bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of BAP1 Is Associated with Upregulation of the NFkB Pathway and Increased HLA Class I Expression in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Souri Zahra , Wierenga Annemijn P. A. , van Weeghel Christiaan , van der Velden Pieter A. , Kroes Wilma G. M. , Luyten Gregorius P. M. , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Jochemsen Aart G. , Jager Martine J.
Published: August 2019

One of the characteristics of prognostically infaust uveal melanoma (UM) is an inflammatory phenotype, which is characterized by high numbers of infiltrating T cells and macrophages, and a high HLA Class I expression. We wondered how this inflammation is regulated, and considered that one of the most important regulators of inflammation, the NFkB pathway, might play a role. We analyzed 64 UM samples for expression of HLA Class I, its regulators, and of members of the NFkB transcription family, using an Illumina HT12V4 array. HLA Class I expression and infiltrating immune cells were also determined by immunohistochemical staining. Information was obtained regarding chromosome status by Affymetrix Nsp array. Our analysis shows that expression of NFkB1, NFkB2 and RELB positively correlates with the level of HLA Class I expression and the number of infiltrating T cells and macrophages, while SPP1 and PPARγ are negatively correlated. Increased levels of NFkB1 and NFkB2 and decreased levels of SPP1 and PPARγ are seen in Monosomy 3/BAP1-negative tumors. This is also the case in non-inflammatory UM, indicating that our observation not only involves infiltrating leukocytes but the tumor cells themselves. We report that the NFkB pathway is associated with inflammation and HLA Class I expression in UM, and is upregulated when BAP1 expression is lost.
Coagulation Factor Xa Promotes Solid Tumor Growth, Experimental Metastasis and Endothelial Cell Activation
Authors: Arce Maximiliano , Pinto Mauricio P. , Galleguillos Macarena , Muñoz Catalina , Lange Soledad , Ramirez Carolina , Erices Rafaela , Gonzalez Pamela , Velasquez Ethel , Tempio Fabián , Lopez Mercedes N. , Salazar-Onfray Flavio , Cautivo Kelly , Kalergis Alexis M. , Cruz Sebastián , Lladser Álvaro , Lobos-González Lorena , Valenzuela Guillermo , Olivares Nixa , Sáez Claudia , Koning Tania , Sánchez Fabiola A. , Fuenzalida Patricia , Godoy Alejandro , Contreras Orellana Pamela , Leyton Lisette , Lugano Roberta , Dimberg Anna , Quest Andrew F.G. , Owen Gareth I.
Published: August 2019

Hypercoagulable state is linked to cancer progression; however, the precise role of the coagulation cascade is poorly described. Herein, we examined the contribution of a hypercoagulative state through the administration of intravenous Coagulation Factor Xa (FXa), on the growth of solid human tumors and the experimental metastasis of the B16F10 melanoma in mouse models. FXa increased solid tumor volume and lung, liver, kidney and lymph node metastasis of tail-vein injected B16F10 cells. Concentrating on the metastasis model, upon coadministration of the anticoagulant Dalteparin, lung metastasis was significantly reduced, and no metastasis was observed in other organs. FXa did not directly alter proliferation, migration or invasion of cancer cells in vitro. Alternatively, FXa upon endothelial cells promoted cytoskeleton contraction, disrupted membrane VE-Cadherin pattern, heightened endothelial-hyperpermeability, increased inflammatory adhesion molecules and enhanced B16F10 adhesion under flow conditions. Microarray analysis of endothelial cells treated with FXa demonstrated elevated expression of inflammatory transcripts. Accordingly, FXa treatment increased immune cell infiltration in mouse lungs, an effect reduced by dalteparin. Taken together, our results suggest that FXa increases B16F10 metastasis via endothelial cell activation and enhanced cancer cell-endothelium adhesion advocating that the coagulation system is not merely a bystander in the process of cancer metastasis.
Zinc-Based Curing Activators: New Trends for Reducing Zinc Content in Rubber Vulcanization Process
Authors: Mostoni Silvia , Milana Paola , Di Credico Barbara , D’Arienzo Massimiliano , Scotti Roberto
Published: August 2019

The efficiency of sulfur vulcanization reaction in rubber industry is generally improved thanks to the combined use of accelerators (as sulphenamides), activators (inorganic oxides), and co-activators (fatty acids). The interaction among these species is responsible for the formation of intermediate metal complexes, which are able to increase the reactivity of sulfur towards the polymer and to promote the chemical cross-links between the rubber chains. The high number of species and reactions that are involved contemporarily in the process hinders the complete understanding of its mechanism despite the long history of vulcanization. In this process, ZnO is considered to be the most efficient and major employed activator and zinc-based complexes that formed during the first steps of the reaction are recognized to play a main role in determining both the kinetic and the nature of the cross-linked products. However, the low affinity of ZnO towards the rubber entails its high consumption (3–5 parts per hundred, phr) to achieve a good distribution in the matrix, leading to a possible zinc leaching in the environment during the life cycle of rubber products (i.e., tires). Thanks to the recent recognition of ZnO ecotoxicity, especially towards the aquatic environment, these aspects gain a critical importance in view of the urgent need to reduce or possibly substitute the ZnO employed in rubber vulcanization. In this review, the reactivity of ZnO as curing activator and its role in the vulcanization mechanism are highlighted and deeply discussed. A complete overview of the recent strategies that have been proposed in the literature to improve the vulcanization efficiency by reducing the amount of zinc that is used in the process is also reported.
Cell–Cell Adhesion and Myosin Activity Regulate Cortical Actin Assembly in Mammary Gland Epithelium on Concaved Surface
Authors: Jung Wei-Hung , Elawad Khalid , Kang Sung Hoon , Chen Yun
Published: August 2019

