bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oleuropein Induces AMPK-Dependent Autophagy in NAFLD Mice, Regardless of the Gender
Authors: Porcu Cristiana , Sideri Silvia , Martini Maurizio , Cocomazzi Alessandra , Galli Andrea , Tarantino Giovanni , Balsano Clara
Published: December 2018

Oleuropein (Ole) is one of the most plentiful phenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. The aim of our study was to establish whether the positive Ole-related effects on liver steatosis could be associated with autophagy. Female and male C57BL/6J mice were fed normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks, and Ole was added or not for the following eight weeks. The autophagy-related proteins Akt, mTOR, AMPK, ULK1, Beclin-1, LC3B and p62/Sqstm1 were analyzed. Interestingly, Ole induced a different regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway in female compared to male mice, but was able to activate the autophagic process in ND and HFD mice through AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of ULK1 at Ser555, regardless of the gender. Our work reveals the ability of Ole to induce, in liver of ND and HFD mice, autophagy independently by gender-specific mTOR activation. We highlight Ole as a novel therapeutic approach to counteract unhealthy diet-related liver steatosis by targeting autophagy.
Microparticles Carrying Sonic Hedgehog Are Increased in Humans with Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Giarretta Igor , Gatto Ilaria , Marcantoni Margherita , Lupi Giulia , Tonello Diego , Gaetani Eleonora , Pitocco Dario , Iezzi Roberto , Truma Addolorata , Porfidia Angelo , Visonà Adriana , Tondi Paolo , Pola Roberto
Published: December 2018

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a prototypical angiogenic agent with a crucial role in the regulation of angiogenesis. Experimental studies have shown that Shh is upregulated in response to ischemia. Also, Shh may be found on the surface of circulating microparticles (MPs) and MPs bearing Shh (Shh + MPs) have shown the ability to contribute to reparative neovascularization after ischemic injury in mice. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that, in humans with peripheral artery disease (PAD), there is increased number of circulating Shh + MPs. This was done by assessing the number of Shh + MPs in plasma of patients with PAD and control subjects without PAD. We found significantly higher number of Shh + MPs in plasma of subjects with PAD, compared to controls, while the global number of MPs—produced either by endothelial cells, platelets, leukocytes, and erythrocytes—was not different between PAD patients and controls. We also found a significant association between the number of Shh + MPs and the number of collateral vessels in the ischemic limbs of PAD patients. Interestingly, the concentration of Shh protein unbound to MPs—which was measured in MP-depleted plasma—was not different between subjects with PAD and the controls, indicating that, in the setting of PAD, the call for Shh recapitulation does not lead to secretion of protein into the blood but to binding of the protein to the membrane of MPs. These findings provide novel information on Shh signaling during ischemia in humans, with potentially important biological and clinical implications.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Binding Inhibits an Intronic IL33 Enhancer and is Disrupted by rs4742170 (T) Allele Associated with Specific Wheezing Phenotype in Early Childhood
Authors: Gorbacheva Alisa M. , Kuprash Dmitry V. , Mitkin Nikita A.
Published: December 2018

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a cytokine constitutively expressed by various cells of barrier tissues that contribute to the development of inflammatory immune responses. According to its function as an alarmin secreted by lung and airway epithelium, IL-33 plays a significant role in pathogenesis of allergic disorders. IL-33 is strongly involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, anaphylaxis, allergy and dermatitis, and genetic variations in IL33 locus are associated with increased susceptibility to asthma. Genome-wide association studies have identified risk “T” allele of the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs4742170 located in putative IL33 enhancer area as susceptible variant for development of specific wheezing phenotype in early childhood. Here, we demonstrate that risk “T” rs4742170 allele disrupts binding of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) transcription factor to IL33 putative enhancer. The IL33 promoter/enhancer constructs containing either 4742170 (T) allele or point mutations in the GR-binding site, were significantly more active and did not respond to cortisol in a pulmonary epithelial cell line. At the same time, the constructs containing rs4742170 (C) allele with a functional GR-binding site were less active and further inhibitable by cortisol. The latter effect was GR-dependent as it was completely abolished by GR-specific siRNA. This mechanism may explain the negative effect of the rs4742170 (T) risk allele on the development of wheezing phenotype that strongly correlates with allergic sensitization in childhood.
Overexpression of the Wild Soybean R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor GsMYB15 Enhances Resistance to Salt Stress and Helicoverpa Armigera in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Shen Xin-Jie , Wang Yan-Yan , Zhang Yong-Xing , Guo Wei , Jiao Yong-Qing , Zhou Xin-An
Published: December 2018

