bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cristóbal Balenciaga. Explorations in Traditional Spanish Aesthetics
Authors: Arana Ana Balda
Published: September 2019

This article investigates how the traditional attire and religious iconography of Cristóbal Balenciaga's (1895–1972) country of origin inspired his designs. The arguments presented here build on what has already been established on the subject, provide new data regarding the cultural context that informed the couturier's creative process (with which the Anglo-Saxon world is less familiar) and conclude by investigating the reasons and timing of his exploration of these fields. They suggest why this Spanish influence is present in his innovations in the 1950s and 1960s and go beyond clichéd interpretations of the ruffles of flamenco dress and bullfighters’ jackets. The findings derive from research for the author's doctoral thesis and her curatorial contribution to the exhibition Coal and Velvet. Balenciaga and Ortiz Echagüe. Views on the Popular Costume (Balenciaga Museum, Getaria, Spain, 7 October 2016–7 May 2017).
Christoph Drecoll: Rediscovering the Viennese Worth
Authors: Haase Birgit , Rasche Adelheid
Published: September 2019

The once illustrious name of the German-born couturier Christoph Drecoll (1851–1939) is nowadays almost forgotten. The information referring to his name and fashion house in fashion encyclopaedias as well as on online sites is limited, vague, inaccurate and partially contradictory. Many of the discrepancies derive from the fact that different companies used the name Drecoll at the same time. This situation has led to misinterpretations of the historical circumstances and to incorrect attributions of existing clothing in costume collections. This article outlines the complex story of the life and work of the fashion designer Christoph Drecoll with crucial new findings, resulting from a joint research project in progress. Based on intensive archival and material culture studies in European and American collections, the case study of Christoph Drecoll not only sheds light on his almost forgotten fashion house, but also illustrates basic economic, aesthetic and social principles in the context of the international fashion business around the turn of the twentieth century.
Religión vivida, migración y transnacionalismo. El caso del Nazareno de Caguach en Punta Arenas, Chile, y Río Gallegos, Argentina
Authors: Saldívar Arellano Juan Manuel
Published: September 2019

This article reports ethnographic findings on the religious assemblage of the Nazarene of Caguach in Punta Arenas, Chile, and Río Gallegos, Argentina, describing a popular tradition that took root in the Chiloé archipelago and then spread to new regions through different historical stages of migrant circulation. It shows how the development of this religious phenomenon led to the formation of communities, the creation of ritual families, the expansion of networks, and the circulation of meanings. In this sense, this work explores how these religious practices established community ties by preserving traditions in multi-sited settings.
SINERGI TNI ANGKATAN DARAT DENGAN PEMERINTAH DAERAH DALAM PENANGGULANGAN BENCANA ALAM
Authors: Subagyo Agus , Rusfiana Yudi
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT

This paper would like to describe the synergy between the Army and the Government in the handling of natural disasters, by taking case study on the cooperation of Kodim 1611/Badung with Local Government of Badung Regency, both in the pre-disaster stage, during the disaster and after the disaster as for the research methods and approaches used is qualitative descriptive. Theories and concepts that are considered relevant to this research are related to disaster management and synergies. Based on the results of the research, it can be understood that the synergies held by Kodim 1611/Badung with Badung District Government are quite effective, although there are still obstacles in the handling of natural disasters, in the form of budget constraints, infrastructure, quality of personnel, sectoral ego between agencies, both parties, and low awareness of the community in the handling of natural disasters. Therefore, what should be done by both agencies is strengthening coordination, communication and collaboration on budget, means, personnel embodied in the MoU

Keywords: synergy, army, government, natural disaster.
STRATEGI PENINGKATAN KINERJA ASN MELALUI APLIKASI PENILAIAN KINERJA APARATUR (SIKERJA) DI IPDN KAMPUS KALIMANTAN BARAT
Authors: Pratiwi Desty , Seran Silverius Tey
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT

The essence of the SIKERJA application is to improve the quality of work. Before the SIKERJA application as actually implemented, a trial period of around 6 (six) months was carried out, at the beginning of 2017, SIKERJA was officially put in place to accommodate performance achievement through the SIKERJA application has not been implemented in accordance with expectations. Therefore, strategies and steps to improve performance and application are needed to be effective and increase work output and value of application functions so that the rapid development of information technology can be maximized for the benefit of the organization in an effort to improve ASN performance. The Six indicators that will be carried ot in the implementation of a performance improvement strategy include: quality, quantity, teamwork, creativity, innovation, initiative.The results of the study explain that SIKERJA application still needs to be updated because the ASN performance data has not been accommodated. In the renewal of the application is also needed a periodic discussion to collect information and find solutions to a problem that occurs. Effective work minutes that have been set have been adjusted to the workload and job targets that must be achieved so that employees who do not achieve the working minutes are required to get strict sanctions. SIKERJA Verifiers are also expected to work optimally so that SIKERJA input can be more controlled and controlled in accordance with the prevailing corridors. The method of research with qualitative and exploratory approach is more appropriate to be used in analyzing a variety of realities that are more complete and to explore the actual informations in analyzing of the six indicators.

