bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Coupled Fluid Flow—Geomechanical Approach for Subsidence Numerical Simulation
Authors: Giani Grazia , Orsatti Serena , Peter Costanzo , Rocca Vera
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the effect on compaction and subsidence induced by gas production using two techniques for coupling fluid-flow and geomechanics. To this end, a synthetic case representing a typical, shallow, weakly compacted, multi-layered, off-shore gas reservoir in the Adriatic Sea was set up and its dynamic and mechanic behavior during gas production was analyzed. Three numerical models (i.e., geological; fluid-flow and geomechanical) were built using high quality data set from an existing gas-bearing formation (off-shore Croatia). The laboratory analyses for deformation and strength parameters determination were conducted together with tests to define the coupling law required by the adopted coupling technique. Experimental data showed strong permeability stress-dependent behavior of core samples retrieved from gas bearing layers. Nevertheless, the results showed that the system stress-strain evolution always remains in the elastic domain and the deformation magnitude is extremely narrow (10−4 m/m) due to the limited net effective stress variation induced by the stressed production scenarios. The difference between the coupling techniques is negligible in terms of subsidence evolution at ground level but not in terms of compaction at reservoir level. Furthermore, the two-way coupled technique could be used for better development planning by integrating reservoir, drilling and completion management.
An Iterative Reduced KPCA Hidden Markov Model for Gas Turbine Performance Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Lu Feng , Jiang Jipeng , Huang Jinquan , Qiu Xiaojie
Published: July 2018

To improve gas-path performance fault pattern recognition for aircraft engines, a new data-driven diagnostic method based on hidden Markov model (HMM) is proposed. A redundant sensor somewhat interferes with fault diagnostic results of the HMM, and it also increases the computational burden. The contribution of this paper is to develop an iterative reduced kernel principal component analysis (IRKPCA) algorithm to extract fault features from original high-dimension observation without large additional calculation load and combine it with the HMM for engine gas-path fault diagnosis. The optimal kernel features are obtained by iterative sequential forward selection of the IRKPCA, and the features with lower dimensions are contracted through a trade-off between the fault information and modeling data scale in reduced kernel space. The similarity degree is designed to simplify the HMM modeling data using fault kernel features. Test results show that the proposed methodology brings a significant improvement in diagnostic confidence and computational efforts in the applications of a turbofan engine fault diagnosis during its steady and dynamic process.
Fuel Treatments and Potential Fire Behavior in Peri-Urban Forests in Northern Greece
Authors: Samara Theano , Raptis Dimitrios , Spanos Ioannis
Published: July 2018

The peri-urban and urban forests in Greece occupy a total area of 105.353 ha. In these vulnerable ecosystems, fire constitutes a natural disaster presenting particular challenges and specific difficulties. These include the high number of visitors as well as the forest characteristics, such as the presence of particularly flammable tree species and the high accumulation of combustible biomass, that make the on-start of fires more likely. The main purpose of the current research is to identify the optimum combination of silvicultural treatments to efficiently reduce potential severity of forest fires and to facilitate their successful suppression by firefighting crews. In order to simulate the basic fire environment of urban forests, two main experimental plots were established and several tree and topographical characteristics were measured. Additionally, a crown fire hazard modelling system (NEXUS) was used to simulate forest fire potential behavior before and after the adoption of the silvicultural treatments that altered critical characteristics of the forest fire environment. The results clearly show that specific silvicultural prescriptions altered the type of forest fire spreading potential, revealing the overall efficiency of preventing actions during forest management.
Annotated Bibliography of the Global Literature on the Secondary Transportation of Raw and Comminuted Forest Products (2000–2015)
Authors: Koirala Anil , Kizha Anil Raj , De Hoop Cornelis F. , Roth Brian E. , Han Han-Sup , Hiesl Patrick , Abbas Dalia , Gautam Shuva , Baral Srijana , Bick Steve , Sahoo Kamalakanta
Published: July 2018

