bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Random Parameters Ordered Probit Analysis of Injury Severity in Truck Involved Rear-End Collisions
Authors: Shao Xiaojun , Ma Xiaoxiang , Chen Feng , Song Mingtao , Pan Xiaodong , You Kesi
Published: January 2020

Social and economic burdens caused by truck-involved rear-end collisions are of great concern to public health and the environment. However, few efforts focused on identifying the difference of impacting factors on injury severity between car-strike-truck and truck-strike-car in rear-end collisions. In light of the above, this study focuses on illustrating the impact of variables associated with injury severity in truck-related rear-end crashes. To this end, truck involved rear-end crashes between 2006 and 2015 in the U.S. were obtained. Three random parameters ordered probit models were developed: two separate models for the car-strike-truck crashes and the truck-strike-car crashes, respectively, and one for the combined dataset. The likelihood ratio test was conducted to evaluate the significance of the difference between the models. The results show that there is a significant difference between car-strike-truck and truck-strike-car crashes in terms of contributing factors towards injury severity. In addition, indicators reflecting male, truck, starting or stopped in the road before a crash, and other vehicles stopped in lane show a mixed impact on injury severity. Corresponding implications were discussed according to the findings to reduce the possibility of severe injury in truck-involved rear-end collisions.
Does “Rural” Always Mean the Same? Macrosocial Determinants of Rural Populations’ Health in Poland
Authors: Ucieklak-Jeż Paulina , Bem Agnieszka
Published: January 2020

Rural areas, as well as urban ones, are not homogeneous in terms of social and economic conditions. Those surrounding large urban centers (suburban rural areas) act different roles than those located in remote areas. This study aims to measure the level of inequalities in social determinants of health (SDH) between two categories of rural areas. We pose the following research hypotheses: (hypothesis H1) rural areas in Poland are relatively homogenous in the context of SDH and (hypothesis H2) SDH affects life expectancies of rural residents. Based on data covering all rural territories, we found that rural areas in Poland are homogenous in SDH. We also find important determinants of health rooted in a demographic structure—the feminization index and a ratio of the working-age population. On the other hand, we cannot confirm the influence of commonly used SDH-GDP and unemployment rate.
A Community-Based Participatory Approach to the Development and Implementation of an HIV Health Behavior Intervention: Lessons Learned in Navigating Research and Practice Systems from Project HAPPY
Authors: Holliday Rhonda C. , Phillips Romell , Akintobi Tabia Henry
Published: January 2020

African American young adults continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. The Southern United States has been particularly affected by HIV/AIDS, accounting for 52% of the new HIV diagnoses. Efforts to reduce the burden of HIV among young African Americans are still needed. Project HAPPY (HIV/AIDS Prevention Project for Youth) was developed and implemented using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) model. There were several challenges that arose during implementation of Project HAPPY that included recruitment, partner engagement, and retention. The realities of implementing an HIV prevention project with urban adolescents is discussed in detail and strategies to overcome these challenges, using a CBPR approach are described. The lessons learned from CBPR implementation of Project HAPPY include: (1) Create a feedback loop to receive community input and guidance throughout the life of the project; (2) Periodic community inventory to determine who is providing similar services to avoid saturation; (3) Prepare for Alternative Partner Engagement; (4) Consult (formally and informally) with the Institutional Review Board prior to submitting proposed changes to avoid unnecessary delays in implementation; (5) Select meaningful incentives for your priority population; and (6) Maintain multiple points of contact with community partners to mitigate the effects of staff turnover.
Procedures for Condition Mapping Using 360° Images
Authors: Barazzetti Luigi , Previtali Mattia , Scaioni Marco
Published: January 2020

The identification of deterioration mechanisms and their monitoring over time is an essential phase for conservation. This work aimed at developing a novel approach for deterioration mapping and monitoring based on 360° images, which allows for simple and rapid data collection. The opportunity to capture the whole scene around a 360° camera reduces the number of images needed in a condition mapping project, resulting in a powerful solution to document small and narrow spaces. The paper will describe the implemented workflow for deterioration mapping based on 360° images, which highlights pathologies on surfaces and quantitatively measures their extension. Such a result will be available as standard outputs as well as an innovative virtual environment for immersive visualization. The case of multi-temporal data acquisition will be considered and discussed as well. Multiple 360° images acquired at different epochs from slightly different points are co-registered to obtain pixel-to-pixel correspondence, providing a solution to quantify and track deterioration effects.
Low-Cost Cellulase-Hemicellulase Mixture Secreted by Trichoderma harzianum EM0925 with Complete Saccharification Efficacy of Lignocellulose
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Jinshui , Luo Lijin , Wang Entao , Wang Ruonan , Liu Liang , Liu Jiawen , Yuan Hongli
Published: January 2020

