bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Heritage and Communication through Simulation Videogames—A Validation of Minecraft
Authors: Garcia-Fernandez Jorge , Medeiros Leonor
Published: August 2019

The use of world-simulation videogames for cultural heritage (CH) communication presents one of the greatest opportunities for engaging people with the safeguarding of cultural resources. However, not all simulation videogames have the capacity to transmit heritage values efficiently. This article reviews the use of serious and commercial videogames in CH to frame and properly identify characteristics for the selection and assessment of videogames in the context of cultural communication. Based on the analysis of the capacities of videogames to motivate, immerse and represent reality, the videogame Minecraft is identified as one of the optimal solutions to represent and promote engagement with the cultural built environment. As such, the authors assessed the capacity of the videogame Minecraft to be used as an efficient tool to communicate built heritage environments, considering identified criteria on immersion, motivation, and fidelity on simulation.
Improved Propagation and Growing Techniques for Oleander Nursery Production
Authors: Sabatino Leo , D’Anna Fabio , Iapichino Giovanni
Published: August 2019

In the first trial, we examined rooting of stem cuttings in relation to number of nodes and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment in several Nerium oleander clones grown in Sicily. In a second trial, we tested the effect of different forcing dates and shading on oleander plants for gardens and natural landscapes. Three- and four-node cuttings, ranging in length from 10 to 14 cm, were significantly superior to two-node cuttings (8–10 cm long) in terms of rooting percentage and number of roots per cutting. The application of IBA improved rooting percentage and root number as compared to untreated control. Irrespective of IBA, rooting percentages ranged from 94% in clone 1 to 52% in clone 4. Shaded plants forced in October were significantly higher than those forced in November and in December. Beginning of flowering was delayed in unforced plants. Plants forced in October flowered significantly sooner (first decade of March) than unforced ones (first decade of May) and reached complete flowering almost two months earlier (last week of March).Shading had little effect on plants forced in October and in November as compared to unshaded plants in terms of start of flowering, but it slightly hastened beginning of flowering of December forced plants as compared to their unshaded counterparts.
Vulnerable Populations Exposed to Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water within Houston Ship Channel Communities
Authors: Sansom Garett , Cizmas Leslie , Aarvig Kathleen , Dixon Benika , Kirsch Katie R. , Katare Anjali , Sansom Lindsay
Published: August 2019

Recent events have drawn increased attention to potential lead exposures from contaminated drinking water. Further, homes with older infrastructure are at greatest risk due to the presence of the disinfectant chemical chloramine, which can leach lead from older pipes. There is a growing need to determine the extent of lead leaching especially within vulnerable communities and homes with children. This pilot study collected survey data and performed lead analysis on drinking water in the small community of Manchester in Houston, TX. Manchester is characterized by industrial sites, flooding, and a low socioeconomic population. Surveys and water analyses were completed on randomly selected homes (N = 13) and documented perceptions of participants on their drinking water regarding presence and concentration of lead. Lead was discovered in 30.8% of homes ranging from 0.6 to 2.4 (µg/L), all below the US Environmental Protection Agency action level of 15 ppb, but above the water standard goals. These findings further suggest that contaminated water is a broad issue requiring concerted efforts to ensure the health of US residents.
In Situ Persulfate Oxidation of 1,2,3-Trichloropropane in Groundwater of North China Plain
Authors: Li Hui , Han Zhantao , Qian Yong , Kong Xiangke , Wang Ping
Published: August 2019

In situ injection of Fe(II)-activated persulfate was carried out to oxidize chlorinated hydrocarbons and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in groundwater in a contaminated site in North China Plain. To confirm the degradation of contaminants, an oxidant mixture of persulfate, ferrous sulfate, and citric acid was mixed with the main contaminants including 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) and benzene before field demonstration. Then the mixed oxidant solution of 6 m3 was injected into an aquifer with two different depths of 8 and 15 m to oxidize a high concentration of TCP, other kinds of chlorinated hydrocarbons, and BTEX. In laboratory tests, the removal efficiency of TCP reached 61.4% in 24 h without other contaminants but the removal rate was decreased by the presence of benzene. Organic matter also reduced the TCP degradation rate and the removal efficiency was only 8.3% in 24 h. In the field test, as the solution was injected, the oxidation reaction occurred immediately, accompanied by a sharp increase of oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and a decrease in pH. Though the concentration of pollutants increased due to the dissolution of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) at the initial stage, BTEX could still be effectively degraded in subsequent time by persulfate in both aquifers, and their removal efficiency approached 100%. However, chlorinated hydrocarbon was relatively difficult to degrade, especially TCP, which had a relatively higher initial concentration, only had a removal efficiency of 30%–45% at different aquifers and monitoring wells. These finding are important for the development of injection technology for chlorinated hydrocarbon and BTEX contaminated site remediation.
Evaluation of a Care Coordination Initiative in Improving Access to Dental Care for Persons with Disability
Authors: Gondlach Caroline , Catteau Céline , Hennequin Martine , Faulks Denise
Published: August 2019

