bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of UVB LED Lighting System Based on UV Dose Calculation Algorithm to Meet Individual Daily UV Dose
Authors: Park Dae-Hwan , Oh Seung-Taek , Lim Jae-Hyun
Published: June 2019

Ultraviolet B (UVB) in sunlight is known to promote health when humans are exposed to optimum sunlight. Proper exposure to ultraviolet B is essential to produce vitamin D in the body, which is a particularly important factor for health. However, there has been an increase recently in the number of people who are lacking sunlight exposure due to staying indoors. Avoiding ultraviolet (UV) rays leads to health deterioration. To solve this problem, a portable ultraviolet measuring device that provides users with the UV intensity information of outdoor sunlight has been developed while UVB Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technologies capable of providing UVB radiation have been studied. However, existing technologies are mere methods for providing information on ultraviolet rays and artificially exposing to ultraviolet rays, and there is a risk for the UV radiation amount to not meet the daily required UV dose. Therefore, in this paper, a UVB LED general lighting system based on a UV exposure calculation algorithm that supports users’ daily required UV dose is proposed. The proposed system is composed of an IoT (Internet of Things) UV measuring device that measures the UV dose indoors, as well as outdoors, UVB LED general lighting which can safely provide UVB doses at indoors, and a smartphone which provides information on the cumulative UV dose and the estimated amount of vitamin D while it controls UVB LED general lighting. In addition, it is possible to support users’ vitamin D synthesis by providing as much UV light as its shortage through UVB LED general lighting, based on an individual’s UV exposure amount through outdoor sunlight, using a smartphone implementing a UV dose calculation algorithm. In order to confirm the performance of the proposed system, a simulation was conducted assuming that users with skin types 2 and 3 performed outdoor activities within 30 min and entered the room. The result confirmed that the proposed lighting can provide users of all ages with the UV dose required per day.
Fast and Robust Asynchronous Rendezvous Scheme for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Kim Yongchul
Published: June 2019

The rendezvous process is considered a key operation that allows a secondary user (SU) to access an unused authorized spectrum in cognitive radio networks (CRNs). Most existing works focused on fast guaranteed rendezvous without considering a sophisticated jamming attack environment. In this paper, I propose a fast and robust asynchronous rendezvous scheme that can improve robustness against jamming attacks under symmetric asynchronous environments in which all SUs have the same available channels. Unfortunately, in CRNs, each SU can have a different number of available channels due to their relative position to primary nodes (PUs). Therefore, I extend my fast and robust asynchronous rendezvous scheme (FRARS) to a general asymmetric scenario while preserving robustness against jamming attacks. I derive the maximum rendezvous time (MTTR) of my new algorithm and the upper bound of the expected TTR (ETTR) and compare it with the state-of-the-art algorithms such as jump-stay (JS) and Enhanced jump-stay (EJS). My numerical results show that the performance of the proposed technique is better than that of JS and EJS in terms of MTTR and ETTR. Also, the performance will be more significant when there are security concerns about a sophisticated jamming attack.
Computational Health Engineering Applied to Model Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance Spread
Authors: Cartelle Gestal Mónica , Dedloff Margaret R. , Torres-Sangiao Eva
Published: June 2019

Infectious diseases are the primary cause of mortality worldwide. The dangers of infectious disease are compounded with antimicrobial resistance, which remains the greatest concern for human health. Although novel approaches are under investigation, the World Health Organization predicts that by 2050, septicaemia caused by antimicrobial resistant bacteria could result in 10 million deaths per year. One of the main challenges in medical microbiology is to develop novel experimental approaches, which enable a better understanding of bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance. After the introduction of whole genome sequencing, there was a great improvement in bacterial detection and identification, which also enabled the characterization of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes. Today, the use of in silico experiments jointly with computational and machine learning offer an in depth understanding of systems biology, allowing us to use this knowledge for the prevention, prediction, and control of infectious disease. Herein, the aim of this review is to discuss the latest advances in human health engineering and their applicability in the control of infectious diseases. An in-depth knowledge of host–pathogen–protein interactions, combined with a better understanding of a host’s immune response and bacterial fitness, are key determinants for halting infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance dissemination.
Recent Advances and Applications of Semiconductor Photocatalytic Technology
Authors: Zhang Fubao , Wang Xianming , Liu Haonan , Liu Chunli , Wan Yong , Long Yunze , Cai Zhongyu
Published: June 2019

Along with the development of industry and the improvement of people’s living standards, peoples’ demand on resources has greatly increased, causing energy crises and environmental pollution. In recent years, photocatalytic technology has shown great potential as a low-cost, environmentally-friendly, and sustainable technology, and it has become a hot research topic. However, current photocatalytic technology cannot meet industrial requirements. The biggest challenge in the industrialization of photocatalyst technology is the development of an ideal photocatalyst, which should possess four features, including a high photocatalytic efficiency, a large specific surface area, a full utilization of sunlight, and recyclability. In this review, starting from the photocatalytic reaction mechanism and the preparation of the photocatalyst, we review the classification of current photocatalysts and the methods for improving photocatalytic performance; we also further discuss the potential industrial usage of photocatalytic technology. This review also aims to provide basic and comprehensive information on the industrialization of photocatalysis technology.
An Adaptive Biomedical Data Managing Scheme Based on the Blockchain Technique
Authors: Hussein Ahmed Faeq , ALZubaidi Abbas K. , Habash Qais Ahmed , Jaber Mustafa Musa
Published: June 2019

