bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creep analysis of bimaterial microcantilever beam for sensing device using artificial neural network (ANN)
Authors: Wong WaiChi , Lee HingWah , Azid Ishak A. , Seetharamu K.N.
Published: November 2017

In this study, a feed-forward back-propagation Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is used to predict the stress relaxation and behavior of creep for bimaterial microcantilever beam for sensing device. Results obtained from ANSYS® 8.1 finite element (FE) simulations, which show good agreement with experimental work [1], is used to train the neural network. Parametric studies are carried out to analyze the effects of creep on the microcantilever beam in term of curvature and stress deve loped with time. It is shown that ANN accurately predicts the stress level for the microcantilever beam using the trained ANSYS® simulation results due to the fact that there is no scattered data in the FE simulation results. ANN takes a small fraction of time and effort compar ed to FE prediction.
Characterisation of multicrystalline solar cells
Authors: Malik A.Q. , Hah Chong Chew , Khwang Chan Siang , Ming Lim Chee , Sheng Tan Kha
Published: November 2017

The evaluation and assessment of the performance of photovoltaic (PV) cells in terms of measurable parameters requires the measurement of the current as a function of voltage, temperature, intensity, wind speed and spectrum. Mo st noticeable of all these parameters is the PV conversion efficiency η, defined as the maximum electrical power Pmax produced by the PV cell divided by the incident photon power P in which is measured with respect to standard test conditions (STC). These conditions refer to the spectrum (AM 1.5), solar radiation intensity (1000 Wm-2), cell temperature (25 ±2oC) and wind speed (2 mph). Tests under STC are carried out in the laboratory at a controlled environment. There have been several studies that analyze uncertainties in the laboratory measurement of solar cell efficiencies using different solar simulators and their transference to operational situations. Our preliminary results demonstratethat the short circuit current (ISC) of the solar cell decreases when irradiance is less than 1000 Wm-2 irrespective of the working temperature of the cell.
Detection of antifungal compounds in Arabidopsis thaliana and brassica oleracea by thin layer chromatography .
Authors: Chong K.P. , Mansfield J.W. , Bennet M.H. , Rossiter J.F.
Published: November 2017

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was applied to detect antifungal compounds both in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica oleracea after elicited by various biotic and abiotic elicitors.From TLC bioassays the only strong zone of inhibition detected after challenged by Pseudomonas syringae pv.maculicola was from Arabidopsis tissue and later confirmed by spectrophotometry as camalexin but no corresponding phytoalexin was found in broccoli leaf.
Social Skill Interventions for Youth and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ke Fengfeng , Whalon Kelly , Yun Joonmo
Published: November 2017

This article is intended to synthesize the broader literature investigating the effectiveness and salient features of interventions designed to enhance the social competence of youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Outcomes for adults with autism spectrum disorder remain poor with only minimal improvement shown for decades. Among 796 articles reviewed, 42 representative social skill intervention studies met the selection criteria and were coded descriptively for design elements and findings. The review synthesizes and classifies the major categories and issues associated with the key features of the intervention (e.g., the intervention method, agent, tools, and measures), nature of the learning tasks, the implementation setting and length, research methodology, and key findings related to social competence.
Variation in leaf biomass and fruit output of Juniperus indica along an elevation gradient in north-central Nepal
Authors: Chapagain A. , Chaudhary R. P. , Ghimire S. K.
Published: November 2017

Biomass and reproductive output are important functional traits that influence aspects of plant performance. Measurements of these attributes by harvesting plant parts are often destructive and impractical. Therefore, non-destructive methods, based on allometric relationships, have been recommended for measuring plant biomass and reproductive output, particularly in the ecosystems where plant harvesting is not very practical or feasible. Here, we assessed the variation in the traits related to vegetative and reproductive performance (including plant height, trunk diameter, canopy area, leaf biomass and number of fruits set) among populations of Juniperus indica distributed along an elevation gradient in Manang district of the north-central Nepal, and finally determined the allometric relationships addressing the leaf biomass and the fruit output. The distribution range of J. indica was divided into lower- (3,350–3,580 m), mid- (3,650–3,880 m) and higher- (3,950–4,250 m) elevation classes where we made 54 sample plots of 10 m × 10 m size. In each plot, we recorded the number of individuals of J. indica classifying into seedling, juvenile and mature classes, and measured their vegetative traits and fruit output. Trunk diameter, leaf dry-weight and fruits set parameters spatially varied within the same elevation class. The individuals at the lower-elevation were larger in vegetative size with larger- trunk, height and canopy area, and produced higher leaf biomass and greater number of fruits as compared to those produced by the individuals situated at the mid- and higher-elevations. The regression analysis showed the strongest relationship between the canopy area and the leaf biomass. Thus, the use of outer canopy dimension is found to be the best option for estimation of leaf biomass of J. indica using non-destructive method.Banko Janakari, Vol. 27, No. 1, 2017, page: 3-10
Abundance of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its wild prey in Chhekampar VDC, Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal
Authors: Devkota B. P. , Silwal T. , Shrestha B. P. , Sapkota A. P. , Lakhey S. P. , Yadav V. K.
Published: November 2017

Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is the striking symbol as well as an indicator of intact eco-regions of high mountains it inhabits. Despite the advancement in new methods, scholars argue that signs are still a reliable indicator for the purpose of habitat use study of snow leopards. The relative abundance of snow leopard and its major prey species such as blue sheep (Pseudois nayar) and Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in the Chhekampar Village Development Committee within the Tsum Valley of the Manaslu Conservation Area was determined by sign survey using Snow Leopard Information Management System (SLIMS) and block survey using Vantage Point Method, respectively. We also assessed human snow leopard conflict through household and key informant survey. The encounter rate of snow leopard signs were 3.57/km on an average, indicating low abundance, whereas prey species such as blue sheep and Himalayan tahr had 3.8 and 1.8 animals/km2, respectively. The livestock depredation rate was 1.29% with snow leopard accounting to only 0.32% of the total. Due to the low abundance of snow leopard but sufficient number of large-sized wild prey species, livestock predation by snow leopard was minimum, and therefore, the local people had positive perception towards snow leopard conservation. Though the present situation including the local religious tradition and social norms is supportive in conservation of snow leopard, it may not sustain unless incentive programs are encouraged timely.Banko Janakari, Vol. 27, No. 1, Page : 11-20
Molecular conformation of then published Ziziphus budhensis and its religious and economic values
Authors: Pathak M. L. , Li H. C. , Xu B. , Gao X. F. , Pokharel K. K. , Nagarkoti A. B.
Published: November 2017

The newly described species, Ziziphus budhensis was confirmed as Chinese Jujuba, Z. xiangchengensis on the basis of their DNA analyses. Z. budhensis was explained as a new species on the basis of some morphological differences in 2015. In the Year 2016, the DNA samples were collected from the type locality of Nepal, and the molecular analyses were carried out. The type specimens and the other available images from the different herbariums were examined. Besides, the protologue and the type images were studied carefully. The result showed that though there were some differences in the habit and the habitat of the plant, the previously described new species, Z. budhensis was found to be same as the Chinese species, Z. xiangchengensis. This study also showed the importance of the molecular work of Z. budhensis and confirmed it morphologically distinct although it was very close to the Chinese species.Banko Janakari, Vol. 27, No. 1, page: 55-59
Analytical prediction of cogging torque for interior permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Lim Dong-Kuk , Jung Sang-Yong , Jung Hyun-Kyo , Ro Jong-Suk
Published: November 2017

The cogging torque calculation of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) has only been conducted by the finite element method (FEM) due to their complexities. However, FEM analysis requires considerable computational time during the design process. To deal with this problem, a new analytical method is proposed to calculate the cogging torque in IPMSMs. The radial and circumferential air-gap flux density for calculating the cogging torque utilizes the magnetic equivalent circuit model, conformal mapping method, and approximate equations of the magnet end. The validity of the proposed method was confirmed by comparing the results of the proposed method with those of FEM.
Investigation of Fuel Atomization with Density Functions
Authors: Urbán András , Józsa Viktor
Published: November 2017

Atomization involves mass, energy, and impulse transfer, in such a complex way that the overall process can only be described by empirical and semi-empirical correlations to date. The phenomenon of atomization is used in numerous applications, e.g., in combustion technology and metallurgy. However, many formulae are available in the literature to derive mean diameters of the spray, size distribution functions are barely discussed. Based on the measurement results performed earlier by a Phase Doppler Anemometer, twenty probability density functions were evaluated and seven are discussed in detail over the course of the present paper. The atomization pressure was varied, and characteristic regimes of the spray were measured. Interestingly, the analysis showed that not only the three most commonly used probability density functions (Nukiyama-Tanasawa, Rosin-Rammler, and Gamma) are eligible for describing the size distribution of the spray.
Raw and Heat-Treated Milk: From Public Health Risks to Nutritional Quality
Authors: Melini Francesca , Melini Valentina , Luziatelli Francesca , Ruzzi Maurizio
Published: November 2017

Consumers have recently shown a preference for natural food products and ingredients and within that framework, their interest in consuming raw drinking milk has been highlighted, claiming nutritional, organoleptic and health benefits. However, a public debate has simultaneously emerged about the actual risks and benefits of direct human consumption of raw milk. This paper compares the microbiological, nutritional and sensory profile of raw and heat-treated milk, to evaluate the real risks and benefits of its consumption. In detail, it provides an updated overview of the main microbiological risks of raw milk consumption, especially related to the presence of pathogens and the main outputs of risk assessment models are reported. After introducing the key aspects of most commonly used milk heat-treatments, the paper also discusses the effects such technologies have on the microbiological, nutritional and sensory profile of milk. An insight into the scientific evidence behind the claimed protective effects of raw milk consumption in lactose-intolerant subjects and against the onset of asthma and allergy disorders in children is provided. The emergence of novel milk processing technologies, such as ohmic heating, microwave heating, high pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound and microfiltration is also presented as an alternative to common thermal treatments.
An Entropy-Based Adaptive Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization for Disassembly Line Balancing Problems
Authors: Xiao Shanli , Wang Yujia , Yu Hui , Nie Shankun
Published: November 2017

