bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pemilihan Siswa-Siswi Berprestasi Menggunakan Metode Weighted Product (WP) Studi Kasus SMP-Al Fitroh Tangerang
Authors: Hidayat Taufik , Komariah Siti
Published: January 2020

Sistem Pendukung Keputusan (SPK) merupakan sistem informasi, pemodelan, dan pemanipulasi data.Sistem itu digunakan untuk membantu pengambilan keputusan dalam situasi yang semiterstuktur dan situasi yang tidak terstruktur, dimana tak seorang pun tahu secara pasti bagaimana keputusan seharusnya dibuat. Sistem pendukung keputusan dapat dihasilkan dengan menggunakan beberapa macam metode, salah satu diantaranya adalah Metode Weighted Product (WP). Metode Weighted Product (WP) adalah merupakan metode yang mengunakan perkalian untuk menghubungkan rating atribut, di mana rating setiap atribut harus dipangkatkan terlebih dahulu dengan bobot atribut yang bersangkutan. Proses ini sama halnya dengan proses normalisasi. Proses SPK untuk menentukan penerima beasiswa.Dengan menggunakan Sistem Pendukung Keputusan dan database, data beasiswa di SMP AL-FITROH Tangerang dapat disimpan di dalamnya, sehingga jika terjadi kesalahan dalam penginputan nilai atau data beasiswa, maka data yang salah tersebut dapat diperbaiki tanpa harus menginput data ulang data beasiswa. Beasiswa adalah pemberian berupa bantuan keuangan yang diberikan kepada perorangan yang bertujuan untuk digunakan demi keberlangsungan pendidikan yang ditempuh. Metodologi penelitian yang digunakan dalam pembuatan sistem penerimaan siswa-siswi berprestasi adalah metode waterfall yang meliputi sistem enginering, analysis, design, coding dan testing. Aplikasi ini dibuat dengan menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), framework menggunakan code integer, Xampp web server.
Women and Money Management: Problematising Working-class Subjectivities in French Television Programmes During and after the Post-war Boom
Authors: Overney Laetitia
Published: January 2020

This article looks at French television during and after the post-war period to explore the relationships that programmes systematically established between home-making in social housing, housekeeping money management and women. It sheds light on the gendered dimensions of thrift and dwelling. French 1960’s Television reflected a range of urban transformations characteristic of the period: the development of high-rise estates, social housing, shopping centers. How should people inhabit these new environnements, new structures of dwelling and new services in order to keep up with regular household expenses such as paying rent, utility bills, buying food or covering child rearing costs? Since the 19th century, women had generally managed household budgets as part of the everyday domestic cultures. These heavy financial responsibilities were relayed by televised documentaries prompting questions about the types of in/appropriate activities and attitudes, knowledges and expertises shown on mainstream TV at the time. Television was constantly problematizing working-class subjectivities through women’s voice. On the one hand, television reports showed women always counting the money and thrifting in order to control the household comsumption and to avoid debts. In the documentaries I analyse, the women describe in detail their economic problems and moral economies they are conditioned to operate within. On the other hand, TV programmes were replete with the specialist home economics tips that were meant to spread normative representations of dwelling in order to educate housewives. Women’s activities are tied to the welfare state which is revealed in all its complexity, controlling with one hand the rationalisation of domestic budgets and practices, and, with the other, improving living conditions and protecting individuals against vulnerabilities.
RETRACTED: Berberine Maintains the Neutrophil N1 Phenotype to Reverse Cancer Cell Resistance to Doxorubicin
Authors: Zhang Shuhui , Zhou Lin , Zhang Mengdi , Wang Yuehua , Wang Mengqi , Du Jincheng , Gu Wenwen , Kui Fuguang , Li Jiahuan , Geng Shengnan , Du Gangjun
Published: January 2020

This study explores the contributions of neutrophils to chemotherapeutic resistance and berberine-regulated cancer cell sensitivity to doxorubicin (DOX). In vitro experiments, continuous DOX treatment led to the shift of HL-60 cells to N2 neutrophils and thus induced chemotherapeutic resistance. The combination treatment with DOX and 2 µM berberine resulted in the differentiation of HL-60 cells toward N1 and therefore stimulated HL-60 cell immune clearance. Berberine increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased autophagy and therefore induced apoptosis in HL-60-N2 cells with morphological changes, but had no effect on cell viability in HL-60-N1 cells. The neutrophil-regulating efficacy of berberine was confirmed in the urethane-induced lung carcinogenic model and H22 liver cancer allograft model. Furthermore, we found that DOX-derived neutrophils had high levels of CD133 and CD309 surface expression, which prevented both chemotherapeutic sensitivity and immune rejection by self-expression of PD-L1 and surface expression of PD-1 receptor on T cells, whereas berberine could downregulate CD133 and CD309 surface expression. Finally, berberine-relevant targets and pathways were evaluated. This study first suggests an important role of berberine in regulating neutrophil phenotypes to maintain cancer cell sensitivity to DOX.
GA-Adaptive Template Matching for Offline Shape Motion Tracking Based on Edge Detection: IAS Estimation from the SURVISHNO 2019 Challenge Video for Machine Diagnostics Purposes
Authors: Daga Alessandro Paolo , Garibaldi Luigi
Published: January 2020

