bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mathematical Models To Analyze The Impact Of An Adoptive T - Cells Therapy On The Coexistence Of Chronic Lymphocytic And Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Kwarteng Anthony , Wiah Eric Neebo , Otoo Henry
Published: October 2024

Leukemia is a cancerous and progressive disease that affects the myeloid and lymphoid cells of the bone marrow. It causes a lot of problems for families, patients as well as the healthcare systems around the world. This study investigated how adoptive T - cell therapy affects the growth of coexistence of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in a single patient. The methodology involves the development of both classical and fractional differential systems to analyze the coexistence of CLL and AML in a single patient. The numerical simulations were also performed to confirm the results of the analysis. The studies showed that the concentration levels of both types of leukemia cells were very high before the introduction of immunotherapy of the adoptive T cells. The disease free and endemic equilibrium points were proved to be globally asymptotically stable
A Survey On Image Registration Techniques Using FFT
Authors: Kumari Puja , Kumari Dr. Anita
Published: October 2024

Image Registration is the process of straightening two or more images of the same scene with testimonial to a particular image. The images are captured from various sensors at different times and at multiple viewpoints. Thus, to get a better picture of any change of a scene/object over a considerable period of time image registration is important. Image registration finds application in medical sciences, remote sensing and in computer vision. This paper presents a detailed review of several approaches which are classified accordingly along with their contributions and drawbacks. The main steps of an image registration procedure are also discussed. Different performance measures are presented that determine the registration quality and accuracy. The scope for the future research are presented as well. Applications based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) such as signal and image processing require high computational power, plus the ability to experiment with algorithms. Reconfigurable hardware devices in the form of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have been proposed as a way of obtaining high performance at an economical price. At present, however, users must program FPGAs at a very low level and have a detailed knowledge of the architecture of the device being used. To try to reconcile the dual requirements of high performance and ease of development, this paper reports on the design and realization of a High-Level framework for the implementation of 1-D and 2-D FFTs for real-time applications. Results show that the parallel implementation of 2-D FFT achieves virtually linear speed-up and real-time performance for large matrix sizes. Finally, an FPGA-based parametrizable environment based on the developed parallel 2-D FFT architecture is presented as a solution for frequency domain image filtering application
Barriers Towards Renewable Energy Development In Housing Areas In Serdang, Malaysia
Authors: Annejjar Eng. Abdulkarim Taher Mohamed , Mansor Eng . Fatemh Mohamed.M.
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, new and renewable sources of energy are among the most crucial factors in achieving sustainable development of nations. The aim of this research is to investigate the current barriers to renewable energy development in Serdang, which are: financial, technical, and policy barriers. This study survey is located in Serdang area. Total sample of 346 respondents participated in this study. The finding of this study revealed a significant positive relationship with the financial barriers (r=0.501, p<0.05), technical and technological barriers (r=0.349, p<0.05), policy barriers (r=0.338, p<0.05), andrenewable energy development. Also a significant impact from the financial barriers, technical barriers, policy barriers, and renewable energy development. As high cost ofrenewable energy technologies forms one of the financial barriers, it is recommended that the import taxes be reduced and local manufacturing of these technologies be encouraged.
Production And Improvement Productivity Of An Oil Well By Water Restraining And Penetration Using PLT
Authors: Aljazwi Hassan F. Bouwaila , Moftah Moftah Mohammed , Oun Abdulkarim Oun , Salam Abdul Moein Mohammed Abdul
Published: October 2024

As any operation that delays water to reach and enter the production wells. Water production is one of the major technical, environmental, and economic problems associated with oil and gas production. Water production not only limits the productive life of the oil and gas wells but also causes several problems including corrosion of tubular, fines migration, and hydrostatic loading. The conventional water shutoff method has been applied in Sharara field for the wellbore isolation by cement plug in the watered out zone, fortunately it was successful. In this project as PLT calculation was done by using water hold-up sensor as following: shut – in the well and run PLT Log was correlated for depth matching of well X 1 to 5250 ft end of last perforation, then full-bore Spinner passes were consistent and repeated and did not show any cross flow between perforations The Changes in spinner rotation at few intervals is corresponding to change in caliper readings. Flowing the well Full-bore Spinner passes were consistent and repeated, Passes also indicated the inflow zones, was consistent and repeated and illustrated the fluid distribution in the wellbore, show that the main hydrocarbon bubble entry at the wellbore filled with water. Final result showing that for A-06 well first and last perforation (4810 ft – 4840 ft) & (4852 ft 4916 ft) producing water with (5.17) % & (87.72) % WC
Site Characterization In Champhai Town Area Of Mizoram State In Northeast India: Geological And Geophysical Studies
Authors: Das Sandipan , M Mohan Babu , Renu R Nyna , Khongwar Saralin , Joseph Joe , Kayal Jnana Ranjan
Published: October 2024

