bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of epidural anesthesia and analgesia on cluster of differentiation and cytokines in patients after gastric cancer resection.
Authors: Liang Si , Wang Liping , Chen Hong , Xu Yang , Wang Yu
Published: April 2019

Background: Epidural use can prevent peri-operative neuro-endocrine stress responses, improve pain after surgery , and reduce opioid volume which lead to immunosuppression.
Methods: Forty cases of patients with gastric cancer were finally enrolled into the study. Patients who received general anesthesia (GA group, n=20), a combination of general anesthesia and peri-operatve epidural use (EGA group, n=20), were given intravenous analgesia or epidural analgesia, respectively. We collected visual analogue scale ( VAS ) scores, length of hospital stay, the first passage of flatus time and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We also collected the Cluster of Differentiation (CD)3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, Interferon (IFN)-γ before surgery, as well as the postoperative days 1, 3 ,7.
Results: VAS scores and PONV in GA group were higher than EGA group in the postoperative 3 days. CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ were declined in the postoperative 3 days, and nearly recovered to the baseline in the seventh days after surgery in both of the two groups. CD3+ in the GA group decreased more than EGA group. IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ were increased in the postoperative 3 days, and nearly recovered to the baseline in the seventh days after surgery in both of the two groups, IL-4, IL-6 in the GA group increased more than EGA group. IFN-γ in the EGA group increased more than GA group.
Conclusions: A combination of general anesthesia and peri-operatave epidural use can relieve postoperative pain and PONV. A combination of general anesthesia and peri-operatave epidural use decreases immunosuppression in gastric cancer resection.
Field Assessment of Macronutrients and Nitrogen in Apple Leaves Using a Chlorophyll Meter
Authors: Lee Youngsuk , Kweon Hun Joong , Park Moo-Yong , Lee Dongyong
Published: April 2019

Nutrient content assessment of plant tissues is widely performed by farmers to determine the appropriate amount of fertilization to use for their crops. A nondestructive leaf chlorophyll meter is one of the most commonly used devices for performing field assessments of the nutrient status of leaves. However, it is challenging to use a chlorophyll meter to assess the nutritional status of perennial plants, such as the apple (Malus ×domestica) tree, because of the difficulty estimating nitrogen (N) during the entire growing period. We compared the chlorophyll meter readings with leaf nutrient profiles collected from young ‘Arisoo’/M.9 apple trees throughout the growing period. A significant positive correlation between the chlorophyll meter readings and leaf N content was found from May to August during the midseason. Regression analysis indicated that the best sampling time for predicting the foliar N content of apple tress is from late June to late July. This result suggests that a reliable leaf N assessment can be performed in a rapid, nondestructive way in apple orchards.
Nutritional Composition of Grain Legume Leaves and the Impact of Leaf Removal on Yield
Authors: Bulyaba Rosemary , Lenssen Andrew W.
Published: April 2019

Core Ideas

Soybean, cowpea, and lablab leaves differed in nutritive value.

Soybean and cowpea grain yield responded differently to leaf harvesting done at Vegetative Stage 6 (V6).

Legume plants from which two leaves (66%) are harvested at V6 may have similar grain yield to those whose leaves are not harvested.

Grain legumes can thrive in adverse environments, making them a climate‐smart technology for hunger mitigation. Although several countries rely immensely on grain legumes to meet daily protein intake requirements per capita, the potentiality of leaf utilization for protein and other nutrients has not been widely considered; additionally, insufficient information is available on leaf removal effects on yield and leaf nutritional composition of grain legumes. A 2‐yr experiment was conducted in central Iowa, USA, to determine the effects of leaf removal rates on nutritive value of removed leaf tissue and subsequent grain yield of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Across entries, dry leaf mean nutrient concentration was 229 g kg–1 for CP, and 17,832, 4461, 21,991, 3702, 113, 205, and 86 mg kg–1 for Ca, Mg, K, P, Mn, Fe, and Zn, respectively. Yield and major yield attributes were affected by leaf removal rate in 2014, but not in 2013. In 2014, grain legumes with 0% leaf removal had 20, 32, and 35% greater yield and seeds weighed 6, 11, and 12% more than those with 33, 66, and 99% leaf removal, respectively. Aboveground biomass, yield, and yield components also differed among entries both years. Grain legume leaf utilization as vegetable or forage may improve human and ruminant nutrition by using leaves, especially in developing countries.
Agronomic Traits in Durum Wheat Germplasm Possessing Puroindoline Genes
Authors: Kiszonas A. M. , Higginbotham R. , Chen X. M. , Garland-Campbell K. , Bosque-Pérez N. A. , Pumphrey M. , Rouse M. N. , Hole D. , Wen N. , Morris C. F.
Published: April 2019

Core Ideas

Durum wheat is an underutilized crop due to it hard kernel texture; soft kernel durum removes this limitation.

Initial soft kernel durum lines show favorable agronomic performance, including grain yield and pest resistance.

Soft durum lines show strong potential for future growth in the Pacific Northwest.

