bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HSCVFNT: Inference of Time-Delayed Gene Regulatory Network Based on Complex-Valued Flexible Neural Tree Model
Authors: Yang Bin , Chen Yuehui , Zhang Wei , Lv Jiaguo , Bao Wenzheng , Huang De-Shuang
Published: October 2018

Gene regulatory network (GRN) inference can understand the growth and development of animals and plants, and reveal the mystery of biology. Many computational approaches have been proposed to infer GRN. However, these inference approaches have hardly met the need of modeling, and the reducing redundancy methods based on individual information theory method have bad universality and stability. To overcome the limitations and shortcomings, this thesis proposes a novel algorithm, named HSCVFNT, to infer gene regulatory network with time-delayed regulations by utilizing a hybrid scoring method and complex-valued flexible neural network (CVFNT). The regulations of each target gene can be obtained by iteratively performing HSCVFNT. For each target gene, the HSCVFNT algorithm utilizes a novel scoring method based on time-delayed mutual information (TDMI), time-delayed maximum information coefficient (TDMIC) and time-delayed correlation coefficient (TDCC), to reduce the redundancy of regulatory relationships and obtain the candidate regulatory factor set. Then, the TDCC method is utilized to create time-delayed gene expression time-series matrix. Finally, a complex-valued flexible neural tree model is proposed to infer the time-delayed regulations of each target gene with the time-delayed time-series matrix. Three real time-series expression datasets from (Save Our Soul) SOS DNA repair system in E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are utilized to evaluate the performance of the HSCVFNT algorithm. As a result, HSCVFNT obtains outstanding F-scores of 0.923, 0.8 and 0.625 for SOS network and (In vivo Reverse-Engineering and Modeling Assessment) IRMA network inference, respectively, which are 5.5%, 14.3% and 72.2% higher than the best performance of other state-of-the-art GRN inference methods and time-delayed methods.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antitumor Activity of Novel Bivalent β-Carboline-3-carboxylic Acid Derivatives with DNA as a Potential Target
Authors: Gu Hongling , Li Na , Dai Jiangkun , Xi Yaxi , Wang Shijun , Wang Junru
Published: October 2018

A series of novel bivalent β-carboline derivatives were designed and synthesized, and in vitro cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, and DNA-binding affinity were evaluated. The cytotoxic results demonstrated that most bivalent β-carboline derivatives exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than the corresponding monomer against the five selected tumor cell lines (A549, SGC-7901, Hela, SMMC-7721, and MCF-7), indicating that the dimerization at the C3 position could enhance the antitumor activity of β-carbolines. Among the derivatives tested, 4B, 6i, 4D, and 6u displayed considerable cytotoxicity against A549 cell line. Furthermore, 4B, 6i, 4D, and 6u induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, and caused cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phases. Moreover, the levels of cytochrome C in mitochondria, and the expressions of bcl-2 protein, decreased after treatment with β-carbolines, which indicated that 6i and 6u could induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. In addition, the results of UV-visible spectral, thermal denaturation, and molecular docking studies revealed that 4B, 6i, 4D, and 6u could bind to DNA mainly by intercalation.
A Hybrid Cuckoo Search and Differential Evolution Approach to Protein–Ligand Docking
Authors: Lin Hang , Siu Shirley W. I.
Published: October 2018

Protein–ligand docking is a molecular modeling technique that is used to predict the conformation of a small molecular ligand at the binding pocket of a protein receptor. There are many protein–ligand docking tools, among which AutoDock Vina is the most popular open-source docking software. In recent years, there have been numerous attempts to optimize the search process in AutoDock Vina by means of heuristic optimization methods, such as genetic and particle swarm optimization algorithms. This study, for the first time, explores the use of cuckoo search (CS) to solve the protein–ligand docking problem. The result of this study is CuckooVina, an enhanced conformational search algorithm that hybridizes cuckoo search with differential evolution (DE). Extensive tests using two benchmark datasets, PDBbind 2012 and Astex Diverse set, show that CuckooVina improves the docking performances in terms of RMSD, binding affinity, and success rate compared to Vina though it requires about 9–15% more time to complete a run than Vina. CuckooVina predicts more accurate docking poses with higher binding affinities than PSOVina with similar success rates. CuckooVina’s slower convergence but higher accuracy suggest that it is better able to escape from local energy minima and improves the problem of premature convergence. As a summary, our results assure that the hybrid CS–DE process to continuously generate diverse solutions is a good strategy to maintain the proper balance between global and local exploitation required for the ligand conformational search.
Novel C15 Triene Triazole, D-A Derivatives Anti-HepG2, and as HDAC2 Inhibitors: A Synergy Study
Authors: Qi Zhiwen , Wang Chengzhang , Jiang Jianxin , Wu Caie
Published: October 2018

