bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma revisão bibliométrica sobre a identificação de cargas similares em Smart Grid
Authors: Firmes Victor Pereira , Celeste Wanderley Cardoso
Published: January 2019

Diante da necessidade de uso consciente dos recursos energéticos para o crescimento sustentável, o conceito Smart Grid tem servido de referência para o uso eficiente de tais recursos, sobretudo o elétrico. Entretanto, a aplicação de tal conceito nas instalações elétricas requer o desenvolvimento de dispositivos que permitam o monitoramento autônomo de aparelhos eletroeletrônicos em tais instalações. Este artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliométrica sobre os métodos não-intrusivo de monitoramento de cargas, a fim de mostrar o estado da arte dessa temática, isto é, os principais avanços e entraves para o desenvolvimento dessa tecnologia. É realizada uma análise quantitativa e qualitativa dos trabalhos referentes ao tema buscados via base de dados Web of Science. Como resultado de tal investigação, observa-se a relevância dos estudos nessa área, que está em pleno crescimento. Cita-se ainda o fato de o tema estar sendo investigado tanto em países desenvolvidos, como Canadá e Estados Unidos, quanto em países em desenvolvimento, como Malásia e Índia, o que mostra que existe uma preocupação mundial em se avançar em tal problema que independe da situação econômica da nação.
Transformações no mercado de trabalho e a experiência brasileira pós reforma trabalhista de 2017
Authors: Trovão Cassiano José Bezerra Marques , Araújo Juliana Bacelar de
Published: January 2019

O movimento de reconfiguração do capitalismo, em um contexto de fortalecimento de sua dimensão financeira e dos avanços em direção a uma maior flexibilização das relações e da regulação do trabalho, tem provocado mudanças significativas sobre o mundo do trabalho, especialmente quanto à sua organização e sua dinâmica. Nesse sentido, o artigo procura apresentar algumas reflexões sobre os impactos das transformações do capitalismo contemporâneo para o mundo do trabalho, trazendo para o debate a experiência recente brasileira a partir da entrada em vigor da Reforma Trabalhista de 2017. Para tanto, serão explorados os dados referentes ao fluxo de contratações disponíveis no Cadastro Geral de Empregados e Desempregados – CAGED do Ministério do Trabalho. A principal conclusão é que a Reforma Trabalhista implementada não se mostrou capaz de proporcionar uma recuperação do mercado de trabalho. O que se pretende evidenciar é que a solução para os problemas do emprego e da renda passa pela elevação da atividade econômica associada a mecanismos de regulação que protejam e não retirem direitos dos trabalhadores.
Prediksi Kekambuhan Kanker Payudara dengan Algoritma C4.5
Authors: Rizqiah Ai Rita , Subekti Agus
Published: January 2019

Kanker payudara diketahui sebagai penyebab kematian ke lima berdasarkan data WHO pada tahun 2015. Resiko terkena kanker payudara akan semakin meningkat seiring bertambahnya usia, riwayat medis keluarga, riwayat medis personal, keturunan kaukasia, menstruasi awal, menopause terlambat dan lain-lain. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memprediksi penggunaan algoritma data mining Naïve Bayes dan C4.5 untuk mengklasifikasikankekambuhan pasien kanker berdasarkan atribut tertentu pada dataset kanker payudara. Proses data mining akan membantu mengidentifikasi kisaran atau nilai berbagai atribut apa yang menyebabkan kanker payudara. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa algoritma C4.5 memiliki nilai akurasi 75.5% lebih baik dari pada Naïve Bayes yang hanya memilki nilai akurasi 72.7%.
Penerapan Metode Waterfall pada Sistem Informasi Jasa Laundry (SIJALY) JensChax Laundy Bekasi
Authors: Nere Mitchell , Buani Duwi Cahya Putri
Published: January 2019

JensChax Laundry merupakan salah satu perusahaan jasa yang merintis kegiatan usahanya dari tahun 2014, sejak tahun 2014 JensChax Laundry sudah memiliki banyak pelanggan yang apabila JensChax Laundry masih menggunakan sistem konvensional maka akan terjadi permasalahan dalam pengolahan data dari data Customer sampai dengan transaksi. Solusi yang dapat dilakukan untuk permaslahan yang terjadi di JensChax Laundry adalah dengan membuat sebuah sistem terkomputerisasi yang mudah digunakan, dengan sistem terkomputerisasi ini diharapkan dapat menyelesaikan setiap permasalahan yang terjadi. Dalam perancangan sebuah sistem taklepas dari model yang digunakan untuk merancang sistem tersebut agar seluruh perancangan sistem terdokumentasi dengan baik model waterfall adalah pilihan yang paling baik untuk menrancang sistem yang tidak terlalu besar seperti Sistem Informasi Jasa Laundry (SIJALY) karena tahapannya mudah untuk diikuti serta perancang sistem tidak harus terburu-buru cukup mengikuti setiap tahapan dari model atau metode Waterfall.
IMPLEMENTASI MODEL WATERFALL PADA SISTEM INFORMASI AKADEMIK BERBASIS WEB PADA SMK PERTANIAN KARAWANG
Authors: Fitriani Eka , Firmansyah Dede , Aryanti Riska , Walim Walim
Published: January 2019

