bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Distance and Entry Modes in Emerging Markets: Empirical Evidence in Vietnam
Authors: Ha Nguyen Minh , Binh Quan Minh Quoc , Dang Pham Phi
Published: January 2020

Cultural distance is acknowledged as a crucial factor that significantly affects the entry mode selection of multinational enterprises. The purpose of this article is to analyze the relationship between cultural distance and entry mode choice by exploring a novel dataset of 5236 firms in Vietnam with foreign investment during the period 2005–2016. Although many studies were conducted about the cultural distance and entry mode nexus, most of the research mainly focuses on developed and developing countries, where a market economy is already established. It is important to expand the research to a transition economy such as Vietnam, where the government is committed to attracting foreign investment. The results indicate that, when the cultural difference between Vietnam and their home country is high, foreign-invested firms prefer wholly-owned subsidiaries (WOS) over equity joint ventures (EJV). The study contributes to the general understanding about cultural distance and entry mode decision of foreign-invested firms in emerging markets.
Close-to-Application Test Methodology Validated by a Baseline Study for Novel Bearing Developments in Aircraft Turbines
Authors: Renhart Philipp , Summer Florian , Grün Florian , Eder Andreas
Published: January 2020

The main objective of the present paper is the validation of new methods concerning experimental investigations of journal bearings under ordinary and extraordinary operational conditions. Derived results should facilitate the determination of damage mechanisms and a qualitative ranking for a prospective coating development. Prior investigated scenarios like start/stop and emergency running behavior were extended by starved and unlubricated experiments for an aircraft application. Focusing on thermal stability and reproducibility, two new subscale test strategies were developed derived from generalized operational conditions of journal bearings. For an improved ex-situ wear measurement of bearing shells, a new device was developed successfully. The results showed that the newly designed test methodologies are suitable to investigate unlubricated coatings leading to conclusive and repetitive results.
Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed ABS as a Function of Raster Angle
Authors: Galeja Mateusz , Hejna Aleksander , Kosmela Paulina , Kulawik Arkadiusz
Published: January 2020

Due to the rapid growth of 3D printing popularity, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), as one of the most common technologies, the proper understanding of the process and influence of its parameters on resulting products is crucial for its development. One of the most crucial parameters of FDM printing is the raster angle and mutual arrangement of the following filament layers. Presented research work aims to evaluate different raster angles (45°, 55°, 55’°, 60° and 90°) on the static, as well as rarely investigated, dynamic mechanical properties of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials. Configuration named 55’° was based on the optimal winding angle in filament-wound pipes, which provides them exceptional mechanical performance and durability. Also in the case of 3D printed samples, it resulted in the best impact strength, comparing to other raster angles, despite relatively weaker tensile performance. Interestingly, all 3D printed samples showed surprisingly high values of impact strength considering their calculated brittleness, which provides new insights into understanding the mechanical performance of 3D printed structures. Simultaneously, it proves that, despite extensive research works related to FDM technology, there is still a lot of investigation required for a proper understanding of this process.
Research on the Bond Behavior of Preplaced Aggregate Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Columns
Authors: Lv Jing , Zhou Tianhua , Du Qiang , Li Kunlun , Jin Liangwei
Published: January 2020

In order to investigate the bond behavior of preplaced aggregate concrete-filled steel tube (CFT-PAC) columns and the difference of bond behavior between CFT-PAC columns and normal concrete-filled steel tube (CFT-NC) columns, a total of 11 columns were prepared and the push-out tests were conducted. The experimental parameters included the type of concrete (preplaced aggregate concrete and normal concrete), concrete strength (C40, C50 and C60), cross-section dimension (D = 219 mm, 299 mm and 351 mm) and the thickness of steel tube (t = 6 mm and 8 mm). The results indicated that the CTF-PAC columns had a similar load-slip curves with CFT-NC columns. The bond stresses of the CFT-PAC columns were higher than that of the PAC-NC columns at the same concrete strength. Increasing compressive strength of PAC increased the critical bond strength and bond strength of CFT-PAC columns. With an increase of the L/D ratio, both of the slip corresponding to peak load and bond strength of CFT-PAC columns exhibited an increasing trend. A rise in the D/t ratio led to a decrease in the bond stress of CFT-PAC columns and an increase in slip corresponding to the peak load of CFT-PAC columns. The proposed bond stress–slip relationship model considerably matched the bond stress–slip relationship of CFT-PAC columns.
Lithography-Free Route to Hierarchical Structuring of High-χ Block Copolymers on a Gradient Patterned Surface
Authors: Cho Ha , Choe Ayoung , Park Woon , Ko Hyunhyub , Byun Myunghwan
Published: January 2020

A chemically defined patterned surface was created via a combined process of controlled evaporative self-assembly of concentric polymer stripes and the selective surface modification of polymer brush. The former process involved physical adsorption of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) segments into silicon oxide surface, thus forming ultrathin PMMA stripes, whereas the latter process was based on the brush treatment of silicon native oxide surface using a hydroxyl-terminated polystyrene (PS-OH). The resulting alternating PMMA- and PS-rich stripes provided energetically favorable regions for self-assembly of high χ polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) in a simple and facile manner, dispensing the need for conventional lithography techniques. Subsequently, deep reactive ion etching and oxygen plasma treatment enabled the transition of the PDMS blocks into oxidized groove-shaped nanostructures.
Investigation of the Effects of Magnesium-Sulfate as Slag Activator
Authors: Kang Choonghyun , Kim Taewan
Published: January 2020