Plant R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been suggested to play crucial roles in the response to diverse abiotic and biotic stress factors but there is little molecular evidence of this role in soybean plants. In this work, we identified and functionally characterized an R2R3-MYB TF, namely, GsMYB15, from the wild soybean ED059. Protein and promoter sequence analysis indicated that GsMYB15 is a typical R2R3-MYB TF and contains multiple stress-related cis-elements in the promoter region. GsMYB15 is located in the nucleus and exhibits transcriptional activation activity. QPCR assays suggested that the expression of GsMYB15 could be induced by NaCl, insect attacks and defense-related hormones (MeJA and SA). Furthermore, GsMYB15 exhibited highest expression in pods compared to other tissues. Functional analysis of GsMYB15 demonstrated that overexpression of GsMYB15 could increase salt tolerance and enhance the resistance to H. armigera larvae in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Moreover, overexpression of GsMYB15 also affected the expression levels of salt stress- and defense-related genes in the transgenic plants. Feeding with transgenic Arabidopsis plant leaves could significantly suppress the expression levels of immunity-related genes in H. armigera larvae. Overexpression of GsMYB15 also increased mesophyll cell levels in transgenic plants. Taken together, these results provide evidence that GsMYB15 is a positive regulator of salt stress tolerance and insect resistance in transformed Arabidopsis plants.
Studies on Silver Ions Releasing Processes and Mechanical Properties of Surface-Modified Titanium Alloy Implants
Authors: Radtke Aleksandra , Grodzicka Marlena , Ehlert Michalina , Muzioł Tadeusz M. , Szkodo Marek , Bartmański Michał , Piszczek Piotr
Published: December 2018

Dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the surface of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and titanium alloy modified by titania nanotube layer (Ti6Al4V/TNT) substrates were produced by the chemical vapor deposition method (CVD) using a novel precursor of the formula [Ag5(O2CC2F5)5(H2O)3]. The structure and volatile properties of this compound were determined using single crystal X-ray diffractometry, variable temperature IR spectrophotometry (VT IR), and electron inducted mass spectrometry (EI MS). The morphology and the structure of the produced Ti6Al4V/AgNPs and Ti6Al4V/TNT/AgNPs composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Moreover, measurements of hardness, Young’s modulus, adhesion, wettability, and surface free energy have been carried out. The ability to release silver ions from the surface of produced nanocomposite materials immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution has been estimated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of our studies proved the usefulness of the CVD method to enrich of the Ti6Al4V/TNT system with silver nanoparticles. Among the studied surface-modified titanium alloy implants, the better nano-mechanical properties were noticed for the Ti6Al4V/TNT/AgNPs composite in comparison to systems non-enriched by AgNPs. The location of silver nanoparticles inside of titania nanotubes caused their lowest release rate, which may indicate suitable properties on the above-mentioned type of the composite for the construction of implants with a long term antimicrobial activity.
A Ruthenium(II) N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Complex with Naphthalimide Ligand Triggers Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells via Activating the ROS-p38 MAPK Pathway
Authors: Dabiri Yasamin , Schmid Alice , Theobald Jannick , Blagojevic Biljana , Streciwilk Wojciech , Ott Ingo , Wölfl Stefan , Cheng Xinlai
Published: December 2018

The p38 MAPK pathway is known to influence the anti-tumor effects of several chemotherapeutics, including that of organometallic drugs. Previous studies have demonstrated the important role of p38 both as a regulator and a sensor of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Investigating the anti-cancer properties of novel 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives containing Rh(I) and Ru(II) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, we observed a profound induction of ROS by the complexes, which is most likely generated from mitochondria (mtROS). Further analyses revealed a rapid and consistent activation of p38 signaling by the naphthalimide-NHC conjugates, with the Ru(II) analogue—termed MC6—showing the strongest effect. In view of this, genetic as well as pharmacological inhibition of p38α, attenuated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of MC6 in HCT116 colon cancer cells, highlighting the involvement of this signaling molecule in the compound’s toxicity. Furthermore, the influence of MC6 on p38 signaling appeared to be dependent on ROS levels as treatment with general- and mitochondria-targeted anti-oxidants abrogated p38 activation in response to MC6 as well as the molecule’s cytotoxic- and apoptogenic response in HCT116 cells. Altogether, our results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of naphthalimide-metal NHC analogues via the ROS-induced activation of p38 MAPK, which may have therapeutic interest for the treatment of various cancer types.
The Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor Febuxostat Suppresses the Progression of IgA Nephropathy, Possibly via Its Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fibrotic Effects in the gddY Mouse Model
Authors: Inoue Masa-Ki , Yamamotoya Takeshi , Nakatsu Yusuke , Ueda Koji , Inoue Yuki , Matsunaga Yasuka , Sakoda Hideyuki , Fujishiro Midori , Ono Hiraku , Morii Kenichi , Sasaki Kensuke , Masaki Takao , Suzuki Yusuke , Asano Tomoichiro , Kushiyama Akifumi
Published: December 2018

