bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Biomass or Wastewaters Depending on the Metal Co-Catalyst and Its Deposition Method on TiO2
Authors: Imizcoz Mikel , Puga Alberto V.
Published: July 2019

A systematic study on the solar photocatalytic hydrogen production (photoreforming) performance of M/TiO2 (M = Au, Ag, Cu or Pt) using glucose as a model substrate, and further extended to lignocellulose hydrolysates and wastewaters, is herein presented. Three metal (M) co-catalyst loading methods were tested. Variation of the type of metal results in significantly dissimilar H2 production rates, albeit the loading method exerts an even greater effect in most cases. Deposition-precipitation (followed by hydrogenation) or photodeposition provided better results than classical impregnation (followed by calcination). Interestingly, copper as a co-catalyst performed satisfactorily as compared to Au, and slightly below Pt, thus representing a realistic inexpensive alternative to noble metals. Hydrolysates of either α-cellulose or rice husks, obtained under mild conditions (short thermal cycles at 160 °C), were rich in saccharides and thus suitable as feedstocks. Nonetheless, the presence of inhibiting byproducts hindered H2 production. A novel photocatalytic UV pre-treatment method was successful to initially remove the most recalcitrant portion of these minor products along with H2 production (17 µmol gcat−1 h−1 on Cu/TiO2). After a short UV step, simulated sunlight photoreforming was orders of magnitude more efficient than without the pre-treatment. Hydrogen production was also directly tested on two different wastewater streams, that is, a municipal influent and samples from operations in a fruit juice producing plant, with remarkable results obtained for the latter (up to 115 µmol gcat−1 h−1 using Au/TiO2).
GEDS: A Gene Expression Display Server for mRNAs, miRNAs and Proteins
Authors: Xia Mengxuan , Liu Chun-Jie , Zhang Qiong , Guo An-Yuan
Published: July 2019

High-throughput technologies generate a tremendous amount of expression data on mRNA, miRNA and protein levels. Mining and visualizing the large amount of expression data requires sophisticated computational skills. An easy to use and user-friendly web-server for the visualization of gene expression profiles could greatly facilitate data exploration and hypothesis generation for biologists. Here, we curated and normalized the gene expression data on mRNA, miRNA and protein levels in 23,315, 9009 and 9244 samples, respectively, from 40 tissues (The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GETx)) and 1594 cell lines (Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and MD Anderson Cell Lines Project (MCLP)). Then, we constructed the Gene Expression Display Server (GEDS), a web-based tool for quantification, comparison and visualization of gene expression data. GEDS integrates multiscale expression data and provides multiple types of figures and tables to satisfy several kinds of user requirements. The comprehensive expression profiles plotted in the one-stop GEDS platform greatly facilitate experimental biologists utilizing big data for better experimental design and analysis. GEDS is freely available online.
Evaluation of Infilling Methods for Time Series of Daily Temperature Data: Case Study of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Shabalala Zakhele Phumlani , Moeletsi Mokhele Edmond , Tongwane Mphethe Isaac , Mazibuko Sabelo Marvin
Published: July 2019

Incomplete climate records pose a major challenge to decision makers that utilize climate data as one of their main inputs. In this study, different climate data infilling methods (arithmetic averaging, inverse distance weighting, UK traditional, normal ratio and multiple regression) were evaluated against measured daily minimum and maximum temperatures. Eight target stations that are evenly distributed in Limpopo province, South Africa, were used. The objective was to recommend the best approach that results in lowest errors. The optimum number of buddy/neighboring weather stations required for best estimate for each of the approaches was determined. The evaluation indices employed in this study were the correlation coefficient (r), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), accuracy rate (AR) and mean bias error (MBE). The results showed high correlation (r > 0.92) for all the stations, different methods and varying number of neighboring stations utilised. The MAE [RMSE] for the best performing methods (multiple regression and UK traditional) of estimating daily minimum temperature and maximum temperature was less than 1.8 °C [2.3 °C] and 1.0 °C [1.6 °C], respectively. The AR technique showed the MR method as the best approach of estimating daily minimum and maximum temperatures. The other recommended methods are the UK traditional and normal ratio. The MBEs for the arithmetic averaging and inverse-distance weighing techniques are large, indicating either over- or underestimating of the air temperature in the province. Based on the low values for the error estimating statistics, these data infilling methods for daily minimum and maximum air temperatures using neighboring stations data can be utilised to complete the datasets that are used in various applications.
Induced Nucleation of Biomimetic Nanoapatites on Exfoliated Graphene Biomolecule Flakes by Vapor Diffusion in Microdroplets
Authors: Gómez-Morales Jaime , González-Ramírez Luis Antonio , Verdugo-Escamilla Cristóbal , Fernández Penas Raquel , Oltolina Francesca , Prat Maria , Falini Giuseppe
Published: July 2019

