bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of Carbon Porous Paper for Alkaline Alcoholic Fuel Cells
Authors: Perugupalli Deva Harsha , Xu Tao , Cho Kyu Taek
Published: August 2019

In this study, various treatment methods to increase the reactivity of carbon porous electrodes for alkaline alcoholic fuel cells were investigated with commercially available carbon papers to understand the characteristic electrochemical behaviors of the treated carbon electrodes and to find the best method to enhance the cell performance. Effects of thermal treatment, potassium hydroxide (KOH) treatment, N2 doping, and reaction-area control via a multi-layered structure were compared in the cell-based tests, and a huge improvement in the cell performance (i.e., 64% increase of open circuit voltage (OCV) and 320% increase of max power density) was found from the thermal-treated four-layered carbon porous electrode. The results were compared with those from platinum on carbon (Pt/C)-based cells, and a discussion on the direction of research in the future was conducted. The results of this study are expected to provide key guidelines for alcoholic fuel cell (AFC) developers to develop cost-effective AFC with a carbon electrode.
Influence of the Spacing of Steam-Injecting Pipes on the Energy Consumption and Soil Temperature Field for Clay-Loam Disinfection
Authors: Yang Zhenjie , Wang Xiaochan , Ameen Muhammad
Published: August 2019

Soil steam disinfection (SSD) technology is one of the effective means to eliminate soil-borne diseases, especially under the condition of clay-loam soil cultivation for facility agriculture in Yangtze River delta (China). With the fine particles, small pores and high density of the soil, the way of steam transport and heat transfer are quite different from those of other cultivation mediums, and when using SSD injection method, the diffusion of steam between pipes will be affected, inhibiting the heat transfer in the dense soil. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the influence of steam pipe spacing (SPS) on the energy consumption and soil temperature (ST) for clay-loam disinfection. The best results are to find a suitable SPS that satisfies the inter-tube steam that can be gathered together evenly without being lost to the air under limited boiler heating capacity. To this purpose, we first used a computational fluid dynamics model to calculate the effective SPS to inject steam into deep soil. Second, the ST, ST rise rate, ST coefficient of variation, and soil water content variation among different treatments (12, 18, 24, or 30 cm pipe spacing) were analysed. Finally, the heating efficiency of all treatments depending on the disinfection time ratio and relative energy consumption was evaluated. The result shows that in the clay-loam unique to Southern China, the elliptical shape of the high-temperature region obtained from the numerical simulation was basically consistent with the experiment results, and the ratios of short diameter to long diameter were 0.65 and 0.63, respectively. In the SPS = 12 and 18 cm treatments, the steam completely diffused at a 0–20 cm soil layer depth, and the heat transfer was convective. However, at an SPS = 12 cm, steam accumulation occurred at the steam pipe holes, causing excessive accumulation of steam heat. The relative energy consumptions for SPS = 30, 24, and 12 cm were above 2.18 kJ/(kg·°C), and the disinfection time ratio was below 0.8. Thus, under a two-pipe flow rate = 4–8 kg/h, the inter-tube steam was found to be completely concentrated with a uniform continuous high temperature distribution within the soil for an appropriate SPS = 18–22 cm, avoiding the unnecessary loss of steam heat, and this method can be considered for static and moving disinfection operations in the cultivated layer (−20–0 cm) of clay loam soil. However, for soil with higher clay contents, the SPS can be appropriately reduced to less than 18 cm. For soil with lower clay contents and higher sand contents, the SPS can be increased to more than 22 cm.
Flux-Balance Control for LLC Resonant Converters with Center-Tapped Transformers
Authors: Lin Yuan-Chih , Chen Ding-Tang , Chen Ching-Jan
Published: August 2019

LLC resonant converters with center-tapped transformers are widely used. However, these converters suffer from a flux walking issue, which causes a larger output ripple and possible transformer saturation. In this paper, a flux-balance control strategy is proposed for resolving the flux walking issue. First, the DC magnetizing current generated due to the mismatched secondary-side leakage inductances, and its effects on the voltage gain are analyzed. From the analysis, the flux-balance control strategy, which is based on the original output-voltage control loop, is proposed. Since the DC magnetizing current is not easily measured, a current sensing strategy with a current estimator is proposed, which only requires one current sensor and is easy to estimate the DC magnetizing current. Finally, a simulation scheme and a hardware prototype with rated output power 200 W, input voltage 380 V, and output voltage 20 V is constructed for verification. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed control strategy effectively reduces the DC magnetizing current and output voltage ripple at mismatched condition.
Research on Switching Interconnection Modes and Game Control of Interconnected Air Suspension
Authors: Sun Liqin , Lin Yong , Geng Guoqing , Li Zhongxing , Jiang Haobin
Published: August 2019

