bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lying Postures of Dairy Cows in Cubicles and on Pasture
Authors: van Erp-van der Kooij Elaine , Almalik Osama , Cavestany Daniel , Roelofs Judith , van Eerdenburg Frank
Published: April 2019

Cows housed indoors with cubicles are probably more restricted in their choice of lying posture and orientation compared with cows housed on pasture. We therefore compared lying postures on pasture in Uruguay and the Netherlands with lying postures in cubicles in the Netherlands, also recording orientation on pasture in Uruguay and divider and bedding type in Dutch cubicles. We visited one farm with four herds in Uruguay, doing live observations, and 25 Dutch farms, taking pictures of cows. Observations of 205 cows on pasture in Uruguay showed more long postures, lying on their belly with their neck stretched. Two herds preferred lying towards north and south, while one herd preferred west and east. Pictures of 217 cows on pasture in the Netherlands showed more wide postures (lying on the side with three or four legs stretched out). Pictures of 527 cows in cubicles in the Netherlands showed more narrow postures (lying on the side with hind legs folded). More long postures (lying on the belly with a stretched neck) and less short postures (lying with the head folded back) were seen in cubicles with soft floors and English dividers; more narrow postures were seen in cubicles with concrete floors. Wide postures were seen more in cubicles with mattresses and free-hanging dividers. We conclude that since cows in cubicles show more narrow postures than on pasture and cannot choose their orientation, their choice in showing preferred behavior is restricted. More research is needed to study the consequences of restricted choice in lying behavior on the health and welfare of dairy cows.
Edible Oils as Practical Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Kahwaji Samer , White Mary Anne
Published: April 2019

Edible oils could provide more accessible alternatives to other phase change materials (PCMs) for consumers who wish to build a thermal energy storage (TES) system with sustainable materials. Edible oils have good shelf life, can be acquired easily from local stores and can be less expensive than other PCMs. In this work, we explore whether margarine, vegetable shortening, and coconut oil are feasible PCMs, by investigations of their thermal properties and thermal stability. We found that margarine and vegetable shortening are not useful for TES due to their low latent heat of fusion, ΔfusH, and poor thermal stability. In contrast, coconut oil remained thermally stable after 200 melt-freeze cycles, and has a large ΔfusH of 105 ± 11 J g−1, a low degree of supercooling and a transition temperature, Tmpt = 24.5 ± 1.5 °C, that makes it very useful for TES in buildings. We also determined coconut oil’s heat capacity and thermal conductivity as functions of temperature and used the measured properties to evaluate the feasibility of coconut oil for thermal buffering and passive heating of a residential-scale greenhouse.
Coupled Analysis of Offshore Wind Turbine Jacket Structures with Pile-Soil-Structure Interaction Using FAST v8 and X-SEA
Authors: Plodpradit Pasin , Dinh Van , Kim Ki-Du
Published: April 2019

The coupled analysis between a turbine in operating condition and a complex jacket support structure was formulated in this paper for the reliable evaluation of offshore wind turbine structures including pile-soil-structure interactions (PSSIs). Discussions on the theoretical and simulation aspects of the coupled analysis are presented. The dynamic coupled analysis was implemented in X-SEA program and validated with FAST v8 (fatigue, aerodynamics, structures and turbulence) developed by NREL, USA. By replacing the sub-structural module in the FAST with the component of offshore substructure in the X-SEA, the reaction forces and the turbine loads were calculated in each time step and the results from X-SEA were compared with that from FAST. It showed very good agreement with each other. A case study of a NREL 5MW offshore wind turbine on a jacket support structure was performed. Coupled dynamic analyses of offshore wind turbine and support structures with PSSI were carried out. The results showed that in the coupled analysis, the responses of the structure are significantly less than in the uncoupled analysis. The support structure considering PSSI exhibited decreased natural frequencies and more flexible responses compared to the fixed-support structure. The implemented coupled analysis including PSSI was shown to be more accurate and computationally efficient.
The Boundary Element Method in Acoustics: A Survey
Authors: Kirkup Stephen
Published: April 2019

The boundary element method (BEM) in the context of acoustics or Helmholtz problems is reviewed in this paper. The basis of the BEM is initially developed for Laplace’s equation. The boundary integral equation formulations for the standard interior and exterior acoustic problems are stated and the boundary element methods are derived through collocation. It is shown how interior modal analysis can be carried out via the boundary element method. Further extensions in the BEM in acoustics are also reviewed, including half-space problems and modelling the acoustic field surrounding thin screens. Current research in linking the boundary element method to other methods in order to solve coupled vibro-acoustic and aero-acoustic problems and methods for solving inverse problems via the BEM are surveyed. Applications of the BEM in each area of acoustics are referenced. The computational complexity of the problem is considered and methods for improving its general efficiency are reviewed. The significant maintenance issues of the standard exterior acoustic solution are considered, in particular the weighting parameter in combined formulations such as Burton and Miller’s equation. The commonality of the integral operators across formulations and hence the potential for development of a software library approach is emphasised.
Effect of Crack Orientation on Fatigue Life of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks
Authors: Fathalla Eissa , Tanaka Yasushi , Maekawa Koichi
Published: April 2019

