bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migrating Myofibroblastic Iliotibial Band-Derived Fibroblasts Represent a Promising Cell Source for Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Schwarz Silke , Gögele Clemens , Ondruschka Benjamin , Hammer Niels , Kohl Benjamin , Schulze-Tanzil Gundula
Published: April 2019

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a suitable scaffold for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, providing a sufficient mechanical resistance to loading. Hence, ITB-derived fibroblasts attract interest for ligament tissue engineering but have so far not been characterized. This present study aimed at characterizing ITB fibroblasts before, during, and after emigration from cadaveric ITB explants to decipher the emigration behavior and to utilize their migratory capacity for seeding biomaterials. ITB and, for comparison, ACL tissues were assessed for the content of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expressing fibroblasts and degeneration. The cell survival and αSMA expression were monitored in explants used for cell isolation, monolayer, self-assembled ITB spheroids, and spheroids seeded in polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds. The protein expression profile of targets typically expressed by ligamentocytes (collagen types I–III, elastin, lubricin, decorin, aggrecan, fibronectin, tenascin C, CD44, β1-integrins, vimentin, F-actin, αSMA, and vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGFA]) was compared between ITB and ACL fibroblasts. A donor- and age-dependent differing percentage of αSMA positive cells could be detected, which was similar in ITB and ACL tissues despite the grade of degeneration being significantly higher in the ACL due to harvesting them from OA knees. ITB fibroblasts survived for several months in an explant culture, continuously forming monolayers with VEGFA and an increased αSMA expression. They shared their expression profile with ACL fibroblasts. αSMA decreased during the monolayer to spheroid/scaffold transition. Using self-assembled spheroids, the migratory capacity of reversible myofibroblastic ITB cells can be utilized for colonizing biomaterials for ACL tissue engineering and to support ligament healing.
Exploring an Odor-Baited “Trap Bush” Approach to Aggregate Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Injury in Blueberries
Authors: Rodriguez-Saona Cesar , Nielsen Anne , Shapiro-Ilan David , Tewari Sunil , Kyryczenko-Roth Vera , Firbas Nicolas , Leskey Tracy
Published: April 2019

This 2-year study (2013–2014) assessed the efficacy of an odor-baited “trap bush” approach to aggregate plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar, adult injury, i.e., number of oviposition-scared fruit, in four commercial highbush blueberry farms in New Jersey (USA). In each farm, we compared fruit injury in bushes baited with grandisoic acid and benzaldehyde along the perimeter of trap-bush plots versus unbaited bushes in control plots. We also measured the amount of fruit injury in neighboring bushes (i.e., spillover effect) and in the plots’ interior. In both years, the amount of fruit injury by C. nenuphar adults was greater on and near odor-baited bushes in trap-bush plots compared with those on and near unbaited bushes in control plots, indicative of aggregation. Injury in unbaited bushes neighboring trap bushes was often greater than unbaited bushes in control plots, providing some evidence for a spillover effect. However, no difference in fruit injury was found between interior trap-bush and control plots. Therefore, odor-baited trap bushes can be used in blueberries to manipulate C. nenuphar foraging behavior, i.e., aggregate adults, without compromising injury in field interiors. Under this approach, insecticides could then be targeted at only a few (perimeter-row) bushes within fields rather than entire fields.
Sensory Quality of Essential Oils and Their Synergistic Effect with Diatomaceous Earth, for the Control of Stored Grain Insects
Authors: Pierattini Erika Carla , Bedini Stefano , Venturi Francesca , Ascrizzi Roberta , Flamini Guido , Bocchino Rossella , Girardi Jessica , Giannotti Paolo , Ferroni Giuseppe , Conti Barbara
Published: April 2019

Essential oils (EOs) have gained increasing interest as a low-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic repellents and insecticides against insect pests. However, they have scarce practical application in the protection of stored grain because of their limited efficacy and their interference with the organoleptic properties of the grain. In this study, we evaluated the olfactory profile of the EOs of Foeniculum vulgare, Pistacia lentiscus, and Ocimum basilicum, and their toxicity against the main stored grain pest Sitophilus granarius. Trained assessors identified O. basilicum and F. vulgare, as more suitable than the P. lentiscus EO for the wheat treatment. In laboratory tests, the most toxic EO was the P. lentiscus (LC50 = 36.36 μL∙kg−1) while, the least toxic, was the F. vulgare one (LC50 = 77.59 μL∙kg−1). The EOs were also tested combined with diatomaceous earths (DEs) showing synergistic effects (co-toxicity coefficient values ranging from 1.36 to 3.35 for O. basilicum and F. vulgare EOs, respectively). Overall, O. basilicum resulted as the best EO for the wheat treatment, considering its insect toxicity and olfactory profile. In real storage conditions, the wheat co-treated with O. basilicum EO and DEs showed a significantly lower mean infestation (1.5 insect kg−1) than the non-treated wheat (7.0 insect kg−1).
Insights of the Qualified ExoMars Laser and Mechanical Considerations of Its Assembly Process
Authors: Ribes-Pleguezuelo Pol , Guilhot Denis , Gilaberte Basset Marta , Beckert Erik , Eberhardt Ramona , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: April 2019

