bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Breast Malignancy by Marker-Controlled Watershed Transformation and Hybrid Feature Set for Healthcare
Authors: Sadad Tariq , Hussain Ayyaz , Munir Asim , Habib Muhammad , Ali Khan Sajid , Hussain Shariq , Yang Shunkun , Alawairdhi Mohammed
Published: March 2020

Breast cancer is a highly prevalent disease in females that may lead to mortality in severe cases. The mortality can be subsided if breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. The focus of this study is to detect breast malignancy through computer-aided diagnosis (CADx). In the first phase of this work, Hilbert transform is employed to reconstruct B-mode images from the raw data followed by the marker-controlled watershed transformation to segment the lesion. The methods based only on texture analysis are quite sensitive to speckle noise and other artifacts. Therefore, a hybrid feature set is developed after the extraction of shape-based and texture features from the breast lesion. Decision tree, k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and ensemble decision tree model via random under-sampling with Boost (RUSBoost) are utilized to segregate the cancerous lesions from the benign ones. The proposed technique is tested on OASBUD (Open Access Series of Breast Ultrasonic Data) and breast ultrasound (BUS) images collected at Baheya Hospital Egypt (BHE). The OASBUD dataset contains raw ultrasound data obtained from 100 patients containing 52 malignant and 48 benign lesions. The dataset collected at BHE contains 210 malignant and 437 benign images. The proposed system achieved promising accuracy of 97% with confidence interval (CI) of 91.48% to 99.38% for OASBUD and 96.6% accuracy with CI of 94.90% to 97.86% for the BHE dataset using ensemble method.
A Review on Ergonomics in Agriculture. Part I: Manual Operations
Authors: Benos Lefteris , Tsaopoulos Dimitrios , Bochtis Dionysis
Published: March 2020

Background: Agriculture involves several harmful diseases. Among the non-fatal ones, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most prevalent, as they have reached epidemic proportions. The main aim of this investigation is to systematically review the major risk factors regarding MSDs as well as evaluate the existing ergonomic interventions. Methods: The search engines of Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were used to identify relevant articles during the last decade. The imposed exclusive criteria assured the accuracy and current progress in this field. Results: It was concluded that MSDs affect both developed and developing countries, thus justifying the existing global concern. Overall, the most commonly studied task was harvesting, followed by load carrying, pruning, planting, and other ordinary manual operations. Repetitive movements in awkward postures, such as stooping and kneeling; individual characteristics; as well as improper tool design were observed to contribute to the pathogenesis of MSDs. Furthermore, low back disorders were reported as the main disorder. Conclusions: The present ergonomic interventions seem to attenuate the MSDs to a great extent. However, international reprioritization of the safety and health measures is required in agriculture along with increase of the awareness of the risk factors related to MSDs.
Directional DC Charge-Transfer Resistance on an Electrode–Electrolyte Interface in an AC Nyquist Curve on Lead-Acid Battery
Authors: Wang Wubin , Yao Wenxi , Chen Wei , Chen Dong , Ma Zhen , Lu Zhengyu
Published: March 2020

Both the frequency domain Nyquist curve of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and time domain simulation of DC equivalent first principle linear circuit (FPLCDCequ) are some of the fundamentals of lead-acid batteries management system design. The Nyquist curve is used to evaluate batteries’ state of health (SoH), but the curve does not distinguish charging/discharging impedances on electrode–electrolyte interfaces in the frequency domain. FPLCDCequ is used to simulate batteries’ terminal electrical variables, and the circuit distinguishes charging/discharging impedances on electrode–electrolyte interfaces in the time domain. Therefore, there is no direct physical relationship between Nyquist and FPLCDCequ This paper proposes an AC equivalent first principle linear circuit (FPLCACequ) by average switch modeling, and the novel circuit distinguishes charging/discharging impedances on electrode–electrolyte interfaces in Nyquist. The novel circuit establishes a physical bridge between Nyquist and FPLCDCequ for lead-acid batteries management system design.
An Improved Novel Global Harmony Search Algorithm Based on Selective Acceptance
Authors: Li Hui , Shih Po-Chou , Zhou Xizhao , Ye Chunming , Huang Li
Published: March 2020

The novel global harmony search (NGHS) algorithm is proposed in 2010, and it is an improved harmony search (HS) algorithm which combines the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the genetic algorithm (GA). One of the main differences between the HS and NGHS algorithms is that of using different mechanisms to renew the harmony memory (HM). In the HS algorithm, in each iteration, the new harmony is accepted and replaced the worst harmony in the HM while the fitness of the new harmony is better than the worst harmony in the HM. Conversely, in the NGHS algorithm, the new harmony replaces the worst harmony in the HM without any precondition. However, in addition to these two mechanisms, there is one old mechanism, the selective acceptance mechanism, which is used in the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed the selective acceptance novel global harmony search (SANGHS) algorithm which combines the NGHS algorithm with a selective acceptance mechanism. The advantage of the SANGHS algorithm is that it balances the global exploration and local exploitation ability. Moreover, to verify the search ability of the SANGHS algorithm, we used the SANGHS algorithm in ten well-known benchmark continuous optimization problems and two engineering problems and compared the experimental results with other metaheuristic algorithms. The experimental results show that the SANGHS algorithm has better search ability than the other four harmony search algorithms in ten continuous optimization problems. In addition, in two engineering problems, the SANGHS algorithm also provided a competition solution compared with other state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms.
Investigation of a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuator to Control Turbulent Boundary Layer Separation
Authors: Hasan Mahdi , Atkinson Michael
Published: March 2020

