bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Classroom Simulations Really Help Students Learn and Engage?
Authors: Knudson Gee Gretchen , Siegel-Stechler Kelly
Published: January 2020

Political science professors have been using simulations to try to enhance student learning for years. Simulations are interesting, a nice change of pace from the traditional lecture, and allow for more student participation in class. But do they really make a difference when it comes to actual learning, and to longer term engagement with the material and with politics? This study attempts to examine the actual impact that simulations are having, by examining attitudes and understanding before and after taking part in a simulation. We study whether participation in classroom and Model United Nations simulations leads to increases in civic attitudes, behaviors, and political literacy. Using data from two semesters, five courses, and two clubs, we examine the statistical evidence to see if it supports the beneficial claims in the scholarly literature.
“How to Use Democracy” Videos as a Tool to Engage General Education Students
Authors: Parsons Tara
Published: January 2020

Political Science classrooms often treat justice as a natural outcome of democratic political institutions and processes. This paper highlights an assignment that asks students to produce a video explaining how-to use democracy to achieve justice. Students are required to identify an injustice, research causes and solutions, and present the information in a how-to video publicly available on YouTube. While doing the assignment, students explore the multiple options available to produce social change. This paper presents the scaffolded assignment components and assesses civic engagement outcomes using a pre and post survey administered to two sections of the course taught by the same instructor with only one section completing the video assignment. Results suggest that the video assignment required students to examine more closely the structural explanations for injustice as well as increased their sense of personal responsibility when witnessing injustice.
Análise morfométrica e por técnica de raios–X do fruto e semente, e avaliação das características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e morfológicas das farinhas de Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. Ex Hayne
Authors: Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de Menezes , Nascimento Kelly Juliane Telles , Sales Juliana de Fátima , Castro Carlos Frederico de Souza
Published: January 2020

O trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a morfometria e a aplicação da técnica de raios-X do fruto e semente, bem como, a avaliação das características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e morfológicas das farinhas de H. stigonocarpa. Os frutos de H. stigonocarpa foram coletados e lavados. Após secos, foi realizada a análise morfométrica em 70 frutos inteiros. Logo em seguida, os frutos foram fraturados para a análise do arilo e semente quanto ao comprimento, largura, espessura e peso. Logo após, foram produzidas as farinhas da casca e arilo. As farinhas foram avaliadas quanto à produção e extração de pectina, espectrofotometria no infravermelho, análise microbiológica para coliformes fecais, totais, presença ou ausência de Salmonella, bolores e leveduras. Para análise morfológica da farinha, foi avaliado por microscopia óptica com o emprego do corante azul de toluidina para fibra e amido nativo quando presente, e para a análise da área superficial em 3D do particulado. Ainda foram verificadas quanto à cor através do histograma nos canais RGB. Os resultados apresentaram para o fruto, compr. de 11,25, larg. de 4,74 e esp. de 3,90 cm; arilo compr. de 8,52, larg. de 2,93 e esp. de 2,57 cm; para casca, esp. de 0,49 mm; semente, compr. de 2,34, larg. de 1,86, esp. de 1,54 cm e massa de 4,65 g.A técnica de raios-X demonstrou ser eficiente para a avaliação morfológica da semente, o conteúdo de pectina extraída apresentou bons resultados de 34,81 e 40,81% para 0,6 e 1,0 M L-1 respectivamente para FAFJat, coliformes fecais e totais < 10 UFC mL-1 para ambas as farinhas de FCFJat e FAFJat, ausência de Salmonella sp., bolores e leveduras com 5,4 e 13,6 x 103 UFC g para FCFJat e FAFJat respectivamente. As farinhas do fruto de H. stigonocarpa demonstraram apresentar bons resultados para serem incluídas no uso alimentício.
The Moral Economy of Thrift: The Production of the Indebted Self in the Reality Series Getting out of Debt and Life or Debt
Authors: Meyer Silke
Published: January 2020

In this article, the intersection of the economic and social dimensions of thrift is analysed under the special condition of debt. The debt context serves as a focal glass exposing agents, their social practices and strategies of accumulation capitals with regard to appropriate spending. In order to capture the many layers of thrift, the concept of moral economies is applied. This concept tries to reconcile two seemingly divergent dimensions of human behaviour which can be described as individualistic, calculating and serving a self-interest (economy) on the one hand and community-oriented and benefitting a common good (morality) on the other hand. Starting out with an overview over studies on moral economies in historical and social science since the early 1970s, I will explain the heuristic use of the concept for the case of debts research and apply it to representations of thrift as visualised and popularised in the reality TV shows Raus aus den Schulden (Getting Out of Debt) and Life or Debt. Here, the images of homes are clues for the cultural productions of appropriateness on TV: What are suitable ways of living when in debt? What are adequate scenes of dwelling and narratives of dealing with debts and which normative structures regulate those stories, the perception of the self and potential social exclusion? By examining the TV show as a strong voice in the debt discourse, thrift turns out to be a cornerstone in the internal and external regimes of governing debt in the micropolitics of TV.
Thrift, Imperfection and Popular Feminist Apartment Plot on Television
Authors: Perkins Claire
Published: January 2020

