bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Flow in Building Arrangement: Computational Domain Discretization
Authors: Sosnowski Marcin , Gnatowska Renata , Grabowska Karolina , Krzywański Jarosław , Jamrozik Arkadiusz
Published: March 2019

The progress in environmental investigations such as the analysis of building arrangements in an urban environment could not have been expanded without the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a research tool. The rapid development of numerical models results in improved correlations to results obtained with real data. Unfortunately, the computational domain discretization is a crucial step in CFD analysis which significantly influences the accuracy of the generated results. Hence an innovative approach to computational domain discretization using polyhedral elements is proposed. The results are compared to commonly applied tetrahedral and hexahedral elements as well as experimental results of particle image velocimetry (PIV). The performed research proves that the proposed method is promising as it allows for the reduction of both the numerical diffusion of the mesh as well as the time cost of preparing the model for calculation. In consequence, the presented approach allows for better results in less time.
A 60-GHz Ultra-Thin and Flexible Metasurface for Frequency-Selective Wireless Applications
Authors: Jilani Syeda Fizzah , Falade Oluyemi P. , Wildsmith Tom , Reip Paul , Alomainy Akram
Published: March 2019

This paper demonstrates a design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a frequency selective 60-GHz flexible metasurface in order to facilitate an unobstructed, secure, and low-loss high-frequency signal propagation. The high-attenuation 60 GHz millimeter-wave (MMW) band is selected for the design of a broadband metasurface. The symmetric metasurface unit-cell structure comprises of an assembly of a circular metallic ring embedded with a square-shaped ring. The screen printing process is deployed to perform fabrication of the metasurface on flexible films by means of highly-conductive nanoparticle copper pastes. Electromagnetic (EM) characteristics of the proposed structure are examined by using the quasi-optic bench testing facility in order to validate its potential contribution in the high data-rate communication links. The proposed ultra-thin and flexible metasurface can be integrated on walls and windows as wallpaper to enhance the wireless signal propagation in highly-dense indoor scenarios.
Analysis of Pressure Pulsation Influence on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Compressor Performance for Ideal and Real Gas Models
Authors: Liu Zhan , Jia Wenguang , Liang Longhui , Duan Zhenya
Published: March 2019

This work investigates the effects of pressure pulsations on reciprocating natural gas compressor performance thermodynamically. A nonlinear hybrid numerical model is thus developed to consider the interaction between the compressor and the pipeline system. The suction chamber, compressor cylinder and discharge chamber are modelled integrally based on the first law of thermodynamics and mass balance, and the pipeline flow is described by using the gas dynamic model. Methane is considered as the working fluid and its properties are computed based on ideal and real gas assumptions. For the real gas model, the methane properties are obtained by means of calling the NIST REFPROP database. The validity of numerical results is confirmed by previous experimental values. Results from the examinations of pressure pulsation influence demonstrate that discharge resonance requires more specific work than suction resonance in the same harmonic; in the suction system, the first harmonic response reduces the mass flow rate but significantly increases specific work, and the second harmonic response has a strong supercharging effect but the specific work is increased slightly; in the discharge system, the mass flow rate is changed little by pressure pulsations, but the indicated power and specific work are increased significantly; for the real gas model, the in-cylinder temperature during the compression and discharge phases, mass flow rate and indicated power are higher than those for the ideal gas model, whereas the specific work is less for the real gas model than for the ideal gas model.
SURAA: A Novel Method and Tool for Loadbalanced and Coalesced SpMV Computations on GPUs
Authors: Muhammed Thaha , Mehmood Rashid , Albeshri Aiiad , Katib Iyad
Published: March 2019

Sparse matrix-vector (SpMV) multiplication is a vital building block for numerous scientific and engineering applications. This paper proposes SURAA (translates to speed in arabic), a novel method for SpMV computations on graphics processing units (GPUs). The novelty lies in the way we group matrix rows into different segments, and adaptively schedule various segments to different types of kernels. The sparse matrix data structure is created by sorting the rows of the matrix on the basis of the nonzero elements per row ( n p r) and forming segments of equal size (containing approximately an equal number of nonzero elements per row) using the Freedman–Diaconis rule. The segments are assembled into three groups based on the mean n p r of the segments. For each group, we use multiple kernels to execute the group segments on different streams. Hence, the number of threads to execute each segment is adaptively chosen. Dynamic Parallelism available in Nvidia GPUs is utilized to execute the group containing segments with the largest mean n p r, providing improved load balancing and coalesced memory access, and hence more efficient SpMV computations on GPUs. Therefore, SURAA minimizes the adverse effects of the n p r variance by uniformly distributing the load using equal sized segments. We implement the SURAA method as a tool and compare its performance with the de facto best commercial (cuSPARSE) and open source (CUSP, MAGMA) tools using widely used benchmarks comprising 26 high n p r v a r i a n c e matrices from 13 diverse domains. SURAA outperforms the other tools by delivering 13.99x speedup on average. We believe that our approach provides a fundamental shift in addressing SpMV related challenges on GPUs including coalesced memory access, thread divergence, and load balancing, and is set to open new avenues for further improving SpMV performance in the future.
A Single Point-Based Multilevel Features Fusion and Pyramid Neighborhood Optimization Method for ALS Point Cloud Classification
Authors: Li Yong , Tong Guofeng , Du Xiance , Yang Xiang , Zhang Jianjun , Yang Lin
Published: March 2019