The nucleation of apatite nanoparticles on exfoliated graphene nanoflakes has been successfully carried out by the sitting drop vapor diffusion method, with the aim of producing cytocompatible hybrid nanocomposites of both components. The graphene flakes were prepared by the sonication-assisted, liquid-phase exfoliation technique, using the following biomolecules as dispersing surfactants: lysozyme, L-tryptophan, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and chitosan. Results from mineralogical, spectroscopic, and microscopic characterization (X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)) indicate that flakes were stacked in multilayers (>5 layers) and most likely intercalated and functionalized with the biomolecules, while the apatite nanoparticles were found forming a coating on the graphene surfaces. It is worthwhile to mention that when using chitosan-exfoliated graphene, the composites were more homogeneous than when using the other biomolecule graphene flakes, suggesting that this polysaccharide, extremely rich in –OH groups, must be arranged on the graphene surface with the –OH groups pointing toward the solution, forming a more regular pattern for apatite nucleation. The findings by XRD and morphological analysis point to the role of “functionalized graphene” as a template, which induces heterogeneous nucleation and favors the growth of apatite on the flakes’ surfaces. The cytocompatibility tests of the resulting composites, evaluated by the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay in a dose–dependent manner on GTL-16 cells, a human gastric carcinoma cell line, and on m17.ASC cells, a murine mesenchymal stem cell line with osteogenic potential, reveal that in all cases, full cytocompatibility was found.
Technology and Higher Education: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Rodríguez Jiménez Carmen , Sanz Prieto Mariano , Alonso García Santiago
Published: July 2019

Technology in education is one of the current realities that generates most interest. The objective of this research is to analyze the scientific production of educational technology in the higher education stage, within the Web of Science database. To carry out this study, a bibliometric study was conducted, which first established the keywords that would govern the rest of the research and continued with the analysis of different variables that addressed different features, from the origin of the archives to the authors or the most prolific and relevant institutions in the scientific community. The results indicate that there has been a significant increase in publications on this subject in recent years, and as evident from the current peak, this is a growing trend that will lead to more research in the coming years.
Indoor 3-D RT Radio Wave Propagation Prediction Method: PL and RSSI Modeling Validation by Measurement at 4.5 GHz
Authors: Hossain Ferdous , Kim Geok Tan , Abd Rahman Tharek , Nour Hindia Mohammad , Dimyati Kaharudin , Ahmed Sharif , Tso C. P. , Abdaziz Azlan , Lim W. , Mahmud Azwan , Peng Tan Choo , Liew Chia Pao , Thiruchelvam Vinesh
Published: July 2019

This article introduces an efficient analysis of indoor 4.5 GHz radio wave propagation by using a proposed three-dimensional (3-D) ray-tracing (RT) modeling and measurement. The attractive facilities of this frequency band have significantly increased in indoor radio wave communication systems. Radio propagation predictions by simulation method based on a site-specific model, such as RT is widely used to categorize radio wave channels. Although practical measurement provides accurate results, it still needs a considerable amount of resources. Hence, a computerized simulation tool would be a good solution to categorize the wireless channels. The simulation has been performed with an in-house developed software tool. Here, the 3-D shooting bouncing ray tracing (SBRT) and the proposed 3-D ray tracing simulation have been performed separately on a specific layout where the measurement is done. Several comparisons have been performed on the results of the measurement: the proposed method, and the existing SBRT method simulation with respect to received signal strength indication (RSSI) and path loss (PL). The comparative results demonstrate that the RSSI and the PL of proposed RT have better agreements with measurement than with those from the conventional SBRT outputs.
Ultrasonic Health Monitoring of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Yi , Wang Youren , Yung Winco K. C. , Pecht Michael
Published: July 2019

Because of the complex physiochemical nature of the lithium-ion battery, it is difficult to identify the internal changes that lead to battery degradation and failure. This study develops an ultrasonic sensing technique for monitoring the commercial lithium-ion pouch cells and demonstrates this technique through experimental studies. Data fusion analysis is implemented using the ultrasonic sensing data to construct a new battery health indicator, thus extending the capabilities of traditional battery management systems. The combination of the ultrasonic sensing and data fusion approach is validated and shown to be effective for degradation assessment as well as early failure indication.
A Real Time Feed Forward Control of Slug Flow in Microchannels †
Authors: Gagliano Salvina , Cairone Fabiana , Amenta Angelo , Bucolo Maide
Published: July 2019

In this work, the authors present a feed-forward control system for two-phase microfluidic processes, widely adaptable for system-on-chip control in a wide variety of bio-chemical experimental conditions, in which two fluids interact in a micro-channel. The proposed approach takes advantage of the optical monitoring of the slugs flow and the on-line signal processing in the frequency domain for slug passage detection. The experimental characterization of the slug flows by the frequencies of the slugs passage was obtained and used to drive the pumps. The open loop control system was designed and implemented in Labview. The platform includes four modules and a GUI. The first manages the communication between the PC and the syringe pumps, while the second is used to implement the control law. The third manages signal acquisition from the photo-diodes and the last implements the soft-sensor for the signal analysis. Wide-reaching experimental design was carried out for characterization and validation of this approach.
Adventure Races in Brazil: Do Stakeholders Take Conservation into Consideration?
Authors: Bartoletti Carolina , Magro-Lindenkamp Teresa Cristina , Sarriés Gabriel Adrián
Published: July 2019

