bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiagent System Prototype of a Tacit Knowledge Management Model to Reduce Labor Incident Resolution Times
Authors: Paolino Lilyam , Lizcano David , López Genoveva , Lloret Jaime
Published: December 2019

The transformation of the tacit knowledge of a company’s human resources into permanent organizational capital in spite of possible staff turnover is of business interest. This research focuses on the management of tacit knowledge to resolve labor incidents and reduce resolution times. We present the GESTAC model, a name derived from the first syllables of the Spanish words “gestión” (management) and “tácito” (tacit), which identifies, locates and rates people in the business domain capable of resolving a labor incident logged by a user employed by the company. In order to achieve its objective, the GESTAC model follows the tacit knowledge management paradigm, according to which tacit knowledge that could eventually resolve the logged incidents is identified, captured and stored in a permanent database, and then evaluated and disseminated to the people who have need of the knowledge. This could lead to the knowledge source being automatically rerated, and the entire process restarted. The aim is to contribute to the state of the art, showing that by applying tacit knowledge management to a specific domain the GESTAC model is able to reduce incident resolution times with respect to traditional systems. The model was prototyped (GESTAC_APP) using the multiagent systems paradigm.
Double-Sided Freeform Lens for Light Collimation of Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Syu Yong-Sin , Wu Chun-Ying , Lee Yung-Chun
Published: December 2019

A double-sided freeform lens is proposed for collimating light emitted from light emitting diodes (LEDs). The surface profiles of the lens are mathematically characterized and precisely determined based on a point-source assumption and differential geometry theory. The proposed lens design method is straightforward, flexible, and effective. Moreover, the optical performance of the lens can be intuitively adjusted by tuning just a small number of design parameters. The simulation results showed that the proposed lens achieved an excellent collimating effect for a commercial ultraviolet (UV) LED. A prototype lens is fabricated in UV-grade poly(methyl methacrylate) material using a standard injection molding process. The light collimating effect of the lens/UV-LED assembly was measured experimentally and was shown to be in good agreement with the simulation results. The collimating angle at the half-energy level was equal to 1.88°. The performance of the UV-LED is thus comparable to that of conventional lithography UV light sources based on mercury arc lamps. Consequently, the proposed double freeform lens showed significant potential for photolithography applications within the industry.
In Vitro Biomechanical Simulation Testing of Custom Fabricated Temporomandibular Joint Parts Made of Electron Beam Melted Titanium, Zirconia, and Poly-Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Alkindi Mohammed , Ramalingam Sundar , Moiduddin Khaja , Alghamdi Osama , Alkhalefah Hisham , Badwelan Mohammed
Published: December 2019

Total alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement has become common. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate wear response of custom-fabricated electron beam melted titanium (EBM-Ti), zirconia, and acrylic TMJ parts when subjected to biomechanical simulation testing. Eighteen prosthetic TMJ parts (condyle, glenoid fossa) were custom-fabricated using computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques based on patient’s radiographic images. Biomechanical simulation testing of TMJ parts (in different combinations) were done in a modified chewing simulator (108,000 cycles, 1 Hz frequency, 45–60 N compression, strokes-downward 0.15–0.25 s/horizontal, 0.4–0.5 s/upward, 0.25–0.45 s/displacement, 1.5–2.0 mm). Qualitative analysis using scanning electron microscopy revealed wear facets on leading edges of vertical and horizontal simulation strokes. Measurement of pre-test and post-test weights of TMJ parts revealed non-significant reduction in weights due to wear. EBM-Ti and acrylic TMJ glenoid fossae articulating against zirconia condyles during simulation testing had significantly higher wear, evidenced by greater mean reduction in weights. Based on results of this preliminary study, custom-fabricated alloplastic prosthetic TMJ are a viable alternative to stock alloplastic joints. While EBM-Ti and acrylic are suitable biomaterials for custom-fabrication, use of zirconia results in greater wear and requires further studies to optimize their role in customized alloplastic TMJ.
An IVTIFN–TOPSIS Based Computational Approach for Pipe Materials Selection
Authors: Zhao Rui , Huang Ya , Yu Yang , Guo Sidai
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, coupling intervalued trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy number (IVTIFN) with the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to facilitate the selection of pipe materials. Their integration can maximize the advantage in better expressing decision maker’s preference on the proposed evaluation criteria by using a bounded limit instead of an exact value, to rank material alternatives based upon their functional, economic and environmental attributes. To reduce possible information overlapping resulted from the criteria, Mahalanobis distance is incorporated into IVTIFN–TOPSIS to improve the selection results. An illustrative example is provided to verify the proposed approach and demonstrate its practical application, in which four common alternative materials, including carbon steel, galvanized steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylenes (HDPE), are subject to precise selection to determine their adaptability in waste-water piping. The selection result indicates that the plastic materials are superior to the metal materials. In particular, HDPE is the optimal material alternative for waste-water collection and transport.
Development of Hybrid Machine Learning Models for Predicting the Critical Buckling Load of I-Shaped Cellular Beams
Authors: Ly Hai-Bang , Le Tien-Thinh , Le Lu Minh , Tran Van Quan , Le Vuong Minh , Vu Huong-Lan Thi , Nguyen Quang Hung , Pham Binh Thai
Published: December 2019

