bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entropy Analysis in Double-Diffusive Convection in Nanofluids through Electro-Osmotically Induced Peristaltic Microchannel
Authors: Noreen Saima , Waheed Sadia , Hussanan Abid , Lu Dianchen
Published: October 2019

A theoretical study is presented to examine entropy generation in double-diffusive convection in an Electro-osmotic flow (EOF) of nanofluids via a peristaltic microchannel. Buoyancy effects due to change in temperature, solute concentration and nanoparticle volume fraction are also considered. This study was performed under lubrication and Debye-Hückel linearization approximation. The governing equations are solved exactly. The effect of dominant hydrodynamic parameters (thermophoresis, Brownian motion, Soret and Dufour), Grashof numbers (thermal, concentration and nanoparticle) and electro-osmotic parameters on double-diffusive convective flow are discussed. Moreover, trapping, pumping, entropy generation number, Bejan number and heat transfer rate were also examined under the influence of pertinent parameters such as the thermophoresis parameter, the Brownian motion parameter, the Soret parameter, the Dufour parameter, the thermal Grashof number, the solutal Grashof number, the nanoparticle Grashof number, the electro-osmotic parameter and Helmholtz–Smoluchowski velocity. The electro-osmotic parameter powerfully affected the velocity profile. The magnitude of total entropy generation increased as the thermophoresis parameter and Brownian motion parameter increased. Soret and the Dufour parameter had a strong tendency to control the temperature profile and Bejan number. The findings of the present analysis can be used in clinical purposes such as cell therapy, drug delivery systems, pharmaco-dynamic pumps and particles filtration.
The Effects of Coke Parameters and Circulating Flue Gas Characteristics on NOx Emission during Flue Gas Recirculation Sintering Process
Authors: Han Juntao , Lou Guofeng , Zhang Sizong , Wen Zhi , Liu Xunliang , Liu Jiada
Published: October 2019

The new process of flue gas recirculation, which reduces coke consumption and reducing NOx emissions, is now extensively used. Compared with traditional sintering, the characteristics of circulating flue gas and coke parameters significantly affect the combustion atmosphere and coke combustion efficiency. Based on the actual complex process of sintering machine, this study proposes a relatively comprehensive one-dimensional, unsteady mathematical model for flue gas recirculation research. The model encompasses NOx pollutant generation and reduction, as well as SO2 generation and adsorption. We focus on the effects of cyclic flue gas characteristics on the sintering-bed temperature and NOx emissions, which are rarely studied, and provide a theoretical basis for NOx emission reduction. Simulation results show that during sintering, the fuel NOx is reduced by 50% and 10% when passing through the surface of coke particles and CO, respectively. During flue gas recirculation sintering, the increase in circulating gas O2 content, temperature, and supply-gas volume cause increased combustion efficiency of coke, reducing atmosphere, and NOx content in the circulating area; the temperature of the material layer also increases significantly and the sintering endpoint advances. During cyclic sintering, the small coke size and increased coke content increase the char-N release rate while promoting sufficient contact of NOx with the coke surface. Consequently, the NOx reduction rate increases. Compared with the conventional sintering, the designed flue gas recirculation condition saves 3.75% of coke consumption, i.e., for 1.2 kg of solid fuel per ton of sinter, the amount of flue gas treatment is reduced by 21.64% and NOx emissions is reduced by 23.59%. Moreover, without changing the existing sintering equipment, sintering capacity increases by about 5.56%.
Research on Multi-Objective Optimization and Control Algorithms for Automatic Train Operation
Authors: Liu Kai-wei , Wang Xing-Cheng , Qu Zhi-hui
Published: October 2019

The automatic train operation (ATO) system of urban rail trains includes a two-layer control structure: upper-layer control and lower-layer control. The upper-layer control is to optimize the target speed curve of ATO, and the lower-layer control is the tracking by the urban rail train of the optimal target speed curve generated by the upper-layer control according to the tracking control strategy of ATO. For upper-layer control, the multi-objective model of urban rail train operation is firstly built with energy consumption, comfort, stopping accuracy, and punctuality as optimization indexes, and the entropy weight method is adopted to solve the weight coefficient of each index. Then, genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the model to obtain an optimal target speed curve. In addition, an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) based on directional mutation and gene modification is proposed to improve the convergence speed and optimization effect of the algorithm. The stopping and speed constraints are added into the fitness function in the form of penalty function. For the lower-layer control, the predictive speed controller is designed according to the predictive control principle to track the target speed curve accurately. Since the inflection point area of the target speed curve is difficult to track, the softness factor in the predictive model needs to be adjusted online to improve the control accuracy of the speed. For this paper, we mainly improve the optimization and control algorithms in the upper and lower level controls of ATO. The results show that the speed controller based on predictive control algorithm has better control effect than that based on the PID control algorithm, which can meet the requirements of various performance indexes. Thus, the feasibility of predictive control algorithm in an ATO system is also verified.
Machine Learning-Based Soft Sensors for the Estimation of Laundry Moisture Content in Household Dryer Appliances
Authors: Zambonin Giuliano , Altinier Fabio , Beghi Alessandro , Coelho Leandro dos Santos , Fiorella Nicola , Girotto Terenzio , Rampazzo Mirco , Reynoso-Meza Gilberto , Susto Gian Antonio
Published: October 2019

