bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Hall–Petch Relationship and Grain Growth Kinetics in FCC-Structured High/Medium Entropy Alloys
Authors: Huang Yung-Chien , Su Che-Hsuan , Wu Shyi-Kaan , Lin Chieh
Published: March 2019

The recrystallization behavior, grain growth kinetics, and corresponding hardness variation of homogenized and 80% cold-rolled FeCoNiCrPd, FeCoNiCrMn, and their quaternary/ternary FCC-structured high/medium entropy alloys (H/MEAs) annealed under different conditions were investigated. Experimental results indicate that the grain size and hardness of these H/MEAs follow the Hall–Petch equation, with the Hall–Petch coefficient KH value being mainly dominated by the alloy’s stacking fault energy and shear modulus. The FeCoNiCrPd alloy exhibits the highest hardness of the H/MEAs at the same grain size due to the largest Young’s modulus difference between Cr and Pd. The grain growth exponent n, kinetic constant k, and activation energy for grain growth QG of all H/MEAs are calculated. The k can be expressed by the Arrhenius equation with QG, which is attributed to the diffusion rate. The results demonstrate that the QG values of these H/MEAs are much higher than those of conventional alloys; most notable is FeCoNiCrPd HEA, which has an unusually lattice distortion effect that hinders grain growth.
Refocusing Environmental Education in the Early Years: A Brief Introduction to a Pedagogy for Connection
Authors: Barrable Alexia
Published: March 2019

The aim of this article is to introduce an effective, evidence-informed, and developmentally appropriate framework of practice for Environmental Education (EE) in the early years, with the ultimate goal being to achieve environmental sustainability. Initially, the author will briefly examine the current state of EE in the early years, contextualising it within a gradual shift from EE to the more encompassing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The article then proposes that there is a need for a refocusing of EE in the early years that has as a central goal—the promotion of nature connectedness, benefiting both the next generation of learners, as well as our planet. A four-point draft of a pedagogy for connection will be outlined that comprises sustained contact, engagement with nature’s beauty, cultivation of compassion towards non-human nature, and mindfulness. The latest empirical research from ecopsychology and developmental psychology will be used throughout in order to synthesise this brief initial draft of a pedagogy for connection.
High Resolution Imaging from Azimuth Missing SAR Raw Data via Segmented Recovery
Authors: Qian Yulei , Zhu Daiyin
Published: March 2019

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) raw data missing occurs when radar is interrupted by various influences. In order to cope with this problem, a new method is proposed to focus the azimuth missing SAR raw data via segmented recovery in this paper. A reference function in time domain is designed to make the missing raw data sparser in two dimensional frequency domain. Afterwards, greedy algorithms are available to recover the missing data in two dimensional frequency domain. In addition, in order to avoid range frequency aliasing problem caused by reference function multiplication in time domain, the missing raw data is split into several parts in range direction and is recovered with a segmented recovery strategy. Then, the recovered raw data is available to be focused with traditional SAR imaging algorithms. The range migration algorithm is chosen to deal with the recovered raw data in this paper. Point target and area target simulations are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method on azimuth missing SAR raw data. Moreover, the proposed method is implemented on real SAR data in order to further provide convincing demonstration.
Self-Supervised Voltage Sag Source Identification Method Based on CNN
Authors: Li Danqi , Mei Fei , Zhang Chenyu , Sha Haoyuan , Zheng Jianyong
Published: March 2019

A self-supervised voltage sag source identification method based on a convolution neural network is proposed in this study. In addition, a self-supervised CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks) voltage sag source identification model is constructed on the basis of the convolution neural network and AutoEncoder. The convolution layer and pool layer in CNN are used to extract the voltage sag characteristics, and the self-supervised network training process is realized based on the principle of AE. In the constructed mode, features which reflect the data characteristics are used rather than artificial features, thus improving the accuracy of practical application. It is unnecessary to input a lot of correct labels before the self-supervised training process. The model can meet the requirements of sag source identification on timeliness, practicability, diversity, and versatility in the context of modern big data. In this study, three-phase asymmetric sag sources in sag sources are classified into more detailed categories according to different fault phases. Therefore, the proposed method can not only identify the voltage sag source, but also accurately determine the specific fault phase. Finally, the optimal parameters of the model are recognized through a case study, and a self-supervised CNN model is established based on the data type of voltage sag. This model extracts features and identifies sag sources through the measured sag data. The superiority of the proposed method is verified by a comparison.
Correction: Alsina-Pagès et al. Noise Events Monitoring for Urban and Mobility Planning in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. Environments, 2019, 6, 24
Authors: Alsina-Pagès Rosa Ma , Garcia Almazán Robert , Vilella Marc , Pons Marc
Published: March 2019

The authors would like to correct the published article [...]
Round Faces Are Associated with Sweet Foods: The Role of Crossmodal Correspondence in Social Perception
Authors: Motoki Kosuke , Saito Toshiki , Nouchi Rui , Kawashima Ryuta , Sugiura Motoaki
Published: March 2019