A series of novel C15 urushiol derivatives were designed by introducing a pechmann structure and F-, Cl-, and Br-nitro substituents with different electronic properties into its alkyl side chain, as well as a triazolyl functional group in its aromatic oxide. Their chemical structures were determined based on the analysis of the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. The results showed that compound 4 exhibited a strong inhibition of the HepG2 cell proliferation (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50): 2.833 μM to human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), and 80.905 μM to human normal hepatocytes (LO2)). Furthermore, it had an excellent synergistic effect with levopimaric acid. The nitrogen atom of the triazole ring formed a hydrogen-bonding interaction with Gly103, Gly154, and Tyr308, which made compound 4 bind to histone deacetylase (HDAC)2 more tightly. One triazole ring and His33 formed a π–π stacking effect; the other, whose branches were deep into the pocket, further enhanced the interaction with HDAC2. Meanwhile, compound 4 involved a hydrophobic interaction with the residues Phe210 and Leu276. The hydrophobic interaction and π–π stacking provided powerful van der Waals forces for the compounds.
Expanding the Clinical Spectrum of Sotos Syndrome in a Patient with the New “c.[5867T>A]+[=]”; “p.[Leu1956Gln]+[=]” NSD1 Missense Mutation and Complex Skin Hamartoma
Authors: Mencarelli Annalisa , Prontera Paolo , Mencarelli Amedea , Rogaia Daniela , Stangoni Gabriela , Cecconi Massimiliano , Esposito Susanna
Published: October 2018

Sotos syndrome is one of the most common overgrowth diseases and it predisposes patients to cancer, generally in childhood. The prevalence of this genetic disorder is 1:10,000–1:50,000, and it is characterized by wide allelic heterogeneity, with more than 100 different known mutations in the nuclear receptor-binding SET domain containing protein 1 (NSD1) gene. Most of these alterations are deletions and common micro-deletions with haploinsufficiency. Singular variants are missense mutations. The present study reports a case of a 4-year-old boy with specific clinical features of Sotos syndrome and a particular complex skin hamartoma on the right femoral side, in addition to other minor findings, such as a “café-au-lait” spot on the right hemithorax and syndactyly of the second and third right toes. NSD1 gene analysis identified a de novo missense mutation, “c.[5867T>A]+[=]”; “p.[Leu1956Gln]+[=]”, that was not previously described in the literature. This mutation was localized to the functional domain of the gene and was likely the cause of Sotos syndrome in our patient. We also compared aspects of our patient’s condition with the clinical features of tuberous sclerosis (TSC), which is an autosomal neurocutaneous syndrome caused by mutations in the TSC1/TSC2 genes. These genes control cell growth and cell survival. This disorder is characterized by hamartomas in multiple organ systems, several coetaneous abnormalities, epilepsy, and increased risk of several types of tumors.
Transcriptome Profiling of Two Ornamental and Medicinal Papaver Herbs
Authors: Oh Jaehyeon , Shin Younhee , Ha In Jin , Lee Min Young , Lee Seok-Geun , Kang Byeong-Chul , Kyeong Dongsoo , Kim Dowan
Published: October 2018

The Papaver spp. (Papaver rhoeas (Corn poppy) and Papaver nudicaule (Iceland poppy)) genera are ornamental and medicinal plants that are used for the isolation of alkaloid drugs. In this study, we generated 700 Mb of transcriptome sequences with the PacBio platform. They were assembled into 120,926 contigs, and 1185 (82.2%) of the benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO) core genes were completely present in our assembled transcriptome. Furthermore, using 128 Gb of Illumina sequences, the transcript expression was assessed at three stages of Papaver plant development (30, 60, and 90 days), from which we identified 137 differentially expressed transcripts. Furthermore, three co-occurrence heat maps are generated from 51 different plant genomes along with the Papaver transcriptome, i.e., secondary metabolite biosynthesis, isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis (BIA) pathway, and cytochrome. Sixty-nine transcripts in the BIA pathway along with 22 different alkaloids (quantified with LC-QTOF-MS/MS) were mapped into the BIA KEGG map (map00950). Finally, we identified 39 full-length cytochrome transcripts and compared them with other genomes. Collectively, this transcriptome data, along with the expression and quantitative metabolite profiles, provides an initial recording of secondary metabolites and their expression related to Papaver plant development. Moreover, these profiles could help to further detail the functional characterization of the various secondary metabolite biosynthesis and Papaver plant development associated problems.
Ambient Temperature-Responsive Mechanisms Coordinate Regulation of Flowering Time
Authors: Susila Hendry , Nasim Zeeshan , Ahn Ji Hoon
Published: October 2018

In plants, environmental conditions such as temperature affect survival, growth, and fitness, particularly during key stages such as seedling growth and reproduction. To survive and thrive in changing conditions, plants have evolved adaptive responses that tightly regulate developmental processes such as hypocotyl elongation and flowering time in response to environmental temperature changes. Increases in temperature, coupled with increasing fluctuations in local climate and weather, severely affect our agricultural systems; therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which plants perceive and respond to temperature is critical for agricultural sustainability. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the molecular mechanisms of ambient temperature perception as well as possible temperature sensing components in plants. Based on recent publications, we highlight several temperature response mechanisms, including the deposition and eviction of histone variants, DNA methylation, alternative splicing, protein degradation, and protein localization. We discuss roles of each proposed temperature-sensing mechanism that affects plant development, with an emphasis on flowering time. Studies of plant ambient temperature responses are advancing rapidly, and this review provides insights for future research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of temperature perception and responses in plants.
The Factors Influencing Seasonal Dynamics and Spatial Distribution of Stable Fly Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera, Muscidae) within Stables
Authors: Semelbauer Marek , Mangová Barbara , Barta Marek , Kozánek Milan
Published: October 2018