3D point cloud classification has wide applications in the field of scene understanding. Point cloud classification based on points can more accurately segment the boundary region between adjacent objects. In this paper, a point cloud classification algorithm based on a single point multilevel features fusion and pyramid neighborhood optimization are proposed for a Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) point cloud. First, the proposed algorithm determines the neighborhood region of each point, after which the features of each single point are extracted. For the characteristics of the ALS point cloud, two new feature descriptors are proposed, i.e., a normal angle distribution histogram and latitude sampling histogram. Following this, multilevel features of a single point are constructed by multi-resolution of the point cloud and multi-neighborhood spaces. Next, the features are trained by the Support Vector Machine based on a Gaussian kernel function, and the points are classified by the trained model. Finally, a classification results optimization method based on a multi-scale pyramid neighborhood constructed by a multi-resolution point cloud is used. In the experiment, the algorithm is tested by a public dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively classify large-scale ALS point clouds. Compared with the existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm has a better classification performance.
The Mediated Machine: Embracing Digital Technology as a Glass Artist and Student
Authors: Ebanks Davin K.
Published: March 2019

In this essay the author discusses the benefits of introducing digital making tools into the glass artist’s practice-based research, both on a professional and student level. Using an example from his personal creative practice as a case study, the author outlines not only the practical benefits of using digital technology, but how when combined with traditional hot-worked glass techniques the synthesis can produce art objects that would otherwise be impossible using either digital or manual means alone. He argues that it is the possibility of inventing novel approaches to art making that can motivate glass artists and students to embrace digital means of making, rather than relying on appeals to practicality and efficiency alone. Includes a description of producing blown glass sculptures that combine fused water-jet cut sheet glass with traditional mold blowing and glass sculpting techniques.
[Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] Induces Autophagy in Caki-1 Renal Cancer Cells
Authors: Antonaci Giovanna , Cossa Luca Giulio , Muscella Antonella , Vetrugno Carla , De Pascali Sandra Angelica , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , Marsigliante Santo
Published: March 2019

We have demonstrated the cytotoxic effects of [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(dimethyl sulfide (DMS))] on various immortalized cell lines, in primary cultures, and in murine xenograft models in vivo. Recently, we also showed that [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] is able to kill Caki-1 renal cells both in vivo and in vitro. In the present paper, apoptotic and autophagic effects of [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] and cisplatin were studied and compared using Caki-1 cancerous renal cells. The effects of cisplatin include activation of caspases, proteolysis of enzyme poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), control of apoptosis modulators B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid), and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. Conversely, [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] did not induce caspase activation, nor chromatin condensation or DNA fragmentation. The effects of [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] include microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3)-I to LC3-II conversion, Beclin-1 and Atg-3, -4, and -5 increase, Bcl-2 decrease, and monodansylcadaverine accumulation in autophagic vacuoles. [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] also modulated various kinases involved in intracellular transduction regulating cell fate. [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] inhibited the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapmycin (mTOR), p70S6K, and AKT, and increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2), a kinase activity pattern consistent with autophagy induction. In conclusion, while in past reports the high cytotoxicity of [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] was always attributed to its ability to trigger an apoptotic process, in this paper we show that Caki-1 cells die as a result of the induction of a strong autophagic process.
Change of the Product Specificity of a Cyclodextrin Glucanotransferase by Semi-Rational Mutagenesis to Synthesize Large-Ring Cyclodextrins
Authors: Sonnendecker Christian , Zimmermann Wolfgang
Published: March 2019

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferases (CGTases) convert starch to cyclodextrins (CD) of various sizes. To engineer a CGTase for the synthesis of large-ring CD composed of 9 to 12 glucose units, a loop structure of the protein involved in substrate binding was targeted for semi-rational mutagenesis. Based on multiple protein alignments and protein structure information, a mutagenic megaprimer was designed to encode a partial randomization of eight amino acid residues within the loop region. The library obtained encoding amino acid sequences occurring in wild type CGTases in combination with a screening procedure yielded sequences displaying a changed CD product specificity. As a result, variants of the CGTase from the alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. G825-6 synthesizing mainly CD9 to CD12 could be obtained. When the mutagenesis experiment was performed with the CGTase G825-6 variant Y183R, the same loop alterations that increased the total CD synthesis activity resulted in lower activities of the variant enzymes created. In the presence of the amino acid residue R183, the synthesis of CD8 was suppressed and larger CD were obtained as the main products. The alterations not only affected the product specificity, but also influenced the thermal stability of some of the CGTase variants indicating the importance of the loop structure for the stability of the CGTase.
Photoelectrocatalytic H2 and H2O2 Production Using Visible-Light-Absorbing Photoanodes
Authors: Papagiannis Ioannis , Doukas Elias , Kalarakis Alexandros , Avgouropoulos George , Lianos Panagiotis
Published: March 2019

Hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide have been photoelectrocatalytically produced by electrocatalytic reduction using simple carbon electrodes made by depositing a mesoporous carbon film on carbon cloth. Visible-light-absorbing photoanodes have been constructed by depositing mesoporous CdS/TiO2 or WO3 films on transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrodes. Both produced substantial photocurrents of up to 50 mA in the case of CdS/TiO2 and 25 mA in the case of WO3 photoanodes, and resulting in the production of substantial quantities of H2 gas or aqueous H2O2. Maximum hydrogen production rate was 7.8 µmol/min, and maximum hydrogen peroxide production rate was equivalent, i.e., 7.5 µmol/min. The same reactor was employed for the production of both solar fuels, with the difference being that hydrogen was produced under anaerobic and hydrogen peroxide under aerated conditions. The present data promote the photoelectrochemical production of solar fuels by using simple inexpensive materials for the synthesis of catalysts and the construction of electrodes.
Minimizing the Duration of Repetitive Construction Processes with Work Continuity Constraints
Authors: Jaśkowski Piotr , Biruk Sławomir
Published: March 2019

This study adopts the flow shop concept used in industrial production to schedule repetitive non-linear construction projects, where specialized groups of workers execute processes in work zones (buildings) in a predefined order common to all groups. This problem is characteristic of construction projects that involve erecting multiple buildings. As the duration of the project heavily depends upon the sequence of the work zones, this study aims at providing a model and a practical approach for finding the optimal solution that assures the shortest duration of the project, allows the contractor to complete particular work zones (buildings) as soon as possible (without idle time), and conforms to a predefined sequence of work zone completion. This last constraint may arise from the client’s requirements or physical conditions of the project and has not been addressed by existing scheduling methods. Reducing the duration of the entire project brings the benefit of lower indirect costs and, if accompanied by a reduced duration of completing particular buildings (i.e., work zones), may also provide the opportunity to sell project deliverables sooner, thus improving the economic efficiency of the project. In search of optimal schedules, the authors apply the algorithms of Minimum Hamiltonian Cycle/Asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem (ATSP).
Prokaryotic Dynamics in the Meromictic Coastal Lake Faro (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Raffa Carmela , Rizzo Carmen , Strous Marc , Domenico Emilio De , Sanfilippo Marilena , Michaud Luigi , Giudice Angelina Lo
Published: March 2019

Lake Faro, in the North-Eastern corner of Sicily (Italy), shows the typical stratification of a meromictic tempered basin, with a clear identification of the mixolimnion and the monimolimnion, separated by an interfacial chemocline. In this study, an annual-scaled study on the space-time distribution of the microbial communities in water samples of Lake Faro was performed by both ARISA (Amplified Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis) and CARD-FISH (Catalyzed Reporter Deposition-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) approaches. A correlation between microbial parameters and both environmental variables (i.e., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, redox potential, salinity, chlorophyll-a) and mixing conditions was highlighted, with an evident seasonal variability. The most significative differences were detected by ARISA between the mixolimnion and the monimolimnion, and between Spring and Autumn, by considering layer and season as a factor, respectively.
A Comparative Energy and Economic Analysis between a Low Enthalpy Geothermal Design and Gas, Diesel and Biomass Technologies for a HVAC System Installed in an Office Building
Authors: Villarino José Ignacio , Villarino Alberto , de Arteaga I. , Quinteros Roberto , Alañón Alejandro
Published: March 2019

This paper presents an analysis of economic and energy between a ground-coupled heat pump system and other available technologies, such as natural gas, biomass, and diesel, providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to an office building. All the proposed systems are capable of reaching temperatures of 22 °C/25 °C in heating and cooling modes. EnergyPlus software was used to develop a simulation model and carry out the validation process. The first objective of the paper is the validation of the numerical model developed in EnergyPlus with the experimental results collected from the monitored building to evaluate the system in other operating conditions and to compare it with other available technologies. The second aim of the study is the assessment of the position of the low enthalpy geothermal system proposed versus the rest of the systems, from energy, economic, and environmental aspects. In addition, the annual heating and cooling seasonal energy efficiency ratio (COPsys) of the ground-coupled heat pump (GCHP) shown is higher than the others. The economic results determine a period between 6 and 9 years for the proposed GCHP system to have lower economic cost than the rest of the systems. The results obtained determine that the GCHP proposed system can satisfy the thermal demand in heating and cooling conditions, with optimal environmental values and economic viability.
An Evolutionary Computational Approach for Designing Micro Hydro Power Plants
Authors: Tapia Córdoba Alejandro , Gutiérrez Reina Daniel , Millán Gata Pablo
Published: March 2019

