bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Effects of Climate Change on Surface Ozone during Summer in the Yangtze River Delta Region, China
Authors: Gao Da , Xie Min , Chen Xing , Wang Tijian , Zhan Chenchao , Ren Junyu , Liu Qian
Published: April 2019

Future climate change can impact ozone concentrations by changing regional meteorological factors related to ozone (O3) pollution. To better understand the variations of meteorological factors and their effects on O3 formation processes under future climate conditions, we model the present and the future meteorology and air quality in summer over the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region by using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry module (WRF/Chem), which is driven by the outputs of Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4). The simulations predict that solar radiation, 2-m air temperature, and wind speed increase in the daytime over most of the YRD region. Absolute humidity and precipitation increase in the north and decrease in the south, while the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) has an opposite change pattern displaying a decrease in the north and an increase in the south. The southerly wind will be strengthened in the daytime. At night, the change patterns of the meteorological factors are similar to the daytime but with small variations. Meanwhile, O3 and its precursors all increase in the north and decrease in the south. The increases of NOx, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and CO are related with the decreases of PBLH and the input effect of stronger southerly wind, while the decreases are attributed to the output effect of the stronger southerly wind. During the daytime, the increase of surface O3 in the north is dominated by the chemical processes related with the increases of solar radiation, air temperature, and O3 precursors. The decrease of surface O3 in the south is mainly caused by the transport process changing with the strengthened southerly wind. At night, the surface O3 changing the amplitude is less than the daytime. The less O3 variations at night can be attributed to an O3 titration reaction with NO, the changes in NOx concentrations, and the increases of nocturnal PBLH. With the aid of H2O2/HNO3, O3 formation in the YRD region is found to be easily affected by NOx in the future. The findings can help to understand the changing trend of O3 in the YRD region and can propose reasonable pollution control policies.
Single-Domain Antibodies Represent Novel Alternatives to Monoclonal Antibodies as Targeting Agents against the Human Papillomavirus 16 E6 Protein
Authors: Togtema Melissa , Hussack Greg , Dayer Guillem , Teghtmeyer Megan R. , Raphael Shalini , Tanha Jamshid , Zehbe Ingeborg
Published: April 2019

Approximately one fifth of all malignancies worldwide are etiologically associated with a persistent viral or bacterial infection. Thus, there is a particular interest in therapeutic molecules which use components of a natural immune response to specifically inhibit oncogenic microbial proteins, as it is anticipated they will elicit fewer off-target effects than conventional treatments. This concept has been explored in the context of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16)-related cancers, through the development of monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof against the viral E6 oncoprotein. Challenges related to the biology of E6 as well as the functional properties of the antibodies themselves appear to have precluded their clinical translation. Here, we addressed these issues by exploring the utility of the variable domains of camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies (denoted as VHHs). Through construction and panning of two llama, immune VHH phage display libraries, a pool of potential VHHs was isolated. The interactions of these with recombinant E6 were further characterized using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting under denaturing and native conditions, and surface plasmon resonance. Three VHHs were identified that bound recombinant E6 with nanomolar affinities. Our results lead the way for subsequent studies into the ability of these novel molecules to inhibit HPV16-infected cells in vitro and in vivo.
Magnesium and Drugs
Authors: Gröber Uwe
Published: April 2019

Several drugs including diuretics and proton-pump inhibitors can cause magnesium loss and hypomagnesemia. Magnesium and drugs use the same transport and metabolism pathways in the body for their intestinal absorption, metabolism, and elimination. This means that when one or more drug is taken, there is always a potential risk of interaction with the magnesium status. Consequently the action of a drug may be adversely affected by magnesium (e.g., magnesium, calcium, and zinc can interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of tetracycline antibiotics) and simultaneously the physiological function of minerals such as magnesium may be impaired by a drug (e.g., diuretics induce renal magnesium loss). Given the ever-increasing number of drugs on the market and the frequency with which they are used, greater attention must be paid in daily medical and pharmaceutical practice focused in particular on the adverse effects of drug therapy on magnesium status in order to minimize the potential risk to the health of patients.
Catching a SPY: Using the SpyCatcher-SpyTag and Related Systems for Labeling and Localizing Bacterial Proteins
Authors: Hatlem Daniel , Trunk Thomas , Linke Dirk , Leo Jack C.
Published: April 2019

The SpyCatcher-SpyTag system was developed seven years ago as a method for protein ligation. It is based on a modified domain from a Streptococcus pyogenes surface protein (SpyCatcher), which recognizes a cognate 13-amino-acid peptide (SpyTag). Upon recognition, the two form a covalent isopeptide bond between the side chains of a lysine in SpyCatcher and an aspartate in SpyTag. This technology has been used, among other applications, to create covalently stabilized multi-protein complexes, for modular vaccine production, and to label proteins (e.g., for microscopy). The SpyTag system is versatile as the tag is a short, unfolded peptide that can be genetically fused to exposed positions in target proteins; similarly, SpyCatcher can be fused to reporter proteins such as GFP, and to epitope or purification tags. Additionally, an orthogonal system called SnoopTag-SnoopCatcher has been developed from an S. pneumoniae pilin that can be combined with SpyCatcher-SpyTag to produce protein fusions with multiple components. Furthermore, tripartite applications have been produced from both systems allowing the fusion of two peptides by a separate, catalytically active protein unit, SpyLigase or SnoopLigase. Here, we review the current state of the SpyCatcher-SpyTag and related technologies, with a particular emphasis on their use in vaccine development and in determining outer membrane protein localization and topology of surface proteins in bacteria.
Biological Insights into Chemotherapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Glasgow Michelle A. , Argenta Peter , Abrahante Juan E. , Shetty Mihir , Talukdar Shobhana , Croonquist Paula A. , Khalifa Mahmoud A. , Starr Timothy K.
Published: April 2019

