bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNCOMPLICATED DIVERTICULOSIS OF THE SMALL BOWEL - RARE CAUSE OF ACUTE ABDOMEN
Authors: Păduraru Dan Nicolae , Andronic Octavian , Ion Daniel
Published: September 2019

Male patient, 76 years old, has been accussing diffuse abdominal pain for about 12 hours. Clinical examination: stable haemodynamic and respiratory, with a scar-free abdomen, slightly elusive, painfully spontaneous and palpable, with a muscular defense sketch. Biological: leukocytosis 17000 / ml. Abdominal ultrasound: fine liquid blade in Douglas. Simple abdominal radiography: hydroaeric levels of the small intestine. Having the diagnosis of acute abdomen due to the undetermined cause, an exploratory laparatomy is performed that detects: diffuse distension of small bowel, showing relatively bulky sacral / diverticular dilatations, disposed on the mesostennial margin, dispersed over almost the entire length of the jejunum without signs of inflammation or perforation. Exploration of the rest of the peritoneal cavity does not detect other lesions, so we have no other explanation for patient symptomatology. Favorable postoperative progression. At 6 months and 1 year control, the patinent reports only short episodes of abdominal discomfort remission under symptomatic treatment. Acquired intestinal diverticulosis is an extremely rare entity, with a prevalence of between 0.073% and 1.3% [1]. Localization is at the level of the jejunum (80%), ileum (15%), and very rarely in the entire small intestine (5%) [2]. Clinically, diverticulosis is asymptomatic in most cases, may display nonspecific dyspeptic symptoms and may be complicated by inferior digestive haemorrhage, inflammation or perforation [1]. Etiology is not fully elucidated, but research on pathophysiological mechanisms has led to the hypothesis of mucosal and sub-mucosal herniation where the arteries permeate the muscular layer as a result of intraluminal pressure increase [3].
PEUTZ JEGHERS SYNDROME - DIAGNOSIS AT THE TIME OF OCLUZIVE COMPLICATION
Authors: Ion Daniel , Păduraru Dan Nicolae , Bolocan Alexandra
Published: September 2019

Puetz Jeghers syndrome is a rare, genetically conditioned, autosomal dominant condition characterized by gastrointestinal haemarthromatic polyps, cutaneous mucosal pigmentation and increased risk of neoplasia. Frequent diagnosis is due to melanin stains, evident in the first years of life, and which fades with age. We present the case of a 24-year-old patient who has presented with the diagnosis of intestinal occlusion. An earlier CT scan describes a tumor formation that occupies the entire pelvis and the lower abdominal floor with a probable origin of digestive tract. The clinical examination at admission revealed hyperpigmentation in the lips, oral and tegumentary mucosa, and the suspicion of the Puetz Jeghers syndrome was raised. Intraoperatively there are found three tumors on the jejunum, the distal one causing an invasion of about 1.5 m long, with necrosis of the respective segment for which enterectomy and entero-entero anastomosis was performed. The histopathological examination performed from the surgically resected piece confirms the diagnosis. The teachings based on this case take into account both the necessity of a correct and fully performed clinical examination, especially the need for the patient's adherence to a follow-up management of the evolution of the disease. Rare diseases represent a challenge for the practitioner through the low incidence, but the application of therapeutic management to these patients should be guided by research conducted in specialized centers.
Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Authors: Dobrea Andrei , Coțofană Marius , Radulescu Iulian-Mihai
Published: September 2019

A 22 yo non-smoking patient with no prior medical history was brought into the ER for increasing left chest pain and dyspneea, which suddenly began as a slight discomfort approx. 12h before, in the absence of any form of trauma.On admission, blood tests were within range, SpO2 with oxygen was 92% and decreased breath sounds on auscultation of the upper half of the left hemithorax.The initial chest x-ray revealed a large left pneumothorax, slight contralateral mediastinal shifting and slight verticalization of the left main bronchus (Shown – Left image: PA chest x-ray with arrows marking the visceral pleural margins).Due to the one-way valve characteristic of the pleural rupture site, theintrapleural pressure builds up with every expiration phase, reaching critical levels fairly quick.A classic trocar-style tube thoracostomy was performed under local anesthaesia, with immediate alleviation of both respiratory symptoms and accute thoracic pain. The tube was connected to an underwater seal drainage and was mantained for 5 days under negative-pressure to promote lung re-expansion.A subsequent Thoracic CT-scan revealed complete reexpansion of the left lung with no evidence of bullae or blebs (Shown-Right image: MPR 17.1mm MIP - thoracostomy tube in situ).The patient was discharged after 6 days, with no recurrence at 5 months.The most frequent cause of a primary spontaneous pneumothorax is the rupture of small and often undetectable subpleural blebs, usually seen in young, tall and thin healthy males1.
Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD)
Authors: Adrian Dumitru Vasile , Sajin Maria , Costache Mariana
Published: September 2019