It has been demonstrated that geometry can affect cell behaviors. Though curvature-sensitive proteins at the nanoscale are studied, it is unclear how cells sense curvature at the cellular and multicellular levels. To characterize and determine the mechanisms of curvature-dependent cell behaviors, we grow cells on open channels of the 60-µm radius. We found that cortical F-actin is 1.2-fold more enriched in epithelial cells grown on the curved surface compared to the flat control. We observed that myosin activity is required to promote cortical F-actin formation. Furthermore, cell–cell contact was shown to be indispensable for curvature-dependent cortical actin assembly. Our results indicate that the actomyosin network coupled with adherens junctions is involved in curvature-sensing at the multi-cellular level.
Serum Bile Acids Profiling in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Treated with Anti-TNFs
Authors: Roda Giulia , Porru Emanuele , Katsanos Konstantinos , Skamnelos Alexandros , Kyriakidi Kallirroi , Fiorino Gionata , Christodoulou Dimitrios , Danese Silvio , Roda Aldo
Published: August 2019

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn’s disease (CD), represent systematic chronic conditions with a deficient intestinal absorption. We first attempt to investigate the serum bile acids (sBAs) profile in a large cohort of IBD patients to evaluate changes under anti-TNF alpha treatment. Methods: Forty CD and 40 UC patients were enrolled and BAs were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ES-MS/MS). Up to 15 different sBAs concentrations and clinical biomarkers where added to a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to discriminate IBD from healthy conditions and treatment. Results: PCA allowed a separation into two clusters within CD (biologic-free patients and patients treated with anti-TNF alpha drugs and healthy subjects) but not UC. The first included CD. CD patients receiving anti-TNF alpha have an increase in total sBAs (4.11 ± 1.23 μM) compared to patients not exposed. Secondary BAs significantly increase after anti-TNF alpha treatment (1.54 ± 0.83 μM). Furthermore, multivariate analysis based on sBA concentration highlighted a different qualitative sBAs profile for UC and CD patients treated with conventional therapy. Conclusion: According to our results, anti-TNF alpha in CD restores the sBA profile by re-establishing the physiological levels. These findings indicate that, secondary BAs might serve as an indirect biomarker of the healing process.
Heavy Metal/Toxins Detection Using Electronic Tongues
Authors: Shimizu Flavio , Braunger Maria , Riul Antonio
Published: August 2019

The growing concern for sustainability and environmental preservation has increased the demand for reliable, fast response, and low-cost devices to monitor the existence of heavy metals and toxins in water resources. An electronic tongue (e-tongue) is a multisensory array mostly based on electroanalytical methods and multivariate statistical techniques to facilitate information visualization in a qualitative and/or quantitative way. E-tongues are promising analytical devices having simple operation, fast response, low cost, easy integration with other systems (microfluidic, optical, etc) to enable miniaturization and provide a high sensitivity for measurements in complex liquid media, providing an interesting alternative to address many of the existing environmental monitoring challenges, specifically relevant emerging pollutants such as heavy metals and toxins.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Clean Technologies in 2019
Authors:   Clean Technologies Editorial Office
Published: August 2019

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Indoor Temperature Validation of Low-Income Detached Dwellings under Tropical Weather Conditions
Authors: Barrientos-González R. Alexis , Vega-Azamar Ricardo E. , Cruz-Argüello Julio C. , Oropeza-García Norma A. , Chan-Juárez Maritza , Trejo-Arroyo Danna L.
Published: August 2019

Urban territorial expansion generated in the last decades has brought a series of consequences, such as the variation between urban and suburban weather conditions affecting indoor temperature and increasing electricity consumption derived from the use of cooling systems. Current approaches of simulation models in residential buildings use indoor environmental data for carrying out validations to propose hygrothermal comfort alternatives for the mitigation of the effects of the external environmental conditions on the interior spaces of dwellings. In this work, an hourly evaluation of both indoor and outdoor environmental parameters of two case studies in a tropical climate was carried out, by means of a whole-building simulation approach tool during a week representative of the warmest period of the year. The integration of the collected environmental data in the theoretical model allowed us to reduce the error range of the estimated indoor temperature with results in normalized mean bias error between 7.10% and −0.74% and in coefficient of variation of the root mean square error between 16.72% and 2.62%, in the different indoor zones of the case studies. At the same time, the energy assessment showed a difference of 33% in Case 1 and −217% in Case 2 for final electricity consumption.
Climate and Energy Governance Perspectives from a Municipal Point of View in Hungary
Authors: Patkós Csaba , Radics Zsolt , Tóth József Barnabás , Kovács Enikő , Csorba Péter , Fazekas István , Szabó György , Tóth Tamás
Published: August 2019

