bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waldpolitischer Jahresrückblick 2017
Authors: Tschannen Amadea , Schibli Beatrix , Lieberherr Eva
Published: April 2018

Annual review of Swiss forest policy 2017

For Swiss forest policy, 2017 was a quiet year and marked by continuity. The Federal Administration mainly conducted implementation tasks, such as the interim evaluation of the Forest Policy 2020, which is planned to continue past 2020. Swiss wood and the timber industry were predominant topics at the administrative level as well as in the parliament. The Federal Court mainly addressed classic cases related to appraising what can be considered as forest and the allowed distance of buildings to forests, while the number of such cases has strongly decreased. In contrast to Swiss forest policy in the narrow sense, forest-relevant policies experienced more changes, as exemplified by the adoption of the Swiss Biodiversity Action Plan. However, here too we do not find any fundamental changes in direction from the previous year.
A new record of yellowmargin triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) (Tetraodontiformes: Balistidae) from the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh proximity
Authors: Alam MM , Sultana S , Naser MN
Published: April 2018

Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus (Ruppell, 1829) is a triggerfish species belonging to the Family Balistidae under the Order Tetraodontiformes. It was reported at the very first time from the region proximal to the south patches fishing ground of the Bay of Bengal (Bangladesh). The fish is known as Yellowmargin triggerfish due to the presence of body colour, yellow and gray. The total length of the voucher fish is 39.95 cm (Standard length 32.5 cm) and 1540 g by weight. It has a deep, moderately compressed body with inconspicuous lateral lines, encased in very thick and hard skin with large boney scales (except rostral region). The fish body bears two dorsal fins with three visible spines. Dorsal, anal and pectoral-fin rays are soft and branched. The taxonomic formula for the species is D III/27; A 0/25; P 15; V I/7; C 15; Lt. 35-36. Gill openings are moderately short, vertical to oblique slit in front of pectoral-fin base. Concerning distribution, the species is not reported before in Bangladesh and not even recorded from other maritime Bay of Bengal localities of Eastern India and Sri Lanka; whereas it was already reported in other bio-geographical regions (detailed in article). The voucher specimen is preserved at the Marine Fisheries Academy Museum, Bangladesh for further reference use.J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2017, 3(2): 85-90
“Original Practices” and Jonson's First Folio
Authors: Griffin Brent
Published: April 2018

Over the past twenty years or so, performance-based efforts to recreate the staging conditions and production modes of Elizabethan/Jacobean playhouses through “original practices” (OP) have developed at a considerable rate. One has only to note the popular appeal of theatre companies working from Early Modern architectural replicas (like London's Bankside Globe or Virginia's Blackfriars) to recognize the pervasive influence of the “reconstructive Shakespeare” movement on our understanding and interpretation of Renaissance drama. Yet, as the name would suggest, the movement is too often grounded in a performance aesthetic predicated solely on Shakespeare's playtexts (indeed, for many, the 1623 Folio is followed with a near religious fervor). But truth be told, other playwright/practitioners of the era have far more to say on the matter of staging verse drama than Shakespeare, and made a point of publishing their thoughts directly through prefatory material, commendatory verses, pamphlets, etc. Fletcher and Heywood immediately come to mind, but this paper will focus on the most prolific critic of the period, Ben Jonson. Not to be overshadowed by the numerous commemorations of Shakespeare's death, 2016 also marked the 400th anniversary of the publication of Jonson's landmark First Folio, and a brief review of his 1616 Workes should provide ample occasion to challenge several of the “original practices” championed by bardocentric theatre companies and their educational auxiliaries.
A Conversation among Texts
Authors: Teague Frances
Published: April 2018

The essay examines the way that the story of the rape of Lucrece is told in Livy's The History of Rome (ca. 25–28 BCE), the way that Niccolò Machiavelli responds to that story in his play Mandragola (1518), and the way that Ben Jonson then responds to both of these earlier works in Volpone (1606). Rather than framing this investigation as a simple investigation of influence, the essay chooses to consider it as an example of intertextuality. Doing so helps explain critical response to Machiavelli's Lucretia and Jonson's Celia, both on stage and in the study. Further, the intertextual approach suggests an unexpected shift in the misogyny that critics often find in these works. The male characters respond in the same way to their situations, while the women respond independently in ways that show each both as a product of her culture and as a person.
Aircraft Geometry and Meshing with Common Language Schema CPACS for Variable-Fidelity MDO Applications
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Jungo Aidan , Gastaldi Alessandro Augusto , Melin Tomas
Published: April 2018

This paper discusses multi-fidelity aircraft geometry modeling and meshing with the common language schema CPACS. The CPACS interfaces are described, and examples of variable fidelity aerodynamic analysis results applied to the reference aircraft are presented. Finally, we discuss three control surface deflection models for Euler computation.
Propagation Characteristics of High-Power Vortex Laguerre-Gaussian Laser Beams in Plasma
Authors: Lin Zhili , Chen Xudong , Qiu Weibin , Pu Jixiong
Published: April 2018

