bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Experiencing History Possible? Between “Dark Tourism” and “the Holocaust Industry:” The Case of Terezín
Authors: Kowalska-Nadolna Urszula
Published: November 2019

The article focuses on the representation of Terezín (Theresienstadt) concentration camp in contemporary Czech literary, historical, and educational sources. We should treat the ways of presenting Terezín in Czech public space as a beginning of the discussion about the popular, mass need for “adapting” memory about past experiences to the abilities of a new recipient. The basis for the following considerations is the 2009 novel by Jáchym Topol, The Devil’s Workshop (original title: Chladnou zemí), that presents the process of the revitalization of Terezín concentration camp, which seems to be another stage of a theatricalization or reconstruction of memory. The fundamental question is: How far is it from the Topol’s utopian vision to the actual reality, full of commercialized or institutionalized memory?
Uncanny Styria
Authors: Pająk Patrycjusz
Published: November 2019

The nineteenth century in the West was a period of intellectual and artistic fascination with the East, both distant and near: Asian and Eastern European. One of the regions that attracted the interest of Western Europeans was Styria, situated on the border separating Austria from Hungary and the Balkans, that is, the West from the East. Borderland cultural phenomena stimulate the imagination as much as exotic phenomena. Both disturb with their hybrid character, which results from the mixing of elements from familiar and alien cultures. With their duality and ambiguity, borderlands are the source of the uncanny, which in the Western literature of the nineteenth century became the basic ingredient of the Western image of the Styrian lands. Uncanny Styria was discovered by Basil Hall, a Scottish traveler who reported the impressions of his stay in this region in his 1830s travelogue Schloss Hainfeld; or, a Winter in Lower Styria. In the second half of the century, two Irishmen wrote about the uncanny Styrian borderland: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and Bram Stoker. Both associated Styria with vampirism: the former in the 1870s novella Carmilla, the latter in the 1890s short story Dracula’s Guest. The central thread that runs through all three texts is the decline of Styrian nobility. From Hall, it prompts expression of melancholy regret, accompanied by a sense of strangeness. In his work, the erosion of the culture of the nobility results from Styria’s isolated location in the borderlands, as well as the destructive influences of modernity. Le Fanu balances the regret with horror, related to a different interpretation of decline as cultural regression. In Stoker’s story, the terror intensifies with the sense that the regression that affects the province of Styria could extend to Western Europe.
Tellers and Experiencers in Autobiographical Narratives: Focalization in “Peeling the Onion” by Günter Grass and “The Liars’ Club” by Mary Karr
Authors: Fonioková Zuzana
Published: November 2019

This article examines the narrative point of view in two autobiographical texts, pointing out the diverse effects the narratives achieve by means of different focalization strategies. After a short explication of the split between the narrator and protagonist in life stories, I look at focalization techniques in Günter Grass’s Peeling the Onion (2006), where the perception of the present self continuously interferes in the depiction of the past. The superior knowledge available to the narrator at the time of narration leads to an interpretation of the depicted events that the experiencing self could not provide. I argue that although the book calls attention to the constructive nature of memory and narrative that necessarily affects retrospective accounts of the past, it also states its preference for the lens of the present by employing focalization through the narrating I. I subsequently contrast Grass’s text and its narrative strategies with Mary Karr’s childhood memoir The Liars’ Club (1995) and demonstrate how this narrative attains its realistic effect by engaging the child protagonist as the predominant focalizer. By shifting focalization between the narrating I and the experiencing I, involving either the suspension or application of the narrator’s current

knowledge, Karr manipulates readers’ engagement with the narrative, such as their empathy and moral judgement. Furthermore, the text communicates a sense of identity and continuity between the experiencer and the teller, which stands in sharp contrast to the emphasis Grass’s narrative puts on the distance between these two positions. Finally, I briefly address the challenges presented by recent conceptions of identity construction to the distinction between the narrating I and the experiencing I, suggesting that these narratological concepts retain their relevance to discussions of autobiographical texts as literary works rather than stages of self-creation.
KINERJA PERAWAT DALAM MEMBERIKAN ASUHAN KEPERAWATAN BERPENGARUH TERHADAP KEPUASAN PASIEN RAWAT INAP
Authors: Khamida Khamida , Mastiah Mastiah
Published: November 2019

The performance of nurses in providing nursing care is still considered unsatisfactory by the patient. The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship of the performance of nurses in providing nursing care with patient’s satisfaction in Multazam ward of Surabaya Islamic Hospital. Design of this studied Analytical survey. The population were all patients in Multazam ward of Surabaya Islamic Hospital with amount 85 person. Number of sample were 39 respondents, taken by simple random sampling. The independent variable is performance of nurses in providing nursing care, dependent variable is patient’s satisfaction. Instruments use questionnaires, data were processed by editing, coding, scoring, and tabulating, then analyzed by Chi-Square test with significant level α = 0.05. Study result showed most of respondents 39 (51.3%) the nurse had a poor performance, and most them (56,4%) the patients are not satisfied. Results of Chi-Square test analysis showed p (0.038) < α (0.05), so H0 is rejected means there is relationship of the performance of nurses in providing nursing care with patient’s satisfaction in Multazam ward of Surabaya Islamic Hospital. The conclusions of this study is the performance of nurses in providing nursing care influence to the patient satisfaction. Nurses should responsive to the complaints and expectations of patients due.
Advanced neuroimaging techniques for evaluating pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Lee Yun Jeong
Published: November 2019