To solve the contradiction between handling stability and ride comfort of vehicles with interconnected air suspension system (IASS) and reduce the energy consumption of air suspension with adjustable spring stiffness, a coordinated control for dynamic performance was designed based on the logic of switching interconnection modes and game control for the damper. The control system consists of a switching controller for air suspension interconnection modes and a distribution controller for the damping force. The switching controller determines the optimal air suspension interconnection mode by calculating the vehicle dynamic performance index in real-time. The distribution controller achieves a distribution for optimal damping force based on an infinite time differential game. veDYNA software that is a vehicle dynamics analysis software based on MATLAB/Simulink was used to verify the algorithm, and the accuracy was verified by a bench test. Finally, the results show this coordinated system can significantly improve the ride comfort and restrain the pitching motion. Compared with traditional suspension, the vertical acceleration decreases by 18.32% and the dynamic stroke decreases by more than 10% under the straight condition; the vertical acceleration decreases by 12.24% and the roll angle decreases by 1.26% under the steering condition.
Design of Power Supply Package for Electricity Sales Companies Considering User Side Energy Storage Configuration
Authors: Mu Qitian , Gao Yajing , Yang Yongchun , Liang Haifeng
Published: August 2019

With the deepening of the reform of the power system, electricity sales companies are required to explore new business models and provide multi-faceted marketing programs for users. At the same time, with the reduction of energy storage (ES) costs and the gradual maturity of technology, user side ES, especially Battery ES, has become an effective means for enhancing users’ power supply reliability and reducing electricity bills. Battery ES, as the standby power supply, has a vast user side application. The configuration of ES can help users to ameliorate power quality and reduce electricity cost. It is a critical strategy for electricity sales companies to improve their competitiveness as well. Firstly, this paper analyzes the user side ES and introduces the user side ES development status and relevant policies. Then, we establish an ES configuration optimization model based on the cost–benefit system. To determine the optimal ES capacity of the system’s storage capacity, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with elite strategy (NSGA-II) is used as the method solving model. Finally, according to the cost-effectiveness of ES and the period of a contract signed by users, a price package with ES configuration is designed for users to choose.
Self-Sufficient and Islanded-Oriented Design of a Reversible Solid Oxide Cell-Based Renewable Microgrid
Authors: Sorrentino Marco , Adamo Antonio , Nappi Gianmarco
Published: August 2019

This article presents the development of a constrained optimization algorithm, whose scope is to support the preliminary design of a renewable microgrid, integrating solar panels and wind turbines with reversible solid oxide cells. The motivations behind this research activity lie in the increasing interest in renewable-based production and on-site storage of hydrogen, and its aim is to help this energy vector spread worldwide and in as many industrial and residential sectors as possible within a reasonably short timeframe. To this end, suitable models were developed by referring to the most relevant literature and by introducing some specific simplifying assumptions. Such an approach allowed the setting-up of a multi-variable constrained optimization task, whose outcomes correspond to the most techno-economic effective plant configuration with respect to assigned design criteria. The optimum solution was particularly sought via the generalized reduced gradient method, aimed at determining renewable plants sizes under the constraint that the final stored hydrogen level is brought back to the initial value after one year. The results highlight that an interesting payback time of about 10 years can be attained, while guaranteeing that the optimal configuration holds promising resiliency and islanded-use capabilities (such as almost weekly self-sufficiency) via smart over-the-year charge-sustaining management of the designed hydrogen storage tank. In this way, it was possible to simultaneously address, via the specific optimization problem formulation, the interconnected needs of optimally designing system components in terms of installed power, and the proper management of the reversible solid oxide cell unit.
Influence of the Dynamic Motion of a Splash-Lubricated Gearbox on Churning Power Losses
Authors: Hu Xiaozhou , Li Pingping , Wu Minggui
Published: August 2019

To investigate the influence of the dynamic motion of a gearbox on lubricating flow field and churning power losses under splash lubrication, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method based on a combination of the fluid of volume (VOF) method and turbulence model is presented in this paper. A non-inertial coordinate system was employed to simulate the motion of the gearbox, and the feasibility and accuracy of the method was validated by the available experimental results. Numerical models of the gearbox with a spur gear pair under no load operation condition were established, and sinusoidal motions with different frequencies and amplitudes were implemented in the gearbox. The effects of the rotational speed of gears, oil immersion depth, and the frequency and amplitude of sinusoidal motions were studied. The results showed that the dynamic motion of the gearbox can exert a significant influence on churning losses and the oil supply of the gear contacting zone, and the gear pair may be in a loss-of-lubrication state.
Growth of Abies sachalinensis Along an Urban Gradient Affected by Environmental Pollution in Sapporo, Japan
Authors: Moser-Reischl Astrid , Rötzer Thomas , Biber Peter , Ulbricht Matthias , Uhl Enno , Qu Laiye , Koike Takayoshi , Pretzsch Hans
Published: August 2019

