bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Analysis of Cellulose Nanomaterials by Inhalation: Current State of Science
Authors: Ede James D. , Ong Kimberly J. , Goergen Michael , Rudie Alan , Pomeroy-Carter Cassidy A. , Shatkin Jo Anne
Published: March 2019

Cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) are emerging advanced materials with many unique properties and growing commercial significance. A life-cycle risk assessment and environmental health and safety roadmap identified potential risks from inhalation of powdered CNs in the workplace as a key gap in our understanding of safety and recommended addressing this data gap to advance the safe and successful commercialization of these materials. Here, we (i) summarize the currently available published literature for its contribution to our current understanding of CN inhalation hazard and (ii) evaluate the quality of the studies for risk assessment purposes using published study evaluation tools for nanomaterials to assess the weight of evidence provided. Our analysis found that the quality of the available studies is generally inadequate for risk assessment purposes but is improving over time. There have been some advances in knowledge about the effects of short-term inhalation exposures of CN. The most recent in vivo studies suggest that short-term exposure to CNs results in transient inflammation, similarly to other poorly soluble, low toxicity dusts such as conventional cellulose, but is markedly different from fibers with known toxicity such as certain types of multiwalled carbon nanotubes or asbestos. However, several data gaps remain, and there is still a lack of understanding of the effects from long-term, low-dose exposures that represent realistic workplace conditions, essential for a quantitative assessment of potential health risk. Therefore, taking precautions when handling dry forms of CNs to avoid dust inhalation exposure is warranted.
DNA-Based Assembly of Quantum Dots into Dimers and Helices
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liedl Tim
Published: March 2019

Owing to their unique optical properties, colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have attracted much attention as versatile fluorescent markers with broad biological and physical applications. On the other hand, DNA-based assembly has proven to be a powerful bottom-up approach to create designer nanoscale objects and to use these objects for the site-directed arrangement of guest components. To achieve good colloidal stability and accurate positioning of QDs on DNA templates, robust QD surface functionalization is crucial. Here, we present a simple and reliable conjugation method for the direct attachment of DNA molecules to QDs. Phosphorothiolated regions of chimera oligonucleotides are attached and incorporated into a ZnS layer freshly growing in situ on QDs that were rendered water soluble with hydrophilic ligands in a prior step. The reaction can be completed in a 2 mL plastic tube without any special equipment. The utility of these DNA-labeled QDs is demonstrated via prototypical assemblies such as QDs dimers with various spacings and chiral helical architectures.
Effect of Size on Hydrogen Adsorption on the Surface of Deposited Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Gatin Andrey , Grishin Maxim , Dokhlikova Nadezhda , Ozerin Sergey , Sarvadii Sergey , Kharitonov Vasiliy , Shub Boris
Published: March 2019

An experimental study of molecular hydrogen adsorption on single gold nanoparticles of various sizes deposited on the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was carried out by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The effect of size on the HOPG/Au system was established. Hydrogen was dissociatively chemisorbed on the surface of gold nanoparticles with an average size of 5–6 nanometers. An increase in the size of nanoparticles to 10 nm or more led to hydrogen chemisorption being inhibited and unable to be detected.
Antioxidant Bilayers Based on PHBV and Plasticized Electrospun PLA-PHB Fibers Encapsulating Catechin
Authors: Arrieta Marina P. , Díez García Alberto , López Daniel , Fiori Stefano , Peponi Laura
Published: March 2019

The main objective of this work was to develop bio-based and biodegradable bilayer systems with antioxidant properties. The outer layer was based on a compression-molded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)-based material while antioxidant electrospun fibers based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) blends formed the inner active layer. In particular, PLA was blended with 25 wt% of PHB to increase the crystallinity of the fibers and reduce the fiber defects. Moreover, in order to increase the stretchability and to facilitate the electrospinning process of the fiber mats, 15 wt% of oligomeric lactic acid was added as a plasticizer. This system was further loaded with 1 wt% and 3 wt% of catechin, a natural flavonoid with antioxidant activity, to obtain antioxidant-active mats for active food packaging applications. The obtained bilayer systems showed effective catechin release capacity into a fatty food simulant. While the released catechin showed antioxidant effectiveness. Finally, bilayer films showed appropriate disintegration in compost conditions in around three months. Thus, showing their potential as bio-based and biodegradable active packaging for fatty food products.
The Effect of Solvothermal Conditions on the Properties of Three-Dimensional N-Doped Graphene Aerogels
Authors: Pruna Alina Iuliana , Cárcel Alfonso C. , Benedito Adolfo , Giménez Enrique
Published: March 2019

Low-density three-dimensional (3D) N-doped graphene aerogels by a one-step solvothermal method in the presence of ethylenediamine (EDA) are reported. The gelation, formation, and properties of the aerogels were studied with solvothermal conditions, namely, operating temperature, time, graphene oxide (GO) concentration, and the GO/EDA w/w ratio. Two ranges of solvothermal conditions are employed: one involving an operating temperature below 100 °C and a conventional chemical reduction of GO with EDA at atmospheric pressure and a second one employing a higher temperature range up to 165 and a high pressure reduction with EDA. The results show that both solvothermal approaches allow for the fabrication of homogeneous N-doped 3D graphene aerogels with density values close to 10 mg cm−3. The measurements indicated that low values of GO concentration, temperature, and EDA are optimum for obtaining low-density 3D aerogels. N doping is improved with an EDA amount in lower temperature conditions. The N doping mechanism below 100 °C is dominated by the epoxy ring opening while at temperatures up to 165 °C both epoxy ring opening and amidation take place. The CO2 adsorption properties are strongly controlled by the nitrogen configuration, namely, pyridinic nitrogen in terms of its density.
Novel Magnetic Nanostructured Beads for Cadmium(II) Removal
Authors: de Castro Alves Lisandra , Yáñez-Vilar Susana , Piñeiro-Redondo Yolanda , Rivas José
Published: March 2019

