bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficiency of Long-Term Forecasting Model on Final Energy Consumption in Thailand’s Petroleum Industries Sector: Enriching the LT-ARIMAXS Model under a Sustainability Policy
Authors: Sutthichaimethee Pruethsan , Kubaha Kuskana
Published: August 2018

Presently, Thailand runs various sustainable development-based policies to boost the growth in economy, society, and environment. In this study, the economic and social growth was found to continuously increase and negatively deteriorate the environment at the same time due to a more massive final energy consumption in the petroleum industries sector than any other sectors. Therefore, it is necessary to establish national planning and it requires an effective forecasting model to support Thailand’s policy-making. This study aimed to construct a forecasting model for a final energy consumption prediction in Thailand’s petroleum industry sector for a longer-term (2018–2037) at a maximum efficiency from a certain class of methods. The Long Term-Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogeneous variables and Error Correction Mechanism model (LT-ARIMAXS model) (p, d, q, Xi, ECT(t−1)) was adapted from the autoregressive and moving average model incorporating influential variables together in both long-term relationships to produce the best model for prediction performance. All relevant variables in the model are stationary at Level I(0) or Level I(1). In terms of the extraneous variables, they consist of per capita GDP, population growth, oil price, energy intensity, urbanization rate, industrial structure, and net exports. The study found that the variables used are the causal factors and stationary at the first difference as well as co-integrated. With such features, it reflects that the variables are influential over the final energy consumption. The LT-ARIMAXS model (2,1,2) determined a proper period (t − i) through a white noise process with the Q test statistical method. It shows that the LT-ARIMAXS model (2,1,2) does not generate the issues of heteroskedasticity, multicollinearity, and autocorrelation. The performance of LT-ARIMAXS model (2,1,2) was tested based on the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the root mean square error (RMSE). The LT-ARIMAXS model (2,1,2) can predict the final energy consumption based on the Sustainable Development Plan for the 20 years from 2018 to 2037. The results showed that the final energy consumption continues to increase steadily by 121,461 ktoe in 2037. Furthermore, the findings present that the growth rate (2037/2017) increases by 109.8%, which is not in line with Thailand’s reduction policy. In this study, the MAPE was valued at 0.97% and RMSE was valued at 2.12% when compared to the other old models. Therefore, the LT-ARIMAXS model (2,1,2) can be useful and appropriate for policy-making to achieve sustainability.
Streamer Inception from Ultra-Sharp Needles in Mineral Oil Based Nanofluids
Authors: Aljure Mauricio , Becerra Marley , Karlsson Mattias E.
Published: August 2018

Positive and negative streamer inception voltages from ultra-sharp needle tips (with tip radii below 0.5 μm) are measured in TiO2, SiO2, Al2O3, ZnO and C60 nanofluids. The experiments are performed at several concentrations of nanoparticles dispersed in mineral oil. It is found that nanoparticles influence positive and negative streamers in different ways. TiO2, SiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles increase the positive streamer inception voltage only, whilst ZnO and C60 nanoparticles augment the streamer inception voltages in both polarities. Using these results, the main hypotheses explaining the improvement in the dielectric strength of the host oil due to the presence of nanoparticles are analyzed. It is found that the water adsorption hypothesis of nanoparticles is consistent with the increments in the reported positive streamer inception voltages. It is also shown that the hypothesis of nanoparticles reducing the electron velocity by hopping transport mechanisms fails to explain the results obtained for negative streamers. Finally, the hypothesis of nanoparticles attaching electrons according to their charging characteristics is found to be consistent with the results hereby presented on negative streamers.
A Novel Single-Terminal Fault Location Method for AC Transmission Lines in a MMC-HVDC-Based AC/DC Hybrid System
Authors: Xue Shimin , Lu Junchi , Liu Chong , Sun Yabing , Liu Baibing , Gu Cheng
Published: August 2018

Accurate and reliable fault location method for alternating current (AC) transmission lines is essential to the fault recovery. MMC-based converter brings exclusive non-linear characteristics to AC networks under single-phase-to-ground faults, thus influencing the performance of the fault location method. Fault characteristics are related to the control strategies of the converter. However, the existing fault location methods do not take the control strategies into account, with further study being required to solve this problem. The influence of the control strategies to the fault compound sequence network is analyzed in this paper first. Then, a unique boundary condition that the fault voltage and negative-sequence fault current merely meet the direct proportion linear relationship at the fault point, is derived. Based on these, a unary linear regression analysis is performed, and the fault can be located according to the minimum residual sum function principle. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by PSCAD/EMTDC simulation platform. A large number of simulation results are used to verify the advantages on sampling frequency, fault resistance, and fault distance. More importantly, it provides a higher ranging precision and has extensive applicability.
Power Quality: Scientific Collaboration Networks and Research Trends
Authors: Montoya Francisco , Baños Raul , Alcayde Alfredo , Montoya Maria , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: August 2018

