bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum Decision-Making in Collaborative Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Giral Diego , Hernández Cesar , Rodríguez-Colina Enrique
Published: September 2020

Spectral decision making is a function of the cognitive cycle. It aims to select spectral opportunities within a set of finite possibilities. Decision-making methodologies, based on collaborative information exchanges, are used to improve the selection process. For collaborative decision making to be efficient, decisions need to be analyzed based on the amount of information. Using little data can produce inefficient decisions, and taking a lot of data can result in high computational costs and delays. This document presents three contributions: the incorporation of a collaborative strategy for decision making, the implementation of real data, and the analysis of the amount of information through the number of failed handoffs. The collaborative model acts as a two-way information node, the information it coordinates corresponds to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) band, and the amount of information to be shared is selected according to five levels of collaboration: 10%, 20%, 50%, 80%, and 100%, in which each percentage represents the total number of users that will be part of the process. The decision-making process is carried out by using two multi-criteria techniques: Feedback Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process (FFAHP) and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW). The results are presented in two comparative analyses. The first performs the analysis using the number of failed handoffs. The second quantifies the level of collaboration for the number of failed handoffs. Based on the obtained percentage ratios, the information shared, and the average of increase rates, the level of collaboration that leads to efficient results is determined to be between 20% and 50% for the given number of failed handoffs.
Verification of an Accommodative Response for Depth Measurement of Floating Hologram Using a Holographic Optical Element
Authors: Hwang Leehwan , Ha Sungjae , Gentet Philippe , Lee Jaehyun , Kwon Soonchul , Lee Seunghyun
Published: September 2020

Floating holograms using holographic optical element screens differ from existing systems because they can float 2D images in the air and provide a sense of depth. Until now, the verification of such displays has been conducted only on the system implementation, and only the diffraction efficiency and angle of view of the hologram have been verified. Although such displays can be directly observed with the human eye, the eye’s control ability has not been quantitatively verified. In this study, we verified that the focus of the observer coincided with the appropriate depth value determined with experiments. This was achieved by measuring the amount of control reaction from the perspective of the observer on the image of the floating hologram using a holographic optical element (HOE). An autorefractor was used, and we confirmed that an image with a sense of depth can be observed from the interaction of the observer’s focus and convergence on the 2D floating image using a HOE. Thus, the realization of content with a sense of depth of 2D projected images using a HOE in terms of human factors was quantitatively verified.
Tetraethylammonium Acetate and Tetraethylammonium Bromide-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents as Thermodynamic CO2 Gas Hydrate Inhibitors
Authors: Sivabalan Vinayagam , Hasnor Nurasyikin , Lal Bhajan , Kassim Zamzila , Shah Maulud Abdulhalim
Published: September 2020

The thermodynamic gas hydrate suppression behavior of four Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) was evaluated in this paper. The mixtures of Hydrogen Bond Acceptors (HBA), Tetraethylammonium Acetate (TEAAC), and Tetraethylammonium Bromide (TEAB) with Hydrogen Bond Donors (HBD), Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG), and Glycerol were used to make the DES. The DESs were made at a 1:7 molar ratio for the combinations of TEAAC:MEG, TEAAC:Glycerol, TEAB:MEG, and TEAB:Glycerol. The Hydrate Liquid-Vapor Equilibrium (HLVE) data for CO2 were evaluated through the T-cycle method at different temperature (273.15–283.15 K) and pressure (2–4 MPa) conditions in the presence and absence of 5 wt % aqueous DES solutions. The inhibition effects showed by the DESs, including average suppression temperature (ΔŦ) and gas hydrate dissociation enthalpies (ΔHdiss), were also calculated. The average suppression temperature values of the DESs ranged between 0.4 and 2.4, with the highest inhibition to lowest inhibition order being TEAB:Glycerol > TEAB:MEG > TEAAC:Glycerol > TEAAC:MEG. A comparison of the DES with conventional Thermodynamic Hydrate Inhibitors (THIs) showed that studied Deep Eutectic Solvents had better gas hydrate inhibition. The results proved that DES has the potential to be one of the promising alternatives in gas hydrate inhibition.
Identifying Optimal Intensity Measures for Predicting Damage Potential of Mainshock–Aftershock Sequences
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Yu Xiaohui , Lu Dagang
Published: September 2020

