bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potensi ekstrak akar Eceng Gondok (Eichhornia crassipes) terhadap buah dan biji Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescents L.)
Authors: Andriani Vivin
Published: July 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi pengaruh ekstrak akar eceng gondok (Eichhornia crassipes) terhadap hasil panen dan jumlah biji cabai rawit. Penelitian dilakukan secara eksperimental menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) 5 perlakuan, yaitu hormon giberelin sintetik (Kontrol Positif), 0 g/l (kontrol negatif), 75 g/l, 150 g/l, dan 225 g/l ekstrak akar eceng gondok, masing-masing yang diulangi sebanyak 5 kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian ekstrak akar eceng gondok dapat meningkatkan jumlah buah,bobot buah,dan tebal kulit buah tetapi dapat mengurangi jumlah biji dan bobot biji tanaman  cabai rawit. Konsentrasi ekstrak akar eceng gondok 225 g/l adalah ekstrak akar eceng gondok terbaik yang dapat menghasilkan jumlah buah tanaman rata-rata 331,6 buah, hasil rata-rata bobot buah 326,4 gram per tanaman dengan tebal kulit rata-rata 0,136 mm per tanaman, rata-rata jumlah biji 11,4 biji dan rata-rata bobot biji 0,1238 gram per cabe rawit . Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa ekstrak akar eceng gondok dapat mengurangi jumlah biji dan meningkatkan bobot tanaman dan hasil panen cabai rawit dengan kosentrasi optimal 225 g/l.
Perbandingan Model Problem Based Learning dan Inquiry Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa di Mts Negeri 1 Rantauprapat
Authors: Gultom Maharani , Adam Dini Hariyati , Chastanti Ika , Siregar Zunaidy Abdullah
Published: July 2020

Hasil belajar yang masih rendah menuntut guru untuk menggunakan model pembelajaran yang efektif untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat perbedaan hasil belajar dengan menggunakan Model Problem Based Learning (PBL) dan Inquiry pada siswa kelas VIII di MTs Negeri 1 Rantauprapat. Jenis penelitian ini adalah quasi eksperimen. Penelitian ini menggunakan dua kelas yang dipilih dengan menggunakan Teknik Purposive Sampling. Kedua kelas diberikan perlakuan yang bebeda dengan materi yang sama. Untuk memperoleh data, peneliti menggunakan tes yang terlebih dahulu dilakukan uji coba instrumen meliputi uji validitas dan uji reliabilitas. Selanjutnya analisis data menggunakan uji normalitas, uji homogenitas, dan uji hipotesis dengan menggunakan uji t. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan hasil belajar menggunakan model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) dan Inquiry pada siswa kelas VIII di MTs Negeri 1 Rantauprapat dengan diperoleh signifikansi < 0,05 yaitu 0,000<0,05. Selanjutnya, nilai rata-rata kelas yang menggunakan Model Problem Based Learning (PBL) lebih tinggi dari pada kelas dengan Inquiry, yaitu dengan nilai rata-rata masing-masing kelas adalah 80,00 dan 72,77. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa Model Problem Based Learning (PBL) lebih unggul daripada Inquiry.
Hubungan Kemampuan Representasi Visual dan Representasi Verbal Mahasiswa Pada Praktikum Morfologi Tumbuhan
Authors: Ladisa Stevia , Rahmat Adi
Published: July 2020

Morfologi tumbuhan membahas tentang peformance tumbuhan, serta pemahaman terminologi (istilah-istilah ilmiah) dari organ-organ tumbuhan baik vegetatif maupun generatif. Pada kegiatan praktikum morfologi tumbuhan mahasiswa dituntut untuk mengamati dan merepresentasikan hasil pengamatannya secara visual dalam bentuk gambar dan secara verbal dalam bentuk deskripsi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan hubungan kemampuan representasi visual dan representasi verbal dalam kegiatan praktikum morfologi tumbuhan. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di salah satu perguruan tinggi negeri di Bandung Indonesia dengan 31 orang mahasiswa. Representasi visual dianalisis berdasarkan keautentikan gambar, kedetailan gambar, dan keterangan gambar. Kemampuan Representasi verbal dianalisis berdasarkan kejelasan dan kesesuaian deskripsi gambar dengan fakta, kelengkapan deskripsi gambar, dan terminologi. Hubungan  kemampuan representasi visual dan representasi verbal mahasiswa dianalisis menggunakan software SPSS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemampuan representasi visual dan representasi verbal mahasiswa pada materi batang berkorelasi lemah (r 0,250 dan p >0,05), begitu juga dengan korelasi  kemampuan representasi visual dan representasi verbal  mahasiswa pada materi daun (r 0,284 dan p >0,05). Hal ini menunjukan bahwa kemampuan representasi visual objek makroskopik yang baik tidak selalu menggambarkan kemampuan representasi verbal objek makroskopik yang baik.
Perbedaan Hasil Belajar Biologi Menggunakan Model Jigsaw II dan Think Pair Share (TPS) Kelas X IPA Pada Materi Ekosistem di SMA Negeri 18 Batam
Authors: Syamsi Fauziah , Saputri Alnita , Notowinarto Notowinarto
Published: July 2020

