bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treadmill Running Ameliorates Destruction of Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone, Not Only Synovitis, in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Rat Model
Authors: Shimomura Seiji , Inoue Hiroaki , Arai Yuji , Nakagawa Shuji , Fujii Yuta , Kishida Tsunao , Ichimaru Shohei , Tsuchida Shinji , Shirai Toshiharu , Ikoma Kazuya , Mazda Osam , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: June 2018

We analyzed the influence of treadmill running on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joints using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Eight-week-old male Dark Agouti rats were randomly divided into four groups: The control group, treadmill group (30 min/day for 4 weeks from 10-weeks-old), CIA group (induced CIA at 8-weeks-old), and CIA + treadmill group. Destruction of the ankle joint was evaluated by histological analyses. Morphological changes of subchondral bone were analyzed by μ-CT. CIA treatment-induced synovial membrane invasion, articular cartilage destruction, and bone erosion. Treadmill running improved these changes. The synovial membrane in CIA rats produced a large amount of tumor necrosis factor-α and Connexin 43; production was significantly suppressed by treadmill running. On μ-CT of the talus, bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was significantly decreased in the CIA group. Marrow star volume (MSV), an index of bone loss, was significantly increased. These changes were significantly improved by treadmill running. Bone destruction in the talus was significantly increased with CIA and was suppressed by treadmill running. On tartrate-resistant acid phosphate and alkaline phosphatase (TRAP/ALP) staining, the number of osteoclasts around the pannus was decreased by treadmill running. These findings indicate that treadmill running in CIA rats inhibited synovial hyperplasia and joint destruction.
Upregulation of FLG, LOR, and IVL Expression by Rhodiola crenulata Root Extract via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Differential Involvement of OVOL1
Authors: Hashimoto-Hachiya Akiko , Tsuji Gaku , Murai Mika , Yan Xianghong , Furue Masutaka
Published: June 2018

Rhodiola species are antioxidative, salubrious plants that are known to inhibit oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet and γ-radiation in epidermal keratinocytes. As certain phytochemicals activate aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR) or OVO-like 1 (OVOL1) to upregulate the expression of epidermal barrier proteins such as filaggrin (FLG), loricrin (LOR), and involucrin (IVL), we investigated such regulation by Rhodiola crenulata root extract (RCE). We demonstrated that RCE induced FLG and LOR upregulation in an AHR-OVOL1-dependent fashion. However, RCE-mediated IVL upregulation was AHR-dependent but OVOL1-independent. Coordinated upregulation of skin barrier proteins by RCE via AHR may be beneficial in the management of barrier-disrupted inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
A New Perspective: Mitochondrial Stat3 as a Regulator for Lymphocyte Function
Authors: Rincon Mercedes , Pereira Felipe
Published: June 2018

Stat3 as a transcription factor regulating gene expression in lymphocytes during the immune response is well known. However, since the pioneering studies discovering the presence of Stat3 in mitochondria and its role in regulating mitochondrial metabolism, only a few studies have investigated this non-conventional function of Stat3 in lymphocytes. From this perspective, we review what is known about Stat3 as a transcription factor and what is known and unknown about mitochondrial Stat3 (mitoStat3) in lymphocytes. We also provide a framework to consider how some of the functions previously assigned to Stat3 as regulator of gene transcription could be mediated by mitoStat3 in lymphocytes. The goal of this review is to stimulate interest for future studies investigating mitoStat3 in the immune response that could lead to the generation of alternative pharmacological inhibitors of mitoStat3 for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Some Biological Consequences of the Inhibition of Na,K-ATPase by Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP)
Authors: Jung Jiwon , Ryu Seonhyung , Ki In A , Woo Hyun Ae , Lee Kyunglim
Published: June 2018

Na,K-ATPase is an ionic pump that regulates the osmotic equilibrium and membrane potential of cells and also functions as a signal transducer. The interaction of Na,K-ATPase with translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) results, among others, in the inhibition of the former’s pump activity and in the initiation of manifold biological and pathological phenomena. These phenomena include hypertension and cataract development in TCTP-overexpressing transgenic mice, as well as the induction of tumorigenesis signaling pathways and the activation of Src that ultimately leads to cell proliferation and migration. This review attempts to collate the biological effects of Na,K-ATPase and TCTP interaction and suggests that this interaction has the potential to serve as a possible therapeutic target for selected diseases.
Interaction of Nevirapine with the Peptide Binding Groove of HLA-DRB1*01:01 and Its Effect on the Conformation of HLA-Peptide Complex
Authors: Hirasawa Makoto , Hagihara Katsunobu , Abe Koji , Ando Osamu , Hirayama Noriaki
Published: June 2018