In French law, the state is responsible for ensuring equal access to health care for people with disabilities. No system exists within dentistry to guarantee this—there are no salaried public service workers, over 85% of dentists work in general practice, and hospital dentistry is poorly developed. Public funding is available for care coordination initiatives termed “Health Networks”. The objective of this study is to report on an internal evaluation of the Réseau Santé Bucco-Dentaire et Handicap de la région Rhône-Alpes (RSBDH), a Health Network coordinating dentistry for persons with disability in the Rhône-Alpes region, and to discuss the French model of Health Networks as a response to improve access to care. Existing governmental guidelines for the evaluation of Networks were adapted for the RSBDH. The RSBDH coordinated dentists to ensure screening, prevention, and treatment for 3219 persons with disability in 2015. Identified strengths included the identification of vulnerable persons, improved access to treatment and collaboration with primary care services. Weaknesses included training of professionals, continuity of care, information sharing, and stakeholder participation. In 2015, the cost was €501 per patient. This model raises major issues of cost, training, equity, and quality of care within special care dentistry. This discussion is relevant to many countries where models of service provision are currently being developed.
Effectiveness of Chemical and Thermal Treatments on Control Rhizopus stolonifer Fruit Infection Comparing Tomato Cultivars with Different Sensitivities to Cracking
Authors: Alfaro-Sifuentes Liliana , Juan Melchor , Troncoso-Rojas Rosalba , Meca David Erick , Elorrieta María Antonia , Valenzuela Juan Luis
Published: August 2019

Tomatoes are among the most important horticultural crops; however, it is estimated that 30% of tomato yield is lost due to postharvest rot due to Rhizopus stolonifer, a fungus which requires lesions to initiate the infectious process. Tomato fruit cracking is a physiopathy which causes significant economic losses, since cracking is the door used by the fungus. In this experiment, 14 cultivars of tomato of different types were used. Fruit sampling was carried out in the middle of the crop cycle, coinciding with the peak of yield; then, the fruits were divided into two groups: one group was inoculated with Rhizopus in order to assess the effectiveness of washing, whilst the other was treated with sterile water. The fruits of each group were divided into lots to be treated with six washing treatments: dipping in hot water at 20, 40 and 60 °C for 20 s; the fruits were then sprayed with the following solutions: 0.6% of Hydrogen Peroxide 23% + Peracetic acid 15%; commercial bleach at 0.5% and 2% of Hydrogen Peroxide 50%. The control sample was not washed. The results show that there was an influence of cultivar on fruit cracking, which was strongly related with Rhizopus infection. Three cultivars were not susceptible to cracking, and therefore, were not sensitive to Rhizopus infection. The effectiveness of different washing treatments of tomato fruits depends on several factors; nonetheless, hot water treatment has been shown to be more effective than the use of chemical products such as commercial bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Another factor, the susceptibility of cultivars to cracking, determines the effectiveness of the washing treatment. The results provide an important basis for making decisions about the washing management of tomato fruits in packaging houses.
Novel Insights into the Genetic Landscape of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Taliento Alice Emma , Dallio Marcello , Federico Alessandro , Prati Daniele , Valenti Luca
Published: August 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disorder worldwide, is epidemiologically associated with overweight, insulin resistance features and type 2 diabetes, and can progress to advanced liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Genetic factors play an important role in the development of NAFLD, which is a multifactorial disease. Several common naturally occurring variants modulating lipid and retinol metabolism in hepatocytes predispose to NAFLD development and progression, in particular those in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, and HSD17B13. In addition, genetic variants that protect hepatic cells from oxidative stress modulate the susceptibility to progressive NAFLD. Although the molecular mechanisms linking these genetic variants with liver disease are not yet fully understood, hepatic fat has emerged as a major driver of the disease, while altered retinol metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative stress play a role in determining the development of advanced NAFLD.
Incorporating Topological Representation in 3D City Models
Authors: Vitalis Stelios , Arroyo Ohori Ken , Stoter Jantien
Published: August 2019

3D city models are being extensively used in applications such as evacuation scenarios and energy consumption estimation. The main standard for 3D city models is the CityGML data model which can be encoded through the CityJSON data format. CityGML and CityJSON use polygonal modelling in order to represent geometries. True topological data structures have proven to be more computationally efficient for geometric analysis compared to polygonal modelling. In a previous study, we have introduced a method to topologically reconstruct CityGML models while maintaining the semantic information of the dataset, based solely on the combinatorial map (C-Map) data structure. As a result of the limitations of C-Map’s semantic representation mechanism, the resulting datasets could suffer either from semantic information loss or the redundant repetition of them. In this article, we propose a solution for a more efficient representation of geometry, topology and semantics by incorporating the C-Map data structure into the CityGML data model and implementing a CityJSON extension to encode the C-Map data. In addition, we provide an algorithm for the topological reconstruction of CityJSON datasets to append them according to this extension. Finally, we apply our methodology to three open datasets in order to validate our approach when applied to real-world data. Our results show that the proposed CityJSON extension can represent all geometric information of a city model in a lossless way, providing additional topological information for the objects of the model.
Tear Metabolomics in Dry Eye Disease: A Review
Authors: Yazdani Mazyar , Elgstøen Katja Benedikte Prestø , Rootwelt Helge , Shahdadfar Aboulghassem , Utheim Øygunn Aass , Utheim Tor Paaske
Published: August 2019