The principal purpose of this work is to develop three hybrid machine learning (ML) algorithms, namely ANFIS-RCSA, ANFIS-CA, and ANFIS-SFLA which are a combination of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with metaheuristic optimization techniques such as real-coded simulated annealing (RCSA), cultural algorithm (CA) and shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA), respectively, to predict the critical buckling load of I-shaped cellular steel beams with circular openings. For this purpose, the existing database of buckling tests on I-shaped steel beams were extracted from the available literature and used to generate the datasets for modeling. Eight inputs, considered as independent variables, including the beam length, beam end-opening distance, opening diameter, inter-opening distance, section height, web thickness, flange width, and flange thickness, as well as one output of the critical buckling load of cellular steel beams considered as a dependent variable, were used in the datasets. Three quality assessment criteria, namely correlation coefficient (R), root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were employed for assessment of three developed hybrid ML models. The obtained results indicate that all three hybrid ML models have a strong ability to predict the buckling load of steel beams with circular openings, but ANFIS-SFLA (R = 0.960, RMSE = 0.040 and MAE = 0.017) exhibits the best effectiveness as compared with other hybrid models. In addition, sensitivity analysis was investigated and compared with linear statistical correlation between inputs and output to validate the importance of input variables in the models. The sensitivity results show that the most influenced variable affecting beam buckling capacity is the beam length, following by the flange width, the flange thickness, and the web thickness, respectively. This study shows that the hybrid ML techniques could help in establishing a robust numerical tool for beam buckling analysis. The proposed methodology is also promising to predict other types of failure, as well as other types of perforated beams.
Emotion AI-Driven Sentiment Analysis: A Survey, Future Research Directions, and Open Issues
Authors: Chakriswaran Priya , Vincent Durai Raj , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Sharma Vishal , Chang Chuan-Yu , Reina Daniel Gutiérrez
Published: December 2019

The essential use of natural language processing is to analyze the sentiment of the author via the context. This sentiment analysis (SA) is said to determine the exactness of the underlying emotion in the context. It has been used in several subject areas such as stock market prediction, social media data on product reviews, psychology, judiciary, forecasting, disease prediction, agriculture, etc. Many researchers have worked on these areas and have produced significant results. These outcomes are beneficial in their respective fields, as they help to understand the overall summary in a short time. Furthermore, SA helps in understanding actual feedback shared across different platforms such as Amazon, TripAdvisor, etc. The main objective of this thorough survey was to analyze some of the essential studies done so far and to provide an overview of SA models in the area of emotion AI-driven SA. In addition, this paper offers a review of ontology-based SA and lexicon-based SA along with machine learning models that are used to analyze the sentiment of the given context. Furthermore, this work also discusses different neural network-based approaches for analyzing sentiment. Finally, these different approaches were also analyzed with sample data collected from Twitter. Among the four approaches considered in each domain, the aspect-based ontology method produced 83% accuracy among the ontology-based SAs, the term frequency approach produced 85% accuracy in the lexicon-based analysis, and the support vector machine-based approach achieved 90% accuracy among the other machine learning-based approaches.
Influence of Waste Plastic Aggregate and Water-Repellent Additive on the Properties of Lightweight Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Composite
Authors: Záleská Martina , Pavlíková Milena , Jankovský Ondřej , Lojka Michal , Antončík Filip , Pivák Adam , Pavlík Zbyšek
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present study is to improve the thermal and hygric performance of magnesium oxychloride (MOC) cement composites by the incorporation of waste plastic-based aggregate and the use of the inner and surface hydrophobic agents. The crushed waste expanded polypropylene particles were used as a full replacement of natural silica sand. The aggregate properties were evaluated in terms of their physical and thermal parameters. The caustic calcined magnesite was studied by SEM, XRF, and XRD spectroscopy. The MOC cement composites were characterized by SEM/EDS, XRD, and FT-IR spectroscopy and measurement of their structural properties, strength parameters, thermal conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity. Assessment of water- and water vapor transport properties was also conducted. The results show significantly improved thermal parameters of MOC cement composite containing expanded polypropylene (EPP) as aggregate and indicate high efficiency of surface hydrophobic agent (impregnation) as a barrier against the transport of liquid and gaseous moisture. The resulting lightweight EPP-MOC cement composite with improved thermal insulation function and suitable mechanical properties can be used to produce thermal insulation floors, ceilings, or wall panels reducing the operational energy demand of buildings.
Broadband Time Domain Diffuse Optical Reflectance Spectroscopy: A Review of Systems, Methods, and Applications
Authors: Konugolu Venkata Sekar Sanathana , Lanka Pranav , Farina Andrea , Dalla Mora Alberto , Andersson-Engels Stefan , Taroni Paola , Pifferi Antonio
Published: December 2019

