bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource Scheduling in Cloud Computing Based on a Hybridized Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Strumberger Ivana , Bacanin  Nebojsa , Tuba Milan , Tuba Eva
Published: November 2019

The cloud computing paradigm, as a novel computing resources delivery platform, has significantly impacted society with the concept of on-demand resource utilization through virtualization technology. Virtualization enables the usage of available physical resources in a way that multiple end-users can share the same underlying hardware infrastructure. In cloud computing, due to the expectations of clients, as well as on the providers side, many challenges exist. One of the most important nondeterministic polynomial time (NP) hard challenges in cloud computing is resource scheduling, due to its critical impact on the cloud system performance. Previously conducted research from this domain has shown that metaheuristics can substantially improve cloud system performance if they are used as scheduling algorithms. This paper introduces a hybridized whale optimization algorithm, that falls into the category of swarm intelligence metaheuristics, adapted for tackling the resource scheduling problem in cloud environments. To more precisely evaluate performance of the proposed approach, original whale optimization was also adapted for resource scheduling. Considering the two most important mechanisms of any swarm intelligence algorithm (exploitation and exploration), where the efficiency of a swarm algorithm depends heavily on their adjusted balance, the original whale optimization algorithm was enhanced by addressing its weaknesses of inappropriate exploitation–exploration trade-off adjustments and the premature convergence. The proposed hybrid algorithm was first tested on a standard set of bound-constrained benchmarks with the goal to more accurately evaluate its performance. After, simulations were performed using two different resource scheduling models in cloud computing with real, as well as with artificial data sets. Simulations were performed on the robust CloudSim platform. A hybrid whale optimization algorithm was compared with other state-of-the-art metaheurisitcs and heuristics, as well as with the original whale optimization for all conducted experiments. Achieved results in all simulations indicate that the proposed hybrid whale optimization algorithm, on average, outperforms the original version, as well as other heuristics and metaheuristics. By using the proposed algorithm, improvements in tackling the resource scheduling issue in cloud computing have been established, as well enhancements to the original whale optimization implementation.
Disturbances Generated by Lighting Systems with LED Lamps and the Reduction in Their Impacts
Authors: Putz Łukasz , Bednarek Karol , Nawrowski Ryszard
Published: November 2019

The paper deals with electromagnetic disturbances in the form of current higher harmonics, which are generated by LED lighting elements. It presents the problems related to the formation and impact of higher harmonics in the electrical systems of commercial facilities. The results of tests and analyses of current distortions for two different LED lamps are included, and these are in reference to the parameters set out in the normal applicable standards. A system was then proposed to improve the quality of energy in the mains of commercial facilities in the form of a two-stage power supply. Tests of the systems with the aforementioned LED lamps were conducted and commented upon after introduction of the two-stage power supply. The final part of the paper contains a summary of the obtained test results.
Variations in Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Response to Short-Term Changes in Weather Variables at Three Elevation Ranges, Wakiso District, Uganda
Authors: Fatumah Nakiguli , Munishi Linus K. , Ndakidemi Patrick A.
Published: November 2019

Weather conditions are among the major factors leading to the increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes from the agricultural soils. In this study, variations in the soil GHG fluxes with precipitation and soil temperatures at different elevation ranges in banana–coffee farms, in the Wakiso District, Uganda, were evaluated. The soil GHG fluxes were collected weekly, using the chamber method, and analyzed by using gas chromatography. Parallel soil temperature samples were collected by using a REOTEMP soil thermometer. Daily precipitation was measured with an automated weather station instrument installed on-site. The results showed that CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes were significantly different between the sites at different elevation ranges. Daily precipitation and soil temperatures significantly (p < 0.05) affected the soil GHG fluxes. Along an elevation gradient, daily precipitation and soil temperatures positively associated with the soil GHG fluxes. The combined factors of daily precipitation and soil temperatures also influence the soil GHG fluxes, but their effect was less than that of the single effects. Overall, daily precipitation and soil temperatures are key weather factors driving the soil GHG fluxes in time and space. This particular study suggests that agriculture at lower elevation levels would help reduce the magnitudes of the soil GHG fluxes. However, this study did not measure the soil GHG fluxes from the non-cultivated ecosystems. Therefore, future studies should focus on assessing the variations in the soil GHG fluxes from non-cultivated ecosystems relative to agriculture systems, at varying elevation ranges.
Urban Aerosol Particle Size Characterization in Eastern Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Hussein Tareq , Dada Lubna , Hakala Simo , Petäjä Tuukka , Kulmala Markku
Published: November 2019

