bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Link between Business Process Management and Quality Management
Authors: Stravinskiene Inga , Serafinas Dalius
Published: September 2020

In an environment of intense globalization and digitalization, business organizations are increasingly faced with various challenges such as rising costs, strong competition, rapidly evolving technologies, increasingly demanding and whimsical consumers, and, in social terms, changing societal demands. It is within this context that the effectiveness and efficiency of the management of business organizations is actualized. The paper addresses the following fundamental questions regarding the scientific problem at the theoretical level: What is the place of Business Process Management (BPM) in the context of Quality Management (QM)? Should BPM be the axis of QM? There is a lack of interdisciplinary research on the link between Business Process Management and Quality Management, and this study aims to ground this link. Methods of the research are literature review and the critical analysis of the scientific sources on the issue. The findings show that there exists confusion, overlaps among different paradigms of QM and BPM. The BPM paradigm might be considered as an integral part of almost all essential quality management paradigms. BPM is like a horizontal area “crossing” different paradigms of quality management (e.g., TQM, SMS, Lean, Six Sigma). The conclusions drawn are useful for organizations that implement quality management systems. The integration of BPM into quality management systems and tools creates preconditions for the development of an effective and efficient organization.
Conflict over the Use of Hagia Sophia: The Legal Case
Authors: Coruhlu Yakup , Uzun Bayram , Yildiz Okan
Published: September 2020

The historical progress of Hagia Sophia encompasses four different periods. Dating back to 360 AD, this unique structure was the largest church built in Istanbul during the Roman Period. In the second period, Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered Istanbul in 1453 and personally dedicated Hagia Sophia to his foundation as a mosque. In the third period, upon the founding of the modern Republic of Turkey, Hagia Sophia was transformed into the Museum in 1934. Finally, in 2020, the structure was converted once again to a mosque by a court decision. Ongoing discussions today have suggested that the structure be used as a mosque, a church, or a museum. In this study, the ownership rights of the monument and its cultural heritage status have been examined within the framework of rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. The study evaluates the 1934 decree preventing the owner of the property rights from being given authorization over the monument. The results indicate that there was a legal obligation to grant the use of Hagia Sophia/Ayasofya as a mosque in accordance with the property rights of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who proclaimed the establishment of its foundation.
The Tumor and Host Immune Signature, and the Gut Microbiota as Predictive Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Response in Melanoma Patients
Authors: Tomela Katarzyna , Pietrzak Bernadeta , Schmidt Marcin , Mackiewicz Andrzej
Published: September 2020

There are various melanoma treatment strategies that are based on immunological responses, among which immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are relatively novel form. Nowadays, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies represent a standard treatment for metastatic melanoma. Although there are remarkable curative effects in responders to ICI therapy, up to 70% of melanoma patients show resistance to this treatment. This low response rate is caused by innate as well as acquired resistance, and some aspects of treatment resistance are still unknown. Growing evidence shows that gut microbiota and bacterial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), affect the efficacy of immunotherapy. Various bacterial species have been indicated as potential biomarkers of anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 therapy efficacy in melanoma, next to biomarkers related to molecular and genetic tumor characteristics or the host immunological response, which are detected in patients’ blood. Here, we review the current status of biomarkers of response to ICI melanoma therapies, their pre-treatment predictive values, and their utility as on-treatment monitoring tools in order to select a relevant personalized therapy on the basis of probability of the best clinical outcome.
Nutrient and Dietary Patterns in Relation to the Pathogenesis of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis—A Literature Review
Authors: Ilesanmi-Oyelere Bolaji Lilian , Kruger Marlena C.
Published: September 2020

Postmenopausal women tend to be susceptible to primary osteoporosis due to its association with oestrogen deficiency. There is emerging evidence that an unhealthy dietary pattern drives an increase in the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO), whereas a healthy dietary pattern may decrease its occurrence. In this narrative literature review, we sought to review the role of nutrient and dietary patterns in the pathogenesis of PO. Therefore, we searched and reported all research articles from 2001 to May 2020 in Web of Science, Cinahl and Scopus that have researched a relationship between nutrient and/or dietary patterns and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D have been proven to be beneficial for bone health. Meanwhile, for the dietary patterns, foods such as dairy products especially milk, fibre and protein-rich foods, e.g., meat were directly linked to a positive association with bone mineral density (BMD). Likewise, fruits, vegetables and probiotic and prebiotic foods were reported for its positive relationship with BMD. Therefore, aside from physical activity, nutrition and diet in adequate proportions are suggested to be an important tool for ameliorating osteoporosis and bone health issues in older age.
Advanced Test Setup for Accelerated Aging of Plastics by Visible LED Radiation
Authors: Hemmerich Moritz , Meyer Jörg , Walther Frank
Published: September 2020

