bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metode Tahfizh Al-Qur`an untuk Anak-Anak pada Pesantren Yanbu'ul Qur’an Kudus Jawa Tengah
Authors: Bahruddin AH. , Mujahidin Endin
Published: November 2018

The world of children is a world of play, but at the same time the most good age (golden age) to perform rote, then the need for a mix of playing time and time memorizing, one among the many institutions that integrate it is Yanbu'ul Qur’an Kudus Central of Java. Formulation of the problem formulated in this research is how the concept of Tahfizh Qu’ran for children held at Yanbu'ul Qu’ran Kudus Central of Java, and how excellent methods Tahfidz Qur'an for children. This study is a qualitative research, with the approach of field research, the data source is the leadership, teachers and students in Yanbu'ul Qur’an, Kudus, Central of Java. In this study it was found that the method tahfizh for children can be done by methods Talaqi, Taqrir, Musyafahah, and Iqabi. Tahfizh barriers contained in the Qur’an is the lack of children and parents who lack confidence with existing systems in Pondok. The results of this study addressed that tahfizh Qur’an to children in schools Yanbu'ul Qur'an tahfizh program needs to be made in full 30 juz in six years with a minimum target of 5 juz each year, according to the results classify rote memorization, equip anah young tahfizh with a formal certificate, provide limited formal education materials that provide support to tahfizh, and always made whenever SAP in the process of doing Tahfizh. While excellent method tahfizh for children is to integrate the mind, body and soul which was then called the method Ahsani. The conclusion from this study is the concept tahfizh in boarding Yanbu'ul Qur'an is quite effective and there are several factors that become an obstacle in running tahfizh Qur'an that sometimes disrupt this process tahfizh activities in schools Yanbu'ul Quran, but ended up with a solution that is done by deliberation either by students or by involving their parents. Ahsani method is an excellent method for Tahfiz children.

Keyword: Children, learning method, Quran memorizing
INVESTIGATION CORROSION BEHAVIOUR OF DUCTILE CAST IRON WELD JOINT IN SEA WATER
Authors: Hassan Khairia S , Alamran Yusra M , Abdulaziz Huda M
Published: November 2018

Manual metal-arc welding was carried out for ductile cast iron under welding conditionsof (90) A DC current (DCEN) and 20 volts. Welding wire type E- Ni -Fe- CI in diameter of3.2mm was used and travel speed of 7 inch /min and welded through two passes. The weldjoined are examined using X-ray radiography, broken down joint are excepted. Corrosionspecimens prepared from free defects joints having measurements of (15*15*3) mmagreeing to ASTM G71-31. Then Optical microscopy was employed to detect the weldedjoint microstructure and base metal. Micro hardness was implemented using Vickers test.Corrosion examinations are conducted using electrochemical potential state chamber inequipped (sea water 3.5% NaCl),Corrosion examination is achieved using potentiostaticpolarization dimensions in saltwater 3.5%NaCl at potential scan rate (+100-100 mv/sec) toestimate corrosion parameters by extrapolating. The corrosion rate was calculated by Tafelequation. The results of corrosion rate can be predicted using a mathematical model usingdata achieved from practical method and compare these results with the theoretical one,results show that corrosion rate for welded joint is more than the base metal because of thechange in metal microstructure during welding process.
INVESTIGATION OF COMBINATION BETWEEN LATENT AND SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE MATERIALS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FLAT PLATE SOLAR AIR HEATER
Authors: Abed Akram H , Abdulmunem Abdulmunem R
Published: November 2018

In this work, a combination between latent heat storage materials (LHSm) and sensibleheat storage materials (SHSm) as new storage heat material in flat plate solar air heater wastested experimentally. PCM (paraffin wax) at a certain ratios (10%) and (20%) were used asLHSm with a pure cement (base material) as SHSm. The experimental tests was doneindoor at irradiance of (1000W/m2) with forced convection, the mass flow rate of air are(0.5kg/min) and (1.13kg/min). The results indicated that the enhancing thermo-physicalproperties of adding pure cement by a certain ratios of paraffin wax led to enhancement inthermal energy stored. The percentage increasing in storage heat duration time was (29%)for compound cement with (10%PCM), (38.4%) for compound cement with (20%PCM),compared with pure cement at (0.5kg/min) air mass flow rate. And at (1.13kg/min) air massflow rate, it was (33.3%) for compound cement with (10%PCM) and (52.6%) for compoundcement with (20%PCM) compared with pure cement.
FABRICATION OF ADVANCED MORTAR FOR BUILDING APPLICATION
Authors: Othman Farhad M , Abdul-Hamead Alaa A , Hassan Mustafa T
Published: November 2018

