bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
i-Light—Intelligent Luminaire Based Platform for Home Monitoring and Assisted Living
Authors: Marin Iuliana , Vasilateanu Andrei , Molnar Arthur-Jozsef , Bocicor Maria Iuliana , Cuesta-Frau David , Molina-Picó Antonio , Goga Nicolae
Published: September 2018

We present i-Light, a cyber-physical platform that aims to help older adults to live safely within their own homes. The system is the result of an international research project funded by the European Union and is comprised of a custom developed wireless sensor network together with software services that provide continuous monitoring, reporting and real-time alerting capabilities. The principal innovation proposed within the project regards implementation of the hardware components in the form of intelligent luminaires with inbuilt sensing and communication capabilities. Custom luminaires provide indoor localisation and environment sensing, are cost-effective and are designed to replace the lighting infrastructure of the deployment location without prior mapping or fingerprinting. We evaluate the system within a home and show that it achieves localisation accuracy sufficient for room-level detection. We present the communication infrastructure, and detail how the software services can be configured and used for visualisation, reporting and real-time alerting.
A ZVS Bidirectional Inverting Buck-Boost Converter Using Coupled Inductors
Authors: Cheng Xu-Feng , Zhang Yong , Yin Chengliang
Published: September 2018

The bidirectional inverting buck-boost converter (BIBBC) has a simple structure and a wide voltage ratio. It can be used in the battery supercapacitor hybrid energy storage system (BSHESS) and the motor drive system. However, the traditional continuous conduction mode (CCM) BIBBC will have severe switching loss. The triangular current mode (TCM) BIBBC can reduce the switching loss, but it will increase core loss and filter capacitance. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a new zero voltage switching (ZVS) BIBBC using a coupled inductor. This ZVS BIBBC will provide ZVS conditions for both transistors whether in positive operation or negative operation. Meanwhile, this ZVS BIBBC has small core losses and filter capacitance, and can be used simply. Finally, experimental results obtained from these BIBBC experimental prototypes are presented to validate the soft-switching achieving and the efficiency improvement performance. Experimental results show that both transistors of the ZVS BIBBC achieve ZVS turn-on conditions. The efficiency of the ZVS BIBBC increased by up to 10 percent compared to the traditional CCM BIBBC at heave load, and by up to 1.5 percent compared to the TCM BIBBC at a light load.
A Multi-Attribute Expansion Planning Model for Integrated Gas–Electricity System
Authors: Khaligh Vahid , Oloomi Buygi Majid , Anvari-Moghaddam Amjad , M. Guerrero Josep
Published: September 2018

Gas-fired power plants are environmentally friendly because of their high efficiency rates and low CO2 emissions. On the other hand, the output power of renewable generators is stochastic, meaning that additional capacity must be held in reserve throughout the system. Gas-fired power plants are ideally suited to mitigate renewable uncertainties as they are more flexible and can easily be fired up in just a few minutes, and subsequently be shut down. Increased use of gas-fired power plants makes gas and electricity networks more dependent, so that adequacy in fuel supply of electricity network becomes a majority. However expansion planning of gas and electricity systems is accomplished by private gas and electricity companies, having no effective data exchange mechanism together. So there is a need to provide a model that coordinates the expansion planning of gas and electricity networks. On the other hand, expansion cost of either gas or electricity network and risk criteria of integrated energy system may have priority in decision-making process. With different challenging attributes, there is a gap in the literature to provide a model that takes into account the privacy of energy parties with a minimum data exchange, while considering different attributes in decision-making process. In this paper a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method for co-expansion planning of gas and electricity systems is introduced. The proposed MADM method supposes that a central entity as Ministry of Energy (ME) is responsible for coordinated expansion planning of gas and electricity networks, while taking into account the privacy of gas and electricity energy parties. Decision-making attributes are conflicting and the proposed method selects the best plan based on a compromise among the attributes. Different attributes including gas expansion cost (GEC), electricity expansion cost (EEC), minimum of maximum regret (MMR) and β-robustness (β_R) are considered to find the best plan with regard to the preferences of independent gas and electricity network operators. In this regard, two multi-attribute decision analysis methodologies are employed: analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used as a simple way to weight and rank all the attributes objectively and find the relative importance of various plans, and the weighted sum method to provide a general composite index and finding the final appropriate plan. A real case study in the Khorasan province of Iran, which has a high penetration level of gas-consuming generation units (GCGU), is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed MADM method. Results are compared with a Pareto optimal method to qualify the accuracy of proposed method.
Mass-Conserved Wall Treatment of the Non-Equilibrium Extrapolation Boundary Condition in Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Feng Zhe , Lim Hee-Chang
Published: September 2018

