bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Toolbox for Functional Analysis and the Systematic Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic Gene Expression Signatures Combining Meta-Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Vey Johannes , Kapsner Lorenz A. , Fuchs Maximilian , Unberath Philipp , Veronesi Giulia , Kunz Meik
Published: October 2019

The identification of biomarker signatures is important for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, the detection of clinical reliable signatures is influenced by limited data availability, which may restrict statistical power. Moreover, methods for integration of large sample cohorts and signature identification are limited. We present a step-by-step computational protocol for functional gene expression analysis and the identification of diagnostic and prognostic signatures by combining meta-analysis with machine learning and survival analysis. The novelty of the toolbox lies in its all-in-one functionality, generic design, and modularity. It is exemplified for lung cancer, including a comprehensive evaluation using different validation strategies. However, the protocol is not restricted to specific disease types and can therefore be used by a broad community. The accompanying R package vignette runs in ~1 h and describes the workflow in detail for use by researchers with limited bioinformatics training.
Magnetic-Assisted Treatment of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Levada Kateryna , Omelyanchik Alexander , Rodionova Valeria , Weiskirchen Ralf , Bartneck Matthias
Published: October 2019

Chronic liver injury can be induced by viruses, toxins, cellular activation, and metabolic dysregulation and can lead to liver fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis still remains a major burden on the global health systems. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are considered the main cause of liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells are key targets in antifibrotic treatment, but selective engagement of these cells is an unresolved issue. Current strategies for antifibrotic drugs, which are at the critical stage 3 clinical trials, target metabolic regulation, immune cell activation, and cell death. Here, we report on the critical factors for liver fibrosis, and on prospective novel drugs, which might soon enter the market. Apart from the current clinical trials, novel perspectives for anti-fibrotic treatment may arise from magnetic particles and controlled magnetic forces in various different fields. Magnetic-assisted techniques can, for instance, enable cell engineering and cell therapy to fight cancer, might enable to control the shape or orientation of single cells or tissues mechanically. Furthermore, magnetic forces may improve localized drug delivery mediated by magnetism-induced conformational changes, and they may also enhance non-invasive imaging applications.
Estimating Dynamic Cellular Morphological Properties via the Combination of the RTCA System and a Hough-Transform-Based Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Lejun , Ye Yang , Dhar Rana , Deng Jinsong , Tang Huifang
Published: October 2019

The xCELLigence real-time cell analysis (RTCA) system has the potential to detect cellular proliferation, migration, cytotoxicity, adherence, and remodeling. Although the RTCA system is widely recognized as a noninvasive and efficient tool for real-time monitoring of cellular fate, it cannot describe detailed cell morphological parameters, such as length and intensity. Transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β) induced the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which produces significant changes in cellular morphology, so we used TGF-β to treat A549 epithelial cells in this study. We compared it with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) as stimulators. We developed an efficient algorithm to quantify the morphological cell changes. This algorithm is comprised of three major parts: image preprocessing, Hough transform (HT), and post-processing. We used the RTCA system to record the A549 cell index. Western blot was used to confirm the EMT. The RTCA system showed that different stimulators produce different cell index curves. The algorithm determined the lengths of the detected lines of cells, and the results were similar to the RTCA system in the TGF-β group. The Western blot results show that TGF-β changed the EMT markers, but the other stimulator remained unchanged. Optics-based computer vision techniques can supply the requisite information for the RTCA system based on good correspondence between the results.
Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Commonality and Diversity
Authors: Ritter Andreas , Friemel Alexandra , Roth Susanne , Kreis Nina-Naomi , Hoock Samira Catharina , Safdar Babek Khan , Fischer Kyra , Möllmann Charlotte , Solbach Christine , Louwen Frank , Yuan Juping
Published: October 2019

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are considered to be a useful tool for regenerative medicine, owing to their capabilities in differentiation, self-renewal, and immunomodulation. These cells have become a focus in the clinical setting due to their abundance and easy isolation. However, ASCs from different depots are not well characterized. Here, we analyzed the functional similarities and differences of subcutaneous and visceral ASCs. Subcutaneous ASCs have an extraordinarily directed mode of motility and a highly dynamic focal adhesion turnover, even though they share similar surface markers, whereas visceral ASCs move in an undirected random pattern with more stable focal adhesions. Visceral ASCs have a higher potential to differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic cells when compared to subcutaneous ASCs. In line with these observations, visceral ASCs demonstrate a more active sonic hedgehog pathway that is linked to a high expression of cilia/differentiation related genes. Moreover, visceral ASCs secrete higher levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor α relative to subcutaneous ASCs. These findings highlight, that both ASC subpopulations share multiple cellular features, but significantly differ in their functions. The functional diversity of ASCs depends on their origin, cellular context and surrounding microenvironment within adipose tissues. The data provide important insight into the biology of ASCs, which might be useful in choosing the adequate ASC subpopulation for regenerative therapies.
Current Paradigms of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells and Clinical Implications for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ritprajak Patcharee , Kaewraemruaen Chamraj , Hirankarn Nattiya
Published: October 2019

