bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copolymerization of a Catechol and a Diamine as a Versatile Polydopamine-Like Platform for Surface Functionalization: The Case of a Hydrophobic Coating
Authors: Suárez-García Salvio , Sedó Josep , Saiz-Poseu Javier , Ruiz-Molina Daniel
Published: November 2017

The covalent functionalization of surfaces with molecules capable of providing new properties to the treated substrate, such as hydrophobicity or bioactivity, has been attracting a lot of interest in the last decades. For achieving this goal, the generation of a universally functionalizable primer coating in one-pot reaction and under relatively mild conditions is especially attractive due to its potential versatility and ease of application. The aim of the present work is to obtain such a functionalizable coating by a cross-linking reaction between pyrocatechol and hexamethylenediamine (HDMA) under oxidizing conditions. For demonstrating the efficacy of this approach, different substrates (glass, gold, silicon, and fabric) have been coated and later functionalized with two different alkylated species (1-hexadecanamine and stearoyl chloride). The success of their attachment has been demonstrated by evaluating the hydrophobicity conferred to the surface by contact angle measurements. Interestingly, these results, together with its chemical characterization by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), have proven that the reactivity of the primer coating towards the functionalizing agent can be tuned in function of its generation time.
Thermal Treatment of Melt-Spun Fibers Based on High Density PolyEthylene and Lignin
Authors: Goulis Panagiotis , Konstantopoulos Giorgos , Kartsonakis Ioannis , Mpalias Konstantinos , Anagnou Stavros , Dragatogiannis Dimitrios , Charitidis Costas
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was the synthesis of novel low-cost carbon fibers along with the investigation of the optimal parameters of temperature and time for the stabilization of hybrid high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and lignin melt-spun fibers. These fibers were manufactured by physical compounding of HDPE and chemically-modified softwood kraft lignin (SKL) in order to produce green fiber precursors for carbon fiber synthesis. Stabilization tests were performed with respect to thermal treatment (physical method) and sulfonation treatment (chemical method). The results revealed that only chemical methods induce the desired thermal process-ability to the composite fibers in order to manufacture carbon fibers by using a simple method. This investigation shed light on the stabilization techniques of polymeric fibers in the absence of any cyclic groups in terms of environmentally-friendly mass production of carbon fibers using low-cost and green raw materials. This study facilitates incorporation of softwood lignin in homegrown polymeric fibers by a low-cost production process via melt-spinning of composite fibers, which were successfully stabilized using a facile chemical method and carbonized. Additionally, a comprehensive investigation of the thermal behavior of the samples was accomplished, by examining several ways and aspects of fiber thermal treating. The properties of all studied fibers are presented, compared, and discussed.
Characterization of Hydroxyapatite (HA) Sputtering Targets by APS Methods
Authors: Hung Kuo-Yung , Lai Hong-Chen , Yang Yung-Chin , Feng Hui-Ping
Published: November 2017

Radio frequency (RF) sputtering is a potential medical device coating technology that is commercializable; however, a suitable commercialized target for sputtering the hydroxyapatite (HA) coating onto titanium medical devices is more important. Therefore, this study used three HA targets in conducting sputtering experiments for HA films, which were manufactured in a laboratory by using three different processes: cold pressing and sintering (CPS), hot isostatic pressing (HIP), and atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). Subsequently, the sputtering performance of each type of target and the properties of the HA films were assessed to develop an appropriate process for modifying the surfaces of medical devices. The experimental results showed that the APS target, with a density of approximately 2.83 g/cm3, was suitable for use in HA sputtering. Additionally, the APS target could withstand a high discharge power over 300 W, whereas the CPS target could nearly endure a power below 70 W. The APS target, with Ca/P ratio of 2.401, consisted of a combination of HA, α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), β-TCP, and tetracalcium phosphate phases (TTCP). In addition to being able to perform at a high sputtering power of more than 300 W, the APS target achieved a higher deposition rate than did the CPS target. This study shows that the processing technology used for the APS target is a potential method for applying HA sputtering for the surface modification of artificial aggregates.
Battery Energy Management in a Microgrid Using Batch Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Mbuwir Brida , Ruelens Frederik , Spiessens Fred , Deconinck Geert
Published: November 2017

Motivated by recent developments in batch Reinforcement Learning (RL), this paper contributes to the application of batch RL in energy management in microgrids. We tackle the challenge of finding a closed-loop control policy to optimally schedule the operation of a storage device, in order to maximize self-consumption of local photovoltaic production in a microgrid. In this work, the fitted Q-iteration algorithm, a standard batch RL technique, is used by an RL agent to construct a control policy. The proposed method is data-driven and uses a state-action value function to find an optimal scheduling plan for a battery. The battery’s charge and discharge efficiencies, and the nonlinearity in the microgrid due to the inverter’s efficiency are taken into account. The proposed approach has been tested by simulation in a residential setting using data from Belgian residential consumers. The developed framework is benchmarked with a model-based technique, and the simulation results show a performance gap of 19%. The simulation results provide insight for developing optimal policies in more realistically-scaled and interconnected microgrids and for including uncertainties in generation and consumption for which white-box models become inaccurate and/or infeasible.
Effect of Charcoal and Kraft-Lignin Addition on Coke Compression Strength and Reactivity
Authors: Suopajärvi Hannu , Dahl Essi , Kemppainen Antti , Gornostayev Stanislav , Koskela Aki , Fabritius Timo
Published: November 2017

