bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophoretic Deposition as a New Bioactive Glass Coating Process for Orthodontic Stainless Steel
Authors: Kawaguchi Kyotaro , Iijima Masahiro , Endo Kazuhiko , Mizoguchi Itaru
Published: November 2017

This study investigated the surface modification of orthodontic stainless steel using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of bioactive glass (BG). The BG coatings were characterized by spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. The frictional properties were investigated using a progressive load scratch test. The remineralization ability of the etched dental enamel was studied according to the time-dependent mechanical properties of the enamel using a nano-indentation test. The EPD process using alternating current produced higher values in both reflectance and lightness. Additionally, the BG coating was thinner than that prepared using direct current, and was completely amorphous. All of the BG coatings displayed good interfacial adhesion, and Si and O were the major components. Most BG-coated specimens produced slightly higher frictional forces compared with non-coated specimens. The hardness and elastic modulus of etched enamel specimens immersed with most BG-coated specimens recovered significantly with increasing immersion time compared with the non-coated specimen, and significant acid-neutralization was observed for the BG-coated specimens. The surface modification technique using EPD and BG coating on orthodontic stainless steel may assist the development of new non-cytotoxic orthodontic metallic appliances having satisfactory appearance and remineralization ability.
Rate Distortion Functions and Rate Distortion Function Lower Bounds for Real-World Sources
Authors: Gibson Jerry
Published: November 2017

Although Shannon introduced the concept of a rate distortion function in 1948, only in the last decade has the methodology for developing rate distortion function lower bounds for real-world sources been established. However, these recent results have not been fully exploited due to some confusion about how these new rate distortion bounds, once they are obtained, should be interpreted and should be used in source codec performance analysis and design. We present the relevant rate distortion theory and show how this theory can be used for practical codec design and performance prediction and evaluation. Examples for speech and video indicate exactly how the new rate distortion functions can be calculated, interpreted, and extended. These examples illustrate the interplay between source models for rate distortion theoretic studies and the source models underlying video and speech codec design. Key concepts include the development of composite source models per source realization and the application of conditional rate distortion theory.
A Simplified Top-Oil Temperature Model for Transformers Based on the Pathway of Energy Transfer Concept and the Thermal-Electrical Analogy
Authors: Roslan Muhammad , Azis Norhafiz , Kadir Mohd , Jasni Jasronita , Ibrahim Zulkifli , Ahmad Azalan
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an alternative approach to determine the simplified top-oil temperature (TOT) based on the pathway of energy transfer and thermal-electrical analogy concepts. The main contribution of this study is the redefinition of the nonlinear thermal resistance based on these concepts. An alternative approximation of convection coefficient, h, based on heat transfer theory was proposed which eliminated the requirement of viscosity. In addition, the lumped capacitance method was applied to the thermal-electrical analogy to derive the TOT thermal equivalent equation in differential form. The TOT thermal model was evaluated based on the measured TOT of seven transformers with either oil natural air natural (ONAN) or oil natural air forced (ONAF) cooling modes obtained from temperature rise tests. In addition, the performance of the TOT thermal model was tested on step-loading of a transformer with an ONAF cooling mode obtained from previous studies. A comparison between the TOT thermal model and the existing TOT Thermal-Electrical, Exponential (IEC 60076-7), and Clause 7 (IEEE C57.91-1995) models was also carried out. It was found that the measured TOT of seven transformers are well represented by the TOT thermal model where the highest maximum and root mean square (RMS) errors are 6.66 °C and 2.76 °C, respectively. Based on the maximum and RMS errors, the TOT thermal model performs better than Exponential and Clause 7 models and it is comparable with the Thermal-Electrical 1 (TE1) and Thermal-Electrical 2 (TE2) models. The same pattern is found for the TOT thermal model under step-loading where the maximum and RMS errors are 5.77 °C and 2.02 °C.
Novel Carbon Materials in the Cathode Formulation for High Rate Rechargeable Hybrid Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Zhu Xiao , Hoang Tuan , Chen Pu
Published: November 2017

