bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the 60Sn40Pb and 62Sn2Ag36Pb Solders for a PV Ribbon Joint in Photovoltaic Modules Using the Thermal Shock Test
Authors: Kang Min-Soo , Jeon Yu-Jae , Kim Do-Seok , Shin Young-Eui
Published: April 2017

In this study, the characteristics of a photovoltaic (PV) ribbon (t = 0.25 mm) joint with 60Sn40Pb and 62Sn2Ag36Pb solders were evaluated using thermal shock tests. The thermal shock tests were performed under three conditions: −40–65 °C, −40–85 °C, and −40–105 °C. The results of these tests were analyzed using electroluminescence (EL) and cross-sectional images. Following testing, broken metal fingers (MFs) were confirmed near the solder joint. PV module degradation was attributed to the broken finger ratio (BFR) based on quantitative analysis of the dark rectangular (DR) regions on the EL images. In addition, the activation energy of the broken MFs was calculated from the increasing BFR. Thermal characteristic variations due to the added Ag in the PV ribbon solder joints were evaluated through observation of solder micro-structure changes following thermal shock tests.
A Tree Species Effect on Soil That Is Consistent Across the Species’ Range: The Case of Aspen and Soil Carbon in North America
Authors: Laganière Jérôme , Boča Antra , Van Miegroet Helga , Paré David
Published: April 2017

Trembling aspen covers a large geographic range in North America, and previous studies reported that a better understanding of its singular influence on soil properties and processes is of high relevance for global change questions. Here we investigate the potential impact of a shift in aspen abundance on soil carbon sequestration and soil carbon stability at the continental scale by conducting a systematic literature review using 23 published studies. Our review shows that aspen’s effect on soil carbon is relatively consistent throughout the species range. Aspen stores less C in the forest floor but similar amounts in the mineral soil relative to conifers. However, a robust set of indicators of soil C stability, for example, degree of organo-mineral associations, proportion of readily-available or labile C estimated during long-term soil incubations or using hot-water extraction, pattern of soil C distribution, and temperature sensitivity of soil heterotrophic respiration, reveals that the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock under aspen is more stable, rendering it more protected against environmental changes and soil disturbances. Therefore, our continental-scale analysis highlights that an increase in the abundance of trembling aspen in North American forests may increase the resistance and resilience of soil C stocks against global changes.
Identification of Drought-Responsive MicroRNAs from Roots and Leaves of Alfalfa by High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Li Yue , Wan Liqiang , Bi Shuyi , Wan Xiufu , Li Zhenyi , Cao Jing , Tong Zongyong , Xu Hongyu , He Feng , Li Xianglin
Published: April 2017

Alfalfa, an important forage legume, is an ideal crop for sustainable agriculture and a potential crop for bioenergy resources. Drought, one of the most common environmental stresses, substantially affects plant growth, development, and productivity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are newly discovered gene expression regulators that have been linked to several plant stress responses. To elucidate the role of miRNAs in drought stress regulation of alfalfa, a high-throughput sequencing approach was used to analyze 12 small RNA libraries comprising of four samples, each with three biological replicates. From the 12 libraries, we identified 348 known miRNAs belonging to 80 miRNA families, and 281 novel miRNAs, using Mireap software. Eighteen known miRNAs in roots and 12 known miRNAs in leaves were screened as drought-responsive miRNAs. With the exception of miR319d and miR157a which were upregulated under drought stress, the expression pattern of drought-responsive miRNAs was different between roots and leaves in alfalfa. This is the first study that has identified miR3512, miR3630, miR5213, miR5294, miR5368 and miR6173 as drought-responsive miRNAs. Target transcripts of drought-responsive miRNAs were computationally predicted. All 447 target genes for the known miRNAs were predicted using an online tool. This study provides a significant insight on understanding drought-responsive mechanisms of alfalfa.
A Web GIS Framework for Participatory Sensing Service: An Open Source-Based Implementation
Authors: Nakayama Yu , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Saito Hitoshi , Fukumoto Rui
Published: April 2017

Participatory sensing is the process in which individuals or communities collect and analyze systematic data using mobile phones and cloud services. To efficiently develop participatory sensing services, some server-side technologies have been proposed. Although they provide a good platform for participatory sensing, they are not optimized for spatial data management and processing. For the purpose of spatial data collection and management, many web GIS approaches have been studied. However, they still have not focused on the optimal framework for participatory sensing services. This paper presents a web GIS framework for participatory sensing service (FPSS). The proposed FPSS enables an integrated deployment of spatial data capture, storage, and data management functions. In various types of participatory sensing experiments, users can collect and manage spatial data in a unified manner. This feature is realized by the optimized system architecture and use case based on the general requirements for participatory sensing. We developed an open source GIS-based implementation of the proposed framework, which can overcome financial difficulties that are one of the major problems of deploying sensing experiments. We confirmed with the prototype that participatory sensing experiments can be performed efficiently with the proposed FPSS.
Effectiveness of a Culturally-Tailored Smoking Cessation Intervention for Arab-American Men
Authors: Haddad Linda , Al-Bashaireh Ahmad , Ferrell Anastasiya , Ghadban Roula
Published: April 2017

