bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Deficits Following a Post-Myocardial Infarct in the Rat Are Blocked by the Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor Desvenlafaxine
Authors: Malick Mandy , Gilbert Kim , Brouillette Jonathan , Godbout Roger , Rousseau Guy
Published: November 2018

Myocardial infarction (MI) in animal models induces cognitive deficits as well as the activation of caspase in the limbic system; both can be blocked by 2 weeks of treatment following MI using tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin uptake blockers. Here we used three different treatment schedules to test the short- and long-term effects of the combined serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desvenlafaxine on post-MI-associated cognitive deficits and caspase activation. MI was induced in 39 young adult rats, and 39 rats served as sham-operated controls. Desvenlafaxine (3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or saline was administered according to one of three schedules: (1) for 2 weeks, starting right after surgery; (2) for 16 weeks, starting 2 weeks after surgery; (3) for 16 weeks, starting right after surgery. Behavior was tested 2 weeks (social interaction, passive avoidance) and 16 weeks (forced swimming, Morris water maze) after surgery. Caspase-3 and caspase-6 activities were measured 16 weeks after surgery. At 2 and 16 weeks post-surgery, saline-treated MI rats displayed performance deficits compared to desvenlafaxine-treated rats, regardless of the treatment schedule. Caspase-3 activity was higher in the amygdala (medial and lateral) and hippocampal CA3 region in untreated MI rats, whereas caspase-6 activity was higher in the CA1 region. Caspase-6 activity correlated positively with deficits in the Morris water maze. These results indicate that, independently of treatment schedules, various treatment schedules with desvenlafaxine can prevent MI-associated cognitive deficits and decrease caspase activities in the limbic system.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, from Basic Research to Clinical Applications
Authors: Ballmer-Hofer Kurt
Published: November 2018

Judah Folkman’s landmark discovery in the 1970s showing that tumors, growing beyond a few millimeters in diameter, depend on de novo vascularization triggered by specific growth factors released by tumor cells encountering hypoxia [...]
An Efficient Robust Multiple Watermarking Algorithm for Vector Geographic Data
Authors: Wang Yingying , Yang Chengsong , Zhu Changqing , Ding Kaimeng
Published: November 2018

Vector geographic data play an important role in location information services. Digital watermarking has been widely used in protecting vector geographic data from being easily duplicated by digital forensics. Because the production and application of vector geographic data refer to many units and departments, the demand for multiple watermarking technology is increasing. However, multiple watermarking algorithm for vector geographic data draw less attention, and there are many urgent problems to be solved. Therefore, an efficient robust multiple watermark algorithm for vector geographic data is proposed in this paper. The coordinates in vector geographic data are first randomly divided into non-repetitive sets. The multiple watermarks are then embedded into the different sets. In watermark detection correlation, the Lindeberg theory is used to build a detection model and to confirm the detection threshold. Finally, experiments are made in order to demonstrate the detection algorithm, and to test its robustness against common attacks, especially against cropping attacks. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is robust against the deletion of vertices, addition of vertices, compression, and cropping attacks. Moreover, the proposed detection algorithm is compatible with single watermarking detection algorithms, and it has good performance in terms of detection efficiency.
Semantic Modelling and Publishing of Traditional Data Collection Questionnaires and Answers
Authors: Abgaz Yalemisew , Dorn Amelie , Piringer Barbara , Wandl-Vogt Eveline , Way Andy
Published: November 2018

Extensive collections of data of linguistic, historical and socio-cultural importance are stored in libraries, museums and national archives with enormous potential to support research. However, a sizable portion of the data remains underutilised because of a lack of the required knowledge to model the data semantically and convert it into a format suitable for the semantic web. Although many institutions have produced digital versions of their collection, semantic enrichment, interlinking and exploration are still missing from digitised versions. In this paper, we present a model that provides structure and semantics to a non-standard linguistic and historical data collection on the example of the Bavarian dialects in Austria at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. We followed a semantic modelling approach that utilises the knowledge of domain experts and the corresponding schema produced during the data collection process. The model is used to enrich, interlink and publish the collection semantically. The dataset includes questionnaires and answers as well as supplementary information about the circumstances of the data collection (person, location, time, etc.). The semantic uplift is demonstrated by converting a subset of the collection to a Linked Open Data (LOD) format, where domain experts evaluated the model and the resulting dataset for its support of user queries.
Evaluating Evidence Reliability on the Basis of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Wu Wenhua , Song Yafei , Zhao Weiwei
Published: November 2018