1960 is the birth year of both the laser and the Mars exploration missions. Eleven years passed before the first successful landing on Mars, and another six before the first rover could explore the planet’s surface. In 2011, both technologies were reunited with the first laser landing on Mars as part of the ChemCam instrument, integrated inside the Curiosity Rover. In 2020, two more rovers with integrated lasers are expected to land on Mars: one through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Mars 2020 mission and another through the European Space Agency (ESA) ExoMars mission. The ExoMars mission laser is one of the components of the Raman Spectrometer instrument, which the Aerospace Technology National Institute of Spain (INTA) is responsible for. It uses as its excitation source a laser designed by Monocrom and manufactured in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF). In this paper, we present for the first time the final flight module laser that has been installed in the rover’s onboard laboratory and validated to be shipped to Mars in 2020. Particular emphasis is given to mechanical considerations and assembly procedures, as the ExoMars laser assembly has required soldering techniques in contrast to the standard adhesive technologies used for most laser assembly processes in order to fulfill the environmental and optical requirements of the mission.
Output Power Limit in Energy Harvesting Systems Based on Magnetic Induction Incorporating High-Frequency Effects
Authors: Morag Yahav , Levron Yoash
Published: April 2019

Wireless power transfer systems based on magnetic induction are usually modeled using the magneto-quasi-static approximation, and by neglecting skin effects and radiation losses. These assumptions imply that the extracted power can grow unlimitedly by increasing frequency or coil size. To bridge this gap, this work proposes general expression for the actual received power of magnetic induction-based energy harvesting transducer, extracting power from a given ambient magnetic field, while accounting for the high-frequency effects. A primary result is that the receiver’s output power is inherently limited by radiation losses at high frequencies and impaired by skin and proximity effects at medium frequencies. The approach provides a design tool for estimating the maximal power that can be delivered through a given transducer, and the optimal operating frequency.
Predictors of Response to a Medial Branch Block: MRI Analysis of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Park Jun-Young , Kim Doo-Hwan , Seo Dong-Kyun , Yoon Syn-Hae , Lee Gunn , Lee Sukyung , Park Chan-Hye , Sim Sung Eun , Suh Jeong-Hun
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the association between radiologic spinal pathology and the response to medial branches block (MBB). This retrospective observational study compared 165 patients. A successful response was defined as ≥30% or a 2-point reduction in the numeric rating scale (NRS) compared with the baseline at the 1-month follow-up. The facet angle, facet angle difference, facet joint degeneration, disc height and spondylolisthesis grade were analyzed from an MRI at the L3 to S1 levels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate independent factors associated with a successful response of MBB. In the univariate analysis, the disc height at L5–S1 and facet angle difference at L3–4 were lower in the positive responders (p = 0.022 and p = 0.087, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the facet angle difference at L3–4 and disc height at L5–S1 were independent factors associated with a successful response (odds ratio = 0.948; p = 0.038 and odds ratio = 0.864; p = 0.038, respectively). In patients with a degenerative disc at L5–S1, MBB can lead to a good response for at least one month. In patients with facet tropism at L3–4 level, the response to MBB after one month is likely to be poor.
Celiac Disease Prevalence Is Increased in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome and Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis: Lessons from a Large Multi-Center Study
Authors: Bartoloni Elena , Bistoni Onelia , Alunno Alessia , Cavagna Lorenzo , Nalotto Linda , Baldini Chiara , Priori Roberta , Fischetti Colomba , Fredi Micaela , Quartuccio Luca , Carubbi Francesco , Montecucco Carlomaurizio , Doria Andrea , Mosca Marta , Valesini Guido , Franceschini Franco , De Vita Salvatore , Giacomelli Roberto , Mirabelli Giulia , Bini Vittorio , Gabrielli Armando , Catassi Carlo , Gerli Roberto
Published: April 2019

Association of celiac disease (CD) with systemic autoimmune diseases (ADs) remains controversial. Awareness of CD in these patients is important to prevent complications, including lymphoproliferative disorders. We evaluated previously diagnosed CD prevalence in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients in comparison to 14,298 matched controls. All patients were screened for subclinical CD. Data from 1458 unselected consecutive SLE (580), pSS (354) and SSc (524) patients were collected. Previously biopsy-proven CD diagnosis and both CD- and AD-specific features were registered. All patients without previous CD were tested for IgA transglutaminase (TG). Anti-endomysium were tested in positive/borderline IgA TG. Duodenal biopsy was performed in IgA TG/endomysium+ to confirm CD. CD prevalence in AD was compared to that observed in 14,298 unselected sex- and age-matched adults who acted as controls. CD was more prevalent in pSS vs controls (6.78% vs 0.64%, p < 0.0001). A trend towards higher prevalence was observed in SLE (1.38%, p = 0.058) and SSc (1.34%, p = 0.096). Higher CD prevalence was observed in diffuse cutaneous SSc (4.5%, p ≤ 0.002 vs controls). Subclinical CD was found in two SLE patients and one pSS patient. CD diagnosis usually preceded that of AD. Primary SS and SSc–CD patients were younger at AD diagnosis in comparison to non-celiac patients. Autoimmune thyroiditis was associated with pSS and CD. CD prevalence is clearly increased in pSS and diffuse SSc in comparison to the general population. The association of CD with diffuse but not limited SSc may suggest different immunopathogenic mechanisms characterizing the two subsets. CD screening may be considered in pSS and diffuse SSc in young patients, particularly at the time of diagnosis.
Prevalence and Outcome of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Among SIRS Patients: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gualdoni Guido A. , Hofmann Georg A. , Wohlfarth Philipp , Winkler Heide-Maria , Winkler Stefan , Haslacher Helmuth , Thalhammer Renate , Makristathis Athanasios , Ratzinger Franz , Burgmann Heinz
Published: April 2019

