bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Stratospheric Intrusions in Italian Mountain Regions Using STEFLUX
Authors: Cristofanelli Paolo , Di Carlo Piero , Aruffo Eleonora , Apadula Francesco , Bencardino Mariantonia , D’Amore Francesco , Bonasoni Paolo , Putero Davide
Published: October 2018

The Mediterranean basin is considered a global hot-spot region for climate change and air quality, especially concerning summer-time ozone (O3). Previous investigations indicated that the Mediterranean basin is a preferred region for stratosphere-to-troposphere exchange (STE) and deep stratospheric intrusion (SI) events. The Lagrangian tool STEFLUX, based on a STE climatology that uses the ERA Interim data, was hereby used to diagnose the occurrence of deep SI events in four mountain regions over the Italian peninsula, spanning from the Alpine region to the southern Apennines. By using near-surface O3 and relative humidity (RH) observations at three high-mountain observatories, we investigated the performance of STEFLUX in detecting deep SI events. Both experimental and STEFLUX detections agreed in describing the seasonal cycle of SI occurrence. Moreover, STEFLUX showed skills in detecting “long-lasting” SI events, especially in the Alps and in the northern Apennines. By using STEFLUX, we found positive tendencies in the SI occurrence during 1979–2017. However, in contrast to similar studies carried out in the Alpine region, the negative long-term (1996–2016) trend of O3 in the northern Apennines did not appear to be related to the SI’s variability.
Active Sites in Heterogeneous Catalytic Reaction on Metal and Metal Oxide: Theory and Practice
Authors: Pan Yanbo , Shen Xiaochen , Yao Libo , Bentalib Abdulaziz , Peng Zhenmeng
Published: October 2018

Active sites play an essential role in heterogeneous catalysis and largely determine the reaction properties. Yet identification and study of the active sites remain challenging owing to their dynamic behaviors during catalysis process and issues with current characterization techniques. This article provides a short review of research progresses in active sites of metal and metal oxide catalysts, which covers the past achievements, current research status, and perspectives in this research field. In particular, the concepts and theories of active sites are introduced. Major experimental and computational approaches that are used in active site study are summarized, with their applications and limitations being discussed. An outlook of future research direction in both experimental and computational catalysis research is provided.
Preparation and Characterization of Sprayed-Yttrium Oxyfluoride Corrosion Protective Coating for Plasma Process Chambers
Authors: Lin Tzu-Ken , Wuu Dong-Sing , Huang Shih-Yung , Wang Wei-Kai
Published: October 2018

This study investigates the microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of dense yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF) coatings fabricated by the atmospheric plasma spraying technique. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a well crystallized YOF coating with preferred orientations. The YOF coatings were more porous (approximate porosity 0.5%), with higher hardness (290 ± 30 HV), lower electrical resistivity (1016 Ω⋅cm), and breakdown voltage (5.57 kV), than conventional yttrium-fluoride plasma-protective coating. These results indicate the potential of the YOF coating as a novel antiplasma and corrosion-resistant ceramic.
Nanoparticle-Lipid Interaction: Job Scattering Plots to Differentiate Vesicle Aggregation from Supported Lipid Bilayer Formation
Authors: Mousseau Fanny , Oikonomou Evdokia K. , Baldim Victor , Mornet Stéphane , Berret Jean-François
Published: October 2018

The impact of nanomaterials on lung fluids, or on the plasma membrane of living cells, has prompted researchers to examine the interactions between nanoparticles and lipid vesicles. Recent studies have shown that nanoparticle-lipid interaction leads to a broad range of structures including supported lipid bilayers (SLB), particles adsorbed at the surface or internalized inside vesicles, and mixed aggregates. Currently, there is a need to have simple protocols that can readily evaluate the structures made from particles and vesicles. Here we apply the method of continuous variation for measuring Job scattering plots and provide analytical expressions for the scattering intensity in various scenarios. The result that emerges from the comparison between experiments and modeling is that electrostatics play a key role in the association, but it is not sufficient to induce the formation of supported lipid bilayers.
Norm-Based Binary Search Trees for Speeding Up KNN Big Data Classification
Authors: Hassanat Ahmad B. A.
Published: October 2018

Due to their large sizes and/or dimensions, the classification of Big Data is a challenging task using traditional machine learning, particularly if it is carried out using the well-known K-nearest neighbors classifier (KNN) classifier, which is a slow and lazy classifier by its nature. In this paper, we propose a new approach to Big Data classification using the KNN classifier, which is based on inserting the training examples into a binary search tree to be used later for speeding up the searching process for test examples. For this purpose, we used two methods to sort the training examples. The first calculates the minimum/maximum scaled norm and rounds it to 0 or 1 for each example. Examples with 0-norms are sorted in the left-child of a node, and those with 1-norms are sorted in the right child of the same node; this process continues recursively until we obtain one example or a small number of examples with the same norm in a leaf node. The second proposed method inserts each example into the binary search tree based on its similarity to the examples of the minimum and maximum Euclidean norms. The experimental results of classifying several machine learning big datasets show that both methods are much faster than most of the state-of-the-art methods compared, with competing accuracy rates obtained by the second method, which shows great potential for further enhancements of both methods to be used in practice.
Effectiveness of Light Source on Detecting Thin Film Transistor
Authors: Tzu Fu-Ming , Chou Jung-Hua
Published: October 2018

