bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat-Transfer Characteristics of Liquid Sodium in a Solar Receiver Tube with a Nonuniform Heat Flux
Authors: Liu Jing , He Yongqing , Lei Xianliang
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a numerical simulation on the heat transfer of liquid sodium in a solar receiver tube, as the liquid sodium is a promising heat-transfer candidate for the next generation solar-power-tower (SPT) system. A comparison between three mediums—solar salt, Hitec and liquid sodium—is presented under uniform and nonuniform heat-flux configurations. We studied the effects of mass flow rate (Qm), inlet temperature (Tin), and maximum heat flux (qomax), on the average heat-transfer coefficient (h) and the friction coefficient (f) of the three mediums. The results show that the h of liquid sodium is about 2.5 to 5 times than other two molten salts when Tin is varying from 550 to 800 K, Qm is 1.0 kg/s, and qomax is 0.1 MW/m2. For maximum heat fluxes from 0.1 to 0.3 MW/m2, the h of liquid sodium is always an order of magnitude larger than that of Hitec and Solar-Salt (S-S), while maintaining a small friction coefficient.
Online Building Load Management Control with Plugged-in Electric Vehicles Considering Uncertainties
Authors: Acquah Moses Amoasi , Han Sekyung
Published: April 2019

Robust operation of load management control for a building is important to account for the uncertainty in demand as well as any distributed sources connected to the building. This paper discussed an online load management control solution using distributed energy storage (DES) while considering uncertainties in demand as well as DES to reduce peak demand for economic benefit. In recent years’ demand-side management (DSM) solutions using DES such as stationary energy management system (BESS) and plugged-in electric vehicles (PEV) have been popularised. Most of these solutions resort to deterministic load forecast for the day ahead energy scheduling and do not consider the uncertainties in demand and DES making these solutions vulnerable to uncertainties. This study presents an online density demand forecast, k-means clustering of PEV groups and stochastic optimisation for robust operation of BESS and PEV for a building. The proposed method accounts for uncertainties in demand and uncertainties due to mobile energy storage as presented by PEVs. For a case study, we used data obtained from an industrial site in South Korea. The verified results as compared to other methods with a deterministic approach prove the solution is efficient and robust.
Transient Heat Transfer Between Two Horizontal Pipelines in a Heat Tracing Enclosure
Authors: Ho C.J. , Sou G.N. , Lai Chi-Ming
Published: April 2019

In this study, a numerical simulation of natural convection between two horizontal differentially heated pipelines inside a circular air-filled enclosure is performed using the finite difference method. The relevant parameters of the problem are the inclinations of the two cylinders (positioned vertically in this study, with the cold cylinder above the hot cylinder), the distance between cylinders and the Rayleigh number. The results show that transient irregular fluctuations in the flow field and heat transfer occur when the Rayleigh number increases or the distance between cylinders decreases. Under the current test conditions, increasing the Rayleigh number significantly increases the average heat transfer coefficient between the cold and hot cylinders.
A Novel Approach to Realizing Low-Cost Plasmonic Optical Fiber Sensors: Light-Diffusing Fibers Covered by Thin Metal Films
Authors: Cennamo Nunzio , Zeni Luigi , Arcadio Francesco , Catalano Ester , Minardo Aldo
Published: April 2019

We have investigated, in a numerical and experimental way, a refractive index (RI) sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in a silver-coated light-diffusing fiber (LDF). The experimental tests were conducted using water-glycerine mixtures with refractive indices ranging from 1.332 to 1.388. In the considered refractive index range, the experimental results show a sensitivity of the SPR wavelength to the outer medium’s RI ranging from ~2600 to ~4700 nm/RIU, which is larger than the sensitivity recently reported for a gold-coated LDF sensor (~1200 to ~4000 nm/RIU). The silver-coated sensor is also shown to ensure a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to the gold-coated sensor.
Breather Turbulence: Exact Spectral and Stochastic Solutions of the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Osborne Alfred R.
Published: April 2019

I address the problem of breather turbulence in ocean waves from the point of view of the exact spectral solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation using two tools of mathematical physics: (1) the inverse scattering transform (IST) for periodic/quasiperiodic boundary conditions (also referred to as finite gap theory (FGT) in the Russian literature) and (2) quasiperiodic Fourier series, both of which enhance the physical and mathematical understanding of complicated nonlinear phenomena in water waves. The basic approach I refer to is nonlinear Fourier analysis (NLFA). The formulation describes wave motion with spectral components consisting of sine waves, Stokes waves and breather packets that nonlinearly interact pair-wise with one another. This contrasts to the simpler picture of standard Fourier analysis in which one linearly superposes sine waves. Breather trains are coherent wave packets that “breath” up and down during their lifetime “cycle” as they propagate, a phenomenon related to Fermi-Pasta-Ulam (FPU) recurrence. The central wave of a breather, when the packet is at its maximum height of the FPU cycle, is often treated as a kind of rogue wave. Breather turbulence occurs when the number of breathers in a measured time series is large, typically several hundred per hour. Because of the prevalence of rogue waves in breather turbulence, I call this exceptional type of sea state a breather sea or rogue sea. Here I provide theoretical tools for a physical and dynamical understanding of the recent results of Osborne et al. (Ocean Dynamics, 2019, 69, pp. 187–219) in which dense breather turbulence was found in experimental surface wave data in Currituck Sound, North Carolina. Quasiperiodic Fourier series are important in the study of ocean waves because they provide a simpler theoretical interpretation and faster numerical implementation of the NLFA, with respect to the IST, particularly with regard to determination of the breather spectrum and their associated phases that are here treated in the so-called nonlinear random phase approximation. The actual material developed here focuses on results necessary for the analysis and interpretation of shipboard/offshore platform radar scans and for airborne lidar and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements.
An Efficient Iterative Method for Looped Pipe Network Hydraulics Free of Flow-Corrections
Authors: Brkić Dejan , Praks Pavel
Published: April 2019

