bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZIF Nanocrystal-Based Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Electronic Nose to Detect Diabetes in Human Breath
Authors: Bahos Fabio A. , Sainz-Vidal Arianee , Sánchez-Pérez Celia , Saniger José M. , Gràcia Isabel , Saniger-Alba María M. , Matatagui Daniel
Published: December 2018

In the present work, a novel, portable and innovative eNose composed of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor array based on zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 nanocrystals (pure and combined with gold nanoparticles), as sensitive layers has been tested as a non-invasive system to detect different disease markers, such as acetone, ethanol and ammonia, related to the diagnosis and control of diabetes mellitus through exhaled breath. The sensors have been prepared by spin coating, achieving continuous sensitive layers at the surface of the SAW device. Low concentrations (5 ppm, 10 ppm and 25 ppm) of the marker analytes were measured, obtaining high sensitivities, good reproducibility, short time response and fast signal recovery.
Obesity-Induced TNFα and IL-6 Signaling: The Missing Link between Obesity and Inflammation—Driven Liver and Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Kern Lara , Mittenbühler Melanie , Vesting Anna , Ostermann Anna , Wunderlich Claudia , Wunderlich F.
Published: December 2018

Obesity promotes the development of numerous cancers, such as liver and colorectal cancers, which is at least partly due to obesity-induced, chronic, low-grade inflammation. In particular, the recruitment and activation of immune cell subsets in the white adipose tissue systemically increase proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These proinflammatory cytokines not only impair insulin action in metabolic tissues, but also favor cancer development. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on how obesity affects inflammatory TNFα and IL-6 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancers.
Stemness, Pluripotentiality, and Wnt Antagonism: sFRP4, a Wnt antagonist Mediates Pluripotency and Stemness in Glioblastoma
Authors: Bhuvanalakshmi Gurubharathi , Gamit Naisarg , Patil Manasi , Arfuso Frank , Sethi Gautam , Dharmarajan Arun , Prem Kumar Alan , Warrier Sudha
Published: December 2018

Background: Chemotherapeutic resistance of glioblastoma has been attributed to a self-renewing subpopulation, the glioma stem cells (GSCs), which is known to be maintained by the Wnt β−catenin pathway. Our previous findings demonstrated that exogeneous addition of the Wnt antagonist, secreted fizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4) hampered stem cell properties in GSCs. Methods: To understand the molecular mechanism of sFRP4, we overexpressed sFRP4 (sFRP4 OE) in three human glioblastoma cell lines U87MG, U138MG, and U373MG. We also performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing of sFRP4 OE and RNA sequencing of sFRP4 OE and sFRP4 knocked down U87 cells. Results: We observed nuclear localization of sFRP4, suggesting an unknown nuclear role. ChIP-sequencing of sFRP4 pulldown DNA revealed a homeobox Cphx1, related to the senescence regulator ETS proto-oncogene 2 (ETS2). Furthermore, miRNA885, a p53-mediated apoptosis inducer, was upregulated in sFRP4 OE cells. RNA sequencing analysis suggested that sFRP4-mediated apoptosis is via the Fas-p53 pathway by activating the Wnt calcium and reactive oxygen species pathways. Interestingly, sFRP4 OE cells had decreased stemness, but when knocked down in multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, pluripotentiality was induced and the Wnt β-catenin pathway was upregulated. Conclusions: This study unveils a novel nuclear role for sFRP4 to promote apoptosis by a possible activation of DNA damage machinery in glioblastoma.
Endolysosomal Ca2+ Signalling and Cancer Hallmarks: Two-Pore Channels on the Move, TRPML1 Lags Behind!
Authors: Faris Pawan , Shekha Mudhir , Montagna Daniela , Guerra Germano , Moccia Francesco
Published: December 2018

The acidic vesicles of the endolysosomal (EL) system are emerging as an intracellular Ca2+ store implicated in the regulation of multiple cellular functions. The EL Ca2+ store releases Ca2+ through a variety of Ca2+-permeable channels, including Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Mucolipin 1-3 (TRPML1-3) and two-pore channels 1-2 (TPC1-2), whereas EL Ca2+ refilling is sustained by the proton gradient across the EL membrane and/or by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). EL Ca2+ signals may be either spatially restricted to control vesicle trafficking, autophagy and membrane repair or may be amplified into a global Ca2+ signal through the Ca2+-dependent recruitment of ER-embedded channels. Emerging evidence suggested that nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)-gated TPCs sustain multiple cancer hallmarks, such as migration, invasiveness and angiogenesis. Herein, we first survey the EL Ca2+ refilling and release mechanisms and then focus on the oncogenic role of EL Ca2+ signaling. While the evidence in favor of TRPML1 involvement in neoplastic transformation is yet to be clearly provided, TPCs are emerging as an alternative target for anticancer therapies.
A Rise in ATP, ROS, and Mitochondrial Content upon Glucose Withdrawal Correlates with a Dysregulated Mitochondria Turnover Mediated by the Activation of the Protein Deacetylase SIRT1
Authors: Song Seon , Hwang Eun
Published: December 2018

