bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
URGENSI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER PADA ANAK USIA DINI DALAM TINJAUAN NEUROSAINS
Authors: Sholichah Aas Siti
Published: April 2020

This article will explain the urgency of early childhood character education in neuroscience review. The methods of research used are qualitative methods with a library approach. Neuroscience is a science that studies and specializes in scientific to the nervous system. In the study of early childhood neuroscience is a golden age in the process of human growth. Brain tissue cell growth in children aged 0-4 year reaches 50%, up to 8 years of age reached 80%. The rapid development of the brain along with the child's physical growth. In early childhood, the unconscious mind is functioning since the womb until age 5 years. The unconscious mind has the function of storing, habits, emotions, long-term memory, intuition, personality, creativity, belief, perception and value. The physical fact of the unconscious mind can be proved when the baby is crying that can be calm in the dethe mother, because since the baby is already acquainted with the figure of his mother through the uterus and heart rate. When viewed from its fugness, the subconscious mind serves to form a character.Keywords: Early childhood, Neuroscience, Character Education.Â ABSTRAKTulisan ini akan menjelaskan mengenai urgensi pendidikan karakter anak usia dini dalam tinjauan neurosains. Adapun metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan kepustakaan. Neurosains adalah ilmu yang mempelajari dan mengkhususkan pada saintifik terhadap sistem saraf. Dalam kajian neurosains anak usia dini merupakan masa keemasan dalam proses tumbuh kembang manusia. pertumbuhan sel jaringan otak pada anak usia 0-4 tahun mencapai 50%, hingga usia 8 tahun mencapai 80%. Pesatnya perkembangan otak tersebut bersamaan dengan pertumbuhan fisik anak. Dalam tahap anak usia dini, pikiran bawah sadar berfungsi sejak dalam kandungan sampai usia 5 tahun. pikiran bawah sadar memiliki fungsi menyimpan, kebiasaan, emosi, memori jangka panjang, intuisi, kepribadian, kreatifitas, keyakinan, persepsi dan nilai. Fakta secara fisik pikiran bawah sadar ini dapat dibuktikan ketika bayi menangis yang bisa tenang dalam dekapan ibunya, karena semenjak dalam kandungan bayi sudah mengenal sosok ibunya melalui rahim dan detak jantung. Jika dilihat dari fugsinya, pikiran bawah sadar berfungsi untuk membentuk karakter.
Machine Learning Regression Model for Predicting Honey Harvests
Authors: Campbell Tristan , Dixon Kingsley W. , Dods Kenneth , Fearns Peter , Handcock Rebecca
Published: April 2020

Honey yield from apiary sites varies significantly between years. This affects the beekeeper’s ability to manage hive health, as well as honey production. This also has implications for ecosystem services, such as forage availability for nectarivores or seed sets. This study investigates whether machine learning methods can develop predictive harvest models of a key nectar source for honeybees, Corymbia calophylla (marri) trees from South West Australia, using data from weather stations and remotely sensed datasets. Honey harvest data, weather and vegetation-related datasets from satellite sensors were input features for machine learning algorithms. Regression trees were able to predict the marri honey harvested per hive to a Mean Average Error (MAE) of 10.3 kg. Reducing input features based on their relative model importance achieved a MAE of 11.7 kg using the November temperature as the sole input feature, two months before marri trees typically start to produce nectar. Combining weather and satellite data and machine learning has delivered a model that quantitatively predicts harvest potential per hive. This can be used by beekeepers to adaptively manage their apiary. This approach may be readily applied to other regions or forage species, or used for the assessment of some ecosystem services.
Vitamin D Regulation of a SOD1-to-SOD2 Antioxidative Switch to Prevent Bone Cancer
Authors: Lisse Thomas S.
Published: April 2020

Superoxide, a form of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is catabolized by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and contributes to carcinogenesis via the oxidative damage it inflicts on cells. The aim of this research was to analyze the potential vitamin D-mediated regulation of the antioxidative “SOD1-to-SOD2 switch” within the human MG-63 osteosarcoma model. For this study, real-time PCR analysis was performed using MG-63 cells exposed to metabolically active 1,25(OH)2D3. First, a sustained statistically significant >2-fold suppression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) transcripts was observed after 10 nM but not at 100 nM of 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, suggesting a cytostatic effect. In order to assess regulators of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, gene expression of COX2 and COX4l1 of the mitochondrial complex IV and antioxidative enzymes (SOD1, SOD2 and Catalase (CAT)) were monitored. For COX2 and COX4l1, no changes in gene expression were observed. However, a concomitant decrease in CAT and SOD1 mRNA, and increase in SOD2 mRNA after 24 h of 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment were observed. A ~8-fold increase in SOD2 mRNA was apparent after 48 ours. The significant increase in SOD2 activity in the presence of vitamin D indicates an antioxidant potential and sensitization of vitamin D during osteosarcoma transformation and mitochondrial detoxification over time.
Conceptual Design of BCI for Mobile Robot Control
Authors: Miatliuk Kanstantsin , Nawrocka Agata , Holewa Karolina , Moulianitis Vassilis
Published: April 2020

