bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diesel-Injection Equipment Parts Deterioration after Prolonged Use of Biodiesel
Authors: Tziourtzioumis Dimitrios N. , Stamatelos Anastassios M.
Published: May 2019

The application of biodiesel blends is known to significantly affect operation of diesel-injection equipment, especially the injectors and fuel pump. This paper summarizes experience on this subject from burning fuel blends with high-percentages of biodiesel (up to 70%) on a common-rail, high-pressure-injection diesel engine and a conventional DI engine. Both engines were unable to start after running for 100 h each and staying shut off for more than two months. In order to understand the wear characteristics of the injector nozzle, pump pistons, and elastomer parts (in the case of the high-pressure pump of the common-rail engine), due to the prolonged operation with high-percentage biodiesel blends, their injectors and pumps parts were examined and compared by performing normal photography and low magnification microscopy. Additionally, the various elastomer parts of the high-pressure fuel pump of the common-rail engine were examined for wear and deterioration. The results are compared with existing literature results from other researchers. The observed deterioration of diesel-injection equipment is caused by use of high-percentage biodiesel blends and subsequent engine shut down.
Low-Carbon Futures for Bioethylene in the United States
Authors: Foster Gillian
Published: May 2019

The manufacture of the chemical ethylene, a key ingredient in plastics, currently depends on fossil-fuel-derived carbon and generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. Substituting ethylene’s fossil fuel feedstock with alternatives is important for addressing the challenge of global climate change. This paper compares four scenarios for meeting future ethylene supply under differing societal approaches to climate change based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. The four scenarios use four perspectives: (1) a sustainability-focused pathway that demands a swift transition to a bioeconomy within 30 years; (2) a regional energy-focused pathway that supports broad biomass use; (3) a fossil-fuel development pathway limited to corn grain; and (4) a fossil-fuel development pathway limited to corn grain and corn stover. Each scenario is developed using the latest scientifically informed future feedstock analyses from the 2016 Billion-Ton report interpreted with perspectives on the future of biomass from recent literature. The intent of this research is to examine how social, economic, and ecological changes determining ethylene supply fit within biophysical boundaries. This new approach to the ethylene feedstocks conundrum finds that phasing out fossil fuels as the main source of U.S. ethylene is possible if current cellulosic ethanol production expands.
A Spectroscopic Study of Solid-Phase Chitosan/Cyclodextrin-Based Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Xue Chen , Wilson Lee D.
Published: May 2019

In this study, chitosan (chi)/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) 2:20 and 2:50 Chi:HPCD fibers were assembled via an electrospinning process that contained a mixture of chitosan and HPCD with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a solvent. Complementary thermal analysis (thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) and spectroscopic methods (Raman/IR/NMR) were used to evaluate the structure and composition of the fiber assemblies. This study highlights the multifunctional role of TFA as a solvent, proton donor and electrostatically bound pendant group to chitosan, where the formation of a ternary complex occurs via supramolecular host–guest interactions. This work contributes further insight on the formation and stability of such ternary (chitosan + HPCD + solvent) electrospun fibers and their potential utility as “smart” fiber coatings for advanced applications.
The Addition of α-cyclodextrin and γ-cyclodextrin Affect Quality of Dough and Prebaked Bread During Frozen Storage
Authors: Zhou Jianjun , Ke Yuan , Barba Francisco J. , Xiao Shensheng , Hu Xianqin , Qin Xinguang , Ding Wenping , Lyu Qingyun , Wang Xuedong , Liu Gang
Published: May 2019

The effects of the addition of 0–3.0 wt% α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) on the quality of wheat flour as well as the texture and the aging of prebaked bread were evaluated. The addition of α-CD and γ-CD increased the ability of wheat flour to absorb water and shortened the times of dough formation and stabilization. Amylase activity slightly increased after using 2.0 and 3.0 wt% of α-CD and γ-CD, respectively. Moreover, the addition of α-CD and γ-CD increased the fermentation height and gas retention ability of dough. Dough samples containing 2.0 wt% α-CD and 3.0 wt% γ-CD showed the highest fermentation heights and gas retention volumes, respectively. Dough gas production increased with the addition of γ-CD. Gas production by dough samples containing more than 2.0 wt% α-CD exceeded that by samples in the control group. The results of the texture crumb of bread and specific volume tests revealed that the addition of 2.0 wt% α-CD and 3.0 wt% γ-CD reduced bread hardness and increased bread elasticity, resilience, and specific volume. The optimal α-CD and γ-CD contents were identified as 2.0 wt% and 3.0 wt%, respectively. The addition of 2.0 wt% α-CD and 3.0 wt% γ-CD delayed the aging of prebaked bread and reduced the hardness of prebaked bread during different weeks of storage, which may be due to decreasing the melting enthalpy of starch crystals. This work elucidated the mechanisms underlying the effects of CD addition on prebaked bread quality.
Heat Stress-Responsive Transcriptome Analysis in the Liver Tissue of Hu Sheep
Authors: Li Yaokun , Kong Lingxuan , Deng Ming , Lian Zhiquan , Han Yinru , Sun Baoli , Guo Yongqing , Liu Guangbin , Liu Dewu
Published: May 2019

