bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of the Liver and Spleen Transcriptomes between Holstein and Yunnan Humped Cattle
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Zeng Benjuan , Shi Peng , Xiao Heng , Chen Shanyuan
Published: August 2019

Previous studies have shown that Yunnan humped cattle have higher disease resistance than pure taurine cattle, such as Holsteins. However, there exists limited information about the molecular genetic basis underlying disease resistance differences between them. The objective of this study was to compare differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the liver and spleen tissues of Holstein and Yunnan humped cattle through comparative transcriptome analysis, using RNA-sequencing. In total, 1564 (647 up- and 917 down-regulated genes) and 1530 (716 up- and 814 down-regulated genes) DEGs were obtained in the liver and spleen tissues of Holstein and Yunnan humped cattle comparison groups, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly associated with the RIG-I signaling pathway, immune responses, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I protein complex and complement activation, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-I (HTLV-I) infection. Some genes related to immune function, such as C1QB, CD55, MASP2, C4BPA, MAVS, NOD2, and CD46, were up-regulated in Yunnan humped cattle, while C2, SERPING1, SERPINE1, TIRAP, TLR2, and TLR6 were down-regulated. The expression levels of 11 selected DEGs, analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), were consistent with the deep sequencing results by RNA-sequencing. Our results will provide a scientific basis and key technical support for disease-resistant breeding of domestic cattle.
Housing Rabbit Does in a Combi System with Removable Walls: Effect on Behaviour and Reproductive Performance
Authors: Dal Bosco Alessandro , Mugnai Cecilia , Martino Melania , Szendrő Zsolt , Mattioli Simona , Cambiotti Valentina , Cartoni Mancinelli Alice , Moscati Livia , Castellini Cesare
Published: August 2019

We evaluated the effects of two types of colony cages, in which rabbit does were always in a group (C1), and where they were in combi cages furnished with removable internal walls to allow both individual and grouphousing (C2), in addition to the control group (C: conventional individual cage), on welfare, reproductive performance, and global efficiency. Forty-eight New Zealand White nulliparous rabbit does underwent artificially insemination (AI) and were divided into three groups, and reared in the different systems for about 1 year. The reproductive rhythm provides AIs at weaning (30d). In the C1 system, does were continuously grouped, while in C2, walls were inserted four days before kindling and removed 1week after it (60% of the timesheet in group). Reproductive traits and behaviour were evaluated during the entire year. The behavioural observations were performed around days 7, 36, and 44, corresponding to the inclusion of the does in the maternal cages, the insertion of walls four days before kindling, and the removal of the walls 1week after parturition in the C2 group, respectively. The percentages of does with severe skin injuries and the distribution of the injuries on different parts of body were also registered. Does reared in conventional cages showed the greatest presence of stereotype behaviours, while the C1 group showed the highest (p < 0.05) incidence of aggressiveness after regrouping (attack, dominance features, and lower allo-grooming) in comparison to the C2 group (17% and 22%, in C2 and C1 does, respectively).Individually caged does achieved the best productive performance (sexual receptivity, fertility, kindling rate, and number of kits born alive and at weaning). The C1 group showed the lowest performance (p < 0.05), whereas C2 showed an intermediate one. Does housed in the combi cage (C2) had higher (p < 0.05) receptivity and fertility rates and higher numbers of kits born alive and at weaning (79.2% and 76.2%; 7.95 and 7.20, respectively) than the C1 group, but lower values (p < 0.05) than does that were individually housed.
Mitochondrial Toxicity of Azithromycin Results in Aerobic Glycolysis and DNA Damage of Human Mammary Epithelia and Fibroblasts
Authors: Jiang Xianpeng , Baucom Catherine , Elliott Robert L.
Published: August 2019

Mitochondria evolved from free-living bacteria via endocytosis within eukaryotic host cells millions of year ago. We hypothesized that antibiotics cause mammalian mitochondrial damage while causing bacterial lethality. Mitochondrial toxicity of azithromycin in human mammary epithelia MCF-12A and fibroblasts were tested by fluorescent and transmission electron microscopy. Gene expression and DNA damage were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and ELISA. We found azithromycin suppressed the mitochondrial membrane potential gradient of MCF-12A cells and fibroblasts. Ultrastructure exams showed that the antibiotic caused vacuolated and swollen mitochondria with disrupted cristae in MCF-12A cells and fibroblasts compared to the morphology of mitochondria in the cells without antibiotic treatment. Fluorescent microscopy also showed azithromycin-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide, after 3 h of culture. The DNA oxidative damage product, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, significantly increased in the media after MCF-12A cells and fibroblasts were cultured in the media containing azithromycin for 24 h. Azithromycin upregulated gene expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1a), glycolytic enzymes including hexokinase 2 (HK2), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFKM), pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme M2 (PKM2), and glucose transporters in MCF-12A cells and fibroblasts. Lactate production also increased in the culture media. After treatment with azithromycin, healthy MCF-12A and fibroblast cells increased aerobic glycolysis—the “Warburg Effect”—to generate energy. In summary, azithromycin caused mitochondrial toxicity, ROS overproduction, DNA oxidative damage, upregulation of the HIF1a gene, and aerobic glycolysis in healthy mammalian cells. Over-usage of antibiotics could contribute to tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration and aggravate existing mitochondria-associated diseases.
p-Coumaric Acid as An Active Ingredient in Cosmetics: A Review Focusing on its Antimelanogenic Effects
Authors: Boo Yong Chool
Published: August 2019

