thinking instruments for analysis and solution.        

Results. Activity organization and patient satisfaction improved everywhere. Time losses and workloads imbalances were minimized in two DHs, particularly through higher standardization in the management of clinical-administrative documents. In another DH, the output capacity of the hospital pharmacy and the workflows in DH were aligned with respect to the course of the day, so reducing delays in the delivery of therapies.  Appointment planning was improved in the fourth DH, standardizing time slots (15-minutes) necessary for each therapy, so optimizing the number of beds and chairs used.

Conclusions. Poor management of health care facilities can affect efficiency, security and quality of services provided. Lean Thinking is a valid method to address such problems.   

(HTA & Market Access)
Evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the spadix of Colocasia affinis
Authors: Vanlalhruaii  , Malsawmtluangi C. , Lalhlenmawia H.
Published: July 2019

The methanolic extract of C. affinis was evaluated for its in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity by bovine serum albumin denaturation method, egg albumin denaturation method and protease inhibition method at different concentrations. Diclofenac sodium was used as the reference drug. The extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in a concentration-dependent manner. In bovine serum albumin denaturation method, the extract at concentrations of 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 µg/ml showed 25.49, 28.43, 31.37, 37.25, 41.17, 48.03% inhibition respectively. In egg albumin denaturation method, the concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 µg/ml showed 5.3, 9.89, 28.12, 32.8, 43.2, 52.8% inhibition respectively. In protease inhibition method the extract at concentration of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 µg/ml showed 8.87, 19.32, 28.56, 43.96, 59.92% inhibition respectively. Therefore, from the results it can be concluded that the methanolic extract of C. affinis possesses anti-inflammatory activity.
Changes in biochemical and nutritional properties of bekang-um (fermented soybean) prepared by traditional method and customized incubator
Authors: Thanzami K. , Lalremruati C. , Vanlalthlana  , Lalthasanga Andrew , Tungoe Phyobemo C. , Ralte Joseph L. , Lalhlenmawia H.
Published: July 2019

Effect of controlled and uncontrolled fermentation temperature on the microbial load, biochemical changes and change in nutritive value of bekang-um was studied in an attempt to upgrade the traditional fermentation technology of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. The sterile cooked beans were fermented using a low-cost wooden incubator developed previously, adjusted at a constant temperature (35°C) and also under direct sunlight for 4 days following the traditional method. The microbial load, biochemical changes and changes in nutritive values of both the beans fermented were compared under controlled and uncontrolled temperature. The result showed that the viable cell counts, pH, free amino acids, proteolytic activity and alpha amylase activity increased in both the fermenting conditions throughout the process while the reducing sugar increased in the first day and decreased gradually with fermentation in both conditions. There is also an increase in moisture, protein and calorific value, and a decrease in carbohydrate, fats and ash value in both conditions. Fermentation under controlled temperature gave the higher levels of alpha amylase and proteolytic activities, viable cell counts, pH, free amino acids and nutritive value. These results suggested that fermentation proceeds at higher rate under controlled temperature using low-cost incubator could be utilized for the commercial production of bekang-um as the fermentation time could be reduced from three days to two days in addition to its simpler technology.
METHODS FOR ESTIMATING NEUROLOGICAL DISTURBANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA
Authors: Bon E. I. , Maksimovich N. Ye.
Published: July 2019

Investigation of the brain pathology in experimental ischemia requires adequate methods for assessing the neurological deficit that occurs in laboratory animals, including sensory-based and behavioural disorders. In this research, we aimed to compare motor and behavioural disorders in rats with partial and subtotal experimental cerebral ischemia. The rats modelled with cerebral ischemia are found to exhibit a decrease in muscle strength, resistance to hypoxia, motor and emotional activity. The animals with incomplete cerebral ischemia demonstrated more pronounced sensory-based motor and behavioural disorders compared both with those modelled with partial cerebral ischemia and, in particular, with the control group.
Kata Kerja dan Hubungan Leksikal Dalam Iklan Produk Kecantikan Wanita
Authors: Zahid Indirawati
Published: July 2019