To date, no smoking cessation programs are available for Arab American (ARA) men, who are a vulnerable population with high rates of smoking. Thus, the primary aim of this one group pre-test/post-test study was to assess the effectiveness of Sehatack—a culturally and linguistically tailored smoking cessation program for ARA men. The study sample was 79 ARA men with a mean age of 43 years who smoked between 5 and 40 cigarettes (mean = 19.75, SD = 9.1) per day (98.7%). All of the participants reported more interest in smoking cessation post-intervention and many of the participants in the baseline (38.5%) and post-intervention phases (47.7%) wanted to quit smoking ”very much”. For daily smokers who completed the smoking cessation program, the median number of cigarettes smoked daily was significantly lower than those in the post-intervention phase (Z = −6.915, p < 0.001). Results of this preliminary study indicate that: (a) Sehatack may be a promising way for ARA men to quit smoking, and (b) culturally relevant smoking cessation counselors can be trained to recruit and retain ARA smokers in an intensive group smoking cessation program. Strengths of this study were community engagement and rapport between three faith organizations and the University of Florida College of Nursing. However, a larger trial is needed to address study limitations and to confirm benefits in this population.
Spatio-Temporal Pattern and Risk Factor Analysis of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Associated with Under-Five Morbidity in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region of China
Authors: Xu Chengdong
Published: April 2017

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children under the age of five is a major public health issue in China. Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei is the largest urban agglomeration in northern China. The present study aimed to analyze the epidemiological features of HFMD, reveal spatial clusters, and detect risk factors in this region. Reports of HFMD cases in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013 were collected from 211 counties or municipal districts. First, the epidemiological features were explored, and then SaTScan analysis was carried out to detect spatial clusters of HFMD. Finally, GeoDetector and spatial paneled model were used to identify potential risk factors among the socioeconomic and meteorological variables. There were a total of 90,527 HFMD cases in the year 2013. The highest rate was in individuals aged one year, with an incidence of 24.76/103. Boys (55,168) outnumbered girls (35,359). Temporally, the incidence rose rapidly from April, peaking in June (4.08/103). Temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were positively associated with the incidence rate, while precipitation and sunshine hours had a negative association. The explanatory powers of these factors were 57%, 13%, 2%, 21% and 12%, respectively. Spatially, the highest-risk regions were located in Beijing and neighboring areas, with a relative risk (RR) value of 3.04. The proportion of primary industry was negatively associated with HFMD transmission, with an explanatory power of 32%. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, proportion of tertiary industry, and population density were positively associated with disease incidence, with explanatory powers of 22%, 17% and 15%, respectively. These findings may be helpful in the risk assessment of HFMD transmission and for implementing effective interventions to reduce the burden of this disease.
Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure Development Framework: Croatia Case Study
Authors: Tavra Marina , Jajac Niksa , Cetl Vlado
Published: April 2017

Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) related to marine spatial data is known as marine SDI (MSDI). In this paper, we determine data themes under the MSDI in the order of usefulness and efficiency. The purpose is to streamline and support the prioritisation of data to be further implemented in the MSDI. This is conceptualised using the logic of decision support systems and a multi-criteria analysis approach that integrates components such as data, stakeholders, and users through multi-criteria methods for priority ranking. This research proposes an MSDI development concept and is validated using the Croatian MSDI case.
Announcing the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Young Investigator and Travel Awards 2017
Authors:   International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office
Published: April 2017

With the goal of recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of molecular sciences by young investigators under the age of 40 (by 31 December 2016), and early-career investigators, which includes postdoctoral students and PhD students, and assisting the early-career investigators in attending international conferences in 2017, last year the International Journal of Molecular Sciences accepted nominations for Young Investigator and Travel Awards 2017.[...]
Influence of Speciation of Thorium on Toxic Effects to Green Algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Peng Can , Ma Yuhui , Ding Yayun , He Xiao , Zhang Peng , Lan Tu , Wang Dongqi , Zhang Zhaohui , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: April 2017

Thorium (Th) is a natural radioactive element present in the environment and has the potential to be used as a nuclear fuel. Relatively little is known about the influence and toxicity of Th in the environment. In the present study, the toxicity of Th to the green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) was evaluated by algal growth inhibition, biochemical assays and morphologic observations. In the cultural medium (OECD TG 201), Th(NO3)4 was transformed to amorphous precipitation of Th(OH)4 due to hydrolysis. Th was toxic to C. pyrenoidosa, with a 96 h half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of 10.4 μM. Scanning electron microscopy shows that Th-containing aggregates were attached onto the surface of the algal cells, and transmission electron microscopy indicates the internalization of nano-sized Th precipitates and ultrastructural alterations of the algal cells. The heteroagglomeration between Th(OH)4 precipitation and alga cells and enhanced oxidative stress might play important roles in the toxicity of Th. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the toxicity of Th to algae with its chemical species in the exposure medium. This finding provides useful information on understanding the fate and toxicity of Th in the aquatic environment.
Security Awareness of the Digital Natives
Authors: Gkioulos Vasileios , Wangen Gaute , Katsikas Sokratis , Kavallieratos George , Kotzanikolaou Panayiotis
Published: April 2017

