bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Propilen Glikol terhadap Laju Difusi Krim Natrium Diklofenak dengan Basis Hidrofobik Secara Invitro
Authors: Narsa Angga Cipta , Soebagio Boesro , Sriwidodo Sriwidodo
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The research on effect of propylene glycol in diffusion of cream diclofenac sodium from hydrophobic base with in-vitro. The research has been used for concentrations propylene glycol (0, 3, 5, and 7%). The stability test included organoleptic, pH, viscosity, consistency, flow type for 56 days of storge, and diffusion test used diffusion franz cell and membrane spangler. The result showed that formula diclofenac sodium cream contained propylene glycol 7% was the one best in diffusion of 0.0203 ppm/menit.

 

Key words : Propylene glycol, diffusion, hydrophobic base

 

ABSTRAK

Telah dilakukan penelitian mengenai pengaruh propilen glikol terhadap laju difusi krim natrium diklofenak basis hidrofobik secara invitro. Dalam penelitian ini dibuat formula dengan variasi konsentrasi propilen glikol yaitu 0, 3, 5, dan 7%. Pengujian stabilitas fisik sediaan krim meliputi organoleptis, pH, viskositas, konsistensi, dan uji sifat aliran selama 56 hari penyimpanan, serta uji difusi menggunakan alat difusi Franz dan membran spangler. Dari hasil penelitian ini didapat bahwa formula krim natrium diklofenak yang mengandung propilen glikol 7% memiliki laju difusi paling baik yaitu 0,0203 ppm/menit.

 

Kata kunci : Propilen glikol, laju difusi, basis hidrofobik
Evaluasi Efektivitas Penggunaan Antibiotika pada Pasien Rawat Inap Penderita Infeksi Saluran Pernapasan Bawah di Rumah Sakit Panti Rapih Yogyakarta Periode Januari-Juni 2005
Authors: Prasetya Fajar , Ikawati Zullies
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The non-TBC lower respiratory infection is a kind of infection that can attack bronchus, bronchioles and lung, the clinical manifestation can chronicle and severe. Generally the caused in children is virus and bacteria while in adult is bacteria, which is using antibiotics in medical attention. The purpose of research is to find out the infection pattern and the kind of antibiotics and to evaluate the using antibiotics based on effectivity. The non-experimental research that was form in a retrospective survey was done through medical record of patient with the lower respiratory infection in the time limit of january-june 2005 in Panti Rapih Hospital. The using of antibiotics was surveyed from medical record then analyzed using quantitative descriptive and presented in percentage. The result was that the most infection from patient with lower respiratory infection is bronchitis 45 % from 132 patients with 137 cases, the biggest percentage is man 58 % and placed in children age between 0-14 years old 52 % with the length of medical attention 6 days in average. Based on this  research 95 % gave clinical respond of fever decerease within 2-6 days and 45 % showed heal conditions, 40 % better, 10 % not heal and 5 % died.

 

Keywords: lower respiratory infection, usage, antibiotics evaluation

 

ABSTRAK

Infeksi saluran pernapasan bawah non TBC merupakan suatu golongan infeksi yang dapat menyerang bronkus, bronkiolis, dan paru, manifestasi kliniknya dapat bersifat akut dan kronis. Umumnya pada anak-anak penyebabnya adalah virus dan bakteri, sedangkan pada orang dewasa adalah bakteri, yang dalam pengobatannya menggunakan antibiotika. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pola infeksi dan jenis antibiotika serta mengevaluasi penggunaan antibiotika berdasarkan efektivitas. Penelitian non eksperimental yang berbentuk survei retrospektif dilakukan melalui rekam medik pasien dengan infeksi saluran pernapasan bawah yang menjalani rawat inap pada kurun waktu Januari-Juni 2005 di RS Panti Rapih Yogyakarta, kemudian dianalisis secara deskriftif kuantitatif yang dinyatakan dengan presentase. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh menunjukan bahwa jenis infeksi yang terbanyak pada pasien dengan infeksi salauran pernapasan bawah adalah bronkitis 45 % dari 132 pasien dengan 137 kasus, presentase terbesar pada pria 58 % dan terdapat pada anak-anak dengan umur 0-14 tahun 52 %, dengan lama rawat rata-rata 6 hari. Berdasarkan penelitian 95 % memberikan respon klinik turunnya demam dalam 2-6 hari, dan sebanyak 45 % menunjukan kesembuhan, membaik 40 %, tetap belum sembuh 10 %, serta meninggal 5 %.

Kata Kunci: infeksi saluran pernapasan bawah, penggunaan, evaluasi antibiotika
Mekanisme Aksi ?-Mangostin dari Garcinia Tetranda Pierre terhadap P.falciparum Secara In Vitro
Authors: Kuncoro Hadi , Widyawaruyanti Aty , Ersam Taslim
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

 

Development stage of parasite resistance assay and the Globin accumulation using SDS-PAGE Method has been done to parasite P. falciparum by giving Î±-mangostin from G. tetranda. Î±-Mangostin cause delays in the development stage of the parasite P. falciparum from stage schizont to stage trofozoit and cause parasite death after 48 hour. Swelling of the parasite of abnormal parasite food vacuole occurred after administration of Î±-Mangostin show from the results of SDS-PAGE.

 

Key word : Î±- Mangostin, G. tetranda, P. falciparum,  globin accumulation

 

ABSTRAK

 

Telah dilakukan pengujian hambatan perkembangan stadium parasit dan akumulasi globin menggunakan metode SDS- PAGE terhadap P. falciparum dengan pemberian Î±-Mangostin dari G. tetranda. Diketahui Î±-Mangostin menyebabkan penundaan perkembangan parasit P. falciparum dari stadium trofozoit menjadi stadium skizon dan menyebabkan parasit mati setelah jam ke 48. Pembengkakan vakuola makanan parasit yang abnormal terjadi setelah pemberian Î±- Mangostin terlihat dari hasil SDS-PAGE.

