bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal Power Flow Algorithm for Bipolar Multi-Terminal VSC-HVDC
Authors: Li Zhou , He Yan , Zhang Ting-Quan , Zhang Xiao-Ping
Published: February 2020

An effective and accurate power flow algorithm provides control references for active power dispatch and initial steady state operating points, used for stability analysis, short-circuit calculations, and electromagnetic transient simulations, which is not only a fundamental precondition to analyze the system operating conditions, but also the basis to improve the accuracy of power flow and DC voltage control of the multi-terminal voltage source converter-based high voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC). This paper proposes a nodal voltage-based universal steady-state power flow algorithm for the newly-developed bipolar multi-terminal VSC-HVDC (VSC-MTDC). Firstly, as the positive-pole and negative-pole DC network of the bipolar VSC-MTDC can be operated individually, a bipolar power flow alternating iterative method is proposed here to obtain the positive/negative-pole DC network power flow. Secondly, a series of nodal equivalent methods involving various control strategies are proposed for the universal power flow algorithm. Then the detailed calculation procedure and a general MATLAB(TM) program for the universal power flow algorithm is presented. A typical 4-terminal bipolar VSC-MTDC system was built in the PSCAD/EMTDC to verify the validity of the proposed algorithm, and the results are discussed here. Moreover, the calculation results of more complex bipolar VSC-MTDC systems under different operating conditions, employing the proposed universal power flow algorithm, are presented to illustrate its universality and efficiency.
Recovery Times and Sustainability in Logged-Over Natural Forests in the Caribbean
Authors: Gräfe Sebastian , Eckelmann Claus-Martin , Playfair Maureen , Oatham Mike P. , Pacheco Ramon , Bremner Quacy , Köhl Michael
Published: February 2020

Despite the widespread use and strong promotion of the sustainable forest management approach, there are still uncertainties about the actual contribution of current forest management practices to sustainability. We studied the problem of sustainable timber production in four tropical countries (Belize, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago). Data assessed on experimental plots covering 10 km2 were used to compare management practices of four forest tenure types that commonly exist in the study countries: large scale concessions (LSC), private forests (PR), periodic block system forests (PBS), and community managed forests (CM). As an indicator of sustainable timber production, we calculated the recovery times expected under the initial condition of the stands and compared them with currently practiced cutting cycles. Three growth scenarios were simulated using diameter growth rates (1.6/2.7/4.5 mm year−1) from empirical data from studies in the region. Initial volumes were determined for all commercial trees as well as for commercial trees with a DBH-threshold ≥45 cm. Highest initial volumes were found in LSC and PBS managed forests. Lowest volumes were found in CM and PR forests. Assuming the lowest growth rate for all commercial trees, none of the stands studied reached the initial pre-harvest volumes within the currently practiced cutting cycles. Assuming the highest growth rate for all trees, LSC, PBS, and PR forests reach the initial pre-harvest volume. Looking at the subset of commercial trees with a DBH ≥45 cm, all stands will reach the initial volume within 30 years only if the highest growth rate is assumed. We show that general harvest codes do not guarantee sustainable forest management in the tropics. Local stand conditions must always be one of the guiding principles of sustainable timber utilization. Applying the rigid rules, which do not take into account the current conditions of the stands, entails long-term risk of forest degradation.
Application and Perceived Effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Intervention Strategies for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Relationships with Affiliate Stigma
Authors: Chou Wen-Jiun , Liu Tai-Ling , Hsiao Ray C. , Chen Yu-Min , Chang Chih-Cheng , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: February 2020

This cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was designed to examine the complementary and alternative intervention strategies (CAIS) employed by caregivers for their children’s attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the associations of affiliate stigma with the employment and rated effectiveness of these strategies in Taiwan. A total of 400 caregivers of children with ADHD participated. CAIS that the caregivers employed and their effectiveness rated by the caregivers were surveyed. Associations of affiliate stigma with the application and rated effectiveness of the strategies were determined using logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that sensory integration (30.3%), exercise training (29.3%), sugar restriction (20.5%), and omega fatty acid supplementation (11.3%) were the most common CAIS that the caregivers employed. Caregivers with stronger affiliate stigma were more likely to employ sensory integration, exercise training, and omega fatty acid supplementation but also rated them as ineffective in treating their children’s ADHD. Various CAIS were employed by the caregivers to manage their children’s ADHD. Affiliate stigma was significantly associated with the application and rated ineffectiveness of several CAIS.
Detecting Binge Drinking and Alcohol-Related Risky Behaviours from Twitter’s Users: An Exploratory Content- and Topology-Based Analysis
Authors: Crocamo Cristina , Viviani Marco , Bartoli Francesco , Carrà Giuseppe , Pasi Gabriella
Published: February 2020