Keywords: strategy, performance assessment, civil servants
ANALISIS PENATAAN KECAMATAN DI KABUPATEN SUMBA BARAT PROVINSI NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR
Authors: Ishak Deding
Published: September 2019

This research has the objective to analyze and provide policy recommendations with regard to the arrangement of sub-districts in West Sumba. This study used tailor made method which directs a comprehensive study results become a major consideration for policy makers in the formulation of policy. In addition, to make the analysis more relevant to the needs of West Sumba district in settlement and regional development, the methods of tailor made method combined with the method of FGD (expert meetings) with the bureaucracy involved, and Techniques Delphi, which is one of the techniques stakeholder involvement in decision decision/policy by collecting opinions through questionnaires/checklists. The data were then analyzed using a qualitative approach to obtain in-depth and comprehensive understanding. The results showed that of the six sub districts that were analyzed, sub tanarighu a district that most deserves to bloomed. in addition to the recommendation of the researchers was Arrangement border enclave, Improved system of planning, the use of ICT in governance systems, and organizational management districts. Keywords: sub-districts, structuring the sub-district.
Evolutionary Algorithms in Health Technologies
Authors: Ling Sai Ho , Lam Hak Keung
Published: September 2019

Health technology research brings together complementary interdisciplinary research skills in the development of innovative health technology applications. Recent research indicates that artificial intelligence can help achieve outstanding performance for particular types of health technology applications. An evolutionary algorithm is one of the subfields of artificial intelligence, and is an effective algorithm for global optimization inspired by biological evolution. With the rapidly growing complexity of design issues, methodologies and a higher demand for quality health technology applications, the development of evolutionary computation algorithms for health has become timely and of high relevance. This Special Issue intends to bring together researchers to report the recent findings in evolutionary algorithms in health technology.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Reproductive Traits in Hanwoo (Korean Cattle)
Authors: Lopez Bryan Irvine , Son Ju-Hwan , Seo Kangseok , Lim Dajeong
Published: September 2019

Genetic parameters for the reproductive traits of Hanwoo cattle were estimated using data obtained from 15,355 cows in 92 herds across South Korea, which were inseminated from May 1997 to July 2016. An “average information” restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure that fit in single-trait and multi-trait animal models was used to estimate the variance components of age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), and gestation length (GL). Results showed the low estimates of heritability for all reproductive traits from both single-trait and multi-trait models. Estimates of heritability for AFC were 0.08 and 0.10 with single-trait and multi-trait models, respectively, while the estimates of heritability using the same animal models ranged from 0.01 to 0.07, 0.01 to 0.09, and 0.10 to 0.16 for CI, DO, and GL, accordingly. While AFC showed positive genetic correlations of 0.52 and 0.46 with CI and DO, respectively, the estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations of GL with AFC were close to zero. Moreover, phenotypic correlations of GL with CI and DO were also close to zero; however, the corresponding genetic correlations were 0.13 and –0.38 for CI and DO, respectively. These estimated variance components and genetic correlations for reproductive traits can be utilized for genetic improvement programs of Hanwoo cattle.
Effect of Milk Intake, Its Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile Distribution on Live Weight of Suckling Wallachian Lambs until Their Weaning
Authors: Ptáček Martin , Milerski Michal , Stádník Luděk , Ducháček Jaromír , Tančin Vladimír , Schmidová Jitka , Uhrinčať Michal , Michlová Tereza , Nohejlová Lenka
Published: September 2019

This study determined effects of milk production, milk components, or fatty acids (FA) profile on live weight of suckling lambs till their weaning. Live weight (LW, kg) of 42 purebred Wallachian lambs (from 33 ewes) was recorded during four control days with approximately 30-day intervals during rearing. At the same time, their mothers were examined for milk production (kg), milk fat (g), proteins (g), lactose (g), and fatty acids (%) contents. Results investigated using linear regression analysis showed 5.93 kg (p < 0.05) increase of lambs LW corresponded with 1 kg of ewe’s daily milk production increase during the observed period. Similarly, significant 0.13 kg or 0.11 kg increases of lambs live weight corresponded with 1 g increase of milk protein or milk lactose at this time. Milk with higher prevalence of trans-palmitoleic acid, trans-vaccenic acid, cis-vaccenic acid, linolelaidic acid, linoleic acid, or conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) significantly improved lambs LW. Moreover, significantly positive Pearson partial correlation between LW and trans-vaccenic acid (r = 0.305) or CLA (r = 0.347) indicated on genetic correlation between these traits. Therefore, milk (natural or artificially supplied) with higher distribution of these specified FAs could improve lambs’ LW.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Total Flavonoids from Pteris cretica L.: Process Optimization, HPLC Analysis, and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Hou Mengyang , Hu Wenzhong , Wang Aosheng , Xiu Zhilong , Shi Yusheng , Hao Kexin , Sun Xingsheng , Cao Duo , Lu Ruishan , Sun Jiao
Published: September 2019

