bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Composite Slab Using Crushed Waste Tires as Fine Aggregate in Self-Compacting Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Lv Jing , Zhou Tianhua , Wu Hanheng , Sang Liurui , He Zuoqian , Li Gen , Li Kaikai
Published: June 2020

A composite slab comprised of self-compacting rubber lightweight aggregate concrete (SCRLC) and profiled steel sheeting is a new type of structural element with a series of superior properties. This paper presents an experimental research and finite element analysis (FEA) of the flexural behavior of composite slabs consisting of SCRLC to develop a new floor system. Four composite slabs specimens with different shear spans (450 mm and 800 mm) and SCRLC (0% and 30% in rubber particles substitution ratio) are prepared, and the flexural properties including failure modes, deflection at mid-span, profiled steel sheeting, and concrete surface stain at mid-span and end slippage are investigated by four-point bending tests. The experimental results indicate that applying SCRLC30 in composites slabs will improve the anti-cracking ability under the loading of composite slabs compared with composite slabs consisting of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete (SCLC). FEM on the flexural properties of SCRLC composites slabs show that the yield load, ultimate load, and deflection corresponding to the yield load and the ultimate load of composite slabs drop as the rubber particles content increases in SCRLC. The variation of SCRLC strength has less impact on the flexural bearing capacity of corresponding composite slabs. Based on the traditional calculated method of the ultimate bending moment of normal concrete (NC) composite slabs, a modified calculated method for the ultimate bending moment of SCRLC composite slabs is proposed.
Superiority of Cellulose Non-Solvent Chemical Modification over Solvent-Involving Treatment: Solution for Green Chemistry (Part I)
Authors: Cichosz Stefan , Masek Anna
Published: June 2020

In the following article, a new approach of cellulose modification, which does not incorporate any solvents (NS), is introduced. It is compared for the first time with the traditional solvent-involving (S) treatment. The analysed non-solvent modification process is carried out in a planetary mill. This provides the opportunity for cellulose mechanical degradation, decreasing its size, simultaneously with ongoing silane coupling agent grafting. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated the possibility of intense cleavage of the glucose rings in the cellulose chains during the mechano-chemical treatment. This effect was proved with dynamic light scattering (DLS) results—the size of the particles decreased. Moreover, according to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigation, modified samples exhibited decreased moisture content and a drop in the adsorbed water evaporation temperature. The performed research proved the superiority of the mechano-chemical treatment over regular chemical modification. The one-pot bio-filler modification approach, as a solution fulfilling green chemistry requirements, as well as compromising the sustainable development rules, was presented. Furthermore, this research may contribute significantly to the elimination of toxic solvents from cellulose modification processes.
Enhanced Arsenic(V) Removal on an Iron-Based Sorbent Modified by Lanthanum(III)
Authors: Dudek Sebastian , Kołodyńska Dorota
Published: June 2020

Modification of a commercial iron oxide ion exchanger (Arsen Xnp) was carried out to enhance the removal of arsenic(V) ions. The modification consisted of the adsorption of lanthanum(III) ions on the Arsen Xnp surface. After adsorption, the material was dried at 313 K to obtain the modified ion exchanger Arsen Xnp-La(III). The modification process itself was tested for optimal pH, kinetics, and equilibrium adsorption isotherm study. Accurate sorbent characteristics were made using, among others, SEM, FTIR, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Then, various tests were carried out to compare the adsorption properties of the modified and unmodified material. It turned out that the tested material was able to completely remove arsenic from an aqueous solution with an initial concentration of up to 50 mg/dm3. Without modification, it was not possible to reach the WHO recommended 10 μg/dm3 arsenic limit even at an initial concentration of 25 mg/dm3. Moreover, the maximum sorption capacity increased from 22.37 to 61.97 mg/g after modification (3 times greater than before modification). It is worth noting that the process of removing arsenic on Arsen Xnp-La(III) is fast—equilibrium is reached after about 120 min. Under almost neutral conditions, precipitation and adsorption can be the main mechanisms of As(V) removal. After modification, the removal capacity was enhanced by the co-precipitation and adsorption by exchange of the OH– group with arsenic ions. Such La(III) based adsorbent can be successfully applied in wastewater purification and displays superior performance for removing arsenic.
Microstructural Change during the Interrupted Quenching of the AlZnMg(Cu) Alloy AA7050
Authors: Kremmer Thomas M. , Dumitraschkewitz Phillip , Pöschmann Daniel , Ebner Thomas , Uggowitzer Peter J. , Kolb Gernot K. H. , Pogatscher Stefan
Published: June 2020