In visual inspection of bridges at sites, much attention is given to the density and width of cracks of concrete, but little attention is paid to crack orientation for the diagnosis of bridge performance. In this research, the effect of crack orientation on the remaining fatigue life of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks is investigated for crack patterns with a wide range of possible crack orientations. The data assimilation technology of multi-scale simulation and the pseudo-cracking method, which are widely validated for fatigue-lifetime simulation, are utilized in this study. The impact of the crack direction on fatigue life is found to be associated with the coupled flexure-shear mode of failure, and the mechanism to arrest shear cracking by preceding cracks is quantitatively estimated. This mechanism is similar to the stop-hole to prevent fatigue cracks in steel structures, and it enables us to enhance the fatigue life of RC decks. It is demonstrated that the crack orientations that approximate the longitudinal and transverse directions of RC decks are the ones that most extend remaining fatigue life. Finally, the higher risk cracking locations on the bottom surface of RC decks are discussed, presenting information of use to site inspectors.
PANDAS: Paediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Application Software
Authors: Mwamba Hervé Mukenya , Fourie Pieter Rousseau , van den Heever Dawie
Published: April 2019

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that impairs social, academic and occupational functioning in children, adolescents and adults. In South Africa, youth prevalence of ADHD is estimated as 10%. It is therefore necessary to further investigate methods that objectively diagnose, treat and manage the disorder. The aim of the study was to develop a novel method that could be used as an aid to provide screening for ADHD. The study comprised of a beta-testing phase that included 30 children (19 non-ADHD and 11 ADHD) between the ages of 5 and 16 years old. The strategy was to use a tablet-based game that gathered real-time user data during game-play. This data was then used to train a linear binary support vector machine (SVM). The objective of the SVM was to differentiate between an ADHD individual versus a non-ADHD individual. A feature set was extracted from the gathered data and sequential forward selection (SFS) was performed to select the most significant features. The test set accuracy of 85.7% and leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) accuracy of 83.5% were achieved. Overall, the classification accuracy of the trained SVM was 86.5%. Finally, the sensitivity of the model was 75% and this was seen as a moderate result. Since the sample size was fairly small, the results of the classifier were only seen as suggestive rather than conclusive. Therefore, the performance of the classifier was indicative that a quantitative tool could indeed be developed to perform screening for ADHD.
Net-Metering and Self-Consumption Analysis for Direct PV Groundwater Pumping in Agriculture: A Spanish Case Study
Authors: Rubio-Aliaga Alvaro , Molina-Garcia Angel , Garcia-Cascales M. Socorro , Sanchez-Lozano Juan Miguel
Published: April 2019

International policies mainly that are focused on energy-dependence reduction and climate change objectives have been widely proposed by most developed countries over the last years. These actions aim to promote the integration of renewables and the reduction of emissions in all sectors. Among the different sectors, agriculture emerges as a remarkable opportunity to integrate these proposals. Indeed, this sector accounts for 10% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the EU, representing 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016. Within the agriculture sector, current solutions for groundwater pumping purposes are mainly based on diesel technologies, leading to a remarkable fossil fuel dependence and emissions that must be reduced to fulfill both energy and environmental requirements. Relevant actions must be proposed that are focused on sustainable strategies and initiatives. Under this scenario, the integration of photovoltaic (PV) power plants into groundwater pumping installations has recently been considered as a suitable solution. However, this approach requires a more extended analysis, including different risks and impacts related to sustainability from the economic and energy points of view, and by considering other relevant aspects such as environmental consequences. In addition, PV solar power systems connected to the grid for groundwater pumping purposes provide a relevant opportunity to optimize the power supplied by these installations in terms of self-consumption and net-metering advantages. Actually, the excess PV power might be injected to the grid, with potential profits and benefits for the agriculture sector. Under this scenario, the present paper gives a multidimensional analysis of PV solar power systems connected to the grid for groundwater pumping solutions, including net-metering conditions and benefit estimations that are focused on a Spanish case study. Extensive results based on a real aquifer (Aquifer 23) located in Castilla La Mancha (Spain) are included and discussed in detail.
The Effect of a Renewable Energy Certificate Incentive on Mitigating Wind Power Fluctuations: A Case Study of Jeju Island
Authors: Ko Woong , Lee Jaeho , Kim Jinho
Published: April 2019

