bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalized CT‐based radiomics nomogram preoperative predicting Ki‐67 expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a multicenter development and validation cohort
Authors: Zhang Qing‐Wei , Gao Yun‐Jie , Zhang Ran‐Ying , Zhou Xiao‐Xuan , Chen Shuang‐Li , Zhang Yan , Liu Qiang , Xu Jian‐Rong , Ge Zhi‐Zheng
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

To develop and validate radiomic prediction models using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT) to preoperatively predict Ki‐67 expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Method

A total of 339 GIST patients from four centers were categorized into the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort. By filtering unstable features, minimum redundancy, maximum relevance, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm, a radiomic signature was built to predict the malignant potential of GISTs. Individual nomograms of Ki‐67 expression incorporating the radiomic signature or clinical factors were developed using the multivariate logistic model and evaluated regarding its calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness.

Results

The radiomic signature, consisting of 6 radiomic features had AUC of 0.787 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.632–0.801], 0.765 (95% CI 0.683–0.847), and 0.754 (95% CI 0.666–0.842) in the prediction of high Ki‐67 expression in the training, internal validation and external validation cohort, respectively. The radiomic nomogram including the radiomic signature and tumor size demonstrated significant calibration, and discrimination with AUC of 0.801 (95% CI 0.726–0.876), 0.828 (95% CI 0.681–0.974), and 0.784 (95% CI 0.701–0.868) in the training, internal validation and external validation cohort respectively. Based on the Decision curve analysis, the radiomics nomogram was found to be clinically significant and useful.

Conclusions

The radiomic signature from CE‐CT was significantly associated with Ki‐67 expression in GISTs. A nomogram consisted of radiomic signature, and tumor size had maximum accuracy in the prediction of Ki‐67 expression in GISTs. Results from our study provide vital insight to make important preoperative clinical decisions.
DNA damage accumulates and responses are engaged in human ALS brain and spinal motor neurons and DNA repair is activatable in iPSC-derived motor neurons with SOD1 mutations
Authors: Kim Byung Woo , Jeong Ye Eun , Wong Margaret , Martin Lee J.
Published: January 2020

DNA damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, relationships between DNA damage accumulation, DNA damage response (DDR), and upper and lower motor neuron vulnerability in human ALS are unclear; furthermore, it is unknown whether epigenetic silencing of DNA repair pathways contributes to ALS pathogenesis. We tested the hypotheses that DNA damage accumulates in ALS motor neurons along with diminished DDR, and that DNA repair genes undergo hypermethylation. Human postmortem CNS tissue was obtained from ALS cases (N = 34) and age-matched controls without neurologic disease (N = 15). Compared to age-matched controls, abasic sites accumulated in genomic DNA of ALS motor cortex and laser capture microdissection-acquired spinal motor neurons but not in motor neuron mitochondrial DNA. By immunohistochemistry, DNA damage accumulated significantly in upper and lower motor neurons in ALS cases as single-stranded DNA and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (OHdG) compared to age-matched controls. Significant DDR was engaged in ALS motor neurons as evidenced by accumulation of c-Abl, nuclear BRCA1, and ATM activation. DNA damage and DDR were present in motor neurons at pre-attritional stages and throughout the somatodendritic attritional stages of neurodegeneration. Motor neurons with DNA damage were also positive for activated p53 and cleaved caspase-3. Gene-specific promoter DNA methylation pyrosequencing identified the DNA repair genesOgg1,Apex1,PnkpandAptxas hypomethylated in ALS. In human induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons with familial ALS SOD1 mutations, DNA repair capacity was similar to isogenic control motor neurons. Our results show that vulnerable neurons in human ALS accumulate DNA damage, and contrary to our hypothesis, strongly activate and mobilize response effectors and DNA repair genes. This DDR in ALS motor neurons involves recruitment of c-Abl and BRCA1 to the nucleus in vivo, and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in human ALS motor neurons with SOD1 mutations in cell culture.
Effects of cannabis oil extract on immune response gene expression in human small airway epithelial cells (HSAEpC): implications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Mamber Stephen W. , Gurel Volkan , Lins Jeremy , Ferri Fred , Beseme Sarah , McMichael John
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with both a pro-inflammatory and a T-helper 1 (Th1) immune response. It was hypothesized that cannabis oil extract can alleviate COPD symptoms by eliciting an anti-inflammatory Th2 immune response. Accordingly, the effects of cannabis oil extract on the expression of 84 Th2 and related immune response genes in human small airways epithelial cells (HSAEpC) were investigated.

Methods

HSAEpC from a single donor were treated with three dilutions of a standardized cannabis oil extract (1:400, 1:800 and 1:1600) along with a solvent control (0.25% [2.5 ul/ml] ethanol) for 24 h. There were four replicates per treatment dilution, and six for the control. RNA isolated from cells were employed in pathway-focused quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) microarray assays.