This paper will explore the ways in which thrift operates as a signifier of a specific type of lprecarity and imperfection in young women’s lives in several popular series associated with the current ‘golden age’ of women’s television production. The twenty-something women of series including Girls, Insecure, Broad City, Fleabag, Can’t Cope Won’t Cope and Search Party, have all been raised in comfortable middle-class homes and are now living independently in major global, expensive cities. The precarity of the ways in which they dwell, at both a practical and figurative level, is a symptom of what has come to be understood as ‘adulting’—where relatively privileged millennials struggle with the rituals and realities of adult life in a starkly neoliberal society. Through a focus on the narrative device of the apartment plot, this paper will examine how the concept of thrift, with its central spectrum of necessity and choice, can illuminate both the everyday practices and the overarching logic of the adulting phenomenon as represented in this wave of television production. By attending to a variety of contemporary series by, for and about women, it will also argue for the ways in which both thrift and adulting can be understood as specifically gendered behaviours.
Bioconvection of Micropolar Fluid in an Annulus
Authors: Srinivasacharya D. , Sreenath I.
Published: January 2020

This paper deals with the bioconvection of microploar fluid in an annulus containing microorganisms in which the outer cylinder is rotating. A mathematical model, with a fully coupled system of partial differential equations presenting the velocity, total mass, momentum, thermal energy, mass diffusion, and motile microorganisms is presented. A suitable transformations is adopted to reduce the governing non-linear governing to a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations and then linearized by means of successive linearization method. The resulign linearized equaions are solved using Chebyshev collocation method. The illustrating analysis of influences of the various flow governing physical parameters such as the micropolar coupling number, the bioconvection Schmidt-number, Prandtl number, Lewis number and bioconvection Peclet-number and Reynolds number on motile microorganism distribution are studied and is presented. Also, the density number of motile microorganism is examined for various governing parameters along with slip parameter of motile microorganism.
A Non-Parametric Approach for Survival Analysis of Component-Based Software
Authors: Chopra Sandeep , Nautiyal Lata , Malik Preeti , Ram Mangey , Sharma Mahesh K.
Published: January 2020

Reliability of a software or system is the probability of system to perform its functions adequately for the stated time period under specific environment conditions. In case of component-based software development reliability estimation is a crucial factor. Existing reliability estimation model falls into two broad categories parametric and non-parametric models. Parametric models approximate the model parameters based on the assumptions of fundamental distributions. Non-parametric models enable parameter estimation of the software reliability growth models without any assumptions. We have proposed a novel non-parametric approach for survival analysis of components. Failure data is collected based on which we have calculated failure rate and reliability of the software. Failure rate increases with the time whereas reliability decreases with the time.
Antioxidant and Pro-Oxidant Properties of Carthamus Tinctorius, Hydroxy Safflor Yellow A, and Safflor Yellow A
Authors: Bacchetti Tiziana , Morresi Camilla , Bellachioma Luisa , Ferretti Gianna
Published: January 2020

(1) Carthamus Tinctorius L. (safflower) is extensively used in traditional herbal medicine. (2) The aim of this study was to investigate the bioactive properties of polyphenol extracts from flowers of Carthamus Tinctorius (CT) cultivated in Italy. We also evaluated the properties of two bioactive water-soluble flavonoid compounds, hydroxy safflor yellow A (HSYA) and safflor yellow A (SYA), contained in Carthamus Tinctorius petals. (3) The total polyphenol content was 3.5 ± 0.2 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g, flavonoids content was 330 ± 23 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g in the flowers. The extract showed a high antioxidant activity evaluated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assays. In addition, flower extract, SYA, and HSYA were able to reduce the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to copper-induced lipid peroxidation. In order to investigate the bioactive properties of flower extract, SYA, and HSYA we also studied their modulatory effect of oxidative stress on human dermal fibroblasts (HuDe) oxidized by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH). The CT extract at concentrations ranging from 0.01–20 μg GAE/mL of polyphenols, exerted a protective effect against t-BOOH triggered oxidative stress. At higher concentration the extract exerted a pro-oxidant effect. Similar results have been obtained using HSYA and SYA. (4) These results demonstrate a biphasic effect exerted by HSYA, SYA, and flower extracts on oxidative stress.
Quick Calculation of Magnetic Flux Density in Electrical Facilities
Authors: Roldán-Blay Carlos , Roldán-Porta Carlos
Published: January 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the presence of magnetic fields due to the circulation of industrial frequency electrical currents may have repercussions on the health of living beings. Hence, it is crucially important that we are able to quantify these fields under the normal operating conditions of the facilities, both in their premises and in their surroundings, in order to take the appropriate corrective measures and assure the safety conditions imposed, in force, by regulations. For this purpose, CRMag® software has been developed. Using the simplified Maxwell equations for low frequencies, CRMag® calculates and represents the magnetic flux density (MFD) that electrical currents produce in the environment. Users can easily model electrical facilities through a friendly and simple data entry. MFDs calculated by CRMag® have been validated in real facilities and laboratory tests. With this software, exposure levels can be studied in any hypothetical scenario, even in inaccessible zones. This allows designers to guarantee that legal limits (occupational, general population, or precautionary levels related to epidemiological studies) are fulfilled. A real case study has been described to show how the reconfiguration of conductors in a distribution transformer substation (DTS) allows significant reductions in MFD in some points outside the facility.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Data in 2019
Authors:   Data Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Exact Solutions of a Mathematical Model Describing Competition and Co-Existence of Different Language Speakers
Authors: Cherniha Roman , Davydovych Vasyl’
Published: January 2020

