bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and Vascular Effect of the Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Tuttolomondo Antonino , Simonetta Irene , Daidone Mario , Mogavero Alba , Ortello Antonella , Pinto Antonio
Published: September 2019

Several studies indicated how dietary patterns that were obtained from nutritional cluster analysis can predict disease risk or mortality. Low-grade chronic inflammation represents a background pathogenetic mechanism linking metabolic risk factors to increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases. A Mediterranean diet (MeDi) style has been reported as associated with a lower degree of inflammation biomarkers and with a protective role on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. There is heterogeneity in defining the MedDiet, and it can, owing to its complexity, be considered as an exposome with thousands of nutrients and phytochemicals. Recently, it has been reported a novel positive association between baseline plasma ceramide concentrations and cardiovascular events and how adherence to a Mediterranean Diet-style may influence the potential negative relationship between elevated plasma ceramide concentrations and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed the positive effects of the MeDi diet style on several cardiovascular risk factors, such as body mass index, waist circumference, blood lipids, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and adhesion molecules, and diabetes and how these advantages of the MeDi are maintained in comparison of a low-fat diet. Some studies reported a positive effect of adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and heart failure incidence, whereas some recent studies, such as the PREDIMED study, showed that the incidence of major cardiovascular events was lower among those assigned to MeDi supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts than among those assigned to a reduced-fat diet. New studies are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms, whereby the MedDiet may exercise its effects. Here, we present recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of MedDiet effects, mainly focusing on cardiovascular diseases, but also discussing other related diseases. We review MedDiet composition and assessment as well as the latest advances in the genomic, epigenomic (DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs, and other emerging regulators), transcriptomic (selected genes and whole transcriptome), and metabolomic and metagenomic aspects of the MedDiet effects (as a whole and for its most typical food components). We also present a review of the clinical effects of this dietary style underlying the biochemical and molecular effects of the Mediterranean diet. Our purpose is to review the main features of the Mediterranean diet in particular its benefits on human health, underling the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-atherosclerotic effects to which new knowledge about epigenetic and gut-microbiota relationship is recently added.
Ovarian Follicle Depletion Induced by Chemotherapy and the Investigational Stages of Potential Fertility-Protective Treatments—A Review
Authors: Hao Xia , Anastácio Amandine , Liu Kui , Rodriguez-Wallberg Kenny A.
Published: September 2019

Ovarian follicle pool depletion, infertility, and premature menopause are all known sequelae of cancer treatment that negatively impact the quality of life of young cancer survivors. The mechanisms involved in this undesired iatrogenic ovarian damage have been intensively studied, but many of them remain unclear. Several chemotherapeutic drugs have been shown to induce direct and indirect DNA-damage and/or cellular stress, which are often followed by apoptosis and/or autophagy. Damage to the ovarian micro-vessel network induced by chemotherapeutic agents also seems to contribute to ovarian dysfunction. Another proposed mechanism behind ovarian follicle pool depletion is the overactivation of primordial follicles from the quiescent pool; however, current experimental data are inconsistent regarding these effects. There is great interest in characterizing the mechanisms involved in ovarian damage because this might lead to the identification of potentially protective substances as possible future therapeutics. Research in this field is still at an experimental stage, and further investigations are needed to develop effective and individualized treatments for clinical application. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge and the proposed hypothesis behind chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage, as well as current knowledge on possible co-treatments that might protect the ovary and the follicles from such damages.
Enterprise Architecture Best Practices in Large Corporations
Authors: Abunadi Ibrahim
Published: September 2019

Enterprise architecture (EA) is an integrated strategy, business, and information systems approach for analysis, governance, and information technology (IT) alignment. It is a comprehensive blueprint that requires the careful planning, documentation, and analysis of all the operations of an organization. Employing EA helps companies achieve strategic goals with the support of business activities and information systems. However, some large corporations avoid EA frameworks and methodologies owing to their implementation difficulties or the presence of conflicting frameworks and business needs. The goal of this paper is to increase large organizations’ awareness of enterprise architecture best practices (EABPs) and methods of EA framework implementation. Thus, this research has developed an EABP capability matrix to measure companies’ capacities to implement EABPs and provided lessons based on how 17 organizations implemented EABPs. Based on an analytical literature review, the developed matrix includes eight critical EABPs categorized under four themes: EA framework and methodology, strategic practices, business activities, and information systems. As practical and theoretical contributions: (1) This inclusive approach was not found in the EA literature as most past research focuses on only one of these themes. (2) The EA matrix can be used as a measurement matrix research methodology to measure the extent to which cases adopt EABPs, making it beneficial to EA researchers and practitioners. (3) EA practitioners can also use it to practically determine and rectify the weak points of EABPs, thus taking advantage of EA frameworks. The findings indicate that many large organizations implement EABPs as business-as-usual practices without EA frameworks and methodologies. However, those that adopt an EA framework use the open group architecture framework and rely heavily on enterprise resource planning in the implementation of EABPs.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Natural Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridea) Populations in China as Revealed by Microsatellite and Mitochondrial Markers
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhao Wenhui , Wang Fuping , Qin Daozheng
Published: September 2019

