bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Phenotype Conversion—An Unexploited Therapeutic Target
Authors: Czubryt Michael P.
Published: August 2019

Fibrosis occurs when the synthesis of extracellular matrix outpaces its degradation, and over time can negatively impact tissue and organ function. In the case of cardiac fibrosis, contraction and relaxation of the heart can be impaired to the point of precipitating heart failure, while at the same time fibrosis can result in arrhythmias due to altered electrical properties of the myocardium. The critical event in the evolution of cardiac fibrosis is the phenotype conversion of cardiac fibroblasts to their overly-active counterparts, myofibroblasts: cells demarked by their expression of novel markers such as periostin, by their gain of contractile activity, and by their pronounced and prolonged increase in the production of extracellular matrix components such as collagens. The phenotype change is dramatic, and can be triggered by many stimuli, including mechanical force, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors. This review will explore fibroblast to myofibroblast transition mechanisms and will consider the therapeutic potential of targeting this process as a means to arrest or even reverse cardiac fibrosis.
Differential Protein Expression in Human Dental Pulp: Comparison of Healthy, Inflamed, and Traumatic Pulp
Authors: Yue Wonyoung , Kim Sunil , Jung Han-Sung , Lee Jong-Min , Lee Sukjoon , Kim Euiseong
Published: August 2019

Trauma or injury to the dental pulp causes inflammation. This study compared the proteome of healthy pulp with inflamed pulp and traumatic pulp to identify the differentially expressed proteins in the diseased state. Five participants were grouped based on the pulpal status of the teeth: healthy, inflamed, or traumatic pulp. Pulp was extirpated and stored immediately in liquid nitrogen. Pulp tissues were subjected to 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and spot selection was performed. The selected spots were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and identified by correlating mass spectra to the proteomic databases. Fifteen spots showed increased expression in the inflamed and traumatic pulp. Annexin V, type II keratin, and hemoglobin levels were increased two-fold in the inflamed and traumatic pulp group and annexin V, mutant beta-actin, and hemoglobin were increased by ten-fold in the inflamed or traumatic pulp group, compared to levels in the healthy pulp group. Annexin V constituted two out of fifteen protein spots, and seemed to play a critical role in inhibiting inflammation and promoting the immune reaction. Further studies on this protein concerning its role in pulp repair are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Ambu AuraGain and i-gel in Young Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kim Ha-Jung , Park Hee-Sun , Kim Soo-Young , Ro Young-Jin , Yang Hong-Seuk , Koh Won Uk
Published: August 2019

Supraglottic airway devices have been increasingly used because of their several advantages. Previous studies showed that the small-sized i-gel provides effective ventilation for young pediatric patients; however, few studies have reported the use of AuraGain in these patients. Herein, we compared the clinical performance of AuraGain and i-gel in young pediatric patients aged between 6 months and 6 years old and weighing 5–20 kg, who were scheduled to undergo extremity surgery under general anesthesia. In total, 68 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: AuraGain group and i-gel group. The primary outcome was the requirement of additional airway maneuvers. We also analyzed insertion parameters, fiberoptic bronchoscopic view, oropharyngeal leak pressure, and peri-operative adverse effects. Compared with the AuraGain group, the i-gel group required more additional airway maneuvers during the placement of the device and maintenance of ventilation. The fiberoptic view was better in the AuraGain group than in the i-gel group. However, the oropharyngeal leak pressure was higher in the i-gel group. AuraGain might be a better choice over i-gel considering the requirement of additional airway maneuvers. However, when a higher oropharyngeal leak pressure is required, the i-gel is more beneficial than AuraGain.
APOE Promoter Polymorphism-219T/G is an Effect Modifier of the Influence of APOE ε4 on Alzheimer’s Disease Risk in a Multiracial Sample
Authors: Choi Kyu , Lee Jang , Gunasekaran Tamil , Kang Sarang , Lee Wooje , Jeong Jangho , Lim Ho , Zhang Xiaoling , Zhu Congcong , Won So-Yoon , Choi Yu , Seo Eun , Lee Seok , Gim Jungsoo , Chung Ji , Chong Ari , Byun Min , Seo Sujin , Ko Pan-Woo , Han Ji-Won , McLean Catriona , Farrell John , Lunetta Kathryn , Miyashita Akinori , Hara Norikazu , Won Sungho , Choi Seong-Min , Ha Jung-Min , Jeong Jee , Kuwano Ryozo , Song Min , An Seong , Lee Young , Park Kyung , Lee Ho-Won , Choi Seong , Rhee Sangmyung , Song Woo , Lee Jung , Mayeux Richard , Haines Jonathan , Pericak-Vance Margaret , Choo IL , Nho Kwangsik , Kim Ki-Woong , Lee Dong , Kim SangYun , Kim Byeong , Kim Hoowon , Jun Gyungah , Schellenberg Gerard , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Farrer Lindsay , Lee Kun ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initative
Published: August 2019