The known three-component reaction–diffusion system modeling competition and co-existence of different language speakers is under study. A modification of this system is proposed, which is examined by the Lie symmetry method; furthermore, exact solutions in the form of traveling fronts are constructed and their properties are identified. Plots of the traveling fronts are presented and the relevant interpretation describing the language shift that has occurred in Ukraine during the Soviet times is suggested.
Time-Sharing Control Strategy for Multiple-Receiver Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Cai Weikun , Ma Dianguang , Lai Xiaoyang , Hashmi Khurram , Tang Houjun , Xu Junzhong
Published: January 2020

The cross-coupling effect between the induction coils of a multiple-receiver wireless power transfer (MRWPT) system severely weakens its overall performance. In this paper, a time-sharing control strategy for MRWPT systems is proposed to reduce the cross-coupling between receiver coils. An active-bridge rectifier is introduced to the receivers to replace the uncontrollable rectifier to achieve synchronization of the time-sharing control. The synchronization signal generated by an active-bridge rectifier can be directly used to realize the synchronization of time-sharing control and hence saved the traditional zero-crossing point detection circuits for time-sharing circuits. Moreover, the proposed time-sharing system has the advantages of both operating under a resistance-matching condition and providing target output voltage for each receiver. Furthermore, a voltage control strategy was developed to provide both high efficiency and a target output voltage for each receiver. Finally, the simulation and experimental results show that the time-sharing MRWPT system reduced the cross-coupling effect between the receiver coils, and the voltage control strategy provided both a high efficiency and a target output voltage for each receiver.
A Review of CO2 Storage in View of Safety and Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Cao Cheng , Liu Hejuan , Hou Zhengmeng , Mehmood Faisal , Liao Jianxing , Feng Wentao
Published: January 2020

The emissions of greenhouse gases, especially CO2, have been identified as the main contributor for global warming and climate change. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is considered to be the most promising strategy to mitigate the anthropogenic CO2 emissions. This review aims to provide the latest developments of CO2 storage from the perspective of improving safety and economics. The mechanisms and strategies of CO2 storage, focusing on their characteristics and current status, are discussed firstly. In the second section, the strategies for assessing and ensuring the security of CO2 storage operations, including the risks assessment approach and monitoring technology associated with CO2 storage, are outlined. In addition, the engineering methods to accelerate CO2 dissolution and mineral carbonation for fixing the mobile CO2 are also compared within the second section. The third part focuses on the strategies for improving economics of CO2 storage operations, namely enhanced industrial production with CO2 storage to generate additional profit, and co-injection of CO2 with impurities to reduce the cost. Moreover, the role of multiple CCS technologies and their distribution on the mitigation of CO2 emissions in the future are summarized. This review demonstrates that CO2 storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs could play an important role in reducing CO2 emission in the near future and CO2 storage in saline aquifers may make the biggest contribution due to its huge storage capacity. Comparing the various available strategies, CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) operations are supposed to play the most important role for CO2 mitigation in the next few years, followed by CO2-enhanced gas recovery (CO2-EGR). The direct mineralization of flue gas by coal fly ash and the pH swing mineralization would be the most promising technology for the mineral sequestration of CO2. Furthermore, by accelerating the deployment of CCS projects on large scale, the government can also play its role in reducing the CO2 emissions.
The Effect of Shank-Space on the Thermal Performance of Shallow Vertical U-Tube Ground Heat Exchangers
Authors: Vella Christopher , Borg Simon Paul , Micallef Daniel
Published: January 2020

One parameter that may affect the performance of a ground source heat pump is the shank-space, the center-to-center distance between the two branches of a vertical U-tube used in a ground heat exchanger. A 3D steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a U-tube ground heat exchanger was used to investigate the influence of varying shank-space on the thermal performance of two isolated vertical shallow U-tubes, one 20 m deep and the other 40 m deep, given that most existing research focuses on systems making use of deeper boreholes. The models adopt an innovative approach, whereby the U-junction at the bottom of the U-tube is eliminated, thus facilitating the computational process. The results obtained show that, although the temperature drop across the U-tube varies for different shank-spaces and is lowest and highest for the closest and the widest shank-spaces, respectively, this temperature drop is not linear with increases in shank-space, and the thermal performance improvement drastically diminishes with increasing shank-space. This indicates that, for shallow U-tubes, the temperature drop is more dependent on the length of the pipework.
Phenolic Profiles of Leaves, Grapes and Wine of Grapevine Variety Vranac (Vitis vinifera L.) from Montenegro
Authors: Šuković Danijela , Knežević Bojana , Gašić Uroš , Sredojević Milica , Ćirić Ivanka , Todić Slavica , Mutić Jelena , Tešić Živoslav
Published: January 2020

