bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared Stripe Correction Algorithm Based on Wavelet Analysis and Gradient Equalization
Authors: Wang Ende , Jiang Ping , Hou Xukui , Zhu Yalong , Peng Liangyu
Published: May 2019

In the uncooled infrared imaging systems, owing to the non-uniformity of the amplifier in the readout circuit, the infrared image has obvious stripe noise, which greatly affects its quality. In this study, the generation mechanism of stripe noise is analyzed, and a new stripe correction algorithm based on wavelet analysis and gradient equalization is proposed, according to the single-direction distribution of the fixed image noise of infrared focal plane array. The raw infrared image is transformed by a wavelet transform, and the cumulative histogram of the vertical component is convolved by a Gaussian operator with a one-dimensional matrix, in order to achieve gradient equalization in the horizontal direction. In addition, the stripe noise is further separated from the edge texture by a guided filter. The algorithm is verified by simulating noised image and real infrared image, and the comparison experiment and qualitative and quantitative analysis with the current advanced algorithm show that the correction result of the algorithm in this paper is not only mild in visual effect, but also that the structural similarity (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) indexes can get the best result. It is shown that this algorithm can effectively remove stripe noise without losing details, and the correction performance of this method is better than the most advanced method.
Pro-Inflammatory Activation of a New Immortalized Human Microglia Cell Line
Authors: Chiavari Marta , Ciotti Gabriella Maria Pia , Navarra Pierluigi , Lisi Lucia
Published: May 2019

The characterization of human microglia has been hampered by poor availability of human cell sources. However, microglia is involved in the physiopathology of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, HIV dementia, retinal degenerative diseases, cancer, and many other conditions. Therefore, there is an important need to have experimental paradigms of human microglia characterized and usable to study the role of microglia in the different pathologies in which it is involved. In the present work, we carried out an extensive characterization of Immortalized Human Microglia—SV40 cell line (IMhu), marketed by Applied Biological Material. The functional response of IMhu to a large variety of stimuli was studied. In particular, we investigated morphology, mortality, and changes in the production of different cytokines and chemokines, both under basal conditions and after stimulation. Moreover, western blotting analysis was conducted on phospho-mTOR (Ser 2448) and downstream parameters, p-P70S6K and 4EBP1, in order to understand if IMhu can be used for evaluations of mTOR pathway. In conclusion, IMhu cells proved to be a useful experimental model to investigate the physiopathology of inflammatory disease that involved microglia cells, including pathological conditions that involved the mTOR pathway.
MAGE-A3 Is a Clinically Relevant Target in Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma/Myxofibrosarcoma
Authors: Conley Anthony P. , Wang Wei-Lien , Livingston John A. , Ravi Vinod , Tsai Jen-Wei , Ali Ali , Ingram Davis R. , Lowery Caitlin D. , Roland Christina L. , Somaiah Neeta , Hwu Patrick , Yee Cassian , Subbiah Vivek , Futreal Andrew , Lazar Alexander J. , Patel Shreyaskumar , Roszik Jason
Published: May 2019

Melanoma-associated antigen 3 (MAGE-A3) expression is generally restricted to the placenta and germline cells of the testis, but it may also be expressed in sarcoma and other cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Immunotherapy approaches targeting MAGE-A3 in other cancers have shown mixed results in the clinic, however, use of cancer testis antigens such as MAGE-A3 may have therapeutic value in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. Based on the recent success of anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, we hypothesize that MAGE-A3-based immunotherapies may also provide benefits in this sarcoma type. We analyzed MAGE-A3 expression of sarcoma subtypes available in the Cancer Genome Atlas and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and show that undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma/myxofibrosarcoma (UPS/MFS) expresses this potential target gene. We have identified high protein expression by tissue microarray of 106 UPS cores. We also found that high MAGE-A3 mRNA and protein expression is associated with worse overall survival in UPS/MFS. Furthermore, our results show no human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression loss and relatively high lymphocyte infiltration by lymphocyte specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) marker expression. Based on these results, we propose targeting MAGE-A3 in UPS/MFS by immunotherapy techniques.
SHIYF: A Secured and High-Integrity YARN Framework
Authors: Deng Junyi , Liu Yanheng , Wang Jian , Li Shujing
Published: May 2019

Cloud computing is becoming a powerful parallel data processing method, and it can be adopted by many network service providers to build a service framework. Although cloud computing is able to efficiently process a large amount of data, it can be attacked easily due to its massively distributed cluster nodes. In this paper, we propose a secure and high-integrity YARN framework (SHIYF), which establishes a close relationship between speculative execution and the security of Yet Another Resource Negotiator (YARN, MapReduce 2.0). SHIYF computes and compares the MD5 hashes of the intermediate and final results in the MapReduce process by launching the speculative executions in a certain ratio, which is able to find actual and potentially malicious nodes in the Hadoop cluster. The prototype of SHIYF is implemented based on Hadoop 2.8.0. In this paper, theoretical derivations and experiments show that SHIYF not only guarantees the security and high integrity of the MapReduce process but also successfully locates the malicious nodes and the potential malicious ones in Hadoop, while increasing overhead slightly. Furthermore, the malicious node detection ratio is more than 87%.
The Crucial Role of Quaternary Mixtures of Active Layer in Organic Indoor Solar Cells
Authors: Vincent Premkumar , Shim Jae Won , Jang Jaewon , Kang In Man , Lang Philippe , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kim Hyeok
Published: May 2019