Controlling unwanted hyperpigmentation is a major challenge in dermatology and cosmetology, and safe and efficacious antimelanogenic agents are deemed useful for this purpose. p-Coumaric acid is a natural metabolite contained in many edible plants, and its antioxidant activities in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions have been demonstrated in various experimental models. p-Coumaric acid has the optimal structure to be a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase that catalyzes key reactions in the melanin biosynthetic pathway. Experimental evidence supports this notion as it was found to be a more potent inhibitor of tyrosinase, especially toward human enzymes, than other well-known tyrosinase inhibitors such as arbutin and kojic acid. p-Coumaric acid inhibited melanin synthesis in murine melanoma cells, human epidermal melanocytes, and reconstituted three-dimensional human skin models. Ex-vivo skin permeation experiments and in-vivo efficacy tests for p-coumaric acid confirmed its efficient transdermal delivery and functional efficacy in reducing erythema development and skin pigmentation due to ultraviolet radiation exposure. Human studies further supported its effectiveness in hypopigmentation and depigmentation. These findings suggest that p-coumaric acid has good potential to be used as a skin-lightening active ingredient in cosmetics. Future studies are needed to extensively examine its safety and efficacy and to develop an optimized cosmetic formulation for the best performance in skin lightening.
Lycopene Modulates Pathophysiological Processes of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Rats
Authors: Róvero Costa Mariane , Leite Garcia Jéssica , Cristina Vágula de Almeida Silva Carol , Junio Togneri Ferron Artur , Valentini Francisqueti-Ferron Fabiane , Kurokawa Hasimoto Fabiana , Schmitt Gregolin Cristina , Henrique Salomé de Campos Dijon , Roberto de Andrade Cleverton , dos Anjos Ferreira Ana Lúcia , Renata Corrêa Camila , Moreto Fernando
Published: August 2019

Background: The higher consumption of fat and sugar are associated with obesity development and its related diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lycopene is an antioxidant whose protective potential on fatty liver degeneration has been investigated. The aim of this study was to present the therapeutic effects of lycopene on NAFLD related to the obesity induced by a hypercaloric diet. Methods: Wistar rats were distributed in two groups: Control (Co, n = 12) and hypercaloric (Ob, n = 12). After 20 weeks, the animals were redistributed into the control group (Co, n = 6), control group supplemented with lycopene (Co+Ly, n = 6), obese group (Ob, n = 6), and obese group supplemented with lycopene (Ob+Ly, n = 6). Ob groups also received water + sucrose (25%). Animals received lycopene solution (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (corn oil) via gavage for 10 weeks. Results: Animals which consumed the hypercaloric diet had higher adiposity index, increased fasting blood glucose, hepatic and blood triglycerides, and also presented in the liver macro and microvesicular steatosis, besides elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Lycopene has shown therapeutic effects on blood and hepatic lipids, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), mitigated TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and further improved the hepatic antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: Lycopene shows therapeutic potential to NAFLD.
Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Effects of Purified Flavonol Glycosides and Aglycones in Green Tea
Authors: Rha Chan-Su , Jeong Hyun Woo , Park Saitbyul , Lee Siyoung , Jung Young Sung , Kim Dae-Ok
Published: August 2019

