bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blended Learning: Workshop Penggunaan Google Form dan Google Classroom Bagi Guru SMP Negeri 34 Semarang
Authors: Pramasdyahsari Agnita Siska , Sutrisno Sutrisno , Setyawati Rina Dwi , Rahmawati Noviana Dini , Endawuri Dhian
Published: March 2020

Permasalahan utama yg dialami oleh pihak mitra pengabdian SMP Negeri 34 Semarang adalah (1) belum memiliki sumber daya manusia yang mampu menerapkan blended learning, terutama dengan menggunakan google form dan google classroom; (2) guru belum memanfaatkan teknologi informasi secara optimal; (3) guru belum optimal secara teknis dalam mempublikasikan bahan ajar dan media pembelajaran menggunakan teknologi. Sehingga, untuk meningkatkan kemampuan guru dalam menyediakan media pembelajaran yang lebih menarik dan menyenangkan diberikan workshop blended learning pembuatan google form dan google classroom. Metode pelaksanaan dalam program kemitraan ini adalah ceramah, praktik, tanya jawab dan penugasan. Pelaksanaan program berlangsung selama dua hari dengan rincian workshop hari pertama tentang google form beserta praktik dan penugasan. Sedangkan, workshop hari kedua tentang google classroom beserta praktik dan penugasan. Adapun hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah peserta workshop mampu membuat akun, merancang bahan ajar dan alat evaluasi dalam bentuk google form dan google classroom. Selain itu, guru lebih optimal secara teknis dalam mempublikasikan bahan ajar dan media pembelajaran menggunakan teknologi.
The State's Responsibility in Forest Fires in Indonesia
Authors: Muhammad Arifin Gultom
Published: March 2020

The problem of forest fires becomes a complex problem and even impacts not only the domestic sphere, but also has an impact on foreign countries (neighbors). This problem arises not only due to natural factors, but also due to human factors. This is an extraordinary crime, which is constitutionally the responsibility of the state. This study aims to analyze how the concept of state responsibility in the issue of forest fires in the case approach and the concept of green constituency. The method used in this research is normative legal research premises library research data collection methods. Which shows that the government in the case of forest fires is constitutionally responsible, because Indonesia adheres to the concept of green constitution which reinforces the ecological position in the development of the nation and state.
Educational Innovation: Narrative Medicine Course in Kasr Al-Ainy “The House of Life”; Bridging the Past, Navigating the Present and Drawing Vision for the Future.
Authors: El-Sherbini Mona
Published: March 2020

This paper aims to elucidate the careful connection of medical practice in Ancient Egypt covering the time span with the theoretical and practical constructs of “Narrative medicine” interventions in today’s health care settings; proposing the essence of a training model in Narrative Medicine which is designed to prepare future physicians to practice medicine ethically and compassionately, using reflective manners that helps to clarify personal values and a sense of professional identity.
Effects of Voluntary Running Exercise on Skeletal Muscle Properties in Nonobese Rats with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: NAKAMOTO I. , ISHIHARA A.
Published: March 2020

The skeletal muscles of animals and humans with type 2 diabetes have decreased oxidative capacity. Aerobic exercise can improve muscle oxidative capacity, but no data are available on the amount of exercise required. We investigated the effects of voluntary running exercise and running distance on the skeletal muscle properties of nonobese rats with type 2 diabetes. Six-week-old male diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats were divided into nonexercised (GK) and exercised (GK-Ex) groups. The rats in the GK-Ex group were permitted voluntary running exercise on wheels for 6 weeks. Age-matched male Wistar rats (WR) were used as nondiabetic controls. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were higher in the GK and GK-Ex groups than in the WR group and lower in the GK-Ex group than in the GK group. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (Pgc-1α) mRNA levels in the soleus and plantaris muscles were higher in the WR and GK-Ex groups than in the GK group. HbA1c and total cholesterol levels were negatively correlated with running distance and SDH activity and Pgc-1α mRNA levels in the soleus muscle were positively correlated with running distance. The onset and progression of diabetes in nonobese diabetic rats were effectively inhibited by running longer distances.
"Loor Daniel Alcides Carrión"
Authors: Morales-Soto Nelson Raúl
Published: March 2020

Dicen los autores en la Introducción: “El presente trabajo está destinado a exponer el significado de la personalidad de Daniel Alcides Carrión, su real aporte al conocimiento científico de su tiempo, con un análisis de las vicisitudes que él sufrió; y simultáneamente realizar un estudio historicista de nuestro personaje para estimular un espectacular avance de los fenómenos que ocurren en la patogenia de las enfermedades que él describió a costa de su vida: la verruga peruana y la fiebre de la Oroya”.
Aktivitas Anti Jamur Ekstrak Purifikasi Daun Galing (Cayratia trifolia L. Domin) Terhadap Jamur Candida albicans
Authors: Jabbar Asriullah , Yusuf Muhammad Ilyas , Irman Irman , Yuli Asri
Published: March 2020

