bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning by Driving: Productivity Improvements by New York City Taxi Drivers
Authors: Haggag Kareem , McManus Brian , Paci Giovanni
Published: December 2016

We study learning by doing by New York City taxi drivers, who have substantial discretion over their driving strategies and receive compensation closely tied to their success in finding customers. In addition to documenting learning overall by these entrepreneurial agents, we exploit our data's breadth to investigate the factors that contribute to driver improvement across a variety of situations. New drivers lag further behind experienced drivers when in difficult situations. Drivers benefit from accumulating neighborhood-specific experience, which affects how they search for their next customers. (JEL D83, J24, L26, L92, R41)
Ready for Boarding? The Effects of a Boarding School for Disadvantaged Students
Authors: Behaghel Luc , de Chaisemartin Clément , Gurgand Marc
Published: December 2016

Boarding schools substitute school to home, but little is known on the effects this substitution produces on students. We present results of an experiment in which seats in a boarding school for disadvantaged students were randomly allocated. Boarders enjoy better studying conditions than control students. However, they start outperforming control students in mathematics only two years after admission, and this effect mostly comes from strong students. Boarders initially experience lower levels of well-being but then adjust. This suggests that substituting school to home is disruptive: only strong students benefit from the school, once they have adapted to their new environment. (JEL H75, I21, I24, I28)
Politics and Local Economic Growth: Evidence from India
Authors: Asher Sam , Novosad Paul
Published: December 2016

Political favoritism affects the allocation of government resources, but is it consequential for growth? Using a close election regression discontinuity design and data from India, we measure the local economic impact of being represented by a politician in the ruling party. Favoritism leads to higher private sector employment, higher share prices of firms, and increased output as measured by night lights; the three effects are similar and economically substantive. Finally, we present evidence that politicians influence firms primarily through control over the implementation of regulation. (JEL D72, L51, O17, O18, O43, R11)
Fertility Decline and Missing Women
Authors: Jayachandran Seema
Published: December 2016

The desire for smaller families is conjectured as one reason the male-to-female sex ratio has increased with economic development in several countries. Families that strongly want at least one son are less likely to obtain him by chance at low fertility, which could increase their use of sex-selective abortion. This paper quantifies the relationship between desired fertility and the sex ratio in India by eliciting sex composition preferences at specified fertility levels. I find that the desired sex ratio increases sharply as fertility falls and that fertility decline explains one third to one half of India's recent sex ratio increase. (JEL I21, J13, J16, O15, O18)
Risky Transportation Choices and the Value of a Statistical Life
Authors: León Gianmarco , Miguel Edward
Published: December 2016

This paper exploits an unusual transportation setting to generate some of the first revealed preference value of a statistical life (VSL) estimates from a low-income setting. We estimate the trade-offs individuals are willing to make between mortality risk and cost as they travel to and from the international airport in Sierra Leone. The setting and original dataset allow us to address some typical omitted variable concerns, and also to compare VSL estimates for travelers from different countries, all facing the same choice situation. The average VSL estimate for African travelers in the sample is US$577,000 compared to US$924,000 for non-Africans. (JEL I12, J17, O15, O18, R41)
Detection of Microcystin (Mcye) Gene in Recreational Lakes in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Rohaslinda , Rafatullah Mohd , Yusof Tengku , Sim Yi , Ismail Norli , Lalung Japareng
Published: December 2016

Toxic cyanobacteria blooms became a worldwide problems as many countries encounter the presence of the blooms in most of water bodies. As part to develop monitoring of cyanobacterial toxins in Malaysia, samples taken in twelve points in five different lakes in Miri, Sarawak. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of cyanobacterial 16S rRNA were carried out to detect the presence of cyanobacteria in the water samples. Cyanobacterial 16S rRNA were detected in all the samples collected. While molecular analysis for detection of cyanobacterial toxin encoding gene were done using specific primers. PCR amplification of cyanobacterial toxin-encoding gene were carried using the combination of forward primer; mcyE-F2 and reverse primer; mcyE-R4 to amplify generic microcystin (mcyE) gene in the samples. Out of twelve samples collected, microcystin (mcyE) producing gene was detected in one of the samples tested. Presence of microcystin encoding gene indicates the risk of cyanobacterial toxins in Miri, Sarawak.
Current Groundwater Conditions in Alluvial Gangetic Plains of Haridwar District, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Krishan Gopal , Singh Surjeet , Khanna Anurag , Singh R. P , Ghosh N.C
Published: December 2016

In the present study, data of 41 hydrograph stations distributed in the Haridwar district are analysed for the years 2014-15 for depth to water level and water quality. The average depth to water level during pre-monsoon is found 10.74 m and in post-monsoon there is a rise of 0.23 m in average water level and found 10.51 m. Among all the 6 blocks viz. Bhagwanpur, Bhadarabad, Khanpur, Laksar, Narsan and Roorkee, the distribution of water level shows that the water levels are deep in the entire Bhagwanpur block. For assessing the groundwater quality, the water samples were collected from 40 sites covering the entire district. The groundwater is formed as Ca-Mg-HCO3 type. In the groundwater, alkaline earths exceed the alkalis and weak acids dominate strong acids. Although groundwater quality is good for drinking as well as irrigation purpose but in few samples higher concentrations of NO3-, Cl− and SO42− ions are found and hence continuous monitoring is required for these ions as precautionary measures.
Tree Species Composition and Distribution Pattern in a Myristica Swamp of Northern Kerala, India
Authors: Sreejith K. A , Chandrashekara U. M , Nirmesh T. K , Sreekumar V. B
Published: December 2016