In the present work, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of total flavonoids (TF) from Pteris cretica L. was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) on the basis of a single-factor experiment. The optimized UAE parameters were as follows: Ethanol concentration 56.74%, extraction time 45.94 min, extraction temperature 74.27 °C, and liquid/solid ratio 33.69 mL/g. Under the optimized conditions, the total flavonoids yield (TFY) was 4.71 ± 0.04%, which was higher than that obtained by heat reflux extraction (HRE). The extracts were further analyzed by HPLC, and five major flavonoids, including rutin, quercitrin, luteolin, apigenin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside, were identified and quantified. Furthermore, the results of the antioxidant test showed that the TF extract obtained under optimized UAE conditions exhibited good 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS+•), nitric oxide radical (NO•) scavenging activities, and ferrous ion (Fe2+) chelating capacity, with IC50 values of 74.49, 82.92, 89.12, and 713.41 µg/mL, respectively. Results indicated that the UAE technique developed in this work was an efficient, rapid, and simple approach for the extraction of flavonoids with antioxidant activity from P. cretica.
Near-Field IR Orientational Spectroscopy of Silk
Authors: Ryu Meguya , Honda Reo , Reich Aina , Cernescu Adrian , Li Jing-Liang , Hu Jingwen , Juodkazis Saulius , Morikawa Junko
Published: September 2019

Orientational dependence of the IR absorbing amide bands of silk is demonstrated from two orthogonal longitudinal and transverse microtome slices with a thickness of only ∼100 nm. Scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) which preferentially probes orientation perpendicular to the sample’s surface was used. Spatial resolution of the silk–epoxy boundary was ∼100 nm resolution, while the spectra were collected by a ∼10 nm tip. Ratio of the absorbance of the amide-II C-N at 1512 cm − 1 and amide-I C=O β -sheets at 1628 cm − 1 showed sensitivity of SNOM to the molecular orientation. SNOM characterisation is complimentary to the far-field absorbance which is sensitive to the in-plane polarisation. Volumes with cross sections smaller than 100 nm can be characterised for molecular orientation. A method of absorbance measurements at four angles of the slice cut orientation, which is equivalent to the four polarisation angles absorbance measurement, is proposed.
Prediction and Sound Quality Analysis of Tire Pattern Noise Based on System Identification by Utilizing an Optimal Adaptive Filter
Authors: Lee Sang-Kwon , An Kanghyun , Cho Hye-Young , Hwang Sung-Uk
Published: September 2019

Identifying the cause of vehicle noise is a basic requirement for the development of low-noise vehicles. The tire pattern noise depends on the tire itself and causes complex and unpredictable sounds. In pneumatic tire pattern design, the prediction technology of the tire pattern noise according to pattern shape design is important. The conventional method of predicting tire pattern noise is to simply scan the pattern shape of tire and to analyze its spectrum. However, this method has limitations because it does not consider the transfer function and precise mechanism of tire pattern noise. In this study, adaptive filter theory was applied to identify the transfer function between the grooves of patterns and measured acoustic data. To predict the waveform of an actual pattern noise in the time domain, the impulse response of this transfer function was convolved by the scanned pattern input of tires. The predicted waveform of pattern noise was validated with the waveforms of measured noise data. Finally, a sound quality index (SQI) of tire pattern noise was developed using the measured pattern noises and was applied to estimate the sound quality of pattern noise. Eventually, using the prediction method from this study, we hope to reduce the time and cost spent on tire pattern design and verification.
Numerical Study on the Deformation Behavior of Longitudinal Plate-to-High-Strength Circular Hollow-Section X-Joints under Axial Load
Authors: Lee Swoo-Heon , Shin Kyung-Jae , Kim So-Yeong , Lee Hee-Du
Published: September 2019

This study aims to investigate the joint strength of longitudinal plate-to-high-strength steel circular hollow-section X-type joints under plate axial load. The material properties of high-strength steel with nominal yield strengths of 460, 650, 900, and 1100 MPa were used for parametric analysis. The variables for analysis were ratios of chord diameter to thickness, plate width to chord diameter, and utilization. To determine the capacity of connections, the joint strengths using a deformation limit and a strength limit were considered and compared with American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), Eurocode 3, and ISO 14346. The joint strength determined by the ultimate deformation limit is approximately equal to the joint strength determined by the strength limit state at the yield strength of 460 MPa. The difference between both the joint strengths, however, becomes higher with increasing yield strength. The design equations estimate the joint strength based on the ultimate deformation limit approximately until the limitation of the nominal yield strength in each design code. As the nominal yield strength increases, the joint strengths are overestimated. In using high-strength steel in circular hollow-section X-type joints, the reduction factors of 0.75 and 0.62 for AISC and ISO 14346 are suggested for the nominal yield strengths of 900 and 1100 MPa, respectively. In Eurocode 3, the reduction factor of 0.67 is also suggested for a yield strength of 1100 MPa.
Autophagy and Its Relationship to Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: When Autophagy Inhibition for Cancer Therapy Turns Counterproductive
Authors: Rojas-Sanchez Guadalupe , Cotzomi-Ortega Israel , Pazos-Salazar Nidia G. , Reyes-Leyva Julio , Maycotte Paola
Published: September 2019

