bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re Extrapolation For The Iraq Marshes Which Falling Within The World Heritage List(A Literature Review)
Authors: J.L. Al-Zaidy Kadhim , Parisi Giuliana
Published: December 2019

The Mesopotamian Marshlands or The Garden of Eden, lies in the southern part of Iraq with estimated area of 15000-20000 km2. Historically, the area had pioneering role in the human civilization for over 5000 years. The indigenous people of the area are called “Marsh Arabs” or “Ma’dan” who are the descendants of the Sumerians and Semitic people. The former Iraqi regime (Saddam Hussein) had violently led an aggressive campaign to drain the marshes in 1991. Only %7 of the total area survived this campaign, which caused a mass destruction of the ecosystem and dwellers’ displacement. In 2003, water started to flow back to the area. Yet, the reflooding did not restore the whole former area of the wetlands. Moreover, the new ecosystem influenced the diversity and characteristics of the co-existing species in the area. In 2016, due to the importance of the Mesopotamian Marshlands, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed three marshes from the area as World Heritage Sites requiring conservation, namely: Hammar, Hwezeh and Central Marshes. The aim of this study is to re-evaluate the ecosystem of those three sites from a biological perspective by examining some challenges that should be dealt with to restore stability to this multi-thousand-year-old system
Routine Colonoscopy after Diverticulitis Should not be Performed to Rule Out Colorectal Cancer
Authors: PJ Dijkhorst , RJLF Loffeld
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Diverticulitis is a clinical diagnosis generally confirmed by a radiological examination. Guidelines recommend routine screening for colorectal cancer after the acute phase.
Aim: Patients diagnosed with diverticulitis were studied in order to gain more information on presence of concomitant abnormalities. Material and methods: Inclusion criterion was the radiologic diagnosis of diverticulitis. All consecutive requests for ultrasound and/ or CT-scan of the abdomen in a three year period, with Diverticulitis mentioned in application were included. If diverticulitis was diagnosed, than this specific investigation was included in the present study. Hospital records were searched for the presence of endoscopic investigation. Results: In the three year period 1410 consecutive ultrasound investigation and/or CT-scans of the abdomen were performed. After exclusions 198 patients remained with the radiological confirmed diagnosis of diverticulitis. Of these patients 127 (64%) underwent an additional endoscopy. Seventy one patients (36%) did not undergo a colonoscopy. There was no difference in gender or in age between both groups. Colonoscopy showed additional abnormalities in 22 (17.3%) of the patients. These were hyperplastic polyp(s) in six, adenomatous polyp(s) in nine, polyps without histological confirmation in three and segmental colitis in three. Two male patients were diagnosed with sigmoid cancer. Both had non-subsiding diverticulitis with abscess formation at the location of the tumor. Conclusion: It is safe to omit colonoscopy after an episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis. Only in cases of complications or persistent complaints cancer should be part of the differential diagnosis and a subsequent colonoscopy should be performed.
Persepsi Keparahan Kanker Serviks dan Keteraturan Melakukan Deteksi Dini Kanker Serviks
Authors: Maurida Nurul , Sukartini Tintin , Indarwati Retno
Published: December 2019

Cervical cancer is currently a global health problem. One of cervical cancer prevention is perform early detection. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between women’s perceived severity of cervical cancer and the regularity of early detection of cervical cancer. The research design was cross sectional. The research subject were women aged 30-50 years in working area of the Kalisat community health center in Jember Regency East Java as much as 92 womens with inclusion criteria was women who had been married for more than 3 years.The sampling technique was simple random sampling. The research instrument used questionare that has been tested for reliability validity. The results showed that most of respondents have poor perceived of severity (63%) and most of respondents have poor regularity of early detection (74%). The result of spearman rank test analysis showed that there was a relationship between women’s perceived severity of cervical cancer and the regularity of early detection of cervical cancer with p value = 0.000. Women need an intervention to improve their perceived severity of cervical cancer so that they can prevent cervical cancer with regular early detection

Keywords: perceived severity; cervical cancer; early detection

ABSTRAK

Kanker serviks saat ini merupakan masalah kesehatan global. Salah satu kanker serviks adalah melakukan deteksi dini. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis hubungan antara persepsi perempuan tentang keparahan kanker serviks terhadap keteraturan melakukan deteksi dini kanker serviks. Design penelitian adalah cross sectional. Subyek penelitian adalah perempuan usia 30-50 tahun di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Kalisat di Kabupaten Jember Jawa Timur sebanyak 92 perempuan dengan kriteria inklusi perempuan yang telah menikah lebih dari 3 tahun. Teknik sampling menggunakan simple random sampling. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan kuesioner yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sebagian besar responden memiliki persepsi keparahan kanker serviks yang kurang (63%) dan sebanyak besar responden memiliki keteraturan melakukan deteksi dini kanker serviks yang kurang (74%). Hasil uji spearman rank test menunjukkan ada hubungan antara persepsi perempuan tentang keparahan kanker serviks terhadap keteraturan melakukan deteksi dini kanker serviks dengan nilai p=0.000. Perempuan memerlukan suatu intervensi untuk meningkatkan persepsi mereka tentang keparahan kanker serviks agar perempuan dapat melakukan pencegahan kanker serviks dengan deteksi dini secara teratur.