In this research, cement mortar specimens were prepared with sand to cement(1:2.75) and (1, 2, and 3 wt%) of ceramic oxides (MgO, ZnO and Al2O3) at different particlesizes (11.8, 38.8, 109.8 nm), respectively. At curing time (7days), the (structural, thermaland physical) characteristics of the mortar specimens were investigated.The dry density and porosity results show that the values of density increased by(23.4, 15.6, and 9.5%), and the values of porosity decreased by (76.2, 63.8, and 56.2%) for(MgO, ZnO, and Al2O3), respectively with respect to the reference mortar specimen. Thethermal conductivity results show that the values of thermal conductivity decreased by(47.27, 40.66, and 51.16%) for (MgO, ZnO and Al2O3) respectively, with respect to thereference mortar specimen . Results of characterizations tests (XRD and optical microscope)showed that the reference mortar specimen has high roughness with large number ofCa(OH)2 crystals, as well as the presence of pores, while after adding the nanopowders, itshowed a decrease or disappearance of Ca(OH)2 and produced homogeneous structure ofcalcium silicate hydrate compound (C-S-H), in addition to a large decrease in the pores andsurface roughness. This explains the significant improvement in the properties of cementmortar mixed with nanopowders, hence these mortars were very appropriate for coveringwalls, buildings and other outdoor building applications.
ENHANCEMENT THE HEAT TRANSFER FOR TWO-PHASE FLOW THROUGH A RECTANGULAR RIBBED VERTICAL CHANNEL
Authors: Al-Turaihi Riyadh S , Kareem Doaa F
Published: November 2018

The heat transfer coefficient and temperature distribution of two phase flow (water, air)in rectangular ribbed vertical channel was investigated experimentally and numerically inthis work for different values of water and air superficial velocities (0.0421, 0.0842, 0.1158,0.1474 and 0.1684 m/s) and (1.0964, 1.425, 1.644, 1.864 and 2.193 m/s), respectively, atconstant heat flux (120 W). The distribution of temperature along the channel wasphotographed using thermal camera and compared with images for the correspondingcontours which found numerically. The experimental results of heat transfer coefficientcompared with computational fluid dynamics model simulated by Ansys fluent 15.0. Agood agreement has been found between the experimental and numerical data, where thepercentage deviation between the experimental and the numerical results is (1% - 6% ). Theresults showed that, the local heat transfer coefficient increased by adding ribs, it alsoincreased as the velocity of the flow increased.
STUDY OF SOME PROPERTIES FOR COLD-CURING ACRYLIC RESIN REIENFORCED WITH NANO YTTRIUM OXIDE
Authors: Gharkan Mohammed R , Khalil Bassam I , Ali Ahmed H , Kadhum Sally A H , Aliwi Ahmad H
Published: November 2018

Through the last two to three dictate, composite materials had being applied enormously inmany industry fields. This is as fact that this type of materials possess; high strength toweight ratio, high stiffness, and limit thermal conductivity. In this work Nano-Yttrium oxidewith (0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%) weight fraction had been added, as reinforcement phase, toacrylic resin (cold curing). Various physical and mechanical tests had done for determiningthe development in the properties of the prepared composite samples like: hardness, tensilestrength, thermal conductivity, water absorption and density. The results show: decreasingtensile strength with increasing Nano-Y2O3 weight fraction, maximum decline in tensilestrength was at (4) % Y2O3, about (16.2) % of Acrylic strength; increasing in hardness withincreasing Nano-Y2O3 weight fraction, maximum hardness was at (4) % Y2O3, about (107)% of Acrylic hardness, no obviously density change with increasing Nano-Y2O3 weightfraction, decreasing water adsorption with increasing Nano-Y2O3 weight fraction, maximumdecreasing in water absorption percentage was at (4) % of Y2O3, about (93) % of Acrylicwater absorption, decreasing thermal conductivity with increasing weight fractions of Nano-Y2O3, maximum decline in thermal conductivity was at (4)% of Y2O3 , about (90)% ofAcrylic thermal conductivity
CUMULATIVE FATIGUE DAMAGE OF 7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY REINFORCED WITH ALUMINA AL2O3
Authors: Mohammed Qusay K
Published: November 2018

The reinforcement of Aluminum alloys opens a wide range of industrial application forthese alloys in areas where reduction of weight has first priority, in General this operationknown as metal matrix composite (MMC). In this study the nanocomposite material werefabricated using stirring time for 6 minutes at 450 rpm stirring speed .Al-7075 alloy was thebase metal and the reinforcement nanocomposite material was the Alumina Al2O3 of 10nanometer in grain size , which is used as weight percentage (wt%) for 0.3,0.5,0.7 wt%Al2O3. The results show that the best enhancement in fatigue life and strength were occurredat 0.3 wt% of Al2O3.
Synthesis and Application of Thiosquaramides and Their Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Nagy Sándor , Kisszékelyi Péter , Kupai József
Published: November 2018

Thiosquaramides are the thio analogues of squaramides that are widely applicable in the fields of asymmetric catalysis, pharmaceutical research, and chemical biology. Having four-membered ring system derived from squaric acid, thiosquaramides are feasible hydrogen bond donors and acceptors. A high affinity for hydrogen bonding is driven through a concomitant increase in aromaticity of the ring. In this review the structural properties, acidity, and lipophilicity of thiosquaramides and squaramides are compared. Different synthetic procedures starting from squarates, half-squaramides or squaramides are shown, and the main derivatization methods are outlined. Finally, the yet only few applications of this interesting family are reviewed. Considering their hydrogen bonding and aromatic switching, in combination with structural rigidity, they bear the possibility of becoming robust and tunable bifunctional organocatalysts for a range of synthetically useful transformations in the future.
Running Form Analysis Based on Impact Dynamics: A Minimally Complex Mechanical Model
Authors: Bencsik László , Zelei Ambrus
Published: November 2018

