bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Microwave Characterization Methods for Additively Manufactured Materials
Authors: Lee Chih-Kuo , McGhee Jack , Tsipogiannis Christos , Zhang Shiyu , Cadman Darren , Goulas Athanasios , Whittaker Tom , Gheisari Reza , Engstrom Daniel , Vardaxoglou John (Yiannis) , Whittow William
Published: September 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) has become more important and common in recent years. Advantages of AM include the ability to rapidly design and fabricate samples much faster than traditional manufacturing processes and to create complex internal geometries. Materials are crucial components of microwave systems and proper and accurate measurement of their dielectric properties is important to aid a high level of accuracy in design. There are numerous measurement techniques and finding the most appropriate method is important and requires consideration of all different factors and limitations. One limitation of sample preparation is that the sample size needs to fit in the measurement method. By utilizing the advantage of additive manufacturing, the material can be characterized using different measurement methods. In this paper, the additive manufacturing process and dielectric measurement methods have been critically reviewed. The test specimens for measuring dielectric properties were fabricated using fused filament fabrication (FFF)-based additive manufacturing and were measured using four different commercial dielectric properties measurement instruments including split post dielectric resonator (SPDR), rectangular waveguide, TE01δ cavity resonator, and open resonator. The measured results from the four techniques have been compared and have shown reasonable agreement with measurements within a 10 percent range.
Pathology is Always Around Us: Apophenia in Pathology, a Remarkable Unreported Phenomenon
Authors: Sultan Ahmed S. , Jessri Maryam
Published: September 2019

People often wonder, “How do pathologists identify the patterns that lead to a diagnosis [...]
European Option Based on Least-Squares Method under Non-Extensive Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Liu Limin , Cui Yingying
Published: September 2019

This paper is devoted to the study of the pricing of European options under a non-Gaussian model. This model follows a non-extensive statistical mechanics which can better describe the fractal characteristics of price movement in the financial market. Moreover, we present a simple but precise least-square method for approximation and obtain a closed-form solution of the price of European options. The advantages of this technique are illustrated by numerical simulation, which shows that the least-squares method is better compared with Borland’s two methods in 2002 and 2004.
A Dynamical Systems-Based Hierarchy for Shannon, Metric and Topological Entropy
Authors: Addabbo Raymond , Blackmore Denis
Published: September 2019

A rigorous dynamical systems-based hierarchy is established for the definitions of entropy of Shannon (information), Kolmogorov–Sinai (metric) and Adler, Konheim & McAndrew (topological). In particular, metric entropy, with the imposition of some additional properties, is proven to be a special case of topological entropy and Shannon entropy is shown to be a particular form of metric entropy. This is the first of two papers aimed at establishing a dynamically grounded hierarchy comprising Clausius, Boltzmann, Gibbs, Shannon, metric and topological entropy in which each element is ideally a special case of its successor or some kind of limit thereof.
Parametric Optimisation of an ORC in a Wood Chipboard Production Facility to Recover Waste Heat Produced from the Drying and Steam Production Process
Authors: Koç Yıldız
Published: September 2019

The wastes in wood industries (waste chips) are commonly used as fuel for burners to produce steam and to use the remaining heat in the drying process. However, in spite of that, there is a considerable amount of heat evaluated from the burn of waste chips still released to the atmosphere without use. Therefore, in the present study, a cogeneration cycle design by used of ORC was designed and parametrically optimised for six organic working fluids (acetone, ethanol, R11, RE245fa2, R365mfc and R601a). During the ORC optimisation, the ORC turbine inlet temperature was changed from the saturated steam temperature of the fluid to the maximum temperature of the fluid. The ORC turbine inlet pressure was increased from 7.5 bar to the critical pressure of the fluid. As a result of the study, the maximum net power, net thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency of the ORC were found as 453.91 kW, 30.01% and 67.56% at 340 °C and 62.5 bar from the ORC with ethanol. This means that almost 30% of the waste heat could be recovered by use of the ORC with ethanol. By using the designed cogeneration system, it was calculated that the thermal efficiency of the system can be increased up to 74.01%.
Design of Groundwater Heat Pump Systems. Principles, Tools, and Strategies for Controlling Gas and Precipitation Problems
Authors: Gjengedal Sondre , Stenvik Lars A. , Storli Pål-Tore S. , Ramstad Randi K. , Hilmo Bernt O. , Frengstad Bjørn S.
Published: September 2019

