bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANTIDIURESIS AS A MEASUREMENT OF LABORATORY INDUCED MOTION SICKNESS
Authors: Taylor N. B. G. , Hunter J. , Johnson W. H.
Published: October 2017

Eighty-one human subjects and two bitches have been exposed to accelerations on a turntable or a swing for the purpose of inducing motion sickness. An inhibition of water diuresis consistently accompanied laboratory-induced motion sickness. Subjects who failed to become motion sick exhibited a much smaller inhibition of diuresis or none at all. The inhibition of diuresis is related to the motion sickness itself and is not due to the direct effects of centrifugal and rotational forces on the circulation.
TURNOVER OF PLASMA GLUCOSE IN ANESTHETIZED WARM- AND COLD-ACCLIMATED RATS EXPOSED TO COLD
Authors: Depocas Florent
Published: October 2017

The turnover of plasma glucose has been measured in anesthetized warm- and cold-acclimated white rats by a method involving a single injection of a tracer amount of uniformly labelled C14-glucose at 30 °C, and measurement of the rate of fall of the plasma glucose specific activity in animals maintained at 30 °C or moved to an environment at 6 °C. Analysis of the data indicated a significant increase in the rate of disappearance of the labelled glucose when the warm-acclimated rats were transferred from 30° to 6 °C but no significant change when the cold-acclimated rats were similarly treated. The concentration of plasma glucose remained essentially constant throughout the observation period. These results may be taken to indicate that the cold-induced increase in metabolism of anesthetized white rats is associated with an increase in plasma glucose turnover in warm-acclimated animals only.
METABOLISM OF PHENYLPROPANOID COMPOUNDS IN SALVIA: II. BIOSYNTHESIS OF PHENOLIC CINNAMIC ACIDS
Authors: McCalla D. R. , Neish A. C.
Published: October 2017

p-Coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, and sinapic acids were found to occur in Salvia splendens Sello in alkali-labile compounds of unknown constitution. A number of C14-labelled compounds were administered to leafy cuttings of salvia and these phenolic acids were isolated after a metabolic period of several hours and their specific activities measured. Cinnamic acid, dihydrocinnamic acid, L-phenylalanine, and (−)-phenyllactic acid were found to be good precursors of the phenolic acids. D-Phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and (+)-phenyllactic acid were poor precursors. A kinetic study of the formation of the phenolic acids from L-phenylalanine-C14gave data consistent with the view that p-coumaric acid → caffeic acid → ferulic acid → sinapic acid, and that these compounds can act as intermediates in lignification. Feeding of C14-labelled members of this series showed that salvia could convert any one to a more complex member of the series but not so readily to a simpler member. Caffeic acid-β-C14was obtained from salvia after the feeding of L-phenylalanine-β-C14or cinnamic acid-β-C14, and caffeic acid labelled only in the ring was obtained after feeding generally labelled shikimic acid.
ATTEMPTED REVERSAL OF THE DIETHYLSTILBESTROL INHIBITION OF SUBSTRATE OXIDATION IN AEROBACTER AEROGENES
Authors: Durham Norman N. , Perry Margie D.
Published: October 2017

Null
INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE AS A WORLD PROBLEM
Authors: Brown A. W. A.
Published: October 2017

Null
EFFECT OF X-IRRADIATION ON NORMAL, HYPOTHYROID, AND HYPERTHYROID RABBITS
Authors: Vittorio P. V. , Mars H. , Johnston M. J.
Published: October 2017

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of a sublethal dose of X-irradiation on rabbits that had been made hyperthyroid with L-thyroxine-sodium and triiodothyronine or hypothyroid with Methimazole.X-irradiation (400 r) administered on the 25th day after drug treatment was started caused an initial sharp loss in weight in control rabbits and in hyperthyroid rabbits. However, by the 22nd day after X-irradiation the weight of the irradiated control group was comparable with that of the non-irradiated controls, but the weight of the hyperthyroid group was still below that of the non-irradiated hyperthyroid group. The irradiated hypothyroid group never showed a loss in weight. They gained weight initially but at a slower rate than the non-irradiated hypothyroids, and by the 22nd day after X-irradiation were comparable to the non-irradiated hypothyroid animals. X-Irradiation produced an initial decrease in the hematocrit value of the three groups under study, and the hyperthyroid animals showed the greatest drop in hematocrit value. Twenty-two days after X-irradiation only the controls had returned to their original hematocrit value prior to irradiation. After X-irradiation, the albumin/globulin ratio was decreased in all three groups with the effect greatest on the hyperthyroid animals, less on the controls, and least on the hypothyroid animals. The A/G ratio of the hypothyroid group returned to normal more rapidly than did that of the controls. The A/G ratio of the hyperthyroid group was still much below normal 22 days after X-irradiation.In terms of mortality the hyperthyroid group were more radiosensitive than the control or hypothyroid group.
PROTECTION OF HUMAN RED CELL CHOLINESTERASE AGAINST INHIBITION BY TABUN AND O,O-DIETHYL-S-2-DIETHYLAMINOETHYL PHOSPHOROTHIOLATE
Authors: Scaife J. F.
Published: October 2017

Null
A SIMPLE AUTOMATIC STIMULATION TIMER
Authors: Constantopoulos G.
Published: October 2017

Null
INFLUENCE OF VARIATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE ON THE ACUTE TOXICITY OF RESERPINE AND CHLORPROMAZINE IN MICE
Authors: Dandiya P. C. , Johnson Gordon , Sellers E. A.
Published: October 2017

