bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical and Electrical Characterization of Biocompatible Polymeric Lines for Hemodialysis Applications
Authors: Ravagli Enrico , Severi Stefano
Published: March 2018

During hemodialysis (HD), blood is circulated through an extracorporeal tubing system (bloodline) made of medical-grade polymeric material. Sensors of various types that do not come into contact with blood (optical, electromagnetic, etc.) are applied directly across the bloodline for clinical purposes and for therapy customization. Thus, a detailed knowledge of the bloodline’s physical properties is useful for the development of next-generation HD sensors. In this work, we performed a novel comparative analysis of the materials used by the manufacturers of the bloodlines. We focused on signals and characterization techniques matching those of the abovementioned sensors; consequently, this is an application-specific study of the optical and electrical characterization of bloodline material. Such properties are analyzed and compared for bloodlines from seven different manufacturers by optical absorbance spectroscopy and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Absorbance spectrum measurements are carried out in the VIS-NIR range. Absorbance spectra are pre-processed and data from both types of analyses are normalized with respect to sample thickness. Optical analysis shows that all bloodlines except one have similarly shaped spectra with slight quantitative differences. In all optical spectra, we find a decreasing trend of specific absorption from 0.14 mm−1 at 400 nm to 0.06 mm−1 at 1000 nm, with an absorption peak at 915 nm. In one case, a large absorption peak centered at ≃600 nm is found. Electrical analysis shows that all bloodlines have the electrical properties of a constant-phase element (CPE), with statistically significant differences in parameters’ values. Estimation of electrical CPE parameters for all bloodline returns a range of 0.942–0.957 for parameter n and a range of 12.41–16.64 for parameter Q0’. In conclusion, we find that, although some statistically significant differences are present, bloodlines from a representative group of manufacturers share similar electrical and optical properties. Therefore, contactless sensing devices developed for HD will work on different bloodlines if a simple recalibration is performed.
Effect of Target Composition and Sputtering Deposition Parameters on the Functional Properties of Nitrogenized Ag-Permalloy Flexible Thin Films Deposited on Polymer Substrates
Authors: Khan Waheed , Wang Qun , Jin Xin
Published: March 2018

We report the first results of functional properties of nitrogenized silver-permalloy thin films deposited on polyethylene terephthalic ester {PETE (C10H8O4)n} flexible substrates by magnetron sputtering. These new soft magnetic thin films have magnetization that is comparable to pure Ni81Fe19 permalloy films. Two target compositions (Ni76Fe19Ag5 and Ni72Fe18Ag10) were used to study the effect of compositional variation and sputtering parameters, including nitrogen flow rate on the phase evolution and surface properties. Aggregate flow rate and total pressure of Ar+N2 mixture was 60 sccm and 0.55 Pa, respectively. The distance between target and the substrate was kept at 100 mm, while using sputtering power from 100–130 W. Average film deposition rate was confirmed at around 2.05 nm/min for argon atmosphere and was reduced to 1.8 nm/min in reactive nitrogen atmosphere. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and contact angle measurements were used to characterize the functional properties. Nano sized character of films was confirmed by XRD and SEM. It is found that the grain size was reduced by the formation of nitride phase, which in turns enhanced the magnetization and lowers the coercivity. Magnetic field coupling efficiency limit was determined from 1.6–2 GHz frequency limit. The results of comparable magnetic performance, lowest magnetic loss, and highest surface free energy, confirming that 15 sccm nitrogen flow rate at 115 W is optimal for producing Ag-doped permalloy flexible thin films having excellent magnetic field coupling efficiency.
Study on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hypereutectic Al–18Si Alloy Modified with Al–3B
Authors: Gong Chunjie , Tu Hao , Wu Changjun , Wang Jianhua , Su Xuping
Published: March 2018

An hypereutectic Al–18Si alloy was modified via an Al–3B master alloy. The effect of the added Al–3B and the modification temperature on the microstructure, tensile fracture morphologies, and mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated using an optical microscope, Image–Pro Plus 6.0, a scanning electron microscope, and a universal testing machine. The results show that the size of the primary Si and its fraction decreased at first, and then increased as an additional amount of Al–3B was added. When the added Al–3B reached 0.2 wt %, the fraction of the primary Si in the Al–18Si alloy decreased with an increase in temperature. Compared with the unmodified Al–18Si alloy, the tensile strength and elongation of the alloy modified at 850 °C with 0.2 wt % Al–3B increased by 25% and 81%, respectively. The tensile fracture of the modified Al–18Si alloy exhibited partial ductile fracture characteristics, but there were more areas with ductile characteristics compared with that of the unmodified Al–18Si alloy.
Evaluation of Fracture Strength of Ceramics Containing Small Surface Defects Introduced by Focused Ion Beam
Authors: Sato Nanako , Takahashi Koji
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of micro surface defects introduced by the focused ion beam (FIB) technique on the fracture strength of ceramics. Three-point bending tests on alumina-silicon carbide (Al2O3/SiC) ceramic composites containing crack-like surface defects introduced by FIB were carried out. A surface defect with

