bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPAYA PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS V SD NEGERI 021 MUARA LANGSAT MELALUI PENGGUNAAN METODE DEMONSTRASI DAN ALAT PERAGA
Authors: Warsinah Warsinah
Published: March 2019

Research on efforts to improve the learning outcomes of mathematics students class V SDN 021 Muara Langsat through the use of demonstration methods and props held in the even semester 2014/2015 with the aim to know the improvement of student learning outcomes through demonstrations and props on subjects mathematics class V SDN 021 Muara Langsat. The data collected in this research is teacher activity data and student activity data in two cycles. Each cycle has four stages: planning, action execution, observation and reflection. The subjects of this study are students of grade V SDN 021 Estuary Langsat which amounted to 19 students consisting of 10 men and 9 women. This study was conducted on the basic competence to describe the nature of the wake flat. The results obtained from this research is the use of demonstration methods and props can improve student learning outcomes.
Technology, Form and Power: The Example of Stereoscopy
Authors: Schröter Jens
Published: March 2019

In re-reading a famous essay by Sir Oliver Wendell Holmes from 1859, it can be shown, that basic ideas of Bruno Latour are already formulated herer - especially concerning the crucial role of the notion of form.
“Through a glass, darkly”: The metaphor of the lens in public discussions about the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Authors: Struch Joanne Lynn
Published: March 2019

Even before it has opened its doors, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) has been a topic of discussion, controversy and debate among scholars and in the media. What human rights issues should be included in the museum and how these should be represented have become fodder for public discussion and media criticism. This paper discusses some of the recent scholarship about ideas-based museums in conjunction with theories of the rhetoric of human rights in order to provide a context for a close reading of the use of the metaphor of the lens in the public debate about the CHMR. The paper suggests that the use of the lens metaphor is part of the “spectacular rhetoric” of human rights that, as argued by Wendy Hesford in Spectacular Rhetorics, “activates certain cultural and national narratives and social and political relations” (9). As such this metaphor is a restricted one that “defines the parameters of the public's engagement with key human rights issues” (Hesford 10). ReferencesHesford, Wendy. Spectacular Rhetorics: Human Rights Visions, Recognitions, Feminisims. Durham: Duke University Press, 2011. Print.
Taking Vimy Ridge: Jane Urquhart's The Stone Carvers and Canada as "Warrior Nation"
Authors: Wyile Herb
Published: March 2019

This article revisits Jane Urquhart's 2001 novel The Stone Carvers in light of the Conservative Party of Canada's reframing of national identity, particularly its emphasis on Canada's military and its privileging of Vimy Ridge as a hallowed site of national identity formation. Rereading The Stone Carvers in light of a number of aspects of the Conservative Party's rebranding of Canadian identity, including the prospective building of a companion memorial to the Vimy Memorial that figures so prominently in The Stone Carvers, the article offers a reassessment of Urquhart's portrayal of the battle of Vimy Ridge and of the Vimy Memorial and its architect, Walter Allward.
On Reading and Writing: an Interview with Larissa Lai
Authors: Lai Larissa , Villegas-López Sonia
Published: March 2019

Cultural activist, author and Creative Writing Professor Larissa Lai is interviewed by Spanish critic Sonia Villegas López.
Poems by jam ismail
Authors: Ismail Jam
Published: March 2019

poems
[ [Inside/Out] ]
Authors: Vernon Karina
Published: March 2019

Creative Writing
Poems
Authors: Wang Phoebe
Published: March 2019

PSA and Visiting Relatives
Influence of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles on Germination and Plant Metabolism of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.): Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Marchiol Luca , Filippi Antonio , Adamiano Alessio , Degli Esposti Lorenzo , Iafisco Michele , Mattiello Alessandro , Petrussa Elisa , Braidot Enrico
Published: March 2019

The Nutrient Use Efficiency in intensive agriculture is lower than 50% for macronutrients. This feature results in unsustainable financial and environmental costs. Nanofertilizers are a promising application of nanotechnology in agriculture. The use of nanofertilizers in an efficient and safe manner calls for knowledge about the actual effects of nanoproducts on the plant metabolism and eventually on the carrier release kinetics and nutrient accumulation. Hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) nanoparticles (nHA) have an interesting potential to be used as nanofertilizers. In this study, the effects of different nHA solutions stabilized with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were evaluated on germination, seedling growth, and metabolism of Solanum lycopersicum L., used as model species. Our observations showed that the percentage germination of S. lycopersicum is not influenced by increasing concentrations of nHa, while root elongation is strongly stimulated. Tomato plants grown in hydroponics in the presence of nHA have not suffered phytotoxic effects. We conclude that nHA had nontoxic effects on our model plant and therefore it could be used both as a P supplier and carrier of other elements and molecules.
The Potential Role of Insects as Feed: A Multi-Perspective Review
Authors: Sogari Giovanni , Amato Mario , Biasato Ilaria , Chiesa Silvana , Gasco Laura
Published: March 2019