Glucose withdrawal has been used as a model for the study of homeostatic defense mechanisms, especially for how cells cope with a shortage of nutrient supply by enhancing catabolism. However, detailed cellular responses to glucose withdrawal have been poorly studied, and are controversial. In this study, we determined how glucose withdrawal affects mitochondrial activity, and the quantity and the role of SIRT1 in these changes. The results of our study indicate a substantial increase in ATP production from mitochondria, through an elevation of mitochondrial biogenesis, mediated by SIRT1 activation that is driven by increased NAD+/NADH ratio. Moreover, mitochondria persisted in the cells as elongated forms, and apparently evaded mitophagic removal. This led to a steady increase in mitochondria content and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from them, indicating failure in ATP and ROS homeostasis, due to a misbalance in SIRT1-mediated mitochondria turnover in conditions of glucose withdrawal. Our results suggest that SIRT1 activation alone cannot properly manage energy homeostasis under certain metabolic crisis conditions.
A Dense Cr2O3/Al2O3 Composite Ceramic Coating Prepared by Electrodeposition and Sealing with Al2O3
Authors: Di Jiao , Liu Wei , Xue Lihong , Zhou Qilai , Yan Youwei
Published: December 2018

A dense Cr2O3/Al2O3 composite coating was fabricated on 321L stainless steel by electrodepositing an Al2O3 layer on a Cr2O3 coating. The composition, structure, and properties of the obtained ceramic coating were investigated. The results showed that Al2O3 fully infiltrated the Cr2O3 coating and significantly improved the compactness of the ceramic coating by filling in the pores and cracks between the Cr2O3 grains. The composite ceramic coating was heat-treated at 750 °C and exhibited a high microhardness of 219.4 HV500g, a bonding strength of 46.5 MPa, and excellent anti-corrosion and deuterium permeation suppression properties.
Synthesis and Adsorbing Properties of Tabular {001} Calcite Crystals
Authors: Matijaković Nives , Magnabosco Giulia , Scarpino Francesco , Fermani Simona , Falini Giuseppe , Kralj Damir
Published: December 2018

One of the most common crystal habits of the thermodynamically stable polymorph of calcium carbonate, calcite, is the rhombohedral one, which exposes {10.4} faces. When calcite is precipitated in the presence of Li+ ions, dominantly {00.1} faces appear together with the {10.4}, thus generating truncated rhombohedrons. This well-known phenomenon is explored in this work, with the aim of obtaining calcite crystals with smooth {00.1} faces. In order to achieve this objective, the formation of calcite was examined in precipitation systems with different c(Ca2+)/c(Li+) ratios and by performing an initial high-power sonication. At the optimal conditions, a precipitate consisting of thin, tabular {001} calcite crystals and very low content of incorporated Li+ has been obtained. The adsorption properties of the tabular crystals, in which the energetically unstable {00.1} faces represent almost all of the exposed surface, were tested with model dye molecules, calcein and crystal violet, and compared to predominantly rhombohedral crystals. It was found that the {00.1} crystals showed a lower adsorption capability when compared to the {10.4} crystals for calcein, while the adsorption of crystal violet was similar for both crystal morphologies. The obtained results open new routes for the usage of calcite as adsorbing substrates and are relevant for the understanding of biomineralization processes in which the {00.1} faces often interact with organic macromolecules.
Radiogenomics and Radiomics in Liver Cancers
Authors: Saini Aman , Breen Ilana , Pershad Yash , Naidu Sailendra , Knuttinen M. Grace , Alzubaidi Sadeer , Sheth Rahul , Albadawi Hassan , Kuo Malia , Oklu Rahmi
Published: December 2018

Radiogenomics is a computational discipline that identifies correlations between cross-sectional imaging features and tissue-based molecular data. These imaging phenotypic correlations can then potentially be used to longitudinally and non-invasively predict a tumor’s molecular profile. A different, but related field termed radiomics examines the extraction of quantitative data from imaging data and the subsequent combination of these data with clinical information in an attempt to provide prognostic information and guide clinical decision making. Together, these fields represent the evolution of biomedical imaging from a descriptive, qualitative specialty to a predictive, quantitative discipline. It is anticipated that radiomics and radiogenomics will not only identify pathologic processes, but also unveil their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms through clinical imaging alone. Here, we review recent studies on radiogenomics and radiomics in liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and metastases to the liver.
RNA Editors, Cofactors, and mRNA Targets: An Overview of the C-to-U RNA Editing Machinery and Its Implication in Human Disease
Authors: Lerner Taga , Papavasiliou F. Nina , Pecori Riccardo
Published: December 2018

One of the most prevalent epitranscriptomic modifications is RNA editing. In higher eukaryotes, RNA editing is catalyzed by one of two classes of deaminases: ADAR family enzymes that catalyze A-to-I (read as G) editing, and AID/APOBEC family enzymes that catalyze C-to-U. ADAR-catalyzed deamination has been studied extensively. Here we focus on AID/APOBEC-catalyzed editing, and review the emergent knowledge regarding C-to-U editing consequences in the context of human disease.
Stimulation of Replication Template-Switching by DNA-Protein Crosslinks
Authors: Laranjo Laura T. , Klaric Julie A. , Pearlman Leah R. , Lovett Susan T.
Published: December 2018

