bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Veiled Voice: Can a Reading of Muhammad Iqbal's Poetical Response to his Political Moment in Relation to B. B. Yeats, Illuminate and Rethink our Understanding of the Self and its Relationship to the Nation State?
Authors: Patel Saaleh
Published: April 2020

Most Western literary critics will be aware of South Asian writers such as Rabindranath Tagore but may not have necessarily been exposed to the poetry of Muhammad Allama Iqbal (1877-1938), who arguably goes further in his critique of British colonialism. Iqbal occupies a unique moment; born in Sialkot (British India), studied at Cambridge and was a minority Muslim in a majority Hindu nation. His perspective allows him to address issues around nationhood, self-determination of Muslims, British imperialism and fanatical nationalism. His primary concern is awakening the Muslim spirit, shaking off political apathy, encouraging social change and cultivation of human potential through his poetry. This is where I want to contrast Iqbal's genius with that of W. B. Yeats (1865-1939), whose poetry was also profoundly concerned with national identity, religion and emancipation from the British empire. In many ways, Iqbal and Yeats share similar concerns: they both works against the attitudes of the writers of their time and in this sense refuse to be categorized into specific literary movements. They are both occupied in anti-colonial agitation and later in life even embark upon political careers. Strangely, they even seem to share paradoxes, both advocating and rejecting forms of nationalism. Yet both writers are strikingly dissimilar too. Formally they could not be more different, Iqbal follows an Urdu and Persian model and its various traditional structures whilst Yeats inherits the English tradition of poetry but deconstructs and refashions it to his unique usage. Iqbal is intensely direct and daringly vocal in his reclamation of the language for his people and unwaveringly critiques national identity and Empire. Yeats, in a modernist sense, can be cautious and sometimes evasive. Yeats’ romanticizing of a foreign landscape such as India or China, lands us into dangerous territory, for it slips into Orientalist discourse as extensively proliferated by Edward Said. In contrast, Iqbal’s aestheticization of his Indian landscape as well as the Hijaz (birthplace of Islam) is a way of reflecting nostalgically on past and then envisioning a new, fresh and hopeful future. Can Iqbal then offer a new way of thinking about the political issues that are so prevalent in our own time – nationalism, racism, and a Muslim identity crisis?
Inter-caste Marriage in Conflict Settings: War, Displacement, and Social Conditions in Cross-caste Kinship Formations in Jaffna, Northern SriLanka
Authors: Paramsothy Thanges
Published: April 2020

The war and subsequent displacements changed the social and spatial practices around caste, which resulted in an increase in inter-caste marriages, which had been taboo before. This unintentional rebellion was mounted to the very core of caste through these inter-caste marriages. However, the new caste practices and performances that now revolved around these new inter-caste kin networks continued to reproduce old hierarchies, even as it created space for change. This study highlights how various determining factors such as repeated displacement of families, the close geographic proximity resulting from inevitable cross-caste interactions, love and intimate relationship, the safeguard different caste individuals extended to each other during the periods of crisis and emergency and socioeconomic advancements have together contributed to the steady growth of inter-caste interaction and marriages and have over-ridden caste taboos. This study mainly focuses on two areas namely Puṅgudutīvu and Mallākam in Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka, where 116 inter-caste marriages were recorded and three were taken for a detailed case study.
India–Bangladesh Relations: With Special Reference to Narendra Modi’s Regime
Authors: Quader Tahneia
Published: April 2020

This article is an attempt to explore the recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations under Narendra Modi's regime. Challenging the popular perception that is India-Bangladesh relations aggravate when Bharatiya Janata Party come into power, this article clearly indicates that India-Bangladesh relation has got new momentum during Modi’s tenure as the prime minister of India. Significant developments have been made over three key thematic areas during Modi’s government in India. These are; dispute resolution, cooperation and connectivity. However, this article also highlights a number of pertinent challenges like water dispute, non-tariff barriers, Rampal power plant and regional Rohingya issue, alleged illegal migration of Bangladeshis to India and border killings which need to be addressed carefully for a sustainable friendly relation and establish a win-win situation. The article recommends that in this age of growing interdependence and sharing, there is no alternative but to strengthen Bangladesh–India relations. Therefore, consistency in Indo–Bangladesh friendly relations needs to be maintained no matter which regime remains in power both in Dhaka and Delhi.
Enticing the Maoist Guerrilla – India’s Coin Strategy and Evolving Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy
Authors: Shapoo Sajid F.
Published: April 2020

