bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mixed-Flow Fans with a Newly Shaped Diffuser on Heat Stress of Dairy Cows Based on CFD
Authors: Yao Chunxia , Shi Zhengxiang , Zhao Yang , Ding Tao
Published: November 2019

Mixed-flow fans (MFF) are widely used to reduce the heat stress in dairy cows in summer. Our research team developed MFFs with a newly shaped diffuser with the length of 250 mm and the circumferential angle of 150°, which have better performance in terms of maximum flow flux and energy efficiency. However, how the elevation angle of the diffuser influences the performance of MFFs and how the optimal fan perform in the field experiment has not been studied yet. In this paper, the diffuser was optimized by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation of the fan and a laboratory prototype test. An orthogonal test showed no interaction among length, circumferential angle, and elevation angle. The diffuser with an elevation angle of 10° performed better than that with an elevation angle of 0°, showing increased jet lengths, flow flux, and energy efficiency by 0.5 m, 0.69%, and 1.39%, respectively, and attaining greater axial wind speeds and better non-uniformity coefficients at the dairy cattle height. Then, through on-site controlled trials, we found that the 10°/150°/250 mm diffusers increased the overall average wind speeds by 9.4% with respect to the MFFs without a diffuser. MFFs with the newly shaped diffuser were used for field tests, and their effectiveness in alleviating heat stress in dairy cows was evaluated by testing environmental parameters and dairy cows’ physiological indicators. Although the temperature–humidity indexes (THIs) in the experimental barn with the optimized fan at different times were lower than those in the controlled barn, the environmental conditions corresponded to moderate heat stress. However, this was not consistent with cow’s respiratory rate and rectal temperature. Finally, on the basis of the CFD simulation of a dairy cow barn, the equivalent temperature of cattle (ETIC), which takes into account the effect of air velocity, showed that the environment caused moderate heat stress only at 13:00, but not at other times of the day. This shows that ETIC is more accurate to evaluate heat stress.
Reduction of DC Current Ripples by Virtual Space Vector Modulation for Three-Phase AC–DC Matrix Converters
Authors: Dang Hoang-Long , Jun Eun-Su , Kwak Sangshin
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the virtual space vector modulation for the AC–DC (alternating current–direct current) matrix converters is proposed to reduce the DC current ripples in the whole modulation index range. In the proposed method, each virtual vector is synthesized by the two nearest original active vectors. To synthesize the current reference vector, two virtual vectors and one zero vector are used in every switching period. The main principle of the proposed method is to reduce the dwelling period of the largest active current vector in each sector. In addition, the optimized switching patterns are proposed to further reduce the DC current ripples at both high- and low-power operation. Finally, simulation and experimental results are illustrated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Optimal Dispatch of Aggregated HVAC Units for Demand Response: An Industry 4.0 Approach
Authors: Short Michael , Rodriguez Sergio , Charlesworth Richard , Crosbie Tracey , Dawood Nashwan
Published: November 2019

Demand response (DR) involves economic incentives aimed at balancing energy demand during critical demand periods. In doing so DR offers the potential to assist with grid balancing, integrate renewable energy generation and improve energy network security. Buildings account for roughly 40% of global energy consumption. Therefore, the potential for DR using building stock offers a largely untapped resource. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems provide one of the largest possible sources for DR in buildings. However, coordinating the real-time aggregated response of multiple HVAC units across large numbers of buildings and stakeholders poses a challenging problem. Leveraging upon the concepts of Industry 4.0, this paper presents a large-scale decentralized discrete optimization framework to address this problem. Specifically, the paper first focuses upon the real-time dispatch problem for individual HVAC units in the presence of a tertiary DR program. The dispatch problem is formulated as a non-linear constrained predictive control problem, and an efficient dynamic programming (DP) algorithm with fixed memory and computation time overheads is developed for its efficient solution in real-time on individual HVAC units. Subsequently, in order to coordinate dispatch among multiple HVAC units in parallel by a DR aggregator, a flexible and efficient allocation/reallocation DP algorithm is developed to extract the cost-optimal solution and generate dispatch instructions for individual units. Accurate baselining at individual unit and aggregated levels for post-settlement is considered as an integrated component of the presented algorithms. A number of calibrated simulation studies and practical experimental tests are described to verify and illustrate the performance of the proposed schemes. The results illustrate that the distributed optimization algorithm enables a scalable, flexible solution helping to deliver the provision of aggregated tertiary DR for HVAC systems for both aggregators and individual customers. The paper concludes with a discussion of future work.
Design and Performance Comparison of Methanol Production Processes with Carbon Dioxide Utilization
Authors: Chen Yih-Hang , Wong David Shan-Hill , Chen Ya-Chien , Chang Chao-Min , Chang Hsuan
Published: November 2019

