bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Laser and Plasma Surfacing by Nickel-Based Superalloy of Heat Resistant Steel
Authors: Czupryński Artur , Wyględacz Bernard
Published: May 2020

In this article, the results of surfacing technology development, and structural, and mechanical properties examinations of 16Mo3 steel pipes with an outside coating of Inconel 625 deposited by automated plasma powder transferred arc (PPTA) and automated high power direct diode laser (HPDDL) surfacing were presented. Based on the results of non-destructive, metallographical macro- and microscopic, chemical composition, and thickness and hardness examinations optimal technology for use in high temperature energy or chemical industry applications was selected. The examinations conducted for each of the aforementioned technologies revealed the proper structure and high quality of coating. Dendritic structure with primary crystals growing in the direction of heat dissipation was revealed. No defects such as cracks, lack of fusion or porosity were found. Iron content in the most outer area of the layer made by PPTA with a heat input of 277–514 J/mm, thickness from 1.2 to 1.7 mm, between 4% and 5.5% was observed. Iron content in the most outer area of the layer made by HPDDL surfacing with output power of 1000–1600 W and scanning speed 3.3–4.7mm/s, from 0.6 to 1.3 mm in thickness, between 5.1% and 7.5% was observed. In coated pipes made by either technology high quality of surfaced layers, conforming to requirements posed on protective layers manufactured for prolonged exploitation in temperatures up to 625 °C, were observed. High temperature resistance examinations are the focus of further, yet unpublished, research. The obtained results point to slight differences in the parameters and properties of nickel-based superalloy layers surfaced on 16Mo3 pipes based on the technologies used. However, the process parameters optimization in the case of PPTA was simpler compared to HPDDL surfacing.
Fatigue Behavior of PBO FRCM Composite Applied to Concrete Substrate
Authors: Calabrese Angelo Savio , D’Antino Tommaso , Colombi Pierluigi , Carloni Christian , Poggi Carlo
Published: May 2020

Several reinforced-concrete (RC) structural elements are subjected to cyclic load, such those employed in highway and railroad bridges and viaducts. The durability of these elements may be reduced as a consequence of fatigue, which mainly affects the steel reinforcement. The use of externally bonded (EB) fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites allows the moment capacity to be shared by the internal reinforcement and the EB composite, thus increasing the fatigue life of the strengthened RC member. The effectiveness of EB FRCM composites is related to the composite bond properties. However, limited research is currently available on the effect of fatigue on the bond behavior of FRCM-substrate joints. This study provides first the state of the art on the fatigue behavior of different FRCM composites bonded to a concrete substrate. Then, the fatigue bond behavior of a polyparaphenylene benzo-bisoxazole (PBO) FRCM is experimentally investigated using a modified beam test set-up. The use of this set-up provided information on the effect of fiber-matrix interface shear and normal stresses on the specimen fatigue bond behavior. The results showed that fatigue loading may induce premature debonding at the matrix-fiber interface and that stresses normal to the interface reduce the specimen fatigue life.
Nanoporous Carbon Materials Derived from Washnut Seed with Enhanced Supercapacitance
Authors: Shrestha Ram Lal , Shrestha Timila , Tamrakar Birendra Man , Shrestha Rekha Goswami , Maji Subrata , Ariga Katsuhiko , Shrestha Lok Kumar
Published: May 2020

Nanoporous activated carbons-derived from agro-waste have been useful as suitable and scalable low-cost electrode materials in supercapacitors applications because of their better surface area and porosity compared to the commercial activated carbons. In this paper, the production of nanoporous carbons by zinc chloride activation of Washnut seed at different temperatures (400–1000 °C) and their electrochemical supercapacitance performances in aqueous electrolyte (1 M H2SO4) are reported. The prepared nanoporous carbon materials exhibit hierarchical micro- and meso-pore architectures. The surface area and porosity increase with the carbonization temperature and achieved the highest values at 800 °C. The surface area was found in the range of 922–1309 m2 g−1. Similarly, pore volume was found in the range of 0.577–0.789 cm3 g−1. The optimal sample obtained at 800 °C showed excellent electrochemical energy storage supercapacitance performance. Specific capacitance of the electrode was calculated 225.1 F g−1 at a low current density of 1 A g−1. An observed 69.6% capacitance retention at 20 A g−1 indicates a high-rate capability of the electrode materials. The cycling stability test up to 10,000 cycles revealed the outstanding stability of 98%. The fascinating surface textural properties with outstanding electrochemical performance reveal that Washnut seed would be a feasible agro-waste precursor to prepare nanoporous carbon materials as a low-cost and scalable supercapacitor electrode.
Simulation of Wrinkling during Bending of Composite Reinforcement Laminates
Authors: Huang Jin , Boisse Philippe , Hamila Nahiène , Zhu Yingdan
Published: May 2020

