bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dilkaya (Orta Çağ) İnsanlarının Sağlık Yapısı
Authors: ŞAHİN Serkan
Published: May 2019

Bu çalışmanın materyalini oluşturan iskelet kalıntıları Van/Dilkaya kazılarından elde edilmiştir. Dilkaya Höyüğü Van’ın Edremit ilçesine bağlı Dilkaya Köyü’nün batısında Van Gölü kıyısında yer almaktadır. Çalışmanın amacı Dilkaya Orta Çağ Toplumu’nun patolojik olarak incelenmesi ve elde edilen verilerin diğer Anadolu toplumlarıyla karşılaştırılması sonucunda toplumun sağlık yapısının belirlenmesidir. Dilkaya toplumunda 319 birey paleopatolojik açıdan incelenmiş ve topluluğun yaşam biçimi ortaya çıkarılmaya çalışılmıştır. Toplumda en az bir omurunda osteartrit görülen erişkinlerin oranı %82,05’dir. Toplumda en az bir omurunda schmorl nodülü görülen erişkinlerin oranı ise %89,74’tür. Erişkin bireylerin eklemlerinde osteoartrit görülme oranı %52,56’dır. Dilkaya OrtaÇağ Toplumunda en az bir ekleminde ya da omurunda yaşam biçimine bağlı olarak gelişen patoloji görülen erişkin bireylerin topluma oranı %97,44’tür. Omurlarda ve eklemlerdeki yaşam biçimine bağlı olarak gelişen patolojiler en fazla erkek bireylerde gözlemlenmiş ve görülme oranının yaşla birlikte artış gösterdiği belirlenmiştir. Patolojik lezyonların her yaş/cinsiyet grubunu etkilemesi, enfeksiyonel hastalıkların fazla görülmemesi ve osteoartritin genç yaşlardan itibaren görülmeye başlanması gibi verilerden hareketle Dilkaya Orta Çağ Toplumu’nun tarıma dayalı bir ekonomiye sahip, beslenme açısından görece iyi durumda ve diğer Anadolu toplumlarına kıyasla göreceli olarak daha hijyenik yaşam koşullarına sahip bir köy topluluğu olduğu düşünülmektedir.
The Gendering of Irish and Caribbean Food/Land Crises in Children's Novels by Marita Conlon-McKenna and James Berry
Authors: Houlden Kate , Gunne Sorcha
Published: May 2019

Marita Conlan-McKenna's Under the Hawthorne Tree (1990) and James Berry's Ajeemah and His Son (1991) are children's novels that address foundational national or regional trauma (dealing with transatlantic slavery and the Irish potato famine respectively). Both employ historical fictive modes to bring the nineteenth century to life, in the process illustrating the extractive capitalism at the heart of the colonial endeavour. Links between Ireland and the Caribbean have long existed, Hilary Beckles observing the persistent characterization of the Irish as ‘one-dimensional colonial characters […] battered and bruised by a triumphant imperial Englishness that viewed them as “baggage” along the route from Cork and Limerick through Bristol to Boston and Barbados’ (Beckles ix). Expanding on this sense of Ireland and the Caribbean as jointly tethered to global imperial trends, this article focuses on the role of food and consumption, arguing that these novels make clear the ongoing role of food scarcity and land control within the cyclical crises of capitalist expansion. Ajeemah and His Son reinforces the importance of land ownership in Jamaica as its protagonist falls in line with the values of the society he has been thrust into, while Under the Hawthorne Tree frames famine as a representative crisis of the world-system.
A Cyclical Non-Linear Inertia-Weighted Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wu Zongsheng , Xue Ru
Published: May 2019

After the teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm was proposed, many improved algorithms have been presented in recent years, which simulate the teaching–learning phenomenon of a classroom to effectively solve global optimization problems. In this paper, a cyclical non-linear inertia-weighted teaching–learning-based optimization (CNIWTLBO) algorithm is presented. This algorithm introduces a cyclical non-linear inertia weighted factor into the basic TLBO to control the memory rate of learners, and uses a non-linear mutation factor to control the learner’s mutation randomly during the learning process. In order to prove the significant performance of the proposed algorithm, it is tested on some classical benchmark functions and the comparison results are provided against the basic TLBO, some variants of TLBO and some other well-known optimization algorithms. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has better global search ability and higher search accuracy than the basic TLBO, some variants of TLBO and some other algorithms as well, and can escape from the local minimum easily, while keeping a faster convergence rate.
Thermal Behavior of a Magnetically Levitated Spindle for Fatigue Testing of Fiber Reinforced Plastic
Authors: Franz Daniel , Schneider Maximilian , Richter Michael , Rinderknecht Stephan
Published: May 2019

