bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Small Teeth on Vibration for Dual-Redundancy Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Chen Yiguang , Yang Yukai , Shen Yonghuan
Published: September 2018

The dual-redundancy permanent magnet synchronous motor (DRPMSM) has high reliability in its applications. Compared with the traditional permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), small teeth were added to the stator in DRPMSM and its vibration has new characteristics. This paper derived the analytic expression of the radial electromagnetic force for PMSM in the air gap based on the Maxwell stress equation and summarized its sources. The simplified stator teeth model of the traditional PMSM and DRPMSM were established in 12-slot/10-pole (12s10p), and the analytical expression and Fourier expansion of radial electromagnetic force on the teeth were given. The electromagnetic and structural finite element models of the motor were established, and analyses of modal and harmonic response were carried out. The simulation results show that the stator vibration amplitude of DRPMSM is smaller than that of traditional PMSM at no-load and is also bigger under rated load. Furthermore, in order to guarantee the low amplitude of stator vibration under rated load for DRPMSM, the width of the small teeth should be smaller.
Prediction of Combustion and Heat Release Rates in Non-Premixed Syngas Jet Flames Using Finite-Rate Scale Similarity Based Combustion Models
Authors: Shamooni Ali , Cuoci Alberto , Faravelli Tiziano , Sadiki Amsini
Published: September 2018

Generating energy from combustion is prone to pollutant formation. In energy systems working under non-premixed combustion mode, rapid mixing is required to increase the heat release rates. However, local extinction and re-ignition may occur, resulting from strong turbulence–chemistry interaction, especially when rates of mixing exceed combustion rates, causing harmful emissions and flame instability. Since the physical mechanisms for such processes are not well understood, there are not yet combustion models in large eddy simulation (LES) context capable of accurately predicting them. In the present study, finite-rate scale similarity (SS) combustion models were applied to evaluate both heat release and combustion rates. The performance of three SS models was a priori assessed based on the direct numerical simulation of a temporally evolving syngas jet flame experiencing high level of local extinction and re-ignition. The results show that SS models following the Bardina’s “grid filtering” approach (A and B) have lower errors than the model based on the Germano’s “test filtering” approach (C), in terms of mean, root mean square (RMS), and local errors. In mean, both Bardina’s based models capture well the filtered combustion and heat release rates. Locally, Model A captures better major species, while Model B retrieves radicals more accurately.
Using Piecewise Linearization Method to PCS Input/Output-Efficiency Curve for a Stand-Alone Microgrid Unit Commitment
Authors: Lee Ha-Lim , Chun Yeong-Han
Published: September 2018

When operating a stand-alone micro grid, the battery energy storage system (BESS) and a diesel generator are key components needed in order to maintain demand-supply balance. Using Unit Commitment (UC) to calculate the optimal operation schedule of a BESS and diesel generator helps minimize the operation cost of the micro grid. While calculating the optimal operation schedule for the microgrid, it is important that it reflects the actual characteristics of the implanted devices, in order to increase the schedule result accuracy. In this paper, a piecewise linearization, on the actual power conditioning system (PCS) input/output-efficiency characteristic curve, has been considered while calculating the optimal operation schedule using UC. The optimal schedule result calculated by the proposed method has been examined by comparing the schedule calculated by a fixed input/output-efficiency case, which is conventionally used while solving UC for a stand-alone microgrid.
Short-Circuit Current Calculation and Harmonic Characteristic Analysis for a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Wind Turbine under Converter Control
Authors: Li Jing , Zheng Tao , Wang Zengping
Published: September 2018

An accurate calculation of short-circuit current (SCC) is very important for relay protection setting and optimization design of electrical equipment. The short-circuit current for a doubly-fed induction generator wind turbine (DFIG-WT) under excitation regulation of a converter contains the stator current and grid-side converter (GSC) current. The transient characteristics of GSC current are controlled by double closed-loops of the converter and influenced by fluctuations of direct current (DC) bus voltage, which is characterized as high order, multiple variables, and strong coupling, resulting in great difficulty with analysis. Existing studies are mainly focused on the stator current, neglecting or only considering the steady-state short-circuit current of GSC, resulting in errors in the short-circuit calculation of DFIG-WT. This paper constructs a DFIG-WT total current analytical model involving GSC current. Based on Fourier decomposition of switch functions and the frequency domain analytical method, the fluctuation of DC bus voltage is considered and described in detail. With the proposed DFIG-WT short-circuit current analytical model, the generation mechanism and evolution law of harmonic components are revealed quantitatively, especially the second harmonic component, which has a great influence on transformer protection. The accuracies of the theoretical analysis and mathematical model are verified by comparing calculation results with simulation results and low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) field test data of a real DFIG.
Integrating Density into Dispersal and Establishment Limitation Equations in Tropical Forests
Authors: De la Peña-Domene Marinés , Martínez-Garza Cristina
Published: September 2018