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the protective effect of xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors against chronic kidney diseases, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. However, to date, neither clinical nor basic research has been carried out to elucidate the efficacy of XO inhibitor administration for IgA nephropathy. We thus investigated whether febuxostat, an XO inhibitor, exerts a protective effect against the development of IgA nephropathy, using gddY mice as an IgA nephropathy rodent model. Eight-week-old gddY mice were provided drinking water with (15 μg/mL) or without febuxostat for nine weeks and then subjected to experimentation. Elevated serum creatinine and degrees of glomerular sclerosis and fibrosis, judged by microscopic observations, were significantly milder in the febuxostat-treated than in the untreated gddY mice, while body weights and serum IgA concentrations did not differ between the two groups. In addition, elevated mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα, MCP-1, IL-1β, and IL-6, collagen isoforms and chemokines in the gddY mouse kidneys were clearly normalized by the administration of febuxostat. These data suggest a protective effect of XO inhibitors against the development of IgA nephropathy, possibly via suppression of inflammation and its resultant fibrotic changes, without affecting the serum IgA concentration.
Topical Application of JAK1/JAK2 Inhibitor Momelotinib Exhibits Significant Anti-Inflammatory Responses in DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Model Mice
Authors: Jin Wenyu , Huang Wei , Chen Liqing , Jin Mingji , Wang Qiming , Gao Zhonggao , Jin Zhehu
Published: December 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic recurrent skin disease dominated by T-helper 2 inflammation. Momelotinib (MMB) is a novel JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor suppressing the signal transduction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies indicated that JAK inhibitor could play a therapeutic role in AD disease. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of MMB as a novel JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor in DNCB-induced AD mice and TSLP-activated dendritic cells. Our data showed that topical application of MMB reduced the skin severity scores and total serum IgE levels, and alleviated the histological indexes including epidermal thickness measurement and mast cell number. Also, it was demonstrated that MMB down-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ and TSLP, and inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 in skin lesions. Moreover, MMB reduced the expression of CD80, CD86, MHCII and mRNA of OX40L in TSLP-activated dendritic cells. In general, our study suggests that MMB can improve the symptoms of AD and topical application of MMB can become a promising new therapy strategy for AD.
Empirical Study on the Factors Influencing Process Innovation When Adopting Intelligent Robots at Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises—The Role of Organizational Supports
Authors: Choi Moon Jong , Kim Sanghyun , Park Hyunsun
Published: December 2018

Robot technology at small- and medium-sized enterprises has become a crucial part of current business operations. Beginning with the manufacturing industry, more industries than ever before have recently begun making use of robot technology to increase operational efficiency and productivity. However, prior studies regarding innovation related to intelligent robot use have been limited to developing strategies for describing robot technologies in general. Therefore, we developed a research model for investigating process innovation as it relates to intelligent robots. Based on the literature, two variables of technology benefits (direct usefulness and indirect usefulness) and two constructs of environmental pressure (industry and government) were incorporated into the research model as key determinants of a firm’s process innovation. Furthermore, organizational supports as moderating variables were added to the relationship between technology benefits and process innovation. We collected 257 responses in managerial position at various firms in order to test the proposed hypotheses using structural equation modeling in the statistical software (AMOS 22.0). The results revealed that all variables have a significant impact on process innovation, as well as the moderator. The findings of this study provide theoretical and practical implications for process innovation based on intelligent robot technology.
Integration of Thermoactive Metro Stations in a Smart Energy System: Feedbacks from the Grand Paris Project
Authors: Delerablée Yvon , Rammal Dina , Mroueh Hussein , Burlon Sébastien , Habert Julien , Froitier Charline
Published: December 2018

During the next 15 years, around 200 km of tunnels and 68 new metro stations will be built around Paris to increase the capacity of the existing metro and the transport efficiency. The Société du Grand Paris—the public entity in charge of the design and the execution of this new network—is also highly concerned by the development and the use of renewable energy within this project, especially the integration of thermoactive metro stations in a smart energy system. This paper discusses some issues related to this strategy within the “Grand Paris Project”. The first part presents how smart technology could help to the integration of thermoactive metro stations into the urban energy system, while the second part addresses the following issues: assessment of the geothermal potential, estimate of the energy demand, ground investigations, thermal design, and finally system monitoring. The mechanical design is not considered in this paper. The paper shows the pertinence of the smart energy system for the integration of the thermoactive metro stations energy and the procedure for its implementation.
Evaluation of a Push-Pull System for the Management of Frankliniella Species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Tomato
Authors: Tyler-Julian Kara , Funderburk Joe , Srivastava Mrittunjai , Olson Steve , Adkins Scott
Published: December 2018

A push-pull strategy for reducing populations of the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), F. bispinosa (Morgan) and F. tritici (Fitch) in tomato was evaluated. Push components consisted of ultraviolet (UV)-reflective mulch and foliar applications of kaolin and the pull component consisted of the companion plant Bidens alba (L.). Replicated field experiments were conducted in 2011 and 2012. Adult and larval thrips were reduced by UV-reflective mulch during early and mid-flowering of tomato. Spray applications of kaolin were effective in reducing adult and larval thrips during early, mid- and late-flowering. The pull effects of the B. alba companion plants were additive and sometimes interactive with the push effects of UV-reflective mulch and kaolin in reducing the adult males of each thrips species and the females of F. bispinosa. The strategy was not effective in reducing the adult females of F. tritici and F. occidentalis. In addition to attracting the Frankliniella species adults, the companion plants were hosts for the thrips predator Orius insidiosus (Say). The companion plants combined with UV-reflective mulch and kaolin proved effective as a push-pull system for suppressing flower thrips, including F. occidentalis which is a serious pest of tomato worldwide.
CRT Pacing: Midterm Follow-Up in LV Only Pacing without RV Lead in Patients with Normal AV Conduction
Authors: Cozma Dragos , Vacarescu Cristina , Petrescu Lucian , Mornos Cristian , Goanta Emilia , Feier Horea , Luca Constantin Tudor , Gusetu Gabriel , Vatasescu Radu
Published: December 2018

