bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BORSHCH IN RITUAL AND MAGIC PRACTICES OF POLISHCHUKS OF THE CHERNIHIV REGION (BASED ON FIELD MATERIALS)
Authors: HALAICHUK Volodymyr
Published: January 2020

Traditional nutrition occupies one of the foremost places in the material culture of people, its essential manifestation in the spiritual culture is also natural. At the same time, the ritual load of traditional dishes is not the same; only some of them have become the key to certain customs and rituals. These include, among others, borshch, a unique dish that every housewife in Ukraine cooks according to their recipe. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the use of borshch in the ritual and magical practices of Polishchuks of the Chernihiv region, to find out its causes and internal form.
In the context of family and calendar rituals, the use of borshch is quite transparent and almost identical. He plays an important role in commemorating deceased ancestors. According to the ideas, they eat not the dish itself, but the steam from the hot dish as its emanation. In this context, a "hot commemorations," Christmas Eve, or the so-called "Didy" borshch goes into the same paradigm as freshly baked bread or pancakes, freshly cooked potatoes, and so on. Nevertheless, on the "Shchedryi vechir," the panspermic value of borshch is actualized: in addition to the many permanent ingredients, grains of different crops were added there, which was to ensure a high harvest during the next year.
Much more difficult to interpret are cases of borshch use in obsessional rites, particularly in meteorological magic. First of all, it is a way to cause rain by throwing a stolen borshch pot in a well, as well as children's well-known calls to the rain in Ukraine, where it is proposed to "boil it to the borshch." The difficulty is the presence of a number of related factors, each of which can be decisive in the ritual of causing rain: not only the borshch was poured into the well, but also the pot was thrown; he who stole it was crying; well after borshch contamination was cleaned and others. However, in the author's opinion, in the meteorological magic of the Polish citizens of the Chernihiv region, the importance of borshch is of paramount importance.
Keywords: Eastern Polissia, Chernihiv region, borshch, rituals, calendar, meteorology.
"UNORDINARY" WOMAN OF IRON MANNERS: OLENA PCHILKA IN THE EYES OF HER CONTEMPORARIES (ON THE MATERIALS OF THE MEMOIRS ABOUT THE WRITER)
Authors: PROKIP Valentyna
Published: January 2020

In the article, the author offers fragmentary memories about Olha Petrivna Drahomanova-Kosach on the eve of the 170th anniversary of her birth. The methodological basis of the work is the complex approach to understanding Olena Pchilka’s personality in the light of the memories of her relatives, acquaintances, and colleagues. The relevance of the article is caused by the increasing interest of scholars in such memoirs in general and the need to study the life of Olena Pchilka as a writer, scientist, editor, publisher and an active public figure in particular. The author portrays Olha Drahomanova-Kosach emphasizing the basic human qualities of her character and with the aim of a further perspective of compiling her biography. The materials of the study will also help to deeper estimate Elena Pchilka, who is traditionally until nowadays, regarded only in the context of researching the life and literary activities of her daughter, Lesia Ukrainka.

Keywords
Olena Pchilka, biography, memoirs, contemporaries, family, portrait.
Forgiveness and the Multiple Functions of Anger
Authors: Aumann Antony G. , Cogley Zac ,   Northern Michigan University
Published: January 2020

This paper defends an account of forgiveness that is sensitive to recent work on anger. Like others, we claim anger involves an appraisal, namely that someone has done something wrong. But, we add, anger has two further functions. First, anger communicates to the wrongdoer that her act has been appraised as wrong and demands she feel guilty. This function enables us to explain why apologies make it reasonable to forgo anger and forgive. Second, anger sanctions the wrongdoer for what she has done. This function allows us to explore the moral status of forgiveness, including why forgiveness is typically elective.
Moroccan residents’ perceptions of the hospital learning environment measured with the French version of the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure
Authors: Berrani Hajar , Abouqal Redouane , Izgua Amal Thimou
Published: January 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the educational environment of residents in Morocco and to compare residents’ perceptions depending on their specialty.Methods: We applied the French version of the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) to measure the educational environment at 6 hospitals in Rabat from January to June 2017. The internal reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient. Principal component analysis was conducted to assess the construct validity of the 3 subscales of the PHEEM questionnaire. Analysis of variance was performed to compare the mean scores of the overall PHEEM, its subscales, and each item among the 6 specialties.Results: Responses from 255 residents were included. The 40-item PHEEM questionnaire showed a high level of reliability, with a Cronbach’s α of 0.91. Principal component analysis of all 40 items suggested that 3 factors explained 48% of the variance, with better results for the teaching subscale. Moroccan residents perceived their educational environment as more positive than negative. There were significant differences in the overall and subscale scores among the 6 specialties.Conclusion: The French version of the PHEEM was confirmed to be a valid and reliable instrument in Morocco. Moroccan residents perceived their educational environment as more positive than negative, but room for improvement remained, with challenges including the poor infrastructure, the suboptimal quality of supervision, and inadequate teaching and work regulations.
Kebutuhan Air Harian Masyarakat Desa Jada Bahrin Kabupaten Bangka
Authors: Hisyam Endang Setyawati , Fahriani Ferra , Hidayat Rahmad
Published: January 2020