The biology of the stable fly is fairly well known, but factors influencing the distribution of adult stable flies within stables are still inadequately investigated. The four experimental stables were located in south western Slovakia. Within each stable, five sticky traps were localized along the stable, and the flies were weekly counted during the flight season of years 2015–2017. Seasonal activity and stable fly abundance in relation to temperature, rainfall, light conditions, relative air humidity, and cows per stable were evaluated. The seasonal activity of the stable fly shows one large peak at the end of summer and a second smaller peak just before the end of the flight season. The spatial distribution of stable flies was unique for each stable. All of the environmental variables had significant and mostly positive effect on stable fly abundance. The strongest and most positive effect on stable fly counts was temperature and rainfall five weeks prior to collecting session. Within the stable, cow number, air humidity, and light conditions are the strongest candidates to influence their distribution.
NANOmetric BIO-Banked MSC-Derived Exosome (NANOBIOME) as a Novel Approach to Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Codispoti Bruna , Marrelli Massimo , Paduano Francesco , Tatullo Marco
Published: October 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well known for their great potential in clinical applications. In fact, MSCs can differentiate into several cell lineages and show paracrine behavior by releasing endogenous factors that stimulate tissue repair and modulate local immune response. Each MSC type is affected by specific biobanking issues—technical issues as well as regulatory and ethical concerns—thus making it quite tricky to safely and commonly use MSC banking for swift regenerative applications. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) include a group of 150–1000 nm vesicles that are released by budding from the plasma membrane into biological fluids and/or in the culture medium from varied and heterogenic cell types. EVs consist of various vesicle types that are defined with different nomenclature such as exosomes, shedding vesicles, nanoparticles, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies. Ectosomes, micro- and nanoparticles generally refer to the direct release of single vesicles from the plasma membrane. While many studies describe exosomes as deriving from multivesicular bodies, solid evidence about the origin of EVs is often lacking. Extracellular vesicles represent an important portion of the cell secretome. Their numerous properties can be used for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic uses, so EVs are considered to be innovative and smart theranostic tools. The aim of this review is to investigate the usefulness of exosomes as carriers of the whole information panel characterizing the use of MSCs in regenerative medicine. Our purpose is to make a step forward in the development of the NANOmetric BIO-banked MSC-derived Exosome (NANOBIOME).
The Determining Role of Nb Interlayer on Interfacial Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti/Steel Clad Plate by Vacuum Rolling Cladding
Authors: Xie Guang-ming , Yang De-han , Luo Zong-an , Li Ming , Wang Ming-kun , Misra R. D. K.
Published: October 2018

We elucidate here the determining role of Nb interlayer on mechanical properties of Ti/steel clad plate fabricated by vacuum rolling cladding (VRC) as a function of different heating temperatures. A critical analysis on the clad interface via electron probe micro-analyzer, X-ray diffractometer and shear testing were conducted to investigate the influence of TiC, Fe-Nb and TiFe compounds and Nb-Ti solid solution on microstructural evolution and shear properties of Ti/steel clad plate. The inter-diffusion between Ti, C and Fe was effectively restrained by adding the Nb interlayer at heating temperature of 800 °C, and average shear strength of 279 MPa was achieved. With increase of heating temperature, Nb-Ti solid solution was formed at the Ti/Nb interface, which reduced mechanical properties of clad plate at 900 °C. At 1000 °C, TiC and Nb-Fe compounds and Nb-Ti solid solution were formed at the interface, and minimum average shear strength of 152 MPa was achieved. The detailed analysis on the clad interface suggested that ideal shear strength can be obtained through the addition of Nb interlayer and selecting appropriate heating temperature.
Stochastic Comparisons and Dynamic Information of Random Lifetimes in a Replacement Model
Authors: Di Crescenzo Antonio , Di Gironimo Patrizia
Published: October 2018

We consider a suitable replacement model for random lifetimes, in which at a fixed time an item is replaced by another one having the same age but different lifetime distribution. We focus first on stochastic comparisons between the involved random lifetimes, in order to assess conditions leading to an improvement of the system. Attention is also given to the relative ratio of improvement, which is proposed as a suitable index finalized to measure the goodness of the replacement procedure. Finally, we provide various results on the dynamic differential entropy of the lifetime of the improved system.
Modeling Mindsets with Kalman Filter
Authors: Yamauchi Takashi
Published: October 2018

