bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vigilance performance during acute exercise
Authors: Sanabria Daniel , Etnier Jennifer L. , Gonzalez-Fernandez Francisco , Zabala Mikel
Published: June 2019

Vigilance, the cognitive function that determines goal maintenance and atten- tion deployment, is involved in many day life activities, which often implicate phys- ical activity. We investigated vigilance performance during exercise, with a particu- lar focus on exercise intensity. In Experiment 1, participants performed the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) for 5’ at 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the ven- tilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), in different sessions. The results showed that PVT performance depended on exercise intensity with an “optimal” point at 80% of VAT. In Experiment 2, participants completed a 45’ version of the PVT at a low- effort (control) condition and at a 75% VAT light-moderate effort condition. Reac- tion times were faster at the light-moderate effort than at the low-effort condition over the 45’. The present study demonstrated that the vigilance performance changes during acute exercise, an effect that is moderated by effort intensity.
Dutch Author Recognition Test
Authors: Brysbaert Marc , Sui Longjiao , Dirix Nicolas , Hintz Florian
Published: June 2019

Book reading shows large individual variability and correlates with better language ability, more empathy, and higher theory of mind skills. This makes reading exposure an interesting variable to study. Research in English suggests that an author recognition test is the most reliable objective assessment of reading frequency. In this article, we describe the efforts we made to build and test a Dutch author recognition test (DART for older participants and DART_R for younger participants). Our data show that the test is reliable and valid, both in the Netherlands and in Belgium (split-half reliability over .9 with university students, significant correlations with language abilities) and can be used with a young, non-university population. The test is free to use for research purposes.
O perfil dos docentes do colégio militar de Santa Maria - RS
Authors: Hartmann Emerson , Becker Elsbeth Léia Spode
Published: June 2019

Os colégios militares possuem, em sua estrutura funcional, diferentes perfis docentes com carreiras distintas, legislações próprias e expectativas e remunerações diversas. Os diversos perfis docentes, no contexto dos colégios militares, surgem a partir dos diferentes processos formativos que os professores realizam em sua trajetória profissional. Os processos formativos, tanto iniciais quanto ao longo da atividade profissional, são de fundamental importância para a constituição do docente e o exercício de sua prática. Essa formação acontece de maneira fundamental no próprio ambiente escolar em ação conjunta com os docentes e a gestão. Este artigo tem por objetivo principal descrever os principais perfis docentes existentes no Colégio Militar de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Assim, por meio de uma pesquisa documental e bibliográfica, de abordagem quali/quantitativa, buscou-se elaborar uma construção teórica acerca da relação entre formação e perfil docentes e, também, traçou-se as principais características dos quatro perfis docentes do Colégio Militar de Santa Maria (CMSM). Globalmente sustenta-se a reflexão de Monteiro (2015) de que as qualidades pessoais afetivas e morais devem ser mantidas durante a vida profissional e aprimoradas pela formação profissional. Nesse sentido, em termos de resultados, pôde-se apresentar a distribuição dos profissionais dentro da organização da Divisão de Ensino do Colégio Militar de Santa Maria e inferir que a existência de diferentes perfis no CMSM, com planos de carreira e expectativas diferenciadas, permite que ocorra uma interligação de saberes e conhecimentos diferenciados, bem como um dos princípios fundamentais dentro da profissão docente que é a formação na própria prática dentro da Escola.  Como consequência, é possível que o convívio entre os diferentes perfis possa, mesmo que em alguns momentos, criar conflitos e tensões, permitir processos de formação mais próximos da realidade, pois o gerenciamento de conflitos, a capacidade de adaptação e a superação de momentos de instabilidade são hoje inerentes ao trabalho docente.
A combined Euler deconvolution and tilt angle method for interpretation of magnetic data in the South region
Authors: Nguyen Hai Hong , Dang Liet Van , Vo Vuong Van
Published: June 2019

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to determinate the position, depth, dip direction and dip angle the faults in the South region of Vietnam from the total magnetic intensity anomalies, that reduced to the magnetic pole (RTP).

Methods: Based on the Oasis Montaj software, we proposed a new way to compute the positions and the depth to the top of the faults by combining the Tilt angle and the Euler deconvolution methods. In addition, the angle and direction of the dip of theses faults were also determined by considering maximum of the total horizontal derivative of the RTP upward continuation at the different height levels.

Results: The results show that there are 12 faults along the longitudinal direction, latitudinal direction, Northwest — Southeast direction and Northeast — Southwest direction with the mazimum depth is about 3100 m and the dip angle changes in the range of 65-82◦.

Results: These indicate that these methods are valuable tools for specifying the characteristics of geology, contribute to give and confirm the useful information on geological structure in the South region of Vietnam.
Decrease in the Sensitivity of Myocardium to M3 Muscarinic Receptor Stimulation during Postnatal Ontogenisis
Authors: Tapilina S. V. , Abramochkin D. V.
Published: June 2019

