bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zero Current Switching Switched-Capacitors Balancing Circuit for Energy Storage Cell Equalization and Its Associated Hybrid Circuit with Classical Buck-Boost
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Cheng Ka Wai Eric , Fong Yat Chi
Published: July 2019

To overcome the problem of switching loss during the balancing process, a novel cell balancing circuit is proposed with the integration of a zero current switching technique. Moreover, the balancing circuit proposed can change between a classical buck-boost pattern and a resonant switched-capacitor pattern with flexible control to cater to the balancing requirements under different driving scenarios. The results of the simulation of field experiments demonstrate successful balancing, various balancing speed, and low energy loss. The proposed balancing circuit proves to be effective for a wide range of application and is the first attempt to integrate a dual balancing function in a single balancing circuit for cells.
Optimal Scheduling to Manage an Electric Bus Fleet Overnight Charging
Authors: Houbbadi Adnane , Trigui Rochdi , Pelissier Serge , Redondo-Iglesias Eduardo , Bouton Tanguy
Published: July 2019

Electro-mobility is increasing significantly in the urban public transport and continues to face important challenges. Electric bus fleets require high performance and extended longevity of lithium-ion battery at highly variable temperature and in different operating conditions. On the other hand, bus operators are more concerned about reducing operation and maintenance costs, which affects the battery aging cost and represents a significant economic parameter for the deployment of electric bus fleets. This paper introduces a methodological approach to manage overnight charging of an electric bus fleet. This approach identifies an optimal charging strategy that minimizes the battery aging cost (the cost of replacing the battery spread over the battery lifetime). The optimization constraints are related to the bus operating conditions, the electric vehicle supply equipment, and the power grid. The optimization evaluates the fitness function through the coupled modeling of electro-thermal and aging properties of lithium-ion batteries. Simulation results indicate a significant reduction in the battery capacity loss over 10 years of operation for the optimal charging strategy compared to three typical charging strategies.
Biofuel Policy and Industrial Transition—A Nordic Perspective
Authors: Midttun Atle , Næss Knut Myrum , Piccini Proadpran Boonprasurd
Published: July 2019

The article explores the interplay between policy, technological innovation and market dynamics. It highlights the challenges of combining biofuel policies for ‘greening’ transport with reviving the Nordic forestry industry. We find that strong policy initiatives have triggered a transition to biofuel in the three Nordic countries but have so far given little stimulus to forest-industrial revival. Instead, biofuel has created dynamic change in the petroleum sector, where retailers and refineries have adopted cheap imported biofuel to diversify out of an exclusive reliance on petroleum, leaving forest-based biofuel unable to compete. However, this does not mean that the forestry industry has remained stagnant. We find that parts of the Nordic forestry industry have staged an impressive revival, though one based predominantly on high value products, such as hygiene products and labels, and not on biofuel. We conclude that, while public policy may influence commercial conditions, it does not—in a market economy—dictate the industrial strategy, which is hard to predict, especially when it moves beyond existing sector-boundaries. However, the recent adjustment in biofuel policy, in part a response to ecological critique, may represent a more promising opportunity for forest-industrial participation in the future.
Super Absorbent Polymers Buried within Dry Soil Attract Formosan Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Xie Qinxi , Jin Zhengya , Lin Wei , Xue Kena , Chen Xuemei , Zhao Kai , Wen Xiujun , Wang Cai
Published: July 2019

Baiting is one of the main methods to control subterranean termites. Many previous studies showed that subterranean termites avoid making tunnels within dry soil and feeding on dry wood, which may decrease bait infestation and consumption in drought areas. Super absorbent polymers are a group of materials that can retain large amounts of water and improve the moisture content of soil and bait matrices, and therefore may attract termites. In the present study, choice tests were conducted in the laboratory to investigate the aggregation and feeding behaviors of Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, in response to the three super absorbent polymers—sodium polyacrylate (Na-PAM), potassium polyacrylate (K-PAM), and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) potassium salt (P(AM/AA))—that were either placed within soil or filled in the void volume of baiting containers. Under dry-soil (30%-moisture) conditions, termites consumed significantly more wood in the chambers where super absorbent polymers were buried than in the control chambers (super absorbent polymer was not placed within soil). In addition, Na-PAM placed within dry soil significantly increased termite aggregation compared with the control chambers. However, no aggregation or feeding preference was detected when super absorbent polymers were placed within wet soil (60%-moisture). Also, filling super absorbent polymers into the void volume of baiting containers did not attract termites, whether the soil was dry or wet. Our study showed that placing super absorbent polymers within soil around bait stations may increase bait consumption by subterranean termites in drought locations.
Deepening Rooting Depths Improve Plant Water and Carbon Status of a Xeric Tree during Summer Drought
Authors: Zheng Xin-Jun , Xu Gui-Qing , Li Yan , Wu Xue
Published: July 2019