Recently, insects have received increased attention as an important source of sustainable raw materials for animal feed, especially in fish, poultry, and swine. In particular, the most promising species are represented by the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI), the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM), and the common house fly (Musca domestica, MD). Although rapid development is expected, insects remain underutilized in the animal feed industry mainly due to technical, financial, and regulatory barriers. In addition, few works have analyzed consumer and stakeholder points of view towards the use of insects as animal feed. In this article, we summarize the main findings of this body of research and provide a discussion of consumer studies regarding the consumption of animals fed with insects. Our review suggests that consumer acceptance will not be a barrier towards the development of this novel protein industry. Furthermore, we conclude that it will be of interest to understand whether the use of this more sustainable feed source might increase consumer willingness to pay for animal products fed with insects and whether the overall acceptability, from a sensory point of view, will be perceived better than conventional products. Finally, the main challenges of the feed farming industry are addressed.
A Novel Method of Assessing Floor Friction in Cowsheds and Its Association with Cow Health
Authors: Sharma Arvind , Kennedy Uttara , Phillips Clive
Published: March 2019

Measurement of friction of cowshed floors to determine slipperiness potential is important for cow comfort. Existing methods require elaborate equipment and procedures. A quick method for assessment of friction characteristics is proposed. Friction was measured in 54 cattle housing and yard facilities with earth, brick, concrete, and stone floors, and its association with cattle health parameters was investigated through assessment of 30 animals per facility. A 156 g cuboidal wooden block attached to a spring balance was pulled over 3 m, and the coefficient of friction was recorded as the force required to move the block at a constant speed. The coefficient of friction ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 and was lowest for concrete and highest for earth floors. A multivariate analysis found that cows were standing more and could be more easily approached when they were on floors with high friction levels. The proportion of cows with dirty hind limbs declined with increasing friction of the floor, probably reflecting the fact that they felt more confident to stand rather than lie on high friction floors. This simple measure of frictional characteristics of cattle floors offers promise to be included in welfare measures as an indicator of cow welfare.
Suppression of Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration by Quercetin via the AP-1 Pathway in Rats
Authors: Koyama Yasurou , Kaidzu Sachiko , Kim Yong-Chul , Matsuoka Yotaro , Ishihara Tomoe , Ohira Akihiro , Tanito Masaki
Published: March 2019

We examined the cytoprotective effect of quercetin via activator protein (AP-1) and the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) pathway against light-induced retinal degeneration in rats. Quercetin was administered intraperitoneally to Sprague-Dawley rats for seven days before light exposure to intense white fluorescent light (3000 lux) for 24 h. Light-induced retinal damage was determined by the number of rows of photoreceptor cell nuclei, the microstructures of the rod outer segments and retinal pigment epithelium, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated 2′-Deoxyuridine-5′-triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling. To elucidate the cytoprotective mechanism of quercetin, expression levels were measured in the rat retinas of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative stress; Hsp70; and transcription factor AP-1 transcription activity. Pretreatment with quercetin inhibited light-induced photoreceptor cellular apoptosis and subsequent retinal degeneration in rats. 8-OHdG and Hsp70 protein expressions were up-regulated markedly by light exposure and suppressed by quercetin pretreatment. The results of an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that AP-1-binding activity was activated by light exposure, and binding of c-Fos and c-Jun, but not JunB, mediated the binding activity. Intraperitoneal administration of quercetin decreases photooxidative damage in the retina and mediates cytoprotection against light-induced photoreceptor cell degeneration in rats. Suppression of the heterodimeric combination of c-Jun and c-Fos proteins at the AP-1 binding site is highly involved in quercetin-mediated cytoprotection.
From the Hands of an Early Adopter’s Avatar to Virtual Junkyards: Analysis of Virtual Goods’ Lifetime Survival
Authors: Bortko Kamil , Pazura Patryk , Hamari Juho , Bartków Piotr , Jankowski Jarosław
Published: March 2019

One of the major questions in the study of economics, logistics, and business forecasting is the measurement and prediction of value creation, distribution, and lifetime in the form of goods. In ”real” economies, a perfect model for the circulation of goods is impossible. However, virtual realities and economies pose a new frontier for the broad study of economics, since every good and transaction can be accurately tracked. Therefore, models that predict goods’ circulation can be tested and confirmed before their introduction to ”real life” and other scenarios. The present study is focused on the characteristics of early-stage adopters for virtual goods, and how they predict the lifespan of the goods. We employ machine learning and decision trees as the basis of our prediction models. Results provide evidence that the prediction of the lifespan of virtual objects is possible based just on data from early holders of those objects. Overall, communication and social activity are the main drivers for the effective propagation of virtual goods, and they are the most expected characteristics of early adopters.
Feasibility Investigation of SIW Cavity-Backed Patch Antenna Array for Ku Band Applications
Authors: Losito Onofrio , Portosi Vincenza , Venanzoni Giuseppe , Bigelli Francesco , Mencarelli Davide , Scalmati Paolo , Renghini Chiara , Carta Pasquale , Prudenzano Francesco
Published: March 2019

