bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safer, but Not Safe Enough
Authors: Vickers John
Published: September 2019

The great divide between official analyses and economists’ views of optimal bank equity capital is not as wide as appears at first sight if the economics of risk is properly addressed. Adapting the BoE’s analysis to take account of abnormal risk conditions, a less benign view of the effectiveness of resolution regimes in systemic crisis, an international rather than domestic perspective, and a consistent approach to risk, takes one a good distance towards the economists’ view. The economic rationale for capital levels in the region of Basel III is left looking thin. It looks thinner still when, as now, price-to-book ratios are calling regulatory capital measures into question for some important banks
Gray Correlation Analysis and Prediction on Permanent Deformation of Subgrade Filled with Construction and Demolition Materials
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Zhang Anshun , Li Jue , Li Feng , Peng Junhui
Published: September 2019

Construction and demolition (C&D) materials obtained from the demolition of buildings are proven to be qualified and sustainable subgrade fillers. The permanent deformation response of subgrade C&D materials under different moisture contents, degrees of compaction, deviator stresses, and confining pressures was revealed by carrying out dynamic triaxial texts. Then, using a four-factor and three-level orthogonal test and by calculating the Gray correlation degree of each factor, the influence degree of each factor on the permanent deformation was determined. The results indicated that two different response types of the permanent deformation of subgrade C&D materials, plastic shakedown and plastic creep, were identified as reason behind the increase in stress levels. Also, according to the Gray correlation analysis results, the permanent deformation of highway subgrade filled with C&D materials is influenced by the deviator stress most significantly, followed by moisture content, degree of compaction, and confining pressure. Finally, a permanent deformation prediction model about this kind of subgrade filler with a reasonable prediction accuracy was proposed.
Printable Stretchable Silver Ink and Application to Printed RFID Tags for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Zhong Tao , Jin Ning , Yuan Wei , Zhou Chunshan , Gu Weibing , Cui Zheng
Published: September 2019

A printable elastic silver ink has been developed, which was made of silver flakes, dispersant, and a fluorine rubber and could be sintered at a low temperature. The printed elastic conductors showed low resistivity at 21 μΩ·cm, which is about 13.2 times of bulk silver (1.59 μΩ·cm). Their mechanical properties were investigated by bending, stretching, and cyclic endurance tests. It was found that upon stretching the resistance of printed conductors increased due to deformation and small cracks appeared in the conductor, but was almost reversible when the strain was removed, and the recovery of conductivity was found to be time dependent. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags were fabricated by screen printing the stretchable silver ink on a stretchable fabric (lycra). High performance of tag was maintained even with 1000 cycles of stretching. As a practical example of wearable electronics, an RFID tag was printed directly onto a T-shirt, which demonstrated its normal working order in a wearing state.
Nitrogen-Doped Cu2O Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Nordseth Ørnulf , Kumar Raj , Bergum Kristin , Chilibon Irinela , Foss Sean Erik , Monakhov Edouard
Published: September 2019

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is a p-type semiconductor with high optical absorption and a direct bandgap of about 2.1 eV, making it an attractive material for photovoltaic applications. For a high-performance photovoltaic device, the formation of low-resistivity contacts on Cu2O thin films is a prerequisite, which can be achieved by, for instance, nitrogen doping of Cu2O in order to increase the carrier concentration. In this work, nitrogen-doped p-type Cu2O thin films were prepared on quartz substrates by magnetron sputter deposition. By adding N2 gas during the deposition process, a nitrogen concentration of up to 2.3 × 1021 atoms/cm3 in the Cu2O thin films was achieved, as determined from secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements. The effect of nitrogen doping on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the Cu2O thin films was investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements suggest a preservation of the Cu2O phase for the nitrogen doped thin films, whereas spectrophotometric measurements show that the optical properties were not significantly altered by incorporation of nitrogen into the Cu2O matrix. A significant conductivity enhancement was achieved for the nitrogen-doped Cu2O thin films, based on Hall effect measurements, i.e., the hole concentration was increased from 4 × 1015 to 3 × 1019 cm−3 and the resistivity was reduced from 190 to 1.9 Ω⋅cm by adding nitrogen to the Cu2O thin films.
The Use of Biodrying to Prevent Self-Heating of Alternative Fuel
Authors: Gajewska Teresa , Malinowski Mateusz , Szkoda Maciej
Published: September 2019

