bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Folk Drama
Authors: Gabbert Lisa
Published: January 2018

This article provides an overview of how scholars in the discipline of folklore have approached the topic of folk drama over the past one hundred fifty years, arguing that, despite relative neglect in the field, folk drama is a valuable window into culture and should be taken more seriously. I begin with nineteenth century ideas about ritual drama that stem from Sir James Frazer. I then discuss the growing emphasis on context that emerged in the twentieth century, including overlaps between ideas about folk drama, performance, and theories of play more generally. I conclude by providing a brief overview of the relationship between play, drama, and politics, and suggest that contemporary digital realms, such as YouTube, offer a new ecology of folk drama that brings traditional questions about actors, context, play-frames, audience and transformation to the fore in new and interesting ways.
Favourable Perceptions of Electronic Cigarettes Relative to Cigarettes and the Associations with Susceptibility to Electronic Cigarette Use in Hong Kong Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Leung Lok , Ho Sai , Chen Jianjiu , Wang Man , Lam Tai
Published: January 2018

We investigated favourable perceptions of electronic cigarettes (ECs) relative to cigarettes and their associations with EC use susceptibility in adolescents. Hong Kong Chinese Secondary 1–6 (U.S. grade 7–12) students (n = 40,202) were surveyed in 2014/2015 on EC use, cigarette smoking, favourable perceptions of ECs relative to cigarettes, EC use susceptibility, family smoking, and socio-demographic characteristics. Cox regression yielded adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) of EC use susceptibility in never users, excluding those unaware of ECs. In all students, 8.9% were ever EC users, 47.2% reported favourable perceptions of ECs relative to cigarettes, such as less likely to cause accidents (25.2%) and less harmful to users (24.5%), and 28.9% did not know ECs. Among never EC users who were aware of ECs (n = 24,663), EC use susceptibility was associated with each of the favourable perceptions, especially greater attractiveness (APR 2.84, 95% CI 2.53–3.19), and better parental (2.75, 2.41–3.15) and school acceptability (2.56, 2.15–3.05). An increased number of favourable perceptions of ECs relative to cigarettes was associated more strongly with the susceptibility (p for trend < 0.001). Our findings inform strategies to reduce unwarranted favourable perceptions and prevent adolescent EC use.
The Development Evaluation of Economic Zones in China
Authors: Liu Wei , Shi Hong-Bo , Zhang Zhe , Tsai Sang-Bing , Zhai Yuming , Chen Quan , Wang Jiangtao
Published: January 2018

After the Chinese reform and opening up, the construction of economic zones, such as Special Economic Zones, Hi-tech Zones and Bonded Zones, has played an irreplaceable role in China’s economic development. Currently, against the background of Chinese economic transition, research on development evaluation of economic zones has become popular and necessary. Similar research usually focuses on one specific field, and the methods that are used to evaluate it are simple. This research aims to analyse the development evaluation of zones by synthesis. A new hybrid multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) model that combines the DEMATEL technique and the DANP method is proposed. After establishing the evaluation criterion system and acquiring data, the influential weights of dimensions and criteria can be calculated, which will be a guide for forming measures of development. Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone is used in the empirical case analysis. The results show that Transportation Conditions, Industrial Structure and Business Climate are the main influencing criteria and measures based on these criteria are proposed.
An Empirical Study on Low-Carbon: Human Resources Performance Evaluation
Authors: Chen Quan , Tsai Sang-Bing , Zhai Yuming , Zhou Jie , Yu Jian , Chang Li-Chung , Li Guodong , Zheng Yuxiang , Wang Jiangtao
Published: January 2018

Low-carbon logistics meets the requirements of a low-carbon economy and is the most effective operating model for logistic development to achieve sustainability by coping with severe energy consumption and global warming. Low-carbon logistics aims to reduce carbon intensity rather than simply reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Human resources are an important part of the great competition in the logistics market and significantly affect the operations of enterprises. Performance evaluations of human resources are particularly important for low-carbon logistics enterprises with scarce talents. Such evaluations in these enterprises are of great significance for their strategic development. This study constructed a human resource performance evaluation system to assess non-managerial employees’ low-carbon job capacity, job performance, and job attitude in the low-carbon logistics sector. The case study results revealed that the investigated company enjoyed initial success after having promoted low-carbon concepts and values to its non-managerial employees, and the success was demonstrated by excellent performance in its employees’ job attitude and knowledge. This study adopts the AHP method to reasonably determine an indicator system of performance evaluation and its weight to avoid certain human-caused bias. This study not only fills the gap in the related literature, but can also be applied to industrial practice.
Exploring Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Urban Fires: A Case of Nanjing, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiang , Yao Jing , Sila-Nowicka Katarzyna
Published: January 2018