Heat stress has a severe effect on animal health and can reduce the productivity and reproductive efficiency; it is therefore necessary to explore the molecular mechanism involved in heat stress response, which is helpful for the cultivation of an animal breed with resistance to heat stress. However, little research about heat stress-responsive molecular analysis has been reported in sheep. Therefore, in this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to investigate the transcriptome profiling in the liver of Hu sheep with and without heat stress. In total, we detected 520 and 22 differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs, respectively. The differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly associated with metabolic processes, the regulation of biosynthetic processes, and the regulation of glucocorticoid; additionally, they were significantly enriched in the heat stress related pathways, including the carbon metabolism, the PPAR signaling pathway, and vitamin digestion and absorption. The co-located differentially expressed lncRNA Lnc_001782 might positively influence the expression of the corresponding genes APOA4 and APOA5, exerting co-regulative effects on the liver function. Thus, we made the hypothesis that Lnc_001782, APOA4 and APOA5 might function synergistically to regulate the anti-heat stress ability in Hu sheep. This study provides a catalog of Hu sheep liver mRNAs and lncRNAs, and will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying heat stress responses.
Spatiotemporal Pattern Analysis of China’s Cities Based on High-Resolution Imagery from 2000 to 2015
Authors: Zhang Hanchao , Ning Xiaogang , Shao Zhenfeng , Wang Hao
Published: May 2019

The urbanization level in China has increased rapidly since beginning of the 21st century, and the monitoring and analysis of urban expansion has become a popular topic in geoscience applications. However, problems, such as inconsistent concepts and extraction standards, low precision, and poor comparability, existing in urban monitoring may lead to wrong conclusions. This study selects 337 cities at the prefecture level and above in China as research subjects and uses high-resolution images and geographic information data in a semi-automatic extraction method to identify urban areas in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. City size distribution patterns, urban expansion regional characteristics, and expansion types are analyzed. Results show that Chinese cities maintained a high-speed growth trend from 2000 to 2015, with the total area increasing by 115.79%. The overall scale of a city continues to expand, and the system becomes increasingly complex. The urban system is more balanced than the ideal Zipf distribution, but it also exhibited different characteristics in 2005. Urban areas are mostly concentrated in the eastern and central regions, and the difference between the east and the west is considerable. However, cities in the western region continuously expand. Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Guangzhou are the four largest cities in China. Approximately 73.30% of the cities are expanding in an extended manner; the urban form tends to be scattered, and land use efficiency is low. The new urban areas mainly come from cultivated land and ecological land.
Somatostatin and the “Small-For-Size” Liver
Authors: Hessheimer Amelia J. , Martínez de la Maza Lilia , Adel Al Shwely Farah , Espinoza Arlena Sofía , Ausania Fabio , Fondevila Constantino
Published: May 2019

“Small-for-size” livers arising in the context of liver resection and transplantation are vulnerable to the effects of increased portal flow in the immediate postoperative period. Increased portal flow is an essential stimulus for liver regeneration. If the rise in flow and stimulus for regeneration are excessive; however, liver failure and patient death may result. Somatostatin is an endogenous peptide hormone that may be administered exogenously to not only reduce portal blood flow but also offer direct protection to different cells in the liver. In this review article, we describe key changes that transpire in the liver following a relative size reduction occurring in the context of resection and transplantation and the largely beneficial effects that peri-operative somatostatin therapy may help achieve in this setting.
Kinase-Inactivated EGFR Is Required for the Survival of Wild-Type EGFR-Expressing Cancer Cells Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Thomas Rintu , Srivastava Shivangi , Katreddy Rajasekhara Reddy , Sobieski Jason , Weihua Zhang
Published: May 2019

Inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) using small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is often ineffective in treating cancers harboring wild-type EGFR (wt-EGFR). TKIs are known to cause dimerization of EGFR without altering its expression level. Given the fact that EGFR possesses kinase-independent pro-survival function, the role of TKI-inactivated EGFR in cancer cell survival needs to be addressed. In this study, using wt-EGFR-expressing cancer cells A549 (lung), DU145 (prostate), PC3 (prostate), and MDA-MB-231 (breast), we characterized the TKI-induced dimerization status of EGFR and determined the dependency of cells on kinase-inactivated EGFR for survival. We report that TKI-induced EGFR dimerization is dependent on palmitoylation and independent of its kinase activity, and that mutations of the cysteine residues known to be critical for EGFR’s palmitoylation abolished TKI-induced EGFR dimerization. Furthermore, TKI-induced EGFR dimerization is persistent in TKI-resistant cells, and inhibition of palmitoylation by 2-bromopalmitate, or targeted reduction of the kinase-inactivated EGFR by siRNA or by an EGFR-downregulating peptide, are lethal to TKI-resistant cancer cells. This study suggests that kinase-inactivated EGFR remains to be a viable therapeutic target for wt-EGFR cancers and that inhibiting palmitoylation or downregulating EGFR may overcome TKI resistance.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Stimulates Pancreatic Islet Autophagy via Inhibition of AMPK-mTOR Signaling
Authors: Cheng Sam Tsz Wai , Li Stephen Yu Ting , Leung Po Sing
Published: May 2019

