bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Mixed-Mode Cracking of Dovetail Root of an Aero-Engine Blade Like Structure
Authors: Canale Giacomo , Kinawy Moustafa , Maligno Angelo , Sathujoda Prabhakar , Citarella Roberto
Published: September 2019

Aerospace structures must be designed in such a way so as to be able to withstand even more flight cycles and/or increased loads. Damage tolerance analysis could be exploited more and more to study, understand, and calculate the residual life of a component when a crack occurs in service. In this paper, the authors are presenting the results of a systematic crack propagation analysis campaign performed on a compressor-blade-like structure. The point of novelty is that different blade design parameters are varied and explored in order to investigate how the crack propagation rate in low cycle fatigue (LCF, at R ratio R = 0) could be reduced. The design parameters/variables studied in this work are: (1) The length of the contact surfaces between the dovetail root and the disc and (2) their inclination angle (denoted as “flank angle” in the aero-engine industry). Effects of the friction coefficient between the disc and the blade root have also been investigated. The LCF crack propagation analyses have been performed by recalculating the stress field as a function of the crack propagation by using the FRacture ANalysis Code (Franc3D®).
High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM): Looking Back on 13 Years of Successful Generation of Digital Volume Data of Organic Material for 3D Visualisation and 3D Display
Authors: Geyer Stefan H. , Weninger Wolfgang J.
Published: September 2019

High-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) is an imaging technique that permits the simple and rapid generation of three-dimensional (3D) digital volume data of histologically embedded and physically sectioned specimens. The data can be immediately used for high-detail 3D analysis of a broad variety of organic materials with all modern methods of 3D visualisation and display. Since its first description in 2006, HREM has been adopted as a method for exploring organic specimens in many fields of science, and it has recruited a slowly but steadily growing user community. This review aims to briefly introduce the basic principles of HREM data generation and to provide an overview of scientific publications that have been published in the last 13 years involving HREM imaging. The studies to which we refer describe technical details and specimen-specific protocols, and provide examples of the successful use of HREM in biological, biomedical and medical research. Finally, the limitations, potentials and anticipated further improvements are briefly outlined.
Reducing Critical Hindrances to Building Information Modeling Implementation: The Case of the Singapore Construction Industry
Authors: Liao Longhui , Teo Evelyn Ai Lin , Chang Ruidong
Published: September 2019

The Singaporean government has made building information modeling (BIM) implementation mandatory in new building projects with gross floor areas over 5000 m2, but the implementation is still plagued with hindrances such as lacking project-wide collaboration. The purposes of this study are to identify critical factors hindering BIM implementation in Singapore’s construction industry, analyze their interrelationships, and identify strategies for reducing these hindrances. The results from a survey of 87 experts and five post-survey interviews in the Singaporean construction industry identified 21 critical hindrances, among which “need for all key stakeholders to be on board to exchange information” was ranked top. These hindrances were categorized into lack of collaboration and model integration (LCMI), lack of continuous involvement and capabilities (LCIC), and lack of executive vision and training (LEVT). LEVT and LCIC contributed to LCMI; LEVT caused LCIC. The proposed framework implying the key hindrances and their corresponding managerial strategies can help practitioners identify specific adjustments to their BIM implementation activities, which enables to efficiently achieve enhanced BIM implementation. The hindrances identified in this study facilitate overseas BIM implementers to customize their own lists of hindrances.
The Application of Alginate Coated Iron Hydroxide for the Removal of Cu(II) and Phosphate
Authors: Kim Hee-Gon , He Feng , An Byungryul
Published: September 2019

The removal of both cation and anion contaminants in solution typically requires separate processes or multiple materials, resulting in added complexity and higher operational costs. A cost effective and environmental friendly hybrid adsorbent material has been developed for the removal of Cu(II) and phosphate from the solution. Ferric hydroxide (FHO) was prepared by precipitation methods and then dissolved alginate, a biopolymer, was coated on the surface of the FHO particles to generated FHO-A. In the preparation of FHO-A, the alginate concentration is a critical factor in keeping the FHO-A particles suspended in solution where high concentrations of alginate act as a stabilizer and the FHO-A particles are not settled by gravity. The Cu(II) removal efficiency was wholly dependent on the concentration of alginate via the interaction with the polymer carboxyl groups and was not influenced by the concentration of FHO. Conversely, alginate was not involved in the removal of phosphate and instead, FHO was found to be critical for phosphate removal through electrostatic forces. According to FTIR, the new peaks at 1394 and 1593 cm−1 after coating indicated that the alginate was appended to the surface of the FHO. The shift of peak from 1593 to 1588 cm−1 after Cu(II) adsorption confirms the presence of a Cu-carboxylate interaction. The adsorption of Cu(II) was completed within 5 min, which is very similar to nanoparticle mediated sorption processes. In comparison to Cu(II), the presence of alginate retards the phosphate removal rate. Further, pH dependence was observed in the process, where increasing pH results in increased Cu(II) and decreased phosphate removal rates due to alginate deprotonation and the surface charge effects, respectively. The slowed phosphate sorption rate and shifted peaks in the FTIR spectrum confirmed that the layer of alginate was coated on the FHO particle.
Development of a Metamodel for Predicting Near-Field Propagation of Hazardous and Noxious Substances Spilled From a Ship
Authors: Ko Min Kyu , Jeong Chan Ho , Lee Moonjin , Lee Seong Hyuk
Published: September 2019

