bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Second-Tier Tests in Newborn Screening for Lysosomal Disorders in North Eastern Italy
Authors: Burlina Alberto B. , Polo Giulia , Rubert Laura , Gueraldi Daniela , Cazzorla Chiara , Duro Giovanni , Salviati Leonardo , Burlina Alessandro P.
Published: June 2019

The increasing availability of treatments and the importance of early intervention have stimulated interest in newborn screening for lysosomal storage diseases. Since 2015, 112,446 newborns in North Eastern Italy have been screened for four lysosomal disorders—mucopolysaccharidosis type I and Pompe, Fabry and Gaucher diseases—using a multiplexed tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) assay system. We recalled 138 neonates (0.12%) for collection of a second dried blood spot. Low activity was confirmed in 62 (0.06%), who underwent confirmatory testing. Twenty-five neonates (0.02%) were true positive: eight with Pompe disease; seven with Gaucher disease; eight with Fabry disease; and two with Mucopolysaccharidosis type I. The combined incidence of the four disorders was 1 in 4497 births. Except for Pompe disease, a second-tier test was implemented. We conclude that newborn screening for multiple lysosomal storage diseases combined with a second-tier test can largely eliminate false-positives and achieve rapid diagnosis.
Eco-Efficient Fiber-Reinforced Preplaced Recycled Aggregate Concrete under Impact Loading
Authors: Alfayez Saud , Ali Mohamed , Nehdi Moncef
Published: June 2019

This study explores highly eco-efficient preplaced aggregate concrete mixtures having superior tensile characteristics and impact resistance developed for pavement and infrastructure applications. A fully recycled granular skeleton consisting of recycled concrete aggregate and recycled tire rubber granules, and steel wire fibers from scrap tires are first placed in the formwork, then injected with a flowable grout. Considering its very high recycled content and limited mixing and placement energy (only the grout is mixed, and no mechanical vibration is needed), this material has exceptional sustainability features and offers superior time and cost savings. Moreover, typical problems of rapid loss of workability due to the high-water absorption of recycled aggregates and the floating of lightweight tire rubber granules are prevented since the aggregates are preplaced in the formwork. The much higher granular content and its denser skeleton reduce the cementitious dosage substantially and provide high volume stability against shrinkage and thermal strains. The behavior under impact loading of this sustainable preplaced recycled aggregate concrete, incorporating randomly dispersed steel wire fibers retrieved from scrap tires, was investigated using a drop weight impact test. The results show that recycled tire steel wire fibers significantly enhanced the tensile and impact properties. A two-parameter Weibull distribution provided an accurate prediction of the impact failure strength of the preplaced recycled aggregate concrete mixtures, allowing to avert additional costly laboratory experiments.
Visible Light Sensitive SnO2/ZnCo2O4 Material for the Photocatalytic Removal of Organic Pollutants in Water
Authors: Benhebal Hadj , Wolfs Cédric , Kadi Samir , Tilkin Rémi G. , Allouche Boualem , Belabid Radhwane , Collard Valérie , Felten Alexandre , Louette Pierre , Lambert Stéphanie D. , Mahy Julien G.
Published: June 2019

In this study, pure ZnCo2O4 and SnO2/ZnCo2O4 mix photocatalysts have been synthesized by the sol-gel process with three different SnO2 loading percentages (10, 20, and 30 wt %). Their photocatalytic activities were assessed on the degradation of organic pollutants in water under visible illumination. The structural, morphological, and optical properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–Visible diffuse reflectance measurements. The results have shown that the materials are composed of a crystalline ZnCo2O4 matrix with a decrease in crystallite size with the amount of SnO2. Weakly crystalline SnO2 is also observed for loaded samples. The specific surface area is modified with the loading ratio. The evaluation of the photoactivity of the samples under visible light for the degradation of p-nitrophenol has highlighted that all materials are highly photoactive under visible light thanks to heterojunction between the two oxides. An application test has been conducted on a dye, congo red, showing the same tendencies. An optimal amount of SnO2 loading is observed for the sample containing 20 wt % of SnO2. A comparison with commercial Evonik P25 showed that the materials developed in this work have five to six times better efficiency under visible light, leading to a promising photocatalyst material.
Mathematical Models for Simulation and Optimization of High-Flux Solar Furnaces
Authors: Pereira José Carlos Garcia , Fernandes Jorge Cruz , Guerra Rosa Luís
Published: June 2019