This article discusses the critical thermal behavior of a magnetically levitated spindle for fatigue testing of cylinders made of fiber reinforced plastic. These cylinders represent the outer-rotor of a kinetic energy storage. The system operates under vacuum conditions. Hence, even small power losses in the rotor can lead to a high rotor temperature. To find the most effective way to keep the rotor temperature under a critical limit in the existing system, first, transient electromagnetic finite element simulations are evaluated for the active magnetic bearings and the electric machine. Using these simulations, the power losses of the active components in the rotor can be derived. Second, a finite element simulation characterizes the thermal behavior of the rotor. Using the power losses calculated in the electromagnetic simulation, the thermal simulation provides the temperature of the rotor. These results are compared with measurements from an experimental spindle. One effective way to reduce rotational losses without major changes in the hardware is to reduce the bias current of the magnetic bearings. Since this also changes the characteristics of the magnetic bearings, the dynamic behavior of the rotor is also considered.
Comparison of Solar Radiation Torque and Power Generation of Deployable Solar Panel Configurations on Nanosatellites
Authors: Ibrahim Syahrim Azhan , Yamaguchi Eiki
Published: May 2019

Nanosatellites, like CubeSat, have begun completing advanced missions that require high power that can be obtained using deployable solar panels. However, a larger solar array area facing the Sun increases the solar radiation torque on the satellite. In this study, we investigated solar radiation torque characteristics resulting from the increased area of solar panels on board the CubeSats. Three common deployable solar panel configurations that are commercially available were introduced and their reference missions were established for the purpose of comparison. The software algorithms used to simulate a variety of orbit scenarios are described in detail and some concerns are highlighted based on the results obtained. The solar power generation of the respective configurations is provided. The findings are useful for nanosatellite developers in predicting the characteristics of solar radiation torques and solar power generation that will be encountered when using various deployable solar panels, thus helping with the selection of a suitable configuration for their design.
Utilization of Molecular Marker Based Genetic Diversity Patterns in Hybrid Parents to Develop Better Forage Quality Multi-Cut Hybrids in Pearl Millet
Authors: Ponnaiah Govintharaj , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Blümmel Michael , Marappa Maheswaran , Pichaikannu Sumathi , Das Roma Rani , Rathore Abhishek
Published: May 2019

Genetic diversity of 130 forage-type hybrid parents of pearl millet was investigated based on multiple season data of morphological traits and two type of markers: SSRs (Simple sequence repeats) and GBS identified SNPs (Genotyping by sequencing-Single nucleotide polymorphism). Most of the seed and pollinator parents clustered into two clear-cut separate groups based on marker based genetic distance. Significant variations were found for forage related morphological traits at different cutting intervals (first and second cut) in hybrid parents. Across two cuts, crude protein (CP) varied from 11% to 15%, while in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) varied from 51% to 56%. Eighty hybrids evaluated in multi-location trial along with their parents for forage traits showed that significant heterosis can be realized for forage traits. A low but positive significant correlation found between SSR based genetic distance (GD between parents of hybrid) and heterosis for most of the forage traits indicated that SSR-based GD can be used for predicting heterosis for GFY, DFY and CP in pearl millet. An attempt was made to associate marker-based clusters with forage quality traits, to enable breeders select parents for crossing purposes in forage breeding programs.
A Context Aware Smart Classroom Architecture for Smart Campuses
Authors: Huang Li-Shing , Su Jui-Yuan , Pao Tsang-Long
Published: May 2019

The Smart campus is a concept of an education institute using technologies, such as information systems, internet of things (IoT), and context-aware computing, to support learning, teaching, and administrative activities. Classrooms are important building blocks of a school campus. Therefore, a feasible architecture for building and running smart classrooms is essential for a smart campus. However, most studies related to the smart classroom are focused on studying or addressing particular technical or educational issues, such as networking, AI applications, lecture quality, and user responses to technology. In this study, an architecture for building and running context-aware smart classrooms is proposed. The proposed architecture consists of three parts including a prototype of a context-aware smart classroom, a model for technology integration, and supporting measures for the operation of smart classrooms in this architecture. The classroom prototype was designed based on our study results and a smart classroom project in Ming Chuan University (MCU). The integration model was a layered model uses Raspberry Pi in the bottom layer of the model to integrate underlying technologies and provide application interfaces to the higher layer applications for the ease of building context-aware smart classroom applications. As a result, application interfaces were implemented using Raspberry Pi based on the proposed technology integration model, and a context-aware energy-saving smart classroom application was implemented based on the proposed classroom prototype and the implemented web application interface. The result shows that, in terms of technology, the proposed architecture is feasible for building context-aware smart classrooms in smart campuses.
From the Museum to the Street: Garry Winogrand’s Public Relations and the Actuality of Protest
Authors: Constantine Simon
Published: May 2019

Focusing on Garry Winogrand’s Public Relations (1977), this article explores the problematic encounter between street photography and protest during the Vietnam War era. In doing so, it considers the extent to which Winogrand’s engagement with protest altered the formalist discourse that had surrounded his practice and the ‘genre’ of street photography more broadly since the 1950s. It is suggested that, although Winogrand never abandoned his debt to this framework, the logic of protest also intensified its internal contradictions, prompting a new attitude towards the crowd, art institution, street and mass media. By exploring this shift, this article seeks to demonstrate that, while the various leftist critiques of Winogrand’s practice remain valid, Public Relations had certain affinities with the progressive artistic and political movements of the period.
Craft Beer as a Means of Economic Development: An Economic Impact Analysis of the Michigan Value Chain
Authors: Miller Steven R. , Sirrine J. Robert , McFarland Ashley , Howard Philip H. , Malone Trey
Published: May 2019