Novel carbon materials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and porous graphene (PG), were exploited and used as conductive additives to improve the rate performance of LiMn2O4 cathode for the rechargeable aqueous Zn/LiMn2O4 battery, namely the rechargeable hybrid aqueous battery (ReHAB). Thanks to the long-range conductivity and stable conductive network provided by CNTs, the rate and cycling performances of LiMn2O4 cathode in ReHAB are highly improved—up to about 100 mAh·g−1 capacity is observed at 10 C (1 C = 120 mAh·g−1). Except for CNTs, porous graphene (PG) with a high surface area, an abundant porous structure, and an excellent electrical conductivity facilitates the transportation of Li ions and electrons, which can also obviously enhance the rate capability of the ReHAB. This is important because the ReHAB could be charged/discharged in a few minutes, and this leads to potential application of the ReHAB in automobile industry.
The Future of Sustainable Energy Production in Pakistan: A System Dynamics-Based Approach for Estimating Hubbert Peaks
Authors: Rehman Syed , Cai Yanpeng , Mirjat Nayyar , Walasai Gordhan , Shah Izaz , Ali Sharafat
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an effort pertaining to the simulation of the future production in Pakistan of different primary energy resources, i.e., coal, natural gas and crude oil, thereby constructing Hubbert peaks. In this context, the past 45 years’ production data of primary energy resources of Pakistan have been analyzed and simulated using a generic STELLA (Systems Thinking, Experimental Learning Laboratory with Animation) model. The results show that the Hubbert peak of Pakistan’s crude oil production has been somehow already achieved in 2013, with the highest production of 4.52 million toe, which is 1.51 times the production in 2000. Similarly, the natural gas peak production is expected in 2024 with a production of 32.70 million toe which shall be 1.96-fold the extraction of the resource in the year 2000. On the other hand, the coal production in the country has been historically very low and with a constant production rate that is gradually picking up, the peak production year for the coal is anticipated to be in the year 2080 with an estimated production of 134.06 million. Based on the results of this study, which provide a greater understanding of future energy patterns, it is recommended that an energy security policy be devised for the country to ensure sustained supplies in the future.
Short-Term Effects of Low Intensity Thinning on the Fine Root Dynamics of Pinus massoniana Plantations in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
Authors: Shen Yafei , Wang Na , Cheng Ruimei , Xiao Wenfa , Yang Shao , Guo Yan
Published: November 2017

Fine roots play an important role in plant growth as well as carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Fine roots are important for understanding the contribution of forests to the global C cycle. Knowledge about this topic is still limited, especially regarding the effects of different forest management practices. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics of fine roots (<2 mm) in masson pine (P. massoniana) plantations for one year after low intensity thinning by using a sequential soil coring method. The fine roots showed pronounced seasonal dynamics, with a peak of fine root biomass (FRB) occurring in September. Significant differences were noted in the seasonal dynamics of FRB for the different diameter size sub-classes (≤0.5 mm, 0.5–1 mm and 1–2 mm); also FRB was inversely related to soil depth. Moreover, the FRB (≤0.5 mm and 0.5–1 mm except 1–2 mm) in the thinning plots was greater than that in the control only in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm). Furthermore, the FRB varied significantly with soil temperature, moisture and nutrients depended on the diameter sub-class considered. Significant differences in the soil temperature and moisture levels were noted between low-intensity thinned and control plots. Soil nutrient levels slightly decreased after low-intensity thinning. In addition, there was a more sensitive relationship between the very fine roots (diameter < 0.5 mm) and soil nutrients. Our results showed an influence of low-intensity thinning on the fine root dynamics with a different magnitude according to fine root diameter sub-classes. These results provide a theoretical basis to promote the benefits of C cycling in the management of P. massoniana forests.
Policy Recommendation from Stakeholders to Improve Forest Products Transportation: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Koirala Anil , Kizha Anil , De Urioste-Stone Sandra
Published: November 2017

With recently announced federal funding and subsidies to redevelop vacant mills and the communities they were in, the forest products industry in Maine is poised to gain its momentum once again. One of the important components influencing the cost of delivered forest products is transportation. A recent study in the region has shown that the location and availability of markets along with lack of skilled labor force are the major challenges faced by the forest products transportation sector in Maine. This study was focused on developing a management guideline which included various field level options for improving trucking enterprises in Maine. For this, a qualitative research approach utilizing a case study research tradition was employed, with in-depth semi-structured interviews with professionals directly related to the forest products transportation sector used for data generation. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, with each being audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Interview transcriptions were analyzed using NVivo 11. Suggestions, like increasing benefits to drivers and providing training, were proposed for challenges related to manpower shortage, while the marketing of new forest products and adjustment in some state-level policies were proposed for challenges related to the forest products market condition of the state.
The University of Michigan Centimeter-Band All Stokes Blazar Monitoring Program: Single-Dish Polarimetry as a Probe of Parsec-Scale Magnetic Fields
Authors: Aller Margo , Aller Hugh , Hughes Philip
Published: November 2017

The University of Michigan 26-m paraboloid was dedicated to obtaining linear polarization and total flux density observations of blazars from the mid-1960s until June 2012, providing an unprecedented record tracking centimeter-band variability over decades at 14.5, 8.0, and 4.8 GHz for both targeted objects and members of flux-limited samples. In the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s, and during the last decade of the program, observations were additionally obtained of circular polarization for a small sample of radio-bright (S > 5 Jy), active sources. Key program results include evidence supporting class-dependent differences in the magnetic field geometry of BL Lac and QSO jets, identification of linear polarization changes temporally associated with flux outbursts supporting a shock-in-jet scenario, and determination of the spectral evolution of the Stokes V amplitude and polarity for testing proposed models. Recent radiative transfer modeling during large flares supports a jet scenario with a kinetically-dominated, relativistic flow at parsec scales with embedded turbulent magnetic fields and dynamically-weak ordered components which may be helical; the circular polarization observations are consistent with linear-to-circular mode conversion within this turbulent jet environment.
Trauma, Postmemory, and Empathy: The Migrant Crisis and the German Past in Jenny Erpenbeck’s Gehen, ging, gegangen [Go, Went, Gone]
Authors: Stone Brangwen
Published: November 2017

