bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF KREBS CYCLE ACIDS BY GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Kuksis A. , Vishwakarma P.
Published: October 2017

Carbowax-coated Teflon powder (2–3%, w/w, on Teflon 6, 90–100 mesh) columns (5 ft long, 1/8 in. diam.) were used with the Aerograph Hy-Fi gas chromatograph. Complete separations and symmetric peaks were obtained both isothermally (150 °C) and by temperature programming (100–160 °C) for the methyl esters of succinic, oxalacetic, malic, alpha-ketoglutaric, trans- and cis-aconitic, and citric acids. On account of enolization, the alpha-keto esters gave more than one peak, the proportions of which varied with the chromatographic conditions. The succinic and fumaric esters overlapped. The trans isomers were eluted ahead of the cis isomers.A linear relationship was obtained between the areas recorded and the quantities of the individual esters injected in the range of 0.01–10 μg. The absolute response varied with the oxygen content of each ester. Analysis of polycarboxylic acid mixtures from natural sources gave values comparable to those obtained by the more laborious conventional techniques.
CONVERSION OF DISACCHARIDES TO THE CORRESPONDING GLYCOSIDE-3-ULOSES BY INTACT CELLS OF AGROBACTERIUM TUMEFACIENS
Authors: Fukui S. , Hochster R. M.
Published: October 2017

The conversion of trehalose, maltose, and lactose to their corresponding glycoside-3-uloses was demonstrated with growing, intact cells of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Moreover, 3-ketotrehalose, 3-ketomaltose, and 3-ketolactose, the products of these biological conversions, were obtained in the crystalline state and their properties and physical constants are reported here. Structural analyses were carried out as far as possible using such methods as: periodate oxidation, acid and specific enzymatic hydrolysis, and borohydride reduction followed by hydrolysis and subsequent product identification.
THE EFFECT OF INSULIN ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF GLUCOSE BETWEEN THE BLOOD PLASMA AND THE LIVER IN ALLOXAN-DIABETIC AND ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Hetenyi Jr. G. , Kopstick F. K. , Retelstorf L. J.
Published: October 2017

In diabetic rats the concentration of glucose in the liver was less than in the plasma. The relative accumulation of glucose in the liver cell after the injection of insulin was also found to be significantly less in previously untreated diabetic than in normal rats. Pretreatment with insulin restored the response to normal. Experiments with labeled glucose indicated that the rate at which glucose is carried through the hepatic cell membrane is very high compared to the rate at which glucose is being formed in the liver cells in diabetic rats. The relatively small amount of glucose accumulating after insulin in livers of diabetic rats originates from the plasma. In adrenalectomized rats which have very little liver glycogen, the relative accumulation of glucose in liver cells, following the injection of insulin, was less than that in normals. These experiments indicate that in normal rats a large part of the glucose retained in the liver after the injection of insulin originates from non-labeled endogenous hepatic sources, presumably glycogen.
FOOD CONSUMPTION AND RECTAL TEMPERATURE IN RATS DURING THIAMINE DEFICIENCY AND REPLETION
Authors: Veen M. J. , Russell G. , Beaton G. H.
Published: October 2017

Rectal temperature in male rats fell slowly and gradually from ad libitum and pair-led control levels throughout a thiamine depletion period. During this period, food consumption dropped suddenly and sharply to a minimal level. A single oral dose of 50 μg of thiamine hydrochloride produced, within 4 hours, a significant rise (to less than control levels) in rectal temperature and an increase in food consumption within 24 hours. The increase in temperature was independent of the ingestion of food since diet was withheld during the 4 hours following thiamine administration. Subsequent feeding of control diet (containing thiamine) had not further increased the "4-hour" temperature after 24 hours. With continued feeding of control diet, rectal temperature rose to control levels after 3 days. On subsequent withdrawal of dietary thiamine from the deficient group, temperature and food consumption fell as before. When the animals were again repleted with 50 μg thiamine and deficient diet was continued, temperatures rose to the same level reached after the first thiamine administration. A third deprivation and repletion produced identical results.Food restriction alone, in pair-fed control groups, induced an initial elevation of rectal temperature above ad libitum control levels as temperatures in the deficient group were falling, and an eventual decrease below ad libitum control levels only after prolonged food restriction. It is suggested that the initial fall in body temperature in thiamine-deficient rats is not simply a terminal result of food restriction per se, but may reflect alterations in metabolism due to the deficiency.
THE PURIFICATION OF BEEF THYROGLOBULIN WITH THE USE OF GEL FILTRATION
Authors: Perelmutter L. , Devlin W. , Stephenson N. R.
Published: October 2017

A method is described for preparing a 19 S thyroglobulin component from a saline beef thyroid extract by chromatographic fractionation on Sephadex G-200. By employing Sephadex G-200 it was possible to separate a saline extract of minced beef thyroid gland into several fractions, the first of which (fraction I) contained approximately 60% of the protein and 96% of the iodine. Spectrophotometric, ultracentrifugal, and immunochemical methods revealed that fraction I possessed, in addition to the 19 S thyroglobulin protein, a 25 S component as well as serum proteins. A narrow band of fraction I appeared to be free of both the 25 S component and the serum proteins. The material in this subfraction had a sedimentation constant of S20,w = 19.1 and contained 1.2 mg of iodine per 100 mg of protein.
ELECTROPHORESIS OF HISTONES ON POLYACRYLAMIDE GELS
Authors: Driedger A. , Johnson L. D. , Marko A. M.
Published: October 2017