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) represents only 5% of global wheat production. Durum production is limited by its very hard kernel texture, which requires specialized milling and limits end‐product utilization. However, soft kernel durum wheat was recently developed to remove these constraints, but it has not until now been examined for its agronomic potential and pest resistance, which were the focus of this study. The soft durum lines were compared with two commercial hard red spring wheat varieties, Buck Pronto and Alum. Soft durum lines were relatively competitive for grain yield (i.e., >90%) with Buck Pronto at 16 of 34 locations. Increasing seeding rate did not increase grain yield of soft durum. The soft durum lines showed no tolerance of acid soils/Al, but exhibited moderate‐to‐strong resistance to stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). Good resistance to stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) and near complete resistance to dwarf bunt (caused by Tilletia controversa) were observed. Resistance to Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) was observed in some of the plants, with three of the durum lines showing a larger proportion of resistant plants. Varying levels of resistance to cereal cyst nematode (Heteroderma filipjevi) were recorded, with some lines highly resistant. These studies show that there is good agronomic potential in the current soft durum lines for moderate yield and good pest resistance. Further breeding efforts and germplasm introgression will likely improve the competitiveness of soft durum wheat with currently grown hard red spring wheat.
Effects of Gypsum Application Rate and Frequency on Corn Response to Nitrogen
Authors: Chaganti Vijayasatya N. , Culman Steve W. , Dick Warren A. , Kost David
Published: April 2019

Core Ideas

Corn response to N at different gypsum application rates and frequencies was evaluated.

Gypsum did not improve corn response to N at any of the study sites.

Corn yield response to gypsum applications was very inconsistent and site‐specific.

Frequent gypsum applications at lower rates were better than a one‐time large application.

The effects of gypsum as a soil amendment and its interaction with nitrogen (N) applications in corn (Zea Mays L.) production are largely unknown. A 4‐yr field study was conducted in Ohio, USA to evaluate (i) the effects of gypsum rates and rate frequencies at varying fertilizer N rates on corn grain yields, ear‐leaf and grain nutrient concentrations, and on soil nutrients, and (ii) the interactive effects between N and gypsum applications. A split‐plot experimental design was used with N rates (0, 84, 168, and 252 kg N ha−1) as the main plot factor and either gypsum application rate (0, 1.1 and 2.2 Mg ha−1) or application rate frequencies (i.e., 1.1 Mg ha−1 annually, 2.2 Mg ha−1 bi‐annually, and 4.4 Mg ha−1 once every four years) as subplot factors. Overall, corn yield response to gypsum applications was inconsistent. A positive corn yield response to gypsum application occurred only in 2017 at the Northwest site. Gypsum applied at 4.4 Mg ha−1 significantly decreased yields at the Northwest site in 2017 and at the Wooster site in 2016 suggesting that the best management strategy may be to apply lower gypsum rates either annually or biannually. Gypsum applications did not improve corn response to N at either study site but significantly increased tissue, grain and extractable soil S concentrations with concentrations decreasing as the application frequency decreased. This suggests that where S deficiencies may occur, an annual rate of 1.1 Mg ha−1 or a bi‐annual application of 2.2 Mg ha−1 would increase S availability.
Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus Loads to Western Lake Erie: The Hidden Influence of Nanoparticles
Authors: River Mark , Richardson Curtis J.
Published: April 2019

Increased dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) fluxes in the Maumee River in the Western Lake Erie watershed have been cited as a cause of recent hypoxia and toxic algal blooms in Western Lake Erie. Dissolved reactive P is operationally defined as the molybdate‐reactive P that passes through a 0.45‐μm filter. Unfortunately, this 0.45‐μm cutoff is not based on solute chemistry; rather, it is based on tradition dating back to the 1940s. This dissolved versus particulate operationally defined threshold may be limiting scientific understanding of the transport of reactive P in the Lake Erie watershed (and beyond). Naturally occurring nanoparticles smaller than 0.45 μm can pass through filters, inflating DRP values, as has been suggested by studies in other watersheds. Transmission electron microscopy of filtered samples from the Maumee River revealed nanoparticles of various mineralogy, which are rich in P. By analyzing public data, we estimate that approximately half of the DRP flux in the Maumee River is not truly dissolved orthophosphate; it is instead particulate P that has passed through 0.45‐μm filters. We also conducted a centrifugation experiment on previously filtered samples that likewise removed 40% of DRP and 75% of Fe. The influence of nanoparticles on DRP loads to Lake Erie has implications, including (i) helping to elucidate where reactive P originates on the landscape, (ii) designing best management practices, and (iii) improving our models of ecological response of nonpoint P loading.

Core Ideas

The role of nanoparticles in transporting P to Lake Erie is largely ignored.

0.45‐μm filtrate contained nanoparticles rich in P, inflating dissolved reactive P concentrations.