The utilization of groundwater heat pump systems is increasing in Norway, which are currently widely employed for heating and cooling applications in the town center of Melhus. The investigations of the Melhus installations are detecting gas exsolution as a possible trigger for precipitation reaction that causes incrustation of iron and manganese compounds in the systems. This paper discusses risks associated with gas exsolution and considers gas exsolution triggers in a typical Norwegian groundwater heat pump (GWHP) system configuration. The concept of the solubility grade line (SGL) is developed and suggested as a tool for optimizing the design. Based on SGL analysis and the intention of avoiding gas exsolution during heat production, an alternative system design in the same aquifer is presented and compared. The analyses show that the traditional system design is predisposed to gas clogging risks and prone to vacuum pressures in parts of the system. The alternative design mediates the risks by adjusting the well and piping configuration and by applying a backpressure technique. The results demonstrate how the groundwater heat pump system design can be customized according to local aquifer conditions to avoid gas exsolution during operation. It is recommended that the presented method of analysis should be utilized in dimensioning of systems and included in the monitoring scheme of the systems.
Ocean Renewable Energy Potential, Technology, and Deployments: A Case Study of Brazil
Authors: Shadman Milad , Silva Corbiniano , Faller Daiane , Wu Zhijia , de Freitas Assad Luiz , Landau Luiz , Levi Carlos , Estefen Segen
Published: September 2019

This study, firstly, provides an up-to-date global review of the potential, technologies, prototypes, installed capacities, and projects related to ocean renewable energy including wave, tidal, and thermal, and salinity gradient sources. Secondly, as a case study, we present a preliminary assessment of the wave, ocean current, and thermal gradient sources along the Brazilian coastline. The global status of the technological maturity of the projects, their different stages of development, and the current global installed capacity for different sources indicate the most promising technologies considering the trend of global interest. In Brazil, despite the extensive coastline and the fact that almost 82% of the Brazilian electricity matrix is renewable, ocean renewable energy resources are still unexplored. The results, using oceanographic fields produced by numerical models, show the significant potential of ocean thermal and wave energy sources in the northern and southern regions of the Brazilian coast, which could contribute as complementary supply sources in the national electricity matrix.
Determination of Strength Properties of Energy Plants on the Example of Miscanthus × Giganteus, Rosa Multiflora and Salix Viminalis
Authors: Słupska Monika , Dyjakon Arkadiusz , Stopa Roman
Published: September 2019

Energy from biomass accounts for 70% of all renewables used for heat and electricity production. Such a significant share of biomass determines the need for the investigation of their mechanical properties, as most of the lignocellulosic material requires cutting, chipping or milling before its utilization for energy purposes. Therefore, the knowledge about cutting resistance, bending stiffness, and impact strength of the energy plants is very important. The values of these parameters are used in the proper selection of shredding machines and their elements, wrapping nets or determination of power demand during raw material conversion. This paper presents the results of research on the mechanical properties of selected energy plants. The scope of the research included three different plant species: Miscanthus × giganteus, Rosa multiflora, and Salix viminalis, investigated in terms of cutting resistance, bending stiffness and impact strength of stalks. The results showed that the average stalk cutting resistance for the rotation speed of 4200 RPM was 0.17 N·mm−2 for the Miscanthus × giganteus, 0.15 N·mm−2 for the Rosa multiflora and 0.2 N·mm−2 for the Salix viminalis. Meanwhile, for a rotation speed of 3200 RPM, the cutting resistance amounted to 0.15 N·mm−2 for Miscanthus × giganteus, 0.16 N·mm−2 for Rosa multiflora and 0.18 N·mm−2 for Salix viminalis. For the impact measurements, the Salix viminalis exceeded 40 J·mm−2 of absorbed energy. Meanwhile, the average impact strength value for the Rosa multiflora was 0.53 J·mm−2 and for the Miscanthus × giganteus was 0.22 J·mm−2. The bending stiffness of Miscanthus × giganteus at an average modulus of 3.44 GPa was 1.1 N·m2 for the basal zone, 0.78 N·m2 for the central zone, and 0.72 N·m2 of the apical zone. For the average Young’s modulus of 0.19 GPa, the bending stiffness of the Rosa multiflora reached a value of 0.64 N·m2 for the basal zone, 0.23 N·m2 for the central zone, and 0.28 N·m2 for the apical zone. The Salix viminalis, with an average modulus of elasticity of 0.23 GPa, achieved bending stiffness in the basal zone of 0.99 N·m2, the central zone 0.33 N·m2, and the tip zone 0.38 N·m2. This research makes it possible to expand our knowledge in the field of biomass processing and construction of agricultural machinery with higher processing efficiency.
Short-Term Bidding Strategy for a Price-Maker Virtual Power Plant Based on Interval Optimization
Authors: Hu Jiakai , Jiang Chuanwen , Liu Yangyang
Published: September 2019