(1) Background: Extensive research has focused on flavan-3-ols, but information about the bioactivities of green tea flavonols is limited. (2) Methods: In this study, we investigated the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects of flavonol glycosides and aglycones from green tea using in vitro cell models. The fractions rich in flavonol glycoside (FLG) and flavonol aglycone (FLA) were obtained from green tea extract after treatment with tannase and cellulase, respectively. (3) Results: FLG and FLA contained 16 and 13 derivatives, respectively, including apigenin, kaempferol, myricetin, and quercetin, determined by mass spectrometry. FLA exhibited higher radical-scavenging activity than that of FLG. FLG and FLA attenuated the levels of intracellular oxidative stress in neuron-like PC-12 cells. The treatment of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages with FLG and FLA significantly reduced the mRNA expression of inflammation-related genes in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, FLG and FLA treatments decreased the viability of the colon adenoma cell line DLD-1 and breast cancer cell line E0771. Moreover, the treatment with FLG or FLA combined with paclitaxel had synergistic anticancer effects on the DLD-1 cell line. (4) Conclusions: Flavonols from green tea exerted beneficial effects on health and may be superior to flavan-3-ols.
Relationship of the Phytochemicals from Coffee and Cocoa By-Products with their Potential to Modulate Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome In Vitro
Authors: Rebollo-Hernanz Miguel , Zhang Qiaozhi , Aguilera Yolanda , Martín-Cabrejas Maria A. , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to compare the phytochemicals from coffee and cocoa by-products and their relationship with the potential for reducing markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, and insulin resistance in vitro. We characterized the phytochemical profile of extracts from coffee husk, coffee silverskin, and cocoa shell and evaluated their in vitro biological activity in RAW264.7 macrophages and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Pearson correlations and principal component regressions were performed to find the contribution of phytochemicals and underlying mechanisms of action. Coffee husk and silverskin extracts were mainly composed of caffeine and chlorogenic acid. Major components in cocoa shell included theobromine and protocatechuic acid. Both coffee and cocoa by-product extracts effectively reduced inflammatory markers in macrophages and adipocytes (NO, PGE2, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6) and the production of reactive oxygen species (21.5–66.4%). Protocatechuic and chlorogenic acids, together with caffeine, were suggested as main contributors against inflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, extracts reduced lipid accumulation (4.1–49.1%) in adipocytes by regulating lipolysis and inducing adipocyte browning. Gallic and chlorogenic acids were associated with reduced adipogenesis, and caffeine with adipocyte browning. Extracts from coffee and cocoa by-products also modulated the phosphorylation of insulin receptor signaling pathway and stimulated GLUT-4 translocation (52.4–72.9%), increasing glucose uptake. The insulin-sensitizing potential of the extracts was mainly associated with protocatechuic acid. For the first time, we identified the phytochemicals from coffee and cocoa by-products and offered new insights into their associations with biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, and insulin resistance in vitro.
A Simplified Thermal Model and Online Temperature Estimation Method of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Xiao Mingkang , Lu Ke , Wu Zhihong , Tao Ben
Published: August 2019

Monitoring critical temperatures in permanent magnet synchronous motors is crucial for improving working reliability. Aiming at resolving the difficulty in online temperature estimation, an accurate and simple five-node lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) is proposed and the mathematical model of the LPTN is built. Both radial and axial heat transfer paths inside the motor are considered to model the complete thermal circuit. In addition, an innovative parameter identification method based on multiple linear regression is applied to identify the parameters of the LPTN model. The parameters in the state equation are identified instead of the data of the motor, which are strongly dependent on the material and geometrical parameters. Finally, an open-loop estimation scheme based on the state equation and Kalman filter algorithm is adopted to predict the motor temperature online. The model performances are validated by extensive experiments under varying speed and torque conditions in terms of the accuracy and robustness. The results indicate that the temperature estimation error is within the range of ±5 °C in most cases and the proposed model can quickly follow the load variation. Besides, the online temperature estimation scheme and parameter identification method are easy and convenient to implement in an embedded system, which is feasible in automobile applications.
A Generic Automated Surface Defect Detection Based on a Bilinear Model
Authors: Zhou Fei , Liu Guihua , Xu Feng , Deng Hao
Published: August 2019

Aiming at the problems of complex texture, variable interference factors and large sample acquisition in surface defect detection, a generic method of automated surface defect detection based on a bilinear model was proposed. To realize the automatic classification and localization of surface defects, a new Double-Visual Geometry Group16 (D-VGG16) is firstly designed as feature functions of the bilinear model. The global and local features fully extracted from the bilinear model by D-VGG16 are output to the soft-max function to realize the automatic classification of surface defects. Then the heat map of the original image is obtained by applying Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) to the output features of D-VGG16. Finally, the defects in the original input image can be located automatically after processing the heat map with a threshold segmentation method. The training process of the proposed method is characterized by a small sample, end-to-end, and is weakly-supervised. Furthermore, experiments are performed on two public and two industrial datasets, which have different defective features in texture, shape and color. The results show that the proposed method can simultaneously realize the classification and localization of defects with different defective features. The average precision of the proposed method is above 99% on the four datasets, and is higher than the known latest algorithms.
High-Precision Pseudo-Noise Ranging Based on BOC Signal: Zero-Bias Mitigation Methods
Authors: Ma Chunjiang , Tang Xiaomei , Lv Zhicheng , Xiao Zhibin , Sun Guangfu
Published: August 2019

In high precision applications based on binary subcarrier offset (BOC) signals, zero-bias of the digital discriminator is an error of importance. Unlike the thermal noise error, zero-bias is a fixed deviation that is challenging to eliminate by filtering in the time domain. In this paper, a statistical error analysis model for the zero-bias of BOC signal’s digital phase discriminator is established. The evaluation of the zero-bias is inseparable from the spreading code sequence and the initial phase of the signal through defining the concept of statistics maximum and statistics standard deviation. Based on the zero-bias statistical error analysis model, two receiver parameter design methods, namely, the baseband signal sampling frequency and the early-late correlation interval, are proposed. The performance of the algorithm is simulated on account of the limited bandwidth, Doppler frequency offset and thermal noise. The simulation results prove that the proposed algorithm can suppress the standard deviation of zero-bias within one phase resolution, which contributes substantially to the improvement of the measurement accuracy of pseudo-noise ranging.
Comparison of Various Factors Affected TID Tolerance in FinFET and Nanowire FET
Authors: Won Hyeonjae , Ham Ilsik , Jeong Youngseok , Kang Myounggon
Published: August 2019

