bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Noncoding RNA HCP5, a Hybrid HLA Class I Endogenous Retroviral Gene: Structure, Expression, and Disease Associations
Authors: Kulski Jerzy K.
Published: May 2019

The HCP5 RNA gene (NCBI ID: 10866) is located centromeric of the HLA-B gene and between the MICA and MICB genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I region. It is a human species-specific gene that codes for a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), composed mostly of an ancient ancestral endogenous antisense 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR, and part of the internal pol antisense sequence of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) type 16 linked to a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I promoter and leader sequence at the 5′-end. Since its discovery in 1993, many disease association and gene expression studies have shown that HCP5 is a regulatory lncRNA involved in adaptive and innate immune responses and associated with the promotion of some autoimmune diseases and cancers. The gene sequence acts as a genomic anchor point for binding transcription factors, enhancers, and chromatin remodeling enzymes in the regulation of transcription and chromatin folding. The HCP5 antisense retroviral transcript also interacts with regulatory microRNA and immune and cellular checkpoints in cancers suggesting its potential as a drug target for novel antitumor therapeutics.
The Introduction of the Flexible Zone Programs in the Greek Educational System: Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Brinia Vasiliki , Sarantopoulou Vasiliki-Nektaria
Published: May 2019

The present paper aims at presenting the introduction of the Flexible Zone program in the context of the Greek Educational system, an innovative, modern teaching program. More specifically, Greek teachers’ views on the implementation process, the legislative framework, and the roles of the school head teacher and the school counselor, as well as the difficulties tackled regarding the Flexible Zone programs are thoroughly explored through this study. In order to investigate and better interpret the findings, quantitative research was adopted with questionnaires from 135 teachers having been collected, numbered, coded, and analyzed. Topics such as the importance of in-school seminars and training sessions related to Flexible Zone programs, the significance of the head teacher, school counselor, and the school activities supervisor’s contribution, the development of the school equipment and infrastructure, as well as the overall cooperation have emerged from the findings. The present study can offer valuable insights regarding the innovative program of Flexible Zone to the international academic community and policy makers.
915-MHz Continuous-Wave Doppler Radar Sensor for Detection of Vital Signs
Authors: Park Jae-Hyun , Jeong Yeo-Jin , Lee Ga-Eun , Oh Jun-Taek , Yang Jong-Ryul
Published: May 2019

A miniaturized continuous-wave Doppler radar sensor operating at 915 MHz to remotely detect both respiration and heart rate (beats per minute) is presented. The proposed radar sensor comprises a front-end module including an implemented complementary metal-oxide semiconductor low-noise amplifier (LNA) and fractal-slot patch antennas, whose area was reduced by 15.2%. The two-stage inverter-based LNA was designed with an interstage capacitor and a feedback resistor to acquire ultrawide bandwidth. Two operating frequencies, 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz, were analyzed with regard to path loss for efficient operation because frequency affects detection sensitivity, reflected signal power from the human body, and measurement distance in a far-field condition. Path-loss calculation based on the simplified layer model indicates that the reflected power of the 915 MHz radar could be higher than that of the 2.45 GHz radar. The implemented radar front-end module excluding the LNA occupies 35 × 55 mm2. Vital signs were obtained via a fast Fourier transform and digital filtering using raw signals. In an experiment with six subjects, the respiration and heart rate obtained at 0.8 m using the proposed radar sensor exhibited mean accuracies of 99.4% and 97.6% with respect to commercialized reference sensors, respectively.
Reactive Power Compensation and Imbalance Suppression by Star-Connected Buck-Type D-CAP
Authors: Wang Xiaosheng , Dai Ke , Chen Xinwen , Zhang Xin , Wu Qi , Dai Ziwei
Published: May 2019

Reactive power and negative-sequence current generated by inductive unbalanced load will not only increase line loss, but also cause the malfunction of relay protection devices triggered by a negative-sequence component in the power grid, which threatens the safe operation of the power system, so it is particularly important to compensate reactive power and suppress load imbalance. In this paper, reactive power compensation and imbalance suppression by a three-phase star-connected Buck-type dynamic capacitor (D-CAP) under an inductive unbalanced load are studied. Firstly, the relationship between power factor correction and imbalance suppression in a three-phase three-wire system is discussed, and the principle of D-CAP suppressing load imbalance is analyzed. Next, its compensation ability for negative-sequence currents is determined, which contains theoretical and actual compensation ability. Then an improved control strategy to compensate reactive power and suppress imbalance is proposed. If the load is slightly unbalanced, the D-CAP can completely compensate the reactive power and negative-sequence currents. If the load is heavily unbalanced, the D-CAP can only compensate the positive-sequence reactive power and a part of the negative-sequence currents due to the limit of compensation ability. Finally, a 33 kVar/220 V D-CAP prototype is built and experimental results verify the theoretical analysis and control strategy.
Role of D-GADD45 in JNK-Dependent Apoptosis and Regeneration in Drosophila
Authors: Camilleri-Robles Carlos , Serras Florenci , Corominas Montserrat
Published: May 2019