The evaluation of evidence reliability is still an open topic, when prior knowledge is unavailable. In this paper, we propose a new method for evaluating evidence reliability, in the framework of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. The reliability of evidence was evaluated, based on the supporting degree between basic probability assignments (BPAs). The BPAs were first transformed to intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). By the similarity degree between the IFSs, we can get the supporting degree between the BPAs. Thus, the reliability of evidence can be evaluated, based on its connection with supporting degree. Based on the new evidence reliability, we developed a new method for combining evidence sources with different reliability degrades. Comparison with other methods was carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the new method.
A Novel Machine Learning Algorithm to Automatically Predict Visual Outcomes in Intravitreal Ranibizumab-Treated Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Chen Shao-Chun , Chiu Hung-Wen , Chen Chun-Chen , Woung Lin-Chung , Lo Chung-Ming
Published: November 2018

Purpose: Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are one type of artificial intelligence. Here, we use an ANN-based machine learning algorithm to automatically predict visual outcomes after ranibizumab treatment in diabetic macular edema. Methods: Patient data were used to optimize ANNs for regression calculation. The target was established as the final visual acuity at 52, 78, or 104 weeks. The input baseline variables were sex, age, diabetes type or condition, systemic diseases, eye status and treatment time tables. Three groups were randomly devised to build, test and demonstrate the accuracy of the algorithms. Results: At 52, 78 and 104 weeks, 512, 483 and 464 eyes were included, respectively. For the training group, testing group and validation group, the respective correlation coefficients were 0.75, 0.77 and 0.70 (52 weeks); 0.79, 0.80 and 0.55 (78 weeks); and 0.83, 0.47 and 0.81 (104 weeks), while the mean standard errors of final visual acuity were 6.50, 6.11 and 6.40 (52 weeks); 5.91, 5.83 and 7.59; (78 weeks); and 5.39, 8.70 and 6.81 (104 weeks). Conclusions: Machine learning had good correlation coefficients for predicating prognosis with ranibizumab with just baseline characteristics. These models could be the useful clinical tools for prediction of success of the treatments.
Map1lc3b and Sqstm1 Modulated Autophagy for Tumorigenesis and Prognosis in Certain Subsites of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Pei-Feng , Chang Hsueh-Wei , Cheng Jin-Shiung , Lee Huai-Pao , Yen Ching-Yu , Tsai Wei-Lun , Cheng Jiin-Tsuey , Li Yi-Jing , Huang Wei-Chieh , Lee Cheng-Hsin , Ger Luo-Pin , Shu Chih-Wen
Published: November 2018

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and can be divided into three major subsites: buccal mucosal SCC (BMSCC), tongue SCC (TSCC), and lip SCC (LSCC). The autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (MAP1LC3B) and adaptor sequestosome 1(SQSTM1) are widely used proteins to evaluate autophagy in tumor tissues. However, the role of MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 in OSCC is not fully understood, particularly in certain subsites. With a tissue microarray comprised of 498 OSCC patients, including 181 BMSCC, 244 TSCC, and 73 LSCC patients, we found that the expression levels of MAP1LC3B and cytoplasmic SQSTM1 were elevated in the tumor tissues of three subsites compared with those in adjacent normal tissues. MAP1LC3B was associated with a poor prognosis only in TSCC. SQSTM1 was associated with poor differentiation in three subsites, while the association with lymph node invasion was only observed in BMSCC. Interestingly, MAP1LC3B was positively correlated with SQSTM1 in the tumor tissues of BMSCC, whereas it showed no correlation with SQSTM1 in adjacent normal tissue. The coexpression of higher MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 demonstrated a significantly worse disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with BMSCC and LSCC, but not TSCC. The knockdown of MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 reduced autophagy, cell proliferation, invasion and tumorspheres of BMSCC cells. Additionally, silencing both MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 enhanced the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel in the tumorspheres of BMSCC cells. Taken together, MAP1LC3B and SQSTM1 might modulate autophagy to facilitate tumorigenesis and chemoresistance in OSCC, particularly in BMSCC.
Stories of Identity from High Performance Male Boxers in Their Training and Competition Environments
Authors: Middleton Thierry R. F. , Dupuis-Latour Jacob , Ge Yang , Schinke Robert J. , Blodgett Amy T. , Coholic Diana , Petersen Brennan
Published: November 2018

The current submission was conceived to broaden the discussion around male athletic identities by exploring the stories told by four members of the Canadian National Boxing Team. The athletes’ stories were elicited through an arts-based method followed by a conversational interview. Stories were then analyzed using an interpretive thematic analysis. Three salient themes were found—fluid masculinity, ethnicity brings an edge to boxing, and expressing identity through language. These themes present accounts that highlight how socially, culturally, and historically dominant narratives can allow athletes to feel comfortable in presenting the identities they might reveal or feel constrained from doing so due to factors outside of their control. The need to develop training and competition contexts that allow for the empowerment of athletes’ individually distinct identities is highlighted as a method to ensuring the positive mental health of elite level athletes.
Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Lim Kenji Rowel Q. , Yoon Chantal , Yokota Toshifumi
Published: November 2018

