bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Direct Comparison of the Relationship of Epigenetic Aging and Epigenetic Substance Consumption Markers to Mortality in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Mills James A. , Beach Steven R.H. , Dogan Meeshanthini , Simons Ron L. , Gibbons Frederick X. , Long Jeffrey D. , Philibert Robert
Published: January 2019

A number of studies have examined the relationship of indices of epigenetic aging (EA) to key health outcomes. Unfortunately, our understanding of the relationship of EA to mortality and substance use-related health variables is unclear. In order to clarify these interpretations, we analyzed the relationship of the Levine EA index (LEA), as well as established epigenetic indices of cigarette (cg05575921) and alcohol consumption (cg04987734), to all-cause mortality in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort (n = 2256) Cox proportional hazards regression. We found that cg05575921 and cg04987734 had an independent effect relative to LEA and vice versa, with the model including all the predictors having better performance than models with either LEA or cg05575921 and cg04987734 alone. After correction for multiple comparisons, 195 and 327, respectively, of the 513 markers in the LEA index, as well as the overall index itself, were significantly associated with cg05575921 and cg04987734 methylation status. We conclude that the epigenetic indices of substance use have an independent effect over and above LEA, and are slightly stronger predictors of mortality in head-to-head comparisons. We also conclude that the majority of the strength of association conveyed by the LEA is secondary to smoking and drinking behaviors, and that efforts to promote healthy aging should continue to focus on addressing substance use.
Quantifying Airway Invasion and Pharyngeal Residue in Patients with Dementia
Authors: Namasivayam-MacDonald Ashwini , Riquelme Luis
Published: January 2019

Previous research has begun to elucidate the physiological impairments associated with dysphagia in patients with dementia, but in order to select the most appropriate targets of intervention we need to better understand consequences of dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to quantify penetration, aspiration, and residue in people with dementia, and confirm if residue was associated with airway invasion on subsequent swallows. Videofluoroscopy clips of sips of thin and extremely thick liquid barium from 58 patients with dementia were retrospectively analyzed. Ratings of swallowing safety, using the Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS), and efficiency, using Normalized Residue Ratio Scale in the valleculae (NRRSv) and pyriform sinuses (NRRSp), were made on all swallows. Over 70% of both thin and extremely thick liquid swallows were found to be safe (PAS < 3). Results also revealed that residue was generally more common in the valleculae. However, the proportion of thin liquid swallows with significant NRRSp that were unsafe on the subsequent swallow was significantly greater than the proportion of swallows with significant NRRSp that were safe on the subsequent swallow. As such, there was a 2.83 times greater relative risk of penetration–aspiration in the presence of thin liquid pyriform sinus residue. Future research should determine the impaired physiology causing aspiration and residue in this population.
Water-Related Variables for Predicting Yield of Apple under Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Lo Bianco Riccardo
Published: January 2019

Predicting apple yield in relation to tree water use is important for irrigation planning and evaluation. The aim of the present study was to identify measurable variables related to tree water use that could predict final fruit yield of apple trees under different strategies of deficit irrigation. Adult ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ apple trees were exposed to conventional irrigation (CI), delivering 100% of crop evapotranspiration; partial root zone drying (PRD), delivering 50% of CI water only on one alternated side of the root-zone; and continuous deficit irrigation (CDI), delivering 50% of CI water on both sides of the root-zone. Integrals of soil (SWDint) and leaf (LWSDint) water deficit along with growth and stomatal conductance (Gsint) were calculated across each season and used to estimate total conductance (GStree) and transpiration (Trtree) per tree, transpiration efficiency on a fruit (GRfruit/Tr) or tree (GRtrunk/Tr) growth basis, and transpiration productivity (Yield/Trtree). ‘Fuji’ trees had higher Yield/Trtree, but had lower GRtrunk/Tr and similar GRfruit/Tr compared to ‘Gala’ trees. In ‘Fuji’, CDI reduced yield, trunk growth, leaf hydration, and gas exchange, while in ‘Gala’, it did not reduce yield and gas exchange. In ‘Fuji’, a linear combination of GRtrunk/Tr, GRfruit/Tr, and Gstree contributed to predicting yield, with GRfruit/Tr explaining nearly 78% of the model variability. In ‘Gala’, a linear combination of LWSDint and Gstree contributed to predicting yield, with Gstree explaining over 79% of the model variability. These results indicate that measuring tree water status or water use may help predict final apple yields only in those cultivars like ‘Gala’ that cannot limit dehydration by closing stomates because of carbon starvation. In more vigorous cultivars like ‘Fuji’, transpiration efficiency based on fruit growth can be a powerful predictor of final yields.
On the Relationship between Experimental and Numerical Modelling of Gravel-Bed Channel Aggradation
Authors: Zanchi Barbara , Zucchi Matteo , Radice Alessio
Published: January 2019

