bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LT-IIc, A Bacterial Type II Heat-Labile Enterotoxin, Induces Specific Lethality in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Modulation of Autophagy and Induction of Apoptosis and Necroptosis
Authors: Masso-Welch Patricia , Girald Berlingeri Sofia , King-Lyons Natalie D. , Mandell Lorrie , Hu John , Greene Christopher J. , Federowicz Matthew , Cao Peter , Connell Terry D. , Heakal Yasser
Published: December 2018

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a serious health problem with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. To discover novel approaches to treat TNBC, we screened cholera toxin (CT) and the members of the bacterial type II heat-labile enterotoxin family (LT-IIa, LT-IIb, and LT-IIc) for cytotoxicity in TNBC cells. Only LT-IIc significantly reduced viability of the TNBC cell lines BT549 and MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 82.32 nM). LT-IIc had no significant cytotoxic effect on MCF10A (IC50 = 2600 nM), a non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cell line, and minimal effects on MCF7 and T47D, ER+ cells, or SKBR-3 cells, HER2+ cells. LT-IIc stimulated autophagy through inhibition of the mTOR pathway, while simultaneously inhibiting autophagic progression, as seen by accumulation of LC3B-II and p62. Morphologically, LT-IIc induced the formation of enlarged LAMP2+ autolysosomes, which was blocked by co-treatment with bafilomycin A1. LT-IIc induced apoptosis as demonstrated by the increase in caspase 3/7 activity and Annexin V staining. Co-treatment with necrostatin-1, however, demonstrated that the lethal response of LT-IIc is elicited, in part, by concomitant induction of necroptosis. Knockdown of ATG-5 failed to rescue LT-IIc-induced cytotoxicity, suggesting LT-IIc can exert its cytotoxic effects downstream or independently of autophagophore initiation. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate that LT-IIc acts bifunctionally, inducing autophagy, while simultaneously blocking autolysosomal progression in TNBC cells, inducing a specific cytotoxicity in this breast cancer subtype.
Current Status of Proteomic Technologies for Discovering and Identifying Gingival Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers for Periodontal Disease
Authors: Tsuchida Sachio , Satoh Mamoru , Takiwaki Masaki , Nomura Fumio
Published: December 2018

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental biofilms. To eliminate the bacteria, immune system cells release substances that inflame and damage the gums, periodontal ligament, or alveolar bone, leading to swollen bleeding gums, which is a sign of gingivitis. Damage from periodontal disease can cause teeth to loosen also. Studies have demonstrated the proteomic approach to be a promising tool for the discovery and identification of biochemical markers of periodontal diseases. Recently, many studies have applied expression proteomics to identify proteins whose expression levels are altered by disease. As a fluid lying in close proximity to the periodontal tissue, the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is the principal target in the search for periodontal disease biomarkers because its protein composition may reflect the disease pathophysiology. Biochemical marker analysis of GCF is effective for objective diagnosis in the early and advanced stages of periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases are also promising targets for proteomics, and several groups, including ours, have applied proteomics in the search for GCF biomarkers of periodontal diseases. This search is of continuing interest in the field of experimental and clinical periodontal disease research. In this article, we summarize the current situation of proteomic technologies to discover and identify GCF biomarkers for periodontal diseases.
Ectopic Expression of Mulberry G-Proteins Alters Drought and Salt Stress Tolerance in Tobacco
Authors: Liu Changying , Xu Yazhen , Feng Yang , Long Dingpei , Cao Boning , Xiang Zhonghuai , Zhao Aichun
Published: December 2018

Heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins) play key roles in responses to various abiotic stress responses and tolerance in plants. However, the detailed mechanisms behind these roles remain unclear. Mulberry (Morus alba L.) can adapt to adverse abiotic stress conditions; however, little is known regarding the associated molecular mechanisms. In this study, mulberry G-protein genes, MaGα, MaGβ, MaGγ1, and MaGγ2, were independently transformed into tobacco, and the transgenic plants were used for resistance identification experiments. The ectopic expression of MaGα in tobacco decreased the tolerance to drought and salt stresses, while the overexpression of MaGβ, MaGγ1, and MaGγ2 increased the tolerance. Further analysis showed that mulberry G-proteins may regulate drought and salt tolerances by modulating reactive oxygen species’ detoxification. This study revealed the roles of each mulberry G-protein subunit in abiotic stress tolerance and advances our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying G-proteins’ regulation of plant abiotic stress tolerance.
NK3R Mediates the EGF-Induced SLα Secretion and mRNA Expression in Grass Carp Pituitary
Authors: Qin Xiangfeng , Ye Cheng , Zhou Xiaoyun , Jia Jingyi , Xu Shaohua , Hu Qiongyao , Hu Guangfu
Published: December 2018

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent regulator of cell function in many cell types. In mammals, the EGF/EGFR system played an important role in both pituitary physiology and pathology. However, it is not clear about the pituitary action of EGF in lower vertebrates. In this study, using grass carp as a model, we found that EGF could stimulate NK3R mRNA and protein expression through pituitary ErbB1 and ErbB2 coupled to MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. In addition, EGF could also induce pituitary somatolactin α (SLα) secretion and mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vivo and in vitro. The stimulatory actions of EGF on SLα mRNA expression were also mediated by PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways coupled to ErbB1 and ErbB2 activation. Our previous study has reported that neurokinin B (NKB) could also induce SLα secretion and mRNA expression in carp pituitary cells. In the present study, interestingly, we found that EGF could significantly enhance NKB-induced SLα mRNA expression. Further studies found that NK3R antagonist SB222200 could block EGF-induced SLα mRNA expression, indicating an NK3R requirement. Furthermore, cAMP/PKA inhibitors and PLC/PKC inhibitors could both abolish EGF- and EGF+NKB-induced SLα mRNA expression, which further supported that EGF-induced SLα mRNA expression is NK3R dependent.
A Comparison of Word Embeddings and N-gram Models for DBpedia Type and Invalid Entity Detection
Authors: Zhou Hanqing , Zouaq Amal , Inkpen Diana
Published: December 2018

This article presents and evaluates a method for the detection of DBpedia types and entities that can be used for knowledge base completion and maintenance. This method compares entity embeddings with traditional N-gram models coupled with clustering and classification. We tackle two challenges: (a) the detection of entity types, which can be used to detect invalid DBpedia types and assign DBpedia types for type-less entities; and (b) the detection of invalid entities in the resource description of a DBpedia entity. Our results show that entity embeddings outperform n-gram models for type and entity detection and can contribute to the improvement of DBpedia’s quality, maintenance, and evolution.
Baseline Psychological Inflexibility Moderates the Outcome Pain Interference in a Randomized Controlled Trial on Internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain
Authors: Probst Thomas , Baumeister Harald , McCracken Lance M. , Lin Jiaxi
Published: December 2018

This study re-investigated data of a randomized controlled trial on Internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain (ACTonPain). Baseline psychological inflexibility was examined as a moderator of the outcome pain interference. In the ACTonPain trial, participants with chronic pain were randomized to one of three conditions: guided Internet-based ACT (n = 100), unguided Internet-based ACT (n = 101), and waitlist (n = 101). Moderation analyses were performed with the SPSS macro PROCESS. Pain interference according to the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) was the primary outcome in this trial, and the potential moderator psychological inflexibility was measured with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). Psychological inflexibility at baseline moderated the outcome between guided Internet-based ACT and waitlist 9-weeks as well as 6-months after randomization. (both p < 0.05). Between unguided Internet-based ACT and waitlist, psychological inflexibility moderated the outcome 6-months after randomization (p < 0.05). Internet-based ACT was superior to waitlist for participants with less psychological inflexibility at baseline, but Internet-based ACT became increasingly comparable to waitlist at higher AAQ-II baseline values. Future research should investigate whether the results can be replicated in more individualized and tailored face-to-face settings.
What Factors Predict Falls in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Datta Aditi , Datta Rahul , Elkins Jeananne
Published: December 2018

