bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silver Nanoparticles Based Ink with Moderate Sintering in Flexible and Printed Electronics
Authors: Mo Lixin , Guo Zhenxin , Yang Li , Zhang Qingqing , Fang Yi , Xin Zhiqing , Chen Zheng , Hu Kun , Han Lu , Li Luhai
Published: April 2019

Printed electronics on flexible substrates has attracted tremendous research interest research thanks its low cost, large area production capability and environmentally friendly advantages. Optimal characteristics of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) based inks are crucial for ink rheology, printing, post-print treatment, and performance of the printed electronics devices. In this review, the methods and mechanisms for obtaining Ag NPs based inks that are highly conductive under moderate sintering conditions are summarized. These characteristics are particularly important when printed on temperature sensitive substrates that cannot withstand sintering of high temperature. Strategies to tailor the protective agents capping on the surface of Ag NPs, in order to optimize the sizes and shapes of Ag NPs as well as to modify the substrate surface, are presented. Different (emerging) sintering technologies are also discussed, including photonic sintering, electrical sintering, plasma sintering, microwave sintering, etc. Finally, applications of the Ag NPs based ink in transparent conductive film (TCF), thin film transistor (TFT), biosensor, radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna, stretchable electronics and their perspectives on flexible and printed electronics are presented.
The Emerging Role of Adiponectin in Female Malignancies
Authors: Gelsomino Luca , Naimo Giuseppina Daniela , Catalano Stefania , Mauro Loredana , Andò Sebastiano
Published: April 2019

Obesity, characterized by excess body weight, is now accepted as a hazardous health condition and an oncogenic factor. In different epidemiological studies obesity has been described as a risk factor in several malignancies. Some biological mechanisms that orchestrate obesity–cancer interaction have been discovered, although others are still not completely understood. The unbalanced secretion of biomolecules, called “adipokines”, released by adipocytes strongly influences obesity-related cancer development. Among these adipokines, adiponectin exerts a critical role. Physiologically adiponectin governs glucose levels and lipid metabolism and is fundamental in the reproductive system. Low adiponectin circulating levels have been found in obese patients, in which its protective effects were lost. In this review, we summarize the epidemiological, in vivo and in vitro data in order to highlight how adiponectin may affect obesity-associated female cancers.
Microbial Co-Occurrence Patterns and Keystone Species in the Gut Microbial Community of Mice in Response to Stress and Chondroitin Sulfate Disaccharide
Authors: Liu Fang , Li Zhaojie , Wang Xiong , Xue Changhu , Tang Qingjuan , Li Robert W.
Published: April 2019

Detecting microbial interactions is essential to the understanding of the structure and function of the gut microbiome. In this study, microbial co-occurrence patterns were inferred using a random matrix theory based approach in the gut microbiome of mice in response to chondroitin sulfate disaccharide (CSD) under healthy and stressed conditions. The exercise stress disrupted the network composition and microbial co-occurrence patterns. Thirty-four Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) were identified as module hubs and connectors, likely acting as generalists in the microbial community. Mucispirillum schaedleri acted as a connector in the stressed network in response to CSD supplement and may play a key role in bridging intimate interactions between the host and its microbiome. Several modules correlated with physiological parameters were detected. For example, Modules M02 (under stress) and S05 (stress + CSD) were strongly correlated with blood urea nitrogen levels (r = 0.90 and −0.75, respectively). A positive correlation between node connectivity of the OTUs assigned to Proteobacteria with superoxide dismutase activities under stress (r = 0.57, p < 0.05) provided further evidence that Proteobacteria can be developed as a potential pathological marker. Our findings provided novel insights into gut microbial interactions and may facilitate future endeavor in microbial community engineering.
Altered Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota Composition in the Autism Spectrum Disorders Associated SHANK3 Mouse Model
Authors: Sauer Ann Katrin , Bockmann Juergen , Steinestel Konrad , Boeckers Tobias M. , Grabrucker Andreas M.
Published: April 2019

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, and repetitive behaviors. In addition, co-morbidities such as gastro-intestinal problems have frequently been reported. Mutations and deletion of proteins of the SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANK) gene-family were identified in patients with ASD, and Shank knock-out mouse models display autism-like phenotypes. SHANK3 proteins are not only expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we show expression in gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium and report a significantly different GI morphology in Shank3 knock-out (KO) mice. Further, we detected a significantly altered microbiota composition measured in feces of Shank3 KO mice that may contribute to inflammatory responses affecting brain development. In line with this, we found higher E. coli lipopolysaccharide levels in liver samples of Shank3 KO mice, and detected an increase in Interleukin-6 and activated astrocytes in Shank3 KO mice. We conclude that apart from its well-known role in the CNS, SHANK3 plays a specific role in the GI tract that may contribute to the ASD phenotype by extracerebral mechanisms.
A Survey on Tubulin and Arginine Methyltransferase Families Sheds Light on P. lividus Embryo as Model System for Antiproliferative Drug Development
Authors: Ragusa Maria Antonietta , Nicosia Aldo , Costa Salvatore , Casano Caterina , Gianguzza Fabrizio
Published: April 2019