This study presents an effective magnetic separation method for cadmium removal, based on the use of a novel nanostructured material as an adsorbent. This adsorbent involves the incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs), synthesized by the reverse coprecipitation method, into sodium alginate and activated carbon to form spherical structures by crosslinking Ca2+ ions with the charged alginate chains, referred to as magnetic alginate activated carbon (MAAC) beads. The effect of the experimental parameters, such as pH, contacting time, adsorbent dosage, agitation type, and rotating speed were investigated and optimized for an efficient removal of Cd(II) ions at an initial concentration of 250 mg/L. The amount of adsorbed Cd(II) by MAAC beads increased at a pH of 6 with a removal efficiency over 90%. The maximum adsorption capacity reached was 70 mg/g of adsorbent at an initial Cd(II) concentration of 150 mg/L, whereas at 250 mg/L the adsorption capacity lowered until 60 mg/g. Sorption isotherms were calculated using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich equations, and were better described by the Freundlich and Temkin models. These results proved the removal efficiency and the potential use under real environmental conditions of the MAAC beads, due to their easy recovery from contaminated aqueous solutions.
Metal/Semiconductor Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis: Fundamentals, Structures, Applications and Properties
Authors: Fu Yong-sheng , Li Jun , Li Jianguo
Published: March 2019

Due to the capability of utilizing light energy to drive chemical reactions, photocatalysis has been widely accepted as a green technology to help us address the increasingly severe environment and energy issues facing human society. To date, a large amount of research has been devoted to enhancing the properties of photocatalysts. As reported, coupling semiconductors with metals is one of the most effective methods to achieve high-performance photocatalysts. The excellent properties of metal/semiconductor (M/S) nanocomposite photocatalysts originate in two aspects: (a) improved charge separation at the metal-semiconductor interface; and (b) increased absorption of visible light due to the surface plasmon resonance of metals. So far, many M/S nanocomposite photocatalysts with different structures have been developed for the application in environmental remediation, selective organic transformation, hydrogen evolution, and disinfection. Herein, we will give a review on the M/S nanocomposite photocatalysts, regarding their fundamentals, structures (as well as their typical synthetic approaches), applications and properties. Finally, we will also present our perspective on the future development of M/S nanocomposite photocatalysts.
Experimental Hyperglycemia Alters Circulating Concentrations and Renal Clearance of Oxidative and Advanced Glycation End Products in Healthy Obese Humans
Authors: Perkins Ryan K. , Miranda Edwin R. , Karstoft Kristian , Beisswenger Paul J. , Solomon Thomas P. J. , Haus Jacob M.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of experimental hyperglycemia on oxidative damage (OX), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) through an in vivo approach. Obese subjects (n = 10; 31.2 ± 1.2 kg·m−2; 56 ± 3 years) underwent 24 h of hyperglycemic clamp (+5.4 mM above basal), where plasma at basal and after 2 h and 24 h of hyperglycemic challenge were assayed for OX (methionine sulfoxide, MetSO, and aminoadipic acid, AAA) and AGE-free adducts (Ne-carboxymethyllysine, CML; Ne-carboxyethyllysine, CEL; glyoxal hydroimidazolone-1, GH-1; methylglyoxal hydroimidazolone-1, MG-H1; and 3-deoxyglucosone hydroimidazolone, 3DG-H) via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Urine was also analyzed at basal and after 24 h for OX and AGE-free adducts and plasma soluble RAGE (sRAGE) isoforms (endogenous secretory RAGE, esRAGE, and cleaved RAGE, cRAGE), and inflammatory markers were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Skeletal muscle tissue collected via biopsy was probed at basal, 2 h, and 24 h for RAGE and OST48 protein expression. Plasma MetSO, AAA, CEL, MG-H1, and G-H1 decreased (−18% to −47%; p < 0.05), while CML increased (72% at 24 h; p < 0.05) and 3DG-H remained unchanged (p > 0.05) with the hyperglycemic challenge. Renal clearance of MetSO, AAA, and G-H1 increased (599% to 1077%; p < 0.05), CML decreased (−30%; p < 0.05), and 3DG-H, CEL, and MG-H1 remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Fractional excretion of MetSO, AAA, CEL, G-H1, and MG-H1 increased (5.8% to 532%; p < 0.05) and CML and 3DG-H remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Muscle RAGE and OST48 expression, plasma sRAGE, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, and TNFα remained unchanged (p > 0.05), while IL-6 increased (159% vs. basal; p > 0.05). These findings suggest that individuals who are obese but otherwise healthy have the capacity to prevent accumulation of OX and AGEs during metabolic stress by increasing fractional excretion and renal clearance.
Nutrient Composition Comparison between a Modified Paleolithic Diet for Multiple Sclerosis and the Recommended Healthy U.S.-Style Eating Pattern
Authors: Chenard Catherine A. , Rubenstein Linda M. , Snetselaar Linda G. , Wahls Terry L.
Published: March 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that attacks the central nervous system. Evidence-based dietary guidelines do not exist for MS; the default advice is to follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). A modified Paleolithic Wahls Elimination (WahlsElim) diet promoted for MS excludes grains and dairy and encourages 9+ cups fruits and vegetables (F/V) and saturated fat for cooking. This study evaluated the nutritional adequacy of seven-day menus and modeled them with varying amounts of F/V for comparison with the DGA Healthy US-Style Eating Pattern (HEP) for ages 31–50 years. WahlsElim menus had low added sugar and glycemic index. Nutritional adequacy of the menus and modeled versions were similar to HEP for 17 vitamins and minerals (mean adequacy ratio ≥92%). Nutrient shortfalls for the modeled diet with 60% F/V were identical to HEP for vitamin D, iron (females), magnesium (marginally males), choline and potassium; this modeled diet was also low in dietary fiber and calcium but met vitamin E requirements while HEP did not. WahlsElim-prescribed supplements corrected vitamin D and magnesium shortfalls; careful selection of foods are needed to meet requirements of other shortfall nutrients and reduce saturated fat and sodium. Doctors should monitor nutritional status, supplement doses, and possible contraindications to high vitamin K intake in individuals following the WahlsElim diet.
Decline of Plasma Concentrations of Interleukin-18 in Severely Malnourished Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Oya-Ito Tomoko , Murakami Yuki , Saito Kuniaki , Furuta Sho , Yu Yanjie , Imaeda Miho , Kunimoto Shohko , Ozaki Norio
Published: March 2019

