bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioaerosols Play a Major Role in the Nasopharyngeal Microbiota Content in Agricultural Environment
Authors: Mbareche Hamza , Veillette Marc , Pilote Jonathan , Létourneau Valérie , Duchaine Caroline
Published: April 2019

Background: Bioaerosols are a major concern for public health and sampling for exposure assessment purposes is challenging. The nasopharyngeal region could be a potent carrier of long-term bioaerosol exposure agents. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between nasopharyngeal bacterial flora of swine workers and the swine barns bioaerosol biodiversity. Methods: Air samples from eight swine barns as well as nasopharyngeal swabs from pig workers (n = 25) and from a non-exposed control group (n = 29) were sequenced using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Wastewater treatment plants were used as the industrial, low-dust, non-agricultural environment control to validate the microbial link between the bioaerosol content (air) and the nasopharynxes of workers. Results: A multivariate analysis showed air samples and nasopharyngeal flora of pig workers cluster together, compared to the non-exposed control group. The significance was confirmed with the PERMANOVA statistical test (p-value of 0.0001). Unlike the farm environment, nasopharynx samples from wastewater workers did not cluster with air samples from wastewater treatment plants. The difference in the microbial community of nasopharynx of swine workers and a control group suggest that swine workers are carriers of germs found in bioaerosols. Conclusion: Nasopharynx sampling and microbiota could be used as a proxy of air sampling for exposure assessment studies or for the determination of exposure markers in highly contaminated agricultural environments.
Measuring Environmental and Economic Performance of Air Pollution Control for Province-Level Areas in China
Authors: Gong Xiao , Mi Jianing , Wei Chunyan , Yang Ruitao
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes an improved three-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to measure the environmental-economic efficiency (EEE) of air pollution control for 30 province-level areas of China during the period of 2012 to 2016. In this model, capital, labor, and total energy consumption are the three inputs, while gross domestic product (GDP) and waste gas emissions represent the desirable and undesirable outputs, respectively. This model allows the weights of economic growth and environmental protection to be adjusted as needed by policymakers; the model is adopted to evaluate the effects of government measures on environmental protection and economic growth. Ultimately, the effects from environmental factors and statistical noise are excluded from the EEEs of local governments and the managerial efficiencies are calculated. The results simultaneously reflect the local performance of air pollution control and economic development, which can be used to clarify the ranking of provinces nationwide.
Influence of Straw Burning on Urban Air Pollutant Concentrations in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Zhao Jianjun , Xu Jiawen , Jia Mingrui , Li Han , Wang Shijun
Published: April 2019

Northeast China is China’s primary grain production base. A large amount of crop straw is incinerated every spring and autumn, which greatly impacts air quality. To study the degree of influence of straw burning on urban pollutant concentrations, this study used The Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer/Terra Thermal Anomalies & Fire Daily L3 Global 1 km V006 (MOD14A1) and The Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer/Aqua Thermal Anomalies and Fire Daily L3 Global 1 km V006 (MYD14A1) data from 2015 to 2017 to extract fire spot data on arable land burning and to study the spatial distribution characteristics of straw burning on urban pollutant concentrations, temporal variation characteristics and impact thresholds. The results show that straw burning in Northeast China is concentrated in spring and autumn; the seasonal spatial distributions of PM2.5, PM10 andAir Quality Index (AQI) in 41 cities or regions in Northeast China correspond to the seasonal variation of fire spots; and pollutants appear in the peak periods of fire spots. In areas where the concentration coefficient of rice or corn is greater than 1, the number of fire spots has a strong correlation with the urban pollution index. The correlation coefficient R between the number of burned fire spots and the pollutant concentration has a certain relationship with the urban distribution. Cities are aggregated in geospatial space with different R values.
Systemic Barriers and Equitable Interventions to Improve Vegetable and Fruit Intake in Children: Interviews with National Food System Actors
Authors: Gerritsen Sarah , Harré Sophia , Swinburn Boyd , Rees David , Renker-Darby Ana , Bartos Ann E. , Waterlander Wilma E.
Published: April 2019

Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is declining in New Zealand, and over half of New Zealand’s children do not meet the recommendation of two serves of fruit and three serves of vegetables daily (with even lower adherence among children in high-deprivation neighbourhoods). The aim of this study was to map the potential causal pathways explaining this decline and possible actions to reverse it. Semi-structured interviews were held in April–May 2018 with 22 national actors from the produce industry, food distribution and retail sector, government, and NGO health organisations. The qualitative systems dynamics method of cognitive mapping was used to explore causal relationships within the food system that result in low FV intake among children. Barriers and solutions identified by participants were analysed using thematic analysis and according to a public health intervention framework. Participants were in agreement with the goal of improving FV intake for health and economic outcomes, and that health promotion strategies had been ineffectual to date due to multiple systemic barriers. Common barriers discussed were poverty, high food prices, low skills/knowledge, unhealthy food environments, climate change, and urbanization. Solutions with the strongest evidence of efficacy identified by the participants were subsidizing FVs and early childhood interventions to improve FV exposure.
Modeling the Impact of an Indoor Air Filter on Air Pollution Exposure Reduction and Associated Mortality in Urban Delhi Household
Authors: Liao Jiawen , Ye Wenlu , Pillarisetti Ajay , Clasen Thomas F.
Published: April 2019

