bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Foshan Total Lightning Location System in China and Its Initial Operation Results
Authors: Cai Li , Zou Xin , Wang Jianguo , Li Quanxin , Zhou Mi , Fan Yadong
Published: March 2019

In the summer of 2013, a three-dimensional (3D)-based Foshan Total Lightning Location System (FTLLS), embedded with differential time of arrival (DTOA) techniques, was installed and started its operation in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. In this paper, the geographical distribution and set-up information of FTLLS, the estimated locating errors and locating results, as well as its initial operation results are presented. FTLLS consists of nine sub-stations that receive electromagnetic waves associated with lightning discharges and locates VLF/LF (200 Hz–500 kHz) radiation sources in 3D. The remote sub-stations acquired triggered waveforms with a duration of 0.5 ms, a resolution of 12-bits, and a GPS-based sferic time tags of 24 h per day. Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning events, intra-cloud (IC) lightning events and narrow bipolar events (NBEs) were located by FTLLS. Based on the Monte Carlo simulation, the two-dimensional horizontal location error is basically less than 100 m, and the vertical error (altitude) is less than 200 m when the lightning event occurs within the network. On the other hand, over 14 million lightning strikes were recorded successfully by FTLLS during the period of May to October in 2014, among which IC events, CG events and NBEs accounted for 65%, 34% and 1%, respectively. It is shown that FTLLS is capable of a fine three-dimensional (3D) location, in which the altitude parameters obtained are reasonable and well consistent with observed data in the previous studies. The location results of thunderstorms were additionally verified through simultaneously-observed radar data.
Ammonium Hydroxide Mediated Hydrothermal Crystallization of Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Titanium Substrate
Authors: Suchanek Katarzyna , Perzanowski Marcin , Lekki Janusz , Strąg Martyna , Marszałek Marta
Published: March 2019

Controlled growth of hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings on titanium substrate plays an important role in the fabrication of the composites for bone tissue engineering. We describe the synthesis of the crystalline hydroxyapatite coatings on the Ti/TiO2 substrate through a hydrothermal method by using ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na2EDTA) and varying concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) in calcium-phosphate precursor solution. Na2EDTA serves as a chelating agent, while NH4OH is used as an alkaline source and crystal growth modifier. We characterized the HAp coatings using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. We also performed the elemental chemical analysis by means of a particle induced x–ray emission method. Our results show that there is a pH limit for which the hydrothermal deposition of HAp on titanium occurs. Moreover, we observed that NH4OH had a measurable influence on the coating thickness as well as on the size and shape of the HAp crystals. We found that with the increase of NH4OH concentration, the thickness of the Hap layer increases and its morphology changes from irregular flakes to well-defined hexagonal rods.
Do Different Teams Produce Different Results in Long-Term Lichen Biomonitoring?
Authors: Brunialti Giorgio , Frati Luisa , Malegori Cristina , Giordani Paolo , Malaspina Paola
Published: March 2019

Lichen biomonitoring programs focus on temporal variations in epiphytic lichen communities in relation to the effects of atmospheric pollution. As repeated surveys are planned at medium to long term intervals, the alternation of different operators is often possible. This involves the need to consider the effect of non-sampling errors (e.g., observer errors). Here we relate the trends of lichen communities in repeated surveys with the contribution of different teams of specialists involved in sampling. For this reason, lichen diversity data collected in Italy within several ongoing biomonitoring programs have been considered. The variations of components of gamma diversity between the surveys have been related to the composition of the teams of operators. As a major result, the composition of the teams significantly affected data comparability: Similarity (S), Species Replacement (R), and Richness Difference (D) showed significant differences between “same” and “partially” versus “different” teams, with characteristics trends over time. The results suggest a more careful interpretation of temporal variations in biomonitoring studies.
Guessing with Distributed Encoders
Authors: Bracher Annina , Lapidoth Amos , Pfister Christoph
Published: March 2019

Two correlated sources emit a pair of sequences, each of which is observed by a different encoder. Each encoder produces a rate-limited description of the sequence it observes, and the two descriptions are presented to a guessing device that repeatedly produces sequence pairs until correct. The number of guesses until correct is random, and it is required that it have a moment (of some prespecified order) that tends to one as the length of the sequences tends to infinity. The description rate pairs that allow this are characterized in terms of the Rényi entropy and the Arimoto–Rényi conditional entropy of the joint law of the sources. This solves the guessing analog of the Slepian–Wolf distributed source-coding problem. The achievability is based on random binning, which is analyzed using a technique by Rosenthal.
Touch-Based Dual-Band System Combined Human Body Communication and Wireless LAN for Wearable Devices
Authors: Park Kunho , Baek Jong Jin , Kim Se Woong , Jeong Min Joo , Kim Youn Tae
Published: March 2019