Mathematical models have played an essential role in interface design. This study focused on “mindsets”—people’s tacit beliefs about attributes—and investigated the extent to which: (1) mindsets can be extracted in a motion trajectory in target selection, and (2) a dynamic state-space model, such as the Kalman filter, helps quantify mindsets. Participants were experimentally manipulated to hold fixed or growth mindsets in a “mock” memory test, and later performed a concept-learning task in which the movement of the computer cursor was recorded in every trial. By inspecting motion trajectories of the cursor, we observed clear disparities in the impact of mindsets; participants who were induced with a fixed mindset moved the cursor faster as compared to those who were induced with a growth mindset. To examine further the mechanism of this influence, we fitted a Kalman filter model to the trajectory data; we found that system-level error-covariance in the Kalman filter model could effectively separate motion trajectories gleaned from the two mindset conditions. Taken together, results from the experiment suggest that people’s mindsets can be captured in motor trajectories in target selection and the Kalman filter helps quantify mindsets. It is argued that people’s personality, attitude, and mindset are embodied in motor behavior underlying target selection and these psychological variables can be studied mathematically with a feedback control system.
On a Graph Associated to UP-Algebras
Authors: Ansari Moin A. , Haidar Azeem , Koam Ali N.A.
Published: October 2018

In this article, we introduce the concept of graphs associated with commutative UP-algebra, which we say is a UP-graph whose vertices are the elements of commutative UP-algebra and whose edges are the association of two vertices, that is two elements from commutative UP-algebra. We also define a graph of equivalence classes of a commutative UP-algebra and prove some related results based on the algebraic properties of the graph. We show that two graphs are the same and complete bipartite if they are formed by equivalence classes of UP-algebra and the graph folding of commutative UP-algebra. An algorithm for checking whether a given set is a UP-algebra or not has also been given.
Pilot–Scale Production of Carbon Hollow Fiber Membranes from Regenerated Cellulose Precursor-Part II: Carbonization Procedure
Authors: Haider Shamim , Lie Jon , Lindbråthen Arne , Hägg May-Britt
Published: October 2018

The simultaneous carbonization of thousands of fibers in a horizontal furnace may result in fused fibers if carbonization residuals (tars) are not removed fast enough. The optimized purge gas flow rate and a small degree angle in the furnace position may enhance the yield of high quality carbon fibers up to 97% by removing by-products. The production process for several thousand carbon fibers in a single batch is reported. The aim was developing a pilot-scale system to produce carbon membranes. Cellulose-acetate fibers were transformed into regenerated cellulose through a de-acetylation process and the fibers were carbonized in a horizontally oriented three-zone furnace. Quartz tubes and perforated stainless steel grids were used to carbonize up to 4000 (160 cm long) fibers in a single batch. The number of fused fibers could be significantly reduced by replacing the quartz tubes with perforated grids. It was further found that improved purge gas flow distribution in the furnace positioned at a 4-degree to 6-degree angle permitted residuals to flow downward into the tar collection chamber. In total, 390 spun-batches of fibers were carbonized. Each grid contained 2000–4000 individual fibers and these fibers comprised four to six spun-batches of vertically dried fibers. Gas permeation properties were investigated for the carbon fibers.
High-Temperature Low Cycle Fatigue Life Prediction and Experimental Research of Pre-Tightened Bolts
Authors: Yu Qingmin , Zhou Honglei , Yu Xudong , Yang Xiangjin
Published: October 2018

Bolted connections are widely used in various mechanical structures due to their superior fastening properties. However, vibration and fatigue loads in the structure are likely to cause fatigue failure of the bolted joints, especially those under high temperature, such as in aero-engines. This paper mainly studies the low-cycle fatigue life of the pre-tightened bolts working at a high temperature. A novel test fixture is designed for fatigue tests, and low cycle fatigue tests of pre-tightened bolts are conducted at the temperatures of 550 °C and 650 °C, respectively. Furthermore, a new low cycle fatigue model that is based on the Von Mises equivalent stress/strain criterion is proposed. Meanwhile, the proposed model is used to predict the high-temperature low cycle fatigue life of pre-tightened bolts according to the stress/strain results obtained by finite element analysis. There is good agreement between the experimental results and those obtained by theoretical prediction, which validates the accuracy of the proposed fatigue model. Research results will provide a theoretical basis for the low cycle fatigue life prediction of pre-tightened bolts.
Effects of Mold Temperature on the Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Ti@(Al-Si-Ti)p/A356 Composite Prepared via Powder Thixoforming
Authors: Gao Min , Chen Tijun , Qin He
Published: October 2018

A novel A356 Al-based composite reinforced with Ti@(Al-Si-Ti) core-shell-structured particles (Ti@(Al-Si-Ti)p) was prepared utilizing powder thixoforming method. The effects of mold temperature on the microstructures and tensile properties of the composites, as well as the toughening mechanisms, were investigated. The results indicated that the primary α-Al particles gradually coarsened and evolved into large-sized interconnected particles with the rise of mold temperature. Simultaneously, the core-shell structured reinforcements tended to agglomerate and the eutectic Si phases gradually coarsened and became spheroidal. The tensile properties of the synthesized composites firstly increased as the mold temperature rose from 150 °C to 200 °C due mainly to the improvement of the microstructure compactness and the spheroidization of the eutectic Si phases, and then decreased resulting from the coarsening of both the primary particles and eutectic Si phases, the agglomeration of the reinforcing particles and the deteriorated microstructure compactness. The composite thixoformed at 200 °C had an excellent elongation of 8.3% besides high tensile strengths. The excellent ductility can be attributed to decreased crack size in the shell and delayed crack propagation by plastic deformation, and multiplication of secondary cracks in the Ti core that originated from the core-shell structure of the reinforcements.
Interfacial Reactions and Fracture Behavior of Ti Alloy-Ag28Cu Brazing Joints: Influence of Titanium Alloy Composition
Authors: Gussone Joachim , Kasperovich Galina , Haubrich Jan , Requena Guillermo
Published: October 2018