The propagation characteristics of high-power laser beams in plasma is an important research topic and has many potential applications in fields such as laser machining, laser-driven accelerators and laser-driven inertial confined fusion. The dynamic evolution of high-power Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams in plasma is numerically investigated by using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method based on the nonlinear Drude model, with both plasma frequency and collision frequency modulated by the light intensity of laser beam. The numerical algorithms and implementation techniques of FDTD method are presented for numerically simulating the nonlinear permittivity model of plasma and generating the LG beams with predefined parameters. The simulation results show that the plasma has different field modulation effects on the two exemplified LG beams with different cross-sectional patterns. The self-focusing and stochastic absorption phenomena of high-power laser beam in plasma are also demonstrated. This research also provides a new means for the field modulation of laser beams by plasma.
Subordination Properties for Multivalent Functions Associated with a Generalized Fractional Differintegral Operator
Authors: Zayed Hanaa M. , Kamal Aouf Mohamed , Mostafa Adela O.
Published: April 2018

Using of the principle of subordination, we investigate some subordination and convolution properties for classes of multivalent functions under certain assumptions on the parameters involved, which are defined by a generalized fractional differintegral operator under certain assumptions on the parameters involved.
Kinetic Modeling of Corn Fermentation with S. cerevisiae Using a Variable Temperature Strategy
Authors: Souza Augusto C. M. , Mousaviraad Mohammad , Mapoka Kenneth O. M. , Rosentrater Kurt A.
Published: April 2018

While fermentation is usually done at a fixed temperature, in this study, the effect of having a controlled variable temperature was analyzed. A nonlinear system was used to model batch ethanol fermentation, using corn as substrate and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, at five different fixed and controlled variable temperatures. The lower temperatures presented higher ethanol yields but took a longer time to reach equilibrium. Higher temperatures had higher initial growth rates, but the decay of yeast cells was faster compared to the lower temperatures. However, in a controlled variable temperature model, the temperature decreased with time with the initial value of 40 ∘ C. When analyzing a time window of 60 h, the ethanol production increased 20% compared to the batch with the highest temperature; however, the yield was still 12% lower compared to the 20 ∘ C batch. When the 24 h’ simulation was analyzed, the controlled model had a higher ethanol concentration compared to both fixed temperature batches.
Phase Change Materials for Building Applications: A Thorough Review and New Perspectives
Authors: Madad Abderrahman , Mouhib Taoufiq , Mouhsen Azeddine
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive report on the state of the art on the technologies used in the modeling of energy storage systems by latent heat in buildings, and draw lines on perspectives on the technology evolution in this sector. In the first part, the emphasis is put mainly on the two main lines of research: experimental and numerical. In the second part, the main trends of research in this sector have been followed. An anatomical operation of more than 100 documents (published between 2006 and 2016), on the behavior of storage systems integrating Phase Change Materials (PCM), covering a large number of configurations treatment and their applications in thermal comfort of buildings area, has shown that the information published in this topic are very diverse and enormous, but in many cases are insufficient. The results show that, with suitable design, the PCM can contribute to the reduction of costs and achieve energy reductions in buildings, guaranteeing a comfortable interior environment. The evaluation of this multitude of documents gave the following remark: The effectiveness of any proposed approach to a numerical study is a concept with ambiguities, depending upon the method used, its precision, the problem to be modeled, the convergence criteria and the input parameters choice. The diversity of experimental conditions and the variety of results revealed that the published works are not directly comparable.
Techniques for Preparation of Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates and Their Applications in Bioconversions
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Kiyota Yuhei , Miyazaki Masaya
Published: April 2018

Enzymes are biocatalysts. They are useful in environmentally friendly production processes and have high potential for industrial applications. However, because of problems with operational stability, cost, and catalytic efficiency, many enzymatic processes have limited applications. The use of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) has been introduced as an effective carrier-free immobilization method. This immobilization method is attractive because it is simple and robust, and unpurified enzymes can be used. Coimmobilization of different enzymes can be achieved. CLEAs generally show high catalytic activities, good storage and operational stabilities, and good reusability. In this review, we summarize techniques for the preparation of CLEAs for use as biocatalysts. Some important applications of these techniques in chemical synthesis and environmental applications are also included. CLEAs provide feasible and efficient techniques for improving the properties of immobilized enzymes for use in industrial applications.
Editorial: Entropy in Landscape Ecology
Authors: Cushman Samuel A.
Published: April 2018

