bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lanthanide-Loaded Nanoparticles as Potential Fluorescent and Mass Probes for High-Content Protein Analysis
Authors: Ngamcherdtrakul Worapol , Sangvanich Thanapon , Goodyear Shaun , Reda Moataz , Gu Shenda , Castro David J. , Punnakitikashem Primana , Yantasee Wassana
Published: March 2019

Multiparametric and high-content protein analysis of single cells or tissues cannot be accomplished with the currently available flow cytometry or imaging techniques utilizing fluorophore-labelled antibodies, because the number of spectrally resolvable fluorochromes is limited. In contrast, mass cytometry can resolve more signals by exploiting lanthanide-tagged antibodies; however, only about 100 metal reporters can be attached to an antibody molecule. This makes the sensitivity of lanthanide-tagged antibodies substantially lower than fluorescent reporters. A new probe that can carry more lanthanide molecules per antibody is a desirable way to enhance the sensitivity needed for the detection of protein with low cellular abundance. Herein, we report on the development of new probes utilizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) with hydroxyl, amine, or phosphonate functional groups. The phosphonated MSNPs proved to be best at loading lanthanides for up to 1.4 × 106 molecules per particle, and could be loaded with various lanthanide elements (Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, and Lu) at relatively similar molar extents. The modified MSNPs can also load a fluorescent dye, allowing bimodal mass and fluorescence-based detection. We achieved specificity of antibody-conjugated nanoparticles (at 1.4 × 103 antibodies per nanoparticle) for targeting proteins on the cell surface. The new materials can potentially be used as mass cytometry probes and provide a method for simultaneous monitoring of a large host of factors comprising the tumor microenvironment (e.g., extracellular matrix, cancer cells, and immune cells). These novel probes may also benefit personalized medicine by allowing for high-throughput analysis of multiple proteins in the same specimen.
Data Integration and Interoperability for Patient-Centered Remote Monitoring of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Daley Carly , Toscos Tammy , Mirro Michael
Published: March 2019

The prevalence of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices with remote monitoring capabilities continues to grow, resulting in increased volume and complexity of biomedical data. These data can provide diagnostic information for timely intervention and maintenance of implanted devices, improving quality of care. Current remote monitoring procedures do not utilize device diagnostics to their potential, due to the lack of interoperability and data integration among proprietary systems and electronic medical record platforms. However, the development of a technical framework that standardizes the data and improves interoperability shows promise for improving remote monitoring. Along with encouraging the implementation of this framework, we challenge the current paradigm and propose leveraging the framework to provide patients with their remote monitoring data. Patient-centered remote monitoring may empower patients and improve collaboration and care with health care providers. In this paper, we describe the implementation of technology to deliver remote monitoring data to patients in two recent studies. Our body of work explains the potential for developing a patent-facing information display that affords the meaningful use of implantable device data and enhances interactions with providers. This paradigm shift in remote monitoring—empowering the patient with data—is critical to using the vast amount of complex and clinically relevant biomedical data captured and transmitted by implantable devices to full potential.
Structure and Functions of Microtubule Associated Proteins Tau and MAP2c: Similarities and Differences
Authors: Melková Kateřina , Zapletal Vojtěch , Narasimhan Subhash , Jansen Séverine , Hritz Jozef , Škrabana Rostislav , Zweckstetter Markus , Ringkjøbing Jensen Malene , Blackledge Martin , Žídek Lukáš
Published: March 2019

The stability and dynamics of cytoskeleton in brain nerve cells are regulated by microtubule associated proteins (MAPs), tau and MAP2. Both proteins are intrinsically disordered and involved in multiple molecular interactions important for normal physiology and pathology of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Nuclear magnetic resonance and cryo-electron microscopy recently revealed propensities of MAPs to form transient local structures and long-range contacts in the free state, and conformations adopted in complexes with microtubules and filamentous actin, as well as in pathological aggregates. In this paper, we compare the longest, 441-residue brain isoform of tau (tau40), and a 467-residue isoform of MAP2, known as MAP2c. For both molecules, we present transient structural motifs revealed by conformational analysis of experimental data obtained for free soluble forms of the proteins. We show that many of the short sequence motifs that exhibit transient structural features are linked to functional properties, manifested by specific interactions. The transient structural motifs can be therefore classified as molecular recognition elements of tau40 and MAP2c. Their interactions are further regulated by post-translational modifications, in particular phosphorylation. The structure-function analysis also explains differences between biological activities of tau40 and MAP2c.
Diagnostic Value of Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Addition to High-Sensitivity Troponin I in Early Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sörensen Nils A. , Dönmez Günay , Neumann Johannes T. , Nikorowitsch Julius , Rübsamen Nicole , Blankenberg Stefan , Westermann Dirk , Zeller Tanja , Karakas Mahir
Published: March 2019

The soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a new marker for immune activation and inflammation and may provide diagnostic value on top of established biomarkers in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Here, we evaluate the diagnostic potential of suPAR levels on top of high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) in a cohort of patients with suspected AMI. A total of 1220 patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected AMI were included, of whom 245 were diagnosed with AMI. Median suPAR levels at admission were elevated in subjects with AMI compared to non-AMI (3.8 ng/mL vs. 3.3 ng/mL, p = 0.001). In C-statistics, the area under the curve (AUC) regarding the diagnosis of AMI was low (0.57 at an optimized cut-off of 3.7 ng/mL). Moreover, baseline suPAR levels on top of troponin values at admission and hour 1 reduced the number of patients who were correctly ruled-out as non-AMI, and who were correctly ruled-in as AMI. Our study shows that circulating levels of suPAR on top of high-sensitivity troponin I do not improve the early diagnosis of AMI.
Antimicrobial Films Based on Nanocomposites of Chitosan/Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Graphene Oxide for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ruiz Sebastián , Tamayo Julián Andrés , Delgado Ospina Johannes , Navia Porras Diana Paola , Valencia Zapata Mayra Eliana , Mina Hernandez José Herminsul , Valencia Carlos Humberto , Zuluaga Fabio , Grande Tovar Carlos David
Published: March 2019

Today, tissue regeneration is one of the greatest challenges in the field of medicine, since it represents hope after accidents or illnesses. Tissue engineering is the science based on improving or restoring tissues and organs. In this work, five formulations of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide (CS/PVA/GO) nanocomposites were studied for the development of biodegradable films with potential biomedical applications. The characterization of the films consisted of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The antibacterial activity was evaluated in vitro against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli, by contact of the film above inoculum bacterial in Müeller–Hinton agar. On the other hand, in vivo tests in which the material implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of Wistar rats demonstrated that the formulation CS/PVA/GO (14.25:85:0.75) was the best antibacterial film with adequate degradation in vivo. All together, these results indicate the potential of the films using nanocomposites of CS/PVA/GO in tissue engineering and cell regeneration.
Integration of Nanomaterials and Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Techniques for Sensing Biomolecules
Authors: Hwang Eugene , Song Jisu , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2019

Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) techniques offer a high degree of sensitivity, reliability and ease of use for their application to sensing biomolecules. BRET is a distance dependent, non-radiative energy transfer, which uses a bioluminescent protein to excite an acceptor through the resonance energy transfer. A BRET sensor can quickly detect the change of a target biomolecule quantitatively without an external electromagnetic field, e.g., UV light, which normally can damage tissue. Having been developed quite recently, this technique has evolved rapidly. Here, different bioluminescent proteins have been reviewed. In addition to a multitude of bioluminescent proteins, this manuscript focuses on the recent development of BRET sensors by utilizing quantum dots. The special size-dependent properties of quantum dots have made the BRET sensing technique attractive for the real-time monitoring of the changes of target molecules and bioimaging in vivo. This review offers a look into the basis of the technique, donor/acceptor pairs, experimental applications and prospects.
Nanostructured Gas Sensors for Medical and Health Applications: Low to High Dimensional Materials
Authors: Nasiri Noushin , Clarke Christian
Published: March 2019

Human breath has long been known as a system that can be used to diagnose diseases. With advancements in modern nanotechnology, gas sensors can now diagnose, predict, and monitor a wide range of diseases from human breath. From cancer to diabetes, the need to treat at the earliest stages of a disease to both increase patient outcomes and decrease treatment costs is vital. Therefore, it is the promising candidate of rapid and non-invasive human breath gas sensors over traditional methods that will fulfill this need. In this review, we focus on the nano-dimensional design of current state-of-the-art gas sensors, which have achieved records in selectivity, specificity, and sensitivity. We highlight the methods of fabrication for these devices and relate their nano-dimensional materials to their record performance to provide a pathway for the gas sensors that will supersede.
Effect of Paired Associative Stimulation on Corticomotor Excitability in Chronic Smokers
Authors: Lavender Andrew P. , Obata Hiroki , Kawashima Noritaka , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: March 2019

Chronic smoking has been shown to have deleterious effects on brain function and is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. Reduced cortical excitability has been shown among chronic smokers compared with non-smokers to have a long-term effect and so far no study has assessed the effect of smoking on short-term motor learning. Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is a commonly used method for inducing changes in excitability of the motor cortex (M1) in a way that simulates short-term motor learning. This study employed PAS to investigate the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on plasticity of M1. Stimulator output required to elicit a motor-evoked potential (MEP) of approximately 1 mV was similar between the groups prior to PAS. MEP response to single pulse stimuli increased in the control group and remained above baseline level for at least 30 min after the intervention, but not in the smokers who showed no significant increase in MEP size. The silent period was similar between groups at all time points of the experiment. This study suggests that chronic smoking may have a negative effect on the response to PAS and infers that chronic smoking may have a deleterious effect on the adaptability of M1.
The Interactive Effect of Tonic Pain and Motor Learning on Corticospinal Excitability
Authors: Dancey Erin , Yielder Paul , Murphy Bernadette
Published: March 2019