High-flux solar furnaces distributed throughout the world have been designed and constructed individually, i.e., on a one-by-one basis because there are several possible optical configurations that must take into account the geographical location and the maximum power to be attained. In this work, three ray-tracing models were developed to simulate the optical paths travelled by sun rays in solar furnaces of high concentration using as an example, the solar furnace SF60 of the Plataforma Solar de Almería, in Spain. All these simulation models are supported by mathematical constructions, which are also presented. The first model assumes a random distribution of sun rays coming from a concentrator with spherical curvature. The second model assumes that a random distribution of parallel rays coming from the heliostat is reflected by a concentrator with spherical curvature. Finally, the third model considers that the random parallel rays are reflected by a concentrator with a paraboloid curvature. The three models are all important in optical geometry, although the paraboloid model is more adequate to optimize solar furnaces. The models are illustrated by studying the influence of mirror positioning and shutter attenuation. Additionally, ray-tracing simulations confirmed the possibility to attain homogenous distribution of flux by means of double reflexion using two paraboloid surfaces.
Therapeutic Cell Protective Role of Histochrome under Oxidative Stress in Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells
Authors: Park Ji Hye , Lee Na-Kyung , Lim Hye Ji , Mazumder Sinthia , Kumar Rethineswaran Vinoth , Kim Yeon-Ju , Jang Woong Bi , Ji Seung Taek , Kang Songhwa , Kim Da Yeon , Van Le Thi Hong , Giang Ly Thanh Truong , Kim Dong Hwan , Ha Jong Seong , Yun Jisoo , Kim Hyungtae , Han Jin , Mishchenko Natalia P. , Fedoreyev Sergey A. , Vasileva Elena A. , Kwon Sang Mo , Baek Sang Hong
Published: June 2019

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) are resident stem cells present in a small portion of ischemic hearts and function in repairing the damaged heart tissue. Intense oxidative stress impairs cell metabolism thereby decreasing cell viability. Protecting CPCs from undergoing cellular apoptosis during oxidative stress is crucial in optimizing CPC-based therapy. Histochrome (sodium salt of echinochrome A—a common sea urchin pigment) is an antioxidant drug that has been clinically used as a pharmacologic agent for ischemia/reperfusion injury in Russia. However, the mechanistic effect of histochrome on CPCs has never been reported. We investigated the protective effect of histochrome pretreatment on human CPCs (hCPCs) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress. Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) assay revealed that histochrome-treated CPCs showed significant protective effects against H2O2-induced cell death. The anti-apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-xL were significantly upregulated, whereas the pro-apoptotic proteins BCL2-associated X (Bax), H2O2-induced cleaved caspase-3, and the DNA damage marker, phosphorylated histone (γH2A.X) foci, were significantly downregulated upon histochrome treatment of hCPCs in vitro. Further, prolonged incubation with histochrome alleviated the replicative cellular senescence of hCPCs. In conclusion, we report the protective effect of histochrome against oxidative stress and present the use of a potent and bio-safe cell priming agent as a potential therapeutic strategy in patient-derived hCPCs to treat heart disease.
Application of Bioactive Thermal Proteome Profiling to Decipher the Mechanism of Action of the Lipid Lowering 132-Hydroxy-pheophytin Isolated from a Marine Cyanobacteria
Authors: Carrasco del Amor Ana , Freitas Sara , Urbatzka Ralph , Fresnedo Olatz , Cristobal Susana
Published: June 2019

The acceleration of the process of understanding the pharmacological application of new marine bioactive compounds requires identifying the compound protein targets leading the molecular mechanisms in a living cell. The thermal proteome profiling (TPP) methodology does not fulfill the requirements for its application to any bioactive compound lacking chemical and functional characterization. Here, we present a modified method that we called bTPP for bioactive thermal proteome profiling that guarantees target specificity from a soluble subproteome. We showed that the precipitation of the microsomal fraction before the thermal shift assay is crucial to accurately calculate the melting points of the protein targets. As a probe of concept, the protein targets of 132-hydroxy-pheophytin, a compound previously isolated from a marine cyanobacteria for its lipid reducing activity, were analyzed on the hepatic cell line HepG2. Our improved method identified 9 protein targets out of 2500 proteins, including 3 targets (isocitrate dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, phosphoserine aminotransferase) that could be related to obesity and diabetes, as they are involved in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism. This study demonstrated that the bTPP method can accelerate the field of biodiscovery, revealing protein targets involved in mechanisms of action (MOA) connected with future applications of bioactive compounds.
MEMS-Based Wavelength-Selective Bolometers
Authors: Dao Thang Duy , Doan Anh Tung , Ishii Satoshi , Yokoyama Takahiro , Ørjan Handegård Sele , Ngo Dang Hai , Ohki Tomoko , Ohi Akihiko , Wada Yoshiki , Niikura Chisato , Miyajima Shinsuke , Nabatame Toshihide , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: June 2019

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact design for membrane-supported wavelength-selective infrared (IR) bolometers. The proposed bolometer device is composed of wavelength-selective absorbers functioning as the efficient spectroscopic IR light-to-heat transducers that make the amorphous silicon (a-Si) bolometers respond at the desired resonance wavelengths. The proposed devices with specific resonances are first numerically simulated to obtain the optimal geometrical parameters and then experimentally realized. The fabricated devices exhibit a wide resonance tunability in the mid-wavelength IR atmospheric window by changing the size of the resonator of the devices. The measured spectral response of the fabricated device wholly follows the pre-designed resonance, which obviously evidences that the concept of the proposed wavelength-selective IR bolometers is realizable. The results obtained in this work provide a new solution for on-chip MEMS-based wavelength-selective a-Si bolometers for practical applications in IR spectroscopic devices.
Possible Synthetic Approaches for Heterobimetallic Complexes by Using nNHC/tzNHC Heteroditopic Carbene Ligands
Authors: Longhi Andrea , Baron Marco , Rancan Marzio , Bottaro Gregorio , Armelao Lidia , Sgarbossa Paolo , Tubaro Cristina
Published: June 2019