In this article, a newly developed test setup for the aging of optical plastics by visible radiation (450 nm) is presented. In addition to a comprehensive monitoring of the operating parameters and an efficient cooling of the high-power multiple chips on board the LEDs used, the plastic samples can be fully temperature-controlled, independent of the radiant power of the LED, due to fluid driven thermostatization. The sample surface temperatures and irradiance values were verified by in situ measurements and simulations. To validate the test setup, polycarbonate samples with well-known aging behavior were aged for 1896 h. By spectroscopic IR and UV/vis analysis of the samples at different aging times, known optical aging results of polycarbonate could be observed, which proves the intended operationality of the system.
A Novel Modelling Methodology Which Predicts the Structural Behaviour of Vertebral Bodies under Axial Impact Loading: A Finite Element and DIC Study
Authors: Agostinho Hernandez Bruno , Gill Harinderjit Singh , Gheduzzi Sabina
Published: September 2020

Cervical spine injuries (CSIs) arising from collisions are uncommon in contact sports, such as rugby union, but their consequences can be devastating. Several FE modelling approaches are available in the literature, but a fully calibrated and validated FE modelling framework for cervical spines under compressive dynamic-impact loading is still lacking and material properties are not adequately calibrated for such events. This study aimed to develop and validate a methodology for specimen-specific FE modelling of vertebral bodies under impact loading. Thirty-five (n = 35) individual vertebral bodies (VBs) were dissected from porcine spine segments, potted in bone cement and μCT scanned. A speckle pattern was applied to the anterior faces of the bones to allow digital image correlation (DIC), which monitored the surface displacements. Twenty-seven (n = 27) VBs were quasi-statically compressively tested to a load up to 10 kN from the cranial side. Specimen-specific FE models were developed for fourteen (n = 14) of the samples in this group. The material properties were optimised based on the experimental load-displacement data using a specimen-specific factor (kGSstatic) to calibrate a density to Young’s modulus relationship. The average calibration factor arising from this group was calculated (K¯GSstatic) and applied to a control group of thirteen (n = 13) samples. The resulting VB stiffnesses was compared to experimental findings. The final eight (n = 8) VBs were subjected to an impact load applied via a falling mass of 7.4kg at a velocity of 3.1ms−1. Surface displacements and strains were acquired from the anterior VB surface via DIC, and the impact load was monitored with two load cells. Specimen-specific FE models were created for this dynamic group and material properties were assigned again based on the density–Young’s modulus relationship previously validated for static experiments, supplemented with an additional factor (KGSdynamic). The optimised conversion factor for quasi-static loading, K¯GSstatic, had an average of 0.033. Using this factor, the validation models presented an average numerical stiffness value 3.72% greater than the experimental one. From the dynamic loading experiments, the value for KGSdynamic was found to be 0.14, 4.2 times greater than K¯GSstatic. The average numerical stiffness was 2.3% greater than in the experiments. Almost all models presented similar stiffness variations and regions of maximum displacement to those observed via DIC. The developed FE modelling methodology allowed the creation of models which predicted both static and dynamic behaviour of VBs. Deformation patterns on the VB surfaces were acquired from the FE models and compared to DIC data, achieving high agreement. This methodology is now validated to be fully applied to create whole cervical spine models to simulate axial impact scenarios replicating rugby collision events.
Structural Performance Analysis of a Novel Pyramidal Cellular Core Obtained through a Mechanical Expansion Process
Authors: Iftimiciuc Mihaela , Lache Simona , Wennhage Per , Velea Marian Nicolae
Published: September 2020

Stiff and strong yet lightweight cellular structures have become widely designed and used as cores for the construction of sandwich panels to reach high stiffness and strength to weight ratios. A low-density pyramidal cellular core has been proposed for investigation in this work. The novel core is manufactured from stainless steel sheet type 304 through a mechanical expansion procedure which is described in detail. The out-of-plane stiffness and strength performance is estimated by an analytical model which is successfully validated through experimental tests. A comparative study with other existing cellular core configurations made from other materials indicates an average performance behavior for the investigated structure. However, potential for a further structural performance increase is observed and discussed
Ultrafast Carrier Relaxation Dynamics in Quantum Confined Non-Isotropic Silicon Nanostructures Synthesized by an Inductively Coupled Plasma Process
Authors: Ponzoni Stefano , Freddi Sonia , Agati Marta , Le Borgne Vincent , Boninelli Simona , Dolbec Richard , El Khakani My Ali , Pagliara Stefania , Castrucci Paola
Published: September 2020