Urban tree growth is often affected by reduced water availability, higher temperatures, small and compacted planting pits, as well as high nutrient and pollution inputs. Despite these hindering growth conditions, recent studies found a surprisingly better growth of urban trees compared to trees at rural sites, and an enhanced growth of trees in recent times. We compared urban versus rural growing Sakhalin fir (Abies sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Mast.) trees in Sapporo, northern Japan and analyzed the growth differences between growing sites and the effects of environmental pollution (NO2, NOX, SO2 and OX) on tree growth. Tree growth was assessed by a dendrochronological study across a gradient from urban to rural sites and related to high detailed environmental pollution data with mixed model approaches and regression analyses. A higher growth of urban trees compared to rural trees was found, along with an overall accelerated growth rate of A. sachalinensis trees over time. Moreover, environmental pollution seems to positively affect tree growth, though with the exception of oxides OX which had strong negative correlations with growth. In conclusion, higher temperatures, changed soil nutrient status, higher risks of water-logging, increased oxide concentrations, as well as higher age negatively affected the growth of rural trees. The future growth of urban A. sachalinensis will provide more insights as to whether the results were induced by environmental pollution and climate or biased on a higher age of rural trees. Nevertheless, the results clearly indicate that environmental pollution, especially in terms of NO2 and NOX poses no threat to urban tree growth in Sapporo.
Factors and Contingencies for the “It Pays to Be Green Hypothesis”. The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and Financial Crisis as Contexts
Authors: Cañón-de-Francia Joaquín , Garcés-Ayerbe Concepión
Published: August 2019

This study provides empirical evidence related to the “it pays to be green” hypothesis. Based on information from panel data approximately 42 industrial companies during an 8-year period, we determine some of the factors and contingences that affect the fulfilment of that hypothesis. We find that a certain level of proactivity in environmental strategy design is one of the conditions that favors a positive relationship between environmental investment and financial performance. We also provide empirical evidence on how some external conditions affect this positive relationship, such as regulatory pressure from the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the financial crisis.
Dental Caries and the Erosive Tooth Wear Status of 12-Year-Old Children in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Maharani Diah Ayu , Zhang Shinan , Gao Shiqian Sherry , Chu Chun-Hung , Rahardjo Anton
Published: August 2019

Background: Indonesia has the largest population of all countries in southeast Asia. However, little information is available on the oral health status of Indonesian children. The aims of this study were to assess dental caries and erosive tooth wear in 12-year-old children in Jakarta, Indonesia and to investigate the associated risk factors. Methods: Samples were selected using cluster sampling. Parents were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding their oral health knowledge, demographic information, their child’s dietary habits, and oral health-related behaviors. Experience of caries and erosive tooth wear were recorded using the Decayed, Missing (due to caries), and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index, respectively. Results: Of 779 children invited, 696 participated in the survey. Of these, 61% had experienced caries, and the mean DMFT score was 1.58. Almost all decay was untreated. Children who were female, who had a high frequency of soft drink intake, and whose father’s educational level was low were more likely to have dental caries. Most children had at least one lesion of erosive tooth wear. Children whose mother’s educational level was low were more likely to have erosive tooth wear. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries and erosive tooth wear was high in 12-year-old children in Jakarta. Their dietary habits and parental level of education were associated with the presence of these dental conditions.
Emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O Fluxes from Forest Soil in Permafrost Region of Daxing’an Mountains, Northeast China
Authors: Wu Xiangwen , Zang Shuying , Ma Dalong , Ren Jianhua , Chen Qiang , Dong Xingfeng
Published: August 2019

With global warming, the large amount of greenhouse gas emissions released by permafrost degradation is important in the global carbon and nitrogen cycle. To study the feedback effect of greenhouse gases on climate change in permafrost regions, emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O were continuously measured by using the static chamber-gas chromatograph method, in three forest soil ecosystems (Larix gmelinii, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, and Betula platyphylla) of the Daxing’an Mountains, northeast China, from May 2016 to April 2018. Their dynamic characteristics, as well as the key environmental affecting factors, were also analyzed. The results showed that the flux variation ranges of CO2, CH4, and N2O were 7.92 ± 1.30~650.93 ± 28.12 mg·m−2·h−1, −57.71 ± 4.65~32.51 ± 13.03 ug·m−2·h−1, and −3.87 ± 1.35~31.1 ± 2.92 ug·m−2·h−1, respectively. The three greenhouse gas fluxes showed significant seasonal variations, and differences in soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes between different forest types were significant. The calculation fluxes indicated that the permafrost soil of the Daxing’an Mountains may be a potential source of CO2 and N2O, and a sink of CH4. Each greenhouse gas was controlled using different key environmental factors. Based on the analysis of Q10 values and global warming potential, the obtained results demonstrated that greenhouse gas emissions from forest soil ecosystems in the permafrost region of the Daxing’an Mountains, northeast China, promote the global greenhouse effect.
Effects of Exogenous N-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone as Signal Molecule on Nitrosomonas Europaea under ZnO Nanoparticle Stress
Authors: Wu Junkang , Gao Huan , Ye Jinyu , Chang Yan , Yu Ran , Ding Zhen , Zhu Guangcan
Published: August 2019

