bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durabilidad de morteros de reparación sustentables expuestos a ambiente industrial
Authors: Mendoza-Rangel J. M. , Flores-Jarquín J. M. , De los Santos E. U. , Garcés Terradillos P.
Published: March 2016

Durabilidad de morteros de reparación sustentables expuestos a ambiente industrialRESUMENLa reparación y mantenimiento de estructuras de concreto se ha incrementado en las actividades de la industria de la construcción. En el presente trabajo, se evalúa la durabilidad de dos morteros elaborados con sustituciones de ceniza volante (CV)   en peso con respecto al cementante total, adicionalmente se compara su desempeño con tres morteros de reparación comerciales, expuestos al ataque de CO2 en ambiente industrial. Para evaluar el desempeño como materiales de reparación se realizaron ensayos de resistencia a la compresión, flexión y adherencia. Se presentan también pruebas de durabilidad como mediciones de potencial, velocidad de corrosión, permeabilidad y profundidad de carbonatación.Palabras clave: Mortero; materiales de reparación; corrosión; carbonatación; durabilidad. Durability of sustainable repair mortars exposed to industrial environmentsABSTRACTThe repair and maintenance of concrete structures has increased in the activities of the construction industry. In this work, the durability of two mortars elaborated with fly ash substitutes (FA) is evaluated by weight with respect to the total cement; furthermore, its performance is compared to three commercial repair mortars, exposed to the CO2 attack in an industrial environment. To evaluate its performance as repair material, tests were carried out to evaluate its resistance to compression, bending, and adherence. Durability tests are also presented as potential measurements, corrosion rate, permeability, and carbonation depth.Keywords: Mortar; repairing materials; corrosion; carbonation; durability. Durabilidade de argamassas de reparo sustentáveis expostas a ambiente industrialRESUMOO reparo e manutenção de estruturas de concreto tem crescido dentre as atividades da indústria da construção. Foi avaliada a durabilidade de duas argamassas obtidas a partir de substituição de cinzas volantes (CV), em massa em relação à quantidade total de produto aglomerante. Foi comparado o desempenho dessa argamassa com o desempenho de três argamassas de reparo comerciais, frente a um ataque de CO2 num ambiente industrial. Para avaliar o desempenho como materiais de reparo foram realizados ensaios de resistência à compressão, flexão e aderência. São apresentadas também provas de durabilidade com medidas de potencial de corrosão, velocidades de corrosão, permeabilidade e profundidade de carbonatação.Palavras-chave: Argamassa; materiais de reparo; corrosão: carbonatação; durabilidade.
Resistencia a la compresión de concretos con escoria de alto horno. Estado del arte re-visitado
Authors: Cabrera-Madrid J. A. , Escalante-García J. I. , Castro-Borges P.
Published: March 2016

Resistencia a la compresión de concretos con escoria de alto horno. Estado del arte re-visitadoRESUMENSe realizó una revisión del estado del arte del sistema cementante CP-EAH, enfatizando su efecto en la resistencia mecánica de compresión del concreto. El aprovechamiento de las características cementantes de la EAH con altos niveles de reemplazo resulta viable, pudiendo mejorar la resistencia a compresión y en algunos casos la resistencia a la corrosión del acero, dicho mejoramiento dependerá de la cantidad de EAH y del ambiente de exposición del concreto. En éste trabajo se confirmaron como benéficos los reemplazos de EAH hasta de un 70% en microclimas húmedos o ambientes marinos, y hasta 50% en ambientes propensos a carbonatación. En estos rangos se puede lograr una eficiencia del reemplazo mayor con respecto a la resistencia a la compresión.Palabras claves: escoria; carbonatación; subproductos industriales; corrosión. Compression resistance of concretes with blast furnace slag. Re-visited state-of-the-artABSTRACTA state-of-the-art revision of the BFS-PC cementing system was done, emphasizing its effect on the mechanical compression resistance of the concrete. The use of the cementing characteristics of the BFS with high levels of replacements is viable, making it possible to improve the compression resistance, and in some cases, the resistance to the corrosion of the steel; said improvement will depend on the amount of BFS and on the exposure environment of the concrete. In this work, the replacements of BFS were confirmed as beneficial, up to 70% in humid microclimates or marine environments, and up to 50% in environments susceptible to carbonation. In these ranges, higher replacement efficiency with regard to resistance to compression can be achieved.Keywords: slag; carbonation; industrial byproduct; and corrosion. Resistência à compressão de concreto com escória de alto forno. Revisão do estado da arteRESUMOFoi realizada uma revisão do estado da arte do sistema aglomerante CP-EAH, enfatizando seu efeito na resistência mecânica de compressão do concreto. O aproveitamento das características aglomerantes da EAH com altos níveis de substituição resultou viável, podendo melhorar a resistência à compressão e em alguns casos a resistência contra a corrosão das armaduras. As melhoras observadas dependeram da quantidade de EAH e do ambiente de exposição do concreto. Foram confirmados como positivos as substituições de até um 70% de EAH, em microclimas húmidos ou ambientes marinhos, e até 50% em ambientes propensos a carbonatação. Nestes intervalos é possível obter uma eficiência maior da substituição com respeito à resistência à compressão.Palavras-chave: escória; carbonatação; subprodutos industriais; corrosão.
Applying Community Organizing Principles to Assess Health Needs in New Haven, Connecticut
Authors: Santilli Alycia , Carroll-Scott Amy , Ickovics Jeannette R.
Published: March 2016

The Affordable Care Act added requirements for nonprofit hospitals to conduct community health needs assessments. Guidelines are minimal; however, they require input and representation from the broader community. This call echoes 2 decades of literature on the importance of including community members in all aspects of research design, a tenet of community organizing.

