bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAC Layer Protocols for Internet of Things: A Survey
Authors: Oliveira Luiz , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Kozlov Sergei A. , Rabêlo Ricardo A. L. , Albuquerque Victor Hugo C. de
Published: January 2019

Due to the wide variety of uses and the diversity of features required to meet an application, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are moving forward at a strong pace to meet this demand while at the same time trying to meet the time-to-market of these applications. The characteristics required by applications, such as coverage area, scalability, transmission data rate, and applicability, refer to the Physical and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer designs of protocols. This paper presents a deep study of medium access control (MAC) layer protocols that are used in IoT with a detailed description of such protocols grouped (by short and long distance coverage). For short range coverage protocols, the following are considered: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth Low Energy, IEEE 802.15.4, Wireless Highway Addressable Remote Transducer Protocol (Wireless-HART), Z-Wave, Weightless, and IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ah. For the long range group, Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT), Long Term Evolution (LTE) CAT-0, LTE CAT-M, LTE CAT-N, Long Range Protocol (LoRa), and SigFox protocols are studied. A comparative study is performed for each group of protocols in order to provide insights and a reference study for IoT applications, considering their characteristics, limitations, and behavior. Open research issues on the topic are also identified.
One-Step Surface Functionalized Hydrophilic Polypropylene Meshes for Hernia Repair Using Bio-Inspired Polydopamine
Authors: Sanbhal Noor , Saitaer Xiakeer , Peerzada Mazhar , Habboush Ali , Wang Fujun , Wang Lu
Published: January 2019

An ideal hernia mesh is one that absorbs drugs and withstands muscle forces after mesh implantation. Polypropylene (PP) mesh devices have been accepted as a standard material to repair abdominal hernia, but the hydrophobicity of PP fibers makes them unsuitable to carry drugs during the pre-implantation of PP meshes. In this study, for the first time, one-step functionalization of PP mesh surfaces was performed to incorporate bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) onto PP surfaces. All PP mesh samples were dipped in the same concentration of dopamine solution. The surface functionalization of PP meshes was performed for 24 h at 37 °C and 80 rpm. It was proved by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results that a thin layer of PDA was connected with PP surfaces. Moreover, water contact angle results proved that surface functionalized PP meshes were highly hydrophilic (73.1°) in comparison to untreated PP mesh surfaces (138.5°). Thus, hydrophilic PP meshes with bio-inspired poly-dopamine functionalization could be a good choice for hernia mesh implantation.
The Past and Present of Discharge Capacity Modeling for Spillways—A Swedish Perspective
Authors: Yang James , Andreasson Patrik , Teng Penghua , Xie Qiancheng
Published: January 2019

Most of the hydropower dams in Sweden were built before 1980. The present dam-safety guidelines have resulted in higher design floods than their spillway discharge capacity and the need for structural upgrades. This has led to renewed laboratory model tests. For some dams, even computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed. This provides the possibility to compare the spillway discharge data between the model tests performed a few decades apart. The paper presents the hydropower development, the needs for the ongoing dam rehabilitations and the history of physical hydraulic modeling in Sweden. More than 20 spillways, both surface and bottom types, are analyzed to evaluate their discharge modeling accuracy. The past and present model tests are compared with each other and with the CFD results if available. Discrepancies do exist in the discharges between the model tests made a few decades apart. The differences fall within the range −8.3%–+11.2%. The reasons for the discrepancies are sought from several aspects. The primary source of the errors is seemingly the model construction quality and flow measurement method. The machine milling technique and 3D printing reduce the source of construction errors and improve the model quality. Results of the CFD simulations differ, at the maximum, by 3.8% from the physical tests. They are conducted without knowledge of the physical model results in advance. Following the best practice guidelines, CFD should generate results of decent accuracy for discharge prediction.
Fluid-Structure Interaction in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Effect of Haematocrit
Authors: Stergiou Yorgos G. , Kanaris Athanasios G. , Mouza Aikaterini A. , Paras Spiros V.
Published: January 2019

The Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a local dilation of the abdominal aorta and it is a cause for serious concern because of the high mortality associated with its rupture. Consequently, the understanding of the phenomena related to the creation and the progression of an AAA is of crucial importance. In this work, the complicated interaction between the blood flow and the AAA wall is numerically examined using a fully coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) method. The study investigates the possible link between the dynamic behavior of an AAA and the blood viscosity variations attributed to the haematocrit value, while it also incorporates the pulsatile blood flow, the non-Newtonian behavior of blood and the hyperelasticity of the arterial wall. It was found that blood viscosity has no significant effect on von Mises stress magnitude and distribution, whereas there is a close relation between the haematocrit value and the Wall Shear Stress (WSS) magnitude in AAAs. This WSS variation can possibly alter the mechanical properties of the arterial wall and increase its growth rate or even its rupture possibility. The relationship between haematocrit and dynamic behavior of an AAA can be helpful in designing a patient specific treatment.
The Effect of Exclusive Olive Oil Consumption on Successful Aging: A Combined Analysis of the ATTICA and MEDIS Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Foscolou Alexandra , Critselis Elena , Tyrovolas Stefanos , Chrysohoou Christina , Sidossis Labros S. , Naumovski Nenad , Matalas Antonia-Leda , Rallidis Loukianos , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Ayuso-Mateos Jose Luis , Haro Jose Maria , Panagiotakos Demosthenes
Published: January 2019

