bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Influence of Reduced Graphene Oxide Flakes in the Dielectric on Surface Characteristics and Material Removal Rate in EDM
Authors: Świercz Rafał , Oniszczuk-Świercz Dorota
Published: March 2019

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is an advanced technology used to manufacture difficult-to-cut conductive materials. However, the surface layer properties after EDM require additional finishing operations in many cases. Therefore, new methods implemented in EDM are being developed to improve surface characteristics and the material removal rate. This paper presents new research about improving the surface integrity of 55NiCrMoV7 tool steel by using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) flakes in the dielectric. The main goal of the research was to investigate the influence of RGO flakes in the dielectric on electrical discharge propagation and heat dissipation in the gap. The investigation of the influence of discharge current I and pulse time ton during EDM with RGO flakes in the dielectric was carried out using response surface methodology. Furthermore, the surface texture properties and metallographic structure after EDM with RGO in the dielectric and conventional EDM were investigated and described. The obtained results indicate that using RGO flakes in the dielectric leads to a decreased surface roughness and recast layer thickness with an increased material removal rate (MRR). The presence of RGO flakes in the dielectric reduced the breakdown voltage and allowed several discharges to occur during one pulse. The dispersion of the discharge caused a decrease in the energy delivered to the workpiece. In terms of the finishing EDM parameters, there was a 460% reduction in roughness Ra with a uniform distribution of the recast layer on the surface, and a slight increase in MRR (12%) was obtained.
Investigation of Structural Degradation of Fiber Cement Boards Due to Thermal Impact
Authors: Ranachowski Zbigniew , Ranachowski Przemysław , Dębowski Tomasz , Gorzelańczyk Tomasz , Schabowicz Krzysztof
Published: March 2019

The aim of the present study was to investigate the degradation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of fiber cement board (FCB), which was exposed to environmental hazards, resulting in thermal impact on the microstructure of the board. The process of structural degradation was conducted under laboratory conditions by storing the FCB specimens in a dry, electric oven for 3 h at a temperature of 230 °C. Five sets of specimens, that differed in cement and fiber content, were tested. Due to the applied heating procedure, the process of carbonization and resulting embrittlement of the fibers was observed. The fiber reinforcement morphology and the mechanical properties of the investigated compositions were identified both before, and after, their carbonization. Visual light and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray micro tomography, flexural strength, and work of flexural test Wf measurements were used. A dedicated instrumentation set was prepared to determine the ultrasound testing (UT) longitudinal wave velocity cL in all tested sets of specimens. The UT wave velocity cL loss was observed in all cases of thermal treatment; however, that loss varied from 2% to 20%, depending on the FCB composition. The results obtained suggest a possible application of the UT method for an on-site assessment of the degradation processes occurring in fiber cement boards.
Holographic Performance of Azo-Carbazole Dye-Doped UP Resin Films Using a Dyeing Process
Authors: Kinashi Kenji , Ozeki Isana , Nakanishi Ikumi , Sakai Wataru , Tsutsumi Naoto
Published: March 2019

For the practical application of dynamic holography using updatable dyed materials, optical transparency and an enlarged sample size with a uniform dispersion of the dye and no air bubbles are crucial. The holographic films were prepared by applying a dyeing method comprising application, curing, dyeing, and washing to an unsaturated polyester (UP) resin film. The unsaturated polyester (UP) resin film with high optical transparency was dyed with a 3-[(4-cyanophenyl)azo]-9H-carbazole-9-ethanol (CACzE) (azo-carbazole) dye via the surfactant, polyoxyethylene (5) docosyl ether, in an aqueous solution. The amount of dye uptake obtained via the dyeing process ranged from 0.49 to 6.75 wt.%. The dye concentration in the UP resin was proportional to the dye concentration in the aqueous solution and the immersion time. The UP resin film with 3.65 wt.% dye exhibited the optical diffraction property η1 of 0.23% with a response time τ of 5.9 s and a decay time of 3.6 s. The spectroscopic evaluation of the UP resin film crosslinking reaction and the dyeing state in the UP resin film are discussed. Furthermore, as an example of its functionality, the dynamic holographic properties of the dye-doped UP resin film are discussed.
Properties of Dislocation Drag from Phonon Wind at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Blaschke Daniel N.
Published: March 2019

It is well known that, under plastic deformation, dislocations are not only created but also move through the crystal, and their mobility is impeded by their interaction with the crystal structure. At high stress and temperature, this “drag” is dominated by phonon wind, i.e., phonons scattering off dislocations. Employing the semi-isotropic approach discussed in detail in a previous paper (J. Phys. Chem. Solids 2019, 124, 24–35), we discuss here the approximate functional dependence of dislocation drag B on dislocation velocity in various regimes between a few percent of transverse sound speed c T and c T (where c T is the effective average transverse sound speed of the polycrystal). In doing so, we find an effective functional form for dislocation drag B ( v ) for different slip systems and dislocation characters at fixed (room) temperature and low pressure.
Cationic Albumin Encapsulated DNA Origami for Enhanced Cellular Transfection and Stability
Authors: Xu Xuemei , Fang Shiqi , Zhuang Yuan , Wu Shanshan , Pan Qingling , Li Longjie , Wang Xiaohui , Sun Xueqing , Liu Bifeng , Wu Yuzhou
Published: March 2019

