bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El Cáncer en la agenda global: No nos olvidemos de aquellos que tienen que enfrentarse a los costos catastróficos
Authors: Payet Meza Eduardo
Published: June 2019

El 4 de febrero es el Día Mundial del Cáncer, y aunque toca celebrar los grandes avances y logros que el mundo ha conseguido en la lucha en el Control de la enfermedad, también debemos hacer una pausa para reflexionar en un elemento clave: la catastrófica situación que muchos pacientes y sus familiares, en cualquier parte del mundo, enfrentan durante el tratamiento, una vez que recibieron el difícil diagnóstico.
Service Dog Schools for PTSD as a Tertiary Prevention Modality: Assessment Based on Assistance Dogs
Authors: Vincent Claude , Auger Edouard , Lavoie Vicky , Besemann Markus , Champagne Noel , Belleville Geneviève , Béland Elisabeth , Bernier-Banville Élisabeth , Bourassa Julie
Published: June 2019

Psychiatric service dogs compensate in terms of social and physical cognition for people who suffer from chronic post-traumatic stress, reassuring them with their canine behavior in public places, at home and in relationships interpersonal skills with strangers. There are no certification and standards for schools that train service dogs in Canada and the United States. Does the fact that training is different from one school to another have an impact on the effectiveness of the assistance dog for his master? To identify all aspects that closely reflect tertiary prevention, this exploratory case study documents the processes and services supporting the assignment of service dogs to veterans with PTSD and the subsequent follow-up conducted at various dog training schools; and it evaluates and compares the processes and services in place. The case study included four data collection methods involving 31 veterans, 7 school delegates, 7 trainers and 23 dogs. Qualitative content analysis and all the information collected was rated according to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI) criteria. Results indicated a TDF-scoring across 12 domains ranged from 6/24 to 16/24. The schools moderately reflected ADI-standards. Tertiary prevention recommendations were proposed for dog trainers to better address the domains that needed improving at the time of the study (knowledge about PTSD, beliefs about capabilities, behavioral regulation, environmental context and resources, beliefs about consequences, nature of behaviors).
Treatment Options for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Akirov Amit , Larouche Vincent , Alshehri Sameerah , Asa Sylvia L. , Ezzat Shereen
Published: June 2019

The management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) involves classification into non-functional or functional PanNET, and as localized or metastatic PanNET. In addition, while most PanNETs are sporadic, these endocrine neoplasms can also be manifestations of genetic syndromes. All these factors may assist in forming a risk stratification system permitting a tailored management approach. Most PanNETs are classified as non-functional because they are not associated with clinical sequelae of hormone excess. They are characterized by non-specific symptoms, such as abdominal pain or weight loss, resulting from mass effect related to the pancreatic tumor or secondary to distant metastases. Accurate staging of the disease is essential for determining the appropriate approach to therapy. As cure is only potentially possible with surgical resection of the tumor, it is recommended to remove all localized and limited metastatic disease. However, many patients present with metastatic and/or advanced local disease. In such instances, the goal of therapy is to control tumor growth and/or decrease tumor burden, lengthen survival, and palliate local symptoms and those of hormone excess. This typically requires a multimodal approach, including surgery, liver-directed treatment, and systemic medical therapy.
Advanced AlGaAs/GaAs Heterostructures Grown by MOVPE
Authors: Ladugin Maxim A. , Yarotskaya Irina V. , Bagaev Timur A. , Telegin Konstantin Yu. , Andreev Andrey Yu. , Zasavitskii Ivan I. , Padalitsa Anatoliy A. , Marmalyuk Alexander A.
Published: June 2019

AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures are the base of many semiconductor devices. The fabrication of new types of devices demands heterostructures with special features, such as large total thickness (~20 μm), ultrathin layers (~1 nm), high repeatability (up to 1000 periods) and uniformity, for which a conventional approach of growing such heterostructures is insufficient and the development of new growth procedures is needed. This article summarizes our work on the metalorganic vapour-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures for modern infrared devices. The growth approaches presented allow for the improved output characteristics of different emitting devices such as multi active region lasers, epitaxially integrated via highly doped tunnel junctions (emission wavelength λ ~ 1 μm), quantum cascade lasers (λ ~10 μm) and THz laser (λ ~100 μm), based on short-period superlattice with 500–2000 layers.
Chiseling Away at the Dogma of Dietary Specialization in Dipodomys Microps
Authors: Stephens Sydney Rae , Orr Teri J. , Dearing M. Denise
Published: June 2019

Dipodomys microps, the chisel-toothed kangaroo rat, is heralded as one of few mammalian herbivores capable of dietary specialization. Throughout its range, the diet of D. microps is thought to consist primarily of Atriplex confertifolia (saltbush), a C4 plant, and sparing amounts of C3 plants. Using stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen as natural diet tracers, we asked whether D. microps is an obligate specialist on saltbush. We analyzed hair samples of D. microps for isotopes from historic and recent museum specimens (N = 66). A subset of samples (N = 17) from 2017 that were associated with field notes on plant abundances were further evaluated to test how local saltbush abundance affects its inclusion in the diet of D. microps. Overall, we found that the chisel-toothed kangaroo rat facultatively specializes on saltbush and that the degree of specialization has varied over time and space. Moreover, saltbush abundance dictates its inclusion in the diet. Furthermore, roughly a quarter of the diet is comprised of insects, and over the past century, insects have become more prevalent and saltbush less prevalent in the diet. We suggest that environmental factors such as climate change and rangeland expansion have caused D. microps to include more C3 plants and insects.
Harmonics Mitigation Based on the Minimization of Non-Linearity Current in a Power System
Authors: Almutairi Mohammed S. , Hadjiloucas Sillas
Published: June 2019