The GADD45 proteins are induced in response to stress and have been implicated in the regulation of several cellular functions, including DNA repair, cell cycle control, senescence, and apoptosis. In this study, we investigate the role of D-GADD45 during Drosophila development and regeneration of the wing imaginal discs. We find that higher expression of D-GADD45 results in JNK-dependent apoptosis, while its temporary expression does not have harmful effects. Moreover, D-GADD45 is required for proper regeneration of wing imaginal discs. Our findings demonstrate that a tight regulation of D-GADD45 levels is required for its correct function both, in development and during the stress response after cell death.
Impact of Nonzero Intercept Gas Transfer Velocity Parameterizations on Global and Regional Ocean–Atmosphere CO2 Fluxes
Authors: Ribas-Ribas Mariana , Battaglia Gianna , Humphreys Matthew P. , Wurl Oliver
Published: May 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes between the ocean and atmosphere (FCO2) are commonly computed from differences between their partial pressures of CO2 (ΔpCO2) and the gas transfer velocity (k). Commonly used wind-based parameterizations for k imply a zero intercept, although in situ field data below 4 m s−1 are scarce. Considering a global average wind speed over the ocean of 6.6 m s−1, a nonzero intercept might have a significant impact on global FCO2. Here, we present a database of 245 in situ measurements of k obtained with the floating chamber technique (Sniffle), 190 of which have wind speeds lower than 4 m s−1. A quadratic parameterization with wind speed and a nonzero intercept resulted in the best fit for k. We further tested FCO2 calculated with a different parameterization with a complementary pCO2 observation-based product. Furthermore, we ran a simulation in a well-tested ocean model of intermediate complexity to test the implications of different gas transfer velocity parameterizations for the natural carbon cycle. The global ocean observation-based analysis suggests that ignoring a nonzero intercept results in an ocean-sink increase of 0.73 Gt C yr−1. This corresponds to a 28% higher uptake of CO2 compared with the flux calculated from a parameterization with a nonzero intercept. The differences in FCO2 were higher in the case of low wind conditions and large ΔpCO2 between the ocean and atmosphere. Such conditions occur frequently in the Tropics.
New Formalism in the Classroom: Re-Forming Epic Poetry in Wordsworth and Blake
Authors: Leporati Matthew
Published: May 2019

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in “New Formalism,” a close attention to textual language and structure that departs from the outdated and regressive stances of old formalisms (especially “New Criticism”) by interrogating the connections between form, history, and culture. This article surveys the contributions of New Formalism to Romanticism studies and applies its techniques to two canonical texts, suggesting that New Formalism is useful both for literary criticism and teaching literature. Opening with a survey of New Formalist theory and practices, and an overview of the theoretical innovations within New Formalism that have been made by Romantic scholars, the article applies New Formalist techniques to William Wordsworth’s Prelude and William Blake’s Milton: a Poem. Often read as poems seeking to escape the dispiriting failure of the French Revolution, these texts, I argue, engage the formal strategies of epic poetry to enter the discourse of the period, offering competing ways to conceive of the self in relation to history. Written during the Romantic epic revival, when more epics were composed than at any other time in history, these poems’ allusive dialogue with Paradise Lost and with the epic tradition more broadly allows them to think through the self’s relationship to the past, a question energized by the Revolution Controversy. I explore how Wordsworth uses allusion to link himself to Milton and ultimately Virgil, both privileging the past and thereby asserting the value of the present as a means of reiterating and restoring it; Blake, in contrast, alludes to Milton to query the very idea of dependence on the past. These readings are intertwined with my experiences of teaching, as I have employed New Formalism to encourage students to develop as writers in response to texts. An emphasis on form provides students with concrete modes of entry into discussing literature and allows instructors to help students identify and revise the forms and structures of their own writing in response to literature.
A Systematic Measurement of Street Quality through Multi-Sourced Urban Data: A Human-Oriented Analysis
Authors: Zhang Lingzhu , Ye Yu , Zeng Wenxin , Chiaradia Alain
Published: May 2019

Many studies have been made on street quality, physical activity and public health. However, most studies so far have focused on only few features, such as street greenery or accessibility. These features fail to capture people’s holistic perceptions. The potential of fine grained, multi-sourced urban data creates new research avenues for addressing multi-feature, intangible, human-oriented issues related to the built environment. This study proposes a systematic, multi-factor quantitative approach for measuring street quality with the support of multi-sourced urban data taking Yangpu District in Shanghai as case study. This holistic approach combines typical and new urban data in order to measure street quality with a human-oriented perspective. This composite measure of street quality is based on the well-established 5Ds dimensions: Density, Diversity, Design, Destination accessibility and Distance to transit. They are combined as a collection of new urban data and research techniques, including location-based service (LBS) positioning data, points of interest (PoIs), elements and visual quality of street-view images extraction with supervised machine learning, and accessibility metrics using network science. According to these quantitative measurements from the five aspects, streets were classified into eight feature clusters and three types reflecting the value of street quality using a hierarchical clustering method. The classification was tested with experts. The analytical framework developed through this study contributes to human-oriented urban planning practices to further encourage physical activity and public health.
Crmp4-KO Mice as an Animal Model for Investigating Certain Phenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ohtani-Kaneko Ritsuko
Published: May 2019

