bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Exchange of Mn: A Simple Method to Improve Both the Hydrothermal Stability and Activity of Cu–SSZ-13 NH3–SCR Catalysts
Authors: Song Chaoming , Zhang Lihong , Li Zhenguo , Lu Yiren , Li Kaixiang
Published: May 2019

A series of Cu–Mn–SSZ-13 catalysts were obtained by co-exchange of Mn and Cu into SSZ-13 together (ion exchange under a mixed solution of Cu(NO3)2 and Mn(NO3)2) and compared with Cu–SSZ-13 catalysts on the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitric oxide (NO) by ammonia. The effects of total ion exchange degree and the effect of Mn species on the structure and performance of catalysts before and after hydrothermal aging were studied. All fresh and aged catalysts were characterized with several methods including temperature-programmed desorption with NH3 (NH3-TPD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), 27Al and 29Si solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and low-temperature N2 adsorption–desorption techniques. The results showed that the increase of the total ion exchange degree can reduce the content of residual Brønsted acid sites of catalysts, thus relieved the dealumination and the decrease of crystallinity of the catalyst during hydrothermal aging. The moderate addition of a Mn component in Cu–Mn–SSZ-13 catalysts significantly increased the activity of NO conversion at low temperature range. The selected Cu(0.2)Mn(0.1)–SSZ-13 catalyst achieved a high NO conversion of >90% in the wide and low temperature range of 175–525 °C and also exhibited good N2 selectivity and excellent hydrothermal stability, which was related to the inhibition of the Mn component on the aggregation of Cu species and the pore destruction of the catalyst during hydrothermal aging.
Solvothermally Doping NiS2 Nanoparticles on Carbon with Ferric Ions for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Xie Lihong , Zhao Dengke , Dai Jiale , Wu Zexing , Li Ligui
Published: May 2019

Exploring efficient non-precious metal based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a prerequisite to implement the widespread application of a water electrolyzer and metal-air batteries. Herein, Fe-doped NiS2 nanoparticles on a carbon matrix (Fe-NiS2/C) are facilely prepared via a two-step solvothermal process, where Ni-containing metal organic frameworks (Ni-MOFs) are vulcanized in situ and carbonized by a solvothermal method to form abundant NiS2 nanoparticles homogeneously distributed on a carbon matrix (NiS2/C), followed by doping with ferric ions via a similar solvothermal treatment. The resulting Fe-NiS2/C nanoparticle composites show a rougher surface than the NiS2/C parent, likely due to the formation of more structural defects after ferric ion doping, which maximizes the exposure of active sites. Moreover, ferric ion doping can also regulate the surface electronic state to reduce the activation energy barrier for OER on NiS2/C sample. With these merits, the best sample Fe-NiS2/C-30 only requires a potential of +1.486 V (vs. RHE) to reach an OER current density of 10 mA cm−2 and can retain 96.85% of its initial current after continuous working for about 10 h in 1.0 M KOH aqueous solution, along with a small Tafel slope of 45.66 mV/dec, outperforming a commercial RuO2 catalyst. The results in this work enrich the method to tailor the catalytic activity of transition metal sulfides for electrochemical energy technologies.
Modelling of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2 in Dictyostelium discoideum Suggests That Cytopathological Outcomes Result from Altered TOR Signalling
Authors: Smith Paige K. , Sen Melodi G. , Fisher Paul R. , Annesley Sarah J.
Published: May 2019

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses comprise a group of neurodegenerative disorders with similar clinical manifestations whose precise mechanisms of disease are presently unknown. We created multiple cell lines each with different levels of reduction of expression of the gene coding for the type 2 variant of the disease, Tripeptidyl peptidase (Tpp1), in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum. Knocking down Tpp1 in Dictyostelium resulted in the accumulation of autofluorescent material, a characteristic trait of Batten disease. Phenotypic characterisation of the mutants revealed phenotypic deficiencies in growth and development, whilst endocytic uptake of nutrients was enhanced. Furthermore, the severity of the phenotypes correlated with the expression levels of Tpp1. We propose that the phenotypic defects are due to altered Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signalling. We show that treatment of wild type Dictyostelium cells with rapamycin (a specific TOR complex inhibitor) or antisense inhibition of expression of Rheb (Ras homologue enriched in the brain) (an upstream TOR complex activator) phenocopied the Tpp1 mutants. We also show that overexpression of Rheb rescued the defects caused by antisense inhibition of Tpp1. These results suggest that the TOR signalling pathway is responsible for the cytopathological outcomes in the Dictyostelium Tpp1 model of Batten disease.
Role of Angiopoietin-2 in Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Akwii Racheal G. , Sajib Md S. , Zahra Fatema T. , Mikelis Constantinos M.
Published: May 2019