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of charcoal and Kraft-lignin additions on the structure, cold compression strength, and reactivity of bio-cokes produced at the laboratory scale. Bio-cokes were prepared by adding charcoal and Kraft-lignin (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 wt %) to medium-volatile coal and coking the mixture with controlled heating rate (3.5 °C/min) up to 1200 °C. In addition, four particle sizes of charcoal were added with a 5 wt % addition rate to investigate the effect of particle size on the compression strength and reactivity. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to evaluate the pyrolysis behavior of coal and biomasses. Optical microscopy was used to investigate the interaction of coal and biomass components. It was found that by controlling the amount of charcoal and Kraft-lignin in the coal blend, the compression strength of the bio-cokes remains at an acceptable level compared to the reference coke without biomass addition. The cold compression strength of the charcoal bio-cokes was higher compared to Kraft-lignin bio-cokes. The reactivity of the bio-cokes with charcoal addition was markedly higher compared to reference coke and Kraft-lignin bio-cokes, mainly due to the differences in the physical properties of the parental biomass. By increasing the bulk density of the coal/biomass charge, the cold compression strength of the bio-cokes can be improved substantially.
Development Patterns of Fractured Water-Conducting Zones in Longwall Mining of Thick Coal Seams—A Case Study on Safe Mining Under the Zhuozhang River
Authors: Du Feng , Gao Rui
Published: November 2017

The key to the safe mining of thick coal seams under rivers is understanding the development patterns of fractured water-conducting zones (FWCZ) when various mining methods are used. To solve this problem, we employed numerical simulation to investigate FWCZ when slice mining and longwall caving mining are performed. When slice mining was carried out, the maximum height of the FWCZ in the higher slice was 88 m. When the lower slice was mined, the maximum height became 95 m, and the ratio of the fracture height to the coal seam thickness was 15.8. For longwall caving mining, the height of the FWCZ reached 126 m, which was 31 m more than that of slice mining, and the ratio of the fracture height to the coal seam thickness was 21. Through field measurements, the height of the FWCZ during longwall caving mining of thick coal seams was verified. The measured height was 108.87–112.57 m, and the measured ratio was 19.08–19.28. Under the same stratigraphic conditions, changes in the bulking factor and structural stability of key strata were the dominant factors that determined how mining methods affected the height of the FWCZ. These development patterns can provide significant theoretical insights for effectively preventing water hazards on mine roofs.
Study on the Effects of Thermal Aging on Insulating Paper for High Voltage Transformer Composite with Natural Ester from Palm Oil Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
Authors: Munajad Abi , Subroto Cahyo ,   Suwarno
Published: November 2017

Mineral oil is widely used as liquid insulation in high voltage equipment. Due to environmental considerations, recently natural esters have been considered as naturally friendly liquid insulation candidates for high voltage transformers. In this experiment, transformer insulation paper was subjected to get accelerated aging test with copper strip in natural ester in a hermeneutical heat-resistant glass bottle at temperatures of 120 °C and 150 °C for 336 h, 672 h and 1008 h. The experimental results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the intensity of the absorbance peak of the O–H functional group decreased with aging, while the intensity of the C–H and C=O functional group absorbance peaks have increased with aging and the intensity of the C–O functional group absorbance peak has a tendency to increase with aging. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) experimental results showed that the weight percent of the element C increased with aging and the weight percent of the element O has decreased with aging. The experimental results show a good correlation between the degree of polymerization (DP) and the weight percent of O element. This indicates that EDS may be used as a new method for estimating the DP of transformer insulation paper.
Mechanical Behaviour of Soil Improved by Alkali Activated Binders
Authors: Vitale Enza , Russo Giacomo , Dell’Agli Gianfranco , Ferone Claudio , Bartolomeo Chiara
Published: November 2017

The use of alkali activated binders to improve engineering properties of clayey soils is a novel solution, and an alternative to the widely diffused improvement based on the use of traditional binders such as lime and cement. In the paper the alkaline activation of two fly ashes, by-products of coal combustion thermoelectric power plants, has been presented. These alkali activated binders have been mixed with a clayey soil for evaluating the improvement of its mechanical behaviour. One-dimensional compression tests on raw and treated samples have been performed with reference to the effects induced by type of binder, binder contents and curing time. The experimental evidences at volume scale of the treated samples have been directly linked to the chemo-physical evolution of the binders, investigated over curing time by means of X Ray Diffraction. Test results showed a high reactivity of the alkali activated binders promoting the formation of new mineralogical phases responsible for the mechanical improvement of treated soil. The efficiency of alkali activated binders soil treatment has been highlighted by comparison with mechanical performance induced by Portland cement.
Carbon Sequestration in Protected Areas: A Case Study of an Abies religiosa (H.B.K.) Schlecht. et Cham Forest
Authors: Fragoso-López Pablo , Rodríguez-Laguna Rodrigo , Otazo-Sánchez Elena , González-Ramírez César , Valdéz-Lazalde José , Cortés-Blobaum Hermann , Razo-Zárate Ramón
Published: November 2017

