bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Proposed Conceptual Framework for K–12 STEM Master Teacher (STEMMaTe) Development
Authors: Hite Rebecca , Milbourne Jeff
Published: December 2018

Recent reports from federal agencies and legislation call for explicit avenues to incorporate K–12 STEM master teacher voice into the policy space. National initiatives, federal legislation, and teacher recognition programs have sought to identify K–12 STEM master teachers and harness their potential. These efforts warrant a conceptual framework to quantify attributes of K–12 STEM master teachers, to foster pathways for the development of current and future leaders. Using a sample of 10 individuals from two extant programs of K–12 STEM master teachers (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship and Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching), data from their career trajectories (sourced from Curriculum Vitae) were sequenced to construct and confirm the STEM Master Teacher (STEMMaTe) conceptual framework. This framework may be used to guide programmatic development to increase national capacity for K–12 STEM master teachers. Recommendations are discussed for the creation of pathways to develop STEM master teachers and increase their participation in the broader education system.
Preliminary Design of an Unmanned Aircraft System for Aircraft General Visual Inspection
Authors: Papa Umberto , Ponte Salvatore
Published: December 2018

Among non-destructive inspection (NDI) techniques, General Visual Inspection (GVI), global or zonal, is the most widely used, being quick and relatively less expensive. In the aeronautic industry, GVI is a basic procedure for monitoring aircraft performance and ensuring safety and serviceability, and over 80% of the inspections on large transport category aircrafts are based on visual testing, both directly and remotely, either unaided or aided via mirrors, lenses, endoscopes or optic fiber devices coupled to cameras. This paper develops the idea of a global and/or zonal GVI procedure implemented by means of an autonomous unmanned aircraft system (UAS), equipped with a low-cost, high-definition (HD) camera for carrying out damage detection of panels, and a series of distance and trajectory sensors for obstacle avoidance and inspection path planning. An ultrasonic distance keeper system (UDKS), useful to guarantee a fixed distance between the UAS and the aircraft, was developed, and several ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR-04) together with an HD camera and a microcontroller were installed on the selected platform, a small commercial quad-rotor (micro-UAV). The overall system concept design and some laboratory experimental tests are presented to show the effectiveness of entrusting aircraft inspection procedures to a small UAS and a PC-based ground station for data collection and processing.
Biometric Authentication and Verification for Medical Cyber Physical Systems
Authors: Alhayajneh Abdullah , Baccarini Alessandro , Weiss Gary , Hayajneh Thaier , Farajidavar Aydin
Published: December 2018

A Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) is a network of wirelessly connected sensing and actuating devices. WBANs used for recording biometric information and administering medication are classified as part of a Cyber Physical System (CPS). Preserving user security and privacy is a fundamental concern of WBANs, which introduces the notion of using biometric readings as a mechanism for authentication. Extensive research has been conducted regarding the various methodologies (e.g., ECG, EEG, gait, head/arm motion, skin impedance). This paper seeks to analyze and evaluate the most prominent biometric authentication techniques based on accuracy, cost, and feasibility of implementation. We suggest several authentication schemes which incorporate multiple biometric properties.
Frosting Performance of a Nanoporous Hydrophilic Aluminum Surface
Authors: Yang Wansheng , Zeng Bin , Zhang Yanmei , He Song , Zhao Xudong
Published: December 2018

As an efficient energy-saving piece of equipment, an air-source heat pump can not only reduce the energy consumption required for heating, but can also reduce the pollution from fossil consumption. However, when an air-source heat pump operates under low temperatures and high humidity, the heat exchanger surface of its outdoor evaporator often get covered with frost. The growth of the frost layer seriously affects the operation efficiency of the equipment and limits its engineering application. Looking for materials that can actively inhibit frost forming is a good strategy to solve the problem mentioned above. Numerous studies show that a hydrophilic surface (contact angle less than 90°) can inhibit the normal freezing process. Manufacturing nanostructures on the surface also affect frosting performance. In this paper, nanoporous hydrophilic aluminum sheets, with contact angles of 47.8° (Sample 2), 35.9° (Sample 3), and 22.9° (Sample 4), respectively, were fabricated by the anodic oxidation method. The frosting performance of the nanoporous hydrophilic aluminum was studied compared with polished aluminum, with a contact angle of 60.2° (Sample 1). The frosting performance of the aluminum surface was systematically studied by observing the frost structure from top and side cameras and measuring the frost thickness, frost mass, and frosting rate. It was found that nanoporous hydrophilic aluminum can reduce the frost thickness and frost mass. The frost mass reduction rate of sample 2 reached a maximum of 65.9% at the surface temperature of −15 °C, under test conditions. When the surface temperature was −15 °C, the frosting rate of Sample 2 was 1.71 g/(m2·min), which was about one-third of that on sample 1 (polished aluminum). Nanoporous hydrophilic aluminum behaved better at lessening frost than polished aluminum, which revealed that manufacturing nanopores and promoting hydrophilicity can delay the formation of frost.
Development of a Multi-Well Pairing System for Groundwater Heat Pump Systems
Authors: Kim Hongkyo , Nam Yujin , Bae Sang mu , Jeoun Oun
Published: December 2018

