bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Vibrations of Innovative One-Way Clutch in Vehicle Alternator
Authors: Xu Xiaotian , Chen Gang , Colley Joshua , Li Pengrui , Qatu Mohamad
Published: July 2018

One-way clutches have been proposed for vehicle alternators. The clutch can play an important role in reducing vibrations of the vehicle engine accessory system, but the severe vibrations of the clutch subsystem limit its stability and durability. This paper investigates the nonlinear vibrations of a one-way clutch between the accessory pulley and the alternator shaft. The one-way clutch is modelled as a discontinuous stiffness system, and the simplified model is analyzed using discontinuous transform to determine the periodic, primary resonance and the sub and super harmonic resonance solutions. The typical system model is numerically solved and the spectrum and phase plots are characterized. The results give a big picture of and insights into the nonlinear vibration features of one-way clutch system. A relevant US patent is pending.
Measuring the Spatial Noise of a Low-Cost Eye Tracker to Enhance Fixation Detection
Authors: Ooms Kristien , Krassanakis Vassilios
Published: July 2018

The present study evaluates the quality of gaze data produced by a low-cost eye tracker (The Eye Tribe©, The Eye Tribe, Copenhagen, Denmark) in order to verify its suitability for the performance of scientific research. An integrated methodological framework, based on artificial eye measurements and human eye tracking data, is proposed towards the implementation of the experimental process. The obtained results are used to remove the modeled noise through manual filtering and when detecting samples (fixations). The outcomes aim to serve as a robust reference for the verification of the validity of low-cost solutions, as well as a guide for the selection of appropriate fixation parameters towards the analysis of experimental data based on the used low-cost device. The results show higher deviation values for the real test persons in comparison to the artificial eyes, but these are still acceptable to be used in a scientific setting.
Has Carbon Disclosure Become More Transparent in the Global Logistics Industry? An Investigation of Corporate Carbon Disclosure Strategies Between 2010 and 2015
Authors: Herold David M.
Published: July 2018

Global logistics companies are increasingly disclosing carbon related information due to institutional and stakeholder pressures. Existing research, however, is limited to categorizing these pressures and their influences on corporate carbon disclosure strategies. In particular, literature to date has not distinguished between different carbon disclosure strategies and how they may have changed over time. In response, this paper: (1) proposes a framework that depicts four different carbon disclosure responses and strategies based on internal and external pressures; and (2) subsequently analyzes and compares corporate carbon disclosure strategies between 2010 and 2015. Using a sample of 39 leading global logistics companies, carbon disclosure strategies are categorized based on the analysis of 25 applied carbon management practices from Bloomberg ESG to see if carbon management practices and the associated strategies have changed. The findings show overall shifts to more transparent corporate carbon disclosure strategies between 2010 and 2015 with an increase of applied carbon management practices in both internal and external actions.
Recent Advances in Transmission Electron Microscopy for Materials Science at the EMAT Lab of the University of Antwerp
Authors: Guzzinati Giulio , Altantzis Thomas , Batuk Maria , De Backer Annick , Lumbeeck Gunnar , Samaee Vahid , Batuk Dmitry , Idrissi Hosni , Hadermann Joke , Van Aert Sandra , Schryvers Dominique , Verbeeck Johan , Bals Sara
Published: July 2018

The rapid progress in materials science that enables the design of materials down to the nanoscale also demands characterization techniques able to analyze the materials down to the same scale, such as transmission electron microscopy. As Belgium’s foremost electron microscopy group, among the largest in the world, EMAT is continuously contributing to the development of TEM techniques, such as high-resolution imaging, diffraction, electron tomography, and spectroscopies, with an emphasis on quantification and reproducibility, as well as employing TEM methodology at the highest level to solve real-world materials science problems. The lab’s recent contributions are presented here together with specific case studies in order to highlight the usefulness of TEM to the advancement of materials science.
In Situ DRIFTS Studies of NH3-SCR Mechanism over V2O5-CeO2/TiO2-ZrO2 Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Yue Xiupeng , Huang Tianjiao , Shen Kai , Lu Bin
Published: July 2018

TiO2-ZrO2 (Ti-Zr) carrier was prepared by a co-precipitation method and 1 wt. % V2O5 and 0.2 CeO2 (the Mole ratio of Ce to Ti-Zr) was impregnated to obtain the V2O5-CeO2/TiO2-ZrO2 catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3. The transient activity tests and the in situ DRIFTS (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy) analyses were employed to explore the NH3-SCR (selective catalytic reduction) mechanism systematically, and by designing various conditions of single or mixing feeding gas and pre-treatment ways, a possible pathway of NOx reduction was proposed. It was found that NH3 exhibited a competitive advantage over NO in its adsorption on the catalyst surface, and could form an active intermediate substance of -NH2. More acid sites and intermediate reaction species (-NH2), at lower temperatures, significantly promoted the SCR activity of the V2O5-0.2CeO2/TiO2-ZrO2 catalyst. The presence of O2 could promote the conversion of NO to NO2, while NO2 was easier to reduce. The co-existence of NH3 and O2 resulted in the NH3 adsorption strength being lower, as compared to tests without O2, since O2 could occupy a part of the active site. Due to CeO2’s excellent oxygen storage-release capacity, NH3 adsorption was weakened, in comparison to the 1 wt. % V2O5-0.2CeO2/TiO2-ZrO2 catalyst. If NOx were to be pre-adsorbed in the catalyst, the formation of nitrate and nitro species would be difficult to desorb, which would greatly hinder the SCR reaction. All the findings concluded that NH3-SCR worked mainly through the Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism.
Preparation of Fibrillated Cellulose Nanofiber from Lyocell Fiber and Its Application in Air Filtration
Authors: Long Jin , Tang Min , Liang Yun , Hu Jian
Published: July 2018