A bulk heterojunction (BHJ) consisting of more than one donor/acceptor is one plausible way to improve the charge transport and/or the spectral absorption range in organic solar cells. Ternary and quaternary solar cells have shown promise in this regard. However, quaternary structures have not yet been intensively tested under indoor lighting conditions. A finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)-based simulation was used to solve for the electric field intensity distribution inside a quaternary photovoltaic device illuminated by 500 lx indoor white light emitting diodes (LEDs). We found that quaternary indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) showed peculiarly high oscillations in the simulated ideal short-circuit current density (Jsc,ideal). Here, we simulated the electric field intensity inside the photovoltaic, compared it to single BHJ photovoltaics, and deduced that the electric field intensity inside the active layer of the IPV was highly sensitive to its thickness due to interference between the incident light and the light reflecting from the back electrode. We also found that Poly[N-9′-hepta-decanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) acted as the primary light absorber in the quaternary blend while poly({4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl}{3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl}) (PTB7) acted primarily as a cascade energy level and secondarily as a supplementary light absorber.
Analysis and Comparison of Some Low-Temperature Heat Sources for Heat Pumps
Authors: Neuberger Pavel , Adamovský Radomír
Published: May 2019

The efficiency of a heat pump energy system is significantly influenced by its low-temperature heat source. This paper presents the results of operational monitoring, analysis and comparison of heat transfer fluid temperatures, outputs and extracted energies at the most widely used low temperature heat sources within 218 days of a heating period. The monitoring involved horizontal ground heat exchangers (HGHEs) of linear and Slinky type, vertical ground heat exchangers (VGHEs) with single and double U-tube exchanger as well as the ambient air. The results of the verification indicated that it was not possible to specify clearly the most advantageous low-temperature heat source that meets the requirements of the efficiency of the heat pump operation. The highest average heat transfer fluid temperatures were achieved at linear HGHE (8.13 ± 4.50 °C) and double U-tube VGHE (8.13 ± 3.12 °C). The highest average specific heat output 59.97 ± 41.80 W/m2 and specific energy extracted from the ground mass 2723.40 ± 1785.58 kJ/m2·day were recorded at single U-tube VGHE. The lowest thermal resistance value of 0.07 K·m2/W, specifying the efficiency of the heat transfer process between the ground mass and the heat transfer fluid, was monitored at linear HGHE. The use of ambient air as a low-temperature heat pump source was considered to be the least advantageous in terms of its temperature parameters.
Sub-Optimal Second-Order Sliding Mode Controller Parameters’ Selection for a Positioning System with a Synchronous Reluctance Motor
Authors: Svečko Rajko , Gleich Dušan , Chowdhury Amor , Sarjaš Andrej
Published: May 2019

This paper discusses nonlinear controller structure design for a synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM). The SynRM is represented with a nonlinear dynamic model. All presented nonlinearities of the SynRM are respected in the controller design procedure. A nonlinear controller policy is used for a SynRM positing system. The nonlinear controller design is based on the chattering alleviation technique for the super-twisted algorithm (STA). The alleviation technique assumes the presence of a fast parasitic dynamic, or fast, actuator. Based on the motor structure, the STA controller is designed only for the mechanical subsystem, where the electrical part presents the parasitic dynamic, and is taken in to account in the chattering suppression procedure. Chattering rejection is based on the STA describing function and harmonic balance equation. The approach allows determination of fast oscillation parameters, such as amplitude and frequency of oscillation. The conditions for the controller parameters’ selection are derived with regard to the given oscillation parameters. The derived conditions cover the stability analysis for the STA controller, as well as the stability condition for current controllers and chattering amplitude minimization. The result is confirmed with an example.
Methods and Concepts for Designing and Validating Smart Grid Systems
Authors: Strasser Thomas I. , Rohjans Sebastian , Burt Graeme M.
Published: May 2019

This Editorial provides an introduction to the Special Issue “Methods and Concepts for Designing and Validating Smart Grid Systems”. Furthermore, it also provides an overview of the corresponding papers that where recently published in MDPI’s Energies journal. The Special Issue took place in 2018 and accepted a total of 19 papers from 19 different countries.
From Microscale to Macroscale: Nine Orders of Magnitude for a Comprehensive Modeling of Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Casalini Tommaso , Perale Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