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the real life cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) fusion left ventricular (LV) only pacing in patients with normal AV conduction (NAVc) without right ventricular (RV) lead. Methods: Consecutive NAVc patients with CRT indication were implanted with a right atrium RA/LV DDD pacing system. Complete follow-up at 1, 3 and every 6 months thereafter included echocardiography and stress testing. Results: We analysed 55 patients (62 ± 11 years). All patients were responders with significant LV reverse remodelling (LV end-diastolic volume 193.7 ± 81 vs. 243.2 ± 82 mL at baseline, p < 0.002) and increased LV ejection fraction (38 ± 7.9% vs. 27 ± 5.2% at baseline, p < 0.001). Mitral regurgitation decreased in 38 patients (69%). During follow-up (35 ± 18 months), 20 patients (36%) needed reprogramming sensed/paced AV delay or maximum tracking rate (MTR) because of inadequate or lost LV capture at exercise test; personalized programming to achieve up to 100% fusion pacing was used in all patients. One patient developed Mobitz II second degree AV block and triple chamber CRT-P upgrade was performed; defibrillator upgrade was not necessary. Conclusions: LV only pacing CRT-P without RV lead showed a positive outcome in carefully selected patients.
Systematic Analysis of Transcriptomic Profile of Chondrocytes in Osteoarthritic Knee Using Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics
Authors: Chen Yi-Jen , Chang Wei-An , Wu Ling-Yu , Hsu Ya-Ling , Chen Chia-Hsin , Kuo Po-Lin
Published: December 2018

The phenotypic change of chondrocytes and the interplay between cartilage and subchondral bone in osteoarthritis (OA) has received much attention. Structural changes with nerve ingrowth and vascular penetration within OA cartilage may contribute to arthritic joint pain. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes and potential miRNA regulations in OA knee chondrocytes through next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Results suggested the involvement of SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3) and Wnt family member 5A (WNT5A) in the growth of blood vessels and cell aggregation, representing features of cartilage damage in OA. Additionally, 26 dysregulated genes with potential miRNA–mRNA interactions were identified in OA knee chondrocytes. Myristoylated alanine rich protein kinase C substrate (MARCKS), epiregulin (EREG), leucine rich repeat containing 15 (LRRC15), and phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) expression patterns were similar among related OA cartilage, subchondral bone and synovial tissue arrays in Gene Expression Omnibus database. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified MARCKS to be associated with the outgrowth of neurite, and novel miRNA regulations were proposed to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of the altered OA knee joint microenvironment. The current findings suggest new perspectives in studying novel genes potentially contributing to arthritic joint pain in knee OA, which may assist in finding new targets for OA treatment.
Multiple Exon Skipping in the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Hot Spots: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Echigoya Yusuke , Lim Kenji Rowel Q. , Nakamura Akinori , Yokota Toshifumi
Published: December 2018

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a fatal X-linked recessive disorder, is caused mostly by frame-disrupting, out-of-frame deletions in the dystrophin (DMD) gene. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping is a promising therapy for DMD. Exon skipping aims to convert out-of-frame mRNA to in-frame mRNA and induce the production of internally-deleted dystrophin as seen in the less severe Becker muscular dystrophy. Currently, multiple exon skipping has gained special interest as a new therapeutic modality for this approach. Previous retrospective database studies represented a potential therapeutic application of multiple exon skipping. Since then, public DMD databases have become more useful with an increase in patient registration and advances in molecular diagnosis. Here, we provide an update on DMD genotype-phenotype associations using a global DMD database and further provide the rationale for multiple exon skipping development, particularly for exons 45–55 skipping and an emerging therapeutic concept, exons 3–9 skipping. Importantly, this review highlights the potential of multiple exon skipping for enabling the production of functionally-corrected dystrophin and for treating symptomatic patients not only with out-of-frame deletions but also those with in-frame deletions. We will also discuss prospects and challenges in multiple exon skipping therapy, referring to recent progress in antisense chemistry and design, as well as disease models.
Use of Sentinel-2 and LUCAS Database for the Inventory of Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry in Wallonia, Belgium
Authors: Close Odile , Benjamin Beaumont , Petit Sophie , Fripiat Xavier , Hallot Eric
Published: December 2018

Due to its cost-effectiveness and repeatability of observations, high resolution optical satellite remote sensing has become a major technology for land use and land cover mapping. However, inventory compilers for the Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector are still mostly relying on annual census and periodic surveys for such inventories. This study proposes a new approach based on per-pixel supervised classification using Sentinel-2 imagery from 2016 for mapping greenhouse gas emissions and removals associated with the LULUCF sector in Wallonia, Belgium. The Land Use/Cover Area frame statistical Survey (LUCAS) of 2015 was used as training data and reference data to validate the map produced. Then, we investigated the performance of four widely used classifiers (maximum likelihood, random forest, k-nearest neighbor, and minimum distance) on different training sample sizes. We also studied the use of the rich spectral information of Sentinel-2 data as well as single-date and multitemporal classification. Our study illustrates how open source data can be effectively used for land use and land cover classification. This classification, based on Sentinel-2 and LUCAS, offers new opportunities for LULUCF inventory of greenhouse gas on a European scale.
Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with High Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Feng Anni , Cao Jiankang , Wei Junying , Chang Feng , Yang Yang , Xiao Zongyuan
Published: December 2018