Pada proses pembelajaran, guru diharapkan dapat menggunakan model pembelajaran yang tepat demi ketercapaian hasil belajar dan peningkatan mutu pembelajaran. Penggunaan model pembelajaran yang tepat akan memberikan dampak yang baik terhadap siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil belajar antara model Jigsaw II dan Think Pair Share (TPS) pada pokok bahasan Ekosistem kelas X IPA SMAN 18 Batam Tahun Ajaran 2018/2019. Jenis penelitian adalah quasi eksperimental, dengan populasi terjangkau semua siswa kelas X IPA yang terdiri dari 3 kelas. Dalam penelitian ini sebagai sampel terpilih adalah kelas X IPA 2 sebagai kelas Jigsaw II (ekperimen 1) dan kelas X IPA 1 sebagai kelas TPS (eksperimen 2). Uji prasyarat analisis mempelihatkan distribusi data normal (X2hitung < X2tabel5%) dan homogen (Fhit<Ftab5%) pada kedua kelas eksperimen. Analisis data menggunakan Uji t (α = 5%). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa rata-rata nilai hasil belajar kelas Jigsaw II adalah 82,5 dan kelas TPS adalah 76,5. Uji t menunjukan nilai  = 2,26 >  = 1,99 maka  ditolak dan  diterima. Terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara hasil belajar siswa menggunakan Jigsaw II dan TPS kelas X IPA materi Ekosistem SMA Negeri 18 Batam. Penerapan model pembelajaran yang tepat pada materi tertentu dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa.
Musculoskeletal Injuries and Automation in Aerial Port Operations
Authors: Bylsma Victoria F. H. , Webber Bryant J. , Erich Roger A. , Voss Jameson D.
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION: Aerial ports are being modernized with automated technologies, but the impact on musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) is unknown.METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study of U.S. Air Force aerial port technicians and traffic management technicians, we compared
reported injury rates from January 2006–December 2016 and Veterans Benefits Administration disability compensation claims awarded from January 2001–March 2017. Ton-adjusted injury rates, associated lost/affected duty time, and percent risk attributable to lack of automation were
compared at Dover Air Force Base (which features base-specific automation), Travis Air Force Base, Ramstein Air Base, and Yokota Air Base.RESULTS: Injuries most often occurred during aircraft/flight line activities and were typically sprains/strains, with extremities being most
affected. Among aerial port technicians there were 8.0 injury reports per 1000 person-years compared to 5.2 per 1000 among traffic management technicians (incidence rate ratio = 1.5; 95% CI: 0.9, 3.0). Of the aerial port technicians with a compensation award, 70.7% included an MSKI component,
whereas 75.7% of traffic management awards included an MSKI component. Aerial port technicians at Dover AFB experienced 1.4 injury reports per 1000 personnel per 1000 cargo-tons per year, lower than the other ports: 3.2 (Travis); 3.7 (Ramstein); and 7.6 (Yokota). Overall, 56% of injuries at
Travis, 62% at Ramstein, and 82% at Yokota could be attributed to absence of Dover-like automation. However, mean lost/affected duty days at Dover (12.4) far exceeded those at the other bases (range: 4.5–8.6).DISCUSSION: Automating aerial ports may reduce injury rates, but
the impact on lost/affected duty time requires further investigation.Bylsma VFH, Webber BJ, Erich RA, Voss JD. Musculoskeletal injuries and automation in aerial port operations. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):669–673.
Acute Pulmonary Edema in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Marabotti Claudio , Cialoni Danilo , Pingitore Alessandro
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION: Healthy individuals may present with acute pulmonary edema when exposed to extreme environments (high-altitude or deep diving) or while performing strenuous exercises. Recent data support the hypothesis that these forms of acute pulmonary edema might be due to a
limited number of stimuli, often overlapping each other, inducing pulmonary capillary stress failure.DISCUSSION: Pathophysiology of nontoxic pulmonary edema occurring in healthy people is still incompletely understood, but recent data suggest a role of three factors (hypoxia, increase
in ambient pressure, and physical exercise) that, alone or in combination, may increase pulmonary capillary pressure up to a level overcoming the mechanical resistance of the blood-gas barrier. Evidence has been recently provided to support the existence of a genetic pattern predisposing healthy
subjects to pulmonary edema. This paper reviews the evidence supporting a common background for pulmonary edema triggered by extreme environments or heavy effort; a preventive and therapeutic strategy will also be proposed. From these data, hypotheses on the pathophysiology of other forms
of noncardiac related pulmonary edema, as those associated with obstructive sleep-apnea syndrome or during post-surgery intensive care, will be proposed.Marabotti C, Cialoni D, Pingitore A. Acute pulmonary edema in healthy subjects. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):662–668.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE QUALITY INDICATORS OF SILAGE WHEN USING VARIOUS PRESERVING AGENT
Authors: Kosolapov Andrey
Published: July 2020