Large earthquakes are followed by a sequence of aftershocks. Therefore, a reasonable prediction of damage potential caused by mainshock (MS)–aftershock (AS) sequences is important in seismic risk assessment. This paper comprehensively examines the interdependence between earthquake intensity measures (IMs) and structural damage under MS–AS sequences to identify optimal IMs for predicting the MS–AS damage potential. To do this, four categories of IMs are considered to represent the characteristics of a specific MS–AS sequence, including mainshock IMs, aftershock IMs (i.e., IMMS and IMAS, respectively), and two newly proposed IMs through taking an entire MS–AS sequence as one nominal ground motion (i.e., IM1MS–AS), or determining the ratio of IMAS to IMMS (i.e., IM2MS–AS), respectively. The single-degree-of-freedom systems with varying hysteretic behaviors are subjected to 662 real MS–AS sequences to estimate structural damage in terms the Park–Ang damage index. The intensities in terms of IMMS, IMAS, and IM1MS–AS are correlated with the accumulative damage of structures (i.e., DI1MS–AS). Moreover, the ratio (i.e., DI2MS–AS) of the AS-induced damage increment to the MS-induced damage is related to IM2MS–AS. The results show that IM2MS–AS exhibits significantly better performance than IMMS, IMAS, and IM1MS–AS for predicting the MS–AS damage potential, due to its high interdependence with DI2MS–AS. Among the considered 22 classic IMs, Arias intensity, root-square velocity, and peak ground displacement are respectively the optimal acceleration-, velocity-, and displacement-related IMs to formulate IM2MS–AS. Finally, two empirical equations are proposed to predict the correlations between IM2MS–AS and DI2MS–AS in the entire structural period range.
Effect Of Rapeseed Oil and Mineral Additive in Pig Diet on Physicochemical and Sensory Parameters of Cured Ham
Authors: Salejda Anna Marietta , Krasnowska Grażyna , Korzeniowska Małgorzata , Mazur Monika , Zwyrzykowska-Wodzińska Anna
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of modifications of pig-feeding by additions of rapeseed oil and the humus-containing mineral additive Humokarbowit® on selected quality parameters of cured ham. Pig hybrids (Polish Landrace × Large White Breed) × Piétrain) were used in the feeding experiments. Humokarbowit® was added up to 4%. Rapeseed oil was added at the dosage of 10 g·kg−1 of complete diet. The physicochemical, technological and sensory qualities of prepared hams were evaluated. Supplementation of pig diet with rapeseed oil and humus-containing mineral additive did not change the technical parameters of the final product, namely, the yield of the production process and weight losses. Cured hams manufactured meat from pigs fed the supplemented diet were brighter and less yellow than cured hams of pigs fed a normal diet. The applied feed modification contributed also to better storage stability of the meat product color. The control and experimental products did not show significant differences in sensory value. Supplementation of pig diets with rapeseed oil and Humokarbowit® increased content of polyenoic—especially n-3-free—fatty acids, comparing to control group, as well as ratio between n-6 and n-3 FFA. Used additives were effective as feed component in prevention of changes in the fatty acids content of cured hams during storage. In summary, the addition of rapeseed oil and humus-containing preparation to pig diets had a positive effect on raw meat quality and may have a beneficial effects on human health by increased polyenoic fatty acids content.
A Taillight Matching and Pairing Algorithm for Stereo-Vision-Based Nighttime Vehicle-to-Vehicle Positioning
Authors: Huynh Thai-Hoa , Yoo Myungsik
Published: September 2020

The stereo vision system has several potential benefits for delivering advanced autonomous vehicles compared to other existing technologies, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) positioning. This paper explores a stereo-vision-based nighttime V2V positioning process by detecting vehicle taillights. To address the crucial problems when applying this process to urban traffic, we propose a three-fold contribution as follows. The first contribution is a detection method that aims to label and determine the pixel coordinates of every taillight region from the images. Second, a stereo matching method derived from a gradient boosted tree is proposed to determine which taillight in the left image a taillight in the right image corresponds to. Third, we offer a neural-network-based method to pair every two taillights that belong to the same vehicle. The experiment on the four-lane traffic road was conducted, and the results were used to quantitatively evaluate the performance of each proposed method in real situations.
An e-Learning Toolbox Based on Rule-Based Fuzzy Approaches
Authors: Nebot Àngela , Mugica Francisco , Castro Félix
Published: September 2020

In this paper, an e-Learning toolbox based on a set of fuzzy logic data mining techniques is presented. The toolbox is mainly based on the fuzzy inductive reasoning (FIR) methodology and two of its key extensions: (i) the linguistic rules extraction algorithm (LR-FIR), which extracts comprehensible and consistent sets of rules describing students’ learning behavior, and (ii) the causal relevance approach (CR-FIR), which allows to reduce uncertainty during a student’s performance prediction stage, and provides a relative weighting of the features involved in the evaluation process. In addition, the presented toolbox enables, in an incremental way, detecting and grouping students with respect to their learning behavior, with the main goal to timely detect failing students, and properly provide them with suitable and actionable feedback. The proposed toolbox has been applied to two different datasets gathered from two courses at the Latin American Institute for Educational Communication virtual campus. The introductory and didactic planning courses were analyzed using the proposed toolbox. The results obtained by the functionalities offered by the platform allow teachers to make decisions and carry out improvement actions in the current course, i.e., to monitor specific student clusters, to analyze possible changes in the different evaluable activities, or to reduce (to some extent) teacher workload.
Investigation on the Formation Mechanism of Crack Indications and the Influences of Related Parameters in Magnetic Particle Inspection
Authors: Li Long , Yang Yun , Cai Xiang , Kang Yihua
Published: September 2020

