bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Ni–Co–BN (h) Nanocomposite Coatings with Jet Electrodeposition in Different Pulse Parameters
Authors: Li Hengzheng , Kang Min , Zhang Yin , Liu Yuntong , Jin Meifu , Mbugua Nyambura Samuel , Zhu Guang , Liu Conghu
Published: January 2019

In order to study the effects of pulse parameters on jet electrodeposition, Ni–Co–BN (h) nanocomposite coatings were prepared on the surface of steel C1045. The samples were analyzed and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), microhardness tester, and electrochemical workstation. The experimental results showed that the contents of Co and BN (h) nanoparticles in the coatings changed with the variation of pulse parameters. When the pulse frequency was 4 kHz and the duty cycle was 0.7, their contents reached maxima of 27.34 wt % and 3.82 wt %, respectively. The XRD patterns of the coatings showed that the deposits had a face-centered cube (fcc) structure, and there was an obvious preferred orientation in (111) plane. With the increase in pulse parameters, the surface roughness of the coatings first decreased and then increased, with the minimum value obtained being 0.664 µm. The microhardness of the coatings first increased and then decreased with increase in pulse parameters. The maximum value of the microhardness reached 719.2 HV0.05 when the pulse frequency was 4 kHz and the duty cycle was 0.7. In the electrochemical test, the potentiodynamic polarization curves of the coatings after immersion in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution showed the pulse parameters had an obvious effect on the corrosion resistance of the Ni–Co–BN (h) nanocamposite coatings. The corrosion current density and polarization resistance indicated that the coatings had better corrosion resistance when the pulse frequency was 4 kHz and duty cycle was 0.7.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Cosmetics in 2018
Authors:   Cosmetics Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Decay Time Estimates by a Continuum Model for Inorganic Scintillators
Authors: Daví Fabrizio
Published: January 2019

We use the phenomenological continuum model for inorganic scintillators proposed by the author to give decay time estimates for four scintillators previously studied, namely NaI:Tl, CaF2, Gd2SiO5Ce (GSO:Ce), and LaCl3:Ce. We show that, in order to obtain a good estimate of the decay time, we need to know (besides other well-known parameters) either the excitation carriers’ mobility or the structure and the parameters of the recombination mechanism. For these four materials, we know the data for the recombination term, whereas we have very scarce information about mobilities. However, we show that also in absence of experimentally-measured mobilities, with reasonable assumptions about them, we can obtain a good estimate for the slow component of the decay time. We show also when it is appropriate to model scintillation with one of the two most-used phenomenological models, the kinetic and the diffusive. The main point of the present approach is that it requires a limited set of experimentally-measured data and can be hopefully used in conjunction with more sophisticated and detailed models to design faster inorganic scintillators.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Crystals in 2018
Authors:   Crystals Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Subcutaneous and Mediastinal Emphysema Followed by Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci Mediastinitis. A Complicated Course after Adenotonsillectomy: Case Report
Authors: Duvekot Anne , van Heesch Gwen , Veder Laura
Published: January 2019

Tonsillectomy is a commonly performed surgery in the daily practice of an otorhinolaryngologist. For patients as well as health professionals, the best known complication is post-operative bleeding. Among the less noted, but potentially life-threatening, complications are the development of subcutaneous emphysema and the presence of bacteremia due to group A hemolytic streptococci. In this report, we describe a severely complicated clinical course after an uncomplicated adenotonsillectomy in a young boy. Increased awareness of relatively unknown complications after adenotonsillectomy amongst surgeons, pediatricians and anesthesiologists is desirable to facilitate rapid diagnosis and adequate treatment in order to prevent life-threatening situations.
Estimation of Soil Depth Using Bayesian Maximum Entropy Method
Authors: Liao Kuo-Wei , Guo Jia-Jun , Fan Jen-Chen , Huang Chien Lin , Chang Shao-Hua
Published: January 2019

Soil depth plays an important role in landslide disaster prevention and is a key factor in slopeland development and management. Existing soil depth maps are outdated and incomplete in Taiwan. There is a need to improve the accuracy of the map. The Kriging method, one of the most frequently adopted estimation approaches for soil depth, has room for accuracy improvements. An appropriate soil depth estimation method is proposed, in which soil depth is estimated using Bayesian Maximum Entropy method (BME) considering space distribution of measured soil depth and impact of physiographic factors. BME divides analysis data into groups of deterministic and probabilistic data. The deterministic part are soil depth measurements in a given area and the probabilistic part contains soil depth estimated by a machine learning-based soil depth estimation model based on physiographic factors including slope, aspect, profile curvature, plan curvature, and topographic wetness index. Accuracy of estimates calculated by soil depth grading, very shallow (<20 cm), shallow (20–50 cm), deep (50–90 cm), and very deep (>90 cm), suggests that BME is superior to the Kriging method with estimation accuracy up to 82.94%. The soil depth distribution map of Hsinchu, Taiwan made by BME with a soil depth error of ±5.62 cm provides a promising outcome which is useful in future applications, especially for locations without soil depth data.
Training Future Engineers to Be Ghostbusters: Hunting for the Spectral Environmental Radioactivity
Authors: Albéri Matteo , Baldoncini Marica , Bottardi Carlo , Chiarelli Enrico , Landsberger Sheldon , Raptis Kassandra Giulia Cristina , Serafini Andrea , Strati Virginia , Mantovani Fabio
Published: January 2019