Jada Bahrin village produces vegetables, rubber, pepper, and pineapple. The people in this village work as a farmer, fisherman, trader, and entrepreneur. They face a big problem to get water in dry season. They only rely on artificial pond to collect and distribute the water to the people. The goals of this study is to know the average daily water demand at present and the prediction of water needs for the next 10 years as well as the factors that influence the water needs in Jada Bahrin. Data for analysis were gathered by distributing questionnaires to respondents. Based on the analysis, the average daily water demand of each person in Jada Bahrin Village was 107.83 liters/person/day (Ipoph) and the prediction of the total water needs of Jada Bahrin Village in the next 10 years (2028) was 2.43 liters/second. Factors affecting the need for clean water were the type of work, the level of income and the influence of climate
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Sebagai Perkuatan Lentur pada Balok Beton
Authors: - Zainurrahman , Darma Eko , Nuryati Sri
Published: January 2020

Concrete Beams can experience a sudden collapse when overload because of its brittle characteristic. The use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) on concrete beams externally as external confinement is predicted to improve concrete mechanics properties, increase the ductility and capacity of concrete, and the flexural strength of concrete beams. An experimental study on the reinforcement of concrete beams with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) was carried out to estimate the effectiveness of CFRP on concrete structures as a concrete beam flexural reinforcement material. Two types of concrete beams are provided in this study to test the flexural strengthening effect of the externally bound CFRP composite. First type of concrete beam used for testing is a normal concrete beams, whereas the second tested beam, the CFRP was laminated by coating the beams with Fiber. The dimensions of both types are 15cm x15cm with a length of 55cm footing range. Testing result obtained the compressive strength was 23,29 MPa, flexural strength of normal and CRFP concretes were 33,41 Kg/cm2 and 48,07 Kg/cm2 respectively. It was concluded that the use of CRFP at the concrete beam increases flexural strength up to 44% with the ratio of 143 %.
Kebutuhan Air dan Jaringan Air Bersih Desa Napal Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin
Authors: Marlina Ayu , Andayani Reni
Published: January 2020

The provision of clean water is one of main priority for human life and health. it is not only prioritized in the cities but also in the rural areas. Clean water supply system is carried out by piping and non-piping systems. Whereas the piping system is managed by Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum (PDAM), the non-piping system is managed by the community both individually and in groups. The clean water network in Desa Napal, Musi Banyuasin still uses a non-piping system and does not have a clean water network yet from the PDAM. The purpose of this study is to determine the clean water needs of Desa Napal both domestic and non-domestic and rural network planning of water supply through the Waternet program. The research methodology began with literature study, gathering information from survey, primary data collection in the form of non-domestic building data and pipe depth points, secondary data collection in the form of location maps, population and domestic buildings. Furthermore, the calculation of water needs and planning of the clean water network of Napal Village was done using the Waternet program. Results found that the total water needs of Napal village was 2.228 liters/second or can used water flow of 6 liters/second as planning. The clean water network in Napal village was planned to use pipe diameter of 50, 80, and 150. The pipeline network (Pressure/atm) in the Waternet program was ≤ 2, which showed that the network runs well.
ALCOHOL AND MORTALITY BY TRAUMA IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Ion Daniel , Radu Georgiana , Leontescu Marina , Păduraru Dan Nicolae , Bolocan Alexandra , Andronic Octavian
Published: January 2020

Alcohol consumption alters one’s consciousness and may lead to accidents and traumatic events with deadly consequences. We aimed to analyze the most recent information available in WHO databases about overall mortality rates and alcohol consumption in European countries. The parameters taken into account were the total number of deaths by trauma, alcohol consumption per capita, prevalence of heavy drinking episodes and national legal blood alcohol concentration while drinking The mortality rate by trauma is influenced by many factors and alcohol intoxication could be one of them. Our analysis shows a moderate correlation between overall alchool consumption and death by trauma in Europe in 2015. There are studies who show a positive effect of alcohol consmption on the overall chance of survival after trauma. Chronic consumption is associated with an increase in mortality. Nonetheless, further research is needed and strongly encouraged.
SUBCAPSULAR HAEMATOMA OF THE SPLEEN - A COMPLICATION OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS
Authors: Socea Bogdan , Bogaciu Cristina , Nica Anca , Smaranda Alexandru , Ciobotaru Vladimir , Bratu Ovidiu , Carâp Alexandru , Constantin Vlad Denis
Published: January 2020

The intimate relationship of the tail of the pancreas and the splenic hilum makes the spleen vulnerable to the inflammation of the body and the tail of the pancreas. The involvement of the spleen in pancreatitis is increasing and it includes lesions like perisplenic or intrasplenic pseudocysts, subcapsular hematomas, intrasplenic haemorrhage, splenic infarction and splenic rupture. We present the case of a nontraumatic subcapsular haematoma of the spleen in a patient with alcohol related pancreatitis
Ethnic Autonomy
Authors: Sasaki Yu
Published: January 2020