The majority of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) initially respond to chemotherapy; however, most will develop chemotherapy resistance. Gene signatures may change with the development of chemotherapy resistance in this population, which is important as it may lead to tailored therapies. The objective of this study was to compare tumor gene expression profiles in patients before and after treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Tumor samples were collected from six patients diagnosed with HGSOC before and after administration of NACT. RNA extraction and whole transcriptome sequencing was performed. Differential gene expression, hierarchical clustering, gene set enrichment analysis, and pathway analysis were examined in all of the samples. Tumor samples clustered based on exposure to chemotherapy as opposed to patient source. Pre-NACT samples were enriched for multiple pathways involving cell cycle growth. Post-NACT samples were enriched for drug transport and peroxisome pathways. Molecular subtypes based on the pre-NACT sample (differentiated, mesenchymal, proliferative and immunoreactive) changed in four patients after administration of NACT. Multiple changes in tumor gene expression profiles after exposure to NACT were identified from this pilot study and warrant further attention as they may indicate early changes in the development of chemotherapy resistance.
Correction: Amiri, E. et al. Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus: Honey Bee Queen–Worker Interaction and Potential Virus Transmission Pathways. Insects 2019, 10, 9
Authors: Amiri Esmaeil , Seddon Gregory , Zuluaga Smith Wendy , K. Strand Micheline , R. Tarpy David , Rueppell Olav
Published: April 2019

It has been brought to our attention that one note was missing in the Funding section of our published paper [...]
Alternative-Dose versus Standard-Dose Trivalent Influenza Vaccines for Immunocompromised Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Control Trials
Authors: Lai Jiun-Ji , Lin Chin , Ho Ching-Liang , Chen Po-Huang , Lee Cho-Hao
Published: April 2019

The study compared immunogenicity and safety between alternative higher-dose and standard-dose trivalent vaccines in immunocompromised individuals. A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception until March 2019 to identify studies comparing the immunogenicity of alternative higher-dose (including high-dose, double-dose, and booster-dose vaccines) and standard-dose trivalent influenza vaccines in patients who underwent transplantation or chemotherapy. Effect estimates from the individual studies were derived and calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model. The protocol for this systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (number CRD42019129220). Eight relevant studies involving 1020 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the higher-dose strategy provided had significantly superior seroconversion and seroprotection for A/H1N1 strains than the standard dose. Regarding H3N2 and B strains, no differences in immunogenicity responses were noted. No differences in safety were observed between the vaccination strategies. Alternative higher-dose vaccination strategies appear to associate with superior immunogenicity responses for A/H1N1 strains, and the strategies were generally well tolerated in immunocompromised populations. Future studies should clarify the optimal timing, frequency and dose of vaccination and assess whether these strategies improve vaccine immunogenicity and clinical outcomes.
Hydrogen Embrittlement and Improved Resistance of Al Addition in Twinning-Induced Plasticity Steel: First-Principles Study
Authors: Lu Lilin , Ni Jiaqi , Peng Zhixian , Zhang Haijun , Liu Jing
Published: April 2019

Understanding the mechanism of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of austenitic steels and developing an effective strategy to improve resistance to HE are of great concern but challenging. In this work, first-principles studies were performed to investigate the HE mechanism and the improved resistance of Al-containing austenite to HE. Our results demonstrate that interstitial hydrogen atoms have different site preferences in Al-free and Al-containing austenites. The calculated binding energies and diffusion barriers of interstitial hydrogen atoms in Al-containing austenite are remarkably higher than those in Al-free austenite, indicating that the presence of Al is more favorable for reducing hydrogen mobility. In Al-free austenite, interstitial hydrogen atoms caused a remarkable increase in lattice compressive stress and a distinct decrease in bulk, shear, and Young’s moduli. Whereas in Al-containing austenite, the lattice compressive stress and the mechanical deterioration induced by interstitial hydrogen atoms were effectively suppressed.
The Effect of Viscosity-Modifying Admixture on the Extrudability of Limestone and Calcined Clay-Based Cementitious Material for Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing
Authors: Chen Yu , Chaves Figueiredo Stefan , Yalçinkaya Çağlar , Çopuroğlu Oğuzhan , Veer Fred , Schlangen Erik
Published: April 2019