DNA nanostructures, owing to their controllable and adaptable nature, have been considered as highly attractive nanoplatforms for biomedical applications in recent years. However, their use in the biological environment has been restricted by low cellular transfection efficiency in mammalian cells, weak stability under physiological conditions, and endonuclease degradation. Herein, we demonstrate an effective approach to facilitate fast transfection of DNA nanostructures and enhance their stability by encapsulating DNA origami with a biocompatible cationic protein (cHSA) via electrostatic interaction. The coated DNA origami is found to be stable under physiological conditions. Moreover, the cHSA coating could significantly improve the cellular transfection efficiency of DNA origami, which is essential for biological applications.
Tribological Behavior of TiC Particles Reinforced 316Lss Composite Fabricated Using Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Li Jing , Zhao Zhanyong , Bai Peikang , Qu Hongqiao , Liang Minjie , Liao Haihong , Wu Liyun , Huo Pengchen
Published: March 2019

In order to improve the abrasion performance of 316Lss, make full use of its advantages and broaden its application fields, the tribological behavior of the TiC particles reinforced 316Lss composites—which were manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM)—were investigated. In this study, GCr15 bearing steel was selected as the friction material and experiments on the sliding friction and wear under different loads of 15 N, 25 N and 35 N at the sliding speeds of 60, 80 and 100 mm/min were carried out, respectively. The results show that the wear performance of the TiC/316Lss composite is higher than that of the matrix during the friction and wear experiments under all conditions and the wear rate of the TiC/316Lss composite decreases with increasing the friction rate. Similar to the wear mechanism under different loads, it changes from abrasive wear to delamination wear and severe oxidative wear. At the same time, the mechanical mixed layer formed at a high speed has a protective effect on the matrix. The reason for this phenomenon is that the mechanical properties of the TiC/316Lss composites are significantly improved due to the addition of TiC particles, the refinement of cells near the TiC particles and the formation of a large number of dislocations. In addition, due to the presence of the TiC particles, the hardness and strength of the TiC/316Lss composites are greatly improved, thus the processing hardening ability of sub-surface has been improved.
Random Coupled Hilfer and Hadamard Fractional Differential Systems in Generalized Banach Spaces
Authors: Abbas Saïd , Arifi Nassir Al , Benchohra Mouffak , Zhou Yong
Published: March 2019

This article deals with some existence and uniqueness result of random solutions for some coupled systems of Hilfer and Hilfer–Hadamard fractional differential equations with random effects. Some applications are made of generalizations of classical random fixed point theorems on generalized Banach spaces.
Novel Transformer Fault Identification Optimization Method Based on Mathematical Statistics
Authors: Zhang Zhanlong , Wu Yongye , Zhang Ruixuan , Jiang Peiyu , Liu Guohua , Ahmed Salman , Dong Zijian
Published: March 2019

Most power transformer faults are caused by iron core and winding faults. At present, the method that is most widely used for transformer iron core and winding faults identification is the vibration analysis method. The vibration analysis method generally determines the degree of fault by analyzing the energy spectrum of the transformer vibration signal. However, the noise reduction step in this method is complicated and costly, and the effect of denoising needs to be further improved to make the fault identification results more accurate. In addition, it is difficult to perform an accurate determination of the early mild failure of the transformer due to the effect of noise on the results. This paper presents a novel mathematical statistics method based on the vibration signal to optimize the vibration analysis method for the short-circuit failure of the transformer winding. The proposed method was used for linear analysis of the transformer vibration signal with different degrees of short-circuit failure of the transformer winding. By comparing the slope value of the transformer vibration signal cumulative probability distribution curve and analyzing the energy spectrum of the signal, the degree of short-circuit failure of the transformer winding was identified quickly and accurately. This method also simplified the signal denoising process in transformer fault detection, improved the accuracy of fault detection, reduced the time of fault detection, and provided good predictability for early mild faults of the transformer, thereby reducing the hidden hazards of operating the power transformer. The proposed optimization procedure offers a new research idea in transformer fault identification.
Spreading Speed in A Nonmonotone Equation with Dispersal and Delay
Authors: Liu Xi-Lan , Pan Shuxia
Published: March 2019

This paper is concerned with the estimation of spreading speed of a nonmonotone equation, which involves time delay and nonlocal dispersal. Due to the time delay, this equation does not generate monotone semiflows when the positive initial value is given. By constructing an auxiliary monotone equation, we obtain the spreading speed when the initial value admits nonempty compact support. Moreover, by passing to a limit function, we confirm the existence of traveling wave solutions if the wave speed equals to the spreading speed, which states the minimal wave speed of traveling wave solutions and improves the known results.
Chromone-Derived Polyketides from the Deep-Sea Fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum FS431
Authors: Guo Heng , Liu Zhao-Ming , Chen Yu-Chan , Tan Hai-Bo , Li Sai-Ni , Li Hao-Hua , Gao Xiao-Xia , Liu Hong-Xin , Zhang Wei-Min
Published: March 2019