Prior work showed differential alterations in early somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and improved motor learning while in acute tonic pain. The aim of the current study was to determine the interactive effect of acute tonic pain and early motor learning on corticospinal excitability as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Two groups of twelve participants (n = 24) were randomly assigned to a control (inert lotion) or capsaicin (capsaicin cream) group. TMS input–output (IO) curves were performed at baseline, post-application, and following motor learning acquisition. Following the application of the creams, participants in both groups completed a motor tracing task (pre-test and an acquisition test) followed by a retention test (completed without capsaicin) within 24–48 h. Following an acquisition phase, there was a significant increase in the slope of the TMS IO curves for the control group (p < 0.05), and no significant change for the capsaicin group (p = 0.57). Both groups improved in accuracy following an acquisition phase (p < 0.001). The capsaicin group outperformed the control group at pre-test (p < 0.005), following an acquisition phase (p < 0.005), and following a retention test (p < 0.005). When data was normalized to the pre-test values, the learning effects were similar for both groups post-acquisition and at retention (p < 0.005), with no interactive effect of group. The acute tonic pain in this study was shown to negate the increase in IO slope observed for the control group despite the fact that motor performance improved similarly to the control group following acquisition and retention. This study highlights the need to better understand the implications of neural changes accompanying early motor learning, particularly while in pain.
Corroded RC Beams at Service Load before and after Patch Repair and Strengthening with NSM CFRP Strips
Authors: Triantafyllou Garyfalia , Rousakis Theodoros , Karabinis Athanasios
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the experimental results of the structural behavior of four reinforced concrete beams with corroded steel reinforcement at service loads. One beam was non-corroded, one beam was corroded under an accelerated electrochemical technique to a small corrosion level (for one corrosion cycle), while two beams were corroded under the same conditions of an accelerated electrochemical technique and then subjected to vertical service loads that corresponded to 60% and 75% of the yield load of the non-corroded beam respectively for three corrosion cycles (with maximum mass loss around 25% for the first and 31% for the latter). Longitudinal cracks due to corrosion and flexural cracks due to loading were thoroughly recorded at the end of each cycle. The beam under the 75% service load had higher deflection increase for heavier corrosion. After the three successive serviceability load tests, the cracked concrete cover was removed and the steel rebars were treated. The cement-based repair mortar and two NSM FRP laminates were applied to both beams and were tested to failure. Despite the heavy corrosion, the patch repair and NSM strengthening enhanced the load-bearing capacity of the beams when compared with the non-corroded beam. All 10 tests are thoroughly discussed.
Effect of Multiple Vaccinations with Tumor Cell-Based Vaccine with Codon-Modified GM-CSF on Tumor Growth in a Mouse Model
Authors: Qiu Jiantai , Alson Donia , Lee Ta-Hsien , Tsai Ching-Chou , Yu Ting-Wei , Chen Yu-Sing , Cheng Ya-Fang , Lin Chu-Chi , Schuyler Scott
Published: March 2019

Ectopic expression of codon-modified granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (cGM-CSF) in TC-1 cells (TC-1/cGM-CSF), a model cell line for human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected cervical cancer cells, increased the expression level of GM-CSF and improved the efficacy of tumor cell-based vaccines in a cervical cancer mouse model. The number of vaccine doses required to induce a long-term immune response in a cervical cancer mouse model is poorly understood. Here, we investigated one, three, and five doses of the irradiated TC-1/cGM-CSF vaccine to determine which dose was effective in inducing a greater immune response and the suppression of tumors. Our findings showed that three doses of irradiated TC-1/cGM-CSF vaccine elicited slower tumor growth rates and enhanced survival rates compared with one dose or five doses of irradiated TC-1/cGM-CSF vaccine. Consistently, mice vaccinated with three doses of irradiated TC-1/cGM-CSF vaccine exhibited stronger interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production in HPV E7-specific CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells. A higher percentage of natural killer cells and interferon-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs) appeared in the splenocytes of the mice vaccinated with three doses of irradiated TC-1/cGM-CSF vaccine compared with those of the mice vaccinated with one dose or five doses of irradiated TC-1/cGM-CSF vaccine. Our findings demonstrate that single or multiple vaccinations, such as five doses, with irradiated TC-1/cGM-CSF vaccine suppressed the immune response, whereas three doses of irradiated TC-1/cGM-CSF vaccine elicited a greater immune response and subsequent tumor suppression.
Challenges Facing Radiation Oncologists in The Management of Older Cancer Patients: Consensus of The International Geriatric Radiotherapy Group
Authors: Popescu Tiberiu , Karlsson Ulf , Vinh-Hung Vincent , Trigo Lurdes , Thariat Juliette , Vuong Te , Baumert Brigitta G. , Motta Micaela , Zamagni Alice , Bonet Marta , Myint Arthur Sun , Lara Pedro Carlos , Nguyen Nam P. , Arenas Meritxell
Published: March 2019