Nanoparticles were responsible for approximately half of dissolved reactive P flux.
New Proposals to Estimate Unbiased Selection Gain and Coefficient of Variation in Traits Evaluated Using Score Scales
Authors: dos Anjos Rafael S. R. , Marçal Tiago de S. , Carneiro Pedro C. S. , Carneiro José E. de S.
Published: April 2019

In plant breeding, several multicategorical variables are evaluated using score scales that are treated as interval scales. However, statistics that use ratio operations, such as the experimental CV and the selection gain, are only appropriate for ratio scales data. Thus, this work aimed to propose strategies to mitigate the inconveniences faced in the data analysis of score scales, especially those involving CV and selection gain obtained from different scales. This work proposes the following strategies: (i) the use of a standard score scale with the properties of a ratio scale (ascending scale with 0 as the point of origin); (ii) the conversion of the scores from different scales into a common ratio scale; (iii) the adjustment of the data from an interval scale to a ratio scale using the Delta Scale (Scale δui), and (iv) the use of unbiased estimator for CV and selection gain in score scales data. The proposed strategies resulted in unbiased estimates of CV and selection gain from data of different score scales. These strategies have the potential to be used in the meta‐analysis of data within and between plant breeding programs.
The Cotton Boll: Temporal Susceptibility of the Boll Wall to Stylet Penetration by Hemipteran Pests
Authors: Esquivel Jesus F. , Hinze Lori L.
Published: April 2019

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a high‐value cash crop that is injured by various hemipteran insects, including lygus bugs (mirids) and stink bugs (pentatomids). Stink bugs can transmit pathogens that cause seed and boll rot of cotton, and lygus bugs can also transmit pathogens. However, the temporal susceptibility to breaching of the boll wall by stink bugs and related species was unknown. Our objective was to compare known estimates of stylet penetration for mirids (Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois and Pseudatomoscelis seriatus Reuter) and pentatomids [Chinavia hilaris Say, Euschistus obscurus (Palisot), Euschistus servus (Say), Euschistus tristigmus (Say), Nezara viridula (L.), Oebalus pugnax (F.), Piezodorus guildinii Westwood, and Thyanta custator accerra McAtee] against observed minimum boll wall thickness in multiple entries from four Gossypium species to determine the time at which bolls initially become susceptible to stylet penetration. Results show that P. seriatus could not breach the boll wall. Lygus lineolaris could breach the wall at ≤7 d after flowering in G. herbaceum L. and in select entries of G. hirsutum. All the pentatomids could breach the boll wall at 1 d after flowering, and virtually all could continue to breach the wall throughout the entire production season. Monitoring efforts for stink bugs may need to be implemented at boll set to mitigate introduction of pathogens and yield losses given the season‐long susceptibility to stink bugs.
Harvest Management Effects on Canopy Height and Light Interception of ‘Performer’ Switchgrass and its Relationship with Weed Infestation
Authors: Bekewe Perejitei E. , Castillo Miguel S. , Rivera R.
Published: April 2019

Defoliation management can determine the presence or absence of desirable forage species. Canopy characteristics and light interception are two critical determinants of productivity and can influence weed pressure. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of the factorial combination of four defoliation heights (clipped to 10, 20, 30, and 40 cm; DH) and four defoliation frequencies (clipped every 3, 6, 9, and 12 wk; DF) on light interception, canopy height, and weed canopy cover and frequency for ‘Performer’ (Panicum virgatum L.) switchgrass and to relate the abovementioned responses to previously reported productivity measurements. The experiment was conducted for 2 yr (2016 and 2017) at the Central Crops Research Station, Clayton, NC. The 16 treatments were allocated in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. Across years, light interception before harvest ranged from ∼45 to 88%, canopy height ranged from 35 to 97 cm, and weed cover and frequency ranged from 0 to 75 and 0 to 95%, respectively. Greater canopy height was associated with greater light interception and lower weed infestation. Weed infestation occurred mainly for treatments harvested every 3 and 6 wk and defoliated to lower stubble heights; however, there was no impact of DH for DF treatments harvested every 9 and 12 wk. Canopy light interception values of at least 70% obtained in our study were associated with defoliation thresholds previously reported in the literature for sustained yields of ‘Performer’ switchgrass. Switchgrass canopy light interception values of at least 70% were achieved with canopy heights before harvest of ∼60 cm tall.
Determination of the Soil Water Retention Curve around the Wilting Point: Optimized Protocol for the Dewpoint Method
Authors: Kirste Björn , Iden Sascha C. , Durner W.
Published: April 2019

Core Ideas

Soil water retention curve over the entire moisture range with high accuracy.

Combination of evaporation method and dewpoint method.

No a priori knowledge on soil texture needed.

Experimental methodology that is reliable, efficient, and easy to use.

Accurate knowledge of the soil water retention curve (WRC) is essential for various hydrological and plant‐physiological studies. Currently, there is a lack of a uniform protocol for measuring the wilting point water content (WP) with the dewpoint method (DP), despite its ecological relevance and frequent use to calculate available water capacity. We present a new protocol for measuring the WP with the dewpoint method. In contrast to existing methods which add or remove specific amounts of water to moist, air‐dry, or oven‐dry soil, we propose to apply the dewpoint method after the evaporation method in which tensiometers measure the pressure head of the soil. We suggest to stop the evaporation experiment when the air‐entry of one tensiometer cup is reached, to slice the soil core into slabs, and to apply the dewpoint method to subsamples of the slabs. We test the method by numerical simulations and laboratory experiments on five soils covering a broad range of texture. We investigate the accuracy, robustness, and practicability of the new method and compare it to the existing protocols for the dewpoint method and the pressure plate technique. We find that the proposed method allows a precise determination of the WP and the WRC across the full moisture range. It is easy to perform, robust, accurate, and does not require any a priori guess about the amount of water to be added or removed. By fitting a retention curve to the measured data, any water content, including the WP, can be obtained with great confidence.
How Critical Is the Assimilation Frequency of Water Content Measurements for Obtaining Soil Hydraulic Parameters with Data Assimilation?
Authors: Valdes-Abellan Javier , Pachepsky Yakov , Martinez Gonzalo , Pla Concepción
Published: April 2019

Core Ideas

Ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation was used to predict soil water content.