Kata kunci: persepsi keparahan; kanker serviks; deteksi dini
Gambaran Arus Puncak Ekspirasi (APE) dan Kontrol Asma pada Pasien Asma
Authors: Nur Akbar , Amin Muhammad , Sajidin Muhammad , Kusnanto Kusnanto
Published: December 2019

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by episodic wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness due to airway obstruction. The aim of this study was to identify the peak expiratory flow (APE) and control of asthma in asthmatic patients at the Poly Paru Airlangga University Hospital and Home Haji General Hospital) Surabaya. This research method was descriptive study with a sample of 78 respondents. APE was measured using a Peak Flow Meter and asthma control using the Asthma Control Test (ACT) questionnaire. This study showed that APE and asthma control in all study subjects were 27-88% of the standard value. It can be concluded that there was a decrease in Peak Forced Expiration Flow and control of asthma in asthmatic patients. This study is expected to be a source of information for health professionals especially nurses regarding the value of Forced Expiration Peak Flow (APE) and asthma control in asthmatic patients.

Keywords: forced peak expiratory flow (APE); asthma control

ABSTRAK

Asma adalah penyakit jalan napas inflamasi kronis yang ditandai dengan mengi episodik, batuk, dan sesak dada akibat obstruksi jalan napas.tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi Arus Puncak Ekspirasi (APE) dan kontrol asma pada pasien asma di poli Paru Rumah Sakit Universitas Airlangga dan Rumah Sakit Umum Haji) Surabaya. Metode penelitian ini studi deskriptif dengan ukran sampel 78 responden. APE diukur menggunakan Peak Flow Meter dan kontrol asma menggunakan kuisioner Asthma Control Test (ACT). Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa APE dan kontrol asma pada seluruh subyek penelitian 27-88 % dari nilai standar.dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat penurunan Arus Puncak Ekspirasi Paksa dan kontrol asma pada pasien asma. Penelitian ini diharapkan menjadi sumber informasi bagi tenaga kesehatan khsusnya perawat mengenai nilai Arus Puncak Ekspirasi Paksa (APE) dan kontrol asma pada pasien asma.

Kata kunci: arus puncak ekspirasi paksa (APE); kontrol asma
Reduced Glutamate in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Is Associated With Emotional and Cognitive Dysregulation in People With Chronic Pain
Authors: Naylor Brooke , Hesam-Shariati Negin , McAuley James H. , Boag Simon , Newton-John Toby , Rae Caroline D. , Gustin Sylvia M.
Published: December 2019

A decrease in glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been extensively found in animal models of chronic pain. Given that the mPFC is implicated in emotional appraisal, cognition and extinction of fear, could a potential decrease in glutamate be associated with increased pessimistic thinking, fear and worry symptoms commonly found in people with chronic pain? To clarify this question, 19 chronic pain subjects and 19 age- and gender-matched control subjects without pain underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both groups also completed the Temperament and Character, the Beck Depression and the State Anxiety Inventories to measure levels of harm avoidance, depression, and anxiety, respectively. People with chronic pain had significantly higher scores in harm avoidance, depression and anxiety compared to control subjects without pain. High levels of harm avoidance are characterized by excessive worry, pessimism, fear, doubt and fatigue. Individuals with chronic pain showed a significant decrease in mPFC glutamate levels compared to control subjects without pain. In people with chronic pain mPFC glutamate levels were significantly negatively correlated with harm avoidance scores. This means that the lower the concentration of glutamate in the mPFC, the greater the total scores of harm avoidance. High scores are associated with fearfulness, pessimism, and fatigue-proneness. We suggest that chronic pain, particularly the stress-induced release of glucocorticoids, induces changes in glutamate transmission in the mPFC, thereby influencing cognitive, and emotional processing. Thus, in people with chronic pain, regulation of fear, worry, negative thinking and fatigue is impaired.
Small-Scale Mechanical Harvesting and Tractor-Caused Soil Compaction Reduce Early Growth in Sugarcane
Authors: Zhao Peifang , Guo Jiawen , Gao Xinxin , Liu Gaoyuan , Li Yangrui , Burner David M. , Yang Litao
Published: December 2019