A numerical investigation was carried out to explore the effects of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator on a three-dimensional incompressible, separated flow. The test article selected for the simulations was the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) wall-mounted hump model. The simulations were run at a Reynolds number of 936,000, based on hump chord length, and a freestream Mach number of 0.1. Hybrid partially averaged Navier–Stokes/large-eddy simulations (PANS/LES) were completed using CALC-LES, a well-validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, developed by Chalmers University of Technology. The baseline code was modified to simulate the effects of the actuator, which were modeled as source terms in the momentum equation and were assumed to be steady and constant in the span-wise direction. The numerical simulations were carried out for a baseline (no control) case and five plasma control cases. To optimize the performance of the actuator, the variation of actuator location and voltage frequency was investigated. For the baseline case, a comparison of time-averaged skin friction, the coefficient of pressure, and velocity profiles was made of the available experimental results. The results of the baseline case showed good agreement for a hybrid turbulence model, thus strengthening the solver’s ability to predict a three-dimensional separated flow with reasonable accuracy. The results with the plasma actuator turned on showed improved flow characteristics compared to the baseline simulations by reducing the region of separated flow. The actuator placed just downstream of the separation point at an operational frequency of 5kHz completely eliminated the separated flow for our test conditions.
A Machine Learning Method to Estimate Reference Evapotranspiration Using Soil Moisture Sensors
Authors: Fernández-López Antonio , Marín-Sánchez Daniel , García-Mateos Ginés , Ruiz-Canales Antonio , Ferrández-Villena-García Manuel , Molina-Martínez José Miguel
Published: March 2020

One of the most important applications of remote imaging systems in agriculture, with the greatest impact on global sustainability, is the determination of optimal crop irrigation. The methodology proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is based on estimating crop evapotranspiration (ETc), which is done by computing the reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) multiplied by a crop coefficient (Kc). Some previous works proposed methods to compute Kc using remote crop images. The present research aims at complementing these systems, estimating ETo with the use of soil moisture sensors. A crop of kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) was used as the reference crop. Four frequency-domain reflectometry sensors were installed, gathering moisture information during the study period from May 2015 to September 2016. Different machine learning regression algorithms were analyzed for the estimation of ETo using moisture and climatic data. The values were compared with respect to the ETo computed in an agroclimatic station using the Penman–Monteith method. The best method was the randomizable filtered classifier technique, based on the K* algorithm. This model achieved a correlation coefficient, R, of 0.9936, with a root-mean-squared error of 0.183 mm/day and 6.52% mean relative error; the second-best model used artificial neural networks, with an R of 0.9470 and 11% relative error. Thus, this new methodology allows obtaining accurate and cost-efficient prediction models for ETo, as well as for the water balance of the crops.
Theory and Design of Blink Jamming
Authors: Davidson Kyle , Bray Joey
Published: March 2020

Establishing an error in the angle estimates of a monopulse radar is critical to creating miss distance during the terminal stage of missile engagements. However, the tools for creating angle deception are limited, with blink jamming offering significant potential. This paper fills in the conceptual gaps in understanding of blink jamming, through a theoretical analysis, which is validated using modelling and simulation, including hardware-in-the-loop with a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Additionally, a novel version of blink jamming is proposed, using a synchronized amplitude modulation, and its performance compared to traditional, unmodulated blink jamming. The complete results are discussed, with design guidance provided for implementing blink jamming in operational scenarios.
Tightly Compacted Perovskite Laminates on Flexible Substrates via Hot-Pressing
Authors: Yang Bilin , Xie Yujun , Zeng Pan , Dong Yurong , Ou Qiongrong , Zhang Shuyu
Published: March 2020

Pressure and temperature are powerful tools applied to perovskites to achieve recrystallization. Lamination, based on recrystallization of perovskites, avoids the limitations and improves the compatibility of materials and solvents in perovskite device architectures. In this work, we demonstrate tightly compacted perovskite laminates on flexible substrates via hot-pressing and investigate the effect of hot-pressing conditions on the lamination qualities and optical properties of perovskite laminates. The optimized laminates achieved at a temperature of 90 °C and a pressure of 10 MPa could sustain a horizontal pulling pressure of 636 kPa and a vertical pulling pressure of 71 kPa. Perovskite laminates exhibit increased crystallinity and a crystallization orientation preference to the (100) direction. The optical properties of laminated perovskites are almost identical to those of pristine perovskites, and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) survives the negative impact of thermal degradation. This work demonstrates a promising approach to physically laminating perovskite films, which may accelerate the development of roll-to-roll printed perovskite devices and perovskite tandem architectures in the future.
Shared Tuned Mass Dampers for Mitigation of Seismic Pounding
Authors: Rupakhety Rajesh , Elias Said , Olafsson Simon
Published: March 2020