Background: In community-dwelling older adults, slow gait speed is linked to falls; however, little is known about the use of gait speed to predict falls in nursing home residents. The prevalence of risk factors for falls in nursing home residents is multifactorial. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between falls and multiple factors such as age, sex, gait speed, mobility device, fear of falling, cognitive function, medication, and environmental causes in a nursing home setting. Material and Methods: Participants were recruited from a nursing home. Independent variables such as age, sex, gait speed for 40 feet, use of a mobility device, fear of falls, cognitive function, medication, and environmental causes of falls were measured and recorded. The dependent variable was falls. Participants were followed-up for a period of six months for falls. Falls were documented from the computerized medical records at the facility. Results: Five of the 16 participants had falls in the follow-up period. Exact logistic regression, bivariate analysis, showed no significant relationship between falls and the independent variables of age, sex, gait speed, mobility device, fear of falls, cognitive function, and medication. More than 30% of recorded falls had an environmental cause, which was significant at p = 0.0005. Conclusion: Environmental causes had a significant relationship with falls in nursing home participants. Environment hazard monitoring is therefore important to ensure the safety of nursing home residents.
Paracoccidioidomycosis in Immunocompromised Patients: A Literature Review
Authors: De Almeida Jr. João , Peçanha-Pietrobom Paula , Colombo Arnaldo
Published: December 2018

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic mycosis found in Latin America that causes systemic disease mostly in immunocompetent hosts. A small percentage of PCM occurs in immunocompromised patients where low clinical suspicion of the infection, late diagnosis, and uncertainties about its management are factors that negatively impact their outcomes. We conducted a literature review searching reports on PCM associated to HIV, cancer, maligned hemopathies, solid organ transplantation, and immunotherapies, in order to check for peculiarities in terms of natural history and challenges in the clinical management of PCM in this population. HIV patients with PCM usually had low T CD4+ cell counts, pulmonary and lymph nodes involvement, and a poorer prognosis (≈50% mortality). Most of the patients with PCM and cancer had carcinoma of the respiratory tract. Among maligned hemopathies, PCM was more often related to lymphoma. In general, PCM prognosis in patients with malignant diseases was related to the cancer stage. PCM in transplant recipients was mostly associated with the late phase of kidney transplantation, with a high mortality rate (44%). Despite being uncommon, reactivation of latent PCM may take place in the setting of immunocompromised patients exhibiting clinical particularities and it carries higher mortality rates than normal hosts.
Effects of Supply Chain Design and Collaboration on Customers’ Satisfaction of Instant Noodles in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunmola Oluleye , Arogundade Kayode
Published: December 2018

The degree of collaboration among supply chain partners and the structure of the network are important determinants of the level of satisfaction customers derive from the products or services. However, the effects of these dimensions on customer satisfaction at the downstream section of the supply chain remain under-researched in Nigeria. This study precisely examined the effects of collaboration and supply chain design on customers’ satisfaction at the downstream end of the chain using Ekiti State as study area. The study employed descriptive survey design with the use of structured Likert scale questionnaire administered to 381 retailers of noodles in Ekiti State. The research hypotheses were analysed using simple linear regression as statistical technique with the aid of SPSS version 22.0. At the end of the study, it was observed that both collaboration and supply chain design were significant predictors of customers’ satisfaction of instant noodles in Ekiti State. However, collaboration among supply chain partners emerged as stronger determinant of customers’ satisfaction than supply chain design. The study concludes that these two practices of supply chain management are highly important criteria any manufacturing firm especially in the noodles industry must pay close attention to in order to satisfy her consumers.
5-(6-Hydroxy-6-methyl-5-oxoheptan-2-yl)-2-methyl Phenyl Acetate
Authors: Rahayu Maya , Kusumaningrum Susi , Hayun Hayun
Published: December 2018

We synthesized a novel compound, 5-(6-hydroxy-6-methyl-5-oxoheptan-2-yl)-2-methylphenyl acetate, in a good yield by oxidation of 1-O-acetyl-xanthorrizol using potassium permanganate in acidic condition. The structure was elucidated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and 13C-NMR, two-dimensional (2D)-HSQC, Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer (DEPT), 2D-Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation (HMBC), and High-Resolution Mass Spectra (HRMS) spectral data.
Influence of Heat Treatments on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti–26Nb Alloy Elaborated In Situ by Laser Additive Manufacturing with Ti and Nb Mixed Powder
Authors: Wei Jing , Sun Hongji , Zhang Dechuang , Gong Lunjun , Lin Jianguo , Wen Cuie
Published: December 2018

