bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Analytical Approach to Describe the Sensitivity of Tree–Environment Dependences through Stem Radial Variation
Authors: Cocozza Claudia , Tognetti Roberto , Giovannelli Alessio
Published: March 2018

Stem radius variations are remarkably synchronous to weather conditions. Climate fluctuations can forecast the occurrence and severity of environmental disturbance on radial variations, as well as tissue sensitivity and tree growth. Radial variations were detected through dendrometers and were analyzed coupled to environmental conditions to define stem sensitivity in response to experimental (logs in lab) and natural (trees in field) drivers. By using a mathematical approach for the analysis of plant traits and environmental variables, this study aimed at highlighting a methodological framework to analytically unravel the environmental control of stem cycles. A derivative analysis was performed on data derived from experimental measurements, which showed a high degree of agreement between environmental drivers and dendrometer signals. The analytical approach provided information on plant performance in response to environmental variation, removing the confounding effects of different variables. Coding of the dendrometer signal provided a process to quantify stem sensitivity to ambient temperature, to portray synchronicity of time series related to stem radial variations and air temperature events, and to identify time lags of environmental effects on plant traits.
Ecosystemic Evolution Fed by Smart Systems
Authors: Giuli Dino
Published: March 2018

n/a
Understanding How GitHub Supports Curation Repositories
Authors: Wu Yu , Kropczynski Jessica , Prates Raquel , Carroll John
Published: March 2018

In recent years, software developers have started to appropriate GitHub repositories to curate resources, in order to systematically select, evaluate, and organize existing artifacts for preservation and future use. Curation behaviors in social media sites, such as users’ experiences to curate tweets from Twitter and pins on Pinterest, are well documented. However, GitHub, as a social coding platform, presents a new context for this activity, raising questions about the nature of curation on this task-driven online work site. To explore and understand curation on GitHub, we compared and contrasted curation repositories with software repositories using activity logs and analyzed the content of popular curation repositories. Our results show that: (1) curation repositories have become a favorite category of repositories in GitHub; (2) curation repositories leverage collaborative features and practices native to GitHub in new ways; (3) curation repositories collect and preserve high-quality resources for the software developers’ community. Our results suggest that curation is becoming increasingly important to the software developers’ community, and current practices can be better supported with tools designed specifically for curation.
Investigation of Transcrystalline Interphases in Polypropylene/Glass Fiber Composites Using Micromechanical Tests
Authors: Brodowsky Hanna , Mäder Edith
Published: March 2018

In composites, a strong interphase between the components is essential for mechanical properties. By using a suitable sizing (i.e., surface modification) of the fiber, the interphase may be varied, e.g., by suppressing or promoting heterogeneous nucleation of a thermoplastic matrix. In the latter case, three-dimensional transcrystallized interphases with properties differing from those of the bulk matrix are formed. Polypropylene-glass fiber composites are prepared as single-fiber model composites with (a) sizings either inducing or suppressing a transcrystalline interphase, (b) different amounts of modifier maleic acid anhydride grafted polypropylene, and (c) different molecular weights of the matrix polymer. These are studied in quasi-static or cyclic load tests. Static tests permit insights in the interfacial characteristics such as critical interface energy release rate, adhesion strength and frictional stress. Cyclic tests on these model composites can be used to study the nature of dissipative processes and the damage behavior. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) investigations of the fiber fracture surfaces provide supplementary information. The transcrystalline layer can indeed improve the mechanical parameters (a 70–100% increase of strength and a 25 or 125% increase in toughness, depending on the molecular weight (MW) of the matrix polymer at low modifier concentration). However, the effect is partially neutralized by an opposing effect: high nucleation in the bulk in samples with commonly used concentrations of modifier.
Sequential Auctions with Capacity Constraints: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Otamendi F. , Brocas Isabelle , Carrillo Juan
Published: March 2018

We conduct a laboratory experiment where groups of 4 subjects constrained to obtain at most one good each, sequentially bid for three goods in first and second price auctions. Subjects learn at the beginning of each auction their valuation for the good and exit the auction once they have obtained one good. We show that, contrary to equilibrium predictions, subjects’ bidding behavior is excessively similar across units and across mechanisms at the aggregate level. We provide two (complementary) explanations for these departures. One is bounded rationality. Subjects do not fully comprehend subtle differences between mechanisms. The other is self-selection. Subjects are very heterogeneous and some of them deviate more from equilibrium than others. Since deviations take mostly the form of overbidding, these subjects win the first or second good and exit the auction, leaving those who play closer to theoretical predictions to bid for the third good. Support for this hypothesis comes from the documented higher bidding, lower efficiency and lower profits associated with the first and second unit compared to the third one.
On the Spectrum and Polarization of Magnetar Flare Emission
Authors: Taverna Roberto , Turolla Roberto
Published: March 2018

