bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Solvent Selection in the Electrospraying Process of Polycaprolactone
Authors: Zhang Shengchang , Campagne Christine , Salaün Fabien
Published: January 2019

Electrosprayed polycaprolactone (PCL) microparticles are widely used in medical tissue engineering, drug control release delivery, and food packaging due to their prominent structures and properties. In electrospraying, the selection of a suitable solvent system as the carrier of PCL is fundamental and a prerequisite for the stabilization of electrospraying, and the control of morphology and structure of electrosprayed particles. The latter is not only critical for diversifying the characteristics of electrosprayed particles and achieving improvement in their properties, but also promotes the efficiency of the process and deepens the applications of electrosprayed particles in various fields. In order to make it systematic and more accessible, this review mainly concludes the effects of different solution properties on the operating parameters in electrospraying on the formation of Taylor cone and the final structure as well as the morphology. Meanwhile, correlations between operating parameters and electrospraying stages are summarized as well. Finally, this review provides detailed guidance on the selection of a suitable solvent system regarding the desired morphology, structure, and applications of PCL particles.
Evaluation of Multi-Reanalysis Solar Radiation Products Using Global Surface Observations
Authors: Peng Xiaomin , She Jiangfeng , Zhang Shuhua , Tan Junzhong , Li Yang
Published: January 2019

Solar radiation incident at the Earth’s surface is an essential driver of the energy exchange between the atmosphere and the surface and is also an important input variable in the research on the surface eco-hydrological process. The reanalysis solar radiation dataset is characterized by a long time series and wide spatial coverage and is used in the research of large-scale eco-hydrological processes. Due to certain errors in their production process of the reanalysis of solar radiation products, reanalysis products should be evaluated before application. In this study, three global solar-radiation reanalysis products (ERA-Interim; JRA-55; and NCEP-DOE) in different temporal scales and climate zones were evaluated using surface solar-radiation observations from the National Meteorological Information Center of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA, Beijing, China) and the Global Energy Balance Archive (GEBA, Zürich, Switzerland) from 2000 to 2009. All reanalysis products (ERA-Interim; JRA-55; and NCEP-DOE) overestimated with an annual bias of 14.86 W/m2, 22.61 W/m2, and 31.85 W/m2; monthly bias of 15.17 W/m2, 21.29 W/m2, and 36.91 W/m2; and seasonal bias of 15.08 W/m2, 21.21 W/m2, and 36.69 W/m2, respectively. In different Köppen climate zones, the annual solar radiation of ERA-Interim performed best in cold regions with a bias of 10.30 W/m2 and absolute relative error (ARE) of 8.98%. However, JRA-55 and NCEP-DOE showed the best performance in tropical regions with a bias of 20.08 W/m2 and −0.12 W/m2, and ARE of 11.00% and 9.68%, respectively. Overall, through the evaluations across different temporal and spatial scales, the rank of the three reanalysis products in order was the ERA-Interim, JRA-55, and NCEP-DOE. In addition, based on the evaluation, we analyzed the relationship between the error (ARE) of the reanalysis products and cloud cover, aerosol, and water vapor, which significantly influences solar radiation and we found that cloud was the main cause for errors in the three solar radiation reanalysis products. The above can provide a reference for the application and downscaling of the three solar radiation reanalysis products.
Distribution of Air Temperature Multifractal Characteristics Over Greece
Authors: Kalamaras Nikolaos , Tzanis Chris G. , Deligiorgi Despina , Philippopoulos Kostas , Koutsogiannis Ioannis
Published: January 2019

In this study, Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MF-DFA) is applied to daily temperature time series (mean, maximum and minimum values) from 22 Greek meteorological stations with the purpose of examining firstly their scaling behavior and then checking if there are any differences in their multifractal characteristics. The results showed that the behavior is the same at almost all stations, i.e., time series are positive long-term correlated and their multifractal structure is insensitive to local fluctuations with large magnitude. Moreover, this study deals with the spatial distribution of the main characteristics of multifractal (singularity) spectrum: the dominant Hurst exponent, the width of the spectrum, the asymmetry and the truncation type of the spectrum. The spatial distributions are discussed in terms of possible effects from various climatic features. In general, local atmospheric circulation and weather conditions are found to affect the shape of the spectrum and the corresponding spatial distributions. Furthermore, the intercorrelation of the main multifractal spectrum parameters resulted in a well-defined group of stations sharing similar multifractal characteristics. The results indicate the usefulness of the non-linear analysis in climate research due to the complex interactions among the natural processes.
PSO with Dynamic Adaptation of Parameters for Optimization in Neural Networks with Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Numbers Weights
Authors: Gaxiola Fernando , Melin Patricia , Valdez Fevrier , Castro Juan R. , Manzo-Martínez Alain
Published: January 2019