Binge Drinking (BD) is a common risky behaviour that people hardly report to healthcare professionals, although it is not uncommon to find, instead, personal communications related to alcohol-related behaviors on social media. By following a data-driven approach focusing on User-Generated Content, we aimed to detect potential binge drinkers through the investigation of their language and shared topics. First, we gathered Twitter threads quoting BD and alcohol-related behaviours, by considering unequivocal keywords, identified by experts, from previous evidence on BD. Subsequently, a random sample of the gathered tweets was manually labelled, and two supervised learning classifiers were trained on both linguistic and metadata features, to classify tweets of genuine unique users with respect to media, bot, and commercial accounts. Based on this classification, we observed that approximately 55% of the 1 million alcohol-related collected tweets was automatically identified as belonging to non-genuine users. A third classifier was then trained on a subset of manually labelled tweets among those previously identified as belonging to genuine accounts, to automatically identify potential binge drinkers based only on linguistic features. On average, users classified as binge drinkers were quite similar to the standard genuine Twitter users in our sample. Nonetheless, the analysis of social media contents of genuine users reporting risky behaviours remains a promising source for informed preventive programs.
Interaction of the CMTM7 rs347134 Polymorphism with Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Obesity in Han Chinese Male Children
Authors: Zhu Qi , Xue Kun , Guo Hong Wei , Deng Fei Fei , Yang Yu Huan
Published: February 2020

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the Han Chinese population had found that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the CMTM7 gene rs347134 was significantly associated with Body Mass Index (BMI). In the present study, the association of the rs347134 SNP with obesity and its interaction with dietary patterns (DPs) were explored in Han Chinese children. This cross-sectional study group included 1292 children, in whom obesity-related indicators were evaluated, the rs347134 SNP was genotyped by improved Multiple Ligase Detection Reaction (iMLDR), and the DPs were identified by principal component factor analysis. The GG genotype exhibited higher odds of general overweight/obesity (P = 0.038) and central obesity (P = 0.039) than AA + GA genotypes in boys. Four DPs of boys were identified: healthy balanced (HBDP), nuts and sweets-based (NSDP), animal food-based (AFDP), and wheaten and dairy-based (WDDP). Boys with the GG genotype were significantly more inclined to AFDP (P = 0.028) and had a shorter sleep duration (P = 0.031). Significant interactions were observed; boys with the GG genotype displayed a higher LDL in AFDP (P = 0.031) and higher FBG in NSDP (P = 0.038), respectively. Our findings indicate for the first time that the GG genotype of CMTM7 rs347134 is potentially a novel obesity risk factor for Han Chinese male children and is associated with dietary patterns more or less.
Secreted Factors and EV-miRNAs Orchestrate the Healing Capacity of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ragni Enrico , Perucca Orfei Carlotta , De Luca Paola , Colombini Alessandra , Viganò Marco , de Girolamo Laura
Published: February 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from adipose tissue and used either as expanded cells or minimally manipulated cell preparations showed positive clinical outcomes in regenerative medicine approaches based on tissue restoration and inflammation control, like in osteoarthritis (OA). Recently, MSCs’ healing capacity has been ascribed to the large array of soluble factors, including soluble cytokines/chemokines and miRNAs conveyed within extracellular vesicles (EVs). Therefore, in this study, 200 secreted cytokines, chemokines and growth factors via ELISA, together with EV-embedded miRNAs via high-throughput techniques, were scored in adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) cultivated under inflammatory conditions, mimicking OA synovial fluid. Both factors (through most abundantly expressed TIMP1, TIMP2, PLG and CTSS) and miRNAs (miR-24-3p, miR-222-3p and miR-193b-3p) suggested a strong capacity for ASCs to reduce matrix degradation activities, as those activated in OA cartilage, and switch synovial macrophages, often characterized by an M1 inflammatory polarization, towards an M2 phenotype. Moreover, the crucial importance of selecting the target tissue is discussed, showing how a focused search may greatly improve potency prediction and explain clinical outcomes. In conclusion, herein presented data shed light about the way ASCs regulate cell homeostasis and regenerative pathways in an OA-resembling environment, therefore suggesting a rationale for the use of MSC-enriched clinical products, such as stromal vascular fraction and microfragmented adipose tissue, in joint pathologies.
Initiation of Conceptus Elongation Coincides with an Endometrium Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF2) Protein Increase in Heifers
Authors: Chiumia Daniel , Schulke Katy , Groebner Anna E. , Waldschmitt Nadine , Reichenbach Horst-Dieter , Zakhartchenko Valeri , Bauersachs Stefan , Ulbrich Susanne E.
Published: February 2020