Sugarcane is an important crop for sugar and biofuel production worldwide. It is mostly grown on hilly area by smallholders in China, which makes harvesting by a combine harvester impractical. Harvesting sugarcane by a small-scale harvester could be more practical. However, information about the impact of small-scale mechanical harvesting on soil compaction (SC), early growth and cane yield, and its yield components is still limited. The scarcity of quantitative information is equally true for the genotype and harvesting method interaction for traits describing early growth and final yield in sugarcane. Field experiments were conducted in a plant and two consequent ratoon crops (RCs) during 2016–2018 in Kaiyuan, Yunnan Province, China, to determine the impact of small-scale mechanical harvesting followed by tractor passages (SMH) on SC, sugarcane early growth and yield, and yield components, and to determine the genotype x treatment (harvesting methods, GT) interactions. The results indicated that, when compared to manual harvesting (MH), SMH significantly (p < 0.05) increased SC at 5, 10, and 20 cm depths by 0.6, 0.71, and 0.69 MPa for the first ratoon crop (RC), respectively; and increased by 1.4, 2.02, and 1.72 MPa at 10, 20, and 30 cm depths for the second RC, respectively. The amounts of underground bud bank (UBB) in RCs were nearly nine times the buds for establishing the plant crop (PC); positive correlations between the UBB and seedling counts were observed, with the highest correlations (r = 0.8453) occurring in May for the second RC. As compared with MH, stool damage and gaps were significantly higher in SMH; meanwhile, the UBB was lower in two RCs; the amount of seedlings, plant height, and height uniformity were significantly lower in SMH. Cane yield declined more in SMH, particularly declining by 20.59% from the first RC to the second RC. With respect to sugarcane production by SMH, the existence of significant GT interactions for stool damage, gaps, early seedling, millable stalks, and height uniformity at the maturing stage suggested that genotype selection trials should be conducted under the SMH rather than in MH.
Classification of Crop Tolerance to Heat and Drought—A Deep Convolutional Neural Networks Approach
Authors: Khaki Saeed , Khalilzadeh Zahra , Wang Lizhi
Published: December 2019

Environmental stresses, such as drought and heat, can cause substantial yield loss in agriculture. As such, hybrid crops that are tolerant to drought and heat stress would produce more consistent yields compared to the hybrids that are not tolerant to these stresses. In the 2019 Syngenta Crop Challenge, Syngenta released several large datasets that recorded the yield performances of 2452 corn hybrids planted in 1560 locations between 2008 and 2017 and asked participants to classify the corn hybrids as either tolerant or susceptible to drought stress, heat stress and combined drought and heat stress. However, no data was provided that classified any set of hybrids as tolerant or susceptible to any type of stress. In this paper, we present an unsupervised approach to solving this problem, which was recognized as one of the winners in the 2019 Syngenta Crop Challenge. Our results labeled 121 hybrids as drought tolerant, 193 as heat tolerant and 29 as tolerant to both stresses.
TP53INP2 Promotes Bovine Adipocytes Differentiation Through Autophagy Activation
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Li Peiwei , Wang Shijie , Cheng Gong , Wang Li , Mi Xue , Su Xiaotong , Wang Yaning , Zan Linsen
Published: December 2019

Tumor protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 2 (TP53INP2) is a key positive regulator of autophagy, and it has been shown to modulate adipocyte differentiation. However, the molecular mechanism involved in autophagy regulation during adipocyte differentiation has not been clarified. Our experiments were intended to investigate whether TP53INP2 is involved in the regulation of autophagy during bovine adipocyte differentiation and how TP53INP2 affects the differentiation of bovine adipocytes. In our research, using RT-qPCR and Western blot methods, we found that the overexpression of TP53INP2 resulted in the upregulation of adipogenesis and autophagy-related genes, and autophagy flux and the degree of differentiation were detected by LipidTOX™ Deep Red Neutral Lipid staining and dansylcadaverine staining, respectively. The knockdown of TP53INP2 produced results that were the inverse of those produced by the overexpression of TP53INP2. Overall, our results suggested that TP53INP2 can activate autophagy during the early stage of differentiation in bovine adipocytes and positively regulate adipocyte differentiation by affecting autophagy. Additionally, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) also contributed to the function of TP53INP2 in modulating adipocyte differentiation.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters by Single-Trait and Multi-Trait Models for Carcass Traits in Hanwoo Cattle
Authors: Srivastava Swati , Lopez Bryan Irvine , Heras-Saldana Sara de las , Park Jong-Eun , Shin Dong-Hyun , Chai Han-Ha , Park Woncheol , Lee Seung-Hwan , Lim Dajeong
Published: December 2019

Hanwoo breed is preferred in South Korea because of the high standards in marbling and the palatability of its meat. Numerous studies have been conducted and are ongoing to increase the meat production and quality in this beef population. The aim of this study was to estimate and compare genetic parameters for carcass traits using BLUPF90 software. Four models were constructed, single trait pedigree model (STPM), single-trait genomic model (STGM), multi-trait pedigree model (MTPM), and multi-trait genomic model (MTGM), using the pedigree, phenotype, and genomic information of 7991 Hanwoo cattle. Four carcass traits were evaluated: Back fat thickness (BFT), carcass weight (CWT), eye muscle area (EMA), and marbling score (MS). Heritability estimates of 0.40 and 0.41 for BFT, 0.33 and 0.34 for CWT, 0.36 and 0.37 for EMA, and 0.35 and 0.38 for MS were obtained for the single-trait pedigree model and the multi-trait pedigree model, respectively, in Hanwoo. Further, the genomic model showed more improved results compared to the pedigree model, with heritability of 0.39 (CWT), 0.39 (EMA), and 0.46 (MS), except for 0.39 (BFT), which may be due to random events. Utilization of genomic information in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has allowed more capturing of the variance from the traits improving the variance components.
Citrox Improves the Quality and Shelf Life of Chicken Fillets Packed under Vacuum and Protects against Some Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Yehia Hany Mohamed , Elkhadragy Manal Fawzy , Al-Megrin Wafa Abdullah , Al-Masoud Abdulrahman Hamad
Published: December 2019