Accurate localization of the seizure onset zone is important for better seizure outcomes and preventing deficits following epilepsy surgery. Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques have increased our understanding of the underlying etiology and improved our ability to noninvasively identify the seizure onset zone. Using epilepsy-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols, structural MRI allows better detection of the seizure onset zone, particularly when it is interpreted by experienced neuroradiologists. Ultra-high-field imaging and postprocessing analysis with automated machine learning algorithms can detect subtle structural abnormalities in MRI-negative patients. Tractography derived from diffusion tensor imaging can delineate white matter connections associated with epilepsy or eloquent function, thus, preventing deficits after epilepsy surgery. Arterial spin-labeling perfusion MRI, simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG)-functional MRI (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are noinvasive imaging modalities that can be used to localize the epileptogenic foci and assist in planning epilepsy surgery with positron emission tomography, ictal single-photon emission computed tomography, and intracranial EEG monitoring. MEG and fMRI can localize and lateralize the area of the cortex that is essential for language, motor, and memory function and identify its relationship with planned surgical resection sites to reduce the risk of neurological impairments. These advanced structural and functional imaging modalities can be combined with postprocessing methods to better understand the epileptic network and obtain valuable clinical information for predicting long-term outcomes in pediatric epilepsy.
In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Activity of Cucurbitacin C, a Novel Natural Product From Cucumber
Authors: Wu Dinglan , Wang Zhu , Lin Muqi , Shang Yi , Wang Fei , Zhou JiaYi , Wang Fei , Zhang Xiantong , Luo Xiaomin , Huang Weiren
Published: November 2019

Cucurbitacin C (CuC), a novel analogue of triterpenoids cucurbitacins, confers a bitter taste in cucumber. Genes and signaling pathways responsive for biosynthesis of CuC have been identified in the recent years. In the present study, we explored the anti-cancer effects of CuC against human cancers in vitro and in vivo. CuC inhibited proliferation and clonogenic potential of multiple cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Low-dose CuC treatment induced cell cycle arrest at G1 or G2/M stage in different cancer lines, whereas high-dose treatment of CuC caused apoptosis in cancer cells. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was found to be one of the major pathways involved in CuC-induced cell growth arrest and apoptosis by RNA-Seq and Western blotting. Mechanistic dissection further confirmed that CuC effectively inhibited the Akt signaling by inhibition of Akt phosphorylation at Ser473. In vivo CuC treatment (0.1 mg/kg body weight) effectively inhibited growth of cancer cell-derived xenograft tumors in athymic nude mice and caused significant apoptosis. Our findings for the first time demonstrated the potential therapeutic significance of CuC against human cancers.
Comparing Turkish and European Noise Management and Soundscape Policies: A Proposal of Indoor Soundscape Integration to Architectural Design and Application
Authors: ERÇAKMAK Uğur Beyza , DÖKMECİ YÖRÜKOĞLU Papatya Nur
Published: November 2019

Improving soundscape studies and policies states that the soundscape approach, which also considers noise interventions, should replace noise management. However, a considerable number of soundscape studies have been concerned with the quality of acoustic environments of open and urban public spaces. This study focuses on indoor soundscaping and its possible integration into the architectural design and application process. Therefore, the present and ongoing Turkish and European soundscape and noise management policies were evaluated in detail and compared in order to characterize the gap regarding the state of indoor soundscaping between the literature and the policy development level. Furthermore, we identified and classified factors and methods which have an influence on indoor soundscaping to be integrated into the final proposed model. As a result of the detailed evaluation regarding policies and indoor soundscaping principles, five stages were proposed that can be used in an integrated indoor soundscape model: (1) the establishment of a topic specific institution or working group on indoor soundscaping; (2) the preparation of a standard that includes definitions, indoor soundscape factors and methods; (3) the preparation of an indoor soundscape directive; (4) the preparation of indoor soundscape guidelines; and (5) the provision of maintenance and supervision by experts and authorities.
Survival Analysis for the Adjustment Phase Following Investment in Swiss Dairy Sheds
Authors: Kramer Benedikt , Schorr Anke , Doluschitz Reiner , Lips Markus
Published: November 2019

