bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic Osteosclerosis of the Jaws in Turkish Subpopulation: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Findings
Authors: DEMİR Arzu , Pekiner Filiz Namdar
Published: May 2019

Objective:
Idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) was defined as an asymptomatic, incidental
radiographic finding of intrabony sclerosis with unknown origin. The purpose of
this retrospective study is to evaluate IO distribution, location,
relationships and radiographic features by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
in Turkish subpopulation.

Materials
and Methods: The study group consisted of CBCT images of 279 individuals, 140 females
and 139 males aged 20-69. In received images IO distribution, location in the
jaws, dental and cortical relationships, shape and internal structure were
evaluated. In axial and cross-sections superoinferior (SID), mesiodistal (MDD)
and buccolingual (BLD) distances of IO were measured. The data was compared
with age groups and gender.

Results:
Ninety-two IO in 75 individuals were detected with 26.9% distribution
rate. There was a higher prevalence in mandible (82.6%) than
maxilla (17.4%). The most frequently involved area was posterior
mandible (43.4%). No statistically
significant difference in the distribution of IO was found between genders (p˃0.05). There was a higher prevalence among young
group than middle-aged and above middle-aged groups (p=0.026). According to
relation of IO with dental roots separate IO (76.1%) was the most frequent relationship. Seven IO
(7.6%) were detected as not related with any cortical structure. Mean SID, MDD
and BLD were recorded 5.58; 4.80 and 4.18 mm respectively.

Conclusion:  IO was detected at a high rate in Turkish
subpopulation. CBCT was found as an efficient method to evaluate
radiographic features, relationships and location of IO within the jaws before
surgical and orthodontic operations.
Frequency and Related Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Elders Who Live in a Residential Home in Istanbul
Authors: GORCİN KARAKETİR Seyma , HİDİROGLU Seyhan , SALİ Cemal , CAVUSOGLU Gul , SASİ Elif , LULECİ N. Emel , KARAVUS Melda
Published: May 2019

Objective:The elderly population, defined as ≥65 years old, is increasing with time in society. Depressive symptoms in old age lead to worsening of physical and cognitive abilities. This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly people living in a residential home in Istanbul and factors affecting this indication.Methods:The study was conducted in a descriptive and cross-sectional manner. The questionnaire, which included sociodemographic questions and inquiries on factors affecting depression, Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-15 (GDS-15), and Mini-Mental test, was administered to 77 elderly people.Results:Twenty-nine of the participants were females and 48 were males, with a mean age of 75.9 ± 8.2 years. The mean GDS-15 score of the elderly was 4.04 ± 3.42. Concerns regarding leaving the residential home, low telephone call frequency, persistent physical illness, and inability to complete self-care activities were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.Conclusion:Depressive symptoms are common in the elderly living in residential homes. This occurrence is closely related to social support and health status. Further studies are warranted to determine if factors associated with such symptoms are risk factors for depression.
Seroprevalence of Rodent Pathogens in Wild Rats from the Island of St. Kitts, West Indies
Authors: Boey Kenneth , Shiokawa Kanae , Avsaroglu Harutyun , Rajeev Sreekumari
Published: May 2019

A pilot seroprevalence study was conducted to document exposure to selected pathogens in wild rats inhabiting the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. Serum samples collected from 22 captured wild rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) were tested for the presence of antibodies to various rodent pathogens using a rat MFI2 serology panel. The samples were positive for cilia-associated respiratory bacillus (13/22; 59.1%), Clostridium piliforme (4/22; 18.2%), Mycoplasma pulmonis (4/22; 18.2%), Pneumocystis carinii (1/22; 4.5%), mouse adenovirus type 2 (16/22; 72.7%), Kilham rat virus (15/22; 68.2%), reovirus type 3 (9/22; 40.9%), rat parvovirus (4/22; 18.2%), rat minute virus (4/22; 18.2%), rat theilovirus (2/22; 9.1%), and infectious diarrhea of infant rats strain of group B rotavirus (rat rotavirus) (1/22; 4.5%). This study provides the first evidence of exposure to various rodent pathogens in wild rats on the island of St. Kitts. Periodic pathogen surveillance in the wild rat population would be beneficial in assessing potential regional zoonotic risks as well as in enhancing the current knowledge when implementing routine animal health monitoring protocols in facilities with laboratory rodent colonies.
The Effects of Environmental Enrichment on the Physiology, Behaviour, Productivity and Meat Quality of Pigs Raised in a Hot Climate
Authors: Fàbrega Emma , Marcet-Rius Míriam , Vidal Roger , Escribano Damián , Cerón José Joaquín , Manteca Xavier , Velarde Antonio
Published: May 2019