Micro Hydro Power Plants (MHPP) constitute an effective, environmentally-friendly solution to deal with energy poverty in rural isolated areas, being the most extended renewable technology in this field. Nevertheless, the context of poverty and lack of qualified manpower usually lead to a poor usage of the resources, due to the use of thumb rules and user experience to design the layout of the plants, which conditions the performance. For this reason, the development of robust and efficient optimization strategies are particularly relevant in this field. This paper proposes a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to address the problem of finding the optimal layout for an MHPP based on real scenario data, obtained by means of a set of experimental topographic measurements. With this end in view, a model of the plant is first developed, in terms of which the optimization problem is formulated with the constraints of minimal generated power and maximum use of flow, together with the practical feasibility of the layout to the measured terrain. The problem is formulated in both single-objective (minimization of the cost) and multi-objective (minimization of the cost and maximization of the generated power) modes, the Pareto dominance being studied in this last case. The algorithm is first applied to an example scenario to illustrate its performance and compared with a reference Branch and Bound Algorithm (BBA) linear approach, reaching reductions of more than 70% in the cost of the MHPP. Finally, it is also applied to a real set of geographical data to validate its robustness against irregular, poorly sampled domains.
Application of Gas-Permeable Membranes For-Semi-Continuous Ammonia Recovery from Swine Manure
Authors: Riaño Berta , Molinuevo-Salces Beatriz , Vanotti Matías B. , García-González María Cruz
Published: March 2019

Gas-permeable membrane technology is a new strategy to minimize ammonia losses from manure, reducing pollution and recovering N in the form of an ammonium salt fertilizer. In this work, a new operational configuration to recover N using the gas-permeable membrane technology from swine manure was tested in a semi-continuous mode. It treated swine manure with a total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration of 3451 mg L−1. The system was operated with low aeration rate (to raise pH), and with hydraulic retention times (HRT) of seven days (Period I) and five days (Period II) that provided total ammonia nitrogen loading rate (ALR) treatments of 491 and 696 mg TAN per L of reactor per day, respectively. Results showed a uniform TAN recovery rate of 27 g per m2 of membrane surface per day regardless of the ALR applied and the manure TAN concentration in the reactor. TAN removal reached 79% for Period I and 56% for Period II, with 90% of recovery by the membrane in both periods. Water capture in the acidic solution was also uniform during the experimental period. An increase in temperature of 3 °C of the acidic solution relative to the wastewater reduced 34% the osmotic distillation and water dilution of the product. These results suggested that the gas-permeable membrane technology operating in a semi-continuous mode has a great potential for TAN recovery from manure.
Terrestrial Bryophyte and Lichen Responses to Canopy Opening in Pine-Moss-Lichen Forests
Authors: Vitt Dale H. , Finnegan Laura , House Melissa
Published: March 2019

Pinus contorta-dominated montane forests of western Canada with relatively dense tree canopies have ground layers with abundant bryophytes, especially the feather mosses (Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens), while those with more open canopies are dominated by species of reindeer lichens, especially Cladonia arbuscula s.l. and C. rangiferina s.l. Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), which are a threatened species in Alberta, prefer open, Cladonia-dominated forests for their winter food supply. This study investigated if opening the canopy by thinning mature montane forests of the Canadian Rocky Mountain foothills would change the abundance of lichens and bryophytes. In 1997, forests were thinned by removing 20%, 40%, and 60% by volume. In 2016, 19 years after treatment, we re-surveyed a subset of these plots (n = 97) for lichen and bryophyte abundance and species richness by utilizing the amount of canopy opening at the plot level as our prime gradient. We then used ordination to determine the relationship of control plots to treatment plots. In uncut forest, the control plots were highly variable, but were mostly dominated by feather mosses, with little or no bare ground. Feather moss abundance was lower in treatment plots when compared to control plots, while cover of bare ground was greater. Overall, 19 years after treatment, we found that, in treatment plots, lichen abundance remained stable or slightly increased, feather mosses decreased markedly, and unoccupied space was double that of the control plots. We conclude that the canopy opening had little effect on understory and ground layer diversity, but considering species abundance (1) bryophytes have not recovered after canopy opening, (2) populations of reindeer lichens increased marginally, but have not colonized areas left bare from bryophyte dieback, and (3), after 19 years there, remains unoccupied areas of bare ground in plots with a reduced canopy cover. Our study demonstrated that, with canopy cover reduction resulting from forest thinning operations, the ground layer diversity is maintained, but recovery of ground layers in old-growth pine-dominated forests is not promoted. Therefore, timber harvest that partially opens the tree canopy is unlikely to benefit caribou by augmenting or accelerating winter food availability and habitat suitability for caribou.
Robinia pseudoacacia L. in Short Rotation Coppice: Seed and Stump Shoot Reproduction as well as UAS-based Spreading Analysis
Authors: Carl Christin , Lehmann Jan R. K. , Landgraf Dirk , Pretzsch Hans
Published: March 2019

Varying reproduction strategies are an important trait that tree species need in order both to survive and to spread. Black locust is able to reproduce via seeds, stump shoots, and root suckers. However, little research has been conducted on the reproduction and spreading of black locust in short rotation coppices. This research study focused on seed germination, stump shoot resprout, and spreading by root suckering of black locust in ten short rotation coppices in Germany. Seed experiments and sample plots were analyzed for the study. Spreading was detected and measured with unmanned aerial system (UAS)-based images and classification technology—object-based image analysis (OBIA). Additionally, the classification of single UAS images was tested by applying a convolutional neural network (CNN), a deep learning model. The analyses showed that seed germination increases with increasing warm-cold variety and scarification. Moreover, it was found that the number of shoots per stump decreases as shoot age increases. Furthermore, spreading increases with greater light availability and decreasing tillage. The OBIA and CNN image analysis technologies achieved 97% and 99.5% accuracy for black locust classification in UAS images. All in all, the three reproduction strategies of black locust in short rotation coppices differ with regards to initialization, intensity, and growth performance, but all play a role in the survival and spreading of black locust.
Effect of Casein Hydrolysates on Intestinal Cell Migration and Their Peptide Profiles by LC-ESI/MS/MS
Authors: Nielsen Søren D. , Purup Stig , Larsen Lotte B.
Published: March 2019