The Mizoram state of northeast region (NER), India located in close proximity to Indo-Burma subduction zone, recently experienced an earthquake swarm; eight severely felt earthquakes (Mw 5.0–5.9) occurred during April–October, 2020 around Champhai town that caused damages to several buildings and ground cracks with maximum reported MSK intensity VIII. The largest event Mw 5.9, at depth 15 km, occurred on April 16 (ISC catalog). The present study deals with site characterization of the Champhai town area by geological and geophysical investigations. The geological investigation involves detailed mapping of the lithounits, and the geophysical investigation includes shallow (down to 30 m) shear wave velocity (Vs 30) and site amplification (SA) measurements in an about 50 sq km area in the town. Some 23 sites are selected for Vs 30 measurements using the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) technique. The observed Vs 30 ranges from 200 m/s to 1060 m/s classifying the area into three categories: Class-B (hard rock), class-C (soft rock), and class-D (stiff soil) as per National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) guidelines. Geologically, the class B and C sites are represented by arenaceous and argillaceous Tertiary rocks, respectively, whereas the class D is represented by the Quaternary sediments. Site amplification (SA) studies, on the other hand, are carried out by making ambient noise surveys at some 52 selected stations using a digital seismograph. The ambient noise data are analyzed by the Nakamura method of H/V spectral ratio. The overall variation of peak amplification of the sites ranges from 1.26 to 6.65. A good correlation is obtained; the observed Vs 30 and site amplification (SA) maps are fairly comparable with the detailed geological or lithounit map. These maps are much useful for seismic hazard microzonation of the town area to mitigate seismic hazard-risk
Drying Behaviour Investigation of Solar Dryer Using Polythene
Authors: Gautam Jitendra Kumar , Verma Pankaj , Kumar Nitesh , Kumar Vineet , Kumar Naveen
Published: October 2024

Air is heated and any food item can be dried using the solar drying method, which also uses biomass energy. Drying aids in the preservation of agricultural products while reducing wastage. A solar-biomass hybrid dryer was consequently created to address the drawbacks of natural sun drying, including exposure to direct sunlight, risk of pests and rodents, inadequate supervision, and higher costs associated with mechanical dryers. In this project, a portable hybrid dryer is designed and built. It consists of a biomass combustion chamber integrated with a sun drying chamber that holds a rack of three trays. Through the air inlet, air is supplied into the solar chamber, where it heats up and is used for drying (i.e., removing moisture content from the food ingredient or agricultural product loaded). It is a solar and biomassbased hybrid drier since drying is continued using biomass energy when solar energy is not available. Pune is the design's geographic location, and climatic data were gathered to ensure appropriate design specifications. Glass, mild steel metal bars, acrylic sheets, aluminum foil, and aluminum fabrication material for the trays were among the locally accessible materials utilized in the construction
Identification Of Meloidogyne Species Associated With Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum L.) In The Bougouni Region (Mali)
Authors: Touré Boubacar Kola , Maiga Yacouba , Aboubacar Zakari , Maïga Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Background: The development of market gardening and particularly that of tomatoes is confronted with multiple problems among which there are nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne. The determination of these parasites is important to adopt a control strategy. The objective of this study is to identify Meloidogyne species associated with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in the Bougouni region of Mali. Materials and Methods: Root sample collection took place at two sites in Bougouni region. The roots were thinned with bleach 1%. The females were fixed on roots bearing galls in good condition, by the sodium hypochlorite-acid fuchsin method. These females were subsequently dissected and identified using the perineal plates. Results : Microscopic observation of the perineal plates revealed the presence of three types of perineal plates corresponding to M. incognita, M. arenaria and M. javanica with respective rates of 52%, 27% and 21%. Rootknot nematodes are very important in the parasitic nematofauna in Mali, they were found everywhere regardless of the site considered. Conclusion : These results confirm not only the omnipresence of these three genera in the intertropical zone but also the susceptibility of the Roma tomato to Meloidogyne.
Composition Nutritive Des Ignames De Sous-Bois Cultivées En Association Avec L’hévéa Et Le Cacao A Gonaté Dans La Région Du Haut-Sassandra (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: N’Goran Flora M’modjou , Digbeu Yolande Dogoré , Kouamé Benjamin Kan , Soumahin Eric Francis , Koko Casimir Anauma
Published: October 2024

Aliments de soudure, les tubercules d’ignames de sous-bois cultivés sous différents vergers sont mal connus. Cette étude a eu pour objectif de caractériser et de déterminer l’effet du type de verger sur la valeur nutritive de ces ignames. Pour ce faire, des échantillons d’ignames (Cocoassié blanc) à maturité ont été collectés sous hévéas d’une part et sous cacaoyers d’autre part à Gonaté (Côte d’Ivoire). Leurs compositions physicochimiques ont été déterminées grâce à des méthodes conventionnelles et soumises à des traitements statistiques. Les résultats ont révélé que ces ignames contiennent en plus des polyphénols, du calcium, potassium, phosphore, sodium et du magnésium. Avec un pH légèrement acide (5,99 ± 0,08), elles renferment des oligo-éléments (fer, cuivre, manganèse, zinc), des protéines (4,95 ± 0,93 %), des cendres (2,35 ± 0,35 %) et des fibres (1,04 ± 0,5 %). Denrées périssables avec une humidité de 69,59 ± 3,91 %, les ignames de sous-bois sont des aliments énergétiques riches en glucides (87,89 ± 2,24 %). En outre, elles contiennent des facteurs anti nutritionnels tels que les tanins (0,68 ± 0,13 mg EAT/100 g) et les oxalates (139,94 ± 25,02 mg/100 g). Par ailleurs, d’un verger à l’autre, les teneurs en sucres totaux, sucres réducteurs, fer et en fibres des ignames ont varié significativement. Ainsi, les tubercules récoltés sous les cacaoyers ont enregistré les teneurs les plus élevées en sucres totaux (0,98 ± 0,08 %) et fer (38,34 ± 10,59 mg/100g). Ces ignames peuvent être valorisées dans le domaine des farines composées pour divers usages.
Studies On Point Spread Function With Three Zone Complex Pupil Function
Authors: Shailaja P. , Rao D. Karuna Sagar , Rao S. Venkateshwara
Published: October 2024

