bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Citrus sudachi peel in obese adults: A randomized, double-blind, pilot study
Authors: Akaike Masashi , Aihara Ken-ichi , Yanagawa Hiroaki , Iwase Takashi , Yoshida Sumiko , Sato Chiho , Saijo Tomoka , Mikasa Hiroaki , Kashiwada Yoshizaki , Takaishi Yoshihisa , Tsuchiya Koichiro , Tamaki Toshiaki , Matsumoto Toshio , Sata Masataka
Published: August 2018

Objective: This study was undertaken to explore the efficacy and safety of Citrus sudachi peel for metabolic risk factors in obese male and female adults.Background: Citrus sudachi Hort. ex Shirai (Rutaceae), called “sudachi”, is a small, round, green citrus fruit that is mainly cultivated in Tokushima Prefecture in Japan. Our group reported that Citrus sudachi peel powder improved glucose tolerance and dyslipidemia in Zucher-fatty rats and reduced hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia in GK diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 40 participants with abdominal obesity and metabolic risk factors including hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance and elevated triglyceride levels. Participants were randomized to receive either tablets that contained 1.3 g dried Citrus sudachi peel powder or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. The sudachi peel group included 14 males and 5 females with a mean age of 54.5 years, and the placebo group included 18 males and 2 females with a mean age of 51.9 years. Results: Physical status including body weight, waist circumference and blood pressure and laboratory markers including metabolic parameters were not different at any observation point between the two groups. However, among participants with serum triglyceride levels of more than 120 mg/dl, body weight, waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels were significantly decreased at several observation points after the start of treatment in the sudachi peel group but not in the placebo group. No serious adverse events were observed in the sudachi peel group. Conclusions: Citrus sudachi peel has the potential effect to safely improve abdominal obesity and lower serum levels of TG in obese individuals with hypertriglyceridemia. A large-scale randomized, double-blind clinical study targeting subjects with both abdominal obesity and high TG levels is needed to confirm the metabolic effects of Citrus sudachi peel.Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000002682.  Accession number of the Ethics Committee for Clinical Trials of Food in Tokushima University Hospital is F5.Key words: health functional food, anti-obesity, triglyceride
Men and older persons also care, but how much? Assessing amounts of caregiving in Spain and Sweden
Authors: Sundström Gerdt , Jegermalm Magnus , Abellán Antonio , Ayala Alba , Pérez Julio , Pujol Rogelio , Souto Javier
Published: August 2018

We estimate how much caregiving men and women respectively do, and how much of the caregiving is done by older (65+) and younger persons, inside their household and for other households, in Spain and in Sweden. To assess this, we use self-reported hours of caregiving from two national surveys about caregiving, performed in 2014 (Spain, N = 2003; Sweden, N = 1193). Spain and Sweden have dissimilar household structures, and different social services for older (65+) persons. Caregivers, on average, provide many more hours of care in Spain than in Sweden. Women provide about 58% of all hours of caregiving, in Spain in all age groups, in Sweden only among younger caregivers. The reason is the dominance of partner caregivers among older Swedes, with older men and women providing equal hours of care. Family caregiving inside the household is more extensive in the more complex Spanish households than in Swedish households. Family care between households prevails in Sweden, where the large majority of older persons live with a partner only, or alone. This is increasingly common in Spain, although it remains at a lower level. We estimate that older persons provide between 22% and 33% of all hours of caregiving in Spain, and between 41% and 49% in Sweden. Patterns of caregiving appear to be determined mainly by demography and household structure.
Novel Transient Power Control Schemes for BTB VSCs to Improve Angle Stability
Authors: Song Sungyoon , Hwang Sungchul , Ko Baekkyeong , Cha Seungtae , Jang Gilsoo
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes two novel power control strategies to improve the angle stability of generators using a Back-to-Back (BTB) system-based voltage source converter (VSC). The proposed power control strategies have two communication systems: a bus angle monitoring system and a special protection system (SPS), respectively. The first power control strategy can emulate the behaviour of the ac transmission to improve the angle stability while supporting the ac voltage at the primary level of the control structure. The second power control scheme uses an SPS signal to contribute stability to the power system under severe contingencies involving the other generators. The results for the proposed control scheme were validated using the PSS/E software package with a sub-module written in the Python language, and the simple assistant power control with two communication systems is shown to improve the angle stability. In conclusion, BTB VSCs can contribute their power control strategies to ac grid in addition to offering several existing advantages, which makes them applicable for use in the commensurate protection of large ac grid.
A Trajectory Planning Method for Polishing Optical Elements Based on a Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline Curve
Authors: Zhao Dong , Guo Hao
Published: August 2018

