bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGELOLAAN PUSAT SUMBER BELAJAR PADA PUSDIKLAT SDM KESEHATAN DEPARTEMEN KESEHATAN REPUBLIK INDONESIA
Authors: Sukorini Dewi
Published: September 2018

The aim of this research is to explore the possibility for managing Learning Resource Center of Pusdiklat Departmen Kesehatan more effectively. Descriptive analytic method is used in this research. Data Collection are collected through in-depth interview, observation, and document analysis. Those data are then analyzed through several steps such as data reduction, data presentation, conclusion, and verification. Result of this study indicated that the management Learning Resources Center is not adequate to be viewed from theconcept of managementt. The human resources of the center are not adequate in quantity as well as professional quality. The facilities of the center are not adequate to support the intended activities. The lack of budgetary allocation is also hampering the effectiveness of the center operation.
Construction History in Theory and Teaching
Authors: Pilsitz Martin
Published: September 2018

For the development of a comprehensive explanative model on the genesis and use of the history of a historic building, an exclusively visual and aesthetic approach is not sufficient. In addition to the function, the construction is also shown as a peer design factor in the planning, architectural and artistic development. In this context, the task of the technical universities and colleges is to provide students with a far-reaching expertise in historical building construction. To achieve this goal, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BUTE), in the context of a research programme, has taken a targeted initiative. For this purpose, a large number of historical architectural drawings were combined in a plan collection at the Department and made available for further research. With regard to the structural importance of these drawings, a systematic scientific research has been carried out.This study was supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office - grant No. 112906.
A Disturbance in the Force: Cellular Stress Sensing by the Mitochondrial Network
Authors: Gilkerson Robert
Published: September 2018

As a highly dynamic organellar network, mitochondria are maintained as an organellar network by delicately balancing fission and fusion pathways. This homeostatic balance of organellar dynamics is increasingly revealed to play an integral role in sensing cellular stress stimuli. Mitochondrial fission/fusion balance is highly sensitive to perturbations such as loss of bioenergetic function, oxidative stress, and other stimuli, with mechanistic contribution to subsequent cell-wide cascades including inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis. The overlapping activity with m-AAA protease 1 (OMA1) metallopeptidase, a stress-sensitive modulator of mitochondrial fusion, and dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), a regulator of mitochondrial fission, are key factors that shape mitochondrial dynamics in response to various stimuli. As such, OMA1 and DRP1 are critical factors that mediate mitochondrial roles in cellular stress-response signaling. Here, we explore the current understanding and emerging questions in the role of mitochondrial dynamics in sensing cellular stress as a dynamic, responsive organellar network.
Hydroacoustic and Pressure Turbulence Analysis for the Assessment of Fish Presence and Behavior Upstream of a Vertical Trash Rack at a Run-of-River Hydropower Plant
Authors: Schmidt Marc B. , Tuhtan Jeffrey A. , Schletterer Martin
Published: September 2018

The spatial distribution of fish upstream of a vertical trash rack was investigated at the hydropower plant Kirchbichl in the alpine River Inn (Tyrol, Austria). The objective of the research project “FIDET” was to establish a non-invasive methodology to study fish presence and flow characteristics at large hydro power sites. A new monitoring approach was developed combining hydroacoustic observations of fish locations with multivariate hydrodynamic data. This was accomplished by utilizing complementary observations from multiple underwater sensor technologies: First, an array of echosounders were deployed at a fixed cross-section upstream of the trash rack for long-term monitoring. Afterwards, detailed underwater surveys with “acoustic cameras” (DIDSON and ARIS) revealed that the spatial distributions of fish in front of the trash rack were highly heterogeneous. The spatial distribution of the flow field was assessed via the time-averaged velocity fields from acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). Finally, a custom pressure-based flow turbulence probe was developed, providing spatial estimates of flow turbulence immediately upstream of the trash rack. The significant contribution of this work is to provide a multi-modal monitoring approach incorporating both fish position data and hydrodynamic information. This forms the starting point for a future objective, namely to create an automated, sonar-based detection and control systems to assist and monitor fish protection operations in near real-time.
A Comprehensive Approach to Assess the Hydrological Drought of Inland River Basin in Northwest China
Authors: Zhu Nina , Xu Jianhua , Li Weihong , Li Kaiming , Zhou Cheng
Published: September 2018