In the present work, a Ti–26Nb alloy was elaborated in situ by laser additive manufacturing (LAM) with Ti and Nb mixed powders. The alloys were annealed at temperatures ranging from 650 °C to 925 °C, and the effects of the annealing temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. It has been found that the microstructure of the as-deposited alloy obtained in the present conditions is characterized by columnar prior β grains with a relatively strong <001> fiber texture in the build direction. The as-deposited alloy exhibits extremely high strength, and its ultimate tensile strength and yield strength are about 799 MPa and 768 MPa, respectively. The annealing temperature has significant effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys. Annealing treatment can promote the dissolution of unmelted Nb particles and eliminate the micro-segregation of Nb at the elliptical-shaped grain boundaries, while increasing the grain size of the alloy. With an increase in annealing temperature, the strength of the alloy decreases but the ductility increases. The alloy annealed at 850 °C exhibits a balance of strength and ductility.
Suppressing Self-Discharge with Polymeric Sulfur in Li-S Batteries
Authors: Jiang Min , Gan Bingqing , Deng Yongqi , Xiong Yin , Tan Ruixuan
Published: December 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries, due to their high theoretical capacity, intrinsic overcharge protection, and low cost, are considered as the most promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems. To promote widespread use of Li-S batteries, various tactics have been reported to improve the columbic efficiency and to suppress the shuttle effect. Herein, we report a novel polymeric sulfur via heat radical polymerization, for the Li-S battery. The insolubles after CS2 washing, and the changes in XRD (X-ray diffraction) results imply the formation of polymeric sulfur. Owing to the absence of cyclic S8 molecular, the shuttle effect is depressed, and the polymeric sulfur cathodes exhibit lower self-discharge rates, higher sulfur utilization, better rates of performance, and enhanced cycling stabilities than the commercial sublimed sulfur. Thus, polymeric sulfur provides a new train of thought and tactics for restricting the formation of the dissolution of polysulfides, and self-discharge.
Chemical Component Optimization Based on Thermodynamic Calculation of Fe-1.93Mn-0.07Ni-1.96Cr-0.35Mo Ultra-High Strength Steel
Authors: Chen Yongli , Zhou Xuejiao , Huang Jianguo
Published: December 2018

Due to the complex composition and high proportion of alloys in traditional ultra-high-strength steel, the dilemma caused by ultra-high strength and low toughness in casting and forging forming processes requiring subsequent heat treatment can be mitigated with an efficient and economical rolling process. In this work, a thermodynamic model is proposed to calculate the change in the mechanical response due to the thermal contribution based on alloy phase diagrams. The influence of alloy content on precision laws was analyzed, and the chemical component was optimized. A verification simulation without real experiment was conducted to study the potential and limitations of the alloy content on mechanical properties. The results showed that the main equilibrium phases and the phases’ chemical compounds were clarified. The influences of Ni, Mo, Cr, and W on transformation laws were elucidated in detail, and the main optimized composition was determined to be 0.23C, 1.96Si, 1.93Mn, 0.07Ni, 1.96Cr, and 0.35Mo. At a cooling rate of 10 °C/s, the content of optimized alloying element fully performed its role in steel, verifying that the chemical component system was in the optimal range. The thermodynamic models and our conclusions have the potential to be generalized for many other materials and process configurations without requiring extensive material testing.
Erratum: Hans, A.; Schmidt, P.; Ozga, C.; Hartmann, G.; Holzapfel, X.; Ehresmann, A.; Knie, A. Extreme Ultraviolet to Visible Dispersed Single Photon Detection for Highly Sensitive Sensing of Fundamental Processes in Diverse Samples. Materials 2018, 11, 869
Authors: Materials Editorial Office
Published: December 2018