This study is about the mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste using magnesium sulfate (MS) as an activator. MS is 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% contents of binder weight and water-binder ratio is 0.35. Compressive strength, X-ray diffraction, mercury-intrusion porosimetry, and thermal analysis were performed for analysis. The MS contents at which the maximum compressive strength appeared varied according to the measurement age. Hydration products affecting compressive strength and pore structure were ettringite and gypsum. As a result, the changes of ettringite and gypsum depending on the contents of MS have a great influence on the pore structure, which causes the change of compressive strength. The high MS contents increases the amount of gypsum in the hydration products, and the excess gypsum causes high expansion, which increases the diameter and amount of pores, thereby reducing the compressive strength.
Influence of the Titanium Implant Surface Treatment on the Surface Roughness and Chemical Composition
Authors: Nicolas-Silvente Ana Isabel , Velasco-Ortega Eugenio , Ortiz-Garcia Ivan , Monsalve-Guil Loreto , Gil Javier , Jimenez-Guerra Alvaro
Published: January 2020

The implant surface features affect the osseointegration process. Different surface treatment methods have been applied to improve the surface topography and properties. Trace of different elements may appear on the implant surface, which can modify surface properties and may affect the body’s response. The aim was to evaluate the roughness based on the surface treatment received and the amount and type of trace elements found. Ninety implants (nine different surface treatment) were evaluated. Roughness parameters were measured using white-light-interferometry (WLI). The arithmetical mean for Ra, Rq, Rt, and Rz of each implant system was calculated, and Fisher’s exact test was applied, obtaining Ra values between 0.79 and 2.89 µm. Surface chemical composition was evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at two times: as received by the manufacturer (AR) and after sputter-cleaning (SC). Traces of several elements were found in all groups, decreasing in favor of the Ti concentration after the sputter-cleaning. Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that the surface treatment influences the roughness and the average percentage of the trace elements on the implant surface. The cleaning process at the implant surface should be improved by the manufacturer before assembling the implant.
Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films for Thermal Packaging Applications
Authors: Yuan Guang-jie , Xie Jie-Fei , Li Hao-Hao , Shan Bo , Zhang Xiao-Xin , Liu Johan , Li Long , Tian Ying-Zhong
Published: January 2020

Thermally reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (rGO/CNT) composite films were successfully prepared by a high-temperature annealing process. Their microstructure, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties were systematically studied at different annealing temperatures. As the annealing temperature increased, more oxygen-containing functional groups were removed from the composite film, and the percentage of graphene continuously increased. When the annealing temperature increased from 1100 to 1400 °C, the thermal conductivity of the composite film also continuously increased from 673.9 to 1052.1 W m−1 K−1. Additionally, the Young’s modulus was reduced by 63.6%, and the tensile strength was increased by 81.7%. In addition, the introduction of carbon nanotubes provided through-plane thermal conduction pathways for the composite films, which was beneficial for the improvement of their through-plane thermal conductivity. Furthermore, CNTs apparently improved the mechanical properties of rGO/CNT composite films. Compared with the rGO film, 1 wt% CNTs reduced the Young’s modulus by 93.3% and increased the tensile strength of the rGO/CNT composite film by 60.3%, which could greatly improve its flexibility. Therefore, the rGO/CNT composite films show great potential for application as thermal interface materials (TIMs) due to their high in-plane thermal conductivity and good mechanical properties.
A Study of Films Incorporating Magnetite Nanoparticles as Susceptors for Induction Welding of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic
Authors: Baek Inseok , Lee Seoksoon
Published: January 2020

Induction welding is a fast, clean, noncontact process that often uses a metal-mesh susceptor to facilitate localized controlled heating; however, the metal mesh presents various problems. In this study, the induction heating behavior of a 450 μ m thick thin-film susceptor, fabricated by mixing magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles (NPs) and PA6/carbon fiber (CF) (30%) thermoplastic resin, was examined with respect to the weight ratio of Fe 3 O 4 (50, 67, 75, and 80 wt%). The useful induction heating behavior of the 75 wt% Fe 3 O 4 susceptor suggested its suitability for additional heat treatment experiments, carried out at 3.4 kW at a frequency of 100 kHz. This susceptor attained the same maximum temperature during 10 cycles of repeated induction heating and cooling. It was then used to weld two thermoplastic composites, with 60 s of induction heating followed by 120 s of simultaneous cooling and pressing. The resulting welded joints had lap shear strength values of 36.8, 34.0, and 36.4 MPa under tensile test loads of 884, 817, and 874 N, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed a uniform weld quality. Thus, the proposed manufacturing method, involving the incorporation of Fe 3 O 4 NPs into thermoplastic resin, should help expand the range of applications for thermoplastic composites.
Universal Tool for Single-Photon Circuits: Quantum Router Design
Authors: Sultanov Aydar , Greenberg Yakov , Mutsenik Evgeniya , Pitsun Dmitry , Il’ichev Evgeni
Published: January 2020

