bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture
Authors: Shunmugavelu Karthik
Published: September 2018

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(4) 2018 p.674
Facial and ocular presentations of Carbimazole induced agranulocytosis: A case report
Authors: Huat Teoh Soo , Salleh Liyana
Published: September 2018

We report a case of 61-year-old lady who presented with signs and symptoms of acute dacryocystitis, preseptal and facial cellulitis secondary to carbimazole induced agranulocytosis. Her condition was complicated by sepsis whereby she was admitted for intravenous antibiotics, subcutaneous Filgrastim administration and surgical intervention.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(4) 2018 p.678-679
The challenge in diagnosing Crohn’s disease in TB endemic region – A case report with review of literature
Authors: Mohammed Gouse S Suban , Ganapathy Hemalatha , Devi Bhuvanamha , Rao G Bheema , Parijatham BO
Published: September 2018

The challenge in diagnosing the regional ileitis existed since 1932 when Crohn, Ginzberg and Oppenheimer first reported their case1. Many Indian researchers accepted that during last decade there was considerable increase in the incidence of Crohn’s disease (CD) in India which poses great challenge in diagnosing it, due to high prevalence of tuberculosis2. In this perspective we report a case which made a stimulus to review the literature. The purpose of this manuscript is 1. To document the occurrence of an additional case of CD in India, 2. To report that CD can rarely present as post operative enterocutaneous fistula, 3. To discuss the criteria in diagnosing the CD in Tuberculosis (TB) endemic area.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(4) 2018 p.688-690
Social Media and Customer-Based Brand Equity: An Empirical Investigation in Retail Industry
Authors: Colicev Anatoli , Malshe Ashwin , Pauwels Koen
Published: September 2018

As customer-brand engagement progressively shifts to digital domains, understanding social media effects in branding has become a vital issue. Social media effectiveness is especially important for the US retail sector due to intense competition among retailers for consumer attention and engagement on digital channels. Yet, the research on the effectiveness of social media in the retail industry remains sparse. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how social media affects US retailers’ customer-based brand equity (CBBE) which is an important indicator of brand success. Using a dataset of 15,717 retailer-day observations, the authors empirically test the dynamics between owned and earned social media and CBBE using panel vector autoregression (PVAR). The authors find strong impacts of owned and earned social media on CBBE across the board. However, they find that owned social media harms CBBE of retailers dealing in hedonic and high involvement products. Whereas owned social media helps general retailers in building CBBE, it reduces CBBE of specialty retailers.
Antioxidative 1,4-Dihydropyridine Derivatives Modulate Oxidative Stress and Growth of Human Osteoblast-Like Cells In Vitro
Authors: Milkovic Lidija , Vukovic Tea , Zarkovic Neven , Tatzber Franz , Bisenieks Egils , Kalme Zenta , Bruvere Imanta , Ogle Zaiga , Poikans Janis , Velena Astrida , Duburs Gunars
Published: September 2018

Oxidative stress has been implicated in pathophysiology of different human stress- and age-associated disorders, including osteoporosis for which antioxidants could be considered as therapeutic remedies as was suggested recently. The 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) derivatives are known for their pleiotropic activity, with some also acting as antioxidants. To find compounds with potential antioxidative activity, a group of 27 structurally diverse DHPs, as well as one pyridine compound, were studied. A group of 11 DHPs with 10-fold higher antioxidative potential than of uric acid, were further tested in cell model of human osteoblast-like cells. Short-term combined effects of DHPs and 50 µM H2O2 (1-h each), revealed better antioxidative potential of DHPs if administered before a stressor. Indirect 24-h effect of DHPs was evaluated in cells further exposed to mild oxidative stress conditions induced either by H2O2 or tert-butyl hydroperoxide (both 50 µM). Cell growth (viability and proliferation), generation of ROS and intracellular glutathione concentration were evaluated. The promotion of cell growth was highly dependent on the concentrations of DHPs used, type of stressor applied and treatment set-up. Thiocarbatone III-1, E2-134-1 III-4, Carbatone II-1, AV-153 IV-1, and Diethone I could be considered as therapeutic agents for osteoporosis although further research is needed to elucidate their bioactivity mechanisms, in particular in respect to signaling pathways involving 4-hydroxynoneal and related second messengers of free radicals.
Design and Research of Double-Sided Linear Switched Reluctance Generator for Wave Energy Conversion
Authors: Chen Yan , Cao Min , Ma Chunyan , Feng Zhigang
Published: September 2018