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) are central players in the initiation and maintenance of immune tolerance and subsequent prevention of autoimmunity. Recent advances in treatment of autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have focused on inducing specific tolerance to avoid long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, DC-targeted therapies to either suppress DC immunogenicity or to promote DC tolerogenicity are of high interest. This review describes details of the typical characteristics of in vivo and ex vivo tolDC, which will help to select a protocol that can generate tolDC with high functional quality for clinical treatment of autoimmune disease in individual patients. In addition, we discuss the recent studies uncovering metabolic pathways and their interrelation intertwined with DC tolerogenicity. This review also highlights the clinical implications of tolDC-based therapy for SLE treatment, examines the current clinical therapeutics in patients with SLE, which can generate tolDC in vivo, and further discusses on possibility and limitation on each strategy. This synthesis provides new perspectives on development of novel therapeutic approaches for SLE and other autoimmune diseases.
Synthesis of Nanoporous TiO2 with the Use of Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide Solution and Its Application in Gas Sensing
Authors: Sisman Orhan , Poli Nicola , Zappa Dario , Comini Elisabetta
Published: October 2019

The chemical routes of metal oxidation in presence of hydrogen peroxide solutions are tailor-made for the synthesis of biocompatible metal oxide surfaces with clean intermediate and end products, such as oxides, hydroxides, hydrogen and water. The hydrolysis of titanium in hydrogen peroxide solutions is particularly interesting for medical applications, forming micro- and nanoscale titania surfaces. In this paper, the content of the hydrolysis solution is revised, allowing the fabrication of gas sensor devices based on nanoporous titania. Nanopore and microcrack formations were discussed in detail by monitoring the structural changes on the thin film surface with field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). A stable rutile crystalline phase was detected by glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GI-XRD) measurement after repetitive hydrothermal processes. Electrical conductance measurements were carried out at high temperatures (400–600 °C) under humid airflow (40% RH@20 °C) with the injection of various concentrations of a wide set of test compounds (C2H3N, CO, H2, NO2, C2H6O), to observe the sensing capabilities of the material. Furthermore, the humidity effects on the sensing properties toward H2, CO, and C2H6O have been discussed.
Ambipolar Transport in Methylammonium Lead Iodide Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Ji Jeoungmin , Haque Farjana , Hoang Nhu Thi To , Mativenga Mallory
Published: October 2019

We report clear room temperature ambipolar transport in ambient-air processed methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with aluminum oxide gate-insulators and indium-zinc-oxide source/drain electrodes. The high ionicity of the MAPbI3 leads to p-type and n-type self-doping, and depending on the applied bias we show that simultaneous or selective transport of electrons and/or holes is possible in a single MAPbI3 TFT. The electron transport (n-type), however, is slightly more pronounced than the hole transport (p-type), and the respective channel resistances range from 5–11 and 44–55 MΩ/μm. Both p-type and n-type TFTs show good on-state characteristics for low driving voltages. It is also shown here that the on-state current of the n-type and p-type TFTs is highest in the slightly PbI2-rich and MAI-rich films, respectively, suggesting controllable n-type or p-type transport by varying precursor ratio.
Crystal-Chemical Properties of Synthetic Almandine-Pyrope Solid Solution by X-Ray Single-Crystal Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Kuang Yunqian , Xu Jingui , Li Bo , Ye Zhilin , Huang Shijie , Chen Wei , Zhang Dongzhou , Zhou Wenge , Ma Maining
Published: October 2019

Crystal-chemical properties of synthetic Almandine-Pyrope (Alm-Pyr) solid solutions were investigated by X-ray single-crystal diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Garnet solid solution with different compositions were synthesized from powder at 4.0 GPa and annealed at 1200 °C for 48 h by a multi-anvil pressure apparatus. Garnet crystals with different sizes (about 60–1000 μm) were obtained from synthesis. The results of X-ray single-crystal diffraction show that the unit cell constants decrease with increasing Pyr contents in the synthetic Alm-Pyr crystals due to the smaller ionic radius of Mg2+ in eightfold coordination than that of Fe2+. The data exhibit obviously positive deviations from ideal mixing volumes across the Alm-Pyr join which may be caused by the distortion of the SiO4 tetrahedron. Moreover, the significant decrease in the average M-O bond length and volume of the [MgO8]/[FeO8] dodecahedron with increasing Pyr contents are the most important factors to the decrease in the Alm-Pyr crystal unit cell constant and volume. On the other hand, selected bond distances (average , , and  distances) have a linear correlation with the unit-cell parameter, but the  distance has nonlinear correlation. With increasing the unit-cell parameter, the average  distance increases significantly, followed by the average  and  distances. While the  distance changes negligibly further confirming the conclusion that the significant decrease of the average M-O bond length of the [MgO8]/[FeO8] dodecahedron with increasing Pyr contents are the most important factors to the decrease in the Alm-Pyr crystal unit cell volume. In the Raman spectra collected for the Alm-Pyr solid solutions, Raman vibration mode assignments indicate that the Raman vibrational spectra change along the Alm-Pyr binary solution. The mode frequencies of Si-O stretching, Si-O bending, and the rotation of the SiO4-tetrahedron (R(SiO4)) decrease linearly, while the translational modes of the SiO4-tetrahedron (T(SiO4)) increase with increasing Alm contents.
Optimized Dimensionality Reduction Methods for Interval-Valued Variables and Their Application to Facial Recognition
Authors: Arce Garro Jorge , Rodríguez Rojas Oldemar
Published: October 2019