 

Kata Kunci : Î±-Mangostin, G. tetranda, P. falciparum, , akumulasi globin
Ekstrak Daun Cocor Bebek (Kalanchoe pinnata) untuk Terapi Preventif Lupus pada Mencit yang Diinduksi dengan 2,6,10,14 Tetramethylpentadecane
Authors: Indriyanti Niken , Garmana Afrillia Nuryanti
Published: May 2017

Cocor bebek Plants (Kalanchoe pinnata) has been observed to have a potent immunosuppressant compounds in BALB/c mice with Delayed Type Hypersensitivity test (DTH). Compounds are efficacious immunosuppression can be used for treatment of autoimmune diseases such as lupus. The purpose of this study was knowing the class of compounds in leaf extracts cocor bebek and test whether the extract can prevent the occurrence of lupus in test animals. Methods: In this study the identification of classes of compounds present in Cocor bebek leaf extracts and testing imunnosupression activities from test animals BALB/c mice induced lupus using 2,6,10,14 tetramethylpentadecane (TMPD). Parameters measured lupus glomerulonephritis which was known by the presence of proteinuria using a test strip supported by data on changes in weight. Results: Extracts of cocor bebek leaves positive contain tannins, flavonoids, saponins and steroid / triterpene. Mice given the extract of Cocor bebek leaves every day until the 3rd month after not having induced proteinuria, while untreated mice had proteinuria up to +2 (proteinuria levels> 30 mg / dL).

Key words : Cocor bebek, BALB/c mice, lupus, TMPD, glomerulonefritis

 

ABSTRAK

Tanaman cocor bebek (Kalanchoe pinnata) telah diteliti memiliki senyawa yang berkhasiat immunosupresan pada mencit BALB/c dengan uji Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH). Senyawa yang berkhasiat imunosupresan dapat digunakan untuk penanganan penyakit autoimun, misalnya lupus. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah Mengetahui golongan senyawa dalam ekstrak daun cocor bebek dan menguji apakah ekstrak tersebut dapat mencegah terjadinya lupus pada hewan uji. Metode : Pada penelitian ini dilakukan identifikasi golongan senyawa yang ada dalam ekstrak daun cocor bebek dan pengujian aktivitas imunosupresannya terhadap hewan uji mencit BALB/c yang diinduksi lupus menggunakan 2,6,10,14 tetramethylpentadecane (TMPD). Parameter lupus yang diukur adalah glomerulonefritis yang diketahui dengan adanya proteinuria menggunakan strip test didukung dengan data perubahan berat badan. Hasil : Ekstrak daun cocor bebek positif mengandung tanin, flavonoid, saponin dan steroid/triterpen. Mencit yang diberi ekstrak daun cocor bebek setiap hari sampai bulan ke-3 setelah diinduksi tidak mengalami proteinuria, sedangkan mencit yang tidak ditreatmen mengalami proteinuria sampai +2 (kadar proteinuria >30 mg/dL). 

Kata kunci : cocor bebek, mencit BALB/c, lupus, TMPD, glomerulonefritis.
Uji Aktivitas Antioksidan Ekstrak Kayu Bayur Sulawesi (Pterospermum celebicum Miq.) dengan Metode Penangkapan Radikal Bebas DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl)
Authors: Sapri Sapri
Published: May 2017

An antioxidant activity test of Bayur Sulawesi (Pterospermum celebicum Miq.) wood ekstract by method of the scavenging free radical DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) had been performed. The research was aimed to establish antioxidant activity of Bayur Silawesi (P. celebicum Miq.) wood extract in scavenging the free radical DPPH. The extraction was conducted by maceration method with methanol and subsequently was partitioned by n-hexan, chloroform and ethyl acetat, and tested for free radical DPPH scavenger activity. Results of antioxidant activity test indicated that IC50 value of methanol, n-hexan, chloroform and ethyl acetat extracts were 263 ppm, 277.5 ppm, 240.95 ppm and 172.9 ppm.

Key words: Antioxidant activity, Bayur Sulawesi (Pterospermum celebicum Miq.), free radical DPPH

 

ABSTRAK

 Telah dilakukan penelitian uji aktivitas antioksidan ekstrak kayu Bayur Sulawesi (Pterospermum celebicum Miq.) dengan metode penangkapan radikal bebas DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui aktivitas antioksidan ekstrak kayu Bayur Sulawesi (P. celebicum Miq.) dalam penangkapan radikal bebas DPPH. Ekstraksi dilakukan dengan metode maserasi menggunakan pelarut metanol dan selanjutnya dipartisi dengan n-heksan, kloroform dan etil asetat dan diuji aktivitas penangkapan radikal bebas DPPH. Hasil uji aktivitas antioksidan menunjukkan bahwa nilai IC50 dari ekstrak metanol, n-heksan, kloroform dan etil asetat berturut-turut adalah 263 bpj, 277,5 bpj, 240,95 bpj dan 172,9 bpj.