The synthesis of heterobimetallic complexes remains a synthetic challenge in the field of organometallic chemistry. A possible approach in this regard might be the use of a bidentate heteroditopic bis(carbene) ligand that combines an imidazol-2-ylidene (nNHC) with a 1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene (tzNHC) connected by an organic spacer. The optimized strategy to heterobimetallic complexes with this type of ligand involves a 3-step procedure: (i) Coordination of the nNHC, functionalized with a 1,2,3-triazole ring, to a metal center; (ii) formation of the triazolium ring by alkylation of the triazole N-3; (iii) deprotonation of the tzNHC precursor and coordination of the second metal center. Following this procedure, a novel Au(I)-Ag(I) dinuclear complex was isolated and its properties were compared to the analogous homobimetallic Ag(I)-Ag(I) and Au(I)-Au(I) complexes. The study was completed by the determination of the molecular structures of some synthetic intermediates.
Elucidating the Chemistry behind the Reduction of Graphene Oxide Using a Green Approach with Polydopamine
Authors: Silva Cláudia , Simon Frank , Friedel Peter , Pötschke Petra , Zimmerer Cordelia
Published: June 2019

A new approach using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to give insight into the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using a green approach with polydopamine (PDA). In this approach, the number of carbon atoms bonded to OH and to nitrogen in PDA is considered and compared to the total intensity of the signal resulting from OH groups in polydopamine-reduced graphene oxide (PDA-GO) to show the reduction. For this purpose, GO and PDA-GO with different times of reduction were prepared and characterized by Raman Spectroscopy and XPS. The PDA layer was removed to prepare reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and the effect of all chemical treatments on the thermal and electrical properties of the materials was studied. The results show that the complete reduction of the OH groups in GO occurred after 180 min of reaction. It was also concluded that Raman spectroscopy is not well suited to determine if the reduction and restoration of the sp2 structure occurred. Moreover, a significant change in the thermal stability was not observed with the chemical treatments. Finally, the electrical powder conductivity decreased after reduction with PDA, increasing again after its removal.
Fermented Oyster Extract Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss and Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Ihn Hye Jung , Kim Ju Ang , Lim Soomin , Nam Sang-Hyeon , Hwang So Hyeon , Lim Jiwon , Kim Gi-Young , Choi Yung Hyun , Jeon You-Jin , Lee Bae-Jin , Bae Jong-Sup , Kim Yeo Hyang , Park Eui Kyun
Published: June 2019

There is growing interest in bioactive substances from marine organisms for their potential use against diverse human diseases. Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder associated with bone loss primarily occurring through enhanced osteoclast differentiation and resorption. Recently, we reported the anti-osteoclastogenic activity of fermented Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) extract (FO) in vitro. The present study focused on investigating the anti-osteoporotic efficacy of FO in bone loss prevention in an experimental animal model of osteoporosis and elucidating the mechanism underlying its effects. Oral administration of FO significantly decreased ovariectomy-induced osteoclast formation and prevented bone loss, with reduced serum levels of bone turnover biomarkers including osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide fragment of type I collagen C-terminus (CTX). FO significantly suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) into osteoclasts and attenuated the induction of osteoclast-specific genes required for osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Furthermore, FO inhibited RANKL-mediated IκBα and p65 phosphorylation in BMMs. Taken together, these results demonstrate that FO effectively suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vivo and in vitro, and that FO can be considered as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of osteoporosis and osteoclast-mediated skeletal diseases.
Lactational High-Fat Diet Exposure Programs Metabolic Inflammation and Bone Marrow Adiposity in Male Offspring
Authors: Hafner Hannah , Chang Eric , Carlson Zach , Zhu Allen , Varghese Mita , Clemente Jeremy , Abrishami Simin , Bagchi Devika P. , MacDougald Ormond A. , Singer Kanakadurga , Gregg Brigid
Published: June 2019

Overnutrition during critical windows of development plays a significant role in life-long metabolic disease risk. Early exposure to excessive nutrition may result in altered programming leading to increased susceptibility to obesity, inflammation, and metabolic complications. This study investigated the programming effects of high-fat diet (HFD) exposure during the lactation period on offspring adiposity and inflammation. Female C57Bl/6J dams were fed a normal diet or a 60% HFD during lactation. Offspring were weaned onto a normal diet until 12 weeks of age when half were re-challenged with HFD for 12 weeks. Metabolic testing was performed throughout adulthood. At 24 weeks, adipose depots were isolated and evaluated for macrophage profiling and inflammatory gene expression. Males exposed to HFD during lactation had insulin resistance and glucose intolerance as adults. After re-introduction to HFD, males had increased weight gain and worsened insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. There was increased infiltration of pro-inflammatory CD11c+ adipose tissue macrophages, and bone marrow was primed to produce granulocytes and macrophages. Bone density was lower due to enhanced marrow adiposity. This study demonstrates that maternal HFD exposure during the lactational window programs offspring adiposity, inflammation, and impaired glucose homeostasis.
Modulation of Bone and Marrow Niche by Cholesterol
Authors: Yin Wenzhen , Li Ziru , Zhang Weizhen
Published: June 2019