In order to improve the product disassembly efficiency, the disassembly line balancing problem (DLBP) is transformed into a problem of searching for the optimum path in the directed and weighted graph by constructing the disassembly hierarchy information graph (DHIG). Then, combining the characteristic of the disassembly sequence, an entropy-based adaptive hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm (AHPSO) is presented. In this algorithm, entropy is introduced to measure the changing tendency of population diversity, and the dimension learning, crossover and mutation operator are used to increase the probability of producing feasible disassembly solutions (FDS). Performance of the proposed methodology is tested on the primary problem instances available in the literature, and the results are compared with other evolutionary algorithms. The results show that the proposed algorithm is efficient to solve the complex DLBP.
Deterministic Algorithm for Selective Shunt Active Power Compensators According to IEEE Std. 1459
Authors: Muñoz-Galeano Nicolás , Orts-Grau Salvador , Seguí-Chilet Salvador , Gimeno-Sales Francisco J. , López-Lezama Jesús M.
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a deterministic algorithm to scale the reference currents of a shunt active power compensator (SAPC) based on IEEE Std. 1459 power decomposition when SAPC maximum output compensating current is going to be exceeded. The selective SAPC is proposed to improve power quality and energy efficiency in power networks by means of the cancelation or reduction of the non-efficient powers (Q1+, SU1, SeN). The non-efficient powers can be reduced in six possible sequences according to the priority of compensation. When SAPC maximum output current capacity is exceeded, the proposed algorithm limits the SAPC output compensating currents and the non-efficient currents can only be partially reduced in the power network. The reduction of the non-efficient powers depends on the selected compensation sequence. Experimental results for several compensation sequences demonstrate the appropriate operation of the selective SAPC using the proposed scaling algorithm.
A 3D-Space Vector Modulation Algorithm for Three Phase Four Wire Neutral Point Clamped Inverter Systems as Power Quality Compensator
Authors: Ramasamy Palanisamy , Krishnasamy Vijayakumar
Published: November 2017

A Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) is designed using a Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) multilevel inverter to improve the power quality. When designed for high/medium voltage and power applications, the voltage stress across the switches and harmonic content in the output voltage are increased. A 3-phase 4-wire NPC inverter system is developed as Power Quality Conditioner using an effectual three dimensional Space Vector Modulation (3D-SVM) technique. The proposed system behaves like a UPQC with shunt and series active filter under balanced and unbalanced loading conditions. In addition to the improvement of the power quality issues, it also balances the neutral point voltage and voltage balancing across the capacitors under unbalanced condition. The hardware and simulation results of proposed system are compared with 2D-SVM and 3D-SVM. The proposed system is stimulated using MATLAB and the hardware is designed using FPGA. From the results it is evident that effectual 3D-SVM technique gives better performance compared to other control methods.
A Real-Time Digital Solver for Smart Substation Based on Orders
Authors: Zhang Bingda , Wu Yanjie , Jin Zhao , Wang Yang
Published: November 2017

In order to expand the simulation scale of smart substation, a simulation model of the inlet-outlet line unit, as described by the 0/108 S conductance for multivalued coefficients pre-storage is presented in this paper. As a part of orders decomposition, the address conversion circuit for multivalued coefficients can reduce the computational burden of processing elements. For the convenience of the generalization of the real-time digital solver based on FPGA (FRTDS, FPGA: Field–Programmable Gate Array), the address conversion circuit for multivalued coefficients is matched with the guide word, the formation module of sampled value (SV) packet, and the resolution module of generic object oriented substation event (GOOSE) packet are associated with the application identification (APPID) in the Ethernet frame. The address conversion circuit for multivalued coefficients, the formation module of SV packet, and the resolution module of GOOSE packet are reconstructed via the orders. A hardware-in-the-loop real-time simulation platform for smart substation is built based on the novel FRTDS. A case is given to demonstrate the simulation calculating capability and the hardware-in-the-loop ability of the novel FRTDS.
Assessing Land Use-Cover Changes and Modelling Change Scenarios in Two Mountain Spanish National Parks
Authors: Martínez-Vega Javier , Díaz Andrés , Nava José Miguel , Gallardo Marta , Echavarría Pilar
Published: November 2017