This study aims to numerically analyze the near-field propagation behavior of hazardous and noxious substances (HNSs) and to develop a new metamodel for HNS propagation. Extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted using the ANSYS FLUENT (V. 17.2) code for various HNS spill scenarios. We newly introduced several key parameters, including the streamwise propagation velocity, transverse propagation velocity, and averaged HNS mass fraction. From the results, the advection effect is more dominant with an increase in the current velocity and streamwise propagation velocity, and with a decrease in the transverse propagation velocity. Also, the HNS mass fraction decreases as the current velocity increases with the change of concentration and propagation area. Particularly, a new metamodel of HNS propagation based on the current CFD results was validated by the hidden point test, showing very good fit. We believe this model would make useful predictions under various scenarios without CFD simulations.
Pattern-Based and Visual Analytics for Visitor Analysis on Websites
Authors: Cervantes Bárbara , Gómez Fernando , Monroy Raúl , Loyola-González Octavio , Medina-Pérez Miguel Angel , Ramírez-Márquez José
Published: September 2019

In this paper, We present how we combined visualization and machine learning techniques to provide an analytic tool for web log data.We designed a visualization where advertisers can observe the visits to their different pages on a site, common web analytic measures and individual user navigation on the site. In this visualization, the users can get insights of the data by looking at key elements of the graph. Additionally, we applied pattern mining techniques to observe common trends in user segments of interest.
Developing Spatially Accurate Rainfall Predictions for the San Francisco Bay Area through Case Studies of Atmospheric River and other Synoptic Events
Authors: Bridger Alison F.C. , Nguyen Dung , Chiao Sen
Published: September 2019

Rainfall patterns in the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) are highly influenced by local topography. It has been a forecasting challenge for the main US forecast models. This study investigates the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to improve upon forecasts, with particular emphasis on the rain shadow common to the southern end of the SFBA. Three rain events were evaluated: a mid-season atmospheric river (AR) event with copious rains; a typical non-AR frontal passage rain event; and an area-wide rain event in which zero rain was recorded in the southern SFBA. The results show that, with suitable choices of parameterizations, the WRF model with a resolution around 1 km can forecast the observed rainfall patterns with good accuracy, and would be suitable for operational use, especially to water and emergency managers. Additionally, the three synoptic situations were investigated for further insight into the common ingredients for either flooding rains or strong rain shadow events.
Spatiotemporal Variations of Meteorological Droughts and the Assessments of Agricultural Drought Risk in a Typical Agricultural Province of China
Authors: Guo Mengjing , Li Jing , Wang Yongsheng , Long Qiubo , Bai Peng
Published: September 2019

Drought is one of the most common natural disasters on a global scale and has a wide range of socioeconomic impacts. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of meteorological drought in a typical agricultural province of China (i.e., Shaanxi Province) based on the Standard Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). We also investigated the response of winter wheat and summer maize yields to drought by a correlation analysis between the detrended SPEI and the time series of yield anomaly during the crop growing season. Moreover, agricultural drought risks were assessed across the province using a conceptual risk assessment model that emphasizes the combined role of drought hazard and vulnerability. The results indicated that droughts have become more severe and frequent in the study area after 1995. The four typical timescales of SPEI showed a consistent decreasing trend during the period 1960–2016; the central plains of the province showed the most significant decreasing trend, where is the main producing area of the province’s grain. Furthermore, the frequency and intensity of drought increased significantly after 1995; the most severe drought episodes occurred in 2015–2016. Our results also showed that the sensitivity of crop yield to drought varies with the timescales of droughts. Droughts at six-month timescales that occurred in March can explain the yield losses for winter wheat to the greatest extent, while the yield losses of summer maize are more sensitive to droughts at three-month timescales that occurred in August. The assessment agricultural drought risk showed that some areas in the north of the province are exposed to a higher risk of drought and other regions are dominated by low risk.
Inverting the East Asian Dust Emission Fluxes Using the Ensemble Kalman Smoother and Himawari-8 AODs: A Case Study with WRF-Chem v3.5.1
Authors: Dai Tie , Cheng Yueming , Goto Daisuke , Schutgens Nick A. J. , Kikuchi Maki , Yoshida Mayumi , Shi Guangyu , Nakajima Teruyuki
Published: September 2019