While many studies have suggested the beer value chain might be a vehicle for economic growth, few have estimated the economic impacts of craft beer to a geographic region. As such, this study uses modified input/output analysis to identify the economic contributions of instate beer production to the Michigan economy. We find that the beer value chain generated nearly $500 million in Gross State Product in 2016, contributing nearly $1 billion as well as 9738 jobs in total aggregate economic contributions. The results suggest that state governments might generate economic growth by creating a business climate that is conducive to the growth of the instate beer value chain.
Integrins: Moonlighting Proteins in Invadosome Formation
Authors: Peláez Rafael , Pariente Ana , Pérez-Sala Álvaro , Larrayoz Ignacio M.
Published: May 2019

Invadopodia are actin-rich protrusions developed by transformed cells in 2D/3D environments that are implicated in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and degradation. These structures have an undoubted association with cancer invasion and metastasis because invadopodium formation in vivo is a key step for intra/extravasation of tumor cells. Invadopodia are closely related to other actin-rich structures known as podosomes, which are typical structures of normal cells necessary for different physiological processes during development and organogenesis. Invadopodia and podosomes are included in the general term ‘invadosomes,’ as they both appear as actin puncta on plasma membranes next to extracellular matrix metalloproteinases, although organization, regulation, and function are slightly different. Integrins are transmembrane proteins implicated in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions and other important processes such as molecular signaling, mechano-transduction, and cell functions, e.g., adhesion, migration, or invasion. It is noteworthy that integrin expression is altered in many tumors, and other pathologies such as cardiovascular or immune dysfunctions. Over the last few years, growing evidence has suggested a role of integrins in the formation of invadopodia. However, their implication in invadopodia formation and adhesion to the ECM is still not well known. This review focuses on the role of integrins in invadopodium formation and provides a general overview of the involvement of these proteins in the mechanisms of metastasis, taking into account classic research through to the latest and most advanced work in the field.
Cul4A Modulates Invasion and Metastasis of Lung Cancer through Regulation of ANXA10
Authors: Hung Ming-Szu , Chen Yi-Chuan , Lin Paul-Yann , Li Ya-Chin , Hsu Chia-Chen , Lung Jr-Hau , You Liang , Xu Zhidong , Mao Jian-Hua , Jablons David M. , Yang Cheng-Ta
Published: May 2019

Cullin 4A (Cul4A) is overexpressed in a number of cancers and has been established as an oncogene. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Cul4A in lung cancer invasion and metastasis. We observed that Cul4A was overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and the overexpression of Cul4A was associated with poor prognosis after surgical resection and it also decreased the expression of the tumor suppressor protein annexin A10 (ANXA10). The knockdown of Cul4A was associated with the upregulation of ANXA10, and the forced expression of Cul4A was associated with the downregulation of ANXA10 in lung cancer cells. Further studies showed that the knockdown of Cul4A inhibited the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells, which was reversed by the further knockdown of ANXA10. In addition, the knockdown of Cul4A inhibited lung tumor metastasis in mouse tail vein injection xenograft models. Notably, Cul4A regulated the degradation of ANXA10 through its interaction with ANXA10 and ubiquitination in lung cancer cells. Our findings suggest that Cul4A is a prognostic marker in NSCLC patients, and Cul4A plays important roles in lung cancer invasion and metastasis through the regulation of the ANXA10 tumor suppressor.
Activation of Persulfate by Biochars from Valorized Olive Stones for the Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Magioglou Elena , Frontistis Zacharias , Vakros John , Manariotis Ioannis , Mantzavinos Dionissios
Published: May 2019

Biochars from spent olive stones were tested for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water matrices. Batch degradation experiments were performed using sodium persulfate (SPS) as the source of radicals in the range 250–1500 mg/L, with biochar as the SPS activator in the range 100–300 mg/L and SMX as the model micro-pollutant in the range 250–2000 μg/L. Ultrapure water (UPW), bottled water (BW), and secondary treated wastewater (WW) were employed as the water matrix. Removal of SMX by adsorption only was moderate and favored at acidic conditions, while SPS alone did not practically oxidize SMX. At these conditions, biochar was capable of activating SPS and, consequently, of degrading SMX, with the pseudo-first order rate increasing with increasing biochar and oxidant concentration and decreasing SMX concentration. Experiments in BW or UPW spiked with various anions showed little or no effect on degradation. Similar experiments in WW resulted in a rate reduction of about 30%, and this was attributed to the competitive consumption of reactive radicals by non-target water constituents. Experiments with methanol and t-butanol at excessive concentrations resulted in partial but generally not complete inhibition of degradation; this indicates that, besides the liquid bulk, reactions may also occur close to or on the biochar surface.
Efficacy of Recombinant Methioninase (rMETase) on Recalcitrant Cancer Patient-Derived Orthotopic Xenograft (PDOX) Mouse Models: A Review
Authors: Kawaguchi Kei , Han Qinghong , Li Shukuan , Tan Yuying , Igarashi Kentaro , Murakami Takashi , Unno Michiaki , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: May 2019