Bursts and flares are among the distinctive observational manifestations of magnetars, isolated neutron stars endowed with an ultra-strong magnetic field ( B ≈ 10 14 – 10 15 G). It is believed that these events arise in a hot electron-positron plasma, injected in the magnetosphere, due to a magnetic field instability, which remains trapped within the closed magnetic field lines (the “trapped-fireball” model). We have developed a simple radiative transfer model to simulate magnetar flare emission in the case of a steady trapped fireball. After dividing the fireball surface in a number of plane-parallel slabs, the local spectral and polarization properties are obtained integrating the radiative transfer equations for the two normal modes. We assume that magnetic Thomson scattering is the dominant source of opacity, and neglect contributions from second-order radiative processes, although the presence of double-Compton scattering is accounted for in establishing local thermal equilibrium in the fireball atmospheric layers. The spectra we obtained in the 1–100 keV energy range are in broad agreement with those of available observations. The large degree of polarization (≳80%) predicted by our model should be easily detectable by new-generation X-ray polarimeters, like IXPE, XIPE and eXTP, allowing one to confirm the model predictions.
Effect of Monomer Sequence along Network Chains on Thermoresponsive Properties of Polymer Gels
Authors: Ida Shohei , Kawahara Toru , Kawabata Hidekazu , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Hirokawa Yoshitsugu
Published: March 2018

The effect of monomer sequence along the network chain on the swelling behavior of polymer gels should be clarified for the advanced control of swelling properties of gel materials. To this end, we systematically investigated the swelling properties of poly(acrylamide derivative) gels with the same composition but different monomer sequence by utilizing two gel synthetic methods: copolymerization giving a random network and co-crosslinking giving a blocky network. Both of the copolymerization and the co-crosslinking gels were prepared from the combination of two of the three following monomers: hydrophilic N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm), hydrophobic N-n-butylacrylamide (NBAAm), and thermoresponsive N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) with various monomer compositions. The swelling measurement of the obtained gels showed totally different behaviors between the copolymerization and the co-crosslinking gels, even with the same monomer composition. The copolymerization gels had the average property from the two monomers, depending on monomer composition, because random monomer distribution changed the affinity of each network chain to water. On the other hand, the co-crosslinking gels behaved as if two components independently contributed to the swelling properties, probably due to the domain structure derived from two kinds of prepolymers.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes between Original Breast Cancer and Xenograft Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Wang Deling , Li Jia-Rui , Zhang Yu-Hang , Chen Lei , Huang Tao , Cai Yu-Dong
Published: March 2018

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model is a cutting-edge approach for drug research on breast cancer. However, PDX still exhibits differences from original human tumors, thereby challenging the molecular understanding of tumorigenesis. In particular, gene expression changes after tissues are transplanted from human to mouse model. In this study, we propose a novel computational method by incorporating several machine learning algorithms, including Monte Carlo feature selection (MCFS), random forest (RF), and rough set-based rule learning, to identify genes with significant expression differences between PDX and original human tumors. First, 831 breast tumors, including 657 PDX and 174 human tumors, were collected. Based on MCFS and RF, 32 genes were then identified to be informative for the prediction of PDX and human tumors and can be used to construct a prediction model. The prediction model exhibits a Matthews coefficient correlation value of 0.777. Seven interpretable interactions within the informative gene were detected based on the rough set-based rule learning. Furthermore, the seven interpretable interactions can be well supported by previous experimental studies. Our study not only presents a method for identifying informative genes with differential expression but also provides insights into the mechanism through which gene expression changes after being transplanted from human tumor into mouse model. This work would be helpful for research and drug development for breast cancer.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Environmental Vibrio cholerae in an Estuary in Southern Coastal Ecuador
Authors: Ryan Sadie , Stewart-Ibarra Anna , Ordóñez-Enireb Eunice , Chu Winnie , Finkelstein Julia , King Christine , Escobar Luis , Lupone Christina , Heras Froilan , Tauzer Erica , Waggoner Egan , James Tyler , Cárdenas Washington , Polhemus Mark
Published: March 2018

Cholera emergence is strongly linked to local environmental and ecological context. The 1991–2004 pandemic emerged in Perú and spread north into Ecuador’s El Oro province, making this a key site for potential re-emergence. Machala, El Oro, is a port city of 250,000 inhabitants, near the Peruvian border. Many livelihoods depend on the estuarine system, from fishing for subsistence and trade, to domestic water use. In 2014, we conducted biweekly sampling for 10 months in five estuarine locations, across a gradient of human use, and ranging from inland to ocean. We measured water-specific environmental variables implicated in cholera growth and persistence: pH, temperature, salinity, and algal concentration, and evaluated samples in five months for pathogenic and non-pathogenic Vibrio cholerae, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found environmental persistence of pandemic strains O1 and O139, but no evidence for toxigenic strains. Vibrio cholerae presence was coupled to algal and salinity concentration, and sites exhibited considerable seasonal and spatial heterogeneity. This study indicates that environmental conditions in Machala are optimal for cholera re-emergence, with risk peaking during September, and higher risk near urban periphery low-income communities. This highlights a need for surveillance of this coupled cholera–estuarine system to anticipate potential future cholera outbreaks.
Social Frailty Leads to the Development of Physical Frailty among Physically Non-Frail Adults: A Four-Year Follow-Up Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Makizako Hyuma , Shimada Hiroyuki , Doi Takehiko , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Hotta Ryo , Nakakubo Sho , Makino Keitaro , Lee Sangyoon
Published: March 2018