Background: Islet autophagy plays a role in glucose/lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Meanwhile, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been found to regulate insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. Whether FGF21 induces islet autophagy, remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the physiological roles and signaling pathways involved in FGF21-stimulated islet autophagy under glucolipotoxic conditions. Methods: C57/BL6J mice were fed a standard diet or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, and islets were isolated from normal and FGF21 knockout (KO) mice. Isolated islets and INS-1E cells were exposed to normal and high-concentration glucose and palmitic acid with/without FGF21 or AMPK inhibitor compound C. Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry/transmission electron microscopy were performed for the expression of targeted genes/proteins. Results: HFD-treated mice showed increases in fasting plasma glucose, body weight and impaired glucose tolerance; islet protein expression of FGF21 was induced after HFD treatment. Protein expression levels of FGF21 and LC3-II (autophagy marker) were induced in mouse islets treated with high concentrations of palmitic acid and glucose, while phosphorylation of AMPK was reduced, compared with controls. In addition, induction of LC3-II protein expression was reduced in islets isolated from FGF21 KO mice. Furthermore, exogenous administration of FGF21 diminished phosphorylation of AMPK and stimulated protein expression of LC3-II. Consistently, compound C significantly induced increased expression of LC3-II protein. Conclusions: Our data indicate that glucolipotoxicity-induced FGF21 activation mediates islet autophagy via AMPK inhibition, and further consolidate the evidence for the FGF21/analog being a pharmacotherapeutic target for obesity and its related T2DM.
Adiponectin, Obesity, and Cancer: Clash of the Bigwigs in Health and Disease
Authors: Parida Sheetal , Siddharth Sumit , Sharma Dipali
Published: May 2019

Adiponectin is one of the most important adipocytokines secreted by adipocytes and is called a “guardian angel adipocytokine” owing to its unique biological functions. Adiponectin inversely correlates with body fat mass and visceral adiposity. Identified independently by four different research groups, adiponectin has multiple names; Acrp30, apM1, GBP28, and AdipoQ. Adiponectin mediates its biological functions via three known receptors, AdipoR1, AdipoR2, and T-cadherin, which are distributed throughout the body. Biological functions of adiponectin are multifold ranging from anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory to anti-cancer. Lower adiponectin levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. A plethora of experimental evidence supports the role of obesity and increased adiposity in multiple cancers including breast, liver, pancreatic, prostrate, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. Obesity mediates its effect on cancer progression via dysregulation of adipocytokines including increased production of oncogenic adipokine leptin along with decreased production of adiponectin. Multiple studies have shown the protective role of adiponectin in obesity-associated diseases and cancer. Adiponectin modulates multiple signaling pathways to exert its physiological and protective functions. Many studies over the years have shown the beneficial effect of adiponectin in cancer regression and put forth various innovative ways to increase adiponectin levels.
Bone Metastasis Phenotype and Growth Undergo Regulation by Micro-Environment Stimuli: Efficacy of Early Therapy with HGF or TGFβ1-Type I Receptor Blockade
Authors: Bendinelli Paola , Maroni Paola , Dall’Olio Valentina , Matteucci Emanuela , Desiderio Maria Alfonsina
Published: May 2019

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) are biological stimuli of the micro-environment which affect bone metastasis phenotype through transcription factors, but their influence on the growth is scarcely known. In a xenograft model prepared with 1833 bone metastatic cells, derived from breast carcinoma cells, we evaluated mice survival and Twist and Snail expression and localization after competitive inhibition of HGF with NK4, or after blockade of TGFβ1-type I receptor (RI) with SB431542: in the latter condition HGF was also measured. To explain the in vivo data, in 1833 cells treated with SB431542 plus TGFβ1 we measured HGF formation and the transduction pathway involved. Altogether, HGF seemed relevant for bone-metastatic growth, being hampered by NK4 treatment, which decreased Twist more than Snail in the metastasis bulk. TGFβ1-RI blockade enhanced HGF in metastasis and adjacent bone marrow, while reducing prevalently Snail expression at the front and bulk of bone metastasis. The HGF accumulation in 1833 cells depended on an auxiliary signaling pathway, triggered by TGFβ1 under SB431542, which interfered in the transcription of HGF activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI-1) downstream of TGFβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK1): HGF stimulated Twist transactivation. In conclusion, the impairment of initial outgrowth with NK4 seemed therapeutically promising more than SB431542 chemotherapy; a functional correlation between Twist and Snail in bone metastasis seemed to be influenced by the biological stimuli of the micro-environment, and the targeting of these phenotype biomarkers might inhibit metastasis plasticity and colonization, even if it would be necessary to consider the changes of HGF levels in bone metastases undergoing TGFβ1-RI blockade.
Regenerative Capacity of Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs), Comparison with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Authors: Mazini Loubna , Rochette Luc , Amine Mohamed , Malka Gabriel
Published: May 2019