Biomechanical models of different complexity are used to understand the dynamics of human running. Low degrees-of-freedom models are appropriate for the prediction of the effect of certain parameter changes. We present a minimally complex biomechanical model which characterizes the effects of foot strike pattern and shank angle on the ground-foot impact intensity, which influences the risk of injuries and energy efficiency.A three segment leg model (thigh, shank and foot) is proposed combined with the mass of the rest of the body parts concentrated in the hip. The ground-foot impact intensity and the absorbed kinetic energy are analyzed using multibody dynamics tools. The impact intensity was discovered in the parameter space of the angle of the thigh, the angle of the shank, the foot strike pattern and the running speed.The results regarding the effect of strike pattern are in coincidence with the literature: forefoot strike implies lower impact intensity and energy absorption than rearfoot strike. However, in contrast of the previous result of a two segment foot model from the related literature, the calculations indicated that the shank angle highly affects the impact intensity: the impact intensity can be reduced by foot touchdown under the hip. We showed that foot and shank cannot be analyzed in itself without considering the thigh and the total body weight, and we also confirmed that the horizontal velocity cannot be neglected when foot impact is analyzed.
Understanding and Enhancement of Internal Clustering Validation Indexes for Categorical Data
Authors: Gao Xuedong , Yang Minghan
Published: November 2018

Clustering is one of the main tasks of machine learning. Internal clustering validation indexes (CVIs) are used to measure the quality of several clustered partitions to determine the local optimal clustering results in an unsupervised manner, and can act as the objective function of clustering algorithms. In this paper, we first studied several well-known internal CVIs for categorical data clustering, and proved the ineffectiveness of evaluating the partitions of different numbers of clusters without any inter-cluster separation measures or assumptions; the accurateness of separation, along with its coordination with the intra-cluster compactness measures, can notably affect performance. Then, aiming to enhance the internal clustering validation measurement, we proposed a new internal CVI—clustering utility based on the averaged information gain of isolating each cluster (CUBAGE)—which measures both the compactness and the separation of the partition. The experimental results supported our findings with regard to the existing internal CVIs, and showed that the proposed CUBAGE outperforms other internal CVIs with or without a pre-known number of clusters.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling Analysis of the Galactinol Synthase Gene Family in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Li Ruimei , Yuan Shuai , He Yingdui , Fan Jie , Zhou Yangjiao , Qiu Tingting , Lin Xuejun , Yao Yuan , Liu Jiao , Fu Shaoping , Hu Xinwen , Guo Jianchun
Published: November 2018

Galactinol synthases (GolSs) are the key enzymes that participate in raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) biosynthesis, which perform a big role in modulating plant growth and response to biotic or abiotic stresses. To date, no systematic study of this gene family has been conducted in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Here, eight MeGolS genes are isolated from the cassava genome. Based on phylogenetic background, the MeGolSs are clustered into four groups. Through predicting the cis-elements in their promoters, it was discovered that all MeGolS members act as hormone-, stress-, and tissue-specific related elements to different degrees. MeGolS genes exhibit incongruous expression patterns in various tissues, indicating that different MeGolS proteins might have diverse functions. MeGolS1 and MeGolS3–6 are highly expressed in leaves and midveins. MeGolS3–6 are highly expressed in fibrous roots. Quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis indicates that several MeGolSs, including MeGolS1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, are induced by abiotic stresses. microRNA prediction analysis indicates that several abiotic stress-related miRNAs target the MeGolS genes, such as mes-miR156, 159, and 169, which also respond to abiotic stresses. The current study is the first systematic research of GolS genes in cassava, and the results of this study provide a basis for further exploration the functional mechanism of GolS genes in cassava.
Use of Foaming Disinfectants and Cleaners to Reduce Aerobic Bacteria and Salmonella on Poultry Transport Coops
Authors: Hinojosa Carolee , Caldwell David , Byrd James , Droleskey Robert , Lee Jason , Stayer Phil , Resendiz Erin , Garcia Javier , Klein Stephanie , Caldwell Denise , Pineda Megan , Farnell Morgan
Published: November 2018

Transport coops are infrequently washed and have been demonstrated to cross-contaminate broiler carcasses. We hypothesized that peracetic acid or a chlorinated cleaner, commonly used within poultry processing plants, can also be used to disinfect transport coops when applied via a compressed air foam system (CAFS). A mixture of fresh layer manure and concentrated Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) was evenly applied to the floors of four pre-cleaned transport coops and allowed to dry for thirty minutes. Treatments consisted of a (1) water rinse only, (2) product application with a water rinse, (3) product application followed by power washing and (4) power washing followed by application of product. Each foaming treatment was applied with a compressed air foam system and allowed 10 min of contact time. Samples were aseptically collected from the transport coops prior to and following treatment using a sterile 2 × 2-inch stainless steel template and a gauze swab pre-enriched with buffered peptone water. The chlorinated cleaner significantly (p < 0.05) reduced aerobic bacteria and ST by 3.18 to 4.84 logs across application methods. The peroxyacetic acid (PAA) disinfectant significantly (p < 0.05) reduced aerobic bacteria and ST by 3.99 to 5.17 logs across application methods. These data indicate that a compressed air foam system may be used in combination with a commercially available cleaner or disinfectant to reduce aerobic bacteria and ST on the surfaces of commercial poultry transport coops.
Superoxide Dismutases (SODs) and SOD Mimetics
Authors: Borgstahl Gloria E. O. , Oberley-Deegan Rebecca E.
Published: November 2018