Optical polishing can accurately correct the surface error through controlling the dwell time of the polishing tool on the element surface. Thus, the precision of the trajectory and the dwell time (the runtime of the trajectory) are important factors affecting the polishing quality. This study introduces a systematic interpolation method for optical polishing using a non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS). A numerical method for solving all the control points of NURBS was proposed with the help of a successive over relaxation (SOR) iterative theory, to overcome the problem of large computation. Then, an optimisation algorithm was applied to smooth the NURBS by taking the shear jerk as the evaluation index. Finally, a trajectory interpolation scheme was investigated for guaranteeing the precision of the trajectory runtime. The experiments on a prototype showed that, compared to the linear interpolation method, there was an order of magnitude improvement in interpolation, and runtime, errors. Correspondingly, the convergence rate of the surface error of elements improved from 37.59% to 44.44%.
On the Ability of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Enzymatically Depolymerized to Produce and Stabilize Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Aranaz Inmaculada , Castro Carolina , Heras Angeles , Acosta Niuris
Published: August 2018

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are of great interest due to their antimicrobial, optical and catalytical properties. Green synthesis of AgNPs is fundamental for some applications such as biomedicine and catalysis. Natural polymers, such as chitosan, have been proposed as reducing and stabilizing agents in the green synthesis of AgNPs. Physico-chemical properties of chitosan have a great impact on its technological and biological properties. In this paper, we explore the effect of chitosan molecular weight (Mw) on the thermal AgNPs production using two sample sets of low Mw chitosans (F1 > 30 kDa, F2: 30–10 kDa and F3: 10–5 kDa) produced by enzymatic depolymerization of a parent chitosan with chitosanase and lysozyme. Both polymer sets were able to effectively reduce Ag+ to Ag0 as the presence of the silver surface plasmon resonance (SRP) demonstrated. However, the ability to stabilize the nanoparticles depended not only on the Mw of the polymer but particularly on the polymer pattern which was determined by the enzyme used to depolymerize the parent chitosan. Low Mw chitosan samples produced by lysozyme were more effective than those produced by chitosanase to stabilize the AgNPs and smaller and less polydisperse nanoparticles were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). With some polymer sets, more than 80% of the AgNPs produced were lower than 10 nm which correspond to quantum dots. The preparation method described in this paper is general and therefore, it may be extended to other noble metals, such as palladium, gold or platinum.
Tantalum Arsenide-Based One-Dimensional Photonic Structures
Authors: Kriegel Ilka , Guizzardi Michele , Scotognella Francesco
Published: August 2018

Weyl semimetals can be described as the three-dimensional analogue of graphene, showing linear dispersion around nodes (Weyl points). Tantalum arsenide is among the most studied Weyl semimetals. It has been demonstrated that TaAs has a very high value of the real part of the complex refractive index in the infrared region. In this work we show one-dimensional photonic crystals alternating TaAs with SiO2 or TiO2 and a microcavity where a layer of TaAs is embedded between two SiO2-TiO2 multilayers.
Development of Sunlight Driven Water Splitting Devices towards Future Artificial Photosynthetic Industry
Authors: Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: August 2018

The ongoing research and development of sunlight-driven water splitting in the “Japan Technological Research Association of Artificial Photosynthetic Chemical Process (ARPChem)” is overviewed. Water splitting photocatalysts, photoelectrochemical devices, large-scale reactor panels, product gas transportation, H2/O2 gas separation devices and safety measures against explosion are included as the research objectives. ARPChem was formed as a research union of Japan’s leading chemical firms, in which related elementary technologies have been cultivated. This article introduces our general scope for artificial photosynthesis and describes present research activities, mainly on solar driven water splitting photocatalysts/photoelectrodes and briefly on the processes and plans for plant construction for future industrial extension.
Sequence Planning for Selective Disassembly Aiming at Reducing Energy Consumption Using a Constraints Relation Graph and Improved Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Hu Bingtao , Feng Yixiong , Zheng Hao , Tan Jianrong
Published: August 2018

With environmental pollution and the shortage of resources becoming increasingly serious, the disassembly of certain component in mechanical products for reuse and recycling has received more attention. However, how to model a complex mechanical product accurately and simply, and minimize the number of components involved in the disassembly process remain unsolved problems. The identification of subassembly can reduce energy consumption, but the process is recursive and may change the number of components to be disassembled. In this paper, a method aiming at reducing the energy consumption based on the constraints relation graph (CRG) and the improved ant colony optimization algorithm (IACO) is proposed to find the optimal disassembly sequence. Using the CRG, the subassembly is identified and the number of components that need to be disassembled is minimized. Subsequently, the optimal disassembly sequence can be planned using IACO where a new pheromone factor is proposed to improve the convergence performance of the ant colony algorithm. Furthermore, a case study is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Stochastic Inexact Robust Model for Regional Energy System Management and Emission Reduction Potential Analysis—A Case Study of Zibo City, China
Authors: Xie Yulei , Wang Linrui , Huang Guohe , Xia Dehong , Ji Ling
Published: August 2018

