bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Gig-Lox TiO2 Doped with N2 at Room Temperature for P-Type Response to Ethanol
Authors: Smecca Emanuele , Sanzaro Salvatore , Galati Clelia , Renna Lucio , Gervasi Leonardo , Santangelo Antonello , Condorelli Guglielmo Guido , Grosso David , Bottein Thomas , Mannino Giovanni , La Magna Antonino , Alberti Alessandra
Published: March 2019

Nanostructured materials represent a breakthrough in many fields of application. Above all for sensing, the use of nanostructures with a high surface/volume ratio is strategic to raise the sensitivity towards dangerous environmental gas species. A new Dc-Reactive sputtering Deposition method has been applied to grow highly porous p-type nitrogen-doped titanium oxide layers by modifying the previously developed reactive sputtering method called gig-lox. The doping of the films was achieved at room temperature by progressive incorporation of nitrogen species during the deposition process. Two different amounts of N2 were introduced into the deposition chamber at flow rates of 2 and 5 standard cubic centimeter per minutes (sccm) for doping. It has been found that the N2 uptake reduces the deposition rate of the TiO2 film whilst the porosity and the roughness of the grown layer are not penalized. Despite the low amount of N2, using 2 sccm of gas resulted in proper doping of the TiO2 film as revealed by XPS Analyses. In this case, nitrogen atoms are mainly arranged in substitutional positions with respect to the oxygen atoms inside the lattice, and this defines the p-type character of the growing layer. Above this strategic structural modification, the multibranched spongy porosity, peculiar of the gig-lox growth, is still maintained. As proof of concept of the achievements, a sensing device was prepared by combining this modified gig-lox deposition method with state-of-the-art hot-plate technology to monitor the electrical response to ethanol gas species. The sensor exhibited a sensitivity of a factor of ≈2 to 44 ppm of ethanol at ≈200 °C as measured by a rise in the layer resistivity according to the p-type character of the material. At the higher temperature of ≈350 °C, the sensor turned to n-type as without doping. This behavior was related to a loss of nitrogen content inside the film during the annealing. It was indeed proved that p-type doping of a gig-lox sponge during growth is feasible, even at room temperature, without losing the layer porosity and the capability to host and detect environmental species. Moreover, the material integration on a device is simply done as the last production step. Easy TiO2 doping procedures, combined with porosity, are of general purpose and interest for several applications even on flexible substrates.
Fibre Laser Treatment of Beta TNZT Titanium Alloys for Load-Bearing Implant Applications: Effects of Surface Physical and Chemical Features on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Response and Staphylococcus aureus Bacterial Attachment
Authors: Donaghy Clare Lubov , McFadden Ryan , Smith Graham C. , Kelaini Sophia , Carson Louise , Malinov Savko , Margariti Andriana , Chan Chi-Wai
Published: March 2019

A mismatch in bone and implant elastic modulus can lead to aseptic loosening and ultimately implant failure. Selective elemental composition of titanium (Ti) alloys coupled with surface treatment can be used to improve osseointegration and reduce bacterial adhesion. The biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-6Ta (TNZT) using fibre laser surface treatment were assessed in this work, due to its excellent material properties (low Young’s modulus and non-toxicity) and the promising attributes of fibre laser treatment (very fast, non-contact, clean and only causes changes in surface without altering the bulk composition/microstructure). The TNZT surfaces in this study were treated in a high speed regime, specifically 100 and 200 mm/s, (or 6 and 12 m/min). Surface roughness and topography (WLI and SEM), chemical composition (SEM-EDX), microstructure (XRD) and chemistry (XPS) were investigated. The biocompatibility of the laser treated surfaces was evaluated using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured in vitro at various time points to assess cell attachment (6, 24 and 48 h), proliferation (3, 7 and 14 days) and differentiation (7, 14 and 21 days). Antibacterial performance was also evaluated using Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Live/Dead staining. Sample groups included untreated base metal (BM), laser treated at 100 mm/s (LT100) and 200 mm/s (LT200). The results demonstrated that laser surface treatment creates a rougher (Ra value of BM is 199 nm, LT100 is 256 nm and LT200 is 232 nm), spiky surface (Rsk > 0 and Rku > 3) with homogenous elemental distribution and decreasing peak-to-peak distance between ripples (0.63 to 0.315 µm) as the scanning speed increases (p < 0.05), generating a surface with distinct micron and nano scale features. The improvement in cell spreading, formation of bone-like nodules (only seen on the laser treated samples) and subsequent four-fold reduction in bacterial attachment (p < 0.001) can be attributed to the features created through fibre laser treatment, making it an excellent choice for load bearing implant applications. Last but not least, the presence of TiN in the outermost surface oxide might also account for the improved biocompatibility and antibacterial performances of TNZT.
Aluminum Coated Micro Glass Spheres to Increase the Infrared Reflectance
Authors: Schwinger Laura , Lehmann Sebastian , Zielbauer Lukas , Scharfe Benedikt , Gerdes Thorsten
Published: March 2019