The management of older cancer patients remains difficult because of data paucity. Radiation oncologists need to identify potential issues which could affect treatment of those patients. A workshop was organized in Barcelona among international radiation oncologists with special interest in the management of older cancer patients on April 22, 2018. The following consensus was reached: 1. Older cancer patients often faced unconscious discriminating bias from cancer specialists and institutions because of their chronological age. 2. Advances in radiotherapy techniques have allowed patients with multiple co-morbidities precluding surgery or systemic therapy to achieve potential cure in early disease stages. 3. The lack of biomarkers for frailty remains an impediment to future research. 4. Access to healthcare insurance and daily transportation remains an issue in many countries; 5. Hypofractionation, brachytherapy, or stereotactic techniques may be ideally suited for older cancer patients to minimize transportation issues and to improve tolerance to radiotherapy. 6. Patients with locally advanced disease who are mentally and physically fit should receive combined therapy for potential cure. 7. The role of systemic therapy alone or combined with radiotherapy for frail patients needs to be defined in future clinical trials because of targeted agents or immunotherapy may be less toxic compared to conventional chemotherapy.
Cancer-Related Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Edwards Helen L. , Mulvey Matthew R. , Bennett Michael I.
Published: March 2019

Neuropathic pain in cancer is common and debilitating. It is important to differentiate neuropathic pain from other cancer-related pains as it is associated with worse pain outcomes and requires different treatment strategies. This review summarises recent updates to pain classification, aetiology, pain assessment and current recommendations for treatment in patients with cancer-related neuropathic pain.
Bimodal Radiotherapy with Active Raster-Scanning Carbon Ion Radiotherapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in High-Risk Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Results in Excellent Local Control
Authors: Akbaba Sati , Held Thomas , Lang Kristin , Forster Tobias , Federspil Philippe , Herfarth Klaus , Häfner Matthias , Plinkert Peter , Rieken Stefan , Debus Jürgen , Adeberg Sebastian
Published: March 2019

Background: In this analysis, we aimed to present the first results of carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), which is known for its conformal dose distribution and increased biological effectiveness in the treatment of high-risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed twenty-six consecutive patients who had been treated at our center with CIRT for high-risk NPC between 2009 and 2018. Carbon ion (C12) boost was applied in a bimodal setting combined with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) base plan. The median cumulative total dose was 74 Gy (RBE), and patients with inoperable (n = 17, 65%) or incompletely resected (n = 7, 27%) tumors were included in the analysis. Overall, 81% received concomitant chemotherapy (n = 21). Results: The median follow-up time was 40 months (range 10–97 months) for all patients. At the last follow-up, 92% of the patients were still alive. We could identify excellent tumor response with complete tumor remission (CR) in 60% (n = 15/25), partial tumor remission (PR) in 20% (n = 5/25), and stable disease (SD) in 12% (n = 3/25) of the patients according to the RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) criteria. Despite unfavorable tumor characteristics, only one patient showed a locally in-field recurrence after 56 months (4%) and another patient a locoregional recurrence in the unilateral cervical lymph nodes after 21 months (4%). The 2-year local control (LC), distant progression-free survival (DPFS), and overall survival (OS) were 95%, 93%, and 100% and the estimated 5-year LC, DPFS, and OS were 90%, 86%, and 86%, respectively. Overall, treatment was tolerated well with 20% acute and 16% chronic grade 3 side effects. No toxicity greater than grade 3 occurred. Conclusion: Bimodal radiotherapy including IMRT and active raster-scanning CIRT for high-risk nasopharyngeal cancer is a safe treatment method resulting in moderate toxicity and excellent local control. A larger patient number and longer follow-up time would be necessary to strengthen the current findings.
Byproduct Analysis of SO2 Poisoning on NH3-SCR over MnFe/TiO2 Catalysts at Medium to Low Temperatures
Authors: Lee Tsungyu , Bai Hsunling
Published: March 2019

The byproducts of ammonia-selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) process over MnFe/TiO2 catalysts under the conditions of both with and without SO2 poisoning were analyzed. In addition to the NH3-SCR reaction, the NH3 oxidation and the NO oxidation reactions were also evaluated at temperatures of 100–300 °C to clarify the reactions occurred during the SCR process. The results indicated that major byproducts for the NH3 oxidation and NO oxidation tests were N2O and NO2, respectively, and their concentrations increased as the reaction temperature increased. For the NH3-SCR test without the presence of SO2, it revealed that N2O was majorly from the NH3-SCR reaction instead of from NH3 oxidation reaction. The byproducts of N2O and NO2 for the NH3-SCR reaction also increased after increasing the reaction temperature, which caused the decreasing of N2-selectivity and NO consumption. For the NH3-SCR test with SO2 at 150 °C, there were two decay stages during SO2 poisoning. The first decay was due to a certain amount of NH3 preferably reacted with SO2 instead of with NO or O2. Then the catalysts were accumulated with metal sulfates and ammonium salts, which caused the second decay of NO conversion. The effluent N2O increased as poisoning time increased, which was majorly from oxidation of unreacted NH3. On the other hand, for the NH3-SCR test with SO2 at 300 °C, the NO conversion was not decreased after increasing the poisoning time, but the N2O byproduct concentration was high. However, the SO2 led to the formation of metal sulfates, which might inhibit NO oxidation reactions and cause the concentration of N2O gradually decreased as well as the N2-selectivity increased.
Fabrication and Electrochemical Performance of Zn-Doped La0.2Sr0.25Ca0.45TiO3 Infiltrated with Nickel-CGO, Iron, and Cobalt as an Alternative Anode Material for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Muzaffar Nazan , Arshad Nasima , Drasbæk Daniel Bøgh , Sudireddy Bhaskar Reddy , Holtappels Peter
Published: March 2019