In lattice Boltzmann simulations, the widely used non-equilibrium extrapolation method for velocity and pressure boundary conditions can cause a constant mass leakage under certain circumstances, particularly when an external force field is imposed on the fluid domain. The non-equilibrium distribution function at the boundary uses a first-order extrapolation method on the corresponding data of adjacent fluid nodes. In addition, based on this extrapolation method, the macroscopic velocity and density at the boundary nodes are obtained. Therefore, the corresponding equilibrium component of the distribution function can be calculated explicitly. Regarding the no-slip wall boundary condition, we found that the mass leakage primarily results from the extrapolation scheme for the density term in the equilibrium component of the distribution function at the boundary node. In this study, a mass-conserved wall treatment method is developed to correct the existing density term for guaranteeing the conservation of mass. Several benchmark test cases were simulated and compared to prove the justification of the newly developed mass-conserved boundary condition, and the results show a good agreement with those in the existing literature.
Analysis of Pseudo-Random Sequence Correlation Identification Parameters and Anti-Noise Performance
Authors: Song Xijin , Wang Xuelong , Dong Zhao , Zhao Xiaojiao , Feng Xudong
Published: September 2018

Using a pseudo-random sequence to encode the transmitted waveform can significantly improve the working efficiency and depth of detection of electromagnetic exploration. The selection of parameters of pseudo-random sequence plays an important role in correlation identification and noise suppression. A discrete cycle correlation identification method for extracting the earth impulse response is proposed. It can suppress the distortion in the early stage of the excitation field and the glitches of the cross correlation function by traditional method. This effectively improves the accuracy of correlation identification. The influence of the order and the cycles of m-series pseudo-random coding on its autocorrelation properties is studied. The numerical results show that, with the increase of the order of m-sequence, the maximum out-of-phase periodic autocorrelation function decreases rapidly. Therefore, it is very beneficial to achieve synchronization. The limited-cycle m-sequences have good autocorrelation properties. As the period of the m-sequence increases and the width of the symbol decreases, the overall autocorrelation becomes closer to the impact function. The discussion of the influence of symbol width and period of m-sequence on its frequency bandwidth and power spectral density shows that the narrower the symbol width, the wider its occupied band. The longer the period, the smaller the power spectral line spacing. The abilities of m-sequence to suppress DC (Direct-current) interference, Schumann frequency noise, and sine-wave noise are analyzed. Numerical results show that the m-sequence has excellent ability to suppress DC interference and Schumann frequency noise. However, for high-order harmonic noise, the correlation identification error appears severe oscillation in the middle and late stages of the impulse response. It indicates that the ability of m-sequence to suppress high-frequency sinusoidal noise is deteriorated. In practical applications, the parameters of the transmitted waveform should be reasonably selected in combination with factors including transmitter performance, hardware noise, and ambient noise level to achieve the best identification effect.
Reliability Analysis of Cyber–Physical Systems: Case of the Substation Based on the IEC 61850 Standard in China
Authors: Cai Ye , Chen Yu , Li Yong , Cao Yijia , Zeng Xiangjun
Published: September 2018

With the increasing interaction between physical devices and communication components, the substation based on the IEC 61850 standard is a type of cyber–physical system. This paper proposes a reliability analysis method for substations with a cyber–physical interface matrix (CPIM). This method calculates the influences from both the physical device failures and the communication devices failures. Two indices, Probability of Load Curtailments and Expected Demand Not Supplied, are used in the reliability analysis. Given the simplified model of the practical substation based on the Chinese IEC 61850 standard, the results show that the substation system had a potential risk of cascading failure under the cyber–physical fusion trend, as the failure in cyber layer would increase the power loss of the whole system. The changing magnitude of Expected Demand Not Supplied increased significantly with increasing transmission delay rate of the process bus.
Real-Time Implementation of Robust Control Strategies Based on Sliding Mode Control for Standalone Microgrids Supplying Non-Linear Loads
Authors: Benhalima Seghir , Miloud Rezkallah , Chandra Ambrish
Published: September 2018

In this paper enhanced control strategies for standalone microgrids based on solar photovoltaic systems (SVPAs) and diesel engine driven fixed speed synchronous generators, are presented. Single-phase d-q theory-based sliding mode controller for voltage source converter voltage source converter (VSC) is employed to mitigate harmonics, balance diesel generator (DG) current, and to inject the generated power by SVPA into local grid. To achieve fast dynamic response with zero steady-state error during transition, sliding mode controller for inner control loop is employed. To achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) from SVPA without using any MPPT method, a DC-DC buck boost converter supported by battery storage system is controlled using a new control strategy based on sliding mode control with boundary layer. In addition, modeling and detailed stability analysis are performed. The performance of the developed control strategies, are validate by simulation using MATLAB/Simulink and in real-time using hardware prototype.
Viral Biomarkers in Chronic HBeAg Negative HBV Infection
Authors: Hadziyannis Emilia , Laras Andreas
Published: September 2018

