bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airway Ciliary Beating Affected by the Pcp4 Dose-Dependent [Ca2+]i Increase in Down Syndrome Mice, Ts1Rhr
Authors: Kogiso Haruka , Raveau Matthieu , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Saito Daichi , Ikeuchi Yukiko , Okazaki Tomonori , Asano Shinji , Inui Toshio , Marunaka Yoshinori , Nakahari Takashi
Published: March 2020

In Ts1Rhr, a Down syndrome model mouse, the airway ciliary beatings are impaired; that is, decreases in ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and ciliary bend angle (CBA, an index of ciliary beat amplitude)). A resumption to two copies of the Pcp4 gene on the Ts1Rhr trisomic segment (Ts1Rhr:Pcp4+/+/-) rescues the decreases in CBF and CBA that occur in Ts1Rhr. In airway cilia, upon stimulation with procaterol (a β2-agonist), the CBF increase is slower over the time course than the CBA increase because of cAMP degradation by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase 1 (PDE1) existing in the metabolon regulating CBF. In Ts1Rhr, procaterol-stimulated CBF increase was much slower over the time course than in the wild-type mouse (Wt) or Ts1Rhr:Pcp4+/+/-. However, in the presence of 8MmIBMX (8-methoxymethyl isobutylmethyl xanthine, an inhibitor of PDE1) or calmidazolium (an inhibitor of calmodulin), in both Wt and Ts1Rhr, procaterol stimulates CBF and CBA increases over a similar time course. Measurements of cAMP revealed that the cAMP contents were lower in Ts1Rhr than in Wt or in Ts1Rhr:Pcp4+/+/-, suggesting the activation of PDE1A that is present in Ts1Rhr airway cilia. Measurements of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in airway ciliary cells revealed that temperature (increasing from 25 to 37 °C) or 4αPDD (a selective transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) agonist) stimulates a larger [Ca2+]i increase in Ts1Rhr than in Wt or Ts1Rhr:Pcp4+/+/-. In airway ciliary cells of Ts1Rhr, Pcp4-dose dependent activation of TRPV4 appears to induce an increase in the basal [Ca2+]i. In early embryonic day mice, a basal [Ca2+]i increased by PCP4 expressed may affect axonemal regulatory complexes regulated by the Ca2+-signal in Ts1Rhr, leading to a decrease in the basal CBF and CBA of airway cilia.
The Roles of miRNA in Glioblastoma Tumor Cell Communication: Diplomatic and Aggressive Negotiations
Authors: Buruiană Andrei , Florian Ștefan Ioan , Florian Alexandru Ioan , Timiș Teodora-Larisa , Mihu Carmen Mihaela , Miclăuș Maria , Oșan Sergiu , Hrapșa Iona , Cataniciu Radu Constantin , Farcaș Marius , Șușman Sergiu
Published: March 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) consists of a heterogeneous collection of competing cellular clones which communicate with each other and with the tumor microenvironment (TME). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) present various exchange mechanisms: free miRNA, extracellular vesicles (EVs), or gap junctions (GJs). GBM cells transfer miR-4519 and miR-5096 to astrocytes through GJs. Oligodendrocytes located in the invasion front present high levels of miR-219-5p, miR-219-2-3p, and miR-338-3p, all related to their differentiation. There is a reciprocal exchange between GBM cells and endothelial cells (ECs) as miR-5096 promotes angiogenesis after being transferred into ECs, whereas miR-145-5p acts as a tumor suppressor. In glioma stem cells (GSCs), miR-1587 and miR-3620-5p increase the proliferation and miR-1587 inhibits the hormone receptor co-repressor-1 (NCOR1) after EVs transfers. GBM-derived EVs carry miR-21 and miR-451 that are up-taken by microglia and monocytes/macrophages, promoting their proliferation. Macrophages release EVs enriched in miR-21 that are transferred to glioma cells. This bidirectional miR-21 exchange increases STAT3 activity in GBM cells and macrophages, promoting invasion, proliferation, angiogenesis, and resistance to treatment. miR-1238 is upregulated in resistant GBM clones and their EVs, conferring resistance to adjacent cells via the CAV1/EGFR signaling pathway. Decrypting these mechanisms could lead to a better patient stratification and the development of novel target therapies.
A Sentiment-Statistical Approach for Identifying Problematic Mobile App Updates Based on User Reviews
Authors: Li Xiaozhou , Zhang Boyang , Zhang Zheying , Stefanidis Kostas
Published: March 2020

Mobile applications (apps) on IOS and Android devices are mostly maintained and updated via Apple Appstore and Google Play, respectively, where the users are allowed to provide reviews regarding their satisfaction towards particular apps. Despite the importance of user reviews towards mobile app maintenance and evolution, it is time-consuming and ineffective to dissect each individual negative review. In addition, due to the different app update strategies, it is uncertain that each update can be accepted well by the users. This study aims to provide an approach to detect the particular days during the mobile app maintenance phase when the negative reviews require developers’ attention. Furthermore, the method shall facilitate the mapping of the identified abnormal days towards the updates that result in such negativity in reviews. The method’s purpose is to enable app developers to respond swiftly to significant flaws reflected by user reviews in order to prevent user churns.
Teaching Software Engineering Topics Through Pedagogical Game Design Patterns: An Empirical Study
Authors: Flores Nuno , Paiva Ana C. R. , Cruz Nuno
Published: March 2020