Harmonic issues in power systems are becoming an important topic for industrial customers and power suppliers alike due to their adverse effects in both consumer appliances as well as for utility suppliers. Consumers should seek to reduce harmonic pollution, regardless of voltage or current distortion already present in the network. This article suggests a new method for suppressing distortions by using the non-linearity current index (NLCI) to determine the shunt single-tuned passive filter (STPF) compensator value in non-sinusoidal power systems, with the objective of maintaining the power factor within desired limits. The objective of the proposed method is to minimize the nonlinear current of customer’s loads in the power system at the point of common coupling (PCC). Moreover, the proposed design takes into consideration other practical constraints for the total voltage and individual harmonic distortion limits, ensuring compliance with (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) IEEE 519-2014 guidelines, maintaining distortions at an acceptable level while also abiding by the capacitor loading constraints established in IEEE 18-2012. The performance of the optimally designed compensator is assessed using well documented IEEE standards based on numerical examples of nonlinear loads taken from previous publications.
Deaf Children as ‘English Learners’: The Psycholinguistic Turn in Deaf Education
Authors: Howerton-Fox Amanda , Falk Jodi L.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this literature review is to present the arguments in support of conceptualizing deaf children as ‘English Learners’, to explore the educational implications of such conceptualizations, and to suggest directions for future inquiry. Three ways of interpreting the label ‘English Learner’ in relationship to deaf children are explored: (1) as applied to deaf children whose native language is American Sign Language; (2) as applied to deaf children whose parents speak a language other than English; and (3) as applied to deaf children who have limited access to the spoken English used by their parents. Recent research from the fields of linguistics and neuroscience on the effects of language deprivation is presented and conceptualized within a framework that we refer to as the psycholinguistic turn in deaf education. The implications for developing the literacy skills of signing deaf children are explored, particularly around the theoretical construct of a ‘bridge’ between sign language proficiency and print-based literacy. Finally, promising directions for future inquiry are presented.
Investigation of the Relationship between Bacteria Growth and Lipid Production Cultivating of Microalgae Chlorella Vulgaris in Seafood Wastewater
Authors: Nguyen Thi Dong Phuong , Nguyen Duc Huy , Lim Jun Wei , Chang Chih-Kai , Leong Hui Yi , Tran Thi Ngoc Thu , Vu Thi Bich Hau , Nguyen Thi Trung Chinh , Show Pau Loke
Published: June 2019

Algae biorefinery is gaining much attention for the sustainable production of value-added products (e.g., biofuels, protein supplements etc.) globally. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between lipid production and bacteria growth by an initial microalgae Chlorella vulgaris density culture in seafood wastewater effluent (SWE). According to our results, the initial C. vulgaris concentration in SWE influenced lipid accumulation. The concentration ranged from 25–35 mg·L−1 which corresponds to SWE’s chemical oxygen demand concentration of 365.67 ± 3.45 mg·L−1. A higher microalgae growth rate and lipid content of 32.15 ± 1.45% was successfully attained. A higher lipid content, approximately double, was observed when compared to the control (16.8 ± 0.5%). Moreover, this study demonstrates that bacteria inhibited microalgae growth as the initial cell density stepped over 35 mg·L−1, which also affected lipid accumulation. This study shows an optimal lipid accumulation attained at moderate Chlorella vulgaris density culture in SWE. Hence, wastewater treatment incorporating microalgae culture could be greatly developed in the future to achieve a greener environment.
Performance Analysis of Single-Phase Electrical Machine for Military Applications
Authors: Ganesan Aswin Uvaraj , Nandhagopal Sathyanarayanan , Venkat Arvind Shiyam , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Pedersen John K. , Chokkalingam Lenin Natesan , Leonowicz Zbigniew
Published: June 2019

A permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance generator (PMA-SynRG) and an induction generator (IG) were compared for portable generator applications. PMA-SynRG with two rotor configurations, namely rotors with ferrite magnet and NdFeB, were designed. Furthermore, a design strategy for both PMA-SynRG and IG is presented with their geometrical dimensions. The machine was designed and results were analyzed using finite element analysis. Results such as flux density, open circuit and full load voltages, torque in generating mode, weight comparison and detailed cost analysis were investigated. In addition, thermal analysis for various ambient conditions (−40 °C, +30 °C, +65 °C) was evaluated for both PMA-SynRG and IG. Furthermore, acoustic versus frequency plot and acoustic pressure level were investigated for both the generators. Finally, the results confirmed that the machine with a higher power-to-weight ratio was the right choice for military applications.
Climate Classification for the Use of Solar Thermal Systems in East Asia
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Kim Hyun Bae
Published: June 2019