We analysed the adjustment phase following a dairy shed investment. On the basis of farm observations from both the Swiss Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) and a database of government-supported investments from 2003 through 2014, we focused on the imputed profit, the farm income minus opportunity costs for family labour and family capital. After investment, the analysed farms needed three years to return to the same profit level as that before the investment (median value). A Cox proportional-hazards model (survival analysis) showed that the probability of reattaining the imputed profit increased with equity capital. A reduction of the probability was related to a high imputed profit, a high off-farm income, high expenses for purchased animals and, in particular, a greater use of family labour before the investment. We conclude that the use of family labour after investment should be addressed more thoroughly during the planning process prior to an investment.
Long-Term Effects of Maternal Subnutrition in Early Pregnancy on Cow-Calf Performance, Immunological and Physiological Profiles during the Next Lactation
Authors: Noya Agustí , Casasús Isabel , Ferrer Javier , Sanz Albina
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of undernutrition during the first third of gestation on cow-calf performance, immunological and physiological profiles during the next lactation in two cattle breeds. Fifty-three Parda de Montaña (PA) and 32 Pirenaica (PI) cows were inseminated, assigned to one of two diets (CONTROL or SUBNUT; 100% or 65% of their requirements) until day 82 of gestation, and fed 100% of the requirements during gestation and next lactation. Cow and calf performance were assessed during lactation. Colostrum and cow-calf plasma samples were analyzed to assess the passive transfer of immunoglobulins and to characterize energy metabolism. At calving, SUBNUT cows had a lower body condition score, which impaired most of the cow-calf parameters. All cows had considerable weight losses during lactation except for SUBNUT-PI cows. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was lower in SUBNUT-PI cows, and milk fat content was higher in SUBNUT cows. SUBNUT calves had lower values of body measurements at weaning, and calves born from SUBNUT-PI dams had lower milk intake and the lowest average daily gain (ADG), which was reflected in their lower plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. In conclusion, undernutrition in early gestation in suckler cows had long-term effects on offspring postnatal growth, this physiological evidence being more severe in Pirenaica cow-calf pairs.
Dietary Inositol Reduces Fearfulness and Avoidance in Laying Hens
Authors: Herwig Eugenia , Classen Henry L. , Walk Carrie L. , Bedford Mike , Schwean-Lardner Karen
Published: November 2019

Myo-inositol (inositol) affects memory, and the incidence of depression and anxiety in mammals. An experiment was designed to determine if pure inositol (0.16%), or high levels of phytase (3000 FTU/kg) affect the behaviour of fully beaked Lohmann LSL lite hens fed amino acid sufficient (19% crude protein (CP)) and deficient diets (16% CP), from 19 to 59 weeks of age. The data collected included live-scan behaviour observations and novel object (NO) tests (both at 1, 10 and 40 weeks of the trial); heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratios (week 1 and week 40 of the trial); end of trial feather cover, and comb and skin lesions; and daily mortality. Reducing CP increased sitting by 2.5%. Inositol, but not phytase, reduced the latency to peck at the NO by 300 sec. Inositol reduced vent feather cover by 12% and tended to increase mortality by 13%. No effects on H/L ratio, and comb or skin lesions were found. In conclusion, regardless of the source, inositol reduced vent feather cover, while it tended to increase mortality. Only pure inositol reduced fearfulness in laying hens.
Polyphenols and IUGR Pregnancies: Effects of Maternal Hydroxytyrosol Supplementation on Postnatal Growth, Metabolism and Body Composition of the Offspring
Authors: Vazquez-Gomez Marta , Heras-Molina Ana , Garcia-Contreras Consolacion , Pesantez-Pacheco Jose Luis , Torres-Rovira Laura , Martinez-Fernandez Beatriz , Gonzalez Jorge , Encinas Teresa , Astiz Susana , Ovilo Cristina , Isabel Beatriz , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio
Published: November 2019

Maternal supplementation with the polyphenol hydroxytyrosol in a swine model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) improves the fetal oxidative status, decreases the appearance of low birth-weight neonates and favors growth during early postnatal stages (lactation). The current study aimed to determine whether hydroxytyrosol supplementation can also improve developmental patterns, metabolic traits, and body composition of the offspring during later postnatal stages (from weaning to adulthood). A total of 21 piglets born from control untreated sows and 20 piglets born from sows treated with hydroxytyrosol during the last two-thirds of pregnancy were selected on the basis of similar body weights at weaning, for avoiding any interfering effects occurred during lactation. The pigs in the treated group had higher average daily weight gain (ADWG) and, therefore, reached higher body weight and corpulence, greater muscle development and higher adiposity than their control counterparts. The following were not found: significant effects on metabolism and body composition except changes in the muscular fatty acid composition of the treated pigs coming from the largest litters; those more affected by IUGR processes. These findings suggest that maternal supplementation with hydroxytyrosol may improve juvenile development of offspring in at-risk pregnancies and pave the way for more specific studies aiming to elucidate effects on adiposity, metabolism, and meat organoleptic characteristics.
Design and Implementation of a System-on-Chip for Self-Calibration of an Angular Position Sensor
Authors: Gao Zhenyi , Zhou Bin , Li Chao , Hou Bo , Sun Haobo , Wei Qi , Zhang Rong
Published: November 2019

