bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diastereoselective Synthesis of 7,8-Carvone Epoxides
Authors: Pombal Sofia , E. Tobal Ignacio , M. Roncero Alejandro , M. Rodilla Jesus , M. Garrido Narciso , Sanz Francisca , Esteban Alberto , Tostado Jaime , F. Moro Rosalina , Sexmero Maria Jose , G. Jambrina Pablo , Diez David
Published: June 2018

The synthesis of the two 7,8-epoxides of carvone has been attained using organocatalysis in a two-step synthetic route through a bromoester intermediate. Among the different reaction conditions tested for the bromination reaction, moderate yields and diastereoselection are achieved using proline, quinidine, and diphenylprolinol, yielding the corresponding bromoesters that were transformed separately into their epoxides, obtaining the enantiopure products.
An Efficient Photocatalyst for Fast Reduction of Cr(VI) by Ultra-Trace Silver Enhanced Titania in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Pu Shengyan , Hou Yaqi , Chen Hongyu , Deng Daili , Yang Zeng , Xue Shengyang , Zhu Rongxin , Diao Zenghui , Chu Wei
Published: June 2018

For the purpose of establishing a simple route to prepare a metal-semiconductor hybrid catalyst efficiently and reduce its cost through precise doping noble metals. In this study, ultra-trace silver doped TiO2 photocatalysts were fabricated via a “green” ultrasonic impregnation-assisted photoreduction strategy in an ethanol system, and its photocatalytic performance was systematically investigated by utilizing Cr(VI) as the model contaminant. A schottky energy barrier was constructed in Ag@TiO2, which served as a recombination center and possessed superior photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) reduction. The obtained catalysts exhibited a significant e−/h+ separation efficiency which directly led to an obvious photocatalytic property enhancement. Then, the resultant Ag@TiO2 (0.06 wt %, 30 min irradiation) showed about 2.5 times the activity as that of commercial P25 NPs for Cr(VI) degradation. Moreover, after five cycles, it still maintained considerably high catalytic ability (62%). This work provides a deep insight into preparation techniques of metal-semiconductor photocatalyst and broadens their application prospect.
Family TXT: Feasibility and Acceptability of a mHealth Obesity Prevention Program for Parents of Pre-Adolescent African American Girls
Authors: Callender Chishinga , Thompson Deborah
Published: June 2018

Obesity prevalence is greater in African American girls than their non-Hispanic white peers. Obesity prevention programs are needed to help parents create an obesity-preventive home environment. This paper reports the feasibility and acceptability of a mHealth child obesity prevention program consisting of self-determination theory-grounded text messages promoting a healthy home food and activity environment to parents of 8–10-year-old African American girls. A one-group design with baseline and immediate post-intervention assessments was utilized. Mothers (n = 19) received 36 text messages over 12 weeks. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through staff logs and post-intervention surveys and an interview. Feasibility and acceptability criteria were met. Mothers reported positive reactions to the intervention; they liked the program, used the information, and all but one gave it an A or B grade. The majority made changes and shared the text messages with others. This research provides evidence that a theoretically grounded mHealth child obesity prevention intervention is feasible and acceptable to parents of African American girls.
The Potential of Functionalized Ceramic Particles in Coatings for Improved Scratch Resistance
Authors: Rusu Caterina Lesaint , Brodin Malin , Hausvik Tor Inge , Hindersland Leif Kåre , Chinga-Carrasco Gary , Einarsrud Mari-Ann , Lein Hilde Lea
Published: June 2018

The top layer of a typical high pressure floor laminate (HPL) consists of a melamine formaldehyde (MF) impregnated special wear layer (overlay) with alumina particles. This top layer plays a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties of the laminate. For HPLs, scratch resistance and scratch visibility are particularly important properties. This study aimed to improve the mechanical properties, particularly the scratch resistance, by adjusting the composition of the overlay. Laminates containing alumina particles were prepared and tested. These alumina particles were additionally functionalized with a silane coupling agent to ensure better adhesion between the particles and the resin. The functionalized particles led to enhanced scratch resistance of the laminates as well as improved dispersion of the particles within the resin. Micro scratch testing revealed that by using functionalized particles, the scratch surface damage was reduced and the recovery characteristics of the surface layer were improved. Higher scratch resistance and scratch hardness were thus obtained, along with a reduced scratch visibility.
An Energy Landscape Treatment of Decoy Selection in Template-Free Protein Structure Prediction
Authors: Akhter Nasrin , Qiao Wanli , Shehu Amarda
Published: June 2018