An excessive requirement for methionine (MET), termed MET dependence, appears to be a general metabolic defect in cancer and has been shown to be a very effective therapeutic target. MET restriction (MR) has inhibited the growth of all major cancer types by selectively arresting cancer cells in the late-S/G2 phase, when they also become highly sensitive to cytotoxic agents. Recombinant methioninase (rMETase) has been developed to effect MR. The present review describes the efficacy of rMETase on patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models of recalcitrant cancer, including the surprising result that rMETase administrated orally can be highly effective.
Observational Study of Pediatric Inpatient Pain, Nausea/Vomiting and Anxiety
Authors: Schlegelmilch Michael , Punja Salima , Jou Hsing , Mackie Andrew S. , Conway Jennifer , Wilson Bev , Spavor Maria , Hartfield Dawn , Vohra Sunita
Published: May 2019

Background: The prevalence and severity of pain, nausea/vomiting, and anxiety (PNVA) among hospitalized children is not well established. We describe the prevalence and severity of PNVA among hospitalized patients from oncology, general pediatrics, and cardiology services in a tertiary care center. Methods: Patients were recruited on admission and enrolled if their caregiver consented, spoke English, and were anticipated to stay 2–30 days. Symptoms were measured weekdays using age-validated tools. PNVA symptoms were described and compared. Results: We enrolled 496 (49.4%) patients of 1005 admitted. Patients were predominantly Caucasian (57.9%) on their first admission (53.6%). The average (SD) age was 8.6 years (5.9) in oncology, 4.2 (5.3) in general pediatrics and 2.6 (4.0) in cardiology. 325 (65.6%) patients reported anxiety, 275 (55.4%) reported nausea and 256 (52.0%) reported pain. Mean (SD) severity out of 10 was 3.7 (2.5) for anxiety, 3.2 (2.1) for nausea and 3.0 (1.5) for pain. Prevalence of PNVA was no different between clinical programs, but pain (p = 0.008) and nausea (p = 0.006) severity were. PNVA symptom co-occurrence was positively correlated (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Anxiety was the most common and severe symptom for hospitalized children. Patients in oncology demonstrated the least severe pain and nausea with no difference in anxiety between services.
Current and Emerging Methods of Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Khan Zeeshan A. , Siddiqui Mohd F. , Park Seungkyung
Published: May 2019

Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) specifies effective antibiotic dosage and formulates a profile of empirical therapy for the proper management of an individual patient’s health against deadly infections. Therefore, rapid diagnostic plays a pivotal role in the treatment of bacterial infection. In this article, the authors review the socio-economic burden and emergence of antibiotic resistance. An overview of the phenotypic, genotypic, and emerging techniques for AST has been provided and discussed, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each. The historical perspective on conventional methods that have paved the way for modern AST like disk diffusion, Epsilometer test (Etest), and microdilution, is presented. Several emerging methods, such as microfluidic-based optical and electrochemical AST have been critically evaluated. Finally, the challenges related with AST and its outlook in the future are presented.
Investigation of Future 5G-IoT Millimeter-Wave Network Performance at 38 GHz for Urban Microcell Outdoor Environment
Authors: Qamar Faizan , Hindia MHD Nour , Dimyati Kaharudin , Noordin Kamarul Ariffin , Majed Mohammed Bahjat , Abd Rahman Tharek , Amiri Iraj Sadegh
Published: May 2019

The advent of fifth-generation (5G) systems and their mechanics have introduced an unconventional frequency spectrum of high bandwidth with most falling under the millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum. The benefit of adopting these bands of the frequency spectrum is two-fold. First, most of these bands appear to be unutilized and they are free, thus suggesting the absence of interference from other technologies. Second, the availability of a larger bandwidth offers higher data rates for all users, as there are higher numbers of users who are connected in a small geographical area, which is also stated as the Internet of Things (IoT). Nevertheless, high-frequency band poses several challenges in terms of coverage area limitations, signal attenuation, path and penetration losses, as well as scattering. Additionally, mmWave signal bands are susceptible to blockage from buildings and other structures, particularly in higher-density urban areas. Identifying the channel performance at a given frequency is indeed necessary to optimize communication efficiency between the transmitter and receiver. Therefore, this paper investigated the potential ability of mmWave path loss models, such as floating intercept (FI) and close-in (CI), based on real measurements gathered from urban microcell outdoor environments at 38 GHz conducted at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur campus. The measurement data were obtained by using a narrow band mmWave channel sounder equipped with a steerable direction horn antenna. It investigated the potential of the network for outdoor scenarios of line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) with both schemes of co- (vertical-vertical) and cross (vertical-horizontal) polarization. The parameters were selected to reflect the performance and the variances with other schemes, such as average users cell throughput, throughput of users that are at cell-edges, fairness index, and spectral efficiency. The outcomes were examined for various antenna configurations as well as at different channel bandwidths to prove the enhancement of overall network performance. This work showed that the CI path loss model predicted greater network performance for the LOS condition, and also estimated significant outcomes for the NLOS environment. The outputs proved that the FI path loss model, particularly for V-V antenna polarization, gave system simulation results that were unsuitable for the NLOS scenario.
A Review of Software Tools to Study the Energetic Potential of Tidal Currents
Authors: Suárez-López María José , Espina-Valdés Rodolfo , Fernández Pacheco Víctor Manuel , Navarro Manso Antonio , Blanco-Marigorta Eduardo , Álvarez-Álvarez Eduardo
Published: May 2019