We report on a reverse microemulsion method for the synthesis of silver nanocrystals and examine their antibacterial activities. As the molar ratio of water to sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) increases to 25, a morphology transition from a sphere-like nanocrystal to a wire-like one was observed. For both the gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, the wire-like silver nanocrystal showed higher antibacterial activities. We conclude that the morphology of silver nanocrystals dominates their antibacterial activity.
Ferroelectromagnetic Properties of PbFe1/2Nb1/2O3 (PFN) Material Synthesized by Chemical-Wet Technology
Authors: Bochenek Dariusz , Niemiec Przemysław
Published: December 2018

In this work, PbFe1/2Nb1/2O3 (PFN) ceramic samples synthesized by chemically wet method (precipitation from the solution) were obtained. Due to the tendency to form powder agglomerates, the synthesized powder was subjected to ultrasound. The sintering was carried out under various technological conditions, mainly through controlling the sintering temperature. -X-ray powder-diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) microstructure analysis, as well as the examinations of dielectric, ferroelectric, and magnetic properties of the PFN ceramics were carried out. Studies have shown that hard ceramic agglomerates can be partially minimized by ultrasound. Due to this treatment, closed porosity decreases, and the ceramic samples have a higher density. Optimization and improvement of the technological process of the PFN material extends the possibility of its use for the preparation of multiferroic composites or multicomponent solid solutions based on PFN. Such materials with functional properties find applications in microelectronic applications, e.g., in systems integrating ferroelectric and magnetic properties in one device. The optimal synthesis conditions of PFN ceramics were determined to be 1050 °C/2 h.
Effects of Hot Stamping and Tempering on Hydrogen Embrittlement of a Low-Carbon Boron-Alloyed Steel
Authors: Zhang Yongjian , Hui Weijun , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Cunyu , Dong Han
Published: December 2018

The effects of hot stamping (HS) and tempering on the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) behavior of a low-carbon boron-alloyed steel were studied by using slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) tests on notched sheet specimens. It was found that an additional significant hydrogen desorption peak at round 65–80 °C appeared after hydrogen-charging, the corresponding hydrogen concentration (CHr) of the HS specimen was higher than that of the directed quenched (DQ) specimen, and subsequent low-temperature tempering gave rise to a decrease of CHr. The DQ specimen exhibited a comparatively high HE susceptibility, while tempering treatment at 100 °C could notably alleviate it by a relative decrease of ~24% at no expanse of strength and ductility. The HS specimen demonstrated much lower HE susceptibility compared with the DQ specimen, and tempering at 200 °C could further alleviate its HE susceptibility. SEM analysis of fractured SSRT surfaces revealed that the DQ specimen showed a mixed transgranular-intergranular fracture, while the HS and low-temperature tempered specimens exhibited a predominant quasi-cleavage transgranular fracture. Based on the obtained results, we propose that a modified HS process coupled with low-temperature tempering treatment is a promising and feasible approach to ensure a low HE susceptibility for high-strength automobile parts made of this type of steel.
Ag3Sn Compounds Coarsening Behaviors in Micro-Joints
Authors: Tian Ye , Ren Ning , Zhao Zhihua , Wu Fengshun , Sitaraman Suresh K.
Published: December 2018

As solder joints are being scaled down, intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are playing an increasingly critical role in the reliability of solder joints, and thereby an in-depth understanding of IMCs microstructure evolutions in micro-joints is of great significance. This study focused on coarsening behaviors of Ag3Sn compounds in Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) micro-joints of flip chip assemblies using thermal shock (TS) tests. The results showed that the Ag3Sn compounds grew and rapidly coarsened into larger ones as TS cycles increased. Compared with such coarsening behaviors during thermal aging, TS exhibited a significantly accelerating influence. This predominant contribution is quantitatively determined to be induced by strain-enhanced aging. Moreover, based on observations for Ag3Sn microstructure evolutions during TS cycling, one particular finding showed that there are two types of coarsening modes (i.e., Ostwald ripening and Necking coalescence) co-existing in the Ag3Sn coarsening process. The corresponding evolutions mechanism was elucidated in a combination of simulative analysis and experimental validation. Furthermore, a kinetic model of the Ag3Sn coarsening was established incorporating static aging and strain-enhanced aging constant, the growth exponent (n) was calculated to be 1.70, and the predominant coarsening mode was confirmed to be the necking coalescence.
Preparation and Properties of Titanium Obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering of a Ti Powder–Fiber Mixture
Authors: Shi Mingjun , Liu Shifeng , Wang Qingge , Yang Xin , Zhang Guangxi
Published: December 2018