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X-linked recessive neuromuscular disease prevalent in 1 in 3500 to 5000 males worldwide. As a result of mutations that interrupt the reading frame of the dystrophin gene (DMD), DMD is characterized by a loss of dystrophin protein that leads to decreased muscle membrane integrity, which increases susceptibility to degeneration. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has garnered interest as an avenue for DMD therapy due to its potential for permanent exon skipping, which can restore the disrupted DMD reading frame in DMD and lead to dystrophin restoration. An RNA-guided DNA endonuclease system, CRISPR/Cas9 allows for the targeted editing of specific sequences in the genome. The efficacy and safety of CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapy for DMD has been evaluated by numerous studies in vitro and in vivo, with varying rates of success. Despite the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing for the long-term treatment of DMD, its translation into the clinic is currently challenged by issues such as off-targeting, immune response activation, and sub-optimal in vivo delivery. Its nature as being mostly a personalized form of therapy also limits applicability to DMD patients, who exhibit a wide spectrum of mutations. This review summarizes the various CRISPR/Cas9 strategies that have been tested in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of DMD. Perspectives on the approach will be provided, and the challenges faced by CRISPR/Cas9 in its road to the clinic will be briefly discussed.
Influence of the Heat Treatment on the Particles Size and on the Crystalline Phase of TiO2 Synthesized by the Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Tranquillo Elisabetta , Dal Poggetto Giovanni , Pasquali Mauro , Dell’Era Alessandro , Vecchio Ciprioti Stefano
Published: November 2018

Titanium biomaterials’ response has been recognized to be affected by particles size, crystal structure, and surface properties. Chemical and structural properties of these nanoparticle materials are important, but their size is the key aspect. The aim of this study is the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles by the sol-gel method, which is an ideal technique to prepare nanomaterials at low temperature. The heat treatment can affect the structure of the final product and consequently its biological properties. For this reason, the chemical structure of the TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized was investigated after each heat treatment, in order to evaluate the presence of different phases formed among the nanoparticles. FTIR spectroscopy and XRD have been used to evaluate the different structures. The results of these analyses suggest that an increase of the calcination temperature induces the formation of mixed-crystalline-phases with different content of anatase and rutile phases. The results obtained by SEM measurements suggest that an increase in the particles size accompanied by a noticeable aggregation of TiO2 nanoparticles is due to high temperatures achieved during the thermal treatments and confirmed the presence of different content of the two crystalline phases of titanium dioxide.
Contact-Hardening Behavior of Calcium Silicate Hydrate Powders
Authors: Wang Shuping , Peng Xiaoqin , Tang Luping , Cao Chunpeng , Zeng Lu
Published: November 2018

Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) synthesized by a hydrothermal process from lime and siliceous materials was oven-dried and compressed into compacts. The microstructure and compaction properties of the resulting powders were characterized. The results show that the powders containing an amorphous structure become hardened compacts immediately after compression. Compacts with high strength but a relatively lower bulk density were produced. Amorphous C-S-H plays a key role in the bonding formation during powder compaction. According to the Heckel plots, particle rearrangement and plastic deformation were involved in the compaction of C-S-H powders. Point contact between C-S-H particles due to particle rearrangement dominates at a low compression pressure (i.e., <20 MPa). Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding are the main bonding types. Plastic deformation occurs at a higher compression pressure (i.e., >60 MPa), which results in surface contact. Consequently, a solid bridge forms, and the strength of compacts increases rapidly. These findings provide novel insight into the utilization of materials containing amorphous calcium silicate hydrate.
Direct Growth of AlGaN Nanorod LEDs on Graphene-Covered Si
Authors: Ren Fang , Yin Yue , Wang Yunyu , Liu Zhiqiang , Liang Meng , Ou Haiyan , Ao Jinping , Wei Tongbo , Yan Jianchang , Yuan Guodong , Yi Xiaoyan , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin , Dasa Dheeraj , Weman Helge
Published: November 2018

High density of defects and stress owing to the lattice and thermal mismatch between nitride materials and heterogeneous substrates have always been important problems and limit the development of nitride materials. In this paper, AlGaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were grown directly on a single-layer graphene-covered Si (111) substrate by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) without a metal catalyst. The nanorods was nucleated by AlGaN nucleation islands with a 35% Al composition, and included n-AlGaN, 6 period of AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs), and p-AlGaN. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) showed that the nanorods were vertically aligned and had an accordant orientation along the [0001] direction. The structure of AlGaN nanorod LEDs was investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Raman measurements of graphene before and after MOCVD growth revealed the graphene could withstand the high temperature and ammonia atmosphere in MOCVD. Photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) characterized an emission at ~325 nm and demonstrated the low defects density in AlGaN nanorod LEDs.
Pitting Corrosion and Microstructure of J55 Carbon Steel Exposed to CO2/Crude Oil/Brine Solution under 2–15 MPa at 30–80 °C
Authors: Bai Haitao , Wang Yongqing , Ma Yun , Ren Peng , Zhang Ningsheng
Published: November 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the corrosion properties of J55 carbon steel immersed in CO2/crude oil/brine mixtures present in the wellbores of CO2-flooded production wells. The main corroded position of wellbore was determined and wellbore corrosion law was provided. Corrosion tests were performed in 30% crude oil/brine solution under the simulated temperature (30–80 °C) and pressure (2–15 MPa) conditions of different well depths (0–1500 m). The corrosion behavior of J55 carbon steel was evaluated through weight-loss measurements and surface analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffraction analysis, and optical digital microscopy. Corrosion rate initially increased and then decreased with increasing well depth, which reached the maximum value of 1050 m. At this well depth, pressure and temperature reached 11 MPa and 65 °C, respectively. Under these conditions, FeCO3 and CaCO3 localized on sample surfaces. Microscopy was performed to investigate corrosion depth distribution on the surfaces of the samples.
Planar Graphs under Pythagorean Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Mohsan Dar Jawaria , Farooq Adeel
Published: November 2018