The aim is to develop soft sensors (SSs) to provide an estimation of the laundry moisture of clothes introduced in a household Heat Pump Washer–Dryer (WD-HP) appliance. The developed SS represents a cost-effective alternative to physical sensors, and it aims at improving the WD-HP performance in terms of drying process efficiency of the automatic drying cycle. To this end, we make use of appropriate Machine Learning models, which are derived by means of Regularization and Symbolic Regression methods. These methods connect easy-to-measure variables with the laundry moisture content, which is a difficult and costly to measure variable. Thanks to the use of SSs, the laundry moisture estimation during the drying process is effectively available. The proposed models have been tested by exploiting real data through an experimental test campaign on household drying machines.
A Robot System Maintained with Small Scale Distributed Energy Sources
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Moon Chanwoo
Published: October 2019

An energy autonomy system is sustained by energy from independent and distributed sources. This paper presents a robot system that obtains energy from renewable energy sources distributed over a large area with limited storage capacity. We constructed a linearized charge model to estimate the required energy node capacity and distribution for the robot to survive. For a robot to obtain energy from an energy source, it must be able to recognize the energy node and able to receive energy reliably. We used wireless power transfer to solve conventional contact charging problems, such as mechanical complexity and unstable contact, and image information was used to recognize the energy nodes and align the transmission coils accurately. A small scale renewable energy source was constructed and a charge experiment was conducted to verify the proposed autonomy system feasibility.
Thermal Processing of Peanut Grains Impairs Their Mimicked Gastrointestinal Digestion While Downstream Defatting Treatments Affect Digestomic Profiles
Authors: Prodić Ivana , Smiljanić Katarina , Simović Ana , Radosavljević Jelena , Ćirković Veličković Tanja
Published: October 2019

Resistance to digestion by digestive proteases represents a critical property of many food allergens. Recently, a harmonized INFOGEST protocol was proposed for solid food digestion. The protocol proposes digestion conditions suitable for all kinds of solid and liquid foods. However, peanuts, as a lipid-rich food, represent a challenge for downstream analyses of the digestome. This is particularly reflected in the methodological difficulties in analyzing proteins and peptides in the presence of lipids. Therefore, the removal of the lipids seems to be a prerequisite for the downstream analysis of digestomes of lipid-rich foods. Here, we aimed to compare the digestomes of raw and thermally treated (boiled and roasted) peanuts, resulting from the INFOGEST digestion protocol for solid food, upon defatting the digests in two different manners. The most reproducible results of peanut digests were obtained in downstream analyses on TCA/acetone defatting. Unfortunately, defatting, even with an optimized TCA/acetone procedure, leads to the loss of proteins and peptides. The results of our study reveal that different thermal treatments of peanuts affect protein extraction and gastric/gastrointestinal digestion. Roasting of peanuts seems to enhance the extraction of proteins during intestinal digestion to a notable extent. The increased intestinal digestion is a consequence of the delayed extraction of thermally treated peanut proteins, which are poorly soluble in acidic gastric digestion juice but are easily extracted when the pH of the media is raised as in the subsequent intestinal phase of the digestion. Thermal processing of peanuts impaired the gastrointestinal digestion of the peanut proteins, especially in the case of roasted samples.
Taxation with Mobile High-Income Agents: Experimental Evidence on Tax Compliance and Equity Perceptions
Authors: Casal Sandro , Grimm Veronika , Schächtele Simeon
Published: October 2019

In a laboratory experiment on tax compliance, we model a situation in which high-income taxpayers can leave a tax system that finances a public good. We compare low-income taxpayers’ compliance decisions and equity perceptions across treatments in which they are informed or not informed about the mobility option of high-income taxpayers. This allows us to test if low-income taxpayers regard the mobility option as a rationale for implementing a regressive tax schedule. To investigate if a potential ‘justification effect’ of the mobility option depends on the causes of income heterogeneity, we also varied whether income was allocated based on relative performance in a prior ability task or at random. Interestingly, although the performance-based allocation itself was judged to be fairer, we observed higher compliance under the random allocation mechanism. However, compliance and equity perceptions did not significantly differ by the information treatment variation, regardless of the source of income inequality. The results indicate that the threat of losing high-income taxpayers’ contributions does not lead low-income taxpayers to view the regressive tax schedule more favorably. This suggests that taking the differential mobility options as given and altering tax schedules accordingly may not be perceived as an adequate policy response.
Thyroid Cancer Incidence Rates in North Dakota are Associated with Land and Water Use
Authors: Schwartz Gary G. , Klug Marilyn G.
Published: October 2019

