bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relevance of Rheology on the Properties of PP/MWCNT Nanocomposites Elaborated with Different Irradiation/Mixing Protocols
Authors: Fernandez Mercedes , Huegun Arrate , Santamaria Antxon
Published: January 2019

Linear and nonlinear rheological features and electrical conductivity of two nanocomposite systems based on polypropylene/multiwall carbon nanotubes (PP/MWCNT) are investigated. The nanocomposites were irradiated with an electron beam following two different procedures. Protocol A, where the nanocomposite mixture is irradiated, and Protocol B where only the PP matrix is irradiated before mixing with MWCNT. The same irradiation dose adjusted to bring about long chain branching (LCB) but not crosslinking, is used in both types of nanocomposites. The modification of the polymer matrix viscosity caused by irradiation determines the MWCNT dispersion and therefore the rheological and percolation thresholds. Elongational flow results reveal that strain hardening, typical of irradiated PPs, is observed for the nanocomposites irradiated, but not for the nanocomposites prepared with the irradiated PP. The hypothesis of a shear flow modification that aligns the branches into the backbone, eliminating the strain hardening is considered.
Relationships between Vitamin D3 and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Wieder-Huszla Sylwia , Jurczak Anna , Szkup Małgorzata , Barczak Katarzyna , Dołęgowska Barbara , Schneider-Matyka Daria , Owsianowska Joanna , Grochans Elżbieta
Published: January 2019

The growing number of overweight and obese individuals is an alarming global problem; these conditions are risk factors for the development of health problems such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), type-2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies have suggested that vitamin D3 deficiency plays a role in the pathogenesis of MetS. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between MetS and vitamin D3 levels in women. Laboratory analysis demonstrated that only 26.89% of the participants had vitamin D3 levels close to normal, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measurements revealed android obesity in 75.63% of the women. The menstruating women more often suffered from vitamin D3 deficiency, and less often had elevated vitamin D3 levels. The conclusions are as follows: (1) There were no statistically significant relationships between vitamin D3 levels and MetS parameters, namely the level of triglycerides, the levels of low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), the level of total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). Vitamin D deficiency was only observed in the women with abdominal obesity. (2) Low vitamin D3 levels were typical of perimenopausal women. Age was a variable correlating with vitamin D. (3) The presence of menstrual cycles was an important contributor to vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in the menstruating women.
Modeling Schistosoma japonicum Infection under Pure Specification Bias: Impact of Environmental Drivers of Infection
Authors: Araujo Navas Andrea L. , Osei Frank , Leonardo Lydia R. , Soares Magalhães Ricardo J. , Stein Alfred
Published: January 2019

Uncertainties in spatial modeling studies of schistosomiasis (SCH) are relevant for the reliable identification of at-risk populations. Ecological fallacy occurs when ecological or group-level analyses, such as spatial aggregations at a specific administrative level, are carried out for an individual-level inference. This could lead to the unreliable identification of at-risk populations, and consequently to fallacies in the drugs’ allocation strategies and their cost-effectiveness. A specific form of ecological fallacy is pure specification bias. The present research aims to quantify its effect on the parameter estimates of various environmental covariates used as drivers for SCH infection. This is done by (i) using a spatial convolution model that removes pure specification bias, (ii) estimating group and individual-level covariate regression parameters, and (iii) quantifying the difference between the parameter estimates and the predicted disease outcomes from the convolution and ecological models. We modeled the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum using group-level health outcome data, and city-level environmental data as a proxy for individual-level exposure. We included environmental data such as water and vegetation indexes, distance to water bodies, day and night land surface temperature, and elevation. We estimated and compared the convolution and ecological model parameter estimates using Bayesian statistics. Covariate parameter estimates from the convolution and ecological models differed between 0.03 for the nearest distance to water bodies (NDWB), and 0.28 for the normalized difference water index (NDWI). The convolution model presented lower uncertainties in most of the parameter estimates, except for NDWB. High differences in uncertainty were found in night land surface temperature (0.23) and elevation (0.13). No significant differences were found between the predicted values and their uncertainties from both models. The proposed convolution model is able to correct for a pure specification bias by presenting less uncertain parameter estimates. It shows a good predictive performance for the mean prevalence values and for a positive number of infected people. Further research is needed to better understand the spatial extent and support of analysis to reliably explore the role of environmental variables.
Metabolic Activation and Carcinogenesis of Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamine N’-Nitrosonornicotine (NNN): A Density Function Theory and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Fan Tengjiao , Sun Guohui , Zhao Lijiao , Cui Xin , Zhong Rugang
Published: January 2019