Perkembangan jumlah siswa yang terus bertambah dari tahun ke tahun, dituntut ketepatan dan ketelitian dalam memberikan informasi yang tepat dan akurat kepada siswa tanpa adanya pengulangan data yang sama. Pengelolaan informasi akademik pada Sekolah Pertanian Karawang dilakukan dengan konteks manual dan penggunaan kertas sebagai media penyimpanan data dan pengarsipan diantaranya data nilai, data jadwal mata pelajaran dan informasi akademik lainnya sehingga menimbulkan beberapa masalah dalam hal ketepatan waktu rekapitulasi nilai dan pembuatan jadwal yang kurang efesien. Adanya permasalahan tersebut, penulis membuat rancangan skema aplikasi berbasis website dengan metode waterfall, sistem informasi akademik berbasis website dapat mengelola mengenai informasi akademik pada sekolah tersebut baik data nilai dan jadwal mata pelajaran yang dapat di update secara berkala dan disimpan dalam database sehingga dapat mengolah informasi yang efektif dan efesien. Sistem informasi akademik berbasis web sangat berguna dalam memberikan kemudahan baik kepada pengajar ataupun pelajar. Sistem Informasi Akademik Berbasis Web merupakan solusi yang tepat untuk mewujudkan sebuah sistem informasi yang efektif dan efisien dalam membantu perihal penyajian informasi yang akan di salurkan atau di infokan terhadap siswa.
The State of Education and Training for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Indian Hospitals―A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Singh Sanjeev , Charani Esmita , Wattal Chand , Arora Anita , Jenkins Abi , Nathwani Dilip
Published: January 2019

Background: To understand the role of infrastructure, manpower, and education and training (E&T) in relation to Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) in Indian healthcare organizations. Methods: Mixed method approach using quantitative survey and qualitative interviews was applied. Through key informants, healthcare professionals from 69 hospitals (public & private) were invited to participate in online survey and follow up qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis was applied to identify the key emerging themes from the interviews. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 60 healthcare professionals from 51 hospitals responded to the survey. Eight doctors participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. 69% (27/39) of the respondents received E&T on AMS during undergraduate or postgraduate training. 88% (15/17) had not received any E&T at induction or during employment. In the qualitative interviews three key areas of concern were identified: (1) need for government level endorsement of AMS activities; (2) lack of AMS programs in hospitals; and, (3) lack of postgraduate E&T in AMS for staff. Conclusion: No structured provision of E&T for AMS currently exists in India. Stakeholder engagement is essential to the sustainable design and implementation of bespoke E&T for hospital AMS in India.
Securing Infrastructure-as-a-Service Public Clouds Using Security Onion
Authors: Mikail Abdullahi , Pranggono Bernardi
Published: January 2019

The shift to Cloud computing has brought with it its specific security challenges concerning the loss of control, trust and multi-tenancy especially in Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) Cloud model. This article focuses on the design and development of an intrusion detection system (IDS) that can handle security challenges in IaaS Cloud model using an open source IDS. We have implemented a proof-of-concept prototype on the most deployed hypervisor—VMware ESXi—and performed various real-world cyber-attacks, such as port scanning and denial of service (DoS) attacks to validate the practicality and effectiveness of our proposed IDS architecture. Based on our experimental results we found that our Security Onion-based IDS can provide the required protection in a reasonable and effective manner.
Advanced Design and Synthesis of Composite Photocatalysts for the Remediation of Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Ge Jianlong , Zhang Yifan , Heo Young-Jung , Park Soo-Jin
Published: January 2019

Serious water pollution and the exhausting of fossil resources have become worldwide urgent issues yet to be solved. Solar energy driving photocatalysis processes based on semiconductor catalysts is considered to be the most promising technique for the remediation of wastewater. However, the relatively low photocatalytic efficiency remains a critical limitation for the practical use of the photocatalysts. To solve this problem, numerous strategies have been developed for the preparation of advanced photocatalysts. Particularly, incorporating a semiconductor with various functional components from atoms to individual semiconductors or metals to form a composite catalyst have become a facile approach for the design of high-efficiency catalysts. Herein, the recent progress in the development of novel photocatalysts for wastewater treatment via various methods in the sight of composite techniques are systematically discussed. Moreover, a brief summary of the current challenges and an outlook for the development of composite photocatalysts in the area of wastewater treatment are provided.
New Crystal Forms for Biologically Active Compounds. Part 1: Noncovalent Interactions in Adducts of Nevirapine with XB Donors
Authors: Kryukova Mariya A. , Sapegin Alexander V. , Novikov Alexander S. , Krasavin Mikhail , Ivanov Daniil M.
Published: January 2019