Exploring the effects of drought on trees of different sizes is an important research topic because the size-dependent mortality pattern of the major dominant species significantly affects the structure and function of plant communities. Here we studied the physiological performance and non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) dynamics of a small xeric tree species, Haloxylon ammodendron (C.A.Mey.) of different tree size with varying rooting depth, during summer drought. We measured predawn (Ψpd) and midday (Ψm) leaf water potential, osmotic potential at saturated turgor (π100), and turgor lost point (Ψtlp), stomatal conductance (gs) at noon, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) in the morning, and NSCs concentration, from June–September. Our results demonstrated that the summer drought reduces the overall performance of physiological traits of the small young trees more than the larger adult trees. Ψpd, gs and Fv/Fm dropped larger in the small-diameter groups than the larger diameter groups. Substantial osmotic adjustments were observed in small size individuals (with lower π100 and Ψtlp) to cope with summer drought. Furthermore, mean concentration of NSCs for the leaf and shoot were higher in September than in July in every basal stem diameter classes suggested the leaf and shoot acted as reserve for NSC. However the root NSCs concentrations within each basal stem diameter class exhibited less increase in September than in the July. At the same time, the small young tress had lower root NSCs concentrations than the larger adult tree in both July and September. The contrasting root NSC concentrations across the basal stem diameter classes indicated that the roots of smaller trees may be more vulnerable to carbon starvation under non-lethal summer drought. The significant positive relationship between rooting depth and physiological traits & root NSCs concentration emphasize the importance of rooting depth in determining the seasonal variation of water status, gas exchange and NSCs.
Contrasting Asymptomatic and Drug Resistance Gene Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum in Ghana: Implications on Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention
Authors: Dieng Cheikh Cambel , Gonzalez Lauren , Pestana Kareen , Dhikrullahi Shittu B. , Amoah Linda E. , Afrane Yaw A. , Lo Eugenia
Published: July 2019

Malaria is a significant public health problem in Ghana. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) using a combination of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine has been implemented since 2015 in northern Ghana where malaria transmission is intense and seasonal. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum carriers in three ecological zones of Ghana, and compared the sensitivity and specificity of different molecular methods in identifying asymptomatic infections. Moreover, we examined the frequency of mutations in pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, and pfdhps that relate to the ongoing SMC. A total of 535 asymptomatic schoolchildren were screened by microscopy and PCR (18s rRNA and TARE-2) methods. Among all samples, 28.6% were detected as positive by 18S nested PCR, whereas 19.6% were detected by microscopy. A high PCR-based asymptomatic prevalence was observed in the north (51%) compared to in the central (27.8%) and south (16.9%). The prevalence of pfdhfr-N51I/C59R/S108N/pfdhps-A437G quadruple mutant associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance was significantly higher in the north where SMC was implemented. Compared to 18S rRNA, TARE-2 serves as a more sensitive molecular marker for detecting submicroscopic asymptomatic infections in high and low transmission settings. These findings establish a baseline for monitoring P. falciparum prevalence and resistance in response to SMC over time.
The Impact of Salt Tectonics on the Thermal Evolution and the Petroleum System of Confined Rift Basins: Insights from Basin Modeling of the Nordkapp Basin, Norwegian Barents Sea
Authors: Cedeño Andrés , Rojo Luis Alberto , Cardozo Néstor , Centeno Luis , Escalona Alejandro
Published: July 2019

Although the thermal effect of large salt tongues and allochthonous salt sheets in passive margins is described in the literature, little is known about the thermal effect of salt structures in confined rift basins where sub-vertical, closely spaced salt diapirs may affect the thermal evolution and petroleum system of the basin. In this study, we combine 2D structural restorations with thermal modeling to investigate the dynamic history of salt movement and its thermal effect in the Nordkapp Basin, a confined salt-bearing basin in the Norwegian Barents Sea. Two sections, one across the central sub-basin and another across the eastern sub-basin, are modeled. The central sub-basin shows deeply rooted, narrow and closely spaced diapirs, while the eastern sub-basin contains a shallower rooted, wide, isolated diapir. Variations through time in stratigraphy (source rocks), structures (salt diapirs and minibasins), and thermal boundary conditions (basal heat flow and sediment-water interface temperatures) are considered in the model. Present-day bottom hole temperatures and vitrinite data provide validation of the model. The modeling results in the eastern sub-basin show a strong but laterally limited thermal anomaly associated with the massive diapir, where temperatures in the diapir are 70 °C cooler than in the adjacent minibasins. In the central sub-basin, the thermal anomalies of closely-spaced diapirs mutually interfere and induce a combined anomaly that reduces the temperature in the minibasins by up to 50 °C with respect to the platform areas. Consequently, source rock maturation in the areas thermally affected by the diapirs is retarded, and the hydrocarbon generation window is expanded. Although subject to uncertainties in the model input parameters, these results demonstrate new exploration concepts (e.g., deep hydrocarbon kitchens) that are important for evaluating the prospectivity of the Nordkapp Basin and similar basins around the world.
3D-Analysis of Mouth, Nose and Eye Parameters in Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Authors: Blanck-Lubarsch Moritz , Dirksen Dieter , Feldmann Reinhold , Sauerland Cristina , Hohoff Ariane
Published: July 2019