Debates about the utility of different COIN models in the Indian scenario continue to evoke extreme reactions. Experts believe that Indian COIN efforts have invariably preferred trading “hearts and minds” approach with highly kinetic enemy centric tactics. It is argued that Indian security leadership feels that an enemy centric approach is best suited for Maoist insurgency, where the fear of population seceding from India is remote. India is blamed for not having a focused or a formal COIN strategy against the Maoist insurgency. It is only in the last decade that individual states have begun to harmonize their COIN responses with one another and with the Government of India (GoI) policies. A national surrender and rehabilitation policy were formulated in 2014; considered to be an important component of the new approach. Following federal guidelines, states have formulated their surrender policies. It may be myopic to assess these policies in isolation and these need to be evaluated in whole as a part of comprehensive COIN approach. The verdict till now is a mixed bag, while some states have tasted success with the scrupulous implementation of the new surrender policies, others have resorted to sham surrenders to shore up the numbers. Policies like surrender and rehabilitation can give a representative sense to the rebels that the government cares for them if they(rebels) are willing to shun the violent path. Proper implementation and timely disbursal of benefits add to the credibility of the policy and the government too. The multi-pronged approach of sustained military pressure, robust economic development program and a sensitive surrender cum rehabilitation policy stand to deliver favourable results in India’s fight against Maoist insurgency.
HUBUNGAN IKLIM KELAS DAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR DENGAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK
Authors: Setiyadi Bradley , Loviansi Lucia
Published: April 2020

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLASSROOM CLIMATE AND LEARNING MOTIVATION WITH STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMESThis study aims to look at the relationship between classroom climate and learning motivation with student learning outcomes in Class XI Office Administration at SMK Negeri 1 Kota Jambi. This study uses quantitative methods with ex post facto design. The population used in this study were students of Class XI Office Administration at SMK Negeri 1 Kota Jambi. The study population was 122 students and the sample chosen was 67 students based on intrapolation calculations and then the distribution of samples using Simple Random Sampling. Data collection techniques in this study used primary data in the form of a questionnaire and secondary data in the form of data on the average value of student tests. Data analysis techniques used in this study are simple correlation analysis and multiple correlation analysis. The results showed that: (1) There was a relationship between classroom climate and student learning outcomes of 0.595 with a percentage of 59.5% and a significance value of 0.000 so that rcount> rtable or 0.595> 0.201 could be said to be significant. Because r count> r table then Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. (2) There is a relationship of learning motivation with student learning outcomes of 0.744 with a percentage of 74.4% and a significance value of 0.000 so that rcount> rtable or 0.744> 0.201 can be said to be significant. Because r count> r table then Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted; and (3) There is a relationship between classroom climate and learning motivation with student learning outcomes of 0.783 with a percentage of 78.3%. It can be concluded that classroom climate and learning motivation together have a correlation with student learning outcomes. This conclusion suggests that educators can optimize classrooms and provide awareness of the importance of learning and motivate students during the learning process, by creating a conducive classroom atmosphere and providing interesting learning methods so that students do not feel bored and bored, and feel safe and comfortable and excited in learning in class so that it will have implications for maximum learning outcomes.
Dynamics of Cohomological Expanding Mappings II :Third and Fourth Main Results
Authors: AZONNAHIN ARMAND
Published: April 2020

Let $h:\Vc \longrightarrow \Vc $ be a Cohomological Expanding Mapping of a smooth complex compact homogeneous manifold with $ dim_{\mathbb{C}}(\Vc)=k \ge 1$ and Kodaira Dimension $\leq 0$. We study the dynamics of such mapping from a probabilistic point of view, that is, we describe the asymptotic behavior of the orbit $ O_{h} (x) = \{h^{n} (x), n \in \mathbb{N} \quad \mbox{or}\quad \mathbb{Z}\}$ of a generic point. We have constructed in our previous paper \cite{Armand4} a natural invariant canonical probability measure of maximal Cohomological Entropy $ \nu_{h} $ such that ${\chi_{2l}^{-m}} (h^m)^\ast \Omega \to \nu_h \qquad \mbox{as} \quad m\to\infty$ for each smooth probability measure $\Omega $ in $\Vc$ . In this paper we are interested on equidistribution problems and we show in particular that $ \nu_{h}$ reflects a property of equidistribution of periodic points by setting out the Third and Fourth Main Results in our study.
CDC27 Promotes Tumor Progression and Affects PD-L1 Expression in T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Authors: Song Yue , Song Wei , Li Zhaoming , Song Wenting , Wen Yibo , Li Jiwei , Xia Qingxin , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: April 2020

T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a rare hematological malignancy with highly aggressive, unique clinical manifestations, and poor prognosis. Cell division cycle 27 (CDC27) was previously reported to be a significant subunit of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome. However, the specific functions and relevant mechanisms of CDC27 in T-LBL remain unknown. Through immunohistochemistry staining, we identified that CDC27 was overexpressed in T-LBL tissues and related to tumor progression and poor survival. Functional experiments demonstrated that CDC27 promoted proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Further experiment suggested the role of CDC27 in facilitating G1/S transition and promoting the expression of Cyclin D1 and CDK4. Then the effect of CDC27 in inhibiting apoptosis was also identified. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the expression of CDC27 and Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) by immunohistochemistry staining. The interaction between CDC27 and PD-L1 was also proved by western blot, luciferase gene reporter assay and immunofluorescence. Taken together, our results showed that CDC27 contributes to T-LBL progression and there is a positive correlation between PD-L1 and CDC27, which offers novel perspectives for future studies on targeting CDC27 in T-LBL.
A New Way to Store Simple Text Files
Authors: Lawnik Marcin , Pełka Artur , Kapczyński Adrian
Published: April 2020

