bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Therapeutic Implications of the Gut Microbiome and Probiotics in Patients with NAFLD
Authors: Perumpail Brandon J. , Li Andrew A. , John Nimy , Sallam Sandy , Shah Neha D. , Kwong Waiyee , Cholankeril George , Kim Donghee , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: February 2019

Recent breakthrough in our understanding pertaining to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has pointed to dysregulation or derangement of the gut microbiome, also known as dysbiosis. This has led to growing interest in probiotic supplementation as a potential treatment method for NAFLD due to its ability to retard and/or reverse dysbiosis and restore normal gut flora. A thorough review of medical literature was completed from inception through July 10, 2018 on the PubMed database by searching for key terms such as NAFLD, probiotics, dysbiosis, synbiotics, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). All studies reviewed indicate that probiotics had a beneficial effect in patients with NAFLD and its subset NASH. Results varied between studies, but there was evidence demonstrating improvement in liver enzymes, hepatic inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and hepatic fibrosis. No major adverse effects were noted. Currently, there are no guidelines addressing the use of probiotics in the setting of NAFLD. In conclusion, probiotics appear to be a promising option in the treatment of NAFLD. Future research is necessary to assess the efficacy of probiotics in patients with NAFLD.
Vision-Based Indoor Scene Recognition from Time-Series Aerial Images Obtained Using a MAV Mounted Monocular Camera
Authors: Madokoro Hirokazu , Sato Kazuhito , Shimoi Nobuhiro
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a vision-based indoor scene recognition method from aerial time-series images obtained using a micro air vehicle (MAV). The proposed method comprises two procedures: a codebook feature description procedure, and a recognition procedure using category maps. For the former procedure, codebooks are created automatically as visual words using self-organizing maps (SOMs) after extracting part-based local features using a part-based descriptor from time-series scene images. For the latter procedure, category maps are created using counter propagation networks (CPNs) with the extraction of category boundaries using a unified distance matrix (U-Matrix). Using category maps, topologies of image features are mapped into a low-dimensional space based on competitive and neighborhood learning. We obtained aerial time-series image datasets of five sets for two flight routes: a round flight route and a zigzag flight route. The experimentally obtained results with leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) revealed respective mean recognition accuracies for the round flight datasets (RFDs) and zigzag flight datasets (ZFDs) of 71.7% and 65.5% for 10 zones. The category maps addressed the complexity of scenes because of segmented categories. Although extraction results of category boundaries using U-Matrix were partially discontinuous, we obtained comprehensive category boundaries that segment scenes into several categories.
Bayesian Recurrent Neural Network Models for Forecasting and Quantifying Uncertainty in Spatial-Temporal Data
Authors: McDermott Patrick L. , Wikle Christopher K.
Published: February 2019

Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are nonlinear dynamical models commonly used in the machine learning and dynamical systems literature to represent complex dynamical or sequential relationships between variables. Recently, as deep learning models have become more common, RNNs have been used to forecast increasingly complicated systems. Dynamical spatio-temporal processes represent a class of complex systems that can potentially benefit from these types of models. Although the RNN literature is expansive and highly developed, uncertainty quantification is often ignored. Even when considered, the uncertainty is generally quantified without the use of a rigorous framework, such as a fully Bayesian setting. Here we attempt to quantify uncertainty in a more formal framework while maintaining the forecast accuracy that makes these models appealing, by presenting a Bayesian RNN model for nonlinear spatio-temporal forecasting. Additionally, we make simple modifications to the basic RNN to help accommodate the unique nature of nonlinear spatio-temporal data. The proposed model is applied to a Lorenz simulation and two real-world nonlinear spatio-temporal forecasting applications.
Entropic Effects in Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Dai Xiaobin , Hou Cuiling , Xu Ziyang , Yang Ye , Zhu Guolong , Chen Pengyu , Huang Zihan , Yan Li-Tang
Published: February 2019

Polymer nanocomposite materials, consisting of a polymer matrix embedded with nanoscale fillers or additives that reinforce the inherent properties of the matrix polymer, play a key role in many industrial applications. Understanding of the relation between thermodynamic interactions and macroscopic morphologies of the composites allow for the optimization of design and mechanical processing. This review article summarizes the recent advancement in various aspects of entropic effects in polymer nanocomposites, and highlights molecular methods used to perform numerical simulations, morphologies and phase behaviors of polymer matrices and fillers, and characteristic parameters that significantly correlate with entropic interactions in polymer nanocomposites. Experimental findings and insight obtained from theories and simulations are combined to understand how the entropic effects are turned into effective interparticle interactions that can be harnessed for tailoring nanostructures of polymer nanocomposites.
An Enhanced Multi-Objective Gray Wolf Optimization for Virtual Machine Placement in Cloud Data Centers
Authors: Fatima Aisha , Javaid Nadeem , Anjum Butt Ayesha , Sultana Tanzeela , Hussain Waqar , Bilal Muhammad , Hashmi Muhammad Aqeel ur Rehman , Akbar Mariam , Ilahi Manzoor
Published: February 2019