This paper presents an application of Hierarchical Systems (HS) technology in conceptual and detailed design of Brain Computer Interface (BCI) system to control a mobile robot. The BCI is a biomechatronic system that includes biological (brain), computer (control PC), electronic (sensors), visual informatics (LCD—liquid crystal display, GUI—graphic user interface) and executive electro-mechanical (MR—mobile robot) subsystems. Therefore, the conceptual model of the designed BCI system should present connected formal models of the above subsystems presented in the general systemic basis. The structure of the BCI system, its dynamic realization as a unit in its environment and MR environment are presented formally as well. In addition, the conceptual model should also take into account the BCI inter-level relations performed by MR coordinator implemented in the form of the design and control system. Therefore, HS model (and its standard block aed—ancient Greek word) is selected and described as the formal basis of the conceptual model of BCI system in the first part of the given paper. BCI system detailed design is under consideration in the second part of the paper. BCI control system and MR design results, as well as MR control process are also described in the final part of the paper.
Electrical Monitoring as a Novel Route to Understanding the Aging Mechanisms of Carbon Nanotube-Doped Adhesive Film Joints
Authors: F. Sánchez-Romate Xoan , Jiménez-Suárez Alberto , Sánchez María , G. Prolongo Silvia , Güemes Alfredo , Ureña Alejandro
Published: April 2020

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic bonded joints with novel carbon nanotube (CNT) adhesive films were manufactured and tested under different aging conditions by varying the surfactant content added to enhance CNT dispersion. Single lap shear (SLS) tests were conducted in their initial state and after 1 and 2 months immersed in distilled water at 60 °C. In addition, their electrical response was measured in terms of the electrical resistance change through thickness. The lap shear strength showed an initial decrease due to plasticization of weak hydrogen bonds, and then a partial recovery due to secondary crosslinking. This plasticization effect was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry analysis with a decrease in the glass transition temperature. The electrical response varied with aging conditions, showing a higher plasticity region in the 1-month SLS joints, and a sharper increase in the case of the non-aged and 2-month-aged samples; these changes were more prevalent with increasing surfactant content. By adjusting the measured electrical data to simple theoretical calculations, it was possible to establish the first estimation of damage accumulation, which was higher in the case of non-aged and 2-month-aged samples, due to the presence of more prevalent brittle mechanisms for the CNT-doped joints.
Modeling the Functioning of the Half-Cells Photovoltaic Module under Partial Shading in the Matlab Package
Authors: Sarniak Mariusz T.
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the usefulness of photovoltaic modules built of half cells for partially obstructed photovoltaic (PV) installations was analyzed based on verified simulation studies. The parameters of these modules are similar to the classic, but the internal structure is different. Instead of 60 cells in a typical classic PV module, there are twice as many cells in modules with half cells. A simulation model was built in the Matlab/Simulink engineering calculations package, using the “Solar Cell” component, which is a double-diode PV cell replacement model. The simulation model reflects the internal structure of the PV module from half cells so that the output current is divided into two equal parts inside, and the structure of the module is divided into six sections. Simulation tests were performed for the same parameters that were measured during actual measurements of the current–voltage characteristics of the partially shaded PV module. Verification tests were carried out for the photovoltaic module—JAM60S03-320/PR—using the I–V 400 meter. Four different cases of partial shading of the module were verified and one for the case of no shading, but in conditions different from the standard, given by the manufacturer.
Crash Classification by Congestion Type for Highways
Authors: Song Tai-Jin , Kim Sangkey , Williams Billy M. , Rouphail Nagui M. , List George F.
Published: April 2020

Effective management of highway networks requires a thorough understanding of the conditions under which vehicular crashes occur. Such an understanding can and should inform related operational and resource allocation decisions. This paper presents an easily implementable methodology that can classify all reported crashes in terms of the operational conditions under which each crash occurred. The classification methodology uses link-based speed data. Unlike previous secondary collision identification schemes, it neither requires an a priori identification of the precipitating incident nor definition of the precipitating incident’s impact area. To accomplish this objective, the methodology makes use of a novel scheme for distinguishing between recurrent and non-recurrent congestion. A 500-crash case study was performed using a 274 km section of the I-40 in North Carolina. Twelve percent of the case study crashes were classified as occurring in non-recurrent congestion. Thirty-seven percent of the crashes in non-recurrent congestion classified were identified within unreported primary incidents or crashes influence area. The remainder was classified as primary crashes occurring in either uncongested conditions (84%) or recurrent congestion (4%). The methodology can be implemented in any advanced traffic management system for which crash time and link location are available along with corresponding archived link speed data are available.
General Total Least Squares Theory for Geodetic Coordinate Transformations
Authors: Qin Yuxin , Fang Xing , Zeng Wenxian , Wang Bin
Published: April 2020

Datum transformations are a fundamental issue in geodesy, Global Positioning System (GPS) science and technology, geographical information science (GIS), and other research fields. In this study, we establish a general total least squares (TLS) theory which allows the errors-in-variables model with different constraints to formulate all transformation models, including affine, orthogonal, similarity, and rigid transformations. Through the adaptation of the transformation models to the constrained TLS problem, the nonlinear constrained normal equation is analytically derived, and the transformation parameters can be iteratively estimated by fixed-point formulas. We also provide the statistical characteristics of the parameter estimator and the unit of precision of the control points. Two examples are given, as well as an analysis of the results on how the estimated quantities vary when the number of constraints becomes larger.
Methionine Dependence of Cancer
Authors: Kaiser Peter
Published: April 2020