Viral biomarkers are important tools for monitoring chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg) negative infection, both in its natural course as well as during and after treatment. The biomarkers consist of antibodies against viral epitopes, viral proteins, and molecular surrogate markers of the quantity and transcriptional activity of the stable episomal HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) which is located in the nuclei of the infected hepatocytes. HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or else viral load measurement in plasma or serum is a marker of HBV replication of major clinical importance. HBV DNA is used for staging and treatment monitoring as described in international scientific guidelines. Quantification of HBV antigens, mainly hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as well as Hepatitis B core related antigen (HBcrAg), play an important yet secondary role, especially in cases of low or undetectable HBV DNA and has been evaluated for the classification of the inactive carrier state, as a predictor of subsequent HBsAg clearance, treatment outcome, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The measurement of the replicative intermediate HBV RNA in serum is currently evaluated and may also prove to be a significant biomarker particularly in patients treated with nucleot(s)ide analogs. This review focuses on the viral biomarkers mentioned above and their role in HBV, HBeAg negative, infection.
B Chromosomes in the Drosophila Genus
Authors: Hanlon Stacey L. , Hawley R. Scott
Published: September 2018

Our current knowledge of B chromosome biology has been augmented by an increase in the number and diversity of species observed to carry B chromosomes as well as the use of next-generation sequencing for B chromosome genomic analysis. Within the genus Drosophila, B chromosomes have been observed in a handful of species, but recently they were discovered in a single laboratory stock of Drosophila melanogaster. In this paper, we review the B chromosomes that have been identified within the Drosophila genus and pay special attention to those recently found in D. melanogaster. These newly-discovered B chromosomes have centromeres, telomeres, and a number of simple satellite repeats. They also appear to be entirely heterochromatic since next-generation sequencing of isolated B chromosomes did not detect sequences associated with known genic regions. We also summarize what effects the B chromosomes have been found to have on the A chromosomes. Lastly, we highlight some of the outstanding questions regarding B chromosome biology and discuss how studying B chromosomes in Drosophila melanogaster, which is a versatile model system with a wealth of genetic and genomic tools, may advance our understanding of the B chromosome’s unique biology.
On Controls in Ancient Microbiome Studies, and Microbial Resilience in Ancient Samples
Authors: Santiago-Rodriguez Tasha M. , Toranzos Gary A.
Published: September 2018

In the following comment, we reply to Eisenhofer and Weyrich’s letter “Proper authentication of ancient DNA is still essential” responding to the article “Gut Microbiome and Putative Resistome of Inca and Italian Nobility Mummies” by Santiago-Rodriguez et al. One of the concerns raised was the possibility that the patterns noted in the gut microbiome of pre-Inca/Inca and Italian nobility mummies were due to contamination of the blank control. When examining the blank controls and filtering the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) present in the blank controls, and further performing in-silico contamination analyses, we noticed very similar patterns as those previously reported. We also discuss controls in ancient microbiome studies, and aspects of microbial resilience in ancient samples.
A Review on Substellar Objects below the Deuterium Burning Mass Limit: Planets, Brown Dwarfs or What?
Authors: Caballero José A.
Published: September 2018

“Free-floating, non-deuterium-burning, substellar objects” are isolated bodies of a few Jupiter masses found in very young open clusters and associations, nearby young moving groups, and in the immediate vicinity of the Sun. They are neither brown dwarfs nor planets. In this paper, their nomenclature, history of discovery, sites of detection, formation mechanisms, and future directions of research are reviewed. Most free-floating, non-deuterium-burning, substellar objects share the same formation mechanism as low-mass stars and brown dwarfs, but there are still a few caveats, such as the value of the opacity mass limit, the minimum mass at which an isolated body can form via turbulent fragmentation from a cloud. The least massive free-floating substellar objects found to date have masses of about 0.004 Msol, but current and future surveys should aim at breaking this record. For that, we may need LSST, Euclid and WFIRST.
The Situated Influence of Chronic Pain Perception on Chinese Older Adults’ Self-Management in Home Care
Authors: Liu Fang , Tong Min
Published: September 2018