Stabilization of specific crystal polymorphs of an active pharmaceutical ingredient is crucial for preventing uncontrollable interconversion of various crystalline forms, which affects physicochemical properties as well as physiological activity. Co-crystallization with various excipients is an emerging productive way of achieving such stabilization in the solid state. In this work, we identified an opportunity for co-crystallization of antiviral drug nevirapine (NVP) with a classical XB donor, 1,2,4,5-tetrafluoro-3,6-diiodobenzene (1,4-FIB), as well as 1,3-diiodobenzene (1,3-DIB), which has been seldom employed as an XB donor to date. In the X-ray structures of NVP·1,4-FIB and NVP·1,3-DIB co-crystals, different hydrogen and halogen bonding modes were detected and further investigated via DFT calculations as well as topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of the QTAIM method at the M06/DZP-DKH level of theory. Estimated energies of these supramolecular contacts vary from 0.6 to 5.7 kcal/mol.
Assessing the Accuracy of Digital Surface Models Derived from Optical Imagery Acquired with Unmanned Aerial Systems
Authors: Manfreda Salvatore , Dvorak Petr , Mullerova Jana , Herban Sorin , Vuono Pietro , Arranz Justel José , Perks Matthew
Published: January 2019

Small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) equipped with an optical camera are a cost-effective strategy for topographic surveys. These low-cost UASs can provide useful information for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction even if they are equipped with a low-quality navigation system. To ensure the production of high-quality topographic models, careful consideration of the flight mode and proper distribution of ground control points are required. To this end, a commercial UAS was adopted to monitor a small earthen dam using different combinations of flight configurations and by adopting a variable number of ground control points (GCPs). The results highlight that optimization of both the choice and combination of flight plans can reduce the relative error of the 3D model to within two meters without the need to include GCPs. However, the use of GCPs greatly improved the quality of the topographic survey, reducing error to the order of a few centimeters. The combined use of images extracted from two flights, one with a camera mounted at nadir and the second with a 20° angle, was found to be beneficial for increasing the overall accuracy of the 3D model and especially the vertical precision.
A Simple Closed-Loop Active Gate Voltage Driver for Controlling diC/dt and dvCE/dt in IGBTs
Authors: Ghorbani Hamidreza , Sala Vicent , Paredes Camacho Alejandro , Romeral Martinez Jose Luis
Published: January 2019

The increase of the switching speed in power semiconductors leads to converters with better efficiency and high power density. On the other hand, fast switching generates some consequences like overshoots and higher switching transient, which provoke electromagnetic interference (EMI). This paper proposes a new closed-loop gate driver to improve switching trajectory in insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) at the hard switching condition. The proposed closed-loop gate driver is based on an active gate voltage control method, which deals with emitter voltage (VEe) for controlling diC/dt and gets feedback from the output voltage (vCE) in order to control dvCE/dt. The sampled voltage signals modify the profile of the applied gate voltage (vgg). As a result, the desired gate driver (GD) improves the switching transients with minimum switching loss. The operation principle and implementation of the controller in the GD are thoroughly described. It can be observed that the new GD controls both dvCE/dt and diC/dt accurately independent of the variable parameters. The new control method is verified by experimental results. As a current issue, the known trade-off between switching losses and EMI is improved by this simple and effective control method.
The Equilibrium Model for the Coexistence of Renewable Portfolio Standards and Emissions Trading: The Supply Chain Analysis
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Bao Xiongjiantao , Yuan Guanghui , Wang Xiaomei , Bao Hongbo
Published: January 2019

China will impose both renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and emissions trading (ET) on the electricity industry, but the product competition in the retail market and the influence of the supply chain network structure has not been investigated. This paper studies policy effects by comparing equilibrium results under different supply chain network structures, and we use the concept of consumer environmental awareness to capture a product’s substitutability. Results indicate that: (1) Both increases in the permit price and the rise of the quota obligation reduces the aggregate profits of the supply chain, but the former rather than the latter increases the profits of the renewable power generating company; (2) the differential pricing improves the retailer’s flexibility in the charged price when confronting increases in the permit price and the quota obligation; (3) higher consumer environmental awareness makes the supply chain less profitable and increases the costs of ET suffered by the consumer; (4) the cooperation between the thermal power generating company and the retailer significantly increases the aggregated profits of the supply chain, although the cooperative profit is sensitive to environmental awareness. Moreover, the consumer suffers the highest costs that the retailer passes on them, and may prefer to feel that the emission cost and compliance cost are less affordable. In contrast, the cooperation between power generating companies removes the influence of environmental awareness, but the aggregated profits of the supply chain are smaller than in the decentralized decision scenario.
Natural Ventilated Smoke Control Simulation Case Study Using Different Settings of Smoke Vents and Curtains in a Large Atrium
Authors: Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Chen Timothy Bo Yuan , Yang Wei , Wang Cheng , Li Ao , Yeoh Guan Heng , Chan Qing Nian , Chan Ming Chung
Published: January 2019

In this study, a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) based fire field model was applied to numerically investigate the effectiveness of smoke control using smoke vents and curtains within a large-scale atrium fire. Two compartment configurations were considered: the first case with no smoke curtains installed, while the second case included a smoke curtain at the centre of the compartment to trap smoke. Based on the thermocouple results, it was found that the model predicted the gas temperature near the fire particularly well. The time development and heat transfer of the gas temperature predictions were in good agreement with the experimental measurements. Nevertheless, the gas temperature was slightly under-predicted when the thermocouple was further away from the flaming region. Overall, it was discovered that the combination of a smoke curtain and ceiling vents was a highly effective natural smoke exhaust system. However, under the same vent configuration, if the smoke curtain height is not adequate to completely block the spread of smoke, it significantly reduces the pressure differential between the compartment and the exterior, causing reduced flow rates in the outlet vents.
Insights into Catalytic and tRNA Recognition Mechanism of the Dual-Specific tRNA Methyltransferase from Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Krishnamohan Aiswarya , Dodbele Samantha , Jackman Jane E.
Published: January 2019

