bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Single and Joint Toxicity of Perfluorinated Carboxylic Acids and Copper to Metal-Resistant Arthrobacter Strains
Authors: Cai Yanping , Chen Haiyan , Chen Huilun , Li Haiqing , Yang Shuo , Wang Fei
Published: January 2019

Perfluorocarboxylic acid compounds (PFCAs) and copper have been regarded as ubiquitous environmental contaminants in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. However, data on their possible joint toxic effects on microorganisms are still lacking. To study the combined effects of four PFCAs with different carbon chain lengths and copper, a series of experiments were conducted to explore the acute toxicity of these PFCAs in the absence and presence of copper on a metal-resistant Arthrobacter strain GQ-9 by microcalorimetry. The thermokinetic parameters, including growth rate constant (k), inhibitory ratio (I), and half inhibitory concentration (IC50), were calculated and compared using the data obtained from the power-time curves. Our work revealed that GQ-9 is more resistant to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) than Escherichia coli. The single and joint toxicity of PFCAs with copper are dose- and carbon chain length-dependent. The longer the carbon chain length of PFCAs, the higher the toxicity. In addition, PFCAs interacted synergistically with copper. This work could provide useful information for the risk assessment of co-exposure to perfluorinated compounds and heavy metals in natural environments.
Impact of Obesity on Employment and Wages among Young Adults: Observational Study with Panel Data
Authors: Lee Hyeain , Ahn Rosemary , Kim Tae Hyun , Han Euna
Published: January 2019

This paper assesses the relationship between obesity and the job market by focusing on young adults early on in their careers, while considering the factor of gender and the individuals’ job qualifications. This study extracted data on high school students for four years from the Korean Education and Employment Panel (from 2010 to 2013), a nationally representative dataset comprising of 2000 middle school students and 4000 high school seniors. The individual-level fixed effects were controlled using conditional logistic regression models and an ordinary least squares model. Obese and overweight men were 1.46 times more likely to be placed in professional jobs and had 13.9% higher monthly wages than their normal-weight counterparts. However, obese and overweight women were 0.33 times less likely to have service jobs, earned 9.0% lower monthly wages, and half as likely to have jobs with bonuses than that of their normal-weight counterparts. However, such penalty among women was found only when they had none of the assessed job market qualifications. Given that initial jobs and job conditions have lingering impacts in long-term job performance, the cumulative penalty for overweight or obesity could be more substantial for young adults in particular.
Traditional Bullying and Discriminatory Bullying Around Special Educational Needs: Psychometric Properties of Two Instruments to Measure It
Authors: Rodríguez-Hidalgo Antonio J. , Alcívar Anabel , Herrera-López Mauricio
Published: January 2019

Two important challenges in research on bullying are to have reliable tools to measure traditional bullying and discriminatory bullying related to special educational needs (SEN), and to learn more about their prevalence. We present the validations of two instruments to measure bullying (European Bullying Intervention Project Questionnaire, EBIPQ) and discriminatory bullying with respect to SEN (EBIPQ–Special Education Needs Discrimination version, henceforth EBIPQ-SEND). A total of 17,309 teenagers from Ecuador took part in the study (M = 14.76, SD = 1.65; 49.9% male). The item response theory analyses evidenced accuracy and quality of the measures. The confirmatory factor analyses of the EBIPQ and the EBIPQ-SEND revealed the same two-factor structure—aggression and victimization—regardless of gender, showing optimal fit indexes. We present the results of the prevalence according to the roles of participation in traditional bullying and discriminatory bullying around SEN. Significant gender and age differences were observed for involvement in both phenomena. We also discuss the advantages of applying the EBIPQ and the EBIPQ-SEND to evaluate and diagnose harassment and discriminatory harassment around SEN.
Patients’ Anticipation for the Pharmacies of Rural Communities: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Jiang Minghuan , Masood Imran , Chang Jie , Zhu Shan , Raza Muhammad , Ji Wenjing , Yang Caijun , Fang Yu
Published: January 2019

Background: Community pharmacies are an integrated part of healthcare systems worldwide. In low and middle income countries like Pakistan, the paradigm of pharmacy practice is shifting from dispensing medicines to clinical activities. There are disparities in these practices according to location. Pharmacies in urban localities are better than those in rural areas. This qualitative study was conducted to explore patients’ expectations and current practices in rural pharmacies. Methods: A cohort of adult pharmacy visitors (aged > 18 years) that reside in rural community was selected. Consenting participants were recruited by purposive sampling technique until thematic saturation level was achieved. A total of 34 patients were interviewed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi structured interview guide. All the data were transcribed and used to originate the themes. Results: On analysis, a total of 20 themes were obtained. Sixteen themes pronounced the current provided services. Four themes provided some suggestions for the development of better pharmacies. On call services to provide medicines, limited free extended pharmacy services, interest in patients’ wellbeing, appropriate referral, vaccination, free medical camp, medical services at home, first aid, and counseling were appreciated by patients. Patients stated that medicines are inappropriately stored in unhygienic conditions, prices of medicines are comparatively high, and medicines are substandard. Unavailability of medicines, inept dispensing, limited staffing with poor knowledge, limited working hours, and quackery promotion are challenges in rural pharmacy practice. Patients say that non marginal pricing, informative services, new legislation, and proper vigilance by officials can improve the pharmacy services in rural communities. Conclusions: Patients alleged that rural pharmacies perform deprived practices. To improve service, new legislation and the proper implementation of existing law is needed.
Adolescent Support for Tobacco Control Policies and Associations with Tobacco Denormalization Beliefs and Harm Perceptions
Authors: Chen Jianjiu , Ho Sai Yin , Leung Lok Tung , Wang Man Ping , Lam Tai Hing
Published: January 2019