Adipose tissue is now on the top one of stem cell sources regarding its accessibility, abundance, and less painful collection procedure when compared to other sources. The adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) that it contains can be maintained and expanded in culture for long periods of time without losing their differentiation capacity, leading to large cell quantities being increasingly used in cell therapy purposes. Many reports showed that ADSCs-based cell therapy products demonstrated optimal efficacy and efficiency in some clinical indications for both autologous and allogeneic purposes, hence becoming considered as potential tools for replacing, repairing, and regenerating dead or damaged cells. In this review, we analyzed the therapeutic advancement of ADSCs in comparison to bone marrow (BM) and umbilical cord (UC)-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and designed the specific requirements to their best clinical practices and safety. Our analysis was focused on the ADSCs, rather than the whole stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell populations, to facilitate characterization that is related to their source of origins. Clinical outcomes improvement suggested that these cells hold great promise in stem cell-based therapies in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and auto-immunes diseases.
Transthoracic Impedance Measured with Defibrillator Pads—New Interpretations of Signal Change Induced by Ventilations
Authors: Berve Per Olav , Irusta Unai , Kramer-Johansen Jo , Skålhegg Tore , Kongsgård Håvard Wahl , Brunborg Cathrine , Aramendi Elisabete , Wik Lars
Published: May 2019

Compressions during the insufflation phase of ventilations may cause severe pulmonary injury during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Transthoracic impedance (TTI) could be used to evaluate how chest compressions are aligned with ventilations if the insufflation phase could be identified in the TTI waveform without chest compression artifacts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether and how the insufflation phase could be precisely identified during TTI. We synchronously measured TTI and airway pressure (Paw) in 21 consenting anaesthetised patients, TTI through the defibrillator pads and Paw by connecting the monitor-defibrillator’s pressure-line to the endotracheal tube filter. Volume control mode with seventeen different settings were used (5–10 ventilations/setting): Six volumes (150–800 mL) with 12 min−1 frequency, four frequencies (10, 12, 22 and 30 min−1) with 400 mL volume, and seven inspiratory times (0.5–3.5 s ) with 400 mL/10 min−1 volume/frequency. Median time differences (quartile range) between timing of expiration onset in the Paw-line (PawEO) and the TTI peak and TTI maximum downslope were measured. TTI peak and PawEO time difference was 579 (432–723) m s for 12 min−1, independent of volume, with a negative relation to frequency, and it increased linearly with inspiratory time (slope 0.47, R 2 = 0.72). PawEO and TTI maximum downslope time difference was between −69 and 84 m s for any ventilation setting (time aligned). It was independent ( R 2 < 0.01) of volume, frequency and inspiratory time, with global median values of −47 (−153–65) m s , −40 (−168–68) m s and 20 (−93–128) m s , for varying volume, frequency and inspiratory time, respectively. The TTI peak is not aligned with the start of exhalation, but the TTI maximum downslope is. This knowledge could help with identifying the ideal ventilation pattern during CPR.
Early Corticosteroid Therapy for Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia Irrespective of Used Antibiotics in Children
Authors: Yang Eun-Ae , Kang Hyun-Mi , Rhim Jung-Woo , Kang Jin-Han , Lee Kyung-Yil
Published: May 2019