Cloud computing offers various services. Numerous cloud data centers are used to provide these services to the users in the whole world. A cloud data center is a house of physical machines (PMs). Millions of virtual machines (VMs) are used to minimize the utilization rate of PMs. There is a chance of unbalanced network due to the rapid growth of Internet services. An intelligent mechanism is required to efficiently balance the network. Multiple techniques are used to solve the aforementioned issues optimally. VM placement is a great challenge for cloud service providers to fulfill the user requirements. In this paper, an enhanced levy based multi-objective gray wolf optimization (LMOGWO) algorithm is proposed to solve the VM placement problem efficiently. An archive is used to store and retrieve true Pareto front. A grid mechanism is used to improve the non-dominated VMs in the archive. A mechanism is also used for the maintenance of an archive. The proposed algorithm mimics the leadership and hunting behavior of gray wolves (GWs) in multi-objective search space. The proposed algorithm was tested on nine well-known bi-objective and tri-objective benchmark functions to verify the compatibility of the work done. LMOGWO was then compared with simple multi-objective gray wolf optimization (MOGWO) and multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO). Two scenarios were considered for simulations to check the adaptivity of the proposed algorithm. The proposed LMOGWO outperformed MOGWO and MOPSO for University of Florida 1 (UF1), UF5, UF7 and UF8 for Scenario 1. However, MOGWO and MOPSO performed better than LMOGWO for UF2. For Scenario 2, LMOGWO outperformed the other two algorithms for UF5, UF8 and UF9. However, MOGWO performed well for UF2 and UF4. The results of MOPSO were also better than the proposed algorithm for UF4. Moreover, the PM utilization rate (%) was minimized by 30% with LMOGWO, 11% with MOGWO and 10% with MOPSO.
Nonlinear Position Stabilizing Control with Active Damping Injection Technique for Magnetic Levitation Systems
Authors: Kim Seok-Kyoon
Published: February 2019

This proposal suggests a novel nonlinear position-stabilizing controller for magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) applications. The proposed scheme is devised by combining the active damping injection technique and disturbance observers (DOBs), considering the inherent nonlinear dynamics, as well as parameter and load variations. The convergence and performance recovery properties are obtained by analyzing the closed-loop dynamics, which is the main contribution. The numerical verification confirms a considerable closed-loop robustness improvement, compared with the cascade-type feedback-linearization controller.
Open Embedded Real-time Controllers for Industrial Distributed Control Systems
Authors: Delgado Raimarius , Park Jaeho , Choi Byoung Wook
Published: February 2019

This paper presents design details adopting open embedded systems (OES) as real-time controllers in industrial distributed control systems. OES minimize development cost and enhance portability while addressing widely known shortcomings of their proprietary counterparts. These shortcomings include the black box method of distribution which hinders integration to more complex systems. However, OES are highly dependent on the compatibility of each software components and essential benchmarking is required to ensure that the system can satisfy hard real-time constraints. To address these issues and the notion that OES will find broader distributed control applications, we provide detailed procedures in realizing OES based on an open source real-time operating system on various low-cost open embedded platforms. Their performance was evaluated and compared in terms of periodicity and schedulability, task synchronization, and interrupt response time, which are crucial metrics to determine stability and reliability of real-time controllers. Practical implementations, including the modernization of a multi-axis industrial robot controller, are described clearly to serve as a comprehensive reference on the integration of OES in industrial distributed control systems.
Analyzing Electrical Performance and Thermal Coupling of Supercapacitor Assembled Using Phosphorus-Doped Porous Carbon/Graphene Composite
Authors: Zhang Jian Yu , Wang Xi Tao , Ali Sikander , Liu Fu Gui
Published: February 2019

A novel phosphorus-doped porous carbon/graphene composite was adopted as electrode material of super-capacitor, which showed excellent electrochemical performance compared with carbon material without phosphorus heteroatom by means of cyclic voltammetry, the charge/discharge property, impedance characteristics, cycle life, and stability. The P-enriched carbons sample offered an outstanding capacitive behavior, which had specific capacitance 277 F/g and was able to withstand at a wide voltage window of 1.6 V with 90.8% performance retention after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 10 Ag−1, providing a higher energy density 26.42 Wh/kg. In addition, because the thermal effect in charge and discharge process can make the supercapacitor temperature rise rapidly in a short time and affect the electrical performance, temperature characteristic is one of the important characteristics to be considered in practical application. In this paper, a two-dimensional thermal model for commonly used coiling supercapacitor with p-doped porous carbon/graphene composite as electrode material was established, and the temperature distribution of supercapacitor and the variation of internal temperature under different conditions were analyzed by finite element method. The results show that the maximum temperature appears near the center, and the maximum temperature is related to the applied current and the number of cycles. With the increase of the current, the maximum internal temperature is increased sharply, and it is kept constant after the number of cycles reaches a certain value. Cooling measures should be taken when the maximum temperature exceeds the allowable temperature range.
Development of an Exergy-Rational Method and Optimum Control Algorithm for the Best Utilization of the Flue Gas Heat in Coal-Fired Power Plant Stacks
Authors: Kılkış Birol
Published: February 2019