Entropy and the second law of thermodynamics are the central organizing principles of nature, but the ideas and implications of the second law are poorly developed in landscape ecology. The purpose of this Special Issue “Entropy in Landscape Ecology” in Entropy is to bring together current research on applications of thermodynamics in landscape ecology, to consolidate current knowledge and identify key areas for future research. The special issue contains six articles, which cover a broad range of topics including relationships between entropy and evolution, connections between fractal geometry and entropy, new approaches to calculate configurational entropy of landscapes, example analyses of computing entropy of landscapes, and using entropy in the context of optimal landscape planning. Collectively these papers provide a broad range of contributions to the nascent field of ecological thermodynamics. Formalizing the connections between entropy and ecology are in a very early stage, and that this special issue contains papers that address several centrally important ideas, and provides seminal work that will be a foundation for the future development of ecological and evolutionary thermodynamics.
Divergence from, and Convergence to, Uniformity of Probability Density Quantiles
Authors: Staudte Robert G. , Xia Aihua
Published: April 2018

We demonstrate that questions of convergence and divergence regarding shapes of distributions can be carried out in a location- and scale-free environment. This environment is the class of probability density quantiles (pdQs), obtained by normalizing the composition of the density with the associated quantile function. It has earlier been shown that the pdQ is representative of a location-scale family and carries essential information regarding shape and tail behavior of the family. The class of pdQs are densities of continuous distributions with common domain, the unit interval, facilitating metric and semi-metric comparisons. The Kullback–Leibler divergences from uniformity of these pdQs are mapped to illustrate their relative positions with respect to uniformity. To gain more insight into the information that is conserved under the pdQ mapping, we repeatedly apply the pdQ mapping and find that further applications of it are quite generally entropy increasing so convergence to the uniform distribution is investigated. New fixed point theorems are established with elementary probabilistic arguments and illustrated by examples.
Experimental Data-Driven Parameter Identification and State of Charge Estimation for a Li-Ion Battery Equivalent Circuit Model
Authors: Pang Hui , Zhang Fengqi
Published: April 2018

It is well known that accurate identification of the key state parameters and State of Charge (SOC) estimation method for a Li-ion battery cell is of great significance for advanced battery management system (BMS) of electric vehicles (EVs), which further facilitates the commercialization of EVs. This study proposed a systematic experimental data-driven parameter identification scheme and an adaptive extended Kalman Filter (AEKF)-based SOC estimation algorithm for a Li-Ion battery equivalent circuit model in EV applications. The key state parameters of Li-ion battery cell were identified based on the second-order resistor capacitor (RC) equivalent circuit model and the experimental battery test data using genetic algorithm (GA). Meanwhile, the proposed parameter identification procedure was validated by carrying out a comparative study of the simulated and experimental output voltage under the same input current profile. Then, SOC estimation was performed based on the AEKF algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed SOC estimator was verified by loading different operating profiles.
A Smart Grid Framework for Optimally Integrating Supply-Side, Demand-Side and Transmission Line Management Systems
Authors: Monyei Chukwuka , Viriri Serestina , Adewumi Aderemi , Davidson Innocent , Akinyele Daniel
Published: April 2018

A coordinated centralized energy management system (ConCEMS) is presented in this paper that seeks to integrate for optimal grid operation—the supply side energy management system (SSEMS), home energy management system (HEMS) and transmission line management system (TLMS). ConCEMS in ensuring the optimal operation of an IEEE 30-bus electricity network harmonizes the individual objective function of SSEMS, HEMS and TLMS to evolve an optimal dispatch of participating demand response (DR) loads that does not violate transmission line ampacity limits (TLMS constraint) while minimizing consumer cost (HEMS constraint) and supply side operations cost (SSEMS constraint). An externally constrained genetic algorithm (ExC-GA) that is influenced by feedback from TLMS is also presented that intelligently varies the dispatch time of participating DR loads to meet the individual objective functions. Hypothetical day ahead dynamic pricing schemes (Price1, Price2 and Price3) have also been adopted alongside an existing time of use (Price0) pricing scheme for comparison and discussion while a dynamic thermal line rating (DTLR) algorithm has also been incorporated to dynamically compute power limits based on real time associated data.
NO Removal from Simulated Flue Gas with a NaClO2 Mist Generated Using the Ultrasonic Atomization Method
Authors: Han Zhitao , Zhao Dongsheng , Zheng Dekang , Pan Xinxiang , Liu Bojun , Han Zhiwei , Gao Yu , Wang Junming , Yan Zhijun
Published: April 2018

In order to enhance the mass transfer efficiency between gas–liquid interfaces, NaClO2 mist generated by an ultrasonic humidifier was used to remove NO from simulated flue gas. The effects of some key parameters (the gas flow rate, the NaClO2 concentration in the solution, the inlet NO concentration, the NaClO2 solution pH) on NO removal efficiency were investigated preliminarily. The results showed that NaClO2 mist could oxidize NO with a much higher efficiency compared with other mists containing either NaClO or H2O2 as oxidants. With an increase in the gas flow rate from 1.5 to 3.0 L·min−1, the atomizing rate of the NaClO2 solution increased almost linearly from 0.38 to 0.85 mL·min−1. When the gas flow rate was 2.0 L·min−1, a complete removal of NO had been reached. NO removal efficiency increased obviously with an increase in the NaClO2 concentration in the solution. With an increase in the inlet NO concentration, the ratio of NO in the flue gas and NaClO2 in the mist increased almost linearly. Furthermore, the NaClO2 mist exhibited a relatively stable and high NOx removal efficiency in a wide pH range (4–11) of NaClO2 solutions. The reason for the high NO removal efficiency was mainly ascribed to both the strong oxidative ability of NaClO2 and the improved mass transfer at the gas-liquid interface.
Optimization of Synthetic Inertial Response from Wind Power Plants
Authors: Altin Müfit , Kuhlmann Jan Christian , Das Kaushik , Hansen Anca Daniela
Published: April 2018