Some positive effects regarding the use of enrichment material on the stimulation of pig exploration and a reduction in redirected behaviour was reported. This study aims to evaluate the effects of four enrichment materials on the behaviour, physiology/health, performance and carcass and meat quality in pigs kept in Spanish production conditions. Ninety-six male pigs (six pigs/pen) ranging from 70 to 170 days old were used. Chains were used for the control group (CH), and wooden logs (W), straw in a rack (S) or paper (P) were also used. The pigs were subjected to two pre-slaughter treatments: 0 or 12 h of fasting. Their behaviour was observed for 12 weeks using scan and focal sampling. Samples of the Neutrophil: Lymphocyte (N:L) ratio and lactate were obtained from the pigs at 66 and 170 days old. Saliva samples for Chromogranin-A (CgA) were obtained at 67, 128, 164 and 170 days old. The weight, skin lesions and feed intake of the pigs were recorded. S triggered more exploratory behaviour than W and CH (P < 0.001). Skin lesions and redirected behaviour were lower for pigs with S (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The pigs offered S presented lower CgA after no fasting than pigs with P or CH (P = 0.055). Lactate was higher in pigs with W and CH treatments, regardless of fasting (P < 0.05). The N:L ratio increased over time (P < 0.05). No other significant effects were found. Overall, straw in a rack was the enrichment material that enhanced pig inherent behaviour.
The Effect of Retinal Eccentricity on Visually Induced Motion Sickness and Postural Control
Authors: Kim Nam-Gyoon , Kim Beom-Su
Published: May 2019

The present study investigated the effect of retinal eccentricity on visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) and postural control. Participants wore a head-mounted display masked for the central 10° (peripheral vision), the peripheral except for the central 10° (central vision), or unmasked (control) to watch a highly immersive 3D virtual reality (VR) ride along China’s Great Wall. The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire was administered to assess VIMS symptoms before and after the VR exposure. In addition, postural sway data were collected via sensors attached to each participant’s head, torso, and hip. Results demonstrated that peripheral vision triggered the most severe symptoms of motion sickness, whereas full vision most perturbed posture. The latter finding contradicts previous research findings demonstrating the peripheral advantage of postural control. Although the source of compromised postural control under peripheral stimulation is not clear, the provocative nature of visual stimulation depicting a roller-coaster ride along a rugged path likely contributed to the contradictory findings. In contrast, motion sickness symptoms were least severe, and posture was most stable, under central vision. These findings provide empirical support for the tactic assumed by VR engineers who reduce the size of the field of view to ameliorate the symptoms of motion sickness.
Fabrication of Mesh Patterns Using a Selective Laser-Melting Process
Authors: Hwang Tae Woo , Woo Young Yun , Han Sang Wook , Moon Young Hoon
Published: May 2019

The selective laser-melting (SLM) process can be applied to the additive building of complex metal parts using melting metal powder with laser scanning. A metal mesh is a common type of metal screen consisting of parallel rows and intersecting columns. It is widely used in the agricultural, industrial, transportation, and machine protection sectors. This study investigated the fabrication of parts containing a mesh pattern from the SLM of AISI 304 stainless steel powder. The formation of a mesh pattern has a strong potential to increase the functionality and cost-effectiveness of the SLM process. To fabricate a single-layered thin mesh pattern, laser layering has been conducted on a copper base plate. The high thermal conductivity of copper allows heat to pass through it quickly, and prevents the adhesion of a thin laser-melted layer. The effects of the process conditions such as the laser scan speed and scanning path on the size and dimensional accuracy of the fabricated mesh patterns were characterized. As the analysis results indicate, a part with a mesh pattern was successfully obtained, and the application of the proposed method was shown to be feasible with a high degree of reliability.
A Novel Indirect Calibration Approach for Robot Positioning Error Compensation Based on Neural Network and Hand-Eye Vision
Authors: Cao Chi-Tho , Do Van-Phu , Lee Byung-Ryong
Published: May 2019

It is well known that most of the industrial robots have excellent repeatability in positioning. However, the absolute position errors of industrial robots are relatively poor, and in some cases the error may reach even several millimeters, which make it difficult to apply the robot system to vehicle assembly lines that need small position errors. In this paper, we have studied a method to reduce the absolute position error of robots using machine vision and neural network. The position/orientation of robot tool-end is compensated using a vision-based approach combined with a neural network, where a novel indirect calibration approach is presented in order to gather information for training the neural network. In the simulation, the proposed compensation algorithm was found to reduce the positional error to 98%. On average, the absolute position error was 0.029 mm. The application of the proposed algorithm in the actual robot experiment reduced the error to 50.3%, averaging 1.79 mm.
Probing Attosecond Electron Coherence in Molecular Charge Migration by Ultrafast X-Ray Photoelectron Imaging
Authors: Yuan Kai-Jun , Bandrauk André D
Published: May 2019

Electron coherence is a fundamental quantum phenomenon in today’s ultrafast physics and chemistry research. Based on attosecond pump–probe schemes, ultrafast X-ray photoelectron imaging of molecules was used to monitor the coherent electron dynamics which is created by an XUV pulse. We performed simulations on the molecular ion H 2 + by numerically solving time-dependent Schrödinger equations. It was found that the X-ray photoelectron angular and momentum distributions depend on the time delay between the XUV pump and soft X-ray probe pulses. Varying the polarization and helicity of the soft X-ray probe pulse gave rise to a modulation of the time-resolved photoelectron distributions. The present results provide a new approach for exploring ultrafast coherent electron dynamics and charge migration in reactions of molecules on the attosecond time scale.
Visual-Servoing Based Global Path Planning Using Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Control
Authors: Dirik Mahmut , Castillo Oscar , Kocamaz Adnan Fatih
Published: May 2019