Alternative fuels (refuse-derived fuels—RDF) have been a substitute for fossil fuels in cement production for many years. RDF are produced from various materials characterized by high calorific value. Due to the possibility of self-ignition in the pile of stored alternative fuel, treatments are carried out to help protect entrepreneurs against material losses and employees against loss of health or life. The objective of the research was to assess the impact of alternative fuel biodrying on the ability to self-heat this material. Three variants of materials (alternative fuel produced on the basis of mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) and on the basis of bulky waste (mainly varnished wood and textiles) and residues from selective collection waste (mainly plastics and tires) were adopted for the analysis. The novelty of the proposed solution consists in processing the analyzed materials inside the innovative ecological waste apparatus bioreactor (EWA), which results in increased process efficiency and shortening its duration. The passive thermography technique was used to assess the impact of alternative fuel biodrying on the decrease in the self-heating ability of RDF. As a result of the conducted analyses, it was clear that the biodrying process inhibited the self-heating of alternative fuel. The temperature of the stored fuel reached over 60 °C before the biodrying process. However, after the biodrying process, the maximum temperatures in each of the variants were about 30 °C, which indicates a decrease in the activity of microorganisms and the lack of self-ignition risk. The maximum temperatures obtained (>71 °C), the time to reach them (≈4 h), and the duration of the thermophilic phase (≈65 h) are much shorter than in the studies of other authors, where the duration of the thermophilic phase was over 80 h.
Structural Safety Evaluation of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Deck Slabs Cast Using 120-MPa High-Performance Concrete with a Reinforced Joint
Authors: Bae Jae-Hyun , Hwang Hoon-Hee , Park Sung-Yong
Published: September 2019

Prestressed concrete structures are used in various fields as they can reduce the cross-sectional area of members compared with reinforced concrete structures. In addition, the use of high-performance and strength concrete can help reduce weight and achieve excellent durability. Recently, structures have increasingly been constructed using high-performance and strength concrete, and therefore, structural verification is required. Thus, this study experimentally evaluated the structural performance of a long-span bridge deck slab joint, regarded as the weak point of structures. The specimens were designed with a 4 m span for application to cable-stayed bridges. To ensure the required load resistance and serviceability, the specimens comprised of 120 MPa high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete and were prestressed. The deck slabs satisfied all static and fatigue performance as well as serviceability requirements, although they were thinner than typical concrete bridge deck slabs. The study also verified whether the deck slabs were suitable to help implement precast segmental construction methods. Finally, the results confirmed that the structural performance of the developed prestressed concrete (PSC) deck slab was sufficient for the intended bridge application as it achieved a sufficiently large safety factor in the static and fatigue performance tests, relative to the design requirement.
Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Conditioning by Means of Customized Healing Abutment: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Beretta Mario , Poli Pier Paolo , Pieriboni Silvia , Tansella Sebastian , Manfredini Mattia , Cicciù Marco , Maiorana Carlo
Published: September 2019

Introduction: An optimal aesthetic implant restoration is a combination of a visually pleasing prosthesis and adequate surrounding peri-implant soft tissue architecture. This study describes a novel workflow for one-step formation of the supra-implant emergence profile. Materials and Methods: Two randomized groups were selected. Ten control group participants received standard healing screws at the surgical stage. Ten individualized healing abutments were Computer aided Design/Computer aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-fabricated out of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) restoration material in a fully digital workflow and seated at the surgical stage in the test group. The modified healing abutment shape was extracted from a virtual library. The standard triangulation language (STL) files of a premolar and a molar were obtained considering the coronal anatomy up to the cement-enamel junction (CEJ). After a healing period ranging from 1 to 3 months depending on the location of the surgical site, namely, mandible or maxilla, a digital impression was taken. The functional implant prosthodontics score (FIPS) and the numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain were recorded and compared. Results: The mean FIPS value for the test group was 9.1 ± 0.9 while the control group mean value was 7.1 ± 0.9. In the test group, pain assessment at crown placement presented a mean value of 0.5 ± 0.7. On the contrary, the control group showed a mean value of 5.5 ± 1.6. Conclusions: Patients in the test group showed higher FIPS values and lower NRS scores during the early phases compared to the control group.
Uniform Dispersion and Exfoliation of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in CNT-MgB2 Superconductor Composites Using Surfactants
Authors: Shahabuddin Mohammed , Madhar Niyaz Ahamad , Alzayed Nasser S. , Asif Mohammad
Published: September 2019

We developed a novel yet commercially viable strategy of synthesizing superior high-TC superconducting composites by dispersing fully exfoliated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) uniformly throughout the grain of CNT-MgB2 composites. First, we optimized the amount of the surfactant required to produce a highly stable and homogeneous colloidal suspension of CNTs. This amount was found to be 1/8th of the amount of CNTs. Second, we prepared a homogeneous CNT-B mixture by adding amorphous nano-boron (B) to the colloidal CNT suspension. Next, two different MgB2 synthesis routes were explored. In one case, we mixed an appropriate amount of Mg in the CNT-B mixture and carried out sintering. In the second case, the CNT-B mixture was heat treated at 500 °C, prior to mixing with Mg and sintering to form CNT-MgB2. Both kinds of samples were rigorously characterized to obtain an insight into their properties. The direct synthesis route shows a clear exfoliation and uniform dispersion of CNTs with a critical current density (JC) of 104 A/cm2 at 3.5 T and 20 K, which is useful for the application in magnetic resonance imaging MRI magnet operating with a cryogen free cooler. Our JC(H) result is 10 times higher than that of the pure sample. By contrast, the performance of the sample subjected to heat processing before sintering was severely compromised given the formation of MgO. Despite its simplicity, the direct synthesis route can be used for the cost-effective fabrication of CNT–MgB2 superconducting composites.
On-Chip Miniaturized Bandpass Filter Using GaAs-Based Integrated Passive Device Technology For L-Band Application
Authors: Zhu Bao-Hua , Kim Nam-Young , Wang Zhi-Ji , Kim Eun-Seong
Published: September 2019