The editorial office of Materials would like to make the following changes to the published paper by Hans [...]
Application of First-Order Shear Deformation Theory on Vibration Analysis of Stepped Functionally Graded Paraboloidal Shell with General Edge Constraints
Authors: Pang Fuzhen , Li Haichao , Jing Fengmei , Du Yuan
Published: December 2018

The paper introduces a semi-analytical approach to analyze free vibration characteristics of stepped functionally graded (FG) paraboloidal shell with general edge conditions. The analytical model is established based on multi-segment partitioning strategy and first-order shear deformation theory. The displacement components along axial direction are represented by Jacobi polynomials, and the Fourier series are utilized to express displacement components in circumferential direction. Based on penalty method about spring stiffness technique, the general edge conditions of doubly curved paraboloidal shell can be easily simulated. The solutions about doubly curved paraboloidal shell were solved by approach of Rayleigh–Ritz. Convergence study about boundary parameters, Jacobi parameters et al. are carried out, respectively. The comparison with published literatures, FEM and experiment results show that the present method has good convergence ability and excellent accuracy.
Control-Oriented Modelling of a 3D-Printed Soft Actuator
Authors: Zolfagharian Ali , Kaynak Akif , Yang Khoo Sui , Zhang Jun , Nahavandi Saeid , Kouzani Abbas
Published: December 2018

A new type of soft actuator was developed by using hydrogel materials and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, attracting the attention of researchers in the soft robotics field. Due to parametric uncertainties of such actuators, which originate in both a custom design nature of 3D printing as well as time and voltage variant characteristics of polyelectrolyte actuators, a sophisticated model to estimate their behaviour is required. This paper presents a practical modeling approach for the deflection of a 3D printed soft actuator. The suggested model is composed of electrical and mechanical dynamic models while the earlier version describes the actuator as a resistive-capacitive (RC) circuit. The latter model relates the ionic charges to the bending of an actuator. The experimental results were acquired to estimate the transfer function parameters of the developed model incorporating Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy sets. The proposed model was successful in estimating the end-point trajectory of the actuator, especially in response to a broad range of input voltage variation. With some modifications in the electromechanical aspects of the model, the proposed modelling method can be used with other 3D printed soft actuators.
In-Situ and Ex-Situ Characterization of Femtosecond Laser-Induced Ablation on As2S3 Chalcogenide Glasses and Advanced Grating Structures Fabrication
Authors: Wang Hongyang , Qi Dongfeng , Yu Xiaohan , Zhang Yawen , Zhang Zifeng , Xu Tiefeng , Zhang Xiaowei , Dai Shixun , Shen Xiang , Song Baoan , Zhang Peiqing , Xu Yinsheng
Published: December 2018

Femtosecond laser pulse of 800 nm wavelength and 150 fs temporal width ablation of As2S3 chalcogenide glasses is investigated by pump-probing technology. At lower laser fluence (8.26 mJ/cm2), the surface temperature dropping to the melting point is fast (about 43 ps), which results in a clean hole on the surface. As the laser fluence increases, it takes a longer time for lattice temperature to cool to the melting point at high fluence (about 200 ps for 18.58 mJ/cm2, about 400 ps for 30.98 mJ/cm2). The longer time of the surface heating temperature induces the melting pool in the center, and accelerates material diffusing and gathering surrounding the crater, resulting in the peripheral rim structure and droplet-like structure around the rim. In addition, the fabricated long periodic As2S3 glasses diffraction gratings can preserve with high diffraction efficiency by laser direct writing technology.
Impacts of Defocusing Amount and Molten Pool Boundaries on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Selective Laser Melted AlSi10Mg
Authors: Zhou Suyuan , Su Yang , Gu Rui , Wang Zhenyu , Zhou Yinghao , Ma Qian , Yan Ming
Published: December 2018

