bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA Adsorption Studies of Poly(4,4′-Cychlohexylidene Bisphenol Oxalate)/Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: Al balawi Aisha Nawaf , Yusof Nor Azah , Kamaruzaman Sazlinda , Mohammad Faruq , Wasoh Helmi , Al-Lohedan Hamad A.
Published: April 2019

The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization, and DNA extraction of poly(4,4′-cyclohexylidene bisphenol oxalate)/silica (Si) nanocomposites (NCs). The effects of varying the monomer/Si (3.7%, 7%, and 13%) ratio towards the size and morphology of the resulting NC and its DNA extraction capabilities have also been studied. For the NC synthesis, two different methods were followed, including the direct mixing of poly(4,4′-cyclohexylidene bisphenol oxalate) with fumed Si, and in situ polymerization of the 4,4′-cyclohexylidene bisphenol monomer in the presence of fumed silica (11 nm). The formed NCs were thoroughly investigated by using different techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis where the results supported that there was the successful formation of poly(4,4′-cyclohexylidene bisphenol oxalate)/Si NC. Within the three different NC samples, the one with 13% Si was found to maintain a very high surface area of 12.237 m2/g, as compared to the other two samples consisting of 7% Si (3.362 m2/g) and 3.7% Si (1.788 m2/g). Further, the solid phase DNA extraction studies indicated that the efficiency is strongly influenced by the amount of polymer (0.2 g > 0.1 g > 0.02 g) and the type of binding buffer. Among the three binding buffers tested, the guanidine hydrochloride/EtOH buffer produced the most satisfactory results in terms of yield (1,348,000 ng) and extraction efficiency (3370 ng/mL) as compared to the other two buffers of NaCl (2 M) and phosphate buffered silane. Based on our results, it can be indicated that the developed poly(4,4′-cyclohexylidene bisphenol oxalate)/Si NC can serve as one of the suitable candidates for the extraction of DNA in high amounts as compared to other traditional solid phase approaches.
Analysis of Surface Geometry Changes after Hybrid Milling and Burnishing by Ceramic Ball
Authors: Grochała Daniel , Berczyński Stefan , Grządziel Zenon
Published: April 2019

The production of modern machines requires parts with much greater geometric accuracy and surface geometry (SG) precision than several years ago. These requirements are met by so-called hybrid technologies that must simultaneously be inexpensive to implement. The integration of treatment procedures (usually in one operation) is geared towards achieving a synergistic effect. Combining different treatments from various technologies produces synergy, i.e., benefits greater than the optimization of each individual process done separately. This paper presents experimental results and numerical experiment data on surface plastic deformation. The hybrid technology used in the study was a combination of milling and finishing with plastic burnishing using a ceramic ball. These processes were integrated on a multi-axis CNC machining center. The plastic deformations of real surfaces were determined in simulations. The paper also discusses the structure of the model and how to use it to conduct a finite element method (FEM) computer simulation. The aim of the study was to determine how to use the potential developed model of hybrid treatment to predict the surface performance expressed by the amplitude, volume, and functional parameters of the surface geometry, with the EN-ISO 25178-2 profile.
A Nanocomposite Based on Reduced Graphene and Gold Nanoparticles for Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through Its Virulence Factors
Authors: Gandouzi Islem , Tertis Mihaela , Cernat Andreea , Saidane-Mosbahi Dalila , Ilea Aranka , Cristea Cecilia
Published: April 2019

Pyoverdine is a fluorescent siderophore produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can be considered as a detectable marker in nosocomial infections. The presence of pyoverdine in water can be directly linked to the presence of the P. aeruginosa, thus being a nontoxic and low-cost marker for the detection of biological contamination. A novel platform was developed and applied for the electrochemical selective and sensitive detection of pyoverdine, based on a graphene/graphite-modified screen-printed electrode (SPE) that was electrochemically reduced and decorated with gold nanoparticles (NPs). The optimized sensor presenting higher sensitivity towards pyoverdine was successfully applied for its detection in real samples (serum, saliva, and tap water), in the presence of various interfering species. The excellent analytical performances underline the premises for an early diagnosis kit of bacterial infections based on electrochemical sensors.
Reduction Temperature-Dependent Nanoscale Morphological Transformation and Electrical Conductivity of Silicate Glass Microchannel Plate
Authors: Cai Hua , Sun Yong , Zhang Xian , Zhang Lei , Liu Hui , Li Qing , Bo Tiezhu , Zhou Dongzhan , Wang Chen , Lian Jiao
Published: April 2019