This study explores the effectiveness of shared tuned mass damper (STMD) in reducing seismic pounding of adjacent buildings. The dynamics of STMDs is explored through numerical simulations of buildings idealized as single and multiple degree of freedom oscillators. An optimization method proposed in the literature is revisited. It is shown that the optimization results in two different solutions. The first one corresponds to the device being tuned to one of the buildings it is attached to. The second solution corresponds to a very stiff system where the TMD mass hardly moves. This solution, which has been described as an STMD in the literature, is shown to be impractical due to its high stiffness and use of a heavy stationary mass that plays no role in response mitigation but adds unnecessary load to the structure. Furthermore, it is shown that the second solution is equivalent to a viscous coupling of the two buildings. As for the properly tuned solution, i.e., the first solution, sharing the device with an adjacent building was found to provide no added benefits compared to when it is placed on one of the buildings. Based on results from a large set of real earthquake ground motions, it is shown that sharing a TMD mass with an adjacent building, in contrary to what is reported in the literature, is not an effective strategy.
Influence of Biochar Composition and Micro-Structure on the Denitration of Flue Gases at High Temperature
Authors: Wang Yali , Qin Nannan , Cui Suping , Ma Xiaoyu , Peng Siyu
Published: March 2020

Biochar materials are good reducers of nitrogen oxides. The composition and structure of biochar affect significantly its ability to reduce C–NO. In order to study the denitration of flue gases by biochar at high temperature, three kinds of biochar (bamboo charcoal (BC), rice husk ash (RHA), and straw charcoal (SC)) were mixed with cement raw meal in a fixed-bed quartz reactor at the temperature of 800–900 °C and O2 concentration of 0.5%–2%. The results showed that the initial denitration rate of BC was higher than that of RHA, and that of SC was the lowest. RHA had the largest specific surface area, and BC the smallest. The elements C, N, and O and the functional groups of the three types of biochar had a greater influence on the denitration rate than their structures. The denitration rate decreased faster as the O/C ratio increased, and the increase in the relative content of the N element induced the formation of nitrogen-containing functional groups catalyzing C–NO reduction. The content of the C–C bond affected directly the rate of denitration, and both (NCO)x and C–O bonds had a positive effect on the reduction capability of biochar. It can be concluded that the composition of biochar has an important effect on the reduction of C–NO.
Process Simulation of Co-Gasification of Raw Municipal Solid Waste and Bituminous Coal in CO2/O2 Atmosphere
Authors: Ding Guangchao , He Boshu
Published: March 2020

An integrated CO2/O2 co-gasification system of municipal solid waste (MSW) and bituminous coal (BC) with CO2 capture was developed and simulated by the Aspen plus, which mainly consisted of three processes: air separation unit, co-gasification system, and CO2 absorption unit. In addition, raw syngas composition, cold gas efficiency (CGE), and overall energy efficiency (OEE) of the entail system were evaluated in detail with respect to the main operating parameters (gasification temperature, T; oxygen equivalence ratio, Ro; mole of CO2 to carbon ratio, Rc; and the MSW blending ratio, RM). The results indicated that the addition of BC improved the gasification of MSW. Higher gasification temperature increased CGE and OEE. Increasing the Rc ratio led to the decrease of H2 mole fraction due to the enhanced reverse water-gas shift reaction. In addition, the CGE and OEE of the system decreased with increasing RM. From the analyses of the parameters, the most optimal operating conditions were set as T = 900 °C, Ro = 0.2, Rc = 0.5, and RM = 0.6, and the corresponding OEE of the system reached 0.57. The system can achieve a large processing capacity of MSW at the cost of the efficiency loss of this condition.
Chromium(III) Removal from Wastewater by Chitosan Flakes
Authors: Pietrelli Loris , Francolini Iolanda , Piozzi Antonella , Sighicelli Maria , Silvestro Ilaria , Vocciante Marco
Published: March 2020

Chitosan is very effective in removing metal ions through their adsorption. A preliminary investigation of the adsorption of chromium(III) by chitosan was carried out by means of batch tests as a function of contact time, pH, ion competition, and initial chromium(III) concentration. The rate of adsorption was rather rapid (t1/2 < 18 min) and influenced by the presence of other metal ions. The obtained data were tested using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and, based on R2 values, the former appeared better applicable than the latter. Chitosan was found to have an excellent loading capacity for chromium(III), namely 138.0 mg Cr per g of chitosan at pH = 3.8, but metal ions adsorption was strongly influenced by the pH. About 76% of the recovered chromium was then removed simply by washing the used chitosan with 0.1 M EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) solution. This study demonstrates that chitosan has the potential to become an effective and low-cost agent for wastewater treatment (e.g., tannery waste) and in situ environmental remediation.
A Wide-Angle Scanning Leaky-Wave Antenna Based on a Composite Right/Left-Handed Transmission Line
Authors: Xie Shaoyi , Li Jiawei , Deng Guangjian , Feng Jiaxin , Xiao Shaoqiu
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a frequency-independent, wide-angle scanning leaky-wave antenna (LWA), based on the composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH TL). The proposed LWA consists of a coplanar waveguide-grounded (CPWG) structure loaded by varactors. Loaded varactors are used to control the phase constant of the fundamental mode of the LWA by adjusting the applied DC voltage. The LWA has an excellent wide-angle scanning capability, a simple structure, and low cost. Results show that the main beam of an LWA with 20unit cells can scan from −66° to 62° at the operation frequency of3.0 GHz, with a peak gain of 9.9 dBi, and a gain fluctuation of less than 4.9 dB. The operation bandwidth and radiation efficiency are about 13% and over 50%, respectively. A 10-unit cascaded LWA prototype was designed, fabricated, and measured to verify the design concept.
FEM Simulation of THz Detector Based on Sb and Bi88Sb12 Thermoelectric Thin Films
Authors: Tukmakova Anastasiia S. , Asach Alexei V. , Novotelnova Anna V. , Tkhorzhevskiy Ivan L. , Kablukova Natallya S. , Demchenko Petr S. , Zaitsev Anton D. , Khodzitsky Mikhail K.
Published: March 2020