A crucial role is played by personal biomedical data when it comes to maintaining proficient access to health records by patients as well as health professionals. However, it is difficult to get a unified view pertaining to health data that have been scattered across various health centers/hospital sections. To be specific, health records are distributed across many places and cannot be integrated easily. In recent years, blockchain has arisen as a promising solution that helps to achieve the sharing of individual biomedical information in a secure way, whilst also having the benefit of privacy preservation because of its immutability. This research puts forward a blockchain-based managing scheme that helps to establish interpretation improvements pertaining to electronic biomedical systems. In this scheme, two blockchains were employed to construct the base, whereby the second blockchain algorithm was used to generate a secure sequence for the hash key that was generated in first blockchain algorithm. This adaptive feature enables the algorithm to use multiple data types and also combines various biomedical images and text records. All data, including keywords, digital records, and the identity of patients, are private key encrypted with a keyword searching function so as to maintain data privacy, access control, and a protected search function. The obtained results, which show a low latency (less than 750 ms) at 400 requests/second, indicate the possibility of its use within several health care units such as hospitals and clinics.
Metasurface Antennas Embedded in Small Circular Cavities for Telemetry Applications
Authors: Bernard Loïc , Martinis Mario , Collardey Sylvain , Mahdjoubi Kouroch , Sauleau Ronan
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces a metasurface-inspired antenna embedded in a circular metallic cavity with a very small diameter (from 0.25 λ0 down to 0.12 λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in vacuum at the operating frequency). The proposed concept is introduced and explained: It consists of placing a capacitive surface at the cavity aperture. This capacitive effect is obtained using multi-layer capacitively coupled strips. Our numerical results demonstrate that the impedance bandwidth is larger than that of standard patch antennas embedded in the same cavity size. Various prototypes have been manufactured, and measurements are found to be in good agreement with numerical results in all cases. The practical applications of these small metasurface antennas are demonstrated with telemetry applications for flying vehicles.
Detection and Treatment Methods for Perfluorinated Compounds in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Lee Shun-hwa , Cho Yeon-jung , Lee Miran , Lee Byung-Dae
Published: June 2019

We surveyed the variation in perfluorinated compound (PFC) concentrations entering urban wastewater treatment plants and then designed an optimal PFCs treatment method based on a pilot test. The PFCs influent concentration was found to be affected by the types of industries and operating rate. The concentration of PFCs in the wastewater treatment effluent was slightly lower than that of the influent. Thus, PFCs had not been adequately removed by the existing biological treatments. The pilot test results showed that about 10% of PFCs was removed by coagulation and precipitation, and the ozone and chlorine test showed that few, if any, PFCs were removed regardless of the oxidant dose. The activated carbon adsorption test showed that the removal significantly increased with empty bed contact time, with about a 60% removal in five minutes and over 90% removal in over 15 minutes. Therefore, a more stable and higher PFCs removal would result from continuous oxidation processes, such as ozone and adsorption processes involving activated carbon, rather than a single biological treatment.
Notes on the Useful Arts—Technological Progress as a Basis for Modern Architecture
Authors: Seelow Atli Magnus
Published: June 2019

It is a commonplace that Modern Architecture is a product of the Industrial Revolution, as practically all representatives of the Modern Movement refer, in some way or another, to technology and regard it as the foundation of their architecture [...]
Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation Variability and Its Climate Impacts
Authors: Yu Bin , Lupo Anthony R.
Published: June 2019

This special issue collects original and review articles on large-scale atmospheric circulation variability and its climate impacts [...]
Pollution Events at the High-Altitude Mountain Site Zugspitze-Schneefernerhaus (2670 m a.s.l.), Germany
Authors: Ghasemifard Homa , Vogel Felix R. , Yuan Ye , Luepke Marvin , Chen Jia , Ries Ludwig , Leuchner Michael , Schunk Christian , Noreen Vardag Sanam , Menzel Annette
Published: June 2019

Within the CO2 time series measured at the Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus (UFS), Germany, as part of the Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) program, pollution episodes are traced back to local and regional emissions, identified by δ13C(CO2) as well as ratios of CO and CH4 to CO2 mixing ratios. Seven episodes of sudden enhancements in the tropospheric CO2 mixing ratio are identified in the measurements of mixing/isotopic ratios during five winter months from October 2012 to February 2013. The short-term CO2 variations are closely correlated with changes in CO and CH4 mixing ratios, achieving mean values of 6.0 ± 0.2 ppb/ppm for CO/CO2 and 6.0 ± 0.1 ppb/ppm for CH4/CO2. The estimated isotopic signature of CO2 sources (δs) ranges between −35‰ and −24‰, with higher values indicating contributions from coal combustion or wood burning, and lower values being the result of natural gas or gasoline. Moving Keeling plots with site-specific data selection criteria are applied to detect these pollution events. Furthermore, the HYSPLIT trajectory model is utilized to identify the trajectories during periods with CO2 peak events. Short trajectories are found covering Western and Central Europe, while clean air masses flow from the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean.
SST Indexes in the Tropical South Atlantic for Forecasting Rainy Seasons in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Hounsou-Gbo Gbèkpo Aubains , Servain Jacques , Araujo Moacyr , Caniaux Guy , Bourlès Bernard , Fontenele Diogenes , Martins Eduardo Sávio P. R.
Published: June 2019