Brazing of titanium provides a joining technique suitable for the fabrication of highly-loaded aerospace components, but it still poses numerous challenges, such as the formation of brittle intermetallic interphases. This study of the interphase formation in brazed joints consisting of different titanium alloys (Ti-CP2, Ti-CP4, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-2Mo-4Zr-2Sn) and Ag28Cu shows that complex reactions lead to the formation of various intermetallic phases including a Ti2Cu-TiCu boundary zone. The compositions of the titanium alloys influenced the particular microstructures, which have been characterized with various methods including synchrotron X-ray microtomography. Tensile tests evidence high ultimate tensile strengths that are, importantly, not directly limited by the strength of the brazing alloy. The strength of the Ti2Cu-TiCu phase boundary is significantly increased by the alloying elements in Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-2Mo-4Zr-2Sn and the crack paths change from boundary failure to transcrystalline fracture through TiCu as well as Ag-rich regions. Cu diffusion into the titanium substrate, leading to a coarse grained β-phase that transforms eutectoidally into a lamellar α-Ti + Ti2Cu structure during cooling, occurred in all systems except Ti-6Al-2Mo-4Zr-2Sn where Mo stabilized a fine grained microstructure and enabled the formation of a columnar TiCu structure.
Dual Sacrificial Molding: Fabricating 3D Microchannels with Overhang and Helical Features
Authors: Goh Wei Huang , Hashimoto Michinao
Published: October 2018

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) has become an indispensable tool for 3D printing of molds used for sacrificial molding to fabricate microfluidic devices. The freedom of design of a mold is, however, restricted to the capabilities of the 3D printer and associated materials. Although FDM has been used to create a sacrificial mold made with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to produce 3D microchannels, microchannels with free-hanging geometries are still difficult to achieve. Herein, dual sacrificial molding was devised to fabricate microchannels with overhang or helical features in PDMS using two complementary materials. The method uses an FDM 3D printer equipped with two extruders and filaments made of high- impact polystyrene (HIPS) and PVA. HIPS was initially removed in limonene to reveal the PVA mold harboring the design of microchannels. The PVA mold was embedded in PDMS and subsequently removed in water to create microchannels with 3D geometries such as dual helices and multilayer pyramidal networks. The complementary pairing of the HIPS and PVA filaments during printing facilitated the support of suspended features of the PVA mold. The PVA mold was robust and retained the original design after the exposure to limonene. The resilience of the technique demonstrated here allows us to create microchannels with geometries not attainable with sacrificial molding with a mold printed with a single material.
Dimension and Crushed Stones Extraction as a Source of Social and Environmental Conflicts in Poland
Authors: Górniak-Zimroz Justyna , Pactwa Katarzyna
Published: October 2018

Crushed and dimension stones, which include 33 lithological varieties among igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks and sedimentary rocks, are mainly located in the southern and south-western part of Poland. Demand for this group of minerals is continuously high, which results from conducted and planned infrastructural investments. Mining activity is associated with interference in the natural environment. Negative consequences of exploitation include, among others: Land surface deformations, and the pollution of the soil, air, and water. In many cases, the extraction of minerals also leads to the liquidation of housing and transportation infrastructure located in the mining area, as well as to reducing the value of real estate in the immediate vicinity of the deposit or to increase in the level of stress among local residents, who are exposed to noise, which causes growing social conflicts in areas designated for exploitation. Thus, the awareness of negative effects of undertaking open-cast mining leads to the conflicts between various groups of stakeholders (residents, environmental organizations, mining entrepreneurs). Through the use of multi-criteria evaluation, this article identifies the places of potential social and environmental conflicts resulting from the planned mining activity in three areas of the densest occurrence of the analysed deposits (Lower Silesia Province, Lesser Poland Province and Świętokrzyskie Province). The assessment of lands over the deposits recognized initially and in detail was proposed, determining the degree of their accessibility. Due to the proposed method, it’s possible to obtain results of the classification of each fragment of the analysed deposit, as well as the surroundings of such deposit at any distance from it, within the boundaries of analysed area. Information may be made available to users of the deposits, mining enterprises interested in exploitation of the deposits or administration responsible for issuing decisions regarding concessions for exploitations of the deposits, so that they have knowledge about conflict areas in the region, resulting from the impact of planned mining activity on life and health of the people and on the environment.
A Geometallurgical Approach to Tailings Management: An Example from the Savage River Fe-Ore Mine, Western Tasmania
Authors: Parbhakar-Fox Anita , Glen John , Raimondo Bonita
Published: October 2018