A terahertz (THz) detector based on thermoelectric thin films was simulated using the finite elements method. The thermoelectric circuit consisted of S b and B i 88 S b 12 150-nm films on the mica substrate. S b , B i 88 S b 12 , and mica-substrate properties have been measured experimentally in the THz frequency range. The model of electromagnetic heating was used in order to estimate possible heating of S b - B i 88 S b 12 contact. THz radiation power varied from 1 μ W to 50 mW, and frequency varied in the range from 0.3 to 0.5 THz. The calculations showed a temperature difference of up to 1 K, voltage up to 0.1 mV, and responsivity of several mVW − 1 . The results show that thin S b and B i − S b thermoelectric films can be used for THz radiation detection at room temperatures.
Simulation Analysis and Experimental Validation of Cathode Tool in Electrochemical Mill-Grinding of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Li Jie , Li Hansong , Hu Xiaoyun , Niu Shen , Xu Guoliang
Published: March 2020

Electrochemical mill-grinding (ECMG) is an ideal technical means to achieve an efficient and precise machining of titanium alloy monolithic structural parts. In the rough ECMG process, the selection of a reasonable cutting depth can improve the machining efficiency of the rough machining. Adopting a reasonable cathode tool structure can achieve a higher precision in the formation of the rough surface, reduce the finishing allowance and tool wear of subsequent finishing. With this aim, the present research proposed a cathode tool with a reasonable structure. Simulation results showed that the designed cathode tool presented a good uniformity of the flow field in the machining gap, which resulted in a higher precision in the formation of the rough surface. For experimental validation, a larger cutting depth and a designed cathode tool was employed to carry out the rough and finish machining experiments on a Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. The experimental results show that a good flatness of the sidewall of the rough-machining groove was obtained by this scheme. Furthermore, the machining surface exhibited no flow marks, and rough machining accounted for 92.37% of total removal. Moreover, measurement of the micro-morphology, roughness and elemental composition of the machined surface, and the effects of different machining parameters on the surface quality of titanium alloys, were studied.
Comparison of Prediction Methods for Axial Strength of Grouted Connections with Shear Keys
Authors: Xianhui You , Zhaoqi Wu , Zehao Chen
Published: March 2020

Grouted connections are commonly used in marine engineering, especially on oil platforms, cross-sea bridges, and offshore wind power turbines. The prediction methods for axial carrying capacity of grouted connections with shear keys and their application ranges in current codes were analyzed in this paper. The calculated results by using different codes were compared based on a practical grouted connection between steel piles and the jacket foundation of a wind turbine. The research team conducted axial compression tests on seven specimens, collected a wide range of experimental results to establish a database, and finally compared the standard calculation results with the experimental results. The study indicates that the axial strength of grouted connections predicted by different methods is distinct. The calculation formula of the British Health and Safety Executive (HSE, 2002) has obvious limitations; specifically, with increased shear keys, strength is overestimated, resulting in insecure design outcome of structures. The results calculated by the Norwegian Det Norske Veritas (DNV, 2013) are generally consistent with the experimental results, in which the reduction effect of multiple shear keys was considered. The prediction method of the American Petroleum Institute (API, 2007), which undervalues the bearing performance of connections, is excessively conservative. The method of the combined Norwegian and German Det Norske Veritas–Germanischer Lloyd (DNV-GL, 2016) has wider applicability and is safe, reliable, and economical.
Quantitative Evaluation on Valve Leakage of Reciprocating Compressor Using System Characteristic Diagnosis Method
Authors: Han Liubang , Jiang Kuosheng , Wang Qidong , Wang Xuanyao , Zhou Yuanyuan
Published: March 2020