A touch-based dual-band system (TBDB), in which human body communication (HBC) and wireless local area network (WLAN) are combined to provide an intuitive service, is proposed. The proposed system can connect the network between devices using HBC, and the data is transmitted via WLAN. The network setup is configured within 100 ms through HBC by simply touching the devices to be connected. Subsequently, data is transmitted at high-speed through the WLAN at a data rate of 54 Mbps. Security is advantageous as HBC technology transmits data through physical contact. The TBDB system can provide a system suitable for wearable devices by combining the advantages of HBC with intuitive service and WLAN at a high transfer rate. A transparent electrode that is adaptable to various display panels is used instead of a metal electrode. The proposed TBDB system using the transparent electrode demonstrates a reliable and intuitive video streaming service between a server and a client, simply by touching the devices. The proposed system can be used between most electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and TVs, owing to the intuitive network connection by touch.
TRAC: A Thermal Resistance Advanced Calculator for Electronic Packages
Authors: Codecasa Lorenzo , Race Salvatore , d’Alessandro Vincenzo , Gualandris Donata , Morelli Arianna , Villa Claudio Maria
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a novel simulation tool named thermal resistance advanced calculator (TRAC). Such a tool allows the straightforward definition of a parametric detailed thermal model of electronic packages with Manhattan geometry, in which the key geometrical details and thermal properties can vary in a chosen set. Additionally, it can apply a novel model-order reduction-based approach for the automatic and fast extraction of a parametric compact thermal model of such packages. Furthermore, it is suited to automatically determine the joint electron device engineering council (JEDEC) thermal metrics for any choice of parameters in a negligible amount of time. The tool was validated through the analysis of two families of quad flat packages.
Annual Heating and Hot Water Load Reduction Effect of Air-Based Solar Heating System Using Thermal Simulation
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Mae Masayuki , Roh Hyunwoo , Cho Wanghee
Published: March 2019

This study examines the effect of an air-based solar heating system that can be used directly for convection heating while minimizing thermal leakage. To compare the effect of reducing the heating and hot water load when using the system, a simulation model of the system is created, and annual load calculations are performed. The results of the simulation study show that the annual heating load is reduced by 5.39 GJ and the hot water load is reduced by 10.32 GJ when using the air-based solar heating system, resulting in a 48.3% annual load reduction effect. In addition, by analyzing the thermal balance of the indoor space based on the application of the air-based solar heating system, the problem of the existing system is elucidated. In order to improve the performance of the system as shown in the thermal balance, it is necessary not only to improve the performance of the collector, but also to review its thermal storage, insulation, and proper control.
Fixed Switching Frequency Digital Sliding-Mode Control of DC-DC Power Supplies Loaded by Constant Power Loads with Inrush Current Limitation Capability
Authors: El Aroudi Abdelali , Martínez-Treviño Blanca Areli , Vidal-Idiarte Enric , Cid-Pastor Angel
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a digital sliding-mode controller for a DC-DC boost converter under constant power-loading conditions. The controller has been designed in two steps: the first step is to reach the sliding-mode regime while ensuring inrush current limiting; and the second one is to move the system to the desired operating point. By imposing sliding-mode regime, the equivalent control and the discrete-time large-signal dynamic model of this system are derived. The analysis shows that unlike with a resistive load, the boost converter under a fixed-frequency digital sliding-mode current control with external voltage loop open and loaded by a constant power load, is unstable. Furthermore, as with a resistive load, the system presents a right-half plane zero in the control-to-output transfer function. After that, an outer controller is designed in the z-domain for system stabilization and output voltage regulation. The results show that the system exhibits good performance in startup in terms of inrush current limiting and in transient response due to load and input voltage disturbances. Numerical simulations from a detailed switched model are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. An experimental prototype is implemented to verify the mathematical analysis and the numerical simulation, which results in a perfect agreement in small-signal and steady-state behavior but also in a small discrepancy in the current limitation due a small propagation delay. Some efficient solutions have been proposed to mitigate the inrush current in the experimental results.
Analysis of High-Frequency Dispersion Characteristics of Capacitance and Loss Factor of Aramid Paper Impregnated with Various Dielectric Liquids
Authors: Wolny Stefan
Published: March 2019

This paper presents research results of the loss factor of high voltage insulation samples made of aramid paper impregnated with various types of insulating oil. The analysis was carried out in the high frequency domain in the range of 50 Hz to 1 MHz. The experiments were carried out for three impregnation types: mineral oil, synthetic ester and natural ester. The influence of temperature in the range of 20 °C to 100 °C, which is typical when using this type of insulation in power transformers, was taken into account. In addition, the process of influence of initial aging of aramid paper was simulated by heat soaking the samples before their impregnation at a temperature of 250 °C in multiple time intervals. Based on the analyses of dispersion characteristics of insulation sample loss factors, conclusions and recommendations for further diagnostics of aramid-oil insulations using the method described were delineated.
Mineralogical Asbestos Assessment in the Southern Apennines (Italy): A Review
Authors: Dichicco Maria Carmela , Paternoster Michele , Rizzo Giovanna , Sinisi Rosa
Published: March 2019