Light sources tend to affect images captured in any automatic optical inspection (AOI) system. In this study, the effectiveness of metal-halide lamps, quartz-halogen lamps, and LEDs as the light sources in AOI systems for the detection of the third and fourth layers electrodes of thin-film-transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs) is examined experimentally. The results show that the performance of LEDs is generally comparable or better than that of metal-halide and quartz-halogen lamps. The best optical performance is by the blue LED due to its spectrum compatibility with the time-delay-integration charged-coupled device (TDI CCD) sensor and its better spatial resolution. The images revealed by the blue LED are sharper and more distinctive. Since current LEDs are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, using LEDs as the light source for AOI is very beneficial. As the blue LED performs the best, it should be adopted for AOI using TDI CCD sensors.
Fighting CPS Complexity by Component-Based Software Development of Multi-Mode Systems
Authors: Yin Hang , Hansson Hans
Published: October 2018

Growing software complexity is an increasing challenge for the software development of modern cyber-physical systems. A classical strategy for taming this complexity is to partition system behaviors into different operational modes specified at design time. Such a multi-mode system can change behavior by switching between modes at run-time. A complementary approach for reducing software complexity is provided by component-based software engineering (CBSE), which reduces complexity by building systems from composable, reusable and independently developed software components. CBSE and the multi-mode approach are fundamentally conflicting in that component-based development conceptually is a bottom-up approach, whereas partitioning systems into operational modes is a top-down approach with its starting point from a system-wide perspective. In this article, we show that it is possible to combine and integrate these two fundamentally conflicting approaches. The key to simultaneously benefiting from the advantages of both approaches lies in the introduction of a hierarchical mode concept that provides a conceptual linkage between the bottom-up component-based approach and system level modes. As a result, systems including modes can be developed from reusable mode-aware components. The conceptual drawback of the approach—the need for extensive message exchange between components to coordinate mode-switches—is eliminated by an algorithm that collapses the component hierarchy and thereby eliminates the need for inter-component coordination. As this algorithm is used from the design to implementation level (“compilation”), the CBSE design flexibility can be combined with efficiently implemented mode handling, thereby providing the complexity reduction of both approaches, without inducing any additional design or run-time costs. At the more specific level, this article presents (1) a mode mapping mechanism that formally specifies the mode relation between composable multi-mode components and (2) a mode transformation technique that transforms component modes to system-wide modes to achieve efficient implementation.
How to Deal with the Complexity of Future Cyber-Physical Systems?
Authors: Törngren Martin , Grogan Paul T.
Published: October 2018

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) integrate computation, networking and physical processes to produce products that are autonomous, intelligent, connected and collaborative. Resulting Cyber-Physical Systems of Systems (CPSoS) have unprecedented capabilities but also unprecedented corresponding technological complexity. This paper aims to improve understanding, awareness and methods to deal with the increasing complexity by calling for the establishment of new foundations, knowledge and methodologies. We describe causes and effects of complexity, both in general and specific to CPS, consider the evolution of complexity, and identify limitations of current methodologies and organizations for dealing with future CPS. The lack of a systematic treatment of uncertain complex environments and “composability”, i.e., to integrate components of a CPS without negative side effects, represent overarching limitations of existing methodologies. Dealing with future CPSoS requires: (i) increased awareness of complexity, its impact and best practices for how to deal with it, (ii) research to establish new knowledge, methods and tools for CPS engineering, and (iii) research into organizational approaches and processes to adopt new methodologies and permit efficient collaboration within and across large teams of humans supported by increasingly automated computer aided engineering systems.
Experimental Equipment to Develop Teaching of the Concept Viscosity
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez Modesto , Galstyan-Sargsyan Ruzan , Pérez-Sánchez M. Isabel , López-Jiménez P. Amparo
Published: October 2018

Some of the subjects have complex concepts, which are currently taught using deductive methods in the first years of University Degree. However, the experience shows the results obtained from students’ learning goals were quite low. Therefore, the use of inductive method is a crucial factor to improve students’ learning results and re-thinking the way to teach in basic subject of Engineering Bachelor Degree. One example is the subject called Fluid Mechanics, which is present in many Bachelor Degrees. This matter has abstract concepts, which are normally taught by traditional methods. This type of teaching makes difficult to be understood by the student. This research proposes an inductive methodology to work the viscosity concept using an activity. In this test, the student has to carry out some measurements with different fluids using a simple measurement device while they participated actively in the learning.
Ethical and Legal Dilemma of Autonomous Vehicles: Study on Driving Decision-Making Model under the Emergency Situations of Red Light-Running Behaviors
Authors: Li Sixian , Zhang Junyou , Wang Shufeng , Li Pengcheng , Liao Yaping
Published: October 2018