Results

The extract induced significant (P < 0.05) changes in expression of 37 tested genes. Six genes (CSF2, IL1RL1, IL4, IL13RA2, IL17A and PPARG) were up-regulated at all three dilutions. Another two (CCL22 and TSLP) were up-regulated while six (CLCA1, CMA1, EPX, LTB4R, MAF and PMCH) were down-regulated at the 1:400 and 1:800 dilutions. The relationship of differentially-expressed genes of interest to biologic pathways was explored using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID).

Conclusions

This exploratory investigation indicates that cannabis oil extract may affect expression of specific airway epithelial cell genes that could modulate pro-inflammatory or Th1 processes in COPD. These results provide a basis for further investigations and have prompted in vivo studies of the effects of cannabis oil extract on pulmonary function.

Trial registration

NONE (all in vitro experiments).
The influence of repeated prescribed fire on decomposition and nutrient release in uneven-aged loblolly–shortleaf pine stands
Authors: Liechty Hal O. , Reinke Michele
Published: January 2020

Background

Repeated use of prescribed fire in Southern US pine stands has the potential to alter litter quality as well as forest floor mineralization, which may reduce nutrient availability. There are few studies that have investigated the effects of prescribed fire on litter decomposition in stands with frequent, partial harvests. To better understand the effects of the long-term use of prescribed fire coupled with periodic harvesting, we monitored foliar litter mass loss and nutrient dynamics in three loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.)–shortleaf pine (Pinus echinataMill.) stands located in southeastern Arkansas, USA. A reciprocal transplant method and the litterbag technique were used to determine the effects of litter source (litter quality) and litter location (environmental conditions) on decomposition.

Results

Long-term use of prescribed fire in periodically harvested stands had minimal influence on mass loss and nutrient dynamics. The proportion of foliar litter remaining after approximately 16 months did not significantly differ by litter source or location. Decay constants associated with litter incubated during the first 30 days of the study differed significantly by litter source, but thereafter were similar. Initial concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were 13 to 22% greater for litter originating from the burn than for litter originating from the control treatment, but differences in nutrient concentrations were not found to alter decomposition or nutrient dynamics. Thirteen percent more K was lost from litter originating from the burn compared to litter originating from the control treatment, but losses of other nutrients did not differ between litter sources. Soil and forest floor environmental conditions did not differ between treatment locations, which likely contributed to the similar decomposition rates in the two treatment locations. The rapid growth of understory and the maintenance of similar canopy conditions as a result of harvesting were likely responsible for the similarity in environmental conditions.

Conclusions

Repeated dormant season prescribed fire in these loblolly–shortleaf pine stands did not appear to have a substantial influence on mass loss or nutrient release from litter. Land managers who utilize prescribed fire with periodic harvesting in relatively mesic upper Gulf Coastal Plain pine forests likely will not alter litter decomposition or nutrient dynamics.
Current status of solid-state single crystal growth
Authors: Milisavljevic Iva , Wu Yiquan
Published: January 2020

Fabrication of single crystals has long been limited to melt- and solution-growth techniques. However, in recent years solid-state single crystal growth (SSCG) has appeared as a promising alternative to the conventional techniques due to its cost-effectiveness and simplicity in terms of processing. Moreover, the SSCG technique has enabled the fabrication of single crystals with complex chemical compositions and even incongruent melting behavior. A recently proposed mechanism of grain boundary migration known as the “mixed control mechanism” and the associated principles of microstructural evolution represent the basis of the SSCG technique. The mixed control mechanism has been successfully used to control the key aspects of the SSCG technique, which are the grain growth and the development of the microstructure during the conversion process of the single crystal from the polycrystalline matrix. This paper explains in brief basis of the mixed control mechanism and the underlying principles of microstructural evolution in polycrystalline materials and provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent research on single crystal materials fabricated via the solid-state single crystal growth technique and their properties.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with Ips subelongatus, including eight new species from northeastern China
Authors: Wang Zheng , Liu Ya , Wang Huimin , Meng Xianjing , Liu Xuewei , Decock Cony , Zhang Xingyao , Lu Quan
Published: January 2020

Ips subelongatus is a major pest that infects larch plantations over large areas of northern and northeastern China. Ips species are closely associated with ophiostomatoid fungi that are morphologically well-adapted for dispersal by beetles. These associations result in important threat for coniferous forests worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize the ophiostomatoid communities associated with I. subelongatus infesting Larix species and sympatric Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in northeastern China forests. Morphological and multilocus phylogenetic approaches (based on six markers: ITS, LSU, 60S, β-tubulin, EF-1α, and CAL gene regions) allowed identifying 14 species of four genera (Ceratocystiopsis, Endoconidiophora, Leptographium and Ophiostoma). Eight species are showed to be new to science. Most strains resided in two Ophiostoma species complexes, viz. the O. clavatum and the O. ips complexes, all together accounting for 76.8% of all isolates. Ophiostoma hongxingense sp. nov., O. peniculi sp. nov., and O. subelongati sp. nov. (O. clavatum complex) and O. pseudobicolor sp. nov. (O. ips complex) were the four dominant species. The ophiostomatoid communities associated with larch bark beetles, I. cembrae and I. subelongatus, in Europe and Asia, China and Japan, also were compared. These comparisons showed distinct, specific assemblage patterns.
Influence of Ethnicity on Outcomes of Diabetes Inpatient Hypoglycemia: an Australian Perspective
Authors: Malabu Usman H , Adegboye Oyelola , Hayes Oliver G , Ryan Alexandra , Vangaveti Venkat N , Jhamb Shaurya , Robertson Kelvin , Sangla Kunwarjit S
Published: January 2020

Aims

To evaluate outcomes of diabetic inpatient hypoglycemia among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) compared with Australian Caucasian patients.