To exploit the optoelectronic properties of silicon nanostructures (SiNS) in real devices, it is fundamental to study the ultrafast processes involving the photogenerated charges separation, migration and lifetime after the optical excitation. Ultrafast time-resolved optical measurements provide such information. In the present paper, we report on the relaxation dynamics of photogenerated charge-carriers in ultrafine SiNS synthesized by means of inductively-coupled-plasma process. The carriers’ transient regime was characterized in high fluence regime by using a tunable pump photon energy and a broadband probe pulse with a photon energy ranging from 1.2 eV to 2.8 eV while varying the energy of the pump photons and their polarization. The SiNS consist of Si nanospheres and nanowires (NW) with a crystalline core embedded in a SiOx outer-shell. The NW inner core presents different typologies: long silicon nanowires (SiNW) characterized by a continuous core (with diameters between 2 nm and 15 nm and up to a few microns long), NW with disconnected fragments of SiNW (each fragment with a length down to a few nanometers), NW with a “chaplet-like” core and NW with core consisting of disconnected spherical Si nanocrystals. Most of these SiNS are asymmetric in shape. Our results reveal a photoabsorption (PA) channel for pump and probe parallel polarizations with a maximum around 2.6 eV, which can be associated to non-isotropic ultra-small SiNS and ascribed either to (i) electron absorption driven by the probe from some intermediate mid-gap states toward some empty state above the bottom of the conduction band or (ii) the Drude-like free-carrier presence induced by the direct-gap transition in the their band structure. Moreover, we pointed up the existence of a broadband and long-living photobleaching (PB) in the 1.2–2.0 eV energy range with a maximum intensity around 1.35 eV which could be associated to some oxygen related defect states present at the Si/SiOx interface. On the other hand, this wide spectral energy PB can be also due to both silicon oxide band-tail recombination and small Si nanostructure excitonic transition.
Comparison of Gold Nanoparticles Deposition Methods and Their Influence on Electrochemical and Adsorption Properties of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes
Authors: Paradowska Ewa , Arkusz Katarzyna , Pijanowska Dorota G.
Published: September 2020

The increasing interest of attachment of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) has been devoted to obtaining tremendous properties suitable for biosensor applications. Achieving precise control of the attachment and shape of AuNPs by methods described in the literature are far from satisfactory. This work shows the comparison of physical adsorption (PA), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) methods and the parameters of these methods on TNTs properties. The structural, chemical, phase and electrochemical characterizations of TNTs, Au/TNTs, AuNPs/TNTs are carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The use of PA methods does not allow the deposition of AuNPs on TNTs. CV allows easily obtaining spherical nanoparticles, for which the diameter increases from 20.3 ± 2.9 nm to 182.3 ± 51.7 nm as a concentration of tetrachloroauric acid solution increase from 0.1 mM to 10 mM. Increasing the AuNPs deposition time in the CA method increases the amount of gold, but the AuNPs diameter does not change (35.0 ± 5 nm). Importantly, the CA method also causes the dissolution of the nanotubes layer from 1000 ± 10.0 nm to 823 ± 15.3 nm. Modification of titanium dioxide nanotubes with gold nanoparticles improved the electron transfer and increased the corrosion resistance, as well as promoted the protein adsorption. Importantly, after the deposition of bovine serum albumin, an almost 5.5-fold (324%) increase in real impedance, compared to TNTs (59%) was observed. We found that the Au nanoparticles—especially those with smaller diameter—promoted the stability of bovine serum albumin binding to the TNTs platform. It confirms that the modification of TNTs with gold nanoparticles allows the development of the best platform for biosensing applications.
In Vivo Regeneration of Large Bone Defects by Cross-Linked Porous Hydrogel: A Pilot Study in Mice Combining Micro Tomography, Histological Analyses, Raman Spectroscopy and Synchrotron Infrared Imaging
Authors: Adachi Tetsuya , Boschetto Francesco , Miyamoto Nao , Yamamoto Toshiro , Marin Elia , Zhu Wenliang , Kanamura Narisato , Tahara Yoshiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Mazda Osam , Nishimura Ichiro , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

The transplantation of engineered three-dimensional (3D) bone graft substitutes is a viable approach to the regeneration of severe bone defects. For large bone defects, an appropriate 3D scaffold may be necessary to support and stimulate bone regeneration, even when a sufficient number of cells and cell cytokines are available. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo performance of a nanogel tectonic 3D scaffold specifically developed for bone tissue engineering, referred to as nanogel cross-linked porous-freeze-dry (NanoCliP-FD) gel. Samples were characterized by a combination of micro-computed tomography scanning, Raman spectroscopy, histological analyses, and synchrotron radiation–based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. NanoCliP-FD gel is a modified version of a previously developed nanogel cross-linked porous (NanoCliP) gel and was designed to achieve highly improved functionality in bone mineralization. Spectroscopic imaging of the bone tissue grown in vivo upon application of NanoCliP-FD gel enables an evaluation of bone quality and can be employed to judge the feasibility of NanoCliP-FD gel scaffolding as a therapeutic modality for bone diseases associated with large bone defects.
The Study of Reactive Ion Etching of Heavily Doped Polysilicon Based on HBr/O2/He Plasmas for Thermopile Devices
Authors: Zhou Na , Li Junjie , Mao Haiyang , Liu Hao , Liu Jinbiao , Gao Jianfeng , Xiang Jinjuan , Hu Yanpeng , Shi Meng , Ju Jiaxin , Lei Yuxiao , Yang Tao , Li Junfeng , Wang Wenwu
Published: September 2020