Land Use-Cover Changes (LUCCs) are one of the main problems for the preservation of biodiversity. Protected Areas (PAs) do not escape this threat. Some processes, such as intensive recreational use, forest fires or the expansion of artificial areas taking place inside and around them in response to their appeal, question their environmental sustainability and their efficiency. In this paper, we analyze the LUCCs that took place between 1990 and 2006 in two National Parks (NPs) belonging to the Spanish network and in their surroundings: Ordesa and Monte Perdido (Ordesa NP) and Sierra de Guadarrama (Guadarrama NP). We also simulate land use changes between 2006 and 2030 by means of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), taking into account two scenarios: trend and green. Finally, we perform a multi-temporal analysis of natural habitat fragmentation in each NP. The results show that the NPs analyzed are well-preserved and have seen hardly any significant LUCCs inside them. However, Socioeconomic Influence Zones (SIZs) and buffers are subject to different dynamics. In the SIZ and buffer of the Ordesa NP, there has been an expansion of built-up areas (annual rate of change = +1.19) around small urban hubs and ski resorts. There has also been a gradual recovery of natural areas, which had been interrupted by forest fires. The invasion of sub-alpine grasslands by shrubs is clear (+2735 ha). The SIZ and buffer of the Guadarrama NP are subject to urban sprawl in forest areas and to the construction of road infrastructures (+5549 ha and an annual rate of change = +1.20). Industrial area has multiplied by 3.3 in 20 years. The consequences are an increase in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), greater risk of forest fires and greater fragmentation of natural habitats (+0.04 in SIZ). In the change scenarios, if conditions change as expected, the specific threats facing each NP can be expected to increase. There are substantial differences between the scenarios depending on whether or not incentives are accepted and legal restrictions are respected.
Gut Microbiome and Putative Resistome of Inca and Italian Nobility Mummies
Authors: Santiago-Rodriguez Tasha , Fornaciari Gino , Luciani Stefania , Toranzos Gary , Marota Isolina , Giuffra Valentina , Cano Raul
Published: November 2017

Little is still known about the microbiome resulting from the process of mummification of the human gut. In the present study, the gut microbiota, genes associated with metabolism, and putative resistome of Inca and Italian nobility mummies were characterized by using high-throughput sequencing. The Italian nobility mummies exhibited a higher bacterial diversity as compared to the Inca mummies when using 16S ribosomal (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing, but both groups showed bacterial and fungal taxa when using shotgun metagenomic sequencing that may resemble both the thanatomicrobiome and extant human gut microbiomes. Identification of sequences associated with plants, animals, and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) may provide further insights into the dietary habits of Inca and Italian nobility mummies. Putative antibiotic-resistance genes in the Inca and Italian nobility mummies support a human gut resistome prior to the antibiotic therapy era. The higher proportion of putative antibiotic-resistance genes in the Inca compared to Italian nobility mummies may support the hypotheses that a greater exposure to the environment may result in a greater acquisition of antibiotic-resistance genes. The present study adds knowledge of the microbiome resulting from the process of mummification of the human gut, insights of ancient dietary habits, and the preserved putative human gut resistome prior the antibiotic therapy era.
Estimating Impacts of Agricultural Subsurface Drainage on Evapotranspiration Using the Landsat Imagery-Based METRIC Model
Authors: Khand Kul , Kjaersgaard Jeppe , Hay Christopher , Jia Xinhua
Published: November 2017

Agricultural subsurface drainage changes the field hydrology and potentially the amount of water available to the crop by altering the flow path and the rate and timing of water removal. Evapotranspiration (ET) is normally among the largest components of the field water budget, and the changes in ET from the introduction of subsurface drainage are likely to have a greater influence on the overall water yield (surface runoff plus subsurface drainage) from subsurface drained (TD) fields compared to fields without subsurface drainage (UD). To test this hypothesis, we examined the impact of subsurface drainage on ET at two sites located in the Upper Midwest (North Dakota-Site 1 and South Dakota-Site 2) using the Landsat imagery-based METRIC (Mapping Evapotranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration) model. Site 1 was planted with corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) during the 2009 and 2010 growing seasons, respectively. Site 2 was planted with corn for the 2013 growing season. During the corn growing seasons (2009 and 2013), differences between the total ET from TD and UD fields were less than 5 mm. For the soybean year (2010), ET from the UD field was 10% (53 mm) greater than that from the TD field. During the peak ET period from June to September for all study years, ET differences from TD and UD fields were within 15 mm (<3%). Overall, differences between daily ET from TD and UD fields were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) and showed no consistent relationship.
Measuring the Effect of Housing Quality Interventions: The Case of the New Zealand “Rental Warrant of Fitness”
Authors: Telfar-Barnard Lucy , Bennett Julie , Howden-Chapman Philippa , Jacobs David , Ormandy David , Cutler-Welsh Matthew , Preval Nicholas , Baker Michael , Keall Michael
Published: November 2017