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*01:01 has been shown to be involved in nevirapine-induced hepatic hypersensitivity reactions. In the present study, in silico docking simulations and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to predict the interaction mode of nevirapine with the peptide binding groove of HLA-DRB1*01:01 and its possible effect on the position and orientation of the ligand peptide derived from hemagglutinin (HA). In silico analyses suggested that nevirapine interacts with HLA-DRB1*01:01 around the P4 pocket within the peptide binding groove and the HA peptide stably binds on top of nevirapine at the groove. The analyses also showed that binding of nevirapine at the groove will significantly change the inter-helical distances of the groove. An in vitro competitive assay showed that nevirapine (1000 μM) increases the binding of the HA peptide to HLA-DRB1*01:01 in an allele-specific manner. These results indicate that nevirapine might interact directly with the P4 pocket and modifies its structure, which could change the orientation of loaded peptides and the conformation of HLA-DRB1*01:01; these changes could be distinctively recognized by T-cell receptors. Through this molecular mechanism, nevirapine might stimulate the immune system, resulting in hepatic hypersensitivity reactions.
Regulation and Evolution of NLR Genes: A Close Interconnection for Plant Immunity
Authors: Borrelli Grazia M. , Mazzucotelli Elisabetta , Marone Daniela , Crosatti Cristina , Michelotti Vania , Valè Giampiero , Mastrangelo Anna M.
Published: June 2018

NLR (NOD-like receptor) genes belong to one of the largest gene families in plants. Their role in plants’ resistance to pathogens has been clearly described for many members of this gene family, and dysregulation or overexpression of some of these genes has been shown to induce an autoimmunity state that strongly affects plant growth and yield. For this reason, these genes have to be tightly regulated in their expression and activity, and several regulatory mechanisms are described here that tune their gene expression and protein levels. This gene family is subjected to rapid evolution, and to maintain diversity at NLRs, a plethora of genetic mechanisms have been identified as sources of variation. Interestingly, regulation of gene expression and evolution of this gene family are two strictly interconnected aspects. Indeed, some examples have been reported in which mechanisms of gene expression regulation have roles in promotion of the evolution of this gene family. Moreover, co-evolution of the NLR gene family and other gene families devoted to their control has been recently demonstrated, as in the case of miRNAs.
Numerical Study on Single Flowing Liquid and Supercritical CO2 Drop in Microchannel: Thin Film, Flow Fields, and Interfacial Profile
Authors: Qin Ning , Feng Yu , Wen John Z. , Ren Carolyn L.
Published: June 2018

Taylor segments, as a common feature in two- or multi-phase microflows, are a strong flow pattern candidate for applications when enhanced heat or mass transfer is particularly considered. A thin film that separates these segments from touching the solid channel and the flow fields near and inside the segment are two key factors that influence (either restricting or improving) the performance of heat and mass transfer. In this numerical study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and dense carbon dioxide (CO2) and water are applied and used as a fluid pair, respectively. One single flowing liquid or supercritical CO2 drop enclosed by water is traced in fixed frames of a long straight microchannel. The thin film, flow fields near and within single CO2 drop, and interfacial distributions of CO2 subjected to diffusion and local convections are focused on and discussed. The computed thin film is generally characterized by a thickness of 1.3~2.2% of the channel width (150 µm). Flow vortexes are formed within the hydrodynamic capsular drop. The interfacial distribution profile of CO2 drop is controlled by local convections near the interface and the interphase diffusion, the extent of which is subject to the drop size and drop speed as well.
What Is the Heart? Anatomy, Function, Pathophysiology, and Misconceptions
Authors: Buckberg Gerald D. , Nanda Navin C. , Nguyen Christopher , Kocica Mladen J.
Published: June 2018

Cardiac dynamics are traditionally linked to a left ventricle, right ventricle, and septum morphology, a topography that differs from the heart’s five-century-old anatomic description of containing a helix and circumferential wrap architectural configuration. Torrent Guasp’s helical ventricular myocardial band (HVMB) defines this anatomy and its structure, and explains why the heart’s six dynamic actions of narrowing, shortening, lengthening, widening, twisting, and uncoiling happen. The described structural findings will raise questions about deductions guiding “accepted cardiac mechanics”, and their functional aspects will challenge and overturn them. These suppositions include the LV, RV, and septum description, timing of mitral valve opening, isovolumic relaxation period, reasons for torsion/twisting, untwisting, reasons for longitudinal and circumferential strain, echocardiographic sub segmentation, resynchronization, RV function dynamics, diastolic dysfunction’s cause, and unrecognized septum impairment. Torrent Guasp’s revolutionary contributions may alter future understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease.
Kidney Diseases and Pregnancy: A Multidisciplinary Approach for Improving Care by Involving Nephrology, Obstetrics, Neonatology, Urology, Diabetology, Bioethics, and Internal Medicine
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Attini Rossella , Cabiddu Gianfranca
Published: June 2018

This multidisciplinary series is aimed at offering readers many opportunities to appreciate how a clinical and ethical approach to pregnancy has changed in patients with kidney diseases and with related conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and immunologic diseases. Furthermore, this series aims to focus on the fact that many issues remain unreslved, that there are enormous gaps in knowledge, and that the bioethical approach needs to integrated in the clinical practice, which would allow for a deeper appreciation of different cultural and religious backgrounds. Much still needs to be done to allow women suffering from all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those with predisposed conditions, so that they may experience safe pregnancies, starting from an increased awareness of the importance of CKD, even in its early stages, to the detection of risk factors. Women who have experienced preeclampsia or acute kidney injury in pregnancy need to have follow-up checks. The role of urinary infections, kidney stones, and urinary malformations is not fully acknowledged, nor have univocal control schedules and treatment schemas yet been defined for the different kidney diseases. In this regard, the fight for equitable treatment for all women with acute or chronic kidney disease in pregnancy and for the widespread prevention of adverse pregnancy-related and long-term outcomes is ultimately a battle for equitable healthcare.
Exchange Flow Variability between Hypersaline Shark Bay and the Ocean
Authors: Hetzel Yasha , Pattiaratchi Charitha , Mihanović Hrvoje
Published: June 2018