Analysis of the radiation effects in a device is of great importance. The gate all around (GAA) structure that contributes to device scaling not only solves the short channel effects (SCE) problem but also makes the device more resistant in radiation environments. In this article, the total ionizing dose (TID) simulation of nanowire FET (NW) and FinFET was performed. Both these devices were compared and analyzed in terms of the shift of threshold voltage (VT). The channel insulator was composed of two materials, SiO2 and HfO2. To improve the accuracy of the simulation, the interfacial trap parameter of SiO2 and HfO2 was applied. Based on the simulation result, the NW with a larger oxide area and larger gate controllability showed less VT shift than that of the FinFET. It was therefore proved that NW had better TID resistance characteristics in a radiation environment. The gate controllability was found to affect the TID effect more than the oxide area. In addition, we analyzed the manner in which the TID effect changed depending on the VDD and channel doping.
Elastic-Plastic Threshold and Rational Unloading Level of Rocks
Authors: Ji Ming , Guo Hongjun
Published: August 2019

During loading and unloading test, various rocks manifest different stress values of elastic-plastic transformation. This study proposes to include axial pressure increment ratio in the conventional triaxial compression test to evaluate different variables (nominal elastic modulus, nominal Poisson’s ratio, strain, and energy). The relationships among various factors including variables, the stress level of initial confining stress and axial pressures, were analyzed by analyzing the stress–strain plot record obtained from testing various rocks. The extreme value point of the deformation parameter, also known as the elastic-plastic threshold, was analyzed. In addition, the elastic-plastic thresholds were later used as unloading points during the unloading tests. Under the same confining condition, different rocks demonstrated different unloading levels. Furthermore, a linear correlation was observed between unloading levels and changing confining pressures, and the gradient is mainly related to the types of rocks. During the unloading tests of rocks, the rational unloading level is recommended to be no higher than the stress level at the elastic-plastic threshold under the corresponding confining pressure.
Direct-Write Dewetting of High Melting Temperature Metals on Flexible Substrates
Authors: Ferrer Anthony J. , Halajko Anna , Amatucci Glenn G.
Published: August 2019

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are pervasive in modern technology due to their reliability, small foot print, and versatility of function. While many of the manufacturing techniques for MEMS devices stem from integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing, the wide range of designs necessitates more varied processing techniques. Here, new details of a scanning laser based direct-write dewetting technique are presented as an expansion of previous demonstrations. For the first time, the ability to pattern a high melting temperature and high reflectance metallic thin films of Ni and Ag, respectively, on polymer substrates is reported. Novel methods for reducing the power necessary for processing highly reflective films are demonstrated by depositing very thin films of high near-infrared absorbance.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Structural Performance of Steel Deck Plate Bolted with Truss Girder
Authors: Shin Jinwon , Lee Jineung , Lee Yongjae , Kim Byungyun
Published: August 2019

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to investigate the structural performance of a steel deck-plate system bolted with truss girder. This system has been proposed herein to resolve the issues caused by welding. Structural tests for six full-scale specimens were performed to ensure the structural safety of the proposed system based on design criteria for deflection. Local responses with an emphasis on the failure modes of the system were also assessed using the measured strains at the locations where stresses are localized. Numerical models for all test specimens were developed with the material test data and were validated based on the test results. The structural behaviors of the proposed system, not confirmed in the tests, were further examined using numerical simulations, with a focus on the failure mechanism between the numerical predictions and the test results.
New Implant Macrogeometry to Improve and Accelerate the Osseointegration: An In Vivo Experimental Study
Authors: Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Aramburú Júnior Jaime , Pérez-Díaz Leticia , Treichel Tiago Luis Eirles , Dedavid Berenice Anina , De Aza Piedad N. , Prados-Frutos Juan Carlos
Published: August 2019