Kata Kunci: Aktivitas antioksidan, Bayur Sulawesi (Pterospermum celebicum Miq.), radikal bebas DPPH
Aliskiren, Obat Antihipertensi Baru dengan Mekanisme Penghambat Renin
Authors: Holidah Diana
Published: May 2017

Hypertension is a chronic disease with a prevalence reaching 1 billion people around the world. Hypertension is the major treatable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. Despite the risks associated with the condition, the majority of patients with hypertension across the world do not have their blood pressure (BP) controlled to recommended target levels. RAAS is a main target, although, in total inhibition of RAAS can not be obtained with ACEI and ARB class of drugs because of the feedback mechanism. As a solution, we could inhibit the early stages of the mechanism, that is renin. Previous studies have indicated that the renin inhibitor class of drugs effective as antihypertensive and well tolerated, both as monotherapy and in combination with other drugs. Based on researched to aliskiren and the success of antihypertensive drug class of ACEI and ARB in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension, it is rational if the expected drug classes like renin inhibitor aliskiren would provide the same benefits. Whether the benefits are equal, larger or even smaller than another RAAS inhibitor, we needed long research to find supporting data.

Key word: Aliskiren, hypertension, renin

 

ABSTRAK

Hipertensi merupakan salah satu penyakit kronis dengan prevalensi mencapai 1 milyar jiwa di seluruh dunia. Hipertensi yang menginduksi penyakit kardiovaskular merupakan penyebab utama kematian di dunia. Pengaturan tekanan darah hingga optimal masih sulit untuk dicapai di semua Negara. RAAS merupakan target utama, walaupun begitu, penghambatan RAAS secara total tidak dapat diperoleh dengan penggunaan obat golongan ACEI dan ARB karena adanya mekanisme umpan balik. Sebagai solusinya, dapat dilakukan penghambatan pada tahap awal dari mekanisme tersebut yaitu pada renin. Penelitian sebelumnya sudah mengindikasikan bahwa obat golongan renin inhibitor efektif sebagai antihipertensi dan dapat ditoleransi dengan baik, baik sebagai monoterapi maupun dikombinasi dengan obat lain. Berdasarkan penelitian yang sudah dilakukan terhadap aliskiren serta keberhasilan obat antihipertensi golongan ACEI dan ARB dalam menurunkan angka morbiditas dan mortalitas pada penderita hipertensi, maka sangat rasional jika diharapkan obat golongan renin inhibitor seperti aliskiren akan memberikan manfaat yang sama. Apakah manfaat tersebut sama, lebih besar atau justru lebih kecil daripada yang ditunjukkan oleh inhibitor RAAS yang lain, maka diperlukan penelitian lain yang panjang untuk mencari data pendukung.

Kata kunci: Aliskiren, hipertensi, rennin
Jamur Endofit, Biodiversitas, Potensi dan Prospek Penggunaannya Sebagai Sumber Bahan Obat Baru
Authors: Kuncoro Hadi , Sugijanto Noor Erma
Published: May 2017

Endhophytes microbes are microbes that live in colonies formed in plant tissues without harming its host plant. Endhophytes was first reported in 1904. Each higher plants may contain some Endhophytes microbes that produce secondary metabolites as a product of coevolution or genetic transfer occurred (genetic recombination) from its host plants to microbial Endhophytes. Endhophytes originating from areas with high biodiversity have the potential to generate chemical diversity is also high and has a future economic prospects.

Key words : Endhophytes, genetic transfer, biodiversity

 

ABSTRAK

Mikroba Endofit adalah mikroba yang hidup membentuk koloni di dalam jaringan tanaman tanpa membahayakan tanaman inangnya. Endofit dilaporkan pertama kali pada tahun 1904. Setiap tanaman tingkat tinggi dapat mengandung beberapa mikroba endofit yang menghasilkan metabolit sekunder sebagai akibat koevolusi atau terjadi transfer genetik (genetic recombination) dari tanaman inangnya ke mikroba endofit. Endofit yang berasal dari daerah dengan biodiversitas tinggi memiliki potensi menghasilkan keanekaragaman kimiawi yang juga tinggi dan mempunyai prospek ekonomi dimasa depan.

Kata kunci : Endofit, transfer genetik, biodiversitas.
Potensi Antimikroba Fraksi Aktif Ekstrak n-Heksan Daun Rami (B.virgata F.) Guill terhadap Beberapa Mikroba Uji
Authors: Ibrahim Arsyik
Published: May 2017

This study aims to determine the potential antimicrobial activity of extracts soluble, insoluble n-hexane and fractions of n-hexane extract of leaves of B. virgata, some microbial testing with solid dilution method. Test material used was n-hexane-soluble extract (A) and hexane-insoluble (B), two extract was monitored by Thin Layer Chromatography method (TLC) chemical components, then tested its activity by solid dilution method. Test results of the antimicrobial activity of both types of extracts showed better activity than the methanol extract of soluble fraction of n-hexane and methanol extract of insoluble, because it can inhibit the growth of the bacterium E. coli, V. cholerae and S. thyposa, while the methanol extract of n-hexane soluble not only able to inhibit the bacteria V. cholerae, at a concentration of 1000 Î¼g/ml medium. Fraction of methanol extract of n-hexane soluble (A) is then fractionated by the method of three funel system using eluent hexane: methanol: water (20: 6: 0.5), obtained three kinds of fractions ie fraction A, fraction B and fraction C. The antibacterial activity tes result of fraction A is active against bacteria V. chilerae, B fraction active against bacteria V.cholerae, S. thyposa and E. coli, and the active fractions of the yeast C.albicans C respectively each active at a concentration of 750 Î¼g/ml medium.