Teaching software engineering in its many different forms using traditional teaching methods is difficult. Serious games can help overcome these challenges because they allow real situations to be simulated. However, the development of serious games is not easy and, although there are good practices for relating game design patterns to teaching techniques, there is no methodology to support its use in a specific context such as software engineering. This article presents a case study to validate a methodology that links the Learning and Teaching Functions (LTF) to the Game Design Patterns (PIB) in the context of Software Engineering Education. A serious game was developed from scratch using this methodology to teach software estimation (a specific topic of software engineering). An experiment was carried out to validate the effectiveness of the game by comparing the results of two different groups of students. The results indicate that the methodology can help to develop effective educational games on specific learning topics.
Behavioral Responses of Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) to Visual and Olfactory Cues at Short Distances
Authors: Ren Xiaoyun , Wu Shengyong , Xing Zhenlong , Xu Ruirui , Cai Wanzhi , Lei Zhongren
Published: March 2020

Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is a highly invasive pest, infesting many species of plants worldwide, but few studies have investigated the visual and olfactory cues associated with their foraging behaviors. In this study, the distance traveled by WFT to locate yellow cards using only visual cues and visual cues plus olfactory cues was studied first. Subsequently, preferences for colors (white, red, green, purple, yellow and blue) and patterns (triangle, rectangle, circle and flower-shape) over short distances were assessed with free-choice tests. Finally, as yellow was the most efficient color to catch WFT under laboratory conditions, the yellow flower-shape was used as the visual cue, and preferences between visual and olfactory cues were evaluated with dual choice tests. The results showed that the capture rate of WFT by visual cues decreased as selection distance increased, however capture rate remained higher with the addition of olfactory cues. The flower shape attracted the greatest number of WFT among all shapes tested. The combination of visual cues and extracted volatiles from flowering Medicago sativa L. attracted higher numbers of WFT than to the olfactory cues alone, however these were similar to visual cues alone. The presence of olfactory cues resulted in higher residence times by WFT than did the absence of olfactory cues. These results show the relative effects of visual and olfactory cues on the orientation of WFT to hosts and highlight that visual cues dominate selection behavior at short distances. These findings can be used in the development of efficient trapping products and management strategies for thrips.
Assessment of Lethal, Sublethal, and Transgenerational Effects of Beauveria bassiana on the Demography of Aedes albopictus (Culicidae: Diptera)
Authors: Shoukat Rana Fartab , Zafar Junaid , Shakeel Muhammad , Zhang Yuxin , Freed Shoaib , Xu Xiaoxia , Jin Fengliang
Published: March 2020

Dengue fever is one of the most rapidly spreading arthropod-borne diseases. Diurnal vectorial properties of Aedes albopictus contribute to the dispersion of the dengue viruses. Frequent and injudicious use of synthetic insecticides led to the evolution of resistant phenotypes in Ae. albopictus which necessitates the search for an alternative of current control strategies. Developing a long-lasting and environmentally safe tactic based on knowledge of ecology and population dynamics of Ae. albopictus is critical. Therefore, with a view towards biological control and ecology, the effect of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana on filial and first filial generations of Ae. albopictus were studied. Investigations showed 87.5% adulticidal activity leading to altered fecundity and adult longevity in a filial generation. The lethal (LC50) and sublethal (LC20) concentrations of B. bassiana were applied to filial generation (F0) to study demographic parameters in the first filial generation (F1). Results showed reduced net reproductive rates (Ro) intrinsic rate of increase (r), and mean generation time (T) compared to uninfected controls. Prolonged larval and pupal duration were observed followed by reduced longevity of male and female adults. Fecundity in the first filial generation was significantly changed with the lethal and sublethal concentrations of B. bassiana. Thus, it is concluded that B. bassiana has the potential to play a vital role in integrated mosquito management strategies.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Gastric Neoplastic Lesions: An Italian, Multicenter Study
Authors: Manta Raffaele , Galloro Giuseppe , Pugliese Francesco , Angeletti Stefano , Caruso Angelo , Zito Francesco P. , Mangiafico Santi , Marmo Riccardo , Zullo Angelo , Esposito Gianluca , Annibale Bruno , Mutignani Massimiliano , Conigliaro Rita
Published: March 2020