To examine the effects of solar heat utilization, it is necessary to classify the solar-use climate in East Asia based on climatic factors that affect load reduction by solar heating systems. In this study, annual load simulations are performed on weather data in 842 sites in Japan to analyze the climatic factors that impact the load reduction effect of the solar heating system. The analysis results were based on three climatic factors that strongly affect the heating load of a building: heating degree day (HDD18-18), daily solar global horizontal irradiance, and solar-heat available days. Furthermore, to distinguish the climate for the use of solar heat in East Asia, climate classification was done according to three climatic factors using the weather data of 1176 sites in East Asia. Consequently, the climate of solar thermal utilization in East Asia can be classified into 88 areas. Based on the regional classification for solar heat utilization proposed in this study, it will be possible to examine the effect of load reduction and applicability according to the use of solar heat in each region in the future.
Antisense Oligonucleotide Screening to Optimize the Rescue of the Splicing Defect Caused by the Recurrent Deep-Intronic ABCA4 Variant c.4539+2001G>A in Stargardt Disease
Authors: Garanto Alejandro , Duijkers Lonneke , Tomkiewicz Tomasz Z. , Collin Rob W. J.
Published: June 2019

Deep-sequencing of the ABCA4 locus has revealed that ~10% of autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1) cases are caused by deep-intronic mutations. One of the most recurrent deep-intronic variants in the Belgian and Dutch STGD1 population is the c.4539+2001G>A mutation. This variant introduces a 345-nt pseudoexon to the ABCA4 mRNA transcript in a retina-specific manner. Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) are short sequences of RNA that can modulate splicing. In this work, we designed 26 different AONs to perform a thorough screening to identify the most effective AONs to correct splicing defects associated with c.4539+2001G>A. All AONs were tested in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that were differentiated to photoreceptor precursor cells (PPCs). AON efficacy was assessed through RNA analysis and was based on correction efficacy, and AONs were grouped and their properties assessed. We (a) identified nine AONs with significant correction efficacies (>50%), (b) confirmed that a single nucleotide mismatch was sufficient to significantly decrease AON efficacy, and (c) found potential correlations between efficacy and some of the parameters analyzed. Overall, our results show that AON-based splicing modulation holds great potential for treating Stargardt disease caused by splicing defects in ABCA4.
A Novel Role for Polycystin-2 (Pkd2) in P. tetraurelia as a Probable Mg2+ Channel Necessary for Mg2+-Induced Behavior
Authors: Valentine Megan S. , Yano Junji , Van Houten Judith
Published: June 2019

A human ciliopathy gene codes for Polycystin-2 (Pkd2), a non-selective cation channel. Here, the Pkd2 channel was explored in the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia using combinations of RNA interference, over-expression, and epitope-tagging, in a search for function and novel interacting partners. Upon depletion of Pkd2, cells exhibited a phenotype similar to eccentric (XntA1), a Paramecium mutant lacking the inward Ca2+-dependent Mg2+ conductance. Further investigation showed both Pkd2 and XntA localize to the cilia and cell membrane, but do not require one another for trafficking. The XntA-myc protein co-immunoprecipitates Pkd2-FLAG, but not vice versa, suggesting two populations of Pkd2-FLAG, one of which interacts with XntA. Electrophysiology data showed that depletion and over-expression of Pkd2 led to smaller and larger depolarizations in Mg2+ solutions, respectively. Over-expression of Pkd2-FLAG in the XntA1 mutant caused slower swimming, supporting an increase in Mg2+ permeability, in agreement with the electrophysiology data. We propose that Pkd2 in P. tetraurelia collaborates with XntA for Mg2+-induced behavior. Our data suggest Pkd2 is sufficient and necessary for Mg2+ conductance and membrane permeability to Mg2+, and that Pkd2 is potentially a Mg2+-permeable channel.
Ben Dorain: An Ecopoetic Translation
Authors: MacKenzie Garry
Published: June 2019

In this article, I reflect on my own practice in translating Duncan Bàn Macintyre’s eighteenth-century Gaelic poem, Moladh Beinn Dóbhrain, into a twenty-first century ‘ecopoem’. Macintyre’s Moladh Beinn Dóbhrain has been praised for its naturalism. My translation of this long poem emphasises the immediacy and biological specificity of Macintyre’s descriptions. I explore how the act of translation might intersect with contemporary ecological concerns. My poem is not simply a translation, but incorporates Moladh Beinn Dóbhrain into a new work which juxtaposes a free English version of Macintyre’s work with original material concerned with contemporary research into deer behaviour and ideas of ecological interconnectedness, including biosemiotics and Timothy Morton’s ‘dark ecology’. This article is a reflection on my production of a twenty-first century excavation and reimagining of Macintyre’s Moladh Beinn Dóbhrain. I consider how the difficulties of translation might be turned into imaginative opportunities, and explore how translation has the potential to function as exposition and expansion of an original text, in order to create a poem which is itself an ecosystem, comprising of multiple ecological, cultural and political interactions.
Space–Time Relationship between Short-Term Exposure to Fine and Coarse Particles and Mortality in a Nationwide Analysis of Korea: A Bayesian Hierarchical Spatio-Temporal Model
Authors: Kang Dayun , Jang Yujin , Choi Hyunho , Hwang Seung-sik , Koo Younseo , Choi Jungsoon
Published: June 2019

