bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Modified Intuitionistic Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm for Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Aruna Kumar S.V. , Harish B.S. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper presents a modified intuitionistic fuzzy clustering (IFCM) algorithm for medical image segmentation. IFCM is a variant of the conventional fuzzy C-means (FCM) based on intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) theory. Unlike FCM, IFCM considers both membership and nonmembership values. The existing IFCM method uses Sugeno’s and Yager’s IFS generators to compute nonmembership value. But for certain parameters, IFS constructed using above complement generators does not satisfy the elementary condition of intuitionism. To overcome this problem, this paper adopts a new IFS generator. Further, Hausdorff distance is used as distance metric to calculate the distance between cluster center and pixel. Extensive experimentations are carried out on standard datasets like brain, lungs, liver and breast images. This paper compares the proposed method with other IFS based methods. The proposed algorithm satisfies the elementary condition of intuitionism. Further, this algorithm outperforms other methods with the use of various cluster validity functions.
Selective bulk liquid membrane carrier facilitated transport of Mg2+ over Li+, Na+, K+ and Ca2+ metal ions using naphthaquinone derived redox-switchable ionophores
Authors: Anchaliya Disha , Sharma Uma 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWhen the redox-switchable ionophores switch between their oxidized and reduced forms, they demonstrate different ligating abilities in these forms. The redox-switchable naphthaquinone-derived ionophores (D
Green synthesis and characterization of flower-like PbS and metal-doped nanostructures via hydrothermal method
Authors: Kord Mohsen , Hedayati Kambiz , Farhadi Marziyeh 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this work, flower-like nanoparticles of lead sulfide (PbS) and metal-doped PbS nanostructures were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method in water as a green solvent. The effect of temperature, precipitating agent and capping agent on the morphology and particle size of the products was investigated. Sugars were used as green, safe, cost-effective, and bio-compatible capping agents. The prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultra violet-visible spectroscopy. The effect of PbS as a photocatalyst on the degradation of three different azo dyes was investigated. Acid brown, acid violet, and acid blue were totally degraded at 60 min under ultra-violet irradiation.
Synthesis and structure of [Na(15-crown-5)][Ph2P(S)OB(C6F5)3] and [Na(15-crown-5)2][Ph2P(S)O···HO(S)PPh2]
Authors: Kather Ralf , Lork Enno , Raţ Ciprian-Ionuţ , Silvestru Cristian , Beckmann Jens 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe reaction of Ph
How to name atoms in phosphates, polyphosphates, their derivatives and mimics, and transition state analogues for enzyme-catalysed phosphoryl transfer reactions (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)
Authors: Blackburn G. Michael , Cherfils Jacqueline , Moss Gerard P. , Richards Nigel G. J. , Waltho Jonathan P. , Williams Nicholas H. , Wittinghofer Alfred 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Procedures are proposed for the naming of individual atoms, P, O, F, N, and S in phosphate esters, amidates, thiophosphates, polyphosphates, their mimics, and analogues of transition states for enzyme-catalyzed phosphoryl transfer reactions. Their purpose is to enable scientists in very different fields, e.g. biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computational chemistry, crystallography, and molecular biology, to share standard protocols for the labelling of individual atoms in complex molecules. This will facilitate clear and unambiguous descriptions of structural results, as well as scientific intercommunication concerning them. At the present time, perusal of the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and other sources shows that there is a limited degree of commonality in nomenclature, but a large measure of irregularity in more complex structures. The recommendations described here adhere to established practice as closely as possible, in particular to IUPAC and IUBMB recommendations and to “best practice” in the PDB, especially to its atom labelling of amino acids, and particularly to Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules for stereochemical nomenclature. They are designed to work in complex enzyme sites for binding phosphates but also to have utility for non-enzymatic systems. Above all, the recommendations are designed to be easy to comprehend and user-friendly.
Monoterpenes as a renewable source of biologically active compounds
Authors: Salakhutdinov Nariman F. , Volcho Konstantin P. , Yarovaya Olga I. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Monoterpenes and their derivatives play an important role in the creation of new biologically active compounds including drugs. The review focuses on the data on various types of biological activity exhibited by monoterpenes and their derivatives, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer, anti-Parkinsonian, antiviral, and antibacterial (anti-tuberculosis) effects. Searching for novel potential drugs among monoterpene derivatives shows great promise for treating various pathologies. Special attention is paid to the effect of absolute configuration of monoterpenes and monoterpenoids on their activity.
