bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital color reconstructions of cultural heritage using color‐managed imaging and small‐aperture spectrophotometry
Authors: Berns Roy S.
Published: March 2019

There are many examples of cultural heritage having optical properties that have changed with the passage of time. Examples include the yellowing, darkening, and fading of paints and varnishes caused by light exposure and atmospheric pollution. When it is infeasible to treat an object, an image simulation can provide a view to the past, known as a color reconstruction. A technique is described that relies on a color‐managed image, spectral reflectance factor measurements of the object, an optical model of colorant mixing, an optical database of artist materials, spreadsheet software, and image editing software. Spectral calculations are used to create adjustment curves where segmented portions of an object's image are translated in color. This approach has been used to produce color reconstructions of paintings by Vincent van Gogh and Georges Seurat. This colorimetric translation methodology is described and an example shown for the Chicago version of Vincent van Gogh'sBedroom. The methodology is compared with pixel‐based processing.
Pharmacokinetic Properties of Ibuprofen (IBU) From the Fixed‐Dose Combination IBU/Caffeine (400/100 mg; FDC) in Comparison With 400 mg IBU as Acid or Lysinate Under Fasted and Fed Conditions—Data From 2 Single‐Center, Single‐Dose, Randomized Crossover Studies in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Weiser Thomas , Schepers Cornelia , Mück Tobias , Lange Robert
Published: March 2019

Rapid onset of analgesic action is linked with rapid absorption of analgesics (high maximum concentration [Cmax] and short time to maximum concentration [tmax]). After overnight fasting, ibuprofen lysinate reaches higher peak plasma levels (Cmax) earlier than ibuprofen acid (tmax) with comparable exposure (area under the plasma concentration–time curve [AUC]); however, subjects usually take ibuprofen with or within a short time of a meal. Therefore, pharmacokinetic (PK) studies under fed conditions may better characterize properties under real‐life conditions. We investigated a new fixed‐dose combination (FDC) of ibuprofen acid 400 mg and caffeine 100 mg in 2 single‐dose, randomized, crossover PK studies in healthy subjects (both N = 36). The FDC was compared with ibuprofen 400 mg as acid and as lysinate after an overnight fast in Study 1, and with ibuprofen lysinate after a meal in Study 2. After fasting, results for ibuprofen in the FDC were comparable with those from ibuprofen acid alone. Caffeine did not affect the Cmax, tmax, and AUC. As expected, a higher Cmax and shorter tmax were observed with ibuprofen lysinates vs the FDC. Compared with administration after fasting, Cmax and tmax for ibuprofen lysinate administered postprandially were markedly different, while with FDC, these parameters were less sensitive to food intake. Taken after a meal, ibuprofen in the FDC reached tmax earlier than ibuprofen lysinate (median 1.25 vs 1.63 hours), and Cmax was approximately 13% higher, with comparable AUC, suggesting that the profile of ibuprofen was in favor of the FDC compared with ibuprofen lysinate. Thus, under real‐life conditions, ibuprofen lysinate had no PK advantage over the FDC. All preparations were well tolerated.
Nonvolatile kernel rootkit detection using cross‐view clean boot in cloud computing
Authors: Geetha Ramani R. , Suresh Kumar S.
Published: March 2019

Malware attacks on kernel rootkits have become increasingly sophisticated and extremely difficult to detect; hence, they have a reign of power over the functionalities of the kernel. These kernel rootkits adopt stealth techniques to conceal the system processes, kernel modules, and other control structures, making it quite a challenge to detect their presence in the victim system. Many current efforts to detect the rootkits are based on known sources and are primarily system specific and hence are ineffective for newly mutating, hidden, and unknown rootkits. Therefore, in this paper, a kernel rootkit hidden file detection view (KRHFDV) system is proposed to detect such rootkits by identifying hidden files. This detection process uses a cross‐view clean‐boot‐based approach and defines a process monitoring framework that continuously maintains a list of active files and can detect both known and unknown rootkits with minimal performance overhead. KRHFDV overcomes the semantic gap by intercepting system call events of the tainted operating system in a nonintrusive manner and monitors the kernel to reconstruct a semantic‐level process information structure. The results from the extensive performance evaluation carried out with 64 rootkit samples in a cloud environment for both Linux and Windows kernels show that KRHFDV is able to identify file hiding behaviours of all samples in the least detection time.
Theoretical Study on the Optical Properties of Multichromophoric Systems Based on an Exciton Approach: Modification Guidelines
Authors: Shiraogawa Takafumi , Ehara Masahiro
Published: March 2019