Fermentable sugars are important intermediate products in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and other value-added bio-products. The main bottlenecks limiting the production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass are the high cost and the low saccharification efficiency of degradation enzymes. Herein, we report the secretome of Trichoderma harzianum EM0925 under induction of lignocellulose. Numerously and quantitatively balanced cellulases and hemicellulases, especially high levels of glycosidases, could be secreted by T. harzianum EM0925. Compared with the commercial enzyme preparations, the T. harzianum EM0925 enzyme cocktail presented significantly higher lignocellulolytic enzyme activities and hydrolysis efficiency against lignocellulosic biomass. Moreover, 100% yields of glucose and xylose were obtained simultaneously from ultrafine grinding and alkali pretreated corn stover. These findings demonstrate a natural cellulases and hemicellulases mixture for complete conversion of biomass polysaccharide, suggesting T. harzianum EM0925 enzymes have great potential for industrial applications.
In Vivo Metabolic Response upon Exposure to Gold Nanorod Core/Silver Shell Nanostructures: Modulation of Inflammation and Upregulation of Dopamine
Authors: Li Haiyun , Wen Tao , Wang Tao , Ji Yinglu , Shen Yaoyi , Chen Jiaqi , Xu Haiyan , Wu Xiaochun
Published: January 2020

With the increasing applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), the concerns of widespread human exposure as well as subsequent health risks have been continuously growing. The acute and chronic toxicities of Ag NPs in cellular tests and animal tests have been widely investigated. Accumulating evidence shows that Ag NPs can induce inflammation, yet the overall mechanism is incomplete. Herein, using gold nanorod core/silver shell nanostructures (Au@Ag NRs) as a model system, we studied the influence on mice liver and lungs from the viewpoint of metabolism. In agreement with previous studies, Au@Ag NRs’ intravenous exposure caused inflammatory reaction, accompanying with metabolic alterations, including energy metabolism, membrane/choline metabolism, redox metabolism, and purine metabolism, the disturbances of which contribute to inflammation. At the same time, dopamine metabolism in liver was also changed. This is the first time to observe the production of dopamine in non-neural tissue after treatment with Ag NPs. As the upregulation of dopamine resists inflammation, it indicates the activation of antioxidant defense systems against oxidative stress induced by Au@Ag NRs. In the end, our findings deepened the understanding of molecular mechanisms of Ag NPs-induced inflammation and provide assistance in the rational design of their biomedical applications.
Gold Nanoparticles Crossing Blood-Brain Barrier Prevent HSV-1 Infection and Reduce Herpes Associated Amyloid-βsecretion
Authors: I Rodriguez-Izquierdo , MJ Serramia , R Gomez , FJ De La Mata , MJ Bullido , MA Muñoz-Fernández
Published: January 2020

Infections caused by HSV-1 and their typical outbreaks invading the nervous system have been related to neurodegenerative diseases. HSV-1 infection may deregulate the balance between the amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic pathways, raising the accumulation of amyloid-β peptides, one of the hallmarks in the neurodegenerative diseases. An effective treatment against both, HSV-1 infections and neurodegeneration, is a major therapeutic target. Therefore, gold nanoparticles (NPAus) have been previously studied in immunotherapy, cancer and cellular disruptions with very promising results. Our study demonstrates that a new NPAus family inhibits the HSV-1 infection in a neural-derived SK-N-MC cell line model and that this new NPAus reduces the HSV-1-induced β-secretase activity, as well as amyloid-β accumulation in SK-APP-D1 modifies cell line. We demonstrated that NPAuG3-S8 crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and does not generate cerebral damage to in vivo CD1 mice model. The NPAuG3-S8 could be a promising treatment against neuronal HSV-1 infections and neuronal disorders related to the Aβ peptides.
The Effect of a Transdermal Scopolamine Patch on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Retromastoid Craniectomy with Microvascular Decompression: A Preliminary Single Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Hyun Hee , Kim Hyun-Mi , Lee Ji Eun , Jeon Young-Tae , Park Sanghon , Hwang Kihwan , Han Jung Ho
Published: January 2020

Background: We performed this prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial to identify the effect of a preoperative prophylactic transdermal scopolamine (TDS) patch on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after retromastoid craniectomy with microvascular decompression (RMC-MVD). Methods: We recruited 38 patients undergoing RMC-MVD and randomized them into two groups: the TDS group (n = 19, application of the TDS patch) and placebo group (n = 19, application of a sham patch). Nausea (as a self-reported 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) score; range, 0 (no nausea) to 10 (worst nausea)), vomiting, and the use of antiemetics were the primary endpoints. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of the incidence of PONV (73.7% in the TDS group and 78.9% in the placebo group; p = 1.00) between the groups. However, the mean nausea VAS score was significantly different at arrival to the general ward (0.93 ± 1.71 in the TDS group vs. 2.52 ± 2.85 in the placebo group; p = 0.046), and throughout the study period (0.03 ± 0.07 in the TDS group vs. 0.44 ± 0.71 in the placebo group; p = 0.029). Rescue antiemetics were more frequently used in the placebo group than in the TDS group (9 (47.4%) vs. 2 (10.5%), respectively; p = 0.029). The mean number of antiemetics used throughout the study period was significantly higher in the placebo group than in the TDS group (1.37 ± 2.19 vs. 0.16 ± 0.50, respectively; p = 0.029). Conclusions: The preoperative prophylactic use of a TDS patch was safe and effective in the management of PONV after RMC-MVD in terms of the severity of PONV and the use of rescue antiemetics.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Neither Improves Survival nor Reduces Myocardial or Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
Authors: Flechsig Mandy , Ruf Tobias F. , Troeger Willi , Wiedemann Stephan , Quick Silvio , Ibrahim Karim , Pfluecke Christian , Youssef Akram , Sveric Krunoslav M. , Winzer Robert , Heinzel Frank R. , Linke Axel , Strasser Ruth H. , Zhang Kun , Heidrich Felix M.
Published: January 2020