The recent rapid development of industrial cameras and machine learning has brought new vitality to the very traditional flaw detection method, namely, magnetic particle inspection (MPI). To fully develop automatic fluorescent MPI technology, two main issues need to be solved urgently—the lack of theoretical analysis on the formation of the crack indications, and quantitative characterization methods to determine the crack indications. Here, we carry out a theoretical analysis and an experimental approach to address these issues. Theoretical models of the acting force of the leakage magnetic field were established. Subsequently, the impacts of different magnetic field strengths (1000–9000 A/m) and magnetic particle concentrations (0.5–30 mL/L) on the adsorption critical distance were analyzed. The models were solved by numerical calculations in MATLAB. In addition, a single variable control experiment was conducted to study the effects of crack images. In order to determine the quality of the crack image, three characteristic parameters were investigated, such as indication gray scale, background gray scale, and contrast ratio, were provided. The theoretical magnetic particle concentration range provided a guidance value for automated fluorescent MPI. Experimental results revealed that the optimal magnetic particle concentration was 3–4 mL/L, and, under this condition, the contrast between the crack indications and the background of crack images was obvious.
Technical and Economic Feasibility of a Stable Yellow Natural Colorant Production from Waste Lemon Peel
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Forest Billy , Meneguzzo Francesco , Pagliaro Mario , Hamann Mark T.
Published: September 2020

A brief technical and economic insight into producing the water-soluble yellow colorant limocitrol 3-O-6″-[3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl)])-β-d-glucopyranoside from waste lemon peel via simple solid–liquid extraction in aqueous ethanol or via hydrodynamic cavitation of waste lemon peel in water shows that the biocolorant can be obtained with multiple technical and economic advantages. Coupled with the simplicity and sustainability of the extraction processes suggested, the high chemical and physical stability of this polymethoxylated flavonol and the health benefits of citrus flavonoids support industrialization of this new bioeconomy production.
Ganoderma Lucidum from Red Mushroom Attenuates Formaldehyde-Induced Liver Damage in Experimental Male Rat Model
Authors: Oluwafemi Adetuyi Babatunde , Olamide Okeowo Tolulope , Adefunke Adetuyi Oluwatosin , Abraham Adebisi Oluwaseun , Ogunlana Olubanke Olujoke , Janet Oretade Oyeyemi , Marraiki Najat , Beshbishy Amany Magdy , N. Welson Nermeen , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: September 2020

The majority of liver-related illnesses are caused by occupational and domestic exposure to toxic chemicals like formaldehyde (FA), which is widely common in Africa and the world at large. Hence, measures should be taken to protect humans from its hazardous effects. This study, therefore, examines the protective potential of Ganoderma lucidum (100 mg/kg body weight) on formaldehyde-induced (40%) liver oxido-inflammation in male rats. Male Wistar rats, 150–200 g, were allotted into four groups of 10 animals as follows: Group 1 was orally treated with 1 mg/mL distilled water, Group 2 was exposed to a 40% formaldehyde vapor environment for 30 min per day, Group 3 was orally treated with 100 mg/kg ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum, and Group 4 was co-administered formaldehyde and 100 mg/kg ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum. Rats were then sacrificed 24 h after administering the last dose of treatment, and the livers were excised. Ganoderma lucidum significantly reversed the formaldehyde-mediated reduction in body and organ weight. Ganoderma lucidum administration significantly prevented oxido-inflammation by reducing the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione contents, as well as the normal level of nitrite and myeloperoxidase production in FA-treated rats. Additionally, Ganoderma lucidum reversed a large decline in proinflammatory markers in formaldehyde. Furthermore, Ganoderma lucidum restores formaldehyde-induced histological alterations in the liver. Collectively, our results provide valuable information on the protective potential of Ganoderma lucidum in protecting formaldehyde-induced liver oxido-inflammation in male rats.
Sphaerostilbellins, New Antimicrobial Aminolipopeptide Peptaibiotics from Sphaerostilbella toxica
Authors: Perlatti Bruno , Nichols Connie B. , Alspaugh J. Andrew , Gloer James B. , Bills Gerald F.
Published: September 2020

Sphaerostilbella toxica is a mycoparasitic fungus that can be found parasitizing wood-decay basidiomycetes in the southern USA. Organic solvent extracts of fermented strains of S. toxica exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, including potent growth inhibition of human pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, the respiratory pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, and the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Bioassay-guided separations led to the purification and structure elucidation of new peptaibiotics designated as sphaerostilbellins A and B. Their structures were established mainly by analysis of NMR and HRMS data, verification of amino acid composition by Marfey’s method, and by comparison with published data of known compounds. They incorporate intriguing structural features, including an N-terminal 2-methyl-3-oxo-tetradecanoyl (MOTDA) residue and a C-terminal putrescine residue. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for sphaerostilbellins A and B were measured as 2 μM each for C. neoformans, 1 μM each for A. fumigatus, and 4 and 2 μM, respectively, for C. albicans. Murine macrophage cells were unaffected at these concentrations.
Aedes albopictus D7 Salivary Protein Prevents Host Hemostasis and Inflammation
Authors: Martin-Martin Ines , Smith Leticia Barion , Chagas Andrezza Campos , Sá-Nunes Anderson , Shrivastava Gaurav , Valenzuela-Leon Paola Carolina , Calvo Eric
Published: September 2020