In New Zealand, as in many other countries, housing in the private-rental sector is in worse condition than in the owner-occupier housing sector. New Zealand residential buildings have no inspection regime after original construction signoff. Laws and regulations mandating standards for existing residential housing are outdated and spread over a range of instruments. Policies to improve standards in existing housing have been notoriously difficult to implement. In this methods paper, we describe the development and implementation of a rental Warrant of Fitness (WoF) intended to address these problems. Dwellings must pass each of 29 criteria for habitability, insulation, heating, ventilation, safety, amenities, and basic structural soundness to reach the WoF minimum standard. The WoF’s development was based on two decades of research on the impact of housing quality on health and wellbeing, and strongly influenced by the UK Housing Health and Safety Rating System and US federal government housing standards. Criteria were field-tested across a range of dwelling types and sizes, cities, and climate zones. The implementation stage of our WoF research consists of a non-random controlled quasi-experimental study in which we work with two city-level local government councils to implement the rental WoF, recruiting adjoining council areas as controls, and measuring changes in health, economic, and social outcomes.
BUS TRIPS—A Self-Management Program for People with Cognitive Impairments after Stroke
Authors: Carlstedt Emma , Iwarsson Susanne , Ståhl Agneta , Pessah-Rasmussen Hélène , Månsson Lexell Eva
Published: November 2017

Stroke is a major cause of disability worldwide and different types of impairments can affect the individual’s ability to manage everyday activities such as travel that is essential for participation in society. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a new self-management intervention (BUS TRIPS) focusing on travelling by bus, and potential contributions to an improved ability to travel by bus for people with cognitive impairments after stroke. This is a pilot study of five individuals, utilizing a multiple case study design with a mixed methods approach. Assessments (Stroke Impact Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale-11, Item 1) were performed before, two weeks after, and three months after the program. The data collection also comprised reflection notes from the group leaders (an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist), a semi-structured group interview and an individual phone survey. The feasibility of the intervention was presented in four sub-categories: (1) appreciated group format despite too short sessions; (2) the importance of skilled leaders and motivated participants; (3) session material adequate but needs minor revision to fit the target group; and (4) homework is valuable but reflective group discussions must be supported. The narratives of each case showed that all participants made some progress related to travelling by bus, but the overall positive results could not be verified by all of the quantitative assessments. We conclude that the BUS TRIPS intervention is feasible and can potentially contribute to an improved ability to travel by bus for the target group. Future studies is called for, and should focus on recruitment challenges, to clarify assessments that would be suitable to use in larger scale clinical trials and during subsequent implementation in clinical practice.
Autophagy Roles in the Modulation of DNA Repair Pathways
Authors: Gomes Luciana , Menck Carlos , Leandro Giovana
Published: November 2017

Autophagy and DNA repair are biological processes vital for cellular homeostasis maintenance and when dysfunctional, they lead to several human disorders including premature aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. The interchange between these pathways is complex and it may occur in both directions. Autophagy is activated in response to several DNA lesions types and it can regulate different mechanisms and molecules involved in DNA damage response (DDR), such as cell cycle checkpoints, cell death, and DNA repair. Thus, autophagy may modulate DNA repair pathways, the main focus of this review. In addition to the already well-documented autophagy positive effects on homologous recombination (HR), autophagy has also been implicated with other DNA repair mechanisms, such as base excision repair (BER), nucleotide excision repair (NER), and mismatch repair (MMR). Given the relevance of these cellular processes, the clinical applications of drugs targeting this autophagy-DNA repair interface emerge as potential therapeutic strategies for many diseases, especially cancer.
miRNAs, Melanoma and Microenvironment: An Intricate Network
Authors: Romano Gabriele , Kwong Lawrence
Published: November 2017

miRNAs are central players in cancer biology and they play a pivotal role in mediating the network communication between tumor cells and their microenvironment. In melanoma, miRNAs can impair or facilitate a wide array of processes, and here we will focus on: the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), the immune milieu, and metabolism. Multiple miRNAs can affect the EMT process, even at a distance, for example through exosome-mediated mechanisms. miRNAs also strongly act on some components of the immune system, regulating the activity of key elements such as antigen presenting cells, and can facilitate an immune evasive/suppressive phenotype. miRNAs are also involved in the regulation of metabolic processes, specifically in response to hypoxic stimuli where they can mediate the metabolic switch from an oxidative to a glycolytic metabolism. Overall, this review discusses and summarizes recent findings on miRNA regulation in the melanoma tumor microenvironment, analyzing their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Effect of Intranasally Delivered rh-VEGF165 on Angiogenesis Following Cerebral Hypoxia-Ischemia in the Cerebral Cortex of Newborn Piglets
Authors: Jain Amit , Kratimenos Panagiotis , Koutroulis Ioannis , Jain Amishi , Buddhavarapu Amulya , Ara Jahan
Published: November 2017