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a polyphagous pest originating in China and now widely distributed in Asian countries. This is one of the more serious forestry pests with a broad host range and causes significant economic losses. Molecular comparison has been used to investigate this pest’s origin in China, and recent studies have explored the genetic structure among populations in Korea. However, the population structure of this pest in China remains poorly understood. In this study, 13 microsatellite markers and two mitochondrial markers (from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotid (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) regions) were used to reveal the origins and dispersal of L. delicatula based on a genetic analysis of Chinese populations from eight locations. Results show a low to high level of genetic differentiation among populations and significant genetic differentiation between both two clusters and four clusters. The network and phylogenetic analyses for mitochondrial haplotypes and population structure analyses for microsatellite datasets suggest that there is potential gene flow between geographical populations. The populations from Zhejiang and Fujian provinces may come from the other geographical populations in north China. The populations from Beijing, Henan, and Anhui provinces were regarded as the major source of migrants with a high number of migrants leaving (the effective number of migrants (Nem) = 24.40) and the low number of migrants entering (Nem = 2.05) based on the microsatellite dataset, where significant asymmetrical effective migrants to the other populations were detected by non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals.
Fibromyalgia and Shoulder Surgery: A Systematic Review and a Critical Appraisal of the Literature
Authors: Compagnoni Riccardo , Gualtierotti Roberta , Luceri Francesco , Sciancalepore Fabio , Randelli Pietro Simone
Published: September 2019

Fibromyalgia is a common musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain and other systemic manifestations, which has demonstrated a contribution to higher postoperative analgesic consumption to other surgeries such as hysterectomies and knee and hip replacements. The aim of this review is to search current literature for studies considering the impact of fibromyalgia on clinical outcomes of patients undergoing shoulder surgery. A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov in February 2019. Studies were selected based on the following participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study design criteria: adult patients undergoing surgery for shoulder pain (P); diagnosis of fibromyalgia (I); patients without fibromyalgia (C); outcome of surgery in terms of pain or analgesic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs consumption (O); case series, retrospective studies, observational studies, open-label studies, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included (S). Authors found 678 articles, of which four were found eligible. One retrospective study showed that patients with fibromyalgia had worse clinical postoperative outcomes; two retrospective studies reported a higher opioid prescription in patients with fibromyalgia and one prospective observational study found that a higher fibromyalgia survey score correlated with lower quality of recovery scores two days after surgery. The scarce and low-quality evidence available does not allow confirming that fibromyalgia has an impact on postoperative outcomes in shoulder surgery. Future studies specifically focusing on shoulder surgery outcomes may help improvement and personalization of the management of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (PROSPERO 2019, CRD42019121180).
The Association between Alcohol Hangover Frequency and Severity: Evidence for Reverse Tolerance?
Authors: Verster Joris C. , Slot Karin A. , Arnoldy Lizanne , van Lawick van Pabst Albertine E. , van de Loo Aurora J. A. E. , Benson Sarah , Scholey Andrew
Published: September 2019

Although hangover is a common consequence of heavy alcohol consumption, the area is heavily under-researched. Hangover frequency is a potential predictor of future alcohol use disorder that may be affected by hangover severity, yet the relationship between hangover frequency and severity has not been investigated. Using different methodologies and assessment instruments, two surveys, and one naturalistic study collected data on hangover frequency, hangover severity, and alcohol consumption. The relationship between hangover frequency and severity was investigated via correlational analysis, considering potentially moderating variables including alcohol intake, estimated blood alcohol concentration, demographics, and personality characteristics. In all the three studies, a positive and significant association between hangover frequency and severity was found, which remained significant after correcting for alcohol intake and other moderating factors. These findings suggest that hangover severity increases when hangovers are experienced more frequently and may be driven by sensitization or reverse tolerance to this aspect of alcohol consumption. Future research should further investigate the relationship between hangover frequency and severity and alcohol use disorder and its implications for prevention.
Rethinking Lupus Nephritis Classification on a Molecular Level
Authors: Almaani Salem , Prokopec Stephenie D. , Zhang Jianying , Yu Lianbo , Avila-Casado Carmen , Wither Joan , Scholey James W. , Alberton Valeria , Malvar Ana , Parikh Samir V. , Boutros Paul C. , Rovin Brad H. , Reich Heather N.
Published: September 2019