This review presents recent developments and a wide overview of broadband time domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (TD-DOS). Various topics including physics of photon migration, advanced instrumentation, methods of analysis, applications covering multiple domains (tissue chromophore, in vivo studies, food, wood, pharmaceutical industry) are elaborated. The key role of standardization and recent studies in that direction are discussed. Towards the end, a brief outlook is presented on the current status and future trends in broadband TD-DOS.
Data-Driven Deformation Reliability of Retaining Structures in Deep Excavations Considering Measurement Error
Authors: Xu Li , Xu Yang , Wang Cao , Feng Kairui
Published: December 2019

The deflections of retaining structures during deep excavation should be controlled below a predefined threshold in an attempt to mitigate the deformation-posed damage to the surrounding buildings and infrastructure facilities. In this paper, a new approach is presented to conducting deformation reliability assessments of retaining structures. The method is based on an extension of the classical first-passage reliability problem and is applied on the spatial scale of the retaining structures. With the proposed method, the in situ monitoring data and the associated measurement error can be easily incorporated, which accordingly improves the assessment accuracy. Moreover, the proposed method has a closed-form solution, which is beneficial for the computation efficiency and its practical application. The method was applied to assess the retaining structure reliability in a foundation excavation of a subway station in Fuzhou, China. The accuracy of the analytical results was verified through a comparison with those of Monte Carlo simulation. It was shown that the proposed method can represent well, the deformation-based safety level of retaining structures.
Antibacterial Activity and Impact of Different Antiseptics on Biofilm-Contaminated Implant Surfaces
Authors: Lollobrigida Marco , Filardo Simone , Sessa Rosa , Di Pietro Marisa , Bozzuto Giuseppina , Molinari Agnese , Lamazza Luca , Vozza Iole , De Biase Alberto
Published: December 2019

Several antiseptic agents have been proposed for the treatment of peri-implantitis as a complementary therapeutic strategy in addition to mechanical devices. The aim of this study was to compare six different antiseptics, as well as alternative formulations of the same chemical agent, with respect to their decontamination efficacy and impact on chemical properties of the implant surface. Titanium disks with a micro-rough surface, previously contaminated with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans biofilms, were treated for 2 min with different antiseptics (liquid sodium hypochlorite 5.25%, gel sodium hypochlorite 5.25%, liquid chlorhexidine 0.2%, gel chlorhexidine 1%, gel citric acid 40%, and gel orthophosphoric acid 37%) or sterile saline solution (control) and their antibacterial activity as well as their ability to remove biofilm were assessed by viable bacterial count and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Spectroscopic analysis was also performed on non-contaminated disks after exposure to the antiseptics, in order to detect any change in the elemental composition of the titanium surface. All the antimicrobial formulations examined were effective against P. gingivalis and S. mutans biofilms. SEM analysis revealed however that liquid sodium hypochlorite 5.25% was more effective in dissolving biofilm residues. Spectroscopic analysis detected traces of the antiseptics, probably due to insufficient rinsing of the titanium surfaces. In conclusion, since gel formulations of these antiseptic agents possessed a similar antibacterial activity to the liquid formulations, these may be proposed as alternative treatments given their properties to avoid overflows and increase contact time without significant side effects on the bone.
Improving Localization of Deep Inclusions in Time-Resolved Diffuse Optical Tomography
Authors: Orive-Miguel David , Hervé Lionel , Condat Laurent , Mars Jérôme
Published: December 2019

Time-resolved diffuse optical tomography is a technique used to recover the optical properties of an unknown diffusive medium by solving an ill-posed inverse problem. In time-domain, reconstructions based on datatypes are used for their computational efficiency. In practice, most used datatypes are temporal windows and Fourier transform. Nevertheless, neither theoretical nor numerical studies assessing different datatypes have been clearly expressed. In this paper, we propose an overview and a new process to compute efficiently a long set of temporal windows in order to perform diffuse optical tomography. We did a theoretical comparison of these large set of temporal windows. We also did simulations in a reflectance geometry with a spherical inclusion at different depths. The results are presented in terms of inclusion localization and its absorption coefficient recovery. We show that (1) the new windows computed with the developed method improve inclusion localization for inclusions at deep layers, (2) inclusion absorption quantification is improved at all depths and, (3) in some cases these windows can be equivalent to frequency based reconstruction at GHz order.
Enhancing Properties of Aerospace Alloy Elektron 21 Using Boron Carbide Nanoparticles as Reinforcement
Authors: Tekumalla Sravya , Joo Yuan Ng , Haghshenas Meysam , Gupta Manoj
Published: December 2019