In the era of ubiquitous digitization, the Internet of Things (IoT), information plays a vital role. All types of data are collected, and some of this data are stored as text files. An important aspect—regardless of the type of data—is related to file storage, especially the amount of disk space that is required. The less space is used on storing data sets, the lower is the cost of this service. Another important aspect of storing data warehouses in the form of files is the cost of data transmission needed for file transfer and its processing. Moreover, the data that are stored should be minimally protected against access and reading by other entities. The aspects mentioned above are particularly important for large data sets like Big Data. Considering the above criteria, i.e., minimizing storage space, data transfer, ensuring minimum security, the main goal of the article was to show the new way of storing text files. This article presents a method that converts data from text files like txt, json, html, py to images (image files) in png format. Taking into account such criteria as the output size of the file, the results obtained for the test files confirm that presented method enables to reduce the need for disk space, as well as to hide data in an image file. The described method can be used for texts saved in extended ASCII and UTF-8 coding.
Yield Prediction Modeling for Sorghum–Sudangrass Hybrid Based on Climatic, Soil, and Cultivar Data in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Peng Jinglun , Kim Moonju , Sung Kyungil
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to construct a sorghum–sudangrass hybrid (SSH) yield prediction model based on climatic, soil, and cultivar information in the southern area of the Korean Peninsula. Besides, the effects of climatic factors on SSH yield were investigated simultaneously. The SSH dataset (n = 105), including Dry Matter Yield (DMY, kg/ha), Seeding-Harvest Accumulated Temperature (SHaAT, °C), Seeding–Harvest Accumulated Precipitation (SHAP, mm), Seeding–Harvest Sunshine Duration (SHSD, h), Soil Suitability Score (SSS), and cultivar maturity information, was developed for model construction. Subsequently, using general linear modeling method, the SSH yield prediction model was constructed as follows: DMY = 6.5SHaAT – 4.9SHAP + 13.8SHSD – 54.4SSS – 1036.4 + Maturity. The impacts of the accumulated thermal climatic variables and accumulated precipitation during crop growth on the variance of SSH yield in this region were confirmed. The summer-concentrated precipitation in the southern area of the Korean Peninsula exceeded the proper range of SSH water requirement and led to stresses to its yield production. Furthermore, to improve the data quality for high fitness model construction, the standard schedule for forage crop cultivation experiment in this region was recommended to be developed, especially under the data requirement in the context of the big data era.
The Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Plant Growth, Mineral Accumulation, as Well as Biological and Chemical Properties of Ficus deltoidea
Authors: Nurnaeimah Nik , Mat Nashriyah , Suryati Mohd Khamsah , Badaluddin Noor Afiza , Yusoff Nornasuha , Sajili Mohammad Hailmi , Mahmud Khairil , Mohd Adnan Ahmad Faris , Khandaker Mohammad Moneruzzaman
Published: April 2020

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is defined as a reactive oxygen species (ROS), able to cause damage to a variety of cellular structures. On the other hand, recent work has demonstrated that H2O2 can also act as a potent signaling molecule that mediates various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of H2O2 on the growth, mineral nutrient accumulation, as well as the biologic and chemical properties of Ficus deltoidea var. deltoidea. F. deltoidea plants were spray-treated with 0- (control), 8-, 16-, 30- and 60-mM H2O2 under field conditions. Plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and quantum yield of the F. deltoidea plants significantly increased after treatment with 16 and 30-mM H2O2. The results indicate that 60-mM H2O2 increased the accumulation of arsenic, iron and sodium content in the leaves of F. deltoidea. On the other hand, 8-mM H2O2 significantly enhanced the accumulation of arsenic, iron, calcium and potassium content in the syconium of F. deltoidea plants. In addition, H2O2 treatment did not produce any significant effects on antimony and magnesium accumulation in the leaves or the syconium of F. deltoidea plants. The results show that the F. deltoidea plant has strong antidiabetic properties and its α-glucosidase activity increased in treated plants compared to standard acarbose. Hydrogen peroxide, particularly in concentrations of 16 and 30 mM, increased the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content and the vitexin and isovitexin content. There was a positive correlation between antioxidant activity with total phenol and total flavonoid content in H2O2-treated plants. The quantitative analysis by HPTLC indicates that the amount of vitexin and isovitexin increased with the higher concentrations of H2O2. From this study, it can be concluded that spraying 16 and 30-mM H2O2 once a week enhances growth, mineral accumulation and stimulates bioactive compounds of the F. deltoidea plants.
Plastic Film Mulching Sustains High Maize (Zea mays L.) Grain Yield and Maintains Soil Water Balance in Semiarid Environment
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Kaiping , M. Eldoma Ibrahim , Fang Yanjie , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2020