A cavity-backed microstrip patch antenna array was optimized in the Ku band. The backing cavity was designed under each patch antenna of the array in order to increase the bandwidth and minimize the intercoupling among the radiating elements. Substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology was employed to fabricate the above-mentioned cavity below the radiating patch. More precisely, four microstrip array antennas, made by 2 × 2, 4 × 4, 8 × 8, and 16 × 16 elements were designed, fabricated, and characterized. The measured maximum gain was G = 13 dBi, G = 18.7 dBi, G = 23.8 dBi, and G = 29.2 dBi, respectively. The performance of the proposed antenna arrays was evaluated in terms of radiation pattern and bandwidth. An extensive feasibility investigation was performed even from the point of different materials/costs in order to state the potential of the engineered antennas in actual applications. The obtained results indicate that a cavity-backed microstrip patch antenna is a feasible solution for broadband digital radio and other satellite communication overall for niche applications.
The Impact of Temperature on the Removal of Inorganic Contaminants Typical of Urban Stormwater
Authors: Fronczyk Joanna , Mumford Kathryn A.
Published: March 2019

Appropriate management of urban stormwater requires consideration of both water quantity, resulting from flood control requirements, and water quality, being a consequence of contaminant distribution via runoff water. This article focuses on the impact of temperature on the efficiency of stormwater treatment processes in permeable infiltration systems. Studies of the removal capacity of activated carbon, diatomite, halloysite, limestone sand and zeolite for select heavy metals (Cu and Zn) and biogenes (NH4-N and PO4-P) were performed in batch conditions at 3, 6, 10, 15, 22, 30 and 40 °C at low initial concentrations, and maximum sorption capacities determined at 3, 10, 22 and 40 °C. A decrease in temperature to 3 °C reduced the maximum sorption capacities (Qmax) of the applied materials in the range of 10% for diatomite uptake of PO4-P, to 46% for halloysite uptake of Cu. Only the value of Qmax for halloysite, limestone sand and diatomite for NH4-N uptake decreased slightly with temperature increase. A positive correlation was also observed for the equilibrium sorption (Qe) of Cu and Zn for analyses performed at low concentrations (with the exception of Zn sorption on limestone sand). In turn, for biogenes a rising trend was observed only in the range of 3 °C to 22 °C, whereas further temperature increase caused a decrease of Qe. Temperature had the largest influence on the removal of copper and the smallest on the removal of phosphates. It was also observed that the impact of temperature on the process of phosphate removal on all materials and ammonium ions on all materials, with the exception of zeolite, was negligible.
The Detection of Long-Chain Bio-Markers Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Anderson Mark S.
Published: March 2019

The detection of long-chain biomolecules on mineral surfaces is presented using an atomic force microscope (AFM). This is achieved by using the AFM’s ability to manipulate molecules and measure forces at the pico-newton scale. We show that a highly characteristic force-distance signal is produced when the AFM tip is used to detach long-chain molecules from a surface. This AFM force spectroscopy method is demonstrated on bio-films, spores, fossils and mineral surfaces. The method works with AFM imaging and correlated tip enhanced infrared spectroscopy. The use of AFM force spectroscopy to detect this class of long chain bio-markers has applications in paleontology, life detection and planetary science.
One-Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Immediately Loaded Short Implants Placed in the Lower Posterior Single Molar Using a Complete Digital Workflow
Authors: Baek Yeon-Wha , Lim Young-Jun , Lee Jungwon , Koo Ki-Tae , Kim Myung-Joo , Kwon Ho-Beom
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate immediately loaded single implants with varying lengths in the posterior mandible using a fully digital, model-free prosthetic-driven implant planning pathway, and to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of short and long implants. The 52 patients with the single tooth missing in the posterior molar regions of the mandible were randomly assigned to the control (CMI IS-III active® long implant; 5.0 × 10 mm) and experimental (CMI IS-III active® short implant; 5.5 × 6.6, 7.3, 8.5 mm) groups. For each patient, a single implant was placed using the computer aided surgical template and all prostheses were fabricated by means of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system on the virtual model. The patients received provisional and definitive monolithic zirconia prostheses at 1 week and 12 weeks after implant surgery, respectively. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) measurements and periapical radiographs were taken and peri-implant parameters were evaluated at 1, 3, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks after surgery. Nineteen long implants and 27 short implants were finally used for the statistical analysis. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of insertion torque, ISQ values (except 3 weeks), marginal bone loss, and peri-implant soft tissue parameters (p > 0.05). Both groups exhibited no stability dip during the early phase of healing. The average marginal bone loss from the baseline of implant placement for the control and experimental groups was −0.07 and 0.03 mm after 12 weeks and 0.06 and 0.05 mm after 48 weeks. All of the soft tissue parameters were within normal limits. Within the limits of the short term follow up, immediate loading of short single implants can be considered as one of predictable treatment modality in mandible with reduced bone height when primary stability can be achieved.
Fastest Thickness Measurements with a Terahertz Time-Domain System Based on Electronically Controlled Optical Sampling
Authors: Yahyapour Milad , Jahn Angelika , Dutzi Katja , Puppe Thomas , Leisching Patrick , Schmauss Bernhard , Vieweg Nico , Deninger Anselm
Published: March 2019