Plant recruitment in tropical forests reflects the chance that seeds arrive at a site resulting in seedling establishment. To inform tropical forest restoration, we ask how seed and seedling densities differentially affect dispersal and establishment limitation in successional habitats in a tropical agricultural landscape. Methods: In Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, we calculated indices of dispersal and establishment limitation using data on seed rain and seedling establishment in old-growth forest, secondary forest, and fenced pasture. We present an index that considers variations in dispersal- and establishment-limitation including density-weighted calculations. Results: There were greater dispersal and establishment limitations in pasture than in forests. Substantial differences in both dispersal and establishment limitation occurred among the 33 species for which seed and seedling data were available. Only 5% of all species had mid to low limitation in both dispersal and establishment. In contrast, 60% of all species showed high dispersal and establishment limitation. Plant recruitment in pastures is impeded by low seed arrival, given that 77% of the recorded species showed extremely high dispersal limitation (>90%). Conclusions: The low capacity of most species to arrive, seeds to germinate and seedlings to establish in pastures slow down succession back to forest.
Ten-Year Responses of Underplanted Northern Red Oak to Silvicultural Treatments, Herbivore Exclusion, and Fertilization
Authors: Frank Graham S. , Rathfon Ronald A. , Saunders Michael R.
Published: September 2018

Establishing adequate advanced oak reproduction prior to final overstory removal is crucial for regenerating oak forests in the eastern U.S. Many management approaches exist to this end, but benefits associated with any individual technique can depend on the suite of techniques employed and the geographic location. At four mixed-hardwood upland forest sites in central and southern Indiana, we tested factorial combinations of deer fencing, controlled-release fertilization, and various silvicultural techniques (midstory removal, crown thinning, and a shelterwood establishment cut) for promoting the growth and survival of underplanted red oak seedlings. Crown thinning resulted in slow growth and low survival. Midstory removal and the shelterwood establishment cut were nearly equally effective for promoting seedling growth. Seedling survival was strongly influenced by fencing, and differences in survival between silvicultural treatments were minimal when fencing was employed. Fertilization had minimal effects overall, only increasing the probability that unfenced seedlings were in competitive positions relative to surrounding vegetation. We suggest that underplanting oak seedlings can augment natural reproduction, but the practice should be accompanied by a combination of midstory removal and fencing, at a minimum, for adequate growth and survival.
Microbiota of Fermented Beverages
Authors: Ciani Maurizio , Mannazzu Ilaria , Domizio Paola
Published: September 2018

This special issue collected recent developments on the microbiota of fermented beverages, from raw materials to the finished product, as well as the use of specific starter cultures. In particular, several studies investigated the occurrence and use of conventional and non-conventional yeasts in distilled alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer production, while other papers investigated probiotic and health-promoting compounds. Results indicated that the management of microbiota greatly improves the analytical, sensorial, and healthy characteristics of fermented beverages.
Quality Assessment of Pork and Turkey Hams Using FT-IR Spectroscopy, Colorimetric, and Image Analysis
Authors: Sinanoglou Vassilia J. , Cavouras Dionisis , Xenogiannopoulos Dimitrios , Proestos Charalampos , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis
Published: September 2018

The implementation of fast and nondestructive methods in meat products and colds cuts have become increasingly important to evaluate their quality in relation to different factors such as origin, type of processing, freshness, adulteration, and authenticity. In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), colorimetric, and image-analysis methods were implemented to characterize and classify ham cold cuts in terms of meat type, processing, and shelf life during refrigerated storage. Two types of commercial hams (made from pork and turkey) and three types of processing (boiled, smoked, and roasted) were selected. By using the most appropriate color parameters, a*, h, and C*, as well as the textural features’ angular second moment, long-running emphasis, and standard deviation of image intensity from the hams’ images, high-classification values for the different ham samples were achieved. The FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of absorbance bands of proteins, triglycerides, fatty acids, and carbohydrates with different intensities according to meat type and processing. Refrigeration storage caused significant alterations of color parameters and a partial degradation of triglycerides and proteins. Moreover, the image-analysis findings indicated that storage period caused significant degradation of ham images relating to local linearity, and structural and textural continuum.
Microbiological Changes during Ripening of Chihuahua Cheese Manufactured with Raw Milk and Its Seasonal Variations
Authors: Sánchez-Gamboa Cristina , Hicks-Pérez Liliana , Gutiérrez-Méndez Néstor , Heredia Norma , García Santos , Nevárez-Moorillón Guadalupe Virginia
Published: September 2018