Potential beneficial effects of bioactive peptides derived from casein on epithelial cellular wound healing in the gastrointestinal tract were studied. Bovine casein was digested by a combination of pepsin and pancreatic proteases at different time intervals to represent ranges of duration of gastrointestinal digestion. Intestinal epithelial cells were used as an in vitro model of the small intestine. The effect of casein hydrolysates on cell migration was studied by scratch assay as a model of wound healing. Casein digested by pepsin and pancreatin for 10 to 30 min were found to have a significant stimulatory effect of >40% on cell migration relative to the control. A potential effect of casein gastrointestinal digests on gastro-intestinal wound healing has not previously been reported. The peptide profiles of active as well as inactive casein hydrolysates were characterised by liquid chromatography coupled to ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. By comparison of identified peptides in active and inactive casein hydrolysates, a pool of 11 peptides derived from casein were identified as potential candidates for effects on cell migration. Searching the milk bioactive peptide database (MBPDB) showed that 15 of the identified peptides had known biological functions such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity.
Children’s Literature in Translation: Towards a Participatory Approach
Authors: Joosen Vanessa
Published: March 2019

In the Netherlands and Flanders, more or less a fifth of all children’s books are translations. The decision of what gets translated and funded is, for the most part, informed by adults’ decisions. This paper offers a first step towards a more participatory approach to the translation of books for young readers by investigating children’s understanding of translation processes and the criteria that they put forward as desirable for the international circulation of children’s books. It presents the findings from interviews and a focus group talk with child members of the “Kinder- en Jeugdjury Vlaanderen”, a children’s jury in which the jurors read both original and translated works. While the children did not always realize which books were translated, they did express clear views on their preferred translation strategies, highlighting the potential to learn about other cultures while also voicing concern about readability. They cared less about exporting their own cultural heritage to other countries, and put the focus on the expansion of interesting stories to read as the main benefit of translations. While this project still involved a fairly high level of adult intervention, it makes clear the potential of children to contribute to decisions about the transnational exchange of cultural products developed for them.
Context-Dependent Effect of Glucocorticoids on the Proliferation, Differentiation, and Apoptosis of Regulatory T Cells: A Review of the Empirical Evidence and Clinical Applications
Authors: Cari Luigi , De Rosa Francesca , Nocentini Giuseppe , Riccardi Carlo
Published: March 2019

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat several diseases because of their powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on immune cells and non-lymphoid tissues. The effects of GCs on T cells are the most relevant in this regard. In this review, we analyze how GCs modulate the survival, maturation, and differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets into both murine models and humans. In this way, GCs change the Treg cell number with an impact on the mid-term and long-term efficacy of GC treatment. In vitro studies suggest that the GC-dependent expansion of Treg cells is relevant when they are activated. In agreement with this observation, the GC treatment of patients with established autoimmune, allergic, or (auto)inflammatory diseases causes an expansion of Treg cells. An exception to this appears to be the local GC treatment of psoriatic lesions. Moreover, the effects on Treg number in patients with multiple sclerosis are uncertain. The effects of GCs on Treg cell number in healthy/diseased subjects treated with or exposed to allergens/antigens appear to be context-dependent. Considering the relevance of this effect in the maturation of the immune system (tolerogenic response to antigens), the success of vaccination (including desensitization), and the tolerance to xenografts, the findings must be considered when planning GC treatment.
Rare-Earth-Doped Calcium Carbonate Exposed to X-ray Irradiation to Induce Reactive Oxygen Species for Tumor Treatment
Authors: Yang Chun-Chen , Wang Wei-Yun , Lin Feng-Huei , Hou Chun-Han
Published: March 2019

Conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited by its penetration depth due to the photosensitizer and light source. In this study, we developed X-ray induced photodynamic therapy that applied X-ray as the light source to activate Ce-doped CaCO3 (CaCO3:Ce) to generate an intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) for killing cancer cells. The A549 cell line was used as the in vitro and in vivo model to evaluate the efficacy of X-ray-induced CaCO3:Ce. The cell viability significantly decreased and cell cytotoxicity obviously increased with CaCO3:Ce exposure under X-ray irradiation, which is less harmful than radiotherapy in tumor treatment. CaCO3:Ce produced significant ROS under X-ray irradiation and promoted A549 cancer cell death. CaCO3:Ce can enhance the efficacy of X-ray induced PDT, and tumor growth was inhibited in vivo. The blood analysis and hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E) stain fully supported the safety of the treatment. The mechanisms underlying ROS and CO2 generation by CaCO3:Ce activated by X-ray irradiation to induce cell toxicity, thereby inhibiting tumor growth, is discussed. These findings and advances are of great importance in providing a novel therapeutic approach as an alternative tumor treatment.
Reactive Species Interactome Alterations in Oocyte Donation Pregnancies in the Absence and Presence of Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Bos Manon , Schoots Mirthe H. , Fernandez Bernadette O. , Mikus-Lelinska Monika , Lau Laurie C. , Eikmans Michael , van Goor Harry , Gordijn Sanne J. , Pasch Andreas , Feelisch Martin , van der Hoorn Marie-Louise P.
Published: March 2019