Porous titanium is a functional structural material with certain porosity, which is prepared from titanium powder and titanium fiber. In order to study the porosity, phase structure, microstructure, sintering mechanism and mechanical properties of porous titanium obtained by spark plasma sintering of a Ti powder–fiber mixture at different sintering temperatures, a spherical titanium powder (D50 of 160 μm) was prepared via plasma rotating electrode processing, and titanium fiber (average wire diameter of fiber of 110 μm) was prepared by drawing, and they were mixed as raw materials according to different mass ratios. Porous titanium with a fiber–powder composite porous structure was prepared by spark plasma sintering at sintering temperatures of 800 °C, 900 °C and 1000 °C under a sintering pressure of 20 MPa. The results showed that there were no new phases occurring in porous titanium with porosity of 1.24–24.6% after sintering. Titanium fiber and titanium powder were sintered using powder/powder, powder/fiber and fiber/fiber regimes to form composite pore structures. The mass transfer mechanism of the sintered neck was a diffusion-dominated material migration mechanism during sintering. At higher sintering temperatures, the grain size was larger, and the fiber (800 °C; 10–20 μm) was finer than the powder (800 °C; 10–92 μm). The stress–strain curve of porous titanium showed no obvious yield point, and the compressive strength was higher at higher sintering temperatures. The results of this paper can provide data reference for the preparation of porous titanium obtained by spark plasma sintering of a Ti powder–fiber mixture.
A Co(II)-Hydrazone Schiff Base Single Ion Magnet Exhibiting Field Induced Slow Relaxation Dynamics
Authors: Sadhukhan Dipali , Ghosh Prithwi , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Rouzieres Mathieu
Published: December 2018

An octahedral Co(II) complex with N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide Schiff base ligand [HL] forms a 3D supramolecular assembly supported by non-coordinating ClO4− ions and H2O molecules. Individual spin centres are non-interacting and give rise to significant spin-orbit coupling, resulting in field induced slow magnetisation relaxation; which is characteristic of Single Ion Magnet (SIM) behaviour.
Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms for Opinion Mining in Different Domains
Authors: Gamal Donia , Alfonse Marco , M. El-Horbaty El-Sayed , M. Salem Abdel-Badeeh
Published: December 2018

Sentiment classification (SC) is a reference to the task of sentiment analysis (SA), which is a subfield of natural language processing (NLP) and is used to decide whether textual content implies a positive or negative review. This research focuses on the various machine learning (ML) algorithms which are utilized in the analyzation of sentiments and in the mining of reviews in different datasets. Overall, an SC task consists of two phases. The first phase deals with feature extraction (FE). Three different FE algorithms are applied in this research. The second phase covers the classification of the reviews by using various ML algorithms. These are Naïve Bayes (NB), Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Passive Aggressive (PA), Maximum Entropy (ME), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Multinomial NB (MNB), Bernoulli NB (BNB), Ridge Regression (RR) and Logistic Regression (LR). The performance of PA with a unigram is the best among other algorithms for all used datasets (IMDB, Cornell Movies, Amazon and Twitter) and provides values that range from 87% to 99.96% for all evaluation metrics.
A Note on the Classical Gauss Sums
Authors: Wang Tingting , Chen Guohui
Published: December 2018

The main purpose of this paper is to study the computational problem of one kind rational polynomials of the classical Gauss sums, and using the purely algebraic methods and the properties of the character sums mod p (a prime with p ≡ 1 mod 12 ) to give an exact evaluation formula for it.
Scaling Laws in the Fine-Scale Structure of Range Margins
Authors: Oborny Beáta
Published: December 2018

Margins of the geographic distributions of species are important regions in terms of ecological and evolutionary processes, including the species’ response to climate change. This paper reviews some spatially explicit metapopulation models of range margins across environmental gradients (e.g., across latitudes or altitudes). These models share some robust results, which allow for generalizations within a broad variety of species and environments: (1) sharp edges can emerge even across relatively smooth environmental gradients; (2) intraspecific competition combined with dispersal limitation is a sufficient condition for the sharpening; (3) at the margin, the “mainland” of continuous occurrence splits into “islands”. Computer simulations pointed out some characteristic scaling laws in the size distribution of the islands, and in the structure of the hull of the mainland. The hull is a fractal with a dimension 7/4. Its width and length scale with the gradient according to characteristic scaling laws (with exponents 3/7 and 4/7, respectively). These general features follow from a second-order phase transition from a connected to a fragmented state. The results contribute to understanding the origin of vegetation zones and the spatial pattern of ecotones.
Spirulina maxima Decreases Endothelial Damage and Oxidative Stress Indicators in Patients with Systemic Arterial Hypertension: Results from Exploratory Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Martínez-Sámano Jesús , Torres-Montes de Oca Adriana , Luqueño-Bocardo Oscar Ivan , Torres-Durán Patricia V. , Juárez-Oropeza Marco A.
Published: December 2018