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are supposed to identify obstacles automatically and form appropriate emergency strategies constantly to ensure driving safety and improve traffic efficiency. However, not all collisions will be avoidable, and AVs are required to make difficult decisions involving ethical and legal factors under emergency situations. In this paper, the ethical and legal factors are introduced into the driving decision-making (DDM) model under emergency situations evoked by red light-running behaviors. In this specific situation, 16 factors related to vehicle-road-environment are considered as impact indicators of DDM, especially the duration of red light (RL), the type of abnormal target (AT-T), the number of abnormal target (AT-N) and the state of abnormal target (AT-S), which indicate legal and ethical components. Secondly, through principal component analysis, seven indicators are selected as input variables of the model. Furthermore, feasible DDM, including braking + going straight, braking + turning left, braking + turning right, is taken as the output variable of the model. Finally, the model chosen to establish DDM is the T-S fuzzy neural network (TSFNN), which has better performance, compared to back propagation neural network (BPNN) to verify the accuracy of TSFNN.
Intensification of Continuous Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oils Using Shockwave Power Reactor: Process Evaluation and Optimization through Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Abbaszadeh-Mayvan Ahmad , Ghobadian Barat , Najafi Gholamhassan , Yusaf Talal
Published: October 2018

This research aims to develop an optimal continuous process to produce fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) from waste cooking oil using a series of shockwave power reactors. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was used to design the experiment and to analyze five operating parameters: ratio of rotor diameter to stator diameter (Dr/Ds), ratio of cavity diameter to rotor diameter (Dc/Dr), ratio of cavity depth to gap between rotor and stator (dc/∆r), rotational speed of rotor (N), and Residence time (Tr). The optimum conditions were determined to be Dr/Ds = 0.73, Dc/Dr = 0.06, dc/∆r = 0.50, 25,510.55 rpm rotational speed of rotor, and 30.10 s residence times under this condition. Regarding the results, the most important parameter in shockwave power reactor (SPR) reactors was ratio of rotor diameter to stator diameter (Dr/Ds). The optimum predicted and actual FAME yield was 98.53% and 96.62%, respectively, which demonstrates that RSM is a reliable method for modeling the current procedure.
Comparing Methods for Monitoring Establishment of the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis, Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Egg Parasitoid Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Maryland, USA
Authors: Jennings David E. , Duan Jian J. , Shrewsbury Paula M.
Published: October 2018

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (EAB), is an invasive beetle that has caused widespread mortality of ash trees in North America. To date, four parasitoids have been introduced in North America for EAB biological control, including the egg parasitoid Oobius agrili Zhang & Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Monitoring EAB egg parasitism is challenging because female beetles oviposit in bark crevices and EAB eggs and O. agrili are small (<1 mm in diameter). Consequently, multiple methods have been developed to recover this parasitoid. Here we compared two methods, visual surveys and bark sifting, used to monitor establishment of O. agrili in Maryland, USA. From 2009 to 2015, a total of 56,176 O. agrili were released at 32 sites across the state. In 2016, we surveyed nine of the study sites for O. agrili establishment using both methods. We compared the amount of time spent searching for eggs separately in each method, and also analyzed the effects of years-post release, total number of parasitoids released, and median month of release, on percent parasitism of EAB eggs, and the percentage of trees per site with parasitized EAB eggs. We found that visually surveying ash trees for EAB eggs was more efficient than bark sifting; the percent parasitism observed using the two methods was similar, but visually surveying trees was more time-efficient. Both methods indicate that O. agrili can successfully establish populations in Maryland, and June may be the best month to release O. agrili in the state. Future research should investigate EAB phenology in the state to help optimize parasitoid release strategies.
Investigating the Impact of Reservoir Properties and Injection Parameters on Carbon Dioxide Dissolution in Saline Aquifers
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mohsen , Shariatipour Seyed M.
Published: October 2018

CO2 injection into geological formations is considered one way of mitigating the increasing levels of carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere and its effect on and global warming. In regard to sequestering carbon underground, different countries have conducted projects at commercial scale or pilot scale and some have plans to develop potential storage geological formations for carbon dioxide storage. In this study, pure CO2 injection is examined on a model with the properties of bunter sandstone and then sensitivity analyses were conducted for some of the fluid, rock and injection parameters. The results of this study show that the extent to which CO2 has been convected in the porous media in the reservoir plays a vital role in improving the CO2 dissolution in brine and safety of its long term storage. We conclude that heterogeneous permeability plays a crucial role on the saturation distribution and can increase or decrease the amount of dissolved CO2 in water around ± 7% after the injection stops and up to 13% after 120 years. Furthermore, the value of absolute permeability controls the effect of the Kv/Kh ratio on the CO2 dissolution in brine. In other words, as the value of vertical and horizontal permeability decreases (i.e., tight reservoirs) the impact of Kv/Kh ratio on the dissolved CO2 in brine becomes more prominent. Additionally, reservoir engineering parameters, such as well location, injection rate and scenarios, also have a high impact on the amount of dissolved CO2 and can change the dissolution up to 26%, 100% and 5.5%, respectively.
Effect of Artificial LED Light and Far Infrared Irradiation on Phenolic Compound, Isoflavones and Antioxidant Capacity in Soybean (Glycine max L.) Sprout
Authors: Azad Md Obyedul Kalam , Kim Won Woo , Park Cheol Ho , Cho Dong Ha
Published: October 2018