As renewable energy penetration in power systems grows, adequate energy policies are needed to support the system’s operations with flexible resources and to adopt more sustainable energies. A peak-biased incentive for energy storage systems (ESS) using the Korean renewable portfolio standard could make power system operations more difficult. For the first time in the research, this study evaluates the effect of imposing a renewable energy certificate incentive in off-peak periods on mitigating wind power fluctuations. We design a coordinated model of a wind farm with an ESS to model the behavior of wind farm operators. Optimization problems are formulated as mixed integer linear programming problems to test the implementation of revenue models under Korean policy. These models are designed to consider additional incentives for discharging the ESS during off-peak periods. The effects of imposing the incentives on wind power fluctuations are evaluated using the magnitude of the renewable energy certificate (REC) multiplier.
Long-Term Durability of Carbon-Reinforced Concrete: An Overview and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Spelter Arne , Bergmann Sarah , Bielak Jan , Hegger Josef
Published: April 2019

Despite intensive research on material properties of non-metallic technical textiles for internal reinforcement in concrete, the long-term durability is not yet fully understood. In this work, results of preloaded long-term durability tensile tests on carbon-reinforced concrete specimens under environmental factors of stress, temperature, moisture and alkalinity are presented. Based on investigations of non-metallic glass fiber reinforcements with polymer matrices, where strength losses occur over time, it was planned to derive a time to failure curve and to determine a reduction factor for the tensile strength of the carbon textile reinforcement. However, no loss of strength was discovered in residual capacity tests due to the high material resistance and therefore no reduction factor due to the environmental factors could be derived. After more than 5000 h of testing, the residual capacity tests showed an increase in the ultimate failure stress in comparison with the short-term tests. In addition to the long term-durability tests, the influence of the preloading was investigated. The preload was applied to the long-term tests and led to a straighter alignment and loading of the filaments and thus to an increase in the ultimate capacity.
Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Fish-Like Robots Swarm
Authors: Li Shuman , Li Chao , Xu Liyang , Yang Wenjing , Chen Xucan
Published: April 2019

Artificial fish-like robot is an important branch of underwater robot research. At present, most of fish-like robot research focuses on single robot mechanism behavior, some research pays attention to the influence of the hydro-environment on robot crowds but does not reach a unified conclusion on the efficiency of fish-like robots swarm. In this work, the fish-like robots swarm is studied by numerical simulation. Four different formations, including the tandem, the phalanx, the diamond, and the rectangle are conducted by changing the spacing between fishes. The results show that at close spacing, the fish in the back can obtain a large wake from the front fish, but suffers large lateral power loss from the lateral fish. On the contrary, when the spacing is large, both the wake and pressure caused by the front and side fishes become small. In terms of the average swimming efficiency of fish swarms, we find that when the fish spacing is less than 1.25 L (L is the length of the fish body), the tandem swarm is the best choice. When the spacing is 1.25 L , the tandem, diamond and rectangle swarms have similar efficiency. When the spacing is larger than 1.25 L , the rectangle swarm is more efficient than other formations. The findings will provide significant guidance for the control of fish-like robots swarm.
An Intelligent Hybrid Energy Management System for a Smart House Considering Bidirectional Power Flow and Various EV Charging Techniques
Authors: Rafique Muhammad Kashif , Khan Saad Ullah , Saeed Uz Zaman Muhammad , Mehmood Khawaja Khalid , Haider Zunaib Maqsood , Bukhari Syed Basit Ali , Kim Chul-Hwan
Published: April 2019

Compelled by environmental and economic reasons and facilitated by modern technological advancements, the share of hybrid energy systems (HES) is increasing at modern smart house (SH) level. This work proposes an intelligent hybrid energy management system (IHEMS) for an SH connected to a power network that allows a bidirectional power flow. The SH has electrical and thermal power loops, and its main components include renewable energy from wind and photovoltaics, electric vehicle (EV), battery energy storage system, a fuel cell which serves as a micro-combined heat and power system, and a boiler. The proposed IHEMS models the components of the SH, defines their constraints, and develops an optimization model based on the real coded genetic algorithm. The key features of the developed IHEMS are highlighted under six simulation cases considering different configurations of the SH components. Moreover, the standard EV charging techniques are compared, and it is observed that the charging method which is flexible in timing and power injection to the EV is best suited for the economic operation of the SH. The simulation results reveal that the proposed IHEMS minimizes the 24-hour operational cost of the SH by optimally scheduling the energy resources and loads.
Enhanced Fault Current-Limiting Circuit Design for a DC Fault in a Modular Multilevel Converter-Based High-Voltage Direct Current System
Authors: Liu Kaipei , Huai Qing , Qin Liang , Zhu Shu , Liao Xiaobing , Li Yuye , Ding Hua
Published: April 2019