Histories extracted from various organs of the rat have been fractionated by electrophoresis on Polyacrylamide gels. The most convenient reagents to form the gel were selected and the effects of varying concentrations of these reagents on the resolution of histones were investigated. Optimum conditions for the separation of histones were found to be the same as those for starch gel electrophoresis. More consistent results were obtained with the use of Polyacrylamide gels because these gels were equilibrated to constant pH and ionic strength prior to electrophoresis and the gels were electrophoretically destained to demonstrate the histone bands.
THE CYTOLOGICAL LOCALIZATION OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN
Authors: Leznoff Arthur , Davis Bernard A.
Published: October 2017

The indirect fluorescent antibody technique was used to determine the cellular site of human chorionic gonadotropin (H.C.G.) in normal and toxaemic placentas, and in choriocarcinomas. In placental tissue specific fluorescence was located in the syncytial cells of the chorionic villi but not in the cytotrophoblast cells. In choriocarcinomas specific fluorescence was seen in the syncytial giant cells. No distinct difference could be demonstrated between normal and "toxic" placentas. Differences in the content of H.C.G. in placentas at various stages of pregnancy were noted. Maximum amounts were demonstrated in tissue of less than 14 weeks gestation. Lesser quantities could be seen in more mature placentas and some specific fluorescence could be seen in most full term placentas.
THE EFFECTS OF PARATHYROID EXTRACT ON THE STOMACH OF THE CHICK
Authors: Bélanger Leonard F. , Migicovsky B. B.
Published: October 2017

Null
THE RELEASE OF ACETYLCHOLINE FROM A SYMPATHETIC GANGLION BY CARBACHOL: RELATIONSHIP TO THE FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LOCALIZATION OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE
Authors: McKinstry D. N. , Koenig E. , Koelle W. A. , Koelle G. B.
Published: October 2017

The action of carbachol in causing the release of acetylcholine from a sympathetic ganglion is described. The possible functional significance of the occurrence of acetylcholinesterase in non-cholinergic structures and the question of the importance of acetylcholine in all synaptic transmission processes are discussed.
CHOLINERGIC TRANSMISSION AND ACETYLCHOLINE OUTPUT
Authors: Paton W. D. M.
Published: October 2017

Evidence is presented refuting the possibility that pyruvylcholine might be a transmitter in cholinergic transmission processes.The physiology and pharmacology of acetylcholine release is discussed, with special reference to recent work.Experiments on the output of acetylcholine from electrically stimulated ileum preparations are described. It is suggested that two output mechanisms may exist: one important at low firing rates, which yields a constant output of transmitter per unit time and is morphine-sensitive; the other brought in at higher frequencies of excitation, which yields a more nearly constant volley output, and is morphine-resistant.
Insulin-producing cells and their regulation in physiology and behavior ofDrosophila1This review is part of a virtual symposium on recent advances in understanding a variety of complex regulatory processes in insect physiology and endocrinology, including development, metabolism, cold hardiness, food intake and digestion, and diuresis, through the use of omics technologies in the postgenomic era.
Authors: Nässel Dick R.
Published: October 2017

Insulin-like peptide signaling regulates development, growth, reproduction, metabolism, stress resistance, and life span in a wide spectrum of animals. Not only the peptides, but also their tyrosine kinase receptors and the downstream signaling pathways are conserved over evolution. This review summarizes roles of insulin-like peptides (DILPs) in physiology and behavior of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830. Seven DILPs (DILP1–7) and one receptor (dInR) have been identified in Drosophila. These DILPs display cell and stage specific expression patterns. In the adult, DILP2, 3, and 5 are expressed in insulin-producing cells (IPCs) among the median neurosecretory cells of the brain, DILP7 in 20 neurons of the abdominal ganglion, and DILP6 in the fat body. The DILPs of the IPCs regulate starvation resistance, responses to oxidative and temperature stress, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the IPCs seem to regulate feeding, locomotor activity, sleep and ethanol sensitivity, but the mechanisms are not elucidated. Insulin also alters the sensitivity in the olfactory system that affects food search behavior, and regulates peptidergic neurons that control aspects of feeding behavior. Finally, the control of insulin production and release by humoral and neuronal factors is discussed. This includes a fat body derived factor and the neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin, octopamine, and two neuropeptides.
Families of allatoregulator sequences: a 2011 perspective1This review is part of a virtual symposium on recent advances in understanding a variety of complex regulatory processes in insect physiology and endocrinology, including development, metabolism, cold hardiness, food intake and digestion, and diuresis, through the use of omics technologies in the postgenomic era.
Authors: Bendena William G. , Tobe Stephen S.
Published: October 2017