Urban fire occurs within the built environment, usually involving casualties and economic losses, and affects individuals and socioeconomic activities in the surrounding neighborhoods. A good understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of fire incidents can offer insights into potential determinants of various fire events, therefore enabling better fire risk estimation which can assist with future allocation of prevention resources and strategic planning of mitigation programs. Using a twelve-year (2002–2013) dataset containing the urban fire events in Nanjing, China, this research explores the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban fires using a range of exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) approaches. Of particular interest here are the fire incidents involving residential properties and local facilities due to their relatively higher occurrence frequencies. The results indicate that the overall amount of urban fires has greatly increased in the last decade and the spatiotemporal distribution of fire events varies among different incident types. The identified spatiotemporal patterns of urban fires in Nanjing can be linked to the urban development strategies and how they have been reflected in reality in recent years.
Space-Ruled Ecological Processes: Introduction to the Special Issue on Spatial Ecology
Authors: Rocchini Duccio
Published: January 2018

This special issue explores most of the scientific issues related to spatial ecology and its integration with geographical information at different spatial and temporal scales.[...]
Generation and Characterization of Antibodies against Opioid Receptors from Zebrafish
Authors: Arévalo Juan , Hernández-Jiménez Enrique , Jiménez-González Ada , Torres-Valle María , Iwasaki Roman , López-Bellido Roger , Vicente-García Cristina , Rodríguez Raquel
Published: January 2018

The opioid system is well conserved among species and plays a critical role in pain and addiction systems. The use of zebrafish as an experimental model to study development and genetics is extraordinary and has been proven to be relevant for the study of different diseases. The main drawback to its use for the analysis of different pathologies is the lack of protein tools. Antibodies that work in other models are not suitable for zebrafish due to the low degree of homology that exists among the opioid receptor protein sequences in different species. Here we report the successful generation and characterization of antibodies against the mu, delta 1 and delta 2 opioid receptors in zebrafish. The antibodies obtained, which are specific for each receptor due to the use of the C-terminus as antigens, work for Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. In addition, the antibodies against mu and delta 1 opioid receptors, but not those against delta 2, are able to immunoprecipitate the corresponding receptor from zebrafish lysates. The development of opioid receptor antibodies is an asset to the further study of the endogenous opioid system in zebrafish.
Sphingolipids in Ventilator Induced Lung Injury: Role of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Lyase
Authors: Suryadevara Vidyani , Fu Panfeng , Ebenezer David , Berdyshev Evgeny , Bronova Irina , Huang Long , Harijith Anantha , Natarajan Viswanathan
Published: January 2018

Mechanical ventilation (MV) performed in respiratory failure patients to maintain lung function leads to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This study investigates the role of sphingolipids and sphingolipid metabolizing enzymes in VILI using a rodent model of VILI and alveolar epithelial cells subjected to cyclic stretch (CS). MV (0 PEEP (Positive End Expiratory Pressure), 30 mL/kg, 4 h) in mice enhanced sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (S1PL) expression, and ceramide levels, and decreased S1P levels in lung tissue, thereby leading to lung inflammation, injury and apoptosis. Accumulation of S1P in cells is a balance between its synthesis catalyzed by sphingosine kinase (SphK) 1 and 2 and catabolism mediated by S1P phosphatases and S1PL. Thus, the role of S1PL and SphK1 in VILI was investigated using Sgpl1+/− and Sphk1−/− mice. Partial genetic deletion of Sgpl1 protected mice against VILI, whereas deletion of SphK1 accentuated VILI in mice. Alveolar epithelial MLE-12 cells subjected to pathophysiological 18% cyclic stretch (CS) exhibited increased S1PL protein expression and dysregulation of sphingoid bases levels as compared to physiological 5% CS. Pre-treatment of MLE-12 cells with S1PL inhibitor, 4-deoxypyridoxine, attenuated 18% CS-induced barrier dysfunction, minimized cell apoptosis and cytokine secretion. These results suggest that inhibition of S1PL that increases S1P levels may offer protection against VILI.
Why Differentiation Therapy Sometimes Fails: Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Retinoids
Authors: Chlapek Petr , Slavikova Viera , Mazanek Pavel , Sterba Jaroslav , Veselska Renata
Published: January 2018

Retinoids represent a popular group of differentiation inducers that are successfully used in oncology for treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia in adults and of neuroblastoma in children. The therapeutic potential of retinoids is based on their key role in the regulation of cell differentiation, growth, and apoptosis, which provides a basis for their use both in cancer therapy and chemoprevention. Nevertheless, patients treated with retinoids often exhibit or develop resistance to this therapy. Although resistance to retinoids is commonly categorized as either acquired or intrinsic, resistance as a single phenotypic feature is usually based on the same mechanisms that are closely related or combined in both of these types. In this review, we summarize the most common changes in retinoid metabolism and action that may affect the sensitivity of a tumor cell to treatment with retinoids. The availability of retinoids can be regulated by alterations in retinol metabolism or in retinoid intracellular transport, by degradation of retinoids or by their efflux from the cell. Retinoid effects on gene expression can be regulated via retinoid receptors or via other molecules in the transcriptional complex. Finally, the role of small-molecular-weight inhibitors of altered cell signaling pathways in overcoming the resistance to retinoids is also suggested.
Identification and Comparative Analysis of Premature Senescence Leaf Mutants in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: He Yan , Li Liangjian , Zhang Zhihong , Wu Jian-Li
Published: January 2018