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows removing neoplastic lesions on gastric mucosa, including early gastric cancer (EGC) and dysplasia. Data on ESD from Western countries are still scanty. We report results of ESD procedures performed in Italy. Data of consecutive patients who underwent ESD for gastric neoplastic removal were analyzed. The en bloc resection rate and the R0 resection rates for all neoplastic lesions were calculated, as well as the curative rate (i.e., no need for surgical treatment) for EGC. The incidence of complications, the one-month mortality, and the recurrence rate at one-year follow-up were computed. A total of 296 patients with 299 gastric lesions (80 EGC) were treated. The en bloc resection was successful for 292 (97.6%) and the R0 was achieved in 266 (89%) out of all lesions. In the EGC group, the ESD was eventually curative in 72.5% (58/80) following procedure. A complication occurred in 30 (10.1%) patients. Endoscopic treatment was successful in all 3 perforations, whereas it failed in 2 out of 27 bleeding patients who were treated with radiological embolization (1 case) or surgery (1 case). No procedure-related deaths at one-month follow-up were observed. Lesion recurrence occurred in 16 (6.2%) patients (6 EGC and 10 dysplasia). In conclusion, the rate of both en bloc and R0 gastric lesions removal was very high in Italy. However, the curative rate for EGC needs to be improved. Complications were acceptably low and amenable at endoscopy.
Central and Peripheral Neuromuscular Adaptations to Ageing
Authors: Borzuola Riccardo , Giombini Arrigo , Torre Guglielmo , Campi Stefano , Albo Erika , Bravi Marco , Borrione Paolo , Fossati Chiara , Macaluso Andrea
Published: March 2020

Ageing is accompanied by a severe muscle function decline presumably caused by structural and functional adaptations at the central and peripheral level. Although researchers have reported an extensive analysis of the alterations involving muscle intrinsic properties, only a limited number of studies have recognised the importance of the central nervous system, and its reorganisation, on neuromuscular decline. Neural changes, such as degeneration of the human cortex and function of spinal circuitry, as well as the remodelling of the neuromuscular junction and motor units, appear to play a fundamental role in muscle quality decay and culminate with considerable impairments in voluntary activation and motor performance. Modern diagnostic techniques have provided indisputable evidence of a structural and morphological rearrangement of the central nervous system during ageing. Nevertheless, there is no clear insight on how such structural reorganisation contributes to the age-related functional decline and whether it is a result of a neural malfunction or serves as a compensatory mechanism to preserve motor control and performance in the elderly population. Combining leading-edge techniques such as high-density surface electromyography (EMG) and improved diagnostic procedures such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or high-resolution electroencephalography (EEG) could be essential to address the unresolved controversies and achieve an extensive understanding of the relationship between neural adaptations and muscle decline.
Does Combining Biomarkers and Brain Images Provide Improved Prognostic Predictive Performance for Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors before Target Temperature Management?
Authors: Son Seung Ha , Lee In Ho , Park Jung Soo , Yoo In Sool , Kim Seung Whan , Lee Jin Woong , Ryu Seung , You Yeonho , Min Jin Hong , Cho Yong Chul , Jeong Won Joon , Oh Se Kwang , Cho Sung Uk , Ahn Hong Joon , Kang Changshin , Lee Dong Hun , Lee Byung Kook , Youn Chun Song
Published: March 2020

We examined whether combining biomarkers measurements and brain images early after the return of spontaneous circulation improves prognostic performance compared with the use of either biomarkers or brain images for patients with cardiac arrest following target temperature management (TTM). This retrospective observational study involved comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. We analyzed neuron-specific enolase levels in serum (NSE) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), grey-to-white matter ratio by brain computed tomography, presence of high signal intensity (HSI) in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and voxel-based apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Of the 58 patients, 33 (56.9%) had poor neurologic outcomes. CSF NSE levels showed better prognostic performance (area under the curve (AUC) 0.873, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.749–0.950) than serum NSE levels (AUC 0.792, 95% CI 0.644–0.888). HSI in DWI showed the best prognostic performance (AUC 0.833, 95% CI 0.711–0.919). Combining CSF NSE levels and HSI in DWI had better prognostic performance (AUC 0.925, 95% CI 0.813–0.981) than each individual method, followed by the combination of serum NSE levels and HSI on DWI and that of CSF NSE levels and the percentage of voxels of ADC (AUC 0.901, 95% CI 0.792–0.965; AUC 0.849, 95% CI 0.717–0.935, respectively). Combining CSF/serum NSE levels and HSI in DWI before TTM improved the prognostic performance compared to either each individual method or other combinations.
Therapeutic Applications of Curcumin Nanomedicine Formulations in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Del Prado-Audelo María L. , Cortés Hernán , Leyva-Gómez Gerardo , Stojanović-Radić Zorica , Singh Yengkhom Disco , Patra Jayanta Kumar , Das Gitishree , Martins Natália , Martorell Miquel , Sharifi-Rad Marzieh , Cho William C. , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: March 2020

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) compromises a group of heart and blood vessels disorders with high impact on human health and wellbeing. Curcumin (CUR) have demonstrated beneficial effects on these group of diseases that represent a global burden with a prevalence that continues increasing progressively. Pre- and clinical studies have demonstrated the CUR effects in CVD through its anti-hypercholesterolemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects and its protective properties against cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. However, the CUR therapeutic limitation is its bioavailability. New CUR nanomedicine formulations are developed to solve this problem. The present article aims to discuss different studies and approaches looking into the promising role of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems to deliver CUR and its derivatives in CVD treatment, with an emphasis on their formulation properties, experimental evidence, bioactivity, as well as challenges and opportunities in developing these systems.
Associations between Disease Activity/Severity and Damage and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Patients with Localized Scleroderma—A Comparison of LoSCAT and Visual Analogue Scales
Authors: Lis-Święty Anna , Skrzypek-Salamon Alina , Ranosz-Janicka Irmina , Brzezińska-Wcisło Ligia
Published: March 2020

