bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Trajectory Tracking Control Strategy of 4WIS/4WID Electric Vehicle with Adaptation of Driving Conditions
Authors: Zheng Hongyu , Yang Shuo
Published: January 2019

The Four Wheel Independent Steering/Driving (4WIS/4WID) electric vehicle has the advantage that the rotation angle and driving torque of each wheel can be independently and accurately controlled. In this paper, a trajectory tracking strategy based on the hierarchical control method is designed. In the path tracking layer, the nonlinear state feedback controller is used, and the neural network Proportion Integration Differentiation (NNPID) controller is designed to track the desired path and to obtain the desired yaw rate. By tracking the desired yaw rate and vehicle speed, the terminal sliding mode controller in vehicle dynamics control layer calculates the desired resultant tire force. In the tire force distribution layer, the multiple optimization objectives, including vehicle stability performance objective, energy-saving performance objective, and tire wear energy consumption objectives are determined and the weight coefficient is adaptive to different working conditions based on fuzzy logic theory. Finally, the wheel steering angle and driving torque of each wheel are calculated by the nonlinear three-degree-of-freedom vehicle model. Simulation results show that it realizes the adaptive control of tire force while tracking the desired trajectory, improves the stability and energy saving of the vehicle, and effectively reduces tire wear.
Effect of Functionally-Graded Calcium Titanate Film, Prepared by Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition, on Titanium Implant
Authors: Shiraishi Naru , Ishiko-Uzuka Risa , Takahashi Kenta , Ogawa Toru , Anada Takahisa , Suzuki Osamu , Goto Takashi , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: January 2019

Calcium Titanate (CaTiO3) has been introduced as an attractive biomaterial for the enhancement of calcium phosphate deposition in vivo and in vitro. We hypothesized that CaTiO3 directly coated on titanium (Ti) by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) could be a suitable candidate for biocompatible coatings for medical devices, particularly dental implants. To prove this hypothesis, surface characterization, cell culture, and animal study were completed in this study. The result of this study showed that CTO 800, a CaTiO3 film prepared by heating at 800 °C, had a high hydrophilic surface. Mouse bone marrow stromal ST-2 cells cultured on substrates and CTO 800 exhibited cell differentiation, represented by alkaline phosphatase activity, compared with cells cultured on non-coated Ti and CTO 700 (a CaTiO3 film prepared by heating at 700 °C). The push-in test value of CTO 800, a parameter that indicates the degree of osseointegration, was significantly higher than that of Ti. Calcium titanate coated on Ti by MOCVD has the potential to accelerate the process of osseointegration; thus, our results support the use of CaTiO3 coating for biocompatible biomaterial for medical applications, particularly dental implants.
Real-Time State-of-Charge Estimation via Particle Swarm Optimization on a Lithium-Ion Electrochemical Cell Model
Authors: Chandra Shekar Arun , Anwar Sohel
Published: January 2019

With the ever-increasing usage of lithium-ion batteries, especially in transportation applications, accurate estimation of battery state of charge (SOC) is of paramount importance. A majority of the current SOC estimation methods rely on data collected and calibrated offline, which could lead to inaccuracies in SOC estimation under different operating conditions or when the battery ages. This paper presents a novel real-time SOC estimation of a lithium-ion battery by applying the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method to a detailed electrochemical model of a single cell. This work also optimizes both the single-cell model and PSO algorithm so that the developed algorithm can run on an embedded hardware with reasonable utilization of central processing unit (CPU) and memory resources while estimating the SOC with reasonable accuracy. A modular single-cell electrochemical model, as well as the proposed constrained PSO-based SOC estimation algorithm, was developed in Simulink©, and its performance was theoretically verified in simulation. Experimental data were collected for healthy and aged Li-ion battery cells in order to validate the proposed algorithm. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the developed algorithm is able to accurately estimate the battery SOC for 1C charge and 1C discharge operations for both healthy and aged cells.
Cyclin C: The Story of a Non-Cycling Cyclin
Authors: Ježek Jan , Smethurst Daniel G. J. , Stieg David C. , Kiss Z. A. C. , Hanley Sara E. , Ganesan Vidyaramanan , Chang Kai-Ti , Cooper Katrina F. , Strich Randy
Published: January 2019

The class I cyclin family is a well-studied group of structurally conserved proteins that interact with their associated cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) to regulate different stages of cell cycle progression depending on their oscillating expression levels. However, the role of class II cyclins, which primarily act as transcription factors and whose expression remains constant throughout the cell cycle, is less well understood. As a classic example of a transcriptional cyclin, cyclin C forms a regulatory sub-complex with its partner kinase Cdk8 and two accessory subunits Med12 and Med13 called the Cdk8-dependent kinase module (CKM). The CKM reversibly associates with the multi-subunit transcriptional coactivator complex, the Mediator, to modulate RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription. Apart from its transcriptional regulatory function, recent research has revealed a novel signaling role for cyclin C at the mitochondria. Upon oxidative stress, cyclin C leaves the nucleus and directly activates the guanosine 5’-triphosphatase (GTPase) Drp1, or Dnm1 in yeast, to induce mitochondrial fragmentation. Importantly, cyclin C-induced mitochondrial fission was found to increase sensitivity of both mammalian and yeast cells to apoptosis. Here, we review and discuss the biology of cyclin C, focusing mainly on its transcriptional and non-transcriptional roles in tumor promotion or suppression.
Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine Induces Apoptosis in Murine Neurons: Evidence for NO-Dependent Caspase-9 Activation
Authors: Porro Chiara , Cianciulli Antonia , Trotta Teresa , Lofrumento Dario Domenico , Calvello Rosa , Panaro Maria Antonietta
Published: January 2019

Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) may be present in the brain in the course of some infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), although little is known about its role. This investigation was performed to study the effect of fMLP on neuron apoptosis. Our results showed that fMLP treatment of primary cultures of neurons was able to induce morphological features of apoptosis in cell cultures, as well as activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, through the upregulation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. This effect contextually occurred to the pro-apoptotic protein Bax activation and cytochrome c release. The in vitro fMLP treatment was also able to induce, in a dose-dependent manner, the increase of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression accompanied by an up-regulation of nitric oxide (NO) release. When neuron cultures were pre-treated with 1400 W, a selective iNOS inhibitor, all of the apoptotic features were significantly reversed. Overall, these results demonstrated that fMLP treatment of neurons leads to intrinsic apoptosis activation, through iNOS expression regulation, suggesting a role for fMLP in CNS neurodegenerative processes.
Epilepsy Associates with Decreased HIF-1α/STAT5b Signaling in Glioblastoma
Authors: Berendsen Sharon , Spliet Wim G. M. , Geurts Marjolein , Van Hecke Wim , Seute Tatjana , Snijders Tom J. , Bours Vincent , Bell Erica H. , Chakravarti Arnab , Robe Pierre A.
Published: January 2019

Epilepsy at presentation is an independent favorable prognostic factor in glioblastoma (GBM). In this study, we analyze the oncologic signaling pathways that associate with epilepsy in human GBMs, and that can underlie this prognostic effect. Following ethical approval and patient consent, fresh frozen GBM tissue was obtained from 76 patient surgeries. Hospital records were screened for the presence of seizures at presentation of the disease. mRNA and miRNA expression-based and gene set enrichment analyses were performed on these tissues, to uncover candidate oncologic pathways that associate with epilepsy. We performed qPCR experiments and immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays containing 286 GBMs to further explore the association of these candidate pathways and of markers of mesenchymal transformation (NF-κB, CEBP-β, STAT3, STAT5b, VEGFA, SRF) with epilepsy. Gene sets involved in hypoxia/HIF-1α, STAT5, CEBP-β and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation signaling were significantly downregulated in epileptogenic GBMs. On confirmatory protein expression analyses, epileptogenic tumors were characterized by a significant downregulation of phospho-STAT5b, a target of HIF-1α. Epilepsy status did not associate with molecular subclassification or miRNA expression patterns of the tumors. Epileptogenic GBMs correlate with decreased hypoxia/ HIF-1α/STAT5b signaling compared to glioblastomas that do not present with epilepsy.
Isotope Labelling for Reaction Mechanism Analysis in DBD Plasma Processes
Authors: Navascués Paula , Obrero-Pérez Jose M. , Cotrino José , González-Elipe Agustín R. , Gómez-Ramírez Ana
Published: January 2019

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasmas and plasma catalysis are becoming an alternative procedure to activate various gas phase reactions. A low-temperature and normal operating pressure are the main advantages of these processes, but a limited energy efficiency and little selectivity control hinder their practical implementation. In this work, we propose the use of isotope labelling to retrieve information about the intermediate reactions that may intervene during the DBD processes contributing to a decrease in their energy efficiency. The results are shown for the wet reforming reaction of methane, using D2O instead of H2O as reactant, and for the ammonia synthesis, using NH3/D2/N2 mixtures. In the two cases, it was found that a significant amount of outlet gas molecules, either reactants or products, have deuterium in their structure (e.g., HD for hydrogen, CDxHy for methane, or NDxHy for ammonia). From the analysis of the evolution of the labelled molecules as a function of power, useful information has been obtained about the exchange events of H by D atoms (or vice versa) between the plasma intermediate species. An evaluation of the number of these events revealed a significant progression with the plasma power, a tendency that is recognized to be detrimental for the energy efficiency of reactant to product transformation. The labelling technique is proposed as a useful approach for the analysis of plasma reaction mechanisms.
RAC1B: A Rho GTPase with Versatile Functions in Malignant Transformation and Tumor Progression
Authors: Melzer Catharina , Hass Ralf , Lehnert Hendrik , Ungefroren Hendrik
Published: January 2019