Knema Phytosociological studies have been carried out in a Myristica swamp in Northern Kerala to reveal the composition and distribution pattern of different tree species. On the basis of IVI, the family Myristicaceae was dominant and the association is attenuata - Myristica malabarica -Holigarna arnottiana type. The species like Gymnacranthera canarica and Myristica fatua var. magnifica, which are believed to be the essential elements of Myristica swamps, are totally absent here. A total 403 individuals (gbh > 10.1 cm) were recorded with a basal area of 34.25 m2 ha-1 in 0.5 ha. area. Total number of species recorded was 28, which represent 21families in which Myristicaceae represents 48.18% of total IVI. Among two dominant species, Myristica malabarica prefer swampy area hence their number of individual shows decreasing trend when we move from the swamp while the second dominant species Knema attenuata showing a reverse trend and was completely absent in the first five quadrats where soil water content is too high. Species specific eco-physiological studies are required to understand the reasons for change in the distribution pattern of these dominant species.
Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Load in the Gut of Detritus Fishes: A Case Study of Pichavaram Mangrove Environment, Southeast Coast, India
Authors: Thangamani V , Rajendran N.
Published: December 2016

Total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) load of detritus fin and shell fishes collected from mangrove environment were investigated. The collected fish and prawn samples were subjected to the microbiological study. The THB load was higher in milk fish (Chanos chanos) (2.24 x 105 CFU/g) followed by Indian white prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus) (3.16 x 105 CFU/g) than the Liza parsia (1.90 x 105 CFU/g) and Penaeus monodon (1.88 x 105 CFU/g). A total of 355 bacterial strains were isolated and identified, in which 64, 57, 51, 47, 44, 42, 21, 29, 355 strains were belongs to Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas spp., Bacillus spp., Enterobacter spp., Vibrio spp., Flavobacterium spp., Alcaligenes spp. and Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Aeromonas spp., respectively. The present work showed that the Bacillus spp., were higher in the gut of fish and prawn samples studied. This work suggests that these bacteria can be effectively used as supplement in fish/prawn feed for commercial aquaculture or as probiotic to enhance the colonization in fish/prawn gut.
Vegetational analysis, carbon stock and regeneration potential of Myrica esculenta at different forest sites around Nainital
Authors: Gwal Pratibha , Lodhiyal Neelu , Rawat Y. S , Adhikari Bhawna
Published: December 2016

The present study deals with the assessment of species diversity, regeneration potential and carbon stock of Myrica esculenta (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) trees at different forest sites around Nainital. The density of trees, saplings and seedlings across different forests varied from 660-860, 460-1410 and 1480-3130 ind.ha-1. The species diversity ranged from 1.979-2.322, 1.525-2.024 and 1.689-2.142, for trees, saplings and seedlings, respectively. Among forests, the regeneration was best in Cypress mixed forest. Thus, the presence of either seedlings or saplings of new tree species in the forest site 1 and 2 indicate that the forest may be replaced by these species in near future. Total trees biomass of forests ranged from 213-349 t ha-1. Of this, M. esculenta accounted for 9-24%. Total carbon content of trees in forests ranged from 101-166 t C ha-1. M. esculenta (Kaphal) fruits are edible and trees are destroyed for fuel wood by local people, therefore, Kaphal trees are under high anthropogenic pressure. Thus we need to pay attention and take proper care for management and conservation of forest sites with Kaphal trees.
Biomass and Carbon Stocks of Different Tree Plantations in Entisol Soil of Eastern Chhattisgarh India
Authors: Bhardwaj Atul , Chandra K. K
Published: December 2016

In present study, biomass and carbon accumulated in different tree species plantations after 25 year age of planting in entisol soil was evaluated. Plant attributes viz MAI diameter, MAI height, AGB and BGB and total biomass of trees exhibited significant variations among tree species however, A. lebbeck was found to have highest MAI diameter while E. globulus scored the highest MAI height among all other trees of investigation. Total biomass was found maximum 30.16 q/tree followed with 16.66 q/tree in A. lebbeck and E. globulus respectively as compared to average biomass of all tree species (8.15 q/tree). The performances of D. indica and D. sissoo were poor as they rendered less biomass in entisol soil. Total carbon stocks of plantation was estimated highest (942.50 t/ha) in A. lebbeck followed by E. globulus (520.62 t/ha), T. arjuna (143.12 t/ha), A. indica (106.87 t/ha) etc.
Occupational Health Surveillance: Lung Function Testing in Seafood Workers
Authors: Amaravathi Thirumoorthy , Parimalam Paramasivam , Hemalatha Ganapathysamy , Ganguli Anind
Published: December 2016