Ambient particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) can substantially degrade the performance of cars by clogging the air intake filters. The application of nanofibers in air filter paper can achieve dramatic improvement of filtration efficiency with low resistance to air flow. Cellulose nanofibers have gained increasing attention because of their biodegradability and renewability. In this work, the cellulose nanofiber was prepared by Lyocell fiber nanofibrillation via a PFI-type refiner, and the influence of applying a cellulose nanofiber on filter paper was investigated. It was found that the cellulose nanofibers obtained under 1.00 N/mm and 40,000 revolutions were mainly macrofibrils of Lyocell fiber with average fiber diameter of 0.8 µm. For the filter papers with a different nanofiber fraction, both the pressure drop and fractional efficiency increased with the higher fraction of nanofibers. The results of the figure of merit demonstrated that for particles larger than 0.05 µm, the figure of merit increased substantially with a 5% nanofiber, but decreased when the nanofiber fraction reached 10% and higher. It was concluded that the optimal fraction of the cellulose nanofiber against PM2.5 was 5%. The results of the figure of merit were related to the inhomogeneous distribution of nanofibers in the fibrous structure. The discrepancy of the theoretical and measured pressure drop showed that a higher nanofiber fraction led to a higher degree of fiber inhomogeneity.
Research Progress in Application of 2D Materials in Liquid-Phase Lubrication System
Authors: Liu Lincong , Zhou Ming , Li Xiao , Jin Long , Su Guoshi , Mo Youtang , Li Liangchuan , Zhu Hongwei , Tian Yu
Published: July 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are ultra-thin crystals with layered structures that have a monolayer and multiple layers of atomic thickness. Due to excellent performance, 2D materials represented by graphene have caused great interest from researchers in various fields, such as nano-electronics, sensors, solar cells, composite materials, and so on. In recent years, when graphite was used for liquid phase lubrication, there have been many disadvantages limiting its lubrication properties, such as stable dispersion, fluidity and so on. Therefore, 2D materials have been used as high-performance liquid-phase lubricant additives, which become a perfect entry point for high-performance nano-lubricants and lubrication applications. This review describes the application of 2D materials as additives in the field of liquid-phase lubrication (such as lubricating oil and water lubrication) in terms of experimental content, lubrication performance, and lubrication mechanism. Finally, the challenges and prospects of 2D materials in the lubrication field were also proposed.
Microstructure Evolution in a 6082 Aluminium Alloy during Thermomechanical Treatment
Authors: Poletti Cecilia , Bureau Romain , Loidolt Peter , Simon Peter , Mitsche Stefan , Spuller Mirjam
Published: July 2018

Thermomechanical treatments of age-hardenable wrought aluminium alloys provoke microstructural changes that involve the movement, arrangement, and annihilation of dislocations, the movement of boundaries, and the formation or dissolution of phases. Cold and hot compression tests are carried out using a Gleeble® 3800 machine to produce flow data as well as deformed samples for metallography. Electron backscattered diffraction and light optical microscopy were used to characterise the microstructure after plastic deformation and heat treatments. Models based on dislocation densities are developed to describe strain hardening, dynamic recovery, and static recrystallisation. The models can describe both the flow and the microstructure evolutions at deformations from room temperatures to 450 °C. The static recrystallisation and static recovery phenomena are modelled as a continuation of the deformation model. The recrystallisation model accounts also for the effect of the intermetallic particles in the movements of boundaries.
A Markovian Mechanism of Proportional Resource Allocation in the Incentive Model as a Dynamic Stochastic Inverse Stackelberg Game
Authors: Belyavsky Grigory , Danilova Natalya , Ougolnitsky Guennady
Published: July 2018

This paper considers resource allocation among producers (agents) in the case where the Principal knows nothing about their cost functions while the agents have Markovian awareness about his/her strategies. We use a dynamic setup of the stochastic inverse Stackelberg game as the model. We suggest an algorithm for solving this game based on Q-learning. The associated Bellman equations contain functions of one variable for the Principal and also for the agents. The new results are illustrated by numerical examples.
Manzamine A Exerts Anticancer Activity against Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Lin Li-Chun , Kuo Tzu-Ting , Chang Hsin-Yi , Liu Wen-Shan , Hsia Shih-Min , Huang Tsui-Chin
Published: July 2018