The effect of light emitting diode (LED) light and far infrared irradiation (FIR) on total phenol, isoflavones and antioxidant activity were investigated in soybean (Glycine max L.) sprout. Artificial blue (470 nm), green (530 nm) LED and florescent light (control) were applied on soybean sprout, from three to seven days after sowing (DAS) in growth chamber. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and photoperiod was 150 ± 5 μmol m−2s−1 and 16 h, respectively. The FIR was applied for 30, 60 and 120 min at 90, 110 and 130 °C on harvested sprout. Total phenolic content (TP) (59.81 mg/g), antioxidant capacity (AA: 75%, Ferric Reduction Antioxidant Power (FRAP): 1357 µM Fe2+) and total isoflavones content (TIC) (51.1 mg/g) were higher in blue LED compared to control (38.02 mg/g, 58%, 632 µM Fe2+ and 30.24 mg/g, respectively). On the other hand, TP (64.23 mg/g), AA (87%), FRAP (1568 µM Fe2+) and TIC (58.98 mg/g) were significantly increased by FIR at 110 °C for 120 min among the treatments. Result suggests that blue LED is the most suitable light to steady accumulation of secondary metabolites (SM) in growing soybean sprout. On the other hand, FIR at 110 °C for 120 min is the best ailment to induce SM in proceed soybean sprout.
A Stochastic Maximum Principle for Markov Chains of Mean-Field Type
Authors: Choutri Salah Eddine , Hamidou Tembine
Published: October 2018

We derive sufficient and necessary optimality conditions in terms of a stochastic maximum principle (SMP) for controls associated with cost functionals of mean-field type, under dynamics driven by a class of Markov chains of mean-field type which are pure jump processes obtained as solutions of a well-posed martingale problem. As an illustration, we apply the result to generic examples of control problems as well as some applications.
Analysis of Damage Caused by Hydrometeorological Disasters in Texas, 1960–2016
Authors: Paul Srikanto H. , Sharif Hatim O.
Published: October 2018

Property damages caused by hydrometeorological disasters in Texas during the period 1960–2016 totaled $54.2 billion with hurricanes, tropical storms, and hail accounting for 56%, followed by flooding and severe thunderstorms responsible for 24% of the total damages. The current study provides normalized trends to support the assertion that the increase in property damage is a combined contribution of stronger disasters as predicted by climate change models and increases in urban development in risk prone regions such as the Texas Gulf Coast. A comparison of the temporal distribution of damages normalized by population and GDP resulted in a less statistically significant increasing trend per capita. Seasonal distribution highlights spring as the costliest season (March, April and May) while the hurricane season (June through November) is well aligned with the months of highest property damage. Normalization of property damage by GDP during 2001–2016 showed Dallas as the only metropolitan statistical area (MSA) with a significant increasing trend of the 25 MSAs in Texas. Spatial analysis of property damage per capita highlighted the regions that are at greater risk during and after a major disaster given their limited economic resources compared to more urbanized regions. Variation in the causes of damage (wind or water) and types of damage that a “Hurricane” can produce was investigated using Hazus model simulation. A comparison of published damage estimates at time of occurrence with simulation outputs for Hurricanes Carla, 1961; Alicia, 1983; and Ike, 2008 based on 2010 building exposure highlighted the impact of economic growth, susceptibility of wood building types, and the predominant cause of damage. Carla and Ike simulation models captured less than 50% of their respective estimates reported by other sources suggesting a broad geographical zone of damage with flood damage making a significant contribution. Conversely, the model damage estimates for Alicia are 50% higher than total damage estimates that were reported at the time of occurrence suggesting a substantial increase in building exposure susceptible to wind damage in the modeled region from 1983 – 2010.
Overwintered Drosophila suzukii Are the Main Source for Infestations of the First Fruit Crops of the Season
Authors: Panel Aurore , Zeeman Laura , Van der Sluis Bart , Van Elk Peter , Pannebakker Bart , Wertheim Bregje , Helsen Herman
Published: October 2018