Bone is a complex tissue composing of mineralized bone, bone cells, hematopoietic cells, marrow adipocytes, and supportive stromal cells. The homeostasis of bone and marrow niche is dynamically regulated by nutrients. The positive correlation between cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis risk suggests a close relationship between hyperlipidemia and/or hypercholesterolemia and the bone metabolism. Cholesterol and its metabolites influence the bone homeostasis through modulating the differentiation and activation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The effects of cholesterol on hematopoietic stem cells, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation, are also well-documented and further relate to atherosclerotic lesions. Correlation between circulating cholesterol and bone marrow adipocytes remains elusive, which seems opposite to its effects on osteoblasts. Epidemiological evidence has demonstrated that cholesterol deteriorates or benefits bone metabolism depending on the types, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In this review, we will summarize the latest progress of how cholesterol regulates bone metabolism and bone marrow microenvironment, including the hematopoiesis and marrow adiposity. Elucidation of these association and factors is of great importance in developing therapeutic options for bone related diseases under hypercholesterolemic conditions.
Anti-Irritant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of DHA Encapsulated in Resveratrol-Based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Serini Simona , Cassano Roberta , Facchinetti Enrica , Amendola Gaia , Trombino Sonia , Calviello Gabriella
Published: June 2019

We recently found that the dietary long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-ω-3 PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), showed enhanced antineoplastic activity against colon cancer cells if encapsulated in resveratrol-based solid lipid nanoparticles (RV-SLNs). In the present study, we investigated whether the DHA enclosed in RV-SLNs (DHA-RV-SLNs) could have the potential of attenuating irritation and inflammation caused by environmental factors at the skin level. To this aim, we used two keratinocyte lines (HaCaT and NCTC 2544 cells) and exposed them to the cytotoxic action of the surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as an in vitro model of irritation, or to the pro-inflammatory activity of the cytokine TNF-α. We found that DHA enclosed in RV-SLNs significantly enhanced its ability to contrast the cytotoxic effect of SDS and to inhibit the SDS- and TNF-α-induced production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and 1 MCP-1, in the two keratinocyte cell lines, as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, it more efficiently reduced the upsurge of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels obtained in the presence of a pro-oxidant (H2O2). Overall, our findings suggest the possibility that a sustained dietary supplementation with DHA-RV-SLNs could efficiently protect skin from the pro-irritant and pro-inflammatory activity of environmental attacks.
Nanoparticle- and Nanoporous-Membrane-Mediated Delivery of Therapeutics
Authors: Mabrouk Mostafa , Rajendran Rajakumari , Soliman Islam E. , Ashour Mohamed M. , Beherei Hanan H. , Tohamy Khairy M. , Thomas Sabu , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Arthanareeswaran Gangasalam , Das Diganta B.
Published: June 2019

Pharmaceutical particulates and membranes possess promising prospects for delivering drugs and bioactive molecules with the potential to improve drug delivery strategies like sustained and controlled release. For example, inorganic-based nanoparticles such as silica-, titanium-, zirconia-, calcium-, and carbon-based nanomaterials with dimensions smaller than 100 nm have been extensively developed for biomedical applications. Furthermore, inorganic nanoparticles possess magnetic, optical, and electrical properties, which make them suitable for various therapeutic applications including targeting, diagnosis, and drug delivery. Their properties may also be tuned by controlling different parameters, e.g., particle size, shape, surface functionalization, and interactions among them. In a similar fashion, membranes have several functions which are useful in sensing, sorting, imaging, separating, and releasing bioactive or drug molecules. Engineered membranes have been developed for their usage in controlled drug delivery devices. The latest advancement in the technology is therefore made possible to regulate the physico-chemical properties of the membrane pores, which enables the control of drug delivery. The current review aims to highlight the role of both pharmaceutical particulates and membranes over the last fifteen years based on their preparation method, size, shape, surface functionalization, and drug delivery potential.
Polyamine Oxidases Play Various Roles in Plant Development and Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Authors: Yu Zhen , Jia Dongyu , Liu Taibo
Published: June 2019

Polyamines not only play roles in plant growth and development, but also adapt to environmental stresses. Polyamines can be oxidized by copper-containing diamine oxidases (CuAOs) and flavin-containing polyamine oxidases (PAOs). Two types of PAOs exist in the plant kingdom; one type catalyzes the back conversion (BC-type) pathway and the other catalyzes the terminal catabolism (TC-type) pathway. The catabolic features and biological functions of plant PAOs have been investigated in various plants in the past years. In this review, we focus on the advance of PAO studies in rice, Arabidopsis, and tomato, and other plant species.
Integration of Polypyrrole Electrode into Piezoelectric PVDF Energy Harvester with Improved Adhesion and Over-Oxidation Resistance
Authors: Baik Kyungha , Park Sohyun , Yun Changsang , Park Chung Hee
Published: June 2019