Ridge–furrow cultivation with plastic film mulching has been widely used for many years to increase crop yields in semiarid regions. The long-term effects of plastic mulching on crop yield and soil water balance need to be seriously considered to assess the sustainability of this widely used field management technique. A seven-year maize field experiment was conducted during 2012–2018 to estimate the yield sustainability and soil water balance with two treatments—mulching (yes; no) and nitrogen fertilization (yes; no). This resulted in the following four groups—no film mulching, no N application (M0N0); film mulching, no N application (M1N0); no film mulching, N application (M0N1); film mulching and N application (M1N1). Our results show that plastic mulching significantly increased maize yield. A combination of mulching and nitrogen application had the highest sustainability yield index (SYI) of 0.75, which was higher than the other three treatments, with SYI values of 0.31, 0.33, and 0.39, respectively. Plastic film mulching increased soil water content and water storage in both the sowing and harvesting periods and did not cause the formation of dry soil layers. Precipitation storage efficiency (PSE) in the nongrowing season played a key role in maintaining the soil water balance and it was positively affected by plastic film mulching. Our research indicates that plastic mulching and N application could maintain maize yield sustainability and the soil water balance of agriculture in semiarid regions. In addition, we highlight the importance of nongrowing season precipitation, and thus, we suggest that mulching the field land with plastic film throughout the whole year should be adopted by farmers to store more precipitation, which is important to crop growth.
Is Dietary 2-Oxoglutaric Acid Effective in Accelerating Bone Growth and Development in Experimentally-Induced Intrauterine Growth Retarded Gilts?
Authors: Tomaszewska Ewa , Dobrowolski Piotr , Świątkiewicz Małgorzata , Donaldson Janine , Puzio Iwona , Muszyński Siemowit
Published: April 2020

In this study, the effect of long-term 2-oxoglutaric acid (2-Ox) supplementation to experimentally-induced intrauterine growth retarded gilts was examined. Sows were treated with synthetic glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) every second day, during the last 45 days of pregnancy, at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg b.w. At birth, the gilts were randomly divided into two groups: unsupplemented and supplemented with 2-Ox for nine months (0.4 g/kg body weight/day). Oral supplementation of 2-Ox to experimentally-induced intrauterine growth retarded gilts increased body weight at weaning as well as final body weight at the age of nine months, and showed a regenerative effect on bone mineralization and morphology of trabeculae and articular cartilage. The positive effects on bone structure were attributed to the 2-Ox-induced alterations in bone metabolism, as evidenced by the changes in the expression of proteins involved in bone formation and remodeling: osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Effect of High-Dose Topical Minoxidil on Erythrocyte Quality in SKH1 Hairless Mice
Authors: Naranjo-Vázquez Eduardo , Sánchez-Parada María Guadalupe , Gómez-Meda Belinda Claudia , Zamora-Perez Ana Lourdes , Gallegos-Arreola Martha Patricia , González-Santiago Ana Elizabeth , Zúñiga-González Guillermo Moisés
Published: April 2020

SKH1 hairless mice are widely used in carcinogenesis and dermatology research due to their bare skin, as exposure to different agents is facilitated. Minoxidil is a cosmetic drug that is recognized as a mitogenic agent, and mitogens are suggested to have carcinogenic and mutagenic potential by inducing cell division and increasing the possibility of perpetuating DNA damage. Therefore, we hypothesized that the application of high doses of minoxidil to the skin of hairless mice would increase the number of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNEs) in peripheral blood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the topical administration of high doses of minoxidil on peripheral blood erythrocytes of SKH1 mice by means of micronucleus assay. Minoxidil was administered on the entire body surface of mice every 12 or 24 h. Minoxidil dosing every 24 h increased the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs), and dosing every 12 h increased the number of MNEs and MNPCEs, as compared to baseline and the negative control group. No decrease in polychromatic erythrocyte frequencies was observed in the minoxidil groups. Therefore, topical application of high minoxidil doses to mice can produce DNA damage, as observed through an increase in the number of MNEs, without producing cytotoxicity, possibly due to its mitogenic effect.
Fluoride and Pineal Gland
Authors: Chlubek Dariusz , Sikora Maciej
Published: April 2020

The pineal gland is an endocrine gland whose main function is the biosynthesis and secretion of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating circadian rhythms, e.g., the sleep/wake cycle. Due to its exceptionally high vascularization and its location outside the blood–brain barrier, the pineal gland may accumulate significant amounts of calcium and fluoride, making it the most fluoride-saturated organ of the human body. Both the calcification and accumulation of fluoride may result in melatonin deficiency.
Review on Development of High-Static–Low-Dynamic-Stiffness Seat Cushion Mattress for Vibration Control of Seating Suspension System
Authors: Guo Linchuan , Wang Xu , Fan Rang-Lin , Bi Fengrong
Published: April 2020