Three different peptide families have been named “allatostatins” (ASTs), based on their initial purifications which were based on their ability to inhibit juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis. These include (i) a family of peptides that have a consensus C-terminal sequence Y/FXFGL-NH2; (ii) a family of peptides with a conserved C-terminal sequence W(X)6W-NH2; and(iii) a family of peptides with C-terminal sequence PISCF, some of which are C-terminally-amidated. Each allatostatin family has functions distinct and apart from the inhibition of JH biosynthesis. A peptide family known as the “allatotropins” serve to stimulate JH biosynthesis. This family of peptides also has been proven to exert multiple effects dependent on the species in question. Genome and peptidome projects are uncovering new members of these families and it is clear that these structures are not just confined to Insecta but are found in a range of invertebrates. The receptors for these neuropeptides have been identified and tested experimentally for specific ligand binding. The Y/FXFGLa-ASTs exert their action through galanin-like receptors, W(X)6Wa-ASTs through a sex peptide-binding receptor, and PISCF-ASTs through somatostatin-like receptors. These receptors are conserved through evolutionary time and are being identified in numerous invertebrates by way of genome projects.
Peptidergic control of food intake and digestion in insects1This review is part of a virtual symposium on recent advances in understanding a variety of complex regulatory processes in insect physiology and endocrinology, including development, metabolism, cold hardiness, food intake and digestion, and diuresis, through the use of omics technologies in the postgenomic era.
Authors: Spit J. , Badisco L. , Verlinden H. , Van Wielendaele P. , Zels S. , Dillen S. , Vanden Broeck J.
Published: October 2017

Like all heterotrophic organisms, insects require a strict control of food intake and efficient digestion of food into nutrients to maintain homeostasis and to fulfill physiological tasks. Feeding and digestion are steered by both external and internal signals that are transduced by a multitude of regulatory factors, delivered either by neurons innervating the gut or mouthparts, or by midgut endocrine cells. The present review gives an overview of peptide regulators known to control feeding and digestion in insects. We describe the discovery and functional role in these processes for insect allatoregulatory peptides, diuretic hormones, FMRFamide-related peptides, (short) neuropeptide F, proctolin, saliva production stimulating peptides, kinins, and tachykinins. These peptides control either gut myoactivity, food intake, and (or) release of digestive enzymes. Some peptides exert their action at multiple levels, possibly having a biological function that depends on their site of delivery. Many regulatory peptides have been physically extracted from different insect species. However, multiple peptidomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and genome sequencing projects have led to increased discovery and prediction of peptide (precursor) and receptor sequences. In combination with physiological experiments, these large-scale projects have already led to important steps forward in unraveling the physiology of feeding and digestion in insects.
Enabling Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial Intentions among Emirati Students
Authors: Thomson Grace S. , Minhas Wasif
Published: October 2017

This paper aims to identify and examine motivational and environmental factors that impact entrepreneurial intentions of Emirati undergraduates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Using a quantitative, correlational research design this study administered the Entrepreneurial Intentions Questionnaire (EIQ), to a sample of 74 business students from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Sharjah Campuses. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis and regression models were used to analyse and evaluate hypotheses. Findings confirm a high degree of entrepreneurial intentions among Emirati undergraduates, explained by a combination of motivational and environmental variables. Emirati Business students value capabilities over social approval to opt for starting an entrepreneurial venture. Students’ entrepreneurial intentions strongly correlated with perceptions of capabilities, which signals significant implications for practitioners. The paper suggests a clear focus on enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities is an effective avenue to cultivate entrepreneurial intentions and foster entrepreneurial action. Although previous studies in the UAE context highlighted high levels of entrepreneurial intentions, understanding of which factors influence these intentions was lacking. This paper makes significant contributions to filling this gap.
Communication Steps for Parallel Query Processing
Authors: Beame Paul , Koutris Paraschos , Suciu Dan
Published: October 2017

We study the problem of computing conjunctive queries over large databases on parallel architectures without shared storage. Using the structure of such a query
q
and the skew in the data, we study tradeoffs between the number of processors, the number of rounds of communication, and the per-processor
load
—the number of bits each processor can send or can receive in a single round—that are required to compute
q
. Since each processor must store its received bits, the load is at most the number of bits of storage per processor.

When the data are free of skew, we obtain essentially tight upper and lower bounds for one round algorithms, and we show how the bounds degrade when there is skew in the data. In the case of skewed data, we show how to improve the algorithms when approximate degrees of the (necessarily small number of) heavy-hitter elements are available, obtaining essentially optimal algorithms for queries such as skewed simple joins and skewed triangle join queries.

For queries that we identify as
treelike
, we also prove nearly matching upper and lower bounds for multi-round algorithms for a natural class of skew-free databases. One consequence of these latter lower bounds is that for any ε > 0, using
p
processors to compute the connected components of a graph, or to output the path, if any, between a specified pair of vertices of a graph with
m
edges and per-processor load that is
O
(
m
/
p
1−ε
) requires Ω(log
p
) rounds of communication.

