bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic Whatsapp Group: Exploring Students’ Experiences in Writing Class
Authors: Sari Fatimah Mulya , Putri Shely Nasya
Published: March 2020

The use of social-networking application such as WhatsApp in learning writing enables students to foster individual learning experiences during the class and after the class. WhatsApp itself has a special feature to create the specific group in order to bound the members and intimate the interaction among lecturer and students relating to the course matters. This current study generally explores the students’ perceptions in experiencing WhatsApp Group Chat in learning writing. This qualitative research was conducted in one of universities in Lampung province, Indonesia. The subjects were 28 second year undergraduate students who enrolled writing course. The data used were questionnaire, interview, and observations. The findings present the multitude of views that most students significantly showed positive result to use WhatsApp Group in their writing class. By experiencing WhatsApp Group Chat in their learning writing, the students admitted that it is user-friendly and easy to use because it can intensify the interaction with the other group members during the class and after the class, be effective in submitting the writing assignment by uploading the file in the group, get the lecturer’s feedback directly after submitting the writing assignment, and freely ask and share the writing materials. However, some students also revealed that there were some technical problems found when they used the WhatsApp Group Chat such as abundant chats, poor signal, and junks notification. Nevertheless, learning writing through these cross-platform instant messaging might broaden the student’s self-learning experiences.Keywords: Students’ experience, WhatsApp Group, writing class
English Proficiency of Students at Politeknik Negeri Balikpapan Based on TOEIC
Authors: Damayanti Lilik , Gafur Abdul
Published: March 2020

English language proficiency is generally measured by English competency scores such as TOEFL and TOEIC. To be able to apply the right learning patterns for students of Politeknik Negeri Balikpapan (Poltekba) for the purpose of mastering the TOEIC, an analysis of their English proficiency is needed by measuring their TOEIC scores. This analysis can be used as a reference for English lecturers in providing relevant learning materials according to the needs of the students and the industrial world. The research method used is qualitative-quantitative because it focuses on analyzing the TOEIC scores of the students. The researchers conducted analysis on the TOEIC scores as the data and explained them descriptively. The data used in this analysis are TOEIC scores from 291 students. The scores were mapped into 6 levels of English proficiency. The results of this study describe the level of English proficiency and the comparison between mastering Listening and Reading Comprehensions by the students at Politeknik Negeri Balikpapan.
A Humean Approach to the Boundaries of Morality
Authors: Collier Mark
Published: March 2020

Hume maintains that the boundaries of morality are widely drawn in everyday life. We routinely blame characters for traits that we find disgusting, on this account, as well as those which we perceive as being harmful. Contemporary moral psychology provides further evidence that human beings have a natural tendency to moralize traits that produce feelings of repugnance. But recent work also demonstrates a significant amount of individual variation in our sensitivities to disgust. We have sufficient reason to bracket this emotion, therefore, when adopting the general point of view: if we allow idiosyncratic affective responses to shape our fully considered moral judgments, we could no longer reasonably expect spectators with different sensitivities to agree with us.
Piezoelectric Actuators for Tactile and Elasticity Sensing
Authors: Toledo Javier , Ruiz-Díez Víctor , Hernando-García Jorge , Sánchez-Rojas José Luis
Published: March 2020

Piezoelectric actuators have achieved remarkable progress in many fields, being able to generate forces or displacements to perform scanning, tuning, manipulating, tactile sensing or delivering functions. In this work, two piezoelectric PZT (lead zirconate titanate) bimorph actuators, with different tip contact materials, were applied as tactile sensors to estimate the modulus of elasticity, or Young’s modulus, of low-stiffness materials. The actuators were chosen to work in resonance, taking advantage of a relatively low resonant frequency of the out-of-plane vibrational modes, associated with a convenient compliance, proven by optical and electrical characterization. Optical measurements performed with a scanning laser vibrometer confirmed that the displacement per applied voltage was around 437 nm/V for the resonator with the lower mass tip. In order to determine the modulus of elasticity of the sensed materials, the stiffness coefficient of the resonator was first calibrated against a force sensor, obtaining a value of 1565 ± 138 N/m. The actuators were mounted in a positioning stage to allow approximation and contact of the sensor tip with a set of target materials. Electrical measurements were performed using the resonator as part of an oscillator circuit, and the modulus of elasticity of the sample was derived from the contact resonant frequency curve of the cantilever–sample system. The resulting sensor is an effective, low-cost and non-destructive solution compared to atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Materials with different modulus of elasticity were tested and the results compared to values reported in the literature.
Employer Branding Implementation and Human Resource Management in Greek Telecommunication Industry
Authors: Kargas Antonios , Tsokos Alexios
Published: March 2020