Marine sponges are known to produce numerous bioactive secondary metabolites as defense strategies to avoid predation. Manzamine A is a sponge-derived β-carboline-fused pentacyclic alkaloid with various bioactivities, including recently reported anticancer activity on pancreatic cancer. However, its cytotoxicity and mode of action against other tumors remain unclear. In this study, we exhibit that manzamine A reduced cell proliferation in several colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. To further investigate the manzamine A triggered molecular regulation, we analyzed the gene expression with microarray and revealed that pathways including cell cycle, DNA repair, mRNA metabolism, and apoptosis were dysregulated. We verified that manzamine A induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase via inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases by p53/p21/p27 and triggered a caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death through mitochondrial membrane potential depletion. Additionally, we performed bioinformatics analysis and demonstrated that manzamine A abolished epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. Several mesenchymal transcriptional factors, such as Snail, Slug, and Twist were suppressed and epithelial marker E-cadherin was induced simultaneously in HCT116 cells by manzamine A, leading to the epithelial-like phenotype and suppression of migration. These findings suggest that manzamine A may serve as a starting point for the development of an anticancer drug for the treatment of metastatic CRC.
Daily Cisplatin and Weekly Docetaxel versus Weekly Cisplatin Intra-Arterial Chemoradiotherapy for Late T2-3 Tongue Cancer: A Pilot and Feasibility Trial
Authors: Hayashi Yuichiro , Minamiyama Shuhei , Ohya Takashi , Iida Masaki , Iwai Toshinori , Koizumi Toshiyuki , Oguri Senri , Hirota Makoto , Kioi Mitomu , Hata Masaharu , Taguri Masataka , Mitsudo Kenji
Published: July 2018

Background and objectives: The aim of present study was to compare the treatment results of daily cisplatin (CDDP), weekly docetaxel (DOC) intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy (DIACRT) regimen and weekly CDDP intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy (WIACRT) for patients with tongue cancer. Materials and Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2016, a total of 11 patients treated with WIACRT and 45 patients treated with DIACRT were enrolled in the present study. In the DIACRT group, 25 patients had late T2, and 20 patients had T3. A total of nine patients had late T2 and two had T3 in WIACRT (p = NS). In DIACRT, the treatment schedule consisted of intra-arterial chemotherapy (DOC, total 60 mg/m2; CDDP, total 150 mg/m2) and daily concurrent radiotherapy (RT) (total, 60 Gy). In WIACRT, the treatment schedule consisted of intra-arterial chemotherapy (CDDP, total 360 mg/m2) and daily concurrent RT (total, 60 Gy). Results: The median follow-up periods for DIACRT and WIACRT were 61 and 66 months, respectively. The five-year local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) rate were 94.5% and 89.6% for the DIACRT group, and 60.6% and 63.6% for the WIACRT group, respectively. The LC rate and OS of the DIACRT group were significantly higher than those of the WIACRT group. As regards toxicities, no treatment-related deaths were observed during the follow-up periods in both groups. Conclusions: DIACRT was found to be feasible and effective for patients with tongue cancer and could become a new treatment modality.
Midbody: From the Regulator of Cytokinesis to Postmitotic Signaling Organelle
Authors: Antanavičiūtė Ieva , Gibieža Paulius , Prekeris Rytis , Skeberdis Vytenis Arvydas
Published: July 2018

Faithful cell division is crucial for successful proliferation, differentiation, and development of cells, tissue homeostasis, and preservation of genomic integrity. Cytokinesis is a terminal stage of cell division, leaving two genetically identical daughter cells connected by an intercellular bridge (ICB) containing the midbody (MB), a large protein-rich organelle, in the middle. Cell division may result in asymmetric or symmetric abscission of the ICB. In the first case, the ICB is severed on the one side of the MB, and the MB is inherited by the opposite daughter cell. In the second case, the MB is cut from both sides, expelled into the extracellular space, and later it can be engulfed by surrounding cells. Cells with lower autophagic activity, such as stem cells and cancer stem cells, are inclined to accumulate MBs. Inherited MBs affect cell polarity, modulate intra- and intercellular communication, enhance pluripotency of stem cells, and increase tumorigenic potential of cancer cells. In this review, we briefly summarize the latest knowledge on MB formation, inheritance, degradation, and function, and in addition, present and discuss our recent findings on the electrical and chemical communication of cells connected through the MB-containing ICB.
Serum and Tissue HIF-2 Alpha Expression in CIN, N-Acetyl Cysteine, and Sildenafil-Treated Rat Models: An Experimental Study
Authors: Altintop Ismail , Tatli Mehmet , Karakukcu Cigdem , Soyer Sarica Zeynep , Hanım Yay Arzu , Balcioglu Esra , Ozturk Ahmet
Published: July 2018