RAC1B is an alternatively spliced isoform of the monomeric GTPase RAC1. It differs from RAC1 by a 19 amino acid in frame insertion, termed exon 3b, resulting in an accelerated GDP/GTP-exchange and an impaired GTP-hydrolysis. Although RAC1B has been ascribed several protumorigenic functions such as cell cycle progression and apoptosis resistance, its role in malignant transformation, and other functions driving tumor progression like epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration/invasion and metastasis are less clear. Insertion of exon 3b endows RAC1B with specific biochemical properties that, when compared to RAC1, encompass both loss-of-functions and gain-of-functions with respect to the type of upstream activators, downstream targets, and binding partners. In its extreme, this may result in RAC1B and RAC1 acting in an antagonistic fashion in regulating a specific cellular response with RAC1B behaving as an endogenous inhibitor of RAC1. In this review, we strive to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview, rather than critical discussions, on various aspects of RAC1B biology in eukaryotic cells.
Fungal Growth on Coated Wood Exposed Outdoors: Influence of Coating Pigmentation, Cardinal Direction, and Inclination of Wood Surfaces
Authors: Podgorski Laurence , Reynaud Céline , Montibus Mathilde
Published: January 2019

Four coating systems were exposed for one year outdoors at 45° south. They consisted of solventborne (alkyd based) and waterborne (acrylic based) systems in both clear and pigmented versions. Fungal growth visually assessed was compared to fungal enumeration, and the influence of exposure time on the main fungal species was studied. Results clearly showed that fungal growth was lower on the pigmented coating systems compared with their pigment-free versions. Although the clear solventborne coating included a higher amount of biocide, it was more susceptible to blue stain than the pigmented version. A new multifaceted exposure rig (MFER) also contributed to the study of fungal growth. It allowed samples to be exposed with nine different exposure directions and angles. Exposure using this MFER has shown that the worst cases (highest area and intensity of blue stain fungi) were for samples with the clear coating system exposed to north 45° and at the top of the MFER (horizontal surfaces). For any cardinal direction, all surfaces inclined at 45° displayed more blue stain fungi than vertical surfaces, due to a higher moisture content of the panels. Depending on the cardinal direction and the orientation, some surfaces were free of visible cracking, but colonized by fungi. It was concluded that the growth of blue stain fungi was not linked with cracking development.
Survey on Coverage Path Planning with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Cabreira Tauã , Brisolara Lisane , Ferreira Jr. Paulo R.
Published: January 2019

Coverage path planning consists of finding the route which covers every point of a certain area of interest. In recent times, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been employed in several application domains involving terrain coverage, such as surveillance, smart farming, photogrammetry, disaster management, civil security, and wildfire tracking, among others. This paper aims to explore and analyze the existing studies in the literature related to the different approaches employed in coverage path planning problems, especially those using UAVs. We address simple geometric flight patterns and more complex grid-based solutions considering full and partial information about the area of interest. The surveyed coverage approaches are classified according to a classical taxonomy, such as no decomposition, exact cellular decomposition, and approximate cellular decomposition. This review also contemplates different shapes of the area of interest, such as rectangular, concave and convex polygons. The performance metrics usually applied to evaluate the success of the coverage missions are also presented.
Gender Diversity in STEM Disciplines: A Multiple Factor Problem
Authors: Botella Carmen , Rueda Silvia , López-Iñesta Emilia , Marzal Paula
Published: January 2019

Lack of diversity, and specifically, gender diversity, is one of the key problems that both technological companies and academia are facing these days. Moreover, recent studies show that the number of female students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related disciplines have been decreasing in the last twenty years, while the number of women resigning from technological job positions remains unacceptably high. As members of a higher education institution, we foresee that working towards increasing and retaining the number of female students enrolled in STEM disciplines can help to alleviate part of the challenges faced by women in STEM fields. In this paper, we first review the main barriers and challenges that women encounter in their professional STEM careers through different age stages. Next, we focus on the special case of the information theory field, discussing the potential of gendered innovation, and whether it can be applied in the Information Theory case. The working program developed by the School of Engineering at the University of Valencia (ETSE-UV), Spain, which aims at decreasing the gender diversity gap, is then presented and recommendations for practice are given. This program started in 2011 and it encompasses Bachelor, Master and PhD levels. Four main actions are implemented: Providing institutional encouragement and support, increasing the professional support network, promoting and supporting the leadership, and increasing the visibility of female role models. To assess the impact of these actions, a chi-square test of independence is included to evaluate whether there is a significant effect on the percentage of enrolled female students. The percentage of graduated female students in the information and Communications Technology Field is also positioned with respect to other universities and the Spanish reference value. This analysis establishes that, in part, this program has helped to achieve higher female graduation rates, especially among Bachelor students, as well as increasing the number of top-decision positions held by faculty women.
d-Dimensional Classical Heisenberg Model with Arbitrarily-Ranged Interactions: Lyapunov Exponents and Distributions of Momenta and Energies
Authors: Rodríguez Antonio , Nobre Fernando D. , Tsallis Constantino
Published: January 2019