Recent advances in experimental techniques have led to significant freedom in the design of supramolecular and polymeric systems. However, to develop efficient optical materials, appropriate design guidelines must be determined. Herein we propose a post‐modification strategy based on excitonic analysis to improve the emission and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of multichromophoric systems. The generation and annihilation mechanisms for the emission and CPL of an achiral crystal of 2,5‐diphenyl‐1,4‐distyrylbenzene (trans‐DPDSB), as an example, have been analyzed. The emission is predominantly attributed to a local transition within the single chromophore due to weak exciton coupling. The decomposed CPL components with the strong intensity originate from the interactions of exciton electric transition dipole moments between the chromophore and its adjacent monomers, which cancels each other out in enantiomeric pairs of the achiral system. Based on these findings, we propose a set of guidelines toward the improvement of photofunction. The Frenkel‐exciton decomposition analysis (FEDA), which reveals the contributions of components of the supramolecular system, provides new possibilities to exploit the potential of multichromophoric systems.
Revisiting the Electrochemical Lithiation Mechanism of Aluminum and the Role of Li‐rich Phases (Li1+xAl) on Capacity Fading
Authors: Qin Bingsheng , Diemant Thomas , Zhang Huang , Hoefling Alexander , Behm R. Jürgen , Tübke Jens , Varzi Alberto , Passerini Stefano
Published: March 2019

Aluminum is an appealing anode material for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), owing to its low cost, environmental benignity, high specific capacity, and lower relative volume expansion compared with other alloying materials. However, both, the working and capacity fading processes are not yet consistently and comprehensively understood, which has largely hindered its development. In this study, the electrochemical alloying process of aluminum anodes with lithium is systematically studied by the combination of several in situ and ex situ techniques, providing new insights into phase transitions, electrode dynamics, and surface chemistry. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Li‐rich alloys (Li1+xAl). Its existence on the surface of the Al electrode is unexpectedly observed, and its growth in the electrode bulk is found to be strictly correlated with cell failure. Interestingly, cell failure can be delayed by choosing an appropriate electrolyte. This work contributes to a solid and comprehensive understanding of the puzzling Al (de‐)lithiation processes, which is fundamental and highly enlightening for future research work on Al and other alloyed anodes.
Mother‐chick interactions are affected by chicks’ sex and brood composition in Japanese quail
Authors: Aigueperse Nadège , Houdelier Cécilia , Nicolle Céline , Lumineau Sophie
Published: March 2019

Sex is a trait which leads mothers to invest asymmetrically in their young, especially in species with a strong dimorphism. Authors usually consider that members of the largest sex require the most investment by mothers. In other cases, mothers care preferentially for members of the sex that increase their fitness, e.g. males, in numerous species. In quail, a precocial bird, mother seems to take more care of their males which are more sensitive to their separation. This study investigates the influence of chicks’ sex and brood's sexual composition on the maternal behavior of quail. We evaluated three batches of mothers, composed of (a) unisex broods of males (MM), (b) unisex broods of females (FF), and (c) mixed sex broods (Mx). We recorded mother‐chick interactions during 11 days of mothering. We found that MM mothers spent more time warming their chicks and FF mothers were more active. Moreover, females rejected more aggressively and earlier their female chicks than their male chicks. Finally, Mx chicks, whatever their sex, interacted more with their mothers. Our results highlight a greater quantity and quality of maternal care towards male. Mothers invest more in male chicks. We discussed results in terms of each sex's needs.
U.S. Public Health Service STD Experiments in Guatemala (1946–1948) and Their Aftermath
Authors: Spector‐Bagdady Kayte , Lombardo Paul A.
Published: March 2019

The U.S. Public Health Service’s sexually transmitted disease (STD) experiments in Guatemala are an important case study not only in human subjects research transgressions but also in the response to serious lapses in research ethics. This case study describes how individuals in the STD experiments were tested, exposed to STDs, and exploited as the source of biological specimens—all without informed consent and often with active deceit. It also explores and evaluates governmental and professional responses that followed the public revelation of these experiments, including by academic institutions, professional organizations, and the U.S. federal government, pushing us to reconsider both how we prevent such lapses in the future and how we respond when they are first revealed.
An Energy Transition Model for Pakistan's Electricity System: Scenarios and Their Implications
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Saleem , Lodhi Rab Nawaz , Gill Abid Rashid
Published: March 2019

The electricity sector of Pakistan is plagued by disruptions and failure of capacity to match demand in growth. This sector has been taken as model for transition options to evaluate its systemic sustainability in the future. The Long‐energy Alternative Planning accounting model has been used to analyze the impact of different future scenarios. In the absence of any drastic environmental policy, a major shift in the primary energy mix for power generation is unlikely and the potential of low‐carbon resources will likely remain dormant, creating a situation of strong energy dependence on imports. However, expansion in oil imports, depleting gas domestic resources, and low indigenous oil production are leading to the use of coal, wind, hydro and solar, with a possibility of nuclear as well. Three technology scenarios have been examined: business‐as‐usual (BAU) with existing fuel mix and coal as new fossil fuel, moderate Renewable Energy (RE) with wind deployment along with coal and hydro, and long‐term sustainability with wind deployment, hydro and nuclear. Based on the assessment of the technical, economic, and environmental impacts in each case and it has been found that the BAU and moderate RE policies are more economical, nevertheless, with adverse environmental emissions. This sustainability comes at small additional cost, however, with significant potential upside due to energy import substitution. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Real‐time experimental study and numerical simulation of phase change material during the discharge stage: Thermo‐fluidic behavior, solidification morphology, and energy content
Authors: Soni Vikram , Kumar Alok , Kumar Arvind , Jain Vijay Kumar
Published: March 2019