Analyzed data assimilation frequencies were 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14 d.

Assimilation of observed data every 7 d or more yielded better results.

Data assimilation (DA) is a promising alternative to infer soil hydraulic parameters from soil water dynamics data. Frequency of measurements and updates are important controls of DA efficiency; however, no strict guidance exists on determining the optimal frequency. In this study, DA was performed with the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) with a state augmentation approach to update both model states and parameters. We analyzed updates every 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14 d. Two soil types (sandy loam and loam) and four climates (hot semiarid [Bwh], cold semiarid [Bsk], humid continental [Dfa], and humid subtropical [Cfa]) were considered. Results demonstrate that DA with high update frequencies does not provide better results than results obtained when using low frequencies. For sandy loam soil, assimilation of data every seven or more days yields better results for whatever climate considered. For loam soil, the same is true after 9 mo of assimilation. The chosen performance metric may affect the results, but the general trend of better results with low assimilation frequencies does not change.
Shock loading of fixed flexible thread and orthotropic elastic membrane
Authors: Komarov S.S. , Tsvileneva N.Yu. , Miskaktin N.I.
Published: April 2019

The main problems of the wave dynamics of flexible filaments and elastic membranes are solved. The reliability of the numerical algorithm proposed by the authors for calculating the elastic deformation of pneumatic structures under dynamic loading is confirmed when compared with the results of known studies obtained by analytical and numerical methods.
About nonlinear nonspherical oscillations of a gas bubble in an incompressible ideal liquid
Authors: Ilgamov M.A. , Nasibullaeva E.Sh. , Kondtratyev D.V.
Published: April 2019

A comparative parametric analysis of a system of equations describing the nonspherical oscillations of a gas bubble in an incompressible ideal fluid is performed. The terms up to a second order of smallness in the amplitude of the surface perturbation are taking into account. Numerical calculations of this system of equations for various parameters (initial deviation from the sphere, pressure amplitude, initial radius) and for various laws of the applied pressure change are carried out.
Method of superhigh resonant compression of a bubbly liquid by a moderate nonperiodical impact
Authors: Nigmatulin R.I. , Gubaidullin A.A. , Beregova O.Sh.
Published: April 2019

In the present paper offered a method of processing a limited volume of a bubbly liquid by nonperiodical wave impact with a moderate amplitude, which results in originating of waves in the mixture, the amplitudes of which can by several orders exceed the amplitude of the initiating influence. The method is illustrated with the results of the direct numerical modeling.
Hybrid Design of Isonicotinic Acid Hydrazide Derivatives: Machine Learning Studies, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of their Antituberculosis Activity
Authors: Kovalishyn Vasyl , Hodyna Diana , Sinenko Vitaliy O. , Blagodatny Volodymyr , Semenyuta Ivan , Slivchuk Sergiy R. , Brovarets Volodymyr , Poda Gennady , Metelytsia Larysa
Published: April 2019

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb) bacteria. One of the main causes of mortality from TB is the problem of Mtb resistance to known drugs.

Objective:

The goal of this work is to identify potent small molecule anti-TB agents by machine learning,
synthesis and biological evaluation.

Methods:

The On-line Chemical Database and Modeling Environment (OCHEM) was used to build predictive
machine learning models. Seven compounds were synthesized and tested in vitro for their antitubercular
activity against H37Rv and resistant Mtb strains.

Results:

A set of predictive models was built with OCHEM based on a set of previously synthesized isoniazid
(INH) derivatives containing a thiazole core and tested against Mtb. The predictive ability of the
models was tested by a 5-fold cross-validation, and resulted in balanced accuracies (BA) of 61–78% for
the binary classifiers. Test set validation showed that the models could be instrumental in predicting anti-
TB activity with a reasonable accuracy (with BA = 67–79 %) within the applicability domain. Seven designed
compounds were synthesized and demonstrated activity against both the H37Rv and multidrugresistant
(MDR) Mtb strains resistant to rifampicin and isoniazid. According to the acute toxicity evaluation
in Daphnia magna neonates, six compounds were classified as moderately toxic (LD50 in the range of
10−100 mg/L) and one as practically harmless (LD50 in the range of 100−1000 mg/L).