We present the inversions (back-calculations or optimizations) of dust emissions for a severe winter dust event over East Asia in November 2016. The inversion system based on a fixed-lag ensemble Kalman smoother is newly implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting model and is coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). The assimilated observations are the hourly aerosol optical depths (AODs) from the next-generation geostationary satellite Himawari-8. The posterior total dust emissions (2.59 Tg) for this event are 3.8 times higher than the priori total dust emissions (0.68 Tg) during 25–27 November 2016. The net result is that the simulated aerosol horizontal and vertical distributions are both in better agreement with the assimilated Himawari-8 observations and independent observations from the ground-based AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET), the satellite-based Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO). The developed emission inversion approach, combined with the geostationary satellite observations, can be very helpful for properly estimating the Asian dust emissions.
Differences in Model Performance and Source Sensitivities for Sulfate Aerosol Resulting from Updates of the Aqueous- and Gas-Phase Oxidation Pathways for a Winter Pollution Episode in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Itahashi Syuichi , Yamaji Kazuyo , Chatani Satoru , Hayami Hiroshi
Published: September 2019

During the Japanese intercomparison study, Japan’s Study for Reference Air Quality Modeling (J-STREAM), it was found that wintertime SO42– concentrations were underestimated over Japan with the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. Previously, following two development phases, model performance was improved by refining the Fe- and Mn-catalyzed oxidation pathways and by including an additional aqueous-phase pathway via NO2 oxidation. In a third phase, we examined a winter haze period in December 2016, involving a gas-phase oxidation pathway whereby three stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCI) were incorporated into the model. We also included options for a kinetic mass transfer aqueous-phase calculation. According to statistical analysis, simulations compared well with hourly SO42– observations in Tokyo. Source sensitivities for four domestic emission sources (transportation, stationary combustion, fugitive VOC, and agricultural NH3) were investigated. During the haze period, contributions from other sources (overseas and volcanic emissions) dominated, while domestic sources, including transportation and fuel combustion, played a role in enhancing SO42– concentrations around Tokyo Bay. Updating the aqueous phase metal catalyzed and NO2 oxidation pathways lead to increase contribution from other sources, and the additional gas phase SCI chemistry provided a link between fugitive VOC emission and SO42– concentration via changes in O3 concentration.
The Use of Neuromodulation for Symptom Management
Authors: Farrell Sarah Marie , Green Alexander , Aziz Tipu
Published: September 2019

Pain and other symptoms of autonomic dysregulation such as hypertension, dyspnoea and bladder instability can lead to intractable suffering. Incorporation of neuromodulation into symptom management, including palliative care treatment protocols, is becoming a viable option scientifically, ethically, and economically in order to relieve suffering. It provides further opportunity for symptom control that cannot otherwise be provided by pharmacology and other conventional methods.
Different Representation Procedures Originated from Multivariate Temporal Pattern Analysis of the Behavioral Response to Pain in Wistar Rats Tested in a Hot-Plate under Morphine
Authors: Casarrubea Maurizio , Aiello Stefania , Santangelo Andrea , Di Giovanni Giuseppe , Crescimanno Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

Temporal pattern analysis is an advanced multivariate technique able to investigate the structure of behavior by unveiling the existence of statistically significant constraints among the interval length separating events in sequence. If on the one hand, such an approach allows investigating the behavioral response to pain in its most intimate and inner features, on the other hand, due to the meaning of the studies on pain, it is of relevant importance that the results utilize intuitive and easily comprehensible ways of representation. The aim of this paper is to show various procedures useful to represent the results originating from the multivariate T-pattern analysis of the behavioral response to pain in Wistar rats tested in a hot-plate and IP injected morphine or saline as a control.
Neuroinflammation and Neuromodulation in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Robinson-Agramonte Maria de los Angeles , Gonçalves Carlos-Alberto , Farina de Almeida Roberto , González Quevedo Alina , Chow Sandra , Velázquez Pérez Luis , Díaz de la Fé Amado , Sesterheim Patricia , Souza Diogo Onofre Gomes
Published: September 2019

