bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational Design of Metal Oxide Solid Acids for Sugar Conversion
Authors: Takagaki Atsushi
Published: October 2019

Aqueous-phase acid-catalyzed reactions are essential for the conversion of cellulose-based biomass into chemicals. Brønsted acid and Lewis acid play important roles for these reactions, including hydrolysis of saccharides, isomerization and epimerization of aldoses, conversion of d-glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, cyclodehydration of sugar alcohols and conversion of trioses into lactic acid. A variety of metal oxide solid acids has been developed and applied for the conversion of sugars so far. The catalytic activity is mainly dependent on the structures and types of solid acids. Amorphous metal oxides possess coordinatively unsaturated metal sites that function as Lewis acid sites while some crystal metal oxides have strong Brønsted acid sites. This review introduces several types of metal oxide solid acids, such as layered metal oxides, metal oxide nanosheet aggregates, mesoporous metal oxides, amorphous metal oxides and supported metal oxides for sugar conversions.
In Situ IR Study on Effect of Alkyl Chain Length between Amines on Its Stability against Acidic Gases
Authors: Pacia Rose Mardie , Manianglung Clinton , Ko Young Soo
Published: October 2019

For the CO2 capture process via the cyclic adsorption/desorption method, one emerging catalyst is the use of amine-functionalized silica. This study focused on comparing the CO2 capture performance of diamines with ethyl and propyl spacers and the degradation species formed after long-term exposure to various acidic gases such as SO2 and NO2 at elevated temperatures. Adsorbents were prepared via the incipient wetness technique and then subjected to thermogravimetric measurements and in situ FT-IR analyses. 2NS-P/Kona95, which contains a propyl spacer, showed fewer degradation species formed based on its IR spectra and better stability with its long-term exposure to various acidic gases. Thus, the incorporation of amines with a large number of nitrogen groups of propyl or longer spacer length could be a promising CO2 capture material.
Synthesis of a Novel Catalyst MnO/CNTs for Microwave-Induced Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Liu Tianming , Yuan Guobao , Lv Guocheng , Li Yuxin , Liao Libing , Qiu Siyao , Sun Chenghua
Published: October 2019

Microwave-induced catalytic degradation (MICD) has been considered as one of the most prospective approaches to remove organic contaminants from water. High-performance catalysts, ideally offering efficient degradation ability, are essential to this process. This work reports the fabrication of manganese oxide on carbon nanotubes (MnO/CNTs) as an efficient catalyst under microwave irradiation (MI) to remove tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solution. The hybrid MnO/CNTs structure shows excellent performance in TC degradation. Combining experimental characterization and theoretical calculations, synergistic mechanisms are revealed: (i) Strong MnO/CNTs interaction stabilizes Mn(II) through interfacial bonding; (ii) high-spin states associated with low coordinated Mn(II) play a major role in MICD; and (iii) superoxide radicals (•O2−) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) induced by microwave input are identified as the major active species.
Emissions Control Catalysis
Authors: Yentekakis Ioannis , Vernoux Philippe
Published: October 2019

Important advances have been achieved over the past years in agriculture, industrial technology, energy, and health, which have contributed to human well-being [...]
Serine–Arginine Protein Kinase SRPK2 Modulates the Assembly of the Active Zone Scaffolding Protein CAST1/ERC2
Authors: Arancibia Duxan , Lira Matias , Cruz Yocelin , Barrera Daniela P. , Montenegro-Venegas Carolina , Godoy Juan A. , Garner Craig C. , Inestrosa Nibaldo C. , Gundelfinger Eckart D. , Zamorano Pedro , Torres Viviana I.
Published: October 2019

Neurons release neurotransmitters at a specialized region of the presynaptic membrane, the active zone (AZ), where a complex meshwork of proteins organizes the release apparatus. The formation of this proteinaceous cytomatrix at the AZ (CAZ) depends on precise homo- and hetero-oligomerizations of distinct CAZ proteins. The CAZ protein CAST1/ERC2 contains four coiled-coil (CC) domains that interact with other CAZ proteins, but also promote self-assembly, which is an essential step for its integration during AZ formation. The self-assembly and synaptic recruitment of the Drosophila protein Bruchpilot (BRP), a partial homolog of CAST1/ERC2, is modulated by the serine-arginine protein kinase (SRPK79D). Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of the vertebrate SRPK2 regulates the self-assembly of CAST1/ERC2 in HEK293T, SH-SY5Y and HT-22 cells and the CC1 and CC4 domains are involved in this process. Moreover, the isoform SRPK2 forms a complex with CAST1/ERC2 when co-expressed in HEK293T and SH-SY5Y cells. More importantly, SRPK2 is present in brain synaptic fractions and synapses, suggesting that this protein kinase might control the level of self-aggregation of CAST1/ERC2 in synapses, and thereby modulate presynaptic assembly.
Absence of the Tks4 Scaffold Protein Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Like Changes in Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Szeder Bálint , Tárnoki-Zách Júlia , Lakatos Dóra , Vas Virág , Kudlik Gyöngyi , Merő Balázs , Koprivanacz Kitti , Bányai László , Hámori Lilla , Róna Gergely , Czirók András , Füredi András , Buday László
Published: October 2019