The main weakness of the half-bridge modular multilevel converter-based high-voltage direct current (MMC-HVDC) system lies in its immature solution to extremely high current under direct current (DC) line fault. The development of the direct current circuit breaker (DCCB) remains constrained in terms of interruption capacity and operation speed. Therefore, it is essential to limit fault current in the MMC-HVDC system. An enhanced fault current-limiting circuit (EFCLC) is proposed on the basis of fault current study to restrict fault current under DC pole-to-pole fault. Specifically, the EFCLC consists of fault current-limiting inductance L F C L and energy dissipation resistance R F C L in parallel with surge arrestor. L F C L reduces the fault current rising speed, together with arm inductance and smoothing reactor. However, in contrast to arm inductance and smoothing reactor, L F C L will be bypassed via parallel-connected thyristors after blocking converter to prevent the effect on fault interruption speed. R F C L shares the stress on energy absorption device (metal oxide arrester) to facilitate fault interruption. The DCCB requirement in interruption capacity and breaking speed can be satisfied effortlessly through the EFCLC. The working principle and parameter determination of the EFCLC are presented in detail, and its effectiveness is verified by simulation in RT-LAB and MATLAB software platforms.
Monitoring the Dynamic Response of a Buried Polyethylene Pipe to a Blast Wave: An Experimental Study
Authors: Zhong Dongwang , Gong Xiangchao , Han Fang , Li Linna
Published: April 2019

Although the use of polyethylene (PE) pipelines has become increasingly widespread in recent years, few studies have addressed their seismic design and ability to withstand blast waves. In order to establish their seismic capacity, the dynamic response of buried pipelines subjected to blast waves must be explored in depth. Here, we studied the dynamic response of PE pipes situated near an explosive source. Time histories of dynamic strains were measured by conventional strain gauges after simple waterproof treatment, and pipe and ground vibration velocity curves were obtained. Based on the experimental data, the attenuation law of the peak strains under the conditions of different charge masses and blast center distances was analyzed, and the spectrum characteristics of strain, velocity of the pipe, and ground velocity were studied. The results revealed that a large hoop strain on the PE pipes was produced due to the local impact near the explosive source. We found that peak hoop strain (PHS) or peak axial strain (PAS) had a power attenuation relationship with the scaled distance, and this relationship could also be derived by dimensional analysis. The average frequency of strains had the same attenuation form as the charge mass, which was between 10 Hz and 50 Hz. Additionally, the vibration of the pipe showed a low frequency. We also determined that the attenuation of the average frequency of pipe and ground vibration velocity was closely related to the charge mass and the scaled distance. Pipe peak vibration velocity (PPVV), ground peak particle velocity (GPPV), and the peak dynamic strain of pipe were highly positively correlated, which verifies the feasibility of using GPPV to characterize pipeline vibration and strain level. Thus, a blasting criterion of 10% minimum request strength (MRS) for PE pipe was proposed, which means that the additional PHS or PAS of the dangerous point must be less than 10% MRS, and we also propose limiting the safety distance–charge mass for blasts near buried PE pipelines by the criterion. Some results in this paper can serve as the basis for future in-depth theoretical research.
Metamorphosis as Origin—Koji Yamamura’s Short Animation Franz Kafka’s A Country Doctor
Authors: Kawashima Kentaro
Published: April 2019

In the beginning was metamorphosis. This paradoxical thought, which the ancient Roman poet Ovidius and modern author Franz Kafka represented in their literary works, is visualized in Koji Yamamura’s short animation Franz Kafka’s A Country Doctor. Diverse metamorphoses that do and do not appear in the Kafka original are so elaborately and dynamically depicted in this animation that no live-action film could possibly represent them. In addition, the film itself can be seen as a metamorphosis, as it is an animation converted from a short story. Such a dominance of metamorphosis is also true for the transculturality and transnationalism of Yamamura’s animation. In a sense, the film results from a cultural integration of foreign language and image. However, this integration is also part of the swirl of metamorphosis. The traditional performance art Kyogen, which the director uses to voice the main characters in the animation, could not integrate foreign culture without its own diversification. Yamamura’s animation demonstrates that transculturality is another name for fundamental metamorphosis in which diversification and integration occur simultaneously.
Typological Characterisation of Mineral and Combustion Airborne Particles Indoors in Primary Schools
Authors: Pallarés Susana , Gómez Eva T. , Jordán Manuel Miguel
Published: April 2019

This study was carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of airborne fine particles and indoor samples, obtained in the interiors of seven primary schools located along the Mediterranean coast in an area with an important industrial nucleus. The objectives of this study are to create a catalogue that gathers the principle particles found in the three environments examined and to assess the influence of outside sources of particulate matter on particles found indoors. The particles identified in the fine particle samples have been grouped into two main groups: mineral compounds and particles originating from combustion processes. The mineral particles emanating from natural emissions and anthropogenics were classified according to their morphology into: isometric alotriomorphs or subidiomorphs, with tabular, acicular, and pure crystalline forms. The compounds originating from combustion processes present two types of morphology: spheric-like particles and dendritic soot ones. On the other hand, in lesser proportion, spherical particles were also identified as being associated with industrial processes at high temperatures. To conclude a summary table is presented, that gathers the characteristics (morphology, type and size) along with the origins of the principle particles identified in the interior airborne fine particle samples obtained from primary schools located in three different environments.
The Potential of the Cyclotide Scaffold for Drug Development
Authors: Camarero Julio A. , Campbell Maria Jose
Published: April 2019

