bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing of the ability of fatigue test machine prototype and fatigue test for nylon and cast iron specimens
Authors: Hadi S , Murdani A , Sudarmadji S , Artiko A
Published: January 2020

Fatigue life prediction for engineering material is important for predictive maintenance to support accident prevention in a high-risk equipment. The study aims to determine the ability of the machine prototype of rotating bending type fatigue test and to find out the fatigue life of Nylon and cast iron specimens. By knowing the fatigue life of a plastic and ferrous metal material, the prediction of fatigue life can be applied to a maintenance plan. The design and manufacture of rotating bending fatigue testing machines equipped with copy turning devices can be used to prepare specimens from plastic/soft metal materials, thus becoming an integrated fatigue test machine. The method used includes determining the standard size of fatigue test specimens, turning various fatigue test specimens, carrying out fatigue test specimens of nylon and cast iron materials, and analyzing the results of fatigue tests. The test results of the fatigue test machine prototype showed the ability to turn plastic and soft metal materials, and the fatigue life for Nylon 6.6 ranging from 659 to 13216 rotation for breaking the specimens at 229 to 26 MPa stresses, and for cast iron from 142 to 22863 rotation at 229 to 147 MPa stresses.
Design and analysis of planar wideband monopole antenna using WIPL-D simulator
Authors: Rohadi E , Sarosa M , Ali M F , Amalia A , Setyawan A , Adhisuwignjo S
Published: January 2020

One of the problems that correspond to the small dimension of an antenna is the bandwidth. In order to overcome the problem from small linear and multiple antenna array systems, the investigation of the antenna elements is needed. The design of planar antennas is to achieve an antenna that is able to match various demands in applications where size, cost, performance, and aerodynamic profiles are very important considerations, a low-profile antenna such as a small. The antenna performance on scattering parameters S11, gain, return loss and impedance input are investigated at obtaining wideband antennas by adjusting antenna design parameters. The substrate thickness needs to be adjusted to 0.813 mm, and the element length at 2 mm and 0.75 mm. The calculation of VSWR, gain, and the radiation pattern is presented using MoM-based WIPL-D. The antenna element when x2 is 2mm in the frequency range 4 GHz – 8 GHz, which this antenna works best on element dimension x2= 1.5mm when the frequency resonance 4.86 GHz and VSWR value is 1. The main advantages of this antenna are the dimension and simple design.
Design and implementation of centralized reading system on analog postpaid water meter
Authors: Hudiono H , Taufik M , Perdana R H Y , Rohmah W R
Published: January 2020

Local water supply company in Indonesia still uses analog water meter, hence the data recording of customer’ water usage was carried out by officers manually. It is certainly an inefficient and risky method that could produce errors. Moreover, not all water meter data could be recorded at the time officers come to the location, for example in vacant houses, that could causing customers suffer the consequences such as fine for late payment. In this study, we proposed a new water meter reading system design which contains a conversion device that could convert analog water usage data into the digital one, installed in existing analog meter. The converted data would be transmitted to local concentrator using a 433 MHz wireless transceiver network and sent to the server that acts as monitoring center via cellular networks. The process of digitizing the water meter does not need to be done by replacing the existing analog water meters. Thus, the investment costs of the water meter digitalization process would be relatively cheaper and it could be a solution for increasing the recording efficiency and accuracy of customer’s water usage data.
Monitoring system water pH rate, turbidity, and temperature of river water
Authors: Aziz F A , Sarosa M , Rohadi E
Published: January 2020

Water is a substance that is important in life after air if it has been polluted by chemicals it is very dangerous for living things. The development of the industry uses chemicals in a production that causes hazardous waste, even though it has been reprocessed in the filtering process, if it is less than perfect, the water will be polluted if disposed of in the river flow. Identification and monitoring measures are needed that require media to use a device that includes a sensor containing the pH of water that comes from the content of acidic substances in water, turbidity or the content of solid objects in the water, and water temperature. The data collection method uses a nodeMCU microcontroller. Then the data is sent via a wireless connection to be stored on the database server. Testing to see the results of monitoring using an Android application that is connected to the server. From the results, it can be concluded that the data displayed on the application can run smoothly, the value displayed can be seen in real-time.
Observation of greenhouse condition based on wireless sensor networks
Authors: Darmono H , Perdana R H Y , Puspitasari W
Published: January 2020