In pregnancy, maternal physiology is subject to considerable adaptations, including alterations in cardiovascular and metabolic function as well as development of immunological tolerance towards the fetus. In an oocyte donation pregnancy, the fetus is fully allogeneic towards the mother, since it carries both oocyte donor antigens and paternal antigens. Therefore, oocyte donation pregnancies result in an immunologically challenging pregnancy, which is reflected by a higher-than-normal risk to develop pre-eclampsia. Based on the allogeneic conditions in oocyte donation pregnancies, we hypothesized that this situation may translate into alterations in concentration of stable readouts of constituents of the reactive species interactome (RSI) compared to normal pregnancies, especially serum free thiols, nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) related metabolites. Indeed, total free thiol levels and nitrite (NO2−) concentrations were significantly lower whereas protein-bound NO and sulfate (SO42−) concentrations were significantly higher in both oocyte donation and naturally conceived pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia. The increased concentrations of nitrite observed in uncomplicated oocyte donation pregnancies suggest that endothelial NO production is compensatorily enhanced to lower vascular tone. More research is warranted on the role of the RSI and bioenergetic status in uncomplicated oocyte donation pregnancies and oocyte donation pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of 6-O-α-Maltosyl-β-Cyclodextrin as a Potential Therapeutic Agent Against Niemann-Pick Disease Type C
Authors: Yasmin Nushrat , Ishitsuka Yoichi , Fukaura Madoka , Yamada Yusei , Nakahara Shuichi , Ishii Akira , Kondo Yuki , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Motoyama Keiichi , Higashi Taishi , Okada Yasuyo , Nishikawa Junichi , Ichikawa Atsushi , Iohara Daisuke , Hirayama Fumitoshi , Higaki Katsumi , Ohno Kousaku , Matsuo Muneaki , Irie Tetsumi
Published: March 2019

Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NPC) is a rare lysosomal storage disease characterized by the dysfunction of intracellular cholesterol trafficking with progressive neurodegeneration and hepatomegaly. We evaluated the potential of 6-O-α-maltosyl-β-cyclodextrin (G2-β-CD) as a drug candidate against NPC. The physicochemical properties of G2-β-CD as an injectable agent were assessed, and molecular interactions between G2-β-CD and free cholesterol were studied by solubility analysis and two-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The efficacy of G2-β-CD against NPC was evaluated using Npc1 deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and Npc1 deficient mice. G2-β-CD in aqueous solution showed relatively low viscosity and surface activity; characteristics suitable for developing injectable formulations. G2-β-CD formed higher-order inclusion complexes with free cholesterol. G2-β-CD attenuated dysfunction of intercellular cholesterol trafficking and lysosome volume in Npc1 deficient CHO cells in a concentration dependent manner. Weekly subcutaneous injections of G2-β-CD (2.9 mmol/kg) ameliorated abnormal cholesterol metabolism, hepatocytomegaly, and elevated serum transaminases in Npc1 deficient mice. In addition, a single cerebroventricular injection of G2-β-CD (21.4 μmol/kg) prevented Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum, body weight loss, and motor dysfunction in Npc1 deficient mice. In summary, G2-β-CD possesses characteristics favorable for injectable formulations and has therapeutic potential against in vitro and in vivo NPC models.
Deterioration of Wood Plastics Composites by the White-Rot Fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus
Authors: Cesarino Ivana , Dias Otávio Augusto Titton , Negrão Djanira Rodrigues , Rocha Ligia Linardi Niero , Leão Alcides Lopes
Published: March 2019

Wood plastic composites (WPC) are characterized by the mixing of wood fibers with plastics, allowing the production of new products whose characteristics are in several aspects superior to those of the original products and represent an expanding class of durable and low-cost materials in which their uses can reduce the environmental footprint and the dependence on petroleum products. Nevertheless, WPC has some setbacks, including biodegradation, which shortens its life span. In this study, the wood composite was exposed to the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus in order to evaluate its resistance to biodegradation. The WPC was prepared with a 1:1 ratio of Eucalyptus spp. bark as reinforcement agent and polypropylene as matrix. Mechanical and rheological properties and mass loss were evaluated from 15 to 120 days of fungus exposure. After 15 days, a mass loss was detected, which transmitted a negligible effect on the impact resistance of the composite. For the 120-day fungus-exposed composite, the fungus produced a biofilm under the WPC that create a special environment for lignocellulosic consuming led to deterioration of the mechanical properties and minor changes on the thermal–chemical stability of the WPC. Finally, the study gave a great indication of the susceptibility of a Eucalyptus-based composite to biodegradation.
Magnetic and Electrochemical Properties of Lantern-Type Dinuclear Ru(II,III) Complexes with Axial Chloride Ions or Water Molecules
Authors: Handa Makoto , Yairi Haruki , Yano Natsumi , Mitsumi Minoru , Sakiyama Hiroshi , Kitashima Masaharu , Inoue Kazuhito , Mitsuhashi Ryoji , Mikuriya Masahiro , Akashi Haruo , Kataoka Yusuke
Published: March 2019