Antibiotics’ effect on Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection still remains controversial. A prospective study of 257 children with MP pneumonia during a recent epidemic (2015–2016) was conducted. All MP pneumonia patients were treated with corticosteroids within 24–36 h after admission. Initially, oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg) or intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP; 1–2 mg/kg) was administered for mild pneumonia patients, and IVMP (5–10 mg/kg/day) for severe pneumonia patients. If patients showed a persistent fever for 36–48 h or disease progression, additive IVMP (5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) was given. Thirty-three percent of patients received only a broad-spectrum antibiotic without a macrolide. The mean age and the male-to-female ratio was 5.6 ± 3.1 years and 1:1, respectively. Seventy-four percent of patients showed immediate defervescence within 24 h, and 96% of patients showed defervescence within 72 h with improvements in clinical symptoms. Three percent of patients (8/257) who received additive IVMP also showed clinical improvement within 48 h without adverse reactions. There were no clinical or laboratory differences between patients treated with a macrolide (n = 172) and without (n = 85). Early corticosteroid therapy might reduce disease morbidity and prevent disease progression in MP pneumonia patients without side effects, and antibiotics may have limited effects on MP infection.
Transthoracic Needle Biopsy of Pulmonary Nodules: Meteorological Conditions and the Risk of Pneumothorax and Chest Tube Placement
Authors: Taslakian Bedros , Koneru Varshaa , Babb James S. , Sridhar Divya
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether meteorological variables influence rates of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of pulmonary nodules. A retrospective review of 338 consecutive PTNBs of pulmonary nodules at a single institution was performed. All procedures implemented a coaxial approach, using a 19-gauge outer guide needle for access and a 20-gauge core biopsy gun with or without a small-gauge aspiration needle for tissue sampling. Correlation between age, sex, smoking history, lesion size, meteorological variables, and frequency of complications were evaluated. Fisher exact, trend and t tests were used to evaluate the relationship between each factor and rates of pneumothorax and chest tube placement. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Pneumothorax occurred in 115 of 338 patients (34%). Chest tube placement was required in 30 patients (8.9%). No significant relationship was found between pneumothorax rate and age (p = 0.172), sex (p = 0.909), smoking history (p = 0.819), or lesion location (p = 0.765). The presence or absence of special weather conditions did not correlate with the rate of pneumothorax (p = 0.241) or chest tube placement (p = 0.213). The mean atmospheric temperature (p = 0.619) and degree of humidity (p = 0.858) also did not correlate with differences in the rate of pneumothorax. Finally, mean atmospheric pressure on the day of the procedure demonstrated no correlation with the rate of pneumothorax (p = 0.277) or chest tube placement (p = 0.767). In conclusion, no correlation is demonstrated between the occurrence of pneumothorax after PTNB of pulmonary nodules and the studied meteorological variables.
Advance in the Management of Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Levy Jerrold , Raj Aditya , Warkentin Theodore
Published: May 2019

Coagulopathy commonly occurs in sepsis as a critical host response to infection that can progress to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with an increased mortality. Recent studies have further defined factors responsible for the thromboinflammatory response and intravascular thrombosis, including neutrophil extracellular traps, extracellular vesicles, damage-associated molecular patterns, and endothelial glycocalyx shedding. Diagnosing DIC facilitates sepsis management, and is associated with improved outcomes. Although the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) has proposed criteria for diagnosing overt DIC, these criteria are not suitable for early detection. Accordingly, the ISTH DIC Scientific Standardization Committee has proposed a new category termed “sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC)” to facilitate earlier diagnosis of DIC and potentially more rapid interventions in these critically ill patients. Therapy of SIC includes both treatment of the underlying infection and correcting the coagulopathy, with most therapeutic approaches focusing on anticoagulant therapy. Recently, a phase III trial of recombinant thrombomodulin was performed in coagulopathic patients. Although the 28-day mortality was improved by 2.6% (absolute difference), it did not reach statistical significance. However, in patients who met entry criteria for SIC at baseline, the mortality difference was approximately 5% without increased risk of bleeding. In this review, we discuss current advances in managing SIC and DIC.
Inflammatory Immune Responses in the Pathogenesis of Tick-Borne Encephalitis
Authors: Bogovič Petra , Lusa Lara , Korva Miša , Pavletič Miša , Resman Rus Katarina , Lotrič-Furlan Stanka , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , Strle Klemen , Strle Franc
Published: May 2019

Clinical manifestations of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are thought to result from the host immune responses to infection, but knowledge of such responses is incomplete. We performed a detailed clinical evaluation and characterization of innate and adaptive inflammatory immune responses in matched serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 81 adult patients with TBE. Immune responses were then correlated with laboratory and clinical findings. The inflammatory immune responses were generally site-specific. Cytokines and chemokines associated with innate and Th1 adaptive immune responses were significantly higher in CSF, while mediators associated with Th17 and B-cell responses were generally higher in serum. Furthermore, mediators associated with innate and Th1 adaptive immune responses were positively associated with disease severity, whereas Th17 and B cell immune responses were not. During the meningoencephalitic phase of TBE, innate and Th1 adaptive inflammatory mediators were highly concentrated in CSF, the site of the disease. The consequence of this robust immune response was more severe acute illness. In contrast, inflammatory mediators associated with B cell and particularly Th17 responses were concentrated in serum. These findings provide new insights into the immunopathogenesis of TBE and implicate innate and Th1 adaptive responses in severity and clinical presentation of acute illness.
Stochastic Modeling of Forces on Jacket-Type Offshore Structures Colonized by Marine Growth
Authors: Ameryoun Hamed , Schoefs Franck , Barillé Laurent , Thomas Yoann
Published: May 2019