How to measure and quantitatively assess hydrological drought (HD) in the inland river basins of Northwest China is a difficult problem because of the complicated geographical environment and climatic processes. To address this problem, we conducted a comprehensive approach and selected the Aksu River Basin (ARB) as a typical inland river basin to quantitatively assess the hydrological drought based on the observed data and reanalysis data during the period of 1980–2010. We used two mutual complementing indicators, i.e., the standardized runoff index (SRI) and standardized terrestrial water storage index (SWSI), to quantitatively measure the spatio-temporal pattern of HD, where the SRI calculated from the observed runoff data indicate the time trend of HD of the whole basin, while SWSI extracted from the reanalysis data indicate the spatial pattern of HD. We also used the auto-regressive distribution lag model (ARDL) to show the autocorrelation of HD and its dependence on precipitation, potential evapotranspiration (PET), and soil moisture. The main conclusions are as follows: (a) the western and eastern regions of the ARB were prone to drought, whereas the frequency of drought in the middle of the ARB is relatively lower; (b) HD presents significant autocorrelation with two months’ lag, and soil moisture is correlated with SWSI with two months’ lag, whereas PET and precipitation are correlated with SWSI with 1 month’ lag; (c) the thresholds of HD for annual PET, annual precipitation, and annual average soil moisture are greater than 844.05 mm, less than 134.52 mm, and less than 411.07 kg/m2, respectively. A drought early warning system that is based on the thresholds was designed.
Does Location of Tonic Pain Differentially Impact Motor Learning and Sensorimotor Integration?
Authors: Dancey Erin , Yielder Paul , Murphy Bernadette
Published: September 2018

Recent work found that experimental pain appeared to negate alterations in cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) that occurred in response to motor learning acquisition of a novel tracing task. The goal of this experiment was to further investigate the interactive effects of pain stimulus location on motor learning acquisition, retention, and sensorimotor processing. Three groups of twelve participants (n = 36) were randomly assigned to either a local capsaicin group, remote capsaicin group or contralateral capsaicin group. SEPs were collected at baseline, post-application of capsaicin cream, and following a motor learning task. Participants performed a motor tracing acquisition task followed by a pain-free retention task 24–48 h later while accuracy data was recorded. The P25 (p < 0.001) SEP peak significantly decreased following capsaicin application for all groups. Following motor learning acquisition, the N18 SEP peak decreased for the remote capsaicin group (p = 0.02) while the N30 (p = 0.002) SEP peaks increased significantly following motor learning acquisition for all groups. The local, remote and contralateral capsaicin groups improved in accuracy following motor learning (p < 0.001) with no significant differences between the groups. Early SEP alterations are markers of the neuroplasticity that accompanies acute pain and motor learning acquisition. Improved motor learning while in acute pain may be due to an increase in arousal, as opposed to increased attention to the limb performing the task.
The Chameleon-Like Properties of Psychoactive Drugs: Examinations with HR LC-MS/MS Technology of Patients Presenting at the Emergency Department Following the Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Altintop Ismail , Karakukcu Cigdem
Published: September 2018

The chameleon can disguise itself in nature by taking on different colors and forms. As synthetic cannabinoids (SC) have clinically similar effects to those of several psychoactive agents, they are one of the most difficult intoxications to diagnose. The reasons for this are due to clinical variations throughout the world and the differences in symptoms having not been determined due to their similarity to the intoxication of several other drugs. The aim of this study was to obtain prospective data of patients presenting at the Emergency Department (ED) with suspected SC intoxication, and as a result of prospective examination of samples, to determine a new generation of SC use, SC types, clinical findings, and treatments. Method: A total of a 15 patients with suspected SC intoxication who presented at the ED of the Health Sciences University Kayseri Training and Research Hospital between January 2017 and January 2018 were examined. Samples taken prospectively from patients who were followed-up for a diagnosis of SC intoxication were examined with the HR LC-MS/MS method; SC were determined, and the test results of other psychoactive agents that were used concurrently were examined. Conclusions: Three significant findings emerged as a result of this study. Firstly, due to the different clinical forms of presentation at ED associated with SC use and the range of intoxications that cannot be diagnosed, advanced laboratory tests are required, in addition to routine tests for the determination of SC. Secondly, those diagnosed as having taken SC were also determined to have used it concurrently with substances that have a high potential for addiction, such as amphetamines and quetiapine. Thirdly, in regard to examples of cases presented in the literature, anti-psychotics, fluid hydration, and anxiolytics can be used as treatment options for those diagnosed with SC use.
Role of COX-2/PGE2 Mediated Inflammation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nasry Walaa , Rodriguez-Lecompte Juan , Martin Chelsea
Published: September 2018

A significant amount of research indicates that the cyclooxygenase/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway of inflammation contributes to the development and progression of a variety of cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx (OSCC). Although there have been promising results from studies examining the utility of anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of OSCC, this strategy has been met with only variable success and these drugs are also associated with toxicities that make them inappropriate for some OSCC patients. Improved inflammation-targeting therapies require continued study of the mechanisms linking inflammation and progression of OSCC. In this review, a synopsis of OSCC biology will be provided, and recent insights into inflammation related mechanisms of OSCC pathobiology will be discussed. The roles of prostaglandin E2 and cluster of differentiation factor 147 (CD147) will be presented, and evidence for their interactions in OSCC will be explored. Through continued investigation into the protumourigenic pathways of OSCC, more treatment modalities targeting inflammation-related pathways can be designed with the hope of slowing tumour progression and improving patient prognosis in patients with this aggressive form of cancer.
Brønsted and Lewis Solid Acid Catalysts in the Valorization of Citronellal
Authors: Zaccheria Federica , Santoro Federica , Iftitah Elvina Dhiaul , Ravasio Nicoletta
Published: September 2018