The acute toxicity of chlorpromazine in mice is 18 times higher in an environment of 4 °C than in a thermoneutral environment of 30 °C. Under similar conditions the acute toxicity of reserpine increases about 1200 times. These findings confirm the earlier suggestion that these drugs cause hypothermia by different mechanisms of action. Increased acute toxicity of these drugs was also noticed at a higher temperature (36 °C).At 4 °C, after chlorpromazine, death occurred earlier than after reserpine. Reserpine produced a transient increase in oxygen consumption (in rats) which helped maintain body temperature but resulted in a more rapid loss of heat from the body. This would explain the difference in time of death and might explain the difference in ultimate mortality between the animals treated with these two drugs.
STUDIES ON THE IN VITRO ANTITUMOR ACTIVITY OF FATTY ACIDS: II. SATURATED DICARBOXYLIC ACIDS
Authors: Morgan Joseph F. , Tolnai Susan , Townsend Gordon F.
Published: October 2017

Previous studies, which showed that 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid from royal jelly possessed in vitro antitumor activity, have been extended to saturated dicarboxylic fatty acids. Seven of eight compounds tested in a series of chain length from C3 to C10 completely prevented the development of the ascites forms of the 6C3HED lymphosarcoma, the Ehrlich carcinoma, and the TA3 mammary carcinoma, as well as the transplantable leukemia of AKR mice. This in vitro antitumor activity could be demonstrated only at pH values below 5.0 and required admixture of the tumor cells and test compounds prior to inoculation of the mice. In general, the antitumor activity of the saturated dicarboxylic acids was found to increase progressively with increasing length of the fatty acid chain.
EVALUATION OF PROTEIN QUALITY IN MIXED FOODS
Authors: McLaughlan J. M. , Morrison A. B.
Published: October 2017

Null
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE RADIOSENSITIVITY OF RAT THYMOCYTES
Authors: Myers D. K. , Sutherland R. M. , DeWolfe Donna E.
Published: October 2017

Null
SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS IN CAPTURED WILD NORWAY RATS: II. SURVIVAL TIME, PELT INSULATION, SHIVERING, AND METABOLIC AND PRESSOR RESPONSES TO NORADRENALINE
Authors: Héroux O. , Wright Donna
Published: October 2017

During the winter, wild rats (Rattus norwegicus) develop metabolic adjustments similar to those found in the white rats acclimated to cold in the laboratory. The rate of shivering found in the winter-captured wild rats is lower than that found in the summer-captured rats, indicating the presence of non-shivering thermogenesis. The metabolic response to noradrenaline is enhanced suggesting that non-shivering metabolism in these wild rats, as in the case of white rats, is mediated by noradrenaline. Unlike white rats acclimated to a constant cold temperature in the laboratory, but like white rats acclimatized to cold by group exposure to outdoor winter conditions, wild rats develop a greater pelt insulation in winter.
IDENTIFICATION OF κ-CASEIN IN ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS
Authors: Neelin J. M.
Published: October 2017

Null
AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF 1-AMINOCYCLOPENTANE CARBOXYLIC ACID IN NORMAL AND CANCEROUS MICE
Authors: Berlinguet L. , Bégin Nicole , Babineau L. M.
Published: October 2017

Normal and cancerous mice were injected with 1-aminocyclopentane C14-carboxylic acid and the distribution of the drug in the animals was studied by autoradiography. In normal mice, the amino acid is concentrated selectively by the pancreas and the bone marrow. In cancerous mice (Ehrlich ascites tumor and sarcoma-180), the tumor cells also intensively accumulate the amino acid.
THE LOCALIZATION AND PROPERTIES OF AN AMINOPEPTIDASE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI B
Authors: Matheson A. T.
Published: October 2017

Two types of intracellular aminopeptidase activity are present in E. coli B. One type, present in the 'soluble' fraction, is completely inactivated by chymotrypsin or trypsin; the other, in the particulate fractions ('ribosome' and 'membrane'), is resistant to these enzymes. The 'ribosomal' peptidase activity is present partially in a latent form which becomes activated on disruption of the ribosome structure. During the transition from log phase to post-log phase growth there is a progressive increase in the specific activity of the peptidase in the 'soluble' and 'membrane' fraction and a corresponding decrease in the 'ribosome' fraction.
ON THE NATURE OF THE LIPID SUBSTANCES INHIBITING THE DINITROPHENOL-INDUCED ATPase ACTIVITY DURING MITOCHONDRIAL AGING
Authors: Chefurka W.
Published: October 2017

Null
CONVERSION OF METHIONINE AND THREONINE TO FATTY ACIDS BY ADIPOSE TISSUE
Authors: Feller D. D. , Feist E.
Published: October 2017

Epididymal adipose tissue was incubated with uniformly labelled (14C)-methionine, (2-14C)-methionine, and uniformly labelled (14C)-threonine. Each of these compounds is actively metabolized by adipose tissue, as evidenced by the generation of14CO2and (14C)-fatty acid. Evidence was gathered in regard to the intermediary pathways by which these amino acids are utilized by adipose tissue and the general conclusion is drawn that these pathways are similar to those postulated for other tissues. These experiments further emphasize the central role that propionate plays in adipose tissue lipogenesis.
APPEARANCE OF PROTEINS IN REGENERATING WOUND TISSUE
Authors: Guschlbauer Wilhelm , Williamson Martin B.
Published: October 2017