Five new chromone-derived polyketides phaseolorins A-F (1–5), together with nine known compounds, were isolated from the deep-sea derived fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum FS431. The structures of new compounds were determined by analysis of their NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations were confirmed by chemical transformations, extensively experimental electron capture detection (ECD) calculations, or X-ray crystallography. Among them, compound 2 represented the first example for a new family of chromone derivative possessing an unprecedented recombined five-member γ-lactone ring. Moreover, the new compounds (1–5) were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines.
Biological Activities of Fucoidan and the Factors Mediating Its Therapeutic Effects: A Review of Recent Studies
Authors: Wang Yu , Xing Maochen , Cao Qi , Ji Aiguo , Liang Hao , Song Shuliang
Published: March 2019

The marine acid polysaccharide fucoidan has attracted attention from both the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its promising therapeutic effects. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide that mainly consists of L-fucose and sulphate groups. Its excellent biological function is attributed to its unique biological structure. Classical activities include antitumor, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, immunoregulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. More recently, fucoidan has been shown to alleviate metabolic syndrome, protect the gastrointestinal tract, benefit angiogenesis and bone health. This review focuses on the progress in our understanding of the biological activities of fucoidan, highlighting its benefits for the treatment of human disease. We hope that this review can provide some theoretical basis and inspiration for the product development of fucoidan.
Two New Piperazine-Triones from a Marine-Derived Streptomycetes sp. Strain SMS636
Authors: Xu Xiuli , Han Jiahui , Lin Rui , Polyak Steven W. , Song Fuhang
Published: March 2019

Two new piperazine-triones lansai E and F (1, 2), together with four known secondary metabolites lansai D (3), 1-N-methyl-(E,Z)-albonoursin (4), imidazo[4,5-e]-1,2,4-triazine (5), and streptonigrin (6) were isolated from a deep-sea-derived Streptomycetes sp. strain SMS636. The structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. Compound 4 exhibited moderate antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 12.5 and 25 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 6 displayed significant antibacterial activities against S. aureus, MRSA and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) with MIC values of 0.78, 0.78 and 1.25 μg/mL, respectively.
Prognostic Value of Left Ventricular Function and Mechanics in Pulmonary Hypertension: A Pilot Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Study
Authors: Padervinskienė Lina , Krivickienė Aušra , Hoppenot Deimantė , Miliauskas Skaidrius , Basevičius Algidas , Nedzelskienė Irena , Jankauskas Antanas , Šimkus Paulius , Ereminienė Eglė
Published: March 2019

Background and objective: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) - based feature tracking (FT) can detect left ventricular (LV) strain abnormalities in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, but little is known about the prognostic value of LV function and mechanics in PH patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate LV systolic function by conventional CMR and LV global strains by CMR-based FT analysis in precapillary PH patients, thereby defining the prognostic value of LV function and mechanics. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 43 patients with precapillary PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) 55.91 ± 15.87 mmHg, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) ≤15 mmHg) referred to CMR for PH evaluation. Using FT software, the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS), also right ventricular (RV) GLS were analyzed. Results: Patients were classified into two groups according to survival (survival/non-survival). LV GLS was significantly reduced in the non-survival group (−12.4% [−19.0–(−7.8)] vs. −18.4% [−22.5–(−15.5)], p = 0.009). By ROC curve analysis, LV GLS > −14.2% (CI: 3.229 to 37.301, p < 0.001) was found to be robust predictor of mortality in PH patients. Univariable analysis using the Cox model showed that severely reduced LV GLS > −14.2%, with good sensitivity (77.8%) and high specificity (93.5%) indicated an increase of the risk of death by 11-fold. LV GLS significantly correlated in PH patients with RV ESVI (r = 0.322, p = 0.035), RV EF (r = 0.444, p < 0.003). Conclusions: LV systolic function and LV global longitudinal strain measurements using CMR-FT correlates with RV dysfunction and is associated with poor clinical outcomes in precapillary PH patients.
Recovery of Platinum from Spent Petroleum Catalysts: Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ding Yunji , Zheng Huandong , Li Jiayi , Zhang Shengen , Liu Bo , Ekberg Christian , Jian Zhuming
Published: March 2019

