bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Particulate Air Pollution Exposure is Associated with Increased Severity of Respiratory and Quality of Life Symptoms in Patients with Fibrotic Sarcoidosis
Authors: Pirozzi Cheryl S. , Mendoza Daniel L. , Xu Yizhe , Zhang Yue , Scholand Mary Beth , Baughman Robert P.
Published: May 2018

This study aimed to determine if short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) is associated with increased symptoms or lung function decline in fibrotic sarcoidosis. Sixteen patients with fibrotic sarcoidosis complicated by frequent exacerbations completed pulmonary function testing and questionnaires every three months for one year. We compared 7-, 10-, and 14-day average levels of PM2.5 and O3 estimated at patient residences to spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), to forced vital capacity (FVC), episodes of FEV1 decline > 10%) and questionnaire outcomes (Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ), Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ)) using generalized linear mixed effect models. PM2.5 level averaged over 14 days was associated with lower KSQ general health status (score change −6.60 per interquartile range (IQR) PM2.5 increase). PM2.5 level averaged over 10 and 14 days was associated with lower KSQ lung specific health status (score change −6.93 and −6.91, respectively). PM2.5 levels were not associated with FEV1, FVC, episodes of FEV1 decline > 10%, or respiratory symptoms measured by SGRQ or LCQ. Ozone exposure was not associated with any health outcomes. In this small cohort of patients with fibrotic sarcoidosis, PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased severity of respiratory and quality of life symptoms.
Enhanced Nutrients Removal Using Reeds Straw as Carbon Source in a Laboratory Scale Constructed Wetland
Authors: Wang Tong , Wang Haiyan , Chang Yang , Chu Zhaosheng , Zhao Yaqian , Liu Ranbin
Published: May 2018

The low carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and high nitrate content characteristics of agricultural runoff restricted the nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands (CWs). To resolve such problems, the economically- and easily-obtained Phragmites Australis (reeds) litters were applied and packed in the surface layer of a surface flow CW as external carbon sources. The results demonstrated that the introduction of the reeds straw increased the C concentration as a result of their decomposition during the CW operation, which will help the denitrification in the ensuing operation of an entire 148 days. The total nitrogen (TN) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) () in the effluent reached the peak level of 63.2 mg/L and 83 mg/L at the fourth and the second day, respectively. Subsequently, the pollutants in the CW that were filled with straw decreased rapidly and achieved a stable removal after 13 days of operation. Moreover, the present study showed that the N removal efficiency increased with the increase of the hydraulic retention time (HRT). Under the HRT of four days, the CW presented 74.1 ± 6%, 87.4 ± 6% and 56.0 ± 6% removal for TN, NO3-, and TP, respectively.
Current Trends and Challenges in Location-Based Services
Authors: Huang Haosheng , Gartner Georg
Published: May 2018

Location-based services (LBS) are a growing area of research. This editorial paper introduces the key research areas within the scientific field of LBS, which consist of positioning, modelling, communication, applications, evaluation, analysis of LBS data, and privacy and ethical issues. After that, 18 original papers are presented, which provide a general picture of recent research activities on LBS, especially related to the research areas of positioning, modelling, applications, and LBS data analysis. This Special Issue together with other recent events and publications concerning LBS show that the scientific field of LBS is rapidly evolving, and that LBS applications have become smarter and more ubiquitous in many aspects of our daily life.
Influence of Sample Size on Automatic Positional Accuracy Assessment Methods for Urban Areas
Authors: Ariza-López Francisco J. , Ruiz-Lendínez Juan J. , Ureña-Cámara Manuel A.
Published: May 2018

In recent years, new approaches aimed to increase the automation level of positional accuracy assessment processes for spatial data have been developed. However, in such cases, an aspect as significant as sample size has not yet been addressed. In this paper, we study the influence of sample size when estimating the planimetric positional accuracy of urban databases by means of an automatic assessment using polygon-based methodology. Our study is based on a simulation process, which extracts pairs of homologous polygons from the assessed and reference data sources and applies two buffer-based methods. The parameter used for determining the different sizes (which range from 5 km up to 100 km) has been the length of the polygons’ perimeter, and for each sample size 1000 simulations were run. After completing the simulation process, the comparisons between the estimated distribution functions for each sample and population distribution function were carried out by means of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Results show a significant reduction in the variability of estimations when sample size increased from 5 km to 100 km.
Examining the Stream Threshold Approaches Used in Hydrologic Analysis
Authors: Ozulu İbrahim Murat , Gökgöz Türkay
Published: May 2018