Tubulins and microtubules (MTs) represent targets for taxane-based chemotherapy. To date, several lines of evidence suggest that effectiveness of compounds binding tubulin often relies on different post-translational modifications on tubulins. Among them, methylation was recently associated to drug resistance mechanisms impairing taxanes binding. The sea urchin is recognized as a research model in several fields including fertilization, embryo development and toxicology. To date, some α- and β-tubulin genes have been identified in P. lividus, while no data are available in echinoderms for arginine methyl transferases (PRMT). To evaluate the exploiting of the sea urchin embryo in the field of antiproliferative drug development, we carried out a survey of the expressed α- and β-tubulin gene sets, together with a comprehensive analysis of the PRMT gene family and of the methylable arginine residues in P. lividus tubulins. Because of their specificities, the sea urchin embryo may represent an interesting tool for dissecting mechanisms of tubulin targeting drug action. Therefore, results herein reported provide evidences supporting the P. lividus embryo as animal system for testing antiproliferative drugs.
High-Amylose Maize, Potato, and Butyrylated Starch Modulate Large Intestinal Fermentation, Microbial Composition, and Oncogenic miRNA Expression in Rats Fed A High-Protein Meat Diet
Authors: Nielsen Tina S. , Bendiks Zach , Thomsen Bo , Wright Matthew E. , Theil Peter K. , Scherer Benjamin L. , Marco Maria L.
Published: April 2019

High red meat intake is associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), whereas dietary fibers, such as resistant starch (RS) seemed to protect against CRC. The aim of this study was to determine whether high-amylose potato starch (HAPS), high-amylose maize starch (HAMS), and butyrylated high-amylose maize starch (HAMSB)—produced by an organocatalytic route—could oppose the negative effects of a high-protein meat diet (HPM), in terms of fermentation pattern, cecal microbial composition, and colonic biomarkers of CRC. Rats were fed a HPM diet or an HPM diet where 10% of the maize starch was substituted with either HAPS, HAMS, or HAMSB, for 4 weeks. Feces, cecum digesta, and colonic tissue were obtained for biochemical, microbial, gene expression (oncogenic microRNA), and immuno-histochemical (O6-methyl-2-deoxyguanosine (O6MeG) adduct) analysis. The HAMS and HAMSB diets shifted the fecal fermentation pattern from protein towards carbohydrate metabolism. The HAMSB diet also substantially increased fecal butyrate concentration and the pool, compared with the other diets. All three RS treatments altered the cecal microbial composition in a diet specific manner. HAPS and HAMSB showed CRC preventive effects, based on the reduced colonic oncogenic miR17-92 cluster miRNA expression, but there was no significant diet-induced differences in the colonic O6MeG adduct levels. Overall, HAMSB consumption showed the most potential for limiting the negative effects of a high-meat diet.
Molecular Mechanisms of Kidney Injury and Repair in Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Sievers Laura Katharina , Eckardt Kai-Uwe
Published: April 2019

The global burden of chronic kidney disease is rising. The etiologies, heterogeneous, and arterial hypertension, are key factors contributing to the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Arterial hypertension is induced and maintained by a complex network of systemic signaling pathways, such as the hormonal axis of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, hemodynamic alterations affecting blood flow, oxygen supply, and the immune system. This review summarizes the clinical and histopathological features of hypertensive kidney injury and focusses on the interplay of distinct systemic signaling pathways, which drive hypertensive kidney injury in distinct cell types of the kidney. There are several parallels between hypertension-induced molecular signaling cascades in the renal epithelial, endothelial, interstitial, and immune cells. Angiotensin II signaling via the AT1R, hypoxia induced HIFα activation and mechanotransduction are closely interacting and further triggering the adaptions of metabolism, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and profibrotic TGF signaling. The interplay of these, and other cellular pathways, is crucial to balancing the injury and repair of the kidneys and determines the progression of hypertensive kidney disease.
Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning and Postconditioning on Exosome-Rich Fraction microRNA Levels, in Relation with Electrophysiological Parameters and Ventricular Arrhythmia in Experimental Closed-Chest Reperfused Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Spannbauer Andreas , Traxler Denise , Lukovic Dominika , Zlabinger Katrin , Winkler Johannes , Gugerell Alfred , Ferdinandy Péter , Hausenloy Derek J. , Pavo Noemi , Emmert Maximilian Y. , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Jakab Andras , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Riesenhuber Martin
Published: April 2019