The energy landscape, which organizes microstates by energies, has shed light on many cellular processes governed by dynamic biological macromolecules leveraging their structural dynamics to regulate interactions with molecular partners. In particular, the protein energy landscape has been central to understanding the relationship between protein structure, dynamics, and function. The landscape view, however, remains underutilized in an important problem in protein modeling, decoy selection in template-free protein structure prediction. Given the amino-acid sequence of a protein, template-free methods compute thousands of structures, known as decoys, as part of an optimization process that seeks minima of an energy function. Selecting biologically-active/native structures from the computed decoys remains challenging. Research has shown that energy is an unreliable indicator of nativeness. In this paper, we advocate that, while comparison of energies is not informative for structures that already populate minima of an energy function, the landscape view exposes the overall organization of generated decoys. As we demonstrate, such organization highlights macrostates that contain native decoys. We present two different computational approaches to extracting such organization and demonstrate through the presented findings that a landscape-driven treatment is promising in furthering research on decoy selection.
The Influence of Operating Parameters on Adsorption/Desorption Characteristics and Performance of the Fluidised Desiccant Cooler
Authors: Rogala Zbigniew , Kolasiński Piotr , Błasiak Przemysław
Published: June 2018

This paper concerns the issue of the proper selection of the operating parameters of the fluidised desiccant cooler. Despite the fact that fluidised desiccant cooling technology is being reported in the literature as an efficient way to provide cooling for the purposes of air-conditioning, the improper control of its operation can lead to a significantly worse performance than expected. The objective of the presented theoretical study is to provide guidelines on the proper selection of such operating parameters of a fluidized desiccant cooler, such as superficial air velocity, desiccant particle diameter, bed switching time, and desiccant filling height. The influence of the chosen operating parameters on the performance of fluidised desiccant cooling technology is investigated based on their impact on electric and thermal coefficients of performance (COP) and specific cooling power (SCP). Moreover, the influence of the outlet air temperature, humidity, and desiccant water uptake on the adsorption/desorption characteristics was investigated, contributing to better understanding of sorption processes.
A New Plugging Technology and Its Application for the Extensively Collapsed Ore Pass in the Non-Empty Condition
Authors: Chen He , Yu Shibo , Wang Zhixiu , Yuan Ye
Published: June 2018

Aiming at some long ore passes with severe damages and extensive collapses, we describe an optimal measure to plug a local area of ore pass in order to maintain the capacity of continued use. This paper, taking a new plug for the extensively collapsed long ore pass in the non-empty condition as a breakthrough, builds a structure-plugging system for ore pass based on plug effect, suspension effect, arch effect, and span-reducing effect. Meanwhile, a key plugging technology has been integrated which includes a stability evaluation method of plugging structure, controlled technology of drilling with casing in the composite rock mass, and controllable grouting for inhomogeneous loose rock mass. According to this structure-plugging system and technology, a case has been successful for the main ore pass in the Xingshan Iron Mine in China, which has created a precedent in the world. The practice results show that using this technology to plug the extensively collapsed long ore pass has a series of advantages including of scientific design, strong safety, high efficiency, and low cost.
Strategic Behavior of Retailers for Risk Reduction and Profit Increment via Distributed Generators and Demand Response Programs
Authors: Hosseini Imani Mahmood , Zalzar Shaghayegh , Mosavi Amir , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: June 2018

Following restructuring of power industry, electricity supply to end-use customers has undergone fundamental changes. In the restructured power system, some of the responsibilities of the vertically integrated distribution companies have been assigned to network managers and retailers. Under the new situation, retailers are in charge of providing electrical energy to electricity consumers who have already signed contract with them. Retailers usually provide the required energy at a variable price, from wholesale electricity markets, forward contracts with energy producers, or distributed energy generators, and sell it at a fixed retail price to its clients. Different strategies are implemented by retailers to reduce the potential financial losses and risks associated with the uncertain nature of wholesale spot electricity market prices and electrical load of the consumers. In this paper, the strategic behavior of retailers in implementing forward contracts, distributed energy sources, and demand-response programs with the aim of increasing their profit and reducing their risk, while keeping their retail prices as low as possible, is investigated. For this purpose, risk management problem of the retailer companies collaborating with wholesale electricity markets, is modeled through bi-level programming approach and a comprehensive framework for retail electricity pricing, considering customers’ constraints, is provided in this paper. In the first level of the proposed bi-level optimization problem, the retailer maximizes its expected profit for a given risk level of profit variability, while in the second level, the customers minimize their consumption costs. The proposed programming problem is modeled as Mixed Integer programming (MIP) problem and can be efficiently solved using available commercial solvers. The simulation results on a test case approve the effectiveness of the proposed demand-response program based on dynamic pricing approach on reducing the retailer’s risk and increasing its profit.
Compound-Specific Carbon Isotopes and Concentrations of Carbohydrates and Organic Acids as Indicators of Tree Decline in Mountain Pine
Authors: Churakova (Sidorova) Olga V. , Lehmann Marco M. , Saurer Matthias , Fonti Marina V. , Siegwolf Rolf T. W. , Bigler Christof
Published: June 2018