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) play an important role during embryo development. To date, the role of FGF and the respective receptors (FGFR) during the preimplantation phase in cattle are not fully characterized. We examined FGF1, FGF2, FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 in cyclic and early pregnant heifers at Days 12, 15, and 18 after insemination (Day 0). Endometrial FGF1 mRNA transcript abundance in heifers varied significantly with respect to the day after insemination, the pregnancy status, and their interaction. The expression was higher in nonpregnant than in pregnant heifers at Day 18. The conceptus transcripts abundance of FGFR2 and FGFR3 were significantly lower at Day 15 than 18. In the endometrium, FGF1 protein abundance significantly decreased from Day 12 onwards and FGF2 protein abundance showed a minor, but a significant increase at Day 15 in comparison to Days 12 and 18. We concluded that the decrease in FGF1 mRNA expression in pregnant heifers at Day 18 points towards a potential contribution of FGF1 in the preimplantation process. Additionally, successful embryo elongation might require a spatiotemporal FGF2 protein increase in the endometrium.
Potential Implications of Quercetin and its Derivatives in Cardioprotection
Authors: Ferenczyova Kristina , Kalocayova Barbora , Bartekova Monika
Published: February 2020

Quercetin (QCT) is a natural polyphenolic compound enriched in human food, mainly in vegetables, fruits and berries. QCT and its main derivatives, such as rhamnetin, rutin, hyperoside, etc., have been documented to possess many beneficial effects in the human body including their positive effects in the cardiovascular system. However, clinical implications of QCT and its derivatives are still rare. In the current paper we provide a complex picture of the most recent knowledge on the effects of QCT and its derivatives in different types of cardiac injury, mainly in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the heart, but also in other pathologies such as anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity or oxidative stress-induced cardiac injury, documented in in vitro and ex vivo, as well as in in vivo experimental models of cardiac injury. Moreover, we focus on cardiac effects of QCT in presence of metabolic comorbidities in addition to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Finally, we provide a short summary of clinical studies focused on cardiac effects of QCT. In general, it seems that QCT and its metabolites exert strong cardioprotective effects in a wide range of experimental models of cardiac injury, likely via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and molecular pathways-modulating properties; however, ageing and presence of lifestyle-related comorbidities may confound their beneficial effects in heart disease. On the other hand, due to very limited number of clinical trials focused on cardiac effects of QCT and its derivatives, clinical data are inconclusive. Thus, additional well-designed human studies including a high enough number of patients testing different concentrations of QCT are needed to reveal real therapeutic potential of QCT in CVD. Finally, several negative or controversial effects of QCT in the heart have been reported, and this should be also taken into consideration in QCT-based approaches aimed to treat CVD in humans.
Molecular Interactions of the Polysialytransferase Domain (PSTD) in ST8Sia IV with CMP-Sialic Acid and Polysialic Acid Required for Polysialylation of the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Proteins: An NMR Study
Authors: Liao Si-Ming , Lu Bo , Liu Xue-Hui , Lu Zhi-Long , Liang Shi-Jie , Chen Dong , Troy Frederic A. , Huang Ri-Bo , Zhou Guo-Ping
Published: February 2020

Polysialic acid (polySia) is an unusual glycan that posttranslational modifies neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) proteins in mammalian cells. The up-regulated expression of polySia-NCAM is associated with tumor progression in many metastatic human cancers and in neurocognitive processes. Two members of the ST8Sia family of α2,8-polysialyltransferases (polySTs), ST8Sia II (STX) and ST8Sia IV (PST) both catalyze synthesis of polySia when activated cytidine monophosphate(CMP)-Sialic acid (CMP-Sia) is translocate into the lumen of the Golgi apparatus. Two key polybasic domains in the polySTs, the polybasic region (PBR) and the polysialyltransferase domain (PSTD) areessential forpolysialylation of the NCAM proteins. However, the precise molecular details to describe the interactions required for polysialylation remain unknown. In this study, we hypothesize that PSTD interacts with both CMP-Sia and polySia to catalyze polysialylation of the NCAM proteins. To test this hypothesis, we synthesized a 35-amino acid-PSTD peptide derived from the ST8Sia IV gene sequence and used it to study its interaction with CMP-Sia, and polySia. Our results showed for the PSTD-CMP-Sia interaction, the largest chemical-shift perturbations (CSP) were in amino acid residues V251 to A254 in the short H1 helix, located near the N-terminus of PSTD. However, larger CSP values for the PSTD-polySia interaction were observed in amino acid residues R259 to T270 in the long H2 helix. These differences suggest that CMP-Sia preferentially binds to the domain between the short H1 helix and the longer H2 helix. In contrast, polySia was principally bound to the long H2 helix of PSTD. For the PSTD-polySia interaction, a significant decrease in peak intensity was observed in the 20 amino acid residues located between the N-and C-termini of the long H2 helix in PSTD, suggesting a slower motion in these residues when polySia bound to PSTD. Specific features of the interactions between PSTD-CMP-Sia, and PSTD-polySia were further confirmed by comparing their 800 MHz-derived HSQC spectra with that of PSTD-Sia, PSTD-TriSia (DP 3) and PSTD-polySia. Based on the interactions between PSTD-CMP-Sia, PSTD-polySia, PBR-NCAM and PSTD-PBR, these findingsprovide a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying polySia-NCAM polysialylation, and thus provides a new perspective for translational pharmacological applications and development by targeting the two polysialyltransferases.
Guanosine-Based Nucleotides, the Sons of a Lesser God in the Purinergic Signal Scenario of Excitable Tissues
Authors: Mancinelli Rosa , Fanò-Illic Giorgio , Pietrangelo Tiziana , Fulle Stefania
Published: February 2020