Variants in the APOE gene region may explain ethnic differences in the association of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with ε4. Ethnic differences in allele frequencies for three APOE region SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were identified and tested for association in 19,398 East Asians (EastA), including Koreans and Japanese, 15,836 European ancestry (EuroA) individuals, and 4985 African Americans, and with brain imaging measures of cortical atrophy in sub-samples of Koreans and EuroAs. Among ε4/ε4 individuals, AD risk increased substantially in a dose-dependent manner with the number of APOE promoter SNP rs405509 T alleles in EastAs (TT: OR (odds ratio) = 27.02, p = 8.80 × 10−94; GT: OR = 15.87, p = 2.62 × 10−9) and EuroAs (TT: OR = 18.13, p = 2.69 × 10−108; GT: OR = 12.63, p = 3.44 × 10−64), and rs405509-T homozygotes had a younger onset and more severe cortical atrophy than those with G-allele. Functional experiments using APOE promoter fragments demonstrated that TT lowered APOE expression in human brain and serum. The modifying effect of rs405509 genotype explained much of the ethnic variability in the AD/ε4 association, and increasing APOE expression might lower AD risk among ε4 homozygotes.
Changes in Circulating Lysyl Oxidase-Like-2 (LOXL2) Levels, HOMA, and Fibrosis after Sustained Virological Response by Direct Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Puente Angela , Fortea Jose Ignacio , Posadas Miguel , Garcia Blanco Agustin , Rasines Laura , Cabezas Joaquin , Arias Loste Maria Teresa , Llerena Susana , Iruzubieta Paula , Fábrega Emilio , Crespo Javier
Published: August 2019

Background: we aimed to assess the influence of metabolic syndrome on fibrosis regression (using liver-stiffness measurement (LSM) and serological scores) and the relationship with the expression of lysyl oxidase-like-2 as a potential goal of antifibrotic therapy. Methods: We included 271 patients treated with Direct Antiviral Therapy (DAAs) in our hospital who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR); physical examination, blood tests, and LSM were made at baseline (B) and 24 months (24 M) after SVR. Hemodynamic studies and transjugular liver biopsies were performed on 13 patients. Results: At B, 68 patients were F1 (25.1%); F2 n = 59 (21.7%); F3 n = 44 (16.05%); and 100 were F4 (36.9%). Although the LSM (absolute value) improved in 82% of patients (n = 222), it progressed in 17.5% of patients (n = 48). At 24 M, 48 patients met the metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria and there was an increase in patients with a BMI of >25 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). At B and 24 M, a BMI of >25 kg/m2 is a risk factor for significant fibrosis or steatosis at 24 M (p < 0.05) and progression on LSM (p < 0.001), as well as MetS at B and 24 M (OR 4.1 IC (1.4–11.7), p = 0.008; and OR 5.4 IC (1.9–15.4), p = 0.001, respectively). Regarding the correlation between LSM and the liver biopsy, we found that only six out of 13 patients had a matching LSM and biopsy. We found a statistically significant decrease in LOXL2 levels at 24 M with respect to B (p < 0.001) with higher serological value in patients with elastography of >9 kPa vs. <9 kPa (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Regression of LSM was reached in 82% of patients. Downregulated LOXL2 was demonstrated post-SVR, with overexpression in cirrhotic patients being a potential therapy goal in selected patients.
Left Atrial Strain to Identify Diastolic Dysfunction in Children with Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Sabatino Jolanda , Di Salvo Giovanni , Prota Costantina , Bucciarelli Valentina , Josen Manjit , Paredes Josefa , Borrelli Nunzia , Sirico Domenico , Prasad Sanjay , Indolfi Ciro , Fraisse Alain , Daubeney Piers E. F.
Published: August 2019

Background: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD) carries worse prognosis in childhood. 2-dimensional (2-D) left atrial (LA) strain accurately categorizes DD in adults but its role in children is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate whether LA strain and strain rate could diagnose and classify DD in children with dilated (CMD), hypertrophic (HCM) and restrictive (RCM) cardiomyopathies (CM). Methods and Results: The study includes 136 children (aged 8.8 ± 6 years): 44 with DCM, 40 with HCM, 7 with RCM and 45 healthy controls (CTRL). They underwent standard echocardiographic examination and 2-D speckle-tracking analyses (LV longitudinal peak systolic strain (LS), LA peak systolic strain and strain rate). No significant differences in mitral E/A and pulmonary S/D ratios were observed among the four groups. Although E/E’ and indexed left atrial volumes were found to be significantly higher in HCM, DCM and RCM compared to CTRL (p < 0.001), they showed no significant difference among the three CM groups. LV LS values were significantly reduced in CM vs CTRL (p < 0.001) and in DCM vs HCM (p < 0.01), with no other differences between the remaining groups. LA peak systolic strain and strain rate values showed a steady and significant decrease with worsening of DD. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves showed area under the curve of 0.976 (p < 0.001) for LA strain and 0.946 (p < 0.001) for LA strain rate, to distinguish CTRL from CMs. Conclusions: LA strain and strain rate could be a promising tool to better understand and classify DD in children with cardiomyopathies, opening the way to its clinical use.
Molecular Profiling of Cutaneous Lupus Lesions Identifies Subgroups Distinct from Clinical Phenotypes
Authors: Berthier Celine C. , Tsoi Lam C. , Reed Tamra J. , Stannard Jasmine N. , Myers Emily M. , Namas Rajaie , Xing Xianying , Lazar Stephanie , Lowe Lori , Kretzler Matthias , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Kahlenberg J. Michelle
Published: August 2019