Null
THE ROLE OF ADSORPTION IN CONTROLLING THE RATE OF REACTION OF CHLORAMBUCIL WITH PROTEIN
Authors: Linford J. H.
Published: October 2017

Two proteins, haemoglobin and bovine serum albumin, have been studied with respect to their rates of alkylation by chlorambucil in vitro at 37 °C and pH 8.4. The proteins are of nearly the same molecular weight and free carboxylic acid content, but the alkylation reaction is 30 times faster with haemoglobin. On the other hand, the adsorption of chlorambucil by albumin is 20 times greater than that exhibited by haemoglobin. This inverse relationship between extent of adsorption and reaction rate suggests that adsorption protects the chlorambucil from activation in the solvent.
NONSPECIFIC RESISTANCE IN SPONTANEOUS HEMORRHAGE
Authors: Chubaty W. M. , Jaques L. B.
Published: October 2017

Null
NITROGEN METABOLISM IN COLD-EXPOSED RATS
Authors: Beaton John R. , Orme T. , Laufer J. , Turner A.
Published: October 2017

In these studies, male albino rats were exposed to cold (2–3 °C) for a 7-day period. In vivo studies included the daily measurement of body weight gain, food intake, urine volume, body and liver composition, and nitrogen retention. In vitro, the activities of the following liver enzymes were measured: aspartic acid transaminase, alanine transaminase, arginase, glutamic acid dehydrogenase, and phosphate-activated glutaminase. The results of these experiments demonstrate that exposure of rats to cold increases amino acid catabolism, in part at least to meet increased energy requirements, and reduces protein synthesis as a consequence in the period 2–5 days inclusive, despite a marked increase in food intake. Cold exposure was without effect upon protein absorption but, after 24 hours in the cold, the nitrogen which appeared in the urine increased from about 55% (at 22 °C) to about 76% of the amount that had been absorbed. No effect of cold exposure on nitrogen retention was apparent in the first 24 hours of cold exposure. The subsequent decreased nitrogen retention, on a time basis, appears to bear a relationship to changes in liver enzyme activities, particularly to the increased activities of liver transaminases and arginase.
PENICILLAMINE AND VITAMIN B6INTERRELATIONSHIPS IN THE RAT
Authors: Heddle J. G. , McHenry E. W. , Beaton G. H.
Published: October 2017

DL-Penicillamine administered in the diet at the 0.25% level produced a marked lowering of food intake and body weight. Using blood transaminase activities as criteria, a definite antagonism to vitamin B6was demonstrated. The response of animals to the drug did not differ between sexes. Transaminase activity changes were apparent within 13 days of treatment. They were not the result of a reduced food intake. Administration of 800 μg of pyridoxine hydrochloride per 10 g of diet to animals receiving penicillamine approximated the maximal prevention of the effects of the drug upon food intake, body weight, and transaminase activity. The effects were not completely prevented by dosages of vitamin B6as high as 2000 μg per 10 g of diet. Attention is drawn to the possible significance of these studies in the treatment of patients (Wilson's disease) with penicillamine. On the basis of extrapolations from the present studies in rats, 50 mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride might be expected to give near-maximal protection against possible vitamin B6-antagonistic effects of 1.5 g of DL-penicillamine.
ON THE FORMATION OF TRYPTOPHAN SYNTHETASE ENZYME BY CELL-FREE EXTRACTS OF MYCELIUM OF NEUROSPORA CRASSA
Authors: Wainwright S. D.
Published: October 2017

Null
PARTICLES IN DISRUPTED RAT LIVER MITOCHONDRIA
Authors: Lusena C. V. , Dass C. M. S.
Published: October 2017

Null
INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF DECARBOXYLASE INHIBITORS ON THE METABOLISM OF TYROSINE-C14 IN THE RAT
Authors: Moran J. F. , Sourkes T. L. , Chavez Beatriz
Published: October 2017

Null
THE HYDROXYLATION OF SKATOLE
Authors: Heacock R. A. , Mahon M. E.
Published: October 2017

The mixture of products obtained when skatole is oxidized with the ferrous sulphate – ascorbic acid – EDTA – air system has been examined by means of paper and thin layer chromatographic techniques. 3-Methyloxindole, o-aminoacetophenone, N-formyl-o-aminoacetophenone, and the four isomeric hydroxyskatoles have been definitely identified. A number of, as yet, unidentified compounds, which react positively with Ehrlich's reagent, are also present in the reaction mixture. The mechanism of the hydroxylation reaction and its possible physiological significance are discussed.
The Announcement Effect of Cash Dividend Changes on Share Prices: Evidence from Dhaka Stock Exchange
Authors: Rabbani Naheed
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the announcement effect of cash dividend changes on share prices listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). Standard event study methodology is used to investigate the effect of an event window of [Formula: see text]3 to [Formula: see text]3 days relative to dividend announcement date. Cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) have also been measured for a 41-day window around announcement date. This study finds that shareholders earn only normal return on the announcement of dividend increases and no changes. However, a significant positive abnormal return (AR) is observed in the preannouncement period for a dividend increase which indicates some kind of information leakage before the announcement is actually made. The announcement of dividend decrease results in a significant negative AR on the announcement day and persists even 20 days after the announcement. Significant ARs following dividend decrease announcement reveal DSE is not a semi-strong form of efficient market.
A Simplified Method for Evaluating the Dynamic Properties of Structures Considering Soil–Pile–Structure Interaction
Authors: Deng Hao-Yun , Jin Xin-Yang , Gu Ming
Published: October 2017