Covalent DNA protein crosslinks (DPCs) are common lesions that block replication. We examine here the consequence of DPCs on mutagenesis involving replicational template-switch reactions in Escherichia coli. 5-Azacytidine (5-azaC) is a potent mutagen for template-switching. This effect is dependent on DNA cytosine methylase (Dcm), implicating the Dcm-DNA covalent complex trapped by 5-azaC as the initiator for mutagenesis. The leading strand of replication is more mutable than the lagging strand, which can be explained by blocks to the replicative helicase and/or fork regression. We find that template-switch mutagenesis induced by 5-azaC does not require double strand break repair via RecABCD; the ability to induce the SOS response is anti-mutagenic. Mutants in recB, but not recA, exhibit high constitutive rates of template-switching, and we suggest that RecBCD-mediated DNA degradation prevents template-switching associated with fork regression. A mutation in the DnaB fork helicase also promotes high levels of template-switching. We also find that other DPC-inducers, formaldehyde (a non-specific crosslinker) and ciprofloxacin (a topoisomerase II poison) are also strong mutagens for template-switching with similar genetic properties. Induction of mutations and genetic rearrangements that occur by template-switching may constitute a previously unrecognized component of the genotoxicity and genetic instability promoted by DPCs.
ATPe Dynamics in Protozoan Parasites. Adapt or Perish
Authors: Lauri Natalia , Bazzi Zaher , Alvarez Cora L. , Leal Denis María F. , Schachter Julieta , Herlax Vanesa , Ostuni Mariano A. , Schwarzbaum Pablo J.
Published: December 2018

In most animals, transient increases of extracellular ATP (ATPe) are used for physiological signaling or as a danger signal in pathological conditions. ATPe dynamics are controlled by ATP release from viable cells and cell lysis, ATPe degradation and interconversion by ecto-nucleotidases, and interaction of ATPe and byproducts with cell surface purinergic receptors and purine salvage mechanisms. Infection by protozoan parasites may alter at least one of the mechanisms controlling ATPe concentration. Protozoan parasites display their own set of proteins directly altering ATPe dynamics, or control the activity of host proteins. Parasite dependent activation of ATPe conduits of the host may promote infection and systemic responses that are beneficial or detrimental to the parasite. For instance, activation of organic solute permeability at the host membrane can support the elevated metabolism of the parasite. On the other hand ecto-nucleotidases of protozoan parasites, by promoting ATPe degradation and purine/pyrimidine salvage, may be involved in parasite growth, infectivity, and virulence. In this review, we will describe the complex dynamics of ATPe regulation in the context of protozoan parasite–host interactions. Particular focus will be given to features of parasite membrane proteins strongly controlling ATPe dynamics. This includes evolutionary, genetic and cellular mechanisms, as well as structural-functional relationships.
Megaclasts: Term Use and Relevant Biases
Authors: Ruban Dmitry A. , Ponedelnik Alena A. , Yashalova Natalia N.
Published: December 2018

The term “megaclast” started circulation near the beginning of the 21st century. The present review is aimed at examination of the use of this term in the modern geoscience literature. The main method is bibliographical survey of the articles published during 2000–2017 with the on-line bibliographical database “Scopus”. The main findings are as follows. The term “megaclast” has not been used extensively, but the number of the articles employing this term increased in the mid-2000s and in the early 2010s. The majority of the papers deal with megaclasts of Quaternary age. The megaclast research focuses on five regions, namely West Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Western North America, Southern South America, and the Pacific and circum-Pacific. The most studied are megaclasts occurring on coasts influenced by tsunamis and storms; significant attention has been paid also to those clasts transported by volcanism-triggered debris flows and slope failures, both continental and submarine. There are three serious biases relevant to the use of the term “megaclast” in the geoscience literature, namely stratigraphical, geographical, and genetic biases. Due to this incompleteness in the knowledge of megaclasts, this term should be either used more actively, which is preferable, or abandoned.
The Importance of Geriatric Care Models
Authors: Powers James S.
Published: December 2018

I am delighted to edit this Special Issue of Geriatrics focusing on Geriatric Care Models. [...]
Bacterial Contamination of Drinking Water in Guadalajara, Mexico
Authors: Rubino Francesca , Corona Yahaira , Jiménez Pérez José Guadalupe , Smith Charlotte
Published: December 2018

In many regions where drinking water supply is intermittent and unreliable, households adapt by storing water in cisterns or rooftop tanks. Both intermittent supply and stored water can be vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms with deleterious health effects. The Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara is a rapidly growing urban center with over five million residents where household storage is nearly ubiquitous. This pilot study was conducted in July 2018 to examine the microbiological quality of drinking water in Guadalajara. Samples were tested for free available chlorine residual, total coliform bacteria, and Escherichia coli. A survey on access to water and public perspectives was also conducted. Water exiting rooftop tanks exceeded regulatory limits for total coliform levels in half of the homes studied. Piped water arriving at two homes had total coliform levels that far exceeded regulatory limits. No E. coli were detected in any of the samples. Only 35% of homes had a chlorine residual between the recommended 0.2 and 1.5 mg/L. Many homes reported unpleasant odors and colors. Only 7% of residents drank the piped water. Future studies are needed, especially during April and May when many homes reported a higher disruption to water service.
Ratio of Land Consumption Rate to Population Growth Rate—Analysis of Different Formulations Applied to Mainland Portugal
Authors: Nicolau Rita , David João , Caetano Mário , Pereira José
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a methodological approach for the assessment of the indicator 11.3.1: “Ratio of Land Consumption Rate to Population Growth Rate” proposed by the United Nations (UN), discussing the definitions and assumptions that support the indicator quantification, and analysing the results provided by different formulations applied to mainland Portugal, at the municipality level. Due to specific limitations related to the actual formula proposed by the UN (LCRPGR) for the computation of the indicator, an alternative formulation derived from Land Use Efficiency (LUE) was explored. Considering that the land to which the indicator refers may be described by specific classes represented in Land Cover Land Use (LCLU) maps, in the estimation of the land consumption rate we tested two LCLU datasets: Corine Land Cover and COS—the Portuguese LCLU reference map. For the estimation of the population growth rate, prior allocation of inhabitants to the areas where people are most likely to reside was deemed necessary, using a dasymetric mapping technique based on LCLU information. The results obtained for 2007–2011 and 2011–2015 showed, in most municipalities, an increase in the urban area and a decrease in urban population, leading to negative values both in LCRPGR and LUE in most of the territory. Clearly, LUE performed better than LCRPGR in what urban development monitoring and urban area dynamics trends are concerned. Furthermore, LUE was much easier to interpret.
Special Issue on Advanced Learning Methods for Complex Data
Authors: Atzori Maurizio , Pes Barbara
Published: December 2018