In solid oxide fuel cells, doped strontium titinates have been widely studied as anode materials due to their high n-type conductivity. They are used as current conducting backbones as an alternative to nickel-cermets, which suffer degradation due to coking, sulphur poisoning, and low tolerance to redox cycling. In this work, anode backbone materials were synthesized from La0.2Sr0.25Ca0.45TiO3−δ (LSCTA-), modified with 5 wt.% Zn, and infiltrated with nickel (Ni)/ceria gadolinium-doped cerium oxide (CGO), Fe, and Co. The electrodes were further studied for their electrochemical performance using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at open circuit voltage (OCV) in different hydrogen to steam ratios and at various operating temperatures (850–650 °C). Infiltration of electrocatalysts significantly reduced the polarization resistance and among the studied infiltrates, at all operating temperatures, Ni-CGO showed excellent electrode performance. The polarization resistances in 3% and 50% H2O/H2 atmosphere were found to be 0.072 and 0.025 Ω cm2, respectively, at 850 °C, and 0.091 and 0.076 Ω cm2, respectively, at 750 °C, with Ni-CGO. These values are approximately three orders of magnitude smaller than the polarization resistance (25 Ω cm2) of back bone material measured at 750 °C.
Advances in the Green Synthesis of Microporous and Hierarchical Zeolites: A Short Review
Authors: Pan Tao , Wu Zhijie , Yip Alex C. K.
Published: March 2019

Hierarchical zeolites have been extensively studied due to their enhancement of intra-crystalline diffusion, which leads to the improved catalytic activity and resistance to coking-deactivation. Traditional synthesis strategies of hierarchical zeolites via post-treatment or directing synthesis with the aid of mesoporous template are often characterized by high energy consumption and substantial use of expensive and environmentally unfriendly organic templates. In the recent decade, new green synthesis protocols have been developed for the effective synthesis of conventional and hierarchical zeolites. In this review, the latest advancements on the green synthesis of hierarchical zeolites are summarized and discussed in detail.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Role of Sacrificial Reagents on the Activity of Oxide, Carbon, and Sulfide Catalysts
Authors: Kumaravel Vignesh , Imam Muhammad , Badreldin Ahmed , Chava Rama , Do Jeong , Kang Misook , Abdel-Wahab Ahmed
Published: March 2019

Photocatalytic water splitting is a sustainable technology for the production of clean fuel in terms of hydrogen (H2). In the present study, hydrogen (H2) production efficiency of three promising photocatalysts (titania (TiO2-P25), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and cadmium sulfide (CdS)) was evaluated in detail using various sacrificial agents. The effect of most commonly used sacrificial agents in the recent years, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, lactic acid, glucose, sodium sulfide, sodium sulfite, sodium sulfide/sodium sulfite mixture, and triethanolamine, were evaluated on TiO2-P25, g-C3N4, and CdS. H2 production experiments were carried out under simulated solar light irradiation in an immersion type photo-reactor. All the experiments were performed without any noble metal co-catalyst. Moreover, photolysis experiments were executed to study the H2 generation in the absence of a catalyst. The results were discussed specifically in terms of chemical reactions, pH of the reaction medium, hydroxyl groups, alpha hydrogen, and carbon chain length of sacrificial agents. The results revealed that glucose and glycerol are the most suitable sacrificial agents for an oxide photocatalyst. Triethanolamine is the ideal sacrificial agent for carbon and sulfide photocatalyst. A remarkable amount of H2 was produced from the photolysis of sodium sulfide and sodium sulfide/sodium sulfite mixture without any photocatalyst. The findings of this study would be highly beneficial for the selection of sacrificial agents for a particular photocatalyst.
Chronological Aging Standard Curves of Telomere Length and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Twelve Tissues of C57BL/6 Male Mouse
Authors: Baek Ji Hyeong , Son Hyeonwi , Jeong Young-Hoon , Park Sang Won , Kim Hyun Joon
Published: March 2019

The changes in telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) are considered to be aging markers. However, many studies have provided contradictory or only fragmentary information about changes of these markers in animal models, due to inaccurate analysis methods and a lack of objective aging standards. To establish chronological aging standards for these two markers, we analyzed telomere length and mtDNAcn in 12 tissues—leukocytes, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, retina, aorta, liver, kidney, spleen, skeletal muscle, and skin—from a commonly used rodent model, C57BL/6 male mice aged 2–24 months. It was found that at least one of the markers changed age-dependently in all tissues. In the leukocytes, hippocampus, retina, and skeletal muscle, both markers changed age-dependently. As a practical application, the aging marker changes were analyzed after chronic immobilization stress (CIS) to see whether CIS accelerated aging or not. The degree of tissue-aging was calculated using each standard curve and found that CIS accelerated aging in a tissue-specific manner. Therefore, it is expected that researchers can use our standard curves to objectively estimate tissue-specific aging accelerating effects of experimental conditions for least 12 tissues in C57BL/6 male mice.
Lack of Small Intestinal Dysbiosis Following Long-Term Selective Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 by Rofecoxib in the Rat
Authors: Lázár Bernadette , Brenner Gábor B. , Makkos András , Balogh Mihály , László Szilvia B. , Al-Khrasani Mahmoud , Hutka Barbara , Bató Emese , Ostorházi Eszter , Juhász János , Kemény Ágnes , László Terézia , Tiszlavicz László , Bihari Zoltán , Giricz Zoltán , Szabó Dóra , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Ferdinandy Péter , Gyires Klára , Zádori Zoltán S.
Published: March 2019