N’-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) is one of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) that exists widely in smoke and smokeless tobacco products. NNN can induce tumors in various laboratory animal models and has been identified by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a human carcinogen. Metabolic activation of NNN is primarily initiated by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s) via 2′-hydroxylation or 5′-hydroxylation. Subsequently, the hydroxylating intermediates undergo spontaneous decomposition to generate diazohydroxides, which can be further converted to alkyldiazonium ions, followed by attacking DNA to form various DNA damages, such as pyridyloxobutyl (POB)-DNA adducts and pyridyl-N-pyrrolidinyl (py-py)-DNA adducts. If not repaired correctly, these lesions would lead to tumor formation. In the present study, we performed density functional theory (DFT) computations and molecular docking studies to understand the mechanism of metabolic activation and carcinogenesis of NNN. DFT calculations were performed to explore the 2′- or 5′- hydroxylation reaction of (R)-NNN and (S)-NNN. The results indicated that NNN catalyzed by the ferric porphyrin (Compound I, Cpd I) at the active center of CYP450 included two steps, hydrogen abstraction and rebound reactions. The free energy barriers of the 2′- and 5′-hydroxylation of NNN are 9.82/8.44 kcal/mol (R/S) and 7.99/9.19 kcal/mol (R/S), respectively, suggesting that the 2′-(S) and 5′-(R) pathways have a slight advantage. The free energy barriers of the decomposition occurred at the 2′-position and 5′-position of NNN are 18.04/18.02 kcal/mol (R/S) and 18.33/19.53 kcal/mol (R/S), respectively. Moreover, we calculated the alkylation reactions occurred at ten DNA base sites induced by the 2′-hydroxylation product of NNN, generating the free energy barriers ranging from 0.86 to 4.72 kcal/mol, which indicated that these reactions occurred easily. The docking study showed that (S)-NNN had better affinity with CYP450s than that of (R)-NNN, which was consistent with the experimental results. Overall, the combined results of the DFT calculations and the docking obtained in this study provide an insight into the understanding of the carcinogenesis of NNN and other TSNAs.
On the Choice of the Extracellular Vesicles for Therapeutic Purposes
Authors: Campanella Claudia , Caruso Bavisotto Celeste , Logozzi Mariantonia , Marino Gammazza Antonella , Mizzoni Davide , Cappello Francesco , Fais Stefano
Published: January 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid membrane vesicles released by all human cells and are widely recognized to be involved in many cellular processes, both in physiological and pathological conditions. They are mediators of cell-cell communication, at both paracrine and systemic levels, and therefore they are active players in cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, and organ remodeling. Due to their ability to serve as a cargo for proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which often reflects the cellular source, they should be considered the future of the natural nanodelivery of bio-compounds. To date, natural nanovesicles, such as exosomes, have been shown to represent a source of disease biomarkers and have high potential benefits in regenerative medicine. Indeed, they deliver both chemical and bio-molecules in a way that within exosomes drugs are more effective that in their exosome-free form. Thus, to date, we know that exosomes are shuttle disease biomarkers and probably the most effective way to deliver therapeutic molecules within target cells. However, we do not know exactly which exosomes may be used in therapy in avoiding side effects as well. In regenerative medicine, it will be ideal to use autologous exosomes, but it seems not ideal to use plasma-derived exosomes, as they may contain potentially dangerous molecules. Here, we want to present and discuss a contradictory relatively unmet issue that is the lack of a general agreement on the choice for the source of extracellular vesicles for therapeutic use.
HIF-1-Dependent Reprogramming of Glucose Metabolic Pathway of Cancer Cells and Its Therapeutic Significance
Authors: Nagao Ayako , Kobayashi Minoru , Koyasu Sho , Chow Christalle C. T. , Harada Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

Normal cells produce adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) mainly through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) when oxygen is available. Most cancer cells, on the other hand, are known to produce energy predominantly through accelerated glycolysis, followed by lactic acid fermentation even under normoxic conditions. This metabolic phenomenon, known as aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg effect, is less efficient compared with OXPHOS, from the viewpoint of the amount of ATP produced from one molecule of glucose. However, it and its accompanying pathway, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), have been reported to provide advantages for cancer cells by producing various metabolites essential for proliferation, malignant progression, and chemo/radioresistance. Here, focusing on a master transcriptional regulator of adaptive responses to hypoxia, the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), we review the accumulated knowledge on the molecular basis and functions of the Warburg effect and its accompanying pathways. In addition, we summarize our own findings revealing that a novel HIF-1-activating factor enhances the antioxidant capacity and resultant radioresistance of cancer cells though reprogramming of the glucose metabolic pathway.
Establishing Liposome-Immobilized Dexamethasone-Releasing PDMS Membrane for the Cultivation of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Suppression of Neovascularization
Authors: Lin Tzu-Wei , Chien Yueh , Lin Yi-Ying , Wang Mong-Lien , Yarmishyn Aliaksandr A. , Yang Yi-Ping , Hwang De-Kuang , Peng Chi-Hsien , Hsu Chih-Chien , Chen Shih-Jen , Chien Ke-Hung
Published: January 2019