As a clean and renewable energy source, wave energy is of great significance in solving primary energy shortages and environmental pollution. Direct-drive wave power systems consisting of linear generators have attracted the attention of researchers from various countries. Linear Switched Reluctance Generator has the advantages of simple structure, sturdiness, reliable operation, suitable for harsh environments, and easy maintenance, aiming at the problem of single-sided magnetic pull force and serious coupling of phase winding of traditional linear switched reluctance generator, a Double-sided Linear Switched Reluctance Generator (DLSRG) for wave power generation is designed, and its electromagnetic characteristics (including coupling characteristics, magnetic saturation characteristics, and magnetic tension characteristics) are analyzed to verify the rationality of the structure and parameter selection. Finally, the power generation performance is studied. The joint simulation results show that the structure design of DLSRG is reasonable, overcomes the problem of single-sided magnetic pull force, the phase-to-phase coupling is negligible, and it has continuous power generation capability, and the power generation efficiency is as high as 80.6%. Therefore, DLSRG designed in this paper is suitable for wave power generation.
Autologous Transplantation for Older Adults with AML
Authors: Mueller Beatrice U. , Seipel Katja , Bacher Ulrike , Pabst Thomas
Published: September 2018

While the majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are above the age of 65 years at diagnosis, the outcome of older AML patients remains disappointing. Even if standard intensive chemotherapy induces morphologic complete remission (CR1), relapses in older AML patients are common leading to poor long-term survival outcomes. Since autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) offers distinct anti-leukemic effectiveness while avoiding graft-versus-host disease associated with allogeneic transplantation, it represents an option for consolidation treatment in selected older AML patients. However, prospective studies in older AML patients assessing the benefit of autologous HCT compared to chemotherapy consolidation or allogeneic transplantation are lacking. Consequently, clinicians face the dilemma that there is considerable ambiguity on the most appropriate consolidation treatment for older AML patients in CR1. This review highlights the possible role of autologous HCT for consolidation in older AML patients reaching CR1 after induction treatment.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Prevents In Vitro Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transition: Involvement of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-A/VEGF Receptor-1-Mediated Signaling †
Authors: Chellini Flaminia , Tani Alessia , Vallone Larissa , Nosi Daniele , Pavan Paola , Bambi Franco , Zecchi Orlandini Sandra , Sassoli Chiara
Published: September 2018

The antifibrotic potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is controversial. This study examined the effects of PRP on in vitro transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, the main drivers of fibrosis, and the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A in mediating PRP-induced responses. The impact of PRP alone on fibroblast differentiation was also assessed. Myofibroblastic phenotype was evaluated by confocal fluorescence microscopy and western blotting analyses of α-smooth muscle actin (sma) and type-1 collagen expression, vinculin-rich focal adhesion clustering, and stress fiber assembly. Notch-1, connexin 43, and VEGF-A expression were also analyzed by RT-PCR. PRP negatively regulated fibroblast-myofibroblast transition via VEGF-A/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. Indeed TGF-β1/PRP co-treated fibroblasts showed a robust attenuation of the myofibroblastic phenotype concomitant with a decrease of Smad3 expression levels. The VEGFR-1 inhibition by KRN633 or blocking antibodies, or VEGF-A neutralization in these cells prevented the PRP-promoted effects. Moreover PRP abrogated the TGF-β1-induced reduction of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 cell expression. The role of VEGF-A signaling in counteracting myofibroblast generation was confirmed by cell treatment with soluble VEGF-A. PRP as single treatment did not induce fibroblast myodifferentiation. This study provides new insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning PRP antifibrotic action.
Fluorescent Probes for Live Cell Imaging
Authors: Chen Zhijie , Lukinavičius Gražvydas
Published: September 2018

n/a
Representation and Characterization of Nonstationary Processes by Dilation Operators and Induced Shape Space Manifolds
Authors: Dugast Maël , Bouleux Guillaume , Marcon Eric
Published: September 2018

We proposed in this work the introduction of a new vision of stochastic processes through geometry induced by dilation. The dilation matrices of a given process are obtained by a composition of rotation matrices built in with respect to partial correlation coefficients. Particularly interesting is the fact that the obtention of dilation matrices is regardless of the stationarity of the underlying process. When the process is stationary, only one dilation matrix is obtained and it corresponds therefore to Naimark dilation. When the process is nonstationary, a set of dilation matrices is obtained. They correspond to Kolmogorov decomposition. In this work, the nonstationary class of periodically correlated processes was of interest. The underlying periodicity of correlation coefficients is then transmitted to the set of dilation matrices. Because this set lives on the Lie group of rotation matrices, we can see them as points of a closed curve on the Lie group. Geometrical aspects can then be investigated through the shape of the obtained curves, and to give a complete insight into the space of curves, a metric and the derived geodesic equations are provided. The general results are adapted to the more specific case where the base manifold is the Lie group of rotation matrices, and because the metric in the space of curve naturally extends to the space of shapes; this enables a comparison between curves’ shapes and allows then the classification of random processes’ measures.
Unequal Incentives and Perceived Fairness in Groups
Authors: Eisenkopf Gerald
Published: September 2018