The global yield of platinum (Pt) recovery from spent catalysts is about 30%. Pt recovery from spent catalysts is one of the most significant methods to reduce its supply risk and meet future demand. The current hydro-leaching processes always involve extremely high acidity (c(H+) > 6.0 mol/L), causing serious environmental issues and consuming large amounts of reagents. This paper studied the recovery of Pt from spent petroleum catalysts in a mild leaching solution (c(H+) = 1.0−2.0 mol/L). The HCl and NaCl were used as leaching agents, while H2O2 was used for oxidation of Pt. The leaching factors, including solid/liquid ratio (S/L), acidity, leaching temperature, and H2O2 usage, were studied. The leaching efficiency of Pt was 95.7% under the conditions of S/L of 1:5 g/mL, HCl of 1.0 mol/L, NaCl of 5.0 mol/L, 10% H2O2/spent catalysts of 0.6 mL/g, and temperature of 90 °C for 2 h. The leaching kinetic of platinum fits best to the Avrami equation. The apparent activation energy for leaching platinum was 114.9 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the effects of the operating variables were assessed and optimized by employing a response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken Design. The result shows that HCl concentration had the greatest impact on the leaching efficiency as compared to the H2O2 concentration and S/L ratio. Pt leaching efficiency was increased to 98.1% at the optimized conditions of HCl of 1.45 mol/L, NaCl of 4.55 mol/L, 10% H2O2/spent catalysts of 0.66 mL/g, and S/L of 1:4.85. The purity of Pt is over 90% by the reduction of iron powder.
Hot Forming of Ultra-Fine-Grained Multiphase Steel Products Using Press Hardening Combined with Quenching and Partitioning Process
Authors: Vuorinen Esa Pirkka , Özügürler Almila Gülfem , Ion John Christopher , Eriksson Katarina , Somani Mahesh Chandra , Karjalainen Leo Pentti , Allain Sébastien , Caballero Francisca Garcia
Published: March 2019

Hot forming combined with austempering and quenching and partitioning (QP) processes have been used to shape two cold rolled high silicon steel sheets into hat profiles. Thermal simulation on a Gleeble instrument was employed to optimize processing variables to achieve an optimum combination of strength and ductility in the final parts. Microstructures were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Tensile strengths (Rm) of 1190 and 1350 MPa and elongations to fracture (A50mm) of 8.5 and 7.4%, were achieved for the two high-silicon steels having 0.15 and 0.26 wt % C, respectively. Preliminary results show that press hardening together with a QP heat treatment is an effective method of producing components with high strength and reasonable tensile ductility from low carbon containing steels that have the potential for carbide free bainite formation. The QP treatment resulted in faster austenite decomposition during partitioning in the steels in comparison with an austempering treatment.
Structural Stress Method to Evaluate Fatigue Properties of Similar and Dissimilar Self-Piercing Riveted Joints
Authors: Rao Harish M. , Kang Jidong , Huff Garret , Avery Katherine
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we discuss the application of a simple Battelle structural stress model to evaluate the fatigue life of a self-piercing riveted (SPR) carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite to aluminum AA6111. The analytical model accounts for the forces and moments acting on the rivets to determine the structural stresses which were then plotted against the laboratory-generated fatigue life data. The master S-N curve determined in this study thus accounts for various factors such as the stacking configuration, rivet head height, and fatigue load ratios. The analytical model used in this study was able to collapse a large number of fatigue life data into one master S-N curve irrespective of stack-ups, rivet head height, and load ratios. Thus, the master S-N curve derived from the model can be used to predict the fatigue life of the SPR joints.
Micromechanical Modelling of the Cyclic Deformation Behavior of Martensitic SAE 4150—A Comparison of Different Kinematic Hardening Models
Authors: Schäfer Benjamin J. , Song Xiaochen , Sonnweber-Ribic Petra , ul Hassan Hamad , Hartmaier Alexander
Published: March 2019

A fundamental prerequisite for the micromechanical simulation of fatigue is the appropriate modelling of the effective cyclic properties of the considered material. Therefore, kinematic hardening formulations on the slip system level are of crucial importance due to their fundamental relevance in cyclic material modelling. The focus of this study is the comparison of three different kinematic hardening models (Armstrong Frederick, Chaboche, and Ohno–Wang). In this work, investigations are performed on the modelling and prediction of the cyclic stress-strain behavior of the martensitic high-strength steel SAE 4150 for two different total strain ratios (R ε = −1 and R ε = 0). In the first step, a three-dimensional martensitic microstructure model is developed by using multiscale Voronoi tessellations. Based on this martensitic representative volume element, micromechanical simulations are performed by a crystal plasticity finite element model. For the constitutive model calibration, a new multi-objective calibration procedure incorporating a sensitivity analysis as well as an evolutionary algorithm is presented. The numerical results of different kinematic hardening models are compared to experimental data with respect to the appropriate modelling of the Bauschinger effect and the mean stress relaxation behavior at R ε = 0. It is concluded that the Ohno–Wang model is superior to the Armstrong Frederick and Chaboche kinematic hardening model at R ε = −1 as well as at R ε = 0.
Efficient Extraction from Mice Feces for NMR Metabolomics Measurements with Special Emphasis on SCFAs
Authors: Hauser Adrian , Eisenmann Philipp , Muhle-Goll Claudia , Luy Burkhard , Dötsch Andreas , Graf Daniela , Tzvetkova Pavleta
Published: March 2019