Methods

A retrospective audit of diabetic patients aged > 18 years admitted at a regional hospital general ward between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016, was analyzed. The database contains clinical information at the time of admission and initial discharge and readmission within 4 weeks thereafter.

Results

A total of 1618 (of 6027) patients were admitted with diabetes representing 23.7% of the total ward admissions, of which 484 (29.9%) had inpatient hypoglycemia. Of the 91 patients with available data analyzed, ATSI origin with inpatient hypoglycemia was associated with longer length of stay (LOS) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.5), whereas severe hypoglycemia (≤ 2.2 mmol/L) in both ATSI and non-ATSI was significantly associated with longer LOS (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.2). No significant differences in LOS were found for gender, age, and Carlson comorbidity index (CCI). The adjusted model for likelihood of readmission, gender, indigenous status, and CCI were not significant risk factors for readmission to the hospital. Readmitted patients were older (50-59 years vs < 50 years, P = 0.001; 60-69 years vs < 50 years, P = 0.032; 70+ years vs < 50 years, P = 0.031).

Conclusion

We reported high rate of inpatient hypoglycemia in our study population. Indigenous Australian diabetic patients with inpatient hypoglycemia had significantly longer LOS compared with non-Indigenous Caucasian counterparts. Further prospective studies on a larger population are needed to confirm our findings.
Familial hypercholesterolemia class II low density lipoprotein-receptor response to statin treatment
Authors: Omer Linda , Hindi Lubna , Militello Giuseppe , Stivers Katlin B. , Tien Kenneth C. , Boyd Nolan L.
Published: January 2020

LDL receptor (LDLR) mutations are the primary cause of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Class II LDLR mutations result in a misfolded LDLR retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We have developed a model of FH class II and CRISPR corrected induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) capable of replicating mutant and repaired LDLR functions. We show here that iPSC and derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLC) replicate misfolded LDLR accumulation and restoration of LDLR function in CRISPR corrected cells. It was reported that model cells overexpressing class II LDLR mutants result in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) accumulation of immature LDLR and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). We show here that statins induce a similar accumulation of immature LDLR that is resolved with class II correction. We also demonstrate that though capable of UPR induction with tunicamycin treatment, unlike overexpression models, statin treated class II iPSC and derived hepatocyte like cells (HLC) do not induce the common UPR markers Grp78 or spliced-XBP1 (XBP1 (S)). Because statins are reported to inhibit UPR, we utilized lipoprotein deficient serum (LPDS) media but still did not detect UPR induction at the Grp78 and XBP1 (S) levels. Our report demonstrates the recapitulation of mutant and corrected class II LDLR function and suggests that overexpression models may not accurately predict statin mediated class II protein biology.
The Returns to a Large Community College Program: Evidence from Admissions Lotteries
Authors: Grosz Michel
Published: January 2020

This paper estimates the labor market returns to the associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which is one of the most popular community college programs. I use student-level academic and earnings records across two decades for all community college students in California. I leverage random variation from admissions lotteries to produce causal estimates of the effect of the ADN on earnings and employment at a single large ADN program. Enrolling in the program increases earnings by 44 percent and the probability of working in the health care industry by 19 percentage points. These estimates are similar to ones in models that do not use the lottery variation but do control for individual fixed effects and individual-specific linear time trends, which I also estimate in a wider set of institutions where lottery estimates are not possible. In light of concerns about nursing shortages, I estimate that the economic benefit of expanding an ADN program by one seat far outweighs the costs. (JEL D44, I11, I23, I26, J24, J31)
Where Does Multinational Investment Go with Territorial Taxation? Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Liu Li
Published: January 2020

In 2009, the United Kingdom changed from a worldwide to a territorial tax system, abolishing dividend taxes on foreign repatriation from many low-tax countries. This paper assesses the causal effect of territorial taxation on real investments, using a unique dataset for multinational affiliates in 27 European countries and employing the difference-in-differences approach. It finds that the territorial reform has increased the investment rate of UK multinationals by 16.7 percentage points in low-tax countries. In the absence of any significant investment reduction elsewhere, the findings represent a likely increase in total outbound investment by UK multinationals. (JEL F23, G31, H25, H32, H87)
A ciência e o arquivo como metáforas para a dominação: Histórias naturais de Primo Levi
Authors: Menezes Filipe Amaral Rocha de
Published: January 2020