Chihuahua cheese is a traditional cheese produced in Northwest Mexico that is consumed shortly after production. Cheeses prepared during autumn, winter and summer were collected from five dairies, and analyzed to determine seasonal influence on proximate analysis, texture profile and the microbiological dynamic during a ripening period of 270 days. Coliforms, coagulase-positive staphylococci, molds, yeast, as well as presumptive mesophilic lactobacilli, thermophilic lactobacilli, lactococci, thermophilic cocci and enterococci, were enumerated by plate count on selective agar. Manufacturing dairy had an effect on Chihuahua cheese composition and texture profile. Seasonality influence on the microbial dynamic was observed, since the highest initial counts of coliforms (5.14 log CFU/g), coagulase-positive staphylococci (4.13 log CFU/g) and mesophilic lactobacilli (7.86 log CFU/g) were detected on summer samples. Also, ripening time affected the survival of coliforms and presumptive lactococci after 270 days (1.24 and 5.89 log CFU/g respectively) while from day 90th, coagulase-positive staphylococci were absent. Microbial changes and seasonal influence provide information on the microbiota that can influence the sensorial characteristics of Chihuahua cheese.
Long Non-Coding RNAs as Endogenous Target Mimics and Exploration of Their Role in Low Nutrient Stress Tolerance in Plants
Authors: Borah Priyanka , Das Antara , Milner Matthew J. , Ali Arif , Bentley Alison R. , Pandey Renu
Published: September 2018

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research in plants has recently gained momentum taking cues from studies in animals systems. The availability of next-generation sequencing has enabled genome-wide identification of lncRNA in several plant species. Some lncRNAs are inhibitors of microRNA expression and have a function known as target mimicry with the sequestered transcript known as an endogenous target mimic (eTM). The lncRNAs identified to date show diverse mechanisms of gene regulation, most of which remain poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the role of identified putative lncRNAs that may act as eTMs for nutrient-responsive microRNAs (miRNAs) in plants. If functionally validated, these putative lncRNAs would enhance current understanding of the role of lncRNAs in nutrient homeostasis in plants.
Highlights on Geochemical Changes in Archaean Granitoids and Their Implications for Early Earth Geodynamics
Authors: Halla Jaana
Published: September 2018

The Archaean (4.0–2.5 Ga) continental crust is mainly composed of granitoids, whose geochemical characteristics are a function of their formation mechanisms and components, as well as physical conditions of their source. Therefore, revealing changes in Archaean geodynamic processes requires understanding of geochemical changes in Archaean granitoids. This paper compares key geochemical signatures in granitoid occurrences from the Eoarchaean to Neoarchaean Eras and aims to highlight changes or variations in their geochemical signatures. The study is performed by exploring and comparing geochemical and geochronological datasets of Archaean granitoids compiled from literature. The results show that two end-members of sodic TTGs (tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite) occur throughout the Archaean: low- and high-HREE (heavy rare earth elements) types. A profound change in granitoid geochemistry occurred between 3.0 and 2.5 Ga when multi-source high-K calc-alkaline granitoid batholiths emerged, possibly indicating the onset of modern-type plate tectonics.
Provider’s Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators for Latinas to Participate in Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hurtado-de-Mendoza Alejandra , Graves Kristi , Gómez-Trillos Sara , Anderson Lyndsay , Campos Claudia , Evans Chalanda , Stearns Selma , Zhu Qi , Gonzalez Nathaly , Sheppard Vanessa B.
Published: September 2018

The Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) referral to women at high risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Latinas affected by breast cancer have the second highest prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations after Ashkenazi Jews. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Latinas have lower GCRA uptake. While some studies have identified barriers for GCRA use in this population, few studies have focused on health care providers’ perspectives. The purpose of the study was to examine providers’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators for at-risk Latina women to participate in GCRA and their experiences providing services to this population. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 healthcare providers (e.g., genetic counselors, patient navigators) recruited nationally through snowballing. Interviews were transcribed. Two coders independently coded each interview and then met to reconcile the codes using Consensual Qualitative Research guidelines. Providers identified several facilitators for GCRA uptake (e.g., family, treatment/prevention decisions) and barriers (e.g., cost, referrals, awareness, stigma). Genetic counselors described important aspects to consider when working with at-risk Latina including language barriers, obtaining accurate family histories, family communication, and testing relatives who live outside the US. Findings from this study can inform future interventions to enhance uptake and quality of GCRA in at-risk Latina women to reduce disparities.
Physician and Parental Decision—Making Prior to Acute Medical Paediatric Admission
Authors: Barwise-Munro Rebecca , Morgan Heather , Turner Steve
Published: September 2018

Background: The number of acute medical paediatric emergency admissions is rising. We undertook qualitative interviews with parents and clinicians to better understand what factors, other than the health status of the child, may influence decision making leading to emergency admission. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents; clinicians working in general practice, out-of-hours or the emergency department (referring clinicians); and doctors working in acute medical paediatrics (receiving clinicians). Results: Ten parents, 7 referring clinicians and 10 receiving clinicians were interviewed. Parents described “erring on the side of caution” when seeking medical opinion and one mentioned anxiety. Among themes seen among referring clinicians, “erring on the side of caution” was also identified as was managing “parental anxiety” and acting on “gut instinct”. Among receiving clinicians, themes included managing parental anxiety and increasing parental expectations of the health service. Conclusions: The study of parent and referring clinician decision-making prior to a hospital admission can identify “teachable moments” where interventions might be delivered to slow or even arrest the rise in short-stay acute medical admissions in Britain and other countries. Interventions could assure parents or referring clinicians that hospital referral is not required and help clinicians understand what they perceive as “parental anxiety”.
An Analytical Framework for Integrating the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Environmental Context and Individual Mobility in Exposure Assessment: A Study on the Relationship between Food Environment Exposures and Body Weight
Authors: Wang Jue , Kwan Mei-Po
Published: September 2018