Previous research has demonstrated that the collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP) family is involved in the formation of neural networks. A recent whole-exome sequencing study identified a de novo variant (S541Y) of collapsin response mediator protein 4 (CRMP4) in a male patient with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, Crmp4-knockout (KO) mice show some phenotypes similar to those observed in human patients with ASD. For example, compared with wild-type mice, Crmp4-KO mice exhibit impaired social interaction, abnormal sensory sensitivities, broader distribution of activated (c-Fos expressing) neurons, altered dendritic formation, and aberrant patterns of neural gene expressions, most of which have sex differences. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the role of CRMP4 during brain development and discusses the possible contribution of CRMP4 deficiencies or abnormalities to the pathogenesis of ASD. Crmp4-KO mice represent an appropriate animal model for investigating the mechanisms underlying some ASD phenotypes, such as impaired social behavior, abnormal sensory sensitivities, and sex-based differences, and other neurodevelopmental disorders associated with sensory processing disorders.
Bone Marrow Adipocytes: The Enigmatic Components of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Cuminetti Vincent , Arranz Lorena
Published: May 2019

Bone marrow adipocytes (BMA) exert pleiotropic roles beyond mere lipid storage and filling of bone marrow (BM) empty spaces, and we are only now beginning to understand their regulatory traits and versatility. BMA arise from the differentiation of BM mesenchymal stromal cells, but they seem to be a heterogeneous population with distinct metabolisms, lipid compositions, secretory properties and functional responses, depending on their location in the BM. BMA also show remarkable differences among species and between genders, they progressively replace the hematopoietic BM throughout aging, and play roles in a range of pathological conditions such as obesity, diabetes and anorexia. They are a crucial component of the BM microenvironment that regulates hematopoiesis, through mechanisms largely unknown. Previously considered as negative regulators of hematopoietic stem cell function, recent data demonstrate their positive support for hematopoietic stem cells depending on the experimental approach. Here, we further discuss current knowledge on the role of BMA in hematological malignancies. Early hints suggest that BMA may provide a suitable metabolic niche for the malignant growth of leukemic stem cells, and protect them from chemotherapy. Future in vivo functional work and improved isolation methods will enable determining the true essence of this elusive BM hematopoietic stem cell niche component, and confirm their roles in a range of diseases. This promising field may open new pathways for efficient therapeutic strategies to restore hematopoiesis, targeting BMA.
Effects of Inflammation and Depression on Telomere Length in Young Adults in the United States
Authors: Shin Dayeon , Shin Jungwoon , Lee Kyung Won
Published: May 2019

Little is known about the associations of inflammation and depression with telomere length. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002, the current study assessed the effects of inflammation and depression on telomere length in 1141 young adults in the USA. Depression status was assessed from the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview and inflammation status was measured based on C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Information on telomere length was obtained using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method to measure telomere length relative to standard reference DNA (T/S ratio). Unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the tertiles of CRP concentration and the telomere length stratified by the status of depression such as major depression or depressed affect vs. no depression. The adjusted models were controlled for age, family poverty income ratio, race/ethnicity, marital status, physical activity, body mass index, and alcohol drinking status. A significant and decreasing linear trend in telomere length was found as CRP levels increased in men, regardless of the depression status, and women with major depression or depressed affect (p values < 0.05). Among men without depression, those with an elevated CRP level had increased odds of having a shortened telomere length compared to men with low CRP levels after controlling for covariates (adjusted odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–2.90). In women, there was no association between CRP and telomere length, regardless of the depression status. In conclusion, there was a significant and inverse association between inflammation and telomere length according to the depression status in men but not in women. The present findings may be of clinical significance for the monitoring of inflammation levels and depression status as determinants of telomere length.
Impact of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Conducted in Living Kidney Donors on Renal Function in Donors and Recipients Following Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bang Ji-Yeon , Kim Sae-Gyeol , Oh Jimi , Kim Seon-Ok , Go Yon-Ji , Hwang Gyu-Sam , Song Jun-Gol
Published: May 2019