The novel Gehen, ging, gegangen [Go, Went, Gone] by the celebrated German writer Jenny Erpenbeck was published at the height of the European refugee crisis. The novel tells the tale of Richard, a retired Berlin classics professor, who becomes intrigued by the Oranienplatz refugee protest camp. He initially approaches the refugee crisis as a new research project, methodically searching for secondary literature, composing questionnaires and conducting interviews with asylum seekers, but eventually he begins to develop friendships with some of them. Throughout the novel, Richard, who fled from the approaching Red Army with his mother as a baby and then lived in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) until reunification, notices similarities between the traumatic experiences of the Oranienplatz protesters and the trauma in his personal history, German collective history, and ancient and medieval literature. This article focuses on trauma and empathy in Gehen, ging, gegangen, exploring how the parallels drawn between the varied fates of the asylum seekers and the stories of exile and displacement in the literary canon, and German historical experiences of displacement and loss of home, establish points of empathic connection between Richard and the refugees, and attempt to establish the same between the reader and the refugees.
World-Hating: Apocalypse and Trauma in We Need to Talk about Kevin
Authors: Desilets Sean
Published: November 2017

Lynne Ramsay’s 2011 film We Need to Talk about Kevin alternates between two narrative times, one occurring before its protagonist Eva’s son commits a terrible crime, and one after. The film invites us to read the crime as a traumatic event in Eva’s life, an event of such terrible force that it transforms Eva’s identity. This essay uses Jacob Taubes’s understanding of Gnosticism to suggest that this event does not transform who Eva is, but rather how she knows. Like a Gnostic believer, Eva comes to understanding the fundamental ontological evil of community life. Eva’s ‘trauma,’ her alienation from the world she occupies, predates Kevin’s crime, but the aftermath of that crime reveals her alienation to her. The worldview thus presented by the film casts some light on how art house films are marketed. Like many middlebrow products, art house films present marketers with the challenge of concealing the fact that the commodity they are selling is indeed a commodity. This ambivalent distrust of the marketplace is a softened repetition of the Gnostic’s anticosmism, and We Need to Talk About Kevin both performs and thematizes a displacement from the world that is primary, not contingent upon any traumatic event.
Asbestos Ban in Italy: A Major Milestone, Not the Final Cut
Authors: Marsili Daniela , Angelini Alessia , Bruno Caterina , Corfiati Marisa , Marinaccio Alessandro , Silvestri Stefano , Zona Amerigo , Comba Pietro
Published: November 2017

Background and history: Italy was the main asbestos producer and one of the greatest consumers in 20th century Europe until the asbestos ban was introduced in 1992. Asbestos exposure affected the population in a wide range of working environments, namely mining and marketing of asbestos, asbestos cement production, shipyards and textile industries. This also determined a widespread environmental asbestos exposure affecting the surrounding communities. Methods: To investigate the drivers and difficulties of the process leading to the asbestos ban and its subsequent implementation, we focused on stakeholder involvement, environmental health policies, capacity building and communication. Results: In the past three decades, stakeholder involvement has been instrumental in advancing the industrial asbestos replacement process, prevention and remediation interventions. Furthermore, involvement also contributed to the integration of environmental and health policies at national, regional and local levels, including capacity building and communication. In a global public health perspective, international scientific cooperation has been established with countries using and producing asbestos. Discussion and Conclusions: Key factors and lessons learnt in Italy from both successful and ineffective asbestos policies are described to support the relevant stakeholders in countries still using asbestos contributing to the termination of its use.
Dynamic Reorganization of the Cytoskeleton during Apoptosis: The Two Coffins Hypothesis
Authors: Povea-Cabello Suleva , Oropesa-Ávila Manuel , De la Cruz-Ojeda Patricia , Villanueva-Paz Marina , De la Mata Mario , Suárez-Rivero Juan , Álvarez-Córdoba Mónica , Villalón-García Irene , Cotán David , Ybot-González Patricia , Sánchez-Alcázar José
Published: November 2017