Even though employer branding has its origins back to the 1990s, only after 2001 did it become a hot topic for human resource (HR) management. Ever since, a series of researchers and professionals have made an effort to understand how the image that job seekers have about employers is shaped and what benefits arise from this bilateral relationship. The Greek business environment delayed adoption of the most recently developed HR techniques, as a result of the economic crisis, and resulting decrease in working manpower, as well as budget reductions for HR. Only in the past few years have some of the leading companies in several business sectors started to implement employer branding as part of their corporate strategy. The current study aims to present how employer branding is actually under implementation in one of the most dynamic, national sectors—the telecommunication industry. Interviews in HR departments were conducted in order to collect (a) qualitative information regarding how employer branding is perceived and what results are expected from its implementation, as well as (b) quantitative data regarding its usefulness on attracting and choosing candidates, as well as evaluating existing employees. Results indicate that even though employer branding implementation is still an ongoing procedure, it has already started to transform HR departments’ operational logic.
Cloning and Expression Analysis of Two Kdm Lysine Demethylases in the Testes of Mature Yaks and Their Sterile Hybrids
Authors: Shen Zhenhua , Huang Lin , Jin Suyu , Zheng Yucai
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism for male sterility of yak hybrids based on two demethylases. Total RNA was extracted from the testes of adult yaks (n = 10) and yak hybrids (cattle–yaks, n = 10). The coding sequences (CDS) of two lysine demethylases (KDMs), KDM1A and KDM4B, were cloned by RT-PCR. The levels of KDM1A and KDM4B in yaks and cattle–yaks testes were detected using Real-time PCR and Western blotting for mRNA and protein, respectively. In addition, the histone methylation modifications of H3K36me3 and H3K27me3 were compared between testes of yaks and cattle–yaks using ELISA. The CDS of KDM1A and KDM4B were obtained from yak testes. The results showed that the CDS of KDM1A exhibited two variants: variant 1 has a CDS of 2622 bp, encoding 873 amino acids, while variant 2 has a CDS of 2562 bp, encoding 853 amino acids. The CDS of the KDM4B gene was 3351 bp in length, encoding 1116 amino acids. The mRNA and protein expression of KDM1A and KDM4B, as well as the level of H3K36me3, were dramatically decreased in the testes of cattle–yaks compared with yaks. The present results suggest that the male sterility of cattle–yaks might be associated with reduced histone methylation modifications.
Pexiganan in Combination with Nisin to Control Polymicrobial Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Gomes Diana , Santos Raquel , S. Soares Rui , Reis Solange , Carvalho Sandra , Rego Pedro , C. Peleteiro Maria , Tavares Luís , Oliveira Manuela
Published: March 2020

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are major complications of Diabetes mellitus being responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. DFUs frequently become chronically infected by a complex community of bacteria, including multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diabetic foot infections (DFI) are often recalcitrant to conventional antibiotics and alternative treatment strategies are urgently needed. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs), such as pexiganan and nisin, have been increasingly investigated and reported as effective antimicrobial agents. Here, we evaluated the antibacterial potential of pexiganan and nisin used in combination (dual-AMP) to control the growth of planktonic and biofilm co-cultures of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa clinical strains, co-isolated from a DFU. A DFU collagen three-dimensional (3D) model was used to evaluate the distribution and efficacy of AMPs locally delivered into the model. The concentration of pexiganan required to inhibit and eradicate both planktonic and biofilm-based bacterial cells was substantially reduced when used in combination with nisin. Moreover, incorporation of both AMPs in a guar gum delivery system (dual-AMP biogel) did not affect the dual-AMP antimicrobial activity. Importantly, the application of the dual-AMP biogel resulted in the eradication of the S. aureus strain from the model. In conclusion, data suggest that the local application of the dual-AMPs biogel constitutes a potential complementary therapy for the treatment of infected DFU.
Tissue Specificity in Social Context-Dependent lysozyme Expression in Bumblebees
Authors: Lattorff H. Michael G.
Published: March 2020

Group living at high densities may result in the enhanced transmission of pathogens. Social insects are obligate group-living species, which often also exhibit high relatedness and frequent social interactions amongst individuals, resulting in a high risk of disease spread. Social species seem to exhibit immune systems that provide colonies of social insects with a certain level of flexibility for adjustment of immune activity according to the risk of disease spread. In bumblebees, Bombus terrestris, it was demonstrated that in group-kept individuals, immune component activity and immune gene expression is increased, potentially as a prophylactic adaptation. Here, I tested whether social environment influences the gene expression pattern of two lysozyme genes, which are components of the antimicrobial response of the bumblebee. In addition, I tested gene expression activation in different tissues (gut, fat body). The analysis revealed that the gene, the density of individuals, the tissue, and the interaction of the latter are the main factors that influence the expression of lysozyme genes. This is the first report of a tissue-specific response towards the social environment. This has implications for gene regulation, which must be responsive to social context-dependent information.
Phenolic Constitution, Phytochemical and Macronutrient Content in Three Species of Microgreens as Modulated by Natural Fiber and Synthetic Substrates
Authors: Kyriacou Marios C. , El-Nakhel Christophe , Pannico Antonio , Graziani Giulia , Soteriou Georgios A. , Giordano Maria , Palladino Mario , Ritieni Alberto , De Pascale Stefania , Rouphael Youssef
Published: March 2020

