bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene Oxide-Based Targeting of Extracellular Cathepsin D and Cathepsin L As A Novel Anti-Metastatic Enzyme Cancer Therapy
Authors: Tabish Tanveer A. , Pranjol Md Zahidul I. , Horsell David W. , Rahat Alma A. M. , Whatmore Jacqueline L. , Winyard Paul G. , Zhang Shaowei
Published: March 2019

Overexpression and secretion of the enzymes cathepsin D (CathD) and cathepsin L (CathL) is associated with metastasis in several human cancers. As a superfamily, extracellularly, these proteins may act within the tumor microenvironment to drive cancer progression, proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Therefore, it is important to discover novel therapeutic treatment strategies to target CathD and CathL and potentially impede metastasis. Graphene oxide (GO) could form the basis of such a strategy by acting as an adsorbent for pro-metastatic enzymes. Here, we have conducted research into the potential of targeted anti-metastatic therapy using GO to adsorb these pro-tumorigenic enzymes. Binding of CathD/L to GO revealed that CathD/L were adsorbed onto the surface of GO through its cationic and hydrophilic residues. This work could provide a roadmap for the rational integration of CathD/L-targeting agents into clinical settings.
Radial-Concentric Freeze Casting Inspired by Porcupine Fish Spines
Authors: Su Frances Y. , Mok Joyce R. , McKittrick Joanna
Published: March 2019

Freeze casting is a technique used to manufacture porous ceramics with aligned microstructures. In conventional freeze casting, these microstructures are aligned along a single direction of freezing. However, a caveat to these ceramics has been their ensuing lack of strength and toughness due to their high porosity, especially in the direction orthogonal to the direction of alignment. In this work, a novel freezing casting method referred to as “radial-concentric freeze casting” is presented, which takes its inspiration from the radially and concentrically aligned structure of the defensive spines of the porcupine fish. The method builds off the radial freeze casting method, in which the microstructure is aligned radially, and imposes a concentric alignment. Axial compression and Brazilian tests were performed to obtain axial compressive strengths, axial compressive moduli, and splitting tensile strengths of freeze cast samples with and without epoxy infiltration. Notably, radial-concentric freeze cast samples had the greatest improvements in axial compressive modulus and splitting tensile strength with infiltration, when compared against the changes in mechanical properties of conventional and radial freeze cast ceramics with infiltration. These results provide further evidence for the importance of structure in multiphase materials and the possibility of enhancing mechanical properties through the controlled alignment of microstructures.
Multifunctional Gelcoats for Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Pomázi Ákos , Toldy Andrea
Published: March 2019

Achieving special features in polymer composites, such as flame retardancy and thermal and electrical conductivity, often requires the application of different additives, which might negatively affect other properties of the polymer matrix and the composite structure. Furthermore, the application of solid additives in composites produced by liquid transfer moulding can lead to the filtration of the additive by the reinforcement, which causes a non-uniform particle distribution and an uneven performance. An evident solution to address these issues is to apply the additives in a separate layer on the surface of the composite. As in many applications, gelcoats are used to reach appropriate surface quality, a reasonable progression in the composite industry is the development of multifunctional gelcoats. In this article, after a short introduction to gelcoats and their main base materials (unsaturated polyester, epoxy, and others) multifunctional gelcoats are discussed according to their functionality, in particular water resistance, electric conductivity and flame retardancy. Classical and novel gelcoat preparation methods (application by brush and/or roller, spraying, UV-curing, in-mould gelcoating), as well as common defects that occur during gelcoating are discussed. Finally, the testing methods of multifunctional gelcoats are outlined.
Physical and Electrochemical Performances of Cold Sprayed Pb Electrodes
Authors: Huang Guosheng , Zhuang Yaowei , Fu Wei
Published: March 2019

Titanium-based PbO2 electrodes are widely used for chemical industries, such as electrodialysis, electrolysis, and electrodepositing, to improve the mechanical and life cycle properties of Pb metal electrodes. However, PbO2 electrodes are usually electrodeposited onto rigid metals due to its soft characteristic, which results in severe passivation problems requiring thin thickness and high porosity. It is of great importance to develop a rigid Pb metal electrode system since thermal spraying and welding methods fail to manufacture such a promising electrode. In the present work, the cold spraying method was used to deposit a pure Pb metal coating with thickness of above 500 μm on Q235 steel substrate. The coating has good physical performances, the porosity is less than 1%, and the bonding strength ranges from 6.25 to 7.75 MPa. The cross-sectional morphology suggests that no through-thickness pores exist in the coating. The oxygen evolution potential is larger than 1.5 V vs. SCE, which is similar to the potential of the titanium-based PbO2 electrode. Dynamic polarization curves and cyclic voltammetry curves of coated sample in sodium sulfate solution indicate that cold sprayed Pb coating is a good electrode for electrochemical reduction reactions. All our results mean that cold spraying is capable of manufacturing electrode materials for electrochemical industries.
Comparative Study of Printed Multilayer OLED Fabrication through Slot Die Coating, Gravure and Inkjet Printing, and Their Combination
Authors: Merklein Lisa , Daume Dominik , Braig Felix , Schlisske Stefan , Rödlmeier Tobias , Mink Marvin , Kourkoulos Dimitrios , Ulber Benjamin , Di Biase Manuela , Meerholz Klaus , Hernandez-Sosa Gerardo , Lemmer Uli , Sauer Hans Martin , Dörsam Edgar , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: March 2019