Incentives shape how much people contribute to the welfare of a group. These incentives do not restrict the opportunities but they change the costs of contributions. This paper studies how the random assignment of such incentives affects perceived distributive justice among group members. Do people consider differences in incentives similar to unequal opportunities, that is, situations in which some people have a lower chance to make a high contribution? The results from a real effort experiment show that the economic framing of incentives matters in this context. If some people do not work for the common good because of rather large private costs, they appreciate these ‘negative incentives’ similarly to unequal opportunities. They do not do so, and become less egalitarian, if lower effort for the group increases the chance for private gains (‘positive incentives’). Interestingly, participants reward group members who do not limit their expected contributions to the group despite adverse incentives.
Using Remote Sensing to Analyse Net Land-Use Change from Conflicting Sustainability Policies: The Case of Amsterdam
Authors: Giezen Mendel , Balikci Stella , Arundel Rowan
Published: September 2018

In order to achieve the ambitious Sustainable Development Goal #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), an integrative approach is necessary. Complex outcomes such as sustainable cities are the product of a range of policies and drivers that are sometimes at odds with each other. Yet, traditional policy assessments often focus on specific ambitions such as housing, green spaces, etc., and are blind to the consequences of policy interactions. This research proposes the use of remote sensing technologies to monitor and analyse the resultant effects of opposing urban policies. In particular, we will look at the conflicting policy goals in Amsterdam between the policy to densify, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, goals of protecting and improving urban green space. We conducted an analysis to detect changes in land-uses within the urban core of Amsterdam, using satellite images from 2003 and 2016. The results indeed show a decrease of green space and an increase in the built-up environment. In addition, we reveal strong fragmentation of green space, indicating that green space is increasingly available in smaller patches. These results illustrate that the urban green space policies of the municipality appear insufficient to mitigate the negative outcomes of the city’s densification on urban green space. Additionally, we demonstrate how remote sensing can be a valuable instrument in investigating the net consequences of policies and urban developments that would be difficult to monitor through traditional policy assessments.
Zingerone Suppresses Tumor Development through Decreasing Cyclin D1 Expression and Inducing Mitotic Arrest
Authors: Choi Jae-Sun , Ryu Jaewook , Bae Woom-Yee , Park Aron , Nam Seungyoon , Kim Ja-Eun , Jeong Joo-Won
Published: September 2018

Cancer cells undergo uncontrolled proliferation resulting from aberrant activity of various cell-cycle proteins. Therefore, despite recent advances in intensive chemotherapy, it is difficult to cure cancer completely. Recently, cell-cycle regulators became attractive targets in cancer therapy. Zingerone, a phenolic compound isolated from ginger, is a nontoxic and inexpensive compound with varied pharmacological activities. In this study, the therapeutic effect of zingerone as an anti-mitotic agent in human neuroblastoma cells was investigated. Following treatment of BE(2)-M17 cells with zingerone, we performed a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and colony-formation assay to evaluate cellular proliferation, in addition to immunofluorescence cytochemistry and flow cytometry to examine the mitotic cells. The association of gene expression with tumor stage and survival was analyzed. Furthermore, to examine the anti-cancer effect of zingerone, we applied a BALB/c mouse-tumor model using a BALB/c-derived adenocarcinoma cell line. In human neuroblastoma cells, zingerone inhibited cellular viability and survival. Moreover, the number of mitotic cells, particularly those in prometaphase, increased in zingerone-treated neuroblastoma cells. Regarding specific molecular mechanisms, zingerone decreased cyclin D1 expression and induced the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1). The decrease in cyclin D1 and increase in histone H3 phosphorylated (p)-Ser10 were confirmed by immunohistochemistry in tumor tissues administered with zingerone. These results suggest that zingerone induces mitotic arrest followed by inhibition of growth of neuroblastoma cells. Collectively, zingerone may be a potential therapeutic drug for human cancers, including neuroblastoma.
Circulating Serum miRNA-205 as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Ototoxicity in Mice Treated with Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
Authors: Lee Sun Hee , Ju Hyun Mi , Choi Jin Sil , Ahn Yeji , Lee Suhun , Seo Young Joon
Published: September 2018

Background: To confirm levels and detection timing of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the serum of a mouse model for diagnosis of ototoxicity, circulating miR-205 in the serum was evaluated to reflect damages in the cochlear microstructure and compared to a kidney injury model. Method: A microarray for miRNAs in the serum was performed to assess the ototoxic effects of kanamycin-furosemide. Changes in the levels for the selected miRNAs (miR-205, miR-183, and miR-103) were compared in the serum and microstructures of the cochlea (stria vascularis, organ of Corti, and modiolus) between the ototoxicity and normal mouse groups. An acute kidney injury (AKI) mouse model was used to assess changes in miR-205 levels in the kidney by ototoxic drugs. Results: In the mouse model for ototoxicity, the serum levels of circulating miR-205 peaked on day 3 and were sustained from days 7–14. Furthermore, miR-205 expression was highly expressed in the organ of Corti at day 5, continued to be expressed in the modiolus at high levels until day 14, and was finally also in the stria vascularis. The serum miR-205 in the AKI mice did not change significantly compared to the normal group. Conclusions Circulating miR-205 from the cochlea, after ototoxic damage, migrates through the blood vessels to organs, which is then finally found in blood. In conditions of hearing impairment with ototoxic medications, detection of circulating miR-205 in the blood can be used to determine the extent of hearing loss. In the future, inner ear damage can be identified by simply performing a blood test before the hearing impairment due to ototoxic drugs.
Deep Brain Stimulation Modified Autism-Like Deficits via the Serotonin System in a Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Model
Authors: Wu Han-Fang , Chen Yi-Ju , Chu Ming-Chia , Hsu Ya-Ting , Lu Ting-Yi , Chen I-Tuan , Chen Po See , Lin Hui-Ching
Published: September 2018