Neuroimmunology is a relatively young science. This discipline has emerged today from the research field as a mature and fully developed innovative research area that integrates not only pure topics of neuroimmunology, but also expands on wider fields such as neuroplasticity, neuronal reserve and neuromodulation in association with clinical events, amongst which behavioral disorders stand out. The Cuban School of Neuroimmunology—a recent meeting that took place in Havana, Cuba—focused on topics based on the molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation in neurological disorders involving behavioral manifestations, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), autism, cerebellar ataxias, Alzheimer´s disease and stroke among others, as well as on the use of new interventional technologies in neurology. Professor Luis Velazquez, from the Cuban Academy of Sciences, dictated an interesting lecture on Spinocerebellar ataxias, a genetic disorder where recent hypotheses related to the influence of neuroinflammation as a neurobiological factor influencing the progression of this disease have emerged. At the same time, the use of new interventional technologies in neurology was discussed, including those referring to novel disease modifying therapies in the course of MS and the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in several neurological diseases, the latter reinforcing how interventional strategies in the form of non-invasive bran stimulation can contribute to physical rehabilitation in neurology. This paper summarizes the highlights of the most relevant topics presented during the First Cuban School of Neuroimmunology, organized by the Cuban Network of Neuroimmunology, held in June 2019.
Structure and Properties of Chained Carbon: Recent Ab Initio Studies
Authors: Buntov Evgeny , Zatsepin Anatoly , Kitayeva Tatiana , Vagapov Alexander
Published: September 2019

Carbon chains or carbyne-like structures represent the next generation of 1D materials whose properties can be tuned by the chain length, doping, and the type of termination. Currently inaccessible technology of the macroscopic carbyne synthesis and characterization makes theoretical work especially valuable. The state of the art methods being applied in the field are density functional theory and molecular dynamics. This paper provides a review of the current state of research on modeling linear carbon structures and related materials. We show that even though the “static” properties of carbon chains (mechanical strength, thermal conduction, band gaps, and phonon spectra) are extensively described, there are only a few simulations of the synthesis processes that constitute the next challenge in 1D research.
Estrogens Counteract Platinum-Chemosensitivity by Modifying the Subcellular Localization of MDM4
Authors: Lucà Rossella , di Blasio Giorgia , Gallo Daniela , Monteleone Valentina , Manni Isabella , Fici Laura , Buttarelli Marianna , Ciolli Germana , Pellegrino Marsha , Teveroni Emanuela , Maiullari Silvia , Ciucci Alessandra , Apollo Alessandro , Mancini Francesca , Gentileschi Maria Pia , Zannoni Gian Franco , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Scambia Giovanni , Moretti Fabiola
Published: September 2019

Estrogen activity towards cancer-related pathways can impact therapeutic intervention. Recent omics data suggest possible crosstalk between estrogens/gender and MDM4, a key regulator of p53. Since MDM4 can either promote cell transformation or enhance DNA damage-sensitivity, we analysed in vivo impact of estrogens on both MDM4 activities. In Mdm4 transgenic mouse, Mdm4 accelerates the formation of fibrosarcoma and increases tumor sensitivity to cisplatin as well, thus confirming in vivo Mdm4 dual mode of action. Noteworthy, Mdm4 enhances chemo- and radio-sensitivity in male but not in female animals, whereas its tumor-promoting activity is not affected by mouse gender. Combination therapy of transgenic females with cisplatin and fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor degrader, was able to recover tumor cisplatin-sensitivity, demonstrating the relevance of estrogens in the observed sexual dimorphism. Molecularly, estrogen receptor-α alters intracellular localization of MDM4 by increasing its nuclear fraction correlated to decreased cell death, in a p53-independent manner. Importantly, MDM4 nuclear localization and intra-tumor estrogen availability correlate with decreased platinum-sensitivity and apoptosis and predicts poor disease-free survival in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. These data demonstrate estrogen ability to modulate chemo-sensitivity of MDM4-expressing tumors and to impinge on intracellular trafficking. They support potential usefulness of combination therapy involving anti-estrogenic drugs.
Human Ovarian Cancer Tissue Exhibits Increase of Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Cristae Remodeling
Authors: Signorile Anna , De Rasmo Domenico , Cormio Antonella , Musicco Clara , Rossi Roberta , Fortarezza Francesco , Palese Luigi , Loizzi Vera , Resta Leonardo , Scillitani Giovanni , Cicinelli Ettore , Simonetti Francesca , Ferretta Anna , Russo Silvia , Tufaro Antonio , Cormio Gennaro
Published: September 2019

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer characterized by an elevated apoptosis resistance that, potentially, leads to chemo-resistance in the recurrent disease. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was found altered in OC, and mitochondria were proposed as a target for therapy. Molecular evidence suggests that the deregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, morphology, dynamics, and apoptosis is involved in carcinogenesis. However, these mitochondrial processes remain to be investigated in OC. Eighteen controls and 16 OC tissues (serous and mucinous) were collected. Enzymatic activities were performed spectrophotometrically, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content was measured by real-time-PCR, protein levels were determined by Western blotting, and mitochondrial number and structure were measured by electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and principal component analysis (PCA). We found, in OC, that increased mitochondrial number associated with increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) protein levels, as well as mtDNA content. The OC mitochondria presented an increased maximum length, as well as reduced cristae width and junction diameter, associated with increased optic atrophy 1 protein (OPA1) and prohibitin 2 (PHB2) protein levels. In addition, in OC tissues, augmented cAMP and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) protein levels were observed. PCA of the 25 analyzed biochemical parameters classified OC patients in a distinct group from controls. We highlight a “mitochondrial signature” in OC that could result from cooperation of the cAMP pathway with the SIRT3, OPA1, and PHB2 proteins.
Growth Hormone Upregulates Melanocyte-Inducing Transcription Factor Expression and Activity via JAK2-STAT5 and SRC Signaling in GH Receptor-Positive Human Melanoma
Authors: Basu Reetobrata , Kulkarni Prateek , Qian Yanrong , Walsh Christopher , Arora Pranay , Davis Emily , Duran-Ortiz Silvana , Funk Kevin , Ibarra Diego , Kruse Colin , Mathes Samuel , McHugh Todd , Brittain Alison , Berryman Darlene E. , List Edward O. , Okada Shigeru , Kopchick John J.
Published: September 2019