In this study, a novel signal processing algorithm and hardware processing circuit for the self-calibration of angular position sensors is proposed. To calibrate error components commonly found in angular position sensors, a parameter identification algorithm based on the least mean square error demodulation is developed. A processor to run programs and a coprocessor based on the above algorithm are used and designed to form a System-on-Chip, which can calibrate signals as well as implement parameter configuration and control algorithm applications. In order to verify the theoretical validity of the design, analysis and simulation verification of the scheme are carried out, and the maximum absolute error value in the algorithm simulation is reduced to 0.003 %. The circuit’s Register-Transfer Level simulation shows that the maximum absolute value of the angular error is reduced to 0.03%. Simulation results verify the calibration performance with and without quantization and rounding error, respectively. The entire system is prototyped on a Field Programmable Gate Array and tested on a Capacitive Angular Position Sensor. The proposed scheme can reduce the absolute value of angular error to 4.36%, compared to 7.68% from the experimental results of a different calibration scheme.
Polyisobutylene-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers for Manufacturing Polymeric Heart Valve Leaflets: In Vitro and In Vivo Results
Authors: Ovcharenko Evgeny , Rezvova Maria , Nikishau Pavel , Kostjuk Sergei , Glushkova Tatiana , Antonova Larisa , Trebushat Dmitry , Akentieva Tatiana , Shishkova Daria , Krivikina Evgeniya , Klyshnikov Kirill , Kudryavtseva Yulia , Barbarash Leonid
Published: November 2019

Superior polymers represent a promising alternative to mechanical and biological materials commonly used for manufacturing artificial heart valves. The study is aimed at assessing poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS) properties and comparing them with polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-texTM, a reference sample). Surface topography of both materials was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The mechanical properties were measured under uniaxial tension. The water contact angle was estimated to evaluate hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the study samples. Materials’ hemocompatibility was evaluated using cell lines (Ea.hy 926), donor blood, and in vivo. SIBS possess a regular surface relief. It is hydrophobic and has lower strength as compared to Gore-texTM (3.51 MPa vs. 13.2/23.8 MPa). SIBS and Gore-texTM have similar hemocompatibility (hemolysis, adhesion, and platelet aggregation). The subcutaneous rat implantation reports that SIBS has a lower tendency towards calcification (0.39 mg/g) compared with Gore-texTM (1.29 mg/g). SIBS is a highly hemocompatible material with a promising potential for manufacturing heart valve leaflets, but its mechanical properties require further improvements. The possible options include the reinforcement with nanofillers and introductions of new chains in its structure.
Temperature Distributions inside Concrete Sections of Renewable Energy Storage Pile Foundations
Authors: Zhang Dichuan , Mamesh Zhamilya , Sailauova Dilnura , Shon Chang-Seon , Lee Deuckhang , Kim Jong R.
Published: November 2019

A new pile foundation system is being developed for renewable energy storage through a multi-disciplinary research project. This system utilizes the compressed air technology to store renewable energy inside the reinforced concrete pile foundation configured with hollowed sections. The compressed air can result in high air pressure to which the structural response of the pile foundation subjected has been studied. However, the temperature in the pile foundation can be affected by the compressed air if sufficient cooling is not provided. The temperature change can generate thermal stresses and affect the structural safety of the pile foundation. As a first step to investigate this thermal effect, this paper studies temperature distributions inside the concrete section for the pile foundation through non-steady state heat transfer analyses. Several parameters were considered in the study, including thermal conductivities of the concrete, specific heat capacities of the concrete, and dimensions of the pile foundation. It has been found that the temperature distribution along the concrete section varies significantly during a daily energy storage cycle as well as subsequent cycles due to the cumulative effect of residual temperatures at the end of each cycle. The temperature distribution is largely affected by the thermal conductivity of the concrete and the geometry of the pile foundation. The obtained temperature distribution can be used for investigation of the thermal stress inside the foundation and surrounding soil.
Image-To-Image Translation Using a Cross-Domain Auto-Encoder and Decoder
Authors: Yoo Jaechang , Eom Heesong , Choi Yong Suk
Published: November 2019

Recently, several studies have focused on image-to-image translation. However, the quality of the translation results is lacking in certain respects. We propose a new image-to-image translation method to minimize such shortcomings using an auto-encoder and an auto-decoder. This method includes pre-training two auto-encoders and decoder pairs for each source and target image domain, cross-connecting two pairs and adding a feature mapping layer. Our method is quite simple and straightforward to adopt but very effective in practice, and we experimentally demonstrated that our method can significantly enhance the quality of image-to-image translation. We used the well-known cityscapes, horse2zebra, cat2dog, maps, summer2winter, and night2day datasets. Our method shows qualitative and quantitative improvements over existing models.
Numerical Study of Active Aerodynamic Control via Flow Discharge on a High-Camber Rear Spoiler of a Road Vehicle
Authors: Lee Sang Wook , Kim Hak Lim
Published: November 2019