The effects of global climate change have highlighted forest ecosystems as a key element in reducing the amount of atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount of carbon content and its percentage capture in a protected Abies religiosa forest in which the study area was zoned with satellite image analysis. Dendrometric and epidometric variables were used to determine the volume and increase of aerial biomass, and stored carbon and its capture rate using equations. The results indicate that this forest contains an average of 105.72 MgC ha−1, with an estimated sequestration rate of 1.03 MgC ha−1 yr−1. The results show that carbon capture increasing depends on the increase in volume. Therefore, in order to achieve the maximum yield in a forest, it is necessary to implement sustainable forest management that favors the sustained use of soil productivity.
De Novo Transcriptome Sequencing in Passiflora edulis Sims to Identify Genes and Signaling Pathways Involved in Cold Tolerance
Authors: Liu Sian , Li Anding , Chen Caihui , Cai Guojun , Zhang Limin , Guo Chunyan , Xu Meng
Published: November 2017

The passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims), also known as the purple granadilla, is widely cultivated as the new darling of the fruit market throughout southern China. This exotic and perennial climber is adapted to warm and humid climates, and thus is generally intolerant of cold. There is limited information about gene regulation and signaling pathways related to the cold stress response in this species. In this study, two transcriptome libraries (KEDU_AP vs. GX_AP) were constructed from the aerial parts of cold-tolerant and cold-susceptible varieties of P. edulis, respectively. Overall, 126,284,018 clean reads were obtained, and 86,880 unigenes with a mean size of 1449 bp were assembled. Of these, there were 64,067 (73.74%) unigenes with significant similarity to publicly available plant protein sequences. Expression profiles were generated, and 3045 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed between the KEDU_AP and GX_AP libraries, including 1075 (35.3%) up-regulated and 1970 (64.7%) down-regulated. These included 36 genes in enriched pathways of plant hormone signal transduction, and 56 genes encoding putative transcription factors. Six genes involved in the ICE1–CBF–COR pathway were induced in the cold-tolerant variety, and their expression levels were further verified using quantitative real-time PCR. This report is the first to identify genes and signaling pathways involved in cold tolerance using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing in P. edulis. These findings may provide useful insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating cold tolerance and genetic breeding in Passiflora spp.
Three-Dimensional Low Reynolds Number Flows near Biological Filtering and Protective Layers
Authors: Strickland Christopher , Miller Laura , Santhanakrishnan Arvind , Hamlet Christina , Battista Nicholas , Pasour Virginia
Published: November 2017

Mesoscale filtering and protective layers are replete throughout the natural world. Within the body, arrays of extracellular proteins, microvilli, and cilia can act as both protective layers and mechanosensors. For example, blood flow profiles through the endothelial surface layer determine the amount of shear stress felt by the endothelial cells and may alter the rates at which molecules enter and exit the cells. Characterizing the flow profiles through such layers is therefore critical towards understanding the function of such arrays in cell signaling and molecular filtering. External filtering layers are also important to many animals and plants. Trichomes (the hairs or fine outgrowths on plants) can drastically alter both the average wind speed and profile near the leaf’s surface, affecting the rates of nutrient and heat exchange. In this paper, dynamically scaled physical models are used to study the flow profiles outside of arrays of cylinders that represent such filtering and protective layers. In addition, numerical simulations using the Immersed Boundary Method are used to resolve the three-dimensional flows within the layers. The experimental and computational results are compared to analytical results obtained by modeling the layer as a homogeneous porous medium with free flow above the layer. The experimental results show that the bulk flow is well described by simple analytical models. The numerical results show that the spatially averaged flow within the layer is well described by the Brinkman model. The numerical results also demonstrate, however, that the flow can be highly three-dimensional with fluid moving into and out of the layer. These effects are not described by the Brinkman model and may be significant for biologically relevant volume fractions. The results of this paper can be used to understand how variations in density and height of such structures can alter shear stresses and bulk flows.
Modeling Skin Injury from Hot Spills on Clothing
Authors: Log Torgrim
Published: November 2017