Indoor exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a prominent health concern. However, few studies have examined the effectiveness of long-term use of indoor air filters for reduction of PM2.5 exposure and associated decrease in adverse health impacts in urban India. We conducted 20 simulations of yearlong personal exposure to PM2.5 in urban Delhi using the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s CONTAM program (NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, USA). Simulation scenarios were developed to examine different air filter efficiencies, use schedules, and the influence of a smoker at home. We quantified associated mortality reductions with Household Air Pollution Intervention Tool (HAPIT, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA). Without an air filter, we estimated an annual mean PM2.5 personal exposure of 103 µg/m3 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 93, 112) and 137 µg/m3 (95% CI: 125, 149) for households without and with a smoker, respectively. All day use of a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter would reduce personal PM2.5 exposure to 29 µg/m3 and 30 µg/m3, respectively. The reduced personal PM2.5 exposure from air filter use is associated with 8–37% reduction in mortality attributable to PM2.5 pollution in Delhi. The findings of this study indicate that air filter may provide significant improvements in indoor air quality and result in health benefits.
The Roles of Electrostatic Interactions in Capsid Assembly Mechanisms of Giant Viruses
Authors: Xian Yuejiao , Karki Chitra , Silva Sebastian , Li Lin , Xiao Chuan
Published: April 2019

In the last three decades, many giant DNA viruses have been discovered. Giant viruses present a unique and essential research frontier for studies of self-assembly and regulation of supramolecular assemblies. The question on how these giant DNA viruses assemble thousands of proteins so accurately to form their protein shells, the capsids, remains largely unanswered. Revealing the mechanisms of giant virus assembly will help to discover the mysteries of many self-assembly biology problems. Paramecium bursaria Chlorella virus-1 (PBCV-1) is one of the most intensively studied giant viruses. Here, we implemented a multi-scale approach to investigate the interactions among PBCV-1 capsid building units called capsomers. Three binding modes with different strengths are found between capsomers around the relatively flat area of the virion surface at the icosahedral 2-fold axis. Furthermore, a capsomer structure manipulation package is developed to simulate the capsid assembly process. Using these tools, binding forces among capsomers were investigated and binding funnels were observed that were consistent with the final assembled capsid. In addition, total binding free energies of each binding mode were calculated. The results helped to explain previous experimental observations. Results and tools generated in this work established an initial computational approach to answer current unresolved questions regarding giant virus assembly mechanisms. Results will pave the way for studying more complicated process in other biomolecular structures.
TRPM7, Magnesium, and Signaling
Authors: Zou Zhi-Guo , Rios Francisco J. , Montezano Augusto C. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: April 2019

The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitously expressed chanzyme that possesses an ion channel permeable to the divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, and Zn2+, and an α-kinase that phosphorylates downstream substrates. TRPM7 and its homologue TRPM6 have been implicated in a variety of cellular functions and is critically associated with intracellular signaling, including receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-mediated pathways. Emerging evidence indicates that growth factors, such as EGF and VEGF, signal through their RTKs, which regulate activity of TRPM6 and TRPM7. TRPM6 is primarily an epithelial-associated channel, while TRPM7 is more ubiquitous. In this review we focus on TRPM7 and its association with growth factors, RTKs, and downstream kinase signaling. We also highlight how interplay between TRPM7, Mg2+ and signaling kinases influences cell function in physiological and pathological conditions, such as cancer and preeclampsia.
Clinical and Biological Significance of ESR1 Gene Alteration and Estrogen Receptors Isoforms Expression in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Nagel Anna , Szade Jolanta , Iliszko Mariola , Elzanowska Julia , Welnicka-Jaskiewicz Marzena , Skokowski Jaroslaw , Stasilojc Grzegorz , Bigda Jacek , Sadej Rafal , Zaczek Anna , Markiewicz Aleksandra
Published: April 2019

The amplification of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) encoded by the ESR1 gene has been described as having a prognostic role in breast cancer patients. However, increased dosage of the ESR1 gene (tested by real-time PCR) is also observed in ER-negative breast cancers, which might suggest the expression of alternative isoforms of ERα (other than classical ERα of 66 kDa). In the current work, we have investigated the ESR1 gene dosage in 402 primary breast cancer patients as well as the expression of ERα isoforms—ERα66 and ERα36—on mRNA and protein levels. The obtained results were correlated with clinicopathological data of the patients. Results showed that increased ESR1 gene dosage is not related to ESR1 gene amplification measured by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), but it correlates with the decreased expression of ERα66 isoform (p = 0.01). Interestingly, the short ER isoform ERα36 was expressed in samples with increased ESR1 gene dosage, suggesting that genomic aberration might influence the expression of that particular isoform. Similarly to ESR1 increased gene dosage, high ERα36 expression was linked with the decreased disease-free survival of the patients (p = 0.05), which was independent of the status of the classical ERα66 level in breast tumors.
Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha in Intestinal Homeostasis and Gut Related Diseases
Authors: Ruder Barbara , Atreya Raja , Becker Christoph
Published: April 2019