We numerically study the first-principle dynamics and thermostatistics of a d-dimensional classical inertial Heisenberg ferromagnetic model ( d = 1 , 2 , 3 ) with interactions decaying with the distance r i j as 1 / r i j α ( α ≥ 0 ), where the limit α = 0 ( α → ∞ ) corresponds to infinite-range (nearest-neighbour) interactions, and the ratio α / d > 1 ( 0 ≤ α / d ≤ 1 ) characterizes the short-ranged (long-ranged) regime. By means of first-principle molecular dynamics we study: (i) The scaling with the system size N of the maximum Lyapunov exponent λ in the form λ ∼ N − κ , where κ ( α / d ) depends only on the ratio α / d ; (ii) The time-averaged single-particle angular momenta probability distributions for a typical case in the long-range regime 0 ≤ α / d ≤ 1 (which turns out to be well fitted by q-Gaussians), and (iii) The time-averaged single-particle energies probability distributions for a typical case in the long-range regime 0 ≤ α / d ≤ 1 (which turns out to be well fitted by q-exponentials). Through the Lyapunov exponents we observe an intriguing, and possibly size-dependent, persistence of the non-Boltzmannian behavior even in the α / d > 1 regime. The universality that we observe for the probability distributions with regard to the ratio α / d makes this model similar to the α -XY and α -Fermi-Pasta-Ulam Hamiltonian models as well as to asymptotically scale-invariant growing networks.
Opinions and Expectations of Turkish and Foreign National Students Studying at Northern Cyprus Universities Concerning Multicultural and Inclusive/Integrated Education Settings
Authors: Gökbulut Burak , Yeniasır Mustafa , Karabacak Havva
Published: January 2019

As of 2018 there are 18 universities active in Northern Cyprus offering education. According to the data provided by the Ministry of Education, there are nearly 93,000 students studying in this country. Approximately 65,000 of these students are of Turkish origin (Republic of Turkey–Northern Cyprus) whereas 27,000 students are foreign nationals. An examination of the universities in Northern Cyprus shows that, in addition to Northern Cyprus nationals, students from various countries, such as Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Libya, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, Ghana, Brazil, Moldova, Brazil, and Ukraine, are studying in this country. Paying attention to the cultural and social structures of individuals in such a wide student spectrum is an extremely delicate, but essential, topic. Concepts such as race, ethnic origin, language, sexual orientation, age, special needs, social class, religion, and sect are elements of multiculturalism and inclusive/integrated education should be considered at every level of education, including university, thus education settings and curricula should be planned accordingly. In the paper, opinions of Turkish and foreign national students studying at Northern Cypriot universities in “multicultural and inclusive/integrated education settings” are obtained, their expectations are identified and comparisons and recommendations are provided. The conclusions drawn from the research indicate that fundamental expectations of students from multicultural in inclusive/integrated education settings is providing equal opportunity to education whilst making sure that everyone can have the chance for experiencing their culture properly. In addition, other expectations of students include organization of new activities for socialization, development and display of positive and supporting attitudes by lecturers towards different social groups and cultures and being able to easily express their ethnic identities in different settings in universities. Another conclusion obtained from this study is that Turkish students appear to have more positive opinions compared to foreign students in terms of experiencing multiculturalism in university settings in Northern Cyprus.
Sign Language Representation by TEO Humanoid Robot: End-User Interest, Comprehension and Satisfaction
Authors: Gago Jennifer J. , Victores Juan G. , Balaguer Carlos
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we illustrate our work on improving the accessibility of Cyber–Physical Systems (CPS), presenting a study on human–robot interaction where the end-users are either deaf or hearing-impaired people. Current trends in robotic designs include devices with robotic arms and hands capable of performing manipulation and grasping tasks. This paper focuses on how these devices can be used for a different purpose, which is that of enabling robotic communication via sign language. For the study, several tests and questionnaires are run to check and measure how end-users feel about interpreting sign language represented by a humanoid robotic assistant as opposed to subtitles on a screen. Stemming from this dichotomy, dactylology, basic vocabulary representation and end-user satisfaction are the main topics covered by a delivered form, in which additional commentaries are valued and taken into consideration for further decision taking regarding robot-human interaction. The experiments were performed using TEO, a household companion humanoid robot developed at the University Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), via representations in Spanish Sign Language (LSE), and a total of 16 deaf and hearing-impaired participants.
Implementation and Assessment of an Intelligent Motor Tele-Rehabilitation Platform
Authors: Rybarczyk Yves , Pérez Medina Jorge Luis , Leconte Louis , Jimenes Karina , González Mario , Esparza Danilo
Published: January 2019

Over the past few years, software applications for medical assistance, including tele-rehabilitation, have known an increasing presence in the health arena. Despite the several therapeutic and economic advantages of this new paradigm, it is important to follow certain guidelines, in order to build a safe, useful, scalable, and ergonomic tool. This work proposes to address all these points, through the case study of a physical tele-rehabilitation platform for patients after hip replacement surgery. The scalability and versatility of the system is handled by the implementation of a modular architecture. The safeness and effectiveness of the tool is ensured by an artificial intelligence module that assesses the quality of the movements performed by the user. The usability of the application is evaluated by a cognitive walkthrough method. Results show that the system (i) is able to properly assess the correctness of the human’s motion through two possible methods (Dynamic Time Warping and Hidden Markov Model), and (ii) provides a good user experience. The discussion addresses (i) the advantages and disadvantages of the main approaches for a gesture recognition of therapeutic movements, and (ii) critical aspects to provide the patient with the best usability of a tele-rehabilitation platform.
Dual-Vector Predictive Torque Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Based on a Candidate Vector Table
Authors: Xu Yan , Shi Tingna , Yan Yan , Gu Xin
Published: January 2019

