bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The first 3D printed multiple sclerosis brain: Towards a 3D era in medicine
Authors: Avasarala Jagannadha , Pietila Todd 
Published: May 2018

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies depict disease of the human brain in 2D but the reconstruction of a patient’s brain stricken with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 3D using 2D images has not been attempted. Using 3D reconstruction algorithms, we built a 3D printed patient-specific brain model to scale. It is a first of its kind model that depicts the total white matter lesion (WML) load using T2 FLAIR images in an MS patient. The patient’s images in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format were imported into Mimics inPrint 2.0 (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium) a dedicated medical image processing software designed for the purposes of image segmentation and 3D modeling. The imported axial images were automatically formatted to display coronal and sagittal slices within the software. The imaging data were then segmented into regions and surface rendering was done to achieve 3D virtual printable files of the desired structures of interest. Rendering brain tumor(s) in 3D has been attempted with the specific intent of extending the options available to a surgeon but no study to our knowledge has attempted to quantify brain disease in MS that has, for all practical purposes, no surgical options. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate that 3D depiction of chronic neurological diseases is possible in a printable model while serving a fundamental need for patient education. Medical teaching is moored in 2D graphics and it is time to evolve into 3D models that can be life-like and deliver instant impact.
Activity-Based Concept to Screen Biological Matrices for Opiates and (Synthetic) Opioids
Authors: Cannaert Annelies , Vasudevan Lakshmi , Friscia Melissa , Mohr Amanda L A , Wille Sarah M R , Stove Christophe P 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Detection of new highly potent synthetic opioids is challenging as new compounds enter the market. Here we present a novel screening method for the detection of opiates and (synthetic) opioids based on their activity.

METHODS
A cell-based system was set up in which activation of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) led to recruitment of β-arrestin 2, resulting in functional complementation of a split NanoLuc luciferase and allowing readout via bioluminescence. Assay performance was evaluated on 107 postmortem blood samples. Blood (500 μL) was extracted via solid-phase extraction. Following evaporation and reconstitution in 100 μL of Opti-MEM® I, 20 μL was analyzed in the bioassay.

RESULTS
In 8 samples containing synthetic opioids, in which no positive signal was obtained in the bioassay, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed the MOR antagonist naloxone, which can prevent receptor activation. Hence, further evaluation did not include these samples. For U-47700 (74.5–547 ng/mL) and furanyl fentanyl (&lt;1–38.8 ng/mL), detection was 100% (8/8) for U-47700 and 95% (21/22) for furanyl fentanyl. An analytical specificity of 93% (55/59) was obtained for the opioid negatives. From an additional 10 samples found to contain other opioids, 5 were correctly scored positive. Nondetection in 5 cases could be explained by very low concentrations (&lt;1 ng/mL alfentanil/sufentanil) or presence of inactive enantiomers.

CONCLUSIONS
The MOR reporter assay allows rapid identification of opioid activity in blood. Although the cooccurrence of opioid antagonists is currently a limitation, the bioassay's high detection capability, specificity, and untargeted nature may render it a useful first-line screening tool to investigate potential opioid intoxications.
Sonic landscape of seggae: Mauritian sega rhythm meets Jamaican roots reggae
Authors: Pyndiah Gitanjali 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Seggae is a music genre that developed on mainland Mauritius. It stems from Mauritian sega, which is a polymorphous practice of dance, music, rhythms, story-telling, and song in the Creole language, developed by enslaved Africans under French colonialism. In the 1980s, various sega artists (and Kaya especially, who was hailed as the father of seggae), developed a commitment to the new music genre from the influence of Jamaican Bob Marley’s roots reggae and the Rastafari philosophy. The sonic landscape and politics of seggae will be discussed through the framework of indigenization and epistemologies of resistance against the residual coloniality of power in Mauritius.
Forward march in the East: From ‘Wash-Wash-Ska’ (1965) to reggae outta Poland (2010s)
Authors: Wójcik Bartosz 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Not unlike the Caribbean, where the syncopated rhythms provided the soundtrack to the lives of the disenfranchised, ‘in communist Poland and Czechoslovakia [...] reggae’s celebration of the dispossessed struck a chord that led to the formation of dozens of local groups playing Jamaican-structured music’ (Salewicz 2000). Similarly, though not propelled by the anti-authoritarian aesthetics of the revolutionary 1970s, but informed by the then novelty factor, ska found its way into the repertoire of Alibabki, an all-female vocal group that ruled the Polish charts in the 1960s. Focusing on contextualized, diachronic milestones, the article analyses selected manifestations of reggae music in Poland, including instances of its cross-pollination, commodification and normative co-option by global market forces. Defined by its genre-specific qualities and at the same time genre-defying, reggae has not only yielded a vibrant summer festival scene in Poland, but also given rise to a year-round sound system culture, signature radio shows and local dancehall queens, all of which will be duly discussed as well.
Identifikasi Kandungan Kimia dan Uji Aktivitas Antimikroba Kulit Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.)
Authors: Anggraeni Eka Vany , Anam Khairul 
Published: May 2018