Lead silicate glasses are fundamental materials to a microchannel plate (MCP), which is a two dimensional array of a microscopic channel charge particle multiplier. Hydrogen reduction is the core stage to determine the electrical conductivity of lead silicate glass MCP multipliers. The nanoscale morphologies and microscopic potential distributions of silicate glass at different reduction temperatures were investigated via atomic force microscope (AFM) and Kelvin force microscopy (KFM). We found that the bulk resistance of MCPs ballooned exponentially with the spacing of conducting islands. Moreover, bulk resistance and the spacing of conducting islands both have the BiDoseResp trend dependence on the hydrogen reduction temperature. Elements composition and valence states of lead silicate glass were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that the conducting island was an assemblage of the Pb atom originated from the reduction of Pb2+ and Pb4+. Thus, this showed the important influence of the hydrogen temperature and nanoscale morphological transformation on modulating the physical effects of MCPs, and opened up new possibilities to characterize the nanoscale electronic performance of multiphase silicate glass.
On the Thickness Quantification of Composite Materials by Using Lock-In Thermography
Authors: Palumbo Davide
Published: April 2019

Many structural components made of composite materials need an accurate thickness control during fabrication and/or maintenance. In this regard, various non-destructive techniques can be used for the online measuring of thickness of large components such as wings and fuselage in the aerospace industry. In this work, the capabilities of lock-in thermography technique in thickness measurement of glass fiber reinforced plastic material were investigated and a correct procedure has been proposed to ensure the best measurement accuracy. An analytical approach and several tests were carried out on a sample specimen with the aim to study the main test parameters. Finally, the limits of technique have been discussed.
A Clue to the Existence of Bonding between Bone and Implant Surface: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Kwon Taek-Ka , Choi Jung-Yoo , Park Jae-Il , Yeo In-Sung Luke
Published: April 2019

We evaluated the shear bond strength of bone–implant contact, or osseointegration, in the rabbit tibia model, and compared the strength between grades 2 and 4 of commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti). A total of 13 grades 2 and 4 cp-Ti implants were used, which had an identical cylinder shape and surface topography. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and confocal laser microscopy were used for surface analysis. Four grades 2 and 4 cp-Ti implants were inserted into the rabbit tibiae with complete randomization. After six weeks of healing, the experimental animals were sacrificed and the implants were removed en bloc with the surrounding bone. The bone–implant interfaces were three-dimensionally imaged with micro-computed tomography. Using these images, the bone–implant contact area was measured. Counterclockwise rotation force was applied to the implants for the measurement of removal torque values. Shear bond strength was calculated from the measured bone–implant contact and removal torque data. The t-tests were used to compare the outcome measures between the groups, and statistical significance was evaluated at the 0.05 level. Surface analysis showed that grades 2 and 4 cp-Ti implants have similar topographic features. We found no significant difference in the three-dimensional bone–implant contact area between these two implants. However, grade 2 cp-Ti implants had a higher shear bond strength than grade 4 cp-Ti implants (p = 0.032). The surfaces of the grade 2 cp-Ti implants were similar to those of the grade 4 implants in terms of physical characteristics and the quantitative amount of attachment to the bone, whereas the grade 2 surfaces were stronger than the grade 4 surfaces in the bone–surface interaction, indicating osseointegration quality.
Aging Mechanism and Properties of SBS Modified Bitumen under Complex Environmental Conditions
Authors: Wei Hui , Bai Xianping , Qian Guoping , Wang Feiyue , Li Zhengfu , Jin Jiao , Zhang Yuhao
Published: April 2019

Bitumen aging can lead to the deterioration of asphalt pavement performance, shortening the service life of road. In order to solve the problem that current studies on the ultraviolet (UV) aging of bitumen either ignore the effects of natural environmental conditions or only consider the effects of water. In this study, different aqueous media and UV coupled simulated aging tests were carried out on virgin bitumen and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) modified bitumen in a UV environment chamber. The combination of macroscopic performance tests and microstructure tests was used to analyze the physical, rheological, and microstructure changes of virgin bitumen and SBS modified bitumen after The film oven test (TFOT) aging and UV aging in different environments (UV, UV + Water, UV + Acid, UV + Salt). Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) results indicated that UV aging results in the increase of rutting factor and the improvement of rutting resistance at high temperature. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) results illustrated that the bitumen would be oxidized and SBS would be degraded under ultraviolet radiation. The four-component analysis test results showed that light component migrated to the heavy component during the aging process. Moreover, water will aggravate the UV aging of bitumen, and the presence of acid or salt worsens ultraviolet aging.
Microstructure, and Mechanical and Wear Properties of Grp/AZ91 Magnesium Matrix Composites
Authors: Wang Chang-rui , Deng Kun-kun , Bai Yan
Published: April 2019