To investigate the effects of viscosity-modifying admixture (VMA) on the extrudability of limestone and calcined clay-based cementitious materials, three mix designs with different dosages of VMA were proposed in this study. The ram extrusion was utilized as an extrusion model for exploring the fresh properties of printable materials. Two methods were used, based on the ram extruder setup—(a) extruding materials with the same extrusion speed at different rest times to determine how the pressure changes with time; (b) extruding materials with different extrusion speeds at the same rest time to investigate the material flow parameters using the Basterfield et al. model. The main findings of this study could be summarized as—(1) the extrusion pressure of all mix designs exhibited an increasing trend with time. At the same tested age, the extrusion pressure under 0.25 mm/s of piston speed was increased and the shape retention of the extruded filaments was enhanced by increasing the dosage of VMA; (2) the correlation between the experimental results and the Basterfield et al. model was excellent (R-squared value: 0.99). The mixture with a higher content of VMA showed an increased elongational yield stress, flow consistency, and shear yield stress.
Adsorption Property, Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies of Activated Carbon Fiber Prepared from Liquefied Wood by Zncl2 Activation
Authors: Ma Ruoke , Qin Xianxian , Liu Zhigao , Fu Yunlin
Published: April 2019

Activated carbon fiber was prepared from liquefied wood by chemical activation with ZnCl2 (Z-LWACF) at different impregnation ratios, with a particular focus on its adsorption property, kinetic and isotherm. The characterization and properties of Z-LWACFs were investigated by nitrogen adsorption/desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), methylene blue (MB) and iodine adsorption. Two activation process methods were employed to prepare Z-LWACF and contrasted with others fibers. The results showed that the Z-LWACF obtained by one-step ZnCl2 activation present higher yields and specific surface area than others fibers. Besides, the change of MB adsorption value at different impregnation ratios was consistent with pore structure distribution above 1.5 nm pore size, indicating that larger micropores (1.5 to 2 nm) and mesopores played a major role in the MB adsorption by Z-LWACF. The kinetics of MB adsorption process was found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the adsorption rate was controlled by chemisorption. It was also found that MB adsroption by Z-LWACF belonged to monolayer adsorption and Z-LWACF was easy to adsorb MB.
Erratum: Li, Z.; Zhang, W.; Wang, R.; Chen, F.; Jia, X.; Cong, P. Effects of Reactive MgO on the Reaction Process of Geopolymer. Materials 2019, 12, 526
Authors: Li Zhaoheng , Zhao Kexin , Yang Yongmin
Published: April 2019

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Z [...]
Facile Approach to Develop Hierarchical Roughness fiber@SiO2 Blocks for Superhydrophobic Paper
Authors: Wang Qing , Xiong Jieyi , Chen Guangxue , Xinping Ouyang , Yu Zhaohui , Chen Qifeng , Yu Mingguang
Published: April 2019

Papers with nanoscaled surface roughness and hydrophobically modification have been widely used in daily life. However, the relatively complex preparation process, high costs and harmful compounds have largely limited their applications. This research aims to fabricate superhydrophobic papers with low cost and nontoxic materials. The surface of cellulose fibers was initially coated with a film of SiO2 nanoparticles via sol-gel process. After papermaking and subsequent modification with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane through a simple solution-immersion process, the paper showed excellent superhydrophobic properties, with water contact angles (WCA) larger than 150°. Moreover, the prepared paper also showed superior mechanical durability against 10 times of deformation. The whole preparation process was carried out in a mild environment, with no intricate instruments or toxic chemicals, which has the potential of large-scale industrial production and application.
Cyclic Response of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Slender Beams: An Experimental Study
Authors: Chalioris Constantin E. , Kosmidou Parthena-Maria K. , Karayannis Chris G.
Published: April 2019

Reinforced concrete (RC) beams under cyclic loading usually suffer from reduced aggregate interlock and eventually weakened concrete compression zone due to severe cracking and the brittle nature of compressive failure. On the other hand, the addition of steel fibers can reduce and delay cracking and increase the flexural/shear capacity and the ductility of RC beams. The influence of steel fibers on the response of RC beams with conventional steel reinforcements subjected to reversal loading by a four-point bending scheme was experimentally investigated. Three slender beams, each 2.5 m long with a rectangular cross-section, were constructed and tested for the purposes of this investigation; two beams using steel fibrous reinforced concrete and one with plain reinforced concrete as the reference specimen. Hook-ended steel fibers, each with a length-to-diameter ratio equal to 44 and two different volumetric proportions (1% and 3%), were added to the steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams. Accompanying, compression, and splitting tests were also carried out to evaluate the compressive and tensile splitting strength of the used fibrous concrete mixtures. Test results concerning the hysteretic response based on the energy dissipation capabilities (also in terms of equivalent viscous damping), the damage indices, the cracking performance, and the failure of the examined beams were presented and discussed. Test results indicated that the SFRC beam demonstrated improved overall hysteretic response, increased absorbed energy capacities, enhanced cracking patterns, and altered failure character from concrete crushing to a ductile flexural one compared to the RC beam. The non-fibrous reference specimen demonstrated shear diagonal cracking failing in a brittle manner, whereas the SFRC beam with 1% steel fibers failed after concrete spalling with satisfactory ductility. The SFRC beam with 3% steel fibers exhibited an improved cyclic response, achieving a pronounced flexural behavior with significant ductility due to the ability of the fibers to transfer the developed tensile stresses across crack surfaces, preventing inclined shear cracks or concrete spalling. A report of an experimental database consisting of 39 beam specimens tested under cyclic loading was also presented in order to establish the effectiveness of steel fibers, examine the fiber content efficiency and clarify their role on the hysteretic response and the failure mode of RC structural members.
Inorganic and Hybrid (Organic–Inorganic) Lamellar Materials for Heavy Metals and Radionuclides Capture in Energy Wastes Management—A Review
Authors: Claverie Marie , Garcia Justo , Prevost Thierry , Brendlé Jocelyne , Limousy Lionel
Published: April 2019