When a thick laminate is subjected to bending, under certain boundary conditions, wrinkles may appear and develop due to the inextensibility of the fibers. Wrinkling is one of the most critical defects in composite manufacturing. Numerical simulation of the onset and growth of such wrinkles is an important tool for defining optimal process parameters. Herein, several bending experiments of thick laminates are presented. They were found to lead to severe wrinkling and delamination of different kinds. It is shown that the history of loading changed the developed wrinkles. Stress resultant shell finite elements specific to textile reinforcement forming show their relevance to provide, for these wrinkles induced by bending, results in good agreement with the experiments, both with regard to the onset of the wrinkles and to their development. This numerical approach was used to improve the understanding of the phenomena involved in wrinkling and to define the conditions required to avoid it in a given process.
Annealing and N2 Plasma Treatment to Minimize Corrosion of SiC-Coated Glass-Ceramics
Authors: Fares Chaker , Elhassani Randy , Partain Jessica , Hsu Shu-Min , Craciun Valentin , Ren Fan , Esquivel-Upshaw Josephine F.
Published: May 2020

To improve the chemical durability of SiC-based coatings on glass-ceramics, the effects of annealing and N2 plasma treatment were investigated. Fluorapatite glass-ceramic disks were coated with SiC via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), treated with N2 plasma followed by an annealing step, characterized, and then immersed in a pH 10 buffer solution for 30 days to study coating delamination. Post-deposition annealing was found to densify the deposited SiC and lessen SiC delamination during the pH 10 immersion. When the SiC was treated with a N2 plasma for 10 min, the bulk properties of the SiC coating were not affected but surface pores were sealed, slightly improving the SiC’s chemical durability. By combining N2 plasma-treatment with a post-deposition annealing step, film delamination was reduced from 94% to 2.9% after immersion in a pH 10 solution for 30 days. X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) detected a higher concentration of oxygen on the surface of the plasma treated films, indicating a thin SiO2 layer was formed and could have assisted in pore sealing. In conclusion, post-deposition annealing and N2 plasma treatment where shown to significantly improve the chemical durability of PECVD deposited SiC films used as a coating for glass-ceramics.
The Optoelectronic Properties of p-Type Cr-Deficient Cu[Cr0.95−xMg0.05]O2 Films Deposited by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Lin Song-Sheng , Shi Qian , Dai Ming-Jiang , Wang Kun-Lun , Chen Sheng-Chi , Kuo Tsung-Yen , Liu Dian-Guang , Song Shu-Mei , Sun Hui
Published: May 2020

CuCrO2 is one of the most promising p-type transparent conductive oxide (TCO) materials. Its electrical properties can be considerably improved by Mg doping. In this work, Cr-deficient CuCrO2 thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering based on 5 at.% Mg doping. The influence of Cr deficiency on the film’s optoelectronic properties was investigated. As the film’s composition varied, CuO impurity phases appeared in the film. The mixed valency of Cu+/Cu2+ led to an enhancement of the hybridization between the Cu3d and O2p orbitals, which further reduced the localization of the holes by oxygen. As a result, the carrier concentration significantly improved. However, since the impurity phase of CuO introduced more grain boundaries in Cu[Cr0.95−xMg0.05]O2, impeding the transport of the carrier and incident light in the film, the carrier mobility and the film’s transmittance reduced accordingly. In this work, the optimal optoelectronic performance is realized where the film’s composition is Cu[Cr0.78Mg0.05]O2. Its Haacke’s figure of merit is about 1.23 × 10−7 Ω−1.
Determination of Temperature-Dependent Elastic Constants of Steel AISI 4140 by Use of In Situ X-ray Dilatometry Experiments
Authors: Kiefer Dominik , Gibmeier Jens , Stark Andreas
Published: May 2020

In situ dilatometry experiments using high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction in transmission mode were carried out at the high energy material science beamline P07@PETRAIII at DESY (Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron) for the tempering steel AISI 4140 at defined mechanical loading. The focus of this study was on the initial tempering state ( f e r r i t e ) and the hardened state ( m a r t e n s i t e ). Lattice strains were calculated from the 2D diffraction data for different h k l planes and from those temperature-dependent lattice plane specific diffraction elastic constants ( D E C s ) were determined. The resulting coupling terms allow for precise stress analysis for typical hypoeutectoid steels using diffraction data during heat treatment processes, that is, for in situ diffraction studies during thermal exposure. In addition, by averaging h k l specific Y o u n g ′ s m o d u l i and P o i s s o n r a t i o s macroscopic temperature-dependent elastic constants were determined. In conclusion a novel approach for the determination of phase-specific temperature-dependent DECs was suggested using diffraction based dilatometry that provides more reliable data in comparison to conventional experimental procedures. Moreover, the averaging of lattice plane specific results from in situ diffraction analysis supply robust temperature-dependent macroscopic elastic constants for martensite and ferrite as input data for heat treatment process simulations.
Preparation and Characterization of Paramagnetic Bis (8-Hydroxyquinoline) Manganese Crystals
Authors: Jiang Feng , Song Jiawen , Dong Mengqi , Wang Yinong
Published: May 2020