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r
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in the range 19 to 35 µm was introduced at the center of each specimen. Test results showed that the fracture strengths of the FIB-defect specimens depended on

a
r
e
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. The test results were evaluated using the evaluation equation of fracture strength based on the process zone size failure criterion and the

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parameter model. The experimental results indicate that FIB-induced defects can be used as small initial cracks for the fracture strength evaluation of ceramics. Moreover, the proposed equation was useful for the fracture strength evaluation of ceramics containing micro surface defects introduced by FIB.
An Energetic Approach to Predict the Effect of Shot Peening-Based Surface Treatments
Authors: Ghelichi Ramin , Crispiatico Giorgio , Guagliano Mario , Bagherifard Sara
Published: March 2018

Almen intensity and surface coverage are well-known to be the defining parameters of shot peening-based surface treatments. These parameters are directly affected by material properties, the extension of the contact zone, the geometry of the impact pair, as well as the impact rate and velocity. Such intricate relationships have resulted in often dissimilar predictions of shot peening effects even while using an identical combination of Almen intensity and surface coverage. With the fast pace introduction of new generation impact-based surface treatments, there is a need to find a more widespread parameter that would facilitate the direct comparison of all different treatments and relate the main process parameters to the resultant mechanical characteristics. Herein, we propose to use an energy-based parameter to describe the peening process in a more widespread approach, which collectively incorporates the effects of the Almen intensity and surface coverage, as well as the diameter, material, and velocity of the impact media. A set of finite element analyses was developed to demonstrate the correlation of the peening process effects with this energetic approach. Comparisons with the experimental data served as proof of concept, confirming that the proposed method could provide a quite good estimation of the effect of peening parameters on the treated material.
Martensitic Transformation and Plastic Deformation of TiCuNiZr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass Composites
Authors: Sun Honggang , Song Kaikai , Han Xiaoliang , Xing Hui , Li Xuelian , Wang Shenghai , Kim Jeong , Chawake Niraj , Maity Tapabrata , Wang Li , Eckert Jürgen
Published: March 2018

In this study, the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of TiCuNiZr-based bulk metallic glass (BMGs) composites were systematically investigated in order to optimize both the strength and the ductility of BMGs. By tailoring the glass-forming compositions, TiCuNiZr-based BMG composites with different volume fractions of B2 (Ti,Zr)(Cu,Ni) crystals precipitating in the glassy matrix exhibit not only macroscopic ductility but also high strength as well as work-hardening, which is due to the formation of multiple shear bands and martensitic transformation during deformation. Optimized mechanical properties can be achieved when the crystalline volume fraction is at least higher than 44 vol. %, which is attributed to the sizeable difference between Young’s moduli of the B2 (Ti,Zr)(Cu,Ni) crystals and the glassy matrix, and the precipitation of Ti2Cu intermetallic compounds at the B2 crystal boundaries. Our study provides a complementary understanding of how to tailor mechanical properties of TiCu-based BMG composites.
Fabrication and Study of Micro Monolithic Tungsten Ball Tips for Micro/Nano-CMM Probes
Authors: Li Ruijun , Chen Chen , Fan Kuangchao , Wang Zhiwei , Liu Fangfang , Huang Qiangxian
Published: March 2018

Micro ball tips with high precision, small diameter, and high stiffness stems are required to measure microstructures with high aspect ratio. Existing ball tips cannot meet such demands because of their weak qualities. This study used an arc-discharge melting method to fabricate a micro monolithic tungsten ball tip on a tungsten stylus. The principles of arc discharge and surface tension phenomenon were introduced. The experimental setup was designed and established. Appropriate process parameters, such as impulse voltage, electro discharge time, and discharge gap were determined. Experimental results showed that a ball tip of approximately 60 µm in diameter with less than 0.6 µm roundness error and 0.6 µm center offset could be realized on a 100 µm-diameter tungsten wire. The fabricated micro ball tip was installed on a homemade probe, touched by high-precision gauge blocks in different directions. A repeatability of 41 nm (K = 2) was obtained. Several interesting phenomena in the ball-forming process were also discussed. The proposed method could be used to fabricate a monolithic probe ball tip, which is necessary for measuring microstructures.
Discovery of N-(Naphtho[1,2-b]Furan-5-Yl) Benzenesulfonamides as Novel Selective Inhibitors of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Authors: Chen Ya , Tang Yong , Mao Beibei , Li Wenchao , Jin Hongwei , Zhang Liangren , Liu Zhenming
Published: March 2018