Despite the adverse effects of emerging ZnO nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) on wastewater biological nitrogen removal (BNR) systems being widely documented, strategies for mitigating nanoparticle (NP) toxicity impacts on nitrogen removal have not been adequately addressed. Herein, N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-based quorum sensing (QS) was investigated for its effects against nano-ZnO toxicity to a model nitrifier, Nitrosomonas europaea. The results indicated that AHL-attenuated nano-ZnO toxicity, which was inversely correlated with the increasing dosage of AHL from 0.01 to 1 µM. At 0.01 µM, AHL notably enhanced the tolerance of N. europaea cells to nano-ZnO stress, and the inhibited cell proliferation, membrane integrity, ammonia oxidation rate, ammonia monooxygenase activity and amoA gene expression significantly increased by 18.2 ± 2.1, 2.4 ± 0.9, 58.7 ± 7.1, 32.3 ± 1.7, and 7.3 ± 5.9%, respectively, after 6 h of incubation. However, increasing the AHL dosage compromised the QS-mediated effects and even aggravated the NPs’ toxicity effects. Moreover, AHLs, at all tested concentrations, significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity, indicating the potential of QS regulations to enhance cellular anti-oxidative stress capacities when facing NP invasion. These results provide novel insights into the development of QS regulation strategies to reduce the impact of nanotoxicity on BNR systems.
Organizational Culture and Job Demands and Resources: Their Impact on Employees’ Wellbeing in a Multivariate Multilevel Model
Authors: Lopez-Martin Esther , Topa Gabriela
Published: August 2019

(1) The present study aims to explore the impact of job demands and resources (JDR), personal resources, and the organizational culture on workers’ wellbeing and health. (2) A cross-sectional survey of Spanish workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was conducted with a sample of 1599 workers from 154 SMEs. A multivariate multilevel analysis was performed to analyze the different relationships. (3) In light of the results obtained, we observed that job demands were negatively associated with workers’ health, while job resources were positively correlated to workers’ health and wellbeing. Secondly, the different types of identification at work are positively related to job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), but the intensity of this association differs with the form of identification. Finally, at the organization level, the dimensions of organizational culture are related differently to employees’ job satisfaction, OCBs, and health; (4) these results confirm the role of organizational culture and its association with desirable outcomes, allowing us to expand the JDR model.
Acute Respiratory Tract Infection and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pham Hai , Rahman Aninda , Majidi Azam , Waterhouse Mary , Neale Rachel E.
Published: August 2019

Observational studies and randomised controlled studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI); however, findings are inconsistent and the optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration remains unclear. To review the link between 25(OH)D concentration and ARTI, we searched PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify observational studies reporting the association between 25(OH)D concentration and risk or severity of ARTI. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool findings across studies. Twenty-four studies were included in the review, 14 were included in the meta-analysis of ARTI risk and five in the meta-analysis of severity. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was inversely associated with risk and severity of ARTI; pooled odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.83 (1.42–2.37) and 2.46 (1.65–3.66), respectively, comparing the lowest with the highest 25(OH)D category. For each 10 nmol/L decrease in 25(OH)D concentration, the odds of ARTI increased by 1.02 (0.97–1.07). This was a non-linear trend, with the sharpest increase in risk of ARTI occurring at 25(OH)D concentration < 37.5 nmol/L. In conclusion, there is an inverse non-linear association between 25(OH)D concentration and ARTI.
Marginalisation, Ebola and Health for All: From Outbreak to Lessons Learned
Authors: Shelley-Egan Clare , Dratwa Jim
Published: August 2019

The Ebola epidemic in West Africa between 2014 and 2015 was the deadliest since the discovery of the virus four decades ago. With the second-largest outbreak of Ebola virus disease currently raging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (DRC) it is clear that lessons from the past can be quickly forgotten—or be incomplete in the first instance. In this article, we seek to understand the health challenges facing marginalised people by elaborating on the multiple dimensions of marginalisation in the case of the West Africa Ebola epidemic. We trace and unpack modes of marginalisation, beginning with the “outbreak narrative” and its main components and go on to examine other framings, including the prioritisation of the present over the past, the positioning of ‘Us versus Them’; and the marginalisation—in responses to the outbreak—of traditional medicine, cultural practices and other practices around farming and hunting. Finally, we reflect on the ‘lessons learned’ framing, highlighting what is included and what is left out. In conclusion, we stress the need to acknowledge—and be responsive to—the ethical, normative framings of such marginalisation.
Impact of Organic Manure on Growth, Nutrient Content and Yield of Chilli Pepper under Various Temperature Environments
Authors: Khaitov Botir , Yun Hye Jin , Lee Yejin , Ruziev Farrukh , Le Thi Hien , Umurzokov Mirjalol , Bo Bo Aung , Cho Kwang Min , Park Kee Woong
Published: August 2019

Expected climatic changes likely elicit serious challenges for crop production. Therefore, it is indispensable to investigate the response of crop growth parameters and yield under temperature variability environments. The current experiment on chilli pepper growth was conducted in a field, rain-shelter plastic house, and plastic greenhouse, with accumulated temperatures of 2832 °C, 2967 °C, and 3105 °C in 2017; and 2944 °C, 3091 °C, and 3168 °C in 2018 growing seasons. Based on soil analysis, 132.7 kg ha−1 (1× of livestock manure compost as an optimum and 265.4 kg ha−1 (2×) as a double amount of organic matter were applied to each simulated temperature condition. The results showed that organic manure application favorably affects the growth attributes and nutrient uptake of chilli pepper with the highest values found in the plastic greenhouse, followed by the rain-shelter house, over the open field cultivation condition. The highest growth of chilli pepper was at the 2× rate of organic manure application, whereas the highest yield was found at the 1× rate of organic manure application. The application of organic manure at the 1× rate in the greenhouse increased root, shoot, and fruit dry weights of chilli pepper by 21.4%, 52.4%, and 79.7%, respectively, compared to the control values. These results indicate that the rational use of organic amendments might be the best solution for chilli pepper production under variable climate conditions.
The Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Negative Emotions in Non-Clinical Populations: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Shu , Zou Liye , Chen Li-Zhen , Yao Ying , Loprinzi Paul D. , Siu Parco M. , Wei Gao-Xia
Published: August 2019