Objective: The increasing rate of thyroid cancer diagnoses in the U.S. reflects the increasing use of ultrasonography and of specialist medical care. North Dakota is a rural state with limited access to specialist care, yet its incidence of thyroid cancer is significantly greater than that of the U.S. overall. We sought to identify factors responsible for the high incidence of thyroid cancer in North Dakota. Methods: We examined county-specific incidence rates for thyroid cancer in North Dakota in relation to demographic and geographic factors, including median household income, percent of land fertilized, cattle density per capita, and source of drinking water (city or well water), using structural equation modeling. We included county level data on residential radon levels and estimates of radioactive iodine in milk following nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s. Results: Thyroid cancer incidence rates were significantly associated with median income (p < 0.05); percent of land fertilized (p < 0.05); the use of city water (p < 0.01), and cattle density per capita (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The risk of thyroid cancer in North Dakota is positively associated with income and with factors related to land and water use. Our finding that thyroid cancer incidence rates are associated with the use of city water was unexpected and merits examination in other locations with a mix of city and well water use.
Injury-Related Behavioral Variables in Alpine Skiers, Snowboarders, and Ski Tourers—A Matched and Enlarged Re-Analysis
Authors: Niedermeier Martin , Ruedl Gerhard , Burtscher Martin , Kopp Martin
Published: October 2019

Behavioral variables might play an important role in explaining the differences in injury rates across winter sport disciplines and injury prevention programs might be more specifically designed based on this knowledge. On ski slopes, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and ski touring are the predominant winter sport disciplines. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate possible differences in injury-related behavioral variables between practitioners of these disciplines. Using a matched re-analysis approach of a cross-sectional survey, 414 winter sport participants (alpine skiers, snowboarders, ski tourers, each n = 138) were analyzed on the differences in sensation seeking, treated injuries, and injury-related behavioral variables. Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel and Friedman tests revealed significantly higher sensation seeking, p < 0.001, and a significantly higher percentage of participants reporting to have consumed alcohol in the past five skiing days, p = 0.006, in snowboarders compared to alpine skiers. The participants with treated injuries showed higher sensation seeking, p < 0.050, and a higher percentage of snowboarders, p = 0.020, compared to participants without treated injuries. Injury prevention programs for snowboarders, who remain an important risk group for injury prevention, might benefit from considering a possibly higher percentage of alcohol-consuming participants and from providing information on injury-related risks of sensation seeking.
Agreement between the Apple Series 1, LifeTrak Core C200, and Fitbit Charge HR with Indirect Calorimetry for Assessing Treadmill Energy Expenditure
Authors: Zhang Peng , Burns Ryan Donald , Fu You , Godin Steven , Byun Wonwoo
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine agreement in energy expenditure between the Apple Series 1 Watch, LifeTrak Core C200, and Fitbit Charge HR with indirect calorimetry during various treadmill speeds in young adults. Participants were a sample of college-aged students (mean age = 20.1 (1.7) years; 13 females, 17 males). Participants completed six structured 10-minute exercise sessions on a treadmill with speeds ranging from 53.6 m·min−1 to 187.7 m·min−1. Indirect calorimetry was used as the criterion. Participants wore the Apple Watch, LifeTrak, and Fitbit activity monitors on their wrists. Group-level agreement was examined using equivalence testing, relative agreement was examined using Spearman’s rho, and individual-level agreement was examined using Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) and Bland-Altman Plots. Activity monitor agreement with indirect calorimetry was supported using the Apple Watch at 160.9 m·min−1 (Mean difference = −2.7 kcals, 90% C.I.: −8.3 kcals, 2.8 kcals; MAPE = 11.9%; rs = 0.64) and 187.7 m·min−1 (Mean difference = 3.7 kcals, 90% C.I.: −2.2 kcals, 9.7 kcals; MAPE = 10.7%; rs = 0.72) and the Fitbit at 187.7 m·min−1 (Mean difference = −0.2 kcals, 90% C.I.: −8.8 kcals, 8.5 kcals; MAPE = 20.1%; rs = 0.44). No evidence for statistical equivalence was seen for the LifeTrak at any speed. Bland-Altman Plot Limits of Agreement were narrower for the Apple Series 1 Watch compared to other monitors, especially at slower treadmill speeds. The results support the utility of the Apple Series 1 Watch and Fitbit Charge HR for assessing energy expenditure during specific treadmill running speeds in young adults.
Association of Bedtime with both Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Planning among Korean Adolescents
Authors: Jeong Wonjeong , Kim Yun Kyung , Lee Hyeon Ji , Jang Jieun , Kim Selin , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Sung-In
Published: October 2019

Study Objectives: In comparison to other countries, the South Korean population has a short average sleep duration, and studies have suggested that insufficient sleep is a risk factor for suicidal behavior. This study aimed to examine the association of bedtime with suicidal ideation and with suicide planning, respectively, among Korean adolescents. Methods: This study included 48,218 participants from the 2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Participants were divided into three categories: pre-23:00 bedtime, 23:00–01:30 bedtime, and post-01:30 bedtime. Suicidal ideation and suicide planning were the main dependent variables, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the target association. Results: For both male and female respondents, compared to those who had a pre-23:00 bedtime, those whose bedtime was after 01:30 were more likely to have suicidal ideation (post-01:30 bedtime for men: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.16–1.45; for women: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.20–1.44). For suicide planning, the results were also significant for both genders (post-01:30 bedtime for men: OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.16–1.70; for women: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.03–1.43). Odds of suicidal ideation were higher for those who had a post-01:30 bedtime on weekdays but not weekends. Conclusions: We found that, among adolescents, going to bed after 01:30 is significantly associated with suicidal ideation and suicide planning, after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics. Therefore, late bedtime should be the timepoint of a suicide intervention for adolescents, in order to prevent developing suicidal ideations and suicide planning.
Designing ‘Healthy’ Prisons for Women: Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care and Practice (TICP) into Prison Planning and Design
Authors: Jewkes Yvonne , Jordan Melanie , Wright Serena , Bendelow Gillian
Published: October 2019