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most promising methods for use in metabolomics studies as it is able to perform non targeted measurement of metabolites in a quantitative and non-destructive way. Sample preparation of liquid samples like urine or blood serum is comparatively easy in NMR metabolomics, because mainly buffer and chemical shift reference substance are added. For solid samples like feces suitable extraction protocols need to be defined as initial step, where the exact protocol depends on sample type and features. Focusing on short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice feces, we describe here a set of extraction protocols developed with the aim to suppress changes in metabolite composition within 24 h after extraction. Feces are obtained from mice fed on either standard rodent diet or high fat diet. The protocols presented in this manuscript are straightforward for application, and successfully minimize residual bacterial and enzymatic activities. Additionally, they are able to minimize the lipid background originating from the high fat diet.
Novel WiFi/MEMS Integrated Indoor Navigation System Based on Two-Stage EKF
Authors: Cui Yi , Zhang Yongbo , Huang Yuliang , Wang Zhihua , Fu Huimin
Published: March 2019

Indoor navigation has been developing rapidly over the last few years. However, it still faces a number of challenges and practical issues. This paper proposes a novel WiFi/MEMS integration structure for indoor navigation. The two-stage structure uses the extended Kalman filter (EKF) to fuse the information from WiFi/MEMS sensors and contains attitude-determination EKF and position-tracking EKF. In the WiFi part, a partition solution called “moving partition” is originally proposed in this paper. This solution significantly reduces the computation time and enhances the performance of the traditional Weighted K-Nearest Neighbors (WKNN) method. Furthermore, the direction measurement is generated utilizing WiFi positioning results, and a “turn detection” is implemented to guarantee the effectiveness. The navigation performance of the presented integration structure has been verified through indoor experiments. The test results indicate that the proposed WiFi/MEMS solution works well. The root mean square (RMS) position error of WiFi/MEMS is 0.7926 m, which is an improvement of 20.59% and 36.60% when compared to MEMS and WiFi alone. Besides, the proposed algorithm still performs well with very few access points (AP) available and its stability has been proven.
Ore-Fluid Evolution of the Sizhuang Orogenic Gold Deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, China
Authors: Wei Yu-Ji , Yang Li-Qiang , Feng Jian-Qiu , Wang Hao , Lv Guang-Yao , Li Wen-Chao , Liu Sheng-Guang
Published: March 2019

The Sizhuang gold deposit with a proven gold resource of >120 t, located in northwest Jiaodong Peninsula in China, lies in the southern part of the Jiaojia gold belt. Gold mineralization can be divided into altered rock type, auriferous quartz vein type, and sulfide-quartz veinlet in K-feldspar altered granite. According to mineral paragenesis and mineral crosscutting relationships, three stages of metal mineralization can be identified: early stage, main stage, and late stage. Gold mainly occurs in the main stage. The petrography and microthermometry of fluid inclusion shows three types of inclusions (type 1 H2O–CO2 inclusions, type 2 aqueous inclusions, and type 3 CO2 inclusions). Early stage quartz-hosted inclusions have a trapped temperatures range 303–390 °C. The gold-rich main stage contains a fluid-inclusion cluster with both type 1 and 2 inclusions (trapped between 279 and 298 °C), and a wide range of homogenization temperatures of CO2 occurs to the vapor phase (17.6 to 30.5 °C). The late stage calcite only contains type 1 inclusions with homogenization temperatures between 195 and 289 °C. With evidences from the H–O isotope data and the study of water–rock interaction, the metamorphic water of the Jiaodong Group is considered to be the dominating source for the ore-forming fluid. The ore-fluid belonged to a CO2–H2O–NaCl system with medium-low temperature (160–360 °C), medium-low salinity (3.00–11.83 wt% NaCl eq.), and low density (1.51–1.02 g/cm3). Fluid immiscibility caused by pressure fluctuation is the key mechanism in inducing gold mineralization in the Sizhuang gold deposit.
Geological, Geochronological, and Geochemical Insights into the Formation of the Giant Pulang Porphyry Cu (–Mo–Au) Deposit in Northwestern Yunnan Province, SW China
Authors: Yang Qun , Ren Yun-Sheng , Chen Sheng-Bo , Zhang Guo-Liang , Zeng Qing-Hong , Hao Yu-Jie , Li Jing-Mou , Yang Zhong-Jie , Sun Xin-Hao , Sun Zhen-Ming
Published: March 2019

The giant Pulang porphyry Cu (–Mo–Au) deposit in Northwestern Yunnan Province, China, is located in the southern part of the Triassic Yidun Arc. The Cu orebodies are mainly hosted in quartz monzonite porphyry (QMP) intruding quartz diorite porphyry (QDP) and cut by granodiorite porphyry (GP). New LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages indicate that QDP (227 ± 2 Ma), QMP (218 ± 1 Ma, 219 ± 1 Ma), and GP (209 ± 1 Ma) are significantly different in age; however, the molybdenite Re–Os isochron age (218 ± 2 Ma) indicates a close temporal and genetic relationship between Cu mineralization and QMP. Pulang porphyry intrusions are enriched in light rare-earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), and depleted in heavy rare-earth elements (HREEs) and high field-strength elements (HFSEs), with moderately negative Eu anomalies. They are high in SiO2, Al2O3, Sr, Na2O/K2O, Mg#, and Sr/Y, but low in Y, and Yb, suggesting a geochemical affinity to high-silica (HSA) adakitic rocks. These features are used to infer that the Pulang HSA porphyry intrusions were derived from the partial melting of a basaltic oceanic-slab. These magmas reacted with peridotite during their ascent through the mantle wedge. This is interpreted to indicate that the Pulang Cu deposit and associated magmatism can be linked to the synchronous westward subduction of the Ganzi–Litang oceanic lithosphere, which has been established as Late Triassic.
The Voice Makes the Car: Enhancing Autonomous Vehicle Perceptions and Adoption Intention through Voice Agent Gender and Style
Authors: Lee Sanguk , Ratan Rabindra , Park Taiwoo
Published: March 2019