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a life-threatening condition clinically presenting as SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). However, there is no comprehensive data concerning diagnostic algorithms, prevalence, outcome and biomarker performance in SIRS patients. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study on 451 consecutive patients fulfilling ≥2 SIRS criteria. The Hscore and the HLH-2004 criteria were used to determine the presence of sHLH, and the correlation of the screening-biomarkers ferritin, sCD25, and sCD163 with both scores was assessed. Out of 451 standard-care SIRS patients, five patients had high Hscores (≥169), suggesting incipient or HLH-like disease, and these patients were in urgent need for intensified therapy. However, none of these patients fulfilled five HLH-2004 criteria required for formal diagnosis. From the studied biomarkers, ferritin correlated strongest to both the HLH-2004 criteria and the Hscore (rs = 0.72, 0.41, respectively), and was the best predictor of 30-day survival (HR:1.012 per 100 μg/L, 95% CI: 1.004–1.021), when adjusted for patient’s age, sex, bacteremia and malignant underlying-disease. Also, the HLH-2004 (HR per point increase: 1.435, 95% CI: 1.1012–2.086) and the Hscore (HR per point increase:1.011, 95% CI: 1.002–1.020) were independent predictors of 30-day-survival. The Hscore detected patients in hyperinflammatory states requiring urgent therapy escalation. Degrees of hyperinflammation, as assessed by ferritin and both HLH scores, are associated with worse outcomes.
Clinical Significance of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Preoperative Predictor of Oncologic Outcome in Very Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chung Doo Yong , Kim Min Seok , Lee Jong Soo , Goh Hyeok Jun , Koh Dong Hoon , Jang Won Sik , Hong Chang Hee , Choi Young Deuk
Published: April 2019

Currently, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is not an indication for patients with very low-risk prostate cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of mpMRI as a diagnostic tool in these patients. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathological data of individuals with very low-risk prostate cancer, according to the NCCN guidelines, who underwent mpMRI before radical prostatectomy at our institution between 2010 and 2016. Patients who did not undergo pre-evaluation with mpMRI were excluded. We analyzed the factors associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR) using Cox regression model, logistic regression analysis, and Kaplan–Meier curve. Of 253 very low-risk prostate cancer patients, we observed 26 (10.3%) with BCR during the follow-up period in this study. The median follow-up from radical prostatectomy was 53 months (IQR 33–74). The multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that the only factor associated with BCR in very low-risk patients was increase in the pathologic Gleason score (GS) (HR: 2.185, p-value 0.048). In addition, multivariate logistic analyses identified prostate specific antigen (PSA) (OR: 1.353, p-value 0.010), PSA density (OR: 1.160, p-value 0.013), and suspicious lesion on mpMRI (OR: 1.995, p-value 0.019) as the independent preoperative predictors associated with the pathologic GS upgrade. In our study, the pathologic GS upgrade after radical prostatectomy in very low-risk prostate cancer patients demonstrated a negative impact on BCR and mpMRI is a good prognostic tool to predict the pathologic GS upgrade. We believe that the implementation of mpMRI would be beneficial to determine the treatment strategy for these patients.
Association between Interleukin-6 Levels and Perioperative Fatigue in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Wu Jin-Ming , Yang Hui-Ting , Ho Te-Wei , Shun Shiow-Ching , Lin Ming-Tsan
Published: April 2019