In this study, the effect of nano-B4C addition on the property profile of Elektron 21 (E21) alloys is investigated. E21 reinforced with different amounts of nano-size B4C particulates was synthesized using the disintegrated melt deposition technique followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization of the developed E21-B4C composites revealed refined grains with the progressive addition of boron carbide nanoparticles. The evaluation of mechanical properties indicated a significant improvement in the yield strength of the nanocomposites under compressive loading. Further, the E21-2.5B4C nanocomposites exhibited the best damping characteristics, highest young’s modulus, and highest resistance to ignition, thus featuring all the characteristics of a material suitable for several aircraft applications besides the currently allowed seat frames. The superior mechanical properties of the E21-B4C nanocomposites are attributed to the refined grain sizes, uniform distribution of the nanoparticles, and the thermal insulating effects of nano-B4C particles.
Quantum Calculi—From Theory to Language Design
Authors: Zorzi Margherita
Published: December 2019

In the last 20 years, several approaches to quantum programming have been introduced. In this survey, we focus on the QRAM (Quantum Random Access Machine) architectural model. We explore the twofold perspective (theoretical and concrete) of the approach and we list the main problems one has to face in quantum language design. Moreover, we propose an overview of some interesting languages and open-source platforms for quantum programming currently available. We also provide the higher-order encoding in the functional languages qPCF and IQu of the well known Deutsch-Jozsa and Simon’s algorithms.
Hierarchical Modeling of Solar System Planets with Isca
Authors: Thomson Stephen I. , Vallis Geoffrey K.
Published: December 2019

We describe the use of Isca for the hierarchical modeling of Solar System planets, with particular attention paid to Earth, Mars, and Jupiter. Isca is a modeling framework for the construction and use of models of planetary atmospheres at varying degrees of complexity, from featureless model planets with an atmosphere forced by a thermal relaxation back to a specified temperature, through aquaplanets with no continents (or no ocean) with a simple radiation scheme, to near-comprehensive models with a multi-band radiation scheme, a convection scheme, and configurable continents and topography. By a judicious choice of parameters and parameterization schemes, the model may be configured for fairly arbitrary planets, with stellar radiation input determined by astronomical parameters, taking into account the planet’s obliquity and eccentricity. In this paper, we describe the construction and use of models at varying levels of complexity for Earth, Mars and Jupiter using the primitive equations and/or the shallow water equations.
Relating Moisture Transport to Stable Water Vapor Isotopic Variations of Ambient Wintertime along the Western Coast of Korea
Authors: Kim Songyi , Han Yeongcheol , Hur Soon Do , Yoshimura Kei , Lee Jeonghoon
Published: December 2019

Atmospheric water vapor transfers energy, causes meteorological phenomena and can be modified by climate change in the western coast region of Korea. In Korea, previous studies have utilized precipitation isotopic compositions in the water cycle for correlations with climate variables, but there are few studies using water vapor isotopes. In this study, water vapor was directly collected by a cryogenic method, analyzed for its isotopic compositions, and used to trace the origin and history of water vapor in the western coastal region of Korea during the winter of 2015/2016. Our analysis of paired mixing ratios with water vapor isotopes can explain the mechanism of water vapor isotopic fractionation and the extent of the mixing of two different air masses. We confirm the correlation between water vapor isotopes and meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and specific humidity. The main water vapor in winter was derived from the continental polar region of northern Asia and showed an enrichment of 10 per mil (δ18O) through the evaporation of the Yellow Sea. Our results demonstrate the utility of using ground-based isotope observations as a complementary resource for constraining isotope-enabled Global Circulation Model in future investigations of atmospheric water cycles. These measurements are expected to support climate studies (speleothem) in the west coast region of Korea.
Transcriptome Analysis of Wheat Roots Reveals a Differential Regulation of Stress Responses Related to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Soil Disturbance
Authors: Campos Catarina , Nobre Tânia , Goss Michael J. , Faria Jorge , Barrulas Pedro , Carvalho Mário
Published: December 2019

Symbioses with soil microorganisms are central in shaping the diversity and productivity of land plants and provide protection against a diversity of stresses, including metal toxicity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can form extensive extraradical mycelial networks (ERM), which are very efficient in colonizing a new host. We quantified the responses of transcriptomes of wheat and one AMF partner, Rhizoglomus irregulare, to soil disturbance (Undisturbed vs. Disturbed) and to two different preceding mycotrophic species (Ornithopus compressus and Lolium rigidum). Soil disturbance and preceding plant species engender different AMF communities in wheat roots, resulting in a differential tolerance to soil manganese (Mn) toxicity. Soil disturbance negatively impacted wheat growth under manganese toxicity, probably due to the disruption of the ERM, and activated a large number of stress and starvation-related genes. The O. compressus treatment, which induces a greater Mn protection in wheat than L. rigidum, activated processes related to cellular division and growth, and very few related to stress. The L. rigidum treatment mostly induced genes that were related to oxidative stress, disease protection, and metal ion binding. R. irregulare cell division and molecular exchange between nucleus and cytoplasm were increased by O. compressus. These findings are highly relevant for sustainable agricultural systems, when considering a fit-for-purpose symbiosis.
The Interplay between Retinal Pathways of Cholesterol Output and Its Effects on Mouse Retina
Authors: Petrov Alexey M. , Astafev Artem A. , Mast Natalia , Saadane Aicha , El-Darzi Nicole , Pikuleva Irina A.
Published: December 2019

