bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Protective PVC-ZnO Nanocomposite Coatings Deposited on Aluminum Alloys by Electrospinning
Authors: Iribarren Alvaro , Rivero Pedro J. , Berlanga Carlos , Larumbe Silvia , Miguel Adrian , Palacio Jose F. , Rodriguez Rafael
Published: March 2019

This paper reports the use of the electrospinning technique for the synthesis of nanocomposite micro/nanofibers by combining a polymeric precursor with hydrophobic behavior like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with nanoparticles of a corrosion inhibitor like ZnO. These electrospun fibers were deposited on substrates of the aluminum alloy 6061T6 until forming a coating around 100 μm. The effect of varying the different electrospinning deposition parameters (mostly applied voltage and flow-rate) was exhaustively analyzed in order to optimize the coating properties. Several microscopy and analysis techniques have been employed, including optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Water contact angle (WCA) measurements have been carried out in order to corroborate the coating hydrophobicity. Finally, their corrosion behavior has been evaluated by electrochemical tests (Tafel curves and pitting potential measurements), showing a relevant improvement in the resultant corrosion resistance of the coated aluminum alloys.
Advances in La-Based High-k Dielectrics for MOS Applications
Authors: Liu L. , Tang W. , Lai P.
Published: March 2019

This paper reviews the studies on La-based high-k dielectrics for metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) applications in recent years. According to the analyses of the physical and chemical characteristics of La2O3, its hygroscopicity and defects (oxygen vacancies, oxygen interstitials, interface states, and grain boundary states) are the main problems for high-performance devices. Reports show that post-deposition treatments (high temperature, laser), nitrogen incorporation and doping by other high-k material are capable of solving these problems. On the other hand, doping La into other high-k oxides can effectively passivate their oxygen vacancies and improve the threshold voltages of relevant MOS devices, thus improving the device performance. Investigations on MOS devices including non-volatile memory, MOS field-effect transistor, thin-film transistor, and novel devices (FinFET and nanowire-based transistor) suggest that La-based high-k dielectrics have high potential to fulfill the high-performance requirements in future MOS applications.
Chemical and Structural Characterization of Sandlasted Surface of Dental Implant using ZrO2 Particle with Different Shape
Authors: Mishchenko Oleg , Filatova Vira , Vasylyev Mykhaylo , Deineka Volodymyr , Pogorielov Maksym
Published: March 2019

The clinical success of dental implantation is associated with the phenomenon of osteointegration. Geometry and topography of the implant surface are critical for the short- and long-term success of an implantation. Modification of the surface of endosseous part of the implant with sandblasting was of special interest for our study. Taking into account the advantages of currently used ceramic abrasives: aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, calcium phosphate, these materials are able to break down during collision with the treated surface, the possibility of incorporation of their residues into the implant surface, as well as the difficulty of removing these residues. This paper aimed to determine the preferred composition and the shape of the abrasive, as well as the treatment regime for ZrO2 sandblasting modification of the surface of the endosseous part of the dental implant. Tetragonal and cubic solid solutions are based on ZrO2, as an abrasive that is applied for zirconium-niobium alloy sandblasting under different pressures. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, the physical and chemical state of the surface of implants as well as contact angle measurement and cell viability were used to assess surface after sandblasting. The results demonstrate the potential of using granular powders that are based on zirconium dioxide as an abrasive to create a rough surface on endosseous part of dental implants made from zirconium-based alloys. It does not lead to a significant change in the chemical composition of the surface layer of the alloy and it does not require subsequent etching in order to remove the abrasive particles. Based on structural and chemical characterization, as well as on cell viability and contact angle measurement, sandblasting by tetragonal ZrO2 powder in 4 atm. and an exposure time of 5 s provided the best surface for dental implant application.
Influences of pH Values’ Changes on the Oxide Film of U-0.79 wt.% Ti Alloy in Aqueous Solution—A Combined Study of Traditional Electrochemical Tests and Scanning Reference Electrode Technique
Authors: Cai Dingzhou , Zhang Dongxu , Chen Xianglin , Wu Haoxi , Wang Ming , Sang Ge , Li Yingru
Published: March 2019

By combining traditional electrochemical tests including Tafel extension method and Mott-Schottky fitting, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and a micro-region analysis technique, which is an integrated system of a scanning reference electrode technique and scanning tunneling microscope (SRET/STM), the changes in properties of the oxide film that formed on the surface of the U-0.79 wt.% Ti alloy (U-Ti alloy in short) in 0.1 M NaNO3 were carefully investigated as the pH value changed. The results show that the properties of the oxide film are strongly pH-dependent. The corrosion potential and corrosion current density decrease with the increasing pH value. The oxide film appears to be a p-type semiconductor at pH = 2.43. However, the transition from n-type to p-type for the oxide film as a semiconductor is observed with the increasing applied potential when the solution pH value varies from 2.43 to 7.0. The oxide film presents as an n-type semiconductor when the pH value varies from 7.0 to 11.44. In addition, during the transition of the pH, the roughness and the number of active points of the alloy surface decreases while the oxide film is thicker. It can be concluded that the corrosion resistance of the oxide film formed on the U-Ti alloy surface is enhanced in neutral or alkaline solutions.
New Evidence of Marine Fauna Tropicalization off the Southwestern Iberian Peninsula (Southwest Europe)
Authors: Encarnação João , Morais Pedro , Baptista Vânia , Cruz Joana , Teodósio Maria Alexandra
Published: March 2019