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the only known enzyme to directly scavenge a free radical. [...]
A G3-Continuous Extend Procedure for Path Planning of Mobile Robots with Limited Motion Curvature and State Constraints
Authors: Gawron Tomasz , Michałek Maciej
Published: November 2018

Provably correct and computationally efficient path planning in the presence of various constraints is essential for autonomous driving and agile maneuvering of mobile robots. In this paper, we consider the planning of G 3-continuous planar paths with continuous and limited curvature in a motion environment that is bounded and contains obstacles modeled by a set of (non-convex) polygons. In practice, the curvature constraints often arise from mechanical limitations for the robot, such as limited steering and articulation angles in wheeled robots, or aerodynamic constraints in unmanned aerial vehicles. To solve the planning problem under those stringent constraints, we improve upon known path primitives, such as Reeds–Shepp (RS) and CC-steer (curvature-continuous) paths. Given the initial and final robot configuration, we developed extend-procedure computing paths that can approximate RS paths with arbitrary precision, but guaranteeing G 3-continuity. We show that satisfaction of all stated path constraints is guaranteed and, contrary to many other methods known from the literature, the method of checking for collisions between the planned path and obstacles is given by a closed-form analytic expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our approach is not conservative, i.e., it allows for precise maneuvers in tight environments under the assumption of a rectangular robot footprint. The presented extend procedure can be integrated into various motion-planning algorithms available in the literature. In particular, we utilized the Rapidly exploring Random Trees (RRT*) algorithm in conjunction with our extend procedure to demonstrate its feasibility in motion environments of nontrivial complexity and low computational cost in comparison to a G 3-continuous extend procedure based on η 3-splines.
Synthesis, Modeling Study and Antioxidants Activity of New Heterocycles Derived from 4-Antipyrinyl-2-Chloroacetamidothiazoles
Authors: Abu-Melha Sraa
Published: November 2018

The present work reports the preparation of twelve new heterocyclic scaffolds containing an antipyrinyl-thiazole hybrid through the reaction of 4-antipyrinyl-2-chloroacetamido-thiazoles 1 and 6 with various types of nucleophiles, namely; ethyl thioglycolate, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 2-mercaptobenzoxazole, ammonium thiocyanate, malononitrile, and salicylaldehyde. The constructed compounds were characterized by conventional spectroscopic techniques (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass analysis). A DFT method (material studio package) was used to predict the geometry, bond lengths, bond angles, and dipole moments as well as other global chemical reactivities of the constructed antipyrinyl-thiazole compounds. Also, their semi-core pseudopods calculations (dspp) were carried out with DNP (double numerical basis sets plus polarization functional) to predict the properties of materials. In addition, the antioxidant activity of these antipyrinyl-thiazole scaffolds has been screened by the ABTS method. The results indicated that 2-(4-antipyrinylthiazolylamino)-5-substituitedbenzylidene-thiazol-4(5H)-ones 10b and 10c exhibited the best antioxidant activity with a percentage inhibition of 85.74% and 83.51%, respectively.
Analysis of the Energy Use in the Mexican Residential Sector by Using Two Approaches Regarding the Behavior of the Occupants
Authors: Oropeza-Perez Ivan , Petzold-Rodriguez Astrid H.
Published: November 2018

An analysis of the energy use in the Mexican residential sector is carried out. To achieve this, two approaches are taken into account. The first one is the usage of low-energy devices, and the second one is the decrease of their time of use. These two approaches are considered in the calculation method with random values of power and time of usage. The energy activities are divided into air-conditioning, illumination & appliances, and refrigeration. After total annual use is validated with the actual values of energy use in 2015, a sensitivity analysis of the approaches used separately and together is carried out in order to determine the potential of energy saving. Thereby, it is found that the most influential parameter for energy saving is the extensive acquisition of more efficient technologies of illumination & appliances, followed by the decrease of use of the same illumination & appliances. Furthermore, with an integrated approach that takes into account both the use of efficient devices and the reduction of their use for the three energy activities, a maximum of 19.67 TWh is calculated in 2015 for the Mexican residential sector. This approach is therefore expected to have a reliable basis for the development and improvement of policies that help to drive energy savings in an extensive manner in Mexico.
Effects of a Reduced Effective Active Region Volume on Wavelength-Dependent Efficiency Droop of InGaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Panpan , Zhao Yongbing , Yi Xiaoyan , Li Hongjian
Published: November 2018