Premature leaf senescence negatively impacts the grain yield in the important monocot rice (Oryza sativa L.); to understand the molecular mechanism we carried out a screen for mutants with premature senescence leaves in a mutant bank generated by ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis of elite indica rice ZhongJian100. Five premature senescence leaf (psl15, psl50, psl89, psl117 and psl270) mutants were identified with distinct yellowish phenotypes on leaves starting from the tillering stage to final maturation. Moreover, these mutants exhibited significantly increased malonaldehyde content, decreased chlorophyll content, reduced numbers of chloroplast and grana thylakoid, altered photosynthetic ability and expression of photosynthesis-related genes. Furthermore, the expression of senescence-related indicator OsI57 was significantly up-regulated in four mutants. Histochemical analysis indicated that cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation occurred in the mutants with altered activities of ROS scavenging enzymes. Both darkness and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments could induce leaf senescence and resulted in up- or down-regulation of ABA metabolism-related genes in the mutants. Genetic analysis indicated that all the premature senescence leaf mutants were controlled by single non-allelic recessive genes. The data suggested that mechanisms underlying premature leaf senescence are likely different among the mutants. The present study would facilitate us to further fine mapping, cloning and functional characterization of the corresponding genes mediating the premature leaf senescence in rice.
The Analysis of the Internet Development Based on the Complex Model of the Discursive Space
Authors: Maciag Rafal
Published: January 2018

This paper aims to present a new way of understanding and elaborating the current state of reality which has a substantial dependency on technology. An example of such a relatively mature technology is the Internet. The discursive space (DS) is a proposed new cognitive tool, which can be used for this purpose. DS is constructed based on the idea of the discourse and the idea of the configuration space, state space, phase space, and space-time, etc. Discourse is understood as the representation/creation of reality, which means that it can also be understood as a carrier of knowledge. The configuration space, etc., is a tool elaborated in the field of physics for describing complex phenomena. DS is a tool for acquiring knowledge analogous to formal information processes, but is based on another interpretation of the existence of knowledge. This interpretation sees knowledge as a social construction and not as an independent entity, which can be described by rigorous formal procedure. The necessity of such tools comes inter alia from management, particularly from humanistic management, where it can describe the Internet as a dynamic and complex environment for organizations that understand it as a basic unit of the social space of reality.
Field-Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation of Mono- and Dinuclear Dysprosium(III) Complexes Coordinated by a Chloranilate with Different Resonance Forms
Authors: Ishikawa Ryuta , Michiwaki Shoichi , Noda Takeshi , Katoh Keiichi , Yamashita Masahiro , Matsubara Kouki , Kawata Satoshi
Published: January 2018

We synthesized the dinuclear and mononuclear dysprosium(III) complexes [{Dy(Tp)2}2(Cl2An)]·2CH2Cl2 (1) and [Co(Cp)2][Dy(Tp)2(Cl2An)] (3), where Cl2An2− and Tp− are the chloranilate and hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligand, respectively. In addition, the magnitude of the magnetic coupling between the lanthanide centers through the Cl2An2− bridge has been probed through the synthesis of [{Gd(Tp)2}2(Cl2An)]·2CH2Cl2 (2), which is a gadolinium(III) analogue of 1. Complexes 1–3 were characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and SQUID measurements. IR and single-crystal X-ray structural analyses confirm that the coordination environments of the lanthanide(III) centers in 1 and 3 are similar to each other; i.e., eight-coordinated metal centers, each occupied by an N6O2 donor set from two Tp− ligands and one Cl2An2− ligand. The coordination geometries of the lanthanide(III) centers in 1 and 2 are distorted triangular dodecahedral, while that in the mononuclear complex 3 is square antiprismatic, where the Cl2An2− ligand takes the bi-separated delocalized form in 1 and 2, and the o-quinone form in 3. Alternating-current (AC) magnetic studies clearly reveal that both 1 and 3 exhibit field-induced slow relaxations of magnetization that occur via Raman and direct processes. Complexes 1 and 3 exhibit different spin relaxation behavior, which reflects the coordination geometry around each DyIII center and its nuclearity, as well as the molecular packing in the crystal lattice. Although the magnetic analysis of 2 revealed negligible magnetic coupling, Cl2An2− bridges with small biases may form in the dinuclear complexes, which play roles in the spin relaxation dynamics through dipolar interactions.
Development of Sparganothis sulfureana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Cranberry Cultivars
Authors: McMahan Erin , Guédot Christelle
Published: January 2018

Sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a serious pest of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton), a native North American fruit cultivated in northern regions of the United States and southeastern Canada. This study assessed antibiosis in several cranberry cultivars commonly grown in Wisconsin. Five cultivars previously shown to host different levels of populations of S. sulfureana in commercial cranberry were assessed in this study to evaluate the performance of S. sulfureana amongst these cultivars. We measured growth and time to developmental stages of newly emerged larvae to adulthood on selected cranberry cultivars in the laboratory. There was no difference in the rates of survival to pupation and to adult emergence among any of the cultivars tested. Mid-instar larvae that fed on the cultivar ‘Ben Lear’ were heavier than those feeding on ‘GH-1’, ‘Stevens’, or ‘HyRed’, and larvae that fed on ‘Mullica Queen’ were heavier than those feeding on ‘HyRed’. However, there were no significant differences in pupal weights or in the number of days from neonate to adult emergence among varieties. Therefore, this study did not provide evidence of antibiosis among the cultivars tested, and found that larval weight was not correlated with other measurements of performance.
Non-Crop Host Sampling Yields Insights into Small-Scale Population Dynamics of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura)
Authors: Elsensohn Johanna , Loeb Gregory
Published: January 2018

