bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Modification of Hematite Photoanodes for Improvement of Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Xi Lifei , Lange Kathrin M.
Published: October 2018

Solar water splitting is a promising method for producing renewable fuels. Thermodynamically, the overall water splitting reaction is an uphill reaction involving a multiple electron transfer process. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has been identified as the bottleneck process. Hematite (α-Fe2O3) is one of the best photoanode material candidates due to its band gap properties and stability in aqueous solution. However, the reported efficiencies of hematite are notoriously lower than the theoretically predicted value mainly due to poor charge transfer and separation ability, short hole diffusion length as well as slow water oxidation kinetics. In this Review Article, several emerging surface modification strategies to reduce the oxygen evolution overpotential and thus to enhance the water oxidation reaction kinetics will be presented. These strategies include co-catalysts loading, photoabsorption enhancing (surface plasmonic metal and rare earth metal decoration), surface passivation layer deposition, surface chemical etching and surface doping. These methods are found to reduce charge recombination happening at surface trapping states, promote charge separation and diffusion, and accelerate water oxidation kinetics. The detailed surface modification methods, surface layer materials, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances including photocurrent and onset potential shift as well as the related proposed mechanisms will be reviewed.
Surface Modification of TiO2 for Obtaining High Resistance against Poisoning during Photocatalytic Decomposition of Toluene
Authors: Cha Byeong Jun , Woo Tae Gyun , Han Sang Wook , Saqlain Shahid , Seo Hyun Ook , Cho Hong Kwan , Kim Jee Yong , Kim Young Dok
Published: October 2018

Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanostructures, the most widely used photocatalysts, are known to suffer from poisoning of the active sites during photocatalytic decomposition of volatile organic compounds. Partially oxidized organic compounds with low volatility stick to the catalyst surface, limiting the practical application for air purification. In this work, we studied the UV-driven photocatalytic activity of bare TiO2 toward toluene decomposition under various conditions and found that surface deactivation is pronounced either under dry conditions or humid conditions with a very high toluene concentration (~442 ppm). In contrast, when the humidity was relatively high (~34 %RH) and toluene concentration was low (~66 ppm), such deactivation was not significant. We then modified TiO2 surfaces by deposition of polydimethylsiloxane and subsequent annealing, which yielded a more hydrophilic surface. We provide experimental evidence that our hydrophilic TiO2 does not show deactivation under the conditions that induce significant deactivation with bare TiO2. Conversion of toluene into dimethylacetamide was observed on the hydrophilic TiO2 and did not result in poisoning of active sites. Our hydrophilic TiO2 shows high potential for application in air purification for extended time, which is not possible using bare TiO2 due to the significant poisoning of active sites.
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Polyethylene and Polypropylene over Desilicated Beta and Al-MSU-F
Authors: Lee Hyung Won , Park Young-Kwon
Published: October 2018

The catalytic pyrolysis (CP) of different thermoplastics, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), over two types of mesoporous catalysts, desilicated Beta (DeBeta) and Al-MSU-F (AMF), was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolyzer-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Catalytic TGA of PE and PP showed lower decomposition temperatures than non-catalytic TGA over both catalysts. Between the two catalysts, DeBeta decreased the decomposition temperatures of waste plastics further, because of its higher acidity and more appropriate pore size than AMF. The catalytic Py-GC/MS results showed that DeBeta produced a larger amount of aromatic hydrocarbons than AMF. In addition, CP over AMF produced a large amount of branched hydrocarbons.
Patterns in Indices of Daily and Seasonal Rainfall Extremes: Southwest Florida Gulf Coastal Zone
Authors: Gitau Margaret W.
Published: October 2018

Extreme events have the most adverse impacts on society and infrastructure, and present the greatest challenges with respect to impacts. Information on the status and trends of these events is, thus, important for system design, management, and policy decision-making. In this study, variations in daily and seasonal rainfall extremes were explored with a focus on the southwest Florida Gulf coastal zone for the period 1950–2016. Rainfall occurring on very wet days accounted for about 50% of the seasonal rainfall in the area (regardless of the season), while about 25% of the seasonal rainfall came from extremely wet days except in the period between October and December for which this latter value was about 40%. No significant changes were seen in the maximum one-day rainfall at any of the stations regardless of the time scale. However, there was a significant increase in the number of wet days in the rainy season at Myakka River (p = 0.0062) and Naples (p = 0.0027) and during October–December at Myakka River (p = 0.0204). These two stations also experienced significant increases in the number of wet days in a year. Significant increases in the contribution to rainy season rainfall from very wet days (rainfall > 25.4 mm, 1 in) were seen at Arcadia (p = 0.0055). Regional results point to an increasingly wetter climate with increasing contributions from extreme events in some areas, both of which have implications for design and management decision making.
Thermo-Economic Optimization of an Idealized Solar Tower Power Plant Combined with MED System
Authors: Zheng Yanjie , Zhao Yunsheng , Liang Shen , Zheng Hongfei
Published: October 2018