Background: Peri-interventional myocardial injury occurs frequently during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We assessed the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on myocardial injury, acute kidney injury (AKIN) and 6-month mortality in patients undergoing TAVI. Methods: We performed a prospective single-center controlled trial. Sixty-six patients treated with RIPC prior to TAVI were enrolled in the study and were matched to a control group by propensity-score. RIPC was applied to the upper extremity using a conventional tourniquet. Myocardial injury was assessed using high-sensitive troponin-T (hsTnT), and kidney injury was assessed using serum creatinine levels. Data were compared with the Wilcoxon-Rank and McNemar tests. Mortality was analysed with the log-rank test. Results: TAVI led to a significant rise of hsTnT across all patients (p < 0.001). No significant inter-group difference in maximum troponin release or areas-under-the-curve was detected. Medtronic CoreValve and Edwards Sapien valves showed similar peri-interventional troponin kinetics and patients receiving neither valve did benefit from RIPC. AKIN occurred in one RIPC patient and four non-RIPC patients (p = 0.250). No significant difference in 6-month mortality was observed. No adverse events related to RIPC were recorded. Conclusion: Our data do not show a beneficial role of RIPC in TAVI patients for cardio- or renoprotection, or improved survival.
The Serum Cell-Free microRNA Expression Profile in MCTD, SLE, SSc, and RA Patients
Authors: Stypinska Barbara , Wajda Anna , Walczuk Ewa , Olesinska Marzena , Lewandowska Aleksandra , Walczyk Marcela , Paradowska-Gorycka Agnieszka
Published: January 2020

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare disorder characterized by symptoms that overlap two or more Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases (ACTDs). The aim of this study was to determine whether miRNAs participating in the TLRs signaling pathway could serve as biomarkers differentiating MCTD or other ACTD entities from a healthy control group and between groups of patients. Although the selected miRNA expression level was not significantly different between MCTD and control, we observed that miR-126 distinguishes MCTD patients from all other ACTD groups. The expression level of miRNAs was significantly higher in the serum of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to controls. The miR-145 and -181a levels distinguished RA from other ACDT patients. miR-155 was specific for SLE patients. MiR-132, miR-143, and miR-29a distinguished RA and SLE patients from the systemic sclerosis (SSc) group. Additionally, some clinical parameters were significantly related to the miRNA expression profile in the SLE group. SLE and RA are characterized by a specific serum expression profile of the microRNAs associated with the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathway. The analysis showed that their level distinguishes these groups from the control and from other ACTD patients. The present study did not reveal a good biomarker for MCTD patients.
In Situ Experimental Study on the Behavior of UHPC Composite Orthotropic Steel Bridge Deck
Authors: Su Li , Wang Shilei , Gao Yan , Liu Jianlei , Shao Xudong
Published: January 2020

A novel ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) layer composite orthotropic steel deck was adopted in the construction of a new bridge in China to improve the fatigue performance of the orthotropic steel deck plate and reduce the disease of surface wearing layer. In situ experiments were conducted to study the UHPC layer’s impact on the behavior of the orthotropic steel deck. The test vehicle loads were applied on the deck plate before and after UHPC layer paving, the stresses where fatigue cracks usually occur and the deflections of critical sections were measured. The test results verified that the UHPC composite steel deck system could significantly reduce the stress of the rib-to-deck connection region and the stress at the bottom toe of rib-to-diaphragm weld. In addition, it slightly influenced the performance of U shape rib, girder web-to-deck and diaphragm cutout.
Fused Deposition Modeling of Poly (lactic acid)/Macadamia Composites—Thermal, Mechanical Properties and Scaffolds
Authors: Song Xiaohui , He Wei , Qin Huadong , Yang Shoufeng , Wen Shifeng
Published: January 2020

In this work Macadamia nutshell (MS) was used as filler in fused deposition modeling (FDM) of Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) composites filaments. Composites containing MS both treated and untreated with alkali and silane were investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the treated MS composites had better thermal stability. Furthermore, compression tests were carried out. The PLA with 10 wt% treated MS composite was found possessing the best mechanical properties which was almost equivalent to that of the pure PLA. Finally, porous scaffolds of PLA/10 wt% treated MS were fabricated. The scaffolds exhibited various porosities in range of 30–65%, interconnected holes in size of 0.3–0.5 mm, micro pores with dimension of 0.1–1 μm and 37.92–244.46 MPa of elastic modulus. Those values indicated that the FDM of PLA/MS composites have the potential to be used as weight lighter and structural parts.
Controlling the Degradation Rate of Biodegradable Mg–Zn-Mn Alloys for Orthopedic Applications by Electrophoretic Deposition of Hydroxyapatite Coating
Authors: Antoniac Iulian , Miculescu Florin , Cotrut Cosmin , Ficai Anton , Rau Julietta V. , Grosu Elena , Antoniac Aurora , Tecu Camelia , Cristescu Ioan
Published: January 2020