Tumorigenesis is accompanied by the reprogramming of cellular metabolism. The shift from oxidative phosphorylation to predominantly glycolytic pathways to support rapid growth is well known and is often referred to as the Warburg effect. However, other metabolic changes and acquired needs that distinguish cancer cells from normal cells have also been discovered. The dependence of cancer cells on exogenous methionine is one of them and is known as methionine dependence or the Hoffman effect. This phenomenon describes the inability of cancer cells to proliferate when methionine is replaced with its metabolic precursor, homocysteine, while proliferation of non-tumor cells is unaffected by these conditions. Surprisingly, cancer cells can readily synthesize methionine from homocysteine, so their dependency on exogenous methionine reflects a general need for altered metabolic flux through pathways linked to methionine. In this review, an overview of the field will be provided and recent discoveries will be discussed.
Beta-Tocotrienol Exhibits More Cytotoxic Effects than Gamma-Tocotrienol on Breast Cancer Cells by Promoting Apoptosis via a P53-Independent PI3-Kinase Dependent Pathway
Authors: Idriss Maya , Hodroj Mohammad Hassan , Fakhoury Rajaa , Rizk Sandra
Published: April 2020

Studies on tocotrienols have progressively revealed the benefits of these vitamin E isoforms on human health. Beta-tocotrienol (beta-T3) is known to be less available in nature compared to other vitamin E members, which may explain the restricted number of studies on beta-T3. In the present study, we aim to investigate the anti-proliferative effects and the pro-apoptotic mechanisms of beta-T3 on two human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF7. To assess cell viability, both cell lines were incubated for 24 and 48 h, with different concentrations of beta-T3 and gamma-T3, the latter being a widely studied vitamin E isoform with potent anti-cancerous properties. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction upon treatment with various concentrations of the beta-T3 isoform were assessed. The effect of beta-T3 on the expression level of several apoptosis-related proteins p53, cytochrome C, cleaved-PARP-1, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, in addition to key cell survival proteins p-PI3K and p-GSK-3 α/β was determined using western blot analysis. Beta-tocotrienol exhibited a significantly more potent anti-proliferative effect than gamma-tocotrienol on both cell lines regardless of their hormonal receptor status. Beta-T3 induced a mild G1 arrest on both cell lines, and triggered a mitochondrial stress-mediated apoptotic response in MDA-MB-231 cells. Mechanistically, beta-T3′s anti-neoplastic activity involved the downregulation of phosphorylated PI3K and GSK-3 cell survival proteins. These findings suggest that vitamin E beta-T3 should be considered as a promising anti-cancer agent, more effective than gamma-T3 for treating human breast cancer and deserves to be further studied to investigate its effects in vitro and on other cancer types.
An Aging Model of NH3 Storage Sites for Predicting Kinetics of NH3 Adsorption, Desorption and Oxidation over Hydrothermally Aged Cu-Chabazite
Authors: Bozbag Selmi Erim , Şanlı Deniz , Özener Barkın , Hisar Gökhan , Erkey Can
Published: April 2020

A unified transient kinetic model which can predict the adsorption, desorption and oxidation kinetics of NH3 over hydrothermally aged Cu-chabazite was developed. The model takes into account the variation of fractional coverages of NH3 storage sites due to hydrothermal aging. In order to determine the fractional coverage of these sites, the catalyst was aged for various times at a certain temperature followed by NH3 adsorption, desorption and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiments. TPD profiles were deconvoluted mainly into three peaks with centres at 317, 456 and 526 °C, respectively. Hydrothermal aging resulted in the progressive increase in the intensity of the peak at 317 °C and decrease in the intensity of the peaks at 456 and 526 °C, along with decreased NH3 oxidation at high temperatures. A model for hydrothermal aging kinetics of the fractional coverage of storage sites was developed using three reactions with appropriate rate expressions with parameters regressed from experimental data. The model was then incorporated into a multi-site kinetic model for the degreened Cu-Chabazite by the addition of aging reactions on each storage site. The effects of both aging time and temperature on the kinetics NH3 adsorption, desorption and oxidation were successfully predicted in the 155-540 °C range. This study is the first step towards the development of a hydrothermal aging-unified kinetic model of NH3-Selective Catalytic Reduction over Cu-chabazite.
Prediction of Autumn Precipitation over the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin Based on Climate Indices
Authors: Qian Heng , Xu Shi-Bin
Published: April 2020