The importance of data mining methods has increased dramatically in recent years, making this research area relevant and challenging to extract actionable knowledge from complex data. Indeed, new algorithms and machine learning methods are constantly being explored to deal with domains that present multiple challenges including high-dimensionality, heterogeneity of features, and complex relationships between data objects. This special issue aims at discussing emerging approaches for learning from complex data, including text data, images, and social media data.
Exosome-Mediated Signaling in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor Progression
Authors: Conigliaro Alice , Cicchini Carla
Published: December 2018

Growing evidence points to exosomes as key mediators of cell–cell communication, by transferring their specific cargo (e.g., proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA molecules) from producing to receiving cells. In cancer, the regulation of the exosome-mediated intercellular communication may be reshaped, inducing relevant changes in gene expression of recipient cells in addition to microenvironment alterations. Notably, exosomes may deliver signals able to induce the transdifferentiation process known as Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of exosomes in tumor progression and EMT, highlighting current knowledge on exosome-mediated intercellular communication in tumor-niche establishment, migration, invasion, and metastasis processes. This body of evidence suggests the relevance of taking into account exosome-mediated signaling and its multifaceted aspects to develop innovative anti-tumoral therapeutic approaches.
Compatibilization of Polypropylene/Polyamide 6 Blend Fibers Using Photo-Oxidized Polypropylene
Authors: La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Ceraulo Manuela , Mistretta Maria Chiara , Botta Luigi , Morreale Marco
Published: December 2018

The use of polyamide/polyolefin blends has gained importance and concern for years, but they also show some issues to be adequately addressed, such as the incompatibility between the two components. This is usually overcome by using suitable compatibilizers, typically based on functionalized polyolefins. However, there is only little information about the use of a degraded polyolefins to induce compatibilization. This is even truer, as far as polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP) blends are concerned. In this work, compatibilization of PA6/PP blends by using small amounts of photo-oxidized PP was investigated; furthermore, the effects due to the presence of the photo-oxidized PP were studied also in relationship to the spinning operation, where the existence of the non-isothermal elongational flow can lead to significant, further morphological changes. It was found that isotropic samples showed significant enhancements of the tensile properties upon adding the photo-oxidized PP. Under non-isothermal elongational flow conditions, the presence of the photo-oxidized PP was particularly effective in improving the mechanical properties in comparison to the uncompatibilized blend fibers. Furthermore, an important result was found: The elongational-flow processing allowed obtaining anisotropic samples where the improvements of the properties, in comparison to the isotropic samples, were similar to those achieved by using a compatibilizer.
Efficient Catalytic Production of Biodiesel with Acid-Base Bifunctional Rod-Like Ca-B Oxides by the Sol-Gel Approach
Authors: Wang Anping , Li Hu , Zhang Heng , Pan Hu , Yang Song
Published: December 2018

The search for acid-base bifunctional catalysts has become a hot topic in the preparation of biofuels from renewable resources. In the present work, a series of novel acid-base bifunctional metal-boron catalysts were successfully prepared by a sol-gel method and characterized by XRD, IR, SEM, TEM, TGA, BET, and TPD. Among those bifunctional solid materials, the Ca-B(700) catalyst had the highest density of both acid and base sites and showed excellent catalytic performance in the production of biodiesel from nonedible oils with high acid value. Under the optimal reaction conditions of 20/1 methanol/oil mole ratio and 4 wt % catalyst dosage at 105 °C for 2 h, a high biodiesel yield of 96.0% could be obtained from Jatropha curcas oil in one-pot. In addition, Ca-B(700) was also applicable to producing biodiesel from Firmiana platanifolia L.f. oil in a relatively low acid value, with an almost quantitative yield (98.5%) at 65 °C after 2 h. The Ca-B(700) catalyst had good stability and reusability, which is a promising acid-base bifunctional catalytic material for the preparation of biodiesel.
Effects of Impurity Doping on the Luminescence Performance of Mn4+-Doped Aluminates with the Magnetoplumbite-Type Structure for Plant Cultivation
Authors: Li Xiaoshuang , Chen Zikun , Wang Bo , Liang Ruizhao , Li Yongting , Kang Lei , Liu Pengfei
Published: December 2018