Iklan komersial adalah satu bentuk pembujukan dalam usaha mempengaruhi khalayak sasaran tentang pandangan atau keputusan membeli. Iklan produk kecantikan wanita merupakan salah satu daripadanya. Analisis dilakukan pada iklan dua jenama terkenal, iaitu D’HERBS dan Vida Beauty dengan fokus analisis pada kata kerja yang digunakan dalam slogan dan keterangan produk kecantikan muka.  Kajian ini bertitik tolak daripada kajian yang telah dilakukan oleh Leech (1966) tentang kata kerja yang lazim digunakan dalam iklan. Kajian ini mempunyai dua objektif, iaitu mengenal pasti kata kerja yang lazim digunakan dan menganalisis hubungan leksikal yang wujud pada kata kerja yang lazim digunakan. Terdapat empat metod yang diaplikasi, iaitu kajian pustaka, syot layar, analisis frekuensi dan analisis teks. Dapatan kajian ini memperlihatkan antara  kata kerja yang lazim digunakan  dalam iklan kecantikan muka adalah “mencerah/mencerahkan”, “merawat”, “membantu” dan “melembap/melembapkan”. Hubungan leksikal yang terbentuk daripada kekerapan kata kerja yang digunakan membentuk lapan kelompok sinonimi dan tiga kelompok antonimi.  Kesimpulannya, pengiklan memilih kata yang tepat dalam mempengaruhi khalayak sasaran dan bermakna positif sebagaimana yang dinyatakan oleh Leech (1966) dan Dyer (1982).
Los Procesos de Comunicación Educativos sobre el Cáncer de Próstata.
Authors: Baquerizo Villacís Diana del Pilar , Vargas Flores Jhonny Amed , Chusán Jiménez John , Vega Luzuriaga Patricio
Published: July 2019

Introducción: El cáncer de próstata es una neoplasia en la cual la comunicación y el conocimiento de la población puede ayudar al diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento temprano. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar que conocen los pacientes y acompañantes sobre los procesos de comunicación educativa para la salud en cáncer de próstata.

Métodos: El presente estudio descriptivo, fue realizado en el Instituto Oncológico Nacional “Dr Juan Tanca Marengo” Solca-Guayaquil. Se utilizó una encuesta de salud sobre el conocimiento de la entidad nosológica, el conocimiento de los métodos diagnósticos y la predisposición a acudir a charlas educativas. La muestra fue calculada en 80 encuestas a familiares, acompañantes y pacientes del Instituto.

Resultados: Se registraron 80 encuestas. Sobre el cáncer de próstata el 52.5 % de los encuestados declara no tener conocimiento alguno sobre el mismo, un 31.25 % asegura tener poco conocimiento sobre el cáncer de próstata, y el 16.25 % declara tener un conocimiento apropiado sobre el cáncer de próstata. Sobre el diagnóstico de Cáncer de Próstata el 58.75 % de los encuestados no sabe cómo se diagnostica, un 22.5% % está informado someramente y un 18.75 % tiene conocimiento del diagnóstico.

Conclusión: En este reporte se evidencia el desconocimiento sobre cáncer de próstata que tienen los encuestados sobre su concepto y diagnóstico.
An Enhanced Lightning Attachment Procedure Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Jiang Xintian
Published: July 2019

To overcome the shortcomings of the lightning attachment procedure optimization (LAPO) algorithm, such as premature convergence and slow convergence speed, an enhanced lightning attachment procedure optimization (ELAPO) algorithm was proposed in this paper. In the downward leader movement, the idea of differential evolution was introduced to speed up population convergence; in the upward leader movement, by superimposing vectors pointing to the average individual, the individual updating mode was modified to change the direction of individual evolution, avoid falling into local optimum, and carry out a more fine local information search; in the performance enhancement stage, opposition-based learning (OBL) was used to replace the worst individuals, improve the convergence rate of population, and increase the global exploration capability. Finally, 16 typical benchmark functions in CEC2005 are used to carry out simulation experiments with LAPO algorithm, four improved algorithms, and ELAPO. Experimental results showed that ELAPO obtained the better convergence velocity and optimization accuracy.
Effect of GA3 and Gly Plant Growth Regulators on Productivity and Sugar Content of Sugarcane
Authors: Nguyen Cong Truc , Dang Le Hang , Nguyen Dinh Trung , Tran Kim Phu , Giang Bach Long , Tran Ngoc Quyen
Published: July 2019