We describe a community-engaged research approach to a community health needs assessment in New Haven, Connecticut. We demonstrate that a robust community organizing approach provided unique research benefits: access to residents for data collection, reliable data, leverage for community-driven interventions, and modest improvements in behavioral risk.

We make recommendations for future community-engaged efforts and workforce development, which are important for responding to increasing calls for community health needs assessments.
Sexual Identity Disparities in Smoking and Secondhand Smoke Exposure in California: 2003–2013
Authors: Max Wendy B. , Stark Brad , Sung Hai-Yen , Offen Naphtali
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To determine smoking prevalence, smoking behavior, and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)–identified Californians; compare these with that of heterosexuals; and analyze changes over time.

Methods. We analyzed self-reported variables from 111 965 heterosexual, 1667 lesbian, and 1706 bisexual women, and 79 881 heterosexual, 2505 gay, and 911 bisexual men, aged 18 to 70 years, in the 2003–2013 California Health Interview Surveys.

Results. Sexual minority women had higher smoking prevalence, and female bisexual smokers were less likely to be light smokers, than heterosexuals. Smoking prevalence was higher among sexual minority men, and gay smokers were more likely to be daily smokers than were heterosexuals; and male bisexual smokers were more likely to be light smokers than were gay or heterosexual smokers. Sexual minority adults were more likely to have SHS exposure at home than were heterosexuals. Current smoking prevalence decreased annually 4% and 7% for lesbian and bisexual women, and 5% and 6% for gay and bisexual men, respectively. Exposure to SHS fell an average of 11% annually for sexual minority men and women.

Conclusions. Sexual identity disparities in smoking and SHS exposure exist in California, with bisexuals particularly at risk.
Homicides by Police: Comparing Counts From the National Violent Death Reporting System, Vital Statistics, and Supplementary Homicide Reports
Authors: Barber Catherine , Azrael Deborah , Cohen Amy , Miller Matthew , Thymes Deonza , Wang David Enze , Hemenway David
Published: March 2016

Objective. To evaluate the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) as a surveillance system for homicides by law enforcement officers.

Methods. We assessed sensitivity and positive predictive value of the NVDRS “type of death” variable against our study count of homicides by police, which we derived from NVDRS coded and narrative data for states participating in NVDRS 2005 to 2012. We compared state counts of police homicides from NVDRS, Vital Statistics, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Supplementary Homicide Reports.

Results. We identified 1552 police homicides in the 16 states. Positive predictive value and sensitivity of the NVDRS “type of death” variable for police homicides were high (98% and 90%, respectively). Counts from Vital Statistics and Supplementary Homicide Reports were 58% and 48%, respectively, of our study total; gaps varied widely by state. The annual rate of police homicide (0.24/100 000) varied 5-fold by state and 8-fold by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions. NVDRS provides more complete data on police homicides than do existing systems.

Policy Implications. Expanding NVDRS to all 50 states and making 2 improvements we identify will be an efficient way to provide the nation with more accurate, detailed data on homicides by law enforcement.
State and Local Policies as a Structural and Modifiable Determinant of HIV Vulnerability Among Latino Migrants in the United States
Authors: Galeucia Megan , Hirsch Jennifer S.
Published: March 2016

We explore how state and local policies in labor, health, education, language, community and neighborhood environments, deportation, and state-authorized identification can reduce or exacerbate HIV vulnerability among Latino migrants in the United States. We reviewed literature on Latino migrants and HIV risk, on the structural–environmental contexts experienced by Latino migrants, and on the many domains in which policies influence those contexts. To illustrate the pathways through which policies across multiple sectors are relevant to HIV vulnerability, we describe how policies shape 2 mediating domains (a climate of hostility toward Latino migrants and the relative ease or difficulty of access to beneficial institutions) and how those domains influence behavioral risk practices, which increase vulnerability to HIV. This argument demonstrates the utility of considering the policy context as a modifiable element of the meso-level through which structural factors shape vulnerability to HIV. This approach has specific relevance to the consideration of HIV prevention for Latino migrants, and more generally, to structural approaches to HIV prevention.
A Longitudinal Study of Multiple Drug Use and Overdose Among Young People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Riley Elise D. , Evans Jennifer L. , Hahn Judith A. , Briceno Alya , Davidson Peter J. , Lum Paula J. , Page Kimberly
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To determine the association between multiple drug use and nonfatal overdose among young people (younger than 30 years) who inject drugs.

Methods. We completed a longitudinal study of 173 injection drug users younger than 30 years living in San Francisco, California, between April 2012 and February 2014.

Results. The odds of nonfatal overdose increased significantly as heroin and benzodiazepine pill-taking days increased and when alcohol consumption exceeded 10 drinks per day compared with 0 drinks per day.