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a developmental disorder with severe negative lifetime consequences for the affected person. Numerous diagnostic methods for facial assessment in FAS exist, but most of them are based on subjective evaluations. Our aim was therefore to find objective methods for the verification of FAS(D). Methods: 58 children (28 FAS; 30 controls) were examined prospectively. 3D facial scans were performed for each child and facial parameters at the mouth, nose and eye regions were measured and compared between the groups. Results: Significant differences could be found for the distance between right and left sulcus nasi at the transition point to the philtrum (p < 0.001), for the inner canthal distance (p = 0.001) as well as for the right and left palpebral fissure length (p < 0.001). No significant difference between the FAS and control children could be found for the measurements of mouth breadth (p = 0.267) and breadth between the left and right alares nasi (p = 0.260). Conclusions: Measurements of mouth breadth and nose breadth for the alares nasi are not suitable for FAS diagnosis. In contrast, digital contactless measurements of the distance between the right and left sulcus nasi at the transition point to the philtrum, as well as the inner canthal distance and palpebral fissure length of the left and right eyes, showed significant differences when comparing children with FAS to healthy controls. These measurements could thus be additional objective means for the verification of FAS.
Exposures to Air Pollution and Noise from Multi-Modal Commuting in a Chinese City
Authors: Liu Yisi , Lan Bowen , Shirai Jeff , Austin Elena , Yang Changhong , Seto Edmund
Published: July 2019

Background: Modern urban travel includes mixtures of transit options, which potentially impact individual pollution exposures and health. This study aims to investigate variations in traffic-related air pollution and noise levels experienced in traffic in Chengdu, China. Methods: Real-time PM2.5, black carbon (BC), and noise levels were measured for four transportation modes (car, bus, subway, and shared bike) on scripted routes in three types of neighborhoods (urban core, developing neighborhood, and suburb). Each mode of transportation in each neighborhood was sampled five times in summer and winter, respectively. After quality control, mixed effect models were built for the three pollutants separately. Results: Air pollutants had much higher concentrations in winter. Urban Core had the highest PM2.5 and BC concentrations across seasons compared to the other neighborhoods. The mixed effect model indicated that car commutes were associated with lower PM2.5 (−34.4 μg/m3; 95% CI: −47.5, −21.3), BC (−2016.4 ng/m3; 95% CI: −3383.8, −648.6), and noise (−9.3 dBA; 95% CI: −10.5, −8.0) levels compared with other modes; subway commutes had lower PM2.5 (−11.9 μg/m3; 95% CI: 47.5, −21.3), but higher BC (2349.6 ng/m3; 95% CI: 978.1, 3722.1) and noise (3.0 dBA; 95% CI: 1.7, 4.3) levels than the other three modes of transportation. Conclusion: Personal exposure to air pollution and noise vary by season, neighborhood, and transportation modes. Exposure models accounting for environmental, meteorological, and behavioral factors, and duration of mixed mode commuting may be useful for health studies of urban traffic microenvironments.
Association of Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Cardio-Metabolic Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jaganathan Suganthi , Jaacks Lindsay M. , Magsumbol Melina , Walia Gagandeep K. , Sieber Nancy L. , Shivasankar Roopa , Dhillon Preet K. , Hameed Safraj Shahul , Schwartz Joel , Prabhakaran Dorairaj
Published: July 2019

Background: Numerous epidemiological studies indicated high levels of particulate matter less than2.5 μm diameter (PM2.5) as a major cardiovascular risk factor. Most of the studies have been conducted in high-income countries (HICs), where average levels of PM2.5 are far less compared to low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), and their socio-economic profile, disease burden, and PM speciation/composition are very different. We systematically reviewed the association of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs) in LMICs. Methods: Multiple databases were searched for English articles with date limits until March 2018. We included studies investigating the association of long-term exposure to PM2.5 (defined as an annual average/average measure for 3 more days of PM2.5 exposure) and CMDs, such as hospital admissions, prevalence, and deaths due to CMDs, conducted in LMICs as defined by World Bank. We excluded studies which employed exposure proxy measures, studies among specific occupational groups, and specific episodes of air pollution. Results: A total of 5567 unique articles were identified, of which only 17 articles were included for final review, and these studies were from Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, and Mexico. Outcome assessed were hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related emergency room visits/admissions, death, and mortality. Largely a positive association between exposure to PM2.5 and CMDs was found, and CVD mortality with effect estimates ranging from 0.24% to 6.11% increased per 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5. CVD-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits increased by 0.3% to 19.6%. Risk factors like hypertension had an odds ratio of 1.14, and type 2 diabetes mellitus had an odds ratio ranging from 1.14–1.32. Diversity of exposure assessment and health outcomes limited the ability to perform a meta-analysis. Conclusion: Limited evidence on the association of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and CMDs in the LMICs context warrants cohort studies to establish the association.
Environmental Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of French Prenatal Professionals Working with a Socially Underprivileged Population: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Albouy-Llaty Marion , Rouillon Steeve , El Ouazzani Houria ,   Group DisProSE, Rabouan Sylvie , Migeot Virginie
Published: July 2019