The point spread function of a complex three-zone pupil function is analyzed in the presence of primary spherical aberration and defocus. The second zone is phase-shifted by -π/5, and the third zone by +π/7. Apodization is applied using three filters: a Bartlett amplitude filter for the inner zone, a shaded amplitude filter for the second zone, and a Hanning amplitude filter for the third zone. The primary goal is to enhance the central maximum's intensity, eliminate side lobes, and reduce the radius of the first dark ring. A notable increase in the central maximum occurs when the apodization parameter is set to β = 1.0, and minimized the first dark ring's radius under high spherical aberration and defocus
Comparison Of Ambient Air Aerosols Level In Abakaliki Urban, Ebonyi State Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Nwokporo Ifeanyi , Igwe Nwali Chikere , Onyinye Onuoha Chinwendu , Izuchukwu Chukwueke Jude , Chidinma Nwenewo Eugenia , Izuchukwu Anedo Samuel , Chukwuka Agbom
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the total suspended particulate (TSP) matter load and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter 2.5 to 10 micrometers (PM10) in ten areas in Abakaliki urban, Ebonyi State Nigeria, during dry and wet seasons from December, 2008 to September, 2009 using photometric laser-based particle counter instrument. The results showed that the seasonal mean varied in the range of 25.06 ± 5.42 to 89.06 ± 6.05µgm-3 for the TSP in the dry season and 5.94 ± 1.61 to 35.38 ± 5.43µgm-3 for the wet season. The seasonal mean of (PM10) ranged from 8.56 ±2.56 to 73.06 ± 2.79 and 3.69 ± 1.14 to 16.50 ± 5.15 µgm-3 for the dry and wet seasons respectively. The annual mean of TSP in all the locations were within World Health Organization (WHO) annual guideline limit of 230-250µgm-3 whereas PM10 annual mean levels in three locations (Presco Junction, Spera Indeo Junction and Abakaliki Rice Mill) exceeded the US annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 20 µgm-3 and this calls for concern in view of the human health risk associated with particulate matter pollution
On Intertwining and Quasi-Affine Sets of Operators
Authors: Luketero S.W. , Nzimbi B.M. , Moindi S.K.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we investigate some intertwining sets and quasi-affine sets of some classes of operators in Hilbert spaces. We are interested in the intertwining relation of the form WX = XR, where W, R are some bounded linear operators and X is an arbitrary bounded linear operator which we will endow some special properties. 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary 47A05,47A11; Secondary 47B20,47A65
Active site alanine preceding catalytic cysteine determines unique substrate specificity in bacterial CoA‐acylating prenal dehydrogenase
Authors: Becher Ellen , Heese Alexander , Claußen Laura , Eisen Sebastian , Jehmlich Nico , Rohwerder Thore , Purswani Jessica
Published: February 2018

In detoxification and fermentation processes, acylating dehydrogenases catalyze the reversible oxidation of aldehydes to their corresponding acyl‐CoA esters. Here, we characterize an enzyme from Aquincola tertiaricarbonis L108 responsible for prenal (3‐methyl‐2‐butenal) to 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA oxidation. Enzyme kinetics demonstrate a preference for C5 substrates not yet observed in aldehyde dehydrogenases. Compared to acetaldehyde and acetyl‐CoA, conversion of valeraldehyde and valeryl‐CoA is > 100‐ and 8‐fold more efficient, respectively. Enzyme variants with A254I, A254P, and A254G mutations indicate that active site Ala preceding the catalytic C255 is crucial for this unique specificity. These results shed new light on evolutionary adaptation of aldehyde dehydrogenases toward xenobiotics and structure‐guided design of highly specific enzymes for production of biofuels, such as linear or iso‐branched butanols and pentanols.
Present‐Day Mars' Seismicity Predicted From 3‐D Thermal Evolution Models of Interior Dynamics
Authors: Plesa A.‐C. , Knapmeyer M. , Golombek M. P. , Breuer D. , Grott M. , Kawamura T. , Lognonné P. , Tosi N. , Weber R. C.
Published: February 2018

The Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport mission, to be launched in 2018, will perform a comprehensive geophysical investigation of Mars in situ. The Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure package aims to detect global and regional seismic events and in turn offer constraints on core size, crustal thickness, and core, mantle, and crustal composition. In this study, we estimate the present‐day amount and distribution of seismicity using 3‐D numerical thermal evolution models of Mars, taking into account contributions from convective stresses as well as from stresses associated with cooling and planetary contraction. Defining the seismogenic lithosphere by an isotherm and assuming two end‐member cases of 573 K and the 1073 K, we determine the seismogenic lithosphere thickness. Assuming a seismic efficiency between 0.025 and 1, this thickness is used to estimate the total annual seismic moment budget, and our models show values between 5.7 × 1016 and 3.9 × 1019 Nm.
Geoelectrical Signatures of Reactive Mixing: A Theoretical Assessment
Authors: Ghosh U. , Borgne T. L. , Jougnot D. , Linde N. , Méheust Y.
Published: February 2018

Characterizing the effects of subsurface fluid mixing on biogeochemical reactions is a key step toward monitoring and understanding a range of processes and applications in which fluids of different chemical compositions mix, such as aquifer remediation, CO2 sequestration, or groundwater‐surface water interactions. Yet the development of noninvasive methods to monitor mixing processes remains an outstanding challenge. Mixing processes are controlled by concentration gradients that develop at scales below the spatial resolution of hydrogeophysical imaging techniques. To overcome this difficulty, we propose to focus on the geoelectrical response of mixing‐driven chemical reactions, for which the products are electrically more conductive than the background solution. For such reactions, we investigate the impact of reactive mixing on the resulting effective electrical conductivity. The transport equations are solved using the Lamellar Mixing Theory for a range of velocity gradients representative of the stretching rates experienced by mixing fronts in heterogeneous porous media. Focusing on simple shear flows, we demonstrate that such reactions may result in substantial changes (several orders of magnitude) in the effective conductivity over time, thus providing geoelectrical signatures of reactive mixing dynamics. The temporal evolution of the effective conductivity depends on the relative orientations of the applied electrical potential gradient, mean flow, and velocity gradient, yielding different sensitivities to dispersion processes, stretching rates, and reaction kinetics. These results suggest that the use of chemical reactions with electrically conductive products could help to overcome present limitations of time‐lapse geophysical imaging in the monitoring of the spatiotemporal dynamics of subsurface reactive mixing processes.
Vulnerability of Southeast Greenland Glaciers to Warm Atlantic Water From Operation IceBridge and Ocean Melting Greenland Data
Authors: Millan R. , Rignot E. , Mouginot J. , Wood M. , Bjørk A. A. , Morlighem M.
Published: February 2018

We employ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Operation IceBridge high‐resolution airborne gravity from 2016, NASA's Ocean Melting Greenland bathymetry from 2015, ice thickness from Operation IceBridge from 2010 to 2015, and BedMachine v3 to analyze 20 major southeast Greenland glaciers. The results reveal glacial fjords several hundreds of meters deeper than previously thought; the full extent of the marine‐based portions of the glaciers; deep troughs enabling warm, salty Atlantic Water (AW) to reach the glacier fronts and melt them from below; and few shallow sills that limit the access of AW. The new oceanographic and topographic data help to fully resolve the complex pattern of historical ice front positions from the 1930s to 2017: glaciers exposed to AW and resting on retrograde beds have retreated rapidly, while glaciers perched on shallow sills or standing in colder waters or with major sills in the fjords have remained stable.
Wettability and Flow Rate Impacts on Immiscible Displacement: A Theoretical Model
Authors: Hu Ran , Wan Jiamin , Yang Zhibing , Chen Yi‐Feng , Tokunaga Tetsu
Published: February 2018

When a more viscous fluid displaces a less viscous one in porous media, viscous pressure drop stabilizes the displacement front against capillary pressure fluctuation. For this favorable viscous ratio conditions, previous studies focused on the front instability under slow flow conditions but did not address competing effects of wettability and flow rate. Here we study how this competition controls displacement patterns. We propose a theoretical model that describes the crossover from fingering to stable flow as a function of invading fluid contact angle θ and capillary number Ca. The phase diagram predicted by the model shows that decreasing θ stabilizes the displacement for θ≥45° and the critical contact angle θc increases with Ca. The boundary between corner flow and cooperative filling for θ < 45° is also described. This work extends the classic phase diagram and has potential applications in predicting CO2 capillary trapping and manipulating wettability to enhance gas/oil displacement efficiency.
Autocorrelation of the Seismic Wavefield at Newberry Volcano: Reflections From the Magmatic and Geothermal Systems
Authors: Heath Benjamin A. , Hooft Emilie E. E. , Toomey Douglas R.
Published: February 2018