The energy industry (nuclear, battery, mining industries, etc.) produces a large quantity of hazardous effluents that may contain radionuclides (137Cs and 90Sr in particular) and heavy metals. One of the hardest tasks of environmental safety and sustainable development is the purification of wastewater holding these pollutants. Adsorption is one of the most powerful methods for extracting toxic compounds from wastewater. This study reviews the usefulness of clay minerals as adsorbent for removing these hazardous elements to clean up energy production processes. Phyllosilicates are able to extract several heavy metals from effluent, as widely examined. A particular focus is given to synthetic phyllosilicates and their abilities to entrap heavy metals with a special attention paid to those synthesized by sol-gel route. Indeed, this method is attractive since it allows the development of organic–inorganic hybrids from organosilanes presenting various functions (amino, thiol, etc.) that can interact with pollutants. Regarding these pollutants, a part of this review focuses on the interaction of lamellar materials (natural and synthetic phyllosilicates as well as layered double hydroxide) with heavy metals and another part deals with the adsorption of specific radionuclides, cesium and strontium.
Improved Whale Algorithm for Solving the Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Luan Fei , Cai Zongyan , Wu Shuqiang , Jiang Tianhua , Li Fukang , Yang Jia
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a novel improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA), based on the integrated approach, is presented for solving the flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSP) with the objective of minimizing makespan. First of all, to make the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) adaptive to the FJSP, the conversion method between the whale individual position vector and the scheduling solution is firstly proposed. Secondly, a resultful initialization scheme with certain quality is obtained using chaotic reverse learning (CRL) strategies. Thirdly, a nonlinear convergence factor (NFC) and an adaptive weight (AW) are introduced to balance the abilities of exploitation and exploration of the algorithm. Furthermore, a variable neighborhood search (VNS) operation is performed on the current optimal individual to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the local exploration. Experimental results on various benchmark instances show that the proposed IWOA can obtain competitive results compared to the existing algorithms in a short time.
Neutrosophic Quadruple BCI-Positive Implicative Ideals
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Song Seok-Zun , Kim Seon Jeong
Published: April 2019

By considering an entry (i.e., a number, an idea, an object, etc.) which is represented by a known part ( a ) and an unknown part ( b T , c I , d F ) where T , I , F have their usual neutrosophic logic meanings and a , b , c , d are real or complex numbers, Smarandache introduced the concept of neutrosophic quadruple numbers. Using the concept of neutrosophic quadruple numbers based on a set, Jun et al. constructed neutrosophic quadruple BCK/BCI-algebras and implicative neutrosophic quadruple BCK-algebras. The notion of a neutrosophic quadruple BCI-positive implicative ideal is introduced, and several properties are dealt with in this article. We establish the relationship between neutrosophic quadruple ideal and neutrosophic quadruple BCI-positive implicative ideal. Given nonempty subsets I and J of a BCI-algebra, conditions for the neutrosophic quadruple ( I , J ) -set to be a neutrosophic quadruple BCI-positive implicative ideal are provided.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Methods for Constructing Exact Solutions to Nonlinear PDEs. Generalizations and New Solutions
Authors: Polyanin Andrei D.
Published: April 2019

The paper shows that, in looking for exact solutions to nonlinear PDEs, the direct method of functional separation of variables can, in certain cases, be more effective than the method of differential constraints based on the compatibility analysis of PDEs with a single constraint (or the nonclassical method of symmetry reductions based on an invariant surface condition). This fact is illustrated by examples of nonlinear reaction-diffusion and convection-diffusion equations with variable coefficients, and nonlinear Klein–Gordon-type equations. Hydrodynamic boundary layer equations, nonlinear Schrödinger type equations, and a few third-order PDEs are also investigated. Several new exact functional separable solutions are given. A possibility of increasing the efficiency of the Clarkson–Kruskal direct method is discussed. A generalization of the direct method of the functional separation of variables is also described. Note that all nonlinear PDEs considered in the paper include one or several arbitrary functions.
Purification and Characterization of Antioxidant Peptides Derived from Protein Hydrolysate of the Marine Bivalve Mollusk Tergillarca granosa
Authors: Yang Xiu-Rong , Qiu Yi-Ting , Zhao Yu-Qin , Chi Chang-Feng , Wang Bin
Published: April 2019