This paper deals with petrography and mineralogy of serpentinitic rocks occurring in the Southern Apennines (Italy) with the aim to review the already available literature data and furnish new details on asbestos minerals present in the studied area. Two sites of Southern Italy were taken into account: the Pollino Massif, at the Calabrian-Lucanian border, and the surroundings of the Gimigliano and Mt. Reventino areas where serpentinites of Frido Unit are mainly exposed. Textural and mineralogical features of the studied rocks point to a similar composition for both sites including asbestos minerals such as chrysotile and tremolite-actinolite series mineral phases. Only in the Pollino Massif serpentinites edenite crystals have been detected as well; they are documented here for the first time. This amphibole forms as fibrous and/or prismatic crystals in aggregates associated with serpentine, pyroxene, and calcite. Metamorphism and/or metasomatic alteration of serpentinites are the most probable processes promoting the edenite formation in the Southern Apennine ophiolitic rocks.
Surface Waves Enhance Particle Dispersion
Authors: Farazmand Mohammad , Sapsis Themistoklis
Published: March 2019

We study the horizontal dispersion of passive tracer particles on the free surface of gravity waves in deep water. For random linear waves with the JONSWAP spectrum, the Lagrangian particle trajectories are computed using an exact nonlinear model known as the John–Sclavounos equation. We show that the single-particle dispersion exhibits an unusual super-diffusive behavior. In particular, for large times t, the variance of the tracer ⟨ | X ( t ) | 2 ⟩ increases as a quadratic function of time, i.e., ⟨ | X ( t ) | 2 ⟩ ∼ t 2 . This dispersion is markedly faster than Taylor’s single-particle dispersion theory which predicts that the variance of passive tracers grows linearly with time for large t. Our results imply that the wave motion significantly enhances the dispersion of fluid particles. We show that this super-diffusive behavior is a result of the long-term correlation of the Lagrangian velocities of fluid parcels on the free surface.
Unburying Hidden Land and Maritime Cultural Potential of Small Islands in the Mediterranean for Tracking Heritage-Led Local Development Paths
Authors: Koutsi Dionisia , Stratigea Anastasia
Published: March 2019

Small islands in the Mediterranean Sea, although endowed with exquisite land and maritime natural and cultural resources, are in most cases lagging behind areas, mainly due to insularity. Through their long history, many of them are strongly interwoven to events of European or even global significance, e.g., World War (WW) I and II. Such events have left in their “bodies” important remains, largely conditioning their socio-economic trajectory. Preservation and sustainable management of this Cultural Heritage (CH) is, in this work, perceived as a two-sided coin, serving endurance of European identity, memory, and CH for future generations on the one side; and leveraging future cultural tourism trails of these disadvantaged areas on the other. The goal of this article is to ‘unbury’ land and maritime, tangible and intangible, cultural remains and use them to unveil heritage-led development paths of small Mediterranean islands. This is demonstrated through a specific case study, a distinguishable insular territory and WW II battlefield scenery, Leros Island, Greece; and is accomplished by a participatory spatial planning framework, embedding scenario planning, spatial data management, and e-participation technologies (Web-GIS, social networks) for community engagement. The latter is valued for assessing options available for an integrated, sustainable, and resilient exploitation of land and maritime CH; and raising awareness of local population as to the role of CH as enabler for the transition from past failures to more promising, culturally-driven, and locally-adjusted future development trails.
Gender Identity: The Human Right of Depathologization
Authors: Castro-Peraza Maria Elisa , García-Acosta Jesús Manuel , Delgado Naira , Perdomo-Hernández Ana María , Sosa-Alvarez Maria Inmaculada , Llabrés-Solé Rosa , Lorenzo-Rocha Nieves Doria
Published: March 2019

Background: Transgender people have a gender identity different from the one allocated to them at birth. In many countries, transsexualism and transgenderism are considered mental illnesses under the diagnosis of gender dysphoria. This pathologization impacts on human rights. Main content: The United Nations (UN) has denounced violations against trans-people, including attacks, forced medical treatments, lack of legal gender recognition, and discrimination in the areas of education, employment, access to healthcare, and justice. The UN has linked these violations directly with discriminatory diagnostic classifications that pathologize gender diversity. Trans-people have been pathologized by psycho-medical classification and laws all around the world, with a different impact depending on countries. This paper argues that pathologization infringes infringes upon a wide range of human rights such as; civil, economic, social cultural and also the access to medical care. Conclusions: The current situation for trans-people with respect to legal healthcare matters, depends on the country. Human rights are universal, not a question for cultural interpretation. They are the minimum that every human being must have assured only by the fact of being human. Countries must protect these rights by regulating trans-pathologization with special attention dedicated to intersex people and their specific needs.
Current Scenario of the Tehran Municipal Solid Waste Handling Rules towards Green Technology
Authors: Rupani Parveen Fatemeh , Maleki Delarestaghi Reza , Asadi Hossein , Rezania Shahabaldin , Park Junboum , Abbaspour Madjid , Shao Weilan
Published: March 2019