The manipulation of autophagy for cancer therapy has gained recent interest in clinical settings. Although inhibition of autophagy is currently being used in clinical trials for the treatment of several malignancies, autophagy has been shown to have diverse implications for normal cell homeostasis, cancer cell survival, and signaling to cells in the tumor microenvironment. Among these implications and of relevance for cancer therapy, the autophagic process is known to be involved in the regulation of protein secretion, in tumor cell immunogenicity, and in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical step in the process of cancer cell invasion. In this work, we have reviewed recent evidence linking autophagy to the regulation of EMT in cancer and normal epithelial cells, and have discussed important implications for the manipulation of autophagy during cancer therapy.
Education Level and Cigarette Smoking: Diminished Returns of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Individuals
Authors: Assari Shervin , Bazargan Mohsen
Published: September 2019

Background: Education level is one of the strongest protective factors against high-risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking. Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs), however, suggest that the protective effects of education level tend to be weaker for racial and ethnic minority groups relative to non-Hispanic White people. Only two previous studies have shown that MDRs may also apply to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals; however, these studies have focused on outcomes other than tobacco use. Aims: To compare LGB and non-LGB American adults for the effects of education level on cigarette-smoking status. Methods: Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH; 2013) entered 31,480 American adults who were either non-LGB (n = 29,303, 93.1%) or LGB (n = 2,177; 6.9%). The independent variable was education level. The dependent variable was current established cigarette smoking. Race, ethnicity, age, gender, poverty status, employment, and region were the covariates. LGB status was the moderator. Results: Overall, individuals with higher education level (odds ratio (OR) = 0.69) had lower odds of current established smoking. We found a significant interaction between LGB status and education level suggesting that the protective effect of education level on smoking status is systemically smaller for LGB people than non-LGB individuals (OR for interaction = 1.19). Conclusions: Similar to the patterns that are shown for racial and ethnic minorities, MDRs can be observed for the effects of education level among sexual minorities. In the United States, highly educated LGB adults remain at high risk of smoking cigarettes, a risk which is disproportionate to their education level. In other terms, high education level better helps non-LGB than LGB individuals to avoid cigarette smoking. The result is a relatively high burden of tobacco use in highly educated LGB individuals.
The Influence of Building Airtightness on Airflow in Stairwells
Authors: Mckeen Philip , Liao Zaiyi
Published: September 2019

Airflow into stairwells due to stack effect is a concern affecting fire safety, energy performance, and indoor air quality. Stack effect in tall buildings can create significant pressure differentials in vertical shafts when differences in outdoor and indoor temperature exist. The pressure differentials drive air through openings or gaps in walls and floors. Vertical shafts, consisting of stairs and elevators, may transport significant volumes of air. During heating season, this results in the infiltration of cold air at lower floors and the exhaust of warm air on the upper floors. Correspondingly, it results in the spread of air and potential contaminants within the building. Stack effect driven airflow will change according to size and distribution of leakage paths. The size of leakage areas can be approximated by a cross-sectional area of an orifice that would allow equivalent flow. This leakage area is dependent on construction material, workmanship, and even operation, as openings from windows and doors equate to large orifices. A building’s composition of these leakage areas can greatly impact the effective area and airflow. The effect of openings from stairwell doors can change the Neutral Pressure Plane location (NPP), altering airflow patterns within a building. This paper investigates the influence of effective area on airflow within stairwells for multi-unit residential buildings (MURB) due to stack effect. A range of parameters reflective of industry standards are evaluated using network modeling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Parametric analysis is used to determine the sensitivity to which they affect airflow between building and stairwells. The effect of airflow within vertical shafts has consequences on indoor air quality (IAQ) and smoke spread, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort. The benefit of reducing leakage in buildings can be understood by comparing the quantity and patterns in airflow in and out of stairwells. Improving air tightness of the building envelope or vertical shafts can have a significant impact on airflow.
NaBH4-Reduction Induced Evolution of Bi Nanoparticles from BiOCl Nanoplates and Construction of Promising Bi@BiOCl Hybrid Photocatalysts
Authors: Yan Yuxiang , Yang Hua , Yi Zao , Xian Tao
Published: September 2019