We show that seismic autocorrelations provide new depth constraints on upper crustal magmatic systems. Autocorrelations of both ambient noise recorded on seismometers and geophones and teleseismic earthquake coda recorded on seismometers elucidate the structure of Newberry Volcano. These autocorrelations result in the two‐way, body wave Green's function beneath a station. Within the caldera, a reproducible, coherent P wave reflection is inferred to come from the top of a magma body at ~2.5 km depth and maps with the lateral extent of an anomalously low‐velocity body imaged tomographically. On the west flank of the volcano, a reflection that deepens with distance from the caldera is inferred to result from a temperature‐dependent change in metamorphic facies and may map the thermal structure of the edifice. Our results show that the autocorrelation of diffuse seismic energy reconstructs reflections from seismically sharp boundaries associated with the upper crustal magmatic structure.
Relation of Field‐Aligned Currents Measured by the Network of Iridium® Spacecraft to Solar Wind and Substorms
Authors: McPherron R. L. , Anderson B. J. , Chu Xiangning
Published: February 2018

The strength of field‐aligned currents coupling the magnetosphere to the ionosphere was obtained by the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) using the network of Iridium® spacecraft. The distribution of current was integrated giving total current in and out of the ionosphere on the dayside and nightside of the Earth in both hemispheres. The onset of auroral zone negative bays and midlatitude positive bays corresponds to an increase in nightside upward current. The total outward current tends toward saturation with increasing solar wind driver strength. The optimum solar wind coupling function for AL index predicts ~73% of the variance in nightside upward current. The dayside and nightside predictors of upward current rise to a peak at 30–45 min and decay slowly over 2.5 hr. Nightside response is delayed relative to dayside.
Multiscale Dynamics of Aseismic Slip on Central San Andreas Fault
Authors: Khoshmanesh M. , Shirzaei M.
Published: February 2018

Understanding the evolution of aseismic slip enables constraining the fault's seismic budget and provides insight into dynamics of creep. Inverting the time series of surface deformation measured along the Central San Andreas Fault obtained from interferometric synthetic aperture radar in combination with measurements of repeating earthquakes, we constrain the spatiotemporal distribution of creep during 1992–2010. We identify a new class of intermediate‐term creep rate variations that evolve over decadal scale, releasing stress on the accelerating zone and loading adjacent decelerating patches. We further show that in short‐term (<2 year period), creep avalanches, that is, isolated clusters of accelerated aseismic slip with velocities exceeding the long‐term rate, govern the dynamics of creep. The statistical properties of these avalanches suggest existence of elevated pore pressure in the fault zone, consistent with laboratory experiments.
SALTTreaty
Authors: Chiampan Andrea
Published: February 2018

The approaching of strategic parity, the desire to improve superpower relations to gain domestic and international consensus, the costs of the arms race spinning out of control, the American desire to obtain Soviet cooperation in exiting Vietnam, and the development of destabilizing technologies such as anti‐ballistic missiles (ABM) and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) were the reasons that pushed the Nixon administration and the Soviet Union to negotiate a ABM Treaty and a SALT agreement to limit strategic offensive weapons in 1972. The 1972 SALT agreement became the symbol of superpower détente and remained the main forum of superpower diplomacy until 1979, when Carter and Brezhnev finally turned the interim agreement into a SALT Treaty. However, as détente plummeted and the Soviets invaded Afghanistan the SALT Treaty was never ratified by the American Congress.
Use of a Novel Memory Aid to Educate Perioperative Team Members on Proper Patient Positioning Technique
Authors: Woodfin Kaitlen O. , Johnson Corey , Parker Renee , Mikach Caroline , Johnson Molly , McMullan Susan P.
Published: February 2018

Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to safe surgical positioning. Although the surgical procedure dictates the patient's position, surgeons, anesthesia care providers, intraoperative nurses, and ancillary staff members must work together to achieve the goal of safe positioning. Correct patient positioning includes the provision of adequate access to the surgical site for the surgeon and surgical assistants. Surgical positions may put the patient at risk of injury. Understanding human anatomy, including the nerves commonly affected by each surgical position, can help the surgical team prevent accidental and irreversible patient injury. A lack of knowledge of proper positioning practices can result in serious patient injury, such as permanent paralysis, blindness, tissue necrosis, burns, bone fracture, and even death. This article reviews surgical positioning and introduces a learning module that involves the use of mnemonics as memory aids for perioperative team members who are learning proper positioning techniques.
Potent and Metabolically Stable Modified Peptide Agonists of Protease‐activated Receptor 2
Authors: Park Jong Il , Song Sang‐Yong
Published: February 2018

Protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2) is an important target for drug discovery in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Although many peptide agonists have been developed, they are active at micromolar concentrations or are metabolically unstable. In this study, we designed novel peptide agonists by peptoid technology and synthesized them by standard Fmoc SPPS (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis) procedures. One of them, Furo‐LIGK‐nV‐NH2, showed very good agonist activity at nanomolar concentrations and showed markedly increased stability in rat plasma compared to that of the control agonist.
Development of Single‐Chain Antibodies Specific to Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 2
Authors: Son Sang Hyeon , Baek Seung‐il , Ju Man‐Seok , Han Seong‐Gu , Jung Sang Taek , Yu Yeon Gyu
Published: February 2018

Lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) are ubiquitous serum phospholipids that trigger diverse cellular responses such as cell proliferation, migration, cell survival, and calcium influx. LPA receptors belong to the G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, and seven subtypes of LPA receptors have been identified. Among them, LPA receptor 2 (LPA2) is involved in the proliferation and metastasis of ovarian, cervical, and breast cancers. Hence, LPA2‐specific antagonists or antibodies are considered as potential anticancer therapeutics. To develop antibodies against LPA2, a recombinant LPA2 was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity, and immobilized on a solid surface as an active conformation. An M13 phage library displaying single‐chain variable fragments (scFvs) of human IgG containing randomized complementarity‐determining regions was applied to select LPA2‐specific scFv clones. After five rounds of biopanning, a few scFv clones which showed specific binding to LPA2 were identified. Single‐chain antibodies (scAbs), which contain the isolated scFvs and Cκ domain, were constructed and expressed in E. coli. The purified scAbs showed specific binding to LPA2 with KD values of 200–600 nM.
Combining local and remote laboratories for the interactive learning of industrial automation
Authors: Cordeiro Armando , Fernão Pires Vitor , Foito Daniel
Published: February 2018

This study presents an educational project for the interactive learning of Industrial Automation. The objective of this project is to allow Bachelor's and Master's students of Electrical Engineering of the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa (ISEL‐IPL) to learn theoretical and practical fundamentals of Industrial Automation through local and remote laboratory experiments. The proposed pedagogical activities, together with the flexibility of the solution adopted for the laboratory experiments, allow students to acquire advanced knowledge regarding Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming languages, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications and industrial communication networks, among other aspects. The main benefits of this educational project are the motivation to engage in problem solving, developing mental strategies based on new hypotheses, step‐by‐step knowledge construction, and the possibility to interact and change, locally or remotely, the developed programs. Additionally, the adopted laboratory architecture is based on industrial hardware and software, like those found in real applications.
Synthesis and Characterization of (Cu, S) Co‐doped SnO2 for Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Formate at Low Overpotential
Authors: Hu Xueyan , Yang Huimin , Guo Minmin , Gao Mengting , Zhang Erhui , Tian Haoyang , Liang Zhenhai , Liu Xian
Published: February 2018

A novel copper (Cu) and sulfur (S) co‐doped SnO2 material prepared by a facile hydrothermal method is demonstrated as an efficient electrocatalyst for the reduction of CO2 to formate. The as‐prepared SC10 holds rutile structure, whereas both Cu and S are doped well into the SnO2, in which S2− and Cu2+ replace O2− and Sn4+, respectively. The overpotential observed in CO2‐saturated 0.5 M NaHCO3 solution is as low as 130 mV (vs. RHE) at −0.75 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and the maximum current density also increases to 5.5 mA cm−2 at −1.2 V, which is 7‐times higher than pure SnO2. The catalyst is stable for more than 33 h and the Faradic efficiency of formate is 58.5 %. The as‐synthesized catalyst will open up a novel route for efficient reduction to formate and has a great potential for relieving the greenhouse effect.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in women
Authors: Itchhaporia Dipti
Published: February 2018

This review examines the treatment options for women with severe aortic stenosis. It is known that female sex is associated with poorer outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement. With the introduction and adoption of transcatheter aortic valve replacement as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement, there are emerging data about the potential impact of female sex‐specific characteristics on clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. These data provide an insight into female‐specific aspects of the treatment of aortic stenosis. The data can help guide patient selection, choice of intervention method, and evaluation of risk to help improve long‐term follow‐up of patients with aortic stenosis.
Labile iron pool as a parameter to monitor iron overload and oxidative stress status in β‐thalassemic erythrocytes
Authors: Chutvanichkul Boonyanuch , Vattanaviboon Phantip , Mas‐oodi Sumana , U‐pratya Yaowalak , Wanachiwanawin Wanchai
Published: February 2018

Background

Labile iron pool (LIP) is intracellular nonprotein bound iron that can generate oxygen radicals via the Fenton reaction resulting in oxidative cell damage. Therefore, quantitative measurement of LIP will be helpful for detecting and monitoring the toxic iron status in iron overloaded patients. This study demonstrated LIP level and its correlation to oxidative stress status in β‐thalassemic erythrocytes.

Methods

LIP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, numbers of erythrocyte vesicles and apoptosis were assayed by flow cytometric methods in 30 blood samples from β‐thalassemia/hemoglobin E patients and 17 blood samples from healthy volunteers with normal hemoglobin type.

Results

β‐thalassemic erythrocytes showed higher LIP level, defined as the difference in calcein fluorescent intensity of the cells treated with or without deferiprone, than normal erythrocytes (mean ± 2SD as 62.39 ± 39.58 versus 44.65 ± 35.86, P = 0.003). The LIP level above 67, a cutoff value of LIP level obtained from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, had a significant positive correlation with oxidative stress status for ROS level (r = 0.90, P < 0.001) and also the amount of erythrocyte vesicles (r = 0.79, P = 0.002). In contrast, the LIP level showed a significant negative correlation with the patients' hemoglobin level (r = −0.66, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

The LIP assay is suggested as an alternative test to monitor the magnitude of iron overload and its consequent oxidative stress in β‐thalassemia. LIP level may also be used as a marker for therapeutic response to iron chelation treatment. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of single‐dose and non‐single‐dose methotrexate protocols in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Yuk Jin‐Sung , Lee Jung Hun , Park Won I. , Ahn Hyeong Sik , Kim Hyun Jung
Published: February 2018

Background

It remains unclear which methotrexate protocol for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy has a higher success rate or a higher adverse effect rate.