We investigated the antiarrhythmic effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and postconditioning (PostC) by intracardiac electrocardiogram (ECG) and measured circulating microRNAs (miRs) that are related to cardiac conduction. Domestic pigs underwent 90-min. percutaneous occlusion of the mid left anterior coronary artery, followed by reperfusion. The animals were divided into three groups: acute myocardial infarction (AMI, n = 7), ischemic preconditioning-acute myocardial infarction (IPC-AMI) (n = 9), or AMI-PostC (n = 5). IPC was induced by three 5-min. episodes of repetitive ischemia/reperfusion cycles (rI/R) before AMI. PostC was induced by six 30-s rI/R immediately after induction of reperfusion 90 min after occlusion. Before the angiographic procedure, a NOGA endocardial mapping catheter was placed again the distal anterior ventricular endocardium to record the intracardiac electrogram (R-amplitude, ST-Elevation, ST-area under the curve (AUC), QRS width, and corrected QT time (QTc)) during the entire procedure. An arrhythmia score was calculated. Cardiac MRI was performed after one-month. IPC led to significantly lower ST-elevation, heart rate, and arrhythmia score during ischemia. PostC induced a rapid recovery of R-amplitude, decrease in QTc, and lower arrhythmia score during reperfusion. Slightly higher levels of miR-26 and miR-133 were observed in AMI compared to groups IPC-AMI and AMI-PostC. Significantly lower levels of miR-1, miR-208, and miR-328 were measured in the AMI-PostC group as compared to animals in group AMI and IPC-AMI. The arrhythmia score was not significantly associated with miRNA plasma levels. Cardiac MRI showed significantly smaller infarct size in the IPC-AMI group when compared to the AMI and AMI-PostC groups. Thus, IPC led to better left ventricular ejection fraction at one-month and it exerted antiarrhythmic effects during ischemia, whereas PostC exhibited antiarrhythmic properties after reperfusion, with significant downregulaton of ischemia-related miRNAs.
The rs1126616 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the Osteopontin Gene Is Independently Associated with Cardiovascular Events in a Chronic Kidney Disease Cohort
Authors: Cambray Serafí , Galimudi Rajesh Kumar , Bozic Milica , Bermúdez-López Marcelino , Rodríguez Isabel , Valdivielso José M.
Published: April 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events (CVE), partly due to the higher burden of atherosclerosis. Circulating Osteopontin (OPN) levels have been also shown to have a potential role in the development of atherosclerosis. Indeed, CKD patients show an increase in circulating OPN levels, but their effect of CKD-related atherosclerosis is not clear. Polymorphisms in the OPN gene (SPP1) have been studied in atheromatous disease, but reported results show conflictive findings. Thus, the main aim of the present study is to analyze the influence of SPP1 polymorphisms in CVE in CKD patients, taking into account circulating OPN levels. We followed 559 healthy controls and 2445 CKD patients without previous CVE from the National Observatory of Atherosclerosis in Nephrology study (NEFRONA study). After 48 months of follow-up 206 CVE were recorded. Genotyping for rs9138, rs1126616, rs1126772, rs11730582 and rs28357094 polymorphisms of the SPP1 gene was performed along with the measurements of plasma OPN levels. The group of patients with CVE showed higher incidence of atherosclerotic plaque (90.3% vs 64.5%; p < 0.001) and higher OPN levels (p < 0.001) at baseline. Patients with the heterozygous genotype of the rs1126616 polymorphism showed a higher hazard ratio of having a CVE, even after adjustment for multiple potential confounders. After adjustment, OPN levels were no longer associated with the incidence of CVE. We found that the rs1126616 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the SPP1 gene is independently associated with a higher incidence of CVE in a cohort of CKD patients and that it could be used to predict CVE risk.
Beat-to-Beat Tracking of Pulse Pressure and Its Respiratory Variation Using Heart Sound Signal in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Park Yong-Seok , Moon Young-Jin , Kim Sung-Hoon , Kim Jae-Man , Song Jun-Gol , Hwang Gyu-Sam
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To investigate the possibility of esophageal phonocardiography as a monitor for invasively measured pulse pressure (PP) and its respiratory variation (PPV) in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Methods: In 24 liver transplantation recipients, all hemodynamic parameters, including PP and PPV, were measured during five predetermined surgical phases. Simultaneously, signals of esophageal heart sounds (S1, S2) were identified, and S1–S2 interval (phonocardiographic systolic time, PST) and its respiratory variation (PSV) within a 20-s window were calculated. Beat-to-beat correlation between PP and its corresponding PST was assessed during each time window, according to the surgical phases. To compare PPV and PSV along with 5 phases (a total of 120 data pairs), Pearson correlation was conducted. Results: Beat-to-beat PST values were closely correlated with their corresponding 3360 pairs of PP values (median r = 0.568 [IQR 0.246–0.803]). Compared with the initial phase of surgery, correlation coefficients were significantly lower during the reperfusion period (median r = 0.717 [IQR 0.532–0.886] vs. median r = 0.346 [IQR 0.037–0.677]; p = 0.002). The correlation between PSV and PPV showed similar variation according to the surgical phases (r = 0.576 to 0.689, p < 0.05, for pre-reperfusion; 0.290 to 0.429 for the post-reperfusion period). Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of intraoperative PST with an esophageal stethoscope has the potential to act as an indirect estimator of beat-to-beat arterial PP. Moreover, PSV appears to exhibit a trend similar to that of PPV with moderate accuracy. However, variation according to the surgical phase limits the merit of the current results, thereby necessitating cautious interpretation.
Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Opportunistic Infections after Kidney Allograft Transplantation in the Era of Modern Immunosuppression: A Monocentric Cohort Study
Authors: Attias Philippe , Melica Giovanna , Boutboul David , De Castro Nathalie , Audard Vincent , Stehlé Thomas , Gaube Géraldine , Fourati Slim , Botterel Françoise , Fihman Vincent , Audureau Etienne , Grimbert Philippe , Matignon Marie
Published: April 2019