May-to-July and February-to-April represent peak rainy seasons in two sub-regions of Northeast Brazil (NEB): Eastern NEB and Northern NEB respectively. In this paper, we identify key oceanic indexes in the tropical South Atlantic for driving these two rainy seasons. In Eastern NEB, the May-to-July rainfall anomalies present a positive relationship with the previous boreal winter sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the southeast tropical Atlantic (20°–10° S; 10° W–5° E). This positive relationship, which spread westward along the southern branch of the South Equatorial Current, is associated with northwesterly surface wind anomalies. A warmer sea surface temperature in the southwestern Atlantic warm pool increases the moisture flux convergence, as well as its ascending motion and, hence, the rainfall along the adjacent coastal region. For the Northern NEB, another positive relationship is observed between the February-to-April rainfall anomalies and the SSTA of the previous boreal summer in the Atlantic Niño region (3° S–3° N; 20° W–0°). The negative remote relationship noticeable between the Northern NEB rainfall and the concomitant Pacific Niño/Niña follows cold/warm events occurring during the previous boreal summer in the eastern equatorial Atlantic. The southeastern tropical Atlantic and Atlantic Niño SSTA indexes may, then, be useful to predict seasonal rainfall over the Eastern and Northern NEB, respectively, for about a 6 month leading period. The ability of both southeastern tropical Atlantic and Atlantic Niño SSTA indexes to forecast the Eastern and Northern NEB rainfall, with about a 6 month lead time, is improved when these indexes are respectively combined with the Niño3 (5° S–5° N; 150°–90° W) and the northeast subtropical Atlantic (20° N–35° N, 45° W–20° W), mainly from the 1970’s climate shift.
A Novel View of Human Helicobacter pylori Infections: Interplay between Microbiota and Beta-Defensins
Authors: Pero Raffaela , Brancaccio Mariarita , Laneri Sonia , De Biasi Margherita-Gabriella , Lombardo Barbara , Scudiero Olga
Published: June 2019

The gut microbiota is significantly involved in the preservation of the immune system of the host, protecting it against the pathogenic bacteria of the stomach. The correlation between gut microbiota and the host response supports human gastric homeostasis. Gut microbes may be shifted in Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-infected individuals to advance gastric inflammation and distinguished diseases. Particularly interesting is the establishment of cooperation between gut microbiota and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of the host in the gastrointestinal tract. AMPs have great importance in the innate immune reactions to Hp and participate in conservative co-evolution with an intricate microbiome. β-Defensins, a class of short, cationic, arginine-rich proteins belonging to the AMP group, are produced by epithelial and immunological cells. Their expression is enhanced during Hp infection. In this review, we discuss the impact of the gut microbiome on the host response, with particular regard to β-defensins in Hp-associated infections. In microbial infections, mostly in precancerous lesions induced by Hp infection, these modifications could lead to different outcomes.
COP9 Signalosome Interaction with UspA/Usp15 Deubiquitinase Controls VeA-Mediated Fungal Multicellular Development
Authors: Meister Cindy , Thieme Karl G. , Thieme Sabine , Köhler Anna M. , Schmitt Kerstin , Valerius Oliver , Braus Gerhard H.
Published: June 2019

COP9 signalosome (CSN) and Den1/A deneddylases physically interact and promote multicellular development in fungi. CSN recognizes Skp1/cullin-1/Fbx E3 cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) without substrate and removes their posttranslational Nedd8 modification from the cullin scaffold. This results in CRL complex disassembly and allows Skp1 adaptor/Fbx receptor exchange for altered substrate specificity. We characterized the novel ubiquitin-specific protease UspA of the mold Aspergillus nidulans, which corresponds to CSN-associated human Usp15 and interacts with six CSN subunits. UspA reduces amounts of ubiquitinated proteins during fungal development, and the uspA gene expression is repressed by an intact CSN. UspA is localized in proximity to nuclei and recruits proteins related to nuclear transport and transcriptional processing, suggesting functions in nuclear entry control. UspA accelerates the formation of asexual conidiospores, sexual development, and supports the repression of secondary metabolite clusters as the derivative of benzaldehyde (dba) genes. UspA reduces protein levels of the fungal NF-kappa B-like velvet domain protein VeA, which coordinates differentiation and secondary metabolism. VeA stability depends on the Fbx23 receptor, which is required for light controlled development. Our data suggest that the interplay between CSN deneddylase, UspA deubiquitinase, and SCF-Fbx23 ensures accurate levels of VeA to support fungal development and an appropriate secondary metabolism.
A Relational View of Psychological Empowerment and Sense of Community in Academic Contexts: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ramos-Vidal Ignacio
Published: June 2019