Smart textiles for wearable devices require flexibility and a lightweight, so in this study, a soft polypyrrole (PPy) electrode system was integrated into a piezoelectric polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) energy harvester. The PVDF energy harvester integrated with a PPy electrode had the piezoelectric output voltage of 4.24–4.56 V, while the PVDF energy harvester with an additional aluminum-foil electrode exhibited 2.57 V. Alkaline treatment and chemical vapor deposition with n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) were employed to improve the adhesion between the PVDF and PPy and the resistance to over-oxidation in aqueous solutions. The PVDF film modified by an alkaline treatment could have the improved adhesion via the introduction of polar functional groups to its surface, which was confirmed by the ultrasonication. The surface hydrophobicity of the PPy electrode was enhanced by the DTMS coating, resulting in the improvement of the resistance to over-oxidation with a water contact angle of 111°. Even with the hydrophobic coating, the electrodes remained electroconductive and continued to transfer an electric charge, maintaining the piezoelectricity of the PVDF film. The developed electrode-integrated energy harvester is expected to be applied to smart textiles because it offers the advantages of efficient piezoelectric generation, flexibility, and durability.
Anisotropy of Thin Foils Obtained from Microwave-Irradiated Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Nechifor Cristina-Delia , Aflori Magdalena , Dorohoi Dana-Ortansa
Published: June 2019

In this paper, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) foils of comparable thickness were obtained by using 10 wt % PVA aqueous solutions exposed to microwave (MW) radiations for different times. The main goal of this paper is to identify the effects of MW irradiation on the induced optical birefringence of PVA stretched foils, since it is known that the changes in the chemical and physical properties of polymers induced by radiations can influence the asymmetry of their molecular structures from which the birefringence of polymers derives. The efficiency of the MW oven was estimated, and the contribution of sensible and latent heat and heat loss to the absorbed energy was discussed. The effects of MW irradiation, in terms of absorbed energy, were evidenced by using FTIR spectra analysis, contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and induced optical birefringence. The dehydration (cross-linking) of PVA in aqueous solution and the dependence of the anisotropy on the absorbed MW energy, stretching ratio, and the type of hydrogen bonds formed are discussed in this study.
Separating Electronic from Steric Effects in Ethene/α-Olefin Copolymerization: A Case Study on Octahedral [ONNO] Zr-Catalysts
Authors: Zaccaria Francesco , Cipullo Roberta , Correa Andrea , Budzelaar Peter , Busico Vincenzo , Ehm Christian
Published: June 2019

Four Cl/Me substituted [ONNO] Zr-catalysts have been tested in ethene/α-olefin polymerization. Replacing electron-donating methyl with isosteric but electron-withdrawing chlorine substituents results in a significant increase of comonomer incorporation. Exploration of steric and electronic properties of the ancillary ligand by DFT confirm that relative reactivity ratios are mainly determined by the electrophilicity of the metal center. Furthermore, quantitative DFT modeling of propagation barriers that determine polymerization kinetics reveals that electronic effects observed in these catalysts affect relative barriers for insertion and a capture-like transition state (TS).
Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Fat and Caffeine with Theobromine Retention in the Cocoa Shell
Authors: González-Alejo Fanny Adabel , Barajas-Fernández Juan , Olán-Acosta María de los Ángeles , Lagunes-Gálvez Laura Mercedes , García-Alamilla Pedro
Published: June 2019

The cocoa shell is a residue of low commercial value, which represents an alternative for obtaining substances of added value for the food and pharmaceutical industry. Substances of interest in the shell include fat and methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine). In order to obtain the extraction behavior with supercritical CO2, a 23 factorial design was proposed with six central points, taking dynamic extraction into consideration. The following factors were involved: pressure (2,000–6,000 psi), temperature (313–333 K), and time (30–90 min). The obtained yield was between 3.66% and 15.30%. Fat was the substance that was extracted most effectively (94.73%). Caffeine demonstrated variability in the residue, with at least six treatments that exceeded a removal rate of more than 90%, while it was practically impossible to extract theobromine. The difference with regard to the extraction of theobromine may be attributed to its low solubility. Characterization using FT–IR showed the modifications before and after the process, providing clear evidence of the changes corresponding to the fat at 2,924, 2,854 and 1,745 cm−1. The results presented establish the basis for the extraction of substances such as fats and methylxanthines from a cocoa shell with the use of CO2.
Thought Experiments between Theology, Empirical Science, and Fictional Narrative
Authors: Buzzoni Marco , Savojardo Valentina
Published: June 2019

Starting from Fehige’s and Polkinghorne’s analyses of the analogies between theological and scientific thought experiments (TEs), the main aim of this paper is to clarify the distinctive character of theological TEs. For this purpose, we shall compare theological TEs with empirical and, although only in passing, with narrative TEs. In order to facilitate the comparison between scientific and theological TEs, the first part of the paper provides a brief outline of an account regarding TEs in the empirical sciences from the viewpoint of a functional, not material, a priori, which is in line with, if not the full letter, the spirit of Kant’s a priori. On the basis of this view, we shall investigate the most important difference (which is the source of many others) between theological and empirical TEs. In spite of the many similarities, the most important difference between empirical and theological TEs lies in the fact that theological TEs consider both empirical-descriptive and moral-normative contents from the point of view of a search for an absolute meaning beyond all relative and finite meanings. If we—developing a suggestion by Ernst Troeltsch—interpret this claim from the point of view of a purely functional “religious a priori”, we may conclude that theological TEs, which express a search for an absolute meaning, do not possess a priori contents, not even moral.
GPS + BDS Network Real-Time Differential Positioning Using a Position Domain Estimation Method
Authors: Cui Jianhui , Yan Rui , Deng Chenlong , Tang Weiming , Zou Xuan , Shen Mingxing , Liu Qian , Wang Yawei , Li Yangyang
Published: June 2019