Social frailty domains may play an important role in preventing physical decline and disability. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of social frailty as a risk factor for the future development of physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults who are not yet physically frail. A total of 1226 physically non-frail older adults were analyzed to provide a baseline. Participants completed a longitudinal assessment of their physical frailty 48 months later. Their baseline social frailty was determined based on their responses to five questions, which identified participants who went out less frequently, rarely visited friends, felt less like helping friends or family, lived alone and did not talk to another person every day. Participants with none of these characteristics were considered not to be socially frail; those with one characteristic were considered socially pre-frail; and those with two or more characteristics were considered socially frail. At the four-year follow-up assessment, 24 participants (2.0%) had developed physical frailty and 440 (35.9%) had developed physical pre-frailty. The rates of developing physical frailty and pre-frailty were 1.6% and 34.2%, respectively, in the socially non-frail group; 2.4% and 38.8%, respectively, in the socially pre-frail group; and 6.8% and 54.5%, respectively, in the socially frail group. Participants classified as socially frail at the baseline had an increased risk of developing physical frailty, compared with participants who were not socially frail (OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 1.02–15.15). Participants who were socially frail at the baseline also had an increased risk of developing physical pre-frailty (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.30–4.80). Among independent community-dwelling older adults who are not physically frail, those who are socially frail may be at greater risk of developing physical frailty in the near future. Social frailty may precede (and lead to the development of) physical frailty.
Potential of Cassia alata L. Coupled with Biochar for Heavy Metal Stabilization in Multi-Metal Mine Tailings
Authors: Huang Lige , Li Yuanyuan , Zhao Man , Chao Yuanqing , Qiu Rongliang , Yang Yanhua , Wang Shizhong
Published: March 2018

To explore the effect of different biochars on Cassia alata L. growth and heavy metal immobilization in multi-metal mine tailings, a 100-day pot experiment was conducted. Three biochars derived from Hibiscus cannabinus core (HB), sewage sludge (SB) and chicken manure (MB), were added to mine tailings at rates of 0.4%, 1% and 3% (w/w). The results showed that the root biomass, shoot biomass, plant height and root length were 1.2–2.8, 1.7–3.2, 1–1.5 and 1.6–3.3 times of those in the control group, respectively. Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and As contents in the shoot decreased by 63.9–89.5%, 46.9–66.0%, 32.7–62.4%, 40.4–76.4% and 54.9–77.5%, respectively. The biochar significantly increased the pH and decreased the mild acid-soluble Pb and Cu concentrations in the mine tailings. Specifically, SB immobilized Pb and Cu better than MB and HB did, although it did not immobilize As, Zn or Cd. Meanwhile, more attention should be paid to the potential As release as the biochar application rate increases. In conclusion, Cassia alata L. coupled with 3% of SB could be an effective measure for restoring multi-metal mine tailings. This study herein provided a promising ecological restoration technique for future practice of heavy metal stabilization in mine tailings.
Protozoan Parasites in Drinking Water: A System Approach for Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Developing Countries
Authors: Omarova Alua , Tussupova Kamshat , Berndtsson Ronny , Kalishev Marat , Sharapatova Kulyash
Published: March 2018

Improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are significant in preventing diarrhea morbidity and mortality caused by protozoa in low- and middle-income countries. Due to the intimate and complex relationships between the different WASH components, it is often necessary to improve not just one but all of these components to have sustainable results. The objective of this paper was to review the current state of WASH-related health problems caused by parasitic protozoa by: giving an overview and classification of protozoa and their effect on people’s health, discussing different ways to improve accessibility to safe drinking water, sanitation services and personal hygiene behavior; and suggesting an institutional approach to ensure improved WASH. The findings indicate that Giardia and Cryptosporidium are more often identified during waterborne or water-washed outbreaks and they are less sensitive than most of the bacteria and viruses to conventional drinking water and wastewater treatment methods. There are various institutions of control and prevention of water-related diseases caused by protozoa in developed countries. Unfortunately, the developing regions do not have comparable systems. Consequently, the institutional and systems approach to WASH is necessary in these countries.
Asymptotic Expansion of Risk-Neutral Pricing Density
Authors: Mazzoni Thomas
Published: March 2018