Because of their inherent biocompatibility and tailorable network design, hydrogels meet an increasing interest as biomaterials for the fabrication of controlled drug delivery devices. In this regard, mathematical modeling can highlight release mechanisms and governing phenomena, thus gaining a key role as complementary tool for experimental activity. Starting from the seminal contribution given by Flory–Rehner equation back in 1943 for the determination of matrix structural properties, over more than 70 years, hydrogel modeling has not only taken advantage of new theories and the increasing computational power, but also of the methods offered by computational chemistry, which provide details at the fundamental molecular level. Simulation techniques such as molecular dynamics act as a “computational microscope” and allow for obtaining a new and deeper understanding of the specific interactions between the solute and the polymer, opening new exciting possibilities for an in silico network design at the molecular scale. Moreover, system modeling constitutes an essential step within the “safety by design” paradigm that is becoming one of the new regulatory standard requirements also in the field-controlled release devices. This review aims at providing a summary of the most frequently used modeling approaches (molecular dynamics, coarse-grained models, Brownian dynamics, dissipative particle dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, and mass conservation equations), which are here classified according to the characteristic length scale. The outcomes and the opportunities of each approach are compared and discussed with selected examples from literature.
Identification and Characterization of Novel Fusion Genes with Potential Clinical Applications in Mexican Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Mata-Rocha Minerva , Rangel-López Angelica , Jiménez-Hernández Elva , Morales-Castillo Blanca Angélica , González-Torres Carolina , Gaytan-Cervantes Javier , Álvarez-Olmos Enrique , Núñez-Enríquez Juan Carlos , Fajardo-Gutiérrez Arturo , Martín-Trejo Jorge Alfonso , Solís-Labastida Karina Anastacia , Medina-Sansón Aurora , Flores-Lujano Janet , Sepúlveda-Robles Omar Alejandro , Peñaloza-González José Gabriel , Espinoza-Hernández Laura Eugenia , Núñez-Villegas Nora Nancy , Espinosa-Elizondo Rosa Martha , Cortés-Herrera Beatriz , Torres-Nava José Refugio , Flores-Villegas Luz Victoria , Merino-Pasaye Laura Elizabeth , Bekker-Méndez Vilma Carolina , Velázquez-Aviña Martha Margarita , Pérez-Saldívar María Luisa , Bautista-Martínez Benito Alejandro , Amador-Sánchez Raquel , González-Avila Ana Itamar , Jiménez-Morales Silvia , Duarte-Rodríguez David Aldebarán , Santillán-Juárez Jessica Denisse , García-Velázquez Alejandra Jimena , Rosas-Vargas Haydeé , Mejía-Aranguré Juan Manuel
Published: May 2019

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common type of childhood cancer worldwide. Mexico City has one of the highest incidences and mortality rates of this cancer. It has previously been recognized that chromosomal translocations are important in cancer etiology. Specific fusion genes have been considered as important treatment targets in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The present research aimed at the identification and characterization of novel fusion genes with potential clinical implications in Mexican children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The RNA-sequencing approach was used. Four fusion genes not previously reported were identified: CREBBP-SRGAP2B, DNAH14-IKZF1, ETV6-SNUPN, ETV6-NUFIP1. Although a fusion gene is not sufficient to cause leukemia, it could be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Notably, these new translocations were found in genes encoding for hematopoietic transcription factors which are known to play an important role in leukemogenesis and disease prognosis such as IKZF1, CREBBP, and ETV6. In addition, they may have an impact on the prognosis of Mexican pediatric patients with ALL, with the potential to be included in the current risk stratification schemes or used as therapeutic targets.
The Triple Amino Acid Substitution TAP-IVS in the EPSPS Gene Confers High Glyphosate Resistance to the Superweed Amaranthus hybridus
Authors: García Maria J. , Palma-Bautista Candelario , Rojano-Delgado Antonia M. , Bracamonte Enzo , Portugal João , Alcántara-de la Cruz Ricardo , De Prado Rafael
Published: May 2019

The introduction of glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops revolutionized weed management; however, the improper use of this technology has selected for a wide range of weeds resistant to glyphosate, referred to as superweeds. We characterized the high glyphosate resistance level of an Amaranthus hybridus population (GRH)—a superweed collected in a GR-soybean field from Cordoba, Argentina—as well as the resistance mechanisms that govern it in comparison to a susceptible population (GSH). The GRH population was 100.6 times more resistant than the GSH population. Reduced absorption and metabolism of glyphosate, as well as gene duplication of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) or its overexpression did not contribute to this resistance. However, GSH plants translocated at least 10% more 14C-glyphosate to the rest of the plant and roots than GRH plants at 9 h after treatment. In addition, a novel triple amino acid substitution from TAP (wild type, GSH) to IVS (triple mutant, GRH) was identified in the EPSPS gene of the GRH. The nucleotide substitutions consisted of ATA102, GTC103 and TCA106 instead of ACA102, GCG103, and CCA106, respectively. The hydrogen bond distances between Gly-101 and Arg-105 positions increased from 2.89 Å (wild type) to 2.93 Å (triple-mutant) according to the EPSPS structural modeling. These results support that the high level of glyphosate resistance of the GRH A. hybridus population was mainly governed by the triple mutation TAP-IVS found of the EPSPS target site, but the impaired translocation of herbicide also contributed in this resistance.
Chemical Basis of Reactive Oxygen Species Reactivity and Involvement in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Collin Fabrice
Published: May 2019