Based on semi-solid mixing technology, two kinds of as-cast Grp (Graphite particles)/AZ91 composites with different Grp volume fractions (5 vol %, 10 vol %) were prepared; these are called 5 vol % Grp/AZ91 composites and 10 vol % Grp/AZ91 composites, respectively. In order to eliminate casting defects, refine grains, and improve mechanical properties, thermal deformation analysis of these composites was conducted. The effect of the addition of Grp and thermal deformation on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of AZ91 composite was explored. The results showed that after 5 vol % Grp was added into the as-cast AZ91 alloy, Mg17Al12 phases were no longer precipitated reticularly along the grain boundary, and Al4C3 phases were formed inside the composite. With the increase in the volume fraction of Grp, the grains of the AZ91 composites were steadily refined. With the increase of forging pass, the grain size of 5% Grp/AZ91 composites decreased first, and then increased. Additionally, the Grp size decreased gradually. There was little change in the yield strength, and the tensile strength and elongation were improved to a certain extent. After forging and extrusion of 5% Grp/AZ91 composites once, the grain size and Grp size were further reduced, and the yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation were increased by 23%, 30%, and 65%, respectively, compared with the composite after forging. With the increase of the number of forging passes before extrusion, the grain size decreased little by little, while the Grp size remained unchanged. The average yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of the composites after forging and extrusion six times were increased by 3%, 3%, and 23%, respectively, compared with the composite after forging and extrusion once. The wear rate and friction coefficient of the 5% Grp/AZ91 composites decreased after forging once, and the wear mechanism was mainly due to ploughing wear. By comparison, the wear rate and friction coefficient of the 5% Grp/AZ91 composites increased in the extrusion state, and the main wear mechanism was from wedge formation and micro-cutting wear.
Basic Properties of Calcined Underground Ant Nest Materials and Its Influence on the Compressive Strength of Concrete
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhu Peng , Qu Wenjun
Published: April 2019

Underground ant nests are typically made of soil and rubble mixed with dead plant bodies, ant secretions, and other organic substances. The clay content is high, and the natural clay materials show pozzolanic activity after calcination. In this study, the underground ant nest materials of Iridomyrmex anceps, which is a common ant in the Shanghai area, are calcined and ground, and the material properties of calcined ant nest clay powder (CANCP) are characterized from six aspects: chemical composition, particle morphology, specific gravity, specific surface area, particle size distribution and pozzolanic activity index. The pozzolanic activity of CANCP is evaluated by the strength contribution rate of pozzolanic activity, revealing that CANCP is beneficial to the strength of the mortar system from an early age. The influence of CANCP on the compressive strength of concrete is analyzed using three aspects, namely, content, curing age and calcination temperature, and it is found that the three aspects of CANCP have a strong influence on the compressive strength of concrete.
Preparation, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of La-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Loan T. T. , Nguyen Lan T. H. , Duong Anh T. T. , Nguyen Bui Duc , Quang Hai Nguyen , Chu Viet Ha , Nguyen Trinh Duy , Bach Long Giang
Published: April 2019

Lanthanum (La)-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized with different La concentrations by employing a gel combustion method using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The as-synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The average size of ZnO nanoparticles decreased from 34.3 to 10.3 nm with increasing concentrations of La, and the band gap, as evaluated by linear fitting, decreased from 3.10 to 2.78 eV. Additionally, it was found that the photocatalytic activity of doped samples, as investigated by using methyl orange dye under visible lights, improved in response to the increase in La concentration. The decomposition of methyl orange reached 85.86% after 150 min in visible light using La0.1Zn0.9O as the photocatalyst.
Laboratory Investigation on the Shrinkage Cracking of Waste Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Wu Xiaoxin , Zhou Jinghai , Kang Tianbei , Wang Fengchi , Ding Xiangqun , Wang Shanshan
Published: April 2019