Introduction: As environmental health knowledge of population is associated with social economic status, the objective of this study was to determine environmental health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of French prenatal professionals working with a socially underprivileged population. Material and methods: A focus group with eleven prenatal professionals working with socially underprivileged population was carried out in France in 2015. Content analysis of verbatim explanation was conducted with choice-of-subject categories carried out according to the triangulation principle, and topic trees were generated and applied. Results: The professionals have non-specialized experimental knowledge of emergent risks and were essentially preoccupied by infectious biological risks. In practice, however, they became increasingly cognizant of emergent risks. Their educational practices take cultural context into account but educational tools with imagination and affectivity have to be developed in order to reach socially underprivileged population. Discussion: Professionals are often sensitized to the field of environmental health in their apprehension of polluted biological environments, which they associate with social contexts and behavioral factors. In this study, we recommend adapted training programs and updated professional guidelines in view of reducing prenatal emergent risk exposures and social inequalities of health.
Risk Assessment on Benzene Exposure among Gasoline Station Workers
Authors: Chaiklieng Sunisa , Suggaravetsiri Pornnapa , Autrup Herman
Published: July 2019

Benzene is a human carcinogen presented in gasoline (1% by volume). It is also found in vehicle exhaust. The aim of this study was to assess the health risk of inhalation exposure to benzene among gasoline station workers. The ambient benzene concentration was measured by personal sampling from 150 gasoline station workers (137 fueling workers and 13 cashiers). Additional data of working characteristics were collected by interviews and on-site observations. All workers were non-smokers and passive smoking was limited. Risk assessment of inhalation exposure was determined using the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and showed a high risk of adverse health effect (Hazard Quotients (HQ) >1) in 51.33% of workers. The cancer risk was increased from 1.35 × 10−8 to 1.52 × 10−4, and 70.67% of the workers had a lifetime cancer risk (>Inhalation Unit Risk (IUR): 2.2 × 10−6). A significantly higher risk was found in fueling workers compared to cashiers, and in workers at gasoline stations in inner-city zones (suburban and urban), compared to rural zones. All risk estimations were based upon a single measurement in an eight hour working period, which was assumed to be the average shift length for all working days in a year (250 days). The increased health risk suggests that there should be health surveillance for workers in order to protect them from exposure to benzene. In addition to benzene, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in gasoline may influence health outcomes.
Lung Cancer Mortality Trends in a Brazilian City with a Long History of Asbestos Consumption
Authors: Fernandes Gisele Aparecida , Algranti Eduardo , Conceição Gleice Margarete de Souza , Wünsch Filho Victor , Toporcov Tatiana Natasha
Published: July 2019

There are scarce epidemiological studies on lung cancer mortality in areas exposed to asbestos in developing countries. We compared the rates and trends in mortality from lung cancer between 1980 and 2016 in a municipality that made extensive use of asbestos, Osasco, with rates from a referent municipality with lower asbestos exposure and with the rates for the State of São Paulo. We retrieved death records for cases of lung cancer (ICD-9 C162) (ICD-10 C33 C34) from 1980 to 2016 in adults aged 60 years and older. The join point regression and age-period-cohort models were fitted to the data. Among men, there was an increasing trend in lung cancer mortality in Osasco of 0.7% (CI: 0.1; 1.3) in contrast to a mean annual decrease for Sorocaba of -1.5% (CI: −2.4; −0.6) and a stable average trend for São Paulo of -0.1 (IC: −0.3; 0.1). Similar increasing trends were seen in women. The age-period-cohort model showed an increase in the risk of death from 1996 in Osasco and a reduction for Sorocaba and São Paulo State during the same period. Our results point to a need for a special monitoring regarding lung cancer incidence and mortality in areas with higher asbestos exposure.
Simulation of Heavy Metals Migration in Soil-Wheat System of Mining Area
Authors: Fang Aman , Dong Jihong , Zhang Ru
Published: July 2019