This article explores the impact of the postal system on the consolidation of state authority in pre-modern Europe. Previous research indicates that geographical scale limits the state's ability to rule directly in this period. I argue that European states used the post to mitigate this constraint. Posts substantially reduced communications cost as an infrastructure of delivering information. I investigate the effect of postal service on state authority with a new data set on France. Using draft-desertion rates in the First Republic and the persistence of non-French speakers in a later period as my outcomes, I show that proximity to posts reduces them. I address the endogeneity concern that postal expansion is determined by confounding factors through two additional analyses: the first employs interactions using geographical distances to Paris and linguistic distances to French and the second focuses on the preexisting infrastructure that could induce postal location.
Active and Student-Centered Teaching and Learning Methods in International Studies at the University of Miami
Authors: Twichell John
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the value of student-centered “in context” learning in IS programs. It evaluates application of and key benefits of different hands-on activities such as debates, geopolitical simulations, negotiations and role play. Building on the existing literature, it describes the active learning techniques we have adopted for introductory undergraduate IS courses at the University of Miami. The debates and simulations, which find students working collaboratively in teams, are structured to meet clear learning outcomes. These techniques concurrently provide a student-centered classroom setting that we find conducive to more effective learning of International Relations theory and to greater understanding of complex global problems. The paper further explores how to best relate these student-centered teaching strategies with “outside the classroom” capstone and internship experiences. We envision our paper promoting dialogue consistent with the conference workshop themes and objectives.
Profil Penderita Liken Simpleks Kronikus di Puskesmas Padang Pasir Kota Padang Tahun 2017
Authors: Sari Dita Purnama , Primawati Irma , Akbar Resti Rahmadika
Published: January 2020

Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a chronic, itching, circumscribed, inflammation disorder of skin, which the incident rate has increasing lately. Previous studies show some differences regarding LSC profiles. It is important to update the epidemiology of LSC so that it can be used as a new theoretical basis for research, society and health institutions. This study aimed to find out the profile of Lichen Simplex Chronicus in Puskesmas Padang Pasir in 2017 which includes distribution of frequency based on age, gender, major complaints, location of lesion, and therapy. This is a descriptive study where the data was obtained from medical record of LSK 70 patients in Puskesmas Padang Pasir in January – December 2017. The sample size was calculated by total sampling technique and slovin formula. Results show distribution of frequency: mostly, the age distribution was 56-65 years old (34,3%), and the number of women patients (51,4%) were more than male patients (48,6%). The most complained symptom and affected site was itching (82,9%) and foot (54,3%). The most used antihistamine therapy was chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg (72,9%), the most used oral steroid therapy was dexamethasone 0,5mg (28,6%) and the most topical therapy was betamethasone 0,1% cream (51,4%).
Karakteristik Laser Retinopexy pada Pasiendengan Tear Retina di Divisi Vitreoretina RS Cipto Mangunkusomo Periode Januari – Desember 2018
Authors: Ashan Haves
Published: January 2020

Retinal detachment is a serious condition that threatens vision so that it can cause complications of blindness. The only treatment for retinal detachment is surgery, where not all surgical procedures in retinal detachment cases have a good success rate. Therefore, it is very important to be able to find tears in the retina, before developing further into detachments. Retinopexy lasers performed with the aim of causing adhesion around the tear in the retina, have been recommended as an action to prevent complications of retinal detachment. Retinopexy laser has an important role in patients with retinal tear who have symptoms of floaters and flashing and persistent traction in the retina especially in the area around the retinal tear, because symptomatic retinal tear is likely to develop into a complication of retinal detachment. However, although laser retinopexy is often recommended, in fact, the effectiveness of this action is still controversial.
Flipped Classroom Sebagai Strategi Pembelajaran Pada Era Digital
Authors: Susanti Lydia , Hamama Pitra Dian Ayu
Published: January 2020

Digital revolution has an important impact in the education strategy as in many other fields. This impact also led to radical changes in the field of education, such as in terms of teaching and learning approaches. Flipped classroom is a new learning strategy. This learning strategy is increasingly developing with technological advancements, such as internet access and other supporting software. In traditional learning educators deliver material, then to increase understanding of the material then students will do the assignments at school and given homework. On flipped classroom, students participate in preparing learning through video viewing, understanding powerpoints and accessing learning resources provided by educators through online media such as e-learning. Several studies have shown that the application of Flipped classroom can improve students' learning motivation
The Acoustic Environment of York Minster’s Chapter House
Authors: Álvarez-Morales Lidia , Lopez Mariana , Álvarez-Corbacho Ángel
Published: January 2020