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is known to be a promising treatment for resistant depression, which acts via the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex (ILPFC). Previous study revealed that dysfunction of brain 5-HT homeostasis is related to a valproate (VPA)-induced rat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) model. Whether ILPFC DBS rescues deficits in VPA-induced offspring through the 5-HT system is not known. Using VPA-induced offspring, we therefore explored the effect of DBS in autistic phenotypes and further investigated the underlying mechanism. Using combined behavioral and molecular approaches, we observed that applying DBS and 5-HT1A receptor agonist treatment with 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) reversed sociability deficits, anxiety and hyperactivity in the VPA-exposed offspring. We then administered the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide maleate (WAY 100635), following which the effect of DBS in terms of improving autistic behaviors was blocked in the VPA-exposed offspring. Furthermore, we found that both 8-OH-DPAT and DBS treatment rescued autistic behaviors by decreasing the expressions of NR2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and the β3 subunit of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAAR) in the PFC region. These results provided the first evidence of characteristic behavioral changes in VPA-induced offspring caused by DBS via the 5-HT system in the ILPFC.
Estimation of Arterial Carbon Dioxide Based on End-Tidal Gas Pressure and Oxygen Saturation
Authors: Rentola Raisa , Hästbacka Johanna , Heinonen Erkki , Rosenberg Per H. , Häggblom Tom , Skrifvars Markus B.
Published: September 2018

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is the traditional method for measuring the partial pressure of carbon dioxide. In mechanically ventilated patients a continuous noninvasive monitoring of carbon dioxide would obviously be attractive. In the current study, we present a novel formula for noninvasive estimation of arterial carbon dioxide. Eighty-one datasets were collected from 19 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs. Eleven animals were mechanically ventilated without interventions. In the remaining eight pigs the partial pressure of carbon dioxide was manipulated. The new formula (Formula 1) is PaCO2 = PETCO2 + k(PETO2 − PaO2) where PaO2 was calculated from the oxygen saturation. We tested the agreements of this novel formula and compared it to a traditional method using the baseline PaCO2 − ETCO2 gap added to subsequently measured, end-tidal carbon dioxide levels (Formula 2). The mean difference between PaCO2 and calculated carbon dioxide (Formula 1) was 0.16 kPa (±SE 1.17). The mean difference between PaCO2 and carbon dioxide with Formula 2 was 0.66 kPa (±SE 0.18). With a mixed linear model excluding cases with cardiorespiratory collapse, there was a significant difference between formulae (p < 0.001), as well as significant interaction between formulae and time (p < 0.001). In this preliminary animal study, this novel formula appears to have a reasonable agreement with PaCO2 values measured with ABG analysis, but needs further validation in human patients.
Dystrophin Cardiomyopathies: Clinical Management, Molecular Pathogenesis and Evolution towards Precision Medicine
Authors: D’Amario Domenico , Gowran Aoife , Canonico Francesco , Castiglioni Elisa , Rovina Davide , Santoro Rosaria , Spinelli Pietro , Adorisio Rachele , Amodeo Antonio , Perrucci Gianluca Lorenzo , Borovac Josip A. , Pompilio Giulio , Crea Filippo
Published: September 2018

Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy is an X-linked neuromuscular disease that manifests as muscle atrophy and cardiomyopathy in young boys. However, a considerable percentage of carrier females are often diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at an advanced stage. Existing therapy is not disease-specific and has limited effect, thus many patients and symptomatic carrier females prematurely die due to heart failure. Early detection is one of the major challenges that muscular dystrophy patients, carrier females, family members and, research and medical teams face in the complex course of dystrophic cardiomyopathy management. Despite the widespread adoption of advanced imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance, there is much scope for refining the diagnosis and treatment of dystrophic cardiomyopathy. This comprehensive review will focus on the pertinent clinical aspects of cardiac disease in muscular dystrophy while also providing a detailed consideration of the known and developing concepts in the pathophysiology of muscular dystrophy and forthcoming therapeutic options.
Modulated Response of Subtropical Gyres: Positive Feedback Loop, Subharmonic Modes, Resonant Solar and Orbital Forcing
Authors: Pinault Jean-Louis
Published: September 2018