In Shark Bay, a large hypersaline bay in Western Australia, longitudinal density gradients force gravitational circulation that is important for Bay-ocean exchange. First-time observations of vertical stratification and velocity are presented, confirming the presence of a steady, near-bed dense water outflow from Shark Bay’s northern Geographe Channel that persisted through all stages of the tide. Outflow velocities were 2–3 times stronger than the outflows recorded previously in Naturaliste Channel (in the west), and were more resistant to breakdown by tidal mixing. Estimates of turbulent kinetic energy production derived from the variance method showed a more complex structure in the Geographe Channel, due to shear between surface and bottom layers. Turbulence varied between flood and ebb tide, with peak levels of turbulence occurring during reversal of tidal flows. For both channels, the main source of turbulence was tidal flow along the seabed, with the bottom current speed cubed, |Ub3|, providing a reasonable proxy for tidal mixing and prediction of dense water outflows from Shark Bay majority of the time. Orientation and deeper water of the Geographe Channel along the main axis of the longitudinal density gradient provided an explanation for the predominant outflow from the Bay’s northern entrance. These density-driven currents could potentially influence recruitment of commercially fished scallops and prawns through the dispersal and flushing of larvae.
Customer Preferences and Implicit Tradeoffs in Accident Scenarios for Self-Driving Vehicle Algorithms
Authors: Pugnetti Carlo , Schläpfer Remo
Published: June 2018

The development of self-driving vehicles is proceeding rapidly and with significant investment of resources. However, a full-scale deployment is not imminent. Among the challenges self-driving vehicles are facing, they will have to navigate complex ethical challenges. The algorithms governing their behavior will have to decide how to steer them in situations where accidents cannot be avoided. In some of these situations they will have to decide which of several potential parties to injure in the process. We investigate the preferences of Swiss customers for this decision by forcing a selection between simplified scenarios where a given number of car passengers or a given number of pedestrians will be killed in the accident. Both passengers and pedestrians can be adults or children. The passengers are explicitly identified as the respondent themselves and their family. While children are implicitly valued higher than adults, Swiss customers value passengers and pedestrians implicitly roughly equally, and assign increasingly higher marginal values to additional people, both passengers and pedestrians. These results seem to partially contradict similar studies conducted in other countries and recent statements by automotive companies, potentially indicating the need to adapt both corporate communications and steering algorithms in different geographies.
A Right Not to Be Mapped? Augmented Reality, Real Property, and Zoning
Authors: Judge Elizabeth F. , Brown Tenille E.
Published: June 2018

The digital mapping applications underlying augmented reality have strong public benefits but can also have unappreciated effects on real property. In recent litigation on Pokémon Go, an enhanced digital mapping application in which players participate in a digital scavenger hunt by visiting real world locations, homeowners alleged that the augmented reality application harmed their residential properties by increasing the number of people in their residential areas. However, neither the existing laws on intellectual property nor those for real property are designed to address these types of harms. On the one hand, real property torts, such as nuisance and trespass, on which the homeowners relied, are ill-suited to address harms from a digital application as they are based on a right to exclude and consent. On the other hand, intellectual property laws have not focused on harms that could result from the intersection of intellectual property rights and real property. If it were to be framed anew, the basis of the homeowners’ claims would be most analogous to asserting “a right not to be mapped.” However, there is not yet a “right not to be mapped” in law, and there are compelling reasons for the law not to create one. We recommend three alternative mechanisms to regulate the relationship between augmented reality and real property. We recommend the application of zoning principles as a legal mechanism designed for location-sensitive regulation, which can balance the concerns of individual real property owners, as well as the larger context of community and city interests, and be adapted to innovative technologies such as augmented reality. Additionally, we suggest that catalogues of augmented reality applications be created to support zoning decisions and to provide public notice. We also consider the possibility of licensing schemes with micropayments for real properties affected by augmented reality.
Corrosion Performance of Nano-ZrO2 Modified Coatings in Hot Mixed Acid Solutions
Authors: Xu Wenhua , Wang Zhenyu , Han En-Hou , Wang Shuai , Liu Qian
Published: June 2018

A nano-ZrO2 modified coating system was prepared by incorporation of nano-ZrO2 concentrates into phenolic-epoxy resin. The corrosion performance of the coatings was evaluated in hot mixed acid solution, using electrochemical methods combined with surface characterization, and the effects of nano-ZrO2 content were specially focused on. The results showed that 1% and 3% nano-ZrO2 addition enhanced the corrosion resistance of the coatings, while 5% nano-ZrO2 addition declined it. The coating with 3% nano-ZrO2 presented the minimum amount of species diffusion, the lowest average roughness (5.94 nm), and the highest C/O ratio (4.55) and coating resistance, and it demonstrated the best corrosion performance among the coating specimens.
Rational Design of Porous Covalent Triazine-Based Framework Composites as Advanced Organic Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Yuan Ruoxin , Kang Wenbin , Zhang Chuhong
Published: June 2018