The consumption of dietary fats, which occur naturally in various foods, poses important impacts on health. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association of exclusive use of olive oil for culinary purposes with successful aging in adults aged >50 years old and residing in Greece. Use of olive oil in food preparation and bio-clinical characteristics of the Greek participants enrolled in the ATTICA (n = 1128 adults from Athens metropolitan area) and the MEDiterranean Islands Study (MEDIS) (n = 2221 adults from various Greek islands and Mani) studies, were investigated in relation to successful aging (SA). Participants were divided into the following three categories: (a) no olive oil consumption; (b) combined consumption of olive oil and other dietary fats; and (c) exclusive olive oil consumption. The SA was measured using the previously validated successful aging index (SAI). After adjusting for age, sex, and smoking habits, combined consumption of olive oil and other fats (vs. no olive oil use) was not significantly associated with SAI levels (p = 0.114). However, exclusive olive oil intake (vs. no use of olive oil) was significantly associated with SAI (p = 0.001), particularly among those aged older than 70 years. Therefore, the exclusive consumption of olive oil, as opposed to either combined or no olive oil consumption, beneficially impacts successful aging, particularly among individuals over 70 years of age. Primary public health prevention strategies should seek to encourage the enhanced adoption of such dietary practices in order to promote healthy aging and longevity.
Categorization and Cooperation across Games
Authors: LiCalzi Marco , Mühlenbernd Roland
Published: January 2019

We study a model where agents face a continuum of two-player games and categorize them into a finite number of situations to make sense of their complex environment. Agents need not share the same categorization. Each agent can cooperate or defect, conditional on the perceived category. The games are fully ordered by the strength of the temptation to defect and break joint cooperation. In equilibrium agents share the same categorization, but achieve less cooperation than if they could perfectly discriminate games. All the equilibria are evolutionarily stable, but stochastic stability selects against cooperation. We model agents’ learning when they imitate successful players over similar games, but lack any information about the opponents’ categorizations. We show that imitation conditional on reaching an intermediate aspiration level leads to a shared categorization that achieves higher cooperation than under perfect discrimination.
Faraday Depolarization Effects in Spiral Galaxies
Authors: Machida Mami , Akahori Takuya , Nakamura Kenji E. , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Haverkorn Marijke
Published: January 2019

Magnetic fields in the universe play an essential role in observations of the radio synchrotron continuum; however, we do not know enough about them, either observationally or theoretically. We are interested in galactic magnetic fields because they affect the structural formation of galaxies in terms of star-forming regions, spiral arms, and threads at the galactic center. To clarify the importance of magnetic fields, we carried out numerical simulations of the galactic gaseous disk with magnetic fields. We also calculated observables, such as the rotation measure and Stokes parameters, from the results of numerical simulation. FD maps and intensity maps have been reported, and the relation between azimuthal angle and FD has been shown to depend on the inclination of the observer. Furthermore, it has been shown that a polarized intensity below 800 MHz reflects field structure in the halo region, although the intensity is weak. The present paper summarizes the effects of Faraday depolarization and the relation between magnetic-field structure and Stokes parameters.
Genetic Instability and Chromatin Remodeling in Spermatids
Authors: Cavé Tiphanie , Desmarais Rebecka , Lacombe-Burgoyne Chloé , Boissonneault Guylain
Published: January 2019

The near complete replacement of somatic chromatin in spermatids is, perhaps, the most striking nuclear event known to the eukaryotic domain. The process is far from being fully understood, but research has nevertheless unraveled its complexity as an expression of histone variants and post-translational modifications that must be finely orchestrated to promote the DNA topological change and compaction provided by the deposition of protamines. That this major transition may not be genetically inert came from early observations that transient DNA strand breaks were detected in situ at chromatin remodeling steps. The potential for genetic instability was later emphasized by our demonstration that a significant number of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are formed and then repaired in the haploid context of spermatids. The detection of DNA breaks by 3′OH end labeling in the whole population of spermatids suggests that a reversible enzymatic process is involved, which differs from canonical apoptosis. We have set the stage for a better characterization of the genetic impact of this transition by showing that post-meiotic DNA fragmentation is conserved from human to yeast, and by providing tools for the initial mapping of the genome-wide DSB distribution in the mouse model. Hence, the molecular mechanism of post-meiotic DSB formation and repair in spermatids may prove to be a significant component of the well-known male mutation bias. Based on our recent observations and a survey of the literature, we propose that the chromatin remodeling in spermatids offers a proper context for the induction of de novo polymorphism and structural variations that can be transmitted to the next generation.
Stress-Tolerant Yeasts: Opportunistic Pathogenicity Versus Biocontrol Potential
Authors: Zajc Janja , Gostinčar Cene , Černoša Anja , Gunde-Cimerman Nina
Published: January 2019