We apply a fast terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) system based on electronically controlled optical sampling (ECOPS) to contact-free thickness gauging. Our setup achieves a measurement speed of 1600 terahertz pulse traces per second, which—to our knowledge—represents the fastest thickness measurement performed with any terahertz system to-date. Using a silicon wafer as a test sample, we compare data of the ECOPS experiment to results obtained with a conventional terahertz TDS system and a mechanical micrometer gauge. We show that all systems provide consistent results within the measurement accuracy. Moreover, we perform thickness measurements of a rapidly moving sample and characterize the ECOPS setup with respect to time-domain dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and spectral properties.
Prediction of Viscosity Values of Nanofluids at Different pH Values by Alternating Decision Tree and Multilayer Perceptron Methods
Authors: Demirpolat Ahmet Beyzade , Das Mehmet
Published: March 2019

Due to the poor thermal properties of conventional thermal fluids such as water, oil and ethylene glycol, small solid particles are added to these fluids to enhance heat transfer. Since the viscosity change determines the rheological behavior of a liquid, it is very important to examine the parameters affecting the viscosity. Since the experimental viscosity measurement is expensive and time-consuming, it is more practical to estimate this parameter. In this study, CuO (copper oxide) nanoparticles were produced and then Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images analyses of the produced particles were made. Nanofluids were obtained by using pure water, ethanol and ethylene glycol materials together with the produced nanoparticles and the viscosity values were calculated by experimental setups at different density and temperatures. For the viscosity values of nanofluids, predictive models were created by using different computational intelligence methods. Mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) error analyses were used to determine the accuracy of the predictive models. The multilayer perceptron method, which has the least error value in computational methods, was chosen as the best predicting method. The multilayer perceptron method, with an average accuracy of 51%, performed better than the alternating decision tree method. As a result, the viscosity increased with the increase in the pH of the nanofluids produced by adding CuO nanoparticles and decreased with the increase in the temperature of the nanofluids. The importance of this study is to create a predictive model using computational intelligence methods for viscosity values calculated with different pH values.
Alopecia Totalis Treated with 1064 nm Picosecond Nd:YAG Laser: A Case Report
Authors: Juang Shiow-Jen , Tsai Tsung-Hua , Wang Shu-Hui , Chi Ching-Chi
Published: March 2019

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder causing nonscarring hair loss. Alopecia totalis (AT), the severe form of AA, is usually refractory to many first-line treatments including topical and intralesional corticosteroids and topical immunotherapy. Systemic corticosteroids, ultraviolet light phototherapy, and immunosuppressants may be effective but can cause side effects and high recurrence rates after discontinuing treatment. Janus kinase inhibitors and numerous types of lasers, such as 308 nm excimer laser or light, low-level laser therapy, and fractional lasers have been explored for alternative treatment of AA over the past few years with beneficial effects. Herein, we presented a case of AT treated with the novel 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser (ps-Nd:YAG) (Cutera, Brisbane, CA, USA) under a split-scalp study. A 25-year-old woman presenting with AT for two years was treated with topical and intralesional steroid and the 1064 nm Nd-YAG picosecond laser on the right half of the scalp. The laser treatment interval was once a month. The left half of the scalp was treated with topical and intralesional steroids alone. After treatment for six times, the right half of the scalp had greater improvement than the left half of the scalp. 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser therapy may be an effective alternative adjuvant treatment for AT.
Special Issue on Smart Environments and Healthcare
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Subhas C. , Postolache Octavian , Kumar Suryadevara Nagender
Published: March 2019

Smart environments are the fragmentations of smart cities under the topic of the Internet of Things [...]
In Situ Hyperspectral Raman Imaging: A New Method to Investigate Sintering Processes of Ceramic Material at High-temperature
Authors: Hauke Kerstin , Kehren Johannes , Böhme Nadine , Zimmer Sinje , Geisler Thorsten
Published: March 2019