Any type of breast cancer not expressing genes of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is referred to as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Accordingly, TNBCs do not respond to hormonal therapies or medicines targeting the ER, PR, or HER2. Systemic chemotherapy is therefore the only treatment option available today and prognoses remain poor. We report the discovery and characterization of N-(naphtho[1,2-b]furan-5-yl)benzenesulfonamides as selective inhibitors of TNBCs. These inhibitors were identified by virtual screening and inhibited different TNBC cell lines with IC50 values of 2–3 μM. The compounds did not inhibit normal (i.e. MCF-7 and MCF-10A) cells in vitro, indicating their selectivity against TNBC cells. Considering the selectivity of these inhibitors for TNBC, these compounds and analogs can serve as a promising starting point for further research on effective TNBC inhibitors.
Anticancer Phenolics from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott
Authors: Liu Zhen-Dong , Zhao Dan-Dan , Jiang Shuai , Xue Bei , Zhang Yan-Long , Yan Xiu-Feng
Published: March 2018

Cancer is one of the most major diseases that threatens human health and life. The aim of this work was to obtain novel anticancer molecules from D. fragrans, a kind of medicinal plant. The structure of the new compound was identified using spectroscopic data (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and two dimensions NMR). Its anticancer properties were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against four human cells including lung cancer cells (A549), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), gastric cancer cells (SGC7901) and noncancerous human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). A new phenylpropanoid—(E)-caffeic acid-9-O-β-d-xylpyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1), with seven known compounds (2–8)—was isolated. The IC50 value of compound 1 against MCF-7 cells was 2.65 ± 0.14 µM, and the IC50 values of compound 8 against three cancer cells were below 20 µM.
Structure-Based Discovery of a Series of 5H-Pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine FGFR Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Jiang Alan , Liu Qiufeng , Wang Ruifeng , Wei Peng , Dai Yang , Wang Xin , Xu Yechun , Ma Yuchi , Ai Jing , Shen Jingkang , Ding Jian , Xiong Bing
Published: March 2018

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), a subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, are aberrant in various cancer types, and considered to be promising targets for cancer therapy. We started with a weak-active compound that was identified from our internal hepatocyte growth factor receptor (also called c-Met) inhibitor project, and optimized it with the guidance of a co-crystal structure of compound 8 with FGFR1. Through rational design, synthesis, and the biological evaluation of a series of 5H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine derivatives, we discovered several potent FGFR kinase inhibitors. Among them, compound 13 displayed high selectivity and favorable metabolic properties, demonstrating a promising lead for further development.
Xylobiose Prevents High-Fat Diet Induced Mice Obesity by Suppressing Mesenteric Fat Deposition and Metabolic Dysregulation
Authors: Lim Soo-min , Kim Eunju , Shin Jae-Ho , Seok Pu , Jung Sangwon , Yoo Sang-Ho , Kim Yuri
Published: March 2018

Obesity is a public concern and is responsible for various metabolic diseases. Xylobiose (XB), an alternative sweetener, is a major component of xylo-oligosaccharide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of XB on obesity and its associated metabolic changes in related organs. For these studies, mice received a 60% high-fat diet supplemented with 15% d-xylose, 10% XB, or 15% XB as part of the total sucrose content of the diet for ten weeks. Body weight, fat and liver weights, fasting blood glucose, and blood lipids levels were significantly reduced with XB supplementation. Levels of leptin and adipokine were also improved and lipogenic and adipogenic genes in mesenteric fat and liver were down-regulated with XB supplementation. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokines, fatty acid uptake, lipolysis, and β-oxidation-related gene expression levels in mesenteric fat were down-regulated with XB supplementation. Thus, XB exhibited therapeutic potential for treating obesity which involved suppression of fat deposition and obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Investigation on the Stability of Derivative Melam from Melamine Pyrolysis under High Pressure
Authors: Yuan Xiaohong , Luo Kun , Wu Yingju , He Julong , Zhao Zhisheng , Yu Dongli
Published: March 2018

Although various kinds of carbon nitride precursors have been proposed, s-triazine-based structures are hardly reported because of their unfavorable energy, higher than that of heptazine-based ones. In this study, we investigate the thermal stability of s-triazine-based melam processed at a high pressure of 5 GPa and a temperature of 400–700 °C and complete the analyses of the composition and structure of the treated samples through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and elemental analyses (EA). Results show that melam can stably exist up to 600 °C at 5 GPa. XRD and FTIR analyses reveal that residual melamine can be pyrolyzed into melam as temperature increases from 400 °C to 600 °C at a high pressure, suggesting that melam may be purified through high-pressure pyrolysis. Further melam polymerization at a higher pressure is a promising strategy for the preparation of s-triazine-based carbon nitride precursors used for bulk carbon nitride synthesis.
Transferrin Functionalized Liposomes Loading Dopamine HCl: Development and Permeability Studies across an In Vitro Model of Human Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Lopalco Antonio , Cutrignelli Annalisa , Denora Nunzio , Lopedota Angela , Franco Massimo , Laquintana Valentino
Published: March 2018