A virtual power plant is proposed to aggregate various distributed renewable resources with controllable resources to overcome the uncertainty and volatility of the renewables so as to improve market involvement. As the virtual power plant capacity becomes remarkable, it behaves as a strategic price maker rather than price taker in the market for higher profit. In this work, a two-stage bi-level bidding and scheduling model is proposed to study the virtual power plant strategic behaviors as a price maker. A mathematical problem with an equilibrium constraints-based method is applied to solve the problem by transforming the two level problem into a single level multi-integer linear problem. Considering the deficiency of computational burden and implausible assumptions of conventional stochastic optimization, we introduce interval numbers to represent the predicted output of uncertainty resources in a real-time stage. The pessimism degree-based method is utilized to order the preferences of profit intervals and tradeoff between expected profit and uncertainty. An imbalance cost mitigation mechanism is proposed in this pessimism degree-based interval optimization manner. Results show that the bidding price directly affects the cleared day ahead of the locational marginal price for higher profit. Interior conventional generators, energy storage and interruptible loads are comprehensively optimized to cover potential power shortage or profit from market. Moreover, controllable resources can decrease or even wipe out the uncertainty through the imbalance cost mitigation mechanism when the negative deviation charge is high. Finally, a sensitivity analysis reveals the effect of interval parameter setting upon optimization results. Moreover, a virtual power plant operator with a higher pessimism degree pursues higher profit with higher uncertainty.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation of Model Predictive Control of a Discrete Fluid Power Power Take-Off System for Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Hansen Anders H. , Asmussen Magnus F. , Bech Michael M.
Published: September 2019

Model predictive control based wave power extraction algorithms have been developed and found promising for wave energy converters. Although mostly proven by simulation studies, model predictive control based algorithms have shown to outperform classical wave power extraction algorithms such as linear damping and reactive control. Prediction models and objective functions have, however, often been simplified a lot by for example, excluding power take-off system losses. Furthermore, discrete fluid power forces systems has never been validated experimentally in published research. In this paper a model predictive control based wave power extraction algorithm is designed for a discrete fluid power power take-off system. The loss models included in the objective function are based on physical models of the losses associated with discrete force shifts and throttling. The developed wave power extraction algorithm directly includes the quantized force output and the losses models of the discrete fluid power system. The experimental validation of the wave power extraction algorithm developed in the paper shown an increase of 14.6% in yearly harvested energy when compared to a reactive control algorithm.
Nanostructured Ni Based Anode and Cathode for Alkaline Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Ganci Fabrizio , Baguet Tracy , Aiello Giuseppe , Cusumano Valentino , Mandin Philippe , Sunseri Carmelo , Inguanta Rosalinda
Published: September 2019

Owing to the progressive abandoning of the fossil fuels and the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration, the use of renewable energies is strongly encouraged. The hydrogen economy provides a very interesting scenario. In fact, hydrogen is a valuable energy carrier and can act as a storage medium as well to balance the discontinuity of the renewable sources. In order to exploit the potential of hydrogen it must be made available in adequate quantities and at an affordable price. Both goals can be potentially achieved through the electrochemical water splitting, which is an environmentally friendly process as well as the electrons and water are the only reagents. However, these devices still require a lot of research to reduce costs and increase efficiency. An approach to improve their performance is based on nanostructured electrodes characterized by high electrocatalytic activity. In this work, we show that by using template electrosynthesis it is possible to fabricate Ni nanowires featuring a very high surface area. In particular, we found that water-alkaline electrolyzers with Ni nanowires electrodes covered by different electrocatalyst have good and stable performance at room temperature as well. Besides, the results concern nickel-cobalt nanowires electrodes for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction will be presented and discussed. Finally, preliminary tests concerning the use of Ni foam differently functionalized will be shown. For each electrode, electrochemical and electrocatalytic tests aimed to establishing the performance of the electrolyzers were carried out. Long term amperostatic test carried out in aqueous solution of KOH will be reported as well.
Impact of Selected Options in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model on Surface Wind Hindcasts in Coastal Ghana
Authors: Dzebre Denis E.K. , Adaramola Muyiwa S.
Published: September 2019

This paper examines the impacts of five planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes paired with several compatible surface layer (SL) parameterization schemes in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model on wind hindcasts for resource assessment purposes in a part of Coastal Ghana. Model predictions of hourly wind speeds at 3 × 3 km2 and 9 × 9 km2 grid boxes were compared with measurements at 40 m, 50 m, and 60 m. It was found that the Mellor-Yamada Nakanishi and Niino Level 3 (MYNN3) PBL scheme generally predicted winds with a relatively better combination of error metrics, irrespective of the SL scheme it was paired with. When paired with the Eta surface layer scheme, it often produced some of the relatively fewest errors in estimated mean wind power density (WPD) and Weibull cumulative density. A change in the simulation grid size did not have a significant impact on the conclusions of the relative performance of the PBL-SL pairs that were tested. The results indicate that the MYNN3 PBL and Eta SL pair is probably best for wind speed and energy assessments for this part of coastal Ghana.
Adaptive Coherent Receiver Settings for Optimum Channel Spacing in Gridless Optical Networks
Authors: Abdo Ahmad , Aouini Sadok , Riaz Bilal , Ben-Hamida Naim , D’Amours Claude
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we propose a novel circuit and system to optimize the spacing between optical channels in gridless (also called flexible-grid or elastic) networking. The method will exploit the beginning-of-life link margin by enabling the channel to operate in super-Nyquist dense wavelength division multiplexing mode. We present the work in the context of software-defined networking and high-speed optical flexible-rate transponders. The clock recovery scheme allows the mitigation of jitter by decoupling the contribution of high-jitter noise sources from the clock recovery loop. The method and associated algorithm are experimentally verified where a spectrum gain of up to 2 GHz in spacing between two channels in the Media Channel (MC) is obtained compared to conventional clocking strategies. We showed that the improvement is equivalent to increasing throughput, in a data-center interconnect scenario, by up to 300 giga-bits per second per route.
Threat Analysis for Smart Homes
Authors: Kavallieratos Georgios , Chowdhury Nabin , Katsikas Sokratis , Gkioulos Vasileios , Wolthusen Stephen
Published: September 2019