This article experimentally and numerically investigates solidification behavior of a phase change material during the discharge stage. Particle image velocimetry technique is used to measure the real‐time flow field. The visualization and measurement of solidification characteristics (solidifying interface, mushy zone, solidifying morphology—columnar, and equiaxed dendrites, etc.) are carried out using a high‐resolution camera. Transient temperature at strategic locations is measured using instrumented thermocouples. Experimental results observe multiple rotating vortices and thermal plumes due to Rayleigh‐Bénard convection currents. An interesting phenomenon of detachment of dendrite flakes from the developing mushy zone is observed, which provides several nucleation sites for the initiation of the solidification and leads to heat transfer enhancement. Numerical simulations are performed using a one‐domain continuum model. A comprehensive description of the local and the global scale behavior of solidified fraction, thermal field, and flow field is provided, and their role on energy discharge is established. The energy discharge rate from the system is quantitatively computed using thermal performance indicators, such as latent energy, total (sensible + latent) extracted specific energy, and specific power.
Hybrid‐Vehfog: A robust approach for reliable dissemination of critical messages in connected vehicles
Authors: Paranjothi Anirudh , Tanik Urcun , Wang Yuehua , Khan Mohammad S.
Published: March 2019

Vehicular Ad‐hoc Networks enable efficient communication between vehicles with the aim of improving road safety. However, the growing number of vehicles in dense regions and obstacle shadowing regions like Manhattan and other downtown areas leads to frequent disconnection problems resulting in disrupted radio wave propagation between vehicles. To address this issue and to transmit critical messages between vehicles and drones deployed from service vehicles to overcome road incidents and obstacles, we proposed a hybrid technique based on fog computing called Hybrid‐Vehfog to disseminate messages in obstacle shadowing regions and a multihop technique to disseminate messages in nonobstacle shadowing regions. Our proposed algorithm dynamically adapts to changes in an environment and benefits in efficiency with robust drone deployment capability as needed. Performance of Hybrid‐Vehfog is carried out in Network Simulator and Simulation of Urban Mobility simulators. The results showed that Hybrid‐Vehfog outperformed Cloud‐assisted Message Downlink Dissemination Scheme, Cross‐Layer Broadcast Protocol, PEer‐to‐Peer protocol for Allocated REsource, Fog‐Named Data Networking with mobility, and flooding schemes at all vehicle densities and simulation times.
High‐efficiency CO2 capture and separation based on hydrate technology: A review
Authors: Li Airong , Wang Jie , Bao Buping
Published: March 2019

As a result of growing concerns about global warming, hydrate‐based processing is becoming a promising technology for CO2 capture. This process captures CO2 by forming clathrate hydrates by exposing flue gas to water under suitable conditions. It results in high CO2 recovery due to its large gas‐storage capacity and the large concentration differences between the separation phases. However, the high cost of hydrate formation conditions is the main reason preventing this technology from wide industrial application. To address this issue, this paper explores the literature on the current status of developments in hydrate‐based CO2 capture and separation, focusing on methods to mitigate hydrate formation conditions and to improve phase‐contacting performance. In this review, various relevant aspects of CO2 capture and separation selectivity are summarized, including promoter selection, thermodynamic and kinetic model development, reactor configuration, and process design. Advantages and disadvantages of alternative processes are also discussed. Current studies are limited to laboratory experiments but low energy penalties and high CO2 selectivity features of hydrate processes will make future plant implementation feasible. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accumulation condition analysis of the Permian shale gas in the Turpan‐Hami Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Dang Ben , Zhao Hong , Chen Jun , Zheng Yong , Xu Ming , Lin Lujun , Liu Ming , Liang Bin , Cao Liu , Qin Haoliang , Zhang Yue
Published: March 2019