The estimation of the Instantaneous Angular Speed (IAS) has in recent years attracted a growing interest in the diagnostics of rotating machines. Measurement of the IAS can be used as a source of information of the machine condition per se, or for performing angular resampling through Computed Order Tracking, a practice which is essential to highlight the machine spectral signature in case of non-stationary operational conditions. In these regards, the SURVISHNO 2019 international conference held at INSA Lyon on 8–10 July 2019 proposed a challenge about the estimation of the instantaneous non-stationary speed of a fan from a video taken by a smartphone, a pocket, low-cost device which can nowadays be found in everyone’s pocket. This work originated by the author to produce an offline motion-tracking of the fan (actually, of the head of its locking-screw) and obtaining then a reliable estimate of the IAS. The here proposed algorithm is an update of the established Template Matching (TM) technique (i.e., in the Signal Processing community, a two-dimensional matched filter), which is here integrated into a Genetic Algorithm (GA) search. Using a template reconstructed from a simplified parametric mathematical model of the features of interest (i.e., the known geometry of the edges of the screw head), the GA can be used to adapt the template to match the search image, leading to a hybridization of template-based and feature-based approaches which allows to overcome the well-known issues of the traditional TM related to scaling and rotations of the search image with respect to the template. Furthermore, it is able to resolve the position of the center of the screw head at a resolution that goes beyond the limit of the pixel grid. By repeating the analysis frame after frame and focusing on the angular position of the screw head over time, the proposed algorithm can be used as an effective offline video-tachometer able to estimate the IAS from the video, avoiding the need for expensive high-resolution encoders or tachometers.
Approach to Petiole Sap Nutritional Diagnosis Method by Empirical Model Based on Climatic and Growth Parameters
Authors: Llanderal Alfonso , García-Caparrós Pedro , Pérez-Alonso José , Contreras Juana Isabel , Segura María Luz , Reca Juan , Lao María Teresa
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work is to evaluate the relationship between the nutrient concentration in petiole sap and different agronomic and climatic variables for a tomato crop grown in a greenhouse in Mediterranean conditions. In addition, the persistence of the nutrient concentration in petiole sap was investigated with the aim of determining the sampling period that implies the best trade-off nutritional information. The experiment consisted of the selection of 20 sampling points inside the greenhouse. The samples of petiole, fully expanded leaf, and soil solution samples were collected weekly from 86 to 163 days after transplanting. Chloride, NO3−-N, H2PO4−-P, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ concentrations were determined in petiole sap and soil solution obtained by suction cups. Nitrogen, P, K, Cl, and Na concentrations were also determined in leaf. Finally, the petiole sap nutritional diagnosis method is the highest sensitive nutritional diagnosis method which compares soil solution and nutrient leaf content related to yield, and the statistical analysis performed in this research demonstrates that crop evapotranspiration (ETc), vapor pressure deficit (DPV), and leaf area index (LAI) are considered the most significant variables that allow the development of these empirical prediction models regarding nutrient concentration in petiole sap.
Gradual Provision of Live Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae to Older Laying Hens: Effect on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Feather Condition and Behavior
Authors: Star Laura , Arsiwalla Tarique , Molist Francesc , Leushuis Raymond , Dalim Monika , Paul Aman
Published: January 2020

Feather pecking is a key welfare challenge in laying hen husbandry. Feeding of live Hermetia illucens larvae could provide a possible solution to reduce feather pecking in hens. This research investigates effects of dispensing live H. illucens larvae to non-beak trimmed older laying hens on production performance, behavior and welfare. Control treatment hens were provided a commercial diet, while larvae treatment hens were provided live H. illucens larvae (using special dispenser) on top of a soy-free diet. Feather condition, production performance and egg quality were measured during the initiation (67 weeks age) and termination (78 weeks age) of the trial. Behavior of birds was monitored using video recording. Feed conversion ratio, body weight gain and egg laying parameters were similar for both treatments. At termination of the trial, larvae-fed hens exhibited better feather condition in comparison to control hens (p = 0.004). Behavioral observations indicated that larvae provision influenced the number of birds on floor during morning and afternoon hours. In conclusion, live H. illucens larvae could successfully replace soy in diets of older laying hens (in combination with local plant proteins). Provisioning of these insects also had a positive effect on the feather condition of laying hens with intact beaks.
Animal Welfare in Predator Control: Lessons from Land and Sea. How the Management of Terrestrial and Marine Mammals Impacts Wild Animal Welfare in Human–Wildlife Conflict Scenarios in Europe
Authors: Nunny Laetitia
Published: January 2020