The center method, which was first proposed in Rev. Stat. Appl. 1997 by Cazes et al. and Stat. Anal. Data Mining 2011 by Douzal-Chouakria et al., extends the well-known Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to particular types of symbolic objects that are characterized by multivalued interval-type variables. In contrast to classical data, symbolic data have internal variation. The authors who originally proposed the center method used the center of a hyper-rectangle in R m as a base point to carry out PCA, followed by the projection of all vertices of the hyper-rectangles as supplementary elements. Since these publications, the center point of the hyper-rectangle has typically been assumed to be the best point for the initial PCA. However, in this paper, we show that this is not always the case, if the aim is to maximize the variance of projections or minimize the squared distance between the vertices and their respective projections. Instead, we propose the use of an optimization algorithm that maximizes the variance of the projections (or that minimizes the distances between the squares of the vertices and their respective projections) and finds the optimal point for the initial PCA. The vertices of the hyper-rectangles are, then, projected as supplementary variables to this optimal point, which we call the “Best Point” for projection. For this purpose, we propose four new algorithms and two new theorems. The proposed methods and algorithms are illustrated using a data set comprised of measurements of facial characteristics from a study on facial recognition patterns for use in surveillance. The performance of our approach is compared with that of another procedure in the literature, and the results show that our symbolic analyses provide more accurate information. Our approach can be regarded as an optimization method, as it maximizes the explained variance or minimizes the squared distance between projections and the original points. In addition, the symbolic analyses generate more informative conclusions, compared with the classical analysis in which classical surrogates replace intervals. All the methods proposed in this paper can be executed in the RSDA package developed in R.
Above- and Below-Ground Carbon Sequestration in Shelterbelt Trees in Canada: A Review
Authors: Mayrinck Rafaella C. , Laroque Colin P. , Amichev Beyhan Y. , Van Rees Ken
Published: October 2019

Shelterbelts have been planted around the world for many reasons. Recently, due to increasing awareness of climate change risks, shelterbelt agroforestry systems have received special attention because of the environmental services they provide, including their greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential. This paper aims to discuss shelterbelt history in Canada, and the environmental benefits they provide, focusing on carbon sequestration potential, above- and below-ground. Shelterbelt establishment in Canada dates back to more than a century ago, when their main use was protecting the soil, farm infrastructure and livestock from the elements. As minimal-and no-till systems have become more prevalent among agricultural producers, soil has been less exposed and less vulnerable to wind erosion, so the practice of planting and maintaining shelterbelts has declined in recent decades. In addition, as farm equipment has grown in size to meet the demands of larger landowners, shelterbelts are being removed to increase efficiency and machine maneuverability in the field. This trend of shelterbelt removal prevents shelterbelt’s climate change mitigation potential to be fully achieved. For example, in the last century, shelterbelts have sequestered 4.85 Tg C in Saskatchewan. To increase our understanding of carbon sequestration by shelterbelts, in 2013, the Government of Canada launched the Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AGGP). In five years, 27 million dollars were spent supporting technologies and practices to mitigate GHG release on agricultural land, including understanding shelterbelt carbon sequestration and to encourage planting on farms. All these topics are further explained in this paper as an attempt to inform and promote shelterbelts as a climate change mitigation tool on agricultural lands.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities Are Influenced by Host Tree Species on the Loess Plateau, Northwest China
Authors: He Fei , Chen Hui , Tang Ming
Published: October 2019

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can establish mutualistic symbioses with most terrestrial plants and therefore play a crucial role in the re-vegetation and rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems. Yet, little information is available on AM fungal communities associated with dominant tree species in the semi-arid region of the Loess Plateau, Northwest China. In this study, topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm) samples were collected from the rhizosphere of five dominant tree species in northern Shaanxi Province, to investigate the distribution and diversity of their associated AM fungi. The tree species were Hippophae rhamnoides Linn., Juniperus communis L., Populus cathayana Rehd., Robinia pseudoacacia L., and Salix matsudana Koidz. In total, 24 AM fungal species of eight genera were isolated from the rhizosphere soil samples and identified based on their spore morphology. Funneliformis and Funneliformis monosporum were respectively the most abundant genus and species of AM fungi. The distribution and diversity of AM fungi differed among the five tree species and also between the two soil depths. Across different tree species, the spore density of AM fungi varied from 2.85 to 15.32 spores g−1 fresh soil, with a species richness of 3–7, Shannon–Wiener index of 0.81–1.08, and evenness index of 0.30–0.53. The mycorrhizal colonization rate had a significant negative correlation with both the Shannon-Wiener index and species richness, whereas it was positively correlated with the evenness index. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and structural equation modeling revealed that tree species, rather than soil depth or its interactions with tree species, had significant effects on the composition of AM fungal communities. In conclusion, the distribution and diversity of AM fungi associated with the dominant tree species were mainly affected by host tree species identity in the semi-arid ecosystem. Claroideoglomus etunicatum (W.N. Becker & Gerdemann) C. Walker & A. Schüßler and Glomus reticulatum Bhattacharjee & Mukerji appeared to be promising candidates for ecological restoration in the Loess Plateau region because of their adaptation to its semi-arid conditions with a broad spectrum of host tree species.
5G V2X System-Level Architecture of 5GCAR Project
Authors: Condoluci Massimo , Gallo Laurent , Mussot Laurent , Kousaridas Apostolos , Spapis Panagiotis , Mahlouji Maliheh , Mahmoodi Toktam
Published: October 2019