Mn4+ activated LaMgAl11O19 (LMA/Mn4+) with red emitting phosphor was obtained by sintering under air conditioning. The X-ray diffraction pattern Rietveld refinement results reveal that three six-fold coordinated Al sites are substituted by Mn4+ ions. Furthermore, the chemical valence state of manganese in the LMA host was further confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Photoluminescence emission (PL) and excitation (PLE) spectra of LMA/Mn4+ as well as the lifetime were measured, and the 663 nm emission is ascribed to the 2Eg→4A2g from the 3d3 electrons in the [MnO6]8− octahedral complex. The emission spectrum matches well with the absorption of phytochrome. Temperature-dependent PL spectra show that the color changes of the phosphor at 420 K are 0.0110 for Δx and −0.0109 for Δy. Moreover, doping Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions in the host enhances the emission intensity of Mn4+ ions. These results highlight the potential of LMA/Mn4+ phosphor for a light-emitting diode (LED) plant lamp.
How the Crosslinking Agent Influences the Thermal Stability of RTV Phenyl Silicone Rubber
Authors: He Chen , Li Boqian , Ren Ying , Lu Wu , Zeng Yibing , He Weidong , Feng Anchao
Published: December 2018

In this work, a thermal degradation mechanism of room temperature vulcanized (RTV) phenyl silicone rubber that was vulcanized by different crosslinking agents was discussed. Firstly, RTV phenyl silicone rubber samples were prepared by curing hydroxyl-terminated polymethyldiphenylsiloxane via three crosslinking agents, namely, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), tetrapropoxysilane (TPOS), and polysilazane. Secondly, the ablation properties of RTV phenyl silicone rubber were studied by the muffle roaster test and FT-IR. Thirdly, thermal stability of the three samples was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Finally, to explore the thermal degradation mechanism, the RTV phenyl silicone rubber vulcanized by different crosslinking agents were characterized by TG analysis-mass spectrum (TG-MS) and pyrolysis gas chromatogram-mass spectrum (pyGC-MS). Results showed that the thermal stability of RTV phenyl silicone rubber is related to the amount of residual Si–OH groups. The residual Si–OH groups initiated the polysiloxane chain degradation via an ‘unzipping’ mechanism.
Chiral Recognition of L- and D- Amino Acid by Porphyrin Supramolecular Aggregates
Authors: Randazzo Rosalba , Gaeta Massimiliano , Gangemi Chiara Maria Antonietta , Fragalà Maria Elena , Purrello Roberto , D’Urso Alessandro
Published: December 2018

We report of the interactions between four amino acids lysine (Lys), arginine (Arg), histidine (His), and phenylalanine (Phe) with the J-aggregates of the protonated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin H4TPPS. Several aspects of these self-assembled systems have been analyzed: (i) the chiral transfer process; (ii) the hierarchical effects leading to the aggregates formation; and, (iii) the influence of the amino acid concentrations on both transferring and storing chiral information. We have demonstrated that the efficient control on the J-aggregates chirality is obtained when all amino acids are tested and that the chirality transfer process is under hierarchical control. Finally, the chiral porphyrin aggregates obtained exhibit strong chiral inertia.
Effects of Pecan Nut (Carya illinoiensis) and Roselle Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents for Sardines (Sardina pilchardus)
Authors: Villasante Juliana , Girbal Marina , Metón Isidoro , Almajano María Pilar
Published: December 2018

The effects of pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis) and roselle flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents on shelf life extension of sardines (Sardina pilchardus) were evaluated over a period of 5 days at 7 ± 1 °C. Treatments consisted of the addition of 5% and 10% w/w pecan nut, 5% w/w roselle flower and a combination of 5% of each. Physicochemical (lipid oxidation, fatty acids, hexanal and biogenic amines), sensory and microbiological characteristics of fish samples were periodically analyzed. All treatments effectively improved physicochemical quality parameters, with 10% w/w pecan nut having the highest effectiveness. The presence of roselle flower reduced microbial growth. Our findings suggest that addition of a natural preservative combining pecan nut and roselle flower may extend the shelf life of fresh sardines during chilled storage while maintaining quality indexes.
Raman Characterization on Two-Dimensional Materials-Based Thermoelectricity
Authors: Dong Zuoyuan , Xu Hejun , Liang Fang , Luo Chen , Wang Chaolun , Cao Zi-Yu , Chen Xiao-Jia , Zhang Jian , Wu Xing
Published: December 2018

The emergence and development of two-dimensional (2D) materials has provided a new direction for enhancing the thermoelectric (TE) performance due to their unique structural, physical and chemical properties. However, the TE performance measurement of 2D materials is a long-standing challenge owing to the experimental difficulties of precise control in samples and high demand in apparatus. Until now, there is no universal methodology for measuring the dimensionless TE figure of merit (ZT) (the core parameter for evaluating TE performance) of 2D materials systematically in experiments. Raman spectroscopy, with its rapid and nondestructive properties for probing samples, is undoubtedly a powerful tool for characterizing 2D materials as it is known as a spectroscopic ‘Swiss-Army Knife’. Raman spectroscopy can be employed to measure the thermal conductivity of 2D materials and expected to be a systematic method in evaluating TE performance, boosting the development of thermoelectricity. In this review, thermoelectricity, 2D materials, and Raman techniques, as well as thermal conductivity measurements of 2D materials by Raman spectroscopy are introduced. The prospects of obtaining ZT and testing the TE performance of 2D materials by Raman spectroscopy in the future are also discussed.
Enantiomeric Variability of Distaminolyne A. Refinement of ECD and NMR Methods for Determining Optical Purity of 1-Amino-2-Alkanols
Authors: Pearce A. , Copp Brent , Molinski Tadeusz
Published: December 2018