In this work, a miniaturized bandpass filter (BPF) constructed of two spiral intertwined inductors and a central capacitor, with several interdigital structures, was designed and fabricated using integrated passive device (IPD) technology on a GaAs wafer. Five air-bridge structures were introduced to enhance the mutual inductive effect and form the differential geometry of the outer inductors. In addition, the design of the differential inductor combined with the centrally embedded capacitor results in a compact construction with the overall size of 0.037λ0 × 0.019λ0 (1537.7 × 800 μm2) where λ0 is the wavelength of the central frequency. For the accuracy evolution of the equivalent circuit, the frequency-dependent lumped elements of the proposed BPF was analyzed and modeled through the segment method, mutual inductance approach, and simulated scattering parameters (S-parameters). Afterward, the BPF was fabricated using GaAs-based IPD technology and a 16-step manufacture flow was accounted for in detail. Finally, the fabricated BPF was wire-bonded with Au wires and packaged onto a printed circuit board for radio-frequency performance measurements. The measured results indicate that the implemented BPF possesses a center frequency operating at 2 GHz with the insertion losses of 0.38 dB and the return losses of 40 dB, respectively, and an ultrawide passband was achieved with a 3-dB fraction bandwidth of 72.53%, as well. In addition, a transmission zero is located at 5.32 GHz. Moreover, the variation of the resonant frequency with different inductor turns and metal thicknesses was analyzed through the simulation results, demonstrating good controllability of the proposed BPF.
Deposition of Selective Catalytic Reduction Coating on Wire-Mesh Structure by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Ma Yunlong , Li Hui , Tian Yingliang
Published: September 2019

A series of catalytic coatings consisting of MnOx-CeO2 and TiO2 support were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying, which was aimed at the application of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx. The effect of the load of active component on the coating was firstly studied. The results showed that all the coating presented the highest catalytic activity at approximately 350 °C and the coating with the composition of 20MnOx/5CeO2/TiO2 (wt%) achieved the most powerful performance. The coating was then prepared on a wire-mesh structure substrate, which can be easily assembled as a gas filter. The results showed that the specific surface area was greatly increased resulting in the significant improvement of the catalytic activity of the coating. This strategy offered a promising possibility of removing NOx and particulate fliting simultaneously in industrial applications.
Limits of the Process of Rotational Compression of Hollow Stepped Shafts
Authors: Bartnicki Jarosław , Tomczak Janusz , Pater Zbigniew
Published: September 2019

This article presents the results of theoretical–experimental testing of the process of rotational compression of hollow stepped shafts. The advantages of the technology and the potential area of its application were discussed. Further on, the limits of the rotational compression technology, preventing the manufacturing of high-quality products, were presented. The research was conducted on the basis of numerical modelling using the finite element method in Simufact Forming, as well as the results of experimental tests performed in a forging machine for rotational compression. On the basis of the results obtained, it can be stated that the process of rotational compression of hollow stepped shafts can be hindered by the following phenomena: uncontrolled slip, deformation of the semi-finished product wall, twisting of the formed steps, material cracking, and deformation of the cross-section of the formed steps. The possibility of those hindrances occurring depends heavily on the assumed technological parameters of the process. For this reason, knowledge of the cause of occurrence of those limitations is vital for the development of the technology and the choice of the process parameters.
Self-Consolidating Lightweight Concrete Incorporating Limestone Powder and Fly Ash as Supplementary Cementing Material
Authors: Khan Muhammad I. , Usman Muhammad , Rizwan Syed A. , Hanif Asad
Published: September 2019

This paper assesses the mechanical and structural behavior of self-consolidating lightweight concrete (SCLWC) incorporating bloated shale aggregate (BSA). BSA was manufactured by expanding shale pellets of varying sizes by heating them up to a temperature of 1200 °C using natural gas as fuel in the rotary kiln. Fly ash (FA) and limestone powder (LSP) were used as supplementary cementing materials (10% replacement of cement, each for LSP and FA) for improved properties of the resulting concrete. The main parameters studied in this experimental study were compressive strength, elastic modulus, and microstructure. The fresh-state properties (Slump flow, V-funnel, J-Ring, and L-box) showed adequate rheological behavior of SCLWC in comparison with self-consolidating normal weight concrete (SCNWC). There was meager (2–4%) compressive strength reduction of SCLWC. Lightweight aggregate tended to shift concrete behavior from ductile to brittle, causing reduced strain capacity and flexural toughness. FA and LSP addition significantly improved the strength and microstructure at all ages. The study is encouraging for the structural use of lightweight concrete, which could reduce the overall construction cost.
Algebraic Properties of Arbitrage: An Application to Additivity of Discount Functions
Authors: Cruz Rambaud Salvador
Published: September 2019