A dynamic adjustment of parameters for the particle swarm optimization (PSO) utilizing an interval type-2 fuzzy inference system is proposed in this work. A fuzzy neural network with interval type-2 fuzzy number weights using S-norm and T-norm is optimized with the proposed method. A dynamic adjustment of the PSO allows the algorithm to behave better in the search for optimal results because the dynamic adjustment provides good synchrony between the exploration and exploitation of the algorithm. Results of experiments and a comparison between traditional neural networks and the fuzzy neural networks with interval type-2 fuzzy numbers weights using T-norms and S-norms are given to prove the performance of the proposed approach. For testing the performance of the proposed approach, some cases of time series prediction are applied, including the stock exchanges of Germany, Mexican, Dow-Jones, London, Nasdaq, Shanghai, and Taiwan.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Biology in 2018
Authors:   Biology Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Voice of People with Fragile X Syndrome and Their Families: Reports from a Survey on Treatment Priorities
Authors: Weber Jayne Dixon , Smith Elizabeth , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Cadavid Diego , Hessl David , Erickson Craig
Published: January 2019

To date, there has been limited research on the primary concerns and treatment priorities for individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and their families. The National Fragile X Foundation in collaboration with clinical investigators from industry and academia constructed a survey to investigate the main symptoms, daily living challenges, family impact, and treatment priorities for individuals with FXS and their families, which was then distributed to a large mailing list. The survey included both structured questions focused on ranking difficulties as well as qualitative analysis of open-ended questions. It was completed by 467 participants, including 439 family members or caretakers (family members/caretakers) of someone with FXS, 20 professionals who work with a person with FXS, and 8 individuals with FXS. Respondents indicated three main general areas of concern: Anxiety, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties. Important differences were noted, based on the sex and age of the individual with FXS. The results highlight the top priorities for treatment development for family members/caretakers, as well as a small group of professionals, and an even smaller group of individuals with FXS, while demonstrating challenges with “voice of the patient” research in FXS.
Astrocytic Response to Acutely- and Chronically-Implanted Microelectrode Arrays in the Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) Brain
Authors: Budoff Samuel A. , Yano Kim M. , de Mesquita Fernanda C. , Doerl Jhulimar G. , de Santana Maxwell B. , Nascimento Manuela S. L. , Kunicki Ana Carolina B. , de Araújo Mariana F. P.
Published: January 2019

Microelectrode implants are an important tool in neuroscience research and in developing brain–machine interfaces. Data from rodents have consistently shown that astrocytes are recruited to the area surrounding implants, forming a glial scar that increases electrode impedance and reduces chronic utility. However, studies in non-human primates are scarce, with none to date in marmosets. We used glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining to characterize the acute and chronic response of the marmoset brain to microelectrodes. By using densitometry, we showed that marmoset astrocytes surround brain implants and that a glial scar is formed over time, with significant increase in the chronic condition relative to the acute condition animal.
Blood Pressure Gradients in the Brain: Their Importance to Understanding Pathogenesis of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Spence J.
Published: January 2019

The term “lacunar infarction” referred to small infarctions in the basal ganglia, internal capsule, thalamus, and brainstem, due to hypertensive small vessel disease. However, it has become common to refer to all small infarctions as lacunar. It is important to understand that true lacunes occur in a phylogenetically ancient part of the brain, the “vascular centrencephalon”, where short straight arteries with few branches transmit high blood pressure straight through to end-arterioles. The cortex is supplied by long arteries with many branches, so there is a very large blood pressure gradient in the brain. When blood pressure in the brachial artery is 117/75 mmHg, the pressure in the lenticulostriate artery would be 113/73, and the pressure in small parietal arterioles would be only 59/38 mmHg. Recent studies have reported that patients with a pulse pressure >60 mmHg and diastolic pressure <60 mmHg have a doubling of coronary risk and a 5.85-fold increase in stroke risk. This means that new low systolic targets being proposed will probably decrease the incidence of true lacunes, but increase small subcortical infarctions in the hemispheres. The pathogenesis of small vessel disease should be interpreted in the light of these blood pressure gradients.
Brain–Computer Interfaces for Human Augmentation
Authors: Valeriani Davide , Cinel Caterina , Poli Riccardo
Published: January 2019

The field of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) has grown rapidly in the last few decades, allowing the development of ever faster and more reliable assistive technologies for converting brain activity into control signals for external devices for people with severe disabilities [...]
Tribbles Homolog 3 Involved in Radiation Response of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating Notch1 Activation
Authors: Lee Yueh-Chun , Wang Wen-Ling , Chang Wei-Chao , Huang Yu-Hao , Hong Guan-Ci , Wang Hui-Lin , Chou Ying-Hsiang , Tseng Hsien-Chun , Lee Hsueh-Te , Li Shao-Ti , Chen Hsin-Lin , Wu Chun-Chieh , Yang Huei-Fan , Wang Bing-Yen , Chang Wen-Wei
Published: January 2019