One of the goals of the 5G Communication Automotive Research and innovation (5GCAR) project has been to evaluate and propose system architecture enhancements aiming at supporting the strict requirements of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) use cases. In this paper, we provide an overview of 3GPP 5G system architecture, which is used as a baseline architecture in the project, and we present the main architectural enhancements introduced by 5GCAR. The work of the project focused on the following categories: (i) end-to-end security, also including aspects of privacy; (ii) network orchestration and management; (iii) network procedures; (iv) edge computing enhancements; and (v) multi-connectivity cooperation. The enhancements introduced by 5GCAR to above-listed categories are discussed in this paper, while a more detailed analysis of some selected features is presented.
A Genome-Wide Association Study Revealed Key SNPs/Genes Associated With Salinity Stress Tolerance In Upland Cotton
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , He Shoupu , Sun Gaofei , Geng Xiaoli , Pan Zhaoe , Gong Wenfang , Jia Yinhua , Du Xiongming
Published: October 2019

Millions of hectares of land are too saline to produce economically valuable crop yields. Salt tolerance in cotton is an imperative approach for improvement in response to ever-increasing soil salinization. Little is known about the genetic basis of salt tolerance in cotton at the seedling stage. To address this issue, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on a core collection of a genetically diverse population of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) comprising of 419 accessions, representing various geographic origins, including China, USA, Pakistan, the former Soviet Union, Chad, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Sudan, and Uganda. Phenotypic evaluation of 7 traits under control (0 mM) and treatment (150 mM) NaCl conditions depicted the presence of broad natural variation in the studied population. The association study was carried out with the efficient mixed-model association eXpedited software package. A total of 17,264 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with different salinity stress tolerance related traits were found. Twenty-three candidate SNPs related to salinity stress-related traits were selected. Final key SNPs were selected based on the r2 value with nearby SNPs in a linkage disequilibrium (LD) block. Twenty putative candidate genes surrounding SNPs, A10_95330133 and D10_61258588, associated with leaf relative water content, RWC_150, and leaf fresh weight, FW_150, were identified, respectively. We further validated the expression patterns of twelve candidate genes with qRT-PCR, which revealed different expression levels in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive genotypes. The results of our GWAS provide useful knowledge about the genetic control of salt tolerance at the seedling stage, which could assist in elucidating the genetic and molecular mechanisms of salinity stress tolerance in cotton plants.
Afropolitan Sexual and Gender Identities in Colonial Senegal
Authors: M’Baye Babacar
Published: October 2019

Drawing from Achille Mbembe’s theorization of Afropolitanism as an opportunity for modern Africans “to experience several worlds” and develop flux, hybrid, and constantly mobile identities (“Afropolitanism” 29), this essay attempts to make an intervention into the ways in which this phenomenon appeared in colonial Senegalese culture. A neglected site of Afropolitanism was the colonial metropolis of Dakar which reflected subversive homosexual or transgender identities during the 1940s and 50s. Focusing on key writings such as Armand Corre’s book, L’ethnographie criminelle d’après les observations et les statistiques judiciaires recueillies dans les colonies françaises [criminal ethnography based on judiciary observations and statistics gathered from French colonies] (1894) and Michael Davidson’s travelogue, “Dakar” (1970), this essay wants to uncover a part of the silenced and neglected history of sexual and gender variances in colonial Senegalese culture. In these texts, one finds salient examples of Afropolitanism which were deployed as tools of resistance against homophobia and transphobia and as means of affirming erotic, sensual, and transgressive identities. In the end, colonial Senegalese culture transcended gender and sexual binaries in order to provide space for recognizing and examining Afropolitan sensibilities that have thus far been neglected in African studies scholarship.
Heterobimetallic Chromium Manganese Carbonyl Nitrosyls: Comparison with Isoelectronic Homometallic Binuclear Chromium Carbonyl Nitrosyls and Manganese Carbonyls
Authors: Li Guoliang , Wen Limei , King R. Bruce
Published: October 2019