The mechanisms allowing the widespread invasive pest Drosophila suzukii to survive from early spring until the availability of the first fruit crops are still unclear. Seasonal biology and population dynamics of D. suzukii were investigated in order to better understand the contribution of the early spring hosts to the infestation of the first fruit crops of the season. We identified hosts available to D. suzukii in early spring and assessed their suitability for the pest oviposition and reproductive success under field and laboratory conditions. The natural infestation rate of one of these hosts, Aucuba japonica, was assessed over springtime and the morphology of the flies that emerged from infested A. japonica fruits was characterized under field conditions. Then, these findings were correlated with long-term monitoring data on seasonal reproductive biology and morphology of the pest, using a cumulative degree-days (DD) analysis. Field sampling revealed that overwintered D. suzukii females were physiologically able to lay eggs at 87 DD which coincided with the detection of the first infested early spring hosts. The latter were continuously and increasingly infested by D. suzukii eggs in nature from early spring until the end of May, in particular Aucuba japonica. Individuals emerged from most of these hosts were characterized by a poor fitness and a rather low success of emergence. In the field, only few summer morphs emerged from naturally infested A. japonica fruits around the end of May-beginning of June. However, field monitoring in orchards revealed that D. suzukii individuals consisted solely of winter morphs until mid-June. These observations indicate that overwintered D. suzukii females are the predominant source for the infestations in the first available fruit crops of the season. We discuss these findings in the context of possible pest control strategies.
Filling of Mater-Bi with Nanoclays to Enhance the Biofilm Rigidity
Authors: Cavallaro Giuseppe , Lazzara Giuseppe , Lisuzzo Lorenzo , Milioto Stefana , Parisi Filippo
Published: October 2018

We investigated the efficacy of several nanoclays (halloysite, sepiolite and laponite) as nanofillers for Mater-Bi, which is a commercial bioplastic extensively used within food packaging applications. The preparation of Mater-Bi/nanoclay nanocomposite films was easily achieved by means of the solvent casting method from dichloroethane. The prepared bio-nanocomposites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in order to explore the effect of the addition of the nanoclays on the mechanical behavior of the Mater-Bi-based films. Tensile tests found that filling Mater-Bi with halloysite induced the most significant improvement of the mechanical performances under traction force, while DMA measurements under the oscillatory regime showed that the polymer glass transition was not affected by the addition of the nanoclay. The tensile properties of the Mater-Bi/halloysite nanotube (HNT) films were competitive compared to those of traditional petroleum plastics in terms of the elastic modulus and stress at the breaking point. Both the mechanical response to the temperature and the tensile properties make the bio-nanocomposites appropriate for food packaging and smart coating purposes. Here, we report a preliminary study of the development of sustainable hybrid materials that could be employed in numerous industrial and technological applications within materials science and pharmaceutics.
Predicting the Potential Impact of Climate Change on Carbon Stock in Semi-Arid West African Savannas
Authors: Dimobe Kangbéni , Kouakou Jean Léandre N’djoré , Tondoh Jérôme E. , Zoungrana Benewinde J.-B. , Forkuor Gerald , Ouédraogo Korotimi
Published: October 2018

West African savannas are experiencing rapid land cover change that threatens biodiversity and affects ecosystem productivity through the loss of habitat and biomass, and carbon emissions into the atmosphere exacerbating climate change effects. Therefore, reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in these areas is critical in the efforts to combat climate change. For such restorative actions to be successful, they must be grounded on a clear knowledge of the extent to which climate change affects carbon storage in soil and biomass according to different land uses. The current study was undertaken in semi-arid savannas in Dano, southwestern Burkina Faso, with the threefold objective of: (i) identifying the main land use and land cover categories (LULCc) in a watershed; (ii) assessing the carbon stocks (biomass and soil) in the selected LULCc; and (iii) predicting the effects of climate change on the spatial distribution of the carbon stock. Dendrometric data (Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and height) of woody species and soil samples were measured and collected, respectively, in 43 plots, each measuring 50 × 20 m. Tree biomass carbon stocks were calculated using allometric equations while soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks were measured at two depths (0–20 and 20–50 cm). To assess the impact of climate change on carbon stocks, geographical location records of carbon stocks, remote sensing spectral bands, topographic data, and bioclimatic variables were used. For projections of future climatic conditions, predictions from two climate models (MPI-ESM-MR and HadGEM2-ES) of CMIP5 were used under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 and modeling was performed using random forest regression. Results showed that the most dominant LULCc are cropland (37.2%) and tree savannas (35.51%). Carbon stocks in woody biomass were higher in woodland (10.2 ± 6.4 Mg·ha−1) and gallery forests (7.75 ± 4.05 Mg·ha−1), while the lowest values were recorded in shrub savannas (0.9 ± 1.2 Mg·ha−1) and tree savannas (1.6 ± 0.6 Mg·ha−1). The highest SOC stock was recorded in gallery forests (30.2 ± 15.6 Mg·ha−1) and the lowest in the cropland (14.9 ± 5.7 Mg·ha−1). Based on modeling results, it appears clearly that climate change might have an impact on carbon stock at horizon 2070 by decreasing the storage capacity of various land units which are currently suitable. The decrease was more important under HadGEM2-ES (90.0%) and less under MPI-ESM-MR (89.4%). These findings call for smart and sustainable land use management practices in the study area to unlock the potential of these landscapes to sequestering carbon.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of ZrB2–HfC Ceramics Influenced by HfC Addition
Authors: Jing Yi , Yuan Hongbing , Lian Zisheng
Published: October 2018