In retail settings, social perception of other peoples’ preferences is fundamental to successful interpersonal interactions (e.g., product recommendations, gift-giving). This type of perception must be made with little information, very often based solely on facial cues. Although people are capable of accurately predicting others’ preferences from facial cues, we do not yet know how such inferences are made by crossmodal correspondence (arbitrary sensory associations) between facial cues and inferred attributes. The crossmodal correspondence literature implies the existence of sensory associations between shapes and tastes, and people consistently match roundness and angularity to sweet and sour foods, respectively. Given that peoples’ faces have dimensions characterized by roundness and angularity, it may be plausible that people infer others’ preferences by relying on the correspondence between facial roundness and taste. Based on a crossmodal correspondence framework, this study aimed to reveal the role of shape–taste correspondences in social perception. We investigated whether Japanese participants infer others’ taste (sweet/sour) preferences based on facial shapes (roundness/angularity). The results showed that participants reliably inferred that round-faced (vs. angular-faced) individuals preferred sweet foods (Study 1). Round-faced individuals and sweet foods were well matched, and the matching mediated the inference of other person’s preferences (Study 2). An association between facial roundness and inference of sweet taste preferences was observed in more natural faces, and perceived obesity mediated this association (Study 3). These findings advance the applicability of crossmodal correspondences in social perception, and imply the pervasiveness of prejudicial bias in the marketplace.
Identifying Areas with Disproportionate Local Health Department Services Relative to Opioid Overdose, HIV and Hepatitis C Diagnosis Rates: A Study of Rural Illinois
Authors: McLuckie Colleen , Pho Mai T. , Ellis Kaitlin , Navon Livia , Walblay Kelly , Jenkins Wiley D. , Rodriguez Christofer , Kolak Marynia A. , Chen Yen-Tyng , Schneider John A. , Zahnd Whitney E.
Published: March 2019

Background: U.S. rural populations have been disproportionately affected by the syndemic of opioid-use disorder (OUD) and the associated increase in overdoses and risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Local health departments (LHDs) can play a critical role in the response to this syndemic. We utilized two geospatial approaches to identify areas of discordance between LHD service availability and disease burden to inform service prioritization in rural settings. Methods: We surveyed rural Illinois LHDs to assess their OUD-related services, and calculated county-level opioid overdose, HIV, and hepatitis C diagnosis rates. Bivariate choropleth maps were created to display LHD service provision relative to disease burden in rural Illinois counties. Results: Most rural LHDs provided limited OUD-related services, although many LHDs provided HIV and HCV testing. Bivariate mapping showed rural counties with limited OUD treatment and HIV services and with corresponding higher outcome/disease rates to be dispersed throughout Illinois. Additionally, rural counties with limited LHD-offered hepatitis C services and high hepatitis C diagnosis rates were geographically concentrated in southern Illinois. Conclusions: Bivariate mapping can enable geographic targeting of resources to address the opioid crisis and related infectious disease by identifying areas with low LHD services relative to high disease burden.
Weight Perception, Weight Control Intentions, and Dietary Intakes among Adolescents Ages 10–15 Years in the United States
Authors: Deierlein Andrea L. , Malkan Alomi , Litvak Jaqueline , Parekh Niyati
Published: March 2019

Background: To examine associations of adolescents’ weight status perception and weight control intentions with dietary intakes. Methods: Cross-sectional data from adolescents aged 10–15 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2005–2014 (n = 4940). Adolescents responded to questions regarding weight perception and if they were trying to change their weight. Intakes of calories, protein, carbohydrate, fat, saturated fat, sugar, and fiber were assessed using 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariable linear regression estimated associations of intakes with weight perception and weight control intentions. Results: The majority of adolescents perceived their weight as “about right”; however, 45% and 46% of boys and girls, respectively, reported trying to change their weight. Weight perception was not associated with intakes, with the exception of lower sugar (−13.65 g, 95% CI: −23.06, −4.23) and higher percent calories from protein (1.01%, 95% CI: 0.16, 1.87) in boys with overweight/obesity who perceived themselves as overweight, as well as lower percent calories from saturated fat (−1.04%, 95% CI: −2.24, −0.17) among girls with normal weight who perceived themselves as overweight. Weight control intentions were associated with intakes in boys only. Compared to boys who never tried to lose weight, boys who tried to lose weight consumed fewer calories (−188.34 kcal, 95% CI: −357.67, −19.01), a lower percent of calories from fat (−1.41%, 95% CI: −2.80, −0.02), and a greater percent of calories from protein (1.48%, 95% CI: 0.41, 2.55). Conclusions: Despite perceiving weight as “about right”, many adolescents reported trying to change their weight, which was associated with some dietary intakes. Efforts may be necessary to educate adolescents on healthy nutrition and weight management behaviors.
Improving Safety through Non-Technical Skills in Chemical Plants: The Validity of a Questionnaire for the Self-Assessment of Workers
Authors: Mariani Marco , Vignoli Michela , Chiesa Rita , Violante Francesco , Guglielmi Dina
Published: March 2019