The use of plant growth regulators is one effective solution to improve sugarcane yields and sugar content in several countries. In this study, we examined the role of gibberellin acid (GA3) and glyphosate (Gly) plant growth regulators to determine the appropriate concentration of GA3 and Gly to increase the yield of sugarcane and sugar accumulation, respectively. The statistical results showed that GA3 was sprayed at 150 ppm to increment the actual yield by 19.94%; sucrose accumulation increased by 2.21%. With Gly treatment, although the yield decreased by 3.17%, sucrose accumulation increased by 11.27% compared to control trials. In this study, the combined concentration of 150 ppm of both GA3 and Gly gave the best results, for which sucrose accumulation increased from 2.21% to 10.74% and from 19.94% to 20.97% for actual yield. The results led to increased net income compared to the control. To address concerns about residues of plant growth regulators, residues of GA3 and Gly were evaluated after the sugarcane harvest using the HPLC and UV-vis methods, respectively. The analyzed results showed that their residues were lower than what is permitted in several countries. This showed the applicability of the study, on a large scale, to increase sucrose accumulation, productivity of sugarcane, and profit for farmers.
Identification of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. subsp. vulgare) Root Exudates Allelochemicals, Their Autoallelopathic Activity and Against Bromus diandrus Roth. Germination
Authors: Bouhaouel Imen , Richard Gaëtan , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Ongena Marc , Franzil Laurent , Gfeller Aurélie , Slim Amara Hajer , du Jardin Patrick
Published: July 2019

Crops with weed suppressive root exudates or the direct use of bioherbicidal allelochemicals is a new approach in integrated weed management systems. In this context, the allelopathic activity and chemical composition of root exudates from six genotypes (modern varieties and landraces) of barley were characterized. The phenolic acids appeared to be particularly implicated in the inhibitory action of barley root exudates against Bromus diandrus. The amount of these compounds was higher in sandy substrate than in sandy-clay-loam substrate. Ten phenolic acids and one phenylpropanoid derivative were present, in addition to saponarin, a newly identified flavonoid in barley root exudates. Seven compounds explaining variability in the inhibitory activity of barley roots (stepwise analysis) and one compound detected only in highly allelopathic genotypes were toxic against receiver plants. Most compounds had a greater inhibitory effect on the growth of great brome than the barley genotypes. The synergistic and/or additive effect of the eight compounds appeared to be the source of the toxicity. Benzoic acid, the mixture of compounds, saponarin and salicylic acid were the most efficient compounds against the great brome and the less aggressive against barley. Overall, the results revealed the allelopathic potential of the water-soluble compounds exuded by the roots of living barley plants. These compounds included saponarin, a flavonoid not yet recognized as a barley root allelochemical.
Sowing Density Effects in Cotton Yields and Its Components
Authors: Guzman Manuel , Vilain Luis , Rondon Tatiana , Sanchez Juan
Published: July 2019