Vranac, an old autochthonous red grapevine variety of Montenegro, was first mentioned in a historical document published in the 15th century. As currently the study of indigenous varieties is of particular importance, the subject of this work was detailed characterization of phenolic compounds in the autochthonous grapevine variety Vranac, from the Montenegrin Podgorica subregion. Phenolic profiles of leaves, berries (skin, seeds, and pulp were examined separately) and young monovarietal wine were determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with linear trap quadrupole (LTQ)—Orbitrap XL mass spectrometry (MS). Total phenolic content (TPC) and radical scavenging activity (RSA) were higher for the grape seeds extracts, followed by extracts of grape skins and pulps. As expected, the total anthocyanin content (TAC) was higher in grape skin than in wine. A total of one hundred twenty nine compounds (forty two phenolic acids and their derivatives, twenty three flavan-3-ols, twenty one flavanols, five stilbenes and thirty eight anthocyanins) were identified in the investigated extracts. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of tentative identification of (epi)catechin 3-O-coumarate in grape seed and chalcan-flavan 3-ol dimers in wine and grape seed.
Air Pollution: It’s Time for a New Deal to Protect Health. Statements of the Spanish Ministry of Health at the 2019 Global Climate and Health Forum in Madrid
Authors: Carcedo Roces María Luisa
Published: January 2020

With each inspiration, the oxygen from the inhaled air gets into the lungs, and it is adsorbed [...]
Some Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Dombi Heronian Mean Operators and their Application for Evaluating the Ecological Value of Forest Ecological Tourism Demonstration Areas
Authors: Wu Liangping , Wei Guiwu , Wu Jiang , Wei Cun
Published: January 2020

With China’s sustained economic development and constant increase in national income, Chinese nationals’ tourism consumption rate increases. As a major Chinese economic development engine, the domestic tourism industry has entered a transition period operation pattern featured by diversified products. Among them, as a new hot spot of the tourism industry in China, ecological tourism has enjoyed rapid development, with great potential. Thus, the ecological value evaluation of forest ecological tourism demonstration areas is very important to the domestic tourism industry. In this paper, we propose some Dombi Heronian mean operators with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs). Then, two MADM (multiple attribute decision making) methods are proposed based on IVIFWDHM (interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted Dombi Heronian mean) and IVIFWDGHM (interval-valued intuitionistic weighted Dombi geometric Heronian mean) operators. Finally, we gave an experimental case for evaluating the ecological value of forest ecological tourism demonstration area to show the proposed decision methods.
Effects of Gintonin-Enriched Fraction on Methylmercury-Induced Neurotoxicity and Organ Methylmercury Elimination
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Joong , Choi Sun-Hye , Lee Na-Eun , Cho Hee-Jung , Rhim Hyewhon , Kim Hyoung-Chun , Hwang Sung-Hee , Nah Seung-Yeol
Published: January 2020

Gintonin is a newly discovered ingredient of ginseng and plays an exogenous ligand for G protein-coupled lysophosphatidic acid receptors. We previously showed that gintonin exhibits diverse effects from neurotransmitter release to improvement of Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive dysfunctions. However, previous studies did not show whether gintonin has protective effects against environmental heavy metal. We investigated the effects of gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) on methylmercury (MeHg)-induced neurotoxicity and learning and memory dysfunction and on organ MeHg elimination. Using hippocampal neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and mice we examined the effects of GEF on MeHg-induced hippocampal NPC neurotoxicity, on formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and on in vivo learning and memory functions after acute MeHg exposure. Treatment of GEF to hNPCs attenuated MeHg-induced neurotoxicity with concentration- and time-dependent manner. GEF treatment inhibited MeHg- and ROS inducer-induced ROS formations. Long-term treatment of GEF also improved MeHg-induced learning and memory dysfunctions. Oral administration of GEF decreased the concentrations of MeHg in blood, brain, liver, and kidney. This is the first report that GEF attenuated MeHg-induced in vitro and in vivo neurotoxicities through LPA (lysophosphatidic acids) receptor-independent manner and increased organ MeHg elimination. GEF-mediated neuroprotection might achieve via inhibition of ROS formation and facilitation of MeHg elimination from body.
Using a Qualitative Phenomenological Approach to Inform the Etiology and Prevention of Occupational Heat-Related Injuries in Australia
Authors: Hansen Alana L , Williams Susan , Hanson-Easey Scott , Varghese Blesson M , Bi Peng , Heyworth Jane , Nitschke Monika , Rowett Shelley , Sim Malcolm R , Pisaniello Dino L
Published: January 2020