Autumn precipitation (AP) has important impacts on agricultural production, water conservation, and water transportation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (MLYRB; 25°–35° N and 105°–122° E). We obtain the main empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes of the interannual variation in AP based on daily precipitation data from 97 stations throughout the MLYRB during 1980–2015. The results show that the first leading EOF mode accounts for 30.83% of the total variation. The spatial pattern shows uniform change over the whole region. The variance contribution of the second mode is 16.13%, and its spatial distribution function shows a north-south phase inversion. Based on previous research and the physical considerations discussed herein, we include 13 climate indices to reveal the major predictors. To obtain an acceptable prediction performance, we comprehensively rank the climate indices, which are sorted according to the values of the new standardized algorithm of information flow (NIF, a causality-based approach) and correlation coefficient (a traditional climate diagnostic tool). Finally, Tropical Indian Ocean Dipole (TIOD), Arctic Oscillation (AO), and other four indicators are chosen as the final predictors affecting the first mode of AP over the MLYRB; NINO3.4 SSTA (NINO3.4), Atlantic-European Circulation E Pattern (AECE), and other four indicators are the major predictors for the second mode. In the final prediction experiment, considering the time series prediction of principal components (PCs) to be a small-sample problem, the Bayesian linear regression (BLR) model is used for the prediction. The experimental results reveal that the BLR model can effectively capture the time series trends of the first two modes (the correlation coefficients are greater than 0.5), and the overall performance is significantly better than that of the multiple linear regression (MLR) model. The prediction factors and precipitation prediction results identified in this study can be referenced to rapidly obtain climatological information for AP over the MLYRB and improve the regional prediction of AP elsewhere, which will also help policymakers prepare appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures for future climate change.
Nondestructive Testing of Hollowing Deterioration of the Yungang Grottoes Based on THz-TDS
Authors: Feng Ju , Meng Tianhua , Lu Yuhe , Ren Jianguang , Zhao Guozhong , Liu Hongmei , Yang Jin , Huang Rong
Published: April 2020

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is an important method in noninvasive detection and diagnosis for historic relics. A new nondestructive testing (NDT) method based on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) technology was developed to measure the hollowing deterioration of the Yungang Grottoes in this paper. Hollowing deterioration samples were strictly prepared, and a series of experiments were conducted to ensure the representativeness of the experimental results. A hollowing thickness model was established by the relationship between the thickness of the hollowing deterioration sample and the time difference of the front flaked stone surface and the stone wall surface of the hollowing deterioration samples. The results show that the R-squared value of the model equation reached 0.99795, which implies that this model is reliable. Therefore, the actual hollowing thickness of the Yungang Grottoes can be obtained by substituting the time difference in the proposed thickness hollowing model, where the time difference is obtained from measured THz spectra. The detection method of stone relic hollowing deterioration is easy to apply, which can not only realize qualitative NDT but also quantitative hollowing deterioration thickness determination. This method has crucial practical significance for the repair and strengthening of stone relics similar to the Yungang Grottoes.
Effects of Cocoa Butter and Cocoa Butter Equivalent in a Chocolate Confectionery on Human Blood Triglycerides, Glucose and Insulin
Authors: Quek Rina Yu Chin , Peh Elaine Wan Yi , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: April 2020

Given the rising trend in the consumption of chocolate confectioneries, the shortage in cocoa butter (CB) production remains a constant threat to food manufacturers. Therefore, exploring alternative plant sources of CB is essential. Sal fat, obtained from seed kernels of trees, has the potential to substitute CB in chocolate confectioneries. The primary aims of this randomised controlled, crossover trial was to compare the glycaemic, insulinaemic and lipidaemic response of two different oil types (CB and Sal fat) in people and the effects of these oils in two physical forms (liquid and oleogel). Seventeen healthy male participants (age 24.73 ± 2.63, height 173.81 ± 7.24 cm, weight 65.85 ± 8.06 kg, BMI 21.73 ± 1.65 kg/m2) completed the study. There were no significant differences in blood glucose iAUC (p = 0.995), plasma insulin (p = 0.760) and triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.129), regardless of oil type consumed. When comparing incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of insulin and TG between the different forms (liquid or oleogel), oleogel was found to be significantly lower (p = 0.014 and p = 0.024 respectively). Different types of oil transformed into oleogels are effective in reducing postprandial insulinaemia and lipidaemia. Sal fat, although not metabolically different from CB, can be an acceptable substitute for CB in the production of chocolate confectioneries.
Phytochemical Profile and Biological Properties of Colchicum triphyllum (Meadow Saffron)
Authors: Senizza Biancamaria , Rocchetti Gabriele , Okur Murat Ali , Zengin Gokhan , Yıldıztugay Evren , Ak Gunes , Montesano Domenico , Lucini Luigi
Published: April 2020