We investigated seasonal variations in δ13C values and concentrations of carbohydrates and organic acids in needles of declining and healthy mountain pine (Pinus mugo ssp. uncinata (DC.) Domin) trees from the Swiss National Park (SNP), using compound-specific isotopes analysis (CSIA). Our goal was to study the impact of climatic drivers on the individual compounds and understand the reasons of partial tree declines in relation to healthy mountain pine trees under seasonal weather patterns. We found that temperature is the main climatic driver determining the seasonal carbon dynamics at the needle level. Lower seasonal δ13C variability and lower concentration levels of sucrose in needles suggest less photosynthetic activity and sink carbon demand in declining compared to healthy mountain pine trees. Higher concentration levels of hexose (glucose and fructose) can play a reserve function for surviving mechanisms of mountain pine trees. Seasonal patterns of organic acid (malate and citrate) suggest an increasing investment in maintenance and repair mechanisms. The seasonal course of carbohydrates and organic acids can therefore be considered an indicator for a modified carbon metabolism within the leaves and possibly within the other tree tissues, partially explaining the decline of mountain pine trees.
Age-Effect on Intra-Annual δ13C-Variability within Scots Pine Tree-Rings from Central Siberia
Authors: Fonti Marina V. , Vaganov Eugene A. , Wirth Christian , Shashkin Alexander V. , Astrakhantseva Natalya V. , Schulze Еrnst-Detlef
Published: June 2018

Intra-annual tree-ring parameters are increasingly used in dendroecology thanks to their high temporal resolution. To better understand the nature of intra-ring proxy signals, we compared old and young trees according to the different ways in which they respond to climate. The study was carried out in central Siberia (Russia, 60°75′ N, 89°38′ E) in two even-aged Pinus sylvestris L. stands of different ages (20 and 220 years). Ring width, cell size, and intra-annual δ¹³С were measured for 4 to 27 tree rings, depending on age group (young vs. old) and tree-ring parameter. Wood formation was monitored to link tree-ring position to its time of formation. Results indicated more distinct intra-annual δ¹³С patterns at both the beginning and end of the ring of young trees compared to old ones. Older trees showed a stronger significant correlation between δ¹³С across the ring border, indicating a stronger carry-over effect of the previous year’s growing conditions on current year wood production. This suggests that tree age/size influences the magnitude of the transfer of mobile carbon reserves across the years.
Emerging Forest Diseases: A Case Study of Greenheart (Chlorocardium spp., Lauraceae) and the Newly Described Fungus, Xylaria karyophthora
Authors: Husbands Dillon R. , Aime M. Catherine
Published: June 2018

Greenheart (Chlorocardium spp., Lauraceae) is one of Guyana’s most economically important timber species. It is a large evergreen canopy tree with desirable wood characteristics and no previously recorded pathogens. Recently, however, the fungal species Xylaria karyophthora was described from morbid Greenheart seeds found throughout central Guyana. For years, forestry stakeholders have postulated that the future of Greenheart in Guyana is threatened due to overharvesting. However, X. karyophthora may represent a new immediate threat to the Greenheart industry. The exact time of emergence of this fungus is unclear, although our examination of historical records indicates that it was sometime before 2000. In this review, we discuss the history of key silvicultural and mycological research in relation to Greenheart in Guyana and the threats to its production.
A Flexible Height–Diameter Model for Tree Height Imputation on Forest Inventory Sample Plots Using Repeated Measures from the Past
Authors: Gollob Christoph , Ritter Tim , Vospernik Sonja , Wassermann Clemens , Nothdurft Arne
Published: June 2018

In this study, height–diameter relations were modeled using two different mixed model types for imputation of missing heights from longitudinal data. Model Type A had a hierarchical structure of sample plot-specific and measurement occasion-specific random effects. In Model Type B, a possible temporal variance was modeled by a sample plot-specific linear time trend. Furthermore, various calibration strategies of random effects were performed on past and current data, and a combination of both. The performance of the mixed models was compared on independent data using bias and root mean square error (RMSE). The results showed that Model Type A achieved the highest precision (lowest RMSE), if sample plot-specific random effects were predicted from old data and measurement occasion-specific ones were predicted from new data. In comparison, however, Model Type B had a higher RMSE, and lower bias. Model performance was almost unaffected from the usage of past or current data for the prediction of random effects. Results revealed that a certain calibration strategy should be simultaneously applied to all random effects from the same hierarchy level. Otherwise, predictions would become imprecise and a serious bias may result. In comparison with traditional uniform height curves, the novel mixed model approach performed slightly better.
Simulating the Cost of Cooperation: A Recipe for Collaborative Problem-Solving
Authors: Guazzini Andrea , Duradoni Mirko , Lazzeri Alessandro , Gronchi Giorgio
Published: June 2018