Galing (Cayratia trifolia L.Domin) merupakan tumbuhan yang sering digunakan sebagai obat keputihan, kandungan dari tumbuhanini adalah asam hidrisinat, delphinidin, flavonoid, alkaloid, fitosterol, saponin dan tanin. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untukmengetahui aktivitas antijamur dari purifikasi ekstrak daun galing terhadap Candida albicans dan untuk mengetahui konsentrasiefektif ekstrak terpurifikasi daun galing sebagai antijamur C. albicans. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimental,dengan desain RAL (Rancangan Acak Lengkap). Ekstrak terpurifikasi daun galing dibuat dengan konsentrasi 10%, 20%, 30%,kemudian ini dilakukan pengujian antijamur dengan metode cylinder cup. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekstrakterpurifikasi daun galing memiliki aktivitas antijamur yakni konsentrasi 10% memiliki rata - rata zona hambat 9 mm, konsentrasi20% memiliki rata-rata zona hambat 11 mm, konsentrasi 30% memiliki rata-rata zona hambat 15,6 mm. Berdasarkam uji statistikANOVA, terlihat bahwa Fhitung (98,2) > Ftabel (3,48) yang berarti perlakuan yang diuji memberikan hasil yang signifikan terhadappertumbuhan jamur C. albicans. Untuk uji lanjut BNT menunjukkan hasil konsentrasi 30% memiliki aktivitas antijamur C. albicanspaling efektif.Kata kunci: antijamur, Candida albicans, daun galing, purifikasi, zona hambat
Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA) dan Pemanfaatannya Sebagai Penunjang Kesehatan Masyarakat di Desa Sindangkasih
Authors: Sahidin S , Wahyuni W , Kamaluddin Murdjani , Suaib S
Published: March 2020

Kegiatan pengabdian pada masyarakat yang dilakukan terdiri dari program inti dan program tambahan yang bertujuan: (1) Membuat data pengelompokan tanaman yang berkhasiat sebagai obat tradisional di desa Sindangkasih (2) Memberikan edukasi kepada masyarakat mengenai cara pengolahan dan pemanfaatan dari tanaman obat keluarga, (3) Melakukan penanaman TOGA di desa Sindangkasih (4) Memberikan penyuluhan program GEMA CERMAT dan Swamedikasi (Pengobatan Mandiri) (5) Pelatihan Pembuatan Sediaan Kosmetik dan Minuman Kesehatan berbasis TOGA. Metode yang dilakukan meliputi survey lokasi penanaman, pengolahan tanah sampai siap tanam, pengadaan bibit tanaman obat, pemupukan dan pemeliharaan, serta penyuluhan tentang manfaat dan cara pengolahan tanaman obat, penyuluhan swamedikasi, Gema Cermat dan pelatihan pembuatan sediaan kosmetik dan minuman kesehatan. Hasil yang dicapai dalam kegiatan ini adalah tersedianya lahan TOGA yang dapat dimanfaatkan oleh masyarakat desa Sindangkasih, serta adanya pemahaman mengenai cara pengolahan dan pemanfaatan TOGA untuk pengobatan mandiri.Kata kunci: TOGA, Swamedikasi, Gema Cermat, Sindangkasih, Halu Oleo
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 in Chinese Hospital Workers: Reliability, Latent Structure, and Measurement Invariance Across Genders
Authors: Jiang Li-chen , Yan Ya-jun , Jin Zhi-Shuai , Hu Mu-Li , Wang Ling , Song Yu , Li Na-Ni , Su Jun , Wu Da-Xing , Xiao Tao
Published: March 2020

The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) is an instrument in the assessment of mental health status. The current study recruited 1,532 Chinese hospital workers [74.4% female; mean age = 31.97 (SD = 9.70) years] to examine the reliability, latent structure, and measurement invariance of the DASS-21 between genders. The Cronbach’s α values were greater than 0.90 for total score. This study examined four possible models of the DASS-21 using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Chinese hospital workers. The results from CFA revealed that the latent structure of the DASS-21 in medical staffs is best represented by a one-factor model. Then we used the one-factor model to examine measurement invariance across genders by using a multiple-group categorical CFA. All values of root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) were less than 0.08, all Comparative Fix Index (CFI) and Tucker–Lewis Index values were greater than 0.90, all ΔCFI (changes in CFI) values were less than 0.010, and ΔRMSEA (the changes in RMSEA) were less than 0.015. These findings supported the gender invariance of the DASS-21 among Chinese hospital workers.
Patient adherence and factors influencing quality of life in the case of osteoarthritic patients
Authors: Pallagi Edina , Fekete Helga , Fekete Róbert , Csóka Ildikó
Published: March 2020

Introduction: 135 million humans are affected by osteoarthritis worldwide, which is going to be doubled by 2020. Current treatment options are limited and complex, requiring the active participation of the patients in order to reach the optimal therapeutic outcome. To date, there is no study available measuring the adherence and quality of life of Hungarian arthritic patients.

Aims: Evaluation of risk factors affecting quality of life and adherence in the case of Hungarian patients, in order to identify the potential intervention points.

Methods: Hospitalized patients’ final reports were analyzed retrospectively (gender, age, BMI, therapy, co-morbidities).