Background: Gastric adenocarcinoma (GA), one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers worldwide, is often accompanied by cancer cachexia in the advanced stage owing to malnutrition and cancer-related symptoms. Although resection is the most effective curative procedure for GA patients, it may cause perioperative fatigue, worsening the extent of cancer cachexia. Although the relationship between cytokines and cancer fatigue has been evaluated, it is unclear which cytokines are associated with fatigue in GA patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the changes in cytokine levels were associated with the perioperative changes in fatigue amongst GA patients. Methods: We included GA patients undergoing gastric surgery in a single academic medical center between June 2017 and December 2018. Fatigue-related questionnaires, serum cytokine levels (interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12 p70, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), and biochemistry profiles (albumin, prealbumin, C-reactive protein, and white blood cell counts) were assessed at three time points (preoperative day 0 (POD 0), post-operative day 1 (POD 1), and postoperative day 7 (POD 7)). We used the Brief Fatigue Inventory-Taiwan Form to assess the extent of fatigue. The change in fatigue scores among the three time points, as an independent variable, was adjusted for clinicopathologic characteristics, malnutrition risk, and cancer stages. Results: A total of 34 patients were included for analysis, including 12 female and 22 male patients. The mean age was 68.9 years. The mean score for fatigue on POD 0, POD 1, and POD 7 was 1.7, 6.2, and 3.6, respectively, with significant differences among the three time points (P < 0.001). Among the cytokines, only IL-6 was significantly elevated from POD 0 to POD 1. In the regression model, the change in IL-6 levels between POD 0 and POD 1 (coefficients = 0.01 for every 1 pg/mL increment; 95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.02; P = 0.037) and high malnutrition risk (coefficients = 2.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.45–3.52; P = 0.041) were significantly associated with changes in fatigue scores. Conclusions: The perioperative changes in plasma IL-6 levels are positively associated with changes in the fatigue scores of GA patients undergoing gastric surgery. Targeting the IL-6 signaling cascade or new fatigue-targeting medications may attenuate perioperative fatigue, and further clinical studies should be designed to validate this hypothesis.
Maternal Cardiovascular Risk Assessment 3-to-11 Years Postpartum in Relation to Previous Occurrence of Pregnancy-Related Complications
Authors: Hromadnikova Ilona , Kotlabova Katerina , Dvorakova Lenka , Krofta Ladislav
Published: April 2019

The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term outcomes of women 3-to-11 years postpartum in relation to the previous occurrence of pregnancy-related complications such as gestational hypertension (GH), preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference values, the average values of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures and heart rate, total serum cholesterol levels, serum HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, serum LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, serum triglycerides levels, serum lipoprotein A levels, serum CRP (C-reactive protein) levels, plasma homocysteine levels, serum uric acid levels, individual and relative risks of having a heart attack or stroke over the next ten years were compared between groups (50 GH, 102 PE, 34 FGR and 90 normal pregnancies) and correlated with the severity of the disease with regard to clinical signs (25 PE without severe features, 77 PE with severe features), and delivery date (36 early PE, 66 late PE). The adjustment for potential covariates was made, where appropriate. At 3–11 years follow-up women with a history of GH, PE regardless of the severity of the disease and the delivery date, PE without severe features, PE with severe features, early PE, and late PE had higher BMI, waist circumferences, SBP, DBP, and predicted 10-year cardiovascular event risk when compared with women with a history of normotensive term pregnancy. In addition, increased serum levels of uric acid were found in patients previously affected with GH, PE regardless of the severity of the disease and the delivery date, PE with severe features, early PE, and late PE. Higher serum levels of lipoprotein A were found in patients previously affected with early PE. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were able to identify a substantial proportion of women previously affected with GH or PE with a predisposition to later onset of cardiovascular diseases. Women with a history of GH and PE represent a risky group of patients that may benefit from implementation of early primary prevention strategies.
Correction: Jiun-Nong Lin; Chung-Hsu Lai; Chih-Hui Yang and Yi-Han Huang. Comparison of Clinical Manifestations, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns, and Mutations of Fluoroquinolone Target Genes between Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Elizabethkingia anophelis Isolated in Taiwan. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2018, 7, 538
Authors: Lin Jiun-Nong , Lai Chung-Hsu , Yang Chih-Hui , Huang Yi-Han
Published: April 2019

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
The Role of Laparoscopic Investigation in Enabling Natural Conception and Avoiding in vitro Fertilization Overuse for Infertile Patients of Unidentified Aetiology and Recurrent Implantation Failure Following in vitro Fertilization
Authors: Pantou Agni , Simopoulou Mara , Sfakianoudis Konstantinos , Giannelou Polina , Rapani Anna , Maziotis Evangelos , Grigoriadis Sokratis , Tsioulou Petroula , Syrkos Stephen , Souretis Kyriakos , Koutsilieris Michael , Pantos Konstantinos
Published: April 2019

The present study aims to explore the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery on women presenting with infertility, of unidentified aetiology according to the standard infertility investigation, and recurrent failed In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) attempts. Identifying and correcting possible underlying pathologies by laparoscopy may subsequently enable natural conception in an effort to address infertility and avoid IVF overuse. One-hundred and seven (107) women with unidentified aetiology of infertility and recurrent failed IVF attempts met the inclusion criteria. Laparoscopic surgery was performed as the endpoint of the patients’ diagnostic journey, aiming to identify a possible underlying factor as the cause of infertility. Sixty-two (62) out of 107 patients (57.94%) that underwent laparoscopy were diagnosed with endometriosis, 25 out of the 107 patients (23.3%) were diagnosed with periadnixal and pelvic adhesions, and 20 cases (18.69%) presented with no pathology and remained unexplained. Following identification and correction of endometriosis and pelvic adhesions, patients were invited to conceive naturally. For the patients that laparoscopic investigation failed to reveal any pathology they were categorized as unexplained infertility and were subjected to a single IVF cycle. Natural conception success rate within the first postoperative year was the primary outcome. Within the first postoperative year, 30 out of 62 patients (48.38%) diagnosed with endometriosis following laparoscopic investigation achieved a natural conception, and 28 out of them (93.4%) reported live-births. Additionally, 11 out of 25 patients (44%) diagnosed with periadnixal and pelvic adhesions achieved natural conception within the first operative year. Regarding the group of unexplained infertility patients, only four out of the 20 patients (20%) achieved clinical pregnancy in the first post-operative IVF cycle. In conclusion, laparoscopy appears to be a promising approach, addressing infertility, providing significant diagnostic findings, while avoiding IVF overuse regarding patients of unidentified infertility presenting with recurrent failed IVF attempts.
A Fast Simulation Method for Damaged Ship Dynamics
Authors: Acanfora Maria , Begovic Ermina , De Luca Fabio
Published: April 2019