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial syndrome that can be caused by alteration in the quality or quantity of the precorneal tear film. It is considered one of the most common ocular conditions leading patients to seek eye care. The current method for diagnostic evaluations and follow-up examinations of DED is a combination of clinical signs and symptoms determined by clinical tests and questionnaires, respectively. The application of powerful omics technologies has opened new avenues toward analysis of subjects in health and disease. Metabolomics is a new emerging and complementary research discipline to all modern omics in the comprehensive analysis of biological systems. The identification of distinct metabolites and integrated metabolic profiles in patients can potentially inform clinicians at an early stage or during monitoring of disease progression, enhancing diagnosis, prognosis, and the choice of therapy. In ophthalmology, metabolomics has gained considerable attention over the past decade but very limited such studies have been reported on DED. This paper aims to review the application of tear metabolomics in DED.
Drought Response in Rice: The miRNA Story
Authors: Nadarajah Kalaivani , Kumar Ilakiya Sharanee
Published: August 2019

As a semi-aquatic plant, rice requires water for proper growth, development, and orientation of physiological processes. Stress is induced at the cellular and molecular level when rice is exposed to drought or periods of low water availability. Plants have existing defense mechanisms in planta that respond to stress. In this review we examine the role played by miRNAs in the regulation and control of drought stress in rice through a summary of molecular studies conducted on miRNAs with emphasis on their contribution to drought regulatory networks in comparison to other plant systems. The interaction between miRNAs, target genes, transcription factors and their respective roles in drought-induced stresses is elaborated. The cross talk involved in controlling drought stress responses through the up and down regulation of targets encoding regulatory and functional proteins is highlighted. The information contained herein can further be explored to identify targets for crop improvement in the future.
iTRAQ-Based Proteomics Analysis of Autophagy-Mediated Responses against MeJA in Laticifers of Euphorbia kansui L.
Authors: Fang Xiaoai , Yao Xiangyu , Zhang Yue , Tian Zheni , Wang Meng , Li Peng , Cai Xia
Published: August 2019

Autophagy is a well-defined catabolic mechanism whereby cytoplasmic materials are engulfed into a structure termed the autophagosome. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a plant hormone, mediates diverse developmental process and defense responses which induce a variety of metabolites. In plants, little is known about autophagy-mediated responses against MeJA. In this study, we used high-throughput comparative proteomics to identify proteins of latex in the laticifers. The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) MS/MS proteomics were performed, and 298 proteins among MeJA treated groups and the control group of Euphorbia kansui were identified. It is interesting to note that 29 significant differentially expressed proteins were identified and their associations with autophagy and ROS pathway were verified for several selected proteins as follows: α-L-fucosidase, β-galactosidase, cysteine proteinase, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the selected genes confirmed the fact that MeJA might enhance the expression of some genes related to autophagy. The western blotting and immunofluorescence results of ATG8 and ATG18a which are two important proteins for the formation of autophagosomes also demonstrated that MeJA could promote autophagy at the protein level. Using the electron microscope, we observed an increase in autophagosomes after MeJA treatment. These results indicated that MeJA might promote autophagy in E. kansui laticifers; and it was speculated that MeJA mediated autophagy through two possible ways: the increase of ROS induces ATG8 accumulation and then aotophagosome formation, and MeJA promotes ATG18 accumulation and then autophagosome formation. Taken together, our results provide several novel insights for understanding the mechanism between autophagy and MeJA treatment. However, the specific mechanism remains to be further studied in the future.
Selenium Modulates the Level of Auxin to Alleviate the Toxicity of Cadmium in Tobacco
Authors: Luo Yong , Wei Yuewei , Sun Shuguang , Wang Jian , Wang Weifeng , Han Dan , Shao Huifang , Jia Hongfang , Fu Yunpeng
Published: August 2019