Carbon dioxide recycling is one of the possible contributions to CO2 mitigation and provides an opportunity to use a low-cost carbon source. Methanol is a commodity chemical that serves as an important basic chemical and energy feedstock with growing demand. For each of the four types of industrial methanol production processes from natural gas (methane), i.e., steam reforming (SR), autothermal reforming (ATR), combined reforming (CR), and two-step reforming (TSR), CO2 utilization cases of (A) no utilization, (B) as reforming step feedstock, and (C) as methanol synthesis step feedstock were designed based on common industrial operation conditions and analyzed for energy consumption, exergy loss (EXloss), net CO2 reduction (NCR) and internal rate of return (IRR). The utilization of CO2 can reduce energy consumption. The processes with the lowest and the highest EXloss are SR and ATR, respectively. All SR processes give negative NCR. All the B-type processes are positive in NCR except B-SR. The highest NCR is obtained from the B-ATR process with a value of 0.23 kg CO2/kg methanol. All the processes are profitable with positive IRR results and the highest IRR of 41% can be obtained from B-ATR. The utilization of CO2 in the industrial methanol process can realize substantial carbon reduction and is beneficial to process economics.
Partial State-of-Charge Mitigation in Standalone Photovoltaic Hybrid Storage Systems
Authors: Sanz-Gorrachategui Iván , Bernal Ruiz Carlos , Oyarbide Usabiaga Estanis , Bono Nuez Antonio , Artal Sevil Sergio Jesús , Garayalde Pérez Erik , Aizpuru Larrañaga Iosu , Canales Segade Jose María
Published: November 2019

Energy Storage in photovoltaic installations has increased in popularity in recent years due to the improvement in solar panel technology and energy storage systems. In several places where the grid is not available, in remote isolated rural locations or developing countries, isolated photovoltaic installations are one of the main options to power DC micro-grids. In these scenarios, energy storage elements are mandatory due to the natural day-night cycles and low irradiation periods. Traditionally, lead-acid batteries have been responsible for this task, due to their availability and low cost. However, the intermittent features of the solar irradiance patterns and load demand, generate multiple shallow charge–discharge cycles or high power pulses, which worsen the performance of these batteries. Some Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESSs) have been reported in the literature to enhance the lifetime and power capabilities of these storage elements, but they are not intended to overcome the Partial State of Charge (PSoC) issue caused by daily cycles, which has an effect on the short and mid-term performance of the system. This paper studies the impact of the already proposed HESSs on PSoC operation, establishing the optimal hybrid ratios, and implementing them in a real installation with a satisfactory outcome.
Application of Spectral Clustering Algorithm to ES-MDA with DCT for History Matching of Gas Channel Reservoirs
Authors: Kim Sungil , Lee Kyungbook
Published: November 2019

History matching is a calibration of reservoir models according to their production history. Although ensemble-based methods (EBMs) have been researched as promising history matching methods, reservoir parameters updated using EBMs do not have ideal geological features because of a Gaussian assumption. This study proposes an application of spectral clustering algorithm (SCA) on ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation (ES-MDA) as a parameterization technique for non-Gaussian model parameters. The proposed method combines discrete cosine transform (DCT), SCA, and ES-MDA. After DCT is used to parameterize reservoir facies to conserve their connectivity and geometry, ES-MDA updates the coefficients of DCT. Then, SCA conducts a post-process of rock facies assignment to let the updated model have discrete values. The proposed ES-MDA with SCA and DCT gives a more trustworthy history matching performance than the preservation of facies ratio (PFR), which was utilized in previous studies. The SCA considers a trend of assimilated facies index fields, although the PFR classifies facies through a cut-off with a pre-determined facies ratio. The SCA properly decreases uncertainty of the dynamic prediction. The error rate of ES-MDA with SCA was reduced by 42% compared to the ES-MDA with PFR, although it required an extra computational cost of about 9 min for each calibration of an ensemble. Consequently, the SCA can be proposed as a reliable post-process method for ES-MDA with DCT instead of PFR.
A Novel Dual Fuel Reaction Mechanism for Ignition in Natural Gas–Diesel Combustion
Authors: Schuh Sebastian , Frühhaber Jens , Lauer Thomas , Winter Franz
Published: November 2019

In this study, a reaction mechanism is presented that is optimized for the simulation of the dual fuel combustion process using n-heptane and a mixture of methane/propane as surrogate fuels for diesel and natural gas, respectively. By comparing the measured and calculated ignition delay times (IDTs) of different homogeneous methane–propane–n-heptane mixtures, six different n-heptane mechanisms were investigated and evaluated. The selected mechanism was used for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to calculate the ignition of a diesel spray injected into air and a natural gas–air mixture. The observed deviations between the simulation results and the measurements performed with a rapid compression expansion machine (RCEM) and a combustion vessel motivated the adaptation of the mechanism by adjusting the Arrhenius parameters of individual reactions. For the identification of the reactions suitable for the mechanism adaption, sensitivity and flow analyzes were performed. The adjusted mechanism is able to describe ignition phenomena in the context of natural gas–diesel, i.e., dual fuel combustion.
Design and Comparative Techno-Economic Analysis of Two Solar Polygeneration Systems Applied for Electricity, Cooling and Fresh Water Production
Authors: Askari Ighball Baniasad , Calise Francesco , Vicidomini Maria
Published: November 2019