Based on the reversible heat engine model, theoretical analysis is carried out for economic performance of a solar tower power plant (STPP) combined with multi-effect desalination (MED). Taking total revenue of the output power and the fresh water yield per unit investment cost as the economic objective function, the most economical working condition of the system is given by analyzing the influence of the system investment composition, the receiver operating temperature, the concentration ratio, the efficiency of the endoreversible heat engine, and the relative water price on the economic parameters of the system. The variation curves of the economic objective function are given out when the main parameter is changed. The results show that the ratio of water price to electricity price, or relative price index, has a significant impact on system economy. When the water price is relatively low, with the effect numbers of the desalination system increasing, and the economic efficiency of the overall system worsens. Only when the price of fresh water rises to a certain value does it make sense to increase the effect. Additionally, the threshold of the fresh water price to the electricity price ratio is 0.22. Under the conditions of the current price index and the heliostat (or reflector), the cost ratio and the system economy can be maximized by selecting the optimum receiver temperature, the endoreversible heat engine efficiency, and the optimum concentration ratio. Given the receiver surface temperature and the endoreversible heat engine efficiency, increasing the system concentration ratio of the heliostat will be in favor of the system economy.
Dissociation Behaviors of CO2 Hydrate-Bearing Sediment Particle during Settling in Water
Authors: Li Peng , Zhang Xuhui , Lu Xiaobing
Published: October 2018

Dissociation processes of gas hydrate-bearing sediment particles in water flow condition were investigated. Experiments were carried out by observing a spherical CO2 hydrate-bearing sediment (CHBS) particle settling in water. The release process of gas bubbles from CHBS particles was recorded by a high-speed camera and the total time of dissociation was obtained for different particle diameters and water temperatures. An intrinsic dissociation model was presented based on the assumption that the dissociation rate of the CHBS particle is exponential with the concentration of remaining hydrate. The model considered the influences of changing temperature, pressure and the particle concentration on the dissociation rate. The constants in the model were obtained based on fitting the experimental data. The presented model can reveal the dissociation behavior of the CHBS particle.
Modelling and Optimization of a Small Diesel Burner for Mobile Applications
Authors: Musavi Zahra S. , Kusar Henrik , Andersson Robert , Engvall Klas
Published: October 2018

While extensive research has been done on improving diesel engines, much less has been done on auxiliary heaters, which have their own design challenges. The study analyzes how to optimize the combustion performance of an auxiliary heater, a 6 kW diesel burner, by investigating key parameters affecting diesel combustion and their properties. A model of a small diesel heater, including a simulation of fuel injection and combustion process, was developed step-wise and verified against experimental results that can be used for scaling up to 25 kW heaters. The model was successfully applied to the burner, predicting the burner performance in comparison with experimental results. Three main variables were identified as important for the design. First, it was concluded that the distance from the ring cone to the nozzle is essential for the fluid dynamics and flame location, and that the ring cone should be moved closer to the nozzle for optimal performance. Second, the design of the swirl co-flow is important, and the swirl number of the inlet air should be kept above 0.6 to stabilize the flame location for the present burner design. Finally, the importance of the nozzle diameter to avoid divergent particle vaporization was pointed out.
An H5 Transformerless Inverter for Grid Connected PV Systems with Improved Utilization Factor and a Simple Maximum Power Point Algorithm
Authors: Albalawi Hani , Zaid Sherif
Published: October 2018

Due to their small size, minimum cost, and great efficiency, photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected transformerless inverters have been developed and become famous around the world in distributed PV generators systems. One of the most efficient topologies of the transformerless inverter family is H5 topology. This inverter extracts a discontinuous current from the PV panel, which conflicts with the operation at maximum power point tracking (MPPT) conditions while the utilization factor of the PV degrades. This paper proposes improved H5 topology featuring a boost converter inserted in the middle between the PV panels and the H5 inverter. The design of the boost converter is planned to operate at continuous conduction mode to guarantee MPPT conditions of the PV. A new and simple off line MPPT algorithm is introduced and performance factors like efficiency and utilization factors of the proposed and convention H5 topology are compared. The simulation results indicate that the proposed system provides a preferable utilization factor and a simpler MPPT algorithm.
On the Design of In-Wheel-Hub Motor Transmission Systems with Six-Link Mechanisms for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Hoang Ngoc-Tan , Yan Hong-Sen
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, there are several electric vehicles (EV) on the market, due to the innovation of technology that promotes new components such as batteries, transmissions, and electric motors. This study proposes the design procedure for the configuration synthesis and simulation of in-wheel-hub motor transmissions with six-link mechanisms. The synthesis process shows six mechanisms with six members and eight joints, 15 new clutchless motor transmissions, and 16 new clutched motor transmissions. A novel motor transmission with the possibility of synthesized configurations is chosen as a case to analyze the working rules connected with the power flow modes and operation modes. Moreover, this design is modeled for the simulation process that generates the results of the operation mode transition and energy regulation.
A Novel and Alternative Approach for Direct and Indirect Wind-Power Prediction Methods
Authors: Bokde Neeraj , Feijóo Andrés , Villanueva Daniel , Kulat Kishore
Published: October 2018