Scholars need to pay attention to understand the factors that shape the interactions between individuals and social groups. Constructs like Psychological Sense of Community (PSoC) and Psychological Empowerment (PE) are powerful constructs used to evaluate the antecedents and the consequences of individual attachment to social settings. In parallel, recent advances in network analysis show that the position occupied within whole networks and ego-centric networks are relational factors that affect the subjective perception of membership to social groups. Studies that are conducted in organizational and community settings show strong associations between PSoC and PE. However, these connections have rarely been evaluated within natural settings such as the classroom context. On the other hand, although the theoretic basis of PSoC and PE claims that both processes are formed in a relational way, there are few studies that empirically evaluate the effects of social connectedness on the emergence of PSoC—referred to the classroom—and PE referred to academic-task development. The aim of this research is to determine the effects that the position occupied in formal and informal exchange networks induce on PSoC and PE dimensions. Sixty-four students enrolled in a master degree program (women = 68.8%, Mean age = 26.09, SD = 3.88) participated in this cross-sectional study. Multivariate analyses and network analyses were performed to test the hypotheses under study. The main research finding is that PSoC and PE are synergistic constructs that mutually shape to each other. In relational terms, by sending several nominations in informal networks, it is possible to generate notable impacts on some PSoC dimensions, while receipt of a wide number of nominations in formal contact networks is associated with high levels of PE. In addition, individuals who present high levels of PE are located in the core of formal exchange networks. These results are discussed in order to design actions to increase PSoC and PE in postgraduate academic settings.
Current Treatment Landscape for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Patient Outcomes and the Impact on Quality of Life
Authors: Li Daneng , Sedano Sabrina , Allen Rebecca , Gong Jun , Cho May , Sharma Sunil
Published: June 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Heterogeneity of clinical conditions contributes to the complex management of care for patients with advanced HCC. Recently, the treatment landscape for advanced HCC has expanded rapidly, with the additional FDA approvals of several oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (lenvatinib, regorafenib, and cabozantinib), as well as immunotherapies such as immune check point inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) and the monoclonal IgG1 antibody, ramucirumab. This expansion has generated a need for novel treatment sequencing strategies in this patient population. In light of these developments, an evaluation of the impact of FDA-approved therapeutics on patient-centered outcomes such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is warranted. An increased understanding of HRQoL in patients included in advanced HCC clinical trials could potentially help physician decision-making for treatment sequencing in patients with advanced HCC.
Aberrant DNA Polymerase Beta Enhances H. pylori Infection Induced Genomic Instability and Gastric Carcinogenesis in Mice
Authors: Zhao Shengyuan , Thakur Megha , Klattenhoff Alex W. , Kidane Dawit
Published: June 2019

H. pylori is a significant risk factor of gastric cancer that induces chronic inflammation and oxidative DNA damage to promote gastric carcinoma. Base excision repair (BER) is required to maintain the genome integrity and prevent oxidative DNA damage. Mutation in DNA polymerase beta (Pol β) impacts BER efficiency and has been reported in approximately 30–40% of gastric carcinoma tumors. In this study, we examined whether reduced BER capacity associated with mutation in the POLB gene, along with increased DNA damage generated by H. pylori infection, accelerates gastric cancer development. By infecting a Pol β mutant mouse model that lacks dRP lyase with H. pylori, we show that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) mediated DNA damage is accumulated in Pol β mutant mice (L22P). In addition, H. pylori infection in Leu22Pro (L22P) mice significantly increases inducible nitric oxide synthesis (iNOS) mediated chronic inflammation. Our data show that L22P mice exhibited accelerated H. pylori induced carcinogenesis and increased tumor incidence. This work shows that Pol β mediated DNA repair under chronic inflammation conditions is an important suppressor of H. pylori induced stomach carcinogenesis.
Targeted Therapy of Uveal Melanoma: Recent Failures and New Perspectives
Authors: Croce Michela , Ferrini Silvano , Pfeffer Ulrich , Gangemi Rosaria
Published: June 2019

Among Uveal Melanoma (UM) driver mutations, those involving GNAQ or GNA11 genes are the most frequent, while a minor fraction of tumors bears mutations in the PLCB4 or CYSLTR2 genes. Direct inhibition of constitutively active oncoproteins deriving from these mutations is still in its infancy in UM, whereas BRAFV600E-targeted therapy has obtained relevant results in cutaneous melanoma. However, UM driver mutations converge on common downstream signaling pathways such as PKC/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and YAP/TAZ, which are presently considered as actionable targets. In addition, BAP1 loss, which characterizes UM metastatic progression, affects chromatin structure via histone H2A deubiquitylation that may be counteracted by histone deacetylase inhibitors. Encouraging results of preclinical studies targeting signaling molecules such as MAPK and PKC were unfortunately not confirmed in early clinical studies. Indeed, a general survey of all clinical trials applying new targeted and immune therapy to UM displayed disappointing results. This paper summarizes the most recent studies of UM-targeted therapies, analyzing the possible origins of failures. We also focus on hyperexpressed molecules involved in UM aggressiveness as potential new targets for therapy.
Liquid Biopsy Approach for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Buscail Etienne , Maulat Charlotte , Muscari Fabrice , Chiche Laurence , Cordelier Pierre , Dabernat Sandrine , Alix-Panabières Catherine , Buscail Louis
Published: June 2019