In an effort to explore the use of organic high-performance lithium ion battery cathodes as an alternative to resolve the current bottleneck hampering the development of their inorganic counterparts, a rational strategy focusing on the optimal composition of covalent triazine-based frameworks (CTFs) with carbon-based materials of varied dimensionalities is delineated. Two-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with a compatible structural conformation with the layered CTF is the most suitable scaffold for the tailored mesopores in the polymeric framework, providing outstanding energy storage ability. Through facile ionothermal synthesis and structure engineering, the obtained CTF-rGO composite possesses a high specific surface area of 1357.27 m2/g, and when used as a lithium ion battery cathode it delivers a large capacity of 235 mAh/g in 80 cycles at 0.1 A/g along with a stable capacity of 127 mAh/g over 2500 cycles at 5 A/g. The composite with modified pore structure shows drastically improved performance compared to a pristine CTF, especially at large discharge currents. The CTF-rGO composite with excellent capacity, stability, and rate performance shows great promise as an emerging high-performance cathode that could revolutionize the conventional lithium-ion battery industry.
Secondary Metabolites in the Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Marslin Gregory , Siram Karthik , Maqbool Qaisar , Selvakesavan Rajendran Kamalabai , Kruszka Dariusz , Kachlicki Piotr , Franklin Gregory
Published: June 2018

The ability of organisms and organic compounds to reduce metal ions and stabilize them into nanoparticles (NPs) forms the basis of green synthesis. To date, synthesis of NPs from various metal ions using a diverse array of plant extracts has been reported. However, a clear understanding of the mechanism of green synthesis of NPs is lacking. Although most studies have neglected to analyze the green-synthesized NPs (GNPs) for the presence of compounds derived from the extract, several studies have demonstrated the conjugation of sugars, secondary metabolites, and proteins in these biogenic NPs. Despite several reports on the bioactivities (antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, catalytic, etc.) of GNPs, only a handful of studies have compared these activities with their chemically synthesized counterparts. These comparisons have demonstrated that GNPs possess better bioactivities than NPs synthesized by other methods, which might be attributed to the presence of plant-derived compounds in these NPs. The ability of NPs to bind with organic compounds to form a stable complex has huge potential in the harvesting of precious molecules and for drug discovery, if harnessed meticulously. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of green synthesis and high-throughput screening of stabilizing/capping agents on the physico-chemical properties of GNPs is warranted to realize the full potential of green nanotechnology.
Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Decorated on Bentonite/Graphene Oxide for Removal of Copper Ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Shao Jicheng , Yu Xiaoniu , Zhou Min , Cai Xiaoqing , Yu Chuang
Published: June 2018

The removal efficiency of Cu(II) in aqueous solution by bentonite, graphene oxide (GO), and nanoscale iron decorated on bentonite (B-nZVI) and nanoscale iron decorated on bentonite/graphene oxide (GO-B-nZVI) was investigated. The results indicated that GO-B-nZVI had the best removal efficiency in different experimental environments (with time, pH, concentration of copper ions, and temperature). For 16 hours, the removal efficiency of copper ions was 82% in GO-B-nZVI, however, it was 71% in B-nZVI, 26% in bentonite, and 18% in GO. Bentonite, GO, B-nZVI, and GO-B-nZVI showed an increased removal efficiency of copper ions with the increase of pH under a certain pH range. The removal efficiency of copper ions by GO-B-nZVI first increased and then fluctuated slightly with the increase of temperature, while B-nZVI and bentonite increased and GO decreased slightly with the increase of temperature. Lorentz-Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images showed the nZVI particles of GO-B-nZVI dispersed evenly with diameters ranging from 10 to 86.93 nm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that the nanoscale iron particles were dispersed evenly on bentonite and GO with no obvious agglomeration. The qe,cal (73.37 mg·g−1 and 83.89 mg·g−1) was closer to the experimental value qe,exp according to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The qm of B-nZVI and GO-B-nZVI were 130.7 mg·g−1 and 184.5 mg·g−1 according to the Langmuir model.
CO Oxidation at 20 °C on Au Catalysts Supported on Mesoporous Silica: Effects of Support Structural Properties and Modifiers
Authors: Moreno-Martell Abigail , Pawelec Barbara , Nava Rufino , Mota Noelia , Escamilla-Perea Luis , Navarro Rufino M. , Fierro Jose L.G.
Published: June 2018