Public support is crucial for advancing tobacco control policies. We investigated adolescent support for such policies, and its association with potential factors of social denormalization (SD) beliefs of smoking, tobacco industry denormalization (TID) beliefs (negative perceptions of the industry), and harm perceptions of smoking. In a cross-sectional survey in Hong Kong, 13,964 secondary school students (mean age 15.0 years, 51.3% boys) reported their support (yes/no) for each of 14 tobacco control policies (e.g., further increase tobacco tax). Tobacco-related beliefs and perceptions, and smoking status were also measured. Support for the 14 tobacco control policies ranged from 17.6% to 54.1%. In current non-smokers, SD beliefs, TID beliefs, and harm perceptions were all associated with support for all tobacco control policies. In current smokers, the study factors were each associated with support for two to three policies. To conclude, support for tobacco control policies was weak to moderate in Hong Kong adolescents. SD beliefs, TID beliefs, and harm perceptions of smoking were associated with policy support in current non-smokers. In current smokers, the corresponding associations were less consistent or weaker.
The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Learning, Memory and Social Interaction in BALB/C Mice
Authors: Greish Khaled , Alqahtani Abdulelah Abdullah , Alotaibi Abdulla Falah , Abdulla Ahmed Mohamed , Bukelly Aysha Tariq , Alsobyani Fanar Mohammed , Alharbi Ghazi Hamad , Alkiyumi Israa Saeed , Aldawish Majed Mutlaq , Alshahrani Turki Fahad , Pittalà Valeria , Taurin Sebastien , Kamal Amer
Published: January 2019

Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs), an epitome of nanotechnology, appear in everyday products such as water filters, printer ink, toothpaste, food packaging and cosmetics mostly due to their bactericidal properties. Given this high level of public exposure, the safety of AgNPs has never been fully established. The unsafe use of AgNPs could pose a real threat, not only to public health but also to economic growth in many industries. In this paper, we tested the effect of AgNPs on memory, learning, social behaviour and motor function of BALB/C mice. Outcomes of the present study suggested an impairment of these functions in AgNPs treated groups. Overall, obtained data support the evidence that the systemic exposure to AgNPs may result in alteration of the cerebral cognition and warrants further consideration on the impact of the AgNPs on human health with respect to their potential neurotoxicity.
Improving Physical Activity among Residents of Affordable Housing: Is Active Design Enough?
Authors: Tannis Candace , Senerat Araliya , Garg Malika , Peters Dominique , Rajupet Sritha , Garland Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

Physical inactivity increases risk of chronic disease. Few studies examine how built environment interventions increase physical activity (PA). Active design (AD) utilizes strategies in affordable housing to improve resident health. We assessed how AD housing affects PA among low-income families in Brooklyn, New York. Participants were recruited at lease signings in 2016 from a new AD apartment complex and two recently renovated comparison buildings without AD features. Eligibility included age ≥18 years with no contraindications to exercise. Anthropometric data were collected. PA was self-reported using the Recent and Global Physical Activity Questionnaires. Smartphone users shared their tracked step. Data collection was repeated one year after move-in. All data were analyzed using SPSS. Eighty-eight eligible participants completed the initial questionnaire (36 AD and 52 from 2 comparison buildings) at baseline (T0). There were no differences between AD and comparison cohorts in: stair use, PA, sitting time or, mean waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) at T0. However, the AD cohort had a lower baseline BMI (27.6 vs. 31.0, p = 0.019). At one-year follow-up (T1), 75 participants completed our survey including a 64% retention rate among those who previously completed the T0 questionnaire. Among T0 questionnaire respondents, mean daily steps increased at T1 among AD participants who moved from an elevator building (∆6782, p = 0.051) and in the comparison group (∆2960, p = 0.023). Aggregate moderate work-related activity was higher at T1 in the AD building (746 vs. 401, p = 0.031). AD building women reported more work-related PA overall but AD men engaged in more moderate recreational PA. Living in an AD building can enhance low-income residents’ PA. More research with objective measures is needed to identify strategies to sustain higher PA levels and overall health.
Metabolic Syndrome Knowledge among Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Qun , Chair Sek Ying , Wong Eliza Mi-Ling , Taylor-Piliae Ruth E. , Qiu Xi Chen Hui , Li Xiao Mei
Published: January 2019

