bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of EPS Geofoam to a Soil–Steel Bridge to Reduce Seismic Excitations
Authors: Maleska Tomasz , Nowacka Joanna , Beben Damian
Published: October 2019

There have only been a limited number of analyses of soil–steel bridges under seismic and anthropogenic (rockburst) excitations. Rockbursts are phenomena similar to low-intensity natural earthquakes. They can be observed in Poland (Upper and Lower Silesia) as well as in many parts of the world where coal and gas are mined. The influence of rockbursts and natural earthquakes on soil–steel bridges should be investigated because the ground motions caused by these two kinds of excitations differ. In the present paper, a non-linear analysis of a soil–steel bridge was carried out. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam blocks were used in a numerical model of the soil–steel bridge to buffer the seismic wave induced by a rockburst (coming from a coal mine) as well as a natural earthquake (El Centro record). The analyzed soil–steel bridge had two closed pipe arches in its cross-section. The span of the shells was 4.40 m and the height of the shells was 2.80 m. The numerical analysis was conducted using the DIANA program based on the finite element method (FEM). The paper presents the FEM results of a 3D numerical study of a soil–steel bridge both with and without the application of the EPS geofoam under seismic excitations. The obtained results can be interesting to bridge engineers and scientists dealing with the design and analysis of bridges situated in seismic and mining areas.
Quantitative Hazard Assessment of Landslides Using the Levenburg–Marquardt Back Propagation Neural Network Method in a Pipeline Area
Authors: Xiong Junnan , Li Jin , Zhang Hao , Sun Ming , Cheng Weiming
Published: October 2019

Pipelines are exposed to the severe threat of natural disasters, where the damage caused by landslides are particularly bad. Hence, in the route arrangement and maintenance management of pipeline projects, it is particularly important to evaluate the regional landslide hazards in advance. However, most models are based on the subjective determination of evaluation factors and index weights; this study establishes a quantitative hazard assessment model based on the location of historical landslides and the Levenberg–Marquardt Back Propagation (LM-BP) Neural Network model was applied to the pipeline area. We established an evaluation index system by analyzing the spatial patterns of single assessment factors and the mechanism of landslides. Then, different from previous studies, we built the standard sample matrix of the LM-BP neural network by using interpolation theory to avoid the serious influence of human factors on the hazard assessment. Finally, we used the standard sample matrix and the historical data to learn, train, test, and simulate future results. Our results showed 33 slopes with low hazard (accounting for 10.48% of the total number of slopes and corresponding to approximately 32.63 km2), 62 slopes with moderate hazard (accounting for 19.68% of the total number of slopes and corresponding to approximately 65.53 km2), 112 slopes with high hazard (accounting for 35.56% of the total number of slopes and corresponding to approximately 123.55 km2), and 108 slopes with extremely high hazard (accounting for 34.29% of the total number of slopes and corresponding to approximately 150.65 km2). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated that there are significant “high–high” and “low–low” aggregation of landslide hazards in the pipeline area. By comparing the model results with the past landslides, new landslides and landslide potential points, its prediction capability and accuracy were confirmed. On the basis of the results, our study has developed effective risk prevention and mitigation strategies in mountain areas to promote pipeline safety.
Validation of Stratification-Driven Phytoplankton Biomass and Nutrient Concentrations in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean as Simulated by EC-Earth
Authors: Skyllas Nomikos , Bintanja Richard , Buma Anita G. J. , Brussaard Corina P. D. , Gröger Matthias , Hieronymus Jenny , van de Poll Willem H.
Published: October 2019

We validated simulations of the Earth system model (ESM) EC-Earth-NEMO of present-day temperature, salinity, nutrient, and chlorophyll a profiles with in situ observations in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean (29–63º N). Simulations with standard parametrization (run 1) and improved parametrization of vertical mixing (run 2) were compared. Run 1 showed shallower mixed layer depths (MLDs) in spring as compared to observations owing to lower salinities in the upper 200 m of the subpolar North Atlantic (>55º N). This coincided with a mismatch with observed timing and magnitude of the phytoplankton spring bloom. In contrast, the model performed well south of 55º N. Run 2 showed improved springtime MLD, phytoplankton dynamics, and nutrient distributions in the subpolar North Atlantic. Our study underlines the sensitivity of subpolar North Atlantic phytoplankton blooms to surface freshening, suggesting that future fresh-water inflow from Arctic and Greenland Ice sheet melting could significantly affect phytoplankton productivity. These findings contribute to the generic validation of the EC-Earth ESM and underline the need for rigorous validation of physics-biology links, in particular the sub polar North Atlantic where complex seasonal stratification/vertical mixing processes govern upper ocean phytoplankton productivity.
Working with Institutional Stakeholders: Propositions for Alternative Approaches to Community Engagement
Authors: Cox Jeffrey G. , Chung Minwoong , Hamm Joseph A. , Zwickle Adam , Cruz Shannon M. , Dearing James W.
Published: October 2019