Increasing numbers of individuals suffer from neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterized by progressive loss of neurons. Oxidative stress, in particular, the overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), play an important role in the development of these diseases, as evidenced by the detection of products of lipid, protein and DNA oxidation in vivo. Even if they participate in cell signaling and metabolism regulation, ROS are also formidable weapons against most of the biological materials because of their intrinsic nature. By nature too, neurons are particularly sensitive to oxidation because of their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, weak antioxidant defense and high oxygen consumption. Thus, the overproduction of ROS in neurons appears as particularly deleterious and the mechanisms involved in oxidative degradation of biomolecules are numerous and complexes. This review highlights the production and regulation of ROS, their chemical properties, both from kinetic and thermodynamic points of view, the links between them, and their implication in neurodegenerative diseases.
Performance Evaluation of Wave Input Reduction Techniques for Modeling Inter-Annual Sandbar Dynamics
Authors: de Queiroz Bruna , Scheel Freek , Caires Sofia , Walstra Dirk-Jan , Olij Derrick , Yoo Jeseon , Reniers Ad , de Boer Wiebe
Published: May 2019

In process-based numerical models, reducing the amount of input parameters, known as input reduction (IR), is often required to reduce the computational effort of these models and to enable long-term, ensemble predictions. Currently, a comprehensive performance assessment of IR-methods is lacking, which hampers guidance on selecting suitable methods and settings in practice. In this study, we investigated the performance of 10 IR-methods and 36 subvariants for wave climate reduction to model the inter-annual evolution of nearshore bars. The performance of reduced wave climates is evaluated by means of a brute force simulation based on the full climate. Additionally, we tested how the performance is affected by the number of wave conditions, sequencing, and duration of the reduced wave climate. We found that the Sediment Transport Bins method is the most promising method. Furthermore, we found that the resolution in directional space is more important for the performance than the resolution in wave height. The results show that a reduced wave climate with fewer conditions applied on a smaller timescale performs better in terms of morphology than a climate with more conditions applied on a longer timescale. The findings of this study can be applied as initial guidelines for selecting input reduction methods at other locations, in other models, or for other domains.
Shared Sensor Networks Fundamentals, Challenges, Opportunities, Virtualization Techniques, Comparative Analysis, Novel Architecture and Taxonomy
Authors: Azeem Nahla S. Abdel , Tarrad Ibrahim , Hady Anar Abdel , Youssef M. I. , El-kader Sherine M. Abd
Published: May 2019

The rabid growth of today’s technological world has led us to connecting every electronic device worldwide together, which guides us towards the Internet of Things (IoT). Gathering the produced information based on a very tiny sensing devices under the umbrella of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). The nature of these networks suffers from missing sharing among them in both hardware and software, which causes redundancy and more budget to be used. Thus, the appearance of Shared Sensor Networks (SSNs) provides a real modern revolution in it. Where it targets making a real change in its nature from domain specific networks to concurrent running domain networks. That happens by merging it with the technology of virtualization that enables the sharing feature over different levels of its hardware and software to provide the optimal utilization of the deployed infrastructure with a reduced cost. This article is concerned with surveying the idea of SSNs, the difference between it and the traditional WSNs, the requirements for its construction, challenges facing it, and the opportunities that are provided by it, then describing our proposed architectures. As a result of using virtualization technology as a basic block in building SSNs, using different types of virtualization will produce different types of SSNs that will give different usages to it. This article proposes a novel approach of taxonomy for SSNs that is based on the used virtualization techniques, and it describes the needs and usages of each one. It presents a wide array of previously proposed solutions comparing them to each other and a brief description of the issues addressed by each category of that taxonomy. Additionally, the shared sensor architecture and shared network architecture were depicted. Finally, some of its applications in some daily life fields are listed.
Prediction by Empirical Similarity via Categorical Regressors
Authors: Sanchez Jeniffer Duarte , Rêgo Leandro C. , Ospina Raydonal
Published: May 2019