The International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) lupus nephritis (LN) classification is under reconsideration, given challenges with inter-rater reliability and resultant inconsistent relationship with treatment response. Integration of molecular classifiers into histologic evaluation can improve diagnostic precision and identify therapeutic targets. This study described the relationship between histological and molecular phenotypes and clinical responses in LN. Renal compartmental mRNA abundance was measured in 54 biopsy specimens from LN patients and correlated to ISN/RPS classification and individual histologic lesions. A subset of transcripts was also evaluated in sequential biopsies of a separate longitudinal cohort of 36 patients with paired samples obtained at the time of flare and at follow up. Unsupervised clustering based on mRNA abundance did not demonstrate a relationship with the (ISN/RPS) classification, nor did univariate statistical analysis. Exploratory analyses suggested a correlation with individual histologic lesions. Glomerular FN1 (fibronectin), SPP1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1), and LGALS3 (galectin 3) abundance correlated with disease activity and changed following treatment. Exploratory analyses suggested relationships between specific transcripts and individual histologic lesions, with the important representation of interferon-regulated genes. Our findings suggested that the current LN classification could be refined by the inclusion of molecular descriptors. Combining molecular and pathologic kidney biopsy phenotypes may hold promise to better classify disease and identify actionable treatment targets and merits further exploration in larger cohorts.
The Use of Entropy in Modeling the Mechanical Degradation of Grease
Authors: Gurt Alan , Khonsari Michael
Published: September 2019

Recent theoretical developments linking degradation to the thermodynamic concept of entropy have allowed a new approach to modeling all types of degradation. The theory has been successfully applied to wear, fatigue, and numerous other forms of degradation and experimentation has confirmed its applicability to modeling the mechanical degradation of lubricating grease. This paper overviews the mechanical degradation of grease, discusses past and present modeling techniques, shows how new techniques can be used to predict grease life, and provides suggestions for future research.
2-{[Bis(propan-2-yl)carbamothioyl]sulfanyl}acetic acid
Authors: Lee See Mun , Azizan Ainnul Hamidah Syahadah , Lo Kong Mun , Tan Sang Loon , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: September 2019

The title compound, (iPr)2NC(=S)SCH2C(=O)OH (1), was synthesized by conventional methods and its X-ray crystal structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The compound was further characterized by analytical, IR, UV, 1D NMR (1H and 13C{1H}), and 2D NMR (DEPT-135) spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) methods. X-ray crystallography on 1 confirms the formulation and reveals a nearly orthogonal relationship between the planar NCS2 and C2O2 residues. In the crystal, hydroxyl-O–H⋯O(carbonyl) hydrogen bonds lead dimers via an eight-membered {⋯OCOH}2 ring.
Effects of Powdery Cellulose Nanofiber Addition on the Properties of Glass Ionomer Cement
Authors: Nishimura Takako , Shinonaga Yukari , Nagaishi Chikoto , Imataki Rie , Takemura Michiko , Kagami Keiichi , Abe Yoko , Harada Kyoko , Arita Kenji
Published: September 2019

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of powdery cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) on the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC) without negatively affecting its chemical properties. Commercial GIC was reinforced with powdery CNFs (2–8 wt.%) and characterized in terms of flexural strength, compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, and fluoride-ion release properties. Powdery CNFs and samples subjected to flexural strength testing were observed via scanning electron microscopy. CNF incorporation was found to significantly improve the flexural, compressive, and diametral tensile strengths of GIC, and the corresponding composite was shown to contain fibrillar aggregates of nanofibers interspersed in the GIC matrix. No significant differences in fluoride-ion release properties were observed between the control GIC and the CNF-GIC composite. Thus, powdery CNFs were concluded to be a promising GIC reinforcement agent.
Hyaluronic Acid-Conjugated with Hyperbranched Chlorin e6 Using Disulfide Linkage and Its Nanophotosensitizer for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer Cells
Authors: Jung Shin , Jung Seunggon , Kim Doo Man , Lim Sa-Hoe , Shim Yong Ho , Kwon Hanjin , Kim Do Hoon , Lee Chang-Min , Kim Byung Hoon , Jeong Young-Il
Published: September 2019