A new implant design with healing chambers in the threads was analyzed and compared with a conventional implant macrogeometry, both implants models with and without surface treatment. Eighty conical implants were prepared using commercially pure titanium (grade IV) by the company Implacil De Bortoli (São Paulo, Brazil). Four groups were performed, as described below: Group 1 (G1), traditional conical implants with surface treatment; group 2 (G2), traditional conical implants without surface treatment (machined surface); group 3 (G3), new conical implant design with surface treatment; group 4 (G4), new conical implant design without surface treatment. The implants were placed in the two tibias (n = 2 implants per tibia) of twenty New Zealand rabbits determined by randomization. The animals were euthanized after 15 days (Time 1) and 30 days (Time 2). The parameters evaluated were the implant stability quotient (ISQ), removal torque values (RTv), and histomorphometric evaluation to determine the bone to implant contact (%BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO%). The results showed that the implants with the macrogeometry modified with healing chambers in the threads produced a significant enhancement in the osseointegration, accelerating this process. The statistical analyses of ISQ and RTv showed a significative statistical difference between the groups in both time periods of evaluation (p ≤ 0.0001). Moreover, an important increase in the histological parameters were found for groups G3 and G4, with significant statistical differences to the BIC% (in the Time 1 p = 0.0406 and in the Time 2 p < 0.0001) and the BAFO% ((in the Time 1 p = 0.0002 and in the Time 2 p = 0.0045). In conclusion, the result data showed that the implants with the new macrogeometry, presenting the healing chambers in the threads, produced a significant enhancement in the osseointegration, accelerating the process.
Perspectives and Challenges in Robotic Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Iandolo Riccardo , Marini Francesca , Semprini Marianna , Laffranchi Matteo , Mugnosso Maddalena , Cherif Amel , De Michieli Lorenzo , Chiappalone Michela , Zenzeri Jacopo
Published: August 2019

The development of robotic devices for rehabilitation is a fast-growing field. Nowadays, thanks to novel technologies that have improved robots’ capabilities and offered more cost-effective solutions, robotic devices are increasingly being employed during clinical practice, with the goal of boosting patients’ recovery. Robotic rehabilitation is also widely used in the context of neurological disorders, where it is often provided in a variety of different fashions, depending on the specific function to be restored. Indeed, the effect of robot-aided neurorehabilitation can be maximized when used in combination with a proper training regimen (based on motor control paradigms) or with non-invasive brain machine interfaces. Therapy-induced changes in neural activity and behavioral performance, which may suggest underlying changes in neural plasticity, can be quantified by multimodal assessments of both sensorimotor performance and brain/muscular activity pre/post or during intervention. Here, we provide an overview of the most common robotic devices for upper and lower limb rehabilitation and we describe the aforementioned neurorehabilitation scenarios. We also review assessment techniques for the evaluation of robotic therapy. Additional exploitation of these research areas will highlight the crucial contribution of rehabilitation robotics for promoting recovery and answering questions about reorganization of brain functions in response to disease.
A Virtual Impedance Control Strategy for Improving the Stability and Dynamic Performance of VSC–HVDC Operation in Bidirectional Power Flow Mode
Authors: Li Yuye , Liu Kaipei , Liao Xiaobing , Zhu Shu , Huai Qing
Published: August 2019

It is a common practice that one converter controls DC voltage and the other controls power in two-terminal voltage source converter (VSC)–based high voltage DC (HVDC) systems for AC gird interconnection. The maximum transmission power from a DC-voltage-controlled converter to a power-controlled converter is less than that of the opposite transmission direction. In order to increase the transmission power from a DC-voltage-controlled converter to a power-controlled converter, an improved virtual impedance control strategy is proposed in this paper. Based on the proposed control strategy, the DC impedance model of the VSC–HVDC system is built, including the output impedance of two converters and DC cable impedance. The stability of the system with an improved virtual impedance control is analyzed in Nyquist stability criterion. The proposed control strategy can improve the transmission capacity of the system by changing the DC output impedance of the DC voltage-controlled converter. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by simulation. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy has better dynamic performance than traditional control strategies.
Analysis of a Main Cabin Ventilation System in a Jack-Up Offshore Platform Part I: Numerical Modelling
Authors: Xie Yingchun , Zheng Zepeng , Wang Huibin , Xu Zhen , Liu Guijie , Malekian Reza , Li Zhixiong
Published: August 2019

This work aims to measure the thermodynamics of a main cabin ventilation system in a JU-2000E jack-up offshore platform. A three-dimensional (3D) physical model of the ventilation system was established, and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software (ANSYS FLUENT) was used to calculate the model thermodynamics. Numerical analysis was performed to investigate the influence mechanisms of the ventilation factors such as ventilation temperature and volume on the ventilation performance. The analysis results demonstrate that (1) top-setting of the exhaust vents is more effective than the side-setting in terms of high temperature reduction, (2) small ventilation temperature and volume can improve the ventilation efficiency, and (3) proper shutdown selection of the backup diesel engine can enhance the ventilation performance. Furthermore, the effect of humidity for the ventilation air was investigated. Lastly, an experimental platform was developed based on the simulation model. Experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the shutdown selection of the backup engine and have shown consistent results to that of the simulation model. The findings of this study provide valuable guidance in designing the ventilation system in the JU-2000E jack-up offshore platform.
Multi-Media and Multi-Band Based Adaptation Layer Techniques for Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: K M Delphin Raj , Yum Sun-Ho , Ko Eunbi , Shin Soo-Young , Namgung Jung-Il , Park Soo-Hyun
Published: August 2019