In this study, in order to improve regional energy system adjustment, a multistage stochastic inexact robust programming (MSIRP) is proposed for electric-power generation planning and structure adjustment management under uncertainty. Scenario-based inexact multistage stochastic programming and stochastic robust optimization were integrated into general programming to reflect uncertainties that were expressed as interval values and probability distributions in the objective function and constraints. An MSIRP-based energy system optimization model is proposed for electric-power structure management of Zibo City in Shandong Province, China. Three power demand scenarios associated with electric-power structure adjustment, imported electricity, and emission reduction were designed to obtain multiple decision schemes for supporting regional sustainable energy system development. The power generation schemes, imported electricity, and emissions of CO2 and air pollutants were analyzed. The results indicated that the model can effectively not only provide a more stable energy supply strategies and electric-power structure adjustment schemes, but also improve the balanced development between conventional and new clear power generation technologies under uncertainty.
Academic Palliative Care Research in Portugal: Are We on the Right Track?
Authors: Pereira Alexandra , Ferreira Amélia , Martins José
Published: August 2018

Background: The narrow link between practice, education, and research is essential to palliative care development. In Portugal, academic postgraduate publications are the main booster for palliative care research. Methods: This is a bibliometric study that aims to identify Portuguese palliative care postgraduate academic work published in electronic academic repositories between 2000 and 2015. Results: 488 publications were identified. The number of publications has increased, especially in the last five years. The most frequently used method was quantitative, healthcare professionals were the most studied participants, and psychological and psychiatric aspects of care comprised the most current theme. Practice-based priorities are financial costs and benefits of palliative care, awareness and understanding of palliative care, underserved populations, best practices, communication, and palliative care in nonhospital settings. Conclusion: The number of palliative care postgraduate academic publications has increased in Portugal in the past few years. There is academic production in the eight domains of quality palliative care and on the three levels of recommendation for practice-based research priorities. The major research gaps in Portugal are at the system and societal context levels.
UV Monitoring for Public Health
Authors: Blumthaler Mario
Published: August 2018

Overexposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a risk for public health. Therefore, it is important to provide information to the public about the level of solar UV. The UV-Index (UVI) is the relevant quantity, expressing the erythemally weighted irradiance to a horizontal plane on a simple scale. As solar UV irradiance is strongly variable in time and space, measurements within a network provide the best source of information, provided they can be made available rapidly. However, to ensure the information is reliable, strict quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for the monitoring networks are necessary. Near real time presentation of the measured UVI on web-pages is the best way to inform the public. The interpretation of the data in terms of the individual ‘allowable’ exposure time is heavily impacted by skin type, behavior, and clothing, and must be learned for each person through experience and guidance. Nonetheless, reliable knowledge of the actual level of the intensity of erythemally weighted irradiance and its variability forms the basis of education and public awareness. The challenges and requirements in providing comprehensive UVI data for public health guidance are here considered.
A Review of Knowledge, Belief and Practice Regarding Osteoporosis among Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Chan Chin Yi , Mohamed Norazlina , Ima-Nirwana Soelaiman , Chin Kok-Yong
Published: August 2018

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Increasing knowledge, correcting health belief and promoting osteoprotective practices are effective measures for building and maintaining strong bone throughout ones’ life-span. This review aims to summarize the contemporary evidence on the knowledge, beliefs and practice of adolescents and young adults on bone health. We performed literature searches using the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify original studies from 2008 to May 2018 using the search terms “(knowledge OR beliefs OR attitude OR practice OR behaviours OR physical activity OR exercise OR diet OR nutrition) AND (young OR youth OR adolescents OR children OR young adults OR students OR teenager) AND (osteoporosis OR bone health)”. Of the 3206 articles found, 34 met the inclusion criteria. Studies showed that most adolescents and young adults had poor knowledge and expressed disinterest in osteoporosis. They believed that other diseases were more serious than osteoporosis, contributing to low perceived susceptibility and seriousness towards this disease. Popular media emerged as a platform to obtain information regarding osteoporosis. The lack of knowledge and misconceptions about osteoporosis led to poor osteoprotective practices. As a conclusion, the current evidence revealed a lack of awareness about osteoporosis among adolescents and young adults. Educational interventions may be useful to improve the awareness of osteoporosis among this population.
Geographical Environment Factors and Risk Mapping of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Western China
Authors: Huang Duan , Li Rendong , Qiu Juan , Sun Xiangdong , Yuan Ruixia , Shi Yuanyuan , Qu Yubing , Niu Yingnan
Published: August 2018