Characterization of urban particle number size distribution (PNSD) has been rarely reported/performed in the Middle East. Therefore, we aimed at characterizing the PNSD (0.01–10 µm) in Amman as an example for an urban Middle Eastern environment. The daily mean submicron particle number concentration (PNSub) was 6.5 × 103–7.7 × 104 cm−3 and the monthly mean coarse mode particle number concentration (PNCoarse) was 0.9–3.8 cm−3 and both had distinguished seasonal variation. The PNSub also had a clear diurnal and weekly cycle with higher concentrations on workdays (Sunday–Thursday; over 3.3 × 104 cm−3) than on weekends (below 2.7 × 104 cm−3). The PNSub constitute of 93% ultrafine fraction (diameter < 100 nm). The mean particle number size distributions was characterized with four well-separated submicron modes (Dpg,I, Ni): nucleation (22 nm, 9.4 × 103 cm−3), Aitken (62 nm, 3.9 × 103 cm−3), accumulation (225 nm, 158 cm−3), and coarse (2.23 µm, 1.2 cm−3) in addition to a mode with small geometric mean diameter (GMD) that represented the early stage of new particle formation (NPF) events. The wind speed and temperature had major impacts on the concentrations. The PNCoarse had a U-shape with respect to wind speed and PNSub decreased with wind speed. The effect of temperature and relative humidity was complex and require further investigations.
Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Extracellular Products Using Pseudomonas Corrugata and P. Mediterranea: A Review
Authors: Licciardello Grazia , Catara Antonino F. , Catara Vittoria
Published: November 2019

Some strains of Pseudomonas corrugata (Pco) and P. mediterranea (Pme) efficiently synthesize medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates elastomers (mcl-PHA) and extracellular products on related and unrelated carbon sources. Yield and composition are dependent on the strain, carbon source, fermentation process, and any additives. Selected Pco strains produce amorphous and sticky mcl-PHA, whereas strains of Pme produce, on high grade and partially refined biodiesel glycerol, a distinctive filmable PHA, very different from the conventional microbial mcl-PHA, suitable for making blends with polylactide acid. However, the yields still need to be improved and production costs lowered. An integrated process has been developed to recover intracellular mcl-PHA and extracellular bioactive molecules. Transcriptional regulation studies during PHA production contribute to understanding the metabolic potential of Pco and Pme strains. Data available suggest that pha biosynthesis genes and their regulations will be helpful to develop new, integrated strategies for cost-effective production.
Structural Equation Modelling Reveals That Nutrients and Physicochemistry Act Additively on the Dynamics of a Microcosm-Based Biotic Community
Authors: Russo David A. , Ferguson Andrew , Beckerman Andrew P. , Pandhal Jagroop
Published: November 2019

Anthropogenic eutrophication has caused widespread environmental problems in freshwater lakes, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the classic pelagic food chain. Increasing our understanding of the exact role of nutrients and physicochemical variables on microbial dynamics, and subsequent microalgal and cyanobacterial blooms, has involved numerous studies ranging from replicate microcosm-based studies through to temporal studies of real lake data. In a previous experimental microcosm study, we utilised metaproteomics to investigate the functional changes of a microalgal-bacterial community under oligotrophic and eutrophic nutrient levels. Here, we analyse the time series data from this experiment with a combination of typically used univariate analyses and a more modern multivariate approach, structural equation modelling. Our aim was to test, using these modern methods, whether physicochemical variables and nutrient dynamics acted additively, synergistically, or antagonistically on the specific biotic community used in the microcosms. We found that nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and temperature acted additively on the interactions between the microalgae and bacteria present, with the temperature effects elevated in the eutrophic conditions we applied. The data suggests that there may be no synergistic interaction between nutrients and temperature in the tested microcosms. Our approach demonstrates how the application of multivariate methods to existing datasets, in our case from nutrient-enriched freshwater microcosms, enables new information to be extracted, enhancing interpretations as well as allowing more reliable comparisons to similar published studies.
Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Pinene: A Miracle Gift of Nature
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Upadhyay Shashi , Erdogan Orhan Ilkay , Kumar Jugran Arun , L.D. Jayaweera Sumali , A. Dias Daniel , Sharopov Farukh , Taheri Yasaman , Martins Natália , Baghalpour Navid , C. Cho William , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: November 2019

α- and β-pinene are well-known representatives of the monoterpenes group, and are found in many plants’ essential oils. A wide range of pharmacological activities have been reported, including antibiotic resistance modulation, anticoagulant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-Leishmania, and analgesic effects. This article aims to summarize the most prominent effects of α- and β-pinene, namely their cytogenetic, gastroprotective, anxiolytic, cytoprotective, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective effects, as well as their effects against H2O2-stimulated oxidative stress, pancreatitis, stress-stimulated hyperthermia, and pulpal pain. Finally, we will also discuss the bioavailability, administration, as well as their biological activity and clinical applications.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and the Electrocatalytic Activity of Gluconobacter oxydans as the Basis of a Biosensor
Authors: Plekhanova Yulia , Tarasov Sergei , Bykov Aleksandr , Prisyazhnaya Natalia , Kolesov Vladimir , Sigaev Vladimir , Signore Maria Assunta , Reshetilov Anatoly
Published: November 2019