Localized scleroderma (LoS) is a chronic fibrosing disorder of the skin and, less commonly, subcutaneous tissues. As the disease causes subjective symptoms, cosmetic defects, and, at times, functional disability, subjects with LoS experience deterioration of their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The influence of disease activity/severity and damage status on HRQoL measures in patients with LoS is scarcely known. Physician-reported measures (modified LoS skin severity index, LoS skin damage index, physician global assessments of the disease activity/severity and damage) and patient-derived measures (patient global assessments of the disease activity/severity and damage) were obtained in adult LoS patients. Their HRQoL was measured with Skindex-29 and Short Form-36. The patients’ assessments of disease activity/severity and damage in LoS differed from the assessments by the physicians. The patients’ predominant concerns centered on LoS-related damage, whereas the physicians’ concerns focused on features of disease activity. Visual analogue scales bore some relation to the HRQoL, and they seem to be important in a holistic approach to the patient and should not be omitted in LoS evaluation.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Light Transmission Aggregometry in Diagnosing Hereditary Platelet Function Disorders
Authors: Alessi Marie-Christine , Sié Pierre , Payrastre Bernard
Published: March 2020

Hereditary defects in platelet function are responsible for sometimes severe mucocutaneous hemorrhages. They are a heterogeneous group of abnormalities whose first-line diagnosis typically involves interpreting the results of in vitro light transmission aggregometry (LTA) traces. Interpretation of LTA is challenging. LTA is usually performed in specialized laboratories with expertise in platelet pathophysiology. This review updates knowledge on LTA, describing the various platelet aggregation profiles typical of hereditary platelet disorders to guide the physician in the diagnosis of functional platelet disorders.
Abuse of Licit and Illicit Psychoactive Substances in the Workplace: Medical, Toxicological, and Forensic Aspects
Authors: Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge , Magalhães Teresa
Published: March 2020

About one-third of adult life is spent in the workplace. The use of psychoactive substances is a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. The consumption of psychoactive substances during or outside working hours greatly increases the frequency and severity of labor accidents, as well as the workers’ poor general state of health and productivity, implying higher costs for enterprises. It is the responsibility of organizations to ensure the safety and health of their workers. These cannot be limited to traditional routine clinical exams, as other aspects also have an impact on health. Thus, prevention and intervention in the consumption of psychoactive substances (e.g., ethanol, opioids, central nervous system stimulants or depressants, hallucinogens, Cannabis derivatives, dissociative substances, and inhalants) in labor activity should be considered as an investment of organizations and not as a cost, in view of the professional, personal, and family advantages for workers and employers, with a potential impact on productivity, security, health, and quality of life at work. Despite the extensive literature on the subject, each article generally focuses on one or another aspect of a very specific nature, not tackling the problem in a holistic way by confronting clinical, safety, and legal issues. This article presents a reflection on the legal, laboratorial, clinical, ethical, forensic, and safety concerns related to the consumption of psychoactive substances in the workplace, and can be a cross-cutting contribution to occupational medicine, forensic medicine, and insurance medicine, as well as for entrepreneurs, lawyers, judges, workers, and technicians from the public and private sectors that develop projects in this area. This discussion is based on general principles established internationally and highlights the role of the occupational healthcare system and other decision-making actors in the prevention and supervision of workplace psychoactive consumption.
Serum Uric Acid is Associated with Renal Prognosis of Lupus Nephritis in Women but not in Men
Authors: Oh Tae Ryom , Choi Hong Sang , Kim Chang Seong , Ryu Dong-Ryeol , Park Sun-Hee , Ahn Shin Young , Kim Soo Wan , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon
Published: March 2020

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Early intervention in lupus nephritis improves prognosis. There is an association between hyperuricemia and lupus nephritis; nevertheless, the sex-specific role of uric acid in lupus nephritis remains unclear. We retrospectively analyzed 578 patients diagnosed with LN by renal biopsy. We determine the relationship of serum uric acid to progression of LN using Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional hazards models. The primary end point was LN progression defined as the initiation of dialysis or kidney transplantation. Men had higher mean serum uric acid levels than did women. Every 1 mg/dL increase in baseline uric acid level increased the risk of LN progression by 15.1%. The serum uric acid level was an independent risk factor for LN progression in women (hazard ratio [HR], 1.158; confidence interval [CI], 1.018–1.317; p = 0.028) but not in men (HR, 1.499; CI, 0.964–2.331; p = 0.072). Sensitivity analysis involving serum uric acid terciles generated consistent and robust results. Serum uric acid level was an independent risk factor for LN progression in women but not in men.
Dielectric Properties of All-Organic Coatings: Comparison of PEDOT and PANI in Epoxy Matrices
Authors: Yuste-Sanchez Vanesa , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Francisco , Hoyos Mario , López Manchado Miguel A. , Verdejo Raquel
Published: March 2020