Mobile robot motion planning in an unstructured, static, and dynamic environment is faced with a large amount of uncertainties. In an uncertain working area, a method should be selected to address the existing uncertainties in order to plan a collision-free path between the desired two points. In this paper, we propose a mobile robot path planning method in the visualize plane using an overhead camera based on interval type-2 fuzzy logic (IT2FIS). We deal with a visual-servoing based technique for obstacle-free path planning. It is necessary to determine the location of a mobile robot in an environment surrounding the robot. To reach the target and for avoiding obstacles efficiently under different shapes of obstacle in an environment, an IT2FIS is designed to generate a path. A simulation of the path planning technique compared with other methods is performed. We tested the algorithm within various scenarios. Experiment results showed the efficiency of the generated path using an overhead camera for a mobile robot.
Mitochondrial Transport and Turnover in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Granatiero Veronica , Manfredi Giovanni
Published: May 2019

Neurons are high-energy consuming cells, heavily dependent on mitochondria for ATP generation and calcium buffering. These mitochondrial functions are particularly critical at specific cellular sites, where ionic currents impose a large energetic burden, such as at synapses. The highly polarized nature of neurons, with extremely large axoplasm relative to the cell body, requires mitochondria to be efficiently transported along microtubules to reach distant sites. Furthermore, neurons are post-mitotic cells that need to maintain pools of healthy mitochondria throughout their lifespan. Hence, mitochondrial transport and turnover are essential processes for neuronal survival and function. In neurodegenerative diseases, the maintenance of a healthy mitochondrial network is often compromised. Numerous lines of evidence indicate that mitochondrial impairment contributes to neuronal demise in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where degeneration of motor neurons causes a fatal muscle paralysis. Dysfunctional mitochondria accumulate in motor neurons affected by genetic or sporadic forms of ALS, strongly suggesting that the inability to maintain a healthy pool of mitochondria plays a pathophysiological role in the disease. This article critically reviews current hypotheses on mitochondrial involvement in the pathogenesis of ALS, focusing on the alterations of mitochondrial axonal transport and turnover in motor neurons.
Chitosan-Collagen 3D Matrix Mimics Trabecular Bone and Regulates RANKL-Mediated Paracrine Cues of Differentiated Osteoblast and Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Bone Marrow Macrophage-Derived Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Elango Jeevithan , Saravanakumar Kandasamy , Rahman Saeed Ur , Henrotin Yves , Regenstein Joe M. , Wu Wenhui , Bao Bin
Published: May 2019

Recent studies have identified the regulatory mechanism of collagen in bone ossification and resorption. Due to its excellent bio-mimicry property, collagen is used for the treatment of several bone and joint disease such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteopenia. In bone, the biological action of collagen is highly influenced by the interactions of other bone materials such as glycosaminoglycan and minerals. In view of the above perceptions, collagen was crosslinked with chitosan, hydroxyapatite (H), and chondroitin sulfate (Cs), to produce a natural bone-like 3D structure and to evaluate its effect on bone homeostasis using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblast, and bone marrow macrophages. The XRD and micro-CT data confirmed the arrangement of H crystallites in the chitosan-collagen-H-Cs (CCHCs) three-dimensional (3D)-matrix and the three-dimensional structure of the matrix. The stimulatory osteoblastogenic and exploitive osteoclastogenic activity of 3D-matrices were identified using differentiated osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively. Besides, osteogenic progenitor’s paracrine cues for osteoclastogenesis showed that the differentiated osteoblast secreted higher levels of RANKL to support osteoclastogenesis, and the effect was downregulated by the CCHCs 3D-matrix. From that, it was hypothesized that the morphology of the CCHCs 3D-matrix resembles trabecular bone, which enhances bone growth, limits bone resorption, and could be a novel biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.
Tubulin Acetylation Mediates Bisphenol A Effects on the Microtubule Arrays of Allium cepa and Triticum turgidum
Authors: Adamakis Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. , Panteris Emmanuel , Eleftheriou Eleftherios P.
Published: May 2019

The effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a prevalent endocrine disruptor, on both interphase and mitotic microtubule array organization was examined by immunofluorescence microscopy in meristematic root cells of Triticum turgidum (durum wheat) and Allium cepa (onion). In interphase cells of A. cepa, BPA treatment resulted in substitution of cortical microtubules by annular/spiral tubulin structures, while in T. turgidum BPA induced cortical microtubule fragmentation. Immunolocalization of acetylated α-tubulin revealed that cortical microtubules of T. turgidum were highly acetylated, unlike those of A. cepa. In addition, elevation of tubulin acetylation by trichostatin A in A. cepa resulted in microtubule disruption similar to that observed in T. turgidum. BPA also disrupted all mitotic microtubule arrays in both species. It is also worth noting that mitotic microtubule arrays were acetylated in both plants. As assessed by BPA removal, its effects are reversible. Furthermore, taxol-stabilized microtubules were resistant to BPA, while recovery from oryzalin treatment in BPA solution resulted in the formation of ring-like tubulin conformations. Overall, these findings indicate the following: (1) BPA affects plant mitosis/cytokinesis by disrupting microtubule organization. (2) Microtubule disassembly probably results from impairment of free tubulin subunit polymerization. (3) The differences in cortical microtubule responses to BPA among the species studied are correlated to the degree of tubulin acetylation.
Investigation of Wasteful Activities Using Lean Methodology: In Perspective of Kazakhstan’s Construction Industry
Authors: Hossain Md Aslam , Bissenova Assel , Kim Jong Ryeol
Published: May 2019