Conclusions. Heroin, benzodiazepine, and alcohol use were independently associated with nonfatal overdose over time among young people who inject drugs. Efforts to address multiple central nervous system depressant use remain an important component of a comprehensive approach to overdose, particularly among young people.
Food Gardeners’ Productivity in Laramie, Wyoming: More Than a Hobby
Authors: Conk Shannon J. , Porter Christine M.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. We quantified the productivity of food gardens in Laramie, Wyoming, over 3 growing seasons.

Methods. From 2012 to 2014, 33 participating gardening households weighed and recorded each harvest. Academic partners measured plot sizes and converted reported harvest weights to volume in cups.

Results. The yield of the average 253-square-foot plot was enough to supply an adult with the daily US Department of Agriculture–recommended amount of vegetables for 9 months.

Conclusions. Gardeners produced nutritionally meaningful quantities of food; thus, food gardening offers promise as an effective public health intervention for improving food security and nutritional health.
Understanding flexibility for multifunctional flood defences: a conceptual framework
Authors: Anvarifar Fatemeh , Zevenbergen Chris , Thissen Wil , Islam Tushith
Published: March 2016

Flexibility is often proposed as a valuable capability to cope with uncertainty and change. However, there is no consensus about what constitutes flexibility across the literature. A review of publications on flood management, real options and manufacturing reveals remarkable commonalities along with substantial inconsistencies in the use of flexibility. These observations are used for structuring the discussion of flexibility in this paper. A framework is proposed in the form of four self-consistent and step-wise questions: (Q1) why is flexibility needed; (Q2) what is it that flexibility is required for; (Q3) what are the dimensions of flexibility; (Q4) what needs to change or be adapted? In order to answer the questions in the context of multifunctional flood defences (MFFDs), eight characteristic features of flexibility in connection with the four questions are distilled from the synthesized publications. Subsequently, a working definition of flexibility is developed. An illustrative case study examines the framework's potential for the development of a MFFD. It is shown that the iterative use of the framework can serve as a guideline for identifying and evaluating flexibility for MFFDs. The paper ends with some challenges for future research.
Treatment of Male Urinary Incontinence with An Adjustable Implantable Medical Device: Ustrap
Authors: Dubernard Pierre , Pricaz Elie
Published: March 2016

Introduction and Objectives:

Our aim is to develop a device which is simpler, less expensive, but equally or more effective than currently available devices including the artificial urinary sphincter.

Method:

Based on our knowledge of and experience with other devices we designed the Ustrap. The theoretical advantages of our approach are described as is the development to the current (3rd) version.

Results:

For version #1, implanted in 6 patients, the 5 year follow up includes 2 improved, 2 unchanged, 2 required AUS. For version #2 implanted in 4 patients, 2 year follow up shows 3 improved, 1 failure.

Conclusions:

The Ustrap has unique features which distinguish it from current devices. A proposed multicenter prospective clinical trial of version #3 is awaiting approval.
IgG4-Related Lung Disease Associated with Usual Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Schneider Frank , Veraldi Kristen L. , Levesque Marc C. , Colby Thomas V. , S. Yi Eunhee
Published: March 2016

We report a case of immunoglobulin(Ig)G4-related disease with the radiologic and histopathological manifestations resembling usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). The patient was a 62-year-old man who presented with progressive dyspnea of insidious onset. High resolution computed tomography of the chest showed lower-lobe predominant peripheral reticulation and traction bronchiectasis but no honeycomb change. Microscopic examination of the surgical lung biopsy showed characteristic features of UIP including architectural distortion by fibrosis with peripheral and paraseptal accentuation, scattered fibroblast foci and microscopic honeycomb change. In addition there were prominent multifocal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates with a marked increase of IgG4-positive plasma cells (79 per high power field in hot spots) and high IgG4/IgG ratio (up to 67%). The serum IgG4 level was elevated at 760 mg/dl (reference range 9-89), with normal levels for the other IgG subclasses and negative serologic markers for autoimmune diseases. The patient’s symptoms improved significantly with oral corticosteroid treatment.
Headspace volatiles of Chaerophyllum aureum L.
Authors: Stamenkovic Jelena , Radojkovic Ivana , Petrovic Goran , Stojanovic Gordana , Djordjevic Aleksandra
Published: March 2016

Differences in the headspace volatile profiles (HS) of fresh and air-dried
fruits, stems and aerial parts of Chaerophyllum aureum L. (Apiaceae) were
studied here for the first time using HS-GC-MS (head space - gas
chromatography - mass spectrometry). This was done in order to probe to which
level HS volatiles of different plant organs were susceptible to air drying.
The most dominant headspace volatiles of all samples were monoterpene
hydrocarbons. Sabinene was the major volatile of the fresh aerial parts,
air-dried fruits, fresh and air-dried stems, representing 47.8%, 31.4%, 67.7%
and 73.0% of the total volatiles, respectively. The most abundant headspace
volatiles of the fresh fruits were terpinolene (45.3%), ?-terpinene (13.1%)
and ?-pinene (10.2%). The air-dried aerial parts were characterized by a high
amount of limonene (69.0%). The results of HS-GC-MS were subjected to
multivariate statistical analysis in order to get a better insight into the
similarities/dissimilarities existing between the investigated samples.
According to the results of multivariate analysis, the drying process
significantly influenced HS volatiles.
The Duke Employee Weight Loss Program: Report of a Duke Diet and Fitness Center Pilot Study
Authors: Corsino Leonor , Hazelton A. Garrett , Eisenson Howard , Tyson Crystal , Svetkey Laura P. , Sha Ronald , Ostbye Truls , Wolever Ruth Q.
Published: March 2016