Ekstraksi, fraksinasi, uji aktivitas antimikroba dengan metode difusi agar serta identifikasi kandungan kimia dari fraksi aktif dari kulit durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) telah dilakukan. Dari maserasi dari kulit durian (Durio zibethinus Murr) yang dilakukan menggunakan pelarut etanol 96%, diperoleh ekstrak etanol kulit durian. Kemudian dilanjutkan dengan fraksinasi dengan pelarut n-heksana, kloroform, etil asetat, dan metanol sehingga diperoleh masing-masing fraksi n-heksana, kloroform, etil asetat, dan metanol. Dari ekstrak dan fraksi kulit durian, kemudian dilakukan uji aktivitas antimikroba, hingga diperoleh fraksi teraktif adalah fraksi etil asetat. Identifikasi kandungan kimia dalam fraksi aktif etil asetat kulit durian dilakukan dengan metode Kromatografi Lapis Tipis preparatif. Sedangkan uji kemurnian isolat dianalisis menggunakan metode Kromatografi Lapis Tipis dan didapatkan isolat E.2.2.2. Isolat berbentuk serbuk putih dan karakterisasi menggunakan spektrofotometer UV-Vis menunjukkan panjang gelombang maksimum 205 nm, 236 nm, dan 270-300 nm. Analisis dengan spektofotometer FTIR menunjukkan adanya gugus O-H, =C-H aromatik, C=C aromatik, substitusi aromatik, C=O asam karboksilat, C=C alkena dan C-O eter. Sedangkan Analisis Kromatografi Lapis Tipis dengan pembanding senyawa standar asam fenolat, diduga bahwa isolat E.2.2.2 adalah asam ferulat.
Digital microscopic evaluation of vertical marginal discrepancies of CAD/CAM fabricated zirconia cores
Authors: Habib Syed Rashid 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of this in vitro research study was to evaluate the vertical marginal discrepancies of zirconia (Zr) cores fabricated by five different computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems using a digital microscope.

Materials and methods:
A total of 60 specimens were prepared and randomly divided into five groups (n=12 each) using the following systems: Ceramill Motion 2 (CM, Amanngirrbach, Germany); Weiland (WI, Ivoclar Vivadent, USA); Cerec (CS, Sirona Dental, USA); Zirkonzahn (ZZ, Gmbh Bruneck, Italy) and Cad4dent (CD, Canada). The specimens were numbered and the vertical marginal discrepancies were evaluated with a digital microscope at 50× magnification.

Results:
A one-way analysis of variance showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.002) between the groups. The CM group exhibited the lowest values for the marginal gaps (31.30±15.12 μm), while the ZZ group exhibited the highest values for the marginal gaps (44.83±28.76 μm) compared to other groups. A post hoc Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons between the experimental groups showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the group CM and group CD with group ZZ. The rest of the groups showed no significant differences between them. Variations in the values were observed for the four sites measured with the highest and the least mean marginal gap value of 43.19±23.84 μm and 32.49±12.21 μm for buccal and lingual sites, respectively.