This study reports on the effect of interrupted quenching on the microstructure and mechanical properties of plates made of the AlZnMg(Cu) alloy AA7050. Rapid cooling from the solution heat treatment temperature is interrupted at temperatures between 100 and 200 °C and continued with a very slow further cooling to room temperature. The final material’s condition is achieved without or with subsequent artificial ageing. The results show that an improvement in the strength–toughness trade-off can be obtained by using this method. Interrupted quenching at 125 °C with peak artificial ageing leads to a yield strength increase of 27 MPa (538 MPa to 565 MPa) compared to the reference material at the same fracture toughness level. A further special case is the complete omission of an artificial ageing treatment with interrupted quenching at 200 °C. This heat treatment exhibits an 20% increase in fracture toughness (35 to 42 MPa m−1/2) while retaining a sufficient yield strength of 512 MPa for industrial applications. A detailed characterization of the relevant microstructural parameters like present phases, phase distribution and precipitate-free zones is performed using transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography.
Multiscale Model Reduction of the Unsaturated Flow Problem in Heterogeneous Porous Media with Rough Surface Topography
Authors: Spiridonov Denis , Vasilyeva Maria , Chung Eric T. , Efendiev Yalchin , Jana Raghavendra
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider unsaturated filtration in heterogeneous porous media with rough surface topography. The surface topography plays an important role in determining the flow process and includes multiscale features. The mathematical model is based on the Richards’ equation with three different types of boundary conditions on the surface: Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions. For coarse-grid discretization, the Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method (GMsFEM) is used. Multiscale basis functions that incorporate small scale heterogeneities into the basis functions are constructed. To treat rough boundaries, we construct additional basis functions to take into account the influence of boundary conditions on rough surfaces. We present numerical results for two-dimensional and three-dimensional model problems. To verify the obtained results, we calculate relative errors between the multiscale and reference (fine-grid) solutions for different numbers of multiscale basis functions. We obtain a good agreement between fine-grid and coarse-grid solutions.
Dynamic Pricing and Optimal Control for a Stochastic Inventory System with Non-Instantaneous Deteriorating Items and Partial Backlogging
Authors: Luo Xuxiang , Liu Zaiming , Wu Jinbiao
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider a problem of the dynamic pricing and inventory control for non-instantaneous deteriorating items with uncertain demand, in which the demand is price-sensitive and governed by a diffusion process. Shortages and remains are permitted, and the backlogging rate is variable and dependent on the waiting time for the next replenishment. In order to maximize the expected total profit, the problem of dynamic pricing and inventory control is described as a stochastic optimal control problem. Based on the dynamic programming principle, the stochastic control model is transformed into a Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. Then, an exact expression for the optimal dynamic pricing strategy is obtained via solving the HJB equation. Moreover, the optimal initial inventory level, the optimal selling pricing, the optimal replenishment cycle and the optimal expected total profit are achieved when the replenishment cycle starts at time 0. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the analytical results, and the sensitivities analysis on system parameters are carried out to provide some suggestions for managers.
Models of Set Theory in which Nonconstructible Reals First Appear at a Given Projective Level
Authors: Kanovei Vladimir , Lyubetsky Vassily
Published: June 2020

Models of set theory are defined, in which nonconstructible reals first appear on a given level of the projective hierarchy. Our main results are as follows. Suppose that n ≥ 2 . Then: 1. If it holds in the constructible universe L that a ⊆ ω and a ∉ Σ n 1 ∪ Π n 1 , then there is a generic extension of L in which a ∈ Δ n + 1 1 but still a ∉ Σ n 1 ∪ Π n 1 , and moreover, any set x ⊆ ω , x ∈ Σ n 1 , is constructible and Σ n 1 in L . 2. There exists a generic extension L in which it is true that there is a nonconstructible Δ n + 1 1 set a ⊆ ω , but all Σ n 1 sets x ⊆ ω are constructible and even Σ n 1 in L , and in addition, V = L [ a ] in the extension. 3. There exists an generic extension of L in which there is a nonconstructible Σ n + 1 1 set a ⊆ ω , but all Δ n + 1 1 sets x ⊆ ω are constructible and Δ n + 1 1 in L . Thus, nonconstructible reals (here subsets of ω ) can first appear at a given lightface projective class strictly higher than Σ 2 1 , in an appropriate generic extension of L . The lower limit Σ 2 1 is motivated by the Shoenfield absoluteness theorem, which implies that all Σ 2 1 sets a ⊆ ω are constructible. Our methods are based on almost-disjoint forcing. We add a sufficient number of generic reals to L , which are very similar at a given projective level n but discernible at the next level n + 1 .
Comparative Study on the Dry Sliding Friction Properties of In-Situ Micron and Submicron (Ti-V)C Reinforced Fe-Based Laser Cladding Layers
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Hui , Xiao Guangchun , Zhao Wei , Xu Hui
Published: June 2020

By optimising the particle size of cladding alloy powders, in situ micron and submicron (Ti-V)C reinforced Fe-based laser cladding layers were prepared and the dry sliding friction properties were comparatively studied. Results showed that there were same phases of α-Fe, γ, TiC, and TiVC2 in the two cladding layers. The average grain size of the Fe-based matrix was 3.46 μm and 3.37 μm, the microhardness was 731 HV0.2 and 736 HV0.2, and the area ratio of carbides was 11.14% and 11.02%, respectively. The dry sliding wear resistance of the cladding layer reinforced by 1.95 μm carbides was 2.76 times higher than that of the 0.49 μm carbides. The failure mechanism of the cladding layer with the micron carbides was mainly caused by plastic deformation of the cladding layer matrix, whereas that of the submicron carbides involved both the plastic deformation of the cladding layer matrix and the abrasion that was caused by the peeled carbides.
Fatigue Design of Dental Implant Assemblies: A Nominal Stress Approach
Authors: Armentia Mikel , Abasolo Mikel , Coria Ibai , Albizuri Joseba
Published: June 2020