We demonstrate that the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian approach can be used as a universal tool to design and describe a performance of single photon quantum electrodynamical circuits (cQED). As an example of the validity of this method, we calculate a novel six port quantum router, constructed from four qubits and three open waveguides. We have obtained analytical expressions, which describe the transmission and reflection coefficients of a single photon in general form taking into account the spread qubit’s parameters. We show that, due to naturally derived interferences, in situ tuning the probability of photon detection in desired ports.
Relationship between the Behavior of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Bubble Nucleation in Vanadium
Authors: Su Zhengxiong , Wang Sheng , Lu Chenyang , Peng Qing
Published: January 2020

Hydrogen plays a significant role in the microstructure evolution and macroscopic deformation of materials, causing swelling and surface blistering to reduce service life. In the present work, the atomistic mechanisms of hydrogen bubble nucleation in vanadium were studied by first-principles calculations. The interstitial hydrogen atoms cannot form significant bound states with other hydrogen atoms in bulk vanadium, which explains the absence of hydrogen self-clustering from the experiments. To find the possible origin of hydrogen bubble in vanadium, we explored the minimum sizes of a vacancy cluster in vanadium for the formation of hydrogen molecule. We show that a freestanding hydrogen molecule can form and remain relatively stable in the center of a 54-hydrogen atom saturated 27-vacancy cluster.
Effect of Sand Size on Mechanical Performance of Cement-Based Composite Containing PVA Fibers and Nano-SiO2
Authors: Ling Yi-Feng , Zhang Peng , Wang Juan , Shi Yan
Published: January 2020

Both finer sand and nanoparticles have a filler effect on mechanical performance of cement-based composite. In this paper, the influence of sand size in mechanical performance of cement-based composites, containing polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) and nano-SiO2 (NS), was investigated. The studied mechanical performance, included compressive, flexural, tensile strength, and fracture toughness. A 0.9% volumetric percentage of PVA and a 2% NS mass content were used to make cement-based composites with a 0.38 w/b. Silica sand with four sand size ranges (380–830 μm, 212–380 μm, 120–212 μm and 75–120 μm) was adopted as fine aggregate. The 28-day curing was conducted for all specimens under 20 °C and 95% humidity. It is concluded that the finer sand decreased workability and mechanical strength of PVA-reinforced composites containing NS. However, this reduction was very limited for the sand particles less than 380 µm. The ultimate tensile stain, fracture toughness, and energy were decreased as sand size declined. In addition, the fracture performance of the composites was greatly dependent on fracture energy.
A Novel Cellulose-Based Polymer for Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue
Authors: Gago Diana , Chagas Ricardo , Ferreira Luísa M. , Velizarov Svetlozar , Coelhoso Isabel
Published: January 2020

A novel cellulose-based cross-linked polymer, dicarboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC), has been synthesized and used for methylene blue (MB) removal. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen porosimetry, and optical microscopy were employed to characterize the structure of the cellulose-based adsorbent. The number of carboxylate groups per gram of polymer (CG) was calculated with sodium content determined by ICP-AES. Systematic equilibrium and kinetic adsorption studies were performed to assess the polymer suitability for dye removal. The effect of pH on its adsorption capacity was also studied and the equilibrium adsorption data was analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips isotherms. At pH = 3, the adsorption isotherms followed the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 887.6 mg/g. At pH = 6.4, the adsorption isotherms produced S-shape curves and were best fitted with the Sips model. The maximum MB uptake increased to 1354.6 mg/g. Pseudo first-order and second-order models were used to fit the kinetic data. A pseudo second-order kinetic model provided the best correlation for the adsorption of MB onto DCMC. Adsorption coupled with membrane filtration achieved 95% methylene blue removal and DCMC can be successfully regenerated and reused in consecutive experiments.
Explosive Welding of Thin Aluminum Plate onto Magnesium Alloy Plate Using a Gelatin Layer as a Pressure-Transmitting Medium
Authors: Inao Daisuke , Mori Akihisa , Tanaka Shigeru , Hokamoto Kazuyuki
Published: January 2020

Mg alloys are extensively used in various automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. Their limited corrosion resistance can be enhanced by welding a thin Al plate onto the alloy surface. In this study, we perform the explosive welding of a thin Al plate, accelerated by the detonation of an explosive through a gelatin layer as a pressure-transmitting medium, onto two Mg alloy samples: Mg96Zn2Y2 alloy containing a long-period stacking ordered phase in an α-Mg matrix and commercial AZ31. The bonding interface is characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron probe microanalysis. Under moderate experimental conditions, the thin Al plates are successfully welded onto the Mg alloys, showing typical wavy interfaces without intermediate layers. Due to the decreased energetic condition corresponding to the use of a thin flyer plate and gelatin medium, the resulting bonding quality is better than that obtained using a regular explosive welding technique. Further, based on the well-known window for explosive welding, we estimate that the experimental conditions for successful bonding are close to the lower welding limit for a thin Al plate with the two Mg alloys considered. These findings may contribute to improving the quality of materials welded with explosive welding.
Correction: Ono, S., et al. A Heterothermic Kinetic Model of Hydrogen Absorption in Metals with Subsurface Transport. Metals, 2019, 9(10), 1131
Authors: Ono Shunsuke , Uchikoshi Takeru , Hayashi Yusuke , Kitagawa Yuta , Yeh George , Yamaguchi Eiichi , Tanabe Katsuaki
Published: January 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Al–Fe–Si–La Alloys for Current Collectors of Positive Electrodes in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Xin , Ding Dongyan , Xu Yawu , Zhang Wenlong , Gao Yongjin , Wu Zhanlin , Chen Guozhen , Chen Renzong , Huang Yuanwei , Tang Jinsong
Published: January 2020