The tRNA methyltransferase Trm10, conserved throughout Eukarya and Archaea, catalyzes N1-methylation of purine residues at position 9 using S-adenosyl methionine as the methyl donor. The Trm10 family exhibits diverse target nucleotide specificity, with some homologs that are obligate m1G9 or m1A9-specific enzymes, while others are bifunctional enzymes catalyzing both m1G9 and m1A9. This variability is particularly intriguing given different chemical properties of the target N1 atom of guanine and adenine. Here we performed an extensive kinetic and mutational analysis of the m1G9 and m1A9-catalyzing Trm10 from Thermococcus kodakarensis to gain insight into the active site that facilitates this unique bifunctionality. These results suggest that the rate-determining step for catalysis likely involves a conformational change to correctly position the substrate tRNA in the active site. In this model, kinetic preferences for certain tRNA can be explained by variations in the overall stability of the folded substrate tRNA, consistent with tRNA-specific differences in metal ion dependence. Together, these results provide new insight into the substrate recognition, active site and catalytic mechanism of m1G/m1A catalyzing bifunctional enzymes.
The University of the West Indies-Seismic Research Centre Volcano Monitoring Network: Evolution since 1953 and Challenges in Maintaining a State-of-the-Art Network in a Small Island Economy
Authors: Dondin Frédéric J.-Y. , Lynch Lloyd , Ramsingh Chan , Ryan Graham A. , Papadopoulous Ilias , Rueppel Daniel , Joseph Erouscilla P. , Latchman Joan L. , Robertson Richard E. A. , Nath Nisha , Mathura Ranissa , Balchan Amit , George Stephen , Juman Ian , Madoo Farrah , Manette Garth , Ramsingh Hannah
Published: January 2019

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC), formerly known as the Seismic Research Unit (SRU), of the University of the West Indies is located on the island of Trinidad in the Eastern Caribbean. The centre has been operating its volcanological and seismological surveillance network since 1953. Since that time, the network has been upgraded five times resulting in five generations of seismic network topologies (i.e., Classes). Class 1 consisted of autonomously operated photographic recording stations, a purely analogue configuration. From Class 2 to Class 5 (current class) the network has continuously grown in scope, sophistication and capability. The evolution of the network was carried out using a combination of state-of-the-art instruments as well as trailing edge technology (e.g., analogue transmission) used in a manner that allows for sustainability. In this way, the network has been able to address the scientific and technical challenges associated with operating in an island arc subduction zone which is exposed to other natural hazards such as hurricanes. To counter its operational constrains the SRC has developed several strategies, which contribute to: (i) expand the network to meet the demand for more timely and accurate surveillance of geohazards, (ii) broaden the range of monitoring techniques (e.g., cGPS, geochemical), (iii) capture research grade scientific data and (iv) reduce operational costs.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Tourism Planning, Afro-Colombian Society and Community in Barú, Colombia
Authors: Ward Evan
Published: January 2019

This article builds upon the scholarship of Alina Helg and other historians working on questions of racial identity in Colombia, and the Caribbean section of that country more specifically. Colombia is unique in that its identity is indigenous, African, as well as European. Its Afro-Colombian elements are often overlooked by virtue of the mestizo identity that has dominated settlement of its Andean highlands around the capital, Bogota. Using technical and social reports from tourism development on Barù Island, near Cartagena, this article explores the Afro-Colombian communities that established themselves on the island in the wake of emancipation in the mid-19th century, as well as the efforts of these communities to protect their rights. I also examine recent Constitutional Court decisions supporting the rights of Afro-Colombian communities like those on Barù against the developmental ambitions of governmental and private tourism developers who were intent on transforming the island into a mass tourism destination. The article concludes that recent legal shifts towards protecting Afro-Colombian rights secured a recent victory in favor of the islanders vis-à-vis designs of the state to impose its vision of global tourism development there.
Studies on the Wooden Box Containing the “Marco Polo” Bible
Authors: Augelli Francesco
Published: January 2019

The aim of this paper is to present the results of research undertaken on a wooden box that holds an important historical book: a hand Bible handwritten in the thirteenth century. Tradition connects this Bible to the name of Marco Polo (Venice, 1254–1324), who was supposedly the owner—the book possibly accompanied him on his travels (1262 and 1271) to China. The Bible is of fine workmanship and written on thin parchment, and its container—along with a yellow silk cloth—are preserved in the ancient and prestigious Laurentian Library in Florence. The manuscript was in very poor condition and was being restored during the period of study (2011). Surveys were carried out to determine the place and period of manufacture of the box, and to determine if it was contemporary to or later than the manuscript it contained or whether it was made in China or Europe. An additional aim of the work was to demonstrate that a fast and inexpensive in situ survey under imperfect time and space conditions was possible using in-depth observation and simple tools as well as a portable microscope, all performed without sampling. During the restoration process, a team of experts used instruments helpful in determining the chemical composition of the paper and related ink. Other specialists studied the paleography of the text. The results indicate that the Bible is definitely from the same period as Marco Polo. Nothing excludes the possibility that Marco Polo may have seen it or lived not too far from this manuscript, which traveled in a small wooden box, wrapped in a precious yellow silk cloth.
Investigation and Source Apportionment of Air Pollutants in a Large Oceangoing Ship during Voyage
Authors: Wang Qiang , An Daizhi , Sun Rubao , Su Mingxing
Published: January 2019