The present work analyzes scald burns from hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, spilled on the lap, i.e., an incident that may occur in daily life. The Pennes bioheat equation is solved numerically for small spills wetting the clothing, i.e., the fabric prevents the spilled liquid from draining away. Temperatures are analyzed in the wetted fabric and the skin layers and the resulting skin injury is calculated based on the basal layer temperature. Parameters influencing burn severity, such as clothing thickness, liquid temperature, removal of fabric and thermal effects of post scald water cooling are analyzed. The fabric cools the water some but represents a threat since the entrapped water results in a prolonged heat supply. The liquid temperature turned out to be the most important injury parameter, where liquid temperature of about 80–85 °C seems to be a limit for developing superficial partial-thickness burns in the present minimum case, i.e., where the liquid just wets the fabric. Spilling water in excess of just wetting the fabric, more severe burns will develop at lower liquid temperatures due to the prolonged heat supply. Higher liquid temperatures will nearly instantly develop more severe burns. It is demonstrated that removal of the clothing within the first seconds after the spill may significantly reduce the scalding severity. The general advice is therefore to avoid excessive heating of beverages and, if the beverage is spilled, to quickly remove the wetted clothing. Prolonged tempered water cooling is advised to improve the healing processes.
Epidemiology of Bone Fracture in Female Trauma Patients Based on Risks of Osteoporosis Assessed using the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians Score
Authors: Rau Cheng-Shyuan , Wu Shao-Chun , Kuo Pao-Jen , Chen Yi-Chun , Chien Peng-Chen , Hsieh Hsiao-Yun , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: November 2017

Background: Osteoporotic fractures are defined as low-impact fractures resulting from low-level trauma. However, the exclusion of high-level trauma fractures may result in underestimation of the contribution of osteoporosis to fractures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the fracture patterns of female trauma patients with various risks of osteoporosis based on the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) score. Methods: According to the data retrieved from the Trauma Registry System of a Level I trauma center between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015, a total of 6707 patients aged ≥40 years and hospitalized for the treatment of traumatic bone fracture were categorized as high-risk (OSTA < −4, n = 1585), medium-risk (−1 ≥ OSTA ≥ −4, n = 1985), and low-risk (OSTA > −1, n = 3137) patients. Two-sided Pearson’s, chi-squared, or Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare categorical data. Unpaired Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to analyze normally and non-normally distributed continuous data, respectively. Propensity-score matching in a 1:1 ratio was performed with injury mechanisms as adjusted variables to evaluate the effects of OSTA-related grouping on the fracture patterns. Results: High- and medium-risk patients were significantly older, had higher incidences of comorbidity, and were more frequently injured from a fall and bicycle accident than low-risk patients did. Compared to low-risk patients, high- and medium-risk patients had a higher injury severity and mortality. In the propensity-score matched population, the incidence of fractures was only different in the extremity regions between high- and low-risk patients as well as between medium- and low-risk patients. The incidences of femoral fractures were significantly higher in high-risk (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.73–4.24; p < 0.001) and medium-risk patients (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.24–1.54; p < 0.001) than in low-risk patients. In addition, high-risk patients had significantly lower odds of humeral, radial, patellar, and tibial fractures; however, such lower odds were not found in medium- risk than low-risk patients. Conclusions: The fracture patterns of female trauma patients with high- and medium-risk osteoporosis were different from that of low-risk patients exclusively in the extremity region.
The Interaction between Ambient PM10 and NO2 on Mortality in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Gu Yuzhou , Lin Hualiang , Liu Tao , Xiao Jianpeng , Zeng Weilin , Li Zhihao , Lv Xiaojuan , Ma Wenjun
Published: November 2017

Air pollution is now a significant environmental issue in China. To better understand the health impacts of ambient air pollution, this study investigated the potential interaction between PM10 and NO2 on mortality in Guangzhou, China. Time series data of daily non-accidental mortality and concentrations of PM10 and NO2 from 2006 to 2010 were collected. Based on generalized additive model, we developed two models (bivariate model and stratified model) to explore the interaction both qualitatively and quantitatively. At lag of 0–2 days, greater interactive effects between PM10 and NO2 were presented in the graphs. Positive modified effects were also found between the two pollutants on total non-accidental death and cardiovascular death. When the NO2 concentration was at a high level (>76.14 μg/m3), PM10 showed the greatest excess relative risk percentage (ERR%) for total non-accidental mortality (0.46, 95% CI: 0.13–0.79) and cardiovascular disease mortality (0.61, 95% CI: 0.06–1.16) for each 10 μg/m3 increase. During the period of high PM10 concentration (>89.82 μg/m3), NO2 demonstrated its strongest effect for total non-accidental mortality (ERR%: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.42–1.42) and cardiovascular disease mortality (ERR%: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.38–2.03). Our results suggest a positive interaction between PM10 and NO2 on non-accidental mortality in Guangzhou.
The Complete Mitogenome of the Wood-Feeding Cockroach Cryptocercus meridianus (Blattodea: Cryptocercidae) and Its Phylogenetic Relationship among Cockroach Families
Authors: Li Weijun , Wang Zongqing , Che Yanli
Published: November 2017