Climate change and the overall increase of seawater temperature are causing a poleward shift in species distribution, which includes a phenomenon described as the tropicalization of temperate regions. This work aims to report the first records of four species off the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, namely, the oceanic puffer Lagocephalus lagocephalus (Linnaeus, 1758), the Madeira rockfish Scorpaena maderensis Valenciennes, 1833, the ornate wrasse Thalassoma pavo (Linnaeus, 1758), and the bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Pallas, 1766). These last three species, along with other occurrences of aquatic fauna and flora along the Portuguese coast, reveal an ongoing process of poleward expansion of several species, which urgently necessitates a comprehensive survey along the entire Iberian Peninsula. The putative origins of these subtropical and tropical species off continental Portugal are discussed, as well as the potential public health problems that two of the four reported species may cause.
Innovative Technologies and Services for Smart Cities
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Subhas Chandra , Islam Tarikul
Published: March 2019

Smart cities represent a multidiscipline field continuously evolved by the advancement of sensor-based information technology and communication technology [...]
Disturbance and Signal Filter for Power Line Communication
Authors: Bernacki Krzysztof , Wybrańczyk Dominik , Zygmanowski Marcin , Latko Andrzej , Michalak Jarosław , Rymarski Zbigniew
Published: March 2019

Today, to use home automation, intelligent home controls or remote controls in the office, electronic equipment is moving away from wireless communication in favor of Power Line Communication (PLC). In the standard PLC solutions, the corrections that result from error transmissions are based on complex digital modulation methods and algorithms for validating the transmitted data without paying attention to the causes of the errors. This article focuses on the implementation of a filtering system for interference and signals in the 120–150 kHz band (CENELEC band C), which is injected into the network by transmitters. Such a filter separates the desired signal from the interference that is occurring in the network, which can result in communication errors. Moreover, when used properly, the filter can be used as a subsystem separation element. The paper presents the requirements, design, construction, simulation and test results that were obtained under actual operating conditions. It is possible to use less complex methods for correcting errors in transmission signals and to guarantee an improvement in the transmission rate using the proposed filter system.
A Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Method of Flame Stability Based on Time–Frequency Analysis and Higher-Order Statistics
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Zhou Ming , Lan Xudong
Published: March 2019

The flame combustion processes involves chemical reactions and therefore flame stability is difficult to accurately assess. Based on flame radiation measuring parameters, a new synthetic evaluation system of flame combustion stability is established. A series of combustion conditions with various fuel/air ratios is investigated. Flame radiation luminance fluctuating information is acquired on a low-cost flame detection device. Power spectrum and bi-spectral information of the phase domain are derived from time domain signals based on Fourier transform and higher order statistics based upon a de-noising algorithm. The time–frequency characteristics and the features of the bi-spectrum under various combustion conditions are qualitatively analyzed, and the simultaneous descriptive parameters from time, frequency, and phase domain are extracted. A theoretical model for comprehensive fuzzy evaluation has been constructed, and also an index system has been established. It is demonstrated that this judgment system is reasonable and effective. The results can be used as an analyzing tool for process engineers for improving combustion conditions.
The Use of Low-Altitude UAV Imagery to Assess Western Juniper Density and Canopy Cover in Treated and Untreated Stands
Authors: Durfee Nicole , Ochoa Carlos G. , Mata-Gonzalez Ricardo
Published: March 2019

Monitoring vegetation characteristics and ground cover is crucial to determine appropriate management techniques in western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) ecosystems. Remote-sensing techniques have been used to study vegetation cover; yet, few studies have applied these techniques using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), specifically in areas of juniper woodlands. We used ground-based data in conjunction with low-altitude UAV imagery to assess vegetation and ground cover characteristics in a paired watershed study located in central Oregon, USA. The study was comprised of a treated watershed (most juniper removed) and an untreated watershed. Research objectives were to: (1) evaluate the density and canopy cover of western juniper in a treated (juniper removed) and an untreated watershed; and, (2) assess the effectiveness of using low altitude UAV-based imagery to measure juniper-sapling population density and canopy cover. Ground- based measurements were used to assess vegetation features in each watershed and as a means to verify analysis from aerial imagery. Visual imagery (red, green, and blue wavelengths) and multispectral imagery (red, green, blue, near-infrared, and red-edge wavelengths) were captured using a quadcopter-style UAV. Canopy cover in the untreated watershed was estimated using two different methods: vegetation indices and support vector machine classification. Supervised classification was used to assess juniper sapling density and vegetation cover in the treated watershed. Results showed that vegetation indices that incorporated near-infrared reflectance values estimated canopy cover within 0.7% to 4.1% of ground-based calculations. Canopy cover estimates at the untreated watershed using supervised classification were within 0.9% to 2.3% of ground-based results. Supervised classification applied to fall imagery using multispectral bands provided the best estimates of juniper sapling density compared to imagery taken in the summer or to using visual imagery. Study results suggest that low-altitude multispectral imagery obtained using small UAV can be effectively used to assess western juniper density and canopy cover.
Insights into the Link between the Organization of DNA Replication and the Mutational Landscape
Authors: Gaboriaud Julia , Wu Pei-Yun Jenny
Published: March 2019