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is an important inherited cause of chronic kidney disease with an estimated incidence of 1 in 20,000 live births [1-3]. Mutations of the PKHD1 (polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1) gene located on chromosome 6p12, are responsible for the entire spectrum of ARPKD [2]. Almost 40% of all affected cases are either stillborn or will die in the neonatal period, due to respiratory insufficiency or kidney failure. In most cases, this disease is accompanied by congenital hepatic fibrocystic lesions (specifically malformation of the liver plate -Meyenburg complex) or by Caroli syndrome [3]. We report a case of a newborns with ARPKD who died within 2 days after birth. Autopsy was performed in the Department of Pathology of the University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest. After a thorough, we established the diagnosis of ARPKD based on specific histological features of this disease, which, as in our case, may establish the final diagnosis without further need for genetic testing. Gross examination revealed hugely enlarged kidneys with cystically dilated collecting ducts that replaced the renal parenchyma almost completely (Figure1). The lungs were mildly hypoplastic. Microscopic examination confirmed the suspicion and showed typical features of ARPKD: numerous radially elongated cysts lined by cuboidal epithelium, decreased renal parenchyma and few restant rudimentary glomeruli (Figure2). The liver showed dilated portal spaces, with multiple irregularly branching bile ducts and extensive fibrosis consistent with Meyenburg complex (Figure3), classically associated with polycystic liver disease.
Menkes disease – a multidisciplinary approach for a proper evolution
Authors: Dumitriu Mihaela Cezara , Enache Robert Mihai
Published: September 2019

Menkes disease is a genetic disorder of copper metabolism that is detectable before birth. It is characterized by seizures, mental retardation, stunted growth, failure to thrive, unstable body temperature, and very unusual color and texture of hair.The incidence of Menkes disease is about 1: 300.000 newborns in Europe, mainly involving boys.

  In this case, we present a 3 year old boy, known with Menkes disease from 4 months old, who was admitted to hospital for recurrent acute upper respiratory tract infections (URI). In 2016 he was hospitalized for craniofacial dysmorphism and marked generalized hypotonia, after a paroxysmal cerebral event with loss of consciousness, capping eyes and generalized hypotonia, lasting about 1 hour, at home. Except for these, clinical examination showed deformed thorax, prominent sternum with wide bases, deformed lower legs. Dermatologic and neurologic examination showed the typical aspect of kinky hair and specific epileptic-wave elements on EEG. Based on all these, but also low levels of copper and ceruloplamin, the patient was diagnosed with Menkes disease. He is treated with Phenobarbital (40 mg/day), Valproic acid (1.5 mg x3/day), Diazepam for convulsions and Metamizole (300 mg). The evolution was favorable, without seizures, but with numerous respiratory infections, treated with antibiotics.

  In conclusion, this case is distinguished by the fact that Menkes disease, an extremely rare condition, can manifest initially by repeated respiratory infections that require a multidisciplinary approach for an early diagnosis, so the patients could surpass the age of three years, noted in literature as the maximum age of survival.
TAPP technique for congenital inguinal hernia
Authors: Dumitrescu Dan , Savlovschi Costel , Dumitrescu Victor
Published: September 2019

Laparoscopic hernia repair has opened a new era in hernia surgery shifting paradigms from anterior to posterior approaches. This has exposed surgeons to new anatomical perspective, tehnical challenges and clinical implication.
We present the case of a 53-year-old patient admitted to surgery in outpatient conditions with the diagnosis of bulky inguinal-scrotum hernia. Transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair was our option to solve the inguinal parietal defect.
Intraoperatively, in the peritoneal cavity, lateral to the epigastric vessels, the parietal flaccid defect was revealed, communicating with the right scrotum cavity, with clear evidence of testicle, suggestive of external congenital oblique hernia.
Peritoneal sectioning and take-off, with Cooper's, spermatic vessels and the relevant channel, were the precursors of the dissection and 360-degree take-off of the herniated sac, with the support of the herniated suture ligament, followed by in-line, and the abandonment of the distal, open, unbounded end.
The application of the 3D-MAX mesh, fixed with Capsure at the Cooper ligament, preperitoneal drainage and closure of the resorbable thread peritoneum were the endpoints of surgical intervention.
The postoperative progression was favorable with discharge on the 2nd postoperative day. Control at 30 days postoperatively did not identify possible complications, it presented without painful accusations, without suggestive elements for hydrocele and without signs of relapse.
The laparoscopic approach, even in the case of bulky parietal defects, remains a recommended treatment option with the best results, but largely depending on the surgical team experience.
Left hepatic lobe necrosis after laparoscopic treatment of a hiatal hernia
Authors: Slavu Iulian , Bogdan Socea , Lucian Alecu
Published: September 2019

The patient aged 66 years was admitted to the General Surgery Clinic for pain in the upper abdominal quadrant with posterior irradiation and weight loss. Two and a half years before the patient underwent surgery for a hiatal hernia when a Nissen fundoplication was performed by laparoscopic approach. CT was performed which confirmed the presence of a large abscess at the level of the left hepatic lobe and lobe atrophy (Figure no. 1, Figure no. 2). Surgery was undertaken. Abdominal exploration identified ischemia and necrosis of segments 2 and 3 of the liver so a resection was decided upon (Figure no. 3, Figure no 4). The postoperative evolution was favorable. NB: Ischemic necrosis of the left hepatic lobe most likely occurred after the surgical treatment of the hiatal hernia when the left hepatic artery was resected on dissection which was probably the only source of blood supply for the left lobe. It is important that these vascular abnormalities are known by the surgeon so during dissection of the gastrohepatic ligament any arteries identified should be protected to avoid a possible necrosis of the left hepatic lobe.
Classifying Lensed Gravitational Waves in the Geometrical Optics Limit with Machine Learning
Authors: Singh Amit , Li Ivan , Hannuksela Otto , Li Tjonnie , Kim Kyungmin
Published: September 2019