York Minster is the largest medieval Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, renowned for its magnificent architecture and its stained glass windows. Both acoustic measurements and simulation techniques have been used to analyse the acoustic environment of its Chapter House, which dates from the 13th-century and features an octagonal geometry with Gothic Decorated stone walls replete of geometric patterns and enormous stained glass windows, covered by a decorated wooden vault. Measured and simulated room impulse responses served to better understand how their architectural features work together to create its highly reverberant acoustic field. The authors start by analysing its acoustic characteristics in relation to its original purpose as a meeting place of the cathedral’s Chapter, and end by reflecting on its modern use for a variety of cultural events, such as concerts and exhibitions. This work is part of the “Cathedral Acoustics” project, funded by the EC through the Marie-Sklodowska-Curie scheme.
Remote and Feedback Control of the Flap Angle in a Wind Tunnel Test Model by Optical Measurement
Authors: Chiba Kazuhisa , Komatsu Tatsuro , Kato Hiroyuki , Nakakita Kazuyuki
Published: January 2020

We have developed a remote and precise feedback control system using optical measurement technology to alter the angle of a flap, which is part of a wind tunnel test model, automatically and to earn the aerodynamic data efficiently. To rectify the wasteful circumstance that Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s low-turbulence wind tunnel stops ventilation every time to switch model configurations, we repaired hardware for remote operation and generated software for feedback control. As a result, we have accomplished a system that dramatically advances the efficiency of wind tunnel tests. Moreover, the system was able to consider the deformation of the model through optical measurement; the system controlled flap angles with errors less than the minimum resolution of optical measurement equipment. Consequently, we successfully grasped the nonlinearity of three aerodynamic coefficients C L , C D , and C M p that was impossible so far.
Effects of High Forage/Concentrate Diet on Volatile Fatty Acid Production and the Microorganisms Involved in VFA Production in Cow Rumen
Authors: Wang Lijun , Zhang Guangning , Li Yang , Zhang Yonggen
Published: January 2020

The objectives of this study were to investigate the difference in the mechanism of VFAs production combined with macrogenome technology under different forage-to-concentrate ratios and sampling times. Six ruminally cannulated Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design. The high forage (HF) and high concentrate (HC) diets contained 70 and 35% dietary forage, respectively. The results showed that pH was affected by sampling time, at 4 h after feeding had lower value. Excepted for acetate, the VFAs was increased with forage decreased. Propionate formation via the succinic pathway, in which succinate CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.5) and propionyl CoA carboxylase (EC 2.8.3.1) were key enzymes, and significantly higher in HC treatment than in HF treatment, Selenomonas, Ruminobacter, Prevotella, and Clostridium were the main microorganism that encodes these key enzymes. Butyrate formation via the succinic pathway, in which phosphate butyryltransferase (EC 2.3.1.19), butyrate kinase (EC 2.7.2.7) and pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (EC 1.2.7.1) are the important enzymes, Prevotella and Bacteroides played important role in encodes these key enzymes. This research gave a further explanation on the metabolic pathways of VFAs, and microorganisms involved in VFAs production under different F:C ration, which could further reveal integrative information of rumen function.
Occurrence of BVDV Infection and the Presence of Potential Risk Factors in Dairy Cattle Herds in Poland
Authors: Rypuła Krzysztof , Płoneczka-Janeczko Katarzyna , Czopowicz Michał , Klimowicz-Bodys Malgorzata D. , Shabunin Sergey , Siegwalt Georges
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study was to analyze the risk factors of BVDV infection, in different regions of Poland, with respect to certain parameters of animal health, including productivity, herd management practices, the presence of BVDV, and the effect of non-vaccination. A total of 354 cattle herds were estimated and linked to the analysis of the different factors that might be correlated with productive results. The presence of antibodies against BVDV was found in 33.3% of examined herds, and the heterogenous distribution of BVDV-positive herds in all regions of Poland (p = 0.001) was confirmed. We found statistical correlations between BVDV infection and pasture (p = 0.004) and the number of grazing animals (p < 0.001), and also the purchase of animals for replacement (p = 0.004) was observed. Production or clear clinical outcomes potentially linked to BVDV infection in the herd have not been observed. The results of this study indicate that the rate of BVDV infection was most strongly correlated with the geographical location of the examined cattle populations in Poland. The second most significant factors were the grazing of animals and the purchasing of new animals to be introduced to herds. The strengthened procedures of management, as well as the implementation of eradication programs, should be considered in the examined herds.
Using Machine Learning Techniques to Aid Empirical Antibiotic Therapy Decisions in the Intensive Care Unit of a General Hospital in Greece
Authors: Feretzakis Georgios , Loupelis Evangelos , Sakagianni Aikaterini , Kalles Dimitris , Martsoukou Maria , Lada Malvina , Skarmoutsou Nikoletta , Christopoulos Constantinos , Valakis Konstantinos , Velentza Aikaterini , Petropoulou Stavroula , Michelidou Sophia , Alexiou Konstantinos
Published: January 2020