In order to reduce the torque ripple of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), this paper proposes a dual-vector predictive torque control strategy based on a candidate vector table. The main feature of this strategy is that two vectors are acted in a control period to form a vector combination, and the vector combination can be either an effective-zero combination or an effective-effective combination. In the process of establishing the vector combinations, the switching frequency is also taken into account, therefore avoiding a high switching frequency, while effectively reducing the motor torque ripple. The candidate vector table is constructed offline, and three sets of candidate vectors and their duty cycles can be determined by looking up the table. Then the cost function is used to screen the action vectors from the three sets candidate vectors, so the two vectors acted in one control period and their duty cycles can be obtained simultaneously. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified on a 5.2 kW two-level inverter-fed PMSM drive system.
Short-Term Load Forecasting in Smart Grids: An Intelligent Modular Approach
Authors: Ahmad Ashfaq , Javaid Nadeem , Mateen Abdul , Awais Muhammad , Khan Zahoor Ali
Published: January 2019

Daily operations and planning in a smart grid require a day-ahead load forecasting of its customers. The accuracy of day-ahead load-forecasting models has a significant impact on many decisions such as scheduling of fuel purchases, system security assessment, economic scheduling of generating capacity, and planning for energy transactions. However, day-ahead load forecasting is a challenging task due to its dependence on external factors such as meteorological and exogenous variables. Furthermore, the existing day-ahead load-forecasting models enhance forecast accuracy by paying the cost of increased execution time. Aiming at improving the forecast accuracy while not paying the increased executions time cost, a hybrid artificial neural network-based day-ahead load-forecasting model for smart grids is proposed in this paper. The proposed forecasting model comprises three modules: (i) a pre-processing module; (ii) a forecast module; and (iii) an optimization module. In the first module, correlated lagged load data along with influential meteorological and exogenous variables are fed as inputs to a feature selection technique which removes irrelevant and/or redundant samples from the inputs. In the second module, a sigmoid function (activation) and a multivariate auto regressive algorithm (training) in the artificial neural network are used. The third module uses a heuristics-based optimization technique to minimize the forecast error. In the third module, our modified version of an enhanced differential evolution algorithm is used. The proposed method is validated via simulations where it is tested on the datasets of DAYTOWN (Ohio, USA) and EKPC (Kentucky, USA). In comparison to two existing day-ahead load-forecasting models, results show improved performance of the proposed model in terms of accuracy, execution time, and scalability.
Surface Modified Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Membranes for Ethane/Ethylene Separation Using Gas-Liquid Membrane Contactors with Ionic Liquid-Based Absorbent
Authors: Kostyanaya Margarita , Bazhenov Stepan , Borisov Ilya , Plisko Tatiana , Vasilevsky Vladimir
Published: January 2019

Olefin/paraffin separation is an important technological process. A promising alternative to conventional energy-consuming methods is employment of gas-liquid membrane contactors. In the present work, the membranes used were polysulfone (PSf) asymmetrical porous hollow fibers fabricated via the NIPS (non-solvent induced phase separation) technique in the free spinning mode. The surface of the fine-pored selective layer from the lumen side of the fibers was modified by layer-by-layer deposition of perfluorinated acrylic copolymer Protect Guard® in order to hydrophobized the surface and to avoid penetration of the liquid absorbent in the porous structure of the membranes. The absorbents studied were silver salts (AgNO3 and AgBF4) solutions in five ionic liquids (ILs) based on imidazolium and phosphonium cations. The membranes were analyzed through gas permeance measurement, SEM and dispersive X-ray (EDXS). Contact angle values of both unmodified and modified membranes were determined for water, ethylene glycol, ILs and silver salts solutions in ILs. It was shown that the preferable properties for employment in membrane contactor refer to the PSf hollow fiber membranes modified by two layers of Protect Guard®, and to the absorbent based on 1 M AgNO3 solution in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide. Using the membrane contactor designed, ethylene/ethane mixture (80/20) separation was carried out. The fluxes of both components as well as their overall mass transport coefficients (MTC) were calculated. It was shown that the membrane absorption system developed provides absorption of approx. 37% of the initial ethylene volume in the mixture. The overall MTC value for ethylene was 4.7 GPU (gas permeance unit).
Rheological Characterization of Carbopol® Dispersions in Water and in Water/Glycerol Solutions
Authors: R. Varges Priscilla , M. Costa Camila , S. Fonseca Bruno , F. Naccache Mônica , De Souza Mendes Paulo
Published: January 2019