Multiple studies on the dynamics of inflammatory cytokines in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) have been published, although results are not consistent among reports. Thus the pathophysiologic roles of these cytokines are not clear. We performed an exploratory analysis that included (1) comparisons of plasma interleukin-18 (IL-18) concentrations between patients with AN (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 39), and (2) correlations between body mass index (BMI) and IL-18 concentrations in both groups, exploring the relationship between malnourishment and IL-18. Plasma IL-18 levels were significantly decreased in patients with AN compared with controls. Plasma IL-18 levels correlated to BMI in controls, but not in patients with AN. These results suggest that a decline in plasma IL-18 levels in patients with AN is not only due to malnourishment, but other pathophysiologic changes as well. IL-18 has a role in the brain’s reaction to sadness and chronic stress. Therefore, decreased levels of IL-18 may commonly occur in patients with chronic AN.
Similar Weight Loss Induces Greater Improvements in Insulin Sensitivity and Liver Function among Individuals with NAFLD Compared to Individuals without NAFLD
Authors: Schübel Ruth , Nonnenmacher Tobias , Sookthai Disorn , Gonzalez Maldonado Sandra , Sowah Solomon A. , von Stackelberg Oyunbileg , Schlett Christopher L. , Grafetstätter Mirja , Nabers Diana , Johnson Theron , Kirsten Romy , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Kaaks Rudolf , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Kühn Tilman , Nattenmüller Johanna
Published: March 2019

Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that weight loss among obese has differential metabolic effects depending on the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed whether NAFLD predisposes to differential changes in liver fat content, liver function, and metabolic parameters upon diet-induced weight loss in a 50-week intervention trial. Methods: 143 overweight and obese non-smokers underwent a 12-week dietary intervention and a 38-week follow-up. Diet-induced changes in anthropometric measures, circulating biomarkers, and magnetic resonance (MR)-derived liver fat content and adipose tissue volumes were evaluated by mixed linear models stratifying by NAFLD at baseline. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD at baseline was 52%. Diet-induced weight loss after 12 (NAFLD: 4.8 ± 0.5%, No NAFLD: 5.1 ± 0.5%) and 50 weeks (NAFLD: 3.5 ± 0.7%, No NAFLD: 3.5 ± 0.9%) was similar in both groups, while the decrease in liver fat was significantly greater in the NAFLD group (week 12: 32.9 ± 9.5% vs. 6.3 ± 4.0%; week 50: 23.3 ± 4.4% vs. 5.0 ± 4.2%). Decreases in biomarkers of liver dysfunction (GGT, ALT, AST) and HOMA IR were also significantly greater in the NAFLD group. Other metabolic parameters showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Our data suggest that individuals with NAFLD show greater improvements of liver function and insulin sensitivity after moderate diet-induced weight loss than individuals without NAFLD.
Simulation-Based Analysis of the Impact of Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Highly Metabolized Compounds
Authors: Follman Kristin E. , Morris Marilyn E.
Published: March 2019