This case study used exploratory and descriptive research to look into how stakeholders involved in the organization and practice of adventure races in Brazil perceive impacts related to this outdoor activity. Additionally, questions were posed about whether such impacts have been taken into consideration when planning these sporting events. Finally, the research aimed to understand why racers and adventure race organizers choose a certain time of year and venue to partake and organize a race: whether for more logistical purposes or also considering conservation. Online surveys were set up to target adventure race organizers, racers, and national park managers. Overall, there seems to be very little knowledge among racers and race organizers about social and environmental impacts associated with adventure races. This has led to the organization of events with very few or no specific concerns to the environment. Moreover, racers and adventure race organizers seem to perceive certain ecological issues—i.e., erosion—as challenges to the sport and not a problem to be addressed or avoided. National park managers were the group surveyed with more knowledge about the negative impacts adventure races might have on the environment.
Leaf and Soil δ15N Patterns Along Elevational Gradients at Both Treelines and Shrublines in Three Different Climate Zones
Authors: Wang Xue , Jiang Yong , Ren Haiyan , Yu Fei-Hai , Li Mai-He
Published: July 2019

The natural abundance of stable nitrogen (N) isotope (δ15N) in plants and soils can reflect N cycling processes in ecosystems. However, we still do not fully understand patterns of plant and soil δ15N at alpine treelines and shrublines in different climate zones. We measured δ15N and N concentration in leaves of trees and shrubs and also in soils along elevational gradients from lower altitudes to the upper limits of treelines and shrublines in subtropical, dry- and wet-temperate regions in China. The patterns of leaf δ15N in trees and shrubs in response to altitude changes were consistent, with lower values occurring at higher altitude in all three climate zones, but such patterns did not exist for leaf Δδ15N and soil δ15N. Average δ15N values of leaves (−1.2‰) and soils (5.6‰) in the subtropical region were significantly higher than those in the two temperate regions (−3.4‰ and 3.2‰, respectively). Significant higher δ15N values in subtro4pical forest compared with temperate forests prove that N cycles are more open in warm regions. The different responses of leaf and soil δ15N to altitude indicate complex mechanisms of soil biogeochemical process and N sources uptake with environmental variations.
Sand Dune Height Increases Water Use Efficiency at the Expense of Growth and Leaf Area in Mongolian Pine Growing in Hulunbeier Steppe, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Kim Chan-Beom , Kim Yong Suk , Choi Hyung Tae , Kim Jeonghwan , Kim Seongjun , Cha Sangsub , Gao Guang-Lei , Bao Yan-Feng , Son Yowhan , Kwon Jino , Park Ki-Hyung
Published: July 2019

The Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) is one of the most common tree species in semiarid and arid areas of China, especially in the sand dunes of the Hulunbeier steppe. This study addresses the morphological and physiological characteristics of the Mongolian pine according to sand dune height. Five sites were chosen with various sand dune heights (P1–P5). Nine years after planting, tree growth, leaf area, leaf mass per leaf unit area (LMA), diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, diameter at root collar (DRC), longest shoot length, carbon isotope composition, and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) were measured to explore the responses of Mongolian pine trees to drought. DBH, tree height, DRC, leaf area, leaf length, and longest shoot length significantly decreased with greater sand dune height (p < 0.05). However, the carbon isotope actually increased with dune height (p < 0.05). Conversely, the iWUE of current-year pine needles was significantly higher at measurement points P3 (132.29 μmol CO2 mol −1 H2O), P4 (132.96 μmol CO2 mol −1 H2O), and P5 (125.34 μmol CO2 mol −1 H2O) than at the lower points P1 (95.18 ± 9.87 μmol CO2 mol −1 H2O) and P2 (103.10 ± 11.12 μmol CO2 mol −1 H2O). Greater sand dune height increases the distance to groundwater, which in this study led to an increase in iWUE in the Mongolian pines, thus these trees appear to adapt to increased sand dune height by increasing their iWUE and decreasing their leaf area. However, prolonged periods characterized by such adaptations can lead to tree death. We expect these findings to be useful when selecting plantation sites for Mongolian pines in semiarid and arid climates.
Dual Crosslinked Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels for Photolithography and 3D Printing
Authors: Basara Gozde , Yue Xiaoshan , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: July 2019

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels have been used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because of their biocompatibility, photopatternability, printability, and tunable mechanical and rheological properties. However, low mechanical strength limits their applications in controlled drug release, non-viral gene therapy, and tissue and disease modeling. In this work, a dual crosslinking method for GelMA is introduced. First, photolithography was used to pattern the gels through the crosslinking of methacrylate incorporated amine groups of GelMA. Second, a microbial transglutaminase (mTGase) solution was introduced in order to enzymatically crosslink the photopatterned gels by initiating a chemical reaction between the glutamine and lysine groups of the GelMA hydrogel. The results showed that dual crosslinking improved the stiffness and rheological properties of the hydrogels without affecting cell viability, when compared to single crosslinking with either ultraviolet (UV) exposure or mTGase treatment. Our results also demonstrate that when treated with mTGase, hydrogels show decreased swelling properties and better preservation of photolithographically patterned shapes. Similar effects were observed when three dimensional (3D) printed and photocrosslinked substrates were treated with mTGase. Such dual crosslinking methods can be used to improve the mechanical properties and pattern fidelity of GelMA gels, as well as dynamic control of the stiffness of tissue engineered constructs.
Methods to Invert Temperature Data and Heat Flow Data for Thermal Conductivity in Steady-State Conductive Regimes
Authors: McAliley Wallace Anderson , Li Yaoguo
Published: July 2019