A simplified method is presented for evaluating the dynamic properties of structures considering the effects of soil–pile–structure interaction (SPSI). A substructure method is used to establish the model of the soil–pile–structure system which is characterized by several dimensionless parameters. The shear-type structure is modeled as a generalized single-degree-of-freedom system using the virtual displacement principle, and the impedance functions of the floating pile-foundation are formulated by the thin-layer method. A number of coupled systems are analyzed and the results are used as the statistical base to obtain the mathematical relations between the dimensionless parameters and the dynamic properties. The dynamic properties solved by the equations are compared with those of the field experiment, shaking-table test and other analytical methods. The results indicated that the proposed equations are of high accuracy and can be used to obtain the dynamic properties of piles directly without performing complex analysis.
Long-time behavior of 3D stochastic planetary geostrophic viscous model
Authors: Dong Zhao , Zhang Rangrang
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we consider the 3D planetary geostrophic viscous model driven by an additive random noise. It is proved that this model has exponential mixing property and global random attractor at the same time. Further, we deduce that the support of the integration of the invariant measure for the dynamic generated by this model is exactly a minimal global random attractor. Moreover, we show that the global random attractor has finite Hausdorff dimension.
HYDRAULICS AND IN VITRO HEMOLYSIS TEST OF A MAGLEV IMPLANTABLE VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE
Authors: WU GUANGHUI , XU CHUANGYE , LIU XIUJIAN , LIN CHANGYAN , YANG LIN , LI HAIYANG , HOU XIAOTONG , CHEN CHEN , YANG PENG
Published: October 2017

A small implantable centrifugal left ventricular assist device, the CH-VAD (CH Biomedical Inc, JiangSu, China), featuring a magnetically levitated impeller is under development. The goal of this study is to validate hydrodynamic performance and hemocompatibility of the pump through in vitro studies. The hydraulic performance was quantified experimentally by using in vitro circulation loop system, and it turned out that the pump could deliver 5[Formula: see text]L/min under a pressure of 100[Formula: see text]mmHg at a rotational speed of approximate 3400[Formula: see text]rpm. A series of in vitro tests were established according to ASTM F1841, the standard practice for the assessment of hemolysis in continuous-flow blood pumps. The results showed that the average normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) value of the VAD was 0.0007[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.0003[Formula: see text]mg/dL. The magnetic levitation left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has good hemolytic performance and stable mechanical property. These acceptable performance results supported proceeding initial acute animal testing conditions.
From the GKLS Equation to the Theory of Solar and Fuel Cells
Authors: Alicki R.
Published: October 2017

The mathematically sound theory of quantum open systems, formulated in the ’70s and highlighted by the discovery of Gorini-Kossakowski-Lindblad-Sudarshan (GKLS) equation, found a wide range of applications in various branches of physics and chemistry, notably in the field of quantum information and quantum thermodynamics. However, it took 40 years before this formalism has been applied to explain correctly the operation principles of long existing energy transducers like photovoltaic, thermoelectric and fuel cells. This long path is briefly reviewed from the author’s perspective. Finally, the new, fully quantum model of chemical engine based on GKLS equation and applicable to fuel cells or replicators is outlined. The model illustrates the difficulty with an entirely quantum operational definition of work, comparable to the problem of quantum measurement.
Plastic as a Persistent Marine Pollutant
Authors: Worm Boris , Lotze Heike K. , Jubinville Isabelle , Wilcox Chris , Jambeck Jenna
Published: October 2017

Synthetic organic polymers—or plastics—did not enter widespread use until the 1950s. By 2015, global production had increased to 322 million metric tons (Mt) year−1, which approaches the total weight of the human population produced in plastic every year. Approximately half is used for packaging and other disposables, 40% of plastic waste is not accounted for in managed landfills or recycling facilities, and 4.8–12.7 Mt year−1 enter the ocean as macroscopic litter and microplastic particles. Here, we argue that such mismanaged plastic waste is similar to other persistent pollutants, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which once threatened a “silent spring” on land. Such a scenario seems now possible in the ocean, where plastic cannot be easily removed, accumulates in organisms and sediments, and persists much longer than on land. New evidence indicates a complex toxicology of plastic micro- and nanoparticles on marine life, and transfer up the food chain, including to people. We detail solutions to the current crisis of accumulating plastic pollution, suggesting a Global Convention on Plastic Pollution that incentivizes collaboration between governments, producers, scientists, and citizens.
Drivers of Human Stress on the Environment in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Dietz Thomas
Published: October 2017

Human actions are transforming ecosystems across the globe. Six frameworks aid in understanding the forces that drive human stress on the environment and human responses to this stress. Two of them, the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence and technology (STIRPAT) model and decomposition analysis, are approaches to analyzing data. Four describe the interrelated system of human actions and environmental responses: driving forces, pressures, states, impacts, responses (DPSIR); the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) framework; coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) and telecoupling; and social-ecological systems (SES). In applying these frameworks, attention must be given to the scale of analysis and to the effects of context. In addition to the frameworks there are four substantial research literatures providing theory and empirical analysis of how drivers place stress on the environment: a macrocomparative tradition, work on household energy consumption, land change science, and research on commons. Although these traditions remain somewhat separate, they are largely complementary.
Exploring theUrtica dioicaLeaves Hemostatic and Wound-Healing Potential
Authors: Zouari Bouassida Karama , Bardaa Sana , Khimiri Meriem , Rebaii Tarek , Tounsi Slim , Jlaiel Lobna , Trigui Mohamed
Published: October 2017