The study aimed to reveal the risk factors and predict the prevalence of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Western China. To do this, we analyzed county-wide data relating to the prevalence of human CE in seven provinces of Western China, along with associated human, natural geographical environmental data. We then used spatial analysis and multiple regression analysis to investigate the correlation between the prevalence of human CE and associated environmental factors and to create a risk map of the disease in the seven provinces. Our analysis showed that grassland area ratio and Tibetan population ratio were independent variables positively correlated with the prevalence of human CE and that gross domestic product (GDP) and land surface temperature (LST; Spring) were negative independent variables. We also created a predictive risk map of human CE that revealed that the high-risk areas were mainly located in the south of Qinghai, the Northwest of Sichuan and most of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Knowledge of the spatial distribution and risk factors associated with human CE could help to prevent and control echinococcosis in China.
Emergency and Mental Health Nurses’ Perceptions and Attitudes towards Alcoholics
Authors: Molina-Mula Jesús , González-Trujillo Antonio , Simonet-Bennassar Margarita
Published: August 2018

Knowing professionals’ attitudes is the basis for the development of skills for dealing with drug dependence. These attitudes may affect patients’ clinical safety and the cost-benefit ratio of the interventions. The goal of this study was to assess emergency and mental health nurses’ attitudes and perceptions towards alcoholics. A multicenter prospective descriptive study was conducted in six hospitals with 167 emergency and mental health nurses. Nurses classified alcoholics as sick individuals, although there was a tendency to feel uncomfortable working with them. Results indicated that these professionals had a rejecting attitude towards moderate alcohol consumption. It found that there was a significant association between the attitude of the nurse and gender, with the degree of rejection towards the alcoholic being higher in men than in women, and with less punitive attitudes in professionals with 0 to 11 years of professional experience.
Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater Treatment Using Submerged Fibers in an Attached Growth Sequential Batch Reactor
Authors: Aziz Hamidi Abdul , Puat Nur Nasuha Ahmad , Alazaiza Motasem Y. D. , Hung Yung-Tse
Published: August 2018

In this study, a sequential batch reactor (SBR) with different types of fibers was employed for the treatment of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. Three types of fibers, namely, juite fiber (JF), bio-fringe fiber (BF), and siliconised conjugated polyester fiber (SCPF), were used. Four SBR experiments were conducted, using the fibers in different reactors, while the fourth reactor used a combination of these fibers. The treatment efficiency of the different reactors with and without fibers on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), phosphorus (P), nitrite (NO2), nitrate (NO3), total suspended solids (TSS), and oil-grease were evaluated. The removal efficiency for the reactors with fibers was higher than that of the reactor without fibers for all pollutants. The treated effluent had 40 mg/L BOD5 and 45 mg/L COD with an average removal efficiency of 96% and 93%, respectively, which meet the discharge limits stated in the Environmental Quality Act in Malaysia.
Repair of Damaged Articular Cartilage: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Authors: Medvedeva Ekaterina V. , Grebenik Ekaterina A. , Gornostaeva Svetlana N. , Telpuhov Vladimir I. , Lychagin Aleksey V. , Timashev Peter S. , Chagin Andrei S.
Published: August 2018

Articular hyaline cartilage is extensively hydrated, but it is neither innervated nor vascularized, and its low cell density allows only extremely limited self-renewal. Most clinical and research efforts currently focus on the restoration of cartilage damaged in connection with osteoarthritis or trauma. Here, we discuss current clinical approaches for repairing cartilage, as well as research approaches which are currently developing, and those under translation into clinical practice. We also describe potential future directions in this area, including tissue engineering based on scaffolding and/or stem cells as well as a combination of gene and cell therapy. Particular focus is placed on cell-based approaches and the potential of recently characterized chondro-progenitors; progress with induced pluripotent stem cells is also discussed. In this context, we also consider the ability of different types of stem cell to restore hyaline cartilage and the importance of mimicking the environment in vivo during cell expansion and differentiation into mature chondrocytes.
The Efficacy of Amifostine against Multiple-Dose Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Jaćević Vesna , Dragojević-Simić Viktorija , Tatomirović Željka , Dobrić Silva , Bokonjić Dubravko , Kovačević Aleksandra , Nepovimova Eugenie , Vališ Martin , Kuča Kamil
Published: August 2018

Amifostine is well known cytoprotector which is efficient when administered before a wide range of antineoplastic agents. The aim of our study was to investigate amifostine effects on doxorubicin-induced toxic changes in rats. Amifostine (75 mg/kg ip) was given 30 min before each dose of doxorubicin (cumulatively 20 mg/kg ip, for 28 days). The animals’ whole-body, liver, and kidney weight, serum biochemical examination, as well as microscopic examination of bone marrow, peripheral blood, liver, and kidney, were done on day 56 of the study. Hepatic and renal alterations were carefully quantified by semiquantitative grading scales—hepatic and renal damage score, respectively. In amifostine-pretreated rats, the number of peripheral blood leukocytes was significantly higher in comparison to doxorubicin-only treated group, preferentially protecting neutrophils. In the same group of rats, hepatic and renal alterations associated with polymorphonuclear cell infiltrates were significantly less severe than those observed in animals receiving only doxorubicin. Our results showed that amifostine successfully protected rats against multiple-dose doxorubicin-induced toxicity by complex, and still not fully elucidated mechanisms of action.
Identification and Characterization of miRNAs in Self-Rooted and Grafted Malus Reveals Critical Networks Associated with Flowering
Authors: An Na , Fan Sheng , Yang Yang , Chen Xilong , Dong Feng , Wang Yibin , Xing Libo , Zhao Caiping , Han Mingyu
Published: August 2018