Although remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has been shown to have renoprotective effects, few studies have assessed the effects of RIPC on renal function in living kidney donors. This study investigated whether RIPC performed in living kidney donors could improve residual renal function in donors and outcomes in recipients following kidney transplantation. The donors were randomized into a control group (n = 85) and a RIPC group (n = 85). The recipients were included according to the matched donors. Serum creatinine (sCr) concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared between control and RIPC groups in donors and recipients. Delayed graft function, acute rejection, and graft failure within one year after transplantation were evaluated in recipients. sCr was significantly increased in the control group (mean, 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–1.18) than the RIPC group (1.01; 95% CI, 0.95–1.07) (p = 0.003) at discharge. Donors with serum creatinine >1.4 mg/dL at discharge had higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (n = 6, 26.1%) than donors with a normal serum creatinine level (n = 8, 5.4%) (p = 0.003) after one year. sCr concentrations and eGFR were similar in the RIPC and control groups of recipients over the one-year follow-up period. Among recipients, no outcome variables differed significantly in the RIPC and control groups. RIPC was effective in improving early renal function in kidney donors but did not improve renal function in recipients.
Diabetes and Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery: Difficulties, Risks and Potential Complications
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Kanclerz Piotr , Huerva Valentín , Ascaso Francisco J. , Tuuminen Raimo
Published: May 2019

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. Diabetic patients are at risk of developing cataract and present for surgery at an earlier age than non-diabetics. The aim of this study was to review the problems associated with cataract surgery in a diabetic patient. Corneal complications in diabetic patients include delayed wound healing, risk of developing epithelial defects or recurrent erosions due to the impairment of epithelial basement membranes and epithelial–stromal interactions. Diabetic patients present lower endothelial cell density and their endothelium is more susceptible to trauma associated with cataract surgery. A small pupil is common in diabetic patients making cataract surgery technically challenging. Finally diabetic patients have an increased risk for developing postoperative pseudophakic cystoid macular edema, posterior capsule opacification or endophthalmitis. In patients with pre-proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema or iris neovascularization adjunctive therapy such as an intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection, can inhibit exacerbation related to cataract surgery.
Respiratory Variations in Electrocardiographic R-Wave Amplitude during Acute Hypovolemia Induced by Inferior Vena Cava Clamping in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Park Hee-Sun , Kim Sung-Hoon , Park Yong-Seok , Thiele Robert H. , Shin Won-Jung , Hwang Gyu-Sam
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze whether the respiratory variation in electrocardiogram (ECG) standard lead II R-wave amplitude (ΔRDII) could be used to assess intravascular volume status following inferior vena cava (IVC) clamping. This clamping causes an acute decrease in cardiac output during liver transplantation (LT). We retrospectively compared ΔRDII and related variables before and after IVC clamping in 34 recipients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were used to derive a cutoff value of ΔRDII for predicting pulse pressure variation (PPV). After IVC clamping, cardiac output significantly decreased while ΔRDII significantly increased (p = 0.002). The cutoff value of ΔRDII for predicting a PPV >13% was 16.9% (AUC: 0.685) with a sensitivity of 57.9% and specificity of 77.6% (95% confidence interval 0.561 – 0.793, p = 0.015). Frequency analysis of ECG also significantly increased in the respiratory frequency band (p = 0.016). Although significant changes in ΔRDII during vena cava clamping were found at norepinephrine doses <0.1 µg/kg/min (p = 0.032), such changes were not significant at norepinephrine doses >0.1 µg/kg/min (p = 0.093). ΔRDII could be a noninvasive dynamic parameter in LT recipients presenting with hemodynamic fluctuation. Based on our data, we recommended cautious interpretation of ΔRDII may be requisite according to vasopressor administration status.
A Review of Libyan Soil Databases for Use within an Ecosystem Services Framework
Authors: Zurqani Hamdi A. , Mikhailova Elena A. , Post Christopher J. , Schlautman Mark A. , Elhawej Azzeddin R.
Published: May 2019

Ecosystem services (ESs) are increasingly being used by many countries around the world as a framework for addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review article of the usability of Libyan soil databases for ESs and SDGs is the first of its kind for North Africa. The objectives of the article are to: describe the available soil resources of Libya in relation to an ES framework; provide examples of the usability of Libyan soil databases for ES applications (e.g., provisioning, Healthy Eating Plate), and describe some of the typical disservices in the country. Desertification, salinization, and limited freshwater resources are the largest challenges (disservices) for agriculture and future development in Libya. Seawater intrusion in coastal areas due to rising sea levels has resulted in high concentrations of salts in irrigation waters, which can lead to low soil productivity. These challenges can be addressed by integrating Libyan soil resources into a market that transforms resources into goods and services to meet human demand in a sustainable manner, with non-market institutions mediating the interactions between humans and the environment. If Libyan soil resources are taken into account by both market and non-market institutions, it will lead to more efficient use of soil resources and also should enable the implementation of innovative strategies, such as integrated farming systems, non-soil-based agricultural production (e.g., hydroponics), and alternative farming practices.
Applications of Nanodiamonds in the Detection and Therapy of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Torres Sangiao Eva , Holban Alina Maria , Gestal Mónica Cartelle
Published: May 2019