Evaluation of sowing density is an important factor for achieving maximum yields without affecting other agronomic traits. Field experiments were conducted during three consecutive years (2008, 2009 and 2010) to determinate the effect of four sowing density (62,500; 83,333; 100,000 and 142,857 pl ha−1) on yields and its components of two cotton varieties, ‘Delta Pine 16′ and ‘SN-290′ in Venezuela. The traits evaluated were lint yield, boll weight, number of seeds per boll, 100-seed weight, and fiber content. Highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were observed among genotypes, sowing density and their interactions for all traits. Sowing density was not affected by year factor. High lint yield was found in ‘SN-290′ (4216.2 kg ha−1) at 100,000 pl ha−1; and in ‘Delta Pine 16′ (3917.3 kg ha−1) at 83,333 pl ha−1. The highest sowing density (142,857 pl ha−1), decrease lint yield and yield components in the genotypes. The highest boll weight was obtained by ‘SN-290′ with 6.4 g in average. All sowing densities evaluated resulted in lint percentages above 40%. Cotton lint yield was positively correlated with all yield components. Our results indicate that highest lint yields could be obtained with sowing densities between 83,333 and 100,000 pl ha−1 depending upon varieties used across savannahs of Venezuela.
Characterization of Circular RNAs in Chinese Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Adipose Tissue: A Focus on Circular RNAs Involved in Fat Deposition
Authors: Huang Jieping , Zhao Jinhui , Zheng Qiuzhi , Wang Shuzhe , Wei Xuefeng , Li Fen , Shang Jianghua , Lei Chuzhao , Ma Yun
Published: July 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as a novel type of regulators involved in multiple biological processes. However, circRNAs with a potential function in fat deposition in buffalo are poorly understood. In this study, six RNA libraries of adipose tissue were constructed for three young and three adult Chinese buffaloes with paired-ends RNA sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq 3000 platform. A total of 5141 circRNAs were computationally identified. Among them, 252 circRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) between the young and adult buffaloes. Of these, 54 were upregulated and 198 were downregulated in the adult group. Eight DE circRNAs were further identified by quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Co-expression analysis revealed that 34 circRNAs demonstrated a strong correlation with fat deposition-associated genes (|r| > 0.980). Among these, expressional correlation between two circRNAs (19:45387150|45389986 and 21:6969877|69753491) and PR/SET domain 16 was further verified using qRT-PCR, and a strong correlation was revealed (1 > |r| > 0.8). These results strongly suggest that circRNAs 19:45387150|45389986 and 21:6969877|69753491 are potential regulators of buffalo fat deposition. In summary, this study characterized the circRNA profiles of adipose tissues at different stages for the first time and revealed two circRNAs strongly correlated with fat deposition-associated genes, which provided new candidate regulators for fat deposition in buffalo.
Regulation of Geldanamycin Biosynthesis by Cluster-Situated Transcription Factors and the Master Regulator PhoP
Authors: Martín Juan F. , Ramos Angelina , Liras Paloma
Published: July 2019