The development and deployment of highly dynamic, cyber+connected operational environments, such as smart homes, smart cities, and smart transportation systems, is increasing. The security analysis of such dynamic environments necessitates the use of dynamic risk assessment methodologies and the modeling of dynamically changing states. In this paper, we focus on the smart home environment, where the deployment of IoT devices increase the attack surface. We examine existing dynamic risk assessment methodologies, and by leveraging a smart home reference architecture we identify the security risks of a smart home’s physical and communication viewpoints, taking into consideration also dynamic operational aspects. Further, we develop a smart home network topology generator and a graph-based attack model to study dependencies among dynamically changing states and the propagation of a malware infection.
Microstructure and Phase Composition of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Nanofibers Prepared by High-Temperature Calcination of Electrospun Zirconium Acetylacetonate/Yttrium Nitrate/Polyacrylonitrile Fibers
Authors: Rodaev Vyacheslav V. , Razlivalova Svetlana S. , Tyurin Alexander I. , Zhigachev Andrey O. , Golovin Yuri I.
Published: September 2019

For the first time, dense nanofibers of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia with diameter of ca. 140 nm were prepared by calcination of electrospun zirconium acetylacetonate/yttrium nitrate/polyacrylonitrile fibers at 1100–1300 °C. Ceramic filaments were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and nitrogen adsorption. With a rise in the calcination temperature from 1100 to 1300 °C, the fine-grain structure of the nanofibers transformed to coarse-grain ones with the grain size equal to the fiber diameter. It was revealed that fully tetragonal nanofibrous zirconia may be obtained at Y2O3 concentrations in the range of 2–3 mol% at all used calcination temperatures. The addition of 2–3 mol% yttria to zirconia inhibited ZrO2 grain growth, preventing nanofibers’ destruction at high calcination temperatures. Synthesized well-sintered, non-porous, yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia nanofibers can be considered as a promising material for composites’ reinforcement, including composites with ceramic matrix.
Inhibition of the Maillard Reaction by Phytochemicals Composing an Aqueous Coffee Silverskin Extract via a Mixed Mechanism of Action
Authors: Rebollo-Hernanz Miguel , Fernández-Gómez Beatriz , Herrero Miguel , Aguilera Yolanda , Martín-Cabrejas María A. , Uribarri Jaime , del Castillo María Dolores
Published: September 2019

This work aimed to evaluate the contribution of isoflavones and melatonin to the aqueous extract obtained from the coffee silverskin (CSE) antiglycative properties, which has not been previously studied. To achieve this goal, two model systems constituted by bovine serum albumin (BSA) and reactive carbonyls (glucose or methylglyoxal) in the presence or absence of pure phytochemicals (chlorogenic acid (CGA), genistein, and melatonin) and CSE were employed. Glucose was used to evaluate the effect on the formation of glycation products formed mainly in the early stage of the reaction, while methylglyoxal was employed for looking at the formation of advanced products of the reaction, also called methylglyoxal-derivative advanced glycation end products (AGE) or glycoxidation products. CGA inhibited the formation of fructosamine, while genistein and melatonin inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products and protein glycoxidation. It was also observed that phenolic compounds from CSE inhibited protein glycation and glycoxidation by forming BSA–phytochemical complexes. CSE showed a significant antiglycative effect (p < 0.05). Variations in the UV-Vis spectrum and the antioxidant capacity of protein fractions suggested the formation of protein–phytochemical complexes. Fluorescence quenching and in silico analysis supported the formation of antioxidant–protein complexes. For the first time, we illustrate that isoflavones and melatonin may contribute to the antiglycative/antiglycoxidative properties associated with CSE. CGA, isoflavones, and melatonin composing CSE seem to act simultaneously by different mechanisms of action.
The Protective Effect of Brazilian Propolis against Glycation Stress in Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Egawa Tatsuro , Ohno Yoshitaka , Yokoyama Shingo , Yokokawa Takumi , Tsuda Satoshi , Goto Katsumasa , Hayashi Tatsuya
Published: September 2019