The transport of dopamine across the blood brain barrier represents a challenge for the management of Parkinson’s disease. The employment of central nervous system targeted ligands functionalized nanocarriers could be a valid tactic to overcome this obstacle and avoid undesirable side effects. In this work, transferrin functionalized dopamine-loaded liposomes were made by a modified dehydration–rehydration technique from hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcoline, cholesterol and 1,2-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[carboxy(poly(ethylene glycol)-2000)]. The physical features of the prepared liposomes were established with successive determination of their endothelial permeability across an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier, constituted by human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). Functionalized dopamine-loaded liposomes with encapsulation efficiency more than 35% were made with sizes in a range around 180 nm, polydispersity indices of 0.2, and positive zeta potential values (+7.5 mV). Their stability and drug release kinetics were also evaluated. The apparent permeability (Pe) values of encapsulated dopamine in functionalized and unfunctionalized liposomes showed that transferrin functionalized nanocarriers could represent appealing non-toxic candidates for brain delivery, thus improving benefits and decreasing complications to patients subjected to L-dopa chronical treatment.
Looking through the Keyhole: Exploring Realities and Possibilities for School Breakfast Programs in Rural Western Australia
Authors: Ichumar Simon , Dahlberg Emma , Paynter Ellen , Lucey Fiona , Chester Miranda , Papertalk Lennelle , Thompson Sandra
Published: March 2018

Objective: To assess the school breakfast program (SBP) in two schools with high Aboriginal student populations in rural Western Australia, their contribution to holistic support, nutritional health education and possibilities for improvement. Methods: The operations and functioning of one regional and one remote SBP were assessed by stakeholder inquiry related to process and challenges, observations and documentary review. An intervention to increase health education, social interaction and learning about nutrition and food origins implemented in one school was assessed. Results: Strengths, system and structural factors that impeded realisation of optimal outcomes of the SBPs were identified. The SBPs focussed on serving food rather than building nutritional understanding or on social interactions and support. Systems for delivery and management of the programs largely relied on staff with limited time. When offered a more interactive and social environment, children enjoyed learning about food. Conclusions: Opportunities for SBPs to offer holistic support and educational enhancement for disadvantaged children are limited by the realities of pressures on staff to support them and a view constraining their primary role as food delivery. The lack of volunteer support in disadvantaged schools limits the potential benefits of SBPs in providing psychosocial support. Health education resources which exist for use in SBPs are not necessarily used.
Preterm Infant Feeding: A Mechanistic Comparison between a Vacuum Triggered Novel Teat and Breastfeeding
Authors: Geddes Donna , Kok Chooi , Nancarrow Kathryn , Hepworth Anna , Simmer Karen
Published: March 2018

The goal for preterm infants is to achieve full oral feeds quickly and ultimately progress to full breastfeeding. Supplementary oral feeds are often given when the mother is not available to breastfeed. Bottles typically deliver milk in a different fashion compared to breastfeeding, which is thought to hamper transition to full breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to compare the sucking dynamics of preterm infants fed at the breast to feeding with an experimental novel teat (NT) designed to release milk only upon the application of vacuum. Simultaneous ultrasound imaging of the infant oral cavity and measurement of intra-oral vacuum was performed during a breastfeed and a feed with the NT. Test weighs were used to measure milk intake. Linear mixed effects models were performed to investigate differences by feed type, and simultaneous linear regression was performed to investigate individual patterns. Tongue movement was not different between breastfeeding and the NT. Intra-oral vacuums (median (interquartile range: IQR)) were significantly lower with the NT (Baseline vacuum: −5.8 mmHg (−11.0, 0.1); Peak: 40.0 mmHg (−54.6, −27.1)) compared to breastfeeding (Baseline: −31.1 mmHg (−60.0, −12.7); Peak: −106.2 mmHg (−153.0, −65.5)). Milk intake was significantly higher with the NT (33 mL (22.5, 42.5)) compared to the breastfeed (12 mL (3, 15.5)). The novel teat encouraged a similar tongue action to breastfeeding, and infants transferred a greater volume of milk with the novel teat. Intra-oral vacuums were lower in strength with the novel teat compared to the breast. Use of the novel teat for the training of sucking dynamics in preterm infants has the potential to improve breastfeeding success and requires further investigation.
Protein Requirements in Critically Ill Older Adults
Authors: Deer Rachel , Volpi Elena
Published: March 2018

Critically ill elderly patients’ nutritional needs are not well understood and vary with the phase of illness and recovery. Patients’ nutritional needs should be assessed early in hospitalization and re-assessed throughout the stay with additional attention during the transitions from critical illness, to severe illness, to post-hospital rehabilitation. In this review, we summarize recent findings and highlight recommendations for protein supplementation in critically ill geriatric patients throughout the stages of recovery. Future research specifically focusing on protein dose, its relationship with caloric needs, and delivery modality must be conducted to provide more specific guidelines for clinical practice.
Relationship of the Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and Its Main Components with CRP Levels in the Spanish Population
Authors: Lahoz Carlos , Castillo Elisa , Mostaza Jose , De Dios Olaya , Salinero-Fort Miguel , González-Alegre Teresa , García-Iglesias Francisca , Estirado Eva , Laguna Fernando , Sanchez Vanesa , Sabín Concesa , López Silvia , Cornejo Victor , De Burgos Carmen , Garcés Carmen ,   On behalf of the Investigators of the SPREDIA-2 Group
Published: March 2018