Al–xFe–Si–La alloys (x = 0.07, 0.2, 0.4 wt. %) were designed as current collectors of positive electrodes in lithium ion batteries, and the microstructure, tensile strength, electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance of the alloys were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), a tensile test, an electrical conductivity test, and an electrochemical test. It was found that the amount of Fe content greatly affected the quantity of the second phases in the alloys. The higher the Fe content was, the more the second phases were. With increase of the Fe content, the tensile strength and corrosion resistance of the Al–xFe–Si–La alloys were improved, and the electrical conductivity of the Al–xFe–Si–La alloys could meet the application requirements. Compared to the Al–0.07Fe–0.1Si–0.07La alloy, the strength of the Al–0.4Fe–0.1Si–0.07La alloy was greatly enhanced. The Al–0.4Fe–0.1Si–0.07La alloy also had a higher corrosion potential than that of the Al–0.07Fe–0.1Si–0.07La alloy.
Biotransformation of Silymarin Flavonolignans by Human Fecal Microbiota
Authors: Valentová Kateřina , Havlík Jaroslav , Kosina Pavel , Papoušková Barbora , Jaimes José Diógenes , Káňová Kristýna , Petrásková Lucie , Ulrichová Jitka , Křen Vladimír
Published: January 2020

Flavonolignans occur typically in Silybum marianum (milk thistle) fruit extract, silymarin, which contains silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, silydianin, and their 2,3-dehydroderivatives, together with other minor flavonoids and a polymeric phenolic fraction. Biotransformation of individual silymarin components by human microbiota was studied ex vivo, using batch incubations inoculated by fecal slurry. Samples at selected time points were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry. The initial experiment using a concentration of 200 mg/L showed that flavonolignans are resistant to the metabolic action of intestinal microbiota. At the lower concentration of 10 mg/L, biotransformation of flavonolignans was much slower than that of taxifolin, which was completely degraded after 16 h. While silybin, isosilybin, and 2,3-dehydrosilybin underwent mostly demethylation, silychristin was predominantly reduced. Silydianin, 2,3-dehydrosilychristin and 2,3-dehydrosilydianin were reduced, as well, and decarbonylation and cysteine conjugation proceeded. No low-molecular-weight phenolic metabolites were detected for any of the compounds tested. Strong inter-individual differences in the biotransformation profile were observed among the four fecal-material donors. In conclusion, the flavonolignans, especially at higher (pharmacological) doses, are relatively resistant to biotransformation by gut microbiota, which, however, depends strongly on the individual structures of these isomeric compounds, but also on the stool donor.
Collaboration and Task Planning of Turtle-Inspired Multiple Amphibious Spherical Robots
Authors: Zheng Liang , Guo Shuxiang , Piao Yan , Gu Shuoxin , An Ruochen
Published: January 2020

Amphibious Spherical Robots (ASRs) use an electric field to communicate and collaborate effectively in a turbid water of confined spaces where other mode communication modalities failed. This paper proposes an embedded architecture formation strategy for a group of turtle-inspired amphibious robots to maintain a long distance-parameterized path based on dynamic visual servoing. Inspired by this biological phenomenon, we design an artificial multi-robot cooperative mode and explore an electronic communication and collaborate devices, the control method is based in particular on underwater environment and also conduct a detailed analysis of control motion module. The objectives of control strategies are divided into four categories: The first strategy is that the leader robot controls the action of the overall robots to maintain collaborate together during motion along a desired geometric path and to follow a timing law that the communication efficiency and the arrival times to assigned sites. Furthermore, we design an adaptive visual servoing controller for trajectory tracking task, taking into account system dynamics with environment interactions. After that, the third strategy is a centralized optimization algorithm for the redistribution of target mission changes. Finally, this paper also proposes a new method of control strategies in order to guarantee that each robot in the team moves together according to the preset target toward its location in the group formation based on communication and stability modules.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Emerging Memory and Computing Devices in the Era of Intelligent Machines
Authors: Amiri Pedram Khalili
Published: January 2020

Computing systems are undergoing a transformation from logic-centric toward memory-centric architectures, where overall performance and energy efficiency at the system level are determined by the density, bandwidth, latency, and energy efficiency of the memory, rather than the logic sub-system [...]
Application of a Terahertz System Combined with an X-Shaped Metamaterial Microfluidic Cartridge
Authors: Huang Shih-Ting , Hsu Shen-Fu , Tang Kai-Yuan , Yen Ta-Jen , Yao Da-Jeng
Published: January 2020