In this study the lung function status of women workers in seafood industry in India (especially in Tuticorin district) were examined. One hundred and five women workers were randomly selected from five seafood-processing units were from peeling, grading and setting sections. Lung function was measured by recording the flow/volume, Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) curves on which different static and dynamic parameters were read. The work timings were greatly dependent on the demand for the seafood during the peak season from June to March. Both the static and dynamic values were found to be lower for those with longer period of work experience. Section wise analysis indicated that workers in fish grading section had lower level of static and dynamic parameters. Seventy three percent of women workers had moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Total Immunoglobulin E (total IgE) and static and dynamic parameters indicated that the dynamic parameters such as FEV1 and PEF were significantly associated with different levels of total IgE (total immunoglobulin E) and the same trend was observed in static parameters of FVC.
Stream Flow Modeling For Ranganadi Hydropower Project in India Considering Climate Change
Authors: Patil Manti
Published: December 2016

The Stream-flow is key component of hydro power project regulation. The present study has been conducted to identify the impact of climate change on stream flow of Ranganadi River, a sub-set of Brahmaputra basin situated at north-East region of India, which receives more rainfall as compare to other parts of India The three GCM model viz.HadCM3, CGCM2 and GFDL monthly data with A2 scenario have been choose for Downscaling by advanced neural technique (Artificial Neural Network).The prediction result show as an positive increasing trend up to 2040 for Ranganadi River. This will create the flood problem but capacity of hydroelectricity generation will be increase.
General and Relative Growth Studies in Formulated Feed of Fresh Water Prawn M. Assamensis peninsularis (Tiwari) from Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand
Authors: Joshi Mamta , Ingole Nandkishor , Bisht H. C. S , Pandey N. N
Published: December 2016

The present paper deals with the study of relative growth of fresh water prawn Macrobrachium assamensis peninsularis. Experiment was conducted to study the effect of different formulated diets. The experiment diets were prepared with similar ingredient composition with only difference in protein supplement source. The stocked animals were fed with control diet (D0) and three experimental diets (D1-D3). The food was given at 8 am and 4 pm at the rate of 5% of the total biomass. Study was conducted during July 2007- June 2008. The relative per month growth increment was observed maximum in the case of animal fed with diet D3 followed by animal fed with diet D2. It was 2.08 mm in male and 1.44 in female for per month increment in length of animal fed with diet D3 and 0.11 gm in males and 0.073 gm in females for per month increment in weight of the same group of animals. Finally concluded that formulated feed to enhanced the relative growth of both the sexes under laboratory condition.
Impact on CDC Guideline Compliance after Incorporating Pharmacy in a Pneumococcal Vaccination Screening Process
Authors: Pickren Elizabeth , Crane Brad
Published: December 2016

Background

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for pneumococcal vaccinations were updated in 2014. Given the complexity of the guidelines and the fact that hospitals are no longer required to keep records for pneumococcal vaccinations, many hospitals are determining whether to continue this service.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to determine the impact on compliance with the revised pneumococcal vaccination guidelines from the CDC after involving pharmacy in the screening and selection processes. Secondary objectives were to determine the impact of the new process on inappropriate vaccination duplications, the time spent by pharmacy on assessments, and financial outcomes.

Methods

This institutional review board (IRB)–approved, retrospective, cohort study examined all patients who received a pneumococcal vaccination from January to February 2016 after implementing a new process whereby pharmacy performed pneumococcal vaccination screening and selection (intervention group). These patients were compared to patients who received a pneumococcal vaccination from January to February 2015 (control group).

Results

Of 274 patients who received a pneumococcal vaccine, 273 were included in the study. Compliance to CDC guidelines increased from 42% to 97%. Noncompliant duplications decreased from 16% to 2%. In the intervention group, labor cost for assessments and expenditure for vaccines increased. For Medicare patients, the increased reimbursement balanced the increased expenditure in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Involving pharmacy in the pneumococcal vaccine screening and selection process improves compliance to CDC guidelines, but further clinical and financial analysis is needed to determine financial sustainability of the new process.
Impact of Targeted Educational Interventions on Clostridium difficile Infection Treatment in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Hammond Drayton A. , Hughes Catherine A. , Painter Jacob T. , Pennick Rose E. , Chatterjee Kshitij , Boye Bradley , Meena Nikhil
Published: December 2016

Background

Clostridium diffcile infection (CDI) is a growing clinical and economic burden throughout the world. Pharmacists often are members of the primary care team in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting; however, the impact of pharmacists educating other health care providers on appropriateness of CDI treatment has not been previously examined.

Objective

This study was performed to determine the impact of structured educational interventions on CDI treatment on appropriateness of CDI treatment and clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of patients with CDI in the medical ICU at an academic medical center between January and June 2014 (pre-period) and 2015 (post-period). All patients were evaluated for appropriate CDI treatment before and after implementing pharmacist-provided educational interventions on CDI treatment.

Results

Patients in the post-period were prescribed appropriate CDI treatment more frequently than patients in the pre-period (91.7% vs 41.7%; p = .03) and received fewer inappropriate doses of a CDI treatment agent (14 doses vs 30 doses). Patients in the pre-period had a shorter ICU length of stay [1.5 days (range, 1–19) vs 3.5 days (range, 2–36); p = .01] and a similar hospital length of stay [9.5 days (range, 4–24) vs 11.5 days (range, 3–56); p = .30]. Total time spent providing interventions was 4 hours.