Two solar polygeneration systems were investigated for electricity, cooling and fresh water production. In the first scenario ( LF PS ), the linear Fresnel (LF) solar field was used as thermal source of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), absorption chiller (ACH) and multi-effect desalination (MED) unit. In the second scenario ( PV PS ), photovoltaic (PV) panels were considered as the electricity source to supply the electricity load that is required for lighting, electrical devices, compression chiller (CCH) and reverse osmosis (RO) units. A techno-economic comparison was made between two scenarios based on the land use factor (F), capacity utilization factor (CUF), payback period, levelized cost of electricity (LCE), levelized cost of cooling energy (LCC) and levelized cost of water (LCW). The calculations were conducted for four different locations in order to determine the effect of solar radiation level on the LCE, LCC and LCW of systems in both scenarios. The results showed that the LCE and LCW of PV PS is lower than that of LF PS and the LCC of LF PS is lower than that of PV PS . Also, the payback period of LF PS and PV PS systems are obtained as 13.97 years and 13.54 years, respectively, if no incentive is considered for the electricity sale.
Asymmetric Craters on the Dwarf Planet Ceres—Results of Second Extended Mission Data Analysis
Authors: Krohn Katrin , Jaumann Ralf , Wickhusen Kai , Otto Katharina , Kersten Elke , Stephan Katrin , Wagner Roland , Raymond Carol , Russell Christopher
Published: November 2019

After almost three years of successful operation on Ceres, the Dawn spacecraft entered its last orbits around the dwarf planet and obtained a set of high-resolution images of 3 to 5 m/pixel. These images reveal a variety of morphologic features, including a set of asymmetric crater morphologies as observed earlier in the mission on the asteroid Vesta. We identified 269 craters, which are located between 60° N to 60° S latitude and 197° E to 265° E longitude, and investigated their morphological characteristics using a digital terrain model (DTM). These craters range in diameter from 0.30 to 4.2 km, and exhibit a sharp crater rim on the uphill side and a smooth one on the downhill side. We found that all asymmetric craters are formed on a sloping surface with the majority appearing at slope angles between 5 and 20 degrees. This implies that, as observed on Vesta, the topography is the main cause for these asymmetries.
Trends and Inequalities in the Health Care and Hypertension Outcomes in China, 2011 to 2015
Authors: Zhao Yang , Mahal Ajay Singh , Haregu Tilahun Nigatu , Katar Ameera , Oldenburg Brian , Zhang Luwen
Published: November 2019

Background: Hypertension is one of the most significant and common risk factors for cardiovascular disease, yet it remains poorly controlled in China. This study aims to examine trends and socioeconomic inequalities in the management of hypertension between 2011 and 2015 in China and to investigate the association between antihypertensive medication treatment and reduction of blood pressure, using nationally representative data. Methods: Concentration curve and concentration index were used to assess socioeconomic-related inequalities in hypertension care and health service utilisation. The fixed-effects analysis was performed to measure the impact of medication treatment on reduction of blood pressure among people with hypertension by using linear regression models. Results: Among hypertensive individuals, there were growing trends in the rates of awareness and treatment from 55.87% and 48.44% in 2011, to 68.31% in 2013 and 61.97% in 2015, respectively. The proportion of hypertension control was still below 30%. The fixed-effects models indicated that medication treatment was statistically significant and associated with the patients’ systolic blood pressure (β: −13.483; 95% CI: −15.672, −11.293) and diastolic blood pressure (β: −5.367; 95% CI: −6.390, −4.344). Conclusions: China has made good progress in the hypertension diagnosis, medication treatment and coverage of health services over the last 10 years; however, pro-rich inequalities in hypertension care still exist, and there is considerable progress to be made in the prevention, treatment and effective control of hypertension.
Using Microbiological Sampling to Evaluate the Efficacy of Nasofibroscope Disinfection: The Tristel Trio Wipes System in Ear–Nose–Throat (ENT) Endoscopy
Authors: Ditommaso Savina , Giacomuzzi Monica , Cipriani Raffaella , Zaccaria Teresa , Cavallo Rossana , Boggio Valeria , Albera Roberto , Zotti Carla M.
Published: November 2019

Disinfection and sterilization are needed for guaranteeing that medical and surgical instruments do not spread contagious microorganisms to patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a simple manual technique of high-level disinfection (HLD) of flexible fiberoptic nasofibroscopes (FFNs) with wipes impregnated with a chlorine dioxide solution (Tristel Trio Wipes System—TTW) against a conventional automated washer machine (Soluscope ENT, Cimrex 12—AW). FFNs used in 62 patients undergoing endoscopy at an ENT clinic were sampled according to an aseptic procedure. For each nasoendoscopy, microbiological samples were taken at two times: (1) after a patient’s nasoendoscopy and (2) immediately after high-level disinfection. Ten microliters of each prepared sample were inoculated onto specific culture media for the detection of nasopharyngeal flora microorganisms. The microbiological results obtained from 62 post-disinfection samples revealed bacterial growth on two FFNs disinfected with AW, and five FFNs disinfected with TTW, but this difference is not statistically significant. None of the isolates were pathogenic bacteria. Our results are different than the results obtained by two previously published studies on the TTW system. In both studies, sampling was carried out by swabbing the tip and the handle surface of FFNs. This sampling method was the least effective method means of detecting bacteria on a surface. It can be concluded that the two disinfection systems allow providers to obtain a reduction of the saprophytic and pathogenic microbial load.
TerraBrasilis: A Spatial Data Analytics Infrastructure for Large-Scale Thematic Mapping
Authors: F. G. Assis Luiz Fernando , Ferreira Karine Reis , Vinhas Lubia , Maurano Luis , Almeida Claudio , Carvalho Andre , Rodrigues Jether , Maciel Adeline , Camargo Claudinei
Published: November 2019