In mammalian retina, cholesterol excess is mainly metabolized to oxysterols by cytochromes P450 27A1 (CYP27A1) and 46A1 (CYP46A1) or removed on lipoprotein particles containing apolipoprotein E (APOE). In contrast, esterification by sterol-O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT) plays only a minor role in this process. Accordingly, retinal cholesterol levels are unchanged in Soat1−/− mice but are increased in Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/− and Apoe−/− mice. Herein, we characterized Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/−Soat1−/− and Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/−Apoe−/− mice. In the former, retinal cholesterol levels, anatomical gross structure, and vasculature were normal, yet the electroretinographic responses were impaired. Conversely, in Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/−Apoe−/− mice, retinal cholesterol levels were increased while anatomical structure and vasculature were unaffected with only male mice showing a decrease in electroretinographic responses. Sterol profiling, qRT-PCR, proteomics, and transmission electron microscopy mapped potential compensatory mechanisms in the Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/−Soat1−/− and Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/−Apoe−/− retina. These included decreased cholesterol biosynthesis along with enhanced formation of intra- and extracellular vesicles, possibly a reserve mechanism for lowering retinal cholesterol. In addition, there was altered abundance of proteins in Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/−Soat1−/− mice that can affect photoreceptor function, survival, and retinal energy homeostasis (glucose and fatty acid metabolism). Therefore, the levels of retinal cholesterol do not seem to predict retinal abnormalities, and it is rather the network of compensatory mechanisms that appears to determine retinal phenotype.
Generation of Lamprey Monoclonal Antibodies (Lampribodies) Using the Phage Display System
Authors: Hassan Khan M. A. , Hansen John D. , Herrin Brantley R. , Amemiya Chris T.
Published: December 2019

The variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs) consist of leucine rich repeats (LRRs) and comprise the humoral antibodies produced by lampreys and hagfishes. The diversity of the molecules is generated by stepwise genomic rearrangements of LRR cassettes dispersed throughout the VLRB locus. Previously, target-specific monovalent VLRB antibodies were isolated from sea lamprey larvae after immunization with model antigens. Further, the cloned VLR cDNAs from activated lamprey leukocytes were transfected into human cell lines or yeast to select best binders. Here, we expand on the overall utility of the VLRB technology by introducing it into a filamentous phage display system. We first tested the efficacy of isolating phage into which known VLRB molecules were cloned after a series of dilutions. These experiments showed that targeted VLRB clones could easily be recovered even after extensive dilutions (1 to 109). We further utilized the system to isolate target-specific “lampribodies” from phage display libraries from immunized animals and observed an amplification of binders with relative high affinities by competitive binding. The lampribodies can be individually purified and ostensibly utilized for applications for which conventional monoclonal antibodies are employed.
Biological Evaluation, Molecular Docking, and SAR Studies of Novel 2-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-1H- Benzimidazole Analogues
Authors: Matysiak Joanna , Skrzypek Alicja , Karpińska Monika , Czarnecka Kamila , Szymański Paweł , Bajda Marek , Niewiadomy Andrzej
Published: December 2019

In the present study, new 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-benzene-1,3-diols, modified in both rings, have been synthesized and their efficacies as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors have been determined. The modified Ellman’s spectrophotometric method was applied for the biological evaluation. The compounds showed strong (IC50 80–90 nM) AChE and moderate (IC50 5–0.2 µM) BuChE inhibition in vitro. Some compounds were effective toward AChE/BuChE, exhibiting high selectivity ratios versus BuChE, while the other compounds were active against both enzymes. The structure–activity relationships were discussed. The compounds inhibited also in vitro self-induced Aβ(1–42) aggregation and exhibited antioxidant properties. The docking simulations showed that the benzimidazoles under consideration interact mainly with the catalytic site of AChE and mimic the binding mode of tacrine.
Noli Me Tangere: Social Touch, Tactile Defensiveness, and Communication in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Smirni Daniela , Smirni Pietro , Carotenuto Marco , Parisi Lucia , Quatrosi Giuseppe , Roccella Michele
Published: December 2019

Tactile defensiveness is a common feature in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Since the first studies, tactile defensiveness has been described as the result of an abnormal response to sensory stimulation. Moreover, it has been studied how the tactile system is closely linked to socio-communicative development and how the interoceptive sensory system supports both a discriminating touch and an affective touch. Therefore, several neurophysiological studies have been conducted to investigate the neurobiological basis of the development and functioning of the tactile system for a better understanding of the tactile defensiveness behavior and the social touch of NDDs. Given the lack of recent literature on tactile defensiveness, the current study provides a brief overview of the original contributions on this research topic in children with NDDs focusing attention on how this behavior has been considered over the years in the clinical setting.
Helicobacter pylori, Vascular Risk Factors and Cognition in U.S. Older Adults
Authors: Cárdenas Víctor , Boller François , Román Gustavo
Published: December 2019