High impact and strong noise complicate the response of reciprocating compressor (RC). It requires a complex signal processing method that is a single response-based or excitation-based fault diagnosis method applied to RC valve leakage fault diagnosis. This paper proposes a quantitative diagnosis method of RC valve leakage that is based on system characteristic diagnosis method. First, the current signal of the RC induction motor and the cylinder vibration signal are introduced as the excitation and response signals, the mathematical model of the RC motor current is established, and the influence mechanism of the valve leakage on the RC vibration is analyzed. Subsequently, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition and comb filter are respectively used to extract the fault characteristic information of excitation signal and response signal to obtain the excitation condition indicators (CIs), response CIs, and system CIs. Finally, the support vector machine based on the obtained CIs classified the valve leakage failure patterns of different severity, and a fault diagnoser was constructed for the quantitative diagnosis of valve leakage fault. The results of experiment and application proved that the proposed method could realize the quantitative diagnosis of RC valve leakage fault while using simple signal processing technology.
Determination of the Stability of High-Steep Slopes by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Real-Time Monitoring in Long Wall Mining
Authors: Lian Xugang , Li Zoujun , Yuan Hongyan , Hu Haifeng , Cai Yinfei , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: March 2020

Surface movement and deformation induced by underground coal mining causes slopes to collapse. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) real-time monitoring can provide early warnings and prevent disasters. A stability analysis of high-steep slopes was conducted in a long wall mine in China, and a GNSS real-time monitoring system was established. The moving velocity and displacement at the monitoring points were an integrated response to the influencing factors of mining, topography, and rainfall. Underground mining provided a continuous external driving force for slope movement, the steep terrain provided sufficient slip conditions in the slope direction, and rainfall had an acceleration effect on slope movement. The non-uniform deformation, displacement field, and time series images of the slope body revealed that ground failure was concentrated in the area of non-uniform deformation. The non-uniform deformation was concentrated ahead of the working face, the speed of deformation behind the working face was reduced, the instability of the slope body was increased, and the movement of the top of the slope was larger than at the foot. The high-steep slope stability in the mine was influenced by the starting deformation (low stability), iso-accelerated deformation (increased stability), deformation deceleration (reduced stability), and deformation remaining unchanged (improved stability).
A Robust Adiabatic Model for a Quasi-Steady Prediction of Far-Off Non-Measured Performance in Vaneless Twin-Entry or Dual-Volute Radial Turbines
Authors: Serrano José Ramón , Arnau Francisco J. , García-Cuevas Luis Miguel , Samala Vishnu
Published: March 2020

The current investigation describes in detail a mass flow oriented model for extrapolation of reduced mass flow and adiabatic efficiency of double entry radial inflow turbines under any unequal and partial flow admission conditions. The model is based on a novel approach, which proposes assimilating double entry turbines to two variable geometry turbines (VGTs) using the mass flow ratio ( MFR ) between the two entries as the discriminating parameter. With such an innovative approach, the model can extrapolate performance parameters to non-measured MFR s, blade-to-jet speed ratios, and reduced speeds. Therefore, the model can be used in a quasi-steady method for predicting double entry turbines performance instantaneously. The model was validated against a dataset from two different double entry turbine types: a twin-entry symmetrical turbine and a dual-volute asymmetrical turbine. Both were tested under steady flow conditions. The proposed model showed accurate results and a coherent set of fitting parameters with physical meaning, as discussed in this paper. The obtained parameters showed very similar figures for the aforementioned turbine types, which allows concluding that they are an adequate set of values for initializing the fitting procedure of any type of double entry radial turbine.
Effect of the Combined Intervention with Passive Whole-Body Vibration and Auriculotherapy on the Quality of Life of Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis Assessed by the WHOQOL-Bref: A Multi-Arm Clinical Trial
Authors: Moura-Fernandes Marcia Cristina , Moreira-Marconi Eloá , Gonçalves de Meirelles Alexandre , Paula Ferreira de Oliveira Ana , Silva Aline Reis , Felipe Ferreira de Souza Luiz , Lírio Pereira da Silva Adriana , dos Santos-Fernandes Carmen , Bessa Monteiro de Oliveira Bruno , Antonio de Souza Gama Marco , Eduarda de Souza Melo-Oliveira Maria , Guedes de Aguiar Eliane de Oliveira , Palmeira de Oliveira Liszt , Mozella Alan de Paula , da Cunha de Sá-Caputo Danúbia , Paineiras-Domingos Laisa Liane , Pereira Mario José dos Santos , Xavier Vinicius Layter , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , Sañudo Borja , Taiar Redha , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effect on the quality of life of two non-pharmacological interventions isolated or in combination: (i) passive whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE), and (ii) auriculotherapy (AT). One hundred three participants with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were allocated to: (a) a vibration group (WBVEG; n = 17) that performed WBVE (peak-to-peak displacement: 2.5 to 7.5 mm, frequency: 5 to 14 Hz, Peak acceleration: 0.12 to 2.95 g), two days/weekly for five weeks, (b) an AT group (ATG; n = 21), stimulation of three specific auriculotherapy points (Kidney, Knee and Shenmen) in each ear pavilion, (c) WBVE + AT (WBVE + AT; n = 20) and (d) respective control groups (WBVE_CG, n = 15; AT_CG, n = 12; WBVE + AT_CG, n = 18). The participants filled out the WHOQOL-bref Questionnaire before the first and after the last sessions. Statistical differences in the various domains of the WHOQOL-bref were not found. In conclusion, WBVE or AT alone or combined did not contribute in altering the quality of life of individuals exposed to these interventions.
“Jewish Building” in the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic after the Holocaust. Possibilities, Limits, Spaces
Authors: Klei Alexandra
Published: March 2020