The physical phenomena derived from an analysis of remotely sensed imagery provide a clearer understanding of the spectral variations of a large number of land use and cover (LUC) classes. The creation of LUC maps have corroborated this view by enabling the scientific community to estimate the parameter heterogeneity of the Earth’s surface. Along with descriptions of features and statistics for aggregating spatio-temporal information, the government programs have disseminated thematic maps to further the implementation of effective public policies and foster sustainable development. In Brazil, PRODES and DETER have shown that they are committed to monitoring the mapping areas of large-scale deforestation systematically and by means of data quality assurance. However, these programs are so complex that they require the designing, implementation and deployment of a spatial data infrastructure based on extensive data analytics features so that users who lack a necessary understanding of standard spatial interfaces can still carry out research on them. With this in mind, the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE) has designed TerraBrasilis, a spatial data analytics infrastructure that provides interfaces that are not only found within traditional geographic information systems but also in data analytics environments with complex algorithms. To ensure it achieved its best performance, we leveraged a micro-service architecture with virtualized computer resources to enable high availability, lower size, simplicity to produce an increment, reliable to change and fault tolerance in unstable computer network scenarios. In addition, we tuned and optimized our databases both to adjust to the input format of complex algorithms and speed up the loading of the web application so that it was faster than other systems.
Claudin-2: Roles beyond Permeability Functions
Authors: Venugopal Shruthi , Anwer Shaista , Szászi Katalin
Published: November 2019

Claudin-2 is expressed in the tight junctions of leaky epithelia, where it forms cation-selective and water permeable paracellular channels. Its abundance is under fine control by a complex signaling network that affects both its synthesis and turnover in response to various environmental inputs. Claudin-2 expression is dysregulated in many pathologies including cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis. Claudin-2 has a key role in energy-efficient ion and water transport in the proximal tubules of the kidneys and in the gut. Importantly, strong evidence now also supports a role for this protein as a modulator of vital cellular events relevant to diseases. Signaling pathways that are overactivated in diseases can alter claudin-2 expression, and a good correlation exists between disease stage and claudin-2 abundance. Further, loss- and gain-of-function studies showed that primary changes in claudin-2 expression impact vital cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and cell fate determination. These effects appear to be mediated by alterations in key signaling pathways. The specific mechanisms linking claudin-2 to these changes remain poorly understood, but adapters binding to the intracellular portion of claudin-2 may play a key role. Thus, dysregulation of claudin-2 may contribute to the generation, maintenance, and/or progression of diseases through both permeability-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the properties, regulation, and functions of claudin-2, with a special emphasis on its signal-modulating effects and possible role in diseases.
Development of a Gut-on-a-Chip Model for High Throughput Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery
Authors: Beaurivage Claudia , Naumovska Elena , Chang Yee , Elstak Edo , Nicolas Arnaud , Wouters Heidi , van Moolenbroek Guido , Lanz Henriëtte , Trietsch Sebastiaan , Joore Jos , Vulto Paul , Janssen Richard , Erdmann Kai , Stallen Jan , Kurek Dorota
Published: November 2019

A common bottleneck in any drug development process is finding sufficiently accurate models that capture key aspects of disease development and progression. Conventional drug screening models often rely on simple 2D culture systems that fail to recapitulate the complexity of the organ situation. In this study, we show the application of a robust high throughput 3D gut-on-a-chip model for investigating hallmarks of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using the OrganoPlate platform, we subjected enterocyte-like cells to an immune-relevant inflammatory trigger in order to recapitulate key events of IBD and to further investigate the suitability of this model for compound discovery and target validation activities. The induction of inflammatory conditions caused a loss of barrier function of the intestinal epithelium and its activation by increased cytokine production, two events observed in IBD physiopathology. More importantly, anti-inflammatory compound exposure prevented the loss of barrier function and the increased cytokine release. Furthermore, knockdown of key inflammatory regulators RELA and MYD88 through on-chip adenoviral shRNA transduction alleviated IBD phenotype by decreasing cytokine production. In summary, we demonstrate the routine use of a gut-on-a-chip platform for disease-specific aspects modeling. The approach can be used for larger scale disease modeling, target validation and drug discovery purposes.
HUNK Phosphorylates Rubicon to Support Autophagy
Authors: Zambrano Joelle N. , Eblen Scott T. , Abt Melissa , Rhett J. Matthew , Muise-Helmericks Robin , Yeh Elizabeth S.
Published: November 2019

Background: Autophagy is a catabolic cellular recycling pathway that is essential for maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Autophagosome formation is achieved via the coordination of the Beclin-1 protein complex. Rubicon is a Beclin-1 associated protein that suppresses autophagy by impairing the activity of the class III PI3K, Vps34. However, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate Rubicon function. Methods: In this study, co-immunoprecipitation and kinase assays were used to investigate the ability of Hormonally Upregulated Neu-associated Kinase (HUNK) to bind to and phosphorylate Rubicon. LC3B was monitored by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting to determine whether phosphorylation of Rubicon by HUNK controls the autophagy suppressive function of Rubicon. Results: Findings from this study identify Rubicon as a novel substrate of HUNK and show that phosphorylation of Rubicon inhibits its function, promoting autophagy.
Application of Nipple Aspirate Fluid miRNA Profiles for Early Breast Cancer Detection and Management
Authors: Moelans Cathy B , Patuleia Susana I. S. , van Gils Carla H. , van der Wall Elsken , van Diest Paul J.
Published: November 2019