A comparative assessment of the effectiveness of biological products of domestic production Biosib + Bioferm and a similar foreign Biotal Asidfast NS Gold for silage of perennial grasses of the first mowing is given. The advantage of the complex preparation Biosib + Bioferm has been established, the use of which leads to a higher content of crude and used protein, structural carbohydrates, metabolic and net lactation energy, and better digestibility of organic matter.
HERBAGE COMPOSITION WITH REGULAR APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
Authors: Teberdiev Dalhat , Rodionova Anna , Zapivalov Sergey
Published: July 2020

The role of the level of intensification on the composition of the herbage in the long-term research of the Institute is determined. Based on the analysis of the results of long-term use of herbage on sod-podzolic soils under different conditions of the nutritional regime, the regularity of the formation of various types of herbage is established. In the absence of top-dressing and when using low doses of fertilizers, pasture-type herbage is formed with the predominance of grass-roots types of grasses. Highly productive grass of the haymaking type is preserved against the background of the use of a complex of fertilizers with a nitrogen dose of more than 90 kg/ha.
HERBAL ECOSYSTEMS IN AGROLANDSCAPES MICHURINSKY DISTRICT OF MIDDLE-RUSSIAN PROVINCE FOREST-STEPPE ZONE OF THE CENTRAL BLACK EARTH EARTH REGION OF RUSSIA
Authors: Trofimov Ilya , Trofimova Lyudmila , Yakovleva Elena
Published: July 2020

The characteristic of the spread herbal ecosystems in the agrolandscapes of the Michurinsky district Middle Russian province forest-steppe zone Central Black Earth of Russia is given. Meadow-steppe grass ecosystems with black earths and grey forest soils predominate.
The Relation of Human Suffering in God's Grace
Authors: Ming David
Published: July 2020

Suffering is a legacy of the existence of the world of souls [humans] living on earth. Suffering is not imagination, not some nightmare, on the contrary is real, actual, but not academic. Suffering comes when humans are born. Humans cannot escape suffering. Suffering comes from various angles of life. Suffering comes from a broken relationship with God. Starting from the failure of Adam and Eve's relationship with God, humans began to feel suffering. Humans cannot resist the suffering they experience. The purpose of this study is to determine the cause of human suffering and its consequences, and how to overcome suffering. The author uses a descriptive method of literature and research results as follows: first, mercy is the perfect character of the deity of God. God's mercy from eternal to eternal until humans are afraid of God. Kindness is the essence of the quality of divinity, but God shows mercy on an ongoing basis through His sovereign will. Second, the source of God's mercy. The source of God's mercy is God's goodness and love expressed mysteriously. God's mercy is stated to guide someone to live righteously. People who receive God's mercy are living in godly living conditions and they need God's protection or care. Third, God's mercy cannot be stopped by humans. Instead humans can be made to not understand by God. God is free to act surprisingly, correcting human deviation. God is free to allow the test of Satan and not to tell anyone about it that was tested. God is also free to regulate
C-2p Spin-Polarizations along with Two Mechanisms in Extended Carbon Multilayers: Insight from First Principles
Authors: Matar Samir F.
Published: July 2020

From density functional theory investigations helped with crystal chemistry rationale, single-atom C, embedded in layered hexagonal CC’n (n = 6, 12 and 18) networks, is stable in a magnetic state with M(C) = 2 μB. The examined compositions, all inscribed within the P6/mmm space group are characterized as increasingly cohesive with n, figuring mono-, bi- and tri-layered honeycomb-like C’6 networks respectively. The spin projected total density of states shows a closely half-metallic behavior with a gap at minority spins (↓) and metallic majority spins (↑). Such results together with the large C-C intersite separation and the integer 2 μB magnetization, let us propose an intra-band mechanism of magnetic moment onset on carbon 2p states. Support is provided from complementary calculations assuming a C2C’12 structure with planar 2C with d(C-C) = 2.46 Å resulting into a lowering of the magnetization down to the 0.985 μB/C atom and a ferromagnetic order arising from interband spin polarization on C where one nonbonding spin polarizes whereas the other is involved with the bonding with the other carbon. Illustration of proofs is provided with the magnetic charge density projected onto the different atoms, showing its prevalence around C, contrary to the C’n (C’6 layers), as well as electron localization function ELF.
Interacting Particle Solutions of Fokker–Planck Equations Through Gradient–Log–Density Estimation
Authors: Maoutsa Dimitra , Reich Sebastian , Opper Manfred
Published: July 2020

Fokker–Planck equations are extensively employed in various scientific fields as they characterise the behaviour of stochastic systems at the level of probability density functions. Although broadly used, they allow for analytical treatment only in limited settings, and often it is inevitable to resort to numerical solutions. Here, we develop a computational approach for simulating the time evolution of Fokker–Planck solutions in terms of a mean field limit of an interacting particle system. The interactions between particles are determined by the gradient of the logarithm of the particle density, approximated here by a novel statistical estimator. The performance of our method shows promising results, with more accurate and less fluctuating statistics compared to direct stochastic simulations of comparable particle number. Taken together, our framework allows for effortless and reliable particle-based simulations of Fokker–Planck equations in low and moderate dimensions. The proposed gradient–log–density estimator is also of independent interest, for example, in the context of optimal control.
Assessment of Hybrid RANS/LES Models in Heat and Fluid Flows around Staggered Pin-Fin Arrays
Authors: Kim Byeong-Cheon , Chang Kyoungsik
Published: July 2020