Groundwater heat pump systems (GWHPs) can achieve higher coefficient of performance (COP) than air-source heat pump systems by using the relatively stable temperature of groundwater. Among GWHPs, multi-well systems have lower initial investment costs than conventional closed-loop geothermal systems, because they typically require installation of fewer boreholes for the same building load. However, the performance of GWHPs depends significantly on the groundwater properties, such as groundwater temperature, permeability and water quality. Moreover, pumping and injecting of groundwater during long-term operation may lead to problems such as overflow or clogging of the wells. In order to ensure reliable energy from ground sources, the development of sustainable operation methods for multi-well systems is essential for preventing overflow and well clogging. In this study, we have developed a pairing technology that connects the injection and supply wells through a spillway. This pairing technology can be used to control groundwater levels in wells and can be sustainably operated. To accurately estimate the performance of a multi-well system with the proposed pairing technology, the heating and cooling performance of the developed system was compared to that of a standing column well (SCW) system in a field-scale experiment. Furthermore, the effects of the multi-well pairing system on groundwater levels in the injection well were analyzed by numerical simulation. Moreover, in order to decide the required conditions of the multi-well pairing system, case studies were conducted under various hydraulic conductivity and pumping conditions.
Persistence of Oil Prices in Gas Import Prices and the Resilience of the Oil-Indexation Mechanism. The Case of Spanish Gas Import Prices
Authors: Cansado-Bravo Pablo , Rodríguez-Monroy Carlos
Published: December 2018

Regardless of the rapid development of national gas centers around the world, oil price indexation remains the prevailing pricing process in Continental Europe and the Far East. The instance of Spain is a genuine case where gas supply conditions may, to some extent, clarify the slower pace of execution of a traded gas hub in the nation. This article seeks to explain the persistence of oil-indexed pricing mechanisms, a price model that differs oddly from that of other major commodities, the price of which is normally discovered on the market. In order to do that, we examine time-varying volatility to find that since 2013 until 2016, just about 33% of gradual volatility clustering rooted within oil Brent prices is reflected in Spanish gas prices. In this sense, our research provides quantitative tools to better understand that market-based approaches such as spot and medium-term supply alternatives seem to be a key driver for success in transforming gas markets. Regular updates on the size of the effects observed should facilitate an exact appraisal of the level of progression of national gas liberalization processes and enhance gas markets transparency, these issues of extraordinary importance for both policymakers and gas market agents.
Numerical Analysis of Longitudinal Residual Stresses and Deflections in a T-joint Welded Structure Using a Local Preheating Technique
Authors: Perić Mato , Garašić Ivica , Nižetić Sandro , Dedić-Jandrek Hrvoje
Published: December 2018

In this paper a numerical analysis of a T-joint fillet weld is performed to investigate the influences of different preheat temperatures and the interpass time on the longitudinal residual stress fields and structure deflections. In the frame of the numerical investigations, two thermo-mechanical finite element models, denoted M2 and M3, were analyzed and the results obtained were then compared with the model M1, where the preheating technique was not applied. It is concluded that by applying the preheat temperature prior to the start of welding the post-welding deformations of welded structures can be significantly reduced. The increase of the preheat temperature increased the longitudinal residual stress field at the ends of the plates. The influence of the interpass time between two weld passes on the longitudinal residual stress state and plate deflection was investigated on two preheated numerical models, M4 and M5, with an interpass time of 60 s and 120 s, respectively. The results obtained were then compared with the preheated model M3, where there was no time gap between the two weld passes. It can be concluded that with the increase of interpass time, the plate deflections significantly increase, while the influence of the interpass time on the longitudinal residual stress field can be neglected.
Free Angular-Positioning Wireless Power Transfer Using a Spherical Joint
Authors: Abou Houran Mohamad , Yang Xu , Chen Wenjie
Published: December 2018

Many studies have investigated resonator structures and winding methods. The aims of this paper are as follows. First, the paper proposes an optimized winding model for a bio-inspired joint for a wireless power transfer (WPT) system. The joint consists of a small spherical structure, which rotates inside a hemispherical structure. The transmitter coil (Tx) is wound on the hemisphere structure, and the receiver coil (Rx) is wound on the small sphere. The power is transferred while rotating Rx over a wide range of angular misalignment. In addition, the algorithm design of the proposed winding method is given to get an optimized model. Moreover, the circuit analysis of the WPT system is discussed. Second, the magnetic field density is investigated considering a safety issue, which is linked to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Moreover, EMF mitigation methods are proposed and discussed in detail. Finally, the simulation results are validated by experiments, which have confirmed that the proposed winding method allows the system to rotate up to 85 degrees and achieve an efficiency above 86%. The proposed winding method for the WPT system can be a good technique for some robotic applications or a future replacement of the human joint.
A Self-Adaptive Artificial Intelligence Technique to Predict Oil Pressure Volume Temperature Properties
Authors: Elkatatny Salaheldin , Moussa Tamer , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: December 2018