In this paper the emphasis is on the optimization of synthetic inertial response of wind power plants (WPPs) for power systems with high wind power penetration levels, considering different wind speed operating conditions. The synthetic inertial response of wind power plants can play an important role in the resilience of future power systems with low inertia during large frequency disturbances. In order to investigate this role, a generic optimization methodology employing the genetic algorithm is proposed, taking into consideration the frequency nadir, second frequency dip, and time to reach the quasi–steady-state frequency. This optimization methodology comprehends the inertial response capability of WPPs and the frequency control dynamics of the power system. Accordingly, offline parameter tuning of synthetic inertial response is performed at the power system level with the proposed methodology. Based on the optimization results, the relevant aspects to be considered by transmission system operators and wind power plant developers in the process of designing and planning synthetic inertia are identified and analyzed. Additionally, sensitivity analyses are carried out to assess the impact of synthetic inertial response parameters on power system frequency control performance under different contingencies and wind power penetration levels.
Various Extraction Methods Influence the Adhesive Properties of Dried Distiller’s Grains and Solubles, and Press Cakes of Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) and Lesquerella [Lesquerella fendleri (A. Gary) S. Watson], in the Fabrication of Lignocellulosic Composites
Authors: Tisserat Brent , Eller Fred , Harry-O’kuru Rogers
Published: April 2018

Lignocellulosic composite (LC) panels were fabricated using an adhesive matrix prepared from three different agricultural by-products: dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) press cake (PPC), or lesquerella [Lesquerella fendleri (A. Gary) S. Watson] press cake (LPC) reinforced with Paulownia elongata L. wood (PW) particles. The goal in this study was to assess the mechanical properties of composites utilizing these low-cost matrix materials, which were subjected to various oil extraction methods. Three types of oil extraction methods were utilized: ethanol, supercritical CO2, and hexane, in order to generate matrix materials. These matrix materials were mixed with equal proportions of PW and hot pressed to generate panels. Overall, hexane extraction was the best method to enhance the mechanical properties of the matrices used to fabricate lignocellulosic composites. LPC’s produced a matrix that gave the resulting composite superior flexural properties compared to composites generated from DDGS and PPC matrices. The mechanical properties of composites generated from soy products (soybean meal flour or soy protein isolate) were similar to those derived from DDGS, PPC, or LPC. The dimensional stability properties of LCs were improved when the hexane extraction method was employed, unlike with the other extraction methods that were used to generate matrices.
Integration of a Copper-Containing Biohybrid (CuHARS) with Cellulose for Subsequent Degradation and Biomedical Control
Authors: Karan Anik , Darder Margarita , Kansakar Urna , Norcross Zach , DeCoster Mark A.
Published: April 2018

We previously described the novel synthesis of a copper high-aspect ratio structure (CuHARS) biohybrid material using cystine. While extremely stable in water, CuHARS is completely (but slowly) degradable in cellular media. Here, integration of the CuHARS into cellulose matrices was carried out to provide added control for CuHARS degradation. Synthesized CuHARS was concentrated by centrifugation and then dried. The weighed mass was re-suspended in water. CuHARS was stable in water for months without degradation. In contrast, 25 μg/mL of the CuHARS in complete cell culture media was completely degraded (slowly) in 18 days under physiological conditions. Stable integration of CuHARS into cellulose matrices was achieved through assembly by mixing cellulose micro- and nano-fibers and CuHARS in an aqueous (pulp mixture) phase, followed by drying. Additional materials were integrated to make the hybrids magnetically susceptible. The cellulose-CuHARS composite films could be transferred, weighed, and cut into usable pieces; they maintained their form after rehydration in water for at least 7 days and were compatible with cell culture studies using brain tumor (glioma) cells. These studies demonstrate utility of a CuHARS-cellulose biohybrid for applied applications including: (1) a platform for biomedical tracking and (2) integration into a 2D/3D matrix using natural products (cellulose).
Influence of Latitude on the Prevalence of Kawasaki Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chang Chaw-Liang , Wong Chih-Shung , Yang Yi-Chen , Chiu Nan-Chang
Published: April 2018