Terpenes are valuable starting materials for the synthesis of molecules that are of interest to the flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries. However, most processes involve the use of mineral acids or homogeneous Lewis acid catalysts. Here, we report results obtained in the liquid-phase reaction of citronellal with anilines under heterogeneous catalysis conditions to give tricyclic compounds with interesting pharmacological activity. The terpenic aldehyde could be converted into octahydroacridines with a 92% yield through an intramolecular imino Diels–Alder reaction of the imine initially formed in the presence of an acidic clay such as Montmorillonite KSF. Selectivity to the desired product strongly depended on the acid sites distribution, with Brønsted acids favoring selectivity to octahydroacridine and formation of the cis isomer. Pure Lewis acids such as silica–alumina with a very low amount of alumina gave excellent results with electron-rich anilines like toluidine and p-anisidine. This protocol can be applied starting directly from essential oils such as kaffir lime oil, which has a high citronellal content.
Suppressing Grain Growth on Cu Foil Using Graphene
Authors: Lee Jaeyeong , Shin Hojun , Choi Jae-Young , Yu Hak Ki
Published: September 2018

The effect of graphene coating on the growth of grains on bulk copper film was studied. When methane gas is catalytically decomposed on the surface of copper, and a carbon–copper solid solution is formed at high temperature, precipitated carbon on the copper surface forms graphene during rapid cooling through strong sp2 covalent bonding. The graphene layer can prevent the growth of grains by suppressing the diffusion of copper atoms on the surface, even after continuous heat treatment at high temperatures. The actual size of the copper grains was analyzed in terms of repetitive high-temperature heat treatment processes, and the grain growth process was simulated by using thermodynamic data, such as surface migration energy and the binding energy between copper and carbon. In general, transition metals can induce graphene growth on surfaces because they easily form carbon solid solutions at high temperatures. It is expected that the process of graphene growth will be able to suppress grain growth in transition metals used at high temperatures and could be applied to materials that are prone to thermal fatigue issues such as creep.
Finite Element Simulation of Temperature and Stress Field for Laser Cladded Nickel-Based Amorphous Composite Coatings
Authors: Li Ruifeng , Qiu Yi , Zheng Qichi , Liu Bin , Chen Shujin , Tian Yingtao
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a nickel-based amorphous composite coating was obtained on the carbon steel surface by the laser cladding process. The thermal field and stress distribution were simulated by using ANSYS finite element software where the moving heat source and powder feeding were modelled by the “Element birth and death” method. The simulation results were verified by comparing the cross-sectional profile of fusion lines and X-ray stress measurements, respectively. The results on thermal field showed that the cooling rate of the coating could reach up to 10389.15 K/s and it gradually decreased from the outside surface to the interior, which promoted the formation of amorphous phase. The simulated stress field showed that the coating was in the state of tensile stress after cladding and the longitudinal stress was larger than the transverse stress. The coating was experienced with tensile plastic deformation along the laser scanning direction, which resulted in longitudinal residual stress. A higher stress concentration was occurred between the coating layer and substrate, which increased the susceptibility of crack formation. The test results on transverse residual stress were generally consistent with the simulation. On the contrary, the measured longitudinal stress was nearly close to zero, which was not in agreement with the model due to the formation of cracks.
Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Microbiological Aspects of Endodontics
Authors: Gutmann James L. , Manjarrés Vivian
Published: September 2018

The microbiota of the oral cavity plays a significant role in pulpal and periapical diseases. Historically, 100 years ago little was known on microbiota, but after a century of investigations, only now can many of the intimate secrets of microbial growth, expansion, persistence, communal activities, and virulence be revealed. However, with the capabilities of the microbiota for mutation, quorum sensing, and information transference, researchers are hard-pressed to keep up with both the changes and challenges that an amazingly wide range of bacterial species pose for both the scientist and clinician. Fortunately, the development and expansion of a vast array of molecular biological investigative techniques have enabled dentistry and its associated medical fields to attempt to keep pace with the wide and fascinating world of oral microbiology.
Numerical and Non-Asymptotic Analysis of Elias’s and Peres’s Extractors with Finite Input Sequences
Authors: Prasitsupparote Amonrat , Konno Norio , Shikata Junji
Published: September 2018