Geldanamycin and the closely related herbimycins A, B, and C are benzoquinone-type ansamycins with antitumoral activity. They are produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus var. geldanus, Streptomyces lydicus and Streptomyces autolyticus among other Streptomyces strains. Geldanamycins interact with the Hsp-90 chaperone, a protein that has a key role in tumorigenesis of human cells. Geldanamycin is a polyketide antibiotic and the polyketide synthase contain seven modules organized in three geldanamycin synthases genes named gdmAI, gdmAII, and gdmAIII. The loading domain of GdmI activates AHBA, and also related hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, forming geldanamycin analogues. Three regulatory genes, gdmRI, gdmRII, and gdmRIII were found associated with the geldanamycin gene cluster in S. hygroscopicus strains. GdmRI and GdmRII are LAL-type (large ATP binding regulators of the LuxR family) transcriptional regulators, while GdmRIII belongs to the TetR-family. All three are positive regulators of geldanamycin biosynthesis and are strictly required for expression of the geldanamycin polyketide synthases. In S. autolyticus the gdmRIII regulates geldanamycin biosynthesis and also expression of genes in the elaiophylin gene cluster, an unrelated macrodiolide antibiotic. The biosynthesis of geldanamycin is very sensitive to the inorganic phosphate concentration in the medium. This regulation is exerted through the two components system PhoR-PhoP. The phoRP genes of S. hygroscopicus are linked to phoU encoding a transcriptional modulator. The phoP gene was deleted in S. hygroscopicus var geldanus and the mutant was unable to grow in SPG medium unless supplemented with 5 mM phosphate. Also, the S. hygroscopicus pstS gene involved in the high affinity phosphate transport was cloned, and PhoP binding sequences (PHO boxes), were found upstream of phoU, phoRP, and pstS; the phoRP-phoU sequences were confirmed by EMSA and nuclease footprinting protection assays. The PhoP binding sequence consists of 11 nucleotide direct repeat units that are similar to those found in S. coelicolor Streptomyces avermitilis and other Streptomyces species. The available genetic information provides interesting tools for modification of the biosynthetic and regulatory mechanisms in order to increase geldanamycin production and to obtain new geldanamycin analogues with better antitumor properties.
Quantum Calibration of Photon-Number-Resolving Detectors Based on Multi-Pixel Photon Counters
Authors: Cai Yujie , Chen Yu , Chen Xiuliang , Ma Jianhui , Xu Guangjian , Wu Yujing , Xu Aini , Wu E
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we reconstructed the positive operator-valued measure (POVM) of a photon-number-resolving detector (PNRD) based on a multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC) by means of quantum detector tomography (QDT) at 791 nm and 523 nm, respectively. MPPC is a kind of spatial-multiplexing PNRD with a silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD) array as the photon receiver. Experimentally, the quantum characteristics of MPPC were calibrated at 2 MHz at two different wavelengths. The POVM elements were given by QDT. The fidelity of the reconstructed POVM elements is higher than 99.96%, which testifies that the QDT is reliable to calibrate MPPC at different wavelengths. With QDT and associated Wigner functions, the quantum properties of MPPC can be calibrated more directly and accurately in contrast with those conventional methods of modeling detectors.
What Advanced Treatments Can Be Used to Minimize the Production of Sewage Sludge in WWTPs?
Authors: Collivignarelli Maria , Abbà Alessandro , Carnevale Miino Marco , Torretta Vincenzo
Published: July 2019

Similar to other types of waste, sewage sludge (SS) must be minimized, not only to respect the European Directive 2018/851 on waste, but also because the cost of sludge management is approximately 50% of the total running costs of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Usually, minimization technologies can involve sewage sludge production with three different strategies: (i) adopting a process in the water line that reduces the production of sludge; (ii) reducing the water content (dewatering processes) or (iii) reducing the fraction of volatile solids (stabilization). This review, based on more than 130 papers, aims to provide essential information on the process, such as the advantages, the drawbacks and the results of their application. Moreover, significant information on the technologies still under development is provided. Finally, this review reports a discussion on the impact of the application of the proposed processes in the sludge line on a WWTP with a capacity exceeding 100,000 population equivalent (PE).
Catalytic Advanced Oxidation Processes for Sulfamethoxazole Degradation
Authors: Martini Jéssica , Orge Carla A. , Faria Joaquim L. , Pereira M. Fernando R. , Soares O. Salomé G. P.
Published: July 2019

The degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) by several advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) is carried out in the presence of different catalysts. The catalysts used consisted of carbon nanotubes (CNT), titanium dioxide (TiO2), a composite of carbon nanotubes and titanium dioxide (TiO2/CNT), and iron supported on carbon nanotubes (Fe/CNT). SMX removal was evaluated by catalytic ozonation, photocatalysis, catalytic oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, and combinations of these processes. The evolution of the SMX concentration during reaction time, the mineralization degree, the toxicity of the treated solution, and the formation of organic intermediates and ions were monitored. Ozonation catalyzed by Fe/CNT and CNT and photocatalytic ozonation in the presence of CNT presented the fastest degradation of SMX, whereas photocatalytic ozonation with CNT showed the best results in terms of organic matter removal (92% of total organic carbon (TOC) depletion). Total mineralization of the solution and almost complete reduction of toxicity was only achieved in the photocatalytic ozonation with H2O2 and Fe/CNT catalysts. The compound 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole was one of the first intermediates formed during SMX degradation. p-Benzoquinone was only formed in photocatalysis. Oxalic and oxamic acids were also detected and in most of the catalytic processes they appeared in small amounts. Ion concentrations increased with the reaction time.
Joining of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy to 6061 Aluminum Alloy with Sn-Zn Filler Metals Containing Trace Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Chang Shih-Ying , Lee Jun-Yen , Huang Yan-Hua , Wu An-Ban
Published: July 2019