The present paper investigated the efficiency ofUrtica dioica (U. dioica)on hemostatic and wound healing activities.U. dioicaleaf extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial and antioxidant effects as well as their flavonoid and polyphenol content. The hydroethanolic extract (EtOH-H2OE), showing the most potent antibacterial and antioxidant activitiesin vitro, thanks to its flavonoid and polyphenol richness, was selected for hemostatic and wound healing evaluation. Twenty-four rats completing full-thickness wounds were split into four groups. The wounds were topically treated with saline solution, glycerol, “CICAFLORA,” andU. dioicaEtOH-H2OE (50 µL/mm2) until day 11. The wound healing effect was assessed by macroscopic, histological, and biochemical parameters. Rats treated with EtOH-H2OE showed fast wound closure (92.39%) compared to the control animals (60.91%) on the 11th day of wounding (P<0.01). Histopathological and biochemical explorations showed full epidermal regeneration and an improvement of the hydroxyproline content in theU. dioicaEtOH-H2OE treated rats. Analysis of fatty acids and sterols by GC-MS showed the presence of unsaturated fatty acids and a high concentration of lupeol known for their involvement in reepithelialization. These results prove the efficiency ofU. dioicaEtOH-H2OE in wound healing and supported its traditional use.
Beef Quality Identification Using Thresholding Method and Decision Tree Classification Based on Android Smartphone
Authors: Adi Kusworo , Pujiyanto Sri , Dwi Nurhayati Oky , Pamungkas Adi
Published: October 2017

Beef is one of the animal food products that have high nutrition because it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, the quality of beef should be maintained so that consumers get good beef quality. Determination of beef quality is commonly conducted visually by comparing the actual beef and reference pictures of each beef class. This process presents weaknesses, as it is subjective in nature and takes a considerable amount of time. Therefore, an automated system based on image processing that is capable of determining beef quality is required. This research aims to develop an image segmentation method by processing digital images. The system designed consists of image acquisition processes with varied distance, resolution, and angle. Image segmentation is done to separate the images of fat and meat using the Otsu thresholding method. Classification was carried out using the decision tree algorithm and the best accuracies were obtained at 90% for training and 84% for testing. Once developed, this system is then embedded into the android programming. Results show that the image processing technique is capable of proper marbling score identification.
Blood Safety Status in WHO African Region Countries: Lessons Learnt from Mauritius
Authors: Loua André , Sonoo Janaki , Musango Laurent , Nikiema Jean Baptiste , Lapnet-Moustapha Thomas
Published: October 2017

In 2001, the WHO Office for Africa adopted a strategy for blood safety defining four targets. This paper describes the progress made by Mauritius in the implementation of this strategy. The blood safety indicators were collected and compared with the norms recommended by WHO. The country has formulated its blood policy and developed a strategic plan for its implementation since 2004. The total number of blood donations increased from 31,228 in 2002 to 43,742 in 2016, giving an annual blood collection rate evolving from 26.3 per 1000 inhabitants in 2002 to 34.2 per 1000 inhabitants in 2016. The percentage of voluntary donations rose from 60% to 82.5%. Since 2002, all the blood units collected have been tested for the mandatory infectious markers. The Blood Transfusion Service has been certified ISO2008-9001 and nucleic acid testing has been introduced. The preparation of blood components increased from 60% to 98.2%. The most transfused blood components were red cell concentrates, platelet concentrates, and fresh frozen plasma. In addition to transfusion activities, there were other departments performing antenatal serology, tissue typing, special investigations, and reagent preparation. Despite the progress made, some challenges remain, namely, legal framework and haemovigilance system. A regulatory system for blood needs to be established.
Electroanalytical Sensing of Bromides Using Radiolytically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticle Electrocatalysts
Authors: Milikić Jadranka , Stoševski Ivan , Krstić Jelena , Kačarević-Popović Zorica , Miljanić Šćepan , Šljukić Biljana
Published: October 2017

Monitoring bromides (Br−) is of crucial importance since bromates, potential human carcinogens, are formed during ozonation of water containing bromides in concentrations >100 μg L−1. Within this study, silver (Ag) and four carbon-supported Ag catalysts were synthesized by the γ-radiation method and their morphology and structure examined using transmission electron microscopy, X–ray diffraction, and UV-Vis analysis. The nanocatalysts were tested for Br− sensing in aqueous media using cyclic voltammetry. All five Ag materials exhibited electroactivity for sensing of Br− ions, with pure Ag catalyst giving the best response to Br− ions presence in terms of the lowest limit of detection. Sensing of bromides was also explored in tap water after addition of bromides suggesting that herein prepared catalysts could be used for bromides detection in real samples. Furthermore, sensing of other halogen ions, namely, chlorides and iodides, was examined, and response due to chloride presence was recorded.
Estimation of Sand Production Rate Using Geomechanical and Hydromechanical Models
Authors: Pham Son Tung
Published: October 2017