Gravitational waves are theorized to be gravitationally lensed when they propagate near massive objects. Such lensing effects cause potentially detectable repeated gravitational wave patterns in ground- and space-based gravitational wave detectors. These effects are difficult to discriminate when the lens is small and the repeated patterns superpose. Traditionally, matched filtering techniques are used to identify gravitational-wave signals, but we instead aim to utilize machine learning techniques to achieve this. In this work, we implement supervised machine learning classifiers (support vector machine, random forest, multi-layer perceptron) to discriminate such lensing patterns in gravitational wave data. We train classifiers with spectrograms of both lensed and unlensed waves using both point-mass and singular isothermal sphere lens models. As the result, classifiers return F1 scores ranging from 0:852 to 0:996, with precisions from 0:917 to 0:992 and recalls ranging from 0:796 to 1:000 depending on the type of classifier and lensing model used. This supports the idea that machine learning classifiers are able to correctly determine lensed gravitational wave signals. This also suggests that in the future, machine learning classifiers may be used as a possible alternative to identify lensed gravitational wave events and to allow us to study gravitational wave sources and massive astronomical objects through further analysis.
KEYWORDS: Gravitational Waves; Gravitational Lensing; Geometrical Optics; Machine Learning; Classification; Support Vector Machine; Random Tree Forest; Multi-layer Perceptron
UPAYA PENINGKATAN KINERJA TENAGA PENDIDIK MELALUI MONITORING DAN EVALUASI DI AKADEMI KEPERAWATAN RUMKIT TKT. III TELING MANADO PROVINSI SULAWESI UTARA
Authors: Sururama Rahmawati
Published: September 2019

the purpose of this study was to determine the Efforts to Improve the Performance of Educators through Monitoring and Evaluation at the Academy of Nursing at the Telkkt.III Teling Manado. This research uses descriptive qualitative research method. Data Collection Techniques and Procedures, namely Observation, Interview, Documentation, while Data Analysis Techniques used in this study were based on what was developed by Strauss and Corbin (1990: 57) through several procedures, namely: Open coding, coding centralized (axial coding), and selective coding (selective coding). The results obtained from this study are as follows: Monitoring and evaluation can motivate educators to improve their performance; at the same time with Monitoring and Evaluation can be found out the way to prevent the occurrence of irregularities or mistakes by educators; Monitoring and Evaluation can increase the sense of responsibility for teaching staff in carrying out their main duties and functions as instructors. As an evaluation material for future improvement, in this study we can draw the conclusion that the improvement of performance and responsibility for the main tasks and functions for educators is the responsibility of educators and educational institutions so that deviations or mistakes can be avoided. Keywords: efforts, performance, monitoring and evaluation
Endüstri 4.0’ın İş Süreçleri Yönetimine Etkisi: Akıllı Depolama Sistemi Uygulaması
Authors: BİLGİN SARI Emre , ÖZVERİ Onur , ŞENYAY Umut Ekrem
Published: September 2019

Endüstri
4.0 hayatın her alanında yarattığı etki ile bir devrim olarak kabul
edilmektedir. Bu devrim işletmeler üzerinde pek çok konuda ve süreçte kendisine
uygulama alanı bulmaktadır. İş süreçleri yönetimi (BPM) de işletmeler içinde
yapılan işlerin bir sistematik dahilinde sürdürülmesini amaçlayan yaygın bir
ilkedir. Endüstri 4.0 diğer pek çok alanda olduğu gibi BPM üzerinde de bazı
etkileri bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Endüstri 4.0’ın BPM üzerindeki etkilerinin
ortaya çıkarılması amacıyla geleneksel bir depolama sürecinin yerine akıllı
depolama sistemi kurulması ile dijital bir çalışma alanı yaratılması konusu ele
alınmaktadır. Çalışmanın uygulama çıktıları bölümünde akıllı depolama
sisteminin sağladığı katkılar paylaşılmaktadır. Çalışmanın sonucu olarak akıllı
depolama sisteminin işletmeye sağladığı yönetsel katkılar ve maliyet etkinliği
sunulmaktadır.
Merkezi ve Yerel Yönetimlerin Gıda Güvenliğindeki Etkileri: Dünyadan ve Türkiye'den Örnekler
Authors: ATİK İlker , ATİK Azize
Published: September 2019

Dünya’da
her yıl milyonlarca kişi yedikleri ve içtikleri gıdalar yüzünden ya
hastalanmaktadır ya da ölmektedir. Çünkü insanların yedikleri ve içtikleri
gıdalar çeşitli sebeplerden dolayı bozulmakta ve bu bozulmuş ürünleri
tüketmeleri sonucunda da insanlar gıda kaynaklı hastalıklara yakalanmaktadır.
Gıdaların bozulmasına fiziksel, kimyasal ve mikrobiyolojik etkenler sebep
olmaktadır. Etkili bir kontrol mekanizması bu tehditleri minimum seviyeye
indirmektedir. İste tam bu noktada ülkeler kendi vatandaşlarının sağlığını göz
öününde bulundurarak kendi yönetim sistemlerine uyumlu olacak şekilde yasalar
ve yönetmelikler çıkarmaktadır. Böylece etkin bir denetim mekanizması ile sağlıklı ve güvenilir gıdaya ulaşılmış olacaktır.
Her ülke kendi imkanları doğrultusunda halk sağlığına önem vermektedir. Bu
çalışmada hem Türkiye’den hem de dünyanın bazı ülkelerinden örnekler verilerek
merkezi ve yerel yönetimler çerçevesinde gıda güvenliği konusu hakkında bilgi
verilmeye çalışılmıştır.
Chemical Synthesis of Fuel Hydrocarbon from CO2 and Activated Water, and Purification of Commercial Light Oil for Dream Oil
Authors: Imanaka Tadayuki , Takemoto Tadashi
Published: September 2019