In the last few decades, underwater communication systems have been widely used for the development of navy, military, business, and safety applications, etc. However, in underwater communication systems, there are several challenging issues, such as limitations in bandwidth, propagation delay, 3D topology, media access control, routing, resource utilization, and power constraints. Underwater communication systems work under severe channel conditions such as ambient noise, frequency selectivity, multi-path and Doppler shifts. In order to collect and transmit the data in effective ways, multi-media/multi-band-based adaptation layer technology is proposed in this paper. The underwater communication scenario comprises of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Surface gateways, sensor nodes, etc. The transmission of data starts from sensor nodes to surface gateway in a hierarchical manner through multiple channels. In order to provide strong and reliable communication underwater, the adaptation layer uses a multi-band/multi-media approach for transferring data. Hence, in this paper, existing techniques for splitting the band such as Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Frequency-Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) are used for splitting the frequency band, and the medium selection mechanism is proposed to carry the signal through different media such as Acoustic, Visible Light Communication (VLC), and Infrared (IR) signals in underwater. For the channel selection mechanism, two phases are involved: 1. Finding the distance of near and far nodes using Manhattan method, and 2. Medium selection and data transferring algorithm for choosing different media.
Toward Creating a Portable Impedance-Based Nondestructive Testing Method for Debonding Damage Detection of Composite Structures
Authors: Na Wongi S. , Park Ki-Tae
Published: August 2019

Debonding detection of composite structures is a vital task as such damage weakens the structure leading to a failure. As adhesive bonding is a more preferable choice over the conventional mechanical fastening method, detecting debonding as early as possible could minimize the overall maintenance costs. For this reason, a vast amount of research in the nondestructive testing field is being conducted as we speak. However, most of the methods may require well-trained experts or heavy equipment. In this study, the piezoelectric (PZT) material-based method known as the electromechanical impedance technique is investigated to seek the possibility of making the technique very cheap and portable by temporarily attaching the sensor. Furthermore, ANSYS simulation studies using smaller PZT patches as small as 0.1 mm × 0.1 mm are simulated to investigate the impedance signatures acquired from the simulations. The results show the possibility of using smaller PZT patches compared to the conventional PZT sizes of 10 mm × 10 mm for a successful damage identification process.
Pursuer’s Control Strategy for Orbital Pursuit-Evasion-Defense Game with Continuous Low Thrust Propulsion
Authors: Zhou Junfeng , Zhao Lin , Cheng Jianhua , Wang Shuo , Wang Yipeng
Published: August 2019

This paper studies the orbital pursuit-evasion-defense problem with the continuous low thrust propulsion. A control strategy for the pursuer is proposed based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and the differential game. First, the system is described by the Lawden’s equations, and simplified by introducing the relative state variables and the zero effort miss (ZEM) variables. Then, the objective function of the pursuer is designed based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and the analytical necessary conditions for the optimal control strategy are presented. Finally, a hybrid method combining the multi-objective genetic algorithm and the multiple shooting method is proposed to obtain the solution of the orbital pursuit-evasion-defense problem. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy can handle the orbital pursuit-evasion-defense problem effectively.
Differential Efficacy of Two Dental Implant Decontamination Techniques in Reducing Microbial Biofilm and Re-Growth onto Titanium Disks In Vitro
Authors: Meto Aida , Conserva Enrico , Liccardi Francesco , Colombari Bruna , Consolo Ugo , Blasi Elisabetta
Published: August 2019

Dental implants are crucial therapeutic devices for successful substitution of missing teeth. Failure cases are mainly pathogen-associated events, allowing clinical progression toward peri-mucositis or peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two mechanical decontamination systems, Nickel-Titanium brush (Brush) and Air-Polishing system with 40 µm bicarbonate powder (BIC-40), by means of a novel bioluminescence-based model that measures microbial load in real time. Briefly, 30 disks were contaminated using the bioluminescent Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain (BLI-P. aeruginosa), treated with Brush (30 s rounds, for 90 s) or BIC-40 (30 s, at 5 mm distance) procedure, and then assessed for microbial load, particularly, biofilm removal and re-growth. Our results showed that Brush and BIC-40 treatment reduced microbial load of about 1 and more than 3 logs, respectively. Furthermore, microbial re-growth onto Brush-treated disks rapidly occurred, while BIC-40-treated disks were slowly recolonized, reaching levels of microbial load consistently below those observed with the controls. In conclusion, we provide evidence on the good performance of BIC-40 as titanium device-decontamination system, the clinical implication for such findings will be discussed.
An EKF-Based Method and Experimental Study for Small Leakage Detection and Location in Natural Gas Pipelines
Authors: Hou Qingmin , Zhu Weihang
Published: August 2019