This communication explores the use of numerical modelling to simulate the hydro-morphologic response of a laboratory flume subject to sediment overloading. The numerical model calibration was performed by introducing a multiplicative factor in the Meyer–Peter and Müller transport formula, in order to achieve a correspondence with the bed and water profiles recorded during a test carried out under a subcritical flow regime. The model was validated using a second subcritical test, and then run to simulate an experiment during which morphological changes made the water regime switch from subcritical to supercritical. The “relationship” between physical and numerical modelling was explored in terms of how the boundary conditions for the two approaches had to be set. Results showed that, even though the first two experiments were reproduced well, the third one could not be modeled adequately. This was explained considering that, after the switch of the flow regime, some of the boundary conditions posed into the numerical model turned out to be misplaced, while others were lacking. The numerical modelling of hydro-morphologic processes where the flow regime is trans-critical in time requires particular care in the position of the boundary conditions, accounting for the instant at which the water regime changes.
Distributions of Invasive Arthropods across Heterogeneous Urban Landscapes in Southern California: Aridity as a Key Component of Ecological Resistance
Authors: Staubus Weston J. , Bird Savanah , Meadors Savannah , Meyer Wallace M.
Published: January 2019

Urban systems often support large numbers of non-native species, but due to the heterogeneity of urban landscapes, species are not evenly distributed. Understanding the drivers of ecological resistance in urban landscapes may help to identify habitats that are most resistant to invasion, and inform efforts to model and conserve native biodiversity. We used pitfall traps to survey non-native ground-dwelling arthropods in three adjacent, low-elevation habitat types in southern California: California sage scrub, non-native grassland, and suburban development. We found that non-native species were fewer and less widely distributed in the sage scrub and grassland habitats. Due to the proximity of our sites, differences in propagule pressure is an unlikely explanation. Instead, we suggest that the absence of water subsidies in the sage scrub and grassland habitats increases those habitats’ resistance to arthropod invasions. Comparisons to studies conducted at fragments closer to the coast provide further support for the relationship between aridity and invasibility in southern California. Our findings highlight that inland fragments are important for conserving native arthropod diversity, that models of non-native species distributions in arid and semi-arid urban systems should include aridity measures, and that reducing resource subsidies across the region is critical to mitigating spread of non-natives.
HVAC Systems Applied in University Buildings with Control Based on PMV and aPMV Indexes
Authors: Conceição Eusébio Z. E. , Sousa António F. M. , Gomes João M. M. , Ruano António E.
Published: January 2019

In this work, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems applied in university buildings with control based on PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and aPMV (adaptive Predicted Mean Vote) indexes are discussed. The building’s thermal behavior with complex topology, in transient thermal conditions, for summer and winter conditions is simulated by software. The university building is divided into 124 spaces, on two levels with an area of 5931 m2, and is composed of 201 transparent surfaces and 1740 opaque surfaces. There are 86 compartments equipped with HVAC systems. The simulation considers the actual occupation and ventilation cycles, the external environmental variables, the internal HVAC system and the occupants’ and building’s characteristics. In this work, a new HVAC control system, designed to simultaneously obtain better occupants’ thermal comfort levels according to category C of ISO 7730 with less energy consumption, is presented. This new HVAC system with aPMV index control is numerically implemented, and its performance is compared with the performance of the same HVAC system with the usual PMV index control. Both HVAC control systems turn on only when the PMV index or the aPMV index reaches values below −0.7, in winter conditions, and when the PMV index or the aPMV index reaches values above +0.7, in summer conditions. In accordance with the results obtained, the HVAC system guarantees negative PMV and aPMV indexes in winter conditions and positive PMV and aPMV indexes in summer conditions. The energy consumption level is higher in winter conditions than in summer conditions for compartments with shading, and it is lower in winter conditions than in summer conditions for compartments exposed to direct solar radiation. The consumption level is higher using the PMV control than with the aPMV control. Air temperature, in accordance with Portuguese standards, is higher than 20 °C in winter conditions and lower than 27 °C in summer conditions. In Mediterranean climates, the HVAC systems with aPMV control provide better occupants’ thermal comfort levels and less energy consumption than the HVAC system with PMV control.
Anticorrosion Properties of Epoxy Composite Coating Reinforced by Molybdate-Intercalated Functionalized Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Chhetri Suman , Samanta Pranab , Murmu Naresh Chandra , Kuila Tapas
Published: January 2019

Herein, an intercalation modification technique is proposed to improve the anticorrosion performance of polymeric coatings. Molybdate, an inhibitor, was intercalated to bestow inhibitive attributes, while functionalization of the layered double hydroxide (LDH) reservoir was performed to augment the interfacial adhesion of LDH with the polymer matrix and steel surfaces. The intercalation and functionalization of Mg–Al–LDH was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The corrosion inhibition effectiveness of the prepared composite coating was analyzed using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical results revealed that the protective performance of epoxy coating was significantly enhanced by the addition of functionalized double hydroxide. The corrosion protection efficiency of the composite coating was improved by more than 98%, while the corrosion rate was lowered by ~98%, respectively, with the addition of 1 wt.% of functionalized LDH.
Full-Vectorial 3D Microwave Imaging of Sparse Scatterers through a Multi-Task Bayesian Compressive Sensing Approach
Authors: Salucci Marco , Poli Lorenzo , Oliveri Giacomo
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the full-vectorial three-dimensional (3D) microwave imaging (MI) of sparse scatterers is dealt with. Towards this end, the inverse scattering (IS) problem is formulated within the contrast source inversion (CSI) framework and it is aimed at retrieving the sparsest and most probable distribution of the contrast source within the imaged volume. A customized multi-task Bayesian compressive sensing (MT-BCS) method is used to yield regularized solutions of the 3D-IS problem with a remarkable computational efficiency. Selected numerical results on representative benchmarks are presented and discussed to assess the effectiveness and the reliability of the proposed MT-BCS strategy in comparison with other competitive state-of-the-art approaches, as well.
Local Indicators of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA): Application to Blind Noise-Based Perceptual Quality Metric Index for Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Osadebey Michael , Pedersen Marius , Arnold Douglas , Wendel-Mitoraj Katrina
Published: January 2019