Secondary transportation of raw and comminuted forest products is a major component in forest harvesting operations in terms of economics, public perception, and safety. Consequently, there is a substantial amount of literature on this topic. The existing literature has dealt with many of the technical aspects of transportation with a majority of them focusing on improving supply chain issues; however, there are only few specific to secondary transportation issues in general. This annotated bibliography will help practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders gain a better understanding of the existing literature from 2000 to 2015. To this end, we began by classifying the selected literature into six themes: cost, roads and routes, trucking, efficiency and safety, other modes of transportation, and supply chain and optimization. Woody biomass for bioenergy production was the most researched forest product with respect to transportation. About one-third of the articles were presented in the context of supply chain modeling and optimization. More than half of the studies originated from Europe while the United States had the most publications for any given country. Most articles (16) were published in 2013. Biomass and Bioenergy published the highest number of articles (29) during the timeframe.
Developing a Case-Based Blended Learning Ecosystem to Optimize Precision Medicine: Reducing Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment
Authors: Podder Vivek , Dhakal Binod , Shaik Gousia , Sundar Kaushik , Sivapuram Madhava , Chattu Vijay , Biswas Rakesh
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Precision medicine aims to focus on meeting patient requirements accurately, optimizing patient outcomes, and reducing under-/overdiagnosis and therapy. We aim to offer a fresh perspective on accuracy driven “age-old precision medicine” and illustrate how newer case-based blended learning ecosystems (CBBLE) can strengthen the bridge between age-old precision approaches with modern technology and omics-driven approaches. Methodology: We present a series of cases and examine the role of precision medicine within a “case-based blended learning ecosystem” (CBBLE) as a practicable tool to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment. We illustrated the workflow of our CBBLE through case-based narratives from global students of CBBLE in high and low resource settings as is reflected in global health. Results: Four micro-narratives based on collective past experiences were generated to explain concepts of age-old patient-centered scientific accuracy and precision and four macro-narratives were collected from individual learners in our CBBLE. Insights gathered from a critical appraisal and thematic analysis of the narratives were discussed. Discussion and conclusion: Case-based narratives from the individual learners in our CBBLE amply illustrate their journeys beginning with “age-old precision thinking” in low-resource settings and progressing to “omics-driven” high-resource precision medicine setups to demonstrate how the approaches, used judiciously, might reduce the current pandemic of over-/underdiagnosis and over-/undertreatment.
Comparison of Machine Learning Models for Hazardous Gas Dispersion Prediction in Field Cases
Authors: Wang Rongxiao , Chen Bin , Qiu Sihang , Zhu Zhengqiu , Wang Yiduo , Wang Yiping , Qiu Xiaogang
Published: July 2018

Dispersion prediction plays a significant role in the management and emergency response to hazardous gas emissions and accidental leaks. Compared with conventional atmospheric dispersion models, machine leaning (ML) models have both high accuracy and efficiency in terms of prediction, especially in field cases. However, selection of model type and the inputs of the ML model are still essential problems. To address this issue, two ML models (i.e., the back propagation (BP) network and support vector regression (SVR) with different input selections (i.e., original monitoring parameters and integrated Gaussian parameters) are proposed in this paper. To compare the performances of presented ML models in field cases, these models are evaluated using the Prairie Grass and Indianapolis field data sets. The influence of the training set scale on the performances of ML models is analyzed as well. Results demonstrate that the integrated Gaussian parameters indeed improve the prediction accuracy in the Prairie Grass case. However, they do not make much difference in the Indianapolis case due to their inadaptability to the complex terrain conditions. In addition, it can be summarized that the SVR shows better generalization ability with relatively small training sets, but tends to under-fit the training data. In contrast, the BP network has a stronger fitting ability, but sometimes suffers from an over-fitting problem. As a result, the model and input selection presented in this paper will be of great help to environmental and public health protection in real applications.
Customers’ Perceptions of Compliance with a Tobacco Control Law in Restaurants in Hanoi, Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dang Anh Kim , Tran Bach Xuan , Nguyen Long Hoang , Do Hoa Thi , Nguyen Cuong Tat , Fleming Mercedes , Le Huong Thi , Le Quynh Ngoc Hoang , Latkin Carl A. , Zhang Melvyn W. B. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: July 2018

The Tobacco Harm Prevention Law has been promulgated in 2012 in Vietnam, prohibiting smoking in public places such as restaurants except for designated smoking areas. However, currently, evidence about Vietnamese customers’ and restaurants’ compliance with the Law is constrained. This study aimed to explore customers’ perceptions; attitudes and practices towards the compliance with tobacco control regulations in the restaurants in Hanoi, Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was performed in October 2015 with 1746 customers in 176 communes in Hanoi, Vietnam. Data about customers’ perceptions on how restaurants comply with the smoking control law and whether customers smoking actively or experienced SHS in restaurants in the last 30 days were collected. Multivariable mixed effects logistic regression model was used to determine the factors related to smoking in the restaurant. Most customers were aware of the law on Tobacco Harm Prevention (79%; n = 1320) and regulations that prohibited smoking in restaurants (78.4%; n = 1137). While 75.8% (n = 1285) of customers perceived that they did not see or rarely saw no-smoking signs, 17.7% (n = 481) of customers reported that they frequently saw direct marketing of tobacco in visited restaurants. About one-fourth of customers witnessed that the staff reminded customers not to smoke inside restaurants (28.8%; n = 313), and 65% (n = 1135) sometimes or always were exposed to secondhand smoke in their visited restaurants. People who were female (OR = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.01–0.05) were less likely to report their smoking in the restaurant than their counterparts. Those having higher age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01–1.06), high school education (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.07–4.26), being office workers (OR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.33–7.92) or unemployed (OR = 4.45; 95% CI = 1.09–18.15) had a higher likelihood of reporting to be restaurant smokers than those having lower high education or students, respectively. This study highlighted a low level of perceived compliance with the smoke-free law in Vietnamese restaurants. Improving the monitoring systems for the enforcement of the smoking law in restaurants should be prioritized; restaurant owners should implement 100% smoke-free environments as following the best practice towards the tobacco control law along with educational campaigns to promote the awareness of restaurant owners and customers about the tobacco control law.
Envy and Counterproductive Work Behavior: The Moderation Role of Leadership in Public and Private Organizations
Authors: González-Navarro Pilar , Zurriaga-Llorens Rosario , Tosin Olateju Adekunle , Llinares-Insa Lucía I.
Published: July 2018