Background: Obesity is increasingly prevalent in the industrialized world. Obese workers have two times the number of workers’ compensation claims as those of non-obese workers. Worksite interventions may be especially effective because employees spend a large part of their day in the work environment, and both employee and employer have incentives to improve the employees’ health.Objective: To assess the impact of a 4 week employee intervention in participant’s weight, body fat and blood pressure.Methods: This was a pilot study. We assessed feasibility and impact compared to baseline at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-program. The primary outcomes were weight and body mass index. Secondary outcomes included percent body fat and blood pressure. Results: Forty participants consented to be part of the study. Baseline weight was 97.8 kg [SD ± 17.05]. Twelve months post-intervention weight loss averaged 2.7 kg [SD ± 6.35]. One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of participation on weight, body mass index, and percent body fat.Conclusion: Significant improvements in the primary outcomes were observed in participants completing our worksite pilot study, indicating that a worksite weight loss intervention is potentially effective.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 44– 50
Identification of a suitable working posture for female workers engaged in golden thread work
Authors: Maity Payel , De Sujaya , Pal Amitava , Mahata Hiranmoy , Chatterjee Mousumi , Dhara Prakash C.
Published: March 2016

Background: The golden thread (jori) work is one of the major home based industries providing employment to thousands of artisans spread over several rural areas of the West Bengal. The study is essentially labor intensive and thus workers are prone to suffer from work related health problems. Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and postural stress of the female golden thread workers. Methods: The study was carried on 123 adult female golden thread workers in different districts of West Bengal. The prevalence of MSD, body part discomfort rating (BPD) and postural stress (by OWAS, RULA, REBA method) of the workers were evaluated by standard methods. The EMG of shoulder and back muscle was recorded with the help of the BIOPAC system. Result: The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs, BPD rating and postural stress were comparatively lower in case of sitting on the floor with folded legs than squatting and sitting on the floor with stretched legs. The EMG and RMS values of EMG voltage of shoulder and back muscle were comparatively lower in this posture than that of other two postures. Conclusion: It was therefore, concluded that sitting on the floor with folded legs was less hazardous and it imposed less postural stress in comparison to other sitting postures adopted by the golden thread workers.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 24 – 33
Accuracy of Bicycle Counting with Pneumatic Tubes in Oregon
Authors: Nordback Krista , Kothuri Sirisha , Phillips Taylor , Gorecki Carson , Figliozzi Miguel
Published: March 2016

Interest in counting bicycles and establishing nonmotorized counting programs is increasing, but jurisdictions still struggle with how to integrate bicycle counting into standard practice. In this paper, the authors share findings and recommendations for how to minimize error for bicycle counting from tests conducted in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Transportation. This research studied three types of off-the-shelf pneumatic tube counters for counting bicycles, including equipment from five manufacturers: two bicycle-specific counters, three varieties of motor vehicle classification counters, and one volume-only motor vehicle counter. Tests were conducted both in a controlled environment and in on-road mixed traffic to better identify problems in accuracy. Equipment studied generally undercounted cyclists, especially those in groups. Results from the controlled test with standard bicycles showed that within 10 ft of the counter, the undercounting error ranged from 0% to −12%. In the mixed-traffic test, all the equipment tested tended to undercount with mean percent error ranging from −10% to −73%. Each counter type has pros and cons, but in general, counting accuracy decreased with increases in bicycle and motor vehicle traffic and longer tube lengths. Higher accuracy can be achieved by careful selection of equipment type, classification scheme, and tube configuration. Bicycle speeds given by off-the-shelf pneumatic counting equipment were accurate.
Sol–Gel Synthesis of Microporous Carbon Using Resorcinol and Formaldehyde
Authors: Moussaoui Rebah , Mosbah Mongi Ben , Elghniji Kais , Elaloui Elimame , Moussaoui Younes
Published: March 2016

Microporous carbon materials were prepared by thermal decomposition of a xerogel. The xerogel was synthesised through polycondensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde using an acid-catalysed sol–gel method. Acetic acid (1 M) was used as a catalyst. The effect of the molar ratio of resorcinol/catalyst (10/3, 5, 10, 20) on the obtained hydrogel was studied. The temperature range 25–110 °C was used to convert the hydrogel into a solid resorcinol/formaldehyde xerogel. The optimum molar ratio of resorcinol/catalyst was found to be 10/3. The dried xerogels were pyrolysed under an argon atmosphere at 800 °C to obtain microporous carbon materials with a uniform structure consisting of hollow particles and a specific surface area of 650 m2 g−1.
The Parallel Circulation of Portuguese Modern Art during Salazar's Dictatorship (1956–61)
Authors: Maurício Jani
Published: March 2016