Like many other countries, the presence of wasteful activities is very common in Kazakhstan’s construction industry. This severely affects the productivity of construction processes. Lean methodology maximizes the value of a process by minimizing wasteful or non-value adding (NVA) activities. This study aims to explore and quantify the impact NVA items on construction productivity. Several observations were made for construction processes in Astana, Kazakhstan to investigate and quantify various types of wasteful activities. Moreover, a survey was conducted to examine the general understanding of wasteful activities and Lean methods within the construction industry in Kazakhstan. In terms of wasteful activities, a similarity was found between the observed construction processes and survey results. Furthermore, apart from the commonly found seven types of wasteful activities, some other sources of waste, such as “preparation” and “break”, were found from the observations. Finally, wasteful activities were mapped with commonly used Lean tools, as found in the literature, so that productivity can be improved by minimizing NVA activities. From the mapping and the survey results, value stream mapping (VSM) was found to be the most effective Lean tool, since it facilitates increased visualization.
Challenges and Enablers in BIM-Enabled Digital Transformation in Mega Projects: The Istanbul New Airport Project Case Study
Authors: Koseoglu Ozan , Keskin Basak , Ozorhon Beliz
Published: May 2019

The Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector has been working on an increasing number of mega projects having large scale investments worldwide. The majority of these mega projects are infrastructure projects that are comparatively more difficult to manage in terms of yielding an expected return of investments while increasing quality and productivity. Today’s construction technology landscape offers a wide variety of innovative digital solutions for optimizing the project constraints of scope, time, cost, quality, and resources. Despite being one of the least digitized sectors, the AEC sector is currently ripe for adopting innovative digital solutions. It is observed that Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been rapidly adopted to tackle the ever-evolving challenges of mega infrastructure projects. This study investigates the challenges and enablers of utilizing an end-to-end BIM strategy for digital transformation of mega project delivery processes through a mega airport project case study, in order to contribute a solid strategic understanding in BIM implementation for mega infrastructure projects. The case study is followed with two-phased semi-structured interviews. Based on the findings, major challenges are sustaining continuous monitoring and controlling in the project execution, engineering complexity and aligning stakeholders’ BIM learning curves whereas strategic control mechanisms, incentivizing the virtual collaborative environment, and continuous digital delivery are major enablers.
Catalytic Oxidation of NO over LaCo1−xBxO3 (B = Mn, Ni) Perovskites for Nitric Acid Production
Authors: Salman Ata ul Rauf , Hyrve Signe Marit , Regli Samuel Konrad , Zubair Muhammad , Enger Bjørn Christian , Lødeng Rune , Waller David , Rønning Magnus
Published: May 2019

Nitric acid (HNO3) is an important building block in the chemical industry. Industrial production takes place via the Ostwald process, where oxidation of NO to NO2 is one of the three chemical steps. The reaction is carried out as a homogeneous gas phase reaction. Introducing a catalyst for this reaction can lead to significant process intensification. A series of LaCo1−xMnxO3 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1) and LaCo1−yNiyO3 (y = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1) were synthesized by a sol-gel method and characterized using N2 adsorption, ex situ XRD, in situ XRD, SEM and TPR. All samples had low surface areas; between 8 and 12 m2/g. The formation of perovskites was confirmed by XRD. The crystallite size decreased linearly with the degree of substitution of Mn/Ni for partially doped samples. NO oxidation activity was tested using a feed (10% NO and 6% O2) that partly simulated nitric acid plant conditions. Amongst the undoped perovskites, LaCoO3 had the highest activity; with a conversion level of 24.9% at 350 °C; followed by LaNiO3 and LaMnO3. Substitution of LaCoO3 with 25% mol % Ni or Mn was found to be the optimum degree of substitution leading to an enhanced NO oxidation activity. The results showed that perovskites are promising catalysts for NO oxidation at industrial conditions.
Partial Upgrading of Athabasca Bitumen Using Thermal Cracking
Authors: Kaminski Thomas , Husein Maen M.
Published: May 2019

The current industry practice is to mix bitumen with a diluent in order to reduce its viscosity before it can be pumped to refineries and upgraders. The recovery of the diluent and its recycling to the producers, on the other hand, pose major environmental and economic concerns. Hence, onsite partial upgrading of the extracted bitumen to pipeline specifications presents an attractive alternative. In this work, thermal cracking of Athabasca bitumen was carried out in an autoclave at 400 °C, 420 °C and 440 °C in presence and absence of drill cuttings catalyst. At 400 °C, despite no coke formation, the reduction in viscosity was insufficient, whereas at 440 °C, the coke yield was significant, ~20 wt.%. A balance between yield and viscosity was found at 420 °C, with 88 ± 5 wt.% liquid, ~5 wt.% coke and a liquid viscosity and °API gravity of 60 ± 20 cSt and 23 ± 3, respectively. Additionally, the sulfur content and the Conradson carbon residue were reduced by 25% and 10%, respectively. The catalytic thermal cracking at 420 °C further improved the quality of the liquid product to 40 ± 6 cSt and 25 ± 2 °API gravity, however at slightly lower liquid yield of 86 ± 6 wt.%. Both catalytic and non-catalytic cracking provide a stable liquid product, which by far exceeds pipeline standards. Although small relative to the energy required for upgrading in general, the pumping energy requirement for the partially upgraded bitumen was 3 times lower than that for diluted bitumen. Lastly, a 5-lump, 6-reaction, kinetic model developed earlier by our group successfully predicted the conversion of the bitumen to the different cuts.
Advances in the Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia coli for the Manufacture of Monoterpenes
Authors: Xie Si-si , Zhu Lingyun , Qiu Xin-yuan , Zhu Chu-shu , Zhu Lv-yun
Published: May 2019