In the last decades, Raman spectroscopy has become an important tool to identify and investigate minerals, gases, glasses, and organic material at room temperature. In combination with high-temperature and high-pressure devices, however, the in situ investigation of mineral transformation reactions and their kinetics is nowadays also possible. Here, we present a novel approach to in situ studies for the sintering process of silicate ceramics by hyperspectral Raman imaging. This imaging technique allows studying high-temperature solid-solid and/or solid-melt reactions spatially and temporally resolved, and opens up new avenues to study and visualize high-temperature sintering processes in multi-component systems. After describing in detail the methodology, the results of three application examples are presented and discussed. These experiments demonstrate the power of hyperspectral Raman imaging for in situ studies of the mechanism(s) of solid-solid or solid-melt reactions at high-temperature with a micrometer-scale resolution as well as to gain kinetic information from the temperature- and time-dependent growth and breakdown of minerals during isothermal or isochronal sintering.
Life Cycle Assessment for the Production Phase of Nano-Silica-Modified Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Sackey Solomon , Lee Dong-Eun , Kim Byung-Soo
Published: March 2019

To combat the rutting effect and other distresses in asphalt concrete pavement, certain modifiers and additives have been developed to modify the asphalt mixture to improve its performance. Although few additives exist, nanomaterials have recently attracted significant attention from the pavement industry. Several experimental studies have shown that the use of nanomaterials to modify asphalt binder results in an improved oxidative aging property, increased resistance to the rutting effect, and improves the rheological properties of the asphalt mixture. However, despite the numerous benefits of using nanomaterials in asphalt binders and materials, there are various uncertainties regarding the environmental impacts of nano-modified asphalt mixtures (NMAM). Therefore, this study assessed a Nano-Silica-Modified Asphalt Mixtures in terms of materials production emissions through the Life Cycle Assessment methodology (LCA), and the results were compared to a conventional asphalt mixture to understand the impact contribution of nano-silica in asphalt mixtures. To be able to compare the relative significance of each impact category, the normalized score for each impact category was calculated using the impact scores and the normalization factors. The results showed that NMAM had a global warming potential of 7.44563 × 103 kg CO2-Eq per functional unit (FU) compared to 7.41900 × 103 kg CO2-Eq per functional unit of the conventional asphalt mixture. The application of LCA to NMAM has the potential to guide decision-makers on the selection of pavement modification additives to realize the benefits of using nanomaterials in pavements while avoiding potential environmental risks.
Immunohistochemical Expression of ABCB5 as a Potential Prognostic Factor in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Broggi Giuseppe , Musumeci Giuseppe , Puzzo Lidia , Russo Andrea , Reibaldi Michele , Ragusa Marco , Longo Antonio , Caltabiano Rosario
Published: March 2019

Uveal melanoma represents the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults; it may arise in any part of the uveal tract, with choroid and ciliary bodies being the most frequent sites of disease. In the present paper we studied ABCB5 expression levels in patients affected by uveal melanoma, both with and without metastasis, in order to evaluate if ABCB5 is associated with a higher risk of metastatic disease and can be used as a poor prognostic factor in uveal melanoma. The target population consisted of 23 patients affected by uveal melanoma with metastasis and 32 without metastatic disease. A high expression of ABCB5 was seen in patients with metastasis (14/23, 60.9%), compared to that observed in patients without metastasis (13/32, 40.6%). In conclusion, we found that ABCB5 expression levels were correlated with faster metastatic progression and poorer prognosis, indicating their role as a prognostic factor in uveal melanoma.
Research on Control Parameters for Voltage Source Inverter Output Controllers of Micro-Grids Based on the Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Dong Runnan , Liu Shi , Liang Geng
Published: March 2019

Due to the strong intermittency of micro-resources, the poor grid-tied power quality, and the high generation-demand sensitivity in micro-grids, research into the control methods of micro-grid systems has always been a notable issue in the field of micro-grids. The inverter is the core control equipment at the primary control level of the micro-grid, and the key factors affecting its output performance can be divided into three categories: control methods, hardware configuration, and control parameter design. Taking the classical active and reactive power (P-Q) control structure and the three-phase, two-stage inverter topology model as an example, this paper designs a parameter for offline tuning, and an online self-tuning optimization method for an inverter control system based on the fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA). By simulating and comparing the inverter controllers with non-optimized parameters in the same object and environment, the designed parameter tuning method is verified. Specifically, it improves the dynamic response speed of the inverter controller, reduces the steady-state error and oscillation, and enhances the dynamic response performance of the controller.
Three-Dimensional Wide-Band Electromagnetic Forward Modelling Using Potential Technique
Authors: Bello Musa , Liu Jianxin , Guo Rongwen
Published: March 2019

The efficacy of Krylov subspace solvers is strongly dependent on the preconditioner applied to solve the large sparse linear systems of equation for electromagnetic problems. In this study, we present a three-dimensional (3-D) plane wave electromagnetic forward simulation over a broadband frequency range. The Maxwell’s equation is solved in a secondary formulation of the Lorentz gauge coupled-potential technique. A finite-volume scheme is employed for discretizing the system of equations on a structured rectilinear mesh. We employed a block incomplete lower-upper factorization (ILU) preconditioner that is suitable for our potential formulation to enhance the computing time and convergence of the systems of equation by comparing with other preconditioners. Furthermore, we observe their effect on the iterative solvers such as the quasi-minimum residual and bi-conjugate gradient stabilizer. Several applications were used to validate and test the effectiveness of our method. Our scheme shows good agreement with the analytical solution. Notably, from the marine hydrocarbon and the crustal model, the utilisation of the bi-conjugate gradient stabilizer with block ILU preconditioner is the most appropriate. Thus, our approach can be incorporated to optimize the inversion process.
A CNN Model for Human Parsing Based on Capacity Optimization
Authors: Jiang Yalong , Chi Zheru
Published: March 2019