In the present work, the three-dimensional heat and fluid flows around staggered pin-fin arrays are predicted using two hybrid RANS/LES models (an improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) model and a stress-blended eddy simulation (SBES) model), and one transitional unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) model, called k-ω SSTLM. The periodic segment geometry with a total of nine pins is considered with a channel height of 2D and a distance of 2.5D between each pin. The corresponding Reynolds number based on the pin diameter and the maximum velocity between pins is 10,000. The two hybrid RANS/LES results show the superior prediction of the mean velocity profiles around the pins, pressure distributions on the pin wall, and Nusselt number distributions. However, the transitional model, k-ω SSTLM, shows large discrepancies except in front of the pins where the flow is not fully developed. The vortical structures are well resolved by the two hybrid RANS/LES models. The SBES model is particularly adept at capturing the 3-D vortex structures after the pins. The effects of the blending function switching between RANS and LES mode of the two hybrid RANS/LES models are also investigated.
Operational Parameters of Biogas Plants: A Review and Evaluation Study
Authors: Nsair Abdullah , Onen Cinar Senem , Alassali Ayah , Abu Qdais Hani , Kuchta Kerstin
Published: July 2020

The biogas production technology has improved over the last years for the aim of reducing the costs of the process, increasing the biogas yields, and minimizing the greenhouse gas emissions. To obtain a stable and efficient biogas production, there are several design considerations and operational parameters to be taken into account. Besides, adapting the process to unanticipated conditions can be achieved by adequate monitoring of various operational parameters. This paper reviews the research that has been conducted over the last years. This review paper summarizes the developments in biogas design and operation, while highlighting the main factors that affect the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion process. The study’s outcomes revealed that the optimum operational values of the main parameters may vary from one biogas plant to another. Additionally, the negative conditions that should be avoided while operating a biogas plant were identified.
Computation of Density Perturbation and Energy Flux of Internal Waves from Experimental Data
Authors: Bordois Lucie , Nycander Jonas , Paci Alexandre
Published: July 2020

We hereby present two different spectral methods for calculating the density anomaly and the vertical energy flux from synthetic Schlieren data, for a periodic field of linear internal waves (IW) in a density-stratified fluid with a uniform buoyancy frequency. The two approaches operate under different assumptions. The first method (hereafter Mxzt) relies on the assumption of a perfectly periodic IW field in the three dimensions (x, z, t), whereas the second method (hereafter MxtUp) assumes that the IW field is periodic in x and t and composed solely of wave components with downward phase velocity. The two methods have been applied to synthetic Schlieren data collected in the CNRM large stratified water flume. Both methods succeed in reconstructing the density anomaly field. We identify and quantify the source of errors of both methods. A new method mixing the two approaches and combining their respective advantages is then proposed for the upward energy flux. The work presented in this article opens new perspectives for density and energy flux estimates from laboratory experiments data.
Investigation of Raman Spectroscopy (with Fiber Optic Probe) and Chemometric Data Analysis for the Determination of Mineral Content in Aqueous Infant Formula
Authors: Zhao Ming , Shaikh Saif , Kang Renxi , Markiewicz-Keszycka Maria
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the use of Raman spectroscopy (RS) and chemometrics for the determination of eight mineral elements (i.e., Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn) in aqueous infant formula (INF). The samples were prepared using infant formula powder reconstituted to concentrations of 3%–13% w/w (powder: water) (n = 83). Raman spectral data acquisition was carried out using a non-contact fiber optic probe on the surface of aqueous samples in 50–3398 cm−1. ICP-AES was used as a reference method for the determination of the mineral contents in aqueous INF samples. Results showed that the best performing partial least squares regression (PLSR) models developed for the prediction of minerals using all samples for calibration achieved R2CV values of 0.51–0.95 with RMSECVs of 0.13–2.96 ppm. The PLSR models developed and validated using separate calibration (n = 42) and validation (n = 41) samples achieved R2CVs of 0.93, 0.94, 0.91, 0.90, 0.97, and 0.94, R2Ps of 0.75, 0.77, 0.31, 0.60, 0.84, and 0.80 with RMSEPs of 3.17, 0.29, 3.45, 1.51, 0.30, and 0.25 ppm for the prediction of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, and Zn respectively. This study demonstrated that RS equipped with a non-contact fiber optic probe and combined with chemometrics has the potential for timely quantification of the mineral content of aqueous INF during manufacturing.
A Convolutional Neural Network and Matrix Factorization-Based Travel Location Recommendation Method Using Community-Contributed Geotagged Photos
Authors: Ameen Thaair , Chen Ling , Xu Zhenxing , Lyu Dandan , Shi Hongyu
Published: July 2020