Natural antibacterial agents such as citrox are effective against many foodborne pathogens and foods contaminated with bacteria. We studied the antimicrobial effects of citrox solutions (1% and 2%) on the total viable counts of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in chicken meat fillets. The total coliform group counts found in the chicken samples were also determined. The samples were treated with S. aureus at a concentration of 106 colony-forming units (cfu)/g of meat and vacuum-packed (VP) at 4 °C for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 days. We also studied the effect of citrox on the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) content and pH changes during the storage period of the meat samples. The results revealed that citrox inhibited the growth of MRSA in the chicken fillets. The total viable counts of MRSA decreased after treatment with 2% citrox in all treated samples that were stored at 4 °C by approximately 2 log units compared with the samples inoculated with S. aureus (Chicken-Staph groups) after 3, 6, 9, and 12 days of storage, and by approximately 1 log unit compared with the control samples treated with salt (Chicken-Salt groups) after 3, 6, and 9 days of storage. TVBN was reduced in the Chicken-Citrox-treated samples stored at 4 °C compared with the Chicken-Staph- and Chicken-Salt-treated samples. The results indicated that citrox is effective in reducing the total counts of MRSA and in improving the quality of chicken during the first three days of storage by reducing the number of bacteria by 1 log unit and extending the shelf life of chicken.
Beef Production Systems with Steers of Dairy and Dairy × Beef Breeds Based on Forage and Semi-Natural Pastures
Authors: Hessle Anna , Therkildsen Margrethe , Arvidsson-Segerkvist Katarina
Published: December 2019

This study compared animal performance and carcass characteristics in steers born to a dairy breed dam and a dairy or beef breed sire allocated to one out of two production systems, both including grazing semi-natural pastures during summer. Spring-born groups comprising 16 purebred dairy (D) steers and 16 dairy × Charolais crossbreeds (C) were allocated to moderately high indoor feed intensity with slaughter at 21 months of age (H), while two corresponding autumn-born groups of 16 D and 16 C animals were allocated to low indoor feed intensity with slaughter at 28 months of age (L). The animals were mainly fed grass-clover silage while housed. The H steers grazed semi-natural pastures for one summer, whereas the L steers grazed semi-natural pastures for two summers. From weaning to slaughter, liveweight gain was 0.94 and 0.77 kg day−1 for H and L steers, respectively (p < 0.0001), with no breed effect on weight gain. However, C carcasses had a higher weight, conformation score, and proportion of high-valued retail cuts than D carcasses (p ≤ 0.004). Moreover, conformation differed more between LC and LD than between HC and HD. From this study on forage and pasture-based beef production, we concluded that breed had no effect on the performance of living animals, but that dairy × beef crossbred steers produced heavier and higher-quality carcasses than pure-bred dairy steers.
Function of Cryopreserved Cat Ovarian Tissue after Autotransplantation
Authors: Vilela Janice M. V. , Leonel Ellen C. R. , Gonçalves Liudimila P. , Paiva Raísa E. G. , Amaral Rodrigo S. , Amorim Christiani A. , Lucci Carolina M.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to assess a slow-freezing protocol of cat ovarian tissue cryopreservation using autotransplantation. Four adult queens were ovariohysterectomized and the ovaries were fragmented and cryopreserved. After one week, the grafts were thawed and autografted to the subcutaneous tissue of the dorsal neck of each queen, then randomly removed after 7, 14, 28, 49, and 63 days after transplantation. Percentages of morphologically normal primordial and growing follicles (MNFs) were 88% and 97%, respectively, in fresh tissue samples (fresh controls), and 74% and 100%, respectively, immediately after thawing (cryo D0). No MNFs were found after 49 days of transplantation. In both fresh control and cryo D0 fragments, granulosa cells were frequently in proliferation. Two morphologically normal antral follicles were detected in one queen on Day 28 post-transplantation. Connective tissue fibers increased, suggesting replacement of active ovarian cortex by fibrous tissue. Tissue vascularization was observed at 7 days after grafting, and wide blood vessels were clearly visible on Days 49 and 63. In conclusion, although follicular survival was low after cryopreservation and grafting of cat ovarian tissue, follicles were able to develop up to the antral stage, which is an encouraging outcome.
Differential Expression of ACTL8 Gene and Association Study of Its Variations with Growth Traits in Chinese Cattle
Authors: Cai Cuicui , Xu Jiawei , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Xianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Yang Xueyao , Xie Jianliang , Li Yuhua , Chen Hong
Published: December 2019