Grafting can improve the agricultural traits of crop plants, especially fruit trees. However, the regulatory networks and differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) related to grafting in apple remain unclear. Herein, we conducted high-throughput sequencing and identified differentially expressed miRNAs among self-rooted Fuji, self-rooted M9, and grafted Fuji/M9. We analyzed the flowering rate, leaf morphology, and nutrient and carbohydrate contents in the three materials. The flowering rate, element and carbohydrate contents, and expression levels of flowering genes were higher in Fuji/M9 than in Fuji. We detected 206 known miRNAs and 976 novel miRNAs in the three materials, and identified those that were up- or downregulated in response to grafting. miR156 was most abundant in Fuji, followed by Fuji/M9, and then self-rooted M9, while miR172 was most abundant in M9, followed by Fuji/M9, and then Fuji. These expression patterns suggest that that these miRNAs were related to grafting. A Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs controlled genes involved in various biological processes, including cellular biosynthesis and metabolism. The expression of differentially expressed miRNAs and flowering-related genes was verified by qRT-PCR. Altogether, this comprehensive analysis of miRNAs related to grafting provides valuable information for breeding and grafting of apple and other fruit trees.
Overview of Biological, Epidemiological, and Clinical Evidence of Radiation Hormesis
Authors: Shibamoto Yuta , Nakamura Hironobu
Published: August 2018

The effects of low-dose radiation are being increasingly investigated in biological, epidemiological, and clinical studies. Many recent studies have indicated the beneficial effects of low doses of radiation, whereas some studies have suggested harmful effects even at low doses. This review article introduces various studies reporting both the beneficial and harmful effects of low-dose radiation, with a critique on the extent to which respective studies are reliable. Epidemiological studies are inherently associated with large biases, and it should be evaluated whether the observed differences are due to radiation or other confounding factors. On the other hand, well-controlled laboratory studies may be more appropriate to evaluate the effects of low-dose radiation. Since the number of such laboratory studies is steadily increasing, it will be concluded in the near future whether low-dose radiation is harmful or beneficial and whether the linear-no-threshold (LNT) theory is appropriate. Many recent biological studies have suggested the induction of biopositive responses such as increases in immunity and antioxidants by low-dose radiation. Based on recent as well as classical studies, the LNT theory may be out of date, and low-dose radiation may have beneficial effects depending on the conditions; otherwise, it may have no effects.
Aggregation Site Choice by Gregarious Nymphs of the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria, in the Sahara Desert of Mauritania
Authors: Maeno Koutaro Ould , Ould Babah Ebbe Mohamed Abdallahi
Published: August 2018

Animals often aggregate at certain sites during vulnerable periods such as night-roosting as an anti-predatory strategy. Some migratory gregarious animals must regularly find new night-roosting sites, but how they synchronously choose such sites is poorly understood. We examined how gregarious nymphs of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskål (Orthoptera: Acrididae), aggregate at certain plants for night-roosting in the Sahara Desert. Migratory bands of last instar nymphs climbed trees around dusk and roosted there overnight. A spatial autocorrelation analysis of plants indicated that the larger locust groups formed at the larger plants within the local plant community. Other large groups were not formed near the large tree, but smaller groups were patchily distributed. Plant height was the primary cue used by migratory bands to choose night-roosting plants. A nearest-neighbor distance analysis showed that single conspicuous large trees with scattered smaller plants were distributed locally. This plant community structure and negative geotactic ascending behavior of gregarious nymphs may force them to concentrate at the landmark plant from all directions and afar. This plant-size-dependent roosting site choice may contribute for developing artificial trapping systems for locusts and inciting to a new environment-friendly night control approach.
Molecular Targets in Hepatocarcinogenesis and Implications for Therapy
Authors: Wu Meng-Yu , Yiang Giuo-Teng , Cheng Pei-Wen , Chu Pei-Yi , Li Chia-Jung
Published: August 2018