We are constantly exposed to infectious diseases, and they cause millions of deaths per year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that antibiotic resistance could cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050. Multidrug-resistant bacteria are the cause of infection in at least one in three people suffering from septicemia. While antibiotics are powerful agents against infectious diseases, the alarming increase in antibiotic resistance is of great concern. Alternatives are desperately needed, and nanotechnology provides a great opportunity to develop novel approaches for the treatment of infectious diseases. One of the most important factors in the prognosis of an infection caused by an antibiotic resistant bacteria is an early and rigorous diagnosis, jointly with the use of novel therapeutic systems that can specifically target the pathogen and limit the selection of resistant strains. Nanodiamonds can be used as antimicrobial agents due to some of their properties including size, shape, and biocompatibility, which make them highly suitable for the development of efficient and tailored nanotherapies, including vaccines or drug delivery systems. In this review, we discuss the beneficial findings made in the nanodiamonds field, focusing on diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. We also highlight the innovative platform that nanodiamonds confer for vaccine improvement, drug delivery, and shuttle systems, as well as their role in the generation of faster and more sensitive clinical diagnosis.
Integrated Forming and Surface Engineering of Disc Springs by Inducing Residual Stresses by Incremental Sheet Forming
Authors: Hajavifard Ramin , Maqbool Fawad , Schmiedt-Kalenborn Anke , Buhl Johannes , Bambach Markus , Walther Frank
Published: May 2019

Disc springs are conical annular discs, which are characterized by a high spring force with a small spring travel and good space utilization. In operation, they must meet high demands on the stability of the spring characteristic and the fatigue strength. Under loading, tensile stresses occur which limit the possible applications of disc springs. Compressive stresses can be generated in the stressed areas by means of shot-peening in order to extend the operating limits for a given yield and fatigue strength. Since the spring geometry and characteristics change during shot-peening, the design of the shot-peening treatment is iterative and cumbersome. The present research proposes an incremental forming process for forming and integrated targeted adjustment of residual stresses in disc springs from metastable austenitic stainless steel (MASS), to achieve improved spring properties and high cyclic strength. The main mechanism of residual stress generation is the transformation of metastable austenite into martensite under the action of the forming tool. Different experimental characterization techniques like the hole drilling method, X-ray diffraction, disc compression tests, optical microscopy and cyclic tests are used to correlate the residual stresses and disc spring properties. A numerical model is developed for simulating the martensite transformation in disc springs manufacturing. The results prove that incremental forming enables process-integrated engineering of the desired compressive residual stresses, entailing a higher spring force of metastable austenitic disc springs in comparison to conventional disc springs. Due to martensite formation, the generated residual stresses are stable under cyclic loading, which is not the case for conventionally manufactured springs.
Atmospheric Corrosion Sensor Based on Strain Measurement with an Active Dummy Circuit Method in Experiment with Corrosion Products
Authors: Purwasih Nining , Kasai Naoya , Okazaki Shinji , Kihira Hiroshi , Kuriyama Yukihisa
Published: May 2019

This study analyzed an atmospheric corrosion sensor using strain measurements (ACSSM) with an active dummy method for corrosion product experiments. An initial compensation thermal strain experiment was performed with elapsed time. Further analyses used dry-wet environments with salt water spray to investigate the thickness reduction performance of the corrosion product on low-carbon steel samples. The ACSSM with an active dummy method accurately measured signals induced by the specimen thickness reduction, despite the noise in the signal. Moreover, the effects of corrosion products on the signal were discussed.
Microstructure and Martensitic Transformation Behavior in Thermal Cycled Equiatomic CuZr Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Hisada Shota , Matsuda Mitsuhiro , Nishida Minoru , Biffi Carlo , Tuissi Ausonio
Published: May 2019

Equiatomic CuZr alloy undergoes a martensitic transformation from the B2 parent phase to martensitic phases (P21/m and Cm) below 150 °C. We clarified the effect of the thermal cycling on the morphology and crystallography of martensite in equiatomic CuZr alloy using a transmission electron microscopy. The 10th cycled specimens consisted of different multiple structures at the maximum temperature of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement −400 °C and 500 °C, respectively. At the maximum temperature 400 °C of DSC measurement, it is composed of the fine plate-like variants, and a lamellar eutectoid structure consisting of Cu10Zr7 and CuZr2 phases on the martensitic variant. Concerning the maximum temperature of 500 °C of DSC measurement, it is observed the martensitic structure and the lamellar structure in which the martensitic phase was completely eutectoid transformed. The formation of this lamellar eutectoid structure, due to thermal cycling leads to the shift of forward and reverse transformation peaks to low and high temperature side. In addition, new forward and reverse transformation peaks indicating a new transformation appeared by thermal cycling, and the peaks remained around −20 °C. This new martensitic transformation behavior is also discussed.
Evaluation of the Aging Effect on the Microstructure of Co-28Cr-6Mo-0.3C Alloy: Experimental Characterization and Computational Thermodynamics
Authors: Zangeneh Shahab , Erisir Ersoy , Abbasi Mahmoud , Ramazani Ali
Published: May 2019