Invasive, polyphagous crop pests subsist on a number of crop and non-crop resources. While knowing the full range of host species is important, a seasonal investigation into the use of non-crop plants adjacent to cropping systems provide key insights into some of the factors determining local population dynamics. This study investigated the infestation of non-crop plants by the invasive Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), a pest of numerous economically important stone and small fruit crops, by sampling fruit-producing non-crop hosts adjacent to commercial plantings weekly from June through November in central New York over a two-year period. We found D. suzukii infestation rates (number of flies emerged/kg fruit) peaked mid-August through early September, with Rubus allegheniensis Porter and Lonicera morrowii Asa Gray showing the highest average infestation in both years. Interannual infestation patterns were similar despite a lower number of adults caught in monitoring traps the second year, suggesting D. suzukii host use may be density independent.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Patient-Provider Interaction and Patient Education
Authors: Halpert Albena
Published: January 2018

The Patient-Provider (P-P) relationship is the foundation of medical practice. The quality of this relationship is essential, particularly for the management of chronic illness such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), since it correlates with disease improvement. A significant aspect of fostering the P-P relationship is providing effective patient-centered education about IBS. An effective education empowers the patients to achieve the main therapeutic goals: to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Method: A literature search of PubMed was conducted using the terms “Irritable Bowel syndrome”, “Patient Physician Relationship”, “Patient Provider Relationship”, and “Patient Physician interaction”. Preference was given to articles with a clearly defined methodology and those with control groups if applicable/appropriate. This article provides a review of the literature on Patient-Provider interaction and patient education as it relates to IBS and provides practical recommendations on how to optimize this important relationship.
Association of Maternal Factors with Perinatal Complications in Pregnancies Complicated with Diabetes: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Endo Sho , Saisho Yoshifumi , Miyakoshi Kei , Ochiai Daigo , Matsumoto Tadashi , Kawano Yoshinaga , Mitsuishi Masanori , Irie Junichiro , Tanaka Masami , Meguro Shu , Tanaka Mamoru , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the association of maternal factors with perinatal complications in pregnancies complicated with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review and enrolled 26 Japanese pregnant women with diabetes who received perinatal care at our hospital between 2008 and 2015. Perinatal complications were defined as one or more of the following: miscarriage, fetal death, fetal dysfunction, fetal structural anomaly, small-for-gestational age, large-for-gestational age (LGA), premature birth, neonatal hypoglycemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), deterioration of maternal kidney function, and urgent Caesarean section (CS). The associations between perinatal complications and maternal factors were examined. Results: Approximately 70% and 50% of women with T1D and T2D experienced perinatal complications, respectively. LGA, neonatal hypoglycemia, and urgent CS were major perinatal complications in women with T1D, while PIH and urgent CS were major complications in those with T2D. In women with T1D, pre-gestational HbA1c was significantly higher in women with perinatal complications than in those without. In women with T2D, pre-gestational body mass index was significantly higher in women with perinatal complications than in those without. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while pre-gestational glycemic control remains the most important issue in women with T1D, pre-gestational weight control in addition to glycemic control should be greater emphasized in women with T2D to reduce the risk of perinatal complications.
Ethical Considerations Related to Return of Results from Genomic Medicine Projects: The eMERGE Network (Phase III) Experience
Authors: Fossey Robyn , Kochan David , Winkler Erin , Pacyna Joel , Olson Janet , Thibodeau Stephen , Connolly John , Harr Margaret , Behr Meckenzie , Prows Cynthia , Cobb Beth , Myers Melanie , Leslie Nancy , Namjou-Khales Bahram , Milo Rasouly Hila , Wynn Julia , Fedotov Alexander , Chung Wendy , Gharavi Ali , Williams Janet , Pais Lynn , Holm Ingrid , Aufox Sharon , Smith Maureen , Scrol Aaron , Leppig Kathleen , Jarvik Gail , Wiesner Georgia , Li Rongling , Stroud Mary , Smoller Jordan , Sharp Richard , Kullo Iftikhar
Published: January 2018

We examined the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process at 9 academic institutions in the electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network, for proposed electronic health record-based genomic medicine studies, to identify common questions and concerns. Sequencing of 109 disease related genes and genotyping of 14 actionable variants is being performed in ~28,100 participants from the 9 sites. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in actionable genes are being returned to study participants. We examined each site’s research protocols, informed-consent materials, and interactions with IRB staff. Research staff at each site completed questionnaires regarding their IRB interactions. The time to prepare protocols for IRB submission, number of revisions and time to approval ranged from 10–261 days, 0–11, and 11–90 days, respectively. IRB recommendations related to the readability of informed consent materials, specifying the full range of potential risks, providing options for receiving limited results or withdrawal, sharing of information with family members, and establishing the mechanisms to answer participant questions. IRBs reviewing studies that involve the return of results from genomic sequencing have a diverse array of concerns, and anticipating these concerns can help investigators to more effectively engage IRBs.
Development of Intelligent Core Network for Tactile Internet and Future Smart Systems
Authors: Ateya Abdelhamied , Muthanna Ammar , Gudkova Irina , Abuarqoub Abdelrahman , Vybornova Anastasia , Koucheryavy Andrey
Published: January 2018