Although environmental radioactivity is all around us, the collective public imagination often associates a negative feeling to this natural phenomenon. To increase the familiarity with this phenomenon we have designed, implemented, and tested an interdisciplinary educational activity for pre-collegiate students in which nuclear engineering and computer science are ancillary to the comprehension of basic physics concepts. Teaching and training experiences are performed by using a 4” × 4” NaI(Tl) detector for in-situ and laboratory γ-ray spectroscopy measurements. Students are asked to directly assemble the experimental setup and to manage the data-taking with a dedicated Android app, which exploits a client-server system that is based on the Bluetooth communication protocol. The acquired γ-ray spectra and the experimental results are analyzed using a multiple-platform software environment and they are finally shared on an open access Web-GIS service. These all-round activities combining theoretical background, hands-on setup operations, data analysis, and critical synthesis of the results were demonstrated to be effective in increasing students’ awareness in quantitatively investigating environmental radioactivity. Supporting information to the basic physics concepts provided in this article can be found at http://www.fe.infn.it/radioactivity/educational.
Shannon Entropy Index and a Fuzzy Logic System for the Assessment of Stator Winding Short-Circuit Faults in Induction Motors
Authors: Mejia-Barron Arturo , de Santiago-Perez J. Jesus , Granados-Lieberman David , Amezquita-Sanchez Juan P. , Valtierra-Rodriguez Martin
Published: January 2019

The induction motor (IM) is one of the most important elements in industry. Although IMs are robust machines, they are susceptible to faults, where the stator winding short-circuit fault is one of the most common ones. In this work, the Shannon entropy (SE) index and a fuzzy logic (FL) system are proposed to diagnose short-circuit faults, considering both different severity levels and different load conditions. In the proposed methodology, a filtering stage based on brick-wall band-pass filters is firstly carried out. After this stage, the SE index is computed to quantify the fault severity and a FL system is applied to diagnose the IM condition in an automatic way. Unlike other works that propose some types of space transformations, the proposal is only based on a filtering stage and a time domain index, requiring low computational resources. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposal, i.e., the SE index quantifies the fault severity, regardless of the mechanical load, and the proposed FL system achieves a positive classification rate of 98%.
A Novel Differential Fault Analysis on the Key Schedule of SIMON Family
Authors: Zhang Jinbao , Wu Ning , Zhou Fang , Yahya Muhammad Rehan , Li Jianhua
Published: January 2019

As a family of lightweight block ciphers, SIMON has attracted lots of research attention since its publication in 2013. Recent works show that SIMON is vulnerable to differential fault analysis (DFA) and existing DFAs on SIMON assume the location of induced faults are on the cipher states. In this paper, a novel DFA on SIMON is proposed where the key schedule is selected as the location of induced faults. Firstly, we assume a random one-bit fault is induced in the fourth round key KT−4 to the last. Then, by utilizing the key schedule propagation properties of SIMON, we determine the exact position of induced fault and demonstrate that the proposed DFA can retrieve 4 bits of the last round key KT−1 on average using one-bit fault. Till now this is the largest number of bits that can be cracked as compared to DFAs based on random bit fault model. Furthermore, by reusing the induced fault, we prove that 2 bits of the penultimate round key KT−2 could be retrieved. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed attack is the first one which extracts a key from SIMON based upon DFA on the key schedule. Finally, correctness and validity of our proposed attack is verified through detailed simulation and analysis.
Energy Efficiency in the Supply Chains of the Aluminium Industry: The Cases of Five Products Made in Sweden
Authors: Haraldsson Joakim , Johansson Maria T.
Published: January 2019

Improved energy efficiency in supply chains can reduce both environmental impact and lifecycle costs, and thus becomes a competitive advantage in the work towards a sustainable global economy. Viewing the supply chain as a system provides the holistic perspective needed to avoid sub-optimal energy use. This article studies measures relating to technology and management that can increase energy efficiency in the supply chains of five aluminium products made in Sweden. Additionally, energy efficiency potentials related to the flows of material, energy, and knowledge between the actors in the supply chains are studied. Empirical data was collected using focus group interviews and one focus group per product was completed. The results show that there are several areas for potential energy efficiency improvement; for example, product design, communication and collaboration, transportation, and reduced material waste. Demands from other actors that can have direct or indirect effects on energy use in the supply chains were identified. Despite the fact that companies can save money through improved energy efficiency, demands from customers and the authorities would provide the additional incentives needed for companies to work harder to improve energy efficiency.
A New Hybrid Inductor-Based Boost DC-DC Converter Suitable for Applications in Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Pop-Calimanu Ioana-Monica , Lica Septimiu , Popescu Sorin , Lascu Dan , Lie Ioan , Mirsu Radu
Published: January 2019