In past studies, individual environmental exposures were largely measured in a static manner. In this study, we develop and implement an analytical framework that dynamically represents environmental context (the environmental context cube) and effectively integrates individual daily movement (individual space-time tunnel) for accurately deriving individual environmental exposures (the environmental context exposure index). The framework is applied to examine the relationship between food environment exposures and the overweight status of 46 participants using data collected with global positioning systems (GPS) in Columbus, Ohio, and binary logistic regression models. The results indicate that the proposed framework generates more reliable measurements of individual food environment exposures when compared to other widely used methods. Taking into account the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of individual environmental exposures, the proposed framework also helps to mitigate the uncertain geographic context problem (UGCoP). It can be used in other environmental health studies concerning environmental influences on a wide range of health behaviors and outcomes.
Tuberculosis among Full-Time Teachers in Southeast China, 2005–2016
Authors: Bao Hongdan , Liu Kui , Wu Zikang , Chai Chengliang , He Tieniu , Wang Wei , Wang Fei , Peng Ying , Wang Xiaomeng , Chen Bin , Jiang Jianmin
Published: September 2018

Objective: To explore the incidence rate and characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) among full-time teachers from 2005 to 2016 in southeast China and to provide a basis for TB prevention and control measures in schools. Methods: Information about full-time teachers with TB was obtained from the National Tuberculosis Information Management System (NTIMS). Population data were collected from the Zhejiang Statistical Yearbook and the Zhejiang Education Yearbook. The TB incidence rates and epidemiological characteristics of full-time teachers were analyzed and the Chi-square test was used to analyze influencing factors of epidemiological characteristics and clinical characteristics, case-finding delay, and treatment outcomes. Results: A total of 1795 teachers with TB were reported from 2005 to 2016, and the annual incidence rate was 28.87 per 100,000. The average annual PTB (pulmonary TB) incidence rate among full-time teachers was 25.43/100,000 from 2005 to 2016 and the average annual PTB incidence rate among students was 15.40/100,000 from 2005 to 2016. The highest average incidence rates were observed in the QZ (Quzhou) and HZ (Hangzhou) districts. The male-to-female ratio of the patients was 0.95:1. Approximately half of the patients were 15–40 years old. The mean case-finding interval was 45.3 days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of TB case-finding delay among full-time teachers revealed that the older (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.18–1.76, p < 0.01), not local (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.20–2.73, p < 0.01), retreatment (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.39–3.08, p < 0.01) and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.13–2.61, p = 0.01) cases were at high risk of case-finding delay. Compared to physical examination, patients detected by referrals and tracking (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.16–4.38, p = 0.02) and patients who directly visited the designated TB hospital (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.03–3.88, p = 0.04) were more prone to case-finding delay. The cure rate of full-time teachers with TB was 77.10%. The cure rates differed significantly between groups classified based on age, case-finding patterns, diagnostic results, treatment classifications, and strategies of patient management. Conclusion: The TB incidence rate among full-time teachers decreased from 2005 to 2016, but teachers suffered a higher risk of TB than students. Western Zhejiang was a hotspot for TB incidence among full-time teachers. Female teacher and young and middle-aged teacher cases account for the majority of the reported patients. There was a case-finding delay among full-time teachers with TB. We should conduct regular physical examinations and strengthen full-course supervision to reduce the risk of TB patients with case-finding delay and increase the TB cure rate.
The Oakville Oil Refinery Closure and Its Influence on Local Hospitalizations: A Natural Experiment on Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Burr Wesley S. , Dales Robert , Liu Ling , Stieb Dave , Smith-Doiron Marc , Jovic Branka , Kauri Lisa Marie , Shin Hwashin Hyun
Published: September 2018

Background: An oil refinery in Oakville, Canada, closed over 2004–2005, providing an opportunity for a natural experiment to examine the effects on oil refinery-related air pollution and residents’ health. Methods: Environmental and health data were collected for the 16 years around the refinery closure. Toronto (2.5 million persons) and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA, 6.3 million persons) were used as control and reference populations, respectively, for Oakville (160,000 persons). We compared sulfur dioxide and age- and season-standardized hospitalizations, considering potential factors such as changes in demographics, socio-economics, drug prescriptions, and environmental variables. Results: The closure of the refinery eliminated 6000 tons/year of SO2 emissions, with an observed reduction of 20% in wind direction-adjusted ambient concentrations in Oakville. After accounting for trends, a decrease in cold-season peak-centered respiratory hospitalizations was observed for Oakville (reduction of 2.2 cases/1000 persons per year, p = 0.0006 ) but not in Toronto (p = 0.856) and the GTA (p = 0.334). The reduction of respiratory hospitalizations in Oakville post closure appeared to have no observed link to known confounders or effect modifiers. Conclusion: The refinery closure allowed an assessment of the change in community health. This natural experiment provides evidence that a reduction in emissions was associated with improvements in population health. This study design addresses the impact of a removed source of air pollution.
Prevalence and Predictors of Malaria in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients in Beira, Mozambique
Authors: Di Gennaro Francesco , Marotta Claudia , Pizzol Damiano , Chhaganlal Kajal , Monno Laura , Putoto Giovanni , Saracino Annalisa , Casuccio Alessandra , Mazzucco Walter
Published: September 2018