In this study, multilayer organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) consisting of three solution-processed layers are fabricated using slot die coating, gravure printing, and inkjet printing, techniques that are commonly used in the industry. Different technique combinations are investigated to successively deposit a hole injection layer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)), a cross-linkable hole transport layer (N,N′-bis(4-(6-((3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methoxy)-hexyloxy)phenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)biphenyl-4,4′-diamin (QUPD)), and a green emissive layer (TSG-M) on top of each other. In order to compare the application techniques, the ink formulations have to be adapted to the respective process requirements. First, the influence of the application technique on the layer homogeneity of the different materials is investigated. Large area thickness measurements of the layers based on imaging color reflectometry (ICR) are used to compare the application techniques regarding the layer homogeneity and reproducible film thickness. The total stack thickness of all solution-processed layers of 32 OLEDs could be reproduced homogeneously in a process window of 30 nm for the technique combination of slot die coating and inkjet printing. The best efficiency of 13.3 cd A−1 is reached for a process combination of slot die coating and gravure printing. In order to enable a statistically significant evaluation, in total, 96 OLEDs were analyzed and the corresponding 288 layers were measured successively to determine the influence of layer homogeneity on device performance.
Cross-Shelf Variation in Coral Community Response to Disturbance on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Mellin Camille , Thompson Angus , Jonker Michelle J. , Emslie Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Changes in coral reef health and status are commonly reported using hard coral cover, however such changes may also lead to substantial shifts in coral community composition. Here we assess the extent to which coral communities departed from their pre-disturbance composition following disturbance (disassembly), and reassembled during recovery (reassembly) along an environmental gradient across the continental shelf on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. We show that for similar differences in coral cover, both disassembly and reassembly were greater on inshore reefs than mid- or outer-shelf reefs. This pattern was mostly explained by spatial variation in the pre-disturbance community composition, of which 28% was associated with chronic stressors related to water quality (e.g., light attenuation, concentrations of suspended sediments and chlorophyll). Tropical cyclones exacerbated the magnitude of community disassembly, but did not vary significantly among shelf positions. On the outer shelf, the main indicator taxa (tabulate Acropora) were mostly responsible for community dissimilarity, whereas contribution to dissimilarity was distributed across many taxa on the inner shelf. Our results highlight that community dynamics are not well captured by aggregated indices such as coral cover alone, and that the response of ecological communities to disturbance depends on their composition and exposure to chronic stressors.
A Rapid UAV Method for Assessing Body Condition in Fur Seals
Authors: Allan Blake M. , Ierodiaconou Daniel , Hoskins Andrew J. , Arnould John P.Y.
Published: March 2019

Condition indices correlating body lipid content with mass and morphometric measurements have been developed for a variety of taxa. However, for many large species, the capture and handling of enough animals to obtain representative population estimates is not logistically feasible. The relatively low cost and reduced disturbance effects of UAVs make them ideal for the rapid acquisition of high volume data for monitoring large species. This study examined the imagery collected from two different UAVs, flown at 25 m altitude, and the subsequent georeferenced orthomosaics as a method for measuring length and axillary girth of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) to derive an index of body condition. Up to 26% of individuals were orientated correctly (prostrate/sternal recumbent) to allow for body measurements. The UAV-obtained images over-estimated axillary girth diameter due to postural sag on the lateral sides of the thorax while the animals are lying flat in the sternal recumbent position on granite rocks. However, the relationship between axillary girth and standard length was similarly positive for the remotely- and physically-obtained measurements. This indicates that residual values from the remotely-obtained measurements can be used as a relative index of body condition.
Joseph Fourier 250th Birthday: Modern Fourier Analysis and Fourier Heat Equation in Information Sciences for the XXIst Century
Authors: Barbaresco Frédéric , Gazeau Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2019

For the 250th birthday of Joseph Fourier, born in 1768 at Auxerre in France, this MDPI special issue will explore modern topics related to Fourier analysis and Fourier Heat Equation. Fourier analysis, named after Joseph Fourier, addresses classically commutative harmonic analysis. The modern development of Fourier analysis during XXth century has explored the generalization of Fourier and Fourier-Plancherel formula for non-commutative harmonic analysis, applied to locally compact non-Abelian groups. In parallel, the theory of coherent states and wavelets has been generalized over Lie groups (by associating coherent states to group representations that are square integrable over a homogeneous space). The name of Joseph Fourier is also inseparable from the study of mathematics of heat. Modern research on Heat equation explores geometric extension of classical diffusion equation on Riemannian, sub-Riemannian manifolds, and Lie groups. The heat equation for a general volume form that not necessarily coincides with the Riemannian one is useful in sub-Riemannian geometry, where a canonical volume only exists in certain cases. A new geometric theory of heat is emerging by applying geometric mechanics tools extended for statistical mechanics, for example, the Lie groups thermodynamics.
Is the Voronoi Entropy a True Entropy? Comments on “Entropy, Shannon’s Measure of Information and Boltzmann’s H-Theorem”, Entropy 2017, 19, 48
Authors: Bormashenko Edward , Frenkel Mark , Legchenkova Irina
Published: March 2019