The generation of a complete and accurate copy of the genetic material during each cell cycle is integral to cell growth and proliferation. However, genetic diversity is essential for adaptation and evolution, and the process of DNA replication is a fundamental source of mutations. Genome alterations do not accumulate randomly, with variations in the types and frequencies of mutations that arise in different genomic regions. Intriguingly, recent studies revealed a striking link between the mutational landscape of a genome and the spatial and temporal organization of DNA replication, referred to as the replication program. In our review, we discuss how this program may contribute to shaping the profile and spectrum of genetic alterations, with implications for genome dynamics and organismal evolution in natural and pathological contexts.
Single-Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) Full-Length RNA-Sequencing Reveals Novel and Distinct mRNA Isoforms in Human Bone Marrow Cell Subpopulations
Authors: Deslattes Mays Anne , Schmidt Marcel , Graham Garrett , Tseng Elizabeth , Baybayan Primo , Sebra Robert , Sanda Miloslav , Mazarati Jean-Baptiste , Riegel Anna , Wellstein Anton
Published: March 2019

Hematopoietic cells are continuously replenished from progenitor cells that reside in the bone marrow. To evaluate molecular changes during this process, we analyzed the transcriptomes of freshly harvested human bone marrow progenitor (lineage-negative) and differentiated (lineage-positive) cells by single-molecule real-time (SMRT) full-length RNA-sequencing. This analysis revealed a ~5-fold higher number of transcript isoforms than previously detected and showed a distinct composition of individual transcript isoforms characteristic for bone marrow subpopulations. A detailed analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA) isoforms transcribed from the ANXA1 and EEF1A1 loci confirmed their distinct composition. The expression of proteins predicted from the transcriptome analysis was evaluated by mass spectrometry and validated previously unknown protein isoforms predicted e.g., for EEF1A1. These protein isoforms distinguished the lineage negative cell population from the lineage positive cell population. Finally, transcript isoforms expressed from paralogous gene loci (e.g., CFD, GATA2, HLA-A, B, and C) also distinguished cell subpopulations but were only detectable by full-length RNA sequencing. Thus, qualitatively distinct transcript isoforms from individual genomic loci separate bone marrow cell subpopulations indicating complex transcriptional regulation and protein isoform generation during hematopoiesis.
Differentiation of Surface Water and Groundwater in a Karst System Using Anthropogenic Signatures
Authors: Maas Benjamin , Peterson Eric W. , Honings Joe , Oberhelman Andrew , Oware Prince , Rusthoven Ian , Watson Andrew
Published: March 2019

Surface water–groundwater interaction within a karstic system enhances contaminant transport, making karst aquifers susceptible to anthropogenic practices. Contaminated waters related to agricultural and animal husbandry in northwestern Illinois (USA) prompted this investigation. Six streams and five springs were sampled for 16 parameters to assess anthropogenic influences. Statistical analyses revealed differences in 13 of 16 parameters between the stream and spring waters. Rock–water interaction was identified as the dominant mechanism defining the chemistry for both waters, which were classified as Ca-Mg HCO3. Elevated nitrate as nitrogen (NO3-N), chloride (Cl−), sodium, and potassium concentrations indicate that human activities have influenced the quality of both water types. All streams and springs had NO3-N concentration exceeding background levels, with concentrations ranging from 2.9 to 14.5 mg/L and 2.9 to 30.1 mg/L, respectively. NO3-N/Cl relationships at individual locations showed elevated concentrations of NO3-N due to fertilizers, while the spring waters were influenced by manure, septic effluent, or mixed sources. The presence of coliform supports the likelihood of animal or human waste influences on waters. Dissimilarities within their chemical fingerprints can be traced to aid in differentiating sources within the waters.
A Volcanological Paradox in a Thin-Section: Large Explosive Eruptions of High-Mg Magmas Explained Through a Vein of Silicate Glass in a Serpentinized Peridotite Xenolith (Hyblean Area, Sicily)
Authors: Correale Alessandra , Scribano Vittorio , Paonita Antonio
Published: March 2019