A new hybrid step-up converter suitable in applications where large conversion ratios are needed is presented. The topology is still simple, containing only one transistor and three diodes. A detailed dc and ac analysis is performed and all design equations are provided. Compared to other topologies of the same type, the proposed converter exhibits lower or equal current and voltage stresses. A state space model is provided including the conduction losses and based on it the audio susceptibility and the control to output function are derived. As the converter is still of second order with the control to output transfer function exhibiting a right half plane zero, controller design is practically the same like in a Boost topology. It is shown how the proposed converter can be used in a photovoltaic system for performing the maximum power point tracking algorithm using the perturb and observe method. All theoretical considerations are verified through simulation and finally validated by practical experiments.
Experimental Determination of the Friction Factor in a Tube with Internal Helical Ribs
Authors: Grądziel Sławomir , Majewski Karol
Published: January 2019

Due to the extended geometry of internally rifled tubes with helical ribs, the rate of convective heat transfer within them is much higher compared to smooth tubes. Simultaneously, a rise in the contact surface area between the fluid and the solid body increases the friction factor. This paper presents the results of experimental testing performed to determine the friction factor in an internally rifled tube with helical ribs. The tests were carried out on a purpose-built test stand. The tested object was a rifled tube used in the evaporator of a once-through supercritical power boiler operating in a power plant in Poland. The friction factor results obtained from testing are compared to the results of calculations performed by means of correlations known from the literature. Finally, using experimental data, a new correlation is developed that enables the determination of the friction factor in internally rifled tubes with helical ribs.
Examination of Bearing Walls Regarding Their Environmental Performance
Authors: Estokova Adriana , Ondova Marcela , Wolfova Martina , Paulikova Alena , Toth Stanislav
Published: January 2019

A comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of buildings is not possible without knowledge of the technical and environmental properties of the materials that are used for their construction. This paper evaluates the environmental impacts of 156 material variations of conventional compositions of external bearing walls, which represent a significant part of a building’s envelope. Environmental (embodied energy, global warming potential, effects to human health, damage to ecosystems, and resources availability) and technical (surface temperature, number of layers, thickness, and weight) parameters are investigated for structures with similar heat transfer coefficients (U = 0.21–0.22 W/(m2·K)). Based on a multi-criteria analysis, an optimal material composition, consisting of aerated concrete with graphite polystyrene, was identified. By analyzing the costs of the best material compositions, it is observed that constructions with environmental benefits do not result in an increase in the cost of the construction. On the contrary, at present, they represent an approximately 10% cheaper solution.
Non-Contact Measurement and Polarity Discrimination-Based Identification Method for Direct Lightning Strokes
Authors: Jiang Kaihua , Du Lin , Chen Huan , Yang Feng , Wang Yubo
Published: January 2019

Direct lightning strokes account for a large proportion of line faults. Lightning faults can be classified into several kinds, and the corresponding protection methods differ. The type of these lightning faults should be identified to establish targeted measures against lightning and improve lightning protection design. In this study, a non-contact multi-physical parameter lightning monitoring system is proposed. The voltage of the insulator string and the lightning grounding current of the transmission tower are chosen as two physical parameters to show the characteristic quantities of different lightning stroke types. These physical parameters are captured using a non-contact overvoltage sensor installed at the cross arm of the tower and several parallel Rogowski coils installed at the tower ground supports. An equivalent electromagnetic transient model of a 110 kV transmission line is developed to identify features of the signals under different lightning strokes. Based on time-domain and wavelet transform modulus maxima (WTMM) analyses, the polarity of insulator voltage, the polarity of tower current, and the mutation polarity of tower current when insulators flashover are extracted as characteristic quantities of polarity discrimination. Six kinds of direct lightning strokes can be identified based on the polarity discrimination method considering the lightning stroke point and the lightning current polarity. The identification method is verified by simulation data and application to an actual example.
Investigation of Chemical and Physical Surface Changes of Thermally Conditioned Glass Fibres
Authors: Jenkins Peter , Yang Liu , Thomason James , Chen Xinyong , Watts John , Hinder Steven
Published: January 2019

A number of analytical techniques were applied to investigate changes to the surface of unsized boron-free E-glass fibres after thermal conditioning at temperatures up to 700 °C. Novel systematic studies were carried out to investigate the fundamental strength loss from thermal conditioning. Surface chemical changes studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed a consistent increase in the surface concentration of calcium with increasing conditioning temperature, although this did not correlate well with a loss of fibre strength. Scanning electron microscopy fractography confirmed the difficulty of analysing failure-inducing flaws on individual fibre fracture surfaces. Analysis by atomic force microscopy (AFM) did not reveal any likely surface cracks or flaws of significant dimensions to cause failure: the observation of cracks before fibre fracture may not be possible when using this technique. Fibre surface roughness increased over the whole range of the conditioning temperatures investigated. Although surface roughness did not correlate precisely with fibre strength, there was a clear inverse relationship at temperatures exceeding 400 °C. The interpretation of the surface topography that formed between 400–700 °C produced evidence that the initial stage of phase separation by spinodal decomposition may have occurred at the fibre surface.
Osteochondral Tissue Regeneration Using a Tyramine-Modified Bilayered PLGA Scaffold Combined with Articular Chondrocytes in a Porcine Model
Authors: Lin Tzu-Hsiang , Wang Hsueh-Chun , Cheng Wen-Hui , Hsu Horng-Chaung , Yeh Ming-Long
Published: January 2019