The main purpose of this study is to synthesize novel types of nanophotosensitizers that are based on hyperbranched chlorin e6 (Ce6) via disulfide linkages. Moreover, hyperbranched Ce6 was conjugated with hyaluronic acid (HA) for CD44-receptor mediated delivery and redox-sensitive photodynamic therapy (PDT) against cancer cells. Hyperbranched Ce6 was considered to make novel types of macromolecular photosensitizer since most of the previous studies regarding nanophotosensizers are concerned with simple conjugation between monomeric units of photosensitizer and polymer materials. Hyperbranched Ce6 was synthesized by conjugation of Ce6 each other while using disulfide linkage. To synthesize Ce6 tetramer, carboxyl groups of Ce6 were conjugated with cystamine and three equivalents of Ce6 were then conjugated again with the end of amine groups of Ce6-cystamine. To synthesize Ce6 decamer as a hyperbranched Ce6, six equivalents of Ce6 was conjugated with the end of Ce6 tetramer via cystamine linkage. Furthermore, HA-cystamine was attached with Ce6 tetramer or Ce6 decamer to synthesize HA-Ce6 tetramer (Ce6tetraHA) or HA-Ce6 decamer (Ce6decaHA) conjugates. Ce6tetraHA and Ce6decaHA nanophotosensitizers showed small diameters of less than 200 nm. The addition of dithiothreitol (DTT) and hyaluronidase (HAse) induced a faster Ce6 release rate in vitro drug release study, which indicated that Ce6tetraHA nanophotosensitizers possess redox-sensitive and HAse-sensitive release properties. Ce6tetraHA nanophotosensitizers showed higher intracellular Ce6 accumulation, higher ROS generation, and higher PDT efficacy than that of Ce6 alone. Ce6tetraHA nanophotosensitizers responded to the CD44 receptor of cancer cell surface, i.e., the pre-treatment of HA blocked CD44 receptor of U87MG or HCT116 cells and then inhibited delivery of nanophotosensitizers in vitro cell culture study. Furthermore, in vivo tumorxenograft study showed that fluorescence intensity in the tumor tissues was stronger than those of other organs, while CD44 receptor blocking by HA pretreatment induced a decrease of fluorescence intensity in tumor tissues when compared to liver. These results indicated that Ce6tetraHA nanophotosensitizers delivered to tumors by redox-sensitive and CD44-sensitive manner.
Pine Beams Retrofitted with FRP and Poplar Planks: Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Rescalvo Francisco J. , Abarkane Chihab , Suárez Elisabet , Valverde-Palacios Ignacio , Gallego Antolino
Published: September 2019

The paper presents an experimental analysis of the bending behavior of pine beams (Pinus Sylvester) retrofitted with fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and poplar planks used as external covering. Poplar wood was chosen because of its rapid growth in planted forests, its homogeneity and attributes for sustainable local development, and high CO2 absorption rate. Vibration tests were also conducted in order to evaluate the stiffness in a non-destructive way and compare it with that obtained by means of the destructive tests. Three types of reinforcement were compared, namely: basalt fabric (FB), carbon fabric (FC) and carbon laminate (LC). In addition, some pine beams were reinforced only with poplar planks and used as control specimens in order to evaluate the improvement provided by the FRP. It was observed that a strong delamination preceded the final breakage of beam. Moreover, the results indicated that stiffness is provided mainly by the poplar plank and not by the FRP, as was expected.
Graphene-Based Spatial Light Modulator Using Metal Hot Spots
Authors: Sun Zhanshan , Zheng Yuejun , Fu Yunqi
Published: September 2019

Here, we report a graphene-based electric field enhancement structure achieved by several adjacent metal nanoribbons which form the hot spots of the electric field and thus promote the absorption of the single layered graphene below the hot spots. Based on the tunability of the graphene’s Fermi level, the absorption rate can be modulated from near 100% to 35% under low electrostatic gating, leading to a 20 dB modulation depth of reflectance. Compared with the existing near infrared spatial light modulators such as optical cavities integrated with graphene and other structures utilizing patterned or highly doped graphene, our design has the advantages of strong optical field enhancement, low power dissipation and high modulation depth. The proposed electro-optic modulator has a promising potential for developing optical communication and exploiting big data interaction systems.
Protein-Polymer Matrices with Embedded Carbon Nanotubes for Tissue Engineering: Regularities of Formation and Features of Interaction with Cell Membranes
Authors: Slepchenkov Michael M. , Gerasimenko Alexander Yu. , Telyshev Dmitry V. , Glukhova Olga E.
Published: September 2019

This paper reveals the mechanism of nanowelding a branched network of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) used as a framework for the formation of protein–polymer matrices with albumin, collagen, and chitosan. It is shown that the introduction of certain point defects into the structure of SWCNTs (single vacancy, double vacancy, Stone–Wales defect, and a mixed defect) allows us to obtain strong heating in defective regions as compared to ideal SWCNTs. The wavelengths at which absorption reaches 50% are determined. Non-uniform absorption of laser radiation along with inefficient heat removal in defective regions determines the formation of hot spots, in which nanowelding of SWCNTs is observed even at 0.36 nm between contacting surfaces. The regularities of formation of layered protein–polymer matrices and the features of their interaction with cell membrane are revealed. All studies are carried out in silico using high-precision quantum approaches.
Influence of Preheating on the Microstructure Evolution of Laser Re-Melting Thermal Barrier Coatings/Ni-Based Single Crystal Superalloy Multilayer System
Authors: Fan Zhengjie , Duan Wenqiang , Zhang Xiaofeng , Mei Xuesong , Wang Wenjun , Cui Jianlei
Published: September 2019