The present study examined the modulatory effects of natural fiber substrates (agave fiber, coconut fiber and peat moss) and synthetic alternatives (capillary mat and cellulose sponge) on the nutritive and phytochemical composition of select microgreens species (coriander, kohlrabi and pak choi) grown in a controlled environment. Polyphenols were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS, major carotenoids by HPLC-DAD, and macro-minerals by ion chromatography. Microgreens grown on peat moss had outstanding fresh and dry yield but low dry matter content. Natural fiber substrates increased nitrate and overall macro-mineral concentrations in microgreens compared to synthetic substrates. The concentrations of chlorophylls, carotenoids and ascorbate were influenced primarily by species. On the contrary, variability in polyphenols content was wider between substrates than species. Out of twenty phenolic compounds identified, chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside were most abundant. Hydroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives accounted for 49.8% of mean phenolic content across species, flavonol glycosides for 48.4% and flavone glycosides for 1.8%. Peat moss provided optimal physicochemical conditions that enhanced microgreens growth rate and biomass production at the expense of phenolic content. In this respect, the application of controlled stress (eustress) on microgreens growing on peat moss warrants investigation as a means of enhancing phytochemical composition without substantial compromise in crop performance and production turnover. Finally, nitrate deprivation practices should be considered for microgreens grown on natural fiber substrates in order to minimize consumer exposure to nitrate.
Design and Analysis of a Wearable Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot with Characteristics of Tension Mechanism
Authors: Pang Zaixiang , Wang Tongyu , Wang Zhanli , Yu Junzhi , Sun Zhongbo , Liu Shuai
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, patients with mild and moderate upper limb paralysis caused by cerebral apoplexy are uncomfortable with autonomous rehabilitation. In this paper, according to the “rope + toothed belt” generalized rope drive design scheme, we design a utility model for a wearable upper limb rehabilitation robot with a tension mechanism. Owing to study of the human upper extremity anatomy, movement mechanisms, and the ranges of motion, it can determine the range of motion angles of the human arm joints, and design the shoulder joint, elbow joint, and wrist joint separately under the principle of ensuring the minimum driving torque. Then, the kinematics, workspace and dynamics analysis of each structure are performed. Finally, the control system of the rehabilitation robot is designed. The experimental results show that the structure is convenient to wear on the human body, and the robot’s freedom of movement matches well with the freedom of movement of the human body. It can effectively support and traction the front and rear arms of the affected limb, and accurately transmit the applied traction force to the upper limb of the joints. The rationality of the wearable upper limb rehabilitation robot design is verified, which can help patients achieve rehabilitation training and provide an effective rehabilitation equipment for patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke.
Using Virtual Soundwalk Approach for Assessing Sound Art Soundscape Interventions in Public Spaces
Authors: Oberman Tin , Jambrošić Kristian , Horvat Marko , Bojanić Obad Šćitaroci Bojana
Published: March 2020

This paper discusses the soundscape assessment approaches to soundscape interventions with musical features introduced to public spaces as permanent sound art, with a focus on the ISO 12913 series, Method A for data collection applied in a laboratory study. Three soundscape interventions in three cities are investigated. The virtual soundwalk is used to combine the benefits of the on-site and laboratory settings. Two measurement points per location were recorded—one at a position where the intervention was clearly perceptible, the other further away to serve as a baseline condition. The participants (N = 44) were exposed to acoustic environments (N = 6) recorded using the first-order Ambisonics microphone on-site and then reproduced via the second-order Ambisonics system in laboratory. A series of rank-based Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed on the results of the subjective responses. Results revealed a statistically significant positive effect on soundscape at two locations, and limitations related to sound source identification due to cultural factors and geometrical configuration of the public space at one location.
Design of Dual Circularly Polarized Sequentially-Fed Patch Antennas for Satellite Applications
Authors: Pavone Santi Concetto , Mauro Giorgio Sebastiano , Donato Loreto Di , Sorbello Gino
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we present the design and fabrication of two dual circularly polarized (CP) patch antennas that can be profitably used as feeders for reflector systems normally adopted for satellite applications. In the first part of the manuscript, we propose the optimization of a dual-CP patch antenna, loaded by a fence of passive monopoles around it to increase antenna gain for high elevation angles. To achieve dual-CP operation mode, the circular patch has been sequentially-fed by three pins, whose mutual phase-shift is equal to 120 ∘ . The antenna feeding network was placed on the antenna back and designed using microstrip technology. Two different input ports provide both right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) circular polarizations. A prototype of such an antenna was fabricated and measured at f = 8 . 25 GHz. Furthermore, to test the versatility of the proposed single radiating patch, in the second part of the manuscript, we present the results of geometrically scaling at f = 2 . 2 GHz (higher UHF band) and this was used as a building block for the design of a dual-CP sequentially-fed 2-by-2 array antenna. The results for both the proposed antennas are satisfactory in terms of impedance bandwidth, broad radiation pattern, gain and cross-polarization rejection, thus they can be profitably used as feeders for reflectors at relatively low frequencies.
Acoustic Roughness Measurement of Railhead Surface Using an Optimal Sensor Batch Algorithm
Authors: Jeong Wootae , Jeong Dahae
Published: March 2020