Ultramafic magmas (MgO ≥ 18 wt%) are generally thought to be primary mantle melts formed at temperatures in excess of 1600 °C. Volatile contents are expected to be low, and accordingly, high-Mg magmas generally do not yield large explosive eruptions. However, there are important exceptions to low explosivity that require an explanation. Here we show that hydrous (hence, potentially explosive) ultramafic magmas can also form at crustal depths at temperatures even lower than 1000 °C. Such a conclusion arose from the study of a silicate glass vein, ~1 mm in thickness, cross-cutting a mantle-derived harzburgite xenolith from the Valle Guffari nephelinite diatreme (Hyblean area, Sicily). The glass vein postdates a number of serpentine veins already existing in the host harzburgite, thus reasonably excluding that the melt infiltrated in the rock at mantle depths. The glass is highly porous at the sub-micron scale, it also bears vesicles filled by secondary minerals. The distribution of some major elements corresponds to a meimechite composition (MgO = 20.35 wt%; Na2O + K2O < 1 wt%; and TiO2 > 1 wt%). On the other hand, trace element distribution in the vein glass nearly matches the nephelinite juvenile clasts in the xenolith-bearing tuff-breccia. These data strongly support the hypothesis that an upwelling nephelinite melt (MgO = 7–9 wt%; 1100 ≤ T ≤ 1250 °C) intersected fractured serpentinites (T ≤ 500 °C) buried in the aged oceanic crust. The consequent dehydroxilization of the serpentine minerals gave rise to a supercritical aqueous fluid, bearing finely dispersed, hydrated cationic complexes such as [Mg2+(H2O)n]. The high-Mg, hydrothermal solution "flushed" into the nephelinite magma producing an ultramafic, hydrous (hence, potentially explosive), hybrid magma. This hypothesis explains the volcanological paradox of large explosive eruptions produced by ultramafic magmas.
Translating the Enemy in the ‘Terp’: Three Representations in Contemporary Afghan War Fiction
Authors: Johnson Steven K.
Published: March 2019

This essay examines the ambivalent relationships between American soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and their unit interpreters in recent fictional works by Joydeep Roy-Bhattacharya, Luke Mogelson, and Will Mackin. In these works, the interpreter characters often occupy the liminal space between who is a friend and who is an enemy, serving as an ally to American military units while also reflecting projections of soldiers’ assumptions about the enemy in relation to themselves. Most prominent in encounters with ‘terps’ are the discursive tactics employed intentionally and institutionally as boundaries by American forces that attempt to keep terps ‘othered’—particularly tactics that prevent terps from exhibiting idealized American masculinity, and those of Islamophobic racism. The three terps in the study point to a rupture in the optimistic views about multiculturalism, where the terp translates an awareness of a cultural chasm instead of a bridge. In fictional narratives, more than finding agency in crossing boundaries, terps are fundamental in signifying where boundaries exist as they are caught in their interstices, as well as in critiquing the sources of those boundaries.
Out of Time: Accomplices in Post-Carceral World-Building
Authors: Hall Benjamin , Cates Rhiannon , Reitenauer Vicki
Published: March 2019

An article in which a faculty member, a university staff member and former student, and a currently incarcerated student and teaching assistant collaboratively examine their experiences as co-teachers and co-learners in a humanities-based prison classroom, and as co-authors of the article itself. Fostered by the faculty member’s pedagogical approach and design of the course, the authors pose that critical practices of writing and learning are dynamic sites of imagination and collaboration, and in turn, avenues by which informed and intentional futures can be enacted. Locating their practice and experience of partnership within a prison, the authors enter their co-created and individual narratives into a discussion of the liberatory potentiality of written and collaborative “world-building” to identify, resist, and replace mechanisms of harm and oppression, effectively bringing a post-carceral world into being.
Reply to Guski, Schreckenberg, Schuemer, Brink and Stansfeld: Comment on Gjestland, T. A Systematic Review of the Basis for WHO’s New Recommendation for Limiting Aircraft Noise Annoyance. Int. J. Env. Res. Pub. Health 2018, 15, 2717
Authors: Gjestland Truls
Published: March 2019

The European Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) recently dramatically lowered its former (WHO, 2000) recommendations for cumulative aircraft noise exposure levels associated with risks of adverse public health effects. WHO’s recommendations, although lacking the force of law, are nonetheless of interest to aviation regulatory bodies and to the public at large. It is therefore important that WHO’s recent recommendations receive and withstand careful scrutiny. WHO’s (2018) recommendations are based on controversial assumptions, analyses and interpretations prepared by Guski et al. (2017). Gjestland (2018) identified a number of limitations of the opinions expressed by Guski et al. (2017). Guski et al. (2019) subsequently challenged some of Gjestland’s (2018) observations. This paper responds to the defenses offered by Guski et al. (2019) of the opinions expressed in their prior (2017) publication.
GeoAnnotator: A Collaborative Semi-Automatic Platform for Constructing Geo-Annotated Text Corpora
Authors: Karimzadeh Morteza , MacEachren Alan M.
Published: March 2019