Conclusion:
Variations existed in the marginal discrepancy values for the CAD/CAM systems investigated in the study. Vertical marginal discrepancy values observed for various systems investigated in the study were well within the clinically acceptable range.
Existence and uniqueness of a problem in thermo-elasto-plasticity with phase transitions in TRIP steels under mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Boettcher Sören 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this paper a complex model describing thermo-elasto-plasticity, phase transitions (PT) and transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) is studied. The main objective is the analysis of the corresponding initial and boundary value problem (IBVP) considering linearized thermo-elastic dissipation and a viscosity-like regularization.
Role of supraglacial lakes in recession of Himalayan glaciers: A case study of Dudh Koshi basin, Nepal
Authors: Tuladhar Florencia Matina , KC Diwakar 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Climate change has been adversely affecting glaciers causing them to advance and recession worldwide. Existing studies have primarily attributed temperature as the leading factor causing glacier recession. However, detailed studies that investigate effect of other factors like presence of debris cover, slope, and contact with water bodies are still scarce. This research, thus investigated the role of supraglacial lakes in recession of debris-covered glaciers (DCG). Such glaciers were studied since these lakes are found in debris-covered glaciers only. For this purpose the interannual variation in area of supraglacial lakes of Dudh Koshi basin was computed to test the hypothesis that these lakes play a significant role in glacier recession.
Supraglacial lakes were delineated using Google Earth Pro at five year intervals to assess interannual variation in lake area. Slope, elevation and change in supraglacial lake area were the predictors influencing average decadal change in area of glaciers. Two models prepared using multiple linear regression in Excel were compared. The first model used elevation and slope as predictors while the second model used change in supraglacial lake area as the additional predictor. The second model had a higher coefficient of determination (R square) and Adjusted R-square values of 99 % and 96 % compared to the first model. Further test statistics from Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results were compared to test the hypothesis. Moreover the Root mean square error (RMSE) of second model was also less than the first one. Hence both the regression statistics and RMSE confirmed that change in area of supraglacial lakes was an important factor that influences overall recession of debris-covered glaciers.
Nevertheless, use of high spatial and temporal resolution imageries along-with increase in number of glaciers sampled should be incorporated in future studies to ensure robust outcomes. Thus this research can bolster the overall understanding between glacier and glacial lake dynamics which will improve the resilience of downstream inhabitants from climate induced hazards, such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
Performance Evaluation of Proposed WDM Optical Link Using EDFA and FBG Combination
Authors: Ahlawat Deepti , Arora Payal , Kumar Suresh 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Analysis of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system utilizing erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) has been carried out by many researchers. In this paper, the performance analysis of 8-channel WDM system utilizing EDFA and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) combination is carried out in a wavelength band 1546–1552 nm at 10 Gbps. The performance of three apodization functions (Uniform, Gaussian and Tanh) of FBG is compared using return-to-zero (RZ) and non-return-to-zero modulation formats at fiber lengths 50, 60, 70 and 80 km. Also, the performance of FBG is compared for both aspects: with chirp and without chirp for grating lengths 5–10 mm. The Gaussian apodized and linearly chirped FBG outperformed the other two in compensating chromatic dispersion. Optimum values of Q-factor are also obtained using linearly chirped FBG with RZ modulation format at 10 mm of grating length.
Green synthesis, characterization and biological activities of silver nanoparticles using the bark extract of ailanthus altissima
Authors: Arshad Maria , Khan Abbas , Farooqi Zahoor H. , Usman Muhammad , Waseem M. Abdul , Shah Sayyar Ali , Khan Momin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDue to their potential application in various fields of science and technology, the eco-friendly bio-synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) is a growing area for researchers. In this study, we report the green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles and their characterization by using various techniques. For the preparation of Ag particles, aqueous plant extract of ailanthus altissima was used as a reducing medium for Ag+ ions of silver nitrate to Ag0. UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to trace the formation of Ag particles by noting their surface plasmon resonance peaks (400 nm to 440 nm). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to reveal the chemical composition of Ag nanoparticles which were capped by plant extract. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to get the lattice image, morphology and average size of Ag particles. The average size distribution of Ag NPs dispersed in aqueous media was also measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS). It was found that DLS results are in good agreement with those obtained from SEM. The synthesized particles were then subjected to the antibacterial and antifungal activities by studying them against various species, such as bacillus cereus, staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and A. parasiticus, A. niger and A. flavus fungi. It was noted from the growth curves of both bacteria and fungi that in the presence of silver nanoparticles they show more in-zone growth as compared to the plant extract.
Material platforms for optical metasurfaces