Contact and friction between wheel and rail during train operation is the main cause of the rolling noise for which railways are known. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately measure the surface roughness of wheels and rails to monitor railway noise and predict noise around tracks. Conventional systems developed to measure surface roughness have large deviations in measured values or low repeatability. The recently developed automatic mobile measurement platform known as Auto Rail Checker (ARCer) uses three displacement sensors to reduce measurement deviation and increase the accuracy of existing systems. This paper proposes enhancing the chord offset synchronization algorithm applied to the existing ARCer for high measurement precision with only two displacement sensors. As a result, when the two sensor-based measurement algorithm was applied, the spectrum level at λ = 0.314 m, the wavelength amplification associated with wheel diameter, was reduced to at least 6 dB in comparison with that of the three sensors based algorithm. We also verified the accuracy of the proposed batch algorithm through a field test on an operating rail track with a corrugated rail surface.
Assessment of Cytotoxicity of Magnesium Oxide and Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles using the Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing
Authors: Pallavi Manishi , Waterman Jenora , Koo Youngmi , Sankar Jagannathan , Yun Yeoheung
Published: March 2020

Magnesium (Mg)-based alloys have the potential for bone repair due to their properties of biodegradation, biocompatibility, and structural stability, which can eliminate the requirement for a second surgery for the removal of the implant. Nevertheless, uncontrolled degradation rate and possible cytotoxicity of the corrosion products at the implant sites are known current challenges for clinical applications. In this study, we assessed in vitro cytotoxicity of different concentrations (0 to 50 mM) of possible corrosion products in the form of magnesium oxide (MgO) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) nanoparticles (NPs) in human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) 1.19 cells. We measured cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and cytotoxicity using a real-time, label-free, non-invasive electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) system. Our results suggest that 1 mM concentrations of MgO/Mg(OH)2 NPs are tolerable in hFOB 1.19 cells. Based on our findings, we propose the development of innovative biodegradable Mg-based alloys for further in vivo animal testing and clinical trials in orthopedics.
Numerical Analysis for Critical Structures Protection against Blast Loading Using Metallic Panels
Authors: Alogla Ageel , Helal Mahmoud , ElShafey Mohamed Mokbel , Fathallah Elsayed
Published: March 2020

The need for building protection against blast loads is a crucial issue nowadays due to the escalating threat of terrorist attacks, which affect people’s lives and critical structures. Consequently, design of protective panels to segregate building façades from the effect of a nearby explosion is required. Such design mainly depends on the ability of protective panels to mitigate and diffract the blast wave before reaching building façades. Five protective panel models with different designs, referred to as the Combined Protection System (CPS), are introduced in this paper. The main objective of this research was to achieve a design that could sustain a blast load with minimum plastic deformations. The introduced CPS designs included two steel plates linked by connector plates. The CPS dimensions were 3 m × 3 m × 0.35 m, representing length, width, and height, respectively. After that, the successful panel design was supported by placing these panels onto a masonry wall in different configurations. The protective panels were tested against 50 kg of trinitrotoluene (TNT) with a standoff distance of one meter. The final run of the optimum model was carried out using a blast load equivalent to 500 kg of TNT. The air–structure interactions were simulated using finite element analysis software called “ANSYS AUTODYN”, where the deformation of the panel was the governing parameter to evaluate the behavior of different designs. The analysis showed minimum deformation of the CPS design with vertical and horizontal connecting plates in a masonry wall distanced at 500 mm from the panel. However, the other designs showed promising results, which could make them suitable for critical structural protection on different scales.
Preparation and Characterization of a Low-Cost and Natural Material-Based Reticulated Porous Diatomite-Kaolin Composite
Authors: Lee Sujin , Ha Jang-Hoon , Lee Jongman , Song In-Hyuck , Kwon Se-Hun
Published: March 2020

In recent years, porous ceramics have been increasingly developed owing to their high levels of high-temperature stability and chemical stability. These properties are far superior to porous polymers and porous metals. As a representative porous ceramic, reticulated porous ceramics have been fabricated for several decades owing to their overwhelmingly high porosity, which is usually above 90%. There are growing concerns about the environmental problems. However, the data on the preparation of low-cost and natural material-based reticulated porous ceramics are not enough. Therefore, the authors studied the preparations and characterizations of reticulated porous ceramics prepared using diatomite and kaolin, and compared them to typical reticulated porous alumina. The obtained data were used to determine whether the reticulated porous diatomite-kaolin composite can be practically used in non-hard loading conditions. The structural properties and dielectric breakdown strength of the reticulated porous ceramics were examined using scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry, μ-computed tomography (CT), and standard test apparatus of dielectric breakdown voltage.
Biomimetic Nanocarrier Targeting Drug(s) to Upstream-Receptor Mechanisms in Dementia: Focusing on Linking Pathogenic Cascades
Authors: D’Arrigo Joseph
Published: March 2020