The stream threshold is a user-defined and important parameter that directly affects the drainage network and basin boundaries that would be obtained as a result of hydrological analysis. There have been several approaches developed for the stream threshold. According to the approaches treated in this study, the stream threshold is determined based on (1) the flow accumulation statistics: (a) 1% of the maximum flow accumulation value and (b) the mean flow accumulation value; (2) the flow accumulation values at the cells including the beginning points of the line features representing the existing streams; and (3) the adjacency and direction relationships between the cells including the beginning points of the lines in the drainage network to be derived. In this paper, a new approach as an integrant of the last approach was introduced (not only the adjacency and direction relationships between the cells including the beginning points, but also the adjacency and direction relationships amongst all of the cells, as well as including the lines considered). An experiment was conducted in accordance with the purpose of comparing and evaluating these approaches. According to the experimental results, it was found that the last two approaches differed from the first three approaches in terms of providing clues to the user regarding the quality and the quantity of the drainage network to be derived.
Site Selection of Retail Shops Based on Spatial Accessibility and Hybrid BP Neural Network
Authors: Wang Luyao , Fan Hong , Wang Yankun
Published: May 2018

The increase of consumer income has resulted in the rapid development of the retail industry in China, which provides high market potential for retail companies worldwide. However, site selection for retail shops has been a confusing business issue in practical business decisions. In this study, a two-step hybrid model in site selection for small retail shops was proposed. The two steps were spatial accessibility evaluation and market potential estimation. The spatial accessibility of target regions was evaluated based on the improved gravity model to determine regions that lack retail shops. Then, a PCA (principal component analysis)–BP (backpropagation network) model was established to estimate the market potential in the target regions. The two-step model could determine sites with the most market potential and low competition. We conducted the experiment in Guiyang, China and considered 18 socioeconomic factors to make the site selection convincing. Through the experiment, 42 locations were determined with high business value; the locations were recommended to the new retail shops. The accuracy of the PCA–BP model was then proven satisfactory by comparing it with other regression methods. The proposed model could guide retail chains in enhancing business location planning and formulating regional development policies.
Stimulatory Effects of Melatonin on Porcine In Vitro Maturation Are Mediated by MT2 Receptor
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Jin Jun-Xue , Taweechaipaisankul Anukul , Kim Geon-A , Lee Byeong-Chun
Published: May 2018

Melatonin is a multifunctional molecule with numerous biological activities. The fact that melatonin modulates the functions of porcine granulosa cells via the MT2 receptor suggests the possibility of MT2 receptor-mediation for melatonin to promote cumulus expansion of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). Therefore, we investigated the presence of MT2 in porcine COCs, and the effects of melatonin with or without selective MT2 antagonists (luzindole and 4-P-PDOT) on this process; COCs underwent in vitro maturation culturing with six different conditions (control, melatonin, luzindole, 4-P-PDOT, melatonin + luzindole or melatonin + 4-P-PDOT). Cumulus expansion, oocyte nuclear maturation, and subsequent embryo development after parthenogenetic activation (PA) were evaluated. In experiment 1, MT2 was expressed in both oocytes and cumulus cells. In experiment 2, melatonin significantly increased the proportion of complete cumulus expansion (degree 4), which was inhibited by simultaneous addition of either luzindole or 4-P-PDOT. A similar pattern was observed in the expression of genes related to cumulus expansion, apoptosis, and MT2. In experiment 3, no significant difference was observed in immature, degenerate, and MII oocyte rates among the groups. In experiment 4, melatonin significantly increased blastocyst formation rates and total blastocyst cell numbers after PA, but these effects were abolished when either luzindole or 4-P-PDOT was added concomitantly. In conclusion, our results indicate that the MT2 receptor mediated the stimulatory effects of melatonin on porcine cumulus expansion and subsequent embryo development.
The Organization of Mitochondrial Supercomplexes is Modulated by Oxidative Stress In Vivo in Mouse Models of Mitochondrial Encephalopathy
Authors: Anwar Mir R. , Saldana-Caboverde Amy , Garcia Sofia , Diaz Francisca
Published: May 2018

We examine the effect of oxidative stress on the stability of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and their association into supercomplexes (SCs) in the neuron-specific Rieske iron sulfur protein (RISP) and COX10 knockout (KO) mice. Previously we reported that these two models display different grades of oxidative stress in distinct brain regions. Using blue native gel electrophoresis, we observed a redistribution of the architecture of SCs in KO mice. Brain regions with moderate levels of oxidative stress (cingulate cortex of both COX10 and RISP KO and hippocampus of the RISP KO) showed a significant increase in the levels of high molecular weight (HMW) SCs. High levels of oxidative stress in the piriform cortex of the RISP KO negatively impacted the stability of CI, CIII and SCs. Treatment of the RISP KO with the mitochondrial targeted antioxidant mitoTEMPO preserved the stability of respiratory complexes and formation of SCs in the piriform cortex and increased the levels of glutathione peroxidase. These results suggest that mild to moderate levels of oxidative stress can modulate SCs into a more favorable architecture of HMW SCs to cope with rising levels of free radicals and cover the energetic needs.
DNA Damage-Response Pathway Heterogeneity of Human Lung Cancer A549 and H1299 Cells Determines Sensitivity to 8-Chloro-Adenosine
Authors: Yang Sheng-Yong , Li Yi , An Guo-Shun , Ni Ju-Hua , Jia Hong-Ti , Li Shu-Yan
Published: May 2018