Community engagement is a vital aspect of addressing environmental contamination and remediation. In the United States, the Superfund Research Program (SRP) forms groups of academic researchers from the social and physical sciences into Community Engagement Cores (CECs) and Research Translation Cores (RTCs), which focus on various aspects of informing and working with communities during and through the resolution of environmental crises. While this work typically involves engaging directly with members of affected communities, no two situations are the same. In some cases, alternative approaches to community engagement can be more appropriate for community improvement than traditional approaches. In particular, when research teams become involved in contamination crises at a late point in the process, their contributions can be better directed at supporting and reinforcing the work of institutional stakeholders charged with remediating pollution. Relevant factors include issue fatigue among a local population, and contamination that is due to a major employer. Supported by literature and experience, we offer several propositions that we believe lay out conditions that warrant such an approach by academic teams, rather than their direct engagement with unaffiliated individuals in communities.
Future Temperature Extremes Will Be More Harmful: A New Critical Factor for Improved Forecasts
Authors: Varotsos Costas A. , Mazei Yuri A.
Published: October 2019

There is increasing evidence that extreme weather events such as frequent and intense cold spells and heat waves cause unprecedented deaths and diseases in both developed and developing countries. Thus, they require extensive and immediate research to limit the risks involved. Average temperatures in Europe in June–July 2019 were the hottest ever measured and attributed to climate change. The problem, however, of a thorough study of natural climate change is the lack of experimental data from the long past, where anthropogenic activity was then very limited. Today, this problem can be successfully resolved using, inter alia, biological indicators that have provided reliable environmental information for thousands of years in the past. The present study used high-resolution quantitative reconstruction data derived from biological records of Lake Silvaplana sediments covering the period 1181–1945. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a slight temperature change in the past could trigger current or future intense temperature change or changes. Modern analytical tools were used for this purpose, which eventually showed that temperature fluctuations were persistent. That is, they exhibit long memory with scaling behavior, which means that an increase (decrease) in temperature in the past was always followed by another increase (decrease) in the future with multiple amplitudes. Therefore, the increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme temperature events due to climate change will be more pronounced than expected. This will affect human well-being and mortality more than that estimated in today’s modeling scenarios. The scaling property detected here can be used for more accurate monthly to decadal forecasting of extreme temperature events. Thus, it is possible to develop improved early warning systems that will reduce the public health risk at local, national, and international levels.
Latent Profiles Based on Light Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Perceived Body Shape, and Body Mass Index in Patients with Dyslipidemia Influence Their Quality of Life
Authors: Park Saengryeol , Park So-Youn , Oh Gapjin , Oh In-Hwan
Published: October 2019

Despite the increasing prevalence and economic burden of dyslipidemia in South Korea, we have little data on the physical activity of patients. Thus, we aimed to investigate how quality of life among patients with dyslipidemia is influenced by a combination of the following variables: light physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), perceived body shape, and body mass index (BMI). We examined data from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI 2015), collected in 2015 by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The analysis included 534 individuals with dyslipidemia out of 7380 survey participants. Latent profile analysis identified three latent classes of individuals based on their physical profiles. Class 1 patients (active; n = 48) were more active, possessed more positive views of their body shape, were less sedentary, and had a lower BMI than Class 3 patients (inactive; n = 154). Class 2 patients (moderate; n = 331) had profiles in between the other two classes. Additionally, Class 1 and 2 patients had better quality of life than Class 3 patients. Our results suggest that promoting light PA and altering perceived body shape through counselling may improve quality of life in patients with dyslipidemia.
Cross-Talk between Mitochondrial Dysfunction-Provoked Oxidative Stress and Aberrant Noncoding RNA Expression in the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of SLE
Authors: Tsai Chang-Youh , Hsieh Song-Chou , Lu Cheng-Shiun , Wu Tsai-Hung , Liao Hsien-Tzung , Wu Cheng-Han , Li Ko-Jen , Kuo Yu-Min , Lee Hui-Ting , Shen Chieh-Yu , Yu Chia-Li
Published: October 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype of systemic autoimmune disease involving almost every organ. Polygenic predisposition and complicated epigenetic regulations are the upstream factors to elicit its development. Mitochondrial dysfunction-provoked oxidative stress may also play a crucial role in it. Classical epigenetic regulations of gene expression may include DNA methylation/acetylation and histone modification. Recent investigations have revealed that intracellular and extracellular (exosomal) noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are the key molecules for post-transcriptional regulation of messenger (m)RNA expression. Oxidative and nitrosative stresses originating from mitochondrial dysfunctions could become the pathological biosignatures for increased cell apoptosis/necrosis, nonhyperglycemic metabolic syndrome, multiple neoantigen formation, and immune dysregulation in patients with SLE. Recently, many authors noted that the cross-talk between oxidative stress and ncRNAs can trigger and perpetuate autoimmune reactions in patients with SLE. Intracellular interactions between miR and lncRNAs as well as extracellular exosomal ncRNA communication to and fro between remote cells/tissues via plasma or other body fluids also occur in the body. The urinary exosomal ncRNAs can now represent biosignatures for lupus nephritis. Herein, we’ll briefly review and discuss the cross-talk between excessive oxidative/nitrosative stress induced by mitochondrial dysfunction in tissues/cells and ncRNAs, as well as the prospect of antioxidant therapy in patients with SLE.
Impact of High Salt Diet on Cerebral Vascular Function and Stroke in Tff3−/−/C57BL/6N Knockout and WT (C57BL/6N) Control Mice
Authors: Kozina Nataša , Mihaljević Zrinka , Baus Lončar Mirela , Mihalj Martina , Mišir Mihael , Radmilović Marina Dobrivojević , Justić Helena , Gajović Srećko , Šešelja Kate , Bazina Iva , Horvatić Anita , Matić Anita , Bijelić Nikola , Rođak Edi , Jukić Ivana , Drenjančević Ines
Published: October 2019