Sample configurations of distaminolyne A (1a); isolated from the ascidians Pseudodistoma opacum and P. cereum, and collected at different sites in New Zealand, were investigated by two methods: Exciton coupled electronic circular dichroism (EC ECD) of the corresponding N,O-dibenzoyl derivative 1b; and chiral reagent derivatization of 1a with (S)- and (R)-α-methoxyphenylacetic acid (MPA), followed by 1H-NMR analysis. Configuration and optical purity of 1a (%ee) was found to vary depending on the geographic distribution of ascidian colonies. An improved method for preparing N,O-diarenoyl derivatives of 1a was optimized. The EC ECD method was found to be complementary to the MPA-NMR method at different ranges of %ee.
Anapole Modes in Hollow Nanocuboid Dielectric Metasurfaces for Refractometric Sensing
Authors: Algorri José Francisco , Zografopoulos Dimitrios C. , Ferraro Antonio , García-Cámara Braulio , Vergaz Ricardo , Beccherelli Romeo , Sánchez-Pena José Manuel
Published: December 2018

This work proposes the use of the refractive index sensitivity of non-radiating anapole modes of high-refractive-index nanoparticles arranged in planar metasurfaces as a novel sensing principle. The spectral position of anapole modes excited in hollow silicon nanocuboids is first investigated as a function of the nanocuboid geometry. Then, nanostructured metasurfaces of periodic arrays of nanocuboids on a glass substrate are designed. The metasurface parameters are properly selected such that a resonance with ultrahigh Q-factor, above one million, is excited at the target infrared wavelength of 1.55 µm. The anapole-induced resonant wavelength depends on the refractive index of the analyte superstratum, exhibiting a sensitivity of up to 180 nm/RIU. Such values, combined with the ultrahigh Q-factor, allow for refractometric sensing with very low detection limits in a broad range of refractive indices. Besides the sensing applications, the proposed device can also open new venues in other research fields, such as non-linear optics, optical switches, and optical communications.
Luffa Pretreated by Plasma Oxidation and Acidity to Be Used as Cellulose Films
Authors: Wang Ying , Ding Zhao-xuan , Zhang Yan-hui , Wei Chun-yan , Xie Zi-chang
Published: December 2018

Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer on earth. With the increasing shortage of oil resources, people have been focusing more on producing natural cellulose. In this study, guaiacol was used as the model compound to investigate the degradation of lignin in luffa. A new cellulose material was extracted from natural luffa by a pretreatment based on the oxidation and acidity of glow discharge plasma in water. The produced luffa cellulose was dissolved in anhydrous phosphoric/polyphosphoric acid (aPPAC) solvent to prepare cellulose film. Results showed that the reactive species of OH·, HO2· and H3O+ were produced during the plasma discharge of water. The free radicals ·OH were useful in eliminating lignin by the destruction of aromatic structure, whereas H3O+ in eliminating hemicellulose in the luffa raw material. At the conditions of luffa powder concentration of 9.26 g/L, discharge time of 20 min, and plasma power of 100W, the cellulose component was increased to 81.2%. After 25 min, the luffa cellulose was completely dissolved in the aPPAC solvent at 0–5 °C. Thus, a regenerated cellulose film of cellulose II was prepared. The aPPAC solvent was a good non-derivatizing solvent for the luffa cellulose. The regenerated film exhibited good mechanical properties, wettability and a compact structure. Therefore, plasma pretreatment was an environmentally friendly and high-efficiency method for luffa degumming. The luffa cellulose can be well used in dissolution and regeneration in films.
Experimental Study on Shared Bike Use Behavior under Bounded Rational Theory and Credit Supervision Mechanism
Authors: Yao Yao , Liu Linwei , Guo Zibin , Liu Ziheng , Zhou Huiyu
Published: December 2018

As a new travel model, the bike-sharing system (BSS) solves the ‘last kilometer’ problem and has developed rapidly for its convenience. However, many accompanying problems have emerged. In China, parking violation problems—such as severe traffic congestion—are caused by dock-less shared bikes. Furthermore, a large number of shared bikes have to be scrapped early for vandalism. As a special form of public good, bike-sharing also faces the dilemma of negative externalities. Seeking a solution, Mobike has conducted a credit supervision mechanism, which transfers the users’ different behavior to credits for user behavior regulation, but with unsatisfactory results. The goal of the paper is to test the validity of credit supervision mechanism from user’s perspective to regulate the abuse of sharing bike by simulating the use scenario of BSS in real life in a lab experiment based on induced value theory. The behavioral and pre- and post-experiment survey data were thoroughly analyzed. The results show that, within a negative context, the credit supervision system has a more significant effect on inducing proper user behavior, which improves after adding a real-time feedback mechanism. Finally, we provide effective suggestions to policy makers and shared bike companies for inducing positive user behavior.
Journalism Model Based on Blockchain with Sharing Space
Authors: Kim Byeowool , Yoon Yongik
Published: December 2018