Envy is a frequent emotion in work contexts where there is strong competition for resources and the leader is the person who manages them. When employees feel envy, they are likely to use counterproductive work behaviors (CWB), but the use of these behaviors may differ depending on the organization’s ownership. The goal of this study is to develop and test a model for the moderating role of Leader Member Exchange (LMX) in the relationship between envy and CWB in public and private organizations. The study design was cross-sectional. Data were collected from 225 Spanish employees in public and private organizations and analyzed using Path Analysis techniques. Results showed that envy was positively related to CWB, and that LMX was a significant moderator in the relationship between envy and CWB in public organizations, but not in private ones. However, this relationship is positive with high LMX, but less than in subjects with low LMX. Findings provide empirical support for the hypothesized conceptual model. This study is one of the first to explore LMX as a moderator of the relationship between envy and CWB. Thus, this study adds value to previous social exchange studies on LMX by integrating emotion research into the context of an exchange-based relationship. Our findings lead to several practical implications for creating healthy organizations.
Characterizing the Interaction between Antibiotics and Humic Acid by Fluorescence Quenching Method
Authors: Wang Runze , Yang Shengke , Fang Jie , Wang Zongzhou , Chen Yangyang , Zhang Dan , Yang Chunyan
Published: July 2018

The method of Three-Dimensional Excitation Emission Matrix Fluorescence Spectrophotometer was used to identify the interaction mechanism between humic acid (HA) and antibiotics. The effects of antibiotic concentration, temperature, and pH on the bonding strength between HA and antibiotics were investigated. The results showed that with the increase of antibiotics concentration, the quenching effect on HA was enhanced. The quenching of HA by both oxytetracycline (OTC) and sulfadiazine (SD) is a single static quenching of the complexes, and the interaction forces are mainly a hydrogen bond and the van der Waals force. The quenching constant KsvOTC > KsvSD and the binding constant KbOTC > KbSD, indicates that HA has a more obvious quenching effect on OTC. The Kb of HA by OTC ranged from 3.223 × 103 to 12.784 × 103 L·mol−1 in the range of 298 K to 313 K, while the Kb of HA by SD ranged from 2.051 × 103 to 5.533 × 103 L·mol−1. With the increase of temperature, the quenching constant Ksv and binding constant Kb of both OTC and SD by HA gradually decrease, and the low temperature is beneficial to the interaction. The composite of OTC and HA is more stable than SD. Under neutral alkaline conditions, both OTC and SD had the strongest quenching effect on HA, and the resulting complex was the most stable. However, the Ksv and Kb of HA by OTC were greater than SD in the pH range of the experiment and the pH effect on quenching of HA by OTC (Ksv) was greater than that of SD.
Physicochemical Properties of Biochars Produced from Biosolids in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Yang Yumeng , Meehan Barry , Shah Kalpit , Surapaneni Aravind , Hughes Jeff , Fouché Leon , Paz-Ferreiro Jorge
Published: July 2018

Some of the barriers associated with the land application of biosolids generated in wastewater treatment plants can be eliminated simply by converting the biosolids into biochar using a thermal conversion process called “pyrolysis”. In the current work, eight biosolids from four different wastewater treatment plants in southeast Melbourne, Victoria, Australia were collected and pyrolysed to produce biochars at two different temperatures (500 and 700 °C). In addition, characterisation studies were carried out on the biochars to obtain their physicochemical properties, which were subsequently compared with the properties of the parent biosolids. The major findings of the work demonstrated that biochars exhibited large decreases in DTPA-extractable metals such as Cd, Cu, and Zn, and also led to favorable changes in several chemical and physical characteristics (i.e., pH, Olsen P, electrical conductivity, and surface area) for agricultural land application compared to their original form (i.e., biosolids). Overall, the study suggests that there is great potential for converting biosolids to biochar using pyrolysis. This may not only improve the properties of biosolids for land application, but also has potential to reduce the risk to receiving environments and, furthermore, eliminate many of the costly elements associated with biosolids stockpiling and management.
Plant MicroRNAs in Cross-Kingdom Regulation of Gene Expression
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Dan , Zhang Xiaopei , Chen Dongdong , Cheng Yingying , Shen Fafu
Published: July 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding small RNAs, which play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Recently, various reports revealed that miRNAs could be transmitted between species to mediate cross-kingdom regulation by integrating into a specific target gene-mediated regulatory pathway to exert relevant biological functions. Some scholars and researchers have observed this as an attractive hypothesis that may provide a foundation for novel approaches in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease. Meanwhile, others deem the mentioned results were obtained from a “false positive effect” of performed experiments. Here, we focus on several current studies concerning plant miRNA-mediated cross-kingdom regulation (from both fronts) and discuss the existing issues that need further consideration. We also discuss possible miRNA horizontal transfer mechanisms from one species to another and analyze the relationship between miRNA-mediated cross-kingdom regulation and coevolution during a long-term specific host–pathogen interaction.
ERK5 Phosphorylates Kv4.2 and Inhibits Inactivation of the A-Type Current in PC12 Cells
Authors: Kashino Yurina , Obara Yutaro , Okamoto Yosuke , Saneyoshi Takeo , Hayashi Yasunori , Ishii Kuniaki
Published: July 2018