This review focuses on studying passive vibration isolation techniques and their applications. Advantages and disadvantages of different vibration isolation techniques will be compared in order to find an innovative method to reduce seating suspension system vibration and improve the ride comfort of vehicles’ drivers. Quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) isolators of high-static–low-dynamic stiffness are found to have good application prospects in low-frequency vibration isolation. In order to improve the isolation performance of the seating suspension system, a specially made seat cushion will be studied where a quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) isolator such as a double-diamond isolator is selected as one of the cells/units/elements of the seat cushion mattress. The double-diamond isolator structure does not represent the whole seating suspension system. The transmissibility ratio of the double-diamond isolator is evaluated by analytical and simulation models and compared to that of a conventional linear spring isolator. Although the performance of the passive vibration isolation/control system is usually worse than that of the active or semi-active control system, the cost of the passive vibration isolation/control system is lower than that of the active and semi-active control system, and the relative simplicity of adding a vibration isolation cushion mattress in an existing passive seating suspension system makes it low in cost, easy to implement, and more attractive than the active and semi-active vibration control systems.
Data-Driven Redundant Transform Based on Parseval Frames
Authors: Zhang Min , Shi Yunhui , Qi Na , Yin Baocai
Published: April 2020

The sparsity of images in a certain transform domain or dictionary has been exploited in many image processing applications. Both classic transforms and sparsifying transforms reconstruct images by a linear combination of a small basis of the transform. Both kinds of transform are non-redundant. However, natural images admit complicated textures and structures, which can hardly be sparsely represented by square transforms. To solve this issue, we propose a data-driven redundant transform based on Parseval frames (DRTPF) by applying the frame and its dual frame as the backward and forward transform operators, respectively. Benefitting from this pairwise use of frames, the proposed model combines a synthesis sparse system and an analysis sparse system. By enforcing the frame pair to be Parseval frames, the singular values and condition number of the learnt redundant frames, which are efficient values for measuring the quality of the learnt sparsifying transforms, are forced to achieve an optimal state. We formulate a transform pair (i.e., frame pair) learning model and a two-phase iterative algorithm, analyze the robustness of the proposed DRTPF and the convergence of the corresponding algorithm, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed DRTPF by analyzing its robustness against noise and sparsification errors. Extensive experimental results on image denoising show that our proposed model achieves superior denoising performance, in terms of subjective and objective quality, compared to traditional sparse models.
A Supervised Speech Enhancement Approach with Residual Noise Control for Voice Communication
Authors: Li Andong , Peng Renhua , Zheng Chengshi , Li Xiaodong
Published: April 2020

For voice communication, it is important to extract the speech from its noisy version without introducing unnaturally artificial noise. By studying the subband mean-squared error (MSE) of the speech for unsupervised speech enhancement approaches and revealing its relationship with the existing loss function for supervised approaches, this paper derives a generalized loss function that takes residual noise control into account with a supervised approach. Our generalized loss function contains the well-known MSE loss function and many other often-used loss functions as special cases. Compared with traditional loss functions, our generalized loss function is more flexible to make a good trade-off between speech distortion and noise reduction. This is because a group of well-studied noise shaping schemes can be introduced to control residual noise for practical applications. Objective and subjective test results verify the importance of residual noise control for the supervised speech enhancement approach.
A New Differential Mutation Based Adaptive Harmony Search Algorithm for Global Optimization
Authors: Zhao Xinchao , Li Rui , Hao Junling , Liu Zhaohua , Yuan Jianmei
Published: April 2020

The canonical harmony search (HS) algorithm generates a new solution by using random adjustment. However, the beneficial effects of harmony memory are not well considered. In order to make full use of harmony memory to generate new solutions, this paper proposes a new adaptive harmony search algorithm (aHSDE) with a differential mutation, periodic learning and linear population size reduction strategy for global optimization. Differential mutation is used for pitch adjustment, which provides a promising direction guidance to adjust the bandwidth. To balance the diversity and convergence of harmony memory, a linear reducing strategy of harmony memory is proposed with iterations. Meanwhile, periodic learning is used to adaptively modify the pitch adjusting rate and the scaling factor to improve the adaptability of the algorithm. The effects and the cooperation of the proposed strategies and the key parameters are analyzed in detail. Experimental comparison among well-known HS variants and several state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms on CEC 2014 benchmark indicates that the aHSDE has a very competitive performance.
A Novel Architecture to Classify Histopathology Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Kandel Ibrahem , Castelli Mauro
Published: April 2020

Histopathology is the study of tissue structure under the microscope to determine if the cells are normal or abnormal. Histopathology is a very important exam that is used to determine the patients’ treatment plan. The classification of histopathology images is very difficult to even an experienced pathologist, and a second opinion is often needed. Convolutional neural network (CNN), a particular type of deep learning architecture, obtained outstanding results in computer vision tasks like image classification. In this paper, we propose a novel CNN architecture to classify histopathology images. The proposed model consists of 15 convolution layers and two fully connected layers. A comparison between different activation functions was performed to detect the most efficient one, taking into account two different optimizers. To train and evaluate the proposed model, the publicly available PatchCamelyon dataset was used. The dataset consists of 220,000 annotated images for training and 57,000 unannotated images for testing. The proposed model achieved higher performance compared to the state-of-the-art architectures with an AUC of 95.46%.
3D Chitin Scaffolds from the Marine Demosponge Aplysina archeri as a Support for Laccase Immobilization and Its Use in the Removal of Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Zdarta Jakub , Machałowski Tomasz , Degórska Oliwia , Bachosz Karolina , Fursov Andriy , Ehrlich Hermann , Ivanenko Viatcheslav N. , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: April 2020