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Cryptocercus meridianus was sequenced. The circular mitochondrial genome is 15,322 bp in size and contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 transfer RNA genes, and one D-loop region. We compare the mitogenome of C. meridianus with that of C. relictus and C. kyebangensis. The base composition of the whole genome was 45.20%, 9.74%, 16.06%, and 29.00% for A, G, C, and T, respectively; it shows a high AT content (74.2%), similar to the mitogenomes of C. relictus and C. kyebangensis. The protein-coding genes are initiated with typical mitochondrial start codons except for cox1 with TTG. The gene order of the C. meridianus mitogenome differs from the typical insect pattern for the translocation of tRNA-SerAGN, while the mitogenomes of the other two Cryptocercus species, C. relictus and C. kyebangensis, are consistent with the typical insect pattern. There are two very long non-coding intergenic regions lying on both sides of the rearranged gene tRNA-SerAGN. The phylogenetic relationships were constructed based on the nucleotide sequence of 13 protein-coding genes and two ribosomal RNA genes. The mitogenome of C. meridianus is the first representative of the order Blattodea that demonstrates rearrangement, and it will contribute to the further study of the phylogeny and evolution of the genus Cryptocercus and related taxa.
In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in a Hydrogel of Carboxymethyl Cellulose with Phthalated-Cashew Gum as a Promising Antibacterial and Healing Agent
Authors: Lustosa Ana , De Jesus Oliveira Antônia , Quelemes Patrick , Plácido Alexandra , Da Silva Francilene , Oliveira Irisdalva , De Almeida Miguel , Amorim Adriany , Delerue-Matos Cristina , De Oliveira Rita , Da Silva Durcilene , Eaton Peter , De Almeida Leite José
Published: November 2017

Silver nanoparticles have been shown to possess considerable antibacterial activity, but in vivo applications have been limited due to the inherent, but low, toxicity of silver. On the other hand, silver nanoparticles could provide cutaneous protection against infection, due to their ability to liberate silver ions via a slow release mechanism, and their broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. Thus, in this work, we describe the development of a carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared in the hydrogel in situ, utilizing two variants of cashew gum as a capping agent, and sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. This gum is non-toxic and comes from a renewable natural source. The particles and gel were thoroughly characterized through using rheological measurements, UV-vis spectroscopy, nanoparticles tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy analysis (TEM). Antibacterial tests were carried out, confirming antimicrobial action of the silver nanoparticle-loaded gels. Furthermore, rat wound-healing models were used and demonstrated that the gels exhibited improved wound healing when compared to the base hydrogel as a control. Thus, these gels are proposed as excellent candidates for use as wound-healing treatments.
Dopaminergic Dysfunction in Mammalian Dopamine Neurons Induced by Simazine Neurotoxicity
Authors: Li Xueting , Yu Jia , Li Jianan , Wu Yanping , Li Baixiang
Published: November 2017

Many studies have shown that the pollutant simazine (6-chloro-N,N′-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine), which has been overused, inhibits the proliferation of mammalian dopaminergic cells, and affects the developmental differentiation of mammalian dopaminergic neurons. However, few studies have shown the effects of simazine on dopaminergic metabolism in these cells. Therefore, we aim to examine the metabolic effects of simazine exposure in mouse dopaminergic progenitor neurons (MN9D) at different exposure times. The cells were treated with simazine at 0, 150, 300 and 600 µM for 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. The content of dopamine in these cells was then examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein expression of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), tyrosine hydroxylase (DYT5b), dopamine transporter (DAT), monoamine vesicular transporter 2 (VMAT2), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT). The results showed that simazine influenced the metabolism of dopamine and led to a decrease in dopamine level in these cells which may eventually lead to neurological disorders of the dopaminergic system.
Lp16-PSP, a Member of YjgF/YER057c/UK114 Protein Family Induces Apoptosis and p21WAF1/CIP1 Mediated G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) HL-60 Cells
Authors: Joseph Thomson , Chanda Warren , Mohammad Abdullah , Kanwal Sadia , Batool Samana , Zhang Meishan , Zhong Mintao , Huang Min
Published: November 2017

Lp16-PSP (Latcripin 16-Perchloric acid Soluble Protein) from Lentinula edodes strain C91-3 has been reported previously in our laboratory to have selective cytotoxic activity against a panel of human cell lines. Herein, we have used several parameters in order to characterize the Lp16-PSP-induced cell death using human acute promyeloid leukemia (HL-60) as a model cancer. The results of phase contrast microscopy, nuclear examination, DNA fragmentation detection and flow cytometry revealed that high doses of Lp16-PSP resulted in the induction of apoptosis in HL-60 cells. The colorimetric assay showed the activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3 cascade highlighting the involvement of Fas/FasL-related pathway. Whereas, Western blot revealed the cleavage of caspase-3, increased expression of Bax, the release of cytochrome c and decreased expression of Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting the intrinsic pathway might be involved in Lp16-PSP-induced apoptosis as well. Low doses of Lp16-PSP resulted in the anchorage-independent growth inhibition, induction of G1 phase arrest, accompanied by the increased expression of p21WAF1/CIP1, along with the decreased expression of cyclin D, E, and cdk6. In addition, Lp16-PSP resulted in constitutive translocation inhibition of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) into the nucleus by decreasing the phosphorylation of IκBα. All these findings suggested Lp16-PSP as a potential agent against acute promyeloid leukemia; however, further investigations are ultimately needed.
Digital Manufacturing Process Chain for One-Off Replacement Parts: A Precision Casting Case Study
Authors: Vosniakos George-Christopher , Michael Stefanos , Vasileiou Anastasia
Published: November 2017