This paper considers the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the parameters of Gluconobacter oxydans microbial biosensors. MWCNTs were shown not to affect the structural integrity of microbial cells and their respiratory activity. The positive results from using MWCNTs were due to a decrease in the impedance of the electrode. The total impedance of the system decreased significantly, from 9000 kOhm (G. oxydans/chitosan composite) to 600 kOhm (G. oxydans/MWCNTs/chitosan). Modification of the amperometric biosensor with nanotubes led to an increase in the maximal signal from 65 to 869 nA for glucose and from 181 to 1048 nA for ethanol. The biosensor sensitivity also increased 4- and 5-fold, respectively, for each of the substrates. However, the addition of MWCNTs reduced the affinity of respiratory chain enzymes to their substrates (both sugars and alcohols). Moreover, the minimal detection limits were not reduced despite a sensitivity increase. The use of MWCNTs thus improved only some microbial biosensor parameters.
Feminization and Stress in the Veterinary Profession: A Systematic Diagnostic Approach and Associated Management
Authors: Emmett Lisa , Aden Jan , Bunina Anastasiya , Klaps Armin , Stetina Birgit U.
Published: November 2019

Within the field of veterinary medicine the gender distribution has changed, since most graduates are now females. Studies show that female veterinarians represent a vulnerable group for stress and stress-related illnesses. The goal of the study was to identify typical profiles of stress management strategies and to clarify if vets are well-equipped to cope with occupational stressors. Within a cross-sectional design 78 female veterinarians from Austria and Germany were surveyed using a self-report test-battery assessing twenty different coping styles. Statistical analysis included one sample t-tests and Cohen’s d as a concurrent effect size measure. The results showed that female veterinarians are significantly more likely to use negative coping styles for their stress e.g., rumination (t(74) = 6.733, p = < 0.001, d = 0.726) or escapism (t(72) = 2.173, p = 0.033, d = 0.281) when compared to the norm population. Amongst other studies these findings contribute to a systematic diagnosis which is necessary for the development and implementation of standardized stress management interventions for the veterinary education and training e.g., courses for improving communication and stress management skills and regular supervision or intervision (exchange with professional peers). Due to existing stigmatization concerning mental health, low-barrier counseling services should be provided for veterinarians who already feel stressed.
Representing Small Commercial Building Faults in EnergyPlus, Part I: Model Development
Authors: Kim Janghyun , Frank Stephen , Braun James E. , Goldwasser David
Published: November 2019

Small commercial buildings (those with less than approximately 1000 m2 of total floor area) often do not have access to cost-effective automated fault detection and diagnosis (AFDD) tools for maintaining efficient building operations. AFDD tools based on machine-learning algorithms hold promise for lowering cost barriers for AFDD in small commercial buildings; however, such algorithms require access to high-quality training data that is often difficult to obtain. To fill the gap in this research area, this study covers the development (Part I) and validation (Part II) of fault models that can be used with the building energy modeling software EnergyPlus® and OpenStudio® to generate a cost-effective training data set for developing AFDD algorithms. Part I (this paper) presents a library of fault models, including detailed descriptions of each fault model structure and their implementation with EnergyPlus. This paper also discusses a case study of training data set generation, representing an actual building.
Novel Cobalt Complex as an Efficient Catalyst for Converting CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates under Mild Conditions
Authors: Fan Wei , Wang Wen-Zhen , Wang Li , Jia Xin-Gang , Li Lei-Lei , Xiao Tian-Cun , Edwards Peter P.
Published: November 2019

Based on the ligand H2dpPzda (1), a novel cobalt complex [Co(H2dpPzda)(NCS)2]·CH3OH(2) has been synthesized and characterized. The Complex 2 exhibited excellent catalytic performance for converting CO2 into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions. For propylene oxide (PO) and CO2 synthesis of propylene carbonate (PC), the catalytic system showed a remarkable TOF as high as 29,200 h−1. The catalytic system also showed broad substrate scope of epoxide. Additionally, the catalyst could be recycled to maintain the integrity of the structure and remained equal to the level of its catalytic activity even after seven catalytic rounds. Additionally, a possible catalytic mechanism was proposed due to the high catalytic activity which might be owing to the synergism of Lewis acidic metal centers and N group.
Gold(I) Complexes with Ferrocenylphosphino Sulfonate Ligands: Synthesis and Application in the Catalytic Addition of Carboxylic Acids to Internal Alkynes in Water
Authors: Francos Javier , Moreno-Narváez María Esther , Cadierno Victorio , Sierra Diego , Ariz Katherine , Gómez Johana
Published: November 2019

The synthesis and characterization of novel gold(I) complexes containing hydrophilic ferrocenylphosphino sulfonate ligands, i.e., compounds [AuCl{(η5-C5H3PR2(SO3iPr))Fe(η5-C5H5)}] (R = Ph (2a), p-Tol (2b), Cy (2c)), are presented, including a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study on 2a. Complexes 2a–c were checked as catalysts for the intermolecular addition of carboxylic acids to nonactivated internal alkynes using water as a green reaction medium. The best results in terms of activity were obtained with 2a in combination with AgOAc, which was able to promote the selective anti addition of a variety of aromatic, aliphatic, and α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids to both symmetrical and unsymmetrical internal alkynes at 60 °C, employing metal loadings of only 2 mol %.
Stem-Like Cancer Cells in a Dynamic 3D Culture System: A Model to Study Metastatic Cell Adhesion and Anti-Cancer Drugs
Authors: Paolillo Mayra , Colombo Raffaella , Serra Massimo , Belvisi Laura , Papetti Adele , Ciusani Emilio , Comincini Sergio , Schinelli Sergio
Published: November 2019