The aims of this study were to determine compartmental air pollution during navigation of a large oceangoing ship and to identify preliminarily the major pollution sources. During the voyage of a bulk carrier ship, air samples were collected at 18 selected sites using a stratified sampling method. The concentrations of 15 pollutants were determined using gas chromatography. Results showed the concentrations of these pollutants varied significantly among the sampling sites, indicating major pollution sources at or nearby those locations. Five common factors extracted using factor analysis explained 89.092% of the total variance. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed the contributions to air pollution of these five common factors, i.e., the volatilization of ship paint, volatilization of ship-based oil, cooking activities, high-temperature release of rubber components on the ship and daily use of chemical products, and the application of deodorant and insecticide, were 41.07%, 25.14%, 14.37%, 11.78%, and 7.63%, respectively. Three significant groups were determined using cluster analysis based on their similarity, i.e., high, medium, and low pollution of sampling sites. This study established that the air of the bulk carrier ship was heavily polluted, and that effective identification of pollution sources could provide a scientific basis for its control.
The Potential of Combining Tubulin-Targeting Anticancer Therapeutics and Immune Therapy
Authors: Fong Alexis , Durkin Amanda , Lee Hoyun
Published: January 2019

Cancer immune therapy has recently shown tremendous promise to combat many different cancers. The microtubule is a well-defined and very effective cancer therapeutic target. Interestingly, several lines of evidence now suggest that microtubules are intimately connected to the body’s immune responses. This raises the possibility that the combination of microtubule inhibitors and immune therapy can be a highly effective option for cancer treatments. However, our understanding on this potentially important aspect is still very limited, due in part to the multifaceted nature of microtubule functions. Microtubules are not only involved in maintaining cell morphology, but also a variety of cellular processes, including the movement of secretory vesicles and organelles, intracellular macromolecular assembly, signaling pathways, and cell division. Microtubule inhibitors may be subdivided into two classes: Anti-depolymerization agents such as the taxane family, and anti-polymerization agents such as colchicine and vinka alkaloids. These two different classes may have different effects on immune cell subtypes. Anti-depolymerization agents can not only induce NK cells, but also appear to inhibit T regulatory (Treg) cells. However, different inhibitors may have different functions even among the same class. For example, the doxetaxel anti-depolymerization agent up-regulates cytotoxic T cells, while paclitaxel down-regulates them. Certain anti-polymerization agents such as colchicine appear to down-regulate most immune cell types, while inducing dendritic cell maturation and increasing M1 macrophage population. In contrast, the vinblastine anti-polymerization agent activates many of these cell types, albeit down-regulating Treg cells. In this review, we focus on the various effects of tubulin inhibitors on the activities of the body’s immune system, in the hope of paving the way to develop an effective cancer therapy by combining tubulin-targeting anticancer agents and immune therapy.
Umbilical Cord SFRP5 Levels of Term Newborns in Relation to Normal and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain
Authors: Kimber-Trojnar Żaneta , Patro-Małysza Jolanta , Trojnar Marcin , Darmochwał-Kolarz Dorota , Oleszczuk Jan , Leszczyńska-Gorzelak Bożena
Published: January 2019

Among the new adipokines, secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) is considered to prevent obesity and insulin resistance. The umbilical cord SFRP5 levels have not yet been investigated. The main aim of the study was to investigate whether the umbilical cord SFRP5 concentrations are altered in term neonates born to mothers with excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG). Two groups of subjects were selected depending on their gestational weight gain, i.e. 28 controls and 38 patients with EGWG. Umbilical cord and maternal serum SFRP5 levels were lower in the EGWG group. Umbilical cord SFRP5 concentrations were directly associated with the maternal serum SFRP5, hemoglobin A1c and lean tissue index, umbilical cord leptin levels, as well as newborns’ anthropometric measurements in the EGWG subjects. In multiple linear regression models performed in all the study participants, umbilical cord SFRP5 concentrations depended positively on the maternal serum SFRP5, ghrelin, and leptin levels and negatively on the umbilical cord ghrelin levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and gestational weight gain. EGWG is associated with disturbances in SFRP5 concentrations. Obstetricians and midwives should pay attention to nutrition and weight management during pregnancy.
The Effect of FG-Nup Phosphorylation on NPC Selectivity: A One-Bead-Per-Amino-Acid Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Mishra Ankur , Sipma Wouter , Veenhoff Liesbeth M. , Van der Giessen Erik , Onck Patrick R.
Published: January 2019