European climate change objectives aim to reduce CO2 emissions, promote the spread of renewable energy sources (RES), and stimulate energy efficiency (EE). The situation of local and regional governance is crucial in the implementation of community objectives. A multi-year research project was implemented in East Hungary by the University of Debrecen and Eszterházy University. It focuses on the relevance of local communities in the formation of adequate responses to the fore-mentioned challenges. A broad range of primary data collections (questionnaires and interviews) were implemented in two rural counties of the country. The first objective was to elicit existing plans concerning RES and EE at the municipality level and to measure the rate of public participation in the elaboration of them. Secondly, the scopes of the implemented projects were examined in the target area. According to the results, local leaders seem to be committed to environmental issues, but communities rarely possess energy/climate-change plans and projects. The main motivators of project implementation are financial. Because of poor financial conditions, only EU co-financed projects are realized. As subsidies come through the national government, political factors are crucial. From a governance point of view, national and county levels are decisive, and local specialties are not taken into consideration.
Magnetohydrodynamic Boundary Layer Flow of a Viscoelastic Fluid Past a Nonlinear Stretching Sheet in the Presence of Viscous Dissipation Effect
Authors: Jafar Ahmad Banji , Shafie Sharidan , Ullah Imran
Published: August 2019

This paper numerically investigates the viscous dissipation effect on the boundary layer flow of an electrically-conducting viscoelastic fluid (Walter’s B liquid) past a nonlinear stretching sheet. The partial differential equations governing the flow problem are transformed into ordinary differential equations through similarity variables. The transformed equations are then solved using the Keller box method. A careful evaluation of the influence of the pertinent parameters on the velocity field and temperature distributions through various plots is done for the prescribed surface temperature (PST) and prescribed heat flux (PHF) boundary conditions. The computed coefficient of skin friction, the rate of heat transfer (Nusselt number), and the temperature at the wall are also presented in tabular form. It is revealed from this table that the magnitude of the heat transfer is reduced with the increase in the Eckert number E c , viscoelastic parameter K, and magnetic parameter M for the PST case by about 12%, 20%, and 29%, respectively. Similarly, the temperature at the wall for the PHF case also decreases with the increase in E c and M by about 8% and 24%, respectively. It is obvious that the application of the PST condition excels at keeping the viscoelastic fluid warmer than the PHF condition. This implies that applying the PHF condition is better for cooling the sheet faster. The temperature at the wall is unchanged with the changes in the pertinent parameters in the PST case, and it is ascertained that the present results are in close agreement with the previous published results.
Coating of Nanolipid Structures by a Novel Simil-Microfluidic Technique: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Barba Anna Angela , Bochicchio Sabrina , Bertoncin Paolo , Lamberti Gaetano , Dalmoro Annalisa
Published: August 2019

Nanolipid vesicular structures are ideal candidates for the controlled release of various ingredients, from vitamins for nutraceutical purposes to chemoterapic drugs. To improve their stability, permeability, and some specific surface properties, such as mucoadhesiveness, these structures can require a process of surface engineering. The interaction of lipid vesicles with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes seems to be an interesting solution, especially when the negatively charged liposomes are complexed with the cationic chitosan. In this work, a novel simil-microfluidic technique was used to produce both chitosan-coated vesicles and a vegan alternative composed of cholesterol-free liposomes coated by Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar-HC). The combination between the experimental approach, based on experimental observations in terms of Z-potential, and size evolutions, and the theoretical approach, based on concepts of saturation, was the methodology applied to define the best polycation concentration to fairly cover (vegan or not) liposomes without aggregation. The smart production of coated nanolipid structures was confirmed by characterizations of morphology, mucoadhesiveness, and stability.
Instabilities of the Vortex Lattice and the Peak Effect in Single Crystal YBa2Cu4O8
Authors: Egilmez Mehmet , Isaac Isaac , Alnaser Ali S. , Bukowski Zbigniew , Karpinski Janusz , Chow Kim H. , Jung Jan
Published: August 2019

We report on the measurements of the remnant magnetization, and hence critical current, in a single crystal of YBa2Cu4O8. A peak in the temperature dependence of the critical current is observed when the external magnetic field is tilted away from the a–b planes. The observed behavior is attributed to a thermally activated instability-driven vortex-lattice splitting or vortex chain formation. The nature of the peak and the possibility of a thermally-activated dimensional crossover have been discussed.
Paving the Way towards an Armenian Data Cube
Authors: Asmaryan Shushanik , Muradyan Vahagn , Tepanosyan Garegin , Hovsepyan Azatuhi , Saghatelyan Armen , Astsatryan Hrachya , Grigoryan Hayk , Abrahamyan Rita , Guigoz Yaniss , Giuliani Gregory
Published: August 2019