Type 3 muscarinic receptors (M3 receptors) participate in the mediation of cholinergic effects in mammalian myocardium, along with M2 receptors. However, myocardium of adult mammals demonstrates only modest electrophysiological effects in response to selective stimulation of M3 receptors which are hardly comparable to the effects produced by M2 stimulation. In the present study, the effects of selective M3 stimulation induced by application of the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine (10 M) in the presence of the selective M2 blocker methoctramine (100 nM) on the action potential (AP) waveform were investigated in isolated atrial and ventricular preparations from newborn and 3-week-old rats and compared to those in preparations from adult rats. In the atrial myocardium, stimulation of M3 receptors produced a comparable reduction of AP duration in newborn and adult rats, while in 3-week-old rats the effect was negligible. In ventricular myocardial preparations from newborn rats, the effect of M3 stimulation was more than 3 times stronger compared to that from adult rats, while preparations from 3-week old rats demonstrated no definite effect, similarly to atrial preparations. In all studied types of cardiac preparations, the effects of M3 stimulation were eliminated by the selective M3 antagonist 4-DAMP (10 nM). The results of RT-PCR show that the amount of product of the M3 receptor gene decreases with the maturation of animals both in atrial and ventricular myocardium. We concluded that the contribution of M3 receptors to the mediation of cardiac cholinergic responses decreases during postnatal ontogenesis. These age-related changes may be associated with downregulation of M3 receptor gene expression.
教学改革视域下高校教学质量保障存在的问题及对策研究
Authors: 钱 惠
Published: June 2019

随着我国素质教育的不断推进,很多高校对教学内容和教学模式进行了改革,如何在改革过程中不断提高高校教学质量,为社会培养更多高素质的人才,是目前我国高校教学面临的严峻问题。作为一名教育工作者我们有必要从自身工作实际出发,来针对当今教学改革背景下高校教学质量保障工作展开一番深入的研究与探讨,为我国高等教育质量的提升贡献自身的一份力量。为此,本文结合目前高等教育教学实际情况,从教学质量投入、过程保障、教学评价等几个方面分别对教育改革视域下高等教育质量保障存在问题进行了逐一分析,并结合自身教育教学经验提出了建议,希望借助以下探讨能够对进一步促进我国高等教学质量保障的优化具有一定的借鉴意义。
“互联网+”背景下的《互动媒体设计》混合式教学模式研究与实践
Authors: 王 萌
Published: June 2019

《互动媒体设计》课程是山东外贸职业学院信息管理系动漫制作技术专业的核心课程,在实施课改前,课程以AdobeFlash软件的教学为主线,以教授学生们使用Flash制作二维动画为课程目标。随着Flash的逐渐淘汰,《互动媒体设计》逐渐更新了课程内容,加入了AdobePhotoshop以及AfterEffect的教学,以适应“互联网+”时代对新形式的二维动画和动效的迫切需求。本文阐述了在“互联网+”背景下,借助学院混合式教学改革的契机,《互动媒体设计》课程的理论研究、教学项目设计、课程编排等内容。旨在优化课程本身的教学目标与成效,为创立动漫制作技术专业资源库积累素材,乃至丰富混合式教学改革的创新成果。
对全国食品药品类职业院校药物制剂技术专业技能大赛的几点思考
Authors: 史 迎柳
Published: June 2019

参加全国食品药品类职业院校药物制剂技术专业技能大赛,使参赛学生和指导教师的职业技能都有明显提高。但开展技能大赛的政策初衷应基于全体师生,在此基础上,如何选拔学生、培育学生,如何培养学生的职业能力,如何将技能大赛的成果运用到教学中,思考行之有效的方法,让技能大赛发挥真正的作用,“大赛点亮人生,技能改变命运”。
在中国青少年阶段开展财商教育可行性分析
Authors: 赵 静
Published: June 2019

作者在财商教育领域一直跟踪研究,希望能够通过建立完善的教学体系和培养方式,将《财商教育》引入低年龄阶段孩子的日常学习中。本文作为综述类文章,试图将财商的概念介绍清楚,将财商教育的重要性和可行性分析出来,并在一定实践的基础上呼吁国家重视对青少年儿童的财商培养。
网络信息安全技术浅析
Authors: 林 日升
Published: June 2019

本文就计算机网络信息安全的安全隐患,黑客的攻击强度,针对黑客攻击强度的分析,对网络安全端口的监控,保证网络工作顺利进行的方法以及HTML5技术的分析进行阐述,以提高网民的安全意识和增强其防范手段。
民办高校“两学一做”学习教育常态化制度化实践研究
Authors: 许 树铣
Published: June 2019

目前,民办高校迎来了发展的高峰期,这也使得其党支部建设得到了人们的广泛关注。因此,本文将对民办高校“两学一做”学习教育中存在的问题进行分析,并提出实现常态化制度化的具体途径,希望可以为相关工作者的研究提供一些帮助。
新时代网络环境下“271”教学模式在留学生初级听力课堂中的可行性分析
Authors: 鄢 彬
Published: June 2019

留学生汉语言教育是学校教育国际化的重要内容之一,而听力技能是留学生汉语学习需要培养的一项重要技能,听力教学始终贯穿于留学生的汉语教学过程。文章探寻新时代网络环境下“271”教学模式的汉语听力教学新形式,分析其运用到留学生听力课堂上的必要性及可行性,并服务于该课程的教学。
国外大数据时代基层社会治理的经验及启示
Authors: 王 岩
Published: June 2019

大数据时代的来临,为基层社会治理带来了变革的重要契机。大数据时代下的基层社会治理的服务内容和服务对象将更为精确,政府决策将更加科学化合理化。关于对大数据的搜集和处理研究等方面,我国目前的发展水平仍落后于西方国家,面临着一些不足和挑战。本文分析了美国、日本、新加坡等国家大数据时代基层社会治理的经验,并进行总结,以期对我国大数据背景下基层社会治理的创新提供借鉴意义。
微课在课堂教学中的有效应用研究
Authors: 闫 海霞
Published: June 2019