Reservoir fluid properties such as bubble point pressure (Pb) and gas solubility (Rs) play a vital role in reservoir management and reservoir simulation. In addition, they affect the design of the production system. Pb and Rs can be obtained from laboratory experiments by taking a sample at the wellhead or from the reservoir under downhole conditions. However, this process is time-consuming and very costly. To overcome these challenges, empirical correlations and artificial intelligence (AI) models can be applied to obtain these properties. The objective of this paper is to introduce new empirical correlations to estimate Pb and Rs based on three input parameters—reservoir temperature and oil and gas gravities. 760 data points were collected from different sources to build new AI models for Pb and Rs. The new empirical correlations were developed by integrating artificial neural network (ANN) with a modified self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm to introduce a hybrid self-adaptive artificial neural network (SaDE-ANN) model. The results obtained confirmed the accuracy of the developed SaDE-ANN models to predict the Pb and Rs of crude oils. This is the first technique that can be used to predict Rs and Pb based on three input parameters only. The developed empirical correlation for Pb predicts the Pb with a correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.99 and an average absolute percentage error (AAPE) of 6%. The same results were obtained for Rs, where the new empirical correlation predicts the Rs with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.99 and an AAPE of less than 6%. The developed technique will help reservoir and production engineers to better understand and manage reservoirs. No additional or special software is required to run the developed technique.
Energy Storage Systems for Shipboard Microgrids—A Review
Authors: Mutarraf Muhammad Umair , Terriche Yacine , Niazi Kamran Ali Khan , Vasquez Juan C. , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: December 2018

In recent years, concerns about severe environmental pollution and fossil fuel consumption has grabbed attention in the transportation industry, particularly in marine vessels. Another key challenge in ships is the fluctuations caused by high dynamic loads. In order to have a higher reliability in shipboard power systems, presently more generators are kept online operating much below their efficient point. Hence, to improve the fuel efficiency of shipboard power systems, the minimum generator operation with N-1 safety can be considered as a simple solution, a tradeoff between fuel economy and reliability. It is based on the fact that the fewer the number of generators that are brought online, the more load is on each generator such that allowing the generators to run on better fuel efficiency region. In all-electric ships, the propulsion and service loads are integrated to a common network in order to attain improved fuel consumption with lesser emissions in contrast to traditional approaches where propulsion and service loads are fed by separate generators. In order to make the shipboard power system more reliable, integration of energy storage system (ESS) is found out to be an effective solution. Energy storage devices, which are currently being used in several applications consist of batteries, ultra-capacitor, flywheel, and fuel cell. Among the batteries, lithium-ion is one of the most used type battery in fully electric zero-emission ferries with the shorter route (around 5 to 10 km). Hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) are one of the solutions, which can be implemented in high power/energy density applications. In this case, two or more energy storage devices can be hybridized to achieve the benefits from both of them, although it is still a challenge to apply presently such application by a single energy storage device. The aim of this paper is to review several types of energy storage devices that have been extensively used to improve the reliability, fuel consumption, dynamic behavior, and other shortcomings for shipboard power systems. Besides, a summary is conducted to address most of the applied technologies mentioned in the literature with the aim of highlighting the challenges of integrating the ESS in the shipboard microgrids.
Smart Energy Optimization Using Heuristic Algorithm in Smart Grid with Integration of Solar Energy Sources
Authors: Asgher Urooj , Babar Rasheed Muhammad , Al-Sumaiti Ameena Saad , Ur-Rahman Atiq , Ali Ihsan , Alzaidi Amer , Alamri Abdullah
Published: December 2018

Smart grid (SG) vision has come to incorporate various communication technologies, which facilitate residential users to adopt different scheduling schemes in order to manage energy usage with reduced carbon emission. In this work, we have proposed a residential load management mechanism with the incorporation of energy resources (RESs) i.e., solar energy. For this purpose, a real-time electricity price (RTP), energy demand, user preferences and renewable energy parameters are taken as an inputs and genetic algorithm (GA) has been used to manage and schedule residential load with the objective of cost, user discomfort, and peak-to-average ratio (PAR) reduction. Initially, RTP is used to reduce the energy consumption cost. However, to minimize the cost along with reducing the peaks, a combined pricing model, i.e., RTP with inclining block rate (IBR) has been used which incorporates user preferences and RES to optimally schedule load demand. User comfort and cost reduction are contradictory objectives, and difficult to maximize, simultaneously. Considering this trade-off, a combined pricing scheme is modelled in such a way that users are given priority to achieve their objective as per their requirements. To validate and analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm, we first propose mathematical models of all utilized loads, and then multi-objective optimization problem has been formulated. Furthermore, analytical results regarding the objective function and the associated constraints have also been provided to validate simulation results. Simulation results demonstrate a significant reduction in the energy cost along with the achievement of both grid stability in terms of reduced peak and high comfort.
An Efficient Energy Management Approach Using Fog-as-a-Service for Sharing Economy in a Smart Grid
Authors: Khalid Adia , Aslam Sheraz , Aurangzeb Khursheed , Haider Syed Irtaza , Ashraf Mahmood , Javaid Nadeem
Published: December 2018