Metastatic spread is mainly sustained by cancer stem cells (CSC), a subpopulation of cancer cells that displays stemness features. CSC are thought to be derived from cancer cells that undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), thus acquiring resistance to anoikis and anti-cancer drugs. After detachment from the primary tumor mass, CSC reach the blood and lymphatic flow, and disseminate to the target tissue. This process is by nature dynamic and in vitro models are quite far from the in vivo situation. In this study, we have tried to reproduce the adhesion process of CSC to a target tissue by using a 3D dynamic cell culture system. We isolated two populations of 3D tumor spheroids displaying CSC-like features from breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and lung carcinoma (A549) cell lines. Human fibroblasts were layered on a polystyrene scaffold placed in a dynamically perfused millifluidic system and then the adhesion of tumor cell derived from spheroids to fibroblasts was investigated under continuous perfusion. After 24 h of perfusion, we found that spheroid cells tightly adhered to fibroblasts layered on the scaffold, as assessed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). To further investigate mechanisms involved in spheroid cell adhesion to fibroblasts, we tested the effect of three RGD integrin antagonists with different molecular structures on cell adhesion; when injected into the circuit, only cilengitide was able to inhibit cell adhesion to fibroblasts. Although our model needs further refinements and improvements, we do believe this study could represent a promising approach in improving current models to study metastatic infiltration in vitro and a new tool to screen new potential anti-metastatic molecules.
Licochalcone A-Induced Apoptosis Through the Activation of p38MAPK Pathway Mediated Mitochondrial Pathways of Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lin Renn-Chia , Yang Shun-Fa , Chiou Hui-Ling , Hsieh Shu-Ching , Wen Shiua-Hua , Lu Ko-Hsiu , Hsieh Yi-Hsien
Published: November 2019

Background: Licochalcone A (LicA) is isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and possesses antitumor and anti-invasive activities against several tumor cells. However, the antitumor effects of LicA on human osteosarcoma cells have yet to be demonstrated either in vitro or in vivo. Methods: Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction were detected with Annexin V/PI staining and JC-1 staining by flow cytometry. The expressions of caspase- or mitochondrial-related proteins were demonstrated by western blotting. Antitumor effect of LicA on 143B xenograft mice in vivo. Results: LicA could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells, as evidenced by a decrease in cell viability, loss of mitochondrial membrane potentials, and activation of caspases. LicA treatment substantially reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 and increased the expression of cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-PARP, and Bax in HOS and U2OS cells. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis suppression mediated by Z-VAD or tauroursodeoxycholic acid significantly reduced LicA-induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The study also determined that LicA treatment induced p38MAPK phosphorylation, but siRNA-p38 or BIRB796 substantially reversed cell viability through the inhibition of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways. Finally, an in vivo study revealed that LicA significantly inhibited 143B xenograft tumor growth. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that LicA has antitumor activities against human osteosarcoma cells through p38MAPK regulation of mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathways in vitro and in vivo.
Clusterin Attenuates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Downregulating the Smad3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Seo Hye-Young , Lee So-Hee , Lee Ji-Ha , Kang Yu Na , Choi Young-Keun , Hwang Jae Seok , Park Keun-Gyu , Jang Byoung Kuk , Kim Mi Kyung
Published: November 2019

Clusterin is a glycoprotein that is expressed in most human tissues and found in body fluids. In our previous studies we demonstrated that clusterin has a protective effect against hepatic lipid accumulation and renal fibrosis; however, the role of clusterin in hepatic fibrosis is unknown. Here, we examined whether clusterin had protective effects against hepatic fibrosis using in vitro and in vivo models. Clusterin was upregulated in the livers of human cirrhotic patients and in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced and bile duct ligation mouse models of liver fibrosis. Loss and overexpression of clusterin promoted and attenuated hepatic fibrosis after TAA injection, respectively. In addition, we found that clusterin attenuates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells and Smad3 signaling pathways. Thus, clusterin plays an important role in hepatic fibrosis.
Early-Age Tensile Bond Characteristics of Epoxy Coatings for Underwater Applications
Authors: Kim Sungwon , Hong Hyemin , Han Taek Hee , Kim Min Ook
Published: November 2019

In this study, coating equipment for the effective underwater repair of submerged structures was developed. The tensile bond characteristics of selected epoxy resin coatings were investigated by coating the surface of a specimen using each of the four types of equipment. Using the experimental results, the tensile bond strength and the coating thickness were analyzed according to the type of equipment, coating, and curing time. The results show that the type of coating equipment used had the greatest effect on the measured bond strength and coating thickness of the selected coatings. However, the effect of coating type and curing time on the bond strength and the thickness was observed to be insignificant. Compared with the developed equipment, the surface treatment of the coating was observed to be more effective when using the pre-existing equipment, and thus the bond performance of the coating was improved compared to using the pre-existing equipment. Based on the experimental results, improvements and needs involving the equipment for further research were discussed.
Effect of Graphene Oxide Concentration in Electrolyte on Corrosion Behavior of Electrodeposited Zn–Electrochemical Reduction Graphene Composite Coatings
Authors: Yang Bin , Zhang Pengfei , Wang Guangxin , Wang Aiqin , Chen Xiaofang , Wei Shizhong , Xie Jingpei
Published: November 2019