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a multipurpose process involved in wound healing, development, and certain pathological processes, such as metastasis formation. The Tks4 scaffold protein has been implicated in cancer progression; however, its role in oncogenesis is not well defined. In this study, the function of Tks4 was investigated in HCT116 colon cancer cells by knocking the protein out using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Surprisingly, the absence of Tks4 induced significant changes in cell morphology, motility, adhesion and expression, and localization of E-cadherin, which are all considered as hallmarks of EMT. In agreement with these findings, the marked appearance of fibronectin, a marker of the mesenchymal phenotype, was also observed in Tks4-KO cells. Analysis of the expression of well-known EMT transcription factors revealed that Snail2 was strongly overexpressed in cells lacking Tks4. Tks4-KO cells showed increased motility and decreased cell–cell attachment. Collagen matrix invasion assays demonstrated the abundance of invasive solitary cells. Finally, the reintroduction of Tks4 protein in the Tks4-KO cells restored the expression levels of relevant key transcription factors, suggesting that the Tks4 scaffold protein has a specific and novel role in EMT regulation and cancer progression.
Endocytic Adaptor Proteins in Health and Disease: Lessons from Model Organisms and Human Mutations
Authors: Azarnia Tehran Domenico , López-Hernández Tania , Maritzen Tanja
Published: October 2019

Cells need to exchange material and information with their environment. This is largely achieved via cell-surface receptors which mediate processes ranging from nutrient uptake to signaling responses. Consequently, their surface levels have to be dynamically controlled. Endocytosis constitutes a powerful mechanism to regulate the surface proteome and to recycle vesicular transmembrane proteins that strand at the plasma membrane after exocytosis. For efficient internalization, the cargo proteins need to be linked to the endocytic machinery via adaptor proteins such as the heterotetrameric endocytic adaptor complex AP-2 and a variety of mostly monomeric endocytic adaptors. In line with the importance of endocytosis for nutrient uptake, cell signaling and neurotransmission, animal models and human mutations have revealed that defects in these adaptors are associated with several diseases ranging from metabolic disorders to encephalopathies. This review will discuss the physiological functions of the so far known adaptor proteins and will provide a comprehensive overview of their links to human diseases.
Control of Protein Homeostasis in the Early Secretory Pathway: Current Status and Challenges
Authors: Sicari Daria , Igbaria Aeid , Chevet Eric
Published: October 2019

Discrimination between properly folded proteins and those that do not reach this state is necessary for cells to achieve functionality. Eukaryotic cells have evolved several mechanisms to ensure secretory protein quality control, which allows efficiency and fidelity in protein production. Among the actors involved in such process, both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi complex play prominent roles in protein synthesis, biogenesis and secretion. ER and Golgi functions ensure that only properly folded proteins are allowed to flow through the secretory pathway while improperly folded proteins have to be eliminated to not impinge on cellular functions. Thus, complex quality control and degradation machineries are crucial to prevent the toxic accumulation of improperly folded proteins. However, in some instances, improperly folded proteins can escape the quality control systems thereby contributing to several human diseases. Herein, we summarize how the early secretory pathways copes with the accumulation of improperly folded proteins, and how insufficient handling can cause the development of several human diseases. Finally, we detail the genetic and pharmacologic approaches that could be used as potential therapeutic tools to treat these diseases.
BAP31 Inhibits Cell Adaptation to ER Stress Conditions, Negatively Regulating Autophagy Induction by Interaction with STX17
Authors: Machihara Kayo , Namba Takushi
Published: October 2019

Cancer cells modulate their metabolism to proliferate and survive under the metabolic stress condition, which is known as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Therefore, cancer cells should suppress ER stress-mediated cell death and induce autophagy—which recycles metabolites to provide energy and new macromolecules. In this study, we demonstrate that the ER membrane protein BAP31 acts to suppress adaptation to ER stress conditions, induce cell death, and suppress autophagy by forming a BAP31-STX17 protein complex. The loss of BAP31 stimulates tumor growth in metabolic stress conditions in vivo and enhances invasion activity. Therefore, BAP31 stimulates cell death and inhibits autophagy, and it can be considered a novel tumor suppressor factor that acts by preventing ER stress adaptation.
Improved Motor Nerve Regeneration by SIRT1/Hif1a-Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Romeo-Guitart David , Leiva-Rodriguez Tatiana , Forés Joaquim , Casas Caty
Published: October 2019