Environmental issues become an increasing global concern because of the continuous pressure on natural resources. Earth observations (EO), which include both satellite/UAV and in-situ data, can provide robust monitoring for various environmental concerns. The realization of the full information potential of EO data requires innovative tools to minimize the time and scientific knowledge needed to access, prepare and analyze a large volume of data. EO Data Cube (DC) is a new paradigm aiming to realize it. The article presents the Swiss-Armenian joint initiative on the deployment of an Armenian DC, which is anchored on the best practices of the Swiss model. The Armenian DC is a complete and up-to-date archive of EO data (e.g., Landsat 5, 7, 8, Sentinel-2) by benefiting from Switzerland’s expertise in implementing the Swiss DC. The use-case of confirm delineation of Lake Sevan using McFeeters band ratio algorithm is discussed. The validation shows that the results are sufficiently reliable. The transfer of the necessary knowledge from Switzerland to Armenia for developing and implementing the first version of an Armenian DC should be considered as a first step of a permanent collaboration for paving the way towards continuous remote environmental monitoring in Armenia.
The Effects of the Chinese Imports on Brazilian Manufacturing Workers
Authors: Paz Lourenço S. , Kapri Kul Prasad
Published: August 2019

This study examines the impacts of imports from China and from the Rest of the World (ROW) on the wages of Brazilian manufacturing workers during 2000–2012. In this period, import penetration in Brazil grew by 25 percent, and the Chinese share of it increased from 3 to 20 percent. Using household survey data that encompass both formal and informal workers, we find that imports from China and from the ROW had different effects on manufacturing skilled and unskilled workers’ wages. Both the skilled and unskilled workers were negatively affected by an increase in the Chinese import penetration of intermediate inputs. For skilled workers, the ROW import penetration effect was negative for labor-intensive industries and positive for the other industries, while the Chinese import penetration had a positive effect on skilled workers’ wages. For the unskilled workers, we find that those in unskilled-labor intensive industries experienced positive impacts from both China and ROW import penetrations, whereas larger import penetrations reduced the wages for unskilled workers in the other industries.
Design of an Efficient Maximum Power Point Tracker Based on ANFIS Using an Experimental Photovoltaic System Data
Authors: Al-Majidi Sadeq D. , Abbod Maysam F. , Al-Raweshidy Hamed S.
Published: August 2019

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are a fundamental part in photovoltaic system design for increasing the generated output power of a photovoltaic array. Whilst varying techniques have been proposed, the adaptive neural-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is the most powerful method for an MPPT because of its fast response and less oscillation. However, accurate training data are a big challenge for designing an efficient ANFIS-MPPT. In this paper, an ANFIS-MPPT method based on a large experimental training data is designed to avoid the system from experiencing a high training error. Those data are collected throughout the whole of 2018 from experimental tests of a photovoltaic array installed at Brunel University, London, United Kingdom. Normally, data from experimental tests include errors and therefore are analyzed using a curve fitting technique to optimize the tuning of ANFIS model. To evaluate the performance, the proposed ANFIS-MPPT method is simulated using a MATLAB/Simulink model for a photovoltaic system. A real measurement test of a semi-cloudy day is used to calculate the average efficiency of the proposed method under varying climatic conditions. The results reveal that the proposed method accurately tracks the optimized maximum power point whilst achieving efficiencies of more than 99.3%.
An Image Feature-Based Method for Parking Lot Occupancy
Authors: Tătulea Paula , Călin Florina , Brad Remus , Brâncovean Lucian , Greavu Mircea
Published: August 2019

The main scope of the presented research was the development of an innovative product for the management of city parking lots. Our application will ensure the implementation of the Smart City concept by using computer vision and communication platforms, which enable the development of new integrated digital services. The use of video cameras could simplify and lower the costs of parking lot controls. In the aim of parking space detection, an aggregated decision was proposed, employing various metrics, computed over a sliding window interval provided by the camera. The history created over 20 images provides an adaptive method for background and accurate detection. The system has shown high robustness in two benchmarks, achieving a recognition rate higher than 93%.
Artificial Intelligence Implementations on the Blockchain. Use Cases and Future Applications
Authors: Sgantzos Konstantinos , Grigg Ian
Published: August 2019