Monoterpenes are commonly applied as pharmaceuticals and valuable chemicals in various areas. The bioproduction of valuable monoterpenes in prokaryotic microbial hosts, such as E. coli, has progressed considerably thanks to the development of different outstanding approaches. However, the large-scale production of monoterpenes still presents considerable limitations. Thus, process development warrants further investigations. This review discusses the endogenous methylerythritol-4-phosphate-dependent pathway engineering and the exogenous mevalonate-dependent isoprenoid pathway introduction, as well as the accompanied optimization of rate-limiting enzymes, metabolic flux, and product toxicity tolerance. We suggest further studies to focus on the development of systematical, integrational, and synthetic biological strategies in light of the inter disciplines at the cutting edge. Our review provides insights into the current advances of monoterpene bioengineering and serves as a reference for future studies to promote the industrial production of valuable monoterpenes.
Effects of Random Mutagenesis and In Vivo Selection on the Specificity and Stability of a Thermozyme
Authors: Perugino Giuseppe , Strazzulli Andrea , Mazzone Marialuisa , Rossi Mosè , Moracci Marco
Published: May 2019

Factors that give enzymes stability, activity, and substrate recognition result from the combination of few weak molecular interactions, which can be difficult to study through rational protein engineering approaches. We used irrational random mutagenesis and in vivo selection to test if a β-glycosidase from the thermoacidophile Saccharolobus solfataricus (Ssβ-gly) could complement an Escherichia coli strain unable to grow on lactose. The triple mutant of Ssβ-gly (S26L, P171L, and A235V) was more active than the wild type at 85 °C, inactivated at this temperature almost 300-fold quicker, and showed a 2-fold higher kcat on galactosides. The three mutations, which were far from the active site, were analyzed to test their effect at the structural level. Improved activity on galactosides was induced by the mutations. The S26L and P171L mutations destabilized the enzyme through the removal of a hydrogen bond and increased flexibility of the peptide backbone, respectively. However, the flexibility added by S26L mutation improved the activity at T > 60 °C. This study shows that random mutagenesis and biological selection allowed the identification of residues that are critical in determining thermal activity, stability, and substrate recognition.
One-Pot Synthesis of 2,5-Diformylfuran from Fructose by Bifunctional Polyaniline-Supported Heteropolyacid Hybrid Catalysts
Authors: Liu Shuqing , Fu Xing , Dai Jinhang , Liu Zhongbao , Zhu Liangfang , Hu Changwei
Published: May 2019

We report the preparation of bifunctional hybrid catalysts by supporting H3PMo12O40 (PMo12) heteropolyacid (HPA) on polyaniline (PAN) or formyl-functionalized PAN (F-PAN) for the “one-pot” and “one-step” synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) from fructose via 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) intermediate. We show that the PMo12 HPA is the main active species for both fructose dehydration and HMF oxidation owing to its Brønsted acidic and redox characters. However, the anchoring of PMo12 on PAN reduces the Brønsted acidity by acid–base interaction between protons in HPA and quinoid diimine structure in PAN, thereby reducing the dehydration performance. We demonstrate that the catalytic dehydration performance of the hybrid catalyst could be strengthened by grafting formyl groups on PAN before HPA anchoring. The highest DFF yield of 76.7% is obtained by conducting the “one-pot” reaction over the 40-PMo12/F3-PAN catalyst at 413 K for 7 h in air, wherein the side-reactions of fructose or HMF degradation and HMF rehydration have been significantly reduced. This hybrid catalyst is reusable without significant activity loss, highlighting the designing of stable inorganic–organic hybrid catalysts for producing valuable hexose-derived platform chemicals.
Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in Health and Disease
Authors: Dietrich Alexander
Published: May 2019

Almost 25 years ago, the first mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, now named TRPC1, was cloned and published (reviewed in [...]
Clinical, Virological Characteristics, and Outcomes of Treatment with Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir in Two Pediatric Patients Infected by HCV Genotype 4
Authors: Marascio Nadia , Mazzitelli Maria , Pavia Grazia , Giancotti Aida , Barreca Giorgio Settimo , Costa Chiara , Pisani Vincenzo , Greco Giuseppe , Serapide Francesca , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Casalinuovo Francesco , Liberto Maria Carla , Matera Giovanni , Torti Carlo
Published: May 2019

Direct-acting antiviral drugs to cure infections with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) in more than 90% of adult patients. At present, clinical trials are ongoing and real-life data are still limited in children. Herein, we report two cases of pediatric patients treated with fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, already approved to treat HCV4 genotype. Both young girls achieved SVR even though HCV4 isolates carried L28M and M31L NS5A resistance-associated substitutions (RASs). Therefore, possible effects of these RASs merit further study, especially in children.
A Review of Macrophage MicroRNAs’ Role in Human Asthma
Authors: Feketea Gavriela , Bocsan Corina I , Popescu Cristian , Gaman Mihaela , Stanciu Luminita A , Zdrenghea Mihnea T
Published: May 2019