The technological demands imposed on dielectrics and electrical insulation materials are being increasing with the transition from traditional to smart grids. Epoxy resin/conductive polymer (CP) blends with high dielectric permittivity have been prepared by means of a straightforward methodology. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and polyaniline (PANI), doped with p-tosylate and ammonium peroxide sulfate (APS), respectively, were synthesized and blended with an epoxy matrix. The addition of 3 wt % of PEDOT and PANI results in permittivity values of 68.9 and 9.5, respectively at 0.1 Hz—1300 and 111 times higher than pure resin. Hence, PEDOT is more effective than PANI at improving the permittivity of the epoxy resin. Moreover, the material retains the electrical insulation of the resin and exhibits a slight increase in thermal conductivity.
An Integrated Geometric and Hysteretic Error Model of a Three Axis Machine Tool and Its Identification With a 3D Telescoping Ball-Bar
Authors: Esmaeili Sareh , Mayer J. R. R.
Published: March 2020

The ball-bar instrument is used to estimate a maximum number of hysteretic error sources. Machine error parameters include inter- and intra-axis errors as well as hysteresis effects. An error model containing cubic polynomial functions and modified qualitative variables, for hysteresis modeling, is proposed to identify such errors of the three nominally orthogonal linear axes machine. Such model has a total of 90 coefficients, not all of which being necessary. A numerical analysis is conducted to select a minimal but complete non-confounded set of error coefficients. Four different ball-bar test strategies to estimate the model coefficients are simulated and compared. The first one consists of circular trajectories on the primary planes XY, YZ, and XZ and the others use the XY plane, as an equator, and either four, five, or nine meridians. It is concluded that the five-meridian strategy can estimate the additional eight error coefficients: ECZ1, ECZ2, ECZ3, ECZb, EZY3, EZX3, ECX3, and ECXb. The Jacobian condition number is improved by increasing the number of meridians to 5. Further increasing the number of meridians from five to nine improves neither the number of estimable coefficients nor the conditioning, and so as it increases, the test time it was dismissed.
Comparative Study on Seismic Response of Pile Group Foundation in Coral Sand and Fujian Sand
Authors: Wu Qi , Ding Xuanming , Zhang Yanling , Chen Zhixiong
Published: March 2020

The physical and mechanical properties of coral sand are quite different from those of common terrestrial sands due to the special marine biogenesis. Shaking table tests of three-story structures with nine-pile foundation in coral sand and Fujian sand were carried out in order to study the dynamic response characteristics of pile-soil-structure system in coral sand under earthquake. The influence of shaking intensity on the dynamic response of the system was taken into consideration. The results indicated that the peak value of the excess pore pressure ratio of coral sand was smaller than that of Fujian sand under two kinds of shaking intensities; moreover, the development speed of excess pore pressure ratio of coral sand was smaller than that of Fujian sand. The liquefaction of coral sand was more difficult than Fujian sand under the same relative density and similar grain-size distribution. The horizontal displacement, settlement, column bending moment, and pile bending moment of coral sand were smaller than those of Fujian sand, respectively. The magnification effect of column bending moment of buildings in coral sand was less than that in Fujian sand with increasing shaking intensity. This study can provide some supports for the seismic design of coral reef projects.
Real-Time Diagnosis of Island Landslides Based on GB-RAR
Authors: Ma Deming , Li Yongsheng , Cai Jianwei , Li Bingquan , Liu Yanxiong , Chen Xingguo
Published: March 2020

Landslides are one of the most frequent and serious geological disasters that threaten people’s lives and property safety. In recent years, with the rapid development of the coastal economy and the increasingly strained spatial resources, the island development activities have become extremely rapid, resulting in the frequent occurrence of landslides on the island. We selected Beichangshan Island in the north of China as the research area. By using high-precision ground-based real aperture radar (GB-RAR) measurement technology, the displacement changes of potential landslides are monitored continuously and dynamically to realize the real-time diagnosis and early warning of island landslides. At the same time, the data interpretation method and key processing flow are described in detail. The results show that during the whole monitoring process, an area of obvious change is found, which is mainly located in the middle of the landslide mass. The mean velocity rate shows a nonlinear deformation trend. The maximum deformation of the landslide in the five selected points reaches 4.5 mm, which indicates that the area is in an unstable stage. The deformation monitoring ability of GB-RAR technology to identify the sub-millimeter level is demonstrated, and the monitoring method is verified. The validity and reliability of the method can be applied to real-time dynamic fine deformation diagnosis of island landslides. Its accuracy can meet the needs of dynamic change monitoring of island landslides, and it can become an important tool and means for early warning and treatment of landslides. The research is conducive to further enriching and improving the monitoring method system of island geological disasters in China, provides a scientific basis and technical support for early warning and disaster prevention and mitigation of island landslides, and can be popularized and applied in the monitoring of island landslides.
Seafloor Site Characterization for a Remote Island OWC Device Near King Island, Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Cossu Remo , Heatherington Craig , Penesis Irene , Beecroft Ryan , Hunter Scott
Published: March 2020