Past published studies have already documented that, subsequent to the intravenous injection of colloidal lipid nanocarriers, apolipoprotein (apo)A-I is adsorbed from the blood onto the nanoparticle surface. The adsorbed apoA-I mediates the interaction of the nanoparticle with scavenger receptors on the blood–brain barrier (BBB), followed by receptor-mediated endocytosis and subsequent transcytosis across the BBB. By incorporating the appropriate drug(s) into biomimetic (lipid cubic phase) nanocarriers, one obtains a multitasking combination therapeutic which targets certain cell-surface scavenger receptors, mainly class B type I (i.e., SR-BI), and crosses the BBB. Documented similarities in lipid composition between naturally occurring high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and the artificial biomimetic (nanoemulsion) nanocarrier particles can partially simulate or mimic the known heterogeneity (i.e., subpopulations or subspecies) of HDL particles. Such biomedical application of colloidal drug-nanocarriers can potentially be extended to the treatment of complex medical disorders like dementia. The risk factors for dementia trigger widespread inflammation and oxidative stress; these two processes involve pathophysiological cascades which lead to neuronal Ca2+ increase, neurodegeneration, gradual cognitive/memory decline, and eventually (late-onset) dementia. In particular, more recent research indicates that chronic inflammatory stimulus in the gut may induce (e.g., via serum amyloid A (SAA)) the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Hence, an effective preventive and therapeutic strategy could be based upon drug targeting toward a major SAA receptor responsible for the SAA-mediated cell signaling events leading to cognitive decline and eventually Alzheimer’s disease or (late-onset) dementia.
Predicting Glioblastoma Recurrence from Preoperative MR Scans Using Fractional-Anisotropy Maps with Free-Water Suppression
Authors: Metz Marie-Christin , Molina-Romero Miguel , Lipkova Jana , Gempt Jens , Liesche-Starnecker Friederike , Eichinger Paul , Grundl Lioba , Menze Bjoern , Combs Stephanie E. , Zimmer Claus , Wiestler Benedikt
Published: March 2020

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and fractional-anisotropy (FA) maps in particular, have shown promise in predicting areas of tumor recurrence in glioblastoma. However, analysis of peritumoral edema, where most recurrences occur, is impeded by free-water contamination. In this study, we evaluated the benefits of a novel, deep-learning-based approach for the free-water correction (FWC) of DTI data for prediction of later recurrence. We investigated 35 glioblastoma cases from our prospective glioma cohort. A preoperative MR image and the first MR scan showing tumor recurrence were semiautomatically segmented into areas of contrast-enhancing tumor, edema, or recurrence of the tumor. The 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles and mean of FA and mean-diffusivity (MD) values (both for the original and FWC–DTI data) were collected for areas with and without recurrence in the peritumoral edema. We found significant differences in the FWC–FA maps between areas of recurrence-free edema and areas with later tumor recurrence, where differences in noncorrected FA maps were less pronounced. Consequently, a generalized mixed-effect model had a significantly higher area under the curve when using FWC–FA maps (AUC = 0.9) compared to noncorrected maps (AUC = 0.77, p < 0.001). This may reflect tumor infiltration that is not visible in conventional imaging, and may therefore reveal important information for personalized treatment decisions.
Comparison of Current Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Strategies for Early and Locally Advanced Stage Glottic Laryngeal Cancer and Their Outcome
Authors: Elicin Olgun , Giger Roland
Published: March 2020

For the treatment of early and locally advanced glottic laryngeal cancer, multiple strategies are available. These are pursued and supported by different levels of evidence, but also by national and institutional traditions. The purpose of this review article is to compare and discuss the current evidence supporting different loco-regional treatment approaches in early and locally advanced glottic laryngeal cancer. The focus is kept on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and comparative retrospective studies including the treatment period within the last twenty years (≥ 1999) with at least one reported five-year oncologic and/or functional outcome measure. Based on the equipoise in oncologic and functional outcome after transoral laser surgery and radiotherapy, informed and shared decision-making with and not just about the patient poses a paramount importance for T1-2N0M0 glottic laryngeal cancer. For T3-4aN0-3M0 glottic laryngeal cancer, there is an equipoise regarding the partial/total laryngectomy and non-surgical modalities for T3 glottic laryngeal cancer. Patients with extensive and/or poorly functioning T4a laryngeal cancer should not be offered organ-preserving chemoradiotherapy with salvage surgery as a back-up plan, but total laryngectomy and adjuvant (chemo) radiation. The lack of high-level evidence comparing contemporary open or transoral robotic organ-preserving surgical and non-surgical modalities does not allow any concrete conclusions in terms of oncological and functional outcome. Unnecessary tri-modality treatments should be avoided. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all approaches and over-standardized rigid institutional strategies, patient-centered informed and shared decision-making should be favored.
Recognition Dynamics of Cancer Mutations on the ERp57-Tapasin Interface
Authors: Padariya Monikaben , Kalathiya Umesh , Houston Douglas R. , Alfaro Javier Antonio
Published: March 2020