Laser surface re-melting (LSR) is a well-known method to improve the properties of atmospheric plasma-spraying thermal barrier coatings (APS TBCs) by eliminating the voids, incompletely melted particles and layered-structure. Laser energy density should be carefully selected to reduce the exposed thermal damage of the underlying single crystal (SX) matrix. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to identify the effect of introducing induction heating to laser modifying of APS TBCs coated on Ni-based SX superalloy. The results indicated that the preheating of the substrate can lower the laser energy threshold that is required for continuously re-melting the coating. It proved that, in LSR processing of a APS TBCs/ SX matrix multilayer system, the combined method of adopting the low laser energy and preheating at elevated temperature is an effective means of minimizing the cracking susceptibility of top ceramic coating, resulting from decreasing the mismatch strain between the re-melted layer and residual APS TBCs, which can significantly improve the segmented crack condition in terms of crack dimension and crack density. Moreover, this combined method can remarkably lower heat input into an SX matrix and correspondingly the interface stored energy induced by pulsed laser thermal shock, which can effectively lower the tendency for surface recrystallization after the subsequent heat treatment.
Determination of Thermophysical Parameters Involved in The Numerical Model to Predict the Temperature Field of Cast-In-Place Concrete Bridge Deck
Authors: Kuryłowicz-Cudowska Aleksandra
Published: September 2019

The paper deals with a concept of a practical computation method to simulate the temperature distribution in an extradosed bridge deck. The main goal of the study is to develop a feasible model of hardening of concrete consistent with in-situ measurement capabilities. The presented investigations include laboratory tests of high performance concrete, measurements of temperature evolution in the bridge deck and above all, numerical simulations of temperature field in a concrete box bridge girder. A thermal conductivity equation in the author’s program, using finite difference method has been solved. New approach for identification of the model parameters and boundary conditions (heat transfer coefficients) has been proposed. The numerical results are verified by means of a wide set of experimental tests carried out on three stages of the extradosed bridge studies. A high agreement between the concrete temperature distribution in the time and space domain was obtained. The temperature history of concrete hardening, supplemented with maturity method equations, made it possible to estimate an early-age compressive strength of the cast-in-place concrete. The proposed solution could be applied in a Structural Health Monitoring system for concrete objects.
Prediction of Tool Wear Using Artificial Neural Networks during Turning of Hardened Steel
Authors: Twardowski Paweł , Wiciak-Pikuła Martyna
Published: September 2019

The ability to effectively predict tool wear during machining is an extremely important part of diagnostics that results in changing the tool at the relevant time. Effective assessment of the rate of tool wear increases the efficiency of the process and makes it possible to replace the tool before catastrophic wear occurs. In this context, the value of the effectiveness of predicting tool wear during turning of hardened steel using artificial neural networks, multilayer perceptron (MLP), was checked. Cutting forces and acceleration of mechanical vibrations were used to monitor the tool wear process. As a result of the analysis using artificial neural networks, the suitability of individual physical phenomena to the monitoring process was assessed.
In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles on Cellulose Fibers Using D-Glucuronic Acid and Its Antibacterial Application
Authors: Chen Guangxue , Yan Linjuan , Wan Xiaofang , Zhang Qiankun , Wang Qing
Published: September 2019

The development of ecofriendly procedures to avoid the use of toxic chemicals for the synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is highly desired. In the present study, we reported an eco-friendly and green technique for in situ fabrication of AgNPs on bleached hardwood pulp fibers (bhpFibers) using D-glucuronic acid as the only reducing agent. Different amounts of D-glucuronic acid were introduced and its effect on the size and distribution of AgNPs on the bhpFibers was discussed. The morphology and structures of bhpFibers@AgNPs were proved by electron microscope-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Then, a series of bhpFibers@AgNPs with different AgNPs loadings were also prepared by adjusting the concentration of the AgNO3 solution. After a papermaking process via vacuum filtration, the prepared papers displayed an outstanding antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (gram -negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive). It is foreseeable that the bhpFibers@AgNPs have a promising application in the field of biomedical.
Effect of Zn Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Al–Sn–Mn Alloys
Authors: Zhao Tianshuo , Hu Yaobo , Pan Fusheng , He Bing , Guan Maosheng , Yuan Yuan , Tang Aitao
Published: September 2019

High performance Mg–6Al–3Sn–0.25Mn–xZn alloys (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt %) without rare earth were designed. The effects of different Zn contents on the microstructure and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. The addition of Zn obviously refines the as-cast alloys dendritic structure because of the increase in the number in the second phase. For the as-extruded alloys, an appropriate amount of Zn promotes complete recrystallization, thus increasing the grain size. As the Zn content increases, the texture gradually evolves into a typical strong basal texture, which means that the basal slip is difficult to initiate. Meanwhile, the addition of Zn promotes the precipitation of small-sized second phases, which can hinder the dislocation movement. The combination of texture strengthening and precipitation strengthening is the main reason for the improvement of alloys’ strength.
The Quality Control of the Automatic Manipulating Process of a Flexible Container When Bulk Materials are Packaged
Authors: Makarov Aleksey M. , Mushkin Oleg V. , Lapikov Maksim A. , Kukhtik Mikhail P. , Serdobintsev Yuriy P.
Published: September 2019