The influence of the solvent type on the rheological properties of Carbopol ® NF 980 dispersions in water and in water/glycerol solutions is investigated. The material formulation, preparation procedure, common experimental challenges and artifact sources are all addressed. Transient and steady-state experiments were performed. For both solvent types, a clearly thixotropic behavior occurs slightly above the yield stress, where the avalanche effect is observed. For larger stresses, thixotropy is always negligible. Among other findings, it is observed that, for a given Carbopol concentration, the dispersion in the more viscous solvent possesses a lower yield stress and moduli, a larger power-law index, and a longer time to reach steady state.
Which Aspects of Food Value Promote Consumer Purchase Intent after a Disaster? A Case Study of Salmon Products in Disaster-Affected Areas of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Suzuki Takashi , Oishi Taro , Kurokura Hisashi , Yagi Nobuyuki
Published: January 2019

This research examined post-disaster consumer perception of food value and their effects on purchase intent by focusing on Japanese seafood industry after the Great East Japan earthquake. Online surveys on consumers living in Tokyo and Osaka Prefectures were conducted to investigate consumer value perceptions of Miyagi salmon in 2012 and 2015. Multiple-group structural equation modeling (SEM) on the 2012 survey results showed that desire to contribute to restoration (social value) had the greatest positive influence on purchase intent in both regions. Concern about radiation threats (safety value) had a negative influence on purchase intent, with a stronger impact in Osaka than Tokyo. In comparison, the 2015 results revealed a reduction in the effects of these two potent factors (i.e., safety value and social value) on purchase intent only in Osaka. The beneficial value of seafood had a general positive influence on purchase intent, but its magnitude of effect differed by regional and chronological context. Among these three values, sales promotion with emphasis on social value is more effective than with other values. In cases of future disasters in a similar context, marketers are recommended to adopt different value transfer strategies according to geographical and temporal diversity.
Targeting DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Pathways to Improve Radiotherapy Response
Authors: Toulany Mahmoud
Published: January 2019

More than half of cancer patients receive radiotherapy as a part of their cancer treatment. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are considered as the most lethal form of DNA damage and a primary cause of cell death and are induced by ionizing radiation (IR) during radiotherapy. Many malignant cells carry multiple genetic and epigenetic aberrations that may interfere with essential DSB repair pathways. Additionally, exposure to IR induces the activation of a multicomponent signal transduction network known as DNA damage response (DDR). DDR initiates cell cycle checkpoints and induces DSB repair in the nucleus by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR). The canonical DSB repair pathways function in both normal and tumor cells. Thus, normal-tissue toxicity may limit the targeting of the components of these two pathways as a therapeutic approach in combination with radiotherapy. The DSB repair pathways are also stimulated through cytoplasmic signaling pathways. These signaling cascades are often upregulated in tumor cells harboring mutations or the overexpression of certain cellular oncogenes, e.g., receptor tyrosine kinases, PIK3CA and RAS. Targeting such cytoplasmic signaling pathways seems to be a more specific approach to blocking DSB repair in tumor cells. In this review, a brief overview of cytoplasmic signaling pathways that have been reported to stimulate DSB repair is provided. The state of the art of targeting these pathways will be discussed. A greater understanding of the underlying signaling pathways involved in DSB repair may provide valuable insights that will help to design new strategies to improve treatment outcomes in combination with radiotherapy.
Mortality Due to Cystic Fibrosis over a 36-Year Period in Spain: Time Trends and Geographic Variations
Authors: Villaverde-Hueso Ana , Sánchez-Díaz Germán , Molina-Cabrero Francisco J. , Gallego Elisa , Posada de la Paz Manuel , Alonso-Ferreira Verónica
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to analyze population-based mortality attributed to cystic fibrosis (CF) over 36 years in Spain. CF deaths were obtained from the National Statistics Institute, using codes 277.0 from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) ninth revision (ICD9-CM) and E84 from the tenth revision (ICD10) to determine the underlying cause of death. We calculated age-specific and age-adjusted mortality rates, and time trends were assessed using joinpoint regression. The geographic analysis by district was performed by standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and smoothed-SMRs. A total of 1002 deaths due to CF were identified (50.5% women). Age-adjusted mortality rates fell by −0.95% per year between 1981 and 2016. The average age of death from CF increased due to the annual fall in the mortality of under-25s (−3.77% males, −2.37% females) and an increase in over-75s (3.49%). We identified districts with higher than expected death risks in the south (Andalusia), the Mediterranean coast (Murcia, Valencia, Catalonia), the West (Extremadura), and the Canary Islands. In conclusion, in this study we monitored the population-based mortality attributed to CF over a long period and found geographic differences in the risk of dying from this disease. These findings complement the information provided in other studies and registries and will be useful for health planning.
Compliance with Standard Precautions among Clinical Nurses: Validity and Reliability of the Italian Version of the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS-It)
Authors: Donati Daniele , Biagioli Valentina , Cianfrocca Claudia , De Marinis Maria Grazia , Tartaglini Daniela
Published: January 2019