Complete restoring of functional connectivity between neurons or target tissue after traumatic lesions is still an unmet medical need. Using models of nerve axotomy and compression, we investigated the effect of autophagy induction by genetic and pharmacological manipulation on motor nerve regeneration. ATG5 or NAD+-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) overexpression on spinal motoneurons stimulates mTOR-independent autophagy and facilitates a growth-competent state improving motor axonal regeneration with better electromyographic records after nerve transection and suture. In agreement with this, using organotypic spinal cord cultures and the human cell line SH-SY5Y, we observed that the activation of SIRT1 and autophagy by NeuroHeal increased neurite outgrowth and length extension and that this was mediated by downstream HIF1a. To conclude, SIRT1/Hifα-dependent autophagy confers a more pro-regenerative phenotype to motoneurons after peripheral nerve injury. Altogether, we provide evidence showing that autophagy induction by SIRT1/Hifα activation or NeuroHeal treatment is a novel therapeutic option for improving motor nerve regeneration and functional recovery after injury.
Mitofusin 2-Deficiency Suppresses Mycobacterium tuberculosis Survival in Macrophages
Authors: Lee Junghwan , Choi Ji-Ae , Cho Soo-Na , Son Sang-Hun , Song Chang-Hwa
Published: October 2019

Apoptosis is an important host defense mechanism against mycobacterial infection. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating apoptosis during mycobacterial infection are not well known. Recent reports suggest that bacterial infection regulates mitochondrial fusion and fission in various ways. Here, we investigated the role of mitochondria in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected macrophages. Mtb H37Rv (Rv) infection induced mitofusin 2 (MFN2) degradation, leading to mitochondrial fission. Interestingly, Mtb H37Ra (Ra) infection induced significantly greater mitochondrial fragmentation than Rv infection. Mtb-mediated Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, contributed to the degradation of MFN2. To evaluate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the production of Parkin during Mtb infection, we analyzed Parkin production in 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA)-pretreated macrophages. Pretreatment with 4-PBA reduced Parkin production in Mtb-infected macrophages. In contrast, the level of MFN2 production recovered to a level similar to that of the unstimulated control. In addition, Ra-infected macrophages had reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) compared to those infected with Rv. Interestingly, intracellular survival of mycobacteria was decreased in siMFN2-transfected macrophages; in contrast, overexpression of MFN2 in macrophages increased Mtb growth compared with the control.
The Oncogene AF1Q is Associated with WNT and STAT Signaling and Offers a Novel Independent Prognostic Marker in Patients with Resectable Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Gruber Elisabeth , Oberhuber Georg , Birner Peter , Schlederer Michaela , Kenn Michael , Schreiner Wolfgang , Jomrich Gerd , Schoppmann Sebastian , Gnant Michael , Tse William , Kenner Lukas
Published: October 2019

AF1q impairs survival in hematologic and solid malignancies. AF1q expression is associated with tumor progression, migration and chemoresistance and acts as a transcriptional co-activator in WNT and STAT signaling. This study evaluates the role of AF1q in patients with resectable esophageal cancer (EC). A total of 278 patients operated on for EC were retrospectively included and the expression of AF1q, CD44 and pYSTAT3 was analyzed following immunostaining. Quantified data were processed to correlational and survival analysis. In EC tissue samples, an elevated expression of AF1q was associated with the expression of CD44 (p = 0.004) and pYSTAT3 (p = 0.0002). High AF1q expression in primary tumors showed high AF1q expression in the corresponding lymph nodes (p = 0.016). AF1q expression was higher after neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.0002). Patients with AF1q-positive EC relapsed and died earlier compared to patients with AF1q-negative EC (disease-free survival (DFS), p = 0.0005; disease-specific survival (DSS), p = 0.003); in the multivariable Cox regression model, AF1q proved to be an independent prognostic marker (DFS, p = 0.01; DSS, p = 0.03). AF1q is associated with WNT and STAT signaling; it impairs and independently predicts DFS and DSS in patients with resectable EC. Testing AF1q could facilitate prognosis estimation and provide a possibility of identifying the patients responsive to the therapeutic blockade of its oncogenic downstream targets.
MicroRNAs Contribute to Breast Cancer Invasiveness
Authors: Fridrichova Ivana , Zmetakova Iveta
Published: October 2019

Cancer statistics in 2018 highlight an 8.6 million incidence in female cancers, and 4.2 million cancer deaths globally. Moreover, breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in females and twenty percent of these develop metastasis. This provides only a small chance for successful therapy, and identification of new molecular markers for the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of metastatic disease and development of innovative therapeutic molecules are therefore urgently required. Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancers cause multiple changes in the expression of the tumorigenesis-promoting genes which have mostly been investigated in breast cancers. Herein, we summarize recent data on breast cancer-specific miRNA expression profiles and their participation in regulating invasive processes, in association with changes in cytoskeletal structure, cell-cell adhesion junctions, cancer cell-extracellular matrix interactions, tumor microenvironments, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions and cancer cell stem abilities. We then focused on the epigenetic regulation of individual miRNAs and their modified interactions with other regulatory genes, and reviewed the function of miRNA isoforms and exosome-mediated miRNA transfer in cancer invasiveness. Although research into miRNA’s function in cancer is still ongoing, results herein contribute to improved metastatic cancer management.
Phosphorylation of TIP3 Aquaporins during Phaseolus vulgaris Embryo Development
Authors: Daniels Mark J. , Yeager Mark
Published: October 2019