Stress-tolerant fungi that can thrive under various environmental extremes are highly desirable for their application to biological control, as an alternative to chemicals for pest management. However, in fungi, the mechanisms of stress tolerance might also have roles in mammal opportunism. We tested five species with high biocontrol potential in agriculture (Aureobasidium pullulans, Debayomyces hansenii, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Metschnikowia fructicola, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) and two species recognized as emerging opportunistic human pathogens (Exophiala dermatitidis, Aureobasidium melanogenum) for growth under oligotrophic conditions and at 37 °C, and for tolerance to oxidative stress, formation of biofilms, production of hydrolytic enzymes and siderophores, and use of hydrocarbons as sole carbon source. The results show large overlap between traits desirable for biocontrol and traits linked to opportunism (growth under oligotrophic conditions, production of siderophores, high oxidative stress tolerance, and specific enzyme activities). Based on existing knowledge and these data, we suggest that oligotrophism and thermotolerance together with siderophore production at 37 °C, urease activity, melanization, and biofilm production are the main traits that increase the potential for fungi to cause opportunistic infections in mammals. These traits should be carefully considered when assessing safety of potential biocontrol agents.
Network Analyses of Integrated Differentially Expressed Genes in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma to Identify Characteristic Genes
Authors: Shang Junliang , Ding Qian , Yuan Shasha , Liu Jin-Xing , Li Feng , Zhang Honghai
Published: January 2019

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Identifying characteristic genes of PTC are of great importance to reveal its potential genetic mechanisms. In this paper, we proposed a framework, as well as a measure named Normalized Centrality Measure (NCM), to identify characteristic genes of PTC. The framework consisted of four steps. First, both up-regulated genes and down-regulated genes, collectively called differentially expressed genes (DEGs), were screened and integrated together from four datasets, that is, GSE3467, GSE3678, GSE33630, and GSE58545; second, an interaction network of DEGs was constructed, where each node represented a gene and each edge represented an interaction between linking nodes; third, both traditional measures and the NCM measure were used to analyze the topological properties of each node in the network. Compared with traditional measures, more genes related to PTC were identified by the NCM measure; fourth, by mining the high-density subgraphs of this network and performing Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, several meaningful results were captured, most of which were demonstrated to be associated with PTC. The experimental results proved that this network framework and the NCM measure are useful for identifying more characteristic genes of PTC.
The Taphonomy of Proterozoic Microbial Mats and Implications for Early Diagenetic Silicification
Authors: Manning-Berg Ashley R. , Wood R. Seth , Williford Kenneth H. , Czaja Andrew D. , Kah Linda C.
Published: January 2019

The complex nature of growth and decomposition in microbial mats results in a broad range of microbial preservation. Such taphonomic variability complicates both the description of microbial elements preserved within geologic materials and the potential interpretation of microbial biomarkers. This study uses a taphonomic assessment to explore the preservation of different microbial components within silicified microbial mats of the late Mesoproterozoic (~1.0 Ga) Angmaat Formation, Bylot Supergroup, Baffin Island. The Angmaat Formation consists of unmetamorphosed and essentially undeformed strata that represent intertidal to supratidal deposition within an evaporative microbial flat. Early diagenetic silicification preserved microbial communities across a range of environments, from those episodically exposed to persistently submerged. Here, we present the development of a new methodology involving the use of high-resolution image mosaics to investigate the taphonomy of microfossils preserved in these mats. A taphonomic grade is assigned using a modified classification that accounts for both the taphonomic preservation state (good, fair, poor) of individual microfossils, as well as the degree of compaction of the overall mat. We show that although various taphonomic states occur within each of the silicified mats, the overall taphonomic assessment differentiates between well-preserved mats that are interpreted to have been silicified during active growth, to highly degraded and compacted mats that are interpreted to represent preservation during later stages of biological decomposition. These data indicate that even small changes in the timing of silicification may have substantial implications on our identification of microbial biomarkers and, therefore, our interpretation of early Earth ecosystems.
Migratory Realities: The Interplay of Landscapes in the Guyanese Emigrant’s Reality in Jan Lowe Shinebourne’s The Godmother and Other Stories
Authors: Persaud Cheddie Abigail
Published: January 2019

Guyana’s high rate of migration has resulted in a sizeable Guyanese diaspora that continues to negotiate the connection with its homeland. Jan Lowe Shinebourne’s The Godmother and Other Stories opens avenues of understanding the experiences of emigrated Guyanese through the lens of transnational migration. Four protagonists, one each from the stories “The Godmother,” “Hopscotch,” “London and New York” and “Rebirth” act as literary case studies in the mechanisms involved in a Guyanese transnational migrant’s experience. Through a structuralist analysis, I show how the use of literary devices such as titles, layers and paradigms facilitate the presentation of the interplay of landscapes in the transnational migrant’s experience. The significance of the story titles is briefly analysed. Then, how memories of the homeland are layered on the landscape of residence and how this interplay stabilises the migrant are examined. Thirdly, how ambivalence can set in after elements from the homeland come into physical contact with the migrant on the landscape of residence, thereby shifting the nostalgic paradigm into an unstable structure, is highlighted. Finally, it is observed that as a result of the paradigm shift, the migrant must then operate on a shifted interplay that can be confounding. Altogether, the text offers an opportunity to explore migratory realities in the Guyanese emigrant’s experience.
Was There a Pre-Roman Occupation in Coimbra, Portugal? The Contribution of Rua Fernandes Thomaz, 72–74 for Understanding Occupation of the Territory of Aeminium during the Transition from the Iron Age to the Roman Era
Authors: Pinho Jorge , Henriques Susana
Published: January 2019