Background and objective: Worldwide, 26 million older adults die from chronic disease, and chronic pain is typically a part of the experience of chronic disease. This study explores the perception of chronic pain for home-dwelling Chinese older adults and its influence on (1) self-management ability and (2) management and reduction of chronic pain. Methods: Adopting a qualitative study design, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 Chinese community-dwelling older adults who experience chronic pain. Half of our informants perceive chronic pain, whereas the other half, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, do not report that they perceive chronic pain. Data were analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. Results: Chronic pain perception plays important roles in (1) defining the challenge of self-management, (2) connecting previous caretaking experience, (3) adjusting the identity of self-management, (4) acquiring support from important others and (5) re-planning self-management arrangements. Conclusion: Pain perception helps to motivate Chinese older adults to face health challenges and regain self-management capacity through adjustments in self-identity and care experience with the support of important others. Pain perception can consolidate the situation of independent living of older adults. It helps to motivate Chinese older adults to face health challenges and regain self-management capacity.
Oromo Oral Literature for Environmental Conservation: A Study of Selected Folksongs in East and West Hararghe Zones
Authors: Chala Teresa Geremew , Dagim Raga Hunduma
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the values, knowledge and beliefs of the environment that are inscribed in the Oromo folksongs with particular reference to Eastern and Western Hararghe zones of Oromia regional state. The paper discusses the various contributions of the Oromo folksongs in conserving the environment. The paper is based on the qualitative data produced through face-to-face interviews, non-participant observations and document analysis of both published and unpublished sources. The data used in this paper were collected from 24 individuals of the community leaders, elders and sheekaas by using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The analysis of the paper is employed in functional, contextual and ecocritical theoretical models. In order to arrive at the various ideas of folksongs connected to the environmental conservation, some selected folksongs were carefully designated. The paper attempts to address the contexts in which the folksongs reflect the viewpoints of environment. It also tries to explore the role of Oromo folksongs and their implications in the efforts of wide-reaching environmental views. The position of this paper is that indigenous knowledge (Oromo folksongs) is an effective vehicle in supplementing the existing efforts of conserving the environment through imagery, metaphoric, and symbolic description. Based on the analysis, this paper addresses the association that the Oromo people have strong reflections of environmental conservation through its folksongs. On the basis of the contextual analysis, we classified the folksongs that have environmental implication into four sub-divisions: (1) for utilitarian reason, (2) for visualization, (3) for aesthetic values and (4) for morality purpose.
Associations between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Assessed with the MEDLIFE Index among the Working Population
Authors: Pavičić Žeželj Sandra , Kenđel Jovanović Gordana , Dragaš Zubalj Nataša , Mićović Vladimir , Sesar Željko
Published: September 2018

The adherence to the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for cardiovascular diseases prevention. The study aim is to use Mediterranean lifestyle (MEDLIFE) questionnaire for estimation of Mediterranean lifestyle habits among the working population and to establish MEDLIFE score correlation with the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. In the study has participated 366 workers from Croatia, which fulfilled MEDLIFE and validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) questionnaire. The multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between MEDLIFE index, workers’ obesity and cardiovascular diseases risk. The lowest adherence to Mediterranean lifestyle was associated to younger, low education, body fat above acceptable ranges and unfavorable lipid profile. Significant association to Mediterranean lifestyle was more among women (p = 0.002), middle aged (p = 0.02), highly physically active (p = 0.009) and those who play collective sports >2 h/w (p = 0.001), having body fat within acceptable range (p = 0.003), total cholesterol less (p = 0.03) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C) (p = 0.04) more than recommended. Inverse significant association was for high educational level (p = 0.02). The Mediterranean lifestyle adherence is associated to lower risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among studied working population. MEDLIFE index revealed that physical activity and conviviality are better ingrained among younger population but not the Mediterranean diet.
Investigation on Task Shifting of HIV/AIDS Follow-Up Management Workers in New Launched Areas, China
Authors: Liu Rong , Huang Ling , Yang Qing , Hu Qiang , Huang Qing , Jiang Xiaoqing , Zhu Hui , Xie Fei , Wen Xiaotong , Liu Xiaojun , Yuan Zhaokang , Lu Yuanan
Published: September 2018

Background: This study aimed to understand attitudes of HIV/AIDS follow-up workers regarding task shifting, reveal the current conditions of this implementation, as well as to find out any challenges of early-stage implementation. Methods: Taking Jiangxi Province as an example, a cross-sectional survey with 102 health professionals in CDCs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and 92 health care providers in primary health institutions was conducted from November 2016 to January 2017. This survey includes the demographic backgrounds of participants, their attitudes towards task shifting, and the main difficulties faced in their work, etc. Results: 60.8% of professionals and 77.2% of providers hold positive attitudes towards task shifting. Both health professionals and providers express their concerns about unclear and undefined funds distribution and lack of confidentiality of PLWHA (people living with HIV) in local primary health institutions. Conclusions: The majority of health workers hold positive attitudes towards task shifting. It also highlights some negative reactions in implementation, and reveals the main difficulties that constitute barriers to follow-up. Findings from this study may provide evidence for enhancing future implementation of task shifting.
How and When Are Job Crafters Engaged at Work?
Authors: Shin Inyong , Hur Won-Moo , Kang Seongho
Published: September 2018

The importance of work engagement and the lack of engaged employees have led researchers to focus on how to enhance employees’ levels of engagement in the workplace. Although job crafting as a principal driver of work engagement has recently received much attention from academics, little is known about the processes and conditions in which employees who craft their tasks become engaged. In order to address these research gaps, we hypothesize that psychological capital (PsyCap) is likely to mediate the association between job crafting and work engagement, and that coworker support, rather than supervisor support, is likely to moderate the relationship between job crafting and PsyCap. Further, we integrated these hypotheses and tested the moderated mediation effect. Using survey data from 175 flight attendants in South Korea, we found the results to be in line with our expectations. The findings of this empirical research contribute to the understanding of how and when job crafters become engaged at work.
From IFC to 3D Tiles: An Integrated Open-Source Solution for Visualising BIMs on Cesium
Authors: Chen Yiqun , Shooraj Erfan , Rajabifard Abbas , Sabri Soheil
Published: September 2018