The north‐western region of China is one of the five major shale gas evaluation zones in China. The Turpan‐Hami Basin is one of the important petroliferous basins in the north‐west of China. However, shale gas study in this basin has just started. In this study, based on the investigation of the field outcrop section on the periphery and core observation of this basin, combined with extensive experimental analysis, the Permian dark shale has been studied comprehensively including the development distribution characteristics of the shale, brittle mineral composition, organic geochemistry, physical property, and the gas content. The results show that the dark shale are mainly developed in the middle Permian Taerlang Formation and mainly distributed in the Taibei, Toksun, and Tainan sags in the Turpan Depression and the Sanbu and Huoshizhen sags in the Hami Depression. The northern margin and the western margin of the basin and the south of the Liaodun Uplift are exposed to different degrees. Thickness of the dark shale is between 100 and 500 m with the buried depth of 160–3,600 m. The dark shale is mainly deposited in shallow lacustrine and semideep lacustrine facies. The shale is composed mainly of clay minerals (average 44.6%), brittle mineral quartz (average 38.9%), feldspar (average 9.7%), and calcite (average 4.0%). Brittle mineral contents are high, accounting for 52.6%. The dark shale with an organic carbon content more than 2% accounts for 80% in the tested samples. The types of organic matter are commonly Type II2, followed by Type III. The degree of organic thermal evolution is moderate. The majority areas are in the low‐mature and mature stage, while some areas achieve high maturity stage. The gas content ranges from 0.11 to 6.29 m3/t. Comprehensive analysis shows that the Permian Taerlang Formation dark shale in Turpan‐Hami Basin has the shale gas accumulation conditions. The favourable areas are mainly located in the Taibei Sag in the Turpan Depression, the south of the Liaodun Uplift, followed by the Toksun and Tainan sags in the Turpan and the Hami Depressions.
Submandibular gland resection via the trans‐hairline approach: A preclinical study of a novel flexible single‐port surgical system and the surgical experiences of standard multiarm robotic surgical systems
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Lin , Li Hong , Holsinger Floyd Christopher , Koh Yoon Woo
Published: March 2019

Background

Cosmetic outcome after submandibular gland (SMG) surgery has greatly improved since the development of robotic surgery through a trans‐hairline approach. However, the bulky sizes of robotic arms and the rigid design of camera and instruments in the current multiarm robotic systems increased the surgical difficulty.

Methods

Clinical and preclinical studies demonstrated the surgical configuration and procedures of robotic trans‐hairline SMG resection using a flexible, single‐port, and multiarm systems.

Results

The surgical procedures of trans‐hairline approach for SMG resection could be successfully performed using the flexible single‐port (SP) robotic system in the preclinical study. The unique features include an easier docking procedure, different viewing angles, the use of the third arm, and coordination of instrument positions without a bedside assistant, which are unavailable in current multiarm robotic systems.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility and the advantages of applying the flexible, SP robotic system in SMG resection through the trans‐hairline approach.
Exact thermoelastic analysis of a thick cylindrical functionally graded material shell under unsteady heating using first order shear deformation theory
Authors: Vaziri Seyyed A. , Ghannad Mehdi , Bég O. Anwar
Published: March 2019

In this article, a new analytical formulation is presented for an axisymmetric thick‐walled functionally graded material cylinder with power‐law variation in mechanical and thermal properties under transient heating using first order shear deformation theory. Equilibrium equations are derived by virtual work principles and the energy method. The unsteady heat conduction equation is solved using the method of separation of variables, generalized Bessel functions, and an Eigen‐function method. Validation of the analytical solutions is conducted with a finite element method. The effects of time on stress and displacement distribution are studied in detail. The numerical values used in this study are selected based on earlier studies. The influence of effect of transient heat transfer on heterogeneous thick‐walled cylinder elasticity is clearly demonstrated. In particular, the significant influence of time and the heterogenous constant on radial displacement, hoop stress, and temperature distributions is computed. The study is relevant to rocket chamber thermomechanics, propulsion duct thermophysical design, industrial thermal storage systems, and so forth.
Association between sleep duration and breast cancer incidence: The multiethnic cohort
Authors: Shigesato Maryssa , Kawai Yosuke , Guillermo Cherie , Youkhana Fadi , Shvetsov Yurii B. , Setiawan Veronica W. , Haiman Christopher A. , Le Marchand Loïc , Maskarinec Gertraud
Published: March 2019

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second‐leading cause of cancer‐related death among women. Inconsistent findings for the relationship between melatonin levels, sleep duration and breast cancer have been reported. We investigated the association of sleep duration at cohort entry and its interaction with body mass index (BMI) with risk of developing breast cancer in the large population‐based Multiethnic Cohort study. Among the 74,481 at‐risk participants, 5,790 breast cancer cases were identified during the study period. Although we detected no significant association between sleep duration and breast cancer incidence, higher risk estimates for short (HR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.97–1.09) and long sleep (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.95–1.15) compared to normal sleep (7–8 hr) were found. The patterns for models stratified by age, BMI, ethnicity and hormone receptor status were similar but did not indicate significant interaction effects. When examining the combined sleep duration and BMI interaction effect, in comparison to the normal BMI‐normal sleep group, risk estimates for underweight, overweight and obesity were similar across categories of sleep duration (≤6, 7–8, and ≥9 hr). The underweight‐normal sleep group had lower breast cancer incidence (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50–0.86), whereas the overweight‐short sleep, overweight‐normal sleep group and all obese women experienced elevated breast cancer incidence. The respective HRs for short, normal and long sleep among obese women were 1.35 (95% CI: 1.20–1.53), 1.27 (95% CI: 1.15–1.42) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.21–1.76). Future perspectives need to examine the possibility that sleep quality, variations in circadian rhythm and melatonin are involved in breast cancer etiology.
Paths from core belief disruption to post‐traumatic stress symptoms and post‐traumatic growth among Korean undergraduates: The mediating role of rumination
Authors: Choi Sumi , In Hyoyeon
Published: March 2019