Angiopoietins 1–4 (Ang1–4) represent an important family of growth factors, whose activities are mediated through the tyrosine kinase receptors, Tie1 and Tie2. The best characterized are angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang2). Ang1 is a potent angiogenic growth factor signaling through Tie2, whereas Ang2 was initially identified as a vascular disruptive agent with antagonistic activity through the same receptor. Recent data demonstrates that Ang2 has context-dependent agonist activities. Ang2 plays important roles in physiological processes and the deregulation of its expression is characteristic of several diseases. In this review, we summarize the activity of Ang2 on blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, its significance in human physiology and disease, and provide a current view of the molecular signaling pathways regulated by Ang2 in endothelial cells.
Cytokinesis D is Mediated by Cortical Flow of Dividing Cells Instead of Chemotaxis
Authors: Tanaka Yuki , Jahan Md. Golam Sarowar , Kondo Tomo , Nakano Masaki , Yumura Shigehiko
Published: May 2019

Cytokinesis D is known as the midwife mechanism in which neighboring cells facilitate cell division by crossing the cleavage furrow of dividing cells. Cytokinesis D is thought to be mediated by chemotaxis, where midwife cells migrate toward dividing cells by sensing an unknown chemoattractant secreted from the cleavage furrow. In this study, to validate this chemotaxis model, we aspirated the fluid from the vicinity of the cleavage furrow of a dividing Dictyostelium cell and discharged it onto a neighboring cell using a microcapillary. However, the neighboring cells did not show any chemotaxis toward the fluid. In addition, the cells did not manifest an increase in the levels of intracellular Ca2+, cAMP, or cGMP, which are expected to rise in chemotaxing cells. From several lines of our experiments, including these findings, we concluded that chemotaxis does not contribute to cytokinesis D. As an alternative, we propose a cortical-flow model, where a migrating cell attaches to a dividing cell by chance and is guided toward the furrow by the cortical flow on the dividing cell, and then physically assists the separation of the daughter cells.
Smartphone Coupled with a Paper-Based Colorimetric Device for Sensitive and Portable Mercury Ion Sensing
Authors: Firdaus M. , Aprian Angga , Meileza Nessi , Hitsmi Marti , Elvia Rina , Rahmidar Lena , Khaydarov Renat
Published: May 2019

The rapid development of information and communication technology provides an opportunity for scientists to develop a quantitative analytical method that is built on a mobile gadget as a detector. In this paper, we report a low-cost, simple and portable analytical method for mercury ion quantification based on digital image colorimetry coupled with a smartphone application. A small amount of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was used as a colorimetric agent that is selective only to mercury ions. The yellowish brown color of AgNPs instantly changed to colorless after the addition of mercury ions due to a redox reaction. To increase the portability, we attached the AgNPs onto a medium to create a paper-based analytical device. The final data processing of the colorimetric analysis was conducted using an android application available on the Google Play Store, called “Mercury Detector”. The proposed method has good sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.86 ppb, which is comparable to those of bulk and more expensive instruments. This allows for the detection of mercury ions as low as 2 ppb (10 nM), which is also the maximum contaminant level permitted in drinking water by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed method was applied to real samples that provide satisfactory results on accuracy (2.4%) and precision (2.5%).
Clinical Approach to Pediatric Transverse Myelitis, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Authors: Wang Cynthia , Greenberg Benjamin
Published: May 2019

Pediatric transverse myelitis (TM) is an acquired, immune-mediated disorder that leads to injury of the spinal cord and often manifests as weakness, numbness, bowel dysfunction, and/or bladder dysfunction. Multiple etiologies for myelitis can result in a similar clinical presentation, including idiopathic transverse myelitis (TM), multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyeltis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) associated with anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies, MOG antibody-associated disease, and acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Diagnosis relies on clinical recognition of the syndrome and confirming inflammation through imaging and/or laboratory studies. Acute treatment is targeted at decreasing immune-mediated injury, and chronic preventative therapy may be indicated if TM is determined to be a manifestation of a relapsing disorder (i.e., NMOSD). Timely recognition and treatment of acute transverse myelitis is essential, as it can be associated with significant morbidity and long-term disability.
Doped PANI Coated Nano-Ag Electrode for Rapid In-Situ Detection of Bromide in Seawater
Authors: Wang Qiujin , Zhou Yifan , Zhou Jixue , Wu Rongrong , Wu Jianbo , Zheng Hao , Ye Ying , Huang Yuanfeng
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we successfully fabricated a novel bromide ion selective electrode (Br-ISE), which was coated by bromine ion doped polyaniline as sensitive film. Using Ag wire as the substrate, a uniform and dense nano-silver layer was electroplated to enhance the specific surface area of the electrode. Subsequently, a polyaniline (PANI) film was coated onto the electrode by cyclic voltammetry in a 0.3 M aniline and 1 M HCl solution and was in-situ doped by 0.1 M KBr solution. The morphology and performance of the electrode were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and other electrochemical analysis methods, respectively. The prepared Br-ISE exhibited a wide linear dynamic range between 1.0 × 10−1 and 1.0 × 10−7 M with a near-Nernst slope of 57.33 mV/decade. In addition, the electrode possessed extremely fast response time (<1 s) and low impedance (300 Ω), high sensitivity, and good selectivity. The electrode potential drifted within 2 mV in 8 h. The lifespan was larger than three months.
Differentiating Generic versus Branded Pharmaceutical Tablets Using Ultra-High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Williams Bryan , Zheng Yalin , Lin Hungyen , Shen Yaochun
Published: May 2019