Effects of fiber-surface modification on the properties of bamboo flour/polypropylene composites and their interfacial compatibility
Authors: Wang Jian , Dong Jie , Zhang Jianwei , Zhu Baodong , Cui Dongling 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This work aimed to study the effects of different surface treatments on the morphologies and thermo-mechanical properties of the bamboo flour/polypropylene (BF/PP) composites, which were prepared by melt blending with 15 wt% of filler load. The BF was first pretreated with 10 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions for 4 h, after which the pre-treated BF was modified by stearic acid and silane. The chemical structure of the treated BF fibers was characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the results showed that alkali treatment efficiently removed hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. Moreover, stearic acid and silane were successfully introduced to the BF surface through chemical bonding. The changes in heat stability of BF investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the presence of treatment contributes to a better thermal stability for BF fibers. In addition, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of BF/PP composites displayed not only better dispersion of treated-BF in the polypropylene (PP) matrix, but also improved fiber-matrix interfacial compatibility, especially when silane treatment was used. Accordingly, the mechanical properties improved significantly in the presence of treated-BF.
Gravity beyond Einstein? Part I: Physics and the Trouble with Experiments
Authors: Hauser Jochem , Dröscher Walter 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article provides a review of the latest experimental results in quantum physics and astrophysics, discussing their repercussions on the advanced physical theories that go beyond both the SMs (standard models) of particle physics and cosmology. It will be shown that many of the essential concepts of the advanced theoretical models developed over the past 40 years are no longer tenable because they are contradicting the novel data. Most recent results (December 2016) from the Large Hadron Collider revealed no new matter particles up to particle masses of 1.6 TeV/c2, which is in accordance with recent ACME experimental data (2014) that saw no electric dipole moment for the electron as predicted by these theories. Moreover, the LUX experiment (since 2013) did not see any dark matter particles either, thus independently supporting LHC and ACME measurements. Furthermore, experimental particle physics seems to be telling us that dark matter particles (LHC results) do not exist, suggesting that dark matter particles either are more exotic or are more difficult to detect than had been predicted in the past decades (less likely with recent LHC results). Astrophysical observations since 1933, starting with Caltech astronomer Zwicky, however, have provided irrefutable evidence for the existence of dark matter, for instance, based on the phenomenon of gravitational lensing as well as observed rotational velocities of stars orbiting the galactic center that are deviating from Newton’s law. Surprisingly, recent astronomical observations by Bidin, ESO (2010, 2012, 2014), seem to indicate the absence of dark matter within galaxies. In addition, cosmology at present has no explanation for about 68 % of the energy in the Universe that comes in the form of dark energy. Recently, measured data from three entirely different types of experiments both on earth and in space (2006–2011) are hinting at completely novel features of gravity that, if confirmed, must be outside Einstein’s general relativity. Extreme gravitomagnetic and gravity-like fields may have been observed at cryogenic temperatures generated by a rotating ring or disk. However, these experimental results are not conclusive so far. The strength of these extreme fields has been calculated and, according to the respective equations, should be sufficient to serve as a basis for a gravitational technology that, for example, could establish long sought field propulsion (i.e. propulsion without fuel), actively researched by physicists and rocket engineers in the 1960s and 1990s. This article concludes with an outlook on the novel technology of gravitational engineering that might follow from gravity-like fields and discusses the novel physical concepts resulting from the existence of these extreme gravitomagnetic fields.
Complement C5aR1 Signaling Promotes Polarization and Proliferation of Embryonic Neural Progenitor Cells through PKCζ
Authors: Coulthard Liam G. , Hawksworth Owen A. , Li Rui , Balachandran Anushree , Lee John D. , Sepehrband Farshid , Kurniawan Nyoman , Jeanes Angela , Simmons David G. , Wolvetang Ernst , Woodruff Trent M. 