This research is aimed at developing a questionnaire for the self-assessment of non-technical skills (NTS) leading to safety in the chemical sector and at analysing the properties of its scales in terms of construct validity. The research involved 269 Italian employees from three chemical plants of an international company, who occupied low–medium levels in the organizational hierarchy. Results showed a good level of validity and reliability of the instrument and suggested that communication, situational awareness, decision-making, and fatigue/stress management are the four most important NTS for safety in the chemical sector.
What Factors Affect Patient Satisfaction in Public Sector Hospitals: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Hussain Abid , Sial Muhammad Safdar , Usman Sardar Muhammad , Hwang Jinsoo , Jiang Yushi , Shafiq Awaisra
Published: March 2019

Patient satisfaction can identify specific areas of improvement in public sector hospitals. However, the Pakistani healthcare system, and quality of service delivery is rarely assessed through the perspective of patient satisfaction. Our study demonstrated the performance of public healthcare systems in Pakistan by interacting with physical services (tangible and environmental), doctor–patient communication, and pharmacy and laboratory services based on patient satisfaction. Primary data were collected from the patients by using a random sampling method. Patients who participated in the study were visitors of public hospitals’ outpatient departments. A total of 554 questionnaires were circulated, and 445 were received. The confirmatory factor and multiple regression analyses were employed to analyze the collected data. The results revealed that laboratory, as well pharmacy services, had positive significant effects (p = 0.000) on patient satisfaction, while doctor–patient communication (p = 0.189) and physical facilities (p = 0.85) had an insignificant relationship with patient satisfaction. Therefore, it is suggested that a significant communication gap exists in the doctor–patient setting, and that Pakistan’s healthcare system is deprived of physical facilities. Consequently, such services need further improvements.
Integration, Processing and Dissemination of LiDAR Data in a 3D Web-GIS
Authors: Kulawiak Marek , Kulawiak Marcin , Lubniewski Zbigniew
Published: March 2019

The rapid increase in applications of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanners, followed by the development of various methods that are dedicated for survey data processing, visualization, and dissemination constituted the need of new open standards for storage and online distribution of collected three-dimensional data. However, over a decade of research in the area has resulted in a number of incompatible solutions that offer their own ways of disseminating results of LiDAR surveys (be it point clouds or reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) models) over the web. The article presents a unified system for remote processing, storage, visualization, and dissemination of 3D LiDAR survey data, including 3D model reconstruction. It is built with the use of open source technologies and employs open standards, such as 3D Tiles, LASer (LAS), and Object (OBJ) for data distribution. The system has been deployed for automatic organization, processing, and dissemination of LiDAR surveys that were performed in the city of Gdansk. The performance of the system has been measured using a selection of LiDAR datasets of various sizes. The system has shown to considerably simplify the process of data organization and integration, while also delivering tools for easy discovery, inspection, and acquisition of desired datasets.
Interactive Curve-Linear Relationship Between Alteration of Carbohydrate Macromolecular Structure Traits in Hulless Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Grain and Nutrient Utilization, Biodegradation, and Bioavailability
Authors: Sun Baoli , Prates Luciana L. , Yu Peiqiang
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to reveal an interactive curve-linear relationship between altered carbohydrate macromolecular structure traits of hulless barley cultivars and nutrient utilization, biodegradation, as well as bioavailability. The cultivars had different carbohydrate macromolecular traits, including amylose (A), amylopectin (AP), and β-glucan contents, as well as their ratios (A:AP). The parameters assessed included: (1) chemical and nutrient profiles; (2) protein and carbohydrate sub-fractions partitioned by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS); (3) total digestible nutrients (TDN) and energy values; and (4) in situ rumen degradation kinetics of nutrients and truly absorbed nutrient supply. The hulless barley samples were analyzed for starch (ST), crude protein (CP), total soluble crude protein (SCP), etc. The in situ incubation technique was performed to evaluate the degradation kinetics of the nutrients, as well as the effective degradability (ED) and bypass nutrient (B). Results showed that the carbohydrates (g/kg DM) had a cubic relationship (p < 0.05), with the A:AP ratio and β-glucan level; while the starch level presented a quadratic relationship (p < 0.05), with the A:AP ratio and cubic relationship (p < 0.05), with β-glucan level. The CP and SCP contents had a cubic relationship (p < 0.05) with the A:AP ratio and β-glucan level. The altered carbohydrate macromolecular traits were observed to have strongly curve-linear correlations with protein and carbohydrate fractions partitioned by CNCPS. For the in situ protein degradation kinetics, there was a quadratic effect of A:AP ratio on the rumen undegraded protein (RUP, g/kg DM) and a linear effect of β-glucan on the bypass protein (BCP, g/kg DM). The A:AP ratio and β-glucan levels had quadratic effects (p < 0.05) on BCP and EDCP. For ST degradation kinetics, the ST degradation rate (Kd), BST and EDST showed cubic effects (p < 0.05) with A:AP ratio. The β-glucan level showed a cubic effect on EDST (g/kg DM) and a quadratic effect on BST (g/kg ST or g/kg DM) and EDST (g/kg DM). In conclusion, alteration of carbohydrate macromolecular traits in hulless barley significantly impacted nutrient utilization, metabolic characteristics, biodegradation, and bioavailability. Altered carbohydrate macromolecular traits curve-linearly affected the nutrient profiles, protein and carbohydrate fractions, total digestible nutrient, energy values, and in situ degradation kinetics.
Focal Neuroendocrine Differentiation of Conventional Prostate Adenocarcinoma as a Prognostic Factor after Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kardoust Parizi Mehdi , Iwata Takehiro , Kimura Shoji , Janisch Florian , Abufaraj Mohammad , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Enikeev Dmitry , Rapoport Leonid M. , Hutterer Georg , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: March 2019