Human lung cancer H1299 (p53-null) cells often display enhanced susceptibility to chemotherapeutics comparing to A549 (p53-wt) cells. However, little is known regarding to the association of DNA damage-response (DDR) pathway heterogeneity with drug sensitivity in these two cells. We investigated the DDR pathway differences between A549 and H1299 cells exposed to 8-chloro-adenosine (8-Cl-Ado), a potential anticancer drug that can induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and found that the hypersensitivity of H1299 cells to 8-Cl-Ado is associated with its DSB overaccumulation. The major causes of excessive DSBs in H1299 cells are as follows: First, defect of p53-p21 signal and phosphorylation of SMC1 increase S phase cells, where replication of DNA containing single-strand DNA break (SSB) produces more DSBs in H1299 cells. Second, p53 defect and no available induction of DNA repair protein p53R2 impair DNA repair activity in H1299 cells more severely than A549 cells. Third, cleavage of PARP-1 inhibits topoisomerase I and/or topoisomerase I-like activity of PARP-1, aggravates DNA DSBs and DNA repair mechanism impairment in H1299 cells. Together, DDR pathway heterogeneity of cancer cells is linked to cancer susceptibility to DNA damage-based chemotherapeutics, which may provide aid in design of chemotherapy strategy to improve treatment outcomes.
Red to Far-Red Light Ratio Modulates Hormonal and Genetic Control of Axillary bud Outgrowth in Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum ‘Jinba’)
Authors: Yuan Cunquan , Ahmad Sagheer , Cheng Tangren , Wang Jia , Pan Huitang , Zhao Liangjun , Zhang Qixiang
Published: May 2018

Single-flower cut Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum ‘Jinba’) holds a unique status in global floriculture industry. However, the extensive axillary bud outgrowth presents a major drawback. Shade is an environment cue that inhibits shoot branching. Present study was aimed at investigating the effect of ratio of red to far-red light (R:FR) in regulating the lateral bud outgrowth of Chrysanthemum and the detailed mechanism. Results showed that the fate of axillary buds at specific positions in stem exhibited difference in response to R:FR. Decreasing R:FR resulted in elevation of abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in axillary buds. Expression of ABA, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and strigolactones (SL) -related metabolism and signal transduction genes was significantly changed in response to low R:FR. In addition, low R:FR caused the re-distribution of sucrose across the whole plant, driving more sucrose towards bottom buds. Our results indicate that low R:FR not always inhibits bud outgrowth, rather its influence depends on the bud position in the stem. ABA, SL and auxin pathways were involved in the process. Interestingly, sucrose also appears to be involved in the process which is necessary to pay attention in the further studies. The present study also lays the foundation for developing methods to regulate axillary bud outgrowth in Chrysanthemum.
Rapid Paper-Based System for Human Serum Creatinine Detection
Authors: Fu Lung-Ming , Tseng Chin-Chung , Ju Wei-Jhong , Yang Ruey-Jen
Published: May 2018

An integrated system consisting of a paper-based chip and a smart detection device is proposed for determining the human serum creatinine concentration based on Jaffé reaction theory. In the proposed approach, the reaction zone of the paper-based chip is implanted with picric acid and NaOH reagent and dried at 35 °C for 20 min. Human serum creatinine is dripped onto the reaction zone of the chip. A Jaffé reaction is induced by heating the chip at 37 °C for 5 min and the creatinine concentration is then derived by analyzing the RGB (red, green and blue) intensity of the resulting Janovsky complex using self-written analysis software installed on a smartphone. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated using control samples with creatinine concentrations ranging from 0.2~8 mg/dL. The detection results obtained for 32 real-world creatinine samples are shown to be in excellent agreement with those obtained using a standard macroscale method (R2 = 0.9994). Overall, the results show that the proposed system provides a compact, low-cost and reliable approach for human serum creatinine concentration detection.
Experimental Effects of Acute Exercise and Meditation on Parameters of Cognitive Function
Authors: Edwards Meghan K. , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: May 2018

Single bouts of aerobic exercise and meditation have been shown to improve cognitive function. Yet to be examined in the literature, we sought to examine the effects of a combination of acute bouts of aerobic exercise and meditation on cognitive function among young adults. Participants (n = 66, mean (SD) age = 21 (2)) were randomly assigned to walk then meditate, meditate then walk, or to sit (inactive control). All walking and meditation bouts were 10 min in duration. Participants’ cognition was monitored before and after the intervention using Identification, Set Shifting, Stroop, and Trail Making tasks. Additionally, a subjective assessment of cognitive function was implemented before and after the intervention. Significant group by time interaction effects were observed when examining the Stroop congruent trials (P = 0.05). Post hoc paired t-tests revealed that reaction time significantly decreased from baseline to post-intervention in both combination groups (P < 0.001 for both), but not in the control group (P = 0.09). Regarding all other cognitive assessments, there were no significant group by time interaction effects (P > 0.05). Cognitive function was not substantially affected by a combination of brief meditation and exercise, though there is evidence to suggest that this combination may have beneficial effects on certain aspects of cognition. Future work should be conducted to evaluate the influences of different doses of exercise and meditation on cognitive functioning.
Coronary Stents: History, Design, and Construction
Authors: Schmidt Torrey , Abbott J. Dawn
Published: May 2018