Tides can be a vast and predictable source of renewable energy. Due to the solar and lunar influx on our planet, they move large amounts of water periodically, and this energy can be harnessed using devices designed and positioned adequately, such as current turbines. However, the relation between the energy obtained with actual devices and the economic and environmental cost of their installation limits the practical application of these solutions. In order to optimize the design of this technology and achieve its successful installation and use, a detailed knowledge about the energy potential of tides at the specific location is necessary. This calculation is not easy and requires the use of specialized software tools. Currently, there is no specific software to evaluate the tidal currents energy potential, but there are more than a few codes able to calculate the hydraulic flow in rivers, estuaries and coastal regions. These programs are usually used for the calculation of pollutant dispersion and floods, but they can be adapted with more or less success. This paper reviews the available 1D, 2D, and 3D software tools with the aim of analyzing their functionality and their validity to evaluate the energy potential of tidal currents.
The Impact of Optimal Demand Response Control and Thermal Energy Storage on a District Heating System
Authors: Salo Sonja , Hast Aira , Jokisalo Juha , Kosonen Risto , Syri Sanna , Hirvonen Janne , Martin Kristian
Published: May 2019

Demand response has been studied in district heating connected buildings since the rollout of smart, communicating devices has made it cost-effective to control buildings’ energy consumption externally. This research investigates optimal demand response control strategies from the district heating operator perspective. Based on earlier simulations on the building level, different case algorithms were simulated on a typical district heating system. The results show that even in the best case, heat production costs can be decreased by only 0.7%. However, by implementing hot water thermal storage in the system, demand response can become more profitable, resulting in 1.4% cost savings. It is concluded that the hot water storage tank can balance district heating peak loads for longer periods of time, which enhances the ability to use demand response strategies on a larger share of the building stock.
Model-Based Predictive Current Controllers in Multiphase Drives Dealing with Natural Reduction of Harmonic Distortion
Authors: Martin Cristina , Barrero Federico , Arahal Manuel R. , Duran Mario J.
Published: May 2019

An important drawback in the application of model-based predictive controllers for multiphase systems is the relatively high harmonic content. Harmonics arise due to the fixed sampling-time nature and the absence of modulation methods in the control technique. Recent research works have proposed different procedures to overcome this disadvantage at the expense of increasing the complexity of the controller and, in most cases, the computational requirements. There are, however, natural ways to face this harmonic generation that have been barely explored in the scientific literature. These alternatives include the use of variable sampling times or the application of the observer theory, whose utility has been stated without excessively increasing the computational cost of the controller. This paper presents the basis of both methodologies, analyzing their interest as natural alternatives to mitigate the generation of harmonic components in modern electrical drives when using predictive controllers. A five-phase induction machine is used as a case example to experimentally validate the study and draw conclusions.
Birth, School, Work, Death, and Resurrection: The Life Stages and Dynamics of Transposable Element Proliferation
Authors: Blumenstiel Justin P.
Published: May 2019

Transposable elements (TEs) can be maintained in sexually reproducing species even if they are harmful. However, the evolutionary strategies that TEs employ during proliferation can modulate their impact. In this review, I outline the different life stages of a TE lineage, from birth to proliferation to extinction. Through their interactions with the host, TEs can exploit diverse strategies that range from long-term coexistence to recurrent movement across species boundaries by horizontal transfer. TEs can also engage in a poorly understood phenomenon of TE resurrection, where TE lineages can apparently go extinct, only to proliferate again. By determining how this is possible, we may obtain new insights into the evolutionary dynamics of TEs and how they shape the genomes of their hosts.
Intercellular Communication between Hepatic Cells in Liver Diseases
Authors: Sato Keisaku , Kennedy Lindsey , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Kusumanchi Praveen , Yang Zhihong , Meng Fanyin , Glaser Shannon , Francis Heather , Alpini Gianfranco
Published: May 2019

Liver diseases are perpetuated by the orchestration of hepatocytes and other hepatic non-parenchymal cells. These cells communicate and regulate with each other by secreting mediators such as peptides, hormones, and cytokines. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small particles secreted from cells, contain proteins, DNAs, and RNAs as cargos. EVs have attracted recent research interests since they can communicate information from donor cells to recipient cells thereby regulating physiological events via delivering of specific cargo mediators. Previous studies have demonstrated that liver cells secrete elevated numbers of EVs during diseased conditions, and those EVs are internalized into other liver cells inducing disease-related reactions such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis. Reactions in recipient cells are caused by proteins and RNAs carried in disease-derived EVs. This review summarizes cell-to-cell communication especially via EVs in the pathogenesis of liver diseases and their potential as a novel therapeutic target.
Predicting the Toxicity of Ionic Liquids toward Acetylcholinesterase Enzymes Using Novel QSAR Models
Authors: Zhu Peng , Kang Xuejing , Zhao Yongsheng , Latif Ullah , Zhang Hongzhong
Published: May 2019