Along with increasing years, meeting food needs in Indonesia continues to experience improvements. This is because it is not balanced between the rate of population growth and the amount of food production. In order to help increase food production and improve the quality of food, modern technology in agriculture is needed, one of which is a greenhouse. Most greenhouses still use manual watering systems that have not been supported by technology that utilizes an automatic watering system and is accompanied by a monitoring system, temperature and humidity control and greenhouse soil moisture using wireless sensor network communications. By spreading 6 nodes at each point and each node equipped with 3 sensors, it is expected that the greenhouse monitoring and control process will be more thorough. The results of temperature testing at the greenhouse before using the wireless sensor network and after being implemented have increased by 23%. This also applies to the value of air humidity has increased by 4% and soil moisture by 1.20%.
Development of camlearn as mobile learning media for photography equipment course
Authors: Hidayat W N , Oktaviani A T , Setiani A , Sugestuwandeli A , Sutikno T A
Published: January 2020

Limited learning facilities in vocational high schools is one of the problems in vocational education. Not every schools with multimedia department have enough standard cameras. The solution and also the goal of this research is to discuss the development of Camlearn as mobile learning media that can be used in the multimedia department. Camlearn is an android-based mobile application that discusses the types of cameras and photography equipment. This research applies the steps of ADDIE research method including Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Analysis, design and development activities are based on material requirements analysis that has been carried out using a questionnaire and interview methods for students, teachers and vice-principals of curriculum with a Likert Scale consisting of three research variables namely material aspects, media aspects, and application functionality. The results of the application product feasibility on the material suitability aspects are 80%, the media conformity aspects are 82%, and the product functionality aspects are 82%. Based on the results of the product development testing, it can be concluded that this research product has met the minimum eligibility test so that it can be declared feasible to be used as a learning media in the learning process.
Measuring user experience on personalized online training system to support online learning
Authors: Elmunsyah H , Hidayat W N , Ulfa S , Surakhman E , Wakhidah R
Published: January 2020

There is a paradigm shift in curriculum development and learning in 21-st century universities. The curriculum is no longer organized in a separate but in integrated manner or commonly referred to as transdisciplinary approach. Several transdisciplinary learning strategies need to be considered, to be studied and developed as learning innovations. One strategy initiated through this paper is the Personalized Online Training System (POTS). POTS provided opportunities for students to search, process, analyze, interpret, and communicate data and information obtained on POTS media. POTS developed based on Generation Z characteristics that are very familiar with technology, have a good self-confidence, high initiative, creative and innovative. The research instrument used questionnaire with a Likert scale using the UEQ framework to 118 students. The result showed that user experience score, usability score, learning design validation score, and students’ response from the interview session indicate that the system is good; yet an improvement is needed.
Transport in two-dimensional topological materials: recent developments in experiment and theory
Authors: Culcer Dimitrie , Cem Keser Aydın , Li Yongqing , Tkachov Grigory
Published: January 2020

We review theoretical and experimental highlights in transport in two-dimensional topological materials over the last five years. Topological materials comprise topological insulators, Weyl semimetals and topological superconductors. This review focuses on key developments in the understanding of transport phenomena involving surfaces and interfaces of two-dimensional topological materials that have not been covered elsewhere. The review is structured around the following general topics: (i) topological insulators are finding applications in magnetic devices, while controversy continues to surround Hall transport in doped samples and the general issue of topological protection; (ii) state-of-the-art experiments on transition metal dichalcogenides have revealed new valley-dependent electrical and optical phenomena which have spin-dependent counterparts in topological insulators; (iii) in Weyl semimetals the manifestations of Fermi arcs in transport are actively investigated as well as controversial; (iv) a new and growing field centres on the non-linear electrical and optical responses of topological materials, where fundamental questions emerge about the interplay of the Berry curvature and disorder scattering; and (v) topological superconductor research is dominated by the quest for chiral superconductivity, Majorana fermions and topological quantum computing. Prospects for future research in this vast field are outlined in the closing section.
Investigation of Cu particles size and bonding time on the microstructure and shear property of Cu/In-45Cu/Cu solder joints
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Gangang , Xiong Yifeng , Shen Sai , Zhang Yaocheng
Published: January 2020

The effect of Cu particles size and bonding time on the microstructure and shear property of Cu/In-45Cu/Cu solder joint was studied, and the shedding mechanism of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in the solder joint during transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding process was investigated. The results showed that the microstructure of Cu/In-45Cu/Cu solder joint was composed of Cu11In9 phase, residual In phase and Cu particles, and the microstructure of solder joints prepared by small Cu particles was dense. The content of IMCs was increased with increasing bonding time, and the Cu/In-45Cu/Cu solder joint was composed of Cu11In9 phase and Cu particles under bonding time 30 min. The Cu2In phase was formed in the solder joint at 60 min, and many cracks appeared at the interface of Cu11In9 and Cu2In phases. The shear strength of Cu/In-45/Cu solder joints with brittle fracture was increased firstly and then decreased with increasing bonding time, and the maximum shear strength of the solder joint was 16.35 MPa at 30 min.
Characterization of PbS films deposited by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) for CdS/PbS solar cells application
Authors: Pérez-García C E , Meraz-Dávila S , Arreola-Jardón G , de Moure-Flores F , Ramírez-Bon R , Vorobiev Y V
Published: January 2020