The membrane phosphoproteome in plant seed changes dynamically during embryo development. We examined the patterns of Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) seed membrane protein phosphorylation from the mid-maturation stage until two days after germination. Serine and threonine phosphorylation declined during seed maturation while tyrosine phosphorylation remained relatively constant. We discovered that the aquaporin PvTIP3;1 is the primary seed membrane phosphoprotein, and PvTIP3;2 shows a very low level of expression. The level of phosphorylated Ser7 in PvTIP3;1 increased four-fold after seed maturation. Since phosphorylation increases water channel activity, we infer that water transport by PvTIP3;1 is highest in dry and germinating seeds, which would be optimal for seed imbibition. By the use of isoform-specific, polyclonal peptide antibodies, we found that PvTIP3;2 is expressed in a developmental pattern similar to PvTIP3;1. Unexpectedly, PvTIP3;2 is tyrosine phosphorylated following seed maturation, which may suggest a mechanism for the regulation of PvTIP3;2 following seed germination. Analysis of protein secondary structure by circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated that the amino-terminal domain of PvTIP3;1 is generally unstructured, and phosphorylation increases polyproline II (PPII) helical structure. The carboxy-terminal domain also gains PPII character, but in a pH-dependent manner. These structural changes are a first step to understand TIP3 aquaporin regulation.
Laquinimod Supports Remyelination in Non-Supportive Environments
Authors: Nyamoya Stella , Steinle Julia , Chrzanowski Uta , Kaye Joel , Schmitz Christoph , Beyer Cordian , Kipp Markus
Published: October 2019

Inflammatory demyelination, which is a characteristic of multiple sclerosis lesions, leads to acute functional deficits and, in the long term, to progressive axonal degeneration. While remyelination is believed to protect axons, the endogenous-regenerative processes are often incomplete or even completely fail in many multiple sclerosis patients. Although it is currently unknown why remyelination fails, recurrent demyelination of previously demyelinated white matter areas is one contributing factor. In this study, we investigated whether laquinimod, which has demonstrated protective effects in active multiple sclerosis patients, protects against recurrent demyelination. To address this, male mice were intoxicated with cuprizone for up to eight weeks and treated with either a vehicle solution or laquinimod at the beginning of week 5, where remyelination was ongoing. The brains were harvested and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. At the time-point of laquinimod treatment initiation, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells proliferated and maturated despite ongoing demyelination activity. In the following weeks, myelination recovered in the laquinimod- but not vehicle-treated mice, despite continued cuprizone intoxication. Myelin recovery was paralleled by less severe microgliosis and acute axonal injury. In this study, we were able to demonstrate that laquinimod, which has previously been shown to protect against cuprizone-induced oligodendrocyte degeneration, exerts protective effects during oligodendrocyte progenitor differentiation as well. By this mechanism, laquinimod allows remyelination in non-supportive environments. These results should encourage further clinical studies in progressive multiple sclerosis patients.
Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells in Human Glioblastoma by Manipulating the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: Tan David , Roth Imogen , Wickremesekera Agadha , Davis Paul , Kaye Andrew , Mantamadiotis Theo , Stylli Stanley , Tan Swee
Published: October 2019

Patients with glioblastoma (GB), a highly aggressive brain tumor, have a median survival of 14.6 months following neurosurgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Quiescent GB cancer stem cells (CSCs) invariably cause local recurrence. These GB CSCs can be identified by embryonic stem cell markers, express components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and are associated with circulating CSCs. Despite the presence of circulating CSCs, GB patients rarely develop distant metastasis outside the central nervous system. This paper reviews the current literature on GB growth inhibition in relation to CSCs, circulating CSCs, the RAS and the novel therapeutic approach by repurposing drugs that target the RAS to improve overall symptom-free survival and maintain quality of life.
Chest Compressions for Bradycardia during Neonatal Resuscitation—Do We Have Evidence?
Authors: Agrawal Vikash , Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Chandrasekharan Praveen
Published: October 2019

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommends the initiation of chest compressions (CC) during neonatal resuscitation after 30 s of effective ventilation if the infant remains bradycardic (defined as a heart rate less than 60 bpm). The CC are performed during bradycardia to optimize organ perfusion, especially to the heart and brain. Among adults and children undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), CC is indicated only for pulselessness or poor perfusion. Neonates have a healthy heart that attempts to preserve coronary and cerebral perfusion during bradycardia secondary to asphyxia. Ventilation of the lungs is the key step during neonatal resuscitation, improving gas exchange and enhancing cerebral and cardiac blood flow by changes in intrathoracic pressure. Compressing the chest 90 times per minute without synchrony with innate cardiac activity during neonatal bradycardia is not based on evidence and could potentially be harmful. Although there are no studies evaluating outcomes in neonates, a recent pediatric study in a hospital setting showed that when CC were initiated during pulseless bradycardia, a third of the patients went into complete arrest, with poor survival at discharge. Ventilation-only protocols such as helping babies breathe are effective in reducing mortality and stillbirths in low-resource settings. In a situation of complete cardiac arrest, CC reinitiates pulmonary flow and supports gas exchange. However, the benefit/harm of performing asynchronous CC during bradycardia as part of neonatal resuscitation remains unknown.
Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Childhood Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Adler-Neal Adrienne , Cline Abigail , Frantz Travis , Strowd Lindsay , Feldman Steven , Taylor Sarah
Published: October 2019