Published: April 2017

The complement system, typically associated with innate immunity, is emerging as a key controller of nonimmune systems including in development, with recent studies linking complement mutations with neurodevelopmental disease. A key effector of the complement response is the activation fragment C5a, which, through its receptor C5aR1, is a potent driver of inflammation. Surprisingly, C5aR1 is also expressed during early mammalian embryogenesis; however, no clearly defined function is ascribed to C5aR1 in development. Here we demonstrate polarized expression of C5aR1 on the apical surface of mouse embryonic neural progenitor cellsin vivoand on human embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors. We also show that signaling of endogenous C5a during mouse embryogenesis drives proliferation of neural progenitor cells within the ventricular zone and is required for normal brain histogenesis. C5aR1 signaling in neural progenitors was dependent on atypical protein kinase C ζ, a mediator of stem cell polarity, with C5aR1 inhibition reducing proliferation and symmetric division of apical neural progenitors in human and mouse models. C5aR1 signaling was shown to promote the maintenance of cell polarity, with exogenous C5a increasing the retention of polarized rosette architecture in human neural progenitors after physical or chemical disruption. Transient inhibition of C5aR1 during neurogenesis in developing mice led to behavioral abnormalities in both sexes and MRI-detected brain microstructural alterations, in studied males, demonstrating a requirement of C5aR1 signaling for appropriate brain development. This study thus identifies a functional role for C5a–C5aR1 signaling in mammalian neurogenesis and provides mechanistic insight into recently identified complement gene mutations and brain disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe complement system, traditionally known as a controller of innate immunity, now stands as a multifaceted signaling family with a broad range of physiological actions. These include roles in the brain, where complement activation is associated with diseases, including epilepsy and schizophrenia. This study has explored complement regulation of neurogenesis, identifying a novel relationship between the complement activation peptide C5a and the neural progenitor proliferation underpinning formation of the mammalian brain. C5a was identified as a regulator of cell polarity, with inhibition of C5a receptors during embryogenesis leading to abnormal brain development and behavioral deficits. This work demonstrates mechanisms through which dysregulation of complement causes developmental disease and highlights the potential risk of complement inhibition for therapeutic purposes in pregnancy.
Administration of RANKL boosts thymic regeneration upon bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Lopes Noella , Vachon Hortense , Marie Julien , Irla Magali 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCytoablative treatments lead to severe damages on thymic epithelial cells (TECs), which result in delayed de novo thymopoiesis and a prolonged period of T‐cell immunodeficiency. Understanding the mechanisms that govern thymic regeneration is of paramount interest for the recovery of a functional immune system notably after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Here, we show that RANK ligand (RANKL) is upregulated in CD4+ thymocytes and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells during the early phase of thymic regeneration. Importantly, whereas RANKL neutralization alters TEC recovery after irradiation, ex vivo RANKL administration during BMT boosts the regeneration of TEC subsets including thymic epithelial progenitor‐enriched cells, thymus homing of lymphoid progenitors, and de novo thymopoiesis. RANKL increases specifically in LTi cells, lymphotoxin α, which is critical for thymic regeneration. RANKL treatment, dependent on lymphotoxin α, is beneficial upon BMT in young and aged individuals. This study thus indicates that RANKL may be clinically useful to improve T‐cell function recovery after BMT by controlling multiple facets of thymic regeneration.
A Notch positive feedback in the intestinal stem cell niche is essential for stem cell self‐renewal
Authors: Chen Kai‐Yuan , Srinivasan Tara , Tung Kuei‐Ling , Belmonte Julio M , Wang Lihua , Murthy Preetish Kadur Lakshminarasimha , Choi Jiahn , Rakhilin Nikolai , King Sarah , Varanko Anastasia Kristine , Witherspoon Mavee , Nishimura Nozomi , Glazier James A , Lipkin Steven M , Bu Pengcheng , Shen Xiling 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe intestinal epithelium is the fastest regenerative tissue in the body, fueled by fast‐cycling stem cells. The number and identity of these dividing and migrating stem cells are maintained by a mosaic pattern at the base of the crypt. How the underlying regulatory scheme manages this dynamic stem cell niche is not entirely clear. We stimulated intestinal organoids with Notch ligands and inhibitors and discovered that intestinal stem cells employ a positive feedback mechanism via direct Notch binding to the second intron of the Notch1 gene. Inactivation of the positive feedback by CRISPR/Cas9 mutation of the binding sequence alters the mosaic stem cell niche pattern and hinders regeneration in organoids. Dynamical system analysis and agent‐based multiscale stochastic modeling suggest that the positive feedback enhances the robustness of Notch‐mediated niche patterning. This study highlights the importance of feedback mechanisms in spatiotemporal control of the stem cell niche.