Small leaks in natural gas pipelines are hard to detect, and there are few studies on this problem in the literature. In this paper, a method based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is proposed to detect and locate small leaks in natural gas pipelines. First, the method of a characteristic line is used to establish a discrete model of transient pipeline flow. At the same time, according to the basic idea of EKF, a leakage rate is distributed to each segment of the discrete model to obtain a model with virtual multi-point leakage. As such, the virtual leakage rate becomes a component of the state variables in the model. Secondly, system noise and measurement noise are considered, and the optimal hydraulic factors such as leakage rate are estimated using EKF. Finally, by using the idea of an equivalent pipeline, the actual leakage rate is calculated and the location of leakage on the pipeline is assessed. Simulation and experimental results show that this method can consistently predict the leakage rate and location and is sensitive to small leakages in a natural gas pipeline.
Introduction to the Special Issue “Arts and Refugees: Multidisciplinary Perspectives”
Authors: Martiniello Marco
Published: August 2019

Even though the percentage of migrants and refugees in the world has remained relatively stable over the past few decades, in recent years, public debate on this matter has become increasingly sensitive and politicized [...]
Relation “Greater than or Equal to” between Ordered Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Piasecki Krzysztof
Published: August 2019

The ordered fuzzy number (OFN) is determined as an ordered pair of fuzzy number (FN) and its orientation. FN is widely interpreted as imprecise number approximating real number. We interpret any OFN as an imprecise number equipped with additional information about the location of the approximated number. This additional information is given as orientation of OFN. The main goal of this paper is to determine the relation “greater than or equal to” on the space of all OFNs. This relation is unambiguously defined as an extension of analogous relations on the space of all FN. All properties of the introduced relation are investigated on the basis of the revised OFNs’ theory. It is shown here that this relation is a fuzzy one. The relations “greater than” and “equal to” also are considered. It is proven that the introduced relations are independent on the orientation of the compared OFNs. This result makes it easier to solve optimization tasks using OFNs.
Acute vs. Chronic vs. Cyclic Hypoxia: Their Differential Dynamics, Molecular Mechanisms, and Effects on Tumor Progression
Authors: Saxena Kritika , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: August 2019

Hypoxia has been shown to increase the aggressiveness and severity of tumor progression. Along with chronic and acute hypoxic regions, solid tumors contain regions of cycling hypoxia (also called intermittent hypoxia or IH). Cyclic hypoxia is mimicked in vitro and in vivo by periodic exposure to cycles of hypoxia and reoxygenation (H–R cycles). Compared to chronic hypoxia, cyclic hypoxia has been shown to augment various hallmarks of cancer to a greater extent: angiogenesis, immune evasion, metastasis, survival etc. Cycling hypoxia has also been shown to be the major contributing factor in increasing the risk of cancer in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Here, we first compare and contrast the effects of acute, chronic and intermittent hypoxia in terms of molecular pathways activated and the cellular processes affected. We highlight the underlying complexity of these differential effects and emphasize the need to investigate various combinations of factors impacting cellular adaptation to hypoxia: total duration of hypoxia, concentration of oxygen (O2), and the presence of and frequency of H–R cycles. Finally, we summarize the effects of cycling hypoxia on various hallmarks of cancer highlighting their dependence on the abovementioned factors. We conclude with a call for an integrative and rigorous analysis of the effects of varying extents and durations of hypoxia on cells, including tools such as mechanism-based mathematical modelling and microfluidic setups.
Vaccine Adjuvants Derived from Marine Organisms
Authors: Sanina Nina
Published: August 2019

Vaccine adjuvants help to enhance the immunogenicity of weak antigens. The adjuvant effect of certain substances was noted long ago (the 40s of the last century), and since then a large number of adjuvants belonging to different groups of chemicals have been studied. This review presents research data on the nonspecific action of substances originated from marine organisms, their derivatives and complexes, united by the name ‘adjuvants’. There are covered the mechanisms of their action, safety, as well as the practical use of adjuvants derived from marine hydrobionts in medical immunology and veterinary medicine to create modern vaccines that should be non-toxic and efficient. The present review is intended to briefly describe some important achievements in the use of marine resources to solve this important problem.
The TGF-β1/p53/PAI-1 Signaling Axis in Vascular Senescence: Role of Caveolin-1
Authors: Samarakoon Rohan , Higgins Stephen P. , Higgins Craig E. , Higgins Paul J.
Published: August 2019