We investigated the protective effect of Brazilian propolis, a natural resinous substance produced by honeybees, against glycation stress in mouse skeletal muscles. Mice were divided into four groups: (1) Normal diet + drinking water, (2) Brazilian propolis (0.1%)-containing diet + drinking water, (3) normal diet + methylglyoxal (MGO) (0.1%)-containing drinking water, and (4) Brazilian propolis (0.1%)-containing diet + MGO (0.1%)-containing drinking water. MGO treatment for 20 weeks reduced the weight of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle and tended to be in the soleus muscle. Ingestion of Brazilian propolis showed no effect on this change in EDL muscles but tended to increase the weight of the soleus muscles regardless of MGO treatment. In EDL muscles, Brazilian propolis ingestion suppressed the accumulation of MGO-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in MGO-treated mice. The activity of glyoxalase 1 was not affected by MGO, but was enhanced by Brazilian propolis in EDL muscles. MGO treatment increased mRNA expression of inflammation-related molecules, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Brazilian propolis ingestion suppressed these increases. MGO and/or propolis exerted no effect on the accumulation of AGEs, glyoxalase 1 activity, and inflammatory responses in soleus muscles. These results suggest that Brazilian propolis exerts a protective effect against glycation stress by inhibiting the accumulation of AGEs, promoting MGO detoxification, and reducing proinflammatory responses in the skeletal muscle. However, these anti-glycation effects does not lead to prevent glycation-induced muscle mass reduction.
Dark Matter Haloes and Subhaloes
Authors: Zavala Jesús , Frenk Carlos S.
Published: September 2019

The development of methods and algorithms to solve the N-body problem for classical, collisionless, non-relativistic particles has made it possible to follow the growth and evolution of cosmic dark matter structures over most of the universe’s history. In the best-studied case—the cold dark matter or CDM model—the dark matter is assumed to consist of elementary particles that had negligible thermal velocities at early times. Progress over the past three decades has led to a nearly complete description of the assembly, structure, and spatial distribution of dark matter haloes, and their substructure in this model, over almost the entire mass range of astronomical objects. On scales of galaxies and above, predictions from this standard CDM model have been shown to provide a remarkably good match to a wide variety of astronomical data over a large range of epochs, from the temperature structure of the cosmic background radiation to the large-scale distribution of galaxies. The frontier in this field has shifted to the relatively unexplored subgalactic scales, the domain of the central regions of massive haloes, and that of low-mass haloes and subhaloes, where potentially fundamental questions remain. Answering them may require: (i) the effect of known but uncertain baryonic processes (involving gas and stars), and/or (ii) alternative models with new dark matter physics. Here we present a review of the field, focusing on our current understanding of dark matter structure from N-body simulations and on the challenges ahead.
Increased Expression of Lipid Metabolism Genes in Early Stages of Wooden Breast Links Myopathy of Broilers to Metabolic Syndrome in Humans
Authors: Lake Juniper A. , Papah Michael B. , Abasht Behnam
Published: September 2019

Wooden breast is a muscle disorder affecting modern commercial broiler chickens that causes a palpably firm pectoralis major muscle and severe reduction in meat quality. Most studies have focused on advanced stages of wooden breast apparent at market age, resulting in limited insights into the etiology and early pathogenesis of the myopathy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify early molecular signals in the wooden breast transcriptional cascade by performing gene expression analysis on the pectoralis major muscle of two-week-old birds that may later exhibit the wooden breast phenotype by market age at 7 weeks. Biopsy samples of the left pectoralis major muscle were collected from 101 birds at 14 days of age. Birds were subsequently raised to 7 weeks of age to allow sample selection based on the wooden breast phenotype at market age. RNA-sequencing was performed on 5 unaffected and 8 affected female chicken samples, selected based on wooden breast scores (0 to 4) assigned at necropsy where affected birds had scores of 2 or 3 (mildly or moderately affected) while unaffected birds had scores of 0 (no apparent gross lesions). Differential expression analysis identified 60 genes found to be significant at an FDR-adjusted p-value of 0.05. Of these, 26 were previously demonstrated to exhibit altered expression or genetic polymorphisms related to glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus in mammals. Additionally, 9 genes have functions directly related to lipid metabolism and 11 genes are associated with adiposity traits such as intramuscular fat and body mass index. This study suggests that wooden breast disease is first and foremost a metabolic disorder characterized primarily by ectopic lipid accumulation in the pectoralis major.
The H3K9 Methylation Writer SETDB1 and its Reader MPP8 Cooperate to Silence Satellite DNA Repeats in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Cruz-Tapias Paola , Robin Philippe , Pontis Julien , Maestro Laurence Del , Ait-Si-Ali Slimane
Published: September 2019

SETDB1 (SET Domain Bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1) is a key lysine methyltransferase (KMT) required in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), where it silences transposable elements and DNA repeats via histone H3 lysine 9 tri-methylation (H3K9me3), independently of DNA methylation. The H3K9 methylation reader M-Phase Phosphoprotein 8 (MPP8) is highly expressed in ESCs and germline cells. Although evidence of a cooperation between H3K9 KMTs and MPP8 in committed cells has emerged, the interplay between H3K9 methylation writers and MPP8 in ESCs remains elusive. Here, we show that MPP8 interacts physically and functionally with SETDB1 in ESCs. Indeed, combining biochemical, transcriptomic and genomic analyses, we found that MPP8 and SETDB1 co-regulate a significant number of common genomic targets, especially the DNA satellite repeats. Together, our data point to a model in which the silencing of a class of repeated sequences in ESCs involves the cooperation between the H3K9 methylation writer SETDB1 and its reader MPP8.
MicroRNA in Pancreatic Cancer: From Biology to Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Rawat Manmeet , Kadian Kavita , Gupta Yash , Kumar Anand , Chain Patrick S.G. , Kovbasnjuk Olga , Kumar Suneel , Parasher Gulshan
Published: September 2019

