bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Representations of Christianity in Christian Music Videos
Authors: Häger Andreas
Published: November 2019

This article discusses Christian rock videos. Videos from a collection entitled Wow Hits 2002: the year's top Christian music videos are used as examples. The title of the collection declares that the videos are "Christian", and the question asked in the article is how this quality may be seen in the videos. How may the videos be seen as visual representations of Christianity? Using a semiotic framework, two possible types of such representations of Christianity in the videos are discussed. These are references to traditional christian imagery; and the style and appearance of the artists.
Method and Theory in Religious Studies: Retrospect and Prognostications
Authors: Joy Morny
Published: November 2019

There is a distinct possibility that, in the twenty-first century, Religious Studies as a discipline could come into its own. Its multidisciplinary orientation, if handled with due critical awareness as to its own former grandiose ambitions and present entanglements, could provide insight into the various problems that beset contemporary existence. Religious Studies has been involved in a number of internal debates that have sapped its energies and prevented it from advancing theoretically in ways that would help it address these problems. In this article I survey some of the developments that have taken place in other disciplines that could be of benefit in helping Religious Studies take its place as a discipline that is relevant for the twenty-first century.Keywords: Religious studies, cultural studies, culture, postcolonialism, gender
The Materiality of Myth
Authors: Knutson Sara Ann
Published: November 2019

The vivid presence of material objects in Scandinavian cosmology, as preserved in the Old Norse myths, carries underexplored traces of belief systems and the material experience of Iron Age Scandinavia (400–1000 CE). This paper proposes an archaeological reading of Norse mythology to help explain how ancient Scandinavians understood the presence and role of deities, magic, and the supernatural in everyday life. The Norse myths retain records of material objects that reinforced Scandinavian oral traditions and gave their stories power, memory, and influence. From Thor’s hammer and Freyja’s feathered cloak to Sigyn’s bowl and Ran’s net, such materials and the stories they colour are informed by everyday objects of Iron Age life – spun with the magic, belief, and narrative traditions that made them icons. The mythic objects promoted a belief system that expected and embraced the imperfections of objects, much like deities. These imperfections in the divine Norse objects and the ways in which the gods interact with their materials are part and parcel of the Scandinavian religious mentality and collective social reality. This work ultimately questions the relationship between materiality and myth, and seeks to nuance our current understandings of the ancient Scandinavian worldview based on the available textual evidence.
The Effectiveness of Treatment With β-Blockers of Hemangiomas in Children
Authors: Alymbayev E. , Uzakbayev K. , Amatov D. , Kozhonazarova G. , Akhmedova Kh.
Published: November 2019

The article provides an overview of one of the main methods of treatment of hemangiomas in children with β-blockers on the basis of National Center for Maternal and Child health. Reflected the experience of drug treatment Propranolol 122 children with lesions of different localization and with different sizes of hemangioma. The effective and safe outcome of this pathology from Propranolol therapy has been analyzed. It was concluded that improvement was achieved in all children with this treatment. The therapy with Propranolol has proven to be an effective and safe non-surgical method for treating hemangiomas in children.
Sektor Basis di Kabupaten Blitar, Jawa Timur: Analisis PDRB Kabupaten Blitar Tahun 2010-2016
Authors: BUDITIAWAN KRISTIAN
Published: November 2019

Terjadi ketimpangan yang mencolok antara kawasan utara dan kawasan selatan Jawa   Timur jika dilihat dari laju pertumbuhan ekonomi. Kawasan utara telah memiliki infrastruktur yang mampu mengangkat perekonomian masyarakat di sekitarnya.   Berbeda dengan  kawasan utara, kawasan  selatan  Jawa  Timur  belum  memiliki  infrastruktur  yang  memadai sehingga  perkembangan  perekonomiannya  cenderung lebih  lambat. Penyebab ketertinggalan wilayah selatan disebabkan oleh kondisi geografis kawasan tersebut terutama Kab. Blitar, yang merupakan pegunungan kapur yabg kondisinya kering dan miskin sumber daya alam yang bisa dimanfaatkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui sektor basis, mengetahui lapangan usaha yang memiliki daya saing, dan mengetahui struktur perekonomian di Kabupaten Blitar periode 2010-2016. Teknik analisa yang digunakan adalah Analisa Location Quotient (LQ), Analisa Dynamic Location Quotient (DLQ), dan Analisa Shift-Share klasik. Hasil penelitian ini adalah sektor basis di Kabupaten Blitar meliputi pertanian, kehutanan, dan perikanan; informasi dan komunikasi; real estate; administrasi pemerintahan, pertahanan dan jaminan sosial wajib; jasa pendidikan; dan jasa kesehatan dan kegiatan sosial. Lapangan usaha yang memiliki daya saing adalah pertanian, kehutanan, dan perikanan; pertambangan dan penggalian; perdagangan besar dan eceran, reparasi mobil dan sepeda motor; dan jasa keuangan dan asuransi. Dan struktur perekonomian Kabupaten Blitar dalam rentang waktu 2010-2016 ditopang oleh empat lapangan usaha yaitu pertanian, kehutanan, dan perikanan; perdagangan besar dan eceran, reparasi mobil dan sepeda motor; industri pengolahan; dan konstruksi.