Fatigue is the most common mechanical failure type in dental implants. ISO 14801 standardizes fatigue testing of dental implants, providing the load-life curve which is most useful for comparing the fatigue behavior of different dental implant designs. Based on it, many works were published in the dental implant literature, comparing different materials, component geometries, connection types, surface treatments, etc. These works are useful for clinicians in order to identify the best options available in the market. The present work is intended not for clinicians but for dental implant manufacturers, developing a design tool that combines Finite Element Analysis, fatigue formulation and ISO 14801 experimental tests. For that purpose, 46 experimental tests were performed on BTI INTERNA® IIPSCA4513 implants joined with INPPTU44 abutments by means of INTTUH prosthetic screws under three different tightening torque magnitudes. Then, the load case was reproduced in a FE model from where the nominal stress state in the fatigue critical section was worked out. Finally, Walker criterion was used to represent accurately the effects of mean stress and predict fatigue life of the studied dental implant assembly, which can be extended to most of the products of BTI manufacturer. By means of this tool, dental implant manufacturers will be able to identify the critical design and assembly parameters in terms of fatigue behavior, evaluate their influence in preliminary design stages and consequently design dental implants with significantly better fatigue response which in turn will reduce future clinical incidences.
Effect of Surface Roughness on Hydrogen-Induced Blister Behavior in Pure Iron
Authors: Li Xinfeng , Wang Yao , Huang Weihong , Zhang Jin , Wu Xubin
Published: June 2020

The effect of surface roughness on hydrogen-induced blister behavior in pure iron was explored using optical microscopy and microcomputerized tomography. Hydrogen was introduced into the samples by electrochemical precharging methods with various hydrogen charging times. It is found that grinded surface exhibits higher roughness and compressive residual stress compared to those of polished surface. With increasing hydrogen charging time, hydrogen-induced blister height, blister width and blister area fraction increase, regardless of the grinded surface and polished surface. Further, hydrogen blister height and width of grinded surface are comparative to polished surface under the same hydrogen charging time. However, the blister area fraction and the number of blister on polished surface are considerably higher than the grinded surface, indicating that polished surface is more susceptible to the formation of blisters than that of grinded surface, both of surface and interior of the samples. This is dominantly rationalized in terms of the suppression effect of hydrogen invasion in grinded surfaces due to their higher residual compressive stress and higher dislocation density.
Design, Fabrication, and Characterization of New Materials Based on Zirconia Doped with Mixed Rare Earth Oxides: Review and First Experimental Results
Authors: Motoc Adrian Mihail , Valsan Sorina , Slobozeanu Anca Elena , Corban Mircea , Valerini Daniele , Prakasam Mythili , Botan Mihail , Dragut Valentin , Vasile Bogdan St. , Surdu Adrian Vasile , Trusca Roxana , Grilli Maria Luisa , Piticescu Robert Radu
Published: June 2020

Monazite is one of the most valuable natural resources for rare earth oxides (REOs) used as dopants with high added value in ceramic materials for extreme environments applications. The complexity of the separation process in individual REOs, due to their similar electronic configuration and physical–chemical properties, is reflected in products with high price and high environmental footprint. During last years, there was an increasing interest for using different mixtures of REOs as dopants for high temperature ceramics, in particular for ZrO2-based thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) used in aeronautics and energy co-generation. The use of mixed REOs may increase the working temperature of the TBCs due to the formation of tetragonal and cubic solid solutions with higher melting temperatures, avoiding grain size coarsening due to interface segregation, enhancing its ionic conductivity and sinterability. The thermal stability of the coatings may be further improved by using rare earth zirconates with perovskite or pyrochlore structures having no phase transitions before melting. Within this research framework, firstly we present a review analysis about results reported in the literature so far about the use of ZrO2 ceramics doped with mixed REOs for high temperature applications. Then, preliminary results about TBCs fabricated by electron beam evaporation starting from mixed REOs simulating the real composition as occurring in monazite source minerals are reported. This novel recipe for ZrO2-based TBCs, if optimized, may lead to better materials with lower costs and lower environmental impact, as a result of the elimination of REOs extraction and separation in individual lanthanides. Preliminary results on the compositional, microstructure, morphological, and thermal properties of the tested materials are reported.
An Immunosensor for the Detection of ULBP2 Biomarker
Authors: Yang Wen-Chi , Liao Su-Yu , Phan Thien Luan , Van Hieu Nguyen , Chu Pei-Yi , Yi Chin-Chang , Wu Hsing-Ju , Chang Kang-Ming , Ching Congo Tak-Shing
Published: June 2020