The heterometallic chromium-manganese carbonyl nitrosyls CrMn(NO)(CO)n (n = 9, 8) have been investigated by density functional theory. The lowest energy CrMn(NO)(CO)9 structures have unbridged staggered conformations with a ~2.99 Å Cr–Mn single bond similar to the experimental and lowest energy structures of the isoelectronic Mn2(CO)10 and Cr2(NO)2(CO)8. A significantly higher energy CrMn(NO)(CO)9 isomer has a nearly symmetrical bridging nitrosyl group and a very weakly semibridging carbonyl group. The two lowest energy structures of the unsaturated CrMn(NO)(CO)8 have a five-electron donor bridging η2-µ-NO nitrosyl group or a four-electron donor bridging η2-µ-CO group, as well as a Cr–Mn single bond of length ~2.94 Å. The next higher energy CrMn(NO)(CO)8 structure has exclusively terminal CO and NO ligands and a shorter Cr–Mn single bond of ~2.85 Å, suggesting an 18-electron configuration for the manganese atom and a 16-electron configuration for the chromium atom indicated by a vacant coordination site nearly perpendicular to the Cr–Mn bond.
Design of Comb Fabricated Halbach Undulators
Authors: Majernik Nathan , Rosenzweig James
Published: October 2019

An approach to fabricating Halbach array undulators using “combs” machined from single magnets is introduced. This technique is especially relevant to the fabrication of short period micro-undulators with period lengths considerably less than the few-centimeter-scale typical of current undulators. Manual, magnet-by-magnet assembly of micro-undulators would require the manipulation and alignment of thousands of magnets smaller than a grain of rice: comb fabrication dramatically increases the size of the basic unit cell of assembly with no increase in undulator period by creating many periods from a single piece, in a single machining modality. Further, as these comb teeth are intrinsically indexed to each other, tolerances are dictated by a single manufacturing step rather than accumulating errors by assembling many tiny magnets relative to each other. Different Halbach geometries, including M ′ = 2 , M ′ = 4 , isosceles triangle, and hybrid, are examined both from a theoretical perspective and with 3D magnetostatic simulations.
A New Explanation for the Effect of Dynamic Strain Aging on Negative Strain Rate Sensitivity in Fe–30Mn–9Al–1C Steel
Authors: Xing Jia , Hou Lifeng , Du Huayun , Liu Baosheng , Wei Yinghui
Published: October 2019

In this study, the evolution of the mechanical properties of Fe–30Mn–9Al–1C steel has been determined in tensile tests at strain rates of 10−4 to 102 s−1. The results show that the strain rate sensitivity becomes a negative value when the strain rate exceeds 100 s−1 and this abnormal evolution is attributed to the occurrence of dynamic strain aging. Due to the presence of intergranular κ-carbides, the fracture modes of steel include ductile fracture and intergranular fracture. The values of dislocation arrangement parameter M were obtained using a modified Williamson–Hall plot. It has been found that once the strain rate sensitivity becomes negative, the interaction of dislocations in the steel is weakened and the free movement of dislocation is enhanced. Adiabatic heating promotes the dynamic recovery of steel at a high strain rate.
Development and Evaluation of Fall Impact Protection Pads Using Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Park Jung Hyun , Jung Hee-Kyeong , Lee Jeong Ran
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the development and evaluation of fall-impact protection pants for elderly women using additive manufacturing. The protective pants were designed incorporating a protective pad in the hip area to reduce the impact of falls on the human body. The protective pad is a 3D mesh structure with a curved surface to fit the human body. Pads printed with flexible thermoplastic polyurethane were combined with foam to create the final pad. The impact-absorbing performance of the pad was verified through physical impact experiments. When dropping a bowling ball onto the protective pad from heights of 15, 20, and 25 cm, the protective pad was found to reduce the impact force by more than 82% in all cases. The impact force was less than the average fracture threshold of 3472 N. A subject group and an expert group evaluated the appearance, pad characteristics, motion functionality, and the wearability of the protection pants. Despite the insertion of a pad, the pants appeared natural and had a good fit. The pads were evaluated as being well-designed in terms of their position, shape, area, thickness, weight, flexibility, ease of insertion, and ease of use. Users were comfortable performing various motions when wearing the designed protective clothing. Therefore, this work can be considered to have developed protective clothing that provides satisfactory impact-protection performance and comfort thereby advancing the possibility of applying additive manufacturing to the creation of functional garments.
New Dental Implant with 3D Shock Absorbers and Tooth-Like Mobility—Prototype Development, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Mechanical Testing
Authors: Manea Avram , Baciut Grigore , Baciut Mihaela , Pop Dumitru , Comsa Dan Sorin , Buiga Ovidiu , Trombitas Veronica , Colosi Horatiu , Mitre Ileana , Bordea Roxana , Manole Marius , Lenghel Manuela , Bran Simion , Onisor Florin
Published: October 2019