Kata kunci: sektor basis, daya saing, LQ, DLQ, Shift-Share
FASILITAS E-COMMERCE DAN PAJAK HOTEL PADA SEKTOR PARIWISATA
Authors: Alfandia Nurlita Sukma
Published: November 2019

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui keterkaitan antara fasilitas e-commerce dan Pajak Hotel dalam pengembangan sektor pariwisata. Penggunaan fasilitas e-commerce saat ini telah menjadi suatu gaya hidup. E-commerce yang dimaksudkan disini adalah platform penyedia jasa travel agent, misalnya Traveloka, Booking.com, Pegipegi, dan sebagainya. Bagi para pelaku usaha terutama di sektor perhotelan, fasilitas ini menjadi sebuah strategi pemasaran dengan menggunakan Online Travel Agent (OTA). Di sisi lain, adanya OTA memberikan dampak pada penghasilan pihak pengusaha hotel. Penghasilan pengusaha perhotelan tidak hanya akan dipotong untuk pajak tetapi juga untuk membayar jasa OTA. Selain itu, fasilitas yang ditawarkan oleh OTA juga mempengaruhi Dasar Pengenaan Pajak (DPP) pajak hotel. Metode penelitian adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data berupa wawancara dan kajian teori. Hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa fasilitas e-commerce membantu pengusaha di sektor perhotelan dalam meningkatkan penjualan jumlah kamar. Akan tetapi, dengan menggunakan jasa OTA, pihak hotel merasa mengalami kerugian. Kerugian disebabkan karena penghasilan dipotong untuk membayar jasa OTA dan pajak hotel. Pajak Hotel untuk transaksi melalui OTA ditanggung oleh pihak hotel. Pajak Hotel tidak ditanggung oleh pihak OTA. Adanya penawaran harga yang berbeda dari pihak OTA juga mengakibatkan Dasar Pengenaan Pajak (DPP) atas Pajak Hotel menjadi berbeda. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa pemanfaatan fasilitas e-commerce dan Pajak Hotel merupakan dua hal yang bertentangan. Akan tetapi, pembuat kebijakan dapat mempertimbangkan adanya pemanfaatan e-commerce dalam penyusunan kebijakan di bidang perpajakan. Dengan demikian para pelaku usaha tidak merasa dirugikan baik secara langsung maupun tidak langsung
A Consistency And An Inconsistency of The Leviticus Translator
Authors: Chia Philip Suciadi
Published: November 2019

This paper has a few goals. First is to discover if the Greek translator of Leviticus uses literal (consistent) and / or free (inconsistent) translation technique. Then, this paper will list and group the evidences of the consistency of the Greek translator in this book. If there are any examples that show the inconsistency to the MT or looseness of the translator, then this paper will study every example carefully and it will categorize into a group. This group will be created based on the examples that share the same pattern or the similarities. The comparison of MT and LXX will be used as the methodology of this paper. Every verse will be analyzed and presented in comparison format until chapter five to have a basic knowledge of the patterns and the characteristics of the Greek Translator. The patterns, however, will be scrutinized in the whole book of Leviticus. In depth and a detailed analysis of this comparison will be put on the appendices. This methodology will be employed to accomplish the goals of this paper.
A TetR-Family Protein (CAETHG_0459) Activates Transcription From a New Promoter Motif Associated With Essential Genes for Autotrophic Growth in Acetogens
Authors: de Souza Pinto Lemgruber Renato , Valgepea Kaspar , Gonzalez Garcia Ricardo Axayacatl , de Bakker Christopher , Palfreyman Robin William , Tappel Ryan , Köpke Michael , Simpson Séan Dennis , Nielsen Lars Keld , Marcellin Esteban
Published: November 2019

Acetogens can fix carbon (CO or CO2) into acetyl-CoA via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) that also makes them attractive cell factories for the production of fuels and chemicals from waste feedstocks. Although most biochemical details of the WLP are well understood and systems-level characterization of acetogen metabolism has recently improved, key transcriptional features such as promoter motifs and transcriptional regulators are still unknown in acetogens. Here, we use differential RNA-sequencing to identify a previously undescribed promoter motif associated with essential genes for autotrophic growth of the model-acetogen Clostridium autoethanogenum. RNA polymerase was shown to bind to the new promoter motif using a DNA-binding protein assay and proteomics enabled the discovery of four candidates to potentially function directly in control of transcription of the WLP and other key genes of C1 fixation metabolism. Next, in vivo experiments showed that a TetR-family transcriptional regulator (CAETHG_0459) and the housekeeping sigma factor (σA) activate expression of a reporter protein (GFP) in-frame with the new promoter motif from a fusion vector in Escherichia coli. Lastly, a protein–protein interaction assay with the RNA polymerase (RNAP) shows that CAETHG_0459 directly binds to the RNAP. Together, the data presented here advance the fundamental understanding of transcriptional regulation of C1 fixation in acetogens and provide a strategy for improving the performance of gas-fermenting bacteria by genetic engineering.
Evaluation of Commercial Humic Substances and Other Organic Amendments for the Immobilization of Copper Through 13C CPMAS NMR, FT-IR, and DSC Analyses
Authors: Mayans Begoña , Pérez-Esteban Javier , Escolástico Consuelo , Eymar Enrique , Masaguer Alberto
Published: November 2019