Background and Objectives: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), is acute renal damage due to contrast agents. This study is conducted to evaluate serum and renal heterodimeric nuclear transcription factor (HIF)-2 alpha levels and its tissue expression in contrast-induced nephropathy, and in N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)-and Sildenafil-treated rat models. Materials/Methods: This randomized, controlled, interventional animal study was conducted on Wistar rats. Rats (n = 36) were randomly assigned to four groups: control (n = 9), CIN group (n = 9), CIN + NAC group (n = 9), and sildenafil (n = 9). The rat model was used to form iohexol-originated CIN. During the modeling, prophylactic treatment was performed at the 24th and 48th h. After 48 h of modeling, blood, urine, and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical analyses. HIF-2-α levels were measured in renal tissue, serum, and urine samples. Renal sections were also performed for histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluations of renal injury and HIF-2-α expression. Results: In the CIN model, HIF-2α levels and other biochemical parameters were significantly increased (p < 0.01). Both sildenafil and NAC efficiently decreased renal damage due to contrast agents, as shown in histopathologic examinations (p < 0.05). Similarly, after treatment with sildenafil and NAC, HIF-2α levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The current study shows that serum and tissue HIF-2α levels decrease in CIN. Besides, the levels and tissue expression of HIF-2α decrease with both NAC and sildenafil treatments. With further studies, HIF-2α can be investigated as a biomarker of CIN and can be used in the follow-up of patients with CIN.
Occurrence of Surgical Site Infections at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Abuja, Nigeria: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Olowo-okere Ahmed , Ibrahim Yakubu Kokori Enevene , Sani Ali Samuel , Olayinka Busayo Olalekan
Published: July 2018

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent complications of surgical interventions. Several factors have been identified as major determinants of occurrence of SSIs. The present study determined the occurrence and possible risk factors associated with SSIs at a tertiary healthcare facility in Abuja, Nigeria. All patients scheduled for operation in the hospital during the study period and who consented to participate willingly in the study were observed prospectively for the occurrence of SSI based on criteria stipulated by the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, surgical procedure and co-morbidity were collected into a pre-tested data collection tool and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics software v.24. Predictors of SSIs were identified using multivariate logistic regression model and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 127 surgical patients that met the inclusion criteria comprising 65 (51.2%) females and 62 (48.8%) males between 1 and 83 years with mean age of 25.64 ± 1.66 years, 35 (27.56%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.205–0.360) developed SSIs. Prolonged post-operative hospital stays (p < 0.05), class of wound (p < 0.0001) and some comorbid conditions were found to be significantly associated with higher SSI rate. The SSI rate was highest among patients that had Kirschner-wire insertion (75.0%), followed by an unexpectedly high infection rate among patients that had mastectomy (42.9%), while lower percentages (33.3%) were recorded among patients that had exploratory laparotomy and appendicectomy. The overall magnitude of SSIs in this facility is high (27.6%; 95% CI: 0.205–0.360). Several factors were found to be independent predictors of occurrence of SSI. The findings thus highlight the need for improved surveillance of SSIs and review of infection control policies of the hospital.
Magnetic Residual Stress Monitoring Technique for Ferromagnetic Steels
Authors: Vourna Polyxeni , Ktena Aphrodite , Tsarabaris Panagiotis , Hristoforou Evangelos
Published: July 2018

The determination and control of residual stresses resulting from the intentional or unintentional thermal and mechanical loading of steels during their production or manufacturing process, as well as during their lifetime, is a challenge for both the scientific community and the relevant industries. Our team has developed a method and instruments for residual stress determination in ferromagnetic steels, based on the effect of localized strains on the magnetic differential permeability. The proposed method consists of determining the characteristic magnetic stress calibration curves in the laboratory, for the steel grade under examination, and correlating magnetic permeability with residual stresses either on the surface or in the bulk of the material. Magnetic permeability is determined by our new permeability sensors or by other classic permeability meters. Stress components are determined indirectly by strain monitoring using diffraction techniques, like X-ray or neutron diffraction for surface and bulk strain respectively. This way, the best uncertainty of the stress determination achieved has been in the order of 1%. In this paper, after introducing some of the most important details of our method, we illustrate the improvement of the sensitivity of the stress determination by implementing stress-strain dependence on bulk magnetic permeability, and then correlating these results with the neutron diffraction measurements, resulting in residual stress determination uncertainties better than 0.1%. The validity of these results is evaluated by microstructural Scanning Electron Microscopy studies and the superiority of the new method in terms of efficiency, cost, and applicability in industrial applications are discussed.
Glassy Microspheres for Energy Applications
Authors: Righini Giancarlo C.
Published: July 2018

Microspheres made of glass, polymer, or crystal material have been largely used in many application areas, extending from paints to lubricants, to cosmetics, biomedicine, optics and photonics, just to mention a few. Here the focus is on the applications of glassy microspheres in the field of energy, namely covering issues related to their use in solar cells, in hydrogen storage, in nuclear fusion, but also as high-temperature insulators or proppants for shale oil and gas recovery. An overview is provided of the fabrication techniques of bulk and hollow microspheres, as well as of the excellent results made possible by the peculiar properties of microspheres. Considerations about their commercial relevance are also added.
Amethyst Occurrences in Tertiary Volcanic Rocks of Greece: Mineralogical, Fluid Inclusion and Oxygen Isotope Constraints on Their Genesis
Authors: Voudouris Panagiotis , Melfos Vasilios , Mavrogonatos Constantinos , Tarantola Alexandre , Gӧtze Jens , Alfieris Dimitrios , Maneta Victoria , Psimis Ioannis
Published: July 2018