Young generations make extensive use of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, while a plethora of security risks associated with such devices are induced by vulnerabilities related to user behavior. Furthermore, the number of security breaches on or via portable devices increases exponentially. Thus, deploying suitable risk treatments requires the investigation of how the digital natives (young people, born and bred in the digital era) use their mobile devices and their level of security awareness, in order to identify common usage patterns with negative security impact. In this article, we present the results of a survey performed across a multinational sample of digital natives with distinct backgrounds and levels of competence in terms of security, to identify divergences in user behavior due to regional, educational and other factors. Our results highlight significant influences on the behavior of digital natives, arising from user confidence, educational background, and parameters related to usability and accessibility. The outcomes of this study justify the need for further analysis of the topic, in order to identify the influence of fine-grained semantics, but also the consolidation of wide and robust user-models.
ICNP® R&D Centre Ireland: Defining Requirements for an Intersectoral Digital Landscape
Authors: Hussey Pamela , Corbally Melissa , Rodger Daragh , Kirwan Anne , Adams Elizabeth , Kavanagh Paula , Matthews Anne
Published: April 2017

The apparent speed and impact of creating a global digital landscape for health and social care tells us that the health workforce is playing catch-up with eHealth national programmes. Locating how and where the profession of nursing fits with future models of health service delivery is critical to provide focused engagement for the populations they serve. In 2016, Dublin City University (DCU) School of Nursing and Human Sciences (SNHS) created a research and development centre for International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) in Ireland. This paper provides a summary of the first year of the centre’s research, describing how the initial activities link to the development of global eHealth policy. A key aspect of service delivery relates to defining care requirements, specifically to support sustainable intersectoral healthcare. Considering how nursing-sensitive language (clinical terminology) is best mapped is necessary to articulate the care requirements and processes to achieve optimal patient outcome. The World Health Organisational Framework for Integrated Care provides a pathway for crystallising the steep learning curve that the profession has currently found itself situated in, to deliver on contemporary digital healthcare.
Hip Arthropathy in Haemophilia
Authors: Carulli Christian , Rizzo Anna Rosa , Innocenti Massimo
Published: April 2017

Hip arthropathy in haemophilic patients is disabling for hip and other common target joints. Even if bleedings in the hip are not frequent, femoroacetabular alterations may affect the functional ability of patients at a very young age. A haematologic prophylaxis combined with an adequate lifestyle and regular and low-traumatic physical activity are the keys to preventing such arthropathy. In the early stages of arthropathy, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be sufficient to limit its progression. In cases of recurrent symptoms, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid, and chemical synoviorthesis are useful options. In more advanced stages, hip arthroscopy may be treated by synovectomy or loose body removal. For late stages, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is mandatory. Until a few decades ago, the clinical outcomes after hip arthroplasty were variable, due to the different management of patients and the use of old generation implants and couplings. In the last decade, the introduction of the multidisciplinary management and the use of modern cementless implants with high performing materials and less invasive surgical techniques have dramatically improved the functional results. Nowadays, as is the case for other target joints, the purpose of the management in haemophilia centers is the early detection of any hip alterations—by clinical and ultrasound (US) evaluations of patients in childhood—to reveal any early articular damage and to provide adequate treatment in case of symptoms. The present paper represents an updated review of the several approaches to hip arthropathy in haemophilia.
Artificial Red Blood Cells as Potential Photosensitizers in Dye Laser Treatment Against Port-Wine Stains
Authors: Rikihisa Naoaki , Watanabe Shoji , Saito Yoshiaki , Sakai Hiromi
Published: April 2017

We suggest a novel method that uses artificial blood cells (hemoglobin vesicles, Hb-Vs) as photosensitizers in dye laser treatment (at 595-nm wavelength) for port-wine stains (i.e., capillary malformations presenting as red birthmarks) based on the results of animal experiments. As compared with human red blood cells, Hb-Vs have the same absorbance of 595 nm wavelength light and produce the same level of heat following dye laser irradiation. Small sized Hb-Vs (250 nm) distribute in the plasma phase in blood and tend to flow in the marginal zone of microvessels. Intravenous injections of Hb-Vs caused the dilatation of microvessels, and dye laser treatment with Hb-Vs destroyed the vessel wall effectively. Following the intravenous injection of Hb-Vs, the microvessels contained more Hb that absorbed laser photons and produced heat. This extra Hb tended to flow near the endothelial cells, which were the target of the laser treatment. These attributes of Hb-Vs will potentially contribute to enhancing the efficacy of dye laser treatment for port-wine stains. Hemoglobin is a type of porphyrin. Thus, our proposed treatment may have aspects of photodynamic therapy using porphyrin that leads to a cytotoxicity effect by active oxygen.
Missing the Wood for the Wrong Trees: On the Difficulty of Defining the Complexity of Complex Problem Solving Scenarios
Authors: Beckmann Jens , Goode Natassia
Published: April 2017