Power quality is a research field related to the proper operation of devices and technological equipment in industry, service, and domestic activities. The level of power quality is determined by variations in voltage, frequency, and waveforms with respect to reference values. These variations correspond to different types of disturbances, including power fluctuations, interruptions, and transients. Several studies have been focused on analysing power quality issues. However, there is a lack of studies on the analysis of both the trending topics and the scientific collaboration network underlying the field of power quality. To address these aspects, an advanced model is used to retrieve data from publications related to power quality and analyse this information using a graph visualisation software and statistical tools. The results suggest that research interests are mainly focused on the analysis of power quality problems and mitigation techniques. Furthermore, they are observed important collaboration networks between researchers within and across countries.
BiPAD: Binomial Point Process Based Energy-Aware Data Dissemination in Opportunistic D2D Networks
Authors: Han Seho , Lee Kisong , Choi Hyun-Ho , Lee Howon
Published: August 2018

In opportunistic device-to-device (D2D) networks, the epidemic routing protocol can be used to optimize the message delivery ratio. However, it has the disadvantage that it causes excessive coverage overlaps and wastes energy in message transmissions because devices are more likely to receive duplicates from neighbors. We therefore propose an efficient data dissemination algorithm that can reduce undesired transmission overlap with little performance degradation in the message delivery ratio. The proposed algorithm allows devices further away than the k-th furthest distance from the source device to forward a message to their neighbors. These relay devices are determined by analysis based on a binomial point process (BPP). Using a set of intensive simulations, we present the resulting network performances with respect to the total number of received messages, the forwarding efficiency and the actual number of relays. In particular, we find the optimal number of relays to achieve almost the same message delivery ratio as the epidemic routing protocol for a given network deployment. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can achieve almost the same message delivery ratio as the epidemic routing protocol while improving the forwarding efficiency by over 103% when k≥10.
The Efficiency of Nitrogen and Flue Gas as Operating Gases in Explosive Decompression Pretreatment
Authors: Raud Merlin , Rooni Vahur , Kikas Timo
Published: August 2018

As the pretreatment process is the most expensive and energy-consuming step in the overall second generation bioethanol production process, it is vital that it is studied and optimized in order to be able to develop the most efficient production process. The aim of this paper was to investigate chemical and physical changes in biomass during the process of applying the explosive decompression pretreatment method using two different gases—N2 and synthetic flue gas. The explosive decompression method is economically and environmentally attractive since no chemicals are used—rather it is pressure that is applied—and water is used to break down the biomass structure. Both pre-treatment methods were used at different temperatures. To be able to compare the effects of the pretreatment, samples from different process steps were gathered together and analysed. The results were used to assess the efficiency of the pretreatment, the chemical and physical changes in the biomass and, finally, the mass balances were compiled for the process during the different process steps of bioethanol production. The results showed that both pre-treatment methods are effective in hemicellulose dissolution, while the cellulose content decreases to a smaller degree. The high glucose and ethanol yields were gained with both explosive pretreatment methods at 175 °C (15.2–16.0 g glucose and 5.6–9.0 g ethanol per 100 g of dry biomass, respectively).
Recent Developments on the Origin and Nature of Reductive Sulfurous Off-Odours in Wine
Authors: Müller Nikolaus , Rauhut Doris
Published: August 2018

Reductive sulfurous off-odors are still one of the main reasons for rejecting wines by consumers. In 2008 at the International Wine Challenge in London, approximately 6% of the more than 10,000 wines presented were described as faulty. Twenty-eight percent were described as faulty because they presented “reduced characters” similar to those presented by “cork taint” and in nearly the same portion. Reductive off-odors are caused by low volatile sulfurous compounds. Their origin may be traced back to the metabolism of the microorganisms (yeasts and lactic acid bacteria) involved in the fermentation steps during wine making, often followed by chemical conversions. The main source of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are precursors from the sulfate assimilation pathway (SAP, sometimes named as the “sulfate reduction pathway” SRP), used by yeast to assimilate sulfur from the environment and incorporate it into the essential sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine. Reductive off-odors became of increasing interest within the last few years, and the method to remove them by treatment with copper (II) salts (sulfate or citrate) is more and more questioned: The effectiveness is doubted, and after prolonged bottle storage, they reappear quite often. Numerous reports within the last few years and an ongoing flood of publications dealing with this matter reflect the importance of this problem. In a recent detailed review, almost all relevant aspects were discussed on a scientific data basis, and a “decision tree” was formulated to support winemakers handling this problem. Since we are dealing with a very complicated matter with a multitude of black spots still remaining, these advices can only be realized using specific equipment and special chemicals, not necessarily found in small wineries. The main problem in dealing with sulfurous compounds arises from the high variability of their reactivities. Sulfur is a metalloid with a large valence span across eight electron transformations from S (−II) up to S (+VI). This allows it to participate in an array of oxidation, reduction and disproportionation reactions, both abiotic and linked to microbial metabolism. In addition, sulfur is the element with the most allotropes and a high tendency to form chains and rings, with different stabilities of defined species and a high interconvertibility among each other. We suppose, there is simply a lack of knowledge of what is transferred during filling into bottles after fermentation and fining procedures. The treatment with copper (II) salts to remove sulfurous off-odors before filling rather increases instead of solving the problem. This paper picks up the abundant knowledge from recent literature and tries to add some aspects and observations, based on the assumption that the formation of polythionates, hitherto not taken into consideration, may explain some of the mystery of the re-appearance of reductive off-odors.
On the Finding of the Rare Crab Paragalene longicrura (Nardo, 1868) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Progeryonidae) from Thermaikos Gulf, Northwest Aegean Sea, Greece
Authors: Kampouris Thodoros E. , Milenkova Debora , Batjakas Ioannis E.
Published: August 2018