Hospital-acquired infections, particularly in the critical care setting, have become increasingly common during the last decade, with Gram-negative bacterial infections presenting the highest incidence among them. Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality with significant direct and indirect costs resulting from long hospitalization due to antibiotic failure. Time is critical to identifying bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics due to the critical health status of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). As common antibiotic resistance tests require more than 24 h after the sample is collected to determine sensitivity in specific antibiotics, we suggest applying machine learning (ML) techniques to assist the clinician in determining whether bacteria are resistant to individual antimicrobials by knowing only a sample’s Gram stain, site of infection, and patient demographics. In our single center study, we compared the performance of eight machine learning algorithms to assess antibiotic susceptibility predictions. The demographic characteristics of the patients are considered for this study, as well as data from cultures and susceptibility testing. Applying machine learning algorithms to patient antimicrobial susceptibility data, readily available, solely from the Microbiology Laboratory without any of the patient’s clinical data, even in resource-limited hospital settings, can provide informative antibiotic susceptibility predictions to aid clinicians in selecting appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy. These strategies, when used as a decision support tool, have the potential to improve empiric therapy selection and reduce the antimicrobial resistance burden.
Machine Learning and Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria: An Interesting Combination for Current and Future Research
Authors: Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Mora Sara , Giacomini Mauro , Bassetti Matteo
Published: January 2020

The dissemination of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in several countries. Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence that consists of conferring on computers the ability to learn from data. In this narrative review, we discuss three existing examples of the application of ML algorithms for assessing three different types of risk: (i) the risk of developing a MDR-GNB infection, (ii) the risk of MDR-GNB etiology in patients with an already clinically evident infection, and (iii) the risk of anticipating the emergence of MDR in GNB through the misuse of antibiotics. In the next few years, we expect to witness an increasingly large number of research studies perfecting the application of ML techniques in the field of MDR-GNB infections. Very importantly, this cannot be separated from the availability of a continuously refined and updated ethical framework allowing an appropriate use of the large datasets of medical data needed to build efficient ML-based support systems that could be shared through appropriate standard infrastructures.
Combustion and Performance Study of Low-Displacement Compression Ignition Engines Operating with Diesel–Biodiesel Blends
Authors: Valencia Ochoa Guillermo , Acevedo Peñaloza Carlos , Duarte Forero Jorge
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the influence of different biodiesel blends produced from residual sunflower oil and palm oil from agroindustry liquid waste on the characteristics of the combustion process, performance, and emissions in a single-cylinder diesel engine. For the analysis of the combustion process, a diagnostic model was developed based on the cylinder pressure signal, which allows the calculation of the heat release rate, the accumulated heat rate, and the temperature in the combustion chamber. This is to assess the influence of these parameters on engine emissions. The experiments on the diesel engine were carried out using five types of fuel: conventional diesel, two biodiesel blends of residual palm oil (PB5 and PB10), and two biodiesel blends formed with palm oil and sunflower oil residues (PB5SB5 and PB10SB5). The engine was running in four different modes, which covered its entire operating area. Experimental results show that the in-cylinder pressure curves decrease as the percentage of biodiesel in the fuel increases. Similarly, the results showed a decrease in the heat release rate for biodiesel blends. The diagrams of the accumulated heat release curves were larger for fuels with higher biodiesel content. This effect is reflected in the thermal efficiency of biodiesel blends since the maximum thermal efficiencies were 29.4%, 30%, 30.6%, 31.2%, and 31.8% for PB10SB5, PB5SB5, PB10, PB5, and diesel, respectively. The emission analysis showed that the blends of biodiesel PB5SB5 and PB10SB allowed a greater reduction in the emissions of CO, CO2, HC, and opacity of smoke in all the modes of operation tested, in comparison with the blends of biodiesel PB5 and PB10. However, NOx emissions increased. In general, biodiesel with the percentage of residual sunflower oil does not cause a significant change in the combustion process and engine performance, when compared to biodiesel that includes only residual palm oil.
A Radial-In-Plane Sensitivity Interferometer with Divergent Illumination for Displacement Measurement
Authors: Parra-Michel Jorge R. , Gutiérrez-Hernández David , Martínez-Peláez Rafael , Escobar Marco A.
Published: January 2020

An in-plane radial sensitivity interferometer that uses the divergent illumination for displacement measurement in the radial direction is presented. A description and mathematical model for calculating the sensitivity vector are also presented. The interferometer has two polarizing filters: a circular one and a linear one to implement the phase stepping technique. A measurement of the radial deformation by thermal expansion is performed over an aluminium plate in order to test the interferometer. The results indicate that the maximum contribution of the out-of-plane with respect to the radial-in-plane sensitivity vector is less than 3% and decreases by less than 1% when measurements are performed near the optical axis. The measurement is compared with the results obtained by a finite element analysis on a virtual specimen model.
Effects of Millet Bran Dietary Fiber and Millet Flour on Dough Development, Steamed Bread Quality, and Digestion In Vitro
Authors: Li Yunlong , Lv Jing , Wang Lei , Zhu Yingying , Shen Ruiling
Published: January 2020