Objective

To compare the treatment success rates and adverse effect rates of single‐dose and non‐single‐dose (two‐dose and multi‐dose) methotrexate protocols in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

Search strategy

Various databases including Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched on July 1, 2017, using search terms including “methotrexate” and “pregnancy.”

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials comparing different methotrexate protocols for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy were included.

Data collection and analysis

Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare treatment success rates and adverse effect rates.

Main results

The single‐dose and non‐single‐dose protocols had similar success rates (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.96–1.04; 11 trials, 1121 patients, I2=18%). The non‐single‐dose protocols had a higher adverse effect rate than did the single‐dose protocol (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59–0.91; nine trials, 934 patients, I2=0%).

Conclusions

The single‐dose methotrexate protocol was the optimal protocol for the medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy.
Elevated RTP801 promotes cell proliferation in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Su Jianyou , Huang Hua , Ju Shaoqing , Shi Jiahai
Published: February 2018

Lung cancer, particularly non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is one of main causes of mortality in cancer patients worldwide. It is necessary to seek effective biomarkers to improve diagnostic and therapeutic efficacies in human NSCLC. RTP801 is a stress‐response protein that can be induced by many types of cellular stress such as hypoxia and DNA damage, produces different biological effects depending on cell type and context. Up to now, there is no direct evidence showing the expression and involvement of RTP801 in human NSCLC. Here, we found that the expression of RTP801 significantly increased in NSCLC tissues compared with that in normal lung and the level of RTP801 in peripheral blood of NSCLC patients was higher than that of healthy persons. Further study showed that knockdown of RTP801 induced by lentivirus encoded RTP801‐shRNA markedly inhibited the proliferation of A549 and SW900 cells. Moreover, the inhibitor of PI3K significantly decreased the expression of RTP801 mRNA and protein and, at the same time, inhibited the proliferation of A549 and SW900 cells. Taken together, our study provides the novel and direct evidence that there is a close relationship between RTP801 and human NSCLC, and RTP801 can promote the proliferation of NSCLC cells which is regulated by PI3K signaling pathway, suggesting that RTP801 could be a potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapeutic target of human NSCLC. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(4):310–319, 2018
Synthesis of polyglycerol mediated covalent construction of a core‐satellite superparamagnetic mesoporous carbon nanocomposite: application on dye adsorption
Authors: Yang Xiaoxin , Li Anxia , Wang Wenlong , Zhang Chuang , Wang Jie , Yu Binglong , Cai Xiulan
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

In this work, we used a polyglycerol (PG) mediated covalent linkage to produce a core‐satellite superparamagnetic nanocomposite, termed MMCN composed of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) covalently bound to core mesoporous carbon nanoparticle (MCN). Magnetic separation is a very useful method for removing and recycling pollutant in the water by applying external magnetic field. SPIONs were good candidates that guide the MCN to desired sites using a magnet to achieve water purification. This method was used as an adsorbent for removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions.

RESULTS

The magnetism of the MMCN nanocomposites was sufficient to be magnetically separated by applying a magnetic field. The MMCN was found to be a sufficient dye adsorbent with a maximum adsorption capacity of 250 mg g−1. Furthermore, the adsorbent could be regenerated and reused effectively by ethanol solution and allowed the treatment of wastewater contamination by MB in industry.

CONCLUSION

The MMCN nanocomposites obtained high dispersibility, superparamagnetic and good recyclability through PG mediated covalent linkage. The optical properties of these multifunctional nanocomposites indicate that they can be used for highly efficient removal of water pollutants such as dyes, that can be quickly separated by applying a magnetic field. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of community‐based support for adolescents receiving antiretroviral treatment: an operational research study in South Africa
Authors: Fatti Geoffrey , Jackson Debra , Goga Ameena E , Shaikh Najma , Eley Brian , Nachega Jean B , Grimwood Ashraf
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Adolescents and youth receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in sub‐Saharan Africa have high attrition and inadequate ART outcomes, and evaluations of interventions improving ART outcomes amongst adolescents are very limited. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3c is to substantially increase the health workforce in developing countries. We measured the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of community‐based support (CBS) provided by lay health workers for adolescents and youth receiving ART in South Africa.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including adolescents and youth who initiated ART at 47 facilities. Previously unemployed CBS‐workers provided home‐based ART‐related education, psychosocial support, symptom screening for opportunistic infections and support to access government grants. Outcomes were compared between participants who received CBS plus standard clinic‐based care versus participants who received standard care only. Cumulative incidences of all‐cause mortality and loss to follow‐up (LTFU), adherence measured using medication possession ratios (MPRs), CD4 count slope, and virological suppression were analysed using multivariable Cox, competing‐risks regression, generalized estimating equations and mixed‐effects models over five years of ART. An expenditure approach was used to determine the incremental cost of CBS to usual care from a provider perspective. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were calculated as annual cost per patient‐loss (through death or LTFU) averted.