微课作为一种新颖的教学模式,它较之于传统课堂教学不受时间和空间的局限,具有生动直观、灵活易用、短小精悍的特点,可以很好地为课堂教学服务。然而在具体应用过程中,如何使微课堂教学顺利开展,怎样开发有实效的微课,如何合理利用微课,是我们在教学活动中应该考虑的问题。本文针对微课程的开展、开发、制作等问题提出解决措施,同时阐述了微课在课堂教学中如何有效应用的问题。
就业导向视阈下的民族高校蒙授生的汉语口语教学研究——以呼和浩特民族学院为例
Authors: 崔 凤珍
Published: June 2019

蒙汉双语教育是呼和浩特民族学院的教学特色,汉语口语课在蒙汉双语教学中有着重要的地位。在当前大学生严峻的就业形势下,蒙古语授课学生为了提高就业竞争力,在精通蒙古语的前提下,还要熟练掌握并运用国家通用语言。在长期汉语口语教学改革的过程中,总结出提高蒙古语授课学生的汉语口语水平的教学方法和措施。
高校教师信息意识内涵探讨
Authors: 徐 娟
Published: June 2019

信息意识作为意识的子范畴,目前并没有明确的界定,在梳理不同学者、360百科、MBA智库关于信息意识的阐述的基础上,总结了信息意识的内涵。在此基础上结合高校教师的特点给出了高效教师信息意识的内涵界定。
新时代下优秀传统文化在高职院校思想政治教育工作中的建构
Authors: 曾 荣
Published: June 2019

习近平总书记说,高校是文化创造和传播的重镇,是坚定大学生文化自信的前沿阵地,要将坚定文化自信作为思想政治教育的重要任务。新时代下优秀传统文化融入大学生思想政治教育工作对坚定大学生文化自信,自觉抵御消极错误思潮的影响和侵蚀、积极响应建设社会主义文化强国的时代召唤,弘扬社会主义先进文化有着十分重要的意义。推进中华优秀传统文化传承,是新时代中国特色社会主义建设的重要内容,是建设社会主义文化强国、提升国家软实力、确保国家文化安全的重要部署。
浅谈提高幼儿园教师工作满意度的对策及建议
Authors: 杨 畅
Published: June 2019

本文通过以重庆市渝中区为例进行研究,旨在了解重庆市渝中区幼儿园教师的工作满意度现状,参考台湾台东大学Jao-NanCheng的相关文献,结合重庆市的本地发展特征和幼儿园实际情况开展了问卷调查,对调查的结果进行了测量,使用了SPSS16.0对数据进行处理、分析。通过实验结果,发现有三个维度进入了回归方程,分别是公平分配、情感体验和工作量,同时在各人口学变量上从内在需求、外在奖励和组织对待三大方面的六个维度(情感体验、工作报酬、价值取向、公平分配、物质交换、工作量和工作时长)来分析幼儿园教师在工作满意度的现状及原因。针对此研究结果提出的相关建议,供教育行政管理部门,幼儿园和教师作为参考。
THE ELASTIC BUCKLING BEHAVIOR OF (5056-H18)ALALLOY COLUMNS UNDER VARIABLE LOAD
Authors: Khenyab Ali Y , Ajaj Hussein F , Helal Rawa A
Published: June 2019

The research deals the evaluation of buckling behavior for 5056-H18 Al alloy columnsunder variable loads and studies the effect of initial deflection on the critical buckling load.Seven samples were used for the purpose of testing the buckling of the column. The criticaldeflection of the column can be determined by measuring a length multiplied by 0.01 andthis is the critical load of the columns. For the purpose of measuring the critical deviation ofthe column, a digital dial gauge has been applied and it set at 0.7 distance from the length ofthe column from the fixed condition. The experimental results were compared with thePerry - Robertson formula, Euler's theory for long columns and with the values calculatedfrom the ANSYS 17 program. It has been observed that the Euler formula showed goodcompatibility with the practical results with safety factor 1.5. The ANSYS results showedwell agreement taking a 1.5 factor of safety. While the Perry-Robertson formula needs a 1.4safety factor to be safe results compared with experimental results.
DEVELOPMENT DESIRED PROPERTIES OF POLYSTYRENE NANO COMPOSITES BY ADDING POLYMERIC MODIFIERS
Authors: Salih Sihama I
Published: June 2019

The introduction of polymeric blend-based nanomaterials has encouraged the developmentof flexible nanocomposites for structural applications in need of superior mechanical,performance. In current research, three groups of polystyrene blend-based nanocompositessamples were fabricated by melting technique using a twin-screw extruder. These samplesconsist of polymer blend (polystyrene (PS): 1% copolymer (polystyrene (PS)-co- maleicanhydride (MA)): 3%ABS) as a matrix material, was strengthen by three different type ofpowders in nanometer size (silica (SiO2), cement kiln dust (CKD) and Fly ash (FA))individually, with selected weight ratio (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 & 0.8 wt. %) for each of them.Experimental investigation was carried out for tensile properties and fatigue strength besidesFTIR test and morphology analyzing of fracture surfaces by SEM. The results showed thattensile strength values and modulus of elasticity increased as the nanoparticle content incomposite increased, but according to specific percentages of nanoparticle content in thecomposites samples, for three groups of the prepared nanocomposites samples. Moreover,the fatigue test revealed the super-improvement in the fatigue properties of the selectedhybrid nanocomposites samples, as compared with neat polystyrene and polymer blend (PS:1% (PS-co-MA): 3% ABS) and fatigue limit was apparent for all types of hybridnanocomposites materials produced in this work. Morphology of the fracture surface wasshowed a homogeneous structure formation for optimal samples of each group ofcomposites, indicating a good compatibility between the component materials of polymerblend and the reinforcement nanoparticles.
La influencia del clima de comunicación interna en la satisfacción laboral de empleados de una empresa del sector de servicios
Authors: Ocampo Vinasco Daniel , Jacobo Valencia Nicolás , Castaño González Esther Julia
Published: June 2019