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) regulates diverse physiological responses such as proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression. Previously, we demonstrated that ERK5 is essential for neurite outgrowth and catecholamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells and sympathetic neurons. However, it remains unclear how ERK5 regulates the activity of ion channels, which are important for membrane excitability. Thus, we examined the effect of ERK5 on the ion channel activity in the PC12 cells that overexpress both ERK5 and the constitutively active MEK5 mutant. The gene and protein expression levels of voltage-dependent Ca2+ and K+ channels were determined by RT-qPCR or Western blotting. The A-type K+ current was recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp method. In these ERK5-activated cells, the gene expression levels of voltage-dependent L- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels did not alter, but the N-type Ca2+ channel was slightly reduced. In contrast, those of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3, which are components of the A-type current, were significantly enhanced. Unexpectedly, the protein levels of Kv4.2 were not elevated by ERK5 activation, but the phosphorylation levels were increased by ERK5 activation. By electrophysiological analysis, the inactivation time constant of the A-type current was prolonged by ERK5 activation, without changes in the peak current. Taken together, ERK5 inhibits an inactivation of the A-type current by phosphorylation of Kv4.2, which may contribute to the neuronal differentiation process.
Isolation and Characterization of a Green-Tissue Promoter from Common Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.)
Authors: Xue Mande , Long Yan , Zhao Zhiqiang , Huang Gege , Huang Ke , Zhang Tianbao , Jiang Ying , Yuan Qianhua , Pei Xinwu
Published: July 2018

Promoters play a very important role in the initiation and regulation of gene transcription. Green-tissue promoter is of great significance to the development of genetically modified crops. Based on RNA-seq data and RT-PCR expression analysis, this study screened a gene, OrGSE (GREEN SPECIAL EXPRESS), which is expressed specifically in green tissues. The study also isolated the promoter of the OrGSE gene (OrGSEp), and predicted many cis-acting elements, such as the CAAT-Box and TATA-Box, and light-responding elements, including circadian, G-BOX and GT1 CONSENSUS. Histochemical analysis and quantification of GUS activity in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing GUS under the control of OrGSEp revealed that this promoter is not only green tissue-specific, but also light-inducible. The ability of a series of 5’-deletion fragments of OrGSEp to drive GUS expression in Arabidopsis was also evaluated. We found that the promoter region from −54 to −114 is critical for the promoter function, and the region from −374 to −114 may contain core cis-elements involved in light response. In transgenic rice expressing GUS under the control of OrGSEp, visualization and quantification of GUS activity showed that GUS was preferentially expressed in green tissues and not in endosperm. OrGSEp is a useful regulatory element for breeding pest-resistant crops.
Biodiversity and Activity of Gut Fungal Communities across the Life History of Trypophloeus klimeschi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: Gao Guanqun , Gao Jing , Hao Chunfeng , Dai Lulu , Chen Hui
Published: July 2018

We comprehensively investigated the biodiversity of fungal communities in different developmental stages of Trypophloeus klimeschi and the difference between sexes and two generations by high throughput sequencing. The predominant species found in the intestinal fungal communities mainly belong to the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Fungal community structure varies with life stage. The genera Nakazawaea, Trichothecium, Aspergillus, Didymella, Villophora, and Auricularia are most prevalent in the larvae samples. Adults harbored high proportions of Graphium. The fungal community structures found in different sexes are similar. Fusarium is the most abundant genus and conserved in all development stages. Gut fungal communities showed notable variation in relative abundance during the overwintering stage. Fusarium and Nectriaceae were significantly increased in overwintering mature larvae. The data indicates that Fusarium might play important roles in the survival of T. klimeschi especially in the overwintering stage. The authors speculated that Graphium plays an important role in the invasion and colonization of T. klimeschi. The study will contribute to the understanding of the biological role of the intestinal fungi in T. klimeschi, which might provide an opportunity and theoretical basis to promote integrated pest management (IPM) of T. klimeschi.
PPARβ/δ: Linking Metabolism to Regeneration
Authors: Magadum Ajit , Engel Felix B.
Published: July 2018