Limited information on the potential toxicity of ionic liquids (ILs) becomes the bottleneck that creates a barrier in their large-scale application. In this work, two quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) models were used to evaluate the toxicity of ILs toward the acetylcholinesterase enzyme using multiple linear regression (MLR) and extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithms. The structures of 57 cations and 21 anions were optimized using quantum chemistry calculations. The electrostatic potential surface area (SEP) and the screening charge density distribution area (Sσ) descriptors were calculated and used for prediction of IL toxicity. Performance and predictive aptitude between MLR and ELM models were analyzed. Highest squared correlation coefficient (R2), and also lowest average absolute relative deviation (AARD%) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) were observed for training set, test set, and total set for the ELM model. These findings validated the superior performance of ELM over the MLR toxicity prediction model.
Silybin-Induced Apoptosis Occurs in Parallel to the Increase of Ceramides Synthesis and miRNAs Secretion in Human Hepatocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Zappavigna Silvia , Vanacore Daniela , Lama Stefania , Potenza Nicoletta , Russo Aniello , Ferranti Pasquale , Dallio Marcello , Federico Alessandro , Loguercio Carmelina , Sperlongano Pasquale , Caraglia Michele , Stiuso Paola
Published: May 2019

Silybin is a flavonolignan extracted from Silybum marianum (milk thistle) with hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. Several studies have shown that silybin is highly effective to prevent and treat different types of cancer and that its antitumor mechanisms involve the arrest of the cell cycle and/or apoptosis. An MTT assay was performed to study cell viability, lipid peroxidation, extracellular NO production, and scavenger enzyme activity were studied by Thiobarbituric Acid-Reactive Species (TBARS) assay, NO assay, and MnSOD assay, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis were performed by FACS. miRNA profiling were evaluated by real time PCR. In this study, we demonstrated that Silybin induced growth inhibition blocking the Hepg2 cells in G1 phase of cell cycle and activating the process of programmed cell death. Moreover, the antiproliferative effects of silybin were paralleled by a strong increase of the number of ceramides involved in the modulation of miRNA secretion. In particular, after treatment with silybin, miR223-3p and miR16-5p were upregulated, while miR-92-3p was downregulated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that silybin-Induced apoptosis occurs in parallel to the increase of ceramides synthesis and miRNAs secretion in HepG2 cells.
Zinc Attenuates the Cytotoxicity of Some Stimuli by Reducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hepatocytes
Authors: Kusanaga Masashi , Oe Shinji , Ogino Noriyoshi , Minami Sota , Miyagawa Koichiro , Honma Yuichi , Harada Masaru
Published: May 2019

Zinc is an essential trace element and plays critical roles in cellular integrity and biological functions. Excess copper induced both oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in liver-derived cultured cells. Excess copper also induced impairment of autophagic flux at the step of autophagosome–lysosome fusion, as well as Mallory–Denk body (MDB)-like inclusion body formation. Zinc ameliorated excess copper-induced impairment of autophagic flux and MDB-like inclusion body formation via the maintenance of ER homeostasis. Furthermore, zinc also ameliorated free fatty acid-induced impairment of autophagic flux. These results indicate that zinc may be able to protect hepatocytes from various ER stress-related conditions.
CA125 as a Marker of Heart Failure in the Older Women: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Bulska-Będkowska Weronika , Chełmecka Elżbieta , Owczarek Aleksander J. , Mizia-Stec Katarzyna , Witek Andrzej , Szybalska Aleksandra , Grodzicki Tomasz , Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena , Chudek Jerzy
Published: May 2019

(1) Background: Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is a glycoprotein that is expressed by tissue derived from coelomic epithelium in the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium. It has been shown that CA125 concentrations are correlated with NT-proBNP in older people with congestive heart failure (HF). We conducted a study on the association between concentrations of CA125 and NT-proBNP in a population-based cohort of older Polish women. (2) Methods: The current research is sub-study of a large, cross-sectional research project (PolSenior). The study group consisted of 1565 Caucasian women aged 65–102 years. To assess the relationship between CA125 and other variables a stepwise backward multivariate normal and skew-t regression analyses were performed. (3) Results: The median of CA125 concentration was 13.0 U/mL and values over the upper normal range limit (35 U/mL) were observed in 5.1% (n = 79) of the study cohort. The concentration of CA125 was positively related to age, hospitalization for HF and history of atrial fibrillation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, levels of NT-proBNP, IL-6, hs-CRP and triglycerides. We found in the multivariate analyses, that increased CA125 levels were independently associated with log10 (IL-6) (β = 11.022), history of hospitalization for HF (β = 4.619), log10 (NT-proBNP) (β = 4.416) and age (β = 3.93 for 10 years). (4) Conclusions: Despite the association between CA125 and NT-proBNP, the usefulness of CA125 for the detection of HF in older women is limited by factors such as inflammatory status and age.
Do Diamond Stocks Shine Brighter than Diamonds?
Authors: Jotanovic Vera , D’Ecclesia Rita Laura
Published: May 2019