Epidemiological evidence has shown an association between exposure to high temperatures and occupational injuries, an issue gaining importance with environmental change. The aim of this study was to better understand contributing risk factors and preventive actions based on personal experiences. Interviews were conducted with 21 workers from five Australian states using a critical phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of participants, whilst exploring contextual factors that surround these experiences. Two case studies are presented: a cerebrovascular injury and injuries among seasonal horticulture workers. Other accounts of heat-related injuries and heat stress are also presented. Risk factors were classified as individual, interpersonal and organizational. In terms of prevention, participants recommended greater awareness of heat risks and peer-support for co-workers. Adding value to current evidence, we have provided new insights into the etiology of the health consequences of workplace heat exposure with workers identifying a range of influencing factors, prevention measures and adaptation strategies. Underpinning the importance of these are future climate change scenarios, suggesting that extended hot seasons will lead to increasing numbers of workers at risk of heat-stress and associated occupational injuries.
A Feasibility Study Assessing Acceptability and Supply Issues of Distributing LPG Cookstoves and Gas Cylinders to Pregnant Women Living in Rural Bangladesh for Poriborton: The CHANge Trial
Authors: Raynes-Greenow Camille , Islam Sajia , Khan Jasmin , Tasnim Fariha , Nisha Monjura Khatun , Thornburg Jonathan , Billah Sk Masum , Alam Ashraful
Published: January 2020

Our aim was to develop a protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial to assess the impact of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cooking compared to usual cooking on perinatal mortality in pregnant women in rural Bangladesh. We, therefore, aimed to assess the feasibility of the planned trial and the barriers/facilitators of distributing LPG to rural households. We conducted a feasibility study in rural Bangladesh using an iterative design. We included pregnant women, their families, and local LPG stakeholders. We distributed LPG to households for 3 months (3 cylinders) and assessed process issues, acceptability, and cooking/food behaviours. We interviewed LPG stakeholders, and conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews with the users. The initial distribution and uptake of LPG were hampered by process issues, most of these were due to the non-established supply chain in the study area. LPG cooking was very acceptable and all users reported a preference for continued use, fuel-sparing was heavily practiced. Safety concerns were an initial issue. LPG stakeholders reported that LPG demand differed by season. This study demonstrated the feasibility of our planned trial and the need for safety messages. These results are relevant beyond our trial, including for programs of LPG fuel promotion.
Melatonin Alleviates Drought Stress by a Non-Enzymatic and Enzymatic Antioxidative System in Kiwifruit Seedlings
Authors: Xia Hui , Ni Zhiyou , Hu Rongping , Lin Lijin , Deng Honghong , Wang Jin , Tang Yi , Sun Guochao , Wang Xun , Li Huanxiu , Liao Mingan , Lv Xiulan , Liang Dong
Published: January 2020

Although melatonin was affirmed to alleviate drought stress in various plant species, the mechanism in kiwifruit remains to be elucidated. In this study, the transcriptomes of kiwifruit leaves under control (CK), DR (drought stress), and MTDR (drought plus melatonin) treatments were evaluated. After comparisons of the gene expression between DR and MTDR, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses indicated three significant pathways, which were mainly involved in the glutathione metabolism, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and carotenoid metabolism. Therefore, the content and metabolic gene expression level of ascorbic acid (AsA), glutathione, and carotenoid were higher in the MTDR treatment than that in others. Furthermore, the activity and mRNA expression level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were also promoted in the MTDR group. Combined with these results of important secondary metabolites and protective enzymes measured in the seedlings in different treatments, it could be concluded that exogenous melatonin induced the ascorbic acid-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, carotenoid biosynthesis, and protective enzyme system to improve seedling growth. Our results contribute to the development of a practical method for kiwifruit against drought stress.
Impact of Janus Kinase Inhibition with Tofacitinib on Fundamental Processes of Bone Healing
Authors: Gaber Timo , Brinkman Antonia Clara Katharina , Pienczikowski Justyna , Diesing Karoline , Damerau Alexandra , Pfeiffenberger Moritz , Lang Annemarie , Ohrndorf Sarah , Burmester Gerd-Rüdiger , Buttgereit Frank , Hoff Paula
Published: January 2020