Background: This paper aims to characterize the absence of arbitrage in the context of the Arbitrage Theory proposed by Kreps (1981) and Clark (2000) which involves a certain number of well-known financial markets. More specifically, the framework of this model is a linear (topological) space X in which a (convex) cone C defines a vector ordering. There exist markets for only some of the contingent claims of X which assign a price p i to the marketed claim m i . The main purpose of this paper is to provide some novel algebraic characterizations of the no arbitrage condition and specifically to derive the decomposability of discount functions with this approach. Methods: Traditionally, this topic has been focused from a topological or probabilistic point of view. However, in this manuscript the treatment of this topic has been by using purely algebraic tools. Results: We have characterized the absence of arbitrage by only using algebraic concepts, properties and structures. Thus, we have divided these characterizations into those concerning the preference relation and those involving the cone. Conclusion: This paper has provided some novel algebraic properties of the absence of arbitrage by assuming the most general setting. The additivity of discount functions has been derived as a particular case of the general theory.
A Complete Protocol for Rapid and Low-Cost Fabrication of Polymer Microfluidic Chips Containing Three-Dimensional Microstructures Used in Point-of-Care Devices
Authors: Nguyen Trieu , Chidambara Vinayaka Aaydha , Duong Bang Dang , Wolff Anders
Published: September 2019

This protocol provides insights into the rapid, low-cost, and largescale fabrication of polymer microfluidic chips containing three-dimensional microstructures used in point-of-care devices for applications such as detection of pathogens via molecular diagnostic methods. The details of the fabrication methods are described in this paper. This study offers suggestions for researchers and experimentalists, both at university laboratories and in industrial companies, to prevent doom fabrication issues. For a demonstration of bio-application in point-of-care testing, the 3D microarrays fabricated are then employed in multiplexed detection of Salmonella (Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis), based on a molecular detection technique called solid-phase polymerase chain reaction (SP-PCR).
Sample Preservation and Storage Significantly Impact Taxonomic and Functional Profiles in Metaproteomics Studies of the Human Gut Microbiome
Authors: Hickl Oskar , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Trautwein-Schult Anke , Hercog Rajna , Bork Peer , Wilmes Paul , Becher Dörte
Published: September 2019

With the technological advances of the last decade, it is now feasible to analyze microbiome samples, such as human stool specimens, using multi-omic techniques. Given the inherent sample complexity, there exists a need for sample methods which preserve as much information as possible about the biological system at the time of sampling. Here, we analyzed human stool samples preserved and stored using different methods, applying metagenomics as well as metaproteomics. Our results demonstrate that sample preservation and storage have a significant effect on the taxonomic composition of identified proteins. The overall identification rates, as well as the proportion of proteins from Actinobacteria were much higher when samples were flash frozen. Preservation in RNAlater overall led to fewer protein identifications and a considerable increase in the share of Bacteroidetes, as well as Proteobacteria. Additionally, a decrease in the share of metabolism-related proteins and an increase of the relative amount of proteins involved in the processing of genetic information was observed for RNAlater-stored samples. This suggests that great care should be taken in choosing methods for the preservation and storage of microbiome samples, as well as in comparing the results of analyses using different sampling and storage methods. Flash freezing and subsequent storage at −80 °C should be chosen wherever possible.
Bands of Zircon, Allanite and Magnetite in Paleozoic Alkali Granite in the Chungju Unit, South Korea, and Origin of REE Mineralizations
Authors: No Sang-Gun , Park Maeng-Eon
Published: September 2019

High-grade Zr–Nb–Y–rare earth element (REE) mineralization occurs as zircon–allanite–magnetite bands in layered Paleozoic alkali rocks which intruded the Gyemyeongsan Formation of the Chungju unit, South Korea. The mineralization period and genesis have been controversial. We investigated the petrological and mineralogical properties of the newly discovered zircon–allanite–magnetite bands and the geochronological properties of zircon within the bands in the alkali granite. We analyzed the zircon with laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). The repeated quartz–feldspar-rich layers in the alkali granite show grain-sized grading textures and equilibrium igneous textures. Magnetite and allanite grains in these layers varied in size and exhibited isolated, aggregated, and coalesced textures. In addition, the settling texture of zircon grains onto the other minerals was observed. These observations could reasonably be explained by the process of gravitational accumulation during the solidification of magma. The 206Pb/238U ages obtained from zircon from the zircon–allanite–magnetite-rich layer and the alkali aplite were 331.1 ± 1.5 Ma and 334.5 ± 8.9 Ma, respectively. Therefore, we suggest that the Zr–Y–Nb–REE mineralization developed in the alkali rocks and the Gyemyeongsan Formation in the Chungju unit were formed by fractional crystallization of alkali magma and hydrothermal fluids which evolved from alkali magma fractional crystallization, respectively. The correlation between alkaline granite and REE mineralization found in this study could be used as a tool for REE exploration in other regions where the permeable geological unit is intruded by the alkali granite.
Effects of the Ethanol Extract of Dipterocarpus alatus Leaf on the Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress-Induced Depression in ICR Mice and Its Possible Mechanism of Action
Authors: Daodee Supawadee , Monthakantirat Orawan , Ruengwinitwong Kanlaya , Gatenakorn Kankrittanon , Maneenet Juthamart , Khamphukdee Charinya , Sekeroglu Nazim , Chulikhit Yaowared , Kijjoa Anake
Published: September 2019