In this study, a numerical investigation of the active aerodynamic control via flow discharge was performed on a two-dimensional simplified vehicle with a spoiler. The analysis was performed using computational fluid dynamics techniques based on the unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations. Unlike the conventional aerodynamic control methods, in which the control flow is forcibly injected to increase the lift or reduce the drag, the flow discharge method uses the ram air flow to reduce both the downforce and aerodynamic drag of a road vehicle. The technique of aerodynamic control via the flow discharge is applied to a simplified vehicle with a rear spoiler. For the isolated spoiler, at a discharge speed of 40% of the vehicle driving speed, the flow discharge at 75% of the chord exhibited a reduction of 4.5% and 1.8% in the aerodynamic drag and downforce reduction, respectively. For the vehicle with a spoiler, the drag and downforce were respectively reduced, on average, by 3.4% and 19.3% for a vehicle velocity range of 100–300 km/h; in this case, the discharge speed was 40% of the vehicle driving speed, and the discharge position was 75% of the chord owing to the interaction between the spoiler separation flow and vehicle wake.
Probing Electronic Strain Generation by Separated Electron-Hole Pairs Using Time-Resolved X-ray Scattering
Authors: Lee Sooheyong , Jo Wonhyuk , DiChiara Anthony D. , Holmes Timothy P. , Santowski Stephen , Cho Yong Chan , Landahl Eric C.
Published: November 2019

Photogeneration of excess charge carriers in semiconductors produces electronic strain. Under transient conditions, electron-hole pairs may be separated across a potential barrier. Using time-resolved X-ray diffraction measurements across an intrinsic AlGaAs/n-doped GaAs interface, we find that the electronic strain is only produced by holes, and that electrons are not directly observable by strain measurements. The presence of photoinduced charge carriers in the n-doped GaAs is indirectly confirmed by delayed heat generation via recombination.
Perceptions. The Unbuilt Synagogue in Buda through Controversial Architectural Tenders (1912–1914)
Authors: Lovra Éva
Published: November 2019

The unbuilt synagogue in Buda is an almost forgotten chapter in Hungarian architectural history which drew great attention between 1911 and 1914. It was discussed extensively by the contemporary press in the early 20th century and by architects in the Hungarian capital of Austria–Hungary. Between 1912 and 1914 three tenders for the design of the synagogue of Buda were announced, with the participation of well-known (synagogue) architects of Hungary, who represented the diverse architectural styles of the period. The efforts to build the synagogue, including the three failed tenders, the 30 competition designs and the opinions of contemporaries raised, and continue to raise, many provocative questions. The present study is based on the analysis of the designs submitted and criticisms published in official architecture magazines between 1912 and 1914, but not yet studied and published elsewhere. Through these, the study showcases the controversial architectural decisions that could have changed the appearance of a neighbourhood but failed to do so. The study puts the townscape of Széll Kálmán Square in Buda in a new context, revealing another layer of architecture, urban design and architectural-sociology and perception of the capital’s synagogue on the eve of World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Effects of Anthropogenic and Natural Forcings on the Summer Temperature Variations in East Asia during the 20th Century
Authors: Shim Sungbo , Kim Jinwon , Yum Seong Soo , Lee Hannah , Boo Kyung-On , Byun Young-Hwa
Published: November 2019

The effects of the emissions of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs), aerosols, and natural forcing on the summer-mean surface air temperature (TAS) in the East Asia (EA) land surface in the 20th century are analyzed using six-member coupled model inter-comparison project 5 (CMIP5) general circulation model (GCM) ensembles from five single-forcing simulations. The simulation with the observed GHG concentrations and aerosol emissions reproduces well the land-mean EA TAS trend characterized by warming periods in the early (1911–1940; P1) and late (1971–2000; P3) 20th century separated by a cooling period (1941–1970; P2). The warming in P1 is mainly due to the natural variability related to GHG increases and the long-term recovery from volcanic activities in late-19th/early-20th century. The cooling in P2 occurs as the combined cooling by anthropogenic aerosols and increased volcanic eruptions in the 1960s exceeds the warming by the GHG increases and the nonlinear interaction term. In P3, the combined warming by GHGs and the interaction term exceeds the cooling by anthropogenic aerosols to result in the warming. The SW forcing is not driving the TAS increase in P1/P3 as the shortwave (SW) forcing is heavily affected by the increased cloudiness and the longwave (LW) forcing dominates the SW forcing. The LW forcing to TAS cannot be separated from the LW response to TAS, preventing further analyses. The interaction among these forcing affects TAS via largely modifying the atmospheric water cycle, especially in P2 and P3. Key forcing terms on TAS such as the temperature advection related to large-scale circulation changes cannot be analyzed due to the lack of model data.
The Pivotal Role of Long Noncoding RNA RAB5IF in the Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via LGR5 Mediated β-Catenin and c-Myc Signaling
Authors: Koo Ja Il , Lee Hyo-Jung , Jung Ji Hoon , Im Eunji , Kim Ju-Ha , Shin Nari , Sim Deok Yong , Hwang Jisung , Kim Sung-Hoon
Published: November 2019