Epithermally altered volcanic rocks in Greece host amethyst-bearing veins in association with various silicates, carbonates, oxides and sulfides. Host rocks are Oligocene to Pleistocene calc-alkaline to shoshonitic lavas and pyroclastics of intermediate to acidic composition. The veins are integral parts of high to intermediate sulfidation epithermal mineralized centers in northern Greece (e.g., Kassiteres–Sapes, Kirki, Kornofolia/Soufli, Lesvos Island) and on Milos Island. Colloform–crustiform banding with alternations of amethyst, chalcedony and/or carbonates is a common characteristic of the studied amethyst-bearing veins. Hydrothermal alteration around the quartz veins includes sericitic, K-feldspar (adularia), propylitic and zeolitic types. Precipitation of amethyst took place from near-neutral to alkaline fluids, as indicated by the presence of various amounts of gangue adularia, calcite, zeolites, chlorite and smectite. Fluid inclusion data suggest that the studied amethyst was formed by hydrothermal fluids with relatively low temperatures (~200–250 °C) and low to moderate salinity (1–8 wt % NaCl equiv). A fluid cooling gradually from the external to the inner parts of the veins, possibly with subsequent boiling in an open system, is considered for the amethysts of Silver Hill in Sapes and Kassiteres. Amethysts from Kornofolia, Megala Therma, Kalogries and Chondro Vouno were formed by mixing of moderately saline hydrothermal fluids with low-salinity fluids at relatively lower temperatures indicating the presence of dilution processes and probably boiling in an open system. Stable isotope data point to mixing between magmatic and marine (and/or meteoric) waters and are consistent with the oxidizing conditions required for amethyst formation.
Isoxazolidine Conjugates of N3-Substituted 6-Bromoquinazolinones—Synthesis, Anti-Varizella-Zoster Virus, and Anti-Cytomegalovirus Activity
Authors: Grabkowska-Drużyc Magdalena , Andrei Graciela , Schols Dominique , Snoeck Robert , Piotrowska Dorota G.
Published: July 2018

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of N-methyl C-(diethoxyphosphoryl) nitrone to N3-substituted 6-bromo-2-vinyl-3H-quinazolin-4-ones gave (3-diethoxyphosphoryl) isoxazolidines substituted at C5 with quinazolinones modified at N3. All isoxazolidine cycloadducts were screened for antiviral activity against a broad spectrum of DNA and RNA viruses. Several isoxazolidines inhibited the replication of both thymidine kinase wild-type and deficient (TK+ and TK−) varicella-zoster virus strains at EC50 in the 5.4–13.6 μΜ range, as well as human cytomegalovirus (EC50 = 8.9–12.5 μΜ). Isoxazolidines trans-11b, trans-11c, trans-11e, trans-11f/cis-11f, trans-11g, trans-11h, and trans-11i/cis-11i exhibited moderate cytostatic activity towards the human lymphocyte cell line CEM (IC50 = 9.6–17 μM).
Effects of Mogrosides on High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaobing , Song Yunfei , Ding Yipei , Wang Wei , Liao Ling , Zhong Jin , Sun Pengbo , Lei Fan , Zhang Yaou , Xie Weidong
Published: July 2018

Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are highly prevalent and cause numerous metabolic diseases. However, drugs for the prevention and treatment of obesity and NAFLD remain unavailable. In this study, we investigated the effects of mogrosides (luo han guo, LH) in Siraitia grosvenorii saponins on high-fat-diet-induced obesity and NAFLD in mice. We found that compared with the negative control, LH reduced body and liver weight. LH also decreased fat accumulation and increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation (pAMPK) levels in mouse livers. We also found that high-purity mogroside V upregulated pAMPK expression in HepG2 cells. In addition, high-purity mogroside V inhibited reactive oxygen species production and upregulated sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1, p62) expression in THP-1 cells. These results suggest that LH may affect obesity and NAFLD by enhancing fat metabolism and antioxidative defenses. Mogroside V may be a main component of LH. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and active components responsible for the inhibitory effects of LH on obesity and NAFLD require further investigation.
Metabolite Profiles, Bioactivity, and HPLC Fingerprint of Different Varieties of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.: Towards the Utilization of Medicinal and Commercial Chinese Endemic Tree
Authors: Wu Dong , Yu Danmeng , Zhang Yujia , Dong Juane , Li Dengwu , Wang Dongmei
Published: July 2018