An unprecedented opportunity is presented by smart grid technologies to shift the energy industry into the new era of availability, reliability and efficiency that will contribute to our economic and environmental health. Renewable energy sources play a significant role in making environments greener and generating electricity at a cheaper cost. The cloud/fog computing also contributes to tackling the computationally intensive tasks in a smart grid. This work proposes an energy efficient approach to solve the energy management problem in the fog based environment. We consider a small community that consists of multiple smart homes. A microgrid is installed at each residence for electricity generation. Moreover, it is connected with the fog server to share and store information. Smart energy consumers are able to share the details of excess energy with each other through the fog server. The proposed approach is validated through simulations in terms of cost and imported electricity alleviation.
Reinforced Concrete Beams with Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bars—Experimental Study
Authors: G. Karayannis Chris , K. Kosmidou Parthena-Maria , E. Chalioris Constantin
Published: December 2018

Innovative reinforcement as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars has been proposed as alternative for the substitution of the traditional steel bars in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Although the advantages of this polymer reinforcement have long been recognised, the predominantly elastic response, the reduced bond capacity under repeated load and the low ductility of RC members with FRP bars restricted its wide application in construction so far. In this work, the behavior of seven slender concrete beams reinforced with carbon-FRP bars under increasing static loading is experimentally investigated. Load capacities, deflections, pre-cracking and after-cracking stiffness, sudden local drops of strength, failure modes, and cracking propagation have been presented and commented. Special attention has been given in the bond conditions of the anchorage lengths of the tensile carbon-FRP bars. The application of local confinement conditions along the anchorage lengths of the carbon-FRP bars in some specimens seems to influence their cracking behavior. Nevertheless, more research is required in this direction. Comparisons of experimental results for carbon-FRP beams with beams reinforced with glass-FRP bars extracted from recent literature are also presented and commented. Comparisons of the experimental results with the predictions according to ACI 440.1R-15 and to CSA S806-12 are also included herein.
Interception of Rainfall in Successional Tropical Dry Forests in Brazil and Costa Rica
Authors: Calvo-Alvarado Julio César , Jiménez-Rodríguez César Dionisio , Calvo-Obando Ana Julieta , Marcos do Espírito-Santo Mário , Gonçalves-Silva Thiago
Published: December 2018

Tropical dry forests (TDF) are endangered ecosystems characterized by a matrix of successional forest patches with structural differences across the Neotropics. Until now, there have been few studies that analyze the partitioning of rainfall by forest interception in TDF. To contribute to the understanding of the TDF impact on the hydrological dynamic at the ecosystem and landscape levels, a rainfall interception study was conducted in Santa Rosa National Park in Costa Rica (SRNP) and in Mata Seca State Park in Brazil (MSSP). In each site, three plots per successional stage were studied. The successional stages were early, intermediate, and late. In each plot the rainfall, throughfall, and stemflow were monitored during one rainy season. The relationship between gross rainfall and water fluxes was evaluated using linear regression models. In general, net rainfall oscillated from 79.3% to 85.4% of gross rainfall in all the plots in MSSP without any trend related to forest succession, due to the effect of a high density of lianas in the intermediate and late stage plots. In SRNP, there was a clear trend of net rainfall among successional stages: 87.5% (early), 73.0% (intermediate), and 63.4% (late). Net rainfall correlated negatively only with plant area index in SRNP (r = −0.755, p < 0.05). This study highlights the need to study rainfall interception in successional stages to estimate net rainfall that reaches the soil. This would provide better hydrological information to understand water balance and water fluxes at the level of forest ecosystems and landscapes.
A Weighted Overlay Method for Liquefaction-Related Urban Damage Detection: A Case Study of the 6 September 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, Japan
Authors: Karimzadeh Sadra , Matsuoka Masashi
Published: December 2018