Cyclotides are a novel class of micro-proteins (≈30–40 residues long) with a unique topology containing a head-to-tail cyclized backbone structure further stabilized by three disulfide bonds that form a cystine knot. This unique molecular framework makes them exceptionally stable to physical, chemical, and biological degradation compared to linear peptides of similar size. The cyclotides are also highly tolerant to sequence variability, aside from the conserved residues forming the cystine knot, and are orally bioavailable and able to cross cellular membranes to modulate intracellular protein–protein interactions (PPIs), both in vitro and in vivo. These unique properties make them ideal scaffolds for many biotechnological applications, including drug discovery. This review provides an overview of the properties of cyclotides and their potential for the development of novel peptide-based therapeutics. The selective disruption of PPIs still remains a very challenging task, as the interacting surfaces are relatively large and flat. The use of the cell-permeable highly constrained polypeptide molecular frameworks, such as the cyclotide scaffold, has shown great promise, as it provides unique pharmacological properties. The use of molecular techniques, such as epitope grafting, and molecular evolution have shown to be highly effective for the selection of bioactive cyclotides. However, despite successes in employing cyclotides to target PPIs, some of the challenges to move them into the clinic still remain.
Oral and Psychological Alterations in Haemophiliac Patients
Authors: Fiorillo Luca , De Stefano Rosa , Cervino Gabriele , Crimi Salvatore , Bianchi Alberto , Campagna Paola , Herford Alan Scott , Laino Luigi , Cicciù Marco
Published: April 2019

Haemophiliacs are hereditary coagulopathies whose basic anomaly consists of the quantitative or qualitative alteration of one or more plasma proteins in the coagulation system. The objective of this review is to analyse all risk factors, predispositions and alterations to the oral-maxillofacial district in patients with haemophilia. The broader assessment also includes the psychological aspects that could affect the treatment and maintenance of oral conditions. The study takes into consideration all the works in the literature in the last 10 years. Works that present oral, dental and psychological changes in haemophilia patients have been combined. A total of 16 studies were analysed carefully evaluating and explaining all the alterations and risk factors that this disease provides. The aim of the review is to report all the anomalies reported in the literature for these patients, and to direct and update the clinician in the treatment of haemophilia patients.
Reliability of Fronto–Amygdala Coupling during Emotional Face Processing
Authors: Nord Camilla , Gray Alan , Robinson Oliver , Roiser Jonathan
Published: April 2019

One of the most exciting translational prospects for brain imaging research is the potential use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) ‘biomarkers’ to predict an individual’s risk of developing a neuropsychiatric disorder or the likelihood of responding to a particular intervention. This proposal depends critically on reliable measurements at the level of the individual. Several previous studies have reported relatively poor reliability of amygdala activation during emotional face processing, a key putative fMRI ‘biomarker’. However, the reliability of amygdala connectivity measures is much less well understood. Here, we assessed the reliability of task-modulated coupling between three seed regions (left and right amygdala and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex) and the dorsomedial frontal/cingulate cortex (DMFC), measured using a psychophysiological interaction analysis in 29 healthy individuals scanned approximately two weeks apart. We performed two runs on each day of three different emotional face-processing tasks: emotion identification, emotion matching, and gender classification. We tested both between-day reliability and within-day (between-run) reliability. We found good-to-excellent within-subject reliability of amygdala–DMFC coupling, both between days (in two tasks), and within day (in one task). This suggests that disorder-relevant regional coupling may be sufficiently reliable to be used as a predictor of treatment response or clinical risk in future clinical studies.
Major Factors Causing Delay in the Delivery of Manufacturing and Building Projects in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdellatif Hussein , Alshibani Adel
Published: April 2019

There have been many studies done on the causes of delay on construction projects and building projects all around the world. They use different methods, on different geographical areas, and they come up with different results. There are, however, few studies on industrial and building projects. This paper focuses on industrial/manufacturing projects in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this paper is to identify the major causes of delay in the manufacturing projects in Saudi Arabia. The top causes of delay have been identified through a literature survey and interviews with experts from the industrial field in Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two factors have been identified and listed in a survey that was distributed to professionals in the same field. Two categorizations were made: the first is based on the impact of the cause, and the second is based on the frequency of occurrence of the identified cause. It has been found that the top five impacted causes of delay in the delivery of industrial projects in Saudi Arabia are: difficulties in financing project by contractor/manufacturer, late procurement of materials, late delivery of materials, delay in progress payments, and delay in approving design documents, respectively. In terms of frequency, the top five identified causes are: delay in progress payments, difficulties in financing project by contractor/manufacturer, slowness in decision making, late procurement of materials, and delay in approving design documents, respectively. The diversity of the participants is an important point; therefore, the respondents were from different job positions (management, engineering, etc.), and different categories (contractor, owner, manufacturer, consultant, etc.). It is worth noting that this paper serves not only as an authentic study of the causes of delay in the delivery of industrial projects in Saudi Arabia which is a field that is not widely covered, but also as a fresh paper that gives an indication of the changes that happen to the business over time as compared to previous work.
Tumor-Associated Neutrophils in Cancer: Going Pro
Authors: Wu Lingyun , Saxena Sugandha , Awaji Mohammad , Singh Rakesh K.
Published: April 2019