Background: Once inserted and osseointegrated, dental implants become ankylosed, which makes them immobile with respect to the alveolar bone. The present paper describes the development of a new and original implant design which replicates the 3D physiological mobility of natural teeth. The first phase of the test followed the resistance of the implant to mechanical stress as well as the behavior of the surrounding bone. Modifications to the design were made after the first set of results. In the second stage, mechanical tests in conjunction with finite element analysis were performed to test the improved implant design. Methods: In order to test the new concept, 6 titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) implants were produced (milling). The implants were fitted into the dynamic testing device. The initial mobility was measured for each implant as well as their mobility after several test cycles. In the second stage, 10 implants with the modified design were produced. The testing protocol included mechanical testing and finite element analysis. Results: The initial testing protocol was applied almost entirely successfully. Premature fracturing of some implants and fitting blocks occurred and the testing protocol was readjusted. The issues in the initial test helped design the final testing protocol and the new implants with improved mechanical performance. Conclusion: The new prototype proved the efficiency of the concept. The initial tests pointed out the need for design improvement and the following tests validated the concept.
Study on Phase Transformation in Hot Stamping Process of USIBOR® 1500 High-Strength Steel
Authors: Zhang Pengyun , Zhu Le , Xi Chenyang , Luo Junting
Published: October 2019

Based on the Kirkaldy-Venugopalan model, a theoretical model for the phase transformation of USIBOR® 1500 high strength steel was established, and a graph of the phase transformation kinetics of ferrite, pearlite, and bainite were plotted using the software MATLAB. Meanwhile, with the use of the software DYNAFORM, the thermal stamping process of an automobile collision avoidance beam was simulated. The phase transformation law of USIBOR® 1500 high-strength steel during hot stamping was studied through a simulation of the phase transformation during the pressure holding quenching process. In combination with the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) curve, the cooling rate of quenching must be greater than 27 °C/s to ensure maximum martensite content in the final parts, and the final martensite content increases as the initial temperature of the sheet rises.
Mechanical Properties of In-Situ Synthesis of Ti-Ti3Al Metal Composite Prepared by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Li Yize , Liang Huixin , Tian Zongjun , Yang Youwen , Xie Deqiao , Zhu Lei , Shen Lida , Wang Changjiang
Published: October 2019

Titanium composite strengthened by Ti3Al precipitations is considered to be one of the excellent materials that is widely used in engineering. In this work, we prepared a kind of Ti-Ti3Al metallic composite by in-situ synthesis technology during the SLM (selective laser melting) process, and analyzed its microstructure, wear resistance, microhardness, and compression properties. The results showed that the Ti-Ti3Al composite, prepared by in-situ synthesis technology based on SLM, had more homogeneous Ti3Al-enhanced phase dispersion strengthening structure. The grain size of the workpiece was about 1 μm, and that of the Ti3Al particle was about 200 nm. Granular Ti3Al was precipitated after the aluminum-containing workpiece formed, with a relatively uniform distribution. Regarding the mechanical properties, the hardness (539 HV) and the wear resistance were significantly improved when compared with the Cp-Ti workpiece. The compressive strength of the workpiece increased from 886.32 MPa to 1568 MPa, and the tensile strength of the workpiece increased from 531 MPa to 567 MPa after adding aluminum. In the future, the combination of in-situ synthesis technology and SLM technology can be used to flexibly adjust the properties of Ti-based materials.
Synthesis of 1,1′-Bis(1-Methyl/Chloro-2,3,4,5-Tetraphenyl-1-Silacyclopentadienyl) [Ph4C4Si(Me/Cl)-(Me/Cl)SiC4Ph4] from Silole Anion [MeSiC4Ph4]−•[Li+ or Na+] and Silole Dianion [SiC4Ph4]2−•2[Li+]; Oxidative Coupling of Silole Anion [MeSiC4Ph4]−•[Li+ or Na+] by Ferrous Chloride (FeCl2) and Oxidative Coupling and Chlorination of Silole Dianion [SiC4Ph4]2−•2[Li+] by Cupric Chloride (CuCl2)
Authors: Hong Jang-Hwan
Published: October 2019

A reaction of silole anion {[MeSiC4Ph4]−•[Li+ or Na+] (1) with anhydrous ferrous chloride (FeCl2) in THF (tetrahydrofuran) gives 1,1′-bis(1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclopentadienyl) [Ph4C4Si(Me)-(Me)SiC4Ph4] (2) with precipitation of iron metal in high yield. Silole dianion {[SiC4Ph4]2−•2[Li+] (3) is added to anhydrous cupric chloride (CuCl2) in THF at −78 °C, then the dark red solution changes into a greenish solution. From the solution, a green solid is isolated, and stirring it in toluene at room temperature provides quantitatively 1,1′-bis(1-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-silacyclopentadienyl) [Ph4C4Si(Cl)-(Cl)SiC4Ph4] (4) with precipitation of copper metal in toluene. The green solid is suggested to be 1,1′-bissilolyl bisradical [Ph4C4Si-SiC4Ph4]2• (8), and lithium cuprous chloride salts {[Li2CuICl2]+•[CuICl2]−}. Both reactions are initiated by single-electron transfer (SET) from the electron-rich anionic silole substrates (1 and 3) to iron(II) and copper(II).
Using Pd-Doped γ-Graphyne to Detect Dissolved Gases in Transformer Oil: A Density Functional Theory Investigation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Fang Rongxing , Chen Dachang , Zhang Guozhi
Published: October 2019