The control of predators, on land and in the sea, is a complex topic. Both marine and terrestrial mammal predators come into conflict with humans in Europe in many ways and yet their situations are rarely compared. Areas of conflict include the predation of livestock and farmed fish, and the perceived competition for wild prey (for example wolves competing with hunters for deer and seals competing with fishermen for salmon). A lethal method (shooting) and non-lethal methods of conflict reduction (including enclosures, guarding, and aversion) used for terrestrial large carnivores (e.g., bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx) and marine mammals (seals) are discussed. Control measures tend to be species- and habitat-specific, although shooting is a widely used method. Potential impacts on predator welfare are described and welfare assessments which have been developed for other wildlife control scenarios, e.g., control of introduced species, are considered for their potential use in assessing predator control. Such assessments should be applied before control methods are chosen so that decisions prioritizing animal welfare can be made. Further work needs to be carried out to achieve appropriate and widely-accepted animal welfare assessment approaches and these should be included in predator management planning. Future research should include further sharing of approaches and information between terrestrial and marine specialists to help ensure that animal welfare is prioritized.
Capture Myopathy and Stress Cardiomyopathy in a Live-Stranded Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus) in Rehabilitation
Authors: Câmara Nakita , Sierra Eva , Fernández Antonio , Arbelo Manuel , Bernaldo de Quirós Yara , Arregui Marina , Consoli Francesco , Herráez Pedro
Published: January 2020

Capture myopathy (CM) is described in wild animals as a metabolic syndrome resulting from the extreme stress suffered during and after capture, handling, restraint, and transport. Although CM has been characterized in many species of cetaceans, descriptions of cardiac injury—an important component of this syndrome, and, according to previous authors, comparable to the existing human pathology so-called stress cardiomyopathy (SCMP)—are still rare. Therefore, the main aim of this report is to illustrate, for the first time, the biochemical analysis, and gross, histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical features of CM, and more specifically of the SCMP involved in this syndrome, caused by the live-stranding and consequent rehabilitation attempt, for a certain period of time, in a juvenile male Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus). The animal presented elevated values of creatine kinase, cardiac troponin I and blood urea nitrogen, with some variations during the rehabilitation period. Histologically, we detected vascular changes and acute degenerative lesions analogous to the ones observed in humans with SCMP. We consider this study to be an important contribution to the study of cetaceans since it could help in decision-making and treatment procedures during live-strandings and improve conservation efforts by reducing the mortality of these animals.
Overview of Evidence of Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain
Authors: Bennani Houda , Mateus Ana , Mays Nicholas , Eastmure Elizabeth , Stärk Katharina D. C. , Häsler Barbara
Published: January 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem. Bacteria carrying resistance genes can be transmitted between humans, animals and the environment. There are concerns that the widespread use of antimicrobials in the food chain constitutes an important source of AMR in humans, but the extent of this transmission is not well understood. The aim of this review is to examine published evidence on the links between antimicrobial use (AMU) in the food chain and AMR in people and animals. The evidence showed a link between AMU in animals and the occurrence of resistance in these animals. However, evidence of the benefits of a reduction in AMU in animals on the prevalence of resistant bacteria in humans is scarce. The presence of resistant bacteria is documented in the human food supply chain, which presents a potential exposure route and risk to public health. Microbial genome sequencing has enabled the establishment of some links between the presence of resistant bacteria in humans and animals but, for some antimicrobials, no link could be established. Research and monitoring of AMU and AMR in an integrated manner is essential for a better understanding of the biology and the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance.
Lightweight Attention Pyramid Network for Object Detection and Instance Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Jiwei , Yan Yanyu , Cheng Zelei , Wang Wendong
Published: January 2020

Feature pyramids of convolutional neural networks (ConvNets)—from bottom to top—are used by most recent researchers for the improvement of object detection accuracy, but they seldom aim to address the correlation of each feature channel and the fusion of low-level features and high-level features. In this paper, an Attention Pyramid Network (APN) is proposed, which mainly contains the adaptive transformation module and feature attention block. The adaptive transformation module utilizes the multiscale feature fusion, and makes full use of the accurate target location information of low-level features and the semantic information of high-level features. Then, the feature attention block strengthens the features of important channels and weakens the features of unimportant channels through learning. By implementing the APN in a basic Mask R-CNN system, our method achieves state-of-the-art results on the MS COCO dataset and 2018 WAD database without bells and whistles. In addition, the structure of the APN makes the network parameters lighter, and runs at 4 ms on average, which is ignorable when compared to the inference time of the backbone of ConvNet.
Nonlinear Dynamic Response of a CC-RCC Combined Dam Structure under Oblique Incidence of Near-Fault Ground Motions
Authors: Zhang Jiawen , Zhang Mengxi , Li Mingchao , Min Qiaoling , Shi Bowen , Song Lingguang
Published: January 2020