Heavily doped polysilicon layers have been widely used in the fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). However, the investigation of high selectivity, anisotropy, and excellent uniformity of heavily doped polysilicon etching is limited. In this work, reactive ion etching of undoped and heavily doped polysilicon-based hydrogen bromide (HBr) plasmas have been compared. The mechanism of etching of heavily doped polysilicon is studied in detail. The final results demonstrate that the anisotropy profile of heavily doped polysilicon can be obtained based on a HBr plasma process. An excellent uniformity of resistance of the thermocouples reached ± 2.11%. This technology provides an effective way for thermopile and other MEMS devices fabrication.
Numerical Simulation of the Rheological Behavior of Nanoparticulate Suspensions
Authors: Finke Benedikt , Kwade Arno , Schilde Carsten
Published: September 2020

Nanoparticles significantly alter the rheological properties of a polymer or monomeric resin with major effect on the further processing of the materials. In this matter, especially the influence of particle material and disperse properties on the viscosity is not yet understood fully, but can only be modelled to some extent empirically after extensive experimental effort. In this paper, a numerical study on an uncured monomeric epoxy resin, which is filled with boehmite nanoparticles, is presented to elucidate the working principles, which govern the rheological behavior of nanoparticulate suspensions and to simulate the suspension viscosity based on assessable material and system properties. To account for the effect of particle surface forces and hydrodynamic interactions on the rheological behavior, a resolved CFD is coupled with DEM. It can be shown that the particle interactions caused by surface forces induce velocity differences between the particles and their surrounding fluid, which result in increased drag forces and cause the additional energy dissipation during shearing. The paper points out the limits of the used simulation method and presents a correction technique with respect to the Péclet number, which broadens the range of applicability. Valuable information is gained for a future mechanistic modelling of nanoparticulate suspension viscosity by elucidating the interdependency between surface forces, shear rate and resulting drag forces on the particles.
Polynomial Approximation on Unbounded Subsets, Markov Moment Problem and Other Applications
Authors: Olteanu Octav
Published: September 2020

This paper starts by recalling the author’s results on polynomial approximation over a Cartesian product A of closed unbounded intervals and its applications to solving Markov moment problems. Under natural assumptions, the existence and uniqueness of the solution are deduced. The characterization of the existence of the solution is formulated by two inequalities, one of which involves only quadratic forms. This is the first aim of this work. Characterizing the positivity of a bounded linear operator only by means of quadratic forms is the second aim. From the latter point of view, one solves completely the difficulty arising from the fact that there exist nonnegative polynomials on ℝn, n≥2, which are not sums of squares.
Effects of Field Position on Fluid Balance and Electrolyte Losses in Collegiate Women’s Soccer Players
Authors: Wang Haoyan , Early Kate S. , Theall Bailey M. , Lowe Adam C. , Lemoine Nathan P. , Marucci Jack , Mullenix Shelly , Johannsen Neil M.
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives: Research investigating hydration strategies specialized for women’s soccer players is limited, despite the growth in the sport. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fluid balance and electrolyte losses in collegiate women’s soccer players. Materials and Methods: Eighteen NCAA Division I women’s soccer players were recruited (age: 19.2 ± 1.0 yr; weight: 68.5 ± 9.0 kg, and height: 168.4 ± 6.7 cm; mean ± SD), including: 3 forwards (FW), 7 mid-fielders (MD), 5 defenders (DF), and 3 goalkeepers (GK). Players practiced outdoor during spring off-season training camp for a total 14 practices (WBGT: 18.3 ± 3.1 °C). The main outcome measures included body mass change (BMC), sweat rate, urine and sweat electrolyte concentrations, and fluid intake. Results: Results were analyzed for comparison between low (LOW; 16.2 ± 2.6° C, n = 7) and moderate risk environments for hyperthermia (MOD; 20.5 ± 1.5 °C, n = 7) as well as by field position. The majority (54%) of players were in a hypohydrated state prior to practice. Overall, 26.7% of players had a %BMC greater than 0%, 71.4% of players had a %BMC less than −2%, and 1.9% of players had a %BMC greater than −2% (all MD position). Mean %BMC and sweat rate in all environmental conditions were −0.4 ± 0.4 kg (−0.5 ± 0.6% body mass) and 1.03 ± 0.21 mg·cm−2·min−1, respectively. In the MOD environment, players exhibited a greater sweat rate (1.07 ± 0.22 mg·cm−2·min−1) compared to LOW (0.99 ± 0.22 mg·cm−2·min−1; p = 0.02). By position, DF had a greater total fluid intake and a lower %BMC compared to FW, MD, and GK (all p < 0.001). FW had a greater sweat sodium (Na+) (51.4 ± 9.8 mmol·L−1), whereas GK had the lowest sweat sodium (Na+) (30.9 ± 3.9 mmol·L−1). Conclusions: Hydration strategies should target pre-practice to ensure players are adequately hydrated. Environments deemed to be of moderate risk of hyperthermia significantly elevated the sweat rate but did not influence fluid intake and hydration status compared to low-risk environments. Given the differences in fluid balance and sweat responses, recommendations should be issued relative to soccer position.
Electrophysiology Measurements of Metal Transport by MntH2 from Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Gantner Matthias , Laftsoglou Theodoros , Rong Honglin , Postis Vincent L. G. , Jeuken Lars J. C.
Published: September 2020