In the current research, we studied the role of the solution treatment and aging on the microstructure of a Co–28Cr–5Mo–0.3C alloy. We used metallographic observations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and hardness measurements for the evaluations. We also made a comparison between the phase equilibrium calculated with Thermo-Calc, using TCFE8 and TCNI8 thermodynamic databases and experimental findings. The experimental results showed that the transformation of the metastable FCC phase to the HCP phase during aging was extremely sensitive to the solution treatment prior to aging. The effect of the increase in the solution temperature and time was detectable through promotion of the martensitic transformation during quenching in which HCP1 (straight bands) and HCP2 (lamellar-type constitution) phases had developed. In contrast, a low solution temperature and time caused most of the primary carbides to remain in an undissolved condition in the matrix; therefore, during aging, no sign of the FCC to HCP1 (straight bands) phase transformation could be observed. However, we observed the formation of the HCP2 phase (lamellar-type constitution) at the grain boundaries. In addition, the X-ray diffraction pattern indicated that the sample solution treated at lower temperatures and shorter times had a stronger martensitic transformation during aging compared to the sample solution treated at higher temperatures and longer times. Hardness measurements confirmed the results. Thermodynamical calculations showed that an agreement existed between the experiments and calculations. We also discuss the results from the TCFE8 and TCNI8 databases.
Fabrication and Fatigue Behavior of Aluminum Foam Sandwich Panel via Liquid Diffusion Welding Method
Authors: Yao Cheng , Hu Zhengfei , Mo Fan , Wang Yu
Published: May 2019

Aluminum Foam Sandwich panels were fabricated via liquid diffusion welding and glue adhesive methods. The Microstructure of the Aluminum Foam Sandwich joints were analyzed by Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The metallurgical joints of Aluminum Foam Sandwich panels are compact, uniform and the chemical compositions in the diffusion transitional zone are continuous, so well metallurgy bonding between Aluminum face sheet and foam core was obtained. The joining strength of an Aluminum Foam Sandwich was evaluated by standard peel strength test and the metallurgical joint Aluminum Foam Sandwich panels had a higher peel strength. Moreover, a three-point bending fatigue test was conducted to study the flexural fatigue behavior of Aluminum Foam Sandwich panels. The metallurgical joint panels have a higher fatigue limit than the adhesive joining sandwich. Their fatigue fracture mode are completely different, the failure mode of the metallurgical joint is faced fatigue; the failure mode for the adhesive joint is debonding. Therefore, the higher joining strength leads to a longer fatigue life.
A Nanomechanical Analysis of Deformation Characteristics of 6H-SiC Using an Indenter and Abrasives in Different Fixed Methods
Authors: Pan Jisheng , Yan Qiusheng , Li Weihua , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: May 2019

The super-precise theory for machining single crystal SiC substrates with abrasives needs to be improved for its chemical stability, extremely hard and brittle. A Berkovich indenter was used to carry out a systematic static stiffness indentation experiments on single crystal 6H-SiC substrates, and then these substrates were machined by utilizing fixed, free, and semi-fixed abrasives, and the nanomechanical characteristics and material removal mechanisms using abrasives in different fixed methods were analyzed theoretically. The results indicated that the hardness of C faces and Si faces of single crystal 6H-SiC under 500 mN load were 38.596 Gpa and 36.246 Gpa respectively, and their elastic moduli were 563.019 Gpa and 524.839 Gpa, respectively. Moreover, the theoretical critical loads for the plastic transition and brittle fracture of C face of single crystal 6H-SiC were 1.941 mN and 366.8 mN, while those of Si face were 1.77 mN and 488.67 mN, respectively. The 6H-SiC materials were removed by pure brittle rolling under three-body friction with free abrasives, and the process parameters determined the material removal modes of 6H-SiC substrates by grinding with fixed abrasives, nevertheless, the materials were removed under full elastic-plastic deformation in cluster magnetorheological finishing with semi-fixed abrasives.
A NanoSIMS 50 L Investigation into Improving the Precision and Accuracy of the 235U/238U Ratio Determination by Using the Molecular 235U16O and 238U16O Secondary Ions
Authors: Zirakparvar N. , Hexel Cole , Miskowiec Andrew , Smith Julie , Ambrogio Michael , Duckworth Douglas , Kapsimalis Roger , Ticknor Brian
Published: May 2019