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and CLE can also develop without systemic involvement. CLE can be difficult to treat and negatively contributes to quality of life. Despite the importance of CLE, our knowledge of what differentiates cutaneous lupus subtypes is limited. Here, we utilized a large cohort of 90 CLE lesional biopsies to compare discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE) in patients with and without associated SLE in order to discern the drivers of disease activity and possibly uncover better treatment targets. Overall, we found that DLE and SCLE share many differentially expressed genes (DEG) reflecting type I interferon (IFN) signaling and repression of EGFR pathways. No differences between CLE only and SLE-associated CLE lesions were found. Of note, DLE uniquely expresses an IFN-γ node. Unbiased cluster analysis of the DEGs identified two groups separated by neutrophilic vs. monocytic signatures that did not sort the patients based on clinical phenotype or disease activity. This suggests that unbiased analysis of the pathobiology of CLE lesions may be important for personalized medicine and targeted therapeutic decision making.
Early Neurological Assessment in Infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Romeo Domenico M. , Bompard Sarah , Serrao Francesca , Leo Giuseppina , Cicala Gianpaolo , Velli Chiara , Gallini Francesca , Priolo Francesca , Vento Giovanni , Mercuri Eugenio
Published: August 2019

Early neurological assessment in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with hypothermia has not been systematically explored. The aims of the present study were to assess whether the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) is a good tool to predict later neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 year from birth in this population of infants. A total of 41 term born infants with HIE treated with hypothermia performed the HINE at 12 months and a neurodevelopmental assessment at 24 months. All the infants who had a global HINE score between 67 and 78 were able to walk independently at 2 years and reported a normal developmental quotient; language disorders were observed in a limited number of infants. HINE scores <67 were always associated with motor impairment. In conclusion, the HINE confirms its role as one of the early neurological examination tools for the diagnosis of high risk infants, even in infants with HIE treated with hypothermia. These results can be useful for clinicians involved in the follow up of these infants for early identification of motor disabilities and in planning appropriate intervention.
Blood Flow Restriction Increases the Neural Activation of the Knee Extensors During Very Low-Intensity Leg Extension Exercise in Cardiovascular Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ishizaka Hayato , Uematsu Azusa , Mizushima Yuta , Nozawa Naohiro , Katayanagi Satoshi , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Nishikawa Kaori , Takahashi Reiko , Arakawa Tomoe , Sawaguchi Tatsuya , Yasuda Tomohiro , Yamaguchi Suomi , Ogawa Hironaga , Shibasaki Ikuko , Toyoda Shigeru , Hortobágyi Tibor , Fukuda Hirotsugu , Inoue Teruo , Mizushima Takashi , Nakajima Toshiaki
Published: August 2019

Blood flow restriction (BFR) has the potential to augment muscle activation, which underlies strengthening and hypertrophic effects of exercise on skeletal muscle. We quantified the effects of BFR on muscle activation in the rectus femoris (RF), the vastus lateralis (VL), and the vastus medialis (VM) in concentric and eccentric contraction phases of low-intensity (10% and 20% of one repetition maximum) leg extension in seven cardiovascular patients who performed leg extension in four conditions: at 10% and 20% intensities with and without BFR. Each condition consisted of three sets of 30 trials with 30 s of rest between sets and 5 min of rest between conditions. Electromyographic activity (EMG) from RF, VL, and VM for 30 repetitions was divided into blocks of 10 trials and averaged for each block in each muscle. At 10% intensity, BFR increased EMG of all muscles across the three blocks in both concentric and eccentric contraction phases. At 20% intensity, EMG activity in response to BFR tended to not to increase further than what it was at 10% intensity. We concluded that very low 10% intensity exercise with BFR may maximize the benefits of BFR on muscle activation and minimize exercise burden on cardiovascular patients.
Prediction of Transplant-Free Survival through Albumin-Bilirubin Score in Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Fujita Koji , Nomura Takako , Morishita Asahiro , Shi Tingting , Oura Kyoko , Tani Joji , Kobara Hideki , Tsutsui Kunihiko , Himoto Takashi , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2019

Albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade is defined using the ALBI score, which is calculated based on total serum bilirubin and albumin. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of the ALBI score for determining hepatic fibrosis stage and transplant-free survival in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients. A total of 181 Japanese patients with biopsy-proven or serologically diagnosed PBC were enrolled. The pathological stage was assessed using the Scheuer classification. The ALBI score differentiated fibrosis in stage 4 from that of 3 in the biopsy-proven cohort (p < 0.05). With an ALBI score cut-off value of −1.679, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 91.1%, respectively, with a likelihood ratio of 12.3 to differentiate stage 4 from stages 1–3. The ALBI score at the beginning of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prescription correlated with the two prognostic scores calculated after 1-year UDCA treatment. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the baseline ALBI score differentiated liver transplant-free survival (p < 0.05). The ALBI score presented a greater hazard ratio for transplant-free survival than aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) in Cox proportional hazard model. In conclusion, ALBI score indicates pathological stage in Japanese PBC patients and scores before UDCA prescription predict better liver transplant-free survival, which correlated well with the two major prognostic scores. The prognosis-predicting ability of the ALBI score might surpass that of APRI.
General Type-2 Fuzzy Sugeno Integral for Edge Detection
Authors: Martínez Gabriela E. , Gonzalez Claudia I. , Mendoza Olivia , Melin Patricia
Published: August 2019