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the eye disease with the highest epidemic incidence, and has great impact on the aged population. Wet-type AMD commonly has the feature of neovascularization, which destroys the normal retinal structure and visual function. So far, effective therapy options for rescuing visual function in advanced AMD patients are highly limited, especially in wet-type AMD, in which the retinal pigmented epithelium and Bruch’s membrane structure (RPE-BM) are destroyed by abnormal angiogenesis. Anti-VEGF treatment is an effective remedy for the latter type of AMD; however, it is not a curative therapy. Therefore, reconstruction of the complex structure of RPE-BM and controlled release of angiogenesis inhibitors are strongly required for sustained therapy. The major purpose of this study was to develop a dual function biomimetic material, which could mimic the RPE-BM structure and ensure slow release of angiogenesis inhibitor as a novel therapeutic strategy for wet AMD. We herein utilized plasma-modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sheet to create a biomimetic scaffold mimicking subretinal BM. This dual-surface biomimetic scaffold was coated with laminin and dexamethasone-loaded liposomes. The top surface of PDMS was covalently grafted with laminin and used for cultivation of the retinal pigment epithelial cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-RPE). To reach the objective of inhibiting angiogenesis required for treatment of wet AMD, the bottom surface of modified PDMS membrane was further loaded with dexamethasone-containing liposomes via biotin-streptavidin linkage. We demonstrated that hiPSC-RPE cells could proliferate, express normal RPE-specific genes and maintain their phenotype on laminin-coated PDMS membrane, including phagocytosis ability, and secretion of anti-angiogenesis factor PEDF. By using in vitro HUVEC angiogenesis assay, we showed that application of our membrane could suppress oxidative stress-induced angiogenesis, which was manifested in decreased secretion of VEGF by RPE cells and suppression of vascularization. In conclusion, we propose modified biomimetic material for dual delivery of RPE cells and liposome-enveloped dexamethasone, which can be potentially applied for AMD therapy.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of the Response to Cold Stress in Jojoba, a Tropical Woody Crop
Authors: Gao Fei , Ma Pengju , Wu Yingxin , Zhou Yijun , Zhang Genfa
Published: January 2019

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a semi-arid, oil-producing industrial crop that have been widely cultivated in tropical arid region. Low temperature is one of the major environmental stress that impair jojoba’s growth, development and yield and limit introduction of jojoba in the vast temperate arid areas. To get insight into the molecular mechanisms of the cold stress response of jojoba, a combined physiological and quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted. Under cold stress, the photosynthesis was repressed, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), relative electrolyte leakage (REL), soluble sugars, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) were increased in jojoba leaves. Of the 2821 proteins whose abundance were determined, a total of 109 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) were found and quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of the coding genes for 7 randomly selected DAPs were performed for validation. The identified DAPs were involved in various physiological processes. Functional classification analysis revealed that photosynthesis, adjustment of cytoskeleton and cell wall, lipid metabolism and transport, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and carbohydrate metabolism were closely associated with the cold stress response. Some cold-induced proteins, such as cold-regulated 47 (COR47), staurosporin and temperature sensitive 3-like a (STT3a), phytyl ester synthase 1 (PES1) and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1, might play important roles in cold acclimation in jojoba seedlings. Our work provided important data to understand the plant response to the cold stress in tropical woody crops.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of International Journal of Neonatal Screening in 2018
Authors:   International Journal of Neonatal Screening Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing[...]
Synthesis and Reactivity of Mn–CF3 Complexes
Authors: Daniels Alex L. , Da Gama Jason G. , Edjoc Racquel , Gabidullin Bulat M. , Baker R. Tom
Published: January 2019

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity of several bi- and tridentate, N-ligated manganese carbonyl trifluoromethyl complexes are presented. These complexes exhibit elongated Mn–CCF3 bonds (versus Mn(CF3)(CO)5), suggesting a lability that could be utilized for the transfer or insertion of the CF3 functional group into organic substrates. Unlike their Mn–X congeners (X = Cl, Br), these Mn–CF3 complexes exhibit a preference for hard donor ancillary ligands, thus enabling the synthesis of 4 N-ligated Mn–CF3 complexes including a mixed-donor tridentate complex using an NNS Schiff base ([2-(methylthio)-N-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene)aniline]). Although we have not yet identified efficient CF3 transfer reactions, fluoride abstraction from the Mn–CF3 complexes using trimethylsilyl triflate affords the first stable Mn fluorocarbenes as evidenced by 19F NMR spectroscopy.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Insects in 2018
Authors:   Insects Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography: Intra- and Interobserver Variability Using a Clinical Hybrid Approach
Authors: Helfen Anne , Masthoff Max , Claussen Jing , Gerwing Mirjam , Heindel Walter , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Eisenblätter Michel , Köhler Michael , Wildgruber Moritz
Published: January 2019

Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) represents a new imaging approach revealing functional tissue information without extrinsic contrast agents. Using a clinical combined ultrasound (US)/MSOT device, we investigated the interindividual robustness and impact of intra- and interobserver variability of MSOT values in soft tissue (muscle and subcutaneous fat) of healthy volunteers. Semiquantitative MSOT values for deoxygenated (Hb), oxygenated (HbO2) and total hemoglobin (HbT), as well as oxygen saturation (sO2), were calculated for both forearms in transversal and longitudinal probe orientation (n = 3, 8 measurements per subject). For intraobserver reproducibility, the same examiner investigated three subjects twice. Mean values of left vs. right forearm and transversal vs. longitudinal probe orientation were compared using an unpaired Student’s t test. Bland Altmann plots with 95% limits of agreement for absolute averages and differences were calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2,k) were computed for three different examiners. We obtained reproducible and consistent MSOT values with small-to-moderate deviation for muscle and subcutaneous fat tissue. Probe orientation and body side had no impact on calculated MSOT values (p > 0.05 each). Intraobserver reproducibility revealed equable mean values with small-to-moderate deviation. For muscular tissue, good ICC was obtained for sO2. Measurements of subcutaneous tissue revealed good-to-excellent ICCs for all calculated values. Thus, in this preliminary study on healthy individuals, clinical MSOT provided consistent and reproducible functional soft tissue characterization, independent on the investigating personnel.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Imaging in 2018
Authors:   Journal of Imaging Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Using Unconventional Wisdom to Re-Assess and Rebuild the BRICS
Authors: Guillotin Bertrand
Published: January 2019

In 2015, Goldman Sachs closed its BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) fund after years of losses and plummeting assets. Emerging markets had, once again, turned into submerging markets. Their dependence on “developed” markets and established institutions had failed them in a post-Global Financial Crisis (GFC) era, anchored in protectionism, risks, volatility, and uncertainty. The once commonly-accepted wisdom that called for US housing prices to always increase was part of the problem and contagion. Rebuilding the BRICS (S for South Africa) using conventional wisdom would probably not work. A new approach is necessary, especially since the last key contributions to show the inadequacy of a conventional wisdom-based strategy in emerging markets are more than ten years old. To help fill this gap, this paper proposes a holistic analytical framework for strategists to re-assess risks and opportunities in the BRICS. We illustrate how five basic assumptions can be proven wrong and lead to the creation of unconventional wisdom that can help derive some strategic insights. We find that rebuilding the BRICS for them to be more resilient is possible, if not vital, for the health of the global economy.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Risk and Financial Management in 2018
Authors:   JRFM Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Laws in 2018
Authors:   Laws Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Lubricants in 2018
Authors:   Lubricants Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Molbank in 2018
Authors:   Molbank Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing[...]
Fucoidan Structure and Activity in Relation to Anti-Cancer Mechanisms
Authors: Van Weelden Geert , Bobiński Marcin , Okła Karolina , Van Weelden Willem Jan , Romano Andrea , Pijnenborg Johanna M. A.
Published: January 2019

Fucoidan is a natural derived compound found in different species of brown algae and in some animals, that has gained attention for its anticancer properties. However, the exact mechanism of action is currently unknown. Therefore, this review will address fucoidans structure, the bioavailability, and all known different pathways affected by fucoidan, in order to formulate fucoidans structure and activity in relation to its anti-cancer mechanisms. The general bioactivity of fucoidan is difficult to establish due to factors like species-related structural diversity, growth conditions, and the extraction method. The main pathways influenced by fucoidan are the PI3K/AKT, the MAPK pathway, and the caspase pathway. PTEN seems to be important in the fucoidan-mediated effect on the AKT pathway. Furthermore, the interaction with VEGF, BMP, TGF-β, and estrogen receptors are discussed. Also, fucoidan as an adjunct seems to have beneficial effects, for both the enhanced effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduced toxicity in healthy cells. In conclusion, the multipotent character of fucoidan is promising in future anti-cancer treatment. However, there is a need for more specified studies of the structure–activity relationship of fucoidan from the most promising seaweed species.
Fish Collagen Surgical Compress Repairing Characteristics on Wound Healing Process In Vivo
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Gao Kaili , Liu Shu , Wang Shujun , Elango Jeevithan , Bao Bin , Dong Jun , Liu Ning , Wu Wenhui
Published: January 2019