Terahertz (THz) radiation has attracted wide attention for its ability to sense molecular structure and chemical matter because of a label-free molecular fingerprint and nondestructive properties. When it comes to molecular recognition with terahertz radiation, our attention goes first towards the absorption spectrum, which is beyond the far infrared region. To enhance the sensitivity for similar species, however, it is necessary to apply an artificially designed metamaterial sensor for detection, which confines an electromagnetic field in an extremely sub-wavelength space and hence receives an electromagnetic response through resonance. Once the resonance is caused through the interaction between the THz radiation and the metamaterial, a minute variation might be observed in the frequency domain. For a geometric structure of a metamaterial, a novel design called an X-shaped plasmonic sensor (XPS) can create a quadrupole resonance and lead to sensitivity greater than in the dipole mode. A microfluidic system is able to consume reagents in small volumes for detection, to diminish noise from the environment, and to concentrate the sample into detection spots. A microfluidic device integrated with an X-shaped plasmonic sensor might thus achieve an effective and highly sensitive detection cartridge. Our tests involved not only measurements of liquid samples, but also the performance of a dry bio-sample coated on an XPS.
Transient Simulation for the Thermal Design Optimization of Pulse Operated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Guo Huaixin , Chen Tangsheng , Shi Shang
Published: January 2020

The thermal management and channel temperature evaluation of GaN power amplifiers are indispensable issues in engineering field. The transient thermal characteristics of pulse operated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMT) used in high power amplifiers are systematically investigated by using three-dimensional simulation with the finite element method. To improve the calculation accuracy, the nonlinear thermal conductivities and near-junction region of GaN chip are considered and treated appropriately in our numerical analysis. The periodic transient pulses temperature and temperature distribution are analyzed to estimate thermal response when GaN amplifiers are operating in pulsed mode with kilowatt-level power, and the relationships between channel temperatures and pulse width, gate structures, and power density of GaN device are analyzed. Results indicate that the maximal channel temperature and thermal impedance of device are considerably influenced by pulse width and power density effects, but the changes of gate fingers and gate width have no effect on channel temperature when the total gate width and active area are kept constant. Finally, the transient thermal response of GaN amplifier is measured using IR thermal photogrammetry, and the correctness and validation of the simulation model is verified. The study of transient simulation is demonstrated necessary for optimal designs of pulse-operated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.
Characterization of the Gut Microbiota of Individuals at Different T2D Stages Reveals a Complex Relationship with the Host
Authors: Chávez-Carbajal Alejandra , Pizano-Zárate María Luisa , Hernández-Quiroz Fernando , Ortiz-Luna Guillermo Federico , Morales-Hernández Rosa María , De Sales-Millán Amapola , Hernández-Trejo María , García-Vite Angelina , Beltrán-Lagunes Luis , Hoyo-Vadillo Carlos , García-Mena Jaime
Published: January 2020

In this work, we studied 217 Mexican subjects divided into six groups with different stages of glucose intolerance: 76 Controls (CO), 54 prediabetes (PRE), 14 T2D no medication (T2D−No−M), 14 T2D with Metformin (T2D−M), 22 T2D with polypharmacy (T2D−P), and 37 T2D with polypharmacy and insulin (T2D−P+I). We aimed to determine differences in the gut microbiota diversity for each condition. At the phylum level, we found that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes outline major changes in the gut microbiota. The gut bacterial richness and diversity of individuals in the T2D−No−M group were lesser than other groups. Interestingly, we found a significant difference in the beta diversity of the gut microbiota among all groups. Higher abundance was found for Comamonadaceae in PRE, and Sutterella spp. in T2D−No−M. In addition, we found associations of specific microbial taxa with clinical parameters. Finally, we report predicted metabolic pathways of gut microbiota linked to T2D−M and PRE conditions. Collectively, these results indicate that each group has specific predicted metabolic characteristics and gut bacteria populations for each phenotype. The results of this study could be used to define strategies to modulate gut microbiota through noninvasive treatments, such as dietary intervention, probiotics or prebiotics, and to improve glucose tolerance of individuals with prediabetes or T2D.
Differential Genotyping of Mycobacterium avium Complex and Its Implications in Clinical and Environmental Epidemiology
Authors: Shin Jeong-Ih , Shin Sung Jae , Shin Min-Kyoung
Published: January 2020

In recent decades, the incidence and prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have greatly increased, becoming a major worldwide public health problem. Among numerous NTM species, the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most predominant species, causing disease in humans. MAC is recognized as a ubiquitous microorganism, with contaminated water and soil being established sources of infection. However, the reason for the recent increase in MAC-associated disease has not yet been fully elucidated. Furthermore, human MAC infections are associated with a variety of infection sources. To improve the determination of infection sources and epidemiology of MAC, feasible and reliable genotyping methods are required to allow for the characterization of the epidemiology and biology of MAC. In this review, we discuss genotyping methods, such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, a variable number of tandem repeats, mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit-variable number of tandem repeats, and repetitive element sequence-based PCR that have been applied to elucidate the association between the MAC genotypes and epidemiological dominance, clinical phenotypes, evolutionary process, and control measures of infection. Characterizing the association between infection sources and the epidemiology of MAC will allow for the development of novel preventive strategies for the effective control of MAC infection.
An Automated Method to Generate and Evaluate Geochemical Tectonic Discrimination Diagrams Based on Topological Theory
Authors: Han Shuai , Li Mingchao , Zhang Qi , Song Lingguang
Published: January 2020