Wind energy is a variable energy source with a growing presence in many electrical networks across the world. Wind-speed prediction has become an important tool for many agents involved in energy markets. In this paper, an approach to this problem is proposed by means of a novel method that outperforms results obtained by current direct and indirect wind-power prediction procedures. The first difference is that it is not strictly a direct or indirect method in the conventional sense because it uses information from both wind-speed and wind-power data series to obtain a wind-power series. The second difference is that it smooths down the wind-power series obtained in the first stage, and uses the resulting series for predicting new wind-power values. The process of smoothing is based on the label sequence generation process discussed in the pattern sequence forecasting algorithm and the Naive Bayesian method-based matching process. The result is a less chaotic way to predict wind speed than those offered by other existing methods. It has been assessed in multiple simulations, for which three different error measures have been used.
Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seed Extract Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Lung Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Martinez Raquel Martins , Guimarães Deborah de Almeida Bauer , Berniz Camila Ramos , Abreu Joel Pimentel de , Rocha Ana Paula Machado da , Moura Roberto Soares de , Resende Angela Castro , Teodoro Anderson Junger
Published: October 2018

Açai fruit has been studied for its antioxidant properties, with positive feedback against many diseases, including cancer. Although açai seeds are not edible, their composition has been studied in order to find new applications and reduce garbage generation. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and impacts on the cell cycle and apoptosis of açai seed extract (ASE) on human lung carcinoma cell line (A549). Antioxidant activity of açai seed extract (ASE) was measured by DPPH assay, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (ABTS/TEAC), Ferric Reducing Ability (FRAP) and Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Human lung carcinoma cell viability (A549) was monitored by MTT assay method and the effects on cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The results indicate high antioxidant activity in ASE and high values of total phenolic compounds (37.08 ± 8.56 g gallic acid/100 g). The MTT assay showed a maximum decrease (72.07%) in the viability of A549 cells after 48 h treatment with ASE (200 µg/mL). Flow cytometer analysis revealed that ASE increased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase and promoted a high increase of apoptotic cells when compared to the untreated cells. The present study suggests that ASE has a high antioxidant capacity and may have a protective effect against lung cancer.
Plant Tissue Decay in Long-Term Experiments with Microbial Mats
Authors: Iniesto Miguel , Blanco-Moreno Candela , Villalba Aurora , Buscalioni Ángela D. , Guerrero M. Carmen , López-Archilla Ana Isabel
Published: October 2018

The sequence of decay in fern pinnules was tracked using the species Davallia canariensis. Taphonomic alterations in the sediment–water interface (control tanks) and in subaqueous conditions with microbial mats were compared. The decay sequences were similar in control and mat tanks; in both cases, pinnules preserved the shape throughout the four-month experience. However, the quality and integrity of tissues were greater in mats. In control tanks, in which we detected anoxic and neutral acid conditions, the appearance of a fungal–bacterial biofilm promoted mechanical (cell breakage and tissue distortions) and geochemical changes (infrequent mineralizations) on the external and internal pinnule tissues. In mats, characterized by stable dissolved oxygen and basic pH, pinnules became progressively entombed. These settings, together with the products derived from mat metabolisms (exopolymeric substances, proteins, and rich-Ca nucleation), promoted the integrity of external and internal tissues, and favored massive and diverse mineralization processes. The experience validates that the patterns of taphonomic alterations may be applied in fossil plants.
Factors Associated with Home Fire Escape Plans in New South Wales: Multinomial Analysis of High-Risk Individuals and New South Wales Population
Authors: Tannous W. Kathy , Agho Kingsley E.
Published: October 2018