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) as a typical mind-body practice has been investigated for its preventive role on negative emotions and has demonstrated its efficacy in healthy populations. However, the results are not consistent. We performed a meta-analysis and systematically evaluated the effect of TCC on selected negative emotions (i.e., anxiety and depression). Fourteen experimental studies from three English-and two Chinese-language databases were evaluated. The results showed that the positive effects of TCC on negative emotions were moderately to largely significant. In addition, although TCC significantly improved negative emotions in both the young adults and the older adults, old adults benefited more from TCC than young adults. These findings suggest that TCC is a worthy complementary non-pharmacological resource towards depression and anxiety and, thus, has great implications for the public health domain.
Glucose Restriction Plus Refeeding in Vitro Induce Changes of the Human Adipocyte Secretome with an Impact on Complement Factors and Cathepsins
Authors: Qiao Qi , Bouwman Freek G. , Baak Marleen A. van , Renes Johan , Mariman Edwin C.M.
Published: August 2019

Adipose tissue is a major endocrine organ capable of secreting adipokines with a role in whole-body metabolism. Changes in the secretome profile during the development of obesity is suspected to contribute to the risk of health complications such as those associated with weight regain after weight loss. However, the number of studies on weight regain is limited and secretome changes during weight regain have hardly been investigated. In an attempt to generate leads for in vivo studies, we have subjected human Simpson Golabi Behmel Syndrome adipocytes to glucose restriction (GR) followed by refeeding (RF) as an in vitro surrogate for weight regain after weight loss. Using LC-MS/MS, we compared the secreted protein profile after GR plus RF with that of normal feeding (NF) to assess the consequences of GR plus RF. We identified 338 secreted proteins of which 49 were described for the first time as being secreted by adipocytes. In addition, comparison between NF and GR plus RF showed 39 differentially secreted proteins. Functional classification revealed GR plus RF-induced changes of enzymes for extracellular matrix modification, complement system factors, cathepsins, and several proteins related to Alzheimer’s disease. These observations can be used as clues to investigate metabolic consequences of weight regain, weight cycling or intermittent fasting.
Therapeutic and Protective Effects of Liposomal Encapsulation of Astaxanthin in Mice with Alcoholic Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Wu Yu Chiuan , Huang Han Hsiang , Wu Yi Jhen , Manousakas Ioannis , Yang Chin Chang , Kuo Shyh Ming
Published: August 2019

Astaxanthin (Asta) has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and free radical-clearing activities. However, the poor stability and low water solubility of Asta hamper its bioavailability. The objectives of this study were to fabricate Asta-loaded liposomes (Asta-lipo) and investigate the therapeutic effects of Asta-lipo on alcoholic liver fibrosis in mice. The mice were administered with Asta-lipo or liposomes alone prior to a 3-week dose containing 30% alcohol with or without feeding with a second dose of 30% alcohol. The prepared Asta-lipo of 225.0 ± 58.3 nm in diameter, had an encapsulation efficiency of 98%. A slow release profile of 16.2% Asta from Asta-lipo was observed after a 24-h incubation. Restorative actions against alcoholic liver fibrosis were observed after oral administration of Asta-lipo for 4 weeks. Hepatic repair, followed by a second dose of 30% alcohol, suggested that Asta-lipo exerted protective and reparative effects against liver injuries induced by repeated consumption of alcohol. The changes of serum ALT and AST values were principally in consistence with the histopathologic findings. Asta-lipo exerted rapid and direct effects against repeated alcohol-induced liver disease, whereas Asta-lipo given orally could boost recovery from liver injuries obtained due to previous long-term alcohol use. These data demonstrate that Asta-lipo has applicable protective and therapeutic potential to treat alcohol-induced liver diseases.
Proteomic Phosphosite Analysis Identified Crucial NPM-ALK-Mediated NIPA Serine and Threonine Residues
Authors: Gengenbacher Anina , Müller-Rudorf Alina , Poggio Teresa , Gräßel Linda , Dumit Veronica I. , Kreutmair Stefanie , Lippert Lena J. , Duyster Justus , Illert Anna L.
Published: August 2019