The properties of PbS thin films deposited by Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method were analyzed and applied in PbS/CdS heterojuction solar cells. In this study for n-type layer, cadmium sulfide thin films were deposited on transparent conductive oxide (ITO) substrates by Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) technique followed by deposition of PbS film using different deposition cycles, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 60 to obtain different thicknesses from 90 nm to 658 nm. Morphological, structural and optical properties were investigated. The roughness of the PbS films were found to be in the range of 10–162 nm, depending on the number of cycles. The films of PbS present a band gap value of 0.6 eV. PbS/CdS heterojunctions were studied as solar cells, it was observed that 40 cycles PbS film has a greater photovoltaic conversion efficiency.
Antibacterial activity, morphology, and physicochemical stability of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil
Authors: de Melo Ana Paula Zapelini , de Oliveira Brisola Maciel Matheus Vinicius , Sganzerla William Gustavo , da Rosa Almeida Aline , de Armas Rafael Dutra , Machado Michelle Heck , da Rosa Cleonice Gonçalves , Nunes Michael Ramos , Bertoldi Fabiano Cleber , Barreto Pedro Luiz Manique
Published: January 2020

Considering the importance of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant phytochemicals, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of pH in the formulation of AgNPs, bioreduced with thyme essential oil. Biosynthesized AgNPs were prepared under different pH (7, 8, 9 and 10), and the physicochemical stability was evaluated during 90 days at 6 °C and 25 °C. Using GC/MS technique, 17 different compounds were observed in the thyme essential oil; however, borneol and α-terpineol were the majoritarian compounds, probably responsible to the formation of AgNPs. UV–vis spectroscopy with absorbance between 415 and 440 nm and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles, with diameters of 40 nm and spherical shapes to pH 7, 8 and 9. Through DLS approach, was observed that the average particle diameter was around 90 nm for all pH tested. AgNPs presented homogeneous size distribution, and zeta potential values very close to the theoretical stability range. Moreover, biosynthesized AgNPs presented high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Through x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic (XPS) analysis was possible confirm the presence of crystalline silver nanoparticles. Thus, silver nanoparticles eco-friendly prepared using thyme essential oil can be considered as an alternative way to produce this nanomaterial with great stability and high antibacterial activity.
The investigation of mechanical and dielectric properties of Samarium doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Badreddine K , Srour A , Awad R , Abou-Aly A I
Published: January 2020

Zn1−xSmxO nanoparticles, with 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10, were prepared using chemical co-precipitation method. The structure and morphology of the obtained samples were characterized using x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. However, the mechanical properties were investigated via digital Vickers microhardness tester. Vickers microhardness measurements were carried out at different applied loads, varying between 0.5 and 10 N at dwell time 60 s on pressed discs of average thickness 3 mm. Hv decreased as the Sm-content increased up to 0.02 and then it increased for higher concentrations. Whereas, it increased as the applied load increased, revealing that the samples exhibited a reverse indentation size effect (ISE). The microhardness measurements were interpreted using various models such as Meyer’s law, Hays and Kendall (HK) approach, elastic/plastic deformation (EPD), proportional specimen resistance (PSR) and the indentation-induced cracking (IIC). Mechanical parameters such as Young’s modulus (E), yield strength (Y), fracture toughness (K) and brittleness index (B) were calculated as a function of x. The most adequate model for the true microhardness of these samples is IIC. It was found that the addition of Sm content enhanced the mechanical properties of the prepared samples after x = 0.02. Dielectric measurements were used to compute different parameters such as real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity, dielectric loss (tan δ) and ac conductivity (σ
ac).
Estimation of residual stress of metal material with yield plateau by continuous spherical indentation method
Authors: Deng Leixiong , Zhao Jianping , Wang Zhanyu
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a novel method was proposed to measure the residual stress and plasticity parameters of metal materials with yield plateau through continuous spherical indentation test. The indentation energy was selected as the indentation parameter to establish a dimensionless equation between the residual stress and material parameters through dimensional analysis method. The effects of residual stress and plastic parameters on the indentation response tests are studied, and the dimensionless function expressions are determined respectively when the specimen with or without residual stress based on the finite element analysis data of different residual stress levels. Based on the self-established inverse analysis, the yield strength (

σ

y

), strain hardening exponent (n), ratio coefficient (a) and residual stress (

σ

r

) can be obtained through indentation test. At last, the validation of the method presented in this paper was verified by simulating the material (SS400 and SM490) with the known material parameters.
Study on stress corrosion behavior of C110 steel by electrochemical hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Xia , Zhou Wen-jie , Xu Ling-long , Li Xiong , Gu Yue , Zhang Qiao
Published: January 2020