Results: 400 cases were evaluated (females 69%) with an average age of 72 years. 80% of the patients had abnormal BMI. Non-pharmacological treatments ensured the longest asymptomatic period, medication histories showed polypharmacy. Co-morbidities were observed in almost every case.

Conclusion: Patient centeredness is necessary, based on multidisciplinary healthcare team to support the expected quality of life.
A Parametric Solution to the Generalized Bias Linearization Problem
Authors: Meeker David , Maslen Eric
Published: March 2020

Previously, a generalized bias current linearization was presented for the control of radial magnetic bearings. However, a numerically intensive procedure was required to obtain bias linearization currents. The present work develops an analytical solution to the generalized bias linearization problem in which solutions are indexed by a small number of parameters. The formulation also permits the analytical computation of bias linearization currents for faulted-coil cases. A limitation of the solution presented is that it only applies to stators with an even number of evenly spaces poles of equal area.
Exploratory Study on the Foliar Incorporation and Stability of Isotopically Labeled Amino Acids Applied to Turfgrass
Authors: McCoy Rachel M. , Meyer George W. , Rhodes David , Murray George C. , Sors Thomas G. , Widhalm Joshua R.
Published: March 2020

There is increasing interest in the use of amino acid-based biostimulant products due to their reported abilities to improve a number of quality characteristics in a variety of specialty crops. However, when it comes to the foliar application of amino acids to turfgrass, there are still many basic questions about their uptake forms and incorporation into cellular metabolism. In this study, we shed light on the fate of amino acids exogenously applied to turfgrass foliage through a series of time-course, isotopic-labeling studies in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) leaves. Using both 15N-labeled and 15N,13C double-labeled L-glutamate applied exogenously to creeping bentgrass foliage, we measured the uptake of glutamate and its integration into γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-proline, two amino acids with known roles in plant stress adaptation. Our results demonstrate that glutamate is rapidly absorbed into creeping bentgrass foliage and that it is utilized to produce GABA and proline. Based on the labeling patterns observed in the endogenous pools of glutamate/glutamine, GABA, and the proline from applied glutamate-[13C515N1], we can further conclude that glutamate is predominantly taken up intact and that mineralization into other forms of nitrogen is a minor fate. Taken together, the collective findings of this study provide evidence that amino acids exogenously applied to turfgrass foliage can be rapidly absorbed, and serve as stable sources of precursor molecules to be integrated into the metabolism of the plant.
Organic Vegetable Cultivation Reduces Resource and Environmental Costs While Increasing Farmers’ Income in the North China Plain
Authors: Xu Qiang , Hu Kelin , Zhang Hongyuan , Han Hui , Li Ji
Published: March 2020

Organic cultivation has been promoted in recent years as a possible alternative to conventional cultivation in order to reduce environmental burdens and nonrenewable resource use. However, a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of different vegetable cultivation modes is currently lacking. In this study, a combined use of economic analysis (ECA), emergy analysis (EMA), and lifecycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the economic performance, resource use, and environmental impacts of three greenhouse eggplant production modes, namely conventional (CON), low-input (LOW), and organic (ORG) cultivation. ECA results showed that the economic profit and value to cost ratio of ORG increased by 14%–17% and 36%–41% compared with CON and LOW, respectively. EMA results showed that ORG had higher resource use efficiency. The unit emergy value and emergy sustainability index of ORG increased by 37%–49% and 45%–65% than those of CON and LOW, respectively. LCA results revealed lower potential environmental impacts for ORG, and its total potential environment impact index was 80%–91% lower than that of CON and LOW. These results showed that organic vegetable cultivation reduced resource and environmental costs while increasing farmers’ income, which is the most sustainable vegetable production mode in the North China Plain.
The Use of a Plant-Based Biostimulant Improves Plant Performances and Fruit Quality in Tomato Plants Grown at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Francesca Silvana , Arena Carmen , Hay Mele Bruno , Schettini Carlo , Ambrosino Patrizia , Barone Amalia , Rigano Maria Manuela
Published: March 2020

Abiotic stresses can cause a substantial decline in fruit quality due to negative impacts on plant growth, physiology and reproduction. The objective of this study was to verify if the use of a biostimulant based on plant and yeast extracts, rich in amino acids and that contains microelements (boron, zinc and manganese) can ensure good crop yield and quality in tomato plants grown at elevated temperatures (up to 42 °C). We investigated physiological responses of four different tomato landraces that were cultivated under plastic tunnel and treated with the biostimulant CycoFlow. The application of the biostimulant stimulated growth (plants up to 48.5% taller) and number of fruits (up to 105.3%). In plants treated with the biostimulant, antioxidants contents were higher compared to non-treated plants, both in leaves and in fruits. In particular, the content of ascorbic acid increased after treatments with CycoFlow. For almost all the traits studied, the effect of the biostimulant depended on the genotype it was applied on. Altogether, the use of the biostimulant on tomato plants led to better plant performances at elevated temperatures, that could be attributed also to a stronger antioxidant defence system, and to a better fruit nutritional quality.
Optimizing Nitrogen Application for Growth and Productivity of Pomegranates
Authors: Lazare Silit , Lyu Yang , Yermiyahu Uri , Heler Yehuda , Ben-Gal Alon , Holland Doron , Dag Arnon
Published: March 2020