The reflective properties of micro glass spheres (MGS) such as Solid Micro Glass Spheres (SMGS, “glass beads”) and Micro Hollow Glass Spheres (MHGS, “glass bubbles”) are utilized in various applications, for example, as retro-reflector for traffic road stripe paints or facade paints. The reflection behavior of the spheres can be further adapted by coating the surfaces of the spheres, e.g., by titanium dioxide or a metallic coating. Such coated spheres can be employed as, e.g., mid infrared (MIR)-reflective additives in wall paints to increase the thermal comfort in rooms. As a result, the demand of heating energy can be reduced. In this paper, the increase of the MIR-reflectance by applying an aluminum coating on MGS is discussed. Aluminum coatings are normally produced via the well-known Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). In our work, the Liquid Phase Deposition (LPD) method, as a new, non-vacuum method for aluminum coating on spherical spheres, is investigated as an alternative, scalable, and simple coating process. The LPD-coating is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and reflection measurements. The results are compared to a reference PVD-coating. It is shown that both sphere types, SMGS and MHGS, can be homogeneously coated with metallic aluminum using the LPD method but the surface morphology plays an important role concerning the reflection properties. With the SMGS, a smooth surface morphology and a reflectance increase to a value of 30% can be obtained. Due to a structured surface morphology, a reflection of only 5% could be achieved with the MHGS. However, post-treatments showed that a further increase is possible.
Extreme Multiclass Classification Criteria
Authors: Choromanska Anna , Kumar Jain Ish
Published: March 2019

We analyze the theoretical properties of the recently proposed objective function for efficient online construction and training of multiclass classification trees in the settings where the label space is very large. We show the important properties of this objective and provide a complete proof that maximizing it simultaneously encourages balanced trees and improves the purity of the class distributions at subsequent levels in the tree. We further explore its connection to the three well-known entropy-based decision tree criteria, i.e., Shannon entropy, Gini-entropy and its modified variant, for which efficient optimization strategies are largely unknown in the extreme multiclass setting. We show theoretically that this objective can be viewed as a surrogate function for all of these entropy criteria and that maximizing it indirectly optimizes them as well. We derive boosting guarantees and obtain a closed-form expression for the number of iterations needed to reduce the considered entropy criteria below an arbitrary threshold. The obtained theorem relies on a weak hypothesis assumption that directly depends on the considered objective function. Finally, we prove that optimizing the objective directly reduces the multi-class classification error of the decision tree.
Prediction of Bubble Size Distributions in Large-Scale Bubble Columns Using a Population Balance Model
Authors: Besagni Giorgio , Inzoli Fabio
Published: March 2019

A precise estimation of the bubble size distribution (BSD) is required to understand the fluid dynamics in gas-liquid bubble columns at the “bubble scale,” evaluate the heat and mass transfer rate, and support scale-up approaches. In this paper, we have formulated a population balance model, and we have validated it against a previously published experimental dataset. The experimental dataset consists of BSDs obtained in the “pseudo-homogeneous” flow regime, in a large-diameter and large-scale bubble column. The aim of the population balance model is to predict the BSD in the developed region of the bubble column using as input the BSD at the sparger. The proposed approach has been able to estimate the BSD correctly and is a promising approach for future studies and to estimate bubble size in large-scale gas–liquid bubble columns.
Maximum-Entropy Priors with Derived Parameters in a Specified Distribution
Authors: Handley Will , Millea Marius
Published: March 2019

We propose a method for transforming probability distributions so that parameters of interest are forced into a specified distribution. We prove that this approach is the maximum-entropy choice, and provide a motivating example, applicable to neutrino-hierarchy inference.
An Improved Method of Handling Missing Values in the Analysis of Sample Entropy for Continuous Monitoring of Physiological Signals
Authors: Dong Xinzheng , Chen Chang , Geng Qingshan , Cao Zhixin , Chen Xiaoyan , Lin Jinxiang , Jin Yu , Zhang Zhaozhi , Shi Yan , Zhang Xiaohua Douglas
Published: March 2019

Medical devices generate huge amounts of continuous time series data. However, missing values commonly found in these data can prevent us from directly using analytic methods such as sample entropy to reveal the information contained in these data. To minimize the influence of missing points on the calculation of sample entropy, we propose a new method to handle missing values in continuous time series data. We use both experimental and simulated datasets to compare the performance (in percentage error) of our proposed method with three currently used methods: skipping the missing values, linear interpolation, and bootstrapping. Unlike the methods that involve modifying the input data, our method modifies the calculation process. This keeps the data unchanged which is less intrusive to the structure of the data. The results demonstrate that our method has a consistent lower average percentage error than other three commonly used methods in multiple common physiological signals. For missing values in common physiological signal type, different data size and generating mechanism, our method can more accurately extract the information contained in continuously monitored data than traditional methods. So it may serve as an effective tool for handling missing values and may have broad utility in analyzing sample entropy for common physiological signals. This could help develop new tools for disease diagnosis and evaluation of treatment effects.
Development of a Computational System to Improve Wind Farm Layout, Part I: Model Validation and Near Wake Analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Rafael V. , Lengsfeld Corinne
Published: March 2019