Background: Childhood atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes significant psychological and financial costs to the individual and society. Treatment regimens may require long-term medication adherence and can be associated with poor patient satisfaction. There is considerable interest in complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) approaches for childhood atopic dermatitis. Objective: To assess the effects of CIM approaches on childhood atopic dermatitis outcomes as defined by randomized, controlled clinical trials. Methods: A PubMed review of CIM-related treatments for pediatric atopic dermatitis was performed, and data related to age, study population, efficacy, treatment regimen, length of treatment, and sample size were included. Results: The search yielded 20 trials related to probiotic/prebiotic treatments for atopic dermatitis, three on the effects of vitamins on children with atopic dermatitis, and two on the effects of Chinese herbal treatments for atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents. The strongest evidence was for supplementation with the probiotics L. fermentum and L. plantarum. Conclusions: Certain strains of probiotics, specifically L. plantarum and L. fermentum, may improve clinical severity scores in children with atopic dermatitis. However, additional trials are needed to more thoroughly delineate the effects of additional integrative therapies on childhood atopic dermatitis.
Corrosion Resistance of Anodic Layers Grown on 304L Stainless Steel at Different Anodizing Times and Stirring Speeds
Authors: Domínguez-Jaimes Laura Patricia , Arenas Vara María Ángeles , Cedillo-González Erika Iveth , Ruiz Valdés Juan Jacobo , De Damborenea Juan José , Conde Del Campo Ana , Rodríguez-Varela Francisco Javier , Alonso-Lemus Ivonne Liliana , Hernández-López Juan Manuel
Published: October 2019

Different chemical and physical treatments have been used to improve the properties and functionalities of steels. Anodizing is one of the most promising treatments, due to its versatility and easy industrial implementation. It allows the growth of nanoestructured oxide films with interesting properties able to be employed in different industrial sectors. The present work studies the influence of the anodizing time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min), as well as the stirring speed (0, 200, 400, and 600 rpm), on the morphology and the corrosion resistance of the anodic layers grown in 304L stainless steel. The anodic layers were characterized morphologically, compositionally, and electrochemically, in order to determine the influence of the anodization parameters on their corrosion behavior in a 0.6 mol L−1 NaCl solution. The results show that at 45 and 60 min anodizing times, the formation of two microstructures is favored, associated with the collapse of the nanoporous structures at the metal-oxide interphace. However, both the stirring speed and the anodizing time have a negligeable effect on the corrosion behavior of the anodized 304L SS samples, since their electrochemical values are similar to those of the non-anodized ones.
Enhancement of Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) Adhesion Performance by SiO2 and TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Petković Gorana , Vukoje Marina , Bota Josip , Pasanec Preprotić Suzana
Published: October 2019

Post press processes include various types of bonding and adhesives, depending upon the nature of adherends, the end use performance requirements and the adhesive bonding processes. Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive is a widely used adhesive in the graphic industry for paper, board, leather and cloth. In this study, the enhancement of PVAc adhesion performance by adding different concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) of silica (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles was investigated. The morphology of investigated paper-adhesive samples was analyzed by SEM microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. In addition, the optimal adhesion at the interface of paper and adhesive was found according to calculated adhesion parameters by contact angle measurements (work of adhesion, surface free energy of interphase, wetting coefficient). According to obtained surface free energy (SFE) results, optimum nanoparticles concentration was 1%. The wettability of the paper-adhesive surface and low SFE of interphase turned out as a key for a good adhesion performance. The end use T-peel resistance test of adhesive joints confirmed enhancement of adhesion performance. The highest strength improvement was achieved with 1% of SiO2 nanoparticles in PVAc adhesive.
Texture and Stress Evolution in HfN Films Sputter-Deposited at Oblique Angles
Authors: Abadias Grégory , Anğay Fırat , Mareus Rubenson , Mastail Cédric
Published: October 2019