Ground-truth datasets are essential for the training and evaluation of any automated algorithm. As such, gold-standard annotated corpora underlie most advances in natural language processing (NLP). However, only a few relatively small (geo-)annotated datasets are available for geoparsing, i.e., the automatic recognition and geolocation of place references in unstructured text. The creation of geoparsing corpora that include both the recognition of place names in text and matching of those names to toponyms in a geographic gazetteer (a process we call geo-annotation), is a laborious, time-consuming and expensive task. The field lacks efficient geo-annotation tools to support corpus building and lacks design guidelines for the development of such tools. Here, we present the iterative design of GeoAnnotator, a web-based, semi-automatic and collaborative visual analytics platform for geo-annotation. GeoAnnotator facilitates collaborative, multi-annotator creation of large corpora of geo-annotated text by generating computationally-generated pre-annotations that can be improved by human-annotator users. The resulting corpora can be used in improving and benchmarking geoparsing algorithms as well as various other spatial language-related methods. Further, the iterative design process and the resulting design decisions can be used in annotation platforms tailored for other application domains of NLP.
Telenomus remus, a Candidate Parasitoid for the Biological Control of Spodoptera frugiperda in Africa, is already Present on the Continent
Authors: Kenis Marc , du Plessis Hannalene , Van den Berg Johnnie , Ba Malick , Goergen Georg , Kwadjo Koffi , Baoua Ibrahim , Tefera Tadele , Buddie Alan , Cafà Giovanni , Offord Lisa , Rwomushana Ivan , Polaszek Andrew
Published: March 2019

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a moth originating from tropical and subtropical America, has recently become a serious pest of cereals in sub-Saharan Africa. Biological control offers an economically and environmentally safer alternative to synthetic insecticides that are being used for the management of this pest. Consequently, various biological control options are being considered, including the introduction of Telenomus remus, the main egg parasitoid of S. frugiperda in the Americas, where it is already used in augmentative biological control programmes. During surveys in South, West, and East Africa, parasitized egg masses of S. frugiperda were collected, and the emerged parasitoids were identified through morphological observations and molecular analyses as T. remus. The presence of T. remus in Africa in at least five countries provides a great opportunity to develop augmentative biological control methods and register the parasitoid against S. frugiperda. Surveys should be carried out throughout Africa to assess the present distribution of T. remus on the continent, and the parasitoid could be re-distributed in the regions where it is absent, following national and international regulations. Classical biological control should focus on the importation of larval parasitoids from the Americas.
“With Every Step, We Grow Stronger”: The Cardiometabolic Benefits of an Indigenous-Led and Community-Based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Lai Henry P.H. , Miles Rosalin M. , Bredin Shannon S.D. , Kaufman Kai L. , Chua Charlie Z.Y. , Hare Jan , Norman Moss E. , Rhodes Ryan E. , Oh Paul , Warburton Darren E.R.
Published: March 2019

Community-based and Indigenous-led health and wellness approaches have been widely advocated for Indigenous peoples. However, remarkably few Indigenous designed and led interventions exist within the field. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an Indigenous-led and community-based health and wellness intervention in a remote and rural Indigenous community. This protocol was designed by and for Indigenous peoples based on the aspirations of the community (established through sharing circles). A total of 15 participants completed a 13-week walking and healthy lifestyle counselling program (incorporating motivational interviewing) to enhance cardiometabolic health. Measures of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; 7-day accelerometry and self-report), predicted maximal aerobic power (VO2max; 6-min walk test), resting heart rate and blood pressure, and other health-related physical fitness measures (musculoskeletal fitness and body composition) were taken before and after the intervention. The intervention led to significant (p < 0.05) improvements in VO2max (7.1 ± 6.3 % change), with the greatest improvements observed among individuals with lower baseline VO2max (p < 0.05, r = -0.76). Resting heart rate, resting systolic blood pressure, and resting diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after the intervention. Self-reported and accelerometry-measured frequency of MVPA increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the total MVPA minutes (~275 min/week) were above international recommendations. Change in VO2max was significantly correlated with change in self-reported (r = 0.42) and accelerometry-measured (r = 0.24) MVPA minutes. No significant changes were observed in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat (via bioelectrical impedance), grip strength, and flexibility. These findings demonstrate that a culturally relevant and safe, community-based, Indigenous-led, health and wellness intervention can lead to significant and clinically relevant improvements in cardiometabolic health and physical activity behaviour, with the greatest changes being observed in the least active/fit individuals.
Ultrasound Tissue Characterization of Carotid Plaques Differs Between Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Subjects without Diabetes
Authors: Castelblanco Esmeralda , Betriu Àngels , Hernández Marta , Granado-Casas Minerva , Ortega Emilio , Soldevila Berta , Ramírez-Morros Anna , Franch-Nadal Josep , Puig-Domingo Manel , Fernández Elvira , Avogaro Angelo , Alonso Núria , Mauricio Dídac
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study was to investigate ultrasound tissue characterization of carotid plaques in subjects with and without diabetes type 1 (T1D). B-mode carotid ultrasound was performed to assess the presence and type of plaque in a group of 340 subjects with and 304 without T1D, all of them without cardiovascular disease. One hundred and seven patients with T1D (49.5% women; age 54 ± 9.8 years) and 67 control subjects without diabetes who had at least one carotid plaque were included in the study. The proportion of subjects who had only echolucent plaques was reduced in the group of patients with T1D (48.6% vs. 73.1%). In contrast, the proportion with only echogenic (25.2% vs. 7.5%) and calcified plaques (9.4% vs. 1.5%) was increased compared with subjects without diabetes. Moreover, having at least one echogenic plaque was more frequent in T1D patients compared with subjects without diabetes (49.5% vs. 26.9% p = 0.005). In addition to diabetes (OR 2.28; p = 0.026), age (OR 1.06, p = 0.002) was the other variable associated with echogenic plaque existence in multiple regression analysis. Patients with T1D exhibit a differential pattern of carotid plaque type compared with subjects without diabetes, with an increased frequency of echogenic and extensively calcified plaques.
Mechanical and Biological Advantages of a Tri-Oval Implant Design
Authors: Yin Xing , Li Jingtao , Hoffmann Waldemar , Gasser Angelines , Brunski John , Helms Jill
Published: March 2019