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Taiwan and post-lumpectomy radiotherapy is one of the therapeutic strategies for this malignancy. Although the 10-year overall survival of breast cancer patients is greatly improved by radiotherapy, the locoregional recurrence is around 10% and triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are at a high risk for relapse. The aim of this paper is to understand the mechanisms of radioresistance in breast cancers which may facilitate the development of new treatments in sensitizing breast cancer toward radiation therapy. Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) is a pseudokinase protein and known to function as a protein scaffold within cells. It has been reported that higher TRIB3 expression is a poor prognostic factor in breast cancer patients with radiotherapy. In this study, we investigate the involvement of TRIB3 in the radiation response of TNBC cells. We first found that the expression of TRIB3 and the activation of Notch1, as well as Notch1 target genes, increased in two radioresistant TNBC cells. Knockdown of TRIB3 in radioresistant MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells decreased Notch1 activation, as well as the CD24-CD44+ cancer stem cell population, and sensitized cells toward radiation treatment. The inhibitory effects of TRIB3 knockdown in self-renewal or radioresistance could be reversed by forced expression of the Notch intracellular domain. We also observed an inhibition in cell growth and accumulated cells in the G0/G1 phase in radioresistant MDA-MB-231 cells after knockdown of TRIB3. With immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis, we found that, BCL2-associated transcription factor 1 (BCLAF1), BCL2 interacting protein 1 (BNIP1), or DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5) were the possible TRIB3 interacting proteins and immunoprecipitation data also confirmed that these proteins interacted with TRIB3 in radioresistant MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, the expression of TRIB3 in radioresistant TNBC cells participated in Notch1 activation and targeted TRIB3 expression may be a strategy to sensitize TNBC cells toward radiation therapy.
Karnofsky Performance Status as A Predictive Factor for Cancer-Related Fatigue Treatment with Astragalus Polysaccharides (PG2) Injection—A Double Blind, Multi-Center, Randomized Phase IV Study
Authors: Wang Cheng-Hsu , Lin Cheng-Yao , Chen Jen-Shi , Ho Ching-Liang , Rau Kun-Ming , Tsai Jo-Ting , Chang Cheng-Shyong , Yeh Su-Peng , Cheng Chieh-Fang , Lai Yuen-Liang
Published: January 2019

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in patients with advanced cancer, resulting in poor quality of life and reduced treatment efficacy. Phytotherapeutic agents have shown potential effects to relieve cancer-related fatigue in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Astragalus Polysaccharides injection and identify predictive factors associated with this treatment. Patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care with moderate to severe cancer-related fatigue were enrolled in this study for two treatment cycles. Fatigue improvement response rates were analyzed as the primary endpoint at the end of the first cycle to determine treatment efficacy. The drug safety profile was evaluated by the reporting of adverse events. Three hundred and ten patients were enrolled in this study and 214 patients were included ITT population. Improvement in fatigue scores by at least 10% was observed in greater than 65% of subjects after one treatment cycle compared to scores at baseline. Patients with higher Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) responded better to the Astragalus Polysaccharides injection. Drug-related adverse event rates were less than 9%. This study identified KPS as a promising predictive factor for the therapeutic efficacy of Astragalus Polysaccharides injection.
T-type Calcium Channels in Cancer
Authors: Antal Lauren , Martin-Caraballo Miguel
Published: January 2019

Although voltage-activated Ca2+ channels are a common feature in excitable cells, their expression in cancer tissue is less understood. T-type Ca2+ channels are particularly overexpressed in various cancers. Because of their activation profile at membrane potentials close to rest and the generation of a window current, T-type Ca2+ channels may regulate a variety of Ca2+-dependent cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The expression of T-type Ca2+ channels is of special interest as a target for therapeutic interventions.
The Activity of KV11.1 Potassium Channel Modulates F-Actin Organization During Cell Migration of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Manoli Sagar , Coppola Stefano , Duranti Claudia , Lulli Matteo , Magni Lara , Kuppalu Nirmala , Nielsen Nikolaj , Schmidt Thomas , Schwab Albrecht , Becchetti Andrea , Arcangeli Annarosa
Published: January 2019

Cell migration exerts a pivotal role in tumor progression, underlying cell invasion and metastatic spread. The cell migratory program requires f-actin re-organization, generally coordinated with the assembly of focal adhesions. Ion channels are emerging actors in regulating cell migration, through different mechanisms. We studied the role of the voltage dependent potassium channel KV11.1 on cell migration of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, focusing on its effects on f-actin organization and dynamics. Cells were cultured either on fibronectin (FN) or on a desmoplastic matrix (DM) with the addition of a conditioned medium produced by pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) maintained in hypoxia (Hypo-PSC-CM), to better mimic the PDAC microenvironment. KV11.1 was essential to maintain stress fibers in a less organized arrangement in cells cultured on FN. When PDAC cells were cultured on DM plus Hypo-PSC-CM, KV11.1 activity determined the organization of cortical f-actin into sparse and long filopodia, and allowed f-actin polymerization at a high speed. In both conditions, blocking KV11.1 impaired PDAC cell migration, and, on cells cultured onto FN, the effect was accompanied by a decrease of basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration. We conclude that KV11.1 is implicated in sustaining pro-metastatic signals in pancreatic cancer, through a reorganization of f-actin in stress fibers and a modulation of filopodia formation and dynamics.
Anti-Cancer Vaccine for HPV-Associated Neoplasms: Focus on a Therapeutic HPV Vaccine Based on a Novel Tumor Antigen Delivery Method Using Endogenously Engineered Exosomes
Authors: Di Bonito Paola , Accardi Luisa , Galati Luisa , Ferrantelli Flavia , Federico Maurizio
Published: January 2019