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a global health problem that features a very high mortality rate. The UL16 binding protein 2 (ULBP2) is a new biomarker for PC detection. This study develops a simple, reliable, and inexpensive immunosensor for the detection of the ULBP2 antigen while also investigating the effects of an array configuration of connected sensors and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the immunosensor’s sensitivity. The ULBP2 antibody was immobilized onto the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) surfaces of three different sensors: a simple SPCE (ULBP2-SPCE); an SPCE array, which is a series of identical SPCE connected to each other at different arrangements of rows and columns (ULBP2-SPCE-1x2 and ULBP2-SPCE-1x3); and an SPCE combined with ZnO nanoparticles (ULBP2-ZnO/SPCE). Impedance spectrum measurements for the immunosensors to ULBP2 antigen were conducted and compared. According to the result, the array configurations (ULBP2-SPCE-1x2 and ULBP2-SPCE-1x3) show an improvement of sensitivity compared to the ULBP2-SPCE alone, but the improvement is not as significant as that of the ULBP2-ZnO/SPCE configuration (ULBP2-ZnO/SPCE > ULBP2-SPCE: 18 times larger). The ULBP2-ZnO/SPCE immunosensor has a low limit of detection (1 pg/mL) and a high sensitivity (332.2 Ω/Log(pg/mL)), excellent linearity (R2 = 0.98), good repeatability (coefficients of variation = 5.03%), and is stable in long-term storage (retaining 95% activity after 28 days storage). In an array configuration, the immunosensor has an increased signal-to-noise ratio (ULBP2-SPCE-1x3 > ULBP2-SPCE: 1.5-fold) and sensitivity (ULBP2-SPCE-1x3 > ULBP2-SPCE: 2.6-fold). In conclusion, either the modification with ZnO nanoparticles onto the sensor or the use of an array configuration of sensors can enhance the immunosensor’s sensitivity. In this study, the best immunosensor for detecting ULBP2 antigens is the ULBP2-ZnO/SPCE immunosensor.
Analysis of the Binding of Analyte-Receptor in a Micro-Fluidic Channel for a Biosensor Based on Brownian Motion
Authors: Choi Sunghak , Lee Woo Il , Lee Gyu Hee , Yoo Yeong-Eun
Published: June 2020

This study experimentally analyses the binding characteristics of analytes mixed in liquid samples flowing along a micro-channel to the receptor fixed on the wall of the micro-channel to provide design tools and data for a microfluidic-based biosensor. The binding or detection characteristics are analyzed experimentally by counting the number of analytes bound to the receptor, with sample analyte concentration, sample flow rate, and the position of the receptor along the micro-channel length as the main variables. A mathematical model is also proposed to predict the number of analytes transported and bound to the receptor based on a probability density function for Brownian motion. The coefficient in the mathematical model is obtained by using a dimensionless mathematical model and the experimental results. The coefficient remains valid for all different conditions of the sample analyte concentration, flow rate, and the position of the receptor, which implies the possibility of deriving a generalized model. Based on the mathematical model derived from mathematical and experimental analysis on the detection characteristics of the microfluidic-based biosensor depending on previously mentioned variables and the height of the micro-channel, this study suggests a design for a microfluidic-based biosensor by predicting the binding efficiency according to the channel height. The results show the binding efficiency increases as the flow rate decreases and as the receptor is placed closer to the sample-injecting inlet, but is unaffected by sample concentration.
Synthesis and Stabilization of Support-Free Mesoporous Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Juhász Laura , Moldován Krisztián , Herman Petra , Erdélyi Zoltán , Fábián István , Kalmár József , Cserháti Csaba
Published: June 2020

Porous gold nanoparticles (PGNs) are usually prepared in an immobilized form on a solid substrate, which is not practical in many applications. In this work, a simple method is reported for the preparation and stabilization of mesoporous gold particles of a few hundred nanometers in size in aqueous suspension. Nanoparticles of Ag-Au alloy were fabricated on CaF 2 and Si/SiO 2 substrates by the solid-state dewetting method. Silver was selectively dissolved (dealloyed), and the resulting porous gold nanoparticles were chemically removed from the substrate either in a concerted step with dealloying, or in a subsequent step. Nitric acid was used for the one-step dealloying and detachment of the particles from CaF 2 substrate. The consecutive use of HNO 3 and HF resulted in the dealloying and the subsequent detachment of the particles from Si/SiO 2 substrate. The PGNs were recovered from the aqueous suspensions by centrifugation. The Au content of the suspensions was monitored by using elemental analysis (ICP-OES), and recovery was optimized. The morphology and the optical characteristics of the support-free PGNs were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering spectroscopy (DLS), and near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIR). The obtained PGNs are spherical disk-shaped with a mean particle size of 765 ± 149 nm. The suspended, support-free PGNs display an ideally narrow dipole plasmon peak at around 1450 nm in the NIR spectral region. Thus, the new colloidal PGNs are ideal candidates for biomedical applications, for instance photothermal therapy.
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Food and Personal Care Products—What Do We Know about Their Safety?
Authors: Musial Joanna , Krakowiak Rafal , Mlynarczyk Dariusz T. , Goslinski Tomasz , Stanisz Beata J.
Published: June 2020

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a material of diverse applications commonly used as a food additive or cosmetic ingredient. Its prevalence in products of everyday use, especially in nanosize, raises concerns about safety. Current findings on the safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) used as a food additive or a sunscreen compound are reviewed and systematized in this publication. Although some studies state that TiO2 NPs are not harmful to humans through ingestion or via dermal exposure, there is a considerable number of data that demonstrated their toxic effects in animal models. The final agreement on the safety of this nanomaterial has not yet been reached among researchers. There is also a lack of official, standardized guidelines for thorough characterization of TiO2 NPs in food and cosmetic products, provided by international authorities. Recent advances in the application of ‘green-synthesized’ TiO2 NPs, as well as comparative studies of the properties of ‘biogenic’ and ‘traditional’ nanoparticles, are presented. To conclude, perspectives and directions for further studies on the toxicity of TiO2 NPs are proposed.
MALAT1 Long Non-Coding RNA: Functional Implications
Authors: Arun Gayatri , Aggarwal Disha , Spector David L.
Published: June 2020