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently been demonstrated as a powerful tool to image through pharmaceutical film coatings. Majority of the existing systems can, however, resolve film coatings for thickness greater than 10 µm. Here we report on an ultra-high-resolution (UHR) OCT system, with 1 µm axial and 1.6 µm lateral resolutions, which can resolve thin coatings at approximately 4 µm. We further demonstrate a novel application of the system for differentiating generic and branded suppliers of paracetamol tablets.
The Fabrication of Calcium Alginate Beads as a Green Sorbent for Selective Recovery of Cu(Ⅱ) from Metal Mixtures
Authors: Yang Niannian , Wang Runkai , Rao Pinhua , Yan Lili , Zhang Wenqi , Wang Jincheng , Chai Fei
Published: May 2019

Calcium alginate (CA) beads as a green sorbent were easily fabricated in this study using sodium alginate crosslinking with CaCl2, and the crosslinking pathway was the exchange between the sodium ion of α-L-guluronic acid and Ca(II). The experimental study was conducted on Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) as the model heavy metals and the concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The characterization and sorption behavior of the CA beads were analyzed in detail via using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption experiments demonstrated that the CA beads exhibited a high removal efficiency for the selective adsorption of Cu(II) from the tetra metallic mixture solution and an excellent adsorption capacity of the heavy metals separately. According to the isotherm studies, the maximum uptake of Cu(II) could reach 107.53 mg/g, which was significantly higher than the other three heavy metal ions in the tetra metallic mixture solution. Additionally, after five cycles of adsorption and desorption, the uptake rate of Cu(II) on CA beads was maintained at 92%. According to the properties mentioned above, this material was assumed to be applied to reduce heavy metal pollution or recover valuable metals from waste water.
Spin Isoenergetic Process and the Lindblad Equation
Authors: Ou Congjie , Yokoi Yuho , Abe Sumiyoshi
Published: May 2019

A general comment is made on the existence of various baths in quantum thermodynamics, and a brief explanation is presented about the concept of weak invariants. Then, the isoenergetic process is studied for a spin in a magnetic field that slowly varies in time. In the Markovian approximation, the corresponding Lindbladian operators are constructed without recourse to detailed information about the coupling of the subsystem with the environment called the energy bath. The entropy production rate under the resulting Lindblad equation is shown to be positive. The leading-order expressions of the power output and work done along the isoenergetic process are obtained.
Bibliodrama: Introducing Stories from Narrative Traditions in the Development of Young People’s Life Orientation
Authors: Agten Jean
Published: May 2019

Young people, in the age of puberty and early adolescence, are in need of images and narratives as role models to mirror their actual thoughts and feelings, and to stimulate the development of their (tradition(s)-related) life orientation. The development of a life orientation we see as a religiously or secularly founded process of identity construction—a work-in-progress; a process of ‘learning by doing’. This is described in Part I of this contribution. As Jacob Moreno, the founder of psychodrama stated: ‘Thinking is in the action’. ‘Doing’—being actively involved in a situation—is the defining characteristic of key persons and key objects in narratives. This is in line with John Dewey’s view that the activity new perspectives are created; learning by doing. In bibliodrama, making use of psychodrama techniques, connections are established between narratives from traditional (religious or secular) worldviews—but also from myths and fairy tales—and young people’s individual life experiences. Seemingly without effort and as child’s play, bibliodrama creates an encounter between the here-and-now and the once-and-then of narratives of long ago. The theoretical framework of this practice and the methods of bibliodrama are described in Part II. In Part III we present an example of bibliodrama performed with 18–20-year-old students of the Odisee Hogeschool (Odisee University of Applied Sciences) of Brussels (Belgium). We conclude our contribution with a few preliminary conclusions, a discussion and recommendations for the practice of bibliodrama in education to familiarise students with (religious and secular) life orientations traditions, in order to facilitate the construction of their own authentic life orientation.
Data Augmentation Schemes for Deep Learning in an Indoor Positioning Application
Authors: Sinha Rashmi Sharan , Lee Sang-Moon , Rim Minjoong , Hwang Seung-Hoon
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we propose two data augmentation schemes for deep learning architecture that can be used to directly estimate user location in an indoor environment using mobile phone tracking and electronic fingerprints based on reference points and access points. Using a pretrained model, the deep learning approach can significantly reduce data collection time, while the runtime is also significantly reduced. Numerical results indicate that an augmented training database containing seven days’ worth of measurements is sufficient to generate acceptable performance using a pretrained model. Experimental results find that the proposed augmentation schemes can achieve a test accuracy of 89.73% and an average location error that is as low as 2.54 m. Therefore, the proposed schemes demonstrate the feasibility of data augmentation using a deep neural network (DNN)-based indoor localization system that lowers the complexity required for use on mobile devices.
Recent Advances in the Processing and Rendering Algorithms for Computer-Generated Holography
Authors: Corda Roberto , Giusto Daniele , Liotta Antonio , Song Wei , Perra Cristian
Published: May 2019