In contrast to the general belief that regeneration is a rare event, mainly occurring in simple organisms, the ability of regeneration is widely distributed in the animal kingdom. Yet, the efficiency and extent of regeneration varies greatly. Humans can recover from blood loss as well as damage to tissues like bone and liver. Yet damage to the heart and brain cannot be reversed, resulting in scaring. Thus, there is a great interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of naturally occurring regeneration and to apply this knowledge to repair human organs. During regeneration, injury-activated immune cells induce wound healing, extracellular matrix remodeling, migration, dedifferentiation and/or proliferation with subsequent differentiation of somatic or stem cells. An anti-inflammatory response stops the regenerative process, which ends with tissue remodeling to achieve the original functional state. Notably, many of these processes are associated with enhanced glycolysis. Therefore, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) β/δ—which is known to be involved for example in lipid catabolism, glucose homeostasis, inflammation, survival, proliferation, differentiation, as well as mammalian regeneration of the skin, bone and liver—appears to be a promising target to promote mammalian regeneration. This review summarizes our current knowledge of PPARβ/δ in processes associated with wound healing and regeneration.
Recombinant Leucine-Rich Repeat Flightless-Interacting Protein-1 Improves Healing of Acute Wounds through Its Effects on Proliferation Inflammation and Collagen Deposition
Authors: Kopecki Zlatko , Stevens Natalie E. , Yang Gink N. , Melville Elizabeth , Cowin Allison J.
Published: July 2018

Wound healing is an increasing clinical problem involving substantial morbidity, mortality, and rising health care costs. Leucine-rich repeat flightless-interacting protein-1 (LRRFIP-1) regulates toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammation, suggesting a potential role in the healing of wounds. We sought to determine the role of LRRFIP-1 in wound repair and whether the exogenous addition of recombinant LRRFIP-1 (rLRRFIP-1) affected healing responses. Using a model of full-thickness incisional acute wounds in BALB/c mice, we investigated the effect of wounding on LRRFIP-1 expression. The effect of rLRRFIP-1 on cellular proliferation, inflammation, and collagen deposition was also investigated. LRRFIP-1 was upregulated in response to wounding, was found to directly associate with flightless I (Flii), and significantly increased cellular proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. rLRRFIP-1 reduced Flii expression in wounds in vivo and resulted in significantly improved healing with a concurrent dampening of TLR4-mediated inflammation and improved collagen deposition. Additionally, decreased levels of TGF-β1 and increased levels of TGF-β3 were observed in rLRRFIP-1-treated wounds suggesting a possible antiscarring effect of rLRRFIP-1. Further studies are required to elucidate if the mechanisms behind LRRFIP-1 action in wound repair are independent of Flii. However, these results identify rLRRFIP-1 as a possible treatment modality for improved healing of acute wounds.
On the Development of a Sustainable and Fit-for-the-Future Transportation Network
Authors: Markvica Karin , Hu Bin , Prandtstetter Matthias , Ritzinger Ulrike , Zajicek Jürgen , Berkowitsch Claudia , Hauger Georg , Pfoser Sarah , Berger Thomas , Eitler Sandra , Schodl Reinhold
Published: July 2018

Population growth in cities and expanding city territory as well as population decline in rural areas pose a challenge for the existing transport network. Consequently, we observe a rapid change in transport infrastructure and transportation technology within the last few years. Due to novelty or differentness, it will initially be challenging to integrate them into the existing network in Western European cities and to identify suitable corridors leading to especially beneficial effects on the overall transport network. The effects of new technologies and (high-performance) infrastructures are hardly examined. It remains unclear how these novel transportation technologies will change society, our understanding of spatial proximity, mobility, and consequently the logistics sector. In this work, we give an overview regarding first considerations and reflections on the impacts of the changes and developments in the field of freight transportation. Our work mainly focusses on the estimation of the impacts of high-performance transport technologies on the society, spatial proximity, and the logistics sector while extending the European transportation network accordingly. In our understanding, we refer to high-performance transportation technologies as mobility systems with either high throughput (fast and/or high utilization loads) or very flexible application. To be more specific, we focus on Hyperloop technologies, Cargo-Sous-Terrain, freight airships, and drones.
A Hearty Dose of Noncoding RNAs: The Imprinted DLK1-DIO3 Locus in Cardiac Development and Disease
Authors: Dill Tiffany L. , Naya Francisco J.
Published: July 2018

The imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 genomic region harbors a noncoding RNA cluster encoding over fifty microRNAs (miRNAs), three long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and a small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) gene array. These distinct noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are thought to arise from a single polycistronic transcript that is subsequently processed into individual ncRNAs, each with important roles in diverse cellular contexts. Considering these ncRNAs are derived from a polycistron, it is possible that some coordinately regulate discrete biological processes in the heart. Here, we provide a comprehensive summary of Dlk1-Dio3 miRNAs and lncRNAs, as they are currently understood in the cellular and organ-level context of the cardiovascular system. Highlighted are expression profiles, mechanistic contributions, and functional roles of these ncRNAs in heart development and disease. Notably, a number of these ncRNAs are implicated in processes often perturbed in heart disease, including proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and fibrosis. However, most literature falls short of characterizing precise mechanisms for many of these ncRNAs, warranting further investigation. Taken together, the Dlk1-Dio3 locus represents a largely unexplored noncoding regulator of cardiac homeostasis, harboring numerous ncRNAs that may serve as therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
Implicit and Explicit Knowledge of a Multiple Interface Phenomenon: Differential Task Effects in Heritage Speakers and L2 Speakers of Spanish in The Netherlands
Authors: Van Osch Brechje , Hulk Aafke , Aalberse Suzanne , Sleeman Petra
Published: July 2018