This study aims to study the waste management process and recycling of municipal waste in Tehran. Currently, Kahrizak is the defined landfill area which collects the waste generated from 22 districts of Tehran. The organic wastes undergo to the windrow composting method in order to manage the partial of the waste generated in the city. Samples from the compost pile generated in Kahrizak were examined to evaluate its fertilizer value to be used further by the farmers. The results show that the obtained compost does not reach the acceptable quality to be used further in agriculture, due to lack of homogeneity, aeration and presence of heavy metals. Overall, it has been concluded that, due to the improper waste segregation and management prior to sending to landfill and presence of non-organic materials such as hazardous metals and medical wastes, causes difficulties in proper waste management, implementation and producing high quality compost. Based on this study the existence of stakeholders, society, economy and proper handling rules can effectively improve the waste management system in the country and leads to the sustainable green environment.
Work-Life Conflict among U.S. Long-Haul Truck Drivers: Influences of Work Organization, Perceived Job Stress, Sleep, and Organizational Support
Authors: Hege Adam , Lemke Michael K. , Apostolopoulos Yorghos , Whitaker Brian , Sönmez Sevil
Published: March 2019

Work-life balance and job stress are critical to health and well-being. Long-haul truck driving (LHTD) is among the unhealthiest and most unsafe occupations in the U.S. Despite these disparities, there are no extant published studies examining the influence of work, stress and sleep outcomes on drivers’ work-life balance. The current study investigated whether adverse work organization, stress, and poor sleep health among LHTDs are significantly associated with work-life conflict. Logistic regression was used to examine how work organization characteristics, job stress, and sleep influenced perceived stress and a composite measure of work-life conflict among a sample of 260 U.S. LHTDs. The pattern of regression results dictated subsequent analyses using structural equation modeling (SEM). Perceived job stress was the only statistically significant predictor for work-life balance. Fast pace of work, sleep duration and sleep quality were predictors of perceived job stress. SEM further elucidated that stress mediates the influences of fast work pace, supervisor/coworker support, and low sleep duration on each of the individual work-life balance indicators. There is an urgent need to address work conditions of LHTDs to better support their health, well-being, and work-life balance. Specifically, the findings from this study illustrate that scheduling practices and sleep outcomes could alleviate job stress and need to be addressed to more effectively support work-life balance. Future research and interventions should focus on policy and systems-level change.
Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Chronic Pain and Leisure Time Physical Activity Among US Adults: A NHANES Study
Authors: Umeda Masataka , Kim Youngdeok
Published: March 2019

Gender disparities in chronic pain are well documented in the literature. However, little is known regarding the relationship between physical activity (PA) and gender disparities in chronic pain. This study described gender differences in prevalence of chronic pain and PA, and identified a type of leisure time PA that individuals frequently chose in a nationally representative sample of US adults (N = 14,449). Data from the National Health Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 were analyzed. Individuals were categorized into no chronic pain (NCP), localized chronic pain (LCP), and widespread chronic pain (WCP) groups based on responses to a pain questionnaire. A self-report PA questionnaire was used to estimate the time spent in different types of PA. Women showed higher prevalence of LCP and WCP compared to men. Men spent more hours per week for leisure time PA compared to women, but men and women showed similar prevalence of sufficient PA to meet a PA recommendation (≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA) across chronic pain categories. However, the prevalence of sufficient PA was substantially higher among men and women with NCP compared to men and women with LCP and WCP. Additionally, both men and women chose walking as the primary type of leisure time PA. Together, gender disparities exist in the prevalence of chronic pain and hours spent for leisure time PA. More research is needed to explore the role of increasing leisure time PA, such as walking, in reducing gender disparities in chronic pain.
Effect of Residential Greenness and Nearby Parks on Respiratory and Allergic Diseases among Middle School Adolescents in a Chinese City
Authors: Li Linyan , Hart Jaime E. , Coull Brent A. , Cao Shi-jie , Spengler John D. , Adamkiewicz Gary
Published: March 2019

Research on the health impacts of green environments has mainly been conducted in developed countries. Differences in the urban forms between China and Western countries make it essential to understand the role of greenspace in Chinese settings. From 2014 to 2015, middle school students (n = 5643) in Suzhou, China were enrolled in a study on the health effect of residential greenness. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and distance to the nearest park were calculated for each home address. Logistic regression was performed to test associations between exposure and self-reported doctor diagnoses of asthma, pneumonia, rhinitis, and eczema, adjusting for important confounders. No statistically significant associations were observed for any seasonal NDVI-based measures. However, the proximity of the participants’ residences to the closest park showed an inverse relationship to reported symptoms. The odds ratios for the furthest quartile compared to the closest quartile based on the distance to the nearest park were 0.58 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.99), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.96), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.15), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.24), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.10) for current asthma, ever asthma, ever pneumonia, ever rhinitis, and ever eczema, respectively. These findings focused on a single Chinese city and suggest that exposure to natural vegetation in urban areas may affect health through various pathways.
Measuring and Visualizing Solar UV for a Wide Range of Atmospheric Conditions on Hawai’i Island
Authors: Mims Forrest M. , McGonigle Andrew J. S. , Wilkes Thomas C. , Parisi Alfio V. , Grant William B. , Cook Joseph M. , Pering Tom D.
Published: March 2019