In this work, the phytochemical profile and the biological properties of Colchicum triphyllum (an unexplored Turkish cultivar belonging to Colchicaceae) have been comprehensively investigated for the first time. Herein, we focused on the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects of flower, tuber, and leaf extracts, obtained using different extraction methods, namely maceration (both aqueous and methanolic), infusion, and Soxhlet. Besides, the complete phenolic and alkaloid untargeted metabolomic profiling of the different extracts was investigated. In this regard, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) allowed us to putatively annotate 285 compounds when considering the different matrix extracts, including mainly alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, and tyrosol equivalents. The most abundant polyphenols were flavonoids (119 compounds), while colchicine, demecolcine, and lumicolchicine isomers were some of the most widespread alkaloids in each extract analyzed. In addition, our findings showed that C. triphyllum tuber extracts were a superior source of both total alkaloids and total polyphenols, being on average 2.89 and 10.41 mg/g, respectively. Multivariate statistics following metabolomics allowed for the detection of those compounds most affected by the different extraction methods. Overall, C. triphyllum leaf extracts showed a strong in vitro antioxidant capacity, in terms of cupric reducing antioxidant power (CUPRAC; on average 96.45 mg Trolox Equivalents (TE)/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) reducing power (on average 66.86 mg TE/g). Interestingly, each C. triphyllum methanolic extract analyzed (i.e., from tuber, leaf, and flower) was active against the tyrosinase in terms of inhibition, recording the higher values for methanolic macerated leaves (i.e., 125.78 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g). On the other hand, moderate inhibitory activities were observed against AChE and α-amylase. Strong correlations (p < 0.01) were also observed between the phytochemical profiles and the biological activities determined. Therefore, our findings highlighted, for the first time, the potential of C. triphhyllum extracts in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Food Waste in the Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council: A Systematic Review
Authors: El Bilali Hamid , Ben Hassen Tarek
Published: April 2020

Food waste (FW) is a critical challenge in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This paper analyzes research dealing with food waste in the GCC countries (viz. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). It draws upon a systematic review performed on Scopus in January 2020. The paper covers both bibliometrics (e.g., authors, affiliations, journals) and research topics (e.g., causes, food supply chain stages, extent and quantity, food security, economic impacts, environmental implications, management strategies). A main finding of the review is the scarcity of data on FW in the GCC in general and in Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain in particular. Most of the selected articles address FW reuse and recycling (e.g., waste-to-energy conversion, compost production). Indeed, other FW management strategies, such as reduction/prevention and redistribution, are overlooked. The systematic review highlights that further research on FW in the GCC is highly needed with a focus on the identified research gaps such as causes and drivers, trends, magnitude and extent, environmental and economic impacts, along with implications of food wastage in terms of food security. Since food wastage is a common issue for all GCC countries, these research gaps should be addressed in a shared regional research agenda.
Genetic Identification of the Wild Form of Olive (Olea europaea var. sylvestris) Using Allele-Specific Real-Time PCR
Authors: Kyriakopoulou Christina I. , Kalogianni Despina P.
Published: April 2020

The wild-type of olive tree, Olea europaea var Sylvestris or oleaster, is the ancestor of the cultivated olive tree. Wild-type olive oil is considered to be more nutritious with increased antioxidant activity compared to the common cultivated type (Olea europaea L. var Europaea). This has led to the wild-type of olive oil having a much higher financial value. Thus, wild olive oil is one of the most susceptible agricultural food products to adulteration with other olive oils of lower nutritional and economical value. As cultivated and wild-type olives have similar phenotypes, there is a need to establish analytical methods to distinguish the two plant species. In this work, a new method has been developed which is able to distinguish Olea europaea var Sylvestris (wild-type olive) from Olea europaea L. var Europaea (cultivated olive). The method is based, for the first time, on the genotyping, by allele-specific, real-time PCR, of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) present in the two olives’ chloroplastic genomes. With the proposed method, we were able to detect as little as 1% content of the wild-type olive in binary DNA mixtures of the two olive species.
The Mechanical Properties of Fly-Ash-Stabilized Sands
Authors: Simatupang Minson , Mangalla Lukas Kano , Edwin Romy Suryaningrat , Putra Adris Ade , Azikin Muhammad Thahir , Aswad Nini H. , Mustika Wayan
Published: April 2020

The stabilization of soil through the addition of fly ash has been shown to be an effective alternative for improving the strength and stiffness of soil through the resulting chemical reactions. The chemical reaction that occurs dissociates the lime (CaO) in the fly ash, and the establishment of cementitious and pozzolanic gels (consisting of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel and calcium aluminate hydrate (CAH) gel) binds the soil particles and increases the strength and stiffness of the soil. Investigations into the mechanical properties of sands stabilized with fly ash (fly-ash-stabilized sands) were conducted through a series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and direct shear strength tests for various fly ash percentages, curing times, grain sizes, degrees of saturation during sample preparation, and content of fines. It was found that the mechanical properties—UCS and direct shear strength (DSS)—of fly-ash-stabilized sands increased with both increasing fly ash content in the specimen and curing time, but decreased with increasing grain size, degree of saturation during sample preparation, and content of fines. The results indicated that fly-ash-stabilized sands required more than a month to attain their optimum performance with regard to binding sand particles.
NIV Is not Adequate for High Intensity Endurance Exercise in COPD
Authors: Bonnevie Tristan , Gravier Francis-Edouard , Fresnel Emeline , Kerfourn Adrien , Medrinal Clément , Prieur Guillaume , Combret Yann , Muir Jean-François , Cuvelier Antoine , Debeaumont David , Reychler Gregory , Patout Maxime , Viacroze Catherine
Published: April 2020