Temperature and heat flow data carry specific information about the distribution of thermal conductivity variations which is not available in other geophysical data sets. Thus, thermal data constitute important complementary data sets in the multiphysics-based imaging and characterization of earth’s subsurface. The quantitative interpretations that accompany this effort can be carried out by determining thermal conductivities from temperature or heat flow data. Towards this goal, we develop inversion methods based on Tikhonov regularization and numerical solution of the differential equations governing the steady-state heat equation. Numerical simulations using these methods yield insights into the information content in thermal data and indicate it is similar to that in potential-field data. We apply the temperature inversion method to borehole temperature data from the Cooper Basin in Australia, a well-studied geothermal prospect. The methods and insights presented in this study pave the way for imaging the subsurface through recovered thermal conductivities and for joint quantitative interpretations of thermal data with other common geophysical data sets in various geoscientific applications.
Towards a Decolonial Narrative Ethics
Authors: Haker Hille
Published: July 2019

This essay explores the contribution of two works of German literature to a decolonial narrative ethics. It analyzes the structures of colonialism, taking narratives as a medium of and for ethical reflection, and reinterprets the ethical concepts of recognition and responsibility. This essay examines two stories. Franz Kafka’s Report to an Academy (1917) addresses the biological racism of the German scientists around 1900, unmasking the racism that renders apes (or particular people) the pre-life of human beings (or particular human beings). It also demonstrates that the politics of recognition, based on conditional (mis-)recognition, must be replaced by an ethics of mutual recognition. Uwe Timm’s Morenga (1978) uses the cross-reference of history and fiction as an aesthetic principle, narrating the history of the German genocide of the Nama and Herero people at the beginning of the 20th century. Intercultural understanding, the novel shows, is impossible when it is based on the conditional, colonial (mis-)recognition that echoes Kafka’s unmasking; furthermore, the novel illuminates the interrelation of recognition and responsibility that requires not only an aesthetic ethics of reading based on attentiveness and response but also a political ethics that confronts the (German) readers as historically situated agents who must take responsibility for their past.
Clinical Factors Associated with Longer Hospital Stay Following Ovarian Cancer Surgery
Authors: Smith Christopher G. , Davenport Daniel L. , Gorski Justin , McDowell Anthony , Burgess Brian T. , Fredericks Tricia I. , Baldwin Lauren A. , Miller Rachel W. , DeSimone Christopher P. , Dietrich Charles S. , Gallion Holly H. , Pavlik Edward J. , van Nagell John R. , Ueland Frederick R.
Published: July 2019

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy and is treated with a combination of cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. Extended length of stay (LOS) after surgery can affect patient morbidity, overall costs, and hospital resource utilization. The primary objective of this study was to identify factors contributing to prolonged LOS for women undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried to identify women from 2012–2016 who underwent hysterectomy for ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer. The primary outcome was LOS >50th percentile. Preoperative and intraoperative variables were examined to determine which were associated with prolonged LOS. Results: From 2012–2016, 1771 women underwent elective abdominal surgery for OC and were entered in the ACS-NSQIP database. The mean and median LOS was 4.6 and 4.0 days (IQR 0–38), respectively. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with prolonged LOS included: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classification III (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.38–2.13) or IV (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.44–2.46), presence of ascites (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.44–2.46), older age (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.13–1.35), platelet count >400,000/mm3 (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.29–2.35), preoperative blood transfusion (aOR 11.00, 95% CI 1.28–94.77), disseminated cancer (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03–1.60), increased length of operation (121–180 min, aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13-1.91; >180 min, aOR 2.78, 95% CI 2.13–3.64), and postoperative blood transfusion within 72 h of incision (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.59–2.62) (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Longer length of hospital stay following surgery for OC is associated with many patient, disease, and treatment-related factors. The extent of surgery, as evidenced by perioperative blood transfusion and length of surgical procedure, is a factor that can potentially be modified to shorten LOS, improve patient outcomes, and reduce hospital costs.
To 3D or Not 3D: Choosing a Photogrammetry Workflow for Cultural Heritage Groups
Authors: Rahaman Hafizur , Champion Erik
Published: July 2019