Pure Zn and Zn–ERGO composite coatings were prepared by direct current electrodeposition on 304 stainless steel. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and laser Raman spectroscopy (Raman). Results obtained have shown that the concentration of GO sheets in zinc sulfate electrolyte has an important effect on the preferred crystal orientation and the surface morphology of Zn–ERGO composite coatings. A study of the corrosion behavior of the coatings by Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) methods leads to the conclusion that the Zn-1.0 g/L ERGO composite coating possesses the best corrosion resistance compared to the pure Zn coating and other composite coatings in this study.
“Restricted Geometry” Effect on Phase Transitions in KDP, ADP, and CDP Nanocrystals
Authors: Tarnavich Vladislav V. , Sidorkin Alexander S. , Korotkova Tatiana N. , Rysiakiewicz-Pasek Ewa , Korotkov Leonid N. , Popravko Nadezhda G.
Published: November 2019

The dielectric properties of composite materials prepared by the embedding of ferroelectrics potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), cesium dihydrophosphate (CDP), as well as antiferroelectric ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) into porous glass matrices with an average size of through pores of 7, 46, and 320 nm have been studied. It was found that an increase occurred in the phase transitions temperature (TC) for embedded particles in comparison with corresponding bulk materials. Some possible mechanisms of influence of “restricted geometry” on the Curie temperature are discussed. Estimates of TC shifting as a result of the “pressure effect” caused by elastic stresses in embedded particles as well as the result of bias electric field influence arising due to the piezoelectric effect are made. The possibility of using the tunneling Ising model to explain the experimental results is discussed.
Associations between IL-6 and Echo-Parameters in Patients with Early Onset Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Pauli Natalia , Puchałowicz Kamila , Kuligowska Agnieszka , Krzystolik Andrzej , Dziedziejko Violetta , Safranow Krzysztof , Rać Michał , Chlubek Dariusz , Ewa Rać Monika
Published: November 2019

Background: Over the last two decades, many studies have investigated the association between interleukin 6 (IL-6) and pathogenesis and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with CAD manifested at a young age are a particularly interesting group. They differ from older patients, not only in terms of the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis, but also risk factor profiles, short- and long-term prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI). The role of IL-6 in younger patients with CAD is less well-known. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze the relationship between IL-6 level and other inflammations, atherosclerosis, and cardiac function parameters in early onset CAD patients. Methods: The study covered 100 patients with early onset CAD and a group of 50 healthy participants. Plasma levels of IL-6 and basic biochemical parameters, anthropometric, echocardiographic, and arteries Doppler ultrasound measurements were performed. Results: We did not observe a significant difference in IL-6 concentration in plasma between patients with early onset CAD and a control group, but IL-6 level was negatively correlated with echocardiographic measurements of ascending aorta diameter, left ventricular shortening fraction, and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter in our patients. Conclusions: In patients with early onset CAD, plasma IL-6 level is associated with other inflammation parameters and with cardiac function, potentially contributing to right ventricular remodeling and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This suggests possible prognostic benefits of long-time observation of IL-6 level after the acute coronary syndrome.
Reimagining the Place of the Professional, before It Is too Late: Five Dystopias and an Oxymoron?
Authors: Clarke Linda
Published: November 2019

The trustworthiness and expertise of professionals is much in demand even while they are derided as members of slippery, credentialized and self-serving elites. Eliot Friedson’s three ‘logics’ provide a contextual lens for this deconstruction of ‘professional’ and are updated by adding Artificial Intelligence (AI) as putative fourth logic to provide a contextual background—so, Markets, Bureaucracy and AI are seen as alternatives to and influences on professionalism. This context suggests that it may already be too late to save ‘professionals’, but them paper confronts a significant conceptual deficit by using a second interdisciplinary lens, Clarke’s Place Model, to critically deconstruct the ‘place’ of professionals to reimagine a commodious and accessible conceptualization, consisting of five dystopias and a potentially potent oxymoron—inclusive professional. The Place Model is presented as an example of a Geographical Imagination (Massey), combining two conceptions of ‘place’: place as esteem and place as a changing position on the expanding horizons of a career-long growth of expertise. This novel conceptualization is then used to examine the dystopias and potential ideals of ‘professional’.
A 270-GHz Push-Push Transformer-Based Oscillator Adopting Power Leakage Suppression Technique
Authors: Utomo Dzuhri Radityo , Park Dae-Woong , Hong Jong-Phil , Lee Sang-Gug
Published: November 2019

A push–push transformer-based oscillator (TBO) adopting a power leakage suppression technique has been proposed. The proposed technique reduces the power loss due to unwanted leakage path without additional DC power consumption, hence improving the output power and DC-to-RF efficiency. The measured output power of the proposed single core oscillator is −4.5 dBm at 270 GHz with 2.1% DC-to-RF efficiency.
The Effects of Trichoderma Fungi on the Tunneling, Aggregation, and Colony-Initiation Preferences of Black-Winged Subterranean Termites, Odontotermes formosanus (Blattodea: Termitidae)
Authors: Xiong Hongpeng , Cai Jiacheng , Chen Xuan , Liang Shiping , Wen Xiujun , Wang Cai
Published: November 2019