Although a state-of-the-art performance has been achieved in pixel-specific tasks, such as saliency prediction and depth estimation, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) still perform unsatisfactorily in human parsing where semantic information of detailed regions needs to be perceived under the influences of variations in viewpoints, poses, and occlusions. In this paper, we propose to improve the robustness of human parsing modules by introducing a depth-estimation module. A novel scheme is proposed for the integration of a depth-estimation module and a human-parsing module. The robustness of the overall model is improved with the automatically obtained depth labels. As another major concern, the computational efficiency is also discussed. Our proposed human parsing module with 24 layers can achieve a similar performance as the baseline CNN model with over 100 layers. The number of parameters in the overall model is less than that in the baseline model. Furthermore, we propose to reduce the computational burden by replacing a conventional CNN layer with a stack of simplified sub-layers to further reduce the overall number of trainable parameters. Experimental results show that the integration of two modules contributes to the improvement of human parsing without additional human labeling. The proposed model outperforms the benchmark solutions and the capacity of our model is better matched to the complexity of the task.
Quadrupedal Robots Whole-Body Motion Control Based on Centroidal Momentum Dynamics
Authors: Liu Mingmin , Qu Daokui , Xu Fang , Zou Fengshan , Di Pei , Tang Chong
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate a method for quadruped dynamic locomotion based on centroidal momentum control. Our method relies on a quadratic program that solves an optimal control problem to track the reference rate of change of centroidal momentum as closely as possible while satisfying the dynamic, input, and contact constraints of the full quadruped robot dynamics. Given the desired footstep positions, the according reference rate of change of the centroidal momentum is formulated as a feedback control task derived from the CoM motions of a simplified model (linear inverted pendulum) based on Capture Point dynamics. The joint accelerations and the Ground Reaction Forces(GRFs) outputted from the quadratic program solver are used to calculate the desired joint torques using an inverse dynamics algorithm. The performance of the proposed method is tested in simulation and on real hardware.
Microwave Pretreatment and Enzymolysis Optimization of the Lotus Seed Protein
Authors: Gohi Bi Foua Claude Alain , Du Jinze , Zeng Hong-Yan , Cao Xiao-ju , Zou Kai min
Published: March 2019

Pretreatment with a microwave was conducted before enzymolysis and shown to enhance the enzymolysis, which changed the secondary structure of the lotus seed protein. Under high-power microwave irradiation, sub bonds of the protein were broken, causing disaggregation and unfolding of the secondary structure, namely a decrease in the intermolecular aggregate structure and increase in the random coil structure, making the protein bonds susceptible to papain in the enzymolysis. On the other hand, a response surface methodology (RSM) was launched to investigate the influence of the enzymolysis process variables on the DH (degree of hydrolysis). The statistical analysis revealed that the optimized conditions were a protein substrate concentration of 15 g/L, pH of 5.5, enzymolysis temperature of 57 °C, papain amount of 0.5 g/L, and enzymolysis time of 45 min, for which the predicted value of the DH was 35.64%. The results indicated that a microwave also had better potential for applications in the enzymolysis of foods.
QbD Based Media Development for the Production of Fab Fragments in E. coli
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Batra Jyoti , Komives Claire , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: March 2019

Ranibizumab is a biotherapeutic Fab fragment used for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and macular oedema. It is currently expressed in the gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli. However, low expression levels result in a high manufacturing cost. The protein expression can be increased by manipulating nutritional requirements (carbon source, nitrogen source, buffering agent), process parameters (pH, inducer concentration, agitation, temperature), and the genetic make-up of the producing strain. Further, understanding the impact of these factors on product quality is a requirement as per the principles of Quality by Design (QbD). In this paper, we examine the effect of various media components and process parameters on the expression level and quality of the biotherapeutic. First, risk analysis was performed to shortlist different media components based on the literature. Next, experiments were performed to screen these components. Eight components were identified for further investigation and were examined for their effect and interactions using a Fractional Factorial experimental design. Sucrose, biotin, and pantothenate were found to have the maximum effect during Fab production. Furthermore, cyanocobalamin glutathione and biotin-glutathione were the most significant interactions observed. Product identification was performed with Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), the expression level was quantified using Bio-layer Interferometry, Reverse Phase-HPLC, and SDS-PAGE, and product quality were measured by RP-HPLC. Overall, a five-fold enhancement of the target protein titer was obtained (from 5 mg/L to 25 mg/L) using the screened medium components vis-a-vis the basal medium, thereby demonstrating the efficacy of the systematic approach purported by QbD.
Antioxidant, Anti-Lung Cancer, and Anti-Bacterial Activities of Toxicodendron vernicifluum
Authors: Saravanakumar Kandasamy , Chelliah Ramachandran , Hu Xiaowen , Oh Deog-Hwan , Kathiresan Kandasamy , Wang Myeong-Hyeon
Published: March 2019