During apoptosis, cells undergo characteristic morphological changes in which the cytoskeleton plays an active role. The cytoskeleton rearrangements have been mainly attributed to actinomyosin ring contraction, while microtubule and intermediate filaments are depolymerized at early stages of apoptosis. However, recent results have shown that microtubules are reorganized during the execution phase of apoptosis forming an apoptotic microtubule network (AMN). Evidence suggests that AMN is required to maintain plasma membrane integrity and cell morphology during the execution phase of apoptosis. The new “two coffins” hypothesis proposes that both AMN and apoptotic cells can adopt two morphological patterns, round or irregular, which result from different cytoskeleton kinetic reorganization during the execution phase of apoptosis induced by genotoxic agents. In addition, round and irregular-shaped apoptosis showed different biological properties with respect to AMN maintenance, plasma membrane integrity and phagocyte responses. These findings suggest that knowing the type of apoptosis may be important to predict how fast apoptotic cells undergo secondary necrosis and the subsequent immune response. From a pathological point of view, round-shaped apoptosis can be seen as a physiological and controlled type of apoptosis, while irregular-shaped apoptosis can be considered as a pathological type of cell death closer to necrosis.
Identification, Expression, and Functional Analysis of the Fructokinase Gene Family in Cassava
Authors: Yao Yuan , Geng Meng-Ting , Wu Xiao-Hui , Sun Chong , Wang Yun-Lin , Chen Xia , Shang Lu , Lu Xiao-Hua , Li Zhan , Li Rui-Mei , Fu Shao-Ping , Duan Rui-Jun , Liu Jiao , Hu Xin-Wen , Guo Jian-Chun
Published: November 2017

Fructokinase (FRK) proteins play important roles in catalyzing fructose phosphorylation and participate in the carbohydrate metabolism of storage organs in plants. To investigate the roles of FRKs in cassava tuber root development, seven FRK genes (MeFRK1–7) were identified, and MeFRK1–6 were isolated. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the MeFRK family genes can be divided into α (MeFRK 1, 2, 6, 7) and β (MeFRK 3, 4, 5) groups. All the MeFRK proteins have typical conserved regions and substrate binding residues similar to those of the FRKs. The overall predicted three-dimensional structures of MeFRK1–6 were similar, folding into a catalytic domain and a β-sheet ‘‘lid” region, forming a substrate binding cleft, which contains many residues involved in the binding to fructose. The gene and the predicted three-dimensional structures of MeFRK3 and MeFRK4 were the most similar. MeFRK1–6 displayed different expression patterns across different tissues, including leaves, stems, tuber roots, flowers, and fruits. In tuber roots, the expressions of MeFRK3 and MeFRK4 were much higher compared to those of the other genes. Notably, the expression of MeFRK3 and MeFRK4 as well as the enzymatic activity of FRK were higher at the initial and early expanding tuber stages and were lower at the later expanding and mature tuber stages. The FRK activity of MeFRK3 and MeFRK4 was identified by the functional complementation of triple mutant yeast cells that were unable to phosphorylate either glucose or fructose. The gene expression and enzymatic activity of MeFRK3 and MeFRK4 suggest that they might be the main enzymes in fructose phosphorylation for regulating the formation of tuber roots and starch accumulation at the tuber root initial and expanding stages.
Spirulina maxima Extract Ameliorates Learning and Memory Impairments via Inhibiting GSK-3β Phosphorylation Induced by Intracerebroventricular Injection of Amyloid-β 1–42 in Mice
Authors: Koh Eun-Jeong , Kim Kui-Jin , Song Ji-Hyeon , Choi Jia , Lee Hyeon , Kang Do-Hyung , Heo Ho , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: November 2017

Spirulina maxima, a microalga containing high levels of protein and many polyphenols, including chlorophyll a and C-phycocyanin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects. However, the mechanisms where by Spirulina maxima ameliorates cognitive disorders induced by amyloid-β 1–42 (Aβ1–42) are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated whether a 70% ethanol extract of Spirulina maxima (SM70EE) ameliorated cognitive impairments induced by an intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1–42 in mice. SM70EE increased the step-through latency time in the passive avoidance test and decreased the escape latency time in the Morris water maze test in Aβ1–42-injected mice. SM70EE reduced hippocampal Aβ1–42 levels and inhibited amyloid precursor protein processing-associated factors in Aβ1–42-injected mice. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase activity was suppressed by SM70EE in Aβ1–42-injected mice. Hippocampal glutathione levels were examined to determine the effects of SM70EE on oxidative stress in Aβ1–42-injected mice. SM70EE increased the levels of glutathione and its associated factors that were reduced in Aβ1–42-injected mice. SM70EE also promoted activation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/serine/threonine protein kinase signaling pathway and inhibited glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation. These findings suggested that SM70EE ameliorated Aβ1–42-induced cognitive impairments by inhibiting the increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β caused by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1–42 in mice.
Structure and Functional Analysis of Promoters from Two Liver Isoforms of CPT I in Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella
Authors: Xu Yi-Huan , Luo Zhi , Wu Kun , Fan Yao-Fang , You Wen-Jing , Zhang Li-Han
Published: November 2017