The history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is marked by rapid technological advancements that have taken place over the past 40 years. After a period of balloon angioplasty, which was marred by risk of abrupt vessel closure and vessel recoil, balloon expandable metal alloy stents were the mainstay of PCI. The introduction of drug eluting stents (DES) targeted in-stent restenosis, a common mode of stent failure, and ushered in the current PCI era. Since the first generation of DES, advances in polymer science and stent design have advanced the field. The current generation of DES has thin struts, are highly deliverable, have biocompatible or absorbable polymers, and outstanding safety and efficacy profiles. In this review, we discuss the technological advancements in stent development, design, and construction, with an emphasis on balloon expandable stents. The aspects of stent properties, metal alloys, bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, drug elution, and polymers will be covered.
Influence of Personality Traits on the Severity of Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Álvarez Aida , Ávila José , Palao Diego , Montejo Ángel
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) are the most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis in the general population. The study of personality characteristics, using Cloninger Personality Inventory (TCI-R), allows us to know the evolution of these patients at the beginning of treatment. Material and Method: We conducted a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study for 3 years with a total of 304 patients. We studied the severity of their alcohol disorder by the Alcohol Dependency Intensity Scale (EIDA), Scale of Obsessive Consumption Compulsive (OCDS) and European version of the Addiction Severity Index (EUROPASI); we studied the relationship with the personality traits of TCI-R. Results and conclusions: The personality lines influence the evolution of alcohol use disorder (AUD). People with higher scores on Reward Dependency (RD), Persistence (P), Cooperation (CO) and Autotranscendence (ST) have a better prognosis while people with higher scores on Search for Novelty (SN) and Avoidance of Damage (AD) have a worst prognosis. Women present differences in consumption in relation to men, as a consequence of their personality. Women have lower scores in Persistence (P) y Self-Transcendence (ST) which are associated with the greater severity of their addiction.
Study of Nano-Mechanical, Electrochemical and Raman Spectroscopic Behavior of Al6061-SiC-Graphite Hybrid Surface Composite Fabricated through Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Mani Sharma Vyas , Sahoo Baidehish , Joseph Jomy , Paul Jinu
Published: May 2018

Aluminium-based hybrid metal grid composites (MMC) are extensively utilized in automobile applications (engine cylinders, pistons, etc.) as they exhibit a fantastic blend of properties. Here, a detailed study of nano-mechanical, electrochemical and Raman spectroscopic behavior of friction stir processed Al6061-SiC-graphite hybrid surface composite is presented. The effect of various tool rotational speeds was evaluated along with the monitoring of variation in axial force. Microstructural changes with various tool rotational speeds are studied by using a scanning electron microscope. Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction studies are used for the spectroscopic characterization of the fabricated hybrid and mono surface composites. Residual stresses and various crystal structure disorders of reinforcement result in the significant change in intensity and a considerable shift in Raman peak positions. The nano-mechanical behavior of the fabricated composite with various reinforcements and tool rotational speeds are analyzed by using nano-indentation. The nano-mechanical behavior of hybrid composite fabricated with an optimum set of processing parameters is superior to mono composites fabricated with the same processing parameters. Also, the electrochemical behavior of the fabricated composites is studied by linear potentiodynamic polarization test. The Al6061-SiC-graphite hybrid surface composite reveals excellent nano-mechanical and electrochemical behavior when fabricated with an optimum set of processing parameters. The tool rotational speed has a pronounced effect on the dispersion of agglomerates and grain refinement of the matrix material. The processing parameters extensively affect the Raman spectroscopic behavior of the hybrid composite. The hybrid surface composite shows better corrosion resistance than the mono composites when fabricated with an optimum set of processing parameters. Reduced intergranular as well as interfacial corrosion pits in hybrid composites increased its resistance to corrosion.
Psychological Pressure Distorts High Jumpers’ Perception of the Height of the Bar
Authors: Tanaka Yoshifumi , Sasaki Joyo , Karakida Kenta , Goto Kana , Tanaka Yufu , Murayama Takayuki
Published: May 2018

The effects of psychological pressure on perceiving the height of a jump bar just before starting a high jump run was investigated. University students (n = 14) training for a high jump event performed 15 trials (3 practice, 6 high-pressure, and 6 low-pressure) in counterbalanced order in their daily practice environment. The height of the bar was judged as significantly higher on high-pressure trials compared to low-pressure trials (p = 0.030). A regression analysis indicated that participants who reported increased subjective perceived pressure tended to judge the bar to be higher (r = 0.468, p = 0.091). There was no significant difference between high-pressure and low-pressure trials for the performance index, defined as the success rate (p = 0.209). This study provides the first evidence that environmental perceptions prior to executing a motor task under pressure may make performance of the task appear to be more difficult.
The Fractal Geometry of Urban Land Use: The Case of Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia
Authors: Purevtseren Myagmartseren , Tsegmid Bazarkhand , Indra Myagmarjav , Sugar Munkhnaran
Published: May 2018