One of the main design aspects of the Tactile Internet system is the 1 ms end-to-end latency, which is considered as being the main challenge with the system realization. Forced by recent development and capabilities of the fifth generation (5G) cellular system, the Tactile Internet will become a real. One way to overcome the 1 ms latency is to employ a centralized controller in the core of the network with a global knowledge of the system, together with the concept of network function virtualization (NFV). This is the idea behind the software defined networking (SDN). This paper introduces a Tactile Internet system structure, which employs SDN in the core of the cellular network and mobile edge computing (MEC) in multi-levels. The work is mainly concerned with the structure of the core network. The system is simulated over a reliable environment and introduces a round trip latency of orders of 1 ms. This can be interpreted by the reduction of intermediate nodes that are involved in the communication process.
The Effect of Coatings and Nerve Growth Factor on Attachment and Differentiation of Pheochromocytoma Cells
Authors: Orlowska Anna , Perera Pallale , Al Kobaisi Mohammad , Dias Andre , Nguyen Huu , Ghanaati Shahram , Baulin Vladimir , Crawford Russell , Ivanova Elena
Published: January 2018

Cellular attachment plays a vital role in the differentiation of pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. PC12 cells are noradrenergic clonal cells isolated from the adrenal medulla of Rattus norvegicus and studied extensively as they have the ability to differentiate into sympathetic neuron-like cells. The effect of several experimental parameters including (i) the concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF); (ii) substratum coatings, such as poly-L-lysine (PLL), fibronectin (Fn), and laminin (Lam); and (iii) double coatings composed of PLL/Lam and PLL/Fn on the differentiation process of PC12 cells were studied. Cell morphology was visualised using brightfield phase contrast microscopy, cellular metabolism and proliferation were quantified using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, and the neurite outgrowth and axonal generation of the PC12 cells were evaluated using wide field fluorescence microscopy. It was found that double coatings of PLL/Lam and PLL/Fn supported robust adhesion and a two-fold enhanced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells when treated with 100 ng/mL of NGF while exhibiting stable metabolic activity, leading to the accelerated generation of axons.
Enhancing of Osseointegration with Propolis-Loaded TiO2 Nanotubes in Rat Mandible for Dental Implants
Authors: Somsanith Nithideth , Kim Yu-Kyoung , Jang Young-Seok , Lee Young-Hee , Yi Ho-Keun , Jang Jong-Hwa , Kim Kyoung-A , Bae Tae-Sung , Lee Min-Ho
Published: January 2018

TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) formation is beneficial for improving bone cell–material interaction and drug delivery for Ti dental implants. Among the natural drugs to be installed in TNT, selected propolis has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a resinous natural product which is collected by the honeybees from the various types of plants with their salivary enzymes. This study concludes that TNT loaded with a propolis (PL-TNT-Ti) dental implant has the ability to improve osseointegration. The propolis particles were embedded within the TNT or adhered to the top. In a cytotoxicity test using osteoblast, PL-TNT-Ti group exhibited an increased cell proliferation and differentiation. A Sprague Dawley rat mandibular model was used to evaluate the osseointegration and bone bonding of TNT or PL-TNT-Ti. From the µ-CT and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) histological results after implantation at 1 and 4 weeks to rat mandibular, an increase in the extent of new bone formation and mineral density around the PL-TNT-Ti implant was confirmed. The Masson’s trichrome staining showed the expression of well-formed collagenous for bone formation on the PL-TNT-Ti. Immunohistochemistry staining indicate that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2 and BMP-7) around the PL-TNT-Ti increased the expression of collagen fibers and of osteogenic differentiation whereas the expression of inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is decreased.
The Study on the Overall Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation for 6061–7075 Dissimilar Aluminum Alloy Welded Parts Based on the Dielectric Breakdown Theory
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Song Xiaocun , Zhou Jixue , Liu Hongtao , Yang Yuansheng
Published: January 2018

Electrical connection of dissimilar metals will lead to galvanic corrosion. Therefore, overall surface treatment is necessary for the protection of dissimilar metal welded parts. However, serious unbalanced reactions may occur during overall surface treatment, which makes it difficult to prepare integral coating. In this paper, an overall ceramic coating was fabricated by plasma electrolytic oxidation to wrap the 6061–7075 welded part integrally. Moreover, the growth mechanism of the coating on different areas of the welded part was studied based on the dielectric breakdown theory. The reaction sequence of each area during the treatment was verified through specially designed dielectric breakdown tests. The results showed that the high impedance overall of ceramic coating can inhibit the galvanic corrosion of the 6061–7075 welded part effectively.
Effects of T2 Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of the Selective Laser Melted Aluminum Alloy Samples
Authors: Wang Lianfeng , Sun Jing , Zhu Xiaogang , Cheng Lingyu , Shi Yun , Guo Lijie , Yan Biao
Published: January 2018