Heavy metals in the soil of mining areas have become a primary source of pollution, which could cause deleterious health effects in people exposed through soil-plant systems via multi-pathways. A long-term field experiment under natural conditions was carried out to explore the distribution characteristic and migration law of heavy metals in a soil-wheat system of a mining area in Xuzhou. According to the second level standard of environmental quality standards for soils of China (GB 15618-1995), 30.8 g of CrCl3·6H2O, 8.3 g of Pb(CH3COO)2·3H2O, and 16.5 g of ZnSO4·7H2O were added into the soil of three experimental sites, respectively. The other experimental site with no additional compounds was used as the control site. The Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the soil-wheat system were counted and their corresponding migration models were constructed. From 2014 to 2017, the mean concentrations of Cr (49.09 mg·kg−1), Pb (20.08 mg·kg−1), and Zn (39.11 mg·kg−1) in the soil of the addition sites were higher than that of the control site. The mean concentrations of Cr, Pb, and Zn in wheat of the addition sites were greater than that of the control site with the values of 3.29, 0.06, and 29 mg·kg−1. In comparison, the Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the soil of all experimental sites were lower than the second level standard of environmental quality standards for soils of China (GB 15618-1995), whereas the Cr concentration exceeded its corresponding soil background value of Xuzhou in 2017. The Pb concentration in soil of the addition site was greater than its corresponding background value from 2014 to 2016. The Pb and Zn concentrations in wheat of all experimental sites were lower than the national hygienic standard for grains of China (GB2715-2005) and the national guidelines for cereals of China (NY 861-2004), but the Cr concentration significantly exceeded the national guidelines for cereals of China (NY 861-2004). By constructing the Identical-Discrepant-Contrary (IDC) gray connection models, the result showed that there was a non-linear relationship of Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the soil-wheat system, and the absolute values of most correlation coefficients r were lower than 0.5 and the values of greyness f G ( r ) were more than 0.5. The curvilinear regression models could not reflect the relationship of Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the soil-wheat system with the regression coefficient r 2 values far less than 1. Due to the values of regression coefficient r 2 being close to 1, this study suggested that the allocation estimation models could be used for simulating the Cr, Pb, and Zn migration in the soil-wheat system of a mining area in Xuzhou.
Attachment Styles and Well-Being in Adolescents: How Does Emotional Development Affect This Relationship?
Authors: Mónaco Estefanía , Schoeps Konstanze , Montoya-Castilla Inmaculada
Published: July 2019

Attachment relationships with parents, as well as emotional competencies, are protective factors against stress and other physical, mental, and relational health symptoms in adolescence. In this paper, we will examine the mediating role of emotional competencies in the relationship between attachment to parents and the well-being of adolescents, taking into account the influence of gender. There were 1276 Spanish adolescents between 12 and 15 years old (M = 13.48; SD = 1.09). We measured mother and father attachment relationships (trust, communication and alienation), emotional competencies (perceive and understand emotions, label and express emotions, manage and regulate emotions), and adolescent well-being using the indicators: somatic complaints, stress, satisfaction with life and affectivity. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlations, and a multi-group path analysis were performed. The results indicated that emotional competencies partially mediate the relationship between attachment to parents and well-being variables. Attachment to one’s mother and father, along with emotional competencies, are relevant variables in adolescent well-being. This highlights the importance of understanding the protective factors of well-being in adolescence, a time when levels of well-being are reduced compared to childhood.
Tubulin in Platelets: When the Shape Matters
Authors: Cuenca-Zamora Ernesto José , Ferrer-Marín Francisca , Rivera José , Teruel-Montoya Raúl
Published: July 2019

Platelets are anuclear cells with a short lifespan that play an essential role in many pathophysiological processes, including haemostasis, inflammation, infection, vascular integrity, and metastasis. Billions of platelets are produced daily from megakaryocytes (platelet precursors). Despite this high production, the number of circulating platelets is stable and, under resting conditions, they maintain their typical discoid shape thanks to cytoskeleton proteins. The activation of platelets is associated with dynamic and rapid changes in the cytoskeleton. Two cytoskeletal polymer systems exist in megakaryocytes and platelets: actin filaments and microtubules, based on actin, and α- and β-tubulin heterodimers, respectively. Herein, we will focus on platelet-specific tubulins and their alterations and role of the microtubules skeleton in platelet formation (thrombopoiesis). During this process, microtubules mediate elongation of the megakaryocyte extensions (proplatelet) and granule trafficking from megakaryocytes to nascent platelets. In platelets, microtubules form a subcortical ring, the so-called marginal band, which confers the typical platelet discoid shape and is also responsible for changes in platelet morphology upon activation. Molecular alterations in the gene encoding β1 tubulin and microtubules post-translational modifications may result in quantitative or qualitative changes in tubulin, leading to altered cytoskeleton reorganization that may induce changes in the platelet number (thrombocytopenia), morphology or function. Consequently, β1-tubulin modifications may participate in pathological and physiological processes, such as development.
A Novel Dental Sealant Containing Dimethylaminohexadecyl Methacrylate Suppresses the Cariogenic Pathogenicity of Streptococcus mutans Biofilms
Authors: Ibrahim Maria Salem , Ibrahim Ahmed S. , Balhaddad Abdulrahman A. , Weir Michael D. , Lin Nancy J. , Tay Franklin R. , Oates Thomas W. , Xu Hockin H. K. , Melo Mary Anne S.
Published: July 2019