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are large protein complexes embedded in the nuclear envelope separating the cytoplasm from the nucleoplasm in eukaryotic cells. They function as selective gates for the transport of molecules in and out of the nucleus. The inner wall of the NPC is coated with intrinsically disordered proteins rich in phenylalanine-glycine repeats (FG-repeats), which are responsible for the intriguing selectivity of NPCs. The phosphorylation state of the FG-Nups is controlled by kinases and phosphatases. In the current study, we extended our one-bead-per-amino-acid (1BPA) model for intrinsically disordered proteins to account for phosphorylation. With this, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to probe the effect of phosphorylation on the Stokes radius of isolated FG-Nups, and on the structure and transport properties of the NPC. Our results indicate that phosphorylation causes a reduced attraction between the residues, leading to an extension of the FG-Nups and the formation of a significantly less dense FG-network inside the NPC. Furthermore, our simulations show that upon phosphorylation, the transport rate of inert molecules increases, while that of nuclear transport receptors decreases, which can be rationalized in terms of modified hydrophobic, electrostatic, and steric interactions. Altogether, our models provide a molecular framework to explain how extensive phosphorylation of FG-Nups decreases the selectivity of the NPC.
Naturally Occurring Hepatitis B Virus Mutations Leading to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Their Contribution to the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Choi Yu-Min , Lee So-Young , Kim Bum-Joon
Published: January 2019

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem that causes a wide range of pathological outcomes, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction by HBV infection has been implicated in liver carcinogenesis and disease progression with chronic inflammation via enhanced inflammation, oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage, and hepatocyte proliferation. In the natural course of HBV infection, the accumulation of naturally occurring mutations in the HBV genome can generate several mutant types of HBV-encoded proteins, including three different proteins in the S ORF (SHBs, MHBs, and LHBs) and HBcAg in the C ORF, which could contribute to enhanced ER stress in infected hepatocytes mainly via increased ER accumulation of mutant proteins. However, it seems that there may be distinct capacity and pathway in ER stress-induction and distinct resulting clinical outcomes between HBV variants. In addition, the role of HBxAg mutations in ER stress remains unknown. However, it has been reported that HBxAg itself could exert ER stress in infected cells, resulting in HCC generation in chronic HBV patients. To date, review papers regarding ER stress-mediated HBV mutation have been limited into a specific mutation type: preS2 deletion. So, in this review, we will discuss details about various mutation types in all four regions of the HBV genome (preS1, preS2, S, and C) related to ER stress and their distinct ER stress mechanisms and clinical outcomes in terms of mutation types.
Anthocyanin Degrading and Chlorophyll Accumulation Lead to the Formation of Bicolor Leaf in Ornamental Kale
Authors: Ren Jie , Liu Zhiyong , Chen Weishu , Xu Hezi , Feng Hui
Published: January 2019

Ornamental kale is a popular decorative plant. We identified a peculiar bicolor leaf double haploid line, with green margins and red centers. The development of bicolor leaves can be divided into three stages: S1, S2, and S3. To probe the reason for bicolor formation, we analyzed the anthocyanin and chlorophyll contents, detected the changes in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin 3 (GA3), sugar, and starch contents, and identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using RNA-seq. Results showed that the bicolor leaf phenotype is gradually formed with anthocyanin degrading and chlorophyll accumulation. Anthocyanin content is lower in the green margin (S3_S) than in the red center (S3_C) part at S3. IAA content was positively correlated with anthocyanin content during the bicolor leaf development. During anthocyanin degrading from S1 to S2, cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H) and transport inhibitor response 1 (TIR1) were downregulated, while lateral organ boundaries domain 39 (LBD39) was upregulated. Two peroxidases, two β-glucosidases (BGLU), LBD39, LBD37, detoxifying efflux carrier 35 (DTX35), three no apical meristem (NAC) transcription factors (TFs), and 15 WRKY DNA-binding protein (WRKY) TFs were downregulated in S3_S vs. S3_C. The bicolor phenotype was mainly linked to anthocyanin degrading and chlorophyll accumulation, and that anthocyanin degrading resulted from reduced anthocyanin biosynthesis and increased anthocyanin degradation.
Introduction of the New Center for Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
Authors: Kreller Martin , Pietzsch Hans Jürgen , Walther Martin , Tietze Henrik , Kaever Peter , Knieß Torsten , Füchtner Frank , Steinbach Jörg , Preusche Stephan
Published: January 2019

A new Center for Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research was established at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in order to centralize radionuclide production, radiopharmaceutical production and the chemical and biochemical research facilities. The newly installed cyclotron is equipped with two beamlines, two target selectors and several liquid, gas and solid target systems. The cyclotron including the target systems and first results of beam characterization measurements as well as results of the radionuclide production are presented. The produced radionuclides are automatically distributed from the targets to the destination hot cells. This process is supervised and controlled by an in-house developed system.
Preparation and Performance of Sintered Fe-2Cu-2Mo-0.8C Materials Containing Different Forms of Molybdenum Powder
Authors: Chen Wenchao , Cheng Jigui , Chen Pengqi , Zhang Jianhua , Wei Bangzheng
Published: January 2019