The velocity pulse contained in near-fault ground motions have a tremendous impact on dam safety. Previous studies have mainly focused on the response of dams under near-fault seismic records without considering the obliquely incident seismic waves. In this study, the structure–soil interaction (SSI) is taken into consideration, and the nonlinear behavior of a conventional concrete roller-compacted concrete (CC-RCC) gravity dam under near-fault pulse records and non-pulse records is investigated with consideration of the obliquely incident P waves. On the basis of the dam site conditions, three groups of near-fault pulse records are chosen, and three corresponding non-pulse records are fitted by their acceleration response spectra. Combining with the viscous-spring artificial boundary, the wave input method is proposed to transform the near-fault seismic records into the equivalent nodal forces at the boundary of the foundation. The concrete damaged plasticity model is used for the nonlinear analysis. The results show that the pulse ground motions are more destructive than the non-pulse motions. The nonlinear behavior of the dam varies with the incidence angle of P waves and generally reaches a maximum at 60° and 75°, the worst damage occurs at the interface between different materials of the dam, and the spatial variation of its damage is very obvious under near-fault seismic records with various incidence angles. Therefore, the effect of the angle of obliquely incident seismic waves and near-fault pulse effect should be considered comprehensively in the seismic analysis of dams.
On the Cattaneo–Christov Heat Flux Model and OHAM Analysis for Three Different Types of Nanofluids
Authors: Khan Umair , Ahmad Shafiq , Hayyat Arsalan , Khan Ilyas , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: January 2020

In this article, the boundary layer flow of a viscous nanofluid induced by an exponentially stretching surface embedded in a permeable medium with the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model (CCHFM) is scrutinized. We took three distinct kinds of nanoparticles, such as alumina (Al2O3), titania (TiO2) and copper (Cu) with pure water as the base fluid. The features of the heat transfer mechanism, as well as the influence of the relaxation parameter on the present viscous nanofluid flow are discussed here thoroughly. The thermal stratification is taken in this phenomenon. First of all, the problem is simplified mathematically by utilizing feasible similarity transformations and then solved analytically through the OHAM (optimal homotopy analysis method) to get accurate analytical solutions. The change in temperature distribution and axial velocity for the selected values of the specific parameters has been graphically portrayed in figures. An important fact is observed when the thermal relaxation parameter (TRP) is increased progressively. Graphically, it is found that an intensification in this parameter results in the exhaustion of the fluid temperature together with an enhancement in the heat transfer rate. A comparative discussion is also done over the Fourier’s law and Cattaneo–Christov model of heat.
Numerical Study of Bond Slip between Section Steel and Recycled Aggregate Concrete with Full Replacement Ratio
Authors: Liu Chao , Xing Lu , Liu Huawei , Quan Zonggang , Fu Guangming , Wu Jian , Lv Zhenyuan , Zhu Chao
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the bond deterioration mechanism of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) with a full replacement ratio was studied through experimental and numerical simulations. To study the bond behavior and the bond slip between section steel and RAC, nine push-out specimens were designed using the control variable method. The effects of the concrete strength, the embedded length, the cover thickness, and the lateral stirrup ratio on the bond behavior and the bond slip were investigated in detail. The loading process and failure mode of the specimens were observed, and the test curves of the loading end and free end of the specimens were analyzed. Based on the experiment, the finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate the specimens, and the simulation results were analyzed by comparing the experiment data. The analysis of the results showed that the developed model is capable of representing the characteristic bond strength value between section steel and RAC with sufficient accuracy, and the main differences of bond slip between the simulation and the test results are the slippage at the limit state and the moment at which the free end starts to slip.
Adaptation of Conformable Residual Power Series Scheme in Solving Nonlinear Fractional Quantum Mechanics Problems
Authors: Shqair Mohammed , Al-Smadi Mohammed , Momani Shaher , El-Zahar Essam
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the general state of quantum mechanics equations that can be typically expressed by nonlinear fractional Schrödinger models will be solved based on an attractive efficient analytical technique, namely the conformable residual power series (CRPS). The fractional derivative is considered in a conformable sense. The desired analytical solution is obtained using conformable Taylor series expansion through substituting a truncated conformable fractional series and minimizing its residual errors to extract a supportive approximate solution in a rapidly convergent fractional series. This adaptation can be implemented as a novel alternative technique to deal with many nonlinear issues occurring in quantum physics. The effectiveness and feasibility of the CRPS procedures are illustrated by verifying three realistic applications. The obtained numerical results and graphical consequences indicate that the suggested method is a convenient and remarkably powerful tool in solving different types of fractional partial differential models.
Green Roofs as Effective Tools for Improving the Indoor Comfort Levels of Buildings—An Application to a Case Study in Sicily
Authors: Cirrincione Laura , La Gennusa Maria , Peri Giorgia , Rizzo Gianfranco , Scaccianoce Gianluca , Sorrentino Giancarlo , Aprile Simona
Published: January 2020