Previous studies suggested that Helicobacter pylori infection could be a risk factor for stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The authors examined data from participants, 60 years old and older in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III) to assess the relation between Helicobacter pylori infection and results of the Mini-Mental State Examination (n = 1860) using logistic regression analysis controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, poverty and history of medically diagnosed diabetes. Moreover, we examined performance on the digit-symbol substitution test (DSST) of 1031 participants in the 1999–2000 NHANES according to their H. pylori infection status controlling for potential confounders using multiple linear regression analyses. In 1988–1991, older adults infected with CagA strains of H. pylori had a 50% borderline statistically significant increased level of cognitive impairment, as measured by low Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (age–education adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 2.0). In 1999–2000, older US adults infected with H. pylori scored 2.6 fewer points in the DSST than those uninfected (mean adjusted difference: −2.6; 95% confidence interval −5.1, −0.1). The authors concluded that H. pylori infection might be a risk factor for cognitive decline in the elderly. They also found that low cobalamin and elevated homocysteine were associated with cognitive impairment.
Carbon Materials as Cathode Constituents for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction—A Review
Authors: Messias Sofia , Nunes da Ponte Manuel , S. Reis-Machado Ana
Published: December 2019

This work reviews the latest developments of cathodes for electrochemical CO2 reduction, with carbon black, mesoporous carbons, carbon nanofibers, graphene, its derivatives and/or carbon nanotubes as constituents. Electrochemical CO2 reduction into fuels and chemicals powered by renewable energy is a technology that can contribute to climate change mitigation. Strategies used in this fast-evolving field are discussed, having in mind a commercial application. Electrochemical performance of several materials is analyzed, using in some cases the findings of theoretical computational studies, which show the enormous potential of these materials. Considerable challenges still lie ahead to bring this technology into industrial deployment. However, the significant progress achieved so far shows that further R&D efforts might pay off.
The Role of Functionalization in the Applications of Carbon Materials: An Overview
Authors: Speranza Giorgio
Published: December 2019

The carbon-based materials (CbMs) refer to a class of substances in which the carbon atoms can assume different hybridization states (sp1, sp2, sp3) leading to different allotropic structures -. In these substances, the carbon atoms can form robust covalent bonds with other carbon atoms or with a vast class of metallic and non-metallic elements, giving rise to an enormous number of compounds from small molecules to long chains to solids. This is one of the reasons why the carbon chemistry is at the basis of the organic chemistry and the biochemistry from which life on earth was born. In this context, the surface chemistry assumes a substantial role dictating the physical and chemical properties of the carbon-based materials. Different functionalities are obtained by bonding carbon atoms with heteroatoms (mainly oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur) determining a certain reactivity of the compound which otherwise is rather weak. This holds for classic materials such as the diamond, the graphite, the carbon black and the porous carbon but functionalization is widely applied also to the carbon nanostructures which came at play mainly in the last two decades. As a matter of fact, nowadays, in addition to fabrication of nano and porous structures, the functionalization of CbMs is at the basis of a number of applications as catalysis, energy conversion, sensing, biomedicine, adsorption etc. This work is dedicated to the modification of the surface chemistry reviewing the different approaches also considering the different macro and nano allotropic forms of carbon.
An Effective Multi-Stage Liposomal DNA Origami Nanosystem for In Vivo Cancer Therapy
Authors: Palazzolo Stefano , Hadla Mohamad , Russo Spena Concetta , Caligiuri Isabella , Rotondo Rossella , Adeel Muhammad , Kumar Vinit , Corona Giuseppe , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Toffoli Giuseppe , Rizzolio Flavio
Published: December 2019

DNA origami systems could be important candidates for clinical applications. Unfortunately, their intrinsic properties such as the activation of non-specific immune system responses leading to inflammation, instability in physiological solutions, and a short in vivo lifetime are the major challenges for real world applications. A compact short tube DNA origami (STDO) of 30 nm in length and 10 nm in width was designed to fit inside the core of a stealth liposome (LSTDO) of about 150 nm to remote load doxorubicin. Biocompatibility was tested in three-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures and in vivo. Efficacy was evaluated in different cell lines and in a xenograft breast cancer mouse model. As described in a previous work, LSTDO is highly stable and biocompatible, escaping the recognition of the immune system. Here we show that LSTDO have an increased toleration in mouse liver organoids used as an ex vivo model that recapitulate the tissue of origin. This innovative drug delivery system (DDS) improves the antitumoral efficacy and biodistribution of doxorubicin in tumor-bearing mice and decreases bone marrow toxicity. Our application is an attractive system for the remote loading of other drugs able to interact with DNA for the preparation of liposomal formulations.
Extracellular Vesicles-Based Biomarkers Represent a Promising Liquid Biopsy in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Herrero Carolina , de la Fuente Alexandre , Casas-Arozamena Carlos , Sebastian Victor , Prieto Martin , Arruebo Manuel , Abalo Alicia , Colás Eva , Moreno-Bueno Gema , Gil-Moreno Antonio , Vilar Ana , Cueva Juan , Abal Miguel , Muinelo-Romay Laura
Published: December 2019

