bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HAZOP Methodology Based on the Health, Safety, and Environment Engineering
Authors: Choi Jae-Young , Byeon Sang-Hoon
Published: May 2020

In existing risk analysis techniques like the hazard and operability study (HAZOP) and the safety integrity level (SIL), design for operator safety is not considered. The health, safety, and environment (HSE) engineering depicts a detailed design directly related to the operator safety. However, the human risk had not been comprehensively analyzed. This paper proposes HSE-HAZOP as a technique for examining the systematic and efficient application of HSE engineering by exploiting the HAZOP systematic risk analysis technique and a quantitative risk derivation method, which is an advantage of the SIL. The analysis consists of four steps: the HSE-HAZOP preparation phase, risk analysis phase, risk assessment phase, and risk reduction phase. One part of a solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) plant was used for a case study. In this case study, the items that handle with heptanoic acid were the study scope. After the risk assessment, we introduced the HSE engineering technique that should be applied for the risk reduction. Since there is no existing risk analysis method for HSE engineering, this proposed HSE-HAZOP is meaningful because it suggests systematic analysis method of the operator safety.
Benefits of a Three-Day Bamboo Forest Therapy Session on the Physiological Responses of University Students
Authors: Zeng Chengcheng , Lyu Bingyang , Deng Songyuan , Yu Yan , Li Nian , Lin Wei , Li Di , Chen Qibing
Published: May 2020

Studies have indicated that natural environments have the potential to improve the relationship between a stressful life and psychological well-being and physical health. Forest therapy has recently received widespread attention as a novel solution for stress recovery and health promotion. Bamboo is an important forest type in many countries, especially in East and Southeast Asia and in African countries. Bamboo is widespread throughout southwestern China. Empirical field research on the physiological effects of bamboo forest therapy is currently lacking. To explore the benefits of bamboo forest therapy on the physiological responses of university students, 120 university volunteers between the ages of 19 and 24 participated in this study (60 males and 60 females) and were randomly divided into four groups of equal size (15 males and 15 females in each). Four sites were selected for the experiment, including two natural bamboo forests (YA and YB), a bamboo forest park (DJY), and an urban environment (CS). During the testing period, all participants were asked to view the landscape for 15 min in the morning and then walk in the testing area for 15 min in the afternoon. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured as the physiological indexes, and the semantic differential method (SDM) questionnaire was completed for the environmental satisfaction evaluation. The SDM for the subjective environmental evaluation differed significantly among the university students; they obtained a better environmental experience, in terms of sensory perception, atmosphere, climate, place, and space, in the bamboo forest sites. The three-day bamboo forest therapy session improved the physiological well-being of university students. First, the blood pressure and heart rate of the university students decreased, and the SpO2 increased, after the three-day viewing and walking activities of the three-day bamboo forest therapy session. The viewing activities had a more pronounced effect on decreased heart rate in university students. Additionally, three-day bamboo forest therapy had a positive impact on decreased systolic blood pressure and heart rate in the university students, and it was significantly decreased in females, while peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) remained relatively low. Finally, compared with the urban site (CS), the bamboo forest sites effectively improved the university students’ physiological state of health, decreased their physical pressure, and stabilized their physiological indicators. These findings provide scientific evidence that a three-day bamboo forest therapy session can increase positive physiological responses. The potential for a longer-term effect on human physiological health requires further investigation.
Perceived Environmental Threats and Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Investigating the Role of Political Participation Using a South Korean Survey
Authors: Lim Jae Young , Moon Kuk-Kyoung
Published: May 2020

Climate change and environmental pollution are increasingly ravaging countries around the world. This study examines the direct effects of perceived environmental threats and political participation, as well as their joint effects, on individuals’ support for a lower standard of living and the increased government spending necessary for environmental protection. Using the 2014 South Korean General Social Survey and an ordered probit, the study finds that individuals’ perceptions of environmental threats are associated positively with their support for government spending and a lower standard of living. Political participation is statistically significant and positive only in its relationship with support for a lower standard of living. Nevertheless, political participation is a powerful moderator and amplifies positive relationships between individuals’ perceptions of environmental threats and their support for a lower standard of living and government spending on environmental protection. In estimating predicted probabilities of strong support, perceived environmental threats and political participation jointly increased support for lower living standards by 35.67% and for government spending by 69.58%.
A Neural Networks Approach to Detecting Lost Heritage in Historical Video
Authors: Condorelli Francesca , Rinaudo Fulvio , Salvadore Francesco , Tagliaventi Stefano
Published: May 2020