In the current study, the function of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) RAB5IF was elucidated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs) in association with LGR5 related signaling. Here TCGA analysis revealed that LncRNA RAB5IF was overexpressed in HCC, and its overexpression level was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Furthermore, LncRNA RAB5IF depletion suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation, increased sub G1 population, cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and cysteine aspartyl-specific protease (caspase 3) and attenuated the expression of procaspase 3, pro-PARP and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Furthermore, LncRNA RAB5IF depletion reduced the expression of LGR5 and its downstreams such as β-catenin and c-Myc in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Notably, LGR5 depletion also attenuated the expression of pro-PARP, pro-caspase3, β-catenin and c-Myc in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Conversely, LGR5 overexpression upregulated β-catenin and c-Myc in Alpha Mouse Liver 12 (AML-12) normal hepatocytes. Overall, these findings provide novel evidence that LncRNA RAB5IF promotes the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via LGR5 mediated β-catenin and c-Myc signaling as a potent oncogenic target.
The Diagnostic Efficiency of Ultrasound Computer–Aided Diagnosis in Differentiating Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Chambara Nonhlanhla , Ying Michael
Published: November 2019

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) techniques have emerged to complement qualitative assessment in the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence on the diagnostic performance of various ultrasound CAD in characterizing thyroid nodules. PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published until August 2019. The Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy included in Systematic Review 2 (QUADAS-2) tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Reported diagnostic performance data were analyzed and discussed. Fourteen studies with 2232 patients and 2675 thyroid nodules met the inclusion criteria. The study quality based on QUADAS-2 assessment was moderate. At best performance, grey scale CAD had a sensitivity of 96.7% while Doppler CAD was 90%. Combined techniques of qualitative grey scale features and Doppler CAD assessment resulted in overall increased sensitivity (92%) and optimal specificity (85.1%). The experience of the CAD user, nodule size and the thyroid malignancy risk stratification system used for interpretation were the main potential factors affecting diagnostic performance outcomes. The diagnostic performance of CAD of thyroid ultrasound is comparable to that of qualitative visual assessment; however, combined techniques have the potential for better optimized diagnostic accuracy.
DOCK1 Regulates Growth and Motility through the RRP1B-Claudin-1 Pathway in Claudin-Low Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Chiang Shih-Kai , Chang Wei-Chao , Chen Shuen-Ei , Chang Ling-Chu
Published: November 2019

Dedicator of cytokinesis 1 (DOCK1) is a critical regulator of cancer metastasis. Claudins are transmembrane proteins that play a role in epithelial barrier integrity. Due to a loss or low expression of claudins (CLDN), the claudin-low type of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by a mesenchymal-like phenotype with strong metastatic potential. In order to elucidate the mechanism of DOCK1 in cancer metastasis, we first analyzed the transcriptomic changes using a clinical database of human TNBC and found that the increase in DOCK1 expression was highly correlated with the poor survival rate of TNBC patients. Interference with DOCK1 expression by shRNA resulted in re-expression of claudin-1 in conjunction with significant inhibition of cell viability and motility of claudin-low breast cancer cells. Accordingly, overexpression of claudin-1 suppressed cell viability and migration. Genetic knockdown and pharmacological blockade of Rac1/Rac2 up-regulated claudin-1. DOCK1 knockdown also caused a decrease in DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) expression and an increase in claudin-1 transcript and promoter activity. Furthermore, RRP1B mediated DOCK1 depletion, which up-regulated claudin-1 expression, cell viability, and motility in claudin-low breast cancer cells. This study demonstrated that DOCK1 mediates growth and motility through down-regulated claudin-1 expression via the RRP1B–DNMT–claudin-1 pathway and that claudin-1 serves as an important effector in DOCK1-mediated cancer progression and metastasis in claudin-low breast cancer cells.
Progress in Synthesizing Analogues of Nitrogenase Metalloclusters for Catalytic Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia
Authors: Yang Jianjun
Published: November 2019

Ammonia (NH3) has played an essential role in meeting the increasing demand for food and the worldwide need for nitrogen (N2) fertilizer since 1913. Unfortunately, the traditional Haber-Bosch process for producing NH3 from N2 is a high energy-consumption process with approximately 1.9 metric tons of fossil CO2 being released per metric ton of NH3 produced. As a very challenging target, any ideal NH3 production process reducing fossil energy consumption and environmental pollution would be welcomed. Catalytic NH3 synthesis is an attractive and promising alternative approach. Therefore, developing efficient catalysts for synthesizing NH3 from N2 under ambient conditions would create a significant opportunity to directly provide nitrogenous fertilizers in agricultural fields as needed in a distributed manner. In this paper, the literature on alternative, available, and sustainable NH3 production processes in terms of the scientific aspects of the spatial structures of nitrogenase metalloclusters, the mechanism of reducing N2 to NH3 catalyzed by nitrogenase, the synthetic analogues of nitrogenase metalloclusters, and the opportunities for continued research are reviewed.
Uridine Prevents Negative Effects of OXPHOS Xenobiotics on Dopaminergic Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Iglesias Eldris , Bayona-Bafaluy M. Pilar , Pesini Alba , Garrido-Pérez Nuria , Meade Patricia , Gaudó Paula , Jiménez-Salvador Irene , Montoya Julio , Ruiz-Pesini Eduardo
Published: November 2019