The network real-time differential positioning technique is a good choice for meter and sub-meter level’s navigation. More attention has been paid to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and GPS + GLONASS (GLObal NAvigation Satellite System) network real-time differential positioning, but less on the GPS + BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) combination. This paper focuses on the GPS + BDS network real-time differential positioning. Since the noise of pseudorange observation is large, carrier-phase-smoothed pseudorange is usually used in the network real-time differential positioning to improve the positioning accuracy, while it will be interrupted once the satellite signal is lost or a cycle slip occurs. An improved algorithm in the position domain based on position variation information is proposed. The improved method is immune to the smoothing window and only depends on the number of available satellites. The performance of the network real-time differential positioning using the improved method is evaluated. The performance of GPS + BDS combination is compared with GPS-only solution as well. The results show that the positioning accuracy can be increased by around 10%–40% using the improved method compared with the traditional one. The improved method is less affected by the satellite constellation. The positioning accuracy of GPS + BDS solution is better than that of GPS-only solution, and can reach up to 0.217 m, 0.159 m and 0.330 m in the north, east and up components for the static user station, and 0.122 m, 0.133 m and 0.432 m for the dynamic user station. The positioning accuracy variation does not only depend on whether the user is inside or outside the network, but also on the position relation between the user and network.
Receiver-Side TCP Countermeasure in Cellular Networks
Authors: Dong Pingping , Gao Kai , Xie Jingyun , Tang Wensheng , Xiong Naixue , Vasilakos Athanasios V.
Published: June 2019

Cellular-based networks keep large buffers at base stations to smooth out the bursty data traffic, which has a negative impact on the user’s Quality of Experience (QoE). With the boom of smart vehicles and phones, this has drawn growing attention. For this paper, we first conducted experiments to reveal the large delays, thus long flow completion time (FCT), caused by the large buffer in the cellular networks. Then, a receiver-side transmission control protocol (TCP) countermeasure named Delay-based Flow Control algorithm with Service Differentiation (DFCSD) was proposed to target interactive applications requiring high throughput and low delay in cellular networks by limiting the standing queue size and decreasing the amount of packets that are dropped in the eNodeB in Long Term Evolution (LTE). DFCSD stems from delay-based congestion control algorithms but works at the receiver side to avoid the performance degradation of the delay-based algorithms when competing with loss-based mechanisms. In addition, it is derived based on the TCP fluid model to maximize the network utility. Furthermore, DFCSD also takes service differentiation into consideration based on the size of competing flows to shorten their completion time, thus improving user QoE. Simulation results confirmed that DFCSD is compatible with existing TCP algorithms, significantly reduces the latency of TCP flows, and increases network throughput.
An Adaptive Augmented Vision-Based Ellipsoidal SLAM for Indoor Environments
Authors: Lahemer Elfituri S. , Rad Ahmad
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the problem of Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) is addressed via a novel augmented landmark vision-based ellipsoidal SLAM. The algorithm is implemented on a NAO humanoid robot and is tested in an indoor environment. The main feature of the system is the implementation of SLAM with a monocular vision system. Distinguished landmarks referred to as NAOmarks are employed to localize the robot via its monocular vision system. We henceforth introduce the notion of robotic augmented reality (RAR) and present a monocular Extended Kalman Filter (EKF)/ellipsoidal SLAM in order to improve the performance and alleviate the computational effort, to provide landmark identification, and to simplify the data association problem. The proposed SLAM algorithm is implemented in real-time to further calibrate the ellipsoidal SLAM parameters, noise bounding, and to improve its overall accuracy. The augmented EKF/ellipsoidal SLAM algorithms are compared with the regular EKF/ellipsoidal SLAM methods and the merits of each algorithm is also discussed in the paper. The real-time experimental and simulation studies suggest that the adaptive augmented ellipsoidal SLAM is more accurate than the conventional EKF/ellipsoidal SLAMs.
Technology Valuation Method for Supporting Knowledge Management in Technology Decisions to Gain Sustainability
Authors: Mämmelä Janne , Juuti Tero , Julkunen Pasi
Published: June 2019

New technologies have major effects on the profitability of companies and the economic growth of society. If appropriate technologies can be routinely selected, then it is possible to achieve sustainability at a company level. Knowledge management (KM) can be used to support technology decision making and give an understanding of the potential of particular technologies in a specific business environment. In this study, the design research methodology (DRM) is used with three case studies in an industry environment to develop and evaluate a novel technology valuation method (TVM). The proposed six-step TVM focuses on the acquisition, modeling, and validation of product-related knowledge to support KM related to technology decisions. The contribution of this research is to use distinctions between product properties and behaviors with a disposition toward understanding the potential of technology. During the process, tacit knowledge is made visible and documented, which supports the reliability of technology decisions and enables companies to gain sustainability.
Soil Security for Australia
Authors: Bennett John McLean , McBratney Alex , Field Damien , Kidd Darren , Stockmann Uta , Liddicoat Craig , Grover Samantha
Published: June 2019