In this study, the effects of hydrogen on the electrochemical behavior and stress corrosion behavior of C110 steel in CO2 environment was explored by electrochemical hydrogen charging, four-point bending stress loading and electrochemical test. The results show that with the raise of applied stress, the film resistance, transfer resistance of corrosion products decrease, and I

corr
increases. After hydrogen charging, C110 steel has greater activity, and the combined action of external stress further promotes the corrosion reaction. The application of stress will destroy the formation of corrosion product film and reduce its protection. However, when the stress is further increased to 102%σ
s, the larger grains will be broken into smaller grains, so that the surface area of the film will be increased again and the protection of the substrate will be enhanced. The main corrosion products analyzed by XRD are α-Fe, Fe2O3 and MgFe2O4. The applied stress will not change the phase composition of the corrosion products.
New colorimetric method to determine catalase mimic activity
Authors: Rasheed Rashed T , Mansoor Hadeel S , Mansoor Aseel S
Published: January 2020

A new colorimetric method was used to determine catalase mimic activities of manganese dioxide (MnO2), iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles were prepared by a hydrothermal method (autoclave), and its composite. The MnO2 nanoparticles were annealed at different temperatures (250–700 °C), while MnO2: Fe2O3 composite in the mole ratio of 3:1 annealed at 400 °C. The structures and surface morphology were characterized by FT-IR measurements, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). This new method succeeds to determine catalase mimic activity, and found the activity of the composite was lower than its activity of MnO2 alone, in the same annealing temperature.
Corrosion behavior of 3A21 aluminum alloy in ethylene glycol solution under different atmospheres
Authors: Hanyang Zuo , Min Gong , Xingwen Zheng , Long Wang , Emori Wilfred
Published: January 2020

The corrosion behavior of 3A21 aluminum alloy in different concentrations of ethylene glycol solution under different simulated atmospheres was studied by electrochemical methods (potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and surface analytical techniques (metalloscopy and the scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer). The electrochemical results showed that the corrosion of 3A21 aluminum alloy was affected by the concentration of ethylene glycol solution and atmosphere conditions, and the influence of atmosphere was different in different concentrations of ethylene glycol solution. The results were further confirmed by morphology analysis, and the formation of Al-alcoholized film on the surface of aluminum alloy was proved by element energy spectrum analysis, then the corrosion mechanism of 3A21 aluminum alloy was discussed.
Establishment of a two-stage constitutive model based on dislocation density theory for as-forged SA508 Gr.3Cl.1
Authors: Ma Jing , Liu Jiansheng , Guo Zhen
Published: January 2020

The high-temperature deformation behavior of the SA508 Gr.3Cl.1 steel was investigated by the uniaxial isothermal compression tests at the deformation temperature from 1223 K to 1473 K and strain rate from 0.001s−1 to 1 s−1, which were carried out using Gleeble-1500 thermo-mechanical simulator. Based on the experimental data, the material parameters and active energy of hot deformation were determined according to the regression analysis method. The critical strain of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) was confirmed by simplified P-J method. Furthermore, the constitutive model for work hardening-dynamic recovery (WH-DRV) stage and DRX stage was established based on dislocation density theory and the kinetics of DRX. Finally, the flow stress calculated using the established model and experiment data was compared and the results showed that it is enough accurate to predict the flow stress during hot deformation for SA508 Gr.3Cl.1. Thus, the model will be beneficial for the accuracy of simulation by Finite Element Method (FEM) method.
Erosion studies of plasma sprayed WC-12%Co, Cr3C2-25%NiCr, 80%Ni-20%Cr, 87%Al2O3-13%TiO2 coatings on ASTM A36 steel
Authors: Panwar Varun , Grover Neel Kanth , Chawla Vikas
Published: January 2020

WC-12%Co, Cr3C2-25%NiCr, 80%Ni-20%Cr, 87%Al2O3-13%TiO2 coatings were deposited by Air Plasma Spray (APS) technique on ASTM A36 steel. Erosion behaviour of sprayed coated samples were investigated at three different impact angles (45°, 60° and 90°). The mechanism of erosion was investigated on uncoated and coated samples. The rate of erosion of the substrate first increased with increasing angle of impact and then gradually decreased. But the erosion rate of the coated samples increased steadily. Substrate shows the higher metal removal whereas coating shows the higher erosion resistance. WC-12%Co coated samples performed well in erosion testing and offered best erosion resistance as compared to the substrate and all other coatings. Ductile fracture takes place on substrate material at higher impact angle. Overall, all the coated samples have shown less erosion propensity when compare to the bare one.
Association of State Minimum Wage Rates and Health in Working-Age Adults Using the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Buszkiewicz James H , Hill Heather D , Otten Jennifer J
Published: January 2020