This paper aims to study the effectiveness of adding waste polypropylene fibers into recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) on shrinkage cracking. The influences of fiber properties (length and content) on the shrinkage performance of RAC are investigated. Firstly, through the plat-ring-type shrinkage test and free shrinkage test, both of the early age and long-term shrinkage performance of waste fiber recycled concrete (WFRC) were measured. Then, X-ray industrial computed tomography (ICT) was carried out to reflect the internal porosity changes of RAC with different lengths and contents of fibers. Furthermore, the compressive strength and flexural strength tests are conducted to evaluate the mechanical performance. The test results indicated that the addition of waste fibers played an important role in improving the crack resistance performance of the investigated RAC specimens as well as controlling their shrinkage behaviour. The initial cracking time, amount and width of cracks and shrinkage rate of fiber-reinforced specimens were better than those of the non-fiber-reinforced specimen. The addition of waste fibers at a small volume fraction in recycled concrete had not obviously changed the porosity, but it changed the law of pore size distribution. Meanwhile, the addition of waste fibers had no significant effect on the compressive strength of RAC, but it enhanced the flexural strength by 43%. The specimens reinforced by 19-mm and 0.12% (volume fraction) waste fibers had the optimal performance of cracking resistance.
Comparison of Different Bone Filling Materials and Resorbable Membranes by Means of Micro-Tomography. A Preliminary Study in Rabbits
Authors: Fernández-Bodereau Enrique , Dedossi Guillermo , Ortega Asencio Victor , Fernández-Domínguez Manuel , Gehrke Sérgio Alexandre , Aragoneses Juan Manuel , Calvo-Guirado José Luis
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the behavior of different membranes and bone filling materials used to fill critical defects in rabbit calvaria. Four defects were prepared in the cranial calvaria of female rabbits. They were randomly divided into three subgroups according to the type of barrier membrane to be used. Four animals carried cross-linked bovine collagen membranes (Mem-Lok, Bio-Horizons, Birmingham, AL, USA)), four human fascia lata membranes (Tissue, Inbiomed SA, Córdoba, Argentina) and four human chorioamniotic membranes (Tissue. Inbiomed SA, Córdoba, Argentina). The defects were filled with the deproteinized bovine bone particulate Bio­Oss® (Geistlich­Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland), with particulate human hydroxyapatite MinerOss® (Bio-Horizons, Birmingham, AL, USA), with particulate dental material (Tissue Bank Foundation, Inbiomed S.A., Córdoba, Argentina), and the last one was left without the addition of filler material. In the first group of four specimens, a resorbable cross-linked bovine collagen membrane was placed over the skull and defects, without additional fixing. In the second group, a human fascia lata membrane was placed, without additional fixing. In the third group, a human chorioamniotic membrane was placed, without additional fixing. The animals were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks. The highest percentages of relative radiological density (average) were recorded considering the amnio-chorionic membranes (83.63%) followed by collagen (81.44%) and finally the fascia lata membranes (80.63%), but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The sites grafted with a decellularized tooth (96.83%) and Bio­Oss (88.42%), recorded the highest percentages of radiological density but did not differ significantly from each other (subset 2). The three membranes used did not show statistical differences between them, in any of the two time periods used. There were statistical differences between the filling materials evidencing the presence of a large quantity of calcified material in the defects treated with particulate tooth and deproteinized bovine bone and while smaller amounts of calcified material were registered in the case of defects treated with human hydroxyapatite and those that were not treated.
Hemp-Straw Composites: Gluing Study and Multi-Physical Characterizations
Authors: Viel Marie , Collet Florence , Prétot Sylvie , Lanos Christophe
Published: April 2019

In order to meet the requirement of sustainable development, building materials are increasingly environmentally friendly. They can be partially or fully bio-based or recycled. This paper looks at the development of fully bio-based composites where agro-resources are valued as bio-based aggregates (hemp) and as binding materials (wheat). In a previous work, a feasibility study simultaneously investigated the processing and ratio of wheat straw required to ensure a gluing effect. In this paper, three kinds of hemp-straw composites are selected and compared with a hemp-polysaccharides composite. The gluing effect is analyzed chemically and via SEM. The developed composites were characterized multi-physically. They showed sufficiently high mechanical properties to be used as insulating materials. Furthermore, they showed good thermal performances with a low thermal conductivity (67.9–69.0 mW/(m · K) at 23 ° C, dry).
Evaluation of the Release Kinetics of a Pharmacologically Active Substance from Model Intra-Articular Implants Replacing the Cruciate Ligaments of the Knee
Authors: Wojcik-Pastuszka Dorota , Krzak Justyna , Macikowski Bartosz , Berkowski Ryszard , Osiński Bogdan , Musiał Witold
Published: April 2019

Implants are readily applied as a convenient method of therapy. There is great interest in the prolonged release of active substances from implants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the dissolution kinetics of steroidal anti-inflammatory preparation (SAP) released from novel implants, and to test the influence of the technology on SAP release kinetics. The proposed long-acting preparations may overcome difficulties resulting from repeated injections and often visits to ambulatory clinic, as the stabilizing function of the artificial ligament would be enriched with pharmacological activity. The potential advantages provided by the new coatings of knee implants include the continuous, sustained, and prolonged release of an active substance. The study was carried out using a modified United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) apparatus 4. The amount of SAP was measured spectroscopically. It was revealed that the transport of the drug was mainly a diffusion process. The drug release kinetics was analyzed using zero-, first-, and second-order kinetics as well as Korsmeyer-Peppas, Higuchi, and Hixon-Crowell models. The highest values of the release rate constants were k0 = (7.49 ± 0.05) × 10−5 mg × min−1, k1 = (6.93 ± 0.05) × 10−6 min−1, and k2 = (7.70 ± 0.05) × 10−7 mg−1 × min−1 as calculated according to zero-, first-, and second-order kinetics equations, respectively. The values of the rate constants obtained for the slowest process were k0 = (3.63 ± 0.06) × 10−5 mg × min−1, k1 = (2.50 ± 0.03) × 10−6 min−1, and k2 = (2.80 ± 0.03) × 10−7 mg−1 × min−1. They may suggest the possibility of sustained release of betamethasone from the system. Due to the statistical analysis, differences were observed between most of the studied implants. Incubation, temperature, time of stabilization of layers, and the method of SAP deposition on the matrix affected the drug release.
Versatile Layer-By-Layer Highly Stable Multilayer Films: Study of the Loading and Release of FITC-Labeled Short Peptide in the Drug Delivery Field
Authors: Nie Kun , Yu Xiang , Kumar Navnita , Zhang Yihe
Published: April 2019