Waste heat that is available in the flue gas of power plant stacks is a potential source of useful thermal power. In reclaiming and utilizing this waste heat without compromising plant efficiency, stacks usually need to be equipped with forced-draught fans in order to compensate for the decrease in natural draught while stack gas is cooled. In addition, pumps are used to circulate the heat transfer fluid. All of these parasitic operations require electrical power. Electrical power has unit exergy of almost 1 W/W. On the contrary, the thermal power exergy that is claimed from the low-enthalpy flue gas has much lower unit exergy. Therefore, from an exergetic point of view, the additional electrical exergy that is required to drive pumps and fans must not exceed the thermal exergy claimed. Based on the First-Law of Thermodynamics, the net energy that is saved may be positive with an apparently high coefficient of performance; however, the same generally does not hold true for the Second-Law. This is a matter of determining the optimum amount of heat to be claimed and the most rational method of utilizing this heat for maximum net exergy gain from the process, under variable outdoor conditions and the plant operations. The four main methods were compared. These are (a) electricity generation by thermoelectric generators, electricity generation with an Organic-Rankine Cycle with (b) or without (c) a heat pump, and (d) the direct use of the thermal exergy that is gained in a district energy system. The comparison of these methods shows that exergy-rationality is the best for method (b). A new analytical optimization algorithm and the exergy-based optimum control strategy were developed, which determine the optimum pump flow rate of the heat recovery system and then calculate how much forced-draft fan power is required in the stack at dynamic operating conditions. Robust design metrics were established to maximize the net exergy gain, including an exergy-based coefficient of performance. Parametric studies indicate that the exergetic approach provides a better insight by showing that the amount of heat that can be optimally recovered is much different than the values given by classical economic and energy efficiency considerations. A case study was performed for method (d), which shows that, without any exergy rationality-based control algorithm and design method, the flue gas heat recovery may not be feasible in district energy systems or any other methods of utilization of the heat recovered. The study has implications in the field, since most of the waste heat recovery units in industrial applications, which are designed based on the First-Law of Thermodynamics, result in exergy loss instead of exergy gain, and are therefore responsible for more carbon dioxide emissions. These applications must be retrofitted with new exergy-based controllers for variable speed pumps and fans with optimally selected capacities.
Land-Use Change Detection with Convolutional Neural Network Methods
Authors: Cao Cong , Dragićević Suzana , Li Songnian
Published: February 2019

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) have been used increasingly in several land-use classification tasks, but there is a need to further investigate its potential. This study aims to evaluate the performance of CNN methods for land classification and to identify land-use (LU) change. Eight transferred CNN-based models were fully evaluated on remote sensing data for LU scene classification using three pre-trained CNN models AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and VGGNet. The classification accuracy of all the models ranges from 95% to 98% with the best-performed method the transferred CNN model combined with support vector machine (SVM) as feature classifier (CNN-SVM). The transferred CNN-SVM model was then applied to orthophotos of the northeastern Cloverdale as part of the City of Surrey, Canada from 2004 to 2017 to perform LU classification and LU change analysis. Two sources of datasets were used to train the CNN–SVM model to solve a practical issue with the limited data. The obtained results indicated that residential areas were expanding by creating higher density, while green areas and low-density residential areas were decreasing over the years, which accurately indicates the trend of LU change in the community of Cloverdale study area.
The Impact of Anatomical Characteristics on the Structural Integrity of Wood
Authors: Emmerich Lukas , Wülfing Georg , Brischke Christian
Published: February 2019

The structural integrity of wood is closely related to its brittleness and thus to its suitability for numerous applications where dynamic loads, wear and abrasion occur. The structural integrity of wood is only vaguely correlated with its density, but affected by different chemical, physico-structural and anatomical characteristics, which are difficult to encompass as a whole. This study aimed to analyze the results from High-Energy Multiple Impact (HEMI) tests of a wide range of softwood and hardwood species with an average oven-dry wood density in a range between 0.25 and 0.99 g/cm³ and multifaceted anatomical features. Therefore, small clear specimens from a total of 40 different soft- and hardwood species were crushed in a heavy vibratory ball mill. The obtained particles were fractionated and used to calculate the ‘Resistance to Impact Milling (RIM)’ as a measure of the wood structural integrity. The differences in structural integrity and thus in brittleness were predominantly affected by anatomical characteristics. The size, density and distribution of vessels as well as the ray density of wood were found to have a significant impact on the structural integrity of hardwoods. The structural integrity of softwood was rather affected by the number of growth ring borders and the occurrence of resin canals. The density affected the Resistance to Impact Milling (RIM) of neither the softwoods nor the hardwoods.
Direct Ethanol Production from Lignocellulosic Materials by Mixed Culture of Wood Rot Fungi Schizophyllum commune, Bjerkandera adusta, and Fomitopsis palustris
Authors: Horisawa Sakae , Inoue Akie , Yamanaka Yuka
Published: February 2019