Previous studies have shown an association between mortality and ambient air pollution in South Korea. However, these studies may have been subject to bias, as they lacked adjustment for spatio-temporal structures. This paper addresses this research gap by examining the association between air pollution and cause-specific mortality in South Korea between 2012 and 2015 using a two-stage Bayesian spatio-temporal model. We used 2012–2014 mortality and air pollution data for parameter estimation (i.e., model fitting) and 2015 data for model validation. Our results suggest that the relative risks of total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality were 1.028, 1.047, and 1.045, respectively, with every 10-µg/m3 increase in monthly PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) exposure. These findings warrant protection of populations who experience elevated ambient air pollution exposure to mitigate mortality burden in South Korea.
Chess Practice as a Protective Factor in Dementia
Authors: Lillo-Crespo Manuel , Forner-Ruiz Mar , Riquelme-Galindo Jorge , Ruiz-Fernández Daniel , García-Sanjuan Sofía
Published: June 2019

Background: dementia is one of the main causes of disability and dependency among the older population worldwide, producing physical, psychological, social and economic impact in those affected, caregivers, families and societies. However, little is known about dementia protective factors and their potential benefits against disease decline in the diagnosed population. Cognitive stimulating activities seem to be protective factors against dementia, though there is paucity in the scientific evidence confirming this, with most publications focusing on prevention in non-diagnosed people. A scoping review was conducted to explore whether chess practice could mitigate signs, deliver benefits, or improve cognitive capacities of individuals diagnosed with dementia through the available literature, and therefore act as a protective factor. Methods: twenty-one articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: the overall findings stress that chess could lead to prevention in non-diagnosed populations, while little has been shown with respect to individuals already diagnosed. However, some authors suggest its capacity as a protective factor due to its benefits, and the evidence related to the cognitive functions associated with the game. Conclusion: although chess is indirectly assumed to be a protective factor due to its cognitive benefits, more studies are required to demonstrate, with strong evidence, whether chess could be a protective factor against dementia within the diagnosed population.
Cell and Molecular Biology of Thyroid Disorders
Authors: Grimm Daniela
Published: June 2019

The thyroid is a hormone gland involved in metabolism, regulatory functions, growth, and development of the human organism [...]
Thrombin Preconditioning Boosts Biogenesis of Extracellular Vesicles from Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Enriches Their Cargo Contents via Protease-Activated Receptor-Mediated Signaling Pathways
Authors: Sung Dong Kyung , Sung Se In , Ahn So Yoon , Chang Yun Sil , Park Won Soon
Published: June 2019

We investigated the role of protease-activated receptor (PAR)-mediated signaling pathways in the biogenesis of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the enrichment of their cargo content after thrombin preconditioning. Immunoblot analyses showed that MSCs expressed two PAR subtypes: PAR-1 and PAR-3. Thrombin preconditioning significantly accelerated MSC-derived EV biogenesis more than five-fold and enriched their cargo contents by more than two-fold via activation of Rab5, early endosomal antigen (EEA)-1, and the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and AKT signaling pathways. Blockage of PAR-1 with the PAR-1-specific antagonist, SCH79797, significantly suppressed the activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways and subsequently increased EV production and enriched EV cargo contents. Combined blockage of PAR-1 and PAR-3 further and significantly inhibited the activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways, accelerated EV production, and enriched EV cargo contents. In summary, thrombin preconditioning boosted the biogenesis of MSC-derived EVs and enriched their cargo contents largely via PAR-1-mediated pathways and partly via PAR-1-independent, PAR-3-mediated activation of Rab5, EEA-1, and the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways.
Is TRPA1 Burning Down TRPV1 as Druggable Target for the Treatment of Chronic Pain?
Authors: Giorgi Simona , Nikolaeva-Koleva Magdalena , Alarcón-Alarcón David , Butrón Laura , González-Rodríguez Sara
Published: June 2019

Over the last decades, a great array of molecular mediators have been identified as potential targets for the treatment of chronic pain. Among these mediators, transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily members have been thoroughly studied. Namely, the nonselective cationic channel, transient receptor potential ankyrin subtype 1 (TRPA1), has been described as a chemical nocisensor involved in noxious cold and mechanical sensation and as rivalling TRPV1, which traditionally has been considered as the most important TRP channel involved in nociceptive transduction. However, few TRPA1-related drugs have succeeded in clinical trials. In the present review, we attempt to discuss the latest data on the topic and future directions for pharmacological intervention.
Dedifferentiation of Primary Hepatocytes is Accompanied with Reorganization of Lipid Metabolism Indicated by Altered Molecular Lipid and miRNA Profiles
Authors: Kiamehr Mostafa , Heiskanen Laura , Laufer Thomas , Düsterloh Aneta , Kahraman Mustafa , Käkelä Reijo , Laaksonen Reijo , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: June 2019