Ship accidents that entail flooding may lead to disastrous consequences which could be avoided or mitigated based on the knowledge of damaged ship dynamics. The dynamic behaviour of a damaged hull is a complex phenomenon involving the interaction of the flooded water and the ship motions. The presence of a damage opening allows water flow into and out from the compartment, which further complicates the mathematical description of the problem. A fast simulation method, based on the lumped mass approach, is developed and presented. The lumped mass path in space depends on free-surface inclinations that differ from the ship angles of the roll and pitch. The viscous effects in the floodwater dynamics are implemented based on the model for the dissipation of the energy of standing waves in rectangular rooms. The method applies to both the transient stage of flooding and to the dynamic behaviour of a flooded ship in regular waves. In the first case, viscous effects are implemented considering the water in the compartment variable with time. Several case studies are carried out on three different hull models: Transient stage of flooding, roll decay of the damaged hull, and steady state responses in waves are simulated and compared with available experimental data.
Dynamic Response for a Submerged Floating Offshore Wind Turbine with Different Mooring Configurations
Authors: Li Yane , Le Conghuan , Ding Hongyan , Zhang Puyang , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2019

The paper discusses the effects of mooring configurations on the dynamic response of a submerged floating offshore wind turbine (SFOWT) for intermediate water depths. A coupled dynamic model of a wind turbine-tower-floating platform-mooring system is established, and the dynamic response of the platform, tensions in mooring lines, and bending moment at the tower base and blade root under four different mooring configurations are checked. A well-stabilized configuration (i.e., four vertical lines and 12 diagonal lines with an inclination angle of 30°) is selected to study the coupled dynamic responses of SFOWT with broken mooring lines, and in order to keep the safety of SFOWT under extreme sea-states, the pretension of the vertical mooring line has to increase from 1800–2780 kN. Results show that the optimized mooring system can provide larger restoring force, and the SFOWT has a smaller movement response under extreme sea-states; when the mooring lines in the upwind wave direction are broken, an increased motion response of the platform will be caused. However, there is no slack in the remaining mooring lines, and the SFOWT still has enough stability.
Transformations and Site Locations from a Landscape Archaeological Perspective: The Case of Neolithic Wagrien, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Authors: Knitter Daniel , Brozio Jan Piet , Hamer Wolfgang , Duttmann Rainer , Müller Johannes , Nakoinz Oliver
Published: April 2019

Societies undergo continuous dynamics and change. By investigating the spatial structure of societal remains and material culture, we tried to get insights into the processes of their landscapes creation. Ritual practices, economic strategies, or the societal structure are stored in the landscape as a form of cultural contextualization. We presumed that changes of these will be strongest during phases of transformation and investigated to which degree transformation processes are mirrored in the spatial structure of material remains. Absolute and relative locations were investigated using data from Neolithic domestic and ritual sites in Wagrien, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The results showed that transformations have a different influence on ritual and domestic locations: There are no discernible influences on the choice of relative domestic site locations, in contrast to ritual sites, whose relative location changes as a result of sociocultural transformations. This illustrates the importance of cultural and socioeconomic functions of individual sites and shows that transformations, even when they impact the fundamental structure of a society, do act on different relative and absolute scales and spheres.
Evaluation of Resource and Environmental Carrying Capacity of China’s Rapid-Urbanization Areas—A Case Study of Xinbei District, Changzhou
Authors: Li Kaiyuan , Jin Xiaolong , Ma Danxun , Jiang Penghui
Published: April 2019

The evaluation of resource and environmental carrying capacity (RECC) is the foundation for the rationale behind the arrangement of land spaces for production, living, and ecological uses. In this study, based on various natural, economic, and social factors, an integrated Multi-Factor assessment model was developed to evaluate the RECC of Xinbei district of Changzhou. Meanwhile, we also calculated the population carrying capacity estimation model restricted by food security. The study comprehensively analyzed the current status and land resource characteristics of a rapid urbanization area and the RECC restrictions for protection and development. The results indicate that the comprehensive carrying capacity of Xinbei showed distinct spatial heterogeneity, with a decreasing trend from the riverside protection area to urban areas, then to mountain areas. Combined with the secure food supply provided by future land resources, it was estimated that the population carrying index of Xinbei would be as high as 1.25 and 1.22 in 2035 and 2050, respectively, indicating that both years would experience a population overload. Therefore, an urgent adjustment to the structure and layout of territorial space and resources of the Xinbei District is necessary.
Using Carbonated BOF Slag Aggregates in Alkali-Activated Concretes
Authors: Mastali Mohammad , Alzaza Ahmad , Mohammad Shaad Khaled , Kinnunen Paivo , Abdollahnejad Zahra , Woof Bethany , Illikainen Mirja
Published: April 2019