The biologic and prognostic value of focal neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in conventional prostate adenocarcinoma (PC) patients who undergo radical prostatectomy (RP) remains controversial. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the association of focal NED in conventional PC with oncological outcomes after RP. A literature search using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted on December 2018 to find relevant studies according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We used a fixed-effect model to analyze the impact of focal NED in RP specimen on progression-free survival defined by biochemical recurrence (BCR). A total of 16 studies with the outcomes of disease progression and survival were eligible. No patient in these studies received androgen deprivation therapy prior to RP. Eleven studies found no significant correlation between focal NED and outcomes of interest, while five studies reported a significant association of focal NED assessed by immunohistochemical chromogranin A or serotonin staining with BCR or survival. Focal NED was associated with higher BCR rates after RP with a pooled HR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.07‒1.81) in five studies. No heterogeneity was reported in this analysis (I2 = 21.7%, p = 0.276). In conclusion, focal NED in conventional PC is associated with worse prognosis after RP. Its presence should be reported in pathologic reports and its true clinical impact should be assessed in well-designed prospective controlled studies.
Transcription Factors in the Development and Function of Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Ebihara Takashi , Taniuchi Ichiro
Published: March 2019

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are tissue-resident cells and are a major source of innate TH2 cytokine secretion upon allergen exposure or parasitic-worm infection. Accumulating studies have revealed that transcription factors, including GATA-3, Bcl11b, Gfi1, RORα, and Ets-1, play a role in ILC2 differentiation. Recent reports have further revealed that the characteristics and functions of ILC2 are influenced by the physiological state of the tissues. Specifically, the type of inflammation strongly affects the ILC2 phenotype in tissues. Inhibitory ILC2s, memory-like ILC2s, and ex-ILC2s with ILC1 features acquire their characteristic properties following exposure to their specific inflammatory environment. We have recently reported a new ILC2 population, designated as exhausted-like ILC2s, which emerges after a severe allergic inflammation. Exhausted-like ILC2s are featured with low reactivity and high expression of inhibitory receptors. Therefore, for a more comprehensive understanding of ILC2 function and differentiation, we review the recent knowledge of transcriptional regulation of ILC2 differentiation and discuss the roles of the Runx transcription factor in controlling the emergence of exhausted-like ILC2s. The concept of exhausted-like ILC2s sheds a light on a new aspect of ILC2 biology in allergic diseases.
Development of Sustainable and Cost-Competitive Injection-Molded Pieces of Partially Bio-Based Polyethylene Terephthalate through the Valorization of Cotton Textile Waste
Authors: Montava-Jordà Sergi , Torres-Giner Sergio , Ferrandiz-Bou Santiago , Quiles-Carrillo Luis , Montanes Nestor
Published: March 2019

This study presents the valorization of cotton waste from the textile industry for the development of sustainable and cost-competitive biopolymer composites. The as-received linter of recycled cotton was first chopped to obtain short fibers, called recycled cotton fibers (RCFs), which were thereafter melt-compounded in a twin-screw extruder with partially bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (bio-PET) and shaped into pieces by injection molding. It was observed that the incorporation of RCF, in the 1–10 wt% range, successfully increased rigidity and hardness of bio-PET. However, particularly at the highest fiber contents, the ductility and toughness of the pieces were considerably impaired due to the poor interfacial adhesion of the fibers to the biopolyester matrix. Interestingly, RCF acted as an effective nucleating agent for the bio-PET crystallization and it also increased thermal resistance. In addition, the overall dimensional stability of the pieces was improved as a function of the fiber loading. Therefore, bio-PET pieces containing 3–5 wt% RCF presented very balanced properties in terms of mechanical strength, toughness, and thermal resistance. The resultant biopolymer composite pieces can be of interest in rigid food packaging and related applications, contributing positively to the optimization of the integrated biorefinery system design and also to the valorization of textile wastes.
FcRn-Dependent Transcytosis of Monoclonal Antibody in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells In Vitro: A Prerequisite for a New Delivery Route for Therapy?
Authors: Bequignon Emilie , Dhommée Christine , Angely Christelle , Thomas Lucie , Bottier Mathieu , Escudier Estelle , Isabey Daniel , Coste André , Louis Bruno , Papon Jean-François , Gouilleux-Gruart Valérie
Published: March 2019