This work tested antioxidant, anti-lung cancer, and antibacterial activities by in vitro, in vivo, and computational experiments for the metabolites extracted from the bark, seed, and stem of Toxicodendron vernicifluum. The results showed that all the extracts significantly scavenged 1,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in a dose-dependent manner. But, the total phenol content (TPC) ranged from 2.12 to 89.25% and total flavonoids content (TFC) ranged from 1.02 to 15.62% in the extracts. The methanolic bark extract (MBE) exhibited higher DPPH scavenging activity than the other extracts, probably due to the higher content of the TPC and TFC present in it. Among the extracts, only the MBE showed anti-lung cancer activity at an acceptable level with a therapeutic index value (22.26) against human lung carcinoma. This was due to the cancer cell death in A549 induced by MBE through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and cell arrest in G1 phase and inhibition of anti-pro-apoptotic protein survivin. Among the extracts, MBE showed significantly higher antibacterial activity as evident through the higher zone of inhibition 13 ± 0.5 mm against methycilin resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Salmonila enteria subp. enterica, and P. aeruginosa, 11 ± 0.3 mm against E. coli and 10 ± 0.2 mm against B. cereus. The MBE also showed an excellent antibacterial activity with lower minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Particularly, the MBE showed more significant antibacterial activity in MRSA. The in vivo antibacterial activity of the MBE was further tested in C. elegans model. The treatment of the MRSA induced cell disruption, damage and increased mortality of C. elegans as compared to the untreated and MBE treated C. elegans with normal OP50 diet. Moreover, the MBE treatment enhanced the survival of the MRSA infected C. elegans. The compounds, such as 2,3,3-trimethyl-Octane and benzoic from the MBE, metabolized the novel bacterial topoisomerases inhibitor (NBTI) and MRSA related protein (PBP2a). Overall the T. vernicifluum is potentially bioactive as evident by antioxidant, anti-lung cancer, and antibacterial assays. Further studies were targeted on the purification of the novel compounds for the clinical evaluation.
Structural Stabilization of Human Transthyretin by Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Extract: Implications for TTR Amyloidosis
Authors: Eze Fredrick Nwude , Leelawatwattana Ladda , Prapunpoj Porntip
Published: March 2019

Transthyretin is responsible for a series of highly progressive, degenerative, debilitating, and incurable protein misfolding disorders known as transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis. Since dissociation of the homotetrameric protein to its monomers is crucial in its amyloidogenesis, stabilizing the native tetramer from dissociating using small-molecule ligands has proven a viable therapeutic strategy. The objective of this study was to determine the potential role of the medicinal herb Centella asiatica on human transthyretin (huTTR) amyloidogenesis. Thus, we investigated the stability of huTTR with or without a hydrophilic fraction of C. asiatica (CAB) against acid/urea-mediated denaturation. We also determined the influence of CAB on huTTR fibrillation using transmission electron microscopy. The potential binding interactions between CAB and huTTR was ascertained by nitroblue tetrazolium redox-cycling and 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid displacement assays. Additionally, the chemical profile of CAB was determined by liquid chromatography quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS). Our results strongly suggest that CAB bound to and preserved the quaternary structure of huTTR in vitro. CAB also prevented transthyretin fibrillation, although aggregate formation was unmitigated. These effects could be attributable to the presence of phenolics and terpenoids in CAB. Our findings suggest that C. asiatica contains pharmaceutically relevant bioactive compounds which could be exploited for therapeutic development against TTR amyloidosis.
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 as a Predictor of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability in Stable Coronary Heart Disease Patients with Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels
Authors: Ezhov Marat , Safarova Maya , Afanasieva Olga , Mitroshkin Maksim , Matchin Yuri , Pokrovsky Sergei
Published: March 2019

We sought to investigate whether levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors predict coronary atherosclerotic plaque instability, as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) virtual histology during coronary angiography. Blood samples were collected before angiography in 32 subjects (mean age 56 ± 8 years) with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) and elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a), 94 ± 35 mg/dL). Levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100), MMP-7, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-2 were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results. The morphology of a total of sixty coronary lesions was assessed by virtual histology IVUS imaging. Eleven (18%) plaques in nine (28%) patients were classified as plaques with an unstable phenotype or a thin-cap fibroatheroma. Age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apoB100, MMP-7, and MMP-9 levels were positively associated with necrotic core volume. Conversely, there was a negative relationship between MMP-7 and -9 levels and fibrous and fibro-fatty tissue volume. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that MMP-9 is a strong independent predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability in stable CHD patients. In stable CHD patients with elevated Lp(a), MMP-9 levels are positively associated with the size of the necrotic core of coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
Associations between Feminine Gender Norms and Cyber Dating Abuse in Female Adults
Authors: Villora Beatriz , Yubero Santiago , Navarro Raúl
Published: March 2019