We present findings from a geotechnical survey for a gravity-based Wave Energy Converter (WEC) to be installed in King Island, Tasmania. The goal of this work was to assess the deployment location for a 200 kW Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and to identify possible challenges for the foundation of the structure to make it Australia’s first operational offshore OWC for a remote offshore island. The proposed location for this OWC is the southeast coast of King Island, Tasmania, approximately in a depth of ~5.5 m LAT. The survey included sub-bottom profiling, sediment cores, surficial sediment strength by penetrometer drops, seabed imagery, as well as long-term deployment (>6 months) of pressure sondes and an acoustic wave current profiler (AWAC). Our findings demonstrate that the WEC can be installed in the proposed location with significant wave height Hs ~1–1.5 m and peak period Tp of 12–14 s, and that the site exhibits sufficient sand coverage and quasisteady bearing capacity. The period between the survey and prospective deployment is only one year, demonstrating the efficiency of the survey methods (in particular, the use of the penetrometer) and OWC design but also the suitability of the candidate site for this device design.
(E)-1,1,1-Trifluoro-6,6-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)hexa-3,5-dien-2-one
Authors: Cadierno Victorio
Published: March 2020

The title compound was obtained in high yield (84%) via the deacetylation of 3-(3,3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)allylidene)-1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione with K2CO3 in refluxing methanol. This previously unreported compound has been fully characterized by 19F{1H}, 1H and 13C{1H} NMR, IR, UV-Vis, and HRMS.
Third Body Wear of UHMWPE-on-PEEK-OPTIMA™
Authors: Cowie Raelene M. , Pallem Naveen Manikya , Briscoe Adam , Jennings Louise M.
Published: March 2020

PEEK-OPTIMA™ is being considered as an alternative to cobalt chrome (CoCr) in the femoral component of total knee replacements. To date, investigations of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-on-PEEK have shown an equivalent wear rate to conventional implant materials under standard conditions. In this study, the third body wear performance of UHMWPE-on-PEEK was directly compared to UHMWPE-on-CoCr in a series of pin-on-plate studies using two approaches for third body damage. Damage simulation with particles of bone cement showed a significant (p < 0.001), four-fold increase in the mean surface roughness of PEEK plates compared to CoCr. However, wear simulation against the damaged plates showed no significant difference in the wear of UHMWPE pins against the different materials (p = 0.59), and a polishing effect by the pin against the PEEK plates was observed. Scratching PEEK and CoCr counterfaces with a diamond stylus to create scratches representative of severe third body damage (4 µm lip height) resulted in a significantly higher (p = 0.01) wear of UHMWPE against CoCr compared to PEEK and again, against PEEK plates, polishing by the UHMWPE pin led to a reduction in scratch lip height. This study shows that in terms of its wear performance under third body wear/damage conditions, UHMWPE-on-PEEK differs from conventional knee replacement materials.
Post-Pyrolytic Carbon as a Phase Change Materials (PCMs) Carrier for Application in Building Materials
Authors: Ryms Michał , Januszewicz Katarzyna , Kazimierski Paweł , Łuczak Justyna , Klugmann-Radziemska Ewa , Lewandowski Witold M.
Published: March 2020

This article covers new application for char as a carrier of phase-change materials (PCM) that could be used as an additive to building materials. Being composed of bio-char and PCM, the granulate successfully competes with more expensive commercial materials of this type, such as Micronal® PCM. As a PCM carrier, char that was obtained from the pyrolysis of chestnut fruit (Aesculus hippocastanum) with different absorbances of the model phase-change material, Rubitherm RT22, was tested. DSC analysis elucidated several thermal properties (such as enthalpy, phase transition temperature, and temperature peak) of those mixtures and the results were compared with a commercial equivalent, Micronal DS 5040 X. Comparative research, approximating realistic conditions, were also performed by cooling and heating samples in a form of coatings that were made from chars with different content of RT22. These results indicated that the use of char as a PCM carrier was not only possible, but also beneficial from a thermodynamic point of view and it could serve as an alternative to commercial products. In this case, adsorption RT22 into char allowed for temperature stabilization comparable to Micronal DS 5040 X with ease of use as well as the economic advantages of being very low cost to produce due to microencapsulation. Other advantage of the proposed solution is related with the application of char obtained from waste biomass pyrolysis as a PCM carrier, and using this product in building construction to improve thermal comfort and increase energy efficiency.
The Role of Helium on Ejecta Production in Copper
Authors: Fensin Saryu , Jones David , Martinez Daniel , Lear Calvin , Payton Jeremy
Published: March 2020