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are promising therapies to treat airway chronic inflammatory disease (asthma or nasal polyps). To date, no study has specifically assessed, in vitro, the potential function of neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in IgG transcytosis through the human nasal airway epithelium. The objective of this study was to report the in vitro expression and function of FcRn in nasal human epithelium. FcRn expression was studied in an air–liquid interface (ALI) primary culture model of human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) from polyps. FcRn expression was characterized by quantitative RT-PCR, western blot, and immunolabeling. The ability of HNECs to support mAb transcytosis via FcRn was assessed by transcytosis assay. This study demonstrates the expression of FcRn mRNA and protein in HNEC. We report a high expression of FcRn in the cytosol of ciliated, mucus, and basal cells by immunohistochemistry with a higher level of FcRn proteins in differentiated HNEC. We also proved in vitro transepithelial delivery of an IgG1 therapeutic mAb with a dose–response curve. This is the first time that FcRn expression and mAb transcytosis has been shown in a model of human nasal respiratory epithelium in vitro. This study is a prerequisite for FcRn-dependent nasal administration of mAbs.
A Temporal Order in 5′- and 3′- Processing of Eukaryotic tRNAHis
Authors: Pöhler Marie-Theres , Roach Tracy M. , Betat Heike , Jackman Jane E. , Mörl Mario
Published: March 2019

For flawless translation of mRNA sequence into protein, tRNAs must undergo a series of essential maturation steps to be properly recognized and aminoacylated by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, and subsequently utilized by the ribosome. While all tRNAs carry a 3′-terminal CCA sequence that includes the site of aminoacylation, the additional 5′-G-1 position is a unique feature of most histidine tRNA species, serving as an identity element for the corresponding synthetase. In eukaryotes including yeast, both 3′-CCA and 5′-G-1 are added post-transcriptionally by tRNA nucleotidyltransferase and tRNAHis guanylyltransferase, respectively. Hence, it is possible that these two cytosolic enzymes compete for the same tRNA. Here, we investigate substrate preferences associated with CCA and G-1-addition to yeast cytosolic tRNAHis, which might result in a temporal order to these important processing events. We show that tRNA nucleotidyltransferase accepts tRNAHis transcripts independent of the presence of G-1; however, tRNAHis guanylyltransferase clearly prefers a substrate carrying a CCA terminus. Although many tRNA maturation steps can occur in a rather random order, our data demonstrate a likely pathway where CCA-addition precedes G-1 incorporation in S. cerevisiae. Evidently, the 3′-CCA triplet and a discriminator position A73 act as positive elements for G-1 incorporation, ensuring the fidelity of G-1 addition.
Nutritional Regulation of Gene Expression: Carbohydrate-, Fat- and Amino Acid-Dependent Modulation of Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Haro Diego , Marrero Pedro F. , Relat Joana
Published: March 2019

The ability to detect changes in nutrient levels and generate an adequate response to these changes is essential for the proper functioning of living organisms. Adaptation to the high degree of variability in nutrient intake requires precise control of metabolic pathways. Mammals have developed different mechanisms to detect the abundance of nutrients such as sugars, lipids and amino acids and provide an integrated response. These mechanisms include the control of gene expression (from transcription to translation). This review reports the main molecular mechanisms that connect nutrients’ levels, gene expression and metabolism in health. The manuscript is focused on sugars’ signaling through the carbohydrate-responsive element binding protein (ChREBP), the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in the response to fat and GCN2/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and mTORC1 pathways that sense amino acid concentrations. Frequently, alterations in these pathways underlie the onset of several metabolic pathologies such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or cancer. In this context, the complete understanding of these mechanisms may improve our knowledge of metabolic diseases and may offer new therapeutic approaches based on nutritional interventions and individual genetic makeup.
Glycans as Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Scott Emma , Munkley Jennifer
Published: March 2019