As early as the first months after the Second World War had ended, newly founded Jewish communities were beginning to form in Germany. These communities were established further in the years to follow, in the course of which new synagogues and community centers were erected. In today’s perceptions, these building projects are often seen in the context of the efforts of gentile society to make reparations (Wiedergutmachung). This article examines the possibilities and conditions under which non-Jewish post-Nazi society was operating in regard to enabling “Jewish building (Jüdisches Bauen)”, and highlights the tremendous influence that political action has had on the projects of the Jewish communities. The synagogue projects in Mannheim and Würzburg are used as examples to illustrate this issue as it reflects in the Federal Republic of Germany. This article brings forth, for the first time, a description of the situation in the German Democratic Republic providing an overview on the extent of the construction activity. Subsequently, observations over the use of the term and the concept of “Jewish building (Jüdisches Bauen)” are outlined.
Dynamics of HIV-TB Co-Infection Model
Authors: Shah Nita H , Sheoran Nisha , Shah Yash
Published: March 2020

According to World Health Organization (WHO), the population suffering from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection over a period of time may suffer from TB infection which increases the death rate. There is no cure for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to date but antiretrovirals (ARVs) can slow down the progression of disease as well as prevent secondary infections or complications. This is considered as a medication in this paper. This scenario of HIV-TB co-infection is modeled using a system of non-linear differential equations. This model considers HIV-infected individual as the initial stage. Four equilibrium points are found. Reproduction number R0 is calculated. If R0 >1 disease persists uniformly, with reference to the reproduction number, backward bifurcation is computed for pre-AIDS (latent) stage. Global stability is established for the equilibrium points where there is no Pre-AIDS TB class, point without co-infection and for the endemic point. Numerical simulation is carried out to validate the data. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to determine the importance of model parameters in the disease dynamics.
Kinetic Study of the Biodegradation of Acephate by Indigenous Soil Bacterial Isolates in the Presence of Humic Acid and Metal Ions
Authors: Singh Simranjeet , Kumar Vijay , Singla Sourav , Sharma Minaxi , Singh Dhananjaya P. , Prasad Ram , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Singh Joginder
Published: March 2020

Many bacteria have the potential to use specific pesticides as a source of carbon, phosphorous, nitrogen and sulphur. Acephate degradation by microbes is considered to be a safe and effective method. The overall aim of the present study was to identify acephate biodegrading microorganisms and to investigate the degradation rates of acephate under the stress of humic acid and most common metal ions Fe(III) and copper Cu(II). Pseudomonas azotoformanss strain ACP1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain ACP2, and Pseudomonas putida ACP3 were isolated from acephate contaminated soils. Acephate of concentration 100 ppm was incubated with separate strain inoculums and periodic samples were drawn for UV—visible, FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and MS (Mass Spectrometry) analysis. Methamidophos, S-methyl O-hydrogen phosphorothioamidate, phosphenothioic S-acid, and phosphenamide were the major metabolites formed during the degradation of acephate. The rate of degradation was applied using pseudo-first-order kinetics to calculate the half-life (t1/2) values, which were 14.33–16.72 d−1 (strain(s) + acephate), 18.81–21.50 d−1 (strain(s) + acephate + Cu(II)), 20.06 –23.15 d−1 (strain(s) + acephate + Fe(II)), and 15.05–17.70 d−1 (strains + acephate + HA). The biodegradation efficiency of the three bacterial strains can be ordered as P. aeruginosa > P. putida > P. azotoformans. The present study illustrated the decomposition mechanism of acephate under different conditions, and the same may be applied to the removal of other xenobiotic compounds.
Improved Protocol for the Production of the Low-Expression Eukaryotic Membrane Protein Human Aquaporin 2 in Pichia pastoris for Solid-State NMR
Authors: Munro Rachel , de Vlugt Jeffrey , Ladizhansky Vladimir , Brown Leonid S.
Published: March 2020

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) is a powerful biophysical technique for studies of membrane proteins; it requires the incorporation of isotopic labels into the sample. This is usually accomplished through over-expression of the protein of interest in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host in minimal media, wherein all (or some) carbon and nitrogen sources are isotopically labeled. In order to obtain multi-dimensional NMR spectra with adequate signal-to-noise ratios suitable for in-depth analysis, one requires high yields of homogeneously structured protein. Some membrane proteins, such as human aquaporin 2 (hAQP2), exhibit poor expression, which can make producing a sample for SSNMR in an economic fashion extremely difficult, as growth in minimal media adds additional strain on expression hosts. We have developed an optimized growth protocol for eukaryotic membrane proteins in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Our new growth protocol uses the combination of sorbitol supplementation, higher cell density, and low temperature induction (LT-SEVIN), which increases the yield of full-length, isotopically labeled hAQP2 ten-fold. Combining mass spectrometry and SSNMR, we were able to determine the nature and the extent of post-translational modifications of the protein. The resultant protein can be functionally reconstituted into lipids and yields excellent resolution and spectral coverage when analyzed by two-dimensional SSNMR spectroscopy.
Purinergic Signaling and Related Biomarkers in Depression
Authors: Bartoli Francesco , Burnstock Geoffrey , Crocamo Cristina , Carrà Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