Documenting Cultural Heritage through the extraction of 3D measures with photogrammetry is fundamental for the conservation of the memory of the past. However, when the heritage has been lost the only way to recover this information is the use of historical images from archives. The aim of this study is to experiment with new ways to search for architectural heritage in video material and to save the effort of the operator in the archive in terms of efficiency and time. A workflow is proposed to automatically detect lost heritage in film footage using Deep Learning to find suitable images to process with photogrammetry for its 3D virtual reconstruction. The performance of the network was tested on two case studies considering different architectural scenarios, the Tour Saint Jacques which still exists for the tuning of the networks, and Les Halles to test the algorithms on a real case of an architecture which has been destroyed. Despite the poor quantity and low quality of the historical images available for the training of the network, it has been demonstrated that, with few frames, it was possible to reach the same results in terms of performance of a network trained on a large dataset. Moreover, with the introduction of new metrics based on time intervals the measure of the real time saving in terms of human effort was achieved. These findings represent an important innovation in the documentation of destroyed monuments and open new ways to recover information about the past.
Effects of Prenatal Exposure to a Low-Dose of Bisphenol A on Sex Differences in Emotional Behavior and Central Alpha2-Adrenergic Receptor Binding
Authors: Ponzi Davide , Gioiosa Laura , Parmigiani Stefano , Palanza Paola
Published: May 2020

Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) influences the development of sex differences neurologically and behaviorally across many species of vertebrates. These effects are a consequence of BPA’s estrogenic activity and its ability to act as an endocrine disrupter even, at very low doses. When exposure to BPA occurs during critical periods of development, it can interfere with the normal activity of sex steroids, impacting the fate of neurons, neural connectivity and the development of brain regions sensitive to steroid activity. Among the most sensitive behavioral targets of BPA action are behaviors that are characterized by a sexual dimorphism, especially emotion and anxiety related behaviors, such as the amount of time spent investigating a novel environment, locomotive activity and arousal. Moreover, in some species of rodents, BPA exposure affected males’ sexual behaviors. Interestingly, these behaviors are at least in part modulated by the catecholaminergic system, which has been reported to be a target of BPA action. In the present study we investigated the influence of prenatal exposure of mice to a very low single dose of BPA on emotional and sexual behaviors and on the density and binding characteristics of alpha2 adrenergic receptors. Alpha2 adrenergic receptors are widespread in the central nervous system and they can act as autoreceptors, inhibiting the release of noradrenaline and other neurotransmitters from presynaptic terminals. BPA exposure disrupted sex differences in behavioral responses to a novel environment, but did not affect male mice sexual behavior. Importantly, BPA exposure caused a change in the binding affinity of alpha2 adrenergic receptors in the locus coeruleus and medial preoptic area (mPOA) and it eliminated the sexual dimorphism in the density of the receptors in the mPOA.
Therapeutic Application of Drug-Conjugated HER2 Oligobody (HER2-DOligobody)
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Sung Ho Jin , Lee Yul Min , Choi Sun Il , Kim Yun-Hee , Heo Kyun , Kim In-Hoo
Published: May 2020

Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), consisting of a cancer-specific antibody and cytotoxic payload, are shown to be a potent class of anticancer therapeutics, with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced “off-target” side effects. However, the therapeutic window of ADCs is narrowed by problems such as difficulty in site-specific conjugation of payload, changes in antibody stability due to payload conjugation, and difficulty in tissue penetration. In this respect, aptamers have advantages in drug-delivery, as they can be easily and stably conjugated with cytotoxic drugs. We previously reported that oligobody, an aptamer-antibody complex, is a novel delivery method for aptamer-based therapeutics. In the current study, we describe DOligobody, a drug-conjugated oligobody comprising an aptamer-drug conjugate and an antibody. A cotinine-conjugated anti-HER2 aptamer (cot-HER2apt) was specifically bound to HER2-positive NCI-N87 cells, and underwent receptor-mediated endocytosis. Further, HER2-DOligobody, a cot-HER2apt-conjugated monomethyl auristatin E (cot-HER2apt-MMAE) oligobody, inhibited the growth of HER2-positive NCI-N87 cells. Finally, systemic administration of HER2-DOligobody significantly reduced tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these results suggest that our DOligobody strategy may be a powerful platform for rapid, low-cost and effective cancer therapy.
Treatment of Infected Tibial Non-Unions with Ilizarov Technique: A Case Series
Authors: Testa Gianluca , Vescio Andrea , Aloj Domenico Costantino , Costa Danilo , Papotto Giacomo , Gurrieri Luca , Sessa Giuseppe , Pavone Vito
Published: May 2020

Background: The Ilizarov external fixation technique has been widely used for the treatment of long-bone infected non-unions. After surgical infected bone resection, to allow filling of the remaining bone gap, biomaterials with antibacterial properties could be used. The aim of this study was to report outcomes of infected tibial non-unions treated using the Ilizarov technique and antibacterial bioactive glass. Methods: Between April 2009 and December 2014, 26 patients with infected tibial non-unions were treated with the Ilizarov technique and possible use of the bioactive glass, S53P4. The Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria, a clinical and radiographic evaluating tool, was used for assessing the sample. Results: The average age at the start of treatment was 51 years. The mean follow-up time was 113 weeks. According to the ASAMI Functional Scoring System, 10 excellent (38.5%) cases and 12 good (46.1%) values were recorded. According to the ASAMI Radiological System, they were excellent in 16 (61.5%) cases and good in nine (34.6%). Conclusions: Treatment of infected tibial non-unions using the Ilizarov technique was effective in bone segment regeneration. To fill the remaining bone gap, additional bioactive glass S53P4 could be used, allowing a decrease in re-interventions and minimizing complications.
Applications of a Specialty Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program: Clinical Continuity and Translational Collaboration
Authors: Crawford Erin E. , McCarthy Patrick M. , Malaisrie S. Chris , Puthumana Jyothy J. , Robinson Joshua D. , Markl Michael , Liu Menghan , Andrei Adin-Cristian , Guzzardi David G. , Kruse Jane , Fedak Paul W. M.
Published: May 2020