A quantifier of similarity is generally a type of score that assigns a numerical value to a pair of sequences based on their proximity. Similarity measures play an important role in prediction problems with many applications, such as statistical learning, data mining, biostatistics, finance and others. Based on observed data, where a response variable of interest is assumed to be associated with some regressors, it is possible to make response predictions using a weighted average of observed response variables, where the weights depend on the similarity of the regressors. In this work, we propose a parametric regression model for continuous response based on empirical similarities for the case where the regressors are represented by categories. We apply the proposed method to predict tooth length growth in guinea pigs based on Vitamin C supplements considering three different dosage levels and two delivery methods. The inferential procedure is performed through maximum likelihood and least squares estimation under two types of similarity functions and two distance metrics. The empirical results show that the method yields accurate models with low dimension facilitating the parameters’ interpretation.
Truncated Fubini Polynomials
Authors: Duran Ugur , Acikgoz Mehmet
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we introduce the two-variable truncated Fubini polynomials and numbers and then investigate many relations and formulas for these polynomials and numbers, including summation formulas, recurrence relations, and the derivative property. We also give some formulas related to the truncated Stirling numbers of the second kind and Apostol-type Stirling numbers of the second kind. Moreover, we derive multifarious correlations associated with the truncated Euler polynomials and truncated Bernoulli polynomials.
Genomic Observations of a Rare/Pathogenic SMAD3 Variant in Loeys–Dietz Syndrome 3 Confirmed by Protein Informatics and Structural Investigations
Authors: Richter John E. , Samreen Ayesha , Vadlamudi Charitha , Helmi Haytham , Mohammad Ahmed N. , Wierenga Klaas , Hines Stephanie , Atwal Paldeep S. , Caulfield Thomas R.
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives: Loeys–Dietz syndrome 3, also known as aneurysms-–osteoarthritis syndrome, is an autosomal dominant genetic connective tissue disease caused by pathogenic variants in SMAD3, a transcription factor involved in TGF-β signaling. This disorder is characterized by early-onset osteoarthritis and arterial aneurysms. Common features include scoliosis, uvula abnormalities, striae, and velvety skin. Materials and Methods: The pathogenicity of a variant of uncertain significance in the SMAD3 gene was evaluated (variant c.220C > T) through personalized protein informatics and molecular studies. Results: The case of a 44-year-old male, who was originally presumed to have Marfan syndrome, is presented. An expanded gene panel determined the probable cause to be a variant in SMAD3, c.220C > T (p.R74W). His case was complicated by a history of stroke, but his phenotype was otherwise characteristic for Loeys–Dietz syndrome 3. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive genetic testing to evaluate patients for connective tissue disorders, as well as the potential benefit of utilizing a protein informatics platform for the assessment of variant pathogenicity.
Comparison of Aesthetic Quality of the Final Scar in Abdominoplasty with Conventional and Mini Inverted t-Scar
Authors: Kurt Yazar Sevgi , Serin Merdan
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives: Abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. The excess skin in the conventional abdominoplasty is transversely excised and a single horizontal scar is formed. The mini inverted t-scar abdominoplasty is a modification of the “Fleur-de-lis” technique and involves the use of a small vertical incision in comparison to the long vertical incision. The aim of this technique is to lower the position of the final abdominal scar instead of addressing the horizontal laxity. In this study, we have compared the aesthetic satisfaction, width and the position of the scar with conventional abdominoplasty and mini inverted t-scar abdominoplasty. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients undergoing abdominoplasty and breast reconstruction with transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric flap (DIEP) were included in the study. In 15 patients, abdominal closure with the conventional transverse scar was performed. In the remaining 15 patients, closure with a mini inverted t-scar was performed. Scar width, scar height and satisfaction scores were evaluated in both groups. Results: Scar widths, scar heights and patients’ and as well as surgeons’ satisfaction scores were better in the mini inverted t-scar group than the conventional group. Conclusions: The visibility of the vertical scar alone should not be a reason to avoid mini inverse t-scar abdominoplasty. Mini inverted t-scar can be an option to achieve a better hidden high-quality scar.
Granitoids of the Ergelyakh Intrusion-Related Gold–Bismuth Deposit (Kular-Nera Slate Belt, Northeast Russia): Petrology, Physicochemical Parameters of Formation, and Ore Potential
Authors: Zaitsev Albert I. , Fridovsky Valery Yu. , Kudrin Maxim V.
Published: May 2019

This paper describes features of petrographic and chemical compositions and isotopic dating of the Ergelyakh and Sokh plutons, located within the Kular-Nera slate belt, Verkhoyansk-Kolyma folded region (VKFR), Northeast Russia. Intrusion of the massifs took place approximately 145–150 million years ago. Different isotopic systems on the whole rock samples and mineral separates record at least two stages of later tectono-magmatic activity 130–120 and 110–100 million years ago. Granitoid magmas for the Ergelyakh and Sokh plutons were formed at high temperatures (950–1060 °C) within the amphibolitic lower crust of an island arc setting. The ages of crustal protoliths for granitoids of the Ergelyakh intrusion-related gold–bismuth deposit, calculated on Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd two-stage models, are 1109–1383 and 1199–1322 million years, respectively. Formation of the Ergelyakh and Sokh plutons took place within a significant temperature interval (<450 to 901 °C) and, with regard to the superposition of later events, lasted for a long time. During the cooling process of granitoid melts, at the time of biotite crystallization in both massifs, a significant increase of oxygen fugacity was registered. The ore potential of granitoids of both massifs seems to be similar, but due to some differences in the physicochemical parameters of their formation (redox conditions), it was partially realized only within the Ergelyakh massif with the generation of several minor intrusion-related gold–bismuth deposits. Granitoid melts of the Ergelyakh massif were formed in relatively heterogeneous and oxidizing conditions (∆Ni–NiO = +3.26 to –3.60). Granitoid melts for the Sokh massif (∆Ni–NiO = –2.88 to –9.27) were formed in reducing conditions.
Functional Glyco-Nanogels for Multivalent Interaction with Lectins
Authors: Tang Jo Sing Julia , Rosencrantz Sophia , Tepper Lucas , Chea Sany , Klöpzig Stefanie , Krüger-Genge Anne , Storsberg Joachim , Rosencrantz Ruben R.
Published: May 2019