In this paper we discuss how the lack of a common framework in Complex Problem Solving (CPS) creates a major hindrance to a productive integration of findings and insights gained in its 40+-year history of research. We propose a framework that anchors complexity within the tri-dimensional variable space of Person, Task and Situation. Complexity is determined by the number of information cues that need to be processed in parallel. What constitutes an information cue is dependent on the kind of task, the system or CPS scenario used and the task environment (i.e., situation) in which the task is performed. Difficulty is conceptualised as a person’s subjective reflection of complexity. Using an existing data set of N = 294 university students’ problem solving performances, we test the assumption derived from this framework that particular system features such as numbers of variables (NoV) or numbers of relationships (NoR) are inappropriate indicators of complexity. We do so by contrasting control performance across four systems that differ in these attributes. Results suggest that for controlling systems (task) with semantically neutral embedment (situation), the maximum number of dependencies any of the output variables has is a promising indicator of this task’s complexity.
Erratum: Garzon, J.L.; Ferreira, C.M. Storm Surge Modeling in Large Estuaries: Sensitivity Analyses to Parameters and Physical Processes in the Chesapeake Bay. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2016, 4, 45
Authors: Garzon Juan , Ferreira Celso
Published: April 2017

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Effects of Tungsten Addition on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Fe-3.5B Alloy in Liquid Zinc
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Mengmeng , Yin Fucheng , Ouyang Xuemei , Li Zhi
Published: April 2017

The effects of tungsten addition on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Fe-3.5B alloys in a liquid zinc bath at 520 °C were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron probe micro-analysis. The microstructure evolution in different alloys is analyzed and discussed using an extrapolated Fe-B-W ternary phase diagram. Experimental results show that there are three kinds of borides, the reticular (Fe, W)2B, the rod-like (Fe, W)3B and flower-like FeWB. The addition of tungsten can refine the microstructure and improve the stability of the reticular borides. Besides, it is beneficial to the formation of the metastable (Fe, W)3B phase. The resultant Fe-3.5B-11W (wt %) alloy possesses excellent corrosion resistance to liquid zinc. When tungsten content exceeds 11 wt %, the formed flower-like FeWB phase destroys the integrity of the reticular borides and results in the deterioration of the corrosion resistance. Also, the corrosion failure resulting from the spalling of borides due to the initiation of micro-cracks in the grain boundary of borides is discussed in this paper.
Marine Atmospheric Corrosion of Carbon Steel: A Review
Authors: Alcántara Jenifer , Fuente Daniel de la , Chico Belén , Simancas Joaquín , Díaz Iván , Morcillo Manuel
Published: April 2017

The atmospheric corrosion of carbon steel is an extensive topic that has been studied over the years by many researchers. However, until relatively recently, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the action of marine chlorides. Corrosion in coastal regions is a particularly relevant issue due the latter’s great importance to human society. About half of the world’s population lives in coastal regions and the industrialisation of developing countries tends to concentrate production plants close to the sea. Until the start of the 21st century, research on the basic mechanisms of rust formation in Cl−-rich atmospheres was limited to just a small number of studies. However, in recent years, scientific understanding of marine atmospheric corrosion has advanced greatly, and in the authors’ opinion a sufficient body of knowledge has been built up in published scientific papers to warrant an up-to-date review of the current state-of-the-art and to assess what issues still need to be addressed. That is the purpose of the present review. After a preliminary section devoted to basic concepts on atmospheric corrosion, the marine atmosphere, and experimentation on marine atmospheric corrosion, the paper addresses key aspects such as the most significant corrosion products, the characteristics of the rust layers formed, and the mechanisms of steel corrosion in marine atmospheres. Special attention is then paid to important matters such as coastal-industrial atmospheres and long-term behaviour of carbon steel exposed to marine atmospheres. The work ends with a section dedicated to issues pending, noting a series of questions in relation with which greater research efforts would seem to be necessary.
New Cytotoxic Secondary Metabolites from Marine Bryozoan Cryptosula pallasiana
Authors: Tian Xiang-Rong , Gao Yan-Qing , Tian Xiao-Lin , Li Jiao , Tang Hai-Feng , Li Yu-Shan , Lin Hou-Wen , Ma Zhi-Qing
Published: April 2017

A new sterol, (23R)-methoxycholest-5,24-dien-3β-ol (1), two new ceramides, (2S,3R,4E,8E)-2-(tetradecanoylamino)-4,8-octadecadien-l,3-diol (6) and (2S,3R,2′R,4E,8E)-2-(tetradecanoylamino)-4,8-octadecadien-l,3,2′-triol (7), together with three known sterols (2–4), a lactone (5) and two ceramides (8,9), were isolated from the marine bryozoan Cryptosula pallasiana, collected at Huang Island of China. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, chemical methods and quantum electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Among the isolated compounds, sterol 1 possessed a rare side chain with a methoxy group at C-23, and a double bond between C-24 and C-25. Ceramides 6 and 7 possessed 14 carbons in their long-chain fatty acid base (FAB), which were different from the normal ceramides with 16 carbons in the FAB. Moreover, compounds 5 and 8 were isolated for the first time from marine bryozoans. Compounds 1–9 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines HL-60, Hep-G2 and SGC-7901. The results showed that lactone 5 appears to have strong cytotoxicity against the test tumor cell lines, with IC50 values from 4.12 μM to 7.32 μM, and sterol 1 displayed moderate cytotoxicity with IC50 values between 12.34 μM and 18.37 μM, while ceramides 6–9 showed weak cytotoxicity with IC50 ranging from 21.13 μM to 58.15 μM.
Effect of the Impeller Design on Degasification Kinetics Using the Impeller Injector Technique Assisted by Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Abreu-López Diego , Amaro-Villeda Adrián , Acosta-González Francisco , González-Rivera Carlos , Ramírez-Argáez Marco
Published: April 2017