Intestinal dysbiosis is linked to numerous gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases. It is a question of debate if coxibs, selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, cause dysbiosis. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of long-term (four weeks) selective inhibition of COX-2 on the small intestinal microbiota in the rat. In order to avoid mucosal damage due to topical effects and inflammation-driven microbial alterations, rofecoxib, a nonacidic compound, was used. The direct inhibitory effect of rofecoxib on the growth of bacteria was ruled out in vitro. The mucosa-sparing effect of rofecoxib was confirmed by macroscopic and histological analysis, as well as by measuring the intestinal levels of cytokines and tight junction proteins. Deep sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA revealed that chronic rofecoxib treatment had no significant influence on the composition and diversity of jejunal microbiota. In conclusion, this is the first demonstration that long-term selective inhibition of COX-2 by rofecoxib does not cause small intestinal dysbiosis in rats. Moreover, inhibition of COX-2 activity is not likely to be responsible per se for microbial alterations caused by some coxibs, but other drug-specific properties may contribute to it.
3,5 Diiodo-l-Thyronine (T2) Promotes the Browning of White Adipose Tissue in High-Fat Diet-Induced Overweight Male Rats Housed at Thermoneutrality
Authors: Senese Rosalba , Cioffi Federica , De Matteis Rita , Petito Giuseppe , de Lange Pieter , Silvestri Elena , Lombardi Assunta , Moreno Maria , Goglia Fernando , Lanni Antonia
Published: March 2019

The conversion of white adipose cells into beige adipose cells is known as browning, a process affecting energy metabolism. It has been shown that 3,5 diiodo-l-thyronine (T2), an endogenous metabolite of thyroid hormones, stimulates energy expenditure and a reduction in fat mass. In light of the above, the purpose of this study was to test whether in an animal model of fat accumulation, T2 has the potential to activate a browning process and to explore the underlying mechanism. Three groups of rats were used: (i) receiving a standard diet for 14 weeks; (ii) receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks; and (iii) receiving a high fat diet for 10 weeks and being subsequently treated for four weeks with an HFD together with the administration of T2. We showed that T2 was able to induce a browning in the white adipose tissue of T2-treated rats. We also showed that some miRNA (miR133a and miR196a) and MAP kinase 6 were involved in this process. These results indicate that, among others, the browning may be another cellular/molecular mechanism by which T2 exerts its beneficial effects of contrast to overweight and of reduction of fat mass in rats subjected to HFD.
Long- and Short-Range Ordered Gold Nanoholes as Large-Area Optical Transducers in Sensing Applications
Authors: Cesaria Maura , Colombelli Adriano , Lospinoso Daniela , Taurino Antonietta , Melissano Enrico , Rella Roberto , Manera Maria Grazia
Published: March 2019

Unconventional lithography (such as nanosphere lithography (NSL) and colloidal lithography (CL)) is an attractive alternative to sequential and very expensive conventional lithography for the low-cost fabrication of large-area nano-optical devices. Among these, nanohole (NH) arrays are widely studied in nanoplasmonics as transducers for sensing applications. In this work, both NSL and CL are implemented to fabricate two-dimensional distributions of gold NHs. In the case of NSL, highly ordered arrays of gold NHs distributed in a hexagonal lattice onto glass substrates were fabricated by a simple and reproducible approach based on the self-assembling of close-packed 500 nm diameter polystyrene particles at an air/water interface. After the transfer onto a solid substrate, the colloidal masks were processed to reduce the colloidal size in a controllable way. In parallel, CL was implemented with short-range ordered gold NH arrays onto glass substrates that were fabricated by electrostatically-driven self-assembly of negatively charged colloids onto a polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA) monolayer. These distributions were optimized as a function of the colloidal adsorption time. For both approaches, controllable and reproducible procedures are presented and discussed. The optical responses of the NH structures are related to the short-range ordering level, and their good performances as refractive index transducers are demonstrated.
Child Morbidity and Disease Burden in Refugee Camps in Mainland Greece
Authors: Kampouras Asterios , Tzikos Georgios , Partsanakis Eustathios , Roukas Konstantinos , Tsiamitros Stefanos , Deligeorgakis Dimitrios , Chorafa Elisavet , Schoina Maria , Iosifidis Elias
Published: March 2019