The progression of cancer is not only about the tumor cell itself, but also about other involved players including cancer cell recruited immune cells, their released pro-inflammatory factors, and the extracellular matrix. These players constitute the tumor microenvironment and play vital roles in the cancer progression. Neutrophils—the most abundant white blood cells in the circulation system—constitute a significant part of the tumor microenvironment. Neutrophils play major roles linking inflammation and cancer and are actively involved in progression and metastasis. Additionally, recent data suggest that neutrophils could be considered one of the emerging targets for multiple cancer types. This review summarizes the most recent updates regarding neutrophil recruitments and functions in the tumor microenvironment as well as potential development of neutrophils-targeted putative therapeutic strategies.
Immunophenotype of T Cells Expressing Programmed Death-1 and Cytotoxic T Cell Antigen-4 in Early Lung Cancer: Local vs. Systemic Immune Response
Authors: Kwiecien Iwona , Skirecki Tomasz , Polubiec-Kownacka Małgorzata , Raniszewska Agata , Domagala-Kulawik Joanna
Published: April 2019

The overexpression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T cell antigen 4 (CTLA-4) receptors on T cells are among the major mechanisms of tumor immunoevasion. However, the expression pattern of these receptors on T cell subpopulations of a different activation status and at different sites is poorly characterized. Thus, we analyzed the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on the naïve, activated, memory, and activated memory T cells. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from the lung affected by lung cancer (clBALF), the opposite ‘healthy’ lung (hlBALF), and peripheral blood (PB) samples were collected from 32 patients. The cells were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry. The proportion of memory, activated, and activated memory CD8+ cells with the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 were elevated in the clBALF when compared to the hlBALF (insignificantly), but these proportions were significantly higher in the BALF when compared with the PB. The proportions of PD-1+ and CTLA-4+ T cells were elevated in the squamous cell carcinoma when compared to the adenocarcinoma patients. Also, the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on T cells from the BALF was significantly higher than from PB. We report for the first time the differential expression of checkpoint molecules on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes at a different stage of activation in the local environment of lung cancer. Moreover, the circulating T cells have a distinct expression of these receptors, which suggests their poor utility as biomarkers for immunotherapy.
Hierarchical Nanostructured Photocatalysts for CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Hiragond Chaitanya , Ali Shahzad , Sorcar Saurav , In Su-Il
Published: April 2019

Practical implementation of CO2 photoreduction technologies requires low-cost, highly efficient, and robust photocatalysts. High surface area photocatalysts are notable in that they offer abundant active sites and enhanced light harvesting. Here we summarize the progress in CO2 photoreduction with respect to synthesis and application of hierarchical nanostructured photocatalysts.
Structure-Sensitivity of CO2 Methanation over Nanostructured Ni Supported on CeO2 Nanorods
Authors: Marconi Eleonora , Tuti Simonetta , Luisetto Igor
Published: April 2019

Ni-based oxides are widely investigated as catalysts for CO2 methanation due to their high activity, high selectivity and low cost. The catalytic performances of Ni-based catalysts depend on support properties that strongly influence the dispersion of the catalytic active phase and the Ni–support interaction. Although the CO2 methanation is widely studied, the structure sensitivity of methanation on nickel is not completely assessed. Ni/CeO2 nanorods with different nickel/ceria molar ratios (0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30) were prepared by one-pot hydrothermal synthesis. The effect of nickel content and metal particle size on catalytic activity and selectivity for CO2 methanation were studied using CO2:H2 = 1:4 stoichiometric ratio at high space velocity (300 L g−1 h−1). Sample structure and morphology were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS), H2-temperature programmed reduction (TPR), H2-temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Both the CO production and the turnover frequency appear depending on nickel particle size, suggesting a structure sensitivity of the CO2 methanation on nickel supported on ceria.
Humoral Response to the HIV-1 Envelope V2 Region in a Thai Early Acute Infection Cohort
Authors: Trinh Hung V. , Gohain Neelakshi , Pham Peter T. , Hamlin Christopher , Song Hongshuo , Sanders-Buell Eric , Bose Meera , Eller Leigh A. , Tovanabutra Sodsai , Michael Nelson L. , Robb Merlin L. , Joyce M. Gordon , Rao Mangala
Published: April 2019