The influences of processing parameters such as volumetric energy density (ε) and, particularly, defocusing amount (DA) on densification, microstructure, tensile property, and hardness of the as-printed dense AlSi10Mg alloy by selective laser melting (SLM) were studied systematically. The molten pool boundaries (MPBs) were found overwhelmingly at regular and complex spatial topological structures affected by DA value to exist in two forms, while the “layer–layer” MPB overlay mutually and the “track–track” MPBs intersect to form acute angles with each other. The microstructure of MPBs exhibits a coarse grain zone near the MPBs and the characteristics of segregation of nonmetallic elements (O, Si) where the crack easily happened. The DA value (−2 to 2 mm) affected both the density and the tensile mechanical properties. High tensile strength (456 ± 14 MPa) and good tensile ductility (9.5 ± 1.4%) were achieved in the as-printed condition corresponding to DA = 0.5 mm. The tensile fracture surface features were analyzed and correlated to the influence of the DA values.
Effect of Oxygen Nonstoichiometry on Electrical Conductivity and Thermopower of Gd0.2Sr0.8FeO3−δ Ferrite Samples
Authors: Dudnikov Vyacheslav , Orlov Yury , Fedorov Aleksandr , Solovyov Leonid , Vereshchagin Sergey , Burkov Alexander , Novikov Sergey , Ovchinnikov Sergey
Published: December 2018

The behavior of the resistivity and thermopower of the Gd0.2Sr0.8FeO3−δ ferrite samples with a perovskite structure and the sample stability in an inert gas atmosphere in the temperature range of 300–800 K have been examined. It has been established that, in the investigated temperature range, the thermoelectric properties in the heating‒cooling mode are stabilized at δ ≥ 0.21. It is shown that the temperature dependencies of the resistivity obtained at different δ values obey the activation law up to the temperatures corresponding to the intense oxygen removal from a sample. The semiconductor‒semiconductor electronic transitions accompanied by a decrease in the activation energy have been observed with increasing temperature. It is demonstrated that the maximum thermoelectric power factor of 0.1 µW/(cm·K2) corresponds to a temperature of T = 800 K.
Thermal Decomposition Properties of Epoxy Resin in SF6/N2 Mixture
Authors: Wen Hao , Zhang Xiaoxing , Xia Rong , Yang Zilai , Wu Yunjian
Published: December 2018

As a promising alternative for pure SF6, the mixture of SF6/N2 appears to be more economic and environment-friendly on the premise of maintaining similar dielectric properties with pure SF6. But less attention has been paid to the thermal properties of an SF6/N2 mixture, especially with insulation materials overheating happening simultaneously. In this paper, thermal decomposition properties of epoxy resin in SF6/N2 mixture with different SF6 volume rates were studied, and the concentrations of characteristic decomposition components were detected based on concentrations change of some characteristic gas components such as CO2, SO2, H2S, SOF2, and CF4. The results showed that thermal properties of 20% SF6/N2 (volume fraction of SF6 is 20%) mixture has faster degradation than 40% SF6/N2 mixture. As ratio of SF6 content decreases, thermal stability of the system decreases, and the decomposition process of SF6 is exacerbated. Moreover, a mathematical model was established to determine happening of partial overheating faults on the epoxy resin surface in SF6/N2 mixture. Also thermal decomposition process of epoxy resin was simulated by the ReaxFF force field to reveal basic chemical reactions in terms of bond-breaking order, which further verified that CO2 and H2O produced during thermal decomposition of epoxy resin can intensify degradation of SF6 dielectric property.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Repetitively Scanned SLM NiTi Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Khoo Zhong Xun , An Jia , Chua Chee Kai , Shen Yu Fang , Kuo Che Nan , Liu Yong
Published: December 2018