The intestinal epithelium constitutes an indispensable single-layered barrier to protect the body from invading pathogens, antigens or toxins. At the same time, beneficial nutrients and water have to be absorbed by the epithelium. To prevent development of intestinal inflammation or tumour formation, intestinal homeostasis has to be tightly controlled and therefore a strict balance between cell death and proliferation has to be maintained. The proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was shown to play a striking role for the regulation of this balance in the gut. Depending on the cellular conditions, on the one hand TNFα is able to mediate cell survival by activating NFκB signalling. On the other hand, TNFα might trigger cell death, in particular caspase-dependent apoptosis but also caspase-independent programmed necrosis. By regulating these cell death and survival mechanisms, TNFα exerts a variety of beneficial functions in the intestine. However, TNFα signalling is also supposed to play a critical role for the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infectious diseases, intestinal wound healing and tumour formation. Here we review the literature about the physiological and pathophysiological role of TNFα signalling for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and the benefits and difficulties of anti-TNFα treatment during IBD.
Quantitative Phosphoproteomic and Physiological Analyses Provide Insights into the Formation of the Variegated Leaf in Catalpa fargesii
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhu Tianqing , Lu Nan , Wang Zhi , Yang Guijuan , Qu Guanzheng , Kong Lisheng , Zhang Shougong , Ma Wenjun , Wang Junhui
Published: April 2019

Variegated plants are valuable materials for investigating leaf color regulated mechanisms. To unveil the role of posttranslational modification in the variegated phenotype, we conducted global quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis on different leaf color sectors of Maiyuanjinqiu and the corresponding of Catalpa fargesii using Ti4+-IMAC phosphopeptide enrichment. A total of 3778 phosphorylated sites assigned to 1646 phosphoproteins were identified, and 3221 in 1434 proteins were quantified. Differential phosphoproteins (above 1.5 or below 1/1.5) in various leaf color sectors were selected for functional enrichment analyses. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment revealed that processes of photosynthesis, regulation of the generation of precursor metabolites, response to stress, homeostasis, amino acid metabolism, transport–related processes, and most of the energy metabolisms might contribute to leaf color. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed based on differential phosphoproteins (DPs) in different organelles. The result showed that most enriched pathways were located in the chloroplasts and cytosol. The phosphorylation levels of glycometabolism enzymes might greatly affect leaf variegation. Measurements of fluorescence parameters and enzyme activities confirmed that protein phosphorylation could affect plant physiology by regulating enzyme activity. These results provide new clues for further study the formation mechanisms of naturally variegated phenotype.
Quantification of the Lamin A/C Transcript Variants in Cancer Cell Lines by Targeted Absolute Quantitative Proteomics and Correlation with mRNA Expression
Authors: Al-Qahtani Wedad , Abduljabbar Mai , AlSuhaibani Entissar , Abdel Rahman Anas , Aljada Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Lamin A/C proteins have key roles in nuclear structural integrity and chromosomal stability. Lamin A/C cumulative protein expression of all variants is reported by semi-quantitative Western blotting. To date, there have not been specific antibodies for the individual Lamin A/C transcript variants. We developed a mass spectrometric approach for the quantification of Lamin A/C transcript variants. A signature peptide for each specific splice variant of Lamin A/C was selected. A LC–MS/MS assay based on the selected signature peptides and their labeled internal standards was established to measure the expression of Lamin A/C transcript variant concentrations. The method validation was carried out according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. The expression levels of the Lamin A/C transcript variants were measured in samples derived from MCF7 and U937 cell lines. RT-qPCR assay was also used to quantitate and compare the mRNA expression of splice variants of Lamin A/C. The established and validated method showed a great linearity, sensitivity, and precision. The different expressed Lamin A/C variants in different cell lines were measured and their levels were in concordance with qRT-PCR results. The developed method is reproducible, reliable, and sensitive for measuring different Lamin A/C transcript variants in different cell lines.
CAR-T with License to Kill Solid Tumors in Search of a Winning Strategy
Authors: Sacchetti Benedetto , Botticelli Andrea , Pierelli Luca , Nuti Marianna , Alimandi Maurizio
Published: April 2019