Conclusion:

The newly identified compounds may represent a starting point for further development of
therapies against Mtb. The developed models are available online at OCHEM http://ochem.eu/article/11
1066 and can be used to virtually screen for potential compounds with anti-TB activity.
Recent Development in the Chemistry of Bicyclic 6+5 Systems, Part I: Chemistry of Pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines
Authors: Gouda Moustafa A. , Berghot Moged A. , El Ghani Ghada E.A. , Khalil Abdel-Galil M.
Published: April 2019

This review describes the synthesis and reactions of substituted pyrazolo[3,4-b] pyridines as
a building block for the synthesis of polyfunctionalized heterocyclic compounds with pharmacological
interest.
Synthesis and Preliminary Biological Properties Assessment of Novel 2-S-, 4-, 5-Substituted and Bicyclic Derivatives of 6-Methylpyrimidine-4-ol
Authors: Yengoyan Aleksandr P. , Azaryan Zhermen A. , Pivazyan Vergush A. , Ghazaryan Emma A. , Tamazyan Rafael A. , Ayvazyan Armen G.
Published: April 2019

:

A series of novel 2-S-, 4-, 5-substituted and bicyclic 6-methylpyrimidine-4-ol derivatives including pyrazole, 1,2,4-triazole and pyridazine moieties in the molecule were synthesized by accessible and efficient methods. Thiopyrazolyl derivatives were obtained from 2-mercapto-6-methylpyrimidin-4-ol. 4-Triazolyl and 4-aminotriazolylpyrimidines were synthesized from the quaternary ammonium salt of pyrimidine and 4-chloro-substituted 2-thiomethyl-6-methylpyrimidine, respectively. The reaction of potassium salt of 1-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ole with ethyl 2-chloro-3-oxobutanoate and subsequent treatment with thiourea led to 6-((4-hydroxy-2-mercapto-6-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)oxy)-2- methylpyridazin-3 (2H)-one. The reaction product of the latter with 3-chloropentan-2,4-dione was subjected to heterocyclization, which afforded the target bicyclic derivative of pyrimidine. The synthesized compounds showed a pronounced stimulating action on plants growth. Their growth stimulant activities were in the range of 60-93% compared to heteroauxin.
Functional Nanomaterials-Catalyzed Production of Biodiesel
Authors: Pan Hu , Li Hu , Zhang Heng , Wang Anping , Yang Song
Published: April 2019

Background:

Biodiesel, as a green and renewable biofuel, has great potential to replace
fossil diesel. The development of efficient and stable heterogeneous catalysts is vital to produce biodiesel
in an efficient and green way. Nanocatalysts provide a high surface-to-volume ratio as well as
high active site loading and can improve mass transfer, which is beneficial to enhance their catalytic
activity.

Objective:

The review focuses on the latest advances in the production of biodiesel using nanostructured
catalysts.

Methods:

Biodiesel is mainly produced through esterification and transesterification reaction using
acids, bases or lipases as catalysts. We mainly review the synthesis methods and physicochemical
properties of various basic, acidic and lipase nanocatalysts. Meanwhile, their catalytic activities in
biodiesel production are also discussed.

Results:

Alkali nanocatalysts are mainly suitable for transformation of oils with low acid values to
biodiesel via transesterification reaction. In contrast, acidic nanocatalysts are not sensitive to water as
well as free fatty acids and can avoid saponification associated with basic nanocatalysts while promote
simultaneous esterification and transesterification reaction. However, acid-catalyzed transesterification
usually requires harsh reaction conditions. In addition, the lipase-catalyzed process is
also suitable for non-edible oils containing high contents of free fatty acids, which possess environmental
and economic advantages.

Conclusion:

Nanocatalysts have many advantages such as good accessibility with nanostructure,
high active site loading and reduction of mass transfer resistance. However, most of those materials
undergo deactivation after several cycles. Therefore, the development of more efficient, stable, and
low-cost nanocatalysts is desirable for producing biodiesel.
The Psoriasis Pathogenesis and the Metabolic Risk
Authors: Buquicchio Rosalba , Foti Caterina , Ventura Maria Teresa
Published: April 2019

Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease that can be related to genetic, environmental and immunological causes. Therefore, not only a single factor but different aspects contribute to the onset of the disease, varying from individual to individual. It would be characterized by an abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, mediated by a dysregulation in the auto-immune T cell response in which several cytokines participate, including Interleukin (IL)-17, IL-17A, IL-12, IL-22, IL-23. These cells and cytokines are responsible for the aggression on skin cells, inflammation and accelerated reproduction of the cells of the epidermis. Due to the chronic inflammation, psoriasis is frequently associated with other concomitant non-dermatological morbid conditions such as arthropathy which can be complicated by a disabling evolution. Psoriasis is also frequently associated with comorbidities such as Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), hyperlipidemia, diabetes and obesity.

The knowledge of common inflammatory pathways and of the potential links between psoriasis and other diseases should encourage dermatologists to a multidisciplinary approach to psoriasis and to an optimal management also in the light of new therapeutic possibilities.
High Payload SVD Based Audio Watermarking Scheme Inherently Robust to mp3 Compression
Authors: Tewari Tribhuwan Kumar , Thakur Manish Kumar
Published: April 2019

Background & Objective:

SVD based audio watermarking schemes met the requirements
of imperceptibility, having moderate payload and are robust to most common signal processing attacks.
But, when the watermarked audios are compressed at higher compression i.e. compression at
lower bit rate, the percentage retrieval of the watermark is reduced. Since the audios posted on the
networked environment i.e. world wide web (www) are mostly Mp3 audios compressed at different
compression rate, there is a need to develop a watermarking scheme which is inherently robust to
compression attack at different bit rates.