Graph theory plays a substantial role in structuring and designing many problems. A number of structural designs with crossings can be found in real world scenarios. To model the vagueness and uncertainty in graphical network problems, many extensions of graph theoretical ideas are introduced. To deal with such uncertain situations, the present paper proposes the concept of Pythagorean fuzzy multigraphs and Pythagorean fuzzy planar graphs with some of their eminent characteristics by investigating Pythagorean fuzzy planarity value with strong, weak and considerable edges. A close association is developed between Pythagorean fuzzy planar and dual graphs. This paper also includes a brief discussion on non-planar Pythagorean fuzzy graphs and explores the concepts of isomorphism, weak isomorphism and co-weak isomorphism for Pythagorean fuzzy planar graphs. Moreover, it presents a problem that shows applicability of the proposed concept.
Ku-Band 50 W GaN HEMT Power Amplifier Using Asymmetric Power Combining of Transistor Cells
Authors: Kim Seil , Lee Min-Pyo , Hong Sung-June , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we present a Ku-band 50 W internally-matched power amplifier that asymmetrically combines the power transistor cells of the GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) (CGHV1J070D) from Wolfspeed. The amplifier is designed using a large-signal transistor cell model in the foundry process, and asymmetric power combining, which consists of a slit pattern, oblique wire bonding and an asymmetric T-junction, is applied to obtain the amplitude/phase balance of the combined signals at the transistor cell combining position. Input and output matching circuits are implemented using a thin film process on a titanate substrate and an alumina substrate with the relative dielectric constants of 40 and 9.8, respectively. The pulsed measurement of a 330 μs pulse period and 6% duty cycle shows the maximum saturated output power of 57 to 66 W, drain efficiency of 40.3 to 46.7%, and power gain of 5.3 to 6.0 dB at power saturation from 16.2 to 16.8 GHz.
Alignment System and Application for a Micro/Nanofluidic Chip
Authors: Wang Junyao , Han Lu-lu , Sun Ye-ming , Su Tian-yi
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a direct pre-bonding technology after alignment of the chip is presented to avoid the post-misalignment problem caused by the transferring process from an alignment platform to a heating oven. An alignment system with a high integration level including a microscope device, a vacuum device, and an alignment device is investigated. To align the chip, a method of ‘fixing a chip with microchannels and moving a chip with nanochannels’ is adopted based on the alignment system. With the alignment system and the assembly method, the micro/nanofluidic chip was manufactured with little time and low cost. Furthermore, to verify the performance of the chip and then confirm the practicability of the device, an ion enrichment experiment is carried out. The results demonstrate that the concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) reaches an enrichment value of around 5 μM and the highest enrichment factor is about 500-fold. Compared with other devices, an alignment system presented in this paper has the advantages of direct pre-bonding and high integration level.
Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Isolated from Pigs with Diarrhea in China
Authors: Su Jin-Hui , Zhu Yao-Hong , Ren Tian-Yi , Guo Liang , Yang Gui-Yan , Jiao Lian-Guo , Wang Jiu-Feng
Published: November 2018

Salmonella can cause enteric diseases in humans and a wide range of animals, and even outbreaks of foodborne illness. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and distribution of serovars, and antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates from pigs with diarrhea in 26 provinces in China from 2014 to 2016. A total of 104 Salmonella isolates were identified and the dominant serovar was S. 4,[5],12:i:- (53.9%). All Salmonella isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and many were resistant to ampicillin (80.8%) and tetracycline (76.9%). Among 104 Salmonella isolates, aac(6′)-Ib-cr was the dominant plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance gene (80.8%), followed by qnrS (47.1%). The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results suggest that the Salmonella isolates from different regions were genetically diverse, and ST34 was the most prevalent. S. 4,[5],12:i:- isolates is the widespread presence of heavy metal tolerance genes. The fact that the same sequence types were found in different regions and the high similarity coefficient of S. 4,[5],12:i:- isolates from different regions indicate the clonal expansion of the isolates, and the isolates carried various antimicrobial resistance genes. The multidrug resistant Salmonella can be widely detected in pigs, which will present a challenge for farm husbandry.
Identification of Maize Kernel Vigor under Different Accelerated Aging Times Using Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Feng Lei , Zhu Susu , Zhang Chu , Bao Yidan , Feng Xuping , He Yong
Published: November 2018