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that potentially threatens human health worldwide. Developing approaches for efficiently treating environmental Cd is a priority. Selenium (Se) plays important role in the protection of plants against various abiotic stresses, including heavy metals. Previous research has shown that Se can alleviate Cd toxicity, but the molecular mechanism is still not clear. In this study, we explore the function of auxin and phosphate (P) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), with particular focus on their interaction with Se and Cd. Under Cd stress conditions, low Se (10 μM) significantly increased the biomass and antioxidant capacity of tobacco plants and reduced uptake of Cd. We also measured the auxin concentration and expression of auxin-relative genes in tobacco and found that plants treated with low Se (10 μM) had higher auxin concentrations at different Cd supply levels (0 μM, 20 μM, 50 μM) compared with no Se treatment, probably due to increased expression of auxin synthesis genes and auxin efflux carriers. Overexpression of a high affinity phosphate transporter NtPT2 enhanced the tolerance of tobacco to Cd stress, possibly by increasing the total P and Se content and decreasing Cd accumulation compared to that in the wild type (WT). Our results show that there is an interactive mechanism among P, Se, Cd, and auxin that affects plant growth and may provide a new approach for relieving Cd toxicity in plants.
Compromised Barrier Function in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kiamehr Mostafa , Klettner Alexa , Richert Elisabeth , Koskela Ali , Koistinen Arto , Skottman Heli , Kaarniranta Kai , Aalto-Setälä Katriina , Juuti-Uusitalo Kati
Published: August 2019

In diabetic patients, high blood glucose induces alterations in retinal function and can lead to visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy. In immortalized retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cultures, high glucose concentrations are shown to lead to impairment in epithelial barrier properties. For the first time, the induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (hiPSC-RPE) cell lines derived from type 2 diabetics and healthy control patients were utilized to assess the effects of glucose concentration on the cellular functionality. We show that both type 2 diabetic and healthy control hiPSC-RPE lines differentiate and mature well, both in high and normal glucose concentrations, express RPE specific genes, secrete pigment epithelium derived factor, and form a polarized cell layer. Here, type 2 diabetic hiPSC-RPE cells had a decreased barrier function compared to controls. Added insulin increased the epithelial cell layer tightness in normal glucose concentrations, and the effect was more evident in type 2 diabetics than in healthy control hiPSC-RPE cells. In addition, the preliminary functionality assessments showed that type 2 diabetic hiPSC-RPE cells had attenuated autophagy detected via ubiquitin-binding protein p62/Sequestosome-1 (p62/SQSTM1) accumulation, and lowered pro- matrix metalloproteinase 2 (proMMP2) as well as increased pro-MMP9 secretion. These results suggest that the cellular ability to tolerate stress is possibly decreased in type 2 diabetic RPE cells.
Experimental Investigation of Rotor Tip Film Cooling at an Axial Turbine with Swirling Inflow Using Pressure Sensitive Paint
Authors: Wilhelm Manuel , Schiffer Heinz-Peter
Published: August 2019

Rotor tip film cooling is investigated at the Large Scale Turbine Rig, which is a 1.5-stage axial turbine rig operating at low speeds. Using pressure sensitive paint, the film cooling effectiveness η at a squealer-type blade tip with cylindrical pressure-side film cooling holes is obtained. The effect of turbine inlet swirl on η is examined in comparison to an axial inflow baseline case. Coolant-to-mainstream injection ratios are varied between 0.45% and 1.74% for an engine-realistic coolant-to-mainstream density ratio of 1.5. It is shown that inlet swirl causes a reduction in η for low injection ratios by up to 26%, with the trailing edge being especially susceptible to swirl. For injection ratios greater than 0.93%, however, η is increased by up to 11% for swirling inflow, while for axial inflow a further increase in coolant injection does not transfer into a gain in η .
CD45RC Expression of Circulating CD8+ T Cells Predicts Acute Allograft Rejection: A Cohort Study of 128 Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: Lemerle Marie , Garnier Anne-Sophie , Planchais Martin , Brilland Benoit , Delneste Yves , Subra Jean-François , Blanchet Odile , Blanchard Simon , Croue Anne , Duveau Agnès , Augusto Jean-François
Published: August 2019

Predictive biomarkers of acute rejection (AR) are lacking. Pre-transplant expression of CD45RC on blood CD8+ T cells has been shown to predict AR in kidney transplant (KT) patients. The objective of the present study was to study CD45RC expression in a large cohort of KT recipients exposed to modern immunosuppressive regimens. CD45RC expression on T cells was analyzed in 128 KT patients, where 31 patients developed AR, of which 24 were found to be T-cell mediated (TCMR). Pre-transplant CD4+ and CD8+ CR45RChigh T cell proportions were significantly higher in patients with AR. The frequency of CD45RChigh T cells was significantly associated with age at transplantation but was not significantly different according to gender, history of transplantation, pre-transplant immunization, and de novo donor specific anti-Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) antibody. Survival-free AR was significantly better in patients with CD8+ CD45RChigh T cells below 58.4% (p = 0.0005), but not different according to CD4+ T cells (p = 0.073). According to multivariate analysis, CD8+ CD45RChigh T cells above 58.4% increased the risk of AR 4-fold (HR 3.96, p = 0.003). Thus, pre-transplant CD45RC expression on CD8+ T cells predicted AR, mainly TCMR, in KT patients under modern immunosuppressive therapies. We suggest that CD45RC expression should be evaluated in a prospective study to validate its usefulness to quantify the pre-transplant risk of AR.
Impact of Renal Function on the Surgical Outcomes of Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture in Elderly Patients
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Min , Lim Suhan , Yang Ick-Hwan , Lee Woo-Suk , Jeon Byeong Hun , Park Kwan Kyu
Published: August 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture in elderly patients, and to compare postoperative complications and mortality among groups according to eGFR. Methods: A total of 181 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fracture were divided into three groups according to eGFR. Data were retrospectively analyzed. Group 1 had 96 patients with eGFR greater than or equal to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; Group 2 had 54 patients with eGFR greater than or equal to 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; and Group 3 had 31 patients with eGFR lower than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Postoperative complications and mortality were compared between groups at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Results: Patients in Group 3 had the longest hospital stay of the three groups (p = 0.001). The rates of medical complications did not differ significantly among groups. However, Group 2 and 3 had higher rates of surgical complications (p = 0.001) and mortality (p = 0.043) than Group 1. Severe renal impairment was associated with increased risk of postoperative complications compared to mild renal impairment (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 4.33 (1.32–13.19), p = 0.015). Conclusion: Patients with moderate or severe decreased eGFR associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) could have higher postoperative complications and mortality after bipolar hemiarthroplasty compared to patients with CKD stage 1 or 2.
An Impedance Measurement Technique for Composite Materials Moisture Level Detection Devoted to Health Monitoring in Aeronautics
Authors: Sorrentino Romualdo , Di Palma Luigi , Inverno Michele , Vernillo Paolo
Published: August 2019