In this work, we have synthesized BiOCl nanoplates (diameter 140–220 nm, thickness 60–70 nm) via a co-precipitation method, and then created Bi nanoparticles (diameter 35–50 nm) on the surface of BiOCl nanoplates via a NaBH4 reduction method. By varying the NaBH4 concentration and reaction time, the evolution of Bi nanoparticles was systematically investigated. It is demonstrated that with increasing the NaBH4 concentration (at a fixing reaction time of 30 min), BiOCl crystals are gradually reduced into Bi nanoparticles, and pure Bi nanoparticles are formed at 120 mM NaBH4 solution treatment. At low-concentration NaBH4 solutions (e.g., 10 and 30 mM), with increasing the reaction time, BiOCl crystals are partially reduced into Bi nanoparticles, and then the Bi nanoparticles return to form BiOCl crystals. At high-concentration NaBH4 solutions (e.g., 120 mM), BiOCl crystals are reduced to Bi nanoparticles completely with a short reaction time, and further prolong the treatment time leads to the transformation of the Bi nanoparticles into a two-phase mixture of BiOCl and Bi2O3 nanowires. The photodegradation performances of the samples were investigated by choosing rhodamine B (RhB) as the model pollutant and using simulated sunlight as the light source. It is demonstrated that an enhanced photodegradation performance can be achieved for the created Bi@BiOCl hybrid composites with appropriate NaBH4 treatment. The underlying photocatalytic mechanism was systematically investigated and discussed.
Recent Advances in Catalytic Hydrogenation of Furfural
Authors: Wang Yantao , Zhao Deyang , Rodríguez-Padrón Daily , Len Christophe
Published: September 2019

Furfural has been considered as one of the most promising platform molecules directly derived from biomass. The hydrogenation of furfural is one of the most versatile reactions to upgrade furanic components to biofuels. For instance, it can lead to plenty of downstream products, such as (tetrahydro)furfuryl alcohol, 2-methyl(tetrahydro)furan, lactones, levulinates, cyclopentanone(l), or diols, etc. The aim of this review is to discuss recent advances in the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural towards (tetrahydro)furfuryl alcohol and 2-methyl(tetrahydro)furan in terms of different non-noble metal and noble metal catalytic systems. Reaction mechanisms that are related to the different catalytic materials and reaction conditions are properly discussed. Selective hydrogenation of furfural could be modified not only by varying the types of catalyst (nature of metal, support, and preparation method) and reaction conditions, but also by altering the reaction regime, namely from batch to continuous flow. In any case, furfural catalytic hydrogenation is an open research line, which represents an attractive option for biomass valorization towards valuable chemicals and fuels.
Ketamine Increases Proliferation of Human iPSC-Derived Neuronal Progenitor Cells via Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 and Independent of the NMDA Receptor
Authors: Grossert Alessandra , Mehrjardi Narges Zare , Bailey Sarah J. , Lindsay Mark A. , Hescheler Jürgen , Šarić Tomo , Teusch Nicole
Published: September 2019

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine offers promising perspectives for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Although ketamine demonstrates rapid and long-lasting effects, even in treatment-resistant patients, to date, the underlying mode of action remains elusive. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of ketamine at clinically relevant concentrations by establishing an in vitro model based on human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Notably, ketamine increased the proliferation of NPCs independent of the NMDA receptor, while transcriptome analysis revealed significant upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and p11, a member of the S100 EF-hand protein family, which are both implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, 24 h after ketamine treatment. Ketamine (1 µM) was able to increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling in NPCs within 15 min and cell proliferation, while ketamine-induced IGF2 expression was reduced after PKA inhibition with cAMPS-Rp. Furthermore, 24 h post-administration of ketamine (15 mg/kg) in vivo confirmed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus in C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, ketamine promotes the proliferation of NPCs presumably by involving cAMP-IGF2 signaling.
Epidermal Gland Inspired Self-Repairing Slippery Lubricant-Infused Porous Coatings with Durable Low Ice Adhesion
Authors: Li Tong , Zhuo Yizhi , Håkonsen Verner , Rønneberg Sigrid , He Jianying , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: September 2019

The limited durability of slippery lubricant-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) restricts their practical applications. Inspired by the epidermal glands of skins, we developed a facile approach to durable SLIPS with gland-like storage and release functions for icephobicity. By introducing a hybrid surfactant as a lubricant into the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix, lubricant capsules were formed and mono-dispersed in the matrix, working as gland-like structures to release lubricant. The obtained SLIPS showed durable low ice adhesion strength and thermal durability simultaneously. In detail, the enhanced durability for icephobicity was demonstrated by 20 icing/deicing tests, in which the lubricant remains on the surface; the coatings showed negligible weight loss when stored at 100 °C for 60 h, displaying pronounced thermal durability of the slippery effect. Our current strategy sheds new light on a facile fabrication of mechanically and thermally durable SLIPS for icephobicity.
Combining Thermal Spraying and Magnetron Sputtering for the Development of Ni/Ni-20Cr Thin Film Thermocouples for Plastic Flat Film Extrusion Processes
Authors: Tillmann Wolfgang , Kokalj David , Stangier Dominic , Schöppner Volker , Malatyali Hatice
Published: September 2019