Many cryptographic systems require random numbers, and the use of weak random numbers leads to insecure systems. In the modern world, there are several techniques for generating random numbers, of which the most fundamental and important methods are deterministic extractors proposed by von Neumann, Elias, and Peres. Elias’s extractor achieves the optimal rate (i.e., information-theoretic upper bound) h ( p ) if the block size tends to infinity, where h ( · ) is the binary entropy function and p is the probability that each bit of input sequences occurs. Peres’s extractor achieves the optimal rate h ( p ) if the length of the input and the number of iterations tend to infinity. Previous research related to both extractors has made no reference to practical aspects including running time and memory size with finite input sequences. In this paper, based on some heuristics, we derive a lower bound on the maximum redundancy of Peres’s extractor, and we show that Elias’s extractor is better than Peres’s extractor in terms of the maximum redundancy (or the rates) if we do not pay attention to the time complexity or space complexity. In addition, we perform numerical and non-asymptotic analysis of both extractors with a finite input sequence with any biased probability under the same environments. To do so, we implemented both extractors on a general PC and simple environments. Our empirical results show that Peres’s extractor is much better than Elias’s extractor for given finite input sequences under a very similar running time. As a consequence, Peres’s extractor would be more suitable to generate uniformly random sequences in practice in applications such as cryptographic systems.
A Design Method to Improve Temperature Uniformity on Wafer for Rapid Thermal Processing
Authors: Huang Peng , Yang Hongguan
Published: September 2018

Single-wafer rapid thermal processing (RTP) is widely used in semiconductor manufacturing. Achieving temperature uniformity on silicon wafer is a major challenge in RTP control. In this work, a lamp configuration including five concentric lamp zones is designed to obtain uniform temperature distribution on the wafer. An optics-based model is developed to determine the optimal lamp design parameters, and a uniformity criterion is proposed to evaluate the effective irradiance distribution of the tungsten–halogen lamps on the wafer. This method can be used to determine geometric parameters of the lamp array in order to achieve uniform temperature distribution on the wafer. A realistic simulation of a cold wall RTP system with five lamp rings and a 200-mm wafer is performed. The proposed model makes way for a simple method for determining the optimal lamp design parameters in RTP systems.
A Control Strategy for Bidirectional Isolated 3-Phase Current-Fed Dual Active Bridge Converter
Authors: Lee Dong-Min , Hyun Seung-Wook , Kang Jin-Wook , Noh Yong-Su , Won Chung-Yuen
Published: September 2018

This paper examines the characteristics of the zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero voltage transition (ZVT) soft-switching applied in the 3-phase current fed dual active bridge (3P-CFDAB) converter, which combines the advantages of the dual active bridge (DAB) converter and current-fed full bridge (CFFB) converter. When an active clamp circuit is added to the CFFB converter, the circuit configuration of the DAB converter is shown in part of the entire circuit. This allows the use of pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques which combine the PWM techniques of both the DAB converter and CFFB converter. The proposed converter performs both duty and phase control at the same time in order to reduce the circulating current and ripple current of the output capacitor, which are the disadvantages of the CFFB converter and DAB converter. In addition, the ZVS and ZVT soft switching areas were analyzed by means of the phase current and leakage inductor current in each transformers. To verify the principle and feasibility of the proposed operation techniques, a simulation and experiment were implemented with the 3P-CFDAB.
A Study on Combustion Parameters in an Automotive Turbocharged Diesel Engine
Authors: Zamboni Giorgio
Published: September 2018

A wide experimental database on indicated pressure diagrams measured on a turbocharged diesel engine, equipped with high and low pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) circuits and a variable nozzle turbine (VNT), was processed to evaluate a large set of combustion parameters. Available data were referred to different tests in three part load operating conditions, focused on High Pressure EGR trade-off and the development of integrated control strategies for EGR and turbocharging systems aiming at NOX and fuel consumption reduction. According to their definition, combustion parameters were derived from pressure diagrams, its first derivative and heat release curves. Their calculation allowed enlarging the information content of measured in-cylinder pressure diagrams. Several linear correlations were then defined, linking engine operating, energy and environmental quantities to combustion parameters, useful for the analysis and modeling of in-cylinder processes and engine behavior. The influence of testing conditions on these relationships was also analyzed, referring to the investigated operating modes and the adoption of open and closed loop scheme for VNT management. Finally, general correlations were defined, linking NOX and soot emissions to selected quantities.
Research on the Axial Force of Conical-Rotor Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors with Turbines
Authors: Wang Jiabao , Huang Shoudao , Guo Chao , Feng Yaojing
Published: September 2018

The general method to suppress the axial force of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) direct-drive turbine is to increase the number of balance devices, such as balance disks and special bearings, to counteract its influence, but this also leads to complex system structure and higher mechanical losses. Aiming to solve the above issue, this paper presents a novel PMSM structure with a conical-rotor (CR). Due to its adaptive equilibrium of axial force and simple structure of rotor with turbine, the CR-PMSM can help improve the system efficiency. Both surface-type and interior-type motors are analyzed, and the axial magnetic force of CR-PMSM is studied in detail. The 3-D finite-element method (FEM) is used to model and simulate the machine, and the magnetic-field distribution, axial magnetic force and driving performance are obtained. Also, the control rule of d-axis current is analyzed to achieve the adaptive equilibrium of axial force. A 2.0 kW, 6000 r/min prototype motor is fabricated and tested to validate the theory.
Biochar and Biomass Ash as a Soil Ameliorant: The Effect on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus)
Authors: Saletnik Bogdan , Zagula Grzegorz , Bajcar Marcin , Czernicka Maria , Puchalski Czeslaw
Published: September 2018