The goal of this comment note is to express our considerations about the recent paper by A. Ben Naim (Entropy 2017, 19, 48). We strongly support the distinguishing between the Shannon measure of information and the thermodynamic entropy, suggested in the paper. We demonstrate that the Voronoi entropy should also be clearly distinguished from the entropy of a two-dimensional gas. Actually, the Voronoi entropy being an intensive value is the averaged Shannon measure of ordering for a given pattern.
Anchor Link Prediction across Attributed Networks via Network Embedding
Authors: Wang Shaokai , Li Xutao , Ye Yunming , Feng Shanshan , Lau Raymond Y. K. , Huang Xiaohui , Du Xiaolin
Published: March 2019

Presently, many users are involved in multiple social networks. Identifying the same user in different networks, also known as anchor link prediction, becomes an important problem, which can serve numerous applications, e.g., cross-network recommendation, user profiling, etc. Previous studies mainly use hand-crafted structure features, which, if not carefully designed, may fail to reflect the intrinsic structure regularities. Moreover, most of the methods neglect the attribute information of social networks. In this paper, we propose a novel semi-supervised network-embedding model to address the problem. In the model, each node of the multiple networks is represented by a vector for anchor link prediction, which is learnt with awareness of observed anchor links as semi-supervised information, and topology structure and attributes as input. Experimental results on the real-world data sets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model compared to state-of-the-art techniques.
Effect of a Roughness Element on the Hypersonic Boundary Layer Receptivity Due to Different Types of Free-Stream Disturbance with a Single Frequency
Authors: Shi Mingfang , Xu Lidan , Wang Zhenqing , Lv Hongqing
Published: March 2019

The hypersonic flow field around a blunt cone was simulated using a high-order finite difference method. Fast acoustic waves, slow acoustic waves, entropy waves, and vortical waves were introduced into the free-stream to determine the influence of a free-stream with disturbances on the hypersonic flow field and boundary layer. The effect of disturbance type on the evolution of perturbations in the hypersonic boundary layer was analyzed. Fast Fourier Transform was adopted to analyze the effect of the disturbance type on the evolution of different modes in the boundary layer. A roughness element was introduced into the flow field to reveal the impact of the roughness element on hypersonic boundary layer receptivity. The results showed that a free-stream with disturbances affected the hypersonic flow field and boundary layer; acoustic waves had the greatest influence. The impact of slow acoustic waves on the flow field was mainly concentrated in the region between the shock and the boundary layer, whereas the influence of fast acoustic waves was mainly concentrated in the boundary layer. Multi-mode perturbations formed in the boundary layer were caused by the free-stream with disturbances, wherein the fundamental mode was the dominant mode of the perturbations in the boundary layer caused by fast acoustic waves, entropy waves, and vortical waves. The dominant modes of the perturbations in the boundary layer caused by slow acoustic waves were both the fundamental mode and the second harmonic mode. The roughness element changed the propagation process of different modes of perturbations in the boundary layer. In the downstream region of the roughness element, perturbations in the boundary layer caused by the slow acoustic waves had the greatest influence. The second harmonic mode in the boundary layer was significantly suppressed, and the fundamental mode became the dominant mode. The effects of fast acoustic waves and entropy waves on the boundary layer receptivity were similar, except the amplitude of the perturbations in the boundary layer caused by the fast acoustic waves was larger.
Dynamic Economic Dispatch Model of Microgrid Containing Energy Storage Components Based on a Variant of NSGA-II Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Fei , Yuan Jinsha , Wang Ning
Published: March 2019

With the development of microgrid, in order to improve the economy of the microgrid and intelligent service of electric power marketing, the proper management of the output of micro-source in microgrid and power exchange between grids is an urgent problem to be solved. Considering the interests of multiple stakeholders, such as users, power grids, renewable energy and battery, a dynamic economic dispatch model of microgrid is proposed in this paper based on time-of-use power price mechanism. Using a variant of Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA)-II algorithm, at the same time, an external penalty function is introduced to deal with the constraint conditions, which is convenient for solving multi-objective optimization models. Based on the data of load forecasting and renewable energy output in microgrid, the function of battery and time-of-use power price mechanism is considered to optimize the output of controllable micro-source in the system, in order to achieve the optimization of microgrid dispatch. The model established in this paper considers the overall economic optimization of multi-objective and multi-interest groups within the microgrid, and hence, can get a more comprehensive and reasonable scheduling scheme. It provides effective help for the operation of micro grid system, and realizes the electric power marketing for demand side, so as to provide help for improving the power marketing’s economy and intelligent service.
Techno-Economic Analysis of a Cogeneration System for Post-Harvest Loss Reduction: A Case Study in Sub-Saharan Rural Community
Authors: Lamidi Rasaq O , Jiang Long , Wang Yaodong , Pathare Pankaj B , Aguilar Marcelo Calispa , Wang Ruiqi , Eshoul Nuri Mohamed , Roskilly Anthony Paul
Published: March 2019