Iron Age studies are scarce for the city of Coimbra, besides the findings from the Machado Castro Museum, and therefore this intervention has revealed an important heritage collection. The recovered artefacts, which can be associated with the indigenous world, reveal regional parallels with Conimbriga, the Aeminium Forum and Lomba do Canho. There is clear evidence of region-wide homogenisation of pottery morphologies, surface treatments and production processes. A structure dated from the period of the Roman emperor Augustus aligned with the steep natural geological profile, with unobstructed views over the Mondego river, was found in the interior of a medieval defensive wall, making it possible to deconstruct the chronological periods of the locale, which is consistent with an Iron Age occupation, since at least the second century B.C. More importantly, it is necessary to understand the spatial contextualisation of this archaeological site through morphological analysis of the pottery in a local and regional context and comprehend the chronological hiatus and settlement between the archaeological sites located in the estuary mouth, from other sites found upstream along the Mondego river.
Response of Mediterranean Ornamental Plants to Drought Stress
Authors: Toscano Stefania , Ferrante Antonio , Romano Daniela
Published: January 2019

Ornamental plants use unique adaptive mechanisms to overcome the negative effects of drought stress. A large number of species grown in the Mediterranean area offer the opportunity to select some for ornamental purposes with the ability to adapt to drought conditions. The plants tolerant to drought stress show different adaptation mechanisms to overcome drought stress, including morphological, physiological, and biochemical modifications. These responses include increasing root/shoot ratio, growth reduction, leaf anatomy change, and reduction of leaf size and total leaf area to limit water loss and guarantee photosynthesis. In this review, the effect of drought stress on photosynthesis and chlorophyll a fluorescence is discussed. Recent information on the mechanisms of signal transduction and the development of drought tolerance in ornamental plants is provided. Finally, drought-induced oxidative stress is analyzed and discussed. The purpose of this review is to deepen our knowledge of how drought may modify the morphological and physiological characteristics of plants and reduce their aesthetic value—that is, the key parameter of assessment of ornamental plants.
Anthropometric Measures as Predictive Indicators of Metabolic Risk in a Population of “Holy Week Costaleros”
Authors: Robles-Romero José Miguel , Fernández-Ozcorta Eduardo J. , Gavala-González Juan , Romero-Martín Macarena , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Ruiz-Frutos Carlos
Published: January 2019

Preventive measures are a priority in those groups that perform intense physical efforts without physical preparation and that can also be overweight or obese. One of the groups that reflect these characteristics is the costaleros of the Holy Week of Andalusia, Spain. This paper aims to describe the effect of obesity on blood pressure. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 costaleros. The anthropometric measures were determined through segmental impedance. Cardiac recovery and anaerobic power were measured through the Ruffier–Dickson test and the Abalakov test, respectively. Blood pressure was measured when the individuals were at rest. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied for of continuous parameters and the X2 test for dichotomous measures. Binary logistic regression models were used for the subsequent analysis with R-square and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. The average population was 28 years of age, 173.7 cm tall, and 82.59 Kg weigh. The excess of body fat was 11.27 Kg and Body Mass Index was 27.33 Kg/m2. 72.3% showed abnormal blood pressure and 68.2% were overweight. 32.7% had a waist-hip ratio higher than 0.94. The probability of presenting abnormal blood pressure was higher among the subjects whose fat content was higher and muscle content was lower.
Adaptive Non-Negative Geographically Weighted Regression for Population Density Estimation Based on Nighttime Light
Authors: Chu Hone-Jay , Yang Chen-Han , Chou Chelsea C.
Published: January 2019

Nighttime light imagery provides a perspective for studying urbanization and socioeconomic changes. Traditional global regression models have been applied to explore the nonspatial relationship between nighttime lights and population density. In this study, geographically weighted regression (GWR) identifies the spatially varying relationships between population density and nighttime lights in mainland China. However, the rural population does not have a strong relationship with remote-sensing spectral features. The rural population estimation using nighttime light data alone easily identifies meaningless negative population density in the rural area. This study proposes an adaptive non-negative GWR (ANNGWR) to explore the spatial pattern of population density by using nonnegative constraints with an adaptive bandwidth of kernel. The ANNGWR solves the negative value of population density and serious overestimation of the western boundary. The result shows that the ANNGWR provides the best goodness-of-fit compared with linear regression and original GWR. This study applies Moran’s I index to prove that the ANNGWR substantially decreases the spatial autocorrelation of the model residual. The model offers a robust and effective approach for estimating the spatial patterns of regional population density solely on the basis of nighttime light imagery.
Epigenetic Mechanisms Influencing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Monteiro-Reis Sara , Lobo João , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen
Published: January 2019