Key word:  leaf B. virgata, antimicrobial, fraction soluble extracts of n-hexane, solid dilution

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui potensi dan menguji aktivitas antimikroba ekstrak larut dan tidak larut n-heksan dan fraksi-fraksi ekstrak n-heksan daun B. virgata, dengan metode dilusi padat terhadap beberapa mikroba uji. Bahan uji yang digunakan adalah ekstrak larut n-heksan (A) dan tidak larut heksan (B), kedua ekstrak ini dimonitoring komponen kimianya dengan metode Kromatografi Lapis Tipis (KLT), kemudian diuji aktivitasnya dengan metode dilusi padat. Hasil uji aktivitas antimikroba dari kedua jenis ekstrak yang diuji, menunjukkan bahwa fraksi ekstrak metanol larut n-heksan memiliki aktivitas yang lebih baik dibandingkan dengan fraksi ekstrak metanol tidak larut n-heksan, karena dapat menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri E. coli, V. cholerae dan S. thyposa, sedangkan ekstrak metanol tidak larut n-heksan hanya menghambat bakteri V. cholerae, pada konsentrasi 1000 Î¼g/ml medium. Fraksi ekstrak metanol larut n-heksan (A) difraksinasi dengan metode three funel system menggunakan eluen Heksan : metanol : air (20 : 6 : 0,5), diperoleh 3 macam fraksi yaitu fraksi  A, fraksi B dan fraksi C.  Hasil uji aktivitas antibakteri menunjukkan fraksi A aktif terhadap bakteri V. chilerae, fraksi B aktif terhadap bakteri V.cholerae, S. thyposa dan E. coli, dan fraksi C aktif terhadap khamir C.albicans masing-masing aktif pada konsentrasi 750 Î¼g/ml medium.

Kata Kunci: daun B. virgata,  antimikroba,  fraksi ekstrak larut n-heksan, dilusi padat
PERCEPÇÃO DOS ALUNOS DO ENSINO MÉDIO SOBRE OS BIOMAS DE MATA ATLÂNTICA E CAATINGA
Authors: Fernandes de Araújo Bernadete , Sovierzoski Hilda Helena
Published: May 2017

No estudo sobre o contexto ambiental dos biomas de Mata Atlântica e de Caatinga, a percepção se baseia na investigação do conhecimento que cada indivíduo construiu nas relações culturais. Partindo dessa assertiva, este estudo objetivou analisar a percepção de 50 estudantes da 3ª série do Ensino Médio de uma escola pública, Alagoas sobre os biomas de Mata Atlântica e de Caatinga, principais biomas de Palmeira dos Índios. A pesquisa foi de natureza qualitativa e quantitativa, um estudo de caso, utilizou-se um questionário semi-estruturado para a coleta de dados e a análise de conteúdo. Os dados analisados corroboraram que os estudantes apesar de apresentarem concepções naturalistas sobre o meio ambiente, com maior frequência, desconheciam o bioma e a presença de fragmentos de matas na região, dos que descreveram os tipos e as características da vegetação, pautaram de acordo com a utilidade socioeconômica. Logo, no Ensino Biológico com a temática se faz necessário inserir concepções globalizantes para que os estudantes se tornem participantes de discussões coletivas de forma crítica e interferente no ambiente.
The Evolution of Clinical Trials in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Status Report for 2013–2016 from the ClinicalTrials.gov Website
Authors: Ghatalia Pooja , Koenigsberg Rebecca , Pisarcik David , Handorf Elizabeth A. , Geynisman Daniel M. , Zibelman Matthew
Published: May 2017

Background:

We previously published an analysis of clinical trials in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using the publicly available ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Here we present a 3-year update to understand clinical research current trends in RCC compared to 2013.

Methods:

The Website’s advanced search function was used to search for RCC trials. The characteristics of the trial were extracted, summarized and compared to 2013 data using Fisher’s exact tests.

Results:

We locked our search on May 26, 2016 with 165 trials eligible, compared with 169 trials on Sep 25, 2013. There were more phase I and I/II trials in 2016 compared to 2013 (40.8% vs 24.9%, p = 0.05). More clinical trials in 2016 compared to 2013 used immunotherapy (IT) alone or in combination with other drugs (24.2% vs 10.7%, p = 0.001), and the use of targeted therapy alone (TT) declined (32.9% vs 47.9%, p = 0.005). TT+IT combination trials more than doubled (6.7% vs 2.3%, p = 0.07). The number of trials with treatment in (neo)adjuvant settings in 2016 and 2013 were similar (9.7% vs 10.6%, p = 0.77), respectively. Compared to 2013, the number of trials with non-clear cell histology remained low ( n = 10). Many more trials were sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry in 2016 vs 2013 (41.5% vs 16.0%, p = <0.001).

Conclusion:

IT-based and industry sponsored clinical trials significantly increased from 2013 to 2016 with a concomitant drop in TT only trials. The increase in industry-sponsored studies may reflect the rapid uptake of expensive IT drugs. There continues to be a paucity of (neo)adjuvant studies and for non-clear cell histologies.
Asymmetric Fc Engineering for Bispecific Antibodies with Reduced Effector Function
Authors: Escobar-Cabrera Eric , Lario Paula , Baardsnes Jason , Schrag Joseph , Durocher Yves , Dixit Surjit
Published: May 2017