To realize a high response and high selectivity gas sensor for the detection dissolved gases in transformer oil, in this study, the adsorption of four kinds of gases (H2, CO, C2H2, and CH4) on Pd-graphyne was investigated, and the gas sensing properties were evaluated. The energetically-favorable structure of Pd-Doped γ-graphyne was first studied, including through a comparison of different adsorption sites and a discussion of the electronic properties. Then, the adsorption of these four molecules on Pd-graphyne was explored. The adsorption structure, adsorption energy, electron transfer, electron density distribution, band structure, and density of states were calculated and analyzed. The results show that Pd prefers to be adsorbed on the middle of three C≡C bonds, and that the band gap of γ-graphyne becomes smaller after adsorption. The CO adsorption exhibits the largest adsorption energy and electron transfer, and effects an obvious change to the structure and electronic properties to Pd-graphyne. Because of the conductance decrease after adsorption of CO and the acceptable recovery time at high temperatures, Pd-graphyne is a promising gas sensing material with which to detect CO with high selectivity. This work offers theoretical support for the design of a nanomaterial-based gas sensor using a novel structure for industrial applications.
(Bio)polymer/ZnO Nanocomposites for Packaging Applications: A Review of Gas Barrier and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Abbas Mohsin , Buntinx Mieke , Deferme Wim , Peeters Roos
Published: October 2019

Nanotechnology is playing a pivotal role in improving quality of life due to its versatile applications in many areas of research. In this regard, nanoparticles have gained significant importance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) amongst other nanoparticles are being used in producing nanocomposites. Methods like solvent casting, solution casting, solvent volatilization, twin-screw extrusion, melt compounding and extrusion blow molding have been applied to produce ZnO NPs based (bio)polymer composites. These composites are of great interest in the research area of food packaging materials due to their improved multifunctional characteristics like their mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties. This paper gives an overview of the main methods to synthesize ZnO NPs, methods to incorporate ZnO NPs in (bio)polymers, and finally, the gas barrier and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. As a conclusion, a maximum decline in oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor permeability was reported as 66%, 17% and 38% respectively, while tensile strength and young’s modulus were observed to increase by 32% and 57% respectively, for different (bio)polymer/ZnO nanocomposites.
Development and Characterization of a Biodegradable PLA Food Packaging Hold Monoterpene–Cyclodextrin Complexes against Alternaria alternata
Authors: Friné Velázquez-Contreras , Hector Acevedo-Parra , Manuel Nuño-Donlucas Sergio , Estrella Núñez-Delicado , Antonio Gabaldón José
Published: October 2019

The fungi of the genus Alternaria are among the main pathogens causing post-harvest diseases and significant economic losses. The consumption of Alternaria contaminated foods may be a major risk to human health, as many Alternaria species produce several toxic mycotoxins and secondary metabolites. To protect consumer health and extend the shelf life of food products, the development of new ways of packaging is of outmost importance. The aim of this work was to investigate the antifungal capacity of a biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) package filled with thymol or carvacrol complexed in β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) by the solubility method. Once solid complexes were obtained by spray drying, varying proportions (0.0%, 1.5%, 2.5%, and 5.0 wt%) of β-CD–thymol or β-CD–carvacrol were mixed with PLA for packaging development by injection process. The formation of stable complexes between β-CDs and carvacrol or thymol molecules was assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mechanical, structural, and thermal characterization of the developed packaging was also carried out. The polymer surface showed a decrease in the number of cuts and folds as the amount of encapsulation increased, thereby reducing the stiffness of the packaging. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a slight decrease in the temperature of degradation of PLA package as the concentration of the complexes increased, with β-CD–carvacrol or β-CDs–thymol complexes acting as plasticisers that lowered the intermolecular forces of the polymer chains, thereby improving the breaking point. Packages containing 2.5% and 5% β-CD–carvacrol, or 5% β-CD–thymol showed Alternaria alternata inhibition after 10 days of incubation revealing their potential uses in agrofood industry.
Religion and Innovation in Europe: Implications for Product Life-Cycle Management
Authors: Recio-Román Almudena , Recio-Menéndez Manuel , Román-González María Victoria
Published: October 2019

This paper analyzes the relationship between religion and innovation in Europe. To the best knowledge of the authors, no paper has been published about the association of religion with innovation and innovative products and services, at an individual level, for all the countries that belong to the European Union. This is the main goal of our paper. The results show that the orientation of innovativeness depends on religion. This study contains a segmentation of the main religions in Europe, taking into account their innovative profile. Connecting the characteristics of the religious segments found and the innovations life-cycle concept, companies have a tool to manage different innovations’ evolutive stages taking into consideration the religion of their customers. The European policy-makers, still dominated by a traditional innovation approach, gain a demand-side perspective to improve citizen’s innovativeness awareness and acceptance. Finally, religiosity does not seem to have a very strong relationship with attitudes towards innovation once we control for religious affiliation.
Edward A. Pace: First-Generation Psychologist, Twenty-First Century Role Model
Authors: Puffer Keith A. , Pence Kris G.
Published: October 2019