Here we show that petroleum can be formed efficiently at normal temperatures and pressures from carbon dioxide and activated water. The CO2 nano-bubble containing water was treated with photocatalyst in the presence of oxygen under UV irradiation. The activated water was mixed vigorously with kerosene or light oil to form an emulsion. The emulsion gradually separated into a two-phase solution. After phase separation, the volume of kerosene or light oil, depending on which oil was utilized, increased by 5 to 10%. Likewise tetradecane was used, and original tetradecane may be used as a template for the synthesis of new tetradecane. When commercial light oil was treated in the same way, most organic and inorganic impurities were removed from the oil and very clean light oil was obtained. We named it as dream light oil. The dream light oil meets strict Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).
Contingent Valuation of Sustainable Integrated Agriculture–Aquaculture Products: The Case of Rice–Fish Farming Systems in South Korea
Authors: Yi Sangchoul
Published: September 2019

There has been growing acceptance in Asia that consumer participation in green consumption can lead to sustainable agriculture and aquaculture development. In this context, this study investigates how consumers’ psychological (i.e., attitudes and social norms) and socio-economic characteristics affect their willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable agricultural products. To this end, the study incorporates attitude and social norms as components of the theory of reasoned action into the contingent valuation method, thereby establishing an estimation model for consumers’ WTP. Based on an online market survey of adults in South Korea from June to July 2018, the results show that consumers’ attitudes and social norms positively affect WTP for the rice and loach produced through integrated agriculture–aquaculture (IAA). However, the variables in the model affect consumers’ WTP differently, depending on the type of IAA product. For IAA rice, both socio-economic (e.g., income) and psychological variables affect WTP. However, in the case of IAA loach, only social norms are statistically significant in affecting consumers’ WTP.
The Limiting Sequence and Appropriate Amino Acid Ratio of Lysine, Methionine, and Threonine for Seven- to Nine-Month-Old Holstein Heifers Fed Corn–Soybean M-Based Diet
Authors: Li Yuan , Bi Yanliang , Diao Qiyu , Piao Minyu , Wang Bing , Kong Fanlin , Hu Fengming , Tang Mengqi , Sun Yu , Tu Yan
Published: September 2019

An “Amino acid (AA) partial deletion method” was used in this experiment to study the limiting sequences and appropriate ratio of lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), and threonine (Thr) in the diets of 7- to 9-month-old Holstein heifers. The experiment was conducted for three months with 72 Holstein heifers (age = 22 ± 0.5 weeks old; BW = 200 ± 9.0 kg; mean ± standard deviation). Following an initial two weeks adaptation period, heifers were allocated to one of four treatments: a theoretically balanced amino acid diet (positive control [PC]; 1.00% Lys, 0.33% Met, and 0.72% Thr), a 30% Lys deleted diet (partially deleted Lys [PD–Lys]; 0.66% Lys, 0.33% Met, and 0.72% Thr), a 30% Met deleted diet (partially deleted Met, [PD–Met]; 1.00% Lys, 0.22% Met, and 0.72% Thr), and a 30% Thr deleted diet (partially deleted Thr [PD–Thr]; 1.00% Lys, 0.33% Met, and 0.45% Thr). Experimental animals were fed a corn–soybean meal-based concentrate and alfalfa hay. In addition, the animals were provided with supplemental Lys, Met, and Thr (ruminal bypass). The results found no differences in the growth performance and nitrogen retention between PD–Thr treatment and PC treatment (p > 0.05). The average daily gain (p = 0.0013) and feed conversion efficiency (p = 0.0057) of eight- to ninr-month-old heifers were lower in both PD–Lys and PD–Met treatment than those in PC treatment. According to growth performance, Lys was the first limiting AA, followed by Met and Thr. Moreover, nine-month-old Holstein heifers in PD–Lys treatment and PD–Met treatment had higher levels of serum urea nitrogen (p = 0.0021), urea nitrogen (p = 0.0011) and total excreted N (p = 0.0324) than those in PC treatment, which showed that nitrogen retention significantly decreased (p = 0.0048) as dietary Lys and Met levels decreased. The limiting sequence based on nitrogen retention was the same as that based on growth performance. The appropriate ratio of Lys, Met, and Thr in the diet based on nitrogen retention was 100:32:57. In summary, the limiting sequence and appropriate amino acid ratio of Lys, Met, and Thr for seven- to nine-month-old Holstein heifers fed a corn–soybean meal-based diet were Lys > Met > Thr and 100:32:57, respectively.
Special Issue on Advanced Applications for Smart Energy Systems Considering Grid-Interactive Demand Response
Authors: Reinders A.H.M.E. (Angèle)
Published: September 2019