Purines are nitrogen compounds consisting mainly of a nitrogen base of adenine (ABP) or guanine (GBP) and their derivatives: nucleosides (nitrogen bases plus ribose) and nucleotides (nitrogen bases plus ribose and phosphate). These compounds are very common in nature, especially in a phosphorylated form. There is increasing evidence that purines are involved in the development of different organs such as the heart, skeletal muscle and brain. When brain development is complete, some purinergic mechanisms may be silenced, but may be reactivated in the adult brain/muscle, suggesting a role for purines in regeneration and self-repair. Thus, it is possible that guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP) also acts as regulator during the adult phase. However, regarding GBP, no specific receptor has been cloned for GTP or its metabolites, although specific binding sites with distinct GTP affinity characteristics have been found in both muscle and neural cell lines. Finally, even if the cross regulation mechanisms between the two different purines (ABP and GBP) are still largely unknown, it is now possible to hypothesize the existence of specific signal paths for guanosine-based nucleotides that are capable of modulating the intensity and duration of the intracellular signal, particularly in excitable tissues such as brain and muscle.
Comprehensive Genome-Wide Approaches to Activity-Dependent Translational Control in Neurons
Authors: Choe Han Kyoung , Cho Jun
Published: February 2020

Activity-dependent regulation of gene expression is critical in experience-mediated changes in the brain. Although less appreciated than transcriptional control, translational control is a crucial regulatory step of activity-mediated gene expression in physiological and pathological conditions. In the first part of this review, we overview evidence demonstrating the importance of translational controls under the context of synaptic plasticity as well as learning and memory. Then, molecular mechanisms underlying the translational control, including post-translational modifications of translation factors, mTOR signaling pathway, and local translation, are explored. We also summarize how activity-dependent translational regulation is associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and depression. In the second part, we highlight how recent application of high-throughput sequencing techniques has added insight into genome-wide studies on translational regulation of neuronal genes. Sequencing-based strategies to identify molecular signatures of the active neuronal population responding to a specific stimulus are discussed. Overall, this review aims to highlight the implication of translational control for neuronal gene regulation and functions of the brain and to suggest prospects provided by the leading-edge techniques to study yet-unappreciated translational regulation in the nervous system.
miR-9 Does Not Regulate Lamin A Expression in Metastatic Cells from Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Guinde Julien , Benoit Audrey , Frankel Diane , Robert Stéphane , Ostacolo Kevin , Lévy Nicolas , Astoul Philippe , Roll Patrice , Kaspi Elise
Published: February 2020

In lung adenocarcinoma, low lamin A expression in pleural metastatic cells has been proposed as a pejorative factor. miR-9 physiologically inhibits the expression of lamin A in neural cells and seems to be a central actor in the carcinogenesis and the metastatic process in lung cancer. Thus, it could be a good candidate to explain the reduction of lamin A expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells. miR-9 expression was analyzed in 16 pleural effusions containing metastatic cells from lung adenocarcinoma and was significantly reduced in patients from the ‘Low lamin A expression’ group compared to patients from the ‘High lamin A expression’ group. Then, carcinoma cells selection by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was performed according to epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) expression, reflecting lamin A expression. miR-9 was underexpressed in lamin A− carcinoma cells compared to lamin A+ carcinoma cells in patients from the ‘Low lamin A expression’ group, whereas there was no difference of miR-9 expression between lamin A+ and lamin A− carcinoma cells in patients from the ‘High lamin A expression’ group. These results suggest that miR-9 does not regulate lamin A expression in metastatic cells from lung adenocarcinoma. On the contrary, miR-9 expression was shown to be reduced in lamin A-negative carcinoma cells.
Local Delivery of Gemcitabine Inhibits Pancreatic and Cholangiocarcinoma Tumor Growth by Promoting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Degradation
Authors: Jang Sung Ill , Fang Sungsoon , Baek Yi-Yong , Lee Don Haeng , Na Kun , Lee Su Yeon , Lee Dong Ki
Published: February 2020

Gemcitabine is clinically used to treat certain types of cancers, including pancreatic and biliary cancer. We investigated the signal transduction pathways underlying the local antitumor effects of gemcitabine-eluting membranes (GEMs) implanted in pancreatic/biliary tumor-bearing nude mice. Here, we report that GEMs increased the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-CBL protein level, leading to degradation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in SCK and PANC-1 cells. GEMs decreased the RAS and PI3K protein levels, leading to a reduction in the protein levels of active forms of downstream signaling molecules, including PDK, AKT, and GSK3β. GEM reduced proliferation of cancer cells by upregulating cell cycle arrest proteins, particularly p53 and p21, and downregulating cyclin D1 and cyclin B. Moreover, GEMs reduced the levels of proangiogenic factors, including VEGF, VEGFR2, CD31, and HIF-1α, and inhibited tumor cell migration and invasion by inducing the expression of E-cadherin and reducing that of N-cadherin, snail, and vimentin. We demonstrated that local delivery of gemcitabine using GEM implants inhibited tumor cell growth by promoting c-CBL-mediated degradation of EGFR and inhibiting the proliferation, angiogenesis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of pancreatic/biliary tumors. Use of gemcitabine-eluting stents can improve stent patency by inhibiting the ingrowth of malignant biliary obstructions.
Design of a Mobile Augmented Reality Platform with Game-Based Learning Purposes
Authors: Costa Maria Cristina , Manso António , Patrício João
Published: February 2020