Some human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes are universally recognized as major etiological agents not only of ano-genital tumors but also of head and neck cancers, which show increasing incidence. The evaluation of current and future therapeutic approaches against HPV-induced tumors is a global health priority, despite an effective prophylactic vaccine against 7 of the 12 genotypes involved in the etiology of tumors being currently available. In this review, we present the main anti-HPV therapeutic approaches in clinical experimentation, with a focus on a novel tumor antigen delivery method using engineered exosomes, that we recently developed. Our system allows the induction of an efficient unrestricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune response against the HPV16-E7 tumor-associated antigen, with the formation of endogenously engineered exosomes, i.e., nanovesicles spontaneously released by all cell types. Immunogenic exosomes are uploaded with HPV16-E7 due to the fusion with a unique exosome-anchoring protein referred to as Nefmut. Intramuscular injection of a DNA vector expressing the fusion protein generates exosomes sufficiently immunogenic to elicit a potent anti-16E7 CTL immune response. The approach is described here and the advantages over other existing methodologies are reported.
Highly Dispersed Co Nanoparticles Prepared by an Improved Method for Plasma-Driven NH3 Decomposition to Produce H2
Authors: Wang Li , Yi YanHui , Guo HongChen , Du XiaoMin , Zhu Bin , Zhu YiMin
Published: January 2019

Previous studies reveal that combining non-thermal plasma with cheap metal catalysts achieved a significant synergy of enhancing performance of NH3 decomposition, and this synergy strongly depended on the properties of the catalyst used. In this study, techniques of vacuum-freeze drying and plasma calcination were employed to improve the conventional preparation method of catalyst, aiming to enhance the activity of plasma-catalytic NH3 decomposition. Compared with the activity of the catalyst prepared by a conventional method, the conversion of NH3 significantly increased by 47% when Co/fumed SiO2 was prepared by the improved method, and the energy efficiency of H2 production increased from 2.3 to 5.7 mol(kW·h)−1 as well. So far, the highest energy efficiency of H2 formation of 15.9 mol(kW·h)−1 was achieved on improved prepared Co/fumed SiO2 with 98.0% ammonia conversion at the optimal conditions. The improved preparation method enables cobalt species to be highly dispersed on fumed SiO2 support, which creates more active sites. Besides, interaction of Co with fumed SiO2 and acidity of the catalyst were strengthened according to results of H2-TPR and NH3-probe experiments, respectively. These results demonstrate that employing vacuum-freeze drying and plasma calcination during catalyst preparation is an effective approach to manipulate the properties of catalyst, and enables the catalyst to display high activity towards plasma-catalytic NH3 decomposition to produce H2.
Manganese Suppresses the Haploinsufficiency of Heterozygous trpy1Δ/TRPY1 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells and Stimulates the TRPY1-Dependent Release of Vacuolar Ca2+ under H2O2 Stress
Authors: Ruta Lavinia L. , Nicolau Ioana , Popa Claudia V. , Farcasanu Ileana C.
Published: January 2019

Transient potential receptor (TRP) channels are conserved cation channels found in most eukaryotes, known to sense a variety of chemical, thermal or mechanical stimuli. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae TRPY1 is a TRP channel with vacuolar localization involved in the cellular response to hyperosmotic shock and oxidative stress. In this study, we found that S. cerevisiae diploid cells with heterozygous deletion in TRPY1 gene are haploinsufficient when grown in synthetic media deficient in essential metal ions and that this growth defect is alleviated by non-toxic Mn2+ surplus. Using cells expressing the Ca2+-sensitive photoprotein aequorin we found that Mn2+ augmented the Ca2+ flux into the cytosol under oxidative stress, but not under hyperosmotic shock, a trait that was absent in the diploid cells with homozygous deletion of TRPY1 gene. TRPY1 activation under oxidative stress was diminished in cells devoid of Smf1 (the Mn2+-high-affinity plasma membrane transporter) but it was clearly augmented in cells lacking Pmr1 (the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi located ATPase responsible for Mn2+ detoxification via excretory pathway). Taken together, these observations lead to the conclusion that increased levels of intracytosolic Mn2+ activate TRPY1 in the response to oxidative stress.
Metformin Increases Proliferative Activity and Viability of Multipotent Stromal Stem Cells Isolated from Adipose Tissue Derived from Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Smieszek Agnieszka , Kornicka Katarzyna , Szłapka-Kosarzewska Jolanta , Androvic Peter , Valihrach Lukas , Langerova Lucie , Rohlova Eva , Kubista Mikael , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