In this study, AZ31 magnesium alloy and 6061 aluminum alloy were joined with Sn-xZn (x = 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt.%) fillers containing trace rare earth elements at 250 °C in air without the use of flux or a wetting layer. The bond shear strengths of AZ31 magnesium alloy/6061 aluminum alloy joints with Sn-5Zn-0.1RE, Sn-10Zn-0.1RE, Sn-20Zn-0.1RE, and Sn-30Zn-0.1RE fillers were determined to be 14.84, 17.08, 19.39 and 20.86 MPa, respectively. The shear strengths increased with increasing Zn content. The joint strengths of all four alloys significantly decreased with increasing aging time at 150 °C.
A Theoretical Solution for Pile-Supported Embankment with a Conical Pile-Head
Authors: Zhang Chengfu , Zhao Minghua , Zhou Shuai , Xu Zeyu
Published: July 2019

This paper, with a focuses on the pile-supported embankment with a conical pile-head, proposes a theoretical solution which incorporates all the load transfer mechanisms, namely the soil arching effect, the pile–soil interaction, and the support from the substratum, whilst an improved cylindrical unit cell model is introduced to analyze the soil arching effect. The theoretical solution has been verified via numerical analysis and a literature method. The comparative results indicate that the proposed theoretical solution can effectively evaluate the pile-supported embankment with a conical pile-head. Furthermore, parametric studies have also been conducted to analyze the effect of model parameters on the load sharing ratio (ne), the pile–soil stress ratio (n), and the pile shaft friction.
Multi-Beam Circular Polarized Reflectarray on Parabolic Reflector by Variable Rotation Technique
Authors: Somolinos Álvaro , Florencio Rafael , González Iván , Cátedra Felipe
Published: July 2019

Multi-beams antennas are currently being used for direct broadcast satellite, personal communication satellite, military communication satellite, and high-speed internet applications. In this work, a circularly polarized (CP) multi-spot beam satellite parabolic reflectarray antenna is designed to provide six spot beams at 19.7 GHz. For this purpose, an easy technique to compute the required phase shifts to produce two focused beams in specular directions for a CP parabolic reflectarray is proposed. These required phase shifts are added to the reflected fields by the variable rotation of the reflectarray elements printed on the surface of a parabolic antenna which are fed by a dual-CP feed-horn. For this purpose, a reflectarray cell made of a conductive cross embedded in a grounded multilayered substrate is optimized to produce very linear phase-shift and low cross-polarization level. To demonstrate the multibeam capacity, a 1.8-meter offset parabolic reflectarray made of the optimized reflectarray element was designed to generate six focused beams in dual-CP with three dual-CP feed-horns. The six main spots fulfill the typical multi spot satellite requirement with angular separation less than 0.56°, 0.4 dB loss in the gain, and cross-polarization level below 35 dB with respect to the maximum of radiation.
Robust Visual-Aided Autonomous Takeoff, Tracking, and Landing of a Small UAV on a Moving Landing Platform for Life-Long Operation
Authors: Palafox Pablo R. , Garzón Mario , Valente João , Roldán Juan Jesús , Barrientos Antonio
Published: July 2019