The post‐traumatic growth (PTG) model proposes that cognitive processing is a key mechanism that leads to growth in the aftermath of traumatic events. Building upon the PTG model, the present study examined the paths from the disruption of core beliefs to post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and PTG via intrusive and deliberate rumination. The sample includes 370 Korean undergraduate students who reported at least one highly stressful experience in their lifetime. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that disruption of core beliefs predicted PTG both directly and indirectly through multiple pathways: via deliberate rumination, intrusive rumination, and the path from intrusive to deliberate rumination. The disruption of core beliefs positively predicted PTSS only through intrusive rumination. No bivariate relationship was found between PTSS and PTG. These findings support the different roles of intrusive rumination and deliberate rumination in mediating the paths from disruption of core beliefs to PTSS and PTG. Implications and limitations of this study were discussed.
Effect on energy efficiency with small cell deployment in heterogeneous cellular networks
Authors: Borah Janmoni , Hussain Md. Anwar , Bora Joyatri
Published: March 2019

Recently, data demand has grown explosively due to tremendous growth in cellular traffic. To meet the user's data requirement, Small cells (SCs) have been overlaid with existing macro cell (MC) leading to heterogeneity to the network. Although SCs enhances system throughput, to find the required number of SCs and energy efficiency of such network is of concern for vendors. Looking at the real‐world scenario of user's distribution in a geographical area, authors consider the SCs (eg, Picocells) deployment as uniform or cluster based (user‐density and k‐means). The work considers uniform deployment of SCs modeled as homogeneous Poisson Point Process (PPP) and user clusters are considered for user‐density‐based and k‐means‐based deployment. The locations for SCs is considered in the cell boundaries and hotspot regions where user density is highly consistent, huge gathering takes place, mobility is seldom and data demand is high such as at railway stations, shopping malls, working farms and organization, etc. The downlink performances in terms of average user throughput, system capacity and network energy efficiency for these three deployments of SC base‐stations in a heterogeneous network are explored. User distributions are modeled by adopting Cox process (also known as doubly stochastic poison process) and cluster process in the heterogeneous network operating area. It is observed that energy efficiency in terms of bps per watt decreases after a certain number of SCs for uniform and k‐means‐based deployment. The results show better performance for user‐density‐based SCs deployment compared to uniform and k‐means one.
Impact of student pharmacists on community influenza vaccination rates
Authors: Garofoli Gretchen K. , Capehart Krista D. , Kinney Olivia , Feng Xue , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Pharmacists are able to provide vaccinations in all 50 states and student pharmacists are able to provide vaccinations in most states. Community pharmacists and student pharmacists are in a position to impact many patients due to their accessibility.

Objectives

To assess the impact on the number of influenza vaccines administered in community pharmacies after student pharmacists were granted the authority to vaccinate and to identify geographical disparities in student placements.

Methods

This is a prepost study that compared the number of influenza vaccinations given in community pharmacies in West Virginia before and after student pharmacists were given the authority to vaccinate. Vaccination data were obtained for two 6‐month periods over two consecutive influenza seasons. Community pharmacy advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE) placement data was obtained from all three schools of pharmacy in the state. Geographical Information Systems software was used to produce maps by zip code. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

Results

APPE students were placed in community pharmacies in 43 different zip codes throughout the state from August 2015 to January 2016. Although the total number of vaccinations given across the state increased during the post period, there was no statistically significant difference in the average number of vaccinations given in the zip codes where student pharmacists were placed. Analysis of mapping output revealed many geographical gaps in student placement with most placements occurring near schools of pharmacy in the state.

Conclusions

An increase in the number of vaccinations was not observed across the state after student pharmacists were able to provide vaccinations. Disparities in the placement of APPE students throughout West Virginia were identified through this research. There are numerous areas that lack APPE student placement, which provide an opportunity for strategic placement of students in the future to meet the unmet needs of these communities.
Sustained release of levofloxacin from thermosensitive chitosan‐based hydrogel for the treatment of postoperative endophthalmitis
Authors: Cheng Yung‐Hsin , Chang Yu‐Fan , Ko Yu‐Chieh , Liu Catherine Jui‐ling
Published: March 2019

In the field of ophthalmology, postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) is a serious surgical complication, which may lead to poor visual outcome even after the infection has been controlled. In the study, we develop a sustained drug releasing system loaded with levofloxacin which is expected to be effective against common pathogens responsible for POE for at least 7 days after single application at the end of surgery. The results of study showed that the sol–gel transition temperature of the levofloxacin‐loaded chitosan‐gelatin‐based solution was ~34°C. The gelation time of the developed formulation was ~81 s at 34°C. The results showed that the osmolality of developed hydrogel was 304 mOsm/L. The in vitro drug release studies revealed that levofloxacin release from the developed hydrogel displayed a sustained‐release profile. The long‐term antibacterial property of the developed hydrogel has been demonstrated. The biocompatibility of the developed hydrogel was evaluated in vitro. These results suggest that the levofloxacin‐containing hydrogel could be applied to ocular surface at the end of ophthalmic surgery, without the risks of intracameral injection of antibiotics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:8–13, 2020.
Application of a novel bimetallic hydrogel based on iron and cobalt for the synergistic catalytic degradation of Congo Red dye
Authors: Aftab Tallal B. , Hussain Asif , Li Dengxin
Published: March 2019