Collective problem-solving and decision-making, along with other forms of collaboration online, are central phenomena within ICT. There had been several attempts to create a system able to go beyond the passive accumulation of data. However, those systems often neglect important variables such as group size, the difficulty of the tasks, the tendency to cooperate, and the presence of selfish individuals (free riders). Given the complex relations among those variables, numerical simulations could be the ideal tool to explore such relationships. We take into account the cost of cooperation in collaborative problem solving by employing several simulated scenarios. The role of two parameters was explored: the capacity, the group’s capability to solve increasingly challenging tasks coupled with the collective knowledge of a group, and the payoff, an individual’s own benefit in terms of new knowledge acquired. The final cooperation rate is only affected by the cost of cooperation in the case of simple tasks and small communities. In contrast, the fitness of the community, the difficulty of the task, and the groups sizes interact in a non-trivial way, hence shedding some light on how to improve crowdsourcing when the cost of cooperation is high.
Leaky Flow through Simplified Physical Models of Bristled Wings of Tiny Insects during Clap and Fling
Authors: Kasoju Vishwa T. , Terrill Christopher L. , Ford Mitchell P. , Santhanakrishnan Arvind
Published: June 2018

In contrast to larger flight-capable insects such as hawk moths and fruit flies, miniature flying insects such as thrips show the obligatory use of wing–wing interaction via “clap and fling” during the end of upstroke and start of downstroke. Although fling can augment lift generated during flapping flight at chord-based Reynolds number (Re) of 10 or lower, large drag forces are necessary to clap and fling the wings. In this context, bristles observed in the wings of most tiny insects have been shown to lower drag force generated in clap and fling. However, the fluid dynamic mechanism underlying drag reduction by bristled wings and the impact of bristles on lift generated via clap and fling remain unclear. We used a dynamically scaled robotic model to examine the forces and flow structures generated during clap and fling of: three bristled wing pairs with varying inter-bristle spacing, and a geometrically equivalent solid wing pair. In contrast to the solid wing pair, reverse flow through the gaps between the bristles was observed throughout clap and fling, resulting in: (a) drag reduction; and (b) weaker and diffuse leading edge vortices that lowered lift. Shear layers were formed around the bristles when interacting bristled wing pairs underwent clap and fling motion. These shear layers lowered leakiness of flow through the bristles and minimized loss of lift in bristled wings. Compared to the solid wing, peak drag coefficients were reduced by 50–90% in bristled wings. In contrast, peak lift coefficients of bristled wings were only reduced by 35–60% from those of the solid wing. Our results suggest that the bristled wings can provide unique aerodynamic benefits via increasing lift to drag ratio during clap and fling for Re between 5 and 15.
Sliding along the Eddington Limit—Heavy-Weight Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae
Authors: Löbling Lisa
Published: June 2018

Due to thermal pulses, asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars experience periods of convective mixing that provide ideal conditions for slow neutron-capture nucleosynthesis. These processes are affected by large uncertainties and are still not fully understood. By the lucky coincidence that about a quarter of all post-AGB stars turn hydrogen-deficient in a final flash of the helium-burning shell, they display nuclear processed material at the surface providing an unique insight to nucleosynthesis and mixing. We present results of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium spectral analyses of the extremely hot, hydrogen-deficient, PG 1159-type central stars of the Skull Nebula NGC 246 and the “Galactic Soccerballs” Abell 43 and NGC 7094.
Membrane Proteins in Trypanosomatids Involved in Ca2+ Homeostasis and Signaling
Authors: Ramakrishnan Srinivasan , Docampo Roberto
Published: June 2018

Calcium ion (Ca2+) serves as a second messenger for a variety of cell functions in trypanosomes. Several proteins in the plasma membrane, acidocalcisomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria are involved in its homeostasis and in cell signaling roles. The plasma membrane has a Ca2+ channel for its uptake and a plasma membrane-type Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) for its efflux. A similar PMCA is also located in acidocalcisomes, acidic organelles that are the primary Ca2+ store and that possess an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) for Ca2+ efflux. Their mitochondria possess a mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCUC) for Ca2+ uptake and a Ca2+/H+ exchanger for Ca2+ release. The endoplasmic reticulum has a sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum-type Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) for Ca2+ uptake but no Ca2+ release mechanism has been identified. Additionally, the trypanosomatid genomes contain other membrane proteins that could potentially bind calcium and await further characterization.
Knowledge Discovery from Posts in Online Health Communities Using Unified Medical Language System
Authors: Chen Donghua , Zhang Runtong , Liu Kecheng , Hou Lei
Published: June 2018

Patient-reported posts in Online Health Communities (OHCs) contain various valuable information that can help establish knowledge-based online support for online patients. However, utilizing these reports to improve online patient services in the absence of appropriate medical and healthcare expert knowledge is difficult. Thus, we propose a comprehensive knowledge discovery method that is based on the Unified Medical Language System for the analysis of narrative posts in OHCs. First, we propose a domain-knowledge support framework for OHCs to provide a basis for post analysis. Second, we develop a Knowledge-Involved Topic Modeling (KI-TM) method to extract and expand explicit knowledge within the text. We propose four metrics, namely, explicit knowledge rate, latent knowledge rate, knowledge correlation rate, and perplexity, for the evaluation of the KI-TM method. Our experimental results indicate that our proposed method outperforms existing methods in terms of providing knowledge support. Our method enhances knowledge support for online patients and can help develop intelligent OHCs in the future.
Metaphor Representation and Analysis of Non-Spatial Data in Map-Like Visualizations
Authors: Xin Rui , Ai Tinghua , Ai Bo
Published: June 2018