The finding of a rare crab, Paragalene longicrura, is herein recorded from Thermaikos Gulf. This constitutes the northmost record of the species in Greek waters. The species is only known from sporadic records in the eastern Mediterranean basin. Ecological remarks on the habitat of P. longicrura and other decapod species are described for the first time for the Mediterranean.
Concepts for Developing Physical Gels of Chitosan and of Chitosan Derivatives
Authors: Sacco Pasquale , Furlani Franco , De Marzo Gaia , Marsich Eleonora , Paoletti Sergio , Donati Ivan
Published: August 2018

Chitosan macro- and micro/nano-gels have gained increasing attention in recent years, especially in the biomedical field, given the well-documented low toxicity, degradability, and non-immunogenicity of this unique biopolymer. In this review we aim at recapitulating the recent gelling concepts for developing chitosan-based physical gels. Specifically, we describe how nowadays it is relatively simple to prepare networks endowed with different sizes and shapes simply by exploiting physical interactions, namely (i) hydrophobic effects and hydrogen bonds—mostly governed by chitosan chemical composition—and (ii) electrostatic interactions, mainly ensured by physical/chemical chitosan features, such as the degree of acetylation and molecular weight, and external parameters, such as pH and ionic strength. Particular emphasis is dedicated to potential applications of this set of materials, especially in tissue engineering and drug delivery sectors. Lastly, we report on chitosan derivatives and their ability to form gels. Additionally, we discuss the recent findings on a lactose-modified chitosan named Chitlac, which has proved to form attractive gels both at the macro- and at the nano-scale.
Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing Approaches to Evaluate HIV-1 Virus in Blood Compartments
Authors: Arias Andrea , López Pablo , Sánchez Raphael , Yamamura Yasuhiro , Rivera-Amill Vanessa
Published: August 2018

The implementation of antiretroviral treatment combined with the monitoring of drug resistance mutations improves the quality of life of HIV-1 positive patients. The drug resistance mutation patterns and viral genotypes are currently analyzed by DNA sequencing of the virus in the plasma of patients. However, the virus compartmentalizes, and different T cell subsets may harbor distinct viral subsets. In this study, we compared the patterns of HIV distribution in cell-free (blood plasma) and cell-associated viruses (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMCs) derived from ART-treated patients by using Sanger sequencing- and Next-Generation sequencing-based HIV assay. CD4+CD45RA−RO+ memory T-cells were isolated from PBMCs using a BD FACSAria instrument. HIV pol (protease and reverse transcriptase) was RT-PCR or PCR amplified from the plasma and the T-cell subset, respectively. Sequences were obtained using Sanger sequencing and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Sanger sequences were aligned and edited using RECall software (beta v3.03). The Stanford HIV database was used to evaluate drug resistance mutations. Illumina MiSeq platform and HyDRA Web were used to generate and analyze NGS data, respectively. Our results show a high correlation between Sanger sequencing and NGS results. However, some major and minor drug resistance mutations were only observed by NGS, albeit at different frequencies. Analysis of low-frequency drugs resistance mutations and virus distribution in the blood compartments may provide information to allow a more sustainable response to therapy and better disease management.
IgA Deficiency and Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
Authors: Di Genova Lorenza , Ceppi Stefania , Stefanelli Maurizio , Esposito Susanna
Published: August 2018

Background: Imunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency (IgAD) is the most common form of primary immunodeficiency in Western countries. There have been several reports on IgAD complicated by glomerulonephritis in adults, but only very few cases of IgAD with nephropathy have been reported in children. We present two cases of IgAD with relapsing nephrotic syndrome in pediatric age. Case presentation: A 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old boy presented with bilateral periorbital oedema and weight gain. The results of laboratory tests revealed IgAD (IgA < 7 mg/dL), normal creatinine, hypoprotidaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and nephrotic proteinuria. A diagnosis of IgAD and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome was made, and steroid treatment (prednisone 60 mg/mq/day) was started. During steroid tapering, the children experienced several relapses and to obtain a positive outcome they required therapy with human monoclonal anti-CD20 antibodies (rituximab in the first child, ofatumumab in the second one). Conclusions: Our cases highlight that IgAD can be observed in nephrotic syndrome and nephropathy in children with IgAD appears to be complicated and difficult to treat with corticosteroids alone. Further research is needed to better describe the clinical manifestations and pathological pictures among subjects with IgAD and nephrotic syndrome to understand whether IgAD has a prognostic value in children with nephrotic syndrome and to let clinical physicians define a more personalized and appropriate approach for the management of these patients.
Emission Characteristics of Particulate Matter, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Trace Elements from the Combustion of Coals in Mongolia
Authors: Barabad Mona Loraine M. , Jung Wonseok , Versoza Michael E. , Kim Minjeong , Ko Sangwon , Park Duckshin , Lee Kiyoung
Published: August 2018