The magnetic properties of π-conjugated bis (8-hydroxyquinoline) manganese (Mnq2) crystals are investigated. Rod-shaped Mnq2 crystals are prepared by using the physical vapor deposition method. Field emission scanning electronic microscopy spectra show that the Mnq2 nanorods have perfect plane quadrangular ends. Energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrates that the powders and nanorods are the same compound with a high purity. X-ray diffraction analysis shows the high crystal quality of the prepared Mnq2 nanorods. The magnetic measurement, using alternating gradient magnetometer and magnetic property measurement system superconducting quantum interference device vibrating sample magnetometer, indicates that the prepared Mnq2 nanorods show a paramagnetic property at room temperature. First-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to study the electronic structure and magnetic properties of the prepared Mnq2 crystals. DFT calculations show that the magnetic moment of the Mnq2 isolated molecule is 5 μB, which mainly comes from the localized Mn 3d orbital. The energy difference between the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states of the Mnq2 monoclinic cell is only 0.1 meV, which may explain the paramagnetic property observed in the prepared Mnq2 nanorods and also indicates the difficulty of preparing intrinsic ferromagnetic Mnq2 crystals.
Influence of Internal Pressure and Axial Compressive Displacement on the Formability of Small-Diameter ZM21 Magnesium Alloy Tubes in Warm Tube Hydroforming
Authors: Yasui Hajime , Miyagawa Taisuke , Yoshihara Shoichiro , Furushima Tsuyoshi , Yamada Ryuichi , Ito Yasumi
Published: May 2020

In this study, the influence of internal pressure and axial compressive displacement on the formability of small-diameter ZM21 magnesium alloy tubes in warm tube hydroforming (THF) was examined experimentally and numerically. The deformation behavior of ZM21 tubes, with a 2.0 mm outer diameter and 0.2 mm wall thickness, was evaluated in taper-cavity and cylinder-cavity dies. The simulation code used was the dynamic explicit finite element (FE) method (FEM) code, LS-DYNA 3D. The experiments were conducted at 250 °C. This paper elucidated the deformation characteristics, forming defects and forming limit of ZM21 tubes. Their deformation behavior in the taper-cavity die was affected by the axial compressive direction. Additionally, the occurrence of tube buckling could be inferred by changes of the axial compression force, which were measured by the load cell during the processing. In addition, grain with twin boundaries and refined grain were observed at the bended areas of tapered tubes. The hydroformed samples could have a high strength. Moreover, wrinkles, which are caused under a lower internal pressure condition, were employed to avoid tube fractures during the axial feeding. The tube with wrinkles was expanded by a straightening process after the axial feed. It was found that the process of warm THF of the tubes in the cylinder-cavity die was successful.
A Novel Microwave and Induction Heating Applicator for Metal Making: Design and Testing
Authors: Colombini Elena , Papalia Katia , Barozzi Stefano , Perugi Francesco , Veronesi Paolo
Published: May 2020

The use of microwave heating in primary metallurgy is gaining an increasing interest due to the possibility to selectively process ores and to volumetrically heat large amounts of low-thermal conductivity minerals. In this paper the study, development and testing of a new applicator combining the use of microwave and induction heating for rapid reduction of metal containing oxides is described. Numerical simulation was used in order to achieve the proper control over heat generation, considering the use of microwave solid state generators. A prototype, with a capacity up to 5 liters of standard input feed but with the predisposition for continuous processing has been designed, built and tested on reference loads like iron oxide powders and pellets. Results on the microwave heating part of the applicator indicate that it allows to efficiently and rapidly process these kinds of loads, which change from dielectric to conductors as reduction proceeds. The use of variable frequency solid state microwave generators allows to maximize energy efficiency and to controllably change the heating pattern inside the load.
Investigation and Optimization of Load Distribution for Tandem Cold Steel Strip Rolling Process
Authors: Jin Xin , Li Changsheng , Wang Yu , Li Xiaogang , Xiang Yongguang , Gu Tian
Published: May 2020

In order to improve the cold rolled steel strip flatness, the load distribution of the tandem cold rolling process is subject to investigation and optimization. The strip deformation resistance model is corrected by an artificial neural network that is trained with the actual measured data of 4500 strip coils. Based on the model, a flatness prediction model of strip steel is established in a five-stand tandem cold rolling mill, and the precision of the flatness prediction model is verified by rolling experiment data. To analyze the effect of load distribution on flatness, the flatness of stand 4 is calculated to be 7.4 IU, 10.6 IU, and 16.8 IU under three typical load distribution modes. A genetic algorithm based on the excellent flatness is proposed to optimize the load distribution further. In the genetic algorithm, the classification of flatness of stand 4 calculated by the developed flatness prediction model is taken as the fitness function, with the optimal reduction of 28.6%, 34.6%, 27.3%, and 18.6% proposed for stands 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The optimal solution is applied to a 1740 mm tandem cold rolling mill, which reduce the flatness classification from 10.8 IU to 3.2 IU for a 1-mm thick steel strip.
An NMR-Based Approach to Identify Urinary Metabolites Associated with Acute Physical Exercise and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Humans—Results of the KarMeN Study
Authors: Kistner Sina , Rist Manuela J. , Döring Maik , Dörr Claudia , Neumann Rainer , Härtel Sascha , Bub Achim
Published: May 2020