Asymmetric bispecific antibodies are a rapidly expanding therapeutic antibody class, designed to recognize two different target epitopes concurrently to achieve novel functions not available with normal antibodies. Many therapeutic designs require antibodies with reduced or silenced effector function. Although many solutions have been described in the literature to knockout effector function, to date all of them have involved the use of a specific antibody subtype (e.g., IgG2 or IgG4), or symmetric mutations in the lower hinge or CH2 domain of traditional homodimeric monospecific antibodies. In the context of a heterodimeric Fc, we describe novel asymmetric Fc mutations with reduced or silenced effector function in this article. These heteromultimeric designs contain asymmetric charged mutations in the lower hinge and the CH2 domain of the Fc. Surface plasmon resonance showed that the designed mutations display much reduced binding to all of the Fc gamma receptors and C1q. Ex vivo ADCC and CDC assays showed a consistent reduction in activity. Differential scanning calorimetry showed increased thermal stability for some of the designs. Finally, the asymmetric nature of the introduced charged mutations allowed for separation of homodimeric impurities by ion exchange chromatography, providing, as an added benefit, a purification strategy for the production of bispecific antibodies with reduced or silenced effector function.
Development of Green Geopolymer Using Agricultural and Industrial Waste Materials with High Water Absorbency
Authors: Emdadi Zeynab , Asim Nilofar , Amin Mohamad , Ambar Yarmo Mohd , Maleki Ali , Azizi Mojtaba , Sopian Kamaruzzaman
Published: May 2017

Geopolymer is a promising porous material that can be used for evaporative cooling applications. Developing a greener geopolymer using agricultural and industrial wastes is a promising research area. In this study, we utilize rice husk (RH), rice husk ash (RHA), metakaolin (MK), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and palm oil fuel ash (POFA) to prepare geopolymer pastes, with alkali liquid as an activator. Many geopolymer samples have been prepared as per the Design of Experimental software (DOE), and its corresponding response surface mode and central composite design and later they were characterized. The samples were cured in an oven for 2 h at 80 °C, and thereafter stored at room temperature (~25–30 °C) prior to being tested for its water absorption and compressive strength. The effect of the different composition of precursors on water absorption, density, porosity, and the compressive strength of the prepared geopolymers have been investigated. The results showed that the compressive strength of geopolymers is directly proportional to the ratio of the alkali liquid. Post-optimization, the best geopolymer paste mixture was confirmed to contain 10% of RH, 15% RHA, 35% MK, 10% POFA and 30% of GGBS, with 72% desirability for maximum water absorption (~38%) and compressive strength (4.9 MPa). The results confirmed its applicability for evaporative cooling.
Advances in the Use of Regulatory T-Cells for the Prevention and Therapy of Graft-vs.-Host Disease
Authors: Ramlal Reshma , Hildebrandt Gerhard
Published: May 2017

Regulatory T (Tregs) cells play a crucial role in immunoregulation and promotion of immunological tolerance. Adoptive transfer of these cells has therefore been of interest in the field of bone marrow and solid organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases and allergy medicine. In bone marrow transplantation, Tregs play a pivotal role in the prevention of graft-verus-host disease (GvHD). This has generated interest in using adoptive Treg cellular therapy in the prevention and treatment of GvHD. There have been several barriers to the feasibility of Treg cellular therapy in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) which include low Treg concentration in peripheral blood, requiring expansion of the Treg population; instability of the expanded product with loss of FoxP3 expression; and issues related to the purity of the expanded product. Despite these challenges, investigators have been able to successfully expand these cells both in vivo and in vitro and have demonstrated that they can be safely infused in humans for the prevention and treatment of GvHD with no increase in relapse risk or infections risk.
Predictors of Caregiver Burden among Mothers of Children with Chronic Conditions
Authors: Javalkar Karina , Rak Eniko , Phillips Alexandra , Haberman Cara , Ferris Maria , Van Tilburg Miranda
Published: May 2017

Objective: The complex medical regimens of children and adolescents with chronic conditions can have a significant impact on families and households. Caregivers may experience burden, which can lead to negative health consequences and poor quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine child-related predictors and risk factors for caregiver burden among parents of children with chronic conditions. Methods: We distributed an institutional review board (IRB)-approved, online cross-sectional survey to parents of children who attended the Victory Junction therapeutic camp. Parents provided information on child demographics, disease characteristics, and healthcare utilization. Parents also answered the adapted Zarit Burden Interview, which measured caregiver burden. Children completed scales about self-management and self-efficacy. Linear regression analyses determined how children’s disease characteristics, health utilization, and self-management skills were associated with caregiver burden. Results: We enrolled 150 mother-child dyads. The mean age of child participants was 12.23 years (±2.5), with an age range of 6 to 16 years. It was determined that children’s number of medicines and injections (β = 0.161, p = 0.047), a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in addition to the primary medical condition (β = 0.216, p = 0.008), frequent visits with a primary care provider (PCP) (β = 0.209, p = 0.026) and emergency room (ER) visits (β = 0.197, p = 0.038), and lower child self-efficacy (β = −0.241, p = 0.041) were predictors of increased caregiver burden. Conclusions: We identified risk factors for caregiver burden among mothers. Future studies should explore additional child-related characteristics as they relate to caregiver burden, and should determine if interventions for mothers of children with chronic conditions can lead to positive outcomes.
Predicting the Wear of High Friction Surfacing Aggregate
Authors: Woodward David , Friel Shaun
Published: May 2017

High friction surfacing (HFS) is a specialist type of road coating with very high skid resistance. It is used in the UK at locations where there is significant risk of serious or fatal accidents. This paper considers the aggregate used in HFS. Calcined bauxite is the only aggregate that provides the highest levels of skid resistance over the longest period. No naturally occurring aggregate has been found to give a comparable level of in-service performance. This paper reviews the historical development of HFS in the UK relating to aggregate. In-service performance is predicted in the laboratory using the Wear test which subjects test specimens to an estimated 5–8 years simulated trafficking. Examples are given of Wear test data. They illustrate why calcined bauxite performs better than natural aggregate. They show how the amount of calcined bauxite can be reduced by blending with high skid resistant natural aggregates. Data from the Wear test can be related to every HFS laboratory experiment and road trial carried out in the UK for over the last 50 years. Anyone considering the prediction of HFS performance needs to carefully consider the data given in this paper with any other test method currently being considered or used to investigate HFS.
Crystal Structures from Powder Diffraction: Principles, Difficulties and Progress
Authors: Černý Radovan
Published: May 2017