A mathematical model was developed to describe the hydrodynamics of a batch reactor for aluminum degassing utilizing the rotor-injector technique. The mathematical model uses the Eulerian algorithm to represent the two-phase system including the simulation of vortex formation at the free surface, and the use of the RNG k-ε model to account for the turbulence in the system. The model was employed to test the performances of three different impeller designs, two of which are available commercially, while the third one is a new design proposed in previous work. The model simulates the hydrodynamics and consequently helps to explain and connect the performances in terms of degassing kinetics and gas consumption found in physical modeling previously reported. Therefore, the model simulates a water physical model. The model reveals that the new impeller design distributes the bubbles more uniformly throughout the ladle, and exhibits a better-agitated bath, since the transfer of momentum to the fluids is better. Gas is evenly distributed with this design because both phases, gas and liquid, are dragged to the bottom of the ladle as a result of the higher pumping effect in comparison to the commercial designs.
Residual Stresses with Time-Independent Cyclic Plasticity in Finite Element Analysis of Welded Joints
Authors: Lostado Lorza Ruben , Corral Bobadilla Marina , Martínez Calvo María , Villanueva Roldán Pedro
Published: April 2017

Due to the intense concentration of heat in a reduced area when Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is used to join mechanical components, the regions near the weld bead are subjected to severe thermal cycles. Firstly, the region close to the weld bead that is heated tends to be in compression and, when it cools, tends to be in tension. According to Pilipenko, the material is exposed to elastic compression and, then, reaching the yield limit, undergoes plastic deformation with the appearance of residual stresses followed by elastic-plastic unloading. This could be considered as a strain-stress cycle. This paper applies plastic-strain-range memorization based on time-independent cyclic plasticity theory for butt joints with single V-groove Finite Element (FE) models that were manufactured by GMAW. The theory combines both the isotropic hardening and the nonlinear kinematic hardening rule (Chaboche model) to reproduce the behavior of cyclic plasticity and thus to obtain the residual stresses in welded joint FE models. As a practical example, the proposed theory is validated by three welded joint specimens that were manufactured with different input parameters of speed, voltage, and current. An agreement between the residual stresses obtained by the FE model proposed and those obtained experimentally by the hole drilling method at different depths demonstrates that the proposed theory could be valid for modelling the residual stresses in welded joints when cyclic plasticity is considered over the range of speed, voltage, and current studied.
Improved Solar Absorptance of WC/Co Solar Selective Absorbing Coating with Multimodal WC Particles
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Ouyang Taoyuan , Duan Xiaohua , Ke Chengzhu , Zhang Xuemin , Min Jie , Li Aang , Guo Weiyang , Cheng Xudong
Published: April 2017

One type of multimodal (comprised of nanometer and sub-micrometer WC particles) and two types of conventional (comprised of nanometer and sub-micrometer WC particles, respectively) WC/Co powders were deposited on AISI 304L stainless steel substrates by using high velocity oxygen fuel spraying. The use of multimodal WC particles was indicated to have a beneficial effect on the solar absorptance (α) of the WC/Co coatings. The α of the multimodal WC coating reached 0.87, which was much higher than what can be achieved by either fine (0.82) or coarse powders (0.80) alone. By microstructural analysis, the enhancement in solar absorptance of the multimodal WC/Co coating was ascribed to the layer of distributed WC particles. During the thermal spraying, the nanostructured WC particles underwent rapid melting for the large specific surface area while the aggregated powders were heated, but not necessarily melted. The molten nano-WC would fill the available pores between the softened and heated aggregates, providing a layered distribution of WC particles for the spray-deposited coating. In this condition, the light-trapping in the multimodal coating will be enhanced due to the efficient light reflection among the multimodal WC particles, which contributes to the enhancement of solar absorptance.
Fluid Flow and Mixing Induced by AC Continuous Electrowetting of Liquid Metal Droplet
Authors: Hu Qingming , Ren Yukun , Liu Weiyu , Chen Xiaoming , Tao Ye , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: April 2017

In this work, we proposed a novel design of a microfluidic mixer utilizing the amplified Marangoni chaotic advection induced by alternating current (AC) continuous electrowetting of a metal droplet situated in electrolyte solution, due to the linear and quadratic voltage-dependence of flow velocity at small or large voltages, respectively. Unlike previous researchers exploiting the unidirectional surface stress with direct current (DC) bias at droplet/medium interface for pumping of electrolytes where the resulting flow rate is linearly proportional to the field intensity, dominance of another kind of dipolar flow pattern caused by local Marangoni stress at the drop surface in a sufficiently intense AC electric field is demonstrated by both theoretical analysis and experimental observation, which exhibits a quadratic growth trend as a function of the applied voltage. The dipolar shear stress merely appears at larger voltages and greatly enhances the mixing performance by inducing chaotic advection between the neighboring laminar flow. The mixer design developed herein, on the basis of amplified Marangoni chaotic advection around a liquid metal droplet at larger AC voltages, has great potential for chemical reaction and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuator applications because of generating high-throughput and excellent mixing performance at the same time.
Large-Aperture kHz Operating Frequency Ti-alloy Based Optical Micro Scanning Mirror for LiDAR Application
Authors: Ye Liangchen , Zhang Gaofei , You Zheng
Published: April 2017