This experimental study aimed to develop alkali-activated concretes containing carbonated basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag aggregates. In the first stage, the impacts of replacing normal aggregates with carbonated BOF slag aggregates in different alkali-activated concretes were determined by assessing mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strengths), morphology, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), differential thermogravimetry (DTG) and the crystalline phases using X-ray diffraction analysis. Second, the developed plain alkali-activated concrete was reinforced by different fibre types and dosages to limit the negative impacts of the drying shrinkage and to improve strength. Therefore, the effects of using different fibre contents (1% and 1.5% in Vol.) and types (Polyvinyl alcohol [PVA], Polypropylene [PP], basalt, cellulose and indented short-length steel) on hardened state properties were evaluated. These evaluations were expressed in terms of the compressive and flexural strengths, ultrasonic pulse velocity, mass changes, drying shrinkage and efflorescence. Then, the impacts of aggressive conditions on the hardened properties of fibre-reinforced alkali-activated concretes were evaluated under carbonation, high temperature and freeze/thaw tests. The results showed that using carbonated BOF slag aggregates led to obtain higher strength than using normal aggregates in alkali activated concretes. Moreover, the maximum enhancement due to reinforcing the mixtures was recorded in alkali-activated concretes with steel fibres.
Bone Augmentation and Simultaneous Implant Placement with Allogenic Bone Rings and Analysis of Its Purification Success
Authors: Giesenhagen Bernhard , Martin Nathalie , Jung Ole , Barbeck Mike
Published: April 2019

The main objective of this manuscript was to demonstrate the use of freeze-dried bone allografts (FDBA) by means of a technique of simultaneous bone augmentation and implant placement (“Bone Ring Technique”) in different indications, i.e., ridge reconstruction and sinus floor elevation procedure with a maxillary bone height of less than 4 mm. Moreover, cases with an up to 3-year follow-up were chosen to analyze the techniques of mid-term clinical success. Finally, the purification success of the FDBA was analyzed by means of established scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and histological methods. The FBDA bone ring was applied in three different patients and indications and presented; the healing success was analyzed on the basis of radiographical and clinical images. For analysis of the purification of the allogeneic bone, previously established histological methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied. All analyzed patient cases showed that the FDBA-based bone ring was fully integrated into newly built alveolar bone. Furthermore, the observations revealed that the three-dimensional bone reconstructions in maxilla and mandible were stable within the observational period of up to 3 years. Altogether, the present data show that the application of the Bone Ring Technique using the FDBA rings allows for successful regeneration of alveolar bone with a predictable clinical outcome, functionality and esthetics. Moreover, the material analyses showed that the allogeneic bone tissue was free of cells or cell remnants, while the (ultra-) structure of the bone matrix has been retained. Thus, the biological safety of the FDBA has been confirmed.
Thermal Expansion and Other Thermodynamic Properties of α2-Ti3Al and γ-TiAl Intermetallic Phases from First Principles Methods
Authors: Holec David , Abdoshahi Neda , Mayer Svea , Clemens Helmut
Published: April 2019

Anisotropic thermal expansion coefficients of tetragonal γ -TiAl and hexagonal α 2 -Ti3Al phases were calculated using first principles methods. Two approaches with different computational costs and degrees of freedom were proposed. The predicted values were compared with available experimental data showing that for γ -TiAl, the more computational demanding method with decoupled impact of volume and temperature effects on the cell shape leads to significantly better results than that with only ground-state optimised unit cell geometry. In the case of the α 2 -Ti3Al phase, both approaches yielded comparable results. Additionally, heat capacity and bulk modulus were evaluated as functions of temperature for both phases, and were fitted to provide an analytical formula which can be further used.
Texture and Microstructural Features at Different Length Scales in Inconel 718 Produced by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Calandri Michele , Yin Shuo , Aldwell Barry , Calignano Flaviana , Lupoi Rocco , Ugues Daniele
Published: April 2019

Nickel-based Inconel 718 is a very good candidate for selective laser melting (SLM). During the SLM process, Inconel 718 develops a complex and heterogeneous microstructure. A deep understanding of the microstructural features of the as-built SLM material is essential for the design of a proper post-process heat treatment. In this study, the microstructure of as-built SLM Inconel 718 was investigated at different length scales using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was also used to analyze the grain morphology and crystallographic texture. Grains elongated in the build direction and crossing several deposited layers were observed. The grains are not constrained by the laser tracks or by the melt pools, which indicates epitaxial growth controls the solidification. Each grain is composed of fine columnar dendrites that develop along one of their <100> axes oriented in the direction of the local thermal gradient. Consequently, prominent <100> crystallographic texture was observed and the dendrites tend to grow to the build direction or with occasional change of 90° at the edge of the melt pools. At the dendrite length scale, the microsegregation of the alloying elements, interdendritic precipitates, and dislocations was also detected.
Mechanical Behaviour of ABS-Fused Filament Fabrication Compounds under Impact Tensile Loadings
Authors: Casavola Caterina , Cazzato Alberto , Moramarco Vincenzo , Renna Gilda
Published: April 2019