We assess the possibility of using biochar and ash from plant biomass to fertilise giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus). The paper concerns the optimisation of the combination of fertiliser applications of the aforementioned materials in the context of the plant yield obtained. There was an increase in yield of 8–68% over the two years of research when compared with the control plots. It was found that the application of biochar, ash from biomass and a combination of the two at appropriate rates as a soil additive can substitute for classic mineral fertilisers and strengthen the ecological aspects of energy crop cultivation. The interpretation of the results obtained enabled the selection of optimum fertiliser applications, resulting in a significant increase in the yield of plants and an improvement in soil chemical properties. It was found that the highest yield of dry matter of giant miscanthus plants, after both the first and second year of cultivation, was obtained by applying the fertiliser containing ash at a rate of 1.5 t ha−1, together with biocarbon and the combination of biochar and ash at a rate of 1.5 t ha−1.
Thermodynamic Analysis on an Integrated Liquefied Air Energy Storage and Electricity Generation System
Authors: Xie Yingbai , Xue Xiaodong
Published: September 2018

For an integrated liquefied air energy storage and electricity generation system, mathematical models of the liquefied air energy storage and electricity generation process are established using a thermodynamic theory. The effects of the outlet pressure of the compressor unit, the outlet pressure of the cryogenic pump, the heat exchanger effectiveness, the initial air temperature and pressure before throttling on the performances of the integrated liquefied air energy storage, and the electricity generation system are investigated, using the cycle efficiency and liquid air yield ratio as the evaluation indexes. The results show that if the compressor outlet pressure is raised, both the compression work and the expansion work increase, but because the expansion work increases more slowly, the cycle efficiency of the system gradually decreases. Increasing the cryogenic pump outlet pressure and heat exchanger effectiveness can significantly increase the cycle efficiency of the system; the higher the air pressure and the lower the air temperature before throttling, the greater the liquid air yield after expansion, and the higher the cycle efficiency. The theoretical analysis models and research results can provide a reference for the development of an integrated system of liquefied air energy storage and electricity production, as well as for the development of medium-capacity energy storage technology.
Compensation for Inverter Nonlinearity in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive and Effect on Torsional Vibration of Electric Vehicle Driveline
Authors: Wang Weihua , Wang Wenkai
Published: September 2018

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) with inverters are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs). However, current harmonics caused by the nonlinearity of the inverter generate torque ripples and give rise to torsional vibration in the vehicle driveline. This paper proposes a new compensation method to suppress the torque ripples. This method extracts the 6th-order harmonic component online from the d-axis and q-axis currents with the approximate Fourier transform, and adopts a harmonic current PI regulator to calculate compensation voltage, which is added to the voltage reference to compensate the nonlinearity of the inverter. After correcting the current distortion and improving the motor torque smoothness, the torsional vibration of the driveline caused by the motor pulsating torque is reduced. According to the simulation results, the 6th-order of motor torque ripple and the torsional vibration response is reduced about 26–28%, which confirms the validity of the proposed strategy. The proposed method does not need any additional hardware and can be implemented broadly in PMSM drives.
Daylight Spectrum Index: A New Metric to Assess the Affinity of Light Sources with Daylighting
Authors: Acosta Ignacio , León Jesús , Bustamante Pedro
Published: September 2018