The present paper deals with the stochastic modeling of bio-colonization for the computation of stochastic hydrodynamic loading on jacket-type offshore structures. It relies on a multidisciplinary study gathering biological and physical research fields that accounts for uncertainties at all the levels. Indeed, bio-colonization of offshore structures is a complex phenomenon with two major but distinct domains: (i) marine biology, whose processes are modeled with biomathematics methods, and (ii) hydrodynamic processes. This paper aims to connect these two domains. It proposes a stochastic model for the marine organism’s growth and then continues with transfers for the assessment of drag coefficient and forces probability density functions that account for marine growth evolution. A case study relies on the characteristics (growth and shape) of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) in the northeastern Atlantic.
Picard-Jungck Operator for a Pair of Mappings and Simulation Type Functions
Authors: Chandok Sumit , Mukheimer Aiman , Hussain Azhar , Paunović Ljiljana
Published: May 2019

In this manuscript, we propose a new class of Picard-Jungck operators for a pair of mappings on complete metric spaces by taking into account of the C G -simulation function. Also, some new results for the existence of such operators for a pair of self mappings in the setting of metric spaces are obtained. Some nontrivial examples are presented to show the usability of the results.
Acute Effects of Mental Activity on Response of Serum BDNF and IGF-1 Levels in Elite and Novice Chess Players
Authors: Arazi Hamid , Aliakbari Hanieh , Asadi Abbas , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: May 2019

Background and Objectives: Although the effects of physical exercise on brain functions are well studied, the influence of mental activity is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a session of mental activity on brain neurobiological factors in chess players. Materials and Methods: Ten elite and novice chess players were recruited to participate in this study as volunteers. The subjects performed a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity. Before and after each chess match, blood samples were drawn to analyze changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Results: After each chess match, both the elite and novice groups showed significant increases in serum BDNF and IGF-1 concentrations. The elite group also showed significantly greater changes in BDNF and IGF-1 levels (p ≤ 0.05) than the novice group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity is effective for elevating BDNF and IGF-1 levels, and that their elevation in elite players seems to be more pronounced than those in novice players.
MRI Assessment of Global and Regional Diaphragmatic Motion in Critically Ill Patients Following Prolonged Ventilator Weaning
Authors: Saleem Khan Khurram , Meaney James , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Collins Daniel V.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: diaphragmatic dysfunction is a common cause of slow weaning in mechanically ventilated patients. Diaphragmatic dysfunction in ventilated patients can be global or regional. The aim of our study was to evaluate the motion of the entire diaphragm in patients who were ventilated for a protracted period in comparison with healthy controls by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Methods: Intensive care patients who had a prolonged ventilator wean and required tracheostomies were enrolled based on extensive exclusion criteria. MRI dynamic sequence and subtraction images were used to measure vertical displacement at five different points on each hemi-diaphragm during normal tidal breathing. Tidal displacement of each point on the right and left hemi-diaphragms of the patients were compared to the precise respective points on the right and left hemi-diaphragms of enrolled controls. Results: Eight intensive care patients and eight controls were enrolled. There were observed significant differences in the displacements of the left hemi-diaphragm between the two groups (median 6.4 mm [Interquartile range (IQR), 4.6–12.5]) vs. 11.6 mm [IQR, 9.5–14.5], p = 0.02). There were also observed significant differences in the displacements at five evaluated study points on the left hemi-diaphragms of the patients when compared to the precise respective points in controls, especially at the dome (median 6.7 mm [IQR, 5.0–11.4] vs. 13.5 mm [IQR 11.5-18], p value = 0.005) and the anterior zone of apposition (median 5.0 mm [IQR, 3.3–7.1] vs. 7.8mm [IQR, 7.1–10.5], p value = 0.01). The intensive care patients showed lower minimal and maximal values of displacement of right hemi-diaphragms compared to the controls, suggesting that the differences in the displacement of right hemi-diaphragm are possible; however, the differences in the mean values of displacement of right hemi-diaphragm between the intensive care patient group and the control group (median 9.8 mm [IQR (Interquartile range), 5.0–12.3] vs. 10.1 mm [IQR 8.3–18.5], p = 0.12) did not reach the level of significance. Conclusion: Although frequently global, diaphragm dysfunction in ventilated patients after prolonged ventilation can also be regional or focal when assessed by MRI dynamic sequence. The vertical displacement of both right and left hemi-diaphragms at various anatomical locations had different values in both controls, and patients. There were significant focal variations in the movement of diaphragm in patients with ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction.
Effects of Different Parameters on Initiation and Propagation of Stress Corrosion Cracks in Pipeline Steels: A Review
Authors: Mohtadi-Bonab M.A.
Published: May 2019