The quality control of a flexible container (FC) gripped and held by a gripping device during the entire cycle of packaging is an important task in the packaging process of bulk materials in a soft package. Noncontact optical methods of control have been developed and researched for the diagnostics of the automatic manipulating process of a flexible container when bulk materials are packaged in a soft package. Diagnostics of the FC gripping and opening accuracy was carried out herein with the help of machine vision. Processing of the image obtained when the neck of the FC was photographed was carried out by a neural network algorithm, which was made according to a scheme of a perceptron. An automated diagnostics system of the FC gripping and opening accuracy was developed in terms of the obtained algorithm. A control technique based on the algorithm of comparison with a reference was used to reveal the FC gripping and opening defects. This technique consists of preliminary processing of the image obtained from the camera and automatic search for deviations in FC gripping and opening. As a result, a report of defects in the process of FC gripping and opening was obtained.
The Fixed Point Property of Non-Retractable Topological Spaces
Authors: Kang Jeong , Han Sang-Eon , Lee Sik
Published: September 2019

Unlike the study of the fixed point property (FPP, for brevity) of retractable topological spaces, the research of the FPP of non-retractable topological spaces remains. The present paper deals with the issue. Based on order-theoretic foundations and fixed point theory for Khalimsky (K-, for short) topological spaces, the present paper studies the product property of the FPP for K-topological spaces. Furthermore, the paper investigates the FPP of various types of connected K-topological spaces such as non-K-retractable spaces and some points deleted K-topological (finite) planes, and so on. To be specific, after proving that not every one point deleted subspace of a finite K-topological plane X is a K-retract of X, we study the FPP of a non-retractable topological space Y, such as one point deleted space Y ∖ { p } .
Mildly Inertial Subgradient Extragradient Method for Variational Inequalities Involving an Asymptotically Nonexpansive and Finitely Many Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Qin Xiaolong , Shehu Yekini , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: September 2019