At the Old Tailings Dam (OTD), Savage River, Western Tasmania, 38 Mt of pyritic tailings were deposited (1967 to 1982) and have since been generating acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD). Mineral chemistry analysis confirmed high concentrations of refractory cobalt in pyrite (up to 3 wt %). This study sought to determine, through a series of bench scale tests, if Co could be liberated using biohydrometallurgical techniques. Four bulk tailings samples were collected across the OTD, from up to 1.5 m depth, targeting three sulphide-bearing facies. The study was conducted in four stages: (1) bacterial adaption using BIOX® bacteria; (2) biooxidation optimization with pH, temperature and Fe medium parameters tested; (3) flotation test work to produce a sulphide concentrate followed by biooxidation; and (4) Fe and Co precipitation tests. The BIOX® culture adapted to the bulk composite (containing 7 wt % pyrite) in ~10 days, with biooxidation occurring most efficiently at pH 1.5–1.6 and 40 °C whilst the Fe medium concentration was identified as a less-controlling parameter. Flotation produced a 71% pyrite concentrate with total oxidation occurring after 14 days of biooxidation with 99% of Co leached. At pH 3, Co was effectively separated from Fe, however Ni and Cu were also present in the pregnant liquor solution and therefore required refining before production of cobalt hydroxide, the intermediate saleable product. This study shows that adopting a geometallurgical approach to tailings characterisation can identify if mine waste has commodity potential and how best to extract it therefore unlocking the potential for unconventional rehabilitation of AMD affected sites.
Rare Earth Elements in Planetary Crusts: Insights from Chemically Evolved Igneous Suites on Earth and the Moon
Authors: McLeod Claire L. , Shaulis Barry J.
Published: October 2018

The abundance of the rare earth elements (REEs) in Earth’s crust has become the intense focus of study in recent years due to the increasing societal demand for REEs, their increasing utilization in modern-day technology, and the geopolitics associated with their global distribution. Within the context of chemically evolved igneous suites, 122 REE deposits have been identified as being associated with intrusive dike, granitic pegmatites, carbonatites, and alkaline igneous rocks, including A-type granites and undersaturated rocks. These REE resource minerals are not unlimited and with a 5–10% growth in global demand for REEs per annum, consideration of other potential REE sources and their geological and chemical associations is warranted. The Earth’s moon is a planetary object that underwent silicate-metal differentiation early during its history. Following ~99% solidification of a primordial lunar magma ocean, residual liquids were enriched in potassium, REE, and phosphorus (KREEP). While this reservoir has not been directly sampled, its chemical signature has been identified in several lunar lithologies and the Procellarum KREEP Terrane (PKT) on the lunar nearside has an estimated volume of KREEP-rich lithologies at depth of 2.2 × 108 km3. This reservoir therefore offers a prospective location for future lunar REE exploration. Within the context of chemically evolved lithologies, lunar granites are rare with only 22 samples currently classified as granitic. However, these extraterrestrial granites exhibit chemical affinities to terrestrial A-type granites. On Earth, these anorogenic magmatic systems are hosts to U-Th-REE-ore deposits and while to date only U-Th regions of enrichment on the lunar surface have been identified, future exploration of the lunar surface and interior may yet reveal U-Th-REE regions associated with the distribution of these chemically distinct, evolved lithologies.
Structural Controls of Ore Mineralization in a Polydeformed Basement: Field Examples from the Variscan Baccu Locci Shear Zone (SE Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Funedda Antonio , Naitza Stefano , Buttau Cristina , Cocco Fabrizio , Dini Andrea
Published: October 2018

The Baccu Locci mine area is located in a sector of the Variscan Nappe zone of Sardinia (the Baccu Locci shear zone) that hosts several type of ore deposits mined until the first half of the last century. The orebodies consist of lenses of Zn–Cu sulphides, once interpreted as stratabound, and Qtz–As–Pb sulphide ± gold veins; the implication of structural controls in their origin were previously misinterpreted or not considered. Detailed field mapping, structural analyses, and ore mineralogy allowed for unraveling how different ore parageneses are superimposed each other and to recognize different relationships with the Variscan structures. The sulphide lenses are parallel to the mylonitic foliation, hosted in the hinges of minor order upright antiforms that acted as traps for hydrothermal fluids. The Qtz–As–Pb sulphide veins crosscut the sulphide lenses and are hosted in large dilatational jogs developed in the hanging wall of dextral-reverse faults, whose geometry is influenced by the attitude of reverse limbs of late Variscan folds. The ores in the Baccu Locci shear zone are best interpreted as Variscan orogenic gold-type; veins display mutual crosscutting relationships with mafic dikes dated in the same district at 302 ± 0.2 Ma, a reliable age for the mineralizing events in the area.
Physical and Antibacterial Properties of Sodium Alginate—Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Films Containing Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Ye Jingsong , Ma Donghui , Qin Wen , Liu Yaowen
Published: October 2018