The authors of the recently published review, “Why the Gold Standard Approach by Mammography Demands Extension by Multiomics [...]
Molecular Signatures for Combined Targeted Treatments in Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Authors: Belfiore Antonino , Busico Adele , Bozzi Fabio , Brich Silvia , Dallera Elena , Conca Elena , Capone Iolanda , Gloghini Annunziata , Volpi Chiara C. , Cabras Antonello D. , Pilotti Silvana , Baratti Dario , Guaglio Marcello , Deraco Marcello , Kusamura Shigeki , Perrone Federica
Published: November 2019

Background—There are currently no effective therapies for diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) patients with disease recurrence. In this study, we investigated the biology of DMPM by analyzing the EGFR family, Axl, and MET, in order to assess the presence of cross-talk between these receptors, suggesting the effectiveness of combined targeted treatments in DMPM. Method—We analyzed a series of 22 naïve epithelioid DMPM samples from a single institute, two of which showed higher-grade malignancy (“progressed”). EGFR, HER2, HER3, Axl, and MET activation and expression were investigated by biochemical analysis, real-time PCR immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, next-generation sequencing, miRNA, and mRNA in situ hybridization. Results—In most DMPMs, a strong EGFR activation was associated with HER2, HER3, Axl, and MET co-activation, mediated mainly by receptor heterodimerization and autocrine-paracrine loops induced by the expression of their cognate ligands. Axl expression was downregulated by miRNA34a. Mutations in MET Sema domain were exclusively found in two “progressed” DMPMs, and the combined Axl and MET inhibition reduced cellular motility in a DMPM cell line obtained from a “progressed” DMPM. Conclusion—The results indicate that the coordinated activity of multiple cross-talks between RTKs is directly involved in the biology of DMPM, suggesting the combined inhibition of PIK3 and mTOR as an effective strategy that may be easily implemented in clinical practice, and indicating that the combined inhibition of EGFR/HER2 and HER3 and of Axl and MET deserves further investigation.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Within-Person Changes in Cardiac Vagal Activity across the Menstrual Cycle: Implications for Female Health and Future Studies
Authors: Schmalenberger Katja M. , Eisenlohr-Moul Tory A. , Würth Lena , Schneider Ekaterina , Thayer Julian F. , Ditzen Beate , Jarczok Marc N.
Published: November 2019

Interest in cardiac vagal activity (CVA; e.g., parasympathetically-mediated heart rate variability) as a biomarker of physical and mental health has increased exponentially in recent years. However, the understanding of sources of within-person change (i.e., intra-individual variance) in CVA is lagging behind. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes and quantifies current empirical evidence of within-person changes in measures of CVA across the menstrual cycle in naturally-cycling premenopausal females. We conducted an extensive literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement in five databases to identify observational studies with repeated measures of CVA in at least two menstrual cycle phases. A broad meta-analysis (nstudies = 37; nindividuals = 1,004) revealed a significant CVA decrease from the follicular to luteal phase (d = −0.39, 95% CI (−0.67, −0.11)). Furthermore, 21 studies allowed for finer-grained comparisons between each of two cycle phases (menstrual, mid-to-late follicular, ovulatory, early-to-mid luteal, and premenstrual). Significant decreases in CVA were observed from the menstrual to premenstrual (nstudies = 5; nindividuals = 200; d = −1.17, 95% CI (−2.18, −0.17)) and from the mid-to-late follicular to premenstrual phases (nstudies = 8; nindividuals = 280; d = −1.32, 95% CI (−2.35, −0.29)). In conclusion, meta-analyses indicate the presence of CVA fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Future studies involving CVA should control for cycle phase. Recommendations for covarying or selecting cycle phase are provided.
Clinical Factors Associated with a Shorter or Longer Course of Antibiotic Treatment in Patients with Exacerbations of Bronchiectasis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Scioscia Giulia , Amaro Rosanel , Alcaraz-Serrano Victoria , Gabarrús Albert , Oscanoa Patricia , Fernandez Laia , Menendez Rosario , Mendez Raul , Foschino Barbaro Maria Pia , Torres Antoni
Published: November 2019