A viable short FITC-peptide immobilization is the most essential step in the fabrication of multilayer films based on FITC-peptide. These functional multilayer films have potential applications in drug delivery, medical therapy, and so forth. These FITC-peptides films needed to be handled with a lot of care and precision due to their sensitive nature. In this study, a general immobilization method is reported for the purpose of stabilizing various kinds of peptides at the interfacial regions. Utilizing Mesoporous silica nanoparticles can help in the preservation of these FITC-peptides by embedding themselves into these covalently cross-linked multilayers. This basic outlook of the multilayer films is potent enough and could be reused as a positive substrate. The spatio-temporal retention property of peptides can be modulated by varying the number of capping layers. The release speed of guest molecules such as tyrosine within FITC-peptide or/and adamantane (Ad)-in short peptides could also be fine-tuned by the specific arrangements of the multilayers of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and hyaluronic acid- cyclodextrin (HA-CD) multilayer films.
A Pragmatic Bilayer Selective Emitter for Efficient Radiative Cooling under Direct Sunlight
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Bai Anqi , Fang Zhenggang , Ni Yaru , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi
Published: April 2019

Radiative cooling can make the selective emitter cool below ambient temperature without any external energy. Recent advances in photonic crystal and metamaterial technology made a high-efficiency selective emitter achievable by precisely controlling the emitter’s Infrared emission spectrum. However, the high cost of the photonic crystals and meta-materials limit their application. Herein, an efficient bilayer selective emitter is prepared based on the molecular vibrations of functional nanoparticles. By optimizing the volume fraction of the functional nanoparticles, the bilayer selective emitter can theoretically cool 36.7 °C and 25.5 °C below the ambient temperature in the nighttime and daytime, respectively. Such an efficient cooling performance is comparable with the published photonic crystal and metamaterial selective emitters. The rooftop measurements show that the bilayer selective emitter is effective in the ambient air even under direct sunlight. The relatively low cost and excellent cooling performance enable the bilayer selective emitter to have great potential for a practical purpose.
Neutrosophic Cubic Einstein Hybrid Geometric Aggregation Operators with Application in Prioritization Using Multiple Attribute Decision-Making Method
Authors: Alhazaymeh Khaleed , Gulistan Muhammad , Khan Majid , Kadry Seifedine
Published: April 2019

Viable collection is one of the imperative instruments of decision-making hypothesis. Collection operators are not simply the operators that normalize the value; they represent progressively broad values that can underline the entire information. Geometric weighted operators weight the values only, and the ordered weighted geometric operators weight the ordering position only. Both of these operators tend to the value that relates to the biggest weight segment. Hybrid collection operators beat these impediments of weighted total and request total operators. Hybrid collection operators weight the incentive as well as the requesting position. Neutrosophic cubic sets (NCs) are a classification of interim neutrosophic set and neutrosophic set. This distinguishing of neutrosophic cubic set empowers the decision-maker to manage ambiguous and conflicting data even more productively. In this paper, we characterized neutrosophic cubic hybrid geometric accumulation operator (NCHG) and neutrosophic cubic Einstein hybrid geometric collection operator (NCEHG). At that point, we outfitted these operators upon an everyday life issue which empoweredus to organize the key objective to develop the industry.
Altercrasins A–E, Decalin Derivatives, from a Sea-Urchin-Derived Alternaria sp.: Isolation and Structural Analysis Including Stereochemistry
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Tanaka Asumi , Nehira Tatsuo , Nishii Takumi , Kikuchi Takashi
Published: April 2019

In order to find out the seeds of antitumor agents, we focused on potential bioactive materials from marine-derived microorganisms. Marine products include a number of compounds with unique structures, some of which may exhibit unusual bioactivities. As a part of this study, we studied metabolites of a strain of Alternaria sp. OUPS-117D-1 originally derived from the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina, and isolated five new decalin derivatives, altercrasins A–E (1–5). The absolute stereostructure of altercrasins A (1) had been decided by chemical transformation and the modified Mosher’s method. In this study, four decalin derivatives, altercrasins B–E (2–5) were purified by silica gel chromatography, and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP HPLC), and their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of them were deduced by the comparison with 1 in the NMR chemical shifts, NOESY correlations, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectral analyses. As a result, we found out that compound pairs of 1/2 and 4/5 were respective stereoisomers. In addition, their cytotoxic activities using murine P388 leukemia, human HL-60 leukemia, and murine L1210 leukemia cell lines showed that 4 and 5 exhibit potent cytotoxicity, in especially, the activity of 4 was equal to that of 5-fluorouracil.
Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Aging Properties of Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms in the Protection of Skin-Aging
Authors: Kageyama Hakuto , Waditee-Sirisattha Rungaroon
Published: April 2019