The preparation and practice of home-escape plans are important strategies for individuals and families seeking to reduce and/or prevent fire-related injury or death. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with, home-escape plans in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The study used data from two surveys—a 2016 fire safety attitudes and behaviour survey administered to high-risk individuals (n = 296) and a 2013 NSW health survey covering 13,027 adults aged 16 years and above. It applied multinomial logistic regression analyses to these data to identify factors associated with having a written home-fire escape plan, having an unwritten home-fire escape plan and not having any home-fire escape plan. The prevalence of written home-escape plans was only 4.3% (95% CI: 2.5, 7.5) for the high-risk individuals and 7.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.3, 8.6) for the entire NSW population. The prevalence of unwritten escape plans was 44.6% (95% CI: 38.8, 50.5) for the high-risk individuals and 26.2% (95% CI: 25.1, 27.2) for the NSW population. The prevalence of no-escape plan at all was 51.1% (95% CI: 45.2, 56.9) for the high-risk individuals and 65.9% (95% CI: 64.8, 67.1) for the NSW population. After adjusting for other covariates, the following factors were found to be significantly associated with unwritten-escape plan and no-escape plan prevalence: speaking only the English language at home, practicing home-fire escape plans infrequently, being married, being female and testing smoke alarms less often. Future fire interventions should target people who speak only English at home and people who test their smoke alarms infrequently. These interventions should be accompanied by research aimed at reversing the trend toward use of more flammable materials in homes.
A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Total Worker Health® Intervention on Commercial Construction Sites
Authors: Peters Susan E. , Grant Michael P. , Rodgers Justin , Manjourides Justin , Okechukwu Cassandra A. , Dennerlein Jack T.
Published: October 2018

This study evaluated the efficacy of an integrated Total Worker Health® program, “All the Right Moves”, designed to target the conditions of work and workers’ health behaviors through an ergonomics program combined with a worksite-based health promotion Health Week intervention. A matched-pair cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted on ten worksites (five intervention (n = 324); five control sites (n = 283)). Worker surveys were collected at all sites pre- and post- exposure at one- and six-months. Linear and logistic regression models evaluated the effect of the intervention on pain and injury, dietary and physical activity behaviors, smoking, ergonomic practices, and work limitations. Worker focus groups and manager interviews supplemented the evaluation. After controlling for matched intervention and control pairs as well as covariates, at one-month following the ergonomics program we observed a significant improvement in ergonomic practices (B = 0.20, p = 0.002), and a reduction in incidences of pain and injury (OR = 0.58, p = 0.012) in the intervention group. At six months, we observed differences in favor of the intervention group for a reduction in physically demanding work (B = −0.25, p = 0.008), increased recreational physical activity (B = 35.2, p = 0.026) and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables (B = 0.87, p = 0.008). Process evaluation revealed barriers to intervention implementation fidelity and uptake, including a fissured multiemployer worksite, the itinerant nature of workers, competing production pressures, management support, and inclement weather. The All the Right Moves program had a positive impact at the individual level on the worksites with the program. For the longer term, the multi-organizational structure in the construction work environment needs to be considered to facilitate more upstream, long-term changes.
Population-Based Linkage of Big Data in Dental Research
Authors: Joda Tim , Waltimo Tuomas , Pauli-Magnus Christiane , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Zitzmann Nicola U.
Published: October 2018

Population-based linkage of patient-level information opens new strategies for dental research to identify unknown correlations of diseases, prognostic factors, novel treatment concepts and evaluate healthcare systems. As clinical trials have become more complex and inefficient, register-based controlled (clinical) trials (RC(C)T) are a promising approach in dental research. RC(C)Ts provide comprehensive information on hard-to-reach populations, allow observations with minimal loss to follow-up, but require large sample sizes with generating high level of external validity. Collecting data is only valuable if this is done systematically according to harmonized and inter-linkable standards involving a universally accepted general patient consent. Secure data anonymization is crucial, but potential re-identification of individuals poses several challenges. Population-based linkage of big data is a game changer for epidemiological surveys in Public Health and will play a predominant role in future dental research by influencing healthcare services, research, education, biotechnology, insurance, social policy and governmental affairs.
Wound Healing Properties of Selected Natural Products
Authors: Ibrahim Nurul ‘Izzah , Wong Sok Kuan , Mohamed Isa Naina , Mohamed Norazlina , Chin Kok-Yong , Ima-Nirwana Soelaiman , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun
Published: October 2018

Wound healing is a complex process of recovering the forms and functions of injured tissues. The process is tightly regulated by multiple growth factors and cytokines released at the wound site. Any alterations that disrupt the healing processes would worsen the tissue damage and prolong repair process. Various conditions may contribute to impaired wound healing, including infections, underlying diseases and medications. Numerous studies on the potential of natural products with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and pro-collagen synthesis properties as wound healing agents have been performed. Their medicinal properties can be contributed by the content of bioactive phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds in the natural products. This review highlights the in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies on wound healing promotions by the selected natural products and the mechanisms involved.
Beyond Singular Climatic Variables—Identifying the Dynamics of Wholesome Thermo-Physiological Factors for Existing/Future Human Thermal Comfort during Hot Dry Mediterranean Summers
Authors: Santos Nouri Andre , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: October 2018