Knowledge on metabolites distinguishing the metabolic response to acute physical exercise between fit and less fit individuals could clarify mechanisms and metabolic pathways contributing to the beneficial adaptations to exercise. By analyzing data from the cross-sectional KarMeN (Karlsruhe Metabolomics and Nutrition) study, we characterized the acute effects of a standardized exercise tolerance test on urinary metabolites of 255 healthy women and men. In a second step, we aimed to detect a urinary metabolite pattern associated with the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), which was determined by measuring the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during incremental exercise. Spot urine samples were collected pre- and post-exercise and 47 urinary metabolites were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. While the univariate analysis of pre-to-post-exercise differences revealed significant alterations in 37 urinary metabolites, principal component analysis (PCA) did not show a clear separation of the pre- and post-exercise urine samples. Moreover, both bivariate correlation and multiple linear regression analyses revealed only weak relationships between the VO2peak and single urinary metabolites or urinary metabolic pattern, when adjusting for covariates like age, sex, menopausal status, and lean body mass (LBM). Taken as a whole, our results show that several urinary metabolites (e.g., lactate, pyruvate, alanine, and acetate) reflect acute exercise-induced alterations in the human metabolism. However, as neither pre- and post-exercise levels nor the fold changes of urinary metabolites substantially accounted for the variation of the covariate-adjusted VO2peak, our results furthermore indicate that the urinary metabolites identified in this study do not allow to draw conclusions on the individual’s physical fitness status. Studies investigating the relationship between the human metabolome and functional variables like the CRF should adjust for confounders like age, sex, menopausal status, and LBM.
Mechanically Enabled Two-Axis Ultrasonic-Assisted System for Ultra-Precision Machining
Authors: Yu Nan , Liu Jinghang , Mainaud Durand Hélène , Fang Fengzhou
Published: May 2020

With the use of ultrasonic-assisted diamond cutting, an optical surface finish can be achieved on hardened steel or even brittle materials such as glass and infrared materials. The proposed ultrasonic vibration cutting system includes an ultrasonic generator, horn, transducer, cutting tool and the fixture. This study is focused on the design of the ultrasonic vibration cutting system with a high vibration frequency and an optimized amplitude for hard and brittle materials, particularly for moulded steel. A two-dimensional vibration design is developed by means of the finite element analysis (FEA) model. A prototype of the system is manufactured for the test bench. An elliptical trajectory is created from this vibration system with amplitudes of micrometers in two directions. The optimization strategy is presented for the application development.
PIN-PMN-PT Single Crystal 1-3 Composite-based 20 MHz Ultrasound Phased Array
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhang Tao , Ou-Yang Jun , Yang Xiaofei , Wu Dawei , Zhu Benpeng
Published: May 2020

Based on a modified dice-and-fill technique, a PIN-PMN-PT single crystal 1-3 composite with the kerf of 12 μm and pitch of 50 μm was prepared. The as-made piezoelectric composite material behaved with high piezoelectric constant (d33 = 1500 pC/N), high electromechanical coefficient (kt = 0.81), and low acoustic impedance (16.2 Mrayls). Using lithography and flexible circuit method, a 48-element phased array was successfully fabricated from such a piezoelectric composite. The array element was measured to have a central frequency of 20 MHz and a fractional bandwidth of approximately 77% at −6 dB. Of particular significance was that this PIN-PMN-PT single crystal 1-3 composite-based phased array exhibits a superior insertion loss compared with PMN-PT single crystal and PZT-5H-based 20 MHz phased arrays. The focusing and steering capabilities of the obtained phased array were demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. These promising results indicate that the PIN-PMN-PT single crystal 1-3 composite-based high frequency phased array is a good candidate for ultrasound imaging applications.
Investigation on Threshold Voltage Adjustment of Threshold Switching Devices with HfO2/Al2O3 Superlattice on Transparent ITO/Glass Substrate
Authors: Choi Yejoo , Shin Jaemin , Moon Seungjun , Shin Changhwan
Published: May 2020

Threshold voltage adjustment in threshold switching (TS) devices with HfO2/Al2O3 superlattice (by means of changing the cycle ratio of HfO2 to Al2O3 in atomic layer deposition) is investigated to implement a transparent cross-point array. TS devices with different cycle ratios (i.e., 3:1, 3:2, and 3:3) were fabricated and studied. The threshold voltage of the devices was increased from 0.9 V to 3.2 V, as the relative contents of Al2O3 layer in the superlattice were increased. At the same time, it is demonstrated that the off-resistance values of the devices were enhanced from 2.6 × 109 to 6 × 1010 Ω as the atomic layer deposition (ALD) cycle ratio of HfO2 to Al2O3 layer was adjusted from 3:1 to 3:3. However, the hold voltage and the on-current values were almost identical for the three devices. These results can be understood using the larger barrier height of Al2O3 layer than that of HfO2 layer.
Development of a Portable SPR Sensor for Nucleic Acid Detection
Authors: Huang Yafeng , Zhang Lulu , Zhang Hao , Li Yichen , Liu Luyao , Chen Yuanyuan , Qiu Xianbo , Yu Duli
Published: May 2020