The effect of helium (He) concentration on ejecta production in OFHC-Copper was investigated using Richtmyer–Meshkov Instability (RMI) experiments. The experiments involved complex samples with periodic surface perturbations machined onto the surface. Each of the four target was implanted with a unique helium concentration that varied from 0 to 4000 appm. The perturbation’s wavelengths were λ ≈ 65 μ m, and their amplitudes h 0 were varied to determine the wavenumber ( 2 π / λ ) amplitude product k h 0 at which ejecta production beganfor Cu with and without He. The velocity and mass of the ejecta produced was quantified using Photon Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) and Lithium-Niobate (LN) pins, respectively. Our results show that there was an increase of 30% in the velocity at which the ejecta cloud was traveling in Copper with 4000 appm as compared to its unimplanted counterpart. Our work also shows that there was a finer cloud of ejecta particles that was not detected by the PDV probes but was detected by the early arrival of a “signal” at the LN pins. While the LN pins were not able to successfully quantify the mass produced due to it being in the solid state, they did provide information on timing. Our results show that ejecta was produced for a longer time in the 4000 appm copper.
Structural Materials: Identification of the Constitutive Models and Assessment of the Material Response in Structural Elements Strengthened with Externally-Bonded Composite Material
Authors: Zhelyazov Todor
Published: March 2020

This article investigates the material behavior within multiple-component systems. Specifically, a structural concrete element strengthened to flexure with externally-bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) material is considered. Enhancements of mechanical performances of the composite structural element resulting from synergies in the framework of the multiple-component system are studied. The research work comprises the determination of the constitutive relations for the materials considered separately as well as the investigation of materials’ response within a complex system such as the composite structural element. The definition of the material models involves a calibration of the model constants based on characterization tests. The constitutive relations are integrated into the finite element model to study the material behavior within the multiple-component system. Results obtained by finite element analysis are compared with experimental results from the literature. The finite element analysis provides valuable information about the evolution of some internal variables, such as mechanical damage accumulation. The material synergies find expression in the load-carrying capacity enhancement and the delay in the damage accumulation in concrete.
Physical Properties of XN (X = B, Al, Ga, In) in the Pm−3n phase: First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Zhang Qidong , Zou Yucong , Fan Qingyang , Yang Yintang
Published: March 2020

Three direct semiconductor materials and one indirect semiconductor material, Pm−3n XN (X = B, Al, Ga, In), are investigated in our work, employing density functional theory (DFT), where the structural properties, stability, elastic properties, elastic anisotropy properties and electronic properties are included. The shear modulus G and bulk modulus B of Pm−3n BN are 290 GPa and 244 GPa, respectively, which are slightly less than the values of B and G for c-BN and Pnma BN, while they are larger than those of C64 in the I41/amd phase. The shear modulus of Pm−3n BN is the greatest, and the shear modulus of C64 in the I41/amd phase is the smallest. The Debye temperatures of BN, AlN, GaN and InN are 1571, 793, 515 and 242 K, respectively, using the elastic modulus formula. AlN has the largest anisotropy in the Young’s modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson‘s ratio; BN has the smallest elastic anisotropy in G; and InN has the smallest elastic anisotropy in the Poisson’s ratio. Pm−3n BN, AlN, GaN and InN have the smallest elastic anisotropy along the (111) direction, and the elastic anisotropy of the E in the (100) (010) (001) planes and in the (011) (101) (110) planes is the same. The shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio of BN, AlN, GaN and InN in the Pm−3n phase in the (001), (010), (100), (111), (101), (110), and (011) planes are the same. In addition, AlN, GaN and InN all have direct band-gaps and can be used as a semiconductor within the HSE06 hybrid functional.
Crystallization Kinetics and Structural Properties of the 45S5 Bioactive Glass and Glass-Ceramic Fiber Doped with Eu3+
Authors: Baranowska Agata , Leśniak Magdalena , Kochanowicz Marcin , Żmojda Jacek , Miluski Piotr , Dorosz Dominik
Published: March 2020

An investigation of the crystallization kinetics of 45S5 Bioglass® using differential scanning calorimetry is presented in this paper. Thermal analysis was performed using the Friedman method. The activation energy and the Avrami index were calculated. The glass samples were subjected to additional controlled heat treatment at 620 °C in order to obtain bioactive glass-ceramics with enhanced mechanical properties. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements indicated the formation of the glass-ceramic structures of three cyclosilicates: Na4Ca4(Si6O18) or Na6Ca3(Si6O18) or Na16Ca4(Si12O36). Based on middle infrared region (MIR) results, it can be concluded that the crystalline phase present in the tested materials was Na6Ca3(Si6O18) (combeite). Material was doped with Eu3+ ions, which act as a spectroscopic probe for monitoring the structural changes in the glass matrix. The decreasing value of the fluorescence intensity radio parameter indicated symmetry around the europium ions and, thus, the arrangement of the glass structure. The bioactive properties of the examined glass-ceramics were also determined. The bioactive glass fibers doped with Eu3+ were manufactured using two different methods. Its structural and luminescent properties were examined.
Stability of Unbounded Differential Equations in Menger k-Normed Spaces: A Fixed Point Technique
Authors: Madadi Masoumeh , Saadati Reza , De la Sen Manuel
Published: March 2020

We attempt to solve differential equations υ ′ ( ν ) = Γ ( ν , υ ( ν ) ) and use the fixed point technique to prove its Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability in Menger k-normed spaces.
Coupled Fixed Point Theorems Employing CLR-Property on

V

-Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Shatanawi Wasfi , Kanwar Ashima
Published: March 2020