Transition metals are essential trace elements and their high-affinity uptake is required for many organisms. Metal transporters are often characterised using metal-sensitive fluorescent dyes, limiting the metals and experimental conditions that can be studied. Here, we have tested whether metal transport by Enterococcus faecalis MntH2 can be measured with an electrophysiology method that is based on the solid-supported membrane technology. E. faecalis MntH2 belongs to the Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein (Nramp) family of proton-coupled transporters, which transport divalent transition metals and do not transport the earth metals. Electrophysiology confirms transport of Mn(II), Co(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) by MntH2. However, no uptake responses for Cu(II), Fe(II) and Ni(II) were observed, while the presence of these metals abolishes the uptake signals for Mn(II). Fluorescence assays confirm that Ni(II) is transported. The data are discussed with respect to properties and structures of Nramp-type family members and the ability of electrophysiology to measure charge transport and not directly substrate transport.
Bovine Hemoglobin Enzymatic Hydrolysis by a New Ecoefficient Process—Part I: Feasibility of Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membrane and Production of Neokyotorphin (α137-141)
Authors: Abou-Diab Mira , Thibodeau Jacinthe , Deracinois Barbara , Flahaut Christophe , Fliss Ismail , Dhulster Pascal , Nedjar Naima , Bazinet Laurent
Published: September 2020

Neokyotorphin (α137-141) is recognized as an antimicrobial peptide and a natural meat preservative. It is produced by conventional enzymatic hydrolysis of bovine hemoglobin, a major component of cruor, a by-product of slaughterhouses. However, during conventional hydrolysis, chemical agents are necessary to adjust and regulate the pH of the protein solution and the mineral salt content of the final hydrolysate is consequently high. To produce this peptide of interest without chemical agents and with a low salt concentration, electrodialysis with bipolar membrane (EDBM), an electromembrane process recognized as a green process, with two different membrane configurations (cationic (MCP) and anionic (AEM) membranes) was investigated. Hydrolysis in EDBM showed the same enzymatic mechanism, “Zipper”, and allowed the generation of α137-141 in the same concentration as observed in conventional hydrolysis (control). EDBM-MCP allowed the production of hydrolysates containing a low concentration of mineral salts but with fouling formation on MCP, while EDBM-AEM allowed the production of hydrolysates without fouling but with a similar salt concentration than the control. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time that EDBM was demonstrated as a feasible and innovative technology to produce peptide hydrolysates from enzymatic hydrolysis.
Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Evaluation of Residual Stress of Zr-4 alloys Processed through Swaging
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Kalita Bijit , Vishnu Narayanan K. I. , Arora Umesh Kumar , Mahapatra Manas M. , Jayaganthan Rengaswamy
Published: September 2020

Zirconium alloy has been extensively used as a cladding material in nuclear power reactors due to its low neutron absorption cross section, excellent mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. The influence of the swaging parameter, feed rate (0.7, 1.25, 2 m/min) on residual stress induced in Zr-4 alloy is investigated in the present work. A three-dimensional finite element model was implemented in the Deform 3D software to simulate the rotary swaging (RS) process over a circular rod of Zr-4 alloy. The simulation results based on the 3D framework provide a detailed insight of residual stress, true stress versus true strain and force applied over the rod during the multiple pass swaging process; the results are compared with experimental results. The experimental hole drilling method is used to determine the residual stresses on swaged zirconium alloy at different feed rates (0.7, 1.25, and 2 m/min). A similar trend of residual stress between experimental and numerical results from the surface to the center on the swaged rod samples is observed. The same magnitude of residual stress at the surface of the swaged Zr-4 rod is also observed. It is found to be compressive at the surface and tensile in the center of the samples, as observed in the present work.
Effect of Magnesium Treatment on the Hot Ductility of Ti-Bearing Peritectic Steel
Authors: Qu Tianpeng , Wang Deyong , Wang Huihua , Hou Dong , Tian Jun
Published: September 2020