The structure solution from powder diffraction has undergone an intense evolution during the last 20 years, but is far from being routine. Current challenges of powder crystallography include ab initio crystal structure determination on real samples of new materials with specific microstructures, characterization of intermediate reaction products from in situ, in operando studies and novel phases from in situ studies of phase diagrams. The intense evolution of electron diffraction in recent years, providing an experimental (precession) and theoretical (still under intense development) solution to strong dynamic scattering of electrons, smears the traditional frontier between poly- and single-crystal diffraction. Novel techniques like serial snapshot X-ray crystallography point in the same direction. Finally, for the computational chemistry, theoreticians hand-in-hand with crystallographers develop tools where the theory meets experiment for crystal structure refinement, which becomes an unavoidable step in the validation of crystal structures obtained from powder diffraction.
Transcriptome Dataset of Soybean (Glycine max) Grown under Phosphorus-Deficient and -Sufficient Conditions
Authors: Zhang Hengyou , Chu Shanshan , Zhang Dan
Published: May 2017

This data descriptor introduces the dataset of the transcriptome of low-phosphorus tolerant soybean (Glycine max) variety NN94-156 under phosphorus-deficient and -sufficient conditions. This data is comprised of the transcriptome datasets (four libraries) acquired from roots and leaves of the soybean plants challenged with low-phosphorus, which allows further analysis whether systemic tolerance response to low phosphorus stress occurred. We describe the detailed procedure of how plants were prepared and treated and how the data were generated and pre-processed. Further analyses of this data would be helpful to improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms of low-phosphorus stress in soybean.
A Novel Hybrid Model Based on Extreme Learning Machine, k-Nearest Neighbor Regression and Wavelet Denoising Applied to Short-Term Electric Load Forecasting
Authors: Li Weide , Kong Demeng , Wu Jinran
Published: May 2017

Electric load forecasting plays an important role in electricity markets and power systems. Because electric load time series are complicated and nonlinear, it is very difficult to achieve a satisfactory forecasting accuracy. In this paper, a hybrid model, Wavelet Denoising-Extreme Learning Machine optimized by k-Nearest Neighbor Regression (EWKM), which combines k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) based on a wavelet denoising technique is proposed for short-term load forecasting. The proposed hybrid model decomposes the time series into a low frequency-associated main signal and some detailed signals associated with high frequencies at first, then uses KNN to determine the independent and dependent variables from the low-frequency signal. Finally, the ELM is used to get the non-linear relationship between these variables to get the final prediction result for the electric load. Compared with three other models, Extreme Learning Machine optimized by k-Nearest Neighbor Regression (EKM), Wavelet Denoising-Extreme Learning Machine (WKM) and Wavelet Denoising-Back Propagation Neural Network optimized by k-Nearest Neighbor Regression (WNNM), the model proposed in this paper can improve the accuracy efficiently. New South Wales is the economic powerhouse of Australia, so we use the proposed model to predict electric demand for that region. The accurate prediction has a significant meaning.
A High-Power-Density Single-Phase Rectifier Based on Three-Level Neutral-Point Clamped Circuits
Authors: Zhou Tao , Shu Zeliang , Lin Hongjian , Luo Deng , Chen Yajun , Guo Xiaoxiao
Published: May 2017

A single-phase three-level converter is suitable for medium-power applications, with an interface voltage that is higher than that of a traditional two-level configuration. The three-level neutral-point clamped converter is adopted using four switches in each bridge arm, which, compared to a two-level rectifier, leads to less voltage stress, a lower switching frequency, and switching loss on switches. The transient current control strategy is designed to control the active power. The single-phase space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) with a voltage balance strategy is designed to solve the neutral point voltage fluctuation problem and keep the dc-link voltage stable. A 1.3 kW high-power-density prototype based on SiC MOSFET was built and tested. The experimental results verified the high performance of steady-state and dynamic responses.
Dynamic Charging of Electric Vehicle with Negligible Power Transfer Fluctuation
Authors: Alam Md , Mekhilef Saad , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Horan Ben
Published: May 2017

High-efficiency inductive power transfer (IPT) with low misalignment effects is a key issue in the dynamic charging of electric vehicle (EV) systems. In this study, an advanced concept of analysis and design of transmitter and receiver coils with a special coil assembly is proposed for the dynamic charging of EVs. In each transmitter coil, large rectangular section is series connected with two zigzag-shaped small rectangular sections. These small sections are back-to-back series connected and located inside the large rectangular section. An adjacent pair of proposed transmitter coils with back-to-back series connection named extended double D (DD)-shaped transmitter is used throughout this paper. The major contribution in the case of the extended DD transmitter is negligible power transfer fluctuation, regardless of any horizontal misalignment of the receiver coil. Justification of the coil design is performed based on its load independent voltage gain and power transfer fluctuation characteristics. Experimental results prove that the power transfer fluctuation with load independent voltage gain is within ±6%, and the efficiency is approximately 93% under horizontal misalignment of receiver coil with an air gap of 140 mm. Finally, a new coil design set with a special arrangement has been proposed to maintain nearly uniform coupling factor and negligible power transfer fluctuation.
Comparing Empirical and Semi-Empirical Approaches to Forest Biomass Modelling in Different Biomes Using Airborne Laser Scanner Data
Authors: Hansen Endre , Ene Liviu , Mauya Ernest , Patočka Zdeněk , Mikita Tomáš , Gobakken Terje , Næsset Erik
Published: May 2017