The continuous growth of our fossil fuel demand for energy consumption and the related increase in CO2 emissions [...]
Alcohol Exposure Impacts the Composition of HeLa-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Jones Leandra B. , Kumar Sanjay , Curry Aliyah J. , Price Jayde S. , Krendelchtchikov Alexandre , Crenshaw Brennetta J. , Bell Courtnee’ R. , Williams Sparkle D. , Tolliver Tambre A. , Saldanha Sabita N. , Sims Brian , Matthews Qiana L.
Published: September 2019

Extracellular vesicles are nanosized vesicles that are under intense investigation for their role in intercellular communication. Extracellular vesicles have begun to be examined for their role in disease protection and their role as disease biomarkers and/or vaccine agents. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of alcohol exposure on the biogenesis and composition of extracellular vesicles derived from the cervical cancer line, HeLa. The HeLa cells were cultured in exosome-free media and were either mock-treated (control) or treated with 50 mM or 100 mM of alcohol for 24 h and 48 h. Our results demonstrated that alcohol significantly impacts HeLa cell viability and exosome biogenesis/composition. Importantly, our studies demonstrate the critical role of alcohol on HeLa cells, as well as HeLa-derived extracellular vesicle biogenesis and composition. Specifically, these results indicate that alcohol alters extracellular vesicles’ packaging of heat shock proteins and apoptotic proteins. Extracellular vesicles serve as communicators for HeLa cells, as well as biomarkers for the initiation and progression of disease.
Reflective Roofing Use on Commercial Buildings in the United States: An Energy Type and Cost Analysis
Authors: Taylor Thomas J.
Published: September 2019

Reflective roof membranes have been shown to lower air conditioning costs by reducing the influx of thermal energy through a roof assembly and into the building. However, there have been studies suggesting that reflective roofs in cold climates give rise to increased winter heating costs, due to the lack of absorption of solar thermal energy. Such studies could be used to justify continued use of dark, absorptive roof membranes even in areas that are striving to reduce urban heat island effects and/or lower contributions to global warming. In a prior modeling study, by this author and others, based on gas heat, it was found that reflective roofing provides net annual energy savings so long as air conditioning was used. Studies by others have suggested that when electric heat is used, the winter heating cost savings associated with non-reflective roofing outweigh summer air conditioning cost savings with reflective roofing. However, these studies did not take into account electric demand charges. Therefore, this present study modeled the energy efficiency of commercial buildings in order to compare the effect of gas versus electric heat with varying levels of demand charge included, on the net energy efficiency. Four different levels of demand charges were compared, along with three levels of solar reflectance for thirteen cities located throughout the US. In every studied case, when gas heat was assumed, net annual energy savings were predicted for reflective membranes. For electric heat, net energy savings were achieved in most cases even when demand charges were zero. In three northernmost cities, this was the case provided that demand charges exceeded a relatively small minimum. This finding suggests that reflective roofing provides for net energy efficiency improvements in most US cities and all cities when demand charges exceed USD 6.25 Therefore, efforts by cities to encourage reflective roofing as part of urban heat island effect mitigation programs should not be reduced.
Production of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from Glucose in Water by Using Transition Metal-Oxide Nanosheet Aggregates
Authors: Takagaki Atsushi
Published: September 2019

Metal-oxide nanosheet aggregates were prepared by exfoliation and subsequent aggregation of layered metal oxides and used for the conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in water. Three aggregated nanosheets, HNbWO6, HNb3O8, and HTiNbO5, yielded HMF in water at 393–413 K, whereas ion-exchange resins and H-form zeolites did not. The catalytic activity of the nanosheets decreased in the order HNbWO6 > HNb3O8 > HTiNbO5, which correlates with their acidity. The HNbWO6 nanosheets exhibited higher selectivity for HMF than niobic acid, and the selectivity was improved in the water–toluene biphasic system. The selectivity for HMF over HNbWO6 nanosheets was higher from glucose than from fructose. Kinetic analysis suggested that in addition to fructose, an intermediate species was involved in the reaction pathway of HMF production from glucose.
Synthesis of Pyrazolo-Fused 4-Azafluorenones in an Ionic Liquid. Mechanistic Insights by Joint Studies Using DFT Analysis and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Polo Efraín , Arce-Parada Valentina , López-Cortés Xaviera A. , Sánchez-Márquez Jesús , Morales-Bayuelo Alejandro , Forero-Doria Oscar , Gutiérrez Margarita
Published: September 2019

A series of pyrazolo-fused 4-azafluorenones (indeno[1,2-b]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyridines, IPP) were synthesized via the three-component reaction between arylaldehydes, 3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-amine and 1,3-indanedione in an ionic liquid as a catalyst at room temperature. The applied synthetic route has the advantages of easy work-up under mild reaction conditions presenting moderate yields and an environmentally benign procedure. A theoretical study based on conceptual-density functional theory has been done, bond reactivity indices have been calculated and an electrophilic and nucleophilic character of localized orbitals has been determined to analyze the possible electronic mechanisms.
Radiosensitization of HSF-1 Knockdown Lung Cancer Cells by Low Concentrations of Hsp90 Inhibitor NVP-AUY922
Authors: Kühnel Annett , Schilling Daniela , Combs Stephanie E. , Haller Bernhard , Schwab Melissa , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: September 2019

The inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) a molecular chaperone for multiple oncogenic client proteins is considered as a promising approach to overcome radioresistance. Since most Hsp90 inhibitors activate HSF-1 that induces the transcription of cytoprotective and tumor-promoting stress proteins such as Hsp70 and Hsp27, a combined approach consisting of HSF-1 knockdown (k.d.) and Hsp90 inhibition was investigated. A specific HSF-1 k.d. was achieved in H1339 lung cancer cells using RNAi-Ready pSIRENRetroQ vectors with puromycin resistance. The Hsp90 inhibitor NVP-AUY922 was evaluated at low concentrations—ranging from 1–10 nM—in control and HSF-1 k.d. cells. Protein expression (i.e., Hsp27/Hsp70, HSF-1, pHSF-1, Akt, ß-actin) and transcriptional activity was assessed by western blot analysis and luciferase assays and radiosensitivity was measured by proliferation, apoptosis (Annexin V, active caspase 3), clonogenic cell survival, alkaline comet, γH2AX, 53BP1, and Rad51 foci assays. The k.d. of HSF-1 resulted in a significant reduction of basal and NVP-AUY922-induced Hsp70/Hsp27 expression levels. A combined approach consisting of HSF-1 k.d. and low concentrations of the Hsp90 inhibitor NVP-AUY922 reduces the Hsp90 client protein Akt and potentiates radiosensitization, which involves an impaired homologous recombination mediated by Rad51. Our findings are key for clinical applications of Hsp90 inhibitors with respect to adverse hepatotoxic effects.
Aging Triggers H3K27 Trimethylation Hoarding in the Chromatin of Nothobranchius furzeri Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Cencioni Chiara , Heid Johanna , Krepelova Anna , Rasa Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Kuenne Carsten , Guenther Stefan , Baumgart Mario , Cellerino Alessandro , Neri Francesco , Spallotta Francesco , Gaetano Carlo
Published: September 2019

Aging associates with progressive loss of skeletal muscle function, sometimes leading to sarcopenia, a process characterized by impaired mobility and weakening of muscle strength. Since aging associates with profound epigenetic changes, epigenetic landscape alteration analysis in the skeletal muscle promises to highlight molecular mechanisms of age-associated alteration in skeletal muscle. This study was conducted exploiting the short-lived turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri (Nfu), a relatively new model for aging studies. The epigenetic analysis suggested a less accessible and more condensed chromatin in old Nfu skeletal muscle. Specifically, an accumulation of heterochromatin regions was observed as a consequence of increased levels of H3K27me3, HP1α, polycomb complex subunits, and senescence-associated heterochromatic foci (SAHFs). Consistently, euchromatin histone marks, including H3K9ac, were significantly reduced. In this context, integrated bioinformatics analysis of RNASeq and ChIPSeq, related to skeletal muscle of Nfu at different ages, revealed a down-modulation of genes involved in cell cycle, differentiation, and DNA repair and an up-regulation of inflammation and senescence genes. Undoubtedly, more studies are needed to disclose the detailed mechanisms; however, our approach enlightened unprecedented features of Nfu skeletal muscle aging, potentially associated with swimming impairment and reduced mobility typical of old Nfu.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) and Cholangiocarcinoma: The Missing Link
Authors: Chen Chaobo , Nelson Leonard J. , Ávila Matías A. , Cubero Francisco Javier
Published: September 2019

In recent years, the incidence of both liver and biliary tract cancer has increased. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are the two most common types of hepatic malignancies. Whereas HCC is the fifth most common malignant tumor in Western countries, the prevalence of CCA has taken an alarming increase from 0.3 to 2.1 cases per 100,000 people. The lack of specific biomarkers makes diagnosis very difficult in the early stages of this fatal cancer. Thus, the prognosis of CCA is dismal and surgery is the only effective treatment, whilst recurrence after resection is common. Even though chemotherapy and radiotherapy may prolong survival in patients with CCA, the 5-year survival rate is still very low—a significant global problem in clinical diagnosis and therapy. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway plays an important role in signal transduction by converting extracellular stimuli into a wide range of cellular responses including inflammatory response, stress response, differentiation, survival, and tumorigenesis. Dysregulation of the MAPK cascade involves key signaling components and phosphorylation events that play an important role in tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological role of MAPK, current therapeutic options, and the current situation of MAPK-targeted therapies in CCA.
Special Issue on “Disease and the Hippo Pathway”
Authors: Hansen Carsten Gram
Published: September 2019

The Hippo pathway is a cellular signalling network, which plays major roles in organ homeostasis and development [...]
ZnO as a Functional Material, a Review
Authors: Borysiewicz Michał A.
Published: September 2019

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a fascinating wide band gap semiconductor material with many properties that make it widely studied in the material science, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and solid-state electronics communities. Its transparency, possibility of bandgap engineering, the possibility to dope it into high electron concentrations, or with many transition or rare earth metals, as well as the many structures it can form, all explain the intensive interest and broad applications. This review aims to showcase ZnO as a very versatile material lending itself both to bottom-up and top-down fabrication, with a focus on the many devices it enables, based on epitaxial structures, thin films, thick films, and nanostructures, but also with a significant number of unresolved issues, such as the challenge of efficient p-type doping. The aim of this article is to provide a wide-ranging cross-section of the current state of ZnO structures and technologies, with the main development directions underlined, serving as an introduction, a reference, and an inspiration for future research.
Upper Bound on the Joint Entropy of Correlated Sources Encoded by Good Lattices
Authors: Chapman Christian , Bliss Daniel W.
Published: September 2019