Over 90% of global yam production is from West Africa where it provides food and income for above 300 million smallholders’ farmers. However, the major challenge of yam is 10–40% post-harvest losses due to the lack of appropriate storage facilities. This paper assesses a biogas-driven cogeneration system, which could supply electricity and cold storage for ‘yam bank’ within a rural community. Considering 200 households’ Nigerian village as a case study, crop residues are used as anaerobic digestion feedstock to produce biogas, which is subsequently used to power an internal combustion engine. Result shows that the system could store 3.6 tonnes of yam tubers each year and provide enough electricity for domestic and commercial activities. At the current electricity tariff of USD0.013·kWh−1 for rural areas, the system is unable to payback during its life span. The proposed USD0.42·kWh−1 by Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency seems good with less than 3 years discounted payback period but brings about extra burden on poor rural households. Based on the income from cold storage, electricity tariff of USD0.105·kWh−1 with an interest rate of 4% is suggested to be reasonable which results in 6.84 years discounted payback period especially considering non-monetary benefits of renewable energy system.
Performance Comparison of Mismatch Power Loss Minimization Techniques in Series-Parallel PV Array Configurations
Authors: Mansur Ahmed Al , Amin Md. Ruhul , Islam Kazi Khairul
Published: March 2019

The mismatch in current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) modules causes significant power loss in a large PV array, which is known as mismatch power loss (MML). The PV array output power generation can be improved by minimizing MML using different techniques. This paper investigates the performance of different module arrangement techniques to minimize MML both for long series string (LSS) and long parallel branch (LPB) in series-parallel (SP) array configurations at uniform irradiance condition. To investigate the significance of MML LSS-SP configuration with dimensions: 1 × 40, 2 × 20, 4 × 10, 5 × 8 and LPB-SP configuration with dimensions: 40 × 1, 20 × 2, 10 × 4, 8 × 5 were used. A comparative analysis is made to find the effectiveness of MML reduction techniques on PV arrays with three different power ratings. Simulation results show that the PV modules arrangement obtained by the genetic algorithm (GA) and current based arrangement (Im) performed better than the arrangements obtained by all other techniques in terms of PV array output power and MML minimization. The performance of the proposed technique was analyzed for both LSS-SP and LPB-SP array configurations in 400 W, 3400 W, and 9880 W arrays. To substantiate the simulation results experiment was performed using a 400 W PV array in outdoor weather condition and obtained similar results. It was also observed that the percentage of recoverable energy (%RE) obtained by arranging the modules using the GA method was higher than Im based method for both LSS-SP and LPB-SP array configurations. A maximum %RE of 4.159 % was recorded for a 5 × 8 LSS-SP array configuration by applying the GA based MML reduction method.
A Fault-Tolerant Control Strategy of Modular Multilevel Converter with Sub-Module Faults Based on Neutral Point Compound Shift
Authors: Zhu Qinyue , Dai Wei , Guan Lei , Tan Xitang , Li Zhaoyang , Xie Dabo
Published: March 2019

In view of the complex calculation and limited fault tolerance capability of existing neutral point shift control algorithms, this paper studies the fault-tolerant control method for sub-module faults in modular multilevel converters on the basis of neutral point compound shift control strategy. In order to reduce the calculation complexity of shift parameters in the traditional strategy and simplify its implementation, an improved AC side phase voltage vector reconstruction method is proposed, achieving online real-time calculation of the modulation wave adjustment parameters of each phase required for fault-tolerant control. Based on this, a neutral point DC side shift control method is proposed to further improve the fault tolerance capability of the modular multilevel converter (MMC) system by compensating the fault phase voltage with non-fault phase voltage. By means of the compound shift control strategy of the DC side and AC side of the neutral point, an optimal neutral point position is selected to ensure that the MMC system output line voltage is symmetrical and the amplitude is as large as possible after fault-tolerant control. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control strategy are verified by simulation and low-power MMC experimental system testing.
Sliding Mode Output Regulation for a Boost Power Converter
Authors: Rivera Jorge , Ortega-Cisneros Susana , Chavira Florentino
Published: March 2019