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart diagnosis and is associated with aortopathy. Current guidelines for aortic resection have been validated but are based on aortic diameter, which is insufficient to predict acute aortic events. Clinical and translational collaboration is necessary to identify biomarkers that can individualize the timing of prophylactic surgery for BAV aortopathy. We describe our multidisciplinary BAV program, including research protocols aimed at biomarker discovery and results from our longitudinal clinical registry. From 2012–2018, 887 patients enrolled in our clinical BAV registry with the option to undergo four dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow CMR) and donate serum plasma or tissue samples. Of 887 patients, 388 (44%) had an elective BAV-related procedure after initial presentation, while 499 (56%) continued with medical management. Of medical patients, 44 (9%) had elective surgery after 2.3 ± 1.4 years. Surgery patients’ biobank donations include 198 (46%) aorta, 374 (86%) aortic valve, and 314 (73%) plasma samples. The 4D flow CMR was completed for 215 (50%) surgery patients and 243 (49%) medical patients. Patients with BAV aortopathy can be safely followed by a multidisciplinary team to detect indications for surgery. Paired tissue and hemodynamic analysis holds opportunity for biomarker development in BAV aortopathy.
The Use of a Virtual Reality Platform for the Assessment of the Memory Decline and the Hippocampal Neural Injury in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Validity of Smart Aging Serious Game (SASG)
Authors: Cabinio Monia , Rossetto Federica , Isernia Sara , Saibene Francesca Lea , Di Cesare Monica , Borgnis Francesca , Pazzi Stefania , Migliazza Tommaso , Alberoni Margherita , Blasi Valeria , Baglio Francesca
Published: May 2020

Due to the lack of pharmacological treatment for dementia, timely detection of subjects at risk can be of seminal importance for preemptive rehabilitation interventions. The aim of the study was to determine the usability of the smart aging serious game (SASG), a virtual reality platform, in assessing the cognitive profile of an amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) population, its validity in discriminating aMCI from healthy controls (HC), and in detecting hippocampal degeneration, a biomarker of clinical progression towards dementia. Thirty-six aMCI and 107 HC subjects were recruited and administered the SASG together with a neuropsychological evaluation. All aMCI and 30 HC subjects performed also an MRI for hippocampal volume measurement. Results showed good usability of the SASG despite the low familiarity with technology in both groups. ROC curve analyses showed similar discriminating abilities for SASG and gold standard tests, and a greater discrimination ability compared to non-specific neuropsychological tests. Finally, linear regression analysis revealed that the SASG outperformed the Montreal cognitive assessment test (MoCA) in the ability to detect neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus on the right side. These data show that SASG is an ecological task, that can be considered a digital biomarker providing objective and clinically meaningful data about the cognitive profile of aMCI subjects.
Outcomes of Patients with Clinical Stage I-IIIA Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Lung Cancer Treated with Resection
Authors: Lowczak Anna , Kolasinska-Cwikla Agnieszka , Ćwikła Jarosław B , Osowiecka Karolina , Palucki Jakub , Rzepko Robert , Glinka Lidka , Doboszyńska Anna
Published: May 2020

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis. The rationale of the study was to determine the survival of LCNEC patients in I–IIIA clinical stages who underwent resection. A total of 53 LCNEC (89%) and combined LCNEC (11%) patients in stages I–IIIA who underwent surgery with radical intent between 2002–2018 were included in the current study. Overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) were estimated. Uni- and multivariable analyses were conducted using Cox-regression model. Patients were treated with surgery alone (51%), surgery with radiochemotherapy (4%), with radiotherapy (2%), with adjuvant chemotherapy (41%), or with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (2%). The median (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) OS and TTR was 52 months (20.1–102.1 months) and 20 months (7.0–75.6 months), respectively. Patients treated in clinical stage I showed better OS than patients in stages II–IIIA (p = 0.008). Patients with R0 resection margin (negative margin, no tumor at the margin) and without lymph node metastasis had significantly better TTR. In the multivariate analysis, age was an independent factor influencing OS. Recurrence within 1 year was noted in more than half cases of LCNEC. R0 resection margin and N0 status (no lymph node metastasis) were factors improving TTR. Age >64 years was observed as a main independent factor influencing OS.
3D Numerical Simulations of Green Water Impact on Forward-Speed Wigley Hull Using Open Source Codes
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Wang Yitao , Wang Xueliang , Cao Xueshen
Published: May 2020