In this paper, aluminum alloy samples were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and subsequently T2 heat treatment was undertaken. In order to obtain comprehensive results, various experiments on densification, hardness, tensile strength, bending strength and microstructure characterization were carried out. The results show that densification of samples after T2 heat treatment does not vary very much from the SLMed ones, while the Brinell hardness and strength decreases to about 50%. Moreover, the plasticity and fracture deflection increases about 3 fold. The effects on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the SLMed aluminum alloy samples and subsequent T2 heat treatment were studied.
Application of Tempered-Stable Time Fractional-Derivative Model to Upscale Subdiffusion for Pollutant Transport in Field-Scale Discrete Fracture Networks
Authors: Lu Bingqing , Zhang Yong , Reeves Donald , Sun HongGuang , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: January 2018

Fractional calculus provides efficient physical models to quantify non-Fickian dynamics broadly observed within the Earth system. The potential advantages of using fractional partial differential equations (fPDEs) for real-world problems are often limited by the current lack of understanding of how earth system properties influence observed non-Fickian dynamics. This study explores non-Fickian dynamics for pollutant transport in field-scale discrete fracture networks (DFNs), by investigating how fracture and rock matrix properties influence the leading and tailing edges of pollutant breakthrough curves (BTCs). Fractured reservoirs exhibit erratic internal structures and multi-scale heterogeneity, resulting in complex non-Fickian dynamics. A Monte Carlo approach is used to simulate pollutant transport through DFNs with a systematic variation of system properties, and the resultant non-Fickian transport is upscaled using a tempered-stable fractional in time advection–dispersion equation. Numerical results serve as a basis for determining both qualitative and quantitative relationships between BTC characteristics and model parameters, in addition to the impacts of fracture density, orientation, and rock matrix permeability on non-Fickian dynamics. The observed impacts of medium heterogeneity on tracer transport at late times tend to enhance the applicability of fPDEs that may be parameterized using measurable fracture–matrix characteristics.
The Determination of Blood Glucose Lowering and Metabolic Effects of Mespilus germanica L. Hydroacetonic Extract on Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Balb/c Mice
Authors: Shafiee Fatemeh , Khoshvishkaie Elnaz , Davoodi Ali , Dashti Kalantar Ayat , Bakhshi Jouybari Hossein , Ataee Ramin
Published: January 2018

Background: The serum glucose lowering, normalization animal body weight, and antioxidative stress effects of Mespilus germanica L. leaf extract were investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced Balb/C mice. Methods: The phenol and flavonoid of the leaves of M. germanica were extracted by percolation and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Its total phenol and flavonoid content was determined using folin and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The study was conducted on 48 matured male Balb/C mice (20–30 g) divided into 6 groups (n = 8). Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Extracts of Mespilus germanica were used orally at the dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days. Results: Oral administrations of the M. germanica L. leaf extract significantly decreased serum glucose, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation and maintained animal body weight during treatment period (p < 0.05) compared to metformin (200 mg/kg) in over 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg dosages, respectively. Conclusions: The present study indicated that the Mespilus germanica leaf extract significantly decreased serum glucose and maintained normal body weight in Balb/C diabetic mice.
Magnetic Hysteresis and Barkausen Noise in Plastically Deformed Steel Sheets
Authors: Fiorillo Fausto , Küpferling Michaela , Appino Carlo
Published: January 2018

The magnetic properties of steels are affected by plastic deformation, because the domain wall processes magnetoelastically interact with the dislocations and the residual stresses. The evolution of the magnetic hysteresis loop and its parameters with the type and degree of straining can thus provide a macroscopic signature of the underlying the mechanical and structural properties. Additional information can be achieved at a microscopic level through analysis of the Barkhausen noise, the signal generated by the stochastic flux variations associated with the discontinuous motion of the domain walls. Nondestructive methods for the structural evaluation of magnetic steels, devoted, in particular, to the investigation of work-hardening and state of internal stress following plastic straining, have therefore been developed in the literature, either through magnetic hysteresis or Barkhausen noise measurements. In this paper, we summarize significant results regarding the relationship between magnetic properties and plastic deformation in steel samples and the related experimental methods. Attention will be devoted, in particular, to the measurement and analysis of the Barkhausen noise spectral density and the way it relates to the macroscopic magnetic behavior and the structural properties.
Synthesis of Metastable Au-Fe Alloy Using Ordered Nanoporous Silica as a Hard Template
Authors: Kumar Paskalis , Sivakumar Thiripuranthagan , Fujita Takeshi , Jayavel Ramasamy , Abe Hideki
Published: January 2018