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men, claiming over 350,000 lives worldwide annually. Current diagnosis relies on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, but this misses some aggressive tumours, and leads to the overtreatment of non-harmful disease. Hence, there is an urgent unmet clinical need to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. As prostate cancer is a heterogeneous and multifocal disease, it is likely that multiple biomarkers will be needed to guide clinical decisions. Fluid-based biomarkers would be ideal, and attention is now turning to minimally invasive liquid biopsies, which enable the analysis of tumour components in patient blood or urine. Effective diagnostics using liquid biopsies will require a multifaceted approach, and a recent high-profile review discussed combining multiple analytes, including changes to the tumour transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome. However, the concentration on genomics-based paramaters for analysing liquid biopsies is potentially missing a goldmine. Glycans have shown huge promise as disease biomarkers, and data suggests that integrating biomarkers across multi-omic platforms (including changes to the glycome) can improve the stratification of patients with prostate cancer. A wide range of alterations to glycans have been observed in prostate cancer, including changes to PSA glycosylation, increased sialylation and core fucosylation, increased O-GlcNacylation, the emergence of cryptic and branched N-glyans, and changes to galectins and proteoglycans. In this review, we discuss the huge potential to exploit glycans as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer, and argue that the inclusion of glycans in a multi-analyte liquid biopsy test for prostate cancer will help maximise clinical utility.
Positive Immuno-Modulation Following Radiofrequency Assisted Liver Resection in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Kai Wen , Jayant Kumar , Lee Po-Huang , Yang Po-chih , Hsiao Chih-Yang , Habib Nagy , Sodergren Mikael H.
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops on a background of chronic inflammation and a complex immunosuppressive network with increased regulatory T cells, impaired CD8+ T cells and the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Previous clinical studies have reported a superior disease-free survival (DFS) following a radiofrequency-based ablation or resection in HCC tumours compared to conventional liver resection techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is any correlation with the use of a radiofrequency-assisted liver resection and clinical outcome. Material and Methods: Patients’ peripheral blood was collected prior and 7 days following surgery from patients undergoing a liver resection for HCC. There were 5 liver resections performed using CUSA and 6 liver resections with the RF-based device, HabibTM 4X. The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the immunological parameters of circulating immune cell populations as well as serum cytokines. The Student’s t-test, chi-square or Fisher’s Exact test were applied for statistical comparisons, as appropriate. Results: Patients undergoing an RF-assisted liver resection with HabibTM 4X had a significant decrease in the inhibitory Treg cells (p = 0.002) and a significant increase in CD8+ T lymphocytes (p = 0.050) and CD4+CD45RO+/CD4+ memory T cells (p = 0.002) compared to those patients undergoing a liver resection with CUSA. It was also noted that the RF-assisted liver resection group had a significant decrease in circulating TGF-ß (p = 0.000), IL10 (p = 0.000) and a significant increase in IFN-gamma (p = 0. 027) and IL-17 compared to the CUSA group. Conclusion: A liver resection with RF-based device HabibTM 4X was associated with positive immunomodulatory changes in circulating immune cells and circulating cytokines which could explain the significant improvement in DFS.
The Efficient Application of an Impulse Source Wavemaker to CFD Simulations
Authors: Schmitt Pál , Windt Christian , Davidson Josh , Ringwood John V. , Whittaker Trevor
Published: March 2019

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models, are a useful tool for a wide range of coastal and offshore applications, providing a high fidelity representation of the underlying hydrodynamic processes. Generating input waves in the CFD simulation is performed by a Numerical Wavemaker (NWM), with a variety of different NWM methods existing for this task. While NWMs, based on impulse source methods, have been widely applied for wave generation in depth averaged, shallow water models, they have not seen the same level of adoption in the more general RANS-based CFD simulations, due to difficulties in relating the required impulse source function to the resulting free surface elevation for non-shallow water cases. This paper presents an implementation of an impulse source wavemaker, which is able to self-calibrate the impulse source function to produce a desired wave series in deep or shallow water at a specific point in time and space. Example applications are presented, for a Numerical Wave Tank (NWT), based on the open-source CFD software OpenFOAM, for wave packets in deep and shallow water, highlighting the correct calibration of phase and amplitude. Furthermore, the suitability for cases requiring very low reflection from NWT boundaries is demonstrated. Possible issues in the use of the method are discussed, and guidance for accurate application is given.
Prototype Orthopedic Bone Plates 3D Printed by Laser Melting Deposition
Authors: Chioibasu Diana , Achim Alexandru , Popescu Camelia , Stan George E. , Pasuk Iuliana , Enculescu Monica , Iosub Stefana , Duta Liviu , Popescu Andrei
Published: March 2019

Laser melting deposition is a 3D printing method usually studied for the manufacturing of machine parts in the industry. However, for the medical sector, although feasible, applications and actual products taking advantage of this technique are only scarcely reported. Therefore, in this study, Ti6Al4V orthopedic implants in the form of plates were 3D printed by laser melting deposition. Tuning of the laser power, scanning speed and powder feed rate was conducted, in order to obtain a continuous deposition after a single laser pass and to diminish unwanted blown powder, stuck in the vicinity of the printed elements. The fabrication of bone plates is presented in detail, putting emphasis on the scanning direction, which had a decisive role in the 3D printing resolution. The printed material was investigated by optical microscopy and was found to be dense, with no visible pores or cracks. The metallographic investigations and X-ray diffraction data exposed an unusual biphasic α+β structure. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a composition very similar to the one of the starting powder material. The mapping of the surface showed a uniform distribution of elements, with no segregations or areas with deficient elemental distribution. The in vitro tests performed on the 3D printed Ti6Al4V samples in osteoblast-like cell cultures up to 7 days showed that the material deposited by laser melting is cytocompatible.
Database of Shear Experiments on Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams without Stirrups
Authors: Lantsoght Eva
Published: March 2019