Fe-2Cu-2Mo-0.8C powder mixtures were prepared by mixing Fe, Cu and C elemental powders with different forms of Mo-containing powder (pure Mo powder, prealloyed Mo-Fe powder and mechanically alloyed Mo-Fe powder, respectively). The powder mixtures were warm pressed under different pressures and temperatures. Properties of the green compacts and the sintered parts were tested to investigate the effects of the different ways of introducing molybdenum. The test results show that a green density of 7.32 g/cm3 was obtained for Fe-2Cu-2Mo-0.8C powder mixtures containing mechanically alloyed Mo-Fe powders, under a warm compaction pressure of 800 MPa and warm pressing temperature of 120 °C, respectively. The sintered Fe-2Cu-2Mo-0.8C specimens added with mechanically alloyed Mo-Fe powders had a density of 7.31 g/cm3, a hardness of 95 HRB and a tensile strength of 618 MPa, respectively. Compared with the sintered samples, added Mo in the forms of pure Mo and prealloyed Mo-Fe powder, the sintered parts added with mechanically alloyed Mo-Fe powders had more uniform microstructure, better mechanical and wear-resistant properties.
Preparation of Modified Montmorillonite—Plant Fiber Composite Foam Materials
Authors: Chen Qifeng , Du Xinya , Chen Guangxue
Published: January 2019

In the present study, plant fiber foam materials have significant differences in density compared to conventional plastic foam materials. In view of the current problems of fiber foam materials, the montmorillonite (MMT) organically modified by octadecyl-dimethyl-benzyl-ammonium chloride (ODBA) was added to the preparation of composite foam materials by optimizing the existing formula. The properties of organic montmorillonite (OMMT) and the prepared composite foam materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and a standing wave tube sound absorption tester. The results showed that the pore size inside the plant fiber foam materials with the addition of OMMT was more uniform and arranged more closely and orderly. In addition, when the OMMT was added to 0.1 g, the density of the prepared OMMT-bagasse composite foam materials reached its lowest point of 0.079 g/cm3, which was shared with high foam materials.
An Anisotropic Auxetic 2D Metamaterial Based on Sliding Microstructural Mechanism
Authors: Lim Teik-Cheng
Published: January 2019

A new 2D microstructure is proposed herein in the form of rigid unit cells, each taking the form of a cross with two opposing crossbars forming slots and the other two opposing crossbars forming sliders. The unit cells in the microstructure are arranged in a rectangular array in which the nearest four neighboring cells are rotated by 90° such that a slider in each unit cell is connected to a slot from its nearest neighbor. Using a kinematics approach, the Poisson’s ratio along the axes of symmetry can be obtained, while the off-axis Poisson’s ratio is obtained using Mohr’s circle. In the special case of a square array, the results show that the Poisson’s ratio varies between 0 (for loading parallel to the axes) and −1 (for loading at 45° from the axes). For a rectangular array, the Poisson’s ratio varies from 0 (for loading along the axes) to a value more negative than −1. The obtained results suggest the proposed microstructure is useful for designing materials that permit rapid change in Poisson’s ratio for angular change.
Timing of Decompressive Craniectomy for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction: A Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Kilic Mustafa , Ertem Devrimsel Harika , Ozdemir Burak
Published: January 2019

Background and aim: Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) usually leads to brain edema that may result in transtentorial herniation and brainstem compression. The prognosis of MMCAI is generally poor. The aim of this study was to discuss our experience with surgical decompression for MMCAI, and determine the association between timing of craniectomy and neurological outcomes. Methods: We identified consecutive patients diagnosed with MMCAI who underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC). Clinical and demographic data were obtained from electronic medical records, including: age, sex, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, surgery timing, postoperative GCS scores, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Results: This study included 27 stroke patients (aged 38–80 years) operated within 72 h of the onset of neurological symptoms. Sixteen, five, and six patients underwent DC within 24 h, between 24 and 48 h, and after 48 h after onset of symptoms, respectively. Five patients died after the surgery. Patients who underwent DC within 24 h and 24–48 h had better mean GCS scores than those who underwent DC after 48 h (p = 0.000, p = 0.015). In addition, patients who underwent DC within 24 h had better mean postoperative mRS scores (p = 0.000) than other patients. Patients older than 60 years had significantly lower GCS scores (p = 0.027) and higher mRS scores (p = 0.033) than younger patients. Conclusion: Our findings support that DC had satisfying outcomes in patients who underwent DC within 24 h. Older age and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores among DC patients with MMCAI are associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Self-Cleaning: From Bio-Inspired Surface Modification to MEMS/Microfluidics System Integration
Authors: Sun Di , Böhringer Karl
Published: January 2019

This review focuses on self-cleaning surfaces, from passive bio-inspired surface modification including superhydrophobic, superomniphobic, and superhydrophilic surfaces, to active micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and digital microfluidic systems. We describe models and designs for nature-inspired self-cleaning schemes as well as novel engineering approaches, and we discuss examples of how MEMS/microfluidic systems integrate with functional surfaces to dislodge dust or undesired liquid residues. Meanwhile, we also examine “waterless” surface cleaning systems including electrodynamic screens and gecko seta-inspired tapes. The paper summarizes the state of the art in self-cleaning surfaces, introduces available cleaning mechanisms, describes established fabrication processes and provides practical application examples.
Correlations between the Properties of Crushed Fine Aggregates
Authors: Fournari Revecca , Ioannou Ioannis
Published: January 2019