There has been growing acknowledgment among scholars, prison staff and policy-makers that gender-informed thinking should feed into penal policy but must be implemented holistically if gains are to be made in reducing trauma, saving lives, ensuring emotional wellbeing and promoting desistance from crime. This means that not only healthcare services and psychology programmes must be sensitive to individuals’ trauma histories but that the architecture and design of prisons should also be sympathetic, facilitating and encouraging trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive practices within. This article problematises the Trauma-Informed Care and Practice (TICP) initiatives recently rolled out across the female prison estate, arguing that attempts to introduce trauma-sensitive services in establishments that are replete with hostile architecture, overt security paraphernalia, and dilapidated fixtures and fittings is futile. Using examples from healthcare and custodial settings, the article puts forward suggestions for prison commissioners, planners and architects which we believe will have novel implications for prison planning and penal practice in the UK and beyond.
Analysis of Sociodemographic and Psychological Variables Involved in Sleep Quality in Nurses
Authors: Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Molero Jurado María del Mar , Simón Márquez María del Mar , Gázquez Linares José Jesús
Published: October 2019

Background: Sleep quality is related to health and quality of life and can lead to the development of related disorders. This study analyzed the sociodemographic and psychological factors related to sleep quality in nurses. Methods: The sample comprised 1094 nurses who were assessed according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Questionnaire, the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire, the Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory, and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18. Results: The results confirm the impacts of diet, motivation for physical exercise, emotional intelligence, and overall self-esteem on sleep quality in nurses. Conclusions: Sleep quality in healthcare professionals is vitally important for performance at work; therefore, appropriate strategies should be applied to improve it.
Elevation of Cleaved p18 Bax Levels Associated with the Kinetics of Neuronal Cell Death during Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection
Authors: Wongchitrat Prapimpun , Samutpong Arisara , Lerdsamran Hatairat , Prasertsopon Jarunee , Yasawong Montri , Govitrapong Piyarat , Puthavathana Pilaipan , Kitidee Kuntida
Published: October 2019

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection induces uncontrolled neuronal apoptosis, leading to irreversible brain damage. However, the mechanism of JEV-induced neuronal apoptosis has not been clearly elucidated. This study aimed to investigate both virus replication and neuronal cell apoptosis during JEV infection in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. As a result, the kinetic productions of new viral progeny were time- and dose-dependent. The stimulation of SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis was dependent on the multiplicity of infections (MOIs) and infection periods, particularly during the late period of infection. Interestingly, we observed that of full-length Bax (p21 Bax) level started to decrease, which corresponded to the increased level of its cleaved form (p18 Bax). The formation of p18 Bax resulting in cytochrome c release into the cytosol appeared to correlate with JEV-induced apoptotic cell death together with the activation of caspase-3/7 activity, especially during the late stage of a robust viral infection. Therefore, our results suggest another possible mechanism of JEV-induced apoptotic cell death via the induction of the proteolysis of endogenous p21 Bax to generate p18 Bax. This finding could be a new avenue to facilitate novel drug discovery for the further development of therapeutic treatments that could relieve neuronal damage from JEV infection.
Caenorhabditis Elegans and Probiotics Interactions from a Prolongevity Perspective
Authors: Roselli Marianna , Schifano Emily , Guantario Barbara , Zinno Paola , Uccelletti Daniela , Devirgiliis Chiara
Published: October 2019

Probiotics exert beneficial effects on host health through different mechanisms of action, such as production of antimicrobial substances, competition with pathogens, enhancement of host mucosal barrier integrity and immunomodulation. In the context of ageing, which is characterized by several physiological alterations leading to a low grade inflammatory status called inflammageing, evidences suggest a potential prolongevity role of probiotics. Unraveling the mechanisms underlying anti-ageing effects requires the use of simple model systems. To this respect, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans represents a suitable model organism for the study of both host-microbe interactions and for ageing studies, because of conserved signaling pathways and host defense mechanisms involved in the regulation of its lifespan. Therefore, this review analyses the impact of probiotics on C. elegans age-related parameters, with particular emphasis on oxidative stress, immunity, inflammation and protection from pathogen infections. The picture emerging from our analysis highlights that several probiotic strains are able to exert anti-ageing effects in nematodes by acting on common molecular pathways, such as insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IIS) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). In this perspective, C. elegans appears to be advantageous for shedding light on key mechanisms involved in host prolongevity in response to probiotics supplementation.
Analysis of Procollagen C-Proteinase Enhancer-1/Glycosaminoglycan Binding Sites and of the Potential Role of Calcium Ions in the Interaction
Authors: Potthoff Jan , Bojarski Krzysztof K. , Kohut Gergely , Lipska Agnieszka G. , Liwo Adam , Kessler Efrat , Ricard-Blum Sylvie , Samsonov Sergey A.
Published: October 2019