ZrB2–HfC ceramics have been fabricated using the liquid phase sintering technique at a sintering temperature as low as 1750 °C through the addition of Ni. The effects of HfC addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrB2–based ceramics have been investigated. These ceramics were composed of ZrB2, HfC, Ni, and a small amount of possible (Zr, Hf)B2 solid solution. Small HfC grains were distributed among ZrB2 grain boundaries. These small grains could improve the density of ZrB2–based ceramics and play a pinning role. With HfC content increasing from 10 wt % to 30 wt %, more HfC grains were distributed among ZrB2 grain boundaries, leading to weaker interface bonding among HfC grains; the relative density and Vickers hardness increased, and flexural strength and fracture toughness decreased. The weak interface bonding for 20 and 30 wt % HfC contents was the main cause of the decrease in both flexural strength and fracture toughness.
Evaluating the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Dissimilar Metal Joints Between a New Cast Superalloy K4750 and Hastelloy X Alloy by Using Different Filler Materials
Authors: Xie Jilin , Ma Yingche , Ou Meiqiong , Xing Weiwei , Zhang Long , Liu Kui
Published: October 2018

Two kinds of filler materials were used to join dissimilar alloys between a new cast superalloy K4750 and Hastelloy X by tungsten gas arc welding (GTAW). The segregation behavior, interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of the dissimilar joints were evaluated. The results show that both filler materials can be used to obtain sound dissimilar joints successfully. Microstructural observation show that no obvious cracking is observed in the joints achieved by both filler materials. The segregation extent of various elements in Hastelloy X weld metal is more severe than that in the K4750 weld metal. No unmixed zones were observed at the interfaces. Transition areas with the chemical compositions various between the K4750 alloy and the Hastelloy X alloy were found at the joint interfaces. The maximum width of the transition area between the K4750 weld metal and Hastelloy X base metal is smaller than that between the Hastelloy X weld metal and K4750 base metal. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the joints with Hastelloy X filler material are slightly higher than those with K4750 filler material, however, the K4750 filler material results in a higher total elongation and fusion zone microhardness than those with Hastelloy X filler material. Both dissimilar joints fractured with a ductile feature which exhibits tearing edges and dimples. Hastelloy X filler material is suggested to be more suitable for joining of K4750 superalloy and Hastelloy X dissimilar metals in terms of obtaining superior comprehensive mechanical properties.
Synthesis and Properties of Bulk Nanostructured Metallic Materials
Authors: Ahn Byungmin
Published: October 2018

Bulk nanostructured materials (BNMs) are defined as polycrystalline bulk solids with nanocrystalline (NC) or ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructures. [...]
Prediction of Static Recrystallization Nucleation Sites in Tensile Deformed Single Crystal Pure Iron through a Combination of In-Situ EBSD and CP-FEM
Authors: Luo Zichao , Yoshino Masahiko , Terano Motoki , Yamanaka Akinori
Published: October 2018

Microstructure control is of vital importance in tailoring physical properties of metallic materials. Despite the enormous efforts devoted to the study of microstructure evolution during recrystallization, most previous research has been conducted under non-simple conditions, either applying complex deforming boundary conditions or employing specimens with sophisticated crystalline structure. These complexities hinder comprehensive understanding of the fundamental aspects in texture evolution and make it even harder to penetrate the already intricate recrystallization behaviors. The present study aims at a detailed evaluation of widely used phenomenological model in reproducing experimentally observed deformation characteristics under simple crystalline structure and deformation condition, as well as the prediction of nucleation sites during static recrystallization. In situ electron back-scattering diffusion (EBSD) observations were performed to record texture change during static recrystallization of single crystal pure iron specimens after tensile deformation. CP-FEM (crystal plasticity finite element method) method was employed to simulate deformed texture. Deformation heterogeneity characterized by kernel average misorientation maps derived from EBSD data and numerical calculations were compared. The former data shows deformation heterogeneity sensitive to localized microstrain while the later delivers an effective meso-scale deformation distribution. Observed approximate nucleation sites have shown a qualitative coincidence with highly distorted regions in numerical calculations.
Current Applications of Metabolomics in Cirrhosis
Authors: Khan Vinshi , Putluri Nagireddy , Sreekumar Arun , Mindikoglu Ayse L.
Published: October 2018

Metabolomics is the identification and quantification of all or specified metabolites in a living system under a specific condition or disease. Metabolomics in cirrhosis can be used in diagnosing complications, determining prognosis and assessment of response to therapy. In this review, we summarized representative applications of metabolomics in cirrhosis and significant metabolites associated with cirrhosis and its complications.
Transfer RNA Modification Enzymes from Thermophiles and Their Modified Nucleosides in tRNA
Authors: Hori Hiroyuki , Kawamura Takuya , Awai Takako , Ochi Anna , Yamagami Ryota , Tomikawa Chie , Hirata Akira
Published: October 2018