In the digitalization of production, temperature determination is playing an increasingly important role. Thermal spraying and magnetron sputtering were combined for the development of Ni/Ni-20Cr thin film thermocouples for plastic flat film extrusion processes. On the thermally sprayed insulation layer, AlN and BCN thin films were deposited and analyzed regarding their structural properties and the interaction between the plastic melt and the surfaces using Ball-on-Disc experiments and High-Pressure Capillary Rheometer. A modular tool, containing the deposited Ni/Ni-20Cr thin film thermocouple, was developed and analyzed in a real flat film extrusion process. When calibrating the thin film thermocouple, an accurate temperature determination of the flowing melt was achieved. Industrial type K sensors were used as reference. In addition, PP foils were produced without affecting the surface quality by using thin film thermocouples.
Surface Modification of Austenitic Stainless Steel by Means of Low Pressure Glow-Discharge Treatments with Nitrogen
Authors: Borgioli Francesca , Galvanetto Emanuele , Bacci Tiberio
Published: September 2019

When low temperature nitriding of austenitic stainless steels is carried out, it is very important to remove the surface passive layer for obtaining homogeneous incorporation of nitrogen. In the glow-discharge nitriding technique this surface activation is performed by cathodic sputtering pre-treatment, which can heat also the samples up to nitriding temperature. This preliminary study investigates the possibility of producing modified surface layers on austenitic stainless steels by performing low pressure glow-discharge treatments with nitrogen, similar to cathodic sputtering, so that surface activation, heating and nitrogen incorporation can occur in a single step having a short duration (up to about 10 min). Depending on treatment parameters, it is possible to produce different types of modified surface layers. One type, similar to that obtained with low temperature nitriding, consists mainly of S phase and it shows improved surface hardness and corrosion resistance in 5% NaCl solution in comparison with the untreated steel. Another type has large amounts of chromium nitride precipitates, which cause a marked hardness increase but a poor corrosion resistance. These surface treatments influence also water wetting properties, so that the apparent contact angle values become >90°, indicating a hydrophobic behavior.
Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Vinylphenyl-Con Taining MQ Silicone Resin via Hydrosilylation Reaction
Authors: Ji Jianye , Ge Xin , Liang Weijie , Pang Xiaoyan , Liu Ruoling , Wen Shuyi , Sun Jiaqi , Chen Xunjun , Ge Jianfang
Published: September 2019

To overcome the inherent limitation that the preparation of high molecular weight MQ copolymers (Mw ≥ 30,000 g/mol) via the hydrolysis and condensation of solicate salts generally results in an intractable gel, vinylphenyl-containing MQ silicone resin with a high molecular weight was designed and synthesized through the hydrosilylation reaction of vinyl-containing MQ silicone resin and linear poly(diphenylsiloxane) with two terminal Si–H bonds. The weight average molecular weight of these modified copolymers reported here is at least 30,000 dal·mol−1. These polymers have favorable thermal stability and a higher refractive index than that of the base resin due to the formation of novel regular macromolecular structures and the introduction of phenyl groups. These inorganic/organic hybrid materials could be used as a potential component for temperature-resistance electronics adhesive, heat-resistant coatings and high-performance liquid silicone rubber. Moreover, the proposed process also provides a possibility to choose higher molecular weight MQ silicones according to application requirements.
From Molecules to Carbon Materials—High Pressure Induced Polymerization and Bonding Mechanisms of Unsaturated Compounds
Authors: Yang Xin , Wang Xuan , Wang Yida , Li Kuo , Zheng Haiyan
Published: September 2019

With the development of high-pressure apparatus, in situ characterization methods and theoretical calculations, high-pressure technology becomes a more and more important method to synthesize new compounds with unusual structures and properties. By compressing compounds containing unsaturated carbon atoms, novel poly-ionic polymers, graphanes and carbon nanothreads were obtained. Their compositions and structures were carefully studied by combining multiple cutting-edge technologies, like the in situ high-pressure X-ray and neutron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, pair distribution function, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The reaction mechanisms were investigated based on the crystal structure at the reaction threshold pressure (the pressure just before the reaction taking place), the long-range and short-range structure of the product, molecular structure of the intermediates, as well as the theoretical calculation. In this review, we will summarize the synthesis of carbon materials by compressing the unsaturated compounds and its reaction characteristics under extreme conditions. The topochemical reaction mechanism and related characterization methods of the molecular system will be highlighted. This review will provide a reference for designing chemical reaction and exploring novel carbon materials under high-pressure condition.
Internet of Things Architectures, Technologies, Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions for Enhanced Living Environments and Healthcare Systems: A Review
Authors: Marques Gonçalo , Pitarma Rui , M. Garcia Nuno , Pombo Nuno
Published: September 2019

Internet of Things (IoT) is an evolution of the Internet and has been gaining increased attention from researchers in both academic and industrial environments. Successive technological enhancements make the development of intelligent systems with a high capacity for communication and data collection possible, providing several opportunities for numerous IoT applications, particularly healthcare systems. Despite all the advantages, there are still several open issues that represent the main challenges for IoT, e.g., accessibility, portability, interoperability, information security, and privacy. IoT provides important characteristics to healthcare systems, such as availability, mobility, and scalability, that offer an architectural basis for numerous high technological healthcare applications, such as real-time patient monitoring, environmental and indoor quality monitoring, and ubiquitous and pervasive information access that benefits health professionals and patients. The constant scientific innovations make it possible to develop IoT devices through countless services for sensing, data fusing, and logging capabilities that lead to several advancements for enhanced living environments (ELEs). This paper reviews the current state of the art on IoT architectures for ELEs and healthcare systems, with a focus on the technologies, applications, challenges, opportunities, open-source platforms, and operating systems. Furthermore, this document synthesizes the existing body of knowledge and identifies common threads and gaps that open up new significant and challenging future research directions.
The Performance of REDD+: From Global Governance to Local Practices
Authors: Arts Bas , Ingram Verina , Brockhaus Maria
Published: September 2019