Background: Countries at higher latitudes have higher incidence rates of Kawasaki disease (KD) than do countries at lower latitudes in the Asian and West Pacific area. However, the precise influence of latitude on KD incidence rates requires further clarification. Methods: We searched the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 to retrieve patients’ medical records from 1996 to 2009. The patients with KD were categorized as living in northern, middle, and southern Taiwan; the period prevalence of KD for each area was determined. Climate variables, including temperature, sunshine duration, precipitation, and relative humidity, were collected from the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau. The effect of latitude on the period KD prevalence and the correlation between climate variables and KD prevalence were calculated. Results: After patients without complete data excluded, a total of 61,830 children up to 10 years old were retrieved, from which 404 patients with KD were recognized. The period prevalence of KD increased significantly with latitude (p = 0.0004). Climate variables associated with high temperature demonstrated a connection with KD prevalence; however, this correlation was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that higher latitude is associated with a higher KD prevalence in Taiwan.
Suicidal Ideation and Healthy Immigrant Effect in the Canadian Population: A Cross-Sectional Population Based Study
Authors: Elamoshy Rasha , Feng Cindy
Published: April 2018

Understanding suicidal ideation is crucial for preventing suicide. Although “healthy immigrant effect” is a phenomenon that has been well documented across a multitude of epidemiological and social studies—where immigrants are, on average, healthier than the native-born, little research has examined the presence of such effect on suicidal ideation. The objective of this study is to investigate if there is a differential effect of immigration identity on suicidal ideation and how the effect varies by socio-demographic characteristics in the Canadian population. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey in year 2014 were used. Multivariate logistic regression was employed. Our findings indicated that recent immigrants (lived in Canada for 9 or less years) were significantly less likely to report suicidal ideation compared with non-immigrants. However, for established immigrants (10 years and above of living in Canada), the risk of suicidal ideation converged to Canadian-born population. Moreover, male immigrants were at significantly lower risk of having suicidal ideation than Canadian-born counterparts; whereas, female immigrants did not benefit from the “healthy immigrant effect”. Our findings suggest the need for targeted intervention strategies on suicidal ideation among established immigrants and female immigrants.
PALTEM: What Parameters Should Be Collected in Disaster Settings to Assess the Long-Term Outcomes of Famine?
Authors: Moraru Alexandra , De Almeida Maria Moitinho , Degryse Jean-Marie
Published: April 2018

Evidence suggests that nutritional status during fetal development and early life leaves an imprint on the genome, which leads to health outcomes not only on a person as an adult but also on his offspring. The purpose of this study is to bring forth an overview of the relevant parameters that need to be collected to assess the long-term and transgenerational health outcomes of famine. A literature search was conducted for the most pertinent articles on the epigenetic effects of famine. The results were compiled, synthesized and discussed with an expert in genetics for critical input and validation. Prenatal and early life exposure to famine was associated with metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, neuropsychiatric and oncologic diseases. We propose a set of parameters to be collected in disaster settings to assess the long-term outcomes of famine: PALTEM (parameters to assess long-term effects of malnutrition).
Effect of Amelogenin Coating of a Nano-Modified Titanium Surface on Bioactivity
Authors: Terada Chisato , Komasa Satoshi , Kusumoto Tetsuji , Kawazoe Takayoshi , Okazaki Joji
Published: April 2018

The interactions between implants and host tissues depend on several factors. In particular, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that the surface texture of an implant influences the response of the surrounding cells. The purpose of this study is to develop new implant materials aiming at the regeneration of periodontal tissues as well as hard tissues by coating nano-modified titanium with amelogenin, which is one of the main proteins contained in Emdogain®. We confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance evaluation that amelogenin is easy to adsorb onto the nano-modified titanium surface as a coating. Scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed that amelogenin coated the nano-modified titanium surface following alkali-treatment. In vitro evaluation using rat bone marrow and periodontal ligament cells revealed that the initial adhesion of both cell types and the induction of hard tissue differentiation such as cementum were improved by amelogenin coating. Additionally, the formation of new bone in implanted surrounding tissues was observed in in vivo evaluation using rat femurs. Together, these results suggest that this material may serve as a new implant material with the potential to play a major role in the advancement of clinical dentistry.
HtrA1 Is Specifically Up-Regulated in Active Keloid Lesions and Stimulates Keloid Development
Authors: Yamawaki Satoko , Naitoh Motoko , Kubota Hiroshi , Aya Rino , Katayama Yasuhiro , Ishiko Toshihiro , Tamura Taku , Yoshikawa Katsuhiro , Enoshiri Tatsuki , Ikeda Mika , Suzuki Shigehiko
Published: April 2018