There is an imbalance in asthma between classically activated macrophages (M1 cells) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2 cells) in favor of the latter. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in regulating macrophage proliferation and differentiation and control the balance of M1 and M2 macrophage polarization, thereby controlling immune responses. Here we review the current published data concerning miRNAs with known correlation to a specific human macrophage phenotype and polarization, and their association with adult asthma. MiRNA-targeted therapy is still in the initial stages, but clinical trials are under recruitment or currently running for some miRNAs in other diseases. Regulating miRNA expression via their upregulation or downregulation could show potential as a novel therapy for improving treatment efficacy in asthma.
Genetic and Real-World Clinical Data, Combined with Empirical Validation, Nominate Jak-Stat Signaling as a Target for Alzheimer’s Disease Therapeutic Development
Authors: Nevado-Holgado Alejo J. , Ribe Elena , Thei Laura , Furlong Laura , Mayer Miguel-Angel , Quan Jie , Richardson Jill C. , Cavanagh Jonathan ,   NIMA Consortium, Lovestone Simon
Published: May 2019

As genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have grown in size, the number of genetic variants that have been associated per disease has correspondingly increased. Despite this increase in the number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified per disease, their biological interpretation has in many cases remained elusive. To address this, we have combined GWAS results with orthogonal sources of evidence, namely the current knowledge of molecular pathways; real-world clinical data from six million patients; RNA expression across tissues from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, and purpose-built rodent models for experimental validation. In more detail, first we show that when examined at a pathway level, analysis of all GWAS studies groups AD in a cluster with disorders of immunity and inflammation. Using clinical data, we show that the degree of comorbidity of these diseases with AD correlates with the strength of their genetic association with molecular participants in the Janus kinases/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. Using four independent RNA expression datasets we then find evidence for the altered regulation of JAK-STAT pathway genes in AD. Finally, we use both in vitro and in vivo rodent models to demonstrate that Aβ induces gene expression of the key drivers of this pathway, providing experimental evidence to validate these data-driven observations. These results therefore nominate JAK-STAT anomalies as a prominent aetiopathological event in AD and hence a potential target for therapeutic development, and moreover demonstrate a de novo multi-modal approach to derive information from rapidly increasing genomic datasets.
GPCR-Hippo Signaling in Cancer
Authors: Luo Jiaqian , Yu Fa-Xing
Published: May 2019

The Hippo signaling pathway is involved in tissue size regulation and tumorigenesis. Genetic deletion or aberrant expression of some Hippo pathway genes lead to enhanced cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and cancer metastasis. Recently, multiple studies have identified a wide range of upstream regulators of the Hippo pathway, including mechanical cues and ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Through the activation related G proteins and possibly rearrangements of actin cytoskeleton, GPCR signaling can potently modulate the phosphorylation states and activity of YAP and TAZ, two homologous oncogenic transcriptional co-activators, and major effectors of the Hippo pathway. Herein, we summarize the network, regulation, and functions of GPCR-Hippo signaling, and we will also discuss potential anti-cancer therapies targeting GPCR-YAP signaling.
Nuclear Deformation in Response to Mechanical Confinement is Cell Type Dependent
Authors: Doolin Mary T. , Ornstein Thea S. , Stroka Kimberly M.
Published: May 2019

Mechanosensing of the mechanical microenvironment by cells regulates cell phenotype and function. The nucleus is critical in mechanosensing, as it transmits external forces from the cellular microenvironment to the nuclear envelope housing chromatin. This study aims to elucidate how mechanical confinement affects nuclear deformation within several cell types, and to determine the role of cytoskeletal elements in controlling nuclear deformation. Human cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and mouse fibroblasts (L929) were seeded within polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices containing microchannels of varying cross-sectional areas, and nuclear morphology and volume were quantified via image processing of fluorescent cell nuclei. We found that the nuclear major axis length remained fairly constant with increasing confinement in MSCs and MDA-MB-231 cells, but increased with increasing confinement in L929 cells. Nuclear volume of L929 cells and MSCs decreased in the most confining channels. However, L929 nuclei were much more isotropic in unconfined channels than MSC nuclei. When microtubule polymerization or myosin II contractility was inhibited, nuclear deformation was altered only in MSCs in wide channels. This work informs our understanding of nuclear mechanics in physiologically relevant spaces, and suggests diverging roles of the cytoskeleton in regulating nuclear deformation in different cell types.
The Role of Mast Cells in Stroke
Authors: Parrella Edoardo , Porrini Vanessa , Benarese Marina , Pizzi Marina
Published: May 2019