In 1891, Edward A. Pace, a Catholic priest and first-generation psychologist, commenced a career at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Amidst the daunting challenges in being a professor and researcher, particularly at a newly established university, he thrust himself into a third role, apologist. Habits related to the Monsignor’s three roles have contemporary relevance for psychologically-trained Protestants; in this case study, we examine four notable practices. Dr. Pace modeled an appetence for wisdom in multiple disciplines, a keen awareness of rival worldviews, intentional ripostes to Catholic critics of scientific psychology, and last, unrelenting steadfastness to the Christian faith. To characterize the priest-psychologist, we present a brief biographical sketch and an overview of influential historical movements in the zeitgeist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries affecting his life. In addition, the aforementioned habits of Pace and applications for Protestants engaging in psychology in the 21st century are delineated.
Application for Terrestrial LiDAR on Mudstone Erosion Caused by Typhoons
Authors: Cheng Yeuan-Chang , Yang Ci-Jian , Lin Jiun-Chuan
Published: October 2019

Storms are important agents for shaping the Earth’s surface and often dominate the landscape evolution of mudstone areas, by rapid erosion and deposition. In our research, we used terrestrial scanning LiDAR (TLS) to detect surface changes in a 30 m in height, 60 m in width mudstone slope. This target slope shows the specific erosion pattern during extreme rainfall events such as typhoons. We investigate two major subjects: (1) how typhoon events impact erosion in the target slope, and (2) how rills develop on the hillslopes during these observation periods. There were three scans obtained in 2011, and converted to two observation periods. The permanent target points (TP) method and DEMs of differences were used to check the accuracy of point cloud. The results showed that the average erosion rate was 5 cm during the dry period in 2011. Following the typhoons, the erosion rate increased 1.4 times to 7 cm and was better correlated with the increase in the rainfall intensity than with general precipitation amounts. The hillslope gradient combined with rainfall intensity played a significant role in the geomorphic process. We found that in areas with over 75° gradients with larger rainfall intensity showed more erosion that at other gradients. The gradient also influenced the rill development, which occurred at middle and low gradients but not at high gradients. The rills also created a transition zone for erosion and deposition at the middle gradient where a minimal change occurred.
Radiometric and Atmospheric Corrections of Multispectral μMCA Camera for UAV Spectroscopy
Authors: Minařík Robert , Langhammer Jakub , Hanuš Jan
Published: October 2019

This study presents a complex empirical image-based radiometric calibration method for a Tetracam μMCA multispectral frame camera. The workflow is based on a laboratory investigation of the camera’s radiometric properties combined with vicarious atmospheric correction using an empirical line. The effect of the correction is demonstrated on out-of-laboratory field campaign data. The dark signal noise behaviour was investigated based on the exposure time and ambient temperature. The vignette effect coupled with nonuniform quantum efficiency was studied with respect to changing exposure times and illuminations to simulate field campaign conditions. The efficiency of the proposed correction workflow was validated by comparing the reflectance values that were extracted from a fully corrected image and the raw data of the reference spectroscopy measurement using three control targets. The Normalized Root Mean Square Errors (NRMSE) of all separate bands ranged from 0.24 to 2.10%, resulting in a significant improvement of the NRMSE compared to the raw data. The results of a field experiment demonstrated that the proposed correction workflow significantly improves the quality of multispectral imagery. The workflow was designed to be applicable to the out-of-laboratory conditions of UAV imaging campaigns in variable natural conditions and other types of multiarray imaging systems.
Quantifying Trends of Land Change in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during 2001–2015
Authors: Wang Chao , Gao Qiong , Yu Mei
Published: October 2019

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is among the most sensitive ecosystems to changes in global climate and human activities, and quantifying its consequent change in land-cover land-use (LCLU) is vital for assessing the responses and feedbacks of alpine ecosystems to global climate changes. In this study, we first classified annual LCLU maps from 2001–2015 in QTP from MODIS satellite images, then analyzed the patterns of regional hotspots with significant land changes across QTP, and finally, associated these trends in land change with climate forcing and human activities. The pattern of land changes suggested that forests and closed shrublands experienced substantial expansions in the southeastern mountainous region during 2001–2015 with the expansion of massive meadow loss. Agricultural land abandonment and the conversion by conservation policies existed in QTP, and the newly-reclaimed agricultural land partially offset the loss with the resulting net change of −5.1%. Although the urban area only expanded 586 km2, mainly at the expense of agricultural land, its rate of change was the largest (41.2%). Surface water exhibited a large expansion of 5866 km2 (10.2%) in the endorheic basins, while mountain glaciers retreated 8894 km2 (−3.4%) mainly in the southern and southeastern QTP. Warming and the implementation of conservation policies might promote the shrub encroachment into grasslands and forest recovery in the southeastern plateau. While increased precipitation might contribute to the expansion of surface water in the endorheic basins, warming melts the glaciers in the south and southeast and complicates the hydrological service in the region. The substantial changes in land-cover reveal the high sensitivity of QTP to changes in climate and human activities. Rational policies for conservation might mitigate the adverse impacts to maintain essential services provided by the important alpine ecosystems.