Background: Bronchiectasis exacerbations are often treated with prolonged antibiotic use, even though there is limited evidence for this approach. We therefore aimed to investigate the baseline clinical and microbiological findings associated with long courses of antibiotic treatment in exacerbated bronchiectasis patients. Methods: This was a bi-centric prospective observational study of bronchiectasis exacerbated adults. We compared groups receiving short (≤14 days) and long (15–21 days) courses of antibiotic treatment. Results: We enrolled 191 patients (mean age 72 (63, 79) years; 108 (56.5%) females), of whom 132 (69%) and 59 (31%) received short and long courses of antibiotics, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression of the baseline variables showed that long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), moderate–severe exacerbations, and microbiological isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were associated with long courses of antibiotic therapy. When we excluded patients with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (n = 49), in the model we found that an etiology of P. aeruginosa remained as factor associated with longer antibiotic treatment, with a moderate and a severe FACED score and the presence of arrhythmia as comorbidity at baseline. Conclusions: Decisions about the duration of antibiotic therapy should be guided by clinical and microbiological assessments of patients with infective exacerbations.
Cranial Irradiation in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Is Related to Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Reduced Large Artery Compliance in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sulicka-Grodzicka Joanna , Chyrchel Bernadeta , Totoń-Żurańska Justyna , Nowak Ewelina , Wołkow Paweł P. , Surdacki Andrzej , Grodzicki Tomasz
Published: November 2019

Long-term survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood malignancy, are at remarkably increased risk of heart failure (HF) in middle age, most likely due anthracycline cardiotoxicity. The role of cranial radiation therapy (CRT) in the development of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, a predecessor of overt HF, remains unclear. Our aim was to compare LV function and systemic arterial properties according to past CRT in young adult survivors of anthracycline-treated ALL. We studied young adult survivors of childhood ALL at a median of 16 years from diagnosis treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy, with (n = 12) or without (n = 30) CRT. In addition to fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF), LV function was quantified by tissue Doppler imaging of the mitral annulus. Aortic strain/distensibility and arterial compliance were derived from echocardiography and simultaneously recorded pulse pressure. Despite similar FS and EF, peak mitral annular systolic velocity (median (interquartile range): 9.0 (7.5–10.0) vs. 10.0 (8.8–11.5) cm/s, p = 0.05), and early diastolic velocity (13.8 (13.0–14.8) vs. 15.5 (14.0–17.3), p = 0.01) were decreased after chemotherapy combined with CRT compared to chemotherapy without CRT. Systemic arterial compliance was lower in post-CRT subjects (1.0 (0.8–1.2 vs. 1.4 (1.1–1.7) mL/mmHg, p = 0.002). Aortic strain and distensibility were similar regardless of prior CRT. In conclusion, lower arterial compliance and subclinical LV dysfunction may be possible late consequences of past CRT in adult survivors of childhood ALL. Whether arterial stiffening is associated with future HF development in CRT-exposed ALL survivors remains to be investigated.
Utilizing a Single Silica Nanospring as an Insulating Support to Characterize the Electrical Transport and Morphology of Nanocrystalline Graphite
Authors: Wojcik Peter M. , Rajabi Negar , Zhu Haoyu , Estrada David , Davis Paul H. , Pandhi Twinkle , Cheng I. Francis , McIlroy David N.
Published: November 2019

A graphitic carbon, referred to as graphite from the University of Idaho thermolyzed asphalt reaction (GUITAR), was coated in silica nanosprings and silicon substrates via the pyrolysis of commercial roofing tar at 800 °C in an inert atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images indicate that GUITAR is an agglomeration of carbon nanospheres formed by the accretion of graphitic flakes into a ~100 nm layer. Raman spectroscopic analyses, in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, indicate that GUITAR has a nanocrystalline structure consisting of ~1–5 nm graphitic flakes interconnected by amorphous sp3 bonded carbon. The electrical resistivities of 11 single GUITAR-coated nanospring devices were measured over a temperature range of 10–80 °C. The average resistivity of all 11 devices at 20 °C was 4.3 ± 1.3 × 10−3 Ω m. The GUITAR coated nanospring devices exhibited an average negative temperature coefficient of resistivity at 20 °C of −0.0017 ± 0.00044 °C−1, which is consistent with the properties of nanocrystalline graphite.
Rare Earth-Based Compounds as Inhibitors of Hot-Corrosion Induced by Vanadium Salts
Authors: Flores-Garcia N.S. , Arrieta-Gonzalez C.D. , Ramos-Hernandez J.J. , Pedraza-Basulto G.K. , Gonzalez-Rodriguez J.G. , Porcayo-Calderon J. , Martinez-Gomez L.
Published: November 2019

In this study, the performance evaluation of lanthanum compounds as corrosion inhibitors of vanadium salts was performed. The inhibitors tested were lanthanum acetate and La2O3. The performance of the inhibitors was tested using sodium metavanadate (NaVO3) as a corrosive medium at 700, 800, and 900 °C. The corrosion inhibitory effect was evaluated on the corrosion process of 304H stainless steel. The corrosion rate of the steel was determined by the mass loss technique after 100 h of immersion in the corrosive salt with and without the addition of the corrosion inhibitor. The results show that lanthanum compounds act as corrosion inhibitors of vanadium salts. The inhibitory effect increases by increasing the concentration and tends to decrease when increasing the test temperature. Lanthanum compounds act as excellent corrosion inhibitors due to their ability to stabilize vanadium cations. Vanadium is stabilized by forming a new compound, lanthanum vanadate (LaVO4), with a melting point much higher than the compounds formed when Mg or Ni compounds are used as corrosion inhibitors.
Magnetic Beads in Marine Toxin Detection: A Review
Authors: Gaiani Greta , O’Sullivan Ciara K. , Campàs Mònica
Published: November 2019