Aim: Primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) undergo dedifferentiation upon the two-dimensional (2D) culture, which particularly hinders their utility in long-term in vitro studies. Lipids, as a major class of biomolecules, play crucial roles in cellular energy storage, structure, and signaling. Here, for the first time, we mapped the alterations in the lipid profile of the dedifferentiating PHHs and studied the possible role of lipids in the loss of the phenotype of PHHs. Simultaneously, differentially expressed miRNAs associated with changes in the lipids and fatty acids (FAs) of the dedifferentiating PHHs were investigated. Methods: PHHs were cultured in monolayer and their phenotype was monitored morphologically, genetically, and biochemically for five days. The lipid and miRNA profile of the PHHs were analyzed by mass spectrometry and Agilent microarray, respectively. In addition, 24 key genes involved in the metabolism of lipids and FAs were investigated by qPCR. Results: The typical morphology of PHHs was lost from day 3 onward. Additionally, ALB and CYP genes were downregulated in the cultured PHHs. Lipidomics revealed a clear increase in the saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) containing lipids, but a decrease in the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) containing lipids during the dedifferentiation of PHHs. In line with this, FASN, SCD, ELOVL1, ELOVL3, and ELOVL7 were upregulated but ELOVL2 was downregulated in the dedifferentiated PHHs. Furthermore, differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, and the constantly upregulated miR-27a and miR-21, and downregulated miR-30 may have regulated the synthesis, accumulation and secretion of PHH lipids during the dedifferentiation. Conclusion: Our results showed major alterations in the molecular lipid species profiles, lipid-metabolizing enzyme expression as wells as miRNA profiles of the PHHs during their prolonged culture, which in concert could play important roles in the PHHs’ loss of phenotype. These findings promote the understanding from the dedifferentiation process and could help in developing optimal culture conditions, which better meet the needs of the PHHs and support their original phenotype.
Establishment of Efficient Genetic Transformation Systems and Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Technology in Lilium pumilum DC. Fisch. and Lilium longiflorum White Heaven
Authors: Yan Rui , Wang Zhiping , Ren Yamin , Li Hongyu , Liu Na , Sun Hongmei
Published: June 2019

Lilium spp. is a bulb flower with worldwide distribution and unique underground organs. The lack of an efficient genetic transformation system for Lilium has been an international obstacle. Because existing model plants lack bulbs, bulb-related gene function verification studies cannot be carried out in model plants. Here, two stable and efficient genetic transformation systems based on somatic embryogenesis and adventitious bud regeneration were established in two Lilium species. Transgenic plants and T-DNA insertion lines were confirmed by β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot. After condition optimization, transformation efficiencies were increased to 29.17% and 4% in Lilium pumilum DC. Fisch. and the Lilium longiflorum ‘White Heaven’, respectively. To further verify the validity of these transformation systems and apply the CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9) technology in Lilium, the LpPDS gene in the two Lilium species was knocked out. Completely albino, pale yellow and albino–green chimeric mutants were observed. Sequence analysis in the transgenic lines revealed various mutation patterns, including base insertion, deletion and substitution. These results verified the feasibility and high efficiency of both transformation systems and the successful application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to gene editing in Lilium for the first time. Overall, this study lays an important foundation for gene function research and germplasm improvement in Lilium spp.
Recent Advances in Carbonaceous Photocatalysts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performances: A Mini Review
Authors: Ge Jianlong , Zhang Yifan , Park Soo-Jin
Published: June 2019

Photocatalytic processes based on various semiconductors have been widely utilized in different applications, with great potential for use in environmental pollution remediation and sustainable energy generation. However, critical issues, including low light adsorption capability, wide energy bandgap, and unsatisfactory physicochemical stability still seriously limit the practical applications of photocatalysts. As a solution, the introduction of carbonaceous materials with different structures and properties into a photocatalyst system to further increase the activity has attracted much research attention. This mini review surveys the related literatures and highlights recent progress in the development of carbonaceous photocatalysts, which include various metal semiconductors with activated carbon, carbon dots, carbon nanotubes/nanofibers, graphene, fullerene, and carbon sponges/aerogels. Moreover, graphitic carbon nitride is also discussed as a carbon-rich and metal-free photocatalyst. The recently developed synthesis strategies and proposed mechanisms underlying the photocatalytic activity enhancement for different applications are summarized and discussed. Finally, ongoing challenges and the developmental direction for carbonaceous photocatalysts are proposed.
Preparation of Luminescent Thermotropic Liquid Crystal from Benzodiathiazole Derivatives
Authors: Feng Yuchen , Yu Huijuan , Xie Dexun , Zhu Yi , Zhong Xinhao , Pan Chengjun , Shao Guang
Published: June 2019

Luminescent liquid crystal materials (LLCMs) have been a hot research topic in the field of fluorescent materials. In this study, we successfully designed and synthesized an intense fluorescence thermotropic liquid crystal material with a fluorescence quantum yield (Φ) of 0.26 in the solid state. Moreover, the alkyl chain attached to the terminus of the chromophore was able to promote the stability of electrochemical and thermal properties, which was beneficial to the device fabrication reproducibility and stability of the device performance.
Development of a Graphene-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Optical Sensor Chip for Potential Biomedical Application
Authors: Omar Nur , Fen Yap , Saleviter Silvan , Daniyal Wan , Anas Nur , Ramdzan Nur , Roshidi Mohammad
Published: June 2019