HDAC Inhibitors Disrupt Programmed Resistance to Apoptosis During Drosophila Development
Authors: Kang Yunsik , Marischuk Khailee , Castelvecchi Gina D , Bashirullah Arash 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
We have previously shown that the ability to respond to apoptotic triggers is regulated during Drosophila development, effectively dividing the fly life cycle into stages that are either sensitive or resistant to apoptosis. Here, we show that the developmentally programmed resistance to apoptosis involves transcriptional repression of critical proapoptotic genes by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Administration of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), like trichostatin A or suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, increases expression of proapoptotic genes and is sufficient to sensitize otherwise resistant stages. Conversely, reducing levels of proapoptotic genes confers resistance to otherwise sensitive stages. Given that resistance to apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer cells, and that HDACi have been recently added to the repertoire of FDA-approved agents for cancer therapy, our results provide new insights for how HDACi help kill malignant cells and also raise concerns for their potential unintended effects on healthy cells.
The Genomic Architecture of Flowering Time Varies Across Space and Time in Mimulus guttatus
Authors: Monnahan Patrick J , Kelly John K 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The degree to which genomic architecture varies across space and time is central to the evolution of genomes in response to natural selection. Bulked-segregant mapping combined with pooled sequencing provides an efficient means to estimate the effect of genetic variants on quantitative traits. We develop a novel likelihood framework to identify segregating variation within multiple populations and generations while accommodating estimation error on a sample- and SNP-specific basis. We use this method to map loci for flowering time within natural populations of Mimulus guttatus, collecting the early- and late-flowering plants from each of three neighboring populations and two consecutive generations. Structural variants, such as inversions, and genes from multiple flowering-time pathways exhibit the strongest associations with flowering time. We find appreciable variation in genetic effects on flowering time across both time and space; the greatest differences evident between populations, where numerous factors (environmental variation, genomic background, and private polymorphisms) likely contribute to heterogeneity. However, the changes across years within populations clearly identify genotype-by-environment interactions as an important influence on flowering time variation.
UPAYA PENINGKATAN PEMAHAMAN SISWA TERHADAP PRINSIP KERJA PNEUMATIK BERBANTUAN PERANGKAT LUNAK MULTIMEDIA INTERAKTIF
Authors: Hidayah Nurul , Hasbullah Hasbullah 
Published: April 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman siswa pada pembelajaran prinsip kerja komponen pneumatik berbantuan multimedia interaktif. Penelitian dilakukan menggunakan metode deskriptif dan evaluatif dengan pendekatan research and development. Tahapan penelitian sampai pada uji coba terbatas. Subyek penelitian merupakan kelas XI Kompetensi Keahlian Mekatronika di SMK Negeri 2 Cimahi dengan jumlah sampel 30 siswa. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan pemberian angket, observasi dan tes berupa pretest dan posttest. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan media pembelajaran berbantuan multimedia interaktif efektif digunakan pada materi prinsip kerja komponen pneumatik. Berdasarkan hasil angket, terdapat pengaruh yang positif pada peningkatan minat siswa terhadap pembelajaran sistem pneumatik. Media pembelajaran berbantuan multimedia interaktif ini memiliki pengaruh yang positif pada peningkatan minat siswa terhadap pembelajaran sistem Pneumatik. Berdasarkan hasil pretest dan posttest media pembelajaran berbantuan multimedia interaktif dapat meningkatkan pemahaman siswa terhadap prinsip kerja komponen pneumatik. Kata kunci: media pembelajaran, multimedia interaktif, pneumatik