This paper aims to develop a numerical model that can be used in sand control during production phase of an oil and gas well. The model is able to predict not only the onset of sand production using critical bottom hole pressure inferred from geomechanical modelling, but also the mass of sand produced versus time as well as the change of porosity versus space and time using hydromechanical modelling. A detailed workflow of the modelling was presented with each step of calculations. The empirical parameters were calibrated using laboratory data. Then the modelling was applied in a case study of an oilfield in Cuu Long basin. In addition, a sensitivity study of the effect of drawdown pressure was presented in this paper. Moreover, a comparison between results of different hydromechanical models was also addressed. The outcome of this paper demonstrated the possibility of modelling the sand production mass in real cases, opening a new approach in sand control in petroleum industry.
The Role of MAPK and Dopaminergic Synapse Signaling Pathways in Antidepressant Effect of Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Chronic Restraint Stress Rats
Authors: Yang Xinjing , Guo Zhuo , Lu Jun , Zhao Bingcong , Fei Yutong , Li Jing , Jiang Huili , Sun Lan , Wang Yu , Sun Yang , Bao Tuya
Published: October 2017

Acupuncture has demonstrated the function in ameliorating depressive‐like behaviors via modulating PKA/CREB signaling pathway. To further confirm the antidepressant mechanism of EA on the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and dopaminergic synapse signaling pathways, 4 target proteins were detected based on our previous iTRAQ analysis. Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, and electroacupuncture (EA) group. Except for the control group, all rats were subjected to 28 days of chronic restraint stress (CRS) protocols to induce depression. In the EA group, EA pretreatment at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) was performed daily (1 mA, 2 Hz, discontinuous wave, 20 minutes) prior to restraint. The antidepressant‐like effect of EA was measured by body weight and open‐field test. The protein levels of DAT, Th, Mapt, and Prkc in the hippocampus were examined by using Western blot. The results showed EA could ameliorate the depression‐like behaviors and regulate the expression levels of Prkc and Mapt in CRS rats. The effect of EA on DAT and Th expression was minimal. These findings implied that EA pretreatment could alleviate depression through modulating MAPK signaling pathway. The role of EA on dopaminergic synapse signaling pathways needs to be further explored.
A Statistical Damage Constitutive Model for Geomaterials under Plane-Strain Biaxial Stress State
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Wan Zhijun , Wang Chaoyi , Ma Zhaoyang , Zhang Yuan , Cheng Jingyi
Published: October 2017

The mechanical behavior of geomaterials under plane-strain biaxial stress state (PSBSS, a special case of biaxial stress state) is often considered in geotechnical structures such as highwall and longwall coal pillars. In this study, a modified statistical damage constitutive model based on Weibull distribution was established to explain the mechanical behavior of rocks under the PSBSS. The modified Wiebols-Cook criterion, Drucker-Prager criterion, and extremum method were adopted in this model to estimate the peak strength of rock, the strength level of microscopic element, and the statistical parameters of model, respectively. Besides, laboratory tests for brittle and ductile geomaterials under PSBSS were conducted using the modified surface instability detection apparatus to validate the accuracy of the proposed statistical damage model. Finally, the relationships between mechanical parameters and statistical parameters were studied and discussed.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Tuberculosis in Prisons Settings of East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gizachew Beza Mucheye , Hunegnaw Emirie , Tiruneh Moges
Published: October 2017

Background. Tuberculosis, mainly in prisoners, is a major public health problem in Ethiopia where there is no medical screening during prison admission. This creates scarcity of TB data in such settings. Objective. To determine prevalence and associated factors of TB in prisons in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2016 among 265 prisoners in three prison sites. Sputum was processed using GeneXpert MTB/RIF. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Multivariable logistic regression was used; p values = 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. Of 265 prisoners, 9 (3.4%) were TB positive (males); 77.8%, 55.6%, and 55.6% of cases were rural dwellers, married, and farmers, respectively. Seven (2.6%) prisoners were HIV positive, and 3 (1.13%) had TB/HIV coinfection. One (0.4%) TB case was rifampicin resistant. Marriage (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.7, 13.03), HIV (AOR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.17), and sharing of rooms (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 2.6, 10.20) were predictors for TB. Conclusion. Nine prisoners were TB positive. One case showed rifampicin resistance and three had TB/HIV coinfection. Marriage, HIV, and sharing of rooms were predictors for TB. Prevention/control and monitoring are mandatory in such settings.
Contrast Expansion Method for Elastic Incompressible Fibrous Composites
Authors: Drygaś Piotr , Mityushev Vladimir
Published: October 2017

Contrast parameter expansion of the elastic fields for 2D composites is developed by Schwarz’s method and by the method of functional equations for the case of circular inclusions. A computationally efficient algorithm is described and implemented in symbolic form to compute the local fields in 2D elastic composites and the effective shear modulus for macroscopically isotropic composites. The obtained new analytical formula contains high-order terms in the contrast parameter and explicitly demonstrates dependence on the location of inclusions. As a numerical example, the hexagonal array is considered.
The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on the Recovery of Walking Ability and Neuroplasticity in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Animal and Clinical Studies
Authors: Devasahayam Augustine Joshua , Downer Matthew Bruce , Ploughman Michelle
Published: October 2017