Augmented reality (AR) is an emergent technology that overlays virtual objects into the real environment. Lately, AR is gaining prominence in education because of its increasing affordability through computers or mobile technologies. In addition, research sustaining the benefits of AR to promote student’s engagement to learn is increasing every day. However, the literature identifies lack of studies about the use of AR in education, namely, studies focused on the development of AR games designed over specific learning objectives (game-based learning). This paper presents a mobile augmented reality platform with learning purposes. The platform includes a mobile application that consists of a location-based game targeted to promote learning about the universe. Furthermore, it includes a back-office that allows teachers to introduce information about celestial bodies and also develop a set of multiple-choice questions to assess student’s learning about the subject matters they teach. The mobile application provides the users with physical movement and social interaction in the real world, while playing the game and for this reason it is included in the pervasive games’ paradigm. Besides engaging the students to play the game, we argue that this platform may be used as a resource to be implemented in informal and formal learning environments.
Mechanical Analysis of a Scraping Method to Remove Attached Barnacles
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Gang , Chen Kaiyun , Yun Feihong , Wang Liquan
Published: February 2020

In order to clean the marine fouling attached to marine steel piles, a scraping method is proposed in this paper. Barnacles were used to represent a typical object needing removal, in order to estimate the maximum force required in the equipment designed for use in this method. On the basis of the orthogonal cutting theory and the peel zone method, a scraping method and its cutting force model are proposed in this paper for the surface cleaning of marine steel piles. The finite element method was used to verify the analytical model errors. The comparison showed that the relative errors of the cutting force are less than 10%. Our model can be used for cutting force estimation in cleaning equipment design. Our analysis shows that the blade rake angle has a large effect on the cutting force and that the optimum blade rake angle design is a compromise between blade strength and cutting force. We conclude that increasing the blade rake angle can reduce the cutting force in this scraping process; a medium blade rake angle [30°, 60°] is recommended, considering both cutting force and blade strength.
Planetary Milling and Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis of Al-TiB2 Composites
Authors: Matveev Alexey , Zhukov Ilya , Ziatdinov Mansur , Zhukov Alexander
Published: February 2020

The paper explores the influence of planetary milling on the temperature and velocity of Al-Ti-B powder mixture combustion and also on the structure and phase composition of the reaction products. It is found that the time increase of planetary milling modifies the structure of the powder particles, improves the density of compacted specimens, and increases the temperature and velocity of their combustion. These time dependences are extreme, with maximum values during 180 s planetary milling. Experiments show that the reaction products consist of an aluminum matrix with uniformly distributed particles of titanium diboride of not over 1 µm in size. The average particle size changes with the increase in the time of the planetary milling of the initial powder mixture.
Structural Applications of Thermal Insulation Alkali Activated Materials with Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Long Wu-Jian , Lin Can , Tan Xiao-Wen , Tao Jie-Lin , Ye Tao-Hua , Luo Qi-Ling
Published: February 2020

Development of low thermal conductivity and high strength building materials is an emerging strategy to solve the heavy energy consumption of buildings. This study develops sustainable alkali activated materials (AAMs) for structural members from waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to simultaneously meet the thermal insulation and mechanical requirements of building energy conservation. It was found that the thermal conductivity of AAMs with 80 vol.% EPS and 0.04 wt.% rGO (E8–G4) decreased by 74% compared to the AAMs without EPS and rGO (E0). The 28-day compressive and flexural strengths of E8–G4 increased by 29.8% and 26.5% with the addition of 80 vol.% EPS and 0.04 wt.% rGO, compared to the sample with 80 vol.% EPS without rGO (E8). In terms of compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and cost, the efficiency index of E8–G4 was higher than those of other materials. A building model made from AAMs was designed using building information modeling (BIM) tools to simulate energy consumption, and 31.78% of total energy consumption (including heating and cooling) was saved in the building operation period in Harbin City, China. Hence, AAMs made of waste EPS beads and rGO can realize the structural and functional integrated application in the future.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-5Zn-1Mn Alloy Tube
Authors: Li Lianhui , Cao Hongshuai , Qi Fugang , Wang Qing , Zhao Nie , Liu Yingdu , Ye Xue , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: February 2020