The current design practice of composite material aeronautical structures imposes the use of knock-down structural material allowables to take into account the high sensitivity to environmental exposure (i.e., moisture, temperature, damages). The “moisture derating factor” comes from specific mechanical test campaign and drastically reduces the advantage of using such materials; but the continuous monitoring of the moisture content of the structure could enable the use of higher design allowables. In the framework of FUSIMCO (Work developed within the frame of the Project FUSIMCO-FUSoliera Ibrida Metallo COmposito-co-financed by MIUR-Italian Ministry of Research with DAC-Campania Aerospace District as beneficiary and Leonardo Company-Aerostructure Division as “prime” partner) project, the aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of the impedance measurement method as a health-monitoring tool to evaluate the moisture quantity absorbed by an aeronautical composite structure. The method is based on the idea that a composite laminate can be associated with an equivalent electric circuit (EEC). Some electrical characteristics of this EEC can be associated to the moisture content of the laminate. A simple EEC model, mainly capacitive, was used. A frequency sweep was the electric stimulus signal of some electrodes, glued onto the specimens to investigate the EEC parameters variation with respect to the induced moisture content variation (gravimetrically determined). The study confirmed the possibility of effectively using the impedance measurement method as a health-monitoring tool for moisture content evaluation of a composite laminate.
Statistical-Probabilistic Approach to the Lifetime and Strength Degradation of E-Glass Filaments and Bundles under Constant Tensile Loading in Water
Authors: Lamon Jacques , R’Mili Mohamed
Published: August 2019

The present paper discusses the statistical features of static fatigue for E-glass multifilament tows in water. In such an aggressive environment, the glass fibres are sensitive to slow crack propagation from micron-sized flaws. Rupture and interrupted static fatigue tests under constant deformation in water, as well as tensile tests in inert environments on tows after fatigue were carried out on E-glass fibre tows that comprised around 2000 single filaments. The slow crack growth constants and the fast fracture statistical parameters for filaments were extracted from the outcome of experiments on tows, i.e., the load relaxation curves during fatigue and stress-strain curves during the tensile tests. These parameters provide a pertinent data base for the prediction of several characteristics in various conditions of fatigue for filaments and tows including statistical distributions of lifetimes and residual strengths, strength degradation during fatigue, size effects on lifetime and tow residual behaviour. Equations for calculation of filament lifetime and residual strength, and tow tensile behaviour were based on the model of slow crack growth and Weibull statistical distribution. Calculations using strength-probability-time relations provided insight into static fatigue behaviour of tows in water. Validity of the approach was assessed by the comparison of experimental and predicted tow residual behaviours.
Assessment for Sustainable Use of Quarry Fines as Pavement Construction Materials: Part II-Stabilization and Characterization of Quarry Fine Materials
Authors: Zhang Yinning , Korkiala-Tanttu Leena Katariina , Borén Mari
Published: August 2019

A secondary by-product, quarry fines, has previously been investigated for applications in high volume as pavement construction materials. Results from a series of laboratory tests suggest qualified basic properties except for the possibility of frost susceptibility for the virgin quarry fines. In Part II of the research, stabilized quarry fine specimens were prepared and investigated in view of the mechanical behavior, and the durability represented by susceptibility to freezing and thawing cycles. The unconfined compressive strength, which is also the commonly used strength indicator, was adopted to evaluate the validity of the stabilized quarry fines as pavement construction materials. The laboratory-determined parameters were then compared among specimens treated with different stabilizers and with the typical requirements for pavement base/subbase layers. The stabilized quarry fines can be qualified for applications in pavement base, subbase and filter layer depending on the types of stabilizers used and degrees of compaction achieved.
Structural Properties and Thermoelectric Performance of the Double-Filled Skutterudite (Sm,Gd)y(FexNi1-x)4Sb12
Authors: Artini Cristina , Carlini Riccardo , Spotorno Roberto , Failamani Fainan , Mori Takao , Mele Paolo
Published: August 2019