In this study, wavelength-dependent efficiency droop phenomena in InGaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by a reduced effective active region volume were investigated. Different effective active region volumes can be extracted from theoretical fitting to the efficiency-versus-current curves of standard high efficiency InGaN near-ultraviolet, blue, and green LEDs. It has been found that the effective volume of the active region reduces more significantly with increasing emission wavelength, resulting in a lower onset-droop current density, as well as a more severe droop. Increasing the quantum well (QW) thickness to reduce carrier density is proposed as an effective way to alleviate the efficiency droop.
Membrane-Assisted Crystallization: A Molecular View of NaCl Nucleation and Growth
Authors: Tsai Jheng-Han , Perrotta Maria Luisa , Gugliuzza Annarosa , Macedonio Francesca , Giorno Lidietta , Drioli Enrico , Tung Kuo-Lun , Tocci Elena
Published: November 2018

Membrane-assisted crystallization, aiming to induce supersaturation in a solution, has been successfully tested in the crystallization of ionic salts, low molecular organic acids, and proteins. Membrane crystallization is an emerging membrane process with the capability to simultaneously extract fresh water and valuable components from various streams. Successful application of crystallization for produced water treatment, seawater desalination, and salt recovery has been demonstrated. Recently, membrane crystallization has been developed to recover valuable minerals from highly concentrated solutions, since the recovery of high-quality minerals is expected to impact agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and household activities. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the crystal nucleation and growth of sodium chloride in bulk and with hydrophobic polymer surfaces of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polypropylene (PP) at a supersaturated concentration of salt. In parallel, membrane crystallization experiments were performed utilizing the same polymeric membranes in order to compare the experimental results with the computational ones. Moreover, the comparison in terms of nucleation time between the crystallization of sodium chloride (NaCl) using the traditional evaporation process and the membrane-assisted crystallization process was performed. Here, with an integrated experimental–computational approach, we demonstrate that the PVDF and PP membranes assist the crystal growth for NaCl, speeding up crystal nucleation in comparison to the bulk solution and leading to smaller and regularly structured face-centered cubic lattice NaCl crystals. This results in a mutual validation between theoretical data and experimental findings and provides the stimuli to investigate other mono and bivalent crystals with a new class of materials in advanced membrane separations.
Variable Wavefront Curvature Phase Retrieval Compared to Off-Axis Holography and Its Useful Application to Support Intraoperative Tissue Discrimination
Authors: Claus Daniel , Hennenlotter Jörg , Liting Qi , Pedrini Giancarlo , Stenzl Arnulf , Osten Wolfgang
Published: November 2018

Quantitative phase imaging can reveal morphological features without having to stain the biological sample. This property has important implications for intraoperative applications since the time spent during histopathology can be reduced from a few minutes to a few seconds. However, most common quantitative phase imaging techniques are based on the interferometric principle, which makes them more prone to disturbing environmental influences, such as temperature drift and air turbulence. In the last decade, with the advance of computing power, many different iterative quantitative phase imaging techniques, which only require the recording of the diffracted wavefield, and therefore offer increased robustness towards environmental disturbances, have been proposed. These are particularly well-suited for the application outside the well-controlled lab environment such as an operating theatre. The optical performance of our developed iterative phase retrieval method based on variable wavefront curvature will be evaluated by reference to off-axis digital holography and applied for intraoperative discrimination of tissue.
Cork as a Unique Object: Device, Method, and Evaluation
Authors: Costa Valter , Sousa Armando , Reis Ana
Published: November 2018

Unique Objects (UNOs) are relevant for real-world applications such as anti-counterfeiting systems. In this work, cork is demonstrated as a UNO, part of the Physical Unclonability and Disorder (PUD) system. An adequate measurement kit (illumination device) and recognition method are also devised and evaluated. Natural hills and valleys of the cork are enhanced using the illumination device and the overall robustness of the recognition application inherent to UNOs is presented. The lighting device is based on grazing light and the recognition task is based on a local feature detector and descriptor called ORB - Oriented FAST (Features from Accelerated Segment Test) and Rotated BRIEF (Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features). The performance evaluation utilizes a private cork database (1500 photos of 500 cork stoppers) and three public iris databases. In the tests carried out on the illumination device, the results clearly show the success of capturing stable/repeatable features needed for the recognition task in the cork database. This achievement is also reflected in the perfect recognition score achieved in the cork database, in the intra-distance measure μ i n t r a , which gives the notion of average noise between measures, and in the inter-distance μ i n t e r which provides hints about the randomness/uniqueness of a cork. Regarding the recognition application, its effectiveness is further tested using the iris databases. Regardless of the fact that the recognition algorithm was not designed for the iris recognition problem, the results show that the proposed approach is capable of competing with the techniques found in the literature specially designed for iris recognition. Furthermore, the evaluation shows that the three requirements that constitute a UNO (Disorder, Operability, and Unclonability) are fulfilled, thus supporting the main assertion of this work: that cork is a UNO.
Single-Cell Patterning Based on Immunocapture and a Surface Modified Substrate
Authors: Ayibaike Dilinuer , Cui Mingyang , Wei Jiaqi
Published: November 2018