Our upper bounds are given by simple structured algorithms using MapReduce. Our one-round lower bounds are proved in a very general model, which we call the
Massively Parallel Communication (MPC)
model, that allows processors to communicate arbitrary bits. Our multi-round lower bounds apply in a restricted version of the MPC model in which processors in subsequent rounds after the first communication round are only allowed to send tuples.
Basic Generic Properties of Regular Rotating Black Holes and Solitons
Authors: Dymnikova Irina , Galaktionov Evgeny
Published: October 2017

We present a systematic description of the basic generic properties of regular rotating black holes and solitons (compact nonsingular nondissipative objects without horizons related by self-interaction and replacing naked singularities). Rotating objects are described by axially symmetric solutions typically obtained by the Gürses-Gürsey algorithm, which is based on the Trautman-Newman techniques and includes the Newman-Janis complex transformation, from spherically symmetric solutions of the Kerr-Schild class specified by Ttt=Trr(pr=-ρ). Regular spherical solutions of this class satisfying the weak energy condition have obligatory de Sitter center. Rotation transforms de Sitter center into the equatorial de Sitter vacuum disk. Regular solutions have the Kerr or Kerr-Newman asymptotics for a distant observer, at most two horizons and two ergospheres, and two different kinds of interiors. For regular rotating solutions originated from spherical solutions satisfying the dominant energy condition, there can exist the interior S-surface of de Sitter vacuum which contains the de Sitter disk as a bridge. In the case when a related spherical solution violates the dominant energy condition, vacuum interior of a rotating object reduces to the de Sitter disk only.
Bioactive Compounds of Chamber-Dried Blueberries at Controlled Temperature and Wines Obtained from Them
Authors: Martin-Gomez Juan , Varo M. Angeles , Merida Julieta , Serratosa Maria P.
Published: October 2017

The effects of chamber drying under controlled temperature and moisture conditions and fermentation process on blueberry juices to obtain three wines were studied in this work. Drying was carried out with a view to increase the sugar content and obtain wines with an ethanol content similar to a commercial grape wine or to obtain sweet wines. Analyses included color parameters; browning index; and anthocyanin, flavonols, flavan-3-ol derivatives, and tannin concentrations, as well as vitamin C concentration and antioxidant activity. Based on the results, drying increases color and the concentration of anthocyanins and tannins most probably by the effect of dehydration of the berries and diffusion of the colored compounds from the skin to the pulp due to the structural alterations in their skin. In addition, drying decreases flavonols, flavan-3-ol derivatives, and vitamin C concentrations. The browning index, anthocyanins, and tannins decreased with the fermentation time, and vitamin C was constant with the fermentation time. The sensory analysis showed that the wines with the best sensory characteristics were those with residual sugar, partial fermented wines 1 and 2.
The Roles of ROS in Cancer Heterogeneity and Therapy
Authors: de Sá Junior Paulo Luiz , Câmara Diana Aparecida Dias , Porcacchia Allan Saj , Fonseca Pâmela Maria Moreira , Jorge Salomão Doria , Araldi Rodrigo Pinheiro , Ferreira Adilson Kleber
Published: October 2017

Cancer comprises a group of heterogeneous diseases encompassing high rates of morbidity and mortality. Heterogeneity, which is a hallmark of cancer, is one of the main factors related to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents leading to poor prognosis. Heterogeneity is profoundly affected by increasing levels of ROS. Under low concentrations, ROS may function as signaling molecules favoring tumorigenesis and heterogeneity, while under high ROS concentrations, these species may work as cancer modulators due to their deleterious, genotoxic or even proapoptotic effect on cancer cells. This double‐edged sword effect represented by ROS relies on their ability to cause genetic and epigenetic modifications in DNA structure. Antitumor therapeutic approaches may use molecules that prevent the ROS formation precluding carcinogenesis or use chemical agents that promote a sudden increase of ROS causing considerable oxidative stress inside tumor mass. Therefore, herein, we review what ROS are and how they are produced in normal and in cancer cells while providing an argumentative discussion about their role in cancer pathophysiology. We also describe the various sources of ROS in cancer and their role in tumor heterogeneity. Further, we also discuss some therapeutic strategies from the current landscape of cancer heterogeneity, ROS modulation, or ROS production.
In Vivo Quantification of Myocardial Infarction in Mice Using Micro-CT and a Novel Blood Pool Agent
Authors: Sawall Stefan , Franke Danielle , Kirchherr Anne , Beckendorf Jan , Kuntz Jan , Maier Joscha , Kraupner Alexander , Backs Johannes , Briel Andreas , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: October 2017