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma that shows in 60% of cases a translocation t(2;5)(p23;q35), which leads to the expression of the oncogenic kinase NPM-ALK. The nuclear interaction partner of ALK (NIPA) defines an E3-SCF ligase that contributes to the timing of mitotic entry. It has been shown that co-expression of NIPA and NPM-ALK results in constitutive NIPA phosphorylation. By mass spectrometry-based proteomics we identified nine serine/threonine residues to be significantly upregulated in NIPA upon NPM-ALK expression. Generation of phospho-deficient mutants of the respective phospho-residues specified five serine/threonine residues (Ser-338, Ser-344, Ser-370, Ser-381 and Thr-387) as key phosphorylation sites involved in NPM-ALK-directed phosphorylation of NIPA. Analysis of the biological impact of NIPA phosphorylation by NPM-ALK demonstrated that the ALK-induced phosphorylation does not change the SCFNIPA-complex formation but may influence the localization of NIPA and NPM-ALK. Biochemical analyses with phospho-deficient mutants elucidated the importance of NIPA phosphorylation by NPM-ALK for the interaction of the two proteins and proliferation potential of respective cells: Silencing of the five crucial NIPA serine/threonine residues led to a highly enhanced NIPA-NPM-ALK binding capacity as well as a slightly reduced proliferation in Ba/F3 cells.
Can Nrf2 Modulate the Development of Intestinal Fibrosis and Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Authors: Pompili Simona , Sferra Roberta , Gaudio Eugenio , Viscido Angelo , Frieri Giuseppe , Vetuschi Antonella , Latella Giovanni
Published: August 2019

One of the main mechanisms carried out by the cells to counteract several forms of stress is the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling. Nrf2 signaling controls the expression of many genes through the binding of a specific cis-acting element known as the antioxidant response element (ARE). Activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling can mitigate several pathologic mechanisms associated with an autoimmune response, digestive and metabolic disorders, as well as respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated that Nrf2 pathway plays a key role in inflammation and in cancer development in many organs, including the intestine. Nrf2 appears to be involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an immune-mediated chronic and disabling disease, with a high risk of developing intestinal fibrotic strictures and cancer. Currently, drugs able to increase cytoprotective Nrf2 function are in clinical trials or already being used in clinical practice to reduce the progression of some degenerative conditions. The role of Nrf2 in cancer development and progression is controversial, and drugs able to inhibit abnormal levels of Nrf2 are also under investigation. The goal of this review is to analyze and discuss Nrf2-dependent signals in the initiation and progression of intestinal fibrosis and cancers occurring in IBD.
Antagonistic Effects of IL-4 on IL-17A-Mediated Enhancement of Epidermal Tight Junction Function
Authors: Brewer Matthew G. , Yoshida Takeshi , Kuo Fiona I. , Fridy Sade , Beck Lisa A. , De Benedetto Anna
Published: August 2019

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease. AD is typically characterized by skewed T helper (Th) 2 inflammation, yet other inflammatory profiles (Th1, Th17, Th22) have been observed in human patients. How cytokines from these different Th subsets impact barrier function in this disease is not well understood. As such, we investigated the impact of the canonical Th17 cytokine, IL-17A, on barrier function and protein composition in primary human keratinocytes and human skin explants. These studies demonstrated that IL-17A enhanced tight junction formation and function in both systems, with a dependence on STAT3 signaling. Importantly, the Th2 cytokine, IL-4 inhibited the barrier-enhancing effect of IL-17A treatment. These observations propose that IL-17A helps to restore skin barrier function, but this action is antagonized by Th2 cytokines. This suggests that restoration of IL-17/IL-4 ratio in the skin of AD patients may improve barrier function and in so doing improve disease severity.
Castration Induces Down-Regulation of A-Type K+ Channel in Rat Vas Deferens Smooth Muscle
Authors: Ohya Susumu , Ito Katsunori , Hatano Noriyuki , Ohno Akitoshi , Muraki Katsuhiko , Imaizumi Yuji
Published: August 2019

A-type K+ channels contribute to regulating the propagation and frequency of action potentials in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The present study (i) identified the molecular components of A-type K+ channels in rat vas deferens SMs (VDSMs) and (ii) showed the long-term, genomic effects of testosterone on their expression in VDSMs. Transcripts of the A-type K+ channel α subunit, Kv4.3L and its regulatory β subunits, KChIP3, NCS1, and DPP6-S were predominantly expressed in rat VDSMs over the other related subtypes (Kv4.2, KChIP1, KChIP2, KChIP4, and DPP10). A-type K+ current (IA) density in VDSM cells (VDSMCs) was decreased by castration without changes in IA kinetics, and decreased IA density was compensated for by an oral treatment with 17α-methyltestosterone (MET). Correspondingly, in the VDSMs of castrated rats, Kv4.3L and KChIP3 were down-regulated at both the transcript and protein expression levels. Changes in Kv4.3L and KChIP3 expression levels were compensated for by the treatment with MET. These results suggest that testosterone level changes in testosterone disorders and growth processes control the functional expression of A-type K+ channels in VDSMCs.
Off-Stoichiometric Reactions at the Cell–Substrate Biomolecular Interface of Biomaterials: In Situ and Ex Situ Monitoring of Cell Proliferation, Differentiation, and Bone Tissue Formation
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe , Adachi Tetsuya , Boschetto Francesco , Zhu Wenliang , Zanocco Matteo , Marin Elia , Bal B. Sonny , McEntire Bryan J.
Published: August 2019