In the line of pursuing better energy efficiency in human activities that would result in a more sustainable utilization of resources, the building sector plays a relevant role, being responsible for almost 40% of both energy consumption and the release of pollutant substances in the atmosphere. For this purpose, techniques aimed at improving the energy performances of buildings’ envelopes are of paramount importance. Among them, green roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their capability of reducing the (electric) energy needs for (summer) climatization of buildings, hence also positively affecting the indoor comfort levels for the occupants. Clearly, reliable tools for the modelling of these envelope components are needed, requiring the availability of suitable field data. Starting with the results of a case study designed to estimate how the adoption of green roofs on a Sicilian building could positively affect its energy performance, this paper shows the impact of this technology on indoor comfort and energy consumption, as well as on the reduction of direct and indirect CO2 emissions related to the climatization of the building. Specifically, the ceiling surface temperatures of some rooms located underneath six different types of green roofs were monitored. Subsequently, the obtained data were used as input for one of the most widely used simulation models, i.e., EnergyPlus, to evaluate the indoor comfort levels and the achievable energy demand savings of the building involved. From these field analyses, green roofs were shown to contribute to the mitigation of the indoor air temperatures, thus producing an improvement of the comfort conditions, especially in summer conditions, despite some worsening during transition periods seeming to arise.
Improved Performance of Li-ion Polymer Batteries Through Improved Pulse Charging Algorithm
Authors: Amanor-Boadu Judy M. , Guiseppi-Elie Anthony
Published: January 2020

Pulse charging of lithium-ion polymer batteries (LiPo), when properly implemented, offers increased battery charge and energy efficiencies and improved safety for electronic device consumers. Investigations of the combined impact of pulse charge duty cycle and frequency of the pulse charge current on the performance of lithium-ion polymer (LiPo) batteries used the Taguchi orthogonal arrays (OA) to identify optimal and robust pulse charging parameters that maximize battery charge and energy efficiencies while decreasing charge time. These were confirmed by direct comparison with the commonly applied benchmark constant current-constant voltage (CC–CV) charging method. The operation of a pulse charger using identified optimal parameters resulted in charge time reduction by 49% and increased charge and energy efficiencies of 2% and 12% respectively. Furthermore, when pulse charge current factors, such as frequency and duty cycle were considered, it was found that the duty cycle of the pulse charge current had the most impact on the cycle life of the LiPo battery and that the cycle life could be increased by as much as 100 cycles. Finally, the charging temperature was found to have the most statistically significant impact on the temporarily evolving LiPo battery impedance, a measure of its degradation.
Impacts of Climate Change and Remote Natural Catastrophes on EU Flood Insurance Markets: An Analysis of Soft and Hard Reinsurance Markets for Flood Coverage
Authors: Tesselaar Max , Botzen W. J. Wouter , Aerts Jeroen C.J.H.
Published: January 2020

The increasing frequency and severity of natural catastrophes due to climate change is expected to cause higher natural disaster losses in the future. Reinsurance companies bear a large share of this risk in the form of excess-of-loss coverage, where they underwrite the most extreme portion of insurers’ risk portfolios. Past experience has shown that after a very large natural disaster, or multiple disasters in close succession, the recapitalization need of reinsurers could trigger a “hard” reinsurance capital market, where a high demand for capital increases the price charged by investors, which is opposed to a “soft” market, where there is a high availability of capital for reinsurers. Consequently, the rising costs of underwriting are transferred to insurers, which ultimately could trigger higher premiums for natural catastrophe (NatCat) insurance worldwide. Here, we study the vulnerability of riverine flood insurance systems in the EU to global reinsurance market conditions and climate change. To do so, we apply the “Dynamic Integrated Flood Insurance” (DIFI) model, and compare insurance premiums, unaffordability, and the uptake for soft and hard reinsurance market conditions under an average and extreme scenario of climate change. We find that a rising average and higher variance of flood risk towards the end of the century can increase flood insurance premiums and cause higher premium volatility resulting from global reinsurance market conditions. Under a “mild” scenario of climate change, the projected yearly premiums for EU countries, combined, are €1380 higher under a hard compared to a soft reinsurance capital market in 2080. For a high-end climate change scenario, this difference becomes €3220. The rise in premiums causes problems with the unaffordability of flood coverage and results in a declining demand for flood insurance, which increases the financial vulnerability of households to flooding. A proposed solution is to introduce government reinsurance for flood risk, as governments can often provide cheaper reinsurance coverage and are less subject to the volatility of the capital markets.
Surface and Aerodynamic Parameters Estimation for Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Sozzi Roberto , Casasanta Giampietro , Ciardini Virginia , Finardi Sandro , Petenko Igor , Cecilia Andrea , Argentini Stefania
Published: January 2020