This study characterized emissions of particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and anions from Mongolian bituminous coals in a controlled heating experiment. Three coal samples from Alag Tolgoi (coal 1), Baganuur (coal 2), and Nalaikh (coal 3) were combusted at a constant heat flux of 50 kW/m2 using a dual-cone calorimeter. The coal samples were commonly used in ger district of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. PM10 emission factors were 1122.9 ± 526.2, 958.1 ± 584.0, and 472.0 ± 57.1 mg/kg for coal samples 1, 2, and 3, respectively. PM with a diameter of 0.35–0.45 µm was dominant and accounted for 41, 34, and 48% of the total PM for coal samples 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The emissions of PM and VOC from coals commonly used in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia were significant enough to cause extremely high levels of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Road Traffic Noise, Air Pollutants, and the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease in Taichung, Taiwan
Authors: Yang Wei-Ting , Wang Ven-Shing , Chang Li-Te , Chuang Kai-Jen , Chuang Hsiao-Chi , Liu Chiu-Shong , Bao Bo-Ying , Chang Ta-Yuan
Published: August 2018

Background: A few studies have investigated the interaction between exposure to road traffic noise, air pollutants, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but their results were inconsistent. This cross-sectional study investigated whether road traffic noise, particulate matter with dynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10) and nitrogen dioxides (NO2) exposure were independently associated with the risk of CVD. Methods: We recruited 663 volunteers who had been living near main roads for more than three years in 2008. Information concerning the subjects’ home addresses was combined with noise measurements at 42 locations and annual average of air pollutants from 2 monitoring stations to estimate individual exposure. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for diagnosed CVD, adjusting for potential confounders and co-exposure. Results: Only per 5-dBA increase in road traffic noise was significantly associated with elevated risk of CVD (adjusted OR = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–3.93) in the single-exposure models. Such association was aggravated (adjusted OR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.41–6.23) after adjustment for total traffic and PM10 or NO2 in the two-exposure models. Conclusions: Road traffic noise exposure may be associated with the increasing prevalence of CVD. No synergistic association was observed between co-exposure to noise and air pollutants and the risk of CVD.
miRNA-34c Overexpression Causes Dendritic Loss and Memory Decline
Authors: Kao Yu-Chia , Wang I-Fang , Tsai Kuen-Jer
Published: August 2018

Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in numerous aspects of the nervous system and are increasingly recognized as key regulators in neurodegenerative diseases. This study hypothesized that miR-34c, a miRNA expressed in mammalian hippocampi whose expression level can alter the hippocampal dendritic spine density, could induce memory impairment akin to that of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in mice. In this study, we showed that miR-34c overexpression in hippocampal neurons negatively regulated dendritic length and spine density. Hippocampal neurons transfected with miR-34c had shorter dendrites on average and fewer filopodia and spines than those not transfected with miR-34c (control mice). Because dendrites and synapses are key sites for signal transduction and fundamental structures for memory formation and storage, disrupted dendrites can contribute to AD. Therefore, we supposed that miR-34c, through its effects on dendritic spine density, influences synaptic plasticity and plays a key role in AD pathogenesis.
A Proteomic Approach to Uncover Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Oleocanthal against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Giusti Laura , Angeloni Cristina , Barbalace Maria Cristina , Lacerenza Serena , Ciregia Federica , Ronci Maurizio , Urbani Andrea , Manera Clementina , Digiacomo Maria , Macchia Marco , Mazzoni Maria Rosa , Lucacchini Antonio , Hrelia Silvana
Published: August 2018