Conclusion

Patients had appropriate CDI treatment initiated more frequently in the post-period. This low-cost intervention strategy should be easy to implement in institutions where pharmacists interact with physicians during clinical rounds and should be evaluated in institutions where interactions between pharmacists and physicians occur more frequently in non-rounding situations.
Stability of Levodopa/Carbidopa Rectal Suspensions
Authors: Donnelly Ronald F.
Published: December 2016

Objective

The combination of levodopa and carbidopa (L/C) is used as an effective therapy for treating Parkinson's disease; however when oropharyngeal dysphagia develops or when insertion of an nasogastric tube is not possible, then rectal administration could be used. To reduce compounding workload and establish a beyond use date, this study was conducted to determine the stability of 2 L/C rectal suspension formulations when stored at either 22°C or 5°C.

Methods

Two formulations of L/C rectal suspension were compounded and then packaged in amber polypropylene bottles. Three bottles of each formulation were stored at either 22°C or 5°C and analyzed at 11 time periods. Physical parameters such as caking, ease of resuspending, and pH were also determined at each time period. A validated stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to analyze both active ingredients.

Results

All solutions were easy to resuspend, there were no signs of caking, and there was no significant change in pH over the 35 days of storage at either temperature. The glycerin-based formulation (formulation 1) was less stable at 22°C (10 days) than formulation 2 (24 days). Both rectal suspensions were stable for 35 days when stored at 5°C.

Conclusions

The physical compatibility and chemical stability of 2 formulations of L/C rectal suspension packaged in amber polypropylene bottles was determined to be either 10 or 24 days when stored at 22°C or 35 days at 5°C.
Taltíbio, o arauto dos Aqueus na versão de Eurípides
Authors: Silva Maria de Fátima
Published: December 2016

Ainda que possa ser considerado uma figura menor, o Taltíbio de Hécuba e Troianas de Eurípides tem uma intervenção crescente na estrutura das peças. Além de lhe ser atribuído um perfil cuidado, o poeta parece fazer com esta figura uma experiência: ora a põe em diálogo consigo própria, porque o Taltíbio de Hécuba tem uma personalidade contrária do de Troianas, ora faz dele o contraponto de heróis tradicionais, particularmente de Ulisses.
MARTÍNEZ SARIEGO, Mónica María, Horacio en Alberto Lista. La impronta horaciana en el corpus teórico y en la obra poética de Alberto Lista, 188 pp., Sevilla - Alfar: Alfar Universidad, 195. 2014, ISBN 978-84-7898-549-4
Authors: Gallarte Israel Muñoz
Published: December 2016

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_68_20
POMPEU, Ana Maria César e SOUSA, Francisco Edi de Oliveira (orgs.), Grécia e Roma no universo de Augusto, 217 pp. Coimbra – São Paulo, Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra – Annablume, 2015, ISBN: 978-989-26-1052-8, ISBN digital 978-989-26-1053-5
Authors: Margarido Ferreira Paulo Sérgio
Published: December 2016

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_68_23
SOARES DOS REIS, Alcenir e FIGUEIREDO, Betânia Gonçalves (org.), Patrimônio imaterial em perspetiva, 288 pp., Belo Horizonte, Fino Traço Editora, Coleção Patrimônio nº 11, 2015, ISBN 978-85-8054-247-9
Authors: Correia Virgílio Hipólito
Published: December 2016

https://doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_68_27
Enhancing the luminance of converted green LEDs in LED projectors
Authors: Schulz Benjamin , Neumann Cornelius
Published: December 2016

High-power light-emitting diodes have successfully found their way into projection applications. Owing to their long lifetime, small size, and easy electrical drive, they are getting more and more attractive for use in various kinds of projectors. The challenge to achieve higher brightness levels lies in the étendue limitation, which is determined mainly by the size of the microdisplay inside the projection system. In this paper, a new approach is presented to increase the output flux of LED-based projectors by enhancing the luminance of converted green LEDs.
A taxonomic review of hymenolepidids (Eucestoda, Hymenolepididae) from dormice (Rodentia, Gliridae), with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Makarikov Arseny A.
Published: December 2016

In present study the systematic and taxonomic position of hymenolepidids parasitizing rodents of the family Gliridae from Europe and Central Asia is discussed.
Occurrence of Naegleria species in therapeutic geothermal water sources, Northern Iran
Authors: Latifi Ali Reza , Niyyati Maryam , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Haghighi Ali , Tabaei Seyyed Javad Seyyed , Lasjerdi Zohreh , Azargashb Eznolah
Published: December 2016

Potentially pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae include members belonging to
Occurrence of two novel actinospore types (Cnidaria: Myxosporea) in Brazilian fish farms, and the creation of a novel actinospore collective group, Seisactinomyxon
Authors: Milanin Tiago , Atkinson Stephen D. , Silva Márcia R.M. , Alves Roberto G. , Maia Antônio A.M. , Adriano Edson A.
Published: December 2016

The involvement of oligochaetes in the life cycles of fresh water myxozoan parasites in Brazil was investigated. Of 333 oligochaetes collected in a fish farm in the State of São Paulo, three (0.9%) released Aurantiactinomyxon type spores. From 86 worms collected in a fish farm in Mato Grosso do Sul State, 1 (0.9%) released actinospores with a novel morphology for which we propose the name Seisactinomyxon. Infected oligochaetes were identified by morphology: all belonged to family Naididae, with
Dictyocaulosis in dairy cows in Brazil: an epidemiological, clinical-pathological and therapeutic approach
Authors: Henker Luan C. , Schwertz Claiton I. , Lucca Neuber J. , Piva Manoela M. , Giacomin Patricia , Gris Anderson , Rhoden Leandro A. , Norbury Luke J. , da Silva Aleksandro S. , da Rosa Rafael A. , Mendes Ricardo E.
Published: December 2016