Robot cooperation is key in Search and Rescue (SaR) tasks. Frequently, these tasks take place in complex scenarios affected by different types of disasters, so an aerial viewpoint is useful for autonomous navigation or human tele-operation. In such cases, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in cooperation with an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) can provide valuable insight into the area. To carry out its work successfully, such as multi-robot system requires the autonomous takeoff, tracking, and landing of the UAV on the moving UGV. Furthermore, it needs to be robust and capable of life-long operation. In this paper, we present an autonomous system that enables a UAV to take off autonomously from a moving landing platform, locate it using visual cues, follow it, and robustly land on it. The system relies on a finite state machine, which together with a novel re-localization module allows the system to operate robustly for extended periods of time and to recover from potential failed landing maneuvers. Two approaches for tracking and landing are developed, implemented, and tested. The first variant is based on a novel height-adaptive PID controller that uses the current position of the landing platform as the target. The second one combines this height-adaptive PID controller with a Kalman filter in order to predict the future positions of the platform and provide them as input to the PID controller. This facilitates tracking and, mainly, landing. Both the system as a whole and the re-localization module in particular have been tested extensively in a simulated environment (Gazebo). We also present a qualitative evaluation of the system on the real robotic platforms, demonstrating that our system can also be deployed on real robotic platforms. For the benefit of the community, we make our software open source.
Assessment of Crystallinity Development during Fused Filament Fabrication through Fast Scanning Chip Calorimetry
Authors: Vaes Dries , Coppens Margot , Goderis Bart , Zoetelief Wim , Van Puyvelde Peter
Published: July 2019

Although semi-crystalline polymers are associated with considerably better mechanical properties and thermal stability compared to their amorphous counterparts, using them as feedstock for Fused Filament Fabrication still poses some major challenges. Hence, the development of printed part crystallinity during printing should be fully understood in order to control the developed weld strength, as well as part shrinkage and warpage. Infrared thermography was utilized to record the thermal history of deposited layers while printing a single-layer wall geometry, employing two PA 6/66 copolymers with distinct molecular weights as feedstock. Print settings were varied to establish which settings are essential to effectively monitor final part crystallinity. The resulting temperature profiles were simulated in a Fast Scanning Chip Calorimetry device that allows for the rapid heating and cooling rates experienced by the printed polymer. Both liquefier temperature and print speed were found to have very little influence on the total attained crystallinity. It became apparent that the build plate, set at a temperature above the polymer’s glass transition temperature, imposes a considerable annealing effect on the printed part. A reduced molecular weight was observed to enhance crystallinity even more strongly. The presented methodology proves that Fast Scanning Chip Calorimetry is an effective tool to assess the impact of both print parameters and feedstock characteristics on the crystallization behavior of semi-crystalline polymers over the course of printing.
Simultaneous In-Cylinder Flow Measurement and Flame Imaging in a Realistic Operating Engine Environment Using High-Speed PIV
Authors: Nishiyama Atsushi , Le Minh Khoi , Furui Takashi , Ikeda Yuji
Published: July 2019

Among multiple factors that affect the quality of combustion, the intricate and complex interaction between in-cylinder flow/turbulent field and flame propagation is one of the most important. In this study, true simultaneous, crank-angle resolved imaging of the flame front propagation and the measurement of flow-field was achieved by the application of high-speed Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The technique was successfully implemented to avoid problems commonly associated with PIV in a combustion environment, such as interferences and reflections, avoided thanks to a number of adjustments and arrangements. All experiments were carried out inside a single-cylinder optical gasoline engine operated at 1200 rpm, using port fuel injection (PFI) with stoichiometric mixtures. It was found that the global vortex location of the tumble motion heavily influences the flame growth direction as well as the flame shape, mainly due to the tumble-induced flow across the ignition source. The flame propagation also influences the flow-field such that the pre-ignition flow can be maintained and the flow of unburned region surrounding the flame front will be enhanced.
Contour Detection for Fibre of Preserved Szechuan Pickle Based on Dilated Convolution
Authors: Li Hongyang , Liu Lizhuang , Han Zhenqi , Zhao Dan
Published: July 2019