Mutations are heritable changes at the base level of genomic DNA. Furthermore, mutations lead to genetic polymorphisms and may alter animal growth phenotypes. Our previous study found that mutations in the bovine Actin-like protein 8 (ACTL8) gene may be involved in muscle growth and development. This study explored several mutations of the ACTL8 gene and their influence on body size in Chinese beef cattle, as well as tested the tissue expression profile of the ACTL8 gene in Qinchuan cattle at different ages. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (including one synonymous mutation (c.2135552895G > A)) and two insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels) were identified in the ACTL8 gene from 1138 cattle by DNA-seq, RFLP and other methods. Then, the expression profile of the ACTL8 gene in Qinchuan cattle showed that it was expressed in heart, spleen, lung, liver, muscle, and fat tissues. Moreover, the expression level of ACTL8 was increased with cattle growth (p < 0.01). The ACTL8 mRNA expression level in kidney and muscle tissues was the highest in the calves, while lowest in the fetal stage. Overall, we showed that the mutations could act as markers in beef molecular breeding and selection of the growth traits of cattle.
Identification of a Type-Specific Epitope in the ORF2 Protein of Duck Astrovirus Type 1
Authors: Lan Jingjing , Zhang Ruihua , Li Pengfei , Chen Junhao , Xie Zhijing , Jiang Shijin
Published: December 2019

Duck astrovirus type 1 (DAstV-1) infection constitutes a cause of viral hepatitis in ducklings and little is known about the B-cell epitope of DAstV-1. In this study, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 3D2 against open reading frame 2 (ORF2) protein of DAstV-1 was used to identify the possible epitope in the four serotypes of DAstV. The mAb 3D2 showed no neutralization activity to DAstV-1, and reacted with the conserved linear B-cell epitopes of 454STTESA459 in DAstV-1 ORF2 protein. Sequence analysis, dot blot assay, and cross-reactivity test indicated that the epitope peptide was highly conserved in DAstV-1 sequence and mAb 3D2 had no cross-reactivity with other DAstV serotypes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about identification of the specific conserved linear B-cell epitope of DAstV-1, which will facilitate the serologic diagnosis of DAstV-1 infection.
Composition and Factors Affecting Quality of Bovine Colostrum: A Review
Authors: Puppel Kamila , Gołębiewski Marcin , Grodkowski Grzegorz , Slósarz Jan , Kunowska-Slósarz Małgorzata , Solarczyk Paweł , Łukasiewicz Monika , Balcerak Marek , Przysucha Tomasz
Published: December 2019

Colostrum as a secretion of the mammary gland is produced and accumulated in the final stage of pregnancy and in the first days after calving. It is designed to provide the calf with the necessary nutrients and biologically active ingredients. One of the most difficult periods in the life of animals is their rearing, and the most sensitive are the first days after birth. This is the time when most falls occur, and they are caused by mortality and morbidity, even at the level of 30%. Such losses affect the performance and profitability of animal production (the percentage of animals intended for reproduction or fattening is reduced and the intensity of selection in the herd is also reduced). Both diseases and mortality are the cause of serious economic, production, and breeding losses, which are the result of weak immune mechanisms. The adaptability of calves to the environment is determined by their immune status. Colostrum has a regulating function and stimulates the young organism to grow, and it has properties that support the functioning of systems: Endocrine and immunological. For colostrum to fulfil its role, it must be administered immediately after birth, because the immunoglobulins it contains are absorbed during the first 16–27 h after the birth of the calf, preferably within 2–4 h of age. Blood from calves that have been properly calved should have an antibody concentration of 15g/L (24–48 h of age). Therefore, immunoglobulins are the most important factor affecting infectious immunity; an adequate concentration of immunoglobulins in calves’ blood is related to their survival and health. It is the intent of this review to synthesize and summarize the information currently available on colostrum, as well as to discuss the interpretation of the results.
Activity Rhythms of Coexisting Red Serow and Chinese Serow at Mt. Gaoligong as Identified by Camera Traps
Authors: Chen Yixin , Xiao Zhishu , Zhang Long , Wang Xinwen , Li Ming , Xiang Zuofu
Published: December 2019

Surveying the activity rhythms of sympatric herbivorous mammals is essential for understanding their niche ecology, especially for how they partition resources and their mechanisms of coexistence. Over a five-year period, we conducted infrared camera-trapping to monitor the activity rhythms of coexisting red serow (Capricornis rubidus) and Chinese serow (C. milneedwardsii milneedwardsii) in the remote mountainous region of Pianma, Mt. Gaoligong, Yunnan, China. Cameras captured images of red serow and Chinese serow on 157 and 179 occasions, respectively. We used circular kernel density models to analyze daily activity rhythms and how temporal variations in activity ensure their co-existence. Although their overall activity levels and patterns were similar, temporal activity and behavior partitioning among the two species occurred during the wet season. Compared with Chinese serows, red serows exhibited less variable daily activity levels, patterns, as well as feeding and vigilance behaviors between seasons. When the two species occasionally ranged together, red serows tended to alter their activity pattern while Chinese serows significantly increased their activity level. Red serow and Chinese serow are exploitative competitors but coexist by altering their daily activity rhythms when in contact and changing activity patterns during the wet season, enabling their coexistence.
Forecasting Landslides via Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Modeling: Helong Landslide Case Study
Authors: Peng Wei , Song Shengyuan , Yu Chongjia , Bao Yiding , Sui Jiaxuan , Hu Ying
Published: December 2019