Bladder cancer is one of the most incident neoplasms worldwide, and its treatment remains a significant challenge, since the mechanisms underlying disease progression are still poorly understood. The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proven to play an important role in the tumorigenic process, particularly in cancer cell invasiveness and metastatic potential. Several studies have reported the importance of epigenetic mechanisms and enzymes, which orchestrate them in several features of cancer cells and, specifically, in EMT. In this paper, we discuss the epigenetic enzymes, protein-coding and non-coding genes, and mechanisms altered in the EMT process occurring in bladder cancer cells, as well as its implications, which allows for improved understanding of bladder cancer biology and for the development of novel targeted therapies.
The Interaction between Viral and Environmental Risk Factors in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tarlinton Rachael Eugenie , Khaibullin Timur , Granatov Evgenii , Martynova Ekaterina , Rizvanov Albert , Khaiboullina Svetlana
Published: January 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating inflammatory disease of unknown ethology targeting the central nervous system (CNS). MS has a polysymptomatic onset and is usually first diagnosed between the ages of 20–40 years. The pathology of the disease is characterized by immune mediated demyelination in the CNS. Although there is no clinical finding unique to MS, characteristic symptoms include sensory symptoms visual and motor impairment. No definitive trigger for the development of MS has been identified but large-scale population studies have described several epidemiological risk factors for the disease. This list is a confusing one including latitude, vitamin D (vitD) levels, genetics, infection with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and endogenous retrovirus (ERV) reactivation. This review will look at the evidence for each of these and the potential links between these disparate risk factors and the known molecular disease pathogenesis to describe potential hypotheses for the triggering of MS pathology.
Functionalized β-Cyclodextrin Immobilized on Ag-Embedded Silica Nanoparticles as a Drug Carrier
Authors: Kang Eun Ji , Baek Yu Mi , Hahm Eunil , Lee Sang Hun , Pham Xuan-Hung , Noh Mi Suk , Kim Dong-Eun , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: January 2019

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have beneficial characteristics for drug delivery, including hydrophobic interior surfaces. Nanocarriers with β-CD ligands have been prepared with simple surface modifications as drug delivery vehicles. In this study, we synthesized β-CD derivatives on an Ag-embedded silica nanoparticle (NP) (SiO2@Ag NP) structure to load and release doxorubicin (DOX). Cysteinyl-β-CD and ethylenediamine-β-CD (EDA-β-CD) were immobilized on the surface of SiO2@Ag NPs, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. DOX was introduced into the β-CD on the SiO2@Ag NPs and then successfully released. Neither cysteinyl-β-CD and EDA-β-CD showed cytotoxicity, while DOX-loaded cysteinyl-β-CD and EDA-β-CD showed a significant decrease in cell viability in cancer cells. The SiO2@Ag NPs with β-CD provide a strategy for designing a nanocarrier that can deliver a drug with controlled release from modified chemical types.
Epigenetic Factors in Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: MTHFR and CTH Gene Polymorphisms, Metabolic Transsulfuration and Methylation Pathways, and B Vitamins
Authors: Román Gustavo C. , Mancera-Páez Oscar , Bernal Camilo
Published: January 2019

DNA methylation and other epigenetic factors are important in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutations occur in most elderly patients with memory loss. MTHFR is critical for production of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM), the principal methyl donor. A common mutation (1364T/T) of the cystathionine-γ-lyase (CTH) gene affects the enzyme that converts cystathionine to cysteine in the transsulfuration pathway causing plasma elevation of total homocysteine (tHcy) or hyperhomocysteinemia—a strong and independent risk factor for cognitive loss and AD. Other causes of hyperhomocysteinemia include aging, nutritional factors, and deficiencies of B vitamins. We emphasize the importance of supplementing vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin), vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and SAM to patients in early stages of LOAD.
Preferential Localization of MUC1 Glycoprotein in Exosomes Secreted by Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Pan Deng , Chen Jiaxi , Feng Chunchao , Wu Weibo , Wang Yanjin , Tong Jiao , Zhou Dapeng
Published: January 2019