Soil Security is an emerging sustainability science concept with global application for guiding integrated approaches to land management, while balancing ecosystem services, environmental, social, cultural, and economic imperatives. This discussion paper sets the scene for an Australian Soil Security framework as an example of how it might be developed for any country, defining the key issues and justification for Soil Security, as well as detailing implementation requirements and benefits; two examples of beneficial outcomes are provided in terms of facilitating decommoditization of agricultural products and the impact of urban encroachment on productive land. We highlight research gaps, where new knowledge will contribute to well-rounded approaches that reflect differing stakeholder perspectives. We also provide key nomenclature associated with a potential Soil Security framework so that future discussions may use a common language. Through this work we invite scientific and policy discourse with the aim of developing more informed responses to the myriad of competing demands placed on our soil systems.
Location-Routing Problem for Relief Distribution in the Early Post-Earthquake Stage from the Perspective of Fairness
Authors: Liu Changshi , Kou Gang , Peng Yi , Alsaadi Fawaz E.
Published: June 2019

To address the shortage of relief in disaster areas during the early stages after an earthquake, a location-routing problem (LRP) was studied from the perspective of fairness. A multi-objective model for the fair LRP was developed by lexicographic order object optimal method in consideration of the urgent window constraints, partial road damage, multimodal relief delivery, disaster severity, and vulnerability of each demand node when its demand is not satisfied. The goals of this model are to minimize (1) the maximum loss of demand node, (2) the total loss of demand node, and (3) the maximum time required for the demand node to receive relief. A hybrid heuristic algorithm was proposed to solve the model. Finally, the utility and fairness of the model and algorithm were demonstrated by a case study during the first day after the great Wenchuan earthquake in China.
Geomorphometric Assessment of the Impacts of Dam Construction on River Disconnectivity and Flow Regulation in the Yangtze Basin
Authors: Yang Xiankun , Lu Xixi , Ran Lishan , Tarolli Paolo
Published: June 2019

Rivers are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic impacts with incremental dam construction, experiencing global and regional alteration due to river disconnectivity, flow regulation, and sediment reduction. Assessing the cumulative impacts of dams on river disconnectivity in large river basins can help us better understand how humans disintegrate river systems and change the natural flow regimes. Using the Yangtze basin as the study area, this study employed three modified metrics (river connectivity index, RCI; basin disconnectivity index, BDI; and the degree of regulation for each river section, DOR) to evaluate the cumulative impacts on river disconnectivity over the past 50 years. The results indicated that the Yangtze had experienced strong alterations, despite varying degrees and spatial patterns. Among the major tributaries, the greatest impact (lowest RCI value) happened in the Wu tributary basin due to the construction of cascade dams on the main stem of the tributary, while the lowest impact (highest RCI value) happened in the Fu tributary basin, which still has no dams on its main stem. Collectively, rivers in the upper Yangtze reaches experienced more serious disturbances than their counterparts in the middle and lower reaches. The BDI results displayed that a substantial part of the Yangtze River, especially the Wu, Min, Jialing, and Yuan tributaries, only maintain connectivity among one to three representative river systems. No part of the Yangtze connects all the 12 representative river systems. This study also revealed that small dams can also exert significant impacts in flow regulation on regional river systems through their sheer number and density. The study results can help promote more environmentally sustainable river management policies in the Yangtze basin.
Numerical Investigation of the Savonius Vertical Axis Wind Turbine and Evaluation of the Effect of the Overlap Parameter in Both Horizontal and Vertical Directions on Its Performance
Authors: Ebrahimpour Mohammad , Shafaghat Rouzbeh , Alamian Rezvan , Safdari Shadloo Mostafa
Published: June 2019

Exploiting wind energy, which is a complex process in urban areas, requires turbines suitable for unfavorable weather conditions, in order to trap the wind from different directions; Savonius turbines are suitable for these conditions. In this paper, the effect of overlap ratios and the position of blades on a vertical axis wind turbine is comprehensively investigated and analyzed. For this purpose, two positive and negative overlap situations are first defined along the X-axis and examined at the different tip speed ratios of the blade, while maintaining the size of the external diameter of the rotor, to find the optimum point; then, the same procedure is done along the Y-axis. The finite volume method is used to solve the computational fluid dynamics. Two-dimensional numerical simulations are performed using URANS equations and the sliding mesh method. The turbulence model employed is a realizable K-ε model. According to the values of the dynamic torque and power coefficient, while investigating horizontal and vertical overlaps along the X- and Y-axis, the blades with overlap ratios of HOLR = +0.15 and VOLR = +0.1 show better performances when compared to other corresponding overlaps. Accordingly, the average Cm and Cp improvements are 16% and 7.5%, respectively, compared to the base with a zero overlap ratio.
Modulation of Innate Immune Signaling Pathways by Herpesviruses
Authors: Liu Qizhi , Rao Youliang , Tian Mao , Zhang Shu , Feng Pinghui
Published: June 2019