The structural and thermoelectric properties of the filled skutterudite (Sm,Gd)y(FexNi1-x)4Sb12 were investigated and critically compared to the ones in the Sm-containing system with the aim of unravelling the effect of double filling on filling fraction and thermal conductivity. Several samples (x = 0.50–0.90 and y = 0.15–0.48) were prepared by melting-sintering, and two of them were densified by spark plasma sintering in order to study their thermoelectric features. The crystallographic study enables the recognition of the role of the filler size in ruling the filling fraction and the compositional location of the p/n crossover: It has been found that the former lowers and the latter moves toward lower x values with the reduction of the filler ionic size, as a consequence of the progressively weaker interaction of the filler with the Sb12 cavity. The analysis of thermoelectric properties indicates that, despite the Sm3+/Gd3+ small mass difference, the contemporary presence of these ions in the 2a site significantly affects the thermal conductivity of both p- and n-compositions. This occurs by reducing its value with respect to the Sm-filled compound at each temperature considered, and making the overall thermoelectric performance of the system comparable to several multi-filled (Fe, Ni)-based skutterudites described in the literature.
Characterization of Composite Edible Films Based on Pectin/Alginate/Whey Protein Concentrate
Authors: Chakravartula Swathi Sirisha Nallan , Soccio Michela , Lotti Nadia , Balestra Federica , Dalla Rosa Marco , Siracusa Valentina
Published: August 2019

Edible films and coatings gained renewed interest in the food packaging sector with polysaccharide and protein blending being explored as a promising strategy to improve properties of edible films. The present work studies composite edible films in different proportions of pectin (P), alginate (A) and whey Protein concentrate (WP) formulated with a simplex centroid mixture design and evaluated for physico-chemical characteristics to understand the effects of individual components on the final film performance. The studied matrices exhibited good film forming capacity, except for whey protein at a certain concentration, with thickness, elastic and optical properties correlated to the initial solution viscosity. A whey protein component in general lowered the viscosity of the initial solutions compared to that of alginate or pectin solutions. Subsequently, a whey protein component lowered the mechanical strength, as well as the affinity for water, as evidenced from an increasing contact angle. The effect of pectin was reflected in the yellowness index, whereas alginate and whey protein affected the opacity of film. Whey protein favored higher opacity, lower gas barrier values and dense structures, resulting from the polysaccharide-protein aggregates. All films displayed however good thermal stability, with degradation onset temperatures higher than 170 °C.
A Solution for Volterra Fractional Integral Equations by Hybrid Contractions
Authors: Alqahtani Badr , Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal , Rakočević Vladimir
Published: August 2019

In this manuscript, we propose a solution for Volterra type fractional integral equations by using a hybrid type contraction that unifies both nonlinear and linear type inequalities in the context of metric spaces. Besides this main goal, we also aim to combine and merge several existing fixed point theorems that were formulated by linear and nonlinear contractions.
Biorefining and the Functional Properties of Proteins from Lipid and Pigment Extract Residue of Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Lu Kongyong , Zhao Xurui , Ho Shih-Hsin , Ma Ruijuan , Xie Youping , Chen Jianfeng
Published: August 2019

Microalgae are considered as excellent candidates for bioactive compounds, yet microalgal residues remaining after the extraction of one or two compounds are usually discarded, which is not economical. This study demonstrates the alkaline extraction of proteins from Chlorella pyrenoidosa residue after lipid and pigment extractions, and their functional properties. Single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were used to obtain the optimal conditions for protein extraction. Based on our results, a maximum protein yield of 722.70 mg/g, was obtained under the following extraction conditions: sodium hydroxide concentration 7.90%, extraction temperature 70.00 °C, extraction time 34.80 min, and microalgal residue concentration 8.20 mg/mL. The molecular weight of microalgal residue protein isolate (MRPI) was mainly distributed at the regions of 0.18–0.50 kDa, 0.50–1.50 kDa, and 1.50–5.00 kDa. The essential amino acid content was greater than the values recommended by FAO/WHO standards; a high essential amino acid index value (1.49) was another good indication that MRPI is suitable for human consumption. Moreover, MRPI exhibited excellent emulsifying properties and antioxidant activity, which suggests it may be useful as an emulsifying agent and antioxidant. These findings could improve the extraction methods of functional protein from microalgal residue and add value to microalgae-based bioactive compound production processes.
Silica-Based RO Membranes for Separation of Acidic Solution
Authors: Ishii Katsunori , Ikeda Ayumi , Takeuchi Toshichika , Yoshiura Junko , Nomura Mikihiro
Published: August 2019