Artificial receptors designed for adoptive immune therapies need to absolve dual functions: antigen recognition and abilities to trigger the lytic machinery of reprogrammed effector T lymphocytes. In this way, CAR-T cells deliver their cytotoxic hit to cancer cells expressing targeted tumor antigens, bypassing the limitation of HLA-restricted antigen recognition. Expanding technologies have proposed a wide repertoire of soluble and cellular “immunological weapons” to kill tumor cells; they include monoclonal antibodies recognizing tumor associated antigens on tumor cells and immune cell checkpoint inhibition receptors expressed on tumor specific T cells. Moreover, a wide range of formidable chimeric antigen receptors diversely conceived to sustain quality, strength and duration of signals delivered by engineered T cells have been designed to specifically target tumor cells while minimize off-target toxicities. The latter immunological weapons have shown distinct efficacy and outstanding palmarès in curing leukemia, but limited and durable effects for solid tumors. General experience with checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell immunotherapy has identified a series of variables, weaknesses and strengths, influencing the clinical outcome of the oncologic illness. These aspects will be shortly outlined with the intent of identifying the still “missing strategy” to combat epithelial cancers.
Low-Grade Inflammation Is Associated with Apathy Indirectly via Deep White Matter Lesions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Sefuri Study
Authors: Yao Hiroshi , Mizoguchi Yoshito , Monji Akira , Yakushiji Yusuke , Takashima Yuki , Uchino Akira , Yuzuriha Takefumi , Hashimoto Manabu
Published: April 2019

Low-grade inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and apathy as a form of vascular depression. We analyzed the brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in 259 community-dwelling older adults (122 men and 137 women, with a mean age of 68.4 years). The serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured by a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the log10 hsCRP value and the presence of a metabolic syndrome were independently associated with confluent but not punctate deep white matter lesions (DWMLs). Path analysis based on structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that the direct path from the log10 hsCRP to the DWMLs was significant (β = 0.119, p = 0.039). The direct paths from the metabolic syndrome to the log10 hsCRP and to the DWMLs were also significant. The direct path from the DWMLs to apathy (β = −0.165, p = 0.007) was significant, but the direct path from the log10 hsCRP to apathy was not significant. Inflammation (i.e., elevated serum hsCRP levels) was associated with DWMLs independent of common vascular risk factors, while DWMLs were associated with apathy. The present analysis with SEM revealed the more realistic scheme that low-grade inflammation was associated with apathy indirectly via DWMLs in community-dwelling older adults.
A Review of Polyglot Persistence in the Big Data World
Authors: Khine Pwint Phyu , Wang Zhaoshun
Published: April 2019

The inevitability of the relationship between big data and distributed systems is indicated by the fact that data characteristics cannot be easily handled by a standalone centric approach. Among the different concepts of distributed systems, the CAP theorem (Consistency, Availability, and Partition Tolerant) points out the prominent use of the eventual consistency property in distributed systems. This has prompted the need for other, different types of databases beyond SQL (Structured Query Language) that have properties of scalability and availability. NoSQL (Not-Only SQL) databases, mostly with the BASE (Basically Available, Soft State, and Eventual consistency), are gaining ground in the big data era, while SQL databases are left trying to keep up with this paradigm shift. However, none of these databases are perfect, as there is no model that fits all requirements of data-intensive systems. Polyglot persistence, i.e., using different databases as appropriate for the different components within a single system, is becoming prevalent in data-intensive big data systems, as they are distributed and parallel by nature. This paper reflects the characteristics of these databases from a conceptual point of view and describes a potential solution for a distributed system—the adoption of polyglot persistence in data-intensive systems in the big data era.
A Synergetic Theory of Information
Authors: Vyatkin Viktor
Published: April 2019

A new approach is presented to defining the amount of information, in which information is understood as the data about a finite set as a whole, whereas the average length of an integrative code of elements serves as a measure of information. In the framework of this approach, the formula for the syntropy of a reflection was obtained for the first time, that is, the information which two intersecting finite sets reflect (reproduce) about each other. Features of a reflection of discrete systems through a set of their parts are considered and it is shown that reproducible information about the system (the additive syntropy of reflection) and non-reproducible information (the entropy of reflection) are, respectively, measures of the structural order and the chaos. At that, the general classification of discrete systems is given by the ratio of the order and the chaos. Three information laws have been established: The law of conservation of the sum of chaos and order; the information law of reflection; and the law of conservation and transformation of information. An assessment of the structural organization and the level of development of discrete systems is presented. It is shown that various measures of information are structural characteristics of integrative codes of elements of discrete systems. A conclusion is made that, from the information-genetic positions, the synergetic approach to the definition of the quantity of information is primary in relation to the approaches of Hartley and Shannon.
Double Deep Autoencoder for Heterogeneous Distributed Clustering
Authors: Chen Chin-Yi , Huang Jih-Jeng
Published: April 2019

Given the issues relating to big data and privacy-preserving challenges, distributed data mining (DDM) has received much attention recently. Here, we focus on the clustering problem of distributed environments. Several distributed clustering algorithms have been proposed to solve this problem, however, previous studies have mainly considered homogeneous data. In this paper, we develop a double deep autoencoder structure for clustering in distributed and heterogeneous datasets. Three datasets are used to demonstrate the proposed algorithms, and show their usefulness according to the consistent accuracy index.
Neuroimaging Studies on Disorders of Consciousness: A Meta-Analytic Evaluation
Authors: Berlingeri Manuela , Magnani Francesca Giulia , Salvato Gerardo , Rosanova Mario , Bottini Gabriella
Published: April 2019