Hawai’i Island often receives extreme (UV Index ≥ 11) solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). While the UV Index (UVI) has been measured since 1997 at Hawai’i’s high-altitude Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO), measurements where people live and recreate are rare. We measured UVI on the face of a rotating mannequin head with UVR sensors at its eyes, ears and cheeks while simultaneously measuring the UVI with a zenith-facing sensor at MLO and seven sites at or near sea level from 19 July to 14 August 2018. The mannequin sensors received higher UVR at midmorning and midafternoon than at noon. For example, at sea level the peak UVI at the left cheek was 5.2 at midmorning and 2.9 at noon, while the horizontal UVI at noon was 12.7. Our measurements were supplemented with wide-angle (190° and 360°) sky photographs and UV images of the mannequin head. Because the UVI applies to horizontal surfaces, people in tropical and temperate latitudes should be informed that their face may be more vulnerable to UVR at midmorning and midafternoon than at noon. Finally, our instruments provided opportunities to measure unexpected UVR-altering events, including rare biomass smoke over MLO and spectroscopic measurements of substantial UVR-absorbing sulfur dioxide in the eruption plume of the Kilauea volcano.
Shallow Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Sochi Ski-Jump Area Using GIS and Numerical Modelling
Authors: Kang Kai , Ponomarev Andrey , Zerkal Oleg , Huang Shiyuan , Lin Qigen
Published: March 2019

The mountainous region of Greater Sochi, including the Olympic ski-jump complex area, located in the northern Caucasus, is always subjected to landslides. The weathered mudstone of low strength and potential high-intensity earthquakes are considered as the crucial factors causing slope instability in the ski-jump complex area. This study aims to conduct a seismic slope instability map of the area. A slope map was derived from a digital elevation model (DEM) and calculated using ArcGIS. The numerical modelling of slope stability with various slope angles was conducted using Geostudio. The Spencer method was applied to calculate the slope safety factors (Fs). The pseudostatic analysis was used to compute Fs considering seismic effect. A good correlation between Fs and slope angle was found. Combining these data, sets slope instability maps were achieved. Newmark displacement maps were also drawn according to empirical regression equations. The result shows that the static safety factor map corresponds to the existing slope instability locations in a shallow landslide inventory map. The seismic safety factor maps and Newmark displacement maps may be applied to predict potential landslides of the study area in the case of earthquake occurrence.
Transcriptomic Impact of IMA-08401, a Novel AHR Agonist Resembling Laquinimod, on Rat Liver
Authors: Prokopec Stephenie D. , Pohjanvirta Raimo , Mahiout Selma , Pettersson Lars , Boutros Paul C.
Published: March 2019

IMA-08401 (C2) is a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist and selective AHR modulator (SAHRM) that is structurally similar to laquinimod (LAQ). Both compounds are converted to the AHR-active metabolite DELAQ (IMA-06201) in vivo. SAHRMs have been proposed as therapeutic options for various autoimmune disorders. Clinical trials on LAQ have not reported any significant toxic outcomes and C2 has shown low toxicity in rats; however, their functional resemblance to the highly toxic AHR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) raises questions. Here, we characterize the hepatic transcriptomic changes induced by acute (single-dose) and subacute exposure (repeated dosing for 5 days followed by a 5-day recovery period) to C2 in Sprague-Dawley rats. Exposure to C2 leads to activation of the AHR, as shown by altered transcription of Cyp1a1. We identify a heightened response early after exposure that drops off by day 10. Acute exposure to C2 leads to changes to transcription of genes involved in antiviral and antibacterial responses, which highlights the immunomodulator effects of this AHR agonist. Subacute exposure causes an oxidative stress response in the liver, the consequences of which require further study on target tissues such as the CNS and immune system, both of which may be compromised in this patient population.
Progress to Improve Oral Bioavailability and Beneficial Effects of Resveratrol
Authors: Chimento Adele , De Amicis Francesca , Sirianni Rosa , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Puoci Francesco , Casaburi Ivan , Saturnino Carmela , Pezzi Vincenzo
Published: March 2019