Repairing damaged articular cartilage is challenging due to the limited regenerative capacity of hyaline cartilage. In this study, we fabricated a bilayered poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold with small (200–300 μm) and large (200–500 μm) pores by salt leaching to stimulate chondrocyte differentiation, cartilage formation, and endochondral ossification. The scaffold surface was treated with tyramine to promote scaffold integration into native tissue. Porcine chondrocytes retained a round shape during differentiation when grown on the small pore size scaffold, and had a fibroblast-like morphology during transdifferentiation in the large pore size scaffold after five days of culture. Tyramine-treated scaffolds with mixed pore sizes seeded with chondrocytes were pressed into three-mm porcine osteochondral defects; tyramine treatment enhanced the adhesion of the small pore size scaffold to osteochondral tissue and increased glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II (Col II) contents, while reducing collagen type X (Col X) production in the cartilage layer. Col X content was higher for scaffolds with a large pore size, which was accompanied by the enhanced generation of subchondral bone. Thus, chondrocytes seeded in tyramine-treated bilayered scaffolds with small and large pores in the upper and lower parts, respectively, can promote osteochondral regeneration and integration for articular cartilage repair.
Maternal High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Modifies Histone Binding and Expression of Oxtr in Offspring Hippocampus in a Sex-Specific Manner
Authors: Glendining Kelly A. , Jasoni Christine L.
Published: January 2019

Maternal obesity during pregnancy increases risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Epigenetic deregulation associates with many neurodevelopmental disorders, and recent evidence indicates that maternal nutritional status can alter chromatin marks in the offspring brain. Thus, maternal obesity may disrupt epigenetic regulation of gene expression during offspring neurodevelopment. Using a C57BL/6 mouse model, we investigated whether maternal high fat diet (mHFD)-induced obesity alters the expression of genes previously implicated in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders within the Gestational Day 17.5 (GD 17.5) offspring hippocampus. We found significant two-fold upregulation of oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) mRNA in the hippocampus of male, but not female, GD 17.5 offspring from mHFD-induced obese dams (p < 0.05). To determine whether altered histone binding at the Oxtr gene promoter may underpin these transcriptional changes, we then performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Consistent with the Oxtr transcriptional changes, we observed increased binding of active histone mark H3K9Ac at the Oxtr transcriptional start site (TSS) in the hippocampus of mHFD male (p < 0.05), but not female, offspring. Together, these data indicate an increased vulnerability of male offspring to maternal obesity-induced changes in chromatin remodeling processes that regulate gene expression in the developing hippocampus, and contributes to our understanding of how early life nutrition affects the offspring brain epigenome.
Brassinosteroids, the Sixth Class of Phytohormones: A Molecular View from the Discovery to Hormonal Interactions in Plant Development and Stress Adaptation
Authors: Peres Ana Laura G. L. , Soares José Sérgio , Tavares Rafael G. , Righetto Germanna , Zullo Marco A. T. , Mandava N. Bhushan , Menossi Marcelo
Published: January 2019

Phytohormones are natural chemical messengers that play critical roles in the regulation of plant growth and development as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stress factors, maintaining plant homeostasis, and allowing adaptation to environmental changes. The discovery of a new class of phytohormones, the brassinosteroids (BRs), almost 40 years ago opened a new era for the studies of plant growth and development and introduced new perspectives in the regulation of agronomic traits through their use in agriculture. BRs are a group of hormones with significant growth regulatory activity that act independently and in conjunction with other phytohormones to control different BR-regulated activities. Genetic and molecular research has increased our understanding of how BRs and their cross-talk with other phytohormones control several physiological and developmental processes. The present article provides an overview of BRs’ discovery as well as recent findings on their interactions with other phytohormones at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, in addition to clarifying how their network works to modulate plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.
mTOR Expression in Liver Transplant Candidates with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Impact on Histological Features and Tumour Recurrence
Authors: Guerrero Marta , Ferrín Gustavo , Rodríguez-Perálvarez Manuel , González-Rubio Sandra , Sánchez-Frías Marina , Amado Víctor , Pozo Juan C. , Poyato Antonio , Ciria Rubén , Ayllón María D. , Barrera Pilar , Montero José L. , de la Mata Manuel
Published: January 2019