We performed interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) analyses to observe ground displacements and assess damage after the M 6.6 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake in northern Japan on 6 September 2018. A multitemporal SAR coherence map is extracted from 3-m resolution ascending (track 116) and descending (track 18) ALOS-2 Stripmap datasets to cover the entire affected area. To distinguish damaged buildings associated with liquefaction, three influential parameters from the space-based InSAR results, ground-based LiquickMap (from seismic intensities in Japanese networks) and topographic slope of the study area are considered together in a weighted overlay (WO) analysis, according to prior knowledge of the study area. The WO analysis results in liquefaction potential values that agree with our field survey results. To investigate further, we conducted microtremor measurements at 14 points in Hobetsu, in which the predominant frequency showed a negative correlation with the WO values, especially when drastic coherence decay occurred.
Review of Snow Data Assimilation Methods for Hydrological, Land Surface, Meteorological and Climate Models: Results from a COST HarmoSnow Survey
Authors: Helmert Jürgen , Şensoy Şorman Aynur , Alvarado Montero Rodolfo , De Michele Carlo , De Rosnay Patricia , Dumont Marie , Finger David Christian , Lange Martin , Picard Ghislain , Potopová Vera , Pullen Samantha , Vikhamar-Schuler Dagrun , Arslan Ali Nadir
Published: December 2018

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action ES1404 “HarmoSnow”, entitled, “A European network for a harmonized monitoring of snow for the benefit of climate change scenarios, hydrology and numerical weather prediction” (2014-2018) aims to coordinate efforts in Europe to harmonize approaches to validation, and methodologies of snow measurement practices, instrumentation, algorithms and data assimilation (DA) techniques. One of the key objectives of the action was “Advance the application of snow DA in numerical weather prediction (NWP) and hydrological models and show its benefit for weather and hydrological forecasting as well as other applications.” This paper reviews approaches used for assimilation of snow measurements such as remotely sensed and in situ observations into hydrological, land surface, meteorological and climate models based on a COST HarmoSnow survey exploring the common practices on the use of snow observation data in different modeling environments. The aim is to assess the current situation and understand the diversity of usage of snow observations in DA, forcing, monitoring, validation, or verification within NWP, hydrology, snow and climate models. Based on the responses from the community to the questionnaire and on literature review the status and requirements for the future evolution of conventional snow observations from national networks and satellite products, for data assimilation and model validation are derived and suggestions are formulated towards standardized and improved usage of snow observation data in snow DA. Results of the conducted survey showed that there is a fit between the snow macro-physical variables required for snow DA and those provided by the measurement networks, instruments, and techniques. Data availability and resources to integrate the data in the model environment are identified as the current barriers and limitations for the use of new or upcoming snow data sources. Broadening resources to integrate enhanced snow data would promote the future plans to make use of them in all model environments.
New Trends in Using Augmented Reality Apps for Smart City Contexts
Authors: Yagol Pravesh , Ramos Francisco , Trilles Sergio , Torres-Sospedra Joaquín , Perales Francisco
Published: December 2018

The idea of virtuality is not new, as research on visualization and simulation dates back to the early use of ink and paper sketches for alternative design comparisons. As technology has advanced so the way of visualizing simulations as well, but the progress is slow due to difficulties in creating workable simulations models and effectively providing them to the users. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, the evolving technologies that have been haunting the tech industry, receiving excessive attention from the media and colossal growing are redefining the way we interact, communicate and work together. From consumer application to manufacturers these technologies are used in different sectors providing huge benefits through several applications. In this work, we demonstrate the potentials of Augmented Reality techniques in a Smart City (Smart Campus) context. A multiplatform mobile app featuring Augmented Reality capabilities connected to GIS services are developed to evaluate different features such as performance, usability, effectiveness and satisfaction of the Augmented Reality technology in the context of a Smart Campus.
Hormonal Responses to Plasmodiophora brassicae Infection in Brassica napus Cultivars Differing in Their Pathogen Resistance
Authors: Prerostova Sylva , Dobrev Petre I. , Konradyova Veronika , Knirsch Vojtech , Gaudinova Alena , Kramna Barbara , Kazda Jan , Ludwig-Müller Jutta , Vankova Radomira
Published: December 2018

Hormonal dynamics after Plasmodiophora brassicae infection were compared in two Brassica napus cultivars—more resistant SY Alister and more sensitive Hornet, in order to elucidate responses associated with efficient defense. Both cultivars responded to infection by the early transient elevation of active cytokinins (predominantly cis-zeatin) and auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in leaves and roots, which was longer in Hornet. Moderate IAA levels in Hornet roots coincided with a high expression of biosynthetic gene nitrilase NIT1 (contrary to TAA1, YUC8, YUC9). Alister had a higher basal level of salicylic acid (SA), and it stimulated its production (via the expression of isochorismate synthase (ICS1)) in roots earlier than Hornet. Gall formation stimulated cytokinin, auxin, and SA levels—with a maximum 22 days after inoculation (dai). SA marker gene PR1 expression was the most profound at the time point where gall formation began, in leaves, roots, and especially in galls. Jasmonic acid (JA) was higher in Hornet than in Alister during the whole experiment. To investigate SA and JA function, SA was applied before infection, and twice (before infection and 15 dai), and JA at 15 dai. Double SA application diminished gall formation in Alister, and JA promoted gall formation in both cultivars. Activation of SA/JA pathways reflects the main differences in clubroot resistance.
Activation of Hes1 and Msx1 in Transgenic Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Increases Differentiation into Neural Crest Derivatives
Authors: Méndez-Maldonado Karla , Vega-López Guillermo , Caballero-Chacón Sara , Aybar Manuel J. , Velasco Iván
Published: December 2018