Epidemiology of opportunistic infections (OI) after kidney allograft transplantation in the modern era of immunosuppression and the use of OI prevention strategies are poorly described. We retrospectively analyzed a single-center cohort on kidney allograft adult recipients transplanted between January 2008 and December 2013. The control group included all kidney recipients transplanted in the same period, but with no OI. We analyzed 538 kidney transplantations (538 patients). The proportion of OI was 15% (80 and 72 patients). OI occurred 12.8 (6.0–31.2) months after transplantation. Viruses were the leading cause (n = 54, (10%)), followed by fungal (n = 15 (3%)), parasitic (n = 6 (1%)), and bacterial (n = 5 (0.9%)) infections. Independent risk factors for OI were extended criteria donor (2.53 (1.48–4.31), p = 0.0007) and BK viremia (6.38 (3.62–11.23), p < 0.0001). High blood lymphocyte count at the time of transplantation was an independent protective factor (0.60 (0.38–0.94), p = 0.026). OI was an independent risk factor for allograft loss (2.53 (1.29–4.95), p = 0.007) but not for patient survival. Post-kidney transplantation OIs were mostly viral and occurred beyond one year after transplantation. Pre-transplantation lymphopenia and extended criteria donor are independent risk factors for OI, unlike induction therapy, hence the need to adjust immunosuppressive regimens to such transplant candidates.
Recent Evolution (1956–2017) of Rodas Beach on the Cíes Islands, Galicia, NW Spain
Authors: Gómez-Pazo Alejandro , Pérez-Alberti Augusto , Otero Pérez Xose Lois
Published: April 2019

Sedimentary coastal areas change rapidly and are economically and environmentally important. This research focuses on determining the extent to which natural dynamics and human activity have contributed to visible changes on Rodas, Cíes Islands in southwestern Galicia (NW Spain). The number of visitors to the islands has increased in recent years, and the port infrastructure has therefore been expanded. Previously, this zone experimented with important sand extraction phases. These changes have influenced the ecosystem directly by modifying the sedimentary behavior and indirectly by promoting even greater numbers of visitors to the area. Aerial images and orthophotographs of the study zone were examined to identify changes that have taken place over the last sixty-one years (1956–2017). Changes in the position of the shoreline, defined as the boundary of the dune vegetation, were mapped at different times between 1956 and 2017. Changes in the shoreline were quantified using GIS (Geographic Information System) technology and Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software. The findings revealed that the system regressed by more than 30 m between 1956 and 1981, in part as a result of sand extraction. We also identified different erosion/accretion phases that occurred before the reformation of the Rodas dock in 2010. The system is currently undergoing important changes, especially in the northern area, with a regression of 14.14 m in the last seven years. In this context, LiDAR analysis from 2010 and 2015 using Geomorphic Change Detection (GCD) tools allowed variations in the dune system to be verified. The elevation in the study zone increased in 83% of the area, mainly in the frontal dune and close to the winter inlet (north sector). However, the variations were very small.
Pharmacogenetic Tests in Reducing Accesses to Emergency Services and Days of Hospitalization in Bipolar Disorder: A 2-Year Mirror Analysis
Authors: Callegari Camilla , Isella Celeste , Caselli Ivano , Poloni Nicola , Ielmini Marta
Published: April 2019

Despite the enormous costs associated to mood disorders’, few studies evaluate potential cost saving from the use of pharmacogenetic tests (PGT). This study compares 12 months before the execution of the PGT versus 12 months after, in terms of number and days of hospitalization and accesses to emergency services, in a sample of 30 patients affected by bipolar disorder. Secondarily, the study gives an economic value to the data based on the diagnosis-related group (DRG). Patients included in the study were required to be aged ≥18 years, sign an informed consent, have a score of Clinical Global Impression item Severity (CGIs) ≥3, and have a discordant therapy compared to the PGT in the 12 months preceding it and a therapy consistent with it for the following 12 months. Cost saving has been evaluated by paired t-tests in a mirror analysis. Statistically significant differences in all the comparisons (p < 0.0001) emerged. Important cost saving emerged after the use of PGT (€148,920 the first year versus €39,048 the following year). Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group in this study, the potential role of PGT in cost saving for the treatment of bipolar disorder treatment emerged. To confirm this result, larger and clinical trials are needed.
Experiences from a National Landscape Monitoring Programme—Maintaining Continuity Whilst Meeting Changing Demands and Opportunities
Authors: Stokstad Grete , Fjellstad Wendy
Published: April 2019

Over the past few decades, there has been increasing interest in recording landscape change. Monitoring programmes have been established to measure the scope, direction and rate of change, and assess the consequences of changes for multiple interests, such as biodiversity, cultural heritage and recreation. The results can provide feedback for multiple sectors and policy domains. Political interests may change over time, but long-term monitoring demands long-term funding. This requires that monitoring programmes remain relevant and cost-efficient. In this paper, we document experiences from 20 years of the Norwegian Monitoring Programme for Agricultural Landscapes—the ‘3Q Programme’. We explain how data availability and demands for information have changed over time, and how the monitoring programme has been adapted to remain relevant. We also discuss how methods of presentation influence the degree of knowledge transfer to stakeholders, in particular to policy makers.
Study of the Interfacial Interaction Performance of Branched Bonding Agents and CL-20
Authors: Zhao Yanmei , Wang Xiaoqing , Li Xiaomeng , Luo Yunjun , Li Guoping
Published: April 2019