The development of biomaterials with the potential to accelerate wound healing is a great challenge in biomedicine. In this study, four types of samples including pepsin soluble collagen sponge (PCS), acid soluble collagen sponge (ACS), bovine collagen electrospun I (BCE I) and bovine collagen electrospun II (BCE II) were used as wound dressing materials. We showed that the PCS, ACS, BCE I and BCE II treated rats increased the percentage of wound contraction, reduced the inflammatory infiltration, and accelerated the epithelization and healing. PCS, ACS, BCE I, and BCE II significantly enhanced the total protein and hydroxyproline level in rats. ACS could induce more fibroblasts proliferation and differentiation than PCS, however, both PCS and ACS had a lower effect than BCE I and BCE II. PCS, ACS, BCE I, and BCE II could regulate deposition of collagen, which led to excellent alignment in the wound healing process. There were similar effects on inducing the level of cytokines including EGF, FGF, and vascular endothelial marker CD31 among these four groups. Accordingly, this study disclosed that collagens (PCS and ACS) from tilapia skin and bovine collagen electrospun (BCE I and BCE II) have significant bioactivity and could accelerate wound healing rapidly and effectively in rat model.
Effect of Tempering Temperature on Microstructures and Wear Behavior of a 500 HB Grade Wear-Resistant Steel
Authors: Wen Erding , Song Renbo , Xiong Wenming
Published: January 2019

The microstructure and wear behavior of a 500 Brinell hardness (HB) grade wear-resistant steel tempered at different temperatures were investigated in this study. The tempering microstructures and wear surface morphologies were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The relationship between mechanical properties and wear resistance was analyzed. The microstructure of the steel mainly consisted of tempered martensite and ferrite. Tempered troosite was obtained when the tempering temperature was over 280 °C. The hardness decreased constantly with the increase of tempering temperature. The same hardness was obtained when tempered at 260 °C and 300 °C, due to the interaction of Fe3C carbides and dislocations. The impact toughness increased first and reached a peak value when tempered at 260 °C. As the tempering temperature was over 260 °C, carbide precipitation would occur along the grain boundaries, which led to temper embrittlement. The best wear resistance was obtained when tempered at 200 °C. At the initiation of the wear test, surface hardness was considered to be the dominant influencing factor on wear resistance. The effect of surface hardness improvement on wear resistance was far greater than the impact toughness. With the wear time extending, the crushed quartz sand particles and the cut-down burs would be new abrasive particles which would cause further wear. Otherwise, the increasing contact temperature would soften the matrix and the adhesive wear turned out to be the dominant wear mechanism, which would result in severe wear.
Inclusion Modification in C104Cr Saw Wire Steel with Different Cerium Content
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Meng , Jiang Zhouhua , Chen Changyong , Chen Kui , Huang Xinfeng , Sun Shen , Li Huabing
Published: January 2019

In the present study, the effect of cerium content in the range of 0~0.0676% on oxygen and sulfur content, as well as the quantity, size, distribution, and type of inclusions in C104Cr saw wire steel, were investigated using thermodynamic analysis, metallographic examination, SEM-EDS, and component analysis. The results showed that conducting a vacuum carbon pre-deoxidization process is helpful in preventing the formation of Ce2O3 inclusions in a smelting experiment, and cerium has a beneficial effect in terms of modifying inclusions. When the content of cerium in steel is 0.0136% or 0.0277%, the main inclusions in the steel are Ce2O2S and CeS, and when the content of cerium is 0.0389% or above, the inclusions in the steel are Ce2O2S, CeS, Ce–S–O–P(As), Ce–O–P, and Ce–P(As). The calculation of the segregation model showed that the precipitation of CeP and CeAs in steel takes place at the end of solidification. According to the element mapping distribution diagram of Ce–S–O–P(As) and the layered Ce–O–P inclusions found in steel with high cerium content, two possible mechanisms for the formation of Ce2O3 inclusions distributed in the outer layer of cerium composite inclusions are proposed. The first mechanism suggests that Ce2O3 inclusions are generated from the combination of [Ce] and [O] directly, and the second suggests that Ce2O3 is the product of an oxidization reaction after the formation of CeP.
Well-Defined Pre-Catalysts in Amide and Ester Bond Activation
Authors: Vemula Sandeep R. , Chhoun Michael R. , Cook Gregory R.
Published: January 2019