The challenge that journalism is facing these days in the Internet mobile environment is greater than ever before. Journalism is losing its revenue structure to platform operators favoring a certain markets, and also the trust of its readers in light of fake news and infected news. To alleviate this situation, we propose a blockchain technology that is applicable to journalism in order to achieve decentralization as a reasonable alternative. The journalism model based on hybrid blockchain aims to achieve the following: the delivery of articles with sharing value, what we call proof of sharing; the distribution of roles of personalized agenda settings; and finally, the use of agora to collect public opinions. With all these, we attempt to resolve the issues with current journalism with our proposed model based on blockchain.
Content-Based Color Image Retrieval Using Block Truncation Coding Based on Binary Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Chen Yan-Hong , Chang Chin-Chen , Lin Chia-Chen , Hsu Cheng-Yi
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we propose a content-based image retrieval (CBIR) approach using color and texture features extracted from block truncation coding based on binary ant colony optimization (BACOBTC). First, we present a near-optimized common bitmap scheme for BTC. Then, we convert the image to two color quantizers and a bitmap image-utilizing BACOBTC. Subsequently, the color and texture features, i.e., the color histogram feature (CHF) and the bit pattern histogram feature (BHF) are extracted to measure the similarity between a query image and the target image in the database and retrieve the desired image. The performance of the proposed approach was compared with several former image-retrieval schemes. The results were evaluated in terms of Precision-Recall and Average Retrieval Rate, and they showed that our approach outperformed the referenced approaches.
Diel Variability of pCO2 and CO2 Outgassing from the Lower Mississippi River: Implications for Riverine CO2 Outgassing Estimation
Authors: Reiman Jeremy H. , Xu Y. Jun
Published: December 2018

Carbon dioxide (CO2) outgassing from river surface waters is an important component of the global carbon cycle currently not well constrained. To test the hypothesis that riverine partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and CO2 outgassing rates differ between daylight and darkness, we conducted in-situ pCO2 and ambient water measurements over four 24-h periods in the spring and summer of 2018 in the Lower Mississippi River under varying flow regimes. We hypothesized that diel pCO2 variation will correlate inversely with solar radiation due to light-induced photosynthesis. Despite differing ambient conditions between seasons, we found a consistent diel cycle of riverine pCO2, with highest values before sunset and lowest values during peak daylight. Recorded pCO2 measurements varied by 206–607 µatm in spring and 344–377 µatm in summer, with significantly lower records during daylight in summer. CO2 outgassing was significantly lower during daylight in both seasons, with diel variation ranging between 1.5–4.4 mmol m−2 h−1 in spring and 1.9–2.1 mmol m−2 h−1 in summer. Daily outgassing rates calculated incorporating diel variation resulted in significantly greater rates (26.2 ± std. 12.7 mmol m−2 d−1) than calculations using a single daily pCO2 value. This study suggests a likely substantial underestimation of carbon outgassed from higher order rivers that make up a majority of the global river water surface. The findings highlight the need for high temporal resolution data and further research on diel CO2 outgassing in different climate regions to constrain uncertainties in riverine flux estimation.
Recent Advances in Water and Wastewater Treatment with Emphasis in Membrane Treatment Operations
Authors: Zouboulis Anastasios I. , Katsoyiannis Ioannis A.
Published: December 2018

The present Special Issue brought together recent research findings from renowned scientists in this field and assembled contributions on advanced technologies that have been applied to the treatment of wastewater and drinking water, with an emphasis on novel membrane treatment technologies. The 12 research contributions highlight various processes and technologies that can achieve the effective treatment and purification of wastewater and drinking water, aiming (occasionally) for water reuse. The published papers can be classified into three major categories. (a) First, there are those that investigate the application of membrane treatment processes, either directly or in hybrid processes. The role of organic matter presence and fouling control is the main aim of the research in some of these studies. (b) Second, there are studies that investigate the application of adsorptive processes for the removal of contaminants from waters, such as arsenic, antimony, or chromate, with the aim of the efficient removal of the toxic contaminants from water or wastewater. (c) Lastly, there are studies that include novel aspects of oxidative treatment such as bubbleless ozonation.
THE LIMITS OF CREATIVE APPROACH: CONDUCTING AN ORCHESTRA OF EMOTIONS IN THE DARKNESS
Authors: Grinfelde Ilze , Veliverronena Linda
Published: December 2018

Soviet period has left behind number of uncomfortable, also unwanted heritage sites in Eastern Europe countries that are sensitive, emotionally loaded and easy to communicate neither for locals nor tourists. Such a site is Committee for State Security Building that functions as a museum of Communist regime victims in Riga, Latvia. The research discusses the balance between creativity and authentic simplicity in the designing visitors’ on-site experience in dark tourism objects. The aim of the study is to explore visitors’ emotions during visit to Committee for State Security Building in Riga and the role of a creative tourism product design in stimulating emotions. Visitors’ comments about their visit to the Committee for State Security Building on TripAdvisor were used as the main data source. The research results confirm walking tour in Committee for State Security Building generates memorable impressions and contrast the opinion that new layers of creativity to this dark tourism product would satisfy and entertain customer. The Committee for State Security Building in Riga is an example where creative tourism product design does not have a significant impact on the emotional experience of visitors because main sources of visitors’ experience are high quality performance of tour guides and their rich knowledge, personal stories, authentic atmosphere and interior of the building. Santrauka Rytų Europos šalyse sovietinis periodas paliko daugybę nemalonių ir nepageidaujamų paveldo vietų, kurios yra jautrios, įkrautos emociškai ir nelengvai komunikuojamos tiek vietinių, tiek turistų. Tokia vieta yra Valstybės saugumo komiteto pastatas, veikiantis kaip komunistinio režimo aukų muziejus Rygoje (Latvija). Tyrime aptariama pusiausvyra tarp kūrybiškumo ir autentiško paprastumo, modeliuojant lankytojų vietos potyrius tamsiojo turizmo objektuose. Tyrimo tikslas – paaiškinti lankytojų emocijas, lankantis Valstybės saugumo komiteto pastate Rygoje ir kūrybinio turizmo produkto dizaino vaidmenį sužadinant emocijas. Kaip pagrindiniu duomenų šaltiniu buvo pasinaudota lankytojų atsiliepimais apie jų apsilankymą Valstybės saugumo komiteto pastate TripAdvisor platformoje. Tyrimo rezultatai patvirtina, kad pasivaikščiojimas po Valstybės saugumo komiteto pastatą sukelia įsimintinų įspūdžių ir prieštarauja nuomonei, jog nauji šio tamsiojo turizmo produkto kūrybiškumo klodai patenkins ir pralinksmins klientą. Valstybės saugumo komiteto pastatas Rygoje – tai pavyzdys, kai kūrybinio turizmo produkto dizainas neturi reikšmingo poveikio lankytojų emociniams potyriams, nes pagrindiniai šaltiniai apie lankytojų patirtį yra aukštos kokybės turus vedančių gidų ir jų turimų gausių žinių, asmeninių istorijų, autentiškos atmosferos ir pastato interjero kuriamas spektaklis.
PROMOTING CREATIVE IMAGINATION OF NON-EXPRESSED NEEDS: EXPLORING A COMBINED APPROACH TO ENHANCE DESIGN THINKING
Authors: Bourgeois-Bougrine Samira , Latorre Souad , Mourey Florence
Published: December 2018