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors. Many people may be unaware of their risk for MetS. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among hospitalized patients with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor in Mainland China. This study assessed the MetS knowledgelevel(through MetS Knowledge Scale, MSKS) and examined the potential predictors by regression analysis. A total of 204 patients aged 58.5 ± 10.1 years (55% males) participated in this study. The majority of participants had no history of hypertension (54%), dyslipidemia (79%), or diabetes (85%). However, 56% of these participants had at least three cardiometabolic risk factors, indicating the presence of MetS. The average MSKS was very low (mean = 36.7±18.8, possible range = 0–100), indicating the urgent needs of MetS education in current practice. Predictors of better MetS knowledge included higher educational level, history of dyslipidemia, and normal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (F (8, 195) = 9.39, adjusted R2 = 0.192, p< 0.001). In conclusion, adults with cardiometabolic risk factors are at risk of developing MetS, but with a low level of knowledge. Specific health education on MetS should be provided, particularly for those with limited formal education or inadequate lipid management.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of IJERPH in 2018
Authors:   IJERPH Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing[...]
Relationship of Anxiety and Depression with Respiratory Symptoms: Comparison between Depressed and Non-Depressed Smokers in Singapore
Authors: Ho Cyrus SH , Tan Elysia LY , Ho Roger CM , Chiu Marcus YL
Published: January 2019

The rising prevalence of smokers in the community, specifically psychiatric patients, necessitates smoking cessation as an important strategy for reducing the harmful effects of tobacco. This study aims to compare the profiles of depressed and non-depressed smokers and evaluate how psychiatric symptoms influence respiratory symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 276 non-depressed adult smokers in the community and 69 adult smokers who had been formally diagnosed with depression in the outpatient clinic of a University Hospital in Singapore. Participants were administered questionnaires on smoking attitudes and perceptions, psychiatric symptoms, and respiratory symptoms. Correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted. The mean age of smokers in the study was 35.32 ± 13.05 years. Smokers in the community and psychiatric samples were largely similar on all of the sociodemographic factors, except that fewer depressed people were employed (χ2 = 8.35, p < 0.01). Smokers with depression also reported more attempts to quit smoking (χ2 = 7.14, p < 0.05), higher mean depressive, anxiety, and stress symptom (DASS) scores (t = −10.04, p < 0.01), and endorsed more respiratory symptoms than smokers in the community (t = −2.40, p < 0.05). The DASS scores, number of cigarettes smoked daily, years of smoking, general perception of smokers getting heart disease, and presence of lung disease were positively and significantly correlated with respiratory symptoms. On multiple regression, only anxiety symptoms (β = 0.26, p < 0.05) and the presence of lung disease (β = 0.22, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with respiratory symptoms. Depressed smokers reported greater difficulty in quitting tobacco use, and they perceived more severe respiratory symptoms compared to non-depressed counterparts. Anxiety symptoms were positively associated with the severity of respiratory symptoms. Smoking cessation campaigns need to specifically target psychological symptoms in smokers and focus more psychoeducation on the risk of cardiovascular disease in the middle-aged population.
PM2.5-Bound Toxic Elements in an Urban City in East China: Concentrations, Sources, and Health Risks
Authors: Du Lili , Wang Yan , Wu Zhicheng , Hou Chenxiao , Mao Huiting , Li Tao , Nie Xiaoling
Published: January 2019

Concentrations of PM2.5-bound trace elements have increased in China, with increasing anthropogenic emissions. In this study, long-term measurements of PM2.5-bound trace elements were conducted from January 2014 to January 2015 in the urban city of Jinan, east China. A positive matrix factorization model (PMF) and health risk assessment were used to evaluate the sources and health risks of these elements, respectively. Compared with most Chinese megacities, there were higher levels of arsenic, manganese, lead, chromium, and zinc in this city. Coal combustion, the smelting industry, vehicle emission, and soil dust were identified as the primary sources of all the measured elements. Heating activities during the heating period led to a factor of 1.3–2.8 higher concentrations for PM2.5 and all measured elements than those during the non-heating period. Cumulative non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of the toxic elements exceeded the safety levels by 8–15 and 10–18 times, respectively. Arsenic was the critical element having the greatest health risk. Coal combustion caused the highest risk among the four sources. This work provides scientific data for making targeted policies to control air pollutants and protect human health.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of IJGI in 2018
Authors:   IJGI Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Essential Role of Endothelial MCPIP in Vascular Integrity and Post-Ischemic Remodeling
Authors: Jin Zhuqing , Niu Jianli , Kapoor Nidhi , Liang Jian , Becerra Edilu , Kolattukudy Pappachan E.
Published: January 2019