Over the past few decades, transition metal catalysis has witnessed a rapid and extensive development. The discovery and development of cross-coupling reactions is considered to be one of the most important advancements in the field of organic synthesis. The design and synthesis of well-defined and bench-stable transition metal pre-catalysts provide a significant improvement over the current catalytic systems in cross-coupling reactions, avoiding excess use of expensive ligands and harsh conditions for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and materials. Among various well-defined pre-catalysts, the use of Pd(II)-NHC, particularly, provided new avenues to expand the scope of cross-coupling reactions incorporating unreactive electrophiles, such as amides and esters. The strong σ-donation and tunable steric bulk of NHC ligands in Pd-NHC complexes facilitate oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps enabling the cross-coupling of broad range of amides and esters using facile conditions contrary to the arduous conditions employed under traditional catalytic conditions. Owing to the favorable catalytic activity of Pd-NHC catalysts, a tremendous progress was made in their utilization for cross-coupling reactions via selective acyl C–X (X=N, O) bond cleavage. This review highlights the recent advances made in the utilization of well-defined pre-catalysts for C–C and C–N bond forming reactions via selective amide and ester bond cleavage.
Hop Extract Acts as an Antioxidant with Antimicrobial Effects against Propionibacterium Acnes and Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Weber Natalja , Biehler Klaus , Schwabe Kay , Haarhaus Birgit , Quirin Karl-W. , Frank Uwe , Schempp Christoph M. , Wölfle Ute
Published: January 2019

Acne is associated with hyperkeratosis, elevated levels of skin sebum and growth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Furthermore, P. acnes promotes inflammation by inducing IL-6 production and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential of a hop-CO2-extract with 50% humulone and lupulone. The susceptibility of P. acnes and S. aureus to the hop extract was tested by using the broth microdilution technique. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for P. acnes and S. aureus were 3.1 and 9.4 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the hop extract showed an antioxidative effect with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 29.43 µg/mL as well as additional anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the IL-6 expression (IC50: 0.8 µg/mL). In addition, a gel formulation with 0.3% hop extract (w/w) had antibacterial activity against P. acnes and S. aureus (inhibition zone value: 5.5 mm and 3 mm, respectively) which was significantly superior to the placebo gel. The positive control (a gel with the antibiotic clindamycin) showed an inhibition zone of 9 mm. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects hop extract might be a treatment option for acne-prone skin.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polytetrafluoroethylene Composites with Carbon Fiber and Layered Silicate Fillers
Authors: Vasilev Andrey P. , Struchkova Tatyana S. , Nikiforov Leonid A. , Okhlopkova Aitalina A. , Grakovich Petr N. , Shim Ee Le , Cho Jin-Ho
Published: January 2019

Mixtures of layered silicates (vermiculite and kaolinite) and carbon fibers were investigated as filler materials for polytetrafluoroethylene. The supramolecular structure and the tribological and mechanical properties of the resulting polymer composite materials were evaluated. The yield strength and compressive strength of the polymer increased by 55% and 60%, respectively, when a mixed filler was used, which was attributed to supramolecular reinforcement of the composites. In addition, the wear resistance increased by 850 times when using vermiculite/kaolinite fillers, which was due to protection of the surface by the formation of hard tribofilms.
MicroRNAs as a Novel Tool in the Diagnosis of Liver Lipid Dysregulation and Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Yu Jingwei , Peng Jun , Luan Zhilin , Zheng Feng , Su Wen
Published: January 2019

In recent years, metabolic disorder, especially fatty liver disease, has been considered a major challenge to global health. The attention of researchers focused on expanding knowledge of the regulation mechanism behind these diseases and towards the new diagnostics tools and treatments. The pathophysiology of the fatty liver disease is undoubtedly complex. Abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation is a major symptom of most metabolic diseases. Therefore, the identification of novel regulation factors of lipid metabolism is important and meaningful. As a new diagnostic tool, the function of microRNAs during fatty liver disease has recently come into notice in biological research. Accumulating evidence supports the influence of miRNAs in lipid metabolism. In this review, we discuss the potential role of miRNAs in liver lipid metabolism and the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease.
AFM-Based Force Spectroscopy Guided by Recognition Imaging: A New Mode for Mapping and Studying Interaction Sites at Low Lateral Density
Authors: Koehler Melanie , Fis Anny , Gruber Hermann J. , Hinterdorfer Peter
Published: January 2019

Ligand binding to receptors is one of the most important regulatory elements in biology as it is the initiating step in signaling pathways and cascades. Thus, precisely localizing binding sites and measuring interaction forces between cognate receptor–ligand pairs leads to new insights into the molecular recognition involved in these processes. Here we present a detailed protocol about applying a technique, which combines atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based recognition imaging and force spectroscopy for studying the interaction between (membrane) receptors and ligands on the single molecule level. This method allows for the selection of a single receptor molecule reconstituted into a supported lipid membrane at low density, with the subsequent quantification of the receptor–ligand unbinding force. Based on AFM tapping mode, a cantilever tip carrying a ligand molecule is oscillated across a membrane. Topography and recognition images of reconstituted receptors are recorded simultaneously by analyzing the downward and upward parts of the oscillation, respectively. Functional receptor molecules are selected from the recognition image with nanometer resolution before the AFM is switched to the force spectroscopy mode, using positional feedback control. The combined mode allows for dynamic force probing on different pre-selected molecules. This strategy results in higher throughput when compared with force mapping. Applied to two different receptor–ligand pairs, we validated the presented new mode.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Pharmaceuticals in 2018
Authors:   Pharmaceuticals Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Plants in 2018
Authors: Plants Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Automated Recognition of Epileptic EEG States Using a Combination of Symlet Wavelet Processing, Gradient Boosting Machine, and Grid Search Optimizer
Authors: Wang Xiashuang , Gong Guanghong , Li Ni
Published: January 2019