Noise-based quality evaluation of MRI images is highly desired in noise-dominant environments. Current noise-based MRI quality evaluation methods have drawbacks which limit their effective performance. Traditional full-reference methods such as SNR and most of the model-based techniques cannot provide perceptual quality metrics required for accurate diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases. Although techniques based on the Moran coefficients are perceptual quality metrics, they are full-reference methods and will be ineffective in applications where the reference image is not available. Furthermore, the predicted quality scores are difficult to interpret because their quality indices are not standardized. In this paper, we propose a new no-reference perceptual quality evaluation method for grayscale images such as MRI images. Our approach is formulated to mimic how humans perceive an image. It transforms noise level into a standardized perceptual quality score. Global Moran statistics is combined with local indicators of spatial autocorrelation in the form of local Moran statistics. Quality score is predicted from perceptually weighted combination of clustered and random pixels. Performance evaluation, comparative performance evaluation and validation by human observers, shows that the proposed method will be a useful tool in the evaluation of retrospectively acquired MRI images and the evaluation of noise reduction algorithms.
3,5-Bis[5-(thiazol-2-yl)thien-2-yl]-4H-1,2,6-thiadiazin-4-one
Authors: Kalogirou Andreas S. , Koutentis Panayiotis A.
Published: January 2019

Stille coupling of 3,5-bis(5-bromothien-2-yl)-4H-1,2,6-thiadiazin-4-one (10) with 2-(tri-n-butylstannyl)thiazole and Pd(Ph3P)2Cl2 in PhMe, at ca. 110 °C, for 2 h, gave 3,5-bis[5-(thiazol-2-yl)thien-2-yl]-4H-1,2,6-thiadiazin-4-one (9) in 81% yield. The latter is evaluated for its electronic properties.
Intentional Carrier Doping to Realize n-Type Conduction in Zintl Phases Eu5−yLayIn2.2Sb6
Authors: Lin Jianwei , Lv Wanyu , Gu Yayun , Guo Kai , Yang Xinxin , Zhao Jingtai
Published: January 2019

Due to the tunable electrical transport properties and lower thermal conductivity, Zintl phase compounds have been considered as a promising candidate for thermoelectric applications. Most Sb-based Zintl compounds exhibit essentially p-type conduction as result of the cation vacancy. Herein, n-type Zintl phases Eu5−yLayIn2.2Sb6 has been successfully synthesized via controlling the vacancy defect combined with intentional electron doping. Excess of In would occupy the vacancy while La doping enables the electron to be the major carrier at the measured temperate range, realizing the n-type conduction for Eu5−yLayIn2.2Sb6 (y ≥ 0.04). Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity of Eu5−yLayIn2.2Sb6 reduces from 0.90 W/mK to 0.72 W/mK at 583 K derived from the La doping-induced disorder. The maximum thermoelectric figure of merit zT = 0.13 was obtained. This work firstly realizes the n-type conduction in Eu5In2Sb6, which sheds light on the strategy to synthesize n-type Zintl thermoelectric materials and promotes the practical applications of Zintl thermoelectric devices.
Microwave Analysis of Scattered and Absorbed Powers of Semiconductor and Metamaterial Cylinder Structures
Authors: Bučinskas Juozas , Pomarnacki Raimondas , Plonis Darius , Paulikas Šarūnas , Tušinskis Giedrius , Nickelson Liudmila
Published: January 2019

Here is presented our numerical investigations based on the rigorous solution of the Maxwell’s equations for analyses of absorbed and scattered powers of a semiconductor-metamaterial array with a window defect. The array structure consists of a finite set of infinite parallel, circular cylinders that can be made of the different lossy and/or lossless isotropic materials. We used our developed computer code, which allowed us to consider an array consisting of an arbitrary number of cylinders. According to our code, cylinders can be located at different distances and have differing diameters. There is a limitation: Cylinders should not cross each other. We numerically examined two cylindrical arrays with electromagnetic (EM) band-gap (EBG) defects. The absorbed and scattered powers were analyzed there for parallel and perpendicular polarizations of the incident microwave. We investigated dependencies on the operating frequency and the radius (R) of an arc of the arranged thirteen n-Si cylinders with the low semiconductor specific resistivity of 0.5, 2, and 10 Ω∙m. We have discovered that the arrays may have features of a waveguide or a microwave reflector.
Asymptotic Solution and Numerical Simulation of Lamb Waves in Functionally Graded Viscoelastic Film
Authors: Cao Xiaoshan , Jiang Haining , Ru Yan , Shi Junping
Published: January 2019