MCP-1-induced protein (MCPIP, also known as Zc3h12a or Regnase-1), a newly identified suppressor of cytokine signaling, is expressed in endothelial cells (ECs). To investigate the role of endothelial MCPIP in vascular homeostasis and function, we deleted the MCPIP gene specifically in ECs using the Cre-LoxP system. EC-specific MCPIP deletion resulted in systemic inflammation, increased vessel permeability, edema, thrombus formation, and premature death in mice. Serum levels of cytokines, chemokines, and biomarkers of EC dysfunction were significantly elevated in these mice. Upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, mice with EC-specific MCPIP depletion were highly susceptible to LPS-induced death. When subjected to ischemia, these mice showed defective post-ischemic angiogenesis and impaired blood flow recovery in hind limb ischemia. In aortic ring cultures, the MCPIP-deficient ECs displayed significantly impaired vessel sprouting and tube elongation. Mechanistically, silencing of MCPIP by small interfering RNAs in cultured ECs enhanced NF-κΒ activity and dysregulated synthesis of microRNAs linked with elevated cytokines and biomarkers of EC dysfunction. Collectively, these results establish that constitutive expression of MCPIP in ECs is essential to maintaining endothelial homeostasis and function by serving as a key negative feedback regulator that keeps the inflammatory signaling suppressed.
AXIN1 in Plasma or Serum Is a Potential New Biomarker for Endometriosis
Authors: Ek Malin , Roth Bodil , Engström Gunnar , Ohlsson Bodil
Published: January 2019

Although endometriosis is considered an inflammatory disease, no reliable diagnostic biomarkers exist for use in clinical practice. The aim was to investigate the inflammatory profile in endometriosis using an exploratory approach of inflammation-related proteins. Patients with laparoscopy-verified endometriosis (N = 172), women with microscopic colitis (N = 50), healthy controls (N = 31), and age-matched controls from the general population (N = 100) were enrolled and questionnaires regarding socioeconomic factors, lifestyle habits, and medical history were completed. Sera from patients and healthy controls were analyzed for 92 inflammatory biomarkers using Proximity Extension Assay technology (PEA). Plasma AXIN1 levels were analyzed in patients with endometriosis and controls from the general population by ELISA. General linear model adjusted for age, Mann–Whitney U-test, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for statistical calculations. Serum levels of AXIN1 and ST1A1 were increased in endometriosis compared with MC (p < 0.001) and healthy controls (p = 0.001), whereas CXCL9 levels were decreased. Plasma levels of AXIN1 were elevated in endometriosis compared with age-matched controls from the general population (30.0 (17.0–38.0) pg/mL vs. 19.5 (15.0–28.0) pg/mL, p < 0.001). PCA analysis identified four clusters of proteins, where one cluster differed between endometriosis and controls, with strong correlations for AXIN1 and ST1A1. Plasma/serum AXIN1 is an interesting biomarker to be further evaluated in endometriosis.
In Vivo Glycan Engineering via the Mannosidase I Inhibitor (Kifunensine) Improves Efficacy of Rituximab Manufactured in Nicotiana benthamiana Plants
Authors: Kommineni Vally , Markert Matthew , Ren Zhongjie , Palle Sreenath , Carrillo Berenice , Deng Jasmine , Tejeda Armando , Nandi Somen , McDonald Karen A. , Marcel Sylvain , Holtz Barry
Published: January 2019

N-glycosylation has been shown to affect the pharmacokinetic properties of several classes of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, blood factors, and lysosomal enzymes. In the last two decades, N-glycan engineering has been employed to achieve a N-glycosylation profile that is either more consistent or aligned with a specific improved activity (i.e., effector function or serum half-life). In particular, attention has focused on engineering processes in vivo or in vitro to alter the structure of the N-glycosylation of the Fc region of anti-cancer monoclonal antibodies in order to increase antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Here, we applied the mannosidase I inhibitor kifunensine to the Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression platform to produce an afucosylated anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab). We determined the optimal concentration of kifunensine used in the infiltration solution, 0.375 µM, which was sufficient to produce exclusively oligomannose glycoforms, at a concentration 14 times lower than previously published levels. The resulting afucosylated rituximab revealed a 14-fold increase in ADCC activity targeting the lymphoma cell line Wil2-S when compared with rituximab produced in the absence of kifunensine. When applied to the cost-effective and scalable N. benthamiana transient expression platform, the use of kifunensine allows simple in-process glycan engineering without the need for transgenic hosts.
Proteomic Signatures Reveal Differences in Stress Response, Antioxidant Defense and Proteasomal Activity in Fertile Men with High Seminal ROS Levels
Authors: Dias Tânia R. , Samanta Luna , Agarwal Ashok , Pushparaj Peter N. , Panner Selvam Manesh Kumar , Sharma Rakesh
Published: January 2019

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major cause of male infertility. However, some men with high seminal ROS levels are still fertile. The main objective of this study was to understand the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for the preservation of fertility in those men. Semen samples from fertile men were divided into two groups: control (n = 10, ROS < 102.2 RLU/s/106 sperm) and ROS+ (n = 10, ROS > 102.2 RLU/s/106 sperm). Proteomic analysis of seminal plasma and spermatozoa was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the experimental groups, from which some proteins were validated by Western blot (WB). A total of 44 and 371 DEPs were identified between the study groups in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa, respectively. The identified DEPs were primarily involved in oxidoreductase, endopeptidase inhibitor, and antioxidant activities. We validated by WB the underexpression of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1 (p = 0.01), as well as the overexpression of superoxide dismutase 1 (p = 0.03) and peroxiredoxin 4 (p = 0.04) in spermatozoa of ROS+ group. Our data suggest that fertile men with high ROS levels possess an effective antioxidant defense system that protects sperm proteins, as well as an active proteasomal system for degradation of defective proteins.
Exploiting PLGA-Based Biocompatible Nanoparticles for Next-Generation Tolerogenic Vaccines against Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Cappellano Giuseppe , Comi Cristoforo , Chiocchetti Annalisa , Dianzani Umberto
Published: January 2019