We herein developed a micro-CT method using the innovative contrast agent ExiTron™ MyoC 8000 to longitudinally monitor cardiac processes in vivo in small animals. Experiments were performed on healthy mice and mice with myocardial infarction inflicted by ligation of the left anterior descending artery. Time-dependent signal enhancement in different tissues of healthy mice was measured and various contrast agent doses were investigated so as to determine the minimum required dose for imaging of the myocardium. Due to its ability to be taken up by healthy myocardium but not by infarct tissue, ExiTron MyoC 8000 enables detection of myocardial infarction even at a very low dose. The signal enhancement in the myocardium of infarcted mice after contrast agent injection was exploited for quantification of infarct size. The values of infarct size obtained from the imaging method were compared with those obtained from histology and showed a significant correlation (R2=0.98). Thus, the developed micro-CT method allows for monitoring of a variety of processes such as cardiac remodeling in longitudinal studies.
Failure Diagnosis for Demagnetization in Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Authors: Ishikawa Takeo , Igarashi Naoto , Kurita Nobuyuki
Published: October 2017

Since a high degree of reliability is necessary for permanent magnet synchronous motors, the detection of a precursor for the demagnetization of permanent magnets is very important. This paper investigates the diagnosis of very slight PM demagnetization. The permanent magnet volume is altered so as to mimic the effect of demagnetization. This paper investigates the influence of demagnetization by using several methods: the 3D finite element analysis (FEA) of the motor, the measurement of high-frequency impedance, and the measurement and FEA of the stator voltage and current under vector control. We have obtained the following results. The back-EMF is proportional to permanent magnet volume, and there is no difference in the demagnetization in the radial direction and in the axial direction. Even harmonics and subharmonics of flux density at the teeth tip could be useful for diagnosis if a search coil is installed there. The relatively low frequency resistance at the d-axis position is useful for diagnosis. Under vector control, the stator voltage is useful except in an intermediate torque range, and the intermediate torque is expressed by a simple equation.
Symptomatic Bochdalek Hernia in Pregnancy: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Yetkinel Selçuk , Pekşen Çağhan , Kızıltan Remzi
Published: October 2017

Introduction. Symptomatic Bochdalek hernia in pregnancy is quite rare. To the best of our knowledge, there are a total of 44 cases reported in the literature between 1959 and 2016 (Hernández-Aragon et al., 2015; Koca et al., 2016). Difficulty and delay in diagnosis may lead to life-threatening complications. Case Report. We report a case of Bochdalek hernia during the 30 gestational weeks’ pregnancy in whom pregnancy continued after surgical repair which resulted in term birth. Discussion. Bochdalek hernia is diagnosed with an incidence of 1 in 2200–12500 live births, while symptomatic diaphragm hernia is much less in adults. The actual incidence of diaphragmatic hernias during pregnancy is still unknown. Symptoms may include abdominal distension, recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, inability to defecate, dyspnea, and chest pain. The patient with diaphragmatic hernia may be asymptomatic until the late weeks of gestation, as in our case, or herniation may occur during advanced gestational weeks with increased intraabdominal pressure. Conclusion. In conclusion, diagnosis of the diaphragm hernia during pregnancy is very rare. Diagnosis is rarer in symptomatic patients due to its rarity and the duration of diagnosis may, therefore, be delayed. Diaphragm hernia should be kept in mind in symptomatic patients due to its high maternal and fetal mortality rates.
Deterioration and Microstructural Evolution of the Fly Ash Geopolymer Concrete against MgSO4Solution
Authors: Long Tao , Wang Qingyuan , Guan Zhongwei , Chen Yu , Shi Xiaoshuang
Published: October 2017

Fly ash geopolymer concrete (FAGC) and ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) specimens were immersed in 5% MgSO4solution undergoing 32 wetting-drying and heating-cooling cycles. Their compressive behavior was investigated after every 8 cycles. Several microstructure analysis techniques were applied on the samples to identify the materials formed due to magnesium sulfate attack, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDS. Experimental results elucidated that the compressive strength loss ratio in the heating group of FAGC was 12.7%, while that of OPCC was 17.8%, which means that FAGC had better magnesium sulfate resistance than OPCC. The compressive strength loss of OPCC was due to the formation of gypsum under the magnesium sulfate attack exposed to wetting-drying and heating-cooling cycles. The deterioration mechanisms of FAGC against MgSO4solution were discovered to be that sodium aluminum silicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) gels reacted with MgSO4, leading to the creation of low strength magnesium aluminum silicate hydrate (M-A-S-H) gels.
Design and Testing of a Natural Convection Solar Tunnel Dryer for Mango
Authors: Simate Isaac Nyambe , Cherotich Sam
Published: October 2017

A natural convection solar tunnel dryer comprising three major units, a solar collector unit, a drying unit, and a vertical bare flat-plate chimney, was constructed. No-load tests with a horizontal configuration of air entry into the collector resulted in a bidirectional air flow in the dryer. To correct this undesirable situation, an air guide at the collector was incorporated to ensure that air entered in a vertical direction. To investigate its performance, drying experiments with mango were carried out at the University of Zambia, Department of Agricultural Engineering. Uncertainties in the parameters measured in the experiment were analysed and quantified. The results showed that, under solar radiation between 568.4 and 999.5 W/m2, air temperature of up to 65.8°C was attained at the collector unit. The average relative humidity values were 30.8%, 6.4%, and 8.4% for the ambient, collector, and drying unit, respectively. Under these conditions, mango with an initial moisture content of 85.5% (wet basis) was dried to 13.0% (wet basis) in 9.5 hours. The collector, drying, and pick-up efficiencies were found to be 24.7%, 12.8%, and 35.0%, respectively. The average temperature difference between the chimney air and ambient air was 12.1°C, and this was sufficient in driving the flow of air through the dryer.
Concentration-Response Relationship between PM2.5and Daily Respiratory Deaths in China: A Systematic Review and Metaregression Analysis of Time-Series Studies
Authors: Ren Mengying , Fang Xin , Li Mei , Sun Sun , Pei Lu , Xu Qun , Ye Xiaofei , Cao Yang
Published: October 2017