A micro scanning mirror is an optical device used to scan laser beams which can be used for Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) in applications like unmanned driving or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The MEMS scanning mirror’s light-weight and low-power make it a useful device in LiDAR applications. However, the MEMS scanning mirror’s small aperture limits its application because it is too small to deflect faint receiving light. In this paper, we present a Ti-alloy-based electromagnetic micro scanning mirror with very large-aperture (12 mm) and rapid scanning frequency (1.24 kHz). The size of micro-scanner’s mirror plate reached 12 mm, which is much larger than familiar MEMS scanning mirror. The scanner is designed using MEMS design method and fabricated by electro-sparking manufacture method. As the experimental results show, the resonant frequency of the micro scanning mirror is 1240 Hz and the optical scanning angle can reach 26 degrees at resonance frequency when the actuation current is 250 mApp.
Surface Roughness of Z-Cut Quartz Etched by Ammonium Bifluoride and Ammonium Bifluoride Mixed with Isopropyl Alcohol Solutions
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyun , Su Wei , Tang Bin , Xu Wei , Xiong Zhuang
Published: April 2017

It is meaningful to study the surface morphology of monocrystalline material, but there are few studies on the surface roughness of quartz. So, surface roughness of Z-cut quartz etched by pure ammonium bifluoride and ammonium bifluoride mixed with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution was investigated for the first time in this paper. Firstly, when etching in pure ammonium bifluoride solutions, the surface roughness change with etching time, etching temperature, and solution concentration were studied. Then, the surface roughness improvement given by isopropyl alcohol solution was analyzed carefully. The experimental results indicated that: the surface roughness of Z-cut quartz (0001) plane increased with etching time, but decreased with etching temperature and solution concentration; the adding of isopropyl alcohol in ammonium bifluoride solution could decrease the roughness and improve the surface quality. This is the first systemic research of the evolution of quartz surface roughness when etching in ammonium bifluoride solution, and will benefit the future design and manufacture of quartz MEMS devices.
Anti-Trypanosomatid Elemanolide Sesquiterpene Lactones from Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm
Authors: Kimani Njogu , Matasyoh Josphat , Kaiser Marcel , Brun Reto , Schmidt Thomas
Published: April 2017

Sleeping sickness or human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) threatening millions of peoples’ lives with thousands infected. The disease is endemic in poorly developed regions of sub-Saharan Africa and is caused by the kinetoplastid “protozoan” parasite Trypanosoma brucei. The parasites are transmitted to humans through bites of infected tsetse flies of the genus Glossina. The few available drugs for treatment of this disease are highly toxic, difficult to administer, costly and unavailable to poor rural communities bearing the major burden of this infection. Therefore, the search for new efficacious, safe and affordable drugs is of high importance. Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm., an indigenous African plant of the Asteraceae family, has been extensively reported to be used ethno-medicinally as a treatment for malaria. Its crude extracts obtained with solvents of different polarity were screened in vitro for anti-protozoal activity and the dichloromethane extract was found to be particularly active against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (IC50 = 0.17 µg/mL). Bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation of the dichloromethane extract led to the isolation and identification of six elemanolide type sesquiterpene lactones: 8-desacylvernolide, vernolepin, vernomenin, vernodalol, vernodalin and 11,13-dihydrovernodalin. All these elemanolide sesquiterpene lactones showed in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity. They were also tested for cytotoxicity against mammalian cells (L6 cell line). Vernolepin, the main component in the extract, was also the most potent with an IC50 value of 0.05 µg/mL against T.b. rhodesiense trypomastigotes. This compound showed a selectivity index of 14.5, which makes it an interesting candidate for in vivo tests and determination of its mechanism of action.
Acute Hypoglycemic and Antidiabetic Effect of Teuhetenone A Isolated from Turnera diffusa
Authors: Parra-Naranjo Aída , Delgado-Montemayor Cecilia , Fraga-López Alejandra , Castañeda-Corral Gabriela , Salazar-Aranda Ricardo , Acevedo-Fernández Juan , Waksman Noemi
Published: April 2017

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease that causes long-term complications and represents a serious public health problem. Turnera diffusa (damiana) is a shrub that grows throughout Mexico and is traditionally used for many illnesses including diabetes. Although a large number of plant metabolites are known, there are no reports indicating which of these are responsible for this activity, and this identification was the objective of the present work. Through bioassay-guided fractionation of a methanolic extract obtained from the aerial part of T. diffusa, teuhetenone A was isolated and identified as the main metabolite responsible for the plant’s hypoglycemic activity. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity of this metabolite were determined. Hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activities were evaluated in a murine model of diabetes in vivo, by monitoring glucose levels for six hours and comparing them with levels after administering various controls. Teuhetenone A was not cytotoxic at the tested concentrations, and did not show inhibitory activity in the glucosidase test, and the in vivo assays showed a gradual reduction in glucose levels in normoglycemic and diabetic mice. Considering these results, we suggest that teuhetenone A has potential as an antidiabetic compound, which could be further submitted to preclinical assays.
Computational Identification of Antibody Epitopes on the Dengue Virus NS1 Protein
Authors: Jones Martina , Legge Fiona , Lebani Kebaneilwe , Mahler Stephen , Young Paul , Watterson Daniel , Treutlein Herbert , Zeng Jun
Published: April 2017