The original and improved versions of the Hardy Cross iterative method with related modifications are today widely used for the calculation of fluid flow through conduits in loop-like distribution networks of pipes with known node fluid consumptions. Fluid in these networks is usually natural gas for distribution in municipalities, water in waterworks or hot water in district heating systems, air in ventilation systems in buildings and mines, etc. Since the resistances in these networks depend on flow, the problem is not linear like in electrical circuits, and an iterative procedure must be used. In both versions of the Hardy Cross method, in the original and in the improved one, the initial result of calculations in the iteration procedure is not flow, but rather a correction of flow. Unfortunately, these corrections should be added to or subtracted from flow calculated in the previous iteration according to complicated algebraic rules. Unlike the Hardy Cross method, which requires complicated formulas for flow corrections, the new Node-loop method does not need these corrections, as flow is computed directly. This is the main advantage of the new Node-loop method, as the number of iterations is the same as in the modified Hardy Cross method. Consequently, a complex algebraic scheme for the sign of the flow correction is avoided, while the final results remain accurate.
Production and Refinement of Omega-3 Rich Oils from Processing By-Products of Farmed Fish Species
Authors: Šimat Vida , Vlahović Jelena , Soldo Barbara , Skroza Danijela , Ljubenkov Ivica , Generalić Mekinić Ivana
Published: April 2019

In this study, the effect of a four-stage chemical refining process (degumming, neutralization, bleaching, deodorization) on the quality parameters, fatty acid composition and volatile compounds of crude oils produced from processing by-products of farmed fish species (tuna, seabass and gilthead seabream) was evaluated. The quality of the oils was compared to commercially available cod liver oil on the basis of free fatty acid, peroxide value, p-anisidine, total oxidation (TOTOX), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), oxidative stability at 80, 100 and 120 °C, tocopherol content, and volatile components, while the fatty acid profile and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were used as an indicator of the nutritional values of fish oils. Quality parameters of the studied oils and oil oxidative stability were enhanced with refining and were within the limits recommended for fish oils without the loss of PUFAs. In tuna by-product refined oils, the proportion of PUFAs was over 40%, with 30% of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acids. The volatile compounds of the oils were quantified (in mg/kg) and major components were 2,4-heptadienal, pentadecane, 2,4-decadienal, 2,4-nonadienal and dodecane. The use of aquaculture by-products as an alternative source for fish oil production could contribute to a more sustainable and profitable aquaculture production, providing economic benefits for the producers and setting new standards for a fish by-product disposal strategy.
The Influence of Milk Type on the Proteolysis and Antioxidant Capacity of White-Brined Cheese Manufactured from High-Heat-Treated Milk Pretreated with Chymosin
Authors: Barac Miroljub , Pesic Mirjana , Zilic Sladjana , Smiljanic Milenko , Sredovic Ignjatovic Ivana , Vucic Tanja , Kostic Aleksandar , Milincic Danijel
Published: April 2019

We investigated the effect of milk type on the proteolysis and total antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of white-brined cheeses prepared from high-heat-treated (90 °C, 10 min) cow’s and goat’s milk, pretreated with chymosin at a low temperature (4 °C). The cheeses produced showed improved antioxidant characteristics and a high content of denatured whey proteins. However, these characteristics depend on the type of milk and the ripening time. Ripened cow’s milk cheese had higher values of WSN/TN (water-soluble nitrogen per total nitrogen content) and TCA-SN/TN (nitrogen soluble in 12% trichloroacetic acid per total nitrogen), but similar PTA-SN/TN (nitrogen soluble in 5% phosphotungstic acid per total nitrogen) values were observed in ripened cheeses. The antioxidant potential of a WSF (water-soluble fraction) was higher in goat’s milk cheese, but higher TEAC (total antioxidant capacity) values of WINF (water-insoluble fraction) were observed in matured cow’s milk cheese. In vitro digestion slightly improved the radical scavenging capacity of WSF, whereas digested WINF had more than twice the capacity of their undigested counterparts. The cheeses prepared in this study could be a good source of antioxidant peptides. Further investigations of their in vitro and in vivo functionality need to be conducted.
Geochemical Processes Controlling Ionic Composition of Water in the Catchments of Lakes Saana and Saanalampi in the Kilpisjärvi Area of North Scandinavia
Authors: Raidla Valle , Kaup Enn , Hade Sigrid , Ivask Jüri , Soesoo Alvar
Published: April 2019