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted in large amounts into biological fluids of cancer patients. The analysis of EVs cargoes has been associated with patient´s outcome and response to therapy. However, current technologies for EVs isolation are tedious and low cost-efficient for routine clinical implementation. To explore the clinical value of circulating EVs analysis we attempted a proof-of-concept in endometrial cancer (EC) with ExoGAG, an easy to use and highly efficient new technology to enrich EVs. Technical performance was first evaluated using EVs secreted by Hec1A cells. Then, the clinical value of this strategy was questioned by analyzing the levels of two well-known tissue biomarkers in EC, L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) and Annexin A2 (ANXA2), in EVs purified from plasma in a cohort of 41 EC patients and 20 healthy controls. The results demonstrated the specific content of ANXA2 in the purified EVs fraction, with an accurate sensitivity and specificity for EC diagnosis. Importantly, high ANXA2 levels in circulating EVs were associated with high risk of recurrence and non-endometrioid histology suggesting a potential value as a prognostic biomarker in EC. These results also confirmed ExoGAG technology as a robust technique for the clinical implementation of circulating EVs analyses.
Hydroprocessing of Oleic Acid for Production of Jet-Fuel Range Hydrocarbons over Cu and FeCu Catalysts
Authors: Ayandiran Afees A. , Boahene Philip E. , Dalai Ajay K. , Hu Yongfeng
Published: December 2019

In the present study, a series of monometallic Cu/SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts exhibited immense potential in the hydroprocessing of oleic acid to produce jet-fuel range hydrocarbons. The synergistic effect of Fe on the monometallic Cu/SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts of variable Cu loadings (5–15 wt%) was ascertained by varying Fe contents in the range of 1–5 wt% on the optimized 13% Cu/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst. At 340 °C and 2.07 MPa H2 pressure, the jet-fuel range hydrocarbons yield and selectivities of 51.8% and 53.8%, respectively, were recorded for the Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst. To investigate the influence of acidity of support on the cracking of oleic acid, ZSM-5 (Zeolite Socony Mobil–5) and HZSM-5(Protonated Zeolite Socony Mobil–5)-supported 3% Fe-13% Cu were also evaluated at 300–340 °C and 2.07 MPa H2 pressure. Extensive techniques including N2 sorption analysis, pyridine- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Pyridine-FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and H2-Temperature Programmed Reduction (H2-TPR) analyses were used to characterize the materials. XPS analysis revealed the existence of Cu1+ phase in the Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst, while Cu metal was predominant in both the ZSM-5 and HZSM-5-supported FeCu catalysts. The lowest crystallite size of Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 was confirmed by XRD, indicating high metal dispersion and corroborated by the weakest metal–support interaction revealed from the TPR profile of this catalyst. CO chemisorption also confirmed high metal dispersion (8.4%) for the Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst. The lowest and mildest Brønsted/Lewis acid sites ratio was recorded from the pyridine–FTIR analysis for this catalyst. The highest jet-fuel range hydrocarbons yield of 59.5% and 73.6% selectivity were recorded for the Fe(3)-Cu(13)/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst evaluated at 300 °C and 2.07 MPa H2 pressure, which can be attributed to its desirable textural properties, high oxophilic iron content, high metal dispersion and mild Brønsted acid sites present in this catalyst.
Morphology- and Crystalline Composition-Governed Activity of Titania-Based Photocatalysts: Overview and Perspective
Authors: Wang Kunlei , Janczarek Marcin , Wei Zhishun , Raja-Mogan Tharishinny , Endo-Kimura Maya , Khedr Tamer  M. , Ohtani Bunsho , Kowalska Ewa
Published: December 2019