Down regulation of the major histocompatibility class (MHC) I pathway plays an important role in tumour development, and can be achieved by suppression of HLA expression or mutations in the MHC peptide-binding pocket. The peptide-loading complex (PLC) loads peptides on the MHC-I molecule in a dynamic multi-step assembly process. The effects of cancer variants on ERp57 and tapasin components from the MHC-I pathway is less known, and they could have an impact on antigen presentation. Applying computational approaches, we analysed whether the ERp57-tapasin binding might be altered by missense mutations. The variants H408R(ERp57) and P96L, D100A, G183R(tapasin) at the protein–protein interface improved protein stability (ΔΔG) during the initial screen of 14 different variants. The H408R(ERp57) and P96L(tapasin) variants, located close to disulphide bonds, were further studied by molecular dynamics (MD). Identifying intramolecular a-a’ domain interactions, MD revealed open and closed conformations of ERp57 in the presence and absence of tapasin. In wild-type and mutant ERp57-tapasin complexes, residues Val97, Ser98, Tyr100, Trp405, Gly407(ERp57) and Asn94, Cys95, Arg97, Asp100(tapasin) formed common H-bond interactions. Moreover, comparing the H-bond networks for P96L and H408R with each other, suggests that P96L(tapasin) improved ERp57-tapasin binding more than the H408R(ERp57) mutant. During MD, the C-terminus domain (that binds MHC-I) in tapasin from the ERp57(H408R)-tapasin complex moved away from the PLC, whereas in the ERp57-tapasin(P96L) system was oppositely displaced. These findings can have implications for the function of PLC and, ultimately, for the presentation of MHC-I peptide complex on the tumour cell surface.
Degradation of Meropenem by Heterogeneous Photocatalysis Using TiO2/Fiberglass Substrates
Authors: Altamirano Briones Alejandro , Cóndor Guevara Iván , Mena David , Espinoza Isabel , Sandoval-Pauker Christian , Ramos Guerrero Luis , Vargas Jentzsch Paul , Muñoz Bisesti Florinella
Published: March 2020

Meropenem (MER), a carbapenem, is considered a last-resort antibiotic. Its presence in water bodies, together with other antibiotics, has brought about environmental problems related to the destruction of natural microorganisms and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Herein, the degradation of MER by heterogeneous photocatalysis using TiO2 immobilized on fiberglass substrates is reported. Morphological characterization of the substrates was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Three pH values (4.0, 5.7, and 7.9) were tested for the treatment of MER solutions (100 mg/L). The best rate constants and MER removals were obtained at pH 4.0 (0.032 min−1; 83.79%) and 5.7 (0.032 min−1; 83.48%). Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removals of 25.80% and 29.60% were achieved for the treatment at a pH value of 5.7. The reuse and regeneration of the plates were also tested. The activity of the substrates was maintained until the fourth cycle of reuse, nonetheless, a decrease in MER removal was observed for the 5th cycle. After the fourth cycle of reuse, the activity of the substrates was recovered by a regeneration procedure involving a wash stage of the substrates with a 1% H2O2 solution in an ultrasonic bath.
Catalytic Oxidation of Chlorobenzene over Pd-TiO2 /Pd-Ce/TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Liang Wenjun , Du Xiaoyan , Zhu Yuxue , Ren Sida , Li Jian
Published: March 2020

A series of Pd-TiO2/Pd-Ce/TiO2 catalysts were prepared by an equal volume impregnation method. The effects of different Pd loadings on the catalytic activity of chlorobenzene (CB) were investigated, and the results showed that the activity of the 0.2%-0.3% Pd/TiO2 catalyst was optimal. The effect of Ce doping enhanced the catalytic activity of the 0.2% Pd-0.5% Ce/TiO2 catalyst. The characterization of the catalysts using BET, TEM, H2-TPR, and O2-TPD showed that the oxidation capacity was enhanced, and the catalytic oxidation efficiency was improved due to the addition of Ce. Ion chromatography and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer results showed that small amounts of dichlorobenzene (DCB) and trichlorobenzene (TCB) were formed during the decomposition of CB. The results also indicated that the calcination temperature greatly influenced the catalyst activity and a calcination temperature of 550 °C was the best. The concentration of CB affected its decomposition, but gas hourly space velocity had little effect. H2-TPR indicated strong metal–support interactions and increased dispersion of PdO in the presence of Ce. HRTEM data showed PdO with a characteristic spacing of 0.26 nm in both 0.2% Pd /TiO2 and 0.2% Pd-0.5% Ce/TiO2 catalysts. The average sizes of PdO nanoparticles in the 0.2% Pd/TiO2 and 0.2% Pd-0.5% Ce/TiO2 samples were 5.8 and 4.7 nm, respectively. The PdO particles were also deposited on the support and they were separated from each other in both catalysts.
Effect of Chemically Induced Hypoxia on Osteogenic and Angiogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells in Direct Coculture
Authors: Nguyen Van Thi , Canciani Barbara , Cirillo Federica , Anastasia Luigi , Peretti Giuseppe M. , Mangiavini Laura
Published: March 2020