The demand for pipeline steels has increased in the last several decades since they were able to provide an immune and economical way to carry oil and natural gas over long distances. There are two important damage modes in pipeline steels including stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and hydrogen induced cracking (HIC). The SCC cracks are those cracks which are induced due to the combined effects of a corrosive environment and sustained tensile stress. The present review article is an attempt to highlight important factors affecting the SCC in pipeline steels. Based on a literature survey, it is concluded that many factors, such as microstructure of steel, residual stresses, chemical composition of steel, applied load, alternating current (AC) current and texture, and grain boundary character affect the SCC crack initiation and propagation in pipeline steels. It is also found that crystallographic texture plays a key role in crack propagation. Grain boundaries associated with {111}∥rolling plane, {110}∥rolling plane, coincidence site lattice boundaries and low angle grain boundaries are recognized as crack resistant paths while grains with high angle grain boundaries provide easy path for the SCC intergranular crack propagation. Finally, the SCC resistance in pipeline steels is improved by modifying the microstructure of steel or controlling the texture and grain boundary character.
Cytotoxic Effects of Newly Synthesized Heterocyclic Candidates Containing Nicotinonitrile and Pyrazole Moieties on Hepatocellular and Cervical Carcinomas
Authors: A. El-Sayed Amira , E. Amr Abd El-Galil , K. EL-Ziaty Ahmed , A. Elsayed Elsayed
Published: May 2019

In this study, a series of newly synthesized substituted pyridine 9, 11–18, naphthpyridine derivative 10 and substituted pyrazolopyridines 19–23 by using cycnopyridone 8 as a starting material. Some of the synthesized candidates are evaluated as anticancer agents against different cancer cell lines. In vitro cytotoxic activities against hepatocellular and cervical carcinoma cell lines were evaluated using standard MTT assay. Different synthesized compounds exhibited potential in vitro cytotoxic activities against both HepG2 and HeLa cell lines. Furthermore, compared to standard positive control drugs, compounds 13 and 19 showed the most potent cytotoxic effect with IC50 values of 8.78 ± 0.7, 5.16 ± 0.4 μg/mL, and 15.32 ± 1.2 and 4.26 ± 0.3 μg/mL for HepG2 and HeLa cells, respectively.
Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit
Authors: Carbone John W. , Pasiakos Stefan M.
Published: May 2019

Adequate consumption of dietary protein is critical for the maintenance of optimal health during normal growth and aging. The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is defined as the minimum amount required to prevent lean body mass loss, but is often misrepresented and misinterpreted as a recommended optimal intake. Over the past two decades, the potential muscle-related benefits achieved by consuming higher-protein diets have become increasingly clear. Despite greater awareness of how higher-protein diets might be advantageous for muscle mass, actual dietary patterns, particularly as they pertain to protein, have remained relatively unchanged in American adults. This lack of change may, in part, result from confusion over the purported detrimental effects of higher-protein diets. This manuscript will highlight common perceptions and benefits of dietary protein on muscle mass, address misperceptions related to higher-protein diets, and comment on the translation of academic advances to real-life application and health benefit. Given the vast research evidence supporting the positive effects of dietary protein intake on optimal health, we encourage critical evaluation of current protein intake recommendations and responsible representation and application of the RDA as a minimum protein requirement rather than one determined to optimally meet the needs of the population.
A Modified Holder Pasteurization Method for Donor Human Milk: Preliminary Data
Authors: Capriati Teresa , Goffredo Bianca Maria , Argentieri Marta , De Vivo Liliana , Bernaschi Paola , Cairoli Sara , Laureti Francesca , Reposi Maria Paola , Marino Daniela , Benedetti Sabina , Diamanti Antonella
Published: May 2019

Background: Holder pasteurization (HoP) is the recommended method of pasteurization for donor human milk (DHM). The aim of the present study was to compare nutritional and microbiological impact on DHM of a new technique of pasteurization based on technical changes of HoP. Methods: We analyzed milk samples from 25 donors. Each sample, derived from one breast milk expression, was subdivided into three aliquots according to pasteurization: The first was not pasteurized, the second pasteurized by HoP, and the third was pasteurized by modified HoP (MHoP). Each aliquot was assessed as to its microbiological and nutritional profile. Nutritional profile included calcium and triglycerides concentrations detected by spectrophotometry and amino acid levels assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Triglycerides were significantly lower in pasteurized, by both methods, than in not pasteurized aliquots, while calcium and amino acids concentration were similar. Microbiological profile did not differ between HoP and MHoP aliquots. Conclusions: HoP and MHoP seem to have similar efficacy in preserving some nutritional characteristics of DHM and to confer similar microbiological safety. MHoP is time-saving and potentially costs-effective when compared to HoP, and it is; therefore, potentially of more interest from a practical point of view. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ecklonia cava Extract on Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages and a Periodontitis Rat Model
Authors: Kim Seonyoung , Choi Soo-Im , Kim Gun-Hee , Imm Jee-Young
Published: May 2019

