bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance to Spot Blotch in Two Mapping Populations of Common Wheat Is Controlled by Multiple QTL of Minor Effects
Authors: Singh Pawan Kumar , He Xinyao , Sansaloni Carolina Paola , Juliana Philomin , Dreisigacker Susanne , Duveiller Etienne , Kumar Uttam , Joshi Arun Kumar , Singh Ravi Prakash
Published: December 2018

Spot blotch (SB) is an important fungal disease of wheat in South Asia and South America. Host resistance is regarded as an economical and environmentally friendly approach of controlling SB, and the inheritance of resistance is mostly quantitative. In order to gain a better understanding on the SB resistance mechanism in CIMMYT germplasm, two bi-parental mapping populations were generated, both comprising 232 F2:7 progenies. Elite CIMMYT breeding lines, BARTAI and WUYA, were used as resistant parents, whereas CIANO T79 was used as susceptible parent in both populations. The two populations were evaluated for field SB resistance at CIMMYT’s Agua Fria station for three consecutive years, from the 2012–2013 to 2014–2015 cropping seasons. Phenological traits like plant height (PH) and days to heading (DH) were also determined. Genotyping was performed using the DArTSeq genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) platform, and a few D-genome specific SNPs and those for phenological traits were integrated for analysis. The most prominent quantitative trait locus (QTL) in both populations was found on chromosome 5AL at the Vrn-A1 locus, explaining phenotypic variations of 7–27%. Minor QTL were found on chromosomes 1B, 3A, 3B, 4B, 4D, 5B and 6D in BARTAI and on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 2D and 4B in WUYA, whereas minor QTL contributed by CIANO T79 were identified on chromosome 1B, 1D, 3A, 4B and 7A. In summary, resistance to SB in the two mapping populations was controlled by multiple minor QTL, with strong influence from Vrn-A1.
Drosophila Jak/STAT Signaling: Regulation and Relevance in Human Cancer and Metastasis
Authors: Trivedi Sunny , Starz-Gaiano Michelle
Published: December 2018

Over the past three-decades, Janus kinase (Jak) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling has emerged as a paradigm to understand the involvement of signal transduction in development and disease pathology. At the molecular level, cytokines and interleukins steer Jak/STAT signaling to transcriptional regulation of target genes, which are involved in cell differentiation, migration, and proliferation. Jak/STAT signaling is involved in various types of blood cell disorders and cancers in humans, and its activation is associated with carcinomas that are more invasive or likely to become metastatic. Despite immense information regarding Jak/STAT regulation, the signaling network has numerous missing links, which is slowing the progress towards developing drug therapies. In mammals, many components act in this cascade, with substantial cross-talk with other signaling pathways. In Drosophila, there are fewer pathway components, which has enabled significant discoveries regarding well-conserved regulatory mechanisms. Work across species illustrates the relevance of these regulators in humans. In this review, we showcase fundamental Jak/STAT regulation mechanisms in blood cells, stem cells, and cell motility. We examine the functional relevance of key conserved regulators from Drosophila to human cancer stem cells and metastasis. Finally, we spotlight less characterized regulators of Drosophila Jak/STAT signaling, which stand as promising candidates to be investigated in cancer biology. These comparisons illustrate the value of using Drosophila as a model for uncovering the roles of Jak/STAT signaling and the molecular means by which the pathway is controlled.
Improved Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA) Filter Using Motion Feature for Multiple Maneuvering Targets in Uncertain Tracking Situations
Authors: Fan En , Xie Weixin , Pei Jihong , Hu Keli , Li Xiaobin , Podpečan Vid
Published: December 2018

To track multiple maneuvering targets in cluttered environments with uncertain measurement noises and uncertain target dynamic models, an improved joint probabilistic data association-fuzzy recursive least squares filter (IJPDA-FRLSF) is proposed. In the proposed filter, two uncertain models of measurements and observed angles are first established. Next, these two models are further employed to construct an additive fusion strategy, which is then utilized to calculate generalized joint association probabilities of measurements belonging to different targets. Moreover, the obtained probabilities are applied to replace the joint association probabilities calculated by the standard joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) method. Considering the advantage of the fuzzy recursive least squares filter (FRLSF) on tracking a single maneuvering target, which can relax the restrictive assumption of measurement noise covariances and target dynamic models, FRLSF is still used to update the state of each target track. Thus, the proposed filter can not only provide the advantage of FRLSF but can also adjust the weights of measurements and observed angles in the generalized joint association probabilities adaptively according to their uncertainty. The performance of the proposed filter is evaluated in two experiments with simulation data and real data. It is found to be better than the performance of other three filters in terms of the tracking accuracy and the average run time.
Driving Cessation and Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Pyun Jung-Min , Kang Min Ju , Kim Sohee , Baek Min Jae , Wang Min Jeong , Kim SangYun
Published: December 2018