An outbreak of severe parasitic pneumonia caused by
Transcriptional immune response in mesenteric lymph nodes in pigs with different levels of resistance to Ascaris suum
Authors: Skallerup Per , Nejsum Peter , Cirera Susanna , Skovgaard Kerstin , Pipper Christian B. , Fredholm Merete , Jørgensen Claus B. , Thamsborg Stig M.
Published: December 2016

A single nucleotide polymorphism on chromosome 4 (SNP TXNIP) has been reported to be associated with roundworm
The first successful report of the in vitro life cycle of Chinese Leishmania: the in vitro conversion of Leishmania amastigotes has been raised to 94% by testing 216 culture medium compound
Authors: Li Jiao , Zheng Zhi-Wan , Natarajan Gayathri , Chen Qi-Wei , Chen Da-Li , Chen Jian-Ping
Published: December 2016

Chinese
Reduced [14C]-methionine uptake and fecundity in Schistosoma mansoni females treated with recombinant tumor necrosis factor α in vitro
Authors: Haseeb M.A. , Agrawal Raag , Fried Bernard
Published: December 2016

Recombinant human TNFα (rhTNFα) has previously been shown to reduce fecundity in
A new feather mite of the genus Neodectes Park and Atyeo 1971 (Acari: Proctophyllodidae) from New Zealand wrens (Passeriformes: Acanthisittidae)
Authors: Mironov Sergey V. , Oconnor Barry M.
Published: December 2016

A new feather mite species,
Exploring possibilities for an alternative approach in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni: the peritoneal cavity of mice
Authors: Mati Vitor L.T. , Bicalho Rosilene S. , Melo Alan L.
Published: December 2016

The schistosome oviposition and granuloma constitution in the peritoneal cavity of AKR/J mice were evaluated. Groups of mice intraperitoneally infected with cercariae of
Molecular diagnosis of Entamoeba spp. versus microscopy in the Great Cairo
Authors: Roshdy Mohamed H. , Abd El-Kader Nour M. , Ali-Tammam Marwa , Fuentes Isabel , Mohamed Magdy M. , El-Sheikh Nabila A. , Rubio Jose Miguel
Published: December 2016

Amoebiasis is a human disease produced by
Genetic diversity among Babesia rossi detected in naturally infected dogs in Abeokuta, Nigeria, based on 18S rRNA gene sequences
Authors: Takeet Michael I. , Oyewusi Adeoye J. , Abakpa Simon A.V. , Daramola Olukayode O. , Peters Sunday O.
Published: December 2016

Adequate knowledge of the genetic diversity among
Morphological and molecular characterization of Cucullanus bourdini Petter et Le Bel, 1992 (Ascaridida: Cucullanidae) from the yellowback fusilier Caesio xanthonota Bleeker (Perciformes: Caesionidae)
Authors: Xu Zhen , Chen Hui-Xia , Ju Hui-Dong , Li Liang
Published: December 2016

The detailed morphology of
Report of fatal mixed infection with Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis in neonatal calves
Authors: Matsuura Yuu , Matsubayashi Makoto , Nukata Satoko , Shibahara Tomoyuki , Ayukawa Osamu , Kondo Yasuko , Matsuo Tomohide , Uni Shigehiko , Furuya Masaru , Tani Hiroyuki , Tsuji Naotoshi , Sasai Kazumi
Published: December 2016

In the production and management of beef and dairy cattle, controlling diarrhea is one of the important concerns. Pathogenic agents of the disease, protozoan parasites including
Lethal Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a Hungarian dog
Authors: Benda Tibor , Csivincsik Ágnes , Nemes Csaba , Turbók Janka , Zsolnai Attila , Simonyai Erika , Majoros Gábor , Nagy Gábor
Published: December 2016

During post-mortem examination of lungs and heart of a 7-month-old female French bulldog, 158 worms were collected from the lung vessels and they proved
Serosurvey of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sport horses from Paraiba state, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Almeida Jonatas C. , Vidotto Odilon , Ferreira Edlainne P. , Ribeiro Luana P.S. , Mongruel Anna C.B. , Vieira Thállitha S.W.J. , Freire Roberta L. , Mota Rinaldo A. , Vieira Rafael F.C.
Published: December 2016

Although the infection by
Role and inhibition of Src signaling in the progression of liver cancer
Authors: Ren Hong , Fang Jie , Ding Xianjun , Chen Qiyun
Published: December 2016

During 2012, about 782,500 new liver cancer cases were diagnosed and 745,500 deaths occurred all around the world. Liver cancer is the 2nd major cause of cancer death in men around the world and in underdeveloped countries. Dysregulation of the balance between proliferation and cell death, hepatitis B virus infection and hepatitis C virus chronic infection, and carcinogenic micro RNAs mainly contribute to the development and progression of liver cancer. Under physiological status, Src maintained the foundation of cells. While in liver cancer, it is known that the basic activities of cells are apparently disturbed possibly by Src. The mechanisms underlying the development and progression of liver cancer is needed to elucidate. In this study, we summarized newly found regulation pathway of SRC signaling, and clinical experience with inhibitors of Src signaling, such as, novel molecules that directly or indirectly targeted Src signaling which can be utilized in the treatment of liver cancer.
Effect of Trypsin on Antioxidant Activity and Gel-Rheology of Flaxseed Protein
Authors: Chang Yuan-yuan , Bi Chong-hao , Wang Li-jun , Li Dong , Adhikari Benu , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: December 2016