A series of CFD RANS simulations are presented for Wigley hulls of two freeboard heights progressing with forward speed in waves. Free surface effects are captured using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method embedded in open source software OpenFOAM. Comparisons of heave, pitch motions and added resistance of the first Wigley model against the experiments of Kashiwagi (2013) confirm the numerical validity of the hydrodynamic modelling approach. Further simulations for the lower-freeboard Wigley model reveal that the highest green water impact on decks appears in way of

λ
/
L
=
1.3

and at the highest instantaneous pitch amplitude where the water propagates far downstream and across the deck. The simulations also demonstrate that the green water events are associated with air bubble entrapment.
Applications of Virtual Data in Subsea Inspections
Authors: O’Byrne Michael , Ghosh Bidisha , Schoefs Franck , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the role that virtual environments can play in assisting engineers and divers when performing subsea inspections. We outline the current state of research and technology that is relevant to the development of effective virtual environments. Three case studies are presented demonstrating how the inspection process can be enhanced through the use of virtual data. The first case study looks at how immersive virtual underwater scenes can be created to help divers and inspectors plan and implement real-world inspections. The second case study shows an example where deep learning-based computer vision methods are trained on datasets comprised of instances of virtual damage, specifically instances of barnacle fouling on the surface of a ship hull. The trained deep models are then applied to detect real-world instances of biofouling with promising results. The final case study shows how image-based damage detection methods can be calibrated using virtual images of damage captured under various simulated levels of underwater visibility. The work emphasizes the value of virtual data in creating a more efficient, safe and informed underwater inspection campaign for a wide range of built infrastructure, potentially leading to better monitoring, inspection and lifetime performance of such underwater structures.
Comparison of the Hemodynamic Performance of Two Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Devices Applied to the Lower Limb
Authors: Avazzadeh Sahar , O’Farrell Andrea , Flaherty Kate , O’Connell Sandra , ÓLaighin Gearóid , Quinlan Leo R.
Published: May 2020

Currently, 1% of the population of the Western world suffers from venous leg ulcers as a result of chronic venous insufficiency. Current treatment involves the use of moist wound healing, compression bandages, and intermittent pneumatic compression. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a novel potential new therapeutic method for the promotion of increased lower limb hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to measure the hemodynamic changes in the lower limb with the use of two neuromuscular electrical stimulation devices. Twelve healthy volunteers received two neuromuscular stimulation device interventions. The GekoTM and National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway neuromuscular electrical stimulation devices were randomized between dominant and non-dominant legs. Hemodynamic measurements of peak venous velocity (cm/s), the time average mean velocity (TAMEAN) (cm/s), and ejected volume (mL) of blood were recorded. Peak venous velocity was significantly increased by the GekoTM and the NUI Galway device compared to baseline blood flow (p < 0.0001), while only the voluntary contraction produced significant increases in TAMEAN and ejected volume (both p < 0.05). Neuromuscular muscular electrical stimulation can produce adequate increases in lower limb hemodynamics sufficient to prevent venous stasis. Greater use of neuromuscular stimulation devices could be considered in the treatment of conditions related to chronic venous insufficiency but requires further research.
The Differential Role of Executive Functions in the Cognitive Control of Language Switching
Authors: Linck Jared A. , Schwieter John W. , Sunderman Gretchen
Published: May 2020

Studies of bilingual speech production suggest that different executive functions (EFs) contribute to the cognitive control of language production. However, no study has simultaneously examined the relationship between different EFs and language control during online speech production. The current study examined individual differences in three EFs (working memory updating, inhibitory control, and task-set switching) and their relationship with performance in a trilingual language-switching task for a group of forty-seven native English (L1) speakers learning French (L2) and Spanish (L3). Analyses indicate complex interactions between EFs and language switching: better inhibitory control was related to smaller L1 switch costs, whereas better working memory was related to larger L1 switch costs. Working memory was also related to larger L2 switch costs, but only when switching from L1. These results support theories of cognitive control that implicate both global and local control mechanisms, and suggest unique contributions of each EF to both global and local cognitive control during language switching. Finally, we discuss the implications for theories of multilingual language control.
Special Issue of the Manufacturing Engineering Society 2019 (SIMES-2019)
Authors: Rubio Eva María , Camacho Ana María
Published: May 2020

The Special Issue of the Manufacturing Engineering Society 2019 (SIMES-2019) has been launched as a joint issue of the journals “Materials” and “Applied Sciences”. The 29 contributions published in this Special Issue of Materials present cutting-edge advances in the field of manufacturing engineering focusing on additive manufacturing and 3D printing, advances and innovations in manufacturing processes, sustainable and green manufacturing, manufacturing of new materials, metrology and quality in manufacturing, industry 4.0, design, modeling, and simulation in manufacturing engineering and manufacturing engineering and society. Among them, these contributions highlight that the topic “additive manufacturing and 3D printing” has collected a large number of contributions in this journal because its huge potential has attracted the attention of numerous researchers over the last years.
Application of 3-D Drucker–Prager Material Model to Determine Optimal Operating Parameters of Centrifugal Regeneration Device
Authors: Łatas Waldemar , Dańko Rafał , Czapla Przemysław
Published: May 2020