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates vascular genesis and angiogenesis. Cerebral Hypoxia-Ischemia (HI) leads to the reduction of vasculature in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets. Objective: The present study tests the hypothesis that post-hypoxia intranasal administration of recombinant human VEGF165 (rh-VEGF165) for 3 days increases the vascular density in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets without promoting neovascularization. Design/Methods: Ventilated newborn piglets were divided into three groups (n = 5/group): normoxic (Nx), hypoxic-ischemic (HI), and HI treated with intranasal rh-VEGF165rh-VEGF165 (HI-VEGF). HI piglets were exposed to HI (0.05 FiO2) for 30 min. Recombinant h-VEGF165 (100 ng/kg) was administered 15 min after HI and then once daily for 3 days. The animals were perfused transcardially and coronal brains sections were processed for Isolectin, Hoechst, and ki-67 cell proliferation marker staining. To assess the vascular density, 30–35 fields per animal section were manually counted using image J software. Results: The vascular density (vessels/mm2) was 42.0 ± 8.0 in the Nx group, 26.4 ± 4.8 (p < 0.05 vs. Nx) in the HI group, and 46.0 ± 11.9 (p < 0.05 vs. HI) in the HI-VEGF group. When stained for newly formed vessels, via Ki-67 staining, the vascular density was 5.4 ± 3.6 in the Nx group (p < 0.05 vs. HI), 10.2 ± 2.1 in the HI group, and 10.9 ± 2.9 in the HI-VEGF group (p = 0.72 vs. HI). HI resulted in a decrease in vascular density. Intranasal rh-VEGF165rh-VEGF165 resulted in the attenuation of the HI-induced decrease in vascular density. However, rh-VEGF165 did not result in the formation of new vascularity, as evident by ki-67 staining. Conclusions: Intranasal rh-VEGF165 may prevent the HI-induced decrease in the vascular density of the brain and could serve as a promising adjuvant therapy for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
miR-1224-5p Mediates Mitochondrial Damage to Affect Silica-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Targeting BECN1
Authors: Wu Qiuyun , Xu Tiantian , Liu Yi , Li Yan , Yuan Jiali , Yao Wenxi , Xu Qi , Yan Weiwen , Ni Chunhui
Published: November 2017

Silicosis is associated with fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition in lung tissues. The dysregulation of miR-1224-5p has been implicated in several human cancers; however, the expression and function of miR-1224-5p in silicosis is unknown. The mitochondrial dysfunctions play critical roles in some diseases, but how these processes are regulated in silicosis remains limited. Here, we explored the role of miR-1224-5p in a mouse model of silicosis. We showed that the expression of miR-1224-5p is increased both in lung tissues of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and fibroblasts exposed to TGF-β1. Repression of miR-1224-5p expression attenuated silica-induced fibrotic progression in vivo and TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation in vitro. Additionally, we demonstrated that miR-1224-5p facilitated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis primarily by repressing one of target genes, BECN1, thereby blocking PARK2 translocation to mitochondria and inducing the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. Furthermore, the activation of PDGFR signal mediated by mitochondrial damage and insufficient mitophagy resulted in myofibroblast differentiation. Collectively, these data indicated that miR-1224-5p exerts key functions in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and may represent a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.
Down-Regulation of Transglutaminase 2 Stimulates Redifferentiation of Dedifferentiated Chondrocytes through Enhancing Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Ko Kyoung-Won , Choi Bogyu , Park Sunghyun , Arai Yoshie , Choi Won Chul , Lee Joong-Myung , Bae Hojae , Han In-Bo , Lee Soo-Hong
Published: November 2017

Expansion of chondrocytes for repair of articular cartilage can lead to dedifferentiation, making it difficult to obtain a sufficient quantity of chondrocytes. Although previous studies have suggested that culture in a three-dimensional environment induces redifferentiation of dedifferentiated chondrocytes, its underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood in terms of metabolism compared with a two-dimensional environment. In this study, we demonstrate that attenuation of transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a multifunctional enzyme, stimulates redifferentiation of dedifferentiated chondrocytes. Fibroblast-like morphological changes increased as TG2 expression increased in passage-dependent manner. When dedifferentiated chondrocytes were cultured in a pellet culture system, TG2 expression was reduced and glycolytic enzyme expression up-regulated. Previous studies demonstrated that TG2 influences energy metabolism, and impaired glycolytic metabolism causes chondrocyte dedifferentiation. Interestingly, TG2 knockdown improved chondrogenic gene expression, glycolytic enzyme expression, and lactate production in a monolayer culture system. Taken together, down-regulation of TG2 is involved in redifferentiaton of dedifferentiated chondrocytes through enhancing glucose metabolism.
Vitamin D Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Role, Current Uses and Future Perspectives
Authors: Del Pinto Rita , Ferri Claudio , Cominelli Fabio
Published: November 2017