Although driving by adults with cognitive impairment is an important public health concern, little is known about the indicators of driving cessation in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of driving cessation in patients with MCI and the predictive value of cognitive performances for driving cessation. Patients with MCI were recruited in the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital; they met following inclusion criteria. Age range of 51–80 years, Clinical Dementia Rating scale score of 0.5, and ever car drivers including former and current drivers. All participants underwent comprehensive standardized cognitive assessments and information on driving status was obtained via an interview using a systematic questionnaire. The median age of the 135 participants was 72 years, and 54 participants (40%) were women; 93 patients (68.9%) were current drivers and 42 (31.1%) were former drivers. In univariate analysis, former drivers showed poorer performances in digit span backward and categorical fluency tests than current drivers. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a poor digit span backward test score was significantly related with driving cessation (odds ratio: 0.493, 95% confidence interval: 0.258–0.939). In patients with MCI, poor performance in the digit span backward test, which represents impaired working memory capacity, was associated with a higher probability of driving cessation.
Prediction of Technical Difficulties in Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Analysis of Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications in 468 Cases
Authors: Wysocki Michał , Radkowiak Dorota , Zychowicz Anna , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Kulawik Jan , Major Piotr , Pędziwiatr Michał , Budzyński Andrzej
Published: December 2018

Prediction of intraoperative difficulties may be helpful in planning surgery; however, few studies explored this issue in laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). We performed retrospective analysis of consecutive 468 patients undergoing LS from 1998 to 2017 (295 women; median age 47 years). The patients were divided into difficult LS and control groups. The inclusion criteria for difficult LS were operative time ≥mean + 2SD; intraoperative blood loss ≥500 mL, intraoperative adverse events (IAE), conversion. Primary outcomes were risk factors for difficult splenectomy and secondary outcomes for perioperative morbidity. Fifty-six patients were included in the difficult LS group (12%). Spleens ≥19 cm and higher participation of younger surgeons in consecutive years were predictive for difficult splenectomy. Age ≥53 years and diagnosis other than idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were independent risk factors of spleen ≥19 cm. The perioperative morbidity was 8.33%; its OR was increased only by blood loss and IAEs. Only blood loss significantly increased serious morbidity. Male sex, spleens ≥19 cm, and IAEs were independent risk factors for intraoperative hemorrhage. Spleen length ≥19 cm was a risk factor for difficult LS and intraoperative hemorrhage. Diagnoses other than ITP in patients aged ≥53 years with ≥19 cm spleens are predictive for intraoperative difficulties and perioperative complications.
Wave Impact Pressures on Stepped Revetments
Authors: Kerpen Nils B. , Schoonees Talia , Schlurmann Torsten
Published: December 2018

The wave impacts on horizontal and vertical step fronts of stepped revetments is investigated by means of hydraulic model tests conducted with wave spectra in a wave flume. Wave impacts on revetments with relative step heights of 0.3 < Hm0/Sh < 3.5 and a constant slope of 1:2 are analyzed with respect to (1) the probability distribution of the impacts, (2) the time evolution of impacts including a classification of load cases, and (3) a special distribution of the position of the maximum impact. The validity of the approved log-normal probability distribution for the largest wave impacts is experimentally verified for stepped revetments. The wave impact properties for stepped revetments are compared with those of vertical seawalls, showing that their impact rising times are within the same range. The impact duration for stepped revetments is shorter and decreases with increasing step height. Maximum horizontal wave impact loads are about two times larger than the corresponding maximum vertical wave impact loads. Horizontal and vertical impact loads increase with a decreasing step height. Data are compared with findings from literature for stepped revetments and vertical walls. A prediction formula is provided to calculate the maximum horizontal wave impact at stepped revetments along its vertical axis.
Contagion Risks in Emerging Stock Markets: New Evidence from Asia and Latin America
Authors: TRAN Thi Bich Ngoc
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether contagion actually occurred during three well-known financial crises in 1990s and 2000s: Mexican “Tequila” crisis in 1994, Asian “flu” crisis in 1997 and US subprime crisis in 2007. We apply dynamic conditional correlation models (DCC-GARCH(1,1)) to daily stock-index returns of eight Asian stock markets, six Latin American stock markets and US stock market. Defining contagion as a significant increase of dynamic conditional correlations, we test for contagion by using a difference test for DCC means. The results obtained shows that there is a pure contagion from crisis-originating markets to other emerging stock markets during these three crisis. However, the contagion effects are different from one crisis to the other. Firstly, during the Mexican crisis, contagion is detected in only the Latin American region. Secondly, during the Asian crisis, we find evidence of contagion in some markets in both the Asian and Latin American regions. Finally, contagion is proved to be present in all stock markets with the only exception for Brazil during US subprime crisis.
Lubrication Regime Classification of Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings by Machine Learning Using Torque Data
Authors: Moder Jakob , Bergmann Philipp , Grün Florian
Published: December 2018

Hydrodynamic journal bearings are used within a wide range of machines, such as combustion engines, gas turbines, or wind turbines. For a safe operation, awareness of the lubrication regime, in which the bearing is currently operating, is of great importance. In the current study, highspeed data signals of a torque sensor, sampled with a frequency of 1000 hz in a time range of 2.5 s, obtained on a journal bearing test-rig under various operating conditions, are used to train machine learning models, such as neural networks and logistic regression. Results indicate that a fast Fourier transform (fft) of the highspeed torque signals enables accurate predictions of lubrication regimes. The trained models are analysed in order to identify distinctive frequencies for the respective lubrication regime.
Influence of Copper/Graphite Properties on the Tribological and Electrical Behavior of Copper-Graphite Third Body Layer
Authors: Chapteuil Eric , Renouf Mathieu , Zeng Chaoqun , Berthier Yves
Published: December 2018