Interactions between glycans and proteins have tremendous impact in biomolecular interactions. They are important for cell–cell interactions, proliferation and much more. Here, we emphasize the glycan-mediated interactions between pathogens and host cells. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, responsible for a huge number of nosocomial infections, is especially the focus when it comes to glycan-derivatives as pathoblockers. We present a microwave assisted protecting group free synthesis of glycomonomers based on lactose, melibiose and fucose. The monomers were polymerized in a precipitation polymerization in the presence of NiPAm to form crosslinked glyco-nanogels. The influence of reaction parameters like crosslinker type or stabilizer amount was investigated. The gels were characterized in lectin binding studies using model lectins and showed size and composition-dependent inhibition of lectin binding. Due to multivalent presentation of glycans in the gel, the inhibition was clearly stronger than with unmodified saccharides, which was compared after determination of the glycan loading. First studies with Pseudomonas aeruginosa revealed a surprising influence on the secretion of virulence factors. Functional glycogels may be in the future potent alternatives or adjuvants for antibiotic treatment of infections based on glycan interactions between host and pathogen.
Dietary Supplementation of Vine Tea Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolic Disorder via Akt Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Xiang Jiamei , Lv Qiuyue , Yi Fan , Song Yanjun , Le Liang , Jiang Baoping , Xu Lijia , Xiao Peigen
Published: May 2019

A traditional Chinese tea with many pharmacological effects, vine tea (VT) is considered a potential dietary supplement to improve type 2 diabetes (T2D). To investigate the effect and mechanism of VT on glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in T2D rats, Wistar rats fed a normal diet served as the normal control, while rats fed a high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2D were divided into three groups: The model group (MOD); the positive control group (MET, metformin at 200 mg/kg/d); and the VT-treated group (VT500, allowed to freely drink 500 mg/L VT). After four weeks of intervention, biochemical metrics indicated that VT significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia in T2D rats. Metabolomics research indicated that VT regulated the levels of metabolites closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism and promoted glycogen synthesis. Furthermore, VT had a significant influence on the expression of key genes involved in the Akt signaling pathway, inhibited gluconeogenesis through the Akt/Foxo1/Pck2 signaling pathway, and reduced fatty acid synthesis via the SREBP1c/Fasn signaling pathways. In conclusion, VT has great potential as a dietary supplement to ameliorate glucose and lipid metabolic disorders via the Akt signaling pathway in T2D rats.
Efficacy of Two Monoterpenoids, Carvacrol and Thymol, and Their Combinations against Eggs and Larvae of the West Nile Vector Culex pipiens
Authors: Youssefi Mohammad Reza , Tabari Mohaddeseh Abouhosseini , Esfandiari Aryan , Kazemi Sohrab , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar , Sut Stefania , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Benelli Giovanni , Maggi Filippo
Published: May 2019

Background: Insect vector control is facing the challenges of resistance development and environmental hazards caused by synthetic pesticides. This has led to a considerable market opportunity for botanical insecticides. In this scenario, our study investigated the potential of selected bioactive monoterpenoids, carvacrol and thymol, as safe and effective tools to control the West Nile vector Culex pipiens. Furthermore, the combined effect of thymol-carvacrol mixtures and their possible interactions were assessed. Methods: For determining larvicidal and ovicidal 50% lethal concentration (LC50), each monoterpenoid was tested at different concentrations (5–500 mg/L). Then, the fixed ratio method was used for evaluating their combinational efficacy. Results: Carvacrol was more toxic against larvae of Cx. pipiens, with a LC50 value of 14 mg/L, whereas thymol exhibited a LC50 value of 49 mg/L. Comparable trends of efficacy were observed when toxicity on Cx. pipiens eggs was investigated, with LC50 values of 7 and 13 mg/L for carvacrol and thymol, respectively. In combinational toxicity assays, the mixture thymol-carvacrol at 1:4 ratio achieved a synergistic effect against larvae of Cx. pipiens, whereas an additive effect was observed on eggs. Other ratios showed antagonistic effects. Conclusions: Overall, our findings pointed out that the 1:4 ratio of thymol-carvacrol blend can enhance the insecticidal efficacy on Cx. pipiens young instars and can be considered further as active ingredient for developing botanical insecticides to be used in mosquito control operations.
Cell-Free Synthetic Biology Platform for Engineering Synthetic Biological Circuits and Systems
Authors: Jeong Dohyun , Klocke Melissa , Agarwal Siddharth , Kim Jeongwon , Choi Seungdo , Franco Elisa , Kim Jongmin
Published: May 2019