Renal impairment (RI) is a highly prevalent disease which can alter the pharmacokinetics (PK) of xenobiotics, including those that are predominately metabolized. The expression and activity of drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and protein binding of compounds has been demonstrated to be affected in RI. A simulation based approach allows for the characterization of the impact of changes in these factors on the PK of compounds which are highly metabolized and allows for improved prediction of PK in RI. Simulations with physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling was utilized to define the impact of these factors in PK in RI for a model substrate, nifedipine. Changes in fraction unbound and DME expression/activity had profound effects on PK in RI. Increasing fraction unbound and DME expression resulted in a reduction in exposure of nifedipine, while the reduction of DME activity resulted in an increase in exposure. In vitro and preclinical data were utilized to inform simulations for nifedipine, sildenafil and zidovudine. Increasing fraction unbound and changes in the expression/activity of DMEs led to improved predictions of PK. Further characterization of the impact of RI on these factors is warranted in order to better inform a priori predictions of PK in RI.
Uptake in the Central Nervous System of Geraniol Oil Encapsulated in Chitosan Oleate Following Nasal and Oral Administration
Authors: Bonferoni Maria Cristina , Ferraro Luca , Pavan Barbara , Beggiato Sarah , Cavalieri Elena , Giunchedi Paolo , Dalpiaz Alessandro
Published: March 2019

The pharmacological activities of geraniol include anticancer and neuroprotective properties. However, its insolubility in water easily induces separation from aqueous formulations, causing administration difficulties. Here we propose new emulsified formulations of geraniol by using the amphiphilic polymer chitosan-oleate (CS-OA) as surfactant to combine mucoadhesive and absorption enhancer properties with stabilization effects on the oil dispersion. The formulation based on CS-OA 2% (w/w) (G-CS-OA-2.0%) showed viscosity values compatible with oral and nasal administration to rats, and mean diameter of the dispersed phase of 819 ± 104 nm. G-CS-OA-2.0% oral administration sensibly increases the geraniol bioavailability with respect to coarse emulsions obtained without CS-OA (AUC values in the bloodstream were 42,713 ± 1553 µg∙mL−1∙min and 2158 ± 82 µg∙mL−1∙min following administration of 50 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg, respectively), and enhances the aptitude of geraniol to reach the central nervous system from the bloodstream (AUC values in the cerebrospinal fluid were 7293 ± 408 µg∙mL−1∙min and 399 ± 25 µg∙mL−1∙min after oral administration of 50 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg, respectively). Moreover, relevant geraniol amounts were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid following the G-CS-OA-2% nasal administration (AUC values in the cerebrospinal fluid were 10,778 ± 477 µg∙mL−1∙min and 5571 ± 290 µg∙mL−1∙min after nasal administration of 4 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg, respectively).
An Ab Initio Investigation of the 4,4′-Methlylene Diphenyl Diamine (4,4′-MDA) Formation from the Reaction of Aniline with Formaldehyde
Authors: Boros R. Zsanett , Farkas László , Nehéz Károly , Viskolcz Béla , Szőri Milán
Published: March 2019

The most commonly applied industrial synthesis of 4,4′-methylene diphenyl diamine (4,4′-MDA), an important polyurethane intermediate, is the reaction of aniline and formaldehyde. Molecular understanding of the 4,4′-MDA formation can provide strategy to prevent from side reactions. In this work, a molecular mechanism consisted of eight consecutive, elementary reaction steps from anilines and formaldehyde to the formation of 4,4′-MDA in acidic media is proposed using accurate G3MP2B3 composite quantum chemical method. Then G3MP2B3-SMD results in aqueous and aniline solutions were compared to the gas phase mechanism. Based on the gas phase calculations standard enthalpy of formation, entropy and heat capacity values were evaluated using G3MP2B3 results for intermediates The proposed mechanism was critically evaluated and important side reactions are considered: the competition of formation of protonated p-aminobenzylaniline (PABAH+), protonated aminal (AMH+) and o-aminobenzylaniline (OABAH+). Competing reactions of the 4,4′-MDA formation is also thermodynamically analyzed such as the formation of 2,4-MDAH+, 3,4-MDAH+. AMH+ can be formed through loose transition state, but it becomes kinetic dead-end, while formation of significant amount of 2,4-MDA is plausible through low-lying transition state. The acid strength of the key intermediates such as N-methylenebenzeneanilium, PABAH+, 4-methylidenecyclohexa-2,5-diene-1-iminium, and AMH+ was estimated by relative pKa calculation.
Effect of Different Pressures of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide on the Microstructure of PAN Fibers during the Hot-Drawing Process
Authors: Qiao Mengmeng , Kong Haijuan , Ding Xiaoma , Hu Zhifeng , Zhang Luwei , Cao Yuanzhi , Yu Muhuo
Published: March 2019

The hot-drawing process of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers is an important step during the production of PAN-based carbon fibers. In this study, supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO2) was used as one kind of media for thermal stretching of PAN fibers to study the effect of different pressures of Sc-CO2 on crystallinity, degree of orientation and mechanical property of PAN fibers during the hot-drawing process. The changes of microstructure and mechanical properties in the PAN fibers were investigated by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering and monofilament strength analysis. The results showed that as the pressure increased, the crystallinity and degree of orientation of PAN fibers increased. Furthermore, when the pressure was 10 MPa, the crystallinity increased from 69.78% to 79.99%, which was the maximum crystallinity among the different pressures. However, when the pressure was further increased, the crystallinity and degree of orientation of the fibers were reduced. The test results of the mechanical properties were consistent with the trends of crystallinity and degree of orientation, showing that when the pressure was 10 MPa, the tensile strength of the fibers increased from 4.59 cN·dtex−1 to 7.06 cN·dtex−1 and the modulus increased from 101.54 cN·dtex−1 to 129.55 cN·dtex−1.
Environmentally Friendly Flexible Strain Sensor from Waste Cotton Fabrics and Natural Rubber Latex
Authors: Chen Xinzhu , An Jing , Cai Guangming , Zhang Jin , Chen Wu , Dong Xiongwei , Zhu Licheng , Tang Bin , Wang Jinfeng , Wang Xungai
Published: March 2019