Metaphors are rhetorical devices in linguistics that facilitate the understanding of an unfamiliar concept based on a familiar concept. Map representations are usually referred to as the second language of geo-science studies, and the metaphor method could be applied to maps to visualize non-spatial data via spatial element symbols. This study performs a cross-domain application of the map representation method through a map-like visualization. The procedure first designs the map layout with the aid of the Gosper curve. Under the guidance of the Gosper curve, the leaf data items without spatial attributes are arranged on the space plane. Through the bottom-up regional integration, one can complete the construction of the map framework. Then, the cartographic method is used to complete map-like renderings that reflect different data features through diverse visualizations. The map representation advantages, such as overview sensing and multi-scale representation, are also reflected in the map-like visualization and used to identify the characteristics of non-spatial data. Additionally, the electronic map provides a series of interactive convenience features for map observation and analysis. Using the help of map-like visualizations, one can perform a series of analyses of non-spatial data in a new form. To verify the proposed method, the authors conducted map-making experiments and data analyses using real data.
Role of Human Macrophage Polarization in Inflammation during Infectious Diseases
Authors: Atri Chiraz , Guerfali Fatma Z. , Laouini Dhafer
Published: June 2018

Experimental models have often been at the origin of immunological paradigms such as the M1/M2 dichotomy following macrophage polarization. However, this clear dichotomy in animal models is not as obvious in humans, and the separating line between M1-like and M2-like macrophages is rather represented by a continuum, where boundaries are still unclear. Indeed, human infectious diseases, are characterized by either a back and forth or often a mixed profile between the pro-inflammatory microenvironment (dominated by interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-23 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α cytokines) and tissue injury driven by classically activated macrophages (M1-like) and wound healing driven by alternatively activated macrophages (M2-like) in an anti-inflammatory environment (dominated by IL-10, Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, chemokine ligand (CCL)1, CCL2, CCL17, CCL18, and CCL22). This review brews the complexity of the situation during infectious diseases by stressing on this continuum between M1-like and M2-like extremes. We first discuss the basic biology of macrophage polarization, function, and role in the inflammatory process and its resolution. Secondly, we discuss the relevance of the macrophage polarization continuum during infectious and neglected diseases, and the possibility to interfere with such activation states as a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of such diseases.
STAT3 in Tumor-Associated Myeloid Cells: Multitasking to Disrupt Immunity
Authors: Su Yu-Lin , Banerjee Shuvomoy , White Seok Voon , Kortylewski Marcin
Published: June 2018

Myeloid immune cells, such as dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, play a central role in the generation of immune responses and thus are often either disabled or even hijacked by tumors. These new tolerogenic activities of tumor-associated myeloid cells are controlled by an oncogenic transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 multitasks to ensure tumors escape immune detection by impairing antigen presentation and reducing production of immunostimulatory molecules while augmenting the release of tolerogenic mediators, thereby reducing innate and adaptive antitumor immunity. Tumor-associated myeloid cells and STAT3 signaling in this compartment are now commonly recognized as an attractive cellular target for improving efficacy of standard therapies and immunotherapies. Hereby, we review the importance and functional complexity of STAT3 signaling in this immune cell compartment as well as potential strategies for cancer therapy.
Role of Membrane Cholesterol Levels in Activation of Lyn upon Cell Detachment
Authors: Morinaga Takao , Yamaguchi Noritaka , Nakayama Yuji , Tagawa Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Naoto
Published: June 2018

Cholesterol, a major component of the plasma membrane, determines the physicalproperties of biological membranes and plays a critical role in the assembly of membranemicrodomains. Enrichment or deprivation of membrane cholesterol affects the activities of manysignaling molecules at the plasma membrane. Cell detachment changes the structure of the plasmamembrane and influences the localizations of lipids, including cholesterol. Recent studies showedthat cell detachment changes the activities of a variety of signaling molecules. We previously reportedthat the localization and the function of the Src-family kinase Lyn are critically regulated by itsmembrane anchorage through lipid modifications. More recently, we found that the localization andthe activity of Lyn were changed upon cell detachment, although the manners of which vary betweencell types. In this review, we highlight the changes in the localization of Lyn and a role of cholesterolin the regulation of Lyn’s activation following cell detachment.
Potential Benefit of Selective CMV Testing after Failed Newborn Hearing Screening
Authors: Kummer Peter , Marcrum Steven C.
Published: June 2018

Evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) were recently released by two independent expert groups. Of particular emphasis was the relationship between cCMV and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), a major component of the virus’ overall disease burden. In this study, a literature review was performed to estimate the proportion of cCMV-related SNHL cases, which might be identified through selective cCMV testing following failed newborn hearing screening. Furthermore, it was of interest to estimate the potential benefit of emerging antiviral therapies. Currently, at most 10% of cCMV-related SNHL is likely to be identified clinically. Through use of a selective cCMV testing protocol, however, a significant improvement in the identification rate can be achieved. Recent expert group statements strongly recommend antiviral therapy in cases of moderate-to-severe disease, especially in the presence of central nervous system involvement. Though differences exist between recommendations in instances of isolated SNHL or SNHL in combination with only mild symptoms, the majority of experts in both groups offered at least a weak recommendation for antiviral treatment. Available results suggest antiviral treatment could therefore benefit a meaningful proportion of newborns referred for cCMV testing following failed newborn hearing screening.
Secretion Systems and Secreted Proteins in Gram-Negative Entomopathogenic Bacteria: Their Roles in Insect Virulence and Beyond
Authors: McQuade Rebecca , Stock S. Patricia
Published: June 2018

Many Gram-negative bacteria have evolved insect pathogenic lifestyles. In all cases, the ability to cause disease in insects involves specific bacterial proteins exported either to the surface, the extracellular environment, or the cytoplasm of the host cell. They also have several distinct mechanisms for secreting such proteins. In this review, we summarize the major protein secretion systems and discuss examples of secreted proteins that contribute to the virulence of a variety of Gram-negative entomopathogenic bacteria, including Photorhabdus, Xenorhabdus, Serratia, Yersinia, and Pseudomonas species. We also briefly summarize two classes of exported protein complexes, the PVC-like elements, and the Tc toxin complexes that were first described in entomopathogenic bacteria.
Prediction of Sporulation and Germination by the Spider Mite Pathogenic Fungus Neozygites floridana (Neozygitomycetes: Neozygitales: Neozygitaceae) Based on Temperature, Humidity and Time
Authors: Castro Thiago , Moral Rafael , Demétrio Clarice , Delalibera Italo , Klingen Ingeborg
Published: June 2018

Neozygites floridana is a pathogenic fungus and natural enemy of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), which is an important polyphagous plant pest. The aim of this study was to reveal and predict what combination of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and time that enables and promotes primary conidia production and capilliconidia formation in N. floridana (Brazilian isolate ESALQ 1420), in both a detached leaf assay mimicking climatic conditions in the leaf boundary layer and in a semi-field experiment. In the detached leaf assay, a significant number of conidia were produced at 90% RH but the highest total number of primary conidia and proportion of capilliconidia was found at 95 and 100% RH at 25 °C. Positive temperature and RH effects were observed and conidia production was highest in the 8 to 12 h interval. The semi-field experiment showed that for a >90% probability of N. floridana sporulation, a minimum of 6 h with RH >90% and 10 h with temperatures >21 °C, or 6 h with temperatures >21 °C and 15 h with RH >90% was needed. Our study identified suitable conditions for primary- and capilliconidia production in this Brazilian N. floridana isolate. This information provides an important base for building models of a Decision Support System (DSS) where this natural enemy may be used as a tool in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and a base for developing in vivo production systems of N. floridana.
Susceptibility of Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to Soil-Borne Entomopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Amatuzzi Rafaela F. , Poitevin Carolina G. , Poltronieri Alex S. , Zawadneak Maria A. C. , Pimentel Ida C.
Published: June 2018

Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an invasive species that has had a large impact on strawberry crops in Brazil. Pesticides have had limited effectiveness and the use of biological control agents to improve its management is the most appropriate approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenicity and virulence of entomopathogenic fungi—isolated from soil—against Duponchelia fovealis larvae under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Pathogenicity screenings were performed for twenty isolates from Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria caledonica, Isaria javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Lecanicillium sp. against third instar larvae of D. fovealis at the concentration of 109 conidia·mL−1. Lethal concentration (LC50) and lethal time (LT50) were determined for the most pathogenic isolates and for one commercial mycoinsecticide. Mortality rates varied from 10 to 89%. The isolates B. bassiana Bea1, Bea110, Bea111 and I. javanica Isa340 were the most pathogenic. The most virulent isolates were B. bassiana Bea111 and I. javanica Isa340 with LC50 values of 2.33 × 106 and 9.69 × 105 conidia·mL−1, respectively. Under greenhouse conditions, the efficacy of LC50 of the isolates I. javanica Isa340 and B. bassiana Bea111 were 45% and 52%, respectively. Our results indicate that these isolates are strong candidates for application in the control of D. fovealis. This study is the first evaluation of soil-borne entomopathogenic fungi against D. fovealis.
Spatial Distribution of Bactrocera dorsalis and Thaumatotibia leucotreta in Smallholder Avocado Orchards along Altitudinal Gradient of Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro
Authors: Odanga James J. , Mohamed Samira , Mwalusepo Sizah , Olubayo Florence , Nyankanga Richard , Khamis Fathiya , Rwomushana Ivan , Johansson Tino , Ekesi Sunday
Published: June 2018