The availability of osteoinductive biomaterials has encouraged new therapies in bone regeneration and has potentially triggered paradigmatic shifts in the development of new implants in orthopedics and dentistry. Among several available synthetic biomaterials, bioceramics have gained attention for their ability to induce mesenchymal cell differentiation and successive bone formation when implanted in the human body. However, there is currently a lack of understanding regarding the fundamental biochemical mechanisms by which these materials can induce bone formation. Phenomenological studies of retrievals have clarified the final effect of bone formation, but have left the chemical interactions at the cell–material interface uncharted. Accordingly, the knowledge of the intrinsic material properties relevant for osteoblastogenesis and osteoinduction remains incomplete. Here, we systematically monitored in vitro the chemistry of mesenchymal cell metabolism and the ionic exchanges during osteoblastogenesis on selected substrates through conventional biological assays as well as via in situ and ex situ spectroscopic techniques. Accordingly, the chemical behavior of different bioceramic substrates during their interactions with mesenchymal cells could be unfolded and compared with that of biomedical titanium alloy. Our goal was to clarify the cascade of chemical equations behind the biological processes that govern osteoblastogenic effects on different biomaterial substrates.
Human Fetal Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote the Proliferation and Differentiation of Pancreatic Progenitor Cells and the Engraftment Function of Islet-Like Cell Clusters
Authors: Li Xing Yu , Wu Shang Ying , Leung Po Sing
Published: August 2019

Pancreatic progenitor cells (PPCs) are the primary source for all pancreatic cells, including beta-cells, and thus the proliferation and differentiation of PPCs into islet-like cell clusters (ICCs) opens an avenue to providing transplantable islets for diabetic patients. Meanwhile, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can enhance the development and function of different cell types of interest, but their role on PPCs remains unknown. We aimed to explore the mechanism-of-action whereby MSCs induce the in vitro and in vivo PPC/ICC development by means of our established co-culture system of human PPCs with human fetal bone marrow-derived MSCs. We examined the effect of MSC-conditioned medium on PPC proliferation and survival. Meanwhile, we studied the effect of MSC co-culture enhanced PPC/ICC function in vitro and in vivo co-/transplantation. Furthermore, we identified IGF1 as a critical factor responsible for the MSC effects on PPC differentiation and proliferation via IGF1-PI3K/Akt and IGF1-MEK/ERK1/2, respectively. In conclusion, our data indicate that MSCs stimulated the differentiation and proliferation of human PPCs via IGF1 signaling, and more importantly, promoted the in vivo engraftment function of ICCs. Taken together, our protocol may provide a mechanism-driven basis for the proliferation and differentiation of PPCs into clinically transplantable islets.
Heat-Induced Interactions between Whey Protein and Inulin and Changes in Physicochemical and Antioxidative Properties of the Complexes
Authors: Wang Cuina , Wang Hao , Sun Xiaomeng , Sun Yuxue , Guo Mingruo
Published: August 2019

Whey protein and inulin at various weight ratios were dry heated at 60 °C for 5 days under relative humidity of 63%. The heated mixtures were found to have significant changes in browning intensity and zeta-potential compared to untreated mixture. Heated samples showed significantly lower surface hydrophobicity than untreated mixtures. Compared with untreated samples, dry-heated samples showed significantly higher 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability with whey protein to inulin mass ratios of 1:2 and 1:3 and significantly higher 2,2′-Azinobis(2-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonate) (ABTS) scavenging abilities and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) at all weight ratios. Dry heat-induced interactions between whey protein and inulin was confirmed by changes in Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) protein profile, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Far-ultraviolet Circular Dichroism (Far-UV CD) spectra. Dry heating caused physicochemical and structural changes of whey protein and therefore the complexes can be used to improve the antioxidative properties of the mixture under certain conditions.
Comparison of Unassisted and Smart Assisted Negotiation in B2B Relationships from the Perspective of Generation Y
Authors: Simkova Nikola , Smutny Zdenek
Published: August 2019

The current trend in the European Union (EU) is to support the development of online dispute resolution (ODR) that saves financial and human resources. Therefore, research articles mainly deal with the design of new ODR solutions, without researching the social aspects of using different kinds of ODR solutions. For this reason, the main aim of the article is an empirical evaluation of two kinds of ODR solutions in business-to-business (B2B) relationships from the perspective of a selected social category. The article focuses on: (1) comparing unassisted and smart assisted negotiation while using the artificial intelligence approach; (2) the satisfaction and attitudes of Generation Y members from the Czech and Slovak Republic towards different ways of negotiating. The conclusions of this study can help researchers to design or improve existing ODR solutions, and companies to choose the most suitable managers from Generation Y for B2B negotiation. The results show that Generation Y members prefer computer-mediated communication as compared to face to face negotiation; the participants were more satisfied with the negotiation process when using smart assisted negotiation. Through a computer-mediated negotiation, even sellers with lower emotional stability can maintain an advantageous position. Similarly, buyers with lower agreeableness or higher extraversion can negotiate more favorable terms and offset their loss.
A Strain of Bacillus thuringiensis Containing a Novel cry7Aa2 Gene that Is Toxic to Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Domínguez-Arrizabalaga Mikel , Villanueva Maite , Fernandez Ana Beatriz , Caballero Primitivo
Published: August 2019