Numerical weather prediction models require an accurate parametrization of the energy budget at the air-ground interface, that can be obtained only through long-term atmospheric boundary layer measurements at different spatial and temporal scales. Despite their importance, such measurements are still scarce even in well-characterized areas. In this paper, a three-year dataset from four micrometeorological stations run by the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Lazio was analyzed to estimate albedo, zero-displacement height, roughness length and surface properties over Rome and its suburbs, characterizing differences and interconnections between urban, suburban and rural areas of the same municipality. The integral albedo coefficient at the zenith for the urban station was found to be almost twice that for suburban and rural stations. The zero-displacement height of the urban site was strongly dependent on wind direction, with values varying between 12.0 and 17.8 m, while the roughness length (≈1.5 m) was almost independent of upwind direction, but it was significantly higher than the typical values calculated for rural stations (≈0.4 m). The apparent thermal capacities and thermal conductivity at all the non-urban sites were in fair agreement with each other and typical of soils with relatively low water content, as expected for a relatively dry Mediterranean area like Rome, while the apparent thermal diffusivity reflected the presence of different soil types.
Morphological Traits Influence the Uptake Ability of Priority Pollutant Elements by Hypnum cupressiforme and Robinia pseudoacacia Leaves
Authors: Capozzi Fiore , Di Palma Anna , Sorrentino Maria Cristina , Adamo Paola , Giordano Simonetta , Spagnuolo Valeria
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a biomonitoring survey of airborne priority pollutant elements was carried out using leaves of native black locust and moss bags filled with Hypnum cupressiforme. The aims of the work were (i) to evaluate if mosses and leaves provide similar information regarding the accumulation of the elements of environmental concern (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, V, Zn, Tl); (ii) to evaluate if leaf traits are significantly involved in the uptake mechanisms. Hypnum transplants showed elemental contents generally higher than R. pseudoacacia leaves, despite the shorter exposure time. Moss accumulated larger amounts of elements linked to PM and the resuspension of soil dust. Based on the calculation of deposition flux for each element, R. pseudoacacia showed lower values for most elements—except Cr, Mo and Zn—indicating that uptake takes place both by deposition on the leaf surface and absorption via the root. Leaf traits (micromorphology of surface) play an important role in the interception and retention of PM-linked elements. Hypnum transplanted in bags was confirmed to be a powerful bio-accumulator of airborne elements; by contrast, R. pseudoacacia, with a smooth surface and scarce trichomes, showed a limited ability in airborne element retention. Therefore, widely diffused species, well-adapted to anthropized environments, such as black locust, not always can be considered as good biomonitors. The results are discussed in comparison to other vascular plant species used in biomonitoring studies.
How Quickly Do Proteins Fold and Unfold, and What Structural Parameters Correlate with These Values?
Authors: Glyakina Anna , Galzitskaya Oxana
Published: January 2020

The correlations between the logarithm of the unfolding rate of 108 proteins and their structural parameters were calculated. We showed that there is a good correlation between the logarithm of folding rates (in native conditions) and unfolding rates (in denaturing conditions) (0.79) and protein stability and unfolding rate (0.79). Thus, the faster the protein folds, the faster it unfolds. Folding and unfolding rates are higher for the proteins with two-state kinetics, in comparison with the proteins with multi-state kinetics. At the same time, two-state bacterial proteins folds and unfolds two orders of magnitude faster than two-state eukaryotic proteins, and multi-state bacterial proteins folds and unfolds slower than multi-state eukaryotic proteins. Despite the fact that the folding rates of thermophilic and mesophilic proteins are close, the unfolding rates of thermophilic proteins is about two orders of magnitude lower than for mesophilic proteins. The correlation between unfolding rate and stability of thermophilic proteins is high (0.90). We also found that the unfolding rate correlates with such structural parameters as: size of the protein, radius of the cross-section, logarithm of absolute contact order, and radius of gyration. This information will be useful for engineering and designing new proteins with desired properties.
Acute and Chronic Insomnia: What Has Time and/or Hyperarousal Got to Do with It?
Authors: Vargas Ivan , Nguyen Anna M. , Muench Alexandria , Bastien Célyne H. , Ellis Jason G. , Perlis Michael L.
Published: January 2020

Nearly one-third of the population reports new onset or acute insomnia in a given year. Similarly, it is estimated that approximately 10% of the population endorses sleep initiation and maintenance problems consistent with diagnostic criteria for chronic insomnia. For decades, acute and chronic insomnia have been considered variations of the same condition or disorder, only really differentiated in terms of chronicity of symptoms (days/weeks versus months). Whether or not acute and chronic insomnia are part of the same phenomena is an important question, one that has yet to be empirically evaluated. The goal of the present theoretical review was to summarize the definitions of acute and chronic insomnia and discuss the role that hyperarousal may have in explaining how the pathophysiology of acute and chronic insomnia is likely different (i.e., what biopsychological factors precipitate and/or perpetuate acute insomnia, chronic insomnia, or both?).
Exploring the Role of Novel Medical Therapies for Aggressive Pituitary Tumors: A Review of the Literature—“Are We There Yet?”
Authors: Lamb Lydia S. , Sim Hao-Wen , McCormack Ann I.
Published: January 2020

Aggressive pituitary tumors account for up to 10% of pituitary tumors and are characterized by resistance to medical treatment and multiple recurrences despite standard therapies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. They are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly pituitary carcinomas, which have mortality rates of up to 66% at 1 year after diagnosis. Novel targeted therapies under investigation include mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), tyrosine kinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been proposed as a potential treatment option for pituitary tumors. An increased understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of aggressive pituitary tumors is required to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review discusses novel approaches to the management of aggressive pituitary tumors and the role of molecular profiling.
Targeting Glutamine Addiction in Gliomas
Authors: Obara-Michlewska Marta , Szeliga Monika
Published: January 2020