Enzymatic hydrolysis of flaxseed protein (FP) was carried out using trypsin in order to obtain flaxseed protein hydrolysates possessing better antioxidative property and modified rheological properties. The antioxidative properties of hydrolysates were much higher than the unhydrolyzed flaxseed protein. The hydrolysis also significantly reduced the hydrodynamic diameter of the magnitude of zeta potential of the dispersions. The gelling point of the hydrolysates occurred earlier than the unhydrolyzed sample while the duration of hydrolysis (30–120 min) did not affect gelling point of the hydrolysates. Considerable decrease in the gel strength and the frequency dependence of gel strength were observed in gels produced using hydrolyzed flaxseed protein. The above findings indicate that hydrolysates possessing high degree of antioxidative properties. The gels produces from these hydrolysates will have fast gelling property and will produce gels with reasonable strength. Thus, flaxseed protein hydrolysates obtained from trypsin hydrolysis can be used in applications that require proteins with higher antioxidative properties but softer texture.
A Novel Global ABC Algorithm with Self-Perturbing
Authors: Zhou Shuliang , Feng Dongqing , Ding Panpan
Published: December 2016

Artificial bee colony (ABC) is a kind of a metaheuristic population-based algorithms proposed in 2005. Due to its simple parameters and flexibility, the ABC algorithm is applied to engineering problems, algebra problems, and so on. However, its premature convergence and slow convergence speed are inherent shortcomings. Aiming at the shortcomings, a novel global ABC algorithm with self-perturbing (IGABC) is proposed in this paper. On the basis of the original search equation, IGABC adopts a novel self-adaptive search equation, introducing the guidance of the global optimal solution. The search method improves the convergence precision and the global search capacity. An excellent leader can lead the whole team to obtain more success. In order to obtain a better “leader,” IGABC proposes a novel method with global self-perturbing. To avoid falling into the local optimum, this paper designed a new mutation strategy that simulates the natural phenomenon of sick fish being eaten.
A Multiple Criteria-Based Cost Function Using Wavelet and Edge Transformation for Medical Image Steganography
Authors: Nipanikar S.I. , Hima Deepthi V.
Published: December 2016

With the ever-increasing need for concealing messages within cover media like image, video, and audio, numerous attempts have been developed for steganography. Most of the steganographic techniques perform their embedding operation on the cover image without selecting a better location. The right selection of location for embedding the information can lead to high imperceptibility and robustness. Accordingly, in this paper, we develop a new cost function for estimating the cost of every pixel to identify the good location to embed the message data. The proposed cost estimation procedure utilizes multiple parameters like wavelet coefficient, edge transformation, and pixel intensity. The proposed cost matrix is then utilized to embed the message data into the cover media using an embedding integer. The proposed steganographic technique is experimented with two magnetic resonance brain images, and the results are analyzed with the peak-to-peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and mean square error. The robustness analysis ensured that the proposed steganographic technique outperforms the existing methods by reaching the maximum PSNR of 72.74 dB.
Nanoscale hierarchical optical interactions for secure information
Authors: Tate Naoya , Naruse Makoto
Published: December 2016

There is increasing demand for novel physical security that can differentiate between real and false specific artifact that have been added to bank bills, certifications, and other vouchers. The most simple and effective method for improving the security level is to scale down the elemental structures so that they cannot be duplicated by attackers. While there is a paradox that the achieved fabrication resolution by a defender can also be realized by an attacker, further improvement in security is possible by the functional fusion of artifact metrics and nanophotonics. The fundamental advantages of this concept are the high-level clone resistance and individuality of nanoscale artifacts, which are based on the super-resolution fabrication and nanoscale hierarchical structure of optical near-field interactions, respectively. In this paper, the basis for the fabrication of nanoscale artifacts by utilizing random phenomena is described, and a quantitative evaluation of the security level is presented. An experimental demonstration using a nano-/macro-hierarchical hologram is presented to demonstrate the fundamental procedure for retrieving nanoscale features as hidden information. Finally, the concept and a simple demonstration of non-scanning probe microscopy are described as a practical application of the retrieval and authentication of nanoscale artifact metrics.
Electrospinning for nano- to mesoscale photonic structures
Authors: Skinner Jack L. , Andriolo Jessica M. , Murphy John P. , Ross Brandon M.
Published: December 2016