The 3D Tiles specification, created by Cesium, is designed for streaming massive heterogeneous three-dimensional (3D) geospatial datasets online using WebGL technology. The program has prevailed in the WebGIS community due to its ability to visualise, interact, and style 3D objects for various scenarios, such as 3D cities, indoor environments, and point clouds. It offers a new opportunity to integrate Building Information Models (BIM) in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data format with existing geospatial data in a 3D WebGIS platform with open-source implementation. As no open-source solution for converting IFC models into 3D Tiles for online visualization had yet been found, this paper explores feasible approaches and integrates a range of tools and libraries as an open-source solution for the community.
Intracellular Energy-Transfer Networks and High-Resolution Respirometry: A Convenient Approach for Studying Their Function
Authors: Puurand Marju , Tepp Kersti , Klepinin Aleksandr , Klepinina Lyudmila , Shevchuk Igor , Kaambre Tuuli
Published: September 2018

Compartmentalization of high-energy phosphate carriers between intracellular micro-compartments is a phenomenon that ensures efficient energy use. To connect these sites, creatine kinase (CK) and adenylate kinase (AK) energy-transfer networks, which are functionally coupled to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), could serve as important regulators of cellular energy fluxes. Here, we introduce how selective permeabilization of cellular outer membrane and high-resolution respirometry can be used to study functional coupling between CK or AK pathways and OXPHOS in different cells and tissues. Using the protocols presented here the ability of creatine or adenosine monophosphate to stimulate OXPHOS through CK and AK reactions, respectively, is easily observable and quantifiable. Additionally, functional coupling between hexokinase and mitochondria can be investigated by monitoring the effect of glucose on respiration. Taken together, high-resolution respirometry in combination with permeabilization is a convenient approach for investigating energy-transfer networks in small quantities of cells and tissues in health and in pathology.
Ageing, Cellular Senescence and Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Kritsilis Marios , V. Rizou Sophia , Koutsoudaki Paraskevi N. , Evangelou Konstantinos , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Papadopoulos Dimitrios
Published: September 2018

Ageing is a major risk factor for developing many neurodegenerative diseases. Cellular senescence is a homeostatic biological process that has a key role in driving ageing. There is evidence that senescent cells accumulate in the nervous system with ageing and neurodegenerative disease and may predispose a person to the appearance of a neurodegenerative condition or may aggravate its course. Research into senescence has long been hindered by its variable and cell-type specific features and the lack of a universal marker to unequivocally detect senescent cells. Recent advances in senescence markers and genetically modified animal models have boosted our knowledge on the role of cellular senescence in ageing and age-related disease. The aim now is to fully elucidate its role in neurodegeneration in order to efficiently and safely exploit cellular senescence as a therapeutic target. Here, we review evidence of cellular senescence in neurons and glial cells and we discuss its putative role in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis and we provide, for the first time, evidence of senescence in neurons and glia in multiple sclerosis, using the novel GL13 lipofuscin stain as a marker of cellular senescence.
Proteomics Analysis of SsNsd1-Mediated Compound Appressoria Formation in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Li Jingtao , Zhang Xianghui , Li Le , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Yanhua , Pan Hongyu
Published: September 2018

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a devastating necrotrophic fungal pathogen attacking a broad range of agricultural crops. In this study, although the transcript accumulation of SsNsd1, a GATA-type IVb transcription factor, was much lower during the vegetative hyphae stage, its mutants completely abolished the development of compound appressoria. To further elucidate how SsNsd1 influenced the appressorium formation, we conducted proteomics-based analysis of the wild-type and ΔSsNsd1 mutant by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). A total number of 43 differentially expressed proteins (≥3-fold change) were observed. Of them, 77% were downregulated, whereas 14% were upregulated. Four protein spots fully disappeared in the mutants. Further, we evaluated these protein sequences by mass spectrometry analysis of the peptide mass and obtained functionally annotated 40 proteins, among which only 17 proteins (38%) were identified to have known functions including energy production, metabolism, protein fate, stress response, cellular organization, and cell growth and division. However, the remaining 23 proteins (56%) were characterized as hypothetical proteins among which four proteins (17%) were predicted to contain the signal peptides. In conclusion, the differentially expressed proteins identified in this study shed light on the ΔSsNsd1 mutant-mediated appressorium deficiency and can be used in future investigations to better understand the signaling mechanisms of SsNsd1 in S. sclerotiorum.
In Vivo Analysis of the Biocompatibility and Macrophage Response of a Non-Resorbable PTFE Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Korzinskas Tadas , Jung Ole , Smeets Ralf , Stojanovic Sanja , Najman Stevo , Glenske Kristina , Hahn Michael , Wenisch Sabine , Schnettler Reinhard , Barbeck Mike
Published: September 2018