Quantification of actual plant consumption of nitrogen (N) is necessary to optimize fertilization efficiency and minimize contamination of earth resources. We examined the performance of fruit-bearing pomegranate trees grown in soilless media and exposed to eight N-fertigation treatments, from 5 to 200 mg N L−1. Reproductive and vegetative indices were found to be optimal when 20 to 70 mg N L−1 was supplied. Nitrogen application levels over 70 mg L−1 reduced pomegranate development and reproduction. N uptake in low-level treatments was almost 100% and decreased gradually, down to 13% in 200 mg N L−1 treatment. N usage efficiency was maximized under 20 mg N L−1, in which case 80% to 90% of added N was taken up by the trees. At high N application, its efficiency was reduced with less than 50% utilized by the trees. Leaf N increased to a plateau as a function of increasing irrigation solution N, maximizing at ~15 to 20 mg N g−1. Therefore, analysis of diagnostic leaves is not a valid method to identify excessive detrimental N. The results should be valuable in the development of efficient, sustainable, environmentally responsible protocols for N fertilization in commercial pomegranate orchards, following adaptation and validation to real soil field conditions.
Innate Immune Responses of Skin Mucosa in Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) Fed a Diet Supplemented with Galactooligosaccharides
Authors: Pietrzak Elzbieta , Mazurkiewicz Jan , Slawinska Anna
Published: March 2020

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are well-known immunomodulatory prebiotics. We hypothesize that GOS supplemented in feed modulates innate immune responses in the skin-associated lymphoid tissue (SALT) of common carp. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of GOS on mRNA expression of the immune-related genes in skin mucosa. During the feeding trial, the juvenile fish (bodyweight 180 ± 5 g) were fed two types of diet for 50 days: control and supplemented with 2% GOS. At the end of the trial, a subset of fish was euthanized (n = 8). Skin mucosa was collected, and RNA was extracted. Gene expression analysis was performed with RT-qPCR to determine the mRNA abundance of the genes associated with innate immune responses in SALT, i.e., acute-phase protein (CRP), antimicrobial proteins (His2Av and GGGT5L), cytokines (IL1β, IL4, IL8, IL10, and IFNγ), lectin (CLEC4M), lyzosymes (LyzC and LyzG), mucin (M5ACL), peroxidase (MPO), proteases (CTSB and CTSD), and oxidoreductase (TXNL). The geometric mean of 40s s11 and ACTB was used to normalize the data. Relative quantification of the gene expression was calculated with ∆∆Ct. GOS upregulated INFγ (p ≤ 0.05) and LyzG (p ≤ 0.05), and downregulated CRP (p ≤ 0.01). We conclude that GOS modulates innate immune responses in the skin mucosa of common carp.
Effects of Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) Probiotics Supplementation on Bone Quality Characteristics in Young Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica): The Role of Sex on the Action of the Gut-Bone Axis
Authors: Muszyński Siemowit , Dobrowolski Piotr , Kasperek Kornel , Knaga Sebastian , Kwiecień Małgorzata , Donaldson Janine , Kutyła Mateusz , Kapica Małgorzata , Tomaszewska Ewa
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in bone geometry, histological structure, and selected mechanical characteristics in young male and female Japanese quails supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Quails were fed a basal diet containing no yeast or a basal diet supplemented with 1.5% (15 g per 1 kg of diet) of inactive S. cerevisiae, for a period of 42 days. S. cerevisiae inclusion had no effect on bone weight, length, and density, diaphysis geometry (cross-sectional area, wall thickness, moment of inertia) or on the mechanical strength (yield load, ultimate load, stiffness, Young’s modulus, yield stress, ultimate stress). Yeast supplementation improved the morphology of the articular cartilage both in male and female quails, as the total thickness of the articular cartilage was significantly increased. In trabecular bone, an increase in real bone volume and trabecular thickness was observed in females supplemented with S. cerevisiae, while in males the increase in trabecular number was accompanied by a reduction in trabecular thickness. The results of the present study demonstrate that S. cerevisiae, through a sex-dependent action on the gut-bone axis, improved the structure of articular cartilage and microarchitecture of trabecular bone. The positive effects of S. cerevisiae supplementation were more evident in female quails.
Uncovering the Physiological Mechanisms Underlying the Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Testicular Cycle: Analyses of Gelatinases and VEGF Patterns and Correlation with Testes Weight and Testosterone
Authors: Elmi Alberto , Zannoni Augusta , Govoni Nadia , Bertocchi Martina , Forni Monica , Ventrella Domenico , Bacci Maria Laura
Published: March 2020