(1) Background: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation is critical for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. We aimed to evaluate the mTOR tissue expression in liver transplant (LT) patients and to analyse its influence on post-LT outcomes. (2) Methods: Prospective study including a cohort of HCC patients who underwent LT (2012–2015). MTOR pathway expression was evaluated in the explanted liver by using the “PathScan Intracellular Signalling Array Kit” (Cell Signalling). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate post-LT HCC recurrence. (3) Results: Forty-nine patients were included (average age 56.4 ± 6, 14.3% females). Phospho-mTOR (Ser2448) was over-expressed in peritumoral tissue as compared with tumoral tissue (ΔSignal 22.2%; p < 0.001). The mTOR activators were also increased in peritumoral tissue (phospho-Akt (Thr308) ΔSignal 18.2%, p = 0.004; phospho-AMPKa (Thr172) ΔSignal 56.3%, p < 0.001), as they were the downstream effectors responsible for cell growth/survival (phospho-p70S6K (Thr389) ΔSignal 33.3%, p < 0.001 and phospho-S6RP (Ser235/236) ΔSignal 54.6%, p < 0.001). MTOR expression was increased in patients with multinodular HCC (tumoral p = 0.01; peritumoral p = 0.001). Increased phospho-mTOR in tumoral tissue was associated with higher HCC recurrence rates after LT (23.8% vs. 5.9% at 24 months, p = 0.04). (4) Conclusion: mTOR pathway is over-expressed in patients with multinodular HCC and is it associated with increased post-LT tumour recurrence rates.
Epigenetic Modifications of the Liver Tumor Cell Line HepG2 Increase Their Drug Metabolic Capacity
Authors: Ruoß Marc , Damm Georg , Vosough Massoud , Ehret Lisa , Grom-Baumgarten Carl , Petkov Martin , Naddalin Silvio , Ladurner Ruth , Seehofer Daniel , Nussler Andreas , Sajadian Sahar
Published: January 2019

Although human liver tumor cells have reduced metabolic functions as compared to primary human hepatocytes (PHH) they are widely used for pre-screening tests of drug metabolism and toxicity. The aim of the present study was to modify liver cancer cell lines in order to improve their drug-metabolizing activities towards PHH. It is well-known that epigenetics is strongly modified in tumor cells and that epigenetic regulators influence the expression and function of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes through altering crucial transcription factors responsible for drug-metabolizing enzymes. Therefore, we screened the epigenetic status of four different liver cancer cell lines (Huh7, HLE, HepG2 and AKN-1) which were reported to have metabolizing drug activities. Our results showed that HepG2 cells demonstrated the highest similarity compared to PHH. Thus, we modified the epigenetic status of HepG2 cells towards ‘normal’ liver cells by 5-Azacytidine (5-AZA) and Vitamin C exposure. Then, mRNA expression of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker SNAIL and CYP enzymes were measured by PCR and determinate specific drug metabolites, associated with CYP enzymes by LC/MS. Our results demonstrated an epigenetic shift in HepG2 cells towards PHH after exposure to 5-AZA and Vitamin C which resulted in a higher expression and activity of specific drug metabolizing CYP enzymes. Finally, we observed that 5-AZA and Vitamin C led to an increased expression of Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and E-Cadherin and a significant down regulation of Snail1 (SNAIL), the key transcriptional repressor of E-Cadherin. Our study shows, that certain phase I genes and their enzyme activities are increased by epigenetic modification in HepG2 cells with a concomitant reduction of EMT marker gene SNAIL. The enhancing of liver specific functions in hepatoma cells using epigenetic modifiers opens new opportunities for the usage of cell lines as a potential liver in vitro model for drug testing and development.
Polyphenol Health Effects on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Potì Francesco , Santi Daniele , Spaggiari Giorgia , Zimetti Francesca , Zanotti Ilaria
Published: January 2019

Several studies have demonstrated that polyphenol-enriched diets may have beneficial effects against the development of degenerative diseases, including atherosclerosis and disorders affecting the central nervous system. This activity has been associated not only with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but also with additional mechanisms, such as the modulation of lipid metabolism and gut microbiota function. However, long-term studies on humans provided controversial results, making the prediction of polyphenol impact on health uncertain. The aim of this review is to provide an overview and critical analysis of the literature related to the effects of the principal dietary polyphenols on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. We critically considered and meta-analyzed randomized controlled clinical trials involving subjects taking polyphenol-based supplements. Although some polyphenols might improve specific markers of cardiovascular risk and cognitive status, many inconsistent data are present in literature. Therefore, definitive recommendations for the use of these compounds in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline are currently not applicable. Once pivotal aspects for the definition of polyphenol bioactivity, such as the characterization of pharmacokinetics and safety, are addressed, it will be possible to have a clear picture of the realistic potential of polyphenols for disease prevention.
Hibernation and Radioprotection: Gene Expression in the Liver and Testicle of Rats Irradiated under Synthetic Torpor
Authors: Tinganelli Walter , Hitrec Timna , Romani Fabrizio , Simoniello Palma , Squarcio Fabio , Stanzani Agnese , Piscitiello Emiliana , Marchesano Valentina , Luppi Marco , Sioli Maximiliano , Helm Alexander , Compagnone Gaetano , Morganti Alessio G. , Amici Roberto , Negrini Matteo , Zoccoli Antonio , Durante Marco , Cerri Matteo
Published: January 2019