By using [Ru2(O2CC3H7)4Cl]n (1) as a starting material, nBu4N[Ru2(O2CC3H7)4Cl2] (nBu4N+ = tetra(n-butyl)ammonium cation) (2) and [Ru2(O2CC3H7)4(H2O)2]BF4 (3) were prepared. The lantern-type dinuclear structures with axial chloride ions or water molecules were confirmed for 2 and 3 by X-ray crystal structure analyses. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 were compared with that of 1. In the crystal of 2, there were three crystallographically different dinuclear units; the Ru–Ru distances of each unit were 2.3094(3), 2.3046(4), and 2.3034(4) Å, respectively, which were longer than those of 1 (2.281(4) Å) and 3 (2.2584 (7) Å). Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed for 1 and 2 as well as 3. The effective magnetic moments (µeff) at 300 K were 3.97 (for 1), 4.00 (for 2), and 3.97 µB (for 3), respectively. The decreases in the µeff value were confirmed for all of the complexes due to the large zero-field splitting (D): D = 68 cm−1 for 1, 78 cm−1 for 2, and 60 cm−1 for 3. Cyclic voltammograms measured in CH2Cl2 with a electrolyte of nBu4N(BF4) showed the Ru25+/Ru24+ process at −0.2–−0.4 V (vs. SCE) and the Ru26+/Ru25+ one at 1.3–1.4 V (vs. SCE), of which potentials were confirmed by the DFT calculation for nBu4N[Ru2(O2CC3H7)4Cl2].
The “Generator” of Int-Soft Filters on Residuated Lattices
Authors: Zhang Huarong , Luo Minxia
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we give the “generator” of int-soft filters and propose the notion of t-int-soft filters on residuated lattices. We study the properties of t-int-soft filters and obtain some commonalities (e.g., the extension property, quotient characteristics, and a triple of equivalent characteristics). We also use involution-int-soft filters as an example and show some basic properties of involution-int-soft filters. Finally, we investigate the relations among t-int-soft filters and give a simple method for judging their relations.
Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the “C(ut)annabinoid” System
Authors: Tóth Kinga Fanni , Ádám Dorottya , Bíró Tamás , Oláh Attila
Published: March 2019

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has lately been proven to be an important, multifaceted homeostatic regulator, which influences a wide-variety of physiological processes all over the body. Its members, the endocannabinoids (eCBs; e.g., anandamide), the eCB-responsive receptors (e.g., CB1, CB2), as well as the complex enzyme and transporter apparatus involved in the metabolism of the ligands were shown to be expressed in several tissues, including the skin. Although the best studied functions over the ECS are related to the central nervous system and to immune processes, experimental efforts over the last two decades have unambiguously confirmed that cutaneous cannabinoid (“c[ut]annabinoid”) signaling is deeply involved in the maintenance of skin homeostasis, barrier formation and regeneration, and its dysregulation was implicated to contribute to several highly prevalent diseases and disorders, e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, acne, hair growth and pigmentation disorders, keratin diseases, various tumors, and itch. The current review aims to give an overview of the available skin-relevant endo- and phytocannabinoid literature with a special emphasis on the putative translational potential, and to highlight promising future research directions as well as existing challenges.
Transformation of Combustion Nanocatalysts inside Solid Rocket Motor under Various Pressures
Authors: Li Jun-Qiang , Liu Linlin , Fu Xiaolong , Tang Deyun , Wang Yin , Hu Songqi , Yan Qi-Long
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the dependences of the morphology, particle sizes, and compositions of the condensed combustion products (CCP) of modified double-base propellants (1,3,5-trimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) as oxidizer) on the chamber pressure (<35 MPa) and nickel inclusion have been evaluated under a practical rocket motor operation. It has been shown that higher pressure results in smaller average particle sizes of the CCPs. The CCPs of Ni-containing propellants have more diverse morphologies, including spherical particles, large layered structures, and small flakes coated on large particles depending on the pressure. The specific surface area (SSA) of CCPs is in the range of 2.49 to 3.24 m2 g−1 for propellants without nickel are less dependent on the pressure, whereas it is 1.22 to 3.81 Ni-based propellants. The C, N, O, Al, Cu, Pb, and Si are the major elements presented on the surfaces of the CCP particles of both propellants. The compositions of CCPs from Ni-propellant are much more diverse than another one, but only three or four major phases have been found for both propellants under any pressure. The metallic copper is presented in CCPs for both propellants when the chamber pressure is low. The lead salt as the catalyst has been transformed in to Pb(OH)Cl as the most common products of lead-based catalysts with pressure lower than 15 MPa. When pressure is higher than 5 MPa, the nickel-based CCPs has been found to contain one of the following crystalline phases: Pb2Ni(NO2)6, (NH4)2Ni(SO4)2·6H2O, C2H2NiO4·2H2O, and NiO, depending on the pressure.
Prevention of Hydrogen Damage Using MoS2 Coating on Iron Surface
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Chen Li , Liu Hongmei , Shi Changmin , Wang Dongchao , Mi Zhishan , Qiao Lijie
Published: March 2019