The emergence of unintentional poisoning and uncontrolled vector diseases have contributed to sensor technologies development, leading to the more effective detection of diseases. In this study, we present the combination of graphene-based material with surface plasmon resonance technique. Two different graphene-based material sensor chips were prepared for rapid and quantitative detection of dengue virus (DENV) and cobalt ion (Co2+) as an example of typical metal ions. As the fundamental concept of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor that relies on the refractive index of the sensor chip surface, this research focused on the SPR signal when the DENV and Co2+ interact with the graphene-based material sensor chip. The results demonstrated that the proposed sensor-based graphene layer was able to detect DENV and Co2+ as low as 0.1 pM and 0.1 ppm respectively. Further details in the detection and quantification of analyte were also discussed in terms of sensitivity, affinity, and selectivity of the sensor.
Reliability Analysis of the Bijective Connection Networks for Components
Authors: Guo Litao , Lee Chia-Wei
Published: June 2019

Connectivity is a critical parameter that can measure the reliability of networks. Let Q ⊆ V ( G ) be a vertex set. If G − Q is disconnected and every component of G − Q contains at least k + 1 vertices, then Q is an extra-cut. The number of vertices in the smallest extra-cut is the extraconnectivity κ k ( G ) . Suppose ω ( G ) is the number of components of G and W ⊆ V ( G ) ; if ω ( G − W ) ≥ t , then w is a t-component cut of G. The number of vertices in the least t-component cut is the t-component connectivity c κ t ( G ) of G. The t-component edge connectivity c λ t ( G ) is defined similarly. In this note, we study the BC networks and obtain the t-component (edge) connectivity of bijective connection networks for some t.
Structures and Bioactivities of Six New Triterpene Glycosides, Psolusosides E, F, G, H, H1, and I and the Corrected Structure of Psolusoside B from the Sea Cucumber Psolus fabricii
Authors: Silchenko Alexandra S. , Kalinovsky Anatoly I. , Avilov Sergey A. , Kalinin Vladimir I. , Andrijaschenko Pelageya V. , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Popov Roman S. , Chingizova Ekaterina A. , Ermakova Svetlana P. , Malyarenko Olesya S.
Published: June 2019

Seven sulfated triterpene glycosides, psolusosides B (1), E (2), F (3), G (4), H (5), H1 (6), and I (7), along with earlier known psolusoside A and colochiroside D have been isolated from the sea cucumber Psolus fabricii collected in the Sea of Okhotsk. Herein, the structure of psolusoside B (1), elucidated by us in 1989 as a monosulfated tetraoside, has been revised with application of modern NMR and particularly MS data and proved to be a disulfated tetraoside. The structures of other glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI mass-spectrometry. Psolusosides E (2), F (3), and G (4) contain holostane aglycones identical to each other and differ in their sugar compositions and the quantity and position of sulfate groups in linear tetrasaccharide carbohydrate moieties. Psolusosides H (5) and H1 (6) are characterized by an unusual sulfated trisaccharide carbohydrate moiety with the glucose as the second sugar unit. Psolusoside I (7) has an unprecedented branched tetrasaccharide disulfated carbohydrate moiety with the xylose unit in the second position of the chain. The cytotoxic activities of the compounds 2–7 against several mouse cell lines—ascite form of Ehrlich carcinoma, neuroblastoma Neuro 2A, normal epithelial JB-6 cells, and erythrocytes—were quite different, at that hemolytic effects of the tested compounds were higher than their cytotoxicity against other cells, especially against the ascites of Ehrlich carcinoma. Interestingly, psolusoside G (4) was not cytotoxic against normal JB-6 cells but demonstrated high activity against Neuro 2A cells. The cytotoxic activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells and the influence on the colony formation and growth of HT-29 cells of compounds 1–3, 5–7 and psolusoside A was checked. The highest inhibitory activities were demonstrated by psolusosides E (2) and F (3).
Influences of Extraction Methods on Physicochemical and Functional Characteristics of Three New Bulbil Starches from Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun
Authors: Zhang Pengzhan , Wang Li , Qian Yanyan , Wang Xuguang , Zhang Shaoning , Chang Jiping , Ruan Yuan , Ma Bingji
Published: June 2019

Starches from the bulbils of Dioscoreae opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun were isolated by aqueous steeping (SBS), enzyme extraction (EBS), and alkaline extraction (ABS) methods, respectively. The physicochemical, mineral composition, thermal and morphological characteristics of these starches were investigated. The starch granules were oval, spherical and kidney-shaped and its crystal type is a mixture of A-type and B-type patterns. The starches having larger average granule size showed more amylose and phosphorus contents than those with smaller average granule size. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the SBS had an endothermic transition ranging from 65.8 °C to 76.3 °C with an enthalpy of 2.0 J/g. The endothermic transitions of ABS and EBS showed the regions of 67.9 °C to 73.0 °C, and 66.8 °C to 82.0 °C, respectively. The gelationization enthalpies of ABS and EBS were 13.8 and 11.5 J/g, respectively. Additionally, ABS presented greater clarity in comparison with EBS and SBS. Pasting properties indicated that ABS had the highest peak viscosity, breakdown, but SBS had the lowest trough, final viscosity, setback, and pasting temperature. Generally, ABS and EBS could be used as food thickener or frozen food additives. SBS and EBS were potential technological alternatives in quality preservation of frozen starch-based products and other industrial applications.
Pinch-Off Formation in Monolayer and Multilayers MoS2 Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Vaknin Yonatan , Dagan Ronen , Rosenwaks Yossi
Published: June 2019