Adding bonding agents to the formulation is an effective way to solve the dewetting of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) in the binder matrix. For the design and selection of the structure of a bonding agent suitable for CL-20, a series of branched polyether bonding agents with terminal groups substituted by cyano, ester and hydroxyl functional groups were employed. Contact angle, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were performed, and the results were compared with that of common bonding agent, the boron trifluoride triethanolamine complex (TEA·BF3). The results revealed that the nitramine reinforcement of the three polar groups to CL-20 was in the order cyano group > hydroxyl group > ester group. It is proposed that CBPE-10,10 (cyano-terminated branched polyether bonding agent) had the strongest interfacial interaction with CL-20. The adhesion work value was 105.37 mN⋅m−1 and the adhesion degree was 41.04%. The bonding properties of CBPEs/CL-20 were better than those of TEA·BF3/CL-20.
Zwitterionic Nanocellulose-Based Membranes for Organic Dye Removal
Authors: Vilela Carla , Moreirinha Catarina , Almeida Adelaide , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Freire Carmen S. R.
Published: April 2019

The development of efficient and environmentally-friendly nanomaterials to remove contaminants and pollutants (including harmful organic dyes) ravaging water sources is of major importance. Herein, zwitterionic nanocomposite membranes consisting of cross-linked poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) were prepared and tested as tools for water remediation. These nanocomposite membranes fabricated via the one-pot polymerization of the zwitterionic monomer, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, within the BNC three-dimensional porous network, exhibit thermal stability up to 250 °C, good mechanical performance (Young’s modulus ≥ 430 MPa) and high water-uptake capacity (627%–912%) in different pH media. Moreover, these zwitterionic membranes reduced the bacterial concentration of both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) pathogenic bacteria with maxima of 4.3– and 1.8–log CFU reduction, respectively, which might be a major advantage in reducing or avoiding bacterial growth in contaminated water. The removal of two water-soluble model dyes, namely methylene blue (MB, cationic) and methyl orange (MO, anionic), from water was also assessed and the results demonstrated that both dyes were successfully removed under the studied conditions, reaching a maximum of ionic dye adsorption of ca. 4.4–4.5 mg g−1. This combination of properties provides these PMPC/BNC nanocomposites with potential for application as antibacterial bio-based adsorbent membranes for water remediation of anionic and cationic dyes.
Carbonaceous Filler Type and Content Dependence of the Physical-Chemical and Electromechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Elastomer Polymer Composites
Authors: Dios Jose Ramon , García-Astrain Clara , Costa Pedro , Viana Júlio César , Lanceros-Méndez Senentxu
Published: April 2019

Graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNT), and carbon nanofibers (CNF) are the most studied nanocarbonaceous fillers for polymer-based composite fabrication due to their excellent overall properties. The combination of thermoplastic elastomers with excellent mechanical properties (e.g., styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS)) and conductive nanofillers such as those mentioned previously opens the way to the preparation of multifunctional materials for large-strain (up to 10% or even above) sensor applications. This work reports on the influence of different nanofillers (CNT, CNF, and graphene) on the properties of a SEBS matrix. It is shown that the overall properties of the composites depend on filler type and content, with special influence on the electrical properties. CNT/SEBS composites presented a percolation threshold near 1 wt.% filler content, whereas CNF and graphene-based composites showed a percolation threshold above 5 wt.%. Maximum strain remained similar for most filler types and contents, except for the largest filler contents (1 wt.% or more) in graphene (G)/SEBS composites, showing a reduction from 600% for SEBS to 150% for 5G/SEBS. Electromechanical properties of CNT/SEBS composite for strains up to 10% showed a gauge factor (GF) varying from 2 to 2.5 for different applied strains. The electrical conductivity of the G and CNF composites at up to 5 wt.% filler content was not suitable for the development of piezoresistive sensing materials. We performed thermal ageing at 120 °C for 1, 24, and 72 h for SEBS and its composites with 5 wt.% nanofiller content in order to evaluate the stability of the material properties for high-temperature applications. The mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of SEBS and the composites were identical to those of pristine composites, but the electrical conductivity decreased by near one order of magnitude and the GF decreased to values between 0.5 and 1 in aged CNT/SEBS composites. Thus, the materials can still be used as large-deformation sensors, but the reduction of both electrical and electromechanical response has to be considered.
Copper Iodide Interlayer for Improved Charge Extraction and Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Saranin Danila , Gostischev Pavel , Tatarinov Dmitry , Ermanova Inga , Mazov Vsevolod , Muratov Dmitry , Tameev Alexey , Kuznetsov Denis , Didenko Sergey , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: April 2019