An exemplary paradigm of how an AI can be a disruptive technological paragon via the utilization of blockchain comes straight from the world of deep learning. Data scientists have long struggled to maintain the quality of a dataset for machine learning by an AI entity. Datasets can be very expensive to purchase, as, depending on both the proper selection of the elements and the homogeneity of the data contained within, constructing and maintaining the integrity of a dataset is difficult. Blockchain as a highly secure storage medium presents a technological quantum leap in maintaining data integrity. Furthermore, blockchain’s immutability constructs a fruitful environment for creating high quality, permanent and growing datasets for deep learning. The combination of AI and blockchain could impact fields like Internet of things (IoT), identity, financial markets, civil governance, smart cities, small communities, supply chains, personalized medicine and other fields, and thereby deliver benefits to many people.
Post-Processing of VIS, NIR, and SWIR Multispectral Images of Paintings. New Discovery on the The Drunkenness of Noah, Painted by Andrea Sacchi, Stored at Palazzo Chigi (Ariccia, Rome)
Authors: Pronti Lucilla , Romani Martina , Verona-Rinati Gianluca , Tarquini Ombretta , Colao Francesco , Colapietro Marcello , Pifferi Augusto , Cestelli-Guidi Mariangela , Marinelli Marco
Published: August 2019

IR Reflectography applied to the identification of hidden details of paintings is extremely useful for authentication purposes and for revealing technical hidden features. Recently, multispectral imaging has replaced traditional imaging techniques thanks to the possibility to select specific spectral ranges bringing out interesting details of the paintings. VIS–NIR–SWIR images of one of the The Drunkenness of Noah versions painted by Andrea Sacchi, acquired with a modified reflex and InGaAs cameras, are presented in this research. Starting from multispectral images we performed post-processing analysis, using visible and infrared false-color images and principal component analysis (PCA) in order to highlight pentimenti and underdrawings. Radiography was performed in some areas to better investigate the inner pictorial layers. This study represents the first published scientific investigation of The Drunkenness of Noah’s artistic production, painted by Andrea Sacchi.
The Role of Parenting Styles on Behavior Problem Profiles of Adolescents
Authors: Lorence Bárbara , Hidalgo Victoria , Pérez-Padilla Javier , Menéndez Susana
Published: August 2019

Parental behavior is one of the most influential factors on the development of adolescent externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. These behavioral problems are closely related and often co-occur. The objectives of this work were: (i) to identify adolescents profiles according to their behavior problems; (ii) to explore individual, family, and social characteristics associated with these profiles; and (iii) to analyze the potential role of parenting styles in belonging to adolescents’ profiles. A total of 449 Spanish adolescents (223 from families declared at-risk and enrolled in Child Welfare Services and 226 from families from the general population) participated in this study. The analyses revealed three profiles of adolescents based on external and internal behavior problems (adjusted, external maladjustment, and internal maladjustment). Parenting styles explained the adolescents’ belonging to different profiles, in which the indulgent style was the most favorable in general terms. The distinctive role of parenting styles on two types of maladjustment profiles was confirmed. The relationship between parenting styles and adolescent adjustment is a key component that should be included in interventions according to adolescents’ behavior problem profiles. Furthermore, the results shed light on the need that family interventions are complemented with individualized interventions with adolescents that accumulate stressful life events.
Modeling Housing Rent in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area Using Textual Information and Deep Learning
Authors: Zhou Xiaolu , Tong Weitian , Li Dongying
Published: August 2019

The rental housing market plays a critical role in the United States real estate market. In addition, rent changes are also indicators of urban transformation and social phenomena. However, traditional data sources for market rent prediction are often inaccurate or inadequate at covering large geographies. With the development of housing information exchange platforms such as Craigslist, user-generated rental listings now provide big data that cover wide geographies and are rich in textual information. Given the importance of rent prediction in urban studies, this study aims to develop and evaluate models of rental market dynamics using deep learning approaches on spatial and textual data from Craigslist rental listings. We tested a number of machine learning and deep learning models (e.g., convolutional neural network, recurrent neural network) for the prediction of rental prices based on data collected from Atlanta, GA, USA. With textual information alone, deep learning models achieved an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 288.4 and mean absolute error (MAE) of 196.8. When combining textual information with location and housing attributes, the integrated model achieved an average RMSE of 227.9 and MAE of 145.4. These approaches can be applied to assess the market value of rental properties, and the prediction results can be used as indicators of a variety of urban phenomena and provide practical references for home owners and renters.
Effect of Iron Supplementation on the Outcome of Non-Progressive Pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Kolloli Afsal , Singh Pooja , Rodriguez G. Marcela , Subbian Selvakumar
Published: August 2019