The understanding of rail braking is irrevocably dependent on the tribological analysis of contacts such as the wheel/rail contact or the wheel/brake disc contact. Because it is very complex to experimentally analyze the inside of a contact, a numerical approach based on discrete element modeling was used to model a third body composed of copper and graphite, the main elements present in sintered brake materials. Simulations were analyzed by measuring several global quantities as a function of the proportion of copper and the local properties of the material to determine the extent to which local parameters influence the electrical and tribological properties of the third body. Among the results noted was the fact that a certain proportion of mixture makes it possible to achieve a balance between electrical and tribological properties.
Layered Double Hydroxides Precursor as Chloride Inhibitor: Synthesis, Characterization, Assessment of Chloride Adsorption Performance
Authors: Chi Lin , Wang Zheng , Zhou Youfang , Lu Shuang , Yao Yan
Published: December 2018

In this study, the chloride adsorption behaviors of CaAl-Cl LDH precursors with various Ca:Al ratios were investigated. The optimal chloride ion removal rate was 87.06% due to the formation of hydrocalumite. The chloride adsorption products of CaAl-Cl LDH precursors were further characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and atomic structure analysis, the adsorption mechanism was considered to be co-precipitate process. The chloride adsorption behaviors of cementitious materials blended with CaAl-Cl LDH precursors were further investigated. Leaching test according to Test Code for Hydraulic Concrete (SL352-2006) was performed to testify the stability of chloride ions in the mortar. The results show that more than 98.3% chloride ions were immobilized in cement mortar blended with CaAl-Cl LDH precursor and cannot be easily released again. The inhibition performance of steel in the electrolytes with/without CaAl LDH precursor was investigated by using electrochemical measurements. The results indicate that CaAl LDH precursor can effectively protect the passive film on steel surface by chloride adsorption. Considering the high anion exchange capacities of the LDHs, synthesized chloride adsorbent precursor can be applied as new inhibitors blended in cementitious materials to prevent the chloride-induced deterioration. Moreover, the application of chloride adsorption on CaAl-Cl LDH could also be of interest for the application of seawater blended concrete.
Synthesis and Properties of Magnetic Aryl-Imidazolium Ionic Liquids with Dual Brønsted/Lewis Acidity
Authors: Chang Jui-Cheng , Yang Che-Hsuan , Sun I-Wen , Ho Wen-Yueh , Wu Tzi-Yi
Published: December 2018

A series of unique tunable aryl-imidazolium magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) with dual acidity that contain both Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites (abbreviated as B-L MILs) were synthesized and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Physical properties, such as thermal properties, magnetic susceptibility, and Brønsted and Lewis acidity, were measured. These properties were found to depend on the cation structure. These B-L MILs had good solubility in many organic solvents, good thermal stability, and low melting points, and exhibited magnet-like behavior. For these B-L MILs, the Brønsted acidity was measured using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), and the Lewis acidity was measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that B-L MILs with an electron-withdrawing group in the aryl-imidazolium moiety had higher Brønsted acidity, whereas those with an electron-donating group had higher Lewis acidity. This type of ionic liquid, with both Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites, is expected to be a useful solvent and catalyst for organic reactions.
Crack Restraining Methods and their Effects on the Microstructures and Properties of Laser Cladded WC/Fe Coatings
Authors: Dai Qiu-Lian , Luo Can-bin , You Fang-yi
Published: December 2018

Laser cladded WC/Fe coatings have the advantages of low cost and high abrasion wear resistance. However, cracks always appear in WC/Fe coatings, which limits their industrial application. In this paper, the co-effects of the re-melting process, heat treatments, and amount of Co element on the cracking susceptibility, microstructures, and mechanical properties of WC/Fe laser cladding coatings were studied. Experimental results show that re-melting process is helpful to improve the surface quality of the coating and to reduce the cracking susceptibility. The hardness of the coating decreases slightly but distributes more uniformly. Cracks in the coating can be inhibited effectively by preheating the substrate to 250 °C and maintaining the temperature during the laser cladding process, as well as applying an annealing treatment at 300 °C for 1 h. Heat treatment also results in a slight decrease in the hardness. Crack initiation cannot be restrained completely by applying the above two methods when laser cladding a big area of coating. On the basis of the above two methods, addition of Co element to the coating can further improve its toughness and decrease the crack susceptibility. Crack-free WC/Fe coating can be manufactured when 8% Co is added, and its wear resistance is much better than that of the hardened medium steel, especially when the wear time is long.
Experimental Determination of Residual Stresses Generated by Single Point Incremental Forming of AlSi10Mg Sheets Produced Using SLM Additive Manufacturing Process
Authors: López Cecilio , Elías-Zúñiga Alex , Jiménez Isaac , Martínez-Romero Oscar , R. Siller Héctor , Diabb José M.
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on investigating the residual stress values associated with a part fabricated by Selective Laser Melting technology (SLM) when this is subjected further to forces on single point incremental forming (SPIF) operation of variable wall angle. The residual stresses induced by the SLM manufacturing process on the fabricated AlSi10Mg metallic sheets, as well as those produced during their forming SPIF operation were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Significant residual stress levels of variation, positive or negative, along the metallic sample were observed because of the bending effects induced by the SPIF processes. It is also shown how the wall thickness varies along the additive manufactured SPIFed part as well as the morphology of the melting pools as a function of the deformation depth.
Non-Destructive Assessment of Masonry Pillars using Ultrasonic Tomography
Authors: Zielińska Monika , Rucka Magdalena
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a condition assessment of masonry pillars is presented. Non-destructive tests were performed on an intact pillar as well as three pillars with internal inclusions in the form of a hole, a steel bar grouted by gypsum mortar, and a steel bar grouted by cement mortar. The inspection utilized ultrasonic stress waves and the reconstruction of the velocity distribution was performed by means of computed tomography. The results showed the possibilities of tomographic imaging in characterizing the internal structure of pillars. Particular attention was paid to the assessment of the adhesive connection between a steel reinforcing bar, embedded inside pillars, and the surrounding pillar body.
Sensitive Five-Fold Local Symmetry to Kinetic Energy of Depositing Atoms in Cu-Zr Thin Film Growth
Authors: Xie Lu , An Haojie , Peng Qing , Qin Qin , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2018