Hepatocarcinogenesis comprises of multiple, complex steps that occur after liver injury and usually involve several pathways, including telomere dysfunction, cell cycle, WNT/β-catenin signaling, oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction, autophagy, apoptosis, and AKT/mTOR signaling. Following liver injury, gene mutations, accumulation of oxidative stress, and local inflammation lead to cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and necrosis. The persistence of this vicious cycle in turn leads to further gene mutation and dysregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-18, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, resulting in immune escape by means of the NF-κB and inflammasome signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize studies focusing on the roles of hepatocarcinogenesis and the immune system in liver cancer. In addition, we furnish an overview of recent basic and clinical studies to provide a strong foundation to develop novel anti-carcinogenesis targets for further treatment interventions.
Octree-Based Generation and Variation Analysis of Skin Model Shapes
Authors: Yacob Filmon , Semere Daniel , Nordgren Erik
Published: August 2018

The concept of Skin Model Shape has been introduced as a method for a close representation of manufactured parts using a discrete geometry representation scheme. However, discretized surfaces make irregular polyhedra, which are computationally demanding to model and process using the traditional implicit surface and boundary representation techniques. Moreover, there are still some research challenges related to the geometrical variation modelling of manufactured products; specifically, methods for geometrical data processing, the mapping of manufacturing variation sources to a geometric model, and the improvement of variation visualization techniques. To provide steps towards addressing these challenges this work uses Octree, a 3D space partitioning technique, as an aid for geometrical data processing, variation visualization, variation modelling and propagation, and tolerance analysis. Further, Skin Model Shapes are generated either by manufacturing a simulation using a non-ideal toolpath on solid models of Skin Model Shapes that are assembled to non-ideal fixtures or from measurement data. Octrees are then used in a variation envelope extraction from the simulated or measurement data, which becomes a basis for further simulation and tolerance analysis. To illustrate the method, an industrial two-stage truck component manufacturing line was studied. Simulation results show that the predicted Skin Model Shapes closely match to the measurement data from the manufacturing line, which could also be used to map to manufacturing error sources. This approach contributes towards the application of Octrees in many Skin Model Shape related operations and processes.
Sol-Gel Silica Nanoparticles in Medicine: A Natural Choice. Design, Synthesis and Products
Authors: Gonçalves M. Clara
Published: August 2018

Silica is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust, and over time it has been introduced first into human life and later into engineering. Silica is present in the food chain and in the human body. As a biomaterial, silica is widely used in dentistry, orthopedics, and dermatology. Recently amorphous sol-gel SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have appeared as nanocarriers in a wide range of medical applications, namely in drug/gene target delivery and imaging diagnosis, where they stand out for their high biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, enormous flexibility for surface modification with a high payload capacity, and prolonged blood circulation time. The sol-gel process is an extremely versatile bottom-up methodology used in the synthesis of silica NPs, offering a great variety of chemical possibilities, such as high homogeneity and purity, along with full scale pH processing. By introducing organic functional groups or surfactants during the sol-gel process, ORMOSIL NPs or mesoporous NPs are produced. Colloidal route, biomimetic synthesis, solution route and template synthesis (the main sol-gel methods to produce monosized silica nanoparticles) are compared and discussed. This short review goes over some of the emerging approaches in the field of non-porous sol-gel silica NPs aiming at medical applications, centered on the syntheses processes used.
Validation and Feasibility of the Medication Acceptability Questionnaire to Investigate Tablet and Liquid Alendronic Acid with Older Hospital Patients
Authors: Scott Sion , Clark Allan , May Helen , Bhattacharya Debi
Published: August 2018

The effects of formulation characteristics on acceptability are poorly understood. This study evaluated the validity and feasibility of using the Medication Acceptability Questionnaire (MAQ) to investigate factors influencing acceptability of tablet compared with liquid alendronic acid. Written consent was obtained from eligible patients on Older People’s Medicine wards. MAQ face and content validity were evaluated through cognitive interviews while internal consistency and criterion validity were investigated by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and correlation of MAQ items with visual analogue scale (VAS) responses. MAQ data were obtained from 33 and 25 participants for tablet and liquid formulations respectively. Cognitive interviews indicated MAQ face and content validity. The domains of appearance, efficacy, and tolerability demonstrated adequate internal consistency and suitable refinements were identified for the domains of convenience and taste with Cronbach’s alpha <0.7. Significant positive correlations were identified between all MAQ domains and VAS. The liquid trended towards performing better for taste, appearance and tolerability and the tablet for convenience and efficacy. It is feasible to capture patient acceptability of a medication by questionnaire. Interpatient variation in acceptability for two formulations indicates that medication characteristics should be considered during prescribing and medication reviews to match patient preference with the appropriate formulation.
Effect of Selenium on the Responses Induced by Heat Stress in Plant Cell Cultures
Authors: Malerba Massimo , Cerana Raffaella
Published: August 2018