Neuroimaging tools could open a window on residual neurofunctional activity in the absence of detectable behavioural responses in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Nevertheless, the literature on this topic is characterised by a large heterogeneity of paradigms and methodological approaches that can undermine the reproducibility of the results. To explicitly test whether task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to systematically detect neurofunctional differences between different classes of DOC, and whether these differences are related with a specific category of cognitive tasks (either active or passive), we meta-analyzed 22 neuroimaging studies published between 2005 and 2017 using the Activation Likelihood Estimate method. The results showed that: (1) active and passive tasks rely on well-segregated patterns of activations; (2) both unresponsive wakeful syndrome and patients in minimally conscious state activated a large portion of the dorsal-attentional network; (3) shared activations between patients fell mainly in the passive activation map (7492 voxels), while only 48 voxels fell in a subcortical region of the active-map. Our results suggest that DOCs can be described along a continuum—rather than as separated clinical categories—and characterised by a widespread dysfunction of brain networks rather than by the impairment of a well functionally anatomically defined one.
Results of Treatment with Modern Fractionated Radiotherapy, Contemporary Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Transsphenoidal Surgery in Nonfunctioning Pituitary Macroadenoma
Authors: Hsiao Ping-Kun , Chang Chia-Lun , Yuan Kevin Sheng-Po , Wu Alexander T.H. , Wu Szu-Yuan
Published: April 2019

Background: To compare the effects of contemporary stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), modern fractionated radiotherapy (FRT), and transsphenoidal surgery on nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma. Methods: We enrolled patients with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma. To compare treatment outcomes, the patients were categorized into three groups according to the treatment modality: group 1, patients receiving modern FRT; group 2, patients receiving contemporary SRS; and group 3, patients receiving transsphenoidal surgery. Results: In total, 548 patients with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma were selected for our study. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis results indicated that the treatment modalities were significant independent prognostic factors. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR; 95% confidence interval (CI)) of local recurrence were 0.27 (0.10–0.91) and 1.95 (1.25–2.37) for the SRS and transsphenoidal surgery cohorts, respectively, in comparison with the FRT cohort. The aHR (95% CI) of all-cause mortality was 1.03 (0.68–1.56) for the transsphenoidal surgery cohort in comparison with the FRT cohort, without statistical significance. However, the aHR (95% CI) of all-cause mortality was 0.36 (0.15–0.85) for the SRS cohort in comparison with the FRT cohort. Conclusion: Contemporary SRS has optimal effects on local recurrence and survival compared with modern FRT and transsphenoidal surgery. Modern FRT is associated with more favorable local control and equal survival compared with transsphenoidal surgery.
Vasculogenic Chronic Ulcer: Tissue Regeneration with an Innovative Dermal Substitute
Authors: De Angelis Barbara , Orlandi Fabrizio , Morais D’Autilio Margarida Fernandes Lopes , Di Segni Chiara , Scioli Maria Giovanna , Orlandi Augusto , Cervelli Valerio , Gentile Pietro
Published: April 2019

The healing of venous and arterial ulcers is slow, and in some cases, they may not heal at all. This study aims to demonstrate the clinical advantage of Nevelia®, an innovative collagen dermal template substitute (DS) in venous and arterial chronic ulcers treatment. 35 patients affected by chronic vascular ulcers with a mean area of 35.1 ± 31.8 cm2 were treated with DS followed by autologous dermal epidermal graft (DEG). Follow-up was performed at 7-14-21 and 28 days after DS implant and 7-14-21 and 28 days after DEG. At 28 days after DEG, the mean values of Manchester Scar Scale was of 1.8 ± 0.7 for skin color, 1.6 ± 0.7 for skin contour, 1.7 ± 0.7 for distortion, and 1.7 ± 0.7 for skin texture, whereas skin was matte in 27 patients (77%) and shiny in the remaining eight cases (23%). Histological findings correlate with the clinical result showing a regenerated skin with reactive epidermal hyperplasia and dermal granulation tissue after two weeks (T1), and after three weeks (T2) a re-epithelialization and a formed new tissue architecture analogue to normal skin physiology. These data suggest that Nevelia® could be useful to treat chronic venous and arterial ulcers.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Fabry Disease
Authors: Cennamo Gilda , Di Maio Laura Giovanna , Montorio Daniela , Tranfa Fausto , Russo Camilla , Pontillo Giuseppe , Cocozza Sirio , Esposito Roberta , Di Risi Teodolinda , Imbriaco Massimo , Spinelli Letizia , Riccio Eleonora , Pisani Antonio
Published: April 2019