Lung cancer remains to be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Finding new noninvasive biomarkers for lung cancer is still a significant clinical challenge. Exosomes are membrane-bound, nano-sized vesicles that are released by various living cells. Studies on exosomal proteomics may provide clues for developing clinical assays. In this study, we performed semi-quantitative proteomic analysis of proteins that were purified from exosomes of NCI-H838 non-small cell lung cancer cell line, with total cellular membrane proteins as control. In the exosomes, LC-MS/MS by data-independent analysis mode identified 3235 proteins. THBS1, ANXA6, HIST1H4A, COL18A1, MDK, SRGN, ENO1, TUBA4A, SLC3A2, GPI, MIF, MUC1, TALDO1, SLC7A5, ICAM1, HSP90AA1, G6PD, and LRP1 were found to be expressed in exosomes at more than 5-fold higher level as compared to total cellular membrane proteins. A well-known cancer biomarker, MUC1, is expressed at 8.98-fold higher in exosomes than total cellular membrane proteins. Subsequent analysis of plasma exosomes from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients by a commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay showed that exosomal MUC1 level is 1.5-fold higher than healthy individuals (mean value 1.55 ± 0.16 versus mean value 1.05 ± 0.06, p = 0.0213). In contrast, no significant difference of MUC1 level was found between NSCLC patients and healthy individuals′ plasma (mean value 5.48 ± 0.65 versus mean value 4.16 ± 0.49). These results suggest that certain proteins, such as MUC1, are selectively enriched in the exosome compartment. The mechanisms for their preferential localization and their biological roles remain to be studied.
Parametric Study of a Turbofan Engine with an Auxiliary High-Pressure Bypass
Authors: Asundi Sharanabasaweshwara A. , Ali Syed Firasat
Published: January 2019

A parametric study of a novel turbofan engine with an auxiliary high-pressure bypass (AHPB) is presented. The underlying motivation for the study was to introduce and explore a configuration of a turbofan engine which could facilitate clean secondary burning of fuel at a higher temperature than conventionally realized. The study was also motivated by the developments in engineering materials for high-temperature applications and the potential utility of these developments. The parametric study is presented in two phases. Phase I presents a schematic of the turbofan engine with AHPB and the mathematics of the performance parameters at various stations. The proposed engine is hypothesized to consist of three streams—core stream, low-pressure bypass (LPB) stream, and the AHPB or, simply, the high-pressure bypass (HPB) stream. Phase II delves into the performance simulation and the analysis of the results in an ideal set-up. The simulation and results are presented for performance analysis when (i) maximizing engine thrust while varying the LPB and AHPB ratios, and (ii) varying the AHPB ratio while maintaining the LPB ratio constant. The results demonstrate the variations in performance of the engine and a basis for examining its potential utility for practical applications.
Coordination Chemistry of Silicon
Authors: Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: January 2019

It is with great pleasure to welcome readers to this Special Issue of Inorganics, devoted to “Coordination Chemistry of Silicon” [...]
Sex-Differences in the Pattern of Comorbidities, Functional Independence, and Mortality in Elderly Inpatients: Evidence from the RePoSI Register
Authors: Corrao Salvatore , Argano Christiano , Natoli Giuseppe , Nobili Alessandro , Corazza Gino , Mannucci Pier , Perticone Francesco ,   on behalf of REPOSI Investigators
Published: January 2019

Background: The RePoSi study has provided data on comorbidities, polypharmacy, and sex dimorphism in hospitalised elderly patients. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data collected from the 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 data sets of the RePoSi register. The aim of this study was to explore the sex-differences and to validate the multivariate model in the entire dataset with an expanded follow-up at 1 year. Results: Among 4714 patients, 51% were women and 49% were men. The disease distribution showed that diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, and malignancy were more frequent in men but that hypertension, anaemia, osteoarthritis, depression, and diverticulitis disease were more common in women. Severity and comorbidity indexes according to the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS-s and CIRS-c) were higher in men, while cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and disability in daily life measured by the Barthel Index (BI) were worse in women. In the multivariate analysis, BI, CIRS, and malignancy significantly increased the risk of death in men at the 1-year follow-up, while age was independently associated with mortality in women. Conclusions: Our study highlighted the relevance and the validity of our previous predictive model in the identification of sex dimorphism in hospitalised elderly patients underscoring the need of sex-personalised health-care.
Predictive Factors for Platelet Count Variation After Splenectomy in Non-Traumatic Diseases
Authors: Dragomir Roxana M. , Hogea Mircea D. , Moga Marius A. , Festila Dana G. , Cobelschi Calin P.
Published: January 2019

Background: The spleen plays a central role in a range of diseases. As such, great emphasis has been placed on the procedure of spleen removal, the benefits and the numerous associated complications. Given the immediate risk of the thrombotic complications, the aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory patient characteristics in non-traumatic diseases of the spleen, and to investigate possible predictive factors for platelet count variation following the procedure. Methods: A total of 72 patients who underwent splenectomy were included in this retrospective study. Correlation coefficients as well as multiple linear regressions were used to assess the relationship between post-splenectomy platelet count and various preoperative clinical and laboratory patient characteristics. Results: Following multiple linear regression analysis, we determined that 54.93% of post-splenectomy platelet count variation was explained by admission platelet count (p = 0.00), lymphocyte count (p = 0.04), WBC count (p = 0.00), LOS (p = 0.00), patient gender (p = 0.00), spleen accessibility on admission (p = 0.02) and PT (p = 0.00). Conclusions: Platelet count variation following splenectomy for non-traumatic diseases can be predicted by assessing preoperative patient characteristics. The implications of this study suggest that by means of a prediction model, patient care could benefit from assessing and addressing various preoperative factors that lead to these complications.
Low TIP30 Protein Expression is Associated with a High Risk of Metastasis and Poor Prognosis for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Chen Chao-Ju , Chou Po-An , Huang Ming-Shyan , Liu Yu-Peng
Published: January 2019