To date, numerous modified nucleosides in tRNA as well as tRNA modification enzymes have been identified not only in thermophiles but also in mesophiles. Because most modified nucleosides in tRNA from thermophiles are common to those in tRNA from mesophiles, they are considered to work essentially in steps of protein synthesis at high temperatures. At high temperatures, the structure of unmodified tRNA will be disrupted. Therefore, thermophiles must possess strategies to stabilize tRNA structures. To this end, several thermophile-specific modified nucleosides in tRNA have been identified. Other factors such as RNA-binding proteins and polyamines contribute to the stability of tRNA at high temperatures. Thermus thermophilus, which is an extreme-thermophilic eubacterium, can adapt its protein synthesis system in response to temperature changes via the network of modified nucleosides in tRNA and tRNA modification enzymes. Notably, tRNA modification enzymes from thermophiles are very stable. Therefore, they have been utilized for biochemical and structural studies. In the future, thermostable tRNA modification enzymes may be useful as biotechnology tools and may be utilized for medical science.
Long-Term Effect on Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Activity of Thermal and High-Pressure Pasteurization of Orange Juice
Authors: Vieira Fabiana N. , Lourenço Sónia , Fidalgo Liliana G. , Santos Sónia A. O. , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Jerónimo Eliana , Saraiva Jorge A.
Published: October 2018

The long-term effect of thermal pasteurization (TP) and high-pressure processing (HPP) of orange juices stored under refrigeration, on the bioactive components and antioxidant activity, was compared. Total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid, anthocyanin, and carotenoid contents, the individual content of major phenolic components, and the antioxidant activity, were evaluated in TP- and HPP-treated juices over a 36-day period. At day 0, no significant differences in TPC, and a decrease in carotenoid content after both treatments, were observed. TP caused a decrease of flavonoid and anthocyanin contents, while HPP increased flavonoid content. Three major phenolic components were identified: apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside, naringenin-7-O-rutinoside, and hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside, the latter increasing ca. 45% immediately after HPP. During storage, a decrease in TPC, and in the anthocyanin and carotenoid contents of both treated juices was observed, with higher anthocyanin and phenolic contents in HPP juices. A significant increase of hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside content was observed in HPP juice. Both treatments caused a decrease (26% and 13%, respectively) of antioxidant activity. Most of the kinetic profiles followed zero-order patterns, with HPP juices showing a considerably higher half-life than TP ones. These results clearly demonstrate the advantages of HPP for orange juice preservation allowing, also, their nutritional benefits to be enhanced by increasing the content of some bioactive components.
Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Melicope lunu-ankenda
Authors: Mohamed Eliaser Enas , Hui Ho Jun , Mohd. Hashim Najihah , Rukayadi Yaya , Lian Ee Gwendoline Cheng , Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal
Published: October 2018

Natural products, either pure compounds or standardized plant extracts, have provided opportunities for the discovery of new drugs. Nowadays, most of the world’s population still relies on traditional medicines for healthcare purposes. Plants, in particular, are always used as traditional medicine, as they contain a diverse number of phytochemicals that can be used for the treatment of diseases. The multicomponent feature in the plants is considered a positive phytotherapeutic hallmark. Hence, ethnopharmacognosy has been the focus for finding alternative treatments for diseases. Melicope lunu-ankenda, also known as Euodia lunu-ankenda, is widely distributed in tropical regions of Asia. Different parts of M. lunu-ankenda have been used for treatment of hypertension, menstrual disorder, diabetes, and fever, and as an emmenagogue and tonic. It has also been consumed as salad and as a condiment for food flavorings. The justification of use of M. lunu-ankenda in folk medicines is supported by its reported biological activities, including its cytotoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review summarizes the phytochemical compounds isolated from various parts of M. lunu-ankenda, such as root and leaves, and also its biological activities, which could make the species a new therapeutic agent for some diseases, including diabetes, in the future.
The Way to Ultrafast, High-Throughput Enantioseparations of Bioactive Compounds in Liquid and Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
Authors: Ismail Omar H. , Felletti Simona , Luca Chiara De , Pasti Luisa , Marchetti Nicola , Costa Valentina , Gasparrini Francesco , Cavazzini Alberto , Catani Martina
Published: October 2018

Until less than 10 years ago, chiral separations were carried out with columns packed with 5 or 3 μ m fully porous particles (FPPs). Times to resolve enantiomeric mixtures were easily larger than 30 min, or so. Pushed especially by stringent requirements from medicinal and pharmaceutical industries, during the last years the field of chiral separations by liquid chromatography has undergone what can be defined a “true revolution”. With the purpose of developing ever faster and efficient method of separations, indeed, very efficient particle formats, such as superficially porous particles (SPPs) or
Changes in Soybean (Glycine max L.) Flour Fatty-Acid Content Based on Storage Temperature and Duration
Authors: Prabakaran Mayakrishnan , Lee Kyoung-Jin , An Yeonju , Kwon Chang , Kim Soyeon , Yang Yujin , Ahmad Ateeque , Kim Seung-Hyun , Chung Ill-Min
Published: October 2018