This work deals with the novel application of the sliding mode (discontinuous) output regulation theory to a nonlinear electrical circuit, the so-called boost power converter. This theory has excelled due to the fact that trajectory tracking plays a central role. The control of a boost power converter for the output tracking of a DC biased sinusoidal signal is a challenging problem for control engineers. The main difficulties are the computation of a proper reference signal for the inductor current, and the stabilization of the inductor current dynamics or to guarantee the correct output tracking of the capacitor voltage. With the application of the discontinuous output regulation these problems are solved in this work. Simulations and real time experiments were carried out with an unknown variation of the DC input voltage, where the good output tracking of the capacitor voltage was verified along with the stabilization of the inductor current. The discontinuous output regulation theory has proven to be a suitable tool in the output tracking for the boost power converter.
An Alternative Internet-of-Things Solution Based on LoRa for PV Power Plants: Data Monitoring and Management
Authors: Paredes-Parra José Miguel , García-Sánchez Antonio Javier , Mateo-Aroca Antonio , Molina-García Ángel
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a wireless low-cost solution based on long-range (LoRa) technology able to communicate with remote PV power plants, covering long distances with minimum power consumption and maintenance. This solution includes a low-cost open-source technology at the sensor layer and a low-power wireless area network (LPWAN) at the communication layer, combining the advantages of long-range coverage and low power demand. Moreover, it offers an extensive monitoring system to exchange data in an Internet-of-Things (IoT) environment. A detailed description of the proposed system at the PV module level of integration is also included in the paper, as well as detailed information regarding LPWAN application to the PV power plant monitoring problem. In order to assess the suitability of the proposed solution, results collected in real PV installations connected to the grid are also included and discussed.
Spatial-Temporal Patterns of Spruce Budworm Defoliation within Plots in Québec
Authors: Li Mingke , MacLean David A. , Hennigar Chris R. , Ogilvie Jae
Published: March 2019

We investigated the spatial-temporal patterns of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.); SBW) defoliation within 57 plots over 5 years during the current SBW outbreak in Québec. Although spatial-temporal variability of SBW defoliation has been studied at several scales, the spatial dependence between individual defoliated trees within a plot has not been quantified, and effects of defoliation level of neighboring trees have not been addressed. We used spatial autocorrelation analyses to determine patterns of defoliation of trees (clustered, dispersed, or random) for plots and for individual trees. From 28% to 47% of plots had significantly clustered defoliation during the 5 years. Plots with clustered defoliation generally had higher mean defoliation per plot and higher deviation of defoliation. At the individual-tree-level, we determined ‘hot spot trees’ (highly defoliated trees surrounded by other highly defoliated trees) and ‘cold spot trees’ (lightly defoliated trees surrounded by other lightly defoliated trees) within each plot using local Getis-Ord Gi* analysis. Results revealed that 11 to 27 plots had hot spot trees and 27% to 64% of them had mean defoliation <25%, while plots with 75% to 100% defoliation had either cold spot trees or non-significant spots, which suggested that whether defoliation was high or low enough to be a hot or cold spot depended on the defoliation level of the entire plot. We fitted individual-tree balsam fir defoliation regression models as a function of plot and surrounding tree characteristics (using search radii of 3–5 m). The best model contained plot average balsam fir defoliation and subject tree basal area, and these two variables explained 80% of the variance, which was 2% to 5% higher than the variability explained by the neighboring tree defoliation, over the 3–5 m search radii tested. We concluded that plot-level defoliation and basal area were adequate for modeling individual tree defoliation, and although clustering of defoliation was evident, larger plots were needed to determine the optimum neighborhood radius for predicting defoliation on an individual. Spatial autocorrelation analysis can serve as an objective way to quantify such ecological patterns.
Preparedness and Experiences of Evacuees from the 2016 Fort McMurray Horse River Wildfire
Authors: McGee Tara K.
Published: March 2019

The 2016 Fort McMurray Horse River Wildfire that caused the evacuation of more than 88,000 residents from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), Alberta is the largest wildfire evacuation in Canadian history. This paper presents results of an online survey of 447 evacuees in June when some residents had returned to RMWB, and others were still living elsewhere. Results of this online survey show that many survey respondents were not aware of the high wildfire risk leading up to May 3rd and social cues indicated they should carry on as usual. Many respondents received little if any warning time to enable them to prepare. Most respondents had a vehicle, but traffic impediments caused some to run out of gas, food and water on the drive away from Fort McMurray. Most respondents stayed in more than one location, with most staying with friends and family for at least part of the evacuation. Some respondents faced challenges including financial difficulties, finding suitable accommodation, and dealing with insurance, and some received insufficient information. Help was offered to evacuees by a vast array of sources including organizations, businesses, communities, and residents. The results of this study show that most survey respondents were not prepared before they had to leave, which increased reliance on help provided by others.
Peptide Self-Assembly into Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications Related to Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Rivas Manuel , del Valle Luís J. , Alemán Carlos , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: March 2019