Micropatterning technology offers powerful methods for biological analyses at the molecular level, enabling the investigation of cell heterogeneities, as well as high throughput detection. We herein propose an approach for single-cell patterning. The substrate was prepared using micro fabrication and surface modification processes, and the patterning template was prepared using bovine serum albumin and streptavidin, which can be employed for the patterning of any biological molecules containing biotin. Subsequent to photolithography, etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment, the optimized patterns were obtained with high accuracy, strong contrast, and good repeatability, thus providing good foundations for the subsequent single-cell patterning. The surface passivation method was proven effective, preventing unwanted binding of the antibodies and cells. Based on this streptavidin template, the specific binding between the biotinylated antibodies and the antigens expressed on the surface of the cells was enabled, and we successfully achieved single-cell patterning with a single-cell capture rate of 92%. This single-cell array offers an effective method in the investigation of cell heterogeneity and drug screening. Further, these methods can be used in the final step for the screening and enrichment of certain cells, such as circulating tumor cells.
Effects of Temperature and Time of Isothermal Holding on Retained Austenite Stability in Medium-Mn Steels
Authors: Grajcar Adam , Skrzypczyk Paweł , Kozłowska Aleksandra
Published: November 2018

Effects of isothermal holding time and temperature on the stability of retained austenite in medium manganese bainitic steels with and without Nb microaddition were investigated. The amount of retained austenite for various variants of thermomechanical processing was determined by X-ray diffraction. Relationships between processing conditions and microstructure were revealed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The isothermal holding temperatures changed from 500 to 300 °C and the time was from 60 to 1800 s. The optimal time and temperature of isothermal holding for all the investigated steels were 400 °C and 300 s, respectively. The relationships between the Mn content, amount of retained austenite, and carbon enrichment of the retained austenite (RA) were observed. The noticeable effect of Nb microaddition on the amount of retained austenite was not observed. In general, the carbon content in RA was slightly lower for the steels containing Nb. The optimum gamma phase amount was up to 18% for the 3% Mn steels, whereas it was c.a. 13% for the steels with 5% Mn. It was found that the morphology of blocky/interlath retained austenite depends substantially on the isothermal holding temperature.
Improving PM2.5 Forecasting and Emission Estimation Based on the Bayesian Optimization Method and the Coupled FLEXPART-WRF Model
Authors: Guo Lifeng , Chen Baozhang , Zhang Huifang , Xu Guang , Lu Lijiang , Lin Xiaofeng , Kong Yawen , Wang Fei , Li Yanpeng
Published: November 2018

In this study, we evaluated estimates and predictions of the PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentrations and emissions in Xuzhou, China, using a coupled Lagrangian particle dispersion modeling system (FLEXPART-WRF). A Bayesian inversion method was used in FLEXPART-WRF to improve the emission calculation and mixing ratio estimation for PM2.5. We first examined the inversion modeling performance by comparing the model predictions with PM2.5 concentration observations from four stations in Xuzhou. The linear correlation analysis between the predicted PM2.5 concentrations and the observations shows that our inversion forecast system is much better than the system before calibration (with correlation coefficients of R = 0.639 vs. 0.459, respectively, and root mean square errors of RMSE = 7.407 vs. 9.805 µg/m3, respectively). We also estimated the monthly average emission flux in Xuzhou to be 4188.26 Mg/month, which is much higher (by ~10.12%) than the emission flux predicted by the multiscale emission inventory data (MEIC) (3803.5 Mg/month). In addition, the monthly average emission flux shows obvious seasonal variation, with the lowest PM2.5 flux in summer and the highest flux in winter. This pattern is mainly due to the additional heating fuels used in the cold season, resulting in many fine particulates in the atmosphere. Although the inversion and forecast results were improved to some extent, the inversion system can be improved further, e.g., by increasing the number of observation values and improving the accuracy of the a priori emission values. Further research and analysis are recommended to help improve the forecast precision of real-time PM2.5 concentrations and the corresponding monthly emission fluxes.
Polo-Like Kinase 4 (PLK4) Is Overexpressed in Central Nervous System Neuroblastoma (CNS-NB)
Authors: Bailey Anders W. , Suri Amreena , Chou Pauline M. , Pundy Tatiana , Gadd Samantha , Raimondi Stacey L. , Tomita Tadanori , Sredni Simone Treiger
Published: November 2018

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in pediatrics, with rare occurrences of primary and metastatic tumors in the central nervous system (CNS). We previously reported the overexpression of the polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) in embryonal brain tumors. PLK4 has also been found to be overexpressed in a variety of peripheral adult tumors and recently in peripheral NB. Here, we investigated PLK4 expression in NBs of the CNS (CNS-NB) and validated our findings by performing a multi-platform transcriptomic meta-analysis using publicly available data. We evaluated the PLK4 expression by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) on the CNS-NB samples and compared the relative expression levels among other embryonal and non-embryonal brain tumors. The relative PLK4 expression levels of the NB samples were found to be significantly higher than the non-embryonal brain tumors (p-value < 0.0001 in both our samples and in public databases). Here, we expand upon our previous work that detected PLK4 overexpression in pediatric embryonal tumors to include CNS-NB. As we previously reported, inhibiting PLK4 in embryonal tumors led to decreased tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasion and migration in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, and therefore PLK4 may be a potential new therapeutic approach to CNS-NB.
Radiotherapy Advances in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology
Authors: Ludmir Ethan B. , Grosshans David R. , Woodhouse Kristina D.
Published: November 2018