Travel location recommendation methods using community-contributed geotagged photos are based on past check-ins. Therefore, these methods cannot effectively work for new travel locations, i.e., they suffer from the travel location cold start problem. In this study, we propose a convolutional neural network and matrix factorization-based travel location recommendation method to address the problem. Specifically, a weighted matrix factorization method is used to obtain the latent factor representations of travel locations. The latent factor representation for a new travel location is estimated from its photos by using a convolutional neural network. Experimental results on a Flickr dataset demonstrate that the proposed method can provide better recommendations than existing methods.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Interactions with the Interferon System
Authors: Danastas Kevin , Miranda-Saksena Monica , Cunningham Anthony L.
Published: July 2020

The interferon (IFN) system is one of the first lines of defense activated against invading viral pathogens. Upon secretion, IFNs activate a signaling cascade resulting in the production of several interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), which work to limit viral replication and establish an overall anti-viral state. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is a ubiquitous human pathogen that has evolved to downregulate the IFN response and establish lifelong latent infection in sensory neurons of the host. This review will focus on the mechanisms by which the host innate immune system detects invading HSV-1 virions, the subsequent IFN response generated to limit viral infection, and the evasion strategies developed by HSV-1 to evade the immune system and establish latency in the host.
Clinical Role of Extraoral Bitter Taste Receptors
Authors: Jeruzal-Świątecka Joanna , Fendler Wojciech , Pietruszewska Wioletta
Published: July 2020

Humans can recognise five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. Sour and salty substances are linked to ion channels, while sweet, bitter and umami flavours are transmitted through receptors linked to the G protein (G protein-coupled receptors; GPCRs). There are two main types of GPCRs that transmit information about sweet, umami and bitter tastes—the Tas1r and TAS2R families. There are about 25 functional TAS2R genes coding bitter taste receptor proteins. They are found not only in the mouth and throat, but also in the intestines, brain, bladder and lower and upper respiratory tract. The determination of their purpose in these locations has become an inspiration for much research. Their presence has also been confirmed in breast cancer cells, ovarian cancer cells and neuroblastoma, revealing a promising new oncological marker. Polymorphisms of TAS2R38 have been proven to have an influence on the course of chronic rhinosinusitis and upper airway defensive mechanisms. TAS2R receptors mediate the bronchodilatory effect in human airway smooth muscle, which may lead to the creation of another medicine group used in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The discovery that functionally compromised TAS2R receptors negatively impact glucose homeostasis has produced a new area of diabetes research. In this article, we would like to focus on what facts have been already established in the matter of extraoral TAS2R receptors in humans.
Intrinsic Regulatory Role of RNA Structural Arrangement in Alternative Splicing Control
Authors: Taylor Katarzyna , Sobczak Krzysztof
Published: July 2020

Alternative splicing is a highly sophisticated process, playing a significant role in posttranscriptional gene expression and underlying the diversity and complexity of organisms. Its regulation is multilayered, including an intrinsic role of RNA structural arrangement which undergoes time- and tissue-specific alterations. In this review, we describe the principles of RNA structural arrangement and briefly decipher its cis- and trans-acting cellular modulators which serve as crucial determinants of biological functionality of the RNA structure. Subsequently, we engage in a discussion about the RNA structure-mediated mechanisms of alternative splicing regulation. On one hand, the impairment of formation of optimal RNA structures may have critical consequences for the splicing outcome and further contribute to understanding the pathomechanism of severe disorders. On the other hand, the structural aspects of RNA became significant features taken into consideration in the endeavor of finding potential therapeutic treatments. Both aspects have been addressed by us emphasizing the importance of ongoing studies in both fields.
Small Molecule NF-κB Pathway Inhibitors in Clinic
Authors: Ramadass Venkataramanan , Vaiyapuri Thamilselvan , Tergaonkar Vinay
Published: July 2020