Background: Adherence to a Mediterranean diet seems to be inversely associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration. A 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) has been developed to assess dietary compliance. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether each of the MEDAS questions as well as their final score were associated with the levels of CRP in general Spanish population. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 1411 subjects (mean age 61 years, 43.0% males) randomly selected from the general population. CRP levels were determined by a commercial ELISA kit. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the 14-point MEDAS. Results: There was an inverse correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the CRP concentration, even after adjusting by age, gender, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, body mass index, statin treatment and hypertension treatment (p = 0.041). Subjects who consume ≥2 servings of vegetables per day (p = 0.003), ≥3 pieces of fruit per day (p = 0.003), ≥1 serving of butter, margarine, or cream per day (p = 0.041) or ≥3 servings of fish/seafood per week (p = 0.058) had significantly lower levels of CRP. Conclusions: Adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet measured by a simple questionnaire is associated with lower CRP concentration. However, this association seems to be particularly related to a higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and fish.
Beneficial Effect of Jojoba Seed Extracts on Hyperglycemia-Induced Oxidative Stress in RINm5f Beta Cells
Authors: Belhadj Sahla , Hentati Olfa , Hamdaoui Ghaith , Fakhreddine Khaskhoussi , Maillard Elisa , Dal Stéphanie , Sigrist Séverine
Published: March 2018

Hyperglycemia occurs during diabetes and insulin resistance. It causes oxidative stress by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, leading to cellular damage. Polyphenols play a central role in defense against oxidative stress. In our study, we investigated the antioxidant properties of simmondsin, a pure molecule present in jojoba seeds, and of the aqueous extract of jojoba seeds on fructose-induced oxidative stress in RINm5f beta cells. The exposure of RINm5f beta cells to fructose triggered the loss of cell viability (−48%, p < 0.001) and disruption of insulin secretion (p < 0.001) associated with of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a modulation of pro-oxidant and antioxidant signaling pathway. Cell pre-treatments with extracts considerably increased cell viability (+86% p < 0.001) for simmondsin and +74% (p < 0.001) for aqueous extract and insulin secretion. The extracts also markedly decreased ROS (−69% (p < 0.001) for simmondsin and −59% (p < 0.001) for aqueous extract) and caspase-3 activation and improved antioxidant defense, inhibiting p22phox and increasing nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) levels (+70%, p < 0.001) for aqueous extract. Simmondsin had no impact on Nrf2 levels. The richness and diversity of molecules present in jojoba seed extract makes jojoba a powerful agent to prevent the destruction of RINm5f beta cells induced by hyperglycemia.
Navigating the Host Cell Response during Entry into Sites of Latent Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Murray Matthew , Peters Nicholas , Reeves Matthew
Published: March 2018

The host cell represents a hostile environment that viruses must counter in order to establish infection. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is no different and encodes a multitude of functions aimed at disabling, re-directing or hijacking cellular functions to promulgate infection. However, during the very early stages of infection the virus relies on the outcome of interactions between virion components, cell surface receptors and host signalling pathways to promote an environment that supports infection. In the context of latent infection—where the virus establishes an infection in an absence of many gene products specific for lytic infection—these initial interactions are crucial events. In this review, we will discuss key host responses triggered by viral infection and how, in turn, the virus ameliorates the impact on the establishment of non-lytic infections of cells. We will focus on strategies to evade intrinsic antiviral and innate immune responses and consider their impact on viral infection. Finally, we will consider the hypothesis that the very early events upon viral infection are important for dictating the outcome of infection and consider the possibility that events that occur during entry into non-permissive cells are unique and thus contribute to the establishment of latency.
On-Demand Multi-Resolution Liquid Alloy Printing Based on Viscoelastic Flow Squeezing
Authors: Wu Kang , Zhang Pan , Li Fen , Guo Chuanfei , Wu Zhigang
Published: March 2018

Recently, high-resolution patterning techniques of stretchable electronics advanced extensively. An important trend is to fabricate complex circuits with varied sizes in a small area, which is a technical challenge to current conductive ink printing technologies. Here, we introduce a new strategy for multi-resolution liquid alloy printing, which can tune the resolution of printed liquid alloy trace in real time with the squeezing effect of compound viscoelastic flow. A newly developed coaxial nozzle with the inner nozzle extension (CNINE) is used to wrap and squeeze liquid alloy steadily and effectively. By controlling the working parameters and compound flow properties, liquid alloy patterns with different widths are obtained continuously. This work offers a new way to rapidly manufacture complex stretchable electronics patterning in multi-resolution.
Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of 2D-Conjugated Polymers Based on Alkylthiothienyl-Substituted Benzodithiophene and Different Accepting Units
Authors: Wang Xunchang , Cheng Chang , Li Yuda , Wang Feng
Published: March 2018