The cost of bioethanol production from lignocellulosic materials is relatively high because the additional processes of delignification and saccharification are required. Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) simultaneously uses the multiple processes of delignification, saccharification, and fermentation in a single reactor and has the potential to solve the problem of cost. Some wood-degrading basidiomycetes have lignin- and cellulose-degrading abilities as well as ethanol fermentation ability. The white rot fungus Schizophyllum commune NBRC 4928 was selected as a strong fermenter from a previous study. The lignin-degrading fungus Bjerkandera adusta and polysaccharide-degrading fungus Fomitopsis palustris were respectively added to S. commune ethanol fermentations to help degrade lignocellulosic materials. Bjerkandera adusta produced more ligninase under aerobic conditions, so a switching aeration condition was adopted. The mixed culture of S. commune and B. adusta promoted direct ethanol production from cedar wood. Fomitopsis palustris produced enzymes that released glucose from both carboxymethylcellulose and microcrystalline cellulose. The mixed culture of S. commune and F. palustris did not enhance ethanol production from cedar. The combination of S. commune and cellulase significantly increased the rate of ethanol production. The results suggest that CBP for ethanol production from cellulosic material can be achieved by using multiple fungi in one reactor.
Influence of Flour Particle Size Distribution on the Quality of Maize Gluten-Free Cookies
Authors: Belorio Mayara , Sahagún Marta , Gómez Manuel
Published: February 2019

The objective of the present study was to analyse the influence of particle size distribution of maize flour in the formulation of gluten-free cookies. Different cookie formulations were made with three distinct maize flour fractions obtained by sieving (less than 80 µm; between 80 and 180 µm; greater than 180 µm). Cookies dimension, texture and colour were evaluated. Flour hydration properties and cookie dough rheology were also measured. Overall, an increase in maize flour particle size decreases the values of water holding capacity (WHC), swelling volume and G’ (elastic modulus) for the doughs. An increase in average particle size also increases diameter and spread factor of the cookies but decreases their hardness. A higher percentage of thick particles is more effective to reduce cookie hardness, but a certain percentage of thinner particles is necessary to give cohesion to the dough and to allow formation of the cookies without breaking. Cookies with a larger diameter also presented a darker colour after baking.
Psychological Wellbeing and Healthy Aging: Focus on Telomeres
Authors: Boccardi Mariangela , Boccardi Virginia
Published: February 2019

Stress and depression are known to modulate the aging process, and might also affect telomere biology. In fact, exposure to some biochemical pathways involved in stress-related depression may contribute to an ‘‘accelerated aging” phenotype, as well as the incidence of age-related diseases, including metabolic disorders and dementia. Basic studies support the notion that the telomere and telomerase system plays a pivotal role in the aging process and disease promotion. Interestingly, short and dysfunctional telomeres are associated with reduced lifespan, as shown in animal models. In this context, telomeres are very sensitive to stress, mindset, and lifestyle, and their rescue may be sufficient to restore cell and organism viability. This mini-review discusses conceptual models of healthy and active aging and their relationship with telomere biology and mental health.
Jumping on the Bandwagon: A Review on the Versatile Applications of Gold Nanostructures in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sarkis Monira , Ghanem Esther , Rahme Kamil
Published: February 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) has remarkably emerged as a prominent disease in the face of the male population. Conventional treatments like prostatectomy or radiation can be curative only if PCa is diagnosed at an early stage. In the field of targeted therapy, a bevy of novel therapeutic approaches have left a landmark in PCa treatment and have proven to extend survival via distinct modes of actions. Nanotherapy has started to take root and has become the hype of the century by virtue of its abundant advantages. Scientists have invested a great deal of interest in the development of nanostructures such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which hold particularly great hope for PCa theranostics. In this article, we present an overview of the studies published after 1998 that involve the use of different functionalized AuNPs to treat and diagnose PCa. Special reference is given to various in vitro and in vivo methods employed to shuttle AuNPs to PCa cells. Major studies show an enhancement of either detection or treatment of PCa when compared to their non-targeted counterparts, especially when AuNPs are tagged with specific ligands, such as antibodies, tea natural extracts, folate, anisamide, receptor inhibitors, and chitosan. Future approaches of treatment are dependent on those worthy multifunctional molecules, and are dictated by their ability to achieve a more versatile cancer therapeutic approach.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Study and Radical Scavenging Activity of Kaempferol Derivatives: Enhanced Water Solubility and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Deng Sui-Ping , Yang Yi-Li , Cheng Xing-Xing , Li Wen-Rong , Cai Ji-Ye
Published: February 2019

Kaempferol (Kae) is a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant activity, but its therapeutic use is limited by its low aqueous solubility. Here, a series of Kae derivatives were synthesized to improve Kae dissolution property in water and antioxidant activity. These compounds included sulfonated Kae (Kae-SO3), gallium (Ga) complexes with Kae (Kae-Ga) and Kae-SO3 (Kae-SO3-Ga). The compound structures were characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermal methods (TG/DSC). The results showed that a sulfonic group (-SO3) was successfully tethered on the C3’ of Kae to form Kae-SO3. And in the metal complexation, 4-CO and 3-OH of the ligand participated in the coordination with Ga(III). The metal-to-ligand ratio 1:2 was suggested for both complexes. Interestingly, Kae-SO3-Ga was obviously superior to other compounds in terms of overcoming the poor water-solubility of free Kae, and the solubility of Kae-SO3-Ga was about 300-fold higher than that of Kae-Ga. Furthermore, the evaluation of antioxidant activities in vitro was carried out for Kae derivatives by using α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radical scavenging. The results showed that Kae-SO3-Ga was also optimal for scavenging free radicals in a dose-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that sulfonate kaempferol-gallium complex has a promising future as a potential antioxidant and as a potential therapeutic agent for further biomedical studies.
Compositional Features of HDL Particles Interact with Albuminuria to Modulate Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Corsetti James P. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Gansevoort Ronald T. , Gruppen Eke G. , Connelly Margery A. , Sparks Charles E. , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: February 2019

Lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B modify associations of elevated urinary albumin excretion (UAE) with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Additionally, it is known that elevated UAE alters high-density lipoprotein functionality. Accordingly, we examined whether HDL features might also modify UAE-associated CVD. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards modeling was performed on participants of the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular Endstage Disease) study at the baseline screening with standard lipid/lipoprotein analyses and, three-to-four years later (second screen), with nuclear magnetic resonance lipoprotein analyses focusing on HDL parameters including HDL particle (HDL-P) and apolipoprotein A-I concentrations. These were used with UAE and derived measures of HDL apoA-I content (apoA-I/HDL-C and apoA-I/HDL-P) in risk models adjusted for gender, age, apoB, diabetes, past CVD history, CRP and GFR. Interaction analysis was also performed. Baseline screening revealed significant associations inverse for HDL-C and apoA-I and direct for apoA-I/HDL-C. The second screening demonstrated associations inverse for HDL-P, large HDL-P, medium HDL-P, HDL size, and apoA-I/HDL-P. Significant interactions with UAE included apoA-I/HDL-C at the baseline screening, and apoA-I/HDL-P and medium HDL-P but not apoA-I/HDL-C at the second screening. We conclude that features of HDL particles including apoA-I/HDL-P, indicative of HDL apoA-I content, and medium HDL-P modify associations of elevated UAE with CVD risk.
Metallothionein 3 Is a Hypoxia-Upregulated Oncogene Enhancing Cell Invasion and Tumorigenesis in Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Tsui Ke-Hung , Hou Chen-Pang , Chang Kang-Shuo , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Feng Tsui-Hsia , Chen Chiu-Chun , Shin Yi-Syuan , Juang Horng-Heng
Published: February 2019

Metallothioneins have been viewed as modulators in a number of biological regulations regarding cancerous development; however, the function of metallothionein 3 (MT3) in bladder cancer is unexplored. We determined the regulatory mechanisms and potential function of MT3 in bladder carcinoma cells. Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) assays revealed that TSGH-8301 cells expressed more MT3 levels than RT-4, HT1376, and T24 cells. Immunoblot and RT-qPCR assays showed that arsenic (AS2O3) treatments enhanced the gene expression of MT3. Hypoxia induced HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and MT3 expression; furthermore, HIF-2α-knockdown attenuated hypoxic activation on MT3 expression. Ectopic overexpression of MT3 increased cell proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenesis significantly in T24 and HT1376 cells in vitro and in vivo; however, MT3-knockdown in TSGH-8301 cells had the reverse effect. Moreover, knockdown of MT3 enhanced arsenic-induced apoptosis determined by the Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay. MT3-overexpression downregulated the gene expressions of N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), and the mammary serine protease inhibitor (MASPIN) in HT1376 and T24 cells, whereas MT3-knockdown in TSGH-8301 cells had the opposite effect. The experiments indicated that MT3 is an arsenic- and hypoxia-upregulated oncogene that promotes cell growth and invasion of bladder carcinoma cells via downregulation of NDRG1, NDRG2, and MASPIN expressions.
Sensory Neuropathy Affects Cardiac miRNA Expression Network Targeting IGF-1, SLC2a-12, EIF-4e, and ULK-2 mRNAs
Authors: Bencsik Péter , Kiss Krisztina , Ágg Bence , Baán Júlia A. , Ágoston Gergely , Varga Albert , Gömöri Kamilla , Mendler Luca , Faragó Nóra , Zvara Ágnes , Sántha Péter , Puskás László G. , Jancsó Gábor , Ferdinandy Péter
Published: February 2019

Background: Here we examined myocardial microRNA (miRNA) expression profile in a sensory neuropathy model with cardiac diastolic dysfunction and aimed to identify key mRNA molecular targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs that may contribute to cardiac dysfunction. Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or capsaicin for 3 days to induce systemic sensory neuropathy. Seven days later, diastolic dysfunction was detected by echocardiography, and miRNAs were isolated from the whole ventricles. Results: Out of 711 known miRNAs measured by miRNA microarray, the expression of 257 miRNAs was detected in the heart. As compared to vehicle-treated hearts, miR-344b, miR-466b, miR-98, let-7a, miR-1, miR-206, and miR-34b were downregulated, while miR-181a was upregulated as validated also by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). By an in silico network analysis, we identified common mRNA targets (insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), solute carrier family 2 facilitated glucose transporter member 12 (SLC2a-12), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4e (EIF-4e), and Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2 (ULK-2)) targeted by at least three altered miRNAs. Predicted upregulation of these mRNA targets were validated by qRT-PCR. Conclusion: This is the first demonstration that sensory neuropathy affects cardiac miRNA expression network targeting IGF-1, SLC2a-12, EIF-4e, and ULK-2, which may contribute to cardiac diastolic dysfunction. These results further support the need for unbiased omics approach followed by in silico prediction and validation of molecular targets to reveal novel pathomechanisms.
The Contribution of the Immune System in Bone Metastasis Pathogenesis
Authors: Xiang Lisha , Gilkes Daniele M.
Published: February 2019