A new method for pricing contingent claims based on an asymptotic expansion of the dynamics of the pricing density is introduced. The expansion is conducted in a preferred coordinate frame, in which the pricing density looks stationary. The resulting asymptotic Kolmogorov-backward-equation is approximated by using a complete set of orthogonal Hermite-polynomials. The derived model is calibrated and tested on a collection of 1075 European-style ‘Deutscher Aktienindex’ (DAX) index options and is shown to generate very precise option prices and a more accurate implied volatility surface than conventional methods.
Evaluating the Societal Impact of Using Drones to Support Urban Upgrading Projects
Authors: Gevaert Caroline , Sliuzas Richard , Persello Claudio , Vosselman George
Published: March 2018

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have been gaining enormous popularity for many applications including informal settlement upgrading. Although UAVs can be used to efficiently collect highly detailed geospatial information, there are concerns regarding the ethical implications of its usage and the potential misuse of data. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the societal impacts of using UAVs for informal settlement mapping through two case studies in Eastern Africa. We discuss how the geospatial information they provide is beneficial from a technical perspective and analyze how the use of UAVs can be aligned with the values of: participation, empowerment, accountability, transparency, and equity. The local concept of privacy is investigated by asking citizens of the informal settlements to identify objects appearing in UAV images which they consider to be sensitive or private. As such, our research is an explicit example of how to increase citizen participation in the discussion of geospatial data security and privacy issues over urban areas and provides a framework of strategies illustrating how such issues can be addressed.
Improving the Separability of Deep Features with Discriminative Convolution Filters for RSI Classification
Authors: Liu Na , Lu Xiankai , Wan Lihong , Huo Hong , Fang Tao
Published: March 2018

The extraction of activation vectors (or deep features) from the fully connected layers of a convolutional neural network (CNN) model is widely used for remote sensing image (RSI) representation. In this study, we propose to learn discriminative convolution filter (DCF) based on class-specific separability criteria for linear transformation of deep features. In particular, two types of pretrained CNN called CaffeNet and VGG-VD16 are introduced to illustrate the generality of the proposed DCF. The activation vectors extracted from the fully connected layers of a CNN are rearranged into the form of an image matrix, from which a spatial arrangement of local patches is extracted using sliding window strategy. DCF learning is then performed on each local patch individually to obtain the corresponding discriminative convolution kernel through generalized eigenvalue decomposition. The proposed DCF learning characterizes that a convolutional kernel with small size (e.g., 3 × 3 pixels) can be effectively learned on a small-size local patch (e.g., 8 × 8 pixels), thereby ensuring that the linear transformation of deep features can maintain low computational complexity. Experiments on two RSI datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of DCF in improving the classification performances of deep features without increasing dimensionality.
Once upon a Spacetime: Visual Storytelling in Cognitive and Geotemporal Information Spaces
Authors: Mayr Eva , Windhager Florian
Published: March 2018

Stories are an essential mode, not only of human communication—but also of thinking. This paper reflects on the internalization of stories from a cognitive perspective and outlines a visualization framework for supporting the analysis of narrative geotemporal data. We discuss the strengths and limitations of standard techniques for representing spatiotemporal data (coordinated views, animation or slideshow, layer superimposition, juxtaposition, and space-time cube representation) and think about their effects on mental representations of a story. Many current visualization systems offer multiple views and allow the user to investigate different aspects of a story. From a cognitive point of view, it is important to assist users in reconnecting these multiple perspectives into a coherent picture—e.g., by utilizing coherence techniques like seamless transitions. A case study involving visualizing biographical narratives illustrates how the design of advanced visualization systems can be cognitively and conceptually grounded to support the construction of an integrated internal representation.
Tolerance to Plant Pathogens: Theory and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Pagán Israel , García-Arenal Fernando
Published: March 2018

The two major mechanisms of plant defense against pathogens are resistance (the host’s ability to limit pathogen multiplication) and tolerance (the host’s ability to reduce the effect of infection on its fitness regardless of the level of pathogen multiplication). There is abundant literature on virtually every aspect of plant resistance to pathogens. Although tolerance to plant pathogens is comparatively less understood, studies on this plant defense strategy have led to major insights into its evolution, mechanistic basis and genetic determinants. This review aims at summarizing current theories and experimental evidence on the evolutionary causes and consequences of plant tolerance to pathogens, as well as the existing knowledge on the genetic determinants and mechanisms of tolerance. Our review reveals that (i) in plant-pathogen systems, resistance and tolerance generally coexist, i.e., are not mutually exclusive; (ii) evidence of tolerance polymorphisms is abundant regardless of the pathogen considered; (iii) tolerance is an efficient strategy to reduce the damage on the infected host; and (iv) there is no evidence that tolerance results in increased pathogen multiplication. Taken together, the work discussed in this review indicates that tolerance may be as important as resistance in determining the dynamics of plant-pathogen interactions. Several aspects of plant tolerance to pathogens that still remain unclear and which should be explored in the future, are also outlined.
Effects of Honokiol on CYP450 Activity and Transporter mRNA Expression in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wang Junjun , Zhai Ting , Chen Yong
Published: March 2018