We have investigated the glass formation ability of Cu-Zr alloy by molecular dynamics simulation of the deposition process. The atomistic structures of ZrxCu100−x metallic glass films have been systematically examined under the growth conditions of hypereutectic-eutectic, near-eutectic, and hypoeutectic regions by the radial distribution function and simulated X-ray diffraction. The structure analysis using Voronoi polyhedron index method demonstrates the variations of short-range order and five-fold local symmetry in ZrxCu100−x metallic glass films with respect to the growth conditions. We manifest that the five-fold local symmetry is sensitive to the kinetic energy of the depositing atoms. There is positive correlation between the degree of five-fold local symmetry and glass forming ability. Our results suggest that sputtering conditions greatly affect the local atomic structures and consequential properties. The glass forming ability could be scaled by the degree of five-fold local symmetry. Our study might be useful in optimizing sputtering conditions in real experiments, as well as promising implications in material design of advanced glassy materials.
Influence of Building Direction on the Oxidation Behavior of Inconel 718 Alloy Fabricated by Additive Manufacture of Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Li Lv , Gong Xiaojuan , Ye Xianjue , Teng Jianwei , Nie Yan , Li Yunping , Lei Qian
Published: December 2018

This research was aimed at investigating the high temperature oxidation behavior of Inconel 718 superalloy fabricated by electron beam melting with the building direction of 0°, 55° and 90° deviation from the Z axis of cylindrical samples. Columnar γ-fcc phase with preferred crystal orientations was found in all specimens. With the temperature ranging from 700 to 1000 °C, the 0° sample, symbolized by the lowest grain boundary density, and largest grain size, reveals the best oxidation performance. It is concluded that the building direction has more impact on the amount of grain boundary density than crystal orientation, which determined the oxidation resistance.
High Partial Auxeticity Induced by Nanochannels in [111]-Direction in a Simple Model with Yukawa Interactions
Authors: Tretiakov Konstantin V. , Pigłowski Paweł M. , Narojczyk Jakub W. , Bilski Mikołaj , Wojciechowski Krzysztof W.
Published: December 2018

Computer simulations using Monte Carlo method in the isobaric-isothermal ensemble were used to investigate the impact of nanoinclusions in the form of very narrow channels in the [ 111 ] -direction on elastic properties of crystals, whose particles interact via Yukawa potential. The studies were performed for several selected values of Debye screening length ( ( κ σ ) − 1 ). It has been observed that introduction of the nanoinclusions into the system reduces the negative value of Poisson’s ratio towards [ 110 ] [ 1 1 ¯ 0 ] , maintaining practically constant values of Poisson’s ratio in the directions [ 100 ] and [ 111 ] . These studies also show that concentration of particles forming the nanoinclusions in the system has a significant effect on the value of Poisson’s ratio in the [ 110 ] [ 1 1 ¯ 0 ] -direction. A strong (more than fourfold) decrease of Poisson’s ratio in this direction was observed, from − 0.147 ( 3 ) (system without inclusions) to − 0.614 ( 14 ) (system with nanoinclusions) at κ σ = 10 when the inclusion particles constituted about 10 percent of all particles. The research also showed an increase in the degree of auxeticity in the system with increasing concentration of nanoinclusion particles for all the screening lengths considered.
Global Dynamics of an SIQR Model with Vaccination and Elimination Hybrid Strategies
Authors: Ma Yanli , Liu Jia-Bao , Li Haixia
Published: December 2018