The 3D reconstruction of real-world heritage objects using either a laser scanner or 3D modelling software is typically expensive and requires a high level of expertise. Image-based 3D modelling software, on the other hand, offers a cheaper alternative, which can handle this task with relative ease. There also exists free and open source (FOSS) software, with the potential to deliver quality data for heritage documentation purposes. However, contemporary academic discourse seldom presents survey-based feature lists or a critical inspection of potential production pipelines, nor typically provides direction and guidance for non-experts who are interested in learning, developing and sharing 3D content on a restricted budget. To address the above issues, a set of FOSS were studied based on their offered features, workflow, 3D processing time and accuracy. Two datasets have been used to compare and evaluate the FOSS applications based on the point clouds they produced. The average deviation to ground truth data produced by a commercial software application (Metashape, formerly called PhotoScan) was used and measured with CloudCompare software. 3D reconstructions generated from FOSS produce promising results, with significant accuracy, and are easy to use. We believe this investigation will help non-expert users to understand the photogrammetry and select the most suitable software for producing image-based 3D models at low cost for visualisation and presentation purposes.
Genetic Testing to Predict Weight Loss and Diabetes Remission and Long-Term Sustainability after Bariatric Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ciudin Andreea , Fidilio Enzamaria , Ortiz Angel , Pich Sara , Salas Eduardo , Mesa Jordi , Hernández Cristina , Simó-Servat Olga , Lecube Albert , Simó Rafael
Published: July 2019

Introduction: The aim of this pilot study was to assess genetic predisposition risk scores (GPS) in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients in order to predict the better response to bariatric surgery (BS) in terms of either weight loss or diabetes remission. Research Design and Methods: A case-control study in which 96 females (47 with type 2 diabetes) underwent Roux-en-Y gastric by-pass were included. The DNA was extracted from saliva samples and SNPs were examined and grouped into 3 GPS. ROC curves were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Results: A highly sensitive and specific predictive model of response to BS was obtained by combining the GPS in non-diabetic subjects. This combination was different in diabetic subjects and highly predictive of diabetes remission. Additionally, the model was able to predict the weight regain and type 2 diabetes relapse after 5 years’ follow-up. Conclusions: Genetic testing is a simple, reliable and useful tool for implementing personalized medicine in type 2 diabetic patients requiring BS.
Clinical Evaluation of Three Surgical Modalities in the Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Toma Selena , Brecx Michel C. , Lasserre Jerome F.
Published: July 2019

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of three mechanical procedures for surgically treating peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: In a randomized, prospective, parallel-group study, 47 patients with peri-implantitis were treated with (a) plastic curettes (n = 15 patients, 25 implants), (b) an air-abrasive device (Perio-Flow®, n = 16 patients,22 implants), or (c) a titanium brush (Ti-Brush®, n = 16 patients, 23 implants). Patients were assessed for the following measures at three timepoints (baseline, and three and six months after surgery): plaque index, bleeding on probing, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level, and bone loss. Treatment outcome was considered successful when the implant was still present with PPD ≤ 5 mm, no bleeding on probing, and no further mean bone loss ≥ 0.5 mm. Results: A greater reduction of gingival index and PPD was observed in the titanium brush group than in the other groups at six months (P < 0.001). Relative attachment level decreased from baseline in each group at three months but was more marked in the titanium brush group (P < 0.001). At six months, there was less bone loss in the titanium brush group than in the plastic curette group (P < 0.001; linear mixed model and Kruskal–Wallis). A successful outcome was observed in 22% of implants in the plastic curette group, 27% in the Perio-Flow® group, and 33% in the Ti-Brush® group. Conclusions: The titanium brush and glycine air-polishing device were more effective than the other methods, but treatment success remained low. Combining mechanical procedures with antimicrobials and/or antibiotics might be a more effective strategy and warrants careful investigation.
Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing and Potential Clinically Significant Drug–Drug Interactions in Older Outpatients: Is There Any Association?
Authors: Cvetković Zorica , Perić Aneta , Dobrić Silva
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP), by using the Screening Tool of Older Person’s potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria in older outpatients, and its association with potential clinically significant drug–drug interactions (csDDIs). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 248 outpatients ≥65 years old divided into two groups depending on the presence of csDDIs. For estimating the clinical significance of csDDIs we used Medscape′s "Drug Interaction Checker". We applied the thirty PIP indicators from the STOPP criteria. Results: The presence of PIP (25.00%; all patients) was significantly higher in the group with potential csDDIs compared to the other group (43 vs. 19, respectively; Chi-square test, χ2 = 9.947; p < 0.01). The most common PIP included the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors, long acting benzodiazepines, usage of thiazide diuretic in patients with gout, and duplication of therapeutic class. Patients with potential csDDIs had 43 potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) prescribed. Out of this number, 12 (27.91%) PIMs were identified to participate in potential csDDIs. There was a correlation between the number of medications prescribed and the number of PIMs (ρ = 0.297; p < 0.01) and between the number of PIPs and the number of potential csDDIs (ρ = 0.170; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Older outpatients with potential csDDIs in relation to those with no potential csDDIs had significantly more prescribed drugs in total as well as inappropriate drugs. Almost 30% of these PIMs were included in potential csDDIs.
Carbonate Precipitation in Mixed Cyanobacterial Biofilms Forming Freshwater Microbial Tufa
Authors: Payandi-Rolland Dahédrey , Roche Adeline , Vennin Emmanuelle , Visscher Pieter T. , Amiotte-Suchet Philippe , Thomas Camille , Bundeleva Irina A.
Published: July 2019