Ecklonia cava, an edible marine brown alga (Laminariaceae), is a rich source of phlorotannins. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Ecklonia cava ethanol extract (ECE, dieckol 10.6%, w/w) on Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells and in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 were decreased by more than half on treatment with 100 μg/mL ECE. Downregulated tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 gene expression confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of ECE. ECE treatment upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression by 6.3-fold and increased HO-1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) signaling decreased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation. ECE administration (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced gingival index, restricted tooth mobility, and prevented alveolar bone loss (p < 0.05). These beneficial effects were due to decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, IL-1β production, and matrix metalloproteinase expression in gingival tissues. The ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin, a biomarker of periodontitis and osteolysis, was significantly decreased by ECE administration (p < 0.05). Thus, ECE has potential therapeutic effects for the alleviation of periodontal disease.
Effects of Euglena gracilis EOD-1 Ingestion on Salivary IgA Reactivity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Humans
Authors: Ishibashi Ken-ichi , Nishioka Machiko , Onaka Nobuteru , Takahashi Madoka , Yamanaka Daisuke , Adachi Yoshiyuki , Ohno Naohito
Published: May 2019

Euglena gracilis EOD-1, a microalgal strain known for high yields of the β-1, 3-glucan paramylon, is suggested to function as a dietary fiber and enhance immunity. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of E. gracilis EOD-1 biomass (EOD1BM) ingestion on immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody titers in saliva, its reactivity, and the health-related quality of life (QOL) in humans. Reacting human immunoglobulin preparations and saliva with paramylon granules revealed the presence of anti-paramylon antibodies in the blood and saliva. We conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study involving 13 healthy subjects who ingested the placebo or EOD1BM for 4 weeks. Saliva was collected from each subject before and after ingestion, and IgA titers and E. gracilis EOD-1 paramylon (EOD1PM) reactivity were compared. In the EOD1BM Ingestion group, the anti-EOD1PM IgA content and titer increased after EOD1BM ingestion. No such change was observed in the Placebo group. Furthermore, the health-related QOL, especially mental health, increased in the EOD1BM Ingestion group. Thus, EOD1BM ingestion led to the production of paramylon (PM)-specific IgA antibody and increased salivary IgA antibody titers. We demonstrate that EOD1BM ingestion enhanced the immunity in the mucosal surface, evoked an antigen-specific response, and increased the health-related QOL, thereby contributing to health improvement.
Micronutrient Status of Recreational Runners with Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Dietary Patterns
Authors: Nebl Josefine , Schuchardt Jan Philipp , Ströhle Alexander , Wasserfurth Paulina , Haufe Sven , Eigendorf Julian , Tegtbur Uwe , Hahn Andreas
Published: May 2019

Vegetarian diets have gained popularity in sports. However, few data exist on the status of micronutrients and related biomarkers for vegetarian and vegan athletes. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the micronutrient status of omnivorous (OMN, n = 27), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV, n = 26), and vegan (VEG, n = 28) recreational runners. Biomarkers of vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, and iron were assessed. Additionally, serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were examined. Lifestyle factors and supplement intake were recorded via questionnaires. About 80% of each group showed vitamin B12 adequacy with higher levels in supplement users. Mean red blood cell folate exceeded the reference range (>340 nmol/L) in all three groups (OMN: 2213 ± 444, LOV: 2236 ± 596, and VEG: 2354 ± 639 nmol/L; not significant, n.s.). Furthermore, vitamin D levels were comparable (OMN: 90.6 ± 32.1, LOV: 76.8 ± 33.7, and VEG: 86.2 ± 39.5 nmol/L; n.s.), and we found low prevalence (<20%) of vitamin D inadequacy in all three groups. Less than 30% of each group had depleted iron stores, however, iron deficiency anemia was not found in any subject. Our findings suggest that a well-planned, health-conscious lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diet, including supplements, can meet the athlete’s requirements of vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron.
Risk Rating Method Based on the Severity Probability Risk Value and Reserved Risk Maintenance Resource Cost of the Node Disconnection of the Power System
Authors: Gong Qingwu , Tan Si
Published: May 2019

In order to solve the problem of traditional risk rating methods without considering the cost of risk maintenance resources and ignoring the low risk of “High Loss Severity (HLS) with low probability” and the low risk of “High Failure Probability (HFP) with low loss severity”, a node disconnection risk rating method (NDRRM) is proposed. This method considers the severity probability risk valuation (SPRV) and reserve risk maintenance resource cost (RRMRC). The risk rating method based on SPRV developed from the traditional risk valuation method can simultaneously identify the nodes with the highest severity values, the nodes with the highest probability of failure, and the nodes with the largest risk valuation. On the basis of the above model, we consider the cost constraints of the reserve risk maintenance resource and put forward a risk rating method based on SPRV and RRMRC. The risk rating results of this model are suitable for guiding risk maintenance in practice. Simulations are carried out on the modified IEEE RTS-79 system to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed models, and the simulation results show that the model is reasonable and effective.