Automatic recognition methods for non-stationary electroencephalogram (EEG) data collected from EEG sensors play an essential role in neurological detection. The integrated approaches proposed in this study consist of Symlet wavelet processing, a gradient boosting machine, and a grid search optimizer for a three-class classification scheme for normal subjects, intermittent epilepsy, and continuous epilepsy. Fourth-order Symlet wavelets are adopted to decompose the EEG data into five frequencies sub-bands, such as gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta, whose statistical features were computed and used as classification features. The grid search optimizer is used to automatically find the optimal parameters for training the classifier. The classification accuracy of the gradient boosting machine was compared with that of a conventional support vector machine and a random forest classifier constructed according to previous descriptions. Multiple performance indices were used to evaluate the proposed classification scheme, which provided better classification accuracy and detection effectiveness than has been recently reported in other studies on three-class classification of EEG data.
Social-Aware Driver Assistance Systems for City Traffic in Shared Spaces
Authors: Fernández-Isabel Alberto , Fuentes-Fernández Rubén
Published: January 2019

Shared spaces are gaining presence in cities, where a variety of players and mobility types (pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, and cars) move without specifically delimited areas. This makes the traffic they comprise challenging for automated systems. The information traditionally considered (e.g., streets, and obstacle positions and speeds) is not enough to build suitable models of the environment. The required explanatory and anticipation capabilities need additional information to improve them. Social aspects (e.g., goal of the displacement, companion, or available time) should be considered, as they have a strong influence on how people move and interact with the environment. This paper presents the Social-Aware Driver Assistance System (SADAS) approach to integrate this information into traffic systems. It relies on a domain-specific modelling language for social contexts and their changes. Specifications compliant with it describe social and system information, their links, and how to process them. Traffic social properties are the formalization within the language of relevant knowledge extracted from literature to interpret information. A multi-agent system architecture manages these specifications and additional processing resources. A SADAS can be connected to other parts of traffic systems by means of subscription-notification mechanisms. The case study to illustrate the approach applies social knowledge to predict people’s movements. It considers a distributed system for obstacle detection and tracking, and the intelligent management of traffic signals.
Preflight Contingency Planning Approach for Fixed Wing UAVs with Engine Failure in the Presence of Winds
Authors: Ayhan Bulent , Kwan Chiman , Budavari Bence , Larkin Jude , Gribben David
Published: January 2019

Preflight contingency planning that utilizes wind forecast in path planning can be highly beneficial to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) operators in preventing a possible mishap of the UAV. This especially becomes more important if the UAV has an engine failure resulting in the loss of all its thrust. Wind becomes a significant factor in determining reachability of the emergency landing site in a contingency like this. The preflight contingency plans can guide the UAV operators about how to glide the aircraft to the designated emergency landing site to make a safe landing. The need for a preflight or in-flight contingency plan is even more obvious in the case of a communication loss between the UAV operator and UAV since the UAV will then need to make the forced landing autonomously without the operator. In this paper, we introduce a preflight contingency planning approach that automates the forced landing path generation process for UAVs with engine failure. The contingency path generation aims true reachability to the emergency landing site by including the final approach part of the path in forecast wind conditions. In the contingency path generation, no-fly zones that could be in the area are accounted for and the contingency flight paths do not pass through them. If no plans can be found that fulfill reachability in the presence of no-fly zones, only then, as a last resort, the no-fly zone avoidance rule is relaxed. The contingency path generation utilizes hourly forecast wind data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the geographical area of interest and time of the flight. Different from past works, we use trochoidal paths instead of Dubins curves and incorporate wind as a parameter in the contingency path design.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Safety in 2018
Authors:   Safety Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Sports in 2018
Authors:   Sports Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Toxins in 2018
Authors:   Toxins Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
The PA Subunit of the Influenza Virus Polymerase Complex Affects Replication and Airborne Transmission of the H9N2 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Hao Mengchan , Han Shaojie , Meng Dan , Li Rong , Lin Jing , Wang Meng , Zhou Tong , Chai Tongjie
Published: January 2019