This research summarizes land use and city expansion, as well as the dynamics of urbanization, over recent years in Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia. The study applies fractal geometry to describe land uses in Ulaanbaatar city using a mathematical procedure and geographic information system (GIS) urban analysis, and measures urban sprawl using an index relation of area and perimeter. Land-use parcels’ shape, area perimeter relations, sprawl statement and geometry of city structure are considered. The research presents the growth of Ulaanbaatar city in two time series, 2000 and 2010. The main findings stated here are that Ulaanbaatar is growing in an unsystematic and fractal way, even though the geometrical growth has not been strictly planned and has a most irregular shape of urban sprawl.
Collective Land Ownership in the 21st Century: Overview of Global Trends
Authors: Alden Wily Liz
Published: May 2018

Statutory recognition of rural communities as collective owners of their lands is substantial, expanding, and an increasingly accepted element of property relations. The conventional meaning of property in land itself is changing, allowing for a greater diversity of attributes without impairing legal protection. General identified trends include: (1) declining attempts to deny that community lands are property on the grounds that they may not be sold or are owned collectively; (2) increased provision for communities to be registered owners to the same degree as individual and corporate persons; (3) a rise in number of laws catering specifically to the identification, registration and governance of community property; and (4) in laws that acknowledge that community property may exist whether or not it has been registered, and that registration formalizes rather than creates property in these cases. The research examined the laws of 100 countries to ascertain the status of lands which social communities, either traditionally or in more contemporary arrangements, deem to be their own. Sampling is broadly consistent with numbers of countries per region. The constitutions of all 100 countries were examined. The land laws of 61 countries were scrutinized. Secondary sources were used for 39 countries, mainly due to laws not being available in English. The main secondary source used was LandMark, whose data is publicly available at www.landmarkmap.org.
Consumers’ Experiences of Mental Health Advance Statements
Authors: Maylea Chris , Jorgensen Ann , Matta Sarah , Ogilvie Katherine , Wallin Paul
Published: May 2018

Mental health psychiatric advance directives, advance statements, and similar documents are designed to convey a person’s treatment preferences to their treating clinicians at times when, due to their mental health, their ability to communicate or make decisions might be impaired. This paper explores the current debates in the literature and presents the findings of a small qualitative study that explored the experiences of people who had completed advance statements in Victoria, Australia. Data was collected through interviews with participants and analysis of their advance statement. Participants completed their advance statements for two main reasons; to authorise future treatment or to limit the power of their treating team. Participants also included non-treatment preferences that were linked to their recovery and pragmatic considerations, such as contact details and dietary requirements. Participants who had used their advance statement reported a lack of acceptance or inclusion from clinicians. Further consideration of the legal enforceability of advance statements is necessary, and if they are to continue to lack legal force, much work remains to be done to support acceptance by clinicians.
Testing the Domino Theory of Gene Loss in Buchnera aphidicola: The Relevance of Epistatic Interactions
Authors: Martínez-Cano David J. , Bor Gil , Moya Andrés , Delaye Luis
Published: May 2018

The domino theory of gene loss states that when some particular gene loses its function and cripples a cellular function, selection will relax in all functionally related genes, which may allow for the non-functionalization and loss of these genes. Here we study the role of epistasis in determining the pattern of gene losses in a set of genes participating in cell envelope biogenesis in the endosymbiotic bacteria Buchnera aphidicola. We provide statistical evidence indicating pairs of genes in B. aphidicola showing correlated gene loss tend to have orthologs in Escherichia coli known to have alleviating epistasis. In contrast, pairs of genes in B. aphidicola not showing correlated gene loss tend to have orthologs in E. coli known to have aggravating epistasis. These results suggest that during the process of genome reduction in B. aphidicola by gene loss, positive or alleviating epistasis facilitates correlated gene losses while negative or aggravating epistasis impairs correlated gene losses. We interpret this as evidence that the reduced proteome of B. aphidicola contains less pathway redundancy and more compensatory interactions, mimicking the situation of E. coli when grown under environmental constrains.
Effects of Three Calcium Silicate Cements on Inflammatory Response and Mineralization-Inducing Potentials in a Dog Pulpotomy Model
Authors: Kang Chung-Min , Hwang Jiwon , Song Je Seon , Lee Jae-Ho , Choi Hyung-Jun , Shin Yooseok
Published: May 2018