Peeling fibre is an indispensable process in the production of preserved Szechuan pickle, the accuracy of which can significantly influence the quality of the products, and thus the contour method of fibre detection, as a core algorithm of the automatic peeling device, is studied. The fibre contour is a kind of non-salient contour, characterized by big intra-class differences and small inter-class differences, meaning that the feature of the contour is not discriminative. The method called dilated-holistically-nested edge detection (Dilated-HED) is proposed to detect the fibre contour, which is built based on the HED network and dilated convolution. The experimental results for our dataset show that the Pixel Accuracy (PA) is 99.52% and the Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) is 49.99%, achieving state-of-the-art performance.
Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay to Monitor Living Modified Cottons in South Korea
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Kim Il Ryong , Lim Hye Song , Choi Wonkyun , Lee Jung Ro
Published: July 2019

Cotton has been cultivated worldwide and is a useful crop for humans. However, all living modified organisms (LMOs), including living modified (LM) cotton, are not cultivated in South Korea and are imported from overseas. LM cotton imports are on the rise and most of the imported cotton is used as livestock feed. In particular, it is commonly used to feed Holstein breeds that produce milk, because cotton improves the quality of milk. However, as the cotton imports increase, the possibility of unintentional outflows in the distribution process also increases. Consequently, there is an increasing concern about unintentional release of LM cotton into the natural environment. Therefore, environmental monitoring and post-management of LMOs are very important steps. Recently, a total of 30 LM crop events were approved for LM cotton import in South Korea. A single detection method has been used to monitor individual events. However, a single method of detection for collected samples requires a large number of PCRs, with obvious disadvantages. Therefore, a simultaneous detection method was developed for 8 representative events (GHB119, GHB614, MON88913, MON15985, LLCOTTON25, MON1445, 281-3006, and MON531) in an effort to monitor 26 of them and facilitate the identification of LM cotton. The results suggest that our new multiplex PCR method may be useful for monitoring and post-management of LM cotton.
Towards the Search for Thallium Nuclear Schiff Moment in Polyatomic Molecules: Molecular Properties of Thallium Monocyanide (TlCN)
Authors: Kudrin A. , Zaitsevskii A. , Isaev T. , Maison D. , Skripnikov L.
Published: July 2019

Molecular properties of the thallium monocyanide (Tl·CN) system in its ground electronic state are studied using high-precision ab initio relativistic two-component pseudopotential replacing 60 inner-core electrons of Tl. A relativistic coupled-cluster method with single, double and perturbative triple amplitudes is employed to account for electronic correlations. Extrapolation of results to the complete basis set limit is used for all studied properties. The global potential energy minimum of Tl·CN corresponds to the linear cyanide (TlCN) isomer, while the non-rigid isocyanide-like (TlNC) structure lies by approximately 11 kJ/mol higher in energy. The procedure of restoration of the wavefunction in the “core” region of Tl atom was applied to calculate the interaction of the Tl nuclear Schiff moment with electrons. The parameter X of the interaction of the Tl nuclear Schiff moment with electrons in the linear TlCN molecule equals 7150 a.u. The prospects of using the TlCN molecule for the experimental detection of the nuclear Schiff moment are discussed.
Preliminary Studies on Genetic Profiling of Coffee and Caffeine Consumption
Authors: Santos Roseane M.
Published: July 2019

Regular coffee intake has been associated with reduced risk of developing serious chronic diseases. The hypothesis of this study is that coffee consumers present a particular pattern/trend of genotypes that ultimately will shed light on new gene targets to treat the diseases, from which regular coffee intake has preventive effects. Sixteen SNPs identified at genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on coffee and caffeine consumption were genotyped using real-time restriction-fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The DNA samples were the same from a previous pilot study where 15 healthy volunteers donated two blood samples collected before and after drinking a standard cup of coffee and had caffeine plasma levels and CYP 1A2 genotype (rs762551) determined. The cross-examination of the data showed that six of the sixteen SNPs exhibited a negative allelic effect direction and nine of them showed a positive effect direction of which three of them had results confirmed by a recent GWAS. There is a need of a more in-depth study to understand the effects of the presence or absence of specific variant alleles as players to benefit the health of coffee consumers.