The fabrication of photonic and electronic structures and devices has directed the manufacturing industry for the last 50 years. Currently, the majority of small-scale photonic devices are created by traditional microfabrication techniques that create features by processes such as lithography and electron or ion beam direct writing. Microfabrication techniques are often expensive and slow. In contrast, the use of electrospinning (ES) in the fabrication of micro- and nano-scale devices for the manipulation of photons and electrons provides a relatively simple and economic viable alternative. ES involves the delivery of a polymer solution to a capillary held at a high voltage relative to the fiber deposition surface. Electrostatic force developed between the collection plate and the polymer promotes fiber deposition onto the collection plate. Issues with ES fabrication exist primarily due to an instability region that exists between the capillary and collection plate and is characterized by chaotic motion of the depositing polymer fiber. Material limitations to ES also exist; not all polymers of interest are amenable to the ES process due to process dependencies on molecular weight and chain entanglement or incompatibility with other polymers and overall process compatibility. Passive and active electronic and photonic fibers fabricated through the ES have great potential for use in light generation and collection in optical and electronic structures/devices. ES produces fiber devices that can be combined with inorganic, metallic, biological, or organic materials for novel device design. Synergistic material selection and post-processing techniques are also utilized for broad-ranging applications of organic nanofibers that span from biological to electronic, photovoltaic, or photonic. As the ability to electrospin optically and/or electronically active materials in a controlled manner continues to improve, the complexity and diversity of devices fabricated from this process can be expected to grow rapidly and provide an alternative to traditional resource-intensive fabrication techniques.
Mixed-ligand aminoalcohol-dicarboxylate copper(II) coordination polymers as catalysts for the oxidative functionalization of cyclic alkanes and alkenes
Authors: Kirillova Marina V. , Paiva Polyana Tomé de , Carvalho Wagner A. , Mandelli Dalmo , Kirillov Alexander M.
Published: December 2016

New copper(II) catalytic systems for the mild oxidative C–H functionalization of cycloalkanes and cycloalkenes were developed, which are based on a series of mixed-ligand aminoalcohol-dicarboxylate coordination polymers, namely [Cu2(μ-dmea)2(μ-nda)(H2O)2]n·2nH2O (1), [Cu2(μ-Hmdea)2(μ-nda)]n·2nH2O (2), and [Cu2(μ-Hbdea)2(μ-nda)]n·2nH2O (3) that bear slightly different dicopper(II) aminoalcoholate cores, as well as on a structurally distinct dicopper(II) [Cu2(H4etda)2(μ-nda)]·nda·4H2O (4) derivative [abbreviations: H2nda, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; Hdmea,N,N′-dimethylethanolamine; H2mdea,N-methyldiethanolamine; H2bdea,N-butyldiethanolamine; H4etda,N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine]. Compounds1–4act as homogeneous catalysts in the three types of model catalytic reactions that proceed in aqueous acetonitrile medium under mild conditions (50–60°C): (i) the oxidation of cyclohexane by hydrogen peroxide to cyclohexyl hydroperoxide, cyclohexanol, and cyclohexanone, (ii) the oxidation of cycloalkenes (cyclohexene, cyclooctene) by hydrogen peroxide to a mixture of different oxidation products, and (iii) the single-pot hydrocarboxylation of cycloalkanes (cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane) by carbon monoxide, water, and a peroxodisulfate oxidant into the corresponding cycloalkanecarboxylic acids. The catalyst and substrate scope as well as some mechanistic features were investigated; the highest catalytic activity of1–4was observed in the hydrocarboxylation of cycloalkanes, allowing to achieve up to 50% total product yields (based on substrate).
Effect of natural products on diabetes associated neurological disorders
Authors: Patel Sita Sharan , Udayabanu Malairaman
Published: December 2016

Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder, is associated with neurological complications such as depression, anxiety, hypolocomotion, cognitive dysfunction, phobias, anorexia, stroke, pain, etc. Traditional system of medicine is long known for its efficient management of diabetes. The current review discusses the scope of some common medicinal herbs as well as secondary metabolites with a special focus on diabetes-mediated central nervous system complications. Literatures suggest that natural products reduce diabetes-mediated neurological complications partly by reducing oxidative stress and/or inflammation or apoptosis in certain brain regions. Natural products are known to modulate diabetes-mediated alterations in the level of acetylcholinesterase, choline acetyltransferase, monoamine oxidase, serotonin receptors, muscarinic receptors, insulin receptor, nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neuropeptide in brain. Further, there are several natural products reported to manage diabetic complications with unknown mechanism. In conclusion, medicinal plants or their secondary metabolites have a wide scope and possess therapeutic potential to effectively manage neurological complications associated with chronic diabetes.
Food and Agricultural Trade in the GCC: An Opportunity for South Asia?
Authors: Kodithuwakku Sarath , Weerahewa Jeevika , Boughanmi Houcine
Published: December 2016

The purpose of the present study is to assess the export potential of food and agricultural items from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. We investigated the pattern of trade between the two regions using trade indices and trade data for HS 1–24 categories and also estimated a gravity equation to determine the factors affecting bilateral trade. We extracted UN ComTrade data on exports from the Trademap and the WITS database was used to retrieve data in trade intensities. The results of the descriptive analysis show that India has an advantageous position to achieve more gains from increasing GCC-SAARC food and agricultural trade. The results of the estimation of the gravity equation indicate that the conventional trade cost variables have significant effects on total and food and agricultural trade and India have the highest potential for increasing food and agricultural exports to GCC countries. Further economic cooperation between the GCC and India in the form of a regional integration scheme would enhance trade and food security in the region.
Inédits 4 (1966–1990): De la sémiologie à la sémiotique. Choix de lettres d’A. J. Greimas
Authors: Greimas Algirdas J. , Broden Thomas F.
Published: December 2016