Reduced risk of HIV-1 infection correlated with antibody responses to the envelope variable 1 and 2 regions in the RV144 vaccine trial. To understand the relationship between antibody responses, V2 sequence, and structure, plasma samples (n = 16) from an early acute HIV-1 infection cohort from Thailand infected with CRF01_AE strain were analyzed for binding to V2 peptides by surface plasmon resonance. Five participants with a range of V2 binding responses at week 24 post-infection were further analyzed against a set of four overlapping V2 peptides that were designed based on envelope single-genome amplification. Antibody responses that were relatively consistent over the four segments of the V2 region or a focused response to the C-strand (residues 165–186) of the V2 region were observed. Viral escape in the V2 region resulted in significantly reduced antibody binding. Structural modeling indicated that the C-strand and the sites of viral variation were highly accessible in the open conformation of the HIV-1 Env trimer. V2 residues, 165–186 are preferentially targeted during acute infection. Residues 169–184 were also preferentially targeted by the protective immune response in the RV144 trial, thus emphasizing the importance of these residues for vaccine design.
Nanohybrid Layered Double Hydroxides Used to Remove Several Dyes from Water
Authors: Abdellaoui Karima , Pavlovic Ivana , Barriga Cristobalina
Published: April 2019

For the preparation and characterization of several layer double hydroxides (LDH) with inorganic interlayer anions (carbonate and nitrate) and nanohybrids, two organo-LDHs were studied in detail. The dodecylbenzene sulfonate (DBS) was used as an organic interlayer anion to modify the hydrophilic nature of the interlayer. The aim of the modification of the layered double hydroxides (LDH) was to change the hydrophilic character of the interlayer to hydrophobic with the purpose of improving its ability to adsorb several (anionic and cationic) dyes from water. These compounds have been used as adsorbents of amaranth (Am), diamine green B (DGB) and brilliant green (BG) dyes. Adsorption tests were conducted using variable pH values, contact times and initial dye concentrations (adsorption isotherms) to identify the optimum conditions for the intended purpose. Adsorbents and adsorption products were characterized by several physicochemical techniques. The results of the adsorption tests showed that the organo-LDH nanohybrids could be efficient adsorbents in the removal of studied dyes from water. Thus, it can be concluded that nanohybrids studied in this work might act as suitable supports in the design of adsorbents for the removal of a wide spectrum of dyes with the aim of reducing the adverse effects on water resources.
Vapor Pressure Mapping of Ionic Liquids and Low-Volatility Fluids Using Graded Isothermal Thermogravimetric Analysis
Authors: Ravula Sudhir , Larm Nathaniel E. , Mottaleb Mohammad A. , Heitz Mark P. , Baker Gary A.
Published: April 2019

One of the hallmarks of ionic liquids (ILs) and a critical part of their sustainable implementation is their low volatility, although statements in this regard are frequently made in the absence of a critical evaluation. Although it is generally accepted that conventional ILs exhibit significantly reduced vapor pressures relative to common organic solvents, glib statements about ILs having zero volatility can no longer be abided, even if a concrete temperature-dependent vapor pressure, Pvap(T), framework for placement of IL performance has not yet been established. In this communication, Pvap(T) values of 30 illustrative low-volatility fluids—including representative imidazolium-, ammonium-, and pyrrolidinium-based aprotic ILs; examples of protic, polymeric, and di-cationic ILs; as well as deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and glycols—were determined using a simple, convenient, and reproducible isothermal thermogravimetric method. Guided by this “vapor pressure map”, observed trends can be discussed in terms of anion basicity, cation geometry, alkane chain length, hydrogen bonding strength, and van der Waals forces, providing a context for the placement of theoretical and experimental vapor pressures gleaned in future IL and DES studies.
Neonatal Resuscitation with an Intact Cord: Current and Ongoing Trials
Authors: Katheria Anup C.
Published: April 2019

Premature and full-term infants are at high risk of morbidities such as intraventricular hemorrhage or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The sickest infants at birth are the most likely to die and or develop intraventricular hemorrhage. Delayed cord clamping has been shown to reduce these morbidities, but is currently not provided to those infants that need immediate resuscitation. This review will discuss recently published and ongoing or planned clinical trials involving neonatal resuscitation while the newborn is still attached to the umbilical cord. We will discuss the implications on neonatal management and delivery room care should this method become standard practice. We will review previous and ongoing trials that provided respiratory support compared to no support. Lastly, we will discuss the implications of implementing routine resuscitation support outside of a research setting.
Application of Risk-Based, Adaptive Pathways to Climate Adaptation Planning for Public Conservation Areas in NSW, Australia
Authors: Jacobs Brent , Boronyak Louise , Mitchell Polly
Published: April 2019