Nickel oxide (NiO) is one of the most promising and high-performing Hole Transporting Layer (HTL) in inverted perovskite solar cells due to ideal band alignment with perovskite absorber, wide band gap, and high mobility of charges. At the same time, however, NiO does not provide good contact and trap-free junction for hole collection. In this paper, we examine this problem by developing a double hole transport configuration with a copper iodide (CuI) interlayer for efficient surface passivation. Transient photo-current (TPC) measurements showed that Perovskite/HTL interface with CuI interlayer has an improved hole injection; CuI passivation reduces the concentration of traps and the parasitic charge accumulation that limits the flow of charges. Moreover, we found that CuI protect the HTL/perovskite interface from degradation and consequently improve the stability of the cell. The presence of CuI interlayer induces an improvement of open-circuit voltage VOC (from 1.02 V to 1.07 V), an increase of the shunt resistance RSH (100%), a reduction of the series resistance RS (−30%), and finally a +10% improvement of the solar cell efficiency.
Numerical Simulation of Stainless Steel-Carbon Steel Laminated Plate Considering Interface in Pulsed Laser Bending
Authors: Li Zihui , Wang Xuyue
Published: April 2019

According to ANSYS software and an electron probe experiment, a multi-layer finite element model (FEM) of pulsed laser bending of stainless steel-carbon steel laminated plate (SCLP) including interfaces has been established. Compared with a single-layer stainless steel plate (SLSP), based on a temperature gradient mechanism considering the depth of the plastic zone, the influence of the interfaces and carbon steel layer in the model of the SCLP on the bending angle has been studied by analyzing the distributions of the temperature field, stress field and strain field in the thickness direction. The simulation results show that the temperature of the SCLP in the thickness direction is lower than that of the SLSP due to interfacial thermal resistance of the interface and fast heat conduction of the carbon steel layer, resulting in a smaller depth of the plastic zone of the SCLP defined by the recrystallization temperature. Affected by the temperature distribution, the plastic stress and strain of the SCLP in the plastic zone are smaller than those of the SLSP, leading to a smaller bending angle of the SCLP. When the laser power is 140 W, the scanning speed is 400 mm/min, the defocus distance is 10 mm, and the scanning time is 1, the bending angle of the SCLP is 1.336°, which is smaller than the bending angle 1.760° of the SLSP. The experimental verifications show that the maximum error of the bending angle is 3.74%, which verifies that the model of laser bending is usable and contributes to refining the laser bending mechanism of the SCLP.
Vibration and Buckling Characteristics of Functionally Graded Graphene Nanoplatelets Reinforced Composite Beams with Open Edge Cracks
Authors: Tam Meifung , Yang Zhicheng , Zhao Shaoyu , Yang Jie
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the free vibration and compressive buckling characteristics of functionally graded graphene nanoplatelets reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) beams containing open edge cracks by using the finite element method. The beam is a multilayer structure where the weight fraction of graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) remains constant in each layer but varies along the thickness direction. The effective Young’s modulus of each GPLRC layer is determined by the modified Halpin-Tsai micromechanics model while its Poisson’s ratio and mass density are predicted according to the rule of mixture. The effects of GPLs distribution pattern, weight fraction, geometry, crack depth ratio (CDR), slenderness ratio as well as boundary conditions on the fundamental frequency and critical buckling load of the FG-GPLRC beam are studied in detail. It was found that distributing more GPLs on the top and bottom surfaces of the cracked FG-GPLRC beam provides the best reinforcing effect for improved vibrational and buckling performance. The fundamental frequency and critical buckling load are also considerably affected by the geometry and dimension of GPL nanofillers.
Computing Certain Topological Indices of the Line Graphs of Subdivision Graphs of Some Rooted Product Graphs
Authors: Aslam Adnan , Nadeem Muhammad Faisal , Zahid Zohaib , Zafar Sohail , Gao Wei
Published: April 2019

In this work, we study the degree-based topological invariants, and the general sum-connectivity, A B C 4 , G A 5 , general Zagreb, G A , generalized Randić, and A B C indices of the line graphs of some rooted product graphs ( C n { P k } and C n { S m + 1 } ) are determined by menas of the concept of subdivision. Moreover, we also computed all these indices of the line graphs of the subdivision graphs of i-th vertex rooted product graph C i , r { P k + 1 } .
Effects of Fucoidans from Five Different Brown Algae on Oxidative Stress and VEGF Interference in Ocular Cells
Authors: Dörschmann Philipp , Bittkau Kaya Saskia , Neupane Sandesh , Roider Johann , Alban Susanne , Klettner Alexa
Published: April 2019

Background: Fucoidans are interesting for potential usage in ophthalmology, and especially age-related macular degeneration. However, fucoidans from different species may vary in their effects. Here, we compare fucoidans from five algal species in terms of oxidative stress protection and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) interference in ocular cells. Methods: Brown algae (Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus distichus subsp. evanescens, Fucus serratus, Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima) were harvested and fucoidans isolated by hot-water extraction. Fucoidans were tested in several concentrations (1, 10, 50, and 100 µg/mL). Effects were measured on a uveal melanoma cell line (OMM-1) (oxidative stress), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line ARPE19 (oxidative stress and VEGF), and primary RPE cells (VEGF). Oxidative stress was induced by H2O2 or tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). Cell viability was investigated with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT or MTS) assay, and VEGF secretion with ELISA. Affinity to VEGF was determined by a competitive binding assay. Results: All fucoidans protected OMM-1 from oxidative stress. However, in ARPE19, only fucoidan from Saccharina latissima was protective. The affinity to VEGF of all fucoidans was stronger than that of heparin, and all reduced VEGF secretion in ARPE19. In primary RPE, only the fucoidan from Saccharina latissima was effective. Conclusion: Among the fucoidans from five different species, Saccharina latissima displayed the most promising results concerning oxidative stress protection and reduction of VEGF secretion.
Metabolites Associated with Vigor to Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Older Black Men
Authors: Marron Megan M. , Harris Tamara B. , Boudreau Robert M. , Clish Clary B. , Moore Steven C. , Murphy Rachel A. , Murthy Venkatesh L. , Sanders Jason L. , Shah Ravi V. , Tseng George C. , Wendell Stacy G. , Zmuda Joseph M. , Newman Anne B.
Published: April 2019