Nucleic acid detection is of great significance in clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring and food safety. Compared with the traditional nucleic acid amplification detection method, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing technology has the advantages of being label-free, having simple operation, and providing real-time detection. However, the angle scanning system in many SPR angle modulation detection applications usually requires a high-resolution stepper motor and complex mechanical structure to adjust the angle. In this paper, a portable multi-angle scanning SPR sensor was designed. The sensor only uses one stepping motor to rotate a belt, and the belt pulls the mechanical linkages of incident light and reflected light to move in opposite directions for achieving the SPR angle scanning mode that keeps the incident angle and reflected angle equal. The sensor has an angle scanning accuracy of 0.002°, response sensitivity of 3.72 × 10−6 RIU (refractive index unit), and an angle scanning range of 30°–74°. The overall size of the system is only 480 mm × 150 mm × 180 mm. The portable SPR sensor was used to detect nucleic acid hybridization on a gold film chip modified with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The result revealed that the sensor had high sensitivity and fast response, and could successfully accomplish the hybridization detection of target DNA solution of 0.01 μmol/mL.
Insight into the Lifestyle of Amoeba Willaertia magna during Bioreactor Growth Using Transcriptomics and Proteomics
Authors: Hasni Issam , Decloquement Philippe , Demanèche Sandrine , Mameri Rayane Mouh , Abbe Olivier , Colson Philippe , La Scola Bernard
Published: May 2020

Willaertia magna C2c maky is a thermophilic free-living amoeba strain that showed ability to eliminate Legionella pneumophila, a pathogenic bacterium living in the aquatic environment. The amoeba industry has proposed the use of Willaertia magna as a natural biocide to control L. pneumophila proliferation in cooling towers. Here, transcriptomic and proteomic studies were carried out in order to expand knowledge on W. magna produced in a bioreactor. Illumina RNA-seq generated 217 million raw reads. A total of 8790 transcripts were identified, of which 6179 and 5341 were assigned a function through comparisons with National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reference sequence and the Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COG) databases, respectively. To corroborate these transcriptomic data, we analyzed the W. magna proteome using LC–MS/MS. A total of 3561 proteins were identified. The results of transcriptome and proteome analyses were highly congruent. Metabolism study showed that W. magna preferentially consumed carbohydrates and fatty acids to grow. Finally, an in-depth analysis has shown that W. magna produces several enzymes that are probably involved in the metabolism of secondary metabolites. Overall, our multi-omic study of W. magna opens the way to a better understanding of the genetics and biology of this amoeba.
Manipulation of Alcohol and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in the Metabolome of Commensal and Virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae by Linolenic Acid
Authors: Huang Ryan Yuki , Raymond Herr Deron , Moochhala Shabbir
Published: May 2020

Endogenous alcohol produced by the gut microbiome is transported via the bloodstream to the liver for detoxification. Gut dysbiosis can result in chronic excess alcohol production that contributes to the development of hepatic steatosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether linolenic acid can manipulate the production of harmful alcohol and beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the metabolome of commensal Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and the virulent K. pneumoniae K1 serotype. Glucose fermentation by the K. pneumoniae K1 serotype yielded increased production of alcohol and decreased SCFAs (especially acetate and propionate) compared to those of commensal K. pneumoniae. However, the use of linolenic acid instead of glucose significantly reduced alcohol and increased SCFAs in the fermentation media of the K. pneumoniae K1 serotype. The work highlights the value of shaping the microbial metabolome using linolenic acid, which can potentially regulate the gut–liver axis for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-induced liver diseases.
Electrospun Nanofibers for Chemical Separation
Authors: Najafi Mesbah , Frey Margaret W.
Published: May 2020

The separation and purification of specific chemicals from a mixture have become necessities for many environments, including agriculture, food science, and pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Electrospun nanofiber membranes are promising materials for the separation of various species such as particles, biomolecules, dyes, and metals from liquids because of the combined properties of a large specific surface, light weight, high porosity, good connectivity, and tunable wettability. This paper reviews the recent progress in the design and fabrication of electrospun nanofibers for chemical separation. Different capture mechanisms including electrostatic, affinity, covalent bonding, chelation, and magnetic adsorption are explained and their distinct characteristics are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future aspects of nanofibers for membrane applications are discussed.
CeO2-Supported Pt Catalysts Derived from MOFs by Two Pyrolysis Strategies to Improve the Oxygen Activation Ability
Authors: Zhu Xueqing , He Hui , Li Yanxia , Wu Haoyuan , Fu Mingli , Ye Daiqi , Wu Junliang , Huang Haomin , Hu Yun , Niu Xiaojun
Published: May 2020

Functional metal organic framework (MOF) derivatives have attracted tremendous attention as promising catalysts for various reactions. The thermal decomposition strategies have a vital effect on the structures and physicochemical properties of functional MOF derivatives. Nevertheless, what effect does the pyrolysis strategy have on MOF derivatives need further study. In this work, one-step (under dry air) and two-step (first under N2 and then dry air) pyrolysis are chosen to prepare the functional ceria-based MOF derivatives with novel hierarchical pore structure. In comparison with the derivatives prepared by one-step pyrolysis, the two-step pyrolysis composites exhibit better catalytic activity for toluene oxidation due to the higher contents of surface absorbed oxygen species and surface oxygen vacancies. The reusability and durability test demonstrates perfect stability of such functional MOF derivatives. The in-situ UV Raman reveals that two-step strategy is favorable for enhancing the gaseous oxygen activation ability of the functional MOF derivatives. Those findings may instruct the synthesis of functional MOF derivatives via different pyrolysis strategies as well as afford a further understanding of the crucial role of oxygen vacancies.
Detection of Human p53 In-Vitro Expressed in a Transcription-Translation Cell-Free System by a Novel Conjugate Based on Cadmium Sulphide Nanoparticles
Authors: Barba-Vicente Víctor , Parra María Jesús Almendral , Boyero-Benito Juan Francisco , Auría-Soro Carlota , Juanes-Velasco Pablo , Landeira-Viñuela Alicia , Furones-Cuadrado Álvaro , Hernández Ángela-Patricia , Manzano-Román Raúl , Fuentes Manuel
Published: May 2020