Co-infection between malaria and HIV has major public health implications. The aims of this study were to assess the malaria prevalence and to identify predictors of positivity to malaria Test in HIV positive patients admitted to the health center São Lucas of Beira, Mozambique. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed from January 2016 to December 2016. Overall, 701 adult HIV patients were enrolled, positivity to malaria test was found in 232 (33.0%). These patients were found to be more frequently unemployed (76.3%), aged under 40 (72.0%), with a HIV positive partner (22.4%) and with a CD4 cell count <200 (59.9%). The following variables were predictors of malaria: age under 40 (O.R. = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.22–2.08), being unemployed (O.R. = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.24–2.21), irregularity of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis’s (O.R. = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.10–1.78), CD4 cell count <200 (O.R. = 2.01; 95%CI: 1.42–2.32) and tuberculosis comorbidity (O.R. = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.17–2.79). In conclusion, high malaria prevalence was found in HIV patients accessing the out-patients centre of São Lucas of Beira. Our findings allowed us to identify the profile of HIV patients needing more medical attention: young adults, unemployed, with a low CD4 cell count and irregularly accessing to ART and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
Combined Therapy with SS31 and Mitochondria Mitigates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Lee Fan-Yen , Shao Pei-Lin , Wallace Christopher Glenn , Chua Sarah , Sung Pei-Hsun , Ko Sheung-Fat , Chai Han-Tan , Chung Sheng-Ying , Chen Kuan-Hung , Lu Hung-I , Chen Yi-Ling , Huang Tien-Hung , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: September 2018

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury contributes to adverse cardiac outcomes after myocardial ischemia, cardiac surgery, or circulatory arrest. In this study, we evaluated the ability of combined SS31-mitochondria (Mito) therapy to protect heart cells from myocardial IR injury. Adult male SD rats (n = 8/each group) were randomized: group 1 (sham-operated control), group 2 (IR, 30-min ischemia/72 h reperfusion), group 3 (IR-SS31 (2 mg intra-peritoneal injection at 30 min/24 h/48 h after IR)), group 4 (IR-mitochondria (2 mg/derived from donor liver/intra-venous administration/30 min after IR procedure)), and group 5 (IR-SS31-mitochondria). In H9C2 cells, SS31 suppressed menadione-induced oxidative-stress markers (NOX-1, NOX-2, oxidized protein) while it increased SIRT1/SIRT3 expression and ATP levels. In adult male rats 72 h after IR, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was highest in sham-operated control animals and lowest in the IR group. LVEF was also higher in IR rats treated with SS31-Mito than untreated IR rats or those treated with Mito or SS31 alone. Areas of fibrosis/collagen-deposition showed the opposite pattern. Likewise, levels of oxidative-stress markers (NOX-1, NOX-2, oxidized protein), inflammatory markers (MMP-9, CD11, IL-1β, TNF-α), apoptotic markers (mitochondrial-Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, PARP), fibrosis markers (p-Smad3, TGF-β), DNA-damage (γ-H2AX), sarcomere-length, and pressure/volume overload markers (BNP, β-MHC) all showed a pattern opposite that of LVEF. Conversely, anti-apoptotic (BMP-2, Smad1/5) and energy integrity (PGC-1α/mitochondrial cytochrome-C) markers exhibited a pattern identical to that of LVEF. This study demonstrates that the combined SS31-Mito therapy is superior to either therapy alone for protecting myocardium from IR injury and indicates that the responsible mechanisms involved increased SIRT1/SIRT3 expression, which suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress and protects mitochondrial integrity.
Expression of the OAS Gene Family Is Highly Modulated in Subjects Affected by Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Resembling an Immune Response to a dsRNA Virus Infection
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Castrogiovanni Paola , Barbagallo Ignazio , Tibullo Daniele , Sanfilippo Cristina , Nunnari Giuseppe , Pellicanò Giovanni Francesco , Pavone Piero , Caltabiano Rosario , Di Marco Roberto , Imbesi Rosa , Di Rosa Michelino
Published: September 2018