Growth hormone (GH) facilitates therapy resistance in the cancers of breast, colon, endometrium, and melanoma. The GH-stimulated pathways responsible for this resistance were identified as suppression of apoptosis, induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and upregulated drug efflux by increased expression of ATP-binding cassette containing multidrug efflux pumps (ABC-transporters). In extremely drug-resistant melanoma, ABC-transporters have also been reported to mediate drug sequestration in intracellular melanosomes, thereby reducing drug efficacy. Melanocyte-inducing transcription factor (MITF) is the master regulator of melanocyte and melanoma cell fate as well as the melanosomal machinery. MITF targets such as the oncogene MET, as well as MITF-mediated processes such as resistance to radiation therapy, are both known to be upregulated by GH. Therefore, we chose to query the direct effects of GH on MITF expression and activity towards conferring chemoresistance in melanoma. Here, we demonstrate that GH significantly upregulates MITF as well as the MITF target genes following treatment with multiple anticancer drug treatments such as chemotherapy, BRAF-inhibitors, as well as tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. GH action also upregulated MITF-regulated processes such as melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity. Significant elevation in MITF and MITF target gene expression was also observed in mouse B16F10 melanoma cells and xenografts in bovine GH transgenic (bGH) mice compared to wild-type littermates. Through pathway inhibitor analysis we identified that both the JAK2-STAT5 and SRC activities were critical for the observed effects. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of gene expression data from GTEx, NCI60, CCLE, and TCGA databases corroborated our observed correlation of MITF function and GH action. Therefore, we present in vitro, in vivo, and in silico evidence which strongly implicates the GH–GHR axis in inducing chemoresistance in human melanoma by driving MITF-regulated and ABC-transporter-mediated drug clearance pathways.
Current Treatment Options for Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cattrini Carlo , Castro Elena , Lozano Rebeca , Zanardi Elisa , Rubagotti Alessandra , Boccardo Francesco , Olmos David
Published: September 2019

The possible treatments options for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) have dramatically increased during the last years. The old backbone, which androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is the exclusive approach for hormone-naïve patients, has been disrupted. Despite the fact that several high-quality, randomized, controlled phase 3 trials have been conducted in this setting, no direct comparison is currently available among the different strategies. Inadequate power, absence of preplanning and small sample size frequently affect the subgroup analyses according to disease volume or patient’s risk. The choice between ADT alone and ADT combined with docetaxel, abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, apalutamide or radiotherapy to the primary tumor remains challenging. Factors that are related to the tumor, patient or drug side effects, currently guide these clinical decisions. This comprehensive review aims to indirectly compare the phase 3 trials in the mHSPC setting, in order to extrapolate data useful for treatment selection, providing also perspectives on future biomarkers.
Deregulated miR-29b-3p Correlates with Tissue-Specific Activation of Intrinsic Apoptosis in An Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Klatt Christina L. , Theis Verena , Hahn Stephan , Theiss Carsten , Matschke Veronika
Published: September 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most common incurable motor neuron disorders in adults. The majority of all ALS cases occur sporadically (sALS). Symptoms of ALS are caused by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons located in the motor cortex and spinal cord. The question arises why motor neurons selectively degenerate in ALS, while other cells and systems appear to be spared the disease. Members of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway are frequent targets of altered microRNA expression. Therefore, microRNAs and their effects on cell survival are subject of controversial debates. In this study, we investigated the expression of numerous members of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade by qPCR, western blot, and immunostaining in two different regions of the CNS of wobbler mice. Further we addressed the expression of miR-29b-3p targeting BMF, Bax, and, Bak, members of the apoptotic pathway. We show a tissue-specific differential expression of BMF, Bax, and cleaved-Caspase 3 in wobbler mice. An opposing regulation of miR-29b-3p expression in the cerebellum and cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice suggests different mechanisms regulating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Based on our findings, it could be speculated that miR-29b-3p might regulate antiapoptotic survival mechanisms in CNS areas that are not affected by neurodegeneration in the wobbler mouse ALS model.
Ultra-Long-Term Reliable Encapsulation Using an Atomic Layer Deposited HfO2/Al2O3/HfO2 Triple-Interlayer for Biomedical Implants
Authors: Li Changzheng , Cauwe Maarten , Yang Yang , Schaubroeck David , Mader Lothar , Op de Beeck Maaike
Published: September 2019