The black-winged subterranean termite, Odontotermes formosanus Shiraki, is a severe pest of plantations and forests in China. This termite cultures symbiotic Termitomyces in the fungal combs, which are challenged by antagonistic microbes such as Trichoderma fungi. In a previous study we showed that O. formosanus workers made significantly fewer tunnels in sand containing commercially formulated conidia of Trichoderma viride Pers. ex Fries compared with untreated sand. Herein, we hypothesize that fungi in the genus Trichoderma exert repellent effects on O. formosanus. Different choice tests were conducted to evaluate the tunneling and aggregation behaviors of O. formosanus workers reacting to sand/soil containing the unformulated conidia of seven Trichoderma fungi (Trichoderma longibrachiatum Rifai, Trichoderma koningii Oud., Trichoderma harzianum Rifai, Trichoderma hamatum (Bon.) Bain, Trichoderma atroviride Karsten, Trichoderma spirale Indira and Kamala, and T. viride). We also investigated the colony-initiation preference of paired O. formosanus adults to soil treated with Trichoderma conidia (T. koningii or T. longibrachiatum) versus untreated soil. Tunneling-choice tests showed that sand containing conidia of nearly all Trichoderma fungi tested (except T. harzianum) significantly decreased tunneling activity in O. formosanus workers compared with untreated sand. Aggregation-choice test showed that T. koningii, T. atroviride and T. spirale repelled O. formosanus workers, whereas T. longibrachiatum and T. hamatum attracted termites. There was no significant difference in proportions of paired adults that stayed and laid eggs in the soil blocks treated with conidia of Trichoderma fungi and untreated ones. Our study showed that Trichoderma fungi generally repelled tunneling in O. formosanus, but may exert varied effects on aggregation preference by workers.
Body-to-Body Cooperation in Internet of Medical Things: Toward Energy Efficiency Improvement
Authors: Abdulmohsin Hammood Dalal , Rahim Hasliza A. , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Ahmad R. Badlishah
Published: November 2019

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) technologies provide suitability among physicians and patients because they are useful in numerous medical fields. Wireless body sensor networks (WBSNs) are one of the most crucial technologies from within the IoMT evolution of the healthcare system, whereby each patient is monitored by low-powered and lightweight sensors. When the WBSNs are integrated into IoMT networks, they are quite likely to overlap each other; thus, cooperation between WBSN sensors is possible. In this paper, we consider communication between WBSNs and beyond their communication range. Therefore, we propose inter-WBAN cooperation for the IoMT system, which is also known as inter-WBAN cooperation in an IoMT environment (IWC-IoMT). In this paper, first, a proposed architecture for the IoT health-based system is investigated. Then, a mathematical model of the outage probability for the IWC-IoMT is derived. Finally, the energy efficiency of the IWC-IoT is analysed and inspected. The simulation and numerical results show that the IWC-IoMT (cooperative IoMT) system provides superior performance compared to the non-cooperative system.
CNV Detection from Circulating Tumor DNA in Late Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Peng Hao , Lu Lan , Zhou Zisong , Liu Jian , Zhang Dadong , Nan Kejun , Zhao Xiaochen , Li Fugen , Tian Lei , Dong Hua , Yao Yu
Published: November 2019

While methods for detecting SNVs and indels in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with hybridization capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) have been available, copy number variations (CNVs) detection is more challenging. Here, we present a method enabling CNV detection from a 150-gene panel using a very low amount of ctDNA. First, a read depth-based CNV estimation method without a paired blood sample was developed and cfDNA sequencing data from healthy people were used to build a panel of normal (PoN) model. Then, in silico and in vitro simulations were performed to define the limit of detection (LOD) for EGFR, ERBB2, and MET. Compared to the WES results of the 48 samples, the concordance rate for EGFR, ERBB2, and MET CNVs was 78%, 89.6%, and 92.4%, respectively. In another cohort profiled with the 150-gene panel from 5980 lung cancer ctDNA samples, we detected the three genes’ amplification with comparable population frequency with other cohorts. One lung adenocarcinoma patient with MET amplification detected by our method reached partial response to crizotinib. These findings show that our ctDNA CNV detection pipeline can detect CNVs with high specificity and concordance, which enables CNV calling in a non-invasive way for cancer patients when tissues are not available.
The Influence of Magmatic Intrusions on Diagenetic Processes and Stress Accumulation
Authors: Sydnes Magnhild , Fjeldskaar Willy , Grunnaleite Ivar , Løtveit Ingrid Fjeldskaar , Mjelde Rolf
Published: November 2019