The application of organic amendments to contaminated agricultural lands can immobilize metals and improve soil conditions. The chemical structures and long-term stability of commercial humic substances and other composted organic amendments (sheep and horse manure, vermicompost, pine bark, and pruning waste) were analyzed using 13C CPMAS NMR, FT-IR, and DSC to evaluate their use in soil remediation. The interactions of humic substances and manure with Cu (0 and 5000 mg kg−1) at different pH (2.5 and 5.0) were studied through a batch adsorption experiment observing the changes in their molecular structure using spectroscopic techniques. Humic substances exhibited high aromaticity and phenolic and carboxylic group content, with great affinity for Cu complexation. Humic substances and pruning waste were the most stable due to their high recalcitrant organic matter contents, whereas manure was the least stable, given the labile nature of its organic matter content. There were considerable changes in the carboxylic and phenolic groups of humic substances with pH, and also with Cu, albeit in a lesser extent, especially at pH 5.0, suggesting the great sorption capacity of humic substances and the key role of pH and these functional groups in metal complexation. Manure did not exhibit such changes. Commercial humic substances could be useful amendments for the remediation of contaminated agricultural soils due to their high sorption capacities and long-term stability.
Possible Roles of Rhizospheric and Endophytic Microbes to Provide a Safe and Affordable Means of Crop Biofortification
Authors: Ku Yee-Shan , Rehman Hafiz Mamoon , Lam Hon-Ming
Published: November 2019

Biofortification has been used to improve micronutrient contents in crops for human consumption. In under-developed regions, it is important to fortify crops so that people can obtain essential micronutrients despite the limited variety in their diets. In wealthy societies, fortified crops are regarded as a “greener” choice for health supplements. Biofortification is also used in crops to boost the contents of other non-essential secondary metabolites which are considered beneficial to human health. Breeding of elite germplasms and metabolic engineering are common approaches to fortifying crops. However, the time required for breeding and the acceptance of genetically modified crops by the public have presented significant hurdles. As an alternative approach, microbe-mediated biofortification has not received the attention it deserves, despite having great potential. It has been reported that the inoculation of soil or crops with rhizospheric or endophytic microbes, respectively, can enhance the micronutrient contents in various plant tissues including roots, leaves and fruits. In this review, we highlight the applications of microbes as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for biofortification by improving the mineral, vitamin, and beneficial secondary metabolite contents in crops through naturally occurring processes. In addition, the complex plant–microbe interactions involved in biofortification are also addressed.
Nitrogen Nutrition Optimization in Organic Greenhouse Tomato Through the Use of Legume Plants as Green Manure or Intercrops
Authors: Gatsios Anastasios , Ntatsi Georgia , Celi Luisella , Said-Pullicino Daniel , Tampakaki Anastasia , Giannakou Ioannis , Savvas Dimitrios
Published: November 2019

In the present study, in addition to farmyard manure (FYM), cowpea was applied as green manure and faba bean as an intercrop in an organic greenhouse tomato crop, aiming to increase the levels of soil N. Three experiments (E1, E2, E3) were carried out, in which legumes were either noninoculated or inoculated with rhizobia alone or together with plant growth, promoting rhizobacteria. Inoculation of legumes with rhizobia considerably increased N2 fixation in E1 but had no impact on N2 fixation in E2 and E3. In E1, the application of cowpea decreased yield because it imposed a stronger nematode infection as the cowpea plants acted as a good host for Meloidogyne. However, in E2 and E3 the nematode infection was successfully controlled and the legumes significantly increased the tomato yield when inoculated in E2, irrespective of legume inoculation in E3. The total N concentration in the tomato plant tissues was significantly increased by legume application in E2 and E3, but not in E1. These results show that legumes applied as green manure can successfully complement N supply via FYM in organic greenhouse tomato, while legume inoculation with rhizobia can increase the amounts of nitrogen provided to the crop via green manure.
The Facilitating Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids and Lactobacillus plantarum on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fecal Microbiota of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Cui Kai , Wang Qiang , Wang Shiqin , Diao Qiyu , Zhang Naifeng
Published: November 2019

Natural plant extracts and probiotics has been proved as the most preferred and effective alternatives for antibiotics in animal feeding. The current study aimed to investigate the facilitating effect of tartary buckwheat flavonoids and Lactobacillus plantarum on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and microbiota of weaned piglets. Fifty 35-day-old weaned piglets (7.85 ± 0.67 kg) were randomly divided into five treatments with 10 piglets per treatment. Piglets in the negative control (NC) group were fed a basal diet, and others were fed basal diets supplemented with 40 mg/kg of colistin sulfate (positive control, PC), 109 CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), 40 mg/kg of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (BF), and a combination of 109 CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum and 40 mg/kg of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (LB). Supplementation of BF increased the average daily gain of piglets in the BF group (p < 0.05). The nutrient digestibility of piglets in the NC group was lower than that in other groups, while the digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, organic matter, and phosphorus of piglets in the LB group was higher than the other four groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC and pC group, supplementation of Lp increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and catalase (CAT), while the BF increased the content of IgA and IgM (p < 0.05). Supplementation of colistin sulfate decreased the alpha diversity index, including chao and observed species, while the addition of Lp or combination of Lp and BF increased the abundance of Selenomonas or Mitsuokella in fecal samples, respectively. The results indicated that supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum can improve the antioxidant capacity, while tartary buckwheat flavones can increase the growth performance and immune ability of weaned piglets. Moreover, in combination, they promote nutrient digestibility.
Measuring Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites to Assess Adrenocortical Activity in Reindeer
Authors: Özkan Gülzari Şeyda , Jørgensen Grete Helen Meisfjord , Eilertsen Svein Morten , Hansen Inger , Hagen Snorre Bekkevold , Fløystad Ida , Palme Rupert
Published: November 2019