A type-2 fuzzy edge detection method is presented in this paper. The general process consists of first obtaining the image gradients in the four directions—horizontal, vertical, and the two diagonals—and this technique is known as the morphological gradient. After that, the general type-2 fuzzy Sugeno integral (GT2 FSI) is used to integrate the four image gradients. In this second step, the GT2 FSI establishes criteria to determine at which level the obtained image gradient belongs to an edge during the process; this is calculated assigning different general type-2 fuzzy densities, and these fuzzy gradients are aggregated using the meet and join operators. The gradient integration using the GT2 FSI provides a methodology for achieving more robust edge detection, even more if we are working with blurry images. The experimental evaluations are performed on synthetic and real images, and the accuracy is quantified using Pratt’s Figure of Merit. The results values demonstrate that the proposed edge detection method outperforms other existing algorithms.
Comparative Assessment of the Surface Integrity of AD730® and IN718 Superalloys in High-Speed Turning with a CBN Tool
Authors: Zhou Jinming , Chen Zhe , Persson Henrik , Peng Ru Lin , M’Saoubi Rachid , Gustasson David
Published: August 2019

Nickel-based superalloys are typical materials used in components of aeroengines and gas turbine machinery. The strength properties of these alloys at high temperatures are crucial not only to the performance (e.g., power generation efficiency, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions) of aeroengines and industrial gas turbines, but also to machinability during component manufacturing. This study comparatively evaluated the surface integrity of two superalloys, AD730® and Inconel 718 (IN718), during high-speed finishing turning using cubic boron nitride (CBN) tools. IN718 is a conventional superalloy used for the hot section components of aeroengines and industrial gas turbines, while AD730® is a novel superalloy with enhanced high-temperature mechanical properties and good potential as a next-generation superalloy for these components. High-speed turning tests of two superalloys were conducted using a CBN cutting tool and jet stream cooling. The achieved surface integrity of the AD730® and IN718 superalloys was characterized and analyzed to assess the comparability of these alloys.
A Trajectory-Based Approach to Multi-Session Underwater Visual SLAM Using Global Image Signatures
Authors: Burguera Burguera Antoni , Bonin-Font Francisco
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a multi-session monocular Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) approach focused on underwater environments. The system is composed of three main blocks: a visual odometer, a loop detector, and an optimizer. Single session loop closings are found by means of feature matching and Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) within a search region. Multi-session loop closings are found by comparing hash-based global image signatures. The optimizer refines the trajectories and joins the different maps. Map joining preserves the trajectory structure by adding a single link between the joined sessions, making it possible to aggregate or disaggregate sessions whenever is necessary. All the optimization processes can be delayed until a certain number of loops has been found in order to reduce the computational cost. Experiments conducted in real subsea scenarios show the quality and robustness of this proposal.
Case of Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease in a Heterozygous Mutation Carrier of the ATP7B Gene
Authors: Ilyechova Ekaterina Y. , Miliukhina Irina V. , Karpenko Marina N. , Orlov Iurii A. , Puchkova Ludmila V. , Samsonov Sergey A.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we report a clinically proven case of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with early onset in a patient who is a heterozygous mutation carrier of ATP7B (the Wilson’s disease gene). The patient was observed from 2011 to 2018 in the Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Experimental Medicine (St. Petersburg, Russia). During this period, the patient displayed aggravation of PD clinical symptoms that were accompanied by a decrease in the ceruloplasmin concentration (from 0.33 to 0.27 g/L) and an increase in serum nonceruloplasmin copper, which are typical of the late stages of Wilson’s disease. It was found that one of the alleles of exon 14 in the ATP7B gene, which partially codes of the nucleotide-binding domain (N-domain), carries a mutation not previously reported corresponding to Cys1079Gly substitution. Alignment of the ATP7B N-domain amino acid sequences of representative vertebrate species has shown that the Cys at 1079 position is conserved throughout the evolution. Molecular dynamic analysis of a polypeptide with Cys1079Gly substitution showed that the mutation causes profound conformational changes in the N-domain, which could potentially lead to impairment of its functions. The role of ATP7B gene mutations in PD development is discussed.
Possession and Precedence: Juxtaposing Customary and Legal Events to Establish Land Authority
Authors: Meitzner Yoder Laura S. , Joireman Sandra F.
Published: August 2019