In this report, protein hydrolysate (TGH) of blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa) was prepared using a two-enzyme system (Alcalase treatment for 1.5 h following Neutrase treatment for 1.5 h). Subsequently, six antioxidant peptides were isolated from TGH using ultrafiltration and chromatography methods, and their amino acid sequences were identified as EPLSD, WLDPDG, MDLFTE, WPPD, EPVV, and CYIE with molecular weights of 559.55, 701.69, 754.81, 513.50, 442.48, and 526.57 Da, respectively. In which, MDLFTE and WPPD exhibited strong scavenging activities on DPPH radical (EC50 values of 0.53 ± 0.02 and 0.36 ± 0.02 mg/mL, respectively), hydroxy radical (EC50 values of 0.47 ± 0.03 and 0.38 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively), superoxide anion radical (EC50 values of 0.75 ± 0.04 and 0.46 ± 0.05 mg/mL, respectively), and ABTS cation radical (EC50 values of 0.96 ± 0.08 and 0.54 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively). Moreover, MDLFTE and WPPD showed high inhibiting ability on lipid peroxidation. However, MDLFTE and WPPD were unstable and could not retain strong antioxidant activity at high temperatures (>80 °C for 0.5 h), basic pH conditions (pH > 9 for 2.5 h), or during simulated GI digestion. In addition, the effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on TGP4 was significantly weaker than that on MDLFTE. Therefore, MDLFTE and WPPD may be more suitable for serving as nutraceutical candidates in isolated forms than as food ingredient candidates in functional foods and products.
A Unique Sugar l-Perosamine (4-Amino-4,6-dideoxy-l-mannose) Is a Compound Building Two O-Chain Polysaccharides in the Lipopolysaccharide of Aeromonas hydrophila Strain JCM 3968, Serogroup O6
Authors: Dworaczek Katarzyna , Kurzylewska Maria , Karaś Magdalena A. , Janczarek Monika , Pękala-Safińska Agnieszka , Turska-Szewczuk Anna
Published: April 2019

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major glycolipid and virulence factor of Gram-negative bacteria, including Aeromonas spp. The O-specific polysaccharide (O-PS, O-chain, O-antigen), i.e., the surface-exposed part of LPS, which is a hetero- or homopolysaccharide, determines the serospecificity of bacterial strains. Here, chemical analyses, mass spectrometry, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy techniques were employed to study the O-PS of Aeromonas hydrophila strain JCM 3968, serogroup O6. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry revealed that the LPS of A. hydrophila JCM 3968 has a hexaacylated lipid A with conserved architecture of the backbone and a core oligosaccharide composed of Hep6Hex1HexN1HexNAc1Kdo1P1. To liberate the O-antigen, LPS was subjected to mild acid hydrolysis followed by gel-permeation-chromatography and revealed two O-polysaccharides that were found to contain a unique sugar 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-l-mannose (N-acetyl-l-perosamine, l-Rhap4NAc), which may further determine the specificity of the serogroup. The first O-polysaccharide (O-PS1) was built up of trisaccharide repeating units composed of one α-d-GalpNAc and two α-l-Rhap4NAc residues, whereas the other one, O-PS2, is an α1→2 linked homopolymer of l-Rhap4NAc. The following structures of the O-polysaccharides were established: O-PS1 →3)-α-l-Rhap4NAc-(1→4)-α-d-GalpNAc-(1→3)-α-l-Rhap4NAc-(1→ O-PS2 →2)-α-l-Rhap4NAc-(1→ The present paper is the first work that reveals the occurrence of perosamine in the l-configuration as a component of bacterial O-chain polysaccharides.
Effect of Electrode Material on the Crystallization of GeTe Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition for Phase Change Random Access Memory
Authors: Oh Seung Ik , Im In Hyuk , Yoo Chanyoung , Ryu Sung Yeon , Kim Yong , Choi Seok , Eom Taeyong , Hwang Cheol Seong , Choi Byung Joon
Published: April 2019

The electrical switching behavior of the GeTe phase-changing material grown by atomic layer deposition is characterized for the phase change random access memory (PCRAM) application. Planar-type PCRAM devices are fabricated with a TiN or W bottom electrode (BE). The crystallization behavior is characterized by applying an electrical pulse train and analyzed by applying the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami kinetics model. The device with TiN BE shows a high Avrami coefficient (>4), meaning that continuous and multiple nucleations occur during crystallization (set switching). Meanwhile, the device with W BE shows a smaller Avrami coefficient (~3), representing retarded nucleation during the crystallization. In addition, larger voltage and power are necessary for crystallization in case of the device with W BE. It is believed that the thermal conductivity of the BE material affects the temperature distribution in the device, resulting in different crystallization kinetics and set switching behavior.
Influencing Factors and Theoretical Models for the Surface Topography in Diamond Turning Process: A Review
Authors: He Chunlei , Zong Wenjun
Published: April 2019

In this work, the influencing factors and corresponding theoretical models for the surface topography in diamond turning process are reviewed. The surface profile on one tool feed is the elementary unit of surface topography. The influences coupled with the models of the duplication effect of the tool edge profile, material spring back, and plastic side flow are outlined in this part. In light of the surface profile on one tool feed and “trim principle”, the modeling methods of surface topography along the radial direction (2D surface topography) are commented. Moreover, the influence of the vibration between the diamond tool and workpiece on the 2D surface topography is discussed, and the theoretical models are summarized. Finally, the issues for modeling of 3D surface topography, particularly the influences of material defects, are analyzed. According to the state-of-the-art surface topography model of the diamond turned component, future work in this field is therefore predicted.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Persistence in a Cell Model Mimicking Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Sousa Sara , Borges Vítor , Joao Ines , Gomes João Paulo , Jordao Luisa
Published: April 2019