Background: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a systemic, autoimmune, interferon (IFN)-mediated inflammatory muscle disorder that affects children younger than 18 years of age. JDM primarily affects the skin and the skeletal muscles. Interestingly, the role of viral infections has been hypothesized. Mammalian 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) genes have been thoroughly characterized as components of the IFN-induced antiviral system, and they are connected to several innate immune-activated diseases. The main purpose of the paper is to define the potential interrelationship between the OAS gene family network and the molecular events that characterize JDM along with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecular pathways. Methods: We analyzed three microarray datasets obtained from the NCBI in order to verify the expression levels of the OAS gene family network in muscle biopsies (MBx) of JDM patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, From GSE51392, we decided to select significant gene expression profiles of primary nasal and bronchial epithelial cells isolated from healthy subjects and treated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a molecular pattern associated with viral infection. Results: The analysis showed that all OAS genes were modulated in JDM muscle biopsies. Furthermore, 99% of OASs gene family networks were significantly upregulated. Of importance, 39.9% of modulated genes in JDM overlapped with those of primary epithelial cells treated with poly(I:C). Moreover, the microarray analysis showed that the double-stranded dsRNA virus gene network was highly expressed. In addition, we showed that the innate/adaptive immunity markers were significantly expressed in JDM muscles biopsies. and that their levels were positively correlated to OAS gene family expression. Conclusion: OAS gene expression is extremely modulated in JDM as well as in the dsRNA viral gene network. These data lead us to speculate on the potential involvement of a viral infection as a trigger moment for this systemic autoimmune disease. Further in vitro and translational studies are needed to verify this hypothesis in order to strategically plan treatment interventions.
Extracellular Interactions between Fibulins and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β in Physiological and Pathological Conditions
Authors: Tsuda Takeshi
Published: September 2018

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional peptide growth factor that has a vital role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, inflammation, and repair in a variety of tissues, and its dysregulation mediates a number of pathological conditions including fibrotic disorders, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer progression. Regulation of TGF-β signaling is multifold, but one critical site of regulation is via interaction with certain extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironments, as TGF-β is primarily secreted as a biologically inactive form sequestrated into ECM. Several ECM proteins are known to modulate TGF-β signaling via cell–matrix interactions, including thrombospondins, SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cystein), tenascins, osteopontin, periostin, and fibulins. Fibulin family members consist of eight ECM glycoproteins characterized by a tandem array of calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like modules and a common C-terminal domain. Fibulins not only participate in structural integrity of basement membrane and elastic fibers, but also serve as mediators for cellular processes and tissue remodeling as they are highly upregulated during embryonic development and certain disease processes, especially at the sites of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Emerging studies have indicated a close relationship between fibulins and TGF-β signaling, but each fibulin plays a different role in a context-dependent manner. In this review, regulatory interactions between fibulins and TGF-β signaling are discussed. Understanding biological roles of fibulins in TGF-β regulation may introduce new insights into the pathogenesis of some human diseases.
Standards for Deriving Nonhuman Primate-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Neural Stem Cells and Dopaminergic Lineage
Authors: Yang Guang , Hong Hyenjong , Torres April , Malloy Kristen E. , Choudhury Gourav R. , Kim Jeffrey , Daadi Marcel M.
Published: September 2018

Humans and nonhuman primates (NHP) are similar in behavior and in physiology, specifically the structure, function, and complexity of the immune system. Thus, NHP models are desirable for pathophysiology and pharmacology/toxicology studies. Furthermore, NHP-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may enable transformative developmental, translational, or evolutionary studies in a field of inquiry currently hampered by the limited availability of research specimens. NHP-iPSCs may address specific questions that can be studied back and forth between in vitro cellular assays and in vivo experimentations, an investigational process that in most cases cannot be performed on humans because of safety and ethical issues. The use of NHP model systems and cell specific in vitro models is evolving with iPSC-based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems and organoids, which may offer reliable in vitro models and reduce the number of animals used in experimental research. IPSCs have the potential to give rise to defined cell types of any organ of the body. However, standards for deriving defined and validated NHP iPSCs are missing. Standards for deriving high-quality iPSC cell lines promote rigorous and replicable scientific research and likewise, validated cell lines reduce variability and discrepancies in results between laboratories. We have derived and validated NHP iPSC lines by confirming their pluripotency and propensity to differentiate into all three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) according to standards and measurable limits for a set of marker genes. The iPSC lines were characterized for their potential to generate neural stem cells and to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. These iPSC lines are available to the scientific community. NHP-iPSCs fulfill a unique niche in comparative genomics to understand gene regulatory principles underlying emergence of human traits, in infectious disease pathogenesis, in vaccine development, and in immunological barriers in regenerative medicine.
Biomolecular Clusters Distribution up to Mega Dalton Region Using MALDI-Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Chuang Yung-Kun , Lai Szu-Hsueh , Lin Jung-Lee , Chen Chung-Hsuan
Published: September 2018