Mosquitoes inject saliva into the host skin to facilitate blood meal acquisition through active compounds that prevent hemostasis. D7 proteins are among the most abundant components of the mosquito saliva and act as scavengers of biogenic amines and eicosanoids. Several members of the D7 family have been characterized at the biochemical level; however, none have been studied thus far in Aedes albopictus, a permissive vector for several arboviruses that causes extensive human morbidity and mortality. Here, we report the binding capabilities of a D7 long form protein from Ae. albopictus (AlboD7L1) by isothermal titration calorimetry and compared its model structure with previously solved D7 structures. The physiological function of AlboD7L1 was demonstrated by ex vivo platelet aggregation and in vivo leukocyte recruitment experiments. AlboD7L1 binds host hemostasis agonists, including biogenic amines, leukotrienes, and the thromboxane A2 analog U-46619. AlboD7L1 protein model predicts binding of biolipids through its N-terminal domain, while the C-terminal domain binds biogenic amines. We demonstrated the biological function of AlboD7L1 as an inhibitor of both platelet aggregation and cell recruitment of neutrophils and eosinophils. Altogether, this study reinforces the physiological relevance of the D7 salivary proteins as anti-hemostatic and anti-inflammatory molecules that help blood feeding in mosquitoes.
Two Sides of the Same Coin: The Roles of KLF6 in Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Syafruddin Saiful , Mohtar M. , Wan Mohamad Nazarie Wan , Low Teck
Published: September 2020

The Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) family of proteins control several key biological processes that include proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation. Dysregulation of KLF functions have been shown to disrupt cellular homeostasis and contribute to disease development. KLF6 is a relevant example; a range of functional and expression assays suggested that the dysregulation of KLF6 contributes to the onset of cancer, inflammation-associated diseases as well as cardiovascular diseases. KLF6 expression is either suppressed or elevated depending on the disease, and this is largely due to alternative splicing events producing KLF6 isoforms with specialised functions. Hence, the aim of this review is to discuss the known aspects of KLF6 biology that covers the gene and protein architecture, gene regulation, post-translational modifications and functions of KLF6 in health and diseases. We put special emphasis on the equivocal roles of its full-length and spliced variants. We also deliberate on the therapeutic strategies of KLF6 and its associated signalling pathways. Finally, we provide compelling basic and clinical questions to enhance the knowledge and research on elucidating the roles of KLF6 in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
Comparative Characterization of Two cxcl8 Homologs in Oplegnathus fasciatus: Genomic, Transcriptional and Functional Analyses
Authors: Umasuthan Navaneethaiyer , Bathige SDNK , Thulasitha William Shanthakumar , Oh Minyoung , Lee Jehee
Published: September 2020

CXCL8 (interleukin-8, IL-8) is a CXC family chemokine that recruits specific target cells and mediates inflammation and wound healing. This study reports the identification and characterization of two cxcl8 homologs from rock bream, Oplegnathus fasciatus. Investigation of molecular signature, homology, phylogeny, and gene structure suggested that they belonged to lineages 1 (L1) and 3 (L3), and designated Ofcxcl8-L1 and Ofcxcl8-L3. While Ofcxcl8-L1 and Ofcxcl8-L3 revealed quadripartite and tripartite organization, in place of the mammalian ELR (Glu-Leu-Arg) motif, their peptides harbored EMH (Glu-Met-His) and NSH (Asn-Ser-His) motifs, respectively. Transcripts of Ofcxcl8s were constitutively detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) in 11 tissues examined, however, at different levels. Ofcxcl8-L1 transcript robustly responded to treatments with stimulants, such as flagellin, concanavalin A, lipopolysaccharide, and poly(I:C), and pathogens, including Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus iniae, and rock bream iridovirus, when compared with Ofcxcl8-L3 mRNA. The differences in the putative promoter features may partly explain the differential transcriptional modulation of Ofcxcl8s. Purified recombinant OfCXCL8 (rOfCXCL8) proteins were used in in vitro chemotaxis and proliferation assays. Despite the lack of ELR motif, both rOfCXCL8s exhibited leukocyte chemotactic and proliferative functions, where the potency of rOfCXCL8-L1 was robust and significant compared to that of rOfCXCL8-L3. The results, taken together, are indicative of the crucial importance of Ofcxcl8s in inflammatory responses and immunoregulatory roles in rock bream immunity.
Salivary Cortisol Levels Are Associated with Craving and Cognitive Performance in Cocaine-Abstinent Subjects: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sampedro-Piquero Patricia , Vicario Selene , Pérez-Rivas Aroha , Venero César , Baliyan Shishir , Santín Luis
Published: September 2020