Twenty-five percent of steamed millet flour (MF) and different contents of dietary fiber (DF) were added to wheat flour (WF). The results showed that 25% of steamed MF and DF had significant effects (p < 0.05) on dough farinographical and tensile properties. With the increase of DF content, the hardness of the steamed bread increased, the elasticity decreased significantly, and the sensory acceptability decreased. The results of digestion showed that the content of rapidly digested starch (RDS) and slowly digested starch (SDS) in MF steamed bread decreased with the increase of DF, while resistant starch (RS) increased. Meanwhile, the starch hydrolysis rate, hydrolysis index (HI), and glycemic index (GI) decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and protein digestibility decreased gradually. Comprehensive evaluation showed that the 2% DF sample had good sensory performance and medium GI, which is beneficial to the control of blood sugar levels. These good functional properties could meet the requirements of a healthy diet.
A Probabilistic Capacity Model and Seismic Vulnerability Analysis of Wall Pier Bridges
Authors: Chen Libo , Tu Yi , He Leqia
Published: January 2020

This study aims to establish a probabilistic capacity model of a wall pier under various damage states, and the seismic vulnerability of a typical wall pier bridge is studied. The finite element analysis of the wall pier is carried out by using the layered shell element, and its accuracy is verified through the comparison with the experimental results. A series of wall pier samples are generated based on the survey data, and the corresponding finite element models are established. The hysteresis analysis is implemented to obtain the displacement drift ratio of each seismic performance point. A candidate capacity model with various factors is proposed, and the unknown parameters are estimated and filtered by the Bayesian method. One hundred and twenty bridge samples of a benchmark bridge are generated by considering the uncertainty of parameters, and the finite element models are established. The bridge samples and ground motions were matched by one-to-one correspondence for the nonlinear time history analysis, and seismic vulnerability models of bridge components and system are obtained. The results showed that the in-plane capacity of wall piers is mainly affected by axial compression ratio, shear span ratio, and vertical reinforcement ratio. The wall pier shows excellent behavior in the earthquakes. The capacity models of wall piers can be used for evaluating the damage states of wall piers, and obtaining the seismic vulnerability model of wall piers bridges to be used for future seismic risk assessment and retrofit prioritization.
Preparation of Modified Colloidal Gas Aphrons and Analysis of the Oil Displacement Effect
Authors: You Shaohua , Sun Xiaofei , Li Xiaoyu
Published: January 2020

Colloidal gas aphrons (CGAs) offer some advantages in improving oil recovery, but resin and asphaltene deposition problems still occur in CGA flooding. Based on this phenomenon, a new modified colloidal foam system is developed by incorporating a modifier in CGA preparation. The results indicate that the modified CGAs prepared by adding foaming agent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (concentration: 5 g/L) and GXJ-C (a CGAs modifier from a light fraction of petroleum; concentration: 0.1 g/L) attained the best performance. Oil displacement experiments show that modified CGA flooding had a better effect than water or CGA flooding. There are two important mechanisms via which modified CGAs enhance oil recovery, including decreasing the interfacial tension and enhancing the heavy components in the recovered oil. The developed modified CGA system attained a good oil displacement effect, which is of guiding significance to further improve the oil displacement efficiency and application of foam flooding.
Planetary-Gearbox Fault Classification by Convolutional Neural Network and Recurrence Plot
Authors: Wang Dan-Feng , Guo Yu , Wu Xing , Na Jing , Litak Grzegorz
Published: January 2020

Recurrence-plot (RP) analysis is a graphical tool to visualize and analyze the recurrence of nonlinear dynamic systems. By combining the advantages of the RP and a convolutional neural network (CNN), a fault-classification scheme for planetary gear sets is proposed in this paper. In the proposed approach, a vibration is first picked up from the planetary-gear test rig and converted into an angular-domain quasistationary signal through computed order tracking to eliminate the frequency blur caused by speed fluctuations. Then, the signal in the angular domain is divided into several segments, and each segment is processed by the RP to constitute the training sample. Moreover, a two-dimensional CNN model was developed to adaptively extract faulty features. Experiments on a planetary-gear test rig with four conditions under three operating speeds were carried out. The results of measured vibration demonstrated the validity of CNN and recurrence plot analysis for the fault classification of planetary-gear sets.
Structural Characteristics and Hypolipidemic Activity of Theabrownins from Dark Tea Fermented by Single Species Eurotium cristatum PW-1
Authors: Xiao Yue , Li Maoyun , Wu Yanping , Zhong Kai , Gao Hong
Published: January 2020