To investigate Lamb waves in thin films made of functionally graded viscoelastic material, we deduce the governing equation with respect to the displacement component and solve these partial differential equations with complex variable coefficients based on a power series method. To solve the transcendental equations in the form of a series with complex coefficients, we propose and optimize the minimum module approximation (MMA) method. The power series solution agrees well with the exact analytical solution when the material varies along its thickness following the same exponential function. When material parameters vary with thickness with the same function, the effect of the gradient properties on the wave velocity is limited and that on the wave structure is obvious. The influence of the gradient parameter on the dispersion property and the damping coefficient are discussed. The results should provide nondestructive evaluation for viscoelastic material and the MMA method is suggested for obtaining numerical results of the asymptotic solution for attenuated waves, including waves in viscoelastic structures, piezoelectric semiconductor structures, and so on.
Comparison of Stress-Impedance Effect in Amorphous Ribbons with Positive and Negative Magnetostriction
Authors: Gazda Piotr , Nowicki Michał , Szewczyk Roman
Published: January 2019

The SI (stress-impedance) effect in amorphous ribbons with varying magnetostriction was investigated. Iron- and cobalt-based ribbons with different magnetostriction coefficients were put under tensile stress in a dead weight tester and the impedance change was investigated in function of applied stresses. Significant differences of characteristics are presented. Stress-impedance analog of Villari reversal point was observed. The reversal point showed driving current frequency dependence, in which this point manifests for different stress values. Based on the obtained SI characteristics and magnetoelastic hysteresis, the most appropriate stress-sensing material was selected for development of precise small forces sensor.
Discovery of Relevant Response in Infected Potato Plants from Time Series of Gene Expression Data
Authors: Gamberger Dragan , Stare Tjaša , Miljkovic Dragana , Gruden Kristina , Lavrač Nada
Published: January 2019

The paper presents a methodology for analyzing time series of gene expression data collected from the leaves of potato virus Y (PVY) infected and non-infected potato plants, with the aim to identify significant differences between the two sets of potato plants’ characteristic for various time points. We aim at identifying differentially-expressed genes whose expression values are statistically significantly different in the set of PVY infected potato plants compared to non-infected plants, and which demonstrate also statistically significant changes of expression values of genes of PVY infected potato plants in time. The novelty of the approach includes stratified data randomization used in estimating the statistical properties of gene expression of the samples in the control set of non-infected potato plants. A novel estimate that computes the relative minimal distance between the samples has been defined that enables reliable identification of the differences between the target and control datasets when these sets are small. The relevance of the outcomes is demonstrated by visualizing the relative minimal distance of gene expression changes in time for three different types of potato leaves for the genes that have been identified as relevant by the proposed methodology.
Block Preconditioning Matrices for the Newton Method to Compute the Dominant λ-Modes Associated with the Neutron Diffusion Equation
Authors: Carreño Amanda , Bergamaschi Luca , Martinez Angeles , Vidal-Ferrándiz Antoni , Ginestar Damian , Verdú Gumersindo
Published: January 2019

In nuclear engineering, the λ -modes associated with the neutron diffusion equation are applied to study the criticality of reactors and to develop modal methods for the transient analysis. The differential eigenvalue problem that needs to be solved is discretized using a finite element method, obtaining a generalized algebraic eigenvalue problem whose associated matrices are large and sparse. Then, efficient methods are needed to solve this problem. In this work, we used a block generalized Newton method implemented with a matrix-free technique that does not store all matrices explicitly. This technique reduces mainly the computational memory and, in some cases, when the assembly of the matrices is an expensive task, the computational time. The main problem is that the block Newton method requires solving linear systems, which need to be preconditioned. The construction of preconditioners such as ILU or ICC based on a fully-assembled matrix is not efficient in terms of the memory with the matrix-free implementation. As an alternative, several block preconditioners are studied that only save a few block matrices in comparison with the full problem. To test the performance of these methodologies, different reactor problems are studied.
Associations between Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Ten-Year Data of a Tertiary Neonatal Unit
Authors: Teišerskas Justinas , Bartašienė Rūta , Tamelienė Rasa
Published: January 2019

Background and Objective: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains an important cause of mortality in preterm neonates. There are many risk factors for NEC; however, probably the most controversial one is red blood cell transfusions (RBCT). The data concerning the link between NEC and RBCT has been conflicting. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the association between NEC and RBCT in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Materials and Methods: We used the Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infants database to match all infants with ≥2a Bell’s stage NEC admitted between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2014 (n = 54) with a control group (n = 54) of similar gestational age and birth weight and without NEC. We analyzed the charts of these infants and performed statistical analysis on 20 clinical variables including RBCT. Results: The main clinical and demographic characteristics did not differ between the two groups. All variables associated with RBCT (receipt of any RBCT, the number of transfusions and the volume transfused in total) were significantly higher in the NEC group both before the onset of NEC and throughout the hospitalization. RBCT increased the odds of NEC even after adjustment for confounding factors. In addition, we found that congenital infection was more abundant in the NEC group and increased the odds of NEC 2.7 times (95% confidence interval CI (1.1, 6.3), p = 0.024). Conclusions: A higher number and the total volume of RBCT are associated with an increased risk of NEC in VLBW infants. The presence of congenital infection might identify the infants at risk.
Past, Present and Future Anti-Obesity Effects of Flavin-Containing and/or Copper-Containing Amine Oxidase Inhibitors
Authors: Carpéné Christian , Boulet Nathalie , Chaplin Alice , Mercader Josep
Published: January 2019