Researching the subject of art's distribution under the New State dictatorship of the 1950s, this article focuses on the practices developed by two informal organizations of artists that carried out innovatory activities of modern art's socialization, which resulted in the creation of a parallel distribution system. Through an approach centred in the social and cultural aspects of the parallel distribution, the phenomenon's interpretation emphasizes the facilitating role of social relations and ethical values. Considering the exhibition and discursive practices developed by the artists’ collectives, this study defends that the existence of shared values and solidarity relationships, established within and outside the artistic sector, were deciding factors for the emergence and maintenance of a participatory behaviour attached to an important faction of the modern artistic sector.
Sensing of Salivary Glucose Using Nano-Structured Biosensors
Authors: Du Yunqing , Zhang Wenjun , Wang Ming
Published: March 2016

The anxiety and pain associated with frequent finger pricking has always been troublesome for diabetics measuring blood glucose (BG) in their daily lives. For this reason, a reliable glucose monitoring system that allows noninvasive measurements is highly desirable. Our main objective is to develop a biosensor that can detect low-level glucose in saliva (physiological range 0.5–20 mg/dL). Salivary glucose (SG) sensors were built using a layer-by-layer self-assembly of single-walled carbon nanotubes, chitosan, gold nanoparticles, and glucose oxidase onto a screen-printed platinum electrode. An electrochemical method was utilized for the quantitative detection of glucose in both buffer solution and saliva samples. A standard spectrophotometric technique was used as a reference method to validate the glucose content of each sample. The disposable glucose sensors have a detection limit of 0.41 mg/dL, a sensitivity of 0.24 μA·s·dL·mg−1, a linear range of 0.5–20 mg/dL in buffer solution, and a response time of 30 s. A study of 10 healthy subjects was conducted, and SG levels between 1.1 to 10.1 mg/dL were successfully detected. The results revealed that the noninvasive SG monitoring could be an alternative for diabetes self-management at home. This paper is not intended to replace regular BG tests, but to study SG itself as an indicator for the quality of diabetes care. It can potentially help patients control and monitor their health conditions, enabling them to comply with prescribed treatments for diabetes.
RCH3···O Interactions in Biological Systems: Are They Trifurcated H-Bonds or Noncovalent Carbon Bonds?
Authors: Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio
Published: March 2016

In this manuscript, we combine high-level ab initio calculations on some model systems (XCH3 σ-hole/H-bond donors) and a Protein Data Bank (PDB) survey to distinguish between trifurcated H-bonds and noncovalent carbon bonds in XCH3···O complexes (X = any atom or group). Recently, it has been demonstrated both experimentally and theoretically the importance of noncovalent carbon bonds in the solid state. When an electron-rich atom interacts with a methyl group, the role of the methyl group is commonly viewed as a weak H-bond donor. However, if the electron-rich atom is located equidistant from the three H atoms, the directionality of each individual H-bond in the trifurcated binding mode is poor. Therefore, the XCH3···O interaction could be also defined as a tetrel bond (C···O interaction). In this manuscript, we shed light into this matter and demonstrate the importance of XCH3···O noncovalent carbon bonding interactions in two relevant protein-substrate complexes retrieved from the PDB.
Development of a Refractory High Entropy Superalloy
Authors: Senkov Oleg , Isheim Dieter , Seidman David , Pilchak Adam
Published: March 2016

Microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of a refractory high entropy superalloy, AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr, are reported in this work. The alloy consists of a nano-scale mixture of two phases produced by the decomposition from a high temperature body-centered cubic (BCC) phase. The first phase is present in the form of cuboidal-shaped nano-precipitates aligned in rows along <100>-type directions, has a disordered BCC crystal structure with the lattice parameter a1 = 326.9 ± 0.5 pm and is rich in Mo, Nb and Ta. The second phase is present in the form of channels between the cuboidal nano-precipitates, has an ordered B2 crystal structure with the lattice parameter a2 = 330.4 ± 0.5 pm and is rich in Al, Ti and Zr. Both phases are coherent and have the same crystallographic orientation within the former grains. The formation of this modulated nano-phase structure is discussed in the framework of nucleation-and-growth and spinodal decomposition mechanisms. The yield strength of this refractory high entropy superalloy is superior to the yield strength of Ni-based superalloys in the temperature range of 20 °C to 1200 °C.
The Evaluation of Energy Conservation Performance on Electricity: A Case Study of the TFT-LCD Optronics Industry
Authors: Wang Ven-Shing , Sie Cheng-Fong , Chang Ta-Yuan , Chao Keh-Ping
Published: March 2016