This study was aimed to clarify the effect of honokiol (Hon) on the activity of Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, and the level of mRNA expression of liver and kidney transporters in type 2 diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet and strepotozotocin. Rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC) group, diabetic control (DC) group and Hon groups (n = 6). The activities of hepatic CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2C, CYP2B, CYP3A and CYP4A, and the mRNA expression levels of hepatic and renal transporters, were determined. Compared to the NC group, the activities of CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP4A and CYP2C in DC group were increased by 2.36-, 2.10-, 2.55- and 1.86-fold, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of hepatic Oat2, Oatp2b1 and Oatp1a5, and renal Oct1, Octn2, Oatp2b1 and Oatp1a5, were significantly down-regulated, while the mRNA expression levels of hepatic Octn2, Oatp3a1, Oatp1a1 and Mdr2, and renal Oat2, Mrp4 and Bcrp, were significantly upregulated. Compared to the DC group, Hon treatment significantly inhibited the activity of hepatic CYP2E1, CYP4A, 3A and CYP1A2 by 45.6%, 29.2%, 22.7% and 20.7% in Hon high dose group, respectively. Moreover, Hon treatment significantly inhibited the mRNA expression levels of renal Bcrp and Mrp4 by 2.63-fold and 1.54-fold, while significantly upregulated the mRNA expression levels of hepatic Oat2 and Oatp2b1 by 1.52-fold and 1.54-fold in Hon high dose group, respectively. The results suggested that under the diabetes condition, the changes of CYP450 activity and transporter expression inevitably interfere the normal transport, metabolism and efficacy of drugs. The present work firstly reported that Hon treatment ameliorated the abnormal change of hepatic CYP activity (including CYP2E1, CYP4A and CYP1A2) and the transporter mRNA expression (including hepatic Oat2 and Oatp2b1, renal Bcrp and Mrp4) in type 2 diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet and strepotozotocin, which are associated with the occurrence and development of diabetes.
Exploring the In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Simvastatin-Loaded Porous Microspheres on Inflamed Tenocytes in a Collagenase-Induced Animal Model of Achilles Tendinitis
Authors: Jeong Chandong , Kim Sung , Shim Kyu-Sik , Kim Hak-Jun , Song Mi , Park Kyeongsoon , Song Hae-Ryong
Published: March 2018

Tendon rupture induces an inflammatory response characterized by release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and impaired tendon performance. This study sought to investigate the therapeutic effects of simvastatin-loaded porous microspheres (SIM/PMSs) on inflamed tenocytes in vitro and collagenase-induced Achilles tendinitis in vivo. The treatment of SIM/PMSs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated tenocytes reduced the mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)). In addition, the local injection of SIM/PMSs into the tendons of collagenase-induced Achilles tendinitis rat models suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (MMP-3, COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-13). This local treatment also upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13). Furthermore, treatment with SIM/PMSs also improved the alignment of collagen fibrils and effectively prevented collagen disruption in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, SIM/PMSs treatment resulted in an incremental increase in the collagen content, stiffness, and tensile strength in tendons. This study suggests that SIM/PMSs have great potential for tendon healing and restoration in Achilles tendinitis.
A Remote Controlled Robotic Arm That Reads Barcodes and Handles Products
Authors: Chen Zhi-Ying , Chen Chin-Tai
Published: March 2018

In this study, a 6-axis robotic arm, which was controlled by an embedded Raspberry Pi with onboard WiFi, was developed and fabricated. A mobile application (APP), designed for the purpose, was used to operate and monitor a robotic arm by means of a WiFi connection. A computer vision was used to read common one-dimensional barcode (EAN code) for the handling and identification of products such as milk tea drinks, sodas and biscuits. The gripper on the end of the arm could sense the clamping force and allowed real-time control of the amount of force used to hold and handle the products. The packages were all made of different material and this control allowed them to be handled without danger of damage or deformation. The maximum handling torque used was ~1.08 Nm and the mechanical design allowed the force of the gripper to be uniformly applied to the sensor to ensure accurate measurement of the force.
Association between Socioeconomic Status and 30-Day and One-Year All-Cause Mortality after Surgery in South Korea
Authors: Oh Tak , Kim Kooknam , Do Sang-Hwan , Hwang Jung-Won , Jeon Young-Tae
Published: March 2018