High salt (HS) dietary intake leads to impaired vascular endothelium-dependent responses to various physiological stimuli, some of which are mediated by arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites. Transgenic Tff3−/− gene knockout mice (Tff3−/−/C57BL/6N) have changes in lipid metabolism which may affect vascular function and outcomes of stroke. We aimed to study the effects of one week of HS diet (4% NaCl) on vascular function and stroke induced by transient occlusion of middle cerebral artery in Tff3−/− and wild type (WT/C57BL/6N) mice. Flow-induced dilation (FID) of carotid artery was reduced in WT-HS mice, but not affected in Tff3−/−-HS mice. Nitric oxide (NO) mediated FID. NO production was decreased with HS diet. On the contrary, acetylcholine-induced dilation was significantly decreased in Tff3−/− mice on both diets and WT-HS mice. HS intake and Tff3 gene depletion affected the structural components of the vessels. Proteomic analysis revealed a significant effect of Tff3 gene deficiency on HS diet-induced changes in neuronal structural proteins and acute innate immune response proteins’ expression and Tff3 depletion, but HS diet did not increase the stroke volume, which is related to proteome modification and upregulation of genes involved mainly in cellular antioxidative defense. In conclusion, Tff3 depletion seems to partially impair vascular function and worsen the outcomes of stroke, which is moderately affected by HS diet.
MicroRNA Mediate Visfatin and Resistin Induction of Oxidative Stress in Human Osteoarthritic Synovial Fibroblasts Via NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Cheleschi Sara , Gallo Ines , Barbarino Marcella , Giannotti Stefano , Mondanelli Nicola , Giordano Antonio , Tenti Sara , Fioravanti Antonella
Published: October 2019

Synovial membrane inflammation actively participate to structural damage during osteoarthritis (OA). Adipokines, miRNA, and oxidative stress contribute to synovitis and cartilage destruction in OA. We investigated the relationship between visfatin, resistin and miRNA in oxidative stress regulation, in human OA synovial fibroblasts. Cultured cells were treated with visfatin and resistin. After 24 h, we evaluated various pro-inflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases (MMPs), type II collagen (Col2a1), miR-34a, miR-146a, miR-181a, antioxidant enzymes, and B-cell lymphoma (BCL)2 by qRT-PCR, apoptosis and mitochondrial superoxide production by cytometry, p50 nuclear factor (NF)-κB by immunofluorescence. Synoviocytes were transfected with miRNA inhibitors and oxidative stress evaluation after adipokines stimulus was performed. The implication of NF-κB pathway was assessed by the use of a NF-κB inhibitor (BAY-11-7082). Visfatin and resistin significantly up-regulated gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, MMP-1, MMP-13 and reduced Col2a1. Furthermore, adipokines induced apoptosis and superoxide production, the transcriptional levels of BCL2, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-2, catalase (CAT), nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (NRF2), miR-34a, miR-146a, and miR-181a. MiRNA inhibitors counteracted adipokines modulation of oxidative stress. Visfatin and resistin effects were suppressed by BAY-11-7082. Our data suggest that miRNA may represent possible mediators of oxidative stress induced by visfatin and resistin via NF-κB pathway in human OA synoviocytes.
Carvedilol Ameliorates Experimental Atherosclerosis by Regulating Cholesterol Efflux and Exosome Functions
Authors: Chen Sy-Jou , Tsui Pi-Fen , Chuang Yi-Ping , Chiang Dapi Meng-Lin , Chen Liv Weichien , Liu Shu-Ting , Lin Feng-Yen , Huang Shih-Ming , Lin Shih-Hua , Wu Wan-Lin , Tsai Min-Chien , Lin Chin-Sheng
Published: October 2019

Carvedilol (Cav), a nonselective β-blocker with α1 adrenoceptor blocking effect, has been used as a standard therapy for coronary artery disease. This study investigated the effects of Cav on exosome expression and function, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression, and cholesterol efflux that are relevant to the process of atherosclerosis. Human monocytic (THP-1) cell line and human hepatic (Huh-7) cells were treated with Cav, and cholesterol efflux was measured. Exosomes from cell culture medium or mice serum were isolated using glycan-coated recognition beads. Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (ldlr−/−) mice were fed with high-fat diet and treated with Cav. Cav accentuated cholesterol efflux and enhanced the expressions of ABCA1 protein and mRNA in both THP-1 and Huh-7 cells. In addition, Cav increased expression and function of exosomal ABCA1 in THP-1 macrophage exosomes. The mechanisms were associated with inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and protein kinase B (Akt). In hypercholesterolemic ldlr−/− mice, Cav enhanced serum exosomal ABCA1 expression and suppressed atherosclerosis by inhibiting lipid deposition and macrophage accumulation. Cav halts atherosclerosis by enhancing cholesterol efflux and increasing ABCA1 expression in macrophages and in exosomes, possibly through NF-κB and Akt signaling, which provides mechanistic insights regarding the beneficial effects of Cav on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Fetuin-A Inhibits Placental Cell Growth and Ciliogenesis in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Chia-Yih , Su Mei-Tsz , Cheng Hui-ling , Kuo Pao-Lin , Tsai Pei-Yin
Published: October 2019