A green approach was successfully developed to fabricate flexible sensors by utilizing carbonized waste cotton fabrics in combination with natural rubber latex. Waste cotton fabrics were firstly carbonized by heat treatment in the nitrogen atmosphere before they were combined with natural rubber latex using three methods, i.e., vacuum bagging, negative pressure adsorption and drop coating. After impregnation with natural rubber, the carbonized cotton maintained the fabric structure and showed good conductivity. More importantly, the electric resistance of the textile composites changed with the tensile strain. The cyclic stretching-releasing tests indicated that the prepared wearable flexible strain sensors were sensitive to strain and stable under cyclic loading. The flexible strain sensor also demonstrated the capability of monitoring human finger and arm motion.
Experimentation of the Bilinear Elastic Behavior of Plain-Woven GFRP Composite with Embedded SMA Wires
Authors: Sun Zhiwei , Xu Yingjie , Wang Wenzhi
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a plain-woven glass-fabric-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite with embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) wires is investigated by means of experiments. The vacuum-assisted resin injection (VARI) method is utilized to fabricate the composite specimens. Quasi-static uniaxial tensile tests are then carried out to evaluate the influence of SMA reinforcement on the stress–strain behavior of the composite. Only the elastic behavior of the composite is considered in the present study. The tensile strain in all the experiments is kept below 2.5% to avoid debonding of the SMA-resin interface, which would lead to failure of the composite. Stress–strain curves are obtained and shown to present a bilinear behavior due to phase transformation taking place in the SMA wires beyond a certain stress threshold.
Solvent-Free Procedure for the Preparation under Controlled Atmosphere Conditions of Phase-Segregated Thermoplastic Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Miguel Álvaro , González Francisco , Gregorio Víctor , García Nuria , Tiemblo Pilar
Published: March 2019

A solvent-free method that allows thermoplastic solid electrolytes based on poly(ethylene oxide) PEO to be obtained under controlled atmosphere conditions is presented. This method comprises two steps, the first one being the melt compounding of PEO with a filler, able to physically crosslink the polymer and its pelletizing, and the second the pellets’ swelling with an electroactive liquid phase. This method is an adaptation of the step described in previous publications of the preparation of thermoplastic electrolytes by a single melt compounding. In comparison to the single step extrusion methodology, this new method permits employing electroactive species that are very sensitive to atmospheric conditions. The two-step method can also be designed to produce controlled phase-segregated morphologies in the electrolyte, namely polymer-poor and polymer-rich phases, with the aim of increasing ionic conductivity over that of homogeneous electrolytes. An evaluation of the characteristics of the electrolytes prepared by single and two-step procedures is done by comparing membranes prepared by both methods using PEO as a polymeric scaffold and a solution of the room-temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (EMI TFSI) and the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide lithium salt (Li TFSI) as liquid phase. The electrolytes prepared by both methods have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and optic microscopy profilometry, differential scanning calorimetry, self-creep experiments, and dielectric spectroscopy. In this way, the phase separation, rheology, and ionic conductivity are studied and compared. It is striking how the electrolytes prepared with this new method maintain their solid-like behavior even at 90 °C. Compared to the single step method, the two-step method produces electrolytes with a phase-separated morphology, which results in higher ionic conductivity.
Diffusion Mechanism of Aqueous Solutions and Swelling of Cellulosic Fibers in Silicone Non-Aqueous Dyeing System
Authors: Pei Liujun , Luo Yuni , Gu Xiaomin , Dou Huashu , Wang Jiping
Published: March 2019

The main goal of this article is to study the diffusion mechanism of aqueous solutions and the swelling of cellulosic fibers in the silicone non-aqueous dyeing system via fluorescent labeling. Due to non-polar media only adsorbing on the surface of fiber, cellulosic fiber could not swell as a result of the non-polar media. However, because water molecules can diffuse into the non-crystalline region of the fiber, cellulosic fiber could swell by water which was dispersed or emulsified in a non-aqueous dyeing system. To study the diffusion mechanism of an aqueous solution in the siloxane non-aqueous dyeing system, siloxane non-aqueous media was first diffused to the cellulosic fiber because of its lower surface tension. The resulting aqueous solution took more time to diffuse the surface of the cellulosic fiber, because water molecules must penetrate the siloxane non-aqueous media film. Compared with the fluorescent intensity of the fiber surface, the siloxane film could be re-transferred to the dye bath under the emulsification of the surfactant and the mechanical force. Therefore, a longer diffusion time of the aqueous solution ensured the dyeing feasibility for cellulosic fiber in the non-aqueous dyeing system.
Towards High-performance Materials Based on Carbohydrate-Derived Polyamide Blends
Authors: Wróblewska Aleksandra A. , Leoné Nils , De Wildeman Stefaan M. A. , Bernaerts Katrien V.
Published: March 2019