The current scenario of colorimetry shows a wide variety of different metrics which do not converge in the assessment of the color rendering of light sources. The limitations of the Color Rendering Index have promoted the emergence of new metrics, such as the Color Quality Scale. As in the case of the previous metric, these new concepts are based on the analysis of the deviation of different color samples in a color space, contrasting the results with those obtained with a light source reference, which can vary depending on the color temperature. Within this context, the Daylight Spectrum Index is proposed. This new concept aims to determine the affinity with daylighting of electric light sources, comparing the resulting spectral power distributions of the lamps studied and that observed under natural light. The affinity of an electric light source with daylighting allows for lower energy consumption due to the better performance of human vision. The new metric proposed is evaluated following the results obtained from 80 surveys, demonstrating the usefulness of this new concept in the quantification of color rendering of LED lamps and the affinity of electric light sources with daylighting.
Quantitative Comparison of Vernier Permanent-Magnet Motors with Interior Permanent-Magnet Motor for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Lee Christopher H. T. , Angle Matthew , Bhalla Krishan Kant , Qasim Mohammad , Mei Jie , Mohammadi Sajjad , Iyer K. Lakshmi Varaha , Sinkular Jasmin Jijina , Kirtley James L.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, three Vernier permanent-magnet (VPM) motor, namely the inner-rotor VPM (IR-VPM) motor, the outer-rotor VPM (OR-VPM) motor and the OR consequent-pole VPM (OR-CP-VPM) motor are proposed for the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications. Owing to employment of toroidal-winding arrangement, the OR-VPM and the OR-CP-VPM motors can enjoy better material utilization and easier manufacturing process than its IR-VPM counterpart. Meanwhile the OR-CP-VPM motor can utilize the consequent-pole topology to minimize flux leakage that exists in conventional design. With the support of finite element method (FEM), the motor performances among the VPM motors and the profound interior permanent-magnet (IPM) motor can be compared quantitatively.
Coupled Model of Bank Erosion and Meander Evolution for Cohesive Riverbanks
Authors: Arnez Ferrel Kattia Rubi , Patsinghasanee Supapap , Kimura Ichiro , Shimizu Yasuyuki
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a physics-based model that couples a bank erosion model with a meander evolution model is developed and evaluated. The physics-based bank erosion model considers the cantilever failure mechanism with slump blocks and decomposition effects. Moreover, bank accretion was considered using critical values of time required for landing, shear stresses and water depths. Two cases were tested. The first case consists of a hypothetical small-scale channel with cohesive riverbanks. Cross sections in the straight and curved part of the channel were compared to evaluate the curvature effect. Furthermore, the effect of the bank strength in the plan shape of the channel was tested in this case. The results show that the curvature increases the erosion rate in the outer bank and changes the cross-sectional profile by narrowing and widening the channel width. The plan shape of the channel changed as the bank strength was increased. In the second case, the model is compared with the River meander migration software (RVR meander) and the advantages and limitations of the model are discussed in terms of meander migration plan form and bank erosion processes. The results showed that the presented model is capable of simulating asymmetric bends.
Diet and Physical Activity as Determinants of Lifestyle Chosen by Women from Southern Poland
Authors: Ostachowska-Gasior Agnieszka , Kolarzyk Emilia , Majewska Renata , Gasior Anna , Kwiatkowski Jacek , Zaleska Izabela
Published: September 2018

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the lifestyle of Polish women (characterized by the quality of diets and levels of reported physical activity) and their characteristics such as age, place of residence, physical activity at work or school, reported health status, and BMI. The sample consisted of 882 women from Southern Poland. Diet quality and the level of physical activity were evaluated by the Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire established by the Polish Academy of Sciences. The lifestyle category (healthy, moderate, or unhealthy) was based on “Prohealthy Diet Index-10” and participant’s self-assessed physical activity during their leisure-time. The lifestyle category was significantly associated with age, BMI, physical activity at work/school, and health. Moderate lifestyle (high or moderate levels of physical activity combined with low prohealthy diet) was the most commonly found classification in examined women. Age (>35 years old) and overweight are the main factors determining unhealthy lifestyle behavior. Healthy lifestyle is more often chosen by the women from big cities. More intensive efforts should be undertaken to increase the knowledge and awareness of the health benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The main goal should be concentrated on increasing the level of physical activity, especially in leisure time, and promoting the tenets of a well-balanced diet.
Glioblastoma Chemoresistance: The Double Play by Microenvironment and Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Da Ros Martina , De Gregorio Veronica , Iorio Anna Lisa , Giunti Laura , Guidi Milena , De Martino Maurizio , Genitori Lorenzo , Sardi Iacopo
Published: September 2018

For glioblastoma, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is pivotal to support tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. TME consists of several types of stromal, endothelial and immune cells, which are recruited by cancer stem cells (CSCs) to influence CSC phenotype and behavior. TME also promotes the establishment of specific conditions such as hypoxia and acidosis, which play a critical role in glioblastoma chemoresistance, interfering with angiogenesis, apoptosis, DNA repair, oxidative stress, immune escape, expression and activity of multi-drug resistance (MDR)-related genes. Finally, the blood brain barrier (BBB), which insulates the brain microenvironment from the blood, is strongly linked to the drug-resistant phenotype of glioblastoma, being a major physical and physiological hurdle for the delivery of chemotherapy agents into the brain. Here, we review the features of the glioblastoma microenvironment, focusing on their involvement in the phenomenon of chemoresistance; we also summarize recent advances in generating systems to modulate or bypass the BBB for drug delivery into the brain. Genetic aspects associated with glioblastoma chemoresistance and current immune-based strategies, such as checkpoint inhibitor therapy, are described too.
Tuning Nanopore Diameter of Titanium Surfaces to Improve Human Gingival Fibroblast Response
Authors: Ferrà-Cañellas Maria del Mar , Llopis-Grimalt Maria Antonia , Monjo Marta , Ramis Joana Maria
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal nanopore diameter of titanium nanostructured surfaces to improve human gingival fibroblast (hGF) response, with the purpose of promoting gingiva integration to dental implant abutments. Two TiO2 nanoporous groups with different diameters (NP-S ~48 nm and NP-B ~74 nm) were grown on Ti foils using an organic electrolyte containing fluoride by electrochemical oxidation, varying the applied voltage and the interelectrode spacing. The surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle. The hGF were cultured onto the different surfaces, and metabolic activity, cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, and gene expression were analyzed. Bigger porous diameters (NP-B) were obtained by increasing the voltage used during anodization. To obtain the smallest diameter (NP-S), apart from lowering the voltage, a lower interelectrode spacing was needed. The greatest surface area and number of peaks was found for NP-B, despite these samples not being the roughest as defined by Ra. NP-B had a better cellular response compared to NP-S. However, these effects had a significant dependence on the cell donor. In conclusion, nanoporous groups with a diameter in the range of 74 nm induce a better hGF response, which may be beneficial for an effective soft tissue integration around the implant.
Cancer Vaccine Immunotherapy with RNA-Loaded Liposomes
Authors: Sayour Elias J. , Mendez-Gomez Hector R. , Mitchell Duane A.
Published: September 2018