We have previously described a method to predict antigenic epitopes on proteins recognized by specific antibodies. Here we have applied this method to identify epitopes on the NS1 proteins of the four Dengue virus serotypes (DENV1–4) that are bound by a small panel of monoclonal antibodies 1H7.4, 1G5.3 and Gus2. Several epitope regions were predicted for these antibodies and these were found to reflect the experimentally observed reactivities. The known binding epitopes on DENV2 for the antibodies 1H7.4 and 1G5.3 were identified, revealing the reasons for the serotype specificity of 1H7.4 and 1G5.3, and the non-selectivity of Gus2. As DENV NS1 is critical for virus replication and a key vaccine candidate, epitope prediction will be valuable in designing appropriate vaccine control strategies. The ability to predict potential epitopes by computational methods significantly reduces the amount of experimental work required to screen peptide libraries for epitope mapping.
Structure-Activity and Lipophilicity Relationships of Selected Antibacterial Natural Flavones and Flavanones of Chilean Flora
Authors: Echeverría Javier , Opazo Julia , Mendoza Leonora , Urzúa Alejandro , Wilkens Marcela
Published: April 2017

In this study, we tested eight naturally-occurring flavonoids—three flavanones and five flavones—for their possible antibacterial properties against four Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria. Flavonoids are known for their antimicrobial properties, and due their structural diversity; these plant-derived compounds are a good model to study potential novel antibacterial mechanisms. The lipophilicity and the interaction of antibacterial compounds with the cell membrane define the success or failure to access its target. Therefore, through the determination of partition coefficients in a non-polar/aqueous phase, lipophilicity estimation and the quantification of the antibacterial activity of different flavonoids, flavanones, and flavones, a relationship between these parameters was assessed. Active flavonoids presented diffusion coefficients between 9.4 × 10−10 and 12.3 × 10−10 m2/s and lipophilicity range between 2.0 to 3.3. Active flavonoids against Gram-negative bacteria showed a narrower range of lipophilicity values, compared to active flavonoids against Gram-positive bacteria, which showed a wide range of lipophilicity and cell lysis. Galangin was the most active flavonoid, whose structural features are the presence of two hydroxyl groups located strategically on ring A and the absence of polar groups on ring B. Methylation of one hydroxyl group decreases the activity in 3-O-methylgalangin, and methylation of both hydroxyl groups caused inactivation, as shown for 3,7-O-dimethylgalangin. In conclusion, the amphipathic features of flavonoids play a crucial role in the antibacterial activity. In these compounds, hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties must be present and could be predicted by lipophilicity analysis.
Structural Analysis and Immuno-Stimulating Activity of an Acidic Polysaccharide from the Stems of Dendrobium nobile Lindl.
Authors: Wang Jun-Hui , Zuo Shu-Rong , Luo Jian-Ping
Published: April 2017

Dendrobium nobile Lindl., an epiphytic herb distributed in the Southeast Asia, is used as a tonic and antipyretic herbal medicine in China. In this study, a water-soluble acidic heteropolysaccharide, DNP-W4, containing mannose, glucose, galactose, xylose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid, in the molar ratios of 1.0:4.9:2.5:0.5:1.0:0.9, was obtained from the stems of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Using methylation analysis, partial acid hydrolysis, pectolyase treatment, NMR, and ESI-MS, the structure of DNP-W4 was elucidated. The obtained data indicated that DNP-W4 was a complex heteropolysaccharide and possessed a backbone composed of (1→4)-linked β-d-Glcp, (1→6)-linked β-d-Glcp, and (1→6)-linked β-d-Galp, with substitutes at O-4/6 of Glcp residues and O-3 of Galp. The branches of DNP-W4 were composed of terminal Manp, (1→6)-linked β-d-Manp, (1→3)-linked β-d-Glcp, β-d-Glcp, β-d-Galp, (1→4)-linked α-d-GalAp, (1→2)-linked α-L-Rhap, and Xylp. DNP-W4 had little immunological activities, but its derivatives had immuno-stimulating activities to some extent.
Metronomic Cordycepin Therapy Prolongs Survival of Oral Cancer-Bearing Mice and Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Su Nai-Wen , Wu Shu-Hua , Chi Chih-Wen , Liu Chung-Ji , Tsai Tung-Hu , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: April 2017

Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) is a natural compound abundantly found in Cordyceps sinesis in natural and fermented sources. In this study, we examined the effects of cordycepin in a human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) xenograft model. Cordycepin was administered in a regular, low-dose and prolonged schedule metronomic therapy. Two doses of cordycepin (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg) were administrated five days a week for eight consecutive weeks. The tumor volumes were reduced and survival time was significantly prolonged from 30.3 ± 0.9 days (control group) to 56 days (50 mg/kg group, the day of tumor-bearing mice were sacrificed for welfare consideration). The weights of mice did not change and liver, renal, and hematologic functions were not compromised. Cordycepin inhibited the OSCC cell viability in vitro (IC50 122.4–125.2 μM). Furthermore, morphological characteristics of apoptosis, increased caspase-3 activity and G2/M cell cycle arrest were observed. In wound healing assay, cordycepin restrained the OSCC cell migration. Cordycepin upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated N-cadherin protein expression, implying inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The immunohistochemical staining of xenograft tumor with E-cadherin and vimentin validated in vitro results. In conclusion, metronomic cordycepin therapy showed effective tumor control, prolonged survival and low toxicities. Cytotoxicity against cancer cells with apoptotic features and EMT inhibition were observed.
Stepwise Splitting Growth and Pseudocapacitive Properties of Hierarchical Three-Dimensional Co3O4 Nanobooks
Authors: Chen Huilong , Lu Shuang , Gong Feilong , Liu Huanzhen , Li Feng
Published: April 2017

Three-dimensional hierarchical Co3O4 nanobooks have been synthesized successfully on a large scale by calcining orthorhombic Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O precursors with identical morphologies. Based on the influence of reaction time and urea concentration on the nanostructures of the precursors, a stepwise splitting growth mechanism can be proposed to understand the formation of the 3D nanobooks. The 3D Co3O4 nanobooks exhibit excellent pseudocapacitive performances with specific capacitances of 590, 539, 476, 453, and 421 F/g at current densities of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 A/g, respectively. The devices can retain ca. 97.4% of the original specific capacitances after undergoing charge–discharge cycle tests 1000 times continuously at 4 A/g.
Oral Supplementation with Bovine Colostrum Decreases Intestinal Permeability and Stool Concentrations of Zonulin in Athletes
Authors: Hałasa Maciej , Maciejewska Dominika , Baśkiewicz-Hałasa Magdalena , Machaliński Bogusław , Safranow Krzysztof , Stachowska Ewa
Published: April 2017

Increased intestinal permeability has been implicated in various pathologies, has various causes, and can develop during vigorous athletic training. Colostrum bovinum is a natural supplement with a wide range of supposed positive health effects, including reduction of intestine permeability. We assessed influence of colostrum supplementation on intestinal permeability related parameters in a group of 16 athletes during peak training for competition. This double-blind placebo-controlled study compared supplementation for 20 days with 500 mg of colostrum bovinum or placebo (whey). Gut permeability status was assayed by differential absorption of lactulose and mannitol (L/M test) and stool zonulin concentration. Baseline L/M tests found that six of the participants (75%) in the colostrum group had increased intestinal permeability. After supplementation, the test values were within the normal range and were significantly lower than at baseline. The colostrum group Δ values produced by comparing the post-intervention and baseline results were also significantly lower than the placebo group Δ values. The differences in stool zonulin concentration were smaller than those in the L/M test, but were significant when the Δ values due to intervention were compared between the colostrum group and the placebo group. Colostrum bovinum supplementation was safe and effective in decreasing of intestinal permeability in this series of athletes at increased risk of its elevation.
The Diet and Haemodialysis Dyad: Three Eras, Four Open Questions and Four Paradoxes. A Narrative Review, Towards a Personalized, Patient-Centered Approach
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina , Moio Maria , Fois Antioco , Sofronie Andreea , Gendrot Lurlinys , Cabiddu Gianfranca , D’Alessandro Claudia , Cupisti Adamasco
Published: April 2017

The history of dialysis and diet can be viewed as a series of battles waged against potential threats to patients’ lives. In the early years of dialysis, potassium was identified as “the killer”, and the lists patients were given of forbidden foods included most plant-derived nourishment. As soon as dialysis became more efficient and survival increased, hyperphosphatemia, was identified as the enemy, generating an even longer list of banned aliments. Conversely, the “third era” finds us combating protein-energy wasting. This review discusses four questions and four paradoxes, regarding the diet-dialysis dyad: are the “magic numbers” of nutritional requirements (calories: 30–35 kcal/kg; proteins > 1.2 g/kg) still valid? Are the guidelines based on the metabolic needs of patients on “conventional” thrice-weekly bicarbonate dialysis applicable to different dialysis schedules, including daily dialysis or haemodiafiltration? The quantity of phosphate and potassium contained in processed and preserved foods may be significantly different from those in untreated foods: what are we eating? Is malnutrition one condition or a combination of conditions? The paradoxes: obesity is associated with higher survival in dialysis, losing weight is associated with mortality, but high BMI is a contraindication for kidney transplantation; it is difficult to limit phosphate intake when a patient is on a high-protein diet, such as the ones usually prescribed on dialysis; low serum albumin is associated with low dialysis efficiency and reduced survival, but on haemodiafiltration, high efficiency is coupled with albumin losses; banning plant derived food may limit consumption of “vascular healthy” food in a vulnerable population. Tailored approaches and agreed practices are needed so that we can identify attainable goals and pursue them in our fragile haemodialysis populations.