Here, cadmium sulphide quantum dots (CdS QDs) have been synthetized and functionalized with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) in a colloidal aqueous solution with a stability of over 3 months. Specific synthesis conditions, in homogeneous phase and at low temperature, have allowed limitation of S2− concentration, hence, as a consequence, there is restricted growth of the nanoparticles (NPs). This fact allows binding with BSA in the most favorable manner for the biomolecule. The presence of Cd2+ ions on the surface of the CdS nanoparticle is counteracted by the negatively charged domains of the BSA, resulting in the formation of small NPs, with little tendency for aggregation. Temperature and pH have great influence on the fluorescence characteristics of the synthetized nanoparticles. Working at low temperatures (4 °C) and pH 10–11 have proven the best result as shown by hydrolysis kinetic control of the thioacetamide precursor of S2− ion. Biological activity of the coupled BSA is maintained allowing subsequent bioconjugation with other biomolecules such as antibodies. The chemical conjugation with anti-Glutathione S-transferase (α-GST) antibody, a common tag employed in human recombinant fusion proteins, produces a strong quenching of fluorescence that proves the possibilities of its use in biological labelling. Finally, p53, onco-human recombinant protein (GST tagged in COOH terminus), has been in situ IVTT (in vitro transcription-translation) expressed and efficiently captured by the α-GST-CdS QD conjugate as a proof of the biocompatibility on IVTT systems and the functionality of conjugated antibody.
Effects of a 3-Week In-Hospital Body Weight Reduction Program on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Muscle Performance, and Fatigue: A Retrospective Study in a Population of Obese Adults with or without Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rigamonti Antonello E. , Cicolini Sabrina , Caroli Diana , De Col Alessandra , Scacchi Massimo , Cella Silvano G. , Sartorio Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Background. In clinical practice, there is the diffuse conviction that obese subjects with metabolic syndrome may be more difficult to treat. Objectives and Methods. The aim of the present study was that to investigate the effectiveness of a 3-week in-hospital body weight reduction program (BWRP) in a large population of obese subjects with and without metabolic syndrome (n = 1922; 222 men and 1700 women, age range 18–83 yr). Outcomes such as body mass index (BMI), total (TOT) and HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), coronary heart disease (CHD) score, fatigue severity score (FSS), and stair climbing test (SCT) time were evaluated before and after the intervention (Δ). A sex-, BMI-, and age-related stratification of the obese population with or without metabolic syndrome was applied. Results. When compared to obese subjects without metabolic syndrome, at the basal conditions, obese subjects had a poorer cardiometabolic profile, as demonstrated by higher triglycerides, TOT-cholesterol, DBP, SBP, and CHD score, and a more compromised muscle performance (evaluated by SCT), associated with more perception of fatigue (measured by FSS). Nevertheless, obese subjects with metabolic syndrome obtained more benefits from BWRP than those without metabolic syndrome for some outcomes (i.e., ΔTOT-cholesterol, ΔSBP, and ΔCHD score). Despite these differences, the BWRP-induced weight loss was similar between the two groups (i.e., ΔBMI) as well as the gain of muscle performance (i.e., ΔSCT) and the reduction of fatigue (i.e., ΔFSS). Interestingly, the potentially deleterious fall in HDL-cholesterol levels after BWRP was less evident in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome than those without metabolic syndrome. When pooling all data, the ΔCHD score was associated with age, sex, and metabolic syndrome. The remaining outcomes, such as ΔBMI, ΔFSS, and ΔSCT time, were associated with sex and age but not with metabolic syndrome. Finally, ΔBMI was positively correlated with ΔCHD score, ΔFSS, and ΔSCT time in both obese subjects without metabolic syndrome and obese subjects with metabolic syndrome. Conclusions. When comparing obese subjects undergoing a BWRP, metabolic syndrome is not a negative predictive factor affecting the effectiveness of this intervention in terms of weight loss, muscle performance, and psychological well-being.
Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and the Traditional Brazilian Diet on Sarcopenia in Severe Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Aparecida Silveira Erika , Danésio de Souza Jacqueline , dos Santos Rodrigues Ana Paula , Lima Ricardo M. , de Souza Cardoso Camila Kellen , de Oliveira Cesar
Published: May 2020