Nanoporous Au-Fe alloy was synthesized via a wet chemistry route using ordered nanoporous silica as a hard template. The nanoporous Au-Fe consisted of aligned arrays of nanopores that were uniform in composition and ordered in hexagonal lattice, whereas Au-Fe nanoparticles synthesized without templates exhibited broad dispersions in the chemical composition and/or particle size. Nanoporous Au-Fe has potential for applications as catalysts and/or adsorbents because of the large specific surface area of 81.2 m2·g−1 and high pore volume of 0.56 cm3·g−1.
Investigation of Structural-Phase States and Features of Plastic Deformation of the Austenitic Precipitation-Hardening Co-Ni-Nb Alloy
Authors: Tussupzhanov Aidyn , Yerbolatuly Dosym , Kveglis Ludmila , Filarowski Aleksander
Published: January 2018

This article presents the results of investigation of the influence of holding temperature during the quenching process on the microstructure and superplasticity of the Co-Ni-Nb alloy. Temperature-strain rate intervals of the deformation of the superplasticity effects are stated. The optimal regimes of the preliminary treatment by quenching and rolling as well as the routine of the superplastic deformation of the Co-Ni-Nb alloy are defined. The interval of the temperatures of the precipitation, morphology, composition, type and parameters of the lattice of the secondary phase, which appears after the annealing + rolling (to 90%) Co-Ni-Nb alloy, are determined.
Welding Residual Stress Analysis and Fatigue Strength Assessment of Multi-Pass Dissimilar Material Welded Joint between Alloy 617 and 12Cr Steel
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz , Hwang Jeong , Lee Ju , Bae Dong
Published: January 2018

The reliability of welded structure can be evaluated through welding residual stress analysis and fatigue strength assessment. In this study, welding residual stresses of multi-pass dissimilar material welded joint between alloy 617 and 12Cr steel were analyzed numerically and experimentally. Fatigue strength was then assessed in the air. Based on results of welding residual stress analysis and fatigue strength assessment, a fatigue design method considering welding residual stress was investigated. Welding residual stresses at the weld of dissimilar welded joints distributed complicatedly on longitudinal and transverse directions, showing differences but a very similar distribution tendency between numerical and experimental results. Numerical and experimental peak values of welding residual stresses at HAZ of the weld on the 12Cr steel side were predicted to be 333 MPa and 282 MPa HAZ, respectively. The fatigue limit of dissimilar material welded joint between alloy 617 and 12Cr steel was assessed to be 306.8 MPa, which was 40% of tensile strength (767 MPa) of dissimilar material welded joint. However, the stress range including welding residual stress was assessed to be 206.9 MPa, which was 14% lower than that calculated by including the effect of residual stresses.
Local Buckling Behavior and Plastic Deformation Capacity of High-Strength Pipe at Strike-Slip Fault Crossing
Authors: Liu Xiaoben , Zhang Hong , Wang Baodong , Xia Mengying , Wu Kai , Zheng Qian , Han Yinshan
Published: January 2018

As a typical hazard threat for buried pipelines, an active fault can induce large plastic deformation in a pipe, leading to rupture failure. The mechanical behavior of high-strength X80 pipeline subjected to strike-slip fault displacements was investigated in detail in the presented study with parametric analysis performed by the finite element model, which simulates pipe and soil constraints on pipe by shell and nonlinear spring elements respectively. Accuracy of the numerical model was validated by previous full-scale experimental results. Insight of local buckling response of high-strength pipe under compressive strike-slip fault was revealed. Effects of the pipe-fault intersection angle, pipe operation pressure, pipe wall thickness, soil parameters and pipe buried depth on critical section axial force in buckled area, critical fault displacement, critical compressive strain and post buckling response were elucidated comprehensively. In addition, feasibility of some common buckling failure criteria (i.e., the CSA Z662 model proposed by Canadian Standard association, the UOA model proposed by University of Alberta and the CRES-GB50470 model proposed by Center of Reliable Energy System) was discussed by comparing with numerical results. This study can be referenced for performance-based design and assessment of buried high-strength pipe in geo-hazard areas.
Choosing the Production Function Model for an Optimal Measurement of the Restructuring Efficiency of the Polish Metallurgical Sector in Years 2000–2015
Authors: Gajdzik Bożena , Gawlik Remigiusz
Published: January 2018