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is a X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by altered biodegradation of glycosphingolipids. It is a multisystem pathology, also involving ophthalmological systems that show modifications of the vessel wall due to glycosphingolipid deposits. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) allows for an objective analysis of retinal microvasculature alterations, evaluating retinal vessel density in macular region. Methods: A total of 54 FD patients (34 females, 20 males, mean age 44.1 ± 15.6 years) and 70 controls (36 females, 34 males, mean age 42.3 ± 15.6 years) were included in this study. We evaluated vessel density in different macular areas (whole image, fovea, and parafovea) of both the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and of the deep capillary plexus (DCP). Results: In the SCP there was a significantly lower vascular density in patients compared with controls in whole image (49.95 ± 5.17% vs. 51.99 ± 2.52%; p < 0.001), parafovea (52.01 ± 6.69% vs. 54.30 ± 2.61%; p = 0.002), and fovea (22.38 ± 9.01% vs. 29.31 ± 5.84%; p < 0.0001). In the DCP the vessel density was statistically increased in each macular area in patients compared with controls (54.82 ± 8.07% vs. 50.93 ± 5.46%; p = 0.005, 57.76 ± 7.26% vs. 53.59 ± 5.46%; p = 0.0001, and 39.75 ± 8.59% vs. 34.43 ± 8.68%; p < 0.0001 for whole image, parafovea, and fovea, respectively). Conclusion: OCT-A analysis showed that the macular vessel density was significantly reduced in the SCP and increased in the DCP in FD patients compared with controls. These findings, which might be a consequence of the alteration of vascular wall occurring in FD, support the hypothesis that the evaluation of early retinal microvascular network changes could be a useful tool in the clinical evaluation of the disease.
EGFR and KRAS Mutations in the Non-Tumoral Lung. Prognosis in Patients with Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chalela Roberto , Bellosillo Beatriz , Curull Víctor , Longarón Raquel , Pascual-Guardia Sergi , Badenes-Bonet Diana , Arriola Edurne , Sánchez-Font Albert , Pijuan Lara , Gea Joaquim
Published: April 2019

Tumor recurrence is frequent and survival rates remain extremely low in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). We hypothesize that carcinogenic factors will promote loco-regional modifications not only in the future tumor, but throughout the exposed lung. Objective: To analyze whether the most prevalent mutations observed in ADC can also be observed in the non-neoplastic lung tissue, as well as the short-term prognosis implications of this finding. Methods: Non-tumoral lung parenchyma specimens obtained during surgery from 47 patients with EGFR and/or KRAS abnormalities in their ADC tumors underwent similar genomic testing. Short-term outcomes were also recorded. Results: The same mutations were present in the tumor and the histologically normal tissue in 21.3% of patients (SM group). Although local recurrences were similar in both groups, distant metastases were more frequent in the former (60 vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001). Moreover, SM patients showed lower time-to-progression (8.5 vs. 11.7 months, p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (8.5 vs. 11.2 months, p < 0.001). COX regression showed a higher risk of progression or death (DFS) in the SM group (HR 5.94, p < 0.01]. Similar results were observed when adjusting for potential confounding variables. Conclusions: These results confirm that genetic changes are present in the apparently normal lung in many ADC patients, and this finding has prognostic implications.
Fish Hybridization Leads to Uncertainty Regarding Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Risk; Confirmation of Hybridization and Ciguatoxin Accumulation with Implications for Stakeholders
Authors: Loeffler Christopher R. , Handy Sara M. , Flores Quintana Harold A. , Deeds Jonathan R.
Published: April 2019

Globally, ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) avoidance efforts rely primarily on local knowledge of the fish being consumed, its collection location, and association with illnesses. In 2016, several fish that appeared to be hybrids between a local commercially prized species, Ocyurus chrysurus, and a regionally prohibited species Lutjanus apodus (due to CFP concerns), were caught nearshore in United States Virgin Islands waters, leading to confusion regarding the safety of consuming the fish. The hybrid status of the fish was verified as O. chrysurus (male) × L. apodus (female) by comparing two sets of gene sequences (mitochondrial CO1 and nuclear S7). Using an in vitro mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) assay, one of the hybrid fish exhibited a composite cytotoxicity of 0.038 ppb Caribbean ciguatoxin-1 (C-CTX-1) equivalents (Eq.); a concentration below the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance level for safety in fish products for CFP (0.1 ppb C-CTX-1 Eq.) but approximately 2× above the maximum described in the commercially prized parent species (0.019 ppb C-CTX-1 Eq./g). C-CTX-1 was confirmed in the hybrid sample by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The second hybrid fish tested negative for CTXs. This research confirms hybridization between two species with contrasting commercial statuses, discusses CTX accumulation implications for hybridization, and provides a methodology for future studies into novel CFP vectors, with the goal of providing critical information for fishermen and consumers regarding CFP risk management.
Is the Insect Cuticle the only Entry Gate for Fungal Infection? Insights into Alternative Modes of Action of Entomopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Mannino M. Constanza , Huarte-Bonnet Carla , Davyt-Colo Belén , Pedrini Nicolás
Published: April 2019