Treatment of the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) mice with the ethanol extract of Dipterocarpus alatus leaf attenuated anhedonia (increased sucrose preference) and behavioral despair (decreased immobility time in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST)). The extract not only decreased the elevation of serum corticosterone level and the index of over-activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, caused by UCMS, but also ameliorated UCMS-induced up-regulation of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) mRNA expression and down-regulation of cyclic AMP-responsive element binding (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs in frontal cortex and hippocampus. In vitro monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition assays showed that the extract exhibited the partial selective inhibition on MAO-A. HPLC analysis of the extract showed the presence of flavonoids (luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside, rutin) and phenolic acids (gallic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid) as major constituents.
E-Beam Irradiation and Ozonation as an Alternative to the Sulphuric Method of Wine Preservation
Authors: Błaszak Magdalena , Nowak Agata , Lachowicz Sabina , Migdał Wojciech , Ochmian Ireneusz
Published: September 2019

Potassium metabisulphite is usually used for microbial stabilization in the process of vinification and wine preservation, but it is considered to be allergenic. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficiency of ozonation and ionizing radiation as alternatives to wine sulphurization. The efficiency of yeast removal and the retention of the chemical quality of wine were evaluated. Wine was subjected to 60 min of ozonation, and radiation doses were set at 1–10 kGy. Moreover, a combination of ozonation and ionizing radiation treatment was used. The ozonation of wine did not produce the expected results. That is, it did not limit the number of yeast cells. From the sixth minute, a significant deterioration in the taste and the color of the wine was found. Ionizing radiation at a dose of 1 kGy reduced the yeast count by 95.5%, and a reduction of 99.9% was seen after the application of 2.5 kGy. Moreover, these doses did not have a significant effect on the organoleptic properties or the chemical composition of wine. The total amount of polyphenols reduced from the maximum of 1127.15 to 1023.73 mg at the dose of 5 kGy. Radiation is widely used to preserve food products. Its use for finished wine preservation may be an alternative to sulphurization.
Drug Repurposing as an Antitumor Agent: Disulfiram-Mediated Carbonic Anhydrase 12 and Anion Exchanger 2 Modulation to Inhibit Cancer Cell Migration
Authors: Hwang Soyoung , Shin Dong Min , Hong Jeong Hee
Published: September 2019

Disulfiram has been used in the treatment of alcoholism and exhibits an anti-tumor effect. However, the intracellular mechanism of anti-tumor activity of Disulfiram remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the modulatory role of Disulfiram via oncogenic factor carbonic anhydrase CA12 and its associated transporter anion exchanger AE2 in lung cancer cell line A549. The surface expression of CA12 and AE2 were decreased by Disulfiram treatment with a time-dependent manner. Disulfiram treatment did not alter the expression of Na+-bicarbonate cotransporters, nor did it affect autophagy regulation. The chloride bicarbonate exchanger activity of A549 cells was reduced by Disulfiram treatment in a time-dependent manner without change in the resting pH level. The expression and activity of AE2 and the expression of CA12 were also reduced by Disulfiram treatment in the breast cancer cell line. An invasion assay and cell migration assay revealed that Disulfiram attenuated the invasion and migration of A549 cells. In conclusion, the attenuation of AE2 and its supportive enzyme CA12, and the inhibitory effect on cell migration by Disulfiram treatment in cancer cells provided the molecular evidence supporting the potential of Disulfiram as an anticancer agent.
Advances in the Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Natural Products Using Chiral Secondary Amine Catalyzed Reactions of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Wang Zhonglei
Published: September 2019

Chirality is one of the most important attributes for its presence in a vast majority of bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals. Asymmetric organocatalysis methods have emerged as a powerful methodology for the construction of highly enantioenriched structural skeletons of the target molecules. Due to their extensive application of organocatalysis in the total synthesis of bioactive molecules and some of them have been used in the industrial synthesis of drugs have attracted increasing interests from chemists. Among the chiral organocatalysts, chiral secondary amines (MacMillan’s catalyst and Jorgensen’s catalyst) have been especially considered attractive strategies because of their impressive efficiency. Herein, we outline advances in the asymmetric total synthesis of natural products and relevant drugs by using the strategy of chiral secondary amine catalyzed reactions of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in the last eighteen years.
ClothSurface: Exploring a Low-Cost Prototyping Tool to Support Ideation for Shape Displays
Authors: Ho Jeffrey C. F.
Published: September 2019

A shape-changing user interface is a type of interface that interacts with users by changing its physical form. Although researchers have been extensively studying shape-changing user interfaces, relevant research on its various design aspects—including tools and methods—remains limited. Prototyping shape-changing interfaces often requires sophisticated equipment and knowledge, which makes this sphere of design unwelcoming for designers with limited resources and technical knowledge (e.g., design students). In this study, we propose ClothSurface—a simple and low-cost prototyping tool to design for shape displays—and explore its use through a series of design sessions. The results reveal that ClothSurface can allow inexperienced designers to illustrate their ideas and to explore the design space of shape displays.
TiO2 Coated ZnO Nanorods by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition for Application as Photoanodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Li Chaoyang
Published: September 2019