KETUNTASAN KESIAPAN BERWIRAUSAHA SISWA SMK MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN KOLABORASI
Authors: Hariyanto V. Lilik 
Published: April 2017

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: (1) Ingin mengetahui seberapa besar tingat ketuntasan kesiapan berwirausaha siswa SMK aspek: (a) pengetahuan praktik, (b) pengetahuan kewirausahaan, (c) sikap kewirausahaan, (d) keterampilan, (e) pembuatan proposal usaha, (2) Ingin mengetahui seberapa besar tingkat keaktifan guru dalam mengajar pada aspek: (a) pendahuluan, (b) kegiatan inti, (c) penutup dan (d) penggunaan bahasa , (3) Ingin mengetahui seberapa besar tingkat keaktifan siswa dalam belajar pada aspek: (a) konsentrasi siswa saat pembelajaran, (b) mencatat, (c) bertanya kepada guru, (d) menjawab pertanyaan guru, (e) mengemukakan pendapat dan (f) penggunaan bahasa. Metode penelitian digunakan Penelitian dan Pengembangan dari Borg & Gall. yaitu: (1) Penelitian, untuk mengumpulkan data tentang produk yang akan dikembangkan, (2) Pengembangan, untuk menganalisis produk melalui pembelajaran di kelas. Model pembelajaran digunakan Model DCRAH (Discovery, Concept Development, Resourcing, Actualizing dan Harvesting) dari Universitas Ciputra Surabaya. Penelitian dilakukan di SMKN 2 Pengasih Kulonprogo. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas XII Paket Keahlian Teknik Konstruksi Batu dan Beton. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) Tingkat ketuntasan kesiapan berwirausaha siswa SMK aspek: (a) pengetahuan praktek adalah tuntas (Mean= 78,33),(b) pengetahuan kewirausahaan (Mean= 79,49), (c) sikap (Mean= 77,57), (d) keterampilan (Mean= 83,62), (e) pembuatan proposal usaha (Mean= 83,54) , (2) Tingkat keaktifan guru dalam mengajar pada aspek: (a) pendahuluan dalam kategori aktif, (b) kegiatan inti dalam kategori aktif,penutup dalam kategori sangat aktif dan (d) penggunaan bahasa dalam kategori aktif, (3) Tingkat keaktifan siswa dalam belajar pada aspek: (a) konsentrasi siswa saat pembelajaran dalam kategori aktif, (b) mencatat dalam kategori aktif, (c) bertanya kepada guru dalam kategori aktif, (d) menjawab pertanyaan guru dalam kategori aktif, (e) mengemukakan pendapat dalam kategori aktif dan (f) penggunaan bahasa dalam kategori aktif.
TVET Capacity Development in Afghanistan: Introducing Self-Reliant Internship in In-Service Technical Teacher Training at the Technical Teacher Training Institute (TTTI)
Authors: Klee Daniel , Andar Andar 
Published: April 2017

This paper describes the approach applied to the introduction of self-reliant internship into the in-service TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) teacher training at the Technical Teacher Training Institute (TTTI) in Afghanistan. As data show in 2014, Afghan TVET teachers neither meet the legal requirements set by the government (Bachelor degree) nor have contacts to or work experiences in private or public sector companies. They have no knowledge of the working requirements they are preparing their students for. Consequently, in-service teacher training at the TTTI has to provide it’s learners with knowledge and skills in accordance with the market requirements. Thus, at the TTTI Capacity Building is focusing among others on the multifaceted interdependent relationship between teacher-student-company in order to empower teachers to be able to contribute to the employability of their students. In this respect TTTI’s in-service teacher training foresees the teacher’s participation in a private or public sector self-reliant internship to benefit from the expertise of companies’ work force and employers and actualize their understanding for the world of work. Afghan TVET teachers completing successful the TTTI in-service training are able to train many cohorts of students for the labor market or self-employment with the gained competences. Two subsequent cohorts of TTTI trainees - government employed TVET teachers undergoing in-service teacher training - have been participating for their first time in self-reliant internship in 2013 and 2014. According to the findings, recommendations are given for using the approach of introducing internship in in-service training for TVET teacher capacity building.