Questões como a influência da tecnologia no cotidiano e as soluções e problemas que poderiam advir da relação cada vez mais próxima entre homens e máquinas e a observação mais científica do mundo e mais humana das ciências, são as chaves pelas quais pretende-se desvendar os contos que perfazem um percurso repleto de imagens corpóreas, sensações, devires no livro Histórias naturais, publicado em 1966 pelo escritor italiano Primo Levi (1919-1987). As metáforas levam significado de um domínio ontológico para outro, criando uma relação que não se encontra na natureza, assim o texto busca na linguagem da ciência e na obsessão pelos arquivos todo um arcabouço semiológico, de forma a dar relevo aos processos de submissão do humano à máquina e à tecnologia. A partir da obsessão contemporânea pelo arquivo, como descrita por Jacques Derrida e das noções de biopoder de Michel Foucault, do poder de promover a vida ou desautorizá-la ao ponto da morte, pretende-se observar as metáforas literárias em Histórias naturais, do qual emergem a ciência e o arquivo, com suas linguagens e técnicas como alegoria bem construídas a favor do poder, da dominação e da destruição do outro.
New insights into the pathogenesis of leprosy: contribution of subversion of host cell metabolism to bacterial persistence, disease progression, and transmission
Authors: de Macedo Cristiana Santos , Lara Flavio Alves , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo , Schmitz Veronica , de Berrêdo-Pinho Marcia , Pereira Geraldo Moura , Pessolani Maria Cristina Vidal
Published: January 2020

Chronic infection by the obligate intracellular pathogenMycobacterium lepraemay lead to the development of leprosy. Of note, in the lepromatous clinical form of the disease, failure of the immune system to constrain infection allows the pathogen to reproduce to very high numbers with minimal clinical signs, favoring transmission. The bacillus can modulate cellular metabolism to support its survival, and these changes directly influence immune responses, leading to host tolerance, permanent disease, and dissemination. Among the metabolic changes, upregulation of cholesterol, phospholipids, and fatty acid biosynthesis is particularly important, as it leads to lipid accumulation in the host cells (macrophages and Schwann cells) in the form of lipid droplets, which are sites of polyunsaturated fatty acid–derived lipid mediator biosynthesis that modulate the inflammatory and immune responses. In Schwann cells, energy metabolism is also subverted to support a lipogenic environment. Furthermore, effects on tryptophan and iron metabolisms favor pathogen survival with moderate tissue damage. This review discusses the implications of metabolic changes on the course ofM. lepraeinfection and host immune response and emphasizes the induction of regulatory T cells, which may play a pivotal role in immune modulation in leprosy.
Therapeutic strategies in an outbreak scenario to treat the novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China
Authors: Kruse Robert L.
Published: January 2020

A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) originating in Wuhan, China presents a potential respiratory viral pandemic to the world population. Current efforts are focused on containment and quarantine of infected individuals. Ultimately, the outbreak could be controlled with a protective vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. While vaccine research should be pursued intensely, there exists today no therapy to treat 2019-nCoV upon infection, despite an urgent need to find options to help these patients and preclude potential death. Herein, I review the potential options to treat 2019-nCoV in patients, with an emphasis on the necessity for speed and timeliness in developing new and effective therapies in this outbreak. I consider the options of drug repurposing, developing neutralizing monoclonal antibody therapy, and an oligonucleotide strategy targeting the viral RNA genome, emphasizing the promise and pitfalls of these approaches. Finally, I advocate for the fastest strategy to develop a treatment now, which could be resistant to any mutations the virus may have in the future. The proposal is a biologic that blocks 2019-nCoV entry using a soluble version of the viral receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), fused to an immunoglobulin Fc domain, providing a neutralizing antibody with maximal breath to avoid any viral escape, while also helping to recruit the immune system to build lasting immunity. The sequence of the ACE2-Fc protein is provided to investigators, allowing its possible use in recombinant protein expression systems to start producing drug today to treat patients under compassionate use, while formal clinical trials are later undertaken. Such a treatment could help infected patients before a protective vaccine is developed and widely available in the coming months to year(s).
К ВОПРОСУ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ГИДРАВЛИЧЕСКИМИ РЕЖИМАМИ ТЕПЛОВОЙ СЕТИ
Authors: Alekseev Alexey Andreevich , Knyuk Alexander Vitalievich
Published: January 2020

Используется программа математического моделирования Computational fluid dynamics. Исследования позволяют учесть все факторы, влияющие на изменение гидростатического давления, изучить процесс взаимодействия циркуляционного насоса, подпиточного узла и работы турбины на потребителе.
MANAGEMENT INDICATORS OF GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES TO IMPROVE SCHOOL QUALITY
Authors: Siswanto Edy , Hidayati Dian
Published: January 2020