In this study, polycrystalline hafnium nitride (HfN) thin films were grown by oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique to investigate the relationship between column tilt angle, texture development and residual stress evolution with varying inclination angle α of the substrate. The films (~1 μm thickness) were grown at various angles (α = 5°, 25°, 35°, 65°, 75°, and 85°) with respect to the substrate normal by reactive magnetron sputtering at 0.3 Pa and 300 °C. The film morphology, crystal structure and residual stress state were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), including pole figure and sin2ψ measurements. All HfN films had a cubic, NaCl-type crystal structure with an [111] out-of-plane orientation and exhibited a biaxial texture for α ≥ 35°. XRD pole figures reveal that the crystal habit of the grains consists of {100} facets constituting triangular-base pyramids, with a side and a corner facing the projection of the incoming particle flux (indicative of a double in-plane alignment). A columnar microstructure was formed for α ≥ 35°, with typical column widths of 100 nm. It is observed that the column tilt angle β increases monotonously for α ≥ 35°, reaching β = 34° at α = 85°. This variation at microscopic scale is correlated with the tilt angle of the (111) crystallographic planes, changing from −24.8 to 11.3° with respect to the substrate surface. The residual stress changes from strongly compressive (~−5 GPa at α = 5°) to negligible or slightly tensile for α ≥ 35°. The observed trends are compared to previous works of the literature and discussed based on existing crystal growth and stress models, as well as in light of energy and angular distribution of the incident particle flux calculated by Monte Carlo. Importantly, a decrease of the average kinetic energy of Hf particles from 22.4 to 17.7 eV is found with increasing α due to an increase number of collisions.
Mechanisms of Surface Charge Modification of Carbonates in Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Derkani Maryam H. , Fletcher Ashleigh J. , Fedorov Maxim , Abdallah Wael , Sauerer Bastian , Anderson James , Zhang Zhenyu J.
Published: October 2019

The influence of different types of salts (NaCl, CaCl 2 , MgCl 2 , NaHCO 3 , and Na 2 SO 4 ) on the surface characteristics of unconditioned calcite and dolomite particles, and conditioned with stearic acid, was investigated. This study used zeta potential measurements to gain fundamental understanding of physico-chemical mechanisms involved in surface charge modification of carbonate minerals in the presence of diluted salt solutions. By increasing the salt concentration of divalent cationic salt solution (CaCl 2 and MgCl 2 ), the zeta potential of calcite particles was altered, resulting in charge reversal from negative to positive, while dolomite particles maintained positive zeta potential. This is due to the adsorption of potential-determining cations (Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + ), and consequent changes in the structure of the diffuse layer, predominantly driven by coulombic interactions. On the other hand, chemical adsorption of potential-determining anions (HCO 3 − and SO 4 2 − ) maintained the negative zeta potential of carbonate surfaces and increased its magnitude up to 10 mM, before decreasing at higher salt concentrations. Physisorption of stearic acid molecules on the calcite and dolomite surfaces changed the zeta potential to more negative values in all solutions. It is argued that divalent cations (Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + ) would result in positive and neutral complexes with stearic acid molecules, which may result in strongly bound stearic acid films, whereas ions resulting in negative mineral surface charges (SO 4 2 − and HCO 3 − ) will cause stearic acid films to be loosely bound to the carbonate mineral surfaces. The suggested mechanism for surface charge modification of carbonates, in the presence of different ions, is changes in both distribution of ions in the diffuse layer and its structure as a result of ion adsorption to the crystal lattice by having a positive contribution to the disjoining pressures when changing electrolyte concentration. This work extends the current knowledge base for dynamic water injection design by determining the effect of salt concentration on surface electrostatics.
On the Stability of a Hardware Compensation Mechanism for Embedded Energy Harvesting Emulators
Authors: Freschi Valerio , Lattanzi Emanuele
Published: October 2019

The possibility of emulating renewable energy sources by means of portable, low-cost embedded devices is a key factor for the design and validation of ultra low-power networked embedded systems. Full characterisation of hardware-software platforms used for reliably and adaptively generating energy traces is therefore needed in order to clearly understand their adoption for testing energy harvesting devices or protocols. We investigate in this study a recently proposed embedded ultra-low power solution, which targets energy harvesting sources emulation with real-time responsiveness. The analyzed platform has been previously evaluated in terms of accuracy and reactiveness. However, given the presence of a positive feedback mechanism implemented by means of a compensation circuit, the possibility of unstable dynamics could hinder its applicability. It is therefore deemed interesting to delineate the conditions which guarantee the stability of the system. The aim of this article is to investigate the problem, to formally derive the electrical loads to be powered that allow for operate in a stable regime, and to experimentally assess properties in realistic scenarios. Theoretical and experimental results highlight the flexibility of the analyzed platform in terms of its capability to quickly adapt to changes in load conditions, while retaining bounded output dynamics.
The Lyotropic Analog of the Polar SmC* Phase
Authors: Bruckner Johanna R. , Giesselmann Frank
Published: October 2019

Only six years ago, the first clear-cut example of a ferroelectric, lyotropic liquid crystal was discovered. Since then, ongoing investigations in this new research field provided numerous instances of the missing pieces to complete the formerly blank picture of the lyotropic smectic C* (SmC*) phase. In this review we wanted to combine these new results and put them into a wider historical and scientific context. We start by giving an introduction about characteristic features of the well-known thermotropic SmC* phase and why it is so difficult to find a lyotropic equivalent of this fascinating phase. After discussing early examples of achiral lyotropic and swollen SmC phases, we recap the discovery of the first lyotropic SmC* phase. The molecular features necessary for its formation and its properties are analyzed. We place special emphasis on discussing the long-range orientational order of the tilt direction and the corresponding chirality effects. By comparing these exceptional features with thermotropic and swollen SmC* phases, we aim to improve not only the understanding of the lyotropic SmC* phase, but also of the relationship between thermotropic and lyotropic systems in general.
Geometric Parameter Control of Infill Patterns
Authors: Chynybekova Kanygul
Published: October 2019