Adding steel fibers to concrete improves the capacity in tension-driven failure modes. An example is the shear capacity in steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams with longitudinal reinforcement and without shear reinforcement. Since no mechanical models exist that can fully describe the behavior of SFRC beams without shear reinforcement failing in shear, a number of empirical equations have been suggested in the past. This paper compiles the existing empirical equations and code provisions for the prediction of the shear capacity of SFRC beams failing in shear as well as a database of 488 experiments reported in the literature. The experimental shear capacities from the database are then compared to the prediction equations. This comparison shows a large scatter on the ratio of experimental to predicted values. The practice of defining the tensile strength of SFRC based on different experiments internationally makes the comparison difficult. For design purposes, the code prediction methods based on the Eurocode shear expression provide reasonable results (with coefficients of variation on the ratio tested/predicted shear capacities of 27–29%). None of the currently available methods properly describe the behavior of SFRC beams failing in shear. As such, this work shows the need for studies that address the different shear-carrying mechanisms in SFRC and its crack kinematics.
Bone Tissue Engineering in a Perfusion Bioreactor Using Dexamethasone-Loaded Peptide Hydrogel
Authors: Panek Marina , Antunović Maja , Pribolšan Lidija , Ivković Alan , Gotić Marijan , Vukasović Andreja , Caput Mihalić Katarina , Pušić Maja , Jurkin Tanja , Marijanović Inga
Published: March 2019

The main goal of this study was the formation of bone tissue using dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded [COCH3]-RADARADARADARADA-[CONH2] (RADA 16-I) scaffold that has the ability to release optimal DEX concentration under perfusion force. Bone-marrow samples were collected from three patients during a hip arthroplasty. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were isolated and propagated in vitro in order to be seeded on scaffolds made of DEX-loaded RADA 16-I hydrogel in a perfusion bioreactor. DEX concentrations were as follows: 4 × 10−3, 4 × 10−4 and 4 × 10−5 M. After 21 days in a perfusion bioreactor, tissue was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology. Markers of osteogenic differentiation were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. Minerals were quantified and detected by the von Kossa method. In addition, DEX release from the scaffold in a perfusion bioreactor was assessed. The osteoblast differentiation was confirmed by the expression analysis of osteoblast-related genes (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen I (COL1A1) and osteocalcin (OC). The hematoxylin/eosin staining confirmed the presence of cells and connective tissue, while SEM revealed morphological characteristics of cells, extracellular matrix and minerals—three main components of mature bone tissue. Immunocytochemical detection of collagen I is in concordance with given results, supporting the conclusion that scaffold with DEX concentration of 4 × 10−4 M has the optimal engineered tissue morphology. The best-engineered bone tissue is produced on scaffold loaded with 4 × 10−4 M DEX with a perfusion rate of 0.1 mL/min for 21 days. Differentiation of hMSCs on DEX-loaded RADA 16-I scaffold under perfusion force has a high potential for application in regenerative orthopedics.
Long Non-Coding RNA in Vascular Disease and Aging
Authors: Bink Diewertje I. , Lozano-Vidal Noelia , Boon Reinier A.
Published: March 2019

Cardiovascular diseases are the most prominent cause of death in Western society, especially in the elderly. With the increasing life expectancy, the number of patients with cardiovascular diseases will rise in the near future, leading to an increased healthcare burden. There is a need for new therapies to treat this growing number of patients. The discovery of long non-coding RNAs has led to a novel group of molecules that could be considered for their potential as therapeutic targets. This review presents an overview of long non-coding RNAs that are regulated in vascular disease and aging and which might therefore give insight into new pathways that could be targeted to diagnose, prevent, and/or treat vascular diseases.
Metagenomic Characterization of Bacterial Communities on Ready-to-Eat Vegetables and Effects of Household Washing on their Diversity and Composition
Authors: Tatsika Soultana , Karamanoli Katerina , Karayanni Hera , Genitsaris Savvas
Published: March 2019

Ready-to-eat (RTE) leafy salad vegetables are considered foods that can be consumed immediately at the point of sale without further treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate the bacterial community composition of RTE salads at the point of consumption and the changes in bacterial diversity and composition associated with different household washing treatments. The bacterial microbiomes of rocket and spinach leaves were examined by means of 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Overall, 886 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were detected in the salads’ leaves. Proteobacteria was the most diverse high-level taxonomic group followed by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Although they were processed at the same production facilities, rocket showed different bacterial community composition than spinach salads, mainly attributed to the different contributions of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes to the total OTU number. The tested household decontamination treatments proved inefficient in changing the bacterial community composition in both RTE salads. Furthermore, storage duration of the salads at refrigeration temperatures affected the microbiome, by decreasing the bacterial richness and promoting the dominance of psychrotropic bacteria. Finally, both salads were found to be a reservoir of opportunistic human pathogens, while washing methods usually applied at home proved to be inefficient in their removal.
Optical Detection of Dangerous Road Conditions
Authors: Piccardi Armando , Colace Lorenzo
Published: March 2019