This beagle pulpotomy study compared the inflammatory response and mineralization-inducing potential of three calcium silicate cements: ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Dentsply, Tulsa, OK, USA), OrthoMTA (BioMTA, Seoul, Korea), and Endocem MTA (Maruchi, Wonju, Korea). Exposed pulp tissues were capped with ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA, or Endocem MTA. After 8 weeks, we extracted the teeth, then performed hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining with osteocalcin and dentin sialoprotein. Histological evaluation comprised a scoring system with eight broad categories and analysis of calcific barrier areas. We evaluated 44 teeth capped with ProRoot MTA (n = 15), OrthoMTA (n = 18), or Endocem MTA (n = 11). Most ProRoot MTA specimens formed continuous calcific barriers; these pulps contained inflammation-free palisading patterns in the odontoblastic layer. Areas of the newly formed calcific barrier were greater with ProRoot MTA than with Endocem MTA (p = 0.006). Although dentin sialoprotein was highly expressed in all three groups, the osteocalcin expression was reduced in the OrthoMTA and Endocem MTA groups. ProRoot MTA was superior to OrthoMTA and Endocem MTA in all histological analyses. ProRoot MTA and OrthoMTA resulted in reduced pulpal inflammation and more complete calcific barrier formation, whereas Endocem MTA caused a lower level of calcific barrier continuity with tunnel defects.
Influence of Surface Defects and Size on Photochemical Properties of SnO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Ilka Mahdi , Bera Susanta , Kwon Se-Hun
Published: May 2018

We report the successful synthesis of surface defective small size (SS) SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) by adopting a low temperature surfactant free solution method. The structural properties of the NPs were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of surface defects, especially oxygen vacancies, in the sample were characterized using micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence emission. The Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms demonstrated the superior textural properties (high surface area and uniform pore size) of SS SnO2 compared to large size (LS) SnO2. A comparable study was drawn between SS SnO2 and LS SnO2 NPs and a significant decrease in the concentration of surface defects was observed for the LS sample. The results showed that surface defects significantly depend upon the size of the NPs. The surface defects formed within the band gap energy level of SnO2 significantly participated in the recombination process of photogenerated charge carriers, improving photochemical properties. Moreover, the SS SnO2 showed superior photoelectrochemical (PEC) and photocatalytic activities compared to the LS SnO2. The presence of a comparatively large number of surface defects due to its high surface area may enhance the photochemical activity by reducing the recombination rate of the photogenerated charges.
UML-Based Cyber-Physical Production Systems on Low-Cost Devices under IEC-61499
Authors: García Carlos A. , Castellanos Exteban X. , García Marcelo V.
Published: May 2018

Current industry must improve the day-to-day control and industrial communications of its processes in order to bring itself closer to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. To attain these improvements, which aim towards obtaining agile and intelligent manufacturing systems, the IEC-61499 standard is considered to be the main option by many researchers. Despite its benefits, its biggest drawback is the lack of software tools required for an effective design process for distributed control systems. The following work details the implementation of the IEC-61499 standard in low-cost devices using 4DIAC-FORTE for distributed control of a FESTO MPS 200 educational system, by using Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams as a software tool for modeling the function blocks (FBs) of the IEC-61499 standard. This work demonstrates a simple and easy way to create distributed systems.
Angucycline Glycosides from Mangrove-Derived Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. SCSIO GJ056
Authors: Gui Chun , Liu Yena , Zhou Zhenbin , Zhang Shanwen , Hu Yunfeng , Gu Yu-Cheng , Huang Hongbo , Ju Jianhua
Published: May 2018

Nine new angucycline glycosides designated urdamycins N1–N9 (1–9), together with two known congener urdamycins A (10) and B (11), were obtained from a mangrove-derived Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. SCSIO GJ056. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analysis. The absolute configurations of 6–9 were assigned by electronic circular dichroism calculation method. Urdamycins N7 (7) and N8 (8) represent the first naturally occurring (5R, 6R)-angucycline glycosides, which are diastereomers of urdamycins N6 (6) and N9 (9), respectively.
Combined Galvanostatic and Potentiostatic Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation of Titanium in Different Concentrations of H2SO4
Authors: Engelkamp Bernd , El Achhab Mhamed , Fischer Björn , Kökçam-Demir Ülkü , Schierbaum Klaus
Published: May 2018

We report on plasma electrolytic oxidation of titanium, employing a technique with combined potentiostatic and galvanostatic control. The effect of different H 2 SO 4 electrolyte concentrations on the titanium oxide formation was studied sytematically. The titanium oxide consisted of two distinguishable layers. The upper layer is porous, up to few micrometers thick and primarily rutile, while the interlayer is compact, comparatively thin and is associated to anatase formation. The electrolyte concentration changed substantially layer thickness, porosity and phase composition, as deduced from scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.
Impurity Effects in Electroplated-Copper Solder Joints
Authors: Lee Hsuan , Chen Chih-Ming
Published: May 2018