In a real Hilbert space, let the notation VIP indicate a variational inequality problem for a Lipschitzian, pseudomonotone operator, and let CFPP denote a common fixed-point problem of an asymptotically nonexpansive mapping and finitely many nonexpansive mappings. This paper introduces mildly inertial algorithms with linesearch process for finding a common solution of the VIP and the CFPP by using a subgradient approach. These fully absorb hybrid steepest-descent ideas, viscosity iteration ideas, and composite Mann-type iterative ideas. With suitable conditions on real parameters, it is shown that the sequences generated our algorithms converge to a common solution in norm, which is a unique solution of a hierarchical variational inequality (HVI).
The Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Accident Risk in Heavy Equipment Operators
Authors: Celikhisar Hakan , Dasdemir Ilkhan Gulay
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is the most frequent sleep disorder, characterized by the repeated collapse of the upper respiratory tract during sleep. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of OSAS in heavy equipment operators and to determine the relationship between the work accidents that these operators were involved in and the OSAS symptoms and severity. In doing this, we aimed to emphasize the association of OSAS, which is a treatable disease, and these accidents, which cause loss of manpower, financial hampering, and even death. Materials and Methods: STOP BANG questionnaire was provided to 965 heavy equipment operators and polysomnography (PSG) was performed, in Izmir Esrefpasa Municipality Hospital, to the operators at high risk for OSAS. Demographic data, health status, and accidents of these operators were recorded. Results: All operators who participated in the study were male. The ages of the cases ranged from 35 to 58 and the mean age was 45.07 ± 5.54 years. The mean STOP BANG questionnaire results were 4.36 ± 3.82. In total, 142 operators were identified with high risk for OSAS and PSG could be performed on 110 of these 142 operators. According to the PSG results of the operators, 41 (37.3%) patients had normal findings, while 35 (31.8%) had mild, 20 (18.2%) had moderate, and 14 (12.7%) had severe OSAS. Among those 110 patients, 71 (64.5%) of the cases had no history of any accidents, 25 (22.8%) were almost involved in an accident due to sleepiness, and 14 (12.7%) were actually involved in an accident. There was a statistically significant relationship between the accident rate and OSAS severity (p: 0.009). Conclusion: Based on the data acquired in the present study, a positive correlation was determined between the accident statuses of drivers with OSAS severity. We want to attract attention to the necessity of evaluating the OSAS symptoms in professional heavy equipment operators during the certification period and at various intervals afterwards, and to carry out OSAS evaluations by PSG for those having a certain risk.
Postoperative Delirium is Associated with Negative Outcomes and Long-Term Mortality in Elderly Koreans: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Park Eun A , Kim Min Young
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives: Delirium is an acute state that causes confusion and occurs frequently after surgery in elderly patients. Delirium is also related to various clinical complications. With increasing numbers of surgeries performed on elderly Koreans, the number of cases of delirium and associated complications will likely rise. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether postoperative delirium in elderly Korean patients negatively influenced other clinical outcomes and their long-term mortality. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 1016 elderly patients (65 years or older) who underwent major abdominal surgery from January 2014 to December 2016 were retrospectively investigated. To determine long-term mortality, patients were followed for up to 12 months post-operation. Results: Delirium occurred in 194 patients (18.3%). Postoperative delirium was significantly associated with the length of hospital stay (B = 2.72), length of ICU stay (B = 18.78), adverse medical events (OR = 2.26, CI = 1.45–3.52), reoperation (OR = 5.50, CI = 1.66–18.22), ICU readmission (OR = 14.10, CI = 2.97–66.90), medical costs (B = 2473.85), discharge to somewhere other than the patient’s home (OR = 6.01, CI = 3.35–10.76), hospital readmission (OR = 2.73, CI = 1.45–5.14), in-hospital mortality (OR = 3.34, CI = 1.21–9.19), three-month mortality (HR = 3.22, CI = 1.27–8.14), six-month mortality (HR = 2.85, CI = 1.28–6.36), and 12-month mortality (HR = 2.19, CI = 1.10–4.32). Conclusions: Postoperative delirium in elderly Korean patients was associated with negative clinical outcomes and mortality. For rapid recovery and increased survival rates in surgical patients, effective delirium-prevention care and active delirium treatments are necessary.
How Perfectionism and Eating Disorder Symptoms Contribute to Searching Weight-Loss Information on the Internet?
Authors: Prnjak Katarina , Jukic Ivan , Korajlija Anita
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Eating disorder (ED) symptoms are a growing problem and modern technologies introduced a new and unexplored potential risk factor for vulnerable individuals. It is fairly common for women to use the Internet in order to find information about various weight-loss methods, but it was further questioned whether perfectionism and eating disorder symptomatology could be linked to this behavior. Materials and Methods: Participants were 228 women (Mean age = 30.5; SD = 9.43) recruited via social media, who provided responses on measures of perfectionism, eating disorder symptoms, and a short check-list measuring the frequency of online searching about five topics (food, diet, exercise, body appearance, and eating disorders). Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that the BMI and Discrepancy subscale of APS-R significantly predicted online searching, along with eating disorder symptomatology. Moreover, mediation analyses resulted in a significant indirect effect, but not a direct effect, indicating that eating disorder symptomatology fully mediated the relationship between BMI and online searching, as well as between maladaptive perfectionism and online searching. Conclusion: These findings shed light on a high BMI and maladaptive perfectionism as potential risk factors for eating disorder-related behavior on the Internet. More attention to online-seeking behavior among women symptomatic of ED is warranted, and websites containing such topics should include information about professional help for eating disorder-symptomatic individuals.
Dynamic Mechanical Relaxation in LaCe-Based Metallic Glasses: Influence of the Chemical Composition
Authors: Liu Minna , Qiao Jichao , Hao Qi , Chen Yinghong , Yao Yao , Crespo Daniel , Pelletier Jean-Marc
Published: September 2019

The mechanical relaxation behavior of the (La0.5Ce0.5)65Al10(CoxCu1−x)25 at% (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) metallic glasses was probed by dynamic mechanical analysis. The intensity of the secondary β relaxation increases along with the Co/Cu ratio, as has been reported in metallic glasses where the enthalpy of mixing for all pairs of atoms is negative. Furthermore, the intensity of the secondary β relaxation decreases after physical aging below the glass transition temperature, which is probably due to the reduction of the atomic mobility induced by physical aging.
A CPS-Based Simulation Platform for Long Production Factories
Authors: Iannino Vincenzo , Colla Valentina , Denker Joachim , Göttsche Marc
Published: September 2019

Production technology in European steel industry has reached such a level, that significant improvements can only be reached by through process optimization strategies instead of separately improving each process step. Therefore, the connection of suitable technological models to describe process and product behavior, methods to find solutions for typical multi-criterial decisions, and a strong communication between involved plants is necessary. In this work, a virtual simulation platform for the design of cyber-physical production optimization systems for long production facilities focusing on thermal evolution and related material quality is presented. Models for describing physical processes, computers, software and networks as well as methods and algorithms for through process optimization were implemented and merged into a new and comprehensive model-based software architecture. Object-oriented languages are addressed and used because they provide modularity, a high-level of abstraction and constructs that allow direct implementation and usage of the cyber-physical production systems concepts. Simulation results show how the proper connection between models, communication, and optimization methods allows feasibility, safety and benefits of cyber-physical production systems to be established. Furthermore, the software architecture is flexible and general and thus, can be transferred to any steel production line as well as outside the steel industry.
Creep Failure of Reformer Tubes in a Petrochemical Plant
Authors: Bahrami Abbas , Taheri Peyman
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates a failure in HP-Mod radiant tubes in a petrochemical plant. Tubes fail after 90,000 h of working at 950 °C. Observed failure is in the form of excessive bulging and longitudinal cracking in reformer tubes. Cracks are also largely branched. The microstructure of service-exposed tubes was evaluated using optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to analyze and characterize different phases in the microstructure. The results of this study showed that carbides are coarsened at both the inner and the outer surface due to the long exposure to a carburizing environment. Metallography examinations also revealed that there are many creep voids that are nucleated on carbide phases and scattered in between dendrites. Cracks appeared to form as a result of creep void coalescence. Failure is therefore attributed to creep due to a long exposure to a high temperature.
Influence of Titanium Diboride Particle Size on Structure and Mechanical Properties of an Al-Mg Alloy
Authors: Khrustalyov Anton P. , Kozulin Alexander A. , Zhukov Ilya A. , Khmeleva Marina G. , Vorozhtsov Alexander B. , Eskin Dmitry , Chankitmunkong Suwaree , Platov Vladimir V. , Vasilyev Sergey V.
Published: September 2019