Keloids occur after failure of the wound healing process; inflammation persists, and various treatments are ineffective. Keloid pathogenesis is still unclear. We have previously analysed the gene expression profiles in keloid tissue and found that HtrA1 was markedly up-regulated in the keloid lesions. HtrA1 is a serine protease suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and osteoarthritis, by modulating extracellular matrix or cell surface proteins. We analysed HtrA1 localization and its role in keloid pathogenesis. Thirty keloid patients and twelve unrelated patients were enrolled for in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical, western blot, and cell proliferation analyses. Fibroblast-like cells expressed more HtrA1 in active keloid lesions than in surrounding lesions. The proportion of HtrA1-positive cells in keloids was significantly higher than that in normal skin, and HtrA1 protein was up-regulated relative to normal skin. Silencing HtrA1 gene expression significantly suppressed cell proliferation. HtrA1 was highly expressed in keloid tissues, and the suppression of the HtrA1 gene inhibited the proliferation of keloid-derived fibroblasts. HtrA1 may promote keloid development by accelerating cell proliferation and remodelling keloid-specific extracellular matrix or cell surface molecules. HtrA1 is suggested to have an important role in keloid pathogenesis.
Comparative Analysis of Repetitive DNA between the Main Vectors of Chagas Disease: Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Pita Sebastián , Mora Pablo , Vela Jesús , Palomeque Teresa , Sánchez Antonio , Panzera Francisco , Lorite Pedro
Published: April 2018

Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis affects six to seven million people worldwide, mostly in Latin America. This disease is transmitted by hematophagous insects known as “kissing bugs” (Hemiptera, Triatominae), with Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius prolixus being the two most important vector species. Despite the fact that both species present the same diploid chromosome number (2n = 22), they have remarkable differences in their total DNA content, chromosome structure and genome organization. Variations in the DNA genome size are expected to be due to differences in the amount of repetitive DNA sequences. The T. infestans genome-wide analysis revealed the existence of 42 satellite DNA families. BLAST searches of these sequences against the R. prolixus genome assembly revealed that only four of these satellite DNA families are shared between both species, suggesting a great differentiation between the Triatoma and Rhodnius genomes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) location of these repetitive DNAs in both species showed that they are dispersed on the euchromatic regions of all autosomes and the X chromosome. Regarding the Y chromosome, these common satellite DNAs are absent in T. infestans but they are present in the R. prolixus Y chromosome. These results support a different origin and/or evolution in the Y chromosome of both species.
Insights into the Structure, Function, and Ligand Discovery of the Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter 1, LAT1
Authors: Singh Natesh , Ecker Gerhard F.
Published: April 2018

The large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1, or SLC7A5) is a sodium- and pH-independent transporter, which supplies essential amino acids (e.g., leucine, phenylalanine) to cells. It plays an important role at the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) where it facilitates the transport of thyroid hormones, pharmaceuticals (e.g., l-DOPA, gabapentin), and metabolites into the brain. Moreover, its expression is highly upregulated in various types of human cancer that are characterized by an intense demand for amino acids for growth and proliferation. Therefore, LAT1 is believed to be an important drug target for cancer treatment. With the crystallization of the arginine/agmatine antiporter (AdiC) from Escherichia Coli, numerous homology models of LAT1 have been built to elucidate the substrate binding site, ligand–transporter interaction, and structure–function relationship. The use of these models in combination with molecular docking and experimental testing has identified novel chemotypes of ligands of LAT1. Here, we highlight the structure, function, transport mechanism, and homology modeling of LAT1. Additionally, results from structure–function studies performed on LAT1 are addressed, which have enhanced our knowledge of the mechanism of substrate binding and translocation. This is followed by a discussion on ligand- and structure-based approaches, with an emphasis on elucidating the molecular basis of LAT1 inhibition. Finally, we provide an exhaustive summary of different LAT1 inhibitors that have been identified so far, including the recently discovered irreversible covalent inhibitors.
Adult Stem Cells Spheroids to Optimize Cell Colonization in Scaffolds for Cartilage and Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Baptista Leandra Santos , Kronemberger Gabriela Soares , Côrtes Isis , Charelli Letícia Emiliano , Matsui Renata Akemi Morais , Palhares Thiago Nunes , Sohier Jerome , Rossi Alexandre Malta , Granjeiro José Mauro
Published: April 2018

Top-down tissue engineering aims to produce functional tissues using biomaterials as scaffolds, thus providing cues for cell proliferation and differentiation. Conversely, the bottom-up approach aims to precondition cells to form modular tissues units (building-blocks) represented by spheroids. In spheroid culture, adult stem cells are responsible for their extracellular matrix synthesis, re-creating structures at the tissue level. Spheroids from adult stem cells can be considered as organoids, since stem cells recapitulate differentiation pathways and also represent a promising approach for identifying new molecular targets (biomarkers) for diagnosis and therapy. Currently, spheroids can be used for scaffold-free (developmental engineering) or scaffold-based approaches. The scaffold promotes better spatial organization of individual spheroids and provides a defined geometry for their 3D assembly in larger and complex tissues. Furthermore, spheroids exhibit potent angiogenic and vasculogenic capacity and serve as efficient vascularization units in porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. An automated combinatorial approach that integrates spheroids into scaffolds is starting to be investigated for macro-scale tissue biofabrication.
Effect of Silver Nitrate and Sodium Fluoride with Tri-Calcium Phosphate on Streptococcus mutans and Demineralised Dentine
Authors: Yu Ollie Yiru , Zhao Irene Shuping , Mei May Lei , Lo Edward Chin-Man , Chu Chun-Hung
Published: April 2018