Neuronal differentiation appears to be dependent on oxidative phosphorylation capacity. Several drugs inhibit oxidative phosphorylation and might be detrimental for neuronal differentiation. Some pregnant women take these medications during their first weeks of gestation when fetal nervous system is being developed. These treatments might have later negative consequences on the offspring’s health. To analyze a potential negative effect of three widely used medications, we studied in vitro dopaminergic neuronal differentiation of cells exposed to pharmacologic concentrations of azidothymidine for acquired immune deficiency syndrome; linezolid for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis; and atovaquone for malaria. We also analyzed the dopaminergic neuronal differentiation in brains of fetuses from pregnant mice exposed to linezolid. The drugs reduced the in vitro oxidative phosphorylation capacity and dopaminergic neuronal differentiation. This differentiation process does not appear to be affected in the prenatally exposed fetus brain. Nevertheless, the global DNA methylation in fetal brain was significantly altered, perhaps linking an early exposure to a negative effect in older life. Uridine was able to prevent the negative effects on in vitro dopaminergic neuronal differentiation and on in vivo global DNA methylation. Uridine could be used as a protective agent against oxidative phosphorylation-inhibiting pharmaceuticals provided during pregnancy when dopaminergic neuronal differentiation is taking place.
Classification of Benign and Malignant Breast Tumors Using H-Scan Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Ouyang Yali , Tsui Po-Hsiang , Wu Shuicai , Wu Weiwei , Zhou Zhuhuang
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Ultrasound imaging has been widely used in the detection and diagnosis of breast tumors. However, due to factors such as limited spatial resolution and speckle noise, classification of benign and malignant breast tumors using conventional B-mode ultrasound still remains a challenging task. H-scan is a new ultrasound technique that images the relative size of acoustic scatterers. However, the feasibility of H-scan ultrasound imaging in the classification of benign and malignant breast tumors has not been investigated. In this paper, we proposed a new method based on H-scan ultrasound imaging to classify benign and malignant breast tumors. Backscattered ultrasound radiofrequency signals of 100 breast tumors were used (48 benign and 52 malignant cases). H-scan ultrasound images were constructed with the radiofrequency signals by matched filtering using Gaussian-weighted Hermite polynomials. Experimental results showed that benign breast tumors had more red components, while malignant breast tumors had more blue components in H-scan ultrasound images. There were significant differences between the RGB channels of H-scan ultrasound images of benign and malignant breast tumors. We conclude H-scan ultrasound imaging can be used as a new method for classifying benign and malignant breast tumors.
A Novel 3D Visible Light Positioning Method Using Received Signal Strength for Industrial Applications
Authors: Almadani Yousef , Ijaz Muhammad , Joseph Wout , Bastiaens Sander , Rajbhandari Sujan , Adebisi Bamidele , Plets David
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a novel three-dimensional (3D) indoor visible light positioning (VLP) algorithm using the Cayley–Menger determinant (CMD) with a cost function is proposed and experimentally tested to track a drone for industrial applications. The proposed algorithm uses optical received signal strength (RSS) for estimating the drone’s 3D position without prior knowledge of its height. This reduces the need for additional height sensors used in some 3D VLP systems. The performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of positioning error is also compared with a linear least squares (LLS) trilateration algorithm, with and without tilting of the receiver and with multipath reflections. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is more accurate and outperforms the LLS algorithm by a median improvement of 21% and is also more robust to the effect of tilting, as well as in the presence of multipath reflections. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm has been experimentally tested and compared with the LLS algorithm in a VLP test bed measuring 4 × 4 × 4.1 m 3 . The experimental results show that the median errors for LLS are 11.4 cm, while the median errors for CMD are 10.5 cm, which results in an error decrease of 8% when CMD with a cost function is used.
Auditory Perception Based Anti-Spoofing System for Human Age Verification
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Othmani Alice , Fournier Régis , Nait-ali Amine
Published: November 2019

Biometric systems are considered an efficient component for identification in the developing modern technologies. The aim of biometric systems is to verify or determine the identity of a user through his/her biological and behavioral characteristics. The threat of spoof attacks is always an important issue in biometric verification and authentication, which requires an updated and stronger protection system. In this article, we propose an anti-spoofing system based on auditory perception responses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an auditory perception based anti-spoofing system has been presented for age verification. The proposed auditory perception based anti-spoofing system was evaluated with 770 trials conducted by many subjects of each gender and age range (12–65 years of age). The results achieved are encouraging, as the auditory perception based system showed the lowest Equal Error Rate (EER) value of 5.5%.
Panel and Panelist Performance in the Sensory Evaluation of Black Ripe Olives from Spanish Manzanilla and Hojiblanca Cultivars
Authors: López-López Antonio , Sánchez-Gómez Antonio Higinio , Montaño Alfredo , Cortés-Delgado Amparo , Garrido-Fernández Antonio
Published: November 2019