The first part of this work describes the validation of a wind turbine farm Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation using literature velocity wake data from the MEXICO (Model Experiments in Controlled Conditions) experiment. The work is intended to establish a computational framework from which to investigate wind farm layout, seeking to validate the simulation and identify parameters influencing the wake. A CFD model was designed to mimic the MEXICO rotor experimental conditions and simulate new operating conditions with regards to tip speed ratio and pitch angle. The validation showed that the computational results qualitatively agree with the experimental data. Considering the designed tip speed ratio (TSR) of 6.6, the deficit of velocity in the wake remains at rate of approximately 15% of the free-stream velocity per rotor diameter regardless of the free-stream velocity applied. Moreover, analysis of a radial traverse right behind the rotor showed an increase of 20% in the velocity deficit as the TSR varied from TSR = 6 to TSR = 10, corresponding to an increase ratio of approximately 5% m·s−1 per dimensionless unit of TSR. We conclude that the near wake characteristics of a wind turbine are strongly influenced by the TSR and the pitch angle.
Forecasting the Carbon Price Using Extreme-Point Symmetric Mode Decomposition and Extreme Learning Machine Optimized by the Grey Wolf Optimizer Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Jianguo , Huo Xuejing , Xu Xiaolei , Li Yushuo
Published: March 2019

Due to the nonlinear and non-stationary characteristics of the carbon price, it is difficult to predict the carbon price accurately. This paper proposes a new novel hybrid model for carbon price prediction. The proposed model consists of an extreme-point symmetric mode decomposition, an extreme learning machine, and a grey wolf optimizer algorithm. Firstly, the extreme-point symmetric mode decomposition is employed to decompose the carbon price into several intrinsic mode functions and one residue. Then, the partial autocorrelation function is utilized to determine the input variables of the intrinsic mode functions, and the residue of the extreme learning machine. In the end, the grey wolf optimizer algorithm is applied to optimize the extreme learning machine, to forecast the carbon price. To illustrate the superiority of the proposed model, the Hubei, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong carbon price series are selected for the predictions. The empirical results confirm that the proposed model is superior to the other benchmark methods. Consequently, the proposed model can be employed as an effective method for carbon price series analysis and forecasting.
A Techno-Economic Analysis of Vehicle-to-Building: Battery Degradation and Efficiency Analysis in the Context of Coordinated Electric Vehicle Charging
Authors: Englberger Stefan , Hesse Holger , Kucevic Daniel , Jossen Andreas
Published: March 2019

In the context of the increased acceptance and usage of electric vehicles (EVs), vehicle-to-building (V2B) has proven to be a new and promising use case. Although this topic is already being discussed in literature, there is still a lack of experience on how such a system, of allowing bidirectional power flows between an EV and building, will work in a residential environment. The challenge is to optimize the interplay of electrical load, photovoltaic (PV) generation, EV, and optionally a home energy storage system (HES). In total, fourteen different scenarios are explored for a German household. A two-step approach is used, which combines a computationally efficient linear optimizer with a detailed modelling of the non-linear effects on the battery. The change in battery degradation, storage system efficiency, and operating expenses (OPEX) as a result of different, unidirectional and bidirectional, EV charging schemes is examined for both an EV battery and a HES. The simulations show that optimizing unidirectional charging can improve the OPEX by 15%. The addition of V2B leads to a further 11% cost reduction, however, this corresponds with a 12% decrease in EV battery lifetime. Techno-economic analysis reveals that the V2B charging solution with no HES leads to strong self-consumption improvements (EUR 1381 savings over ten years), whereas, this charging scheme would not be justified for a residential prosumer with a HES (only EUR 160 savings).
Chestnut Shell Extract Modulates Immune Parameters in the Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Coccia Elena , Siano Francesco , Volpe Maria Grazia , Varricchio Ettore , Eroldogan Orhan Tufan , Paolucci Marina
Published: March 2019

In this study, chestnut (Castanea sativa) shell was extracted with different solvents, and immunomodulatory activity was investigated in an in vitro model system using blood and intestinal leukocytes of Oncorhynchus mykiss. Gallic acid (GA) was used as a standard. Chestnut shell extract (CSE) and GA readily entered both blood and intestinal leukocytes. Superoxide anion production and phagocytosis were decreased by low doses of CSE and increased with high doses. CSE and GA differently regulated cytokine expression in blood and intestinal leukocytes. High doses of CSE upregulated IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in intestinal leukocytes and IL-10 in blood leukocytes. Low doses of CSE upregulated IL-1β and TNF-α in blood leukocytes. GA appeared to be effective only in blood leukocytes. The effects of CSE on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines seemed to suggest an alert effect of the immune defense system against a possible infectious agent. The less evident effect of GA in comparison to CSE could have been attributable to the synergistic and/or additive effects of polyphenols in the latter. The immune-stimulating activity of CSE reported here could be useful for future practical applications in fish health.
Sentinel-1 for Monitoring Land Subsidence of Coastal Cities in Africa Using PSInSAR: A Methodology Based on the Integration of SNAP and StaMPS
Authors: Cian Fabio , Blasco José Manuel Delgado , Carrera Lorenzo
Published: March 2019