Digital holography represents a novel media which promises to revolutionize the way the users interacts with content. This paper presents an in-depth review of the state-of-the-art algorithms for advanced processing and rendering of computer-generated holography. Open-access holographic data are selected and characterized as references for the experimental analysis. The design of a tool for digital hologram rendering and quality evaluation is presented and implemented as an open-source reference software, with the aim to encourage the approach to the holography research area, and simplify the rendering and quality evaluation tasks. Exploration studies focused on the reproducibility of the results are reported, showing a practical application of the proposed architecture for standardization activities. A final discussion on the results obtained is reported, also highlighting the future developments of the reconstruction software that is made publicly available with this work.
Gridless Sparse Direction Finding Method for Correlated Signals with Gain-Phase Errors
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Liu Linxi , Chen Peng , Cao Zhenxin , Chen Zhimin
Published: May 2019

In practical array systems, the gain-phase errors among antennas degrade the performance of direction finding significantly. In this paper, a novel sparse system model for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in the scenario with gain-phase errors is proposed by exploiting the signal sparsity in the spatial domain. In contrast to the existing sparse-based methods using the grids to construct the dictionary matrix, a novel gridless method based on atomic norm and convex optimization is proposed, where the gain-phase errors are described by a diagonal matrix. With the Schur complement, a semidefinite programming is formulated from the optimization problem, and can be solved efficiently. With the gain-phase errors, the corresponding Cram’er-Rao lower bound (CRLB) of direction finding is derived as an estimation benchmark. Simulation results show that the proposed method performs better than the state-of-the-art methods in the scenario with correlated signals and gain-phase errors.
Steady-State Modeling of Fuel Cells Based on Atom Search Optimizer
Authors: Agwa Ahmed M. , El-Fergany Attia A. , Sarhan Gamal M.
Published: May 2019

In simulation studies, the precision of fuel cell models has a vital role in the quality of results. Unfortunately, due to the shortage of manufacturer data given in the datasheets, several unknown parameters should be defined to establish the fuel cell model for further precise analysis. This research addresses a novel application of the atom search optimization (ASO) algorithm to generate these unknown parameters of the fuel cell model and in particular of the polymer exchange membrane (PEM) type. The objective of this study is to establish an accurate model of the PEM fuel cells, which will provide accurate results of modeling and simulation in a steady-state condition. Simulations and further demonstrations were performed under MATLAB/SIMULINK. The viability of the proposed models was appraised by comparing its simulation results with the experimental results of number of commercial PEM fuel cells. In the same context, the obtained numerical results by the proposed ASO-based method were compared to other challenging optimization methods-based results. Finally, parametric tests were made which indicated the robustness of the ASO results as well. It can be stated here that ASO performs well and has a good capability to extract the unknown parameters with lesser errors.
The Optimized Energy Saving of a Refrigerating Chamber
Authors: Lin Whei-Min , Yang Chung-Yuen , Tsai Ming-Tang , Gow Hong-Jey
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a control strategy for the energy saving of refrigerating chambers. Combining binary coding and proteome reorganization, the binary proteome algorithm (BPA) is proposed to solve this problem. The refrigeration system model is firstly established based on the performance data of compressors and temperature measurements of each refrigerating chamber. The objective function is an averaged coefficient of performance (COP), which considers the switching loss of the compressors, power consumption of the compressors, and refrigerating capacity of the chambers. The control strategy is defined as an optimization problem with constraints to avoid the ineffective operation of a refrigeration system for improving the COP. BPA is adopted to solve the control strategy for optimizing energy saving. The effectiveness and efficiency of the BPA are demonstrated using a real system, and the results are compared with the original control strategy. Results show that the average power consumption drops from 115.92 kW to 108.82 kW, and the average COP value rises from 1.92 to 2.03. The proposed control strategy is feasible, robust, and more effective in energy-saving problems. Other than energy saving, the proposed control strategy also has the benefits of reducing the evaporator frost formation, which allows the products to avoid chill damage.
Voltage Source Operation of the Energy-Router Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Roasto Indrek , Husev Oleksandr , Najafzadeh Mahdiyyeh , Jalakas Tanel , Rodriguez Jose
Published: May 2019

The energy router (ER) is regarded as a key component of microgrids. It is a converter that interfaces the microgrid(s) with the utility grid. The energy router has a multiport structure and bidirectional energy flow control. The energy router concept can be implemented in nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) to provide flexible energy management. We propose a concept where ER is working as a single grid-forming converter with a predefined voltage reference. The biggest challenge is to maintain regulated voltage and frequency inside the NZEB in the idle operation mode, where traditional regulators, e.g., proportional-resonant (PR), proportional-integral-derivative (PID), will not meet the control design requirements and could have unstable behavior. To gain the stability of the system, we propose model predictive control (MPC). The design of the MPC algorithm is explained. A simulation software for power electronics (PLECS) is used to simulate the proposed algorithm. Finally, the simulation results are verified on an experimental prototype.
The Intention to Adopt Green IT Products in Pakistan: Driven by the Modified Theory of Consumption Values
Authors: Ali Saqib , Danish Muhammad , Khuwaja Faiz Muhammad , Sajjad Muhammad Shoaib , Zahid Hasan
Published: May 2019