Lattices provide useful structure for distributed coding of correlated sources. A common lattice encoder construction is to first round an observed sequence to a ‘fine’ lattice with dither, then produce the result’s modulo to a ‘coarse’ lattice as the encoding. However, such encodings may be jointly-dependent. A class of upper bounds is established on the conditional entropy-rates of such encodings when sources are correlated and Gaussian and the lattices involved are a from an asymptotically-well-behaved sequence. These upper bounds guarantee existence of a joint–compression stage which can increase encoder efficiency. The bounds exploit the property that the amount of possible values for one encoding collapses when conditioned on other sufficiently informative encodings. The bounds are applied to the scenario of communicating through a many-help-one network in the presence of strong correlated Gaussian interferers, and such a joint–compression stage is seen to compensate for some of the inefficiency in certain simple encoder designs.
Entropy Analysis and Image Encryption Application Based on a New Chaotic System Crossing a Cylinder
Authors: Farhan Alaa Kadhim , Al-Saidi Nadia M.G. , Maolood Abeer Tariq , Nazarimehr Fahimeh , Hussain Iqtadar
Published: September 2019

Designing chaotic systems with specific features is a hot topic in nonlinear dynamics. In this study, a novel chaotic system is presented with a unique feature of crossing inside and outside of a cylinder repeatedly. This new system is thoroughly analyzed by the help of the bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponents’ spectrum, and entropy measurement. Bifurcation analysis of the proposed system with two initiation methods reveals its multistability. As an engineering application, the system’s efficiency is tested in image encryption. The complexity of the chaotic attractor of the proposed system makes it a proper choice for encryption. States of the chaotic attractor are used to shuffle the rows and columns of the image, and then the shuffled image is XORed with the states of chaotic attractor. The unpredictability of the chaotic attractor makes the encryption method very safe. The performance of the encryption method is analyzed using the histogram, correlation coefficient, Shannon entropy, and encryption quality. The results show that the encryption method using the proposed chaotic system has reliable performance.
Connective Core Structures in Cognitive Networks: The Role of Hubs
Authors: Baltazar Carlos Arruda , Guinle Maria Isabel Barros , Caron Cora Jirschik , Amaro Jr. Edson , Machado Birajara Soares
Published: September 2019

Complex network analysis applied to the resting brain has shown that sets of highly interconnected networks with coherent activity may support a default mode of brain function within a global workspace. Perceptual processing of environmental stimuli induces architectural changes in network topology with higher specialized modules. Evidence shows that, during cognitive tasks, network topology is reconfigured and information is broadcast from modular processors to a connective core, promoting efficient information integration. In this study, we explored how the brain adapts its effective connectivity within the connective core and across behavioral states. We used complex network metrics to identify hubs and proposed a method of classification based on the effective connectivity patterns of information flow. Finally, we interpreted the role of the connective core and each type of hub on the network effectiveness. We also calculated the complexity of electroencephalography microstate sequences across different tasks. We observed that divergent hubs contribute significantly to the network effectiveness and that part of this contribution persists across behavioral states, forming an invariant structure. Moreover, we found that a large quantity of multiple types of hubs may be associated with transitions of functional networks.
Impact of Ethics and Social Awareness Curriculum on the Engineering Identity Formation of High School Girls
Authors: Burks Gabriel , Clancy Kathryn , Hunter Carla , Amos Jennifer
Published: September 2019

A national need exists to effectively engage women and people categorized as minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and career paths. Given the minimal existence of standards and accreditation boards for engineering design and holistic engineering practice in K–12 contexts, we must better understand how said engineering design and holistic engineering practice affects the learning and identity formation of K–12 students. Here, 50 rising 9th–12th grade girls are exposed to either a socio-ethics enhanced engineering curriculum or a standard engineering curriculum through a week-long STEM summer camp. Qualitative methods are used to conduct a thematic analysis on the engineering language used by students in each curriculum group. Significant differences in language and attitudes towards engineering and the practice of STEM subjects is observed through the incorporation of ethics and humanities into a standard model engineering curriculum. The study presented in this paper demonstrates that students have a tendency towards describing scientific ideas through abstract terms, while a group who participated in the social science integrated camp tended to describe scientific ideas using social-emotional terms. Lastly, students who participated in the camp with integrated social sciences displayed an expanded view and sense of responsibility for the society for which their science is developed to serve. These results could have implications on how STEM subjects are communicated to attract and sustain student interest.
A Study on the Transition of Copper Oxide by the Incorporation of Nitrogen
Authors: Ahn Song-Yi , Park Kyung , Choi Daehwan , Park Jozeph , Kim Yong Joo , Kim Hyun-Suk
Published: September 2019

In the present study, the effects of nitrogen incorporation on the transition of a p-type copper oxide semiconductor are investigated. The properties of sputtered copper oxide and nitrogen-incorporated copper oxide are evaluated and compared at various nitrogen gas flow rates. The results indicate that the addition of nitrogen results in an increased optical bandgap, accompanied by significantly reduced tail states compared to pristine copper oxide. In addition, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that the incorporation of nitrogen stimulates the transition from copper (II) oxide to copper (I) oxide.
Online Home Appliance Control Using EEG-Based Brain–Computer Interfaces
Authors: Kim Minju , Kim Min-Ki , Hwang Minho , Kim Hyun-Young , Cho Jeongho , Kim Sung-Phil
Published: September 2019