Magnesium alloys as bioresorbable materials with good biocompatibility have raised a growing interest in the past years in temporary implant manufacturing, as they offer a steady resorption rate and optimal healing in the body. Magnesium exhibits tensile strength properties similar to those of natural bone, which determines its application in load-bearing mechanical medical devices. In this paper, we investigated the biodegradation rate of Mg-Zn-Mn biodegradable alloys (ZMX410 and ZM21) before and after coating them with hydroxyapatite (HAP) via the electrophoretic deposition method. The experimental samples were subjected to corrosion tests to observe the effect of HAP deposition on corrosion resistance and, implicitly, the rate of biodegradation of these in simulated environments. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) provided detailed information on the quality, structure, and morphology of the HAP coating. The obtained results demonstrate that coating of Mg-Zn-Mn alloys by HAP led to the improvement of corrosion resistance in simulated environments, and that the HAP coating could be used in order to control the biodegradation rate.
Carbonization and Preparation of Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Materials from Zn-MOF and Its Applications
Authors: Sivasankar Kulandaivel , Pal Souvik , Thiruppathi Murugan , Lin Chia-Her
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) materials were successfully synthesized via a Zn-containing metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF). The resulting NPC materials are characterized using various physicochemical techniques which indicated that the NPC materials obtained at different carbonization temperatures exhibited different properties. Pristine MOF morphology and pore size are retained after carbonization at particular temperatures (600 °C-NPC600 and 800 °C-NPC800). NPC800 material shows an excellent surface area 1192 m2/g, total pore volume 0.92 cm3/g and displays a higher CO2 uptake 4.71 mmol/g at 273 k and 1 bar. Furthermore, NPC600 material displays good electrochemical sensing towards H2O2. Under optimized conditions, our sensor exhibited a wide linearity range between 100 µM and 10 mM with a detection limit of 27.5 µM.
Evaluation of Warm Rubberized Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixtures through the Marshall and Gyratory Compactors
Authors: Gallego Juan , Rodríguez-Alloza Ana María , Saiz-Rodríguez Leticia
Published: January 2020

Stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures exhibit excellent behaviour; they are highly resistant to reflective cracking and permanent deformation, as well as providing the wearing surface with an optimal texture. However, the production and compaction temperatures are similar to conventional mixtures, which means that there is a significant consumption of energy, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology, which has been developed over the last few years, might allow lower temperatures without compromising the mechanical behaviour of the mixtures. Also, over the last few decades, rubberized asphalt has proved to be effective in improving the performance and being environmentally suitable, but it requires higher production temperatures than conventional mixtures. In this study, several tests were performed to evaluate the effect of a chemical WMA additive on the compactability and water sensitivity of rubberized SMA mixtures with both the Marshall and the gyratory compactor. The investigation has shown that the gyratory compactor is more suitable for studying compactability and the water sensitivity of rubberized SMA with WMA additives.
The Role of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Cancer Nanotheranostics
Authors: Ferreira Maria , Sousa João , Pais Alberto , Vitorino Carla
Published: January 2020

Technological development is in constant progress in the oncological field. The search for new concepts and strategies for improving cancer diagnosis, treatment and outcomes constitutes a necessary and continuous process, aiming at more specificity, efficiency, safety and better quality of life of the patients throughout the treatment. Nanotechnology embraces these purposes, offering a wide armamentarium of nanosized systems with the potential to incorporate both diagnosis and therapeutic features, towards real-time monitoring of cancer treatment. Within the nanotechnology field, magnetic nanosystems stand out as complex and promising nanoparticles with magnetic properties, that enable the use of these constructs for magnetic resonance imaging and thermal therapy purposes. Additionally, magnetic nanoparticles can be tailored for increased specificity and reduced toxicity, and functionalized with contrast, targeting and therapeutic agents, revealing great potential as multifunctional nanoplatforms for application in cancer theranostics. This review aims at providing a comprehensive description of the current designs, characterization techniques, synthesis methods, and the role of magnetic nanoparticles as promising nanotheranostic agents. A critical appraisal of the impact, potentialities and challenges associated with each technology is also presented.
Crystallographic Characterisation of Ultra-Thin, or Amorphous Transparent Conducting Oxides—The Case for Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Caffrey David , Zhussupbekova Ainur , Vijayaraghavan Rajani K. , Ainabayev Ardak , Kaisha Aitkazy , Sugurbekova Gulnar , Shvets Igor V. , Fleischer Karsten
Published: January 2020

The electronic and optical properties of transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are closely linked to their crystallographic structure on a macroscopic (grain sizes) and microscopic (bond structure) level. With the increasing drive towards using reduced film thicknesses in devices and growing interest in amorphous TCOs such as n-type InGaZnO 4 (IGZO), ZnSnO 3 (ZTO), p-type Cu x CrO 2 , or ZnRh 2 O 4 , the task of gaining in-depth knowledge on their crystal structure by conventional X-ray diffraction-based measurements are becoming increasingly difficult. We demonstrate the use of a focal shift based background subtraction technique for Raman spectroscopy specifically developed for the case of transparent thin films on amorphous substrates. Using this technique we demonstrate, for a variety of TCOs CuO, a-ZTO, ZnO:Al), how changes in local vibrational modes reflect changes in the composition of the TCO and consequently their electronic properties.
Effects of Applied Voltages on the Charge Transport Properties in a ZnO Nanowire Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Yoon Jongwon , Huang Fu , Shin Ki Hoon , Sohn Jung Inn , Hong Woong-Ki
Published: January 2020