Airborne laser scanner (ALS) data are used operationally to support field inventories and enhance the accuracy of forest biomass estimates. Modelling the relationship between ALS and field data is a fundamental step of such applications and the quality of the model is essential for the final accuracy of the estimates. Different modelling approaches and variable transformations have been advocated in the existing literature, but comparisons are few or non-existent. In the present study, two main approaches to modelling were compared: the empirical and semi-empirical approaches. Evaluation of model performance was conducted using a conventional evaluation criterion, i.e., the mean square deviation (MSD). In addition, a novel evaluation criterion, the model error (ME), was proposed. The ME was constructed by combining a MSD expression and a model-based variance estimate. For the empirical approach, multiple regression models were developed with two alternative transformation strategies: square root transformation of the response, and natural logarithmic transformation of both response and predictors. For the semi-empirical approach, a nonlinear regression of a power model form was chosen. Two alternative predictor variables, mean canopy height and top canopy height, were used separately. Results showed that the semi-empirical approach resulted in the smallest MSD in three of five study sites. The empirical approach resulted in smaller ME in the temperate and boreal biomes, while the semi-empirical approach resulted in smaller ME in the tropical biomes.
Hydrodynamics and Oxygen Bubble Characterization of Catalytic Cells Used in Artificial Photosynthesis by Means of CFD
Authors: Torras Carles , Lorente Esther , Hernández Simelys , Russo Nunzio , Salvadó Joan
Published: May 2017

Miniaturized cells can be used in photo-electrochemistry to perform water splitting. The geometry, process variables and removal of oxygen bubbles in these cells need to be optimized. Bubbles tend to remain attached to the catalytic surface, thus blocking the reaction, and they therefore need to be dragged out of the cell. Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations have been carried out to assess the design of miniaturized cells and their results have been compared with experimental results. It has been found that low liquid inlet velocities (~0.1 m/s) favor the homogeneous distribution of the flow. Moderate velocities (0.5–1 m/s) favor preferred paths. High velocities (~2 m/s) lead to turbulent behavior of the flow, but avoid bubble coalescence and help to drag the bubbles. Gravity has a limited effect at this velocity. Finally, channeled cells have also been analyzed and they allow a good flow distribution, but part of the catalytic area could be lost. The here presented results can be used as guidelines for the optimum design of photocatalytic cells for the water splitting reaction for the production of solar fuels, such as H2 or other CO2 reduction products (i.e., CO, CH4, among others).
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Fiber Matrix Separation during Compression Molding of Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics
Authors: Kuhn Christoph , Walter Ian , Taeger Olaf , Osswald Tim
Published: May 2017

During the compression molding of long fiber reinforced plastics, significant deviations in fiber content have been observed. These can lead to a decrease of mechanical properties, which could ultimately lead to component failure. Experiments in compression molding with long fiber reinforced plastics in a complex structure show significant fiber jamming and decrease in fiber content in ribbed sections. The occurring Fiber Matrix Separation (FMS) during processing is assumed to be caused by intensive fiber interaction. The governing mechanisms on FMS are evaluated and a mechanistic model is applied to simulate and predict the effect of FMS during compression molding.
Effects of Stochastic Resonance on Sensorimotor Performance during Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Authors: Gleeson Nigel
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of stochastic resonance (SR) stimulation on sensorimotor performance during an episode of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Thirty four men (age: 21.3 (±2.6) years; height 1.78 (±0.06) m; body mass 72.3 (±7.4) kg (mean (±SD)) gave their informed consent to participate in this study.Sensorimotor performance (error in replicating a target force) of the knee flexors was assessed prior to, and at 0.5 and 48 h after (i) a treatment condition involving a single-leg EIMD conditioning of the non-preferred leg, with concomitant responses to (ii) randomised presentation of SR, no SR and placebo conditions. Results showed a significant ANOVA interaction for sensorimotor performance amongst factors of condition (control period; EIMD), time (pre; post 0.5 h; post 48 h) and stimuli (SR; no SR; placebo) (F[1.5,29.3] = 5.7; p < 0.01). While scores during an antecedent control period had remained relatively constant, the EIMD protocol had elicited increased error in replicating a target force for the knee flexors of the non-preferred leg over time (worsened sensorimotor performance) that had been most prominent at 48 h after exercise, but whose negative effects had been ameliorated under conditions of SR (5.6 ± 3.1% (no SR) versus 3.7 ± 2.3% (SR) (pre) and 10.3 ± 4.2% (no SR) versus 8.1 ± 5.1% (SR) (48 h), respectively; F[1,36] = 6.0; p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study has shown that SR conditioning-related increases in the sensorimotor performance of the hamstring muscle group led to some protection from performance loss following EIMD.
Is the Correlation between Storage Capacity and Matrix Reasoning Driven by the Storage of Partial Solutions? A Pilot Study of an Experimental Approach
Authors: Domnick Florian , Zimmer Hubert , Becker Nicolas , Spinath Frank
Published: May 2017