(1) Background: Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima has shown beneficial effects such as being anti-dyslipidemic, antiviral, antioxidant and antihypertensive. However, there are few and limited clinical studies. (2) Methods: a prospective, randomized, parallel pilot study of 4.5 g administration of Spirulina maxima or placebo for 12 weeks in 16 patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) undergoing treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors was performed to assess the effects on endothelial damage and oxidative stress indicators. The blood levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, endothelin-1, and sE-selectin were quantified; the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and concentrations of reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, were also quantified before and after the treatment period. (3) Results: There were statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in systolic blood pressure, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and endothelin-1 levels, and increases in glutathione peroxidase activity and oxidized glutathione levels. (4) Conclusion: The effects found in the present study agree with antihypertensive and antioxidant effects previously reported for Spirulina maxima. However, this is the first report about the effects on indicators of endothelial damage. More research in this field is necessary to gain an insight into the effects of Spirulina on these indicators.
Pyropia yezoensis Protein Prevents Dexamethasone-Induced Myotube Atrophy in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Lee Min-Kyeong , Choi Jeong-Wook , Choi Youn Hee , Nam Taek-Jeong
Published: December 2018

Glucocorticoids (GCs), which are endocrine hormones released under stress conditions, can cause skeletal muscle atrophy. This study investigated whether Pyropia yezoensis crude protein (PYCP) inhibits synthetic GCs dexamethasone (DEX)-induced myotube atrophy associated with proteolytic systems. Mouse skeletal muscle C2C12 myotubes were treated with DEX in the presence or absence of PYCP. DEX exposure (100 μM) for 24 h significantly decreased myotube diameter and myogenin expression, which were all increased by treatment with 20 and 40 μg/mL PYCP. Additionally, PYCP significantly reduced the nuclear expression of the forkhead box transcription factors, FoxO1 and FoxO3a, and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway activation. Further mechanistic research revealed that PYCP inhibited the autophagy-lysosome pathway in DEX-induced C2C12 myotubes. These findings indicate that PYCP prevents DEX-induced myotube atrophy through the regulation of FoxO transcription factors, followed by the inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosome pathways. Therefore, we suggest that inhibiting these two proteolytic processes with FoxO transcription factors is a promising strategy for preventing DEX-related myotube atrophy.
Use of 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging for Radiotherapy Target Volume Delineation after Induction Chemotherapy and for Prognosis of Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Rudžianskas Viktoras , Korobeinikova Erika , Rudžianskienė Milda , Jaselskė Evelina , Adlienė Diana , Šedienė Severina , Kulakienė Ilona , Padervinskis Evaldas , Jurkienė Nemira , Juozaitytė Elona
Published: December 2018

Background and objectives: Induction chemotherapy (ICT) before definitive chemoradiation (CRT) gives high response rates in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN). However, pre-ICT gross tumor volume (GTV) for radiotherapy (RT) planning is still recommended. As 18F-FDG PET/CT has an advantage of biological tumor information comparing to standard imaging methods, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of 18F-FDG PET/CT-based post-ICT GTV delineation for RT planning in LA-SCCHN and to assess the prognostic value of PET parameters: maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). Methods: 47 LA-SCCHN patients were treated with 3 cycles of ICT (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) followed by CRT (70 Gy in 35 fractions with weekly cisplatin). Pre- and post-ICT PET/CT examinations were acquired. Planning CT was co-registered with post-ICT PET/CT and RT target volumes were contoured according to post-ICT PET. Post-ICT percentage decrease of SUVmax, MTV and TLG in primary tumor and metastatic regional lymphnodes (LN) was counted. Loco-regional failure patterns, 3-year progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: 3-year PFS and OS rates for study population were 67% and 61% respectively. 31.9% of patients progressed loco-regionally. All progress was localized in high-to-intermediate dose (60–70 Gy) RT volumes and none in low dose (50 Gy) volumes. Decrease of SUVmax ≥ 74% (p = 0.04), MTV ≥ 68% (p = 0.03), TLG ≥ 76% (p = 0.03) in primary tumor, and LN TLG decrease ≥ 74% (p = 0.03) were associated with PFS. Decrease of primary tumor SUVmax ≥ 74% (p = 0.04), MTV ≥ 69% (p = 0.03), TLG ≥ 74% (p = 0.02) and LN TLG ≥ 73% (p = 0.02) were prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions: According to our results, 18F-FDG PET/CT-based post-ICT GTV delineation is feasible strategy without negative impacts on loco-regional control and survival. Percentage decrease of metabolic PET parameters SUVmax, MTV and TLG has a prognostic value in LA-SCCHN.
The Role of Occupational and Environmental Exposures in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Trethewey Samuel P. , Walters Gareth I.
Published: December 2018

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterised by a progressive and irreversible decline in lung function, which is associated with poor long-term survival. The pathogenesis of IPF is incompletely understood. An accumulating body of evidence, obtained over the past three decades, suggests that occupational and environmental exposures may play a role in the development of IPF. This narrative literature review aims to summarise current understanding and the areas of ongoing research into the role of occupational and environmental exposures in the pathogenesis of IPF.
Structure and Thermal Properties of an Al-Based Metallic Glass-Polymer Composite
Authors: Zadorozhnyy Vladislav , Churyukanova Margarita , Stepashkin Andrey , Zadorozhnyy Mikhail , Sharma Adit , Moskovskikh Dmitry , Wang Junqiang , Shabanova Elena , Ketov Sergey , Louzguine-Luzgin Dmitry , Kaloshkin Sergey
Published: December 2018