The association between the particulate matters with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and daily respiratory deaths, particularly the concentration-response pattern, has not been fully examined and established in China. We conducted a systematic review of time-series studies to compile information on the associations between PM2.5concentration and respiratory deaths and used metaregression to assess the concentration-response relationship. Out of 1,957 studies screened, eleven articles in English and two articles in Chinese met the eligibility criteria. For single-day lags, per 10 μg/m3increase in PM2.5concentration was associated with 0.30 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10, 0.50] percent increase in daily respiratory deaths; for multiday lags, the corresponding increase in respiratory deaths was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.83) percent. Difference in the effects was observed between the northern cities and the south cities in China. No statistically significant concentration-response relationship between PM2.5concentrations and their effects was found. With increasingly wider location coverage for PM2.5data, it is crucial to further investigate the concentration-response pattern of PM2.5effects on respiratory and other cause-specific mortality for the refinement and adaptation of global and national air quality guidelines and targets.
Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Stabilized in Dextran Solution by Gamma Co-60 Ray Irradiation and Preparation of Gold Nanoparticles/Dextran Powder
Authors: Diem Phan Ha Nu , Thao Doan Thi Thu , Phu Dang Van , Duy Nguyen Ngoc , Quy Hoang Thi Dong , Hoa Tran Thai , Hien Nguyen Quoc
Published: October 2017

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in spherical shape with diameter of 6–35 nm stabilized by dextran were synthesized by γ-irradiation method. The AuNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The influence of pH, Au3+ concentration, and dextran concentration on the size of AuNPs was investigated. Results indicated that the smallest AuNPs size (6 nm) and the largest AuNPs size (35 nm) were obtained for pH of 1 mM Au3+/1% dextran solution of 5.5 and 7.5, respectively. The smaller Au3+ concentration favored smaller size and conversely the smaller dextran concentration favored bigger size of AuNPs. AuNPs powders were prepared by spay drying, coagulation, and centrifugation and their sizes were also evaluated. The purity of prepared AuNPs powders was also examined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Thus, the as-prepared AuNPs stabilized by biocompatible dextran in solution and/or in powder form can be potentially applied in biomedicine and pharmaceutics.
Full-Wave Analysis of Ultrahigh Electromechanical Coupling Surface Acoustic Wave Propagating Properties in a Relaxor Based Ferroelectric Single Crystal/Cubic Silicon Carbide Layered Structure
Authors: Ji Xiaojun , Xiao Qiang , Chen Jing
Published: October 2017

This paper describes a full-wave analysis of ultrahigh electromechanical coupling surface acoustic wave (SAW) of Y-cut X propagating Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (YX-PIMNT) single crystals on a cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) substrate. There are several eigenmodes including shear horizontal (SH) and Rayleigh SAWs. Based on the finite-element method (FEM), the phase velocity (vp) and coupling factor (K2) of SAWs varying with the top electrode thickness, thickness, and Euler angle (θ) of the YX-PIMNT substrate have been investigated. K2 of SH SAW can reach an extremely high value of 75.9%. The proper control of structural parameters can suppress unwanted responses caused by other modes without deteriorating the coupling factor. The large K2 value of SH SAW and suppression of unwanted responses have highly promising applications in developing ultrawideband and tunable SAW filters. Finally, the performance of 3C-SiC and 6H-SiC as substrates was investigated, and 3C-SiC was identified as a more attractive substrate candidate than 6H-SiC.
Design of a 3-DOF Parallel Hand-Controller
Authors: Zhu Chengcheng , Song Aiguo
Published: October 2017

Hand-controllers, as human-machine-interface (HMI) devices, can transfer the position information of the operator’s hands into the virtual environment to control the target objects or a real robot directly. At the same time, the haptic information from the virtual environment or the sensors on the real robot can be displayed to the operator. It helps human perceive haptic information more truly with feedback force. A parallel hand-controller is designed in this paper. It is simplified from the traditional delta haptic device. The swing arms in conventional delta devices are replaced with the slider rail modules. The base consists of two hexagons and several links. For the use of the linear sliding modules instead of swing arms, the arc movement is replaced by linear movement. So that, the calculating amount of the position positive solution and the force inverse solution is reduced for the simplification of the motion. The kinematics, static mechanics, and dynamic mechanics are analyzed in this paper. What is more, two demonstration applications are developed to verify the performance of the designed hand-controller.
Stroke in a Young Man Secondary to Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Thyrotoxicosis: A Case Report
Authors: Bazan Rodrigo , Fernandes Thiago Dias , Ferreira da Silva Mazeto Gláucia Maria , Marques Mariângela Esther Alencar , Braga Gabriel Pereira , Luvizutto Gustavo José , Zanati Bazan Silméia Garcia
Published: October 2017