Seed aging during storage is irreversible, and a rapid, accurate detection method for seed vigor detection during seed aging is of great importance for seed companies and farmers. In this study, an artificial accelerated aging treatment was used to simulate the maize kernel aging process, and hyperspectral imaging at the spectral range of 874–1734 nm was applied as a rapid and accurate technique to identify seed vigor under different accelerated aging time regimes. Hyperspectral images of two varieties of maize processed with eight different aging duration times (0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h) were acquired. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to conduct a qualitative analysis on maize kernels under different accelerated aging time conditions. Second-order derivatization was applied to select characteristic wavelengths. Classification models (support vector machine−SVM) based on full spectra and optimal wavelengths were built. The results showed that misclassification in unprocessed maize kernels was rare, while some misclassification occurred in maize kernels after the short aging times of 12 and 24 h. On the whole, classification accuracies of maize kernels after relatively short aging times (0, 12 and 24 h) were higher, ranging from 61% to 100%. Maize kernels with longer aging time (36, 48, 72, 96, 120 h) had lower classification accuracies. According to the results of confusion matrixes of SVM models, the eight categories of each maize variety could be divided into three groups: Group 1 (0 h), Group 2 (12 and 24 h) and Group 3 (36, 48, 72, 96, 120 h). Maize kernels from different categories within one group were more likely to be misclassified with each other, and maize kernels within different groups had fewer misclassified samples. Germination test was conducted to verify the classification models, the results showed that the significant differences of maize kernel vigor revealed by standard germination tests generally matched with the classification accuracies of the SVM models. Hyperspectral imaging analysis for two varieties of maize kernels showed similar results, indicating the possibility of using hyperspectral imaging technique combined with chemometric methods to evaluate seed vigor and seed aging degree.
Use of Red Wine Polyphenols as a Natural Preservative in Health-Promoting Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Enriched Lamb Patties
Authors: Muíño Iria , Fuente Jesús de la , Pérez Concepción , Apeleo Elizabeth , Pérez-Santaescolástica Cristina , Cañeque Vicente , Lauzurica Sara , Bermejo-Poza Rubén , Díaz María Teresa
Published: November 2018

Meat consumption has been related to a higher risk of heart disease due to its saturated fat content. As a consequence, there has been a growth in research on how to increase unsaturated fat content in meat. However, a high content of unsaturated fat favours the development of oxidative processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a red wine extract (RWE) rich in polyphenols (50, 100, and 200 mg gallic acid equivalents/kg meat) as a natural antioxidant in lamb meat patties enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) (100 mg n-3 PUFA/100 g meat), compared to using -tocopherol (TOC) (100 mg/kg meat). Adding RWE delayed metmyoglobin formation, lipid oxidation and loss of n-3 PUFA relative to controls, while TOC had no effect on preventing meat oxidation. Lamb odour was lower (p < 0.01) and odd odour higher (p < 0.001) in patties at the highest dose of RWE, compared to controls, but the overall liking score was not affected. The results suggest that RWE could be used as a natural antioxidant in the meat industry, even when n-3 PUFA content is high.
High Frequency Hysteresis Losses on γ-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4: Susceptibility as a Magnetic Stamp for Chain Formation
Authors: Morales Irene , Costo Rocio , Mille Nicolas , Da Silva Gustavo B. , Carrey Julian , Hernando Antonio , De la Presa Patricia
Published: November 2018

In order to understand the properties involved in the heating performance of magnetic nanoparticles during hyperthermia treatments, a systematic study of different γ-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles has been done. High-frequency hysteresis loops at 50 kHz carried out on particles with sizes ranging from 6 to 350 nm show susceptibility χ increases from 9 to 40 for large particles and it is almost field independent for the smaller ones. This suggests that the applied field induces chain ordering in large particles but not in the smaller ones due to the competition between thermal and dipolar energy. The specific absorption rate (SAR) calculated from hysteresis losses at 60 mT and 50 kHz ranges from 30 to 360 W/gFe, depending on particle size, and the highest values correspond to particles ordered in chains. This enhanced heating efficiency is not a consequence of the intrinsic properties like saturation magnetization or anisotropy field but to the spatial arrangement of the particles.
Electrospun Alginate Fibers: Mixing of Two Different Poly(ethylene oxide) Grades to Improve Fiber Functional Properties
Authors: Vigani Barbara , Rossi Silvia , Milanesi Giulia , Bonferoni Maria Cristina , Sandri Giuseppina , Bruni Giovanna , Ferrari Franca
Published: November 2018