Land restitution carries implicit recognition of some previous claim to ownership, but when are first claims recognized? The concepts of first possession and original acquisition have long been used as entry points to Western concepts of property. For Austronesia, the concept of precedence is used in customary systems to justify and describe land claims and Indigenous authority. Conflict and political change in Timor-Leste have highlighted the co-existence of multiple understandings of land claims and their legitimacy. Considering customary principles of precedence brings into relief important elements of first possession important in land restitution processes. This paper juxtaposes the concept of original acquisition in property theory to two different examples of original claims from Timor-Leste: a two-part customary origin narrative from Oecusse and the development of a national land law for the new state. In these three narratives, we identify three different establishment events from which land authority develops. The article then uses this idea of the establishment event to explore five points of customary-statutory intersection evident from the land restitution process: (1) legitimate sources of land authority; (2) arbitrary establishment dates; (3) privileging of social order; (4) recognition of spiritual ties to land; and (5) the possibility for reversal.
Contrast Variation Small Angle Neutron Scattering Investigation of Micro- and Nano-Sized TATB
Authors: Song Panqi , Tu Xiaoqing , Bai Liangfei , Sun Guangai , Tian Qiang , Gong Jian , Zeng Guiyu , Chen Liang , Qiu Lili
Published: August 2019

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) with contrast variation was used to characterize the fractal behavior and embedded porosity of micro/nano-sized 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) crystallites, gauging the effects of particle sizes on the microstructural features. Scattering results reveal that the external surface of micro-sized TATB crystallites are continuous and smooth interfaces and their internal pores display a surface fractal structure (surface fractal dimension 2.15 < DS < 2.25), while the external surface of nano-sized TATB particles exhibit a surface fractal structure (surface fractal dimension 2.36 < DS < 2.55) and their internal pores show a two-level volume fractal structure (large voids consist of small voids). The voids volume fraction of nano-sized TATB particles are found increased distinctively when compared with micro-sized TATB particles on length scale between 1 nm and 100 nm. Specific surface areas are also estimated based on Porod law method, which are coincident with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements. The contrast variation technique distinguishes the information of internal voids from external surface, suggesting SANS is a powerful tool for determining the microstructural features, which can be used to establish the relationship between microstructures and properties of micro/nano-energetic materials.
Guar Gum as an Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Pure Aluminium in 1-M HCl Solution
Authors: Palumbo Gaetano , Berent Katarzyna , Proniewicz Edyta , Banaś Jacek
Published: August 2019

Guar gum (GG) was investigated as a possible eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for pure aluminium in a 1-M HCl solution at different temperatures and immersion times using gravimetric and electrochemical techniques. The results showed that GG was a good corrosion inhibitor for pure aluminium in the studied environment. The inhibition efficiency of GG increased with increasing inhibitor concentration and immersion time but decreased with increasing temperature. Polarisation measurements revealed that GG was a mixed type inhibitor with a higher influence on the cathodic reaction. The adsorption behaviour of the investigated inhibitor was found to obey the Temkin adsorption isotherm and the calculated values of the standard free adsorption energy indicate mixed-type adsorption, with the physical adsorption being more dominant. The associated activation energy (Ea) and the heat of adsorption (Qa) supported the physical adsorption nature of the inhibitor. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman/SERS were used to explain the adsorption interaction between the inhibitor with the surface of the metal. The results suggested that most inhibition action of GG is due to its adsorption of the metal surface via H-bond formation.
Research on Finite Element Model Modification of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) Laminated Structures Based on Correlation Analysis and an Approximate Model
Authors: Zhang Yizheng , Yang Yu’e , Du Wenhao , Han Qing
Published: August 2019

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminated structures have been widely used in modern engineering due to their excellent material properties, especially in the aerospace and shipping industries. This requires a high-accuracy finite element model of CFRP laminated structures. However, it is difficult to master the mechanical properties of CFRP structures comprehensively and accurately due to influences from multiple aspects, such as dispersion of material properties, uncertainty of manufacturing technologies, etc. Therefore, a finite element model modification method of CFRP laminated structures based on correlation analysis and an approximate model was proposed. Aiming at minimizing the difference between the analysis model and the measured inherent frequency, the proposed method improves the finite element modeling accuracy of CFRP laminated structures, by iterative optimization based on a global optimization algorithm. In order to solve the problem of high spatial dimension and slow searching in modification of CFRP laminated structure models, the Pearson correlation analysis method was used to screen the material parameters which exert significant impacts on frequency characteristics to reconstruct the searching space. Based on significance parameters, an approximate response model of the CFRP laminated structural system was established. Meanwhile, the modeling accuracy of different orders of response surface models (RSM) and a radial basis function (RBF) neural network model was analyzed, and the best approximate modeling scheme was obtained. The approximate model was updated based on the multi-island genetic algorithm (MIGA) to modify the finite element model of the CFRP laminated structure model. The maximum error and mean error of the updated model are 1.47% and 0.45%. It was proved that the material parameters modified by the proposed method are applicable to simulation analysis of the CFRP laminated structure.
Three-Dimensional Hydro-Magnetic Flow Arising in a Long Porous Slider and a Circular Porous Slider with Velocity Slip
Authors: Faraz Naeem , Khan Yasir , Anjum Amna , Kahshan Muhammad
Published: August 2019