Amphiphilic peptides can be self-assembled by establishing physical cross-links involving hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions with divalent ions. The derived hydrogels have promising properties due to their biocompatibility, reversibility, trigger capability, and tunability. Peptide hydrogels can mimic the extracellular matrix and favor the growth of hydroxyapatite (HAp) as well as its encapsulation. Newly designed materials offer great perspectives for applications in the regeneration of hard tissues such as bones, teeth, and cartilage. Furthermore, development of drug delivery systems based on HAp and peptide self-assembly is attracting attention.
Spanish Version of the Family Health Behavior Scale: Adaptation and Validation
Authors: Lanzarote-Fernández María-Dolores , Lozano-Oyola José-Francisco , Gómez-de-Terreros-Guardiola Montserrat , Avilés-Carvajal Isabel , Martínez-Cervantes Rafael J. , Moreno Jennette Palcic
Published: March 2019

Different studies around the world indicate that the percentages of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence are high. In this context, it would be useful to have a common, valid, and reliable instrument to assess health behaviors of families that allows comparisons of data from different countries. The objective is the adaptation of a Spanish version of the Family Health Behavior Scale (FHBS). The questionnaire originally developed by Moreno group was translated and adapted following the International Test Commission protocol. Its psychometric properties were evaluated through analysis of internal consistency, factor analysis and other evidences of validity. The Spanish version of the FHBS demonstrated adequate reliability coefficients, and its factor structure sufficiently replicated that obtained by the original measurement. The results suggested that the adapted version of the questionnaire was an adequate and valid measure for the evaluation of family health behaviors related to the prevention of overweight and obesity.
Effectiveness Studies in Health Promotion: A Review of the Methodological Quality of Studies Reporting Significant Effects on Physical Activity in Working Age Adults
Authors: Rudolf Kevin , Dejonghe Lea A. L. , Froböse Ingo , Lammer Florian , Rückel Lisa-Marie , Tetz Jessica , Schaller Andrea
Published: March 2019

The methodology of intervention studies on physical activity (PA) promotion is of great importance regarding evidence development in complex interventions. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the methodological quality of those studies which reported statistically significant effects of interventions promoting PA. PUBMED was searched for reviews on PA promotion to identify studies reporting effective interventions with participants of working age (16–67 years). Selected reviews were screened and data from primary studies with effective interventions were extracted to assess methodological quality. Forty-six reviews with 600 primary studies were identified, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-one studies were conducted as randomized controlled trials, 13 included an intervention control group, 25 measured PA by questionnaire, and 13 included objective measurements. Information on used statistics was often scarce, and long-term follow-up measurements were frequently missing. The overall methodological quality was moderate for randomized studies and low for non-randomized studies; information on methods and results was often lacking. To overcome these methodological issues, standardized guidelines for reporting study results should be considered, not only when publishing results but also when designing studies. This review provides a solid foundation for the development of practical advice for planning application-oriented studies in PA promotion.
Electrooxidation Using Nb/BDD as Post-Treatment of a Reverse Osmosis Concentrate in the Petrochemical Industry
Authors: Wohlmuth da Silva Salatiel , Venzke Carla Denize , Bitencourt Welter Júlia , Schneider Daniela Eduarda , Zoppas Ferreira Jane , Siqueira Rodrigues Marco Antônio , Moura Bernardes Andréa
Published: March 2019

This work evaluated the performance of an electrochemical oxidation process (EOP), using boron-doped diamond on niobium substrate (Nb/BDD), for the treatment of a reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) produced from a petrochemical wastewater. The effects of applied current density (5, 10, or 20 mA·cm−2) and oxidation time (0 to 5 h) were evaluated following changes in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC). Current efficiency and specific energy consumption were also evaluated. Besides, the organic byproducts generated by EOP were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results show that current densities and oxidation time lead to a COD and TOC reduction. For the 20 mA·cm−2, changes in the kinetic regime were found at 3 h and associated to the oxidation of inorganic ions by chlorinated species. After 3 h, the oxidants act in the organic oxidation, leading to a TOC removal of 71%. Although, due to the evolution of parallel reactions (O2, H2O2, and O3), the specific energy consumption also increased, the resulting consumption value of 66.5 kW·h·kg−1 of COD is considered a low energy requirement representing lower treatment costs. These results encourage the applicability of EOP equipped with Nb/BDD as a treatment process for the ROC.
Old and New Threats—Trace Metals and Fluoride Contamination in Soils at Defunct Smithy Sites
Authors: Kupiec Michał , Pieńkowski Paweł , Bosiacka Beata , Gutowska Izabela , Kupnicka Patrycja , Prokopowicz Adam , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate soil contamination with trace elements and fluoride at sites in Szczecin (NW Poland) where economic activity was historically associated with the use of trace metals. As the Polish legislation does not recognize the lasting impact of historical pollution on soils, land developers are not obliged to determine soil pollution in the new residential areas, including parks and playgrounds for children. Therefore, in this study, at the locations of defunct metalwork enterprises (smithies, foundries, chemical plants, and small metal production plants), which were closed down after World War II, we determined lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co) levels in the soil. In addition, we also determined fluoride (F) levels due to the contemporary fluoride pollution in the area generated by a large chemical plant with a post-production phosphogypsum waste landfill and a power plant complex. Our results show that soil at the sites of now-defunct smithies can still act as a significant source of trace metals. Pb concentration in the surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) layers exceeded concentration thresholds for soils with first-degree pollution. The concentrations of Zn and Cu also exceeded their natural background limits. Furthermore, our research indicates an increased concentration of fluoride in surface layers of the soil; however, not exceeding the fluoride content threshold. These observations have important consequences for public health and safety because, presently, the studied sites function as housing estates and other public facilities. Therefore, contaminated soil at these sites may pose a threat to the health of local residents and should be closely monitored for trace metal contamination levels.
Bioaccumulation Levels and Potential Health Risks of Mercury, Cadmium, and Lead in Albacore (Thunnus alalunga, Bonnaterre, 1788) from The Aegean Sea, Greece
Authors: Stamatis Nikolaos , Kamidis Nikolaos , Pigada Pelagia , Stergiou Despoina , Kallianiotis Argyris
Published: March 2019