Cancer vaccines may be harnessed to incite immunity against poorly immunogenic tumors, however they have failed in therapeutic settings. Poor antigenicity coupled with systemic and intratumoral immune suppression have been significant drawbacks. RNA encoding for tumor associated or specific epitopes can serve as a more immunogenic and expeditious trigger of anti-tumor immunity. RNA stimulates innate immunity through toll like receptor stimulation producing type I interferon, and it mediates potent adaptive responses. Since RNA is inherently unstable, delivery systems have been developed to protect and deliver it to intended targets in vivo. In this review, we discuss liposomes as RNA delivery vehicles and their role as cancer vaccines.
Molecular Mechanisms of H. pylori-Induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks
Authors: Kidane Dawit
Published: September 2018

Infections contribute to carcinogenesis through inflammation-related mechanisms. H. pylori infection is a significant risk factor for gastric carcinogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism by which H. pylori infection contributes to carcinogenesis has not been fully elucidated. H. pylori-associated chronic inflammation is linked to genomic instability via reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). In this article, we summarize the current knowledge of H. pylori-induced double strand breaks (DSBs). Furthermore, we provide mechanistic insight into how processing of oxidative DNA damage via base excision repair (BER) leads to DSBs. We review recent studies on how H. pylori infection triggers NF-κB/inducible NO synthase (iNOS) versus NF-κB/nucleotide excision repair (NER) axis-mediated DSBs to drive genomic instability. This review discusses current research findings that are related to mechanisms of DSBs and repair during H. pylori infection.
Pioglitazone Protects Mesenchymal Stem Cells against P-Cresol-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction via Up-Regulation of PINK-1
Authors: Yoon Yeo Min , Han Yong-Seok , Yun Chul Won , Lee Jun Hee , Kim Rang , Lee Sang Hun
Published: September 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) could be a candidate for cell-based therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the uremic toxin in patients with CKD restricts the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs. To address this problem, we explored the effect of pioglitazone as a measure against exposure to the uremic toxin P-cresol (PC) in MSCs. Under PC exposure conditions, apoptosis of MSCs was induced, as well as PC-induced dysfunction of mitochondria by augmentation of mitofusion, reduction of mitophagy, and inactivation of mitochondrial complexes I and IV. Treatment of MSCs with pioglitazone significantly inhibited PC-induced apoptosis. Pioglitazone also prevented PC-induced mitofusion and increased mitophagy against PC exposure through up-regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK-1). Furthermore, pioglitazone protected against PC-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 (COX4) level and activating complexes I and IV, resulting in enhancement of proliferation. In particular, activation of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) regulated the pioglitazone-mediated up-regulation of PINK-1. These results indicate that pioglitazone protects MSCs against PC-induced accumulated mitochondrial dysfunction via the NF-κB–PINK-1 axis under P-cresol exposure conditions. Our study suggests that pioglitazone-treated MSCs could be a candidate for MSC-based therapy in patients with CKD.
Current Disease-Targets for Oleocanthal as Promising Natural Therapeutic Agent
Authors: Segura-Carretero Antonio , Curiel Jose Antonio
Published: September 2018

The broad number of health benefits which can be obtained from the long-term consumption of olive oil are attributed mainly to its phenolic fraction. Many olive oil phenolics have been studied deeply since their discovery due to their bioactivity properties, such as Hydroxytyrosol. Similarly, in the last decade, the special attention of researchers has been addressed to Oleocanthal (OC). This olive oil phenolic compound has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic agent against a variety of diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, different underlying mechanisms of OC against these diseases have been explored. This review summarizes the current literature on OC to date, and focuses on its promising bioactivities against different disease-targets.
A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Authors: Ng Qin , Soh Alex , Loke Wayren , Venkatanarayanan Nandini , Lim Donovan , Yeo Wee-Song
Published: September 2018