Forecasting the occurrence potential of landslides is important but challenging. We aimed to forecast the failure potential of the Helong landslide, which is temporarily stable but has clearly deformed in recent years. To achieve the goal, we used reconnaissance, remote sensing, drilling, laboratory tests, topographical analysis, and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). The factor of safety (FOS) of the slope was first calculated using a limit equilibrium method. The results show the FOS of the slope was 1.856 under natural conditions, 1.506 under the earthquake conditions, 1.318 under light rainfall, 0.986 under heavy rainfall, 1.075 under light rainfall and earthquake, and 0.832 under simultaneous heavy rainfall and earthquake. When the FOS is less than 1.35, the slope is considered metastable according to the Technical Code for Building Slope Engineering (GB50330-2013) published by the Chinese Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. Based on the drilling data and digital elevation data, a three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) model was used to simulate potential landslides. The simulation was used to examine catastrophic slope failure under heavy rainfall conditions within a range of friction coefficients and the corresponding affected areas were determined. Then, we analyzed a typical run-out process. The dynamic information of the run-out behavior, including velocity, run-out distance, and depth, were obtained, which is useful for decision support and future landslide hazard assessment.
Multiscale Damage Evolution Analysis of Aluminum Alloy Based on Defect Visualization
Authors: Bao Yuquan , Yang Yali , Chen Hao , Li Yongfang , Shen Jie , Yang Shuwei
Published: December 2019

The evaluation of fatigue life through the mechanism of fatigue damage accumulation is still a challenging task in engineering structure failure analysis. A multiscale fatigue damage evolution model was proposed for describing both the mesoscopic voids propagation in the mesoscopic-scale and fatigue damage evolution process, reflecting the progressive degradation of metal components in the macro-scale. An effective method of defect classification was used to implement 3D reconstruction technology based on the MCT (micro-computed tomography) scanning damage data with ABAQUS subroutine. The effectiveness was validated through the comparison with the experimental data of fatigue damage accumulation. Our results indicated that the multiscale fatigue damage evolution model built a bridge between mesoscopic damage and macroscopic fracture, which not only used the damage variable in the macro-scale to characterize the mesoscopic damage evolution indirectly but also understood macroscopic material degradation behavior from mesoscale with sufficient precision. Furthermore, the multiscale fatigue damage evolution model could offer a new reasonable explanation of the effect of load sequence on fatigue life, and also could predict the fatigue life based on damage data by nondestructive testing techniques.
Potential of Advanced Consolidants for the Application on Sandstone
Authors: Remzova Monika , Zouzelka Radek , Lukes Jaroslav , Rathousky Jiri
Published: December 2019

Alkoxy-based consolidants are widely used for conservation of cultural heritage objects made from sandstones. Even if such consolidants were introduced into practice already in the 19th century, their performance has been enhanced by several modifications to their composition only recently. To obtain a relevant comparison of their application potential, both commercial (Remmers KSE OH and SurfaPore FX SB) and a self-developed particle-modified ethyl silicate consolidant supplemented with two phosphate-based ones, were assessed. Importantly, the potential toxicity of our novel consolidants was considered. Since the stone substrate should mimic the properties of naturally weathered stone, sandstone from the Msene quarry in Central Bohemia, characterized by a high porosity and relatively low mechanical strength, is selected. From practical point of view, the long-term durability of the consolidation effect is crucial compared to the initial level of consolidation. Regarding the determination of durability of the sandstone consolidation according to an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) accelerated weathering test, we performed mechanical tests in micro- (nanoindentation) and macroscale (drilling resistance measurements). The cohesion of the consolidant xerogels in the pores were determined by sorption experiments in gas phase. The durability of our TiO2 and ZnO particle-modified consolidants is superior to that of the commercial products. The aqueous diammonium hydrogen phosphate-based consolidant, which also shows exceptional durability, reveals itself to be a promising product for not only carbonate but also sandstone materials.
The American Flag and the Alaska Native Brotherhood
Authors: Moore Emily L.
Published: December 2019

The Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) (est. 1912) is one of the oldest Indigenous rights groups in the United States. Although critics have accused the ANB of endorsing assimilationist policies in its early years, recent scholarship has re-evaluated the strategies of the ANB to advance Tlingit and Haida governance at the same time that they pursued a strategic commitment to the settler state. Contributing to this re-appraisal of the early ANB, this article examines photographic documentation of the use of the American flag in ANB Halls from the period 1914–1945. I argue that the pairing of the American flag with Indigenous imagery in ANB Halls communicated the ANB’s commitment to U.S. citizenship and to Tlingit and Haida sovereignty.
Influence of the Airflow in a Solar Passive Building on the Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Levels
Authors: Conceição Eusébio , Gomes João , Awbi Hazim
Published: December 2019