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) during exercise has been suggested to sustain higher training intensity but the type of NIV interface, patient-ventilator asynchronies (PVA) or technological limitation of the ventilator may interfere with exercise. We assessed whether these parameters affect endurance exercise capacity in severe COPD patients. In total, 21 patients with severe COPD not eligible to home NIV performed three constant workload tests. The first test was carried out on spontaneous breathing (SB) and the following ones with NIV and a nasal or oronasal mask in a randomized order. PVA and indicators of ventilator performance were assessed through a comprehensive analysis of the flow pressure tracing raw data from the ventilator. The time limit was significantly reduced with both masks (406 s (197–666), 240 s (131–385) and 189 s (115–545), p < 0.01 for tests in SB, with oronasal and nasal mask, respectively). There were few PVA with an oronasal mask (median: 3.4% (1.7–5.2)) but the ventilator reached its maximal generating capacity (median flowmax: 208.0 L/s (189.5–224.8) while inspiratory pressure dropped throughout exercise (from 10.1 (9.4–11.4) to 8.8 cmH2O (8.6–10.8), p < 0.01). PVA were more frequent with nasal mask (median: 12.8% (3.2–31.6), p < 0.01). Particularly, the proportion of patients with ineffective efforts > 10% was significantly higher with nasal interface (0% versus 33.3%, p < 0.01). NIV did not effectively improve endurance capacity in COPD patients not acclimated to home NIV. This was due to a technological limitation of the ventilator for the oronasal mask and the consequence either of an insufficient pressure support or a technological limitation for the nasal mask.
Differences in Brain Volume between Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Overweight and Obese Children: The Role of Fitness
Authors: Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Migueles Jairo H. , Labayen Idoia , Verdejo-Román Juan , Mora-Gonzalez Jose , Henriksson Pontus , Maldonado José , Gómez-Vida José , Hillman Charles H. , Erickson Kirk I. , Kramer Arthur F. , Catena Andrés , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to examine whether metabolically healthy overweight/obese children have greater global and regional gray matter volumes than their metabolically unhealthy peers. We further examined the association between gray matter volume and academic achievement, along with the role of cardiorespiratory fitness in these associations. A total of 97 overweight/obese children (10.0 ± 1.2 years) participated. We classified children as metabolically healthy/unhealthy based on metabolic syndrome cut-offs. Global and regional brain volumes were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Academic achievement was assessed using the Woodcock-Muñoz standardized test. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the 20 m shuttle run test. Metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHO) children had greater regional gray matter volume compared to those who were metabolically unhealthy (MUO) (all p ≤ 0.001). A similar trend was observed for global gray matter volume (p = 0.06). Global gray matter volume was positively related to academic achievement (β = 0.237, p = 0.036). However, all the associations were attenuated or disappeared after adjusting for cardiorespiratory fitness (p > 0.05). The findings of the present study support that metabolically healthy overweight/obese children have greater gray matter volume compared to those that are metabolically unhealthy, which is in turn related to better academic achievement. However, cardiorespiratory fitness seems to explain, at least partially, these findings.
Antithrombotic Strategies in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systemic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chua Su-Kiat , Chen Lung-Ching , Shyu Kou-Gi , Cheng Jun-Jack , Hung Huei-Fong , Chiu Chiung-Zuan , Lin Chiu-Mei
Published: April 2020

Up to 10% of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews for randomized control trials that studied the safety and efficacy of different antithrombotic strategies in these patients. Six studies, including 12,158 patients were included. Compared to that in the triple antithrombotic therapy group (vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major bleeding was significantly reduced in the dual antithrombotic therapy (non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) plus P2Y12 inhibitor) group by 47% (Odds ratio (OR), 0.53; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.35–0.78; I2 = 0%). Besides, NOAC plus a P2Y12 inhibitor was associated with less intracranial hemorrhage compared to VKA plus single antiplatelet therapy (OR: 0.20, 95% CrI: 0.05–0.77). There was no significant difference in the trial-defined major adverse cardiac events or the individual outcomes of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke or stent thrombosis among all antithrombotic strategies. In conclusion, antithrombotic strategy of NOACs plus P2Y12 inhibitor is safer than, and as effective as, the strategies including aspirin when used in AF patients undergoing PCI.
Comparative Efficacy of Targeted Therapies in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Hoang Tung , Myung Seung-Kwon , Pham Thu Thi , Kim Jeongseon , Ju Woong
Published: April 2020