The study focuses on chemical composition of stream and subsurface water in the catchments of two small arctic alpine lakes in the Kilpisjärvi area (northwest Finland). Differences and changes in chemical components of both water types are followed in order to detect spatial variability and impact of environmental factors. To achieve this, ion compositions of subsurface water and streams were measured at 12 sites in the catchments of Lakes Saana and Saanalampi during four years (2008–2010, and again in 2017). In the Lake Saanalampi catchment, the salinity of stream water (7.0 to 12.7 μS·cm−1) corresponded to that of snow. In the catchment of Lake Saana, however, the conductivity in stream water was much higher (40 to 220 μS·cm−1), connected mainly to the increase of SO42− and less with Mg2+ and Ca2+ contents, especially in the western part of the Saana catchment. These results demonstrate that arctic conditions do not preclude intense chemical weathering where conditions are favourable. Although chemical composition of the soil fluid does not match the geochemical signal from the local soil, rock composition, especially the presence of pyrite, is the main controller of chemical weathering rates of the rocks on the area. This supports earlier views that the character of precipitation mostly controls water chemistry of local lakes in the Kilpisjärvi area.
Increasing Summit Degassing at the Stromboli Volcano and Relationships with Volcanic Activity (2016–2018)
Authors: Inguaggiato Salvatore , Vita Fabio , Cangemi Marianna , Calderone Lorenzo
Published: April 2019

The last increased volcanic activity of the Stromboli volcano, from 2016 to 2018, was characterized by increases in the number and frequency of crater explosions and by episodes of lava overflow. The volcanic activity was monitored utilizing CO2 soil fluxes acquired from the Stromboli summit area (STR02 station). To better understand the behavior of the shallow plumbing system of the Stromboli volcano in the period of 2016–2018, we utilized a large data set spanning from 2000 to 2018. The data in this last period confirm a long growing trend of CO2 summit degassing, already observed in the years since 2005 (reaching 23,000 g·m−2·d−1). Moreover, within this increasing trend, episodes of sudden and sharp increases in the degassing rate, up to 24.2 g·m−2·d−2 were recorded, which are correlated with the observed paroxysmal activity (increased summit explosions and overflow).
Tropospheric and Ionospheric Anomalies Induced by Volcanic and Saharan Dust Events as Part of Geosphere Interaction Phenomena
Authors: Tramutoli Valerio , Marchese Francesco , Falconieri Alfredo , Filizzola Carolina , Genzano Nicola , Hattori Katsumi , Lisi Mariano , Liu Jann-Yenq , Ouzounov Dimitar , Parrot Michel , Pergola Nicola , Pulinets Sergey
Published: April 2019

In this work, we assessed the possible relation of ionospheric perturbations observed by Detection of Electro-Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions (DEMETER), Global Positioning System total electron content (GPS TEC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-derived outgoing longwave-Earth radiation (OLR), and atmospheric chemical potential (ACP) measurements, with volcanic and Saharan dust events identified by ground and satellite-based medium infrared/thermal infrared (MIR/TIR) observations. The results indicated that the Mt. Etna (Italy) volcanic activity of 2006 was probably responsible for the ionospheric perturbations revealed by DEMETER on 4 November and 6 December and by GPS TEC observations on 4 November and 12 December. This activity also affected the OLR (on 26 October; 6 and 23 November; and 2, 6, and 14 December) and ACP (on 31 October–1 November) analyses. Similarly, two massive Saharan dust episodes, detected by Robust Satellite Techniques (RST) using Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) optical data, probably caused the ionospheric anomalies recorded, based on DEMETER and GPS TEC observations, over the Mediterranean basin in May 2008. The study confirmed the perturbing effects of volcanic and dust events on tropospheric and ionospheric parameters. Further, it demonstrated the advantages of using independent satellite observations to investigate atmospheric phenomena, which may not always be well documented. The impact of this increased detection capacity in reducing false positives, in the framework of a short-term seismic hazard forecast based on the study of ionospheric and tropospheric anomalies, is also addressed.
The Plaka Bridge in Epirus: An Evaluation of New Building Materials for Its Restoration
Authors: Apostolopoulou Maria , Nikolaidis Ioannis , Grillakis Iakovos , Kalofonou Myrto , Keramidas Vasileios , Delegou Ekaterini , Karoglou Maria , Bakolas Asterios , Lampropoulos Kyriakos , Mouzakis Charalampos , Moropoulou Antonia
Published: April 2019

The sustainable preservation of monuments requires the use of performing materials which are at the same time compatible with the monument’s historical building materials to ensure structural integrity, adequate performance of the structure in earthquake stresses, and resilience of both restoration and historical materials. This is especially true for cultural heritage assets that have experienced major destruction, demanding extensive reconstruction. The Plaka Bridge in Epirus, Greece, partially collapsed after a heavy rainfall in 2015. It was a supreme example of traditional stone bridge architecture of the region and an important landmark. In the present study, a potential restoration stone from a nearby quarry was examined in terms of compatibility in relation to the dominant historical building stone of the bridge, as well as in terms of mechanical performance, through a variety of in lab techniques. In addition, criteria were set for restoration mortars, taking into account the characteristics of the historical materials, as well as the environment of the bridge. The results of the study regarding the restoration stone and mortars are presented and assessed, in order to select the most appropriate restoration materials for Plaka Bridge in its upcoming restoration, aiming to enhance the overall resilience of the structure.
A Pest to Mental Health? Exploring the Link between Exposure to Agrichemicals in Farmers and Mental Health
Authors: Khan Nufail , Kennedy Alison , Cotton Jacqueline , Brumby Susan
Published: April 2019