Radiation therapy (RT) represents an integral component in the treatment of many pediatric brain tumors. Multiple advances have emerged within pediatric radiation oncology that aim to optimize the therapeutic ratio—improving disease control while limiting RT-related toxicity. These include innovations in treatment planning with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) simulation, as well as increasingly sophisticated radiation delivery techniques. Advanced RT techniques, including photon-based RT such as intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), as well as particle beam therapy and stereotactic RT, have afforded an array of options to dramatically reduce radiation exposure of uninvolved normal tissues while treating target volumes. Along with advances in image guidance of radiation treatments, novel RT approaches are being implemented in ongoing and future prospective clinical trials. As the era of molecular risk stratification unfolds, personalization of radiation dose, target, and technique holds the promise to meaningfully improve outcomes for pediatric neuro-oncology patients.
Add-on Immunoadsorption Shortly-after Optimal Medical Treatment Further Significantly and Persistently Improves Cardiac Function and Symptoms in Recent-Onset Heart Failure—A Single Center Experience
Authors: Weinmann Karolina , Werner Jakob , Koenig Wolfgang , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Walcher Daniel , Keßler Mirjam
Published: November 2018

Background: Immunoadsorption and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration may have beneficial effects in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with end-stage heart failure. We investigated the effect of immunoadsorption with subsequent IVIG administration on cardiac function and symptoms in patients on optimal medical treatment (OMT) for heart failure (HF) with recent-onset cardiomyopathy during long-term follow-up. Methods: Thirty-five patients with recent-onset of HF symptoms received intensive guideline-recommended medical HF therapy for 5.2 months. Subsequently, all patients received a single cycle of immunoadsorption for five days followed by IVIG administration. During the 29-month follow-up period, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were evaluated. Changes in quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire. Results: Three months after immunoadsorption, NYHA functional class improved from 2.0 to 1.5 (p < 0.005) and LVEF significantly increased from 27.0% to 39.0% (p < 0.0001). Long-term follow-up of 29 months showed stable NYHA functional class and a further moderate increase in LVEF from 39.0% to 42.0% (p < 0.0001) accompanied by a significant improvement in NT-proBNP and QoL scores. Conclusion: Immunoadsorption followed by IVIG administration further enhances LVEF, HF symptoms, QoL and biomarkers in patients with recent-onset HF on OMT.
Crosstalk between PPARγ Ligands and Inflammatory-Related Pathways in Natural T-Regulatory Cells from Type 1 Diabetes Mouse Model
Authors: Nor Effa S. Zulkafli , Yaacob Nik Soriani , Mohd Nor Norazmi
Published: November 2018

Immunomodulation, as a means of immunotherapy, has been studied in major research and clinical laboratories for many years. T-Regulatory (Treg) cell therapy is one of the modulators used in immunotherapy approaches. Similarly, nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has extensively been shown to play a role as an immuno-modulator during inflammation. Given their mutual roles in downregulating the immune response, current study examined the influence of PPARγ ligands i.e., thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of drugs on Forkhead Box P3 (Foxp3) expression and possible crosstalk between PPARγ and nTreg cells of Non-Obese Diabetes (NOD) and Non-Obese Diabetes Resistant (NOR) mice. Results showed that TZD drug, ciglitazone and natural ligand of PPARγ 15d-prostaglandin downregulated Foxp3 expression in activated nTreg cells from both NOD and NOR mice. Interestingly, addition of the PPARγ inhibitor, GW9662 further downregulated Foxp3 expression in these cells from both mice. We also found that PPARγ ligands negatively regulate Foxp3 expression in activated nTreg cells via PPARγ-independent mechanism(s). These results demonstrate that both natural and synthetic PPARγ ligands capable of suppressing Foxp3 expression in activated nTreg cells of NOD and NOR mice. This may suggest that the effect of PPARγ ligands in modulating Foxp3 expression in activated nTreg cells is different from their reported effects on effector T cells. Given the capability to suppress Foxp3 gene, it is possible to be tested as immunomodulators in cancer-related studies. The co-lateral use of PPARγ ligands in nTreg cells in inducing tolerance towards pseudo-self antigens as in tumor microenvironment may uphold beneficial outcomes.
Opposing Morphogenetic Defects on Dendrites and Mossy Fibers of Dentate Granular Neurons in CRMP3-Deficient Mice
Authors: Quach Tam T. , Auvergnon Nathalie , Khanna Rajesh , Belin Marie-Françoise , Kolattukudy Papachan E. , Honnorat Jérome , Duchemin Anne-Marie
Published: November 2018

Collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMPs) are highly expressed in the brain during early postnatal development and continue to be present in specific regions into adulthood, especially in areas with extensive neuronal plasticity including the hippocampus. They are found in the axons and dendrites of neurons wherein they contribute to specific signaling mechanisms involved in the regulation of axonal and dendritic development/maintenance. We previously identified CRMP3’s role on the morphology of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal dendrites and hippocampus-dependent functions. Our focus here was to further analyze its role in the dentate gyrus where it is highly expressed during development and in adults. On the basis of our new findings, it appears that CRMP3 has critical roles both in axonal and dendritic morphogenesis of dentate granular neurons. In CRMP3-deficient mice, the dendrites become dystrophic while the infrapyramidal bundle of the mossy fiber shows aberrant extension into the stratum oriens of CA3. This axonal misguided projection of granular neurons suggests that the mossy fiber-CA3 synaptic transmission, important for the evoked propagation of the activity of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuitry, may be altered, whereas the dystrophic dendrites may impair the dynamic interactions with the entorhinal cortex, both expected to affect hippocampal function.
A Recurrent BRCA2 Mutation Explains the Majority of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome Cases in Puerto Rico
Authors: Diaz-Zabala Hector J. , Ortiz Ana P. , Garland Lisa , Jones Kristine , Perez Cynthia M. , Mora Edna , Arroyo Nelly , Oleksyk Taras K. , Echenique Miguel , Matta Jaime L. , Dean Michael , Dutil Julie
Published: November 2018

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer diagnosis in women and is responsible for considerable mortality among the women of Puerto Rico. However, there are few studies in Puerto Rico on the genetic factors influencing risk. To determine the contribution of pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, we sequenced these genes in 302 cases from two separate medical centers, who were not selected for age of onset or family history. We identified nine cases that are carriers of pathogenic germline mutation. This represents 2.9% of unselected cases and 5.6% of women meeting National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria for BRCA testing. All of the identified pathogenic mutations were in the BRCA2 gene and the most common mutation is the p.Glu1308Ter (E1308X) mutation in BRCA2 found in eight out of nine cases, representing 89% of the pathogenic carriers. The E1308X mutation has been identified in breast and ovarian cancer families in Spain, and analysis of flanking DNA polymorphisms shows that all E1308X carriers occur on the same haplotype. This is consistent with BRCA2 E1308X being a founder mutation for the Puerto Rican population. These results will contribute to better inform genetic screening and counseling of breast and ovarian cancer cases in Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican populations in mainland United States.
Automated Knowledge-Based Intensity-Modulated Proton Planning: An International Multicenter Benchmarking Study
Authors: Delaney Alexander , Dong Lei , Mascia Anthony , Zou Wei , Zhang Yongbin , Yin Lingshu , Rosas Sara , Hrbacek Jan , Lomax Antony , Slotman Ben , Dahele Max , Verbakel Wilko
Published: November 2018

Background: Radiotherapy treatment planning is increasingly automated and knowledge-based planning has been shown to match and sometimes improve upon manual clinical plans, with increased consistency and efficiency. In this study, we benchmarked a novel prototype knowledge-based intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) planning solution, against three international proton centers. Methods: A model library was constructed, comprising 50 head and neck cancer (HNC) manual IMPT plans from a single center. Three external-centers each provided seven manual benchmark IMPT plans. A knowledge-based plan (KBP) using a standard beam arrangement for each patient was compared with the benchmark plan on the basis of planning target volume (PTV) coverage and homogeneity and mean organ-at-risk (OAR) dose. Results: PTV coverage and homogeneity of KBPs and benchmark plans were comparable. KBP mean OAR dose was lower in 32/54, 45/48 and 38/53 OARs from center-A, -B and -C, with 23/32, 38/45 and 23/38 being >2 Gy improvements, respectively. In isolated cases the standard beam arrangement or an OAR not being included in the model or being contoured differently, led to higher individual KBP OAR doses. Generating a KBP typically required <10 min. Conclusions: A knowledge-based IMPT planning solution using a single-center model could efficiently generate plans of comparable quality to manual HNC IMPT plans from centers with differing planning aims. Occasional higher KBP OAR doses highlight the need for beam angle optimization and manual review of KBPs. The solution furthermore demonstrated the potential for robust optimization.
Persistent Head and Neck Cancer Following First-Line Treatment
Authors: Steinbichler Teresa Bernadette , Lichtenecker Madeleine , Anegg Maria , Dejaco Daniel , Kofler Barbara , Schartinger Volker Hans , Kasseroler Maria-Therese , Forthuber Britta , Posch Andrea , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: November 2018

Background: Following first-line treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), persistent disease may require second-line treatment. Methods: All patients with HNC treated between 2008 and 2016 were included. Second-line treatment modalities and survival of patients were analyzed. Results: After first-line therapy, 175/741 patients had persistent disease. Of these, 112 were considered eligible for second-line treatment. Second-line treatment resulted in 50% complete response. Median overall survival of patients receiving second-line therapy was 24 (95% CI: 19 to 29) months; otherwise survival was 10 (9 to 11; p < 0.0001) months. Patients receiving second-line surgery had a median overall survival of 45 (28 to 62) months, patients receiving second-line radiotherapy had a median overall survival of 37 (0 to 79; p = 0.17) months, and patients receiving systemic therapy had a median overall survival of 13 (10 to 16; p < 0.001) months. Patients with persistent HNC in the neck had a better median survival (45 months; 16 to 74 months; p = 0.001) than patients with persistence at other sites. Conclusion: Early treatment response evaluation allows early initiation of second-line treatment and offers selected patients with persistent disease a realistic chance to achieve complete response after all. If possible, surgery or radiotherapy are preferable.