Two new low bandgap conjugated polymers, PBDTS-ID and PBDTS-DTNT, containing isoindigo (ID) and naphtho[1,2-c:5,6-c′]bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole (NT), respectively, as an electron-deficient unit and alkylthiothienyl-substituted benzodithiophene (BDTS) as an electron-rich unit, were designed and synthesized by palladium-catalyzed Stille polycondensation. Both polymers showed good thermal stability up to 330 °C and broad absorption ranging from 300 to 842 nm. Electrochemical measurement revealed that PBDTS-ID and PBDTS-DTNT exhibited relatively low-lying highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels at −5.40 and −5.24 eV, respectively. These features might be beneficial for obtaining reasonable high open-circuit voltage and high short-circuit current. Polymer solar cells (PSCs) were fabricated with an inverted structure of indium-tin oxide/poly(ethylenimine ethoxylate)/polymer:PC71BM/MoO3/Ag. As a preliminary result, the PSCs based on PBDTS-ID and PBDTS-DTNT exhibited moderate power conversion efficiencies of 2.70% and 2.71%, respectively.
Emerging Adult Religiosity and Spirituality: Linking Beliefs, Values, and Ethical Decision-Making
Authors: Herzog Patricia , Beadle De
Published: March 2018

This paper challenges the “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR) category as a methodological artifact caused by interacting two closed-ended survey items into binary combinations. Employing a theoretically rich approach, this study maps the multiple ways in which the religious and the spiritual combine for emerging adults. Results indicate that most emerging adults have a tacit sense of morality, displaying limited cognitive access to how moral reasoning relates to religious and spiritual orientations. This longitudinal study investigates efforts to raise moral awareness through: exposure to diverse religious and spiritual orientations, personal reflection, and collective discussion. Relative to control groups, emerging adults in this study display increases in moral awareness. We combine the results of these studies to formulate a theoretical framework for the ways in which beliefs, values, and ethical decision-making connect in expressing plural combinations of religiosity and spirituality. The implication is that direct attention to religiosity and spirituality — not avoidance of — appears to facilitate ethical decision-making.
Filipino College Students’ Attitudes towards Religion: An Analysis of the Underlying Factors
Authors: Baring Rito , Sarmiento Philip , Sibug Nestor , Lumanlan Paolo , Bonus Benita , Samia Cristina , Reysen Stephen
Published: March 2018

In the last 50 years, measures of religious constructs have been the subject of much scientific attention. Cross-cultural considerations necessitate that empirical claims on assessments about religion are validated by local data. While religion is typically viewed in terms of spirituality and religiosity, recent empirical studies indicate a shift in the interpretation of these dimensions in a more diffused and relaxed appreciation. Building up from these developments, in the present research, we develop and test the structure and reliability of a scale to assess students’ attitudes towards religion. Using a sample (n = 2733) of college students from two provincial universities in the Philippines, we employed data reduction techniques to understand the underlying factor structure. The results showed a three-factor measure of attitudes towards religion.
Separation Optimization of a Mixture of Ionized and Non-Ionized Solutes under Isocratic and Gradient Conditions in Reversed-Phase HPLC by Means of Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets
Authors: Zisi Chrysostomi , Mangipa Athina , Boutou Eleftheria , Pappa-Louisi Adriani
Published: March 2018

Τhe crucial role of mobile phase pH for optimizing the separation of a mixture of ionized and non-ionized compounds on a Phenomenex extended pH-range reversed-phase column (Kinetex 5 µm EVO C18) was examined. A previously developed Excel-spreadsheet-based software was used for the whole separation optimization procedure of the sample of interest under isocratic conditions as well as under single linear organic modifier-gradients in different eluent pHs. The importance and the advantages of performing a computer-aided separation optimization compared with a trial-and-error optimization method were realized. Additionally, this study showed that the optimized separation conditions for a given stationary phase may be used to achieve successful separations on new columns of the same type and size. In general, the results of this work could give chromatographers a feel of confidence to establish desired separations of a mixture of ionizable and neutral compounds in reversed-phase columns.
Sustainability Transitions at the Frontline. Lock-in and Potential for Change in the Local Planning Arena
Authors: Isaksson Karolina , Heikkinen Satu
Published: March 2018