Background: Two classes of amine oxidases are found in mammals: those with a flavin adenine dinucleotide as a cofactor, such as monoamine oxidases (MAO) and lysine-specific demethylases (LSD), and those with copper as a cofactor, including copper-containing amine oxidases (AOC) and lysyl oxidases (LOX). All are expressed in adipose tissue, including a semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase/vascular adhesion protein-1 (SSAO/VAP-1) strongly present on the adipocyte surface. Methods: Previously, irreversible MAO inhibitors have been reported to limit food intake and/or fat extension in rodents; however, their use for the treatment of depressed patients has not revealed a clear anti-obesity action. Semicarbazide and other molecules inhibiting SSAO/VAP-1 also reduce adiposity in obese rodents. Results: Recently, a LOX inhibitor and a subtype-selective MAO inhibitor have been shown to limit fattening in high-fat diet-fed rats. Phenelzine, which inhibits MAO and AOC, limits adipogenesis in cultured preadipocytes and impairs lipogenesis in mature adipocytes. When tested in rats or mice, phenelzine reduces food intake and/or fat accumulation without cardiac adverse effects. Novel amine oxidase inhibitors have been recently characterized in a quest for promising anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer approaches; however, their capacity to mitigate obesity has not been studied so far. Conclusions: The present review of the diverse effects of amine oxidase inhibitors impairing adipocyte differentiation or limiting excessive fat accumulation indicates that further studies are needed to reveal their potential anti-obesity properties.
Determining an Appropriate Time to Start Prophylactic Treatment with Intranasal Corticosteroids in Japanese Cedar Pollinosis
Authors: Haruna Takenori , Kariya Shin , Higaki Takaya , Makihara Sei-ichiro , Kanai Kengo , Komatsubara Yasutoshi , Oka Aiko , Nishizaki Kazunori , Okano Mitsuhiro
Published: January 2019

Prophylactic treatment with intranasal corticosteroids is effective for pollen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, the appropriate time to start this treatment remains unclear. We performed a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Starting on 1 February 2014, patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis received either fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS) for 8 weeks (Group A: n = 24), placebo nasal spray for 2 weeks followed by FFNS for 6 weeks (Group B: n = 23), or placebo for 4 weeks followed by FFNS for 4 weeks (Group C: n = 23). The primary endpoint was comparison of the total naso-ocular symptom score (TSS). Secondary endpoints including the increment cost effective ratio (ICER) were also determined. Continuous pollen dispersion began on the 24th of February. Therefore, Group A and Group B received 3-weeks and 1-week of prophylactic treatment, respectively, whereas Group C received post-onset treatment. During the peak pollen-dispersal period, significant differences in TSS were seen between the groups, particularly between Group A and C. The ICER of Group B vs. Group C was lower than that of Group A vs. Group C. These results suggest that long-term prophylactic treatment with FFNS is clinically the most potent treatment, whereas short-term prophylactic treatment is cost effective for pollen-induced allergic rhinitis.
Influence of Vibration Treatment and Modification of A356 Aluminum Alloy on Its Structure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Promakhov Vladimir V. , Khmeleva Marina G. , Zhukov Ilya A. , Platov Vladimir V. , Khrustalyov Anton P. , Vorozhtsov Alexander B.
Published: January 2019

A series of casting experiments was conducted with A356 aluminum alloys by applying vibration treatment and using Al-TiB2 composite master alloys. The main vibration effects include the promotion of nucleation and a reduction in as-cast grain size. Using composite master alloys with titanium diboride microparticles allows further reduction in the average grain size to 140 µm. The reasons for this behavior are discussed in terms of the complex effect on the melt, considering the destruction of dendrites, and the presence of additional crystallization centers. Tensile tests were performed on the samples obtained during the vibration treatment and with titanium diboride particles. The tensile strength increased from 182 to 227 MPa after the vibration treatment for the alloys containing titanium diboride.
Dislocations Help Initiate the α–γ Phase Transformation in Iron—An Atomistic Study
Authors: Meiser Jerome , Urbassek Herbert M.
Published: January 2019