The process of metal casting indisposable sand molds is associated with the generation of large amounts of waste, mainly used molding and core sands, from which the molds and cores reproducing the external and internal shapes of the castings were made. It is estimated that about 600 kg of waste can come from the production of 1 ton of casting. The main component of the waste is quartz matrix, which after undergoing appropriate reclamation treatments can be recovered and reused in the production process. This article presents the theoretical foundations regarding the existing methods of quartz matrix recovery and an experimentally justified model of the regeneration process occurring in one of the varieties used in the practice of mechanical regenerators. The goal is to improve the quality of regenerated molding sand by means of liberating the sand grain’s surface from the layer of the used binding component. The elastic-plastic material model characterized by the Drucker–Prager yield criterion was used to describe the deformation of the sand layer during treatment performed in a centrifugal regenerator. Conclusions based on the results of numerical calculations, obtained with the use of the software adopting the material point method, enable us to find out how to control the device in a way that ensures a permanent reclamation effect which is independent of the working components that wear out over time.
Biocomposites from Rice Straw Nanofibers: Morphology, Thermal and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Alcántara José Carlos , González Israel , Pareta M. Mercè , Vilaseca Fabiola
Published: May 2020

Agricultural residues are major potential resources for biomass and for material production. In this work, rice straw residues were used to isolate cellulose nanofibers of different degree of oxidation. Firstly, bleached rice fibers were produced from the rice straw residues following chemical extraction and bleaching processes. Oxidation of rice fibers mediated by radical 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) at pH 10 was then applied to extract rice cellulose nanofibers, with diameters of 3–11 nm from morphological analysis. The strengthening capacity of rice nanofibers was tested by casting nanocomposite films with poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer. The same formulations with eucalyptus nanofibers were produced as comparison. Their thermal and mechanical performance was evaluated using thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. The glass transition of nanocomposites was shifted to higher temperatures with respect to the pure polymer by the addition of rice cellulose nanofibers. Rice nanofibers also acted as a nucleating agent for the polymer matrix. More flexible eucalyptus nanofibers did not show these two phenomena on the matrix. Instead, both types of nanofibers gave similar stiffening (as Young’s modulus) to the matrix reinforced up to 5 wt.%. The ultimate tensile strength of nanocomposite films revealed significant enhancing capacity for rice nanofibers, although this effect was somehow higher for eucalyptus nanofibers.
Protective Effects of GIC and S-PRG Filler Restoratives on Demineralization of Bovine Enamel in Lactic Acid Solution
Authors: Kaga Naoyuki , Nagano-Takebe Futami , Nezu Takashi , Matsuura Takashi , Endo Kazuhiko , Kaga Masayuki
Published: May 2020

This study was aimed at investigating the protective effects of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) fillers used as dental restorative materials on demineralization of bovine enamel. GlasIonomer FX ULTRA (FXU), Fuji IX GP Extra (FIXE), CAREDYNE RESTORE (CDR) were used as GICs. PRG Barrier Coat (BC) was used as the S-PRG filler. They were incubated in a lactic acid solution (pH = 4.0) for six days at a temperature of 37 °C. The mineral was etched from the enamel surface, and a large number of Ca and P ions were detected in solution. The Al, F, Na, Sr, and Sr ions were released in GICs and S-RPG fillers. The Zn ion was released only in CDR and the B ion was released only in BC. The presence of apparent enamel prism peripheries was observed after six days of treatment for the group containing only enamel blocks. pH values for the FXU, FIXE, CDR, BC, and enamel block groups after six days were 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 5.9, and 5.1, respectively. Therefore, the observed pH neutralization effect suppressed progression of caries due to the release of several ions from the restoratives.
Special Issue: Radiation Damage in Materials—Helium Effects
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Hattar Khalid
Published: May 2020

Despite its scarcity in terrestrial life, helium effects on microstructure evolution and thermo-mechanical properties can have a significant impact on the operation and lifetime of applications, including: advanced structural steels in fast fission reactors, plasma facing and structural materials in fusion devices, spallation neutron target designs, energetic alpha emissions in actinides, helium precipitation in tritium-containing materials, and nuclear waste materials. The small size of a helium atom combined with its near insolubility in almost every solid makes the helium–solid interaction extremely complex over multiple length and time scales. This Special Issue, “Radiation Damage in Materials—Helium Effects”, contains review articles and full-length papers on new irradiation material research activities and novel material ideas using experimental and/or modeling approaches. These studies elucidate the interactions of helium with various extreme environments and tailored nanostructures, as well as their impact on microstructural evolution and material properties.
Synthesis of Mesoporous Zn1−xMxAl2O4 Substituted by Co2+ and Ni2+ Ions and Application in the Photodegradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Pontes do Nascimento Nilson Machado , Machado de Lima Bárbara Ronara , Zamian José Roberto , Ferreira da Costa Carlos Emmerson , Adriano Santos do Nascimento Luís , Luque Rafael , Filho Geraldo Narciso da Rocha
Published: May 2020