The aim of the present work was to investigate how the molecular weight (MW) of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), a synthetic polymer able to improve alginate (ALG) electrospinnability, could affect ALG-based fiber morphology and mechanical properties. Two PEO grades, having different MWs (high, h-PEO, and low, l-PEO) were blended with ALG: the concentrations of both PEOs in each mixture were defined so that each h-PEO/l-PEO combination would show the same viscosity at high shear rate. Seven ALG/h-PEO/l-PEO mixtures were prepared and characterized in terms of viscoelasticity and conductivity and, for each mixture, a complex parameter rH/rL was calculated to better identify which of the two PEO grades prevails over the other in terms of exceeding the critical entanglement concentration. Thereafter, each mixture was electrospun by varying the process parameters; the fiber morphology and mechanical properties were evaluated. Finally, viscoelastic measurements were performed to verify the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the two PEO grades and ALG. rH/rL has been proved to be the parameter that better explains the effect of the electrospinning conditions on fiber dimension. The addition of a small amount of h-PEO to l-PEO was responsible for a significant increase in fiber mechanical resistance, without affecting the nano-scale fiber size. Moreover, the mixing of h-PEO and l-PEO improved the interaction with ALG, resulting in an increase in chain entanglement degree that is functional in the electrospinning process.
Elastomeric Polyurethane Foams Incorporated with Nanosized Hydroxyapatite Fillers for Plastic Reconstruction
Authors: Lin Lili , Ma Jingqi , Mei Quanjing , Cai Bin , Chen Jie , Zuo Yi , Zou Qin , Li Jidong , Li Yubao
Published: November 2018

Plastic surgeons have long searched for the ideal materials to use in craniomaxillofacial reconstruction. The aim of this study was to obtain a novel porous elastomer based on designed aliphatic polyurethane (PU) and nanosized hydroxyapatite (n-HA) fillers for plastic reconstruction. The physicochemical properties of the prepared composite elastomer were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal analysis, mechanical tests, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results assessed by the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated that the n-HA/PU compounded foams had a good elasticity, flexibility, and supporting strength. The homogenous dispersion of the n-HA fillers could be observed throughout the cross-linked PU matrix. The porous elastomer also showed a uniform pore structure and a resilience to hold against general press and tensile stress. In addition, the elastomeric foams showed no evidence of cytotoxicity and exhibited the ability to enhance cell proliferation and attachment when evaluated using rat-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The animal experiments indicated that the porous elastomers could form a good integration with bone tissue. The presence of n-HA fillers promoted cell infiltration and tissue regeneration. The elastomeric and bioactive n-HA/PU composite foam could be a good candidate for future plastic reconstruction.
Relationship between Dietary n-6 Fatty Acid Intake and Hypertension: Effect of Glycated Hemoglobin Levels
Authors: Nakamura Haruki , Hara Akinori , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Thi Thu Nguyen Thao , Kambayashi Yasuhiro , Miyagi Sakae , Yamada Yohei , Suzuki Keita , Shimizu Yukari , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: November 2018

The relationship between dietary n-6 fatty acids and hypertension is not clear. The metabolic products of n-6 fatty acids include those that control blood pressure, such as prostaglandin and thromboxane, and that differ depending on the extent of glucose tolerance. This cross-sectional study investigated the association of dietary n-6 fatty acid intake on hypertension, and the effects of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value in 633 Japanese subjects aged 40 years and older. Dietary intake was measured using a validated brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. We defined hypertension as the use of antihypertensive medication or a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension was 55.3%. A high n-6 fatty acids intake inversely correlated with hypertension in subjects with HbA1c values less than 6.5% (odds ratio, 0.857; 95% confidence interval, 0.744 to 0.987). On the contrary, in subjects with an HbA1c value of 6.5% or higher, the n-6 fatty acids intake was significantly associated with hypertension (odds ratio, 3.618; 95% confidence interval, 1.019 to 12.84). Regular dietary n-6 fatty acid intake may contribute to the prevention and treatment of hypertension in a healthy general population. By contrast, in subjects with diabetes, regular n-6 fatty acids intake may increase the risk of hypertension.
Short Communication: Differences in Levels of Free Amino Acids and Total Protein in Human Foremilk and Hindmilk
Authors: Van Sadelhoff Joris H. J. , Mastorakou Dimitra , Weenen Hugo , Stahl Bernd , Garssen Johan , Hartog Anita
Published: November 2018