Centered on hot dry Mediterranean summer climates, this study assesses the climatic data that was extracted from Lisbon’s meteorological station between the years of 2012 and 2016. Focused on the summer period, existing outdoor human thermal comfort levels that are already prone to extreme heat stress thresholds were evaluated. Such an assessment was rooted around identifying the relationship and discrepancies between singular climatic variables (e.g., air Temperature (Ta)); and adapted thermos-physiological indices (e.g., the modified physiologically equivalent temperature (mPET)), which also consider the influence of radiation fluxes over the human body. In addition, default urban canyon case studies (UCCs) were utilized to supplement how both differ and influence one another, especially under extreme weather conditions including heat waves events (HWE), and very hot days (VHD). Through the use of wholesome thermo-physiological indices, the study revealed that while human health and thermal comfort is already prone to extreme physiological stress (PS) grades during one of the hottest months of the year, the current extremes could be drastically surpassed by the end of the century. Within the examined UCCs, it was identified that the projected PET could reach values of 58.3 °C under a projected climate change RCP8.5/SRES A1FI scenario. Similarly, and in terms of thermo-physiological stress loads, the following could happen: (i) a future “cooler summer day” could present similar conditions to those currently found during a ‘typical summer day; (ii) a future ‘typical summer day’ could present hourly physiological equivalent temperature load (PETL) that recurrently surpassed those currently found during a “very hot day”; and, (iii) a future “very hot day” could reveal severe hourly PETL values that reached 35.1 units beyond the established “no thermal stress” class.
Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Human Erythrocytes: Atomic Force Microscopy and Spectral Investigations
Authors: S. AlSalhi Mohamad , Devanesan Sandhanasamy , E. AlZahrani Khalid , AlShebly Mashael , Al-Qahtani Fatima , Farhat Karim , Masilamani Vadivel
Published: October 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease indicated by high sugar levels in the blood over a prolonged period. When left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetic retinopathy or foot ulcers. Approximately 415 million people (about 8.3% of the world’s population) had diabetes worldwide in 2015, with 90% of the cases classified as Type 2 DM, which is caused by insulin resistance that arises mostly from being overweight and from a lack of exercise. DM affects every part of the body, including the erythrocytes. The aim of the present report is to gain insight into the damage done to the erythrocytes of patients classified with pre-diabetes and diabetes (plenty are found in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a country where young people encompass a large segment of the population). The study presents results on the morphological analysis of erythrocytes by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and molecular investigations by fluorescence spectroscopy (FS). Our results indicate significant differences (in the morphology, size, and hemolytic end products) between the erythrocytes of diabetic patients (HbA1C, glycated hemoglobin, levels of 8–10%) and normal controls. It is well-known that DM and smoking are two major contributory factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and our observations presented in this study suggest that diabetes plays a relatively less damaging role than smoking for CVD.
Agent-Based Modeling for Super-Spreading Events: A Case Study of MERS-CoV Transmission Dynamics in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Yunhwan , Ryu Hohyung , Lee Sunmi
Published: October 2018

Super-spreading events have been observed in the transmission dynamics of many infectious diseases. The 2015 MERS-CoV outbreak in the Republic of Korea has also shown super-spreading events with a significantly high level of heterogeneity in generating secondary cases. It becomes critical to understand the mechanism for this high level of heterogeneity to develop effective intervention strategies and preventive plans for future emerging infectious diseases. In this regard, agent-based modeling is a useful tool for incorporating individual heterogeneity into the epidemic model. In the present work, a stochastic agent-based framework is developed in order to understand the underlying mechanism of heterogeneity. Clinical (i.e., an infectivity level) and social or environmental (i.e., a contact level) heterogeneity are modeled. These factors are incorporated in the transmission rate functions under assumptions that super-spreaders have stronger transmission and/or higher links. Our agent-based model has employed real MERS-CoV epidemic features based on the 2015 MERS-CoV epidemiological data. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out under various epidemic scenarios. Our findings highlight the roles of super-spreaders in a high level of heterogeneity, underscoring that the number of contacts combined with a higher level of infectivity are the most critical factors for substantial heterogeneity in generating secondary cases of the 2015 MERS-CoV transmission.
Estimation of the Nutrient and Chlorophyll a Reference Conditions in Taihu Lake Based on A New Method with Extreme–Markov Theory
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Yulin , Cheng Haomiao , Cheng Jilin
Published: October 2018