In this study, a mist chemical vapor deposition method was applied to create a coating of titanium dioxide particles in order to fabricate ZnO/TiO2 core–shell nanostructures. The thin layers of titanium dioxide on the zinc oxide nanorods were uniform and confirmed as pure anatase phase. The morphological, structural, optical and photoluminescence properties of the ZnO/TiO2 core–shell structures were influenced by coating time. For instance, the crystallinity of the titanium dioxide increased in accordance with an increase in the duration of the coating time. Additionally, the thickness of the titanium dioxide layer gradually increased with the coating time, resulting in an increased surface area. The transmittance of the arrayed ZnO/TiO2 core–shell structures was 65% after 15 min of coating. The obtained ZnO/TiO2 core–shell nanostructures demonstrated high potentiality to serve as photoanodes for application in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Dietary Acid Load: A Novel Nutritional Target in Overweight/Obese Children with Asthma?
Authors: Cunha Pedro , Paciência Inês , Cavaleiro Rufo João , Castro Mendes Francisca , Farraia Mariana , Barros Renata , Silva Diana , Delgado Luís , Padrão Patrícia , Moreira André , Moreira Pedro
Published: September 2019

Obesity has been repeatedly linked to asthma, and several potential mechanisms have been proposed in the etiologies of the obese-asthma phenotype. Considering that lungs play an important role in systemic pH and acid–base regulation, are a key organ in asthma development, and that nutritional inadequacy of several nutrients and high dietary acid load can affect airway inflammation and reactivity, we aimed to test the hypothesis that dietary acid load may be associated with asthma in children. Data on 699 children (52% females), aged 7–12 years, were analyzed. Anthropometric measurements were performed to assess body mass index. Dietary acid load was calculated using potential renal acid load (PRAL) equations from a 24 h dietary recall administrated to children. Adjusted PRAL for total energy intake was applied with the use of the residual method. Lung function and airway reversibility were assessed with spirometry. Asthma was defined by a positive bronchodilation or self-reported medical diagnosis with reported symptoms (wheezing, dyspnea, or dry cough) in the past 12 months. After adjustment for energy intake, sex, age, parent’s education level, and physical activity, positive and significant associations were found between asthma and PRAL [odds ratio (OR) = 1.953, 95% CI = 1.024, 3.730) in overweight/obese children. Our findings suggest that dietary acid load might be a possible mechanism in overweight/obese-asthma phenotype development.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Fruiting Body Extract and Solid-State-Cultivated Mycelia of Taiwanofungus camphoratus
Authors: Lin Liang-Hung , Chi Ching-Hsin , Zhang Xiao-Han , Chen Ying-Ju , Wang Ming-Fu
Published: September 2019

Taiwanofungus camphoratus is a rare and valuable medicinal mushroom indigenous to Taiwan. It has traditionally been used to promote good health. This study aimed to explore the immunomodulatory effects of “Leader Deluxe Taiwanofungus camphoratus capsule” (LDAC). LDAC is a healthy food product composed of fruiting body extract and solid-state-cultivated mycelia of T. camphoratus. Two complementary studies were performed. In the first, LDAC was orally administered to BABL/c female mice for 6 weeks as part of a non-specific immune study. In the second, mice were treated with LDAC for 8 weeks and immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) in a specific immune study. LDAC increased the growth of splenic immune cells and enhanced the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells. It increased the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and OVA-IgG, and decreased the levels of IL-4, IL-5, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, serum IgE, and OVA-IgE. Thus, the findings of this study strongly supported the idea that LDAC possesses immunomodulatory activity.
Injectable Hydrogels for Cancer Therapy over the Last Decade
Authors: Cirillo Giuseppe , Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco , Curcio Manuela , Nicoletta Fiore Pasquale , Iemma Francesca
Published: September 2019

The interest in injectable hydrogels for cancer treatment has been significantly growing over the last decade, due to the availability of a wide range of starting polymer structures with tailored features and high chemical versatility. Many research groups are working on the development of highly engineered injectable delivery vehicle systems suitable for combined chemo-and radio-therapy, as well as thermal and photo-thermal ablation, with the aim of finding out effective solutions to overcome the current obstacles of conventional therapeutic protocols. Within this work, we have reviewed and discussed the most recent injectable hydrogel systems, focusing on the structure and properties of the starting polymers, which are mainly classified into natural or synthetic sources. Moreover, mapping the research landscape of the fabrication strategies, the main outcome of each system is discussed in light of possible clinical applications.
On the Evaluation of the Suitability of the Materials Used to 3D Print Holographic Acoustic Lenses to Correct Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Aberrations
Authors: Ferri Marcelino , Bravo José María , Redondo Javier , Jiménez-Gambín Sergio , Jiménez Noé , Camarena Francisco , Sánchez-Pérez Juan Vicente
Published: September 2019