Preoperative socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with outcomes after surgery, although the effect on mortality may vary according to region. This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent elective surgery at a tertiary hospital from 2011 to 2015 in South Korea. Preoperative SES factors (education, religion, marital status, and occupation) were evaluated for their association with 30-day and one-year all-cause mortality. The final analysis included 80,969 patients who were ≥30 years old, with 30-day mortality detected in 339 cases (0.4%) and one-year mortality detected in 2687 cases (3.3%). As compared to never-married patients, those who were married or cohabitating (odds ratio (OR): 0.678, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.462–0.995) and those divorced or separated (OR: 0.573, 95% CI: 0.359–0.917) had a lower risk of 30-day mortality after surgery. Similarly, the risk of one-year mortality after surgery was lower among married or cohabitating patients (OR: 0.857, 95% CI: 0.746–0.983) than it was for those who had never married. Moreover, as compared to nonreligious patients, Protestant patients had a decreased risk of 30-day mortality after surgery (OR: 0.642, 95% CI: 0.476–0.866). The present study revealed that marital status and religious affiliation are associated with risk of 30-day and one-year all-cause mortality after surgery.
A Challenge to Aging Society by microRNA in Extracellular Vesicles: microRNA in Extracellular Vesicles as Promising Biomarkers and Novel Therapeutic Targets in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Yamamoto Tomofumi , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Hattori Yutaka , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: March 2018

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells and is the second most common hematological cancer. MM frequently occurs in the elderly population with the median age as the middle sixties. Over the last 10 years, the prognosis of MM has been dramatically improved by new therapeutic drugs; however, MM is still incurable. The pathogenesis of MM is still unclear, thus greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms of MM malignancy is desirable. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) were shown to modulate the expression of genes critical for MM pathogenesis. In addition, miRNAs are secreted via extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are released from various cell types including MM cells, and these miRNAs are involved in multiple types of cell-cell interactions, which lead to the malignancy of MM. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of miRNA secretion via EVs and of EVs themselves in MM development. We also discuss the potential clinical applications of EVs as promising biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for improving the outcome of MM, resulting in a brighter future for aging societies.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Effect of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Effluent Discharge Options on Global OTEC Resources
Authors: Nihous Gérard
Published: March 2018

A simple algorithm previously used to evaluate steady-state global Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) resources is extended to probe the effect of various effluent discharge methodologies. It is found that separate evaporator and condenser discharges potentially increase OTEC net power limits by about 60% over a comparable mixed discharge scenario. This stems from a relatively less severe degradation of the thermal resource at given OTEC seawater flow rates, which corresponds to a smaller heat input into the ocean. Next, the most practical case of a mixed discharge into the mixed layer is found to correspond to only 80% of the so-called baseline case (mixed discharge at a water depth of initial neutral buoyancy). In general, locating effluent discharges at initial neutral-buoyancy depths appears to be nearly optimal in terms of OTEC net power production limits. The depth selected for the OTEC condenser effluent discharge, however, has by far the greatest impact. Clearly, these results are preliminary and should be investigated in more complex ocean general circulation models.
Burden of Severe Fungal Infections in Burkina Faso
Authors: Bamba Sanata , Zida Adama , Sangaré Ibrahim , Cissé Mamoudou , Denning David , Hennequin Christophe
Published: March 2018

Because of the limited access to more powerful diagnostic tools, there is a paucity of data regarding the burden of fungal infections in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal infections in this sub-Saharan country. We primarily used the national demographic data and performed a PubMed search to retrieve all published papers on fungal infections from Burkina Faso and its surrounding West African countries. Considering the prevalence of HIV infection (0.8% of the population) and a 3.4% incidence of cryptococcosis in hospitals, it is estimated that 459 patients per year develop cryptococcosis. For pneumocystosis, it is suggested that 1013 new cases occur every year. Taking into account the local TB frequency (population prevalence at 0.052%), we estimate the prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis at 1120 cases. Severe forms of asthma with fungal sensitization and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis are estimated to affect 7429 and 5628 cases, respectively. Vulvovaginal candidiasis may affect 179,000 women, and almost 1,000,000 children may suffer from tinea capitis. Globally, we estimate that roughly 1.4 million people in Burkina Faso (7.51% of the population) suffer from a serious fungal infection. These data should be used to drive future epidemiological studies, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.
All-in-One Gel-Based Electrochromic Devices: Strengths and Recent Developments
Authors: Alesanco Yolanda , Viñuales Ana , Rodriguez Javier , Tena-Zaera Ramón
Published: March 2018

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) have aroused great interest because of their potential applicability in displays and smart systems, including windows, rearview mirrors, and helmet visors. In the last decades, different device structures and materials have been proposed to meet the requirements of commercial applications to boost market entry. To this end, employing simple device architectures and achieving a competitive electrolyte are crucial to accomplish easily implementable, high-performance ECDs. The present review outlines devices comprising gel electrolytes as a single electroactive layer (“all-in-one”) ECD architecture, highlighting some advantages and opportunities they offer over other electrochromic systems. In this context, gel electrolytes not only overcome the drawbacks of liquid and solid electrolytes, such as liquid’s low chemical stability and risk of leaking and soil’s slow switching and lack of transparency, but also exhibit further strengths. These include easier processability, suitability for flexible substrates, and improved stabilization of the chemical species involved in redox processes, leading to better cyclability and opening wide possibilities to extend the electrochromic color palette, as discussed herein. Finally, conclusions and outlook are provided.
Short-Cut Method to Assess a Gross Available Energy in a Medium-Load Screw Friction Press
Authors: Sánchez Egea A.J. , Deferrari N. , Abate G. , Martínez Krahmer D. , López de Lacalle L.N.
Published: March 2018