The sub-Saharan African coast is experiencing fast-growing urbanization, particularly around major cities. This threatens the equilibrium of the socio-ecosystems where they are located and on which they depend: underground water resources are exploited with a disregard for sustainability; land is reclaimed from wetlands or lagoons; built-up areas, both formal and informal, grow without adequate urban planning. Together, all these forces can result in land surface deformation, subsidence or even uplift, which can increase risk within these already fragile socio-ecosystems. In particular, in the case of land subsidence, the risk of urban flooding can increase significantly, also considering the contribution of sea level rise driven by climate change. Monitoring such fast-changing environments is crucial to be able to identify key risks and plan adaptation responses to mitigate current and future flood risks. Persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a powerful tool to monitor land deformation with high precision using relatively low-cost technology, also thanks to the open access data of Sentinel-1, which provides global observations every 6 days at 20-m ground resolution. In this paper, we demonstrate how it is possible to monitor land subsidence in urban coastal areas by means of permanent scatterer interferometry and Sentinel-1, exploiting an automatic procedure based on an integration of the Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) and the Stanford Method for Persistent Scatterers (StaMPS). We present the results of PSI analysis over the cities of Banjul (the Gambia) and Lagos (Nigeria) showing a comparison of results obtained with TerraSAR-X, Constellation of Small Satellites for the Mediterranean Basin Observation (COSMO-SkyMed) and Environmental Satellite advanced synthetic aperture radar (Envisat-ASAR) data. The methodology allows us to highlight areas of high land deformation, information that is useful for urban development, disaster risk management and climate adaptation planning.
Compromised Chondrocyte Differentiation Capacity in TERC Knockout Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Derived by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
Authors: Chang Wei-Fang , Wu Yun-Hsin , Xu Jie , Sung Li-Ying
Published: March 2019

Mammalian telomere lengths are primarily regulated by telomerase, consisting of a reverse transcriptase protein (TERT) and an RNA subunit (TERC). We previously reported the generation of mouse Terc+/− and Terc−/− embryonic stem cells (ntESCs) by somatic cell nuclear transfer. In the present work, we investigated the germ layer development competence of Terc−/−, Terc+/− and wild-type (Terc+/+) ntESCs. The telomere lengths are longest in wild-type but shortest in Terc−/− ntESCs, and correlate reversely with the population doubling time. Interestingly, while in vitro embryoid body (EB) differentiation assay reveals EB size difference among ntESCs of different genotypes, the more stringent in vivo teratoma assay demonstrates that Terc−/− ntESCs are severely defective in differentiating into the mesodermal lineage cartilage. Consistently, in a directed in vitro chondrocyte differentiation assay, the Terc−/− cells failed in forming Collagen II expressing cells. These findings underscore the significance in maintaining proper telomere lengths in stem cells and their derivatives for regenerative medicine.
Muscle-Saturated Bioactive Lipids Are Increased with Aging and Influenced by High-Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Søgaard Ditte , Baranowski Marcin , Larsen Steen , Taulo Lund Michael , Munk Scheuer Cathrine , Vestergaard Abildskov Carina , Greve Dideriksen Sofie , Dela Flemming , Wulff Helge Jørn
Published: March 2019

Ceramide and diacylglycerol are linked to insulin resistance in rodents, but in humans the data are inconsistent. Insulin resistance is frequently observed with aging, but the role of ceramide and diacylglycerol is not clarified. Training improves metabolic health and, therefore, we aimed to elucidate the influence of age and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on ceramide and diacylglycerol content in muscle. Fourteen young (33 ± 1) and 22 older (63 ± 1) overweight to obese subjects performed 6 weeks HIIT three times a week. Maximal oxygen uptake and body composition were measured and muscle biopsies and fasting blood samples were obtained. Muscle ceramide and diacylglycerol were measured by gas-liquid chromatography and proteins in insulin signaling, lipid and glucose metabolism were measured by Western blotting. Content of ceramide and diacylglycerol total, saturated, C16:0 and C18:0 fatty acids and C18:1 ceramide were higher in older compared to young. HIIT reduced saturated and C18:0 ceramides, while the content of the proteins involved in glucose (GLUT4, glycogen synthase, hexokinase II, AKT) and lipid metabolism (adipose triglyceride lipase, fatty acid binding protein) were increased after HIIT. We demonstrate a higher content of saturated ceramide and diacylglycerol fatty acids in the muscle of older subjects compared to young. Moreover, the content of saturated ceramides was reduced and muscle glucose metabolism improved at protein level after HIIT. This study highlights an increased content of saturated ceramides in aging which could be speculated to influence insulin sensitivity.
Developmental Stage- and Genotype-Dependent Regulation of Specialized Metabolite Accumulation in Fruit Tissues of Different Citrus Varieties
Authors: Nadi Roya , Golein Behrouz , Gómez-Cadenas Aurelio , Arbona Vicent
Published: March 2019