Mixed cyanobacteria-dominated biofilms, enriched from a tributary of the Mérantaise (France) were used to conduct laboratory experiments in order to understand the relationship between the morphology of carbonate precipitates and the biological activity (e.g., cyanobacterial exopolymeric substances (EPS) production, photosynthetic pH increases). DNA sequencing data showed that the enriched biofilm was composed predominantly of two types of filamentous cyanobacteria that belonged to the Oscillatoriaceae and Phormidiaceae families, respectively. Microscopic analysis also indicated the presence of some coccoid cyanobacteria resembling Gloeocapsa. Analysis of carbonate precipitates in experimental biofilms showed three main morphologies: micro-peloids with different shapes of mesocrystals associated with Oscillatoriaceae filaments and theirs EPS, lamellae of carbonate formed directly on Phormidiaceae filaments, and rhombic sparite crystals wrapped in EPS. All crystals were identified by FT-IR spectroscopy as calcite. Similar structures as those that formed in laboratory conditions were observed in the microbial-tufa deposits collected in the stream. Microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of laboratory and natural samples indicated a close proximity of the cyanobacterial EPS and precipitated carbonates in both. Based on the laboratory experiments, we conclude that the microbial tufa in the stream is in an early stage of formation.
Strengthening Engagement in Science Understanding with Learning Trails
Authors: Leister Wolfgang , Tjøstheim Ingvar , Joryd Göran , Andersson Jan Alfred , Heggelund Håvard
Published: July 2019

The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology has developed a learning concept for school classes in science centres named “learning trails”. In this concept, groups of students perform a series of thematically related experiments with installations in the science centre. The learning trails are designed to support the generic learning outcomes for science centre visits. We argue that the previously developed Engagement Profile can be used to translate exhibit properties into both media forms and generic learning outcomes for such learning concepts. Further, we implemented the learning trails in two modes: one mode used paper-based content to guide the students, while the other mode supported the use of tablet PCs where engaging content is triggered when the students approach the location of an experiment in the learning trail. We studied the engagement factors of the learning trails and observed how school classes use these. In a study with 113 students from lower secondary school (age 16), they answered short questionnaires that were integrated into the implementation of the learning trails. While the concept of the learning trails was evaluated positively, we could not find significant differences in how engaging the two implemented modes were.
Electro-Exfoliation of Graphite to Graphene in an Aqueous Solution of Inorganic Salt and the Stabilization of Its Sponge Structure with Poly(Furfuryl Alcohol)
Authors: Ilnicka Anna , Skorupska Malgorzata , Kamedulski Piotr , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P.
Published: July 2019

We demonstrate an accessible and effective technique for exfoliating graphite foil and graphite powder into graphene in a water solution of inorganic salt. In our research, we report an electrochemical cathodic exfoliation in an aqueous solution of Na2SO4. After electro-exfoliation, the resulting graphene was premixed with furfuryl alcohol (FA) and an inorganic template (CaCO3 and Na2CO3). Once FA was polymerized to poly(furfuryl alcohol) (PFA), the mixture was carbonized. Carbon bridges originating in thermally-decomposed PFA joined exfoliated graphene flakes and stabilized the whole sponge-type structure after the nano-template was removed. Gases evolved at the graphite electrode (cathode) played an important role in the process of graphene-flake splitting and accelerated the change of graphite into graphene flakes. Starting graphite materials and graphene sponges were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, SEM, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), elemental analysis, and low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen to determine their structure, morphology, and chemical composition. The discovered manufacturing protocol had a positive influence on the specific surface area and porosity of the sponges. The SEM and HRTEM studies confirmed a high separation degree of graphite and different agglomeration pathways. Raman spectra were analyzed with particular focus on the intensities of ID and IG peaks; the graphene-type nature of the sponges was confirmed.
Potential Involvement of Salmonella Infection in Autoimmunity
Authors: Ktsoyan Zhanna , Budaghyan Lyudmila , Agababova Marina , Mnatsakanyan Armine , Arakelova Karine , Gevorgyan Zaruhi , Sedrakyan Anahit , Hovhannisyan Alvard , Mkrtchyan Mkhitar , Zakharyan Magdalina , Arakelyan Arsen , Aminov Rustam
Published: July 2019

In this work, we investigated the potential effects of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection on autoantibody (AA) formation. The titer and profiles of autoantibodies in the sera of patients with acute salmonellosis due to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) or Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) infection, as well as in convalescent patients, were determined with indirect immunofluorescence. A significant increase of autoantibodies in acute diseases caused by both serotypes of Salmonella and during post infection by S. Enteritidis was detected. Antibody profile analysis by multivariate statistics revealed that this increase was non-specific and was not dependent on the infectious agent or disease stage. The results obtained suggest that nontyphoidal Salmonella infection contributes to the generation of autoantibodies and may play a role in autoimmune disease.
Thermoreversible Gel-Loaded Amphotericin B for the Treatment of Dermal and Vaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Sosa Lilian , Calpena Ana Cristina , Silva-Abreu Marcelle , Espinoza Lupe Carolina , Rincón María , Bozal Nuria , Domenech Oscar , Rodríguez-Lagunas María José , Clares Beatriz
Published: July 2019