Cariogenic oral biofilms are strongly linked to dental caries around dental sealants. Quaternary ammonium monomers copolymerized with dental resin systems have been increasingly explored for modulation of biofilm growth. Here, we investigated the effect of dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) on the cariogenic pathogenicity of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilms. DMAHDM at 5 mass% was incorporated into a parental formulation containing 20 mass% nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP). S. mutans biofilms were grown on the formulations, and biofilm inhibition and virulence properties were assessed. The tolerances to acid stress and hydrogen peroxide stress were also evaluated. Our findings suggest that incorporating 5% DMAHDM into 20% NACP-containing sealants (1) imparts a detrimental biological effect on S. mutans by reducing colony-forming unit counts, metabolic activity and exopolysaccharide synthesis; and (2) reduces overall acid production and tolerance to oxygen stress, two major virulence factors of this microorganism. These results provide a perspective on the value of integrating bioactive restorative materials with traditional caries management approaches in clinical practice. Contact-killing strategies via dental materials aiming to prevent or at least reduce high numbers of cariogenic bacteria may be a promising approach to decrease caries in patients at high risk.
Modulation of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Signaling Pathways by Olea Europaea and Its Active Compounds
Authors: Razali Rabiatul Adawiyah , Lokanathan Yogeswaran , Yazid Muhammad Dain , Ansari Ayu Suraya , Saim Aminuddin Bin , Hj Idrus Ruszymah Bt
Published: July 2019

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a significant dynamic process that causes changes in the phenotype of epithelial cells, changing them from their original phenotype to the mesenchymal cell phenotype. This event can be observed during wound healing process, fibrosis and cancer. EMT-related diseases are usually caused by inflammation that eventually leads to tissue remodeling in the damaged tissue. Prolonged inflammation causes long-term EMT activation that can lead to tissue fibrosis or cancer. Due to activation of EMT by its signaling pathway, therapeutic approaches that modulate that pathway should be explored. Olea europaea (OE) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory effects and abundant beneficial active compounds. These properties are presumed to modulate EMT events. This article reviews recent evidence of the effects of OE and its active compounds on EMT events and EMT-related diseases. Following evidence from the literature, it was shown that OE could modulate TGFβ/SMAD, AKT, ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in EMT due to a potent active compound that is present therein.
IDSSR: An Efficient Pipeline for Identifying Polymorphic Microsatellites from a Single Genome Sequence
Authors: Guang Xuan-Min , Xia Jin-Quan , Lin Jian-Qing , Yu Jun , Wan Qiu-Hong , Fang Sheng-Guo
Published: July 2019

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are known as microsatellites, and consist of tandem 1–6-base motifs. They have become one of the most popular molecular markers, and are widely used in molecular ecology, conservation biology, molecular breeding, and many other fields. Previously reported methods identify monomorphic and polymorphic SSRs and determine the polymorphic SSRs via experimental validation, which is potentially time-consuming and costly. Herein, we present a new strategy named insertion/deletion (INDEL) SSR (IDSSR) to identify polymorphic SSRs by integrating SSRs with nucleotide insertions/deletions (INDEL) solely based on a single genome sequence and the sequenced pair-end reads. These INDEL indexes and polymorphic SSRs were identified, as well as the number of repeats, repeat motifs, chromosome location, annealing temperature, and primer sequences, enabling future experimental approaches to determine the correctness and polymorphism. Experimental validation with the giant panda demonstrated that our method has high reliability and stability. The efficient SSR pipeline would help researchers obtain high-quality genetic markers for plants and animals of interest, save labor, and reduce costly marker-screening experiments. IDSSR is freely available at https://github.com/Allsummerking/IDSSR.
Beyond TCR Signaling: Emerging Functions of Lck in Cancer and Immunotherapy
Authors: Bommhardt Ursula , Schraven Burkhart , Simeoni Luca
Published: July 2019

In recent years, the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) has emerged as one of the key molecules regulating T-cell functions. Studies using Lck knock-out mice or Lck-deficient T-cell lines have shown that Lck regulates the initiation of TCR signaling, T-cell development, and T-cell homeostasis. Because of the crucial role of Lck in T-cell responses, strategies have been employed to redirect Lck activity to improve the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and to potentiate T-cell responses in cancer immunotherapy. In addition to the well-studied role of Lck in T cells, evidence has been accumulated suggesting that Lck is also expressed in the brain and in tumor cells, where it actively takes part in signaling processes regulating cellular functions like proliferation, survival and memory. Therefore, Lck has emerged as a novel druggable target molecule for the treatment of cancer and neuronal diseases. In this review, we will focus on these new functions of Lck.
Editorial for Special Issue “Molecular Advances in Wheat and Barley”
Authors: Martinez Manuel
Published: July 2019

Along with maize and rice, allohexaploid bread wheat and diploid barley are the most cultivated crops in the world (FAOSTAT database, http://www [...]
Preeclampsia-Like Features and Partial Lactation Failure in Mice Lacking Cystathionine γ-Lyase—An Animal Model of Cystathioninuria
Authors: Akahoshi Noriyuki , Handa Hiroki , Takemoto Rintaro , Kamata Shotaro , Yoshida Masahide , Onaka Tatsushi , Ishii Isao
Published: July 2019