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies, accounting for more than 45,750 deaths annually in the U.S. alone. The aggressive nature and late diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, coupled with the limitations of existing chemotherapy, present the pressing need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Recent reports have demonstrated a critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Furthermore, aberrant expressions of miRNAs have often been associated with the cause and consequence of pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the possible use of miRNAs in the effective management of pancreatic cancer patients. In this review, we provide a brief overview of miRNA biogenesis and its role in fundamental cellular process and miRNA studies in pancreatic cancer patients and animal models. Subsequent sections narrate the role of miRNA in, (i) cell cycle and proliferation; (ii) apoptosis; (iii) invasions and metastasis; and (iv) various cellular signaling pathways. We also describe the role of miRNA’s in pancreatic cancer; (i) diagnosis; (ii) prognosis and (iii) therapeutic intervention. Conclusion section describes the gist of review with future directions.
The Role of the Activation of the TRPV1 Receptor and of Nitric Oxide in Changes in Endothelial and Cardiac Function and Biomarker Levels in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Torres-Narváez Juan Carlos , Pérez-Torres Israel , Castrejón-Téllez Vicente , Varela-López Elvira , Oidor-Chan Víctor Hugo , Guarner-Lans Verónica , Vargas-González Álvaro , Martínez-Memije Raúl , Flores-Chávez Pedro , Cervantes-Yañez Etzna Zizith , Soto-Peredo Claudia Angélica , Pastelín-Hernández Gustavo , del Valle-Mondragón Leonardo
Published: September 2019

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the actions of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) agonist capsaicin (CS) and of its antagonist capsazepine (CZ), on cardiac function as well as endothelial biomarkers and some parameters related with nitric oxide (NO) release in L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. NO has been implicated in the pathophysiology of systemic arterial hypertension (SAHT). We analyzed the levels of nitric oxide (NO), tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), cyclic guanosin monophosphate (cGMP), phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE-3), and the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1 (GTPCH-1), protein kinase B (AKT), and TRPV1 in serum and cardiac tissue of normotensive (118±3 mmHg) and hypertensive (H) rats (165 ± 4 mmHg). Cardiac mechanical performance (CMP) was calculated and NO was quantified in the coronary effluent in the Langendorff isolated heart model. In hypertensive rats capsaicin increased the levels of NO, BH4, cGMP, and TAC, and reduced PDE-3 and MDA. Expressions of eNOS, GTPCH-1, and TRPV1 were increased, while AKT was decreased. Capsazepine diminished these effects. In the hypertensive heart, CMP improved with the CS treatment. In conclusion, the activation of TRPV1 in H rats may be an alternative mechanism for the improvement of cardiac function and systemic levels of biomarkers related to the bioavailability of NO.
Sleep Disturbance in Older Patients in the Emergency Department: Prevalence, Predictors and Associated Outcomes
Authors: Mannion Helen , Molloy D. William , O’Caoimh Rónán
Published: September 2019

Impaired sleep is common in hospital. Despite this, little is known about sleep disturbance among older adults attending Emergency Departments (ED), particularly overnight-boarders, those admitted but housed overnight while awaiting a bed. Consecutive, medically-stable patients aged ≥70, admitted through a university hospital ED were evaluated for overnight sleep quality (Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire/RCSQ) and baseline sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index/PSQI). Additional variables included frailty, functional and cognitive status, trolley location, time in ED and night-time noise levels. Over four-weeks, 152 patients, mean age 80 (± 6.8) years were included; 61% were male. Most (68%) were ED boarders (n = 104) and 43% were frail. The majority (72%) reported impaired sleep quality at baseline (PSQI ≥ 5) and 13% (20/152) had clinical insomnia. The median time spent in ED for boarders was 23 h (Interquartile ± 13). After adjusting for confounders, median RCSQ scores were significantly poorer for ED boarders compared with non-boarders: 22 (± 45) versus 71 (± 34), respectively, (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in one-year mortality (p = 0.08) length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.84), 30-day (p = 0.73) or 90-day (p = 0.64) readmission rates between boarders and non-boarders. Sleep disturbance is highly prevalent among older adults admitted through ED. ED boarders experienced significantly poorer sleep, without this impacting upon mortality, LOS or re-admission rates.
Use of Wearable Technology and Social Media to Improve Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors among College Students: A 12-Week Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Pope Zachary , Barr-Anderson Daheia , Lewis Beth , Pereira Mark , Gao Zan
Published: September 2019