The introduction of the common limit range property on V -fuzzy metric spaces is the foremost aim of this paper. Furthermore, significant results for coupled maps are proven by employing this property on V -fuzzy metric spaces. More precisely, we introduce the notion of C L R Ω -property for the mappings Θ : M × M → M and Ω : M → M . We utilize our new notion to present and prove our new fixed point results.
Perish or Publish Dilemma: Challenges to Responsible Authorship
Authors: Aliukonis Vygintas , Poškutė Margarita , Gefenas Eugenijus
Published: March 2020

Controversies related to the concept and practice of responsible authorship and its misuse have been among the most prominent issues discussed in the recent literature on research integrity. Therefore, this paper aims to address the factors that lead to two major types of unethical authorship, namely, honorary and ghost authorship. It also highlights negative consequences of authorship misuse and provides a critical analysis of different authorship guidelines, including a recent debate on the amendments of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) authorship definition. Empirical studies revealed that honorary authorship was the most prevalent deviation from the responsible authorship standards. Three different modalities of honorary authorship were distinguished: gift authorship, guest authorship, and coercive authorship. Prevalence of authorship misuse worldwide and in Europe was alarmingly high, covering approximately one third of all scientific publications. No significant differences were reported in authorship misuse between different health research disciplines. The studies conducted in North America highlighted the most effective means to cope with unethical authorship. These were training in publishing ethics, clear authorship policies developed by medical schools, and explicit compliance with the authorship criteria required by the medical journals. In conclusion, more empirical research is needed to raise awareness of the high prevalence of authorship misuse among scientists. Research integrity training courses, including publication ethics and authorship issues should be integrated into the curricula for students and young researchers in medical schools. Last but not least, further discussion on responsible authorship criteria and practice should be initiated.
High Serum Phosphate Level as a Risk Factor to Determine Renal Prognosis in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sato Masayo , Kataoka Hiroshi , Ushio Yusuke , Manabe Shun , Watanabe Saki , Akihisa Taro , Makabe Shiho , Yoshida Rie , Iwasa Naomi , Mitobe Michihiro , Hanafusa Norio , Tsuchiya Ken , Nitta Kosaku , Mochizuki Toshio
Published: March 2020

Background: Serum phosphate levels, which are associated with the progression of renal dysfunction in chronic kidney disease, in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are lower than those in patients with other kidney diseases. However, their role in ADPKD remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether serum phosphate levels could have an association with renal prognoses among patients with ADPKD. Methods: In total, 55 patients with PKD1 or PKD2 mutations but not undergoing dialysis were evaluated. Data regarding serum phosphate levels were collected, and Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with renal replacement therapy as the endpoint. Results: The median (quartile 1; quartile 3) serum phosphate concentration was 3.4 (3.1; 3.9) mg/dL, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 39.5 (17.6; 65.7) mL/min/1.73 m2. The multivariate analysis that included age, PKD1 mutation, eGFR, urinary protein excretion, hyperuricemia, and serum phosphate determined that eGFR (HR, 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74–0.90; p < 0.0001) and serum phosphate (HR, 6.78; 95% CI, 1.94–34.02; p = 0.0021) were independently associated with renal replacement therapy. Conclusions: We found that serum phosphate levels were significantly associated with poor renal prognoses in patients with ADPKD.
Numerical Study of the Influence of Geometric Features of Dimple Texture on Hydrodynamic Pressure Generation
Authors: Wei Yuan , Tomkowski Robert , Archenti Andreas
Published: March 2020

Controlling friction and wear are essential for reducing energy loss and lengthening the life span of friction pairs in sliding contacts. Surface texturing is an effective and efficient way to reduce friction and wear, especially under lubricated conditions. Dimple texture on friction pair surfaces has been verified to enhance the lubrication condition and shift the lubrication regime by generating additional hydrodynamic pressure. However, the geometric features and distribution of the microstructures considerably influence the production of additional pressure. Choosing and designing dimple texture with suitable geometric features is necessary and important for texturing applications. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are used to investigate the effect of the geometric features of dimple textures on pressure build-up. The influence of dimple shapes, dimple depths, minimum film thickness, dimple densities, and dimple surface angles are presented and discussed. Notably, the influence of the dimple surface angle is introduced and presented.
Microstructure and Creep Properties of Ni-Base Superalloy IN718 Built up by Selective Laser Melting in a Vacuum Environment
Authors: Nagahari Toshiki , Nagoya Taigi , Kakehi Koji , Sato Naoko , Nakano Shizuka
Published: March 2020

Selective laser melting (SLM) in a vacuum environment is a relatively new process. Although the material is expected to undergo a gradual heat change, which will influence the microstructure and creep properties of IN718, little research has been conducted to date. Here, we compared specimens built in vacuum (V-SLM) to those built in an Ar atmosphere (Ar-SLM). We investigated the microstructure and creep properties of V-SLM, and compared the V-SLM specimen to a conventional Ar-SLM specimen. The V-SLM specimen had a larger-grained texture, and the quantity of the δ phase was much lower. In addition, the V-SLM specimen had lower amounts of aluminum and titanium oxides, which improved the stability of the γ″ phase. Thus, the V-SLM specimen showed better creep life than the Ar-SLM, due to prevention of brittle fractures along the interdendritic regions.