The current literature acknowledges that occupational exposures can adversely affect mental health. This review seeks to elucidate the current understanding of the effect of agrichemical exposure on mental health in the agricultural sector, including low-dose, chronic pesticide exposure. This scoping review adopted a snowballing and saturation approach. The review highlights inconsistencies in linking poor mental health and pesticide use. While some studies specifically showed that both high- and low-dose pesticide exposure were associated with poor mental health, consistent and rigorous research methods are lacking. The review also proposes terms to delineate exposure types described in the literature. The review outcomes direct efforts to protect the health, wellbeing and safety of farming communities across the globe.
Paternal and Maternal Influence on Delinquency among Early Adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Zhu Xiaoqin
Published: April 2019

Objective: The aim was to examine the effects of parental behaviors and the parent-child relationship on delinquency levels as well as growth rates among early adolescents, and to explore the cross-sectional and longitudinal influence of fathers and mothers. Method: The study used and analyzed data collected at Waves 1–3 (N = 2669, age 12.56 ± 0.71 years at Wave 1) in a six-year research project. Results: While both parents’ behavioral control significantly predicted a lower initial level of delinquency, only higher behavioral control of fathers predicted a fast increase in delinquency. In contrast, parental psychological control did not serve as significant predictors in the individual growth curve model. Besides, relationships of father-child and mother-child dyads negatively predicted the initial level of delinquency but not the rate of change in adolescent delinquency. When all factors were investigated simultaneously, fathers’ behavioral control and the relationship between mother and child were robust cross-sectional predictors, whereas only the latter was a stable longitudinal predictor of adolescent delinquency. Conclusions: Parenting and the parent-child relationship are predictors of adolescent delinquency. It is necessary to differentiate between: (1) adolescent delinquency level and its change rate over time; (2) different aspects of parent-child dyadic factors; and (3) paternal and maternal factors.
Amputation Risk Factors in Severely Frostbitten Patients
Authors: Carceller Anna , Javierre Casimiro , Ríos Martín , Viscor Ginés
Published: April 2019

In recent years, the incidence of frostbite has increased among healthy young adults who practice winter sports (skiing, mountaineering, ice climbing and technical climbing/alpinism) at both the professional and amateur levels. Moreover, given that the population most frequently affected is healthy and active, frostbite supposes a substantial interruption of their normal activity and in most cases is associated with long-term sequelae. It particularly has a higher impact when the affected person’s daily activities require exposure to cold environments, as either sports practices or work activities in which low temperatures are a constant (ski patrols, mountain guides, avalanche forecasters, workers in the cold chain, etc.). Clinical experience with humans shows a limited reversibility of injuries via potential tissue regeneration, which can be fostered with optimal medical management. Data were collected from 92 frostbitten patients in order to evaluate factors that represent a risk of amputation after severe frostbite. Mountain range, years of expertise in winter mountaineering, time elapsed before rewarming and especially altitude were the most important factors for a poor prognosis.
Extracellular Vesicles and Carried miRNAs in the Progression of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Grange Cristina , Brossa Alessia , Bussolati Benedetta
Published: April 2019

The formation and maintenance of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) involve many cell types, such as cancer stem and differentiated cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and immune cells. These all contribute to the creation of a favorable tumor microenvironment to promote tumor growth and metastasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered to be efficient messengers that facilitate the exchange of information within the different tumor cell types. Indeed, tumor EVs display features of their originating cells and force recipient cells towards a pro-tumorigenic phenotype. This review summarizes the recent knowledge related to the biological role of EVs, shed by renal tumor cells and renal cancer stem cells in different aspects of RCC progression, such as angiogenesis, immune escape and tumor growth. Moreover, a specific role for renal cancer stem cell derived EVs is described in the formation of the pre-metastatic niche. We also highlight the tumor EV cargo, especially the oncogenic miRNAs, which are involved in these processes. Finally, the circulating miRNAs appear to be a promising source of biomarkers in RCC.
Blast Transformation in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Risk Factors, Biological Findings, and Targeted Therapeutic Options
Authors: Iurlo Alessandra , Cattaneo Daniele , Gianelli Umberto
Published: April 2019