The mammalian genome is pervasively transcribed and the functional significance of many long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts are gradually being elucidated. Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) is one of the most well-studied lncRNAs. MALAT1 is a highly conserved nuclear retained lncRNA that is abundantly expressed in cells and tissues and has been shown to play a role in regulating genes at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in a context-dependent manner. However, Malat1 has been shown to be dispensable for normal development and viability in mice. Interestingly, accumulating evidence suggests that MALAT1 plays an important role in numerous diseases including cancer. Here, we discuss the current state-of-knowledge in regard to MALAT1 with respect to its function, role in diseases, and the potential therapeutic opportunities for targeting MALAT1 using antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules.
Endo-1,3(4)-β-Glucanase-Treatment of Oat β-Glucan Enhances Fermentability by Infant Fecal Microbiota, Stimulates Dectin-1 Activation and Attenuates Inflammatory Responses in Immature Dendritic Cells
Authors: Akkerman Renate , Logtenberg Madelon J. , An Ran , Van Den Berg Marco Alexander , de Haan Bart J. , Faas Marijke M. , Zoetendal Erwin , de Vos Paul , Schols Henk A.
Published: June 2020

Background: Non-digestible carbohydrates are added to infant formula to mimic the effects of human milk oligosaccharide by acting as prebiotics and stimulating the immune system. Although not yet used in infant formulas, β-glucans are known to have beneficial health effects, and are therefore of potential interest for supplementation. Methods and results: We investigated the in vitro fermentation of native and endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase-treated oat β-glucan using pooled fecal inocula of 2- and 8-week-old infants. While native oat β-glucan was not utilized, both inocula specifically utilized oat β-glucan oligomers containing β(1→4)-linkages formed upon enzyme treatment. The fermentation rate was highest in the fecal microbiota of 2-week-old infants, and correlated with a high lactate production. Fermentation of media supplemented with native and enzyme-treated oat β-glucans increased the relative abundance of Enterococcus and attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα) in immature dendritic cells. This attenuating effect was more pronounced after enzyme treatment. This attenuation might result from the enhanced ability of fermented oat β-glucan to stimulate Dectin-1 receptors. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase treatment enhances the fermentability of oat β-glucan and attenuates pro-inflammatory responses. Hence, this study shows that especially enzyme-treated oat β-glucans have a high potential for supplementation of infant formula.
Vitamin D Status Is Not Associated with Cognitive or Motor Function in Pre-School Ugandan Children
Authors: Mutua Agnes M. , Nampijja Margaret , Elliott Alison M. , Pettifor John M. , Williams Thomas N. , Abubakar Amina , Webb Emily L. , Atkinson Sarah H.
Published: June 2020

Vitamin D deficiency is common worldwide and young children are among the most affected groups. Animal studies suggest a key role for vitamin D in brain development. However, studies investigating the effects of vitamin D on neurobehavioural outcomes in children are inconclusive and evidence is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated the effect of vitamin D status on cognitive and motor outcomes using prospective data from the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study birth cohort. We analysed data from 302 Ugandan children with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) measurements below five years and developmental measures at five years of age. We used multivariable linear regression, adjusted for potential confounders, to estimate the effect of 25(OH)D on cognitive and motor outcomes. Of 302 children, eight (2.7%) had 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L, 105 (35.8%) had levels 50–75 nmol/L and 189 (62.6%) had levels >75 nmol/L. There was no evidence that earlier vitamin D status was associated with cognitive and motor outcomes in five-year-old Ugandan children. This study adds to the sparse literature and highlights the need for further longitudinal studies on vitamin D and neurobehavioural outcomes in children living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Pentadecanoic Acid, an Odd-Chain Fatty Acid, Suppresses the Stemness of MCF-7/SC Human Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells through JAK2/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: To Ngoc Bao , Nguyen Yen Thi-Kim , Moon Jeong Yong , Ediriweera Meran Keshawa , Cho Somi Kim
Published: June 2020

Saturated fatty acids possess few health benefits compared to unsaturated fatty acids. However, increasing experimental evidence demonstrates the nutritionally beneficial role of odd-chain saturated fatty acids in human health. In this study, the anti-cancer effects of pentadecanoic acid were evaluated in human breast carcinoma MCF-7/stem-like cells (SC), a cell line with greater mobility, invasiveness, and cancer stem cell properties compared to the parental MCF-7 cells. Pentadecanoic acid exerted selective cytotoxic effects in MCF-7/SC compared to in the parental cells. Moreover, pentadecanoic acid reduced the stemness of MCF-7/SC and suppressed the migratory and invasive ability of MCF-7/SC as evidenced by the results of flow cytometry, a mammosphere formation assay, an aldehyde dehydrogenase activity assay, and Western blot experiments conducted to analyze the expression of cancer stem cell markers—CD44, β-catenin, MDR1, and MRP1—and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers—snail, slug, MMP9, and MMP2. In addition, pentadecanoic acid suppressed interleukin-6 (IL-6)-induced JAK2/STAT3 signaling, induced cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase, and promoted caspase-dependent apoptosis in MCF-7/SC. These findings indicate that pentadecanoic acid can serve as a novel JAK2/STAT3 signaling inhibitor in breast cancer cells and suggest the beneficial effects of pentadecanoic acid-rich food intake during breast cancer treatments.
Autochthonous Human and Canine Strongyloides stercoralis Infection in Europe: Report of a Human Case in An Italian Teen and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ottino Letizia , Buonfrate Dora , Paradies Paola , Bisoffi Zeno , Antonelli Alberto , Rossolini Gian Maria , Gabrielli Simona , Bartoloni Alessandro , Zammarchi Lorenzo
Published: June 2020