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of unbalanced glucose tolerance that occurs during pregnancy, which affects approximately 10% of pregnancies worldwide. Fetuin-A is associated with insulin resistance, and the concentration of circulating fetuin-A increases in women with GDM, however, the role of fetuin-A in the placenta remains unclear. In this study, we enrolled placental samples from twenty pregnant women with GDM and twenty non-GDM pregnant women and found that the abundance of fetuin-A was upregulated in terms of mRNA and protein levels. Fetuin-A inhibited placental cell growth by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting S phase entry. Irregular alignment of mitotic chromosomes and aberrant mitotic spindle poles were observed. In addition, centrosome amplification was induced by fetuin-A treatment, and these amplified centrosomes nucleated microtubules with disorganized microtubule arrays in placental cells. Furthermore, fetuin-A inhibited autophagy, and thus blocked the growth of the primary cilium, a cellular antenna that regulates placenta development and differentiation. Thus, our study uncovered the novel function of fetuin-A in regulating placental cell growth and ciliogenesis.
The miR396–GRF Regulatory Module Controls the Embryogenic Response in Arabidopsis via an Auxin-Related Pathway
Authors: Szczygieł-Sommer Aleksandra , Gaj Małgorzata D.
Published: October 2019

In plants, microRNAs have been indicated to control various developmental processes, including somatic embryogenesis (SE), which is triggered in the in vitro cultured somatic cells of plants. Although a transcriptomic analysis has indicated that numerous MIRNAs are differentially expressed in the SE of different plants, the role of specific miRNAs in the embryogenic reprogramming of the somatic cell transcriptome is still poorly understood. In this study, we focused on performing a functional analysis of miR396 in SE given that the transcripts of MIR396 genes and the mature molecules of miR396 were found to be increased during an SE culture of Arabidopsis. In terms of miR396 in embryogenic induction, we observed the SE-associated expression pattern of MIR396b in explants of the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter line. In order to gain insight into the miR396-controlled mechanism that is involved in SE induction, the embryogenic response of mir396 mutants and the 35S:MIR396b overexpressor line to media with different 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) concentrations was evaluated. The results suggested that miR396 might contribute to SE induction by controlling the sensitivity of tissues to auxin treatment. Within the targets of miR396 that are associated with SE induction, we identified genes encoding the GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) transcription factors, including GRF1, GRF4, GRF7, GRF8, and GRF9. Moreover, the study suggested a regulatory relationship between miR396, GRF, and the PLETHORA (PLT1 and PLT2) genes during SE induction. A complex regulatory relationship within the miR396–GRF1/4/8/9–PLT1/2 module that involves the negative and positive control of GRFs and PLT (respectively) by miR396 might be assumed.
Protein and Proteome Atlas for Plants under Stresses: New Highlights and Ways for Integrated Omics in Post-Genomics Era
Authors: Wang Xuchu
Published: October 2019

In the post-genomics era, integrative omics studies for biochemical, physiological, and molecular changes of plants in response to stress conditions play more crucial roles. Among them, atlas analysis of plants under different abiotic stresses, including salinity, drought, and toxic conditions, has become more important for uncovering the potential key genes and proteins in different plant tissues. High-quality genomic data and integrated analyses of transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomics, and phenomic patterns provide a deeper understanding of how plants grow and survive under environmental stresses. This editorial mini-review aims to synthesize the 27 papers including two timely reviews that have contributed to this Special Issue, which focuses on concluding the recent progress in the Protein and Proteome Atlas in plants under different stresses. It covers various aspects of plant proteins ranging from agricultural proteomics, structure and function of proteins, novel techniques and approaches for gene and protein identification, protein quantification, proteomics for post-translational modifications (PTMs), and new insights into proteomics. The proteomics-based results in this issue will help the readers to gain novel insights for the understanding of complicated physiological processes in crops and other important plants in response to stressed conditions. Furthermore, these target genes and proteins that are important candidates for further functional validation in economic plants and crops can be studied.
Medication-Taking Habit and Outcome of Glucosamine Sulfate for Osteoarthritis Patients Influenced by National Health Insurance Regulations in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hao , Hsu Nin-Chieh , Shih Chia-Lung , Huang Hsuan-Ti , Chen Chung-Hwan , Chou Pei-Hsi
Published: October 2019