Of all geometric shapes, a tri-oval one may be the strongest because of its capacity to bear large loads with neither rotation nor deformation. Here, we modified the external shape of a dental implant from circular to tri-oval, aiming to create a combination of high strain and low strain peri-implant environment that would ensure both primary implant stability and rapid osseointegration, respectively. Using in vivo mouse models, we tested the effects of this geometric alteration on implant survival and osseointegration over time. The maxima regions of tri-oval implants provided superior primary stability without increasing insertion torque. The minima regions of tri-oval implants presented low compressive strain and significantly less osteocyte apoptosis, which led to minimal bone resorption compared to the round implants. The rate of new bone accrual was also faster around the tri-oval implants. We further subjected both round and tri-oval implants to occlusal loading immediately after placement. In contrast to the round implants that exhibited a significant dip in stability that eventually led to their failure, the tri-oval implants maintained their stability throughout the osseointegration period. Collectively, these multiscale biomechanical analyses demonstrated the superior in vivo performance of the tri-oval implant design.
Improving the Performance of Turbo-Coded Systems under Suzuki Fading Channels
Authors: Al-Askery Ali J. , Al-Naji Ali , Alsabah Mohammed Sameer
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the performance of coded systems is considered in the presence of Suzuki fading channels, which is a combination of both short-fading and long-fading channels. The problem in manipulating a Suzuki fading model is the complicated integration involved in the evaluation of the Suzuki probability density function (PDF). In this paper, we calculated noise PDF after the zero-forcing equalizer (ZFE) at the receiver end with several approaches. In addition, we used the derived PDF to calculate the log-likelihood ratios (LLRs) for turbo-coded systems, and results were compared to Gaussian distribution-based LLRs. The results showed a 2 dB improvement in performance compared to traditional LLRs at 10 − 6 of the bit error rate (BER) with no added complexity. Simulations were obtained utilizing the Matlab program, and results showed good improvement in the performance of the turbo-coded system with the proposed LLRs compared to Gaussian-based LLRs.
The Development of the Articles in Castilian: A Functional Approach
Authors: Pountain Christopher J.
Published: March 2019

The development of the definite and indefinite articles in Castilian may be regarded as an instance of capitalization or adfunctionalization, following partial exaptation of the Latin demonstrative ille, which involves progressive widening without significant loss of function, the rendering of overt distinctions which were previously covert through the contrast between definite article, indefinite article and the “zero” determiner, the creation of new expressive possibilities and the facilitating of further distinctions in the grammatical system in combination with other determiners (usage with possessives, demonstratives and tal is examined).
Supporting Choice and Control—An Analysis of the Approach Taken to Legal Capacity in Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Cukalevski Emily
Published: March 2019

In mid-2013, the Australian federal government introduced the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a ground-breaking reform of disability support services, encapsulated by the mantra of increasing “choice and control”. The scheme provides eligible persons with disabilities a legislated entitlement to supports they may require to increase their independence and social and economic participation. The NDIS has been hailed as a major step forward in Australia’s efforts to realize the human rights of persons with disabilities, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). A core aspect of the CRPD is guaranteeing persons with disabilities their civil and political right to equality before the law, including their right to enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others, as provided by Article 12 of the CRPD. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the concept of choice and control has been operationalized within the NDIS and to critically analyze the extent to which it accords with the requirements of Article 12. It will be argued that even though the NDIS expressly seeks to implement the CRPD as one of its key objectives, it ultimately falls short in fully embracing the obligations of Article 12 and the notions of autonomy and personhood underlying it.
Prediction of Corrosive Fatigue Life of Submarine Pipelines of API 5L X56 Steel Materials
Authors: Gao Xudong , Shao Yongbo , Xie Liyuan , Wang Yamin , Yang Dongping
Published: March 2019