The present research explores how autonomous vehicle voice agent (AVVA) design influences autonomous vehicle passenger (AVP) intentions to adopt autonomous vehicles. An online experiment (N = 158) examined the role of gender stereotypes in response to an AVVA with respect to the technology acceptance model. The findings indicate that characteristics of the AVVA that are more consistent with the stereotypical expectation of the social role (informative male AVVA and social female AVVA) foster greater perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) than inconsistent conditions (social male AVVA and informative female AVVA). The study offers theoretical implications regarding the technology acceptance model in the context of autonomous technologies as well as practical implications for the design of autonomous vehicle voice agents.
Seaweed-Liked WS2/rGO Enabling Ultralong Cycling Life and Enhanced Rate Capability for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Yi , Jiang Yu , Ma Zhaofei , Zhang Yan , Zheng Xianfeng , Yan Xuemin , Deng Xiaoqing , Xiao Wei , Tang Haolin
Published: March 2019

WS2 is considered as a potential anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) with superior theoretical capacity and stable structure with two-dimensional which facilitates to the transportation and storage of lithium ion. Nevertheless, the commercial recognition of WS2 has been impeded by the intrinsic properties of WS2, including poor electrical conductivity and large volume expansion. Herein, a seaweed-liked WS2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites has been fabricated through a procedure involving the self-assembling of WO42−, hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium ion with graphene oxide (GO) and the subsequent thermal treatment. The WS2/rGO nanocomposite exhibited the outstanding electrochemical property with a stable and remarkable capacity (507.7 mAh·g−1) at 1.0 A·g−1 even after 1000 cycles. This advanced electrochemical property is due to its seaweed-liked feature which can bring in plentiful active sites, ameliorate the stresses arisen from volume variations and increase charge transfer rate.
Low Temperature Synthesis of High-Density Carbon Nanotubes on Insulating Substrate
Authors: Xiao Ying , Ahmed Zubair , Ma Zichao , Zhou Changjian , Zhang Lining , Chan Mansun
Published: March 2019

A method to synthesize high-density, vertically-aligned, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on an insulating substrate at low temperature using a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatible process is presented. Two factors are identified to be important in the carbon nanotube (CNT) growth, which are the catalyst design and the substrate material. By using a Ni–Al–Ni multilayer catalyst film and a ZrO2 substrate, vertically-aligned CNTs can be synthesized at 340 °C using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Both the quality and density of the CNTs can be enhanced by increasing the synthesis temperature. The function of the aluminum interlayer in reducing the activation energy of the CNT formation is studied. The nanoparticle sintering and quick accumulation of amorphous carbon covering the catalyst can prematurely stop CNT synthesis. Both effects can be suppressed by using a substrate with a high surface energy such as ZrO2.
Reply: “Letter to the Editor Re: Oh J., et al. Nutrients 2019, 11, 343”
Authors: Oh Jongwon , Park Hyung-Doo , Kim Su-Young , Koh Won-Jung , Lee Soo-Youn
Published: March 2019

We appreciate Hernández-Garduño’s interest in our recent research article [...]
Beneficial Effects of Potentilla discolor Bunge Water Extract on Inflammatory Cytokines Release and Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Han Lihua , Li Tiange , Du Min , Chang Rui , Zhan Biyuan , Mao Xueying
Published: March 2019

Potentilla discolor Bunge (PDB), a perennial herb, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine in the therapy of many diseases. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of PDB water extract on systemic inflammation and gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic (T2D) mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal diet (ND) group, T2D group, and PDB group (diabetic mice treated with PDB water extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight). Results showed that PDB significantly decreased the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum. Further investigation showed that PDB significantly reduced the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in fecal samples of diabetic mice. In addition, PDB notably alleviated intestinal inflammation as evidenced by decreased expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and inflammatory cytokines. PDB also reversed the decreased expression of intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins including Claudin3, ZO-1, and Occludin. Meanwhile, the levels of fecal acetic acid and butyric acid and their specific receptors including G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 41 and 43 expression in the colon were also increased after PDB treatment. Our results indicated that PDB might serve as a potential functional ingredient against diabetes and related inflammation.
The Effect of Probiotic Yogurt on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes or Obesity: A Meta-Analysis of Nine Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Barengolts Elena , Smith Emily Daviau , Reutrakul Sirimon , Tonucci Livia , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat
Published: March 2019