This study compared the dosage and different medication-taking habits of glucosamine sulfate (GS) for osteoarthritis patients and evaluated the influence of the National Health Insurance (NHI) prescription guidelines. The subjects were collected from the Taiwan NHI Research Database from 1 January 2004, to 31 December 2008, and 10,501 osteoarthritis patients were included. Then, 271 patients who continuously used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and started to receive glucosamine for the first time since 2005 (no glucosamine use in 2004) were compared with 593 age-matched patients who continuously used NSAIDs but never received any glucosamine drugs from 2004 to 2008. The mean treatment duration of the glucosamine-treated and NSAID-treated groups was 40.38 ± 7.89 and 45.82 ± 3.89 months, respectively. The most common medication-taking habit was 250 mg 3 times a day for 3 months and discontinued for 3 months. It was as indicated and covered by the NHI. Only 0.7% of patients used the recommended daily dosage of 1500 mg. Patients using GS surprisingly had a higher incidence rate of joint replacement surgery than those who did not use GS. The NHI prescription guidelines may cause patient selection bias, which decreases the efficacy of GS. Moreover, patients tend to have an altered medication-taking habit, with a daily dosage of 750 mg, which is lower than the recommended therapeutic dose.
Associations between Prenatal Physical Activity and Neonatal and Obstetric Outcomes—A Secondary Analysis of the Cluster-Randomized GeliS Trial
Authors: Hoffmann Julia , Günther Julia , Geyer Kristina , Stecher Lynne , Kunath Julia , Meyer Dorothy , Spies Monika , Rosenfeld Eva , Kick Luzia , Rauh Kathrin , Hauner Hans
Published: October 2019

Prenatal physical activity (PA) was discussed to decrease the incidence of obstetric and neonatal complications. In this secondary cohort analysis of the cluster-randomized GeliS (“healthy living in pregnancy”) trial, associations between prenatal PA and such outcomes were investigated. PA behavior was assessed twice, before or during the 12th week (baseline, T0) and after the 29th week of gestation (T1), using the self-reported Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Obstetric and neonatal data were collected in the routine care setting. Data were available for 87.2% (n = 1994/2286) of participants. Significant differences between the offspring of women who adhered to PA recommendations at T1 and offspring of inactive women were found in birth weight (p = 0.030) but not in other anthropometric parameters. Sedentary behavior was inversely associated with birth weight at T1 (p = 0.026) and, at both time points, with an increase in the odds of low birth weight (T0: p = 0.004, T1: p = 0.005). Light-intensity PA at T0 marginally increased the odds of caesarean section (p = 0.032), but neither moderate-intensity nor vigorous-intensity activity modified the risk for caesarean delivery at any time point. The present analyses demonstrated associations between prenatal PA and some neonatal and obstetric outcomes.
Normal Alpha-Fetoprotein Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Are They Really Normal?
Authors: Lee Chao-Wei , Tsai Hsin-I , Lee Wei-Chen , Huang Shu-Wei , Lin Cheng-Yu , Hsieh Yi-Chung , Kuo Tony , Chen Chun-Wei , Yu Ming-Chin
Published: October 2019

Introduction: serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was routinely employed as a tumor marker for screening, diagnosis, and treatment follow-up of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, a substantial proportion of HCC patients had normal AFP level even at an advanced disease status. Few studies to date had tried to explore the nature and behavior of this normal AFP HCC (N-HCC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcome of N-HCC after operation. In addition, potential tumor markers for N-HCC were also sought in an attempt to augment diagnostic ability. Methods: between 2005 and 2015, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated with hepatectomy in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou branch were divided into two groups according to their preoperative serum AFP level (<15 ng/mL: NHCC; ≥15 ng/mL: abnormal AFP HCC (A-HCC)). Patient demographic data and clinicopathological variables were collected. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for N-HCC. ELISA and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies were employed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of various tumor markers. Results: a total of 1616 patients (78% male) who underwent liver resection for HCC were included in this study. Of them, 761 patients (47.1%) were N-HCC. N-HCC patients were significantly older with more comorbidities and less hepatitis virus infections. Furthermore, N-HCC had fewer early recurrences (49.6% vs. 60.8%, p < 0.001) and better DFS (44.6 months vs. 23.6 months, p < 0.001) and OS (94.5 months vs. 81.7 months, p < 0.001). Both ELISA and IHC studies demonstrated that glypican-3 (GPC3) would be a promising diagnostic tumor marker for N-HCC. Conclusion: N-HCC patients were significantly older and had less hepatitis virus infections or cirrhosis. Their tumors tended to be smaller, less vascular invaded, and well-differentiated. The carcinogenesis of N-HCC may thus not be identical to that of typical HCC. GPC3 would be a promising tumor marker for diagnosing N-HCC. Further study is warranted to validate our findings.
Antibiotic Use and Long-Term Outcome in Patients with Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Co-Infection with Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Central Europe. A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Velušček Maša , Blagus Rok , Cerar Kišek Tjaša , Ružić-Sabljić Eva , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , F Bajrović Fajko , Stupica Daša
Published: October 2019

In this retrospective cohort study of patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), the clinical outcome in relation to co-infection with B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and, specifically, the effect of antibiotic treatment on clinical outcome in patients with TBE who were seropositive for borreliae but who did not fulfil clinical or microbiologic criteria for proven co-infection, were assessed at a single university medical center in Slovenia, a country where TBE and Lyme borreliosis are endemic with high incidence. Among 684 patients enrolled during a seven-year period from 2007 through 2013, 382 (55.8%) had TBE alone, 62 (9.1%) had proven co-infection with borreliae and 240 (35.1%) had possible co-infection. The severity of acute illness was similar in all the groups. The odds for incomplete recovery decreased during a 12-month follow-up but were higher in women, older patients, and in those with more severe acute illness. Incomplete recovery was not associated with either proven (odds ratio (OR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–2.95; p = 0.670) or possible co-infection (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.55–1.65; p = 0.853). Among patients with possible co-infection, older patients were more likely to be prescribed antibiotics, but the odds for incomplete recovery were similar in those who received antibiotics and those who did not (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.36–1.87; p = 0.630), suggesting that routine antibiotic treatment in patients with TBE and possible co-infection may not be warranted.
Hypothalamic Endocrine Tumors: An Update
Authors: Asa Sylvia L. , Mete Ozgur
Published: October 2019