The discovery of layered materials, including transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), gives rise to a variety of novel nanoelectronic devices, including fast switching field-effect transistors (FET), assembled heterostructures, flexible electronics, etc. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a transition metal dichalcogenides semiconductor, is considered an auspicious candidate for the post-silicon era due to its outstanding chemical and thermal stability. We present a Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) study of a MoS2 FET device, showing direct evidence for pinch-off formation in the channel by in situ monitoring of the electrostatic potential distribution along the conducting channel of the transistor. In addition, we present a systematic comparison between a monolayer MoS2 FET and a few-layer MoS2 FET regarding gating effects, electric field distribution, depletion region, and pinch-off formation in such devices.
Fat Soluble Vitamins in Institutionalized Elderly and the Effect of Exercise, Nutrition and Cognitive Training on Their Status—The Vienna Active Aging Study (VAAS): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Franzke Bernhard , Schober-Halper Barbara , Hofmann Marlene , Oesen Stefan , Tosevska Anela , Strasser Eva-Maria , Marculescu Rodrig , Wessner Barbara , Wagner Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2019

Background: Institutionalized elderly are at higher risk for micronutrient deficiency. In particular, fat soluble micronutrients, which additionally have antioxidative function, are of interest. The purpose of this secondary investigation of the Vienna Active Ageing Study was to assess and evaluate the plasma status of retinol, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene, as well as vitamin D (25(OH)D) in a cohort of institutionalized elderly. We further determined the effect of six months strength training with or without supplementing (antioxidant) vitamins and protein on the plasma status of these ten micronutrients. Methods: Three groups (n = 117, age = 83.1 ± 6.1 years)—resistance training (RT), RT combined with protein and vitamin supplementation (RTS), or cognitive training (CT)—performed two guided training sessions per week for six months. Micronutrients were measured with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. Physical fitness was assessed by the 6-min-walking, the 30-s chair rise, isokinetic dynamometry, and the handgrip strength tests. Results: At baseline, the plasma status of retinol was satisfactory, for alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and 25(OH)D, the percentage of individuals with an insufficient status was 33%, 73% and 61%/81% (when using 50 nmol/L or 75 nmol/L as threshold levels for 25(OH)D), respectively. Plasma analyses were supported by intake data. Six months of elastic band resistance training with or without protein-vitamin supplementation had no biological impact on the status of fat soluble micronutrients. Even for vitamin D, which was part of the nutritional supplement (additional 20 µg/d), the plasma status did not increase significantly, however it contributed to a lower percentage of elderly below the threshold levels of 50/75 nmol/L (49%/74%). Conclusions: The findings of the study lead to the strong recommendation for regular physical activity and increased consumption of plant-based foods in institutionalized elderly. When supported by blood analysis, supplementing micronutrients in a moderate range should also be considered.
Influence of Genetic and Non-Genetic Risk Factors for Serum Uric Acid Levels and Hyperuricemia in Mexicans
Authors: Rivera-Paredez Berenice , Macías-Kauffer Luis , Fernandez-Lopez Juan Carlos , Villalobos-Comparán Marisela , Martinez-Aguilar Mayeli M. , de la Cruz-Montoya Aldo , Ramírez-Salazar Eric G. , Villamil-Ramírez Hugo , Quiterio Manuel , Ramírez-Palacios Paula , Romero-Hidalgo Sandra , Villarreal-Molina María Teresa , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Flores Yvonne N. , Canizales-Quinteros Samuel , Salmerón Jorge , Velázquez-Cruz Rafael
Published: June 2019

Risk of hyperuricemia is modified by genetic and environmental factors. Our aim was to identify factors associated with serum uric acid levels and hyperuricemia in Mexicans. A pilot Genome-wide association study GWAS was performed in a subgroup of participants (n = 411) from the Health Workers Cohort Study (HWCS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with serum uric acid levels were validated in all the HWCS participants (n = 1939) and replicated in independent children (n = 1080) and adult (n = 1073) case-control studies. The meta-analysis of the whole HWCS and replication samples identified three SLC2A9 SNPs: rs1014290 (p = 2.3 × 10−64), rs3775948 (p = 8.2 × 10−64) and rs11722228 (p = 1.1 × 10−17); and an ABCG2 missense SNP, rs2231142 (p = 1.0 × 10−18). Among the non-genetic factors identified, the visceral adiposity index, smoking, the metabolic syndrome and its components (waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose and hyperlipidemia) were associated with increased serum uric acid levels and hyperuricemia (p < 0.05). Among the female HWCS participants, the odds ratio for hyperuricemia was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.01–1.53) per unit increase in soft drink consumption. As reported in other studies, our findings indicate that diet, adiposity and genetic variation contribute to the elevated prevalence of hyperuricemia in Mexico.
End-to-End Instrument Performance Simulation System (EIPS) Framework: Application to Satellite Microwave Atmospheric Sounding Systems
Authors: Dongre Prateek Kumar , Havemann Stephan , Hargrave Peter , Orlando Angiola , Sudiwala Rashmikant , Thomas Christopher , Goldie David , Withington Stafford
Published: June 2019