The current research explores the injection of a viscous fluid through a moving flat plate with a transverse uniform magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) flow field to reduce sliding drag. Two cases of velocity slip between the slider and the ground are studied: a long slider and a circular slider. Solving the porous slider problem is applicable to fluid-cushioned porous sliders, which are useful in reducing the frictional resistance of moving bodies. By using a similarity transformation, three dimensional Navier–Stokes equations are converted into coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The resulting nonlinear boundary value problem was solved analytically using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The HAM provided a fast convergent series solution, showing that this method is efficient, accurate, and has many advantages over the other existing methods. Solutions were obtained for the different values of Reynolds numbers (R), velocity slip, and magnetic fields. It was found that surface slip and Reynolds number had substantial influence on the lift and drag of the long and the circular sliders. Moreover, the effects of the applied magnetic field on the velocity components, load-carrying capacity, and friction force are discussed in detail with the aid of graphs and tables.
Some Polynomial Sequence Relations
Authors: Chung Chan-Liang
Published: August 2019

We give some polynomial sequence relations that are generalizations of the Sury-type identities. We provide two proofs, one based on an elementary identity and the other using the method of generating functions.
Rock Classification from Field Image Patches Analyzed Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ran Xiangjin , Xue Linfu , Zhang Yanyan , Liu Zeyu , Sang Xuejia , He Jinxin
Published: August 2019

The automatic identification of rock type in the field would aid geological surveying, education, and automatic mapping. Deep learning is receiving significant research attention for pattern recognition and machine learning. Its application here has effectively identified rock types from images captured in the field. This paper proposes an accurate approach for identifying rock types in the field based on image analysis using deep convolutional neural networks. The proposed approach can identify six common rock types with an overall classification accuracy of 97.96%, thus outperforming other established deep-learning models and a linear model. The results show that the proposed approach based on deep learning represents an improvement in intelligent rock-type identification and solves several difficulties facing the automated identification of rock types in the field.
Neutrosophic Quadruple Vector Spaces and Their Properties
Authors: W.B. Vasantha Kandasamy , Kandasamy Ilanthenral , Smarandache Florentin
Published: August 2019

In this paper authors for the first time introduce the concept of Neutrosophic Quadruple (NQ) vector spaces and Neutrosophic Quadruple linear algebras and study their properties. Most of the properties of vector spaces are true in case of Neutrosophic Quadruple vector spaces. Two vital observations are, all quadruple vector spaces are of dimension four, be it defined over the field of reals R or the field of complex numbers C or the finite field of characteristic p, Z p ; p a prime. Secondly all of them are distinct and none of them satisfy the classical property of finite dimensional vector spaces. So this problem is proposed as a conjecture in the final section.
A New Approach for the Black–Scholes Model with Linear and Nonlinear Volatilities
Authors: Gulen Seda , Popescu Catalin , Sari Murat
Published: August 2019

Since financial engineering problems are of great importance in the academic community, effective methods are still needed to analyze these models. Therefore, this article focuses mainly on capturing the discrete behavior of linear and nonlinear Black–Scholes European option pricing models. To achieve this, this article presents a combined method; a sixth order finite difference (FD6) scheme in space and a third–order strong stability preserving Runge–Kutta (SSPRK3) over time. The computed results are compared with available literature and the exact solution. The computed results revealed that the current method seems to be quite strong both quantitatively and qualitatively with minimal computational effort. Therefore, this method appears to be a very reliable alternative and flexible to implement in solving the problem while preserving the physical properties of such realistic processes.
Scopularides Revisited: Molecular Networking Guided Exploration of Lipodepsipeptides in Australian Marine Fish Gastrointestinal Tract-Derived Fungi
Authors: Elbanna Ahmed H. , Khalil Zeinab G. , Bernhardt Paul V. , Capon Robert J.
Published: August 2019

Chemical analysis of a cultivation of an Australian Mugil mullet gastrointestinal tract (GIT) derived fungus, Scopulariopsis sp. CMB-F458, yielded the known lipodepsipeptides scopularides A (1) and B (2). A comparative global natural product social (GNPS) molecular networking analysis of ×63 co-isolated fungi, detected two additional fungi producing new scopularides, with Beauveria sp. CMB-F585 yielding scopularides C–G (3–7) and Scopulariopsis sp. CMB-F115 yielding scopularide H (8). Structures inclusive of absolute configurations were assigned by detailed spectroscopic and C3 Marfey’s analysis, together with X-ray analyses of 3 and 8, and biosynthetic considerations. Scopularides A–H (1–8) did not exhibit significant growth inhibitory activity against a selection of Gram positive (+ve) and negative (−ve) bacteria, a fungus, or a panel of three human carcinoma cell lines.
Gene Expression Patterns Unveil New Insights in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Saftencu Mihai , Braicu Cornelia , Cojocneanu Roxana , Buse Mihail , Irimie Alexandru , Piciu Doina , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent variety of all malignant endocrine tumors. It represents a heterogeneous malignancy with various clinical outcomes, emphasizing the need to identify powerful biomarkers with clinical relevance. Materials and Methods: Available gene expression data (level 3) for thyroid cancers were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), followed by bioinformatic analyses performed on the data set. Results: Based on gene expression analysis, we were able to identify common and specific gene signatures for the three main types of papillary thyroid carcinoma (classical, follicular variant, and tall-cell). The survival rate was not significantly different among the main subtypes, but we were able to identify a biological adhesion signature with impact in patient prognostic. Conclusions: Taken together, the gene expression signature and particular adhesion signature, along with ITGA10 and MSLN in particular, could be used as a prognostic tool with important clinical relevance.
Membrane Separation of the Base-Catalyzed Depolymerization of Black Liquor Retentate for Low-Molecular-Mass Compound Production
Authors: Li Kena , Al-Rudainy Basel , Sun Mingzhe , Wallberg Ola , Hulteberg Christian , Tunå Per
Published: August 2019