The human response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is affected by the availability of iron (Fe), which is necessary for proper immune cell function and is essential for the growth and virulence of bacteria. Increase in host Fe levels promotes Mtb growth and tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis, while Fe-supplementation to latently infected, asymptomatic individuals is a significant risk factor for disease reactivation. However, the effect of Fe-supplementation on the host immunity during latent Mtb infection remains unclear, due partly to the paucity in availability of animal models that recapitulate key pathophysiological features seen in humans. We have demonstrated that rabbits can develop non-progressive latency similar to infected humans. In this study, using this model we have evaluated the effect of Fe-supplementation on the bacterial growth, disease pathology, and immune response. Systemic and lung Fe parameters, gene expression profile, lung bacterial burden, and disease pathology were determined in the Mtb-infected/Fe- or placebo-supplemented rabbits. Results show that Fe-supplementation to Mtb-infected rabbits did not significantly change the hematocrit and Hb levels, although it elevated total Fe in the lungs. Expression of selected host iron- and immune-response genes in the blood and lungs was perturbed in Mtb-infected/Fe-supplemented rabbits. Iron-supplementation during acute or chronic stages of Mtb infection did not significantly affect the bacterial burden or disease pathology in the lungs. Data presented in this study is of significant relevance for current public health policies on Fe-supplementation therapy given to anemic patients with latent Mtb infection.
Identification of Prognostic Candidate Genes in Breast Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Wang Charles , Li Chia , Cai Jia-Hua , Sheu Phillip , Tsai Jeffrey , Wu Meng-Yu , Li Chia-Jung , Hou Ming-Feng
Published: August 2019

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to identify the potential prognostic marker genes associated with the progression of breast cancer. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was used to construct free-scale gene coexpression networks, evaluate the associations between the gene sets and clinical features, and identify candidate biomarkers. The gene expression profiles of GSE48213 were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. RNA-seq data and clinical information on breast cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used for validation. Four modules were identified from the gene coexpression network, one of which was found to be significantly associated with patient survival time. The expression status of 28 genes formed the black module (basal); 18 genes, dark red module (claudin-low); nine genes, brown module (luminal), and seven genes, midnight blue module (nonmalignant). These modules were clustered into two groups according to significant difference in survival time between the groups. Therefore, based on betweenness centrality, we identified TXN and ANXA2 in the nonmalignant module, TPM4 and LOXL2 in the luminal module, TPRN and ADCY6 in the claudin-low module, and TUBA1C and CMIP in the basal module as the genes with the highest betweenness, suggesting that they play a central role in information transfer in the network. In the present study, eight candidate biomarkers were identified for further basic and advanced understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of breast cancer by using co-expression network analysis.
Central Nervous System Cryptococcal Infections in Non-HIV Infected Patients
Authors: Beardsley Justin , Sorrell Tania C. , Chen Sharon C.-A.
Published: August 2019

Central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis in non-HIV infected patients affects solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, patients with malignancy, rheumatic disorders, other immunosuppressive conditions and immunocompetent hosts. More recently described risks include the use of newer biologicals and recreational intravenous drug use. Disease is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complex; C. gattii is endemic in several geographic regions and has caused outbreaks in North America. Major virulence determinants are the polysaccharide capsule, melanin and several ‘invasins’. Cryptococcal plb1, laccase and urease are essential for dissemination from lung to CNS and crossing the blood–brain barrier. Meningo-encephalitis is common but intracerebral infection or hydrocephalus also occur, and are relatively frequent in C. gattii infection. Complications include neurologic deficits, raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and disseminated disease. Diagnosis relies on culture, phenotypic identification methods, and cryptococcal antigen detection. Molecular methods can assist. Preferred induction antifungal therapy is a lipid amphotericin B formulation (amphotericin B deoxycholate may be used in non-transplant patients) plus 5-flucytosine for 2–6 weeks depending on host type followed by consolidation/maintenance therapy with fluconazole for 12 months or longer. Control of raised ICP is essential. Clinicians should be vigilant for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
Verifying the Firoozbakht, Nicholson, and Farhadian Conjectures up to the 81st Maximal Prime Gap
Authors: Visser Matt
Published: August 2019

The Firoozbakht, Nicholson, and Farhadian conjectures can be phrased in terms of increasingly powerful conjectured bounds on the prime gaps g n : = p n + 1 - p n . While a general proof of any of these conjectures is far out of reach, I shall show that all three of these conjectures are unconditionally and explicitly verified for all primes below the as yet unknown location of the 81st maximal prime gap, certainly for all primes p < 2 64 . For the Firoozbakht conjecture itself this is a rather minor improvement on currently known results, but for the somewhat stronger Nicholson and Farhadian conjectures this may be considerably more interesting. Sequences: A005250 A002386 A005669 A000101 A107578 A246777 A246776.
Extremal Betti Numbers of t-Spread Strongly Stable Ideals
Authors: Amata Luca , Crupi Marilena
Published: August 2019

Let K be a field and let S = K [ x 1 , ⋯ , x n ] be a polynomial ring over K. We analyze the extremal Betti numbers of special squarefree monomial ideals of S known as the t-spread strongly stable ideals, where t is an integer ≥ 1 . A characterization of the extremal Betti numbers of such a class of ideals is given. Moreover, we determine the structure of the t-spread strongly stable ideals with the maximal number of extremal Betti numbers when t = 2 .
A Note on Type 2 w-Daehee Polynomials
Authors: Ma Minyoung , Lim Dongkyu
Published: August 2019