The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) represents a spontaneous model of testicular inactivation: During winter, bucks show a suspension of spermatogenesis that starts again in spring and peaks during the breeding season (July–August). The underlying mechanisms to the regulation of the cyclic testicular changes are still not fully clear but seem to be imputable to the spermatogenic cell line since other testicular cell populations remain stable without apoptotic phenomena. The aim of the study was to investigate apoptosis, gelatinases (MMP2 and 9), their inhibiting factors (TIMP 1-2), and two isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF121 and 165) with its receptors (VEGFR1-2) in testes collected during pre- and post-rut periods, and to correlate them with testicular weight (TW) and testosterone (TEST). Testes from 18 adult sexually mature bucks were collected in Bologna Apennines (Italy). Samples were weighed and parenchyma collected. Radioimmunoassay, real-time PCR, and zymography were performed. The results showed a post-rut decrease in TW and TEST and an increase in proMMP2, also highlighting a correlation between the gelatinases and the testicular functionality. The VEGF pattern did not show modifications nor correlation with TW and TEST. Overall, gelatinases and their inhibitors, described herein for the first time in roe deer testes, seem to play an important role in the testicular cycle.
Have We Looked in the Wrong Direction for More Than 100 Years? Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Is, in Fact, Neural Microdamage Rather Than Muscle Damage
Authors: Sonkodi Balazs , Berkes Istvan , Koltai Erika
Published: March 2020

According to our hypothesis, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is an acute compression axonopathy of the nerve endings in the muscle spindle. It is caused by the superposition of compression when repetitive eccentric contractions are executed under cognitive demand. The acute compression axonopathy could coincide with microinjury of the surrounding tissues and is enhanced by immune-mediated inflammation. DOMS is masked by sympathetic nervous system activity at initiation, but once it subsides, a safety mode comes into play to prevent further injury. DOMS becomes manifest when the microinjured non-nociceptive sensory fibers of the muscle spindle stop inhibiting the effects of the microinjured, hyperexcited nociceptive sensory fibers, therefore providing the ‘open gate’ in the dorsal horn to hyperalgesia. Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide play a cross-talking role in the parallel, interlinked degeneration–regeneration mechanisms of these injured tissues. We propose that the mitochondrial electron transport chain generated free radical involvement in the acute compression axonopathy. ‘Closed gate exercises’ could be of nonpharmacological therapeutic importance, because they reduce neuropathic pain in addition to having an anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, DOMS could have an important ontogenetical role by not just enhancing ability to escape danger to survive in the wild, but also triggering muscle growth.
An Update of Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin Effects in Preclinical and Clinical Studies of Neuroinflammatory Events
Authors: Cordaro Marika , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Crupi Rosalia
Published: March 2020

The inflammation process represents of a dynamic series of phenomena that manifest themselves with an intense vascular reaction. Neuroinflammation is a reply from the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to a changed homeostasis. There are two cell systems that mediate this process: the glia of the CNS and the lymphocites, monocytes, and macrophages of the hematopoietic system. In both the peripheral and central nervous systems, neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and in neuropsychiatric illnesses, such as depression and autism spectrum disorders. The resolution of neuroinflammation is a process that allows for inflamed tissues to return to homeostasis. In this process the important players are represented by lipid mediators. Among the naturally occurring lipid signaling molecules, a prominent role is played by the N-acylethanolamines, namely N-arachidonoylethanolamine and its congener N-palmitoylethanolamine, which is also named palmitoylethanolamide or PEA. PEA possesses a powerful neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory power but has no antioxidant effects per se. For this reason, its co-ultramicronization with the flavonoid luteolin is more efficacious than either molecule alone. Inhibiting or modulating the enzymatic breakdown of PEA represents a complementary therapeutic approach to treating neuroinflammation. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of ultramicronized PEA and co-ultramicronized PEA with luteolin in several neurological diseases using preclinical and clinical approaches.
Vitamin C Activates the Folate-Mediated One-Carbon Cycle in C2C12 Myoblasts
Authors: Alcazar Magana Armando , Reed Ralph L. , Koluda Rony , Miranda Cristobal L. , Maier Claudia S. , Stevens Jan F.
Published: March 2020

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, AA) is an essential cellular antioxidant and cofactor for several α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. As an antioxidant, AA interacts with vitamin E to control oxidative stress. While several reports suggest an interaction of AA with folate (vitamin B9) in animals and humans, little is known about the nature of the interaction and the underlying molecular mechanisms at the cellular level. We used an untargeted metabolomics approach to study the impact of AA on the metabolome of C2C12 myoblast cells. Compared to untreated cells, treatment of C2C12 cells with AA at 100 µM resulted in enhanced concentrations of folic acid (2.5-fold) and 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-methyl-THF, 10-fold increase) whereas the relative concentrations of 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate decreased by >90% upon AA pretreatment, indicative of increased utilization for the biosynthesis of active THF metabolites. The impact of AA on the folate-mediated one-carbon cycle further manifested itself as an increase in the levels of methionine, whose formation from homocysteine is 5-methyl-THF dependent, and an increase in thymidine, whose formation from deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) is dependent on 5,10-methylene-THF. These findings shed new light on the interaction of AA with the folate-mediated one-carbon cycle and partially explain clinical findings that AA supplementation enhances erythrocyte folate status and that it may decrease serum levels of homocysteine, which is considered as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk.
TDCCN: A Two-Phase Deep Color Correction Network for Traditional Chinese Medicine Tongue Images
Authors: Lu Yunxi , Li Xiaoguang , Gong Zhaopeng , Zhuo Li , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2020