Aegean Sea albacore (T. alalunga), fresh or processed, is marketed locally in Greece or exported, mainly to Japan, Italy, Spain, and France. To provide information for consumers and biomonitoring programs and assess the potential human health risks, concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined in albacore edible muscle samples from two fishing grounds of the Aegean Sea, Greece via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Of the 82 individuals, 28 contained Cd and three contained Pb above the permissible limits set by the European Union (0.1 mg kg−1 wet wt and 0.3 mg kg−1 wet wt, respectively). None of the samples contained mercury above the limit (1.0 mg kg−1 wet wt). Potential health risks to human via dietary intake of albacore were estimated by the total target hazard quotients (TTHQs), which indicated that the consumers could acquire health problems due to consumption of Aegean Sea albacore. Thus consequently, concentrations of toxic heavy metals in albacore, especially mercury, must be monitored regularly and comprehensively with respect to consumer health.
Maternal Resveratrol Supplementation Prevents Cognitive Decline in Senescent Mice Offspring
Authors: Izquierdo Vanesa , Palomera-Ávalos Verónica , López-Ruiz Sergio , Canudas Anna-Maria , Pallàs Mercè , Griñán-Ferré Christian
Published: March 2019

A variety of environmental factors contribute significantly to age-related cognitive decline and memory impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Nutrition can alter epigenetics, improving health outcomes, which can be transmitted across generations; this process is called epigenetic inheritance. We investigate the beneficial effects of maternal resveratrol supplementation in the direct exposed F1 generation and the transgenerational F2 generation. The offspring was generated from females Senescence Accelerated Mouse-Prone (SAMP8) fed a resveratrol-enriched diet for two months prior to mating. Object novel recognition and Morris Water Maze (MWM) demonstrated improvements in cognition in the 6-month-old F1 and F2 generations from resveratrol fed mothers. A significant increase in global DNA methylation with a decrease in hydroxymethylation in F1 and F2 were found. Accordingly, Dnmt3a/b and Tet2 gene expression changed. Methylation levels of Nrf2 and NF-kβ genes promoters raised in offspring, inducing changes in target genes expression, as well as hydrogen peroxide levels. Offspring that resulted from a resveratrol fed mother showed increase AMPKα activation, mTOR inhibition, and an increase in Pgc-1α gene expression and Beclin-1 protein levels. Endoplasmic reticulum stress sensors were found changed both in F1 and F2 generations. Overall, our results demonstrated that maternal resveratrol supplementation could prevent cognitive impairment in the SAMP8 mice offspring through epigenetic changes and cell signaling pathways.
The Usefulness of Immunohistochemistry in the Differential Diagnosis of Lesions Originating from the Myometrium
Authors: Rubisz Piotr , Ciebiera Michał , Hirnle Lidia , Zgliczyńska Magdalena , Łoziński Tomasz , Dzięgiel Piotr , Kobierzycki Christopher
Published: March 2019

Uterine leiomyomas (LMs), currently the most common gynecological complaint around the world, are a serious medical, social and economic problem. Accurate diagnosis is the necessary prerequisite of the diagnostic-therapeutic process. Statistically, mistakes may occur more often in case of disease entities with high prevalence rates. Histopathology, based on increasingly advanced immunohistochemistry methods, is routinely used in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases. Markers of the highest sensitivity and specificity profiles are used in the process. As far as LMs are concerned, the crux of the matter is to identify patients with seemingly benign lesions which turn out to be suspicious (e.g., atypical LM) or malignant (e.g., leiomyosarcoma (LMS)), which is not uncommon. In this study, we present the current state of knowledge about the use of immunohistochemical markers in the differential diagnosis of LM, atypical LM, smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), and LMS, as well as their clinical predictive value.
Ex Vivo Expanded Human Vγ9Vδ2 T-Cells Can Suppress Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth
Authors: Mao Tsui Lien , Miao Carol H. , Liao Yi Jen , Chen Ying Jen , Yeh Chia Yu , Liu Chao Lien
Published: March 2019