Long-term packaging of miniaturized, flexible implantable medical devices is essential for the next generation of medical devices. Polymer materials that are biocompatible and flexible have attracted extensive interest for the packaging of implantable medical devices, however realizing these devices with long-term hermeticity up to several years remains a great challenge. Here, polyimide (PI) based hermetic encapsulation was greatly improved by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a nanoscale-thin, biocompatible sandwich stack of HfO2/Al2O3/HfO2 (ALD-3) between two polyimide layers. A thin copper film covered with a PI/ALD-3/PI barrier maintained excellent electrochemical performance over 1028 days (2.8 years) during acceleration tests at 60 °C in phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS). This stability is equivalent to approximately 14 years at 37 °C. The coatings were monitored in situ through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were inspected by microscope, and were further analyzed using equivalent circuit modeling. The failure mode of ALD Al2O3, ALD-3, and PI soaking in PBS is discussed. Encapsulation using ultrathin ALD-3 combined with PI for the packaging of implantable medical devices is robust at the acceleration temperature condition for more than 2.8 years, showing that it has great potential as reliable packaging for long-term implantable devices.
The Invasive Niche, a Multidisciplinary Concept Illustrated by Gorse (Ulex Europaeus)
Authors: Atlan Anne , Udo Nathalie
Published: September 2019

This study analyzes the natural and social factors influencing the emergence and publicization of the invasive status of a fast-growing bush, gorse (Ulex europaeus), by comparison between countries on a global scale. We used documents collected on the web in a standardized way. The results show that in all the countries studied, there are several public statuses attributed to gorse. The invasive status is the one that is most shared. The other most frequently encountered status are those of noxious weed, and those of which are economically useful. The invasive status is publicized in nearly all countries, including those where gorse is almost absent. We quantified the publicization of the invasive gorse status of gorse by an indicator with 5 levels, and then performed a multivariate analysis that combines natural and social explanatory variables. The results lead us to propose the concept of invasive niche, which is the set of natural and social parameters that allow a species to be considered invasive in a given socio-ecosystem
Analytical Evaluation of an NGS Testing Method for Routine Molecular Diagnostics on Melanoma Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tumor-Derived DNA
Authors: Mancini Irene , Simi Lisa , Salvianti Francesca , Castiglione Francesca , Sonnati Gemma , Pinzani Pamela
Published: September 2019

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a promising tool for the improvement of tumor molecular profiling in view of the identification of a personalized treatment in oncologic patients. To verify the potentiality of a targeted NGS (Ion AmpliSeq™ Cancer Hotspot Panel v2), selected melanoma samples (n = 21) were retrospectively analyzed on S5 platform in order to compare NGS performance with the conventional techniques adopted in our routine clinical setting (Sequenom MassARRAY system, Sanger sequencing, allele-specific real-time PCR). The capability in the identification of rare and low-frequency mutations in the main genes involved in melanoma (BRAF and NRAS genes) was verified and integrated with the results deriving from other oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The analytical evaluation was carried out by the analysis of DNA derived from control cell lines and FFPE (Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded) samples to verify that the achieved resolution of uncommon mutations and low-frequency variants was suitable to meet the technical and clinical requests. Our results demonstrate that the amplicon-based NGS approach can reach the sensitivity proper of the allele-specific assays together with the high specificity of a sequencing method. An overall concordance among the tested methods was observed in the identification of classical and uncommon mutations. The assessment of the quality parameters and the comparison with the orthogonal methods suggest that the NGS method could be implemented in the clinical setting for melanoma molecular characterization.
Art, Technology, Education: Synergy of Modes, Means, Tools of Communication
Authors: Papadopoulou Agnes
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this article is to highlight the fact that the fertile learning circle of creative production/cultivation and technology in the organization and implementation of school projects by secondary schools for students aged 12–18, is aimed at the management of digital content, not just by using ready-made applications, but also by emphasizing the “we” in the use of technology. This entails focusing on a pedagogical notion of the efficacy of art, and also expanding the concept of the artwork by investigating it as a participatory practice, studying the relations between multiple nodes, the dynamic potentials and practices of composition in the media. Artwork as a rhizome, complex, pluralistic emerges as an open-ended assemblage and reorients the way of teaching. The dynamic field ‘Art and Technology’ as a field of synthesis, convergence, a modality of happening, and as a means of acquiring the skills and extensive knowledge necessary to bring about change, is based on technological, experimental, interactive and procedural technologies that involve the actions and/or influences and input of multiple persons as well as the machines. A new reality is built, encoded, recorded, and students are actively involved.
DALI LED Driver Control System for Lighting Operations Based on Raspberry Pi and Kernel Modules
Authors: Adam George K.
Published: September 2019