Recently, studies on theabrownins (TBs), the main bioactive polymeric pigments found in dark tea, have received increasing attention for its health effects. Thus far, information on their structural characteristics is unclear. In the present study, theabrownins were isolated from single species Eurotium cristatum PW-1-fermented loose tea and their structural and hypolipidemic characteristics were studied for the first time. The theabrownins were fractionated by their molecular weights and were then analyzed. Ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) and Flourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed that they were polymerized phenolic substances containing abundant hydroxy and carboxyl groups. All theabrownin samples exhibited hypolipidemic activity in high-fat zebrafish; among which TBs-10-30k sample, decreased lipid level in high-fat zebrafish to 51.57% at 1000 μg/mL, was most effective. It was found that TBs-10-30k was a type of amorphous and thermostable polymer with slice shape and smooth surface under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis showed that it had island-like structure because of aggregation of theabrownin molecules. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) analysis further showed that the main pyrolytic products of TBs-10-30k were hexadecanoic acid (33.72%), phenol (14.90%), and eicosane (12.95%), indicating TBs-10-30k was mainly composed of phenols, lipids, saccharides, and proteins. These results not only facilitate subsequent identification of theabrownins, but also provide insights into the applications of theabrownins in functional foods.
A Genetic Polymorphism in the Pannexin1 Gene Predisposes for The Development of Endothelial Dysfunction with Increasing BMI
Authors: Molica Filippo , Quercioli Alessandra , Montecucco Fabrizio , Schindler Thomas H. , Kwak Brenda R. , Morel Sandrine
Published: January 2020

Endothelial dysfunction worsens when body mass index (BMI) increases. Pannexin1 (Panx1) ATP release channels regulate endothelial function and lipid homeostasis in mice. We investigated whether the Panx1-400A>C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), encoding for a gain-of-function channel, associates with endothelial dysfunction in non-obese and obese individuals. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was measured by 13N-ammonia positron emission/computed tomography at rest, during cold pressor test (CPT) or dipyridamole-induced hyperemia. Myocardial flow reserve (MFR) and endothelial function were compared in 43 non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2) vs. 29 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) participants and genotyping for the Panx1-400A>C SNP was performed. Groups comprised subjects homozygous for the C allele (n = 40) vs. subjects with at least one A allele (n = 32). MBF (during CPT or hyperemia), MFR and endothelial function correlated negatively with BMI in the full cohort. BMI correlated negatively with MFR and endothelial function in non-obese Panx1-400C subjects, but not in Panx1-400A individuals nor in obese groups. BMI correlated positively with serum triglycerides, insulin or HOMA. MFR correlated negatively with these factors in non-obese Panx1-400C but not in Panx1-400A individuals. Here, we demonstrated that Panx1-400C SNP predisposes to BMI-dependent endothelial dysfunction in non-obese subjects. This effect may be masked by excessive dysregulation of metabolic factors in obese individuals.
Using Light for Therapy of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Authors: Vasilev Alex , Sofi Roba , Rahman Ruman , Smith Stuart J. , Teschemacher Anja G. , Kasparov Sergey
Published: January 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant form of primary brain tumour with extremely poor prognosis. The current standard of care for newly diagnosed GBM includes maximal surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. The introduction of this protocol has improved overall survival, however recurrence is essentially inevitable. The key reason for that is that the surgical treatment fails to eradicate GBM cells completely, and adjacent parenchyma remains infiltrated by scattered GBM cells which become the source of recurrence. This stimulates interest to any supplementary methods which could help to destroy residual GBM cells and fight the infiltration. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) relies on photo-toxic effects induced by specific molecules (photosensitisers) upon absorption of photons from a light source. Such toxic effects are not specific to a particular molecular fingerprint of GBM, but rather depend on selective accumulation of the photosensitiser inside tumour cells or, perhaps their greater sensitivity to the effects, triggered by light. This gives hope that it might be possible to preferentially damage infiltrating GBM cells within the areas which cannot be surgically removed and further improve the chances of survival if an efficient photosensitiser and hardware for light delivery into the brain tissue are developed. So far, clinical trials with PDT were performed with one specific type of photosensitiser, protoporphyrin IX, which tends to accumulate in the cytoplasm of the GBM cells. In this review we discuss the idea that other types of molecules which build up in mitochondria could be explored as photosensitisers and used for PDT of these aggressive brain tumours.
Treatment with Beta-Blockers and ACE-Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Trastuzumab-Based Therapy and Developing Mild Cardiac Toxicity: A Prospective Study
Authors: Geuna Elena , Lombardi Pasquale , Martinello Rossella , Garino Davide , Bonzano Alessandro , Galizia Danilo , Nuzzo Annamaria , Berchialla Paola , Becco Paolo , Mangioni Monica , De Zarlo Lorena , Montemurro Filippo
Published: January 2020