States adopt minimum wages to improve workers’ economic circumstances and well-being. Many studies, but not all, find evidence of health benefits from higher minimum wages. This study used a rigorous “triple difference” strategy to identify the associations between state minimum wages and adult obesity, body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)2), hypertension, diabetes, fair or poor health, and serious psychological distress. National Health Interview Survey data (United States, 2008–2015) on adults aged 25–64 years (n = 131,430) were linked to state policies to estimate the prevalence odds ratio or mean difference in these outcomes associated with a $1 increase in current and 2-year lagged minimum wage among less-educated adults overall and by sex, race/ethnicity, and age. In contrast to prior studies, there was no association between current minimum wage and health; however, 2-year lagged minimum wage was positively associated with the likelihood of obesity (prevalence odds ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.00, 1.16) and with elevated body mass index (mean difference = 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.04, 0.49). In subgroup models, current and 2-year lagged minimum wage were associated with a higher likelihood of obesity among male and non-White or Hispanic adults. The associations with hypertension also varied by sex and the timing of the exposure.
The intuitive invalidity of the pain-in-mouth argument
Authors: Liu Michelle
Published: January 2020

In a recent paper, Reuter, Seinhold and Sytsma (Analysis, 2019) put forward an implicature account to explain the intuitive failure of the pain-in-mouth argument. They argue that utterances such as ‘There is tissue damage / a pain / an inflammation in my mouth’ carry the conversational implicature that there is something wrong with the speaker’s mouth. Appealing to new empirical data, this paper argues against the implicature account and for the entailment account, according to which pain reports using locative locutions, such as ‘There is a pain in my mouth’, are intuitively understood as entailing corresponding predicative locutions, such as ‘My mouth hurts.’ On this latter account, the pain-in-mouth argument seems invalid because the conclusion is naturally understood as entailing something which cannot be inferred from the premisses. Implications for the philosophical debate about pain are also drawn.
No carbon limitation after lower crown loss in Pinus radiata
Authors: Gomez-Gallego Mireia , Williams Nari , Leuzinger Sebastian , Scott Peter Matthew , Bader Martin Karl-Friedrich
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Biotic and abiotic stressors can cause different defoliation patterns within trees. Foliar pathogens of conifers commonly prefer older needles and infection with defoliation that progresses from the bottom crown to the top. The functional role of the lower crown of trees is a key question to address the impact of defoliation caused by foliar pathogens.

Methods

A 2 year artificial defoliation experiment was performed using two genotypes of grafted Pinus radiata to investigate the effects of lower-crown defoliation on carbon (C) assimilation and allocation. Grafts received one of the following treatments in consecutive years: control–control, control–defoliated, defoliated–control and defoliated–defoliated.

Results

No upregulation of photosynthesis either biochemically or through stomatal control was observed in response to defoliation. The root:shoot ratio and leaf mass were not affected by any treatment, suggesting prioritization of crown regrowth following defoliation. In genotype B, defoliation appeared to impose C shortage and caused reduced above-ground growth and sugar storage in roots, while in genotype A, neither growth nor storage was altered. Root C storage in genotype B decreased only transiently and recovered over the second growing season.

Conclusions

In genotype A, the contribution of the lower crown to the whole-tree C uptake appears to be negligible, presumably conferring resilience to foliar pathogens affecting the lower crown. Our results suggest that there is no C limitation after lower-crown defoliation in P. radiata grafts. Further, our findings imply genotype-specific defoliation tolerance in P. radiata.
Instruments Measuring Prospective Memory: A Systematic and Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Blondelle Geoffrey , Hainselin Mathieu , Gounden Yannick , Quaglino Véronique
Published: January 2020

Objective

To identify the available measures to assess prospective memory (PM) abilities, to describe their content, and to quantitatively summarize the effects of various diseases on PM depending on the type of assessment

Method

Three databases (PsycInfo, PsycArticles and PubMed) were searched up to June 2019 to identify the existing PM measures. The identified PM measures were classified according to the type of assessment: test batteries, single-trial procedures, questionnaires, and experimental procedures. The characteristics and psychometric properties were presented. PM performances were compared between patients with various diseases and controls depending on the type of assessment.

Results

Most of the 16 measures identified evaluated both event- and time-based tasks, were linked to functional outcomes, showed empirical evidences regarding validity and reliability, and provided parallel versions. To a slightly lesser extent, few measures provided normative data, translations/adaptation into another language, cutoff scores for diagnostic purposes, qualitative scoring, parallel version, and external aids during the test. Compared to healthy controls, patients had significantly poorer performances when PM was assessed with experimental procedures. Heterogeneous data precluded the interpretation of a summary effect for test batteries, single-trial procedures, and questionnaires. Planned subgroup analyses indicated consistent PM impairment for patients compared to controls for three test batteries. However, PM complaints did not differ between patients and controls.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the use of PM test batteries and experimental procedures are relevant for detecting performance variations in diverse clinical populations. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Males evolve to be more harmful under increased sexual conflict intensity in a seed beetle
Authors: McNamara Kathryn B , Sloan Nadia S , Kershaw Sian E , van Lieshout Emile , Simmons Leigh W
Published: January 2020