This study describes the performance evaluation of an energy management system, based on electricity consumption, for a Gen 6 Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) panel plant. Of the various production lines and facility systems, the array system and the compressed dry air consumed the most electricity of 21.8% and 19.8%, respectively, while the public utility used only 1.6% of the total electricity. The baseline electricity consumptions were correlated well (R2 ≥ 0.77) to the monthly average wet-bulb temperatures of ambient air and the panel yield rates, which were determined by the product yield over the equipment available time index. After implementing the energy saving projects, the energy conservation performance was determined using a three-parameter change-point regression model incorporated with the panel yield rates. The post-retrofit monthly savings of the total electricity consumption for the panel manufacture were 5.35%–10.36%, with the efficiency of the electricity performance revealing an upswing trend following the implementation of the energy management system.
Assessment of Environmental and Hereditary Influence on Development of Pituitary Tumors Using Dermatoglyphic Traits and Their Potential as Screening Markers
Authors: Gradiser Marina , Matovinovic Osvatic Martina , Dilber Dario , Bilic-Curcic Ines
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to assess environmental and hereditary influence on development of pituitary tumors using dermatoglyphic traits. The study was performed on 126 patients of both genders with pituitary tumors (60 non-functional and 66 functional pituitary tumor patients) in comparison to the control group of 400 phenotypically healthy individuals. Statistical analysis of quantitative and qualitative traits of digito-palmar dermatoglyphics was performed, and hormonal status was determined according to the standard protocols. Although we did not find markers that could specifically distinguish functional from non-functional tumors, we have found markers predisposing to the development of tumors in general (a small number of ridges between triradius of both hands, a smaller number of ridges between the triradius of c–d rc R), those for endocrine dysfunction (increased number of arches and reduced number of whorls, difference of pattern distribution in the I3 and I4 interdigital space), and some that could potentially be attributed to patients suffering from pituitary tumors (small number of ridges for variables FRR 5, smaller number of ridges in the FRL 4 of both hands and difference of pattern distribution at thenar of I1 and I2 interdigital space). The usage of dermatoglyphic traits as markers of predisposition of pituitary tumor development could facilitate the earlier detection of patients in addition to standard methods, and possibly earlier treatment and higher survival rate. Finally, our results are consistent with the hypothesis about multifactorial nature of pituitary tumor etiology comprised of both gene instability and environmental factors.
Changes in Physiological and Agronomical Parameters of Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Exposed to Cerium and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Marchiol Luca , Mattiello Alessandro , Pošćić Filip , Fellet Guido , Zavalloni Costanza , Carlino Elvio , Musetti Rita
Published: March 2016

The aims of our experiment were to evaluate the uptake and translocation of cerium and titanium oxide nanoparticles and to verify their effects on the growth cycle of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Barley plants were grown to physiological maturity in soil enriched with either 0, 500 or 1000 mg·kg−1 cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO2) or titanium oxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) and their combination. The growth cycle of nCeO2 and nTiO2 treated plants was about 10 days longer than the controls. In nCeO2 treated plants the number of tillers, leaf area and the number of spikes per plant were reduced respectively by 35.5%, 28.3% and 30% (p ≤ 0.05). nTiO2 stimulated plant growth and compensated for the adverse effects of nCeO2. Concentrations of Ce and Ti in aboveground plant fractions were minute. The fate of nanomaterials within the plant tissues was different. Crystalline nTiO2 aggregates were detected within the leaf tissues of barley, whereas nCeO2 was not present in the form of nanoclusters.
Synthesis of Fluorinated Polymers and Evaluation of Wettability
Authors: Kimura Tamami , Kasuya Maria , Hatanaka Kenichi , Matsuoka Koji
Published: March 2016

Two kinds of fluorinated polymers were synthesized: an acrylate polymer having a fluorinated triethylene glycol as a pendant group (2a) and a fluoroalkyl acrylate polymer (2b). The contact angle of these fluorinated polymers against water, non-fluorinated alcohols and fluorinated alcohols were evaluated. As compared with the fluoroalkyl polymer (2b), fluoroethylene glycol polymer (2a) showed smaller contact angle against water and non-fluorinated alcohols. This supports the proposition that changing the alkyl chain into the ethylene glycol-type chain gave some interaction between etheric oxygen and water or non-fluorinated alcohols. In addition, fluoroalkyl acrylate polymer (2b) showed remarkably low values of critical surface tension.
Flavonoids, Antioxidant Potential, and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Activity of the Extracts from the Gametophyte and Archegoniophore of Marchantia polymorpha L.
Authors: Wang Xin , Cao Jianguo , Wu Yuhuan , Wang Quanxi , Xiao Jianbo
Published: March 2016

Marchantia polymorpha L. is a representative bryophyte used as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for scald and pneumonia. The phytochemicals in M. polymorpha L. are terpenoids and flavonoids, among which especially the flavonoids show significant human health benefits. Many researches on the gametophyte of M. polymorpha L. have been reported. However, as the reproductive organ of M. polymorpha L., the bioactivity and flavonoids profile of the archegoniophore have not been reported, so in this work the flavonoid profiles, antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities of the extracts from the archegoniophore and gametophyte of M. polymorpha L. were compared by radical scavenging assay methods (DPPH, ABTS, O2−), reducing power assay, acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay and LC-MS analysis. The results showed that the total flavonoids content in the archegoniophore was about 10-time higher than that of the gametophyte. Differences between the archegoniophore and gametophyte of M. polymorpha L. were observed by LC-MS analysis. The archegoniophore extracts showed stronger bio-activities than those of the gametophyte. The archegoniophore extract showed a significant acetylcholinesterase inhibition, while the gametophyte extract hardly inhibited it.
Searching for Multi-Targeting Neurotherapeutics against Alzheimer’s: Discovery of Potent AChE-MAO B Inhibitors through the Decoration of the 2H-Chromen-2-one Structural Motif
Authors: Pisani Leonardo , Farina Roberta , Soto-Otero Ramon , Denora Nunzio , Mangiatordi Giuseppe , Nicolotti Orazio , Mendez-Alvarez Estefania , Altomare Cosimo , Catto Marco , Carotti Angelo
Published: March 2016