We investigate the effect of applied gate and drain voltages on the charge transport properties in a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire field effect transistor (FET) through temperature- and voltage-dependent measurements. Since the FET based on nanowires is one of the fundamental building blocks in potential nanoelectronic applications, it is important to understand the transport properties relevant to the variation in electrically applied parameters for devices based on nanowires with a large surface-to-volume ratio. In this work, the threshold voltage shift due to a drain-induced barrier-lowering (DIBL) effect was observed using a Y-function method. From temperature-dependent current-voltage (I-V) analyses of the fabricated ZnO nanowire FET, it is found that space charge-limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism is dominant at low temperatures and low voltages; in particular, variable-range hopping dominates the conduction in the temperature regime from 4 to 100 K, whereas in the high-temperature regime (150–300 K), the thermal activation transport is dominant, diminishing the SCLC effect. These results are discussed and explained in terms of the exponential distribution and applied voltage-induced variation in the charge trap states at the band edge.
Some Identities Involving Certain Hardy Sums and General Kloosterman Sums
Authors: Zhang Huifang , Zhang Tianping
Published: January 2020

Using the properties of Gauss sums, the orthogonality relation of character sum and the mean value of Dirichlet L-function, we obtain some exact computational formulas for the hybrid mean value involving general Kloosterman sums K ( r , l , λ ; p ) and certain Hardy sums S 1 ( h , q ) ∑ m = 1 p − 1 ∑ s = 1 p − 1 K ( m , n , λ ; p ) K ( s , t , λ ; p ) S 1 ( 2 m s ¯ , p ) , ∑ m = 1 p − 1 ∑ s = 1 p − 1 | K ( m , n , λ ; p ) | 2 | K ( s , t , λ ; p ) | 2 S 1 ( 2 m s ¯ , p ) . Our results not only cover the previous results, but also contain something quite new. Actually the previous authors just consider the case of the principal character λ modulo p, while we consider all the cases.
Numerical Solutions for Multi-Term Fractional Order Differential Equations with Fractional Taylor Operational Matrix of Fractional Integration
Authors: Avcı İbrahim , Mahmudov Nazim I.
Published: January 2020

In this article, we propose a numerical method based on the fractional Taylor vector for solving multi-term fractional differential equations. The main idea of this method is to reduce the given problems to a set of algebraic equations by utilizing the fractional Taylor operational matrix of fractional integration. This system of equations can be solved efficiently. Some numerical examples are given to demonstrate the accuracy and applicability. The results show that the presented method is efficient and applicable.
Nonlinear Multigrid Implementation for the Two-Dimensional Cahn–Hilliard Equation
Authors: Lee Chaeyoung , Jeong Darae , Yang Junxiang , Kim Junseok
Published: January 2020

We present a nonlinear multigrid implementation for the two-dimensional Cahn–Hilliard (CH) equation and conduct detailed numerical tests to explore the performance of the multigrid method for the CH equation. The CH equation was originally developed by Cahn and Hilliard to model phase separation phenomena. The CH equation has been used to model many interface-related problems, such as the spinodal decomposition of a binary alloy mixture, inpainting of binary images, microphase separation of diblock copolymers, microstructures with elastic inhomogeneity, two-phase binary fluids, in silico tumor growth simulation and structural topology optimization. The CH equation is discretized by using Eyre’s unconditionally gradient stable scheme. The system of discrete equations is solved using an iterative method such as a nonlinear multigrid approach, which is one of the most efficient iterative methods for solving partial differential equations. Characteristic numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the multigrid method for the CH equation. In the Appendix, we provide C code for implementing the nonlinear multigrid method for the two-dimensional CH equation.
Some Bounds on Zeroth-Order General Randić Index
Authors: Jamil Muhammad Kamran , Tomescu Ioan , Imran Muhammad , Javed Aisha
Published: January 2020

For a graph G without isolated vertices, the inverse degree of a graph G is defined as I D ( G ) = ∑ u ∈ V ( G ) d ( u ) − 1 where d ( u ) is the number of vertices adjacent to the vertex u in G. By replacing − 1 by any non-zero real number we obtain zeroth-order general Randić index, i.e., 0 R γ ( G ) = ∑ u ∈ V ( G ) d ( u ) γ , where γ ∈ R − { 0 } . Xu et al. investigated some lower and upper bounds on I D for a connected graph G in terms of connectivity, chromatic number, number of cut edges, and clique number. In this paper, we extend their results and investigate if the same results hold for γ < 0 . The corresponding extremal graphs have also been identified.
Using Machine Learning Classifiers to Recognize the Mixture Control Chart Patterns for a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Process
Authors: Shao Yuehjen E. , Hu Yu-Ting
Published: January 2020