Bone metastasis is associated with significant morbidity for cancer patients and results in a reduced quality of life. The bone marrow is a fertile soil containing a complex composition of immune cells that may actually provide an immune-privileged niche for disseminated tumor cells to colonize and proliferate. In this unique immune milieu, multiple immune cells including T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and neutrophils are involved in the process of bone metastasis. In this review, we will discuss the crosstalk between immune cells in bone microenvironment and their involvement with cancer cell metastasis to the bone. Furthermore, we will highlight the anti-tumoral and pro-tumoral function of each immune cell type that contributes to bone metastasis. We will end with a discussion of current therapeutic strategies aimed at sensitizing immune cells.
3D Numerical Simulation of Reactive Extrusion Processes for Preparing PP/TiO2 Nanocomposites in a Corotating Twin Screw Extruder
Authors: Sun Dapeng , Zhu Xiangzhe , Gao Mingguang
Published: February 2019

To better understand the relationship between flow, mixing and reactions in the process of preparing PP/TiO2, a 3D numerical simulation in a co-rotating twin screw extruder (TSE) was firstly employed using commercial CFD code, ANSYS Polyflow. The effects of rotating speed of screws, stagger angle of knead blocks, inlet flow rate and initial temperature of barrel on the mixing and reaction process in the TSE were investigated. The results reveal that the studied operational and geometric parameters, which determine mixing efficiency, residence time distribution, and temperature of the flows in the TSE, affect the local species concentration, reaction time and reaction rate, and hence have great influences on the conversion rate. The results show that increasing the rotating speed and inlet flow rate can decrease the time for sufficient mixing, which is not conducive to intensive reaction, and increasing the stagger angle has the opposite effect. Moreover, the conversion rate greatly affected by the initial temperature of barrel.
Numerical Study on the Potential of Cavitation Damage in a Lead–Bismuth Eutectic Spallation Target
Authors: Wan Tao , Naoe Takashi , Kogawa Hiroyuki , Futakawa Masatoshi , Obayashi Hironari , Sasa Toshinobu
Published: February 2019

To perform basic Research and Development for future Accelerator-driven Systems (ADSs), Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) will construct an ADS target test facility. A Lead–Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) spallation target will be installed in the target test facility and bombarded by pulsed proton beams (250 kW, 400 MeV, 25 Hz, and 0.5 ms pulse duration). To realize the LBE spallation target, cavitation damage due to pressure changes in the liquid metal should be determined, preliminarily, because such damage is considered to be very critical, from the viewpoint of target safety and lifetime. In this study, cavitation damage due to pressure waves caused by pulsed proton beam injection and turbulent liquid metal flow, were studied, numerically, from the viewpoint of single cavitation bubble dynamics. Specifically, the threshold of cavitation and effects of flow speed fluctuation on cavitation bubble dynamics, in an orifice structure, were investigated in the present work. The results showed that the LBE spallation target did not undergo cavitation damage, under normal nominal operation conditions, mainly because of the long pulse duration of the pulsed proton beam and the low liquid metal flow velocity. Nevertheless, the possibility of cavitation damage in the orifice structure, under certain extreme transient LBE flow conditions, cannot be neglected.
Release of Cationic Drugs from Charcoal
Authors: Di Ruocco Chiara , Acocella Maria Rosaria , Guerra Gaetano
Published: February 2019

The goal of this research is to improve preparation of charcoal adducts in a manner suitable for cationic drug release, possibly using an eco-friendly procedure. Charcoal, widely commercialized for human ingestion, is oxidized by hydrogen peroxide in mild conditions. Adducts of a cationic drug (lidocaine hydrochloride, a medication used as local anesthetic) with charcoal are prepared after basification of charcoal and characterized mainly by elemental analysis, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The drug in the prepared adducts is present in amount close to 30% by weight and can be readily released to both neutral and acidic aqueous solutions. Cation release, as studied by UV spectra of aqueous solutions, is faster in acidic solutions and is faster than for adducts with graphite oxide, which can be prepared only in harsh conditions.
Generalized Fractional Integral Operators Pertaining to the Product of Srivastava’s Polynomials and Generalized Mathieu Series
Authors: Nisar K.S. , Suthar D.L. , Bohra M. , Purohit S.D.
Published: February 2019

Fractional calculus image formulas involving various special functions are important for evaluation of generalized integrals and to obtain the solution of differential and integral equations. In this paper, the Saigo’s fractional integral operators involving hypergeometric function in the kernel are applied to the product of Srivastava’s polynomials and the generalized Mathieu series, containing the factor x λ ( x k + c k ) − ρ in its argument. The results are expressed in terms of the generalized hypergeometric function and Hadamard product of the generalized Mathieu series. Corresponding special cases related to the Riemann–Liouville and Erdélyi–Kober fractional integral operators are also considered.
Stability Analysis of Singly Diagonally Implicit Block Backward Differentiation Formulas for Stiff Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Jana Aksah Saufianim , Ibrahim Zarina Bibi , Mohd Zawawi Iskandar Shah
Published: February 2019