The effects of heat treatment on the microstructure, mechanical properties and electrochemical property of the as-extruded Mg-5Zn-1Mn (ZM51) alloy tube are investigated by optical microstructure (OM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electrical microscope (TEM), uniaxial tensile test, and electrochemical test. The results show that the as-cast structure is a typical dendritic structure, mainly composed of α-Mg and Mg7Zn3 eutectic compounds. After homogenization, most of Mg7Zn3 eutectic phases are dissolved in the Mg matrix. During the extrusion process, the ZM51 alloy has undergone complete dynamic recrystallization and has a good elongation, reaching 21.4%. T6, especially T4 + double aging treatment, can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the as-extruded tube. The microstructure reveals that the precipitation strengthening of the finely dispersed MgZn2 precipitates is the main reason for the strength increase. The fracture micromorphology of the as-extruded tube is mainly composed of dimples and cleavage facets, which is a typical ductile fracture. The fracture mode of the as-aged alloy tubes belongs to cleavage fracture. In addition, the electrochemical test results show the solution-treated ZM51 alloy tube has the best corrosion resistance. The improvement of corrosion resistance is mainly due to the microstructure uniformity and low phase volume fraction.
Paper-based Photocatalysts Immobilization without Coffee Ring Effect for Photocatalytic Water Purification
Authors: Li Qingwei , Lin Huichao , Huang Xiaowen , Lyu Maocui , Zhang Hongxia , Zhang Xiaoning , Wang Ruiming
Published: February 2020

Photocatalytic water purification is important for the degradation of organic pollutants, attracting intensive interests. Photocatalysts are preferred to be immobilized on a substrate in order to reduce the laborious separation and recycling steps. To get uniform irradiation, the photocatalysts are preferred to be even/uniform on the substrate without aggregation. Generally, the “coffee ring effect” occurs on the substrate during solvent evaporation, unfortunately resulting in the aggregation of the photocatalysts. This aggregation inevitably blocks the exposure of active sites, reactant exchange, and light absorption. Here, we reported a paper-based photocatalyst immobilization method to solve the “coffee ring” problem. We also used a “drop reactor” to achieve good photocatalytic efficiency with the advantages of large surface area, short diffusion lengths, simple operation, and uniform light absorption. Compared with the coffee ring type, the paper-based method showed higher water purification efficiency, indicating its potential application value in the future.
Fiber Amplifiers and Fiber Lasers Based on Stimulated Raman Scattering: A Review
Authors: Sirleto Luigi , Ferrara Maria Antonietta
Published: February 2020

Nowadays, in fiber optic communications the growing demand in terms of transmission capacity has been fulfilling the entire spectral band of the erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). This dramatic increase in bandwidth rules out the use of EDFAs, leaving fiber Raman amplifiers (FRAs) as the key devices for future amplification requirements. On the other hand, in the field of high-power fiber lasers, a very attractive option is provided by fiber Raman lasers (FRLs), due to their high output power, high efficiency and broad gain bandwidth, covering almost the entire near-infrared region. This paper reviews the challenges, achievements and perspectives of both fiber Raman amplifier and fiber Raman laser. They are enabling technologies for implementation of high-capacity optical communication systems and for the realization of high power fiber lasers, respectively.
Chemical Composition, Algicidal, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oils of Taiwania flousiana Gaussen
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Huang Jiguang , Yang Sifan , Li Jialin , Zhou Lijuan
Published: February 2020

Taiwania flousiana (T. flousiana) Gaussen is a precious wood in the family Taxodiaceae. This study investigated the chemical components of the essential oil from the stem bark of T. flousiana and its algicidal, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Sixty-nine compounds representing 89.70% of the stem bark essential oil were identified by GC-MS. The essential oil showed strong anti-algae, anti-bacteria, and anti-fungus activities against the tested species, and antioxidant activities. The IC50 values of the essential oil against chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the total chlorophyll of Spirogyra communis (a species of algae), 24–96 h after the treatment, ranged from 31.77 to 84.92 μg/mL, while the IC50 values of butachlor ranged from 40.24 to 58.09 μg/mL. Ultrastructure changes revealed by the transmission electron microscopy indicated that the main algicidal action sites were the chloroplast and cell wall. The essential oil showed antifungal activities on Rhizoctonia solani (EC50 = 287.94 μg/mL) and Colletotrichum gloeosporioiles (EC50 = 378.90 μg/mL). It also showed bactericidal activities on Ralstonia solanacearum and Staphylococcus aureus, with zones of inhibition (ZOIs) being 18.66 and 16.75 mm, respectively at 40 μg/disk. Additionally, the essential oil possessed antioxidant activity estimated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method (IC50 = 33.51 μg/mL; IC50 value of the positive control ascorbic acid was 7.98 μg/mL). Thus, the essential oil of this plant might be used as a possible source of natural bioactive molecules in agrochemical industry as well as in food and cosmetic industries.
Inhibitory Effects of Eriodictyol-7-O-β-d-glucuronide and 5,7-Dihydroxy-4-chromene Isolated from Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum in FcεRI-Mediated Human Basophilic KU812F Cell Activation
Authors: Lee Mina , Shim Sun-Yup
Published: February 2020

Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum (CZL) has been used in Eastern medicine for the treatment of various diseases, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, cough, the common cold, pharyngitis, bladder-related disorders, gastroenteric disorders, and hypertension. In the present study, we isolated two strong antiallergic compounds from CZL, namely, eriodictyol-7-O-β-d-glucuronide (EDG) and 5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromene (DC), and investigated their antiallergic effects in FcεRI-mediated human basophilic KU812F cells. EDG and DC downregulated the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FcεRI on the cell surface. Moreover, Western blotting analysis showed that EDG and DC inhibited the expression of protein tyrosine kinases such as Syk and Lyn, and extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2. These results suggested that EDG and DC, antiallergic constituents of CZL, are potential therapeutic candidates for protection against and for the treatment of allergic disorders.
Quality of Life and Physical Performance in Patients with Obesity: A Network Analysis
Authors: Dalle Grave Riccardo , Soave Fabio , Ruocco Antonella , Dametti Laura , Calugi Simona
Published: February 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the interconnections between specific quality-of-life domains in patients with obesity and high or low physical performance using a network approach. Methods: 716 consecutive female and male patients (aged 18–65 years) with obesity seeking weight-loss treatment were included. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the six-minute walking test (6MWT) were used to assess quality of life and physical performance, respectively. The sample was split into two groups according to the distance walked in the 6MWT. Network structures of the SF-36 domains in the two groups were assessed and compared, and the relative importance of individual items in the network structures was determined using centrality analyses. Results: 35.3% (n = 253) of participants covered more distance than expected, and 64.7% (n = 463) did not. Although low-performing patients showed lower quality of life domain scores, the network structures were similar in the two groups, with the SF-36 Vitality representing the central domain in both networks. Mental Health was a node with strong connections in patients who walked less distance. Conclusions: These findings indicate that psychosocial variables represent the most influential and interconnected features as regards quality of life in both groups.
Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Recommendations and the Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Turati Federica , Dalmartello Michela , Bravi Francesca , Serraino Diego , Augustin Livia , Giacosa Attilio , Negri Eva , Levi Fabio , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: February 2020

The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) introduced in 2007, and updated in 2018, nutrition-related recommendations for cancer prevention. Previous studies generally reported inverse associations of breast cancer with the 2007 recommendations, while no study has yet evaluated the association with the 2018 guidelines. We investigated the association between adherence to the 2018 WCRF/AICR recommendations and breast cancer risk in a case–control study from Italy and Switzerland (1991–2008) including 3034 incident histologically-confirmed breast cancer cases and 3392 hospital controls. Adherence to the 2018 guidelines was summarized through a score incorporating eight recommendations (body fatness, physical activity, consumption of wholegrains/vegetables/fruit/beans, “fast foods” and other processed foods high in fat, starches, or sugars, red/processed meat, sugar-sweetened drinks, alcohol, breastfeeding), with higher scores indicating higher adherence. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. We also conducted a meta-analysis including 15 additional studies using random-effects models. In our case–control study, adherence to the 2018 WCRF/AICR guidelines was inversely associated with breast cancer, with ORs of 0.60 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.51–0.70) for a score ≥5.5 vs. ≤4.25, and of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79–0.88) for a 1-point increment. In our study, 25% of breast cancers were attributable to low-to-moderate guideline adherence. In the meta-analysis, the pooled relative risks (RRs) were 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65–0.82, p heterogeneity among studies < 0.001) for the highest vs. the lowest WCRF/AICR score category, and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88–0.94, p heterogeneity < 0.001) for a 1-point increment. This work provides quantitative evidence that higher adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations reduces the risk of breast cancer, thus opening perspectives for prevention.
Palmitic Acid Versus Stearic Acid: Effects of Interesterification and Intakes on Cardiometabolic Risk Markers—A Systematic Review
Authors: van Rooijen Merel , Mensink Ronald
Published: February 2020

Fats that are rich in palmitic or stearic acids can be interesterified to increase their applicability for the production of certain foods. When compared with palmitic acid, stearic acid lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, which is a well-known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), but its effects on other cardiometabolic risk markers have been studied less extensively. In addition, the positional distribution of these two fatty acids within the triacylglycerol molecule may affect their metabolic effects. The objective was to compare the longer-term and postprandial effects of (interesterified) fats that are rich in either palmitic or stearic acids on cardiometabolic risk markers in humans. Two searches in PubMed/Medline, Embase (OVID) and Cochrane Library were performed; one to identify articles that studied effects of the position of palmitic or stearic acids within the triacylglycerol molecule and one to identify articles that compared side-by-side effects of palmitic acid with those of stearic acid. The interesterification of palmitic or stearic acid-rich fats does not seem to affect fasting serum lipids and (apo) lipoproteins. However, substituting palmitic acid with stearic acid lowers LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Postprandial lipemia is attenuated if the solid fat content of a fat blend at body temperature is increased. How (the interesterification of) palmitic or stearic acid-rich fats affects other cardiometabolic risk markers needs further investigation.
Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Compounding Training in the Australian Undergraduate Pharmacy Curricula
Authors: Kosari Sam , Buss Vera H. , Peterson Gregory M. , Yee Kwang Choon , Naunton Mark , Bushell Mary , Chiu Leroy , Thomas Jackson
Published: February 2020