Over the last decades, prompt economic growth and the resulting overconsumption has deteriorated the environment in an accelerated way. This environmental deterioration has prompted academicians and practitioners to study ecological consumption behavior. E-waste and energy consumption play a major part in this environmental deterioration, which makes consumer conscious regarding their consumption pattern. In this regard, the emergence of green Information Technology (IT) enables individuals to become involved in environmental protection and sustainability programs to reduce the negative impact of IT products on the environment. This study aims to investigate individual intentions to adopt green IT products in Pakistan by the theoretical foundation of the theory of consumption values (functional value, social value, epistemic value, emotional value, and conditional value). Whereas, an additional value, i.e., the religious value, is included in the model, due to its significant impact in green consumption behavior of individuals. Cross-sectional data is used to obtain a total of 536 valid questionnaires to test the hypothesis. The Partial Least Square Modeling approach is used to test the proposed model (variance-based SEM). The results infer that functional value, social value, epistemic value, emotional value, conditional value, and religious value have significant positive impact on the consumer intention to adopt green IT products. The reasons for the results and implications for the practitioners are discussed. Furthermore, directions for future research have also been suggested.
Exploring the Influence of Local Social Context on Strategies for Achieving Fire Adapted Communities
Authors: Paveglio Travis B. , Edgeley Catrin M. , Carroll Matthew , Billings Mark , Stasiewicz Amanda M.
Published: May 2019

There is a growing recognition that the social diversity of communities at risk from wildland fire may necessitate divergent combinations of policies, programs and incentives that allow diverse populations to promote fire adapted communities (FACs). However, there have been few coordinated research efforts to explore the perceived utility and effectiveness of various options for FACs among residents, professionals, and local officials in disparate communities with different social contexts. The research presented here attempts to systematically explore the combination of local social factors that influence support for coordinated wildfire risk management across locations. We conducted 19 interactive focus groups across five communities spanning five Western U.S. states using a mixed-method design that allowed for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data. Results indicate a number of significant differences in effectiveness ratings for adaptation approaches across communities, including requirement of vegetation mitigations on private properties, fostering Firewise communities, and zoning efforts in fire-prone areas. We used qualitative data to help explain the differences between communities as a function of unique local social context operating in each location. We also compare our results with existing frameworks promoting community “archetypes” to evaluate their continued use in wildfire management planning or response.
Computational Optimization of Adaptive Hybrid Darrieus Turbine: Part 1
Authors: Mohan Kumar Palanisamy , Surya Mohan Ram , Sivalingam Krishnamoorthi , Lim Teik-Cheng , Ramakrishna Seeram , Wei He
Published: May 2019

Darrieus-type Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) are promising for small scale decentralized power generation because of their unique advantages such as simple design, insensitive to wind direction, reliability, and ease of maintenance. Despite these positive aspects, poor self-starting capability and low efficiency in weak and unsteady winds deteriorate further development. Adaptive Hybrid Darrieus Turbine (AHDT) was proposed by the author in the past study as a potential solution to enhance low wind speed characteristics. The objective of the current research is to optimize the parameters of AHDT. AHDT integrates a dynamically varying Savonius rotor with a Darrieus rotor. A fully detailed 2D numerical study employing Reynold-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) is carried out to investigate the impact of the Darrieus rotor diameter (DR) on the Savonius rotor (DT) with regard to hybrid turbine performance. The power coefficient of the Darrieus rotor is evaluated when the Savonius rotor is in the closed condition (cylinder) of various diameters. The influence of Reynolds number (Re) on the torque coefficient is examined. Power loss of 58.3% and 25% is reported for DR/DT ratio of 1.5 and 2 respectively for AHDT with solidity 0.5 at 9 m/s. The flow interaction between the Savonius rotor in closed configuration reveals the formation of von Karman vortices that interact with Darrieus blades resulting in flow detachment. An optimum diametrical ratio (DR/DT) of 3 is found to yield the maximum power coefficient of the Darrieus rotor.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Analysis of the Locations of the Oligonucleotides 5S rDNA, (AGGGTTT)3, and (TTG)6 in Three Genera of Oleaceae and Their Phylogenetic Framework
Authors: Luo Xiaomei , Liu Juncheng
Published: May 2019

We report the cytogenetic map for a collection of species in the Oleaceae, and test similarities among the karyotypes relative to their known species phylogeny. The oligonucleotides 5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), (AGGGTTT)3, and (TTG)6 were used as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes to locate the corresponding chromosomes in three Oleaceae genera: Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Syringa oblata, Ligustrum lucidum, and Ligustrum × vicaryi. Forty-six small chromosomes were identified in four species. (AGGGTTT)3 signals were observed on almost all chromosome ends of four species, but (AGGGTTT)3 played no role in distinguishing the chromosomes but displayed intact chromosomes and could thus be used as a guide for finding chromosome counts. (TTG)6 and 5S rDNA signals discerned several chromosomes located at subterminal or central regions. Based on the similarity of the signal pattern (mainly in number and location and less in intensity) of the four species, the variations in the 5S rDNA and (TTG)6 distribution can be ordered as L. lucidum < L. × vicaryi < F. pennsylvanica < S. oblata. Variations have observed in the three genera. The molecular cytogenetic data presented here might serve as a starting point for further larger-scale elucidation of the structure of the Oleaceae genome, and comparison with the known phylogeny of Oleaceae family.
Retinal miRNA Functions in Health and Disease
Authors: Zuzic Marta , Rojo Arias Jesus Eduardo , Wohl Stefanie Gabriele , Busskamp Volker
Published: May 2019