The use of non-resorbable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes is indicated for the treatment of large, non-self-containing bone defects, or multi-walled defects in the case of vertical augmentations. However, less is known about the molecular basis of the foreign body response to PTFE membranes. In the present study, the inflammatory tissue responses to a novel high-density PTFE (dPTFE) barrier membrane have preclinically been evaluated using the subcutaneous implantation model in BALB/c mice by means of histopathological and histomorphometrical analysis methods and immunohistochemical detection of M1- and M2-macrophages. A collagen membrane was used as the control material. The results of the present study demonstrate that the tissue response to the dPTFE membrane involves inflammatory macrophages, but comparable cell numbers were also detected in the implant beds of the control collagen membrane, which is known to be biocompatible. Although these data indicate that the analyzed dPTFE membrane is not fully bioinert, but its biocompatibility is comparable to collagen-based membranes. Based on its optimal biocompatibility, the novel dPTFE barrier membrane may optimally support bone healing within the context of guided bone regeneration (GBR).
AMPK Mediates Muscle Mass Change But Not the Transition of Myosin Heavy Chain Isoforms during Unloading and Reloading of Skeletal Muscles in Mice
Authors: Egawa Tatsuro , Ohno Yoshitaka , Goto Ayumi , Yokoyama Shingo , Hayashi Tatsuya , Goto Katsumasa
Published: September 2018

5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays an important role in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and fiber-type distribution. However, it is unclear whether AMPK is involved in muscle mass change or transition of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in response to unloading or increased loading. Here, we checked whether AMPK controls muscle mass change and transition of MyHC isoforms during unloading and reloading using mice expressing a skeletal-muscle-specific dominant-negative AMPKα1 (AMPK-DN). Fourteen days of hindlimb unloading reduced the soleus muscle weight in wild-type and AMPK-DN mice, but reduction in the muscle mass was partly attenuated in AMPK-DN mice. There was no difference in the regrown muscle weight between the mice after 7 days of reloading, and there was concomitantly reduced AMPKα2 activity, however it was higher in AMPK-DN mice after 14 days reloading. No difference was observed between the mice in relation to the levels of slow-type MyHC I, fast-type MyHC IIa/x, and MyHC IIb isoforms following unloading and reloading. The levels of 72-kDa heat-shock protein, which preserves muscle mass, increased in AMPK-DN-mice. Our results indicate that AMPK mediates the progress of atrophy during unloading and regrowth of atrophied muscles following reloading, but it does not influence the transition of MyHC isoforms.
The Development of a Database for Herbal and Dietary Supplement Induced Liver Toxicity
Authors: Zhu Jieqiang , Seo Ji-Eun , Wang Sanlong , Ashby Kristin , Ballard Rodney , Yu Dianke , Ning Baitang , Agarwal Rajiv , Borlak Jürgen , Tong Weida , Chen Minjun
Published: September 2018

The growing use of herbal dietary supplements (HDS) in the United States provides compelling evidence for risk of herbal-induced liver injury (HILI). Information on HDS products was retrieved from MedlinePlus of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the herbal monograph of the European Medicines Agency. The hepatotoxic potential of HDS was ascertained by considering published case reports. Other relevant data were collected from governmental documents, public databases, web sources, and the literature. We collected information for 296 unique HDS products. Evidence of hepatotoxicity was reported for 67, that is 1 in 5, of these HDS products. The database revealed an apparent gender preponderance with women representing 61% of HILI cases. Culprit hepatotoxic HDS were mostly used for weight control, followed by pain and inflammation, mental stress, and mood disorders. Commonly discussed mechanistic events associated with HILI are reactive metabolites and oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, as well as inhibition of transporters. HDS–drug interactions, causing both synergistic and antagonizing effects of drugs, were also reported for certain HDS. The database contains information for nearly 300 commonly used HDS products to provide a single-entry point for better comprehension of their impact on public health.
Insights into the Structural Requirements of 2(S)-Amino-6-Boronohexanoic Acid Derivatives as Arginase I Inhibitors: 3D-QSAR, Docking, and Interaction Fingerprint Studies
Authors: Velázquez-Libera José Luis , Navarro-Retamal Carlos , Caballero Julio
Published: September 2018

Human arginase I (hARGI) is an important enzyme involved in the urea cycle; its overexpression has been associated to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In the last years, several congeneric sets of hARGI inhibitors have been reported with possible beneficial roles for the cardiovascular system. At the same time, crystallographic data have been reported including hARGI–inhibitor complexes, which can be considered for the design of novel inhibitors. In this work, the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of Cα substituted 2(S)-amino-6-boronohexanoic acid (ABH) derivatives as hARGI inhibitors was studied by using a three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationships (3D-QSAR) method. The predictivity of the obtained 3D-QSAR model was demonstrated by using internal and external validation experiments. The best model revealed that the differential hARGI inhibitory activities of the ABH derivatives can be described by using steric and electrostatic fields; the local effects of these fields in the activity are presented. In addition, binding modes of the above-mentioned compounds inside the hARGI binding site were obtained by using molecular docking. It was found that ABH derivatives adopted the same orientation reported for ABH within the hARGI active site, with the substituents at Cα exposed to the solvent with interactions with residues at the entrance of the binding site. The hARGI residues involved in chemical interactions with inhibitors were identified by using an interaction fingerprints (IFPs) analysis.
The Influence of Bisphenol A (BPA) on Neuregulin 1-Like Immunoreactive Nerve Fibers in the Wall of Porcine Uterus
Authors: Rytel Liliana
Published: September 2018