For the first time, 3D chitin scaffolds from the marine demosponge Aplysina archeri were used for adsorption and immobilization of laccase from Trametes versicolor. The resulting chitin–enzyme biocatalytic systems were applied in the removal of tetracycline. Effective enzyme immobilization was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Immobilization yield and kinetic parameters were investigated in detail, in addition to the activity of the enzyme after immobilization. The designed systems were further used for the removal of tetracycline under various process conditions. Optimum process conditions, enabling total removal of tetracycline from solutions at concentrations up to 1 mg/L, were found to be pH 5, temperature between 25 and 35 °C, and 1 h process duration. Due to the protective effect of the chitinous scaffolds and stabilization of the enzyme by multipoint attachment, the storage stability and thermal stability of the immobilized biomolecules were significantly improved as compared to the free enzyme. The produced biocatalytic systems also exhibited good reusability, as after 10 repeated uses they removed over 90% of tetracycline from solution. Finally, the immobilized laccase was used in a packed bed reactor for continuous removal of tetracycline, and enabled the removal of over 80% of the antibiotic after 24 h of continuous use.
Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Peptides
Authors: Di Somma Angela , Moretta Antonio , Canè Carolina , Cirillo Arianna , Duilio Angela
Published: April 2020

The increasing onset of multidrug-resistant bacteria has propelled microbiology research towards antimicrobial peptides as new possible antibiotics from natural sources. Antimicrobial peptides are short peptides endowed with a broad range of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and are less prone to trigger resistance. Besides their activity against planktonic bacteria, many antimicrobial peptides also show antibiofilm activity. Biofilms are ubiquitous in nature, having the ability to adhere to virtually any surface, either biotic or abiotic, including medical devices, causing chronic infections that are difficult to eradicate. The biofilm matrix protects bacteria from hostile environments, thus contributing to the bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents. Biofilms are very difficult to treat, with options restricted to the use of large doses of antibiotics or the removal of the infected device. Antimicrobial peptides could represent good candidates to develop new antibiofilm drugs as they can act at different stages of biofilm formation, on disparate molecular targets and with various mechanisms of action. These include inhibition of biofilm formation and adhesion, downregulation of quorum sensing factors, and disruption of the pre-formed biofilm. This review focuses on the proprieties of antimicrobial and antibiofilm peptides, with a particular emphasis on their mechanism of action, reporting several examples of peptides that over time have been shown to have activity against biofilm.
Single Radiotherapy Fraction with Local Anti-CD40 Therapy Generates Effective Abscopal Responses in Mouse Models of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Wood Jana , Yasmin-Karim Sayeda , Mueller Romy , Viswanathan Akila N. , Ngwa Wilfred
Published: April 2020

Current treatment options for advanced cervical cancer are limited, especially for patients in poor-resource settings, with a 17% 5-year overall survival rate. Here, we report results in animal models of advanced cervical cancer, showing that anti-CD40 therapy can effectively boost the abscopal effect, whereby radiotherapy of a tumor at one site can engender therapeutically significant responses in tumors at distant untreated sites. In this study, two subcutaneous cervical cancer tumors representing one primary and one metastatic tumor were generated in each animal. Only the primary tumor was treated and the responses of both tumors were monitored. The study was repeated as a function of different treatment parameters, including radiotherapy dose and dosing schedule of immunoadjuvant anti-CD40. The results consistently suggest that one fraction dose of radiotherapy with a single dose of agonistic anti-CD40 can generate highly effective abscopal responses, with a significant increase in animal survival (p = 0.0004). Overall, 60% of the mice treated with this combination showed long term survival with complete tumor regression, where tumors of mice in other cohorts continued to grow. Moreover, re-challenged responders to the treatment developed vitiligo, suggesting developed immune memory for this cancer. The findings offer a potential new therapy approach, which could be further investigated and developed for the treatment of advanced cervical cancer, with major potential impact, especially in resource-poor settings.
A Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Delivering a DNA Mono-Alkylating Payload to Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (CSPG4)-Expressing Melanoma
Authors: Hoffmann Ricarda M. , Crescioli Silvia , Mele Silvia , Sachouli Eirini , Cheung Anthony , Chui Connie K. , Andriollo Paolo , Jackson Paul J. M. , Lacy Katie E. , Spicer James F. , Thurston David E. , Karagiannis Sophia N.
Published: April 2020