The present study was designed to develop a thermoreversible gel of Pluronic (P407) loaded amphotericin B (AmB-gel) for the dermal and vaginal treatment of candidiasis. P407 was used as a copolymer to exploit potential advantages related to increasing drug concentration in the tissue layer in order to provide a local effect. Parameters including internal structure, swelling, porosity, and short-term stability were determined. In addition, drug release profile and ex vivo skin and vaginal permeation studies were carried out. Antifungal efficacy was evaluated against strains of Candida spp. and atomic force microscopy (AFM) supported the results. The tolerance of AmB-gel was studied by evaluating biomechanical properties of skin and determining the irritation level in scarified rabbit skin supported by histological analysis. Results confirmed the development of a thermoreversible AmB-gel with high porosity exhibiting Newtonian behavior at 4 °C and pseudoplasticity at 32 °C as well as optimal stability for at least 90 days. The Amb-gel provided a sustained drug release following a Boltzmann sigmoidal model. Non permeation was observed in skin and vaginal mucosa, showing a high retained amount of AmB of 960.0 and 737.3 µg/g/cm2, respectively. In vitro antifungal efficacy showed that AmB-gel was more effective than Free-AmB in inhibiting strains of Candida spp. and these results were corroborated by AFM. Finally, tolerance studies showed that its application did not induce skin irritation nor alter its biophysical properties. Together, these results confirmed that AmB-gel could be proposed as a promising candidate for the clinical status in the treatment of skin and vaginal candidiasis.
Experiences of the Pharmacy-Led Weight Management Service: Views of Service Providers in England
Authors: Peletidi Aliki , Kayyali Reem
Published: July 2019

Obesity constitutes one of the main modifiable risks of developing cardiovascular disease. In the UK, in 2016, 30% of the adult population were obese (30% of females and 29% of males). Community pharmacies are ideally situated to offer weight management (WM) services, enabling individuals to control and lose their excess weight. This study aimed at exploring the views of the pharmacy-led WM service providers in England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 trained community pharmacists and pharmacy staff—11 (73.3%) from Kent, three (20%) from Kingston and Richmond and one (6.7%) from Hackney and City—offering the WM service, either owning or working in independent pharmacies or for pharmacy chains. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and anonymised. The analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: training and support, barriers and approach. Interestingly, service providers (SP) stated that obesity is a tough topic to talk about: they found it difficult to start a conversation about it, even if they had received training to facilitate this role. Additionally, several barriers for running such a service were identified, such as lack of time, too much work pressure and too little advertising, which could potentially lead to poor sustainability of the service. SPs can effectively intervene in an individual’s weight through the WM service that they offer. It is clear that further training should be provided in order for SPs to feel more comfortable in approaching and communicating with people and to increase the public’s awareness of the pharmacy-led WM service, so as to ensure the service’s sustainability.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of JAZ Protein Family in Two Petunia Progenitors
Authors: Tian Shaoze , Liu Siyu , Wang Yu , Wang Kun , Yin Chaoqun , Yue Yuanzheng , Hu Huirong
Published: July 2019

Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) family proteins are the key repressors in the jasmonate signaling pathway and play crucial roles in plant development, defenses, and responses to stresses. However, our knowledge about the JAZ protein family in petunia is limited. This research respectively identified 12 and 16 JAZ proteins in two Petunia progenitors, Petunia axillaris and Petunia inflata. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 28 proteins could be divided into four groups (Groups A–D) and further classified into six subgroups (A1, A2, B1, B3, C, and D1); members in the same subgroup shared some similarities in motif composition and sequence structure. The Ka/Ks ratios of seven paralogous pairs were less than one, suggesting the petunia JAZ family might have principally undergone purifying selection. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that PaJAZ genes presented differential expression patterns during the development of flower bud and anther in petunia, and the expression of PaJAZ5, 9, 12 genes was generally up-regulated after MeJA treatment. Subcellular localization assays demonstrated that proteins PaJAZ5, 9, 12 were localized in nucleus. Yeast two hybrid (Y2H) elucidated most PaJAZ proteins (PaJAZ1-7, 9, 12) might interact with transcription factor MYC2. This study provides insights for further investigation of functional analysis in petunia JAZ family proteins.
Study on Stability and Stability Mechanism of Styrene-Acrylic Emulsion Prepared Using Nanocellulose Modified with Long-Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Zhang Heng , Yang Hongyan , Lu Junliang , Lang Jinyan , Gao Hongkun
Published: July 2019