Globally, areas of high-quality wildlife habitat of significant environmental value are at risk of permanent damage from climate change. These areas represent social-ecological systems that will require increasing management intervention to maintain their biological and socio-cultural values. Managers of protected areas have begun to recognize the inevitability of ecosystem change and the need to embrace dynamic approaches to intervention. However, significant uncertainty remains about the onset and severity of some impacts, which makes planning difficult. For Indigenous communities, there are intrinsic links between cultural heritage and the conservation of place and biodiversity that need to be better integrated in protected area planning and management. In New South Wales, Australia, management of public conservation reserves and national parks is the responsibility of a State government agency, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). This paper describes the outcomes of a participatory planning process with NPWS staff to, firstly, identify the options available, the available ‘tool kit’, to manage biodiversity and cultural heritage in protected areas; secondly, explore how the selection of management actions from the ‘tool kit’ is associated with the level of climate risk to biodiversity or cultural heritage assets; and thirdly, to understand how the form of individual management actions might adapt to changes in climate risk. Combining these three elements into a series of risk-based, adaptive pathways for conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage is a novel approach that is currently supporting place-based planning for public conservation areas. Incorporation of the trade-offs and synergies in seeking to effectively manage these discrete but related types of values and the implications for conservation practice are discussed.
Electrochemical Strategies for Titanium Implant Polymeric Coatings: The Why and How
Authors: Cometa Stefania , Bonifacio Maria Addolorata , Mattioli-Belmonte Monica , Sabbatini Luigia , De Giglio Elvira
Published: April 2019

Among the several strategies aimed at polymeric coatings deposition on titanium (Ti) and its alloys, metals commonly used in orthopaedic and orthodontic prosthesis, electrochemical approaches have gained growing interest, thanks to their high versatility. In this review, we will present two main electrochemical procedures to obtain stable, low cost and reliable polymeric coatings: electrochemical polymerization and electrophoretic deposition. Distinction should be made between bioinert films—having mainly the purpose of hindering corrosive processes of the underlying metal—and bioactive films—capable of improving biological compatibility, avoiding inflammation or implant-associated infection processes, and so forth. However, very often, these two objectives have been pursued and achieved contemporaneously. Indeed, the ideal coating is a system in which anti-corrosion, anti-infection and osseointegration can be obtained simultaneously. The ultimate goal of all these coatings is the better control of properties and processes occurring at the titanium interface, with a special emphasis on the cell-coating interactions. Finally, advantages and drawbacks of these electrochemical strategies have been highlighted in the concluding remarks.
Ripple Formation during Oblique Angle Etching
Authors: Cansizoglu Mehmet F. , Yurukcu Mesut , Karabacak Tansel
Published: April 2019

Chemical removal of materials from the surface is a fundamental step in micro- and nano-fabrication processes. In conventional plasma etching, etchant molecules are non-directional and perform a uniform etching over the surface. However, using a highly directional obliquely incident beam of etching agent, it can be possible to engineer surfaces in the micro- or nano- scales. Surfaces can be patterned with periodic morphologies like ripples and mounds by controlling parameters including the incidence angle with the surface and sticking coefficient of etching particles. In this study, the dynamic evolution of a rippled morphology has been investigated during oblique angle etching (OAE) using Monte Carlo simulations. Fourier space and roughness analysis were performed on the resulting simulated surfaces. The ripple formation was observed to originate from re-emission and shadowing effects during OAE. Our results show that the ripple wavelength and root-mean-square roughness evolved at a more stable rate with accompanying quasi-periodic ripple formation at higher etching angles (θ > 60°) and at sticking coefficient values (Sc) 0.5 ≤ Sc ≤ 1. On the other hand, smaller etching angle (θ < 60°) and lower sticking coefficient values lead to a rapid formation of wider and deeper ripples. This result of this study can be helpful to develop new surface patterning techniques by etching.
Ecosystem Engineering by Thalassinidean Crustaceans: Response Variability, Contextual Dependencies and Perspectives on Future Research
Authors: Pillay Deena
Published: April 2019

Ecological functions in marine sedimentary habitats are greatly influenced by bio-engineering organisms. Thalassinidean crustaceans are particularly important in this regard, given their density, spatial occupancy and burrowing depths. These features coupled with high per capita engineering rates (bioturbation mainly) and the ability to modulate multiple resources simultaneously, place thalassinids amongst the most influential of ecosystem engineers in marine ecosystems. Research on these organisms has focused on mechanisms by which engineering effects are propagated, whilst drawing attention to the impact of ecosystem modification on ecological processes. However, disparities in the outcomes of global research suggest that complex dependencies underpin ecological responses to thalassinideans that we do not yet fully understand. It is in this context that this review draws attention to some of the dependencies in question, specifically by using existing models and hypotheses to (i) demonstrate how these dependencies can alter ecological responses to ecosystem engineering by thalassinids, and (ii) explain variability observed in outcomes of existing research. This review also shows the potential for explicit inclusion of such dependencies in future research to generate new knowledge on thalassinidean ecosystem engineering, from both fundamental and global change perspectives. More broadly, this review is a contribution towards advancing a predictive and mechanistic understanding of thalassinidean ecosystem engineering, in which biotic and abiotic dependencies are integrated.