The hypothalamus is the site of synthesis and secretion of a number of endocrine peptides that are involved in the regulation of hormonal activity of the pituitary and other endocrine targets. Tumors of the hypothalamus have been recognized to have both structural and functional effects including hormone hypersecretion. The classification of these tumors has advanced over the last few years, and biomarkers are now available to classify these tumors and provide accurate structure–function correlations. This review provides an overview of tumors in this region that is critical to metabolic homeostasis with a focus on advances in the diagnosis of gangliocytomas, neurocytomas, and pituicytomas that are unique to this region.
Nitrates as a Potential N Supply for Microbial Ecosystems in a Hyperarid Mars Analog System
Authors: Shen Jianxun , Zerkle Aubrey L. , Stueeken Eva , Claire Mark W.
Published: October 2019

Nitrate is common in Mars sediments owing to long-term atmospheric photolysis, oxidation, and potentially, impact shock heating. The Atacama Desert in Chile, which is the driest region on Earth and rich in nitrate deposits, is used as a Mars analog in this study to explore the potential effects of high nitrate levels on growth of extremophilic ecosystems. Seven study sites sampled across an aridity gradient in the Atacama Desert were categorized into 3 clusters—hyperarid, middle, and arid sites—as defined by essential soil physical and chemical properties. Intriguingly, the distribution of nitrate concentrations in the shallow subsurface suggests that the buildup of nitrate is not solely controlled by precipitation. Correlations of nitrate with SiO2/Al2O3 and grain sizes suggest that sedimentation rates may also be important in controlling nitrate distribution. At arid sites receiving more than 10 mm/yr precipitation, rainfall shows a stronger impact on biomass than nitrate does. However, high nitrate to organic carbon ratios are generally beneficial to N assimilation, as evidenced both by soil geochemistry and enriched culturing experiments. This study suggests that even in the absence of precipitation, nitrate levels on a more recent, hyperarid Mars could be sufficiently high to benefit potentially extant Martian microorganisms.
Transparent ZnO Thin-Film Deposition by Spray Pyrolysis for High-Performance Metal-Oxide Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Cho Junhee , Hwang Seongkwon , Ko Doo-Hyun , Chung Seungjun
Published: October 2019

Solution-based metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) have emerged, with their potential for low-cost and low-temperature processability preserving their intrinsic properties of high optical transparency and high carrier mobility. In particular, MOS field-effect transistors (FETs) using the spray pyrolysis technique have drawn huge attention with the electrical performances compatible with those of vacuum-based FETs. However, further intensive investigations are still desirable, associated with the processing optimization and operational instabilities when compared to other methodologies for depositing thin-film semiconductors. Here, we demonstrate high-performing transparent ZnO FETs using the spray pyrolysis technique, exhibiting a field-effect mobility of ~14.7 cm2 V−1 s−1, an on/off ratio of ~109, and an SS of ~0.49 V/decade. We examine the optical and electrical characteristics of the prepared ZnO films formed by spray pyrolysis via various analysis techniques. The influence of spray process conditions was also studied for realizing high quality ZnO films. Furthermore, we measure and analyze time dependence of the threshold voltage (Vth) shifts and their recovery behaviors under prolonged positive and negative gate bias, which were expected to be attributed to defect creation and charge trapping at or near the interface between channel and insulator, respectively.
Analysis of Stresses in a Tapered Roller Bearing Using Three-Dimensional Photoelasticity and Stereolithography
Authors: Vieira Filipe Gomes , Scari Alexandre S. , Magalhães Júnior Pedro Américo Almeida , Martins Jordana S. R. , Magalhães Cristina Almeida
Published: October 2019

Digital photoelasticity is an important segment of optical metrology for stress analysis by digital photographic images. Advances in digital image processing, data acquisition, standard recognition and data storage allow the utilization of computer-aided techniques in the automation and improvement of the digital photoelastic technique. The objective of this study is to develop new techniques using 3D rapid prototyping with transparent resins in digital photoelasticity. Some innovations are proposed (e.g., a tapered roller bearing built with 3D rapid prototyping with transparent resin and the final assembly with the specimens prototyped separately). A metrology study is carried out with the new techniques developed.
Ultrasound Axicon: Systematic Approach to Optimize Focusing Resolution through Human Skull Bone
Authors: Acquaticci Fabián , Lew Sergio E. , Gwirc Sergio N.
Published: October 2019