Facilities and infrastructures in education are essential to improve the quality of the teaching and learning process in schools. Principals are responsible for managing facilities and infrastructures in schools. The implementation of learning to teach in schools will be subjected to obstacles when facilities and infrastructure are inadequate. The purpose of this research is 1) describing the importance of facilities and infrastructure in improving the quality of learning, 2) Knowing how to plan, manage, use and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure in schools, 3) indicators Management of good infrastructure for the improvement of School quality 4) school readiness in preparing facilities and infrastructure to support learning in the 4.0 era. The case study used in MTS Muhammadiyah Sidomulyo. The research used in this research is descriptive qualitative research. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of the research show that the headmaster is planning in fulfilling facilities and infrastructure tailored to the level of needs each year. The planning will be known as management indicators of any infrastructure which is a good or most significant influence on the improvement of the quality of the school. Precisely the use of facilities and infrastructure can improve the quality of learning in Mts Muhammadiyah Sidomulyo. Damaged facilities and infrastructure will be given repairs. If no longer repaired, the school will apply for new procurement. All parties in the school must maintain existing facilities, and infrastructures to improve the quality of learning.
Investigation the Relationship between Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies and Self-Efficacy Perception in Reading Comprehension in Mother-tongue: Sample of 8th Graders
Authors: Bagci Hasan , Unveren Dilek
Published: January 2020

This study aims to identify the effect of metacognitive awareness of reading strategies on self-efficacy perception in reading comprehension of secondary school students and whether self-efficacy perception in reading comprehension of secondary school students differs according to the variables such as their gender and reading habits. In this correlational survey model study, data were collected from the sample of 380 students of 8th grade by using ‘Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory’ developed by Mokhtari and Reichard and translated into Turkish by Ozturk; and ‘Self-Efficacy Scale in Reading Comprehension’ developed by Epcacan and Demirel were used. The data gathered were evaluated statistically by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with the help of the SPSS program. As the results of the study, Reading Visual Comprehension, Self-regulation in Reading and Reading Self-confidence subscale scores of self-efficacy perception in reading comprehension, were found to be statistically and significantly larger in the groups that have a tendency to finish books that they start. Moreover, Reading Visual Comprehension, Self-regulation in Reading and Reading Self-confidence subscale scores of self-efficacy perception in reading comprehension, were found to be statistically and significantly larger in the groups that have advanced level of reading habits. Additionally, RSC, SRR and RVC subscale scores of self-efficacy perception in reading comprehension, were found to be significantly different in favor of female participants. General Reading Strategies, Problem Solving Strategies and Supporting Reading Strategies subscales of metacognitive awareness of reading strategies have a positive effect on Reading Visual Comprehension, Self-regulation in Reading and Reading Self-confidence scores of the participants. In other words, metacognitive awareness of reading strategies contributes to self-efficacy perception in reading comprehension of eighth-grade students.
Adsorption of Methylene Blue from aqueous solution using Senegal River Typha australis
Authors: N'diaye Abdoulaye Demba , Aoulad El Hadj Ali Youcef , Bollahi Mohamed Abdallahi , Stitou Mostafa , Kankou Mohamed , Fahmi Driss
Published: January 2020

In this work, batch adsorption experiments were carried out for the removal of Methylene Blue (MB) from aqueous solutions using Typha australis leaf as a low cost adsorbent. The effects of some variables governing the efficiency of the process such as adsorbent mass, pH, ionic strength, contact time and temperature were investigated. The adsorption kinetic data were analyzed using the Pseudo First Order (PFO) and Pseudo Second Order (PSO) models. The experimental equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results show that the PSO model is the best for describing the adsorption of MB by Typha australis for all initial MB concentrations. The equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir model with the monolayer adsorption capacity for MB-Typha australis leaf system was of 103.12 mg g-1. The values of activation parameters such as free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) were also determined as - 4.44 kJ mol−1, 55.13 kJ mol−1 and 203.21 J mol−1 K−1, respectively. The thermodynamics parameters of MB-Typha australis system indicate spontaneous and endothermic process. These results indicate that the Typha australis leaf can be feasibly employed for the eradication of MB from aqueous solution.
Adsorption Study of Malachite Green Removal from Aqueous Solution Using Cu/M3+ (M3+=Al, Cr) Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Palapa Neza Rahayu , Mohadi Risfidian , Rachmat Addy , Lesbani Aldes
Published: January 2020

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) Cu/Al and Cu/Cr had been used as adsorbent of malachite green (MG) in aqueous solution. The properties of Cu/Al and Cu/Cr LDHs were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, surface area analysis (BET) and FTIR spectroscopy. Adsorption study of MG was achieved at pH 9. Adsorption of MG follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Langmuir isotherm was suitable for adsorption of MG on both LDH with a maximum adsorption capacity of 59.52 mg/g. The thermodynamic study indicated that the adsorption process is physisorption, spontaneous, and endothermic process.  Adsorption of MG onto LDHs involve the acid-base interaction between adsorbent and adsorbate.
Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of Anacyclus pyrethrum essential oil from the Bensliman area against Culex pipiens
Authors: El Mokhtari Kawtar , EL Kouali M'hammed , Talbi Mohammed , Hajji Latifa , El Brouzi Abdelhak
Published: January 2020