Evidence of long-term variability in the upper ocean has emerged for two decades. Most of the issues discussed raise a lot of questions. What is the driver of the decadal oscillation of rainfall in Europe that has been observed since the end of the 20th century? How to explain low-frequency variability as observed in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)? More generally, how does solar and orbital forcing occur during very long-term climate change? The observations suggest that both a positive feedback loop amplifies the effects of the insolation gradient on the climate system and a resonance phenomenon occurs, filtering out some frequencies in favour of others. Throughout this paper, some answers to these problems are given from a new concept based on the modulated response of subtropical gyres to solar and orbital forcing. Subtropical gyres turn out to be the main driver of long-term climate variability because they tightly control, via the western boundary currents, heat transport from the tropics into middle and high latitudes. Specifically, the theoretical foundations of long-period Rossby waves winding around the subtropical gyres are laid, suggested by the observations of persistent sea surface temperature anomalies at mid-latitudes. Multi-frequency Gyral Rossby Waves (GRWs) exhibit properties resulting from their annular structure and their coupling. Using a β-cone approximation, the momentum equations are solved in polar coordinates. The gradient β of the Coriolis parameter depends on the mean radius of the annulus and remains constant all around the latter. GRWs result from the variation in the Coriolis Effect with the mean radius of the annulus. The speed of the anti-cyclonically wind-driven circulation being higher than the phase velocity of cyclonically propagating GRWs, amplified forcing effects occur as well as resonances for periods consistent with the observations.
The Use of Galleria mellonella Larvae to Identify Novel Antimicrobial Agents against Fungal Species of Medical Interest
Authors: Kavanagh Kevin , Sheehan Gerard
Published: September 2018

The immune system of insects and the innate immune response of mammals share many similarities and, as a result, insects may be used to assess the virulence of fungal pathogens and give results similar to those from mammals. Larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella are widely used in this capacity and also for assessing the toxicity and in vivo efficacy of antifungal drugs. G. mellonella larvae are easy to use, inexpensive to purchase and house, and have none of the legal/ethical restrictions that are associated with use of mammals. Larvae may be inoculated by intra-hemocoel injection or by force-feeding. Larvae can be used to assess the in vivo toxicity of antifungal drugs using a variety of cellular, proteomic, and molecular techniques. Larvae have also been used to identify the optimum combinations of antifungal drugs for use in the treatment of recalcitrant fungal infections in mammals. The introduction of foreign material into the hemocoel of larvae can induce an immune priming effect which may operate independently with the activity of the antifungal drug. Procedures to identify this effect and limit its action are required.
Green Transforming Metallurgical Residue into Alkali-Activated Silicomanganese Slag-Based Cementitious Material as Photocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Yao Jun , He Pan Yang , Chen Hao , Liu Li Cai
Published: September 2018

Silicomanganese slag is a solid waste in metallurgical industry and can be transformed into an alkali-activated silicomanganese slag-based cementitious-material (ASSC) for the first time. The ASSC shows quite low electro-conductivity and can be raised dramatically by incorporated carbon black (CB) in the matrix of ASSC to create an electro-conductive alkali-activated silicomanganese slag-based cementitious-composite (EASSC), served as a low cost and environmentally-friendly photocatalyst for the removal of dye pollutant in the paper. The interrelationships of mechanical, optical, electroconductive, microstructural, and photocatalytic properties are evaluated. The network of CB plays a critical role in the electron transfers. The electrical conductivity of EASSC doped 4.5% CB drastically increases by 594.2 times compared to that of ASSC. The FESEM, XRD, and XPS results indicated that the EASSC with mean grain size about 50 nm is composed of amorphous calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), alabandite (α-MnS) and CB. The UV–vis DRS and PL exhibit that the absorption edges of electro-conductive alkali-activated silicomanganese slag-based cementitious-composite EASSC samples are gradually blue-shifted and the photoluminescence intensities progressively decrease with increasing CB content. The activities of photocatalytic degradation of basic violet 5BN dye are positive correlated to the electro-conductivities. The separation efficiency of photo-generated electron-hole pairs is enhanced due to the electron transfers from α-MnS to the network of CB. The photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutant belongs to the second order kinetics via a reaction mechanism of superoxide radical (•O2−) intermediate.
Large-Strain Hyperelastic Constitutive Model of Envelope Material under Biaxial Tension with Different Stress Ratios
Authors: Qu Zhipeng , He Wei , Lv Mingyun , Xiao Houdi
Published: September 2018

This paper reports the biaxial tensile mechanical properties of the envelope material through experimental and constitutive models. First, the biaxial tensile failure tests of the envelope material with different stress ratio in warp and weft directions are carried out. Then, based on fiber-reinforced continuum mechanics theory, an anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive model on envelope material with different stress ratio is developed. A strain energy function that characterizes the anisotropic behavior of the envelope material is decomposed into three parts: fiber, matrix and fiber–fiber interaction. The fiber–matrix interaction is eliminated in this model. A new simple model for fiber–fiber interaction with different stress ratio is developed. Finally, the results show that the constitutive model has a good agreement with the experiment results. The results can be used to provide a reference for structural design of envelope material.
Study of Almond Shell Characteristics
Authors: Li Xuemin , Liu Yinan , Hao Jianxiu , Wang Weihong
Published: September 2018