The use of axicon lenses is useful in many high-resolution-focused ultrasound applications, such as mapping, detection, and have recently been extended to ultrasonic brain therapies. However, in order to achieve high spatial resolution with an axicon lens, it is necessary to adjust the separation, called stand-off (δ), between a conventional transducer and the lens attached to it. Comprehensive ultrasound simulations, using the open-source k-Wave toolbox, were performed for an axicon lens attached to a piezo-disc type transducer with a radius of 14 mm, and a frequency of about 0.5 MHz, that is within the range of optimal frequencies for transcranial transmission. The materials properties were measured, and the lens geometry was modelled. Hydrophone measurements were performed through a human skull phantom. We obtained an initial easygoing design model for the lens angle and optimal stand-off using relatively simple formulas. The skull is not an obstacle for focusing of ultrasound with optimized axicon lenses that achieve an identical resolution to spherical transducers, but with the advantage that the focusing distance is shortened. An adequate stand-off improves the lateral resolution of the acoustic beam by approximately 50%. The approach proposed provides an effective way of designing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based axicon lenses equipped transducers.
Catalytic Soot Oxidation Activity of NiO–CeO2 Catalysts Prepared by a Coprecipitation Method: Influence of the Preparation pH on the Catalytic Performance
Authors: Bendieb Aberkane Amar , Yeste María Pilar , Fayçal Djazi , Goma Daniel , Cauqui Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2019

A series of NiO–CeO2 mixed oxide catalysts have been synthesized by a modified coprecipitation method at three different pH values (pH = 8, 9, and 10). The NiO–CeO2 mixed oxide samples were characterized by TGA, XRD, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), FTIR, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and electron microscopy (high-angle annular dark-field transmission electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (HAADF-TEM/EDS)). The catalytic activities of the samples for soot oxidation were investigated under loose and tight contact conditions. The catalysts exhibited a high BET surface area with average crystal sizes that varied with the pH values. Electron microscopy results showed the formation of small crystallites (~5 nm) of CeO2 supported on large plate-shaped particles of NiO (~20 nm thick). XRD showed that a proportion of the Ni2+ was incorporated into the ceria network, and it appeared that the amount on Ni2+ that replaced Ce4+ was higher when the synthesis of the mixed oxides was carried out at a lower pH. Among the synthesized catalysts, Ni-Ce-8 (pH = 8) exhibited the best catalytic performance.
A Case of Paraphilia with Osteoporosis and Administered with Depot Leuprorelin
Authors: Kim Dohee , Kim Kyoung Min , Lim Myung Ho
Published: October 2019

Paraphilia is a complex psychological and psychiatric disorder that has been difficult to treat. Leuprorelin has been used as one of the therapeutic methods for paraphilia. Leuprorelin administration could change insulin resistance and accelerate bone loss. The case study in this work was a 59-year-old man who visited a hospital with the chief complaints of frotteuristic behaviors in public places, a continuous increase in sexual desire, and sexual molestation behavior that started in 2007. We injected leuprorelin (3.6 mg) intramuscularly every month for this patient with paraphilia and comorbidities of osteoporosis and hyperthyroidism. The clinical global impression (CGI), Sex Addiction Screening Test (SAST), Wilson Sex Fantasy Questionnaire (WSFQ), physical examination, and laboratory tests were performed. After 12 months of leuprorelin injection for paraphilia, we found a significant improvement in abnormal sexual behavior/desire without aggravation of osteoporosis/hyperthyroidism. Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) analogs could be used as alternative or supplementary treatment methods for paraphilia with osteoporosis/hyperthyroidism.
A Study on the Improvement of the Fatigue Life of Bearings by Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification Technology
Authors: Darisuren Shirmendagva , Park Jeong-Hyeon , Pyun Young-Sik , Amanov Auezhan
Published: October 2019

In this study, the effects of ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) technology on the fatigue life of needle roller bearings were investigated. The fatigue life of the untreated and UNSM-treated needle roller bearings was evaluated using a roller fatigue tester at various contact stress levels, under oil lubrication conditions. It was found that the fatigue life of the UNSM-treated needle roller bearing was extended by approximately 34.3% in comparison with the untreated one. The results of the surface roughness and surface hardness of the needle roller bearings before and after UNSM technology were compared and discussed in order to understand the role of UNSM technology in improving fatigue life. It was found that the application of UNSM technology to the needle roller bearings can improve their fatigue life by reducing the friction coefficient and increasing the wear resistance, which may be attributed to the reduction in surface roughness from 0.50 µm to 0.15 µm and also the increase in surface hardness from 58 HRC to 62 HRC.
A Uniform Eddy Current Probe with a Double-Excitation Coil for Flaw Detection on Aluminium Plates
Authors: Repelianto Ageng Sadnowo , Kasai Naoya , Sekino Kouichi , Matsunaga Masaki
Published: October 2019

In this present study, a new uniform eddy current (UEC) probe with a double-excitation coil and pancake orientation is proposed. It is confirmed that the probe generates a strong magnetic field induction that increases the intensity of uniform eddy currents; moreover, it is found to be more efficient in power consumption for excitation using a finite element simulation. Experiments are performed to detect different flaw lengths and depths on an aluminium plate. The flaw signal detected by the probe indicates a high signal-to-noise ratio and increases as a function of flaw depth. The quantitative evaluation of flaws with the proposed UEC probe is achieved based on experimental results.
Viscoelasticity of Quartz and Kaolin Slurries in Seawater: Importance of Magnesium Precipitates
Authors: Jeldres Matías , Piceros Eder , Robles Pedro A. , Toro Norman , Jeldres Ricardo I.
Published: October 2019