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex upon the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Assessment of cortisol in saliva has emerged as a reliable way of evaluating HPA function. We examined the relationships between salivary cortisol levels with both craving and cognitive performance, as a possible biomarker of cocaine addiction. Cognitive performance (attention, declarative and working memory, executive functions and recognition of emotions) was assessed in 14 abstinent cocaine-dependent subjects in outpatient treatment and 13 control participants. Three salivary samples were collected at home by all the participants in the morning, afternoon and at bedtime. Patients showed higher levels of cortisol in the morning, as well as higher area under the curve with respect to the ground (AUCg). Regarding cognitive performance, cocaine-abstinent subjects showed worse performance in attention (d2 test), verbal memory (Spanish Complementary Verbal Learning Test, TAVEC) and executive tests (Tower of Hanoi and phonological fluency test) with respect to the control group. Morning cortisol levels and the AUCg index were negatively associated with the age of onset of drug consumption and the AUCg index was also positively associated with craving in our patients’ group. Moreover, morning cortisol levels, as well as the AUCg index, were negatively associated with verbal memory performance. Therefore, our pilot study suggests that salivary cortisol measurements could be a good avenue to predict craving level, as well as cognitive status, especially the declarative memory domain.
Prevalence of Worry-Induced Sleep Disturbance and Associated Factors among a National Sample of In-School Adolescents in Lebanon
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: September 2020

Persistent worry can cause significant distress among adolescents. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of worry-induced sleep disturbance (WISD) among adolescent school children in Lebanon. Cross-sectional, nationally representative data were analysed from 5849 adolescents (15 years median age) that took part in the “2017 Lebanon Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)”. The results indicate that the prevalence of WISD was 14.7%, 9.6% among males and 17.2% among females. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, loneliness, older age, female sex, having no close friends, infrequent bullying victimization, parents disrespected privacy, current tobacco use, ever cannabis use, high leisure-time sedentary behaviour and having sustained multiple serious injuries (past year) were associated with WISD. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, mostly or always feeling hungry (or low economic status), school truancy, having been physically attacked, frequently being in physical fights (past year), low peer support, parental emotional neglect, parents never checking homework, ever drunk and frequent soft drink intake were positively, and infrequent fast food intake was negatively, associated with WISD. One in seven students reported WISD and several associated factors were identified, which can aid intervention strategies. Multi-level interventions are needed targeting psychosocial distress, social-environmental factors and health risk behaviours to prevent WISD in this adolescent school population.
Development of Eco-Friendly and Self-Cleaning Lime-Pozzolan Plasters for Bio-Construction and Cultural Heritage
Authors: Fernandez Federica , Germinario Silvia , Basile Roberta , Montagno Roberta , Kapetanaki Kali , Gobakis Konstantinos , Kolokotsa Dionysia , Lagou Anna Maria , Dania Panagiota , Enna Maria Teresa , Mangiapane Maria , Maravelaki Pagona-Noni
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, the design and use of multi-functional mortars has increased significantly, with interesting applications in the green building and cultural heritage conservation sectors. A key point for a correct adoption of these innovative materials is their behavior along time and their resistance to the weathering. The objective of this project was to define the performance and durability of innovative mortars, in order to use them correctly and to avoid irreparable damage over time. For the development of this project, lime–metakaolin and hydraulic lime–metakaolin based mortars (hereinafter called A, B), as well as A and B with the addition of nano-TiO2 and perlite (hereinafter referred to as A+, B+), have been tested. The focus of the work was to carry out preliminary tests to evaluate the performance and durability characteristics of these mortars, verifying their behavior over time through exposure to artificial aging cycles, including thermal shock cycles in saline solution aerosols, freeze cycles in vapor aerosol, and aging by heat treatment at high temperatures. Before and after each artificial aging cycle, weight measurements, and macroscopic and microscopic observations were performed in order to evaluate possible structural changes. The characteristics of the mortars were assessed by determination of the apparent volume mass, mechanical properties, such as compressive and bending strength, water absorption, whereas their self-cleaning capacity was measured by methylene blue degradation test under UV and solar irradiation. The results obtained show degradation effects in the mortar samples due to aging after each test, and indicated that mortars with perlite and nano-TiO2 are the best-performing ones, both from the durability and energetic point of view, rendering them suitable for applications in the green building sector and the conservation of cultural heritage.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis: A Differential Pattern of Intrathecal Humoral Immune Response and Inflammatory Cell Composition Compared with Other Viral CNS Infections
Authors: Senel Makbule , Rapp Daniel , Mayer Benjamin , Jesse Sarah , Süssmuth Sigurd D. , Otto Markus , Lewerenz Jan , Tumani Hayrettin
Published: September 2020

To investigate whether and how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings can contribute to distinguish tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) from herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) induced central nervous system (CNS) infections (HSV-I, VZV-I). Chart review and identification of TBE, HSV- I, and VZV-I was carried out, fulfilling the following criteria: (1) clinical signs of encephalitis and/or meningitis, (2) complete CSF analysis and confirmed viral etiology by either PCR or antibody testing in CSF, (3) hospitalized patients, and (4) available brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fifty-nine patients with 118 CSF/serum pairs were included. These comprised 21 with TBE (35 CSF/serum pairs), 20 (40 CSF/serum pairs) with HSV-I, and 18 (43 CSF/serum pairs) with VZV-I. In contrast to HSV-I and VZV-I, CSF cell differentiation in TBE showed more often an increased (>20%) proportion of granulocytes (p < 0.01) and a more frequent quantitative intrathecal IgM synthesis (p = 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), while the second was even more pronounced when follow-up CSF analyses were included (p < 0.001). CSF findings help to distinguish TBE from other viral infections. In cases with CSF pleocytosis and a positive history for a stay in or near an endemic area, TBE antibodies in CSF and serum should be determined, especially if granulocytes in CSF cell differentiation and/or an intrathecal IgM synthesis is present.
Sex-Specific Control of Muscle Mass: Elevated IGFBP Proteolysis and Reductions of IGF-1 Levels Are Associated with Substantial Loss of Carcass Weight in Male DU6PxIGFBP-2 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ohde Daniela , Walz Michael , Walz Christina , Noce Antonia , Brenmoehl Julia , Langhammer Martina , Hoeflich Andreas
Published: September 2020