Black versus white older Americans are more likely to experience frailty, a condition associated with adverse health outcomes. To reduce racial disparities in health, a complete understanding of the pathophysiology of frailty is needed. Metabolomics may further our understanding by characterizing differences in the body during a vigorous versus frail state. We sought to identify metabolites and biological pathways associated with vigor to frailty among 287 black men ages 70–81 from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, 350 metabolites were measured in overnight-fasting plasma. The Scale of Aging Vigor in Epidemiology (SAVE) measured vigor to frailty based on weight change, strength, energy, gait speed, and physical activity. Thirty-seven metabolites correlated with SAVE scores (p < 0.05), while adjusting for age and site. Fourteen metabolites remained significant after multiple comparisons adjustment (false discovery rate < 0.30). Lower values of tryptophan, methionine, tyrosine, asparagine, C14:0 sphingomyelin, and 1-methylnicotinamide, and higher values of glucoronate, N-carbamoyl-beta-alanine, isocitrate, creatinine, C4-OH carnitine, cystathionine, hydroxyphenylacetate, and putrescine were associated with frailer SAVE scores. Pathway analyses identified nitrogen metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and the citric acid cycle. Future studies need to confirm these SAVE-associated metabolites and pathways that may indicate novel mechanisms involved in the frailty syndrome.
Effects of Copper and pH on the Growth and Physiology of Desmodesmus sp. AARLG074
Authors: Buayam Nattaphorn , Davey Matthew P. , Smith Alison G. , Pumas Chayakorn
Published: April 2019

Copper (Cu) is a heavy metal that is widely used in industry and as such wastewater from mining or industrial operations can contain high levels of Cu. Some aquatic algal species can tolerate and bioaccumulate Cu and so could play a key role in bioremediating and recovering Cu from polluted waterways. One such species is the green alga Desmodesmus sp. AARLG074. The aim of this study was to determine how Desmodesmus is able to tolerate large alterations in its external Cu and pH environment. Specifically, we set out to measure the variations in the Cu removal efficiency, growth, ultrastructure, and cellular metabolite content in the algal cells that are associated with Cu exposure and acidity. The results showed that Desmodesmus could remove up to 80% of the copper presented in Jaworski’s medium after 30 min exposure. There was a decrease in the ability of Cu removal at pH 4 compared to pH 6 indicating both pH and Cu concentration affected the efficiency of Cu removal. Furthermore, Cu had an adverse effect on algal growth and caused ultrastructural changes. Metabolite fingerprinting (FT-IR and GC-MS) revealed that the polysaccharide and amino acid content were the main metabolites affected under acid and Cu exposure. Fructose, lactose and sorbose contents significantly decreased under both acidic and Cu conditions, whilst glycerol and melezitose contents significantly increased at pH 4. The pathway analysis showed that pH had the highest impact score on alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism whereas Cu had the highest impact on arginine and proline metabolism. Notably both Cu and pH had impact on glutathione and galactose metabolism.
2D Au-Coated Resonant MEMS Scanner for NIR Fluorescence Intraoperative Confocal Microscope
Authors: Yao Cheng-You , Li Bo , Qiu Zhen
Published: April 2019

The electrostatic MEMS scanner plays an important role in the miniaturization of the microscopic imaging system. We have developed a new two-dimensional (2D) parametrically-resonant MEMS scanner with patterned Au coating (>90% reflectivity at an NIR 785-nm wavelength), for a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence intraoperative confocal microscopic imaging system with a compact form factor. A silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-wafer based dicing-free microfabrication process has been developed for mass-production with high yield. Based on an in-plane comb-drive configuration, the resonant MEMS scanner performs 2D Lissajous pattern scanning with a large mechanical scanning angle (MSA, ±4°) on each axis at low driving voltage (36 V). A large field-of-view (FOV) has been achieved by using a post-objective scanning architecture of the confocal microscope. We have integrated the new MEMS scanner into a custom-made NIR fluorescence intraoperative confocal microscope with an outer diameter of 5.5 mm at its distal-end. Axial scanning has been achieved by using a piezoelectric actuator-based driving mechanism. We have successfully demonstrated ex vivo 2D imaging on human tissue specimens with up to five frames/s. The 2D resonant MEMS scanner can potentially be utilized for many applications, including multiphoton microendoscopy and wide-field endoscopy.
Concentric Split Aluminum with Silicon-Aluminum Nitride Annular Rings Resonators
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ammar , Bao Jing-Fu , Bao Fei-Hong , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a novel approach of annular concentric split rings microelectromechanical resonators with tether configuration to reduce anchor loss and gives very high-quality factor (Q) 2.97 Million based on FEA (Finite Element Analysis) simulation. The operating frequencies of these resonators are 188.55 MHz to 188.62 MHz. When the proposed SR (square rectangle) hole shaped one dimensional phononic crystal (1D PnC), and two dimensional phononic crystal (2D PnC) structure consist of very wide and complete band gaps is applied to novel design rings MEMS resonators, the quality factor (Q) further improved to 19.7 Million and 1750 Million, respectively, by using the finite element method. It is also observed that band gaps become closer by reducing the value of filling fraction, and proposed SR PnC gives extensive peak attenuation. Moreover, harmonic response of ring resonator is verified by the perfect match layers (PML) technique surrounded by resonators with varying width 1.5λ, and 3λ effectively reduce the vibration displacement.
Environmental Application of Biogenic Magnetite Nanoparticles to Remediate Chromium(III/VI)-Contaminated Water
Authors: Kim Yumi , Roh Yul
Published: April 2019