A bio-derived monomer called 2,3:4,5-di-O-isopropylidene-galactarate acid/ester (GalXMe) has great potential in polymer production. The unique properties of this molecule, such as its rigidity and bulkiness, contribute to the good thermal properties and appealing transparency of the material. The main problem, however, is that like other biobased materials, the polymers derived thereof are very brittle. In this study, we report on the melt blending of GalXMe polyamides (PAs) with different commercial PA grades using extrusion as well as blend characterization. Biobased PA blends showed limited to no miscibility with other polyamides. However, their incorporation resulted in strong materials with high Young moduli. The increase in modulus of the prepared GalXMe blends with commercial PAs ranged from up to 75% for blends with aliphatic polyamide composed of 1,6-diaminohexane and 1,12-dodecanedioic acid PA(6,12) to up to 82% for blends with cycloaliphatic polyamide composed of 4,4′-methylenebis(cyclohexylamine) and 1,12-dodecanedioic acid PA(PACM,12). Investigation into the mechanism of blending revealed that for some polyamides a transamidation reaction improved the blend compatibility. The thermal stability of the biobased PAs depended on which diamine was used. Polymers with aliphatic/aromatic or alicyclic diamines showed no degradation, whereas with fully aromatic diamines such as p-phenylenediamine, some degradation processes were observed under extrusion conditions (260/270 °C).
Dropstones in Lacustrine Sediments as a Record of Snow Avalanches—A Validation of the Proxy by Combining Satellite Imagery and Varve Chronology at Kenai Lake (South-Central Alaska)
Authors: Thys Sien , Van Daele Maarten , Praet Nore , Jensen Britta J.L. , Van Dyck Thomas , Haeussler Peter J. , Vandekerkhove Elke , Cnudde Veerle , De Batist Marc
Published: March 2019

Snow avalanches cause many fatalities every year and damage local economies worldwide. The present-day climate change affects the snowpack and, thus, the properties and frequency of snow avalanches. Reconstructing snow avalanche records can help us understand past variations in avalanche frequency and their relationship to climate change. Previous avalanche records have primarily been reconstructed using dendrochronology. Here, we investigate the potential of lake sediments to record snow avalanches by studying 27 < 30-cm-long sediment cores from Kenai Lake, south-central Alaska. We use X-ray computed tomography (CT) to image post-1964 varves and to identify dropstones. We use two newly identified cryptotephras to update the existing varve chronology. Satellite imagery is used to understand the redistribution of sediments by ice floes over the lake, which helps to explain why some avalanches are not recorded. Finally, we compare the dropstone record with climate data to show that snow avalanche activity is related to high amounts of snowfall in periods of relatively warm or variable temperature conditions. We show, for the first time, a direct link between historical snow avalanches and dropstones preserved in lake sediments. Although the lacustrine varve record does not allow for the development of a complete annual reconstruction of the snow avalanche history in the Kenai Lake valley, our results suggest that it can be used for long-term decadal reconstructions of the snow-avalanche history, ideally in combination with similar records from lakes elsewhere in the region.
3D Visualized Characterization of Fracture Behavior of Structural Metals Using Synchrotron Radiation Computed Microtomography
Authors: Xu Chao , Huang Meng , Wu Hao , Miao Kesong , Tang Guangze , Xie Honglan , Xiao Tiqiao , Kang Huijun , Wang Tongmin , Geng Lin , Fan Guohua
Published: March 2019

Synchrotron radiation computed micro-tomography (SR-μCT) is a non-destructive characterization method in materials science, which provides the quantitative reconstruction of a three-dimension (3D) volume image with spatial resolution of sub-micrometer level. The recent progress in brilliance and flux of synchrotron radiation source has enabled the fast investigation of the inner microstructure of metal matrix composites without complex sample preparation. The 3D reconstruction can quantitatively describe the phase distribution as well as voids/cracks formation and propagation in structural metals, which provides a powerful tool to investigate the deformation and fracture processes. Here, we present an overview of recent work using SR-μCT, on the applications in structural metals.
Contingency or Divine Justice: What Matters in Job’s Fate? Synchronic Perspectives on Prologue and Dialog in the Book of Job
Authors: Wagner Thomas
Published: March 2019

This article deals with a synchronic reading of the book and investigates the history of ideas such as anthropology and cosmology. It highlights the various positions within the dialog and characterizes the prologue as a prefiguration of the contributions to the debate. Finally, it outlines the internal connection of prologue, dialog and epilog vis-à-vis divine justice and human fate.
The State Canonization of Mazu: Bringing the Notion of Imperial Metaphor into Conversation with the Personal Model
Authors: Zhang Yanchao
Published: March 2019

Drawing from Stephan Feuchtwang’s influential notion of “imperial metaphor,” this article explores the role that the state played in the development of the Mazu cult in late imperial China. I argue that the state was central in the canonization of Mazu, elevating her from a polyvalent local object of devotion to a key deity in a national cult that strongly reflected official ideology. State canonization involved three deeply intertwined strategies to standardize, give public recognition, and promote a range of local beliefs and practices: the conferral of official titles, the incorporation of local gods and goddesses into the register of sacrifices, and the construction of official temples. As a result of these interwoven processes, Mazu became associated with domestic defense and warfare, the protection of government officials, and the involvement in political endeavors. As such, the imperial version of goddess worship served to justify and reinforce imperial authority. For all the analytical strength of the notion of imperial metaphor, I contend, however, that it needs to be supplemented with and critiqued by Robert Hymes’ “personal model,” in order to fully understand the complexity and dynamism of the Mazu devotion, and more generally, of popular religion in late imperial China.
US Pagans and Indigenous Americans: Land and Identity
Authors: McLoughlin Lisa A.
Published: March 2019