One conspicuous manifestation of sexual conflict is traumatic mating, in which male genitalia damage the female during copulation. The penis of the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, is covered in spines that damage the female reproductive tract. Females kick males ostensibly to shorten these harmful copulations. How these iconic conflict behaviors coevolve in response to sexual conflict intensity can provide insight into the economics of these traits. We examined whether male harm and female resistance coevolved in response to elevated sexual conflict. We quantified copulation behavior and female reproductive tract damage of individuals from replicated populations evolving for 32 generations under low or high sexual conflict (female- and male-biased treatments, respectively). First, we permitted females ad libitum matings with males from either sex-ratio treatment, recording her tract damage and longevity. Second, we performed a full-factorial cross of matings by males and females from each of the replicate populations, recording mating and kicking duration and reproductive output. We found manipulation of sexual conflict intensity led to the evolution of male harmfulness, but not female resistance to harm. We also demonstrate that female kicking does not respond to sexual conflict intensity, suggesting it does not function to mitigate male harm in this species. Our findings demonstrate the complexities of behavioral and morphological coevolutionary responses to sexual conflict intensity in an important model species.
PmliPred: a method based on hybrid model and fuzzy decision for plant miRNA–lncRNA interaction prediction
Authors: Kang Qiang , Meng Jun , Cui Jun , Luan Yushi , Chen Ming
Published: January 2020

Motivation

The studies have indicated that not only microRNAs (miRNAs) or long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in biological activities, but also their interactions affect the biological process. A growing number of studies focus on the miRNA–lncRNA interactions, while few of them are proposed for plant. The prediction of interactions is significant for understanding the mechanism of interaction between miRNA and lncRNA in plant.

Results

This article proposes a new method for fulfilling plant miRNA–lncRNA interaction prediction (PmliPred). The deep learning model and shallow machine learning model are trained using raw sequence and manually extracted features, respectively. Then they are hybridized based on fuzzy decision for prediction. PmliPred shows better performance and generalization ability compared with the existing methods. Several new miRNA–lncRNA interactions in Solanum lycopersicum are successfully identified using quantitative real time–polymerase chain reaction from the candidates predicted by PmliPred, which further verifies its effectiveness.

Availability and implementation

The source code of PmliPred is freely available at http://bis.zju.edu.cn/PmliPred/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Renal amyloidosis: validation of a proposed histological scoring system in an independent cohort
Authors: Hoelbeek Joris J , Kers Jesper , Steenbergen Eric J , Roelofs Joris J T H , Florquin Sandrine
Published: January 2020

Background

In systemic amyloidosis, the kidney is frequently affected and renal involvement has a major impact on survival. Renal involvement is clinically characterized by decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria. The two most common renal amyloidosis types are light chain-related amyloidosis (AL) and serum amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. Standardized histopathological scoring of amyloid deposits is crucial to assess disease progression. Therefore, we aimed to validate the proposed scoring system from Rubinstein et al. (Novel pathologic scoring tools predict end-stage kidney disease in light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Amyloid 2017; 24: 205–211) in an independent patient cohort.

Methods

We attempt to reproduce the scoring system, consisting of an amyloid score (AS) and a composite scarring injury score (CSIS), in a multicentre AL and AA case series. Additionally, we analysed all renal amyloidosis kidney biopsies performed in the Netherlands between 1993 and 2012.

Results

Similar to the original study, AS and CSIS correlated to eGFR (r = −0.45, P = 0.0061 and r = −0.60, P < 0.0001, respectively) but not to proteinuria at diagnosis. Furthermore, AS, but not CSIS, was associated with renal outcome. The scoring system was not reproducible in AA patients. The median incidence rate for renal amyloidosis in the Netherlands was 2.3 per million population per year, and increased during the study period.

Conclusions

In our AL case series and the original study, AS and CSIS were correlated to eGFR but not to proteinuria, and AS correlated with renal outcome. Overall, we regard this scoring system as competent for standardized histopathological assessment of amyloid deposits burden and thereby disease advancement in renal biopsies.
Treatment of coronary microvascular dysfunction
Authors: Bairey Merz C Noel , Pepine Carl J , Shimokawa Hiroki , Berry Colin
Published: January 2020