A large amount of almond shells are disposed of every year. The anatomical and chemical characteristics of almond shells are investigated in this paper in order to contribute to better utilization of these shells. The micromorphology, surface elements, thermal stability, crystallization, chemical composition, and relative properties of almond shells are analyzed. Under observation by microscope and electron microscope, the diameter of almond shells is 300–500 μm for large holes, and 40–60 μm for small holes present in the shell. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows the elements of almond shells include C (72.27%), O (22.88%), N (3.87%), and Si (0.87%). The main chemical constituents of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in almond shells account for 38.48%, 28.82% and 29.54%, respectively. The alkaline extract content of almond shells is 14.03%, and benzene alcohol extraction is 8.00%. The benzene alcohol extractives of almond shells mainly contain 17 types of organic compound, including benzene ring, ethylene, carbon three bond, and other mufti-functional groups. Thermal stability analysis shows almond shells mainly lose weight at 260 °C and 335 °C. These characteristics indicate that almond shells have the capacity to be used in composites and absorption materials.
The Effects of Using Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles as Heat Transfer Fillers on Morphology and Thermal Performances of Form-Stable Phase Change Fibrous Membranes Based on Capric–Palmitic–Stearic Acid Ternary Eutectic/Polyacrylonitrile Composite
Authors: Ke Huizhen , Li Yonggui
Published: September 2018

In this paper, innovative capric–palmitic–stearic acid ternary eutectic/polyacrylonitrile/aluminum oxide (CA–PA–SA/PAN/Al2O3) form-stable phase change composite fibrous membranes (PCCFMs) with different mass ratios of Al2O3 nanoparticles were prepared for thermal energy storage. The influences of Al2O3 nanoparticles on morphology and thermal performances of the form-stable PCCFMs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and measurement of melting and freezing times, respectively. The results showed that there was no apparent leakage trace from the SEM observation. The DSC analysis indicated that the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles had no significant effect on phase transition temperatures and enthalpies of the CA–PA–SA/PAN/Al2O3 form-stable PCCFMs. The melting peak temperatures and melting enthalpies of form-stable PCCFMs were about 25 °C and 131–139 kJ/kg, respectively. The melting and freezing times of the CA–PA–SA/PAN/Al2O310 form-stable PCCFMs were shortened by approximately 21% and 23%, respectively, compared with those of the CA–PA–SA/PAN form-stable PCCFMs due to the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles acting as heat transfer fillers.
Effect of Quenching Temperature on Microstructure and Rolling Contact Fatigue Behavior of 17Cr2Ni2MoVNb Steel
Authors: Zhang Yalong , Qu Shengguan , Lai Fuqiang , Qin Haidi , Huang Liman , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2018

17Cr2Ni2MoVNb steel is a new type of gear steel in the automotive industry; the rolling contact fatigue behavior is not well documented. In this study, some microscopic analysis methods (optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS)) were used to characterize material microstructure and damage surface. In addition, rolling contact fatigue behavior was evaluated by Weibull curve. The results show that the size of austenite grain increased while the quenching temperature increased. Moreover, the samples with a quenching temperature of 1000 °C exhibited the maximum mean life of 7.33 × 105 cycles. In addition, the failure mode of quenched at 900 °C and 1100 °C were delamination, and pitting was the main failure mode of 1000 °C.
Hairless Canaryseed: A Novel Cereal with Health Promoting Potential
Authors: Mason Emily , L’Hocine Lamia , Achouri Allaoua , Karboune Salwa
Published: September 2018

Glabrous canaryseeds were recently approved for human consumption as a novel cereal grain in Canada and the United States. Previously, canaryseeds were exclusively used as birdseed due to the presence of carcinogenic silica fibers; therefore the nutritional value of the seeds has been seriously overlooked. Two cultivars of glabrous canaryseeds (yellow and brown) were created from the hairy varieties. They are high in protein compared to other cereal grains, and contain high amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid normally lacking in cereals, and are gluten-free. Bioactive peptides of canaryseeds produced by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive activity. The seeds contain other constituents with health promoting effects, including unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and phytochemicals. Anti-nutritional components in the seeds are comparable to other cereal grains. Because of their beneficial health effects, canaryseeds should be regarded as a healthy food and have immense potential as a functional food and ingredient. Further research is required to determine additional bioactive peptide activity and capacity, as well as differences between the yellow and brown cultivars.
Removal of Aromatic Chlorinated Pesticides from Aqueous Solution Using β-Cyclodextrin Polymers Decorated with Fe3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Salazar Sebastián , Guerra Daniel , Yutronic Nicolás , Jara Paul
Published: September 2018