The need for developing real disease-modifying drugs against neurodegenerative syndromes, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), shifted research towards reliable drug discovery strategies to unveil clinical candidates with higher therapeutic efficacy than single-targeting drugs. By following the multi-target approach, we designed and synthesized a novel class of dual acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors through the decoration of the 2H-chromen-2-one skeleton. Compounds bearing a propargylamine moiety at position 3 displayed the highest in vitro inhibitory activities against MAO-B. Within this series, derivative 3h emerged as the most interesting hit compound, being a moderate AChE inhibitor (IC50 = 8.99 µM) and a potent and selective MAO-B inhibitor (IC50 = 2.8 nM). Preliminary studies in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines demonstrated its low cytotoxicity and disclosed a promising neuroprotective effect at low doses (0.1 µM) under oxidative stress conditions promoted by two mitochondrial toxins (oligomycin-A and rotenone). In a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)II-MDR1 cell-based transport study, Compound 3h was able to permeate the BBB-mimicking monolayer and did not result in a glycoprotein-p (P-gp) substrate, showing an efflux ratio = 0.96, close to that of diazepam.
Silver Nanoparticles Exhibit the Dose-Dependent Anti-Proliferative Effect against Human Squamous Carcinoma Cells Attenuated in the Presence of Berberine
Authors: Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Kubina Robert , Bułdak Rafał , Skonieczna Magda , Cholewa Krzysztof
Published: March 2016

The biological activity of nanosize silver particles towards oral epithelium-derived carcinoma seems to be still underinvestigated. We evaluated the influence of low doses of nanosize scale silver particles on the proliferation and viability of malignant oral epithelial keratinocytes in vitro, alone and in conjunction with the plant alkaloid berberine. Cells of human tongue squamous carcinoma SCC-25 (ATCC CRL-1628), cultivated with the mixture of Dulbecco's modified Eagle’s medium, were exposed to silver nanoparticles alone (AgNPs, concentrations from 0.31 to 10 μg/mL) and to a combination of AgNPs with berberine chloride (BER, 1/2 IC50 concentration) during 24 h and 48 h. The cytotoxic activity of AgNPs with diameters of 10 nm ± 4 nm was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell cycle analysis was performed by treating cells with propidium iodide followed by flow-activated cell sorting. RT-QPCR reaction was used to assess expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein Bax genes expression. Monodisperse silver nanoparticles at a concentration of 10 μg/mL arrested SCC-25 cells cycle after 48 h at the G0/G1 phase in a dose- and time-dependent manner through disruption G0/G1 checkpoint, with increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio gene expression. AgNPs exhibit cytotoxic effects on SCC-25 malignant oral epithelial keratinocytes, which is diminished when combined with BER. The AgNPs concentration required to inhibit the growth of carcinoma cells by 50% (IC50) after 48 h was estimated at 5.19 μg/mL. AgNPs combined with BER increased the expression of Bcl-2 while decreasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in SCC-25 cells. Silver particles at low doses therefore reduce the proliferation and viability of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. SCC-25 cells are susceptible to damage from AgNPs-induced stress, which can be regulated by the natural alkaloid berberine, suggesting that nanoparticles may be potentially used in a chemoprevention/chemotherapy by augmentation of action of standard anti-cancer drugs.
Fluoride-Promoted Esterification (FPE) Chemistry: A Robust Route to Bis-MPA Dendrons and Their Postfunctionalization
Authors: Stenström Patrik , Andrén Oliver , Malkoch Michael
Published: March 2016

Bifunctional dendrons based on 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid (bis-MPA) are highly desirable scaffolds for biomedical applications. This is due to their flawless nature and large and exact number of functional groups as well as being biodegradable and biocompatible. Herein, we describe a facile divergent growth approach to their synthesis from monobenzylated tetraethylene glycol and post functionalization utilizing fluoride-promoted esterification (FPE) chemistry protocols. The scaffolds, presenting selectively deprotectable hydroxyls in the periphery and at the focal point, were isolated on a multigram scale with excellent purity up to the fourth generation dendron with a molecular weight of 2346 Da in seven reactions with a total yield of 50%. The third generation dendron was used as a model compound to demonstrate its functionalizability. Selective deprotection of the dendron’s focal point was achieved with an outstanding yield of 94%, and biotin as well as azido functionalities were introduced to its focal point and periphery, respectively, through FPE chemistry. Bulky disperse red dyes were clicked through CuAAC to the dendron’s azido groups, giving a biotinylated dendron with multivalent dyes with a molecular weight of 6252 Da in a total yield of 37% in five reactions with an average yield of 82% starting from the third generation focally and peripherally protected dendron. FPE chemistry proved to be a superb improvement over previous protocols towards bis-MPA dendrons as high purity and yields were obtained with less toxic solvents and greatly improved monomer utilization.
Preparation of Uniform-Sized and Dual Stimuli-Responsive Microspheres of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)/Poly(Acrylic acid) with Semi-IPN Structure by One-Step Method
Authors: Lai En-Ping , Wang Yu-Xia , Wei Yi , Li Guang
Published: March 2016