The most common malignant brain tumors are those of astrocytic origin, gliomas, with the most aggressive glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) among them. Despite efforts, medicine has not made progress in terms of the prognosis and life expectancy of glioma patients. Behind the malignant phenotype of gliomas lies multiple genetic mutations leading to reprogramming of their metabolism, which gives those highly proliferating cells an advantage over healthy ones. The so-called glutamine addiction is a metabolic adaptation that supplements oxidative glycolysis in order to secure neoplastic cells with nutrients and energy in unfavorable conditions of hypoxia. The present review aims at presenting the research and clinical attempts targeting the different metabolic pathways involved in glutamine metabolism in gliomas. A brief description of the biochemistry of glutamine transport, synthesis, and glutaminolysis, etc. will forego a detailed comparison of the therapeutic strategies undertaken to inhibit glutamine utilization by gliomas.
Multimodal Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Predictive Factors of Recurrence and Survival in Western Patients
Authors: Hermida Margaux , Cassinotto Christophe , Piron Lauranne , Aho-Glélé Serge , Guillot Chloé , Schembri Valentina , Allimant Carole , Jaber Samir , Pageaux Georges-Philippe , Assenat Eric , Guiu Boris
Published: January 2020

Background: To identify the predictive factors of recurrence and survival in an unselected population of Western patients who underwent multimodal percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) for small Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCCs). Methods: January 2015–June 2019: data on multimodal PTA for <3 cm HCC were extracted from a prospective database. Local tumor progression (LTP), intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR), time-to-LTP, time-to-IDR, recurrence-free (RFS) and overall (OS) survival were evaluated. Results: 238 patients underwent 317 PTA sessions to treat 412 HCCs. During follow-up (median: 27.1 months), 47.1% patients had IDR and 18.5% died. LTP occurred after 13.3% of PTA. Tumor size (OR = 1.108, p < 0.001; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.075, p = 0.002) and ultrasound guidance (OR = 0.294, p = 0.017; HR = 0.429, p = 0.009) independently predicted LTP and time-to-LTP, respectively. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) > 100 ng/mL (OR = 3.027, p = 0.037) and tumor size (OR = 1.06, p = 0.001) independently predicted IDR. Multinodular HCC (HR = 2.67, p < 0.001), treatment-naïve patient (HR = 0.507, p = 0.002) and AFP > 100 ng/mL (HR = 2.767, p = 0.014) independently predicted time-to-IDR. RFS was independently predicted by multinodular HCC (HR = 2.144, p = 0.001), treatment naivety (HR = 0.546, p = 0.004) and AFP > 100 ng/mL (HR = 2.437, p = 0.013). The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score > 2 (HR = 4.273, p = 0.011), AFP (HR = 1.002, p < 0.001), multinodular HCC (HR = 3.939, p = 0.003) and steatotic HCC (HR = 1.81 × 10-16, p < 0.001) independently predicted OS. Conclusions: IDR was associated with tumor aggressiveness, suggesting a metastatic mechanism. Besides AFP association with LTP, IDR, RFS and OS, treatment-naïve patients had longer RFS, and multi-nodularity was associated with shorter RFS and OS. Steatotic HCC, identified on pre-treatment MRI, independently predicted longer OS, and needs to be further explored.
Dephosphorylation of YB-1 is Required for Nuclear Localisation During G2 Phase of the Cell Cycle
Authors: Mehta Sunali , McKinney Cushla , Algie Michael , Verma Chandra S. , Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Harfoot Rhodri , Bartolec Tara K. , Bhatia Puja , Fisher Alistair J. , Gould Maree L. , Parker Kim , Cesare Anthony J. , Cunliffe Heather E. , Cohen Scott B. , Kleffmann Torsten , Braithwaite Antony W. , Woolley Adele G.
Published: January 2020

Elevated levels of nuclear Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) are linked to poor prognosis in cancer. It has been proposed that entry into the nucleus requires specific proteasomal cleavage. However, evidence for cleavage is contradictory and high YB-1 levels are prognostic regardless of cellular location. Here, using confocal microscopy and mass spectrometry, we find no evidence of specific proteolytic cleavage. Doxorubicin treatment, and the resultant G2 arrest, leads to a significant increase in the number of cells where YB-1 is not found in the cytoplasm, suggesting that its cellular localisation is variable during the cell cycle. Live cell imaging reveals that the location of YB-1 is linked to progression through the cell cycle. Primarily perinuclear during G1 and S phases, YB-1 enters the nucleus as cells transition through late G2/M and exits at the completion of mitosis. Atomistic modelling and molecular dynamics simulations show that dephosphorylation of YB-1 at serine residues 102, 165 and 176 increases the accessibility of the nuclear localisation signal (NLS). We propose that this conformational change facilitates nuclear entry during late G2/M. Thus, the phosphorylation status of YB-1 determines its cellular location.
Cancer Glycolytic Dependence as a New Target of Olive Leaf Extract
Authors: Ruzzolini Jessica , Peppicelli Silvia , Bianchini Francesca , Andreucci Elena , Urciuoli Silvia , Romani Annalisa , Tortora Katia , Caderni Giovanna , Nediani Chiara , Calorini Lido
Published: January 2020