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is widely regarded in China as a precious medicinal and commercial endemic tree. Due to cross-breeding or natural variation of E. ulmoides, the metabolite composition may vary significantly, making control of the medical quality difficult. In order to improve the rational development and utilization, the quality of seven varieties of E. ulmoides were evaluated based on metabolite profiles (total phenolic, total flavonoid, gutta-percha, aucubin, geniposidic acid, chlorogenic acid, geniposide, pinoresinol diglucoside, rutin, hyperoside, and astragalin), bioactivities (in vitro, in vivo antioxidant activities, and antibacterial activities) and HPLC fingerprint combined with chemometrics analysis. On this basis, the differences of medicinal parts (leaf and bark) were further carried out. For the traditional use of bark, Purple-leaf E. ulmoides was the most suitable. For the use of leaf, Qinzhong 1 and Purple-leaf E. ulmoides were appropriate. HPLC fingerprint analysis showed that significant differences in metabolite profiles exist among seven varieties of E. ulmoides. Combined with chemometrics analysis, seven varieties of E. ulmoides were divided into three groups from the use of leaf and bark. The analysis not only evaluated quality of seven varieties of E. ulmoides, but also could distinguish different varieties and different regions of origin. The results can provide theoretical basis for E. ulmoides resources utilization and cultivation of fine varieties.
Evolution of Nanoporous Surface Layers on Gas-Atomized Ti60Cu39Au1 Powders during Dealloying
Authors: Dan Zhenhua , Qu Jiahui , Yang Yulin , Qin Fengxiang , Chang Hui
Published: July 2018

Nanoporous golf ball-shaped powders with a surface porous layer consisting of fcc Cu and Cu3Au phases have been fabricated by selectively dissolving gas-atomized Ti60Cu39Au1 powders in 0.13 M HF solution. The distribution profiles of the Ti2Cu and TiCu intermetallic phases and powder size play an important role of the propagation of the selective corrosion frontiers. The final nanoporous structure has a bimodal characteristic with a finer nanoporous structure at the ridges, and rougher structure at the shallow pits. The powders with a size of 18–75 m dealloy faster due to their high crystallinity and larger powder size, and these with a powder size of smaller than 18 m tend to deepen uniformly. The formation of the Cu3Au intermetallic phases and the finer nanoporous structure at the ridges proves that minor Au addition inhibits the fast diffusion of Cu adatoms and decreases surface diffusion by more than two orders. The evolution of the surface nanoporous structure with negative tree-like structures is considered to be controlled by a percolation dissolution mechanism.
Thirteen-Year Trends in Dietary Patterns among Japanese Adults in the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2003–2015: Continuous Westernization of the Japanese Diet
Authors: Murakami Kentaro , Livingstone M. Barbara E. , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: July 2018

We examined 13-year trends in dietary patterns, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan 2003–2015. In repeated, independent cross-sectional studies, dietary intake was assessed with a one-day weighed dietary record in 88,527 Japanese adults aged ≥20 years. Using principal component analysis based on the daily consumption of 31 food groups, we identified three dietary patterns, the “plant food and fish”, “bread and dairy”, and “animal food and oil” patterns. In the whole sample, the “plant food and fish” pattern score decreased while the “bread and dairy” and “animal food and oil” pattern scores increased. The decreasing trends in the “plant food and fish” pattern were observed in all subgroups considered. The increasing trends in the “bread and dairy” pattern were similar across sexes and by current smoking status. However, in terms of age, occupation, and weight status, the increasing trends were only evident in particular subgroups (i.e., age 50–64 and ≥65 years; security/transportation/labor occupation and nonworker; and normal weight and overweight participants). For the “animal food and oil” pattern, the increasing trends were observed in all subgroups, except for the youngest age group (20–34 years old). This study suggests continuous Westernization of the Japanese diet.
Relationships between Maternal Obesity and Maternal and Neonatal Iron Status
Authors: Flynn Angela , Begum Shahina , White Sara , Dalrymple Kathryn , Gill Carolyn , Alwan Nisreen , Kiely Mairead , Latunde-Dada Gladys , Bell Ruth , Briley Annette , Nelson Scott , Oteng-Ntim Eugene , Sandall Jane , Sanders Thomas , Whitworth Melissa , Murray Deirdre , Kenny Louise , Poston Lucilla ,   on behalf of the SCOPE and UPBEAT Consortiums
Published: July 2018

Obesity in pregnancy may negatively influence maternal and infant iron status. The aim of this study was to examine the association of obesity with inflammatory and iron status in both mother and infant in two prospective studies in pregnancy: UPBEAT and SCOPE. Maternal blood samples from obese (n = 245, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and normal weight (n = 245, BMI < 25 kg/m2) age matched pregnant women collected at approximately 15 weeks’ gestation, and umbilical cord blood samples collected at delivery, were analysed for a range of inflammatory and iron status biomarkers. Concentrations of C- reactive protein and Interleukin-6 in obese women compared to normal weight women were indicative of an inflammatory response. Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentration [18.37 nmol/L (SD 5.65) vs. 13.15 nmol/L (SD 2.33)] and the ratio of sTfR and serum ferritin [1.03 (SD 0.56) vs. 0.69 (SD 0.23)] were significantly higher in obese women compared to normal weight women (P < 0.001). Women from ethnic minority groups (n = 64) had higher sTfR concentration compared with white women. There was no difference in maternal hepcidin between obese and normal weight women. Iron status determined by cord ferritin was not statistically different in neonates born to obese women compared with neonates born to normal weight women when adjusted for potential confounding variables. Obesity is negatively associated with markers of maternal iron status, with ethnic minority women having poorer iron statuses than white women.
Thermal Spectrum and Neutrino Cooling Rate of the Vela Pulsar
Authors: Ofengeim Dmitry , Zyuzin Dmitry
Published: July 2018