Mast cells (MCs) are densely granulated perivascular resident cells of hematopoietic origin. Through the release of preformed mediators stored in their granules and newly synthesized molecules, they are able to initiate, modulate, and prolong the immune response upon activation. Their presence in the central nervous system (CNS) has been documented for more than a century. Over the years, MCs have been associated with various neuroinflammatory conditions of CNS, including stroke. They can exacerbate CNS damage in models of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke by amplifying the inflammatory responses and promoting brain–blood barrier disruption, brain edema, extravasation, and hemorrhage. Here, we review the role of these peculiar cells in the pathophysiology of stroke, in both immature and adult brain. Further, we discuss the role of MCs as potential targets for the treatment of stroke and the compounds potentially active as MCs modulators.
Epitaxial Versus Polycrystalline Shape Memory Cu-Al-Ni Thin Films
Authors: Bilican Doga , Kurdi Samer , Zhu Yi , Solsona Pau , Pellicer Eva , Barber Zoe H. , Greer Alan Lindsay , Sort Jordi , Fornell Jordina
Published: May 2019

In this work, two different approaches were followed to obtain Cu-Al-Ni thin films with shape memory potential. On the one hand, Cu-Ni/Al multilayers were grown by magnetron sputtering at room temperature. To promote diffusion and martensitic/austenitic phase transformation, the multilayers were subjected to subsequent heat treatment at 800 °C and quenched in iced water. On the other hand, Cu, Al, and Ni were co-sputtered onto heated MgO (001) substrates held at 700 °C. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy analyses were carried out to study the resulting microstructures. In the former method, with the aim of tuning the thin film’s composition, and, consequently, the martensitic transformation temperature, the sputtering time and applied power were adjusted. Accordingly, martensitic Cu-14Al-4Ni (wt.%) and Cu-13Al-5Ni (wt.%) thin films and austenitic Cu-12Al-7Ni (wt.%) thin films were obtained. In the latter, in situ heating during film growth led to austenitic Cu-12Al-7Ni (wt.%) thin films with a (200) textured growth as a result of the epitaxial relationship MgO(001)[100]/Cu-Al-Ni(001)[110]. Resistance versus temperature measurements were carried out to investigate the shape memory behavior of the austenitic Cu-12Al-7Ni (wt.%) thin films produced from the two approaches. While no signs of martensitic transformation were detected in the quenched multilayered thin films, a trend that might be indicative of thermal hysteresis was encountered for the epitaxially grown thin films. In the present work, the differences in the crystallographic structure and the shape memory behavior of the Cu-Al-Ni thin films obtained by the two different preparation approaches are discussed.
Chemical Modification of Novel Glycosidases from Lactobacillus plantarum Using Hyaluronic Acid: Effects on High Specificity against 6-Phosphate Glucopyranoside
Authors: Perez-Rizquez Carlos , Lopez-Tejedor David , Plaza-Vinuesa Laura , de las Rivas Blanca , Muñoz Rosario , Cumella Jose , Palomo Jose M.
Published: May 2019

Three novel glycosidases produced from Lactobacillus plantarum, so called Lp_0440, Lp_2777, and Lp_3525, were isolated and overexpressed on Escherichia coli containing a His-tag for specific purification. Their specific activity was evaluated against the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylglycosides and p-nitrophenyl-6-phosphate glycosides (glucose and galactose) at pH 7. All three were modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) following two strategies: A simple coating by direct incubation at alkaline pH or direct chemical modification at pH 6.8 through preactivation of HA with carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) at pH 4.8. The modifications exhibited important effect on enzyme activity and specificity against different glycopyranosides in the three cases. Physical modification showed a radical decrease in specific activity on all glycosidases, without any significant change in enzyme specificity toward monosaccharide (glucose or galactose) or glycoside (C-6 position free or phosphorylated). However, the surface covalent modification of the enzymes showed very interesting results. The glycosidase Lp_0440 showed low glycoside specificity at 25 °C, showing the same activity against p-nitrophenyl-glucopyranoside (pNP-Glu) or p-nitrophenyl-6-phosphate glucopyranoside (pNP-6P-Glu). However, the conjugated cHA-Lp_0440 showed a clear increase in the specificity towards the pNP-Glu and no activity against pNP-6P-Glu. The other two glycosidases (Lp_2777 and Lp_3525) showed high specificity towards pNP-6P-glycosides, especially to the glucose derivative. The HA covalent modification of Lp_3525 (cHA-Lp_3525) generated an enzyme completely specific against the pNP-6P-Glu (phosphoglycosidase) maintaining more than 80% of the activity after chemical modification. When the temperature was increased, an alteration of selectivity was observed. Lp_0440 and cHA-Lp_0440 only showed activity against p-nitrophenyl-galactopyranoside (pNP-Gal) at 40 °C, higher than at 25 °C in the case of the conjugated enzyme.
Functionalization of Ceramic Coatings for Enhancing Integration in Osteoporotic Bone: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sartori Maria , Maglio Melania , Tschon Matilde , Nicoli Aldini Nicolò , Visani Andrea , Fini Milena
Published: May 2019