The development of acid separation membranes is important. Silica-based reverse osmosis (RO) membranes for sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution separation were developed by using a counter diffusion chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Diphenyldimethoxysilane (DPhDMOS) was used as a silica precursor. The deposited membrane showed the H2SO4 rejection of 81% with a total flux of 5.8 kg m−2 h−1 from the 10−3 mol L−1 of H2SO4. The γ-alumina substrate was damaged by the permeation of the H2SO4 solution. In order to improve acid stability, the silica substrates were developed. The acid stability was checked by the gas permeation tests after immersing in 1 mol L−1 of the H2SO4 solution for 24 h. The N2 permeance decreased by 11% with the acid treatment through the silica substrate, while the permeance decreased to 94% through the γ-alumina substrate. The flux and the rejection through the DPhDMOS-derived membrane on the silica substrate were stable in the 70 wt % H2SO4 solution.
Improved Small Molecule Identification through Learning Combinations of Kernel Regression Models
Authors: Brouard Céline , Bassé Antoine , d’Alché-Buc Florence , Rousu Juho
Published: August 2019

In small molecule identification from tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra, input–output kernel regression (IOKR) currently provides the state-of-the-art combination of fast training and prediction and high identification rates. The IOKR approach can be simply understood as predicting a fingerprint vector from the MS/MS spectrum of the unknown molecule, and solving a pre-image problem to find the molecule with the most similar fingerprint. In this paper, we bring forward the following improvements to the IOKR framework: firstly, we formulate the IOKRreverse model that can be understood as mapping molecular structures into the MS/MS feature space and solving a pre-image problem to find the molecule whose predicted spectrum is the closest to the input MS/MS spectrum. Secondly, we introduce an approach to combine several IOKR and IOKRreverse models computed from different input and output kernels, called IOKRfusion. The method is based on minimizing structured Hinge loss of the combined model using a mini-batch stochastic subgradient optimization. Our experiments show a consistent improvement of top-k accuracy both in positive and negative ionization mode data.
Liquid Refractive Index Measurement System Based on Electrowetting Lens
Authors: Li Shi-Long , Nie Zhong-Quan , Tian Yan-Ting , Liu Chao
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a liquid refractive index (LRI) measurement system based on an electrowetting lens was proposed. The system is composed of a light source, a collimating lens, a liquid measurement chamber (LMC), an electrowetting lens and an image sensor, which is integrated into a cylindrical cavity. The refractive index of the LMC changes with the addition of the measured liquid, and the incident light cannot be focused on the image plane. By adjusting the driving voltage of the electrowetting lens, the curvature of the liquid-liquid interface changes to focus the incident light onto the image plane. The refractive index of the liquid could be measured according to the voltage value. The proposed LRI measurement system has no mechanical moving parts, and the imaging surface remains stationary, which can make the measurement simply and correctly. The experiments show that the refractive index measurement range of the system can be turned from ~1.3300 to ~1.4040, and the measurement accuracy is 10−4. The system can be used to measure the optical properties of liquids and has broad potential applications in chemical reagent detection and pharmaceutical testing.
Curcumin Nanoparticles Protect against Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Infarction by Alleviating Myocardial Tissue Oxidative Stress, Electrocardiogram, and Biological Changes
Authors: Boarescu Paul-Mihai , Boarescu Ioana , Bocșan Ioana Corina , Pop Raluca Maria , Gheban Dan , Bulboacă Adriana Elena , Nicula Cristina , Râjnoveanu Ruxandra-Mioara , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: August 2019

Curcumin from Curcuma longa is a nutraceutical compound reported to possess strong antioxidant activity that makes it a candidate for use in counteracting oxidative stress-induced damage. The effect of pre-treatment with curcumin nanoparticles (nC) compared to conventional curcumin (Cs) on blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and biological changes on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats had been investigated. The Cs doses of 150 and 200 mg/kg bw and all nC doses (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg bw) significantly reduced heart rate before ISO administration and prevented QRS complex enlargement after MI induction (p < 0.026). All doses of Cs and nC prevented prolongation of the QT and QT corrected (QTc) intervals, with better results for higher doses (p < 0.048). The nC solution had more significant results than Cs in all metabolic parameters assessed (lactate dehydrogenase, glycaemia, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase, p < 0.009). nC was more efficient than Cs in limiting myocardial oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidative capacity (p < 0.004). Compared to Cs, nC better prevented myocardial damage extension, reduced interstitial oedema, and inflammation. Curcumin nanoparticles as compared to conventional curcumin exert better antioxidative effects. Moreover, nC better prevent cardiomyocytes damage, and electrocardiogram alterations, in the case of ISO-induced MI in rats.
Estimating the Solubility, Solution Thermodynamics, and Molecular Interaction of Aliskiren Hemifumarate in Alkylimidazolium Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Anwer Md. Khalid , Muqtader Mohammad , Iqbal Muzaffar , Ali Raisuddin , Almutairy Bjad K. , Alshetaili Abdullah , Alshahrani Saad M. , Aldawsari Mohammed F. , Alalaiwe Ahmed , Shakeel Faiyaz
Published: August 2019