This paper compares heritage speakers and second language (L2) speakers of Spanish with Dutch as their dominant language, in order to explore the role of age of onset and manner of acquisition in the nature of the knowledge (implicit vs. explicit) of the subjunctive. Differently from previous studies, all items were presented orally and in written form, so that language mode of presentation could be excluded as a confounding factor. Moreover, the groups were matched on their general proficiency in Spanish using both an explicit and an implicit proficiency task. The results showed that the L2 speakers outperformed the heritage speakers in the explicit knowledge task and vice versa in the implicit knowledge task, suggesting that differential task effects, which thus far have only been attested for morpho-syntactic phenomena, can be extended to interface phenomena as well. These findings imply that age of onset and manner of acquisition have an influence in the way knowledge is represented in these two populations, and moreover emphasize the importance of using different task types in bilingual research.
Experimental Study on Force Sensitivity of the Conductivity of Carbon Nanotubes-Modified Epoxy Resins
Authors: Wan Chun-Feng , Wen Bo , Dai Jian-Guo , Liu Jian-Xun , Liu Yu-Zhong
Published: July 2018

The addition of a conductive material into polymer improves its mechanical properties, electrical properties and thermal conductivity and bestows it with good self-sensing and self-adjusting properties. In this study, carbon nanotubes-modified epoxy resins (CNTs-EP) were successfully prepared with good dispersion through the combined methods of three roller rolling, ultrasonic processing and adding surfactant. Tests were conducted to evaluate the resistivity of unloaded modified epoxy resins with different mixing amounts of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), to determine the conductive percolation threshold. On the basis of the test results, a series of monotonic and cyclic uniaxial tensile tests were then conducted to investigate the force sensitivity of the conductivity of epoxy resins modified with different mixing amounts of CNTs. The relationship between the stress and the resistivity under various mixing amounts was studied, indicating that the resistance response could play a good warning role on the damage of the modified polymer material.
Review: Modes and Processes of Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD)
Authors: Segal Vladimir
Published: July 2018

In this review, severe plastic deformation (SPD) is considered as a materials processing technology. The deformation mode is the principal characteristic differentiating SPD techniques from common forming operations. For large plastic strains, deformation mode depends on the distribution of strain rates between continuum slip lines and can be varied from pure shear to simple shear. A scalar, invariant, and dimensionless coefficient of deformation mode is introduced as a normalized speed of rigid rotation. On this basis, simple shear provides the optimal mode for structure modification and grain refinement, whereas pure shear is “ideal” for forming operations. Special experiments and SPD practice confirm this conclusion. Various techniques of SPD are classified and described in accordance with simple shear realization or approximation. It is shown that correct analyses of the processing mechanics and technological parameters are essential for the comparison of SPD techniques and the development of effective industrial technologies.
Toward Better Control of Inclusion Cleanliness in a Gas Stirred Ladle Using Multiscale Numerical Modeling
Authors: Bellot Jean-Pierre , Kroll-Rabotin Jean-Sebastien , Gisselbrecht Matthieu , Joishi Manoj , Saxena Akash , Sanders Sean , Jardy Alain
Published: July 2018

The industrial objective of lowering the mass of mechanical structures requires continuous improvement in controlling the mechanical properties of metallic materials. Steel cleanliness and especially control of inclusion size distribution have, therefore, become major challenges. Inclusions have a detrimental effect on fatigue that strongly depends both on inclusion content and on the size of the largest inclusions. Ladle treatment of liquid steel has long been recognized as the processing stage responsible for the inclusion of cleanliness. A multiscale modeling has been proposed to investigate the inclusion behavior. The evolution of the inclusion size distribution is simulated at the process scale due to coupling a computational fluid dynamics calculation with a population balance method integrating all mechanisms, i.e., flotation, aggregation, settling, and capture at the top layer. Particular attention has been paid to the aggregation mechanism and the simulations at an inclusion scale with fully resolved inclusions that represent hydrodynamic conditions of the ladle, which have been specifically developed. Simulations of an industrial-type ladle highlight that inclusion cleanliness is mainly ruled by aggregation. Quantitative knowledge of aggregation kinetics has been extracted and captured from mesoscale simulations. Aggregation efficiency has been observed to drop drastically when increasing the particle size ratio.
Properties and Structure of Deposited Nanocrystalline Coatings in Relation to Selected Construction Materials Resistant to Abrasive Wear
Authors: Górka Jacek , Czupryński Artur , Żuk Marcin , Adamiak Marcin , Kopyść Adam
Published: July 2018