In farmed animals, carcass weight represents an important economic trait. Since we had demonstrated that IGFBP-2 represents a potent inhibitor of muscle accretion in inbred mice, we wanted to quantify the inhibitory effects of IGFBP-2 under conditions of elevated protein mass in growth selected non-inbred mice (DU6P). Therefore, we crossed male DU6P mice with female IGFBP-2 transgenic mice. Male IGFBP-2 transgenic offspring (DU6P/IGFBP-2) were characterized by more than 20% reductions of carcass mass compared to male non-transgenic littermates. The carcass mass in males was also significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in transgenic female DU6P/IGFBP-2 mice, which showed a reduction of less than 10% (p < 0.05) compared to non-transgenic female DU6P/IGFBP-2 mice. Although transgene expression was elevated in the muscle of both sexes (p < 0.001), serum levels were normal in female, but significantly reduced in male transgenic DU6P/IGFBP-2 mice (p < 0.001). In this group, also IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-4 were significantly reduced in the circulation (p < 0.01). Particularly in male transgenic mice, we were able to identify proteolytic activity against recombinant IGFBP-2 included in diluted serum. IGFBP-proteolysis in males correlated with massive reductions of IGF-1 in serum samples and the presence of elevated levels of IGFBP-2 fragments. From our data, we conclude that elevated tissue expression of IGFBP-2 is an essential effector of muscle accretion and may block more than 20% of carcass mass. However, in the circulation, intact IGFBP-2 contained no reliable biomarker content. Notably, for the estimation of breeding values in meat-producing animal species, monitoring of IGFBP-2 expression in muscle appears to be supported by the present study in a model system.
Proteostasis Disturbances and Inflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Sonninen Tuuli-Maria , Goldsteins Gundars , Laham-Karam Nihay , Koistinaho Jari , Lehtonen Šárka
Published: September 2020

Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) disturbances and inflammation are evident in normal aging and some age-related neurodegenerative diseases. While the proteostasis network maintains the integrity of intracellular and extracellular functional proteins, inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli. Cellular stress conditions can cause protein damage, thus exacerbating protein misfolding and leading to an eventual overload of the degradation system. The regulation of proteostasis network is particularly important in postmitotic neurons due to their limited regenerative capacity. Therefore, maintaining balanced protein synthesis, handling unfolding, refolding, and degrading misfolded proteins are essential to preserve all cellular functions in the central nervous sysytem. Failing proteostasis may trigger inflammatory responses in glial cells, and the consequent release of inflammatory mediators may lead to disturbances in proteostasis. Here, we review the mechanisms of proteostasis and inflammatory response, emphasizing their role in the pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, we discuss the interplay between proteostatic stress and excessive immune response that activates inflammation and leads to dysfunctional proteostasis.
Fabrication of Ni–Co–P Alloy Coatings Using Jet Electrodeposition with Varying Reciprocating Sweep Speeds and Jet Gaps to Improve Wear and Seawater Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Zhang Yin , Kang Min , Nyambura Samuel Mbugua , Yao Liang , Jin Meifu , Zhu Jiping
Published: September 2020

Type 45 steel substrate surfaces were coated with Ni–Co–P alloy coatings using jet electrodeposition in varying reciprocating sweep speed and jet gap to improve the wear and seawater polarization resistance of the substrate surface. The properties of the deposited coatings were analyzed and characterized. The results showed that the morphologies of the cross-section, thickness, and chemical composition of coatings were affected by reciprocating sweep speed and jet gap variation. At a reciprocating sweep speed of 175 mm·s−1 coupled with a jet gap of 2.0 mm, the content of Co element in the deposit attained the highest value of 47.66 wt.%. Reciprocating sweep speed and jet gap variation exhibited no significant influence on either the phase structure or the peak intensities of deposited Ni–Co–P coatings, but an obvious preferred orientation was evident in the (111) plane. Further increase in reciprocating sweep speed and jet gap caused an initial increase in the microhardness of Ni–Co–P alloy coatings followed by a decrease, where the highest value attained was 635 HV0.1. At a jet gap of 2.0 mm and a reciprocating sweep speed of 175 mm·s−1, Ni–Co–P alloy coatings reached a minimum wear scar width value of 460 µm. Electrochemical tests showed that the seawater corrosion resistance of coatings exhibited an observable change with increased reciprocating sweep speed and jet gap. The Ni–Co–P alloy coatings exhibited the highest polarization resistance (Rp) of 28.32 kΩ·cm−2 when the reciprocating sweep speed was 175 mm·s−1 and the jet gap was 2.0 mm, which indicated that the coatings had better seawater corrosion resistance.
Engineering Biomaterials to Guide Heart Cells for Matured Cardiac Tissue
Authors: Jang Yongjun , Park Yongdoo , Kim Jongseong
Published: September 2020