Due to the expanding occurrence of marine toxins, and their potential impact on human health, there is an increased need for tools for their rapid and efficient detection. We give an overview of the use of magnetic beads (MBs) for the detection of marine toxins in shellfish and fish samples, with an emphasis on their incorporation into electrochemical biosensors. The use of MBs as supports for the immobilization of toxins or antibodies, as signal amplifiers as well as for target pre-concentration, is reviewed. In addition, the exploitation of MBs in Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX) for the selection of aptamers is presented. These MB-based strategies have led to the development of sensitive, simple, reliable and robust analytical systems for the detection of toxins in natural samples, with applicability in seafood safety and human health protection.
Numerically Efficient Methods for Variational Fractional Wave Equations: An Explicit Four-Step Scheme
Authors: Macías-Díaz Jorge E.
Published: November 2019

In this work, we investigate numerically a one-dimensional wave equation in generalized form. The system considers the presence of constant damping and functional anomalous diffusion of the Riesz type. Reaction terms are also considered, in such way that the mathematical model can be presented in variational form when damping is not present. As opposed to previous efforts available in the literature, the reaction terms are not only functions of the solution. Instead, we consider the presence of smooth functions that depend on fractional derivatives of the solution function. Using a finite-difference approach, we propose a numerical scheme to approximate the solutions of the fractional wave equation. Along with this integrator, we propose discrete forms of the local and the total energy operators. In a first stage, we show rigorously that the energy properties of the continuous system are mimicked by our discrete methodology. In particular, we prove that the discrete system is dissipative (respectively, conservative) when damping is present (respectively, absent), in agreement with the continuous model. The theoretical numerical analysis of this system is more complicated in light of the presence of the functional form of the anomalous diffusion. To solve this problem, some novel technical lemmas are proved and used to establish the stability and the quadratic convergence of the scheme. Finally, we provide some computer simulations to show the capability of the scheme to conserve/dissipate the energy. Various fractional problems with functional forms of the anomalous diffusion of the solution are considered to that effect.
The Effect of Stress Relief on the Mechanical and Fatigue Properties of Additively Manufactured AlSi10Mg Parts
Authors: Mfusi Busisiwe J. , Mathe Ntombizodwa R. , Tshabalala Lerato C. , Popoola Patricia AI.
Published: November 2019

The heating and cooling profiles experienced during laser additive manufacturing results in residual stresses build up in the component. Therefore, it is necessary to perform post build stress relieving towards the retention and improvement of the mechanical properties. However the thermal treatments for conventional manufacturing do not seem to completely accommodate these rapid heating and cooling cycles of laser processing techniques such as powder bed fusion. Characterizations such as density measurements on the samples were performed employing the Archimedes principle; hardness testing was performed on the Zwick micro/macro (Hv) hardness tester, SEM and Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Fracture toughness and crack growth was conducted on a fatigue crack machine. All characterization was done after stress relieving of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) produced samples at 300 °C for 2 hrs was performed in a furnace. The mechanical properties appear to be rather compromised instead of being enhanced desirably. As-built SLM produced tensile specimens built in different directions exhibited significantly favorable mechanical properties. However, post stress relieve thermal treatment technique deteriorated the strength while increasing the ductility significantly. Nonetheless, fatigue crack growth and fracture toughness illustrated positive outcome in terms of fatigue life on SLM produced AlSi10Mg components in application.
Multi-Organ NMR Metabolomics to Assess In Vivo Overall Metabolic Impact of Cisplatin in Mice
Authors: Carneiro Tatiana J. , Araújo Rita , Vojtek Martin , Gonçalves-Monteiro Salomé , Diniz Carmen , Batista de Carvalho Ana L.M. , Marques Maria Paula M. , Gil Ana M.
Published: November 2019

This work describes, to our knowledge, the first NMR metabolomics analysis of mice kidney, liver, and breast tissue in response to cisplatin exposure, in search of early metabolic signatures of cisplatin biotoxicity. Balb/c mice were exposed to a single 3.5 mg/kg dose of cisplatin and then euthanized; organs (kidney, liver, breast tissue) were collected at 1, 12, and 48 h. Polar tissue extracts were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy, and the resulting spectra were studied by multivariate and univariate analyses. The results enabled the identification of the most significant deviant metabolite levels at each time point, and for each tissue type, and showed that the largest metabolic impact occurs for kidney, as early as 1 h post-injection. Kidney tissue showed a marked depletion in several amino acids, comprised in an overall 13-metabolites signature. The highest number of changes in all tissues was noted at 12 h, although many of those recovered to control levels at 48 h, with the exception of some persistently deviant tissue-specific metabolites, thus enabling the identification of relatively longer-term effects of cDDP. This work reports, for the first time, early (1–48 h) concomitant effects of cDDP in kidney, liver, and breast tissue metabolism, thus contributing to the understanding of multi-organ cDDP biotoxicity.
Unusual Fluorescence Behavior of Pyrene-Amine Containing Dendrimers
Authors: Ruiu Andrea , Vonlanthen Mireille , Rojas-Montoya Sandra M. , González-Méndez Israel , Rivera Ernesto
Published: November 2019