Introduction: In recent decades the role of the Australian community pharmacist has evolved to focus primarily on pharmaceutical care provision. Despite this, compounding remains an important product service offered by pharmacists. The aim of this study was to qualitatively describe the current integration of training in compounding within Bachelor of Pharmacy courses in Australia. Methods: The Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency website was searched to identify eligible university courses. Subsequently, the educational providers’ homepages were consulted, and Bachelor of Pharmacy handbooks and curricula perused. All relevant information regarding training in compounding was extracted. Results: In total, 16 Bachelor of Pharmacy courses were identified. All of these contain compounding training in their curricula, including laboratory classes. Most curricula have units specifically dedicated to compounding and drug formulation. Three universities offer a curriculum which is organ-systems based, and include compounding relevant to the individual organ systems. Discussion and Conclusions: In Australia, the training in compounding is well integrated into pharmacy curriculum and is more emphasised than in many other developed countries. This is congruent with the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s needs-based approach to local pharmacy education. In Australia there is a need for pharmacists to routinely dispense simple compounded products. Further research is required to evaluate Australian pharmacy graduates’ compounding abilities and how best to promote the achievement of the required knowledge and skills to enable simple compounding.
Short- and Long-Term Epoxy Modification of Bitumen: Modification Kinetics, Rheological Properties, and Microstructure
Authors: Cuadri Antonio A. , Delgado-Sánchez Clara , Navarro Francisco Javier , Partal Pedro
Published: February 2020

Aiming to gain knowledge in the epoxy-bitumen modification mechanisms, this work explores the effects that epoxy concentration and ambient curing exert on the physico-chemistry and thermo-rheological properties of epoxy-modified binders. Process rheokinetics of epoxy-bitumen blends indicates that binder short-term modification (i.e., during processing) is accelerated by epoxy concentration. Furthermore, a synergistic effect of epoxy concentration and ambient curing is found during long-term modification (i.e., during curing at ambient conditions). As a result, viscous and viscoelastic rheological properties of binders are enhanced at medium/high in-service temperatures, at least, after one month of curing. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) tests and SARAs (Saturates, Aromatics, Resins and Asphaltenes) analysis confirm the existence of esterification/etherification reactions between epoxy oxirane groups and the carbonyl groups available in aromatic and resin molecules. Thus, the new high molecular weight compounds increase the asphaltenic fraction of modified bitumen. Likewise, nonreversing heat flow curves obtained by modulated calorimetry corroborate the formation of such highly structured domains responsible for the final binder performance.
Cavitating Flow Suppression in the Draft Tube of a Cryogenic Turbine Expander through Runner Optimization
Authors: Huang Ning , Li Zhenlin , Zhu Baoshan
Published: February 2020

The application of a cryogenic liquefied natural gas expander can reduce the production of flash steam and improve the efficiency of natural gas liquefaction. Like traditional hydraulic machinery, cavitation will occur during the operation of a liquefied natural gas expander, in particular, there is a strong vortex flow in the draft tube, and the cavitation phenomenon is serious. In this paper, the energy loss coefficient of the draft tube is used to describe the cavitation flow in the draft tube, and the goal of reducing the cavitation in the draft tube is achieved through the optimization design of the runner. Different runner models within the range of design parameters were obtained using the Latin hypercube test, and the relationship between design parameters and objective functions is constructed by a second-order response surface model. Finally, the optimized runners were obtained using a genetic algorithm. The effects of blade loading distribution and blade lean angles on the cavitation in the draft tube were studied. According to the optimization results, the blade loading distribution and blade lean angles are recommended in the end.
Religion: A Source of Fundamentalism or A Safeguard Against It?
Authors: Gierycz Michał
Published: February 2020

This article contributes to critical reflection on the political study approach towards the relations between religion and fundamentalism. In the context of post-secularism, in which the cognitive and moral role of religion for politics is quite widely recognised, the aim is to discuss three hypotheses. The first one argues that, contrary to what the majority of the subject’s literature maintains, fundamentalism is not only a strictly religious phenomenon, but a specific attitude, able to evolve equally well on both religious and secular foundations. The second one implies that secularisation encourages, at least to an equal degree, both profane and religious fundamentalist tendencies. The third thesis asserts that religion, in its nature, constitutes a potential safeguard against fundamentalism. In the course of analysis, the pertinence of the above hypotheses are generally demonstrated. However, it is also indicated that the third point constitutes a mid-range theorem, accurately describing the contemporary specificity of Christianity, and especially Catholicism.