In contrast to many European Pagan communities, ancestors and traditional cultural knowledge of Pagans in the United States of America (US Pagans) are rooted in places we no longer reside. Written from a US Pagan perspective, for an audience of Indigenous Americans, Pagans, and secondarily scholars of religion, this paper frames US Paganisms as bipartite with traditional and experiential knowledge; explores how being transplanted from ancestral homelands affects US Pagans’ relationship to the land we are on, to the Indigenous people of that land, and any contribution these may make to the larger discussion of indigeneity; and works to dispel common myths about US Pagans by offering examples of practices that the author suggests may be respectful to Indigenous American communities, while inviting Indigenous American comments on this assessment.
Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Cancer with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Case Report
Authors: Mitsimponas Nikolaos , Grivas Anastasios
Published: March 2019

Peritoneal involvement as a metastatic site of squamous cell skin cancer is exceptionally rare. The current work analyzes a 52-year old male with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell nose carcinoma (cSCC) that was initially treated with surgery and platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation. Five years later, he presented jaundice and hypercalcemia. Further imaging revealed diffused liver, peritoneal and paraaortic lymph node metastases without evidence of locoregional recurrence. The patient underwent liver biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis. High-risk features for metastasizing can be considered the maximum clinical diameter, the anatomical subsite (localization of the primary tumor in the ear and retroauricular area, cheek and lip are considered to significantly increase the risk of distant metastasis), poor histological differentiation, perineural invasion and lesions with a thickness of more than 2.0 mm. Late relapse that involves only disseminated abdominal disease is very uncommon and may justify closer follow-up and more aggressive chemotherapy in high-risk patients.
Rubber Identification Based on Blended High Spatio-Temporal Resolution Optical Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study in Xishuangbanna
Authors: Gao Shupeng , Liu Xiaolong , Bo Yanchen , Shi Zhengtao , Zhou Hongmin
Published: March 2019

As an important economic resource, rubber has rapidly grown in Xishuangbanna of Yunnan Province, China, since the 1990s. Tropical rainforests have been replaced by extensive rubber plantations, which has resulted in ecological problems such as the loss of biodiversity and local water shortages. It is vitally important to accurately map the rubber plantations in this region. Although several rubber mapping methods have been proposed, few studies have investigated methods based on optical remote sensing time series data with high spatio-temporal resolution due to the cloudy and foggy weather conditions in this area. This study presented a rubber plantation identification method that used spatio-temporal optical remote sensing data fusion technology to obtain vegetation index data at high spatio-temporal resolution within the optical remote sensing window in Xishuangbanna. The analysis of the proposed method shows that (1) fused optical remote sensing data with high spatio-temporal resolution could map the rubber distribution with high accuracy (overall accuracy of up to 89.51% and kappa of 0.86). (2) Fused indices have high R2 (R2 greater than 0.8, where R is the correlation coefficient) with the indices that were derived from the Landsat observed data, which indicates that fusion results are dependable. However, the fusion accuracy is affected by terrain factors including elevation, slope, and slope aspects. These factors have obvious negative effects on the fusion accuracy of high spatio-temporal resolution optical remote sensing data: the highest fusion accuracy occurred in areas with elevations between 1201 and 1400 m.a.s.l., and the lowest accuracy occurred in areas with elevations less than 600 m.a.s.l. For the 5 fused time series indices (normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), normalized difference moisture index (NDMI), normalized burn ratio (NBR), and tasseled cap angle (TCA)), the fusion accuracy decreased with increasing slope, and increasing slope had the least impact on the EVI, but the greatest negative impact on the NDVI; the slope aspect had a limited influence on the fusion accuracies of the 5 time series indices, but fusion accuracy was lowest on the northwest slope. (3) EVI had the highest accuracy of rubber plantation classification among the 5 time series indices, and the overall classification accuracies of the time series EVI for the four different years (2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015) reached 87.20% (kappa 0.82), 86.91% (kappa 0.81), 88.85% (kappa 0.84), and 89.51% (kappa 0.86), respectively. The results indicate that the method is a promising approach for rubber plantation mapping and the detection of changes in rubber plantations in this tropical area.
A Robust Dead Reckoning Algorithm Based on Wi-Fi FTM and Multiple Sensors
Authors: Yu Yue , Chen Ruizhi , Chen Liang , Guo Guangyi , Ye Feng , Liu Zuoya
Published: March 2019