This paper addresses two practical investment questions: Is investing in the diamond equity market a more feasible and liquid alternative to investing in diamonds? Additionally, is diamond equity affected by polished diamond prices? We assemble an original database of diamond mining stock prices traded on main stock exchanges in order to assess their relationship with diamond prices. Our results show that the market of diamond-mining stocks does not represent a valid investment alternative to the diamond commodity. Diamond equity returns are not driven by diamond price dynamics but rather by local market stock indices.
(E)-N′-(4-Fluorobenzylidene)-5-methyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)thiazole-4-carbohydrazide
Authors: Kamat Vinuta , Santosh Rangappa , Nayak Suresh
Published: May 2019

5-methyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,3-thiazole-4-carbohydrazide (1) on treatment with 4-fluorobenzaldehyde in presence of catalytic amount of acetic acid, accessed the target compound (2) with the yield of 79%. The target compound was confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR and LCMS. In vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were carried out and compound 2 showed promising activity against B. subtilis. In addition, compound 2 was analyzed for DNA binding study. It revealed that compound 2 has a promising affinity towards DNA double helix.
An Ab Initio Study of Vacancies in Disordered Magnetic Systems: A Case Study of Fe-Rich Fe-Al Phases
Authors: Miháliková Ivana , Friák Martin , Koutná Nikola , Holec David , Šob Mojmír
Published: May 2019

We have performed quantum-mechanical calculations to examine the impact of disorder on thermodynamic, structural and electronic (magnetic) properties of Fe-Al systems with vacancies. A series of supercells was used and their properties were computed employing density-functional theory (DFT) as implemented in the VASP package. Our case study is primarily aimed at a disordered solid solution Fe 81.25 Al 18.75 but we have compared our results also with those obtained for the ordered Fe 3 Al intermetallic compound for which experimental data exist in literature. Both phases are found in Fe-Al-based superalloys. The Fe-18.75at.%Al solid solution was simulated using special quasirandom structures (SQS) in three different disordered states with a different distribution of Al atoms. In particular, we have considered a general disordered case (an A2-like variant), the case without the first nearest neighbor Al-Al pairs (a B2-like distribution of atoms) and also the case without both the first and second nearest neighbor Al-Al pairs (the D0 3 -like variant, in fact, an Fe-rich Fe 3 Al phase). The vacancy formation energies as well as the volumes of (fully relaxed) supercells with vacancies showed a large scatter for the disordered systems. The vacancy formation energies decrease with increasing concentration of Al atoms in the first coordination shell around the vacancy (an anti-correlation) for all disordered cases studied. The computed volumes of vacancies were found significantly lower (by 25–60%) when compared with the equilibrium volume of the missing atoms in their elemental states. Lastly, we have analyzed interactions between the vacancies and the Fe atoms and evaluated vacancy-induced changes in local magnetic moments of Fe atoms.
Prediction and Characteristics of Angular Distortion in Multi-Layer Butt Welding
Authors: Seong Woo-Jae
Published: May 2019

Multi-layer welding involves the process of stacking many beads, so it requires much time and effort to predict the deformation through experimentation or numerical analysis. In this study, a systematic method for predicting transverse angular distortion in multi-layer butt welding has been proposed. First, the database was established through bead-on-plate welding experiments, which consisted of the relationship between welding conditions, the bead geometry, the material thickness, and the angular distortion. Then, when the arbitrary welding conditions and the shape of the butt joint were input, the method calculated the angular distortion per pass using the geometric principle and the database. The obtained prediction curves were verified with the V-groove welding experimental results. In addition, the characteristics of angular distortion in multi-layer butt welding were discussed. It was found that the angular distortion curve is a function of the number of passes and groove geometry. This algorithm is based on a numerical approach that saves computational time using databases and geometry, so it is suitable for industrial applications.
The Nature of Interactions and UV-Induced Response within α-Zirconium Phosphate Intercalation Compounds with Azobenzenes
Authors: Koteja Anna , Matusik Jakub , Luberda-Durnaś Katarzyna , Szczerba Marek
Published: May 2019