Existing studies on infill patterns have tended to focus on pattern design rather than on geometric parameters. During this study, we propose a new controlling method focused specifically on the geometric parameters of infill patterns. The input parameters of this method can be used to create 3D printed objects with more lightweight interiors. The presented approach partitions a region of an object with user-specified distance inputs that are used to create infill pattern elements. Moreover, the proposed method will enable the generation of new design variations derived from a single pattern type with similar topologies and varying geometric parameters. The hexagonal pattern variations comprising regular and irregular elements have been presented. The variations of infill pattern design are useful for creating more lightweight and stronger 3D fabrications. The proposed approach is applicable for many different patterns, including linear pattern designs. The goal of this study is to devise a more cost-effective method of creating 3D-printed objects through the application of customizable infill patterns.
Surveillance of Individuals with a Family History of Pancreatic Cancer and Inherited Cancer Syndromes: A Strategy for Detecting Early Pancreatic Cancers
Authors: Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Kiyozumi Yoshimi , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Kikuyama Masataka , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: October 2019

A family history of pancreatic cancer (PC) is a risk factor of PC, and risk levels increase as affected families grow in number and/or develop PC at younger ages. Familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) is defined as a client having at least two PC cases in a first degree relatives. In the narrow sense, FPC does not include some inherited cancer syndromes that are known to increase the risks of PC, such as Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS), hereditary pancreatitis (HP), hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), and so on. FPC accounts for 5%–10% of total PC diagnoses and is marked by several features in genetic, epidemiological, and clinicopathological findings that are similar to or distinct from conventional PC. Recent advances in genetic medicine have led to an increased ability to identify germline variants of cancer-associated genes. To date, high-risk individuals (HRIs) in many developed countries, including FPC kindreds and inherited cancer syndromes, are screened clinically to detect and treat early-stage PC. This article highlights the concept of FPC and the most recent data on its detection.
Estimating the Threshold of Detection on Tree Crown Defoliation Using Vegetation Indices from UAS Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Otsu Kaori , Pla Magda , Duane Andrea , Cardil Adrián , Brotons Lluís
Published: October 2019

Periodical outbreaks of Thaumetopoea pityocampa feeding on pine needles may pose a threat to Mediterranean coniferous forests by causing severe tree defoliation, growth reduction, and eventually mortality. To cost–effectively monitor the temporal and spatial damages in pine–oak mixed stands using unmanned aerial systems (UASs) for multispectral imagery, we aimed at developing a simple thresholding classification tool for forest practitioners as an alternative method to complex classifiers such as Random Forest. The UAS flights were performed during winter 2017–2018 over four study areas in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. To detect defoliation and further distinguish pine species, we conducted nested histogram thresholding analyses with four UAS-derived vegetation indices (VIs) and evaluated classification accuracy. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and NDVI red edge performed the best for detecting defoliation with an overall accuracy of 95% in the total study area. For discriminating pine species, accuracy results of 93–96% were only achievable with green NDVI in the partial study area, where the Random Forest classification combined for defoliation and tree species resulted in 91–93%. Finally, we achieved to estimate the average thresholds of VIs for detecting defoliation over the total area, which may be applicable across similar Mediterranean pine stands for monitoring regional forest health on a large scale.
Video Streaming in Urban Vehicular Environments: Junction-Aware Multipath Approach
Authors: Aliyu Ahmed , El-Sayed Hesham , Abdullah Abdul Hanan , Alam Intyaz , Li Jun , Prasad Mukesh
Published: October 2019

In multipath video streaming transmission, the selection of the best vehicle for video packet forwarding considering the junction area is a challenging task due to the several diversions in the junction area. The vehicles in the junction area change direction based on the different diversions, which lead to video packet drop. In the existing works, the explicit consideration of different positions in the junction areas has not been considered for forwarding vehicle selection. To address the aforementioned challenges, a Junction-Aware vehicle selection for Multipath Video Streaming (JA-MVS) scheme has been proposed. The JA-MVS scheme considers three different cases in the junction area including the vehicle after the junction, before the junction and inside the junction area, with an evaluation of the vehicle signal strength based on the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), which is based on the multipath data forwarding concept using greedy-based geographic routing. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated based on the Packet Loss Ratio (PLR), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and End-to-End Delay (E2ED) metrics. The JA-MVS is compared against two baseline schemes, Junction-Based Multipath Source Routing (JMSR) and the Adaptive Multipath geographic routing for Video Transmission (AMVT), in urban Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs).
SmartX Box: Virtualized Hyper-Converged Resources for Building an Affordable Playground
Authors: Risdianto Aris Cahyadi , Usman Muhammad , Kim JongWon
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we present our proposals and efforts for building an affordable playground (i.e., miniaturized testbed) for Software-Defined Networking (SDN)-Cloud experiments by using hyper-converged SmartX Boxes that are distributed across multiple sites. Each SmartX Box consists of several virtualized functions that are categorized into SDN and cloud functions. Multiple SmartX Boxes are deployed and inter-connected through SDN to build multi-site distributed cloud playground resources. The resulting deployment integrates both cloud multi-tenancy and SDN-based slicing, which allow developers to run experiments and operators to monitor resources in a distributed SDN-cloud playground. It also describes how the hyper-converged SmartX Box can increase the affordability of the playground deployment. Thus, the analysis result shows the efficiency of SmartX Box for building a distributed playground by providing semi-automated DevOps-style resource provisioning.
Design Methodology for the Implementation of Fuzzy Inference Systems Based on Boolean Relations
Authors: Espitia Helbert , Soriano José , Machón Iván , López Hilario
Published: October 2019