Probiotic yogurt is suggested as a nutritional approach in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of probiotic yogurt on glycemic outcomes in T2D or obesity. The databases used to search for RCTs included Medline and Scopus. The RCTs were eligible if outcomes included selected glycemic markers. In nine eligible trials, 237 and 235 subjects were in treatment (probiotic yogurt) and control (mostly conventional yogurt) groups, respectively. There was no significant difference for pooled unstandardized mean difference (USMD) hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by probiotic yogurt compared with the control in T2D (USMD: −0.366; 95% CI: −0.755, 0.024, p = 0.066) and obesity (USMD: 0.116, 95% CI: −0.007, 0.238, p = 0.065). Similarly, there were no effects of probiotic yogurt on fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, or insulin resistance (estimated by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)) in either T2D or obesity. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis has not demonstrated the benefits of consuming probiotic compared with conventional yogurt for improving glucose control in patients with diabetes or obesity. Larger trials are needed to verify the benefits of probiotic and/or conventional yogurt or other probiotic fermented milk (e.g., kefir) on glycemic markers in patients with diabetes and obesity.
Intermittent Fasting in Cardiovascular Disorders—An Overview
Authors: Malinowski Bartosz , Zalewska Klaudia , Węsierska Anna , Sokołowska Maya M. , Socha Maciej , Liczner Grzegorz , Pawlak-Osińska Katarzyna , Wiciński Michał
Published: March 2019

Intermittent fasting is a form of time restricted eating (typically 16 h fasting and 8 h eating), which has gained popularity in recent years and shows promise as a possible new paradigm in the approach to weight loss and the reduction of inflammation, and has many potential long term health benefits. In this review, the authors will incorporate many aspects of fasting, mainly focusing on its effects on the cardiovascular system, involving atherosclerosis progression, benefits for diabetes mellitus type 2, lowering of blood pressure, and exploring other cardiovascular risk factors (such as lipid profile and inflammation).
The Safety and Tolerability of a Potential Alginate-Based Iron Chelator; Results of A Healthy Participant Study
Authors: Horniblow Richard D. , Mistry Pritesh , Quraishi Mohammed N. , Beggs Andrew D. , Van de Wiele Tom , Iqbal Tariq H. , Tselepis Chris
Published: March 2019

Evidence supporting the ferro-toxic nature of iron in the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming well established. A microbial dysbiosis is observed in IBD patients, and intra-luminal colonic-iron is able to support a more pathogenic community of bacteria; whether this is attributed to the development of IBD and how iron could be mediating these microbial changes is still unknown. Dietary fibres are commonly used in pre-biotic supplements to beneficially affect the host by improving the viability of bacterial communities within the colon. Alginates are a class of biopolymers considered as prebiotics due to their fibre-like composition and are able to bind metal cations, in particular, iron. Considering that iron excess is able to negatively alter the microbiome, the use of alginate as a food supplement could be useful in colonic-iron chelation. As such, this first-in-man study aimed to assess whether the use of alginate as a dietary iron chelator was both safe and well tolerated. In addition, the impact of alginate on the microbiome and iron levels was assessed by using an intestinal model SHIME (Simulation of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem). Alginate was supplemented into the diets (3 g/day) of healthy volunteers (n = 17) for 28 days. Results from this study suggest that daily ingestion of 3 g alginate was well tolerated with very minor side effects. There were no detrimental changes in a variety of haematological parameters or the intestinal microbiome. The bacterial communities within the SHIME model were also not influenced by iron and or alginate; it is possible that alginate may be susceptible to bacterial or enzymatic degradation within the gastro-intestinal tract.
Nutrigenomics of Vitamin D
Authors: Carlberg Carsten
Published: March 2019

Nutrigenomics studies how environmental factors, such as food intake and lifestyle, influence the expression of the genome. Vitamin D3 represents a master example of nutrigenomics, since via its metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, which binds with high-affinity to the vitamin D receptor, the secosteroid directly affects the epigenome and transcriptome at thousands of loci within the human genome. Vitamin D is important for both cellular metabolism and immunity, as it controls calcium homeostasis and modulates the response of the innate and adaptive immune system. At sufficient UV-B exposure, humans can synthesize vitamin D3 endogenously in their skin, but today’s lifestyle often makes the molecule a true vitamin and micronutrient that needs to be taken up by diet or supplementation with pills. The individual’s molecular response to vitamin D requires personalized supplementation with vitamin D3, in order to obtain optimized clinical benefits in the prevention of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, autoimmune diseases, and possibly different types of cancer. The importance of endogenous synthesis of vitamin D3 created an evolutionary pressure for reduced skin pigmentation, when, during the past 50,000 years, modern humans migrated from Africa towards Asia and Europe. This review will discuss different aspects of how vitamin D interacts with the human genome, focusing on nutritional epigenomics in context of immune responses. This should lead to a better understanding of the clinical benefits of vitamin D.
In Vitro Study for Lipolysis of Soybean Oil, Pomegranate Oil, and Their Blended and Interesterified Oils under a pH-Stat Model and a Simulated Model of Small Intestinal Digestion
Authors: Ji Chenming , Shin Jung-Ah , Hong Soon Taek , Lee Ki-Teak
Published: March 2019