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders that share common features like abnormal protein aggregation, perturbed Ca2+ homeostasis, excitotoxicity, impairment of mitochondrial functions, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances in the research of biomarkers, early diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy, there are no treatments that can halt the progression of these age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that long-term intake of a Mediterranean diet, characterized by a high consumption of extra virgin olive oil, correlates with better cognition in aged populations. Olive oil phenolic compounds have been demonstrated to have different biological activities like antioxidant, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Oleocanthal, a phenolic component of extra virgin olive oil, is getting more and more scientific attention due to its interesting biological activities. The aim of this research was to characterize the neuroprotective effects of oleocanthal against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, protein expression profiling, combined with pathways analyses, was used to investigate the molecular events related to the protective effects. Oleocanthal was demonstrated to counteract oxidative stress, increasing cell viability, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) intracellular level. Proteomic analysis revealed that oleocanthal significantly modulates 19 proteins in the presence of H2O2. In particular, oleocanthal up-regulated proteins related to the proteasome, the chaperone heat shock protein 90, the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase, and the antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin 1. Moreover, oleocanthal protection seems to be mediated by Akt activation. These data offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind oleocanthal protection against oxidative stress.
An Innovative Approach to Manganese-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Coating on Zinc Oxide–Coated 316L SS for Implant Application
Authors: Ananth Karuppasamy Prem , Sun Jinxing , Bai Jiaming
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the synthesis of porous manganese substituted hydroxyapatite (Mn-HAp) coating on zinc oxide (ZnO) coated stainless steel (316L SS) using the electrodeposition technique is reported. The structural, functional, morphological, and elemental analyses are characterized by various analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results of electrochemical techniques such as cyclic polarization and impedance show that the Mn-HAp coating on ZnO coated 316L SS has the highest corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Moreover, dissolution of metal ions was extremely reduced, as evaluated by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The adhesion and hardness of Mn-HAp/ZnO bilayer coatings have superior mechanical properties over individual coatings. Further, the biocompatibility of in vitro osteoblast attachment, cell viability, and live/dead assessment also confirmed the suitability of Mn-HAp/ZnO bilayer coating on 316L SS for orthopedic applications.
Differential and Interactive Effects of Substrate Topography and Chemistry on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Gene Expression
Authors: Li Qiongfang , Zhang Bo , Kasoju Naresh , Ma Jinmin , Yang Aidong , Cui Zhanfeng , Wang Hui , Ye Hua
Published: August 2018

Variations in substrate chemistry and the micro-structure were shown to have a significant effect on the biology of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). This occurs when differences in the surface properties indirectly modulate pathways within numerous signaling networks that control cell fate. To understand how the surface features affect hMSC gene expression, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis of bone marrow-derived hMSCs cultured on tissue culture-treated polystyrene (TCP) and poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) based substrates of differing topography (Fl: flat and Fs: fibrous) and chemistry (Pr: pristine and Am: aminated). Whilst 80% of gene expression remained similar for cells cultured on test substrates, the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that surface topography significantly altered gene expression more than surface chemistry. The Fl and Fs topologies introduced opposite directional alternations in gene expression when compared to TCP control. In addition, the effect of chemical treatment interacted with that of topography in a synergistic manner with the Pr samples promoting more DEGs than Am samples in all gene ontology function groups. These findings not only highlight the significance of the culture surface on regulating the overall gene expression profile but also provide novel insights into cell-material interactions that could help further design the next-generation biomaterials to facilitate hMSC applications. At the same time, further studies are required to investigate whether or not the observations noted correlate with subsequent protein expression and functionality of cells.
Modeling Endometrial Cancer: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Van Nyen Tom , Moiola Cristian P. , Colas Eva , Annibali Daniela , Amant Frédéric
Published: August 2018

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of cancer of the female reproductive tract. Although prognosis is generally good for patients with low-grade and early-stage diseases, the outcomes for high-grade and metastatic/recurrent cases remain poor, since traditional chemotherapy regimens based on platinum and taxanes have limited effects. No targeted agents have been approved so far, although several new drugs have been tested without striking results in clinical trials. Over the last decades, many efforts have been made towards the establishment and development of preclinical models, aiming at recapitulating the structural and molecular determinants of the disease. Here, we present an overview of the most commonly used in vitro and in vivo models and discuss their peculiar features, describing their main applications and the value in the advancement of both fundamental and translational endometrial cancer research.
Myocardial Contraction during the Diastolic Isovolumetric Period: Analysis of Longitudinal Strain by Means of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Mora Vicente , Roldán Ildefonso , Romero Elena , Saurí Assumpció , Romero Diana , Pérez-Gozalbo Jana , Ugalde Natalia , Bertolín Javier , Rodriguez-Israel Melisa , Delgado Carmen Pérez-Olivares , Lowenstein Jorge A.
Published: August 2018

Background: According to the ventricular myocardial band model, the diastolic isovolumetric period is a contraction phenomenon. Our objective was to employ speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) to analyze myocardial deformation of the left ventricle (LV) and to confirm if it supports the myocardial band model. Methods: This was a prospective observational study in which 90 healthy volunteers were recruited. We evaluated different types of postsystolic shortening (PSS) from an LV longitudinal strain study. Duration of latest deformation (LD) was calculated as the time from the start of the QRS complex of the ECG to the latest longitudinal deformation peak in the 18 segments of the LV. Results: The mean age of our subjects was 50.3 ± 11.1 years. PSS was observed in 48.4% of the 1620 LV segments studied (19.8%, 13.5%, and 15.1% in the basal, medial, and apical regions, respectively). PSS was more frequent in the basal, medial septal, and apical anteroseptal segments (>50%). LD peaked in the interventricular septum and in the basal segments of the LV. Conclusions: The pattern of PSS and LD revealed by STE suggests there is contraction in the postsystolic phase of the cardiac cycle. The anatomical location of the segments in which this contraction is most frequently observed corresponds to the main path of the ascending component of the myocardial band. This contraction can be attributed to the protodiastolic untwisting of the LV.
Surface Quality Enhancement of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Printed Samples Based on the Selection of Critical Printing Parameters
Authors: Pérez Mercedes , Medina-Sánchez Gustavo , García-Collado Alberto , Gupta Munish , Carou Diego
Published: August 2018