En la investigación que enmarca el presente artículo se correlacionaron dos categorías principales: el clima de comunicación interna, elegido como una forma de delimitar el amplio concepto de la comunicación organizacional y la satisfacción laboral, considerada como un factor relevante para las personas en cualquier tipo de trabajo, al permitir a los trabajadores sentirse identifcados con los aspectos intrínsecos de su labor. Para este fn, se realizó el análisis de resultados por medio del programa SPSS, y se concluyó que, en la empresa estudiada, existe una correlación positiva del clima de comunicación interna con tres de las seis dimensiones de la satisfacción laboral, tales como, la satisfacción con la supervisión y la participación, las relaciones personales y la satisfacción intrínseca del trabajo.
The Effect of Changes in Aggregate Earnings and Discount Rate to Stock Returns: Indonesian Evidence
Authors: Yuliarto Nugroho Bernardus
Published: June 2019

This study aims to analyze the effect of changes in the aggregate earnings and discount rate to stock returns quarterly. The sample in this study is financial and non-financial public company that listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2010-2016. This study uses panel data and time series regression model. Minor studies of this research also wanted to examine if there are anomalies in post-earnings announcement drift at the aggregate level. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant positive influence between earnings and stock returns on both exchanges at the level of individual companies and the aggregate. This study also shows that there are positive effects similar to earnings from the discount rate on stock returns in both the individual and aggregate level.
Diabetes and Ramadan
Authors: Bhat Moomin Hussain , Peerzada Ovais Ahmad , Masoodi Shariq Rashid
Published: June 2019

The holy month of Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar wherein Muslims all over the world observe daylight fasting as one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. As per a recent estimate, there are 1.8–2 billion Muslims worldwide, comprising 18–25% of the world population. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is an obligatory duty for all healthy, adult Muslims, although there are exemptions for people with serious medical conditions, like those with diabetes. Fasting is not meant to create an undue hardship on the Muslim individual. The Quran particularly exempts the sick from the duty of fasting (Holy Quran, Al-Bakarah, 183– 185), especially if there is a potential to the individual because of fasting. Nevertheless, many patients with diabetes mellitus insist on fasting during Ramadan, thereby creating a medical challenge for themselves and their physicians.
Development of a Multi-Directional Manoeuvre for Unified Handling Qualities Investigation
Authors: Dussart Gaétan , Lone Mudassir , Bailey Roger
Published: June 2019

A slalom and alignment tracking manoeuvre was developed for multi-directional handling qualities analysis of large transport aircraft in simulation environments. The manoeuvre is defined and scaled as a function of aircraft characteristics, flight conditions using a simple set of mathematical models. Throughout the manoeuvre, the trajectory and overall performances are monitored at a set of gross position and alignment control checkpoints methodically distributed and sized to buoy the task and allow handling qualities analysis based on Cooper Harper Ratings and quantitative data analysis. Initial tests have shown that the manoeuvre sizing method led to feasible manoeuvres at multiple points of the flight envelope of a large civil transport aircraft. The manoeuvre capability to highlight desirable and undesirable handling qualities was also highlighted based on the initial findings for a couple of commercial large transport aircraft, a high aspect ratio wing and in-flight folding wingtip aircraft concepts. The relevance and applicability of the manoeuvre for multi-directional studies are discussed and compared against a more conventional offset landing manoeuvre. Finally, the potential use of the manoeuvre for different aircraft type and test flight is also suggested based on augmented reality technology.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Avoid Processing Tomato Leaf Damage during Chilling Stress
Authors: Caradonia Federica , Francia Enrico , Morcia Caterina , Ghizzoni Roberta , Moulin Lionel , Terzi Valeria , Ronga Domenico
Published: June 2019

Chilling stress limits processing tomato growth and yield, leading to high losses. An approach to increase the sustainability of crop production could involve the use of beneficial microorganisms. The objectives of this research were to investigate: (i) the efficacy of Funneliformis mosseae and Paraburkholderia graminis C4D1M in avoiding processing tomato damage during severe chilling stress; (ii) the synergic effect of the two microorganisms inoculated as a consortium; (iii) if the putative microorganism effects depended on the processing tomato genotype. To achieve these objectives, two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, a modern genotype was assessed, while three genotypes were evaluated in the second experiment. At sowing, F. mosseae was mixed with peat. Nine days after sowing, P. graminis was inoculated close to the plant’s root collar. After 40 days of seed sowing, chilling treatment was performed at 1 °C for 24 h. F. mosseae mainly reduced the cell membrane injuries in term of electrolytic leakage and efficiency of photosystem II, after the chilling stress in both experiments. Conversely, in the second experiment, the consortium improved the seedling regrowth, increasing the efficiency of photosystem II. In addition, modern genotypes inoculated with microorganisms showed a better seedling regrowth.
The time of Calcium Feeding Affects the Productive Performance of Sows
Authors: Gao Lumin , Lin Xue , Xie Chunyan , Zhang Tianyong , Wu Xin , Yin Yulong
Published: June 2019