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene; RSV) is a natural nonflavonoid polyphenol present in many species of plants, particularly in grapes, blueberries, and peanuts. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that in addition to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and neuroprotective actions, it exhibits antitumor properties. In mammalian models, RSV is extensively metabolized and rapidly eliminated and therefore it shows a poor bioavailability, in spite it of its lipophilic nature. During the past decade, in order to improve RSV low aqueous solubility, absorption, membrane transport, and its poor bioavailability, various methodological approaches and different synthetic derivatives have been developed. In this review, we will describe the strategies used to improve pharmacokinetic characteristics and then beneficial effects of RSV. These methodological approaches include RSV nanoencapsulation in lipid nanocarriers or liposomes, nanoemulsions, micelles, insertion into polymeric particles, solid dispersions, and nanocrystals. Moreover, the biological results obtained on several synthetic derivatives containing different substituents, such as methoxylic, hydroxylic groups, or halogens on the RSV aromatic rings, will be described. Results reported in the literature are encouraging but require additional in vivo studies, to support clinical applications.
Deletion of TSPO Resulted in Change of Metabolomic Profile in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Alamri Abdulwahab , Biswas Lincoln , Watson David G. , Shu Xinhua
Published: March 2019

Age-related macular degeneration is the main cause of vision loss in the aged population worldwide. Drusen, extracellular lesions formed underneath the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, are a clinical feature of AMD and associated with AMD progression. RPE cells support photoreceptor function by providing nutrition, phagocytosing outer segments and removing metabolic waste. Dysfunction and death of RPE cells are early features of AMD. The translocator protein, TSPO, plays an important role in RPE cholesterol efflux and loss of TSPO results in increased intracellular lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This study aimed to investigate the impact of TSPO knockout on RPE cellular metabolism by identifying the metabolic differences between wildtype and knockout RPE cells, with or without treatment with oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS), we differentiated several metabolic pathways among wildtype and knockout cells. Lipids amongst other intracellular metabolites were the most influenced by loss of TSPO and/or oxLDL treatment. Glucose, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism was also affected. TSPO deletion led to up-regulation of fatty acids and glycerophospholipids, which in turn possibly affected the cell membrane fluidity and stability. Higher levels of glutathione disulphide (GSSG) were found in TSPO knockout RPE cells, suggesting TSPO regulates mitochondrial-mediated oxidative stress. These data provide biochemical insights into TSPO-associated function in RPE cells and may shed light on disease mechanisms in AMD.
Bevacizumab-Based Chemotherapy Triggers Immunological Effects in Responding Multi-Treated Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients by Favoring the Recruitment of Effector T Cell Subsets
Authors: Napoletano Chiara , Ruscito Ilary , Bellati Filippo , Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Rahimi Hassan , Gasparri Maria Luisa , Antonilli Morena , Panici Pierluigi Benedetti , Rughetti Aurelia , Nuti Marianna
Published: March 2019

Increasing evidence strongly suggests that bevacizumab compound impacts the immunological signature of cancer patients and normalizes tumor vasculature. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the clinical response to bevacizumab-based chemotherapy and the improvement of immune fitness of multi-treated ovarian cancer patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 20 consecutive recurrent ovarian cancer patients retrospectively selected to have received bevacizumab or non-bevacizumab-based chemotherapy (Bev group and Ctrl group, respectively) were analyzed. CD4, CD8, and regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets were monitored at the beginning (T0) and after three and six cycles of treatment, together with IL10 production. A lower activated and resting Treg subset was found in the Bev group compared with the Ctrl group until the third therapy cycle, suggesting a reduced immunosuppressive signature. Indeed, clinically responding patients in the Bev group showed a high percentage of non-suppressive Treg and a significant lower IL10 production compared with non-responding patients in the Bev group after three cycles. Furthermore, clinically responding patients showed a discrete population of effector T cell at T0 independent of the therapeutic regimen. This subset was maintained throughout the therapy in only the Bev group. This study evidences that bevacizumab could affect the clinical response of cancer patients, reducing the percentage of Treg and sustaining the circulation of the effector T cells. Results also provide a first rationale regarding the positive immunologic synergism of combining bevacizumab with immunotherapy in multi-treated ovarian cancer patients.
Advanced Electric Discharge Machining of Stainless Steels: Assessment of the State of the Art, Gaps and Future Prospect
Authors: Abu Qudeiri Jaber E. , Saleh Ahmad , Ziout Aiman , Mourad Abdel-Hamid I. , Abidi Mustufa Haider , Elkaseer Ahmed
Published: March 2019

Electric discharge machining (EDM) is a material removal process that is especially useful for difficult-to-cut materials with complex shapes and is widely used in aerospace, automotive, surgical tools among other fields. EDM is one of the most efficient manufacturing processes and is used to achieve highly accurate production. It is a non-contact thermal energy process used to machine electrically conductive components irrespective of the material’s mechanical properties. Studies related to the EDM have shown that the process performance can be considerably improved by properly selecting the process material and operating parameters. This paper reviews research studies on the application of EDM to different grades of stainless steel materials and describes experimental and theoretical studies of EDM that have attempted to improve the process performance, by considering material removal rate, surface quality and tool wear rate, amongst others. In addition, this paper examines evaluation models and techniques used to determine the EDM process conditions. This review also presents a discussion on developments in EDM and outlines the likely trend for future research.
Binary Oxides Prepared by Microwave-Assisted Solution Combustion: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Frikha Kawthar , Limousy Lionel , Bouaziz Jamel , Chaari Kamel , Josien Ludovic , Nouali Habiba , Michelin Laure , Vidal Loic , Hajjar-Garreau Samar , Bennici Simona
Published: March 2019