Estimating the solubility and solution thermodynamics parameters of aliskiren hemifumarate (AHF) in three different room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), Transcutol-HP (THP) and water are interesting as there is no solubility data available in the literature. In the current study, the solubility and solution thermodynamics of AHF in three different RTILs, THP and water at the temperature range from 298.2 to 318.2 K under air pressure 0.1 MP were evaluated. The solid phase evaluation by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) indicated no conversion of AHF into polymorph. The mole fraction solubility of AHF was found to be highest in 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (HMMHFP) ionic liquid (7.46 × 10−2) at 318.2 K. The obtained solubility values of AHF was regressed by the Apelblat and van’t Hoff models with overall root mean square deviations (RMSD) of 0.62% and 1.42%, respectively. The ideal solubility of AHF was higher compared to experimental solubility values at different temperatures. The lowest activity coefficient was found in HMMHFP, which confirmed highest molecular interaction between AHF–HMMHFP. The estimated thermodynamic parameters confirmed endothermic and entropy driven dissolution of AHF in different RTILs, THP, and water.
Heavy Metals Bioindication Potential of the Common Weeds Senecio vulgaris L., Polygonum aviculare L. and Poa annua L.
Authors: Salinitro Mirko , Tassoni Annalisa , Casolari Sonia , de Laurentiis Francesco , Zappi Alessandro , Melucci Dora
Published: August 2019

In recent years, heavy metals (HMs) levels in soil and vegetation have increased considerably due to traffic pollution. These pollutants can be taken up from the soil through the root system. The ability of plants to accumulate HMs into their tissues can therefore be used to monitor soil pollution. The aim of this study was to test the ruderal species Senecio vulgaris L., Polygonum aviculare L., and Poa annua L., as possible candidates for biomonitoring Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb in multiple environments. The soils analyzed in this work came from three different environments (urban, woodland, and ultramafic), and therefore deeply differed for their metal content, texture, pH, and organic matter (OM) content. All urban soils were characterized by high OM content and presence of anthropogenic metals like Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cu. Woodland soils were sandy and characterized by low metal content and low OM content, and ultramafic soils had high Ni and Cr content. This soil variability affected the bioindication properties of the three studied species, leading to the exclusion of most metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb) and one species (P. aviculare) due to the lack of linear relations between metal in soil and metal in plants. Senecio vulgaris and Poa annua, conversely, appeared to be good indicators of Ni in all the soils tested. A high linear correlation between total Ni in soil and Ni concentration in P. annua shoots (R2 = 0.78) was found and similar results were achieved for S. vulgaris (R2 = 0.88).
Factors Influencing the Activity of Nanozymes in the Cleavage of an RNA Model Substrate
Authors: Czescik Joanna , Zamolo Susanna , Darbre Tamis , Mancin Fabrizio , Scrimin Paolo
Published: August 2019

A series of 2-nm gold nanoparticles passivated with different thiols all featuring at least one triazacyclonanone-Zn(II) complex and different flanking units (a second Zn(II) complex, a triethyleneoxymethyl derivative or a guanidinium of arginine of a peptide) were prepared and studied for their efficiency in the cleavage of the RNA-model substrate 2-hydroxypropyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The source of catalysis for each of them was elucidated from the kinetic analysis (Michaelis–Menten profiles, pH dependence and kinetic isotope effect). The data indicated that two different mechanisms were operative: One involving two Zn(II) complexes and the other one involving a single Zn(II) complex and a flanking guanidinium cation. The mechanism based on a dinuclear catalytic site appeared more efficient than the one based on the cooperativity between a metal complex and a guanidinium.
Antibacterial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of a Selected Series of Hydroxy-3-arylcoumarins
Authors: Pisano Maria Barbara , Kumar Amit , Medda Rosaria , Gatto Gianluca , Pal Rajesh , Fais Antonella , Era Benedetta , Cosentino Sofia , Uriarte Eugenio , Santana Lourdes , Pintus Francesca , Matos Maria João
Published: August 2019

Antibiotic resistance is one of the main public health concerns of this century. This resistance is also associated with oxidative stress, which could contribute to the selection of resistant bacterial strains. Bearing this in mind, and considering that flavonoid compounds are well known for displaying both activities, we investigated a series of hydroxy-3-arylcoumarins with structural features of flavonoids for their antibacterial activity against different bacterial strains. Active compounds showed selectivity against the studied Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria. 5,7-Dihydroxy-3-phenylcoumarin (compound 8) displayed the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 11 μg/mL, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA strain) and Listeria monocytogenes with MICs of 22 and 44 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, molecular docking studies performed on the most active compounds against Staphylococcus aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and topoisomerase II DNA gyrase revealed the potential binding mode of the ligands to the site of the appropriate targets. Preliminary structure–activity relationship studies showed that the antibacterial activity can be modulated by the presence of the 3-phenyl ring and by the position of the hydroxyl groups at the coumarin scaffold.