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling is implicated in all major human chronic diseases, with its role in transcription of hundreds of gene well established in the literature. This has propelled research into targeting the NF-κB pathways for modulating expression of those genes and the diseases mediated by them. In-spite of the critical, but often promiscuous role played by this pathway and the inhibition causing adverse drug reaction, currently many biologics, macromolecules, and small molecules that modulate this pathway are in the market or in clinical trials. Furthermore, many marketed drugs that were later found to also have NF-κB targeting activity were repurposed for new therapeutic interventions. Despite the rising importance of biologics in drug discovery, small molecules got around 76% of US-FDA (Food and Drug Administration-US) approval in the last decade. This encouraged us to review information regarding clinically relevant small molecule inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway from cell surface receptor stimulation to nuclear signaling. We have also highlighted the underexplored targets in this pathway that have potential to succeed in clinic.
Different Mechanisms Underlie the Metabolic Response of GBM Stem-Like Cells to Ionizing Radiation: Biological and MRS Studies on Effects of Photons and Carbon Ions
Authors: Palma Alessandra , Grande Sveva , Ricci-Vitiani Lucia , Luciani Anna Maria , Buccarelli Mariachiara , Biffoni Mauro , Dini Valentina , Cirrone Giuseppe A. P. , Ciocca Mario , Guidoni Laura , Pallini Roberto , Viti Vincenza , Rosi Antonella
Published: July 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant primary brain tumor with very poor prognosis, high recurrence rate, and failure of chemo-radiotherapy, mainly due to a small fraction of cells with stem-like properties (GSCs). To study the mechanisms of GSCs resistance to radiation, two GSC lines, named line #1 and line #83, with different metabolic patterns and clinical outcome, were irradiated with photon beams and carbon ions and assessed by 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). Both irradiation modalities induced early cytotoxic effects in line #1 with small effects on cell cycle, whereas a proliferative G2/M cytostatic block was observed in line #83. MR spectroscopy signals from mobile lipids (ML) increased in spectra of line #1 after photon and C-ion irradiation with effects on lipid unsaturation level, whereas no effects were detected in line #83 spectra. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), glutamic acid (glu) and Phosphocreatine (pCr) signals showed a significant variation only for line #1 after carbon ion irradiation. Glucose (glc) level and lactate (Lac) extrusion behaved differently in the two lines. Our findings suggest that the differences in irradiation response of GSCs #1 and #83 lines are likely attributable to their different metabolic fingerprint rather than to the different radiation types.
Trans-Axonal Signaling in Neural Circuit Wiring
Authors: Spead Olivia , Poulain Fabienne E.
Published: July 2020

The development of neural circuits is a complex process that relies on the proper navigation of axons through their environment to their appropriate targets. While axon–environment and axon–target interactions have long been known as essential for circuit formation, communication between axons themselves has only more recently emerged as another crucial mechanism. Trans-axonal signaling governs many axonal behaviors, including fasciculation for proper guidance to targets, defasciculation for pathfinding at important choice points, repulsion along and within tracts for pre-target sorting and target selection, repulsion at the target for precise synaptic connectivity, and potentially selective degeneration for circuit refinement. This review outlines the recent advances in identifying the molecular mechanisms of trans-axonal signaling and discusses the role of axon–axon interactions during the different steps of neural circuit formation.
Salivary Biomarkers and Their Application in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of the Most Common Oral Pathologies
Authors: Melguizo-Rodríguez Lucía , Costela-Ruiz Victor J. , Manzano-Moreno Francisco Javier , Ruiz Concepción , Illescas-Montes Rebeca
Published: July 2020

Saliva is a highly versatile biological fluid that is easy to gather in a non-invasive manner—and the results of its analysis complement clinical and histopathological findings in the diagnosis of multiple diseases. The objective of this review was to offer an update on the contribution of salivary biomarkers to the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases of the oral cavity, including oral lichen planus, periodontitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, oral leukoplakia, peri-implantitis, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Salivary biomarkers such as interleukins, growth factors, enzymes, and other biomolecules have proven useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of these diseases, facilitating the early evaluation of malignization risk and the monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment. However, further studies are required to identify new biomarkers and verify their reported role in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of oral diseases.
A Flow-Dependent Fiber Orientation Model
Authors: Kugler Susanne Katrin , Dey Argha Protim , Saad Sandra , Cruz Camilo , Kech Armin , Osswald Tim
Published: July 2020

The mechanical performance of fiber reinforced polymers is dependent on the process-induced fiber orientation. In this work, we focus on the prediction of the fiber orientation in an injection-molded short fiber reinforced thermoplastic part using an original multi-scale modeling approach. A particle-based model developed for shear flows is extended to elongational flows. This mechanistic model for elongational flows is validated using an experiment, which was conducted for a long fiber reinforced polymer. The influence of several fiber descriptors and fluid viscosity on fiber orientation under elongational flow is studied at the micro-scale. Based on this sensitivity analysis, a common parameter set for a continuum-based fiber orientation macroscopic model is defined under elongational flow. We then develop a novel flow-dependent macroscopic fiber orientation, which takes into consideration the effect of both elongational and shear flow on the fiber orientation evolution during the filling of a mold cavity. The model is objective and shows better performance in comparison to state-of-the-art fiber orientation models when compared to μCT-based fiber orientation measurements for several industrial parts. The model is implemented using the simulation software Autodesk Moldflow Insight Scandium® 2019.
Recent Advances in the Genetic, Anatomical, and Environmental Regulation of the C. elegans Germ Line Progenitor Zone
Authors: Gordon Kacy
Published: July 2020

The C. elegans germ line and its gonadal support cells are well studied from a developmental genetics standpoint and have revealed many foundational principles of stem cell niche biology. Among these are the observations that a niche-like cell supports a self-renewing stem cell population with multipotential, differentiating daughter cells. While genetic features that distinguish stem-like cells from their differentiating progeny have been defined, the mechanisms that structure these populations in the germ line have yet to be explained. The spatial restriction of Notch activation has emerged as an important genetic principle acting in the distal germ line. Synthesizing recent findings, I present a model in which the germ stem cell population of the C. elegans adult hermaphrodite can be recognized as two distinct anatomical and genetic populations. This review describes the recent progress that has been made in characterizing the undifferentiated germ cells and gonad anatomy, and presents open questions in the field and new directions for research to pursue.
One-Step Lower Leg Reconstruction with Vascularized Functional Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap in the Treatment of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma for a Six-Month-Old Boy: A Case Report
Authors: Ozols Dzintars , Berezovska Marisa Maija , Krasts Janis , Grutupa Marika , Petersons Aigars
Published: July 2020