This study aims to investigate the effect of Calcium (Ca) feeding time on a sow’s productive performance and the profiles of serum mineral elements during late pregnancy and lactation. A total of 75 pregnant sows were assigned to three groups: The control (C), earlier-later (E-L), and later-earlier (L-E) groups. During late pregnancy, the C group was fed an extra 4.5 g Ca (in the form of CaCO3) at both 06:00 and 15:00, the E-L group was fed an extra 9 g Ca at 06:00, and the L-E group was fed an extra 9 g Ca at 15:00. Similar treatments with double the amount of Ca were applied during lactation. The results show that, compared with the C group, L-E feeding decreased the number of stillbirths and the duration of farrowing and placenta expulsion (FARPLA) and increased the average daily weight gain (ADG) of piglets. Similarly, E-L feeding increased the ADG of piglets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, both E-L and L-E feeding increased the Ca levels in sow serum and umbilical serum, and the Fe levels in umbilical serum, but decreased the Ca levels in the placenta and colostrum (p < 0.05). Experiments on the genes involved in mineral element transport showed that E-L feeding activated the mRNA expression of TRPV5, S100G, SLC30A7, SLC39A4, and Ferroportin1, while it inhibited the mRNA expression of ATP7A in the placenta (p < 0.05). Moreover, L-E feeding up-regulated the mRNA expression of ATP2B and IREB2, while it down-regulated the mRNA expression of ATP7B in the placenta (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that maternal Ca feeding at 15:00 h during late pregnancy and lactation decreased FARPLA and stillbirths and improved the growth performance of suckling piglets by altering the mineral element of the metabolism in the umbilical serum and milk, compared to conventional feeding regimes.
Graphene-Coated Elliptical Nanowires for Low Loss Subwavelength Terahertz Transmission
Authors: Teng Da , Wang Kai , Li Zhe , Zhao Yongzhe , Zhao Gao , Li Huiyong , Wang Heng
Published: June 2019

Graphene has been recently proposed as a promising alternative to support surface plasmons with its superior performances in terahertz and mid-infrared range. Here, we propose a graphene-coated elliptical nanowire (GCENW) structure for subwavelength terahertz waveguiding. The mode properties and their dependence on frequency, nanowire size, permittivity and chemical potential of graphene are studied in detail by using a finite element method, they are also compared with the graphene-coated circular nanowires (GCCNWs). Results showed that the ratio of the long and short axes (b/a) of the elliptical nanowire had significant influence on mode properties, they also showed that a propagation length over 200 μm and a normalized mode area of approximately 10−4~10−3 could be obtained. Increasing b/a could simultaneously achieve both long propagation length and very small full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the focal spots. When b/a = 10, a pair of focal spots about 40 nm could be obtained. Results also showed that the GCENW had a better waveguiding performance when compared with the corresponding GCCNWs. The manipulation of Terahertz (THz) waves at a subwavelength scale using graphene plasmon (GP) may lead to applications in tunable THz components, imaging, and nanophotonics.
Procedural Method for Fast Table Mountains Modelling in Virtual Environments
Authors: Warszawski Korneliusz K. , Nikiel Sławomir S. , Mrugalski Marcin
Published: June 2019

Natural terrains created by long-term erosion processes can sometimes have spectacular forms and shapes. The visible form depends often upon internal geological structure and materials. One of the unique terrain artefacts occur in the form of table mountains and can be observed in the Monument Valley (Colorado Plateau, USA). In the following article a procedural method is considered for terrain modelling of structures, geometrically similar to the mesas and buttes hills. This method is not intended to simulate physically inspired erosion processes, but targets directly the generation of eroded forms. The results can be used as assets by artists and designers. The proposed terrain model is based on a height-field representation extended by materials and its hardness information. The starting point of the technique is the Poisson Faulting algorithm that was originally used to obtain fractional Brownian surfaces. In the modification, the step function as the fault line generator was replaced with a circular one. The obtained geometry was used for materials’ classification and the hardness part of the modelled terrain. The final model was achieved by the erosive modification of geometry according to the materials and its hardness data. The results are similar to the structures observed in nature and are achieved within an acceptable time for real-time interactions.
Volatile Secondary Metabolites with Potent Antidiabetic Activity from the Roots of Prangos pabularia Lindl.—Computational and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Numonov Sodik , Sharopov Farukh S. , Atolikhshoeva Sunbula , Safomuddin Abduahad , Bakri Mahinur , Setzer William N. , Musoev Azizullo , Sharofova Mizhgona , Habasi Maidina , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: June 2019

(1) Background: Almost 500 million people worldwide are suffering from diabetes. Since ancient times, humans have used medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes. Medicinal plants continue to serve as natural sources for the discovery of antidiabetic compounds. Prangos pabularia Lindl. is a widely distributed herb with large reserves in Tajikistan. Its roots and fruits have been used in Tajik traditional medicine. To our best knowledge, there are no previously published reports concerning the antidiabetic activity and the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from roots of P. pabularia. (2) Methods: The volatile secondary metabolites were obtained by hydrodistillation from the underground parts of P. pabularia growing wild in Tajikistan and were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B) inhibition assay and molecular docking analysis were carried out to evaluate the potential antidiabetic activity of the P. pabularia essential oil. (3) Results: The main constituents of the volatile oil of P. pabularia were 5-pentylcyclohexa-1,3-diene (44.6%), menthone (12.6%), 1-tridecyne (10.9%), and osthole (6.0%). PTP-1B inhibition assay of the essential oil and osthole resulted in significant inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.93 ± 0.1 μg/mL. Molecular docking analysis suggests volatile compounds such as osthole inhibit PTP-1B, and the results are also in agreement with experimental investigations. (4) Conclusions: Volatile secondary metabolites and the pure isolated compound (osthole) from the roots of P. pabularia exhibited potent antidiabetic activity, twenty-five and nearly two times more than the positive control (3-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-2-ethylbenzofuran-6-sulfonic acid-(4-(thiazol-2-ylsulfamyl)-phenyl)-amide)) with an IC50 value of 1.46 ± 0.4 μg/mL, respectively.
Tripeptide-Catalyzed Asymmetric Aldol Reaction Between α-ketoesters and Acetone Under Acidic Cocatalyst-Free Conditions
Authors: Kon Kazumasa , Takai Hiromu , Kohari Yoshihito , Murata Miki
Published: June 2019