The need to manufacture a copy of a mechanical part typically arises when a single replacement part is necessary and is out of stock or out of production altogether. For parts with intricate details and associated accuracy requirements, investment casting may be preferred to machining, for size and detail reasons, or 3D printing, for material reasons. This work applies the digital manufacturing paradigm to one-off vacuum-aided rapid investment casting focusing on the process chain rather than on engineering issues. 3D laser scanning, digital model construction by surface fitting, casting model making by exploiting additive manufacturing, material investigation using scanning electron microscopy, casting simulation exploring process parameter scenarios, as well as the corresponding implementation on a vacuum casting machine are the pertinent interlinked steps and techniques. The added value of this work is that for each process link the important steps and the potential pitfalls are analyzed in detail using as an example a cylinder liner from a model car engine. Quality of the result was quite acceptable, the main benefit of the streamlined approach being that “right-first-time” parts can be achieved.
Mechanical Characterization of Additively Manufactured Parts by FE Modeling of Mesostructure
Authors: Somireddy Madhukar , Czekanski Aleksander
Published: November 2017

In the present study, the mesostructure of a fused deposition modeling (FDM) processed part is considered for the investigation of its mechanical behavior. The layers of FDM printed part behave as a unidirectional fiber reinforced laminae, which are treated as an orthotropic material. The finite element (FE) procedure to find elastic moduli of a layer of the FDM processed part is presented. The mesostructure of the part that would be obtained from the process is replicated in FE models in order to find stiffness matrix of a layer. Two distinctive architectures of mesostructure are considered in the study to predict the mechanical behavior of the parts. Also, influences of layer thickness, road shape and air gap on the elastic properties of a material are investigated. Further, the parts fabricated with FDM process are treated as laminate structures. From the numerical results, it is seen that the elastic moduli are governed by mesostructures. Our laminate results are validated with experimental to demonstrate the use of classical laminate theory (CLT) for FDM parts. The elastic moduli (E1, E2, G12, ν12) of a layer used in the analysis are calculated from FE simulations. This study establishes relationship between mesostructure and macro mechanical properties of the part.
Reduced Graphene Oxide on Nickel Foam for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Ramabadran Uma , Ryan Gillian , Zhou Xuan , Farhat Susan , Manciu Felicia , Tong Yigang , Ayler Ryan , Garner Graham
Published: November 2017

The focus of this paper is the investigation of reduced graphene oxide (GO)/nickel foam (RGON) samples for use as supercapacitor electrodes. Nickel foam samples were soaked in a GO suspension and dried before being subjected to two different methods to remove oxygen. Atmospheric pressure annealed (APA) samples were treated with a varying number (10–18) of nitrogen plasma jet scans, where sample temperatures did not exceed 280 °C. Furnace annealed (FA) samples were processed in an atmosphere of hydrogen and argon, at temperatures ranging from 600 °C to 900 °C. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) data indicated that the carbon to oxygen (C:O) ratio for APA samples was minimized at an intermediate number of plasma scans. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic data supported this finding. ESEM analysis from FA samples showed that with increasing temperatures of annealing, GO is transformed to reduced graphene oxide (RGO), with C:O ratios exceeding 35:1. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data indicated the formation of RGO with an increasing annealing temperature until 800 °C, when oxygen reincorporation in the surface atomic layers becomes an issue. Supercapacitors, constructed using the FA samples, demonstrated performances that correlated with surface atomic layer optimization of the C:O ratio.
Antimicrobial and Osseointegration Properties of Nanostructured Titanium Orthopaedic Implants
Authors: Jäger Marcus , Jennissen Herbert , Dittrich Florian , Fischer Alfons , Köhling Hedda
Published: November 2017

The surface design of titanium implants influences not only the local biological reactions but also affects at least the clinical result in orthopaedic application. During the last decades, strong efforts have been made to improve osteointegration and prevent bacterial adhesion to these surfaces. Following the rule of “smaller, faster, cheaper”, nanotechnology has encountered clinical application. It is evident that the hierarchical implant surface micro- and nanotopography orchestrate the biological cascades of early peri-implant endosseous healing or implant loosening. This review of the literature gives a brief overview of nanostructured titanium-base biomaterials designed to improve osteointegration and prevent from bacterial infection.
Ancient Food Habits Dictate that Food Can Be Medicine but Medicine Cannot Be “Food”!!
Authors: Goswami Hit Kishore , Ram Hitendra Kumar
Published: November 2017