A statistical process control (SPC) chart is one of the most important techniques for monitoring a process. Typically, a certain root cause or a disturbance in a process would result in the presence of a systematic control chart pattern (CCP). Consequently, the effective recognition of CCPs has received considerable attention in recent years for their potential use in improving process quality. However, most studies have focused on the recognition of CCPs for SPC applications alone. Specifically, even though numerous studies have addressed the increased use of the SPC and engineering process control (EPC) mechanisms, very little research has discussed the recognition of CCPs for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. It is much more difficult to recognize the CCPs of an MIMO system since two or more disturbances are simultaneously involved in the process. The purpose of this study is thus to propose several machine learning (ML) classifiers to overcome the difficulties in recognizing CCPs in MIMO systems. Because of their efficient and fast algorithms and effective classification performance, the considered ML classifiers include an artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), extreme learning machine (ELM), and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS). Furthermore, one problem may arise due to the existence of embedded mixture CCPs (MCCPs) in MIMO systems. In contrast to using typical process outputs alone in a classifier, this study employs both process outputs and EPC compensation to ensure the effectiveness of CCP recognition. Experimental results reveal that the proposed classifiers are able to effectively recognize MCCPs for MIMO systems.
Investigation of the Restored Joint for Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhang Huiyang , Peng Hao , Ran Xiangkun , Pan Qing
Published: January 2020

In recent years, the mechanical clinching method plays an increasingly important role in the building of thin-walled structures. The clinched joint can be employed to join the lightweight materials. Compared with other joining methods, the clinched joint has better mechanical behavior. However, the clinched joint may be deformed during use when it bears a high shear force. In this research, a process to join aluminum alloy and restore deformed joint was proposed and investigated. The clinched joint was deformed in the deforming process. Then, a customized rivet and two flat restoring tools were utilized for restoring the deformed joint to join aluminum alloy. Different restoring forces such as 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, and 20 kN were employed to produce diverse restored joints. Some shearing tests on the restored joint were utilized for understanding joint material flow, mode of failure, thickness of neck, shear strength, and absorption of energy. The thickness of neck can be increased in restoring process, which contributes to improve the shear strength. The rivet embedded in a pit also helps restored joint bear shear force, so all of the restored joints have higher absorption of energy and shear strength than the clinched joints. The restoring process effectively restores the deformed joint to obtain better mechanical behavior.
Hand-Powered Elastomeric Pump for Microfluidic Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Authors: Eluru Gangadhar , Adhikari Jayesh Vasudeva , Chanda Priyalaxita , Gorthi Sai Siva
Published: January 2020

The pumping of fluids into microfluidic channels has become almost an unavoidable operation in all microfluidic applications. Such a need has seen an outburst of several techniques for pumping, out of which the majority of techniques involve complicated fabrication, as they require the introduction of electrodes, valves, piezoelectric materials, acoustic transducers, etc., into the microfluidic device. In addition to the complexity, this also escalates the cost incurred per device. Further, the use of stable external power supplies to produce such a pumping action adds to the bulkiness of the pumps, making them unsuitable for point-of-care diagnostic (POCD) applications. This paper reports a technique of pumping that is simple to realize and does not require external electric/magnetic power, but exploits the elastic properties of materials to achieve the pumping action. This mechanism of pumping ensured the cost per pump to less than 4 USD and can be used for at least 500 times. Several simulations, validation, and characterization experiments were performed on the developed pump to establish its functionality and suitability for use in POCD applications.
Phthalocyanine-Cored Fluorophores with Fluorene-Containing Peripheral Two-Photon Antennae as Photosensitizers for Singlet Oxygen Generation
Authors: Abid Seifallah , Ben Hassine Sarra , Richy Nicolas , Camerel Franck , Jamoussi Bassem , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Mongin Olivier , Paul Frédéric , Paul-Roth Christine O.
Published: January 2020

A series of free base and Zn(II) phthalocyanines featuring fluorenyl antennae linked by methoxy or oxo bridges to the phthalocyanine core (Pc) were synthesized and characterized. Selected linear and nonlinear (two-photon absorption) optical properties of these new compounds were subsequently studied. As previously observed for related porphyrin dendrimers bearing 2-fluorenyl peripheral dendrons, an efficient energy transfer occurs from the peripheral antennae to the central phthalocyanine core following excitation in the fluorenyl-based π–π* absorption band of these chromophores. Once excited, these compounds relax to the ground state, mostly by emitting intense red light or by undergoing intersystem crossing. As a result, the tetrafunctionalized Zn(II) phthalocyanines are fluorescent, but can also efficiently photosensitize molecular oxygen in tetrahydrofurane (THF), forming singlet oxygen with nearly comparable yields to bare Zn(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc). In comparison with the latter complex, the positive role of the fluorenyl-containing antennae on one- and two-photon brightness (2PA) is presently demonstrated when appended in peripheral (β) position to the phthalocyanine core. Furthermore, when compared to known porphyrin analogues, the interest in replacing the porphyrin by a phthalocyanine as the central core to obtain more fluorescent two-photon oxygen photosensitizers is clearly established. As such, this contribution paves the way for the future development of innovative biphotonic photosensitizers usable in theranostics.
In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Saponins from Medicago spp. Against Sheep Gastrointestinal Nematodes
Authors: Maestrini Michela , Tava Aldo , Mancini Simone , Tedesco Doriana , Perrucci Stefania
Published: January 2020