Presented in this work are the properties and structure characteristics of MMA (Manual Metal Arc) deposited nanocrystalline coatings (Fe-Cr-Nb-B) applied to an iron nanoalloy matrix on an S355N steel substrate in relation to selected construction materials resistant to abrasive wear currently used in industry. The obtained overlay welds were subjected to macro and microscopic metallographic examinations; grain size was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and chemical composition of precipitates was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) during scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The size of the crystalline grains of the Fe-Cr-Nb-B nanocrystalline microstructure was analyzed using an Xpert PRO X-ray diffractometer. Analysis of the test results of the obtained layers of arc-welded Fe-Cr-Nb-B-type alloy confirmed that the obtained layers are made of crystallites with a size of 20 nm, which classifies these layers as nanocrystalline. The obtained nanocrystalline coatings were assessed by hardness and with the use of metal-mineral abrasion testing. The results of the coatings’ properties tests were compared to HARDOX 400 alloy steel.
Cardioprotective Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Dichotomy between Experimental and Clinical Studies
Authors: Desnoyers Melissa , Gilbert Kim , Rousseau Guy
Published: July 2018

The high-fat diet of North Americans has a major impact on cardiovascular disease occurrence. Notably, fatty acids have been identified as important factors that could modulate such diseases, especially myocardial infarction (MI). Experimentally, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have demonstrated positive effects on cardiovascular disorders and have also shown cardioprotection by decreasing MI size. Although many animal experiments have clearly established the benefits of omega-3 PUFA, clinical studies have not reached similar conclusions. In fact, the findings of recent clinical investigations indicate that omega-3 PUFA play only a minor role in cardiovascular health. This dichotomy between experimental and clinical studies may be due to different parameters that are not taken into account in animal experiments. We have recently observed that the high consumption of omega-6 PUFA results in significant attenuation of the beneficial effect of omega-3 PUFA on MI. We believe that part of the dichotomy between experimental and clinical research may be related to the quantity of omega-6 PUFA ingested. This review of the data indicates the importance of considering omega-6 PUFA consumption in omega-3 PUFA studies.
Conception of quality of life and health-related quality-of-life investigations in children population
Authors: Vaitkaitienė Eglė , Makari Joana , Zaborskis Apolinaras
Published: July 2018

Assessment of the impact of diseases and their treatment on a patient with chronic disease is especially important. When there is no possibility to recover, patients and their closest relatives have to accept changes in lifestyle, which may vary with time. Health professionals assume that improvements in symptoms show better quality of life of patients. Quality-of-life assessments incorporate not only the impact of illness and treatment on physical functions, but also its effect on lifestyle and emotional well-being. Quality of life deals with a higher order of complexity: the impact of functional impairment on other aspects of life, e.g. the ability of children to go to school or play, and the emotional effect of these restrictions. The aim of this article is to present measurement tools and how to use them and the application of quality-of-life measurement in pediatric medicine. Every investigator has to raise the question to himself/herself, “What is health-related quality of life,” and before planning the investigation, answer this question correctly.
Selective apheresis of low-density lipoproteins in a child
Authors: Griškevičius Antanas , Audzijonienė Judita , Petrulionienė Žaneta , Laucevičius Aleksandras
Published: July 2018

The case of rear complicated homozygous hypercholesterolemia treated by a direct adsorption of lipoprotein apheresis procedure is presented in this article. In total, 30 sessions of direct adsorption of lipoprotein apheresis were performed on a 14–16-year-old patient from June 2004 to December 2006. Blood flow rate was 30–70 mL/min. Central and ulnar veins were punctured. Lipid levels were measured before and after lipid apheresis during each session throughout the study period. The mean decrease in total cholesterol level was 26.4–71.2% compared to baseline, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol – 31.9–72.2%, lipoprotein (a) – 56.6–90.9%, apolipoprotein B – 26.4–60.0%. Clinical procedures were completely uneventful. The last 26 sessions were performed in a day unit.
Staphylococcus aureus prevalence among preschool- and school-aged pupils
Authors: Pavilonytė Žaneta , Kačerauskienė Justina , Budrytė Brigita , Keizeris Tadas , Junevičius Jonas , Pavilonis Alvydas
Published: July 2018

Object. To determine the prevalence and incidence of Staphylococcus aureus strains among preschool- and school-aged pupils and susceptibility of these strains to antimicrobial materials.Material and methods. A study of 243 preschool- and 300 school-aged pupils was conducted during 2003– 2004. Identification of Staphylococcus aureus was made with plasmacoagulase and DNase tests. The resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to antibiotics, b-lactamase activity, phagotypes, and phage groups were determined. The isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains were tested for resistance to methicillin by performing disc diffusion method using commercial discs (Oxoid) (methicillin 5 mg per disk and oxacillin 1 mg per disk). Results. A total of 292 (53.8%) Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated and identified (113 (46.5%) from preschool- and 179 (59.7%) from school-aged pupils). The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus strains among preschool-aged pupils varied from 46.5% to 47%. It increased to 59.0% (P>0.05) among schoolchildren aged from 11 to 15 years and to 73.0% (P<0.001) among schoolchildren aged from 16 to 19 years. Six methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated: two (1.8%) of them were from preschool-aged and four (2.2%) from school-aged pupils. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus strains with b-lactamase activity increased from 70.7 to 76.6% in preschool-aged pupils, and it varied from 72.0 to 79.0% in school-aged pupils (P>0.05). Staphylococcus aureus strains of phage group II (32.2–43.4%) were prevailing; nontypable Staphylococcus aureus strains made up 19.2–33.6%. Conclusions. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among preschool-aged children is 41.7 to 48.8%, and it increases among 9th–12th-grade pupils (73.0%, P<0.001). Some Staphylococcus aureus strains (2.1%) were resistant to methicillin. Staphylococcus aureus strains of phage group II (39.0%, P<0.05) are most prevalent among preschool- and school-aged pupils. Pupils were colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains belonging to phage group III phagotype 83A and 77.
Advances and Challenges of Biodegradable Implant Materials with a Focus on Magnesium-Alloys and Bacterial Infections
Authors: Rahim Muhammad Imran , Ullah Sami , Mueller Peter P.
Published: July 2018