The correction of transcranial focused ultrasound aberrations is a relevant topic for enhancing various non-invasive medical treatments. Presently, the most widely accepted method to improve focusing is the emission through multi-element phased arrays; however, a new disruptive technology, based on 3D printed holographic acoustic lenses, has recently been proposed, overcoming the spatial limitations of phased arrays due to the submillimetric precision of the latest generation of 3D printers. This work aims to optimize this recent solution. Particularly, the preferred acoustic properties of the polymers used for printing the lenses are systematically analyzed, paying special attention to the effect of p-wave speed and its relationship to the achievable voxel size of 3D printers. Results from simulations and experiments clearly show that, given a particular voxel size, there are optimal ranges for lens thickness and p-wave speed, fairly independent of the emitted frequency, the transducer aperture, or the transducer-target distance.
Mechanistic Insight into the Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone and L-Lactide Using Ketiminate-Ligated Aluminum Catalysts
Authors: Lin Ya-Fan , Jheng Nai-Yuan
Published: September 2019

The reactivity and the reaction conditions of the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and L-lactide (LA) initiated by aluminum ketiminate complexes have been shown differently. Herein, we account for the observation by studying the mechanisms on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculations show that the ring-opening polymerization of ε-CL and LA are rate-determined by the benzoxide insertion and the C–O bond cleavage step, respectively. Theoretical computations suggest that the reaction temperature of L–LA polymerization should be higher than that of ε-CL one, in agreement with the experimental data. To provide a reasonable interpretation of the experimental results and to give an insight into the catalyst design, the influence of the electronic, steric, and thermal effects on the polymerization behaviors will be also discussed in this study.
Novel 3-D T-Shaped Passive Micromixer Design with Helicoidal Flows
Authors: Okuducu Mahmut Burak , Aral Mustafa M.
Published: September 2019

Laminar fluid flow and advection-dominant transport produce ineffective mixing conditions in micromixers. In these systems, a desirable fluid mixing over a short distance may be achieved using special geometries in which complex flow paths are generated. In this paper, a novel design, utilizing semi-circular ridges, is proposed to improve mixing in micro channels. Fluid flow and scalar transport are investigated employing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool. Mixing dynamics are investigated in detail for alternative designs, injection, and diffusivity conditions. Results indicate that the convex alignment of semi-circular elements yields a specific, helicoidal-shaped fluid flow along the mixing channel which in turn enhances fluid mixing. In all cases examined, homogenous concentration distributions with mixing index values over 80% are obtained. When it is compared to the classical T-shaped micromixer, the novel design increases mixing index and mixing performance values by the factors of 8.7 and 3.3, respectively. It is also shown that different orientations of ridges adversely affect the mixing efficiency by disturbing the formation of helicoidal-shaped flow profile.
DOA Tracking Based on Unscented Transform Multi-Bernoulli Filter in Impulse Noise Environment
Authors: Wu Sun-yong , Zhao Jun , Dong Xu-dong , Xue Qiu-tiao , Cai Ru-hua
Published: September 2019

Aiming at the problem of multiple-source direction of arrival (DOA) tracking in impulse noise, this paper models the impulse noise by using the symmetric α stable (SαS) distribution, and proposes a DOA tracking algorithm based on the Unscented Transform Multi-target Multi-Bernoulli (UT-MeMBer) filter framework. In order to overcome the problem of particle decay in particle filtering, UT is adopted to select a group of sigma points with different weights to make them close to the posterior probability density of the state. Since the α stable distribution does not have finite covariance, the Fractional Lower Order Moment (FLOM) matrix of the received array data is employed to replace the covariance matrix to formulate a MUSIC spatial spectra in the MeMBer filter. Further exponential weighting is used to enhance the weight of particles at high likelihood area and obtain a better resampling. Compared with the PASTD algorithm and the MeMBer DOA filter algorithm, the simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can more effectively solve the issue that the DOA and number of target are time-varying. In addition, we present the Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) implementation of the UT-MeMBer algorithm.
Thin Magnetically Permeable Targets for Inductive Sensing: Application to Limb Prosthetics
Authors: Weathersby Ethan J. , Gurrey Clement J. , McLean Jake B. , Sanders Benjamin N. , Larsen Brian G. , Carter Ryan , Garbini Joseph L. , Sanders Joan E.
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this research was to create a thin ferrous polymer composite to be used as a target for inductive sensing in limb prosthetics. Inductive sensors are used to monitor limb-to-socket distance in prosthetic sockets, which reflects socket fit. A styrene–ethylene–ethylene/propylene–styrene (SEEPS) polymer was mixed with iron powder at three concentrations (75, 77, 85 wt%), and thin disk-shaped samples were fabricated (0.50, 0,75, 1.00 mm thickness). For 85 wt% samples of 0.50 mm thickness, which proved the best combination of high signal strength and low target volume, inductive sensor sensitivity ranged from 3.2E5 counts/mm at 0.00–1.00 mm distances to 7.2E4 counts/mm at 4.00–5.00 mm distances. The application of compressive stress (up to 425 kPa) introduced an absolute measurement error of less than 3.3 μm. Tensile elasticity was 282 kPa, which is comparable to that of commercial elastomeric liners. Durability testing in the shoe of an able-bodied participant demonstrated a change in calibration coefficient of less than 3.8% over two weeks of wear. The ferrous polymer composite may facilitate the development of automatically adjusting sockets that use limb-to-socket distance measurement for feedback control.
A Deep Learning Framework for Signal Detection and Modulation Classification
Authors: Zha Xiong , Peng Hua , Qin Xin , Li Guang , Yang Sihan
Published: September 2019