Pancreatic cancer is a public health problem because of its increasing incidence, the absence of early diagnostic tools, and its aggressiveness. Despite recent progress in chemotherapy, the 5-year survival rate remains below 5%. Liquid biopsies are of particular interest from a clinical point of view because they are non-invasive biomarkers released by primary tumours and metastases, remotely reflecting disease burden. Pilot studies have been conducted in pancreatic cancer patients evaluating the detection of circulating tumour cells, cell-free circulating tumour DNA, exosomes, and tumour-educated platelets. There is heterogeneity between the methods used to isolate circulating tumour elements as well as the targets used for their identification. Performances for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer vary depending of the technique but also the stage of the disease: 30–50% of resectable tumours are positive and 50–100% are positive in locally advanced and/or metastatic cases. A significant prognostic value is demonstrated in 50–70% of clinical studies, irrespective of the type of liquid biopsy. Large prospective studies of homogeneous cohorts of patients are lacking. One way to improve diagnostic and prognostic performances would be to use a combined technological approach for the detection of circulating tumour cells, exosomes, and DNA.
Effect of Metal Loading in Unpromoted and Promoted CoMo/Al2O3–TiO2 Catalysts for the Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenol
Authors: Tavizón-Pozos J. Andrés , Santolalla-Vargas Carlos E. , Valdés-Martínez Omar U. , de los Reyes Heredia José Antonio
Published: June 2019

This paper reports the effects of changes in the supported active phase concentration over titania containing mixed oxides catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). Mo and CoMo supported on sol–gel Al2O3–TiO2 (Al/Ti = 2) were synthetized and tested for the HDO of phenol in a batch reactor at 5.5 MPa, 593 K, and 100 ppm S. Characterization results showed that the increase in Mo loading led to an increase in the amount of oxide Mo species with octahedral coordination (MoOh), which produced more active sites and augmented the catalytic activity. The study of the change of Co concentration allowed prototypes of the oxide species and their relationship with the CoMo/AT2 activity to be described. Catalysts were tested at four different Co/(Co + Mo) ratios. The results presented a correlation between the available fraction of CoOh and the catalytic performance. At low CoOh fractions (Co/(Co + Mo) = 0.1), Co could not promote all MoS2 slabs and metallic sites from this latter phase performed the reaction. Also, at high Co/(Co + Mo) ratios (0.3 and 0.4), there was a loss of Co species. The Co/(Co + Mo) = 0.2 ratio presented an optimum amount of available CoOh and catalytic activity since the XPS results indicated a higher concentration of the CoMoS phase than at a higher ratio.
Regeneration of Dermis: Scarring and Cells Involved
Authors: Rippa Alexandra L. , Kalabusheva Ekaterina P. , Vorotelyak Ekaterina A.
Published: June 2019

There are many studies on certain skin cell specifications and their contribution to wound healing. In this review, we provide an overview of dermal cell heterogeneity and their participation in skin repair, scar formation, and in the composition of skin substitutes. The papillary, reticular, and hair follicle associated fibroblasts differ not only topographically, but also functionally. Human skin has a number of particular characteristics that are different from murine skin. This should be taken into account in experimental procedures. Dermal cells react differently to skin wounding, remodel the extracellular matrix in their own manner, and convert to myofibroblasts to different extents. Recent studies indicate a special role of papillary fibroblasts in the favorable outcome of wound healing and epithelial-mesenchyme interactions. Neofolliculogenesis can substantially reduce scarring. The role of hair follicle mesenchyme cells in skin repair and possible therapeutic applications is discussed. Participation of dermal cell types in wound healing is described, with the addition of possible mechanisms underlying different outcomes in embryonic and adult tissues in the context of cell population characteristics and extracellular matrix composition and properties. Dermal white adipose tissue involvement in wound healing is also overviewed. Characteristics of myofibroblasts and their activity in scar formation is extensively discussed. Cellular mechanisms of scarring and possible ways for its prevention are highlighted. Data on keloid cells are provided with emphasis on their specific characteristics. We also discuss the contribution of tissue tension to the scar formation as well as the criteria and effectiveness of skin substitutes in skin reconstruction. Special attention is given to the properties of skin substitutes in terms of cell composition and the ability to prevent scarring.
Mitochondrial DNA Variants and Common Diseases: A Mathematical Model for the Diversity of Age-Related mtDNA Mutations
Authors: Li Huanzheng , Slone Jesse , Fei Lin , Huang Taosheng
Published: June 2019