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) respiratory infections have been gradually increasing. Here, THP-1 cells were used as a model to evaluate intracellular persistence of three NTM species (reference and clinical strains) in human alveolar macrophages. The contribution of phagosome acidification, nitric oxide (NO) production and cell dead on NTM intracellular fate was assessed. In addition, strains were characterized regarding their repertoire of virulence factors by whole-genome sequencing. NTM experienced different intracellular fates: M. smegmatis and M. fortuitum ATCC 6841 were cleared within 24h. In contrast, M. avium strains (reference/clinical) and M. fortuitum clinical strain were able to replicate. Despite this fact, unexpectedly high percentages of acidified phagosomes were found harbouring rab7, but not CD63. All NTM were able to survive in vitro at acidic pHs, with the exception of M. smegmatis. Our data further suggested a minor role for NO in intracellular persistence and that apoptosis mediated by caspase 8 and 3/7, but not necrosis, is triggered during NTM infection. Insights regarding the bacteria genomic backbone corroborated the virulence potential of M. avium and M. fortuitum. In conclusion, the phenotypic traits detected contrast with those described for M. tuberculosis, pointing out that NTM adopt distinct strategies to manipulate the host immune defense and persist intracellularly.
Inhibiting Methanogenesis in Rumen Batch Cultures Did Not Increase the Recovery of Metabolic Hydrogen in Microbial Amino Acids
Authors: Ungerfeld Emilio M. , Aedo M. Fernanda , Martínez Emilio D. , Saldivia Marcelo
Published: April 2019

There is an interest in controlling rumen methanogenesis as an opportunity to both decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases and improve the energy efficiency of rumen fermentation. However, the effects of inhibiting rumen methanogenesis on fermentation are incompletely understood even in in vitro rumen cultures, as the recovery of metabolic hydrogen ([H]) in the main fermentation products consistently decreases with methanogenesis inhibition, evidencing the existence of unaccounted [H] sinks. We hypothesized that inhibiting methanogenesis in rumen batch cultures would redirect [H] towards microbial amino acids (AA) biosynthesis as an alternative [H] sink to methane (CH4). The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of eight inhibitors of methanogenesis on digestion, fermentation and the production of microbial biomass and AA in rumen batch cultures growing on cellulose. Changes in the microbial community composition were also studied using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Inhibiting methanogenesis did not cause consistent changes in fermentation or the profile of AA, although the effects caused by the different inhibitors generally associated with the changes in the microbial community that they induced. Under the conditions of this experiment, inhibiting methanogenesis did not increase the importance of microbial AA synthesis as a [H] sink.
Mulinum crassifolium Phil; Two New Mulinanes, Gastroprotective Activity and Metabolomic Analysis by UHPLC-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Areche Carlos , Fernandez-Burgos Ronald , de Terrones Teresa Cano , Simirgiotis Mario , García-Beltrán Olimpo , Borquez Jorge , Sepulveda Beatriz
Published: April 2019

Mulinum crassifolium Phil. (Apiaceae) is an endemic shrub from Chile commonly used as infusion in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, bronchial and intestinal disorders and stomach ailments, including ulcers. From the EtOAc extract of this plant, the new mulinane-type diterpenoids 3 and 5 were isolated along with three known diterpenoids. The gastroprotective effect of the infusion of the plant was assayed to support the traditional use and a fast HPLC analysis using high resolution techniques was performed to identify the bioactive constituents. The EtOAc extract and the edible infusion showed gastroprotective effect at 100 mg/kg in the HCl/EtOH induced gastric ulcer model in mice, reducing lesions by 33% and 74%, respectively. Finally, a metabolomic profiling based on UHPLC-ESI-MS/HRMS of the edible infusion was performed and thirty-five compounds were tentatively identified including quercetin, caffeic acid, apigenine glucoside, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acids, and caffeoylquinic acids, which have been associated previously with gastroprotective and antiulcer properties. This scientific evidence can support the contribution of polyphenols in the gastroprotective activity of the edible infusion of this plant, and can validate at least in part, its ethnopharmacological use.
Antispasmodic Effect of Essential Oils and Their Constituents: A Review
Authors: Heghes Simona Codruta , Vostinaru Oliviu , Rus Lucia Maria , Mogosan Cristina , Iuga Cristina Adela , Filip Lorena
Published: April 2019