Medical implants made of biodegradable materials could be advantageous for temporary applications, such as mechanical support during bone-healing or as vascular stents to keep blood vessels open. After completion of the healing process, the implant would disappear, avoiding long-term side effects or the need for surgical removal. Various corrodible metal alloys based on magnesium, iron or zinc have been proposed as sturdier and potentially less inflammatory alternatives to degradable organic polymers, in particular for load-bearing applications. Despite the recent introduction of magnesium-based screws, the remaining hurdles to routine clinical applications are still challenging. These include limitations such as mechanical material characteristics or unsuitable corrosion characteristics. In this article, the salient features and clinical prospects of currently-investigated biodegradable implant materials are summarized, with a main focus on magnesium alloys. A mechanism of action for the stimulation of bone growth due to the exertion of mechanical force by magnesium corrosion products is discussed. To explain divergent in vitro and in vivo effects of magnesium, a novel model for bacterial biofilm infections is proposed which predicts crucial consequences for antibacterial implant strategies.
Efficacy of Prosopilosidine from Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa against Cryptococcus neoformans Infection in a Murine Model
Authors: Ashfaq Mohammad K. , Abdel-Bakky Mohamed Sadek , Tahir Maqbool Mir , Samoylenko Volodymyr , Abdur Rahman Aziz , Muhammad Ilias
Published: July 2018

In this study, 2,3-dihydro-1H-indolizinium alkaloid-prosopilosidine (PPD), that was isolated from Prosopis glandulosa, was evaluated against C. neoformans in a murine model of cryptococcosis. In vitro and in vivo toxicity of indolizidines were also evaluated. Mice were infected via the tail vein with live C. neoformans. Twenty-four hours post-infection, the mice were treated with PPD once a day (i.p.) or twice a day (bid) orally, or with amphotericin B (Amp B) intraperitoneally (IP), or with fluconazole (Flu) orally for 5 days. The brains of all of the animals were aseptically removed and the numbers of live C. neoformans were recovered. In vitro toxicity of indolizidine alkaloids was determined in HepG2 cells. PPD showed to be potent in vivo activity against C. neoformans at a dose of 0.0625 mg/kg by eliminating ~76% of the organisms compared to ~83% with Amp B (1.5 mg/kg). In addition, PPD was found to be equally efficacious, but less toxic, at either 0.125 or 0.0625 mg/kg compared to Amp B (1.5 mg/kg) when it was administered bid (twice a day) by an i.p. route. When tested by an oral route, PPD (10 mg/kg) showed potent activity in this murine model of cryptococcosis with ~82% of organisms eliminated from the brain tissue, whereas Flu (15 mg/kg) reduced ~90% of the infection. In vitro results suggest that quaternary indolizidines were less toxic as compared to those of tertiary bases. PPD (20 mg/kg) did not cause any alteration in the plasma chemistry profiles. These results indicated that PPD was active in eliminating cryptococcal infection by oral and i.p. routes at lower doses compared to Amp B. or Flu.
Photonic Band Gap and Bactericide Performance of Amorphous Sol-Gel Titania: An Alternative to Crystalline TiO2
Authors: Gonçalves M. Clara , Pereira José Carlos , Matos Joana C. , Vasconcelos Helena Cristina
Published: July 2018

In addition to its traditional application in white pigments, nanocrystalline titania (TiO2) has optoelectronic and photocatalytic properties (strongly dependent on crystallinity, particle size, and surface structure) that grant this naturally occurring oxide new technological applications. Sol-gel is one of the most widely used methods to synthesize TiO2 films and NPs, but the products obtained (mostly oxy-hydrated amorphous phases) require severe heat-treatments to promote crystallization, in which control over size and shape is difficult to achieve. In this work, we obtained new photocatalytic materials based on amorphous titania and measured their electronic band gap. Two case studies are reported that show the enormous potential of amorphous titania as bactericide or photocatalyst. In the first, amorphous sol-gel TiO2 thin films doped with N (TiO2−xNx, x = 0.75) were designed to exhibit a photonic band gap in the visible region. The identification of Ti-O-N and N-Ti-O bindings was achieved by XPS. The photonic band gaps were found to be 3.18 eV for a-TiO2 and 2.99 eV for N-doped a-TiO2. In the second study, amorphous titania and amine-functionalized amorphous titania nanoparticles were synthetized using a novel base-catalysed sol-gel methodology. All the synthesized amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit bactericide performance (E. coli, ASTME 2149-13).