Background: Extensive surveys of several population settlements in different parts of India—covering plains, mountains, valleys, river banks and deeper areas of forests at different altitudes—between 1968 and 2016 demonstrated that the basic vital need of hunger is being fulfilled since antiquity by plants in the wild. Methods: Based on collections, consultations with local population personnel and literature searches, this paper presents many plants that are commonly used as food and focuses on their products, which are rich in alkaloids, polysaccharides, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, aminoacids, fatty acids and antibiotics etc. These complex organic compounds are suitable for the production of drugs for many ailments/diseases, including the prevention of cancers. Results: There are more than 100 families including several hundred plant taxa from various plant groups like angiosperms, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms and even fleshy fungi, which have offered essential food items to ever-growing human populations since antiquity. Phytochemicals functioning as antioxidants are exceedingly beneficial to the human body but excess consumption of these compounds, adding higher levels of antioxidants, may even be responsible for chronic diseases including aging, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, etc. These medicines can obviously be taken in small and prescribed quantities but can never be consumed as “food items.”
Effect of Nitrogen on Deformation-Induced Martensitic Transformation in an Austenitic 301 Stainless Steels
Authors: Jeon Jong , Chang Young
Published: November 2017

The effect of nitrogen on deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT) in metastable 301 austenitic stainless steel has been studied based on the inelastic deformation theory. DIMT is regarded here as continuous relaxation process of internal strain energy accumulated during inelastic deformation. Using the kinetics equation based on the inelastic deformation theory the relationship between the volume fraction of transformed martensite and inelastic strain for DIMT has been successfully verified with the parameter representing the stability of austenite. The addition of nitrogen is experimentally found to increase austenite stability and the critical inelastic strain below which any DIMT is not observed to occur and to decrease the saturation volume fraction of α’ martensite. On the other hand, DIMT has been analyzed with its effect on stress-strain curve shape and mechanical properties in relation to the addition of nitrogen. The characteristic transition from sigmoidal to parabolic curve shape in stress-strain response has disappeared with the addition of nitrogen.
Asthmatic Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency have Decreased Exacerbations after Vitamin Replacement
Authors: Solidoro Paolo , Bellocchia Michela , Aredano Ilaria , Mattei Alessio , Pivetta Emanuele , Patrucco Filippo , Boita Monica , De Blasio Francesca , Brussino Luisa , Rolla Giovanni , Bucca Caterina
Published: November 2017

Background: Intervention studies with vitamin D in asthma are inconclusive for several reasons, such as inadequate dosing or duration of supplementation or uncontrolled baseline vitamin D status. Our aim was to evaluate the benefit of long term vitamin D add-on in asthmatic patients with actual vitamin D deficiency, that is a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD ) below 20 ng/mL. Methods: Serum 25-OHD, asthma exacerbations, spirometry and inhaled corticosteroids (CS) dose were evaluated in a cohort of 119 asthmatic patients. Patients with deficiency were evaluated again after one year vitamin supplementation. Results: 25-OHD was low in 111 patients and was negatively related to exacerbations (p < 0.001), inhaled CS dose (p = 0.008) and asthma severity (p = 0.001). Deficiency was found in 90 patients, 55 of whom took the supplement regularly for one year, while 24 discontinued the study and 11 were not adherent. Patients with vitamin D deficiency after 12 months supplementation showed significant decrease of exacerbations (from 2.6 ± 1.2 to 1.6 ± 1.1, p < 0.001), circulating eosinophils (from 395 ± 330 to 272 ± 212 106/L, p < 0.001), and need of oral CS courses (from 35 to 20, p = 0.007) and improvement of airway obstruction. Conclusions: Asthma exacerbations are favored by vitamin D deficiency and decrease after long-term vitamin D replacement. Patients who are vitamin D deficient benefit from vitamin D supplementation.
Maternal Iodine Intake and Offspring Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Results from a Large Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Abel Marianne , Ystrom Eivind , Caspersen Ida , Meltzer Helle , Aase Heidi , Torheim Liv , Askeland Ragna , Reichborn-Kjennerud Ted , Brantsæter Anne
Published: November 2017

Current knowledge about the relationship between mild to moderately inadequate maternal iodine intake and/or supplemental iodine on child neurodevelopment is sparse. Using information from 77,164 mother-child pairs in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, this study explored associations between maternal iodine intake and child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, registered in the Norwegian Patient Registry and maternally-reported child ADHD symptoms at eight years of age. Pregnant women reported food and supplement intakes by questionnaire in gestational week 22. In total, 1725 children (2.2%) were diagnosed with ADHD. In non-users of supplemental iodine (53,360 mothers), we found no association between iodine intake from food and risk of child ADHD diagnosis (p = 0.89), while low iodine from food (<200 µg/day) was associated with higher child ADHD symptom scores (adjusted difference in score up to 0.08 standard deviation (SD), p < 0.001, n = 19,086). In the total sample, we found no evidence of beneficial effects of maternal use of iodine-containing supplements (n = 23,804) on child ADHD diagnosis or symptom score. Initiation of iodine supplement use in gestational weeks 0–12 was associated with an increased risk of child ADHD (both measures). In conclusion, insufficient maternal iodine intake was associated with increased child ADHD symptom scores at eight years of age, but not with ADHD diagnosis. No reduction of risk was associated with maternal iodine supplement use.
The In Vitro Enzymatic Degradation of Cross-Linked Poly(trimethylene carbonate) Networks
Authors: Hou Zhipeng , Hu Jianshe , Li Jianxin , Zhang Wei , Li Miao , Guo Jing , Yang Liqun , Chen Zhangpei
Published: November 2017