Free amino acids (FAAs) in human milk are indicated to have specific functional roles in infant development. Studies have shown differences between human milk that is expressed at the beginning of a feed (i.e., foremilk) and the remainder of the milk expressed (i.e., hindmilk). For example, it is well established that human hindmilk is richer in fat and energy than foremilk. Hence, exclusively feeding hindmilk is used to enhance weight gain of preterm, low birthweight infants. Whether FAAs occur differently between foremilk and hindmilk has never been reported, but given their bioactive capacities, this is relevant to consider especially in situations where hindmilk is fed exclusively. Therefore, this study analyzed and compared the FAA and total protein content in human foremilk and hindmilk samples donated by 30 healthy lactating women. The total protein content was found to be significantly higher in hindmilk (p < 0.001), whereas foremilk contained a significantly higher total content of FAAs (p = 0.015). With regards to individual FAAs, foremilk contained significantly higher levels of phenylalanine (p = 0.009), threonine (p = 0.003), valine (p = 0.018), alanine (p = 0.004), glutamine (p < 0.001), and serine (p = 0.012) than hindmilk. Although statistical significance was reached, effect size analysis of the milk fraction on FAA levels in milk revealed that the observed differences were only small. To what extent these differences are of physiological importance for infant development remains to be examined in future research.
The Naturalization of Natural Philosophy
Authors: Brenner Joseph E.
Published: November 2018

A new demarcation is proposed between Natural Philosophy and non-Natural Philosophy—philosophy tout court—based on whether or not they follow a non-standard logic of real processes. This non-propositional logic, Logic in Reality (LIR), is based on the original work of the Franco-Romanian thinker Stéphane Lupasco (Bucharest, 1900–Paris, 1988). Many Natural Philosophies remain bounded by dependence on binary linguistic concepts of logic. I claim that LIR can naturalize—bring into science—part of such philosophies. Against the potential objection that my approach blurs the distinction between science and philosophy, I reply that there is no problem in differentiating experimental physical science and philosophy; any complete distinction between philosophy, including the philosophy of science(s) and the other sciences is invidious. It was historically unnecessary and is unnecessary today. The convergence of science and philosophy, proposed by Wu Kun based on implications of the philosophy of information, supports this position. LIR provides a rigorous basis for giving equivalent ontological value to diversity and identity, what is contradictory, inconsistent, absent, missing or past, unconscious, incomplete, and fuzzy as to their positive counterparts. The naturalized Natural Philosophy resulting from the application of these principles is a candidate for the ‘new synthesis’ called for by the editors.
Comparison and Optimization of Reactive Dyes and Coating Performance on Fraxinus mandshurica Veneer
Authors: Yan Xiaoxing , Qian Xingyu , Lu Rong , Miyakoshi Tetsuo
Published: November 2018

In this study, Fraxinus mandshurica veneer was dyed with reactive brilliant red X-3B, black KN-B and blue K-3R dyes. The dye concentration, bath ratio and dyeing time were selected for an orthogonal experiment. Analysis of variance showed that the dye concentration had the greatest effect on the dye uptake of F. mandshurica veneer. In the independent experiments, dye uptake increased at first and then decreased with increasing dye concentration; the chromatic aberration increased with the dye concentration and then remained steady. The infrared spectra were used to examine the dyeing behaviors before and after dyeing and the binding form between reactive dyes and F. mandshurica veneer was analyzed. Based on the optimization of process parameters, the optimal dyeing condition was considered to be 75 °C, the dye concentration to be 0.5–1.0%, the dyeing time to be 60 min and the bath ratio to be 20:1. The dye uptakes of reactive brilliant red X-3B, black KN-B and blue K-3R dyes were 75.0–75.4%, 50.0–64.6% and 32.0–66.0%, respectively. The chromatic aberration of F. mandshurica veneer dyed with reactive brilliant red X-3B, black KN-B and blue K-3R dyes was 53.0–59.0, which was a significant increase. After dyeing, the hardness and impact strength of the waterborne coating on the dyed F. mandshurica increased but adhesion was reduced. The coating films produced a matte glossiness.
Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible Medical-Grade TPU Filament for Fused Deposition Modeling 3DP Technology
Authors: Haryńska Agnieszka , Gubanska Iga , Kucinska-Lipka Justyna , Janik Helena
Published: November 2018

The possibility of using additive manufacturing (AM) in the medicine area has created new opportunities in health care. This has contributed to a sharp increase in demand for 3D printers, their systems and materials that are adapted to strict medical requirements. We described herein a medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (S-TPU) which was developed and then formed into a filament for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers during a melt-extrusion process. S-TPU consisting of aliphatic hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate (HDI), amorphous α,ω-dihydroxy(ethylene-butylene adipate) (PEBA) and 1,4 butandiol (BDO) as a chain extender, was synthesized without the use of a catalyst. The filament (F-TPU) properties were characterized by rheological, mechanical, physico-chemical and in vitro biological properties. The tests showed biocompatibility of the obtained filament as well as revealed no significant effect of the filament formation process on its properties. This study may contribute to expanding the range of medical-grade flexible filaments for standard low-budget FDM printers.
Spirituality and Spiritual Care Competence among Expatriate Nurses Working in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshehry Abdualrahman Saeed
Published: November 2018