Aggregates are essential in the production of composite building materials and their properties and characteristics influence the performance of these materials in use. Nevertheless, despite the existence of several standardized and other methods for testing aggregates, the inherent inhomogeneity of these geomaterials does not permit the establishment of rigid specifications for their quality. Hence, research on aggregate testing and quality control is always timely. This paper presents the results of standardized (soundness, Micro-Deval, sand equivalent, methylene blue, water absorption, and relative density) and non-standardized (PXRD) laboratory tests performed on crushed fine aggregates of different mineralogical composition quarried in Cyprus. From these results, it is evident that the mineralogical composition of aggregates affects their physicomechanical properties. A good correlation was observed between the magnesium sulphate soundness coefficient and the Micro-Deval coefficient. This may lead to the introduction of an alternative test method for the quality testing of fine aggregates at European level. A reasonable correlation was also noted between the methylene blue and sand equivalent test results, despite the fact that the literature does not seem to support such a relationship. No further correlations were observed among the rest of the properties investigated.
Sm-Nd Dating and In-Situ LA-ICP-MS Trace Element Analyses of Scheelite from the Longshan Sb-Au Deposit, Xiangzhong Metallogenic Province, South China
Authors: Zhang Zhiyuan , Xie Guiqing , Mao Jingwen , Liu Wengang , Olin Paul , Li Wei
Published: January 2019

Longshan is an important Sb-Au ore deposit (3.7 Mt @4.5 wt. % Sb and 4.6 g/t Au) in the Xiangzhong metallogenic province (XZMP), South China. In the present work, trace element composition, Sm-Nd isotope dating, and Sr isotope of scheelite from the Longshan Sb-Au deposit are used to constrain the genesis of the deposit. Based on mineral assemblages and geological characteristics, two types of scheelites can be distinguished (Sch1 and Sch2). Sch1 is granular and cemented by stibnite, while Sch2 is commonly present in stibnite, pyrite, calcite, and quartz veins, indicating that Sch2 is later than Sch1. The Sm-Nd isochron age defined by Sch1 is 210 ± 2 Ma (MSWD = 1.0, n = 4). This age is interpreted as the age of Sb-Au mineralization and overlaps with the 201–228 Ma granitic rocks in the XZMP. Sch1 exhibits high ΣREE + Y contents (43.5 to 104 ppm), low Sr values (2687 to 6318 ppm, average of 4018 ppm), and a narrow range of 87Sr/86Sr values (0.7209 to 0.7210, average of 0.7209). In contrast, the elevated Sr abundance (4525 to 11,040 ppm, average of 6874 ppm) and wide 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7209 to 0.7228, average of 0.7214) in Sch2 were possibly caused by fluid-rock interaction mixing with Sr-enriched basement rocks. Sulfides have a narrow range of δ34S values of −1.8‰ to 3.2‰, with an average value of 1.1‰ (n = 7). Geochronological, geochemical and isotopic data suggest that the Longshan Sb-Au deposit is possible genetically related to the Late Triassic granitic intrusion in the XZMP.
Study of Interactions between Amlodipine and Quercetin on Human Serum Albumin: Spectroscopic and Modeling Approaches
Authors: Vaneková Zuzana , Hubčík Lukáš , Toca-Herrera José Luis , Furtműller Paul Georg , Valentová Jindra , Mučaji Pavel , Nagy Milan
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze the binding interactions between a common antihypertensive drug (amlodipine besylate—AML) and the widely distributed plant flavonoid quercetin (Q), in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA). Fluorescence analysis was implemented to investigate the effect of ligands on albumin intrinsic fluorescence and to define the binding and quenching properties. Further methods, such as circular dichroism and FT-IR, were used to obtain more details. The data show that both of these compounds bind to Sudlow’s Site 1 on HSA and that there exists a competitive interaction between them. Q is able to displace AML from its binding site and the presence of AML makes it easier for Q to bind. AML binds with the lower affinity and if the binding site is already occupied by Q, it binds to the secondary binding site inside the same hydrophobic pocket of Sudlow’s Site 1, with exactly the same affinity. Experimental data were complemented with molecular docking studies. The obtained results provide useful information about possible pharmacokinetic interactions upon simultaneous co-administration of the food/dietary supplement and the antihypertensive drug.
Isolation of Two New Compounds and Other Constituents from Leaves of Piper crocatum and Study of Their Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Activities
Authors: Li Hong Xu , Yang Seo Young , Kim Young Ho , Li Wei
Published: January 2019

Two new phenolic glucosides, pipercroside A and B (1 and 2), along with 10 known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav. Their chemical structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments and HR-ESI-MS analysis and comparison with previously reported data. All the isolated compounds were assessed for soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitory activity. Among them, erigeside II (5) showed inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 58.5 µM.
Shining a Spotlight on DNA: Single-Molecule Methods to Visualise DNA
Authors: Kaur Gurleen , Lewis Jacob S. , van Oijen Antoine M.
Published: January 2019

The ability to watch single molecules of DNA has revolutionised how we study biological transactions concerning nucleic acids. Many strategies have been developed to manipulate DNA molecules to investigate mechanical properties, dynamics and protein–DNA interactions. Imaging methods using small molecules and protein-based probes to visualise DNA have propelled our understanding of complex biochemical reactions involving DNA. This review focuses on summarising some of the methodological developments made to visualise individual DNA molecules and discusses how these probes have been used in single-molecule biophysical assays.