Flavor traits in citrus are the result of a blend of low molecular weight metabolites including sugars, acids, flavonoids and limonoids, these latter being mainly responsible for the characteristic bitter flavor in citrus. In this work, the genotype- and developmental stage-dependent accumulation of flavonoids and limonoids is addressed. To fulfill this goal, three models for citrus bitterness: bitter Duncan grapefruit, bittersweet Thomson orange and sweet Wase mandarin were selected from a total of eight different varieties. Compounds were annotated from LC/ESI-QqTOF-MS non-targeted metabolite profiles from albedo and pulp tissues. Results indicated that the specific blend of compounds providing the characteristic flavor trait is genotype-specific and hence under genetic control, but it is also regulated at the developmental level. Metabolite profiles in albedo mirrored those found in pulp, the edible part of the fruit, despite differences in the concentration and accumulation/depletion rates being found. This is particularly relevant for polymethoxylated flavones and glycosylated limonoids that showed a clear partitioning towards albedo and pulp tissues, respectively. Fruit ripening was characterized by a reduction in flavonoids and the accumulation of limonoid glycosides. However, bitter grapefruit showed higher levels of limonin A-ring lactone and naringin in contrast to sweeter orange and mandarin. Data indicated that the accumulation profile was compound class-specific and conserved among the studied varieties despite differing in the respective accumulation and/or depletion rate, leading to different specialized metabolite concentration at the full ripe stage, consistent with the flavor trait output.
Association of PTPN22 1858C/T Polymorphism with Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Approach
Authors: Tizaoui Kalthoum , Kim Seon , Jeong Gwang , Kronbichler Andreas , Lee Kwang , Lee Keum , Shin Jae
Published: March 2019

The 1858T allele in the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) locus shows one of the strongest and most consistent genetic associations with autoimmune diseases. We synthesized all meta-analyses reporting a genetic association of the PTPN22 1858T C/T polymorphism with autoimmune diseases. This work examined their validity to discover false positive results under Bayesian methods. We conducted a PubMed search to identify relevant publications and extracted the respective results, published until 30 November 2018. In observational studies, the associations of 1858 C/T genetic variant were noteworthy for 12 autoimmune or autoimmunity-related diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, vitiligo, Graves’ disease, myasthenia gravis, Addison’s disease, giant cell arteritis, and endometriosis). In contrast, we could not confirm the noteworthiness for eight diseases (systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, Behçet’s disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, alopecia areata, Sjögren’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and ankylosing spondylitis). From the meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with a p-value < 5 × 10−8, findings verified noteworthiness for all autoimmune diseases (psoriatic arthritis, myasthenia gravis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). The results from meta-analysis of GWAS showing a p-value ranging between 0.05 and 5 × 10−8 were noteworthy under both Bayesian approaches (ANCA-associated vasculitis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, giant cell arteritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis). Re-analysis of observational studies and GWAS by Bayesian approaches revealed the noteworthiness of all significant associations observed by GWAS, but noteworthiness could not be confirmed for all associations found in observational studies.
Thoracic Paravertebral Block with Adjuvant Dexmedetomidine in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Hong Boohwi , Lim ChaeSeong , Kang Hyemin , Eom Hongsik , Kim Yeojung , Cho Hyun Jin , Han Woosik , Lee Sunyeul , Chung Woosuk , Kim Yoon-Hee
Published: March 2019

Background: The addition of the adjuvant dexmedetomidine to a nerve block improves the quality of the block and reduces perioperative opioid consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) in postoperative pain control after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods: Sixty-six males, aged 15–40 years, with spontaneous pneumothorax scheduled for VATS wedge resection were enrolled. Following surgery, ultrasound-guided TPVB was performed on the T3 and T5 levels with 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine, plus adjuvant dexmedetomidine 50 μg or normal saline. The primary outcome was cumulative fentanyl consumption at 24 h. Pain severity, the requirement for additional rescue analgesics, hemodynamic variations, and side effects were also evaluated. Results: Median postoperative cumulative fentanyl consumption at 24 h was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group (122.6 (interquartile range (IQR) 94.5–268.0) μg vs. 348.1 (IQR, 192.8–459.2) μg, p-value = 0.001) with a Hodges–Lehman median difference between groups of 86.2 (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.2–156.4) mg. Coughing numeric rating scale (NRS) was lower in the dexmedetomidine group at postoperative 2, 4, 8, and 24 h. However, resting NRS differed significantly only after 4 h postoperative. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine as an adjunct in TPVB provided effective pain relief and significantly reduced opioid requirement in VATS.
Some Schemata for Applications of the Integral Transforms of Mathematical Physics
Authors: Luchko Yuri
Published: March 2019

In this survey article, some schemata for applications of the integral transforms of mathematical physics are presented. First, integral transforms of mathematical physics are defined by using the notions of the inverse transforms and generating operators. The convolutions and generating operators of the integral transforms of mathematical physics are closely connected with the integral, differential, and integro-differential equations that can be solved by means of the corresponding integral transforms. Another important technique for applications of the integral transforms is the Mikusinski-type operational calculi that are also discussed in the article. The general schemata for applications of the integral transforms of mathematical physics are illustrated on an example of the Laplace integral transform. Finally, the Mellin integral transform and its basic properties and applications are briefly discussed.
An Analytical Study of Adversely Affecting Radiation and Temperature Parameters on a Magnetohydrodynamic Elasto-viscous Fluid
Authors: Shahid Nazish
Published: March 2019