Bisphenol A (BPA), a substance commonly used in the manufacture of plastics, shows multidirectional negative effects on humans and animals. Due to similarities to estrogens, BPA initially leads to disorders in the reproductive system. On the other hand, it is known that neuregulin 1 (NRG-1) is an active substance which enhances the survivability of cells, inhibits apoptosis, and protects tissues against damaging factors. Because the influence of BPA on the nervous system has also been described, the aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time the influence of various doses of BPA on neuregulin 1-like immunoreactive (NRG-1-LI) nerves located in the porcine uterus using the routine single- and double-immunofluorescence technique. The obtained results have shown that BPA increases the number and affects the neurochemical characterization of NRG-1-LI in the uterus, and changes are visible even under the impact of small doses of this toxin. The character of observed changes depended on the dose of BPA and the part of the uterus studied. These observations suggest that NRG-1 in nerves supplying the uterus may play roles in adaptive and protective mechanisms under the impact of BPA.
Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement
Authors: Jiang Shu-Ye , Ma Ali , Ramachandran Srinivasan
Published: September 2018

Negative air ions (NAIs) have been discovered for more than 100 years and are widely used for air cleaning. Here, we have carried out a comprehensive reviewing on the effects of NAIs on humans/animals, and microorganisms, and plant development. The presence of NAIs is credited for increasing psychological health, productivity, and overall well-being but without consistent or reliable evidence in therapeutic effects and with controversy in anti-microorganisms. Reports also showed that NAIs could help people in relieving symptoms of allergies to dust, mold spores, and other allergens. Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant that affects human health. Experimental data showed that NAIs could be used to high-efficiently remove PM. Finally, we have reviewed the plant-based NAI release system under the pulsed electric field (PEF) stimulation. This is a new NAI generation system which releases a huge amount of NAIs under the PEF treatment. The system may be used to freshen indoor air and reduce PM concentration in addition to enriching oxygen content and indoor decoration at home, school, hospital, airport, and other indoor areas.
Acute Kidney Injury Definition and Diagnosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gameiro Joana , Agapito Fonseca Jose , Jorge Sofia , Lopes Jose Antonio
Published: September 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex syndrome characterized by a decrease in renal function and associated with numerous etiologies and pathophysiological mechanisms. It is a common diagnosis in hospitalized patients, with increasing incidence in recent decades, and associated with poorer short- and long-term outcomes and increased health care costs. Considering its impact on patient prognosis, research has focused on methods to assess patients at risk of developing AKI and diagnose subclinical AKI, as well as prevention and treatment strategies, for which an understanding of the epidemiology of AKI is crucial. In this review, we discuss the evolving definition and classification of AKI, and novel diagnostic methods.
The Association between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and CT-Measured Skeletal Muscle Mass
Authors: Choe Eun Kyung , Kang Hae Yeon , Park Boram , Yang Jong In , Kim Joo Sung
Published: September 2018

A relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sarcopenia has been suggested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between NAFLD and skeletal muscle mass measured by computed tomography (CT). The clinical records of individuals visiting our center for a routine health check-up who underwent abdominal ultrasonography and abdominal CT scanning were retrospectively reviewed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to body mass index (BMI)-adjusted skeletal muscle mass, which was measured by CT (CT-measured skeletal muscle index (SMICT)). Of the 1828 subjects (1121 males; mean age 54.9 ± 9.5 years), 487 (26.6%) were obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), and 454 (24.8%) had low muscle mass. Sarcopenic subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of NAFLD than nonsarcopenic subjects, regardless of obesity (35.9% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.004 in the nonobese group; 76.6% vs. 63.0%, p = 0.003 in the obese group). Sarcopenia was significantly associated with the risk of NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)), 1.51 (1.15–1.99)), and the risk of NAFLD increased with increasing severity of sarcopenia (adjusted OR (95% CI), 1.45 (1.09–1.92) vs. 2.51 (1.16–5.56), mild vs. severe sarcopenia, respectively). When the risk of NAFLD was analyzed according to the SMICT quartiles, the adjusted OR and 95% CI for the lowest muscle mass quartile compared to the highest were 1.78 (1.17–2.72) in males and 2.39 (1.13–5.37) in females. Low skeletal muscle mass, which was precisely measured by CT, is independently associated with NAFLD, suggesting that sarcopenia is a risk factor for NAFLD.
Flexible Strain Sensor Based on Carbon Black/Silver Nanoparticles Composite for Human Motion Detection
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Liu Qiang , Chen Peng
Published: September 2018