The in vitro enzymatic degradation of cross-linked poly(trimethylene carbonate) networks (PTMC-Ns) was performed in lipase solutions at 37 °C, and the effect of the initial molecular weight and cross-linker amount as well as the cross-linker type on the degradation rate of PTMC-Ns was investigated. Due to their denser structure and more hydrophobic surface as well as the higher glass transition temperature, a slower degradation rate was seen for PTMC-Ns with high initial molecular weight at a given cross-linker amount. Similar results could be observed as the cross-linker amount increased, and cross-linker type also influenced the degradation rate of PTMC-Ns. Furthermore, the enzymatic degradation of PTMC-Ns was accelerated by the surfactants role of lipase via surface erosion mechanism, the enzymatic degradation rate was higher than that of hydrolysis case. The results indicated that PTMC-Ns were promising candidates for clinical subcutaneous implants, especially due to their tunable degradation rate and enhanced form-stability as well as no acidic degradation products.
Solid-State Polymerization of Poly(ethylene furanoate) Biobased Polyester, I: Effect of Catalyst Type on Molecular Weight Increase
Authors: Kasmi Nejib , Majdoub Mustapha , Papageorgiou George , Achilias Dimitris , Bikiaris Dimitrios
Published: November 2017

In this work, we report the synthesis of poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), catalyzed by three different catalysts, namely, titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TIS), tetrabutyltitanate (TBT), and dibutyltin (IV) oxide (DBTO), via the two-stage melt polycondensation method. Solid-state polymerization (SSP) was conducted at different reaction times (1, 2, 3.5, and 5 h) and temperatures 190, 200, and 205 °C, under vacuum. The resultant polymers were analyzed according to their intrinsic viscosity (IV), end groups (–COOH), and thermal properties, via differential scanning calorimetry. DSC results showed that the post polymerization process was favorable to enhance the melting point of the prepared PEF samples. As was expected, the intrinsic viscosity and the average molecular weight of PEF increased with the SSP time and temperature, whereas the number of carboxyl end-groups was decreased. A simple kinetic model was also developed and used to predict the time evolution of polymers IV, as well as the carboxyl and hydroxyl content of PEF during the SSP. From both the experimental measurements and the theoretical simulation results it was proved that the presence of the TIS catalyst resulted in higher transesterification kinetic rate constants and higher reaction rates. The activation energies were not much affected by the presence of different catalysts. Finally, using DBTO as a catalyst, the polyesters produced have higher crystallinity, and as a consequence, higher number of inactive carboxyl and hydroxyl groups.
Reduced Methane Emissions from Santa Barbara Marine Seeps
Authors: Krings Thomas , Leifer Ira , Krautwurst Sven , Gerilowski Konstantin , Horstjann Markus , Bovensmann Heinrich , Buchwitz Michael , Burrows John , Kolyer Richard , Jonsson Haflidi , Fladeland Matthew
Published: November 2017

Airborne in situ and remote sensing measurements of methane were performed over the marine seeps in the Santa Barbara Channel close to the Coal Oil Point in California on two days in June and August 2014 with the aim to re-assess their methane emissions. During this period, methane column averaged dry air mole fractions derived from airborne remote sensing measurements in the short-wave infrared and airborne in situ measurements of methane indicate that emissions are 2–6 kt CH 4 y − 1 , significantly lower than expected from previous publications. This is also confirmed by the on ground in situ measurement time series recorded at the onshore West Campus Monitoring Station in Santa Barbara. Using a time series of methane data, a decline in methane concentrations between 2008 and 2015 of more than a factor of two was derived for air masses originating from the seep field direction.
Coupling Uncertainties with Accuracy Assessment in Object-Based Slum Detections, Case Study: Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Pratomo Jati , Kuffer Monika , Martinez Javier , Kohli Divyani
Published: November 2017

Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) has been successfully used to map slums. In general, the occurrence of uncertainties in producing geographic data is inevitable. However, most studies concentrated solely on assessing the classification accuracy and neglecting the inherent uncertainties. Our research analyses the impact of uncertainties in measuring the accuracy of OBIA-based slum detection. We selected Jakarta as our case study area because of a national policy of slum eradication, which is causing rapid changes in slum areas. Our research comprises of four parts: slum conceptualization, ruleset development, implementation, and accuracy and uncertainty measurements. Existential and extensional uncertainty arise when producing reference data. The comparison of a manual expert delineations of slums with OBIA slum classification results into four combinations: True Positive, False Positive, True Negative and False Negative. However, the higher the True Positive (which lead to a better accuracy), the lower the certainty of the results. This demonstrates the impact of extensional uncertainties. Our study also demonstrates the role of non-observable indicators (i.e., land tenure), to assist slum detection, particularly in areas where uncertainties exist. In conclusion, uncertainties are increasing when aiming to achieve a higher classification accuracy by matching manual delineation and OBIA classification.