In the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process, the part is built as a layer-by-layer deposition of a feedstock filament material. The continuous improvements of the FFF have changed the main purpose of this technique from rapid prototyping to a rapid manufacturing method. Then, it is fundamental to determine the material properties of FFF parts as a function of the service load. The impact loads and, in particular, a high strain rates tensile impact can be a critical issue in FFF part and, in general, for plastic materials. The aim of the present work is to characterise the mechanical behaviour of FFF parts under tensile impact loads. To this purpose, three different orientations (i.e., 0°, 45° and 90°) both single- and multilayer specimens, have been printed. Finally, the influence of the impact speed on the mechanical behaviour has also been tested under three different values of speed (3.78 m/s, 3.02 m/s and 2.67 m/s). The results show that the FFF parts are influenced by the raster orientation, confirming the orthotropic behaviour also under dynamic loads, while the variation of impact speed, on peak force and absorbed energy, is limited.
Study of the Microstructure and Ring Element Segregation Zone of Spray Deposited SiCp/7055Al
Authors: Yang Hao , She Xin-wei , Tang Bin-bin , Li Chun-mei , Jiang Xian-quan
Published: April 2019

Composites of 7055 aluminum (Al) matrix reinforced with SiC particles were prepared using the spray deposition method. The volume fraction of the phase reinforced with SiC particles was 17%. The effect of the introduction of SiC particles on the deposited microstructure and properties of the composites was studied in order to facilitate the follow-up study. The structure and element enrichment zone of spray-deposited SiCp/7055 Al matrix composites were studied by Optical Microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the reinforcement phases of the SiC particles were uniformly distributed on the macro and micro levels, and a few SiC particles were segregated into annular closed regions. C and Si on the surface of SiC particles diffused to the Al matrix. The distribution of the two elements was gradient weakening with SiC particles as the center, and the enrichment zones of Si, Mg and Cu formed in the middle of the closed annular area of a few SiC particles. The enrichment zones were mainly composed of alpha-Al, SiC, Al2CuMg, Al2Cu and MgZn2. AlCu and AlMgCu phase precipitate on the surface of the SiC particles, beside the particle boundary, and had the characteristics of preferred nucleation. They tended to grow at the edges and corners of SiC particles. It was observed that the formation of nanoparticles in the alloy had a pinning effect on dislocations. The different cooling rates of the SiC particles and the Al matrix led to different aluminum liquid particle sizes, ranging from 20 to 150 μm. In the region surrounded by SiC particles, the phenomenon of large particles extruding small particles was widespread. Tearing edges and cracks continued to propagate around the SiC particles, increasing their propagation journey and delaying the fracture of the materials.
Effect of Micro-Steps on Twinning and Interfacial Segregation in Mg-Ag Alloy
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Xuefei , Wei Kang , Xiao Lirong , Chen Bin , Long Haibo , Yu Yandong , Hu Zhaohua , Zhou Hao
Published: April 2019

Twinning structures and their interfacial segregation play a key role in strengthening of magnesium alloys. Micro-steps are frequently existed in the incoherent twin boundaries, while the effect of them on interface and interfacial segregation is still not clear. In this work, we performed an atomic-scale microstructure analysis using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) to explore the effect of micro-steps on twin and its interfacial segregation in Mg-Ag alloy. Diffraction pattern of the incoherent {10 1 ¯ 1} twin shows that the misorientation has a slight tilt of 5° from its theoretical angle of 125° due to the accumulated effects of the micro-steps and their misfit dislocations in twin boundaries. Most of the micro-steps in {10 1 ¯ 1} twin boundary are in the height of 2 d ( 10 1 ¯ 1 ) and 4 d ( 10 1 ¯ 1 ) , respectively, and both of them have two types according to whether there are dislocations on the micro-steps. The twin boundary is interrupted by many micro-steps, which leads to a step-line distributed interfacial segregation. Moreover, the Ag tends to segregate to dislocation cores, which results in the interruption of interfacial segregation at the micro-steps with dislocations.
Uniaxial Compression Behavior of Cement Mortar and Its Damage-Constitutive Model Based on Energy Theory
Authors: Tan Yunliang , Gu Qingheng , Ning Jianguo , Liu Xuesheng , Jia Zhichuang , Huang Dongmei
Published: April 2019