Several non-invasive methods for assessing stress responses have been developed and validated for many animal species. Due to species-specific differences in metabolism and excretion of stress hormones, methods should be validated for each species. The aim of this study was to conduct a physiological validation of an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for measuring faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) in male reindeer by administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH; intramuscular, 0.25 mg per animal). A total of 317 samples were collected from eight male reindeer over a 44 h period at Tverrvatnet in Norway in mid-winter. In addition, 114 samples were collected from a group of reindeer during normal handling and calf marking at Stjernevatn in Norway. Following ACTH injection, FCM levels (median and range) were 568 (268–2415) ng/g after two hours, 2718 (414–8550) ng/g after seven hours and 918 (500–6931) ng/g after 24 h. Levels were significantly higher from seven hours onwards compared to earlier hours (p < 0.001). The FCM levels at Stjernevatn were significantly (p < 0.001) different before (samples collected zero to two hours; median: 479 ng/g) and after calf marking (eight to ten hours; median: 1469 ng/g). Identification of the faecal samples belonging to individual animals was conducted using DNA analysis across time. This study reports a successful validation of a non-invasive technique for measuring stress in reindeer, which can be applied in future studies in the fields of biology, ethology, ecology, animal conservation and welfare.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Ocular Structures of Immunocompetent Rabbits
Authors: Jeklová Edita , Levá Lenka , Kummer Vladimír , Jekl Vladimír , Faldyna Martin
Published: November 2019

Encephalitozoonosis is a common infectious disease widely spread among rabbits. Its causative agent, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, is considered as a zoonotic and emerging pathogen capable of infecting both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts, including humans. In rabbits, clinical signs include neurological, kidney and ocular disease. The aim of this study was to detect E. cuniculi in ocular structures in immunocompetent rabbits after experimental oral infection using immunohistochemistry. In infected animals, E. cuniculi spores were present in periocular connective tissue, sclera, cornea, choroidea, iris, retina and lens, as a round to ovoid organism reacting with a specific anti-E. cuniculi monoclonal antibody as early as 2 weeks after infection. There were no signs of inflammatory lesions in any of the ocular tissues examined at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after infection. In the present study, E. cuniculi was also detected in the lenses of adult rabbits, which indicates that ways of lens infection other than intrauterine and haematogenic are possible.
Dietary Flavonoids Luteolin and Quercetin Inhibit Migration and Invasion of Squamous Carcinoma through Reduction of Src/Stat3/S100A7 Signaling
Authors: Fan Jhen-Jia , Hsu Wen-Hsien , Lee Kuen-Haur , Chen Ku-Chung , Lin Cheng-Wei , Lee Yu-Lin , Ko Tzu-Ping , Lee Lang-Ta , Lee Ming-Ting , Chang Mau-Sun , Cheng Chia-Hsiung
Published: November 2019

Flavonoids are well-known antioxidants and have shown the ability to prevent tumor formation and recurrence. Especially in dietary flavonoids, they have provided convenience and consistence of intake for long-term prevention of tumor formation. Previous reports suggested that S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7) might activate epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling and promote the metastasis of tumor cells; however, the regulatory signaling was unclear. In this study, we found that S100A7 was highly expressed in cancer cells and could be reduced by luteolin (Lu) and quercetin (Qu) through Src/Stat3 signaling. We found that the protein levels of S100A7, phosphorylated Src (p-Src), and p-Stat3 were increased in A431-III cells. Flavonoids Lu and Qu reduce protein levels of p-Src, p-Stat3 and S100A7 in A431-III cells. Treatment of A431-III cells with Src inhibitor SU6656 and Stat3 inhibitor S3I-201 also reduced the protein levels of S100A7. Transactivation activity of 5′-upstream regions of S100A7 was activated by Stat3 but was reduced by treatment with Lu, Qu, SU6656 and S3I-201. The treatment also reduced the migratory and invasive abilities of A431-III cells. In a further analysis of EMT markers, the protein level of E-cad increased and that of Twist decreased after treatment with the inhibitors and flavonoids. Overexpression of S100A7 decreased the protein level of E-cad and increased the Twist level, whereas knockdown of S100A7 had the opposite effects. Treatment with S3I-201, Lu and Qu, compared to the control, were found to decrease metastasis of tumor cells in zebrafish larvae. These results suggest that Lu and Qu may inhibit Src/Stat3/S100A7 signaling to reduce tumorigenesis of cancer cells.
Polyphenols from Lycium barbarum (Goji) Fruit European Cultivars at Different Maturation Steps: Extraction, HPLC-DAD Analyses, and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Mocan Andrei , Cairone Francesco , Locatelli Marcello , Cacciagrano Francesco , Carradori Simone , Vodnar Dan C. , Crișan Gianina , Simonetti Giovanna , Cesa Stefania
Published: November 2019