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has been implemented to address the difficulties in manufacturing complex nickel titanium (NiTi) structures. However, the SLM production of NiTi is much more challenging than the fabrication of conventional metals. Other than the need to have a high density that leads to excellent mechanical properties, strict chemical compositional control is required as well for the SLM NiTi parts to exhibit desirable phase transformation characteristics. In addition, acquiring a high transformation strain from the produced specimens is another challenging task. In the prior research, a new approach—repetitive scanning—was implemented to achieve these objectives. The repetitively scanned samples demonstrated an average of 4.61% transformation strain when subjected to the tensile test. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement as the conventionally-produced NiTi can exhibit a transformation strain of about 6%. Hence, post-process heat treatment was introduced to improve the shape memory properties of the samples. The results showed an improvement when the samples were heat treated at a temperature of 400 °C for a period of 5 min. The enhancement in the shape memory behavior of the repetitively scanned samples was mainly attributed to the formation of fine Ni4Ti3 metastable precipitates.
Effect of Conduction Band Non-Parabolicity on the Nonlinear Optical Properties in GaAs/Ga1−xAlxAs Double Semi-V-shaped Quantum Wells
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Hai , Yuan Jian-Hui , Guo Kang-Xian , Feddi Elmustapha
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we investigate the effect of conduction band non-parabolicity (NPBE) on the third harmonic generation(THG), the linear and nonlinear intersub-band optical absorption coefficients (OACs) related with electronic states of double semi-V-shaped GaAs/Ga1−xAlxAs quantum wells(QWs) by using the compact-density-matrix approach. Simultaneously, the work is performed in the position dependent effective mass in order to compute the electronic structure for the system by the finite difference and self-consistent techniques. We also compare the results with and without considering NPBE. It is found that: (1) the NPBE has a significant influence on the sub-band energy levels of double semi-V-shaped QWs, and (2) the amplitude and position of the resonant peaks of the THG and nonlinear OACs in the case of considering NPBE show complicated behavior due to the energy dependent effective mass m*(E) where the energy value was chosen self-consistently.
Effect of Pulse Frequency on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 2198 Al-Li Alloy Joints Obtained by Ultrahigh-Frequency Pulse AC CMT Welding
Authors: Wang Liwei , Suo Yingchao , Wu Chaofeng , Wang Dianlong , Liang Zhimin
Published: December 2018

In this study, 2198 Al-Li alloy, a low density and high-performance material for aerospace equipment, was welded using ultrahigh-frequency pulse alternating current with cold metal transfer (UHF-ACCMT). Influence of different ultrahigh-frequency on the formation, porosity, microstructure, microhardness and tensile strength of the welded joints were investigated. The results showed that the coupled ultrahigh-frequency current generated electromagnetic force to stir the liquid metal of molten pool. The weld formation became much better with metallic luster and uniform ripples at frequency of 60 kHz and 70 kHz. The porosity was the minimum at frequency of 60 kHz. Furthermore, the molten pool was scoured and stirred by the electromagnetic force which provided the thermal and dynamic conditions for nucleation and grain refinement, the width of fine equiaxed grain zone became larger, and the number of equiaxed non-dendrite grains increased. With the grain refining and crystallize transition, the average microhardness and tensile strength of the joints at frequency of 60 kHz reached up the highest value, 116 HV0.1 and 338 MPa, respectively. The fracture of the welded joints presented the characteristics of quasi-cleavage fracture.
Multi-Layer Hidden Markov Model Based Intrusion Detection System
Authors: Zegeye Wondimu K. , Dean Richard A. , Moazzami Farzad
Published: December 2018

The all IP nature of the next generation (5G) networks is going to open a lot of doors for new vulnerabilities which are going to be challenging in preventing the risk associated with them. Majority of these vulnerabilities might be impossible to detect with simple networking traffic monitoring tools. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) which rely on machine learning and artificial intelligence can significantly improve network defense against intruders. This technology can be trained to learn and identify uncommon patterns in massive volume of traffic and notify, using such as alert flags, system administrators for additional investigation. This paper proposes an IDS design which makes use of machine learning algorithms such as Hidden Markov Model (HMM) using a multi-layer approach. This approach has been developed and verified to resolve the common flaws in the application of HMM to IDS commonly referred as the curse of dimensionality. It factors a huge problem of immense dimensionality to a discrete set of manageable and reliable elements. The multi-layer approach can be expanded beyond 2 layers to capture multi-phase attacks over longer spans of time. A pyramid of HMMs can resolve disparate digital events and signatures across protocols and platforms to actionable information where lower layers identify discrete events (such as network scan) and higher layers new states which are the result of multi-phase events of the lower layers. The concepts of this novel approach have been developed but the full potential has not been demonstrated.
Sustainable Lot Size in a Multistage Lean-Green Manufacturing Process under Uncertainty
Authors: Tayyab Muhammad , Sarkar Biswajit , Ullah Misbah
Published: December 2018