The influence of the airflow in a solar passive building on the indoor air quality and thermal comfort levels was investigated. The numerical study for a university library was conducted using a software that simulates the building thermal behavior with complex topology, in transient conditions, for evaluating the indoor air quality and occupants’ thermal comfort levels for typical summer and winter days. Solar radiation was used as a renewable energy source to increase simultaneously the thermal comfort and air quality levels and reduce building energy consumption. Regarding the solar passive building, consideration was given to all of the building structure envelope, shading devices and interior details, while in the solar active building active ventilation was used. To analyze the airflow that simultaneously provides the best indoor air quality and thermal comfort levels, a new integral methodology based on the minimization of the total number of uncomfortable hours was used. The results show that it was possible to determine an air change rate that ensures a good compromise between thermal comfort and indoor air quality. An optimal air change rate of two and three renewals per hour had been determined, respectively, for winter and summer conditions.
Low Complexity Automatic Stationary Wavelet Transform for Elimination of Eye Blinks from EEG
Authors: Shahbakhti Mohammad , Maugeon Maxime , Beiramvand Matin , Marozas Vaidotas
Published: December 2019

The electroencephalogram signal (EEG) often suffers from various artifacts and noises that have physiological and non-physiological origins. Among these artifacts, eye blink, due to its amplitude is considered to have the most influence on EEG analysis. In this paper, a low complexity approach based on Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) and skewness is proposed to remove eye blink artifacts from EEG signals. The proposed method is compared against Automatic Wavelet Independent Components Analysis (AWICA) and Enhanced AWICA. Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and correlation coefficient ( ρ ) between filtered and pure EEG signals are utilized to quantify artifact removal performance. The proposed approach shows smaller NRMSE, larger PSNR, and larger correlation coefficient values compared to the other methods. Furthermore, the speed of execution of the proposed method is considerably faster than other methods, which makes it more suitable for real-time processing.
The Task at Hand: Fatigue-Associated Changes in Cortical Excitability During Writing
Authors: Cinelli Kezia T. M. , Green Lara A. , Kalmar Jayne M.
Published: December 2019

Measures of corticospinal excitability (CSE) made via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) depend on the task performed during stimulation. Our purpose was to determine whether fatigue-induced changes in CSE made during a conventional laboratory task (isometric finger abduction) reflect the changes measured during a natural motor task (writing). We assessed single-and paired-pulse motor evoked potentials (MEPs) recorded from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) of 19 participants before and after a fatigue protocol (submaximal isometric contractions) on two randomized days. The fatigue protocol was identical on the two days, but the tasks used to assess CSE before and after fatigue differed. Specifically, MEPs were evoked during a writing task on one day and during isometric finger abduction to a low-level target that matched muscle activation during writing on the other day. There was greater variability in MEP amplitude (F (1,18) = 13.55, p < 0.01) during writing compared to abduction. When participants were divided into groups according to writing style (printers, n = 8; cursive writers, n = 8), a task x fatigue x style interaction was revealed for intracortical facilitation (F (1,14) = 9.90, p < 0.01), which increased by 28% after fatigue in printers but did not change in cursive writers nor during the abduction task. This study is the first to assess CSE during hand-writing. Our finding that fatigue-induced changes in intracortical facilitation depend on the motor task used during TMS, highlights the need to consider the task-dependent nature of CSE when applying results to movement outside of the laboratory.
A Novel Mesoporous Carbon as Potential Conductive Additive for a Li-Ion Battery Cathode
Authors: Vélez Victor , López Betty , Palacio Ruben , Sierra Ligia
Published: December 2019

A new mesoporous carbon (MC) is obtained from pyrolysis of resorcinol/formaldehyde resin, polymerized in the presence of tetraethoxysilane and Pluronic F108, followed by pyrolysis at 800 °C and silica removal. The reaction mixture in a molar ratio of 1F108/60resorcinol/292 formaldehyde/16900 H2O/50 tetraethoxysilane heated at 67 °C produces MC nanoparticles (200 nm average size) exhibiting 3D bimodal mesopores (3.9 and 8.2 nm), 1198 m2/g surface area, 1.8 cm3/g pore volume, and important graphitic character for use as a conductive material. Composites LiFePO4/carbon prepared with MC or commercial Super P, by the slurry method, were tested as coin Li-ion battery (LiB) cathodes. Super P (40 nm average particle size) exhibits better graphitic character, but lower porosity than MC. LiFePO4/MC shows better specific capacity (161 mAhg−1) than LiFePO4/Super P (126 mAhg−1), with a retention capacity (RC) after cycling at C/10 of 81%. Both composites with MC and Super P show well-distributed particles. According to impedance analysis, MC mesoporosity improves the charge transfer kinetics (CTK) more than Super P, producing a cathode with higher efficiency, although lithium ions’ diffusion decreases because larger MC particles form longer diffusion paths. Owing to the good specific capacity of the LiB cathode prepared with MC, research looking into improving its retention capacity should be a focus.
Microfluidic Droplet Digital PCR Is a Powerful Tool for Detection of BRAF and TERT Mutations in Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Ylli Dorina , Patel Aneeta , Jensen Kirk , Li Zhao-Zhang , Mendonca-Torres Maria Cecilia , Costello John , Gomes-Lima Cristiane Jeyce , Wartofsky Leonard , Burman Kenneth Dale , Vasko Vasyl V.
Published: December 2019