In the paper, by virtue of the p-adic invariant integral on Z p , the authors consider a type 2 w-Daehee polynomials and present some properties and identities of these polynomials related with well-known special polynomials. In addition, we present some symmetric identities involving the higher order type 2 w-Daehee polynomials. These identities extend and generalize some known results.
Discrete Two-Dimensional Fourier Transform in Polar Coordinates Part I: Theory and Operational Rules
Authors: Baddour Natalie
Published: August 2019

The theory of the continuous two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transform in polar coordinates has been recently developed but no discrete counterpart exists to date. In this paper, we propose and evaluate the theory of the 2D discrete Fourier transform (DFT) in polar coordinates. This discrete theory is shown to arise from discretization schemes that have been previously employed with the 1D DFT and the discrete Hankel transform (DHT). The proposed transform possesses orthogonality properties, which leads to invertibility of the transform. In the first part of this two-part paper, the theory of the actual manipulated quantities is shown, including the standard set of shift, modulation, multiplication, and convolution rules. Parseval and modified Parseval relationships are shown, depending on which choice of kernel is used. Similar to its continuous counterpart, the 2D DFT in polar coordinates is shown to consist of a 1D DFT, DHT and 1D inverse DFT.
Mortality Related to Cold Temperatures in Two Capitals of the Baltics: Tallinn and Riga
Authors: Åström Daniel Oudin , Veber Triin , Martinsone Žanna , Kaļužnaja Darja , Indermitte Ene , Oudin Anna , Orru Hans
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives: Despite global warming, the climate in Northern Europe is generally cold, and the large number of deaths due to non-optimal temperatures is likely due to cold temperatures. The aim of the current study is to investigate the association between cold temperatures and all-cause mortality, as well as cause-specific mortality, in Tallinn and Riga in North-Eastern Europe. Materials and Methods: We used daily information on deaths from state death registries and minimum temperatures from November to March over the period 1997–2015 in Tallinn and 2009–2015 in Riga. The relationship between the daily minimum temperature and mortality was investigated using the Poisson regression, combined with a distributed lag non-linear model considering lag times of up to 21 days. Results: We found significantly higher all-cause mortality owing to cold temperatures both in Tallinn (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.28, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.01–1.62) and in Riga (RR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.11–1.79). In addition, significantly increased mortality due to cold temperatures was observed in the 75+ age group (RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.17–2.31) and in cardiovascular mortality (RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.31–2.55) in Tallinn and in the under 75 age group in Riga (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.12–2.22). In this study, we found no statistically significant relationship between mortality due to respiratory or external causes and cold days. The cold-related attributable fraction (AF) was 7.4% (95% CI -3.7–17.5) in Tallinn and 8.3% (95% CI -0.5–16.3) in Riga. This indicates that a relatively large proportion of deaths in cold periods can be related to cold in North-Eastern Europe, where winters are relatively harsh.
Hypertension is the Prominent Risk Factor in Cataract Patients
Authors: Mylona Ioanna , Dermenoudi Maria , Ziakas Nikolaos , Tsinopoulos Ioannis
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the most prominent cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: The study included 812 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral, uneventful cataract surgery by means of phacoemulsification, at the 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, during a calendar year. Patients were assessed for the type of cataract and the presence of three diseases, under pharmacological treatment, that have been reported as risk factors for the development of cataract (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia). Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the types of cataract and individual risk factors (p < 0.001). Hypertension was the most frequentrisk factor, ranging from 43.8% in patients with subcapsular cataracts, 24.3% in patients with nuclear cataracts, 28.6% in patients with cortical cataracts, and 27.6% in patients with mixed type cataracts. There was a statistically significant difference as to the total number of risk factors per cataract type (p < 0.001); almost all patients with subcapsular cataracts had at least one risk factor (98.4%) while this percentage was 90.5% for patients with mixed cataracts, 85.7% for patients with cortical cataracts, and78.6% for patients with nuclear cataracts. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus did not have a large incidence in our sample as a single risk factor, while hypertension did. This finding raises the importance of early detection of hypertension, a cardiovascular condition that typically progresses undetected for a number of years.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Establishment and Progression of Renal Diseases
Authors: Salazar-Gonzalez Hector , Zepeda-Hernandez Alexa , Melo Zesergio , Saavedra-Mayorga Diego Eduardo , Echavarria Raquel
Published: August 2019

Uncontrolled inflammatory and immune responses are often involved in the development of acute and chronic forms of renal injury. Neutrophils are innate immune cells recruited early to sites of inflammation, where they produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and release mesh-like structures comprised of DNA and granular proteins known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are potentially toxic, contribute to glomerular injury, activate autoimmune processes, induce vascular damage, and promote kidney fibrosis. Evidence from multiple studies suggests that an imbalance between production and clearance of NETs is detrimental for renal health. Hence strategies aimed at modulating NET-associated processes could have a therapeutic impact on a myriad of inflammatory diseases that target the kidney. Here, we summarize the role of NETs in the pathogenesis of renal diseases and their mechanisms of tissue damage.
Spin Crossover in Three Mononuclear Iron (III) Schiff Base Complexes
Authors: Nemec Ivan , Svoboda Ingrid , Herchel Radovan
Published: August 2019