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is needed to maintain the structural integrity of tissues and to mediate cellular dynamics. Its main components are fibrous proteins and glycosaminoglycans, which provide a suitable environment for biological functions. Thus, biomaterials with ECM-like properties have been extensively developed by modulating their key components and properties. In the field of cardiac tissue engineering, the use of biomaterials offers several advantages in that biophysical and biochemical cues can be designed to mediate cardiac cells, which is critical for maturation and regeneration. This suggests that understanding biomaterials and their use in vivo and in vitro is beneficial in terms of advancing cardiac engineering. The current review provides an overview of both natural and synthetic biomaterials and their use in cardiac engineering. In addition, we focus on different strategies to recapitulate the cardiac tissue in 2D and 3D approaches, which is an important step for the maturation of cardiac tissues toward regeneration of the adult heart.
Convection–Diffusion Model for the Synthesis of PVD Coatings and the Influence of Nanolayer Parameters on the Formation of Fractal and Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Vereschaka Alexey , Grigoriev Sergey , Chigarev Anatoli , Milovich Filipp , Sitnikov Nikolay , Andreev Nikolay , Oganian Gaik , Bublikov Jury
Published: September 2020

The study proposes a model for the deposition of coatings, which takes into account the stochastic nature of the deposition process and is built considering the influence of the parallel convection and diffusion processes. The investigation has found that the dispersion of the motion direction of deposited particles in front of a substrate increases, which indicates a growth of the randomness in the trajectories of the particles being deposited. The obtained formulas indicate the fractal nature of the deposition process. During the formation of the multilayer coating structure, mismatched fractal structures of the layers overlap each other and thus the clustering effect is largely leveled out. The value of the nanolayer λ period has a significant influence on the fractal structure of the coating and the formation of feather-like hierarchical structures in it.
Additional Tribological Effect of Laser Surface Texturing and Diamond-Like Carbon Coating for Medium Carbon Steel at Near Room Temperature
Authors: Zhang Yanhu , Fu Hao , Wang Xinwei , Liang Hongyu , Puoza Julius Caesar , Ji Jinghu , Hua Xijun , Xu Xiaojing , Fu Yonghong
Published: September 2020

Texture surface containing both micro-pits and a thin carbon coating was produced using laser surface texturing and magnetic-control vacuum sputtering. Tribological properties of the laser-textured surface coated with thin carbon were experimentally investigated at low-temperature (8–10 °C) under starved and lubricated conditions with a ring-on-ring test rig. The results indicated that the laser-textured surface combined with carbon coating (textured + coating) exhibited low wear intensity and friction coefficient under lubricated conditions, while moderate wear was observed under starved lubrication conditions as compared with the smooth, textured, and carbon-coated surfaces. The wear mechanisms of the lubricated, textured, coated surface under three working conditions (10 N and 1.25 m/s, 16 N and 0.25 m/s, and 50 N and 0.05 m/s) revealed plowing effect, corrosion, and adhesive wear, while oxidative and adhesive wears were observed under starved lubrication. Finally, the textured, coated surface was freely adaptable to different working conditions and exhibited additional effects for better tribological applications at low-temperature as compared with the smooth, laser-textured, and carbon-coated surfaces.
Non-Destructive Monitoring of P. fluorescens and S. epidermidis Biofilm under Different Media by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Other Corroborative Techniques
Authors: Consumi Marco , Jankowska Kamila , Leone Gemma , Rossi Claudio , Pardini Alessio , Robles Eric , Wright Kevin , Brooker Anju , Magnani Agnese
Published: September 2020

In the present study, the early stage of bacteria biofilm formation has been studied as a function of different nutrients. Infrared spectra of Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE), on germanium ATR crystal, were collected under deionized water H2O, phosphate buffered solution (PBS) and PBS with glucose (PBS-G). In H2O, protein bands of PF increased while, no difference in PBS and PBS-G were observed until 135 min. SE strain showed a low sensitivity to PBS composition starting to expose proteins on surfaces after 120 min. SE shows a low polysaccharides increase in H2O while, in bare and enriched PBS their intensity increases after 120 and 75 min. in PBS and PBS-G respectively. PF exhibits a peculiar behavior in H2O where the saccharide bands increased strongly after 100 min, while under all the other conditions, the intensity of polysaccharide bands increased up to the plateau probably because the layer of the biofilm exceeded the penetration capability of FTIR technique. All data suggest that, under lack of nutrients, both the bacteria tend to firmly anchor themselves to the support using proteins.
Latent Tracks in Ion-Irradiated LiTaO3 Crystals: Damage Morphology Characterization and Thermal Spike Analysis
Authors: Han Xinqing , Liu Yong , Crespillo Miguel L. , Zarkadoula Eva , Huang Qing , Wang Xuelin , Liu Peng
Published: September 2020