Whilst ‘REDD’ is the acronym for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, ‘REDD+’ refers to efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, foster conservation, promote the sustainable management of forests, and enhance forest carbon stocks [...]
Genomic Analyses Identify Novel Molecular Signatures Specific for the Caenorhabditis and other Nematode Taxa Providing Novel Means for Genetic and Biochemical Studies
Authors: Khadka Bijendra , Chatterjee Tonuka , Gupta Bhagwati P. , Gupta Radhey S.
Published: September 2019

The phylum Nematoda encompasses numerous free-living as well as parasitic members, including the widely used animal model Caenorhabditis elegans, with significant impact on human health, agriculture, and environment. In view of the importance of nematodes, it is of much interest to identify novel molecular characteristics that are distinctive features of this phylum, or specific taxonomic groups/clades within it, thereby providing innovative means for diagnostics as well as genetic and biochemical studies. Using genome sequences for 52 available nematodes, a robust phylogenetic tree was constructed based on concatenated sequences of 17 conserved proteins. The branching of species in this tree provides important insights into the evolutionary relationships among the studied nematode species. In parallel, detailed comparative analyses on protein sequences from nematodes (Caenorhabditis) species reported here have identified 52 novel molecular signatures (or synapomorphies) consisting of conserved signature indels (CSIs) in different proteins, which are uniquely shared by the homologs from either all genome-sequenced Caenorhabditis species or a number of higher taxonomic clades of nematodes encompassing this genus. Of these molecular signatures, 39 CSIs in proteins involved in diverse functions are uniquely present in all Caenorhabditis species providing reliable means for distinguishing this group of nematodes in molecular terms. The remainder of the CSIs are specific for a number of higher clades of nematodes and offer important insights into the evolutionary relationships among these species. The structural locations of some of the nematodes-specific CSIs were also mapped in the structural models of the corresponding proteins. All of the studied CSIs are localized within the surface-exposed loops of the proteins suggesting that they may potentially be involved in mediating novel protein–protein or protein–ligand interactions, which are specific for these groups of nematodes. The identified CSIs, due to their exclusivity for the indicated groups, provide reliable means for the identification of species within these nematodes groups in molecular terms. Further, due to the predicted roles of these CSIs in cellular functions, they provide important tools for genetic and biochemical studies in Caenorhabditis and other nematodes.
Southern Hemisphere Pressure Relationships during the 20th Century—Implications for Climate Reconstructions and Model Evaluation
Authors: Clark Logan , Fogt Ryan
Published: September 2019

The relationship between Southern Hemisphere middle and high-latitude regions has made it possible to generate observationally-based Antarctic pressure reconstructions throughout the 20th century, even though routinely collected observations for this continent only began around 1957. While nearly all reconstructions inherently assume stability in these relationships through time and in the absence of direct observations, this stationarity constraint can be fully tested in a model setting. Seasonal pressure reconstructions based on the principal component regression (PCR) method spanning 1905–2013 are done entirely within the framework of the Community Atmospheric version 5 (CAM5) model in this study in order to evaluate this assumption, test the robustness of the PCR procedure for Antarctic pressure reconstructions and to evaluate the CAM5 model. Notably, the CAM5 reconstructions outperformed the observationally-based reconstruction in every season except the austral summer. Other tests indicate that relationships between Antarctic pressure and pressure across the Southern Hemisphere remain stable throughout the 20th century in CAM5. In contrast, 20th century reanalyses all display marked changes in mid-to-high latitude pressure relationships in the early 20th century. Overall, comparisons indicate both the CAM5 model and the pressure reconstructions evaluated here are reliable estimates of Antarctic pressure throughout the 20th century, with the largest differences between the two resulting from differences in the underlying reconstruction predictor networks and not from changes in the model experiments.
Intelligent Interaction with Virtual Geographical Environments Based on Geographic Knowledge Graph
Authors: Jiang Bingchuan , Tan Liheng , Ren Yan , Li Feng
Published: September 2019