The prevention of hydrogen penetration into steels can effectively protect steels from hydrogen damage. In this study, we investigated the effect of a monolayer MoS2 coating on hydrogen prevention using first-principles calculations. We found that monolayer MoS2 can effectively inhibit the dissociative adsorption of hydrogen molecules on an Fe(111) surface by forming a S–H bond. MoS2 coating acts as an energy barrier, interrupting hydrogen penetration. Furthermore, compared with the H-adsorbed Fe(111) film, the work function of the MoS2-coated film significantly increases under both equilibrium and strained conditions, indicating that the strained Fe(111) film with the MoS2 coating also becomes more corrosion resistant. The results reveal that MoS2 film is an effective coating to prevent hydrogen damage in steels.
High Ampacity Carbon Nanotube Materials
Authors: Mokry Guillermo , Pozuelo Javier , Vilatela Juan J. , Sanz Javier , Baselga Juan
Published: March 2019

Constant evolution of technology is leading to the improvement of electronical devices. Smaller, lighter, faster, are but a few of the properties that have been constantly improved, but these developments come hand in hand with negative downsides. In the case of miniaturization, this shortcoming is found in the inherent property of conducting materials—the limit of current density they can withstand before failure. This property, known as ampacity, is close to reaching its limits at the current scales of use, and the performances of some conductors such as gold or copper suffer severely from it. The need to find alternative conductors with higher ampacity is, therefore, an urgent need, but at the same time, one which requires simultaneous search for decreased density if it is to succeed in an ever-growing electronical world. The uses of these carbon nanotube-based materials, from airplane lightning strike protection systems to the microchip industry, will be evaluated, failure mechanisms at maximum current densities explained, limitations and difficulties in ampacity measurements with different size ranges evaluated, and future lines of research suggested. This review will therefore provide an in-depth view of the rare properties that make carbon nanotubes and their hybrids unique.
Hybrid Metal Graphene-Based Tunable Plasmon-Induced Transparency in Terahertz Metasurface
Authors: Wang Xianjun , Meng Hongyun , Deng Shuying , Lao Chaode , Wei Zhongchao , Wang Faqiang , Tan Chunhua , Huang Xuguang
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we look at the work of a classical plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) based on metasurface, including a periodic lattice with a cut wire (CW) and a pair of symmetry split ring resonators (SSR). Destructive interference of the ‘bright-dark’ mode originated from the CW and a pair of SSRs and resulted in a pronounced transparency peak at 1.148 THz, with 85% spectral contrast ratio. In the simulation, the effects of the relative distance between the CW and the SSR pair resonator, as well as the vertical distance of the split gap, on the coupling strength of the PIT effect, have been investigated. Furthermore, we introduce a continuous graphene strip monolayer into the metamaterial and by manipulating the Fermi level of the graphene we see a complete modulation of the amplitude and line shape of the PIT transparency peak. The near-field couplings in the relative mode resonators are quantitatively understood by coupled harmonic oscillator model, which indicates that the modulation of the PIT effect result from the variation of the damping rate in the dark mode. The transmitted electric field distributions with polarization vector clearly confirmed this conclusion. Finally, a group delay t g of 5.4 ps within the transparency window is achieved. We believe that this design has practical applications in terahertz (THz) functional devices and slow light devices.
A Standardized Phlorotannin Supplement Attenuates Caffeine-Induced Sleep Disruption in Mice
Authors: Kwon Sangoh , Yoon Minseok , Lee Jaekwang , Moon Kwang-Deog , Kim Dohyeon , Kim Seon-Bong , Cho Suengmok
Published: March 2019

In our previous studies, a standardized phlorotannin (brown seaweed polyphenol) supplement (PS) exhibited sleep-promoting effects via type A γ-aminobutyric acid-benzodiazepine receptors in mice. In addition, in human clinical trials, it decreased wake after sleep onset in adults with sleep disturbance. In this follow-up study, we investigated whether PS attenuates caffeine-induced sleep disruption in mice. The effects of PS were evaluated in a caffeine model by analyzing sleep architecture based on electroencephalogram and electromyogram findings, and were compared with the effects of a well-known sedative-hypnotic drug zolpidem (ZPD). As expected, oral administration of caffeine (25 mg/kg) significantly increased sleep latency and decreased the amount of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS). In the caffeine + PS and caffeine + ZPD groups, PS (500 mg/kg) attenuated caffeine-induced sleep disruption, and its effects were comparable with those of ZPD (10 mg/kg). In particular, PS inhibited the arousal effects of caffeine without change in delta activity during NREMS, whereas ZPD produced a decrease in the delta activity. Considering global trends in coffee and energy drink consumption, our finding suggest that PS may be useful to relieve transitory insomnia symptoms caused by caffeine consumption, unlike the prescription drug ZPD.