Entomopathogenic fungi are the only insect pathogens able to infect their host by adhesion to the surface and penetration through the cuticle. Although the possibility of fungal infection per os was described almost a century ago, there is an information gap of several decades regarding this topic, which was poorly explored due to the continuous elucidation of cuticular infection processes that lead to insect death by mycosis. Recently, with the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, the genomes of the main entomopathogenic fungi became available, and many fungal genes potentially useful for oral infection were described. Among the entomopathogenic Hypocreales that have been sequenced, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Cordycipitaceae) is the main candidate to explore this pathway since it has a major number of shared genes with other non-fungal pathogens that infect orally, such as Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae). This finding gives B. bassiana a potential advantage over other entomopathogenic fungi: the possibility to infect through both routes, oral and cuticular. In this review, we explore all known entry gates for entomopathogenic fungi, with emphasis on the infection per os. We also set out the fungal infection process in a more integral approach, as a need to exploit its full potential for insect control, considering all of its virulence factors and the conditions needed to improve its virulence against insect that might offer some resistance to the common infection through the cuticle.
Numerical Modeling of the Electronic and Electrical Characteristics of InGaN/GaN-MQW Solar Cells
Authors: Chouchen Bilel , Gazzah Mohamed Hichem , Bajahzar Abdullah , Belmabrouk Hafedh
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a numerical model allows to analyze the photovoltaic parameters according to the electronic properties of InxGa1−xN/GaN MQW solar cells under the effect of temperature, the number of quantum wells and indium composition. The numerical investigation starts from the evaluation through the finite difference (FDM) simulation of the self-consistent method coupled with the photovoltaic parameters taking into account the effects of the spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization. The results found were consistent with the literature. As expected, the temperature had a negative impact on the performance of InGaN/GaN MQW solar cells. However, increasing the number of quantum wells improves cell performance. This positive impact further improves with the increase in the indium rate. The obtained results were 28 mA/cm2 for the short-circuit current density, 1.43 V for the open-circuit voltage, and the obtained conversion efficiency was 31% for a model structure based on 50-period InGaN/GaN-MQW-SC under 1-sun AM1.5G.
Influence of Adhesive in FSW: Investigation on Fatigue Behavior of Welded, Weld-Bonded, and Adhesive-Bonded Joints in Aluminum AA 6082 T6
Authors: Lertora Enrico , Mandolfino Chiara , Pizzorni Marco , Gambaro Carla
Published: April 2019

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state technique, which has assumed an increasingly important role in automotive, naval, and aeronautical industry over the years. Nowadays, thanks to its several benefits, FSW is used to weld any type of metallic, polymeric, or composite material. In recent decades, adhesive bonding has also enhanced relevance due to a request for much lighter structures to increase performance without increasing fuel consumption. From a mechanical perspective, welding has a high tensile strength despite a low fatigue resistance through the lack of joint elasticity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate and compare static and dynamic behavior of welded, weld-bonded, and adhesive-bonded joints. After choosing the most suitable adhesive, surface preparation, consisting of sandblasting, was carried out. First of all, on the basis of previous experience in FSW, the process parameters of hybrid welding were determined. Both quasi-static and dynamic behavior of welded, adhesive-bonded, and weld-bonded joints, made in overlapped configuration, were then compared. Experimental tests showed that the adhesive limits the negative effect, due to the presence of the structural notch of FSW overlapped joints.
NDE Detection Techniques and Characterization of Aluminum Wires Embedded in Honeycomb Sandwich Composite Panels Using Terahertz Waves
Authors: Im Kwang-Hee , Kim Sun-Kyu , Jung Jong-An , Cho Young-Tae , Woo Yong-Deuck , Chiou Chien-Ping
Published: April 2019

For many years, scientists have been aware of the importance of terahertz waves (T-rays), which have now emerged as an NDE (nondestructive evaluation) technique for certain ranges of the electronic spectrum. The present study deals with T-ray scanning techniques of honeycomb sandwich composite panels with a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) skin as well as the refractive index (n), and the electrical conductivity (α) of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites. For this experiment, the degree of penetration to FRP composites is investigated for the THz transmitted power based on the angle in the electric field (E-field) direction vs. the direction of the unidirectional carbon fibers. Also, when CFRP skin honeycomb sandwich panels are manufactured for use in aerospace applications, aluminum wires are twisted together into the one-sided surface of the honeycomb sandwich panels to protect against thunderstorms. The aluminum wires are partly visible because they are embedded in the CFRP skin on the honeycomb sandwich panels. After finishing work with a paintjob, the wires become invisible. Thus, detecting the aluminum wires is a key issue for product monitoring. Based on a simple resistor model, an optimal scanning method is proposed to determine the preferred scan orientation on the baseline of the E-field in the direction of fibers to evaluate the level of transmission of T-rays according to the frequency bandwidth. Thus, the combination of angles required to detect the aluminum wires embedded with carbon fibers on the surface of the composite panels can be determined.
Value Distribution and Arbitrary-Order Derivatives of Meromorphic Solutions of Complex Linear Differential Equations in the Unit Disc
Authors: Chen Hai-Ying , Zheng Xiu-Min
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we investigate the value distribution of meromorphic solutions and their arbitrary-order derivatives of the complex linear differential equation f ′ ′ + A ( z ) f ′ + B ( z ) f = F ( z ) in Δ with analytic or meromorphic coefficients of finite iterated p-order, and obtain some results on the estimates of the iterated exponent of convergence of meromorphic solutions and their arbitrary-order derivatives taking small function values.
Stability, Existence and Uniqueness of Boundary Value Problems for a Coupled System of Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Mahmudov Nazim I , Al-Khateeb Areen
Published: April 2019