In this work we report the effects of support structural properties and its modification with some metal oxides modifiers on the catalytic behavior of Au catalysts in the total CO oxidation at 20 °C. Au catalysts were supported on mesoporous silica materials (MSM) having different structural properties: Channel-like (SBA-15), cage-like (SBA-16), hexagonal (HMS), and disordered (DMS-1) structures. The effect of the modifier was evaluated by comparison of the catalytic response of the SBA-15-based catalysts modified with MgO, Fe2O3, TiO2, and CeO2. The chemical, structural, and electronic properties of the catalysts were investigated by a variety of techniques (metal content analysis by ICP-OES, N2 physisorption, XRD, UV-vis DRS, DRIFTS of adsorbed CO and OH regions, oxygen storage capacity (OSC), HR-TEM, and XPS). The activity of calcined catalysts in the CO oxidation reaction were evaluated at steady state conditions, at 20 °C, atmospheric pressure, and when using, as feed, a 1%CO/1%O2/98% gas mixture. The work clearly demonstrated that all Au catalysts supported on the mesoporous silicas modified with metal oxides were more active than the Au/SBA-15 and Au/MgO reference ones. The support structural properties and type of dopant were important factors influencing on the catalyst behavior. Concerning the support textural properties, it was found that the HMS substrate with the wormhole-structure offers better porosity and specific surface area than their silica counterparts having channel-like (SBA-15), cage-like (SBA-16), and disordered (DMS-1) mesoporous structures. Concerning the effect of modifier, the best catalytic response was achieved with the catalysts modified with MgO. After activation by calcination at 200 °C for 4 h, the Au/MgO/HMS catalyst exhibited the best catalytic performance, which was ascribed to the combined effects of the best structural properties, a large support oxygen storage capacity and homogeneous distribution of gold particles on the support (external and inner). Implications of the type of active sites (Au1+ or Au0), support structural properties and role of modifier on the catalytic activity are discussed.
Prediction of Thrust Force and Cutting Torque in Drilling Based on the Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Kyratsis Panagiotis , Markopoulos Angelos P. , Efkolidis Nikolaos , Maliagkas Vasileios , Kakoulis Konstantinos
Published: June 2018

In this research, experimental studies were based on drilling with solid carbide tools and the material used was Al7075. The study primarily focused on investigating the effects of machining parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, diameter of the tool) on the thrust force (Fz) and the cutting torque (Mz) when drilling an Al7075 workpiece. The experimental data were analyzed using the response surface methodology (RSM) with an aim to identify the significant factors on the development of both the Fz and Mz. The application of the mathematical models provided favorable results with an accuracy of 3.4% and 4.7%, for the Fz and the Mz, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied in order to examine the effectiveness of the model, and both mathematical models were established and validated. The equations derived proved to be very precise when a set of validation tests were executed. The importance of the factors’ influence over the responses was also presented. Both the diameter of the cutting and the feed rate were found to be the factors of high significance, while cutting speed did not affect considerably the Fz and Mz in the experiments performed.
A Survey of Recent Trends in Multiobjective Optimal Control—Surrogate Models, Feedback Control and Objective Reduction
Authors: Peitz Sebastian , Dellnitz Michael
Published: June 2018

Multiobjective optimization plays an increasingly important role in modern applications, where several criteria are often of equal importance. The task in multiobjective optimization and multiobjective optimal control is therefore to compute the set of optimal compromises (the Pareto set) between the conflicting objectives. The advances in algorithms and the increasing interest in Pareto-optimal solutions have led to a wide range of new applications related to optimal and feedback control, which results in new challenges such as expensive models or real-time applicability. Since the Pareto set generally consists of an infinite number of solutions, the computational effort can quickly become challenging, which is particularly problematic when the objectives are costly to evaluate or when a solution has to be presented very quickly. This article gives an overview of recent developments in accelerating multiobjective optimal control for complex problems where either PDE constraints are present or where a feedback behavior has to be achieved. In the first case, surrogate models yield significant speed-ups. Besides classical meta-modeling techniques for multiobjective optimization, a promising alternative for control problems is to introduce a surrogate model for the system dynamics. In the case of real-time requirements, various promising model predictive control approaches have been proposed, using either fast online solvers or offline-online decomposition. We also briefly comment on dimension reduction in many-objective optimization problems as another technique for reducing the numerical effort.
Novel Natural Products from Extremophilic Fungi
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Li Shou-Jie , Li Jin-Jie , Liang Zi-Zhen , Zhao Chang-Qi
Published: June 2018

Extremophilic fungi have been found to develop unique defences to survive extremes of pressure, temperature, salinity, desiccation, and pH, leading to the biosynthesis of novel natural products with diverse biological activities. The present review focuses on new extremophilic fungal natural products published from 2005 to 2017, highlighting the chemical structures and their biological potential.
Results of Beta Secretase-Inhibitor Clinical Trials Support Amyloid Precursor Protein-Independent Generation of Beta Amyloid in Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Volloch Vladimir , Rits Sophia
Published: June 2018

The present review analyzes the results of recent clinical trials of β secretase inhibition in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD), considers the striking dichotomy between successes in tests of β-site Amyloid Precursor Protein-Cleaving Enzyme (BACE) inhibitors in healthy subjects and familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) models versus persistent failures of clinical trials and interprets it as a confirmation of key predictions for a mechanism of amyloid precursor protein (APP)-independent, β secretase inhibition-resistant production of β amyloid in SAD, previously proposed by us. In light of this concept, FAD and SAD should be regarded as distinctly different diseases as far as β-amyloid generation mechanisms are concerned, and whereas β secretase inhibition would be neither applicable nor effective in the treatment of SAD, the β-site APP-Cleaving Enzyme (BACE) inhibitor(s) deemed failed in SAD trials could be perfectly suitable for the treatment of FAD. Moreover, targeting the aspects of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) other than cleavages of the APP by β and α secretases should have analogous impacts in both FAD and SAD.
Uranium Removal from Groundwater by Permeable Reactive Barrier with Zero-Valent Iron and Organic Carbon Mixtures: Laboratory and Field Studies
Authors: Kornilovych Borys , Wireman Mike , Ubaldini Stefano , Guglietta Daniela , Koshik Yuriy , Caruso Brian , Kovalchuk Iryna
Published: June 2018