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) is a key enzyme involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and fatty acid β-oxidation. To understand the transcriptional mechanism of CPT Iα1b and CPT Iα2a genes, we cloned the 2695-bp and 2631-bp regions of CPT Iα1b and CPT Iα2a promoters of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), respectively, and explored the structure and functional characteristics of these promoters. CPT Iα1b had two transcription start sites (TSSs), while CPT Iα2a had only one TSS. DNase I foot printing showed that the CPT Iα1b promoter was AT-rich and TATA-less, and mediated basal transcription through an initiator (INR)-independent mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) played potential important roles in driving basal expression of CPT Iα2a gene. In HepG2 and HEK293 cells, progressive deletion analysis indicated that several regions contained cis-elements controlling the transcription of the CPT Iα1b and CPT Iα2a genes. Moreover, some transcription factors, such as thyroid hormone receptor (TR), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family, were all identified on the CPT Iα1b and CPT Iα2a promoters. The TRα binding sites were only identified on CPT Iα1b promoter, while TRβ binding sites were only identified on CPT Iα2a promoter, suggesting that the transcription of CPT Iα1b and CPT Iα2a was regulated by a different mechanism. Site-mutation and electrophoretic mobility-shift assay (EMSA) revealed that fenofibrate-induced PPARα activation did not bind with predicted PPARα binding sites of CPT I promoters. Additionally, PPARα was not the only member of PPAR family regulating CPT I expression, and PPARγ also regulated the CPT I expression. All of these results provided new insights into the mechanisms for transcriptional regulation of CPT I genes in fish.
Regulation of the Rhythmic Emission of Plant Volatiles by the Circadian Clock
Authors: Zeng Lanting , Wang Xiaoqin , Kang Ming , Dong Fang , Yang Ziyin
Published: November 2017

Like other organisms, plants have endogenous biological clocks that enable them to organize their metabolic, physiological, and developmental processes. The representative biological clock is the circadian system that regulates daily (24-h) rhythms. Circadian-regulated changes in growth have been observed in numerous plants. Evidence from many recent studies indicates that the circadian clock regulates a multitude of factors that affect plant metabolites, especially emitted volatiles that have important ecological functions. Here, we review recent progress in research on plant volatiles showing rhythmic emission under the regulation of the circadian clock, and on how the circadian clock controls the rhythmic emission of plant volatiles. We also discuss the potential impact of other factors on the circadian rhythmic emission of plant volatiles.
High Expression of STAT3 in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Associates with Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nadali Mitra , Pullerits Rille , Andersson Karin , Töyrä Silfverswärd Sofia , Erlandsson Malin , Bokarewa Maria
Published: November 2017

Despite the predominance of female patients and uncommon obesity, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is tightly connected to increased cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate transcriptional activity in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) with respect to this disproportionate cardiovascular risk (CVR) in RA. CVR was estimated in 182 female patients, using the modified Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation scale, and identified 93 patients with increased CVR. The overall transcriptional activity in WAT was significantly higher in patients with CVR and was presented by higher serum levels of WAT products leptin, resistin and IL-6 (all, p < 0.001). CVR was associated with high WAT-specific transcription of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit (RELA), and with high transcription of serine-threonine kinase B (AKT1) in leukocytes. These findings suggest Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and leptin take part in WAT-specific activation of STAT3. The binary logistic regression analysis confirmed an independent association of CVR with IL-6 in serum, and with STAT3 in WAT. The study shows an association of CVR with transcriptional activity in WAT in female RA patients. It also emphasizes the importance of STAT3 regulatory circuits for WAT-related CVR in RA.
Biodegradation of Cosmetics Products: A Computational Study of Cytochrome P450 Metabolism of Phthalates
Authors: Cantú Reinhard Fabián , De Visser Sam
Published: November 2017

Cytochrome P450s are a broad class of enzymes in the human body with important functions for human health, which include the metabolism and detoxification of compounds in the liver. Thus, in their catalytic cycle, the P450s form a high-valent iron(IV)-oxo heme cation radical as the active species (called Compound I) that reacts with substrates through oxygen atom transfer. This work discusses the possible degradation mechanisms of phthalates by cytochrome P450s in the liver, through computational modelling, using 2-ethylhexyl-phthalate as a model substrate. Phthalates are a type of compound commonly found in the environment from cosmetics usage, but their biodegradation in the liver may lead to toxic metabolites. Experimental studies revealed a multitude of products and varying product distributions among P450 isozymes. To understand the regio- and chemoselectivity of phthalate activation by P450 isozymes, we focus here on the mechanisms of phthalate activation by Compound I leading to O-dealkylation, aliphatic hydroxylation and aromatic hydroxylation processes. We set up model complexes of Compound I with the substrate and investigated the reaction mechanisms for products using the density functional theory on models and did a molecular mechanics study on enzymatic structures. The work shows that several reaction barriers in the gas-phase are close in energy, leading to a mixture of products. However, when we tried to dock the substrate into a P450 isozyme, some of the channels were inaccessible due to unfavorable substrate positions. Product distributions are discussed under various reaction conditions and rationalized with valence bond and thermodynamic models.
Sensing Light with LEDs: Performance Evaluation for IoT Applications
Authors: Incipini Lorenzo , Belli Alberto , Palma Lorenzo , Ballicchia Mauro , Pierleoni Paola
Published: November 2017