We present the first report on complete cluster distributions of cytochrome c (molecular weight of 12.4 kDa) and bovine serum albumin ((BSA), molecular weight of 66.4 kDa) with mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) reaching 350,000 and 1,400,000, respectively, by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). Large cluster distributions of the analytes were measured by our homemade frequency-scanned quadrupole ion trap (QIT) mass spectrometer with a charge detector. To our knowledge, we report the highest m/z clusters of these two biomolecules. The quantitative results indicate that large clusters ions of cytochrome c and BSA follow the power law (r2 > 0.99) with cluster size distribution, which provides experimental evidence for the laser ablation studies of MALDI.
Nanoparticles with High-Surface Negative-Charge Density Disturb the Metabolism of Low-Density Lipoprotein in Cells
Authors: Bai Xue , Zhang Jiaxin , Chang Ya-Nan , Gu Weihong , Lei Runhong , Qin Yanxia , Xia Shibo , Ma Sihan , Liang Yuelan , Chen Kui , Li Juan , Sun Baoyun , Xing Gengmei
Published: September 2018

Endocytosis is an important pathway to regulate the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in cells. At the same time, engineering nanoparticles (ENPs) enter the cell through endocytosis in biomedical applications. Therefore, a crucial question is whether the nanoparticles involved in endocytosis could impact the natural metabolism of LDL in cells. In this study, we fabricated a series of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (13.00 ± 0.69 nm) with varied surface charge densities. The internalized AuNPs with high-surface negative-charge densities (HSNCD) significantly reduced LDL uptake in HepG-2, HeLa, and SMMC-7721 cells compared with those cells in control group. Notably, the significant reduction of LDL uptake in cells correlates with the reduction of LDL receptors (LDL-R) on the cell surface, but there is no change in protein and mRNA of LDL-Rs. The cyclic utilization of LDL-R in cells is a crucial pathway to maintain the homoeostasis of LDL uptake. The release of LDL-Rs from LDL/LDL-R complexes in endosomes depended on reduction of the pH in the lumen. AuNPs with HSNCD hampered vacuolar-type H+-ATPase V1 (ATPaseV1) and ATPaseV0 binding on the endosome membrane, blocking protons to enter the endosome by the pump. Hence, fewer freed LDL-Rs were transported into recycling endosomes (REs) to be returned to cell surface for reuse, reducing the LDL uptake of cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The restrained LDL-Rs in the LDL/LDL-R complex were degraded in lysosomes.
Glycosylation in the Thyroid Gland: Vital Aspects of Glycoprotein Function in Thyrocyte Physiology and Thyroid Disorders
Authors: Ząbczyńska Marta , Kozłowska Kamila , Pocheć Ewa
Published: September 2018

The key proteins responsible for hormone synthesis in the thyroid are glycosylated. Oligosaccharides strongly affect the function of glycosylated proteins. Both thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the pituitary gland and TSH receptors on the surface of thyrocytes contain N-glycans, which are crucial to their proper activity. Thyroglobulin (Tg), the protein backbone for synthesis of thyroid hormones, is a heavily N-glycosylated protein, containing 20 putative N-glycosylated sites. N-oligosaccharides play a role in Tg transport into the follicular lumen, where thyroid hormones are produced, and into thyrocytes, where hyposialylated Tg is degraded. N-glycans of the cell membrane transporters sodium/iodide symporter and pendrin are necessary for iodide transport. Some changes in glycosylation result in abnormal activity of the thyroid and alteration of the metabolic clearance rate of hormones. Alteration of glycan structures is a pathological process related to the progression of chronic diseases such as thyroid cancers and autoimmunity. Thyroid carcinogenesis is accompanied by changes in sialylation and fucosylation, β1,6-branching of glycans, the content and structure of poly-LacNAc chains, as well as O-GlcNAcylation, while in thyroid autoimmunity the main processes affected are sialylation and fucosylation. The glycobiology of the thyroid gland is an intensively studied field of research, providing new data helpful in understanding the role of the sugar component in thyroid protein biology and disorders.
Immunogenic Effect of Hyperthermia on Enhancing Radiotherapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Lee Sungmin , Son Beomseok , Park Gaeul , Kim Hyunwoo , Kang Hyunkoo , Jeon Jaewan , Youn HyeSook , Youn BuHyun
Published: September 2018

Hyperthermia is a cancer treatment where tumor tissue is heated to around 40 °C. Hyperthermia shows both cancer cell cytotoxicity and immune response stimulation via immune cell activation. Immunogenic responses encompass the innate and adaptive immune systems, involving the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and T cells. Moreover, hyperthermia is commonly used in combination with different treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, for better clinical outcomes. In this review, we will focus on hyperthermia-induced immunogenic effects and molecular events to improve radiotherapy efficacy. The beneficial potential of integrating radiotherapy with hyperthermia is also discussed.
Monitoring Nutrient Status of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Adults and Nymphs on Summer Holly
Authors: Skillman Victoria P. , Wiman Nik G. , Lee Jana C.
Published: September 2018