Herein, we developed a bimetallic (Fe and Co) polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel (FeCo@PAM) to investigate the synergistic catalytic degradation of Congo Red (CR) dye. The structure and the morphology of the FeCo@PAM hydrogel were analyzed using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDX). To study the chemical composition of our catalyst, the FTIR technique was applied. The SEM and EDX confirmed the presence of bimetallic ions in the PAM hydrogel. All critical parameters of the catalyst, that is, mass, dye concentration, H2O2 dose, temperature, and pH were investigated and optimized. The synergistic oxidative catalytic degradation of the CR dye using FeCo@PAM under the optimal conditions was calculated to be 96.45% (60 min), which was 11.26% (75 min) higher than that of Fe@PAM and 11.69% (75 min) higher than that of Co@PAM. For FeCo@PAM, not only the degradation percentage increased also the reaction time decrease was phenomenal. These experiments verified the synergistic oxidative degradation of the CR dye exhibited by the FeCo@PAM catalyst. The Kinetic isotherm studies were also studied to determine the CR degradation progression. Our FeCo@PAM catalyst also demonstrated to be highly recyclable, as high CR dye degradation was accomplished up to three consecutive cycles.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 controls mitophagy and muscle mass
Authors: Oost Lynette J. , Kustermann Monika , Armani Andrea , Blaauw Bert , Romanello Vanina
Published: March 2019

Background

Skeletal muscle is a plastic tissue that adapts to changes in exercise, nutrition, and stress by secreting myokines and myometabolites. These muscle‐secreted factors have autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine effects, contributing to whole body homeostasis. Muscle dysfunction in aging sarcopenia, cancer cachexia, and diabetes is tightly correlated with the disruption of the physiological homeostasis at the whole body level. The expression levels of the myokine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are very low in normal healthy muscles. However, fasting, ER stress, mitochondrial myopathies, and metabolic disorders induce its release from muscles. Although our understanding of the systemic effects of muscle‐derived FGF21 is exponentially increasing, the direct contribution of FGF21 to muscle function has not been investigated yet.

Methods

Muscle‐specific FGF21 knockout mice were generated to investigate the consequences of FGF21 deletion concerning skeletal muscle mass and force. To identify the mechanisms underlying FGF21‐dependent adaptations in skeletal muscle during starvation, the study was performed on muscles collected from both fed and fasted adult mice. In vivo overexpression of FGF21 was performed in skeletal muscle to assess whether FGF21 is sufficient per se to induce muscle atrophy.

Results

We show that FGF21 does not contribute to muscle homeostasis in basal conditions in terms of fibre type distribution, fibre size, and muscle force. In contrast, FGF21 is required for fasting‐induced muscle atrophy and weakness. The mass of isolated muscles from control‐fasted mice was reduced by 15–25% (P < 0.05) compared with fed control mice. FGF21‐null muscles, however, were significantly protected from muscle loss and weakness during fasting. Such important protection is due to the maintenance of protein synthesis rate in knockout muscles during fasting compared with a 70% reduction in control‐fasted muscles (P < 0.01), together with a significant reduction of the mitophagy flux via the regulation of the mitochondrial protein Bnip3. The contribution of FGF21 to the atrophy programme was supported by in vivo FGF21 overexpression in muscles, which was sufficient to induce autophagy and muscle loss by 15% (P < 0.05). Bnip3 inhibition protected against FGF21‐dependent muscle wasting in adult animals (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

FGF21 is a novel player in the regulation of muscle mass that requires the mitophagy protein Bnip3.
Indolyl Linked Meta‐Substituted Benzylidenes as Novel Ligands: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Mall Rajiv , Singh Amanjot , Singh Gagandeep , Singh Varinder , Verma Raman K.
Published: March 2019

Synthesis of indolyl linked benzylidene based meta‐substituted phenyl containing thiazolidinediones (4a–b), rhodanine (5a–b), and 1,3‐dicarbonyl based acyclic analogs of isoxazolidinediones (6a–7b) in an effort to develop novel α‐glucosidase inhibitors in the management of hyperglycemia for the treatment of type 2 diabetes is reported. The structure of all the novel synthesized compounds was confirmed through the spectral studies (LC–MS, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and FTIR). Comparative evaluation of these compounds revealed that the compound 5b showed maximum inhibitory potential against α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase giving an IC50 value of 0.28 ± 0.01 μM. Furthermore, binding affinities in terms of G score values and hydrogen bond interactions between all the synthesized compounds and the AA residues in the active site of the protein (PDB code: 3TOP) to that of Acarbose (standard drug) were explored with the help of molecular docking studies. Compound 5b was considered as promising candidate of this series.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Novel Bis(thiazoles) Incorporating Piperazine Moiety
Authors: Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Sanad Sherif M. H.
Published: March 2019