Stress-induced premature cellular senescence is a significant factor in the onset of age-dependent disease in the cardiovascular system. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a major TGF-β1/p53 target gene and negative regulator of the plasmin-based pericellular proteolytic cascade, is elevated in arterial plaques, vessel fibrosis, arteriosclerosis, and thrombosis, correlating with increased tissue TGF-β1 levels. Additionally, PAI-1 is necessary and sufficient for the induction of p53-dependent replicative senescence. The mechanism of PAI-1 transcription in senescent cells appears to be dependent on caveolin-1 signaling. Src kinases are upstream effectors of both FAK and caveolin-1 activation as FAKY577,Y861 and caveolin-1Y14 phosphorylation are not detected in TGF-β1-stimulated src family kinase (pp60c-src, Yes, Fyn) triple-deficient (SYF−/−/−) cells. However, restoration of pp60c-src expression in SYF-null cells rescued both caveolin-1Y14 phosphorylation and PAI-1 induction in response to TGF-β1. Furthermore, TGF-β1-initiated Src phosphorylation of caveolin-1Y14 is critical in Rho-ROCK-mediated suppression of the SMAD phosphatase PPM1A maintaining and, accordingly, SMAD2/3-dependent transcription of the PAI-1 gene. Importantly, TGF-β1 failed to induce PAI-1 expression in caveolin-1-null cells, correlating with reductions in both Rho-GTP loading and SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. These findings implicate caveolin-1 in expression controls on specific TGF-β1/p53 responsive growth arrest genes. Indeed, up-regulation of caveolin-1 appears to stall cells in G0/G1 via activation of the p53/p21 cell cycle arrest pathway and restoration of caveolin-1 in caveolin-1-deficient cells rescues TGF-β1 inducibility of the PAI-1 gene. Although the mechanism is unclear, caveolin-1 inhibits p53/MDM2 complex formation resulting in p53 stabilization, induction of p53-target cell cycle arrest genes (including PAI-1), and entrance into premature senescence while stimulating the ATM→p53→p21 pathway. Identification of molecular events underlying senescence-associated PAI-1 expression in response to TGF-β1/src kinase/p53 signaling may provide novel targets for the therapy of cardiovascular disease.
Monte Carlo Simulations of Heat Deposition during Photothermal Skin Cancer Therapy Using Nanoparticles
Authors: Jeynes J. Charles G. , Wordingham Freddy , Moran Laura J. , Curnow Alison , Harries Tim J.
Published: August 2019

Photothermal therapy using nanoparticles is a promising new approach for the treatment of cancer. The principle is to utilise plasmonic nanoparticle light interaction for efficient heat conversion. However, there are many hurdles to overcome before it can be accepted in clinical practice. One issue is a current poor characterization of the thermal dose that is distributed over the tumour region and the surrounding normal tissue. Here, we use Monte Carlo simulations of photon radiative transfer through tissue and subsequent heat diffusion calculations, to model the spatial thermal dose in a skin cancer model. We validate our heat rise simulations against experimental data from the literature and estimate the concentration of nanorods in the tumor that are associated with the heat rise. We use the cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C (CEM43) metric to analyse the percentage cell kill across the tumour and the surrounding normal tissue. Overall, we show that computer simulations of photothermal therapy are an invaluable tool to fully characterize thermal dose within tumour and normal tissue.
Tannins: Prospectives and Actual Industrial Applications
Authors: Pizzi Antonio
Published: August 2019

The origin of tannins, their historical evolution, their different types, and their applications are described. Old and established applications are described, as well as the future applications which are being developed at present and that promise to have an industrial impact in the future. The chemistry of some of these applications is discussed where it is essential to understand the tannins and their derivates role. The essential points of each application, their drawbacks, and their chance of industrial application are briefly discussed. The article presents historical applications of tannins, such as leather, or traditional medicine, and more recent applications.
IL-38: A New Player in Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders
Authors: Xie Lihui , Huang Zhaohao , Li He , Liu Xiuxing , Guo Zheng Song , Su Wenru
Published: August 2019

Interleukin (IL)-38, a newly discovered IL-1 family cytokine, is expressed in several tissues and secreted by various cells. IL-38 has recently been reported to exert an anti-inflammatory function by binding to several receptors, including interleukin-36 receptor (IL-36R), interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein-like 1 (IL-1RAPL1), and interleukin-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1) to block binding with other pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit subsequent signaling pathways; thereby regulating the differentiation and function of T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Inflammatory autoimmune diseases, which are common immune-mediated inflammatory syndromes, are characterized by an imbalance between T helper cells (Ths), especially Th1s and Th17s, and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Recent findings have shown that abnormal expression of IL-38 in inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjogren’s syndrome, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, hidradenitis suppurativa, ankylosing spondylitis, and glaucoma, involves Th1s, Th17s, and Tregs. In this review, the expression, regulation, and biological function of IL-38 are discussed, as are the roles of IL-38 in various inflammatory autoimmune disorders. Current data support that the IL-38/IL-36R and/or IL-38/IL-1RAPL1 axis primarily play an anti-inflammatory role in the development and resolution of inflammatory autoimmune diseases and indicate a possible therapeutic benefit of IL-38 in these diseases.
HOX Genes in High Grade Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Idaikkadar Praveena , Morgan Richard , Michael Agnieszka
Published: August 2019

HOX genes are highly conserved members of the homeobox superfamily that have a crucial role in determining cellular identity. High grade ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy. Our understanding of the role of HOX genes in the oncogenesis of ovarian cancer is evolving, and here we review their dysregulated expression patterns, their function in cell survival and invasion, their potential uses as biomarkers, and ways in which HOX genes are being targeted with new and existing drugs.