Three different alumina-based Ni, Cu, Co oxide catalysts with metal loading of 10 wt %, and labeled 10Ni–Al, 10Co–Al and 10Cu–Al, were prepared by microwave-assisted solution combustion. Their morphological, structural and surface properties were deeply investigated by complementary physico-chemical techniques. Finally, the three materials were tested in CO oxidation used as test reaction for comparing their catalytic performance. The 10Cu–Al catalyst was constituted of copper oxide phase, while the 10Ni–Al and 10Co–Al catalysts showed the presence of “spinels” phases on the surface. The well-crystallized copper oxide phase in the 10Cu–Al catalyst, obtained by microwave synthesis, allowed for obtaining very high catalytic activity. With a CO conversion of 100% at 225 °C, the copper containing catalyst showed a much higher activity than that usually measured for catalytic materials of similar composition, thus representing a promising alternative for oxidation processes.
Room Temperature Synthesis of V-Doped TiO2 and Its Photocatalytic Activity in the Removal of Caffeine under UV Irradiation
Authors: Sacco Olga , Sannino Diana , Matarangolo Mariantonietta , Vaiano Vincenzo
Published: March 2019

In this work, the influence of simple acids in the room temperature sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 was investigated and the efficiency of prepared photocatalysts was evaluated in the removal of caffeine. To improve the photoactivity of TiO2, vanadium-doped TiO2 (VTiO2) samples were obtained starting from different amount of vanadyl sulphate as a dopant source. The samples were centrifuged, washed and finally dried at room temperature, and no calcination step was carried out. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by different techniques (X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), specific surface area (SSA), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) and Raman). VTiO2 photocatalysts were tested in the photocatalytic removal of aqueous solutions containing caffeine. The photocatalytic tests were carried out in a recirculating batch cylindrical photoreactor irradiated by a UV LEDs strip (nominal power of 12 W and wavelength emission peak at about 365 nm) surrounding the external surface of the reactor. The optimized VTiO2 photocatalyst was able to reach a caffeine degradation of about 96% after 360 min of UV light irradiation with a total organic carbon (TOC) removal of 72%.
Parametric Modeling of Biomimetic Cortical Bone Microstructure for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Robles-Linares José A. , Ramírez-Cedillo Erick , Siller Hector R. , Rodríguez Ciro A. , Martínez-López J. Israel
Published: March 2019

In this work we present a novel algorithm for generating in-silico biomimetic models of a cortical bone microstructure towards manufacturing biomimetic bone via additive manufacturing. The software provides a tool for physicians or biomedical engineers to develop models of cortical bone that include the inherent complexity of the microstructure. The correspondence of the produced virtual prototypes with natural bone tissue was assessed experimentally employing Digital Light Processing (DLP) of a thermoset polymer resin to recreate healthy and osteoporotic bone tissue microstructure. The proposed tool was successfully implemented to develop cortical bone structure based on osteon density, cement line thickness, and the Haversian and Volkmann channels to produce a user-designated bone porosity that matches within values reported from literature for these types of tissues. Characterization of the specimens using a Scanning Electron Microscopy with Focused Ion Beam (SEM/FIB) and Computer Tomography (CT) revealed that the manufacturability of intricated virtual prototype is possible for scaled-up versions of the tissue. Modeling based on the density, inclination and size range of the osteon and Haversian and Volkmann´s canals granted the development of a dynamic in-silico porosity (13.37–21.49%) that matches with models of healthy and osteoporotic bone. Correspondence of the designed porosity with the manufactured assessment (5.79–16.16%) shows that the introduced methodology is a step towards the development of more refined and lifelike porous structures such as cortical bone. Further research is required for validation of the proposed methodology model of the real bone tissue and as a patient-specific customization tool of synthetic bone.
A Near Real-Time Automatic Speaker Recognition Architecture for Voice-Based User Interface
Authors: Dhakal Parashar , Damacharla Praveen , Javaid Ahmad Y. , Devabhaktuni Vijay
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we present a novel pipelined near real-time speaker recognition architecture that enhances the performance of speaker recognition by exploiting the advantages of hybrid feature extraction techniques that contain the features of Gabor Filter (GF), Convolution Neural Networks (CNN), and statistical parameters as a single matrix set. This architecture has been developed to enable secure access to a voice-based user interface (UI) by enabling speaker-based authentication and integration with an existing Natural Language Processing (NLP) system. Gaining secure access to existing NLP systems also served as motivation. Initially, we identify challenges related to real-time speaker recognition and highlight the recent research in the field. Further, we analyze the functional requirements of a speaker recognition system and introduce the mechanisms that can address these requirements through our novel architecture. Subsequently, the paper discusses the effect of different techniques such as CNN, GF, and statistical parameters in feature extraction. For the classification, standard classifiers such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and Deep Neural Network (DNN) are investigated. To verify the validity and effectiveness of the proposed architecture, we compared different parameters including accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity with the standard AlexNet architecture.
Preparation and Identification of ACE Inhibitory Peptides from the Marine Macroalga Ulva intestinalis
Authors: Sun Siqi , Xu Xiaoting , Sun Xue , Zhang Xiaoqian , Chen Xinping , Xu Nianjun
Published: March 2019