The core of intelligent virtual geographical environments (VGEs) is the formal expression of geographic knowledge. Its purpose is to transform the data, information, and scenes of a virtual geographic environment into “knowledge” that can be recognized by computer, so that the computer can understand the virtual geographic environment more easily. A geographic knowledge graph (GeoKG) is a large-scale semantic web that stores geographical knowledge in a structured form. Based on a geographic knowledge base and a geospatial database, intelligent interactions with virtual geographical environments can be realized by natural language question answering, entity links, and so on. In this paper, a knowledge-enhanced Virtual geographical environments service framework is proposed. We construct a multi-level semantic parsing model and an enhanced GeoKG for structured geographic information data, such as digital maps, 3D virtual scenes, and unstructured information data. Based on the GeoKG, we propose a bilateral LSTM-CRF (long short-term memory- conditional random field) model to achieve natural language question answering for VGEs and conduct experiments on the method. The results prove that the method of intelligent interaction based on the knowledge graph can bridge the distance between people and virtual environments.
Associations between Monocyte and T Cell Cytokine Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effects of Dysregulated Innate Immune Responses on Adaptive Responses to Recall Antigens in a Subset of ASD Children
Authors: Jyonouchi Harumi , Geng Lee
Published: September 2019

Changes in monocyte cytokine production with toll like receptor (TLR) agonists in subjects with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were best reflected by the IL-1β/IL-10 ratios in our previous research. The IL-1β/IL-10 based subgrouping (low, normal, and high) of ASD samples revealed marked differences in microRNA expression, and mitochondrial respiration. However, it is unknown whether the IL-1β/IL-10 ratio based subgrouping is associated with changes in T cell cytokine profiles or monocyte cytokine profiles with non-TLR agonists. In ASD (n = 152) and non-ASD (n = 41) subjects, cytokine production by peripheral blood monocytes (PBMo) with TLR agonists and β-glucan, an inflammasome agonist, and T cell cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with recall antigens (Ags) (food and candida Ags) were concurrently measured. Changes in monocyte cytokine profiles were observed with β-glucan in the IL-1β/IL-10 ratio based ASD subgroups, along with changes in T cell cytokine production and ASD subgroup-specific correlations between T cell and monocyte cytokine production. Non-ASD controls revealed considerably less of such correlations. Altered innate immune responses in a subset of ASD children are not restricted to TLR pathways and correlated with changes in T cell cytokine production. Altered trained immunity may play a role in the above described changes.
Molecular and Supramolecular Interactions in Systems with Nitroxide-Based Radicals
Authors: Buta Maria Cristina , Toader Ana Maria , Frecus Bogdan , Oprea Corneliu I. , Cimpoesu Fanica , Ionita Gabriela
Published: September 2019

Nitroxide-based radicals, having the advantage of firm chemical stability, are usable as probes in the detection of nanoscale details in the chemical environment of various multi-component systems, based on subtle variations in their electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. We propose a systematic walk through the vast area of problems and inquires that are implied by the rationalization of solvent effects on the spectral parameters, by first-principle methods of structural chemistry. Our approach consists of using state-of-the-art procedures, like Density Functional Theory (DFT), on properly designed systems, kept at the border of idealization and chemical realism. Thus, we investigate the case of real solvent molecules intervening in different configurations between two radical molecules, in comparison with radicals taken in vacuum or having the solvent that is treated by surrogate models, such as polarization continuum approximation. In this work, we selected the dichloromethane as solvent and the prototype radicals abbreviated TEMPO ((2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl) oxyl). In another branch of the work, we check the interaction of radicals with large toroidal molecules, β-cyclodextrin, and cucurbit[6]uril, modeling the interaction energy profile at encapsulation. The drawn synoptic view offers valuable rationales for understanding spectroscopy and energetics of nitroxide radicals in various environments, which are specific to soft chemistry.
Type XVIII Collagen Modulates Keratohyalin Granule Formation and Keratinization in Oral Mucosa
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thi Thu , Ono Mitsuaki , Hara Emilio Satoshi , Komori Taishi , Edamatsu Midori , Yonezawa Tomoko , Kimura-Ono Aya , Maekawa Kenji , Kuboki Takuo , Oohashi Toshitaka
Published: September 2019

Epithelial keratinization involves complex cellular modifications that provide protection against pathogens and chemical and mechanical injuries. In the oral cavity, keratinized mucosa is also crucial to maintain healthy periodontal or peri-implant tissues. In this study, we investigated the roles of type XVIII collagen, a collagen-glycosaminoglycan featuring an extracellular matrix component present in the basement membrane, in oral mucosal keratinization. Histological analysis of keratinized and non-keratinized oral mucosa showed that type XVIII collagen was highly expressed in keratinized mucosa. Additionally, a 3D culture system using human squamous carcinoma cells (TR146) was used to evaluate and correlate the changes in the expression of type XVIII collagen gene, COL18A1, and epithelial keratinization-related markers, e.g., keratin 1 (KRT1) and 10 (KRT10). The results showed that the increase in COL18A1 expression followed the increase in KRT1 and KRT10 mRNA levels. Additionally, loss-of-function analyses using silencing RNA targeting COL18A1 mRNA and a Col18-knockout (KO) mouse revealed that the absence of type XVIII collagen induces a dramatic decrease in KRT10 expression as well as in the number and size of keratohyalin granules. Together, the results of this study demonstrate the importance of type XVIII collagen in oral mucosal keratinization.