In this research, a singly diagonally implicit block backward differentiation formulas (SDIBBDF) for solving stiff ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is proposed. The formula reduced a fully implicit method to lower triangular matrix with equal diagonal elements which will results in only one evaluation of the Jacobian and one LU decomposition for each time step. For the SDIBBDF method to have practical significance in solving stiff problems, its stability region must at least cover almost the whole of the negative half plane. Step size restriction of the proposed method have to be considered in order to ensure stability of the method in computing numerical results. Efficiency of the SDIBBDF method in solving stiff ODEs is justified when it managed to outperform the existing methods for both accuracy and computational time.
Prospectivity Mapping of Mineral Deposits in Northern Norway Using Radial Basis Function Neural Networks
Authors: Juliani Cyril , Ellefmo Steinar L.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is used to generate a prospectivity map for undiscovered copper-rich (Cu) deposits in the Finnmark region, northern Norway. To generate the input data for RBFNN, geological and geophysical data, including up to 86 known mineral occurrences hosted in mafic host-rocks, were combined at different resolutions. Mineral occurrences were integrated into “deposit” and “non-deposit” training sets. Running RBFNN on different input vectors, with a k-fold cross-validation method, showed that increasing the number of iterations and radial basis functions resulted in: (1) a reduction of training mean squared error (MSE) down to 0.1, depending on the grid resolution, and (2) reaching correct classification rates of 0.9 and 0.6 for training and validation, respectively. The latter depends on: (1) the selection of “non-deposit” training data throughout the study area, (2) the scale at which data was acquired, and (3) the dissimilarity of input vectors. The “deposit” input data were correctly identified by the trained model (up to 83%) after proceeding to classification of non-training data. Up to 885 km2 of the Finnmark region studied is favorable for Cu mineralization based on the resulting mineral prospectivity map. The prospectivity map can be used as a reconnaissance guide for future detailed ground surveys.
Accumulation of Arsenic and Heavy Metals in Native and Cultivated Plant Species in a Lead Recycling Area in Vietnam
Authors: Chu Ha T. T. , Vu Tu V. , Nguyen Tam K. B. , Nguyen Ha T. H.
Published: February 2019

This study was conducted to determine the soil contamination and the accumulation of arsenic (As) and heavy metals including chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in 15 native and cultivated plant species in a Pb recycling area of Dong Mai village, Hung Yen Province, Vietnam. The analysis of 32 soil samples collected from seven different sites in the study area revealed that the contents of Al, Fe, As, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in the soils ranged from 6200–32,600, 11,300–55,500, 5.4–26.8, 24.9–290, 66.0–252, 143–455, 0.71–1.67, and 370–47,400 mg/kg, respectively. The contents of As, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in rice grains and the shoots of 15 plant species ranged from 0.14–10.2, 1.00–10.2, 5.19–23.8, 34.7–165, 0.06–0.99, and 2.83–1160 mg/kg-dry weight (DW), respectively. Hymenachne acutigluma (Steud.) Gilliland, a potential hyperaccumulator of Pb (1160 mg/kg-DW), is considered the best candidate for phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated soil. The cultivation of rice and vegetables, and the use of some native plants for food for humans, pigs, and cattle should be managed with consideration of the accumulation of Pb in their aboveground biomass.
Process and Mechanism of Gold Mineralization at the Zhengchong Gold Deposit, Jiangnan Orogenic Belt: Evidence from the Arsenopyrite and Chlorite Mineral Thermometers
Authors: Sun Si-Chen , Zhang Liang , Li Rong-Hua , Wen Ting , Xu Hao , Wang Jiu-Yi , Li Zhi-Qi , Zhang Fu , Zhang Xue-Jun , Guo Hu
Published: February 2019