Using molecular dynamics simulation, we studied the influence of pre-existing dislocations on the austenitic and the martensitic phase transformations in pure iron. The simulations were performed in a thin-film geometry with (100) surfaces. We found that dislocations alleviate the transformation by lowering the austenitic transformation temperature and increasing the martensitic transformation temperature. In all cases, the new phase nucleates at the dislocations. The orientation relationships governing the nucleation process are dominated by the Burgers, Kurdjumov–Sachs, and Nishiyama–Wassermann pathways. However, upon growth and coalescence of the transformed material, the final microstructure consists of only few twinned variants separated by twin boundaries; this simple structure is dictated by the free surfaces which tend to form conserved planes under the transformation. After transformation, the material also contains abundant dislocations.
Mechanical and Microstructural Investigations of the Laser Welding of Different Zinc-Coated Steels
Authors: Zdravecká Eva , Slota Ján
Published: January 2019

Tailor welded blanks (TWB) represent an anisotropic and non-homogenous material. The knowledge of the mechanical properties and microstructure of the fusion zone and heat-affected zone (HAZ) obtained with laser welding is essential to ensure the reliability of the process. In this paper, laser-welded hot-dip Zn-coated low carbon microalloyed steels with different thickness and mechanical properties were used. The mechanical properties of the laser-welded blanks were determined by tensile tests and formability by Erichsen cupping tests. In addition, the pore formation during the laser welding process was analyzed. The microstructural analysis confirmed the formation of the favorable structure of the weld metal and the heat-affected zone without the presence of martensite. The obtained results showed that it is possible to produce TWBs with suitable mechanical properties by laser welding.
Specific Multiphase Assemblages of Carbonatitic and Al-Rich Silicic Diamond-Forming Fluids/Melts: TEM Observation of Microinclusions in Cuboid Diamonds from the Placers of Northeastern Siberian Craton
Authors: Logvinova Alla , Zedgenizov Dmitry , Wirth Richard
Published: January 2019

The microinclusions in cuboid diamonds from Ebelyakh River deposits (northeastern Siberian craton) have been investigated by FIB/TEM techniques. It was found that these microinclusions have multiphase associations, containing silicates, oxides, carbonates, halides, sulfides, graphite, and fluid phases. The bulk chemical composition of the microinclusions indicates two contrasting growth media: Mg-rich carbonatitic and Al-rich silicic. Each media has their own specific set of daughter phases. Carbonatitic microinclusions are characterized by the presence of dolomite, phlogopite, apatite, Mg, Fe-oxide, KCl, rutile, magnetite, Fe-sulfides, and hydrous fluid phases. Silicic microinclusions are composed mainly of free SiO2 phase (quartz), high-Si mica (phengite), Al-silicate (paragonite), F-apatite, Ca-carbonates enriched with Sr and Ba, Fe-sulfides, and hydrous fluid phases. These associations resulted from the cooling of diamond-forming carbonatitic and silicic fluids/melts preserved in microinclusions in cuboid diamonds during their ascent to the surface. The observed compositional variations indicate different origins and evolutions of these fluids/melts.
Involvement of the Hydroperoxy Group in the Irreversible Inhibition of Leukocyte-Type 12-Lipoxygenase by Monoterpene Glycosides Contained in the Qing Shan Lu Shui Tea
Authors: Kawakami Yuki , Otsuki Akemi , Mori Yoshiko , Kanzaki Keita , Suzuki-Yamamoto Toshiko , Fang Ding Zhi , Ito Hideyuki , Takahashi Yoshitaka
Published: January 2019

We have previously found two novel monoterpene glycosides, liguroside A and liguroside B, with an inhibitory effect on the catalytic activity of the enzyme leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase in the Qing Shan Lu Shui tea. Here, two new monoterpene glycosides, liguroside C and liguroside D which inhibit this enzyme, were isolated from the same tea. The spectral and chemical evidence characterized the structures of these compounds as (5E)-7-hydroperoxy-3,7-dimethyl-1,5-octadienyl-3-O-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1′′→3′)-(4′′′-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside and (2E)-6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,7-octadienyl-3-O-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1′′→3′)-(4′′′-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside, respectively. These ligurosides, which irreversibly inhibited leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase, have a hydroperoxy group in the monoterpene moiety. Additionally, monoterpene glycosides had the same backbone structure but did not have a hydroperoxy group, such as kudingoside A and lipedoside B-III, contained in the tea did not inhibit the enzyme. When a hydroperoxy group in liguroside A was reduced by using triphenylphosphine, the resultant compound, kudingoside B, showed a lower inhibitory effect on the enzyme. These results strongly suggest the involvement of the hydroperoxy group in the irreversible inhibition of the catalytic activity of leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase by the monoterpene glycosides contained in the Qing Shan Lu Shui tea.
Mechanochemically Synthesised Coal-Based Magnetic Carbon Composites for Removing As(V) and Cd(II) from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Zubrik Anton , Matik Marek , Lovás Michal , Danková Zuzana , Kaňuchová Mária , Hredzák Slavomír , Briančin Jaroslav , Šepelák Vladimír
Published: January 2019