This study investigated the effect of 25% silver nitrate (AgNO3) and 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish with functionalized tri-calcium phosphate (fTCP) on a Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm and dentine caries lesion. Demineralised dentine specimens were treated with 25% AgNO3 and 5% NaF + fTCP (Group 1), 25% AgNO3 and 5% NaF (Group 2), 25% AgNO3 (Group 3), or water (Group 4). The specimens were subjected to a S. mutans biofilm challenge after treatment. The biofilm was then studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and colony forming units (CFU). The specimens were assessed by micro-computed tomography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM and CLSM revealed less biofilm in Groups 1 to 3. The log10 CFU of Groups 1 to 4 were 4.5 ± 0.7, 4.4 ± 0.9, 4.4 ± 0.9, and 6.7 ± 1.0, respectively (Groups 1, 2, 3 < 4, p < 0.001). The lesion depths of Groups 1 to 4 were 212.6 ± 20.1 µm, 280.8 ± 51.6 µm, 402.5 ± 61.7 µm, and 497.4 ± 67.2 µm, respectively (Groups 1 < 2 < 3 < 4, p < 0.001). XRD demonstrated silver chloride formation in Groups 1, 2, and 3. FTIR found the amide I: HPO42− values of the four groups were 0.22 ± 0.05, 0.25 ± 0.05, 0.41 ± 0.12, and 0.64 ± 0.14, respectively (Groups 1, 2 < 3 < 4; p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study revealed that AgNO3 and NaF + fTCP reduced the damage of dentine caries by cariogenic biofilm.
Antibacterial Effects of Magnetically-Controlled Ag/Fe3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Chang Ming , Lin Wei-Siou , Xiao Weihao , Chen Yi-Ning
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the use of a magnetic manipulation device to remotely control the movement of Ag/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) for enhancing the antibacterial effect of Ag particles in aqueous suspensions containing Escherichia coli (E. coli). The Ag/Fe3O4 magnetic NPs were prepared by co-precipitation method where the Ag particles are simultaneously synthesized with the Fe3O4 particles to form Ag and Fe3O4 nanocomposite materials. The manipulation system utilized a homogeneous rotating magnetic field to carry out magnetic stirring of NPs in the petri dishes containing bacterial suspensions. The optimum magnetron parameters and best antibacterial effects were implemented with six different concentrations from 0.6 wt % to 6.6 wt % of the NPs at driving frequencies from 50 rpm to 200 rpm for 3 min. The highest antibacterial effect of 99.4% was achieved at 5.4 wt % of NPs and the driving frequency of 100 rpm. A time-dependent antibacterial effect in 0.1 wt % of Ag/Fe3O4 was also observed. The results indicate that the use of specific rotating magnetic fields to manipulate Ag/Fe3O4 magnetic NPs can significantly improve the antibacterial efficacy. Due to the good biocompatibility of the Ag NPs, the presented technique can be applied to clean water resources in the future.
Rupture Predictions of Notched Ti-6Al-4V Using Local Approaches
Authors: Peron Mirco , Torgersen Jan , Berto Filippo
Published: April 2018

Ti-6Al-4V has been extensively used in structural applications in various engineering fields, from naval to automotive and from aerospace to biomedical. Structural applications are characterized by geometrical discontinuities such as notches, which are widely known to harmfully affect their tensile strength. In recent years, many attempts have been done to define solid criteria with which to reliably predict the tensile strength of materials. Among these criteria, two local approaches are worth mentioning due to the accuracy of their predictions, i.e., the strain energy density (SED) approach and the theory of critical distance (TCD) method. In this manuscript, the robustness of these two methods in predicting the tensile behavior of notched Ti-6Al-4V specimens has been compared. To this aim, two very dissimilar notch geometries have been tested, i.e., semi-circular and blunt V-notch with a notch root radius equal to 1 mm, and the experimental results have been compared with those predicted by the two models. The experimental values have been estimated with low discrepancies by either the SED approach and the TCD method, but the former results in better predictions. The deviations for the SED are in fact lower than 1.3%, while the TCD provides predictions with errors almost up to 8.5%. Finally, the weaknesses and the strengths of the two models have been reported.
Understanding the Thermal Properties of Precursor-Ionomers to Optimize Fabrication Processes for Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMCs)
Authors: Trabia Sarah , Choi Kisuk , Olsen Zakai , Hwang Taeseon , Nam Jae-Do , Kim Kwang J.
Published: April 2018