This paper explores challenges and possibilities for integrating goals of long-term sustainable development into urban planning practice, with a specific focus on local institutional conditions for sustainability transitions. The analysis is based on a qualitative single case study of a large urban development process: the development of a new city district in Hyllie in the city of Malmö, Sweden. Hyllie was branded as a flagship project for sustainable urban development, with particularly high ambitions on climate neutrality and sustainable energy consumption. Several innovative elements were initiated in the development process, for instance the “climate contract” between the municipality and large energy companies. In the paper, this climate contract is discussed as an initiative with a promising potential for sustainability transitions. In practice, however, the outcome of the development in Hyllie in terms of sustainable development is ambiguous, since the district is also framed around luxury shopping, entertainment, and an ambition to attract visitors from a long distance. The Hyllie development illustrates pre-requisites for work on sustainable development in a decentralized and market-oriented planning context. Theoretically, the analysis is inspired by the multi-level perspective (MLP) and institutional theory. The results illustrate how the development process was shaped by a complex interplay between actors with differing agendas and targets at different stages in the process. These results are applied in a general discussion of challenges and possibilities for urban planning to contribute substantially to a transition to long-term sustainable development. Overall, the analysis demonstrates the importance of considering specific local institutional conditions in strategic work for long-term sustainability.
Sustainable Strategies for Transportation Development in Emerging Cities in China: A Simulation Approach
Authors: Shen Liyin , Du Lei , Yang Xining , Du Xiaoyun , Wang Jinhuan , Hao Jianli
Published: March 2018

With the rapid development of emerging cities in China, policy makers are faced with the challenges involved in devising strategies for providing transportation systems to keep pace with development. These challenges are associated with the interactive effects among a number of sophisticated factors involved in transportation systems. This paper presents a system dynamics simulation approach to analyze and select transportation development strategies in order to achieve good sustainability performance once they are implemented. The simulation approach consists of three modules: a socio-economic module, a demand module, and a supply module. The approach is validated through applying empirical data collected from the Shenzhen statistical bulletins. Three types of transport development strategies are selected for the city and examined for their applicability and effects through simulation. The strategies are helpful for reducing decision-making mistakes and achieving the goal of sustainable urban development in most emerging cities.
Impacts of Common Urban Development Factors on Cultural Conservation in World Heritage Cities: An Indicators-Based Analysis
Authors: Guzman Paloma , Pereira Roders Ana , Colenbrander Bernard
Published: March 2018

Within the urban context, heritage conservation has been acknowledged as fundamental for sustainable development. This paper address the need to develop methodologies that enable understanding of the dynamics between these two fields that for long were regarded as opposing practices. The research crosses disciplinary boundaries through a mixed methodology that identifies 27 urban development common indicators as factors that are affecting the conservation of 69 World Heritage Cities (WHC). Indicators, which were selected from global urban monitoring tools, were analyzed within UNESCO State-of-Conservation reporting system. Results reveal key trends on urban factors assessed as a SWOT analysis in relation to the management of WHC. We argue that urban indicators can facilitate the understanding of development impacts in cultural heritage conservation, across the social, economic, and environmental dimensions. This paper contributes to the debate on the ability of indicators to bridge interdisciplinary and methodological issues that were related to common conceptualizations between urban development and heritage conservation and sustainability. The conceptual approach that is presented has proven to offer an empirical basis for a monitoring practice that fosters the sustainable management of urban heritage, which in the light of the New Development Agenda and the gaps in the state-of-the-art, is very much needed.
Mitigation Potential of Sanitation Infrastructure on Groundwater Contamination by Nitrate in Maputo
Authors: Marques Arsénio André , Câmara Salim Iana , Hu Mingming , Pedro Matsinhe Nelson , Scheidegger Ruth , Rietveld Luuk
Published: March 2018

In Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, nitrate concentrations above 250 mg L−1 in groundwater have been reported. This happens due to the widespread use of latrines and septic tanks that allow for constant infiltration of its content into the soil and eventually to groundwater sources, a situation that is widespread in the Global South and represents a serious threat for human health and for the environment. This is a reflection of limited access to safe and adequate sanitation services, which the local authorities have set to improve in the forthcoming decades with a recently commissioned city-wide sanitation masterplan serving as a basis for the works. In this article, we aimed at understanding whether the infrastructure projected in the masterplan would lead to a reduction of nitrogen reaching groundwater. Currently, according to our calculations, almost 500 tonnes of nitrogen reach the city’s groundwater sources each year, with the masterplan potentially resulting in a 14% reduction, a small reduction due to its reliance on maintaining and expanding fecal sludge services, without considering investments to improve domestic systems (e.g., construction of contained systems). An alternative, not presented in the Masterplan and put forward by the authors, could be the construction of simplified sewers in two of the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods, with a potential 29% reduction in nitrogen reaching groundwater.
Effects of Recent Climate Change on Hourly Weather Data for HVAC Design: A Case Study of Osaka
Authors: Yuan Jihui , Emura Kazuo , Farnham Craig
Published: March 2018