Anacyclus pyrethrum is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The focus of the present study is to extract the essential oil from this plant, to determine its chemical composition and to evaluate its insecticidal activity against the larvae of the mosquito Culex pipiens. The essential oil from A. pyrethrum collected from the region of Bensliman in Morocco was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry were studied. Essential oil yield obtained by hydrodistillation was 0.09%. The major aroma constituents were Spathulenol (20.47%), Germacrene D (16.48%), Caryophyllene oxide (13.20%), 4(14)-Salviale-1-one (8.27%) and Caryophyllene 4(14),8(15)-dien-5α-ol (7.30%). The larvicidal test carried out according to a methodology based on the standard protocol of the World Health Organization was studied on 4th instar larvae of C. pipiens and showed that A. pyrethrum essential oil possesses remarkable insecticidal properties.  After 24 hours of exposition, larvicidal assays revealed a 100% mortality of C. pipiens larvae. The dose of 40 μL/mL was toxic enough to cause 100% larval mortality of C. pipiens. The lethal concentrations LC50 and LC90 calculated for the essential oil studied were of the order of 14.79 μL/mL and 19.95 μL/mL, respectively. To control mosquitoes, this essential oil extracted from A. pyrethrum might be used as a natural insecticide and therefore could be an alternative to synthetic insecticides already present on the market.
Transparency and tunable slow-fast light in a hybrid cavity optomechanical system
Authors: Liao Qinghong , Xiao Xing , Nie Wenjie , Zhou Nanrun
Published: January 2020

We theoretically investigate the optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) phenomenon in a hybrid optomechanical system composing of an optomechanical cavity and a traditional one. A Kerr medium is inserted in the optomechanical cavity and the other traps the atomic ensemble. We demonstrate the appearance of electromagnetically and optomechanically induced transparency when there is only Kerr medium or atoms in the system. We give an explicit explanation for the mechanism of the transparency. Moreover, we set up new scheme for the measurement of Kerr coefficient and the single atom-photon coupling strength. It is shown that Kerr nonlinearity can inhibit the normal mode splitting (NMS) when the tunnel strength is strong coupling. Furthermore, in the output field, slow light and fast light are converted to realize the tunable switch from slow light to fast light. This study has some important guiding significance in the fields of the high precision measurement and quantum information processing.
Modeling and state-space identification of deformable mirrors
Authors: Haber Aleksandar , Verhaegen Michel
Published: January 2020

To develop high-performance controllers for adaptive optics (AO) systems, it is essential to first derive sufficiently accurate state-space models of deformable mirrors (DMs). However, it is often challenging to develop realistic large-scale finite element (FE) state-space models that take into account the system damping, actuator dynamics, boundary conditions, and multi-physics phenomena affecting the system dynamics. Furthermore, it is challenging to establish a modeling framework capable of the automated and quick derivation of state-space models for different actuator configurations and system geometries. On the other hand, for accurate model-based control and system monitoring, it is often necessary to estimate state-space models from the experimental data. However, this is a challenging problem since the DM dynamics is inherently infinite-dimensional and it is characterized by a large number of eigenmodes and eigenfrequencies. In this paper, we provide modeling and estimation frameworks that address these challenges. We develop an FE state-space model of a faceplate DM that incorporates damping and actuator dynamics. We investigate the frequency and time domain responses for different model parameters. The state-space modeling process is completely automated using the LiveLink for MATLAB toolbox that is incorporated into the COMSOL Multiphysics software package. The developed state-space model is used to generate the estimation data. This data, together with a subspace identification algorithm, is used to estimate reduced-order DM models. We address the model-order selection and model validation problems. The results of this paper provide essential modeling and estimation tools to broad AO and mechatronics scientific communities. The developed Python, MATLAB, and COMSOL Multiphysics codes are available online.
Measurement of absorption in scattering media using objective laser speckle: application to blood oximetry
Authors: Carles Guillem , Brewer Laurence , Harvey Andrew Robert
Published: January 2020

Multi-spectral imaging enables non-invasive sensing of chemical concentrations in biological tissue based on measurement of optical absorption, but invariably in the presence of high levels of scatter. Absorption is normally inferred from measurement of contrast of biological features, such as the vasculature, and so accuracy is degraded by the poorly characterized modulation-transfer function of the imaging optics and overlying tissue. We report how experimental characterization of the spectral variation of the tissue point-spread function and associated objective speckle pattern can be used to characterize the absorption spectrum and chromophore concentration, with a particular emphasis on determination of the ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated hemoglobin within blood. Absorption measurements are determined purely by the geometry of the experiment, without degradation due to optical aberrations and associated light scatter. The technique offers enhanced and low-cost determination of in vitro or in vivo chromophore characterizations, including blood-gas analysis.
Ultra-high-sensitivity refractive index sensor based on dual-microfiber coupler structure with the Vernier effect
Authors: Jiang Yuxuan , Yi Yating , Brambilla Gilberto , Wang Pengfei
Published: January 2020

We demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, refractive index (RI) sensor based on the Vernier effect in dual-microfiber coupler (MFC) structures. The sensor sensitivity was studied both theoretically and experimentally. The numerical results show that by tracing the wavelength shifts of the envelope formed by the Vernier effect, the sensitivity can be improved by several times compared to that obtained for normal coupler-based sensors. In this Letter, two MFCs with a width and free spectral range (FSR) of