In this study, we investigated the influence of metformin (MF) on proliferation and viability of adipose-derived stromal cells isolated from horses (EqASCs). We determined the effect of metformin on cell metabolism in terms of mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative status. Our purpose was to evaluate the metformin effect on cells derived from healthy horses (EqASCHE) and individuals affected by equine metabolic syndrome (EqASCEMS). The cells were treated with 0.5 μM MF for 72 h. The proliferative activity was evaluated based on the measurement of BrdU incorporation during DNA synthesis, as well as population doubling time rate (PDT) and distribution of EqASCs in the cell cycle. The influence of metformin on EqASC viability was determined in relation to apoptosis profile, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress markers and BAX/BCL-2 mRNA ratio. Further, we were interested in possibility of metformin affecting the Wnt3a signalling pathway and, thus, we determined mRNA and protein level of WNT3A and β-catenin. Finally, using a two-tailed RT-qPCR method, we investigated the expression of miR-16-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-140-3p and miR-145-5p. Obtained results indicate pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of metformin on EqASCs. In this study, MF significantly improved proliferation of EqASCs, which manifested in increased synthesis of DNA and lowered PDT value. Additionally, metformin improved metabolism and viability of cells, which correlated with higher mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced apoptosis and increased WNT3A/β-catenin expression. Metformin modulates the miRNA expression differently in EqASCHE and EqASCEMS. Metformin may be used as a preconditioning agent which stimulates proliferative activity and viability of EqASCs.
Tumor Extracellular Matrix Remodeling: New Perspectives as a Circulating Tool in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Solid Tumors
Authors: Giussani Marta , Triulzi Tiziana , Sozzi Gabriella , Tagliabue Elda
Published: January 2019

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that cancer cells and the local microenvironment are crucial in the development and progression of tumors. One of the major components of the tumor microenvironment is the extracellular matrix (ECM), which comprises a complex mixture of components, including proteins, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and polysaccharides. In addition to providing structural and biochemical support to tumor tissue, the ECM undergoes remodeling that alters the biochemical and mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment and contributes to tumor progression and resistance to therapy. A novel concept has emerged, in which tumor-driven ECM remodeling affects the release of ECM components into peripheral blood, the levels of which are potential diagnostic or prognostic markers for tumors. This review discusses the most recent evidence on ECM remodeling-derived signals that are detectable in the bloodstream, as new early diagnostic and risk prediction tools for the most frequent solid cancers.
Phosphorylation-Dependent Regulation of Mammalian Aquaporins
Authors: Nesverova Veronika , Törnroth-Horsefield Susanna
Published: January 2019

Water homeostasis is fundamental for cell survival. Transport of water across cellular membranes is governed by aquaporins—tetrameric integral membrane channels that are highly conserved throughout the prokaryotic and eukaryotic kingdoms. In eukaryotes, specific regulation of these channels is required and is most commonly carried out by shuttling the protein between cellular compartments (trafficking) or by opening and closing the channel (gating). Structural and functional studies have revealed phosphorylation as a ubiquitous mechanism in aquaporin regulation by both regulatory processes. In this review we summarize what is currently known about the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of mammalian aquaporins. Focusing on the water-specific aquaporins (AQP0–AQP5), we discuss how gating and trafficking are controlled by phosphorylation and how phosphorylation affects the binding of aquaporins to regulatory proteins, thereby highlighting structural details and dissecting the contribution of individual phosphorylated residues when possible. Our aim is to provide an overview of the mechanisms behind how aquaporin phosphorylation controls cellular water balance and to identify key areas where further studies are needed.
Substantial Dysregulation of miRNA Passenger Strands Underlies the Vascular Response to Injury
Authors: Pinel Karine , Diver Louise A. , White Katie , McDonald Robert A. , Baker Andrew H.
Published: January 2019

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dedifferentiation is a common feature of vascular disorders leading to pro-migratory and proliferative phenotypes, a process induced through growth factor and cytokine signaling cascades. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) can induce phenotypic effects on VSMCs in response to vessel injury. However, most studies have focused on the contribution of individual miRNAs. Our study aimed to conduct a detailed and unbiased analysis of both guide and passenger miRNA expression in vascular cells in vitro and disease models in vivo. We analyzed 100 miRNA stem loops by TaqMan Low Density Array (TLDA) from primary VSMCs in vitro. Intriguingly, we found that a larger proportion of the passenger strands was significantly dysregulated compared to the guide strands after exposure to pathological stimuli, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and IL-1α. Similar findings were observed in response to injury in porcine vein grafts and stent models in vivo. In these studies, we reveal that the miRNA passenger strands are predominantly dysregulated in response to vascular injury.
Power Generation in Slope-Type Thin-Film Thermoelectric Generators by the Simple Contact of a Heat Source
Authors: Yamamuro Hiroki , Takashiri Masayuki
Published: January 2019