The mitochondrion is the only organelle in the human cell, besides the nucleus, with its own DNA (mtDNA). Since the mitochondrion is critical to the energy metabolism of the eukaryotic cell, it should be unsurprising, then, that a primary driver of cellular aging and related diseases is mtDNA instability over the life of an individual. The mutation rate of mammalian mtDNA is significantly higher than the mutation rate observed for nuclear DNA, due to the poor fidelity of DNA polymerase and the ROS-saturated environment present within the mitochondrion. In this review, we will discuss the current literature showing that mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to age-related common diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and other commonly occurring diseases. We will then turn our attention to the likely role that mtDNA mutation plays in aging and senescence. Finally, we will use this context to develop a mathematical formula for estimating for the accumulation of somatic mtDNA mutations with age. This resulting model shows that almost 90% of non-proliferating cells would be expected to have at least 100 mutations per cell by the age of 70, and almost no cells would have fewer than 10 mutations, suggesting that mtDNA mutations may contribute significantly to many adult onset diseases.
The Distinct Roles of CXCR3 Variants and Their Ligands in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Reynders Nathan , Abboud Dayana , Baragli Alessandra , Noman Muhammad Zaeem , Rogister Bernard , Niclou Simone P. , Heveker Nikolaus , Janji Bassam , Hanson Julien , Szpakowska Martyna , Chevigné Andy
Published: June 2019

First thought to orchestrate exclusively leukocyte trafficking, chemokines are now acknowledged for their multiple roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Dysregulation of their normal functions contributes to various pathologies, including inflammatory diseases and cancer. The two chemokine receptor 3 variants CXCR3-A and CXCR3-B, together with their cognate chemokines (CXCL11, CXCL10, CXCL9, CXCL4, and CXCL4L1), are involved in the control but also in the development of many tumors. CXCR3-A drives the infiltration of leukocytes to the tumor bed to modulate tumor progression (paracrine axis). Conversely, tumor-driven changes in the expression of the CXCR3 variants and their ligands promote cancer progression (autocrine axis). This review summarizes the anti- and pro-tumoral activities of the CXCR3 variants and their associated chemokines with a focus on the understanding of their distinct biological roles in the tumor microenvironment.
ERBB2 Regulates MED24 during Cancer Progression in Mice with Pten and Smad4 Deletion in the Pulmonary Epithelium
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Tianyuan , Willson Cynthia J. , Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Wu San-Pin , Li Jian-Liang , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: June 2019

ERBB2 is an oncogenic driver with frequent gene mutations and amplification in human lung tumors and is an attractive target for lung cancer therapy. However, target therapies can be improved by understanding the in vivo mechanisms regulated by ERBB2 during lung tumor development. Here, we generated genetic mouse models to show that Erbb2 loss inhibited lung tumor development induced by deletion of Pten and Smad4. Transcriptome analysis showed that Erbb2 loss suppressed the significant changes of most of the induced genes by ablation of Pten and Smad4. Overlapping with ERBB2-associated human lung cancer genes further identified those ERBB2 downstream players potentially conserved in human and mouse lung tumors. Furthermore, MED24 was identified as a crucial oncogenic target of ERBB2 in lung tumor development. Taken together, ERBB2 is required for the dysregulation of cancer-related genes, such as MED24, during lung tumor development.
Tunable Perfect Narrow-Band Absorber Based on a Metal-Dielectric-Metal Structure
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Zizheng , Xiang Xiangjun , Wang Tongtong , Yang Haigui , Wang Xiaoyi , Gong Yan , Gao Jinsong
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a metal-dielectric-metal structure based on a Fabry–Perot cavity was proposed, which can provide near 100% perfect narrow-band absorption. The lossy ultrathin silver film was used as the top layer spaced by a lossless silicon oxide layer from the bottom silver mirror. We demonstrated a narrow bandwidth of 20 nm with 99.37% maximum absorption and the absorption peaks can be tuned by altering the thickness of the middle SiO2 layer. In addition, we established a deep understanding of the physics mechanism, which provides a new perspective in designing such a narrow-band perfect absorber. The proposed absorber can be easily fabricated by the mature thin film technology independent of any nano structure, which make it an appropriate candidate for photodetectors, sensing, and spectroscopy.
Memristive Properties of PANI-Polysterene/PVDF-TrFE Interface
Authors: Budaev Artem V. , Belenkov Roman N. , Emelianov Nikita A.
Published: June 2019

The article presents the results of an experimental study of the transport of charge carriers through semiconductor PANI-polystyrene/ ferroelectric PVDF-TrFE interface. Current-voltage characteristics of the structure under study have a typical form for memristors and may be explained by the movement of charge carriers in the internal switchable field of the crystal ferroelectric microregions located within a bulk volume of amorphous PVDF-TrFE matrix. This assumption is subject to XRD phase analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray EDS microanalysis. A long-term (about 100 h) relaxation is detected for the resistance of the PANI-polysturene/PVDF-TrFE interface after the current-voltage characteristics measurement cycle that is associated with the processes of capture and release traps of charge carriers.
Mechanism of High-Temperature Superconductivity in Correlated-Electron Systems
Authors: Yanagisawa Takashi
Published: June 2019