As of his undergraduate days in Grenoble if not before, and up to 1992, Greimas maintained an ample and regular correspondence, notably with family, friends, collaborators, and students. In 1990, he told a compatriot that he mailed about thirty letters a week (Greimas, letter to Aleksandra Kašuba, 4 Sept. 1990, in Greimas and Kašuba (2008: 183)) – and he undoubtedly received as many. A number of correspondents saved his missives, sometimes along with a draft or carbon copy of their letters to him. Public and private collections hold a small portion of these exchanges, and a number of individuals have published a selection of his correspondence. Unfortunately, for his part, Greimas later burned most of the letters in French that he had received, as well as communications from family members. As he explained to Louis-Jean Calvet around 1988, “I was in the process of burning my correspondence. It’s the end of bringing everything to an end.” (Greimas, interviewed by Louis-Jean Calvet, ca. 1988, two cassette tapes.) On the other hand, Greimas did keep certain letters of intellectual or historical interest that he received from Lithuanians. He even edited the letters that the poet Henrikas Radauskas had sent him, which came out as an article in 1993 (see Greimas (1993) in the bibliography), and agreed with Aleksandra Kašuba to save the entirety of their epistolary exchanges for publication in book form, a project realized in 2008. Below, the reader will find a tiny sample of letters that Greimas sent colleagues.
Evaluation of prolidase activity in uremic bone disease
Authors: Kösem Arzu , Öğüş Elmas , Duranay Murat , Yücel Doğan
Published: December 2016

Background

In this study, we planned to evaluate the comparison of serum prolidase activity with other biochemical markers.

Methods

The patient group was consisted of totally 73 patients with 21 male and 18 female who were diagnosed as chronic renal failure (CRF) and were undergoing peritoneal dialysis while 21 male and 13 female who were undergoing hemodialysis. The control group was composed of 54 healthy volunteers, including 25 men and 29 women. Serum and erythrocyte prolidase activities were measured in both patient and control groups and the relationship between serum prolidase activities and metabolic markers of bone (osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, calcitonin, vitamin D and parathormone) were compared in both groups.

Results

There was a significant difference between the serum prolidase activity of peritoneal dialysis and pre-hemodialysis groups as compared with the control group (p<0.05). Serum prolidase activity of the pre-hemodialysis group was lower than that of post-hemodialysis group and there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between prolidase activities in erythrocytes of prehemodialysis and control groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Kidney is the most prolidase-rich tissue in the human body. According to our results, the prolidase activity decreased in CRF; and the level of decrement was independent from the hemodialysis procedure.
Exhaust System for Radial and Axial-Centrifugal Compressor with Pipe Diffuser
Authors: Antas Stanisław
Published: December 2016

The application of radial and axial-centrifugal compressors in turboprop, turboshaft and turbofan engines may require the construction of small diameters diffuser in order to obtain lower weight and smaller frontal area. Conventional exhaust diffusers typically have large outlet diameters for exit Mach numbers lower than 0,2 and low swirl flow to the combustor, hence the design of channel of the low-diameter diffusers called controlled-contour, fishtail-shaped diffuser or diffusing trumpet is complex. The cross-sectional shape of these channels is varied from circular to oval to elliptic and to rectangular. The paper presents an original method for determining the flow parameters in the channel and at the outlet section of the downstream diffusing trumpet for a pipe diffuser, which constitutes the downstream duct of the radial or axial-centrifugal compressor with the pipe diffuser. It also illustrates a new method for determining the geometrical parameters of the diffuser. Mentioned methods (for conceptual design of a compressor with pipe diffuser) are based on Pythagorean theorem, properties of ellipse, equation of continuity, energy equation, first law of thermodynamics, Euler’s moment of momentum equation, gasdynamics functions and definitions used in theory of turbo-machines.
Morpholinium hydrogen sulfate (MHS) ionic liquid as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of bio-active multi-substituted imidazoles (MSI) under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Marzouk Adel A. , Abdelhamid Antar A. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Simpson Jim
Published: December 2016

Morpholinium hydrogen sulfate as an ionic liquid was employed as a catalyst for the synthesis of a biologically active series of multi-substituted imidazoles by a four-component reaction involving the combination of benzil with different aromatic aldehydes, ammonium acetate, and 1-amino-2-propanol under solvent-free conditions. The key advantages of this method are shorter reaction times, very high yield, and ease of processing. Furthermore, the resulting products can be purified by a non-chromatographic method and the ionic liquid catalyst is reusable. All of these novel compounds have been fully characterized from spectral data. The X-ray crystal structures of two representative molecules are also detailed.
The high-pressure phase of CePtAl
Authors: Heymann Gunter , Heying Birgit , Rodewald Ute Ch. , Janka Oliver
Published: December 2016

The intermetallic aluminum compound HP-CePtAl was synthesized by arc melting of the elements with subsequent high-pressure/high-temperature treatment at 1620 K and 10.5 GPa in a multianvil press. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal MgZn2-type structure (P63/mmc) with lattice parameters of a=552.7(1) and c=898.8(2) pm refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. With the help of single crystal investigations (wR=0.0527, 187 F
2 values, 13 variables), the proposed structure type was confirmed and the mixed Pt/Al site occupations could be refined. Magnetic susceptibility measurements showed a disappearance of the complex magnetic ordering phenomena, which are observed in NP-CePtAl.