Edible films have gradually become a research focus for food packaging materials due to a variety of benefits, including environmental friendliness, good barrier properties, and good carrying capacity. In this experimental study, we used sodium alginate as a film-forming substrate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose as a modifier, and glycerol as a plasticizer, then Lactococcus lactis was added to film solutions to form bacteriostatic films via the tape casting method. With the addition of Lactococcus lactis, the films did not significantly change thickness, while the transparency decreased and a significant increase in red and yellow hues was observed. Meanwhile, the dispersion of bacterial cells in film solutions destroyed intermolecular interactions in the solutions during film formation and increased the volume of voids in the Lactococcus lactis-containing films, thereby slightly decreasing the tensile strength of the films, but significantly increasing water vapor permeability. Moreover, the films with added Lactococcus lactis showed significant bacteriostatic activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 4 °C. In a seven-day bacteriostatic test, the films with Lactococcus lactis added at a level of 1.5 g/100 g resulted in a decrease in the viable cell count of Staphylococcus aureus by at least four logarithmic units. This study of Lactococcus lactis-containing films has provided a new method and strategy for antibacterial preservation of foods.
Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Some New Pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrazines
Authors: El-Kashef Hussein , El-Emary Talaat , Verhaeghe Pierre , Vanelle Patrice , Samy Maha
Published: October 2018

New derivatives of pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrazines and related heterocycles were synthesized using 5-amino-3-methyl-4-nitroso-1-phenyl-pyrazole (1) as a starting material. The 5-acetyl derivative 15 was shown to be a useful key intermediate for the synthesis of several derivatives of pyrazolopyrazines. Some of the prepared compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-breast cancer MCF-7 cell line activities. SAR study showed that compounds 15 and 29 exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory activity, where 15 showed the same activity as that of the reference drug indomethacin. On the other hand, compounds 25i, 25j showed very significant inhibitory activity (p < 0.001) against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.
X-Reality System Architecture for Industry 4.0 Processes
Authors: Simões Bruno , De Amicis Raffaele , Barandiaran Iñigo , Posada Jorge
Published: October 2018

Information visualization has been widely adopted to represent and visualize data patterns as it offers users fast access to data facts and can highlight specific points beyond plain figures and words. As data comes from multiple sources, in all types of formats, and in unprecedented volumes, the need intensifies for more powerful and effective data visualization tools. In the manufacturing industry, immersive technology can enhance the way users artificially perceive and interact with data linked to the shop floor. However, showcases of prototypes of such technology have shown limited results. The low level of digitalization, the complexity of the required infrastructure, the lack of knowledge about Augmented Reality (AR), and the calibration processes that are required whenever the shop floor configuration changes hinders the adoption of the technology. In this paper, we investigate the design of middleware that can automate the configuration of X-Reality (XR) systems and create tangible in-site visualizations and interactions with industrial assets. The main contribution of this paper is a middleware architecture that enables communication and interaction across different technologies without manual configuration or calibration. This has the potential to turn shop floors into seamless interaction spaces that empower users with pervasive forms of data sharing, analysis and presentation that are not restricted to a specific hardware configuration. The novelty of our work is due to its autonomous approach for finding and communicating calibrations and data format transformations between devices, which does not require user intervention. Our prototype middleware has been validated with a test case in a controlled digital-physical scenario composed of a robot and industrial equipment.
Effects of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Paddy Soil Properties and Components
Authors: Shi Jiyan , Ye Jien , Fang Huaxiang , Zhang Shu , Xu Chen
Published: October 2018

The wide use of metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) will inevitably lead to their release into soil, and consequently affect the quality and ecological functions of soil environments. In this study, two paddy soils with different properties were exposed to CuO NPs to evaluate the transformation of CuO NPs and their effects on soil properties and components. The results of single chemical extraction and X-ray absorption fine structure analysis showed that CuO NPs could release Cu ions once being applied into the flooding paddy soil and then progress toward the more stable forms (Cu2S and Cu(OH)2). CuO NPs could change the soil properties by increasing the pH and Eh of the lower organic matter-soil rather than those of the higher organic matter-soil. Furthermore, we found that the 1000 mg/kg CuO NPs could accelerate the degradation or mineralization of the organic matter, as well as the Fe reduction process, by increasing the Fe(II) content by 293% after flooding for 60 days in the lower organic matter soil. The microbial biomass in both soils was severely inhibited by CuO NPs and the organic matter could partly mitigate the negative effects of CuO NPs.
Synthetic Bio-Graphene Based Nanomaterials through Different Iron Catalysts
Authors: Yan Qiangu , Li Jinghao , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Jilei , Cai Zhiyong
Published: October 2018

Kraft lignin was catalytically graphitized to graphene-based nanostructures at 1000 °C under argon atmosphere with four iron catalysts, iron(III) nitrate (Fe-N); iron(II) chloride (Fe-Cl2); iron(III) chloride (Fe-Cl3); and iron(II) sulfate (Fe-S). The catalytic decomposition process of iron-promoted lignin materials was examined using thermalgravimetric analysis and temperature-programmed decomposition methods. The crystal structure, morphology and surface area of produced materials were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption−desorption techniques. Experimental results indicated that iron nitrate catalyst had better iron dispersion three other iron salts. Iron nitrate was the most active catalyst among four iron salts. The low activity of iron in iron chloride-promoted samples was because the residual chlorine over iron surfaces prevent iron interaction with lignin functional groups.
Micelle-Assisted Strategy for the Direct Synthesis of Large-Sized Mesoporous Platinum Catalysts by Vapor Infiltration of a Reducing Agent
Authors: Li Yunqi , Liu Yuwei , Yamauchi Yusuke , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Alsheri Saad M. , Ahamad Tansir , Alhokbany Norah , Kim Jeonghun , Ariga Katsuhiko , Wu Ning , Xu Jun
Published: October 2018