In this paper, an SIQR (Susceptible, Infected, Quarantined, Recovered) epidemic model with vaccination, elimination, and quarantine hybrid strategies is proposed, and the dynamics of this model are analyzed by both theoretical and numerical means. Firstly, the basic reproduction number R 0 , which determines whether the disease is extinct or not, is derived. Secondly, by LaSalles invariance principle, it is proved that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when R 0 < 1 , and the disease dies out. By Routh-Hurwitz criterion theory, we also prove that the disease-free equilibrium is unstable and the unique endemic equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable when R 0 > 1 . Thirdly, by constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, we obtain that the unique endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable and the disease persists at this endemic equilibrium if it initially exists when R 0 > 1 . Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the analysis results.
Alanine-Scanning Mutagenesis of α-Conotoxin GI Reveals the Residues Crucial for Activity at the Muscle Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Ning Jiong , Li Rui , Ren Jie , Zhangsun Dongting , Zhu Xiaopeng , Wu Yong , Luo Sulan
Published: December 2018

Recently, the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been pursued as a potential target of several diseases, including myogenic disorders, muscle dystrophies and myasthenia gravis, etc. α-conotoxin GI isolated from Conus geographus selectively and potently inhibited the muscle-type nAChRs which can be developed as a tool to study them. Herein, alanine scanning mutagenesis was used to reveal the structure–activity relationship (SAR) between GI and mouse α1β1δε nAChRs. The Pro5, Gly8, Arg9, and Tyr11 were proved to be the critical residues for receptor inhibiting as the alanine (Ala) replacement led to a significant potency loss on mouse α1β1δε nAChR. On the contrary, substituting Asn4, His10 and Ser12 with Ala respectively did not affect its activity. Interestingly, the [E1A] GI analogue exhibited a three-fold potency for mouse α1β1δε nAChR, whereas it obviously decreased potency at rat α9α10 nAChR compared to wildtype GI. Molecular dynamic simulations also suggest that loop2 of GI significantly affects the interaction with α1β1δε nAChR, and Tyr11 of GI is a critical residue binding with three hydrophobic amino acids of the δ subunit, including Leu93, Tyr95 and Leu103. Our research elucidates the interaction of GI and mouse α1β1δε nAChR in detail that will help to develop the novel analogues of GI.
Fabrication of Stacked Graphene Oxide Nanosheet Membranes Using Triethanolamine as a Crosslinker and Mild Reducing Agent for Water Treatment
Authors: Nakagawa Keizo , Araya Shintaro , Kunimatsu Misato , Yoshioka Tomohisa , Shintani Takuji , Kamio Eiji , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: December 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets show promise for the development of water treatment membranes with extraordinary separation properties and the advantages of atomic thickness with micrometer-sized lateral dimensions. Stacked graphene oxide (GO)-based membranes can demonstrate unique molecular sieving properties with fast water permeation. However, improvements to the structural stability of the membranes in water to avoid problems such as swelling, disruption of the ordered GO layer and decreased rejection are crucial issues. This study reports the fabrication of stacked GO nanosheet membranes by simple vacuum filtration using triethanolamine (TEOA) as a crosslinker and mild reducing agent for improved structural stability and membrane performance. Results show that GO membranes modified with TEOA (GO-TEOA membranes) have a higher structural stability in water than unmodified GO membranes, resulting in improved salt rejection performance. Furthermore, GO-TEOA membranes show stable water permeance at applied pressures up to 9 bar with Na2SO4 rejection of 85%, suggesting the potential benefits for water treatment applications.
Temperature and Pressure Dependence of Gas Permeation in a Microporous Tröger’s Base Polymer
Authors: Lasseuguette Elsa , Malpass-Evans Richard , Carta Mariolino , McKeown Neil B. , Ferrari Maria-Chiara
Published: December 2018

Gas transport properties of PIM-EA(H2)-TB, a microporous Tröger’s base polymer, were systematically studied over a range of pressure and temperature. Permeability coefficients of pure CO2, N2, CH4 and H2 were determined for upstream pressures up to 20 bar and temperatures up to 200 °C. PIM-EA(H2)-TB exhibited high permeability coefficients in absence of plasticization phenomena. The permeability coefficient of N2, CH4 and H2 increased with increasing temperature while CO2 permeability decreased with increasing temperature as expected for a glassy polymer. The diffusion and solubility coefficients were also analysed individually and compared with other polymers of intrinsic microporosity. From these results, the activation energies of permeation, diffusion and sorption enthalpies were calculated using an Arrhenius equation.
Multiaxial Fatigue Life Prediction on S355 Structural and Offshore Steel Using the SKS Critical Plane Model
Authors: Cruces Alejandro S. , Lopez-Crespo Pablo , Moreno Belen , Antunes Fernando V.
Published: December 2018

This work analyses the prediction capabilities of a recently developed critical plane model, called the SKS method. The study uses multiaxial fatigue data for S355-J2G3 steel, with in-phase and 90° out-of-phase sinusoidal axial-torsional straining in both the low cycle fatigue and high cycle fatigue ranges. The SKS damage parameter includes the effect of hardening, mean shear stress and the interaction between shear and normal stress on the critical plane. The collapse and the prediction capabilities of the SKS critical plane damage parameter are compared to well-established critical plane models, namely Wang-Brown, Fatemi-Socie, Liu I and Liu II models. The differences between models are discussed in detail from the basis of the methodology and the life results. The collapse capacity of the SKS damage parameter presents the best results. The SKS model produced the second-best results for the different types of multiaxial loads studied.
Rapid, Reproducible, Quantifiable NMR Metabolomics: Methanol and Methanol: Chloroform Precipitation for Removal of Macromolecules in Serum and Whole Blood
Authors: McHugh Cora E. , Flott Thomas L. , Schooff Casey R. , Smiley Zyad , Puskarich Michael A. , Myers Daniel D. , Younger John G. , Jones Alan E. , Stringer Kathleen A.
Published: December 2018