Results

Amongst 6706 participants included, 2100 (31.3%) received CBS. Participants who received CBS had reduced mortality, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.52 (95% CI: 0.37 to 0.73; p < 0.0001). Cumulative LTFU was 40% lower amongst participants receiving CBS (29.9%) compared to participants without CBS (38.9%), aHR = 0.60 (95% CI: 0.51 to 0.71); p < 0.0001). The effectiveness of CBS in reducing attrition ranged from 42.2% after one year to 35.9% after five years. Virological suppression was similar after three years, but after five years 18.8% CBS participants versus 37.2% non‐CBS participants failed to achieve viral suppression, adjusted odds ratio = 0.24 (95% CI: 0.06 to 1.03). There were no significant differences in MPR or CD4 slope. The cost of CBS was US$49.5/patient/year. The incremental cost per patient‐loss averted was US$600 and US$776 after one and two years, respectively.

Conclusions

CBS for adolescents and youth receiving ART was associated with substantially reduced patient attrition, and is a low‐cost intervention with reasonable cost‐effectiveness that can aid progress towards several health, economic and equality‐related SDG targets.
HIV and AIDS among adolescents who use drugs: opportunities for drug policy reform within the sustainable development agenda
Authors: Tinasti Khalid
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The international community's commitment to halve by 2015 the HIV transmission among people who inject drugs has not only been largely missed, instead new HIV infections have increased by 30%. Moreover, drug injection remains one of the drivers of new HIV infections due to punitive responses and lack of harm reduction resourcing. In the midst of this situation, adolescents are a forgotten component of the global response to illegal drugs and their link with HIV infection. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present an opportunity to achieve the global objective of ending AIDS among adolescents who use drugs, by addressing the structural vulnerabilities they face be they economic, social, criminal, health‐related or environmental.

Discussion

The implementation of the SDGs presents an opportunity to address the horizontal nature of drug policy and to efficiently address the drugs‐adolescents‐HIV risk nexus. Adolescent‐focused drug policies are linked to goals 1, 3, 4, 10, 16 and 17. Goals 3 and 16 are the most relevant; the targets of the latter link to the criminalization of drug use and punitive policy environments and their impact on adolescents' health and HIV transmission risks. Moreover, it presents an opportunity to include adolescent needs that are missing in the three drug control conventions (1961, 1971 and 1988), and link them with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). Finally, the six principles to deliver on sustainable development are also an opportunity to divert adolescents who use drugs away from criminalization and punitive environments in which their vulnerability to HIV is greater.

Conclusions

Addressing HIV among adolescents who use drugs is an extremely complex policy issue depending on different sets of binding and non‐binding commitments, interventions and stakeholders. The complexity requires a horizontal response provided by the SDGs framework, starting with the collection of disaggregated data on this specific subgroup. Ending AIDS among adolescents who use drugs requires the implementation of national drugs and HIV plans based on the multi‐sectoral approach and the transformative nature of the SDGs, to provide a comprehensive response to the epidemic among this key affected subgroup.
The effects of organic and mineral fertilizers on carbon sequestration, soil properties, and crop yields from a long‐term field experiment under a Swiss conventional farming system
Authors: Maltas Alexandra , Kebli Hedi , Oberholzer Hans Rudolf , Weisskopf Peter , Sinaj Sokrat
Published: February 2018

The effects of mineral fertilizers and organic amendments on soil properties, carbon (C) sequestration, and crop yields are studied in a 37‐year field experiment, Phosphorus–Potassium‐balanced design, in Switzerland.

Treatments included a control (mineral fertilization) without nitrogen (N) fertilizers (Min‐N0) and with optimal N (Min‐Nopt) and 5 organic amendments (green manure [Gm], cereal straw [Str], fresh cattle manure in 2 doses 35 and 70 t ha−1 [Ma35 and Ma70] and cattle slurry [Slu]) all receiving the same optimal N fertilization as Min‐Nopt. All mineral and organic treatments received optimum P–K fertilization.

Nitrogen fertilization (Min‐Nopt vs. Min‐N0) increased soil organic C, microbial activity, and microporosity but decreased pH, magnesium, and macroporosity. All organic treatments with optimal mineral N resulted in higher soil organic C content compared with Min‐Nopt, however, these effects were significant only for the highest dose of manure. The organic amendments supplied 25% to 80% additional C input to the soil compared with Min‐Nopt, and their amendment‐C retention coefficients ranged from 1.6% (Gm) to 13.6% (Ma70). Chemical, physical, and biological soil properties were not or slightly significantly different among organic treatments. Nevertheless, soils fertilized with farmyard manure produced generally higher grain yield (up to 7.3%) compared with Min‐Nopt whereas the opposite effect was noted for Gm (−2.2%) and Str (−5.2%) treatments due to their negative effect on N availability. In conclusion, Gm and Str treatments were as effectives as Ma35 and Slu treatments to prevent soil degradation but required higher chemical fertilizer to maintain crop yield.