Bone is an active tissue where bone mineralization and resorption occur simultaneously. In the case of fracture, there are numerous factors required to facilitate bone healing including precursor cells and blood vessels. To evaluate the interaction between bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)—the precursor cells able to differentiate into bone-forming cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)—a cell source widely used for the study of blood vessels. We performed direct coculture of BMSC and HUVEC in normoxia and chemically induced hypoxia using Cobalt(II) chloride and Dimethyloxaloylglycine and in the condition where oxygen level was maintained at 1% as well. Cell proliferation was analyzed by crystal violet staining. Osteogenesis was examined by Alizarin Red and Collagen type I staining. Expression of angiogenic factor-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial marker-von Willebrand factor (VWF) were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction was also used to evaluate gene expression. The results showed that coculture in normoxia could retain both osteogenic differentiation and endothelial markers while hypoxic condition limits cell proliferation and osteogenesis but favors the angiogenic function even after 1 of day treatment.
The Missing Lnc: The Potential of Targeting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells by Inhibiting Long Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Brown Justin M , Wasson Marie-Claire D , Marcato Paola
Published: March 2020

Treatment decisions for breast cancer are based on staging and hormone receptor expression and include chemotherapies and endocrine therapy. While effective in many cases, some breast cancers are resistant to therapy, metastasize and recur, leading to eventual death. Higher percentages of tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs) may contribute to the increased aggressiveness, chemoresistance, and worse outcomes among breast cancer. This may be particularly true in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) which have higher percentages of CSCs and are associated with worse outcomes. In recent years, increasing numbers of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as playing an important role in breast cancer progression and some of these have been specifically associated within the CSC populations of breast cancers. LncRNAs are non-protein-coding transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides which can have critical functions in gene expression regulation. The preclinical evidence regarding lncRNA antagonists for the treatment of cancer is promising and therefore, presents a potential novel approach for treating breast cancer and targeting therapy-resistant CSCs within these tumors. Herein, we summarize the lncRNAs that have been identified as functionally relevant in breast CSCs. Furthermore, our review of the literature and analysis of patient datasets has revealed that many of these breast CSC-associated lncRNAs are also enriched in TNBC. Together, this suggests that these lncRNAs may be playing a particularly important role in TNBC. Thus, certain breast cancer-promoting/CSC-associated lncRNAs could be targeted in the treatment of TNBCs and the CSCs within these tumors should be susceptible to anti-lncRNA therapy.
Looking at New Unexpected Disease Targets in LMNA-Linked Lipodystrophies in the Light of Complex Cardiovascular Phenotypes: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Mosbah Héléna , Vatier Camille , Boccara Franck , Jéru Isabelle , Lascols Olivier , Vantyghem Marie-Christine , Fève Bruno , Donadille Bruno , Sarrazin Elisabeth , Benabbou Sophie , Inamo Jocelyn , Ederhy Stéphane , Cohen Ariel , Neraud Barbara , Richard Pascale , Picard Fabien , Christin-Maitre Sophie , Redheuil Alban , Wahbi Karim , Vigouroux Corinne
Published: March 2020

Variants in LMNA, encoding A-type lamins, are responsible for laminopathies including muscular dystrophies, lipodystrophies, and progeroid syndromes. Cardiovascular laminopathic involvement is classically described as cardiomyopathy in striated muscle laminopathies, and arterial wall dysfunction and/or valvulopathy in lipodystrophic and/or progeroid laminopathies. We report unexpected cardiovascular phenotypes in patients with LMNA-associated lipodystrophies, illustrating the complex multitissular pathophysiology of the disease and the need for specific cardiovascular investigations in affected patients. A 33-year-old woman was diagnosed with generalized lipodystrophy and atypical progeroid syndrome due to the newly identified heterozygous LMNA p.(Asp136Val) variant. Her complex cardiovascular phenotype was associated with atherosclerosis, aortic valvular disease and left ventricular hypertrophy with rhythm and conduction defects. A 29-year-old woman presented with a partial lipodystrophy syndrome and a severe coronary atherosclerosis which required a triple coronary artery bypass grafting. She carried the novel heterozygous p.(Arg60Pro) LMNA variant inherited from her mother, affected with partial lipodystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Different lipodystrophy-associated LMNA pathogenic variants could target cardiac vasculature and/or muscle, leading to complex overlapping phenotypes. Unifying pathophysiological hypotheses should be explored in several cell models including adipocytes, cardiomyocytes and vascular cells. Patients with LMNA-associated lipodystrophy should be systematically investigated with 24-h ECG monitoring, echocardiography and non-invasive coronary function testing.
Electrospun Bilayer PAN/Chitosan Nanofiber Membranes Incorporated with Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Heavy Metal Ion Adsorption
Authors: Alharbi Hamad F. , Haddad Mustafa Y. , Aijaz Muhammed Omer , Assaifan Abdulaziz K. , Karim Mohammed R.
Published: March 2020