We report a case of a male patient with stroke caused by atrial fibrillation (AF) due to thyrotoxicosis. At hospital admission, he presented hypertension and AF. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a right-side ischemic area. The thyrotoxicosis was confirmed by thyroid function and thyroid scintigraphy that showed goiter with diffuse hypercaptation. The patient was treated with tapazole and total thyroidectomy, and pathological findings suggested Graves’ disease. Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased supraventricular ectopic activity in patients with a normal heart, and may be an important causal link between hyperthyroidism and AF. The patient experienced significant clinical improvement, but presented long-term neuropsychiatric disorders.
Association between Allergies and Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Manti Sara , Cuppari Caterina , Marseglia Lucia , D'Angelo Gabriella , Arrigo Teresa , Gitto Eloisa , Leonardi Salvatore , Salpietro Carmelo
Published: October 2017

Background: There is controversy in the literature regarding the potential relationship between atopic predisposition (AP) and serum cholesterol levels. To this purpose, we reviewed human studies that investigated this possible link. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search of PubMed and Science Direct for peer-reviewed journal articles in English from January 2003, with updates through to August 2016, was conducted. Relevant publications were reviewed that included pediatric and adult populations. Information on the study design, sample, intervention, comparators, outcome, time frame, and risk of bias were abstracted for each article. Results: Of 601 reviewed reports, 18 were included in this systematic review. Fifteen studies assessed the relationship between AP and serum cholesterol levels. Due to the lack both of observational and cross-sectional studies from the literature search at this time (only 8 studies also analyzed confounding factors) there is a high possibility of confounding variables (familial and genetic predisposition, age, gender, BMI, comorbidity, and medication status) that could not be ruled out. Conclusion: Existing studies are heterogeneous, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions. Future studies and more detailed analyses, considering confounding variables and including a larger and homogeneous population, are needed to strengthen the argument for a link between lipid metabolism and atopy.
Regulation of Arthritis Severity by the Acid Sphingomyelinase
Authors: Beckmann Nadine , Becker Katrin Anne , Walter Silke , Becker Jan U. , Kramer Melanie , Hessler Gabriele , Weber Stefanie , Göthert Joachim R. , Fassbender Klaus , Gulbins Erich , Carpinteiro Alexander
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease hallmarked by inflammation in synovial joints. Treatment is hampered by the lack of a cure and current disease-modifying drugs are associated with potentially severe toxicities. Methods: We investigated arthritis severity by measuring joint swelling and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in a murine experimental model of inflammatory arthritis (antigen-induced arthritis). We analyzed acid sphingomyelinase knock-out mice and wild-type littermates, as well as mice treated with the pharmacological acid sphingomyelinase inhibitor amitriptyline. Results: Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase reduced joint swelling and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the arthritic joint. Conclusion: We identified acid sphingomyelinase as a novel druggable target in rheumatoid arthritis. Functional inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase have been clinically used for decades, are well tolerated and suitable for long-term treatment. They would be immediately available for clinical development as a novel rheumatoid arthritis therapy.
Inhibition of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Volasertib
Authors: Al Mamun Bhuyan Abdulla , Ashiqul Haque A.K.M. , Sahu Itishri , Cao Hang , Kormann Michael S.D. , Lang Florian
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: The Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) inhibitor volasertib is used in the treatment of malignancy. Volasertib is partially effective by triggering suicidal death or apoptosis of tumor cells. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter suicidal cell death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the cell surface and by cell shrinkage. Stimulators of eryptosis include energy depletion, hyperosmotic shock, oxidative stress and excessive increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i). The present study explored, whether volasertib impacts on eryptosis. Methods: Human erythrocytes have been exposed to energy depletion (glucose withdrawal for 48 hours), hyperosmotic shock (addition of 550 mM sucrose for 6 hours), oxidative stress (addition of 0.3 mM tert-butylhydroperoxide [tBOOH] for 50 min) or Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (1 µM for 60 min) in absence and presence of volasertib (0.5-1.5 µg/ml) and flow cytometry was employed to quantify phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3 fluorescence, reactive oxygen species from 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence and ceramide abundance utilizing antibodies. For comparison, annexin-V-binding and forward scatter were determined following a 48 hours exposure of human leukemic K562 cells in RPMI-1640 medium to volasertib. Results: Treatment with volasertib alone did not significantly modify annexin-V-binding or forward scatter in mature erythrocytes. Energy depletion, hyperosmotic shock, oxidative stress and ionomycin, all markedly and significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding erythrocytes, and decreased the forward scatter. Volasertib significantly blunted the effect of energy depletion and hyperosmotic shock, but not of oxidative stress and ionomycin on annexin-V-binding. Volasertib did not significantly influence the effect of any maneuver on forward scatter. In K562 cells, volasertib enhanced annexin-V-binding and decreased the forward scatter. Conclusions: Volasertib is a novel inhibitor of erythrocyte cell membrane scrambling following energy depletion and hyperosmotic shock, effects contrasting the stimulation of K562 cell apoptosis.
Response Gene to Complement-32 Promotes the Imbalance of Treg/Th17 in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Bailing , Zhou Wei , Tang Xiaojun , Wang Wei , Pan Jiajun , Tan Mengwei
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: The imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells plays important role in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Response gene to complement (RGC)-32 is a cell cycle regulator that plays an important role in cell proliferation. We evaluated whether the upregulation of RGC-32 was implicated in the homeostasis of Treg/Th17 cells in DCM. Methods: The levels of plasma RGC-32, IL-17 and TGF-β1, and the frequencies of circulating CD4+ RGC-32+ T cells, Th17 and Treg cells in patients with DCM were determined by Cytokine-specific sandwich ELISA and the flow cytometer (FCM), respectively. Results: A significant elevation of plasma RGC-32 in patients with DCM compared with healthy control (HC) subjects was observed. This upregulation was associated with an increase in frequency of Th17 and a decrease in frequency of Treg cells. To further assessed the role of RGC-32, we investigated the effects of RGC-32 up- or down-regulation on frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from subjects. Importantly, overexpression of RGC-32 was accompanied by an augmentation of Th17 and a reduction of Treg expression. Conclusion: In summary, our study demonstrated the up-regulation of RGC-32 contributed to the imbalance of Treg/Th17 cells in patients with DCM.
Association of Maternal Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations with Risk of Gestational Anemia
Authors: Yuan Yingdi , Cai Zhiyong , Dai YaoYao , Hong Qin , Wang Xingyun , Zhu Lijun , Xu Pengfei , You Lianghui , Wang Xing , Ji Chenbo , Wen Juan , Guo Xirong
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be associated with a greater prevalence of anemia in various healthy and diseased populations by a great deal of observational studies. However, less work has been done to explore this association in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and risk of gestational anemia in a large, nested case-control study. Methods: The serum 25(OH)D concentrations was measured by enzyme immunoassay in 775 pregnant women affected with anemia and 1550 controls. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of 25(OH)D concentrations with risk of gestational anemia. Results: We found the 25(OH)D concentrations was significantly lower in women affected with anemia than in controls. Logistic regression analyses showed that women with 25(OH)D concentrations < 25.0 nmol/L, from 25.0 to 37.4 nmol/L and from 37.5 to 49.9 nmol/L all had increased risk of anemia when compared with women with concentrations from 50.0 to 74.9 nmol/L. And the risk of anemia was significantly increased with the decreasing concentrations of the serum 25(OH)D in a dose-dependent manner (P for trend = 0.012). For women with concentrations < 50.0 nmol/L, they had an 80% increase in anemia risk (95% CI = 1.45-2.25) after adjustment for confounders. We also observed a nonlinear relationship between the serum 25(OH)D and anemia, with a threshold for 25(OH)D of 50.0 nmol/L existed for anemia. Conclusion: Maternal serum 25(OH)D < 50.0 nmol/L may be a risk factor for gestational anemia, and it should be monitored for the high-risk pregnant women.
História indígena e arqueologia: Uma reflexão a partir dos estudos sobre os Jê Meridionais
Authors: Silva Fabíola Andrea , Noelli Francisco Silva
Published: October 2017