Methods:

Scheme presented in this paper uses a two phase approach for embedding the watermark. The
proposed scheme is having a high payload and is inherently robust to compression attack. In the proposed
scheme, watermarked audios are made inherently robust to mp3 compression at different bit rates and
common signal processing attacks through selection of embedding frames that resist the attacks fully.

Results & Conclusion:

A preliminary analysis of mp3 attack on the individual frames is done prior
to finally embedding the watermark for ensuring robustness to mp3 compression and other attacks.
Speech Recognition Using Elman Artificial Neural Network and Linear Predictive Coding
Authors: Khajehasani Somayeh , Dehyadegari Louiza
Published: April 2019

Background:

Today, the automatic intelligent system requirement has caused an increasing consideration
on the interactive modern techniques between human being and machine. These techniques generally
consist of two types: audio and visual methods. Meanwhile, the need for developing the algorithms
that enable the human speech recognition by machine is of high importance and frequently studied by the
researchers.

Objective:

Using artificial intelligence methods has led to better results in human speech recognition, but the
basic problem is the lack of an appropriate strategy to select the recognition data among the huge amount of
speech information that practically makes it impossible for the available algorithms to work.

Method:

In this article, to solve the problem, the linear predictive coding coefficients extraction method is
used to sum up the data related to the English digits pronunciation. After extracting the database, it is utilized
to an Elman neural network to recognize the relation between the linear coding coefficients of an audio
file with the pronounced digit.

Results:

The results show that this method has a good performance compared to other methods. According
to the experiments, the obtained results of network training (99% recognition accuracy) indicate that the
network still has better performance than RBF despite many errors.

Conclusion:

The results of the experiments showed that the Elman memory neural network has had an acceptable
performance in recognizing the speech signal compared to the other algorithms. The use of the linear
predictive coding coefficients along with the Elman neural network has led to higher recognition accuracy
and improved the speech recognition system.
Green Bio-Based Solvents in C-C Cross-Coupling Reactions
Authors: Sydnes Magne O.
Published: April 2019

Solvent accounts for majority of the waste derived from synthetic transformations. This implies that by making changes to the solvent used by either switching to greener options, reducing the volume of solvent used, or even better avoiding the use of solvent totally will have a positive impact on the environment. Herein, the focus will be on the use of bio-based-green-solvents in C-C crosscoupling reactions highlighting the recent developments in this field of research. Emphasis in this review will be placed on developments obtained for Mizoroki-Heck, Hiyama, Stille, and Suzuki- Miyaura cross-couplings. For these cross-coupling reactions, good reaction conditions utilizing green solvents are now available.
"Welcome to America," fragment from Dream in a Suitcase. A Story of My Immigrant Life
Authors: Radulescu Domnica
Published: April 2019

Memorialistic chapter about the author’s arrival to America and her first months in Chicago in 1983, during the coldest winter of the century.
Pengambilan Keputusan mengenai Pengobatan pada Pasien Kanker Payudara yang Menjalani Pengobatan Tradisional
Authors: Shabrina Arina , Iskandarsyah Aulia
Published: April 2019

There were breast cancer patients who undergo a traditional treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the contributing factors in traditional treatment decision making. Five breast cancer patients were recruited from online survey, cancer community and traditional treatment clinic. Respondents filled demographic and clinical characteristic form and also interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The result of this study was most of the respondents put more trust on traditional treatment therapist rather than doctor. Most of them undergo a traditional treatment because they perceived the benefits from the treatment. Family member suggested they to undergo a traditional treatment. There were several factors that contributed to participant’s decision to undergo a traditional treatment; ie (1) the view about health care provider, (2) the perceived benefit from the treatment and (3) the source of recommen­dation about the use of traditional treatment.
Construction and Characterization of Organic Solar Cell and Study the Operational Properties
Authors: Majeed Majid H. , Kareem Mohamed Abdul , Ali Esraa H.
Published: April 2019

This article reviews the construction of organic solar cell (OSC) and characterized their optical and electrical properties, where indium tin oxide (ITO) used as a transparent electrode, “Poly (3-hexylthiophene- 2,5-diyl) P3HT / Poly (9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) F8BT” as an active layer and “Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly (styrene sulfonate)” PEDOT: PSS which is referred to the hole transport layer. Spin coating technique was used to prepared polymers thin film layers under ambient atmosphere to make OSC.  The prepared samples were characterized after annealing process at (80 ͦ C) for (30 min) under non-isolated circumference. The results show a value of filling factor (FF) of (2.888), (0.233) and (0.28) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of (0.0055), (3.333  10-6) and (0.0004), where these results were obtained by Keithley Electrometer Model 6517B, while spectral response is being utilized by LEOI-94 Monochromator and Keithley 6517B Electrometer.
Modified Elman Neural-PID Controller Design for DC-DC Buck Converter System Based on Dolphin Echolocation Optimization
Authors: Dagher Khulood E.
Published: April 2019