Diagenetic changes in sedimentary basins may alter hydrocarbon reservoir quality with respect to porosity and permeability. Basins with magmatic intrusions have specific thermal histories that at time of emplacement and in the aftermath have the ability to enhance diagenetic processes. Through diagenesis the thermal conductivity of rocks may change significantly, and the transformations are able to create hydrocarbon traps. The present numerical study quantified the effect of magmatic intrusions on the transitions of opal A to opal CT to quartz, smectite to illite and quartz diagenesis. We also studied how these chemical alterations and the sills themselves have affected the way the subsurface responds to stresses. The modeling shows that the area in the vicinity of magmatic sills has enhanced porosity loss caused by diagenesis compared to remote areas not intruded. Particularly areas located between clusters of sills are prone to increased diagenetic changes. Furthermore, areas influenced by diagenesis have, due to altered physical properties, increased stress accumulations, which might lead to opening of fractures and activation/reactivation of faults, thus influencing the permeability and possible hydrocarbon migration in the subsurface. This study emphasizes the influence magmatic intrusions may have on the reservoir quality and illustrates how magmatic intrusions and diagenetic changes and their thermal and stress consequences can be included in basin models.
The Effects of GPS-Based Buffer Size on the Association between Travel Modes and Environmental Contexts
Authors: Lee Kangjae , Kwan Mei-Po
Published: November 2019

To investigate the association between physical activity (including active travel modes) and environmental factors, much research has estimated contextual influences based on zones or areas delineated with buffer analysis. However, few studies to date have examined the effects of different buffer sizes on estimates of individuals’ dynamic exposures along their daily trips recorded as GPS trajectories. Thus, using a 7-day GPS dataset collected in the Chicago Regional Household Travel Inventory (CRHTI) Survey, this study addresses the methodological issue of how the associations between environmental contexts and active travel modes (ATMs) as a subset of physical activity vary with GPS-based buffer size. The results indicate that buffer size influences such associations and the significance levels of the seven environmental factors selected as predictors. Further, the findings on the effects of buffer size on such associations and the significance levels are clearly different between the ATMs of walking and biking. Such evidence of the existence of buffer-size effects for multiple environmental factors not only confirms the importance of the uncertain geographic context problem (UGCoP) but provides a resounding cautionary note to all future research on human mobility involving individuals’ GPS trajectories, including studies on physical activity and travel behaviors, especially on the reliable estimation of individual exposures to environmental factors and their health outcomes.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Tractional Macular Detachment after Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agent Pretreatment before Vitrectomy for Complicated Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Russo Andrea , Longo Antonio , Avitabile Teresio , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Fallico Matteo , Boscia Francesco , Furino Claudio , Cillino Salvatore , Toro Mario , Rejdak Robert , Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Reibaldi Michele
Published: November 2019

The study’s purpose was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of tractional macular detachment after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pretreatment before vitrectomy for complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Patients who underwent primary vitrectomy for complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy, from January 2012 to 31 December 2018, were enrolled. Ophthalmic and pre-operative data were extracted from electronic record systems. All eyes with a valuable Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)performed within 5 days before injection of anti-VEGF and on the day of vitrectomy were included. Multivariable logistic regression showed that significant risk factors for developing tractional macular detachment included days between anti-VEGF and vitrectomy (OR, 0.71 [95% CI 0.65–0.76]; p < 0.001), vitreous hemorrhage (OR, 0.23 [95% CI 0.11–0.49]; p < 0.001), and age (OR, 1.05 [95% CI 1.02–1.08]; p < 0.001). Decision-tree analysis showed that the stronger predictors of tractional macular detachment were the time between anti-VEGF injection and vitrectomy (p < 0.001). Secondary predictors were the presence of vitreous hemorrhage (p = 0.012) in eyes that underwent vitrectomy between 6 and 10 days after anti-VEGF injection and younger age (p = 0.031) in eyes that underwent vitrectomy 10 days after anti-VEGF injection. Tractional macular detachment occurs in 10% of eyes after anti-VEGF injection, the main risk factors being days between anti-VEGF injection and vitrectomy, vitreous hemorrhage, and age.
Association of CTLA4 Gene Polymorphism with Transfusion Reaction after Infusion of Leukoreduced Blood Component
Authors: Wen Ying-Hao , Lin Wei-Tzu , Wang Wei-Ting , Chiueh Tzong-Shi , Chen Ding-Ping
Published: November 2019

Leukocytes and cytokines in blood units have been known to be involved in febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR), and these adverse reactions still occur while using pre-storage leukoreduced blood products. Blood transfusion is similar to transplantation because both implant allogeneic cells or organs into the recipient. CTLA4 gene polymorphism was found to be associated with graft-versus-host disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We performed a prospective cohort study at a major tertiary care center to investigate the correlation of CTLA4 gene polymorphism and transfusion reactions. Selected CTLA4 gene SNPs were genotyped and compared between patients with transfusion-associated adverse reactions (TAARs) and healthy controls. Nineteen patients and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled. There were 4 SNPs showing differences in allele frequency between patients and controls, and the frequency of “A” allele of rs4553808, “G” allele of rs62182595, “G” allele of rs16840252, and “C” allele of rs5742909 were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Moreover, these alleles also showed significantly higher risk of TAARs (OR = 2.357, 95%CI: 1.584–3.508, p = 0.02; OR = 2.357, 95%CI: 1.584–3.508, p = 0.02; OR = 2.462, 95%CI: 1.619–3.742, p = 0.008; OR = 2.357, 95%CI: 1.584–3.508, p = 0.02; OR = 2.357, 95%CI: 1.584–3.508, p = 0.02, respectively). The present study demonstrated the correlation of CTLA4 gene polymorphism and transfusion reaction, and alleles of 4 CTLA4 SNPs with an increased risk of TAARs were found. It is important to explore the potential immune regulatory mechanism affected by SNPs of costimulatory molecules, and it could predict transfusion reaction occurrence and guide preventive actions.
The Clinicopathological Spectrum of Acromegaly
Authors: Akirov Amit , Asa Sylvia L. , Amer Lama , Shimon Ilan , Ezzat Shereen
Published: November 2019