Here, we report the tripeptide-catalyzed asymmetric aldol reaction between α-ketoesters and acetone under acidic cocatalysts-free conditions. H-Pro-Tle-Gly-OH 3g-catalyzed reactions between α-ketoesters and acetone resulted in up to 95% yield and 88% ee. Analysis of the transition state using density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the tert-butyl group in 3g played an important role in enantioselectivity.
TTYH1 and TTYH2 Serve as LRRC8A-Independent Volume-Regulated Anion Channels in Cancer Cells
Authors: Bae Yeonju , Kim Ajung , Cho Chang-Hoon , Kim Donggyu , Jung Hyun-Gug , Kim Seong-Seop , Yoo Jiyun , Park Jae-Yong , Hwang Eun Mi
Published: June 2019

Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are involved in cellular functions such as regulation of cell volume, proliferation, migration, and cell death. Although leucine-rich repeat–containing 8A (LRRC8A) has been characterized as a molecular component of VRACs, here we show that Drosophila melanogaster tweety homologue 1 and 2 (TTYH1 and TTYH2) are critical for VRAC currents in cancer cells. LRRC8A-independent VRAC currents were present in the gastric cancer cell line SNU-601, but almost completely absent in its cisplatin-resistant derivative SNU-601-R10 (R10). The VRAC current in R10 was partially restored by treatment with trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Based on microarray expression profiling of these cells, we selected two chloride channels, TTYH1 and TTYH2, as VRAC candidates. VRAC currents were completely absent from TTYH1- and TTYH2-deficient SNU-601 cells, and were clearly restored by expression of TTYH1 or TTYH2. In addition, we examined the expression of TTYH1 or TTYH2 in several cancer cell lines and found that VRAC currents of these cells were abolished by gene silencing of TTYH1 or TTYH2. Taken together, our data clearly show that TTYH1 and TTYH2 can act as LRRC8A-independent VRACs, suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for VRACs in cancer cells.
Ushering in the New Era of Radiometric Intercomparison of Multispectral Sensors with Precision SNO Analysis
Authors: Chu Mike , Dodd Jennifer
Published: June 2019

A “nadir-only” framework of the radiometric intercomparison of multispectral sensors using simultaneous nadir overpasses (SNOs) is examined at the 1-km regimes and below using four polar-orbiting multispectral sensors: the twin MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in the Terra and Aqua satellites, the Visible Imaging Infrared Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) in the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite, and the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) in the Sentinel-3A satellite. The study is carried out in the context of isolating the on-orbit calibration of the reflective solar bands (RSBs) under the “nadir-only” restriction. With a homogeneity-ranked, sample size constrained procedure designed to minimize scene-based variability and noise, the overall approach successfully stabilizes the radiometric ratio and tightens the precision of each SNO-generated comparison event. Improvements to the multiyear comparison time series are demonstrated for different conditions of area size, sample size, and other refinements. The time series demonstrate the capability at 1% precision or better under general conditions but can attain as low as 0.2% in best cases. Solar zenith angle is examined not to be important in the “nadir-only” framework, but the spectral mismatch between two bands can give rise to significant yearly modulation in the comparison time series. A broad-scaled scene-based variability of ~2%, the “scaling phenomenon”, is shown to have pervasive presence in both northern and the southern polar regions to impact inter-RSB comparison. Finally, this paper highlights the multi-instrument cross-comparisons that are certain to take on a more important role in the coming era of high-performing multispectral instruments.
Rapid Fabrication of Chemical Solution-Deposited Lanthanum Nickelate Thin Films via Intense Pulsed-Light Process
Authors: Park Junghum , Lim Yonghyun , Kong Seokwon , Lee Hojae , Kim Young-Beom
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate the practicality and feasibility of the flash light-sintering method to fabricate the ceramic material perovskite structure for lanthanum nickel oxide (LaNiO3; LNO) thin films using flash light irradiation equipment. LNO thin films are deposited on an Si wafer and Al2O3 substrate via the chemical solution deposition (CSD) method and sintered by a thermal and flash light-irradiation process with a bottom heater. The properties of flash light-sintered LNO thin films are compared with those of thermally sintered films. The surface morphology, crystal development, and electric conductivity of the LNO thin films are measured by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and a four-point probe, respectively. Flash light sintering was accomplished in milliseconds. Through the comparison of thermal sintering and flash light-sintering results, it was confirmed that perovskite LNO thin films deposited by the CSD method can be fabricated by flash light sintering. We show that the flash light sintering method can solve several inherent issues of the conventional thermal sintering method.
Development of a Novel Polymer-Based mRNA Coating for Surgical Suture to Enhance Wound Healing
Authors: Link Antonia , Haag Hanna , Michel Tatjana , Denzinger Markus , Wendel Hans Peter , Schlensak Christian , Krajewski Stefanie
Published: June 2019