In this study, the viscoelastic properties of quartz and kaolin suspensions in seawater were analysed considering two distinct conditions: pH 8 and 10.7. Creep and oscillatory sweep tests provided the rheological parameters. An Anton Paar MCR 102 rheometer (ANAMIN Group, Santiago, Chile) was used with a vane-in-cup configuration, and the data were processed with RheoCompassTM Light software (ANAMIN Group, Santiago, Chile). The outcomes were associated with the formation of solid species principally composed of magnesium precipitates. The magnesium in solution reduced in the presence of quartz (68 wt %), from 1380 to 1280 mg/L. Since the difference was not large regarding the solid-free seawater, the disposition of solid complexes at pH 10.7 was expected to be similar. The jump in pH caused both yield stress and viscoelastic moduli to drop, suggesting that the solid precipitates diminished the strength of the particle networks that made up the suspension. For the kaolin slurries (37 wt %), the yield stress raised when the pH increased, but unlike quartz, there was significant adsorption of magnesium cations. In fact, the concentration of magnesium in solution fell from 1380 to 658 mg/L. Dynamic oscillatory assays revealed structural changes in both pulps; in particular, the phase angle was greater at pH 8 than at pH 10.7, which indicates that at more alkaline conditions, the suspension exhibits a more solid-like character.
Effect of Manganese on the Structure-Properties Relationship of Cold Rolled AHSS Treated by a Quenching and Partitioning Process
Authors: Kaar Simone , Krizan Daniel , Schneider Reinhold , Béal Coline , Sommitsch Christof
Published: October 2019

The present work focuses on the investigation of both microstructure and resulting mechanical properties of different lean medium Mn Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) steels with 0.2 wt.% C, 1.5 wt.% Si, and 3–4 wt.% Mn. By means of dilatometry, a significant influence of the Mn-content on their transformation behavior was observed. Light optical and scanning electron microscopy (LOM, SEM) was used to characterize the microstructure consisting of tempered martensite (α’’), retained austenite (RA), partially bainitic ferrite (αB), and final martensite (α’final) formed during final cooling to room temperature (RT). Using the saturation magnetization measurements (SMM), a beneficial impact of the increasing Mn-content on the volume fraction of RA could be found. This remarkably determined the mechanical properties of the investigated steels, since the larger amount of RA with its lower chemical stabilization against the strain-induced martensite transformation (SIMT) highly influenced their overall stress-strain behavior. With increasing Mn-content the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) rose without considerable deterioration in total elongation (TE), leading to an enhanced combination of strength and ductility with UTS × TE exceeding 22,500 MPa%. However, for the steel grades containing an elevated Mn-content, a narrower process window was observed due to the tendency to form α’final.
Simultaneous Selective Chlorination and Carbothermic Reduction of High-Iron Manganese Ore for the Recovery of Manganese Chloride and Metallic Iron
Authors: Yu Dawei , Cui Fuhui , Cong Yunxiang , Zhang Chunxi , Tian Qinghua , Guo Xueyi
Published: October 2019

Metallurgical processing of low-grade manganese ore with high iron content is gaining increasing attention due to the gradual depletion of high-grade Mn ores, amid the difficulties in its efficient extraction for both Mn and Fe values in an environmentally-friendly manner. Attempting to tackle the difficulties, this paper describes an innovative process for selectively chlorinating and reducing the high-Fe manganese ore in a simultaneous manner, aiming to produce water-soluble MnCl2 and metallic Fe. After pre-mixing with carbonaceous reductant, CaCl2 and MgCl2 as the chlorinating agent, the Mn ore was heated at 1000 °C. As much as 89.4% Mn can be chlorinated in its water-soluble form, with dissolution of only 3.0% Fe. The presence of CaCl2 during carbothermic reduction resulted in significant promotion in both the Fe reduction rate and formation of large metallic Fe particles due to the segregation effect, facilitating subsequent separation. Selective Mn chlorination by MgCl2 took place with or without the involvement of SiO2, forming MgSiO4 or MgO, respectively.
Hot Deformation Process Analysis and Modelling of X153CrMoV12 Steel
Authors: Krbaťa Michal , Eckert Maroš , Križan Daniel , Barényi Igor , Mikušová Ivana
Published: October 2019

Analysis of the high temperature plastic behavior of high-strength steel X153CrMoV12 was developed in the temperature range of 800–1200 °C and the deformation rate in the range of 0.001–10 s−1 to the maximum value of the true strain 0.9%. Microstructural changes were observed using light optical microscopy (LOM) as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effect of hot deformation temperature on true stress, peak stress and true strain was evaluated from the respective flow curves. Based on these results, steel transformation was discussed from the dynamic recovery and recrystallization point of view. Furthermore, a present model, taking into account the Zener–Hollomon parameter, was developed to predict the true stress and strain over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates. Using constitutive equations, material parameters and activation energy were derived, which can be subsequently applied to other models related to hot deformation behavior of selected tool steels. The experimental data were compassed to the ones obtained by the predictive model with the correlation coefficient R = 0.98267. These results demonstrate an appropriate applicability of the model for experimental materials in hot deformation applications.