We reanalyse the X-ray spectrum of the PSR B0833–45 (the Vela pulsar) using the data of the Chandra space observatory. In contrast to previous works, we consider a wide range of possible masses and radii of the pulsar. The derived surface temperature of the star Ts∞=0.66−0.01+0.04MK (1σ level over the entire mass and radius range of our study) is consistent with earlier results. However, the preferable values of Vela’s mass and radius given by the spectral analysis are different from those used previously; they are consistent with modern equation of state models of neutron star matter. In addition, we evaluate the Vela’s surface temperature as a function of assumed values of its mass and radius. This allows us to analyse the neutrino cooling rates consistent with the evaluated surface temperatures and explore the additional restrictions that could be set on the Vela’s mass and radius using different versions of the neutron star cooling theory.
Reversible Actuation Ability upon Light Stimulation of the Smart Systems with Controllably Grafted Graphene Oxide with Poly (Glycidyl Methacrylate) and PDMS Elastomer: Effect of Compatibility and Graphene Oxide Reduction on the Photo-Actuation Performance
Authors: Osicka Josef , Mrlik Miroslav , Ilcikova Marketa , Hanulikova Barbora , Urbanek Pavel , Sedlacik Michal , Mosnacek Jaroslav
Published: July 2018

This study is focused on the controllable reduction of the graphene oxide (GO) during the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization technique of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The successful modification was confirmed using TGA-FTIR analysis and TEM microscopy observation of the polymer shell. The simultaneous reduction of the GO particles was confirmed indirectly via TGA and directly via Raman spectroscopy and electrical conductivity investigations. Enhanced compatibility of the GO-PGMA particles with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric matrix was proven using contact angle measurements. Prepared composites were further investigated through the dielectric spectroscopy to provide information about the polymer chain mobility through the activation energy. Dynamic mechanical properties investigation showed an excellent mechanical response on the dynamic stimulation at a broad temperature range. Thermal conductivity evaluation also confirmed the further photo-actuation capability properties at light stimulation of various intensities and proved that composite material consisting of GO-PGMA particles provide systems with a significantly enhanced capability in comparison with neat GO as well as neat PDMS matrix.
How Green is Your Plasticizer?
Authors: Jamarani Roya , Erythropel Hanno C. , Nicell James A. , Leask Richard L. , Marić Milan
Published: July 2018

Plasticizers are additives that are used to impart flexibility to polymer blends and improve their processability. Plasticizers are typically not covalently bound to the polymers, allowing them to leach out over time, which results in human exposure and environmental contamination. Phthalates, in particular, have been the subject of increasing concern due to their established ubiquity in the environment and their suspected negative health effects, including endocrine disrupting and anti-androgenic effects. As there is mounting pressure to find safe replacement compounds, this review addresses the design and experimental elements that should be considered in order for a new or existing plasticizer to be considered green. Specifically, a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach should be taken which includes toxicity testing (both in vitro and in vivo), biodegradation testing (with attention to metabolites), as well as leaching studies. Special consideration should also be given to the design stages of producing a new molecule and the synthetic and scale-up processes should also be optimized. Only by taking a multi-faceted approach can a plasticizer be considered truly green.
A Comparative Study of Intramolecular Mobility of Single Siloxane and Carbosilane Dendrimers via Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Kurbatov Andrey O. , Balabaev Nikolay K. , Mazo Mikhail A. , Kramarenko Elena Yu.
Published: July 2018

A comparative analysis of intramolecular dynamics of four types of isolated dendrimers from the fourth to the seventh generations belonging to the siloxane and carbosilane families, differing in spacer length, core functionality, and the type of chemical bonds, has been performed via atomic molecular dynamics simulations. The average radial and angular positions of all Si branching atoms of various topological layers within the dendrimer interior, as well as their variations, have been calculated, and the distributions of the relaxation times of their radial and angular motions have been found. It has been shown that the dendrons of all the dendrimers elongate from the center and decrease in a solid angle with an increasing generation number. The characteristic relaxation times of both angular and radial motions of Si atoms are of the order of a few nanoseconds, and they increase with an increasing generation number and decrease with temperature, with the angular relaxation times being larger than the radial ones. The relaxation times in the carbosilanes are larger than those in the siloxanes. The rotational angle dynamics of the carbosilane dendrimers show that the chain bending is mainly realized via trans-gauche transitions in the Si branching bonds.
The Effect of Hexanoyl Glycol Chitosan on the Proliferation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Jeong Young-Hoon , Oh Hye , Lee Man , Kim C-Yoon , Joo Chanyang , Park Soon-Jung , Song Yun-Ho , Kang Changhee , Chung Hyung-Min , Kang Sun-Woong , Huh Kang , Moon Sung-Hwan
Published: July 2018