Background: Nutritional interventions may have positive effects on sarcopenia and body composition. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption and a healthy traditional Brazilian diet (DieTBra) on improving sarcopenia indicators and reducing total body fat in severe obesity. Methods: A randomized controlled trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02463435) conducted with 111 severely obese participants randomized into three treatment groups—(1) EVOO (52 mL/day), (2) DieTBra, (3) DieTBra + EVOO (52 mL/day)—for 12 weeks. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and sarcopenia by walking speed and handgrip strength. Results: Significant reductions in total body fat (p = 0.041) and body weight (p = 0.003) were observed in the DieTBra group. In the DietBra + olive oil group there was also a significant reduction in body weight (0.001) compared to the olive oil-only group. ANCOVA analyses showed reductions in total body fat in the DieTBra (p = 0.016) and DieTBra + olive oil (p = 0.004) groups. Individuals in the DieTBra group had significant improvements in their walking speed (p = 0.042) and handgrip strength (p = 0.044). Conclusions: DieTBra contributes to improvements in handgrip strength, walking speed, and total body fat in severely obese adults. The major study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02463435).
Genetic and Physiological Factors Affecting Human Milk Production and Composition
Authors: Golan Yarden , Assaraf Yehuda G.
Published: May 2020

Human milk is considered the optimal nutrition for infants as it provides additional attributes other than nutritional support for the infant and contributes to the mother’s health as well. Although breastfeeding is the most natural modality to feed infants, nowadays, many mothers complain about breastfeeding difficulties. In addition to environmental factors that may influence lactation outcomes including maternal nutrition status, partner’s support, stress, and latching ability of the infant, intrinsic factors such as maternal genetics may also affect the quantitative production and qualitative content of human milk. These genetic factors, which may largely affect the infant’s growth and development, as well as the mother’s breastfeeding experience, are the subject of the present review. We specifically describe genetic variations that were shown to affect quantitative human milk supply and/or its qualitative content. We further discuss possible implications and methods for diagnosis as well as treatment modalities. Although cases of nutrient-deficient human milk are considered rare, in some ethnic groups, genetic variations that affect human milk content are more abundant, and they should receive greater attention for diagnosis and treatment when necessary. From a future perspective, early genetic diagnosis should be directed to target and treat breastfeeding difficulties in real time.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction between Metformin and Verapamil in Rats: Inhibition of the OCT2-Mediated Renal Excretion of Metformin by Verapamil
Authors: Han Seung Yon , Choi Young Hee
Published: May 2020

The incidence of hypertension in diabetic patients has been increasing and contributing to the high mortality of diabetic patients. Recently, verapamil use was found to lower fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, which led to a new indication of verapamil as combination treatment with anti-diabetic agents such as metformin. As pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction can affect drug efficacy and safety in drug combination, their PK-based interaction is recommended to be evaluated in preclinical levels as well as clinical levels. In case of metformin and verapamil, organic cation transporter (OCT) 1 and 2 primarily mediate metformin distribution to the liver and its elimination into urine, whereas cytochrome P450 is responsible for the hepatic metabolism of verapamil. Verapamil is also known as a potential OCT2 inhibitor. Thus, PK interaction between metformin (30 mg/kg) and verapamil (20 mg/kg) were investigated after their simultaneous administration to rats. In our results, verapamil inhibited the OCT2-mediated renal excretion of metformin, subsequently leading to increase of the systemic exposure of metformin. In contrast, metformin did not influence the pharmacokinetic pattern of verapamil. Although the further clinical investigation is required, our finding suggests a possibility of OCT2-mediated interaction of metformin and verapamil.
Electrospun Orodispersible Films of Isoniazid for Pediatric Tuberculosis Treatment
Authors: Chachlioutaki Konstantina , Tzimtzimis Emmanouil K. , Tzetzis Dimitrios , Chang Ming-Wei , Ahmad Zeeshan , Karavasili Christina , Fatouros Dimitrios G.
Published: May 2020

Child-appropriate dosage forms are critical in promoting adherence and effective pharmacotherapy in pediatric patients, especially those undergoing long-term treatment in low-resource settings. The present study aimed to develop orodispersible films (ODFs) for isoniazid administration to children exposed to tuberculosis. The ODFs were produced from the aqueous solutions of natural and semi-synthetic polymer blends using electrospinning. The spinning solutions and the resulting fibers were physicochemically characterized, and the disintegration time and isoniazid release from the ODFs were assessed in simulated salivary fluid. The ODFs comprised of nanofibers with adequate thermal stability and possible drug amorphization. Film disintegration occurred instantly upon contact with simulated salivary fluid within less than 15 s, and isoniazid release from the ODFs in the same medium followed after the disintegration profiles, achieving rapid and total drug release within less than 60 s. The ease of administration and favorable drug loading and release properties of the ODFs may provide a dosage form able to facilitate proper adherence to treatment within the pediatric patient population.
In Situ Gel Formation in Microporated Skin for Enhanced Topical Delivery of Niacinamide
Authors: Bhattaccharjee Sonalika , Beck-Broichsitter Moritz , Banga Ajay K.
Published: May 2020