Background: Though blood is an excellent biofluid for metabolomics, proteins and lipids present in blood can interfere with 1d-1H NMR spectra and disrupt quantification of metabolites. Here, we present effective macromolecule removal strategies for serum and whole blood (WB) samples. Methods: A variety of macromolecule removal strategies were compared in both WB and serum, along with tests of ultrafiltration alone and in combination with precipitation methods. Results: In healthy human serum, methanol:chloroform:water extraction with ultrafiltration was compared to methanol precipitation with and without ultrafiltration. Methods were tested in healthy pooled human serum, and in serum from patients with sepsis. Effects of long-term storage at −80 °C were tested to explore the impact of macromolecule removal strategy on serum from different conditions. In WB a variety of extraction strategies were tested in two types of WB (from pigs and baboons) to examine the impact of macromolecule removal strategies on different samples. Conclusions: In healthy human serum methanol precipitation of serum with ultrafiltration was superior, but was similar in recovery and variance to methanol:chloroform:water extraction with ultrafiltration in pooled serum from patients with sepsis. In WB, high quality, quantifiable spectra were obtained with the use of a methanol: chloroform precipitation.
Distinctive Nuclear Features of Dinoflagellates with A Particular Focus on Histone and Histone-Replacement Proteins
Authors: Riaz Sadaf , Sui Zhenghong , Niaz Zeeshan , Khan Sohrab , Liu Yuan , Liu Haoxin
Published: December 2018

Dinoflagellates are important eukaryotic microorganisms that play critical roles as producers and grazers, and cause harmful algal blooms. The unusual nuclei of dinoflagellates “dinokaryon” have led researchers to investigate their enigmatic nuclear features. Their nuclei are unusual in terms of their permanently condensed nucleosome-less chromatin, immense genome, low protein to DNA ratio, guanine-cytosine rich methylated DNA, and unique mitosis process. Furthermore, dinoflagellates are the only known group of eukaryotes that apparently lack histone proteins. Over the course of evolution, dinoflagellates have recruited other proteins, e.g., histone-like proteins (HLPs), from bacteria and dinoflagellates/viral nucleoproteins (DVNPs) from viruses as histone substitutes. Expression diversity of these nucleoproteins has greatly influenced the chromatin structure and gene expression regulation in dinoflagellates. Histone replacement proteins (HLPs and DVNPs) are hypothesized to perform a few similar roles as histone proteins do in other eukaryotes, i.e., gene expression regulation and repairing DNA. However, their role in bulk packaging of DNA is not significant as low amounts of proteins are associated with the gigantic genome. This review intends to summarize the discoveries encompassing unique nuclear features of dinoflagellates, particularly focusing on histone and histone replacement proteins. In addition, a comprehensive view of the evolution of dinoflagellate nuclei is presented.
Overview on the Effects of N-Acetylcysteine in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Tardiolo Giuseppe , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: December 2018

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is an acetylated cysteine compound, has aroused scientific interest for decades due to its important medical applications. It also represents a nutritional supplement in the human diet. NAC is a glutathione precursor and shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition to the uses quoted in the literature, NAC may be considered helpful in therapies to counteract neurodegenerative and mental health diseases. Furthermore, this compound has been evaluated for its neuroprotective potential in the prevention of cognitive aging dementia. NAC is inexpensive, commercially available and no relevant side effects were observed after its administration. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview on the effects and applications of NAC in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disorders and in neuropathic pain and stroke.
23-Hydroxyursolic Acid Isolated from the Stem Bark of Cussonia bancoensis Induces Apoptosis through Fas/Caspase-8-Dependent Pathway in HL-60 Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Won Jong-Heon , Chung Kyung-Sook , Park Eun-Young , Lee Jeong-Hun , Choi Jung-Hye , Tapondjou Leon Azefack , Park Hee-Juhn , Nomura Masaaki , Hassan Ahmed H.E. , Lee Kyung-Tae
Published: December 2018

The natural product 23-hydroxyursolic acid (23-HUA) is a derivative of ursolic acid, which is known to induce cancer cell apoptosis. However, apoptotic effects and mechanisms of 23-HUA have not been well characterized yet. Herein, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of 23-HUA-induced apoptosis in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. 23-HUA-treated HL-60 cells showed apoptotic features including internucleosomal DNA condensation and fragmentation as well as externalization of phosphatidylserine residues. 23-HUA induced a series of mitochondrial events including disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO release and loss of balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in HL-60 cells. In addition, 23-HUA activated caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3. Pretreatment with a broad caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk), a caspase-3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk), and a caspase-8 inhibitor (z-IETD-fmk) significantly attenuated 23-HUA-induced DNA fragmentation. After 23-HUA-induced apoptosis, proteins expression levels of FasL, Fas and FADD constituting the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) were upregulated in HL-60 cells. Moreover, transfection with Fas or FADD siRNA significantly blocked 23-HUA-induced DNA fragmentation and caspases activation. Taken together, these findings indicate that 23-HUA induces apoptosis in HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells through formation of DISC and caspase-8 activation leading to loss of ΔΨm and caspase-3 activation.
Understanding the Exceptional Properties of Nitroacetamides in Water: A Computational Model Including the Solvent
Authors: La Penna Giovanni , Machetti Fabrizio
Published: December 2018