Both inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-inflammatory treatment of RA with glucocorticoids (GCs) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) negatively influence bone metabolism and fracture healing. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition with tofacitinib has been demonstrated to act as a potent anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent in the treatment of RA, but its impact on the fundamental processes of bone regeneration is currently controversially discussed and at least in part elusive. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the effects of tofacitinib on processes of bone healing focusing on recruitment of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) into the inflammatory microenvironment of the fracture gap, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. We performed our analyses under conditions of reduced oxygen availability in order to mimic the in vivo situation of the fracture gap most optimal. We demonstrate that tofacitinib dose-dependently promotes the recruitment of hMSCs under hypoxia but inhibits recruitment of hMSCs under normoxia. With regard to the chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs, we demonstrate that tofacitinib does not inhibit survival at therapeutically relevant doses of 10–100 nM. Moreover, tofacitinib dose-dependently enhances osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs and reduces osteoclast differentiation and activity. We conclude from our data that tofacitinib may influence bone healing by promotion of hMSC recruitment into the hypoxic microenvironment of the fracture gap but does not interfere with the cartilaginous phase of the soft callus phase of fracture healing process. We assume that tofacitinib may promote bone formation and reduce bone resorption, which could in part explain the positive impact of tofacitinib on bone erosions in RA. Thus, we hypothesize that it will be unnecessary to stop this medication in case of fracture and suggest that positive effects on osteoporosis are likely.
miR-20b and miR-451a Are Involved in Gastric Carcinogenesis through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway: Data from Gastric Cancer Patients, Cell Lines and Ins-Gas Mouse Model
Authors: Streleckiene Greta , Inciuraite Ruta , Juzenas Simonas , Salteniene Violeta , Steponaitiene Ruta , Gyvyte Ugne , Kiudelis Gediminas , Leja Marcis , Ruzgys Paulius , Satkauskas Saulius , Kupcinskiene Eugenija , Franke Sabine , Thon Cosima , Link Alexander , Kupcinskas Juozas , Skieceviciene Jurgita
Published: January 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and lethal gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide. Many studies have shown that development of GC and other malignancies is mainly driven by alterations of cellular signaling pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding molecules that function as tumor-suppressors or oncogenes, playing an essential role in a variety of fundamental biological processes. In order to understand the functional relevance of miRNA dysregulation, studies analyzing their target genes are of major importance. Here, we chose to analyze two miRNAs, miR-20b and miR-451a, shown to be deregulated in many different malignancies, including GC. Deregulated expression of miR-20b and miR-451a was determined in GC cell lines and the INS-GAS mouse model. Using Western Blot and luciferase reporter assay we determined that miR-20b directly regulates expression of PTEN and TXNIP, and miR-451a: CAV1 and TSC1. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that down-regulation of miR-20b and up-regulation of miR-451a expression exhibits an anti-tumor effect in vitro (miR-20b: reduced viability, colony formation, increased apoptosis rate, and miR-451a: reduced colony forming ability). To summarize, the present study identified that expression of miR-20b and miR-451a are deregulated in vitro and in vivo and have a tumor suppressive role in GC through regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Transvenous Lead Extraction SAFeTY Score for Risk Stratification and Proper Patient Selection for Removal Procedures Using Mechanical Tools
Authors: Jacheć Wojciech , Polewczyk Anna , Polewczyk Maciej , Tomasik Andrzej , Kutarski Andrzej
Published: January 2020

Background: To ensure the safety and efficacy of the increasing number of transvenous lead extractions (TLEs), it is necessary to adequately assess the procedure-related risk. Methods: We analyzed potential clinical and procedural risk factors associated with 2049 TLE procedures. The TLEs were performed between 2006 and 2016 using only simple tools for lead extraction. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop a risk prediction scoring system for TLEs. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that the sum of lead dwell times, anemia, female gender, the number of procedures preceding TLE, and removal of leads implanted in patients under the age of 30 had a significant influence on the occurrence of major complications during a TLE. This information served as a basis for developing a predictive SAFeTY TLE score, where: S = sum of lead dwell times, A = anemia, Fe = female, T = treatment (previous procedures), Y = young patients, and TLE = transvenous lead extraction. In order to facilitate the use of the SAFeTY TLE Score, a simple calculator was constructed. Conclusion: The SAFeTY TLE score is easy to calculate and predicts the potential occurrence of procedure-related major complications. High-risk patients (scoring more than 10 on the SAFeTY TLE scale) must be treated at high-volume centers with surgical backup.
Numerical Analysis of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Micro-Channel Heat Sinks with Double-Layered Complex Structure
Authors: Liu Xiaogang , Zhang Meng , Wang Zhongyi , Chen Juhui , Sun Haiou , Sun Haifeng
Published: January 2020

Micro-channel heat sink (MCHS) has been extensively used in various electronic cooling fields. Double-layered MCHS, or DL-MCHS, is regarded as one effective technique for high-heat-flux transfer and is expected to meet the ever-increasing heat load requirement of future electronic device generations. In order to improve the cooling capacity, two new types of the MCHS, with a double-layered matrix structure (DL-M) and double-layered interlinked matrix structure (DL-IM) are proposed and investigated numerically. The two designs are compared with the traditional double-layered rectangular structure (DL-R) and the double-layered triangular structure (DL-T). Different properties of the heat sink are investigated to assess the overall heat transfer performance, for which coolant flow and heat transfer are both evaluated. The numerical results reveal that the periodical slot subchannel in the matrix has a significant effect on fluid flow for heat transfer. In comparison to the DL-R and the DL-T, the DL-M and DL-IM realize a much lower pressure drop and temperature rise at the base surface and also have higher Nusselt number and secondary flow intensity, therefore, manifesting better overall thermal performance. In the DL-M and DL-IM, the coolant flows along the periodical subchannel in one layer and is redirected into the second layer with vortices being induced. The vortices promote the coolant mixing and enhance the mass and heat transfer. These geometric design strategies can provide references for wide heat sink applications.
Introduction of Mercaptoethyl at Sorafenib Pyridine-2-Amide Motif as a Potentially Effective Chain to Further get Sorafenib-PEG-DGL
Authors: Wang Ke , Kuerbana Kudelaidi , Wan Qi , Yu Zhihui , Ye Li , Chen Ying
Published: January 2020