A NanoSIMS 50 L was used to study the relationship between the 235U/238U atomic and 235U16O/238U16O molecular uranium isotope ratios determined from a variety of uranium compounds (UO2, UO2F2, UO3, UO2(NO3)2·6(H2O), and UF4) and silicates (NIST-610 glass and the Plesovice zircon reference materials, both containing µg/g uranium). Because there is typically a greater abundance of 235U16O+ and 238U16O+ molecular secondary ions than 235U+ and 238U+ atomic ions when uranium-bearing materials are sputtered with an oxygen primary ion beam, the goal was to understand whether use of 235U16O/238U16O has the potential for improved accuracy and precision when compared to the 235U/238U ratio. The UO2 and silicate reference materials showed the greatest potential for improved accuracy and precision through use of the 235U16O/238U16O ratio as compared to the 235U/238U ratio. For the UO2, which was investigated at a variety of primary beam currents, and the silicate reference materials, which were only investigated using a single primary beam current, this improvement was especially pronounced at low 235U+ count rates. In contrast, comparison of the 235U16O/238U16O ratio versus the 235U/238U ratio from the other uranium compounds clearly indicates that the 235U16O/238U16O ratio results in worse precision and accuracy. This behavior is based on the observation that the atomic (235U+ and 238U+) to molecular (235U16O+ and 238U16O+) secondary ion production rates remain internally consistent within the UO2 and silicate reference materials, whereas it is highly variable in the other uranium compounds. Efforts to understand the origin of this behavior suggest that irregular sample surface topography, and/or molecular interferences arising from the manner in which the UO2F2, UO3, UO2(NO3)2·6(H2O), and UF4 were prepared, may be a major contributing factor to the inconsistent relationship between the observed atomic and molecular secondary ion yields. Overall, the results suggest that for certain bulk compositions, use of the 235U16O/238U16O may be a viable approach to improving the precision and accuracy in situations where a relatively low 235U+ count rate is expected.
Geochemical Characteristics of A-Type Granite near the Hongyan Cu-Polymetallic Deposit in the Eastern Hegenshan-Heihe Suture Zone, NE China: Implications for Petrogenesis, Mineralization and Tectonic Setting
Authors: Mao Chen , Lü Xinbiao , Chen Chao
Published: May 2019

In the eastern Hegenshan-Heihe suture zone (HHSZ) of NE China, Cu-Au hydrothermal mineralization at the newly discovered Hongyan deposit is associated with the Shanshenfu alkali-feldspar granite (SAFG). Zircon U-Pb dating showed that the inner phase and outer phase of the SAFG were formed at 298.8 ± 1.0 Ma and 298.5 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. Whole rock geochemistry suggests that the SAFG can be classified as an A-type granite. Halfnium isotopes and trace elements in zircon suggest that the SAFG has high Ti-in-zircon crystallization temperature (721–990 °C), high magmatic oxygen fugacity and largely positive εHf(t) (from +6.0 to +9.9). We proposed that the SAFG was derived from crustal assimilation and fractional crystallization of juvenile crust metasomatized by subducting oceanic crust. The high oxygen fugacity of the SAFG suggests the chalcophile elements (e.g., Cu, Au) remained in the magma as opposed to the magma source. An arc-related juvenile source favors enrichment of Cu and Au in the resulting magma. Combined, these magmatic characteristics suggest Cu ± Au exploration potential for magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization related to the SAFG, and similar bodies along the HHSZ. The results obtained combined with regional geological background suggest that the Permian A-type granites and related mineralization along the HHSZ were formed in a post-collisional slab break-off process.
Inhibitory Effects on Clinical Isolated Bacteria and Simultaneous HPLC Quantitative Analysis of Flavone Contents in Extracts from Oroxylum indicum
Authors: Sithisarn Patchima , Rojsanga Piyanuch , Sithisarn Pongtip
Published: May 2019

Oroxylum indicum is a medicinal plant in Thailand, which has been used as a tonic and for the treatment of various diseases. Extracts from various parts of O. indicum were reported as promoting in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Phytochemical analysis suggested that this plant contained some flavones. O. indicum fruit and seed water and ethanol extracts and their major flavonoids including baicalein, baicalin, and chrysin were tested for in vitro antibacterial activities on four clinical isolated bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus intermedius, Streptococcus suis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and β-Escherichia coli, using a broth micro-dilution assay. The amounts of these three major flavonoids were also quantitatively analyzed using the high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. O. indicum fruit ethanol extract from Nakhon Pathom province (OFNE) promoted the strongest antimicrobial activity against four clinical pathogenic bacteria, including S. intermedius (IC50 = 1.30 mg/mL), S. suis (13.59% inhibition at 7.81 mg/mL), P. aeruginosa (IC50 = 39.20 mg/mL), and β-E. coli (IC50 = 66.85 mg/mL). Baicalin showed high in vitro antibacterial effect to all tested bacteria. From the optimized and validated HPLC method, baicalin, baicalein, and chrysin contents in O. indicum extracts were 0.19 ± 0.00 − 9.45 ± 0.13, 0.14 ± 0.00 − 1.27 ± 0.02, and 0.02 ± 0.00 − 0.96 ± 0.02 g/100 g extract, respectively. Baicalin was found to be the major compound in O. indicum seed extract followed by baicalein, whereas chrysin was found in lower amounts than the amounts of the other two flavonoids in all O. indicum extracts.
Effect of Graphene Oxide Synthesis Method on Properties and Performance of Polysulfone-Graphene Oxide Mixed Matrix Membranes
Authors: Sali Safae , Mackey Hamish R. , Abdala Ahmed A.
Published: May 2019