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes photoaging of the skin and induces a number of disorders, including sunburn, fine and coarse wrinkles, and skin cancer risk. Therefore, the application of sunscreen has gained much attention to reduce the harmful effects of UV irradiation on our skin. Recently, there has been a growing demand for the replacement of chemical sunscreens with natural UV-absorbing compounds. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), promising alternative natural UV-absorbing compounds, are a group of widely distributed, low molecular-weight, water-soluble molecules that can absorb UV radiation and disperse the absorbed energy as heat, without generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). More than 30 MAAs have been characterized, from a variety of organisms. In addition to their UV-absorbing properties, there is substantial evidence that MAAs have the potential to protect against skin aging, including antioxidative activity, anti-inflammatory activity, inhibition of protein-glycation, and inhibition of collagenase activity. This review will provide an overview of MAAs, as potential anti-aging ingredients, beginning with their structure, before moving on to discuss the most recent experimental observations, including the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which MAAs might protect the skin. In particular, we focus on the potential anti-aging activity of mycosporine-2-glycine (M2G).
Isolation and Characterisation of Major and Minor Collagens from Hyaline Cartilage of Hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae)
Authors: Cumming Mathew , Hall Bronwyn , Hofman Kathleen
Published: April 2019

The composition and properties of collagen in teleost (bony fish) cartilage have never been studied. In this study, we aimed to identify and characterise all collagen species in the nasal cartilage of hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae). Four native collagen species were extracted using two techniques, and isolated with differential salt precipitation. We were able to assign the identity of three of these collagen species on the basis of solubility, SDS-PAGE and amino acid analyses. We found that hoki cartilage contains the major collagen, type II, and the minor collagens, type IX and type XI, which are homologous to those found in mammal and chicken cartilage. Using these extraction protocols, we also isolated a full-length type IX collagen from cartilage for the first time. In addition, we detected a 90 kDa, highly glycosylated collagen that has not been identified in any other species. For each isolate, structural and biochemical characterisations were performed using circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, and the thermal denaturation properties were determined. Our results showed that the properties of hoki cartilage-derived collagens are similar to those of collagens in mammalian cartilage, indicating that teleost cartilage could provide biological ingredients for the development of biomaterials to treat cartilage-related illnesses.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Quantitative Evaluation of Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System in Pediatric Serbian Population
Authors: Cirovic Dragana , Petronic Ivana , Stojkovic Jasna , Soldatovic Ivan , Pavicevic Polina , Bizic Marta , Bokan-Mirkovic Vesna , Knezevic Tatjana , Nikolic Dejan
Published: April 2019

Background and objective: Dysfunctional voiding (DV) presents relatively frequent problem in pediatric urologist practice. The necessity for implementation of DV evaluation in the pediatric population is of particular importance, since there is no clear consensus on the clinical assessment of such condition. The aims of our study were to evaluate the test/retest reliability and reproducibility of dysfunctional voiding and incontinence scoring system: Serbian version (DVISSSR) in patients with voiding and incontinence dysfunctions without structural deformities, and to estimate cut-off value for DVISSSR. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 57 children with voiding and incontinence dysfunctions and 30 healthy pediatric controls. For the evaluation of voiding and incontinence dysfunction we used DVISS. The forward–backward method was applied for translation of the DVISS questionnaire from English into Serbian language. Reproducibility was analyzed by Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Sensitivity and specificity of DVISSSR scores was done by receiver operating curve (ROC) curve. Results: There was a significant difference in DVISSSR score between patients and controls (p < 0.001). For reliability and reproducibility of the questionnaire, there was no significant difference between repeated measurements (p = 0.141), and strong reliability (ICC = 0.957; p < 0.001). Conclusion: We have demonstrated successful translation and validation of the DVISSSR score. Moreover, a reliable scoring system of children with voiding dysfunctions should include evaluations of symptom scoring systems at the multicentric level.
Meta-Analysis of Factor V, Factor VII, Factor XII, and Factor XIII-A Gene Polymorphisms and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Keat Wei Loo , Griffiths Lyn , Wee Kooi Cheah , Irene Looi
Published: April 2019