Tolerogenic vaccines are aimed at inhibiting antigen-specific immune responses. Antigen-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) have been recently emerged as ideal tools for tolerogenic vaccination because their composition, size, and capability of loading immunomodulatory molecules can be readily exploited to induce peripheral tolerance. Among polymeric NPs, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs have the advantage of currently holding approval for several applications in drug delivery, diagnostics, and other clinical uses by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). PLGA-NPs are non-toxic and display excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability properties. Moreover, surface functionalization may improve their interaction with biological materials, thereby optimizing targeting and performance. PLGA-NPs are the most extensively studied in pre-clinical model in the field of tolerogenic vaccination. Thus, this review describes their potential applications in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Affects Mouse Sperm Parameters, Spontaneous Acrosome Reaction, and Fertility Capacity
Authors: Michailov Yulia , Lunenfeld Eitan , Kapilushnik Joseph , Friedler Shevach , Meese Eckart , Huleihel Mahmoud
Published: January 2019

Leukemia is one of the most common cancers in patients of reproductive age. It is well known that chemotherapy, used as anti-cancer therapy, adversely affects male fertility. Moreover, the negative effect of leukemia on sperm quality, even before chemotherapy treatment, has been reported. However, the mechanisms behind this disease’s effect on sperm quality remains unknown. In this study, we examine the direct effect of leukemia and chemotherapy alone and in combination on sperm parameters and male fertility. For this, we developed an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) mouse model (mice were treated with AML cells C1498 and developed leukemia); these mice then received cytarabine chemotherapy. Our findings reveal a significant reduction in sperm concentration and motility and a significant increase in abnormal morphology and spontaneous acrosome reaction of the sperm following AML and chemotherapy treatment, alone and in combination. We also found a reduction in male fertility and the number of delivered offspring. Our results support previous findings that AML impairs sperm parameters and show for the first time that AML increases spontaneous acrosome reaction and decreases male fertility capacity and number of offspring.
Molecular Evidence for Precursors of Sjögren’s Foci in Histologically Normal Lacrimal Glands
Authors: Mircheff Austin K. , Wang Yanru , Pan Billy X. , Parsa Leili , Nandoskar Prachi , Ding Chuanqing
Published: January 2019

Understanding the formation of Sjogren’s lymphocytic infiltrates could permit earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. We submitted gene transcript abundances in histologically normal rabbit lacrimal glands to principal component analysis. The analysis identified a cluster of transcripts associated with Sjögren’s foci, including messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) and B-cell activating factor (BAFF), which dominated the major principal component. We interpreted the transcript cluster as the signature of a cluster of integrally functioning cells. Pregnancy and dryness increased the likelihood that the cluster would develop to high levels, but responses were subject to high levels of stochasticity. Analyzing microdissected samples from high- and low-cluster-level glands, we found that certain transcripts, including mRNAs for C–C motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21), CXCL13, cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), CD28, CD25, BAFF, and interleukin 18 (IL-18) were significantly more abundant in immune cell clusters (ICs) from the high-cluster-level gland; mRNAs for CCL2, CD25, and IL-1RA were significantly more abundant in acinus-duct axis samples; mRNAs for CCL4, BAFF, IL-6, and IL-10 were more abundant in some acinus-duct samples; cells with high prolactin immunoreactivity were more frequent in interacinar spaces. In conclusion, integrated functional networks comprising Sjögren’s infiltrates, such as ICs, acinar cells, ductal cells, and interacinar cells, can form in histologically normal glands, and it is feasible to detect their molecular signatures.
Methylseleninic Acid Induces Lipid Peroxidation and Radiation Sensitivity in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Authors: Lafin John T. , Sarsour Ehab H. , Kalen Amanda L. , Wagner Brett A. , Buettner Garry R. , Goswami Prabhat C.
Published: January 2019