The demand for flexible and wearable electronic devices with excellent stretchability and sensitivity is increasing, especially for human motion detection. In this work, a simple, low-cost and convenient strategy has been employed to fabricate flexible strain sensor with a composite of carbon black and silver nanoparticles as sensing materials and thermoplastic polyurethane as matrix. The strain sensors thus prepared possesses high stretchability and good sensitivity (gauge factor of 21.12 at 100% tensile strain), excellent static (almost constant resistance variation under 50% strain for 600 s) and dynamic (100 cycles) stability. Compared with bare carbon black-based strain sensor, carbon black/silver nanoparticles composite-based strain sensor shows ~18 times improvement in sensitivity at 100% strain. In addition, we discuss the sensing mechanisms using the disconnection mechanism and tunneling effect which results in high sensitivity of the strain sensor. Due to its good strain-sensing performance, the developed strain sensor is promising in detecting various degrees of human motions such as finger bending, wrist rotation and elbow flexion.
Temperature Dependent Micro-Structure of KAlF4 from Solid to Molten States
Authors: Ma Nan , You Jinglin , Lu Liming , Wang Jian , Wan Songming
Published: September 2018

In situ high temperature X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the temperature dependent micro-structure of KAlF4. Density functional theory was applied to simulate the structure of crystalline KAlF4 while a quantum chemistry ab initio simulation was performed to explore the structure of molten KAlF4. Two crystal polymorphs demonstrated to be present in solid KAlF4. At the temperature below 673 K, it belongs to the tetragonal crystal system within the P4/mbm space group, while the high temperature phase is attributed to the monoclinic crystal system within the P21/m space group. Both polymorph KAlF4 phases are characterized by a layered structure consisting of K+ and [AlF6]3− octahedra, each of the [AlF6]3− octahedra equivalently shares four corners with other four [AlF6]3− octahedra along the layer. The layered structure became unstable at higher temperatures and crashed when the temperature exceeded the melting point. It demonstrated that the molten KAlF4 consisted of predominant [AlF4]− and a small amount of [AlF6]3−. The Raman spectrum of molten KAlF4 simulated by using a quantum chemistry ab initio method agreed well with the experimental Raman spectrum.
Tungsten-Embedded Graphene: Theoretical Study on a Potential High-Activity Catalyst toward CO Oxidation
Authors: Dai Guoliang , Chen Lei , Zhao Xin
Published: September 2018

The oxidation mechanism of CO on W-embedded graphene was investigated by M06-2X density functional theory. Two models of tungsten atom embedded in single and double vacancy (W-SV and W-DV) graphene sheets were considered. It was found that over W-SV-graphene and W-DV-graphene, the oxidation of CO prefers to Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) and Eley-Rideal (ER) mechanism, respectively. The two surfaces exhibit different catalytic activity during different reaction stages. The present results imply that W-embedded graphene is a promising catalyst for CO oxidation, which provides a useful reference for the design of a high-efficiency catalyst in detecting and removing of toxic gases.
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Tribological Properties of NiAlComposites Reinforced by CrMnFeCoNiHigh-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Zhou ShuQiang , Liu XinYu , Xu Yi
Published: September 2018

NiAl-based composites reinforced by CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) particles were fabricated by mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties of the NiAl-HEA composites were investigated. Microstructural analyses show that after SPS, the HEA phase homogenously distributed in the NiAl matrix. Non-uniform diffusion of various elements occurred during the high temperature sintering process. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation of the composites revealed that many nano particle of Al2O3 generated at the grain boundary. The yield strength significantly increased after adding HEA particles. The compressive strength of the composites increased with the contents of HEA increasing, which should be attributed to the second phase hardening effect of HEA particles and fine grain strengthening effect. The composite of 10 wt.% HEA exhibited significant room temperature compressive properties, with the ultimate compressive strength of 2692 MPa and the compressive strain of 34.2%, respectively. The results of the wear tests show that the addition of HEA will reduce the wear resistance of composites to some extent and slightly increase the coefficients of friction (COFs) of the composites.
Influence of Beam Offset on Dissimilar Laser Welding of Molybdenum to Titanium
Authors: Zhang Linjie , Lu Guangfeng , Ning Jie , Zhang Liangliang , Long Jian , Zhang Guifeng
Published: September 2018

Dissimilar joining of molybdenum (Mo) to titanium (Ti) is of great significance to the design and fabrication of high-temperature facilities. However, few reports were found about fusion joining of these two metals. The objective of this paper is to assess the feasibility of laser beam welding (LBW) of 2 mm-thick molybdenum and titanium. The effects of laser beam offset on the laser dissimilar joint of pure molybdenum to pure titanium were analyzed in terms of microstructure, chemical composition, microhardness, and tensile behavior. The results showed that the weld appearance improved with the increase of the offset. The fusion zone was strengthened because of the solid solution of these two elements. The mechanical properties of samples increased firstly and then decreased with the increasing of offset. When the laser beam irradiated on the titanium plate and the center of the laser spot was 0.5 mm away from the Mo/Ti interface, the joint performed the highest tensile strength, which was about 70% that of titanium base metal. LBW was demonstrated to be a promising method to join dissimilar Mo/Ti joint.