The Internet of Things includes all the technologies allowing the connection of everyday objects to the Internet, in order to gather measurements of physical quantities and interact with the surrounding environments through telecommunication devices with embedded sensing and actuating units. The measurements carried out with different LEDs demonstrate the possibility of using these devices both as transmitters and as optical sensors, in addition to their ability to discriminate incident wavelengths, thus making them bi-directional transceivers for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, particularly suitable in the context of Visible Light Communication (VLC). In particular, a methodological tool is provided for selecting the LED sensor for VLC applications.
Chemically Modified Polyvinyl Chloride for Removal of Thionine Dye (Lauth’s Violet)
Authors: Ali Helena , Silva Cleuzilene , Royer Betina , Rodrigues Filho Guimes , Cerqueira Daniel , Assunção Rosana
Published: November 2017

The chemical modification of hydrophobic polymer matrices is an alternative way to elchange their surface properties. The introduction of sulfonic groups in the polymer changes the surface properties such as adhesion, wettability, catalytic ability, and adsorption capacity. This work describes the production and application of chemically modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as adsorbent for dyes removal. Chemical modification of PVC was evaluated by infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis, which indicated the presence of sulfonic groups on PVC. The chemically modified PVC (PVCDS) showed an ion exchange capacity of 1.03 mmol−1, and efficiently removed the thionine dye (Lauth’s violet) from aqueous solutions, reaching equilibrium in 30 min. The adsorption kinetics was better adjusted for a pseudo second order model. This result indicates that the adsorption of thionine onto PVCDS occurs by chemisorption. Among the models for the state of equilibrium, SIPS and Langmuir exhibited the best fit to the experimental results and PVCDS showed high adsorption capacities (370 mg−1). Thus, it is assumed that the system presents homogeneous characteristics to the distribution of active sites. The modification promoted the formation of surface characteristics favorable to the dye adsorption by the polymer.
A First-Principle Theoretical Study of Mechanical and Electronic Properties in Graphene Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Junctions
Authors: Yang Ning , Yang Daoguo , Chen Liangbiao , Liu Dongjing , Cai Miao , Fan Xuejun
Published: November 2017

The new three-dimensional structure that the graphene connected with SWCNTs (G-CNTs, Graphene Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes) can solve graphene and CNTs′ problems. A comprehensive study of the mechanical and electrical performance of the junctions was performed by first-principles theory. There were eight types of junctions that were constituted by armchair and zigzag graphene and (3,3), (4,0), (4,4), and (6,0) CNTs. First, the junction strength was investigated. Generally, the binding energy of armchair G-CNTs was stronger than that of zigzag G-CNTs, and it was the biggest in the armchair G-CNTs (6,0). Likewise, the electrical performance of armchair G-CNTs was better than that of zigzag G-CNTs. Charge density distribution of G-CNTs (6,0) was the most homogeneous. Next, the impact factors of the electronic properties of armchair G-CNTs were investigated. We suggest that the band gap is increased with the length of CNTs, and its value should be dependent on the combined effect of both the graphene’s width and the CNTs’ length. Last, the relationship between voltage and current (U/I) were studied. The U/I curve of armchair G-CNTs (6,0) possessed a good linearity and symmetry. These discoveries will contribute to the design and production of G-CNT-based devices.
The Decision making System for Condition Monitoring of Induction Motors Based on Vector Control Model
Authors: Alwadie Abdullah
Published: November 2017

Induction motors are mainly used for variable load applications and it is vital to have a condition monitoring system with capabilities to diagnose motor faults in variable load conditions. The environment noise varies has non-linear relation with motor load and it challenges the decision making capability of the condition monitoring system. This paper addresses the issue of reliable decision making on the existence of bearing faults in variable load conditions. Two type of threshold schemes have been proposed to reliably diagnose bearing faults in Park vector modulus spectrum. The performance of the developed threshold based condition monitoring system has been analyzed theoretically and experimentally.
An Overview of the Bacterial Carbonic Anhydrases
Authors: Supuran Claudiu , Capasso Clemente
Published: November 2017

Bacteria encode carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) belonging to three different genetic families, the α-, β-, and γ-classes. By equilibrating CO2 and bicarbonate, these metalloenzymes interfere with pH regulation and other crucial physiological processes of these organisms. The detailed investigations of many such enzymes from pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria afford the opportunity to design both novel therapeutic agents, as well as biomimetic processes, for example, for CO2 capture. Investigation of bacterial CA inhibitors and activators may be relevant for finding antibiotics with a new mechanism of action.
Metabolic Profile of the Cellulolytic Industrial Actinomycete Thermobifida fusca
Authors: Vanee Niti , Brooks J. , Fong Stephen
Published: November 2017