In this study, we characterize the interactions between the extracellular matrix protein, procollagen C-proteinase enhancer-1 (PCPE-1), and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are linear anionic periodic polysaccharides. We applied molecular modeling approaches to build a structural model of full-length PCPE-1, which is not experimentally available, to predict GAG binding poses for various GAG lengths, types and sulfation patterns, and to determine the effect of calcium ions on the binding. The computational data are analyzed and discussed in the context of the experimental results previously obtained using surface plasmon resonance binding assays. We also provide experimental data on PCPE-1/GAG interactions obtained using inhibition assays with GAG oligosaccharides ranging from disaccharides to octadecasaccharides. Our results predict the localization of GAG-binding sites at the amino acid residue level onto PCPE-1 and is the first attempt to describe the effects of ions on protein-GAG binding using modeling approaches. In addition, this study allows us to get deeper insights into the in silico methodology challenges and limitations when applied to GAG-protein interactions.
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: Mechanisms of Damage/Protection and Novel Strategies for Cardiac Recovery/Regeneration
Authors: Caccioppo Andrea , Franchin Luca , Grosso Alberto , Angelini Filippo , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Brizzi Maria Felice
Published: October 2019

Ischemic diseases in an aging population pose a heavy social encumbrance. Moreover, current therapeutic approaches, which aimed to prevent or minimize ischemia-induced damage, are associated with relevant costs for healthcare systems. Early reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has undoubtedly improved patient’s outcomes; however, the prevention of long-term complications is still an unmet need. To face these hurdles and improve patient’s outcomes, novel pharmacological and interventional approaches, alone or in combination, reducing myocardium oxygen consumption or supplying blood flow via collateral vessels have been proposed. A number of clinical trials are ongoing to validate their efficacy on patient’s outcomes. Alternative options, including stem cell-based therapies, have been evaluated to improve cardiac regeneration and prevent scar formation. However, due to the lack of long-term engraftment, more recently, great attention has been devoted to their paracrine mediators, including exosomes (Exo) and microvesicles (MV). Indeed, Exo and MV are both currently considered to be one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicine. As a matter of fact, MV and Exo that are released from stem cells of different origin have been evaluated for their healing properties in ischemia reperfusion (I/R) settings. Therefore, this review will first summarize mechanisms of cardiac damage and protection after I/R damage to track the paths through which more appropriate interventional and/or molecular-based targeted therapies should be addressed. Moreover, it will provide insights on novel non-invasive/invasive interventional strategies and on Exo-based therapies as a challenge for improving patient’s long-term complications. Finally, approaches for improving Exo healing properties, and topics still unsolved to move towards Exo clinical application will be discussed.
Development and Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Role of Advanced Glycation End Products
Authors: Fernando Dinali H. , Forbes Josephine M. , Angus Peter W. , Herath Chandana B.
Published: October 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects up to 30% of the adult population and is now a major cause of liver disease-related premature illness and deaths in the world. Treatment is largely based on lifestyle modification, which is difficult to achieve in most patients. Progression of simple fatty liver or steatosis to its severe form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis has been explained by a ‘two-hit hypothesis’. Whilst simple steatosis is considered the first hit, its transformation to NASH may be driven by a second hit. Of several factors that constitute the second hit, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are formed when reducing-sugars react with proteins or lipids, have been implicated as major candidates that drive steatosis to NASH via the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Both endogenous and processed food-derived (exogenous) AGEs can activate RAGE, mainly present on Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells, thus propagating NAFLD progression. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of NAFLD with special emphasis on the role of food-derived AGEs in NAFLD progression to NASH and liver fibrosis. Moreover, the effect of dietary manipulation to reduce AGE content in food or the therapies targeting AGE/RAGE pathway on disease progression is also discussed.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Cucumber BPC Transcription Factors and Their Responses to Abiotic Stresses and Exogenous Phytohormones
Authors: Li Shuzhen , Miao Li , Huang Bin , Gao Lihong , He Chaoxing , Yan Yan , Wang Jun , Yu Xianchang , Li Yansu
Published: October 2019

BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (BPC) is a small transcription factor family that functions in diverse growth and development processes in plants. However, the roles of BPCs in plants, especially cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), in response to abiotic stress and exogenous phytohormones are still unclear. Here, we identified four BPC genes in the cucumber genome, and classified them into two groups according to phylogenetic analysis. We also investigated the gene structures and detected five conserved motifs in these CsBPCs. Tissue expression pattern analysis revealed that the four CsBPCs were expressed ubiquitously in both vegetative and reproductive organs. Additionally, the transcriptional levels of the four CsBPCs were induced by various abiotic stress and hormone treatments. Overexpression of CsBPC2 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) inhibited seed germination under saline, polyethylene glycol, and abscisic acid (ABA) conditions. The results suggest that the CsBPC genes may play crucial roles in cucumber growth and development, as well as responses to abiotic stresses and plant hormones. CsBPC2 overexpression in tobacco negatively affected seed germination under hyperosmotic conditions. Additionally, CsBPC2 functioned in ABA-inhibited seed germination and hypersensitivity to ABA-mediated responses. Our results provide fundamental information for further research on the biological functions of BPCs in development and abiotic stress responses in cucumber and other plant species.
Wnt Signaling in Ovarian Cancer Stemness, EMT, and Therapy Resistance
Authors: Teeuwssen Miriam , Fodde Riccardo
Published: October 2019

Ovarian cancers represent the deadliest among gynecologic malignancies and are characterized by a hierarchical structure with cancer stem cells (CSCs) endowed with self-renewal and the capacity to differentiate. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, known to regulate stemness in a broad spectrum of stem cell niches including the ovary, is thought to play an important role in ovarian cancer. Importantly, Wnt activity was shown to correlate with grade, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, chemotherapy resistance, and poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. This review will discuss the current knowledge of the role of Wnt signaling in ovarian cancer stemness, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and therapy resistance. In addition, the alleged role of exosomes in the paracrine activation of Wnt signaling and pre-metastatic niche formation will be reviewed. Finally, novel potential treatment options based on Wnt inhibition will be highlighted.
Valuing Environmental Amenities across Space: A Geographically Weighted Regression of Housing Preferences in Greenville County, SC
Authors: Hiebert Joseph , Allen Karen
Published: October 2019

As global consumption and development rates continue to grow, there will be persistent stress placed on public goods, namely environmental amenities. Urban sprawl and development places pressure on forested areas, as they are often displaced or degraded in the name of economic development. This is problematic because environmental amenities are valued by the public, but traditional market analysis typically obscures the value of these goods and services that are not explicitly traded in a market setting. This research examines the non-market value of environmental amenities in Greenville County, SC, by utilizing a hedonic price model of home sale data in 2011. We overlaid home sale data with 2011 National Land Cover Data to estimate the value of a forest view, proximity to a forest, and proximity to agriculture on the value of homes. We then ran two regression models, an ordinary least squares (OLS) and a geographically weighted regression to compare the impact of space on the hedonic model variables. Results show that citizens in Greenville County are willing to pay for environmental amenities, particularly views of a forest and proximity to forested and agricultural areas. However, the impact and directionality of these variables differ greatly across space. These findings suggest the need for an integration of spatial dynamics into environmental valuation estimates to inform conservation policy and intentional city planning.
Investigating the Effects of Polyaluminum Chloride on the Properties of Ordinary Portland Cement
Authors: Kim Taewan , Kang Choonghyun , Hong Sungnam , Seo Ki-Young
Published: October 2019

This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural properties of paste comprising ordinary Portland cement (OPC) added with polyaluminum chloride (PACl). The properties of the resulting mixture are analyzed using compressive strength, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the addition of PACl improves the mechanical properties of OPC paste, that calcium-(aluminum)-silicate-hydrate (C-(A)-S-H) gel and Friedel’s salt are the major products forming from the reaction with the aluminum and chloride ions in PACl, and that the portlandite content decreases. Moreover, the size and number of micropores decrease, and compressive strength increases. All these phenomena are amplified by increasing PACl content. SEM images confirm these findings by revealing Friedel’s salt in the micropores. Thus, this work confirms that adding PACl to OPC results in a mixture with superior mechanical and microstructural properties.
Comparison of Electrophysical Properties of PZT-Type Ceramics Obtained by Conventional and Mechanochemical Methods
Authors: Bochenek Dariusz , Niemiec Przemysław , Szafraniak-Wiza Izabela , Dercz Grzegorz
Published: October 2019

In the paper, the multicomponent PZT-type ceramics with Pb(Zr0.49Ti0.51)0.94Mn0.015Sb0.01W0.015Ni0.03O3 composition have been obtained by conventional and mechanochemical methods. With conventional ceramic technology, PZT-type ceramics have been synthesized by the method of calcination powder (850 °C/4 h). Instead of this step, the mechanochemical synthesis process for different milling periods (15 h, 25 h, 50 h, 75 h) has been applied for a second batch of samples. To obtain the dense PZT-type ceramic samples, powders have been sintered by free sintering method at conditions of 1150 °C/2 h. Studies have shown that the perovskite structure of the PZT-type material is formed during mechanochemical activation of powders during the technological process at low temperature. The application of the mechanochemical synthesis to obtain the PZT-type materials also allows shortening of the technological process, and the useful electrophysical properties of ceramic samples are not reduced at the same time. The presented results have confirmed that the investigated materials can be used in microelectronic applications, especially as elements of actuators and piezoelectric transducers.
A Review of Perovskite Photovoltaic Materials’ Synthesis and Applications via Chemical Vapor Deposition Method
Authors: Liu Xia , Cao Lianzhen , Guo Zhen , Li Yingde , Gao Weibo , Zhou Lianqun
Published: October 2019