The mechanical properties of mortar materials in construction are influenced both by their own proportions and external loads. The trend of the stress–strain curve in cracks compaction stage has great influence on the relationship between the strength and deformation of cement mortar. Uniaxial compression tests of mortar specimens with different cement–sand ratios and loading rates were carried out, and the stored and dissipated energies were calculated. Results indicated that the elastic modulus and strength of mortar specimens increase with the cement–sand ratio and loading rate. The energy dissipation shows good consistency with the damage evolution. When the loading rate is less than 1.0 mm/min, most of the constitutive energy at the peak point is stored in the specimen and it increase with cement–sand ratio. A simple representation method of axial stress in cracks compaction stage was proposed and an energy-based damage constitutive model—which can describe well the whole process of cement mortar under uniaxial compression—was developed and verified.
Highly Active AuCu-Based Catalysts for Acetylene Hydrochlorination Prepared Using Organic Aqua Regia
Authors: He Haihua , Zhao Jia , Wang Bolin , Yue Yuxue , Sheng Gangfeng , Wang Qingtao , Yu Lu , Hu Zhong-Ting , Li Xiaonian
Published: April 2019

Development of a sustainable process for designing and synthesising an active and stable catalyst for hydrochlorination of acetylene is challenging, yet crucial, for industrial vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production. Herein, direct synthesis of bimetallic AuCu catalysts using organic aqua regia (OAR) preparation methods was investigated. In comparison with conventional aqua regia (AR), bimetallic AuCu catalysts synthesised from OAR exhibit enhanced activity and stability. After careful characterisation of the catalyst samples using X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), this observation was justified for the following reasons: 1) the existence of sulphur and nitrogen atoms stabilised the cationic Au active sites, and 2) OAR helped to sustain the function of the Cu promotor by stabilising it. Advanced understanding on the importance of promoter stability has unveiled new perspectives for this research area.
Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for Cancer Research
Authors: Hoshiba Takashi
Published: April 2019

Genetic mutation and alterations of intracellular signaling have been focused on to understand the mechanisms of oncogenesis and cancer progression. Currently, it is pointed out to consider cancer as tissues. The extracellular microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix (ECM), is important for the regulation of cancer cell behavior. To comprehensively investigate ECM roles in the regulation of cancer cell behavior, decellularized ECM (dECM) is now used as an in vitro ECM model. In this review, I classify dECM with respect to its sources and summarize the preparation and characterization methods for dECM. Additionally, the examples of cancer research using the dECM were introduced. Finally, future perspectives of cancer studies with dECM are described in the conclusions.
Polymeric Materials: Surfaces, Interfaces and Bioapplications
Authors: Muñoz-Bonilla Alexandra , Echeverría Coro , Sonseca Águeda , Arrieta Marina P. , Fernández-García Marta
Published: April 2019

This special issue “Polymeric Materials: Surfaces, Interfaces and Bioapplications” was proposed to cover all the aspects related to recent innovations on surfaces, interfaces and bioapplications of polymeric materials. The collected articles show the advances in polymeric materials, which have tremendous applications in agricultural films, food packaging, dental restoration, antimicrobial systems and tissue engineering. We hope that readers will be able to enjoy highly relevant topics that are related to polymers. Therefore, we hope to prove that plastics can be a solution and not a problem.
Adaptive Robust Vehicle Motion Control for Future Over-Actuated Vehicles
Authors: Kissai Moad , Monsuez Bruno , Mouton Xavier , Martinez Didier , Tapus Adriana
Published: April 2019

Many challenges still need to be overcome in the context of autonomous vehicles. These vehicles would be over-actuated and are expected to perform coupled maneuvers. In this paper, we first discuss the development of a global coupled vehicle model, and then we outline the control strategy that we believe should be applied in the context of over-actuated vehicles. A gain-scheduled H ∞ controller and an optimization-based Control Allocation algorithms are proposed. High-fidelity co-simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed control logic and the new possibilities that could offer. We expect that both car manufacturers and equipment suppliers would join forces to develop and standardize the proposed control architecture for future passenger cars.
A Fast and Robust Spectrogram Reassignment Method
Authors: Bruni Vittoria , Tartaglione Michela , Vitulano Domenico
Published: April 2019

The improvement of the readability of time-frequency transforms is an important topic in the field of fast-oscillating signal processing. The reassignment method is often used due to its adaptivity to different transforms and nice formal properties. However, it strongly depends on the selection of the analysis window and it requires the computation of the same transform using three different but well-defined windows. The aim of this work is to provide a simple method for spectrogram reassignment, named FIRST (Fast Iterative and Robust Reassignment Thinning), with comparable or better precision than classical reassignment method, a reduced computational effort, and a near independence of the adopted analysis window. To this aim, the time-frequency evolution of a multicomponent signal is formally provided and, based on this law, only a subset of time-frequency points is used to improve spectrogram readability. Those points are the ones less influenced by interfering components. Preliminary results show that the proposed method can efficiently reassign spectrograms more accurately than the classical method in the case of interfering signal components, with a significant gain in terms of required computational effort.
Goodness of Fit Tests for the Log-Logistic Distribution Based on Cumulative Entropy under Progressive Type II Censoring
Authors: Du Yuge , Gui Wenhao
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we propose two new methods to perform goodness-of-fit tests on the log-logistic distribution under progressive Type II censoring based on the cumulative residual Kullback-Leibler information and cumulative Kullback-Leibler information. Maximum likelihood estimation and the EM algorithm are used for statistical inference of the unknown parameter. The Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to study the power analysis on the alternative distributions of the hazard function monotonically increasing and decreasing. Finally, we present illustrative examples to show the applicability of the proposed methods.