We examined the utility of microfluidic digital PCR (dPCR) for detection of BRAF and TERT mutations in thyroid tumors. DNA extracted from 100 thyroid tumors (10 follicular adenomas, 10 follicular cancers, 5 medullary cancers, and 75 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) were used for detection of BRAF and TERT mutations. Digital PCRs were performed using rare mutation SNP genotyping assays on QuantStudio 3D platform. In PTCs, BRAFV600E was detected by dPCR and Sanger sequencing in 42/75 (56%) and in 37/75 (49%), respectively. BRAFV600E was not detected in other tumors. The ratio of mutant/total BRAF alleles varied from 4.7% to 47.5%. These ratios were higher in classical PTCs (27.1%) as compared to follicular variant PTCs (9.4%) p = 0.001. In PTCs with and without metastases, the ratios of mutant/total BRAF alleles were 27.6% and 18.4%, respectively, (p = 0.03). In metastatic lesions percentages of mutant/total BRAF alleles were similar to those detected in primary tumors. TERTC228T and TERTC250T were found in two and one cases, respectively, and these tumors concomitantly harbored BRAFV600E. These tumors exhibited gross extra-thyroidal extension, metastases to lymph nodes, and pulmonary metastases (one case). Our results showed that dPCR allows quantitative assessment of druggable targets in PTCs and could be helpful in a molecular-based stratification of prognosis in patients with thyroid cancer.
Inhibition of miR-214-3p Aids in Preventing Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Malignancy by Increasing the Expression of LHX6
Authors: Yang Changwon , Kim Hee Seung , Park Soo Jin , Lee Eun Ji , Kim Se Ik , Song Gwonhwa , Lim Whasun
Published: December 2019

In human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), various miRNAs can function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. We investigated miRNAs known to be involved in EOC progression and analyzed their expression in tissues and serum-derived exosomes from benign serous cystadenoma, borderline serous tumor, low-grade serous ovarian cancer, and high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients (HGSO). The HGSO group was divided based on the platinum-free interval, which is defined as the duration from the completion of platinum-based chemotherapy to recurrence. We also analyzed the mRNA levels of target genes that candidate miRNAs might regulate in patient tissues. miR-214-3p was highly expressed in tissues and exosomes derived from EOC with high malignancy and also found to regulate the expression of LIM homeobox domain 6 (LHX6) mRNA. Serum exosomal levels of miR-214-3p were significantly increased in platinum-resistant HGSO (25.2-fold, p < 0.001) compared to the exosomal expression of benign tumor patients. On transfection of miR-214-3p inhibitor in EOC cells, cell proliferation was inhibited while apoptotic cell death was increased. Collectively, we suggest that miR-214-3p in serum exosomes can be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian tumor, and its inhibition can be a supportive treatment for EOC.
The Landscape of Long Non-Coding RNA Dysregulation and Clinical Relevance in Muscle Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Haotian , Wong Lindsay M. , Li Wei Tse , Chu Megan , High Rachel A. , Chang Eric Y. , Wang-Rodriguez Jessica , Ongkeko Weg M.
Published: December 2019

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, but few advancements in treatment options have occurred in the past few decades. This study aims to identify the most clinically relevant long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to serve as potential biomarkers and treatment targets for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Using RNA-sequencing data from 406 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we identified differentially expressed lncRNAs in MIBC vs. normal tissues. We then associated lncRNA expression with patient survival, clinical variables, oncogenic signatures, cancer- and immune-associated pathways, and genomic alterations. We identified a panel of 20 key lncRNAs that were most implicated in MIBC prognosis after differential expression analysis and prognostic correlations. Almost all lncRNAs we identified are correlated significantly with oncogenic processes. In conclusion, we discovered previously undescribed lncRNAs strongly implicated in the MIBC disease course that may be leveraged for diagnostic and treatment purposes in the future. Functional analysis of these lncRNAs may also reveal distinct mechanisms of bladder cancer carcinogenesis.
Modifying the Tumour Microenvironment: Challenges and Future Perspectives for Anticancer Plasma Treatments
Authors: Privat-Maldonado Angela , Bengtson Charlotta , Razzokov Jamoliddin , Smits Evelien , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: December 2019

Tumours are complex systems formed by cellular (malignant, immune, and endothelial cells, fibroblasts) and acellular components (extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents and secreted factors). A close interplay between these factors, collectively called the tumour microenvironment, is required to respond appropriately to external cues and to determine the treatment outcome. Cold plasma (here referred as ‘plasma’) is an emerging anticancer technology that generates a unique cocktail of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to eliminate cancerous cells via multiple mechanisms of action. While plasma is currently regarded as a local therapy, it can also modulate the mechanisms of cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication, which could facilitate the propagation of its effect in tissue and distant sites. However, it is still largely unknown how the physical interactions occurring between cells and/or the ECM in the tumour microenvironment affect the plasma therapy outcome. In this review, we discuss the effect of plasma on cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication in the context of the tumour microenvironment and suggest new avenues of research to advance our knowledge in the field. Furthermore, we revise the relevant state-of-the-art in three-dimensional in vitro models that could be used to analyse cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM communication and further strengthen our understanding of the effect of plasma in solid tumours.