Myeloproliferative neoplasms represent a heterogenous group of disorders of the hematopoietic stem cell, with an intrinsic risk of evolution into acute myeloid leukemia. The frequency of leukemic evolution varies according to myeloproliferative neoplasms subtype. It is highest in primary myelofibrosis, where it is estimated to be approximately 10–20% at 10 years, following by polycythemia vera, with a risk of 2.3% at 10 years and 7.9% at 20 years. In essential thrombocythemia, however, transformation to acute myeloid leukemia is considered relatively uncommon. Different factors are associated with leukemic evolution in myeloproliferative neoplasms, but generally include advanced age, leukocytosis, exposure to myelosuppressive therapy, cytogenetic abnormalities, as well as increased number of mutations in genes associated with myeloid neoplasms. The prognosis of these patients is dismal, with a medium overall survival ranging from 2.6–7.0 months. Currently, there is no standard of care for managing the blast phase of these diseases, and no treatment to date has consistently led to prolonged survival and/or hematological remission apart from an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Nevertheless, new targeted agents are currently under development. In this review, we present the current evidence regarding risk factors, molecular characterization, and treatment options for this critical subset of myeloproliferative neoplasms patients.
Genes’ Interactions: A Major Contributor to the Malignant Transformation of Endometriosis
Authors: Sapalidis Konstantinos , Machairiotis Nikolaos , Zarogoulidis Paul , Vasilakaki Sofia , Sardeli Chrysanthi , Koimtzis George , Pavlidis Efstathios , Katsaounis Athanasios , Giannakidis Dimitrios , Michalopoulos Nikolaos , Mantalobas Stylianos , Alexandrou Vyron , Koulouris Charilaos , Amaniti Aikaterini , Kesisoglou Isaak
Published: April 2019

The genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to the malignant transformation of endometriosis are still under investigation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the genetic link between endometriosis and cancer by examining and correlating the latest clinical observations with biological experimental data. We collected updated evidence about the genetic relationship between endometriosis and cancers by conducting a comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus databases, focusing on the papers published between January 2018 and January 2019. New insights into the mechanism of the malignant transformation of endometriosis have been published recently. The use of state-of-the-art techniques and methods, such as the genome-wide association study analysis and the weighted gene co-expression analysis, have significantly altered our understanding of the association between endometriosis and endometriosis-associated cancer development. Interestingly, the interactions formed between genes seem to play a pivotal role in the phenotypic expression of mutations. Therefore, the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms and the function of the expression quantitative trait loci on genes’ expression have been the subject of many recent works. In addition, it has been discovered that genes, the mutations of which have been related to the development of endometriosis, play a role as hub genes. This may lead to new areas of research for understanding the mechanism of malignant transformation of the disease. Significant steps forward have been made towards the identification of factors that control the malignant transformation of endometriosis. Still, due to rarity of the event, a better-organized scheme for sampling on a global level should be adopted.
Expression of Longevity Genes Induced by a Low-Dose Fluvastatin and Valsartan Combination with the Potential to Prevent/Treat “Aging-Related Disorders”
Authors: Janić Miodrag , Lunder Mojca , Novaković Srdjan , Škerl Petra , Šabovič Mišo
Published: April 2019

The incidence of aging-related disorders may be decreased through strategies influencing the expression of longevity genes. Although numerous approaches have been suggested, no effective, safe, and easily applicable approach is yet available. Efficacy of low-dose fluvastatin and valsartan, separately or in combination, on the expression of the longevity genes in middle-aged males, was assessed. Stored blood samples from 130 apparently healthy middle-aged males treated with fluvastatin (10 mg daily), valsartan (20 mg daily), fluvastatin-valsartan combination (10 and 20 mg, respectively), and placebo (control) were analyzed. They were taken before and after 30 days of treatment and, additionally, five months after treatment discontinuation. The expression of the following longevity genes was assessed: SIRT1, PRKAA, KLOTHO, NFE2L2, mTOR, and NF-κB. Treatment with fluvastatin and valsartan in combination significantly increased the expression of SIRT1 (1.8-fold; p < 0.0001), PRKAA (1.5-fold; p = 0.262) and KLOTHO (1.7-fold; p < 0.0001), but not NFE2L2, mTOR and NF-κB. Both fluvastatin and valsartan alone significantly, but to a lesser extent, increased the expression of SIRT1, and did not influence the expression of other genes. Five months after treatment discontinuation, genes expression decreased to the basal levels. In addition, analysis with previously obtained results revealed significant correlation between SIRT1 and both increased telomerase activity and improved arterial wall characteristics. We showed that low-dose fluvastatin and valsartan, separately and in combination, substantially increase expression of SIRT1, PRKAA, and KLOTHO genes, which may be attributed to their so far unreported pleiotropic beneficial effects. This approach could be used for prevention of ageing (and longevity genes)–related disorders.
Physiological and Metabolic Responses of Rice to Reduced Soil Moisture: Relationship of Water Stress Tolerance and Grain Production
Authors: Barnaby Jinyoung Y. , Rohila Jai S. , Henry Chris G. , Sicher Richard C. , Reddy Vagimalla R. , McClung Anna M.
Published: April 2019