Bilayer nanofiber membranes with enhanced adsorption and mechanical properties were produced by combining a layer of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) functionalized with metal oxides (MO) of ZnO or TiO2 with a layer of chitosan (CS) via consecutive electrospinning. The adsorption properties of the bilayer PAN/MO–CS nanofiber membranes against lead (Pb(II)) and cadmium (Cd(II)) ions were investigated, including the effects of the solution pH, initial ion concentrations, and interaction time. The integration of a CS layer into PAN/MO nanofibers increased the adsorption capacity of lead by 102% and cadmium by 405%, compared to PAN/MO single layer. The nonlinear optimization method showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm equation better described the adsorption results. More importantly, the incorporation of a supportive CS nanofiber layer enhanced the tensile strength of PAN/MO–CS bilayer by approximately 68% compared to the PAN/MO single layer, owing to the strong interaction between the fibers at the interface of the two layers.
Involvement of Deep Eutectic Solvents in Extraction by Molecularly Imprinted Polymers—A Minireview
Authors: Jablonský Michal , Majová Veronika , Šima Jozef , Hroboňová Katarína , Lomenová Anna
Published: March 2020

Substantial research activity has been focused on new modes of extraction and refining processes during the last decades. In this field, coverage of the recovery of bioactive compounds and the role of green solvents such as deep eutectic solvents (DESs) also gradually increases. A specific field of DESs involvement is represented by molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The current state and prospects of implementing DESs in MIPs chemistry are, based on the accumulated experimental data so far, evaluated and discussed in this minireview.
Simple Synthesis of NdFeO3 Nanoparticles By the Co-Precipitation Method Based on a Study of Thermal Behaviors of Fe (III) and Nd (III) Hydroxides
Authors: Nguyen Tien A. , Pham V. , Pham Thanh L. , Nguyen Linh T. Tr. , Mittova I. Ya. , Mittova V. O. , Vo Lan N. , Nguyen Bich Tram T. , Bui Vuong X. , Viryutina E. L.
Published: March 2020

In this study, a nanostructured NdFeO3 material was synthesized via a simple process of the hydrolysis of Nd (III) and Fe (III) cations in hot water with 5% NaOH as a precipitating agent. According to the results of the thermal behaviors of each hydroxide, either containing Fe (III) or Nd (III), the perovskite type of neodymium orthoferrite NdFeO3 was simply synthesized by annealing a mixture of Fe (III) and Nd (III) hydroxides at 750 °C. The nanostructured NdFeO3 was obtained in spherical granules with diameters of around 30 nm. The magnetic properties of the material were a coercive force (Hc) of 136.76 Oe, a remanent magnetization (Mr) of 0.68 emu·g–1, and a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 0.79 emu·g–1.
Comparison of Material Properties of SCC Concrete with Steel Fibres Related to Ingress of Chlorides
Authors: Lehner Petr , Konečný Petr , Ponikiewski Tomasz
Published: March 2020

The paper focuses on the evaluation of chloride ion diffusion coefficient of self-compacting concrete with steel fibre reinforcement. The reference concrete from Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) with several values of added steel fibres—0%, 1% and 2% of weight—were cast in order to investigate the effect of fibres. The three procedures of diffusion coefficient calculation are presented—rapid chloride penetration test, accelerated penetration tests with chloride as well as the surface measurement of electrical resistivity using Wenner probe. The resulting diffusion coefficients obtained by all methods are compared and evaluated regarding the basic mechanical properties of concrete mixtures.
Bundled Causal History Interaction
Authors: Jiang Peishi , Kumar Praveen
Published: March 2020

Complex systems arise as a result of the nonlinear interactions between components. In particular, the evolutionary dynamics of a multivariate system encodes the ways in which different variables interact with each other individually or in groups. One fundamental question that remains unanswered is: How do two non-overlapping multivariate subsets of variables interact to causally determine the outcome of a specific variable? Here, we provide an information-based approach to address this problem. We delineate the temporal interactions between the bundles in a probabilistic graphical model. The strength of the interactions, captured by partial information decomposition, then exposes complex behavior of dependencies and memory within the system. The proposed approach successfully illustrated complex dependence between cations and anions as determinants of pH in an observed stream chemistry system. In the studied catchment, the dynamics of pH is a result of both cations and anions through mainly synergistic effects of the two and their individual influences as well. This example demonstrates the potentially broad applicability of the approach, establishing the foundation to study the interaction between groups of variables in a range of complex systems.
A Fully-Integrated Analog Machine Learning Classifier for Breast Cancer Classification
Authors: T. Chandrasekaran Sanjeev , Hua Ruobing , Banerjee Imon , Sanyal Arindam
Published: March 2020

We propose a fully integrated common-source amplifier based analog artificial neural network (ANN). The performance of the proposed ANN with a custom non-linear activation function is demonstrated on the breast cancer classification task. A hardware-software co-design methodology is adopted to ensure good matching between the software AI model and hardware prototype. A 65 nm prototype of the proposed ANN is fabricated and characterized. The prototype ANN achieves 97% classification accuracy when operating from a 1.1 V supply with an energy consumption of 160 fJ/classification. The prototype consumes 50 μ W power and occupies 0.003 mm 2 die area.