Autochthonous human and canine strongyloidiasis is reported in Europe but is unclear whether the transmission of infection still occurs. We report a previously unpublished human case in an Italian teen and perform a systematic review of literature on autochthonous human and canine strongyloidiasis in Europe to investigate the current dynamic of transmission. Overall, 109 papers published after 1987 were included and one previously unpublished Italian case was added. Eighty case reports were retrieved and 42 of them (52.5%) had severe strongyloidiasis. Most cases were diagnosed in Spain, Italy and France. The median age was 58, the most represented age group was 61–70 years, 11 patients were under 30, and 7 of them were diagnosed after 2000. Epidemiological studies on human strongyloidiasis showed prevalence ranging from 0.56% to 28%. Overall, agriculture work, mine work and walking barefoot were the most commonly reported risk factors for infection. Canine strongyloidiasis was reported mainly in Italy (68 cases), but a few cases occurred also in Iceland, Finland, England, Germany, France, Switzerland, Russia, Slovakia, Romania and Greece. Autochthonous strongyloidiasis is still reported in Europe and sporadic transmission still occurs. Health care professionals should be aware of this issue to identify infected subjects and avoid adverse outcomes, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Further investigations are needed to clarify the zoonotic transmission of this nematode.
Cartography of Free-Living Amoebae in Soil in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) Using DNA Metabarcoding
Authors: Reynaud Yann , Ducat Célia , Talarmin Antoine , Marcelino Isabel
Published: June 2020

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous protists. Pathogenic FLA such as N. fowleri can be found in hot springs in Guadeloupe, soil being the origin of this contamination. Herein, we analyzed the diversity and distribution of FLA in soil using a targeted metataxonomic analysis. Soil samples (n = 107) were collected from 40 sites. DNA was extracted directly from soil samples or from FLA cultivated at different temperatures (30, 37 and 44 °C). Metabarcoding studies were then conducted through FLA 18SrDNA amplicons sequencing; amplicon sequence variants (ASV) were extracted from each sample and taxonomy assigned against SILVA database using QIIME2 and SHAMAN pipelines. Vermamoeba were detected in DNA extracted directly from the soil, but to detect other FLA an amoebal enrichment step was necessary. V. vermiformis was by far the most represented species of FLA, being detected throughout the islands. Although Naegleria were mainly found in Basse-Terre region, N. fowleri was also detected in Grand Terre and Les Saintes Islands. Acanthamoeba were mainly found in areas where temperature is approx. 30 °C. Vannella and Vahlkampfia were randomly found in Guadeloupe islands. FLA detected in Guadeloupe include both pathogenic genera and genera that can putatively harbor microbial pathogens, therefore posing a potential threat to human health.
Nanotechnology as a Platform for the Development of Injectable Parenteral Formulations: A Comprehensive Review of the Know-Hows and State of the Art
Authors: Shetab Boushehri Maryam , Dietrich Dirk , Lamprecht Alf
Published: June 2020

Within recent decades, the development of nanotechnology has made a significant contribution to the progress of various fields of study, including the domains of medical and pharmaceutical sciences. A substantially transformed arena within the context of the latter is the development and production of various injectable parenteral formulations. Indeed, recent decades have witnessed a rapid growth of the marketed and pipeline nanotechnology-based injectable products, which is a testimony to the remarkability of the aforementioned contribution. Adjunct to the ability of nanomaterials to deliver the incorporated payloads to many different targets of interest, nanotechnology has substantially assisted to the development of many further facets of the art. Such contributions include the enhancement of the drug solubility, development of long-acting locally and systemically injectable formulations, tuning the onset of the drug’s release through the endowment of sensitivity to various internal or external stimuli, as well as adjuvancy and immune activation, which is a desirable component for injectable vaccines and immunotherapeutic formulations. The current work seeks to provide a comprehensive review of all the abovementioned contributions, along with the most recent advances made within each domain. Furthermore, recent developments within the domains of passive and active targeting will be briefly debated.
Role of Folic Acid in the Therapeutic Action of Nanostructured Porous Silica Functionalized with Organotin(IV) Compounds against Different Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Díaz-García Diana , Montalbán-Hernández Karla , Mena-Palomo Irene , Achimas-Cadariu Patriciu , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , López-Collazo Eduardo , Prashar Sanjiv , Ovejero Paredes Karina , Filice Marco , Fischer-Fodor Eva , Gómez-Ruiz Santiago
Published: June 2020

The synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines of various mesoporous silica-based materials containing folate targeting moieties and a cytotoxic fragment based on a triphenyltin(IV) derivative have been studied. Two different mesoporous nanostructured silica systems have been used: firstly, micronic silica particles of the MSU-2 type and, secondly, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) of about 80 nm. Both series of materials have been characterized by different methods, such as powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, absorption spectroscopy and microscopy. In addition, these systems have been tested against four different cancer cell lines, namely, OVCAR-3, DLD-1, A2780 and A431, in order to observe if the size of the silica-based systems and the quantity of incorporated folic acid influence their cytotoxic action. The results show that the materials are more active when the quantity of folic acid is higher, especially in those cells that overexpress folate receptors such as OVCAR-3 and DLD-1. In addition, the study of the potential modulation of the soluble folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) by treatment with the synthesized materials has been carried out using OVCAR-3, DLD-1, A2780 and A431 tumour cell lines. The results show that a relatively high concentration of folic acid functionalization of the nanostructured silica together with the incorporation of the cytotoxic tin fragment leads to an increase in the quantity of the soluble FOLR1 secreted by the tumour cells. In addition, the studies reported here show that this increase of the soluble FOLR1 occurs presumably by cutting the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor of membrane FR-α and by the release of intracellular FR-α. This study validates the potential use of a combination of mesoporous silica materials co-functionalized with folate targeting molecules and an organotin(IV) drug as a strategy for the therapeutic treatment of several cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors.
Continuous Professional Development for Public Sector Pharmacists in South Africa: A Case Study of Mapping Competencies in a Pharmacists’ Preceptor Programme
Authors: van Huyssteen Mea , Bheekie Angeni , Srinivas Sunitha C , Essack Azeezah
Published: June 2020

Lifelong learning among healthcare practitioners is crucial to keep abreast of advances in therapeutic and service delivery approaches. In South Africa, continuous professional development (CPD) was mandated (2019) for re-registration of pharmacists to illustrate their learning according to the South African Pharmacy Council’s (SAPC) competency standards. This paper uses a preceptor programme linked to the University of the Western Cape School of Pharmacy’s service learning programme to map the competencies employed by pharmacist preceptors in primary care public healthcare facilities in Cape Town in an attempt to encourage completion of their annual CPDs and strengthening the academic-service partnership. Competencies identified were divided into input competencies related to the preceptor’s role in designing and implementing the educational programme in their facilities and assisting students to complete their prescribed learning activities, and output/outcome competencies that emerged from preceptors identifying the facility needs and employing their input competencies. Input competencies pertained to education, leadership, patient counselling, collaborative practice and human resources management. Output competencies related to pharmaceutical infrastructure, quality assurance, professional and health advocacy, primary healthcare, self-management and patient-centred care. The preceptor programme enabled pharmacist preceptors to employ several competencies that are aligned with the SAPC’s competency framework.
Transcriptome and Network Analyses of Heterostyly in Turnera subulata Provide Mechanistic Insights: Are S-Loci a Red-Light for Pistil Elongation?
Authors: Henning Paige M. , Shore Joel S. , McCubbin Andrew G.
Published: June 2020

Heterostyly employs distinct hermaphroditic floral morphs to enforce outbreeding. Morphs differ structurally in stigma/anther positioning, promoting cross-pollination, and physiologically blocking self-fertilization. Heterostyly is controlled by a self-incompatibility (S)-locus of a small number of linked S-genes specific to short-styled morph genomes. Turnera possesses three S-genes, namely TsBAHD (controlling pistil characters), TsYUC6, and TsSPH1 (controlling stamen characters). Here, we compare pistil and stamen transcriptomes of floral morphs of T. subulata to investigate hypothesized S-gene function(s) and whether hormonal differences might contribute to physiological incompatibility. We then use network analyses to identify genetic networks underpinning heterostyly. We found a depletion of brassinosteroid-regulated genes in short styled (S)-morph pistils, consistent with hypothesized brassinosteroid-inactivating activity of TsBAHD. In S-morph anthers, auxin-regulated genes were enriched, consistent with hypothesized auxin biosynthesis activity of TsYUC6. Evidence was found for auxin elevation and brassinosteroid reduction in both pistils and stamens of S- relative to long styled (L)-morph flowers, consistent with reciprocal hormonal differences contributing to physiological incompatibility. Additional hormone pathways were also affected, however, suggesting S-gene activities intersect with a signaling hub. Interestingly, distinct S-genes controlling pistil length, from three species with independently evolved heterostyly, potentially intersect with phytochrome interacting factor (PIF) network hubs which mediate red/far-red light signaling. We propose that modification of the activities of PIF hubs by the S-locus could be a common theme in the evolution of heterostyly.
Impact of Isomeric Dicarboxylate Ligands on the Formation of One-Dimensional Coordination Polymers and Metallocycles: A Novel cis→trans Isomerization
Authors: Chen Kuan-Ting , Hu Ji-Hong , Yang Xiang-Kai , Chen Jhy-Der
Published: June 2020