The neural crest (NC) comprises a multipotent cell population that produces peripheral neurons, cartilage, and smooth muscle cells, among other phenotypes. The participation of Hes1 and Msx1 when expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) undergoing NC differentiation is unexplored. In this work, we generated stable mESCs transfected with constructs encoding chimeric proteins in which the ligand binding domain of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is translocated to the nucleus by dexamethasone addition, is fused to either Hes1 (HGR) or Msx1 (MGR), as well as double-transgenic cells (HGR+MGR). These lines continued to express pluripotency markers. Upon NC differentiation, all lines exhibited significantly decreased Sox2 expression and upregulated Sox9, Snai1, and Msx1 expression, indicating NC commitment. Dexamethasone was added to induce nuclear translocation of the chimeric proteins. We found that Collagen IIa transcripts were increased in MGR cells, whereas coactivation of HGR+MGR caused a significant increase in Smooth muscle actin (α-Sma) transcripts. Immunostaining showed that activation in HGR+MGR cells induced higher proportions of β-TUBULIN III+, α-SMA+ and COL2A1+ cells. These findings indicate that nuclear translocation of MSX-1, alone or in combination with HES-1, produce chondrocyte-like cells, and simultaneous activation of HES-1 and MSX-1 increases the generation of smooth muscle and neuronal cells.
Jowiseungchungtang Inhibits Amyloid-β Aggregation and Amyloid-β-Mediated Pathology in 5XFAD Mice
Authors: Shin Soo Jung , Jeong Yu-on , Jeon Seong Gak , Kim Sujin , Lee Seong-kyung , Nam Yunkwon , Park Yong Ho , Kim Dabi , Lee Youn Seok , Choi Hong Seok , Kim Jin-il , Kim Jwa-Jin , Moon Minho
Published: December 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, which is accompanied by memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. Although a number of trials to treat AD are in progress, there are no drugs available that inhibit the progression of AD. As the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain is considered to be the major pathology of AD, inhibition of Aβ aggregation could be an effective strategy for AD treatment. Jowiseungchungtang (JWS) is a traditional oriental herbal formulation that has been shown to improve cognitive function in patients or animal models with dementia. However, there are no reports examining the effects of JWS on Aβ aggregation. Thus, we investigated whether JWS could protect against both Aβ aggregates and Aβ-mediated pathology such as neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and impaired adult neurogenesis in 5 five familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations (5XFAD) mice, an animal model for AD. In an in vitro thioflavin T assay, JWS showed a remarkable anti-Aβ aggregation effect. Histochemical analysis indicated that JWS had inhibitory effects on Aβ aggregation, Aβ-induced pathologies, and improved adult hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest the therapeutic possibility of JWS for AD targeting Aβ aggregation, Aβ-mediated neurodegeneration, and impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Peripheral Acid Sphingomyelinase Activity Is Associated with Biomarkers and Phenotypes of Alcohol Use and Dependence in Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Mühle Christiane , Weinland Christian , Gulbins Erich , Lenz Bernd , Kornhuber Johannes
Published: December 2018

By catalyzing the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin into ceramide, acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) changes the local composition of the plasma membrane with effects on receptor-mediated signaling. Altered enzyme activities have been noted in common human diseases, including alcohol dependence. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unresolved. Blood samples were collected from early-abstinent alcohol-dependent in-patients (n[♂] = 113, n[♀] = 87) and matched healthy controls (n[♂] = 133, n[♀] = 107), and analyzed for routine blood parameters and serum ASM activity. We confirmed increased secretory ASM activities in alcohol-dependent patients compared to healthy control subjects, which decreased slightly during detoxification. ASM activity correlated positively with blood alcohol concentration, withdrawal severity, biomarkers of alcohol dependence (liver enzyme activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase; homocysteine, carbohydrate-deficient transferrin; mean corpuscular volume, and creatine kinase). ASM activity correlated negatively with leukocyte and thrombocyte counts. ASM and gamma-glutamyl transferase were also associated in healthy subjects. Most effects were similar for males and females with different strengths. We describe previously unreported associations between ASM activity and markers of liver damage and myelosuppression. Further research should investigate whether this relationship is causal, or whether these parameters are part of a common pathway in order to gain insights into underlying mechanisms and develop clinical applications.
Applications of Noble Metal-Based Nanoparticles in Medicine
Authors: Klębowski Bartosz , Depciuch Joanna , Parlińska-Wojtan Magdalena , Baran Jarek
Published: December 2018