The continued decrease in water quality requires new advances in the treatment of wastewater, including the preparation of novel, effective, environmentally friendly, and affordable sorbents of toxic pollutants. We introduce a simple non-conventional mechanochemical synthesis of magnetically responsive materials. Magnetic lignite and magnetic char were prepared by high-energy ball co-milling from either raw Slovak lignite or coal-based char together with a ferrofluid. The products were characterised by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), volumetric magnetic susceptibility, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and both magnetic carbons were comparatively tested as potential sorbents of As(V) oxyanions and Cd(II) cations in aqueous solutions. The magnetic char was an excellent sorbent of As(V) oxyanions (Qm = 19.9 mg/g at pH 3.9), whereas the magnetic lignite was less effective. The different sorption properties towards arsenic anions may have been due to different oxidation states of iron on the surfaces of the two magnetic composites (determined by XPS), although the overall state of iron monitored by Mössbauer spectroscopy was similar for both samples. Both magnetic composites were effective sorbents for removing Cd(II) cations (Qm (magnetic lignite) = 70.4 mg/g at pH 6.5; Qm (magnetic char) = 58.8 mg/g at pH 6.8).
Polystyrene as Graphene Film and 3D Graphene Sponge Precursor
Authors: Rendón-Patiño Alejandra , Niu Jinan , Doménech-Carbó Antonio , García Hermenegildo , Primo Ana
Published: January 2019

Polystyrene as a thin film on arbitrary substrates or pellets form defective graphene/graphitic films or powders that can be dispersed in water and organic solvents. The materials were characterized by visible absorption, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron and atomic force microscopy, and electrochemistry. Raman spectra of these materials showed the presence of the expected 2D, G, and D peaks at 2750, 1590, and 1350 cm−1, respectively. The relative intensity of the G versus the D peak was taken as a quantitative indicator of the density of defects in the G layer.
Notable Enhancement of Phase Transition Performance and Luminous Transmittance in VO2 Films via Simple Method of Ar/O Plasma Post-Treatment
Authors: Jin Jingcheng , Zhang Dongping , Qin Xiaonan , Yang Yu , Huang Ying , Guan Huan , He Qicong , Fan Ping , Lv Weizhong
Published: January 2019

Ar/O plasma irradiation is proposed for post-treatment of vanadium dioxide (VO2) films. Oxidation and surface migration were observed in the VO2 films following irradiation. This combined effect leads to an effective stoichiometry refinement and microstructure reconstruction in the interfacial area. A notable improvement in luminous transmittance and an enhancement in phase transition performance of the treated VO2 films were achieved. Compared with that of as-deposited VO2 films, the electrical phase transition amplitude of treated films increased more than two-fold. The relative improvement in luminous transmittance (380–780 nm) is 47.4% (from 25.1% to 37%) and the increase in solar transmittance is 66.9% (from 29.9% to 49.9%), which is comparable to or better than the previous work using anti-reflection (AR) coatings or doping methods. The interfacial boundary state proved to be crucial and Ar/O plasma irradiation offers an effective approach for further refinement of thermochromic VO2 films.
Function and Evolution of Nematode RNAi Pathways
Authors: Almeida Miguel Vasconcelos , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A. , Ketting René F.
Published: January 2019

Selfish genetic elements, like transposable elements or viruses, are a threat to genomic stability. A variety of processes, including small RNA-based RNA interference (RNAi)-like pathways, has evolved to counteract these elements. Amongst these, endogenous small interfering RNA and Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathways were implicated in silencing selfish genetic elements in a variety of organisms. Nematodes have several incredibly specialized, rapidly evolving endogenous RNAi-like pathways serving such purposes. Here, we review recent research regarding the RNAi-like pathways of Caenorhabditis elegans as well as those of other nematodes, to provide an evolutionary perspective. We argue that multiple nematode RNAi-like pathways share piRNA-like properties and together form a broad nematode toolkit that allows for silencing of foreign genetic elements.
Role of Ketogenic Diets in Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease)
Authors: Włodarek Dariusz
Published: January 2019

The goal of this review was to assess the effectiveness of ketogenic diets on the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate and fat-rich diet. Its implementation has a fasting-like effect, which brings the body into a state of ketosis. The ketogenic diet has, for almost 100 years, been used in the therapy of drug-resistant epilepsy, but current studies indicate possible neuroprotective effects. Thus far, only a few studies have evaluated the role of the ketogenic diet in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Single studies with human participants have demonstrated a reduction of disease symptoms after application. The application of the ketogenic diet to elderly people, however, raises certain concerns. Persons with neurodegenerative diseases are at risk of malnutrition, while food intake reduction is associated with disease symptoms. In turn, the ketogenic diet leads to a reduced appetite; it is not attractive from an organoleptic point of view, and may be accompanied by side effects of the gastrointestinal system. All this may lead to further lowering of consumed food portions by elderly persons with neurodegenerative diseases and, in consequence, to further reduction in the supply of nutrients provided by the diet. Neither data on the long-term application of the ketogenic diet in patients with neurodegenerative disease or data on its effects on disease symptoms are available. Further research is needed to evaluate the suitability of the ketogenic diet in the therapy of AD- or PD-affected persons.
Associations Between Dietary Protein Sources, Plasma BCAA and Short-Chain Acylcarnitine Levels in Adults
Authors: Rousseau Michèle , Guénard Frédéric , Garneau Véronique , Allam-Ndoul Bénédicte , Lemieux Simone , Pérusse Louis , Vohl Marie-Claude
Published: January 2019