Surface cracking is a major defect in the production of continuous casting slabs of peritectic steel. The difference in crystal structure between δ phase (before peritectic transformation of steel) and γ phase (after peritectic transformation) results in volume contraction, which leads to uneven cooling of mold and thus forming slab shells with different thicknesses. Then, coupled with the concentration of local stress, surface cracking occurs on slabs. In this paper, the effect of magnesium treatment on the hot ductility of Ti-bearing peritectic steel was studied, and the characteristics of solidification structure and TiN particles were analyzed. Magnesium treatment for Ti-bearing peritectic steel could significantly improve the hot ductility of continuous casting slabs by refining the original austenite structure. After the magnesium treatment, the average grain size of the original austenite of peritectic steel decreased by about 18.7%, and the size of Mg-rich TiN particles decreased by about 41%. In addition, the minimum reduction of area at the third brittle zone after the magnesium treatment was higher than 60%, and the fracture appearance changed from intergranular fracture to ductile fracture after the treatment. The contents of Mg, Ti, O, and N in peritectic steel and the cooling conditions were adjusted reasonably to promote the formation of highly dispersed Mg-rich TiN particles with a sufficient number density and a proper size in the initial solidification stage of peritectic steel, so as to induce the high-temperature δ-ferrite nucleation. Based on the fine δ structure formed by peritectic transformation, through the use of structure heredity and the pinning effect of secondary-precipitated nano TiN particles on the austenite grain boundary, a fine and dense original austenite structure could be obtained to improve the hot ductility of peritectic steel. Industrial tests showed that through the magnesium treatment, the surface cracks of Ti-bearing peritectic steel were effectively restrained, and the corner cracks of slabs were basically eliminated.
New Developments in Understanding Harper–Dorn, Five-Power Law Creep and Power-Law Breakdown
Authors: Kassner Michael E.
Published: September 2020

This paper discusses recent developments in creep, over a wide range of temperature, that may change our understanding of creep. The five-power law creep exponent (3.5–7) has never been explained in fundamental terms. The best the scientific community has done is to develop a natural three power-law creep equation that falls short of rationalizing the higher stress exponents that are typically five. This inability has persisted for many decades. Computational work examining the stress-dependence of the climb rate of edge dislocations may rationalize the phenomenological creep equations. Harper–Dorn creep, “discovered” over 60 years ago, has been immersed in controversy. Some investigators have insisted that a stress exponent of one is reasonable. Others believe that the observation of a stress exponent of one is a consequence of dislocation network frustration. Others believe the stress exponent is artificial due to the inclusion of restoration mechanisms, such as dynamic recrystallization or grain growth that is not of any consequence in the five power-law regime. Also, the experiments in the Harper–Dorn regime, which accumulate strain very slowly (sometimes over a year), may not have attained a true steady state. New theories suggest that the absence or presence of Harper–Dorn may be a consequence of the initial dislocation density. Novel experimental work suggests that power-law breakdown may be a consequence of a supersaturation of vacancies which increase self-diffusion.
Li-Doping Effect on Characteristics of ZnO Thin Films Resistive Random Access Memory
Authors: Zhao Xiaofeng , Song Ping , Gai Huiling , Li Yi , Ai Chunpeng , Wen Dianzhong
Published: September 2020

In this study, a Pt/Ag/LZO/Pt resistive random access memory (RRAM), doped by different Li-doping concentrations was designed and fabricated by using a magnetron sputtering method. To determine how the Li-doping concentration affects the crystal lattice structure in the composite ZnO thin films, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests were carried out. The resistive switching behaviors of the resulting Pt/Ag/LZO/Pt devices, with different Li-doping contents, were studied under direct current (DC) and pulse voltages. The experimental results showed that compared with the devices doped with Li-8% and -10%, the ZnO based RRAM device doped by 5% Li-doping presented stable bipolar resistive switching behaviors with DC voltage, including a low switching voltage (<1.0 V), a high endurance (>103 cycles), long retention time (>104 s), and a large resistive switching window. In addition, quick switching between a high-resistance state (HRS) and a low-resistance state (LRS) was achieved at a pulse voltage. To investigate the resistive switching mechanism of the device, a conduction model was installed based on Ag conducting filament transmission. The study of the resulting Pt/Ag/LZO/Pt devices makes it possible to further improve the performance of RRAM devices.
Involvement of Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Teppan Julia , Barth Dominik A. , Prinz Felix , Jonas Katharina , Pichler Martin , Klec Christiane
Published: September 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are defined as non-protein coding transcripts with a minimal length of 200 nucleotides. They are involved in various biological processes such as cell differentiation, apoptosis, as well as in pathophysiological processes. Numerous studies considered that frequently deregulated lncRNAs contribute to all hallmarks of cancer including metastasis, drug resistance, and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for a tumor to receive sufficient amounts of nutrients and oxygen and therefore, to grow and exceed in its size over the diameter of 2 mm. In this review, the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs are described, which influence tumor angiogenesis by directly or indirectly regulating oncogenic pathways, interacting with other transcripts such as microRNAs (miRNAs) or modulating the tumor microenvironment. Further, angiogenic lncRNAs occurring in several cancer types such as liver, gastrointestinal cancer, or brain tumors are summarized. Growing evidence on the influence of lncRNAs on tumor angiogenesis verified these transcripts as potential predictive or diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets of anti-angiogenesis treatment. However, there are many unsolved questions left which are pointed out in this review, hence driving comprehensive research in this area is necessary to enable an effective use of lncRNAs as either therapeutic molecules or diagnostic targets in cancer.
Rhubarb Supplementation Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity and Diabetes in Association with Increased Akkermansia muciniphila in Mice
Authors: Régnier Marion , Rastelli Marialetizia , Morissette Arianne , Suriano Francesco , Le Roy Tiphaine , Pilon Geneviève , Delzenne Nathalie M , Marette André , Van Hul Matthias , Cani Patrice D
Published: September 2020