This paper describes a new proposed structure of the Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller based on modified Elman neural network for the DC-DC buck converter system which is used in battery operation of the portable devices. The Dolphin Echolocation Optimization (DEO) algorithm is considered as a perfect on-line tuning technique therefore, it was used for tuning and obtaining the parameters of the modified Elman neural-PID controller to avoid the local minimum problem during learning the proposed controller. Simulation results show that the best weight parameters of the proposed controller, which are taken from the DEO, lead to find the best action and unsaturated state that will stabilize the Buck converter system performance and achieve the desired output. In addition, there is a minimization for the tracking voltage error to zero value of the Buck converter output, especially when changing a load resistance by 10%.
Bone Defect Animal Model for Hybrid Polymer Matrix Nano Composite as Bone Substitute Biomaterials
Authors: Kashan Jenan S. , Hamdan Wisam K. , Fakhri Baha
Published: April 2019

Addition of bioactive materials such as Titanium oxide (TiO2), and incorporation of bio inert ceramic such as alumina (Al2O3), into polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been adopted as an effective approach to improve bone-implant interfaces. In this paper, hot pressing technique has been adopted as a production method. This technique gave a homogenous distribution of the additive materials in the proposed composite biomaterial. Different compositions and compounding temperatures have been applied to all samples. Mechanical properties and animal model have been studied in all different production conditions. The results of these new TiO2/Al2O3/PEEK biocomposites with different compositions were promising, mechanical properties within the range of human cortical bone, suitable for load bearing applications. At the same time, in vivo test shows no inflammation reaction with implanted samples. Sustained viability in contact with the sample over seven-day period, showed evidence of excellent biocompatibility in injured rejoins.
Experimental Study on Solar Air Heating
Authors: Chaichan Miqdam T , Ali Ali J. , Abass Khaleel I.
Published: April 2019

Abstract

 

A new type of solar air heater was designed, fabricated, and tested in Baghdad, Iraq winter conditions. The heater consists of two main parts. The horizontal section was filled with the black colored iron chip while the vertical part has five pipes filled with Iraqi paraffin wax. A fan was fixed at the exit of the air. Two cases were studied: when the air moved by natural convection and when forced convection moved it. The studied air heater has proven its effectiveness as it heated the air passing through it to high temperatures. The results manifest that using little air movement makes the temperatures, stored energies, and efficiencies of the two studied cases converge. The suitable solar intensity of Baghdad city makes the use of solar air heater suitable to reduce the electricity and fossil fuels consumption.
Design of Hybrid Neural Fuzzy Controller for Human Robotic Leg System
Authors: Karam Ekhlas H. , Abbass Ayam M , Abdul-Jaleel Noor S.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the human robotic leg which can be represented mathematically by single input-single output (SISO) nonlinear differential model with one degree of freedom, is analyzed and then a simple hybrid neural fuzzy controller is designed to improve the performance of this human robotic leg model. This controller consists from SISO fuzzy proportional derivative (FPD) controller with nine rules summing with single node neural integral derivative (NID) controller with nonlinear function. The Matlab simulation results for nonlinear robotic leg model with the suggested controller showed that the efficiency of this controller when compared with the results of the leg model that is controlled by PI+2D, PD+NID, and FPD-ID controllers.
Experimental Evaluation and Finite Element Simulation to Produce Square Cup by Deep Drawing Process
Authors: Younis Karem Muhsin , Jabber Adil Shbeeb , Abdulrazaq Mustafa Mohammed
Published: April 2019

Deep drawing process to produce square cup is very complex process due to a lot of process parameters which control on this process, therefore associated with it many of defects such as earing, wrinkling and fracture. Study of the effect of some process parameters to determine the values of these parameters which give the best result, the distributions for the thickness and depths of the cup were used to estimate the effect of the parameters on the cup numerically, in addition to experimental verification just to the conditions which give the best numerical predictions in order to reduce the time, efforts and costs for producing square cup with less defects experimentally is the aim of this study. The numerical analysis is used to study the effect of some parameters such as die profile radius, radial clearance between die and punch, blank diameter on the length and thickness  distributions on the cup, dynamic-explicit (ANSYS11) code based on finite element method is utilized to simulate the square deep drawing operation. Experiments were done for comparison and verification the numerical predictions. effective square cup with less defects and acceptable thickness distributions were produced in this study. It is concluded  the most thinning appear in the corner cup due to excessive stretching occur in this region and also it is found the cup thickness and height prediction by numerical analysis and in general in harmony with experimental analysis.
Physical and Morphological Properties of Hard- Soft Ferrite Functionally Graded Materials
Authors: Chyad Fadhi , Jabur Akram , Abed Sabreen
Published: April 2019