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases as well as preeclampsia—a pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. We previously generated mice lacking cystathionine γ-lyase (Cth) as cystathioninuria models and found them to be with cystathioninemia/homocysteinemia. We investigated whether Cth-deficient (Cth−/−) pregnant mice display any features of preeclampsia. Cth−/− females developed normally but showed mild hypertension (~10 mmHg systolic blood pressure elevation) in late pregnancy and mild proteinuria throughout development/pregnancy. Cth−/− dams had normal numbers of pups and exhibited normal maternal behavior except slightly lower breastfeeding activity. However, half of them could not raise their pups owing to defective lactation; they could produce/store the first milk in their mammary glands but not often provide milk to their pups after the first ejection. The serum oxytocin levels and oxytocin receptor expression in the mammary glands were comparable between wild-type and Cth−/− dams, but the contraction responses of mammary gland myoepithelial cells to oxytocin were significantly lower in Cth−/− dams. The contraction responses to oxytocin were lower in uteruses isolated from Cth−/− mice. Our results suggest that elevated homocysteine or other unknown factors in preeclampsia-like Cth−/− dams interfere with oxytocin that regulates milk ejection reflex.
Suppression of Propionibacterium acnes-Induced Skin Inflammation by Laurus nobilis Extract and Its Major Constituent Eucalyptol
Authors: Lee Eun Hye , Shin Jin Hak , Kim Seon Sook , Joo Ji-Hye , Choi Eunmi , Seo Su Ryeon
Published: July 2019

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder in puberty with symptoms including papules, folliculitis, and nodules. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the main anaerobic bacteria that cause acne. It is known to proliferate within sebum-blocked skin hair follicles. P. acnes activates monocytic cell immune responses to induce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Although the anti-inflammatory function of the Laurus nobilis (L. nobilis) extract (LNE) on several immunological disorders have been reported, the effect of LNE in P. acnes-mediated skin inflammation has not yet been explored. In the present study, we examined the ability of the LNE to modulate the P. acnes-induced inflammatory signaling pathway, and evaluated its mechanism. LNE significantly suppressed the expression of P. acnes-mediated proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and NLRP3. We also found that LNE inhibited the inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB in response to P. acnes. In addition, eucalyptol, which is the main constituent of LNE, consistently inhibited P. acnes-induced inflammatory signaling pathways. Moreover, LNE significantly ameliorated P. acnes-induced inflammation in a mouse model of acne. We suggest for the first time that LNE hold therapeutic value for the improvement of P. acnes-induced skin inflammation.
When Relational-Based Applications Go to NoSQL Databases: A Survey
Authors: Schreiner Geomar A. , Duarte Denio , Mello Ronaldo dos Santos
Published: July 2019

Several data-centric applications today produce and manipulate a large volume of data, the so-called Big Data. Traditional databases, in particular, relational databases, are not suitable for Big Data management. As a consequence, some approaches that allow the definition and manipulation of large relational data sets stored in NoSQL databases through an SQL interface have been proposed, focusing on scalability and availability. This paper presents a comparative analysis of these approaches based on an architectural classification that organizes them according to their system architectures. Our motivation is that wrapping is a relevant strategy for relational-based applications that intend to move relational data to NoSQL databases (usually maintained in the cloud). We also claim that this research area has some open issues, given that most approaches deal with only a subset of SQL operations or give support to specific target NoSQL databases. Our intention with this survey is, therefore, to contribute to the state-of-art in this research area and also provide a basis for choosing or even designing a relational-to-NoSQL data wrapping solution.
A Web Platform for Integrated Vulnerability Assessment and Cyber Risk Management
Authors: Russo Pietro , Caponi Alberto , Leuti Marco , Bianchi Giuseppe
Published: July 2019

Cyber risk management is a very important problem for every company connected to the internet. Usually, risk management is done considering only Risk Analysis without connecting it with Vulnerability Assessment, using external and expensive tools. In this paper we present CYber Risk Vulnerability Management (CYRVM)—a custom-made software platform devised to simplify and improve automation and continuity in cyber security assessment. CYRVM’s main novelties are the combination, in a single and easy-to-use Web-based software platform, of an online Vulnerability Assessment tool within a Risk Analysis framework following the NIST 800-30 Risk Management guidelines and the integration of predictive solutions able to suggest to the user the risk rating and classification.
Phylogenomic Analyses Clarify True Species within the Butterfly Genus Speyeria despite Evidence of a Recent Adaptive Radiation
Authors: Thompson Erin , Baumsteiger Jason , Hill Ryan I.
Published: July 2019

When confronted with an adaptive radiation, considerable evidence is needed to resolve the evolutionary relationships of these closely related lineages. The North American genus Speyeria is one especially challenging radiation of butterflies due to potential signs of incomplete lineage sorting, ongoing hybridization, and similar morphological characters between species. Previous studies have found species to be paraphyletic and have been unable to disentangle taxa, often due to a lack of data and/or incomplete sampling. As a result, Speyeria remains unresolved. To achieve phylogenetic resolution of the genus, we conducted phylogenomic and population genomic analyses of all currently recognized North American Speyeria species, as well as several subspecies, using restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). Together, these analyses confirm the 16 canonical species, and clarify many internal relationships. However, a few relationships within Speyeria were poorly supported depending on the evolutionary model applied. This lack of resolution among certain taxa corroborates Speyeria is experiencing an ongoing adaptive radiation, with incomplete lineage sorting and lack of postzygotic reproductive barriers contributing to hybridization and further ambiguity. Given that many Speyeria taxa are under duress from anthropogenic factors, their legal protection must be viewed cautiously and on a case by case basis in order to properly conserve the diversity being generated.
Color Photometric Stereo Using Multi-Band Camera Constrained by Median Filter and Occluding Boundary
Authors: Miyazaki Daisuke , Onishi Yuka , Hiura Shinsaku
Published: July 2019