Gastrointestinal strongyle nematodes (GIS) are included among the most important parasites of small ruminants. The widespread drug resistance and drug residues in products of animal origin have increased the interest in the search for natural compounds with anthelmintic activity as a valid alternative to current synthetic drugs. The aim of the present investigation was to test the ‘in vitro’ anthelmintic activity of saponins and prosapogenins from different Medicago species, selected for their importance as a forage crop worldwide for animal feeding. From these plants, saponin mixtures were extracted, purified and used at scalar concentrations to evaluate their anthelmintic activities against sheep gastrointestinal strongyles (GISs), by the egg hatch test. Treated and untreated controls were used as the comparison. Data were statistically analyzed, and EC50 and EC90 were also calculated. All saponins and prosapogenins showed inhibiting effects on GIS eggs in a concentration-dependent manner. At higher concentrations, most of them showed an efficacy comparable to the reference drug (Thiabendazole 3 µg/mL) (P < 0.001). With 1.72 mg/mL EC50 and 3.84 mg/mL EC90, saponin from M. polymorpha cultivars Anglona was the most active. Obtained results encourage further studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy ‘in vivo’ of saponins which resulted as most effective ‘in vitro’ in this study.
Caffeic Acid Attenuates Multi-Drug Resistance in Cancer Cells by Inhibiting Efflux Function of Human P-Glycoprotein
Authors: Teng Yu-Ning , Wang Charles C.N. , Liao Wei-Chieh , Lan Yu-Hsuan , Hung Chin-Chuan
Published: January 2020

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a complicated ever-changing problem in cancer treatment, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a drug efflux pump, is regarded as the major cause. In the way of developing P-gp inhibitors, natural products such as phenolic acids have gotten a lot of attention recently. The aim of the present study was to investigate the modulating effects and mechanisms of caffeic acid on human P-gp, as well as the attenuating ability on cancer MDR. Calcein-AM, rhodamine123, and doxorubicin were used to analyze the interaction between caffeic acid and P-gp, and the ATPase activity of P-gp was evaluated as well. Resistance reversing effects were revealed by SRB and cell cycle assay. The results indicated that caffeic acid uncompetitively inhibited rhodamine123 efflux and competitively inhibited doxorubicin efflux. In terms of P-gp ATPase activity, caffeic acid exhibited stimulation in both basal and verapamil-stimulated activity. The combination of chemo drugs and caffeic acid resulted in decreased IC50 in ABCB1/Flp-InTM-293 and KB/VIN, indicating that the resistance was reversed. Results of molecular docking suggested that caffeic acid bound to P-gp through GLU74 and TRY117 residues. The present study demonstrated that caffeic acid is a promising candidate for P-gp inhibition and cancer MDR attenuation.
BC2L-C N-Terminal Lectin Domain Complexed with Histo Blood Group Oligosaccharides Provides New Structural Information
Authors: Bermeo Rafael , Bernardi Anna , Varrot Annabelle
Published: January 2020

Lectins mediate adhesion of pathogens to host tissues, filling in a key role in the first steps of infection. Belonging to the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia, BC2L-C is a superlectin with dual carbohydrate specificity, believed to mediate cross-linking between bacteria and host cells. Its C-terminal domain binds to bacterial mannosides while its N-terminal domain (BCL2-CN) recognizes fucosylated human epitopes. BC2L-CN presents a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) fold previously unseen in lectins with a novel fucose binding mode. We report, here, the production of a novel recombinant form of BC2L-CN (rBC2L-CN2), which allowed better protein stability and unprecedented co-crystallization with oligosaccharides. Isothermal calorimetry measurements showed no detrimental effect on ligand binding and data were obtained on the binding of Globo H hexasaccharide and l-galactose. Crystal structures of rBC2L-CN2 were solved in complex with two blood group antigens: H-type 1 and H-type 3 (Globo H) by X-ray crystallography. They provide new structural information on the binding site, of importance for the structural-based design of glycodrugs as new antimicrobials with antiadhesive properties.
Strong Biomimetic Immobilization of Pt-Particle Catalyst on ABS Substrate Using Polydopamine and Its Application for Contact-Lens Cleaning with H2O2
Authors: Ohkubo Yuji , Aoki Tomonori , Kaibara Daisuke , Seino Satoshi , Mori Osamu , Sasaki Rie , Endo Katsuyoshi , Yamamura Kazuya
Published: January 2020