There is vast experience in the application of sensory analysis to green Spanish-style olives, but ripe black olives (≈1 × 106 kg for 2016/2017) have received scarce attention and panelists have less experience on the evaluation of this presentation. Therefore, the study of their performance during the assessment of this presentation is critical. Using previously developed lexicon, ripe olives from Manzanilla and Hojiblanca cultivars from different origins were sensory analysed according to the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA). The panel (eight men and six women) was trained, and the QDA tests were performed following similar recommendations than for green olives. The data were examined while using SensoMineR v.1.07, programmed in R, which provides a diversity of easy to interpret graphical outputs. The repeatability and reproducibility of panel and panelists were good for product characterisation. However, the panel performance investigation was essential in detecting details of panel work (detection of panelists with low discriminant power, those that have interpreted the scale in a different way than the whole panel, the identification of panelists who required training in several/specific descriptors, or those with low discriminant power). Besides, the study identified the descriptors of hard evaluation (skin green, vinegar, bitterness, or natural fruity/floral).
Gaming the System: An Investigation of Small Business Owners’ Attitudes to Tax Avoidance, Tax Planning, and Tax Evasion
Authors: Onu Diana , Oats Lynne , Kirchler Erich , Hartmann Andre Julian
Published: November 2019

To a large extent, the body of research that looks at individuals’ compliance with the law focuses on the dichotomy between compliance as rule-following and noncompliance as rule-breaking. However, a fascinating case of noncompliance is that where individuals selectively follow existing rules in order to circumvent the legal principle, this behaviour has been termed ‘creative compliance.’ In the current study, we investigated the psychological underpinnings of ‘creative compliance’ by assessing the attitudes of tax avoidance (significant minimisation of tax liability perceived to be legal) and tax evasion (illegal tax minimisation) of 330 owners of small businesses. We found that tax avoidance and tax evasion were perceived as qualitatively distinct by respondents and that they were predicted by different factors. While both tax avoidance and tax evasion were associated with weak personal norms to contribute to the tax system, tax avoidance was associated with a perception that the tax system is unfair, and that tax law has ‘loopholes’ that can be exploited, while tax evasion was predicted by the perception that evasion is a trivial crime. Overall, we provide insight into the under-investigated behaviour of ‘creative compliance’ and propose future research directions.
Massive Loss of Olfactory Receptors But Not Trace Amine-Associated Receptors in the World’s Deepest-Living Fish (Pseudoliparis swirei)
Authors: Jiang Haifeng , Du Kang , Gan Xiaoni , Yang Liandong , He Shunping
Published: November 2019

Olfactory receptor repertoires show highly dynamic evolution associated with ecological adaptations in different species. The Mariana snailfish (Pseudoliparis swirei) living below a depth of 6000 m in the Mariana Trench evolved degraded vision and occupies a specific feeding habitat in a dark, low-food environment. However, whether such adaptations involve adaptive changes in the chemosensory receptor repertoire is not known. Here, we conducted a comparative analysis of the olfactory receptor (OR) and trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR) gene repertoires in nine teleosts with a focus on the evolutionary divergence between the Mariana snailfish and its shallow-sea relative, Tanaka’s snailfish (Liparis tanakae). We found many fewer functional OR genes and a significantly higher fraction of pseudogenes in the Mariana snailfish, but the numbers of functional TAAR genes in the two species were comparable. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the expansion patterns of the gene families were shared by the two species, but that Mariana snailfish underwent massive gene losses in its OR repertoire. Despite an overall decreased size in OR subfamilies and a reduced number of TAAR subfamilies in the Mariana snailfish, expansion of certain subfamilies was observed. Selective pressure analysis indicated greatly relaxed selective strength in ORs but a slightly enhanced selective strength in TAARs of Mariana snailfish. Overall, our study reveals simplified but specific OR and TAAR repertoires in the Mariana snailfish shaped by natural selection with respect to ecological adaptations in the hadal environment. This is the first study on the chemosensation evolution in vertebrates living in the hadal zone, which could provide new insights into evolutionary adaptation to the hadal environment.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Members of the WRKY Gene Family and Their Cold Stress Response in Prunus mume
Authors: Bao Fei , Ding Anqi , Cheng Tangren , Wang Jia , Zhang Qixiang
Published: November 2019

Prunus mume, which is a rosaceous arbor with very high ornamental, edible and medical values, has a distribution that is mainly restricted by low temperature. WRKY transcription factor genes play crucial roles in the growth, development, and stress responses of plants. However, the WRKY gene family has not been characterised in P. mume. There were 58 PmWRKYs identified from genome of P. mume. They were anchored onto eight link groups and categorised into three broad groups. The gene structure and motif composition were reasonably conservative in each group. Investigation of gene duplication indicated that nine and seven PmWRKYs were arranged in tandem and segmental duplications, respectively. PmWRKYs were discriminately expressed in different tissues (i.e., roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits) in P. mume. The 17 cold-related candidate genes were selected based on RNA-seq data. Further, to investigate the function of PmWRKYs in low temperatures, the expression patterns under artificial cold treatments were analysed. The results showed that the expression levels of the 12 PmWRKYs genes significantly and 5 genes slightly changed in stems. In particular, the expression level of PmWRKY18 was up-regulated after ABA treatment. In addition, the spatiotemporal expression patterns of 17 PmWRKYs were analysed in winter. These results indicated that 17 PmWRKYs were potential transcription factors regulating cold resistance in P. mume.