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tongue diagnosis is an indispensable diagnostic method. Due to the limitations of acquisition devices and variations of the illumination, there is a significant color distortion between the captured tongue image and the human visual perceived image. In this paper, we proposed a Two-phase Deep Color Correction Network (TDCCN) for TCM tongue images. In the first phase, a deep color correction network was designed to model the mapping between the captured image and the target objective chromatic values under a standard lighting condition. The first phase provides consistent color tongue images by using different cameras and capture devices. The output tongue images at this phase can be used for further automatic quantitative analysis. The second phase provides flexible color adjusting options to adapt to different work environments and the subjective preference of doctors for visually perceived color appearance. Only three additional parameters are used to describe the adjustment operation. Experimental results show that our method achieved state-of-the-art performance in objective color correction and obtained satisfactory perceptual adaptation.
Numerical Investigation of Locating and Identifying Pipeline Reflectors Based on Guided-Wave Circumferential Scanning and Phase Characteristics
Authors: Liu Weixu , Tang Zhifeng , Lv Fuzai , Zheng Yang , Zhang Pengfei , Chen Xiangxian
Published: March 2020

The methodology based on reflected guided-wave by a reflector associated with an increase or a decrease in the cross-sectional area has the challenge of determining their location and identity. This paper presents a numerical investigation of a method for locating and identifying the reflector based on guided-wave circumferential scanning and phase characteristics. To determine the axial and circumferential positions of the reflector within the pipeline, the procedures of the guided wave-based circumferential scanning were presented, including data preprocessing, median filter, image smoothing and binary processing. Through theoretical analysis, we obtained the phase relationship between the guided-wave excitation signal and reflection signals generated by a reflector, such as corrosion, crack, weld and support, which caused the change in the cross-sectional area. Consequently, an algorithm based on the phase characteristics was proposed to determine the change and type of reflector. The spatial distances were calculated between the guided wave excitation signals with different phases and the concerned reflection signals, subsequently identifying the change and type of the reflector by comparing the distance values. An identification index named the reliable index for the character of the reflector (RICR) was defined to evaluate the reliability of the predicted results. Numerical and finite element simulation validations of the proposed method were performed. It has been found that if RICR was larger than 1.05, the results predicting the reflector type were reliable. The proposed method was found to be superior relative to the conventional correlation coefficient method according to the numerical results. Finally, the simulation results demonstrated that the proposed method could be potentially applied for locating and identifying reflectors in pipelines.
Turboelectric Uncertainty Quantification and Error Estimation in Numerical Modelling
Authors: Alrashed Mosab , Nikolaidis Theoklis , Pilidis Pericles , Jafari Soheil
Published: March 2020

Turboelectric systems can be considered complex systems that may comprise errors and uncertainty. Uncertainty quantification and error estimation processes can, therefore, be useful in achieving accurate system parameters. Uncertainty quantification and error estimation processes, however, entail some stages that provide results that are more positive. Since accurate approximation and power optimisation are crucial processes, it is essential to focus on higher accuracy levels. Integrating computational models with reliable algorithms into the computation processes leads to a higher accuracy level. Some of the current models, like Monte Carlo and Latin hypercube sampling, are reliable. This paper focuses on uncertainty quantification and error estimation processes in turboelectric numerical modelling. The current study integrates the current evidence with scholarly sources to ensure the incorporation of the most reliable evidence into the conclusions. It is evident that studies on the current subject began a long time ago, and there is sufficient scholarly evidence for analysis. The case study used to obtain this evidence is NASA N3-X, with three aircraft conditions: rolling to take off, cruising and taking off. The results show that the electrical elements in turboelectric systems can have decent outcomes in statistical analysis. Moreover, the risk of having overload branches is up to 2% of the total aircraft operation lifecycle, and the enhancement of the turboelectric system through electrical power optimisation management could lead to higher performance.
Bohmian-Based Approach to Gauss-Maxwell Beams
Authors: Sanz Ángel S. , Davidović Milena D. , Božić Mirjana
Published: March 2020

Usual Gaussian beams are particular scalar solutions to the paraxial Helmholtz equation, which neglect the vector nature of light. In order to overcome this inconvenience, Simon et al. (J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 1986, 3, 536–540) found a paraxial solution to Maxwell’s equation in vacuum, which includes polarization in a natural way, though still preserving the spatial Gaussianity of the beams. In this regard, it seems that these solutions, known as Gauss-Maxwell beams, are particularly appropriate and a natural tool in optical problems dealing with Gaussian beams acted or manipulated by polarizers. In this work, inspired in the Bohmian picture of quantum mechanics, a hydrodynamic-type extension of such a formulation is provided and discussed, complementing the notion of electromagnetic field with that of (electromagnetic) flow or streamline. In this regard, the method proposed has the advantage that the rays obtained from it render a bona fide description of the spatial distribution of electromagnetic energy, since they are in compliance with the local space changes undergone by the time-averaged Poynting vector. This feature confers the approach a potential interest in the analysis and description of single-photon experiments, because of the direct connection between these rays and the average flow exhibited by swarms of identical photons (regardless of the particular motion, if any, that these entities might have), at least in the case of Gaussian input beams. In order to illustrate the approach, here it is applied to two common scenarios, namely the diffraction undergone by a single Gauss-Maxwell beam and the interference produced by a coherent superposition of two of such beams.
RETRACTED: Osteosynthesis Plate Removal: Patient Benefits and Burdens
Authors: Bissinger Oliver , Biermann Luisa , Kolk Andreas , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Götz Carolin
Published: March 2020