Soybeans are low in saturated fat and a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and isoflavone; however, their nutritional shelf life is yet to be established. This study evaluated the change in the stability and quality of fatty acids in raw and roasted soybean flour under different storage temperatures and durations. In both types of soybean flour, the fatty-acid content was the highest in the order of linoleic acid (18-carbon chain with two double bonds; C18:2), oleic acid (C18:1), palmitic acid (C16:0), linolenic acid (18:3), and stearic acid (C18:0), which represented 47%, 26%, 12%, 9%, and 4% of the total fatty-acid content, respectively. The major unsaturated fatty acids of raw soybean flour—oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid—decreased by 30.0%, 94.4%, and 97.7%, and 38.0%, 94.8%, and 98.0% when stored in polyethylene and polypropylene film, respectively, after 48 weeks of storage under high-temperature conditions. These values were later increased due to hydrolysis. This study presents the changes in composition and content of two soybean flour types and the changes in quality and stability of fatty acids in response to storage temperature and duration. This study shows the influence of storage conditions and temperature on the nutritional quality which is least affected by packing material.
Sialic Acid-Binding Lectin from Bullfrog Eggs Exhibits an Anti-Tumor Effect Against Breast Cancer Cells Including Triple-Negative Phenotype Cells
Authors: Tatsuta Takeo , Sato Shoko , Sato Toshiyuki , Sugawara Shigeki , Suzuki Tsuneyoshi , Hara Akiyoshi , Hosono Masahiro
Published: October 2018

Sialic acid-binding lectin from Rana catesbeiana eggs (cSBL) is a multifunctional protein that has lectin and ribonuclease activity. In this study, the anti-tumor activities of cSBL were assessed using a panel of breast cancer cell lines. cSBL suppressed the cell growth of all cancer cell lines tested here at a concentration that is less toxic, or not toxic at all, to normal cells. The growth suppressive effect was attributed to the cancer-selective induction of apoptosis. We assessed the expressions of several key molecules associated with the breast cancer phenotype after cSBL treatment by western blotting. cSBL decreased the expression level of estrogen receptor (ER) α, while it increased the phosphorylation level of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). cSBL also suppressed the expression of the progesterone receptor (PgR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2). Furthermore, it was revealed that cSBL decreases the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER1) in triple-negative breast cancer cells. These results indicate that cSBL induces apoptosis with decreasing ErbB family proteins and may have great potential for breast cancer chemotherapy, particularly in triple-negative phenotype cells.
Preclinical Pharmacokinetics of Scoparone, Geniposide and Rhein in an Herbal Medicine Using a Validated LC-MS/MS Method
Authors: Hsueh Tun-Pin , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: October 2018

The herbal formula Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang has been reported to have anti-fibrosis properties. The aim of this study was to reveal the pharmacokinetic characteristics of bioactive compounds in this herbal formula. A new high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of scoparone, geniposide and rhein in rat plasma. A pharmaceutical herbal powder was administered to rats at doses of 1 g/kg and 3 g/kg orally. The method showed excellent linearity (r2 > 0.999) and validation was successfully conducted for the pharmacokinetic study. The results show that the Cmax values and areas under the curve of scoparone, geniposide and rhein were higher and not proportional to the dose in rat plasma, while the Tmax and half-life values were consistent in the group that received 1 g/kg. The clearance of the higher dose (3 g/kg) did not decrease proportionally to that of the low dose. The results showed the nonlinear pharmacokinetic properties of scoparone, geniposide and rhein in Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang that suggested possible accumulation of bioactive compounds through oral administration. This pharmacokinetic study reveals that an increased dose of this herbal formula would largely increase the maximum concentration and bioavailability of scoparone, geniposide and rhein.
Oxysterols and Retinal Degeneration in a Rat Model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome: Implications for an Improved Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Fliesler Steven J. , Xu Libin
Published: October 2018

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive human disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) reductase (DHCR7), resulting in abnormal accumulation of 7DHC and reduced levels of cholesterol in bodily tissues and fluids. A rat model of the disease has been created by treating normal rats with the DHCR7 inhibitor, AY9944, which causes progressive, irreversible retinal degeneration. Herein, we review the features of this disease model and the evidence linking 7DHC-derived oxysterols to the pathobiology of the disease, with particular emphasis on the associated retinal degeneration. A recent study has shown that treating the rat model with cholesterol plus suitable antioxidants completely prevents the retinal degeneration. These findings are discussed with regard to their translational implications for developing an improved therapeutic intervention for SLOS over the current standard of care.