A new class of pyrene-based dendrimers, characterized by the presence of a 1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) unit as the core, was studied by SSF (steady-state fluorescence) and SPC (single-photon counting fluorescence). The photophysical behavior of these dendrimers was studied in THF, DMF and DMSO solution. The typical signals for pyrene-labeled molecules were recorded in each solvent, showing the representative fluorescence spectra: the corresponding emissions of monomer and excimer of the pyrene chromophore are observed. Unexpectedly, the typical quenching of tertiary amine on the pyrene emission was not observed in these dendrimers. Quenching studies were performed by adding up to 3 equivalents of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). To our knowledge, this is the first report of pyrene’s unquenching behavior by a tertiary amine.
Speciation Studies of Bifunctional 3-Hydroxy-4-Pyridinone Ligands in the Presence of Zn2+ at Different Ionic Strengths and Temperatures
Authors: Irto Anna , Cardiano Paola , Cataldo Salvatore , Chand Karam , Maria Cigala Rosalia , Crea Francesco , De Stefano Concetta , Gattuso Giuseppe , Muratore Nicola , Pettignano Alberto , Sammartano Silvio , Amélia Santos M.
Published: November 2019

The acid–base properties of two bifunctional 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone ligands and their chelating capacity towards Zn2+, an essential bio-metal cation, were investigated in NaCl aqueous solutions by potentiometric, UV-Vis spectrophotometric, and 1H NMR spectroscopic titrations, carried out at 0.15 ≤ I/mol −1 ≤ 1.00 and 288.15 ≤ T/K ≤ 310.15. A study at I = 0.15 mol L−1 and T = 298.15 K was also performed for other three Zn2+/Lz− systems, with ligands belonging to the same family of compounds. The processing of experimental data allowed the determination of protonation and stability constants, which showed accordance with the data obtained from the different analytical techniques used, and with those reported in the literature for the same class of compounds. ESI-MS spectrometric measurements provided support for the formation of the different Zn2+/ligand species, while computational molecular simulations allowed information to be gained on the metal–ligand coordination. The dependence on ionic strength and the temperature of equilibrium constants were investigated by means of the extended Debye–Hückel model, the classical specific ion interaction theory, and the van’t Hoff equations, respectively.
Indigo Naturalis Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Modulating the Intestinal Microbiota Community
Authors: Liang Yan-Ni , Yu Jin-Gao , Zhang Dong-Bo , Zhang Zhen , Ren Lang-Lang , Li Lu-Han , Wang Zheng , Tang Zhi-Shu
Published: November 2019

Indigo naturalis (IN) is a traditional Chinese medicine, named Qing-Dai, which is extracted from indigo plants and has been used to treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in China and Japan. Though there are notable effects of IN on colitis, the mechanisms remain elusive. Regarding the significance of alterations of intestinal flora related to IBD and the poor water solubility of the blue IN powder, we predicted that the protective action of IN on colitis may occur through modifying gut microbiota. To investigate the relationships of IN, colitis, and gut microbiomes, a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice colitis model was tested to explore the protective effects of IN on macroscopic colitis symptoms, the histopathological structure, inflammation cytokines, and gut microbiota, and their potential functions. Sulfasalazine (SASP) was used as the positive control. Firstly, because it was a mixture, the main chemical compositions of indigo and indirubin in IN were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The clinical activity score (CAS), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining results, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results in this study showed that IN greatly improved the health conditions of the tested colitis mice, ameliorated the histopathological structure of the colon tissue, down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines. The results of 16S rDNA sequences analysis with the Illumina MiSeq platform showed that IN could modulate the balance of gut microbiota, especially by down-regulating the relative quantity of Turicibacter and up-regulating the relative quantity of Peptococcus. The therapeutic effect of IN may be closely related to the anaerobic gram-positive bacteria of Turicibacter and Peptococcus. The inferred metagenomes from 16S data using PICRUSt demonstrated that decreased metabolic genes, such as through biosynthesis of siderophore group nonribosomal peptides, non-homologous end-joining, and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis of lacto and neolacto series, may maintain microbiota homeostasis during inflammation from IN treatment in DSS-induced colitis.
Automated Photochemically Induced Method for the Quantitation of the Neonicotinoid Thiacloprid in Lettuce
Authors: Jiménez-López J. , Llorent-Martínez E.J. , Martínez-Soliño S. , Ruiz-Medina A.
Published: November 2019

In this work, we present an automated luminescence sensor for the quantitation of the insecticide thiacloprid, one of the main neonicotinoids, in lettuce samples. A simple and automated manifold was constructed, using multicommutated solenoid valves to handle all solutions. The analyte was online irradiated with UV light to produce a highly fluorescent photoproduct (λexc/λem = 305/370 nm/nm) that was then retained on a solid support placed in the flow cell. In this way, the pre-concentration of the photoproduct was achieved in the detection area, increasing the sensitivity of the analytical method. A method-detection limit of 0.24 mg kg−1 was achieved in real samples, fulfilling the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of The European Union for thiacloprid in lettuce (1 mg kg−1). A sample throughput of eight samples per hour was obtained. Recovery experiments were carried out at values close to the MRL, obtaining recovery yields close to 100% and relative standard deviations lower than 5%. Hence, this method would be suitable for routine analyses in quality control, as an alternative to other existing methods.