An investigation of how the velocity of elasto-viscous fluid past an infinite plate, with slip and variable temperature, is influenced by combined thermal-radiative diffusion effects has been carried out. The study of dynamics of a flow model leads to the generation of characteristic fluid parameters ( G r , G m , M, F, S c and P r ). The interaction of these parameters with elasto-viscous parameter K ′ is probed to describe how certain parametric range and conditions could be pre-decided to enhance the flow speed past a channel. In particular, the flow dynamics’ alteration in correspondence to the slip parameter’s choice, along with temperature provision to the boundary in temporal pattern, is determined through uniquely calculated exact expressions of velocity, temperature and mass concentration of the fluid. The complex multi-parametric model has been analytically solved using the Laplace and Inverse Laplace transform. Through study of calculated exact expressions, an identification of variables, adversely (M, F, S c and P r ) and favourably ( G r and G m ) affecting the flow speed and temperature has been made. The accuracy of our results have also been tested by computing matching numerical solutions and by graphical reasoning. The verification of existing results of Newtonian fluid with varying boundary condition of velocity and temperature has also been completed, affirming the veracity of present results.
Global Sensitivity Analysis to Study the Impacts of Bed-Nets, Drug Treatment, and Their Efficacies on a Two-Strain Malaria Model
Authors: Bala Saminu , Gimba Bello
Published: March 2019

Malaria is a deadly infectious disease, which is transmitted to humans via the bites of infected female mosquitoes. Antimalarial drug resistance has been identified as one of the characteristics of malaria that complicates control efforts. Typically, the use of insecticide-treated bed-nets (ITNs) and drug treatment are some of the recommended control strategies against malaria. Here, the use of ITNs, drug treatment, and their efficacies and evolution of antimalarial drug resistance are considered to be the major driving forces in the dynamics of malaria transmissions. We formulate a mathematical model of two-strain malaria to assess the impacts of ITNs, drug treatment, and their efficacies on the transmission dynamics of the disease in a human population. We propose a simple mosquito biting rate function that depends on both the proportion of ITN usage and its efficacy. We show that both disease-free and co-existence equilibrium points are globally-asymptotically stable where they exist. The global uncertainty and sensitivity analysis conducted show that if about 95% of malaria cases can be treated with fewer than 5% treatment failure in a population with 95% ITN usage that remains 95% effective, malaria can be controlled. We find that the order in which numerous intervention measures are taken is important.
An Investigation into Creep Cavity Development in 316H Stainless Steel
Authors: Jazaeri Hedieh , Bouchard P. John , Hutchings Michael T. , Spindler Mike W. , Mamun Abdullah A. , Heenan Richard K.
Published: March 2019

Creep-induced cavitation is an important failure mechanism in steel components operating at high temperature. Robust techniques are required to observe and quantify creep cavitation. In this paper, the use of two complementary analysis techniques: small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and quantitative metallography, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is reported. The development of creep cavities that is accumulated under uniaxial load has been studied as a function of creep strain and life fraction, by carrying out interrupted tests on two sets of creep test specimens that are prepared from a Type-316H austenitic stainless steel reactor component. In order to examine the effects of pre-strain on creep damage formation, one set of specimens was subjected to a plastic pre-strain of 8%, and the other set had no pre-strain. Each set of specimens was subjected to different loading and temperature conditions, representative of those of current and future power plant operation. Cavities of up to 300 nm in size are quantified by using SANS, and their size distribution, as a function of determined creep strain. Cavitation increases significantly as creep strain increases throughout creep life. These results are confirmed by quantitative metallography analysis.
Petrogenetic Study of the Multiphase Chibougamau Pluton: Archaean Magmas Associated with Cu–Au Magmato-Hydrothermal Systems
Authors: Mathieu Lucie , Racicot Denis
Published: March 2019

The Chibougamau pluton is a Neoarchean multiphase intrusion that is related to Cu–Au porphyry-style deposits. In Archean greenstone belts, porphyries are marginal and poorly documented mineralizations. Such deposits are, however, important in the Chibougamau area, where the main historical mining camp (Central Camp) is a magmato-hydrothermal system. Understanding such systems requires documenting the related magmatic rocks. This contribution focuses on the petrogenesis of the Chibougamau pluton to elucidate how the intrusion participated in Cu and Au mineralized systems. Using field descriptions, whole-rock analyses, and petrographic observations, we describe the source, emplacement mechanism, and chemical evolution of the Chibougamau pluton. The Chibougamau pluton is a TTD (tonalite-trondhjemite-diorite) suite that contains more K than most plutons of similar age. This suite was produced from a heterogeneous source; i.e., a hydrated basalt and possibly a metasomatized mantle. These are rare (and thus prospective) characteristics for an Archean intrusion. In addition, differentiation may have been sufficiently prolonged in the diorite phase to concentrate metals and fluids in the evolved magma. These magmatic constraints must now be tested against a renewed understanding of the Cu-dominated mineralized systems of the Chibougamau area.
Dietary Fiber from Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Soybean (Glycine max) Husk Byproducts as Baking Additives: Functional and Nutritional Properties
Authors: Niño-Medina Guillermo , Muy-Rangel Dolores , de la Garza Ana Laura , Rubio-Carrasco Werner , Pérez-Meza Briceida , Araujo-Chapa Ana P. , Gutiérrez-Álvarez Kelsy A. , Urías-Orona Vania
Published: March 2019