Stable polymeric micelles have been demonstrated to serve as suitable templates for creating mesoporous metals. Herein, we report the utilization of a core-shell-corona type triblock copolymer of poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine-b-ethylene oxide) and H2PtCl6·H2O to synthesize large-sized mesoporous Pt particles. After formation of micelles with metal ions, the reduction process has been carried out by vapor infiltration of a reducing agent, 4-(Dimethylamino)benzaldehyde. Following the removal of the pore-directing agent under the optimized temperature, mesoporous Pt particles with an average pore size of 15 nm and surface area of 12.6 m2·g−1 are achieved. More importantly, the resulting mesoporous Pt particles exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity compared to commercially available Pt black.
One-Step Synthesis Heterostructured g-C3N4/TiO2 Composite for Rapid Degradation of Pollutants in Utilizing Visible Light
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Zhi-Guang , He Hong-Wei , Wang Xiao-Xiong , Zhang Jun , Zhang Qian-Qian , Tong Yan-Fu , Liu Hong-Ling , Ramakrishna Seeram , Yan Shi-Ying , Long Yun-Ze
Published: October 2018

To meet the urgent need of society for advanced photocatalytic materials, novel visible light driven heterostructured composite was constructed based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and fibrous TiO2. The g-C3N4/TiO2 (CNT) composite was prepared through electrospinning technology and followed calcination process. The state of the g-C3N4 and fibrous TiO2 was tightly coupled. The photocatalytic performance was measured by degrading the Rhodamine B. Compared to commercial TiO2 (P25®) and electrospun TiO2 nanofibers, the photocatalytic performance of CNT composite was higher than them. The formation of CNT heterostructures and the enlarged specific surface area enhanced the photocatalytic performance, suppressing the recombination rate of photogenerated carriers while broadening the absorption range of light spectrum. Our studies have demonstrated that heterostructured CNT composite with an appropriate proportion can rational use of visible light and can significantly promote the photogenerated charges transferred at the contact interface between g-C3N4 and TiO2.
The Comparative Effect on Satiety and Subsequent Energy Intake of Ingesting Sucrose or Isomaltulose Sweetened Trifle: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Kendall Fiona E. , Marchand Olivia , Haszard Jillian J. , Venn Bernard J.
Published: October 2018

The effect that blood glucose concentration has on feelings of satiety is unclear. Our aims were to assess satiety and subsequent energy intake following the ingestion of trifle sweetened with sucrose or isomaltulose whilst measuring plasma glucose concentration to confirm glycemic differences between trifles. Seventy-seven healthy adults participated in a double-blind crossover trial where trifle sweetened with sucrose or isomaltulose was consumed on separate days with a two-week washout. Blood was sampled at the baseline, 1 and 2 h postprandially, and satiety assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS). Weighed diet records were taken on test days. A statistically significant difference in blood glucose concentration between trifles was found at 60 min following consumption, with the isomaltulose trifle having a 0.69 mmol/L (95% confidence interval: −1.07, −0.31) lower concentration when compared with the sucrose trifle. Mean satiety response by area-under-the-curve (AUC) was not significantly different between trifles. Mean (SD) appetite scores for the sucrose and isomaltulose trifles were 4493 (2393) and 4527 (2590) mm·min, respectively, with a between trifle difference of −9 (95% CI: −589, 572) mm·min. Mean (SD) energy intake for the remainder of the day following trifle consumption was 3894 kJ (1950 kJ) and 3530 kJ (1926 kJ) after the sucrose and isomaltulose trifles, respectively, and was not significantly different (p = 0.133). The differing glycemic response to trifle was not related to satiety or to subsequent energy intake.
Fatty Acid Composition in Various Types of Cardiac Adipose Tissues and Its Relation to the Fatty Acid Content of Atrial Tissue
Authors: Hjelmgaard Katrin , Eschen Rikke B. , Schmidt Erik B. , Andreasen Jan J. , Lundbye-Christensen Søren
Published: October 2018

Diet, with its content of various types of fatty acids (FAs), is of great importance for cellular function. Adipose tissue (AT) serves as a storage for dietary FAs, but after appropriate activation it may also offer important biological properties, e.g., by releasing adipokines and cytokines to the surrounding milieu. Such effects may depend on the diet and type of FA involved. Similarly, the composition of FAs in the heart is also likely to be important for cardiac function. We investigated samples of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT), and tissue from the right atrial appendage to compare the FA compositions in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Minor differences among AT compartments were found, while the comparison of atrial tissue and EAT showed major differences in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These findings may be of importance for understanding biological availability, dietary effects, and the effects of FAs on the heart.