The present paper shows an experimental study on additive manufacturing for obtaining samples of polylactic acid (PLA). The process used for manufacturing these samples was fused deposition modeling (FDM). Little attention to the surface quality obtained in additive manufacturing processes has been paid by the research community. So, this paper aims at filling this gap. The goal of the study is the recognition of critical factors in FDM processes for reducing surface roughness. Two different types of experiments were carried out to analyze five printing parameters. The results were analyzed by means of Analysis of Variance, graphical methods, and non-parametric tests using Spearman’s ρ and Kendall’s τ correlation coefficients. The results showed how layer height and wall thickness are the most important factors for controlling surface roughness, while printing path, printing speed, and temperature showed no clear influence on surface roughness.
Lifetime Prediction of Polymers: To Bet, or Not to Bet—Is This the Question?
Authors: Blanco Ignazio
Published: August 2018

Polymers are a great and very important category of organic compounds that have changed our lifestyle. In the last eighty years, we have used them for the most varied applications, and from the first structural ones we began to investigate their durability, which can be fatal in the successful completion of the application for which the material was designed. Over the last thirty years, the environmental problems related to the disposal of polymers that have completed their lifecycle have begun to arise, and the need to foresee their end of life has become increasingly urgent. In this manuscript, the reliability of the lifetime predictions of polymeric materials is faced with comparing measurements obtained at low temperature with those carried out at high temperatures, in the molten state. The obtained data were treated by a well-established kinetics model and discrepancies were observed in the two different conditions (high and low temperatures), which led to a mismatching between expected and real data. A correction of the data extrapolated from measurements obtained at high temperatures, by using a novel equation which takes into account the induction period (IP) of the degradation process, is proposed. Considerations about the useful parameters, namely initial decomposition temperature (Ti), activation energy of degradation (Ea), and glass-transition temperature (Tg), to be used for making predictions, are also carried out.
The Role of Cannabis within an Emerging Perspective on Schizophrenia
Authors: Diviant Jegason P. , Vigil Jacob M. , Stith Sarah S.
Published: August 2018

Background: Approximately 0.5% of the population is diagnosed with some form of schizophrenia, under the prevailing view that the pathology is best treated using pharmaceutical medications that act on monoamine receptors. Methods: We briefly review evidence on the impact of environmental forces, particularly the effect of autoimmune activity, in the expression of schizophrenic profiles and the role of Cannabis therapy for regulating immunological functioning. Results: A review of the literature shows that phytocannabinoid consumption may be a safe and effective treatment option for schizophrenia as a primary or adjunctive therapy. Conclusions: Emerging research suggests that Cannabis can be used as a treatment for schizophrenia within a broader etiological perspective that focuses on environmental, autoimmune, and neuroinflammatory causes of the disorder, offering a fresh start and newfound hope for those suffering from this debilitating and poorly understood disease.
Exploring the Impact of the Biofloc Rearing System and an Oral WSSV Challenge on the Intestinal Bacteriome of Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Pilotto Mariana R. , Goncalves André N. A. , Vieira Felipe N. , Seifert Walter Q. , Bachère Evelyne , Rosa Rafael D. , Perazzolo Luciane M.
Published: August 2018

We provide a global overview of the intestinal bacteriome of Litopenaeus vannamei in two rearing systems and after an oral challenge by the White spot syndrome virus (WSSV). By using a high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology, we identified and compared the composition and abundance of bacterial communities from the midgut of shrimp reared in the super-intensive biofloc technology (BFT) and clear seawater system (CWS). The predominant bacterial group belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria, followed by the phyla Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Within Proteobacteria, the family Vibrionaceae, which includes opportunistic shrimp pathogens, was more abundant in CWS than in BFT-reared shrimp. Whereas the families Rhodobacteraceae and Enterobacteriaceae accounted for almost 20% of the bacterial communities of shrimp cultured in BFT, they corresponded to less than 3% in CWS-reared animals. Interestingly, the WSSV challenge dramatically changed the bacterial communities in terms of composition and abundance in comparison to its related unchallenged group. Proteobacteria remained the dominant phylum. Vibrionaceae was the most affected in BFT-reared shrimp (from 11.35 to 20.80%). By contrast, in CWS-reared animals the abundance of this family decreased from 68.23 to 23.38%. Our results provide new evidence on the influence of both abiotic and biotic factors on the gut bacteriome of aquatic species of commercial interest.
Activation Mechanism of Lead Ions in Perovskite Flotation with Octyl Hydroxamic Acid Collector
Authors: Zheng Yu , Cui Yating , Wang Weiqing
Published: August 2018