Contemporary data indicate that patients with signs and symptoms of ischaemia and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) often have coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) with elevated risk for adverse outcomes. Coronary endothelial (constriction with acetylcholine) and/or microvascular (limited coronary flow reserve with adenosine) dysfunction are well-documented, and extensive non-obstructive atherosclerosis is often present. Despite these data, patients with INOCA currently remain under-treated, in part, because existing management guidelines do not address this large, mostly female population due to the absence of evidence-based data. Relatively small sample-sized, short-term pilot studies of symptomatic mostly women, with INOCA, using intense medical therapies targeting endothelial, microvascular, and/or atherosclerosis mechanisms suggest symptom, ischaemia, and coronary vascular functional improvement, however, randomized, controlled outcome trials testing treatment strategies have not been completed. We review evidence regarding CMD pharmacotherapy. Potent statins in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) or receptor blockers if intolerant, at maximally tolerated doses appear to improve angina, stress testing, myocardial perfusion, coronary endothelial function, and microvascular function. The Coronary Microvascular Angina trial supports invasive diagnostic testing with stratified therapy as an approach to improve symptoms and quality of life. The WARRIOR trial is testing intense medical therapy of high-intensity statin, maximally tolerated ACE-I plus aspirin on longer-term outcomes to provide evidence for guidelines. Novel treatments and those under development appear promising as the basis for future trial planning.
The geographical diversification in varanid lizards: the role of mainland versus island in driving species evolution
Authors: Zhu Xia-Ming , Du Yu , Qu Yan-Fu , Li Hong , Gao Jian-Fang , Lin Chi-Xian , Ji Xiang , Lin Long-Hui
Published: January 2020

Monitor lizards (Varanidae) inhabit both the mainland and islands of all geological types and have diversified into an exceptionally wide range of body sizes, thus providing an ideal model for examining the role of mainland versus island in driving species evolution. Here we use phylogenetic comparative methods to examine whether a link exists between body size-driven diversification and body size-frequency distributions in varanid lizards and to test the hypothesis that island lizards differ from mainland species in evolutionary processes, body size, and life-history traits (offspring number and size). We predict that: 1) since body size drives rapid diversification in groups, a link exists between body size-driven diversification and body size-frequency distributions; 2) because of various environments on island, island species will have higher speciation, extinction, and dispersal rates, compared with mainland species; 3) as a response to stronger intraspecific competition, island species will maximize individual ability associated with body size to outcompete closely-related species, and island species will produce smaller clutches of larger eggs to increase offspring quality. Our results confirm that the joint effect of differential macroevolutionary rates shapes the species richness pattern of varanid lizards. There is a link between body size-driven diversification and body size-frequency distributions, and the speciation rate is maximized at medium body sizes. Island species will have higher speciation, equal extinction, and higher dispersal rates compared with mainland species. Smaller clutch size and larger hatchling in the island than in mainland species indicate that offspring quality is more valuable than offspring quantity for island varanids.
CancerLivER: a database of liver cancer gene expression resources and biomarkers
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Bhalla Sherry , Kaur Dilraj , Raghava Gajendra PS
Published: January 2020

Liver cancer is the fourth major lethal malignancy worldwide. To understand the development and progression of liver cancer, biomedical research generated a tremendous amount of transcriptomics and disease-specific biomarker data. However, dispersed information poses pragmatic hurdles to delineate the significant markers for the disease. Hence, a dedicated resource for liver cancer is required that integrates scattered multiple formatted datasets and information regarding disease-specific biomarkers. Liver Cancer Expression Resource (CancerLivER) is a database that maintains gene expression datasets of liver cancer along with the putative biomarkers defined for the same in the literature. It manages 115 datasets that include gene-expression profiles of 9611 samples. Each of incorporated datasets was manually curated to remove any artefact; subsequently, a standard and uniform pipeline according to the specific technique is employed for their processing. Additionally, it contains comprehensive information on 594 liver cancer biomarkers which include mainly 315 gene biomarkers or signatures and 178 protein- and 46 miRNA-based biomarkers. To explore the full potential of data on liver cancer, a web-based interactive platform was developed to perform search, browsing and analyses. Analysis tools were also integrated to explore and visualize the expression patterns of desired genes among different types of samples based on individual gene, GO ontology and pathways. Furthermore, a dataset matrix download facility was provided to facilitate the users for their extensive analysis to elucidate more robust disease-specific signatures. Eventually, CancerLivER is a comprehensive resource which is highly useful for the scientific community working in the field of liver cancer.Availability: CancerLivER can be accessed on the web at https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/cancerliver.
Effect of functional lateral shift of the mandible on hyaluronic acid metabolism related to lubrication of temporomandibular joint in growing rats
Authors: Guo Xiyuan , Watari Ippei , Ikeda Yuhei , Yang Wu , Ono Takashi
Published: January 2020

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major molecular component of the articular cartilage of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) influencing joint lubrication. Functional lateral shift of the mandible (FLSM) can lead to malocclusion. This study investigated the effects of FLSM on HA metabolism and lubrication of the TMJ in growing rats.