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) allow patients with paralysis to control external devices by mental commands. Recent advances in home automation and the Internet of things may extend the horizon of BCI applications into daily living environments at home. In this study, we developed an online BCI based on scalp electroencephalography (EEG) to control home appliances. The BCI users controlled TV channels, a digital door-lock system, and an electric light system in an unshielded environment. The BCI was designed to harness P300 and N200 components of event-related potentials (ERPs). On average, the BCI users could control TV channels with an accuracy of 83.0% ± 17.9%, the digital door-lock with 78.7% ± 16.2% accuracy, and the light with 80.0% ± 15.6% accuracy, respectively. Our study demonstrates a feasibility to control multiple home appliances using EEG-based BCIs.
A Silicon-Compatible Synaptic Transistor Capable of Multiple Synaptic Weights toward Energy-Efficient Neuromorphic Systems
Authors: Yu Eunseon , Cho Seongjae , Park Byung-Gook
Published: September 2019

In order to resolve the issue of tremendous energy consumption in conventional artificial intelligence, hardware-based neuromorphic system is being actively studied. Although various synaptic devices for the system have been proposed, they have shown limits in terms of endurance, reliability, energy efficiency, and Si processing compatibility. In this work, we design a synaptic transistor with short-term and long-term plasticity, high density, high reliability and energy efficiency, and Si processing compatibility. The synaptic characteristics of the device are closely examined and validated through technology computer-aided design (TCAD) device simulation. Consequently, full synaptic functions with high energy efficiency have been realized.
Influence of Photoperiods on Microalgae Biofilm: Photosynthetic Performance, Biomass Yield, and Cellular Composition
Authors: Zhang Xinru , Yuan Hao , Guan Libo , Wang Xinyu , Wang Yi , Jiang Zeyi , Cao Limei , Zhang Xinxin
Published: September 2019

Microalgae have immense potential as biological sources to produce biofuels and high-value biomolecules. Biofilm-based microalgae cultivation has attracted much interest recently because of its high biomass productivity, reduced water use, and low cost of harvesting. This study aimed to understand the effect of photoperiod on three microalgae biofilms, including Nannochloris oculata, Chlorella sp., and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The examined photoperiods were 3:3 s, 5:5 s, 30:30 min, 12:12 h (light-period-to-dark-period ratio), and continuous lighting. By determining the maximum quantum yield and relative electron transport rate of photosystem II, we found that photoperiods on the seconds scale improved photosynthetic performance of microalgae biofilm. Biomass yield and lipid content of these three microalgae cultured under the photoperiod with the seconds scale increased by 11%–24% and 7%–22%, respectively, compared with those cultured under continuous lighting. In addition, the photoperiods of 3:3 s, 5:5 s, 30:30 min, and 12:12 h were beneficial for protein synthesis. These results have important implications in establishing suitable light regimes for microalgae biofilm-based cultivation systems.
Surface Microtexture Fabrication and Temperature Gradient Regulation of Micro Wankel Engine
Authors: Zhou Tianfeng , Wang Ying , Che Jiangtao , Ruan Benshuai , Liu Jinxiang , Wang Xibin
Published: September 2019

Nowadays, micro engine miniaturization is one of the most challenging issues, especially for the design and fabrication of the high-power-density micro Wankel engine. With the decrease of the size of the micro engine, the problem of the heat deformation of the cylinder becomes more serious. In this paper, a micro Wankel engine with microtextures on the outer surface of the cylinder is designed and manufactured to diffuse the heat dissipation and regulate the temperature gradient, so as to increase the power output density. First, a series of finite element simulations are conducted to design a type of ideal surface microtexture. Then, the machining condition is optimized to fabricate microtextures by micro cutting on the cylinder surface by studying the processing parameters. Finally, the performance of the new micro Wankel engine in terms of the temperature gradient regulation and the mechanical power output is tested and compared with that of the un-textured micro engine. The comparison results show that temperature of the textured micro engine was dropped from 185 °C to 125 °C and the mechanical power output increased by 10.74% from that of its un-textured counterpart, verifying the proposed methods for temperature gradient regulation.
An Investigation on the Function of Mud Cakes on the Inhibition of Low Molecular Inhibitor for Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Dong Wenxin , Pu Xiaolin , Ma Biao
Published: September 2019

The major low molecular inhibitors showed inhibition in the hydration of clay in the laboratory for water-based drilling fluids, according to the principle of intercalation adsorption. However, inhibitors have failed and caused serious engineering accidents in drilling oil and natural gas. This paper investigated the transmission of several of drilling fluids to indicate whether low molecular inhibitor for drilling can effectively inhibit the wellbore hydration. The inhibition of drilling fluid with the plugging of mud cakes, was significantly weakened based on the hydration expansion of cores and cutting recoveries. The residual contents of inhibitors were determined with the precolumn derivation of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and were chartered with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis in the structure of the derivative. The clogging behavior of the mud cake was described by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Experiments show that 40 wt% to 90 wt% by weight of the corrosion inhibitor cannot pass through the mud cake in the dynamic filtration of the drilling fluid. The mud cake can be further divided into a nanostructure layer, a homogeneous layer and an anisotropic layer with different permeability. Most inhibitors should be limited to the nanostructure layer and the homogeneous layer.