Corrosive fatigue failure of submarine pipelines is very common because the pipeline is immersed in a sea environment. In Bohai sea, many old pipelines are made of API 5L X56 steel materials, and it is necessary to provide an accurate method for predicting the residual life of these pipelines. As Paris law has been proven to be reliable in predicting the fatigue crack growth in metal materials, the two constants in Paris law for API 5L X56 steel materials are obtained by using a new proposed shape factor based on the analysis of experimental data measured from fatigue tests on compact tension specimens immersed in the water of Bohai sea. The results of the newly proposed shape factor show that, for a given stress intensity factor range (ΔK), the fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) in seawater is 1.6 times of that that in air. With the increase of fatigue crack growth rate, the influence of seawater on corrosive fatigue decreases gradually. Thereafter, a finite element model for analyzing the stress intensity factor of fatigue crack in pipelines is built, and the corrosive fatigue life of a submarine pipeline is then predicted according to the Paris law. To verify the presented method, the fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of an API 5L X56 pipeline with an initial crack under cyclic load is tested. Comparison between the prediction and the tested result indicates that the presented method is effective in evaluating the corrosive fatigue life of API 5L X56 pipelines.
Effect of Cooling Rate on the Formation of Nonmetallic Inclusions in X80 Pipeline Steel
Authors: Zhang Xianguang , Yang Wen , Xu Haikun , Zhang Lifeng
Published: March 2019

Nonmetallic inclusions have a strong influence on the hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and sulfide stress cracking (SSC) in pipeline steels, which should be well controlled to improve the steel resistance to HIC and SSC. The effects of cooling rate on the formation of nonmetallic inclusions have been studied both experimentally and thermodynamically. It was found that the increasing cooling rate increased the number density and decreased the size of the inclusions, while the inverse results were obtained by decreasing the cooling rate. Furthermore, as the cooling rate decreased from 10 to 0.035 K/s, the inclusions were changed from Al2O3-CaO to Al2O3-CaO-MgO-CaS. At a high cooling rate, the reaction time is short and the inclusions cannot be completely transformed which should be mainly formed at high temperatures. While, at low cooling rate, the inclusions can be gradually transformed and tend to follow the equilibrium compositions.
On the Process and Product Fingerprints for Electro Sinter Forging (ESF)
Authors: Cannella Emanuele , Nielsen Chris Valentin , Bay Niels
Published: March 2019

Electro sinter forging (ESF) represents an innovative manufacturing process dealing with high electrical currents. Classified in the category of electrical current assisted sintering (ECAS) processes, the main principle is that Joule heating is generated inside the compacted powder, while the electrical current is flowing. The process is optimized through the analysis of the main process parameters, namely the electrical current density, sintering time, and compaction pressure, which are also evaluated as process fingerprints. The analysis was conducted on commercially pure titanium powder. Small discs and rings were manufactured for testing. The influence of the process parameters was analysed in terms of the final material properties. The relative density, microstructures, hardness, and tensile and compressive strengths were analysed concerning their validity as product fingerprints. Microstructural analyses revealed whether the samples were sintered or if melting had occurred. Mechanical properties were correlated to the process parameters depending on the material. The different sample shapes showed similar trends in terms of the density and microstructures as a function of the process parameters.
Electrochemical Biosensors for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Zhang Zhenguo , Zhou Jun , Du Xin
Published: March 2019

Foodborne safety has become a global public health problem in both developed and developing countries. The rapid and precise monitoring and detection of foodborne pathogens has generated a strong interest by researchers in order to control and prevent human foodborne infections. Traditional methods for the detection of foodborne pathogens are often time-consuming, laborious, expensive, and unable to satisfy the demands of rapid food testing. Owing to the advantages of simplicity, real-time analysis, high sensitivity, miniaturization, rapid detection time, and low cost, electrochemical biosensing technology is more and more widely used in determination of foodborne pathogens. Here, we summarize recent developments in electrochemical biosensing technologies used to detect common foodborne pathogens. Additionally, we discuss research challenges and future prospects for this field of study.
Simultaneous Inversion of Shallow Seismic Data for Imaging of Sulfurized Carbonates
Authors: Cichostępski Kamil , Dec Jerzy , Kwietniak Anna
Published: March 2019

In this article, we present a high-resolution shallow seismic surveying method for imaging the inner structure of the Miocene evaporitic formation, where sulfur ore occurs. The survey was completed in the northern part of the Carpathian Foredeep (SE Poland) where sulfur deposits occur up to a depth of ca. 260 m. In this region, the sulfur ore is strata-bound and exists within a carbonate interval of a thickness of approximately 28 m. The average sulfur content reaches up to 30%. Five seismic profiles were acquired with a total length of 2450 m. The acquisition was designed to obtain high-resolution, long offsets and a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio. In the field, we used 48 channels and variable end-on roll-along spread that allowed us to record offsets of up to 375 m. Data processing was aimed at preserving relative amplitudes (known as RAP, relative amplitude preservation processing), an approach that is necessary for seismic inversion application. With the utilization of well log data and results of simultaneous inversion, we were able to calculate the elastic properties of the deposit to evaluate sulfur ore content and changes in lithology. The sulfur content is strongly dependent on the carbonate reservoir’s porosity. To evaluate porosity changes and associated sulfur content, a simultaneous inversion procedure was used. This is a pioneering approach in which we applied pre-stack inversion methods to shallow carbonate sediments.
Interaction of Caffeic Acid with SDS Micellar Aggregates
Authors: Cid Antonio , Moldes Oscar , Mejuto Juan , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: March 2019