Authors: Choudhury Sajid M. , Wang Di , Chaudhuri Krishnakali , DeVault Clayton , Kildishev Alexander V. , Boltasseva Alexandra , Shalaev Vladimir M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOptical metasurfaces are judicously engineered electromagnetic interfaces that can control and manipulate many of light’s quintessential properties, such as amplitude, phase, and polarization. These artificial surfaces are composed of subwavelength arrays of optical antennas that experience resonant light-matter interaction with incoming electromagnetic radiation. Their ability to arbitrarily engineer optical interactions has generated considerable excitement and interest in recent years and is a promising methodology for miniaturizing optical components for applications in optical communication systems, imaging, sensing, and optical manipulation. However, development of optical metasurfaces requires progress and solutions to inherent challenges, namely large losses often associated with the resonant structures; large-scale, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatible nanofabrication techniques; and incorporation of active control elements. Furthermore, practical metasurface devices require robust operation in high-temperature environments, caustic chemicals, and intense electromagnetic fields. Although these challenges are substantial, optical metasurfaces remain in their infancy, and novel material platforms that offer resilient, low-loss, and tunable metasurface designs are driving new and promising routes for overcoming these hurdles. In this review, we discuss the different material platforms in the literature for various applications of metasurfaces, including refractory plasmonic materials, epitaxial noble metal, silicon, graphene, phase change materials, and metal oxides. We identify the key advantages of each material platform and review the breakthrough devices that were made possible with each material. Finally, we provide an outlook for emerging metasurface devices and the new material platforms that are enabling such devices.
Cluster and Principle Component Analysis of Soybean Grown at Various Row Spacings, Planting Dates and Plant Populations
Authors: Kahlon Charanjit Singh , Li Bin , Board James , Dia Mahendra , Sharma Parmodh , Jat Prahlad 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Increased light interception (LI), along with concomitant increases in crop growth rate (CGR), is the main factor explaining how cultural factors such as row spacing, plant population, and planting date affect soybean yield. Leaf area index (LAI), LI, and CGR are interrelated in a “virtuous spiral” where increased LAI leads to greater LI resulting in a higher CGR and more total dry matter per area (TDM). This increases LAI, thus accelerating the entire physiological process to a higher level. A greater understanding of this complex growth dynamic process could be achieved through use of cluster analysis and principle components analysis (PCA). Cluster analysis involves grouping of similar objects in such way that objects in same cluster are similar to each other and dissimilar to objects in other cluster. PCA is a technique used to reduce a large set of variables to a few meaningful ones. Seasonal relative leaf area index (RLAI), relative light interception (RLI), and relative total dry matter (RTDM) response curves were determined from the data by a stepwise regression analysis in which these parameters were regressed against relative days after emergence (RDAE). Greatest levels of RLAI, RLI and RTDM were observed in soybean planted early on narrow row spacings and recorded greater plant population. In contrast, lower levels of these parameters occurred on plants with wide row spacings at late planting dates. For farmers, these results are useful in terms of adopting certain cultural practices which can help in the management of stress in soybean.
Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some heterocyclic compounds from 3-aryl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehydes
Authors: Ramadan El Sayed , Sharshira Essam M. , El Sokkary Ramadan I. , Morsy Noussa 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
A new series of chalcones, pyrazolinyl-pyrazoles, pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde oximes, pyrazole-4-carbonitriles, 5-pyrazolyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3-thiones, and Knoevenagel condensation products was synthesized from 3-aryl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehydes. Most reactions were carried out either without solvent or in the presence of water as a green solvent. The structure of synthesized compounds was characterized by spectral and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans in comparison with imipenem (intravenous β-lactam antibiotic) and clotrimazole (antifungal medication) as reference drugs by using the agar diffusion technique. 3-Aryl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitriles 8b, 8c, and 8d showed significant antifungal activity against the fungus C. albicans.
Combined Geometric Hydraulic Criteria Approach for Piping and Internal Erosion in Cohesionless Soils
Authors: Ahlinhan Marx Ferdinand , Adjovi Codjo Edmond 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Piping is an erosion mechanism that plays a significant role in river barrages, such as dikes and dams, that are founded on poorly graded cohesionless soils like, for instance, fine or medium sands. Likewise, in gap-graded or widely graded cohesionless soil, finer grains can pass through the pore matrix of coarse soil because of seepage. This phenomenon, which is called internal instability or suffusion, can occur in granular filter in or under dams, dikes, barrages, or any other water-retaining structure. For economic reasons, unstable soils are generally used in practice if the hydraulic force or the hydrodynamic energy is smaller than the critical hydraulic force or the critical hydrodynamic energy. Therefore, an approach of combined geometric-hydraulic criterion is expected to yield better results. Based on this premise, laboratory tests of piping and internal erosion are carried out using five cohesionless soils. An analysis of the results considering the instability index shows that the critical hydraulic gradient required to initiate the piping and internal erosion depends on the curve of the grain size distribution, the initial relative density of the soil, the seepage direction, and the initial stress condition in the soil. Based on these laboratory results and the results reported by several other authors, a combined geometric-hydraulic criterion with respect to piping and internal erosion in cohesionless soils is developed and proposed.
ANN Modeling of the Viscosity and Effective Thermal Conductivity of Non-Newtonian Nanofluids
Authors: Anil Kumar Naik B. , Venu Vinod A. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The aim of the study is to predict the apparent viscosity and effective thermal conductivity of non-Newtonian nanofluids using the artificial neural network (ANN) approach. Different nanofluids were prepared by dispersing iron oxide, γ-alumina, and copper oxide nanoparticles separately in an aqueous solution of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (base fluid). Three different base fluids containing 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 weight percent CMC were used. Nanofluids of different nanoparticles were prepared from the base fluid. The effect of the base fluid concentration, nanofluid concentration, temperature of nanofluid, and shear rate on the apparent viscosity were investigated. The effect of the concentration of the base fluid, nanofluid concentration, temperature, diameter of nanoparticles, and nature (thermal conductivity) of the material of nanopowder on effective thermal conductivity were investigated. Feed forward ANN has been used to predict the apparent viscosity and effective thermal conductivity of nanofluid. The network was trained, tested, and validated using a total of 3,600 experimental data points for shear viscosity and 225 experimental data points for effective thermal conductivity. ANN predictions are in good agreement with experimental results.