Discrimination diagrams can be used to distinguish different tectonic settings of igneous rocks. To improve the quality and efficiency of the design of discrimination diagrams, an automatic design and assessment method for discrimination diagrams is proposed based on topology theory. The method is aimed at programming the traditional process of discrimination diagram design, enabling computers to simulate the visual discrimination process. It thus automatically designs tectonic setting discrimination diagrams by investigating all possible combinations of geochemical elements. In the experiment, analyses of 3803 gabbro samples were collected from three tectonic settings, including island arc, ocean island, and mid-oceanic ridge. Using the proposed method, we found thousands of discrimination diagrams with fields overlapping less than 10%. By analyzing these diagrams, the most critical elements (or element ratio pairs) are identified. Based on the result, the feasibility of using gabbroic rocks to discriminate between tectonic settings is illustrated and four representative discrimination diagrams, including the La/Y–Nb/Ba diagram, Nb/Sc–Sc/Ba diagram, Ba/Nb–Ba/Sc diagram, and La/Na2O–Nb/Ba diagram, are recommended for use. This research supports the view that gabbroic rocks can also be used to discriminate between different tectonic settings. The method could also be applied to other rock types.
Determination of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride Using a Lactone-Rhodamine B-Based Fluorescence Optode
Authors: Funaki Akane , Horikoshi Yuta , Kobayashi Teruyuki , Masadome Takashi
Published: January 2020

A new determination method for polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB) using a lactone-rhodamine B (L-RB) based fluorescence optode has been developed. The optode membrane consists of 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether as a plasticizer, L-RB, and poly (vinyl chloride). The optode responds to tetrakis (4-fluorophenyl) borate, sodium salt (NaTPBF) in the μM range. The fluorescence intensity of the L-RB film for PHMB solution containing 20 μM NaTPBF decreased linearly as the concentration of the PHMB solution increased in the concentration range from 0 to 8.0 μM, which shows that PHMB with a concentration range of 0 to 8.0 μM is determined by the L-RB film optode. The concentration of PHMB in the contact lens detergents by the proposed method was in accord with its nominal concentration.
A Non-Vector Approach to Increase Lipid Levels in the Microalga Planktochlorella nurekis
Authors: Szpyrka Ewa , Broda Daniel , Oklejewicz Bernadetta , Podbielska Magdalena , Slowik-Borowiec Magdalena , Jagusztyn Bartosz , Chrzanowski Grzegorz , Kus-Liskiewicz Malgorzata , Duda Magdalena , Zuczek Janusz , Wnuk Maciej , Lewinska Anna
Published: January 2020

Microalgae are freshwater and marine unicellular photosynthetic organisms that utilize sunlight to produce biomass. Due to fast microalgal growth rate and their unique biochemical profiles and potential applications in food and renewable energy industries, the interest in microalgal research is rapidly increasing. Biochemical and genetic engineering have been considered to improve microalgal biomass production but these manipulations also limited microalgal growth. The aim of the study was the biochemical characterization of recently identified microalgal strain Planktochlorella nurekis with elevated cell size and DNA levels compared to wild type strain that was achieved by a safe non-vector approach, namely co-treatment with colchicine and cytochalasin B (CC). A slight increase in growth rate was observed in twelve clones of CC-treated cells. For biochemical profiling, several parameters were considered, namely the content of proteins, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids, β-glucans, chlorophylls, carotenoids, B vitamins and ash. CC-treated cells were characterized by elevated levels of lipids compared to unmodified cells. Moreover, the ratio of carotenoids to chlorophyll a and total antioxidant capacity were slightly increased in CC-treated cells. We suggest that Planktochlorella nurekis with modified DNA levels and improved lipid content can be considered to be used as a dietary supplement and biofuel feedstock.
The Underlying Mechanisms of Curcumin Inhibition of Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet Combined With STZ Treatment
Authors: Xia Zhen-Hong , Chen Wen-Bo , Shi Li , Jiang Xue , Li Ke , Wang Yu-Xiang , Liu Yan-Qiang
Published: January 2020

Curcumin is the main secondary metabolite of Curcuma longa and other Curcuma spp, and has been reported to have some potential in preventing and treating some physiological disorders. This study investigated the effect of curcumin in inhibiting high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in rats. Twenty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (170–190 g) were randomly divided into a standard food pellet diet group (Control group), a high-fat diet and streptozotocin group (HF + STZ group), and a high-fat diet combined with curcumin and STZ group (HF + Cur + STZ group). Compared with the HF + STZ group, the HF + Cur + STZ group exhibited significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (AST), and aspartate transaminase (ALT) levels, as well as liver coefficients. In the livers of these rats, the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Bax was downregulated, whereas that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Bcl-2 was upregulated. Moreover, the liver histology of these rats was improved and resembled that of the control rats. These results suggest that curcumin prevents high-fat diet and STZ-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, mainly via anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms in the liver.
Influence of Water Absorption on the Low Velocity Falling Weight Impact Damage Behaviour of Flax/Glass Reinforced Vinyl Ester Hybrid Composites
Authors: Paturel Angeline , Dhakal Hom Nath
Published: January 2020