It is very important to elucidate the mechanism of superconductivity for achieving room temperature superconductivity. In the first half of this paper, we give a brief review on mechanisms of superconductivity in many-electron systems. We believe that high-temperature superconductivity may occur in a system with interaction of large-energy scale. Empirically, this is true for superconductors that have been found so far. In the second half of this paper, we discuss cuprate high-temperature superconductors. We argue that superconductivity of high temperature cuprates is induced by the strong on-site Coulomb interaction, that is, the origin of high-temperature superconductivity is the strong electron correlation. We show the results on the ground state of electronic models for high temperature cuprates on the basis of the optimization variational Monte Carlo method. A high-temperature superconducting phase will exist in the strongly correlated region.
Liquid Crystal Based Head-Up Display with Electrically Controlled Contrast Ratio
Authors: Liu Yueda , Li Yan , Chen Quanming , Li Sida , Su Yikai
Published: June 2019

With the growing demand for driving safety and convenience, Head-Up Displays (HUDs) have gained more and more interest in recent years. In this paper, we propose a HUD system with the ability to adjust the relative brightness of ambient light and virtual information light. The key components of the system include a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) film, a geometric phase (GP) liquid crystal lens, and a circular polarizer. By controlling the voltage applied to the GP lens, the contrast ratio of the virtual information light to ambient light could be continuously tuned, so that good visibility could always be obtained under different driving conditions.
Effect of Local Recrystallized Grains on the Low Cycle Fatigue Behavior of a Nickel-Based Single Crystal Superalloy
Authors: Ma Xianfeng , Jiang Jishen , Zhang Wenjie , Shi Hui-ji , Gu Jialin
Published: June 2019

This paper aims to understand the effect of local recrystallization (RX) on the low cycle fatigue fracture of a turbine-blade single crystal nickel-based superalloy. The fatigue life of the single crystal superalloy was evidently decreased by local recrystallization. In single crystal specimens, casting porosity is the preferential fatigue crack initiation site, which is followed by crystallographic crack propagation along one or several octahedral slip planes. For all RX specimens, fatigue cracks preferred to initiate from local recrystallized grains and propagated through the recrystallized grains in a transgranular manner, followed by crystallographic crack propagation in the substrate single crystal superalloy. Moreover, fatigue tests indicated that locally recrystallized specimens exhibited temperature dependent fracture modes, i.e., transgranular cracking dominated at 550 °C, whereas intergranular cracking was preferred at 850 °C. Evident oxidation of fracture surfaces and strength degradation of grain boundaries at 850 °C was evidenced by scanning electronic microscopic observations. The present study emphasized the need to evaluate the effect of recrystallization according to the working conditions of turbine components, i.e., the local temperature.
High-Responsivity Photovoltaic Photodetectors Based on MoTe2/MoSe2 van der Waals Heterojunctions
Authors: Luo Hao , Wang Bolun , Wang Enze , Wang Xuewen , Sun Yufei , Liu Kai
Published: June 2019

Van der Waals heterojunctions based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) show promising potential in optoelectronic devices, due to the ultrafast separation of photoexcited carriers and efficient generation of the photocurrent. Herein, this study demonstrated a high-responsivity photovoltaic photodetector based on a MoTe2/MoSe2 type-II heterojunction. Due to the interlayer built-in potential, the MoTe2/MoSe2 heterojunction shows obvious photovoltaic behavior and its photoresponse can be tuned by the gate voltage due to the ultrathin thickness of the heterojunction. This self-powered photovoltaic photodetector exhibits an excellent responsivity of 1.5 A W−1, larger than previously reported TMDs-based photovoltaic photodetectors. Due to the high-efficiency separation of electron-hole pairs and ultrafast charge transfer, the light-induced on/off ratio of current switching is larger than 104 at zero bias, and the dark current is extremely low (~10−13 A). These MoTe2/MoSe2 type-II heterojunctions are expected to provide more opportunities for future nanoscale optoelectronic devices.
Preoperatory Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Prado-Olivares José , Chover-Sierra Elena
Published: June 2019

Anxiety is a feeling of discomfort produced in face of an unknown event, as an impending cardiac surgery, that can lead to inconveniences in the intervention and subsequent recovery. Being the purpose of this research to analyze pre-surgical anxiety, a descriptive cross-sectional study among patients undergoing cardiac surgery was carried out. Data about sociodemographic variables were collected and the level of anxiety prior to surgery was assessed using the STAI-S scale. Subsequently, descriptive data analyses were performed, relationships among variables were analyzed, and a binary logistic regression model was developed in order to analyze the role of the variables involved in the development of preoperative anxiety. Sixty subjects were finally included; more than 80% had a moderate to high level of anxiety. 26.7% underwent valve surgery and 47% underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, in the latter case presenting higher levels of anxiety. Statistically significant relationships were found among the level of anxiety and (a) level of studies, (b) first surgical intervention, and (c) the rating given to their previous surgical experience. We concluded that preoperative anxiety in people undergoing cardiac surgery is high and yet it is an underestimated phenomenon. The relationship between the received information and their anxiety level is inversely proportional, so that people programmed for cardiac surgery should be provided with all the information they required, through an individualized intervention.
Giant Big Stik R/C UAV Computer Model Development in JSBSim for Sense and Avoid Applications
Authors: Cereceda Oihane , Rolland Luc , O’Young Siu
Published: June 2019