Increasing evidence supports the concept that the vitamin D axis possesses immunoregulatory functions, with vitamin D receptor (VDR) status representing the major determinant of vitamin D’s pleiotropic effects. Vitamin D promotes the production of anti-microbial peptides, including β-defensins and cathelicidins, the shift towards Th2 immune responses, and regulates autophagy and epithelial barrier integrity. Impairment of vitamin D-mediated pathways are associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Interestingly, inhibition of vitamin D pathways results in dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, which has mechanistically been implicated in the development of IBD. Herein, we explore the role of the vitamin D axis in immune-mediated diseases, with particular emphasis on its interplay with the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of IBD. The potential clinical implications and therapeutic relevance of this interaction will also be discussed, including optimizing VDR function, both with vitamin D analogues and probiotics, which may represent a complementary approach to current IBD treatments.
Muscular Dystrophies and Cancer Cachexia: Similarities in Chronic Skeletal Muscle Degeneration
Authors: Berardi Emanuele
Published: November 2017

Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are inheritable diseases caused by mutations in specific genes encoding muscle proteins and characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. MDs are classified into nine main categories, encompassing approximately 30 different diseases. Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD) are the most commonly diagnosed neuromuscular disorders, affecting respectively ~1/3500 and 3–6/100,000 male infants worldwide. DMD is characterized by absence of dystrophin function due to complete loss of expression or to the presence of a non-functional dystrophin protein in muscle tissue, while a semi-functional dystrophin isoform is typically present in BMD. Lack of dystrophin function in MDs induces myofiber damage, causing persistent cycles of degeneration/regeneration, exhaustion of regenerative potential and fibrosis, and resulting in muscle degeneration. Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by severe body weight loss and muscle degenerative atrophy. Up to 80% of cancer patients show cachexia, and the syndrome has been estimated to cause ~2 million of deaths per year. This cancer-related muscle wasting is mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and tumor-released mediators able to activate specific catabolic pathways in muscle tissue. MDs and cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) share some peculiar features, including systemic and muscle-specific inflammation, alteration of myogenic potential, ultrastructural abnormalities, and dysfunction of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DCG). This review focuses on the pathophysiological comparison between these two chronic muscle degenerative conditions and discusses the most relevant and promising therapeutic strategies considered so far.
Sarcopenia and Exercise “The State of the Art”
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: November 2017

Skeletal muscle mass reduction might be a consequence of aging (sarcopenia), disease (cachexia) or inactivity (muscle atrophy). Studying the triggering factors leading to muscle loss is important in developing therapies to preserve muscle tissue function. The loss of skeletal muscle proteins is caused by an imbalance between the rate of their synthesis and degradation. Specifically, the conditions characterized by muscle loss involve an adaptation metabolism of increased protein degradation (cachexia), decreased muscle protein synthesis (inactivity), or alteration in both (sarcopenia). Sarcopenia and exercise is the main topic chosen for this review. This is a huge health problem, poorly discussed in the current literature and the aim of this review is to explain and help readers to better understand the differences between “sarcopenia”, “cachexia”, “muscle atrophy” and the relative beneficial effects of exercise used as a possible therapeutic intervention. Sarcopenia is a component of the fragility syndrome and indicates a significant health issue related to the progressive decline of muscle tissue quality and strength. Exercise is associated with improved life quality, reduced health problems, and prolonged lifespan. The latter suggests that exercise should be considered a fundamental point in the treatment of pathological skeletal muscle mass reduction. The present scientific contribution also seeks to emphasize to the scientific community the positive effects of the adapted physical activity in the elderly as a possible non-pharmacologic treatment to prevent or treat muscle atrophy.
Measuring Reasoning about Teaching for Graduate Admissions in Psychology and Related Disciplines
Authors: Sternberg Robert , Sternberg Karin , Todhunter Rebel
Published: November 2017

Teaching- and teaching-evaluation skills are critically important to professional success in psychology and related disciplines. We explored the possibility of measuring reasoning-about-teaching skills as a supplementary measure for admissions in psychology and related behavioral-sciences disciplines. We tested 103 students for their reasoning about teaching and their reasoning about research, as well as for their cognitive- (abstract reasoning) and educational skills. We found that women performed better than men on our reasoning-about-teaching measure, and that factorially, our reasoning-about-teaching measure clustered with our reasoning-about-research measures but not with our measures of abstract cognitive reasoning and educational skills.
Optimizing Low-Concentration Mercury Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Fe3O4 Composites with the Aid of an Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Cao Rensheng , Fan Mingyi , Hu Jiwei , Ruan Wenqian , Xiong Kangning , Wei Xionghui
Published: November 2017

Reduced graphene oxide-supported Fe3O4 (Fe3O4/rGO) composites were applied in this study to remove low-concentration mercury from aqueous solutions with the aid of an artificial neural network (ANN) modeling and genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. The Fe3O4/rGO composites were prepared by the solvothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), N2-sorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and superconduction quantum interference device (SQUID). Response surface methodology (RSM) and ANN were employed to model the effects of different operating conditions (temperature, initial pH, initial Hg ion concentration and contact time) on the removal of the low-concentration mercury from aqueous solutions by the Fe3O4/rGO composites. The ANN-GA model results (with a prediction error below 5%) show better agreement with the experimental data than the RSM model results (with a prediction error below 10%). The removal process of the low-concentration mercury obeyed the Freudlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In addition, a regeneration experiment of the Fe3O4/rGO composites demonstrated that these composites can be reused for the removal of low-concentration mercury from aqueous solutions.
Mixed Order Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Fečkan Michal , Wang JinRong
Published: November 2017