Background: The success of reconstructive orthopaedic surgery strongly depends on the mechanical and biological integration between the prosthesis and the host bone tissue. Progressive population ageing with increased frequency of altered bone metabolism conditions requires new strategies for ensuring an early implant fixation and long-term stability. Ceramic materials and ceramic-based coatings, owing to the release of calcium phosphate and to the precipitation of a biological apatite at the bone-implant interface, are able to promote a strong bonding between the host bone and the implant. Methods: The aim of the present systematic review is the analysis of the existing literature on the functionalization strategies for improving the implant osteointegration in osteoporotic bone and their relative translation into the clinical practice. The review process, conducted on two electronic databases, identified 47 eligible preclinical studies and 5 clinical trials. Results: Preclinical data analysis showed that functionalization with both organic and inorganic molecules usually improves osseointegration in the osteoporotic condition, assessed mainly in rodent models. Clinical studies, mainly retrospective, have tested no functionalization strategies. Registered trademarks materials have been investigated and there is lack of information about the micro- or nano- topography of ceramics. Conclusions: Ceramic materials/coatings functionalization obtained promising results in improving implant osseointegration even in osteoporotic conditions but preclinical evidence has not been fully translated to clinical applications.
Detecting Website Defacements Based on Machine Learning Techniques and Attack Signatures
Authors: Hoang Xuan Dau , Nguyen Ngoc Tuong
Published: May 2019

Defacement attacks have long been considered one of prime threats to websites and web applications of companies, enterprises, and government organizations. Defacement attacks can bring serious consequences to owners of websites, including immediate interruption of website operations and damage of the owner reputation, which may result in huge financial losses. Many solutions have been researched and deployed for monitoring and detection of website defacement attacks, such as those based on checksum comparison, diff comparison, DOM tree analysis, and complicated algorithms. However, some solutions only work on static websites and others demand extensive computing resources. This paper proposes a hybrid defacement detection model based on the combination of the machine learning-based detection and the signature-based detection. The machine learning-based detection first constructs a detection profile using training data of both normal and defaced web pages. Then, it uses the profile to classify monitored web pages into either normal or attacked. The machine learning-based component can effectively detect defacements for both static pages and dynamic pages. On the other hand, the signature-based detection is used to boost the model’s processing performance for common types of defacements. Extensive experiments show that our model produces an overall accuracy of more than 99.26% and a false positive rate of about 0.27%. Moreover, our model is suitable for implementation of a real-time website defacement monitoring system because it does not demand extensive computing resources.
Degradation of Hair Surface: Importance of 18-MEA and Epicuticle
Authors: Tokunaga Shinichi , Tanamachi Hiroto , Ishikawa Kazutaka
Published: May 2019

In this paper, surface degradation of hair is reviewed. Surface properties such as hydrophobicity and surface friction change as surface structures of hair fiber, that is, 18-methyleicosanoic acid (18-MEA) and epicuticle, degrade. Comparison of contact angle and amount of 18-MEA from root to tip of the sampled hair fibers clarified the contribution of not only 18-MEA but also epicuticle to surface properties. It was found that chemical treatment by itself, such as bleaching, is not enough to cause complete loss of hydrophobic nature even after 18-MEA is removed. Additional weathering processes, such as repeatedly shampooing, are required. A technology for the deposition of a persistent hydrophobicity to bleached and weathered hair surfaces using 18-MEA is presented. Combination of 18-MEA with specific cationic surfactants (Stearoxypropyldimethylamine: SPDA) made the bleached and weathered hair surface hydrophobic, and its hydrophobicity was maintained even after shampooing. Characterization of adsorbed layers of 18-MEA/SPDA on a mica surface, as a possible hydrophilic surface model, was performed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AR-XPS). The effects of the anteiso-branch moiety of 18-MEA to create a persistent hydrophobicity with 18-MEA/SPDA were investigated using controlled AFM. It was revealed that the anteiso-branch moiety of 18-MEA in the 18-MEA/SPDA system produces a persistent hydrophobicity by providing higher fluidity to the upper region of the 18-MEA/SPDA layer. The contribution to hair beauty and sensory feeling as one of the practical functions of the hair surface is described in this paper. The hydrophobic nature of the hair surface reduces surface friction in a wet state, which reduces hair disorder alignment. It is also revealed that the moisturized or dried out feeling strongly depends on the hair shape (meandering and diameter) which depends on hair surface properties in a wet environment.
Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Mn-Mgk Cation Complexes in GaN
Authors: Nikolenko Andrii , Strelchuk Viktor , Tsykaniuk Bogdan , Kysylychyn Dmytro , Capuzzo Giulia , Bonanni Alberta
Published: May 2019

Resonance Raman analysis is performed in order to gain insight into the nature of impurity-induced Raman features in GaN:(Mn,Mg) hosting Mn-Mgk cation complexes and representing a prospective strategic material for the realization of full-nitride photonic devices emitting in the infra-red. It is found that in contrast to the case of GaN:Mn, the resonance enhancement of Mn-induced modes at sub-band excitation in Mg co-doped samples is not observed at an excitation of 2.4 eV, but shifts to lower energies, an effect explained by a resonance process involving photoionization of a hole from the donor level of Mn to the valence band of GaN. Selective excitation within the resonance Raman conditions allows the structure of the main Mn-induced phonon band at ~670 cm−1 to be resolved into two distinct components, whose relative intensity varies with the Mg/Mn ratio and correlates with the concentration of different Mn-Mgk cation complexes. Moreover, from the relative intensity of the 2LO and 1LO Raman resonances at inter-band excitation energy, the Huang-Rhys parameter has been estimated and, consequently, the strength of the electron-phonon interaction, which is found to increase linearly with the Mg/Mn ratio. Selective temperature-dependent enhancement of the high-order multiphonon peaks is due to variation in resonance conditions of exciton-mediated outgoing resonance Raman scattering by detuning the band gap.