Graphene oxide (GO) has shown great promise as a nanofiller to enhance the performance of mixed matrix composite membranes (MMMs) for water treatment applications. However, GO can be prepared by various synthesis routes, leading to different concentrations of the attached oxygen functional groups. In this research, GO produced by the Hummers’, Tour, and Staudenmaier methods were characterized and embedded at various fractions into the matrix of polysulfone (PSf) and used to prepare microfiltration membranes via the phase inversion process. The effects of the GO preparation method and loading on the membrane characteristics, as well as performance for oil removal from an oil-water emulsion, are analyzed. Our results reveal that GO prepared by the Staudenmaier method has a higher concentration of the more polar carbonyl group, increasing the membrane hydrophilicity and porosity compared to GO prepared by the Hummers’ and Tour methods. On the other hand, the Hummers’ and Tour methods produce GO with larger sheet size, and are more effective in enhancing the mechanical properties of the PSf membrane. Finally, all MMMs exhibited improved water flux (up to 2.7 times) and oil rejection, than those for the control PSf sample, with the optimum GO loading ranged between 0.1–0.2 wt%.
Social Inequalities in Prenatal Folic Acid Supplementation: Results from the ELFE Cohort
Authors: Camier Aurore , Kadawathagedara Manik , Lioret Sandrine , Bois Corinne , Cheminat Marie , Dufourg Marie-Noëlle , Charles Marie Aline , de Lauzon-Guillain Blandine
Published: May 2019

Most professional and international organizations recommend folic acid supplementation for women planning pregnancy. Various studies have shown high levels of non-compliance with this recommendation. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics related to this compliance. The analyses were based on 16,809 women from the French nationwide ELFE cohort (Etude Longitudinale Française depuis l’Enfance). Folic acid supplementation was assessed at delivery, and sociodemographic characteristics were collected at two months postpartum. The association between sociodemographic characteristics and compliance with recommendations on folic acid supplementation (no supplementation, periconceptional supplementation, and supplementation only after the periconceptional period) was examined using multivariate multinomial logistic regression. Only 26% of French women received folic acid supplementation during the periconceptional period, 10% of women received supplementation after the periconceptional period, and 64% received no supplementation. Young maternal age, low education level, low family income, multiparity, single parenthood, maternal unemployment, maternal overweight, and smoking during pregnancy were related to lower likelihood of folic acid supplementation during the periconceptional period compared to no supplementation. These associations were not explained by unplanned pregnancy. Immigrant and underweight women were more likely to receive folic acid supplementation after the periconceptional period. Our study confirms great social disparities in France regarding the compliance with the recommendations on folic acid supplementation.
Allelopathic Potency and an Active Substance from Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis
Authors: Bari Ichsan Nurul , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi , Iwasaki Arihiro , Suenaga Kiyotake
Published: May 2019

Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) Steenis is widely planted as an ornamental and medicinal plant in Indonesia. On the other hand, in some other countries this plant is classified as a noxious weed. As a harmful weed, A. cordifolia is reported to have the ability to smother all native vegetation, collapse canopies of tall trees, cultivate as a ground cover and disrupt native seedling development. There is no available information about the involvement of any allelochemicals from A. cordifolia related to these issues. The present study evaluated the allelopathic effect by isolating and identifying the allelopathic substance from A. cordifolia leaf extract. The allelopathic potency of A. cordifolia was determined by a series of bioassays of shoot and root growth on some selected test plants. Separation and purification of the active substances was achieved through several chromatography processes. Finally, the substances with allelopathic activity were identified through high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) analysis and determined by the specific rotation of compound, proton and carbon NMR spectroscopies. The results show that A. cordifolia possesses allelopathic properties which affect other plant species. The isolated compound from the plant material, 3-hydroxy-alpha-ionone, may contribute to the allelopathic effects of A. cordifolia.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiling in the Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Flower Showing its Contribution to the Stamen Petaloid
Authors: Lin Zhongyuan , Liu Meihui , Damaris Rebecca Njeri , Nyong’a Tonny Maraga , Cao Dingding , Ou Kefang , Yang Pingfang
Published: May 2019

DNA methylation is a vital epigenetic modification. Methylation has a significant effect on the gene expression influencing the regulation of different physiological processes. Current studies on DNA methylation have been conducted on model plants. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a basic eudicot exhibiting variations during development, especially in flower formation. DNA methylation profiling was conducted on different flower tissues of lotuses through whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to investigate the effects of DNA methylation on its stamen petaloid. A map of methylated cytosines at the single base pair resolution for the lotus was constructed. When the stamen was compared with the stamen petaloid, the DNA methylation exhibited a global decrease. Genome-wide relationship analysis between DNA methylation and gene expression identified 31 different methylation region (DMR)-associated genes, which might play crucial roles in floral organ formation, especially in the stamen petaloid. One out of 31 DMR-associated genes, NNU_05638 was homolog with Plant U-box 33 (PUB33). The DNA methylation status of NNU_05638 promoter was distinct in three floral organs, which was confirmed by traditional bisulfite sequencing. These results provide further insights about the regulation of stamen petaloids at the epigenetic level in lotus.