Copper (Cu) electroplating is a mature technology, and has been extensively applied in microelectronic industry. With the development of advanced microelectronic packaging, Cu electroplating encounters new challenges for atomic deposition on a non-planar substrate and to deliver good throwing power and uniform deposit properties in a high-aspect-ratio trench. The use of organic additives plays an important role in modulating the atomic deposition to achieve successful metallic coverage and filling, which strongly relies on the adsorptive and chemical interactions among additives on the surface of growing film. However, the adsorptive characteristic of organic additives inevitably results in an incorporation of additive-derived impurities in the electroplated Cu film. The incorporation of high-level impurities originating from the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chlorine ions significantly affects the microstructural evolution of the electroplated Cu film, and the electroplated-Cu solder joints, leading to the formation of undesired voids at the joint interface. However, the addition of bis(3-sulfopropyl) disulfide (SPS) with a critical concentration suppresses the impurity incorporation and the void formation. In this article, relevant studies were reviewed, and the focus was placed on the effects of additive formula and plating parameters on the impurity incorporation in the electroplated Cu film, and the void formation in the solder joints.
Expectation-Maximization Model for Substitution of Missing Values Characterizing Greenness of Organic Solvents
Authors: Łuczyńska Gabriela , Pena-Pereira Francisco , Tobiszewski Marek , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: May 2018

Organic solvents are ubiquitous in chemical laboratories and the Green Chemistry trend forces their detailed assessments in terms of greenness. Unfortunately, some of them are not fully characterized, especially in terms of toxicological endpoints that are time consuming and expensive to be determined. Missing values in the datasets are serious obstacles, as they prevent the full greenness characterization of chemicals. A featured method to deal with this problem is the application of Expectation-Maximization algorithm. In this study, the dataset consists of 155 solvents that are characterized by 13 variables is treated with Expectation-Maximization algorithm to predict missing data for toxicological endpoints, bioavailability, and biodegradability data. The approach may be particularly useful for substitution of missing values of environmental, health, and safety parameters of new solvents. The presented approach has high potential to deal with missing values, while assessing environmental, health, and safety parameters of other chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Pervin Monira , Unno Keiko , Ohishi Tomokazu , Tanabe Hiroki , Miyoshi Noriyuki , Nakamura Yoriyuki
Published: May 2018

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Green tea, black tea, and oolong tea are made from the same plant Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze. Among them, green tea has been the most extensively studied for beneficial effects on diseases including cancer, obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Several human observational and intervention studies have found beneficial effects of tea consumption on neurodegenerative impairment, such as cognitive dysfunction and memory loss. These studies supported the basis of tea’s preventive effects of Parkinson’s disease, but few studies have revealed such effects on Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, several human studies have not reported these favorable effects with regard to tea. This discrepancy may be due to incomplete adjustment of confounding factors, including the method of quantifying consumption, beverage temperature, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and differences in genetic and environmental factors, such as race, sex, age, and lifestyle. Thus, more rigorous human studies are required to understand the neuroprotective effect of tea. A number of laboratory experiments demonstrated the benefits of green tea and green tea catechins (GTCs), such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and proposed action mechanisms. The targets of GTCs include the abnormal accumulation of fibrous proteins, such as Aβ and α-synuclein, inflammation, elevated expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, and oxidative stress, which are associated with neuronal cell dysfunction and death in the cerebral cortex. Computational molecular docking analysis revealed how EGCG can prevent the accumulation of fibrous proteins. These findings suggest that GTCs have the potential to be used in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and could be useful for the development of new drugs.
Microgreens Production with Low Potassium Content for Patients with Impaired Kidney Function
Authors: Renna Massimiliano , Castellino Maria , Leoni Beniamino , Paradiso Vito Michele , Santamaria Pietro
Published: May 2018

Chronic kidney disease represents a global problem together with other so-called ‘lifestyle-related diseases’. Unlike the healthy population, for the patients with impaired kidney function, it is of course prudent to recommend a restriction of high-potassium foods. Thus, it is suggested to limit the consumption of vegetables, because they generally contain high concentrations of potassium. At the same time, a lower consumption of vegetables reduces the intake of healthy compounds such as vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants, which also reduces the vegetables’ potential benefit in chronic kidney disease patients. Microgreens are an emerging class of specialty crop that represent a nutritious and refined food. In this study, for the first time, some chicory (local variety ‘Molfetta’ and cultivar ‘Italico a costa rossa’) and lettuce (cultivar ‘Bionda da taglio’) genotypes were grown using a hydroponic system with different potassium (K) levels (0, 29.1, 58.4, and 117 mg L−1) in order to produce microgreens with a low potassium content. The crop performances, cations content, proximate composition, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. Independent of the genotype, the K content in the microgreens was successfully reduced using a nutrient solution (NS), without K or with 29.1 mg K L−1, which supplied between 103 and 129 mg of K 100 g−1 FW (about 7.7–8.6% of the K daily intake that was recommended for the patients that were affected by chronic kidney disease). Whereas, 100 g of microgreens that were grown by using an NS with 58.4 or 117 mg K L−1 supply between 225 and 250 mg of K (about 15.8–16.5% of the K daily intake recommended for patients affected by chronic kidney disease). No differences were observed in terms of the shoot height, dry matter, proximate composition, and visual quality. A slightly lower yield was observed using an NS with a K concentration <58.4 mg L−1. These results suggest that by using an NS without K or with low K concentrations, it is possible to obtain a useful reduction of K in microgreens, without negatively affecting the quality. Unlike conventional vegetables, the microgreens that were produced in the present study could reduce the potassium intake in patients with impaired kidney function who were accustomed to eating vegetable-based dishes.
High-Performance Pressure Sensor for Monitoring Mechanical Vibration and Air Pressure
Authors: Meng Yancheng , Li Hongwei , Wu Kunjie , Zhang Suna , Li Liqiang
Published: May 2018