This paper studies fractional differential equations (FDEs) with mixed fractional derivatives. Existence, uniqueness, stability, and asymptotic results are derived.
Immunoenhancement Effects of Glycosaminoglycan from Apostichopus japonicus: In Vitro and In Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice Studies
Authors: Wang Han , Yang Shuang , Wang Yuanhong , Jiang Tingfu , Li Shuai , Lv Zhihua
Published: November 2017

In this study, the immunomodulatory activities of Apostichopus japonicus glycosaminoglycan (AHG) on the nature killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and cyclophosphamide (CY)-treated mice were investigated. After stimulation with multiple concentrations of AHG (0–100 μg/mL), NK cells and CTLs displayed outperformance against YAC-1 and B16 cells, respectively. Furthermore, the mitogen-induced splenic lymphocyte proliferation in CY-induced immunosuppressed mice was significantly promoted by AHG. In addition, the administration of AHG dramatically increased the splenocytes Ca2+ concentration and the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, AHG could strongly increase the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and could decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the heart, kidney and liver. These findings indicated that AHG played an important role in the immune enhancement and protection against CY-induced immunosuppression and oxidative damage. Our findings provide experimental evidence for further research and possible immunostimulatory applications of AHG in clinical practice.
Reclamation of Marine Chitinous Materials for the Production of α-Glucosidase Inhibitors via Microbial Conversion
Authors: Nguyen Van Bon , Wang San-Lang
Published: November 2017

Six kinds of chitinous materials have been used as sole carbon/nitrogen (C/N) sources for producing α-glucosidase inhibitors (aGI) by Paenibacillus sp. TKU042. The aGI productivity was found to be highest in the culture supernatants using demineralized crab shell powder (deCSP) and demineralized shrimp shell powder (deSSP) as the C/N source. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and maximum aGI activity of fermented deCSP (38 µg/mL, 98%), deSSP (108 µg/mL, 89%), squid pen powder (SPP) (422 µg/mL, 98%), and shrimp head powder (SHP) (455 µg/mL, 92%) were compared with those of fermented nutrient broth (FNB) (81 µg/mL, 93%) and acarbose (1095 µg/mL, 74%), a commercial antidiabetic drug. The result of the protein/chitin ratio on aGI production showed that the optimal ratio was 0.2/1. Fermented deCSP showed lower IC50 and higher maximum inhibitory activity than those of acarbose against rat intestinal α-glucosidase.
Chemical Fingerprint and Multicomponent Quantitative Analysis for the Quality Evaluation of Cyclocarya paliurus Leaves by HPLC–Q–TOF–MS
Authors: Cao Yanni , Fang Shengzuo , Yin Zhiqi , Fu Xiangxiang , Shang Xulan , Yang Wanxia , Yang Huimin
Published: November 2017

Cyclocarya paliurus is an edible and medicinal plant containing various bioactive components with significant health benefits. A combinative method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint and quantitative analysis was developed and successfully applied for characterization and quality evaluation of C. paliurus leaves collected from 18 geographical locations of China. For the fingerprint analysis, 21 common peaks were observed among the 18 samples, and these peaks were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC–Q–TOF–MS), while a simultaneous quantification of 16 markers was conducted to interpret the variations of contents of these bioactive compounds among the C. paliurus leaves from different geographical locations. Quantification results showed that the contents of these sixteen investigated compounds varied greatly among the leaves from different locations. The developed new method would be a valuable reference for further study and development of this bioactive plant.
Wide Band Gap Polymer Based on Indacenodithiophene and Acenaphthoquinoxaline for Efficient Polymer Solar Cells Application
Authors: Liu Ming , Liu Zhitian , Zhang Yong , Zhao Liancheng
Published: November 2017

A new wide band gap polymer PIDT-AQx with indacenodithiophene (IDT) as the electron-rich unit and acenaphthoquinoxaline (AQx) as the electron-deficient unit has been designed and synthesized. The optical band gap of PIDT-AQx was 1.81 eV with a HOMO energy level of −5.13 eV. Polymer solar cells with the blend of PIDT-AQx/PC71BM as the active layer achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.56%, with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.84 V, a current density (Jsc) of 9.88 mA cm−2, and a fill factor (FF) of 55% without any solvent additives and pre- or post-treatments. The photovoltaic performance of PIDT-AQx could be slightly improved with a PCE up to 4.78% after thermal annealing due to enhanced Jsc. The results indicate that acenaphthoquinoxaline is a promising building block for developing conjugated polymers for efficient solar cells application.