A novel strategy was developed to synthesize uniform semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) microspheres by premix membrane emulsification combined with one-step polymerization. Synthesized poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) polymer chains were added prior to the inner water phase, which contained N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomer, N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) cross-linker, and ammonium persulfate (APS) initiator. The mixtures were pressed through a microporous membrane to form a uniform water-in-oil emulsion. By crosslinking the NIPAM in a PAAc-containing solution, microspheres with temperature- and pH-responsive properties were fabricated. The semi-IPN structure and morphology of the microspheres were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average diameter of the obtained microspheres was approximately 6.5 μm, with Span values of less than 1. Stimuli-responsive behaviors of the microspheres were studied by the cloud-point method. The results demonstrated that semi-IPN microspheres could respond independently to both pH and temperature changes. After storing in a PBS solution (pH 7.0) at 4 °C for 6 months, the semi-IPN microspheres remained stable without a change in morphology or particle size. This study demonstrated a promising method for controlling the synthesis of semi-IPN structure microspheres with a uniform size and multiple functionalities.
Mass Spectrometric Immunoassays in Characterization of Clinically Significant Proteoforms
Authors: Trenchevska Olgica , Nelson Randall , Nedelkov Dobrin
Published: March 2016

Proteins can exist as multiple proteoforms in vivo, as a result of alternative splicing and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as posttranslational processing. To address their clinical significance in a context of diagnostic information, proteoforms require a more in-depth analysis. Mass spectrometric immunoassays (MSIA) have been devised for studying structural diversity in human proteins. MSIA enables protein profiling in a simple and high-throughput manner, by combining the selectivity of targeted immunoassays, with the specificity of mass spectrometric detection. MSIA has been used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of single and multiple proteoforms, distinguishing between normal fluctuations and changes related to clinical conditions. This mini review offers an overview of the development and application of mass spectrometric immunoassays for clinical and population proteomics studies. Provided are examples of some recent developments, and also discussed are the trends and challenges in mass spectrometry-based immunoassays for the next-phase of clinical applications.
An Energy-Efficient MAC Protocol for Medical Emergency Monitoring Body Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Chongqing , Wang Yinglong , Liang Yongquan , Shu Minglei , Chen Changfang
Published: March 2016

Medical emergency monitoring body sensor networks (BSNs) monitor the occurrence of medical emergencies and are helpful for the daily care of the elderly and chronically ill people. Such BSNs are characterized by rare traffic when there is no emergency occurring, high real-time and reliable requirements of emergency data and demand for a fast wake-up mechanism for waking up all nodes when an emergency happens. A beacon-enabled MAC protocol is specially designed to meet the demands of medical emergency monitoring BSNs. The rarity of traffic is exploited to improve energy efficiency. By adopting a long superframe structure to avoid unnecessary beacons and allocating most of the superframe to be inactive periods, the duty cycle is reduced to an extremely low level to save energy. Short active time slots are interposed into the superframe and shared by all of the nodes to deliver the emergency data in a low-delay and reliable way to meet the real-time and reliable requirements. The interposition slots can also be used by the coordinator to broadcast network demands to wake-up all nodes in a low-delay and energy-efficient way. Experiments display that the proposed MAC protocol works well in BSNs with low emergency data traffic.
Analgesic Effects of GpTx-1, PF-04856264 and CNV1014802 in a Mouse Model of NaV1.7-Mediated Pain
Authors: Deuis Jennifer , Wingerd Joshua , Winter Zoltan , Durek Thomas , Dekan Zoltan , Sousa Silmara , Zimmermann Katharina , Hoffmann Tali , Weidner Christian , Nassar Mohammed , Alewood Paul , Lewis Richard , Vetter Irina
Published: March 2016

Loss-of-function mutations of NaV1.7 lead to congenital insensitivity to pain, a rare condition resulting in individuals who are otherwise normal except for the inability to sense pain, making pharmacological inhibition of NaV1.7 a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pain. We characterized a novel mouse model of NaV1.7-mediated pain based on intraplantar injection of the scorpion toxin OD1, which is suitable for rapid in vivo profiling of NaV1.7 inhibitors. Intraplantar injection of OD1 caused spontaneous pain behaviors, which were reversed by co-injection with NaV1.7 inhibitors and significantly reduced in NaV1.7−/− mice. To validate the use of the model for profiling NaV1.7 inhibitors, we determined the NaV selectivity and tested the efficacy of the reported NaV1.7 inhibitors GpTx-1, PF-04856264 and CNV1014802 (raxatrigine). GpTx-1 selectively inhibited NaV1.7 and was effective when co-administered with OD1, but lacked efficacy when delivered systemically. PF-04856264 state-dependently and selectively inhibited NaV1.7 and significantly reduced OD1-induced spontaneous pain when delivered locally and systemically. CNV1014802 state-dependently, but non-selectively, inhibited NaV channels and was only effective in the OD1 model when delivered systemically. Our novel model of NaV1.7-mediated pain based on intraplantar injection of OD1 is thus suitable for the rapid in vivo characterization of the analgesic efficacy of NaV1.7 inhibitors.