To realize the practical applications of flexible pressure sensors, the high performance (sensitivity and response time) as well as more functionalities are highly desired. In this work, we fabricated a piezoresistive pressure sensor based on the micro-structured composites films of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). In addition, we establish efficient strategies to improve key performance of our pressure sensor. Its sensitivity is improved up to 474.13 kPa−1 by minimizing pressure independent resistance of sensor, and response time is shorten as small as 2 μs by enhancing the elastic modulus of polymer elastomer. Benefiting from the high performance, the functionalities of sensors are successfully extended to the accurate detection of high frequency mechanical vibration (~300 Hz) and large range of air pressure (6–101 kPa), both of which are not achieved before.
Medieval Muslim Cuisine as A Real-Life Foundation for the Meat and Milk Prohibition in Ibn Ezra’s Biblical Commentary
Authors: Shemesh Abraham Ofir
Published: May 2018

In his biblical commentary, R. Abraham Ibn Ezra (c. 1090–1164) occasionally voices the contention that the language, culture, and life-style of the Muslim world are capable of contributing to our understanding of contemporary aspects of biblical stories and laws. The current paper deals with the influence of Islamic culinary art in medieval times on Ibn Ezra’s Biblical commentary on the meat and milk ban. Ibn Ezra claims that the reality of the Arab kitchen, which includes the Bible lands, preserves the ancient ways of eating. Thus, we can understand the Bible ban in Muslim cuisine. According to the medieval dietary approach, cooking meat and milk is recommended because both products have similar properties. The meat of young goat healthier than lamb meat, so it is common to cook it. Muslims believe that the kid of a goat is better cooked in its own mother’s milk, because the two products derive from the same origin.
Introduction to a Resources Special Issue on Criticality of the Rare Earth Elements: Current and Future Sources and Recycling
Authors: Jowitt Simon M.
Published: May 2018

The rare earth elements (REE) are vital to modern technologies and society and are amongst the most important of the critical elements. This special issue of Resources examines a number of facets of these critical elements, current and future sources of the REE, the mineralogy of the REE, and the economics of the REE sector. These papers not only provide insights into a wide variety of aspects of the REE, but also highlight the number of different areas of research that need to be undertaken to ensure sustainable and secure supplies of these critical metals into the future.
Detection of Spatiotemporal Extreme Changes in Atmospheric CO2 Concentration Based on Satellite Observations
Authors: He Zhonghua , Lei Liping , Welp Lisa R. , Zeng Zhao-Cheng , Bie Nian , Yang Shaoyuan , Liu Liangyun
Published: May 2018

Atmospheric CO2 concentrations are sensitive to the effects of climate extremes on carbon sources and sinks of the land biosphere. Therefore, extreme changes of atmospheric CO2 can be used to identify anomalous sources and sinks of carbon. In this study, we develop a spatiotemporal extreme change detection method for atmospheric CO2 concentrations using column-averaged CO2 dry air mole fraction (XCO2) retrieved from the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) from 1 June 2009 to 31 May 2016. For extreme events identified, we attributed the main drivers using surface environmental parameters, including surface skin temperature, self-calibrating Palmer drought severity index, burned area, and gross primary production (GPP). We also tested the sensitivity of XCO2 response to changing surface CO2 fluxes using model simulations and Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS)-Chem atmospheric transport. Several extreme high XCO2 events are detected around mid-2010 over Eurasia and in early 2016 in the tropics. The magnitudes of extreme XCO2 increases are around 1.5–1.8 ppm in the Northern Hemisphere and 1.2–1.4 ppm in Southern Hemisphere. The spatiotemporal pattern of detected high XCO2 events are similar to patterns of local surface environmental parameter extremes. The extreme high XCO2 events often occurred during periods of increased temperature, severe drought, increased wildfire or reduced GPP. Our sensitivity tests show that the magnitude of detectable anomalies varies with location, for example 25% or larger anomalies in local CO2 emission fluxes are detectable in tropical forest, whereas anomalies must be half again as large in mid-latitudes (~37.5%). In conclusion, we present a method for extreme high XCO2 detection, and large changes in land CO2 fluxes. This provides another tool to monitor large-scale changes in the land carbon sink and potential feedbacks on the climate system.