bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative effect of Azadirachta indica on sodium fluoride-induced hypertension through improvement of antioxidant defence system and upregulation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 signaling
Authors: Omóbòwálé Temidayo Olutayo , Oyagbemi Ademola Adetokunbo , Alaba Bukola Ayokunmi , Ola-Davies Olufunke Eunice , Adejumobi Olumuyiwa Abiola , Asenuga Ebunoluwa Racheal , Ajibade Temitayo Olabisi , Adedapo Adeolu Alex , Yakubu Momoh Audu 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Background:
Toxicities due to fluoride exposure from natural and industrial sources occur commonly in man and animals with severe consequences ranging from mild cardiac derangements to sudden death. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of the methanol extract of Azadirachta indica (AI) against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced hypertension and genotoxicity in rats.

Methods:
Sixty rats were divided into six groups of ten rats each as follows: Group A, the control group received distilled water; Group B rats were administered NaF at 600 ppm in drinking water; Groups C and D rats were pre-treated with the methanol extract of AI and thereafter administered NaF at 600 ppm in drinking water for 7 consecutive days; Groups E and F rats were co-administered with AI and NaF.

Results:
The administration of NaF caused significant (p<0.05) increases in the blood pressure, markers of oxidative stress, serum myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase values in NaF-alone treated rats, compared with the control. Significant (p<0.05) decreases were observed in cardiac and renal antioxidant defence system in rats administered NaF alone compared with the control group. NaF treatment also resulted in a reduction in the expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 in cardiac and renal tissues of NaF-treated rats. Moreover, NaF treatment elicited an increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes when compared with the control group.

Conclusions:
This study shows the protective effect of AI on NaF-induced hypertension and genotoxicity through antioxidant and ERK 1/2 signaling in rats.
Central mediators of the zymosan-induced febrile response
Authors: Bastos-Pereira Amanda Leite , Fraga Daniel , Dreifuss Arturo Alejandro , Zampronio Aleksander Roberto 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Background:
Zymosan is a fungal cell wall protein-carbohydrate complex that is known to activate inflammatory pathways through the Toll-like receptors and is commonly used to induce fever. Nevertheless, the central mediators that are involved in the zymosan-induced febrile response are only partially known.

Methods:
The present study evaluated the participation of prostaglandins, substance P, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endogenous opioids (eOPs) in the zymosan-induced febrile response by using inhibitors and antagonists in male Wistar rats.

Results:
Both nonselective (indomethacin) and selective (celecoxib) cyclooxygenase inhibitors reduced the febrile response induced by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of zymosan. Indomethacin also blocked the increase in the prostaglandin E2 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. An intracerebroventricular injection of the neurokinin-1, ETB, and μ-opioid receptor antagonists also reduced the febrile response induced by the i.p. injected zymosan. Moreover, the μ-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP also reduced the febrile response induced by intra-articular injection of zymosan.