To conveniently generate electric energy for next-generation smart network monitoring systems, we propose the design and fabrication of slope-type thin-film thermoelectric generators by the simple contact of a heat source. N-type Bi2Te3 films and p-type Sb2Te3 films were formed on a stainless-steel substrate employing potentiostatic electrodeposition using a nitric acid-based bath, followed by a transfer process. In order to naturally induce a temperature difference (ΔT) between the ends of the generator, slope blocks made by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were prepared and then inserted between the generators and heat sources. The performance of the generators, the open circuit voltage (Voc), and the maximum output power (Pmax), were measured using PDMS slope angles as the temperature of the heat source was increased. The ΔT of the generators increased as the slope angle was increased. The generator with the highest slope angle (28°) exhibited a Voc of 7.2 mV and Pmax of 18.3 μW at ΔT of 15 K for a heat source temperature of 42 °C. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of slope-type thin-film thermoelectric generators, which can be fabricated with a low manufacturing cost.
Improvement in the Wear Resistance under Dry Friction of Electrodeposited Fe-W Coatings through Heat Treatments
Authors: Mulone Antonio , Nicolenco Aliona , Imaz Naroa , Martinez-Nogues Vanesa , Tsyntsaru Natalia , Cesiulis Henrikas , Klement Uta
Published: January 2019

The influence of the microstructural transformations upon heat treatments on the wear resistance of Fe-W coatings is studied. The coatings are electrodeposited from a glycolate-citrate plating bath with 24 at.% of W, and the wear resistance is investigated under dry friction conditions using ball-on-disc sliding tests. The samples were annealed in Ar atmosphere at different temperatures up to 800 °C. The microstructural transformations were studied by means of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) technique. Except for the coating annealed at 800 °C, all the tested coatings suffered severe tribo-oxidation which resulted in the formation of deep cracks, i.e., ~15 μm in depth, within the wear track. The precipitation of the secondary phases, i.e., Fe2W and FeWO4, on the surface of the sample annealed at 800 °C increased the resistance to tribo-oxidation leading to wear tracks with an average depth of ~3 μm. Hence, the Fe-W coating annealed at 800 °C was characterized with a higher wear resistance resulting in a wear rate comparable to electrodeposited hard chromium coatings, i.e., 3 and 4 × 10−6 mm3/N m, respectively.
Assessment the Sliding Wear Behavior of Laser Microtexturing Ti6Al4V under Wet Conditions
Authors: Vazquez Martinez Juan Manuel , Del Sol Illana Irene , Iglesias Victoria Patricia , Salguero Jorge
Published: January 2019

Laser micro-texturing processes, compared to untreated surfaces, can improve the friction, wear and wettability behavior of sliding parts. This improvement is related to the micro-geometry and the dimensions of the texture which is also dependent on the processing parameters. This research studied the effect of laser textured surfaces on the tribological behavior of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. The influence of processing parameters was analyzed by changing the scanning speed of the beam and the energy density of pulse. First, the characterization of dimensional and geometrical features of the texturized tracks was carried out. Later, their influence on the wetting behavior was also evaluated through contact angle measurements using water as a contact fluid. Then, the tribological performance of these surfaces was analyzed using a ball-on-flat reciprocating tribometer under wet and dry conditions. Finally, wear mechanisms were identified employing electronic and optical microscopy techniques capable to evaluate the wear tracks on Ti surfaces and WC–Co spheres. These analyses had determined a strong dependence between the wear behavior and the laser patterning parameters. Wear friction effects were reduced by up to a 70% replacing conventional untreated surfaces of Ti6Al4V alloy with laser textured surfaces.
Characteristics of Pd and Pt Nanoparticles Produced by Nanosecond Laser Irradiations of Thin Films Deposited on Topographically-Structured Transparent Conductive Oxides
Authors: Torrisi Vanna , Censabella Maria , Piccitto Giovanni , Compagnini Giuseppe , Grimaldi Maria Grazia , Ruffino Francesco
Published: January 2019

Pd and Pt nanoparticles on Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) are produced. This outcome is reached by processing nanoscale-thick Pd and Pt films deposited on the FTO surface by nanosecond laser pulse. Such laser processes are demonstrated to initiate a dewetting phenomenon in the deposited metal films and lead to the formation of the nanoparticles. In particular, the effect of the film’s thickness on the mean size of the nanoparticles, when fixed the laser fluence, is studied. Our results indicate that the substrate topography influences the dewetting process of the metal films and, as a consequence, impacts on the nanoparticle characteristics. The results concerning the Pd and Pt nanoparticles’ sizes versus starting films thickness and substrate topography are discussed. In particular, the presented discussion is based on the elucidation of the effect of the substrate topography effect on the dewetting process through the excess of chemical potential. Finally, Raman analysis on the fabricated samples are presented. They show, in particular for the case of the Pd nanoparticles on FTO, a pronounced Raman signal enhancement imputable to plasmonic effects.
Core/Shell Gel Beads with Embedded Halloysite Nanotubes for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Lisuzzo Lorenzo , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Parisi Filippo , Milioto Stefana , Fakhrullin Rawil , Lazzara Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