It is established that purinergic signaling can shape a wide range of physiological functions, including neurotransmission and neuromodulation. The purinergic system may play a role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, influencing neurotransmitter systems and hormonal pathways of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Treatment with mood stabilizers and antidepressants can lead to changes in purinergic signaling. In this overview, we describe the biological background on the possible link between the purinergic system and depression, possibly involving changes in adenosine- and ATP-mediated signaling at P1 and P2 receptors, respectively. Furthermore, evidence on the possible antidepressive effects of non-selective adenosine antagonist caffeine and other purinergic modulators is reviewed. In particular, A2A and P2X7 receptors have been identified as potential targets for depression treatment. Preclinical studies highlight that both selective A2A and P2X7 antagonists may have antidepressant effects and potentiate responses to antidepressant treatments. Consistently, recent studies feature the possible role of the purinergic system peripheral metabolites as possible biomarkers of depression. In particular, variations of serum uric acid, as the end product of purinergic metabolism, have been found in depression. Although several open questions remain, the purinergic system represents a promising research area for insights into the molecular basis of depression.
Efficacy of Dronabinol for Acute Pain Management in Adults with Traumatic Injury: Study Protocol of A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Swartwood Claire , Salottolo Kristin , Madayag Robert , Bar-Or David
Published: March 2020

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and other cannabinoids present in cannabis (marijuana) have been shown to affect the normal inhibitory pathways that influence nociception in humans. The potential benefits of cannabinoids as an analgesic are likely greatest in hyperalgesic and inflammatory states, suggesting a role as a therapeutic agent for treating acute pain following injury. Dronabinol is a licensed form of Δ9-THC. The primary objective of this single center randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive dronabinol versus control (systemic analgesics only, no dronabinol) for reducing opioid consumption in adults with traumatic injury. Study inclusion is based on high baseline utilization of opioids ≥50 morphine equivalents (mg) within 24 h of admission for adults aged 18–65 years with traumatic injury. There is a 48-hour screening period followed by a 48-hour treatment period after randomization. A total of 122 patients will be randomized 1:1 across 2 study arms: adjunctive dronabinol versus control (standard of care using systemic analgesics, no adjunctive dronabinol). Patients randomized to the dronabinol arm should receive their first dose within 12 h of randomization, with a dose range of 5 mg up to 30 mg daily in divided doses, in addition to systemic analgesics as needed for pain. The primary efficacy endpoint is a change in opioid consumption (morphine equivalents), assessed post-randomization (48 h after randomization) minus pre-randomization (24 h prior to randomization). This is the first randomized trial to investigate whether adjunctive dronabinol is effective in reducing opioid consumption in acute pain management of traumatic injury. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03928015.
Copper-Iron Bimetal Ion-Exchanged SAPO-34 for NH3-SCR of NOx
Authors: Doan Tuan , Dam Phong , Nguyen Khang , Vuong Thanh Huyen , Le Minh Thang , Pham Thanh Huyen
Published: March 2020

SAPO-34 was prepared with a mixture of three templates containing triethylamine, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, and morpholine, which leads to unique properties for support and production cost reduction. Meanwhile, Cu/SAPO-34, Fe/SAPO-34, and Cu-Fe/SAPO-34 were prepared through the ion-exchanged method in aqueous solution and used for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3. The physical structure and original crystal of SAPO-34 are maintained in the catalysts. Cu-Fe/SAPO-34 catalysts exhibit high NOx conversion in a broad temperature window, even in the presence of H2O. The physicochemical properties of synthesized samples were further characterized by various methods, including XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, UV-Vis-DRS spectroscopy, NH3-TPD, H2-TPR, and EPR. The best catalyst, 3Cu-1Fe/SAPO-34 exhibited high NOx conversion (> 90%) in a wide temperature window of 250–600 °C, even in the presence of H2O. In comparison with mono-metallic samples, the 3Cu-1Fe/SAPO-34 catalyst had more isolated Cu2+ ions and additional oligomeric Fe3+ active sites, which mainly contributed to the higher capacity of NH3 and NOx adsorption by the enhancement of the number of acid sites as well as its greater reducibility. Therefore, this synergistic effect between iron and copper in the 3Cu-1Fe/SAPO-34 catalyst prompted higher catalytic performance in more extensive temperature as well as hydrothermal stability after iron incorporation.
Targeting XIAP for Promoting Cancer Cell Death—The Story of ARTS and SMAC
Authors: Abbas Ruqaia , Larisch Sarit
Published: March 2020

Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) are a family of proteins that regulate cell death and inflammation. XIAP (X-linked IAP) is the only family member that suppresses apoptosis by directly binding to and inhibiting caspases. On the other hand, cIAPs suppress the activation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway by preventing the formation of pro-apoptotic signaling complexes. IAPs are negatively regulated by IAP-antagonist proteins such as Smac/Diablo and ARTS. ARTS can promote apoptosis by binding and degrading XIAP via the ubiquitin proteasome-system (UPS). Smac can induce the degradation of cIAPs but not XIAP. Many types of cancer overexpress IAPs, thus enabling tumor cells to evade apoptosis. Therefore, IAPs, and in particular XIAP, have become attractive targets for cancer therapy. In this review, we describe the differences in the mechanisms of action between Smac and ARTS, and we summarize efforts to develop cancer therapies based on mimicking Smac and ARTS. Several Smac-mimetic small molecules are currently under evaluation in clinical trials. Initial efforts to develop ARTS-mimetics resulted in a novel class of compounds, which bind and degrade XIAP but not cIAPs. Smac-mimetics can target tumors with high levels of cIAPs, whereas ARTS-mimetics are expected to be effective for cancers with high levels of XIAP.
Overexpression of the Selective Autophagy Cargo Receptor NBR1 Modifies Plant Response to Sulfur Deficit
Authors: Tarnowski Leszek , Collados Rodriguez Milagros , Brzywczy Jerzy , Cysewski Dominik , Wawrzynska Anna , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: March 2020

Plants exposed to sulfur deficit elevate the transcription of NBR1 what might reflect an increased demand for NBR1 in such conditions. Therefore, we investigated the role of this selective autophagy cargo receptor in plant response to sulfur deficit (-S). Transcriptome analysis of the wild type and NBR1 overexpressing plants pointed out differences in gene expression in response to -S. Our attention focused particularly on the genes upregulated by -S in roots of both lines because of significant overrepresentation of cytoplasmic ribosomal gene family. Moreover, we noticed overrepresentation of the same family in the set of proteins co-purifying with NBR1 in -S. One of these ribosomal proteins, RPS6 was chosen for verification of its direct interaction with NBR1 and proven to bind outside the NBR1 ubiquitin binding domains. The biological significance of this novel interaction and the postulated role of NBR1 in ribosomes remodeling in response to starvation remain to be further investigated. Interestingly, NBR1 overexpressing seedlings have significantly shorter roots than wild type when grown in nutrient deficient conditions in the presence of TOR kinase inhibitors. This phenotype probably results from excessive autophagy induction by the additive effect of NBR1 overexpression, starvation, and TOR inhibition.
Phase Diagram of Purified CNS Myelin Reveals Continuous Transformation between Expanded and Compacted Lamellar States
Authors: Pusterla Julio M. , Schneck Emanuel , Oliveira Rafael G.
Published: March 2020

Purified myelin membranes (PMMs) are the starting material for biochemical studies, from individual components up to the isolation of detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) fractions or detergent-insoluble glycosphingolipid (DIG) fractions, which are commonly believed to resemble physiological lipid rafts. The normal DIG isolation protocol involves the extraction of lipids under moderate cooling. The isolation of PMMs also involves the cooling of myelin as well as exposure to low ionic strength (IS). Here, we addressed the combined influence of cooling and IS on the structure of PMMs. The phase behaviour was investigated by small angle X-ray diffraction. Analysis of the diffraction peaks revealed the lamellar periodicity ( d ), the number of periodically correlated bilayers ( N ), and the relatives fractions of each phase. Departure from physiological conditions induced a phase separation in myelin. The effect of monovalent and divalent ions was also compared at equivalent IS, showing a differential effect, and phase diagrams for both ion types were established—Ca2+ induced the well-known over-compacted phase, but additionally we also found an expanded phase at low IS. Na+ promoted phase separation, and also induced over-compaction at sufficiently high IS. Finally, exploring the whole phase diagram, we found evidence for the direct isothermal transformation from the expanded to the compacted phase, suggesting that both phases could in fact originate from the identical primary lateral phase separation, whereas the apparent difference lies in the inter-bilayer interaction that is modulated by the ionic milieu.
VEGF Triggers Transient Induction of Autophagy in Endothelial Cells via AMPKα1
Authors: Spengler Katrin , Kryeziu Nderim , Große Silke , Mosig Alexander S. , Heller Regine
Published: March 2020

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in endothelial cells and it is significantly involved in VEGF-induced angiogenesis. This study investigates whether the VEGF/AMPK pathway regulates autophagy in endothelial cells and whether this is linked to its pro-angiogenic role. We show that VEGF leads to AMPKα1-dependent phosphorylation of Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) at its serine residue 556 and to the subsequent phosphorylation of the ULK1 substrate ATG14. This triggers initiation of autophagy as shown by phosphorylation of ATG16L1 and conjugation of the microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B, which indicates autophagosome formation; this is followed by increased autophagic flux measured in the presence of bafilomycin A1 and by reduced expression of the autophagy substrate p62. VEGF-induced autophagy is transient and probably terminated by mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is activated by VEGF in a delayed manner. We show that functional autophagy is required for VEGF-induced angiogenesis and may have specific functions in addition to maintaining homeostasis. In line with this, inhibition of autophagy impaired VEGF-mediated formation of the Notch intracellular domain, a critical regulator of angiogenesis. Our study characterizes autophagy induction as a pro-angiogenic function of the VEGF/AMPK pathway and suggests that timely activation of autophagy-initiating pathways may help to initiate angiogenesis.