Conclusions:
These results demonstrate that prostaglandins, substance P, ET-1, and eOPs are central mediators of the zymosan-induced febrile response.
A Hybrid Cuckoo Search and Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Alkhateeb Faisal , Abed-alguni Bilal H. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Simulated annealing (SA) proved its success as a single-state optimization search algorithm for both discrete and continuous problems. On the contrary, cuckoo search (CS) is one of the well-known population-based search algorithms that could be used for optimizing some problems with continuous domains. This paper provides a hybrid algorithm using the CS and SA algorithms. The main goal behind our hybridization is to improve the solutions generated by CS using SA to explore the search space in an efficient manner. More precisely, we introduce four variations of the proposed hybrid algorithm. The proposed variations together with the original CS and SA algorithms were evaluated and compared using 10 well-known benchmark functions. The experimental results show that three variations of the proposed algorithm provide a major performance enhancement in terms of best solutions and running time when compared to CS and SA as stand-alone algorithms, whereas the other variation provides a minor enhancement. Moreover, the experimental results show that the proposed hybrid algorithms also outperform some well-known optimization algorithms.
Branch-delete-bound algorithm for globally solving quadratically constrained quadratic programs
Authors: Hou Zhisong , Jiao Hongwei , Cai Lei , Bai Chunyang 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This paper presents a branch-delete-bound algorithm for effectively solving the global minimum of quadratically constrained quadratic programs problem, which may be nonconvex. By utilizing the characteristics of quadratic function, we construct a new linearizing method, so that the quadratically constrained quadratic programs problem can be converted into a linear relaxed programs problem. Moreover, the established linear relaxed programs problem is embedded within a branch-and-bound framework without introducing any new variables and constrained functions, which can be easily solved by any effective linear programs algorithms. By subsequently solving a series of linear relaxed programs problems, the proposed algorithm can converge the global minimum of the initial quadratically constrained quadratic programs problem. Compared with the known methods, numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method has higher computational efficiency.
The ultimate loophole in Bell’s theorem: The inequality is identically satisfied by data sets composed of ±1′sassuming merely that they exist
Authors: Sica Louis 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBell’s stated assumptions in deriving his inequality were sufficient conditions. It is shown that a far simpler condition exists for derivation of the inequality: the mere existence of finite data sets regardless of their statistical or deterministic characteristics. When explicitly computing various quantum correlations, the non-commutation of some observables must be taken into account. The resulting variation in correlations among the observables leads to satisfaction of the Bell inequality. Bell’s mistaken assumption of the same functional form for all correlations is the principal reason for inequality violation. Upon correction of this error, it is no longer necessary to invoke non-locality or non-reality to explain violation of the Bell inequality.
Effect of screw configuration on the dispersion of nanofillers in thermoset polymers
Authors: Angadi Gangadhar , Murthy Hebbale NarayanaRao Narasimha , Ramakrishna Sridhar , Firdosh Salim , Nagappa Raghavendra , Munishamaiah Krishna 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This paper deals with the study of screw configuration for dispersing nanofillers in thermoset polymers using an intermesh co-rotating twin screw extruder. The influence of kneading elements on the dispersion of nanoclay in epoxy was examined using 10 different screw configurations. Nanoclay was dispersed in epoxy at a barrel temperature of 5°C and a screw speed of 100 rpm. The combination of right hand kneading block and three/four lobed kneading blocks resulted in uniform dispersion of nanofiller. Positive staggered angle with right hand kneading elements yielded uniform dispersion of the nanofiller. Mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites processed with these configurations were better than those of neat epoxy. Excessive shear was associated with four lobed kneading block (4KB)/4KB configuration and hence degradation of polymers leading to shorter chains, whereas inadequate shearing in neutral kneading block (NKB)/NKB configuration led to agglomerations. These observations were evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Indicators for Built-up Area Monitoring – A Case Study of the Czech Republic and the EU
Authors: Dvořák J. , Wittlingerová Z. , Bicanová K. , Skaloš J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe present research is focused on built-up area (BUA) monitoring. The continental landscape is becoming a limited resource in today’s world, much the same as some materials and energy resources. The goal was to design simple indicators that are compatible with environmental indicators used in the analysis of material and energy flows. We have consequently proposed the indicators BUA per person and gross domestic product (GDP) demands for total BUA. We have used these indicators to evaluate the development in the Czech Republic and the situation in the EU-27 countries. The development in the Czech Republic shows a moderately smooth decrease in the BUA per person indicator value. The GDP demands for BUA indicator showed that the cessation of economic growth after 2008 slowed the process of decoupling of GDP from the BUA. Despite the low GDP in the Czech Republic, the indicator GDP demands for BUA attains lower values than for Austria or Belgium.
How is environmental performance associated with economic growth? A world cross-country analysis
Authors: Neagu Olimpia , Ardelean Doru Ioan , Lazăr Vasile 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The aim of the paper is to explore the association between environmental performance and income level in the world economy in 2016. Data from Yale University and World Bank are used in a cross-country regression analysis comprising 166 countries. The gross Domestic Product per capita (based in purchased power parity, constant 2011 international dollars) in these countries is positively associated with the environmental performance index (EPI) calculated by Yale and Columbia University in 2016. Furthermore, the causality of this relationship is from GDP per capita to Environmental Performance and both Environmental Health (EH) and Ecosystem Vitality (EV) are positively associated with GDP per capita. Environmental Health (EH) is stronger related to GDP per capita, meaning that investments in public health, sanitation and infrastructure are increasing as countries develop.
Stabilization of Clayey Soil with Garlic Skin and Rice Husk Ash for Flexible Pavement Construction
Authors: Jaiswal Mrityunjay , Lal Bindhu 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Soil stabilization is the method of improving the strength characteristics of in situ soil by compaction or by the addition of admixtures. Clay minerals have small particles and a variable degree of crystal perfection. Therefore, construction on clayey soil is really an arduous job due to low strength and swelling problems. In this paper, an attempt is made to determine the improvement in geotechnical characteristics of locally available clayey soil by adding garlic skin and rice husk ash (RHA) as admixtures. Both are agricultural wastes that pollute the environment. The geotechnical properties considered in this study are optimum moisture content (OMC), maximum dry density (MDD), California bearing ratio, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Tests are carried out by mixing various amounts of garlic skin and RHA proportionally and the results are analyzed. Microlevel investigations are done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) test, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Test results show that the efficiency of these stabilizing agents depends upon the amount of garlic skin and RHA, type of soil, and field condition. In clayey soil, the addition of 4–6 % garlic skin and 5 % RHA by the weight of soil increased the strength characteristics. SEM, EDS, DTA, and TGA reports also confirm the favorable changes on structure and properties of clay particles with the addition of RHA and garlic skin.
Manufacture of Bonded Granular Soil Using X-Ray CT Scanning and 3D Printing
Authors: Matsumura Satoshi , Kobayashi Takaaki , Mizutani Takaaki , Bathurst Richard J. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
This paper describes the use of X-ray tomography imaging of natural gravel specimens to create repeatable assemblages of bonded gravel-size resin specimens using a 3D printer. The paper describes how the resulting resin-based surrogate specimens have particle geometry and interparticle bonds that are a function of the original scanning image resolution and 3D printer resolution. Results of conventional triaxial compression testing of original source gravel specimens and constructed bonded specimens are compared. While there are quantitative differences in behavior between unbonded source and bonded duplicate specimens, the surrogate specimens are shown to have macroscale mechanical behavior that may be considered typical of some granular soils. The ability to generate identical surrogate bonded granular specimens with the same particle arrangement holds promise to remove the influence on geotechnical laboratory testing outcomes due to the unavoidable structural variation in specimens of natural granular assemblages.
Coordinated Expression of Two Types of Low-Threshold K+Channels Establishes Unique Single Spiking of Mauthner Cells among Segmentally Homologous Neurons in the Zebrafish Hindbrain
Authors: Watanabe Takaki , Shimazaki Takashi , Oda Yoichi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractExpression of different ion channels permits homologously-generated neurons to acquire different types of excitability and thus code various kinds of input information. Mauthner (M) series neurons in the teleost hindbrain consist of M cells and their morphological homologs, which are repeated in adjacent segments and share auditory inputs. When excited, M cells generate a single spike at the onset of abrupt stimuli, while their homologs encode input intensity with firing frequency. Our previous study in zebrafish showed that immature M cells burst phasically at 2 d postfertilization (dpf) and acquire single spiking at 4 dpf by specific expression of auxiliary Kvβ2 subunits in M cells in association with common expression of Kv1.1 channels in the M series. Here, we further reveal the ionic mechanisms underlying this functional differentiation. Pharmacological blocking of Kv7/KCNQ in addition to Kv1 altered mature M cells to fire tonically, similar to the homologs. In contrast, blocking either channel alone caused M cells to burst phasically. M cells at 2 dpf fired tonically after blocking Kv7.In situhybridization revealed specific Kv7.4/KCNQ4 expression in M cells at 2 dpf. Kv7.4 and Kv1.1 channels expressed inXenopusoocytes exhibited low-threshold outward currents with slow and fast rise times, while coexpression of Kvβ2 accelerated and increased Kv1.1 currents, respectively. Computational models, modified from a mouse cochlear neuron model, demonstrated that Kv7.4 channels suppress repetitive firing to produce spike-frequency adaptation, while Kvβ2-associated Kv1.1 channels increase firing threshold and decrease the onset latency of spiking. Altogether, coordinated expression of these low-threshold K+channels with Kvβ2 functionally differentiates M cells among homologous neurons.
AQP4e-Based Orthogonal Arrays Regulate Rapid Cell Volume Changes in Astrocytes
Authors: Lisjak Marjeta , Potokar Maja , Rituper Boštjan , Jorgačevski Jernej , Zorec Robert 
Published: October 2017