The use of nanocomposites based on biopolymers and nanoparticles for controlled drug release is an attractive notion. We used halloysite nanotubes that were promising candidates for the loading and release of active molecules due to their hollow cavity. Gel beads based on chitosan with uniformly dispersed halloysite nanotubes were obtained by a dropping method. Alginate was used to generate a coating layer over the hybrid gel beads. This proposed procedure succeeded in controlling the morphology at the mesoscale and it had a relevant effect on the release profile of the model drug from the nanotube cavity.
Cracking, Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Laser Formed and Remelted K417G Ni-Based Superalloy
Authors: Liu Shuai , Yu Haixin , Wang Yang , Zhang Xue , Li Jinguo , Chen Suiyuan , Liu Changsheng
Published: January 2019

The K417G Ni-based superalloy is widely used in aeroengine turbine blades for its excellent properties. However, the turbine blade root with fir tree geometry experiences early failure frequently, because of the wear problems occurring in the working process. Laser forming repairing (LFR) is a promising technique to repair these damaged blades. Unfortunately, the laser formed Ni-based superalloys with high content of (Al + Ti) have a high cracking sensitivity. In this paper, the crack characterization of the laser forming repaired (LFRed) K417G—the microstructure, microhardness, and tribological properties of the coating before and after laser remelting—is presented. The results show that the microstructure of as-deposited K417G consists of γ phase, γ′ precipitated phase, γ + γ′ eutectic, and carbide. Cracking mechanisms including solidification cracking, liquation cracking, and ductility dip cracking are proposed based on the composition of K417G and processing characteristics to explain the cracking behavior of the K417G superalloy during LFR. After laser remelting, the microstructure of the coating was refined, and the microhardness and tribological properties was improved. Laser remelting can decrease the size of the cracks in the LFRed K417G, but not the number of cracks. Therefore, laser remelting can be applied as an effective method for strengthening coatings and as an auxiliary method for controlling cracking.
Many-Body Physics of Low-Density Dipolar Bosons in Box Potentials
Authors: Macrì Tommaso , Cinti Fabio
Published: January 2019

Crystallization is a generic phenomenon in classical and quantum mechanics arising in a variety of physical systems. In this work, we focus on a specific platform, ultracold dipolar bosons, which can be realized in experiments with dilute gases. We reviewed the relevant ingredients leading to crystallization, namely the interplay of contact and dipole–dipole interactions and system density, as well as the numerical algorithm employed. We characterized the many-body phases investigating correlations and superfluidity.
Polarization Converter Based on Square Lattice Photonic Crystal Fiber with Double-Hole Units
Authors: Zhang Zejun , Tsuji Yasuhide , Eguchi Masashi , Chen Chun-ping
Published: January 2019

In this study, a novel polarization converter (PC) based on square lattice photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is proposed and analyzed. For each square unit in the cladding, two identical circular air holes are arranged symmetrically along the y = x axis. With the simple configuration structure, numerical simulations using the FDTD analysis demonstrate that the PC has a strong polarization conversion efficiency (PCE) of 99.4% with a device length of 53 μ m, and the extinction ratio is −21.8 dB. Considering the current PCF fabrication technology, the structural tolerances of circular hole size and hole position have been discussed in detail. Moreover, it is expected that over the 1.2∼1.7 μ m wavelength range, the PCE can be designed to be better than 99% and the corresponding extinction ratio is better than − 20 dB .
Emerging Perovskite Nanocrystals-Enhanced Solid-State Lighting and Liquid-Crystal Displays
Authors: He Ziqian , Zhang Caicai , Dong Yajie , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: January 2019

Recent advances in perovskite nanocrystals-enhanced solid-state lighting (SSL) and liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) are reviewed. We first discuss the development, optical properties, and stability issue of materials, and then we evaluate the performance of SSL and LCDs with perovskite downconverters adopted. In SSL performance evaluation, we investigate the fitting-curve effect in calculations and optimizations where simple Gaussian fitting and precise fitting are compared in detail, and we further optimize for highly efficient, good color-rendering, and human-healthy SSL sources. For LCD performance evaluation, we study the intrinsic tradeoffs between total light efficiency and color gamut coverage. Through optimizations using real line shapes, Rec. 2020 standard coverage as large as 92.8% can be achieved through hybrid integration. Finally, we briefly discuss two future challenges: materials development and device integration. We believe the emerging perovskite nanocrystals are highly promising for next-generation SSL and LCDs.
Lattice Row Distance and Its Application in Row-Indexing
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Hejing
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we propose six general formulae to describe those relationships between the lattice row distance, the lattice parameters and the Miller indices h, k and l for all crystal systems along with any direction. This finally establishes the foundation of the row-indexing, a new method for deriving Miller indices from the lattice row distance. Triclinic talc is used as an example for row-indexing. This new indexing method is especially useful for beam-sensitive materials.
The Influence of Teacher Expectancy Improvement Strategies on Student Attitude and Achievement in English Courses (An Action Research Sample)
Authors: Toksoy Selnur , Evran Acar Filiz
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of teacher expectancy improvement strategies on student achievements and attitudes in English courses. We investigated the existing situation, and have presented a method that can provide the educational processes necessary to bring about the required changes. For this reason, the emancipatory/improving/critical action research model was used. The study was carried out on a sample group consisting of 87 students, 43 sixth graders, and 44 eighth graders, attending a school located in Düzce’s city center during the 2015–2016 academic year. In order to collect the data, the “Teacher Expectancy Scale” that was developed by the researchers, as well as the “Attitude Scale towards English Course”, and a further seven tests, which were prepared by the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MoNE), were used. The study was conducted for a total of 48 hours over 12 weeks, for four hours per week. As a result of the study, it was revealed that teacher expectations influenced the attitudes of the students towards the English lesson in a positive way, and increased their academic achievements.
A Task Parameter Inference Framework for Real-Time Embedded Systems
Authors: Jung Namyong , Baek Hyeongboo , Lee Jinkyu
Published: January 2019