Background: The compliance with Standard Precautions (SPs) guidelines, as a primary strategy for the prevention of healthcare associated infections, is still suboptimal among healthcare providers. However, no instrument measuring nurses’ compliance with SPs is available in Italian. This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Compliance with Standard Precaution Scale–Italian version (CSPS-It) among clinical nurses. Methods: The study consisted of two phases: (1) translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the CSPS; (2) validity and reliability evaluation of the CSPS-It. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and hypothesis testing were performed to evaluate the construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient of test-retest scores, and item-total correlations were computed to establish reliability. Results: The CSPS-It showed a sound validity and reliability. The unidimensional model tested at CFA yielded acceptable fit indices. The hypothesis testing supported better nurses’ compliance based on participation in at least one training course on SPs. Conclusions: The CSPS-It is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the compliance with SPs among clinical nurses. This version will allow for the conduction of further studies in favor of progress in this specific field of research. Managers should pay greater attention in monitoring compliance with SPs among clinical nurses.
Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials as Plant Biostimulants
Authors: Juárez-Maldonado Antonio , Ortega-Ortíz Hortensia , Morales-Díaz América Berenice , González-Morales Susana , Morelos-Moreno Álvaro , Cabrera-De la Fuente Marcelino , Sandoval-Rangel Alberto , Cadenas-Pliego Gregorio , Benavides-Mendoza Adalberto
Published: January 2019

Biostimulants are materials that when applied in small amounts are capable of promoting plant growth. Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanomaterials (NMs) can be considered as biostimulants since, in specific ranges of concentration, generally in small levels, they increase plant growth. Pristine NPs and NMs have a high density of surface charges capable of unspecific interactions with the surface charges of the cell walls and membranes of plant cells. In the same way, functionalized NPs and NMs, and the NPs and NMs with a corona formed after the exposition to natural fluids such as water, soil solution, or the interior of organisms, present a high density of surface charges that interact with specific charged groups in cell surfaces. The magnitude of the interaction will depend on the materials adhered to the corona, but high-density charges located in a small volume cause an intense interaction capable of disturbing the density of surface charges of cell walls and membranes. The electrostatic disturbance can have an impact on the electrical potentials of the outer and inner surfaces, as well as on the transmembrane electrical potential, modifying the activity of the integral proteins of the membranes. The extension of the cellular response can range from biostimulation to cell death and will depend on the concentration, size, and the characteristics of the corona.
Proteomic Analysis of a Rice Mutant sd58 Possessing a Novel d1 Allele of Heterotrimeric G Protein Alpha Subunit (RGA1) in Salt Stress with a Focus on ROS Scavenging
Authors: Peng Peng , Gao Yadi , Li Zhe , Yu Yanwen , Qin Hua , Guo Yan , Huang Rongfeng , Wang Juan
Published: January 2019

High salinity severely restrains plant growth and results in decrease of crop yield in agricultural production. Thus, it is of great significance to discover the crucial regulators involved in plant salt resistance. Here, we report a novel mutant, sd58, which displays enhanced salt tolerance and dwarf phenotype, by screening from ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutagenized rice mutant library. Genetic analysis showed that sd58 was caused by a single recessive locus. Map-based cloning and allelic test revealed that the phenotypes of sd58 were due to the mutation of RGA1, encoding the alpha subunit of heterotrimeric G protein (Gα). A point mutation (G to A) was identified at the splicing site (GT-AG) of the first intron in RGA1, which gives rise to the generation of abnormal mRNA splicing forms. Furthermore, 332 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified by using an Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation(iTRAQ)-based proteomic technique from seedlings of sd58 and Kitaake in response to salt treatment. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed these proteins were mainly involved in regulation of the processes such as metabolic pathways, photosynthesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Under salt stress, sd58 displayed lower ROS accumulation than Kitaake, which is consistent with the higher enzyme activities involved in ROS scavenging. Taken together, we propose that RGA1 is one of the regulators in salt response partially through ROS scavenging, which might be helpful in elucidating salt tolerant mechanisms of heterotrimeric G protein in rice.
Periostin Links Skin Inflammation to Melanoma Progression in Humans and Mice
Authors: Ohno Fumitaka , Nakahara Takeshi , Kido-Nakahara Makiko , Ito Takamichi , Nunomura Satoshi , Izuhara Kenji , Furue Masutaka
Published: January 2019