Nanoparticles have unique, size-dependent properties, which means they are widely used in various branches of industry. The ability to control the properties of nanoparticles makes these nanomaterials very interesting for medicine and pharmacology. The application of nanoparticles in medicine is associated with the design of specific nanostructures, which can be used as novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. There are a lot of applications of nanoparticles, e.g., as drug delivery systems, radiosensitizers in radiation or proton therapy, in bioimaging, or as bactericides/fungicides. This paper aims to introduce the characteristics of noble metal-based nanoparticles with particular emphasis on their applications in medicine and related sciences.
Influence of Implant Material and Surface on Differentiation and Proliferation of Human Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells
Authors: Jung Susanne , Bohner Lauren , Hanisch Marcel , Kleinheinz Johannes , Sielker Sonja
Published: December 2018

For the guided regeneration of periimplant hard and soft tissues, human adipose-derived stromal cells (hADSC) seem to be a promising source for mesenchymal stromal cells. For this, the proliferation and differentiation of hADSC were evaluated on titanium and zirconia dental implants with different surface treatments. Results were compared to edaphic cells as human osteoblasts (hOB) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Primary cells were cultured on (1) titanium implants with a polished surface (Ti-PT), (2) sandblasted and acid-etched titanium (Ti-SLA), (3) sandblasted and alkaline etched zirconia (ZrO2-ZLA) and (4) machined zirconia (ZrO2-M). The cell proliferation and differentiation on osteogenic lineage were assessed after 1, 7 and 14 days. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA and a modified Levene test with a statistical significance at p = 0.05. PostHoc tests were performed by Bonferroni-Holm. Zirconia dental implants with rough surface (ZrO2-ZLA) showed the highest proliferation rates (p = 0.048). The osteogenic differentiation occurred early for zirconia and later for titanium implants, and it was enhanced for rough surfaces in comparison to polished/machined surfaces. Zirconia was more effective to promote the proliferation and differentiation of hADSCs in comparison to titanium. Rough surfaces were able to improve the biological response for both zirconia and titanium.
Lymphatic Vascular Structures: A New Aspect in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Gucciardo Erika , Loukovaara Sirpa , Salven Petri , Lehti Kaisa
Published: December 2018

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common diabetic microvascular complication and major cause of blindness in working-age adults. According to the level of microvascular degeneration and ischemic damage, DR is classified into non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and end-stage, proliferative DR (PDR). Despite advances in the disease etiology and pathogenesis, molecular understanding of end-stage PDR, characterized by ischemia- and inflammation-associated neovascularization and fibrosis, remains incomplete due to the limited availability of ideal clinical samples and experimental research models. Since a great portion of patients do not benefit from current treatments, improved therapies are essential. DR is known to be a complex and multifactorial disease featuring the interplay of microvascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, genetic/epigenetic, immunological, and inflammation-related factors. Particularly, deeper knowledge on the mechanisms and pathophysiology of most advanced PDR is critical. Lymphatic-like vessel formation coupled with abnormal endothelial differentiation and progenitor cell involvement in the neovascularization associated with PDR are novel recent findings which hold potential for improved DR treatment. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of PDR pathogenesis is therefore crucial. To this goal, multidisciplinary approaches and new ex vivo models have been developed for a more comprehensive molecular, cellular and tissue-level understanding of the disease. This is the first step to gain the needed information on how PDR can be better evaluated, stratified, and treated.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells to Overcome Chemoresistance
Authors: Nunes Toni , Hamdan Diaddin , Leboeuf Christophe , El Bouchtaoui Morad , Gapihan Guillaume , Nguyen Thi Thuy , Meles Solveig , Angeli Eurydice , Ratajczak Philippe , Lu He , Di Benedetto Mélanie , Bousquet Guilhem , Janin Anne
Published: December 2018

Cancers are heterogeneous at the cell level, and the mechanisms leading to cancer heterogeneity could be clonal evolution or cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are resistant to most anti-cancer treatments and could be preferential targets to reverse this resistance, either targeting stemness pathways or cancer stem cell surface markers. Gold nanoparticles have emerged as innovative tools, particularly for photo-thermal therapy since they can be excited by laser to induce hyperthermia. Gold nanoparticles can be functionalized with antibodies to specifically target cancer stem cells. Preclinical studies using photo-thermal therapy have demonstrated the feasibility of targeting chemo-resistant cancer cells to reverse clinical chemoresistance. Here, we review the data linking cancer stem cells and chemoresistance and discuss the way to target them to reverse resistance. We particularly focus on the use of functionalized gold nanoparticles in the treatment of chemo-resistant metastatic cancers.
Glucosinolate Profiling and Expression Analysis of Glucosinolate Biosynthesis Genes Differentiate White Mold Resistant and Susceptible Cabbage Lines
Authors: Abuyusuf Md. , Robin Arif Hasan Khan , Lee Ji-Hee , Jung Hee-Jeong , Kim Hoy-Taek , Park Jong-In , Nou Ill-Sup
Published: December 2018