Gender norms and the co-occurrence of perpetration and victimization behaviors have been examined as key factors of female dating violence in offline contexts. However, these relationships have not been analyzed in digital environments. This is why the present study had a twofold objective: (1) exploring the co-occurrence nature of cyber dating abuse by examining to what extent victimization and perpetration overlap; (2) examining the associations between conformity to feminine gender norms and cyber dating abuse among female adults who are perpetrators or victims. The sample study included 1041 female university students (mean age = 20.51) from central Spain. The results indicated that 35.8% of the sample reported being a victim and a perpetrator of cyber dating abuse at the same time. Indeed, the hierarchical regression analyses revealed a close association between perpetration and victimization behaviors in both the direct and control forms of abuse examined. Our analyses did not reveal any significant associations between conformity to female gender norms and perpetration or victimization for any cyber dating abuse form examined. Our results are discussed in the light of previous research and after considering limitations, practical implications and future research directions.
Targeting Receptor Kinases in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: García-Aranda Marilina , Redondo Maximino
Published: March 2019

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in men and the second most common cancer in women. Despite the success of screening programs and the development of adjuvant therapies, the global burden of colorectal cancer is expected to increase by 60% to more than 2.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths by 2030. In recent years, a great effort has been made to demonstrate the utility of protein kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. Considering this heterogeneous disease is defined by mutations that activate different Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) and affect downstream components of RTK-activated transduction pathways, in this review we analyze the potential utility of different kinase inhibitors for colorectal cancer treatment.
The Contributions of Prostate Cancer Stem Cells in Prostate Cancer Initiation and Metastasis
Authors: Mei Wenjuan , Lin Xiaozeng , Kapoor Anil , Gu Yan , Zhao Kuncheng , Tang Damu
Published: March 2019

Research in the last decade has clearly revealed a critical role of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) in prostate cancer (PC). Prostate stem cells (PSCs) reside in both basal and luminal layers, and are the target cells of oncogenic transformation, suggesting a role of PCSCs in PC initiation. Mutations in PTEN, TP53, and RB1 commonly occur in PC, particularly in metastasis and castration-resistant PC. The loss of PTEN together with Ras activation induces partial epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a major mechanism that confers plasticity to cancer stem cells (CSCs) and PCSCs, which contributes to metastasis. While PTEN inactivation leads to PC, it is not sufficient for metastasis, the loss of PTEN concurrently with the inactivation of both TP53 and RB1 empower lineage plasticity in PC cells, which substantially promotes PC metastasis and the conversion to PC adenocarcinoma to neuroendocrine PC (NEPC), demonstrating the essential function of TP53 and RB1 in the suppression of PCSCs. TP53 and RB1 suppress lineage plasticity through the inhibition of SOX2 expression. In this review, we will discuss the current evidence supporting a major role of PCSCs in PC initiation and metastasis, as well as the underlying mechanisms regulating PCSCs. These discussions will be developed along with the cancer stem cell (CSC) knowledge in other cancer types.
Butoxy Mansonone G Inhibits STAT3 and Akt Signaling Pathways in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Mahalapbutr Panupong , Wonganan Piyanuch , Chavasiri Warinthorn , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada
Published: March 2019

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the key molecular target for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to its major contribution to complex signaling cascades modulating the survival of cancer cells. Targeting EGFR-mediated signaling pathways has been proved as a potential strategy for NSCLC treatment. In the present study, mansonone G (MG), a naturally occurring quinone-containing compound, and its semi-synthetic ether derivatives were subjected to investigate the anticancer effects on human NSCLC cell lines expressing wild-type EGFR (A549) and mutant EGFR (H1975). In vitro cytotoxicity screening results demonstrated that butoxy MG (MG3) exhibits the potent cytotoxic effect on both A549 (IC50 of 8.54 μM) and H1975 (IC50 of 4.21 μM) NSCLC cell lines with low toxicity against PCS201-010 normal fibroblast cells (IC50 of 21.16 μM). Western blotting and flow cytometric analyses revealed that MG3 induces a caspase-dependent apoptosis mechanism through: (i) inhibition of p-STAT3 and p-Akt without affecting upstream p-EGFR and (ii) activation of p-Erk. The 500-ns molecular dynamics simulations and the molecular mechanics combined with generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA)-based binding free energy calculations suggested that MG3 could possibly interact with STAT3 SH2 domain and ATP-binding pocket of Akt. According to principal component analysis, the binding of MG3 toward STAT3 and Akt dramatically altered the conformation of proteins, especially the residues in the active site, stabilizing MG3 mainly through van der Waals interactions.