Background: In Saudi Arabia, where the majority of the nursing workforce are foreigners, little is known about perceptions of spirituality and spiritual caregiving among foreign nurses who provide nursing care to patients with varied spiritual and religious beliefs. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the spirituality and spiritual care competence and its predictors among expatriate Christian nurses in Saudi Arabia, who provide care for Muslim patients. Methods: A convenience sample of 302 nurses was surveyed in this descriptive cross-sectional study using the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale and the Spiritual Care Competence Scale. Results: Results revealed high values on three domains, namely, spiritual care, personal care, and existential spirituality. The majority of the respondents reported competence in all six subscales of spiritual care. The participants’ age, educational level, perception of existential spirituality, and personal care were found to be relevant predictors of their spiritual care competence. Conclusions: The findings suggest that existential spirituality and personal care dimensions of Christian nurses’ spirituality and spiritual care perceptions play critical roles in the provision of competent spiritual care to Muslim patients.
The Strategy of Ontological Negativity in Meister Eckhart’s Metaphysics and in Philosophical Traditions of India
Authors: Lifintseva Tatyana , Tourko Dmitry
Published: November 2018

In this article, the authors investigate ontological strategies in Meister Eckhart’s metaphysics, which remounts Neoplatonism and the Corpus Areopagiticum, and in two schools of Indian philosophical tradition, the Advaita Vedanta and Early Buddhism. Along with differences in the anthropology, epistemology, and soteriology of these traditions, we can find similar strategies of ontological negativity and mystical experience in both traditions: detachment from the world of images and forms as the highest blessing; non-association of oneself with corporality, feelings, cognitive ability and reason; interiorizing the intentionality of consciousness, and termination of its representative function. Practically all systems of Indian philosophy were projects of liberation or personal transformation from subjugation and suffering into being free and blissful. The idea of spiritual release is also the cornerstone of Christian salvation as with the renouncement of sin and entering blissful unity with God. The apophatic doctrine of Christian neo-platonic mystics about the concealment, non-comprehensiveness, and inexpressibleness of God as the One and Nothingness, and also the idea of comprehension of God by means of detachment from the created world and one’s own ego, gives us the opportunity for such comparative analysis.
Seasonal Variations in the Flow of Land-Terminating Glaciers in Central-West Greenland Using Sentinel-1 Imagery
Authors: Lemos Adriano , Shepherd Andrew , McMillan Malcolm , Hogg Anna E.
Published: November 2018

Land-terminating sectors of the Greenland ice sheet flow faster in summer after surface meltwater reaches the subglacial drainage system. Speedup occurs when the subglacial drainage system becomes saturated, leading to a reduction in the effective pressure which promotes sliding of the overlying ice. Here, we use observations acquired by the Sentinel-1a and b synthetic aperture radar to track changes in the speed of land-terminating glaciers across a 14,000 km2 sector of west-central Greenland on a weekly basis in 2016 and 2017. The fine spatial and temporal sampling of the satellite data allows us to map the speed of summer and winter across the entire sector and to resolve the weekly evolution of ice flow across the downstream portions of five glaciers. Near to the ice sheet margin (at 650 m.a.s.l.), glacier speedup begins around day 130, persisting for around 90 days, and then peaks around day 150. At four of the five glaciers included in our survey the peak speedup is similar in both years, in Russell Glacier there is marked interannual variability of 32% between 2016 and 2017. We present, for the first time, seasonal and altitudinal variation in speedup persistence. Our study demonstrates the value of Sentinel-1’s systematic and frequent acquisition plan for studying seasonal changes in ice sheet flow.
Classification of Landslide Activity on a Regional Scale Using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry at the Moselle Valley (Germany)
Authors: Kalia Andre Cahyadi
Published: November 2018

Landslides are a major natural hazard which can cause significant damage, economic loss, and loss of life. Between the years of 2004 and 2016, 55,997 fatalities caused by landslides were reported worldwide. Up-to-date, reliable, and comprehensive landslide inventories are mandatory for optimized disaster risk reduction (DRR). Various stakeholders recognize the potential of Earth observation techniques for an optimized DRR, and one example of this is the Sendai Framework for DRR, 2015–2030. Some of the major benefits of spaceborne interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) techniques, compared to terrestrial techniques, are the large spatial coverage, high temporal resolution, and cost effectiveness. Nevertheless, SAR data availability is a precondition for its operational use. From this perspective, Copernicus Sentinel-1 is a game changer, ensuring SAR data availability for almost the entire world, at least until 2030. This paper focuses on a Sentinel-1-based Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) post-processing workflow to classify landslide activity on a regional scale, to update existing landslide inventories a priori. Before classification, a Line-of-Sight (LOS) velocity conversion to slope velocity and a cluster analysis was performed. Afterwards, the classification was achieved by applying a fixed velocity threshold. The results are verified through the Global Positioning System (GPS) survey and a landslide hazard indication map.