Access to adequate irrigation resources is critical for sustained agricultural production, and rice, a staple cereal grain for half of the world population, is one of the biggest users of irrigation. To reduce water use, several water saving irrigation systems have been developed for rice production, but a reliable system to evaluate cultivars for water stress tolerance is still lacking. Here, seven rice cultivars that have diverse yield potential under water stress were evaluated in a field study using four continuous irrigation regimes varying from saturation to wilting point. To understand the relationship between water stress and yield potential, the physiological and leaf metabolic responses were investigated at the critical transition between vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Twenty-nine metabolite markers including carbohydrates, amino acids and organic acids were found to significantly differ among the seven cultivars in response to increasing water stress levels with amino acids increasing but organic acids and carbohydrates showing mixed responses. Overall, our data suggest that, in response to increasing water stress, rice cultivars that do not show a significant yield loss accumulate carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, and myo-inositol), and this is associated with a moderate reduction in stomatal conductance (gs), particularly under milder stress conditions. In contrast, cultivars that had significant yield loss due to water stress had the greatest reduction in gs, relatively lower accumulation of carbohydrates, and relatively high increases in relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and leaf temperature (Tm). These data demonstrate the existence of genetic variation in yield under different water stress levels which results from a suite of physiological and biochemical responses to water stress. Our study, therefore, suggests that in rice there are different physiological and metabolic strategies that result in tolerance to water stress that should be considered in developing new cultivars for deficit irrigation production systems that use less water.
Extracellular Vesicles as Biological Shuttles for Targeted Therapies
Authors: Raimondo Stefania , Giavaresi Gianluca , Lorico Aurelio , Alessandro Riccardo
Published: April 2019

The development of effective nanosystems for drug delivery represents a key challenge for the improvement of most current anticancer therapies. Recent progress in the understanding of structure and function of extracellular vesicles (EVs)—specialized membrane-bound nanocarriers for intercellular communication—suggests that they might also serve as optimal delivery systems of therapeutics. In addition to carrying proteins, lipids, DNA and different forms of RNAs, EVs can be engineered to deliver specific bioactive molecules to target cells. Exploitation of their molecular composition and physical properties, together with improvement in bio-techniques to modify their content are critical issues to target them to specific cells/tissues/organs. Here, we will discuss the current developments in the field of animal and plant-derived EVs toward their potential use for delivery of therapeutic agents in different pathological conditions, with a special focus on cancer.
Dietary Macronutrient Management to Treat Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bajracharya Rijan , Youngson Neil A. , Ballard J. William O.
Published: April 2019

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been demonstrated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The products of several PD-associated genes, including alpha-synuclein, parkin, pink1, protein deglycase DJ-1, and leucine rich repeat kinase 2, have important roles in mitochondrial biology. Thus, modifying mitochondrial function could be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD. Dietary management can alter mitochondrial function as shifts in dietary macronutrients and their ratios in food can alter mitochondrial energy metabolism, morphology and dynamics. Our studies have established that a low protein to carbohydrate (P:C) ratio can increase lifespan, motor ability and mitochondrial function in a parkin mutant Drosophila model of PD. In this review, we describe mitochondrial dysfunction in PD patients and models, and dietary macronutrient management strategies to reverse it. We focus on the effects of protein, carbohydrate, fatty acids, and their dietary ratios. In addition, we propose potential mechanisms that can improve mitochondrial function and thus reverse or delay the onset of PD.
Kojyl Cinnamate Ester Derivatives Increase Adiponectin Expression and Stimulate Adiponectin-Induced Hair Growth Factors in Human Dermal Papilla Cells
Authors: Park Phil June , Cho Eun-Gyung
Published: April 2019

Adiponectin (APN), released mainly from adipose tissue, is a well-known homeostatic factor for regulating glucose levels, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. A recent study showed that human hair follicles express APN receptors and the presence of APN-mediated hair growth signaling, thereby suggesting that APN is a potent hair growth-promoting adipokine. Previously, kojyl cinnamate ester derivatives (KCEDs) were synthesized in our institute as new anti-aging or adiponectin-/adipogenesis-inducing compounds. Here, we tested the activity of these derivatives to induce endogenous APN secretion. Among the derivatives, KCED-1 and KCED-2 showed improved activity in inducing APN mRNA expression, secretion of APN protein, and adipogenesis in human subcutaneous fat cells (hSCFs) when compared with the effects of Seletinoid G, a verified APN inducer. When human follicular dermal papilla cells were treated with the culture supernatant of KCED-1- or KCED-2-treated hSCFs, the mRNA expression of APN-induced hair growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor was upregulated compared with that in the control. Taken together, our study shows that among kojyl cinnamate ester derivatives, KCED-1, KCED-2, as well as Seletinoid G are effective inducers of endogenous APN production in subcutaneous fat tissues, which may in turn contribute to the promotion of hair growth in the human scalp.
Characterization and Dye Decolorization Potential of Two Laccases from the Marine-Derived Fungus Pestalotiopsis sp.
Authors: Wikee Saowanee , Hatton Juliette , Turbé-Doan Annick , Mathieu Yann , Daou Marianne , Lomascolo Anne , Kumar Abhishek , Lumyong Saisamorn , Sciara Giuliano , Faulds Craig B. , Record Eric
Published: April 2019