The crystal structure of the sorafenib and B-RAF complex indicates that the binding cavity occupied by the pyridine-2-carboxamide in sorafenib has a large variable space, making it a reasonable modification site. In order to identify novel compounds with anti-cancer activity, better safety and polar groups for further application, five sorafenib analogs with new pyridine-2-amide side chains were designed and synthesized. Preliminary pharmacologic studies showed that these compounds displayed much lower toxicities than that of sorafenib. Among them, compound 10b bearing mercaptoethyl group kept relevant antiproliferation potency compared to sorafenib in Huh7 and Hela cell lines with values of IC50 58.79 and 63.67 μM, respectively. As a small molecule inhibitor targeting protein tyrosine kinases, thiol in compound 10b would be an active group to react with maleimide in a mild condition for forming nanoparticles Sorafenib-PEG-DGL, which could be developed as a delivery vehicle to improve the concentration of anti-tumor therapeutic agents in the target cancer tissue and reduce side effects in the next study.
Spectroscopic Methods Used in Implant Material Studies
Authors: Lach Sławomir , Jurczak Przemysław , Karska Natalia , Kubiś Agnieszka , Szymańska Aneta , Rodziewicz-Motowidło Sylwia
Published: January 2020

It is recognized that interactions between most materials are governed by their surface properties and manifest themselves at the interface formed between them. To gain more insight into this thin layer, several methods have been deployed. Among them, spectroscopic methods have been thoroughly evaluated. Due to their exceptional sensitivity, data acquisition speed, and broad material tolerance they have been proven to be invaluable tools for surface analysis, used by scientists in many fields, for example, implant studies. Today, in modern medicine the use of implants is considered standard practice. The past two decades of constant development has established the importance of implants in dentistry, orthopedics, as well as extended their applications to other areas such as aesthetic medicine. Fundamental to the success of implants is the knowledge of the biological processes involved in interactions between an implant and its host tissue, which are directly connected to the type of implant material and its surface properties. This review aims to demonstrate the broad applications of spectroscopic methods in implant material studies, particularly discussing hard implants, surface composition studies, and surface–cell interactions.
Amyloid-Beta Peptides Trigger Aggregation of Alpha-Synuclein In Vitro
Authors: Köppen Janett , Schulze Anja , Machner Lisa , Wermann Michael , Eichentopf Rico , Guthardt Max , Hähnel Angelika , Klehm Jessica , Kriegeskorte Marie-Christin , Hartlage-Rübsamen Maike , Morawski Markus , von Hörsten Stephan , Demuth Hans-Ulrich , Roßner Steffen , Schilling Stephan
Published: January 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), account for the majority of dementia cases worldwide. Interestingly, a significant number of patients have clinical and neuropathological features of both AD and PD, i.e., the presence of amyloid deposits and Lewy bodies in the neocortex. The identification of α-synuclein peptides in amyloid plaques in DLB brain led to the hypothesis that both peptides mutually interact with each other to facilitate neurodegeneration. In this article, we report the influence of Aβ(1–42) and pGlu-Aβ(3–42) on the aggregation of α-synuclein in vitro. The aggregation of human recombinant α-synuclein was investigated using thioflavin-T fluorescence assay. Fibrils were investigated by means of antibody conjugated immunogold followed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our data demonstrate a significantly increased aggregation propensity of α-synuclein in the presence of minor concentrations of Aβ(1–42) and pGlu-Aβ(3–42) for the first time, but without effect on toxicity on mouse primary neurons. The analysis of the composition of the fibrils by TEM combined with immunogold labeling of the peptides revealed an interaction of α-synuclein and Aβ in vitro, leading to an accelerated fibril formation. The analysis of kinetic data suggests that significantly enhanced nucleus formation accounts for this effect. Additionally, co-occurrence of α-synuclein and Aβ and pGlu-Aβ, respectively, under pathological conditions was confirmed in vivo by double immunofluorescent labelings in brains of aged transgenic mice with amyloid pathology. These observations imply a cross-talk of the amyloid peptides α-synuclein and Aβ species in neurodegeneration. Such effects might be responsible for the co-occurrence of Lewy bodies and plaques in many dementia cases.
The In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils against Helicobacter Pylori Growth and Urease Activity
Authors: Korona-Glowniak Izabela , Glowniak-Lipa Anna , Ludwiczuk Agnieszka , Baj Tomasz , Malm Anna
Published: January 2020