This article presents a generic flexible framework for an End-to-end Instrument Performance Simulation System (EIPS) for satellite atmospheric remote sensing instruments. A systematic process for developing an end-to-end simulation system based on Rodgers’ atmospheric observing system design process has been visualised. The EIPS has been developed to support the quantitative evaluation of new satellite instrument concepts in terms of performance simulations, design optimisation, and trade-off analysis. Important features of this framework include: fast radiative transfer simulation capabilities (fast computation and line-by-line like simulations), applicability across the whole electromagnetic (EM) spectrum and a number of integrated retrieval diagnostics. Because of its applicability across the whole EM spectrum, the framework can be usefully applied to synergistic atmospheric retrieval studies. The framework is continually developing and evolving, and finding applications to support and evaluate emerging instrument and mission concepts. To demonstrate the framework’s flexibility in relation to advanced sensor technologies in the microwave range, a novel superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) -based multi-spectral microwave instrument has been presented as an example. As a case study, the performance of existing multi-spectral-type microwave instruments and a TES-technology-based multi-spectral microwave instrument has been simulated and compared using the developed end-to-end simulation framework.
Feedback Unilateral Grid-Based Clustering Feature Matching for Remote Sensing Image Registration
Authors: Zheng Zhaohui , Zheng Hong , Ma Yong , Fan Fan , Ju Jianping , Xu Bichao , Lin Mingyu , Cheng Shuilin
Published: June 2019

In feature-based image matching, implementing a fast and ultra-robust feature matching technique is a challenging task. To solve the problems that the traditional feature matching algorithm suffers from, such as long running time and low registration accuracy, an algorithm called feedback unilateral grid-based clustering (FUGC) is presented which is able to improve computation efficiency, accuracy and robustness of feature-based image matching while applying it to remote sensing image registration. First, the image is divided by using unilateral grids and then fast coarse screening of the initial matching feature points through local grid clustering is performed to eliminate a great deal of mismatches in milliseconds. To ensure that true matches are not erroneously screened, a local linear transformation is designed to take feedback verification further, thereby performing fine screening between true matching points deleted erroneously and undeleted false positives in and around this area. This strategy can not only extract high-accuracy matching from coarse baseline matching with low accuracy, but also preserves the true matching points to the greatest extent. The experimental results demonstrate the strong robustness of the FUGC algorithm on various real-world remote sensing images. The FUGC algorithm outperforms current state-of-the-art methods and meets the real-time requirement.
A Strongly Unforgeable Certificateless Signature Scheme and Its Application in IoT Environments
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Pei Xizhen , Chen Guilan , Li Ting , Wang Meiding , Wang Caifen
Published: June 2019

With the widespread application of the Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring communication security for IoT devices is of considerable importance. Since IoT data are vulnerable to eavesdropping, tampering, forgery, and other attacks during an open network transmission, the integrity and authenticity of data are fundamental security requirements in the IoT. A certificateless signature (CLS) is a viable solution for providing data integrity, data authenticity, and identity identification in resource-constrained IoT devices. Therefore, designing a secure and efficient CLS scheme for IoT environments has become one of the main objectives of IoT security research. However, the existing CLS schemes rarely focus on strong unforgeability and replay attacks. Herein, we design a novel CLS scheme to protect the integrity and authenticity of IoT data. In addition to satisfying the strong unforgeability requirement, the proposed scheme also resists public key replacement attacks, malicious-but-passive key-generation-centre attacks, and replay attacks. Compared with other related CLS schemes without random oracles, our CLS scheme has a shorter private key, stronger security, and lower communication and computational costs.
Self-Enhancement Driven First-Class Airline Travelers’ Behavior: The Moderating Role of Third-Party Certification
Authors: Kim Jinkyung Jenny , Kim Kwangyong , Hwang Jinsoo
Published: June 2019

This study was designed with a focus on self-enhancement by flying in first class to understand the intricate associations in the formation of well-being, brand attachment, and word-of-mouth. In addition, this study aimed to examine the moderating effect of third-party certification among consequent variables. For this, data were collected from 199 first-class airline travelers. A quantitative method that was comprised of structural equation modeling and multiple-group analysis wasused to test the research hypotheses. Our findings revealed that both achievement and power were significant drivers of well-being perception of first-class airline travelers and their perceived well-being contributed to building positive brand attachment and word-of-mouth. The association between brand attachment and word-of-mouth was also statistically supported. Furthermore, the moderating role of third-party certification was identified in the causal relationship between well-being perception and brand attachment. Implications were discussed along with diverse approaches for customized and exclusive offerings such as butler services pre- and post-flights or during transit at airports, and mini stretching sessions in flights to improve self-enhancement during the whole journey of a first-class experience.