The polymerase acidic (PA) protein is the third subunit of the influenza A virus polymerase. In recent years, studies have shown that PA plays an important role in overcoming the host species barrier and host adaptation of the avian influenza virus (AIV). The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of the PA subunit on the replication and airborne transmission of the H9N2 subtype AIV. By reverse genetics, a reassortant rSD01-PA was derived from the H9N2 subtype AIV A/Chicken/Shandong/01/2008 (SD01) by introducing the PA gene from the pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus A/swine/Shandong/07/2011 (SD07). Specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens and guinea pigs were selected as the animal models for replication and aerosol transmission studies. Results show that rSD01-PA lost the ability of airborne transmission among SPF chickens because of the single substitution of the PA gene. However, rSD01-PA could infect guinea pigs through direct contact, while the parental strain SD01 could not, even though the infection of rSD01-PA could not be achieved through aerosol. In summary, our results indicate that the protein encoded by the PA gene plays a key role in replication and airborne transmission of the H9N2 subtype AIV.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Viruses in 2018
Authors:   Viruses Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Sputtering of silicon nanopowders by an argon cluster ion beam
Authors: Zeng Xiaomei , Pelenovich Vasiliy , Wang Zhenguo , Zuo Wenbin , Belykh Sergey , Tolstogouzov Alexander , Fu Dejun , Xiao Xiangheng
Published: January 2019

In this work an Ar+ cluster ion beam with energy in the range of 10–70 keV and dose of 7.2 × 1014–2.3 × 1016 cluster/cm2 was used to irradiate pressed Si nanopowder targets consisting of particles with a mean diameter of 60 nm. The influence of the target density and the cluster ion beam parameters (energy and dose) on the sputtering depth and sputtering yield was studied. The sputtering yield was found to decrease with increasing dose and target density. The energy dependence demonstrated an unusual non-monotonic behavior. At 17.3 keV a maximum of the sputtering yield was observed, which was more than forty times higher than that of the bulk Si. The surface roughness at low energy demonstrates a similar energy dependence with a maximum near 17 keV. The dose and energy dependence of the sputtering yield was explained by the competition of the finite size effect and the effect of debris formation.
Influence of ecological protection on the corporate image of oil and gas firms in Nigeria
Authors: Motilewa Deborah Bolanle , Ibidunni Ayodotun Stephen , Worlu Rowland , Moses Chinonye Love , Obi James , Dirisu Joy
Published: January 2019

Oil and gas firms in Nigeria are generally perceived to be weak in their environmental and ecological initiatives towards their host communities. Yet there has been a dearth of empirical emphasis from research that shows evidences about the role of ecological protection on the corporate image of oil and gas firms. Therefore, this study focused on examining the influence of a commitment to ecological protection on the corporate image of oil and gas firms in Nigeria. The study adopted the mixed methods approach where quantitative and qualitative methods (survey and interview) were used. For the quantitative research, copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to 350 employees of the selected firms, while 30 respondents from other stakeholder groups were interviewed for the qualitative research. Based on the results of the regression and thematic analyses, findings show that the firms’ commitment to ecological protection through their policy to avoid the use of materials from the illegal exploitation of natural resources, commitment to waste minimisation and recycling and pollution leads to increased investors’ confidence, strengthened relationship with the government, host community and reduced pressure from third parties. Therefore, it is recommended that oil and gas firms intensify efforts in activities that ensure ecological protection of host communities and thus build stakeholders confidence in the firms’ corporate image.
The Formation Conditions of the Wide Binary Class 0 Protostars within BHR 71
Authors: Tobin John J. , Bourke Tyler L. , Mader Stacy , Kristensen Lars , Arce Hector , Gueth Frédéric , Gusdorf Antoine , Codella Claudio , Leurini Silvia , Chen Xuepeng
Published: January 2019

We present a characterization of the binary protostar system that is forming within a dense core in the isolated dark cloud BHR71. The pair of protostars, IRS1 and IRS2, are both in the Class 0 phase, determined from observations that resolve the sources from 1 μm out to 250 μm and from 1.3 mm to 1.3 cm. The resolved observations enable the luminosities of IRS1 and IRS2 to be independently measured (14.7 and 1.7 L
☉, respectively), in addition to the bolometric temperatures 68 K and 38 K, respectively. The surrounding core was mapped in NH3 (1, 1) with the Parkes radio telescope, and followed with higher-resolution observations from ATCA in NH3 (1, 1) and 1.3 cm continuum. The protostars were then further characterized with ALMA observations in the 1.3 mm continuum along with N2D+ (

), 12CO, 13CO, and C18O (

) molecular lines. The Parkes observations find evidence for a velocity gradient across the core surrounding the two protostars, while ATCA reveals more complex velocity structure toward the protostars within the large-scale gradient. The ALMA observations then reveal that the two protostars are at the same velocity in C18O, and N2D+ exhibits a similar velocity structure as NH3. However, the C18O kinematics reveal that the rotation on scales <1000 au around IRS1 and IRS2 are in opposite directions. Taken with the lack of a systematic velocity difference between the pair, it is unlikely that their formation resulted from rotational fragmentation. We instead conclude that the binary system most likely formed via turbulent fragmentation of the core.