Combination radiation and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Aggressive dosing of these therapies is significantly hampered by side effects due to normal tissue toxicity. Selenium represents an adjuvant that selectively sensitizes cancer cells to these treatments modalities, potentially by inducing lipid peroxidation (LPO). This study investigated whether one such selenium compound, methylseleninic acid (MSA), induces LPO and radiation sensitivity in HNSCC cells. Results from 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-S-indacene (BODIPY) C11 oxidation and ferric thiocyanate assays revealed that MSA induced LPO in cells rapidly and persistently. Propidium iodide (PI) exclusion assay found that MSA was more toxic to cancer cells than other related selenium compounds; this toxicity was abrogated by treatment with α-tocopherol, an LPO inhibitor. MSA exhibited no toxicity to normal fibroblasts at similar doses. MSA also sensitized HNSCC cells to radiation as determined by clonogenic assay. Intracellular glutathione in cancer cells was depleted following MSA treatment, and supplementation of the intracellular glutathione pool with N-acetylcysteine sensitized cells to MSA. The addition of MSA to a cell-free solution of glutathione resulted in an increase in oxygen consumption, which was abrogated by catalase, suggesting the formation of H2O2. Results from this study identify MSA as an inducer of LPO, and reveal its capability to sensitize HNSCC to radiation. MSA may represent a potent adjuvant to radiation therapy in HNSCC.
Report of the Signal Transduction Society Meeting 2018—Signaling: From Past to Future
Authors: Schirmer Bastian , Giehl Klaudia , Kubatzky Katharina F.
Published: January 2019

The annual meeting “Signal Transduction—Receptors, Mediators, and Genes” of the Signal Transduction Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary conference open to all scientists sharing the common interest in elucidating signaling pathways in physiological or pathological processes in humans, animals, plants, fungi, prokaryotes, and protists. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the STS, the 22nd joint meeting took place in Weimar from 5–7 November 2018. With the focus topic “Signaling: From Past to Future” the evolution of the multifaceted research concerning signal transduction since foundation of the society was highlighted. Invited keynote speakers introduced the respective workshop topics and were followed by numerous speakers selected from the submitted abstracts. All presentations were lively discussed during the workshops. Here, we provide a concise summary of the various workshops and further aspects of the scientific program.
A Recommendation Model Based on Multi-Emotion Similarity in the Social Networks
Authors: Long Jun , Wang Yulou , Yuan Xinpan , Li Ting , Liu Qunfeng
Published: January 2019

This paper proposed a recommendation model called RM-SA, which is based on multi-emotional analysis in networks. In the RM-MES scheme, the recommendation values of goods are primarily derived from the probabilities calculated by a similar existing recommendation system during the initiation stage of the recommendation system. First, the behaviors of those users can be divided into three aspects, including browsing goods, buying goods only, and purchasing–evaluating goods. Then, the characteristics of goods and the emotional information of user are considered to determine similarities between users and stores. We chose the most similar shop as the reference existing shop in the experiment. Then, the recommendation probability matrix of both the existing store and the new store is computed based on the similarities between users and target user, who are randomly selected. Finally, we used co-purchasing metadata from Amazon and a certain kind of comments to verify the effectiveness and performance of the RM-MES scheme proposed in this paper through comprehensive experiments. The final results showed that the precision, recall, and F1-measure were increased by 19.07%, 20.73% and 21.02% respectively.
Analysis of the Impact Dynamics of Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composites for Advanced Applications
Authors: Guida Michele , Sellitto Andrea , Marulo Francesco , Riccio Aniello
Published: January 2019

In this work, the behaviour of thermoplastic composites and Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composites (SMAHCs) for aeronautical applications is analysed and compared by means of findings from numerical analyses and experimental tests. At first, experimental tests are performed by using a drop tower facility on both carbon fibre reinforced plastic samples and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) samples hybridized with shape memory alloy materials. The materials properties and the different lower velocity impacts behaviours are simulated and validated by means of numerical models discretized in LS-Dyna explicit solver. For both configurations, the deformation mechanism for low intensity impacts, the absorbed energy, and the effect of rebounding upon the velocity change, and hence the amount of force, are investigated. Then, a configuration is prepared to withstand higher-energy impacts. Finally, the numerical analysis is extended for an innovative layup adapted on an aeronautical structure, which is subjected to the bird-strike phenomenon at 180 m/s and with an impacting mass of 1.8 kg according to the airworthiness requirements. In this study, SMAHCs are used to improve the composite impact response and energy absorption thanks to the superelastic effect.
Bone Loss in Implants Placed at Subcrestal and Crestal Level: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Palacios-Garzón Natalia , Velasco-Ortega Eugenio , López-López José
Published: January 2019

Background: To assess differences in marginal bone loss in implants placed at subcrestal versus crestal level. Methods: An electronic and a manual research of articles written in English from Jaunary 2010 to January 2018 was performed by two independent reviewers. Clinical trials comparing bone loss for implants placed at crestal and subcrestal level were included. Pooled estimates from comparable studies were analyzed using a continuous random-effects model meta-analysis with the objective of assessing differences in crestal bone loss between the two vertical positions. Results: 16 studies were included; 10 studies did not encounter statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to bone loss. Three articles found greater bone loss in subcrestal implants; while 3 found more bone loss in crestal implants. A meta-analysis for randomized control trial (RCT) studies reported an average and non-statistically different crestal bone loss of 0.028 mm. Conclusions: A high survival rate and a comparable bone loss was obtained both for crestal and subcrestal implants’ placement. Quantitative analysis considering a homogenous sample confirms that both vertical positions are equally valid in terms of perimplant bone loss. However, with respect to soft tissue; in presence of a thin tissue; a subcrestal placement of the implant should be preferred as it may reduce the probability for the implant to become exposed in the future and thus avoid the risk of suffering from peri-implant pathologies.
Efficiency and Compatibility of Selected Alkoxysilanes on Porous Carbonate and Silicate Stones
Authors: Ban Matea , Mascha Elisabeth , Weber Johannes , Rohatsch Andreas , Delgado Rodrigues José
Published: January 2019