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) as an efficient low-consumption lighting technology are being used increasingly in many applications. The move to LED lighting is also changing the way the lighting control systems are designed. Currently, most electronic ballasts and other digital lighting devices implement the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) standard. This paper presents a low-cost, low-power effective DALI LED driver controller, based on open-source Raspberry Pi3 microcontroller prototyping platform. The control software is developed as a Linux kernel module under UBUNTU 18.04.2 LTS patched with PREEMPT_RT (Preemptive Real-time) for real-time processing. This dynamically loaded kernel module performs all the processing, communication and control operations of the Raspberry Pi3-based DALI controller with the DALI LED driver and LED luminaire. Software applications written in C and Python were developed for performance testing purposes. The experimental results showed that the proposed system could efficiently and effectively manage DALI LED drivers and perform lighting operations (e.g. dimming). The system can be used for a variety of purposes from personal lighting control needs and experimental research in control of electronic ballasts and other control gears, devices and sensors, to advanced requirements in professional buildings, including energy management, lighting maintenance and usage.
Distribution Reliability Optimization Using Synthetic Feeders
Authors: Brown Richard E. , Pinkerton Rick
Published: September 2019

Historical distribution system reliability optimization approaches have relied on the creation of detailed feeder reliability models, which is extremely labor-intensive. This paper presents a reliability optimization approach using synthetic feeders that does not require creating a topologically-precise model, but can still perform an overall system assessment considering a wide range of reliability improvement options for far less modeling effort. The synthetic feeder approach is then applied to Hawaiian Electric’s Oʻahu distribution system, to identify (1) the lowest cost required to achieve various levels of reliability improvement, and (2) an approximate reliability project portfolio for each level of spending.
Bark Features for Identifying Resonance Spruce Standing Timber
Authors: Dinulică Florin , Albu Cristian-Teofil , Vasilescu Maria Magdalena , Stanciu Mariana Domnica
Published: September 2019

Measuring the acoustic properties of wood is not feasible for most luthiers, so identifying simple, valid criteria for diagnosis remains an exciting challenge when selecting materials for manufacturing musical instruments. This article aims to verify whether the bark qualities as a marker of resonance wood are indeed useful. The morphometric and colour traits (in CIELab space) of the bark scales were compared with the structural (width and regularity of the growth rings and of the latewood) and acoustic features (transverse sound velocity, radiation ratio, impedance, and wood basic density) of the wood from 145 standing and 10 felled spruce trees, which are considered a resource of the resonance wood in the Romanian Carpathians. It has been emphasized that the spruce trees with acoustic and structural features that match the requirements for the manufacture of violins have a bark phenotype distinguishable by colour (higher redness, lower yellowness and brightness)—as well as by scale shape (higher slenderness and width). The south-facing side of the trunk and the external side of the scale are best for identifying resonance trees by their bark. Additionally, the mature bark phenotypes denote topoclinal variations and do not depend on tree age. Moreover, the differences among bark phenotypes are noticeable to the naked eye.
Performance of Marine Lecithin Supplemented Feeds for the Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) Ongrowing: Changes in Proximate Composition and Lipid Classes’ Profile
Authors: Rodríguez-González Tania , Cerezo Valverde Jesús , García García Benjamín
Published: September 2019

The development of artificial diets is considered vital for feasible cephalopods’ culture. Octopus vulgaris need a diet with a high protein content but also lipids are important at a lower quantity, as polar lipids and LC-PUFA are essential for development during early stages. In the present study the suitability of marine lecithin as a dietary supplement for O. vulgaris juveniles’ formulated feeds was tested for 56 days, assessing the performance, changes in proximate composition, and lipid classes’ profile in the digestive gland and carcass. Sixteen octopus were fed one of two semi-moist feeds based on dry ingredients: either CALPRO (N = 4) as control or CALPRO-LM (N = 8); which differed from the first, due to the inclusion of 20 g/kg of marine lecithin as a phospholipid dietary supplement. Results showed that marine lecithin did not enhance feed intake, growth, protein or lipid incorporation, nutrients digestibility or feed efficiency. Moreover, at this level of inclusion, the composition of tissues (digestive gland and carcass) regarding macronutrients and lipid classes’ profile presented only a small amount of differences. In conclusion, the inclusion of marine lecithin did not promote beneficial effects on performance, making necessary further research related to the nutritional requirements of common octopus.
Transcriptional Analysis of FOXO1, C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ2 Genes and Their Association with Obesity-Related Insulin Resistance
Authors: Boughanem Hatim , Cabrera-Mulero Amanda , Millán-Gómez Mercedes , Garrido-Sánchez Lourdes , Cardona Fernando , Tinahones Francisco José , Moreno-Santos Inmaculada , Macías-González Manuel
Published: September 2019