Although used widely in cosmetic formulations, topical delivery of niacinamide (LogP = −0.35) is unfavorable by conventional means. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) formulations, can undergo a sol-gel transition triggered by solvent exchange, entrapping molecules and sustaining their release. The current study aims to exploit the ability of PLGA to gel in situ and enhance the topical delivery of niacinamide in microporated skin. In vitro drug permeation studies were performed using vertical Franz diffusion cells. Microporation was performed using Dr. PenTM Ultima A6, where pre-treatment with a 1 mm needle-length for 10 s and a 0.5 mm needle-length for 5 s, both at 13,000 insertions/min were compared. The effect of different grades of PLGA, EXPANSORB® DLG 50-2A (“low” molecular weight), and EXPANSORB® DLG 50-8A (“high” molecular weight) on topical delivery was also determined. Formulations containing PLGA resulted in successful gelation in situ on application over microporated skin. A significantly higher amount of drug was found in the skin with the 0.5 mm treatment for 5 s (892 ± 36 µg/cm2) than with 1 mm for 10 s (167 ± 16 µg/cm2). Hence, the different grades of PLGA were evaluated with 0.5 mm, 5 s treatment, and a significantly larger amount was seen in skin with the higher rather than the lower molecular weight polymer (172 ± 53 µg/cm2).
The Unificationist Funerary Tradition
Authors: Pokorny Lukas
Published: May 2020

This paper explores the distinctive funerary tradition of the Unification Movement, a globally active South Korean new religious movement founded in 1954. Its funerary tradition centres on the so-called Seonghwa (formerly Seunghwa) Ceremony, which was introduced in January 1984. The paper traces the doctrinal context and the origin narrative before delineating the ceremony itself in its Korean expression, including its preparatory and follow-up stages, as well as its short-lived adaptation for non-members. Notably, with more and more first-generation adherents passing away—most visibly in respect to the leadership culminating in the Seonghwa Ceremony of the founder himself in 2012—the funerary tradition has become an increasingly conspicuous property of the Unificationist lifeworld. This paper adds to a largely uncharted area in the study of East Asian new religious movements, namely the examination of their distinctive deathscapes, as spelled out in theory and practice.
Chastity as a Virtue
Authors: Wang Hwa Yeong
Published: May 2020

This paper analyzes two philosophers’ views on chastity as a virtue, comparing Song Siyeol, a Korean neo-Confucian philosopher of the east, and David Hume, a Scottish philosopher. Despite the importance in and impact on women’s lives, chastity has been understated in religio-philosophical fields. The two philosophers’ understandings and arguments differ in significant ways and yet share important common aspects. Analyzing the views of Song and Hume helps us better understand and approach the issue of women’s chastity, not only as a historical phenomenon but also in the contemporary world, more fully and deeply. The analysis will provide an alternative way to re-appropriate the concept of chastity as a virtue.
International Religious Freedom Promotion and US Foreign Policy
Authors: Marsden Lee
Published: May 2020

The freedom to practice one’s religious belief is a fundamental human right and yet, for millions of people around the world, this right is denied. Yearly reports produced by the US State Department, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Open Doors International, Aid to the Church in Need and Release International reveal a disturbing picture of increased religious persecution across much of the world conducted at individual, community and state level conducted by secular, religious, terrorist and state actors. While religious actors both contribute to persecution of those of other faiths and beliefs and are involved in peace and reconciliation initiatives, the acceptance of the freedom to practice one’s faith, to disseminate that faith and to change one’s faith and belief is fundamental to considerations of the intersection of peace, politics and religion. In this article, I examine the political background of the United States’ promotion of international religious freedom, and current progress on advancing this under the Trump administration. International Religious Freedom (IRF) is contentious, and seen by many as the advancement of US national interests by other means. This article argues that through an examination of the accomplishments and various critiques of the IRF programme it is possible, and desirable, to discover what works, and where further progress needs to be made, in order to enable people around the world to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Married Monastics and Military Life: Contradictions and Conflicted Identities within South Korea’s Buddhist Chaplaincy System
Authors: Kim Kyungrae , Park Cheonghwan
Published: May 2020

Since its modern origins in the Buddhist Purification Movement of the 1950s, South Korea’s Jogye Order has established monastic celibacy as central to its identity and claim to legitimacy as a Buddhist sect. However, in the order’s urgency to introduce Buddhist chaplains to the South Korean military in the 1960s, after almost two decades of Protestant monopoly over the chaplaincy program, the Jogye Order permitted its chaplains to marry; a practice which soon became the norm. This contradiction grew increasingly problematic for the order over subsequent decades and, in 2009, it attempted to resolve the issue by reversing the marriage exception for chaplains, reinforcing their identity as monastics within the order. While controversial, the resolution has proved effective in practice. However, this reversal has also provoked unprecedented lawsuits against South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense in 2017 and a ruling by Korea’s Human Rights Commission in 2018, challenging the Jogye Order’s exclusive control of the military’s Buddhist chaplaincies. Given the challenges these issues currently present to the Jogye Order’s chaplaincy program, this article interrogates the origins, history, significance, and impact of the issues surrounding the order’s marriage exemption for its military chaplains.
Machine Learning for Multiple Yield Curve Markets: Fast Calibration in the Gaussian Affine Framework
Authors: Gümbel Sandrine , Schmidt Thorsten
Published: May 2020

Calibration is a highly challenging task, in particular in multiple yield curve markets. This paper is a first attempt to study the chances and challenges of the application of machine learning techniques for this. We employ Gaussian process regression, a machine learning methodology having many similarities with extended Kálmán filtering, which has been applied many times to interest rate markets and term structure models. We find very good results for the single-curve markets and many challenges for the multi-curve markets in a Vasiček framework. The Gaussian process regression is implemented with the Adam optimizer and the non-linear conjugate gradient method, where the latter performs best. We also point towards future research.