Goji berries are undoubtedly a source of potentially bioactive compounds but their phytochemical profile can vary depending on their geographical origin, cultivar, and/or industrial processing. A rapid and cheap extraction of the polyphenolic fraction from Lycium barbarum cultivars, applied after homogenization treatments, was combined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses based on two different methods. The obtained hydroalcoholic extracts, containing interesting secondary metabolites (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, sinapinic acid, rutin, and carvacrol), were also submitted to a wide biological screening. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the antioxidant capacity using three antioxidant assays, tyrosinase inhibition, and anti-Candida activity were evaluated in order to correlate the impact of the homogenization treatment, geographical origin, and cultivar type on the polyphenolic and flavonoid amount, and consequently the bioactivity. The rutin amount, considered as a quality marker for goji berries according to European Pharmacopeia, varied from ≈200 to ≈400 µg/g among the tested samples, showing important differences observed in relation to the influence of the evaluated parameters.
Fibroblasts to Keratinocytes Redox Signaling: The Possible Role of ROS in Psoriatic Plaque Formation
Authors: Barygina Victoria , Becatti Matteo , Prignano Francesca , Lotti Torello , Taddei Niccolò , Fiorillo Claudia
Published: November 2019

Although the role of reactive oxygen species-mediated (ROS-mediated) signalling in physiologic and pathologic skin conditions has been proven, no data exist on the skin cells ROS-mediated communication. Primary fibroblasts were obtained from lesional and non-lesional skin of psoriatic patients. ROS, superoxide anion, calcium and nitric oxide levels and lipoperoxidation markers and total antioxidant content were measured in fibroblasts. NADPH oxidase activity and NOX1, 2 and 4 expressions were assayed and NOX4 silencing was performed. Fibroblasts and healthy keratinocytes co-culture was performed. MAPK pathways activation was studied in fibroblasts and in co-cultured healthy keratinocytes. Increased intracellular calcium, •NO and ROS levels as well as an enhanced NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)–mediated extracellular ROS release was shown in lesional psoriatic vs. control fibroblasts. Upon co-culture with lesional fibroblasts, keratinocytes showed p38 and ERK MAPKs pathways activation, ROS, Ca2+ and •NO increase and cell cycle acceleration. Notably, NOX4 knockdown significantly reduced the observed effects of lesional fibroblasts on keratinocyte cell cycle progression. Co-culture with non-lesional psoriatic and control fibroblasts induced slight cell cycle acceleration, but notable intracellular ROS accumulation and ERK MAPK activation in keratinocytes. Collectively, our data demonstrate that NOX4 expressed in dermal fibroblasts is essential for the redox paracrine regulation of epidermal keratinocytes proliferation.
Comparative Analysis of Rainfall Prediction Models Using Machine Learning in Islands with Complex Orography: Tenerife Island
Authors: Aguasca-Colomo Ricardo , Castellanos-Nieves Dagoberto , Méndez Máximo
Published: November 2019

We present a comparative study between predictive monthly rainfall models for islands of complex orography using machine learning techniques. The models have been developed for the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands). Weather forecasting is influenced both by the local geographic characteristics as well as by the time horizon comprised. Accuracy of mid-term rainfall prediction on islands with complex orography is generally low when carried out with atmospheric models. Predictive models based on algorithms such as Random Forest or Extreme Gradient Boosting among others were analyzed. The predictors used in the models include weather predictors measured in two main meteorological stations, reanalysis predictors from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the global predictor North Atlantic Oscillation, all of them obtained over a period of time of more than four decades. When comparing the proposed models, we evaluated accuracy, kappa and interpretability of the model obtained, as well as the relevance of the predictors used. The results show that global predictors such as the North Atlantic Oscillation Index (NAO) have a very low influence, while the local Geopotential Height (GPH) predictor is relatively more important. Machine learning prediction models are a relevant proposition for predicting medium-term precipitation in similar geographical regions.
Simultaneous PAN Carbonization and Ceramic Sintering for Fabricating Carbon Fiber-Ceramic Composite Heaters
Authors: Li Daiqi , Tang Bin , Lu Xi , Li Quanxiang , Chen Wu , Dong Xiongwei , Wang Jinfeng , Wang Xungai
Published: November 2019

In this study, a single firing was used to convert stabilized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers and ceramic forming materials (kaolin, feldspar, and quartz) into carbon fiber/ceramic composites. For the first time, PAN carbonization and ceramic sintering were achieved simultaneously in one thermal cycle and the microscopic morphologies and physical features of the obtained carbon fiber/ceramic composites were characterized in detail. The obtained carbon fiber/ceramic composite showed comparable flexural strength as commercial ceramic tiles. Meanwhile, the composite showed exceptional electro-thermal performance based on the electro-thermal performance of the carbonized PAN fibers, which could reach 108 ℃ after 15 s, 204 ℃ after 90 s, and 292 ℃ after 450 s at 5 V (2.6 A), thereby making the ceramic composite a good candidate as an indoor climate control heater, defogger device, kettle, and other heating element.
Surface Alterations Induced on Endodontic Instruments by Sterilization Processes, Analyzed with Atomic Force Microscopy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dioguardi Mario , Crincoli Vito , Laino Luigi , Alovisi Mario , Laneve Enrica , Sovereto Diego , Raddato Bruna , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Mastrangelo Filiberto , Ciavarella Domenico , Lo Russo Lucio , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: November 2019