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) have been studied as desirable cell sources for regenerative medicine and therapeutic application. However, it has still remained a challenge to obtain enough adequate and healthy cells in large quantities. To overcome this limitation, various biomaterials have been used to promote expansion of MSCs in vitro. Recently, hexanoyl glycol chitosan (HGC) was introduced as a new biomaterial for various biomedical applications, in particular 3D cell culture, because of its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and other promising biofunctional properties. In this study, the effect of HGC on the proliferation of AD-MSCs was examined in vitro, and its synergistic effect with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which has been widely used to promote proliferation of cells, was evaluated. We found that the presence of HGC increased the proliferative capacity of AD-MSCs during long-term culture, even at low concentrations of bFGF. Furthermore, it suppressed the expression of senescence-related genes and improved the mitochondrial functionality. Taken all together, these findings suggest that the HGC demonstrate a potential for sustained growth of AD-MSCs in vitro.
Automating Parameter Learning for Classifying Terrestrial LiDAR Point Cloud Using 2D Land Cover Maps
Authors: Feng Chen-Chieh , Guo Zhou
Published: July 2018

The automating classification of point clouds capturing urban scenes is critical for supporting applications that demand three-dimensional (3D) models. Achieving this goal, however, is met with challenges because of the varying densities of the point clouds and the complexity of the 3D data. In order to increase the level of automation in the point cloud classification, this study proposes a segment-based parameter learning method that incorporates a two-dimensional (2D) land cover map, in which a strategy of fusing the 2D land cover map and the 3D points is first adopted to create labelled samples, and a formalized procedure is then implemented to automatically learn the following parameters of point cloud classification: the optimal scale of the neighborhood for segmentation, optimal feature set, and the training classifier. It comprises four main steps, namely: (1) point cloud segmentation; (2) sample selection; (3) optimal feature set selection; and (4) point cloud classification. Three datasets containing the point cloud data were used in this study to validate the efficiency of the proposed method. The first two datasets cover two areas of the National University of Singapore (NUS) campus while the third dataset is a widely used benchmark point cloud dataset of Oakland, Pennsylvania. The classification parameters were learned from the first dataset consisting of a terrestrial laser-scanning data and a 2D land cover map, and were subsequently used to classify both of the NUS datasets. The evaluation of the classification results showed overall accuracies of 94.07% and 91.13%, respectively, indicating that the transition of the knowledge learned from one dataset to another was satisfactory. The classification of the Oakland dataset achieved an overall accuracy of 97.08%, which further verified the transferability of the proposed approach. An experiment of the point-based classification was also conducted on the first dataset and the result was compared to that of the segment-based classification. The evaluation revealed that the overall accuracy of the segment-based classification is indeed higher than that of the point-based classification, demonstrating the advantage of the segment-based approaches.
Quantifying Drought Propagation from Soil Moisture to Vegetation Dynamics Using a Newly Developed Ecohydrological Land Reanalysis
Authors: Sawada Yohei
Published: July 2018

Despite the importance of the interaction between soil moisture and vegetation dynamics to understand the complex nature of drought, few land reanalyses explicitly simulate vegetation growth and senescence. In this study, I provide a new land reanalysis which explicitly simulates the interaction between sub-surface soil moisture and vegetation dynamics by the sequential assimilation of satellite microwave brightness temperature observations into a land surface model (LSM). Assimilating satellite microwave brightness temperature observations improves the skill of a LSM to simultaneously simulate soil moisture and the seasonal cycle of leaf area index (LAI). By analyzing soil moisture and LAI simulated by this new land reanalysis, I identify the drought events which significantly damage LAI on the climatological day-of-year of the LAI’s seasonal peak and quantify drought propagation from soil moisture to LAI in the global snow-free region. On average, soil moisture in the shallow soil layers (0–0.45 m) quickly recovers from the drought condition before the climatological day-of-year of the LAI’s seasonal peak while soil moisture in the deeper soil layer (1.05–2.05 m) and LAI recover from the drought condition approximately 100 days after the climatological day-of-year of the LAI’s seasonal peak.
Studies towards hcTnI Immunodetection Using Electrochemical Approaches Based on Magnetic Microbeads
Authors: Hernández-Albors Alejandro , Colom Gloria , Salvador J.-Pablo , Marco M.-Pilar
Published: July 2018

Different electrochemical strategies based on the use of magnetic beads are described in this work for the detection of human cardiac troponin I (hcTnI). hcTnI is also known as the gold standard for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis according to the different guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Amperometric and voltamperometric sandwich magnetoimmunoassays were developed by biofunctionalization of paramagnetic beads with specific antibodies. These bioconjugates were combined with biotinylated antibodies as detection antibodies, with the aim of testing different electrochemical transduction principles. Streptavidin labeled with horseradish peroxidase was used for the amperometric magnetoimmunoassay, reaching a detectability of 0.005 ± 0.002 µg mL−1 in 30 min. Cadmium quantum dots-streptavidin bioconjugates were used in the case of the voltamperometric immunosensor reaching a detectability of 0.023 ± 0.014 µg mL−1.