Oleuropein (Ole), the main bioactive phenolic component of Olea europaea L. has recently attracted the scientific attention for its several beneficial properties, including its anticancer effects. This study is intended to investigate whether an olive leaf extract enriched in Ole (OLEO) may counteract the aerobic glycolysis exploited by tumor cells. We found that OLEO decreased melanoma cell proliferation and motility. OLEO was also able to reduce the rate of glycolysis of human melanoma cells without affecting oxidative phosphorylation. This reduction was associated with a significant decrease of glucose transporter-1, protein kinase isoform M2 and monocarboxylate transporter-4 expression, possible drivers of such glycolysis inhibition. Extending the study to other tumor histotypes, we observed that the metabolic effects of OLEO are not confined to melanoma, but also confirmed in colon carcinoma, breast cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia. In conclusion, OLEO represents a natural product effective in reducing the glycolytic metabolism of different tumor types, revealing an extended metabolic inhibitory activity that may be well suited in a complementary anti-cancer therapy.
Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide on Supported Rh Catalysts
Authors: Erdőhelyi András
Published: January 2020

The constant increase in the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere requires us to look for opportunities to convert CO2 into more valuable compounds. In this review, the activity and selectivity of different supported metal catalysts were compared in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide, and found that Rh is one of the best samples. The possibility of the CO2 dissociation on clean metal and on supported Rh was discussed separately. The hydrogenation of CO2 produces mainly CH4 and CO, but the selectivity of the reaction is affected by the support, in some cases the reduction of the support, the particle size of Rh, and the different additives. At higher pressure methanol, ethanol, and acetic acid could be also formed. The activity of the various supported Rh catalysts was compared and the results obtained for TiO2-, SiO2-, and Al2O3-supported catalysts were discussed in a separate chapter. The compounds formed on the surface of the catalysts during the reaction are shown in detail; mostly, different CO species, adsorbed formate groups, and different carbonates were detected. In a separate chapter the mechanism of the reaction was also discussed.
Impact of Adaptive Thermogenesis in Mice on the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Bastías-Pérez Marianela , Zagmutt Sebastián , Soler-Vázquez M Carmen , Serra Dolors , Mera Paula , Herrero Laura
Published: January 2020

Obesity and associated metabolic diseases have become a priority area of study due to the exponential increase in their prevalence and the corresponding health and economic impact. In the last decade, brown adipose tissue has become an attractive target to treat obesity. However, environmental variables such as temperature and the dynamics of energy expenditure could influence brown adipose tissue activity. Currently, most metabolic studies are carried out at a room temperature of 21 °C, which is considered a thermoneutral zone for adult humans. However, in mice this chronic cold temperature triggers an increase in their adaptive thermogenesis. In this review, we aim to cover important aspects related to the adaptation of animals to room temperature, the influence of housing and temperature on the development of metabolic phenotypes in experimental mice and their translation to human physiology. Mice studies performed in chronic cold or thermoneutral conditions allow us to better understand underlying physiological mechanisms for successful, reproducible translation into humans in the fight against obesity and metabolic diseases.
Tspan8-Tumor Extracellular Vesicle-Induced Endothelial Cell and Fibroblast Remodeling Relies on the Target Cell-Selective Response
Authors: Mu Wei , Provaznik Jan , Hackert Thilo , Zöller Margot
Published: January 2020

Tumor cell-derived extracellular vesicles (TEX) expressing tetraspanin Tspan8-alpha4/beta1 support angiogenesis. Tspan8-alpha6/beta4 facilitates lung premetastatic niche establishment. TEX-promoted target reprogramming is still being disputed, we explored rat endothelial cell (EC) and lung fibroblast (Fb) mRNA and miRNA profile changes after coculture with TEX. TEX were derived from non-metastatic BSp73AS (AS) or metastatic BSp73ASML (ASML) rat tumor lines transfected with Tspan8 (AS-Tspan8) or Tspan8-shRNA (ASML-Tspan8kd). mRNA was analyzed by deep sequencing and miRNA by array analysis of EC and Fb before and after coculture with TEX. EC and Fb responded more vigorously to AS-Tspan8- than AS-TEX. Though EC and Fb responses differed, both cell lines predominantly responded to membrane receptor activation with upregulation and activation of signaling molecules and transcription factors. Minor TEX-initiated changes in the miRNA profile relied, at least partly, on long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that also affected chromosome organization and mRNA processing. These analyses uncovered three important points. TEX activate target cell autonomous programs. Responses are initiated by TEX targeting units and are target cell-specific. The strong TEX-promoted lncRNA impact reflects lncRNA shuttling and location-dependent distinct activities. These informations urge for an in depth exploration on the mode of TEX-initiated target cell-specific remodeling including, as a major factor, lncRNA.