Systematic research on the response of crystal materials to the deposition of irradiation energy to electrons and atomic nuclei has attracted considerable attention since it is fundamental to understanding the behavior of various materials in natural and manmade radiation environments. This work examines and compares track formation in LiTaO3 induced by separate and combined effects of electronic excitation and nuclear collision. Under 0.71–6.17 MeV/u ion irradiation with electronic energy loss ranging from 6.0 to 13.8 keV/nm, the track damage morphologies evolve from discontinuous to continuous cylindrical zone. Based on the irradiation energy deposited via electronic energy loss, the subsequently induced energy exchange and temperature evolution processes in electron and lattice subsystems are calculated through the inelastic thermal spike model, demonstrating the formation of track damage and relevant thresholds of lattice energy and temperature. Combined with a disorder accumulation model, the damage accumulation in LiTaO3 produced by nuclear energy loss is also experimentally determined. The damage characterizations and inelastic thermal spike calculations further demonstrate that compared to damage-free LiTaO3, nuclear-collision-damaged LiTaO3 presents a more intense thermal spike response to electronic energy loss owing to the decrease in thermal conductivity and increase in electron–phonon coupling, which further enhance track damage.
Longitudinal Observation of Changes in the Ankle Alignment and Tibiofibular Relationships in Hereditary Multiple Exostoses
Authors: Lee Jae Hoo , Rathod Chasanal Mohan , Park Hoon , Lee Hye Sun , Rhee Isaac , Kim Hyun Woo
Published: September 2020

The longitudinal changes in the tibiofibular relationship as the ankle valgus deformity progresses in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) are not well-known. We investigated the longitudinal changes and associating factors in the tibiofibular relationship during the growing period. A total of 33 patients (63 legs) with HME underwent two or more standing full-length anteroposterior radiographs. Based on the change in ankle alignments, thirty-five patients with an increase in tibiotalar angle were grouped into group V, and 28 patients with a decreased angle into group N. In terms of the change in radiographic parameters, significant differences were noted in the tibial length, the fibular/tibial ratio, and the proximal and distal epiphyseal gap. However, age, sex, initial ankle alignment, location of osteochondroma, and presence of tibiofibular synostosis did not affect the tibiofibular alignment. The tibial growth was relatively greater than the fibular growth and was accompanied by significant relative fibular shortening in the proximal and distal portions. In pediatric patients with HME, age, sex, initial ankle alignment, location of the osteochondroma, and synostosis did not predict the progression of the ankle valgus deformity. However, when valgus angulation progressed, relative fibular shortening was observed as the tibia grew significantly in comparison to the fibula.
Diagnostic Performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Native Valve Endocarditis: Systematic Review and Bivariate Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kamani Christel H. , Allenbach Gilles , Jreige Mario , Pavon Anna G. , Meyer Marie , Testart Nathalie , Firsova Maria , Fernandes Vieira Victor , Boughdad Sarah , Nicod Lalonde Marie , Schaefer Niklaus , Guery Benoit , Monney Pierre , Prior John O. , Treglia Giorgio
Published: September 2020

Background: Infectious endocarditis is a life-threatening disease, requiring prompt and accurate diagnosis. The aim of this article is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to estimate the performance of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for the diagnosis of native valve endocarditis (NVE). Methods: Selected articles evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with suspected NVE, resulting from a comprehensive literature search through the PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases until April 2020, were included for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: Seven studies (351 episodes of suspected NVE) were included. 18F-FDG PET/CT yielded a pooled sensitivity of 36.3% and a pooled specificity of 99.1% for the diagnosis of NVE. The pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 8.3, 0.6, and 15.3, respectively. The sensitivity increased using contemporary PET/CT device with state-of-the-art patient preparation as well as innovative image acquisitions or adding the results of 18F-FDG PET/CT in a multimodality strategy. Conclusions: In our systematic review and meta-analysis, 18F-FDG PET/CT yielded a poor pooled sensitivity with an otherwise excellent pooled specificity for the diagnosis of NVE; however, several factors may increase the sensitivity without affecting the specificity and these factors should be better evaluated in future studies.
Small Fibre Involvement in Multifocal Motor Neuropathy Explored with Sudoscan: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Luigetti Marco , Giovannini Silvia , Romano Angela , Bisogni Giulia , Barbato Francesco , Di Paolantonio Andrea , Servidei Serenella , Granata Giuseppe , Sabatelli Mario
Published: September 2020

Objective: Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is a rare inflammatory neuropathy, clinically characterized by exclusive motor involvement. We wished to evaluate the possible presence of sensory dysfunction, including the evaluation of small fibres, after a long-term disease course. Patients and methods: seven MMN patients, regularly followed in our Neurology Department, underwent clinical evaluation, neurophysiological examination by nerve conduction studies (NCSs), and Sudoscan. We compared neurophysiological data with a group of patients with other disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Results: NCSs showed a reduction of sensory nerve action potential amplitude in 2/7 MMN patients. Sudoscan showed borderline electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) values in 3/7 MMN patients (two of them with abnormal sensory NCSs). Conclusions: Our results confirm that sensory involvement may be found in some MMN after a long-term disease course, and it could also involve the small fibres.