The Zhengchong gold deposit, with a proven gold reserve of 19 t, is located in the central part of Jiangnan Orogenic Belt (JOB), South China. The orebodies are dominated by NNE- and NW- trending auriferous pyrite-arsenopyrite-quartz veins and disseminated pyrite-arsenopyrite-sericite-quartz alteration zone, structurally hosted in the Neoproterozoic epimetamorphic terranes. Three stages of hydrothermal alteration and mineralization have been defined at the Zhengchong deposit: (i) Quartz–auriferous arsenopyrite and pyrite; (ii) Quartz–polymetallic sulfides–native gold–minor chlorite; (iii) Barren quartz–calcite vein. Both invisible and native gold occurred at the deposit. Disseminated arsenopyrite and pyrite with invisible gold in them formed at an early stage in the alteration zones have generally undergone syn-mineralization plastic-brittle deformation. This resulted in the generation of hydrothermal quartz, chlorite and sulfides in pressure shadows around the arsenopyrite and the formation of fractures of the arsenopyrite. Meanwhile, the infiltration of the ore-forming fluid carrying Sb, Cu, Zn, As and Au resulted in the precipitation of polymetallic sulfides and free gold. The X-ray elements mapping of arsenopyrite and spot composition analysis of arsenopyrite and chlorite were carried out to constrain the ore-forming physicochemical conditions. The results show that the early arsenopyrite and invisible gold formed at 322–397 °C with lgf(S2) ranging from −10.5 to −6.7. The crack-seal structure of the ores indicates cyclic pressure fluctuations controlled by fault-valve behavior. The dramatic drop of pressure resulted in the phase separation of ore-forming fluids. During the phase separation, the escape of H2S gas caused the decomposition of the gold-hydrosulfide complex, which further resulted in the deposition of the native gold. With the weakening of the gold mineralization, the chlorite formed at 258–274 °C with lgf(O2) of −50.9 to −40.1, as constrained by the results from mineral thermometer.
A Comprehensive Study on the Dye Adsorption Behavior of Polyoxometalate-Complex Nano-Hybrids Containing Classic β-Octamolybdate and Biimidazole Units
Authors: Liang Shuang , Nie Yan-Mei , Li Sang-Hao , Zhou Jian-Liang , Yan Jun
Published: February 2019

Six new hybrids based on β-[Mo8O26]4− polyoxometalates, [Ni(H2biim)3]2[β-Mo8O26]•8DMF(1); (DMA)2[M(H2biim)2(H2O)2][β-Mo8O26]•4DMF (M = Ni (2), Co (3)), DMA = dimethyl-ammonium, H2biim=2,2′-biimidazole); [M(H2biim)(DMF)3]2[β-Mo8O26]•2DMF (M = Zn (4), Cu (5)); [(DMA)2[Cu(DMF)4][β-Mo8O26]•2DMF]n (6), have been successfully synthesized and characterized. Compounds 2–5 show favorable capacity to adsorb methylene blue (MB) at room temperature, and they can selectively capture MB molecules from binary-mixture solutions of MB/MO (MO = Methyl Orange), or MB/RhB (RhB = Rhodamine B). Compound 3 can uptake up to 521.7 mg g−1 MB cationic dyes rapidly, which perform the maximum adsorption in an hour among the reported materials as far as we know. The compounds are stable and still work very efficiently after three cycles. For compound 3, the preliminary adsorption mechanism studies indicated that the adsorption is an ion exchange process and the adsorption behavior of polyoxometalate-complex can be benefited from additional exchangeable protons in the complex cations.
Site-Specific Cleavage of RNAs Derived from the PIM1 3′-UTR by a Metal-Free Artificial Ribonuclease
Authors: Zellmann Felix , Thomas Laura , Scheffer Ute , Hartmann Roland K. , Göbel Michael W.
Published: February 2019

Oligonucleotide conjugates of tris(2-aminobenzimidazole) have been reported previously to cleave complementary RNA strands with high levels of sequence and site specificity. The RNA substrates used in these studies were oligonucleotides not longer than 29-mers. Here we show that ~150–400-mer model transcripts derived from the 3′-untranslated region of the PIM1 mRNA reacted with rates and specificities comparable to those of short oligonucleotide substrates. The replacement of DNA by DNA/LNA mixmers further increased the cleavage rate. Tris(2-aminobenzimidazoles) were designed to interact with phosphates and phosphate esters. A cell, however, contains large amounts of phosphorylated species that may cause competitive inhibition of RNA cleavage. It is thus important to note that no loss in reaction rates was observed in phosphate buffer. This opens the way to in-cell applications for this type of artificial nuclease. Furthermore, we disclose a new synthetic method giving access to tris(2-aminobenzimidazoles) in multigram amounts.
The Effect of the Chemical Character of Ionic Liquids on Biomass Pre-Treatment and Posterior Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Bernardo Joana R. , Gírio Francisco M. , Łukasik Rafał M.
Published: February 2019

Ionic liquids have been recognised as interesting solvents applicable in efficient lignocellulosic biomass valorisation, especially in biomass fractionation into individual polymeric components or direct hydrolysis of some biomass fractions. Considering the chemical character of ionic liquids, two different approaches paved the way for the fractionation of biomass. The first strategy integrated a pre-treatment, hydrolysis and conversion of biomass through the employment of hydrogen-bond acidic 1-ethyl-3-methyimidazolim hydrogen sulphate ionic liquid. The second strategy relied on the use of a three-step fractionation process with hydrogen-bond basic 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate to produce high purity cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin fractions. The proposed approaches were scrutinised for wheat straw and eucalyptus residues. These different biomasses enabled an understanding that enzymatic hydrolysis yields are dependent on the crystallinity of the pre-treated biomass. The use of acetate based ionic liquid allowed crystalline cellulose I to change to cellulose II and consequently enhanced the glucan to glucose yield to 93.1 ± 4.1 mol% and 82.9 ± 1.2 mol% for wheat straw and eucalyptus, respectively. However, for hydrogen sulphate ionic liquid, the same enzymatic hydrolysis yields were 61.6 ± 0.2 mol% for wheat straw and only 7.9 ± 0.3 mol% for eucalyptus residues. These results demonstrate the importance of both ionic liquid character and biomass type for efficient biomass processing.