The current article studies a coupled system of fractional differential equations with boundary conditions and proves the existence and uniqueness of solutions by applying Leray-Schauder’s alternative and contraction mapping principle. Furthermore, the Hyers-Ulam stability of solutions is discussed and sufficient conditions for the stability are developed. Obtained results are supported by examples and illustrated in the last section.
An Iterative Method Based on the Marginalized Particle Filter for Nonlinear B-Spline Data Approximation and Trajectory Optimization
Authors: Jauch Jens , Bleimund Felix , Frey Michael , Gauterin Frank
Published: April 2019

The B-spline function representation is commonly used for data approximation and trajectory definition, but filter-based methods for nonlinear weighted least squares (NWLS) approximation are restricted to a bounded definition range. We present an algorithm termed nonlinear recursive B-spline approximation (NRBA) for an iterative NWLS approximation of an unbounded set of data points by a B-spline function. NRBA is based on a marginalized particle filter (MPF), in which a Kalman filter (KF) solves the linear subproblem optimally while a particle filter (PF) deals with nonlinear approximation goals. NRBA can adjust the bounded definition range of the approximating B-spline function during run-time such that, regardless of the initially chosen definition range, all data points can be processed. In numerical experiments, NRBA achieves approximation results close to those of the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. An NWLS approximation problem is a nonlinear optimization problem. The direct trajectory optimization approach also leads to a nonlinear problem. The computational effort of most solution methods grows exponentially with the trajectory length. We demonstrate how NRBA can be applied for a multiobjective trajectory optimization for a battery electric vehicle in order to determine an energy-efficient velocity trajectory. With NRBA, the effort increases only linearly with the processed data points and the trajectory length.
A Hierarchical Approach for Joint Parameter and State Estimation of a Bilinear System with Autoregressive Noise
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ding Feng , Xu Ling , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar
Published: April 2019

This paper is concerned with the joint state and parameter estimation methods for a bilinear system in the state space form, which is disturbed by additive noise. In order to overcome the difficulty that the model contains the product term of the system input and states, we make use of the hierarchical identification principle to present new methods for estimating the system parameters and states interactively. The unknown states are first estimated via a bilinear state estimator on the basis of the Kalman filtering algorithm. Then, a state estimator-based recursive generalized least squares (RGLS) algorithm is formulated according to the least squares principle. To improve the parameter estimation accuracy, we introduce the data filtering technique to derive a data filtering-based two-stage RGLS algorithm. The simulation example indicates the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Study of Gases Permeation in Necklace-Shaped Dimethylsiloxane Polymers Bearing POSS Cages
Authors: Selyanchyn Roman , Fujikawa Shigenori , Katsuta Naohiro , Suwa Kazuya , Kunitake Masashi
Published: April 2019

The transport of small gases (H2, CO2, N2, O2) through a series of novel membranes based on necklace-shaped inorganic polymers (DMS@POSS), in which a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) cage unit and soft chains of oligo-dimethyl siloxane (DMS) were alternately connected, was investigated. The influence of the DMS chain length and crosslinking density of the DMS@POSS on membrane properties were studied. The membranes revealed characteristic structure-property relation towards both glass transition and gases transport. Specifically, clear dependence of properties from the length of DMS units (or overall siloxane content) was revealed. Gas transport properties, when compared to state-of-art polydimethylsiloxane and commercial silicone rubber, demonstrated significantly higher selectivity of DMS@POSS for carbon dioxide (in CO2/N2), hydrogen (in H2/N2) and oxygen (in O2/N2) but lowered permeability, proportional to the amount of POSS in the material. With a precise control over mechanical and thermal properties compared to conventional silicone rubbers, described materials could be considered as materials of choice in niche gas separation or other applications.
Effect of Repetitive Collar Replacement on the Residual Strength and Fatigue Life of Retained Hi-Lok Fastener Pins
Authors: Hardy David F. , DuQuesnay David L.
Published: April 2019

Hi-Lok fasteners were subjected to multiple collar replacements, and were tested under static loading and constant-amplitude fatigue loading, to determine the effect of repetitive collar replacement on the residual strength and fatigue life of a retained Hi-Lok-type fastener pin. Hi-Lok-type fasteners are typically used in aircraft structural joints, and are loaded mainly in shear. Tests were conducted for clamping force, static shear strength, static tensile strength, and shear fatigue life for collars subjected to five collar replacements. The static shear results showed no decrease in the ultimate shear strength of the fastener pin as a function of collar replacement. Static tensile results showed no decrease in the ultimate tensile strength of the fastener as a function of collar replacement, with failure of the aluminum collar remaining the critical failure mode. Similarly, shear fatigue results showed no decrease in the shear fatigue life of the fastened joint as a result of collar replacement, with fracture of the aluminum substrate remaining the critical failure mode. For static shear, static tension, and shear fatigue tests, estimated clamping force was highly consistent between specimens and no decrease in clamping force was observed as a function of collar replacement.