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of targeted therapies in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by using a network meta-analysis of clinical trials. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched by using keywords related to the topic on 19 September 2018. Two investigators independently selected relevant trials by pre-determined criteria. A pooled response ratio (RR) for overall response rate (ORR) and a hazard ratio (HR) for progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated based on both the Bayesian and frequentist approaches. A total of 128 clinical trials with 39,501 participants were included in the final analysis of 14 therapeutic groups. Compared with chemotherapy, both ORR and PFS were significantly improved for afatinib, alectinib, and crizotinib, while only PFS was significantly improved for cabozantinib, ceritinib, gefitinib, and osimertinib. Consistency was observed between the direct and indirect comparisons based on the Bayesian approach statistically and the frequentist approach visually. Cabozantinib and alectinib showed the highest probability for the first-line treatment ranking in ORR (62.5%) and PFS (87.5%), respectively. The current network meta-analysis showed the comprehensive evidence-based comparative efficacy of different types of targeted therapies, which would help clinicians use targeted therapies in clinical practice.
New Metrics to Assess Type 2 Diabetes after Bariatric Surgery: The “Time-Within-Remission Range”
Authors: de Hollanda Ana , Lecube Albert , Rubio Miguel Angel , Sánchez Enric , Vilarrasa Núria , Oliva José Gregorio , Fernández-Soto María Luisa , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Ballesteros-Pomar María D. , Ciudin Andreea , Torres Ferran , Vidal Concepción , Morales María José , Valdés Sergio , Pellitero Silvia , Miñambres Inka , Masmiquel Lluís , Goday Albert , Suarez Lorena , Flores Liliam , Bueno Marta , Caixàs Assumpta , Bretón Irene , Cámara Rosa , Olbeyra Romina , Penso Rona , de la Cruz María José , Simó-Servat Andreu , Pereyra-García Francisca María , López-Mezquita Elena Teresa , Gils Anna , Fidilio Enzamaria , Bandrés Orosia , Martínez Ángel , Abuín Jose , Marques-Pamies Montserrat , Tuneu Laura , Arteaga Magdalena , Castañer Olga , Goñi Fernando , Arrizabalaga Cristina , Botana Manuel Antonio , Calañas Alfonso , Rebollo Ángel
Published: April 2020

Almost one third of patients do not achieve type 2 diabetes remission after bariatric surgery or are unable to sustain this effect long term. Our objective was to delve further into the dynamic responses of diabetes after bariatric surgery and to evaluate the “time-within-remission range” as a variable of metabolic control. A descriptive cohort study was done using a computerised multicentre and multidisciplinary registry. All data were adjusted by propensity score. A total of 1186 subjects with a follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.5 years were included. Type of surgery, diabetes remission, recurrence of diabetes, “time-within-remission range” and key predictors of diabetes outcomes were assessed. All patients (70% women, 51.4 ± 9.2 years old, body mass index (BMI) 46.3 ± 6.9 kg/m2) underwent primary bariatric procedures. “Time-within-remission range” were 83.3% (33.3–91.6) after gastric bypass, 68.7% (7.1–87.5) after sleeve gastrectomy and 90% (83.3–92.8) after malabsorptive techniques (p < 0.001 for all). Duration of diabetes, baseline HbA1c and insulin treatment were significantly negatively correlated with the “time-within-remission range”. The association of bariatric techniques with “time-within-remission range”, using gastric bypass as a reference, were: odds ratio (OR) 3.70 (2.34–5.84), p < 0.001 for malabsorptive techniques and OR 0.55 (0.40–0.75), p < 0.001 for sleeve gastrectomy. Characteristics of type 2 diabetes powerfully influence the outcomes of bariatric surgery. The “time-within-remission range” unveils a superiority of gastric bypass compared to sleeve gastrectomy.
Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Mortality in Critically Ill Influenza Adult Patients
Authors: Hsu Jui-Chi , Lee Ing-Kit , Huang Wen-Chi , Chen Yi-Chun , Tsai Ching-Yen
Published: April 2020

Severe influenza is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the clinical outcomes of critically ill influenza patients. In this retrospective study, we enrolled critically ill adult patients with influenza at the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. We evaluated the demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings and examined whether any of these measurements correlated with mortality. We then created an event-based algorithm as a simple predictive tool using two variables with statistically significant associations with mortality. Between 2015 and 2018, 102 critically ill influenza patients (median age, 62 years) were assessed; among them, 41 (40.1%) patients died. Of the 94 patients who received oseltamivir therapy, 68 (72.3%) began taking oseltamivir 48 h after the onset of illness. Of the 102 patients, the major influenza-associated complications were respiratory failure (97%), pneumonia (94.1%), acute kidney injury (65.7%), adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (51%), gastrointestinal bleeding (35.3%), and bacteremia (16.7%). In the multivariate regression model, high lactate levels, ARDS, acute kidney injury, and gastrointestinal bleeding were independent predictors of mortality in critically ill influenza patients. The optimal lactate level cutoff for predicting mortality was 3.7 mmol/L with an area under curve of 0.728. We constructed an event-associated algorithm that included lactate and ARDS. Fifteen (75%) of 20 patients with lactate levels 3.7 mmol/L and ARDS died, compared with only 1 (7.7%) of 13 patients with normal lactate levels and without ARDS. We identified clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality that could aid in the care of critically ill influenza patients. Identification of these prognostic markers could be improved to prioritize key examinations that might be useful in determining patient outcomes.
A Constructive Way to Think about Different Hydrothermal Environments for the Origins of Life
Authors: Omran Arthur , Pasek Matthew
Published: April 2020

The question of where life originated has been contentious for a very long time. Scientists have invoked many environments to address this question. Often, we find ourselves beholden to a location, especially if we think life originated once and then evolved into the myriad forms we now know today. In this brief commentary, we wish to lay out the following understanding: hydrothermal environments are energetically robust locations for the origins and early evolution of life as we know it. Two environments typify hydrothermal conditions, hydrothermal fields on dry land and submarine hydrothermal vents. If life originated only once, then we must choose between these two environments; however, there is no reason to assume life emerged only once. We conclude with the idea that rather than having an “either or” mind set about the origin of life a “yes and” mind set might be a better paradigm with which to problem solve within this field. Finally, we shall discuss further research with regards to both environments.
Multiple High-Affinity K+ Transporters and ABC Transporters Involved in K+ Uptake/Transport in the Potassium-Hyperaccumulator Plant Phytolacca acinosa Roxb
Authors: Xie Qin , Ma Liying , Tan Peng , Deng Wentao , Huang Chao , Liu Deming , Lin Wanhuang , Su Yi
Published: April 2020