Despite emerging targeted and immunotherapy treatments, no monoclonal antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) directly targeting tumor cells are currently approved for melanoma therapy. The tumor-associated antigen chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), a neural crest glycoprotein over-expressed on 70% of melanomas, contributes to proliferative signaling pathways, but despite highly tumor-selective expression it has not yet been targeted using ADCs. We developed a novel ADC comprising an anti-CSPG4 antibody linked to a DNA minor groove-binding agent belonging to the novel pyrridinobenzodiazepine (PDD) class. Unlike conventional DNA-interactive pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer payloads that cross-link DNA, PDD-based payloads are mono-alkylating agents but have similar efficacy and substantially enhanced tolerability profiles compared to PBD-based cross-linkers. We investigated the anti-tumor activity and safety of the anti-CSPG4-(PDD) ADC in vitro and in human melanoma xenografts. Anti-CSPG4-(PDD) inhibited CSPG4-expressing melanoma cell growth and colony formation and triggered apoptosis in vitro at low nanomolar to picomolar concentrations without off-target Fab-mediated or Fc-mediated toxicity. Anti-CSPG4-(PDD) restricted xenograft growth in vivo at 2 mg/kg doses. One 5 mg/kg injection triggered tumor regression in the absence of overt toxic effects or of acquired residual tumor cell resistance. This anti-CSPG4-(PDD) can deliver a highly cytotoxic DNA mono-alkylating payload to CSPG4-expressing tumors at doses tolerated in vivo.
The Role of CCL21/CCR7 Chemokine Axis in Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Rizeq Balsam , Malki Mohammed Imad
Published: April 2020

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, predominantly caused by metastasis. It is generally accepted that the pattern of breast cancer metastasis is largely determined by the interaction between the chemokine receptors on cancer cells and the chemokines expressed at the sites of metastatic disease. Chemokine receptors belong to the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family that appear to be implicated in inflammatory diseases, tumor growth and metastasis. One of its members, C-C Chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), binds chemokines CCL19 and CCL21, which are important for tissue homeostasis, immune surveillance and tumorigenesis. These receptors have been shown to induce the pathobiology of breast cancer due to their ability to induce cellular proliferation and migration upon the binding of the cognate chemokine receptors. The underlying signaling pathways and exact cellular interactions within this biological system are not fully understood and need further insights. Thus, in this review, we summarize the essential roles of CCR7 and its receptors in breast cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms of regulation that may lead to novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Despite the enormous advances in our knowledge of the nature of the chemokines in breast cancer metastasis, research about the involvement of CCR7 in cancer progression is still limited. Therefore, further studies are essential to illustrate the distinct roles of CCR7 in cancer progression and validate its potential as a preventive bio-factor for human breast cancer metastasis by targeting chemokine receptor genes.
Cancer-Selective Treatment of Cancerous and Non-Cancerous Human Cervical Cell Models by a Non-Thermally Operated Electrosurgical Argon Plasma Device
Authors: Feil Lukas , Koch André , Utz Raphael , Ackermann Michael , Barz Jakob , Stope Matthias , Krämer Bernhard , Wallwiener Diethelm , Brucker Sara Y. , Weiss Martin
Published: April 2020

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment is developing as a promising option for local anti-neoplastic treatment of dysplastic lesions and early intraepithelial cancer. Currently, high-frequency electrosurgical argon plasma sources are available and well established for clinical use. In this study, we investigated the effects of treatment with a non-thermally operated electrosurgical argon plasma source, a Martin Argon Plasma Beamer System (MABS), on cell proliferation and metabolism of a tissue panel of human cervical cancer cell lines as well as on non-cancerous primary cells of the cervix uteri. Similar to conventional CAP sources, we were able to show that MABS was capable of causing antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on cervical squamous cell and adenocarcinoma as well as on non-neoplastic cervical tissue cells due to the generation of reactive species. Notably, neoplastic cells were more sensitive to the MABS treatment, suggesting a promising new and non-invasive application for in vivo treatment of precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions with non-thermally operated electrosurgical argon plasma sources.
Preparation and Characterization of Photoactive Anatase TiO2 from Algae Bloomed Surface Water
Authors: Hossain Sayed Mukit , Park Heeju , Kang Hui-Ju , Kim Jong Beom , Tijing Leonard , Rhee Inkyu , Jun Young-Si , Shon Ho Kyong , Kim Jong-Ho
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the study was to effectively treat algae bloomed water while using a Ti-based coagulant (TiCl4) and recover photoactive novel anatase TiO2 from the flocculated sludge. Conventional jar tests were conducted in order to evaluate the coagulation efficiency, and TiCl4 was found superior compared to commercially available poly aluminum chloride (PAC). At a dose of 0.3 g Ti/L, the removal rate of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total phosphorus (TP) were measured as 99.8%, 66.7%, and 96.9%, respectively. Besides, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were recovered from the flocculated sludge and scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of only anatase phase. The recovered TiO2 was found to be effective in removing gaseous CH3CHO and NOx under UV-A lamp at a light intensity of 10 W/m2. Additionally, the TiO2 mixed mortar blocks that were prepared in this study successfully removed atmospheric nitrogen oxide (NOx) under UV irradiance. This study is one of the first to prepare anatase TiO2 from flocculated algal sludge and it showed promising results. Further research on this novel TiO2 concerning internal chemical bonds and shift in the absorbance spectrum could explore several practical implications.
A Matter of Choice: Inhibition of c-Rel Shifts Neuronal to Oligodendroglial Fate in Human Stem Cells
Authors: Ruiz-Perera Lucia Mercedes , Greiner Johannes Friedrich Wilhelm , Kaltschmidt Christian , Kaltschmidt Barbara
Published: April 2020