Two laccase-encoding genes from the marine-derived fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. have been cloned in Aspergillus niger for heterologous production, and the recombinant enzymes have been characterized to study their physicochemical properties, their ability to decolorize textile dyes for potential biotechnological applications, and their activity in the presence of sea salt. The optimal pH and temperature of PsLac1 and PsLac2 differed in relation to the substrates tested, and both enzymes were shown to be extremely stable at temperatures up to 50 °C, retaining 100% activity after 3 h at 50 °C. Both enzymes were stable between pH 4–6. Different substrate specificities were exhibited, and the lowest Km and highest catalytic efficiency values were obtained against syringaldazine and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP) for PsLac1 and PsLac2, respectively. The industrially important dyes—Acid Yellow, Bromo Cresol Purple, Nitrosulfonazo III, and Reactive Black 5—were more efficiently decolorized by PsLac1 in the presence of the redox mediator 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT). Activities were compared in saline conditions, and PsLac2 seemed more adapted to the presence of sea salt than PsLac1. The overall surface charges of the predicted PsLac three-dimensional models showed large negatively charged surfaces for PsLac2, as found in proteins for marine organisms, and more balanced solvent exposed charges for PsLac1, as seen in proteins from terrestrial organisms.
Serum Erythroferrone Levels Associate with Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Hemodialysis and in CKD Patients: A Two Cohorts Study
Authors: Spoto Belinda , Kakkar Rahul , Lo Larry , Devalaraja Matt , Pizzini Patrizia , Torino Claudia , Leonardis Daniela , Cutrupi Sebastiano , Tripepi Giovanni , Mallamaci Francesca , Zoccali Carmine
Published: April 2019

Erythroferrone (ERFE) is a hepcidin inhibitor whose synthesis is stimulated by erythropoietin, which increases iron absorption and mobilization. We studied the association between serum ERFE and mortality and non-fatal cardiovascular (CV) events in a cohort of 1123 hemodialysis patients and in a cohort of 745 stage 1–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Erythroferrone was measured by a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the hemodialysis cohort, serum ERFE associated directly with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) dose (p < 0.001) and inversely with serum iron and ferritin (p < 0.001). Erythroferrone associated with the combined outcome in an analysis adjusting for traditional risk factors, factors peculiar to end-stage kidney disease, serum ferritin, inflammation, and nutritional status (HR, hazard ratio, (5 ng/mL increase: 1.04, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.01–1.08, p = 0.005). Furthermore, treatment with ESA modified the relationship between ERFE and the combined end-point in adjusted analyses (p for the effect modification = 0.018). Similarly, in CKD patients there was a linear increase in the risk for the same outcome in adjusted analyses (HR (2 ng/mL increase): 1.04, 95% CI: 1.0–1.07, p = 0.015). Serum ERFE is associated with mortality and CV events in CKD and in HD patients, and treatment by ESA amplifies the risk for this combined end-point in HD patients.
Eight Collagen Peptides from Hydrolysate Fraction of Spanish Mackerel Skins: Isolation, Identification, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Jing-Bo , Zhao Yu-Qin , Wang Yu-Mei , Chi Chang-Feng , Wang Bin
Published: April 2019

A previous report indicated that collagen hydrolysate fraction (F7) from Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorous niphonius) skins showed high reducing power and radical scavenging activities on 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (EC50 value of 1.57 mg/mL) and hydroxyl (EC50 value of 1.20 mg/mL). In this work, eight peptides were isolated from F7 and identified as Gly-Pro-Tyr (GPY, 335.31 Da), Gly-Pro-Thr-Gly-Glu (GPTGE, 459.47 Da), Pro-Phe-Gly-Pro-Asp (PFGPD, 531.52 Da), Gly-Pro-Thr-Gly-Ala-Lys (GPTGAKG, 586.65 Da), Pro-Tyr-Gly-Ala-Lys-Gly (PYGAKG, 591.69 Da), Gly-Ala-Thr-Gly-Pro-Gln-Gly (GATGPQG, 586.61 Da), Gly-Pro-Phe-Gly-Pro-Met (GPFGPM, 604.73 Da), and Tyr-Gly-Pro-Met (YGPM, 466.50 Da), respectively. Among them, PFGPD, PYGAKG, and YGPM exhibited strong radical scavenging activities on DPPH (EC50 values of 0.80, 3.02, and 0.72 mg/mL for PFGPD, PYGAKG, and YGPM, respectively), hydroxyl (EC50 values of 0.81, 0.66, and 0.88 mg/mL for PFGPD, PYGAKG, and YGPM, respectively), superoxide anion (EC50 values of 0.91, 0.80, and 0.73 mg/mL for PFGPD, PYGAKG, and YGPM, respectively), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) cation (EC50 values of 0.86, 1.07, and 0.82 mg/mL for PFGPD, PYGAKG, and YGPM, respectively) in a positive concentration–activity relationship. Furthermore, PFGPD, PYGAKG, and YGPM could effectively reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ and inhibit lipid peroxidation. Hence, eight collagen peptides from hydrolysate of Spanish mackerel skins might be served as antioxidant candidates for various industrial applications.
Total Synthesis of Mycalisine B
Authors: Ding Haixin , Ruan Zhizhong , Kou Peihao , Dong Xiangyou , Bai Jiang , Xiao Qiang
Published: April 2019