Background and aims: Numerous studies examined the association between factors FV, FVII, FXII, and FXIII-A gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke, but conclusive evidence is yet to be obtained. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to investigate the novel association of FV rs1800595, FVII rs5742910, FXII rs1801020, and FXIII-A rs5982 and rs3024477 polymorphisms with ischemic stroke risk. Methods: A systematic review was performed on articles retrieved before June 2018. Relevant data were extracted from eligible studies and meta-analyzed using RevMan version 5.3. The strength of association between studied polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk was calculated as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, by applying both fixed- and random-effect models. Results: A total of 25 studies involving 6100 ischemic stroke patients and 9249 healthy controls were incorporated in the final meta-analysis model. Specifically, rs1800595, rs5742910, rs1801020, rs5982, and rs3024477 consisted of 673, 3668, 922, 433, and 404 cases, as well as 995, 4331, 1285, 1321, and 1317 controls, respectively. The pooled analysis indicated that there was no significant association of FV rs1800595, FVII rs5742910, FXII rs1801020, FXIII-A rs5982, and FXIII-A rs3024477 polymorphisms with ischemic stroke risk, under any genetic models (dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and allelic). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis concluded that FV rs1800595, FVII rs5742910, FXII rs1801020, and FXIII-A rs5982 and rs3024477 polymorphisms are not associated with ischemic stroke risk.
Developmental Dysplasia of Hip: Perspectives in Genetic Screening
Authors: Zamborsky Radoslav , Kokavec Milan , Harsanyi Stefan , Attia Doaa , Danisovic Lubos
Published: April 2019

Development dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a complex developmental disorder despite being a relatively common condition mainly caused by incompatibility of the femoral head and the abnormal joint socket. Development dysplasia of the hip describes a wide spectrum of disorders ranging from minor acetabular dysplasia to irreducible dislocation of the hip. Modern medicine still suffers from lack of information about screening and precise genetic examination. Genome wide linkage and association studies have brought significant progress to DDH diagnosis. Association studies managed to identify many candidate (susceptible) genes, such as PAPPA2, COL2A1, HOXD9, GDF-5, and TGFB1, which play a considerable role in the pathogenesis of DDH. Early detection of DDH has a big chance to help in preventing further disability and improve the psychological health and quality of life in those children. This emphasizes the importance to establish a universal screening program along with the genetic counseling.
Friction Performance of Aluminum-Silicon Alloy Cylinder Liner after Chemical Etching and Laser Finishing
Authors: Du Fengming , Li Chengdi , Mi Zetian , Huang Ruoxuan , Han Xiaoguang , Shen Yan , Xu Jiujun
Published: April 2019

In order to enhance the surface friction performance of the aluminum-silicon (Al-Si) alloy cylinder liner, chemical etching and laser finishing techniques are applied to improve the friction performance. The cylinder liner samples are worn against a Cr-Al2O3 coated piston ring by a reciprocating sliding tribotester. The friction coefficient and weight loss are measured to determine the friction performance; a stress contact model is developed to ascertain the wear mechanism. The results show that the optimal etching time is 2 min for the chemical etching treatment and the optimal laser power is 1000 W for the laser finishing treatment. The chemical etching removes the surface aluminum layer and exposes the silicon on the surface, thereby avoiding metal-to-metal contact. The laser finishing results in the protrusion and rounded edges of the silicon particles, which decreases the stress concentration. The laser finishing results in better friction performance of aluminum-silicon alloy cylinder liner than the chemical etching.
Zn and P Alloying Effect in Sub-Rapidly Solidified LaFe11.6Si1.4 Magnetocaloric Plates
Authors: Jin Pingxia , Li Yuqiang , Dai Yuting , Xu Zhishuai , Song Changjiang , Luo Zhiping , Zhai Qijie , Han Ke , Zheng Hongxing
Published: April 2019

The occupation mechanism and magnetic transition behavior of trace Zn and P alloying in the sub-rapidly solidified LaFe11.6Si1.4 magnetocaloric plates were investigated. The LaFe11.6Si1.4, LaFe11.6Si1.4Zn0.03, and LaFe11.6Si1.4P0.03 plates were fabricated using the centrifugal casting method in the present work. Experimental results showed that both Zn and P elements were distributed in the La5Si3 and LaFeSi phases during sub-rapid solidification. After annealed at 1373 K for 72 h, the LaFe11.6Si1.4 plate underwent a second-order magnetic transition, while both the LaFe11.6Si1.4Zn0.03 and LaFe11.6Si1.4P0.03 plates underwent a first-order transition. In combination with X-ray diffraction results, it was proposed that both Zn and P atoms prefer to enter the 96i site substituting for FeII/Si atoms according to the density-functional reconstruction of crystallographic structure. The Zn addition led to a slight decrease in magnetic entropy change from 7.0 to 5.9 J/(kg⋅K), while the P addition strikingly enhanced this property to 31.4 J/(kg⋅K) under a magnetic field change of 3 T. The effective refrigeration capacity of the annealed LaFe11.6Si1.4P0.03 plate reached 189.9 J/kg.
RETRACTED: Carulli et al. The OMICs Window into Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Metabolites 2019, 9, 25
Authors: Carulli Lucia , Zanca Giulia , Schepis Filippo , Villa Erica ,   Metabolites Editorial Office
Published: April 2019