Dietary fiber extracted from soybean and chickpea husks was used in the formulation of white bread. Treatments at different concentrations of dietary fiber (DF): bread + 0.15%, 0.3%, 1.5%, 2% soybean dietary fiber (SDF); bread + 0.15%, 0.3%, 1.5%, 2% chickpea dietary fiber (CDF), and a control treatment (Bread 0% DF) were used initially. However, the treatments that showed the greatest improvement effects were: bread + 2% SDF and bread + 2% CDF. The functionality and the nutritional contribution in the treatments were evaluated during four days of storage. The weight loss on the third day of storage was 30% higher in the control treatment than the products with 2% SDF and 2% CDF, while for the evaluation of firmness, the control obtained a hardness of 86 N, and treatments with 2% SDF and 2% CDF 60 N and 45 N, respectively. The presence of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity was evident, mainly in the 2% SDF treatment, which had a total phenolic content of 1036, while in the Bread 0% DF it was 232 mgEAC/kg. The antioxidant activity for 2% SDF by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) was 1096, 2567, and 1800 µmolTE/kg, respectively. Dietary fiber addition favored the reduction of weight loss and firmness of white bread during storage. In addition, color was not affected and the content calcium, phenolics, as well as antioxidant capacity were slightly improved.
Antrodin C, an NADPH Dependent Metabolism, Encourages Crosstalk between Autophagy and Apoptosis in Lung Carcinoma Cells by Use of an AMPK Inhibition-Independent Blockade of the Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Yang Hairui , Bai Xu , Zhang Henan , Zhang Jingsong , Wu Yingying , Tang Chuanhong , Liu Yanfang , Yang Yan , Liu Zhendong , Jia Wei , Wang Wenhan
Published: March 2019

The current study aims to explore the possible anti-lung carcinoma activity of ADC as well as the underlying mechanisms by which ADC exerts its actions in NSCLC. Findings showed that ADC potently inhibited the viability of SPCA-1, induced apoptosis triggered by ROS, and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase via a P53 signaling pathway. Interestingly, phenomena such as autophagosomes accumulation, conversion of the LC3-I to LC3-II, etc., indicated that autophagy could be activated by ADC. The blockage of autophagy-augmented ADC induced inhibition of cell proliferation, while autophagy activation restored cell death, indicating that autophagy had a protective effect against cell death which was induced by ADC treatment. Meanwhile, ADC treatment suppressed both the Akt/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways. The joint action of both ADC and the autophagy inhibitor significantly increased the death of SPCA-1. An in vitro phase I metabolic stability assay showed that ADC was highly metabolized in SD rat liver microsomes and moderately metabolized in human liver microsomes, which will assist in predicting the outcomes of clinical pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies. These findings imply that blocking the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which was independent of AMPK inhibition, could activate ADC-induced protective autophagy in non-small-cell lung cancer cells.
Differential Proteomics Reveals miR-155 as a Novel Indicator of Liver and Spleen Pathology in the Symptomatic Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1 Mouse Model
Authors: Pergande Melissa R. , Cougnoux Antony , Rathnayake Rathnayake A. C. , Porter Forbes D. , Cologna Stephanie M.
Published: March 2019

Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a rare, autosomal recessive, lipid storage disorder caused by mutations in NPC1. As a result, there is accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and sphingolipids in the late endosomal/lysosomal system. Clinically, patients can present with splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. In the current study, we analyzed the differential proteome of the spleen in symptomatic Npc1−/− mice to complement previous studies focused on the differential proteome of the liver, and then evaluated biomolecules that may serve as tissue biomarkers. The proteomic analysis revealed altered pathways in NPC1 representing different functional categories including heme synthesis, cellular regulation and phosphoinositide metabolism in both tissues. Differential proteins included several activators of the ubiquitous and critical protein, Akt, a major kinase involved in multiple cellular processes. Evaluation of Akt revealed decreased expression in both the liver and spleen tissues of symptomatic Npc1−/− mice. Upstream regulation analysis also suggested that miR-155 may modulate the differences of known downstream protein targets observed in our dataset. Upon evaluation of miR-155, we observed an increased expression in the liver and decreased expression in the spleen of symptomatic Npc1−/− mice. Here, we propose that miR-155 may be a novel indicator of spleen and liver pathology in NPC1.
Identification of Leishmania major UDP-Sugar Pyrophosphorylase Inhibitors Using Biosensor-Based Small Molecule Fragment Library Screening
Authors: Prakash Ohm , Führing Jana , Post John , Shepherd Sharon M. , Eadsforth Thomas C. , Gray David , Fedorov Roman , Routier Françoise H.
Published: March 2019