This article describes the sorption properties of cyclodextrin polymers (nanosponges; NS) with the pesticides 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) and 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol (TCF), including an evaluation of its efficiency and a comparison with other materials, such as granulated activated carbon (GAC). NS-pesticide complexes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), UV–VIS, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This confirms the interactions of the guests with nanosponges and shows that the polymers have favorable sorption capacities for chlorinated aromatic guests. Our studies also show that the inclusion complex is predominantly favored for NS/CPA rather than those formed between TCF and NS due to the size of the adsorbate and steric effects. Sorption studies carried with repeated cycles demonstrate that NS polymers could be an improved technology for pollutant removal from aquatic environments, as they are very efficient and reusable materials. Our experiments and characterization by SEM, EDS, UV–VIS, and magnetization saturation (VSM) also show that NS is an optimal substrate for the deposition of magnetite nanoparticles, thus improving the usefulness and properties of the polymer, as the nanosponges could be retrieved from aqueous solution with a neodymium magnet without losing its efficiency as a pesticide sorbent.
3D Printed Polymeric Hydrogels for Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Maiti Binoy , Díaz Díaz David
Published: September 2018

The human nervous system lacks an inherent ability to regenerate its components upon damage or diseased conditions. During the last decade, this has motivated the development of a number of strategies for nerve regeneration. However, most of those approaches have not been used in clinical applications till today. For instance, although biomaterial-based scaffolds have been extensively used for nerve reparation, the lack of more customized structures have hampered their use in vivo. This highlight focuses mainly on how 3D bioprinting technology, using polymeric hydrogels as bio-inks, can be used for the development of new nerve guidance channels or devices for peripheral nerve cell regeneration. In this concise contribution, some of the most recent and representative examples are highlighted to discuss the challenges involved in various aspects of 3D bioprinting for nerve cell regeneration, specifically when using polymeric hydrogels.
PBN11-8, a Cytotoxic Polypeptide Purified from Marine Bacillus, Suppresses Invasion and Migration of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting Focal Adhesion Kinase Pathways
Authors: Zheng Lanhong , Zhu Xiangjie , Yang Kangli , Zhu Meihong , Farooqi Ammad , Kang Daole , Sun Mi , Xu Yixin , Lin Xiukun , Feng Yingang , Liang Fangfang , Zhang Fuming , Linhardt Robert
Published: September 2018

The development of antitumor drugs has attracted cancer researchers and the identification of novel antitumor lead compounds is certainly of great interest. The fermentation broth of Bacillus sp. N11-8, which was isolated from the Antarctic waters, showed cytotoxicity towards different cells. A cytotoxic polypeptide, PBN11-8, was purified from the fermentation broth of Bacillus sp. N11-8 using ultrafiltration, ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion exchange liquid chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cloning and sequence analysis showed that PBN11-8 polypeptide (MW: ~19 kDa by the electrospray-ionization (ESI)) displayed high similarity with peptidase M84 from Bacillus pumilus. PBN11-8 possessed moderate cytotoxicity towards several cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 1.56, 1.80, 1.57, and 1.73 µg/mL against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-7402, human renal clear cell adenocarcinoma cell line 786-0, human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, and human pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-28, respectively. Moreover, the polypeptide displayed weak cytotoxicity towards normal cell line renal tubular epithelial cell line HK2 and human normal liver cell line L02 cells. Wound healing migration and Transwell experiments demonstrate that PBN11-8 could inhibit the migration and invasion of BEL-7402. Further investigation revealed that PBN11-8 suppresses focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated adhesion, migration, and invasion by disturbing FAK/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling and matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in BEL-7402 cells. Thus, PBN11-8 represents a potential novel anti-cancer lead compound.
Air-Coupled Excitation of a Slow A0 Mode Wave in Thin Plastic Films by an Ultrasonic PMN-32%PT Array
Authors: Kazys Rymantas J. , Mazeika Liudas , Sliteris Reimondas , Sestoke Justina
Published: September 2018

Ultrasonic non-destructive testing techniques (NDT) based on the application of guided waves are already used for inspection of plate-type structures made of various materials, including composite materials. Air-coupled ultrasonic techniques are used to test such structures by means of guided waves. The objective of this research was development and investigation of air-coupled excitation of a slow A0 Lamb wave mode in thin plastic films by a PMN-32%PT ultrasonic array. It is known that when the velocity of the A0 mode in the film is less than the ultrasound velocity in air no leaky wave is observed in a surrounding air. It opens new possibilities for NDT of composite structures. The influence of the airborne wave may be eliminated by 3D filtering in a wavenumbers-frequency domain. A special filter and corresponding signals processing technique were developed in order to obtain directivity patterns and velocity maps of the waves propagating in all directions. The measured ultrasound velocity values prove that, with the proposed method, it is possible to excite a slow A0 Lamb wave mode and to separate it from other parasitic waves propagating in air. Measurements of the parameters of the slow A0 mode, such as the propagation velocity in the plastic film, may be applied for the material characterization.
Partnerships between an At-Risk Youth CrossFit Program and Local Community Organizations: Focusing on the Antecedents to Partnership Development
Authors: Gipson Christina M. , Campbell Natalie , Malcom Nancy L.
Published: September 2018