In this study, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was grafted with lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid and used as stabilizer to prepare styrene butyl acrylate emulsion. The properties of the emulsion were determined, and the mechanism of modified NCC (MNCC) stabilized emulsion was analyzed. Results showed that long-chain fatty acids were grafted to NCC through esterification initiated at a low temperature. When the dosage of L-MNCC, P-MNCC, and S-MNCC was 0.05%, the styrene-acrylic emulsion had 92.5%, 94.2%, and 96.3% conversion rates, respectively, and exhibited good dilution, pH, Ca2+, and centrifugal stability. The particle size of styrene-acrylic emulsion was approximately 460 nm, and the absolute value of the Zeta potential increased with the MNCC concentration. According to the images of optical microscopy and the transmission electron microscope, the MNCC was adsorbed onto the surface of styrene-acrylic emulsion droplets. The synergistic effect from the electrostatic repulsion of MNCC, the hydrophile lipophilicity of MNCC, and the spatial hindrance of the MNCC adsorption layer provided good stability for the styrene-acrylic emulsion. Therefore, MNCC could replace traditional surfactants in stabilizing emulsion.
In-Plane Mechanical Behavior of a New Star-Re-Entrant Hierarchical Metamaterial
Authors: Zhang Wenjiao , Zhao Shuyuan , Sun Rujie , Scarpa Fabrizio , Wang Jinwu
Published: July 2019

A novel hierarchical metamaterial with tunable negative Poisson’s ratio is designed by a re-entrant representative unit cell (RUC), which consists of star-shaped subordinate cells. The in-plane mechanical behaviors of star-re-entrant hierarchical metamaterial are studied thoroughly by finite element method, non-dimensional effective moduli and effective Poisson’s ratios (PR) are obtained, then parameters of cell length, inclined angle, thickness for star subordinate cell as well as the amount of subordinate cell along x, y directions for re-entrant RUC are applied as adjustable design variables to explore structure-property relations. Finally, the effects of the design parameters on mechanical behavior and relative density are systematically investigated, which indicate that high specific stiffness and large auxetic deformation can be remarkably enhanced and manipulated through combining parameters of both subordinate cell and parent RUC. It is believed that the new hierarchical metamaterial reported here will provide more opportunities to design multifunctional lightweight materials that are promising for various engineering applications.
Phosphine Oxide Containing Poly(pyridinium salt)s as Fire Retardant Materials
Authors: Alam Maksudul M. , Biswas Bidyut , Nedeltchev Alexi K. , Han Haesook , Ranasinghe Asanga D. , Bhowmik Pradip K. , Goswami Kisholoy
Published: July 2019

Six new rugged, high-temperature tolerant phosphine oxide-containing poly(4,4′-(p-phenylene)-bis(2,6-diphenylpyridinium)) polymers P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5, and P-6 are synthesized, characterized, and evaluated. Synthesis results in high yield and purity, as confirmed by elemental, proton (1H), and carbon 13 (13C) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra analyses. High glass transition temperatures (Tg > 230 °C) and high char yields (>50% at 700 °C) are determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. These new ionic polymers exhibit excellent processability, thin-film forming, high-temperature resistance, fire-resistance and retardation, coating, adhesion, mechanical and tensile strength, and n-type (electron transport) properties. The incorporation of phosphine oxide and bis(phenylpyridinium) moieties in the polymer backbones leads to high glass transition temperatures and excellent fire retardant properties, as determined by microcalorimetry measurements. The use of organic counterions allows these ionic polymers to be easily processable from several common organic solvents. A large variety of these polymers can be synthesized by utilizing structural variants of the bispyrylium salt, phosphine oxide containing diamine, and the counterion in a combinatorial fashion. These results make them very attractive for a number of applications, including as coating and structural component materials for automobiles, aircrafts, power and propulsion systems, firefighter garments, printed circuit boards, cabinets and housings for electronic and electrical components, construction materials, mattresses, carpets, upholstery and furniture, and paper-thin coatings for protecting important paper documents.
Synthesis and Characterization of Room Temperature Vulcanized Silicone Rubber Using Methoxyl-Capped MQ Silicone Resin as Self-Reinforced Cross-Linker
Authors: Ji Jianye , Ge Xin , Pang Xiaoyan , Liu Ruoling , Wen Shuyi , Sun Jiaqi , Liang Weijie , Ge Jianfang , Chen Xunjun
Published: July 2019

Methoxyl-capped MQ silicone resin (MMQ) was first synthesized by the hydrosilylation of vinyl-containing MQ silicone resin and trimethoxysilane and then used in condensed room-temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber as a self-reinforced cross-linker. Results show that modified silicone rubber exhibits good light transmission. Compared with unmodified silicone rubber, the hardness, tensile strength and elongation of MMQ at the break are increased by 26.4 A, 2.68 MPa and 65.1%, respectively. In addition, the characteristic temperature of 10% mass loss is delayed from 353.5 °C to 477.1 °C, the temperature at maximum degradation rate is also delayed from 408.9 °C to 528.4 °C and the residual mass left at 800 °C is increased from 1.2% to 27.7%. These improved properties are assigned to the synergistic effect of the rigid structure of MMQ, the formation of a dense cross-linking structure in polymers and the uniform distribution of MMQ cross-linking agent in RTV silicone rubber.