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma in childhood, however, it is very rare in the neonatal period (0.4–2% of cases). This case depicts a boy, who presented with RMS at two weeks of age, but officially diagnosed at the age of three months. MRI and scintigraphy determined a soft tissue tumor in the soleus muscle, while biopsy confirmed embryonal RMS with high mitotic activity (Ki67 (monoclonal antibodies) ~80%). CWS (Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe)-2012 with I2VA (ifosfamide, vincristine, actinomycin) chemotherapy regimen was administered per protocol. Surgical treatment was performed at age of six months and 18 days. The operation consisted of radical tumor resection and total triceps surae with partial fibula resection. Immediate reconstruction of triceps muscle was accomplished using a vascularized functional musculocutaneous vastus lateralis flap. Functional outcome was measured using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) with the results of 92.5% and 99% respectively.
Peptide Nucleic Acids: Applications in Biomedical Sciences
Authors: Yavin Eylon
Published: July 2020

The DNA mimic, PNA (peptide nucleic acid), has been with us now for almost 3 decades [...]
Film Blowing of Linear and Long-Chain Branched Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Härth Michael , Dörnhöfer Andrea
Published: July 2020

Film blowing of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is challenging due its inherently low melt viscosity and poor melt strength. In this study, it is shown how the rheological properties of a commercial PET can be altered by reactive extrusion using either pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) or a multifunctional epoxy (Joncryl® ADR 4368) as chain extender, in order to improve the processing behavior during film blowing. The modified materials were characterized by shear and elongation rheometry and relevant processing characteristics, like melt pressure, bubble stability, and film thickness uniformity, were used to assess the influence of the type of modifier on processing and product performance. It is shown that PMDA is useful to increase the melt strength which leads to an improved bubble stability, while epoxy modified PET shows a reduced drawability that can cause problems at high take-up ratios. On the other hand, the epoxy modifier indicates a pronounced strain hardening during elongational deformation, and therefore leads to a better film thickness uniformity compared to the neat PET and the PET modified with PMDA. The differences with respect to processing performance are discussed and ascribed to the molecular structure of the materials.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Workshop Scheduling with Multiprocess Route Considering Logistics Intensity
Authors: Sun Yu , Gong Qingshan , Hu Mingmao , Yang Ning
Published: July 2020

In order to solve the problems of flexible process route and workshop scheduling scheme changes frequently in the multi-variety small batch production mode, a multiprocess route scheduling optimization model with carbon emissions and cost as the multi-objective was established. At the same time, it is considered to optimize under the existing machine tool conditions in the workshop, then the theory of logistics intensity between equipment is introduced into the model. By designing efficient constraints to ensure reasonable processing logic, and then applying multilayer coding genetic algorithm to solve the case. The optimization results under single-target and multi-target conditions are contrasted and analyzed, so as to guide enterprises to choose a reasonable scheduling plan, improve the carbon efficiency of the production line, and save costs.
Special Issue: Bioprocess Monitoring and Control
Authors: Hitzmann Bernd
Published: July 2020

Bioprocesses can be found in different areas such as the production of food, feed, energy, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals [...]
Estimation of Soil Arsenic Content with Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Wei Lifei , Pu Haochen , Wang Zhengxiang , Yuan Ziran , Yan Xinru , Cao Liqin
Published: July 2020

With the continuous application of arsenic-containing chemicals, arsenic pollution in soil has become a serious problem worldwide. The detection of arsenic pollution in soil is of great significance to the protection and restoration of soil. Hyperspectral remote sensing is able to effectively monitor heavy metal pollution in soil. However, due to the possible complex nonlinear relationship between soil arsenic (As) content and the spectrum and data redundancy, an estimation model with high efficiency and accuracy is urgently needed. In response to this situation, 62 samples and 27 samples were collected in Daye and Honghu, Hubei Province, respectively. Spectral measurement and physical and chemical analysis were performed in the laboratory to obtain the As content and spectral reflectance. After the continuum removal (CR) was performed, the stable competitive adaptive reweighting sampling algorithm coupled the successive projections algorithm (sCARS-SPA) was used for characteristic band selection, which effectively solves the problem of data redundancy and collinearity. Partial least squares regression (PLSR), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), and shuffled frog leaping algorithm optimization of the RBFNN (SFLA-RBFNN) were established in the characteristic wavelengths to predict soil As content. These results show that the sCARS-SPA-SFLA-RBFNN model has the best universality and high prediction accuracy in different land-use types, which is a scientific and effective method for estimating the soil As content.
Enhancing Electronic Nose Performance by Feature Selection Using an Improved Grey Wolf Optimization Based Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Wen , Pan Yong
Published: July 2020