The first total synthesis of the marine nucleoside Mycalisine B—a naturally occurring and structurally distinct 4,5-unsaturated 7-deazapurine nucleoside—has been accomplished in 10 linear steps with 27.5% overall yield from commercially available 1,2,3,5-tetra-O-acetyl-ribose and tetracyanoethylene. Key steps of the approach include: (1) I2 catalyzed acetonide formation from 1,2,3,5-tetra-O-acetylribose and acetone at large scale; (2) Vorbrüggen glycosylation using N4-benzoyl-5-cyano-6-bromo-7H-pyrrolo[2,3–d]pyrimidine as a nucleobase to avoid formation of N-3 isomer; (3) mild and scalable reaction conditions.
The Ameliorating Effect of Plasma Protein from Tachypleus tridentatus on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice
Authors: Kang Xinhuang , Jing Mengyao , Zhang Guoguang , He Lanzheng , Hong Pengzhi , Deng Chunmei
Published: April 2019

In the study, the protective effect of plasma protein from Tachypleus tridentatus (PPTT) on acute kidney injury (AKI) and the related molecular mechanisms were first investigated by Western blotting analyses, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay, and immunohistochemistry. It was found that PPTT had an obviously inhibitory effect on Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-exposed mice. Furthermore, results demonstrated that the renal cell death mode is due to inducing apoptosis and autophagy inhibited by dose-dependent PPTT in mice treated with CTX by decreasing the protein expression of bax, beclin-1, and LC3 and increasing the expression of bcl-2. Moreover, the p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were observed to take part in the PPTT-induced renal cell growth effect by enhancing the upregulation of the expression of Akt and p-Akt as well as the downregulation of the expression of p38 and p-p38, which indicated a PPTT ameliorating effect on AKI CTX-induced in mice through p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Briefly, this article preliminarily studies the mechanism of the PPTT ameliorating effect on AKI CTX-induced in mice, which helps to provide a reference for PPTT clinical application in AKI therapy.
Synergistic Effects of Plant Derivatives and Conventional Chemotherapeutic Agents: An Update on the Cancer Perspective
Authors: Pezzani Raffaele , Salehi Bahare , Vitalini Sara , Iriti Marcello , Zuñiga Felipe , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Martorell Miquel , Martins Natália
Published: April 2019

Synergy is a process in which some substances cooperate to reach a combined effect that is greater than the sum of their separate effects. It can be considered a natural “straight” strategy which has evolved by nature to obtain more efficacy at low cost. In this regard, synergistic effects may be observed in the interaction between herbal products and conventional drugs or biochemical compounds. It is important to identify and exploit these interactions since any improvement brought by such kind of process can be advantageously used to treat human disorders. Even in a complex disease such as cancer, positive synergistic plant–drug interactions should be investigated to achieve the best outcomes, including providing a greater benefit to patients or avoiding adverse side effects. This review analyzes and summarizes the current knowledge on the synergistic effects of plant–drug interactions with a focus on anticancer strategies.
An Investigation of the Adhesive Effect on the Flank Wear Properties of a WC/Co-based TiAlN-Coated Tool for Milling a Be/Cu Alloy
Authors: Zuo Junyan , Lin Youxi , He Ming
Published: April 2019

In this paper, an experimental investigation, based on force special parameters, is adopted to analyze the relationship between the milling tool and adhesive phenomena in milling C17200. Generally speaking, the adhesive characteristics, force fluctuations, and tool failure are the main factors affecting the impact of the cutting process on tool wear patterns. However, difficult-to-cut materials, such as the beryllium–copper alloy C17200, require machining processes with tools with lives that are difficult to predict, due to their excellent mechanical properties. To analyze the tool failure process, a series of experiments based on cutting speed and tool geometry are presented in this paper to observe the adhesive effect on tool flank surfaces and force fluctuations. The results show that the variation of special force parameters in different directions reveals that the thermal–mechanical effect on sticking substances reached a possible peak value, with inflection points in different parameters at 200 m/min. The sticking substances and tool surfaces (observed by energy disperse spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope), wear capacity, and back-scattered electron imaging also confirmed that adhesion in the wear zone reached a peak value at 200 m/min in the cutting process, exacerbating the adhesive effect on tool failure.
On the Evaluation of Surface Fatigue Strength of a Stainless-Steel Aeronautical Component
Authors: Cianetti Filippo , Ciotti Moreno , Palmieri Massimiliano , Zucca Guido
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a novel method for the evaluation of the surface fatigue strength of a stainless-steel component is proposed. The use of stainless steel is necessary indeed, whenever a component has to work in a particularly aggressive environment that may cause an oxidation of the component itself. One of the major problems that affect stainless-steel components is the possible wear of the antioxidant film that reduces the antioxidant properties of the component itself. One of the main causes that can lead to wear is related to the surface corrosion that occurs every time two evolving bodies are forced to work against each other. If the antioxidant film is affected by surface fatigue problems, such as pitting or spalling, the antioxidant capacities of this type of steel may be lost. In this context, it is, therefore, necessary to verify, at least, by calculation that no corrosion problems exist. The method proposed in this activity is a hybrid method, numerical-theoretical, which allows to estimate the surface fatigue strength in a very short time without having to resort to finite element models that often are so complex to be in contrast with industrial purposes.