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides derived from seaweed represent a potential source of new antihypertensive. The aim of this study was to isolate and purify ACE inhibitory peptides (ACEIPs) from the protein hydrolysate of the marine macroalga Ulva intestinalis. U. intestinalis protein was hydrolyzed by five different proteases (trypsin, pepsin, papain, α-chymotrypsin, alcalase) to prepare peptides; compared with other hydrolysates, the trypsin hydrolysates exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity. The hydrolysis conditions were further optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), and the optimum conditions were as follows: pH 8.4, temperature 28.5 °C, enzyme/protein ratio (E/S) 4.0%, substrate concentration 15 mg/mL, and enzymolysis time 5.0 h. After fractionation and purification by ultrafiltration, gel exclusion chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, two novel purified ACE inhibitors with IC50 values of 219.35 μM (0.183 mg/mL) and 236.85 μM (0.179 mg/mL) were obtained. The molecular mass and amino acid sequence of the ACE inhibitory peptides were identified as Phe-Gly-Met-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg (FGMPLDR; MW 834.41 Da) and Met-Glu-Leu-Val-Leu-Arg (MELVLR; MW 759.43 Da) by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A molecular docking study revealed that the ACE inhibitory activities of the peptides were mainly attributable to the hydrogen bond and Zn(II) interactions between the peptides and ACE. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the high-valued application of U. intestinalis and the development of food-derived ACE inhibitory peptides.
Comparative Transcriptome Analyses Provide Potential Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Astaxanthin in the Protection against Alcoholic Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Liu Huilin , Liu Huimin , Zhu Lingyu , Zhang Ziqi , Zheng Xin , Liu Jingsheng , Fu Xueqi
Published: March 2019

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. It is a complex process, including a broad spectrum of hepatic lesions from fibrosis to cirrhosis. Our previous study suggested that astaxanthin (AST) could alleviate the hepatic inflammation and lipid dysmetabolism induced by ethanol administration. In this study, a total of 48 male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups: a Con group (fed with a Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet), an AST group (fed with a Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet and AST), an Et group (fed with an ethanol-containing Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet), and a EtAST group (fed with an ethanol-containing Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet and AST). Then, comparative hepatic transcriptome analysis among the groups was performed by Illumina RNA sequencing. Gene enrichment analysis was conducted to identify pathways affected by the differentially expressed genes. Changes of the top genes were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. A total of 514.95 ± 6.89, 546.02 ± 15.93, 576.06 ± 21.01, and 690.85 ± 54.14 million clean reads were obtained for the Con, AST, Et, and EtAST groups, respectively. Compared with the Et group, 1892 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (including 351 upregulated and 1541 downregulated genes) were identified in the AST group, 1724 differentially expressed genes (including 233 upregulated and 1491 downregulated genes) were identified in the Con group, and 1718 DEGs (including 1380 upregulated and 338 downregulated genes) were identified in the EtAST group. The enrichment analyses revealed that the chemokine signaling, the antigen processing and presentation, the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling, and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathways enriched the most differentially expressed genes. The findings of this study provide insights for the development of nutrition-related therapeutics for ALD.
In Vitro Effects of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil) and its Principal Component Terpinen-4-ol on Swine Spermatozoa
Authors: Elmi Alberto , Ventrella Domenico , Barone Francesca , Carnevali Giacomo , Filippini Gianfranco , Pisi Annamaria , Benvenuti Stefania , Scozzoli Maurizio , Bacci Maria Laura
Published: March 2019

The growing interest towards essential oils stems from their biological capabilities that include antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Such properties may be extremely useful in the reproductive field; nonetheless essential oils show toxic effects that can lead to cell disruption. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of tea tree oil (TTO) and its principal component terpinen-4-ol (TER) on the morpho-functional parameters of swine spermatozoa. Experimental samples were prepared by suspending 15 × 107 spermatozoa in 5 mL of medium with different concentrations of the above-mentioned compounds: from 0.2 to 2 mg/mL at an interval of 0.2 for TTO, while TER concentrations were adjusted according to its presence in TTO (41.5%). After 3 h incubation at 16 °C, samples were analyzed for pH, viability, acrosome status, and objective motility. The results highlighted a concentration-dependent effect of TTO with total motility as the most sensitive parameter. TER was better tolerated, and the most sensitive parameters were related to membrane integrity, suggesting a different pattern of interaction. The study confirms the importance of evaluating the effects of natural compounds on spermatozoa before exploiting their beneficial effects. Spermatozoa seem to be good candidates for preliminary toxicological screenings in the light of their peculiar properties.