We demonstrated an optical method to evaluate the state of asphalt due to the presence of atmospheric agents using the measurement of the polarization/depolarization state of near infrared radiation. Different sensing geometries were studied to determine the most efficient ones in terms of performance, reliability and compactness. Our results showed that we could distinguish between a safe surface and three different dangerous surfaces, demonstrating the reliability and selectivity of the proposed approach and its suitability for implementing a sensor.
On the Use of Microwave Holography to Detect Surface Defects of Rails and Measure the Rail Profile
Authors: Zhuravlev Andrey , Razevig Vladimir , Ivashov Sergey , Skrebkov Aleksey , Alekseev Viktor
Published: March 2019

The use of microwave holography for detecting rail surface defects is considered in this paper. A brief review of available sources on radar methods for detecting defects on metal surfaces and rails is given. An experimental setup consisting of a two-coordinate electromechanical scanner and a radar with stepped frequency signal in the range from 22.2 to 26.2 GHz is described, with the help of which experimental data were obtained. Fragments of R24 rails with surface defects in their heads were used as the object of study. The radar images of rail defects were obtained by the described method based on back propagation of a wavefront. It is shown that polarization properties of electromagnetic waves can be used to increase the contrast of small-scale surface defects. A method of estimating rail surface profile by radar measurements is given and applied to the experimental data. Comparison of the longitudinal rail head profiles obtained by radar and by direct contact measurements showed that the radar method gives comparable accuracy.
Physical Culture
Authors: Brown David H. K.
Published: March 2019

Johnston and Klandermans [...]
Analyzing 21st Century Video Data on Situational Dynamics—Issues and Challenges in Video Data Analysis
Authors: Nassauer Anne , Legewie Nicolas M.
Published: March 2019

Since the turn of the millennium researchers have access to an ever-increasing pool of novel types of video recordings. People use camcorders, mobile phone cameras, and even drones to film and photograph social life, and many public spaces are under video surveillance. More and more sociologists, psychologists, education researchers, and criminologists rely on such visuals to observe and analyze social life as it happens. Based on qualitative or quantitative techniques, scholars trace situations or events step-by-step to explain a social process or outcome. Recently, a methodological framework has been formulated under the label Video Data Analysis (VDA) to provide a reference point for scholars across disciplines. Our paper aims to further contribute to this effort by detailing important issues and potential challenges along the VDA research process. The paper briefly introduces VDA and the value of 21st century visuals for understanding social phenomena. It then reflects on important issues and potential challenges in five steps of conducting VDA, and formulate guidelines on how to conduct a VDA: From setting up the research, to choosing data sources, assessing their validity, to analyzing the data and presenting the findings. These reflections aim to further methodological foundations for studying situational dynamics with 21st century video data.
Recent Studies on DNA Adducts Resulting from Human Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Ma Bin , Stepanov Irina , Hecht Stephen S.
Published: March 2019

DNA adducts are believed to play a central role in the induction of cancer in cigarette smokers and are proposed as being potential biomarkers of cancer risk. We have summarized research conducted since 2012 on DNA adduct formation in smokers. A variety of DNA adducts derived from various classes of carcinogens, including aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, alkylating agents, aldehydes, volatile carcinogens, as well as oxidative damage have been reported. The results are discussed with particular attention to the analytical methods used in those studies. Mass spectrometry-based methods that have higher selectivity and specificity compared to 32P-postlabeling or immunochemical approaches are preferred. Multiple DNA adducts specific to tobacco constituents have also been characterized for the first time in vitro or detected in vivo since 2012, and descriptions of those adducts are included. We also discuss common issues related to measuring DNA adducts in humans, including the development and validation of analytical methods and prevention of artifact formation.
Dimension and Dimensional Reduction in Quantum Gravity
Authors: Carlip Steven
Published: March 2019

If gravity is asymptotically safe, operators will exhibit anomalous scaling at the ultraviolet fixed point in a way that makes the theory effectively two-dimensional. A number of independent lines of evidence, based on different approaches to quantization, indicate a similar short-distance dimensional reduction. I will review the evidence for this behavior, emphasizing the physical question of what one means by “dimension” in a quantum spacetime, and will discuss possible mechanisms that could explain the universality of this phenomenon.
TO THE СOMPETENCE OF LECTURER, AS A LEADER: CRITERIA OF EFFICIENCY
Authors: Shevchenko Volodymyr
Published: March 2019

Today, there are several dozen definitions of the term "competence". I propose calling competence any measurable characteristic of a person, which allows him to be effective in a definite kind of activity. And the set of necessary competencies forms professional competence.