Background: Obesity is associated with several comorbid disorders, ranging from cardiovascular diseases to insulin resistance. In this context, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) seems to have a close connection with insulin resistance. In our study, we hypothesized that the expression profile of key adipogenic genes, such as proliferator-activated receptor γ type 2 (PPAR-γ2), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein type α (C/EBP-α), and forkhead box protein class O type 1 (FOXO1) in VAT should shed light on their association with obesity-related insulin resistance. Methods: To test this idea, we studied the expression profile of C/EBP-α, FOXO1 and PPAR-γ2 in VAT from non-obese individuals, and low insulin (LIR-MO) and high insulin morbidly obese (HIR-MO) subjects, through a combination of RT-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, ELISA, Western blot analysis and EMSA assays. Results: Our results show that C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ2 were down-expressed in HIR-MO individuals, while FOXO1 was overexpressed. In addition, the PPAR-γ2–RXR-α heterodimer showed weak activity and bound weakly to the putative IGFBP-2–PPRE promoter sequence in VAT from HIR-MO subjects when compared with LIR-MO individuals. Conclusions: These results show that PPAR-γ2, C/EBP-α, FOXO1 and IGFBP-2 have a close relationship with insulin resistance in VAT of morbidly obese individuals.
Unconscious Weight Bias Among Nursing Students: A Descriptive Study
Authors: George Tracy P. , DeCristofaro Claire , Murphy Pamela F.
Published: September 2019

There has been both an increase in obesity and anti-obesity bias in the United States. The Harvard Weight Implicit Association Test (IAT) is a reliable, valid test that can measure unconscious weight bias. First semester Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students were surveyed anonymously mid-semester and at the end of the semester after completing the Harvard Weight IAT. Sixty-nine out of 77 students completed pre- and post-surveys. Weight preference towards others was not shown to be related to the respondent’s own self-reported body mass index (BMI). The majority of respondents exhibited more weight-related bias on the IAT than they realized. The three qualitative themes that emerged included Awareness of Personal Beliefs and Stereotypes, Reminder to be Impartial, and Skepticism about the IAT. It is important for undergraduate nursing students to be aware of possible unconscious weight bias in order to provide high-quality care to patients.
Correlation of Clinicopathological Characteristics of Breast Carcinoma and Depression
Authors: Ilic Milena B , Mitrovic Slobodanka Lj , Vuletic Milena S , Radivojcevic Uros M , Janjic Vladimir S , Stanković Vesna D , Vojinovic Radisa H , Stojadinovic Dobrivoje S , Radmanovic Branimir R , Jovanovic Dalibor V
Published: September 2019

The prevalence of depression among women with breast cancer (BC) is extremely variable in research studies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive disorder in women suffering from BC as well as to examine its relationship with clinical–pathological and immunophenotypic characteristics of BC. The study included 194 patients with BC who were diagnosed with the disease between 2009 and 2015 in the Clinical Center Kragujevac, Serbia. Pathohistological and immunohistochemical analyses was used on the material obtained after the surgical removal of breast tumors, determining all significant clinical and morphological parameters. The level of depression among the examinees confirmed that the differences in the level of depression between the histological grades were statistically significant. According to the univariate binary logistic regression, the depression of a patient correlates with the category of molecular tumor subtype/Luminal A (p < 0.0005), PR expression (p = 0.050) and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.025). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that the onset of depression associated with the present molecular subtype of the tumor of a worse prognostic character (p = 0.019). Depression is a common disorder in women with breast cancer. The level of depression is correlates with some of the clinicоmorphological and immunophenotypic characteristics of BC.
Predictors of Abstinence from Smoking: A Retrospective Study of Male College Students Enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Service
Authors: Lee Yeji , Lee Kang-Sook , Kim Haena
Published: September 2019

There were high smoking rates among young male college students in Korea. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors affecting abstinence from smoking following smoking cessation service attendance in this population. Data were collected between 1 August 2015 and 20 August 2018. Participants were administered more than nine face-to-face and telephone counseling sessions by trained tobacco cessation specialists for six months. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 4, 6, and 12 weeks, and 6 months after the quit date. A total of 3978 male college student smokers were enrolled; their mean age was 23.17 (±3.45) years. Almost one-third of the participants (64.9%) reported that they had attempted to quit during the past year. The number of cigarettes smoked per day, CO ppm, and Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence score at the baseline were negatively associated with abstinence, while motivational variables—importance, confidence, and readiness—were positively associated with abstinence. Our results suggest that provision of visiting smoking cessation services can be an active intervention platform for college student smokers who need professional assistance or support. Active and accessible support should be provided to such people. Visiting a smoking cessation service may result in increased long-term abstinence rates in such students.