The anti-H. pylori properties of 26 different commercial essential oils were examined in vitro by MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) determination for the reference strain H. pylori ATCC 43504. We selected 9 essential oils with different anti-Helicobacter activities and established their phytochemical composition and urease inhibition activities. Phytochemical analysis of the selected essential oils by GC-MS method and antioxidant activity were performed. The phenol red method was used to screen the effect of essential oils on urease activity expressed as IC50 (the half of maximal inhibitory concentration). The most active essential oils, with MIC = 15.6 mg/L, were thyme, lemongrass, cedarwood and lemon balm oils; MIC = 31.3 mg/L—oregano oil; MIC = 62.5 mg/L—tea tree oil; MIC = 125 mg/L—pine needle, lemon and silver fir oils with bactericidal effect. Urease activity was inhibited by these oils with IC50 ranged from 5.3 to > 1049.9 mg/L. The most active was cedarwood oil (IC50 = 5.3 mg/L), inhibiting urease at sub-MIC concentrations (MIC = 15.6 mg/L). The statistical principal component analysis allowed for the division of the oils into three phytochemical groups differing in their anti-H. pylori activity. To summarize, the activity in vitro of the five essential oils silver fir, pine needle, tea tree, lemongrass, and cedarwood oils against H. pylori was found in this paper for the first time. The most active against clinical strains of H. pylori were cedar wood and oregano oils. Moreover, cedarwood oil inhibited the urease activity at subinhibitory concentrations. This essential oil can be regarded as a useful component of the plant preparations supporting the eradication H. pylori therapy.
Characterization of Lysine Acetyltransferase Activity of Recombinant Human ARD1/NAA10
Authors: Vo Tam Thuy Lu , Park Ji-Hyeon , Lee Eun Ji , Nguyen Yen Thi Kim , Han Byung Woo , Nguyen Hien Thi Thu , Mun Kyo Cheol , Ha Eunyoung , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Kim Kyu-Won , Jeong Chul-Ho , Seo Ji Hae
Published: January 2020

Arrest defective 1 (ARD1), also known as N(alpha)-acetyltransferase 10 (NAA10) was originally identified as an N-terminal acetyltransferase (NAT) that catalyzes the acetylation of N-termini of newly synthesized peptides. After that, mammalian ARD1/NAA10 expanded its’ role to lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) that post-translationally acetylates internal lysine residues of proteins. ARD1/NAA10 is the only enzyme with both NAT and KAT activities. However, recent studies on the role of human ARD1/NAA10 (hARD1/NAA10) in lysine acetylation are contradictory, as crystal structure and in vitro acetylation assay results revealed the lack of KAT activity. Thus, the role of hARD1/NAA10 in lysine acetylation is still debating. Here, we found a clue that possibly explains these complicated and controversial results on KAT activity of hARD1/NAA10. Recombinant hARD1/NAA10 exhibited KAT activity, which disappeared soon in vitro. Size-exclusion analysis revealed that most recombinant hARD1/NAA10 formed oligomers over time, resulting in the loss of KAT activity. While oligomeric recombinant hARD1/NAA10 lost its ability for lysine acetylation, its monomeric form clearly exhibited lysine acetylation activity in vitro. We also characterized the KAT activity of hARD1/NAA10 that was influenced by several experimental conditions, including concentration of reactants and reaction time. Taken together, our study proves that recombinant hARD1/NAA10 exhibits KAT activity in vitro but only under accurate conditions, including reactant concentrations and reaction duration.
The Vitamin D System in Humans and Mice: Similar but Not the Same
Authors: Marcinkowska Ewa
Published: January 2020

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol subsequently to exposure to UVB radiation or is absorbed from the diet. Vitamin D undergoes enzymatic conversion to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D), a ligand to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR), which activates target gene expression. The best-known role of 1,25D is to maintain healthy bones by increasing the intestinal absorption and renal reuptake of calcium. Besides bone maintenance, 1,25D has many other functions, such as the inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of cell differentiation, augmentation of innate immune functions, and reduction of inflammation. Significant amounts of data regarding the role of vitamin D, its metabolism and VDR have been provided by research performed using mice. Despite the fact that humans and mice share many similarities in their genomes, anatomy and physiology, there are also differences between these species. In particular, there are differences in composition and regulation of the VDR gene and its expression, which is discussed in this article.
Cross-Axis Coupling Effects in Single-Axis Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Gyroscopes
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Zhang Yi , Zhan Xiang , Jiang Qiyuan , Luo Hui
Published: January 2020

Nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscopes (NMRGs) may be operated in an environment with violent vibration that usually contains both linear components and angular components. To analyze the influence of angular vibration on an NMRG, cross-axis coupling effects are studied. The cross-axis rotation rates induce an equivalent magnetic field. Its influence can be described by the Bloch equations. The approximate frequency shift and amplitude of the spin oscillator with an equivalent magnetic field in the cross-axis were obtained, which was validated by numerical simulation. The findings show that the angular vibration component leads to a remarkable error for the NMRG. When the angular vibration frequency is near the Larmor frequency, the oscillation frequency of the spins may be locked to the angular vibration frequency, destroying the NMRG’s ability to measure rotation rates. The cross-axis coupling problem should be considered in the design of an NMRG and corresponding inertial navigation systems.