Herpesviruses can be detected by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which then activate downstream adaptors, kinases and transcription factors (TFs) to induce the expression of interferons (IFNs) and inflammatory cytokines. IFNs further activate the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, inducing the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). These signaling events constitute host innate immunity to defeat herpesvirus infection and replication. A hallmark of all herpesviruses is their ability to establish persistent infection in the presence of active immune response. To achieve this, herpesviruses have evolved multiple strategies to suppress or exploit host innate immune signaling pathways to facilitate their infection. This review summarizes the key host innate immune components and their regulation by herpesviruses during infection. Also we highlight unanswered questions and research gaps for future perspectives.
Assessment of Climate Change Impacts in the North Adriatic Coastal Area. Part II: Consequences for Coastal Erosion Impacts at the Regional Scale
Authors: Gallina Valentina , Torresan Silvia , Zabeo Alex , Rizzi Jonathan , Carniel Sandro , Sclavo Mauro , Pizzol Lisa , Marcomini Antonio , Critto Andrea
Published: June 2019

Coastal erosion is an issue of major concern for coastal managers and is expected to increase in magnitude and severity due to global climate change. This paper analyzes the potential consequences of climate change on coastal erosion (e.g., impacts on beaches, wetlands and protected areas) by applying a Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) methodology to the North Adriatic (NA) coast of Italy. The approach employs hazard scenarios from a multi-model chain in order to project the spatial and temporal patterns of relevant coastal erosion stressors (i.e., increases in mean sea-level, changes in wave height and variations in the sediment mobility at the sea bottom) under the A1B climate change scenario. Site-specific environmental and socio-economic indicators (e.g., vegetation cover, geomorphology, population) and hazard metrics are then aggregated by means of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) with the aim to provide an example of exposure, susceptibility, risk and damage maps for the NA region. Among seasonal exposure maps winter and autumn depict the worse situation in 2070–2100, and locally around the Po river delta. Risk maps highlight that the receptors at higher risk are beaches, wetlands and river mouths. The work presents the results of the RRA tested in the NA region, discussing how spatial risk mapping can be used to establish relative priorities for intervention, to identify hot-spot areas and to provide a basis for the definition of coastal adaptation and management strategies.
PENGARUH PERSEPSI KONSUMEN DAN MOTIVASI KONSUMEN TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK KAIN RAJUT
Authors: Shiratina Aldina , Afiatun Pipit
Published: June 2019

ABSTARCT
PENGARUH FAKTOR MOTIVASI KERJA , GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN DAN DISIPLIN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PARA ANGGOTA TENAGA PENDAMPING MASYARAKAT (TPM) DIKABUPATEN CIREBON
Authors: Sahlan Muhammad
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
LA PREECLAMPSIA Forma única de hipertensión que se da en el embarazo.
Authors: Vega Solano Manrrique
Published: June 2019

La incidencia es de un 5 a 7%, típicamente en primíparas, a partir de la segunda mitad del embarazo, definiéndose como: HTA más proteinuria, y síntomas asociados como edema generalizados ( aunque estos no son criterios diagnóstico) síntomas visuales, cefalea, dolor epigástrico.
Vacunas: ¿funcionan realmente?
Authors: Fallas Navarro Yorleny , Monge Bogantes Luis Carlos
Published: June 2019

Las enfermedades contra las que podemos vacunar volverían a aparecer si se interrumpieran los programas devacunación. Si bien la mejor higiene, el lavado de las manos y el agua potable contribuyen a proteger a las personas contra enfermedades infecciosas, muchas infecciones se pueden propagar independientemente de la higiene que mantengamos. Si las personas no estuvieran vacunadas, algunas enfermedades que se han vuelto poco comunes, tales como la poliomielitis y el sarampión, reaparecerían rápidamente
GLICACIÓN Y ENVEJECIMIENTO
Authors: Mora Campos Julio Gerardo
Published: June 2019

La teoría de los radicales libre propuestapor Denham Harman en 1956 es unade las más estudiadas, postulando queel envejecimiento es el resultado de losdaños causados por radicales libres enlos tejidos ya que oxidan biomoléculasy conducen a muerte celular y dañotisular1.La Diabetes Mellitus como síndromemetabólico caracterizado por crisishiperglicemicas es un buen modelopara explicar la formación de radicaleslibres.
Maniobra de Jendrassik sobre latencia y reflejo patelar
Authors: Huang Shih Chyong Yng , Quiel Ochoa Amelia
Published: June 2019

Comparar el período de latencia del reflejo patelar con o sin la maniobra de Jendrassik. Ocho sujetos, sanos; con un promedio de 20 años de edad. El estudio será realizado en la pierna dominante del sujeto, en el laboratorio de fisiología del edificio Versalio Guzmán de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas el 7 de marzo 2018. Se midió el tiempo de latencia del reflejo patelar con o sin la maniobra de Jendrassik. De los ocho sujetos se obtuvo una latencia del reflejo patelar sin la aplicación de la maniobra de Jendrassik es de 33.45 ms, mientras que aplicando la maniobra de Jendrassik se obtuvo una disminución de latencia de 31,28 ms. El estudio muestra cambios producidos por aplicación de la maniobra, sin embargo, no se logró presentar una disminución significativa en la latencia del reflejo patelar.