The activation mechanism of lead ions (Pb2+) in perovskite flotation with an octyl hydroxamic acid collector was systematically investigated using microflotation experiments, zeta-potential measurements, adsorption tests, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The results of microflotation experiments and adsorption tests indicate that the presence of Pb2+ can promote the adsorption of octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) on the perovskite surface and enhance the flotability of perovskite under weakly acidic conditions. The maximum recovery of 79.62% was obtained at pH 6.5 in the presence of Pb2+, and the maximum recovery of 57.93% was obtained at pH 5.7 without Pb2+. At pHs below 7, lead species are mainly present as Pb2+ and PbOH+ in the solution; besides this, the relative content of titanium increases on the perovskite surface. The adsorption of Pb2+ and PbOH+ on the perovskite surface makes the zeta-potential of perovskite shift positively, and increases the number of activated sites on the perovskite surface. FT-IR and XPS analyses confirm that OHA chemisorbs on the surface of Pb2+-activated perovskite and forms hydrophobic Pb-OHA complexes, which improve the flotability of perovskite.
Eogenetic Karst Control of Carbonate Reservoirs during a Transient Exposure: A Case Study of the Ordovician Yingshan Formation in the Northern Slope of the Tazhong Uplift, Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Dan Yong , Lin Liangbiao , Liang Bin , Zhang Qingyu , Yu Yu , Cao Jianwen , Li Jingrui
Published: August 2018

The Tazhong area of the Tarim Basin contains abundant oil and gas resources in Ordovician carbonate rocks, especially in the karst pores and caves of the Yingshan Formation. Research has indicated that the Yingshan Formation underwent a 7–11 Ma exposure during the middle Caledonian Period, resulting in large-scale karst pores and caves. However, the continental freshwater karst model cannot adequately explain the origin and distribution of karst pores and caves. In order to develop a more accurate karst model to guide petroleum exploration in the region, we analyzed the karst morphology, cave development statistics, and paleokarst environments. Karst reservoir characteristics were analyzed on the basis of the following analysis: (1) Karst morphological analyses based on core description and formation micro-imager (FMI) log analyses. The results showed that alveolar-like and Swiss cheese-like solution pores, spongy dissolution zones, pit cenotes, and small continuous karst caves developed in the Yingshan Formation. (2) The statistical analysis of pore and cave characteristics indicated that most of the karst pores and caves developed within 50 m below the unconformity where the average height of these features ranged from 0.1 to 3.0 m and their widths ranged up to 100 m. These pores and caves were commonly filled with gravel, clay, and calcite. Horizontal well and seismic attribute analysis indicated that these pores and caves were distributed over a large area. In plain view, the karst pore-cave system is comprised of cross-linked anastomosing networks of horizontal cave passages. And (3) Cathode luminescence and electron microprobe analyses suggested that clay filling within karst caves was freshwater related, while calcite filling was of seawater origin. Cements within solution pores showed three phases of luminescence, suggesting an alternating freshwater and seawater environment. Based on these characteristics, the karsts of the Yingshan Formation in the Tazhong area are interpreted to be similar to the eogenetic karsts in the Yucatan Peninsula of modern Mexico. Accordingly, this study indicates that the pore-caves of the Yingshan Formation can be subdivided into three sections. Further, the development and filling of these pore-cave sections are interpreted to have formed by eogenetic mixed-water karstification during three phases of relatively stable sea level in a coastal margin environment.
New Chromones from a Marine-Derived Fungus, Arthrinium sp., and Their Biological Activity
Authors: Bao Jie , He Fei , Yu Jin-Hai , Zhai Huijuan , Cheng Zhi-Qiang , Jiang Cheng-Shi , Zhang Yuying , Zhang Yun , Zhang Xiaoyong , Chen Guangying , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2018

Five new chromone derivatives, arthones A–E (1–5), together with eight known biogenetically related cometabolites (6–13), were isolated from a deep-sea-derived fungus Arthrinium sp. UJNMF0008. Their structures were assigned by detailed analyses of spectroscopic data, while the absolute configurations of 1 and 5 were established by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and that of 2 was determined by modified Mosher ester method. Compounds 3 and 8 exhibited potent antioxidant property with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, with IC50 values ranging from 16.9 to 18.7 μM. Meanwhile, no compounds indicated obvious bioactivity in our antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory assays at 50.0 μM.
Effects of Regulated Deficit Irrigation on Amino Acid Profiles and Their Derived Volatile Compounds in Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapes and Wines
Authors: Ju Yan-lun , Xu Guo-qian , Yue Xiao-feng , Zhao Xian-fang , Tu Ting-yao , Zhang Jun-xiang , Fang Yu-lin
Published: August 2018