Deep learning (DL) is a powerful technique which has achieved great success in many applications. However, its usage in communication systems has not been well explored. This paper investigates algorithms for multi-signals detection and modulation classification, which are significant in many communication systems. In this work, a DL framework for multi-signals detection and modulation recognition is proposed. Compared to some existing methods, the signal modulation format, center frequency, and start-stop time can be obtained from the proposed scheme. Furthermore, two types of networks are built: (1) Single shot multibox detector (SSD) networks for signal detection and (2) multi-inputs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for modulation recognition. Additionally, the importance of signal representation to different tasks is investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that the DL framework is capable of detecting and recognizing signals. And compared to the traditional methods and other deep network techniques, the current built DL framework can achieve better performance.
Cyber Situation Comprehension for IoT Systems based on APT Alerts and Logs Correlation
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Zhang Jiale , Chen Bing
Published: September 2019

With the emergence of the Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks, many Internet of Things (IoT) systems have faced large numbers of potential threats with the characteristics of concealment, permeability, and pertinence. However, existing methods and technologies cannot provide comprehensive and prompt recognition of latent APT attack activities in the IoT systems. To address this problem, we propose an APT Alerts and Logs Correlation Method, named APTALCM and a framework of deploying APTALCM on the IoT system, where an edge computing architecture was used to achieve cyber situation comprehension without too much data transmission cost. Specifically, we firstly present a cyber situation ontology for modeling the concepts and properties to formalize APT attack activities in the IoT systems. Then, we introduce a cyber situation instance similarity measurement method based on the SimRank mechanism for APT alerts and logs Correlation. Combining with instance similarity, we further propose an APT alert instances correlation method to reconstruct APT attack scenarios and an APT log instances correlation method to detect log instance communities. Through the coalescence of these methods, APTALCM can accomplish the cyber situation comprehension effectively by recognizing the APT attack intentions in the IoT systems. The exhaustive experimental results demonstrate that the two kernel modules, i.e., Alert Instance Correlation Module (AICM) and Log Instance Correlation Module (LICM) in our APTALCM, can achieve both high true-positive rate and low false-positive rate.
Nanosystems, Edge Computing, and the Next Generation Computing Systems
Authors: Passian Ali , Imam Neena
Published: September 2019

It is widely recognized that nanoscience and nanotechnology and their subfields, such as nanophotonics, nanoelectronics, and nanomechanics, have had a tremendous impact on recent advances in sensing, imaging, and communication, with notable developments, including novel transistors and processor architectures. For example, in addition to being supremely fast, optical and photonic components and devices are capable of operating across multiple orders of magnitude length, power, and spectral scales, encompassing the range from macroscopic device sizes and kW energies to atomic domains and single-photon energies. The extreme versatility of the associated electromagnetic phenomena and applications, both classical and quantum, are therefore highly appealing to the rapidly evolving computing and communication realms, where innovations in both hardware and software are necessary to meet the growing speed and memory requirements. Development of all-optical components, photonic chips, interconnects, and processors will bring the speed of light, photon coherence properties, field confinement and enhancement, information-carrying capacity, and the broad spectrum of light into the high-performance computing, the internet of things, and industries related to cloud, fog, and recently edge computing. Conversely, owing to their extraordinary properties, 0D, 1D, and 2D materials are being explored as a physical basis for the next generation of logic components and processors. Carbon nanotubes, for example, have been recently used to create a new processor beyond proof of principle. These developments, in conjunction with neuromorphic and quantum computing, are envisioned to maintain the growth of computing power beyond the projected plateau for silicon technology. We survey the qualitative figures of merit of technologies of current interest for the next generation computing with an emphasis on edge computing.
Experimental Evaluation of a Diesel Cogeneration System for Producing Power and Drying Aromatic Herbs
Authors: Olmos-Villalba Luis , Herrera Bernardo , Gallego Anderson , Cacua Karen
Published: September 2019

The focus of this work was to evaluate the thermal performance of a cogeneration system used to produce power and dry aromatic herbs. The waste heat from the exhaust gases of the diesel engine was recovered to heat air using a thermosyphon heat exchanger. The heated air was employed in a convective tray dryer in order to dry Origanum vulgare, Mentha spicata, and Ocimum basilicum. The experiments were carried out at full load in a stationary compression ignition engine coupled to a generator. The maximum global energy efficiency of the cogeneration system was 40.14%, and the effectiveness of the heat exchanger achieved 39%.