Zhovty Vody city, located in south-central Ukraine, has long been an important center for the Ukrainian uranium and iron industries. Uranium and iron mining and processing activities during the Cold War resulted in poorly managed sources of radionuclides and heavy metals. Widespread groundwater and surface water contamination has occurred, which creates a significant risk to drinking water supplies. Hydrogeologic and geochemical conditions near large uranium mine tailings storage facility (TSF) were characterized to provide data to locate, design and install a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) to treat groundwater contaminated by leachate infiltrating from the TSF. The effectiveness of three different permeable reactive materials was investigated: zero-valent iron (ZVI) for reduction, sorption, and precipitation of redox-sensitive oxyanions; phosphate material to transform dissolved metals to less soluble phases; and organic carbon substrates to promote bioremediation processes. Batch and column experiments with Zhovty Vody site groundwater were conducted to evaluate reactivity of the materials. Reaction rates, residence time and comparison with site-specific clean-up standards were determined. Results of the study demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of the PRB for ground water protection near uranium mine TSF. The greatest decrease was obtained using ZVI-based reactive media and the combined media of ZVI/phosphate/organic carbon combinations.
Stress Dispersed Cu Metal Anode by Laser Multiscale Patterning for Lithium-Ion Batteries with High Capacity
Authors: So Jin-Young , Moon Sang-Hyun , Kim Min-Cheol , Kim Si-Jin , Han Sang-Beom , Lee Chan-Ho , Kim Ji-Eun , Kim Hyun-Jee , Jun Joonha , Song Ki-Young , Park Kyung-Won , Bae Won-Gyu
Published: June 2018

Electric power production continues to increase as the industry advances, and the demand for high-capacity batteries for efficient operation of the electric power produced is higher than ever before. Si has been attracting a great deal of attention recently as an anode electrode material because of its high theoretical capacity. However, it suffers from significant capacity-loss, resulting from the volume-expansion of Si during charge and discharge cycles. Inspired by the multiscale structures commonly found in nature, we attempt to solve this problem by patterning the surface of the Cu current-collector. To this end, we develop a direct, one-step method using laser patterning to manufacture a multiscale structure on the surface of the current-collector. The inherent exfoliation characteristic of the Cu current-collector allows the spontaneous formation of the multiscale structure while being irradiated with a laser. A micro/nano structure, with a different surface area, is fabricated by varying the laser output at three levels, and the batteries prepared with the fabricated Cu current-collector are tested to evaluate their charge-discharge characteristics and electrochemical impedance. The results show that the multiscale structure reduces mechanical stress. The initial capacity of the Cu current-collector is proportional to the laser output, and the initial capacity of the coin cell prepared with the Cu current-collector, fabricated at the highest laser output, is 396.7% higher than that of the coin cell prepared with a bare Cu current-collector. The impedance is inversely proportional to the laser output. The charge transfer resistance of the coin cell prepared with the Cu current-collector and irradiated with the highest laser output is 190.2% lower than that of the coin cell prepared with the bare Cu current-collector.
Characterization of Porous Phosphate Coatings Enriched with Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Copper Created on CP Titanium Grade 2 by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation
Authors: Rokosz Krzysztof , Hryniewicz Tadeusz , Kacalak Wojciech , Tandecka Katarzyna , Raaen Steinar , Gaiaschi Sofia , Chapon Patrick , Malorny Winfried , Matýsek Dalibor , Dudek Łukasz , Pietrzak Kornel
Published: June 2018

In the paper, the effect of voltage increase (from 500 VDC up to 650 VDC) on the structure and chemical composition of the porous coating on titanium made by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation is presented. Phosphates-based coatings enriched with calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in electrolyte based on 1 L of 85% concentrated H3PO4, with additions of Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, and Mg(NO3)2∙6H2O, and Zn(NO3)2∙6H2O, and Cu(NO3)2∙3H2O, are described. The morphology and chemical and phase composition are evaluated using SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, GDOES, and CLSM. Based on these analyses, it was found that PEO coatings are porous and enriched with calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. They consist mainly of the amorphous phase, which is more visible for higher voltages; this is correlated with an increase in the total PEO coating thickness (the higher the voltage, the thicker the PEO coating). However, for 650 VDC, an amorphous phase and titanium substrate were also recorded, with a signal from Ti2P2O7 crystalline that was not observed for lower voltages. It was also found that all obtained coatings may be divided into three sub-layers, i.e., porous, semiporous, and transitional.
Serrated Flow and Work-Hardening Behavior of China Low Activation Martensitic Steel (CLAM)
Authors: Xu Zhiqiang , Shen Yinzhong
Published: June 2018