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a deadly malignancy with a high prevalence worldwide. A reliable biomarker that can predict the prognosis is required to determine the therapeutic strategy. TIP30 was first identified as a tumor suppressor. A number of mechanistic studies indicated that the downregulation of TIP30 enhances the stemness, migration and survival of NSCLC cells. However, the clinical relevance of TIP30 for the prognosis of NSCLC is unknown. From a meta-analysis of public microarray datasets, we showed the upregulation of TIP30 mRNA expression was associated with worse overall survival of NSCLC patients, which contradicted the tumor suppressive role of TIP30. It is worth noting that the TIP30 mRNA expression was not correlated with its protein expression in 15 NSCLC cell lines. The results from the immunohistochemistry of a tissue microarray showed the downregulation of the TIP30 protein expression was associated with a higher risk of metastasis. In addition, the decrease in TIP30 protein was correlated with worse overall and progression-free survival of the NSCLC patients. Multivariate analysis suggested the loss of TIP30 protein was an independent factor to predict the poor prognosis of NSCLC. Our data indicated that TIP30 protein, not mRNA, would be a potential prognostic biomarker of NSCLC.
Knowledge Assessment of E-Bug Assisted Antimicrobial Resistance Education Module in Class VII School Students of South Indian Coastal Town of Manipal
Authors: Fernandes Reona , Naik Swathi , Bhat Archana-Gururaj , Shetty Rashmi , Hande Manjunatha-H , Ghafur Abdul , Rao Mahadev , Kunhikatta Vijayanarayana , Pathiraj John-Preshanth-Kumar
Published: January 2019

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recognized public health threat today globally. Although many active and passive stewardship strategies are advocated to counter AMR clinically, educating school going children on AMR could be a cost-effective measure to minimize AMR development in the future. We implemented NICE’s e-bug as a module to educate class VII school students on AMR determinants. A prospective quasi-experimental study on 327 students from nine different schools of class VII around Manipal town, Udupi district, Karnataka state, India were included in the study. Ten questions on AMR determinants from the e-bug program were used in written pre-test. After an education intervention, a post-test was conducted. Descriptive statistics to estimate epidemiological characteristics, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied to analyze statistical significance of pre/post-test performance scores and between schools. Students had inadequate knowledge on seven AMR determinants (antimicrobial indication, its course, hand hygiene, fermentation, spread of infection, microbial multiplication and characteristics of microbe) as analyzed from the post-test performance (p < 0.05). Comparison of post-test performance between schools showed significant improvement in scores (p < 0.05) for three questions (definition on antimicrobial, cover while cough/sneezing and microbial characteristics). Although students exhibited sub-optimal knowledge on some AMR determinants, they showed keenness to learn, which was evident by their post-test performance. Our findings and previous similar studies from Europe are suggestive of early pedagogic interventions on AMR through inclusion of such education modules in the regular school curriculum could be a potential tool for AMR prevention.
Increased Systemic Malondialdehyde Levels and Decreased Mo/Co, Co/Fe2+ Ratios in Patients with Long-Term Dental Titanium Implants and Amalgams
Authors: Cabaña-Muñoz María Eugenia , Parmigiani-Izquierdo José María , Camacho Alonso Fabio , Merino José Joaquín
Published: January 2019

Introduction: the biological safety of dental biomaterials has been questioned in human studies. Material and Methods: Several heavy metals/oligoelements were compared by Inductive Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in hair samples from 130 patients (n = 54 patients with long-term titanium dental implants and amalgams (A + I group), 51 patients with long-term dental amalgam alone (A group), as well as controls (n = 25: without dental materials) of similar age. All patients (except controls) had had titanium dental implants and/or dental amalgams for at least 10 years (average: 17). We evaluated whether A + I patients could present higher systemic malondialdehyde levels (MDA) as compared to the A group. Results: The A + I group have lower molybdenum levels (A + I) and reduced Mo/Co and Mo/Fe2+ ratios, which could predispose them to oxidative stress by raising MDA levels as compared to the A group alone; our findings suggest that higher Co levels could enhance oxidative stress in the A + I group. However, there were no differences on metals from titanium alloy (Ti-6Al), Cr from crowns or Hg2+, Sn, Zn2+, Cu2+ levels between the A + I and A groups. Conclusion: patients with long-term dental titanium and amalgams have systemic oxidative stress due to rising MDA levels and lower Mo/Co and Mo/Fe2+ ratios than those with amalgams alone.
MicroRNA Cross-Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Atopic Dermatitis: A Literature Review
Authors: Tonacci Alessandro , Bagnato Gianluca , Pandolfo Gianluca , Billeci Lucia , Sansone Francesco , Conte Raffaele , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: January 2019