The antispasmodic effect of drugs is used for the symptomatic treatment of cramping and discomfort affecting smooth muscles from the gastrointestinal, billiary or genitourinary tract in a variety of clinical situations.The existing synthetic antispasmodic drugs may cause a series of unpleasant side effects, and therefore the discovery of new molecules of natural origin is an important goal for the pharmaceutical industry. This review describes a series of recent studies investigating the antispasmodic effect of essential oils from 39 plant species belonging to 12 families. The pharmacological models used in the studies together with the mechanistic discussions and the chemical composition of the essential oils are also detailed. The data clearly demonstrate the antispasmodic effect of the essential oils from the aromatic plant species studied. Further research is needed in order to ascertain the therapeutic importance of these findings.
Thermal Boundary Characteristics of Homo-/Heterogeneous Interfaces
Authors: Heijmans Koen , Pathak Amar Deep , Solano-López Pablo , Giordano Domenico , Nedea Silvia , Smeulders David
Published: April 2019

The interface of two solids in contact introduces a thermal boundary resistance (TBR), which is challenging to measure from experiments. Besides, if the interface is reactive, it can form an intermediate recrystallized or amorphous region, and extra influencing phenomena are introduced. Reactive force field Molecular Dynamics (ReaxFF MD) is used to study these interfacial phenomena at the (non-)reactive interface. The non-reactive interfaces are compared using a phenomenological theory (PT), predicting the temperature discontinuity at the interface. By connecting ReaxFF MD and PT we confirm a continuous temperature profile for the homogeneous non-reactive interface and a temperature jump in case of the heterogeneous non-reactive interface. ReaxFF MD is further used to understand the effect of chemical activity of two solids in contact. The selected Si/SiO2 materials showed that the TBR of the reacted interface is two times larger than the non-reactive, going from 1.65 × 10 − 9 to 3.38 × 10 − 9 m2K/W. This is linked to the formation of an intermediate amorphous layer induced by heating, which remains stable when the system is cooled again. This provides the possibility to design multi-layered structures with a desired TBR.
High-Temperature Core Flood Investigation of Nanocellulose as a Green Additive for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Aadland Reidun C. , Jakobsen Trygve D. , Heggset Ellinor B. , Long-Sanouiller Haili , Simon Sébastien , Paso Kristofer G. , Syverud Kristin , Torsæter Ole
Published: April 2019

Recent studies have discovered a substantial viscosity increase of aqueous cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) dispersions upon heat aging at temperatures above 90 °C. This distinct change in material properties at very low concentrations in water has been proposed as an active mechanism for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), as highly viscous fluid may improve macroscopic sweep efficiencies and mitigate viscous fingering. A high-temperature (120 °C) core flood experiment was carried out with 1 wt. % CNC in low salinity brine on a 60 cm-long sandstone core outcrop initially saturated with crude oil. A flow rate corresponding to 24 h per pore volume was applied to ensure sufficient viscosification time within the porous media. The total oil recovery was 62.2%, including 1.2% oil being produced during CNC flooding. Creation of local log-jams inside the porous media appears to be the dominant mechanism for additional oil recovery during nano flooding. The permeability was reduced by 89.5% during the core flood, and a thin layer of nanocellulose film was observed at the inlet of the core plug. CNC fluid and core flood effluent was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), particle size analysis, and shear rheology. The effluent was largely unchanged after passing through the core over a time period of 24 h. After the core outcrop was rinsed, a micro computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to examine heterogeneity of the core. The core was found to be homogeneous.
Oatmeal-Containing Breakfast is Associated with Better Diet Quality and Higher Intake of Key Food Groups and Nutrients Compared to Other Breakfasts in Children
Authors: Fulgoni Victor L. , Brauchla Mary , Fleige Lisa , Chu YiFang
Published: April 2019

Oatmeal is a whole grain (WG) food rich in fiber and other nutrients. The study objective was to compare diet quality and nutrient intake of children consuming oatmeal breakfasts to those of children consuming other breakfasts using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Dietary intake data from 5876 children aged 2–18 years were divided by breakfast food consumption: oatmeal breakfasts, “Doughnuts, sweet rolls, pastries”, “Pancakes, waffles, French toast”, “Eggs and omelets”, “Ready-to-eat cereal, lower sugar”, and “Ready-to-eat cereal, higher sugar” were used to assess diet quality and intake of food groups and nutrients using the USDA Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Food Patterns Equivalents Database, and Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies, respectively. As compared to consumers of other breakfasts or breakfast skippers, oatmeal consumers had consistently higher diet quality (4–16 points higher HEI 2015 total score, p < 0.05), higher WG intake (0.6–1.6 oz eq. higher, p < 0.05), and higher fiber and magnesium intakes compared to consumers of most other breakfasts or breakfast skippers. The results show that children consuming oatmeal breakfasts have better diet quality and increased intake of key nutrients compared to breakfast skippers and other breakfast consumers and suggest oatmeal may represent an important component of a healthy childhood diet.
The Effect of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Production of Cyclooxygenase and Lipoxygenase Metabolites by Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Araujo Pedro , Belghit Ikram , Aarsæther Niels , Espe Marit , Lucena Eva , Holen Elisabeth
Published: April 2019

Although the correlation between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory metabolites is well documented, little is known about the simultaneous effect of different PUFA on the production of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites. The present research examines the association between different omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) PUFA and the release of four cyclooxygenase and six lipoxygenase metabolites in cell medium by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The different combinations of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFA were prepared according to a full 24 factorial design that enables studying not only the main effects but also the different interactions between fatty acids. In addition, interactions diagrams and principal component analysis were useful tools for interpreting higher order interactions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report addressing the combined effect of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFA on the signaling of prostaglandins, prostacyclins, leukotrienes and resolvins by HUVEC.
Pharmacy Travel Health Services in Canada: Experience of Early Adopters
Authors: Thidrickson Doug , Goodyer Larry
Published: April 2019