Azobenzenes immobilization on a solid support enables the usage of their trans-cis isomerization ability for preparation of functional materials. The behavior of azobenzenes in the interlayer space of α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) upon the UV–Vis irradiation was investigated. Two experimental approaches were performed: (1) co-intercalation of benzylalkylammonium surfactants and azobenzene in the interlayers of ZrP (ZBCnA), and (2) intercalation of p-aminoazobenzene (ZpA). The materials were characterized with XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis, CHN analysis, and the molecular modeling. The molecules in ZBCnA samples were sparsely packed and held by weak hydrophobic interactions. Conversely, the molecules in ZpA sample were strongly H-bonded to the ZrP, well-ordered, and densely packed. These structural features determined the samples’ photoresponsive behavior. Low density of molecules in the ZBCnA samples, allowed the effective, fast, and reversible isomerization of azobenzene. Whereas the ZpA sample did not react to the UV irradiation because of the steric hindrance of tightly packed molecules.
Large-Range Polymer Optical-Fiber Strain-Gauge Sensor for Elastic Tendons in Wearable Assistive Robots
Authors: Casas Jonathan , Leal-Junior Arnaldo , Díaz Camilo R. , Frizera Anselmo , Múnera Marcela , Cifuentes Carlos A.
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the development and validation of a polymer optical-fiber strain-gauge sensor based on the light-coupling principle to measure axial deformation of elastic tendons incorporated in soft actuators for wearable assistive robots. An analytical model was proposed and further validated with experiment tests, showing correlation with a coefficient of R = 0.998 between experiment and theoretical data, and reaching a maximum axial displacement range of 15 mm and no significant hysteresis. Furthermore, experiment tests were carried out attaching the validated sensor to the elastic tendon. Results of three experiment tests show the sensor’s capability to measure the tendon’s response under tensile axial stress, finding 20.45% of hysteresis in the material’s response between the stretching and recovery phase. Based on these results, there is evidence of the potential that the fiber-optical strain sensor presents for future applications in the characterization of such tendons and identification of dynamic models that allow the understanding of the material’s response to the development of more efficient interaction-control strategies.
Geochemistry, Geochronology, and Hf-S-Pb Isotopes of the Akechukesai IV Mafic-Ultramafic Complex, Western China
Authors: Yan Jiaming , Sun Fengyue , Qian Ye , Li Liang , Zhang Yongsheng , Yan Zhengping
Published: May 2019

The Akechukesai IV mafic–ultramafic complex, located in the western segment of the eastern Kunlun orogenic belt (EKOB), represents a newly-discovered complex, containing Ni ores at grades of up to 0.98% Ni. It is dominated by olivine pyroxenite, pyroxenite, and gabbro units. The gabbros are enriched in lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, U, and K) and light rare-earth elements (LREE), with negative anomalies in high field-strength elements, except Zr, Ta. Nb/Ta(∼5) and Zr/Hf (∼10) ratios lower than the primitive mantle and chondrites, respectively, indicate the influence of the mantle metasomatic process or fractionation of accessory mineral phases. Zircon U–Pb dating of the gabbro yielded an age of 423.9 ± 2.6 Ma, indicating that the complex formed contemporaneously with the Xiarihamu Ni deposit (423 ± 1 Ma). The gabbro has negative εHf(t) values (−11.3 to −1.2) with corresponding TDM1 ages of 1535–1092 Ma. The vein-like and disseminated mineralization (i.e., pyrite and pyrrhotite) have δ34S values of 13.1‰–13.4‰ and 5.0‰–8.5‰, respectively, suggesting that the magmas that formed the complex assimilated crustal sulfur. They yield 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb values of 17.323–18.472, 15.422–15.626, and 37.610–38.327, respectively, indicating Pb derived from multiple sources (i.e., mantle crustal sources). Geochemical and Hf–S–Pb isotopic characteristics suggest that the complex formed from a primitive magma derived by partial melting of a spinel- and garnet-bearing lherzolite mantle at variable degree of 5%–10%. This source region was geochemically enriched by previous interaction with slab-related fluids. Tectonic reconstruction suggests that the Akechukesai IV complex was generated in a post-collisional extensional environment.
Natural Products and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review Highlighting Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Hwang Dongwon , Kim Minsun , Park Hyejin , Jeong Myung In , Jung Woojin , Kim Bonglee
Published: May 2019

Recent findings have shown great potential of alternative interventions such as immunotherapy and natural products for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aims to review the anti-AML effect of various natural compounds. Natural compounds were classified into five groups: alkaloids, carotenoids, nitrogen-containing compounds, organosulfur compounds or phenolics based on each compound’s chemical properties. Fifty-eight studies were collected and reviewed in this article. Phenolics are the most abundant group to have an apoptotic effect over AML cells, while other groups have also shown significant apoptotic effects. Some compounds induced apoptosis by regulating unique mechanism like human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) or laminin receptor (67LR), while others modified caspases, poly (adp-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and p53. Further study is required to identify side-effects of potent compounds and the synergistic effects of combination of two or more natural compounds or existing conventional anti-AML drugs to treat this dreadful disease.
Design Investigation of 4 × 4 Nonblocking Hybrid Plasmonic Electrooptic Switch
Authors: Jaber Maithem S. , Tawfeeq Shelan K. , Fyath Raad S.
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a compact, plasmonic-based 4 × 4 nonblocking switch for optical networks. This device uses six 2 × 2 plasmonic Mach-Zehnder switch (MZS), whose arm waveguide is supported by a JRD1 polymer layer as a high electro-optic coefficient material. The 4 × 4 switch is designed in COMSOL environment for 1550 nm wavelength operation. The performance of the proposed switch outperforms those of conventional (nonplasmonic) counterparts. The designed switch yields a compact structure ( 500 × 70   µ m 2 ) having V π L = 12   V · µ m , 1.5 THz optical bandwidth, 7.7 dB insertion loss, and −26.5 dB crosstalk. The capability of the switch to route 8 × 40 Gbps WDM signal is demonstrated successfully.