This paper proposes a methodology for the design of fuzzy inference systems based on Boolean relations. The approach using Boolean sets presents limited performance due to the abrupt transitions that occur during its functioning, therefore, fuzzy sets can be used aiming the improvement of the performance. In this approach, firstly, the design of a Boolean controller is performed, which is later extended into fuzzy under design guidelines proposed in this paper. The methodology uses Kleene algebra via truth tables for the fuzzy system design, allowing the simplification of the equations that implement the fuzzy system.
Self-Heating Ability of Geopolymers Enhanced by Carbon Black Admixtures at Different Voltage Loads
Authors: Fiala Lukáš , Petříková Michaela , Lin Wei-Ting , Podolka Luboš , Černý Robert
Published: October 2019

Sustainable development in the construction industry can be achieved by the design of multifunctional materials with good mechanical properties, durability, and reasonable environmental impacts. New functional properties, such as self-sensing, self-heating, or energy harvesting, are crucially dependent on electrical properties, which are very poor for common building materials. Therefore, various electrically conductive admixtures are used to enhance their electrical properties. Geopolymers based on waste or byproduct precursors are promising materials that can gain new functional properties by adding a reasonable amount of electrically conductive admixtures. The main aim of this paper lies in the design of multifunctional geopolymers with self-heating abilities. Designed geopolymer mortars based on blast-furnace slag activated by water glass and 6 dosages of carbon black (CB) admixture up to 2.25 wt. % were studied in terms of basic physical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties (DC). The self-heating ability of the designed mortars was experimentally determined at 40 and 100 V loads. The percolation threshold for self-heating was observed at 1.5 wt. % of carbon black with an increasing self-heating performance for higher CB dosages. The highest power of 26 W and the highest temperature increase of about 110 °C were observed for geopolymers with 2.25 wt. % of carbon black admixture at 100 V.
Numerical Investigation and Optimization on Shell Side Performance of A Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Inclined Trefoil-Hole Baffles
Authors: Sun Yue , Wang Xinting , Long Rui , Yuan Fang , Yang Kun
Published: October 2019

In this work, a shell and tube heat exchanger with inclined trefoil-hole baffles (STHX-IT) is proposed, and the numerical simulation is conducted to investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics. A shell and tube heat exchanger with segmental baffles (STHX-SG) is also studied for the performance comparison. The results show that the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop of the STHX-IT is averagely lower by 23.89% and 44.19% than those of the STHX-SG, but the heat transfer coefficient per pressure drop is higher by 36.38% on average. Further, the parametric studies of the inclination angle θ, trefoil-hole number n, and baffle cut δ are carried out for the STHX-IT. According to the numerical results, n and δ have more notable influence on shell side performance than θ. In detail, the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop decrease slightly with θ increasing, and the overall performance is approximately equal; both the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop decrease with the respective rising of n and δ, but the comprehensive performance shows a growing trend. Considering the synthetic effects of structural parameters, the multi-objective structure optimization using the genetic algorithm combined with the artificial neural networks is fulfilled. As a result, the Pareto front is obtained to characterize the behaviors of the maximum heat transfer rate and minimum pressure drop. The STHX-IT with the θ = 5.38°, n = 6, and δ = 43% is decided as the optimal solution by the TOPSIS method, whose Q/Δp is 2.34 times as much as that of the original STHX-SG.
A Critical Review of CO2 Capture Technologies and Prospects for Clean Power Generation
Authors: Sifat Najmus S. , Haseli Yousef
Published: October 2019

With rapid growth in global demand for energy, the emission of CO2 is increasing due to the use of fossil fuels in power plants. Effective strategies are required to decrease the industrial emissions to meet the climate change target set at 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21). Carbon capture and storage have been recognized as the most useful methods to reduce the CO2 emissions while using fossil fuels in power generation. This work reviews different methods and updates of the current technologies to capture and separate CO2 generated in a thermal power plant. Carbon capture is classified in two broad categories depending on the requirement of separation of CO2 from the gases. The novel methods of oxy combustion and chemical looping combustion carbon capture have been compared with the traditional post combustion and precombustion carbon capture methods. The current state of technology and limitation of each of the processes including commonly used separation techniques for CO2 from the gas mixture are discussed in this review. Further research and investigations are suggested based on the technological maturity, economic viability, and lack of proper knowledge of the combustion system for further improvement of the capture system.