Introduction. Walking is of high priority for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). It remains unclear whether aerobic exercise can improve walking ability and upregulate neurotrophins. This review aims to consolidate evidence to develop optimal aerobic training parameters to enhance walking outcomes and neuroplasticity in PwMS.Methods. Clinical studies examining aerobic exercise for ≥3 weeks, having outcomes on walking with or without neurotrophic markers, were included. Studies utilizing animal models of MS were included if they employed aerobic exercise with outcomes on neurological recovery and neurotrophins. From a total of 1783 articles, 12 clinical and 5 animal studies were included.Results. Eleven clinical studies reported improvements in walking ability. Only two clinical studies evaluated both walking and neurotrophins, and neither found an increase in neurotrophins despite improvements in walking. Patients with significant walking impairments were underrepresented. Long-term follow-up revealed mixed results. Two animal studies reported a positive change in both neurological recovery and neurotrophins.Conclusion. Aerobic exercise improves walking ability in PwMS. Gains are not consistently maintained at 2- to 9-month follow-up. Studies examining levels of neurotrophins are inconclusive, necessitating further research. Aerobic exercise enhances both neurological recovery and neurotrophins in animal studies when started 2 weeks before induction of MS.
Protective Effects and Possible Mechanisms of Ergothioneine and Hispidin against Methylglyoxal‐Induced Injuries in Rat Pheochromocytoma Cells
Authors: Song Tuzz-Ying , Yang Nae-Cherng , Chen Chien-Lin , Thi Thuy Lan Vo
Published: October 2017

Diabetic encephalopathy (DE) is often a complication in patients with Alzheimer’s disease due to high blood sugar induced by diabetic mellitus. Ergothioneine (EGT) and hispidin (HIP) are antioxidants present in Phellinus linteus. Methylglyoxal (MGO), a toxic precursor of advanced glycated end products (AGEs), is responsible for protein glycation. We investigated whether a combination EGT and HIP (EGT + HIP) protects against MGO‐induced neuronal cell damage. Rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were preincubated with EGT (2 μM), HIP (2 μM), or EGT + HIP, then challenged with MGO under high‐glucose condition (30 μM MGO + 30 mM glucose; GLU + MGO) for 24–96 h. GLU + MGO markedly increased protein carbonyls and reactive oxygen species in PC12 cells; both of these levels were strongly reduced by EGT or HIP with effects comparable to those of 100 nM aminoguanidine (an AGE inhibitor) but stronger than those of 10 μM epalrestat (an aldose reductase inhibitor). GLU + MGO significantly increased the levels of AGE and AGE receptor (RAGE) protein expression of nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) in the cytosol, but treatment with EGT, HIP, or EGT + HIP significantly attenuated these levels. These results suggest that EGT and HIP protect against hyperglycemic damage in PC12 cells by inhibiting the NF‐κB transcription pathway through antioxidant activities.
Open Approach to Primary Lumbar Hernia Repair: A Lucid Option
Authors: Vagholkar Ketan , Vagholkar Suvarna
Published: October 2017

Background. Lumbar hernia is a rare type of hernia. Awareness of the anatomical basis of this hernia is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Introduction. Lumbar hernia is a protrusion of either extraperitoneal fat or intraperitoneal contents through either of the lumbar triangles. Primary lumbar hernias are extremely rare thereby rendering such a case reportable, to create an awareness about this condition to upcoming surgeons. Case Report. A case of primary lumbar hernia treated successfully by open mesh repair is presented. Discussion. The anatomical aspects underlying this condition along with diagnostic tests, their pitfalls, and surgical approaches are discussed. Conclusion. Awareness of this condition is essential for arriving at a clinical diagnosis. CT scan provides a road map for deciding the approach. Both the traditional open and the newer laparoscopic approaches are described. However open meshplasty is still a very safe and effective method of treatment.
Epidemiology of C2 Fractures in the 21st Century: A National Registry Cohort Study of 6,370 Patients from 1997 to 2014
Authors: Robinson Anna-Lena , Olerud Claes , Robinson Yohan
Published: October 2017

Objective. C2 fractures are a common injury in the elderly population. Treatment is often complicated due to osteoporosis and patient comorbidity. This study aims to investigate the incidence and treatment trend of C2 fractures in Sweden. Methods. Patients with the principal and secondary diagnosis of fracture of the second vertebrae (ICD-10: S12.1) between 1997 and 2014 were identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry (NPR). Results. Between 1997 and 2014, 6,370 patients with a C2 fracture (51% male; age: 72±18) were identified in the NPR. The incidence of C2 fractures increased from 3 to 6 per 100,000 (r=0.94; p<0.01), mainly due to an increase of incidence in the geriatric subgroup (≥70 years). The percentage of surgically treated patients decreased from 1997 to 2014 (r=-0.80; p<0.01). Younger age, male gender, spinal cord injury, and earlier year of admission were associated with surgical treatment assignment. Discussion. This study documents a rising incidence of C2 fractures in the elderly during the last two decades in Sweden. Greater awareness of fractures, improved diagnostics, coding, and a higher activity level of the patients are plausible causes. The declining trend of surgical treatment warrants further study.
Towards Merging Binary Integer Programming Techniques with Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Zamani Reza
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a framework based on merging a binary integer programming technique with a genetic algorithm. The framework uses both lower and upper bounds to make the employed mathematical formulation of a problem as tight as possible. For problems whose optimal solutions cannot be obtained, precision is traded with speed through substituting the integrality constrains in a binary integer program with a penalty. In this way, instead of constraining a variable u with binary restriction, u is considered as real number between 0 and 1, with the penalty of Mu(1-u), in which M is a large number. Values not near to the boundary extremes of 0 and 1 make the component of Mu(1-u) large and are expected to be avoided implicitly. The nonbinary values are then converted to priorities, and a genetic algorithm can use these priorities to fill its initial pool for producing feasible solutions. The presented framework can be applied to many combinatorial optimization problems. Here, a procedure based on this framework has been applied to a scheduling problem, and the results of computational experiments have been discussed, emphasizing the knowledge generated and inefficiencies to be circumvented with this framework in future.
A Robust Vibration Control of a Magnetorheological Damper Based Railway Suspension Using a Novel Adaptive Type 2 Fuzzy Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: Nguyen Sy Dung , Jung Dongsoo , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: October 2017