Sclerotinia stem rot (white mold), caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a serious disease of Brassica crops worldwide. Despite considerable progress in investigating plant defense mechanisms against this pathogen, which have revealed the involvement of glucosinolates, the host–pathogen interaction between cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and S. sclerotiorum has not been fully explored. Here, we investigated glucosinolate profiles and the expression of glucosinolate biosynthesis genes in white-mold-resistant (R) and -susceptible (S) lines of cabbage after infection with S. sclerotiorum. The simultaneous rise in the levels of the aliphatic glucosinate glucoiberverin (GIV) and the indolic glucosinate glucobrassicin (GBS) was linked to white mold resistance in cabbage. Principal component analysis showed close association between fungal treatment and cabbage GIV and GBS contents. The correlation analysis showed significant positive associations between GIV content and expression of the glucosinolate biosynthesis genes ST5b-Bol026202 and ST5c-Bol030757, and between GBS content and the expression of the glucosinolate biosynthesis genes ST5a-Bol026200 and ST5a-Bol039395. Our results revealed that S. sclerotiorum infection of cabbage induces the expression of glucosinolate biosynthesis genes, altering the content of individual glucosinolates. This relationship between the expression of glucosinolate biosynthesis genes and accumulation of the corresponding glucosinolates and resistance to white mold extends the molecular understanding of glucosinolate-negotiated defense against S. sclerotiorum in cabbage.
Rac GTPases in Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Durand-Onaylı Valerie , Haslauer Theresa , Härzschel Andrea , Hartmann Tanja Nicole
Published: December 2018

Emerging evidence suggests that crosstalk between hematologic tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment contributes to leukemia and lymphoma cell migration, survival, and proliferation. The supportive tumor cell-microenvironment interactions and the resulting cellular processes require adaptations and modulations of the cytoskeleton. The Rac subfamily of the Rho family GTPases includes key regulators of the cytoskeleton, with essential functions in both normal and transformed leukocytes. Rac proteins function downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases, chemokine receptors, and integrins, orchestrating a multitude of signals arising from the microenvironment. As such, it is not surprising that deregulation of Rac expression and activation plays a role in the development and progression of hematological malignancies. In this review, we will give an overview of the specific contribution of the deregulation of Rac GTPases in hematologic malignancies.
Multiple Links between HD-Zip Proteins and Hormone Networks
Authors: Sessa Giovanna , Carabelli Monica , Possenti Marco , Morelli Giorgio , Ruberti Ida
Published: December 2018

HD-Zip proteins are unique to plants, and contain a homeodomain closely linked to a leucine zipper motif, which are involved in dimerization and DNA binding. Based on homology in the HD-Zip domain, gene structure and the presence of additional motifs, HD-Zips are divided into four families, HD-Zip I–IV. Phylogenetic analysis of HD-Zip genes using transcriptomic and genomic datasets from a wide range of plant species indicate that the HD-Zip protein class was already present in green algae. Later, HD-Zips experienced multiple duplication events that promoted neo- and sub-functionalizations. HD-Zip proteins are known to control key developmental and environmental responses, and a growing body of evidence indicates a strict link between members of the HD-Zip II and III families and the auxin machineries. Interactions of HD-Zip proteins with other hormones such as brassinolide and cytokinin have also been described. More recent data indicate that members of different HD-Zip families are directly involved in the regulation of abscisic acid (ABA) homeostasis and signaling. Considering the fundamental role of specific HD-Zip proteins in the control of key developmental pathways and in the cross-talk between auxin and cytokinin, a relevant role of these factors in adjusting plant growth and development to changing environment is emerging.
Pharmacological Utilization of Bergamottin, Derived from Grapefruits, in Cancer Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Ko Jeong-Hyeon , Arfuso Frank , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: December 2018

Cancer still remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In spite of significant advances in treatment options and the advent of novel targeted therapies, there still remains an unmet need for the identification of novel pharmacological agents for cancer therapy. This has led to several studies evaluating the possible application of natural agents found in vegetables, fruits, or plant-derived products that may be useful for cancer treatment. Bergamottin is a furanocoumarin derived from grapefruits and is also a well-known cytochrome P450 inhibitor. Recent studies have demonstrated potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties of grapefruit furanocoumarin both in vitro and in vivo. The present review focuses on the potential anti-neoplastic effects of bergamottin in different tumor models and briefly describes the molecular targets affected by this agent.