In this study, two in vitro digestion models were employed to compare the rate of lipolysis in soybean oil (SBO), pomegranate oil (PGO), a physical blend (PHY, 1:1 molar ratio of SBO:PGO, w/w), and their enzymatically interesterified oil (IO). In the pH-stat digestion model (emulsified oils with bile salts), PGO emulsion containing 74.7% conjugated form of linolenic acid (CLn) showed a significantly lower release rate of free fatty acid (FFA) than the other oil emulsions (p < 0.05). In FFA release rates and oil droplet sizes between PHY and IO emulsions, no significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). In a simulated model of small intestinal digestion, the lipolysis rates of SBO, PGO, PHY, and IO after digestion for 30 min in digestion fluids were 80.4%, 66.5%, 74.8%, and 77.0%, respectively. The rate of lipolysis in PGO was significantly lower than that in SBO (p < 0.05), and the lowest lipolysis rate was observed in the conjugated form of trilinolenoyl glycerol (CLn-CLn-CLn).
How Important are Cereals and Cereal Products in the Average Polish Diet?
Authors: Laskowski Wacław , Górska-Warsewicz Hanna , Rejman Krystyna , Czeczotko Maksymilian , Zwolińska Justyna
Published: March 2019

The main aim of this study was to identify the food sources of energy and 28 nutrients from cereals and cereal products in the average Polish diet based on data from a nationally representative sample of the Polish population attending in 2016 Household Budget Survey (i.e., 36,886 households). The contribution of energy and nutrients from cereals and cereal products were compared with reference values. The detailded analysis included five main groups and nine sub-groups of cereal food category. Our findings indicated that cereals and cereal products contributed 30.4% of total dietary energy supply, providing a significant percentage of six nutrients to the average Polish diet (i.e., 64.1% of manganese, 51% of carbohydrates, 48.5% of dietary fibre, 34.1% of iron, 33.6% of folate, and 31.3% of copper). Supply at the level of 20–30% was observed for protein, thiamin, phosphorus and zinc, and at 10–20% for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), sodium, potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. For other nutrients i.e., total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), cholesterol, iodine, vitamins: A, D, B12, and C, the share of cereals and cereal products contribution was below 10%. Cereals and cereal products were the major food category in meeting the reference values for the Polish population in case of manganese, carbohydrates (approximately 100%), and sodium (50%). The reference values was reached at the level of 30–40% for dietary fibre, protein, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus and thiamin, and 20–30% for energy, magnesium, folate, niacin, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and E. For such nutrients as total fat, SFA, and potassium, the fulfillment of the reference values amounted to 10–20%. Our results document the importance of cereals and cereal products in the Polish diet, which should be emphasized from a nutritional and health point of view.
Generalizing Bogoliubov–Zubarev Theorem to Account for Pressure Fluctuations: Application to Relativistic Gas
Authors: Rudoy Yuri G. , Rybakov Yuri P.
Published: March 2019

The problem of pressure fluctuations in the thermal equilibrium state of some objects is discussed, its solution being suggested via generalizing the Bogoliubov–Zubarev theorem. This theorem relates the thermodynamic pressure with the Hamilton function and its derivatives describing the object in question. It is shown that unlike to other thermodynamic quantities (e.g., the energy or the volume) the pressure fluctuations are described not only by a purely thermodynamic quantity (namely, the corresponding thermodynamic susceptibility) but also by some non-thermodynamic quantities. The attempt is made to apply these results to the relativistic ideal gases, with some numerical results being valid for the limiting ultra-relativistic or high-temperature case.
A Simple Genotyping Method for Rapid Differentiation of Blastocystis Subtypes and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Thailand
Authors: Srichaipon Nittaya , Nuchprayoon Surang , Charuchaibovorn Sarit , Sukkapan Pattadon , Sanprasert Vivornpun
Published: March 2019

Blastocystis spp. is one of the most common protozoa of humans and animals worldwide. The genetic diversity of Blastocystis spp. might be associated with a wide range of symptoms. However, the prevalence of each subtype is different in each country. Until now, there is no standard method for subtyping of Blastocystis spp. We developed a sequential restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for the rapid differentiation of human Blastocystis subtypes. A large-scale study was also conducted to determine the subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Thailand. Stool samples were collected from 1025 school-age students in four regions of Thailand. Blastocystis infections were identified by direct smear, formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique (FECT), Boeck and Drbohlav’s Locke-Egg-Serum (LES) medium culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of small-subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA). Subtypes of Blastocystis spp. were determined by RFLP. Phylogenetic tree of partial SSU rDNA sequences of Blastocystis spp. was constructed using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. Out of 1025 students, 416 (40.6%) were positive for Blastocystis spp. Using two steps of RFLP reactions, we could determine subtype one–three among these students. Subtype 3 was the most common subtype (58.72%) in Thai students, followed by subtype 1 (31.2%), and subtype 2 (10.1%). Blastocystis subtype 3 was the most prevalent in all regions of Thailand. The subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Thailand was different from other countries.