Hibernation has been proposed as a tool for human space travel. In recent years, a procedure to induce a metabolic state known as “synthetic torpor” in non-hibernating mammals was successfully developed. Synthetic torpor may not only be an efficient method to spare resources and reduce psychological problems in long-term exploratory-class missions, but may also represent a countermeasure against cosmic rays. Here we show the preliminary results from an experiment in rats exposed to ionizing radiation in normothermic conditions or synthetic torpor. Animals were irradiated with 3 Gy X-rays and organs were collected 4 h after exposure. Histological analysis of liver and testicle showed a reduced toxicity in animals irradiated in torpor compared to controls irradiated at normal temperature and metabolic activity. The expression of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) in the liver was significantly downregulated in the group of animal in synthetic torpor. In the testicle, more genes involved in the DNA damage signaling were downregulated during synthetic torpor. These data show for the first time that synthetic torpor is a radioprotector in non-hibernators, similarly to natural torpor in hibernating animals. Synthetic torpor can be an effective strategy to protect humans during long term space exploration of the solar system.
Survey of the Geometric and Electronic Structures of the Key Hydrogenated Forms of FeMo-co, the Active Site of the Enzyme Nitrogenase: Principles of the Mechanistically Significant Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Dance Ian
Published: January 2019

The enzyme nitrogenase naturally hydrogenates N2 to NH3, achieved through the accumulation of H atoms on FeMo-co, the Fe7MoS9C(homocitrate) cluster that is the catalytically active site. Four intermediates, E1H1, E2H2, E3H3, and E4H4, carry these hydrogen atoms. I report density functional calculations of the numerous possibilities for the geometric and electronic structures of these poly-hydrogenated forms of FeMo-co. This survey involves more than 100 structures, including those with bound H2, and assesses their relative energies and most likely electronic states. Twelve locations for bound H atoms in the active domain of FeMo-co, including Fe–H–Fe and Fe–H–S bridges, are studied. A significant result is that transverse Fe–H–Fe bridges (transverse to the pseudo-threefold axis of FeMo-co and shared with triply-bridging S) are not possible geometrically unless the S is hydrogenated to become doubly-bridging. The favourable Fe–H–Fe bridges are shared with doubly-bridging S. ENDOR data for an E4H4 intermediate trapped at low temperature, and interpretations in terms of the geometrical and electronic structure of E4H4, are assessed in conjunction with the calculated possibilities. The results reported here yield a set of 24 principles for the mechanistically significant coordination chemistry of H and H2 on FeMo-co, in the stages prior to N2 binding.
Lethal and Sub-Lethal Effects of Insecticides on the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Ganjisaffar Fatemeh , Andreason Sharon A. , Perring Thomas M.
Published: January 2019

The pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a pest of many plants, and a new problem on dates in California. The effects of seven insecticides and water on different life stages of this mealybug were studied to identify the best material for control. Water did not have any significant effect on mealybugs, but the insecticide treatments significantly affected all life stages tested. The egg hatch rate ranged from 28.5% to 17.2% for spirotetramat, bifenthrin, flupyradifurone, fenpropathrin, and buprofezin treatments, and was lower for sulfoxaflor (2.8%) and acetamiprid (0.1%). Despite high survival of neonate crawlers in the non-treated control and water treatments, 53.1% and 34.6% survived in the spirotetramat and buprofezin treatments, respectively; survival was zero in the other treatments. Spirotetramat and buprofezin caused very low mortality of nymphs in the first day post-treatment, but mortality significantly increased over time and reached 42.8% and 50.6% by day 6, respectively. The other treatments were highly toxic to the nymphs (79.4–99.4% on day 6). Insecticides also had a significant effect on the feeding ability of nymphs. By day 6 after treatment, 73.9% to 100% of nymphs treated with different insecticides stopped feeding although they were still alive. Insecticides showed no effect on the mortality of adult females, but the percentages of ovipositing females were significantly reduced (51.1% to 10.6%) in all insecticide treatments, except buprofezin, which was not statistically different from water and the non-treated control. In the process of our studies, we identified abnormalities in the appearance of eggs from females treated with various insecticides, and these aberrant eggs are described.
Survey on Experimental and Numerical Approaches to Model Underwater Explosions
Authors: Vannucchi de Camargo Felipe
Published: January 2019