The nutrient reference conditions of lakes play a key role for lake water quality control and water resource management. The inferential models are important methods for calculating reference values; however, the dependence and “cluster” in time series make time series data difficult to be applied in these methods. A new method based on Markov chain theory, which is used for modeling the dependence of data, and extreme statistics was proposed. The new method was used to estimate the nutrient and chlorophyll a reference conditions in Taihu Lake, which is the third largest freshwater lake in China. The results showed that there was remarkable dependence between the effective observations of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and chlorophyll a. The recommended reference conditions of TN, TP, and chlorophyll a in Taihu Lake were 0.69 mg/L, 0.029 mg/L, and 1.89 μg/L. Their 95% confidence intervals were 0.62–0.76 mg/L, 0.028–0.030 mg/L, and 1.55–2.23 μg/L. These results were consistent with previous researches, which showed that the proposed method is reliable and effective. The length of the intervals was remarkably reduced when compared with several methods. This implied that the proposed method could make full use of the observation data in time series and significantly improve the precision of the estimation results of reference conditions. In general, the proposed method could provide high precision and reliable lake nutrient reference conditions, which would be beneficial to lake water resource management and can be used for estimating the TN, TP, and chlorophyll a reference conditions of other lakes.
Risk, Severity, and Predictors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Huang Shih-Ting , Lin Chen-Li , Yu Tung-Min , Kao Chia-Hung , Liang Wen-Miin , Chou Tzu-Chieh
Published: October 2018

Our study aimed to determine the incidence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and also whether different dialysis modalities confer different risk and treatment response for OSA. We used Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database for analysis and identified 29,561 incident dialysis patients as the study cohort between 2000 and 2011. Each dialysis patient was matched with four non-dialysis control cases by age, sex, and index date. Cox regression hazard models were used to identify the risk of OSA. The incidence rate of OSA was higher in the peritoneal dialysis (PD) cohort than the hemodialysis (HD) and control cohort (18.9, 7.03 vs. 5.5 per 10,000 person-years, respectively). The risk of OSA was significantly higher in the PD (crude subhazard ratio (cSHR) 3.50 [95% CI 2.71–4.50], p < 0.001) and HD cohort (cSHR 1.31 [95% CI 1.00–1.72], p < 0.05) compared with the control cohort. Independent risk factors for OSA in this population were age, sex, having coronary artery disease (CAD), hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hypertension. Major OSA (MOSA) occurred in 68.6% in PD and 50.0% in HD patients with OSA. In the PD subgroup, the incidence of mortality was significantly higher in OSA patients without continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment compared with OSA patients undergoing CPAP treatment. The results of this study indicate that ESRD patients were at higher risk for OSA, especially PD patients, compared with control. The severity of OSA was higher in PD patients than HD patients. Treatment of MOSA with CPAP was associated with reduced mortality in PD patients.
From Global Goals to Local Gains—A Framework for Crop Water Productivity
Authors: Blatchford Megan Leigh , Karimi Poolad , Bastiaanssen W.G.M. , Nouri Hamideh
Published: October 2018

Crop water productivity (CWP) has become a recognised indicator in assessing the state of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6.4—to substantially increase water use efficiency. This indicator, while useful at a global scale, is not comprehensive at a local scale. To fill this gap, this research proposes a CWP framework, that takes advantage of the spatio-temporal availability of remote sensing, that identifies CWP goals and sub-indicators specific to the needs of the targeted domain. Three sub-indicators are considered; (i) a global water productivity score (GWPS), (ii) a local water productivity score (LWPS) and (iii) a land and water use productivity score (YWPS). The GWPS places local CWP in the global context and focuses on maximised CWP. The LWPS differentiates yield zones, normalising for potential product, and focuses on minimising water consumption. The YWPS focuses simultaneously on improving land and water productivity equally. The CWP framework was applied to potato in the West Bank, Palestine. Three management practices were compared under each sub-indicator. The case study showed that fields with high and low performance were different under each sub-indicator. The performance associated with different management practices was also different under each sub-indicator. For example, a winter rotation had a higher performance under the YWPS, the fall rotation had a higher performance under the LWPS and under the GWPS there was little difference. The results showed, that depending on the basin goal, not only do the sub-indicators required change, but also the management practices or approach required to reach those basin goals. This highlights the importance of providing a CWP framework with multiple sub-indicators, suitable to basin needs, to ensure that meeting the SDG 6.4 goal does not jeopardise local objectives.
Reciprocal Regulation of AMPK/SNF1 and Protein Acetylation
Authors: Vancura Ales , Nagar Shreya , Kaur Pritpal , Bu Pengli , Bhagwat Madhura , Vancurova Ivana
Published: October 2018

Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) serves as an energy sensor and master regulator of metabolism. In general, AMPK inhibits anabolism to minimize energy consumption and activates catabolism to increase ATP production. One of the mechanisms employed by AMPK to regulate metabolism is protein acetylation. AMPK regulates protein acetylation by at least five distinct mechanisms. First, AMPK phosphorylates and inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and thus regulates acetyl-CoA homeostasis. Since acetyl-CoA is a substrate for all lysine acetyltransferases (KATs), AMPK affects the activity of KATs by regulating the cellular level of acetyl-CoA. Second, AMPK activates histone deacetylases (HDACs) sirtuins by increasing the cellular concentration of NAD+, a cofactor of sirtuins. Third, AMPK inhibits class I and II HDACs by upregulating hepatic synthesis of α-hydroxybutyrate, a natural inhibitor of HDACs. Fourth, AMPK induces translocation of HDACs 4 and 5 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and thus increases histone acetylation in the nucleus. Fifth, AMPK directly phosphorylates and downregulates p300 KAT. On the other hand, protein acetylation regulates AMPK activity. Sirtuin SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), an upstream kinase of AMPK, activates LKB1 and AMPK. AMPK phosphorylates and inactivates ACC, thus increasing acetyl-CoA level and promoting LKB1 acetylation and inhibition. In yeast cells, acetylation of Sip2p, one of the regulatory β-subunits of the SNF1 complex, results in inhibition of SNF1. This results in activation of ACC and reduced cellular level of acetyl-CoA, which promotes deacetylation of Sip2p and activation of SNF1. Thus, in both yeast and mammalian cells, AMPK/SNF1 regulate protein acetylation and are themselves regulated by protein acetylation.
Injectable Systems for Intra-Articular Delivery of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Cartilage Treatment: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence
Authors: Roffi Alice , Nakamura Norimasa , Sanchez Mikel , Cucchiarini Magali , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: October 2018

Stem cell-based therapy is a promising approach to treat cartilage lesions and clinical benefits have been reported in a number of studies. However, the efficacy of cell injection procedures may be impaired by cell manipulation and damage as well as by cell dissemination to non-target tissues. To overcome such issues, mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) delivery may be performed using injectable vehicles as containment systems that further provide a favorable cell microenvironment. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the preclinical and clinical literature on platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and hydrogels for the delivery of MSCs. The systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed and Web of science databases with the following string: “(stem cells injection) AND (platelet rich plasma OR PRP OR platelet concentrate OR biomaterials OR hyaluronic acid OR hydrogels)”: 40 studies (19 preclinical and 21 clinical) met the inclusion criteria. This review revealed an increasing interest on the use of injectable agents for MSC delivery. However, while negligible adverse events and promising clinical outcomes were generally reported, the prevalence of low quality studies hinders the possibility to demonstrate the real benefits of using such injectable systems. Specific studies must be designed to clearly demonstrate the added benefits of these systems to deliver MSCs for the treatment of cartilage lesions and osteoarthritis.
Construction and Characterization of Phthalocyanine-Loaded Particles of Curdlan and Their Photosensitivity
Authors: Liu Zonglin , Wang Dongfeng , Sun Xun , Sun Qingjie , Wu Yanjiang , Xu Ying
Published: October 2018

To optimize the physicochemical properties of phthalocyanine (PC), we examined its behavior in particles of triple helix glucan curdlan (CUR). CUR was denatured and renatured in DMSO, in the presence of PC. Infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that PC and CUR formed an inclusion complex, in which PC was trapped inside CUR molecules. This redshifted the absorption peak of PC, which would improve its usefulness as a photosensitizer, because infrared light can penetrate more deeply into human tissues. The conductivity of the solution of CUR-PC was higher than the conductivities of either a CUR solution or a PC dispersion, indicating that CUR-PC is more water soluble than PC. In addition, CUR-PC was highly stable in water. Thus, the use of CUR as a carrier of PC improves several of its physical properties. PC is used as a photosensitizer for killing cancer cells, but its use is hampered by its low solubility. Further, its absorption range limits its use to a depth of 1–3 mm in tissues. CUR-PC, with its high solubility and infrared absorption peak, was highly effective as a photosensitizer. It killed 84% of HeLa cells under 15 min of long wavelength radiation and had little cytotoxicity in the absence of light. These results demonstrate that CUR-PC has promise as a photosensitizer, as well as provide theoretical support for a wide range of applications for PC and CUR.
Receptor-Targeted Glial Brain Tumor Therapies
Authors: Sharma Puja , Debinski Waldemar
Published: October 2018

Among primary brain tumors, malignant gliomas are notably difficult to manage. The higher-grade tumors represent an unmet need in medicine. There have been extensive efforts to implement receptor-targeted therapeutic approaches directed against gliomas. These approaches include immunotherapies, such as vaccines, adoptive immunotherapy, and passive immunotherapy. Targeted cytotoxic radio energy and pro-drug activation have been designed specifically for brain tumors. The field of targeting through receptors progressed significantly with the discovery of an interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 (IL-13RA2) as a tumor-associated receptor over-expressed in most patients with glioblastoma (GBM) but not in normal brain. IL-13RA2 has been exploited in novel experimental therapies with very encouraging clinical responses. Other receptors are specifically over-expressed in many patients with GBM, such as EphA2 and EphA3 receptors, among others. These findings are important in view of the heterogeneity of GBM tumors and multiple tumor compartments responsible for tumor progression and resistance to therapies. The combined targeting of multiple receptors in different tumor compartments should be a preferred way to design novel receptor-targeted therapeutic approaches in gliomas.
The Bromodomain Inhibitor N-Methyl pyrrolidone Prevents Osteoporosis and BMP-Triggered Sclerostin Expression in Osteocytes
Authors: Siegenthaler Barbara , Ghayor Chafik , Gjoksi-Cosandey Bebeka , Ruangsawasdi Nisarat , Weber Franz E.
Published: October 2018