A new mesoporous Zn1-xMxAl2O4 photocatalyst was prepared using the metal-chitosan complexation method with different degrees of Zn2+ cation substitution with cobalt and nickel ions (M = Co2+ and Ni2+). Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared absorption spectrometry (FTIR), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectrometry (DRS), scanning electron miscoscopy (SEM), transmission electron miscroscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption- desorption isotherms using the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method, thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) confirmed the formation of the spinel phase and high purity for all samples. N2 adsorption/desorption and size pore distribution confirmed the high surface area. The photocatalytic activity of Zn1-xMxAl2O4 and the effect of replacing Zn2+ ions with Ni2+ and Co2+ on the degradation of rhodamine B under ultraviolet light were studied in detail. The sample containing 0.1 mol of cobalt had the highest removal rate reaching 83%, favored by surface area and material bandgap (109 m2 g−1 and 2.19 eV, respectively).
Development of Coated Electrodes with Solid Wire and Flux-Cored Alloyed Wire for Microalloyed Steel Welding
Authors: Bajić Darko , Mrdak Mihailo , Bajić Nikola , Veljić Darko , Rakin Marko , Radosavljević Zoran
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we will present our investigation of the quality of J55 microalloyed steel welds that were formed by a basic flux-cored wire electrodes that were of appropriate quality and alloyed with Ni and Mo. Based on the comparison and analysis of the obtained results related to the testing of the chemical composition, mechanical properties, toughness at test temperatures, and the microstructure of welding joints formed by a classic and specially coated rutile flux-cored electrode, we assessed the justification to switch from solid wire electrodes to flux-cored alloyed wire electrodes of appropriate quality. The research aim for the application of flux-cored wire electrodes instead of solid wire electrodes is based on the advantages pertaining to a flux-cored wire: molten metal from electrode wire is transferred in the form of fine droplets, easy welding and maximum productivity within all spatial positions related to welding, improved properties of welding joints, and increased productivity when compared to a classic solid wire. Our research encompasses the development of the experimental production at the Research and Development Center IHIS Belgrade (Development Institute for Chemical Power Sources), Serbia, of the new type of a coated electrode with improved welding properties when compared to a classic electrode intended for microalloyed steel welding.
Preliminary Characterization of Glass/Alumina Composite Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Bae Byeong Hoon , Lee Jeong Woo , Cha Jae Min , Kim Il-Won , Jung Hyun-Do , Yoon Chang-Bun
Published: May 2020

Powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) is currently used to produce high-efficiency, high-density, and high-performance products for a variety of applications. However, existing AM methods are applicable only to metal materials and not to high-melting-point ceramics. Here, we develop a composite material for PBF AM by adding Al2O3 to a glass material using laser melting. Al2O3 and a black pigment are added to a synthesized glass frit for improving the composite strength and increased laser-light absorption, respectively. Our sample analysis shows that the glass melts to form a composite when the mixture is laser-irradiated. To improve the sintering density, we heat-treat the sample at 750 °C to synthesize a high-density glass frit composite. As per our X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to confirm the reactivity of the glass frit and Al2O3, we find that no reactions occur between glass and crystalline Al2O3. Moreover, we obtain a high sample density of ≥95% of the theoretical density. We also evaluate the composite’s mechanical properties as a function of the Al2O3 content. Our approach facilitates the manufacturing of ceramic 3D structures using glass materials through PBF AM and affords the benefits of reduced process cost, improved performance, newer functionalities, and increased value addition.
Absolute Continuity of Fuzzy Measures and Convergence of Sequence of Measurable Functions
Authors: Li Jun
Published: May 2020

In this note, the convergence of the sum of two convergent sequences of measurable functions is studied by means of two types of absolute continuity of fuzzy measures, i.e., strong absolute continuity of Type I, and Type VI. The discussions of convergence a.e. and convergence in measure are done in the general framework relating to a pair of monotone measures, and general results are shown. The previous related results are generalized.
Potential Beneficial Actions of Fucoidan in Brain and Liver Injury, Disease, and Intoxication—Potential Implication of Sirtuins
Authors: Dimitrova-Shumkovska Jasmina , Krstanoski Ljupcho , Veenman Leo
Published: May 2020