Creativity is vital to radical innovation for the generation of new and disruptive ideas. Managers, practitioners and teachers are increasingly integrating design thinking approach to stimulate creativity and innovation. Design thinking implies empathy as an innovation mind-set to understand the latent needs of users observed in real settings. However, it has been suggested that radical innovations do not come from a user-centred approach such as design thinking and that design thinking is often based on anecdotes than data and that its value is difficult to prove. The aims of this paper is to propose an approach to enhance design thinking in educational setting in order to promote radical innovation mindset. Drawing on the benefits of prospective ergonomics, digital mock-up and virtual environment to promote ideation and empathy, the proposed approach takes as a starting point the imagination of future needs using prospective scenarios approach, instead of users’ latent and unmet needs, for the development of artefacts and services that would change social practices. The paper a) discusses why and how this combined approach would foster students’ radical innovations skills by not just satisfying actual users’ needs but by imagining and anticipating new needs and b) propose a method to evaluate the effectiveness and the efficacy of design thinking enhancement. Santrauka Kūrybiškumas – iš esmės svarbus radikalioms inovacijoms, generuojant naujas ir griaunančias idėjas. Vadovai, praktikuojantys specialistai ir dėstytojai vis labiau integruoja dizaineriškos mąstysenos metodą, siekdami sužadinti kūrybiškumą ir inovacijas. Dizaineriška mąstysena reiškia empatiją kaip inovacija grindžiamą požiūrį, kuriuo siekiama suprasti slaptus vartotojų, stebėtų realiomis aplinkybėmis, poreikius. Vis dėlto buvo teigiama, kad radikalios inovacijos nekyla iš požiūrio, sutelkto į vartotojus, tokio kaip dizaineriška mąstysena, ir kad tokia mąstysena dažnai grindžiama pavieniais atvejais, o ne duomenimis bei tuo, kad jos vertę sunku įrodyti. Šio straipsnio tikslai – pateikti požiūrį, kuris padidintų dizaineriškos mąstysenos vertę lavinimo aplinkoje, siekiant palaikyti radikaliomis inovacijomis grindžiamą mąstymo būdą. Atsižvelgiant į ateities ergonomikos nešamą naudą, skaitmeninį modelį ir virtualią aplinką, skirtą idėjizavimui ir empatizavimui paskatinti, siūlomas požiūris yra it pradinis taškas, įsivaizduojant ateities poreikius, pasitelkiant ateities scenarijų atvejus, o ne slaptus ir nepatenkintus vartotojų poreikius, siekiant žmogaus darbo produktų ir paslaugų, kurios pakeistų socialines praktikas, plėtros. Straipsnyje svarstoma, kodėl ir kaip šis mišrus požiūris paskatintų studentų radikalių inovacijų įgūdžius, ne tik patenkinant tikruosius vartotojų poreikius, bet įsivaizduojant ir numatant naujus, taip pat pateikiamas metodas, skirtas dizaineriškos mąstysenos tobulinimo veiksmingumui įvertinti.
ESTIMATING THE PROPERTIES OF A FINE AGGREGATE FIBRE REINFORCED CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITE USING NON-DESTRUCTIVE METHODS
Authors: Głodkowska Wiesława , Kobaka Janusz
Published: December 2018

The paper proposes a method of estimating the properties of a fine aggregate steel fibre reinforced cementitious composite using non-destructive methods. Two methods were selected to identify the properties of such a composite. One of them uses electromagnetic induction in order to estimate the content of steel fibres dispersed in the composite space, while the other is based on the determination of ultrasonic wave velocity propagating through the composite. Having defined correlations between the properties of the fibre reinforced composite and non-destructive testing parameters, regression equations were determined. Seven relationships between properties of fibre reinforced composite as the dependent variables and two independent variables, i.e.: amperage and ultrasonic wave velocity, were established. Knowing the amperage and the ultrasonic wave velocity, the basic properties of the fibre reinforced composite can be determined from the regression equations in a non-destructive manner. In order to verify the equations, three plates with different amounts of steel fibres were made in field under natural conditions, and next subjected to non-destructive tests. The tests showed good compatibility between the experimental results and those of calculations, which indicates the correctness of the formulated equations.