Maxillofacial fractures are lege artis treated via open reduction and internal fixation in cases of dislocation of the fracture. Plate removal is indicated for various reasons. Whereas symptomatic plate removals are justified, elective removals are questionable. This retrospective monocenter study examined the individual benefit of plate removal from the patient’s point of view and involved 233 patients undergoing plate removal. The data of 233 patients undergoing plate removal were first collected, and then, an individual follow-up questionnaire was created that assessed the personal reasons of patients requesting removal and addressed whether the patient gained any benefit from removal surgery. A total of 43 patients agreed to complete the survey. The complication rate was lower after plate removal (13.3%) than after osteosynthesis (31.8%). The most common indication for removal was surgeon recommendation (51.9%), followed by ongoing symptoms (31.3%) and request by the patient (16.7%). Significantly, more patients underwent symptomatic plate removal after mandibular fractures (46.8%, n = 37, p = 0.001) than fractures elsewhere. According to the survey, 86% (n = 37) of the patients benefitted from plate removal. Although elective plate removal is nowadays controversial, our data provide evidence for a high level of patient satisfaction after removal surgery.
Exergy Analysis of Kalina and Kalina Flash Cycles Driven by Renewable Energy
Authors: Kim Kyoung Hoon , Ko Hyung Jong , Han Chul Ho
Published: March 2020

The Kalina cycle (KC) has been recognized as one of the most efficient conversion systems of low-grade heat sources. The Kalina flash cycle (KFC) is a recently proposed novel cycle which is equipped with an additional flash process to the KC. In this study, the exergy performance of KC and KFC driven by a low-grade heat source are investigated comparatively. The dependence of the exergy destruction at each component as well as the system’s exergy efficiency on ammonia concentration, separator pressure and, additionally, flash pressure for KFC, are systematically investigated. Results showed that KFC can be optimized with respect to flash pressure on the base of exergy efficiency, and the component where largest exergy destruction occurs varies for different separator pressure and ammonia fraction in both systems. It is also shown that the maxima of net power production and exergy efficiency in KFC with optimal flash pressure are superior to those in KC.
Nonlinear Seismic Response of Multistory Steel Frames with Self-Centering Tension-Only Braces
Authors: Chi Pei , Dong Jun , Tian Wenlong , Cao Dafu
Published: March 2020

The self-centering tension-only brace (SC-TOB) is a new and innovative bracing system that provides both a flag-shaped recentering hysteresis and load mitigation to structures. This paper presents an extensive investigation of the nonlinear seismic response of multistory steel frames built with SC-TOBs to internal force, drift, and energy dissipation. Pushover analysis subjected to two lateral load distributions and nonlinear dynamic analysis under ground motion ensembles corresponding to four hazard levels were conducted. The SC-TOBs can be designed to serve as conventional tension-only braces (TOBs) only providing lateral stiffness during minor earthquakes, to function with energy dissipation as intensity increases, and to fully recenter a structure even after severe earthquakes. The findings show that with an increase in the earthquake intensity, both the force response and drift response of the SC-TOB frames (SC-TOBFs) increased; however, the force distribution and drift distribution shapes of the SC-TOBFs remained almost constant. The SC-TOBFs generally experienced more energy dissipation in the lower parts of the building, while the upper stories dissipated almost no energy under certain load conditions, suggesting that the bracings on those stories could be replaced by conventional TOBs for economy. It is demonstrated that the SC-TOBs have immense potential to effectively improve seismic resilience to structures such that rehabilitation costs and operational disruptions after earthquakes are minimized.
Underwater In Situ Local Heat Treatment by Additional Stitches for Improving the Weldability of Steel
Authors: Tomków Jacek , Janeczek Anna
Published: March 2020