Actinomycetes have a long history of being the source of numerous valuable natural products and medicinals. To expedite product discovery and optimization of biochemical production, high-throughput technologies can now be used to screen the library of compounds present (or produced) at a given time in an organism. This not only facilitates chemical product screening, but also provides a comprehensive methodology to the study cellular metabolic networks to inform cellular engineering. Here, we present some of the first metabolomic data of the industrial cellulolytic actinomycete Thermobifida fusca generated using LC-MS/MS. The underlying objective of conducting global metabolite profiling was to gain better insight on the innate capabilities of T. fusca, with a long-term goal of facilitating T. fusca-based bioprocesses. The T. fusca metabolome was characterized for growth on two cellulose-relevant carbon sources, cellobiose and Avicel. Furthermore, the comprehensive list of measured metabolites was computationally integrated into a metabolic model of T. fusca, to study metabolic shifts in the network flux associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.
Special Issue: Beneficial Microorganisms for Food Manufacturing—Fermented and Biopreserved Foods and Beverages
Authors: Talon Régine , Zagorec Monique
Published: November 2017

Food fermentation is an ancient technology, disseminated worldwide, which harness microorganisms and their enzymes to improve and diversify the human diet [...]
Integrated Evaluation of the Potential Health Benefits of Einkorn-Based Breads
Authors: Antognoni Fabiana , Mandrioli Roberto , Bordoni Alessandra , Di Nunzio Mattia , Viadel Blanca , Gallego Elisa , Villalba María , Tomás-Cobos Lidia , Taneyo Saa Danielle , Gianotti Andrea
Published: November 2017

Nowadays the high nutritional value of whole grains is recognized, and there is an increasing interest in the ancient varieties for producing wholegrain food products with enhanced nutritional characteristics. Among ancient crops, einkorn could represent a valid alternative. In this work, einkorn flours were analyzed for their content in carotenoids and in free and bound phenolic acids, and compared to wheat flours. The most promising flours were used to produce conventional and sourdough fermented breads. Breads were in vitro digested, and characterized before and after digestion. The four breads having the best characteristics were selected, and the product of their digestion was used to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effect using Caco-2 cells. Our results confirm the higher carotenoid levels in einkorn than in modern wheats, and the effectiveness of sourdough fermentation in maintaining these levels, despite the longer exposure to atmospheric oxygen. Moreover, in cultured cells einkorn bread evidenced an anti-inflammatory effect, although masked by the effect of digestive fluid. This study represents the first integrated evaluation of the potential health benefit of einkorn-based bakery products compared to wheat-based ones, and contributes to our knowledge of ancient grains.
Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Vujasinovic Miroslav , Valente Roberto , Thorell Anders , Rutkowski Wiktor , Haas Stephan , Arnelo Urban , Martin Lena , Löhr J.-Matthias
Published: November 2017

Morbid obesity is a lifelong disease, and all patients require complementary follow-up including nutritional surveillance by a multidisciplinary team after bariatric procedures. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) refers to an insufficient secretion of pancreatic enzymes and/or sodium bicarbonate. PEI is a known multifactorial complication after upper gastrointestinal surgery, and might constitute an important clinical problem due to the large number of bariatric surgical procedures in the world. Symptoms of PEI often overlap with sequelae of gastric bypass, making the diagnosis difficult. Steatorrhea, weight loss, maldigestion and malabsorption are pathognomonic for both clinical conditions. Altered anatomy after bypass surgery can make the diagnostic process even more difficult. Fecal elastase-1 (FE1) is a useful diagnostic test. PEI should be considered in all patients after bariatric surgery with prolonged gastrointestinal complaints that are suggestive of maldigestion and/or malabsorption. Appropriate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy should be part of the treatment algorithm in patients with confirmed PEI or symptoms suggestive of this complication.
Nitric Oxide Releasing Polymeric Coatings for the Prevention of Biofilm Formation
Authors: Fleming George , Aveyard Jenny , Fothergill Joanne , McBride Fiona , Raval Rasmita , D’Sa Raechelle
Published: November 2017

The ability of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing polymer coatings to prevent biofilm formation is described. NO-releasing coatings on (poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and silicone elastomer (SE)) were fabricated using aminosilane precursors. Pristine PET and SE were oxygen plasma treated, followed by immobilisation of two aminosilane molecules: N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)diethylenetriamine (DET3) and N-(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl)aniline (PTMSPA). N-diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide donors were formed at the secondary amine sites on the aminosilane molecules producing NO-releasing polymeric coatings. The NO payload and release were controlled by the aminosilane precursor, as DET3 has two secondary amine sites and PTMSPA only one. The antibacterial efficacy of these coatings was tested using a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14). All NO-releasing coatings in this study were shown to significantly reduce P. aeruginosa adhesion over 24 h with the efficacy being a function of the aminosilane modification and the underlying substrate. These NO-releasing polymers demonstrate the potential and utility of this facile coating technique for preventing biofilms for indwelling medical devices.
Synthesis of Terpolymers with Homogeneous Composition by Free Radical Copolymerization of Maleic Anhydride, Perfluorooctyl and Butyl or Dodecyl Methacrylates: Application of the Continuous Flow Monomer Addition Technique
Authors: Szkudlarek Marian , Beginn Uwe , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: November 2017