Due to rigorous new environmental legislations, automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction sectors have redirected their focus into using more recyclable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly lightweight materials driven by strengthening resource efficiency drive. In this study, the influence of moisture absorption on flax and flax/glass hybrid laminates is presented with the aim to investigating their low velocity impact behaviour. Three different types of composite laminates namely, flax fibre reinforced vinyl ester, flax fibre hybridised glass fibre and glass fibre reinforced vinyl ester composites were fabricated using resin infusion technique. The moisture immersion tests were undertaken by immersing the different specimens in sea water bath at room temperature and 70 °C at different time durations. The low velocity falling weight impact testing was performed at 25 Joules of incident energy level and impact damage behaviour was evaluated at both ageing conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro CT). The percentage of moisture uptake was decreased for flax vinyl ester specimens with glass fibre hybridisation. The maximum percentage of weight gain for flax fibre, flax/glass hybrid and glass fibre reinforced composites immersed at room temperature for 696 h is recorded at 3.97%, 1.93%, and 0.431%, respectively. The hybrid composite exhibited higher load and energy when compared flax/vinyl ester composite without hybridisation, indicating the hybrid system as a valid strategy towards achieving improved structural performance of natural fibre composites. The moisture absorption behaviour of these composites at room was observed to follow Fickian behaviour.
Effect of Ultrafiltration of Pitaya Extract (Stenocereus thurberi) on Its Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and UPLC-DAD-MS Profile
Authors: Castro-Enríquez Daniela D. , Montaño-Leyva Beatriz , Del Toro-Sánchez Carmen L. , Juárez-Onofre Josué E. , Carvajal-Millán Elizabeth , López-Ahumada Guadalupe A. , Barreras-Urbina Carlos G. , Tapia-Hernández José A. , Rodríguez-Félix Francisco
Published: January 2020

Stenocereus thurberi is an endemic species in northwestern Mexico. It produces colorful fruits called pitayas that have an edible pulp. They have phytochemical compounds associated with biological activities. Ultrafiltration is a widely used method for the clarification of fruit juices and the recovery of phytochemicals. However, its effect has not been extensively studied in extracts. Therefore, the objective of this work is to study the effect of the ultrafiltration of pitaya extract (Stenocereus thurberi) on its phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and identification of phenolic compounds by UPLC-DAD-MS, providing greater knowledge about the pitaya. In this study, two extracts were analyzed, the unclarified extract (UE) and the clarified extract (CE). The antioxidant capacity was higher in the CE with 15.93 ± 0.42 mM TE/g, DPPH and 18.37 ± 0.016 mM TE/g, ABTS. The UPLC-MS analysis indicated the decrease in phenolic compounds in the CE and the presence of gallic acid and resorcinol, compounds that had not been identified in other species of Stenocereus spp. The correlation analysis indicated that all the phytochemicals present in the pitaya contribute significantly to the antioxidant capacity. The ultrafiltration process could be a viable option to improve the biological activity of the natural extracts.
Recent Advances in Organic Piezoelectric Biomaterials for Energy and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Shin Dong-Myeong , Hong Suck Won , Hwang Yoon-Hwae
Published: January 2020

The past decade has witnessed significant advances in medically implantable and wearable devices technologies as a promising personal healthcare platform. Organic piezoelectric biomaterials have attracted widespread attention as the functional materials in the biomedical devices due to their advantages of excellent biocompatibility and environmental friendliness. Biomedical devices featuring the biocompatible piezoelectric materials involve energy harvesting devices, sensors, and scaffolds for cell and tissue engineering. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the principles, properties, and applications of organic piezoelectric biomaterials. How to tackle issues relating to the better integration of the organic piezoelectric biomaterials into the biomedical devices is discussed. Further developments in biocompatible piezoelectric materials can spark a new age in the field of biomedical technologies.
Sensitive Voltammetric Sensor for Tryptophan Detection by Using Polyvinylpyrrolidone Functionalized Graphene/GCE
Authors: He Quanguo , Liu Jun , Feng Jinxia , Wu Yiyong , Tian Yaling , Li Guangli , Chen Dongchu
Published: January 2020

In this paper, an electrochemical method for the measurement of tryptophan (Trp) was developed based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with polyvinylpyrrolidonefunctionalized graphene (PVP-GR)/glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH = 2.2), compared with bare GCE, PVP/GCE, and GR/GCE, the oxidation peak current of Trp increased dramatically at PVP-GR/GCE. The oxidation mechanism of Trp on the PVP-GR/GCE was discussed and the experimental conditions were optimized. Under the best experimental conditions, the oxidation peak current of Trp was proportional to its concentration in the range of 0.06 µM–10.0 µM and 10.0–100.0 µM, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01 µM (S/N = 3). The target modified electrode with excellent repeatability, stability and selectivity, was successfully applied to detectTrp in drugs and biological samples.
Anomalous Thermal Response of Graphene Kirigami Induced by Tailored Shape to Uniaxial Tensile Strain: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Li Hui , Cheng Gao , Liu Yongjian , Zhong Dan
Published: January 2020