In this paper the influence of in situ local heat treatment performed by additional stitches on the weldability of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) S355J2C+N steel was tested. The investigated steel is characterized by high susceptibility to cold cracking. It is necessary to find a method to improve the quality of welded joints. The local heat treatment was applied as an effect of bead-on plate welding made on the face of a Tekken test joint. The specimens were made by the use of covered electrodes in the water environment. For testing weldability, Tekken test specimens were made. Then, the different number of the pad welds with different overlapping were laid on the face of the tested welds. Non-destructive (NDT) visual and penetrant tests were undertaken. During the NDT, imperfections like shape mistakes and spatters were found. Then, metallographic macro- and microscopic testing were performed. The macroscopic observations proved that water environment can generate imperfections like cracking and pores. However, for specimens with additional stitches the number of imperfections decreased. Microscopic tests proved that the proposed technique affected the structure of the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The specimens without the application of additional stitches are characterized by brittle bainitic and martensitic structure. Specimens, in which the additional stitches were applied, contain tempered martensite, fine ferrite and fine pearlite in their HAZ. It was also observed that the number of cracks decreased for in situ local heat-treatment specimens. The final step was Vickers HV10 hardness measurement. These measurements confirmed previous results. The heat from additional stitches affected the steel by significantly decreasing the hardness by 80–100 HV10. The results of experiments showed that the heat from pad welds provided microstructural changes in heat-affected zones and a decrease in the susceptibility to cold cracking, which results in improvement in the weldability of HSLA steel in wet welding conditions.
Quantum Many-Body Theory for Exciton-Polaritons in Semiconductor Mie Resonators in the Non-Equilibrium
Authors: Lubatsch Andreas , Frank Regine
Published: March 2020

We implement externally excited ZnO Mie resonators in a framework of a generalized Hubbard Hamiltonian to investigate the lifetimes of excitons and exciton-polaritons out of thermodynamical equilibrium. Our results are derived by a Floquet-Keldysh-Green’s formalism with Dynamical Mean Field Theory (DMFT) and a second order iterative perturbation theory solver (IPT). We find that the Fano resonance which originates from coupling of the continuum of electronic density of states to the semiconductor Mie resonator yields polaritons with lifetimes between 0.6 ps and 1.45 ps. These results are compared to ZnO polariton lasers and to ZnO random lasers. We interpret the peaks of the exciton-polariton lifetimes in our results as a sign of gain narrowing which may lead to stable polariton lasing modes in the single excited ZnO Mie resonator. This form of gain may lead to polariton random lasing in an ensemble of ZnO Mie resonators in the non-equilibrium.
Prediction of Load-Bearing Capacity of Composite Parts with Low-Velocity Impact Damage: Identification of Intra- and Inter-Ply Constitutive Models
Authors: Cherniaev Aleksandr , Pavlova Svetlana , Pavlov Aleksandr , Komarov Valeriy
Published: March 2020

Assessments of residual load-carrying capacity are often conducted for composite structural components that have received impact damage. The availability of a verified simulation methodology can provide significant cost savings when such assessments are required. To support the development of a reliable and accurate simulation methodology, this study investigated the predictive capabilities of a stacked solid-shell finite element model of a cylindrical composite component with a damage mechanics-based description of the intra-ply material response and a cohesive contact model used for simulation of the inter-ply behavior. Identification of material properties for the model was conducted through mechanical characterization. Special attention was paid to understanding the influence of non-physical parameters of the intra- and inter-ply material models on predicting compressive failure load of damaged composite cylinders. Calibration of the model conducted using the response surface methodology allowed for identifying rational values of the non-physical parameters. The results of simulations with the identified and calibrated finite element model showed reasonable correlation with experimental data in terms of the predicted failure loads and post-impact and post-failure damage modes. The investigated modeling technique can be recommended for evaluating the residual load-bearing capacity of flat and curved composite parts with impact damage working under the action of compressive loads.
Effect of a New Manure Amendment on Ammonia Emissions from Poultry Litter
Authors: Anderson Kelsey , Moore Philip A. , Martin Jerry , Ashworth Amanda J.
Published: March 2020

Treating manure with aluminum sulfate (alum) is a best management practice (BMP) which reduces ammonia (NH3) emissions and phosphorus (P) runoff from poultry litter. However, the price of alum has increased markedly in recent years, creating a need for less expensive products to control NH3 volatilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a new litter amendment made from alum mud, bauxite, and sulfuric acid (alum mud litter amendment or AMLA) on NH3 emissions, litter chemistry, and poultry production in a pen trial. Three separate flocks of 1000 broilers were used for this study. The first flock of birds was used to produce the poultry litter needed for the experiment. The second and third flocks of birds were allocated to 20 pens in a randomized block design with four replicates of five treatments: (1) control, (2) 49 kg AMLA/100 m2 incorporated, (3) 98 kg AMLA/100 m2 incorporated, (4) 98 kg AMLA/100 m2 surface applied, and (5) 98 kg alum/100 m2 incorporated. Ammonia flux measurements and litter samples were collected from each pen at day 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. The average litter pH for both flocks was higher in untreated litter (7.92) compared to incorporating alum (7.32) or AMLA (7.18). The two flocks’ average NH4-N concentrations at day 42 were 38% and 30% higher for the high rates of incorporated alum and AMLA compared to the untreated litter. Compared with untreated litter, AMLA reduced overall NH3 emissions by 27% to 52% which was not significantly different from reductions in emissions by alum (35%). Alum mud litter amendment reduced cumulative NH3 losses from litter as much as, and in some cases more than, alum applied at the same rate. These data indicate that AMLA, which can be manufactured for lower price than alum, is an effective alternative litter amendment for reducing NH3 emissions from poultry litter.