Halyomorpha halys (Stål), or brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), has become a major pest and nuisance for both agricultural growers and homeowners since its arrival in North America and Europe. The nutritional ecology of BMSB is important for understanding its life history and rearing requirements. However, little is known about the nutritional status of wild populations, especially in the U.S. This research monitored the nutrient status of nymphal and adult BMSB collected from English holly in western Oregon. We measured their weight, nutrient index (weight/(prothorax × width)3), lipid, glycogen and sugar levels and egg load from May–September/October. First, glycogen and sugar levels of adults were often lowest sometime in June-August with a general increase by September. Meanwhile, their lipid levels varied without a discernible trend. Second, adult females had few eggs in May, with the highest egg load in June and July, and no eggs by September. Lastly, first and second nymphal instars were found in June, and fourth and fifth instars in September. Because nothing is known about the nutrient levels of nymphs, the reported values from this survey can assist future research on physiological responses of BMSB to treatments or environmental impacts in the field.
Monitoring Moisture Content for Various Kind of Tea Leaves in Drying Processes Using RF Reflectometer-Sensor System
Authors: You Kok Yeow , Lee Chia Yew , Chan Kok San , Lee Kim Yee , Cheng Ee Meng , Lee Yeng Seng
Published: September 2018

This paper presents tea leaves moisture monitoring system based on RF reflectometry techniques. The system was divided into two parts which are the sensor and reflectometer parts. The large coaxial probe was used as a sensor for the system. The reflectometer part plays a role as signal generator and also data acquisition. The reflectometer-sensor system was operated with a graphical user interface at 1.529 GHz at room temperature. The system was able to measure the moisture content of tea leaves ranging 0% m.c to 50% m.c on a wet basis. In this study, up to five kinds of tea leaves bulk were tested. The mean of absolute errors in the moisture measurement for tea leaves was ±2.
Susceptibility Testing of Fungi to Antifungal Drugs
Authors: Sanguinetti Maurizio , Posteraro Brunella
Published: September 2018

Susceptibility testing of fungi against antifungal drugs commonly used for therapy is a key component of the care of patients with invasive fungal infections. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) has progressed in recent decades to finally become standardized and available as both Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) reference methods and in commercial manual/automated phenotypic methods. In clinical practice, the Sensititre YeastOne and Etest methods are widely used for AFST, particularly for sterile site isolates of Candida. Nevertheless, AFST is moving toward new phenotypic methods, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), that are capable of providing rapid, and potentially more actionable, results for the treating clinician. Our objective is to summarize updated data on phenotypic methods for AFST of Candida and Aspergillus species and to assess their significance in view of opposing, but emerging, molecular genotypic methods.
The Role of Next-Generation Sequencing in Precision Medicine: A Review of Outcomes in Oncology
Authors: Morash Margaret , Mitchell Hannah , Beltran Himisha , Elemento Olivier , Pathak Jyotishman
Published: September 2018

Precision medicine seeks to use genomic data to help provide the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. Next-generation sequencing technology allows for the rapid and accurate sequencing of many genes at once. This technology is becoming more common in oncology, though the clinical benefit of incorporating it into precision medicine strategies remains under significant debate. In this manuscript, we discuss the early findings of the impact of next-generation sequencing on cancer patient outcomes. We investigate why not all patients with genomic variants linked to a specific therapy receive that therapy and describe current barriers. Finally, we explore the current state of health insurance coverage for individual genome sequencing and targeted therapies for cancer. Based on our analysis, we recommend increased transparency around the determination of “actionable mutations” and a heightened focus on investigating the variations in health insurance coverage across patients receiving sequencing-matched therapies.
Challenges and Vulnerabilities on Public Finance Sustainability. A Romanian Case Study
Authors: Bostan Ionel , Toderașcu Carmen , Gavriluţă (Vatamanu) Anca
Published: September 2018

Given the contradiction between the current demands for sustainability and the way that the financial system works, this paper explored in a retrospective and a prospective view, Romanian Public Finance Sustainability, highlighting the major challenges and vulnerabilities. Relating to the retrospective part, we concentrated mainly on empirical tests on Romanian government solvency between the period 1990–2020, by applying un it root and co-integration tests. To gain a better, general understanding of the behavior of policy-makers, in the second part we used a scenario analysis of budgetary adjustment in the short and medium run under alternative hypotheses. The results provided formal proof that policy makers decisions face critical and complex questions, and the way in which they manage fiscal stimuli has a direct implication on the sustainability of the country and on the lax implementation of fiscal policy.
Electrospinning of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends on a Water Surface
Authors: Číková Eliška , Kuliček Jaroslav , Janigová Ivica , Omastová Mária
Published: September 2018

The electrospinning of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer with a vinyl acetate content of 28 wt.% is limited due to the solubility of the copolymer in standard laboratory conditions. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer that can be electrospun easily. However, PLA has limited applicability because it is brittle. Blends of these polymers are of interest in order to obtain new types of materials with counterbalanced properties originating from both polymeric compounds. The fibers were electrospun on a water surface from a solution mixture containing various weight ratios of both polymers using a dichloromethane and acetone (70:30 v/v) mixture as solvent. The morphologies of the prepared non-woven mats were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the chemical composition was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The fibers’ thermal properties and stability were examined, and the mechanical properties were tested. The results showed that the strength and flexibility of the blend samples were enhanced by the presence of PLA.