One of the main problems faced by the photometric stereo method is that several measurements are required, as this method needs illumination from light sources from different directions. A solution to this problem is the color photometric stereo method, which conducts one-shot measurements by simultaneously illuminating lights of different wavelengths. However, the classic color photometric stereo method only allows measurements of white objects, while a surface-normal estimation of a multicolored object using this method is theoretically impossible. Therefore, it is necessary to add some constraints to estimate the surface normal of a multicolored object using the framework of the color photometric stereo method. In this study, a median filter is employed as the constraint condition of albedo, and the surface normal of the occluding boundary is employed as the constraint condition of the surface normal. By employing a median filter as the constraint condition, the smooth distribution of the albedo and normal is calculated while the sharp features at the boundary of different albedos and normals are preserved. The surface normal at the occluding boundary is propagated into the inner part of the object region, and forms the abstract shape of the object. Such a surface normal gives a great clue to be used as an initial guess to the surface normal. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this study, a measurement device that can realize the multispectral photometric stereo method with seven colors is employed instead of the classic color photometric stereo method with three colors.
A Strategy to Synthesize Multilayer Graphene in Arc-Discharge Plasma in a Semi-Opened Environment
Authors: Tan Hai , Wang Deguo , Guo Yanbao
Published: July 2019

Graphene, as the earliest discovered two-dimensional (2D) material, possesses excellently physical and chemical properties. Vast synthetic strategies, including chemical vapor deposition, mechanical exfoliation, and chemical reduction, are proposed. In this paper, a method to synthesize multilayer graphene in a semi-opened environment is presented by introducing arc-discharge plasma technology. Compared with previous technologies, the toxic gases and hazardous chemical components are not generated in the whole process. The synthesized carbon materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectra technologies. The paper offers an idea to synthesize multilayer graphene in a semi-opened environment, which is a development to produce graphene with arc-discharge plasma.
Dimensional Control in Polyoxometalate Crystals Hybridized with Amphiphilic Polymerizable Ionic Liquids
Authors: Misawa Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Jun , Kiyota Yoshiki , Watanabe Masayuki , Ono Seiji , Okamura Yosuke , Koguchi Shinichi , Higuchi Masashi , Nagase Yu , Ito Takeru
Published: July 2019

Ionic liquids are an important component for constructing functional materials, and polyxometalate cluster anion is a promising partner for building inorganic–organic hybrid materials comprising ionic liquids. In such hybrid materials, the precise control of the molecular arrangement in the bulk structures is crucial for the emergence of characteristic functions, which can be realized by introducing an amphiphilic moiety into the ionic liquids. Here, an amphiphilic polymerizable imidazolium ionic liquid with a methacryloyl group was firstly hybridized with polyoxometalate anions of octamolybdate ([Mo8O26]4−, Mo8) and silicotungstate ([SiW12O40]4−, SiW12) to obtain inorganic–organic hybrid crystals. The polymerizable ionic liquid with a octyl chain (denoted as MAImC8) resulted in the formation of anisotropic molecular arrangements in the bulk crystal structure, which was compared with the hybrid crystals composed from the polymerizable ionic liquid without a long alkyl chain (denoted as MAIm). Rather densely packed isotropic molecular arrangements were observed in the hybrid crystals of MAIm–Mo8 and MAIm–SiW12 due to the lack of the amphiphilic moiety. On the other hand, using the amphiphilic MAImC8 cation gave rise to a honeycomb-like structure with the Mo8 anion and a layered structure with the SiW12 anion, respectively.
Discharge Behavior and Dielectric Breakdown of Oxide Films during Single Pulse Anodizing of Aluminum Micro-Electrodes
Authors: Yang Kai , Huang Haisong , Chen Jiadui , Cao Biao
Published: July 2019

Micro-arc discharge events and dielectric breakdown of oxide films play an important role in the formation process of plasma electrolytic oxidation coating. Single pulse anodization of micro-electrodes was employed to study the discharge behavior and dielectric breakdown of oxide films deposited on aluminum in an alkaline silicate electrolyte. Voltage and current waveforms of applied pulses were measured and surface morphology of micro-electrodes was characterized from images obtained using scanning electron microscope (SEM). A feasible identification method for the critical breakdown voltage of oxide film was introduced. Different current transients of voltage pulses were obtained, depending on applied pulse voltage and duration. In addition, the active capacitive effect and complex non-linear nature of plasma electrolytic oxidation process is confirmed using dynamic electrical characteristic curves. A good correlation between the pulse parameters and shape of discharge channels was observed. Circular opened pores were found to close with increasing potential and pulse width. Finally, the characteristic parameters of a single discharge event were estimated.