The present study proposed a rapid method, based on a previous universal compression tests, to estimate the required load capacity to cold forge different specimen quantity in a screw press. Accordingly, experimental and theoretical approach are performed to check new adjustable drive motor of the modified forging machine to achieve a gross available energy to deform the specimens preventing damage of the forging machine. During the forging experiments, two screw friction presses (as-received and modified) are used to validate the theoretical approach. The modified press exhibits an increase of 51% of gross energy and 11% of maximum load capacity compare to the as-received press. This method is used to improve the effective of the forging process avoiding excessive loads that could promote machine failure. Therefore, a low-cost and easy to implement methodology is proposed to determine the energy and load capacity of a screw friction press to forge different specimen quantities with symmetry pattern configurations.
Scaling Law in Laser-Induced Shock Effects of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Wang Xi , Xia Weiguang , Wu Xianqian , Huang Chenguang
Published: March 2018

The shock effects in laser shock processing of NiTi shape memory alloy were studied by dimensional analysis and finite element simulation. The essential dimensionless parameters controlling the residual stress distribution and plastically affected depth were found to be dimensionless pressure duration and peak pressure. By adopting the constitutive model considering the martensitic transformation and plasticity of deformation induced martensite, the influence of dimensionless parameters on the shock effects of shape memory alloy was studied numerically. The numerical results reveal the scaling law of shock effects on those dimensionless parameters quantitatively and the relationship between the plastically affected depth and peak pressure was validated with experimental results. A window of the optimal processing parameters could be obtained based on this study.
Development and Characterisation of Aluminium Matrix Nanocomposites AlSi10Mg/MgAl2O4 by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Marchese Giulio , Aversa Alberta , Lorusso Massimo , Manfredi Diego , Calignano Flaviana , Lombardi Mariangela , Biamino Sara , Pavese Matteo
Published: March 2018

Recently, additive manufacturing techniques have been gaining attention for the fabrication of parts from aluminium alloys to composites. In this work, the processing of an AlSi10Mg based composite reinforced with 0.5% in weight of MgAl2O4 nanoparticles through laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process is presented. After an initial investigation about the effect of process parameters on the densification levels, the LPBF materials were analysed in terms of microstructure, thermo-mechanical and mechanical properties. The presence of MgAl2O4 nanoparticles involves an increment of the volumetric energy density delivered to the materials, in order to fabricate samples with high densification levels similar to the AlSi10Mg samples. However, the application of different building parameters results in modifying the size of the cellular structures influencing the mechanical properties and therefore, limiting the strengthening effect of the reinforcement.
Low-Waste Recycling of Spent CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: Małecki Stanisław , Gargul Krzysztof
Published: March 2018

CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts are designed for low-temperature conversion in the process of hydrogen and ammonia synthesis gas production. This paper presents the results of research into the recovery of copper and zinc from spent catalysts using pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. Under reducing conditions, at high temperature, having appropriately selected the composition of the slag, more than 66% of the copper can be extracted in metallic form, and about 70% of zinc in the form of ZnO from this material. Hydrometallurgical processing of the catalysts was carried out using two leaching solutions: alkaline and acidic. Almost 62% of the zinc contained in the catalysts was leached to the alkaline solution, and about 98% of the copper was leached to the acidic solution. After the hydrometallurgical treatment of the catalysts, an insoluble residue was also obtained in the form of pure ZnAl2O4. This compound can be reused to produce catalysts, or it can be processed under reducing conditions at high temperature to recover zinc. The recovery of zinc and copper from such a material is consistent with the policy of sustainable development, and helps to reduce the environmental load of stored wastes.
Three-Dimensional Reservoir-Based Dielectrophoresis (rDEP) for Enhanced Particle Enrichment
Authors: Kale Akshay , Patel Saurin , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: March 2018

Selective enrichment of target species is crucial for a wide variety of engineering systems for improved performance of subsequent processes. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a powerful electrokinetic method that can be used to focus, trap, concentrate, and separate a variety of species in a label-free manner. The commonly employed methods for DEP suffer from limitations such as electrode fouling and high susceptibility to Joule heating effects. Recently, our group has demonstrated DEP-based manipulations of particles and cells using a novel method of reservoir-based dielectrophoresis (rDEP) which exploits the naturally produced electric field gradients at the reservoir-microchannel junction. Although this method reasonably addresses the limitations mentioned above while maintaining a high simplicity of fabrication, all of our demonstrations so far have used a two-dimensional rDEP, which limits the performance of the devices. This work aims to improve their performance further by making the DEP three-dimensional. Through detailed experimental and numerical analysis, we demonstrate a six-fold increase in the enrichment performance of latex beads and a significant reduction in the power consumption for the new devices, which would allow a more reliable integration of the same into micro-total analysis systems.
Comprehensive Analysis of External Dependency in Terms of Material Criticality by Employing Total Material Requirement: Sulfuric Acid Production in Japan as a Case Study
Authors: Kosai Shoki , Hashimoto Seiji , Matsubae Kazuyo , McLellan Benjamin , Yamasue Eiji
Published: March 2018