The ability of predicting material failure is essential for adequate structural dimensioning in every mechanical design. For ships, and particularly for military vessels, the challenge of optimizing the toughness-to-weight ratio at the highest possible value is essential to provide agile structures that can safely withstand external forces. Exploring the case of underwater explosions, the present paper summarizes some of the fundamental mathematical relations for foreseeing the behavior of naval panels to such solicitation. A broad state-of-the-art survey links the mechanical stress-strain response of materials and the influence of local reinforcements in flexural and lateral-torsional buckling to the hydrodynamic relations that govern the propagation of pressure waves prevenient from blasts. Numerical simulation approaches used in computational modeling of underwater explosions are reviewed, focusing on Eulerian and Lagrangian fluid descriptions, Johnson-Cook and Gurson constitutive materials for naval panels, and the solving methods FEM (Finite Element Method), FVM (Finite Volume Method), BEM (Boundary Element Method), and SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics). The confrontation of experimental tests for evaluating different hull materials and constructions with formulae and virtual reproduction practices allow a wide perception of the subject from different yet interrelated points of view.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks in 2018
Authors:   Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Digenic Inheritance of LAMA4 and MYH7 Mutations in Patient with Infantile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Abdallah Atiyeh M , Carlus S. Justin , Al-Mazroea Abdulhadi H , Alluqmani Mohammad , Almohammadi Yousef , Bhuiyan Zahurul A , Al-Harbi Khalid M
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a rare cardiac disease characterised by left ventricular enlargement, reduced left ventricular contractility, and impaired systolic function. Childhood DCM is clinically and genetically heterogenous and associated with mutations in over 100 genes. The aim of this study was to identify novel variations associated with infantile DCM. Materials and Methods: Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of 181 cardiomyopathy-related genes was performed in three unrelated consanguineous families from Saudi Arabia. Variants were confirmed and their frequency established in 50 known DCM cases and 80 clinically annotated healthy controls. Results: The three index cases presented between 7 and 10 months of age with severe DCM. In Family A, there was digenic inheritance of two heterozygous variants: a novel variant in LAMA4 (c.3925G > A, p.Asp1309Asn) and a known DCM mutation in MYH7 (c.2770G > A; p.Glu924Lys). The LAMA4 p.Asp1309Asn variant was predicted to be likely pathogenic according to international guidelines. The other two families had no identifiable potentially deleterious variants. Conclusions: Inheritance of two genetic variants may have a synergistic or dose effect to cause severe DCM. We report of a novel p.Asp1309Asn variation associated with DCM. Targeted NGS is useful in the molecular diagnosis of DCM and to guide whole-family management and counselling.
Pulmonary Endarterectomy in Latvia: A National Experience
Authors: Sablinskis Matiss , Sablinskis Kristaps , Skride Andris
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a hemodynamic state characterized by chronic obstruction in pulmonary circulation. The treatment of choice is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). The aim of our study was to compile and analyze the data of a small, national center, which has not yet been done in the Baltic states. Materials and methods: The data of Latvian CTEPH registry in timeframe from 1 September 2007 to 31 December 2016 was retrospectively analyzed and all patients who underwent PEA were included. Results: PEA was done for 7 patients. The in-hospital mortality was 14%. The 3-year survival rate was 86%. The procedure restored pulmonary blood pressure to normal values for three of the patients (42%). The remaining four patients (57%) had persistent pulmonary hypertension (mPAP > 30 mmHg), which required continuous therapy. There was a comparable decline in mean mPAP compared to baseline, 53.4 ± 14.4 mmHg to 44.3 ± 30 mmHg, respectively. At 12-month follow-up, there was a significant improvement in functional capacity, as seen by increased 6-min walk test distance and shifts in New York Heart Association functional class. Conclusions: Only 16% of all prevalent Latvian CTEPH patients have underwent PEA in the course of nine years, despite it being the treatment of choice for CTEPH. As PEA and other emerging treatment options, such as balloon pulmonary angioplasty, can only be done in expert centers, numerous organizational, logistical, and economic issues arise for patients of smaller countries, where such centers have not yet been created due to lack of experience and limited amount of patients.
Dye Degrading and Fouling-Resistant Membranes Formed by Deposition with Ternary Nanocomposites of N-Doped Graphene/TiO2/Activated Carbon
Authors: Wu Tao , Zhang Zongman , Zhai Ding , Liu Yang , Liu Qingguo , Xue Lixin , Gao Congjie
Published: January 2019

A ternary nanocomposite consisting of N-doped graphene (NGR)/TiO2/activated carbon (NGRT@AC) was prepared, and the components’ synergetic effect on dye degradation was investigated after deposition on the surface of a polysulfone membrane (PSF). As far as we know, this ternary composite catalyst has never previously been used to degrade dyes nor been used as a functional layer for separation membranes. The surface morphology and structure of the as-prepared membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The NGRT@AC-modified PSF membrane (NGRT@AC-PSF) presents excellent photodegradation efficiency to methyl orange (MO) under both UV (95.2%) and sunlight (78.1%) irradiation, much higher than those values of PSF, TiO2- modified PSF (TiO2-PSF), and N-doped graphene/TiO2 (NGRT)-modified PSF membranes (NGRT-PSF) under the same conditions. The high flux recovery ratio (95.5%) demonstrates that the NGRT@AC-PSF membrane shows improved antifouling performance. The photocatalytic results prove that surface deposition method (95.2%) was better than the blending method (31.1%) for forming high-performance membranes. Therefore, the NGRT@AC-PSF membrane has the potential for broad applications in dye degradation to treat waste water from textile industries.
Effect of Primary Crystals on Pore Morphology during Semi-Solid Foaming of A2024 Alloys
Authors: Kuwahara Takashi , Saito Mizuki , Osaka Taro , Suzuki Shinsuke
Published: January 2019