Amino acid contents and their derived volatile compositions in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and wines after regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) were investigated during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons in Yinchuan (NingXia, China). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used for amino acid and volatile compound analyses. Three RDI strategies were tested: 60% (RDI-1), 70% (RDI-2), and 80% (RDI-3) of grapevine estimated evapotranspiration (ETc), and 100% ETc was used as the control group (CK). RDI-treated vines had lower yields and berry weights with higher total soluble solids than the control treatment. RDI-1 increased proline levels in berries and wines. RDI-2 enhanced tyrosine and asparagine levels in wines. RDI-3 enhanced arginine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine levels in berries and wines. RDI-2 and RDI-3 increased the concentrations of 2-methyl-1-butyl acetate, benzaldehyde, 3-methyl-1-pentanol, and 3-methyl-1-butanol in wines. The accumulation of volatile compounds was closely related to the amino acid concentrations—especially isoleucine, valine, and leucine—in grapes. Our results showed that RDI treatments altered amino acid concentrations and their derived volatile compositions in wines.
Breakfast Consumption in French Children, Adolescents, and Adults: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey Examined in the Context of the International Breakfast Research Initiative
Authors: Bellisle France , Hébel Pascale , Salmon-Legagneur Aurée , Vieux Florent
Published: August 2018

This study examines the consumption of breakfast on the basis of a 7-day dietary record (Comportements et Consommations Alimentaires en France 2012–2013) in a representative sample of French children (n = 426), adolescents (n = 250), and adults (n = 1045). A large majority of the participants were regular consumers of breakfast (5–7 times per week). Breakfast accounted for 17.6% of total daily energy (339.4 kcal). Breakfast was rich in carbohydrates (24% of total daily intake) and simple sugars (31% of total daily intake). Relative to its contribution in daily energy intake, breakfast contributed higher proportions in the daily intake of many vitamins (B, C), and minerals (calcium, iron, iodine, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium). The main foods/beverages contributing to breakfast changed with age, with increasing contributions of non-wholegrain “bread and toasts” and “fruits”, and a decreasing contribution of milk. Better quality of the diet, as measured by tertiles of the Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3, was associated with higher intakes of cereal products (bread and breakfast cereals, particularly wholegrain), dairy (milk, fresh dairy), and fruit at breakfast. In conclusion, breakfast is regularly consumed in France and contributes significantly to diet quality but could be improved in terms of content in fiber and protein.
Effect of Particle Size on Carbon Nanotube Aggregates Behavior in Dilute Phase of a Fluidized Bed
Authors: Kim Sung Won
Published: August 2018

Fluidized bed reactors have been increasingly applied for mass production of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) using catalytic chemical vapor deposition technology. Effect of particle size (dp = 131 μm and 220 μm) on fluidization characteristics and aggregation behavior of the CNT particles have been determined in a fluidized bed for its design and scale-up. The CNT aggregation properties such as size and shape were measured in the dilute phase of a fluidized bed (0.15 m-ID × 2.6 m high) by the laser sheet technique for the visualization. Two CNT particle beds showed different tendency in variations of the aggregates factors with gas velocity due to differences in factors contributing to the aggregate formation. The CNT particles with a larger mean size presented as relatively larger in the aggregate size than the smaller CNT particles at given gas velocities. The aggregates from the large CNT particles showed a sharp increase in the aspect ratio and rapid decrease in the roundness and the solidity with gas velocity. A possible mechanism of aggregates formation was proposed based on the variations of aggregates properties with gas velocity. The obtained Heywood diameters of aggregates have been firstly correlated with the experimental parameter.
Novel Configurations of Ultrahigh Frequency (≤600 MHz) Analog Frontend for High Resolution Ultrasound Measurement
Authors: Kim Min Gon , Park Jinhyoung , Zhou Qifa , Shung Koping Kirk
Published: August 2018

In this article, an approach to designing and developing an ultrahigh frequency (≤600 MHz) ultrasound analog frontend with Golay coded excitation sequence for high resolution imaging applications is presented. For the purpose of visualizing specific structures or measuring functional responses of micron-sized biological samples, a higher frequency ultrasound is needed to obtain a decent spatial resolution while it lowers the signal-to-noise ratio, the difference in decibels between the signal level and the background noise level, due to the higher attenuation coefficient. In order to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, conventional approach was to increase the transmit voltage level. However, it may cause damaging the extremely thin piezoelectric material in the ultrahigh frequency range. In this paper, we present a novel design of ultrahigh frequency (≤600 MHz) frontend system capable of performing pseudo Golay coded excitation by configuring four independently operating pulse generators in parallel and the consecutive delayed transmission from each channel. Compared with the conventional monocycle pulse approach, the signal-to-noise ratio of the proposed approach was improved by 7–9 dB without compromising the spatial resolution. The measured axial and lateral resolutions of wire targets were 16.4 µm and 10.6 µm by using 156 MHz 4 bit pseudo Golay coded excitation, respectively and 4.5 µm and 7.7 µm by using 312 MHz 4 bit pseudo Golay coded excitation, respectively.