Water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) plays a key role in the regulation of water homeostasis in the brain. It is predominantly expressed in astrocytes at the blood–brain and blood–liquor interfaces. Although several AQP4 isoforms have been identified in the mammalian brain, two, AQP4a (M1) and AQP4c (M23), have been confirmed to cluster into plasma membrane supramolecular structures, termed orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs) and to enhance water transport through the plasma membrane. However, the role of the newly described water-conductive mammalian isoform AQP4e is unknown. Here, the dynamics of AQP4e aggregation into OAPs and its role in the regulation of astrocyte water homeostasis have been studied. Using super-resolution structured illumination, atomic force, and confocal microscopies, the results revealed that, in female rat astrocytes, AQP4e isoform colocalizes with OAPs, affecting its structural dynamics. In hypoosmotic conditions, which elicit cell edema, OAP formation was considerably enhanced by overexpressed AQP4e. Moreover, the kinetics of the cell swelling and of the regulatory volume decrease was faster in astrocytes overexpressing AQP4e compared with untransfected controls. Furthermore, the increase in maximal cell volume elicited by hypoosmotic stimulation was significantly smaller in AQP4e-overexpressing astrocytes. For the first time, this study demonstrates an active role of AQP4e in the regulation of OAP structural dynamics and in water homeostasis.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWater channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) plays a key role in the regulation of water homeostasis in the brain. To date, only AQP4a and AQP4c isoforms have been confirmed to enhance water transport through plasmalemma and to cluster into orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs). We here studied the dynamics, aggregation, and role in the regulation of astrocyte water homeostasis of the newly described water-conductive mammalian isoform AQP4e. Our main findings are as follows: brain edema mimicking hypoosmotic conditions stimulates the formation of new OAPs with larger diameters, due to the incorporation of additional cytoplasmic AQP4 channels and the redistribution of AQP4 channels of the existing OAPs; and AQP4e affects the dynamics of cell swelling and regulatory volume decrease in astrocytes exposed to hypoosmotic conditions.
Unaware Processing of Tools in the Neural System for Object-Directed Action Representation
Authors: Tettamanti Marco , Conca Francesca , Falini Andrea , Perani Daniela 
Published: October 2017