Novel bis(hydrazinecarbothioamide) was prepared by the reaction of 1,4‐bis[(3‐formyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)methyl]piperazine with thiosemicarbazide. The bis(hydrazinecarbothioamide) was used as a building block for construction of a novel bis(thiazolyl)piperazines via its cyclocondensation with a series of each of α‐halocarbonyl compounds and hydrazonoyl halides in dimethylformamide in the presence of triethylamine as a catalyst under microwave irradiation. The structure of the newly bis(thiazolyl)piperazine derivatives is elucidated via the spectral data as well as elemental analyses.
Resveratrol modulates the gut microbiota to prevent murine colitis development through induction of Tregs and suppression of Th17 cells
Authors: Alrafas Haider Rasheed , Busbee Philip B , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash S
Published: March 2019

Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are often associated with microbial dysbiosis. Thus, dietary interactions with intestinal microbiota, to maintain homeostasis, play a crucial role in regulation of clinical disorders such as colitis. In the current study, we investigated if resveratrol, a polyphenol found in a variety of foods and beverages, would reverse microbial dysbiosis induced during colitis. Administration of resveratrol attenuated colonic inflammation and clinical symptoms in the murine model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Resveratrol treatment in mice with colitis led to an increase in CD4+FOXP3+ and CD4+IL-10+ T cells, and a decrease in CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-17+ T cells. 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate alterations in the gut microbiota revealed that TNBS caused significant dysbiosis, which was reversed following resveratrol treatment. Analysis of cecal flush revealed that TNBS administration led to an increase in species such as Bacteroides acidifaciens, but decrease in species such as Ruminococcus gnavus and Akkermansia mucinphilia, as well as a decrease in SCFA i-butyric acid. However, resveratrol treatment restored the gut bacteria back to homeostatic levels, and increased production of i-butyric acid. Fecal transfer experiments confirmed the protective role of resveratrol-induced microbiota against colitis inasmuch as such recipient mice were more resistant to TNBS-colitis and exhibited polarization toward CD4+FOXP3+ T cells and decreases in CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-17+ T cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that resveratrol-mediated attenuation of colitis results from reversal of microbial dysbiosis induced during colitis and such microbiota protect the host from colonic inflammation by inducing Tregs while suppressing inflammatory Th1/Th17 cells.
The influence of the winemaking process on the elemental composition of the Marselan red wine
Authors: dos Santos Carla EI , Debastiani Rafaela , Souza Vanessa S , Peretti Débora E , Jobim Paulo FC , Yoneama Maria L , Amaral Livio , Dias Johnny F
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The elemental profile of the Marselan wine cycle was studied with a single ion‐beam technique, namely particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE). Samples were collected from all of the major stages involved in the wine cycle, including soil, vine plant, grape, and different stages of wine processing.

RESULTS

The results show the influence of field practices on the elemental composition of leaves, branches, grapes, and soil. Mechanisms of element precipitation and elimination from the wine were identified through the changes in the elemental concentrations measured during the post‐harvesting processes. The concentrations of some elements, such as Al, Si, K, and Ni, did not vary for grapes collected at different maturation stages. On the other hand, changes in the concentrations of Si, Cl, Ca, Cu, and K were observed right after the maceration and pressing processes in young wine. Finally, the reduction in the Cu concentration during the last stages of the wine cycle is related to its precipitation in the storage tanks.

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that field practices and winemaking processes played distinct roles in the elemental composition of grapes and wine from different preparation stages. Moreover, PIXE proved to be a suitable analytical tool for the analysis of the whole wine cycle because it handles solid and liquid samples in a clean and straightforward manner. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
High performance color‐converted micro‐LED displays
Authors: Gou Fangwang , Hsiang En‐Lin , Tan Guanjun , Lan Yi‐Fen , Tsai Cheng‐Yeh , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: March 2019

A full‐color micro‐LED display can be achieved by red, green, and blue (RGB) chips or by a blue/ultraviolet (UV) micro‐LED array to pump downconverters. The latter helps relieve the burden of epitaxial growth of tri‐color micro‐LED chips. However, such a color‐converted micro‐LED system usually suffers from color crosstalk and low efficiency due to limited optical density of color converters. With funnel‐tube array and reflective coating on its inner surface, the crosstalk is eliminated, and the optical efficiency can be improved by more than two times. In addition, the ambient contrast ratio is also improved because of higher light intensity. The color gamut of this device is approximately 92% of DCI‐P3 standard.
Effects of curved computer displays on visual performance, visual fatigue, and emotional image quality
Authors: Lim Kyongho , Li Xiaohua , Tu Yan
Published: March 2019