Avocado (Persea americana) fruits are an important source of income and a nutritious food for small-scale growers and other stakeholders involved in farming along the Afrotropical highlands of Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively. Avocado fruits are infested by several insect pests, namely the Asian invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), and the false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). However, there is inadequate information on the distribution patterns of these pests in small-scale avocado cropping systems in the East African highlands. This study was initiated to generate a spatial distribution map of B. dorsalis and T. leucotreta in avocado orchards at Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively. The two pests were monitored by using their respective parapheromone lures for two years between August 2012 and July 2014. Fruit damage was assessed by computing the proportion of infested fruits for B. dorsalis, whereas the damage score was used for T. leucotreta. Our results indicated that the mean number of B. dorsalis per trap per day differed significantly across elevation, being highest in lowland zone for both Taita Hills (15.90) and Mount Kilimanjaro (24.45). Similarly, the percentage infestation of ground collected fruits by B. dorsalis varied with altitude, being lowest at highlands above 1500 m.a.s.l. (0.66% and 0.83% for Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro, respectively). Conversely, the mean number of T. leucotreta did not vary with altitude in either study area. However, the damage score for T. leucotreta infestation was significantly lower in the highlands of both transects (7.0% and11.1% for Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro, respectively). These findings describe spatial trends that are important in formulating strategies aimed at suppressing the populations of B. dorsalis and T. leucotreta in East African avocado cropping systems.
How to Automate a Kinematic Mount Using a 3D Printed Arduino-Based System
Authors: Salazar-Serrano Luis José , Jiménez Gerard , Torres Juan P.
Published: June 2018

We demonstrate a simple, flexible and cost-effective system to automatize most of the kinematic mounts available nowadays on the market. It combines 3D-printed components, an Arduino board, stepper motors and simple electronics. The developed system can control up to ten stepper motors independently and simultaneously using commands sent through the serial port, and it is suitable for applications where optical realignment using flat mirrors is required on a periodic basis.
High-Temperature Tolerance in Multi-Scale Cermet Solar-Selective Absorbing Coatings Prepared by Laser Cladding
Authors: Pang Xuming , Wei Qian , Zhou Jianxin , Ma Huiyang
Published: June 2018

In order to achieve cermet-based solar absorber coatings with long-term thermal stability at high temperatures, a novel single-layer, multi-scale TiC-Ni/Mo cermet coating was first prepared using laser cladding technology in atmosphere. The results show that the optical properties of the cermet coatings using laser cladding were much better than the preplaced coating. In addition, the thermal stability of the optical properties for the laser cladding coating were excellent after annealing at 650 °C for 200 h. The solar absorptance and thermal emittance of multi-scale cermet coating were 85% and 4.7% at 650 °C. The results show that multi-scale cermet materials are more suitable for solar-selective absorbing coating. In addition, laser cladding is a new technology that can be used for the preparation of spectrally-selective coatings.
Magnetic Particle Filled Elastomeric Hybrid Composites and Their Magnetorheological Response
Authors: Kwon Seung Hyuk , Lee Jin Hyun , Choi Hyoung Jin
Published: June 2018

The magnetorheological (MR) elastomer as a hard and soft hybrid functional material, a composite material consisting of magnetic hard particles embedded in elastomeric soft matrix, is a branch of MR materials that are functional smart materials rapidly responding to external magnetic fields. These tunable properties of MR elastomers facilitate a variety of applications. In this brief review paper, in addition to general information on the MR elastomers, recent research not only on a wide variety of MR elastomeric systems focusing on various magnetic particles, elastomeric matrices, additives and particle modification methods, but also on their characteristics including MR properties from dynamic oscillation tests is covered along with their mechanical properties such as the Payne effect, tensile strength and engineering applications.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Thiazolyl Blue as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Copper in Neutral Sodium Chloride Solution
Authors: Feng Li , Zhang Shengtao , Qiang Yujie , Xu Yue , Guo Lei , Madkour Loutfy H. , Chen Shijin
Published: June 2018

The anticorrosion effect of thiazolyl blue (MTT) for copper in 3% NaCl at 298 K was researched by electrochemical methods, scanning electron-microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results reveal that MTT can protect copper efficiently, with a maximum efficiency of 95.7%. The corrosion inhibition mechanism was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectral (FT-IR), and theoretical calculation. The results suggest that the MTT molecules are adsorbed on metal surface forming a hydrophobic protective film to prevent copper corrosion. It also indicates that the MTT and copper form covalent bonds. The molecular dynamic simulation further gives the evidence for adsorption. The adsorption isotherm studies demonstrate that a spontaneous, mixed physical and chemical adsorption occurs, which obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The present research can help us better understand the corrosion inhibition process and improve it.
Validation of the Lithuanian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Authors: Bunevičius Adomas , Kusminskas Laima , Bunevičius Robertas
Published: June 2018