The physicochemical characteristics of biogenic minerals, such as high specific surface areas and high reactivity and the presence of a bacterial carrier matrix, make them promising for various applications. For instance, catalysts, adsorbents, oxidants, and reductants. The objective of this study is to examine the efficiency of biogenic magnetite nanoparticles (BMNs) that are produced by metal-reducing bacteria for removing chromium. Interactions between ionic chromium (Cr III/VI) and BMNs were examined under different pH values (ranging from pH 2 to pH 12) by using different doses of BMN (0–6 g/L). Chemically synthesized magnetite nanoparticles (CMNs) were used in the experiments for the purpose of comparing them to the BMNs. The results showed that the BMNs had higher Cr(VI) removal efficiency (100%) than the CMNs (82%) after a two-week reaction time. A lower pH and longer reaction time in the Cr-contaminated solution led to a higher Cr(VI) removal efficiency. The Cr(VI) removal efficiency by the BMNs in the Cr-contaminated groundwater was about 94% after a reaction time of two weeks. The BMNs that were coated with organic matter were more effective than the CMNs in leading to adsorption of Cr(III) with electrostatic interactions (82% versus 13%) and in preventing Fe(II) oxidation within the magnetite structure. These results indicate that the BMNs could be used to decontaminate ionic Cr in environmental remediation technologies.
Diamond-Bearing Root Beneath the Northern East European Platform (Arkhangelsk Region, Russia): Evidence from Cr-Pyrope Trace-Element Geochemistry
Authors: Shchukina Elena V. , Agashev Alexey M. , Shchukin Vladimir S.
Published: April 2019

In this study, we reconstruct the composition and metasomatic evolution of the lithospheric mantle beneath the poorly-studied southern Arkhangelsk region, based on the geochemistry of 145 Cr-pyrope grains recovered from samples of modern rivers and stream sediments, to evaluate the diamond exploration potential of these territories. Based on the concentrations of Cr2O3, CaO, TiO2, and rare earth elements (REEs), the garnets are divided into four groups: (1) low-chromium lherzolitic pyropes with fractionated heavy REE patterns; (2) low- to medium-chromium pyropes of lherzolitic and megacryst associations with flat heavy REE patterns; (3) high-chromium lherzolitic pyropes with “humped” REE patterns; and (4) high-chromium and low-chromium lherzolitic and harzburgitic pyropes with sinusoidal REE patterns. The pyrope geochemistry suggests a multi-stage model for the evolution of the lithospheric mantle, including partial melting to different degrees and further metasomatic overprints by silicate and carbonatite melts. The results confirm that the lithospheric mantle beneath the study area is suitable for the formation and preservation of diamonds. The significant percentage of diamond-associated pyropes (15%) emphasizes the likelihood of high diamond contents in kimberlites to be discovered within the study area.
Rare Earth Occurrences in Streams of Processing a Phosphate Ore
Authors: Yang Xiaosheng , Makkonen Hannu Tapani , Pakkanen Lassi
Published: April 2019

Rare earth elements (REEs) are defined as lanthanides with Y and Sc. Rare earth occurrences including the REE-bearing phases and their distributions, measured by rare earth oxides (REOs), in the streams of processing a phosphate ore were determined by using MLA, the mineral liberation analysis and EPMA, the electron probe microanalysis. The process includes an apatite ore beneficiation by flotation and further processing of the beneficiation concentrate with sulfuric acid. Twenty-six, sixty-two and twelve percent of the total REOs (TREO) contents from the ore end up in the products of beneficiation tailings, phosphogypsum (PG) and phosphoric acid, respectively. Apatite, allanite, monazite and pyrochlore are identified as REE-bearing minerals in the beneficiation process. In the beneficiation tailings, the REEs are mainly distributed in monazite (10.3% TREO), apatite (5.9% TREO), allanite (5.4% TREO) and pyrochlore (4.3% TREO). Gypsum, monazite, apatite and other REE-bearing phases were found to host REEs in the PG and the REEs distributions are 44.9% TREO in gypsum, 15.8% TREO in monazite, 0.6% TREO in apatite and 0.6% TREO in other REE-bearing phases. Perspectives on the efficient recovery of REEs from the beneficiation tailings and the PG are discussed.