Background: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and beta-blockers (BB) are suggested to prevent and treat trastuzumab-related cardiac toxicity. We performed a prospective clinical trial in women experiencing mild cardiac toxicity (MCT) while on adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab. Methods: MCT was defined as an asymptomatic absolute decrease in LVEF of ≥ 10 percentage units to >50%. Treatment consisted of enalapril 2.5 mg bid and carvedilol 3.75 mg bid, which were up-titrated to 10 mg bid for the enalapril and 6.25 mg bid of carvedilol. In patients receiving study drug, the primary study end-point was LVEF recovery, which was defined as a post-trastuzumab LVEF returning to no less than −5 percentage points of the baseline value. Results: 103 patients were enrolled, 100 started trastuzumab, and 98 completed the planned treatment. Sixteen patients (16%) had MCT and received study drugs until trastuzumab completion. None of these patients achieved a post-trastuzumab LVEF recovery. Nevertheless, treated patients had significantly higher median LVEF recovery from nadir to post-trastuzumab LVEF in (8% points vs. 4% points, respectively, p = 0.004), resulting in no difference in post-treatment LVEF values compared to patients without MCT. Conclusion: Treatment of MCT with ACEis and BB allows faster LVEF recovery from nadir values and should be further studied in this setting.
Polyglutamine-Expanded Androgen Receptor Alteration of Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis and Myonuclear Aggregation Are Affected by Sex, Age and Muscle Metabolism
Authors: Chivet Mathilde , Marchioretti Caterina , Pirazzini Marco , Piol Diana , Scaramuzzino Chiara , Polanco Maria Josè , Romanello Vanina , Zuccaro Emanuela , Parodi Sara , D’Antonio Maurizio , Rinaldi Carlo , Sambataro Fabio , Pegoraro Elena , Soraru Gianni , Pandey Udai Bhan , Sandri Marco , Basso Manuela , Pennuto Maria
Published: January 2020

Polyglutamine (polyQ) expansions in the androgen receptor (AR) gene cause spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a neuromuscular disease characterized by lower motor neuron (MN) loss and skeletal muscle atrophy, with an unknown mechanism. We generated new mouse models of SBMA for constitutive and inducible expression of mutant AR and performed biochemical, histological and functional analyses of phenotype. We show that polyQ-expanded AR causes motor dysfunction, premature death, IIb-to-IIa/IIx fiber-type change, glycolytic-to-oxidative fiber-type switching, upregulation of atrogenes and autophagy genes and mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle, together with signs of muscle denervation at late stage of disease. PolyQ expansions in the AR resulted in nuclear enrichment. Within the nucleus, mutant AR formed 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-resistant aggregates and inclusion bodies in myofibers, but not spinal cord and brainstem, in a process exacerbated by age and sex. Finally, we found that two-week induction of expression of polyQ-expanded AR in adult mice was sufficient to cause premature death, body weight loss and muscle atrophy, but not aggregation, metabolic alterations, motor coordination and fiber-type switch, indicating that expression of the disease protein in the adulthood is sufficient to recapitulate several, but not all SBMA manifestations in mice. These results imply that chronic expression of polyQ-expanded AR, i.e. during development and prepuberty, is key to induce the full SBMA muscle pathology observed in patients. Our data support a model whereby chronic expression of polyQ-expanded AR triggers muscle atrophy through toxic (neomorphic) gain of function mechanisms distinct from normal (hypermorphic) gain of function mechanisms.
Computational Detection of Breast Cancer Invasiveness with DNA Methylation Biomarkers
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Zhao Ning , Yuan Linlin , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: January 2020

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy. It has high mortality, primarily due to metastasis and recurrence. Patients with invasive and noninvasive breast cancer require different treatments, so there is an urgent need for predictive tools to guide clinical decision making and avoid overtreatment of noninvasive breast cancer and undertreatment of invasive cases. Here, we divided the sample set based on the genome-wide methylation distance to make full use of metastatic cancer data. Specifically, we implemented two differential methylation analysis methods to identify specific CpG sites. After effective dimensionality reduction, we constructed a methylation-based classifier using the Random Forest algorithm to categorize the primary breast cancer. We took advantage of breast cancer (BRCA) HM450 DNA methylation data and accompanying clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to validate the performance of the classifier. Overall, this study demonstrates DNA methylation as a potential biomarker to predict breast tumor invasiveness and as a possible parameter that could be included in the studies aiming to predict breast cancer aggressiveness. However, more comparative studies are needed to assess its usability in the clinic. Towards this, we developed a website based on these algorithms to facilitate its use in studies and predictions of breast cancer invasiveness.
Interleukin-6 Derived from the Central Nervous System May Influence the Pathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in a Cell-Dependent Manner
Authors: Sanchis Paula , Fernández-Gayol Olaya , Comes Gemma , Escrig Anna , Giralt Mercedes , Palmiter Richard D. , Hidalgo Juan
Published: January 2020

Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic and multifunctional cytokine that plays a critical role in induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although EAE has always been considered a peripherally elicited disease, Il6 expression exclusively within central nervous system is sufficient to induce EAE development. Neurons, astrocytes, and microglia can secrete and respond to IL-6. Methods: To dissect the relevance of each cell source for establishing EAE, we generated and immunized conditional Il6 knockout mice for each of these cell types with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 (MOG35-55) peptide dissolved in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and supplemented with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results and conclusions: The combined results reveal a minor role for Il6 expression in both astrocytes and microglia for symptomatology and neuropathology of EAE, whereas neuronal Il6 expression was not relevant for the variables analyzed.