Perovskite photovoltaic materials (PPMs) have emerged as one of superstar object for applications in photovoltaics due to their excellent properties—such as band-gap tunability, high carrier mobility, high optical gain, astrong nonlinear response—as well as simplicity of their integration with other types of optical and electronic structures. Meanwhile, PPMS and their constructed devices still present many challenges, such as stability, repeatability, and large area fabrication methods and so on. The key issue is: how can PPMs be prepared using an effective way which most of the readers care about. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology with high efficiency, controllability, and repeatability has been regarded as a cost-effective road for fabricating high quality perovskites. This paper provides an overview of the recent progress in the synthesis and application of various PPMs via the CVD method. We mainly summarize the influence of different CVD technologies and important experimental parameters (temperature, pressure, growth environment, etc.) on the stabilization, structural design, and performance optimization of PPMS and devices. Furthermore, current challenges in the synthesis and application of PPMS using the CVD method are highlighted with suggested areas for future research.
Property Comparison of Alkali-Activated Carbon Steel Slag (CSS) and Stainless Steel Slag (SSS) and Role of Blast Furnace Slag (BFS) Chemical Composition
Authors: Liu Jinyan , Yi Cheng , Zhu Hongguang , Ma Hongqiang
Published: October 2019

In order to compare the properties of alkali-activated carbon steel slag (CSS) and stainless steel slag (SSS), the effects of sodium hydroxide/sodium silicate solution mass ratio (NH/NS), liquid/solid ratio and blast furnace slag (BFS) dosage on the compressive strength, hydration products and hydration degree of CSS and SSS were studied. Furthermore, a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis coupled with differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) were used to characterize the morphology and structure of alkali-activated CSS-BFS and SSS-BFS cementitious materials. As the results revealed, the primary hydrate of alkali-activated CSS and SSS is C-(A)-S-H with Q2 [SiO4] units, which has a low Ca/Si ratio and includes inert phases like a CaO-FeO-MnO-MgO solid solution (RO) in CSS while cuspidine, magnesiochromite etc. in SSS. More active C3S and β-C2S promote the alkali activation of CSS, whereas the less active γ-C2S hinders the depolymerization of SSS. The incorporation of BFS does not change the hydrate, whose seed effect is helpful for accelerating the depolymerization and polycondensation of CSS and SSS, especially for SSS, and makes the hydrate increase significantly. Owing to the high SiO2 and Al2O3 contents of SSS, the C-(A)-S-H chain length is increased, thus facilitating the polycondensation effect. In this study, the optimal NH/NS of CSS and SSS is NH/NS= 1:2, and the optimal liquid/solid ratio is 0.29. Compared to CSS–BFS, the C-(A)-S-H gel produced by SSS–BFS has lower Ca/Si and Al/Si ratios. Unlike CSS, pure SSS is inappropriate as an alkali-activated precursor and needs to be co-activated with BFS.
Wearable Fiber Optic Technology Based on Smart Textile: A Review
Authors: Gong Zidan , Xiang Ziyang , OuYang Xia , Zhang Jun , Lau Newman , Zhou Jie , Chan Chi Chiu
Published: October 2019

Emerging smart textiles have enriched a variety of wearable technologies, including fiber optic technology. Optic fibers are widely applied in communication, sensing, and healthcare, and smart textiles enable fiber optic technology to be worn close to soft and curved human body parts for personalized functions. This review briefly introduces wearable fiber optic applications with various functions, including fashion and esthetics, vital signal monitoring, and disease treatment. The main working principles of side emission, wavelength modulation, and intensity modulation are summarized. In addition, textile fabrication techniques, including weaving and knitting, are discussed and illustrated as combination methods of embedding fiber optic technology into textile fabric. In conclusion, the combination of optical fibers and textiles has drawn considerable interest and developed rapidly. This work provides an overview of textile-based wearable fiber optic technology and discusses potential textile fabrication techniques for further improvement of wearable fiber optic applications.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Properties of CdS and ZnS Nanomaterials Derived from Metal Xanthate
Authors: Mintcheva Neli , Gicheva Gospodinka , Panayotova Marinela , Wunderlich Wilfried , Kuchmizhak Aleksandr A. , Kulinich Sergei A.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we report a new, simple method for the synthesis of CdS and ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) prepared in a basic aqueous medium using metal xanthate as the sulfur source. The structure, morphology, size distribution, optical band gap, and photocatalytic properties of the newly obtained nanomaterials were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that both CdS and ZnS crystallized in cubic phase and formed NPs with average sizes of 7.0 and 4.2 nm for CdS and ZnS, respectively. A blue shift of UV-Vis absorbance band and higher energy band gap values were observed for both materials in comparison with their bulk counterparts, which is in accordance with the quantum confinement effect. The as-prepared nanomaterials were tested in visible-light driven photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue (MB). After irradiation for 180 min, the degradation rate of MB with a concentration of 8 × 10−6 mol/L mixed with a photocatalyst (CdS or ZnS, both 10 mg in 100 mL solution of MB) was found to be 72% and 61%, respectively. The CdS NPs showed better photocatalytic activity than ZnS, which could be explained by their lower energy band gap and thus the ability to absorb light more efficiently when activated by visible-light irradiation.
Identification of Source Term for the Time-Fractional Diffusion-Wave Equation by Fractional Tikhonov Method
Authors: Long Le Dinh , Luc Nguyen Hoang , Zhou Yong , Nguyen and Can
Published: October 2019