In the present study, aluminum alloys of the Al-Mg system with titanium diboride particles of different size distribution were obtained. The introduction of particles in the alloy was carried out using master alloys obtained through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) process. The master alloys consisted of the intermetallic matrix Al-Ti with distributed TiB2 particles. The master alloys with TiB2 particles of different size distribution were introduced in the melt with simultaneous ultrasonic treatment, which allowed the grain refining of the aluminum alloy during subsequent solidification. It was found that the introduction of micro- and nanoparticles TiB2 increased the yield strength, tensile strength, and plasticity of as-cast aluminum alloys. After pass rolling the castings and subsequent annealing, the effect of the presence of particles on the increase of strength properties is much less felt, as compared with the initial alloy. The recrystallization of the structure after pass rolling and annealing was the major contributor to hardening that minimized the effect of dispersion hardening due to the low content of nanosized titanium diboride.
Crack Propagation of SS304/BNi-2 Brazed Joints: Experiments and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Zhou Fan , Jiang Wenchun , Tan Juni , Shi Jingzhen , Yang Daikun
Published: September 2019

The strength of brazed joints is of great significance for plate-fin heat exchangers. Although a lot of research on the strength of brazed joints has been carried out, few studies have focused on the whole process of the crack propagation of brazed joints under loading, and no accurate simulation methods have been published. In this paper, the crack propagation of SS304/BNi-2 brazed joints was investigated by both experiments and numerical simulations. The cohesive zone model (CZM) was applied to simulate the crack propagation. The cohesive energy was obtained by the T-type brazed joint peeling experiments. The cohesive strength was determined as 30 MPa by comparing the load–displacement curves from the simulations and experiments. The results showed that the crack propagation process predicted by the CZM was consistent with the experimental results. Furthermore, with the increase of displacement applied on the specimen, the rate of crack propagation of the brazed joints was high at the beginning, and then gradually slowed down in the later stages. Under displacement-controlled conditions, increasing the thickness and the yield strength of the base metal could delay the crack initiation, but it would increase the crack growth rate once the crack was initiated.
Extending the Metabolite Diversity of the Endophyte Dimorphosporicola tragani
Authors: González-Menéndez Victor , Crespo Gloria , Toro Clara , Martín Jesús , de Pedro Nuria , Tormo Jose R , Genilloud Olga
Published: September 2019

Fungi are one of the most prolific sources of microbial secondary metabolites. The production of new metabolites can be achieved using multiple fermentation conditions and by adding small-molecule effectors, including epigenetic modifiers. In the framework of our Natural Product screening programme targeting the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds, we applied multiple fermentation conditions and adsorptive polymeric resins on a large collection of fungal endophytes, to increase and stimulate their fungal secondary metabolite production. During this work the endophytic fungus Dimorphosporicola tragani CF-090383 showed antimicrobial activity only when grown in presence of adsorptive polymeric resins. In addition, seven epigenetic modifiers were added to fermentations of this endophytic fungus, in an attempt to activate its cryptic pathways as well as to analyse the metabolites produced under these conditions. D. tragani was seen to produce three different mycotoxin dendrodolides when the epigenetic modifiers 5-azacytidine and valproic acid were added to the fermentations, and these compounds were further characterized. However, the fungus produced the fatty acid synthesis inhibitor cerulenin, a molecule not previously described to be produced by this fungal species, only when cultivated in presence of the XAD-16 resin. We have found that the addition of XAD-16 resin resulted in four-fold higher titers in the production of cerulenin when compared to the best production conditions described in literature for the original fungal producer strain, Cephalosporium caerulens KF-140 (=Sarocladium oryzae), in a zeolite-based fermentation, used as an ammonium ion-trapping agent. The production of cerulenin by this strain of D. tragani, represents an alternative source for the improved production of cerulenin with better yields.