This study investigated the effects of the curvature of curved computer displays on the visual performance, fatigue, and emotional image quality experienced by users during the performance of visual tasks. The characteristics of curved displays were compared and analyzed for different curvatures to investigate whether the curved displays showed improvements in terms of convenience of use when compared with flat displays. The visual performance results for the evaluated displays can be classified into three groups according to their response times, as (2000R = 2500R) > (3000R) > (3800R = 4500R = Flat). The visual fatigue results for average pupil size during a search task was 3.468 mm for flat and 3.355 mm for 2000R. This means that a 2000R curved display was found to be easier to use and thus generated less visual fatigue than a flat display when performing the same visual search task. Further, the results indicated that visual performance improved and visual fatigue decreased significantly as curvature increased. In this study, a curvature limit of 1700R was derived, when considering the image distortion of a 34‐in 21:9 curved display, and there was found to be no difference in the emotional image quality at curvatures greater than 2000R.
MicroRNA‐26a inhibits multiple myeloma cell growth by suppressing cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 expression
Authors: Xu Ying‐Ying , Song Ya‐Qi , Huang Zi‐Ming , Zhang Hai‐Bing , Chen Ming
Published: March 2019

MicroRNA‐26a (miR‐26a) has been reported to be involved in the tumorigenesis of several tumors, but its biological function and molecular mechanism in multiple myeloma (MM) are still unknown. In this study, we found that overexpression of miR‐26a obviously inhibited MM cell growth, and delayed tumor growth in xenografts. Further studies showed that overexpression of miR‐26a induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in MM cells. MiR‐26a mimic down‐regulated the expression levels of CDK6 and E2F1, but up‐regulated p53 and p21 expression. In contrast, overexpression of CDK6 decreased the effect of miR‐26a mimic on MM cell survival. Moreover, miR‐26a targeted CDK6 mRNA and thus suppressed CDK6 protein expression. Overexpression of miR‐26a also enhanced the cytotoxic action of doxorubicin against MM. These results demonstrated that miR‐26a was involved in the development of MM through regulating CDK6 signaling pathway, and indicated that miR‐26a could be as a novel target for anti‐tumor therapy in clinic as a single strategy or in combination with other anti‐tumor drugs in MM.
Effects of esophageal acid infusion vs mosapride on distension‐induced secondary peristalsis in humans
Authors: Lei Wei‐Yi , Hung Jui‐Sheng , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Wong Ming‐Wun , Chen Chien‐Lin
Published: March 2019

Secondary peristalsis contributes to the clearance of the refluxate from the esophagus. Acute administration of 5‐hydroxytryptamine 4 (5‐HT4) receptors agonist, mosapride or esophageal infusion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) facilitates secondary peristalsis. The aim of this study was to determine whether esophageal acid infusion and administration of mosapride had different effects on secondary peristalsis. Secondary peristalsis was performed with esophageal distension with rapid and slow air injections in 16 healthy subjects. We performed two separate sessions with HCl (0.1 N) and 40 mg oral mosapride to compare their influence on secondary peristaltic parameters. The threshold volume of secondary peristalsis was significantly lower with HCl infusion than mosapride (P = 0.01) by slow air injections. The threshold volume to generate secondary peristalsis was significantly lower with HCl infusion than mosapride (P = 0.002) by rapid air injections. More secondary peristalsis was trigged by rapid air injections after HCl infusion than mosapride (P = 0.003). Infusion of HCl or mosapride administration has similar effects on peristaltic wave amplitude and duration of primary and secondary peristalsis. Acute esophageal acid infusion can induce greater mechanosensitivity to distension‐induced secondary peristalsis than 5‐HT4 receptors agonist mosapride. The data suggest that acid‐sensitive afferents are more likely to contribute to sensory modulation of esophageal secondary peristalsis; however, the motility aspects of secondary peristalsis are comparable between acute esophageal acidification and 5‐HT4 receptors activation via mosapride.
3D focusing of micro‐scale entities in dielectrophoretic microdevice
Authors: Alnaimat Fadi , Krishna Salini , Hilal‐Alnaqbi Ali , Alazzam Anas , Dagher Sawsan , Mathew Bobby
Published: March 2019

Herein, we report a dielectrophoretic microdevice mathematical model to achieve 3D focusing for micro‐scale entities. The device has two pairs of independently controllable electrodes with each pair positioned on the microchannel's sides; every electrode of each pair protrudes slightly into the microchannel. The model is composed of equations describing voltage, electric field, fluid flow and equations of motion. The model took consideration of different forces including dielectrophoresis, drag, gravity, buoyancy, virtual mass and inertia to the motion of the micro‐scale entity. The model is solved specifically by finite difference methods. The micro‐scale entity is 3D focused at microchannel centre for equal applied voltage and focused away from the channel for unequal applied voltage. Steady‐state vertical position is dependent on applied voltages, electrode protrusion width and microchannel height while being independent of volumetric flow rate, initial positions and radius of micro‐scale entity. No increase in vertical position occurs beyond the threshold values of microchannel height and applied voltage. The model is validated with experimental results from literature.