In this article, we consider an inverse problem to determine an unknown source term in a space-time-fractional diffusion equation. The inverse problems are often ill-posed. By an example, we show that this problem is NOT well-posed in the Hadamard sense, i.e., this problem does not satisfy the last condition-the solution’s behavior changes continuously with the input data. It leads to having a regularization model for this problem. We use the Tikhonov method to solve the problem. In the theoretical results, we also propose a priori and a posteriori parameter choice rules and analyze them.
Entomotoxic Activity of Prasiola crispa (Antarctic Algae) in Nauphoeta cinerea Cockroaches: Identification of Main Steroidal Compounds
Authors: Holken Lorensi Graziela , Soares Oliveira Raquel , Leal Allan P. , Zanatta Ana Paula , Moreira de Almeida Carlos Gabriel , Barreto Yuri Correia , Eduarda Rosa Maria , de Brum Vieira Patrícia , Brito Ramos Carlos José , de Carvalho Victoria Filipe , Batista Pereira Antônio , LaneuvilleTeixeira Valéria , Dal Belo Cháriston André
Published: October 2019

Prasiola crispa is a macroscopic green algae found in abundance in Antarctica ice free areas. Prasiola crispan-hexaneextract (HPC) induced insecticidal activity in Nauphoeta cinerea cockroaches after 24 h of exposure. The chemical analysis of HPC revealed the presence of the followingphytosterols: β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. The incubation of cockroach semi-isolated heart preparations with HPC caused a significant negative chronotropic activity in the heartbeats. HPC affected the insect neuromuscular function by inducing a complete inhibition of the cockroach leg-muscle twitch tension. When the isolated phytosterols were injected at in vivo cockroach neuromuscular preparations, there was a progressive inhibition of muscle twitches on the following order of potency: β-sitosterol > campesterol > stigmasterol. HPC also provoked significant behavioral alterations, characterized by the increase or decrease of cockroach grooming activity, depending on the dose assayed. Altogether, the results presented here corroborate the insecticide potential of Prasiola crispa Antarctic algae. They also revealed the presence of phytosterols and the involvement of these steroidal compounds in the entomotoxic activity of the algae, potentially by modulating octopaminergic-cholinergic pathways. Further phytochemical-combined bioguided analysis of the HPC will unveil novel bioactive compounds that might be an accessory to the insecticide activity of the algae.
Preparation and Properties of Minocycline-Loaded Carboxymethyl Chitosan Gel/Alginate Nonwovens Composite Wound Dressings
Authors: Gao Yingjun , Zhang Xing , Jin Xiangyu
Published: October 2019

As derivatives from marine natural biomaterials, alginate-based and chitosan-based biomaterials are commonly used in wound dressings. Calcium alginate fiber (CAF) dressings possess excellent absorption and unique gel forming performance, but the low bioactivity limits its application in wound healing. Carboxymethyl chitosan (CM-Chit) has excellent antibacterial activity, but the gel structure with weak mechanical properties restricts its application. In this study, minocycline (Mino)/CM-Chit solution was coated on the surface of plasma treated CAF needle-punched nonwovens, and then Mino loaded CM-Chit gel/CAF nonwovens composite dressings were fabricated by EDC/NHS (1-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide) crosslinking. The dressings had a porous composite structure, which allowed them to quickly absorb and store a large number of wound exudates. Skin-like tensile performance allowed the dressings to provide a better healing environment. Antibacterial assay against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus indicated that the addition of Mino significantly improved the antibacterial activity of the wound dressings. The tight structure of CM-Chit gel prevented the burst release of Mino so that the dressings had antibacterial activity in a certain period of release time. Cell culture assay showed that the dressings had excellent cell biocompatibility. As new functional dressings, the prepared composite dressings had excellent potential in the clinical healing of wounds.
Study on σ Phase in Fe–Al–Cr Alloys
Authors: Wang Jintao , Liu Shouping , Han Xiaoyu
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a method of using the second phase to control the grain growth in Fe–Al–Cr alloys was proposed, in order to obtain better mechanical properties. In Fe–Al–Cr alloys, austenitic transformation occurs by adding austenitizing elements, leading to the formation of the second phase and segregation at the grain boundaries, which hinders grain growth. FeCr(σ) phase was obtained in the Fe–Al–Cr alloys, which had grains of several microns and was coherent and coplanar with the matrix (Fe2AlCr). The nucleation of σ phase in Fe–Al–Cr alloy was controlled by the ratio of nickel to chromium. When the Ni/Cr (eq) ratio of alloys was more than 0.19, σ phase could nucleate in Fe–Al–Cr alloy. The relationship between austenitizing and nucleation of FeCr(σ) phase was given by thermodynamic calculation.