A series of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) coordination polymers and dinuclear metallocycles containing 4-aminopyridine (4-ampy) and benzenedicarboxylate ligands, {[M(4-ampy)2(1,4-BDC)]·H2O·CH3CH2OH}n (M = Ni, 1a; Co, 1b, 1,4-H2BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid), {[Ni2(4-ampy)4(1,3-BDC)2]·H2O·CH3CH2OH}n (1,3-H2BDC = benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), 2, [M2(4-ampy)4(1,2-BDC)2] (M = Ni, 3a; Co, 3b, 1,2-H2BDC = benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid), [Co(4-ampy)2(1,3-BDC)]n, 4, {[Cu(4-ampy)2(1,4-BDC)] CH3CH2OH}n, 5a, and {[Cu(4-ampy)2(1,4-BDC)]·H2O}n, 5b·H2O, are reported, which were hydrothermally prepared and structurally characterized by using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1a and 1b are isomorphous 1D zigzag chains, while 2 displays a concave–convex chain and 3a and 3b are dinuclear metallocycles that differ in the boding modes of the 1,2-BDC2− ligands, forming a 3D and a 2D supramolecular structures with the pcu and sql topologies, respectively. Complex 4 exhibit a 1D helical chain and complexes 5a and 5b·H2O are 1D linear and zigzag chains, in which the Cu2-1,4-BDC2− units adopt the cis and trans configurations, respectively. A novel irreversible structural transformation due to cis→trans isomerization of the Cu2-1,4-BDC2− units was observed in 5b⋅H2O and 5a upon water adsorption of the desolvated product of 5b·H2O.
Poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate]-b-poly[(vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride)] Based Multifunctional Hybrid Nanostructures Encapsulating Magnetic Nanoparticles and DNA
Authors: Chroni Angeliki , Forys Aleksander , Trzebicka Barbara , Alemayehu Adam , Tyrpekl Vaclav , Pispas Stergios
Published: June 2020

We report on the preparation of novel and multifunctional hybrid spherical-shaped nanostructures involving a double-hydrophilic block copolymer, namely the neutral cationic poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate]-b-poly[(vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride)] (POEGMA-b-PVBTMAC) diblock copolymer, initially complexed with hydrophilic anionic magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and subsequently, with short deoxyribonucleic acid (113 bases DNA). The POEGMA-b-PVBTMAC copolymer, the copolymer/MNPs and the copolymer/MNPs/DNA tricomponent hybrid electrostatic complexes were studied by dynamic/electrophoretic light scattering (DLS/ELS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) techniques for the determination of their structure and solution properties. The MNPs were complexed efficiently with the oppositely charged diblock chains, leading to well-defined hybrid organic–inorganic spherical-shaped nanostructures. A significant aggregation tendency of the MNPs is noticed in cryo-TEM measurements after the electrostatic complexation of DNA, implying an accumulation of the DNA macromolecules on the surface of the hybrid tricomponent complexes. Magnetophoretic experiments verified that the MNPs maintain their magnetic properties after the complexation initially with the copolymer, and subsequently, within the block polyelectrolyte/MNPs/DNA nanostructures.
User Affect Elicitation with a Socially Emotional Robot
Authors: Shao Mingyang , Snyder Matt , Nejat Goldie , Benhabib Beno
Published: June 2020

To effectively communicate with people, social robots must be capable of detecting, interpreting, and responding to human affect during human–robot interactions (HRIs). In order to accurately detect user affect during HRIs, affect elicitation techniques need to be developed to create and train appropriate affect detection models. In this paper, we present such a novel affect elicitation and detection method for social robots in HRIs. Non-verbal emotional behaviors of the social robot were designed to elicit user affect, which was directly measured through electroencephalography (EEG) signals. HRI experiments with both younger and older adults were conducted to evaluate our affect elicitation technique and compare the two types of affect detection models we developed and trained utilizing multilayer perceptron neural networks (NNs) and support vector machines (SVMs). The results showed that; on average, the self-reported valence and arousal were consistent with the intended elicited affect. Furthermore, it was also noted that the EEG data obtained could be used to train affect detection models with the NN models achieving higher classification rates
Forgotten Nazi Forced Labour Camps: Arbeitslager Riese (Lower Silesia, SE Poland) and the Use of Archival Aerial Photography and Contemporary LiDAR and Ground Truth Data to Identify and Delineate Camp Areas
Authors: Kamola Aleksander , Różycki Sebastian , Bylina Paweł , Lewandowski Piotr , Burakowski Adam
Published: June 2020

The “Riese” project was a huge construction project initiated by German Nazi authorities, which was located in the northeast of the Sowie Mountains (Ger. Eulengebirge) in southwestern Poland. Construction of the “Riese” complex took place in 1943–1945 but was left unfinished. Due to the lack of reliable sources, the exact intended function of the Riese complex is still unknown. The construction was carried out by prisoners, mostly Jews, from the main nearby concentration camps, KL Gross-Rosen and KL Auschwitz-Birkenau. Thanks to the discovery in the National Archives (NARA, USA) of a valuable series of German aerial photographs taken in February 1945, insight into the location of labour camps was obtained. These photographs, combined with LiDAR data from the Head Office of Geodesy and Cartography (Warsaw, Poland), allowed for the effective identification and field inspection of the camps’ remains. The location and delimitation of the selected labour camps were confirmed by an analysis of the 1945 aerial photograph combined with LiDAR data. These results were supported by field inspection as well as archival testimonies of witnesses. The field inspection of the construction remains indicated intentionally faulty construction works, which deliberately reduced the durability of the buildings and made them easy to demolish. The authors believe that it is urgent to continue the research and share the results with both the scientific community and the local community. The authors also want to emphasize that this less-known aspect of Holocaust history is gradually disappearing in social and institutional memory and is losing to the commercial mythologization of the Riese object.