γδ-T-cells have attracted attention because of their potent cytotoxicity towards tumors. Most γδ-T-cells become activated via a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent pathway by the interaction of their receptor, Natural Killer Group 2 Member D (NKG2D) with the tumor-specific NKG2D ligands, including MHC class I-related chain A/B (MICA/B) and UL16-binding proteins (ULBPs), to kill tumor cells. However, despite their potent antitumor effects, the treatment protocols specifically targeting ovarian tumors require further improvements. Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal and challenging female malignancies worldwide because of delayed diagnoses and resistance to traditional chemotherapy. In this study, we successfully enriched and expanded γδ-T-cells up to ~78% from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with mostly the Vγ9Vδ2-T-cell subtype in the circulation. We showed that expanded γδ-T-cells alone exerted significant cytotoxic activities towards specific epithelial-type OVCAR3 and HTB75 cells, whereas the combination of γδ-T cells and pamidronate (PAM), a kind of aminobisphosphonates (NBPs), showed significantly enhanced cytotoxic activities towards all types of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, in tumor xenografts of immunodeficient NSG mice, γδ-T-cells not only suppressed tumor growth but also completely eradicated preexisting tumors with an initial size of ~5 mm. Thus, we concluded that γδ-T-cells alone possess dramatic cytotoxic activities towards epithelial ovarian cancers both in vitro and in vivo. These results strongly support the potential of clinical immunotherapeutic application of γδ-T-cells to treat this serious female malignancy.
Treatment of Cells and Tissues with Chromate Maximizes Mitochondrial 2Fe2S EPR Signals
Authors: Antholine William E. , Vasquez-Vivar Jeannette , Quirk Brendan J. , Whelan Harry T. , Wu Pui Kei , Park Jong-In , Myers Charles R.
Published: March 2019

In a previous study on chromate toxicity, an increase in the 2Fe2S electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal from mitochondria was found upon addition of chromate to human bronchial epithelial cells and bovine airway tissue ex vivo. This study was undertaken to show that a chromate-induced increase in the 2Fe2S EPR signal is a general phenomenon that can be used as a low-temperature EPR method to determine the maximum concentration of 2Fe2S centers in mitochondria. First, the low-temperature EPR method to determine the concentration of 2Fe2S clusters in cells and tissues is fully developed for other cells and tissues. The EPR signal for the 2Fe2S clusters N1b in Complex I and/or S1 in Complex II and the 2Fe2S cluster in xanthine oxidoreductase in rat liver tissue do not change in intensity because these clusters are already reduced; however, the EPR signals for N2, the terminal cluster in Complex I, and N4, the cluster preceding the terminal cluster, decrease upon adding chromate. More surprising to us, the EPR signals for N3, the cluster preceding the 2Fe2S cluster in Complex I, also decrease upon adding chromate. Moreover, this method is used to obtain the concentration of the 2Fe2S clusters in white blood cells where the 2Fe2S signal is mostly oxidized before treatment with chromate and becomes reduced and EPR detectable after treatment with chromate. The increase of the g = 1.94 2Fe2S EPR signal upon the addition of chromate can thus be used to obtain the relative steady-state concentration of the 2Fe2S clusters and steady-state concentration of Complex I and/or Complex II in mitochondria.
Combinatory FK506 and Minocycline Treatment Alleviates Prion-Induced Neurodegenerative Events via Caspase-Mediated MAPK-NRF2 Pathway
Authors: Shah Syed Zahid Ali , Zhao Deming , Taglialatela Giulio , Hussain Tariq , Dong Haodi , Sabir Naveed , Mangi Mazhar Hussain , Wu Wei , Lai Mengyu , Zhang Xixi , Duan Yuhan , Wang Lu , Zhou Xiangmei , Yang Lifeng
Published: March 2019

Transcription factors play a significant role during the symptomatic onset and progression of prion diseases. We previously showed the immunomodulatory and nuclear factor of activated T cells’ (NFAT) suppressive effects of an immunosuppressant, FK506, in the symptomatic stage and an antibiotic, minocycline, in the pre-symptomatic stage of prion infection in hamsters. Here we used for the first time, a combinatory FK506+minocycline treatment to test its transcriptional modulating effects in the symptomatic stage of prion infection. Our results indicate that prolonged treatment with FK506+minocycline was effective in alleviating astrogliosis and neuronal death triggered by misfolded prions. Specifically, the combinatory therapy with FK506+minocycline lowered the expression of the astrocytes activation marker GFAP and of the microglial activation marker IBA-1, subsequently reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-27. We further found that FK506+minocycline treatment inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 phosphorylation, NF-kB nuclear translocation, caspase expression, and enhanced phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) and phosphorylated Bcl2-associated death promoter (pBAD) levels to reduce cognitive impairment and apoptosis. Interestingly, FK506+minocycline reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and promoted nuclear factor–erythroid2-related factor-2 (NRF2)-heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway to enhance survival. Taken together, our results show that a therapeutic cocktail of FK506+minocycline is an attractive candidate for prolonged use in prion diseases and we encourage its further clinical development as a possible treatment for this disease.