Endodontic canal disinfection procedures that use sodium hypochlorite, and subsequently, heat sterilization procedures can alter the surface of endodontic instruments, described as corrosion and micropitting. These phenomena can be visualized on the surface of the instruments by SEM and atomic force microscopy analyses. The endodontic instruments used in probing, pre-enlargement, and shaping phases are made of steel alloy or nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) and are subject to torsional, flexor, and cyclic fatigue; indeed, reuse of these instruments must be done with the knowledge that these instruments are subject to fracture following stress caused during their use. Fracture of the instrument within the canal is an eventuality that can lead to failure of the treatment, and therefore it is important to try to reduce situations that can contribute to the fracture. This review was performed based on the PRISMA protocol. Studies were identified through bibliographic research using electronic databases. A total of 1036 records were identified on the PubMed and Scopus databases. After screening the articles, restricted by year of publication (1979 to 2019), there were 946 records. With the application of the eligibility criteria (all the articles pertaining to the issue of sterilization in endodontics), there were 228 articles. There were 104 articles after eliminating overlaps. There were 50 articles that discussed the influence of sterilization procedures on the surface characteristics of endodontic instruments, and 26 articles that measured parameters on surface alteration. Applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in a total of eleven articles for quantitative analysis. Four articles were in reference to the primary outcome, eight articles to secondary outcome, and five articles to tertiary outcome. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant surface alteration effect after five autoclaves and after immersion in the canal irrigants after 10 min.
Construction of Silver Quantum Dot Immobilized Zn-MOF-8 Composite for Electrochemical Sensing of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene
Authors: Rani Sushma , Sharma Bharti , Kapoor Shivani , Malhotra Rajesh , Varma Rajender S. , Dilbaghi Neeraj
Published: November 2019

In the present study, we report a highly effective electrochemical sensor for detecting 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). The amperometric determination of 2,4-DNT was carried out using a gold electrode modified with zinc–metal organic framework-8 and silver quantum dot (Zn-MOF-8@AgQDs) composite. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The synthesized nanocomposite proved to be efficient in electro-catalysis thereby reducing the 2,4-DNT. The unique combination present in Zn-MOF-8@AgQDs composite offered an excellent conductivity and large surface area enabling the fabrication of a highly sensitive (−0.238 µA µM−1 cm−2), selective, rapid and stable 2,4-DNT sensor. The dynamic linear range and limit of detection (LOD) was about 0.0002 µM to 0.9 µM and 0.041 µM, respectively. A 2,4-DNT reduction was also observed during the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) experiments with reduction peaks at −0.49 V and −0.68 V. This is an unprecedented report with metal organic framework (MOF) composite for sensing 2,4-DNT. In addition, the presence of other species such as thiourea, urea, ammonia, glucose, and ascorbic acid displayed no interference in the modified electrode suggesting its practicability in various environmental applications.
Cover the Violence: A Novel Deep-Learning-Based Approach Towards Violence-Detection in Movies
Authors: Khan Samee Ullah , Haq Ijaz Ul , Rho Seungmin , Baik Sung Wook , Lee Mi Young
Published: November 2019

Movies have become one of the major sources of entertainment in the current era, which are based on diverse ideas. Action movies have received the most attention in last few years, which contain violent scenes, because it is one of the undesirable features for some individuals that is used to create charm and fantasy. However, these violent scenes have had a negative impact on kids, and they are not comfortable even for mature age people. The best way to stop under aged people from watching violent scenes in movies is to eliminate these scenes. In this paper, we proposed a violence detection scheme for movies that is comprised of three steps. First, the entire movie is segmented into shots, and then a representative frame from each shot is selected based on the level of saliency. Next, these selected frames are passed from a light-weight deep learning model, which is fine-tuned using a transfer learning approach to classify violence and non-violence shots in a movie. Finally, all the non-violence scenes are merged in a sequence to generate a violence-free movie that can be watched by children and as well violence paranoid people. The proposed model is evaluated on three violence benchmark datasets, and it is experimentally proved that the proposed scheme provides a fast and accurate detection of violent scenes in movies compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
Temperature Prediction Using the Missing Data Refinement Model Based on a Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network
Authors: Park Inyoung , Kim Hyun Soo , Lee Jiwon , Kim Joon Ha , Song Chul Han , Kim Hong Kook
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we propose a new temperature prediction model based on deep learning by using real observed weather data. To this end, a huge amount of model training data is needed, but these data should not be defective. However, there is a limitation in collecting weather data since it is not possible to measure data that have been missed. Thus, the collected data are apt to be incomplete, with random or extended gaps. Therefore, the proposed temperature prediction model is used to refine missing data in order to restore missed weather data. In addition, since temperature is seasonal, the proposed model utilizes a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, which is a kind of recurrent neural network known to be suitable for time-series data modeling. Furthermore, different configurations of LSTMs are investigated so that the proposed LSTM-based model can reflect the time-series traits of the temperature data. In particular, when a part of the data is detected as missing, it is restored by using the proposed model’s refinement function. After all the missing data are refined, the LSTM-based model is retrained using the refined data. Finally, the proposed LSTM-based temperature prediction model can predict the temperature through three time steps: 6, 12, and 24 h. Furthermore, the model is extended to predict 7 and 14 day future temperatures. The performance of the proposed model is measured by its root-mean-squared error (RMSE) and compared with the RMSEs of a feedforward deep neural network, a conventional LSTM neural network without any refinement function, and a mathematical model currently used by the meteorological office in Korea. Consequently, it is shown that the proposed LSTM-based model employing LSTM-refinement achieves the lowest RMSEs for 6, 12, and 24 h temperature prediction as well as for 7 and 14 day temperature prediction, compared to other DNN-based and LSTM-based models with either no refinement or linear interpolation. Moreover, the prediction accuracy of the proposed model is higher than that of the Unified Model (UM) Local Data Assimilation and Prediction System (LDAPS) for 24 h temperature predictions.
Impact of Sea Breeze Circulation on the Transport of Ship Emissions in Tangshan Port, China
Authors: Shang Fang , Chen Dongsheng , Guo Xiurui , Lang Jianlei , Zhou Ying , Li Yue , Fu Xinyi
Published: November 2019