A therapeutic strategy to improve wound healing has become an increasingly important medical task due to the rising incidence of adiposity and type II diabetes as well as the proceeding population aging. In order to cope with the resulting burdens, new strategies to achieve rapid and complete wound healing must now be developed. Accordingly, the development of a bioactive wound dressing in the form of a messengerRNA (mRNA)-bearing poly(lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA) coating on surgical suture is being pushed further with this study. Furthermore, the evaluation of the polymer-based transfection reagent Viromer RED has shown that it can be used for the transfection of eukaryotic cells: The mRNA gets properly complexed and translated into a functional protein. In addition, the mRNA-PLGA coating triggered the expression of the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in HaCat cells although KGF is not expressed under physiological conditions. Moreover, transfection via surgical sutures coated with mRNA does not affect the cell viability and a proinflammatory reaction in the transfected cells is not induced. These properties make the mRNA-PLGA coating very attractive for the in vivo application. For the future, this could mean that through the use of mRNA-coated sutures in surgical wound closure, cells in the wound area can be transfected directly, thus accelerating and improving wound healing.
Pedagogical Demonstration of Twitter Data Analysis: A Case Study of World AIDS Day, 2014
Authors: Fung Isaac , Yin Jingjing , Pressley Keisha , Duke Carmen , Mo Chen , Liang Hai , Fu King-Wa , Tse Zion , Hou Su-I
Published: June 2019

As a pedagogical demonstration of Twitter data analysis, a case study of HIV/AIDS-related tweets around World AIDS Day, 2014, was presented. This study examined if Twitter users from countries with various income levels responded differently to World AIDS Day. The performance of support vector machine (SVM) models as classifiers of relevant tweets was evaluated. A manual coding of 1,826 randomly sampled HIV/AIDS-related original tweets from November 30 through December 2, 2014 was completed. Logistic regression was applied to analyze the association between the World Bank-designated income level of users’ self-reported countries and Twitter contents. To identify the optimal SVM model, 1278 (70%) of the 1826 sampled tweets were randomly selected as the training set, and 548 (30%) served as the test set. Another 180 tweets were separately sampled and coded as the held-out dataset. Compared with tweets from low-income countries, tweets from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries had 60% lower odds to mention epidemiology (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.404; 95% CI: 0.166, 0.981) and three times the odds to mention compassion/support (aOR = 3.080; 95% CI: 1.179, 8.047). Tweets from lower-middle-income countries had 79% lower odds than tweets from low-income countries to mention HIV-affected sub-populations (aOR = 0.213; 95% CI: 0.068, 0.664). The optimal SVM model was able to identify relevant tweets from the held-out dataset of 180 tweets with an accuracy (F1 score) of 0.72. This study demonstrated how students can be taught to analyze Twitter data using manual coding, regression models, and SVM models.
Virtual Reality in the Teaching of FLE in a Brazilian Public School
Authors: Nobrega Felipe Augusto , Rozenfeld Cibele Cecílio de Faria
Published: June 2019

Considering the emergence of digital information and communication technologies in the contemporary educational context, this work aims to explore the possibilities offered by Virtual Reality (VR) headsets in the school environment, and also to verify how they can contribute to foreign language teaching and learning. The motivation of this work is a result of a pedagogical practice experience carried out by the researcher during French classes in a Brazilian foreign language teaching project in public schools. This pedagogical practice later became the subject of their master’s research, which is currently being conducted in the same educational context in two French language classes. The main objective consists of verifying to what extent VR can contribute to foreign language teaching/learning, focusing on the four linguistic competences and motivation. The methodology of this work has a qualitative nature with some quantitative results, and is characterized as Action Research, as the researcher participated in the activities. These activities consisted of using Google Cardboard, a VR headset, to present interactive 360° videos and tours of real places. The preliminary results show that activities with VR can promote a high level of motivation and engagement, also contributing to the development of the four linguistic competences.
Evaluation of the Impact of Black Carbon on the Worsening of Allergic Respiratory Diseases in the Region of Western Serbia: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study
Authors: Tomić-Spirić Vesna , Kovačević Gordana , Marinković Jelena , Janković Janko , Ćirković Anđa , Milošević Đerić Ana , Relić Nenad , Janković Slavenka
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: Many epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between black carbon (BC) and the exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. However, none of the studies in Serbia examined this relationship yet. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between BC and emergency department (ED) visits for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma in the Užice region of Serbia. Materials and Methods: A time-stratified case-crossover design was applied to 523 ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma exacerbation that occurred in the Užice region of Serbia between 2012–2014. Data regarding ED visits were routinely collected in the Health Center of Užice. The daily average concentrations of BC were measured by automatic ambient air quality monitoring stations. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for the potential confounding influence of weather variables (temperature, humidity, and air pressure). Results: Statistically significant associations were observed between ED visits for allergic rhinitis and 2-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.20; CI = 1.00–10.18; p = 0.049) and allergic asthma and 3-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.23; CI = 1.05–9.95; p = 0.041). Conclusion: Exposure to BC in the Užice region increases the risk of ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly during the heating season.
Bioavailability of Different Vitamin D Oral Supplements in Laboratory Animal Model
Authors: Šimoliūnas Egidijus , Rinkūnaitė Ieva , Bukelskienė Živilė , Bukelskienė Virginija
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: The major cause of vitamin D deficiency is inadequate exposure to sunlight. It is difficult to supplement it with food because sufficient concentrations of vitamin D naturally occur only in a handful of food products. Thereby, deficiency of this vitamin is commonly corrected with oral supplements. Different supplement delivery systems for improved vitamin D stability and bioavailability are proposed. In this study, we compared efficiency of three vitamin D delivery systems: microencapsulated, micellized, and oil-based. Materials and Methods: As a model in this medical testing, laboratory rats were used for the evaluation of bioavailability of different vitamin D vehicles. Animals were divided into three groups: the first one was given microencapsulated vitamin D3, the second—oil-based vitamin D3, and the third—micellized vitamin D3. Test substances were given per os to each animal for 7 days, and vitamin D concentration in a form of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the blood was checked both during the vitamin delivery period and later, up to the 24th day. Results: Comparison of all three tested products showed that the microencapsulated and oil-based vitamin D3 vehicles were the most bioavailable in comparison to micellized vitamin D3. Even more, the effect of the microencapsulated form of vitamin D3 remained constant for the longest period (up to 14 days). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the oral vitamin D supplement vehicle has an impact on its bioavailability, thus it is important to take into account how much of the suppled vitamin D will be absorbed. To maximize the full exploit of supplement, the best delivery strategy should be employed. In our study, the microencapsulated form of vitamin D was the most bioavailable.
The Auto-Correlation of Ultrasonic Lamb Wave Phased Array Data for Damage Detection
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Jiayan , Fan Guopeng , Zhang Hui , Zhu Wenfa , Zhu Qi , Zheng Rui
Published: June 2019