College students demonstrate poor physical activity (PA) and dietary behaviors. We evaluated the feasibility of a combined smartwatch and theoretically based, social media-delivered health education intervention versus a comparison on improving college students’ health behaviors/outcomes. Thirty-eight students (28 female; Xage = 21.5 ± 3.4 years) participated in this two-arm, randomized 12-week pilot trial (2017–2018). Participants were randomized into: (a) experimental: Polar M400 use and twice-weekly social cognitive theory- and self-determination theory-based Facebook-delivered health education intervention; or (b) comparison: enrollment only in separate, but content-identical, Facebook intervention. Primary outcomes pertained to intervention feasibility. Secondary outcomes included accelerometer-estimated PA, physiological/psychosocial outcomes, and dietary behaviors. Intervention adherence was high (~86%), with a retention of 92.1%. Participants implemented health education tips 1–3 times per week. We observed experimental and comparison groups to have 4.2- and 1.6-min/day increases in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), respectively, at six weeks—partially maintained at 12 weeks. In both groups, similarly decreased body weight (experimental = −0.6 kg; comparison = −0.5 kg) and increased self-efficacy, social support, and intrinsic motivation were observed pre- and post-intervention. Finally, we observed small decreases in daily caloric consumption over time (experimental = −41.0 calories; comparison = −143.3). Both interventions were feasible/of interest to college students and demonstrated initial effectiveness at improving health behaviors/outcomes. However, smartwatch provision may not result in an additional benefit.
Fuzzy Model for Quantitative Assessment of Environmental Start-up Projects in Air Transport
Authors: Kelemen Miroslav , Polishchuk Volodymyr , Gavurová Beáta , Szabo Stanislav , Rozenberg Róbert , Gera Martin , Kozuba Jaroslaw , Andoga Rudolf , Divoková Adriana , Blišt’an Peter
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this paper is to develop an applied fuzzy model of information technology to obtain quantitative estimates of environmental start-up projects in air transport. The developed model will become a useful tool for venture funds, business angels, or crowdfunding platforms for the development of innovative air transport businesses. Obtaining a quantitative estimate of the environmental start-up projects will increase the sustainability of the decision making on the security of financing of such projects by investors. This article develops a fuzzy evaluation model of project start-ups in air transport as an application of our neuro-fuzzy model in a specific air transport environment. The applied model provides output ranking of start-up project teams in air transport based on a four-layer neuro-fuzzy network. The presented model declares the possibilities of the application to solve these economic problems and offers the space for subsequent research focused on its usability in several areas of start-up development, in sectors and processes differentiated. The benefits are also visible for several types of policies, with an emphasis on decision-making processes in regulatory mechanisms to support the state funding in Slovakia, the EU etc.
Identifying Individual Stressors in Geriatric Nursing Staff—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wollesen Bettina , Hagemann Diane , Pabst Katharina , Schlüter Ramona , Bischoff Laura L. , Otto Ann-Kathrin , Hold Carolin , Fenger Annika
Published: September 2019

Background: Nurses in geriatric care are exposed to various burdens in the workplace that result in high stress levels. The perceived stress may result in a lack of professional caring and burnout. Objectives: The study aim was to identify work-related and personal factors that determine stress levels to design tailored interventions. Research design: cross-sectional study. Subjects: N = 195 geriatric nursing staff members. Measures: The survey included validated questionnaires (Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS), Health Survey Short form 12 (SF-12), Nordic Questionnaire) to identify work-related burdens, resulting stress levels and work-related behavior (AVEM). According to the limits of the Screening Subscale for chronic stress (SSCS) of the TICS, nurses were classified as stressed or non-stressed. With four-step regression analysis, main predictors for the stress level were identified. Results: The analysis revealed body postures, handling heavy loads, time pressure, deadlines and pressure to perform as the main burdens of the participants. Chronically stressed nurses showed different work patterns in comparison to nurses with lower stress levels. The regression analysis showed significance for the models including the work-related patterns and resilience aspects (step three (F (3.42) = 4.168; p = 0.010) and four (F (7.35) = 4.194; p = 0.002). Pattern B was a main factor for determining stress. The stress level determined the perceived burdens. Conclusions: Experiencing and managing stressors depends on the individual’s perception, while coping patterns—especially pattern B—can be decisive. The tailored interventions to reduce stress in geriatric nurses should focus on personal patterns.
“I Sometimes Ask Patients to Consider Spiritual Care”: Health Literacy and Culture in Mental Health Nursing Practice
Authors: Koduah Adwoa Owusuaa , Leung Angela Y.M. , Leung Doris Y.L. , Liu Justina Y.W.
Published: September 2019