The crisis conflicts in Syria have forced a lot of people to relocate and live in mainland Greece, where they are hosted in refugee camps. In the present study, our aim was to assess child morbidity and overall disease burden in two camps in northern Greece during a six-month winter period. A primary health care office was founded in each camp. Refugees of all ages with health problems were examined daily by specialty doctors. Cases were classified into two categories: Infectious or non-infectious. In total, 2631 patients were examined during this period (out of the 3760 refugees hosted). Of these patients, 9.8% were infants, 12.7% were toddlers, and 13.4% were children. Most of the visits for children aged less than 12 years old were due to infectious diseases (80.8%). The most common sites of communicable diseases among children were the respiratory tract (66.8%), the skin (23.2%), and the urinary (3.2%) and gastrointestinal tracts (6.2%). Non-communicable diseases were mostly due to gastrointestinal (20.2%), respiratory (18.2%), surgical (13.1%), and allergic (10.3%) disorders. Infants, toddlers, and children suffered more frequently from respiratory infections, while in adolescents and adults, non-infectious diseases were more common. Toddlers and children were more likely to fall ill in comparison to infants. Conclusions: During the winter period, infectious diseases, especially of the respiratory tract, are the main reason for care seeking among refugees in Greek camps, with toddlers suffering more than other age groups. The overall mortality and referral percentage were low, indicating that adequate primary care is provided in this newly established refugee hosting model.
Pulsed Laser Deposition of Aluminum Nitride Films: Correlation between Mechanical, Optical, and Structural Properties
Authors: Kolaklieva Lilyana , Chitanov Vasiliy , Szekeres Anna , Antonova Krassimira , Terziyska Penka , Fogarassy Zsolt , Petrik Peter , Mihailescu Ion N. , Duta Liviu
Published: March 2019

Aluminum nitride (AlN) films were synthesized onto Si(100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in vacuum or nitrogen, at 0.1, 1, 5, or 10 Pa, and substrate temperatures ranging from RT to 800 °C. The laser parameters were set at: incident laser fluence of 3–10 J/cm2 and laser pulse repetition frequency of 3, 10, or 40 Hz, respectively. The films’ hardness was investigated by depth-sensing nanoindentation. The optical properties were studied by FTIR spectroscopy and UV-near IR ellipsometry. Hardness values within the range of 22–30 GPa and Young’s modulus values of 230–280 GPa have been inferred. These values were determined by the AlN film structure that consisted of nanocrystallite grains, strongly dependent on the deposition parameters. The values of optical constants, superior to amorphous AlN, support the presence of crystallites in the amorphous film matrix. They were visualized by TEM and evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy. The characteristic Reststrahlen band of the h-AlN lattice with component lines arising from IR active phonon vibrational modes in AlN nanocrystallites was well detectable within the spectral range of 950–500 cm−1. Control X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy data were introduced and discussed. All measurements delivered congruent results and have clearly shown a correlation between the films’ structure and the mechanical and optical properties dependent on the experimental conditions.
Calibration Routine for Quantitative Three-Dimensional Flow Field Measurements in Drying Polymer Solutions Subject to Marangoni Convection
Authors: Tönsmann Max , Kröhl Fabian , Cavadini Philipp , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: March 2019

Surface-tension induced flows may have a significant impact on the surface topography of thin films or small printed structures derived from polymer solution processing. Despite a century of research on Marangoni convection, the community lacks quantitative experimental flow field data, especially from within drying solutions. We utilize multifocal micro particle tracking velocimetry (µPTV) to obtain these data and show a calibration routine based on point spread function (PSF) simulations as well as experimental data. The results account for a varying sample refractive index, beneficial cover-glass correction collar settings as well as a multifocal lens system. Finally, the calibration procedure is utilized exemplarily to reconstruct a three-dimensional, transient flow field within a poly(vinyl acetate)-methanol solution dried with inhomogeneous boundary conditions.
An Improved Identity-Based Multivariate Signature Scheme Based on Rainbow
Authors: Luyen Le Van
Published: March 2019

Multivariate Public Key Cryptography (MPKC) is one of the main candidates for post-quantum cryptography, especially in the area of signature schemes. In this paper, we instantiate a certificate Identity-Based Signature (IBS) scheme based on Rainbow, one of the most efficient and secure multivariate signature schemes. In addition, we revise the previous identity-based signature scheme IBUOV based on the Unbalanced Oil and Vinegar (UOV) scheme on the security and choice of parameters and obtain that our scheme is more efficient than IBUOV in terms of key sizes and signature sizes.
Two-Layer Erbium-Doped Air-Core Circular Photonic Crystal Fiber Amplifier for Orbital Angular Momentum Mode Division Multiplexing System
Authors: Zhang Hu , Han Di , Xi Lixia , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Xiaoguang , Li Hui , Zhang Wenbo
Published: March 2019

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode-division multiplexing (MDM) has recently been under intense investigations as a new way to increase the capacity of fiber communication. In this paper, a two-layer Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) for an OAM multiplexing system is proposed. The amplifier is based on the circular photonic crystal fiber (C-PCF), which can maintain a stable transmission for 14 OAM modes by a large index difference between the fiber core and the cladding. Further, the two-layer doped region can balance the amplification performance of different modes. The relationship between the performance and the parameters of the amplifier is analyzed numerically to optimize the amplifier design. The optimized amplifier can amplify 18 modes (14 OAM modes) simultaneously over the C-band with a differential mode gain (DMG) lower than 0.1 dB while keeping the modal gain over 23 dB and noise figure below 4 dB. Finally, the fabrication tolerance and feasibility are discussed. The result shows a relatively large fabrication tolerance in the OAM EDFA parameters.
Determining Simulation Parameters of Prototype Door Hinge for Correlation between Simulation and Experimental Results in United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No: 11 Tests
Authors: Erol Onur , Güler Özgül Hande
Published: March 2019