The health and function of our visual system relies on accurate gene expression. While many genetic mutations are associated with visual impairment and blindness, we are just beginning to understand the complex interplay between gene regulation and retinal pathologies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, are important regulators of gene expression that exert their function through post-transcriptional silencing of complementary mRNA targets. According to recent transcriptomic analyses, certain miRNA species are expressed in all retinal cell types, while others are cell type-specific. As miRNAs play important roles in homeostasis, cellular function, and survival of differentiated retinal cell types, their dysregulation is associated with retinal degenerative diseases. Thus, advancing our understanding of the genetic networks modulated by miRNAs is central to harnessing their potential as therapeutic agents to overcome visual impairment. In this review, we summarize the role of distinct miRNAs in specific retinal cell types, the current knowledge on their implication in inherited retinal disorders, and their potential as therapeutic agents.
Mixed Borrelia burgdorferi and Helicobacter pylori Biofilms in Morgellons Disease Dermatological Specimens
Authors: Middelveen Marianne J. , Filush Katherine R. , Bandoski Cheryl , Kasliwala Rumanah S. , Melillo Anthony , Stricker Raphael B. , Sapi Eva
Published: May 2019

Background: Morgellons disease (MD) is a dermopathy that is associated with tick-borne illness. It is characterized by spontaneously developing skin lesions containing embedded or projecting filaments, and patients may also experience symptoms resembling those of Lyme disease (LD) including musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular manifestations. Various species of Borrelia and co-infecting pathogens have been detected in body fluids and tissue specimens from MD patients. We sought to investigate the coexistence of Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in skin specimens from MD subjects, and to characterize their association with mixed amyloid biofilm development. Methods: Testing for Bb and Hp was performed on dermatological specimens from 14 MD patients using tissue culture, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal microscopy. Markers for amyloid and biofilm formation were investigated using histochemical and IHC staining. Results: Bb and Hp were detected in dermatological tissue taken from MD lesions. Bb and Hp tended to co-localize in foci within the epithelial tissue. Skin sections exhibiting foci of co-infecting Bb and Hp contained amyloid markers including β-amyloid protein, thioflavin and phosphorylated tau. The biofilm marker alginate was also found in the sections. Conclusions: Mixed Bb and Hp biofilms containing β-amyloid and phosphorylated tau may play a role in the evolution of MD.
Spatio-Temporal Rainfall Variability and Flood Prognosis Analysis Using Satellite Data over North Bihar during the August 2017 Flood Event
Authors: Tripathi Gaurav , Parida Bikash Ranjan , Pandey Arvind Chandra
Published: May 2019

Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in India. Typically, the Kosi and Gandak river basins are well-known for lingering flood affected basins in North Bihar every year, which lies in the eastern part of India. There were no such comprehensive studies available in North Bihar that discussed flood progression and regression at shorter time-scales like two day intervals. So in this study, we employed high temporal resolution data to capture inundation extent and further, the flood extent has been validated with high spatial resolution data. The specific objective of this study was to analyze the satellite-derived Near Real Time (NRT) MODIS flood product for spatiotemporal mapping of flood progression and regression over the North Bihar. The synthetic aperture RADAR (SAR) data were also used to validate the MODIS NRT Flood data. As a case study, we selected a recent flood event of August–September 2017 and captured the flood inundation spatial extent at two day intervals using the 2 day composite NRT flood data. The flood prognosis analysis has revealed that during the peak flooding period, 12% to 17% of the area was inundated and the most adversely affected districts were Darbhanga and Katihar in North Bihar. We estimated that in total nearly 6.5% area of the North Bihar was submerged. The method applied was simple, but it can still be suitable to be applied by the community involved in flood hazard management, not necessarily experts in hydrological modeling. It can be concluded that the NRT MODIS flood product was beneficial to monitor flood prognosis over a larger geographical area where observational data are limited. Nevertheless, it was noticed that the flood extent area derived from MODIS NRT data has overestimated areal extent, but preserved the spatial pattern of flood. Apparently, the present flood prognosis analysis can be improved by integrating microwave remote sensing data (SAR) and hydrological models.
Recommendation of Heterogeneous Cultural Heritage Objects for the Promotion of Tourism
Authors: Rajaonarivo Landy , Fonteles André , Sallaberry Christian , Bessagnet Marie-Noëlle , Roose Philippe , Etcheverry Patrick , Marquesuzaà Christophe , Lacayrelle Annig Le Parc , Cayèré Cécile , Coudert Quentin
Published: May 2019