This study compares the consolidation efficiency and compatibility of three selected alkoxysilanes on two porous carbonate and silicate substrates. Emphasis was given to artificially induced microstructural defects and subsequent restoration of mechanical and physical properties. Two newly engineered formulations (1) a TiO2 modified tetraethyl-orthosilicate in isopropanol with 70% active content and (2) a TiO2 modified alkyl-trialkoxysilane in isopropanol with 75% active content were compared to a commercial product (3), a solvent free tetraethyl-orthosilicate with 99% active content. Treatments were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, colour impact and their effect on dynamic modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile- and flexural strengths, capillary water absorption and water vapour permeability. A key outcome was that mechanical strength gain induced by treatments is primarily governed by a stone’s texture and microstructure, and secondarily by the gel deposition rate of consolidants. Likewise, the kinetics of the gel-forming reaction during curing is dependent not only on the product but also on the substrate. Therefore, the moisture related properties and the visual impact develop during time. There is no general trend on how it evolves in time, which can lead to incorrect interpretations of treatment compatibility. The results prove that wide-ranging treatment performance is obtained when applying the same products on different substrates.
Lignin as a Functional Green Coating on Carbon Fiber Surface to Improve Interfacial Adhesion in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Szabó László , Imanishi Sari , Tetsuo Fujie , Hirose Daisuke , Ueda Hisai , Tsukegi Takayuki , Ninomiya Kazuaki , Takahashi Kenji
Published: January 2019

While intensive efforts are made to prepare carbon fiber reinforced plastics from renewable sources, less emphasis is directed towards elaborating green approaches for carbon fiber surface modification to improve the interfacial adhesion in these composites. In this study, we covalently attach lignin, a renewable feedstock, to a graphitic surface for the first time. The covalent bond is established via aromatic anchoring groups with amine functions taking part in a nucleophilic displacement reaction with a tosylated lignin derivative. The successful grafting procedures were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Both fragmentation and microdroplet tests were conducted to evaluate the interfacial shear strength of lignin coated carbon fiber samples embedded in a green cellulose propionate matrix and in a commercially used epoxy resin. The microdroplet test showed ~27% and ~65% increases in interfacial shear strength for the epoxy and cellulose propionate matrix, respectively. For the epoxy matrix covalent bond, it is expected to form with lignin, while for the cellulosic matrix hydrogen bond formation might take place; furthermore, plastisizing effects are also considered. Our study opens the gates for utilizing lignin coating to improve the shear tolerance of innovative composites.
Improvement of Electrical Performance in P-Channel LTPS Thin-Film Transistor with a-Si:H Surface Passivation
Authors: Jang Kyungsoo , Kim Youngkuk , Phong Pham Duy , Lee Younjung , Park Joonghyun , Yi Junsin
Published: January 2019

We report the effects of surface passivation by depositing a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) layer on the electrical characteristics of low temperature polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors (LTPS TFTs). The intrinsic a-Si:H layer was optimized by hydrogen dilution and its structural and electrical characteristics were investigated. The a-Si:H layer in the transition region between a-Si:H and µc-Si:H resulted in superior device characteristics. Using a-Si:H passivation layer, the field-effect mobility of the LTPS TFT was increased by 78.4% compared with conventional LTPS TFT. Moreover, the leakage current measured at VGS of 5 V was suppressed because the defect sites at the poly-Si grain boundaries were well passivated. Our passivation layer, which allows thorough control of the crystallinity and passivation-quality, should be considered as a candidate for high performance LTPS TFTs.
The Effect of the Isomeric Chlorine Substitutions on the Honeycomb-Patterned Films of Poly(x-chlorostyrene)s/Polystyrene Blends and Copolymers via Static Breath Figure Technique
Authors: Ruiz-Rubio Leire , Pérez-Álvarez Leyre , Sanchez-Bodón Julia , Arrighi Valeria , Vilas-Vilela José Luis
Published: January 2019

Polymeric thin films patterned with honeycomb structures were prepared from poly(x-chlorostyrene) and statistical poly(x-chlorostyrene-co-styrene) copolymers by static breath figure method. Each polymeric sample was synthesized by free radical polymerization and its solution in tetrahydrofuran cast on glass wafers under 90% relative humidity (RH). The effect of the chorine substitution in the topography and conformational entropy was evaluated. The entropy of each sample was calculated by using Voronoi tessellation. The obtained results revealed that these materials could be a suitable toolbox to develop a honeycomb patterns with a wide range of pore sizes for a potential use in contact guidance induced culture.
Investigation of the Potential Use of Calcium Alginate Capsules for Self-Healing in Porous Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Xu Shi , Liu Xueyan , Tabaković Amir , Schlangen Erik
Published: January 2019