One way of valorizing the lignin waste stream from the pulp and paper industries is depolymerizing it into low-molecular-mass compounds (LMMC). However, a common problem in the depolymerization of Kraft lignin is the low yields of small aromatic molecules obtained. In the present work, the combination of the repeated depolymerization of lignin and the separation of LMMC from depolymerized lignin to upgrade them into value-added chemicals was studied. In so doing, we investigated the possibility of depolymerizing black liquor retentate (BLR). The base-catalyzed depolymerization of BLR was performed using a continuous flow reactor at 170–210 °C, with a 2 min residence time. The results obtained indicate that BLR can be depolymerized effectively under the experimental conditions. Depolymerized lignin LMMC can be successfully separated by a GR95PP membrane, and thus be protected from repolymerization. Through combining membrane filtration with base-catalyzed depolymerization, more than half of the lignin could be depolymerized into LMMC. Around 46 mg/g of lignin monomers (guaiacol, vanillin, acetovanillone, and acetosyringone), which can potentially be upgraded to high-valued chemicals, were produced. On the basis of our results, we suggest use of a recycling Kraft lignin depolymerization and filtration process for maximizing the production of LMMC under mild alkaline conditions.
Selective Milling and Elemental Assay of Printed Circuit Board Particles for Their Recycling Purpose
Authors: Otsuki Akira , Pereira Gonçalves Pedro , Leroy Emilien
Published: August 2019

Selective/preferential milling of printed circuit board (PCB) particles followed by non-destructive characterization of the mill products was performed in order to understand the effects of different feed masses into a hammer mill and different milling time on the metal recovery and enrichment ratio. Those are important variables affecting and determining the process performance and capacity. The milling tests and elemental assay characterization were conducted by using a hammer mill and a portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), respectively. The results showed the preferential metal concentration/enrichment was achieved for several elements and their degree was varied depending on the parameters. Using the experimental data, predictive models of metal recovery were developed and the global trend of metal recoveries was observed under different mill feed and milling time and discussed.
Elasto-Plastic Behaviour of Transversely Isotropic Cellular Materials with Inner Gas Pressure
Authors: Xu Zhimin , Meng Kangpei , Yang Chengxing , Zhang Weixu , Fan Xueling , Sun Yongle
Published: August 2019

The fabrication process of cellular materials, such as foaming, usually leads to cells elongated in one direction, but equiaxed in a plane normal to that direction. This study is aimed at understanding the elasto-plastic behaviour of transversely isotropic cellular materials with inner gas pressure. An idealised ellipsoidal-cell face-centred-cubic foam that is filled with gas was generated and modelled to obtain the uniaxial stress–strain relationship, Poisson’s ratio and multiaxial yield surface. The effects of the elongation ratio and gas pressure on the elasto-plastic properties for a relative density of 0.5 were investigated. It was found that an increase in the elongation ratio caused increases in both the elastic modulus and yield stress for uniaxial loading along the cell elongation direction, and led to a tilted multiaxial yield surface in the mean stress and Mises equivalent stress plane. Compared to isotropic spheroidal-cell foams, the size of the yield surface of the ellipsoidal-cell foam is smaller for high-stress triaxiality, but larger for low-stress triaxiality, and the yield surface rotates counter-clockwise with the Lode angle increasing. The gas pressure caused asymmetry of the uniaxial stress–strain curve (e.g., reduced tensile yield stress), and it increased the nominal plastic Poisson’s ratio for compression, but had the opposite effect for tension. Furthermore, the gas pressure shifted the yield surface towards the negative mean stress axis with a distance equal to the gas pressure. The combined effects of the elongation ratio and gas pressure are complicated, particularly for the elasto-plastic properties in the plane in which the cells are equiaxed.
Development of an Analytical Model for the Extraction of Manganese from Marine Nodules
Authors: Saldaña Manuel , Toro Norman , Castillo Jonathan , Hernández Pía , Trigueros Emilio , Navarra Alessandro
Published: August 2019