The cultural heritage of a region, be it a highly visited one or not, is a formidable asset for the promotion of its tourism. In many places around the world, an important part of this cultural heritage has been catalogued by initiatives backed by governments and organisations. However, as of today, most of this data has been mostly unknown, or of difficult access, to the general public. In this paper, we present research that aims to leverage this data to promote tourism. Our first field of application focuses on the French Pyrenees. In order to achieve our goal, we worked on two fronts: (i) the ability to export this data from their original databases and data models to well-known open data platforms; and (ii) the proposition of an open-source algorithm and framework capable of recommending a sequence of cultural heritage points of interests (POIs) to be visited by tourists. This itinerary recommendation approach is original in many aspects: it not only considers the user preferences and popularity of POIs, but it also integrates different contextual information about the user as well as the relevance of specific sequences of POIs (strong links between POIs). The ability to export the cultural heritage data as open data and to recommend sequences of POIs are being integrated in a first prototype.
Voluntary Activity Modulates Sugar-Induced Elastic Fiber Remodeling in the Alveolar Region of the Mouse Lung
Authors: Hollenbach Julia , Lopez-Rodriguez Elena , Mühlfeld Christian , Schipke Julia
Published: May 2019

Diabetes and respiratory diseases are frequently comorbid conditions. However, the mechanistic links between hyperglycemia and lung dysfunction are not entirely understood. This study examined the effects of high sucrose intake on lung mechanics and alveolar septal composition and tested voluntary activity as an intervention strategy. C57BL/6N mice were fed a control diet (CD, 7% sucrose) or a high sucrose diet (HSD, 35% sucrose). Some animals had access to running wheels (voluntary active; CD-A, HSD-A). After 30 weeks, lung mechanics were assessed, left lungs were used for stereological analysis and right lungs for protein expression measurement. HSD resulted in hyperglycemia and higher static compliance compared to CD. Lung and septal volumes were increased and the septal ratio of elastic-to-collagen fibers was decreased despite normal alveolar epithelial volumes. Elastic fibers appeared more loosely arranged accompanied by an increase in elastin protein expression. Voluntary activity prevented hyperglycemia in HSD-fed mice. The parenchymal airspace volume, but not the septal volume, was increased. The septal extracellular matrix (ECM) composition together with the protein expression of ECM components was similar to control levels in the HSD-A-group. In conclusion, HSD was associated with elastic fiber remodeling and reduced pulmonary elasticity. Voluntary activity alleviated HSD-induced ECM alterations, possibly by preventing hyperglycemia.
Involvement of Salicylic Acid in Anthracnose Infection in Tea Plants Revealed by Transcriptome Profiling
Authors: Shi Yun-Long , Sheng Yue-Yue , Cai Zhuo-Yu , Yang Rui , Li Qing-Sheng , Li Xu-Min , Li Da , Guo Xiao-Yuan , Lu Jian-Liang , Ye Jian-Hui , Wang Kai-Rong , Zhang Long-Jie , Liang Yue-Rong , Zheng Xin-Qiang
Published: May 2019

Anthracnose is a major leaf disease in tea plant induced by Colletotrichum, which has led to substantial losses in yield and quality of tea. The molecular mechanism with regards to responses or resistance to anthracnose in tea remains unclear. A de novo transcriptome assembly dataset was generated from healthy and anthracnose-infected leaves on tea cultivars “Longjing-43” (LJ43) and “Zhenong-139” (ZN139), with 381.52 million pair-end reads, encompassing 47.78 billion bases. The unigenes were annotated versus Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) non-redundant protein sequences (Nr), evolutionary genealogy of genes: Non-supervised Orthologous Groups (eggNOG) and Swiss-prot. The number of differential expression genes (DEGs) detected between healthy and infected leaves was 1621 in LJ43 and 3089 in ZN139. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were highly enriched in catalytic activity, oxidation-reduction, cell-wall reinforcement, plant hormone signal transduction and plant-pathogen interaction. Further studies by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that expression of genes involved in endogenous salicylic acid biosynthesis and also accumulation of foliar salicylic acid are involved in the response of tea plant to anthracnose infection. This study firstly provided novel insight in salicylic acid acting as a key compound in the responses of tea plant to anthracnose disease. The transcriptome dataset in this study will facilitate to profile gene expression and metabolic networks associated with tea plant immunity against anthracnose.
Promotion of Cell Death in Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells through KDM1B-DCLRE1B Modulation
Authors: Lee Yeon Kyu , Lim Jinyeong , Yoon So Young , Joo Jong Cheon , Park Soo Jung , Park Yoon Jung
Published: May 2019