Serrated flow and work-hardening behavior (by Voce equation) of China low activation martensitic (CLAM) steel were investigated in the temperature range of 300–923 K (27 °C to 650 °C). The steel exhibited serrated flow at intermediate temperatures of 573–623 K (300–350 °C) and elevated temperatures higher than 773 K (500 °C), respectively. Type A, A + B, A + C, A + D, and mild serrations were identified. The observed serrations, the plateau/peak in flow stress and a minimum in ductility suggested the occurrence of dynamic strain aging (DSA), a phenomenon due to interactions between solute atoms and dislocations during plastic deformation, at intermediate temperatures, while the mild serrations observed at high temperatures were ascribed to a combined effect of tensile deformation and dynamic recovery. The variations of work-hardening parameters including saturation stress σ S , initial stress σ I and rate parameter n V with respect to temperatures also implied the dominance of DSA at intermediate temperatures. CLAM steel in present investigation generally displayed two-stage work-hardening behavior consisting of transient stage and stage-III. Good correlations had been presented between work-hardening parameters obtained by Voce equation and the respective experimental tensile properties, suggesting adequate applicability of Voce relationship for CLAM steel.
Extraction of Vanadium from Ammonia Slag under Near-Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Takahashi Hirotaka , Fujiwara Wataru , Sun He , Yoshida Tsukasa , Matsushima Yuta
Published: June 2018

A process for extracting vanadium from ammonia slag is proposed in this work, taking advantage of the nature of V5+ vanadate ions condensing into a solid phase around a pH of 2. The slag is a mixture of oxides of Ca (36.0 mass %), Si (28.4 mass %), Al (9.3 mass %), Fe (7.1 mass %), V (6.9 mass %), S (3.9 mass %), Na (2.7 mass %), Ni (2.5 mass %), Mg (1.3 mass %), and other (K, P, and Ti) (1.9 mass %). The difficulty with extraction originates from the oxyanionic character of the vanadate ions, leading to the formation of vanadate salts with the concomitant cations. In contrast, a stepwise-pH-control process that is proposed in this work is effective for separating vanadium from the slag, as (1) the Si component in the slag is filtered off as the residue at the initial leaching step; (2) Fe, Al, and other cations are precipitated as the vanadate salts at pH 6, leaving Ca2+(aq) in the solution; (3) the vanadate component is transferred to the liquid phase by dissolving the precipitate in a NaOH(aq) solution of pH 13, leaving Fe, Ti, and Ni ions in the solid phase; and finally, (4) the pH of the solution is adjusted to 2. The vanadium component is solidified as sodium vanadate and V2O5. The maximum yield of vanadium from the slag is evaluated as 80.7%, obtaining for NaV6O15 and V2O5 with a purity of 97 mass %.
Effect of Austenite-to-Ferrite Phase Transformation at Grain Boundaries on PWHT Cracking Susceptibility in CGHAZ of T23 Steel
Authors: Lee Seong-Hyeong , Na Hye-Sung , Lee Kyong-Woon , Lee Jeong-Yong , Kang Chung Yun
Published: June 2018

The post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) cracking susceptibility of a coarse grain heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) in SA213-T23 (2.25Cr-1.6W steel) that was used for boiler tubes employed in thermal power plants was investigated using a Gleeble thermal cycle simulator. The PWHT cracking susceptibility test was performed at 650 °C, 700 °C, and 750 °C, and it can be judged that the lower the reduction of the area, the more susceptible it is to PWHT cracking. The results of the test also showed higher cracking susceptibility at 650 °C and 700 °C, which mostly involved intergranular fracture, while at 750 °C, transgranular fracture was exhibited. Therefore, the PWHT cracking susceptibility is considered to be closely related to grain boundary. The microstructure of the simulated CGHAZ and PWHT at 650 °C, 700 °C, and 750 °C was observed after etching with nital and alkaline sodium picrate etchants. Alkaline sodium picrate-etched microstructures showed a white band at the grain boundary at 650 °C, 700 °C, and 750 °C, which did not appear in nital etching. An analysis of the white band using an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), TEM, and nanoindentation revealed that it was intergranular ferrite depleted with C, W, and Cr as compared with that in the matrix. Based on these results, we investigated the mechanism of intergranular ferrite formation during PWHT and its effect on PWHT cracking susceptibility at 650 °C, 700 °C, and 750 °C.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Ti-Si Alloys Prepared by Mechanical Alloying and Heat Treatment
Authors: Guzmán Danny , García Carolina , Soliz Álvaro , Sepúlveda Rossana , Aguilar Claudio , Rojas Paula , Iturriza Iñigo , Luno-Bilbao Carmen
Published: June 2018