Este artigo trata da história recente da pesquisa arqueológica, no campo interdisciplinar de pesquisas sobre os povos Jê Meridionais. Trata-se também de uma reflexão sobre o impacto da teoria do degeneracionismo nos fundamentos da arqueologia praticada na região sul do Brasil e sobre as possibilidades de novos temas de investigação sobre os povos Jê Meridionais.
Arqueologia Jê no Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Afonso Marisa Coutinho
Published: October 2017

Este artigo apresenta uma síntese da ocupação Jê no Estado de São Paulo e discute seus contextos arqueológicos, geográficos e cronológicos. Trata dos sítios associados a grupos Jê e filiados às tradições Itararé-Taquara, Aratu-Sapucaí e Uru
Arqueologia Paulista: primeiros apontamentos
Authors: Perez Glauco Constantino , Afonso Marisa Coutinho , Mota Lúcio Tadeu
Published: October 2017

Este trabalho apresenta os primeiros apontamentos da pesquisa que se encontra em andamento a respeito das fronteiras étnicas entre os primeiros ocupantes do atual estado de São Paulo. Busca-se apresentar e discutir a metodologia utilizada no trabalho. Este está vinculado a um projeto de doutorado intitulado: “Arqueologia Paulista e o marcador cerâmico como delimitador de fronteira étnica: um estudo da região sul do estado de São Paulo”. O que se pretende é realizar um levantamento bibliográfico denso o suficiente para que, a partir dele, mapas possam ser construídos e então identificarmos fronteiras étnicas entre as bacias dos Rios Tietê e Paranapanema, como fronteiras norte e sul, respectivamente. Dessa maneira busca-se entender os processos de ocupação por populações ceramistas.