More and more applications of location-based services lead to the development of indoor positioning technology. Wi-Fi-based indoor localization has been attractive due to its extensive distribution and low cost properties. IEEE 802.11-2016 now includes a Wi-Fi Fine Time Measurement (FTM) protocol which provides a more robust approach for Wi-Fi ranging between the mobile terminal and Wi-Fi access point (AP). To improve the positioning accuracy, in this paper, we propose a robust dead reckoning algorithm combining the results of Wi-Fi FTM and multiple sensors (DRWMs). A real-time Wi-Fi ranging model is built which can effectively reduce the Wi-Fi ranging errors, and then a multisensor multi-pattern-based dead reckoning is presented. In addition, the Unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is applied to fuse the results of Wi-Fi ranging model and multiple sensors. The experiment results show that the proposed DRWMs algorithm can achieve accurate localization performance in line-of-sight/non-line-of-sight (LOS)/(NLOS) mixed indoor environment. Compared with the traditional Wi-Fi positioning method and the traditional dead reckoning method, the proposed algorithm is more stable and has better real-time performance for indoor positioning.
Laboratory Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy with Genetic Algorithm-Based Partial Least Squares Regression for Assessing the Soil Phosphorus Content of Upland and Lowland Rice Fields in Madagascar
Authors: Kawamura Kensuke , Tsujimoto Yasuhiro , Nishigaki Tomohiro , Andriamananjara Andry , Rabenarivo Michel , Asai Hidetoshi , Rakotoson Tovohery , Razafimbelo Tantely
Published: March 2019

As a laboratory proximal sensing technique, the capability of visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) diffused reflectance spectroscopy with partial least squares (PLS) regression to determine soil properties has previously been demonstrated. However, the evaluation of the soil phosphorus (P) content—a major nutrient constraint for crop production in the tropics—is still a challenging task. PLS regression with waveband selection can improve the predictive ability of a calibration model, and a genetic algorithm (GA) has been widely applied as a suitable method for selecting wavebands in laboratory calibrations. To develop a laboratory-based proximal sensing method, this study investigated the potential to use GA-PLS regression analyses to estimate oxalate-extractable P in upland and lowland soils from laboratory Vis-NIR reflectance data. In terms of predictive ability, GA-PLS regression was compared with iterative stepwise elimination PLS (ISE-PLS) regression and standard full-spectrum PLS (FS-PLS) regression using soil samples collected in 2015 and 2016 from the surface of upland and lowland rice fields in Madagascar (n = 103). Overall, the GA-PLS model using first derivative reflectance (FDR) had the best predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.796) with a good prediction ability (residual predictive deviation (RPD) = 2.211). Selected wavebands in the GA-PLS model did not perfectly match wavelengths of previously known absorption features of soil nutrients, but in most cases, the selected wavebands were within 20 nm of previously known wavelength regions. Bootstrap procedures (N = 10,000 times) using selected wavebands also confirmed the improvements in accuracy and robustness of the GA-PLS model compared to those of the ISE-PLS and FS-PLS models. These results suggest that soil oxalate-extractable P can be predicted from Vis-NIR spectroscopy and that GA-PLS regression has the advantage of tuning optimum bands for PLS regression, contributing to a better predictive ability.
Using Hidden Markov Models for Land Surface Phenology: An Evaluation Across a Range of Land Cover Types in Southeast Spain
Authors: García Miguel A. , Moutahir Hassane , Casady Grant M. , Bautista Susana , Rodríguez Francisco
Published: March 2019

Land Surface Phenology (LSP) metrics are increasingly being used as indicators of climate change impacts in ecosystems. For this purpose, it is necessary to use methods that can be applied to large areas with different types of vegetation, including vulnerable semiarid ecosystems that exhibit high spatial variability and low signal-to-noise ratio in seasonality. In this work, we evaluated the use of hidden Markov models (HMM) to extract phenological parameters from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). We analyzed NDVI time-series data for the period 2000–2018 across a range of land cover types in Southeast Spain, including rice croplands, shrublands, mixed pine forests, and semiarid steppes. Start of Season (SOS) and End of Season (EOS) metrics derived from HMM were compared with those obtained using well-established smoothing methods. When a clear and consistent seasonal variation was present, as was the case in the rice croplands, and when adjusting average curves, the smoothing methods performed as well as expected, with HMM providing consistent results. When spatial variability was high and seasonality was less clearly defined, as in the semiarid shrublands and steppe, the performance of the smoothing methods degraded. In these cases, the results from HMM were also less consistent, yet they were able to provide pixel-wise estimations of the metrics even when comparison methods did not.
A Modeling Framework for Deriving Daily Time Series of Evapotranspiration Maps Using a Surface Energy Balance Model
Authors: Khand Kul , Taghvaeian Saleh , Gowda Prasanna , Paul George
Published: March 2019

Surface energy balance models have been one of the most widely used approaches to estimate spatially distributed evapotranspiration (ET) at varying landscape scales. However, more research is required to develop and test an operational framework that can address all challenges related to processing and gap filling of non-continuous satellite data to generate time series of ET at regional scale. In this study, an automated modeling framework was developed to construct daily time series of ET maps using MODIS imagery and the Surface Energy Balance System model. The ET estimates generated from this modeling framework were validated against observations of three eddy-covariance towers in Oklahoma, United States during a two-year period at each site. The modeling framework overestimated ET but captured its spatial and temporal variability. The overall performance was good with mean bias errors less than 30 W m−2 and root mean square errors less than 50 W m−2. The model was then applied for a 14-year period (2001–2014) to study ET variations across Oklahoma. The statewide annual ET varied from 841 to 1100 mm yr−1, with an average of 994 mm yr−1. The results were also analyzed to estimate the ratio of estimated ET to reference ET, which is an indicator of water scarcity. The potential applications and challenges of the ET modeling framework are discussed and the future direction for the improvement and development of similar automated approaches are highlighted.