The aim of this work was to study the synthesis and electrochemical properties of Ti 2 wt %-Si alloys prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) and heat treatment. The MA process was performed under Ar atmosphere. The structural, morphological, and compositional evolutions during the milling and subsequent heat treatment were investigated by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical behavior was evaluated by open circuit potential and linear sweep voltammetry measurements. The results showed that the MA process promotes the formation of a supersaturated α-Ti-Si solid solution. During heat treatment, the Si remaining in the mechanically alloyed powders and the Si from the α-Ti-Si supersaturated solid solution reacted with Ti to form Ti-Si intermetallic compounds. These compounds have a fine and homogeneous distribution in the α-Ti matrix, which cannot be achieved by conventional casting methods. Additionally, the electrochemical evaluations revealed that the mechanically alloyed and heat-treated Ti 2 wt %-Si powders have better corrosion resistance in 1.63 M H2SO4 than the pure Ti and MA Ti-Si samples. This is likely due to the particular microstructure produced during the milling and subsequent heat treatment.
Surface Roughness Investigation and Stress Modeling by Finite Element on Orthogonal Cutting of Copper
Authors: Zein Hussein , Irfan Osama M.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, a modern non-contacting optical technique was used to study the surface roughness of commercially pure copper. Finite element (FE) method was applied to predict the stress during orthogonal cutting by simulating the machining process. The experimental work empathized mainly on the effect of cutting speed (N) and feed rate (f) on the surface roughness of copper. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to evaluate the surface variations at different machining conditions. Johnson-Cook mathematical model was adopted and employed to determine the parameters of the material. Furthermore, the maximum Von-Mises stress was predicted as a function of machining conditions. A software package of code (ABAQUS/CAE) was used for the analysis and response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to visualize the results. The results showed a significant effect of the feed rate/cutting speed interaction on surface roughness and Von-Mises stress of copper. An enhancement of 14% in surface roughness was perceived with increasing the cutting speed. A good agreement was observed between experimental and analytical results.
Crystal Structures of GaN Nanodots by Nitrogen Plasma Treatment on Ga Metal Droplets
Authors: Su Yang-Zhe , Yu Ing-Song
Published: June 2018

Gallium nitride (GaN) is one of important functional materials for optoelectronics and electronics. GaN exists both in equilibrium wurtzite and metastable zinc-blende structural phases. The zinc-blende GaN has superior electronic and optical properties over wurtzite one. In this report, GaN nanodots can be fabricated by Ga metal droplets in ultra-high vacuum and then nitridation by nitrogen plasma. The size, shape, density, and crystal structure of GaN nanodots can be characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The growth parameters, such as pre-nitridation treatment on Si surface, substrate temperature, and plasma nitridation time, affect the crystal structure of GaN nanodots. Higher thermal energy could provide the driving force for the phase transformation of GaN nanodots from zinc-blende to wurtzite structures. Metastable zinc-blende GaN nanodots can be synthesized by the surface modification of Si (111) by nitrogen plasma, i.e., the pre-nitridation treatment is done at a lower growth temperature. This is because the pre-nitridation process can provide a nitrogen-terminal surface for the following Ga droplet formation and a nitrogen-rich condition for the formation of GaN nanodots during droplet epitaxy. The pre-nitridation of Si substrates, the formation of a thin SiNx layer, could inhibit the phase transformation of GaN nanodots from zinc-blende to wurtzite phases. The pre-nitridation treatment also affects the dot size, density, and surface roughness of samples.
Current Progress in Solution Precursor Plasma Spraying of Cermets: A Review
Authors: Unabia Romnick , Candidato Rolando , Pawłowski Lech
Published: June 2018

Ceramic and metal composites, known also as cermets, may considerably improve many material properties with regards to that of initial components. Hence, cermets are frequently applied in many technological fields. Among many processes which can be employed for cermet manufacturing, thermal spraying is one of the most frequently used. Conventional plasma spraying of powders is a popular and cost-effective manufacturing process. One of its most recent innovations, called solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS), is an emerging coating deposition method which uses homogeneously mixed solution precursors as a feedstock. The technique enables a single-step deposition avoiding the powder preparation procedures. The nanostructured coatings developed by SPPS increasingly find a place in the field of surface engineering. The present review shows the recent progress in the fabrication of cermets using SPPS. The influence of starting solution precursors, such as their chemistry, concentration, and solvents used, to the micro-structural characteristics of cermet coatings is discussed. The effect of the operational plasma spray process parameters such as solution injection mode to the deposition process and coatings’ microstructure is also presented. Moreover, the advantages of the SPPS process and its drawbacks compared to the conventional powder plasma spraying process are discussed. Finally, some applications of SPPS cermet coatings are presented to understand the potential of the process.
The Fabrication of Au@C Core/Shell Nanoparticles by Laser Ablation in Solutions and Their Enhancements to a Gas Sensor
Authors: Xu Xiaoxia , Gao Lei , Duan Guotao
Published: June 2018

A convenient and flexible route is presented to fabricate gold noble metal nanoparticles wrapped with a controllable ultrathin carbon layer (Au@C) in one step based on laser ablation of the noble metal targets in toluene-ethanol mixed solutions. The obtained metal nanoparticles were <20 nm in size after ablation, and the thickness of the wrapped ultrathin carbon layer was 2 nm in a typical reaction. The size of the inner noble metal nanoparticles could be controlled by adjusting the power of laser ablation, and the thickness of the ultrathin carbon layer can be controlled from 0.6 to 2 nm by laser ablation in different components of organic solution. Then the resultant Au@C core/shell nanoparticles were modified on the surface of In2O3 films through a sol-gel technique, and the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas-sensing characteristics of the products were examined. Compared to pure and Au-modified In2O3, the Au@C-modified In2O3 materials exhibited a revertible and reproducible performance with good sensitivity and very low response times (few seconds) for H2S gas with a concentrations of 1 to 5 ppm at room temperature. Evidence proved that the ultrathin carbon layer played an important role in the improved H2S sensor performance. Other noble metals wrapped by the homogeneous carbon shell, such as Ag@C, could also be prepared with this method.