A sea breeze is a local circulation that occurs in coastal regions from the poles to the equator. The adverse influence of ship emissions on air quality in coastal areas may be aggravated by the onshore flow of sea breeze circulation. However, our knowledge regarding the evolution of ship-emitted pollutants during a specific sea breeze episode is still limited. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated the evolution of ship emissions during a sea breeze episode that occurred on 29 June, 2014 in Tangshan port in China by employing the WRF/Chem model. NO2, one of the primary pollutants emitted by ships, was selected as the target pollutant for investigation. The results indicate that the ground level NO2 concentration was considerably affected by sea breeze circulation. Although the onset of the sea breeze was delayed until nearly midday due to offshore synoptic winds, ship-emitted NO2 was transported to more than 100 km inland with the penetration of the sea breeze. Further investigation found that the averaged concentration of ship-contributed NO2 during the episode showed an evident downward trend as the distance from the coastline increased. Vertically, the shallow atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) on the sea limited the vertical dispersion of ship emissions, and the pollutant was transported shoreward by the sea breeze within this shallow ABL. The height of the ABLs is lowered in coastal regions due to the cooling effect of sea breezes which brings the cool marine air to the hot land surface. Ship-contributed NO2 was mostly trapped in the shallow ABL; thereby, its concentration increased.
The Allure of High Total Angular Momentum Levels in Multiply-Excited Ions
Authors: Träbert Elmar
Published: November 2019

In the interaction of fast ions with dense matter, the collision frequency is high enough to facilitate the simultaneous excitation of several electrons. Such multiply-excited few-electron systems have been exploited variously for plasma diagnostics. Beam-foil spectroscopic techniques, benefiting from the inherent time-resolution offered by the geometry of typical experiments, have proven particularly fruitful for the study of emission patterns and level lifetimes of specific multiply-excited levels, especially those of maximum spin and total angular momentum. Typical cases are recalled to illustrate some general principles. Among many others, earlier beam-foil measurements have targeted the core-excited 2p53s3p 4D7/2 – 2p5 3s3d 4F9/2 transition in several Na-like spectra ranging from S VI to Cu XIX. Data on the six intermediate elements missing at that time are now added. The interest in such atomic systems with multiple excitations and high total angular momentum values is discussed with a variety of examples.
A Perspective on the Development of TGF-β Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Huynh Linh , Hipolito Christopher , ten Dijke Peter
Published: November 2019

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a secreted multifunctional cytokine that signals via plasma membrane TGF-β type I and type II receptors and intercellular SMAD transcriptional effectors. Aberrant inter- and intracellular TGF-β signaling can contribute to cancer progression. In normal cells and early stages of cancer, TGF-β can stimulate epithelial growth arrest and elicit a tumor suppressor function. However, in late stages of cancer, when the cytostatic effects of TGF-β in cancer cells are blocked, TGF-β signaling can act as tumor promoter by its ability to stimulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of cancer cells, by stimulating angiogenesis, and by promoting evasion of immune responses. In this review, we will discuss the rationale and challenges of targeting TGF-β signaling in cancer and summarize the clinical status of TGF-β signaling inhibitors that interfere with TGF−β bioavailability, TGF-β/receptor interaction, or TGF-β receptor kinase function. Moreover, we will discuss targeting of TGF-β signaling modulators and downstream effectors as well as alternative approaches by using promising technologies that may lead to entirely new classes of drugs.
Imaging Collagen Alterations in STICs and High Grade Ovarian Cancers in the Fallopian Tubes by Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy
Authors: Rentchler Eric C. , Gant Kristal L. , Drapkin Ronny , Patankar Manish , J. Campagnola Paul
Published: November 2019