(1) Background: In an adult skeleton, bone is constantly renewed in a cycle of bone resorption, followed by bone formation. This coupling process, called bone remodeling, adjusts the quality and quantity of bone to the local needs. It is generally accepted that osteoporosis develops when bone resorption surpasses bone formation. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts, bone resorbing and bone forming cells respectively, are the major target in osteoporosis treatment. Inside bone and forming a complex network, the third and most abundant cells, the osteocytes, have long remained a mystery. Osteocytes are responsible for mechano-sensation and -transduction. Increased expression of the osteocyte-derived bone inhibitor sclerostin has been linked to estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis and is therefore a promising target for osteoporosis management. (2) Methods: Recently we showed in vitro and in vivo that NMP (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone) is a bioactive drug enhancing the BMP-2 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2) induced effect on bone formation while blocking bone resorption. Here we tested the effect of NMP on the expression of osteocyte-derived sclerostin. (3) Results: We found that NMP significantly decreased sclerostin mRNA and protein levels. In an animal model of osteoporosis, NMP prevented the estrogen deficiency-induced increased expression of sclerostin. (4) Conclusions: These results support the potential of NMP as a novel therapeutic compound for osteoporosis management, since it preserves bone by a direct interference with osteoblasts and osteoclasts and an indirect one via a decrease in sclerostin expression by osteocytes.
Chemotherapy-Exacerbated Breast Cancer Metastasis: A Paradox Explainable by Dysregulated Adaptive-Response
Authors: Middleton Justin D. , Stover Daniel G. , Hai Tsonwin
Published: October 2018

An emerging picture in cancer biology is that, paradoxically, chemotherapy can actively induce changes that favor cancer progression. These pro-cancer changes can be either inside (intrinsic) or outside (extrinsic) the cancer cells. In this review, we will discuss the extrinsic pro-cancer effect of chemotherapy; that is, the effect of chemotherapy on the non-cancer host cells to promote cancer progression. We will focus on metastasis, and will first discuss recent data from mouse models of breast cancer. Despite reducing the size of primary tumors, chemotherapy changes the tumor microenvironment, resulting in an increased escape of cancer cells into the blood stream. Furthermore, chemotherapry changes the tissue microenvironment at the distant sites, making it more hospitable to cancer cells upon their arrival. We will then discuss the idea and evidence that these devastating pro-metastatic effects of chemotherapy can be explained in the context of adaptive-response. At the end, we will discuss the potential relevance of these mouse data to human breast cancer and their implication on chemotherapy in the clinic.
Graphene Oxide Induced Osteogenesis Quantification by In-Situ 2D-Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Palmieri Valentina , Barba Marta , Di Pietro Lorena , Conti Claudio , De Spirito Marco , Lattanzi Wanda , Papi Massimiliano
Published: October 2018

Graphene and graphene oxide can promote the adhesion, growth and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Further, graphene surface coatings accelerate the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells acting as osteogenic inducers. Quantification of the osteogenic induction is conventionally performed with Alizarin Red S (ARS), an anthraquinone derivative used to identify calcium deposits in tissue sections and cell cultures. The ARS staining is quite versatile because the dye forms an Alizarin Red S–calcium complex that can be extracted from the stained monolayer of cells and readily assayed by absorbance measurements. Direct visualization of stained deposits is also feasible; however, an in-situ visualization and quantification of deposits is possible only on transparent supports and not on thick opaque materials like ceramics and graphene composites that are well-known inducers of osteogenesis. In this manuscript, the shape of the 2D-fluorescence spectra of the ARS-calcium complex is used to develop a method to detect and monitor the in-situ differentiation process occurring during the osteogenic induction mediated by opaque graphene oxide surfaces.
Drosophila Models of Sporadic Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Nagoshi Emi
Published: October 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common cause of movement disorders and is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. It is increasingly recognized as a complex group of disorders presenting widely heterogeneous symptoms and pathology. With the exception of the rare monogenic forms, the majority of PD cases result from an interaction between multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. The search for these risk factors and the development of preclinical animal models are in progress, aiming to provide mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of PD. This review summarizes the studies that capitalize on modeling sporadic (i.e., nonfamilial) PD using Drosophila melanogaster and discusses their methodologies, new findings, and future perspectives.