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a category of neurodevelopmental disturbances seriously affecting social skills, to which the scientific community has paid great attention in last decades. To date, their pathogenesis is still unknown, but several studies highlighted the relevance of gene-environment interactions in the onset of ASD. In addition, an immune involvement was seen in a wide number of ASD subjects, leading several researchers to hypothesize a possible common pathogenesis between ASD and immune disturbances, including Atopic Dermatitis (AD). In general, among potential contributing factors, microRNAs (miRNAs), small molecules capable of controlling gene expression and targeting mRNA transcripts, might represent one of the major circulating link, possibly unraveling the connections between neurodevelopmental and immune conditions. Under such premises, we conducted a systematic literature review, under the PRISMA guidelines, trying to define the panel of common miRNAs involved in both ASD and AD. The review retrieved articles published between January 1, 2005, and December 13, 2018, in PubMed, ScienceDirect, PsycARTICLES, and Google Scholar. We found a handful of works dealing with miRNAs in ASD and AD, with the most overlapping dysregulated miRNAs being miR-146 and miR-155. Two possible compounds are abnormally regulated in both ASD and AD subjects, possibly cross-contributing to the interactions between the two disorders, setting the basis to investigate more precisely the possible link between ASD and AD from another, not just clinical, perspective.
Differences in Kidney Function Estimates Based on Creatinine and/or Cystatin C in Non-Traumatic Amputation Patients and Their Impact on Drug Prescribing
Authors: Aakjær Mia , Houlind Morten B. , Treldal Charlotte , Ankarfeldt Mikkel Z. , S. Jensen Pia , Andersen Ove , Iversen Esben , Christrup Lona L. , Petersen Janne
Published: January 2019

Accurate kidney function estimates are necessary when prescribing renally-eliminated medications. Our objectives were to investigate how amputation affects estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and to determine if dosing recommendations differ among different eGFR equations. In a cohort study of non-traumatic amputation patients, eGFR based on creatinine and/or cystatin C were measured before and after amputation. Prescribed, renally-eliminated medications were compared with dosing guidelines in Renbase®. Data from 38 patients with a median age of 75 years were analyzed. The median (range) eGFR was 65 (15–103), 38 (13–79), and 48 (13–86) mL/min/1.73 m2 before amputation and 80 (22–107), 51 (13–95), and 62 (16–100) mL/min/1.73 m2 after amputation for eGFRCreatinine, eGFRCystatinC, and eGFRCombined, respectively (p < 0.01). From before to after amputation, eGFR increased on average by 8.5, 6.1, and 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 for eGFRCreatinine, eGFRCystatinC, and eGFRCombined (all p < 0.01), respectively. At least one renally-eliminated medication was prescribed at a higher dose than recommended in 37.8% of patients using eGFRCystatinC, 17.6% using eGFRCombined and 10.8% using eGFRCreatinine. In conclusion, amputation affects eGFR regardless of the eGFR equations. The differences among equations would impact prescribing of renally-eliminated medications, particularly when switching from creatinine to cystatin C.
Analysis of Dental Malocclusion and Neuromotor Control in Young Healthy Subjects through New Evaluation Tools
Authors: Isaia Barbara , Ravarotto Martina , Finotti Paolo , Nogara Matteo , Piran Giovanni , Gamberini Jacopo , Biz Carlo , Masiero Stefano , Frizziero Antonio
Published: January 2019

The presence of a correlation between stomatognathic and postural systems has been investigated by different authors trying to identify a possible influence of dental occlusion on body posture and balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dental occlusion and neuromuscular control in a healthy young population using modern evaluation tools. 25 subjects (9 males and 16 females, aged 23 to 44) were evaluated for dental occlusion, particularly in relation to overjet and overbite parameters, anterior and posterior crossbite, scissor bite, mandibular crowding, molar and canine class, and deviation of the median dental line. Neuromotor control was assessed using two different types of stabilometric platforms in both monopodalic and bipodalic equilibriums (Prokin-B and MF-Stability, Tecnobody, Italy). All subjects were evaluated with and without cotton rolls positioned between the upper and lower arches at the premolar level in order to temporarily eliminate any pathological contact. In all 25 subjects, no statistically significant differences were revealed between the evaluations performed with and without cotton rolls in all the analyzed conditions (in static, in dynamics, with open and closed eyes). This study did not find a significant correlation between dental occlusion and neuromuscular control in a young and healthy population.
Correlates of Adult Vocabulary Task Performance: Findings from a British Cohort
Authors: Cheng Helen , Furnham Adrian
Published: January 2019

This study explored a longitudinal data set of 4361 adults (2119 males and 2239 females) to examine factors that influence adult vocabulary task performance. Data were collected at birth, in childhood (age 10 years), during teenage years (age 16 years), and in adulthood (ages 30, 34, and 42 years) to examine the effects of family social status, childhood cognitive ability, teenager locus of control, psychological distress, educational qualifications, and occupational prestige in adulthood on an adult vocabulary task—an index of crystallized intelligence. Structural equation modeling showed that childhood cognitive ability, teenager locus of control, education, and occupation were all significant and direct predictors of adult vocabulary task performance. Parental social status affected the outcome variable mediated through educational qualifications. The strongest predictor of adult vocabulary task performance was childhood cognitive ability, followed by educational qualifications and locus of control. Finally, limitations were acknowledged.