Improving the healing capacity of asphalt is proving to be an effective method to prolong the service life of an asphalt pavement. The calcium alginate capsules encapsulating rejuvenator have been developed and proved to provide successful localized crack healing in asphalt mastic. However, it is not known whether this self-healing asphalt system will improve healing capacity of a full asphalt mix. To this aim, this paper reports on study which investigate effect of the calcium alginate capsules onto self-healing capacity of the porous asphalt mix. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was used to visualize the distribution of the capsules in porous asphalt. The effect of the capsules on fracture resistance of porous asphalt concrete was studied by semi-circular bending (SCB) tests. A semi-circular bending and healing programme was carried out to evaluate the healing effect of these capsules in porous asphalt concrete. Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus (ITSM) tests were employed in order to investigate the influence of the capsules on the stiffness of the porous asphalt concrete. The results indicate that incorporating calcium alginate capsules significantly improve the healing capacity of porous asphalt concrete without compromising its performance.
Solid-Gas Phase Photo-Catalytic Behaviour of Rutile and TiOn (1 < n < 2) Sub-Oxide Phases for Self-Cleaning Applications
Authors: Nuño Manuel , Adamaki Vaia , Tobaldi David M. , Hortigüela Gallo Maria J. , Otero-Irurueta Gonzalo , Bowen Chris R. , Ball Richard J.
Published: January 2019

The solid-gas phase photo-catalytic activities of rutile TiO2 and TiOn (1 < n < 2) sub-oxide phases have been evaluated. Varying concentrations of Ti3+ defects were introduced into the rutile polymorph of titanium dioxide through carbo-thermal reduction at temperatures ranging from 350 °C to 1300 °C. The resulting sub-oxides formed were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The presence of Ti3+ in rutile exposed to high reduction temperatures was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. In addition, a Ti3+-Ti4+ system was demonstrated to enhance the photo-catalytic properties of rutile for the degradation of the air pollutants NO2 and CO2 under UV irradiation of wavelengths (λ) 376–387 nm and 381–392 nm. The optimum reduction temperature for photo-catalytic activity was within the range 350–400 °C and attributed to improved charge-separation. The materials that were subject to carbo-thermal reduction at temperatures of 350 °C and 400 °C exhibited electrical conductivities over one hundred times higher compared to the non-reduced rutile. The results highlight that sub-oxide phases form an important alternative approach to doping with other elements to improve the photo-catalytic performance of TiO2. Such materials are important for applications such as self-cleaning where particles can be incorporated into surface coatings.
Microstructure and Flexural Properties of Z-Pinned Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites
Authors: Wang Sian , Zhang Yunhe , Sun Pibo , Cui Yanhong , Wu Gaohui
Published: January 2019

Z-pinning can significantly improve the interlaminar shear properties of carbon fiber-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (Cf/Al). However, the effect of the metal z-pin on the in-plane properties of Cf/Al is unclear. This study examines the effect of the z-pin on the flexural strength and failure mechanism of Cf/Al composites with different volume contents and diameters of the z-pins. The introduction of a z-pin leads to the formation of a brittle phase at the z-pin/matrix interface and microstructural damage such as aluminum-rich pockets and carbon fiber waviness, thereby resulting in a reduction of the flexural strength. The three-point flexural test results show that the adding of a metal z-pin results in reducing the Cf/Al composites’ flexural strength by 2–25%. SEM imaging of the fracture surfaces revealed that a higher degree of interfacial reaction led to more cracks on the surface of the z-pin. This crack-susceptible interface layer between the z-pin and the matrix is likely the primary cause of the reduction of the flexural strength.
Influence of Different Grades of CBN Inserts on Cutting Force and Surface Roughness of AISI H13 Die Tool Steel during Hard Turning Operation
Authors: Kumar Pardeep , Chauhan Sant Ram , Pruncu Catalin Iulian , Gupta Munish Kumar , Pimenov Danil Yurievich , Mia Mozammel , Gill Harjot Singh
Published: January 2019

Now-a-days, the application of hard tuning with CBN tool has been massively increased because the hard turning is a good alternative to grinding process. However, there are some issues that need to be addressed related to the CBN grades and their particular applications in the area of hard turning process. This experimental study investigated the effects of three different grades of CBN insert on the cutting forces and surface roughness. The process of hard turning was made using the AISI H13 die tool steel at containing different hardness (45 HRC, 50 HRC and 55 HRC) levels. The work material were selected on the basis of its application in the die making industries in a range of hardness of 45–55 HRC. Optimization by the central composite design approach has been used for design and analysis. The present study reported that the cutting forces and surface roughness are influenced by the alloying elements and percentage of CBN in the cutting tool material. The work material hardness, feed rate and cutting speed are found to be statistically significant on the responses. Furthermore, a comparative performance between the three different grades of CBN inserts has been shown on the cutting forces and surface roughness at different workpiece hardness. To obtain the optimum parameters from multiple responses, desirability approach has been used. The novelty/robustness of the present study is represented by its great contribution to solve practical industrial application when is developed a new process using different CBN grades for hard turning and die makers of workpiece having the hardness between 45 and 55 HRC.