Titania photocatalysts have been intensively examined for both mechanism study and possible commercial applications for more than 30 years. Although various reports have already been published on titania, including comprehensive review papers, the morphology-governed activity, especially for novel nanostructures, has not been reviewed recently. Therefore, this paper presents novel, attractive, and prospective titania photocatalysts, including zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional titania structures. The 1D, 2D, and 3D titania structures have been mainly designed for possible applications, e.g., (i) continuous use without the necessity of particulate titania separation, (ii) efficient light harvesting (e.g., inverse opals), (iii) enhanced activity (fast charge carriers’ separation, e.g., 1D nanoplates and 2D nanotubes). It should be pointed out that these structures might be also useful for mechanism investigation, e.g., (i) 3D titania aerogels with gold either incorporated inside the 3D network or supported in the porosity, and (ii) titania mesocrystals with gold deposited either on basal or lateral surfaces, for the clarification of plasmonic photocatalysis. Moreover, 0D nanostructures of special composition and morphology, e.g., magnetic(core)–titania(shell), mixed-phase titania (anatase/rutile/brookite), and faceted titania NPs have been presented, due to their exceptional properties, including easy separation in the magnetic field, high activity, and mechanism clarification, respectively. Although anatase has been usually thought as the most active phase of titania, the co-existence of other crystalline phases accelerates the photocatalytic activity significantly, and thus mixed-phase titania (e.g., famous P25) exhibits high photocatalytic activity for both oxidation and reduction reactions. It is believed that this review might be useful for the architecture design of novel nanomaterials for broad and diverse applications, including environmental purification, energy conversion, synthesis and preparation of “intelligent” surfaces with self-cleaning, antifogging, and antiseptic properties.
Comparison of Direct and Mediated Electron Transfer for Bilirubin Oxidase from Myrothecium Verrucaria. Effects of Inhibitors and Temperature on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Antiochia Riccarda , Oyarzun Diego , Sánchez Julio , Tasca Federico
Published: December 2019

One of the processes most studied in bioenergetic systems in recent years is the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). An important challenge in bioelectrochemistry is to achieve this reaction under physiological conditions. In this study, we used bilirubin oxidase (BOD) from Myrothecium verrucaria, a subclass of multicopper oxidases (MCOs), to catalyse the ORR to water via four electrons in physiological conditions. The active site of BOD, the T2/T3 cluster, contains three Cu atoms classified as T2, T3α, and T3β depending on their spectroscopic characteristics. A fourth Cu atom; the T1 cluster acts as a relay of electrons to the T2/T3 cluster. Graphite electrodes were modified with BOD and the direct electron transfer (DET) to the enzyme, and the mediated electron transfer (MET) using an osmium polymer (OsP) as a redox mediator, were compared. As a result, an alternative resting (AR) form was observed in the catalytic cycle of BOD. In the absence and presence of the redox mediator, the AR direct reduction occurs through the trinuclear site (TNC) via T1, specifically activated at low potentials in which T2 and T3α of the TNC are reduced and T3β is oxidized. A comparative study between the DET and MET was conducted at various pH and temperatures, considering the influence of inhibitors like H2O2, F−, and Cl−. In the presence of H2O2 and F−, these bind to the TNC in a non-competitive reversible inhibition of O2. Instead; Cl− acts as a competitive inhibitor for the electron donor substrate and binds to the T1 site.
Effect of High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress on Paraoxonase 2 Expression and Activity in Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Morresi Camilla , Cianfruglia Laura , Sartini Davide , Cecati Monia , Fumarola Stefania , Emanuelli Monica , Armeni Tatiana , Ferretti Gianna , Bacchetti Tiziana
Published: December 2019

(1) Background: Hyperglycemia leads to several biochemical and physiological consequences, such as the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are involved in the development of several human diseases. Intestinal cells are continuously exposed to pro-oxidants and lipid peroxidation products from ingested foods, and also to glyco-oxidative damage. It has been reported that free radical generation may be linked to the development of inflammation-related gastrointestinal diseases. (2) Methods: The effects of high glucose (HG) treatment (50 mM) were assessed in terms of free radical production, lipid peroxidation, and AGEs formation. Furthermore, the expression and the antiapoptotic and antioxidant activity of the paraoxonase-2 (PON2) enzyme in intestinal cells has been investigated. (3) Results: Caco-2 cells treated with media supplied with high glucose (HG) (50 mM) showed, with respect to physiological glucose concentration (25 mM), an increase in ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and AGEs formation. Moreover, a lower PON2 expression and activity in HG-treated cells was related to activation of the apoptotic pathways. (4) Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that high glucose concentrations triggered glyco-oxidative stress in intestinal cells; the downregulation of PON2 could result in a higher oxidative stress and might contribute to intestinal dysfunction.
Imbalance of ER and Mitochondria Interactions: Prelude to Cardiac Ageing and Disease?
Authors: Li Jin , Zhang Deli , Brundel Bianca J. J. M. , Wiersma Marit
Published: December 2019

Cardiac disease is still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite some exciting and innovative improvements in clinical management. In particular, atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure show a steep increase in incidence and healthcare costs due to the ageing population. Although research revealed novel insights in pathways driving cardiac disease, the exact underlying mechanisms have not been uncovered so far. Emerging evidence indicates that derailed proteostasis (i.e., the homeostasis of protein expression, function and clearance) is a central component driving cardiac disease. Within proteostasis derailment, key roles for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial stress have been uncovered. Here, we describe the concept of ER and mitochondrial stress and the role of interactions between the ER and mitochondria, discuss how imbalance in the interactions fuels cardiac ageing and cardiac disease (including AF), and finally assess the potential of drugs directed at conserving the interaction as an innovative therapeutic target to improve cardiac function.