Obesity and obesity-related disorders, such as type 2 diabetes have been progressively increasing worldwide and treatments have failed to counteract their progression. Growing evidence have demonstrated that gut microbiota is associated with the incidence of these pathologies. Hence, the identification of new nutritional compounds, able to improve health through a modulation of gut microbiota, is gaining interest. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the gut-driving effects of rhubarb extract in a context of diet-induced obesity and diabetes. Eight weeks old C57BL6/J male mice were fed a control diet (CTRL), a high fat and high sucrose diet (HFHS) or a HFHS diet supplemented with 0.3% (g/g) of rhubarb extract for eight weeks. Rhubarb supplementation fully prevented HFHS-induced obesity, diabetes, visceral adiposity, adipose tissue inflammation and liver triglyceride accumulation, without any modification in food intake. By combining sequencing and qPCR methods, we found that all these effects were associated with a blooming of Akkermansia muciniphila, which is strongly correlated with increased expression of Reg3γ in the colon. Our data showed that rhubarb supplementation is sufficient to protect against metabolic disorders induced by a diet rich in lipid and carbohydrates in association with a reciprocal interaction between Akkermansia muciniphila and Reg3γ.
Dietary Sodium Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yi-Jie , Yeh Tzu-Lin , Shih Ming-Chieh , Tu Yu-Kang , Chien Kuo-Liong
Published: September 2020

Dietary sodium intake has received considerable attention as a potential risk factor of cardiovascular disease. However, evidence on the dose-response association between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease risk is unclear. Embase and PubMed were searched from their inception to 17 August 2020 and studies that examined the association between sodium intake and cardiovascular disease in adolescents were not included in this review. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the effect of high sodium intake using a random effects model. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessment was performed. A random-effects dose-response model was used to estimate the linear and nonlinear dose-response relationships. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explain the observed heterogeneity. We identified 36 reports, which included a total of 616,905 participants, and 20 of these reports were also used for a dose-response meta-analysis. Compared with individuals with low sodium intake, individuals with high sodium intake had a higher adjusted risk of cardiovascular disease (Rate ratio: 1.19, 95% confidence intervals = 1.08–1.30). Our findings suggest that there is a significant linear relationship between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease risk. The risk of cardiovascular disease increased up to 6% for every 1 g increase in dietary sodium intake. A low-sodium diet should be encouraged and education regarding reduced sodium intake should be provided.
Next Generation Health Claims Based on Resilience: The Example of Whole-Grain Wheat
Authors: Hoevenaars Femke , van der Kamp Jan-Willem , van den Brink Willem , Wopereis Suzan
Published: September 2020

Health claims on foods are a way of informing consumers about the health benefits of a food product. Traditionally, these claims are based on scientific evaluation of markers originating from a pharmacological view on health. About a decade ago, the definition of health has been rephrased to ‘the ability to adapt’ that opened up the possibility for a next generation of health claims based on a new way of quantifying health by evaluating resilience. Here, we would like to introduce an opportunity for future scientific substantiation of health claims on food products by using whole-grain wheat as an example. Characterization of the individual whole wheat grain food product or whole wheat flour would probably be considered as sufficiently characterized by the European Food Safety Authority, while the food category whole grain is not specific enough. Meta-analysis provides the scientific evidence that long-term whole-grain wheat consumption is beneficial for health, although results from single ‘gold standard’ efficacy studies are not always straight forward based on classic measurement methods. Future studies may want to underpin the scientific argumentation that long-term whole grain wheat consumption improves resilience, by evaluating the disruption and rate of a selected panel of blood markers in response to a standardized oral protein glucose lipid tolerance test and aggregated into biomarkers with substantiated physiological benefits, to make a next-generation health claim for whole-grain wheat achievable in the near future.
Quasi-Irreversible Inhibition of CYP2D6 by Berberine
Authors: Kim Ha Gyeong , Lee Han Sol , Jeon Jang Su , Choi Young Jae , Choi Yeon Jung , Yoo So-Yeol , Kim Eun-yeong , Lee Kiho , Park InWha , Na MinKyun , Park Han-Jin , Cho Seung-Woo , Kim Jong-Hoon , Lee Jae-Young , Kim Sang Kyum
Published: September 2020