Securing stable material supply is of paramount importance since materials are fundamental to the economy and human well-being. The domestic production to consumption ratio has conventionally been utilized as a main index for external dependency in terms of material supply security and its criticality. However, the conventional approach confines its application to raw materials, which potentially risks reaching short-sighted conclusions in the policy-making process. Beyond the conventional analysis of external dependency, the development of a more applicable approach for every material is of paramount importance to consider the diversification of external dependency more comprehensively and to aid the analysis of overall material criticality. As such, this paper establishes a new methodology for analyzing external dependency related to every material and product by using the concept of total material requirement (TMR). Applying the methodology, the external dependency of sulfuric acid production in Japan is evaluated as a case study. Previously unexamined elements associated with external dependency in the conventional approach are revealed by this new comprehensive approach. The new approach may be of use to policymakers in designing more sophisticated and well-grounded material securement policy.
Selenides and Diselenides: A Review of Their Anticancer and Chemopreventive Activity
Authors: Álvarez-Pérez Mónica , Ali Wesam , Marć Małgorzata , Handzlik Jadwiga , Domínguez-Álvarez Enrique
Published: March 2018

Selenium and selenocompounds have attracted the attention and the efforts of scientists worldwide due to their promising potential applications in cancer prevention and/or treatment. Different organic selenocompounds, with diverse functional groups that contain selenium, have been reported to exhibit anticancer and/or chemopreventive activity. Among them, selenocyanates, selenoureas, selenoesters, selenium-containing heterocycles, selenium nanoparticles, selenides and diselenides have been considered in the search for efficiency in prevention and treatment of cancer and other related diseases. In this review, we focus our attention on the potential applications of selenides and diselenides in cancer prevention and treatment that have been reported so far. The around 80 selenides and diselenides selected herein as representative compounds include promising antioxidant, prooxidant, redox-modulating, chemopreventive, anticancer, cytotoxic and radioprotective compounds, among other activities. The aim of this work is to highlight the possibilities that these novel organic selenocompounds can offer in an effort to contribute to inspire medicinal chemists in their search of new promising derivatives.
Peptide Nucleic Acids as a Tool for Site-Specific Gene Editing
Authors: Ricciardi Adele , Quijano Elias , Putman Rachael , Saltzman W. , Glazer Peter
Published: March 2018

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) can bind duplex DNA in a sequence-targeted manner, forming a triplex structure capable of inducing DNA repair and producing specific genome modifications. Since the first description of PNA-mediated gene editing in cell free extracts, PNAs have been used to successfully correct human disease-causing mutations in cell culture and in vivo in preclinical mouse models. Gene correction via PNAs has resulted in clinically-relevant functional protein restoration and disease improvement, with low off-target genome effects, indicating a strong therapeutic potential for PNAs in the treatment or cure of genetic disorders. This review discusses the progress that has been made in developing PNAs as an effective, targeted agent for gene editing, with an emphasis on recent in vivo, nanoparticle-based strategies.
Development of Dipicolylamine-Modified Cyclodextrins for the Design of Selective Guest-Responsive Receptors for ATP
Authors: Yamada Tatsuru , Fujiwara Shoji , Fujita Kyohhei , Tsuchido Yuji , Hashimoto Takeshi , Hayashita Takashi
Published: March 2018

The construction of supramolecular recognition systems based on specific host–guest interactions has been studied in order to design selective chemical sensors. In this study, guest-responsive receptors for ATP have been designed with cyclodextrins (CyDs) as a basic prototype of the turn-on type fluorescent indicator. We synthesized dipicolylamine (DPA)-modified CyD–Cu2+ complexes (Cu·1α, Cu·1β, and Cu·1γ), and evaluated their recognition capabilities toward phosphoric acid derivatives in water. The UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra revealed that Cu·1β selectively recognized ATP over other organic and inorganic phosphates, and that β-CyD had the most suitable cavity size for complexation with ATP. The 1D and 2D NMR analyses suggested that the ATP recognition was based on the host–guest interaction between the adenine moiety of ATP and the CyD cavity, as well as the recognition of phosphoric moieties by the Cu2+–DPA complex site. The specific interactions between the CyD cavity and the nucleobases enabled us to distinguish ATP from other nucleoside triphosphates, such as guanosine triphosphate (GTP), uridine triphosphate (UTP), and cytidine triphosphate (CTP). This study clarified the basic mechanisms of molecular recognition by modified CyDs, and suggested the potential for further application of CyDs in the design of highly selective supramolecular recognition systems for certain molecular targets in water.