The molecular mechanisms underlying fate decisions of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) between neurogenesis and gliogenesis are critical during neuronal development and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its crucial role in the murine nervous system, the potential role of the transcription factor NF-κB in the neuronal development of hNSCs is poorly understood. Here, we analyzed NF-κB subunit distribution during glutamatergic differentiation of hNSCs originating from neural crest-derived stem cells. We observed several peaks of specific NF-κB subunits. The most prominent nuclear peak was shown by c-REL subunit during a period of 2–5 days after differentiation onset. Furthermore, c-REL inhibition with pentoxifylline (PTXF) resulted in a complete shift towards oligodendroglial fate, as demonstrated by the presence of OLIG2+/O4+-oligodendrocytes, which showed PDGFRα, NG2 and MBP at the transcript level. In addition c-REL impairment further produced a significant decrease in neuronal survival. Transplantation of PTXF-treated predifferentiated hNSCs into an ex vivo oxidative-stress-mediated demyelination model of mouse organotypic cerebellar slices further led to integration in the white matter and differentiation into MBP+ oligodendrocytes, validating their functionality and therapeutic potential. In summary, we present a human cellular model of neuronal differentiation exhibiting a novel essential function of NF-κB-c-REL in fate choice between neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis which will potentially be relevant for multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia.
Lactate Increases Renal Cell Carcinoma Aggressiveness through Sirtuin 1-Dependent Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Axis Regulation
Authors: Miranda-Gonçalves Vera , Lameirinhas Ana , Macedo-Silva Catarina , Lobo João , C. Dias Paula , Ferreira Verónica , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen
Published: April 2020

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) displays a glycolytic phenotype (Warburg effect). Increased lactate production, impacting on tumor biology and microenvironment modulation, has been implicated in epigenetic mechanisms’ regulation, leading to histone deacetylases inhibition. Thus, in-depth knowledge of lactate’s impact on epigenome regulation of highly glycolytic tumors might allow for new therapeutic strategies. Herein, we investigated how extracellular lactate affected sirtuin 1 activity, a class III histone deacetylase (sirtuins, SIRTs) in RCC. Methods: In vitro and in vivo interactions between lactate and SIRT1 in RCC were investigated in normal kidney and RCC cell lines. Finally, SIRT1 and N-cadherin immunoexpression was assessed in human RCC and normal renal tissues. Results: Lactate inhibited SIRT1 expression in normal kidney and RCC cells, increasing global H3 and H3K9 acetylation. Cells exposed to lactate showed increased cell migration and invasion entailing a mesenchymal phenotype. Treatment with a SIRT1 inhibitor, nicotinamide (NAM), paralleled lactate effects, promoting cell aggressiveness. In contrast, alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (CHC), a lactate transporter inhibitor, reversed them by blocking lactate transport. In vivo (chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay), lactate and NAM exposure were associated with increased tumor size and blood vessel recruitment, whereas CHC displayed the opposite effect. Moreover, primary RCC revealed N-cadherin upregulation whereas SIRT1 expression levels were downregulated compared to normal tissues. Conclusions: In RCC, lactate enhanced aggressiveness and modulated normal kidney cell phenotype, in part through downregulation of SIRT1, unveiling tumor metabolism as a promising therapeutic target.
Ca2+–Calmodulin Dependent Wound Repair in Dictyostelium Cell Membrane
Authors: Talukder Md. Shahabe Uddin , Pervin Mst. Shaela , Tanvir Md. Istiaq Obaidi , Fujimoto Koushiro , Tanaka Masahito , Itoh Go , Yumura Shigehiko
Published: April 2020

Wound repair of cell membrane is a vital physiological phenomenon. We examined wound repair in Dictyostelium cells by using a laserporation, which we recently invented. We examined the influx of fluorescent dyes from the external medium and monitored the cytosolic Ca2+ after wounding. The influx of Ca2+ through the wound pore was essential for wound repair. Annexin and ESCRT components accumulated at the wound site upon wounding as previously described in animal cells, but these were not essential for wound repair in Dictyostelium cells. We discovered that calmodulin accumulated at the wound site upon wounding, which was essential for wound repair. The membrane accumulated at the wound site to plug the wound pore by two-steps, depending on Ca2+ influx and calmodulin. From several lines of evidence, the membrane plug was derived from de novo generated vesicles at the wound site. Actin filaments also accumulated at the wound site, depending on Ca2+ influx and calmodulin. Actin accumulation was essential for wound repair, but microtubules were not essential. A molecular mechanism of wound repair will be discussed.