Elevated plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and C3 and C5 acylcarnitines (AC) levels observed in individuals with insulin resistance (IR) might be influenced by dietary protein intakes. This study explores the associations between dietary protein sources, plasma BCAA levels and C3 and C5 ACs in normal weight (NW) or overweight (OW) individuals with or without metabolic syndrome (MS). Data from 199 men and women aged 18–55 years with complete metabolite profile were analyzed. Associations between metabolic parameters, protein sources, plasma BCAA and AC levels were tested. OW/MS+ consumed significantly more animal protein (p = 0.0388) and had higher plasma BCAA levels (p < 0.0001) than OW/MS− or NW/MS− individuals. Plasma BCAA levels were not associated with BCAA intakes in the whole cohort, while there was a trend for an association between plasma BCAA levels and red meat or with animal protein in OW/MS+. These associations were of weak magnitude. In NW/MS− individuals, the protein sources associated with BCAA levels varied greatly with adjustment for confounders. Plasma C3 and C5 ACs were associated with plasma BCAA levels in the whole cohort (p < 0.0001) and in subgroups based on OW and MS status. These results suggest a modest association of meat or animal protein intakes and an association of C3 and C5 ACs with plasma BCAA levels, obesity and MS.
Breakfast Choice Is Associated with Nutrient, Food Group and Discretionary Intakes in Australian Adults at Both Breakfast and the Rest of the Day
Authors: Fayet-Moore Flavia , McConnell Andrew , Cassettari Tim , Petocz Peter
Published: January 2019

Breakfast choice is correlated with daily nutrient intakes, but this association may not be solely explained by the breakfast meal. We profiled breakfast consumer groups among Australian adults and compared the role that breakfast versus the rest of the day had on daily intakes of the Five Food Groups, discretionary foods, and nutrients. Breakfast groups were breakfast cereal consumers, non-cereal breakfast consumers, and breakfast skippers. One-day dietary recall data from the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were analysed (n = 9341, ≥19 years), as well as socio-demographic and anthropometric measures. Twelve per cent of adults were breakfast skippers, 41% were breakfast cereal consumers, and 47% were non-cereal breakfast consumers. Females were more likely to have a non-cereal breakfast than males, and the non-cereal breakfast was predominantly bread-based. Breakfast skipping decreased with age (p < 0.001), while breakfast cereal consumption increased with age (p < 0.001). Breakfast skippers were more likely to be male, had a lower socio-economic status, and lower physical activity levels (p < 0.001). Breakfast skippers had the highest mean body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (p < 0.001), the lowest intake of wholegrain foods, fruits and vegetables, and the highest intake of discretionary foods (p < 0.001). Breakfast cereal consumers had the lowest mean BMI and waist circumference (p < 0.001) and had healthier diets at both breakfast and throughout the rest of the day. They were the most likely to meet the daily recommended serves for grain foods, fruit, dairy, and vegetables, had the highest wholegrain food intake, and the lowest discretionary intake (p < 0.001). Additionally, breakfast cereal consumers had the most favourable daily nutrient intakes, including the lowest added sugars intakes. Differences in daily diet between breakfast groups were attributed to differences in food choices both at breakfast and throughout the rest of the day.
Validity of an Abbreviated, Clinically Feasible Test for Postprandial Lipemia in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Cross-Over Study
Authors: Sciarrillo Christina M. , Koemel Nicholas A. , Kurti Stephanie P. , Emerson Sam R.
Published: January 2019

Background: A large post-meal triglyceride (TG) response is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but postprandial lipemia assessments are not clinically practical in their current form. Therefore, we assessed the validity of an abbreviated, clinically feasible protocol in measuring postprandial lipemia. Method: Eighteen healthy adults (8 male and 10 female) completed 3 high-fat meal trials in random order: (1) a Standard in Lab (SL) protocol wherein blood draws (to determine TG) were made from a catheter at baseline and hourly for 6 h; (2) an Abbreviated in Lab (AL) protocol in which participants remained in the laboratory but blood draws were only made at baseline and 4 h post-meal; and (3) an Abbreviated with Freedom (AF) protocol in which participants vacated the laboratory between the meal and the 4-h blood draw. Results: TG increase from baseline was very similar (p = 0.93) across the 3 trials (SL: 68.5 ± 62.7 mg/dL; AL: 71.1 ± 58.0 mg/dL; AF: 66.7 ± 46.4 mg/dL), as were 4-h TG levels (SL: 144.6 ± 84.2 mg/dL; AL: 171.4 ± 88.2 mg/dL; AF: 157.7 ± 76.7 mg/dL; p = 0.49). Similarly, total and incremental area under the curve (AUC) were not significantly different across the trials (p = 0.12 and 0.91, respectively). Conclusion: The TG results of the clinically feasible, abbreviated protocol were similar to those of the more exhaustive standard protocol. The AF protocol could be a valid and feasible clinical tool for measurement of postprandial lipemia and assessment of cardiovascular risk, although studies in larger and more diverse cohorts are needed.