Since 2007, community pharmacists in Canada have become increasingly involved in delivering Travel Health services, including the recommendation and administration of vaccines. This qualitative scoping survey examines some of the activities and opinions of those early pharmacist adopters delivering these services. A Survey Monkey free text questionnaire was emailed to pharmacists who were involved in delivering travel medicine services. 21 pharmacists responding represented seven Canadian provinces. Only 5 pharmacists estimated that they were seeing five or more patients a week on average. Amongst the challenges they faced the most quoted was lack of time when running a busy pharmacy (62%) a lack of prescribing authority, (52%), and lack of access to public health vaccines (52%). ‘Word of mouth’ was widely quoted as a means of developing the service, indicating a good patient satisfaction. Also expressed were the advantages of convenience in terms of being a ‘one stop shop’, ease of billing to insurance companies and convenient appointment times. There are a number of challenges which are still to be faced which may be resolved by further legislation allowing access to public health vaccines and more widespread prescribing rights. The relatively low level of consultations reported by some is of concern if those pharmacists are to maintain competence.
Artificial Neural Networks Approach for a Multi-Objective Cavitation Optimization Design in a Double-Suction Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Osman Majeed Koranteng , Pei Ji , Gan Xingcheng , Yin Tingyun
Published: April 2019

Double-suction centrifugal pumps are widely used in industrial and agricultural applications since their flow rate is twice that of single-suction pumps with the same impeller diameter. They usually run for longer, which makes them susceptible to cavitation, putting the downstream components at risk. A fast approach to predicting the Net Positive Suction Head required was applied to perform a multi-objective optimization on the double-suction centrifugal pump. An L32 (84) orthogonal array was designed to evaluate 8 geometrical parameters at 4 levels each. A two-layer feedforward neural network and genetic algorithm was applied to solve the multi-objective problem into pareto solutions. The results were validated by numerical simulation and compared to the original design. The suction performance was improved by 7.26%, 3.9%, 4.5% and 3.8% at flow conditions 0.6Qd, 0.8Qd, 1.0Qd and 1.2Qd respectively. The efficiency increased by 1.53% 1.0Qd and 1.1% at 0.8Qd. The streamline on the blade surface was improved and the vapor volume fraction of the optimized impeller was much smaller than that of the original impeller. This study established a fast approach to cavitation optimization and a parametric database for both hub and shroud blade angles for double suction centrifugal pump optimization design.
A Preliminary Metagenome Analysis Based on a Combination of Protein Domains
Authors: Igarashi Yoji , Mori Daisuke , Mitsuyama Susumu , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Ono Hiroaki , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Taniuchi Yukiko , Sakami Tomoko , Kuwata Akira , Kobayashi Takanori , Ishino Yoshizumi , Watabe Shugo , Gojobori Takashi , Asakawa Shuichi
Published: April 2019

Metagenomic data have mainly been addressed by showing the composition of organisms based on a small part of a well-examined genomic sequence, such as ribosomal RNA genes and mitochondrial DNAs. On the contrary, whole metagenomic data obtained by the shotgun sequence method have not often been fully analyzed through a homology search because the genomic data in databases for living organisms on earth are insufficient. In order to complement the results obtained through homology-search-based methods with shotgun metagenomes data, we focused on the composition of protein domains deduced from the sequences of genomes and metagenomes, and we utilized them in characterizing genomes and metagenomes, respectively. First, we compared the relationships based on similarities in the protein domain composition with the relationships based on sequence similarities. We searched for protein domains of 325 bacterial species produced using the Pfam database. Next, the correlation coefficients of protein domain compositions between every pair of bacteria were examined. Every pairwise genetic distance was also calculated from 16S rRNA or DNA gyrase subunit B. We compared the results of these methods and found a moderate correlation between them. Essentially, the same results were obtained when we used partial random 100 bp DNA sequences of the bacterial genomes, which simulated raw sequence data obtained from short-read next-generation sequences. Then, we applied the method for analyzing the actual environmental data obtained by shotgun sequencing. We found that the transition of the microbial phase occurred because the seasonal change in water temperature was shown by the method. These results showed the usability of the method in characterizing metagenomic data based on protein domain compositions.
English as the Language for Academic Publication: on Equity, Disadvantage and ‘Non-Nativeness’ as a Red Herring
Authors: Hultgren Anna Kristina
Published: April 2019

Within the fields of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Research Publication Purposes (ERPP), the question of whether English as an Additional Language (EAL) scholars are disadvantaged by the pressure to publish in English continues to be debated. In this paper, I challenge this orthodoxy, raising questions about the evidence upon which it is based. Within a framework of ‘verbal hygiene’, I will argue that the attention accorded to ‘non-nativeness’ may be disproportionate to its significance for publication success. I conclude by proposing some reorientations for researchers and practitioners in the field that encompass non-linguistic structures of inequity.