While recent studies addressed security attacks in real-time embedded systems, most of them assumed prior knowledge of parameters of periodic tasks, which is not realistic under many environments. In this paper, we address how to infer task parameters, from restricted information obtained by simple system monitoring. To this end, we first develop static properties that are independent of inference results and therefore applied only once in the beginning. We further develop dynamic properties each of which can tighten inference results by feeding an update of the inference results obtained by other properties. Our simulation results demonstrate that the proposed inference framework infers task parameters for RM (Rate Monotonic) with reasonable tightness; the ratio of exactly inferred task periods is 95.3% and 65.6%, respectively with low and high task set use. The results also discover that the inference performance varies with the monitoring interval length and the task set use.
Joint Estimation of Doppler Stretch and Time Delay of Wideband Echoes for LFM Pulse Radar Based on Sigmoid-FRFT Transform under the Impulsive Noise Environment
Authors: Li Li , Younan Nicolas H. , Shi Xiaofei
Published: January 2019

To overcome the limitation of performance degradation of existing methods based on fractional Fourier transform in impulsive noise, and fractional lower-order statistics based method dependence on a priori knowledge of the noise, a novel Sigmoid fractional Fourier transform (Sigmoid-FRFT) is presented in this paper. This novel approach is then used to estimate the Doppler stretch and time delay. Furthermore, the properties of the Sigmoid transform, robustness and boundedness of the Sigmoid-FRFT to the S α S noise, and the computation complexity of the Sigmoid-FRFT method are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Simulation results and theoretical analysis are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the forgoing method. It is shown that the proposed method not only can effectively suppress impulsive noise interference but also does not need a priori knowledge of the noise, with higher estimation accuracy and lower computational complexity in impulsive noise environments.
A Reformatory Model Incorporating PNGV Battery and Three-Terminal-Switch Models to Design and Implement Feedback Compensations of LiFePO4 Battery Chargers
Authors: Pai Kai-Jun
Published: January 2019

This study developed and implemented a LiFePO4 battery pack (LBP) rapid charger. Using the three-terminal switch and partnership for a new generation of vehicles (PNGV) battery models, this study could obtain a small-signal system matrix to derive transfer functions and further analyze frequency responses for the charge voltage and current loops; therefore, both voltage and current feedback controllers could be designed to fulfill the constant-voltage (CV) and constant-current (CC) charges. To address practical applications, the proposed equivalent model also considered the wire resistance-inductance of the power cable. According to the derived high-order transfer function, the pole-zero break frequency in the Bode plot was observed that approximated the practical measurement; therefore, the pole-zero compensation could be accomplished for both charge loop requirements. Moreover, the design features for implementing the CV and CC charges are presented in detail herein, and the current overshoot during the start-up phase could be mitigated using the method of zero break frequency shifting and a novel proportional shifting proportional-integral control. The LBP parameter estimations, model construction processes, and frequency response analyses are also presented. The feedback compensation design based on the proposed model was validated through simulations and experiments. The results were determined to be in excellent agreement with theoretical derivations.
The Energy System and the Sharing Economy: Interfaces and Overlaps and What to Learn from Them
Authors: Plewnia Frederik
Published: January 2019

The dissemination of decentralized renewable energy generation, storage and smart metering devices has led to the need for new business models and coordination mechanisms in the energy sector. At the same time, the emerging sharing economy focuses on using digital platforms to coordinate value creation on a decentralized level. While sharing concepts have already been applied to specific energy technologies and microgrids, a more general understanding of what the sharing economy means in the context of the energy sector is still missing. This paper aims to bring these two topics together and to analyze their interfaces and overlaps. For this purpose, this paper draws from existent scientific publications, reports, blog posts, and websites as well as company workshops to discuss which activities and characteristics of the sharing economy might be applicable to the energy sector. Results show that there are significant overlaps in characteristics of the sharing economy and of the transitioning energy system. Furthermore, a broad range of business models within the energy system were found to be based on sharing resources. The findings of this study open up a range of new research and business opportunities at the interface of the sharing economy and the transitioning energy system.