We investigated pore formation in aluminum foams by controlling primary crystal morphology using three master alloys. The first one was a direct chill cast A2024 (Al-Cu-Mg) alloy (DC-cast alloy). The others were A2024 alloys prepared to possess fine spherical primary crystals. The second alloy was made by applying compressive strain through a Strain-Induced Melt-Activated process alloy (SIMA alloy). The third one was a slope-cast A2024 alloy (slope-cast alloy). Each alloy was heated to either 635 °C (fraction of solid fs = 20%) or 630 °C (fs = 40%). TiH2 powder was added to the alloys as a foaming agent upon heating them to a semi-solid state and they were stirred while being held in the furnace. Subsequently, A2024 alloy foams were obtained via water-cooling. The primary crystals of the DC-cast alloy were coarse and irregular before foaming. After foaming, the size of the primary crystals remained irregular, but also became spherical. The SIMA and slope-cast alloys possessed fine spherical primary crystals before and after foaming. In addition to average-sized pores (macro-pores), small pores were observed inside the cell walls (micro-pores) of each alloy. The formation of macro-pores did not depend on the formation of the primary crystals. Only in the DC-cast alloy did fine micro-pores exist within the primary crystals. The number of micro-pores in the SIMA and slope-cast alloys was one third of that in the DC-cast alloy.
Effect of Weakly Basic Conditions on the Separation and Purification of Flavonoids and Glycosides from Chrysanthemum morifolium Tea
Authors: Wang Yuxiao , Xu Zhenzhen , Wu Yue , Li Mo , Pang Sicheng , Liang Zhe , Ni Yuanying
Published: January 2019

Tea brewed from chrysanthemum flowers has been widely used in Chinese medicine. The possibly medicinal compounds in Chrysanthemum morifolium tea can be purified by preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), but this is usually done with acidic conditions, which leads to the hydrolysis of glycosides. In hopes of avoiding this hydrolysis, we explored the effect of weakly basic conditions on the separation and purification of flavonoids and glycosides from Chrysanthemum morifolium. We also explored the effects of weakly basic conditions on chlorogenic acid (3-CQA) and apigenin-7-O-glucoside (A7G). Our results show that the concentration of the weakly basic ammonium hydrogen carbonate and time had no significant effect on A7G, p < 0.01, but it had a significant effect on 3-CQA, p < 0.01. HPLC and ultraviolet (UV) analysis showed that the structure of 3-CQA is destroyed in weakly basic conditions. Caffeic acid, quinic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, which is a hydrolysate of 3-CQA, were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The results showed that weakly basic conditions could be used for the purification of flavonoids and glycosides but not for caffeoylquinic acids. Moreover, our work clarified the hydrolysis behaviour of caffeoylquinic acids, which can be helpful for research into their functional aspects.
Triterpenes from the Mushroom Hypholoma lateritium: Isolation, Structure Determination and Investigation in Bdelloid Rotifer Assays
Authors: Chuluunbaatar Bayar , Béni Zoltán , Dékány Miklós , Kovács Bernadett , Sárközy András , Datki Zsolt , Mácsai Lilla , Kálmán János , Hohmann Judit , Ványolós Attila
Published: January 2019

Twelve compounds (1–12) were isolated from the methanol extract of brick cap mushroom (Hypholoma lateritium (Schaeff.) P. Kumm.). The structures of the compounds were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR and MS measurements. Lanosta-7,9(11)-diene-12β,21α-epoxy-2α,3β,24β,25-tetraol (1) and 8-hydroxy-13-oxo-9E,11E-octa-decadienoic acid (2) were identified as new natural products, together with ten known compounds, from which 3β-hydroxyergosta-7,22-diene (4), demethylincisterol A2 (5), cerevisterol (6), 3β-O-glucopyranosyl-5,8-epidioxyergosta-6,22-diene (7), fasciculol E (9), and uridine (12) were identified in this species for the first time. The isolated triterpenes (1, 3–11) were investigated for their toxicity in vivo using bdelloid rotifer assays. Most of the examined steroids in general showed low toxicity, although the effects of the compounds varied in a wider range from the non-toxic lanosta-7,9(11)-diene-12β,21α-epoxy-2α,3β,24β,25-tetraol (1) to the significantly toxic cerevisterol (6), with substantial dependence in some cases on the presence of nutrient in the experimental environment.
Attenuated Replication of Lassa Virus Vaccine Candidate ML29 in STAT-1-/- Mice
Authors: Johnson Dylan , Jokinen Jenny , Lukashevich Igor
Published: January 2019

Lassa virus (LASV), a highly prevalent mammalian arenavirus endemic in West Africa, can cause Lassa fever (LF), which is responsible for thousands of deaths annually. LASV is transmitted to humans from naturally infected rodents. At present, there is not an effective vaccine nor treatment. The genetic diversity of LASV is the greatest challenge for vaccine development. The reassortant ML29 carrying the L segment from the nonpathogenic Mopeia virus (MOPV) and the S segment from LASV is a vaccine candidate under current development. ML29 demonstrated complete protection in validated animal models against a Nigerian strain from clade II, which was responsible for the worst outbreak on record in 2018. This study demonstrated that ML29 was more attenuated than MOPV in STAT1-/- mice, a small animal model of human LF and its sequelae. ML29 infection of these mice resulted in more than a thousand-fold reduction in viremia and viral load in tissues and strong LASV-specific adaptive T cell responses compared to MOPV-infected mice. Persistent infection of Vero cells with ML29 resulted in generation of interfering particles (IPs), which strongly interfered with the replication of LASV, MOPV and LCMV, the prototype of the Arenaviridae. ML29 IPs induced potent cell-mediated immunity and were fully attenuated in STAT1-/- mice. Formulation of ML29 with IPs will improve the breadth of the host’s immune responses and further contribute to development of a pan-LASV vaccine with full coverage meeting the WHO requirements.