Background: Acromegaly results from a persistent excess in growth hormone with clinical features that may be subtle or severe. The most common cause of acromegaly is a pituitary tumor that causes excessive production of growth hormone (GH), and rare cases are due to an excess of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) or the ectopic production of GH. Objective: Discuss the different diseases that present with manifestations of GH excess and clinical acromegaly, emphasizing the distinct clinical and radiological characteristics of the different pathological entities. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the published clinicopathological information about acromegaly. An English-language search for relevant studies was conducted on PubMed from inception to 1 August 2019. The reference lists of relevant studies were also reviewed. Results: Pituitary tumors that cause GH excess have several variants, including pure somatotroph tumors that can be densely or sparsely granulated, or plurihormonal tumors that include mammosomatotroph, mixed somatotroph-lactotroph tumors and mature plurihomonal Pit1-lineage tumors, acidophil stem cell tumors and poorly-differentiated Pit1-lineage tumors. Each tumor type has a distinct pathophysiology, resulting in variations in clinical manifestations, imaging and responses to therapies. Conclusion: Detailed clinicopathological information will be useful in the era of precision medicine, in which physicians tailor the correct treatment modality to each patient.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Thyroid Nodule Classification Using Information from Spatial and Frequency Domains
Authors: Nguyen Dat Tien , Pham Tuyen Danh , Batchuluun Ganbayar , Yoon Hyo Sik , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: November 2019

Image-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have been developed to assist doctors in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer using ultrasound thyroid images. However, the performance of these systems is strongly dependent on the selection of detection and classification methods. Although there are previous researches on this topic, there is still room for enhancement of the classification accuracy of the existing methods. To address this issue, we propose an artificial intelligence-based method for enhancing the performance of the thyroid nodule classification system. Thus, we extract image features from ultrasound thyroid images in two domains: spatial domain based on deep learning, and frequency domain based on Fast Fourier transform (FFT). Using the extracted features, we perform a cascade classifier scheme for classifying the input thyroid images into either benign (negative) or malign (positive) cases. Through expensive experiments using a public dataset, the thyroid digital image database (TDID) dataset, we show that our proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods and produces up-to-date classification results for the thyroid nodule classification problem.
Innate Immunity and Alcohol
Authors: Kany Shinwan , Janicova Andrea , Relja Borna
Published: November 2019

The innate immunity has evolved during millions of years, and thus, equivalent or comparable components are found in most vertebrates, invertebrates, and even plants. It constitutes the first line of defense against molecules, which are either pathogen-derived or a danger signal themselves, and not seldom both. These molecular patterns are comprised of highly conserved structures, a common trait in innate immunity, and constitute very potent triggers for inflammation mediated via extracellular or intracellular pattern recognition receptors. Human culture is often interweaved with the consumption of alcohol, in both drinking habits, its acute or chronical misuse. Apart from behavioral effects as often observed in intoxicated individuals, alcohol consumption also leads to immunological modulation on the humoral and cellular levels. In the last 20 years, major advances in this field of research have been made in clinical studies, as well as in vitro and in vivo research. As every physician will experience intoxicated patients, it is important to be aware of the changes that this cohort undergoes. This review will provide a summary of the current knowledge on the influence of alcohol consumption on certain factors of innate immunity after a hit, followed by the current studies that display the effect of alcohol with a description of the model, the mode of alcohol administration, as well as its dose. This will provide a way for the reader to evaluate the findings presented.
Achievements in the Topographic Design of Commercial Titanium Dental Implants: Towards Anti-Peri-Implantitis Surfaces
Authors: Asensio Gerardo , Vázquez-Lasa Blanca , Rojo Luis
Published: November 2019

Titanium and its alloys constitute the gold standard materials for oral implantology in which their performance is mainly conditioned by their osseointegration capacity in the host’s bone. We aim to provide an overview of the advances in surface modification of commercial dental implants analyzing and comparing the osseointegration capacity and the clinical outcome exhibited by different surfaces. Besides, the development of peri-implantitis constitutes one of the most common causes of implant loss due to bacteria colonization. Thus, a synergic response from industry and materials scientists is needed to provide reliable technical and commercial solutions to this issue. The second part of the review focuses on an update of the recent findings toward the development of new materials with osteogenic and antibacterial capacity that are most likely to be marketed, and their correlation with implant geometry, biomechanical behavior, biomaterials features, and clinical outcomes.