Ovarian cancer is the gynecological malignancy with the poorest prognosis, in part due to its high incidence of recurrence. Platinum agents are widely used as a first-line treatment against ovarian cancer. Recurrent tumors, however, frequently demonstrate acquired chemo-resistance to platinum agent toxicity. To improve chemo-sensitivity, combination chemotherapy regimens have been investigated. This study examined anti-tumor effects and molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity of Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) extracts on ovarian cancer cells, in particular, cells resistant to cisplatin. Six ovarian cancer cells including A2780 and cisplatin-resistant A2780 (A2780cis) as representative cell models were used. OD was extracted with water (WOD) or 50% methanol (MOD). MOD significantly induced cell death in both cisplatin-sensitive cells and cisplatin-resistant cells. The combination treatment of MOD with cisplatin reduced viability in A2780cis cells more effectively than treatment with cisplatin alone. MOD in A2780cis cells resulted in downregulation of the epigenetic modulator KDM1B and the DNA repair gene DCLRE1B. Transcriptional suppression of KDM1B and DCLRE1B induced cisplatin sensitivity. Knockdown of KDM1B led to downregulation of DCLRE1B expression, suggesting that DCLRE1B was a KDM1B downstream target. Taken together, OD extract effectively promoted cell death in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells under cisplatin treatment through modulating KDM1B and DCLRE1B.
Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β in Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis: A Review
Authors: Ismaeel Ahmed , Kim Jeong-Su , Kirk Jeffrey S. , Smith Robert S. , Bohannon William T. , Koutakis Panagiotis
Published: May 2019

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) isoforms are cytokines involved in a variety of cellular processes, including myofiber repair and regulation of connective tissue formation. Activation of the TGF-β pathway contributes to pathologic fibrosis in most organs. Here, we have focused on examining the evidence demonstrating the involvement of TGF-β in the fibrosis of skeletal muscle particularly. The TGF-β pathway plays a role in different skeletal muscle myopathies, and TGF-β signaling is highly induced in these diseases. In this review, we discuss different molecular mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated skeletal muscle fibrosis and highlight different TGF-β-targeted treatments that target these relevant pathways.
Intranasal Delivery of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Protects against Neonatal Hypoxic–Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: McDonald Courtney A. , Djuliannisaa Zlatikha , Petraki Maria , Paton Madison C. B. , Penny Tayla R. , Sutherland Amy E. , Castillo-Melendez Margie , Novak Iona , Jenkin Graham , Fahey Michael C. , Miller Suzanne L.
Published: May 2019

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent motor disorder that results from brain injury and neuroinflammation during the perinatal period. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been explored as a therapy in multiple adult neuroinflammatory conditions. Our study examined the therapeutic benefits of intranasal delivery of human umbilical cord tissue (UC) derived-MSCs in a rat model of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic (HI) brain injury. To do this, HI was performed on postnatal day 10 Sprague-Dawley rat pups via permanent ligation of the left carotid artery, followed by a hypoxic challenge of 8% oxygen for 90 min. A total of 200,000 UC-MSCs (10 million/kg) were administered intranasally 24 h post-HI. Motor control was assessed after seven days, followed by post-mortem. Analysis included brain immunohistochemistry, gene analysis and serum cytokine measurement. Neonatal HI resulted in brain injury with significant loss of neurons, particularly in the hippocampus. Intranasal administration of UC-MSCs significantly reduced the loss of brain tissue and increased the number of hippocampal neurons. HI significantly upregulated brain inflammation and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while intranasal UC-MSCs significantly reduced markers of neuroinflammation. This study demonstrated that a clinically relevant dose (10 million/kg) of UC-MSCs was neuroprotective following HI by restoring neuronal cell numbers and reducing brain inflammation. Therefore, intranasal delivery of UC-MSCs may be an effective therapy for neonatal brain injury.
Mitochondria in Neuroprotection by Phytochemicals: Bioactive Polyphenols Modulate Mitochondrial Apoptosis System, Function and Structure
Authors: Naoi Makoto , Wu Yuqiu , Shamoto-Nagai Masayo , Maruyama Wakako
Published: May 2019

In aging and neurodegenerative diseases, loss of distinct type of neurons characterizes disease-specific pathological and clinical features, and mitochondria play a pivotal role in neuronal survival and death. Mitochondria are now considered as the organelle to modulate cellular signal pathways and functions, not only to produce energy and reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress, deficit of neurotrophic factors, and multiple other factors impair mitochondrial function and induce cell death. Multi-functional plant polyphenols, major groups of phytochemicals, are proposed as one of most promising mitochondria-targeting medicine to preserve the activity and structure of mitochondria and neurons. Polyphenols can scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and activate redox-responsible transcription factors to regulate expression of genes, coding antioxidants, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein family, and pro-survival neurotrophic factors. In mitochondria, polyphenols can directly regulate the mitochondrial apoptosis system either in preventing or promoting way. Polyphenols also modulate mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics (fission and fusion), and autophagic degradation to keep the quality and number. This review presents the role of polyphenols in regulation of mitochondrial redox state, death signal system, and homeostasis. The dualistic redox properties of polyphenols are associated with controversial regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis system involved in the neuroprotective and anti-carcinogenic functions. Mitochondria-targeted phytochemical derivatives were synthesized based on the phenolic structure to develop a novel series of neuroprotective and anticancer compounds, which promote the bioavailability and effectiveness. Phytochemicals have shown the multiple beneficial effects in mitochondria, but further investigation is required for the clinical application.