The mechanical and thermal properties of graphene kirigami are strongly dependent on the tailoring structures. Here, thermal conductivity of three typical graphene kirigami structures, including square kirigami graphene, reentrant hexagonal honeycomb structure, and quadrilateral star structure under uniaxial strain are explored using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the structural deformation of graphene kirigami is sensitive to its tailoring geometry. It influences thermal conductivity of graphene by changing heat flux scattering, heat path, and cross-section area. It is found that the factor of cross-section area can lead to four times difference of thermal conductivity in the large deformation system. Our results are elucidated based on analysis of micro-heat flux, geometry deformation, and atomic lattice deformation. These insights enable us to design of more efficient thermal management devices with elaborated graphene kirigami materials.
Influence of Dopant Nature on Biological Properties of ZnO Thin-Film Coatings on Ti Alloy Substrate
Authors: Stoleriu Stefania , Lungu Codruta , Ghitulica Cristina Daniela , Surdu Adrian , Voicu Georgeta , Cucuruz Andreia , Turculet Claudiu Stefan , Ciocan Lucian Toma
Published: January 2020

In this paper, ZnO and Co2+/Mg2+-doped ZnO thin films on TiAlV alloy substrates were obtained. The films were deposited by spin coating of sol-gel precursor solutions and thermally treated at 600 °C for 2 h, in air and slow cooled. The doping ions concentration was 1.0 mol%. The study’s aim was to obtain implantable metallic materials with improved biocompatibility and antibacterial qualities. The characteristics of the thin films were assessed from the point of view of microstructure, morphology, wetting properties, antibacterial activity and biological response in the presence of amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC). The results proved that all deposited samples were nanostructured, suggesting a very good antibacterial effect and proving to be suitable supports for cellular adhesion and proliferation. All properties also depended on the doping ion nature.
Maternal Exposure to High-Fat Diet Induces Long-Term Derepressive Chromatin Marks in the Heart
Authors: Blin Guillaume , Liand Marjorie , Mauduit Claire , Chehade Hassib , Benahmed Mohamed , Simeoni Umberto , Siddeek Benazir
Published: January 2020

Heart diseases are a leading cause of death. While the link between early exposure to nutritional excess and heart disease risk is clear, the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. In the developmental programming field, increasing evidence is pointing out the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms. Among them, polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and DNA methylation play a critical role in heart development and pathogenesis. In this context, we aimed at evaluating the role of these epigenetic marks in the long-term cardiac alterations induced by early dietary challenge. Using a model of rats exposed to maternal high-fat diet during gestation and lactation, we evaluated cardiac alterations at adulthood. Expression levels of PRC2 components, its histone marks di- and trimethylated histone H3 (H3K27me2/3), associated histone mark (ubiquitinated histone H2A, H2AK119ub1) and target genes were measured by Western blot. Global DNA methylation level and DNA methyl transferase 3B (DNMT3B) protein levels were measured. Maternal high-fat diet decreased H3K27me3, H2Ak119ub1 and DNA methylation levels, down-regulated the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), and DNMT3B expression. The levels of the target genes, isl lim homeobox 1 (Isl1), six homeobox 1 (Six1) and mads box transcription enhancer factor 2, polypeptide C (Mef2c), involved in cardiac pathogenesis were up regulated. Overall, our data suggest that the programming of cardiac alterations by maternal exposure to high-fat diet involves the derepression of pro-fibrotic and pro-hypertrophic genes through the induction of EZH2 and DNMT3B deficiency.
The Effect of Donor Human Milk Fortification on The Adhesion of Probiotics In Vitro
Authors: Mantziari Anastasia , Tölkkö Satu , Ouwehand Artur C. , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Isolauri Erika , Salminen Seppo , Rautava Samuli
Published: January 2020

Preterm delivery complications are the primary cause of death among children under the age of five. Preventive strategies include the use of pasteurized donor human milk (DHM), its fortification with human milk fortifiers (protein supplements), and supplementation with probiotics. Our aim was to examine the impact of DHM and fortified DHM (FDHM) on the mucus adhesion properties of two widely used probiotics. The study covered two forms of human milk fortifier, liquid and powdered, with or without probiotics and storage at 4 °C for 24 h. To test the adhesion properties of the probiotic strains, DHM+probiotics and FDHM+probiotics were prepared and added to immobilized mucus isolated from the stool of healthy Finnish infants. The probiotic adhesion was then measured by liquid scintillation. Our results suggest that addition of liquid or powdered human milk fortifier in donor human milk had no impact on probiotic adhesion. In addition, given the increased adhesion of probiotics suspended in buffer, other matrices should be further studied. These factors need to be considered when designing future intervention strategies using probiotics in preterm infants.