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that is caused by different species of the protozoan parasite Leishmania, and it currently affects 12 million people worldwide. The antileishmanial therapeutic arsenal remains very limited in number and efficacy, and there is no vaccine for this parasitic disease. One pathway that has been genetically validated as an antileishmanial drug target is the biosynthesis of uridine diphosphate-glucose (UDP-Glc), and its direct derivative UDP-galactose (UDP-Gal). De novo biosynthesis of these two nucleotide sugars is controlled by the specific UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP). Leishmania parasites additionally express a UDP-sugar pyrophosphorylase (USP) responsible for monosaccharides salvage that is able to generate both UDP-Gal and UDP-Glc. The inactivation of the two parasite pyrophosphorylases UGP and USP, results in parasite death. The present study reports on the identification of structurally diverse scaffolds for the development of USP inhibitors by fragment library screening. Based on this screening, we selected a small set of commercially available compounds, and identified molecules that inhibit both Leishmania major USP and UGP, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration in the 100 µM range. The inhibitors were predicted to bind at allosteric regulation sites, which were validated by mutagenesis studies. This study sets the stage for the development of potent USP inhibitors.
Novel Therapeutics for Epstein–Barr Virus
Authors: Andrei Graciela , Trompet Erika , Snoeck Robert
Published: March 2019

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human γ-herpesvirus that infects up to 95% of the adult population. Primary EBV infection usually occurs during childhood and is generally asymptomatic, though the virus can cause infectious mononucleosis in 35–50% of the cases when infection occurs later in life. EBV infects mainly B-cells and epithelial cells, establishing latency in resting memory B-cells and possibly also in epithelial cells. EBV is recognized as an oncogenic virus but in immunocompetent hosts, EBV reactivation is controlled by the immune response preventing transformation in vivo. Under immunosuppression, regardless of the cause, the immune system can lose control of EBV replication, which may result in the appearance of neoplasms. The primary malignancies related to EBV are B-cell lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which reflects the primary cell targets of viral infection in vivo. Although a number of antivirals were proven to inhibit EBV replication in vitro, they had limited success in the clinic and to date no antiviral drug has been approved for the treatment of EBV infections. We review here the antiviral drugs that have been evaluated in the clinic to treat EBV infections and discuss novel molecules with anti-EBV activity under investigation as well as new strategies to treat EBV-related diseases.
Oligonucleotide Binding to Non-B-DNA in MYC
Authors: Umek Tea , Sollander Karin , Bergquist Helen , Wengel Jesper , Lundin Karin E. , Smith C.I. Edvard , Zain Rula
Published: March 2019

MYC, originally named c-myc, is an oncogene deregulated in many different forms of cancer. Translocation of the MYC gene to an immunoglobulin gene leads to an overexpression and the development of Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL). Sporadic BL constitutes one subgroup where one of the translocation sites is located at the 5’-vicinity of the two major MYC promoters P1 and P2. A non-B-DNA forming sequence within this region has been reported with the ability to form an intramolecular triplex (H-DNA) or a G-quadruplex. We have examined triplex formation at this site first by using a 17 bp triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO) and a double strand DNA (dsDNA) target corresponding to the MYC sequence. An antiparallel purine-motif triplex was detected using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Furthermore, we probed for H-DNA formation using the BQQ-OP based triplex-specific cleavage assay, which indicated the formation of the structure in the supercoiled plasmid containing the corresponding region of the MYC promoter. Targeting non-B-DNA structures has therapeutic potential; therefore, we investigated their influence on strand-invasion of anti-gene oligonucleotides (ON)s. We show that in vitro, non-B-DNA formation at the vicinity of the ON target site facilitates dsDNA strand-invasion of the anti-gene ONs.
A User’s Guide to Cell-Free Protein Synthesis
Authors: Gregorio Nicole E. , Levine Max Z. , Oza Javin P.
Published: March 2019

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a platform technology that provides new opportunities for protein expression, metabolic engineering, therapeutic development, education, and more. The advantages of CFPS over in vivo protein expression include its open system, the elimination of reliance on living cells, and the ability to focus all system energy on production of the protein of interest. Over the last 60 years, the CFPS platform has grown and diversified greatly, and it continues to evolve today. Both new applications and new types of extracts based on a variety of organisms are current areas of development. However, new users interested in CFPS may find it challenging to implement a cell-free platform in their laboratory due to the technical and functional considerations involved in choosing and executing a platform that best suits their needs. Here we hope to reduce this barrier to implementing CFPS by clarifying the similarities and differences amongst cell-free platforms, highlighting the various applications that have been accomplished in each of them, and detailing the main methodological and instrumental requirement for their preparation. Additionally, this review will help to contextualize the landscape of work that has been done using CFPS and showcase the diversity of applications that it enables.