A composite material based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET, about 1% by mass) and Al85Y8Ni5Co2 metallic glass was obtained by mechanical alloying and consequent spark plasma sintering. The spark plasma sintering was performed at a temperature near to the super cooled liquid region of the metallic glass. Mechanical properties and the structural characterization of the composite material were obtained. It was conceived that composite samples (Al85Y8Ni5Co2/PET) have a better thermal conductivity in comparison with pure PET samples. The formation of the crystalline phases causes degradation of physical properties. It was calculated that the activation energy for crystallization of the Al85Ni5Y8Co2 metallic glass is higher than that of the other types of metallic glasses (Mg67.5Ca5Zn27.5 and Cu54Pd28P18) used for composite preparation previously. This denotes a good thermal stability of the chosen metallic glass.
Influence of Cryogenic Treatment on Wear Resistance and Microstructure of AISI A8 Tool Steel
Authors: Jimbert Pello , Iturrondobeitia Maider , Ibarretxe Julen , Fernandez-Martinez Roberto
Published: December 2018

The effects of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) on the wear behavior of different tool steels have been widely reported in the scientific literature with uneven results. Some tool steels show a significant improvement in their wear resistance when they have been cryogenically treated while others exhibit no relevant amelioration or even a reduction in their wear resistance. In this study, the influence of DCT was investigated for a grade that has been barely studied in the scientific literature, the AISI A8 air-hardening medium-alloy cold work tool steel. Several aspects were analyzed in the present work: the wear resistance of the alloy, the internal residual stress, and finally the secondary carbide precipitation in terms of lengths and occupied area and its distribution into the microstructure. The results revealed a reduction in the wear rate of about 14% when the AISI A8 was cryogenically treated before tempering. The number of carbides that precipitated into the microstructure was 6% higher for the cryogenically treated samples, increasing from 0.68% to 0.73% of the total area they covered. Furthermore, the distribution of the carbides into the microstructure was more homogenous for the cryogenically treated samples.
Interfacing Digital Microfluidics with Ambient Mass Spectrometry Using SU-8 as Dielectric Layer
Authors: Sathyanarayanan Gowtham , Haapala Markus , Sikanen Tiina
Published: December 2018

This work describes the interfacing of electrowetting-on-dielectric based digital microfluidic (DMF) sample preparation devices with ambient mass spectrometry (MS) via desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization (DAPPI). The DMF droplet manipulation technique was adopted to facilitate drug distribution and metabolism assays in droplet scale, while ambient mass spectrometry (MS) was exploited for the analysis of dried samples directly on the surface of the DMF device. Although ambient MS is well-established for bio- and forensic analyses directly on surfaces, its interfacing with DMF is scarce and requires careful optimization of the surface-sensitive processes, such as sample precipitation and the subsequent desorption/ionization. These technical challenges were addressed and resolved in this study by making use of the high mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability of SU-8. In our assay design, SU-8 served as the dielectric layer for DMF as well as the substrate material for DAPPI-MS. The feasibility of SU-8 based DMF devices for DAPPI-MS was demonstrated in the analysis of selected pharmaceuticals following on-chip liquid-liquid extraction or an enzymatic dealkylation reaction. The lower limits of detection were in the range of 1–10 pmol per droplet (0.25–1.0 µg/mL) for all pharmaceuticals tested.
LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Clinopyroxenes in Basaltic Pyroclastic Rocks from the Xisha Islands, Northwestern South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yu Kefu , Qian Handong
Published: December 2018

Cenozoic volcanic rocks were recently discovered during full-coring kilometer-scale major scientific drilling in the Xisha Islands, northwestern South China Sea. A systematic mineralogical study of these samples was performed for this paper. The results show that the volcanic rock samples are basaltic pyroclastic. The major elements demonstrate that the clinopyroxenes are diopside and fassaite, which contain high Al2O3 (5.33–11.2 wt. %), TiO2 (2.13–4.78 wt. %) and CaO (22.5–23.7 wt. %). Clinopyroxenes have high REE abundances (104–215 ppm) and are strongly enriched in LREE (LREE/HREE = 3.56–5.14, La/YbN = 2.61–5.1). Large-ion lithophile elements show depleted characteristics. Nb/Ta shows obvious fractionation features: Nb is lightly enriched, relative to primitive mantle, but Ta is heavily depleted, relative to primitive mantle. The parental magma of the basaltic pyroclastic rocks belongs to a silica-undersaturated alkaline series, characterized by a high temperature, low pressure, and low oxygen fugacity. The AlIV content increases with decreasing Si concentration. The Si-unsaturated state causes Si-Al isomorphic replacement during the formation of clinopyroxene. The electric charge imbalance caused by the replacement of Si by Al is mainly compensated by Fe3+. The clinopyroxene discrimination diagrams show that the parental magma formed in an intraplate tectonic setting environment.