Proton transfer in water involving C–H bonds is a challenge and nitro compounds have been studied for many years as good examples. The effect of substituents on acidity of protons geminal to the nitro group is exploited here with new p K a measurements and electronic structure models, the latter including explicit water environment. Substituents with the amide moiety display an exceptional combination of acidity and solubility in water. In order to find a rationale for the unexpected p K a changes in the (ZZ ′ )NCO- substituents, we measured and modeled the p K a with Z=Z ′ =H and Z=Z ′ =methyl. The dominant contribution to the observed p K a can be understood with advanced computational experiments, where the geminal proton is smoothly moved to the solvent bath. These models, mostly based on density-functional theory (DFT), include the explicit solvent (water) and statistical thermal fluctuations. As a first approximation, the change of p K a can be correlated with the average energy difference between the two tautomeric forms (aci and nitro, respectively). The contribution of the solvent molecules interacting with the solute to the proton transfer mechanism is made evident.
The Impact of Coffee and Its Selected Bioactive Compounds on the Development and Progression of Colorectal Cancer In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Bułdak Rafał J. , Hejmo Tomasz , Osowski Marcin , Bułdak Łukasz , Kukla Michał , Polaniak Renata , Birkner Ewa
Published: December 2018

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Coffee contains bioactive compounds that affect the human body such as caffeine, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, diterpenes, and melanoidins. Some of them have demonstrated potential anticarcinogenic effects in animal models and in human cell cultures, and may play a protective role against colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the USA and other countries. Dietary patterns, as well as the consumption of beverages, may reduce the risk of CRC incidence. In this review, we focus on published epidemiological studies concerning the association of coffee consumption and the risk of development of colorectal cancer, and provide a description of selected biologically active compounds in coffee that have been investigated as potential cancer-combating compounds: Caffeine, caffeic acid (CA), chlorogenic acids (CGAs), and kahweol in relation to colorectal cancer progression in in vitro settings. We review the impact of these substances on proliferation, viability, invasiveness, and metastasis, as well as on susceptibility to chemo- and radiotherapy of colorectal cancer cell lines cultured in vitro.
Chenodeoxycholic Acid from Bile Inhibits Influenza A Virus Replication via Blocking Nuclear Export of Viral Ribonucleoprotein Complexes
Authors: Luo Ling , Han Weili , Du Jinyan , Yang Xia , Duan Mubing , Xu Chenggang , Zeng Zhenling , Chen Weisan , Chen Jianxin
Published: December 2018

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is still a major global threat for humans, especially for the risk groups: young children and the elderly. The currently licensed antiviral drugs target viral factors and are prone to viral resistance. In recent years, a few endogenous small molecules from host, such as estradiol and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-derived lipid mediator protection D1 (PD1), were demonstrated to be capable of inhibiting IAV infection. Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), one of the main primary bile acids, is synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and classically functions in emulsification and absorption of dietary fats. Clinically, CDCA has been used in the treatment of patients with cholesterol gallstones for more than five decades. In this study, we showed that CDCA attenuated the replication of three subtypes of influenza A virus, including a highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, in A549 and MDCK cell cultures with IC50 ranging from 5.5 to 11.5 μM. Mechanistically, CDCA effectively restrained the nuclear export of viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes. In conclusion, as an endogenous physiological small molecule, CDCA can inhibit IAV replication in vitro, at least in part, by blocking vRNP nuclear export, and affords further studies for development as a potential antiviral agent against IAV infections.
Carbon Quantum Dots Prepared with Chitosan for Synthesis of CQDs/AuNPs for Iodine Ions Detection
Authors: Song Juanjuan , Zhao Li , Wang Yesheng , Xue Yun , Deng Yujia , Zhao Xihui , Li Qun
Published: December 2018

Water-soluble and reductive carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were fabricated by the hydrothermal carbonization of chitosan. Acting as a reducing agent and stabilizer, the as-prepared CQDs were further used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This synthetic process was carried out in aqueous solution, which was absolutely “green”. Furthermore, the CQDs/AuNPs composite was used to detect iodine ions by the colorimetric method. A color change from pink to colorless was observed with the constant addition of I− ions, accompanied by a decrease in the absorbance of the CQDs/AuNPs composite. According to the absorbance change, a favorable linear relationship was obtained between ΔA and I− concentration in the range of 20–140 μM and 140–400 μM. The detection limit of iodide ions, depending on the 3δ/slope, was estimated to be 2.3 μM, indicating high sensitivity to the determination of iodide. More importantly, it also showed good selectivity toward I− over other anion ions, and was used for the analysis of salt samples. Moreover, TEM results indicated that I− ions induced the aggregation of CQDs/AuNPs, resulting in changes in color and absorbance.
Enhancing GaN LED Efficiency through Nano-Gratings and Standing Wave Analysis
Authors: Jin Xiaomin , Trieu Simeon , Chavoor Gregory James , Halpin Gabriel Michael
Published: December 2018