Functionally graded materials (FGMs), with ceramic –ceramic constituents are fabricated using powder technology techniques. In this work three different sets of FGMs samples were designed in to 3 layers, 5 layers and 7 layers. The ceramic constituents were represented by hard ferrite (Barium ferrite) and soft ferrite (lithium ferrite). All samples sintered at constant temperature at 1100oC for 2 hrs. and characterized by FESEM. Some physical properties were measured for fabricated FGMs include apparent density, bulk density, porosity, shrinkage and hardness. The results indicated that the density increase with the increase the number of layer. Lateral shrinkage is one of the important parameter for estimating the quality of component gradation in an FGM structure. The Vickers hardness show higher value at FGM7, Finally the FESEM images showed a gradation in microstructure within the system from plate- like structure for the hard ferrite to spherical structure for the soft ferrite.
Energy Consumption Analyzing in Single hop Transmission and Multi-hop Transmission for using Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hamza Ekhlas K. , Alhayani Heba H.
Published: April 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are emerging in various application like military, area monitoring, health monitoring, industry monitoring and many more. The challenges of the successful WSN application are the energy consumption problem. since the small, portable batteries integrated into the sensor chips cannot be re-charged easily from an economical point of view. This work focusses on prolonging the network lifetime of WSNs by reducing and balancing energy consumption during routing process from hop number point of view. In this paper, performance simulation was done between two types of protocols LEACH that uses single hop path and MODLEACH that uses multi hop path by using Intel Care i3 CPU (2.13GHz) laptop with MATLAB (R2014a). The simulation results showed how the multi-hop protocol was more energy efficient than single hop protocol.
Efficiency Enhancement of a Dual-axis Solar PV Panel Tracker Using Water-Flow Double Glazing Technique
Authors: Mohammed Farag Mahel , Mohammed Jamal Abdul-Kareem , Nouri Rasha Ali
Published: April 2019

The fall angle of sun rays on the surface of a photovoltaic PV panel and its temperature is negatively affecting the panel electrical energy produced and efficiency. The fall angle problem was commonly solved by using a dual-axis solar tracker that continually maintains the panel orthogonally positioning to the sun rays all day long. This leads to maximum absorption for solar radiation necessary to produce maximum amount of energy and maintain high level of electrical efficiency. To solve the PV panel temperature problem, a Water-Flow Double Glazing WFDG technique has been introduced as a new cooling tool to reduce the panel temperature. In this paper, an integration design of the water glazing system with a dual-axis tracker has been accomplished and experimentally tested in order to enhance the PV panel efficiency, especially at hot climates. The proposed glazing system can simultaneously perform two functions, firstly, working as a cooling tool for reducing the stored heat in the PV panel during its work and secondly as an optical filter for sun light spectrum. Optimum design factors with their levels for the glazing system were calculated according to Taguchi method. Test experiments were carried out in Baghdad city on the 20th and 21st July 2016 on the tracker with and without using the WFDG system. The obtained results show that, the PV panel temperature with using the WFDG system was significantly dropped by 44% and its efficiency increased maximally by 36.6% at solar irradiance of 1213W/m2 as compared with conventional one.
Conversion of Lignocellulosic Material Into Fermentable Sugars
Authors: Mohammed Asem Hassan , Behrendt Frank Behrendt , Methner Frank Jürgen
Published: April 2019

Enzymatic hydrolysis process of lignocellulosic biomass materials is difficult because of inherent structural features of biomass, which represents barriers that prevent complete hydrolysis; therefore, pretreatment techniques are necessary to render biomass highly digestible in enzymatic hydrolysis process. In this research, (non?) oxidative short-term lime pretreatment of willow wood was used. A weight of  11.40 g of willow wood was mixed with an excess of calcium hydroxide (0.4 g Ca(OH)2/g raw biomass) and water loading (15 g/g raw biomass). Lime pretreatment was carried out for various periods of time including 1, 2, 3.5, 5 and 6 h, with temperatures at 100, 113, 130, 147 and 1600C, and oxygen pressures as oxidativeagent (6, 9, 13.5, 17.8, 21 bar absolute). The optimization of both pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis were depended on the maximum overall yields of glucan and xylan after two processes of lime pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. The optimal conditions of pretreatment were as follow: 1) 1.33 h, 1470C, 17.8 bar absolute, 0.26 g Ca(OH)2/g raw biomass. 2) 1.25 h, 155 0C, 21 bar absolute, 0.26 Ca(OH)2/g raw biomass. Furthermore, the optimal values for low impact factors such as water loading was 15 g/g raw biomass and particle size was less than 3 mm. The optimal conditions of enzymatic hydrolysis were as follow: Cellulase enzymeloading was 0.1 g /g glucan in raw biomass, at substrate concentration of 50 g/L during 72 h of enzymatic hydrolysis The yield of enzymatic hydrolysis under these conditions were as follow: 96.00 g glucan/100 g of glucan in raw biomass, and 65.00 g xylan/100 g xylan in raw biomass.
Reducing the Water Hardness by Using Electromagnetic Polarization Method
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Ghassan Hassan
Published: April 2019

Hard water does not pose a threat to human health but may cause precipitation of soap or results stone in the boilers. These reactions are caused by the high concentrations of Ca and Mg. In the industry they are undesirable because of higher fuel consumption for industrial use .Electromagnetic polarization water treatment is a method which can be used for increasing the precipitation of Ca 2+ and CO3 2- ions in hard water to form CaCO3 which leads to decrease the water hardness is research has been conducted by changing the number of coil turns and voltage of the system. The spectroscopy electron microscope was used for imaging the produced crystals. Results of the investigation indicated that the electromagnetic polarization can be used in precipitation to decrease the hardness of water due to increase in the precipitation percent of CaCO3.