In our previous study, Hwang-Ryun-Hae-Dok-Tang, which contains berberine (BBR) as a main active ingredient, inhibited cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 in a quasi-irreversible manner. However, no information is available on the detailed mechanism of BBR-induced CYP2D6 inhibition. Thus, the present study aimed to characterize the inhibition mode and kinetics of BBR and its analogues against CYP2D6 using pooled human liver microsomes (HLM). BBR exhibited selective quasi-irreversible inhibition of CYP2D6 with inactivation rate constant (kinact) of 0.025 min−1, inhibition constant (KI) of 4.29 µM, and kinact/KI of 5.83 mL/min/µmol. In pooled HLM, BBR was metabolized to thalifendine (TFD), demethyleneberberine (DMB), M1 (proposed as demethylene-TFD), and to a lesser extent berberrubine (BRB), showing moderate metabolic stability with a half-life of 35.4 min and a microsomal intrinsic clearance of 7.82 µL/min/mg protein. However, unlike BBR, those metabolites (i.e., TFD, DMB, and BRB) were neither selective nor potent inhibitors of CYP2D6, based on comparison of half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Notably, TFD, but not DMB, exhibited metabolism-dependent CYP2D6 inhibition as in the case of BBR, which suggests that methylenedioxybenzene moiety of BBR may play a critical role in the quasi-irreversible inhibition. Moreover, the metabolic clearance of nebivolol (β-blocker; CYP2D6 substrate) was reduced in the presence of BBR. The present results warrant further evaluation of BBR–drug interactions in clinical situations.
The Effects of Moderate and Severe Salinity on Composition and Physiology in the Biomass Crop Miscanthus × giganteus
Authors: Stavridou Evangelia , Webster Richard J. , Robson Paul R. H.
Published: September 2020

Saline land represents a growing resource that could be utilised for growing biomass crops, such as Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef et Deu.), for eliminating competition with staple food crops. However, the response mechanisms to different salinity regimes, in relation to the impact on quality of the harvested biomass and the combustion properties are largely unknown. Herein, the focus was on the salt-induced compositional changes of ion flux and compartmentalization in the rhizome, stems, and leaves in relation to their impact on salinity tolerance and the combustion quality through investigating the photophysiological, morphophysiological, and biochemical responses of M. × giganteus to moderate and a severe salinity. Severe salinity induced an immediate and sustained adverse response with a reduction in biomass yield, photoinhibition, and metabolic limitations in photosynthesis. Moderate salinity resulted in a slower cumulative response with low biomass losses. Biomass composition, variations in ion compartmentalisation and induction of proline were dependent on the severity and duration of salinity. Ash behaviour indices, including the base percentage and base-to-acid ratio, indicated lower corrosion potential and lower risk of slagging under salinity. Understanding the impact of salinity on the potential for growth on saline land may identify new targets for breeding salinity-tolerant bioenergy crops.
3D Printing of Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites Using Fused Filament Fabrication—A Review
Authors: Dickson Andrew N. , Abourayana Hisham M. , Dowling Denis P.
Published: September 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been successfully applied for the fabrication of polymer components ranging from prototypes to final products. An issue, however, is that the resulting 3D printed parts exhibit inferior mechanical performance to parts fabricated using conventional polymer processing technologies, such as compression moulding. The addition of fibres and other materials into the polymer matrix to form a composite can yield a significant enhancement in the structural strength of printed polymer parts. This review focuses on the enhanced mechanical performance obtained through the printing of fibre-reinforced polymer composites, using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technique. The uses of both short and continuous fibre-reinforced polymer composites are reviewed. Finally, examples of some applications of FFF printed polymer composites using robotic processes are highlighted.
Changes in the Dimensions of Lignocellulose Nanofibrils with Different Lignin Contents by Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Jang Jae-Hyuk , Hayashi Noriko , Han Song-Yi , Park Chan-Woo , Febrianto Fauzi , Lee Seung-Hwan , Kim Nam-Hun
Published: September 2020

Changes in the dimensions of lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) with different lignin contents from betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) by enzymatic hydrolysis using endoglucanase (EG) were investigated. Lignin contents were adjusted from 3% to 27% by NaClO2/acetic acid treatment, and LCNFs were prepared using a wet disk-mill (WDM). The dimensions of the LCNFs significantly decreased with decreasing lignin content and increasing EG addition. With increasing EG content, the average diameter of the LCNFs significantly decreased, even though they contained parts of hemicellulose and lignin. The crystal structure showed the typical cellulose I structure in all samples, but the intensity of the diffraction peak slightly changed depending on the lignin and EG contents. The crystallinity index (CrI) values of the LCNFs increased a maximum of 23.8% (LCNF-L27) under increasing EG addition, regardless of the lignin content. With the EG addition of three times the LCNF amount, LCNF-L3 showed the highest CrI value (59.1%). By controlling the composition and structure of LCNFs, it is expected that the wide range of properties of these materials can extend the property range available for existing materials.