Ultrasonic phased array is widely used for damage detection recently because of its high sensitivity and rapid scanning without sensor movements. However, the measured signal is always influenced by the remnants of the initial excitation and the nonlinear signals from the instrumentation, which limits its application in thin-plate structures. To address this issue, an approach called auto-correlation subtraction is proposed to extract the scattering information of defects in this paper. In order to testify the feasibility of this method for damage detection, the experiments were carried out on three thin aluminum plates combined with the total focusing method (TFM) for imaging. By auto-correlating the full matrix data received by sensors and then subtracting the average auto-correlation of noise recorded by all receivers, the coherent scattered signal containing defect information is recovered. The experimental results indicate that the coherent travel time is in agreement with the theoretical value and the signal-to-noise ratio are improved. Additionally, compared with the cross-correlation technique, the time synchronization between different receivers is not necessary with the auto-correlation method. Results indicate that the presented method can improve the imaging resolution and has a great potential in the field of non-destructive testing.
Supramolecular Detection of a Nerve Agent Simulant by Fluorescent Zn–Salen Oligomer Receptors
Authors: Puglisi Roberta , Mineo Placido G. , Pappalardo Andrea , Gulino Antonino , Trusso Sfrazzetto Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

We report on new Zn–Salen oligomer receptors able to recognize a nerve agent simulant, namely dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), by a supramolecular approach. In particular, three Zn-Salen oligomers (Zn–Oligo–A, –B, and –C), differing by the length distribution, were obtained and characterized by NMR, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, we investigated their recognition properties towards DMMP by using fluorescence measurements. We found that the recognition ability depends on the length of the oligomeric chain, and the Zn–Oligo–C shows a binding constant value higher than those already reported in literature for the DMMP detection.
Hydro/Deutero Deamination of Arylazo Sulfones under Metal- and (Photo)Catalyst-Free Conditions
Authors: Amin Hawraz I. M. , Raviola Carlotta , Amin Ahmed A. , Mannucci Barbara , Protti Stefano , Fagnoni Maurizio
Published: June 2019

Hydrodeaminated and monodeuterated aromatics were obtained via a visible-light driven reaction of arylazo sulfones. Deuteration occurs efficiently in deuterated media such as isopropanol-d8 or in THF-d8/water mixtures and exhibits a high tolerance to the nature and the position of the aromatic substituents.
A Ferulic Acid Derivative FXS-3 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis of Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells via Positive JNK Signaling Pathway and Negative ERK/p38, AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Yue Shi-Jun , Zhang Peng-Xuan , Zhu Yue , Li Nian-Guang , Chen Yan-Yan , Li Jia-Jia , Zhang Sai , Jin Ru-Yi , Yan Hao , Shi Xu-Qin , Tang Yu-Ping , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: June 2019

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies and is an increasing cause of cancer-related deaths. In our previous study, a series of ferulic acid (FA) derivatives were designed and synthesized; they exhibited positive anti-cancer activities, especially for a compound labelled FXS-3. In this study, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed, wherein it revealed the inhibitory effect of FXS-3 on the proliferation and metastasis of human lung cancer A549 cells. The further flow cytometry assay showed that FXS-3 induced apoptosis of A549 cells induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. The trans-well migration and Matrigel invasion assays revealed that FXS-3 inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 cells. By the western blotting analysis, FXS-3 increased the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 ratio, inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and regulated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/ERK signaling pathways. The subsequent A549 xenograft-bearing mouse model and tail vein injection of A549 cells induced pulmonary tumor metastasis model showed that FXS-3 significantly restrained the tumor growth and metastasis. In conclusion, FXS-3 might inhibit proliferation and metastasis of human lung cancer A549 cells by positively regulating JNK signaling pathway and negativly regulating ERK/p38, AKT/mTOR, and MEK/ERK signaling pathways, which provides important scientific basis for the development of anti-cancer drugs about FA derivatives.
Structural and Conformational Studies on Carboxamides of 5,6-Diaminouracils—Precursors of Biologically Active Xanthine Derivatives
Authors: Marx Daniel , Schnakenburg Gregor , Grimme Stefan , Müller Christa E.
Published: June 2019

8-Arylethynylxanthine derivatives are potent, selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonists, which represent (potential) therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dementia, and the immunotherapy of cancer. 6-Amino-5-amidouracil derivatives are important precursors for the synthesis of such xanthines. We noticed an unexpected duplication of NMR signals in many of these uracil derivatives. Here, we present a detailed analytical study of structurally diverse 6-amino-5-carboxamidouracils employing dynamic and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and X-ray analysis to explain the unexpected properties of these valuable drug intermediates.