High temperatures are a significant stress factor for plants. In fact, many biochemical reactions involved in growth and development are sensitive to temperature. In particular, heat stress (HS) represents a severe issue for plant productivity and strategies to obtain high yields under this condition are important goals in agriculture. While selenium (Se) is a nutrient for humans and animals, its role as a plant micronutrient is still questioned. Se can prevent several abiotic stresses (drought, heat, UV, salinity, heavy metals), but the action mechanisms are poorly understood. Se seems to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to inhibit heavy metals transport. In addition, it has been demonstrated that Se is essential for a correct integrity of cell membranes and chloroplasts, especially the photosynthetic apparatus. Previous results showed that in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bright-Yellow 2) cultures HS (5 min at 50 °C) induced cell death with apoptotic features, accompanied by oxidative stress and changes in the levels of stress-related proteins. In this work we investigated the effect of Se on the responses induced by HS. The obtained results show that Se markedly reduces the effects of HS on cell vitality, cytoplasmic shrinkage, superoxide anion production, membrane lipids peroxidation, activity of caspase-3-like proteases, and the levels of some stress-related proteins (Hsp90, BiP, 14-3-3s, cytochrome c).
A Cybernetic Approach to Modeling Lipid Metabolism in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Aboulmouna Lina , Gupta Shakti , Maurya Mano R. , DeVilbiss Frank T. , Subramaniam Shankar , Ramkrishna Doraiswami
Published: August 2018

The goal-oriented control policies of cybernetic models have been used to predict metabolic phenomena such as the behavior of gene knockout strains, complex substrate uptake patterns, and dynamic metabolic flux distributions. Cybernetic theory builds on the principle that metabolic regulation is driven towards attaining goals that correspond to an organism’s survival or displaying a specific phenotype in response to a stimulus. Here, we have modeled the prostaglandin (PG) metabolism in mouse bone marrow derived macrophage (BMDM) cells stimulated by Kdo2-Lipid A (KLA) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), using cybernetic control variables. Prostaglandins are a well characterized set of inflammatory lipids derived from arachidonic acid. The transcriptomic and lipidomic data for prostaglandin biosynthesis and conversion were obtained from the LIPID MAPS database. The model parameters were estimated using a two-step hybrid optimization approach. A genetic algorithm was used to determine the population of near optimal parameter values, and a generalized constrained non-linear optimization employing a gradient search method was used to further refine the parameters. We validated our model by predicting an independent data set, the prostaglandin response of KLA primed ATP stimulated BMDM cells. We show that the cybernetic model captures the complex regulation of PG metabolism and provides a reliable description of PG formation.
A Novel and Safe Approach to Simulate Cutting Movements Using Ground Reaction Forces
Authors: Lanier Amelia S. , Knarr Brian A. , Stergiou Nicholas , Buchanan Thomas S.
Published: August 2018

Control of shear ground reaction forces (sGRF) is important in performing running and cutting tasks as poor sGRF control has implications for those with knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. The goal of this study was to develop a novel and safe task to evaluate control or accurate modulation of shear ground reaction forces related to those generated during cutting. Our approach utilized a force control task using real-time visual feedback of a subject’s force production and evaluated control capabilities through accuracy and divergence measurements. Ten healthy recreational athletes completed the force control task while force control via accuracy measures and divergence calculations was investigated. Participants were able to accurately control sGRF in multiple directions based on error measurements. Forces generated during the task were equal to or greater than those measured during a number of functional activities. We found no significant difference in the divergence of the force profiles using the Lyapunov Exponent of the sGRF trajectories. Participants using our approach produced high accuracy and low divergence force profiles and functional force magnitudes. Moving forward, we will utilize this task in at-risk populations who are unable to complete a cutting maneuver in early stages of rehabilitation, such as ACL deficient and newly reconstructed individuals, allowing insight into force control not obtainable otherwise.
Galfenol Thin Films and Nanowires
Authors: Stadler Bethanie J. H. , Reddy Madhukar , Basantkumar Rajneeta , McGary Patrick , Estrine Eliot , Huang Xiaobo , Sung Sang Yeob , Tan Liwen , Zou Jia , Maqableh Mazin , Shore Daniel , Gage Thomas , Um Joseph , Hein Matthew , Sharma Anirudh
Published: August 2018

Galfenol (Fe1−xGax, 10 < x < 40) may be the only smart material that can be made by electrochemical deposition which enables thick film and nanowire structures. This article reviews the deposition, characterization, and applications of Galfenol thin films and nanowires. Galfenol films have been made by sputter deposition as well as by electrochemical deposition, which can be difficult due to the insolubility of gallium. However, a stable process has been developed, using citrate complexing, a rotating disk electrode, Cu seed layers, and pulsed deposition. Galfenol thin films and nanowires have been characterized for crystal structures and magnetostriction both by our group and by collaborators. Films and nanowires have been shown to be largely polycrystalline, with magnetostrictions that are on the same order of magnitude as textured bulk Galfenol. Electrodeposited Galfenol films were made with epitaxial texture on GaAs. Galfenol nanowires have been made by electrodeposition into anodic aluminum oxide templates using similar parameters defined for films. Segmented nanowires of Galfenol/Cu have been made to provide engineered magnetic properties. Applications of Galfenol and other magnetic nanowires include microfluidic sensors, magnetic separation, cellular radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast, and hyperthermia.
Real-Time Monitoring of Bond Slip between GFRP Bar and Concrete Structure Using Piezoceramic Transducer-Enabled Active Sensing
Authors: Xu Kai , Ren Changchun , Deng Qingshan , Jin Qingping , Chen Xuemin
Published: August 2018

Glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRPs) have received increasing attention in recent years due to their overall performance of light weight, low cost and corrosion resistance, and they are increasingly used as reinforcement in concrete structures. However, GFRP material has low elastic modulus and linear elastic properties compared with steel bars, which introduces different bonding characteristics between bars and concrete. Therefore, a reliable monitoring method is urgently needed to detect the bond slip in GFRP-reinforced concrete structures. In this paper, a piezoceramic-based active sensing approach is proposed and developed to find the debonding between a GFRP bar and the concrete structure. In the proposed method, we utilize PZT (lead zirconate titanate) as two transducers. One acts as an actuator which is buried in the concrete structure, and the other acts as a sensor which is attached to the GFRP bar by taking advantage of machinability of the GRRP material. Both transducers are strategically placed to face each other across from the interface between the GFRP bar and the concrete. The actuator provokes a stress wave that travels through the interface. Meanwhile, the PZT patch that is attached to the GFRP bar is used to detect the propagating stress wave. The bonding condition determines how difficult it is for the stress wave traveling through the interface. The occurrence of a bond slip leads to cracks between the bar and the concrete, which dramatically reduces the energy carried by the stress wave through the interface. In this research, two specimens equipped with the PZT transducers are fabricated, and pull-out tests are conducted. To analyze the active sensing data, we use wavelet packet analysis to compute the energy transferred to the sensing PZT patch throughout the process of debonding. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed method can accurately capture the bond slip between the GFRP bar and the concrete.
Fractional Frequency Reuse Scheme for Device to Device Communication Underlaying Cellular on Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Jeehyeong , Kim Teasung , Noh Jaewon , Cho Sunghyun
Published: August 2018

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have been improved with the increase of multimedia data. In WMSNs, a centralization problem can occur because of large-size multimedia data. It is necessary to consider device-to-device (D2D) communication. We focus on D2D WMSN based on cellular networks. Sensors in the D2D WMSN can non-orthogonally use a cellular link, which is a wireless communication channel between a sensor and an aggregator, and a D2D link, which is the channel between sensors. As a result, it has more complex interference environments than an ordinary system. Therefore, it is a key factor to manage the varying inter-cell interference effectively for throughput improvement. We propose an interference mitigation scheme that can be applied to D2D WMSN. In the proposed scheme, a cell is separated into six zones and orthogonal frequency is allocated to each zone for cellular links. The frequencies allocated to cellular links are reused by D2D links of neighboring zones. The simulation results show that the throughput of the proposed scheme increases two times compared to a static frequency allocation scheme.
The Lived Experiences of Mothers of Children with the Autism Spectrum Disorders in Egypt
Authors: Gobrial Ereny
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of mothers caring for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in relation to the early life, resources and to address the consequences of raising a child with ASD in Egypt. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 mothers of children with ASD in Egypt, the children were aged 5–14 years old (mean: 7.3 years). Data were thematically analysed. Results revealed that life with ASD was daunting for the Egyptian mothers. Findings suggested that provision of inadequate education, healthcare and stigma constitute the main issues for mothers. Furthermore, ASD impacted negatively on the social life, emotional wellbeing and sacrifices of mothers of children with ASD. The findings provided valuable insight into the life of mothers, revealing what life really is like for mothers caring for a child with ASD in one of the low-medium-income countries. Understanding the mothers’ experiences of caring for children with ASD is crucial in providing support and developing the services that are urgently needed in Egypt.
Social and Personal Dimensions as Predictors of Sustainable Intention to Use Facebook in Korea: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Hong Ilyoo Barry
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of social and personal dimensions in predicting sustainable intention to use a social networking site (SNS). We propose and test an integrative SNS acceptance model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the technology acceptance model (TAM), and the social influence theory. Included in the model are the attitudes toward the use of a SNS, the subjective norm, prevalence of information cascades, and the perceived behavioral control as antecedents of intention to use a SNS. An empirical analysis was conducted using data collected from a questionnaire survey with 228 college students in Korea, and it yielded the following findings. First, the two social dimensions, namely subjective norm and information cascade, were each found to have a significant positive relationship with behavioral intention to use a SNS. In particular, information cascades turned out to have a stronger impact than the remaining two antecedents to behavioral intention to use a SNS. Second, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were found to have a significant positive influence on the attitude toward SNS use.