The current design weather data used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) design in Japan was created using an old data period. New design weather data should be created to reflect recent local climate change. Based on our previous proposal of creating design weather data with two weather indices (dry-bulb temperature and enthalpy) for HVAC design, design weather data for Osaka was created using more recently-measured weather data (period: 2001~2015) from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) in this study. The effect of recent climate change on the design weather data created with eight proposed methods was found. It showed the change in weather elements for cooling design clearly trends to warmer and drier weather, with more solar radiation and lower enthalpy, while the trends in heating design are less clear, mainly showing higher enthalpy. Furthermore, the difference in the peak load for the heating and cooling designs using the new and old design weather data was compared. The comparison showed that the minimum difference in peak load for the heating design was found using the mean daily dry-bulb temperature as the first and second indices; for the cooling design, the minimum difference in peak load was found using mean daily enthalpy as both the first and second indices.
The Relationship between Social Visibility and CSR Disclosure
Authors: Ali Waris , Faisal Alsayegh Maha , Ahmad Zubair , Mahmood Zeeshan , Iqbal Javed
Published: March 2018

The aim of this research is to investigate the link between different proxies of social visibility such as company size, company profitability, environmental sensitivity, and multinational subsidiary with CSR disclosure. This study used a content analysis method to extract CSR-related information from the annual reports of 253 listed companies of Pakistan. The collected data was analyzed through a multiple linear pooled regression analysis technique. The results showed that company size, company profitability, environmental sensitivity, and to be a multinational subsidiary have a significant positive relationship with CSR disclosure. This indicates that different aspects of corporate social visibility are associated with CSR disclosure. We assert that highly socially visible companies, prone to pressures from various actors of the society such as the media, NGOs, the government, and other stakeholders, appear to disclose CSR information to manage relationships with these actors.
Trend Analysis of Droughts during Crop Growing Seasons of Nigeria
Authors: Shiru Mohammed , Shahid Shamsuddin , Alias Noraliani , Chung Eun-Sung
Published: March 2018

This study assesses the impacts of recent climate changes on drought-affected areas and the occurrence of droughts during different cropping seasons of Nigeria using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). The crop growing seasons are considered because the droughts for those periods are more destructive to national agricultural production. The Mann–Kendall test and binary logistic regression were used to quantify the trends in drought-affected areas and the occurrence of crop droughts with different areal extents, respectively. Gauge-based gridded rainfall and temperature data for the period 1961–2010 with spatial resolutions of 0.5° were used. Results showed an increase in the areal extent of droughts during some of the cropping seasons. The occurrences of droughts, particularly moderate droughts with smaller areal extents, were found to increase for all of the seasons. The SPEI values calculated decreased mostly in the regions where rainfall was decreasing. That is, the recent changes in climate were responsible for the increase in the occurrences of droughts with smaller areal extents. These trends in climate indicate that the occurrence of larger areal extent droughts may happen more frequently in Nigeria in the future.
Comparing the Sustainable Development Potential of Industries: A Role for Sustainability Disclosures?
Authors: Du Plessis Johan , Bam Wouter
Published: March 2018

Governments often seek to facilitate sustainable growth through the targeted support of specific industries that are deemed to have considerable sustainable development potential. However, the selection of appropriate sectors generally relies on resource-intensive assessment processes. With the recent flood of sustainability information into the public domain, there appears to exist an opportunity to use this information to improve the efficiency of the initial stages of evaluating target industries. This work investigated the development of a framework that makes use of public sustainability disclosures to rapidly compare industries in terms of their sustainable development potential. The goal was to evaluate whether such a framework could usefully provide a way to prioritize the execution of more in-depth feasibility studies on industries showing superior sustainable development potential. The developed framework was based on the Global Reporting Initiative’s G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines and makes use of 18 indicators to compare industries in terms of various triple bottom line considerations. The framework was applied to a case study of the platinum industry in South Africa to establish its usefulness, potential and limitations. The framework facilitated a reasonably holistic, transparent and easily interpretable comparison of industries. However, its consideration of industry fit in the local economy, expected development trends and quantification of indirect economic impacts were found to be areas that could be improved. Some of these concerns might be overcome by the improved availability of public information in the future.
Case Study Analysing Potentials to Improve Material Efficiency in Manufacturing Supply Chains, Considering Circular Economy Aspects
Authors: Braun Anja , Kleine-Moellhoff Peter , Reichenberger Volker , Seiter Stephan
Published: March 2018

In order to decouple economic growth from global material consumption it is necessary to implement material efficiency strategies at the level of single enterprises and their supply chains, and to implement circular economy aspects. Manufacturing firms face multiple implementation challenges like cost limitations, competition, innovation and stakeholder pressure, and supplier and customer relationships, among others. Taking as an example a case of a medium-sized manufacturing company, opportunities to realise material efficiency improvements within the company borders—on the supply chain and by using circular economy measures—are assessed. Deterministic calculations and simulations, performed for the supply chain of this company, show that measures to increase material efficiency in the supply chain are important. However, they need to be complemented by efforts to return waste and used products to the economic cycle, which requires rethinking the traditional linear economic system.