The genome of the Bacillus thuringiensis BM311.1 strain was sequenced and assembled in 359 contigs containing a total of 6,390,221 bp. The plasmidic ORF of a putative cry gene from this strain was identified as a potential novel Cry protein of 1138 amino acid residues with a 98% identity compared to Cry7Aa1 and a predicted molecular mass of 129.4 kDa. The primary structure of Cry7Aa2, which had eight conserved blocks and the classical structure of three domains, differed in 28 amino acid residues from that of Cry7Aa1. The cry7Aa2 gene was amplified by PCR and then expressed in the acrystalliferous strain BMB171. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the predicted molecular mass for the Cry7Aa2 protein and revealed that after in vitro trypsin incubation, the protein was degraded to a toxin of 62 kDa. However, when treated with digestive fluids from Leptinotarsa decemlineata larvae, one major proteinase-resistant fragment of slightly smaller size was produced. The spore and crystal mixture produced by the wild-type BM311.1 strain against L. decemlineata neonate larvae resulted in a LC50 value of 18.8 μg/mL, which was statistically similar to the estimated LC50 of 20.8 μg/mL for the recombinant BMB17-Cry7Aa2 strain. In addition, when this novel toxin was activated in vitro with commercial trypsin, the LC50 value was reduced 3.8-fold to LC50 = 4.9 μg/mL. The potential advantages of Cry7Aa2 protoxin compared to Cry7Aa1 protoxin when used in the control of insect pests are discussed.
Triazine-Acceptor-Based Green Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Braveenth Ramanaskanda , Chai Kyu Yun
Published: August 2019

High-efficiency thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) is leading the third-generation technology of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). TADF emitters are designed and synthesized using inexpensive organic donor and acceptor derivatives. TADF emitters are a potential candidate for next-generation display technology when compared with metal-complex-based phosphorescent dopants. Many studies are being conducted to enhance the external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) and photoluminescent quantum yield of green TADF devices. Blue TADF reached an EQE of over 35% with the support of suitable donor and acceptor moieties based on a suitable molecular design. The efficiencies of green TADF emitters can be improved when an appropriate molecular design is applied with an efficient device structure. The triazine acceptor has been identified as a worthy building block for green TADF emitters. Hence, we present here a review of triazine with various donor molecules and their device performances. This will help to design more suitable and efficient green TADF emitters for OLEDs.
Validation and Investigation on the Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Using a Novel 3D Mesoscale Method
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Wang Zhiyong , Zhang Jie , Zhou Fenghua , Wang Zhihua , Li Zhiqiang
Published: August 2019

The mechanical performance of concrete is strongly influenced by the geometry and properties of its components (namely aggregate, mortar, and Interfacial Transitional Zone (ITZ)) from the mesoscale viewpoint, and analyzing the material at that level should be a powerful tool for understanding macroscopic behavior. In this paper, a simple and highly efficient method is proposed for constructing realistic mesostructures of concrete. A shrinking process based on 3D Voronoi tessellation was employed to generate aggregates with random polyhedron and grading size, and reversely, an extending procedure was applied for ITZ generation. 3D mesoscale numerical simulation was conducted under a quasi-static load using an implicit solver which demonstrated the good robustness and feasibility of the presented model. The simulated results resembled favorably the corresponding experiments both in stress–strain curves and failure modes. Damage evolution analysis showed that the ITZ phase has profound influence on the damage behavior of concrete as damage initially develops from here and propagates to mortar. In addition, it was found that tensile damage is the principal factor of mortar failure while compressive damage is the principal factor of ITZ failure under compression.
Mo-La2O3 Multilayer Metallization Systems for High Temperature Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor Devices
Authors: Menzel Siegfried B. , Seifert Marietta , Priyadarshi Abhinav , Rane Gayatri K. , Park Eunmi , Oswald Steffen , Gemming Thomas
Published: August 2019

Developing advanced thin film materials is the key challenge in high-temperature applications of surface acoustic wave sensor devices. One hundred nanometer thick (Mo-La 2 O 3 ) multilayer systems were fabricated at room temperature on thermally oxidized (100) Si substrates (SiO 2 /Si) to study the effect of lanthanum oxide on the electrical resistivity of molybdenum thin films and their high-temperature stability. The multilayer systems were deposited by the magnetron sputter deposition of extremely thin (≤1 nm) La interlayers in between adjacent Mo layers. After deposition of each La layer the process was interrupted for 25 to 60 min to oxidize the La using the residual oxygen in the high vacuum of the deposition chamber. The samples were annealed at 800 ∘ C in high vacuum for up to 120 h. In case of a 1 nm thick La interlayer in-between the Mo a continuous layer of La 2 O 3 is formed. For thinner La layers an interlayer between adjacent Mo layers is observed consisting of a (La 2 O 3 -Mo) mixed structure of molybdenum and nm-sized lanthanum oxide particles. Measurements show that the (Mo-La 2 O 3 ) multilayer systems on SiO 2 /Si substrates are stable at least up to 800 ∘ C for 120 h in high vacuum conditions.