The hypothesis that the brain constitutively encodes observed manipulable objects for the actions they afford is still debated. Yet, crucial evidence demonstrating that, even in the absence of perceptual awareness, the mere visual appearance of a manipulable object triggers a visuomotor coding in the action representation system including the premotor cortex, has hitherto not been provided. In this fMRI study, we instantiated reliable unaware visual perception conditions by means of continuous flash suppression, and we tested in 24 healthy human participants (13 females) whether the visuomotor object-directed action representation system that includes left-hemispheric premotor, parietal, and posterior temporal cortices is activated even under subliminal perceptual conditions. We found consistent activation in the target visuomotor cortices, both with and without perceptual awareness, specifically for pictures of manipulable versus non-manipulable objects. By means of a multivariate searchlight analysis, we also found that the brain activation patterns in this visuomotor network enabled the decoding of manipulable versus non-manipulable object picture processing, both with and without awareness. These findings demonstrate the intimate neural coupling between visual perception and motor representation that underlies manipulable object processing: manipulable object stimuli specifically engage the visuomotor object-directed action representation system, in a constitutive manner that is independent from perceptual awareness. This perceptuo-motor coupling endows the brain with an efficient mechanism for monitoring and planning reactions to external stimuli in the absence of awareness.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur brain constantly encodes the visual information that hits the retina, leading to a stimulus-specific activation of sensory and semantic representations, even for objects that we do not consciously perceive. Do these unconscious representations encompass the motor programming of actions that could be accomplished congruently with the objects' functions? In this fMRI study, we instantiated unaware visual perception conditions, by dynamically suppressing the visibility of manipulable object pictures with mondrian masks. Despite escaping conscious perception, manipulable objects activated an object-directed action representation system that includes left-hemispheric premotor, parietal, and posterior temporal cortices. This demonstrates that visuomotor encoding occurs independently of conscious object perception.
PENGARUH BEKERJA DI LUAR NEGERI TERHADAP TINGKAT EKONOMI DAN PERCERAIAN
Authors: Karlina Eli , Arif Muhamad , - Sodikin 
Published: October 2017

Abstract The success of overseas workers makes the Cikedung people who mostly work as agricultural laborers and have no fixed income to work overseas. The purpose of this study is to obtain a picture of the economic level of the family after working abroad and the effect of working abroad on the divorce rate in the community in Cikedung Village, Cikedung District, Indramayu District. The research conducted using qualitative approach with case study method, with data collection in the form of observation, interview, and documentation. The results revealed that before working abroad the family economic life is low but after working abroad their economic life has increased significantly. With regard to divorce, there is no significant influence because it is only experienced by a small number of families working abroad. Abstrak Kesuksesan hasil kerja para TKI membuat masyarakat Cikedung yang sebagian besar bekerja sebagai buruh tani dan tidak mempunyai penghasilan tetap memilih untuk bekerja di luar negeri. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memperoleh gambaran tingkat ekonomi keluarga setelah bekerja ke luar negeri serta pengaruh bekerja di luar negeri terhadap tingkat perceraian pada masyarakat di Desa Cikedung, Kecamatan Cikedung, Kabupaten Indramayu. Penelitian yang dilakukan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus, dengan pengumpulan data berupa observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa sebelum bekerja ke luar negeri kehidupan ekonomi keluarga tergolong rendah tetapi sesudah bekerja di luar negeri menjadi kehidupan ekonomi mereka mengalami peningkatan yang signifikan. Terkait dengan perceraian, tidak terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan karena hanya dialami oleh sebagian kecil keluarga yang bekerja di luar negeri. Pengutipan: Karlina, Eli, dkk. (2017). Pengaruh Bekerja di Luar Negeri terhadap Tingkat Ekonomi dan Perceraian. SOSIO DIDAKTIKA: Social Science Education Journal, 4(1), 2017, 54-60. doi:10.15408/sd.v4i1.4342.Permalink/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15408/sd.v4i1.4342