Between 2000 and 2015, the Polish metallurgical sector was subject to serious restructuring. Presented research aimed at providing a framework for possibly most accurate measurement of efficiency of this process. The study employed: (I) Quantitative research for elaboration of production function models: power regression Cobb-Douglas function with its developments; (II) Qualitative research: Analytic Hierarchy Process for assessment of relevance of efficiency evaluation criteria in reference to various production function models in metallurgy sector: (i) sectoral added value (net production); (ii) production sold; and, (iii) steel production volume. Criteria relevance has been assessed by scientists and practitioners with specialization in metallurgy. As a result the sectoral added value function has been chosen as the one that optimally reflects sector’s restructuring efficiency. This, in turn, constitutes a qualitative confirmation of previous research result, which has been verified with a quantitative method. Practical outcome is a more precise modelling of efficiency of restructuring processes in the metallurgical sector, both for scientific and business needs. The main research limitations originate from the sector itself—in order to make our tool more universal, further research should be led in parallel branches of industry.
Oxidation Behavior of Zr–1Nb Corroded in Air at 400 °C after Plasma Immersion Titanium Implantation
Authors: Obrosov Aleksei , Sutygina Alina , Manakhov Anton , Bolz Sebastian , Weiß Sabine , Kashkarov Egor
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the influence of plasma immersion titanium implantation into the zirconium alloy Zr-1Nb on the oxidation behavior at 400 °C for 5, 24, 72, and 240 h in air under normal atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa) was shown. The influence of implantation on the protective properties of the modified layer was shown. The valence of the oxides before and after implantation was analyzed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) was carried out to examine the phase composition after titanium ion implantation and oxidation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that titanium implantation exhibited effects of stabilizing the β phase. The formation of the t-ZrO2 and m-ZrO2 was observed during the oxidation of the as-received and modified Zr-1Nb. The measurement of weight gain showed an improvement in oxidation resistance of Ti implanted Zr-1Nb at the oxidation up to 24 h when compared with that of the as-received Zr-1Nb. However, at longer oxidation cycle the oxidation rate of Ti-implanted zirconium alloy is the same with the as-received alloy, which attributed to the layer thickness. Nevertheless, the corrosion of the Ti-implanted alloy is more uniform, while a local corrosion and cracks was detected on the surface of the as-received alloy.
Alkali Treatment of Anodized Titanium Alloys Affects Cytocompatibility
Authors: Kazek-Kęsik Alicja , Leśniak Katarzyna , Orzechowska Beata , Drab Marek , Wiśniewska Agnieszka , Simka Wojciech
Published: January 2018

In this paper, the surface modification of titanium alloys Ti-15Mo, Ti-13Nb-13Zr, and Ti-6Al-7Nb is presented as a material for dental implants. The conditions of the plasma electrolytic oxidation process and alkali treatment were designed in this way to enhance the biological properties of the surface of promising Ti alloys. The differences in their surface morphology and, consequently, in their biological properties were discussed. The bioactivity of the samples was examined in vitro using simulated body fluid, and Saos-2 osteoblast cells. On all the samples, characteristic apatite particles were formed. However, compared to as-ground, natively-oxidized bare alloys, the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)-modified surface of the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy showed the highest cytocompatibility for Saos-2 osteoblast cells, and a beneficial gain of cytocompatibility was also achieved in the treated sample of Ti-6Al-7Nb. In contrast, the modification of the Ti-15Mo alloy did not influence the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast cells.
Ion Implantation of Calcium and Zinc in Magnesium for Biodegradable Implant Applications
Authors: Somasundaram Sahadev , Ionescu Mihail , Mathan Bobby
Published: January 2018

In this study, magnesium was implanted with calcium-ion and zinc-ion at fluences of 1015, 1016, and 1017 ion·cm−2, and its in vitro degradation behaviour was evaluated using electrochemical techniques in simulated body fluid (SBF). Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) revealed that the implanted ions formed layers within the passive magnesium-oxide/hydroxide layers. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrated that calcium-ion implantation at a fluence of 1015 ions·cm−2 increased the polarisation resistance by 24%, but higher fluences showed no appreciable improvement. In the case of zinc-ion implantation, increase in the fluence decreased the polarisation resistance. A fluence of 1017 ion·cm−2 decreased the polarisation resistance by 65%, and fluences of 1015 and 1016 showed only marginal effect. Similarly, potentiodynamic polarisation results also suggested that low fluence of calcium-ion decreased the degradation rate by 38% and high fluence of zinc-ion increased the degradation rate by 61%. All the post-polarized ion-implanted samples and the bare metal revealed phosphate and carbonate formation. However, the improved degradative behaviour in calcium-ion implanted samples can be due to a relatively better passivation, whereas the reduction in degradation resistance in zinc-ion implanted samples can be attributed to the micro-galvanic effect.
The Design, Fabrication, and Testing of an Electromagnetic Micropump with a Matrix-Patterned Magnetic Polymer Composite Actuator Membrane
Authors: Mohd Said Muzalifah , Yunas Jumril , Bais Badariah , Hamzah Azrul , Yeop Majlis Burhanuddin
Published: January 2018

A valveless electromagnetic (EM) micropump with a matrix-patterned magnetic polymer composite actuator membrane structure was successfully designed and fabricated. The composite membrane structure is made of polydemethylsiloxane (PDMS) that is mixed with magnetic particles and patterned in matrix blocks. The matrix magnetic composite membrane was fabricated using a soft lithography process and expected to have a compact structure having sufficient magnetic force for membrane deformation and maintained membrane flexibility. The magnetic membrane was integrated with the microfluidic system and functionally tested. The experimental results show that a magnetic composite actuator membrane containing of 6% NdFeB is capable of producing a maximum membrane deflection up to 12.87 µm. The functionality test of the EM actuator for fluid pumping resulted in an extremely low sample injection flow rate of approximately 6.523 nL/min. It was also concluded that there is a correlation between the matrix structure of the actuator membrane and the fluid pumping flow rate. The injection flow rate of the EM micropump can be controlled by adjusting the input power supplied to the EM coil, and this is believed to improve the injection accuracy of the drug dosage and have potential in improving the proficiency of the existing drug delivery system.