Synthetic biology integrates diverse engineering disciplines to create novel biological systems for biomedical and technological applications. The substantial growth of the synthetic biology field in the past decade is poised to transform biotechnology and medicine. To streamline design processes and facilitate debugging of complex synthetic circuits, cell-free synthetic biology approaches has reached broad research communities both in academia and industry. By recapitulating gene expression systems in vitro, cell-free expression systems offer flexibility to explore beyond the confines of living cells and allow networking of synthetic and natural systems. Here, we review the capabilities of the current cell-free platforms, focusing on nucleic acid-based molecular programs and circuit construction. We survey the recent developments including cell-free transcription–translation platforms, DNA nanostructures and circuits, and novel classes of riboregulators. The links to mathematical models and the prospects of cell-free synthetic biology platforms will also be discussed.
Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance
Authors: Paul Cristiana , Leser Suzane , Oesser Steffen
Published: May 2019

The results of twenty years of research indicate that the inclusion of collagen peptides in the diet can lead to various improvements in health. According to the current protein quality evaluation method PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-corrected Amino Acid Score), collagen protein lacks one indispensable amino acid (tryptophan) and is therefore categorized as an incomplete protein source. Collagen protein displays a low indispensable amino acid profile, yet as a functional food, collagen is a source of physiologically active peptides and conditionally indispensable amino acids that have the potential to optimize health and address physiological needs posed by aging and exercise. The objective of this study was to determine the maximum level of dietary collagen peptides that can be incorporated in the Western pattern diet while maintaining its indispensable amino acid balance. Iterative PDCAAS calculations showed that a level as high as 36% of collagen peptides can be used as protein substitution in the daily diet while ensuring indispensable amino acid requirements are met. This study suggests that the effective amounts of functional collagen peptides (2.5 to 15 g per day) observed in the literature are below the maximum level of collagen that may be incorporated in the standard American diet.
Colloidal Silver Induces Cytoskeleton Reorganization and E-Cadherin Recruitment at Cell-Cell Contacts in HaCaT Cells
Authors: Montano Elena , Vivo Maria , Guarino Andrea Maria , di Martino Orsola , Di Luccia Blanda , Calabrò Viola , Caserta Sergio , Pollice Alessandra
Published: May 2019

Up until the first half of the 20th century, silver found significant employment in medical applications, particularly in the healing of open wounds, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Wound repair is a complex and dynamic biological process regulated by several pathways that cooperate to restore tissue integrity and homeostasis. To facilitate healing, injuries need to be promptly treated. Recently, the interest in alternatives to antibiotics has been raised given the widespread phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. Among these alternatives, the use of silver appears to be a valid option, so a resurgence in its use has been recently observed. In particular, in contrast to ionic silver, colloidal silver, a suspension of metallic silver particles, shows antibacterial activity displaying less or no toxicity. However, the human health risks associated with exposure to silver nanoparticles (NP) appear to be conflicted, and some studies have suggested that it could be toxic in different cellular contexts. These potentially harmful effects of silver NP depend on various parameters including NP size, which commonly range from 1 to 100 nm. In this study, we analyzed the effect of a colloidal silver preparation composed of very small and homogeneous nanoparticles of 0.62 nm size, smaller than those previously tested. We found no adverse effect on the cell proliferation of HaCaT cells, even at high NP concentration. Time-lapse microscopy and indirect immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that this preparation of colloidal silver strongly increased cell migration, re-modeled the cytoskeleton, and caused recruitment of E-cadherin at cell-cell junctions of human cultured keratinocytes.
Are Hospital Chaplains Under Stress in Hong Kong? Preliminary Results from a Pilot Study
Authors: Luk Leung Andrew
Published: May 2019

In Hong Kong, healthcare professionals are under great stress when performing their duties in public hospitals, in which patient beds are usually fully occupied, and the workload is high. Hospital chaplains are members of the healthcare team in a hospital, as well: Are they also under stress? Furthermore, is there any relationship between religious experience and stress? This study aims to provide some background information about the health status of hospital chaplains, and to explore any relationships between stress and their spiritual experiences. A total of 100 hospital chaplains were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study, and a 60% valid response rate was obtained. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 and the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale. The results showed that most of the hospital chaplains (78.3%) have a normal stress level, and the prevalence of mild to severe symptoms of stress is low (21.7%) when compared with the stress levels of nurses (41.1%) found in another study. However, more anxiety was expressed by younger hospital chaplains; this is common in caring professions, and they should have mentoring and support. All hospital chaplains have a higher level of spiritual experiences, which was not found to be related to stress.
New Deletions in the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Type 5 Gene in a Japanese Patient
Authors: Kato Shinya , Aoe Tsugumi , Hamamoto Akie , Takemori Hiroshi , Nishikubo Toshiya
Published: May 2019

The Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a rare disease characterized by oculocutaneous albinism and prolonged bleeding. HPS is caused by alterations in HPS1-10 and their related genes, comprising the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 1–3 and adapter protein 3. Here, we report a Japanese patient with HPS associated with mild hypopigmentation, nystagmus, and impaired visual acuity. Sequencing analyses of the mRNA of this patient revealed new deletions (ΔGA and ΔG) in the HPS5 gene. This was the first case of HPS5 gene deficiency in Japan, and the two above-mentioned deletions have not yet been reported among patients with HPS5.
Pathways to Modelling Ecosystem Services within an Urban Metabolism Framework
Authors: Elliot Thomas , Babí Almenar Javier , Niza Samuel , Proença Vânia , Rugani Benedetto
Published: May 2019

Urbanisation poses new and complex sustainability challenges. Socio-economic activities drive material and energy flows in cities that influence the health of ecosystems inside and outside the urban system. Recent studies suggest that these flows, under the urban metabolism (UM) metaphor, can be extended to encompass the assessment of urban ecosystem services (UES). Advancing UM approaches to assess UES may be a valuable solution to these arising sustainability challenges, which can support urban planning decisions. This paper critically reviews UM literature related to the UES concept and identifies approaches that may allow or improve the assessment of UES within UM frameworks. We selected from the UM literature 42 studies that encompass UES aspects, and analysed them on the following key investigation themes: temporal information, spatial information, system boundary aspects and cross-scale indicators. The analysis showed that UES are rarely acknowledged in UM literature, and that existing UM approaches have limited capacity to capture the complexity of spatio-temporal and multi-scale information underpinning UES, which has hampered the implementation of operational decision support systems so far. We use these results to identify and illustrate pathways towards a UM-UES modelling approach. Our review suggests that cause–effect dynamics should be integrated with the UM framework, based on spatially-specific social, economic and ecological data. System dynamics can inform on the causal relationships underpinning UES in cities and, therefore, can help moving towards a knowledge base tool to support urban planners in addressing urban challenges.
Dynamic Behavior of Ground Improved Using a Crushed Stone Foundation Wall
Authors: Son Su-Won , Bagheri Pouyan , Kim Jin-Man
Published: May 2019

The improvement of soft clay and dredged soils to carry structures is increasingly important. In this study, the dynamic behavior of a crushed stone foundation wall in clay soil was analyzed using a 1g shaking table test. The response accelerations and spectra for three input ground motions were analyzed relative to the distance from the foundation wall, confirming that the acceleration was damped from the outside. The acceleration according to the distance from the wall was not significant under long-period motions, while different responses were obtained under short-period motions. The increased ground stiffness provided by the crushed stone wall lowered the natural period of the ground, and the acceleration amplification under short-period seismic waves was larger than that under long-period waves. Finally, equations were derived to describe the relationship between the acceleration amplification ratio and distance from the wall. The slopes of the proposed equations are larger under shorter periods, implying that the change in acceleration change with distance from the wall is more significant under shorter periods. The results of this study can be used to inform the design of soft soil improvements and the structures built atop them.
Measuring Vulnerability of Typhoon in Residential Facilities: Focusing on Typhoon Maemi in South Korea
Authors: Kim Ji-Myong , Kim Taehui , Son Kiyoung , Yum Sang-Guk , Ahn Sungjin
Published: May 2019

Typhoons cause severe monetary damage globally. Many global insurance companies and public agencies are currently developing and utilizing windstorm risk estimation models to calculate the level of risk and set up strategies for avoiding, mitigating, and relocating those economic risks. Hence, the usage and accuracy of the windstorm risk estimation model is becoming increasingly significant, and reflecting local vulnerabilities is essential for refined risk assessment. While key risk indicators have been recognized in practical studies of economic losses associated with windstorms, there remains a lack of comprehensive research addressing the relationship between economic losses of residential buildings for South Korea and vulnerability. This research investigates the real damage record of Typhoon Maemi from an insurance company in order to bridge this gap. The aim of this study is to define the damage indicators of typhoons and create a framework for typhoon damage function, using the damage caused by Typhoon Maemi as a representative paradigm. Basic building information and natural disaster indicators are adopted to develop the damage function. The results and metric of this research provide a pragmatic approach that helps create damage functions for insurance companies and contingency planners, reflecting the actual financial losses and local vulnerabilities of buildings. The framework and results of this study will provide a practical way to manage extreme cases of natural disasters, develop a damage function for insurers and public authorities, and reveal the real economic damage and local vulnerability of residential buildings in South Korea.