In this study, the simulation parameters of the door hinge were investigated in the Z direction to have a correlation between the experimental test and simulation. Tests and simulations were conducted according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No: 11. The simulation parameters, which are the friction coefficient of contacts, the effect of bush material assignment and effect of production imperfections, were examined respectively by utilizing the implicit solver of Ansys Mechanical Workbench 18 and the force-displacement curves were compared with experimental test results in order to decide the optimal settings of parameters. In a conclusion friction coefficient 0.2, non-linear bush material and realistic geometry model were considered as the optimal parameter settings for correlated Finite Element Model of the hinge.
A UAV-Based Sensor System for Measuring Land Surface Albedo: Tested over a Boreal Peatland Ecosystem
Authors: Canisius Francis , Wang Shusen , Croft Holly , Leblanc Sylvain G. , Russell Hazen A. J. , Chen Jing , Wang Rong
Published: March 2019

A multiple sensor payload for a multi-rotor based UAV platform was developed and tested for measuring land surface albedo and spectral measurements at user-defined spatial, temporal, and spectral resolutions. The system includes a Matrice 600 UAV with an RGB camera and a set of four downward pointing radiation sensors including a pyranometer, quantum sensor, and VIS and NIR spectrometers, measuring surface reflected radiation. A companion ground unit consisting of a second set of identical sensors simultaneously measure downwelling radiation. The reflected and downwelling radiation measured by the four sensors are used for calculating albedo for the total shortwave broadband, visible band and any narrowband at a 1.5 nm spectral resolution within the range of 350–1100 nm. The UAV-derived albedo was compared with those derived from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 satellite observations. Results show the agreement between total shortwave albedo from UAV pyranometer and Landsat 8 (R2 = 0.73) and Sentinel-2 (R2 = 0.68). Further, total shortwave albedo was estimated from spectral measurements and compared with the satellite-derived albedo. This UAV-based sensor system promises to provide high-resolution multi-sensors data acquisition. It also provides maximal flexibility for data collection at low cost with minimal atmosphere influence, minimal site disturbance, flexibility in measurement planning, and ease of access to study sites (e.g., wetlands) in contrast with traditional data collection methods.
Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Economic Growth: Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Bahrini Raéf , Qaffas Alaa A.
Published: March 2019

The present study aims to evaluate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the economic growth of selected developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region by using a panel Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) growth model over the period 2007–2016. The results extracted from the econometric model show that except fixed telephone, other information and communication technologies such as mobile phone, Internet usage, and broadband adoption are the main drivers of economic growth in MENA and SSA developing countries over the recent period 2007–2016. In addition, our findings confirm the superiority of MENA countries over SSA countries in the areas of Internet usage and broadband adoption. From a policy perspective, the results suggest that authorities in MENA and SSA countries should increase investments in ICT infrastructure. To benefit from the ICT drivers of economic growth, policymakers should enact several important policies that permit the development of financial sectors, provide a more convenient regulatory and institutional environment, increase economy openness, prioritize the allocation of resources to the development of ICT infrastructure, and contain the negative effects of inflation and government consumption.
Democracy and Education through the Eyes of Kuwaiti Politicians: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Alnufaishan Sara , Alrashidi Alanoud
Published: March 2019

Kuwait’s Constitution defines the small Arab Gulf nation as a constitutional democracy led by a hereditary emirate, although outside observers have questioned the degree to which it is indeed democratic. Despite such scepticism, Kuwait has undoubtedly taken some steps to promote democratization, including the introduction of the Constitution and Human Rights (CHR) module to the national curriculum to teach high students about civics, democracy and rights. While previous studies have explored the perspectives of Kuwaiti students and teachers towards democracy in general and the CHR in particular, the perspectives of Kuwaiti politicians have not been previously explored. To better understand their perspectives of and experiences towards democracy and education for democracy, this study employed a phenomenological approach involving 15-to-30-min semi-structured interviews with five Kuwait politicians who have served as either Members of the Kuwaiti National Assembly or Ministers or both. The themes that emerged included Active Versus Passive Democracy, Homegrown Versus Imported Democracy, Culture and Democracy and Education for Democracy, which are discussed in greater detail in the article.
A Time Domain Passivity Control Scheme for Bilateral Teleoperation
Authors: Sheng Long , Ahmad Usman , Ye Yongqiang , Pan Ya-Jun
Published: March 2019

Conventional time domain passivity control inevitably embodies division. Zero division can occur under a tiny force or velocity, which may be inevitable, and will be the cause of control crash. To avoid the zero division problem and control crash, we propose a switching dissipation controller for guaranteed stability. The parametric design of the proposed approach is discussed. The switching time domain passivity control is then applied to teleoperation and safe operation is achieved. Simulation and experimental results are demonstrated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.