Depression is prevalent postpartum and is a major health problem. Objective. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how precise the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is in screening for depressive disorders postpartum. Materials and methods. A random sample of 94 women was interviewed two weeks postpartum using the Composite International Diagnostics Interview Short-Form (CIDI-SF). In addition, they filled in the EPDS. We evaluated (a) internal consistency of the EPDS by the means of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient; (b) area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity of the EPDS against the CIDI-SF diagnoses of depressive disorders. Results. The internal consistency of the EPDS was 0.83. The optimal cutoff score of the EPDS for screening CIDI-SF diagnoses of depressive disorders was found to be 7 and more with an area under the ROC curve of 0.83, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 73%. Conclusions. The EPDS has a good reliability as a screening instrument, and a cutoff score of 7 and more has to be used in screening for postpartum depressive disorders.
Novel Point Mutations in the NKX2.5 Gene in Pediatric Patients with Non-Familial Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Khatami Mehri , Mazidi Mansoureh , Taher Shabnam , Heidari Mohammad Mehdi , Hadadzadeh Mehdi
Published: June 2018

Background and objective: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth abnormality in the structure or function of the heart that affects approximately 1% of all newborns. Despite its prevalence and clinical importance, the etiology of CHD remains mainly unknown. Somatic and germline mutations in cardiac specific transcription factor genes have been identified as the factors responsible for various forms of CHD, particularly ventricular septal defects (VSDs), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and atrial septal defects (ASDs). p. NKX2.5 is a homeodomain protein that controls many of the physiological processes in cardiac development including specification and proliferation of cardiac precursors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the NKX2.5 gene mutations in sporadic pediatric patients with clinical diagnosis of congenital heart malformations. Materials and methods: In this study, we investigated mutations of the NKX2.5 gene’s coding region in 105 Iranian pediatric patients with non-familial CHD by polymerase chain reaction-single stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and direct sequencing. Results: We observed a total of four mutations, of which, two were novel DNA sequence variants in the coding region of exon 1 (c. 95 A > T and c. 93 A > T) and two others were previously reported as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely rs72554028 (c. 2357 G > A) and rs3729753 (c. 606 G > C) in exon 2. Further, observed mutations are completely absent in normal healthy individuals (n = 92). Conclusion: These results suggest that NKX2.5 mutations are highly rare in CHD patients. However, in silico analysis proves that c.95 A > T missense mutation in NKX2.5 gene is probably pathogenic and may be contributing to the risk of sporadic CHD in the Iranian population.
Modeling Fixed Bed Membrane Reactors for Hydrogen Production through Steam Reforming Reactions: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Murmura Maria Anna , Cerbelli Stefano , Annesini Maria Cristina
Published: June 2018

Membrane reactors for hydrogen production have been extensively studied in the past years due to the interest in developing systems that are adequate for the decentralized production of high-purity hydrogen. Research in this field has been both experimental and theoretical. The aim of this work is two-fold. On the one hand, modeling work on membrane reactors that has been carried out in the past is presented and discussed, along with the constitutive equations used to describe the different phenomena characterizing the behavior of the system. On the other hand, an attempt is made to shed some light on the meaning and usefulness of models developed with different degrees of complexity. The motivation has been that, given the different ways and degrees in which transport models can be simplified, the process is not always straightforward and, in some cases, leads to conceptual inconsistencies that are not easily identifiable or identified.
Relationship between Flow Behavior and Microstructure Evolution during Isothermal Compression of near β Titanium Alloy Ti-55531 with Acicular Starting Microstructure
Authors: Li Shaojun , Lv Yaping , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhou Kechao
Published: June 2018

Near β titanium alloy Ti-55531 with an acicular starting microstructure was isothermally compressed at 750–825 °C and 10−3−1 s−1. The microstructure evolution and its influence on the flow behavior of yielding and softening were investigated. Discontinuous or continuous yielding depends on the hindrance to the dislocation motion coming from the β grain boundary or α phase. At higher temperatures, the hindrance mainly comes from the β grain boundary. Its discontinuous action, including the piling-up and subsequent loosening of dislocations at the β grain boundary, leads to discontinuous yielding. At lower temperatures, the continuous hindrance to the dislocation motion, which is exerted by the β grain boundary and acicular α, causes continuous yielding. Sequentially, the substructures in acicular α are evolved from high-density dislocations or local shear bands, which depend on the orientation relationship between β and α. Then, the β matrix edges into the acicular α along substructure boundaries. The higher strain rate decreases the deformation time to carry out the fragmentation of acicular α, while the higher temperature decreases the dislocation density due to the recovery of β, which does not benefit the substructure formation and subsequent fragmentation of acicular α. Therefore, the retardation of acicular fragmentation and the as-resulted decreased flow softening rate are observed.