Multivariable analytical models provide a descriptive (albeit approximate) mathematical relationship between a set of independent variables and one or more dependent variables. The current work develops an analytical model that extends a design of experiments for the leaching of manganese from marine nodules, using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in the presence of iron-containing tailings, which are both by-products of conventional copper extraction. The experiments are configured to address the effect of time, particle size, acid concentration, Fe2O3/MnO2 ratio, stirring speed and temperature, under typical industrial conditions. The recovery of manganese has been modeled using a first order differential equation that accurately fits experimental results, noting that Fe2O3/MnO2 and temperature are the most critical independent variables, while the particle size is the least influential (under typical conditions). This study obtains representative fitting parameters, that can be used to explore the incorporation of Mn recovery from marine nodules, as part of the extended value chain of copper sulfide processing.
Synthesis and Mechanical Testing of Calcium Aluminosilicoferrite Crystals with High Alumina Content
Authors: Mežibrický Roland , Csanádi Tamás , Habler Gerlinde , Fröhlichová Mária , Dusza Ján , Abart Rainer
Published: August 2019

Due to the gradual shift to less rich iron ores, the alumina content in the raw materials used for iron-making is progressively increasing, affecting the mineralogy and the properties of iron ore sinters. In this context, the effect of Al content on the mechanical properties of calcium aluminosilicoferrites Ca2(Ca,Mg,Fe)6(Fe,Si,Al)6O20 (SFCA), which is the most important bonding phase in iron ore sinters, is of particular interest. In this study, high-alumina calcium aluminosilicoferrites were synthesized and their mechanical properties were determined by nanoindentation using a cube-corner indenter. For synthesis, different raw materials were taken as proxies for the adhering layer in a sinter granule. Three mixtures were prepared, high-iron, high-silica, and high-alumina and heated in an alumina crucible, which was used to simulate the high-alumina nucleus in a granule. The different raw materials used for synthesis had only minor influence on the compositions of the synthesized ferrites. All ferrites showed similar mechanical behavior during indentation, indicating that neither the chemical nor the mechanical properties were affected by the different compositions of the adhering layer, when the sinter granule is dominated by a high-alumina nucleus. The crystallographic orientation of the tested grains had only minor influence on the results of the nanoindentation experiments.
Parametric Study of Fixtured Vibropeening
Authors: Chan Wai Luen , Ahluwalia Kunal , Gopinath Abhay
Published: August 2019

Vibropeening is a surface treatment process, which combines the peening effect of introducing residual stress with the polishing effect of reducing surface roughness in one single process step. Vibropeening equipment induces vibrations into the media to impart residual compressive stresses in sub-surface layers, as well as polishing on the surface of the work piece. In addition to process parameters, such as vibration frequency, amplitude, and media mass, which are well known in literature, this paper will focus on the study of two additional parameters: immersion depth and process time. It was found that the lower-middle section of the vibratory trough produced the highest Almen deflection. Different continuous treatment times were also studied to explore the maximum introducible residual compressive stress state, and it was concluded that an optimal time range is required to achieve the best residual stress profile. The study demonstrates that different process parameters can influence the effectiveness of the vibropeening process, and that these can be potentially optimized for higher treatment capability.
Production of Hydrophobic Zein-Based Films Bioinspired by The Lotus Leaf Surface: Characterization and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Luís Ângelo , Domingues Fernanda , Ramos Ana
Published: August 2019

Hydrophobic zein-based functional films incorporating licorice essential oil were successfully developed as new alternative materials for food packaging. The lotus-leaf negative template was obtained using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The complex surface patterns of the lotus leaves were transferred onto the surface of the zein-based films with high fidelity (positive replica), which validates the proposed proof-of-concept. The films were prepared by casting method and fully characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The grammage, thickness, contact angle, mechanical, optical and barrier properties of the films were measured, together with the evaluation of their biodegradability, antioxidant and antibacterial activities against common foodborne pathogens (Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes). The zein-based films with the incorporation of licorice essential oil presented the typical rugosities of the lotus leaf making the surfaces very hydrophobic (water contact angle of 112.50°). In addition to having antioxidant and antibacterial properties, the films also shown to be biodegradable, making them a strong alternative to the traditional plastics used in food packaging.
Exploration of Plant-Microbe Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture in CRISPR Era
Authors: Shelake Rahul Mahadev , Pramanik Dibyajyoti , Kim Jae-Yean
Published: August 2019

Plants and microbes are co-evolved and interact with each other in nature. Plant-associated microbes, often referred to as plant microbiota, are an integral part of plant life. Depending on the health effects on hosts, plant–microbe (PM) interactions are either beneficial or harmful. The role of microbiota in plant growth promotion (PGP) and protection against various stresses is well known. Recently, our knowledge of community composition of plant microbiome and significant driving factors have significantly improved. So, the use of plant microbiome is a reliable approach for a next green revolution and to meet the global food demand in sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. An application of the multifaceted PM interactions needs the use of novel tools to know critical genetic and molecular aspects. Recently discovered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas-mediated genome editing (GE) tools are of great interest to explore PM interactions. A systematic understanding of the PM interactions will enable the application of GE tools to enhance the capacity of microbes or plants for agronomic trait improvement. This review focuses on applying GE techniques in plants or associated microbiota for discovering the fundamentals of the PM interactions, disease resistance, PGP activity, and future implications in agriculture.