A large body of research has established that sport intervention programs can have social, emotional and health benefits for at-risk youth. While research has focused on the positive outcomes associated with these programs, little attention has been given to program inputs. It is recognized that community partnerships can help intervention programs achieve their goals. Yet, how are such partnerships formed and what can help to promote the successful formation of partnerships? This paper provides a detailed account of the partnership implementation process undertaken to develop and deliver a health promotion physical activity program for at-risk youth through the medium of CrossFit in a low socioeconomic area in a rural community in the southeastern United States. Developing successful partnerships serves as a valuable component to help organizations obtain resources and skills needed to initiate and continue programs for underserved populations. The scholars identify and explain how critical success factors such as personal contact, partnership complementarity and fit and the promotion of high levels of commitment and trust, serve as important starting points for developing and maintaining strong community partnerships.
Sizing of the Drone Delivery Fleet Considering Energy Autonomy
Authors: Troudi Asma , Addouche Sid-Ali , Dellagi Sofiene , Mhamedi Abderrahman El
Published: September 2018

One of the most innovative solutions treated in the literature in order to reduce the environmental impact of urban parcel delivery logistics is the use of drones for delivery on the last kilometer. Consequently, nowadays, the primary challenge is essentially related to the drones’ fleet sizing according to its means of support for the urban delivery of parcels. In this paper, we will discuss the issue of dimensioning from a forecast of deliveries of an urban perimeter, the size of the fleet, the stock of battery to dispose of and the strategy of battery charging. We will present an analytical model expressing the proposed problem of the optimal drones’ delivery mission taking into account the issues of autonomy and energy consumption related to the drone’s technical specification. According to the developed analytical model, two optimization policies will be proposed. The first policy consists of planning missions under reducing distance. The second policy tries to make a compromise between the distance and the number of drones. A case study will be presented in order to compare the two policies based on the overall cost of a plan. The main objective of the study is to create a decision-making tool for the design of a drone fleet in the case of forecast deliveries over a time horizon under operational constraints.
Research on Geospatial Association of the Urban Agglomeration around the South China Sea Based on Marine Traffic Flow
Authors: Zhang Xianzhe , Chen Yanming , Li Manchun
Published: September 2018

Studying the geospatial association within the urban agglomeration around the South China Sea can provide a basis for understanding the internal development of the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (CAFTA) and provide ideas for promoting economic and trade cooperation among cities in the region. The purpose of this paper was to reflect the characteristics of the urban agglomeration association network based on big traffic data. Based on trajectory data mining and complex network analysis methods, the automatic identification system (AIS) data was used to construct the traffic flow association network of the urban agglomeration around the South China Sea and then analysis and evaluation were carried out in three aspects: Spatial distribution characteristics of marine traffic flow, analysis of spatial hierarchy and internal difference analysis of the urban agglomeration. The results show the following: (1) The distribution of marine traffic flow within the urban agglomeration around the South China Sea is characterized by polarization and localization and shows a specific power-law distribution; (2) there is a close relationship within the urban agglomeration and the core urban and the marginal urban agglomerations were apparent; (3) subgroup division of urban agglomeration around the South China Sea shows an evident geographic agglomeration phenomenon and there were significant differences between the level of economic development among subgroups; and (4) relative to static factors such as population size and economic aggregate, dynamic flow of information and capital traffic flow plays a more important role in the spatial correlation between cities. Strengthening the links among the three layers of core-intermediate-edge cities through trade and investment means enhancing cooperation among cities within the urban agglomeration and ultimately promoting sustainable regional development.
Multi-Criteria Measurement of Sustainable Innovativeness in Farming Organisations: Evidence from Lithuania
Authors: Drejeris Rolandas , Miceikienė Astrida
Published: September 2018

Measuring sustainable innovativeness of farms is a major challenge for both practitioners and academics. This article looks into the need for sustainable innovativeness assessment in agricultural business. To the best of our knowledge, farm sustainable innovativeness measurement has not been investigated in detail and no objective methodology for innovativeness assessment has yet been proposed. The objective of this article is to look into the possibility of using some methodology for measuring farm sustainable innovativeness and thus ranking farms based on this criterion. The article demonstrates the need for a multi-criteria method of innovativeness measurement and substantiates the complex proportional assessment method (COPRAS) as the most appropriate choice for addressing this challenge. The article presents the model of use of the proposed method and describes its practical application. The final result refutes the opinion that farm innovation depends only on possibilities of investing in a certain area. Indeed, staff creativity and the position of the management regarding certain areas of business make an essential contribution to the sustainable innovativeness level in the agricultural organisations.