It is widely accepted that chronic inflammation initiates and promotes carcinogenesis and tumor progression in various cell types. However, this paradigm has not been comprehensively investigated in melanoma. To investigate the effects of chronic inflammation on the progression of melanoma, we established a murine inflammatory skin model and investigated the relationship between skin inflammation and melanoma progression. In a murine model, B16F10 melanoma cells in inflamed skin grew significantly more rapidly than cells in control skin. The stromal expression of periostin was upregulated in inflamed skin, and significantly more CD163+ M2 macrophages were recruited to the melanomas in inflamed skin. We then immunohistologically examined the expression of stromal periostin and the infiltration of CD163+ M2 macrophages in human acral lentiginous melanomas (n = 94) and analyzed the statistical associations with clinicopathological variables. In human melanomas, high periostin expression and a large number of infiltrated M2 macrophages were significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, we confirmed that periostin promotes the proliferation of murine and human melanoma cells in vitro. Our findings indicate that periostin and M2 macrophages play a critical role in melanoma progression and prognosis in both humans and mice, indicating that periostin is a potential target for treating progressive melanoma.
Linking Termite Feeding Preferences and Soil Physical Functioning in Southern-Indian Woodlands
Authors: Cheik Sougueh , Shanbhag Rashmi Ramesh , Harit Ajay , Bottinelli Nicolas , Sukumar Raman , Jouquet Pascal
Published: January 2019

Termites are undoubtedly amongst the most important soil macroinvertebrate decomposers in semi-arid environments in India. However, in this specific type of environment, the influence of termite foraging activity on soil functioning remains unexplored. Therefore, this study examines the link between the quality of litter and the functional impact of termite feeding preferences on soil properties and soil hydraulic conductivity in a deciduous forest in southern India. Different organic resources (elephant dung: “ED”, elephant grass: “EG”, acacia leaves: “AL” and layers of cardboard: “CB”) were applied on repacked soil cores. ED appeared to be the most attractive resource to Odontotermes obesus, leading to a larger amount of soil sheeting (i.e., the soil used by termites for covering the litter they consume), more numerous and larger holes in the ground and a lower soil bulk density. As a consequence, ED increased the soil hydraulic conductivity (4-fold) compared with the control soil. Thus, this study highlights that the more O. obesus prefers a substrate, the more this species impacts soil dynamics and water infiltration in the soil. This study also shows that ED can be used as an efficient substrate for accelerating the infiltration of water in southern-Indian soils, mainly through the production of galleries that are open on the soil surface, offering new perspectives on termite management in this environment.
Effort Oxygen Saturation and Effort Heart Rate to Detect Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Gálvez-Barrón César , Villar-Álvarez Felipe , Ribas Jesús , Formiga Francesc , Chivite David , Boixeda Ramón , Iborra Cristian , Rodríguez-Molinero Alejandro
Published: January 2019

Background: current algorithms for the detection of heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations have poor performance. Methods: this study was designed as a prospective longitudinal trial. Physiological parameters were evaluated at rest and effort (walking) in patients who were in the exacerbation or stable phases of HF or COPD. Parameters with relevant discriminatory power (sensitivity (Sn) or specificity (Sp) ≥ 80%, and Youden index ≥ 0.2) were integrated into diagnostic algorithms. Results: the study included 127 patients (COPD: 56, HF: 54, both: 17). The best algorithm for COPD included: oxygen saturation (SaO2) decrease ≥ 2% in minutes 1 to 3 of effort, end-of-effort heart rate (HR) increase ≥ 10 beats/min and walking distance decrease ≥ 35 m (presence of one criterion showed Sn: 0.90 (95%, CI(confidence interval): 0.75–0.97), Sp: 0.89 (95%, CI: 0.72–0.96), and area under the curve (AUC): 0.92 (95%, CI: 0.85–0.995)); and for HF: SaO2 decrease ≥ 2% in the mean-of-effort, HR increase ≥ 10 beats/min in the mean-of-effort, and walking distance decrease ≥ 40 m (presence of one criterion showed Sn: 0.85 (95%, CI: 0.69–0.93), Sp: 0.75 (95%, CI: 0.57–0.87) and AUC 0.84 (95%, CI: 0.74–0.94)). Conclusions: effort situations improve the validity of physiological parameters for detection of HF and COPD exacerbation episodes.
Protein Intake, Nutritional Status and Outcomes in ICU Survivors: A Single Center Cohort Study
Authors: Weijs Peter J.M. , Mogensen Kris M. , Rawn James D. , Christopher Kenneth B.
Published: January 2019

Background: We hypothesized that protein delivery during hospitalization in patients who survived critical care would be associated with outcomes following hospital discharge. Methods: We studied 801 patients, age ≥ 18 years, who received critical care between 2004 and 2012 and survived hospitalization. All patients underwent a registered dietitian formal assessment within 48 h of ICU admission. The exposure of interest, grams of protein per kilogram body weight delivered per day, was determined from all oral, enteral and parenteral sources for up to 28 days. Adjusted odds ratios for all cause 90-day post-discharge mortality were estimated by mixed- effects logistic regression models. Results: The 90-day post-discharge mortality was 13.9%. The mean nutrition delivery days recorded was 15. In a mixed-effect logistic regression model adjusted for age, gender, race, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index, acute organ failures, sepsis and percent energy needs met, the 90-day post-discharge mortality rate was 17% (95% CI: 6–26) lower for each 1 g/kg increase in daily protein delivery (OR = 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.94; p = 0.002)). Conclusions: Adult medical ICU patients with improvements in daily protein intake during hospitalization who survive hospitalization have decreased odds of mortality in the 3 months following hospital discharge.