Working memory capacity (WMC) and reasoning abilities—as assessed by figural matrices tests—are substantially correlated. It is controversially discussed whether this correlation is only caused by controlled attention or also by storage capacity. This study aims at investigating storage of partial solutions as a possible mechanism by which storage capacity may contribute to solving figural matrices tests. For this purpose, we analyzed how an experimental manipulation of storage demands changes the pattern of correlations between WMC and performance in a matrix task. We manipulated the storage demands by applying two test formats: one providing the externalization of partial solutions and one without the possibility of externalization. Storage capacity was assessed by different types of change detection tasks. We found substantial correlations between storage capacity and matrices test performance, but they were of comparable size for both test formats. We take this as evidence that the necessity to store partial solutions is not the limiting factor which causes the association between storage capacity and matrices test. It is discussed how this approach can be used to investigate alternative mechanisms by that storage may influence performance in matrices tests.
A Fast Humidity Sensor Based on Li+-Doped SnO2 One-Dimensional Porous Nanofibers
Authors: Yin Min , Yang Fang , Wang Zhaojie , Zhu Miao , Liu Ming , Xu Xiuru , Li Zhenyu
Published: May 2017

One-dimensional SnO2- and Li+-doped SnO2 porous nanofibers were easily fabricated via electrospinning and a subsequent calcination procedure for ultrafast humidity sensing. Different Li dopant concentrations were introduced to investigate the dopant’s role in sensing performance. The response properties were studied under different relative humidity levels by both statistic and dynamic tests. The best response was obtained with respect to the optimal doping of Li+ into SnO2 porous nanofibers with a maximum 15 times higher response than that of pristine SnO2 porous nanofibers, at a relative humidity level of 85%. Most importantly, the ultrafast response and recovery time within 1 s was also obtained with the 1.0 wt % doping of Li+ into SnO2 porous nanofibers at 5 V and at room temperature, benefiting from the co-contributions of Li-doping and the one-dimensional porous structure. This work provides an effective method of developing ultrafast sensors for practical applications—especially fast breathing sensors.
Size Effect on Mechanical Properties and Texture of Pure Copper Foil by Cold Rolling
Authors: Song Meng , Liu Xianghua , Liu Lizhong
Published: May 2017

To study the size effect on the properties of copper, tensile tests were performed with pure copper foil (thickness range from 25 μm to 300 μm) by cold rolling. A pronounced size effect was observed at a thickness of 76 μm. The results showed that ultimate strength increased as sample thickness decreased from 300 μm to 100 μm, however, this was decreased as the thickness changed from 76 μm to 25 μm with ultrahigh strain, with the same trend of dislocation density and micro stain. The rolling texture were consisted of copper {112}<111>, brass {011}<211>, and S {123}<634>. These features seemed to be linked to the increase of fraction of surface grain to volume, which led to lower districting on the dislocation slip.
Cost and Distribution of Hysterectomy and Uterine Artery Embolization in the United States: Regional/Rural/Urban Disparities
Authors: Glass Lewis Marquisette , Ekúndayò Olúgbémiga
Published: May 2017

Hysterectomy, the driving force for symptomatic uterine fibroids since 1895, has decreased over the years, but it is still the number one choice for many women. Since 1995, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been proven by many researchers to be an effective treatment for uterine fibroids while allowing women to keep their uteri. The preponderance of data collection and research has focused on care quality in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, with little on location and viability related to care utilization, accessibility and physical availability. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the cost of UAE and classical abdominal hysterectomy with regard to race/ethnicity, region, and location. Data from National Hospital Discharge for 2004 through 2008 were accessed and analyzed for uterine artery embolization and hysterectomy. Frequency analyses were performed to determine distribution of variables by race/ethnicity, location, region, insurance coverage, cost and procedure. Based on frequency distributions of cost and length of stay, outliers were trimmed and categorized. Crosstabs were used to determine cost distributions by region, place/location, procedure, race, and primary payer. For abdominal hysterectomy, 9.8% of the sample were performed in rural locations accross the country. However, for UAE, only seven procedures were performed nationally in the same period. Therefore, all inferential analyses and associations for UAE were assumed for urban locations only. The pattern differed from region to region, regarding the volume of care (numbers of cases by location) and care cost. Comparing hysterectomy and UAE, the patterns indicate generally higher costs for UAE with a mean cost difference of $4223.52. Of the hysterectomies performed for fibroids on Black women in the rural setting, 92.08% were in the south. Overall, data analyzed in this examination indicated a significant disparity between rural and urban residence in both data collection and number of procedures conducted. Further research should determine the background to cost and care location differentials between races and between rural and urban settings. Further, factors driving racial differences in the proportions of hysterectomies in the rural south should be identified to eliminate disparities. Data are needed on the prevalence of uterine fibroids in rural settings.
Improvement of Gold Leaching from a Refractory Gold Concentrate Calcine by Separate Pretreatment of Coarse and Fine Size Fractions
Authors: Li Qian , Zhang Yan , Liu Xiaoliang , Xu Bin , Yang Yongbin , Jiang Tao
Published: May 2017

A total gold extraction of 70.2% could only be reached via direct cyanidation from a refractory As-, S- and C-bearing gold concentrate calcine, and the gold extraction varied noticeably with different size fractions. The reasons for unsatisfactory gold extraction from the calcine were studied through analyses of chemical composition, chemical phase and SEM-EDS of different sizes of particles. It was found that a significant segregation of compositions occurred during the grinding of gold ore before flotation. As a result, for the calcine obtained after oxidative roasting, the encapsulation of gold by iron oxides was easily engendered in finer particles, whilst in coarser particles the gold encapsulation by silicates was inclined to occur likely due to melted silicates blocking the porosity of particles. The improvement of gold leaching from different size fractions was further investigated through pretreatments with alkali washing, acid pickling or sulfuric acid curing-water leaching. Finally, a novel process was recommended and the total gold extraction from the calcine could be increased substantially to 93.6% by the purposeful pretreatment with alkali washing for the relatively coarse size fraction (+37 μm) and sulfuric acid curing–water leaching for the fine size fraction (−37 μm).