Micellar systems consisting of a surfactant and an additive such as an organic salt or an acid usually self-organize as a series of worm-like micelles that ultimately form a micellar network. The nature of the additive influences micellar structure and properties such as aggregate lifetime. For ionic surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), CMC decreases with increasing temperature to a minimum in the low-temperature region beyond which it exhibits the opposite trend. The presence of additives in a surfactant micellar system also modifies monomer interactions in aggregates, thereby altering CMC and conductance. Because the standard deviation of β was always lower than 10%, its slight decrease with increasing temperature was not significant. However, the absolute value of Gibbs free enthalpy, a thermodynamic potential that can be used to calculate the maximum of reversible work, increased with increasing temperature and caffeic acid concentration. Micellization in the presence of caffeic acid was an endothermic process, which was entropically controlled. The enthalpy and enthropy positive values resulted from melting of “icebergs” or “flickering clusters” around the surfactant, leading to increased packing of hydrocarbon chains within the micellar core in a non-random manner. This can be possibly explained by caffeic acid governing the 3D matrix structure of water around the micellar aggregates. The fact that both enthalpy and entropy were positive testifies to the importance of hydrophobic interactions as a major driving force for micellization. Micellar systems allow the service life of some products to be extended without the need to increase the amounts of post-harvest storage preservatives used. If a surfactant is not an allowed ingredient or food additive, carefully washing it off before the product is consumed can avoid any associated risks. In this work, we examined the influence of temperature and SDS concentration on the properties of SDS–caffeic acid micellar systems. Micellar properties can be modified with various additives to develop new uses for micelles. This allows smaller amounts of additives to be used without detracting from their benefits.
Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oil Extracted from Solidago canadensis L. Growing Wild in Slovakia
Authors: Elshafie Hazem S. , Gruľová Daniela , Baranová Beáta , Caputo Lucia , De Martino Laura , Sedlák Vincent , Camele Ippolito , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: March 2019

Plant essential oils (EOs) are one of the most relevant natural products due to their biological, medicinal, and nutritional properties. The promising biological effects of many plants EOs encourage researchers to study their biochemical properties to be used as possible natural alternatives for commercial pesticides and not only as herbal medicines. The current research has been conducted to study the microbicide effect of Solidago canadensis L. EO to control some common plant diseases caused by several postharvest phytopathogenic fungi (Monilinia fructicola, Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium expansum) in comparison with Azoxystrobin as a large spectrum fungicide. The antibacterial activity has been carried out against some phytopathogenic bacteria (Bacillus megaterium and Clavibacter michiganensis (G+ve) and Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (G−ve)) compared to the synthetic antibiotic Tetracycline. Minimum inhibitory concentration was carried out to determine the lowest effective EO dose using a 96-well microplate. The cell membrane permeability was also evaluated by measuring the electric conductivity (EC) to examine the possible mechanisms of action of S. canadensis EO. Chemical characterization of EO has been carried out using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-two identified components in S. canadensis EO presented 97.7% of total compounds in EO. The principal compounds were identified as germacrene D (34.9%), limonene (12.5%), α-pinene (11.6%), β-elemene (7.1%), and bornyl acetate (6.3%). In addition, S. canadensis EO demonstrated promising in vitro antimicrobial activities against the majority of tested phytopathogens at all tested concentrations.
Characterization of a New DyP-Peroxidase from the Alkaliphilic Cellulomonad, Cellulomonas bogoriensis
Authors: Habib Mohamed H. , Rozeboom Henriëtte J. , Fraaije Marco W.
Published: March 2019

DyP-type peroxidases are heme-containing enzymes that have received increasing attention over recent years with regards to their potential as biocatalysts. A novel DyP-type peroxidase (CboDyP) was discovered from the alkaliphilic cellulomonad, Cellulomonas bogoriensis, which could be overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme showed that it is a heme-containing enzyme capable to act as a peroxidase on several dyes. With the tested substrates, the enzyme is most active at acidic pH values and is quite tolerant towards solvents. The crystal structure of CboDyP was solved which revealed atomic details of the dimeric heme-containing enzyme. A peculiar feature of CboDyP is the presence of a glutamate in the active site which in most other DyPs is an aspartate, being part of the DyP-typifying sequence motif GXXDG. The E201D CboDyP mutant was prepared and analyzed which revealed that the mutant enzyme shows a significantly higher activity on several dyes when compared with the wild-type enzyme.