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are one of many smart materials and have ionomer bases with a noble metal plated on the surface. The ionomer is usually Nafion, but recently Aquivion has been shown to be a promising alternative. Ionomers are available in the form of precursor pellets. This is an un-activated form that is able to melt, unlike the activated form. However, there is little study on the thermal characteristics of these precursor ionomers. This lack of knowledge causes issues when trying to fabricate ionomer shapes using methods such as extrusion, hot-pressing, and more recently, injection molding and 3D printing. To understand the two precursor-ionomers, a set of tests were conducted to measure the thermal degradation temperature, viscosity, melting temperature, and glass transition. The results have shown that the precursor Aquivion has a higher melting temperature (240 °C) than precursor Nafion (200 °C) and a larger glass transition range (32–65°C compared with 21–45 °C). The two have the same thermal degradation temperature (~400 °C). Precursor Aquivion is more viscous than precursor Nafion as temperature increases. Based on the results gathered, it seems that the precursor Aquivion is more stable as temperature increases, facilitating the manufacturing processes. This paper presents the data collected to assist researchers in thermal-based fabrication processes.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Properties of Bamboo Charcoal/TiO2 Composites Using Four Sizes Powder
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Bo , Ji Xing-Xiang , Ma Ming-Guo
Published: April 2018

Visible-light-active bamboo biochar/TiO2 composites were fabricated by the calcination method using C16H36O4Ti as the titanium source and bamboo powder with different sizes as the carbon source. The TiO2 nanoparticles were observed to disperse onto the surface of bamboo biochar fiber. The sizes of the bamboo powder played an important role in the microstructures and the properties of bamboo biochar/TiO2 composites. The bamboo biochar/TiO2 composites displayed the photocatalytic activities both under visible light irradiation and UV irradiation. The adsorption isotherms better fitted Freundlich isotherm models and the photodegradation reactions followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Bamboo charcoal/TiO2 composites exhibited high stability after up to four cycles. This research could pave the way for high-value applications of biomass in the environmental field.
New Insights Into Pathophysiological Mechanisms Regulating Conventional Aqueous Humor Outflow
Authors: Paulavičiūtė-Baikštienė Daiva , Baršauskaitė Rūta , Janulevičienė Ingrida
Published: April 2018

The aim of the article was to overview the pathophysiology of the conventional outflow pathway, trabecular meshwork, and intraocular pressure and to discuss the options of future glaucoma treatment directed to improvement in aqueous outflow. The literature search in the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases from April to May 2012 was performed; a total of 47 articles analyzed. The diminished conventional pathway may be altered by several pathophysiological mechanisms like TM obstruction caused by transforming growth factor-β2, clastic nondeformable cells, macrophages leaking from hypermature cataract, iris pigment, lens capsular fragments after YAG-laser posterior capsulotomy, proteins and their subfragments. It is known that trabecular meshwork contraction reduces outflow, and the actomyosin system is directly linked to this mechanism. New glaucoma drugs are still under investigation, but it is already proven that agents such as latranculin-B are effective in improving aqueous drainage. Selective Rho-associated coiled coilforming protein kinase inhibitors have been shown to cause a significant improvement in outflow facility and may become a new option for glaucoma treatment. Caldesmon negatively regulates actin-myosin interactions and thus increases outflow. Stem cells may replace missing or nonfunctional trabecular meshwork cells and hopefully will bring a new treatment solution. Pathophysiological mechanisms regulating conventional aqueous humor outflow are still not fully understood and require further investigations. Future treatment decisions should be directed to a specific mechanism regulating an elevation in intraocular pressure.
Association Between Polymorphisms of VDR, COL1A1, and LCT Genes and Bone Mineral Density in Belarusian Women With Severe Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Marozik Pavel , Mosse Irma , Alekna Vidmantas , Rudenko Ema , Tamulaitienė Marija , Ramanau Heorhi , Strazdienė Vaidilė , Samokhovec Volha , Ameliyanovich Maxim , Byshnev Nikita , Gonchar Alexander , Kundas Liubov , Zhur Krystsina
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. Variation of osteoporosis in the population is the result of an interaction between the genotype and the environment, and the genetic causes of osteoporosis are being widely investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), type I collagen (COL1A1), and lactase (LCT) genes and severe postmenopausal osteoporosis as well as bone mineral density (BMD). Material and Methods. A total of 54 women with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis and 77 controls (mean age, 58.3 years [SD, 6.2] and 56.7 years [SD, 7.42], respectively) were included into the study. The subjects were recruited at the City Center for Osteoporosis Prevention (Minsk, Belarus). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and the femoral neck. Severe osteoporosis was diagnosed in the women with the clinical diagnosis of postmenopausal osteoporosis and at least 1 fragility fracture. The control group included women without osteoporosis. Polymorphic sites in osteoporosis predisposition genes (ApaI, BsmI, TaqI, and Cdx2 of the VDR gene, G2046T of the COL1A1 gene, and T-13910C of the LCT gene) were determined using the polymerase chain reaction on the deoxyribonucleic acid isolated from dried bloodspots. Results. The data showed that the ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms of the VDR gene and T- 13910C of the LCT gene were associated with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis in the analyzed Belarusian women (P<0.01). A statistically significant positive correlation between the VDR risk genotypes ApaI and TaqI and bone mineral density was found (P<0.05). Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest that at least the ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms of the VDR gene and T-13910C of the LCT gene are associated with the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis in our sample of the Belarusian women.