Polydopamine (PDA)—a known adhesive coating material—was used herein to strongly immobilize a Pt-particle catalyst on an acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (ABS) substrate. Previous studies have shown that the poor adhesion between Pt particles and ABS surfaces is a considerable problem, leading to low catalytic durability for H2O2 decomposition during contact-lens cleaning. First, the ABS substrate was coated with PDA, and the PDA film was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Second, Pt particles were immobilized on the PDA-coated ABS substrate (ABS-PDA) using the electron-beam irradiation reduction method. The Pt particles immobilized on ABS-PDA (Pt/ABS-PDA) were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The Pt-loading weight was measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Third, the catalytic activity of the Pt/ABS-PDA was evaluated as the residual H2O2 concentration after immersing it in a 35,000-ppm H2O2 solution (the target value was less than 100 ppm). The catalytic durability was evaluated as the residual H2O2 concentration after repeated use. The PDA coating drastically improved both the catalytic activity and durability because of the high Pt-loading weight and strong adhesion among Pt particles, PDA, and the ABS substrate. Plasma treatment prior to PDA coating further improved the catalytic durability.
Impact of Nutrition on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Callejo María , Barberá Joan Albert , Duarte Juan , Perez-Vizcaino Francisco
Published: January 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by sustained vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, inflammation, and in situ thrombosis. Although there have been important advances in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of PAH, it remains a debilitating, limiting, and rapidly progressive disease. Vitamin D and iron deficiency are worldwide health problems of pandemic proportions. Notably, these nutritional alterations are largely more prevalent in PAH patients than in the general population and there are several pieces of evidence suggesting that they may trigger or aggravate disease progression. There are also several case reports associating scurvy, due to severe vitamin C deficiency, with PAH. Flavonoids such as quercetin, isoflavonoids such as genistein, and other dietary polyphenols including resveratrol slow the progression of the disease in animal models of PAH. Finally, the role of the gut microbiota and its interplay with the diet, host immune system, and energy metabolism is emerging in multiple cardiovascular diseases. The alteration of the gut microbiota has also been reported in animal models of PAH. It is thus possible that in the near future interventions targeting the nutritional status and the gut dysbiosis will improve the outcome of these patients.
Comparative Pathology of West Nile Virus in Humans and Non-Human Animals
Authors: Byas Alex D. , Ebel Gregory D.
Published: January 2020

West Nile virus (WNV) continues to be a major cause of human arboviral neuroinvasive disease. Susceptible non-human vertebrates are particularly diverse, ranging from commonly affected birds and horses to less commonly affected species such as alligators. This review summarizes the pathology caused by West Nile virus during natural infections of humans and non-human animals. While the most well-known findings in human infection involve the central nervous system, WNV can also cause significant lesions in the heart, kidneys and eyes. Time has also revealed chronic neurologic sequelae related to prior human WNV infection. Similarly, neurologic disease is a prominent manifestation of WNV infection in most non-human non-host animals. However, in some avian species, which serve as the vertebrate host for WNV maintenance in nature, severe systemic disease can occur, with neurologic, cardiac, intestinal and renal injury leading to death. The pathology seen in experimental animal models of West Nile virus infection and knowledge gains on viral pathogenesis derived from these animal models are also briefly discussed. A gap in the current literature exists regarding the relationship between the neurotropic nature of WNV in vertebrates, virus propagation and transmission in nature. This and other knowledge gaps, and future directions for research into WNV pathology, are addressed.
Production and Characterization of Chitosan–Polyanion Nanoparticles by Polyelectrolyte Complexation Assisted by High-Intensity Sonication for the Modified Release of Methotrexate
Authors: Ciro Yhors , Rojas John , Alhajj Maria , Carabali Gustavo , Salamanca Constain
Published: January 2020

A promising strategy to improve the effectivity of anticancer treatment and decrease its side effects is to modulate drug release by using nanoparticulates (NPs) as carriers. In this study, methotrexate-loaded chitosan–polyanion nanoparticles were produced by polyelectrolyte complexation assisted by high-intensity sonication, using several anionic polymers, such as the sodium and potassium salts of poly(maleic acid-alt-ethylene) and poly(maleic acid-alt-octadecene), here named PAM-2 and PAM-18, respectively. Such NPs were analyzed and characterized according to particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency. Likewise, their physical stability was tested at 4 °C and 40 °C in order to evaluate any change in the previously mentioned particle parameters. The in vitro methotrexate release was assessed at a pH of 7.4, which simulated physiological conditions, and the data were fitted to the heuristic models of order one, Higuchi, Peppas–Sahlin and Korsmeyer–Peppas. The results revealed that most of the MTX-chitosan–polyanion NPs have positive zeta potential values, sizes <280 nm and monodisperse populations, except for the NPs formed with PAM-18 polyanions. Further, the NPs showed adequate physical stability, preventing NP–NP aggregation. Likewise, these carriers modified the MTX release by an anomalous mechanism, where the NPs formed with PAM-2 polymer led to a release mechanism controlled by diffusion and relaxation, whereas the NPs formed with PAM-18 led to a mainly diffusion-controlled release mechanism.
Metallic Nanoparticle-Based Optical Cell Chip for Nondestructive Monitoring of Intra/Extracellular Signals
Authors: Lee Sang-Nam , Choi Jin-Ha , Cho Hyeon-Yeol , Choi Jeong-Woo
Published: January 2020

The biosensing platform is noteworthy for high sensitivity and precise detection of target analytes, which are related to the status of cells or specific diseases. The modification of the transducers with metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) has attracted attention owing to excellent features such as improved sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, the incorporation of MNPs into biosensing systems may increase the speed and the capability of the biosensors. In this review, we introduce the current progress of the developed cell-based biosensors, cell chip, based on the unique physiochemical features of MNPs. Mainly, we focus on optical intra/extracellular biosensing methods, including fluorescence, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based on the coupling of MNPs. We believe that the topics discussed here are useful and able to provide a guideline in the development of new MNP-based cell chip platforms for pharmaceutical applications such as drug screening and toxicological tests in the near future.