Increased interest in natural antioxidants has brought to light the fucoidans (sulfated polysaccharides present in brown marine algae) as highly valued nutrients as well as effective and safe therapeutics against several diseases. Based on their satisfactory in vitro antioxidant potency, researchers have identified this molecule as an efficient remedy for neuropathological as well as metabolic disorders. Some of this therapeutic activity is accomplished by upregulation of cytoprotective molecular pathways capable of restoring the enzymatic antioxidant activity and normal mitochondrial functions. Sirtuin-3 has been discovered as a key player for achieving the neuroprotective role of fucoidan by managing these pathways, whose ultimate goal is retrieving the entirety of the antioxidant response and preventing apoptosis of neurons, thereby averting neurodegeneration and brain injuries. Another pathway whereby fucoidan exerts neuroprotective capabilities is by interactions with P-selectin on endothelial cells, thereby preventing macrophages from entering the brain proper. Furthermore, beneficial influences of fucoidan have been established in hepatocytes after xenobiotic induced liver injury by decreasing transaminase leakage and autophagy as well as obtaining optimal levels of intracellular fiber, which ultimately prevents fibrosis. The hepatoprotective role of this marine polysaccharide also includes a sirtuin, namely sirtuin-1 overexpression, which alleviates obesity and insulin resistance through suppression of hyperglycemia, reducing inflammation and stimulation of enzymatic antioxidant response. While fucoidan is very effective in animal models for brain injury and neuronal degeneration, in general, it is accepted that fucoidan shows somewhat limited potency in liver. Thus far, it has been used in large doses for treatment of acute liver injuries. Thus, it appears that further optimization of fucoidan derivatives may establish enhanced versatility for treatments of various disorders, in addition to brain injury and disease.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Cold-Active, Halotolerant Endoxylanase from Echinicola rosea Sp. Nov. JL3085T
Authors: He Jianlong , Liu Le , Liu Xiaoyan , Tang Kai
Published: May 2020

We cloned a xylanase gene (xynT) from marine bacterium Echinicola rosea sp. nov. JL3085T and recombinantly expressed it in Escherichia coli BL21. This gene encoded a polypeptide with 379 amino acid residues and a molecular weight of ~43 kDa. Its amino acid sequence shared 45.3% similarity with an endoxylanase from Cellvibrio mixtus that belongs to glycoside hydrolases family 10 (GH10). The XynT showed maximum activity at 40 °C and pH 7.0, and a maximum velocity of 62 μmoL min−1 mg−1. The XynT retained its maximum activity by more than 69%, 51%, and 26% at 10 °C, 5 °C, and 0 °C, respectively. It also exhibited the highest activity of 135% in the presence of 4 M NaCl and retained 76% of its activity after 24 h incubation with 4 M NaCl. This novel xylanase, XynT, is a cold-active and halotolerant enzyme that may have promising applications in drug, food, feed, and bioremediation industries.
Enrichment of Circulating Tumor Cells from Whole Blood Using a Microfluidic Device for Sequential Physical and Magnetophoretic Separations
Authors: Lee Jusin , Sul Onejae , Lee Seung-Beck
Published: May 2020

Based on their high clinical potential, the isolation and enrichment of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood cells has been widely investigated. There have been technical challenges with CTC separation methods using solely cancer-specific surface molecules or just using physical properties of CTCs, as they may suffer from heterogeneity or lack of specificity from overlapping physical characteristics with leukocytes. Here, we integrated an immunomagnetic-based negative enrichment method that utilizes magnetic beads attached to leukocyte-specific surface antigens, with a physical separation method that utilizes the distinct size and deformability of CTCs. By manipulating the pressure distribution throughout the device and balancing the drag and magnetic forces acting on the magnetically labeled white blood cells (WBCs), the sequential physical and magnetophoretic separations were optimized to isolate intact cancer cells, regardless of heterogeneity from whole blood. Using a breast cancer cell line in whole blood, we achieved 100% separation efficiency for cancer cells and an average of 97.2% for WBCs, which resulted in a 93.3% average separation purity. The experimental results demonstrated that our microfluidic device can be a promising candidate for liquid biopsy and can be a vital tool for aiding future cancer research.
Endodontic-Like Oral Biofilms as Models for Multispecies Interactions in Endodontic Diseases
Authors: Lukic Dejana , Karygianni Lamprini , Flury Manuela , Attin Thomas , Thurnheer Thomas
Published: May 2020

Oral bacteria possess the ability to form biofilms on solid surfaces. After the penetration of oral bacteria into the pulp, the contact between biofilms and pulp tissue may result in pulpitis, pulp necrosis and/or periapical lesion. Depending on the environmental conditions and the availability of nutrients in the pulp chamber and root canals, mainly Gram-negative anaerobic microorganisms predominate and form the intracanal endodontic biofilm. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of different substrates on biofilm formation as well as the separate and collective incorporation of six endodontic pathogens, namely Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Prevotella nigrescens, Selenomonas sputigena, Parvimonas micra and Treponema denticola into a nine-species “basic biofilm”. This biofilm was formed in vitro as a standard subgingival biofilm, comprising Actinomyces oris, Veillonella dispar, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus oralis, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia. The resulting endodontic-like biofilms were grown 64 h under the same conditions on hydroxyapatite and dentin discs. After harvesting the endodontic-like biofilms, the bacterial growth was determined using quantitative real-time PCR, were labeled using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The addition of six endodontic pathogens to the “basic biofilm” induced a decrease in the cell number of the “basic” species. Interestingly, C. rectus counts increased in biofilms containing E. faecalis, S. aureus, P. nigrescens and S. sputigena, respectively, both on hydroxyapatite and on dentin discs, whereas P. intermedia counts increased only on dentin discs by addition of E. faecalis. The growth of E. faecalis on hydroxyapatite discs and of E. faecalis and S. aureus on dentin discs were significantly higher in the biofilm containing all species than in the “basic biofilm”. Contrarily, the counts of P. nigrescens, S. sputigena and P. micra on hydroxyapatite discs as well as counts of P. micra and T. denticola on dentin discs decreased in the all-species biofilm. Overall, all bacterial species associated with endodontic infections were successfully incorporated into the standard multispecies biofilm model both on hydroxyapatite and dentin discs. Thus, future investigations on endodontic infections can rely on this newly established endodontic-like multispecies biofilm model.
Microbial Risk Assessment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Beef Imported from the United States of America to Taiwan
Authors: Lien Keng-Wen , Yang Meng-Xuan , Ling Min-Pei
Published: May 2020

Outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, which are attributable to the consumption of undercooked beef, have occurred in many countries. In Taiwan, the production of domestic beef accounts for only 5% of the total amount of beef sold. Therefore, we applied different contextual assumptions to develop a quantitative microbial risk assessment of E. coli O157:H7 and evaluated the risk of illness in the Taiwanese population consuming beef imported from the United States of America. The probability distribution showed that, in males aged 19–65 years in the Taiwanese population, for example, when rare beef was consumed 100 servings, there was a 90% probability of randomly intaking seven colony forming units of E. coli O157:H7. When medium beef was consumed 10,000 servings, there was a 90% probability of randomly intaking two colony forming units of E. coli O157:H7. When the exceedance risk was 5%, the rate of foodborne illnesses caused by consuming rare beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 was 10–28 cases per 1 million individuals. For medium beef, this rate was 6–13 per 100 million individuals. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the amount of E. coli O157:H7 remaining in beef products after cooking was the most important risk factor, followed by the amount of beef products consumed. Proper cooking of imported beef consumed by the Taiwanese public reduces the incidence of foodborne disease to almost zero, without risk of harm to health.
The Bacterial Gut Microbiota of Adult Patients Infected, Colonized or Noncolonized by Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Crobach Monique J. T. , Ducarmon Quinten R. , Terveer Elisabeth M. , Harmanus Celine , Sanders Ingrid M. J. G. , Verduin Kees M. , Kuijper Ed J. , Zwittink Romy D.
Published: May 2020

Gut microbiota composition in patients with Clostridioides difficile colonization is not well investigated. We aimed to identify bacterial signatures associated with resistance and susceptibility to C. difficile colonization (CDC) and infection (CDI). Therefore, gut microbiota composition from patients with CDC (n = 41), with CDI (n = 41), and without CDC (controls, n = 43) was determined through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Bacterial diversity was decreased in CDC and CDI patients (p < 0.01). Overall microbiota composition was significantly different between control, CDC, and CDI patients (p = 0.001). Relative abundance of Clostridioides (most likely C. difficile) increased stepwise from controls to CDC and CDI patients. In addition, differential abundance analysis revealed that CDI patients’ gut microbiota was characterized by significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroides and Veillonella than CDC patients and controls. Control patients had significantly higher Eubacterium hallii and Fusicatenibacter abundance than colonized patients. Network analysis indicated that Fusicatenibacter was negatively associated with Clostridioides in CDI patients, while Veillonella was positively associated with Clostridioides in CDC patients. Bacterial microbiota diversity decreased in both CDC and CDI patients, but harbored a distinct microbiota. Eubacterium hallii and Fusicatenibacter may indicate resistance against C. difficile colonization and subsequent infection, while Veillonella may indicate susceptibility to colonization and infection by C. difficile.
Co-Inoculation of Bacillus velezensis Strain S141 and Bradyrhizobium Strains Promotes Nodule Growth and Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Sibponkrung Surachat , Kondo Takahiko , Tanaka Kosei , Tittabutr Panlada , Boonkerd Nantakorn , Yoshida Ken-ichi , Teaumroong Neung
Published: May 2020

The objective of this research was to evaluate the PGPR effect on nodulation and nitrogen-fixing efficiency of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) by co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA110. Co-inoculation of Bacillus velezensis S141 with USDA110 into soybean resulted in enhanced nodulation and N2-fixing efficiency by producing larger nodules. To understand the role of S141 on soybean and USDA110 symbiosis, putative genes related to IAA biosynthesis were disrupted, suggesting that co-inoculation of USDA110 with S141ΔyhcX reduces the number of large size nodules. It was revealed that yhcX may play a major role in IAA biosynthesis in S141 as well as provide a major impact on soybean growth promotion. The disruption of genes related to cytokinin biosynthesis and co-inoculation of USDA110 with S141ΔIPI reduced the number of very large size nodules, and it appears that IPI might play an important role in nodule size of soybean–Bradyrhizobium symbiosis. However, it was possible that not only IAA and cytokinin but also some other substances secreted from S141 facilitate Bradyrhizobium to trigger bigger nodule formation, resulting in enhanced N2-fixation. Therefore, the ability of S141 with Bradyrhizobium co-inoculation to enhance soybean N2-fixation strategy could be further developed for supreme soybean inoculants.