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains a prevalent and difficult-to-manage gastrointestinal condition. There is growing interest in the use of traditional medicine to manage IBS. In particular, curcumin, a biologically active phytochemical, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and mucosal protective effects in rat models of colitis. This meta-analysis thus aimed to investigate the hypothesis that curcumin improves IBS symptoms. Using the keywords (curcumin OR turmeric OR Indian saffron OR diferuloylmethane OR curcuminoid) AND (irritable bowel syndrome OR IBS), a preliminary search on the PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases yielded 1080 papers published in English between 1 January 1988 and 1 May 2018. Five randomized, controlled trials were systematically reviewed and 3 were included in the final meta-analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis based on three studies and 326 patients found curcumin to have a beneficial albeit not statistically significant effect on IBS symptoms (pooled standardized mean difference from baseline IBS severity rating −0.466, 95% CI: −1.113 to 0.182, p = 0.158). This is the first meta-analysis to examine the use of curcumin in IBS. With its unique anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and ability to modulate gut microbiota, curcumin is a potentially useful addition to our armamentarium of agents for IBS. It also appears safe and well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported in the available trials. However, current findings are based on a considerably limited evidence base with marked heterogeneity. More robust clinical trials involving a standardized curcumin preparation and larger sample sizes should be encouraged.
Formamide Adsorption at the Amorphous Silica Surface: A Combined Experimental and Computational Approach
Authors: Signorile Matteo , Salvini Clara , Zamirri Lorenzo , Bonino Francesca , Martra Gianmario , Sodupe Mariona , Ugliengo Piero
Published: September 2018

Mineral surfaces have been demonstrated to play a central role in prebiotic reactions, which are understood to be at the basis of the origin of life. Among the various molecules proposed as precursors for these reactions, one of the most interesting is formamide. Formamide has been shown to be a pluripotent molecule, generating a wide distribution of relevant prebiotic products. In particular, the outcomes of its reactivity are strongly related to the presence of mineral phases acting as catalysts toward specific reaction pathways. While the mineral–products relationship has been deeply studied for a large pool of materials, the fundamental description of formamide reactivity over mineral surfaces at a microscopic level is missing in the literature. In particular, a key step of formamide chemistry at surfaces is adsorption on available interaction sites. This report aims to investigate the adsorption of formamide over a well-defined amorphous silica, chosen as a model mineral surface. An experimental IR investigation of formamide adsorption was carried out and its outcomes were interpreted on the basis of first principles simulation of the process, adopting a realistic model of amorphous silica.
Hysteretic Photochromic Switching (HPS) in Doubly Doped GaN(Mg):Eu—A Summary of Recent Results
Authors: Edwards Paul R. , O’Donnell Kevin P. , Singh Akhilesh K. , Cameron Douglas , Lorenz Katharina , Yamaga Mitsuo , Leach Jacob H. , Kappers Menno J. , Boćkowski Michal
Published: September 2018

Europium is the most-studied and least-well-understood rare earth ion (REI) dopant in GaN. While attempting to increase the efficiency of red GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by implanting Eu+ into p-type GaN templates, the Strathclyde University group, in collaboration with IST Lisbon and Unipress Warsaw, discovered hysteretic photochromic switching (HPS) in the photoluminescence spectrum of doubly doped GaN(Mg):Eu. Our recent work, summarised in this contribution, has used time-, temperature- and light-induced changes in the Eu intra-4f shell emission spectrum to deduce the microscopic nature of the Mg-Eu defects that form in this material. As well as shedding light on the Mg acceptor in GaN, we propose a possible role for these emission centres in quantum information and computing.
Electromagnetic Shielding by MXene-Graphene-PVDF Composite with Hydrophobic, Lightweight and Flexible Graphene Coated Fabric
Authors: Raagulan Kanthasamy , Braveenth Ramanaskanda , Jang Hee Jung , Seon Lee Yun , Yang Cheol-Min , Mi Kim Bo , Moon Jai Jung , Chai Kyu Yun
Published: September 2018

MXene and graphene based thin, flexible and low-density composite were prepared by cost effective spray coating and solvent casting method. The fabricated composite was characterized using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The prepared composites showed hydrophobic nature with higher contact angle of 126°, −43 mN·m−1 wetting energy, −116 mN·m−1 spreading Coefficient and 30 mN·m−1 lowest work of adhesion. The composites displayed excellent conductivity of 13.68 S·cm−1 with 3.1 Ω·sq−1 lowest sheet resistance. All the composites showed an outstanding thermal stability and constrain highest weight lost until 400 °C. The MXene-graphene foam exhibited excellent EMI shielding of 53.8 dB (99.999%) with reflection of 13.10 dB and absorption of 43.38 dB in 8–12.4 GHz. The single coated carbon fabric displayed outstanding absolute shielding effectiveness of 35,369.82 dB·cm2·g−1. The above results lead perspective applications such as aeronautics, radars, air travels, mobile phones, handy electronics and military applications.