As the authors of the title paper [...]
Process Fingerprint in Micro-EDM Drilling
Authors: Bellotti Mattia , Qian Jun , Reynaerts Dominiek
Published: April 2019

The micro electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) process is extensively used in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries for drilling small holes in difficult-to-machine materials. However, due to the complexity of the electrical discharge phenomena, optimization of the processing parameters and quality control are time-consuming operations. In order to shorten these operations, this study investigates the applicability of a process fingerprint approach in micro-EDM drilling. This approach is based on the monitoring of a few selected physical quantities, which can be controlled in-line to maximize the drilling speed and meet the manufacturing tolerance. A Design of Experiments (DoE) is used to investigate the sensitivity of four selected physical quantities to variations in the processing parameters. Pearson’s correlation is used to evaluate the correlation of these quantities to some main performance and hole quality characteristics. Based on the experimental results, the potential of the process fingerprint approach in micro-EDM drilling is discussed. The results of this research provide a foundation for future in-line process optimization and quality control techniques based on machine learning.
Intersubband Optical Nonlinearity of GeSn Quantum Dots under Vertical Electric Field
Authors: Baira Mourad , Salem Bassem , Ahamad Madhar Niyaz , Ilahi Bouraoui
Published: April 2019

The impact of vertical electrical field on the electron related linear and 3rd order nonlinear optical properties are evaluated numerically for pyramidal GeSn quantum dots with different sizes. The electric field induced electron confining potential profile’s modification is found to alter the transition energies and the transition dipole moment, particularly for larger dot sizes. These variations strongly influence the intersubband photoabsorption coefficients and changes in the refractive index with an increasing tendency of the 3rd order nonlinear component with increasing both quantum dot (QD) size and applied electric field. The results show that intersubband optical properties of GeSn quantum dots can be successively tuned by external polarization.
Lignans
Authors: Barker David
Published: April 2019

The 13 research articles/communications, six reviews, and one perspective that comprise this Special Issue on Lignans, highlight the most recent research and investigations into this diverse and important class of bioactive natural products [...]
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure Extract of Mulberry (Morus alba) Fruit on LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Jung Sunyoon , Lee Mak-Soon , Choi Ae-Jin , Kim Chong-Tai , Kim Yangha
Published: April 2019

Mulberry fruit (Morus alba L.) contains abundant bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins and flavonols, and has been reported to possess potent beneficial properties including anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-oxidant effects. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing, a nonthermal food processing technology, is suitable for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory effects of HHP extract of mulberry fruit (HM) in RAW264.7 cells remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of HM on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in vitro. RAW264.7 cells were treated with various concentrations (0.1–1 μg/mL) of HM in the presence or absence of LPS. HM inhibited the inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO) release, and mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In addition, HM suppressed both mRNA and protein expressions of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). Moreover, it reduced the LPS-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. These results revealed that HM exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting several mediators and cytokines involved in the inflammatory process.
Primary Step Towards In Situ Detection of Chemical Biomarkers in the UNIVERSE via Liquid-Based Analytical System: Development of an Automated Online Trapping/Liquid Chromatography System
Authors: Ribette Thomas , Leroux Bertrand , Eddhif Balkis , Allavena Audrey , David Marc , Sternberg Robert , Poinot Pauline , Geffroy-Rodier Claude
Published: April 2019

The search for biomarkers in our solar system is a fundamental challenge for the space research community. It encompasses major difficulties linked to their very low concentration levels, their ambiguous origins (biotic or abiotic), as well as their diversity and complexity. Even if, in 40 years’ time, great improvements in sample pre-treatment, chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry detection have been achieved, there is still a need for new in situ scientific instrumentation. This work presents an original liquid chromatographic system with a trapping unit dedicated to the one-pot detection of a large set of non-volatile extra-terrestrial compounds. It is composed of two units, monitored by a single pump. The first unit is an online trapping unit able to trap polar, apolar, monomeric and polymeric organics. The second unit is an online analytical unit with a high-resolution Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The designed single pump system was as efficient as a laboratory dual-trap LC system for the analysis of amino acids, nucleobases and oligopeptides. The overall setup significantly improves sensitivity, providing limits of detection ranging from ppb to ppt levels, thus meeting with in situ enquiries.
NNB-Type Tridentate Boryl Ligands Enabling a Highly Active Iridium Catalyst for C–H Borylation
Authors: Ding Siyi , Wang Linghua , Miao Zongcheng , Li Pengfei
Published: April 2019

Boryl ligands play a very important role in catalysis because of their very high electron-donating property. In this paper, NNB-type boryl anions were designed as tridentate ligands to promote aryl C–H borylation. In combination with [IrCl(COD)]2, they generate a highly active catalyst for a broad range of (hetero)arene substrates, including highly electron-rich and/or sterically hindered ones. This work provides a new NNB-type tridentate boryl ligand to support homogeneous organometallic catalysis.