Terpolymers of homogeneous composition were prepared by free radical copolymerization of butyl or dodecyl methacrylate, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl methacrylate and maleic anhydride using the continuous monomer addition technique. The copolymerization reactions were performed at 65 °C in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator in a mixture of methyl ethyl ketone and 1,3-bis (trifluoromethyl)benzene. The monomers and initiator are added to the reaction mixture with the same rate they are consumed in 5- and 10-fold excess compared to the initial monomer stock. The obtained terpolymers with molecular weights Mn = 50,000–70,000 are of uniform composition, close to the composition determined in low conversion experiments, proving the principle of the chosen concept. The kinetic data necessary for the design of the continuous addition experiment were obtained from binary copolymerization experiments at low monomer conversion (to avoid compositional drift). In addition, the so-called terpolymerization parameter was determined from ternary copolymerization experiments.
RapidScat Cross-Calibration Using the Double Difference Technique
Authors: Zec Josko , Jones W. , Alsabah Ruaa , Al-Sabbagh Ali
Published: November 2017

RapidScat is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ku-Band scatterometer that was operated onboard the International Space Station between September 2014 and August 2016 when the mission effectively ended after an irrecoverable instrument failure. A unique non-Sun-synchronous orbit facilitated global contiguous geographical sampling between the ±56° latitude. For the first time, such an orbit enabled an overlap with other scatterometers flying in Sun-synchronous orbits. The double-difference technique was developed and successfully used for microwave radiometer calibration at the Remote Sensing Laboratory at the University of Central Florida, USA. This paper presents the extension of the double difference methodology to scatterometry. The methodology has been adopted for the cross-instrument calibration between RapidScat and QuikScat scatterometers simultaneously orbiting the Earth on-board two independent satellite platforms. The double-difference technique was deployed to compare measurements from these two scatterometers, as a more accurate alternative to the classic single difference approach. The work summarized in this paper addressed a cross-calibration algorithm developed and applied to RapidScat and QuikScat data in the period from January 2015 to March 2016. The initial results of the statistical analysis and biases between the two scatterometers are presented. Calculated biases may be used for measurement correction and reprocessing.
A Comparison of FPGA and GPGPU Designs for Bayesian Occupancy Filters
Authors: Medina Luis , Diez-Ochoa Miguel , Correal Raul , Cuenca-Asensi Sergio , Serrano Alejandro , Godoy Jorge , Martínez-Álvarez Antonio , Villagra Jorge
Published: November 2017

Grid-based perception techniques in the automotive sector based on fusing information from different sensors and their robust perceptions of the environment are proliferating in the industry. However, one of the main drawbacks of these techniques is the traditionally prohibitive, high computing performance that is required for embedded automotive systems. In this work, the capabilities of new computing architectures that embed these algorithms are assessed in a real car. The paper compares two ad hoc optimized designs of the Bayesian Occupancy Filter; one for General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) and the other for Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The resulting implementations are compared in terms of development effort, accuracy and performance, using datasets from a realistic simulator and from a real automated vehicle.
Incorporation of Fiber Bragg Sensors for Shape Memory Polyurethanes Characterization
Authors: Alberto Nélia , Fonseca Maria , Neto Victor , Nogueira Rogério , Oliveira Mónica , Moreira Rui
Published: November 2017

Shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) are thermally activated shape memory materials, which can be used as actuators or sensors in applications including aerospace, aeronautics, automobiles or the biomedical industry. The accurate characterization of the memory effect of these materials is therefore mandatory for the technology’s success. The shape memory characterization is normally accomplished using mechanical testing coupled with a heat source, where a detailed knowledge of the heat cycle and its influence on the material properties is paramount but difficult to monitor. In this work, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were embedded into SMPU samples aiming to study and characterize its shape memory effect. The samples were obtained by injection molding, and the entire processing cycle was successfully monitored, providing a process global quality signature. Moreover, the integrity and functionality of the FBG sensors were maintained during and after the embedding process, demonstrating the feasibility of the technology chosen for the purpose envisaged. The results of the shape memory effect characterization demonstrate a good correlation between the reflected FBG peak with the temperature and induced strain, proving that this technology is suitable for this particular application.
Integrated Display and Simulation for Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast and Traffic Collision Avoidance System Data Fusion
Authors: Wang Yanran , Xiao Gang , Dai Zhouyun
Published: November 2017

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is the direction of airspace surveillance development. Research analyzing the benefits of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and ADS-B data fusion is almost absent. The paper proposes an ADS-B minimum system from ADS-B In and ADS-B Out. In ADS-B In, a fusion model with a variable sampling Variational Bayesian-Interacting Multiple Model (VSVB-IMM) algorithm is proposed for integrated display and an airspace traffic situation display is developed by using ADS-B information. ADS-B Out includes ADS-B Out transmission based on a simulator platform and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform. This paper describes the overall implementation of ADS-B minimum system, including theoretical model design, experimental simulation verification, engineering implementation, results analysis, etc. Simulation and implementation results show that the fused system has better performance than each independent subsystem and it can work well in engineering applications.