While health literacy influences better outcomes of mental health patients, sociocultural factors shape the nature of the relationship. On this matter, little is known about how sociocultural factors affect health literacy practices of nurses, especially in low-income countries. This paper examines how local precepts, within culture and language, shape mental health nurses’ (MHNs) practice and understanding of patients’ health literacy level in Ghana. The study used a qualitative descriptive design involving 43 MHNs from two psychiatric hospitals. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. Although the MHNs acknowledged the importance of health literacy associated with patients’ health outcomes, their practice was strongly attributed to patients’ substantial reliance on cultural practices and beliefs that led to misinterpretation and non- compliance to treatments. MHNs shared similar sociocultural ideas with patients and admitted that these directed their health literacy practice. Additionally, numerous health system barriers influenced the adoption of health literacy screening tools, as well as the MHNs’ low health literacy skills. These findings suggest MHNs’ direct attention to the broader social determinants of health to enhance the understanding of culture and its impact on health literacy practice.
Does the New Rural Pension System Promote Farmland Transfer in the Context of Aging in Rural China: Evidence from the CHARLS
Authors: Wang Yahui , Yang Qingyuan , Xin Liangjie , Zhang Jingyu
Published: September 2019

The lack or instability of the pension system for the elderly in rural China has become a paramount obstacle for sustainable land transfer, namely land use right transfer among farmers, in the context of aging. The New Rural Pension System (NRPS), a pilot project that provided basic security for the elderly, was implemented in 10% of counties in 2009 and rapidly promoted nationwide in China. This study evaluates the impact of NRPS on farmland transfer by developing econometric models by employing the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2015. The participation rate in NRPS increased from 25.87% in 2011 to 80.85% in 2015, and the participation rate in farmland transfer rose from 11.56% to 24.04%. Everything else being held equal, the probability of farmers who transferred out their land increased by approximately 13% and the land area has been transferred increased by 11.2% due to participation in NRPS, indicating that the NRPS improved the operation efficiency of land rental market. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis showed that the probability and area mentioned above had a significant upward trend with the increase of the time and insured amount of participation in NRPS, which reduced dependence on farmland for the elderly and promoted the sustainability of land transfer. The government should further encourage farmers to increase the coverage and insured amount of pension system in the context of aging. Meanwhile, a platform to promote land transfer should be established to provide information about land supply and demand and reduce the transaction cost of land rental market.
Principal Component Analysis of Categorized Polytomous Variable-Based Classification of Diabetes and Other Chronic Diseases
Authors: Muhammad Musa Uba , Jiadong Ren , Muhammad Noman Sohail , Hussain Munawar , Muhammad Irshad
Published: September 2019

A chronic disease diabetes mellitus is assuming pestilence proportion worldwide. Therefore prevalence is important in all aspects. Researchers have introduced various methods, but still, the improvement is a need for classification techniques. This paper considers data mining approach and principal component analysis (PCA) techniques, on a single platform to approaches on the polytomous variable-based classification of diabetes mellitus and some selected chronic diseases. The PCA result shows eigenvalues, and the total variance is explained for the principal components (PCs) solution. Total of twelve attributes was analyzed with the intention to precise the pattern of the correlation with minimum factors as possible. Usually, factors with large eigenvalues retained. The first five components have their eigenvalues large enough to be retained. Their variances are 18.9%, 14.0%, 13.6%, 10.3%, and 8.6%, respectively. That explains ~65.3% of the total variance. We further applied K-means clustering with the aid of the first two PCs. As well, correlation results between diabetes mellitus and selected diseases; it has revealed that diabetes patients are more likely to have kidney and hypertension. Therefore, the study validates the proposed polytomous method for classification techniques. Such a study is important in better assessment on low socio-economic status zone regions around the globe.
Clinical and Genetic Factors Associated with Resistance to Treatment in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Hajj Aline , Obeid Sahar , Sahyoun Saria , Haddad Chadia , Azar Jocelyne , Rabbaa Khabbaz Lydia , Hallit Souheil
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To assess clinical and genetic factors affecting response to treatment in a sample of patients with schizophrenia (treatment-resistant patients versus treatment responders). We also aimed at examining if these factors are different when we consider two different resistance classifications (the positive and negative syndrome scale, PANSS and the brief psychiatric rating scale, BPRS). Material and Methods: A case-control study included treatment-resistant patients and good responders. Patients were stratified in two groups based on the established criteria for treatment-resistant schizophrenia using BPRS and PANSS. The study was approved by the ethical committees (references: CEHDF1017; HPC-017-2017) and all patients/legal representatives gave their written consent. Clinical factors were assessed. DNA was obtained using a buccal swab and genotyping for OPRM1, COMT, DRD2 et MTHFR genes using the Lightcycler® (Roche). Results: Some discrepancies between the BPRS and PANSS definitions were noted in our study when assessing the patients’ psychopathological symptoms and response to treatment. The multivariable analysis, taking the presence versus absence of treatment resistance as the dependent variable, showed that that family history of schizophrenia, university studies, time since the beginning of treatment and chlorpromazine equivalent dose as well as the COMT gene are associated with resistance to treatment. In addition, a gender-related difference was noted for COMT SNP; men with at least one Met allele were more prone to be resistant to treatment than Val/Val patients. Conclusion: Uncovering the clinical and genetic factors associated with resistance to treatment could help us better treat our schizophrenic patients in a concept of personalized medicine.