Potassium is an important essential element for plant growth and development. Long-term potassium deprivation can lead to a severe deficiency phenotype in plants. Interestingly, Phytolacca acinosa is a plant with an unusually high potassium content and can grow well and complete its lifecycle even in severely potassium deficient soil. In this study, we found that its stems and leaves were the main tissues for high potassium accumulation, and P. acinosa showed a strong ability of K+ absorption in roots and a large capability of potassium accumulation in shoots. Analysis of plant growth and physiological characteristics indicated that P. acinosa had an adaptability in a wide range of external potassium levels. To reveal the mechanism of K+ uptake and transport in the potassium-hyperaccumulator plant P. acinosa, K+ uptake-/transport-related genes were screened by transcriptome sequencing, and their expression profiles were compared between K+ starved plants and normal cultured plants. Eighteen members of HAK/KT/KUPs, ten members of AKTs, and one member of HKT were identified in P. acinosa. Among them, six HAKs, and two AKTs and PaHKT1 showed significantly different expression. These transporters might be coordinatively involved in K+ uptake/transport in P. acinosa and lead to high potassium accumulation in plant tissues. In addition, significantly changed expression of some ABC transporters indicated that ABC transporters might be important for K+ uptake and transport in P. acinosa under low K+ concentrations.
NADPH Oxidase RbohD and Ethylene Signaling are Involved in Modulating Seedling Growth and Survival Under Submergence Stress
Authors: Hong Chen-Pu , Wang Mao-Chang , Yang Chin-Ying
Published: April 2020

In higher plants under low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, the phytohormone ethylene and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are involved in complex regulatory mechanisms in hypoxia signaling pathways. The respiratory burst oxidase homolog D (RbohD), an NADPH oxidase, is involved in the primary stages of hypoxia signaling, modulating the expression of downstream hypoxia-inducible genes under hypoxic stress. In this study, our data revealed that under normoxic conditions, seed germination was delayed in the rbohD/ein2-5 double mutant, whereas postgermination stage root growth was promoted. Under submergence, the rbohD/ein2-5 double mutant line had an inhibited root growth phenotype. Furthermore, chlorophyll content and leaf survival were reduced in the rbohD/ein2-5 double mutant compared with wild-type plants under submerged conditions. In quantitative RT-PCR analysis, the induction of Ethylene-responsive factor 73/hypoxia responsive 1 (AtERF73/HRE1) and alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (AtADH1) transcripts was lower in the rbohD/ein2-5 double mutant during hypoxic stress than in wild-type plants and in rbohD and ein2-5 mutant lines. Taken together, our results indicate that an interplay of ethylene and RbohD is involved in regulating seed germination and post-germination stages under normoxic conditions. Moreover, ethylene and RbohD are involved in modulating seedling root growth, leaf chlorophyll content, and hypoxia-inducible gene expression under hypoxic conditions.
Grain Yields and Nitrogen Use Efficiencies in Different Types of Stay-Green Maize in Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Fu Wen , Wang Yang , Ye Youliang , Zhen Shuai , Zhou Binghui , Wang Yin , Hu Yujie , Zhao Yanan , Huang Yufang
Published: April 2020

The stay-green leaf phenotype is typically associated with increased yields and improved stress resistance in maize breeding, due to higher nitrogen (N) nutrient levels that prolong greenness. The application of N fertilizer can regulate the N status of plants, and furthermore, impact the photosynthetic rates of leaves at the productive stage; however, N deficiencies and N excesses will reduce maize yields. Consequently, it is necessary to develop N fertilizer management strategies for different types of stay-green maize. For this study, the senescent cultivar Lianchuang 808 (LC808), moderate-stay-green cultivar Zhengdan 958 (ZD958), and over stay-green cultivar Denghai 685 (DH685) were selected as experimental models. Our results revealed that yields of ZD958 were slightly higher than DH685 and notably improved over than LC808. Compared with a non-stay-green cultivar LC808, ZD958 and DH685 still maintained higher chlorophyll contents and cell activities following the silking stage, while efficiently slowing the senescence rate. The supply of N fertilizer significantly prolonged leaf greenness and delayed senescence for ZD958 and DH685; however, the effect was not obvious for LC808. The stem remobilization efficiency of N was higher in the moderate-stay-green cultivar ZD958, in contrast to LC808, while the transfer of leaf N was lower than LC808, which guaranteed high leaf N levels, and that sufficient N was transferred to grains in ZD958. To obtain the highest yields, the optimal N fertilizer rates were 228.1 kg hm−2 for LC0808, 180 kg hm−2 for ZD958, and 203.8 kg hm−2 for DH685. In future, the selection of stay-green type crops might serve as an important agricultural strategy to reduce the quantity of N fertilizer and increase N efficiency.