The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of three new mononuclear complexes [Fe(R-LA)(L1)](BPh4), where R-LA2− is a doubly deprotonated pentadentate Schiff base ligand and L1 is a monodentate benzimidazole or furopyridine ligand, are reported. Ligand- and anion-driven changes in crystal structures and magnetic behavior were investigated in terms of the magnetic susceptibility measurements and theoretical calculations.
Monitoring Biofilm Formation and Microbial Interactions that May Occur During a Salmonella Contamination Incident across the Network of a Water Bottling Plant
Authors: Karampoula Foteini , Doulgeraki Agapi I. , Fotiadis Christos , Tampakaki Anastasia , Nychas George-John E.
Published: August 2019

The present study aims to monitor the ability of Salmonella to colonize and compete as a member of the mixed species biofilm within key points at a water bottling plant, in case of a contamination incident with this major foodborne pathogen. To achieve this goal, bacterial communities throughout the production line were collected and their identities were investigated by microbial counts and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). These bacterial communities alone or along with constructed Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) fluorescence-based bioreporters were left to form a biofilm on stainless steel for 6 days at 20 °C. ST bioreporters were constructed by introducing plasmids expressing EYFP (enhanced yellow fluorescent protein) fusions of the genes csgB, csrA, sspH2, and fliD into ST 14028S. The bead vortexing-plate counting method was applied for the enumeration of the biofilm population, while the behavior of the bioreporters was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. From a set of 16 samples that were collected from the plant, species of Citrobacter, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Exiguobacterium were identified. The presence of these indigenous bacteria neither inhibited nor enhanced the biofilm formation of ST in mixed bacterial communities (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the csrA-based bioreporter was shown to be induced in multispecies biofilms with Citrobacter. In conclusion, this study enhanced our knowledge of bacterial interactions occurring within a biofilm in a water bottling plant.
Digital Storytelling to Enhance Adults’ Speaking Skills in Learning Foreign Languages: A Case Study
Authors: Kallinikou Emily , Nicolaidou Iolie
Published: August 2019

Digital storytelling, including text, images, audio, music, and video, has been researched as a means of enhancing learners’ motivation, autonomy, and engagement and as a way to improve oral and speaking skills in foreign language learning. This study examined the relation between adults’ engagement in digital storytelling (scaffolded by an interactive learning environment) and their speaking skills and motivation when learning a foreign language. The study used a pre-test, post-test control group design with two groups of 20 Russians who were beginners in learning Greek as a foreign language (n = 40). The 12-h intervention was technology-supported only for the experimental group. Even though the comparison of participants’ recorded speech pre- and post-intervention revealed a statistically significant decrease of mistakes made during speech from pre- to post-intervention for both groups, an independent samples t-test to compare the groups’ post-intervention speaking performance revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group (t(38) = 4.05, p < 0.05). The analysis of results from a motivation questionnaire administered pre- and post-intervention showed a statistically significant increase in the motivation of the experimental group only. Findings provide an indication that digital storytelling, scaffolded by an interactive learning environment, supports the development of adults’ speaking skills in a foreign language and increases their motivation.
Cobalt-Containing Nanoporous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanocuboids from Zeolite Imidazole Frameworks for Supercapacitors
Authors: Song Yu , Zhang Mingyue , Liu Tianyu , Li Tianjiao , Guo Di , Liu Xiao-Xia
Published: August 2019

Pyrolyzing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) typically yield composites consisting of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles finely dispersed on carbon matrices. The blend of pseudocapacitive metal oxides and conductive metals, as well as highly porous carbon networks, offer unique opportunities to obtain supercapacitor electrodes with mutually high capacitances and excellent rate capabilities. Herein, we demonstrate nitrogen-doped carbon nanocuboid arrays grown on carbon fibers and incorporating cobalt metal and cobalt metal oxides. This composite was synthesized via pyrolysis of a chemical bath deposited MOF, cobalt-containing zeolite imidazole framework (Co–ZIF). The active materials for charge storage are the cobalt oxide and nitrogen-doped carbon. Additionally, the Co metal and the nanoporous carbon network facilitated electron transport and the rich nanopores in each nanocuboid shortened ion diffusion distance. Benefited from these merits, our Co–ZIF-derived electrode delivered an areal capacitance of 1177 mF cm−2 and excellent cycling stability of ~94% capacitance retained after 20,000 continuous charge–discharge cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor prototype having the Co–ZIF-derived hybrid material (positive electrode) and activated carbon (negative electrode) achieved a maximal volumetric energy density of 1.32 mWh cm−3 and the highest volumetric power density of 376 mW cm−3. This work highlights the promise of metal–metal oxide–carbon nanostructured composites as electrodes in electrochemical energy storage devices.