Electronic nose is a kind of widely-used artificial olfactory system for the detection and classification of volatile organic compounds. The high dimensionality of data collected by electronic noses can hinder the process of pattern recognition. Thus, the feature selection is an essential stage in building a robust and accurate model for gas recognition. This paper proposed an improved grey wolf optimizer (GWO) based algorithm for feature selection and applied it on electronic nose data for the first time. Two mechanisms are employed for the proposed algorithm. The first mechanism contains two novel binary transform approaches, which are used for searching feature subset from electronic nose data that maximizing the classification accuracy while minimizing the number of features. The second mechanism is based on the adaptive restart approach, which attempts to further enhance the search capability and stability of the algorithm. The proposed algorithm is compared with five efficient feature selection algorithms on three electronic nose data sets. Three classifiers and multiple assessment indicators are used to evaluate the performance of algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively select the feature subsets that are conducive to gas recognition, which can improve the performance of the electronic nose.
Estimation of Individual Exposure to Erythemal Weighted UVR by Multi-Sensor Measurements and Integral Calculation
Authors: Cheng Wenwen , Brown Robert , Vernez David , Goldberg Daniel
Published: July 2020

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can be hazardous to humans, especially children, and is associated with sunburn, melanoma, and the risk of skin cancer. Understanding and estimating adults’ and children’s UVR exposure is critical to the design of effective interventions and the production of healthy UVR environments. Currently, there are limitations to the ways computer modeling and field measurements estimate individual UVR exposure in a given landscape. To address these limitations, this study developed an approach of integral calculation using six-directional (up, down, south, north, east, and west) field-measured UVR data and the estimated body exposure ratios (ER) for both children and adults. This approach showed high agreement when compared to a validated approach using ambient UVR and estimated ER data with a high r-square value (90.72% for child and adult models), and a low mean squared error (6.0% for child model and 5.1% for adult model) in an open area. This approach acting as a complementary tool between the climatology level and individual level can be used to estimate individual UVR exposure in a landscape with a complicated shady environment. In addition, measuring daily UVR data from six directions under open sky conditions confirmed that personal dosimeters underestimate actual individual UVR exposure.
An Improved Relative GNSS Tracking Method Utilizing Single Frequency Receivers
Authors: Yang Wenhao , Liu Yue , Liu Fanming
Published: July 2020

The Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) becomes the primary choice for device localization in outdoor situations. At the same time, many applications do not require precise absolute Earth coordinates, but instead, inferring the geometric configuration information of the constituent nodes in the system by relative positioning. The Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technique shows its efficiency and accuracy in calculating the relative position. However, when the cycle slips occur, the RTK method may take a long time to obtain a fixed ambiguity value, and the positioning result will be a “float” solution with a low meter accuracy. The novel method presented in this paper is based on the Relative GNSS Tracking Algorithm (Regtrack). It calculates the changes in the relative baseline between two receivers without an ambiguity estimation. The dead reckoning method is used to give out the relative baseline solution while a parallel running Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) method reinitiates the relative baseline when too many validation failures happen. We conducted both static and kinematic tests to assess the performance of the new methodology. The experimental results show that the proposed strategy can give accurate millimeter-scale solutions of relative motion vectors in adjacent two epochs. The relative baseline solution can be sub-decimeter level with or without the base station is holding static. In the meantime, when the initial tracking point and base station coordinates are precisely obtained, the tracking result error can be only 40 cm away from the ground truth after a 25 min drive test in an urban environment. The efficiency test shows that the proposed method can be a real-time method, the time that calculates one epoch of measurement data is no more than 80 ms and is less than 10 ms for best results. The novel method can be used as a more robust and accurate ambiguity free tracking approach for outdoor applications.
ECG Biometrics Using Deep Learning and Relative Score Threshold Classification
Authors: Belo David , Bento Nuno , Silva Hugo , Fred Ana , Gamboa Hugo
Published: July 2020

The field of biometrics is a pattern recognition problem, where the individual traits are coded, registered, and compared with other database records. Due to the difficulties in reproducing Electrocardiograms (ECG), their usage has been emerging in the biometric field for more secure applications. Inspired by the high performance shown by Deep Neural Networks (DNN) and to mitigate the intra-variability challenges displayed by the ECG of each individual, this work proposes two architectures to improve current results in both identification (finding the registered person from a sample) and authentication (prove that the person is whom it claims) processes: Temporal Convolutional Neural Network (TCNN) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). Each architecture produces a similarity score, based on the prediction error of the former and the logits given by the last, and fed to the same classifier, the Relative Score Threshold Classifier (RSTC).The robustness and applicability of these architectures were trained and tested on public databases used by literature in this context: Fantasia, MIT-BIH, and CYBHi databases. Results show that overall the TCNN outperforms the RNN achieving almost 100%, 96%, and 90% accuracy, respectively, for identification and 0.0%, 0.1%, and 2.2% equal error rate (EER) for authentication processes. When comparing to previous work, both architectures reached results beyond the state-of-the-art. Nevertheless, the improvement of these techniques, such as enriching training with extra varied data and transfer learning, may provide more robust systems with a reduced time required for validation.