This work proposes a novel adaptive type 2 fuzzy sliding controller (AT2FC) for vibration control of magnetorheological damper- (MRD-) based railway suspensions subjected to uncertainty and disturbance (UAD). The AT2FC is constituted of four main parts. The first one is a sliding mode controller (SMC) for specifying the main damping force supporting the suspension. This controller is designed via Lyapunov stability theory. The second one is an interpolation model based on an interval type 2 fuzzy logic system for determination of optimal parameters of the SMC. The third one is a nonlinear UAD observer to compensate for external disturbances. The fourth one is an inverse MRD model (T2F-I-MRD) for specifying the input current. In the operating process, an adaptively optimal structure deriving from the SMC is created (called the Ad-op-SMC) to adapt to the real status. Working as an actuator, the input current for MRD is then determined by the T2F-I-MRD to generate the required damping force which is estimated by the Ad-op-SMC and the nonlinear observer. It is shown that the obtained survey results reflect the AT2FC’s excellent vibration control performance compared with the other controllers.
Structural Evaluation for Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation Based on Complex Network
Authors: Xue Fei , Xu Yingyu , Zhu Huaiying , Lu Shaofeng , Huang Tao , Zhang Jinling
Published: October 2017

Structural analysis based on complex network theory has been considered promising for security issues of power grids. At the same time, modern power distribution networks with more Distributed Generations (DGs) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) have taken on more challenges in operation and security issues. This paper proposed a dedicated metric named as Power-Supply-Ability for power distribution networks based on net-ability. Special features of DGs, such as relations of capacities, identification of effective supply area, and limitation in continuous power supply, have been considered in definition. Furthermore, a novel opinion is proposed that the extent of improvement for operation and security by adding DGs also depends on the original structure of the distribution networks. This is an inherent ability of the original networks and could be quantitatively analyzed. Through case studies, this method has been proved to be effective in identifying potential structural vulnerabilities of distribution networks; particularly the impact of DGs on security has been studied. Furthermore, it can help in site selection for DGs by providing different priorities of locations compared with results of other works. This can help to complement other methods to construct a more comprehensive methodology by considering aspects of security, economy, and quality.
Sleep in the Postpartum: Characteristics of First-Time, Healthy Mothers
Authors: Creti Laura , Libman Eva , Rizzo Dorrie , Fichten Catherine S. , Bailes Sally , Tran Dieu-Ly , Zelkowitz Phyllis
Published: October 2017

Goals for the present study were to (a) describe the sleep of healthy new mothers over a 6-month postpartum period, (b) examine how sleep quality relates to daytime levels of fatigue and sleepiness, and (c) evaluate the relationship between mothers’ and infants’ sleep parameters. The sample consisted of 37 healthy, partnered, first-time mothers who had experienced full-term vaginal birth and had a healthy infant. We investigated infants’ sleep parameters and mothers’ sleep, mood, and daytime functioning 2 and 6 months postpartum. We found that at 2 months postpartum, mothers reported sleeping 6 hours at night and just under one hour during the day. Despite relatively frequent nocturnal awakenings, mothers experienced minimal insomnia, nonrefreshing sleep, anxiety, depression, daytime sleepiness, or fatigue at either 2 or 6 months. The most robust relationship between mothers’ and infants’ sleep was in the number of nocturnal sleep-wake episodes. Of note is that none of the infant sleep parameters was related to mothers’ anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleepiness, or nonrefreshing sleep at either time period. Our results indicate that (1) selected low risk new mothers are resilient in terms of sleep quality, daytime functioning, and mood and (2) these are independent of their infants’ sleep parameters.
CandidaChorioamnionitis Leads to Preterm Birth and Adverse Fetal-Neonatal Outcome
Authors: Maki Yohei , Fujisaki Midori , Sato Yuichiro , Sameshima Hiroshi
Published: October 2017

Candidachorioamnionitis is rare but can lead to neonatal infection, high mortality, and neurodevelopmental impairment. We aimed to investigate maternal clinical features and perinatal outcomes and discuss future management strategies. We reviewed the medical records of women withCandidachorioamnionitis at our hospital over a 10-year period (n=9) and previous published case reports and case series. The most prevalentCandidaspecies wasC. albicans(71.3% of the all cases). The most prevalent predisposing condition was preterm premature rupture of membranes (31/123, 25.2%), followed by pregnancy with a retained intrauterine contraceptive device (26/123, 21.1%) and pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (25/123, 20.3%). Preterm labor was the most common symptom (52/123, 42.3%), and only 13% of cases involved fever. Of the infants, 27% of the singletons and 23.8% of the twins were born before 22 gestational weeks, while 60% of the singletons and 76.2% of the twins were born at 22–36 weeks. The median birth weight of the babies born after 22 weeks was 1230 g. The mortality rates of the singletons and twins born after 22 weeks of gestation in the year 2000 or later were 28.6% and 52.4%, respectively. Antenatal treatment forCandidachorioamnionitis has not been established.