∼

3.5

µ
m

and 6 nm, respectively, were fabricated. Based on the sensitivity of 5820 nm/RIU for a single coupler, we experimentally achieved an ultra-high sensitivity of 126,540 nm/RIU using dual MFCs by the Vernier effect in the RI range of 1.3350 to 1.3455, which shows good agreement with numerical simulations. The proposed all-fiber RI sensor has the advantages of high sensitivity and low cost and can find applications in chemical and biological detection as well as electronic/magnetic field measurement.
Tangibly understanding intangible complexities: Designing for distributed autonomous organizations
Authors: Nissen Bettina , Tallyn Ella , Symons Kate
Published: January 2020

New digital technologies such as Blockchain and smart contracting are rapidly changing the face of value exchange, and present new opportunities and challenges for designers. Designers and data specialists are at the forefront of exploring new ways of exchanging value, using Blockchain, cryptocurrencies, smart contracting and the direct exchanges between things made possible by the Internet of Things (Tallyn et al. 2018; Pschetz et al. 2019). For researchers and designers in areas of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Interaction Design to better understand and explore the implications of these emerging and future technologies as Distributed Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) we delivered a workshop at the ACM conference Designing Interactive Systems (DIS) in Edinburgh in 2017 (Nissen et al. 2017). The workshop aimed to use the lens of DAOs to introduce the principle that products and services may soon be owned and managed collectively and not by one person or authority, thus challenging traditional concepts of ownership and power. This workshop builds on established HCI research exploring the role of technology in financial interactions and designing for the rapidly changing world of technology and value exchange (Kaye et al. 2014; Malmborg et al. 2015; Millen et al. 2015; Vines et al. 2014). Beyond this, the HCI community has started to explore these technologies beyond issues of finance, money and collaborative practice, focusing on the implications of these emerging but rapidly ascending distributed systems in more applied contexts (Elsden et al. 2018a). By bringing together designers and researchers with different experiences and knowledge of distributed systems, the aim of this workshop was two-fold. First, to further understand, develop and critique these new forms of distributed power and ownership and second, to practically explore how to design interactive products and services that enable, challenge or disrupt existing and emerging models.
Isolation of Kaempferol from Vietnamese Ginkgo biloba Leaves by Preparative Column Chromatography
Authors: Nguyen Tuong Van , Dinh Vinh
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research was to develop a simple procedure to isolate kaempferol from Ginkgo biloba leaves extract. Flavonoids present in Ginkgo biloba leaves were extracted by 96 % ethanol. These flavonol glycosides which were hydrolyzed in the presence of HCl to convert to aglycones. The flavonol aglycones were extracted by the hydrolysis of solution with ethyl acetate which was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to obtain concentrated flavonol aglycones (C2). Flavonol aglycones were then purified by preparative column chromatography with a mobile phase composed of petroleum ether-ethyl acetate to acquire fraction C3. The recrystallization of fraction C3 in acetone realizes to have an amorphous sediment as fraction C4 that was supposed to be a mixture of kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin. Kaempferol in this sediment was purified by column chromatography with a mobile phase composed of CHCl3-MeOH to achieve a fraction denoted as fraction C5. The isolated fraction C5 was assigned by its purity and structure by thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectroscopic data analyses.
Influence of Strontium on the Structural and Dielectric
Properties of Hydrothermally Processed PbTiO3 Ceramic
Authors: Lahrar E.H. , Ghadraoui O. El , Harrach A. , Zouhairi M. , Lamcharfi T. , El Ghadraoui E.H.
Published: January 2020

Perovskite ceramic materials of the composition Pb1-xSrxTiO3 (PSxT) were prepared by hydrothermal process at a relatively low temperature. The solution of KOH favours the solubility of the precursors in solid state. Pressure and temperature are critical factors for the formation of pure perovskite PSxT phase. The reaction mixture in stoichiometric amount is put in an autoclave and treated at 180 ºC for 24 h. The powder obtained after grinding is treated at 400 ºC for 4 h. X-ray diffraction shows that the compounds crystallize in a pure phase of perovskite type. SEM morphology indicates a homogeneous microstructure of the grains with the presence of pores. The impedance spectroscopy study in the frequency range (1 KHz − 2 MHz) confirms the insertion of stronium into the lead titanate matrix and highlights the strontium effect on the transition temperature (Tc) and the value of dielectric permittivity (εr).
Removal of Arsenic Contamination from Gomti River Water by using
Activated Charcoal Absorbent Integrated with Solar Distillation Unit
Authors: Patel Suresh Kumar , Singh Dhananjay , Dev Rahul
Published: January 2020

Arsenic is a ubiquitous and short-term poisoning element, which affects living things. In this study, the removal of arsenic from Gomti river water, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh integrated modified double slope solar still with activated adsorption bed has been applied. Arsenic contamination in Gomti river at five places were found in the river water in the range of 55.70 ppb to 681.60 ppb, which exceed the maximum permissible limit of 10 ppb as recommended by WHO. Maximum concentration of arsenic in water was found in Mohan Maekins (681.60 ppb). However, mean arsenic concentration in water
followed the order: Gaughat (115.37 ppb) < Hanuman setu (297.80 ppb) < Barrage (302.62 ppb) <Kukrail (336.27 ppb) < Mohan Maekins (481.89 ppb). The amount of adsorbed arsenic was increased with increasing initial concentration of arsenic. The aim of this study is to develop a low-cost process for the removal of arsenic effectively including the production of potable water. After results, data were analyzed with ICP-MS method and also verified with Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models.
Evaluation of the influence of malocclusion in interpersonal relations among adolescents
Authors: De Lira Ana de Lourdes Sá , Sousa Francisco Dário Carvalho de
Published: January 2020