Based on our recent work, this paper reviews our theoretical study on gallium nitride (GaN) light-emitting-diode (LED). The focus of the paper is to improve LED light extraction efficiency through various nano-grating designs. The gratings can be designed at different locations, such as at the top, the middle, and the bottom, on the LED. They also can be made of different materials. In this study, we first present a GaN LED error-grating simulation model. Second, nano Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) top gratings are studied and compared with conventional LED (CLED) using standing wave analysis. Third, we present results related to a patterned sapphire substrate (PSS), SiO2 Nanorod array (NR), and Ag bottom reflection layer. Finally, we investigate the nano-top ITO grating performance over different wavelengths to validate our design simulation, which focusing on a single wavelength of 460 nm.
RETRACTED: Ajibade, P.A.; Botha, N.L. Synthesis, Optical and Structural Properties of Copper Sulfide Nanocrystals from Single Molecule Precursors. Nanomaterials 2017, 7, 32
Authors: Ajibade Peter , Botha Nandipha ,   Nanomaterials Editorial Office
Published: December 2018

The Nanomaterials Editorial Office has been made aware that the published paper [...]
Plasmonic Nanoparticles Driven Enhanced Light Amplification in a Local 2D and 3D Self-Assembly
Authors: Cyprych Konrad , Chateau Denis , Désert Anthony , Parola Stephane , Mysliwiec Jaroslaw
Published: December 2018

We present fluorescence and a random lasing enhancement effect due to the interaction between gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) dye. Non-covalently bounded dyes in the proximity of nanoparticles are studied in three systems of varying dimensionality: from (i) three-dimensional freely distributed suspensions, through (ii) quasi-two-dimensional multilamellar liposomes, to (iii) solid two-dimensional thin layers. Liposomes facilitate the formation of stable AuNPs/Rh6G composition showing enhanced fluorescence, while solid thin films exhibit plasmon-assisted random lasing.
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) as Novel Potential Biomarker of Early Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Barrea Luigi , Annunziata Giuseppe , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Di Somma Carolina , Laudisio Daniela , Maisto Maria , De Alteriis Giulia , Tenore Gian Carlo , Colao Annamaria , Savastano Silvia
Published: December 2018

There is a mechanistic link between the gut-derived metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and obesity-related diseases, suggesting that the TMAO pathway may also be linked to the pathogenesis of obesity. The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), a gender-specific indicator of adipose dysfunction, and the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), a predictor of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are early predictors of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this cross-sectional observational study, we investigated TMAO levels in adults stratified according to Body Mass Index (BMI) and the association of TMAO with VAI and FLI. One hundred and thirty-seven adult subjects (59 males; 21–56 years) were enrolled. TMAO levels were detected using HPLC/MS analysis. Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HoMA-IR), VAI and FLI were included as cardio-metabolic indices. TMAO levels increased along with BMI and were positively associated with VAI and FLI, independently, on common potential covariates. The most sensitive and specific cut-offs for circulating levels of TMAO to predict the presence of NAFLD-FLI and MetS were ≥8.02 µM and ≥8.74 µM, respectively. These findings allow us to hypothesize a role of TMAO as an early biomarker of adipose dysfunction and NAFLD-FLI in all borderline conditions in which overt MetS is not present, and suggest that a specific cut-off of TMAO might help in identifying subjects at high risk of NAFLD.
Role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (FloraActive™) 19070-2 and Lactobacillus reuteri (FloraActive™) 12246 in Infant Colic: A Randomized Dietary Study
Authors: Gerasimov Sergei , Gantzel Jesper , Dementieva Nataliia , Schevchenko Olha , Tsitsura Orisia , Guta Nadiia , Bobyk Viktor , Kaprus Vira
Published: December 2018

Infant colic is a common condition of unknown pathogenesis that brings frustration to families seeking for effective management. Accumulating evidence suggests that some single strains of lactobacilli may play a positive dietary role in attenuation of colic in exclusively breastfed infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate a mixture of two Lactobacillus strains in decreasing infant cry and fuss in this population. Infants aged 4–12 weeks received L. rhamnosus 19070-2 and L. reuteri 12246 in a daily dose of 250 × 106 CFU, 3.33 mg of fructooligosaccharide, and 200 IU of vitamin D3 (84 infants, probiotic group) or just vitamin D3 (84 infants, control group) for 28 days. Cry and fuss time were measured with validated Baby’s Day Diary on days 0 and 28. At baseline, mean (SD) duration of cry and fuss time was comparable in the probiotic and control groups: 305 (81) vs. 315 (90) min., respectively (p = 0.450). On day 28, mean cry and fuss time became statistically different: 142 (89) vs. 199 (72), respectively (p < 0.05). Mean change in cry and fuss time from day 0 through day 28 was −163 (99) minutes in the probiotic and −116 (94) minutes in the control group (p = 0.019). Our findings confirm that lactobacilli decrease cry and fuss time and provide a dietary support in exclusively breastfed infants with colic.