Methods

Thirty 5-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into shift, recovery, and control groups. Rats in the shift and recovery groups were fitted with guiding plates to produce a 2-mm FLSM which were removed from the rats in the recovery group 14 days later. Animals were sacrificed at 14 and 28 days after the appliances were attached. Immunohistochemistry of HA-binding protein (HABP), hyaluronan synthase (HAS), and hyaluronoglucosaminidases (HYALs) was examined.

Results

The thickness of HABP-positively stained areas in the lateral regions in the bilateral condyle was reduced during the experimental period in the shift group compared with that in the control group. The proportion of HAS2-stained areas was bilaterally decreased in different regions of condylar cartilage during the experimental period in the shift group. The reduction of the HYAL2-stained area proportion in the condylar cartilage was more significant than that of HYAL1 at 14 days after appliance attachment in the shift group. HAS2 staining was not recovered in the recovery group.

Limitations

This research was based on animal experiments with a limited experimental period.

Conclusion

FLSM altered lubrication related HA metabolism in the articular cartilage of the TMJ in growing rats.
3D mapping for the identification of the fossa ovalis in left atrial ablation procedures: a pilot study of a first step towards an electroanatomic-guided transseptal puncture
Authors: Eichenlaub Martin , Weber Reinhold , Minners Jan , Allgeier Hans-Jürgen , Jadidi Amir , Müller-Edenborn Björn , Neumann Franz-Josef , Arentz Thomas , Lehrmann Heiko
Published: January 2020

Aims

Transseptal puncture (TP) for left atrial (LA) catheter ablation procedures is routinely performed under fluoroscopic guidance. To decrease radiation exposure and increase safety alternative techniques are desirable. The aim of this study was to assess whether right atrial (RA) electroanatomic 3D mapping can reliably identify the fossa ovalis (FO) in preparation of TP.

Methods and results

Between May 2019 and August 2019, electroanatomic RA mapping was performed before TP in 61 patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Three electroanatomic methods for FO identification, mapping catheter-induced FO protrusion, electroanatomic-guided analysis, and voltage mapping, were evaluated and compared with transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE). Mapping catheter-induced FO protrusion was feasible in 60 patients (98%) with a mean displacement of 6.8 ± 2.5 mm, confirmed by TOE, and proofed to be the most valuable and easiest marker for FO identification. Electroanatomic-guided analysis localized the FO midpoint consistently in the lower half (43 ± 7%) and posterior (18.2 ± 4.4 mm) to a line between coronary sinus and vena cava superior. Analysis of RA voltage maps during sinus rhythm (n = 40, low-voltage cut-off value 1.0 and 1.5 mV) allowed secure FO recognition in 33% and 18%, only. A step-by-step approach, combining FO protrusion (first step) with anatomy criteria in case of protrusion failure (second step) would have allowed for the correct localization of a TP site within the FO in all patients.

Conclusion

Right atrial electroanatomic 3D mapping prior to TP proofed to be a simple tool for FO identification and may potentially be of use in the safe and radiation-free performance of TP prior to LA ablation procedures.
Left atrial volume and function assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are markers of subclinical atrial fibrillation as detected by continuous monitoring
Authors: Bertelsen Litten , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Haugan Ketil Jørgen , Brandes Axel , Graff Claus , Krieger Derk , Kronborg Christian , Køber Lars , Højberg Søren , Vejlstrup Niels , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup
Published: January 2020

Aims

We aimed to investigate whether left atrial (LA) markers from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) were able to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients with risk factors for stroke.

Methods and results

At baseline, 203 participants with stroke risk factors but without history of AF underwent advanced CMR and received an implantable loop recorder. During a median of 40 (37–42) months of continuous monitoring, incident AF was detected in 79 patients (39%). With regards to CMR markers, a steep increase in incidence rate of AF was seen with LA maximum volume (LAmax) above 55 mL/m2, LA minimum volume (LAmin) above 30 mL/m2, LA total emptying fraction (LA TEF) below 45%, LA active emptying fraction (LA AEF) below 37%, LA strain S below 25%, LA strain A below 17%, and LA strain rate A above −1.7 s−1. After multivariate adjustment, the above-mentioned CMR markers remained associated with AF incidence: hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.25 (1.06–1.48) and 1.51 (1.22–1.87) per 10 mL/m2 increase of LAmax and LAmin, respectively, 1.49 (1.26–1.76) and 1.46 CI (1.25–1.71) per 5% decrease in LA TEF and LA AEF, respectively, 1.23 (1.05–1.44) and 1.56 (1.18–2.06) per 5% decrease in LA strain S and A, respectively, and 2.06 (1.31–3.23) per s−1 increase in LA strain rate A. In prediction analyses, LA functional indices increased area under the receiver operating characteristic curve significantly.

Conclusion

The risk of AF, including asymptomatic AF, increases significantly with increasing LA volumes and worsening LA function.