The majority of high-grade serous ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, however, the corresponding structural changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) have not been well-characterized. This information could provide new insight into the carcinogenesis and provide the basis for new diagnostic tools. We have previously used the collagen-specific Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy to probe collagen fiber alterations in high-grade serous ovarian cancer and in other ovarian tumors, and showed they could be uniquely identified by machine learning approaches. Here we couple SHG imaging of serous tubal intra-epithelial carcinomas (STICs), high-grade cancers, and normal regions of the fallopian tubes, using three distinct image analysis approaches to form a classification scheme based on the respective collagen fiber morphology. Using a linear discriminant analysis, we achieved near 100% classification accuracy between high-grade disease and the other tissues, where the STICs and normal regions were differentiated with ~75% accuracy. Importantly, the collagen in high-grade disease in both the fallopian tube and the ovary itself have a similar collagen morphology, further substantiating the metastasis between these sites. This analysis provides a new method of classification, but also quantifies the structural changes in the disease, which may provide new insight into metastasis.
Sensitive and Specific Detection of Ewing Sarcoma Minimal Residual Disease in Ovarian and Testicular Tissues in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Chaput Laure , Grèze Victoria , Halle Pascale , Radosevic-Robin Nina , Pereira Bruno , Véronèse Lauren , Lejeune Hervé , Durand Philippe , Martin Guillaume , Sanfilippo Sandra , Canis Michel , Kanold Justyna , Tchirkov Andrei , Brugnon Florence
Published: November 2019

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a common pediatric solid tumor with high metastatic potential. Due to toxic effects of treatments on reproductive functions, the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue (OT) or testicular tissue (TT) is recommended to preserve fertility. However, the risk of reintroducing residual metastatic tumor cells should be evaluated before fertility restoration. Our goal was to validate a sensitive and specific approach for EWS minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in frozen germinal tissues. Thawed OT (n = 12) and TT (n = 14) were contaminated with tumor RD-ES cells (10, 100, and 1000 cells) and EWS-FLI1 tumor-specific transcript was quantified with RT-qPCR. All contaminated samples were found to be positive, with a strong correlation between RD-ES cell numbers and EWS-FLI1 levels in OT (r = 0.93) and TT (r = 0.96) (p < 0.001). No transcript was detected in uncontaminated control samples. The invasive potential of Ewing cells was evaluated using co-culture techniques. After co-culturing, tumor cells were detected in OT/TT with histology, FISH, and RT-qPCR. In addition, four OT and four TT samples from children with metastatic EWS were tested, and no MRD was found using RT-qPCR and histology. We demonstrated the high sensitivity and specificity of RT-qPCR to detect EWS MRD in OT/TT samples. Clinical trial: NCT 02400970.
Myocardial Adaptation in Pseudohypoxia: Signaling and Regulation of mPTP via Mitochondrial Connexin 43 and Cardiolipin
Authors: Ferko Miroslav , Andelová Natália , Szeiffová Bačová Barbara , Jašová Magdaléna
Published: November 2019

Therapies intended to mitigate cardiovascular complications cannot be applied in practice without detailed knowledge of molecular mechanisms. Mitochondria, as the end-effector of cardioprotection, represent one of the possible therapeutic approaches. The present review provides an overview of factors affecting the regulation processes of mitochondria at the level of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP) resulting in comprehensive myocardial protection. The regulation of mPTP seems to be an important part of the mechanisms for maintaining the energy equilibrium of the heart under pathological conditions. Mitochondrial connexin 43 is involved in the regulation process by inhibition of mPTP opening. These individual cardioprotective mechanisms can be interconnected in the process of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation resulting in the maintenance of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. In this context, the degree of mitochondrial membrane fluidity appears to be a key factor in the preservation of ATP synthase rotation required for ATP formation. Moreover, changes in the composition of the cardiolipin’s structure in the mitochondrial membrane can significantly affect the energy system under unfavorable conditions. This review aims to elucidate functional and structural changes of cardiac mitochondria subjected to preconditioning, with an emphasis on signaling pathways leading to mitochondrial energy maintenance during partial oxygen deprivation.
Let-7 miRNA’s Expression Profile and Its Potential Prognostic Role in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: de Almeida Bruna Cristine , dos Anjos Laura Gonzalez , Uno Miyuki , da Cunha Isabela Werneck , Soares Fernando Augusto , Baiocchi Glauco , Baracat Edmund Chada , Carvalho Katia Candido
Published: November 2019

The lethal-7 (let-7) family is an important microRNA (miRNA) group that usually exerts functions as a tumor suppressor. We aimed to evaluate the expression profile of let-7a, let-7b, let-7c, let-7d, let-7e, let-7f, let-7g, and let-7i and to assess their value as prognostic markers in uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) patients. The miRNAs expression profile was assessed in 34 LMS and 13 normal myometrium (MM) paraffin-embedded samples. All let-7 family members showed downregulation in LMS. Our findings showed that patients with let-7e downregulation had worse overall survival (OS) and is an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.24). In addition, almost half the patients had distant metastasis. LMS patients with downregulated let-7b and let-7d had worse disease-free survival (DFS); they are not independent prognostic factors (HR = 2.65). Patients’ ages were associated with let-7d, let-7e and let-7f (p = 0.0160) downregulation. In conclusion, all the let-7 family members were downregulated in LMS patients, and the greater the loss of expression of these molecules, the greater their relationship with worse prognosis of patients. Let-7e expression might influence the OS, while let-7b and le-7d might influence the DFS. The lowest expression levels of let-7d, let-7e, and let-7f were associated with the oldest patients. Our findings indicate strong evidence of let-7’s role as a potential prognostic biomarker in LMS.