Aim: To evaluate the influence of malocclusion on interpersonal relationships among adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out with 360 students. Photographs of male and female mouth with malocclusions were manipulated and superimposed on the smile images of two individuals of both genders with normal occlusion (corresponding to the control group, GC) respectively, for assembly of 4 malocclusions: (1) anterior open bite, ( 2) anterior crossbite (3) dental crowding , and (4) Class II, in this order. These images were provided to the participants, who evaluated them through a questionnaire. Results: The less attractive malocclusion was dental crowding. For both flirting and maintaining a serious relationship the previous open bite was the most rejected, with Class II being the most acceptable. Conclusion: For adolescents, dental crowding is the most appropriate malocclusion to be corrected orthodontically. Malocclusions negatively influence the development of interpersonal relationships among adolescents.KEYWORDSAdolescent; Malocclusion; Interpersonal relationships.
Assessing the quality of root canal filling and instrumentation time using kedo-s files, reciprocating files and k-files
Authors: Lakshmanan Lakshimi , Mani Geo , Jeevanandan Ganesh , Ravindran Vignesh , Erulappan Muthu Ganapathi Subramanian
Published: January 2020

Objective: Pulpectomy is the conservative treatment approach that retains and preserves the primary tooth in the dental arch in its normal function and non-pathologic state until its exfoliation. Over the years, pulpectomy has been performed using various instrumentation techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of root filing and instrumentation time using Kedo-S files, Reciprocating files and K-files in primary teeth. Material And Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed on 45 primary molars equally distributed for instrumentation with Kedo-S files, reciprocating files and K-Files. Immediate post-operative digital radiographs were taken to evaluate the quality of root filing and root canal instrumentation time was also recorded. Results: Mean instrumentation time with Kedo-S was 75.6 seconds, reciprocating file was 190.6 seconds and K-file was 95.4 seconds. Highest optimal fill was obtained with Kedo-S file group, highest overfill was obtained with Kedo-S group and highest under fill was obtained with reciprocating file group. Conclusion: Kedo-S rotary system provides better quality of root canal filling in minimum instrumentation time.KEYWORDS Pulpectomy; Primary teeth; Root canal filling; Rotary files.
Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) control in sunflower with residual herbicides
Authors: Brighenti Alexandre Magno
Published: January 2020

One of the most damaging species in sunflower crops in Brazil is the hairy beggartick (Bidens pilosa L). The large number of seeds, the various vegetative cycles during the year, the staggered germination and the scarcity of selective and effective herbicides to control this weed in sunflower are some of attributes that hinder the control of hairy beggartick populations. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the control of hairy beggarticks, as well as sunflower tolerance to herbicides. The treatments were as follows: S-metolachlor (1,200 and 2,400 g ai ha-1), flumioxazin (60 and 120 g ai ha-1), and sulfentrazone (150 and 300 g ai ha-1) and two controls (weedy and weed-free check). The selectivity of the herbicides was higher at low doses. Flumioxazin and sulfentrazone caused injury to sunflowers at the highest doses and mainly in sandy soils. Although S-metolachlor did not cause visual symptoms of injury, the higher dose reduced sunflower yield. The herbicides sulfentrazone and flumioxazin provided satisfactory control of hairy beggartick plants in both types of soils. S-metolachlor presented medium control of hairy beggarticks in clay soil; however, its efficiency was slightly higher when applied in sandy soil. The most efficient herbicide for controlling hairy beggartick plants was flumioxazin, followed by sulfentrazone.
Avaliação de cenários econômicos hipotéticos para viabilizar o pagamento pelos serviços ambientais - PSA
Authors: Reis Edson Augusto dos , Imperador Adriana Maria
Published: January 2020

O presente artigo organiza, avalia e discuti sobre cenários econômicos hipotéticos com objetivo de viabilizar o Pagamento pelos Serviços Ambientais – PSA providos pela bacia do ribeirão do Cipó, que é o manancial estratégico do Município de Poços de Caldas - MG. A organização e resultados deste estudo deu-se pela: (I) Avaliação dos aspectos conceituais, (II) Caracterização do uso e ocupação do solo que, dos 7.752 hectares de área da bacia hidrográfica: 30,2% mata nativa, 29,3% solo exposto, 23,8% cultivo de Eucalipto, 4,9% de água no reservatório e corpos d’água; (III) Avaliação da Disposição a Pagar - DAP onde, observou-se que 54% da população está disposta a pagar pelos serviços a um valor médio de R$ 6,43; (IV) simulação de cenários econômicos hipotéticos onde, os cenários (1) e (3) ficam abaixo do custo de oportunidade enquanto que os Cenários (2) e (4) apresentam uma atratividade para os proprietários a montante.