Open-source aerospace simulation packages often lack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) models, limiting the study of their interaction with other elements in the airspace. These events, which are a consequence of encounters between manned and unmanned aircraft, have recently attracted interest due to the uncertainties created by UAVs in real environments. In this paper, a fit-for-purpose flight dynamics model specific for sense and avoid (SAA) strategies in near mid-air collision scenarios is developed based on existing model development practices and adjusted from flight data. The Giant Big Stik is recognized as the representative aircraft for testing SAA manoeuvres due to its capabilities. The simulation platform is based on the JSBSim open-source flight dynamics model, and the SAA application is carried out following the current regulations and flight recommendations for UAVs in Canada. Through this methodology, the error between the real and the computer model is reduced in every step that is minimal for the SAA application. The relevance of this paper is also shown in future applications, where this model will be incorporated into more complex simulations with manned aircraft for the study of avoidance manoeuvres that will serve the safe integration of UAVs into the airspace.
Insights into Sensitivity of Wing Shape and Kinematic Parameters Relative to Aerodynamic Performance of Flapping Wing Nano Air Vehicles
Authors: Throneberry G. , Hassanalian M. , Abdelkefi A.
Published: June 2019

In this work, seven wings inspired from insects’ wings, including those inspired by the bumblebee, cicada, cranefly, fruitfly, hawkmoth, honeybee, and twisted parasite, are patterned and analyzed in FlapSim software in forward and hovering flight modes for two scenarios, namely, similar wingspan (20 cm) and wing surface (0.005 m2). Considering their similar kinematics, the time histories of the aerodynamic forces of lift, thrust, and required mechanical power of the inspired wings are calculated, shown, and compared for both scenarios. The results obtained from FlapSim show that wing shape strongly impacts the performance and aerodynamic characteristics of the chosen seven wings. To study the effects of different geometrical and physical factors including flapping frequency, elevation amplitude, pronation amplitude, stroke-plane angle, flight speed, wing material, and wingspan, several analyses are carried out on the honeybee-inspired shape, which had a 20 cm wingspan. This study can be used to evaluate the efficiency of different bio-inspired wing shapes and may provide a guideline for comparing the performance of flapping wing nano air vehicles with forward flight and hovering capabilities.
Machine Learning Techniques to Identify Antimicrobial Resistance in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Martínez-Agüero Sergio , Mora-Jiménez Inmaculada , Lérida-García Jon , Álvarez-Rodríguez Joaquín , Soguero-Ruiz Cristina
Published: June 2019

The presence of bacteria with resistance to specific antibiotics is one of the greatest threats to the global health system. According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance has already reached alarming levels in many parts of the world, involving a social and economic burden for the patient, for the system, and for society in general. Because of the critical health status of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), time is critical to identify bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics. Since common antibiotics resistance tests require between 24 and 48 h after the culture is collected, we propose to apply machine learning (ML) techniques to determine whether a bacterium will be resistant to different families of antimicrobials. For this purpose, clinical and demographic features from the patient, as well as data from cultures and antibiograms are considered. From a population point of view, we also show graphically the relationship between different bacteria and families of antimicrobials by performing correspondence analysis. Results of the ML techniques evidence non-linear relationships helping to identify antimicrobial resistance at the ICU, with performance dependent on the family of antimicrobials. A change in the trend of antimicrobial resistance is also evidenced.
Entropy Measures as Descriptors to Identify Apneas in Rheoencephalographic Signals
Authors: González Carmen , Jensen Erik , Gambús Pedro , Vallverdú Montserrat
Published: June 2019

Rheoencephalography (REG) is a simple and inexpensive technique that intends to monitor cerebral blood flow (CBF), but its ability to reflect CBF changes has not been extensively proved. Based on the hypothesis that alterations in CBF during apnea should be reflected in REG signals under the form of increased complexity, several entropy metrics were assessed for REG analysis during apnea and resting periods in 16 healthy subjects: approximate entropy (ApEn), sample entropy (SampEn), fuzzy entropy (FuzzyEn), corrected conditional entropy (CCE) and Shannon entropy (SE). To compute these entropy metrics, a set of parameters must be defined a priori, such as, for example, the embedding dimension m, and the tolerance threshold r. A thorough analysis of the effects of parameter selection in the entropy metrics was performed, looking for the values optimizing differences between apnea and baseline signals. All entropy metrics, except SE, provided higher values for apnea periods (p-values < 0.025). FuzzyEn outperformed all other metrics, providing the lowest p-value (p = 0.0001), allowing to conclude that REG signals during apnea have higher complexity than in resting periods. Those findings suggest that REG signals reflect CBF changes provoked by apneas, even though further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.