Optimal lot sizing is the primary tool applied by lean practitioners to reduce inconsistency in the manufacturing system to cut down inventories, which are often considered as a type of waste in the lean culture. Managers attempt to consider environmental impacts of the manufacturing system and find ways to reduce these effects while making efforts to achieve environmental protection. From a sustainability standpoint, carbon emissions are the major source of environmental contamination and degradation. In this context, this research provides an economic production quantity model with uncertain demand and process information in a multistage manufacturing process. This imperfect manufacturing process produces defective products at an uncertain rate, and is reworked to convert them into perfect quality products and reduce wastages. To control this uncertainty in the manufacturing process, the decomposition principle and the signed distance method of fuzzy theory are applied. The manufacturing process is analyzed with regard to environmental concerns, and a sustainable lot size is obtained through an interactive Weighted Fuzzy Goal Programming (WFGP) approach for the simultaneous achievement of economic and environmental sustainability. An experimental study is performed to verify the practical implication of the model, and results are evaluated through a sensitivity analysis. Important managerial insights and graphical illustrations are provided to elaborate the model.
Shannon Type Inequalities for Kapur’s Entropy
Authors: Xi Bo-Yan , Gao Dan-Dan , Zhang Tao , Guo Bai-Ni , Qi Feng
Published: December 2018

In the paper, by methods of the theory of majorization, the authors establish the Schur m-convexity and Shannon type inequalities for Kapur’s entropy.
Enhanced Adhesion of Fish Ovarian Germline Stem Cells on Solid Surfaces by Mussel-Inspired Polymer Coating
Authors: Jeong Yeonwoo , Ryu Jun Hyung , Nam Yoon Kwon , Gong Seung Pyo , Kang Sung Min
Published: December 2018

Development of advanced cell culture methods has gained increasing attention because it allows for efficient genetic engineering and precise regulation of animal reproduction on a cellular basis. Numerous studies have attempted to develop an advanced cell culture method. Previous studies have altered cell culture media and pretreated culture plates with functional molecules. Among them, a mussel-inspired polymer coating has been extensively utilized owing to its wide applicability. For instance, adhesion of human embryonic stem cells and neuronal cells on solid surfaces has been improved. Despite the excellent capability of the mussel-inspired polymer coating, most studies have primarily focused on mammalian cells. However, the efficacy of these coatings on the adhesion of other cell lines is yet unclear. This study aimed to assess the potential of the mussel-inspired polymer coating in the regulation of the adhesion of fish ovarian germline stem cells on solid surfaces. Solid surfaces were coated by polydopamine and poly-L-lysine, and the effect of the coatings on cellular behaviors was investigated.
The Effects of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Therapy in the Prevention of Depressive Effects of Propofol on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems: An Experimental Animal Study
Authors: Doğanay Fatih , Ak Rohat , Alışkan Halil , Abut Serdar , Sümer Engin , Onur Özge
Published: December 2018

Background and objectives: Although there are several hypotheses about the mechanism of action, intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of toxicities due to local anaesthetics and many lipophilic drugs. In this study, we had hypothesized that ILE therapy might also be effective in preventing mortality and cardiorespiratory depressant effects due to propofol intoxication. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley adult rats were randomly divided into four groups. Saline was administered to the subjects in the control group. The second group was administered propofol (PP group); the third group was administered ILE (ILE group), and the fourth group was administered propofol and ILE therapy together (ILE+PP group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and mortality were recorded at 10 time-points during a period of 60 min. A repeated measures linear mixed-effect model with unstructured covariance was used to compare the groups. Results: In the PP group; SBP, DBP, RR, and HR levels declined steadily; and all rats in this group died after the 60-min period. In the ILE+PP group, the initially reduced SBP, DBP, RR, and HR scores increased close to the levels observed in the control group. The SBP, DBP, RR, and HR values in the PP group were significantly lower compared to the other groups (p < 0.01). The mortality rate was 100% (with survival duration of 60 min) for the PP group; however, it was 0% for the remaining three groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the untoward effects of propofol including hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression might be prevented with ILE therapy.
Recent Progress of Basic Studies of Natural Products and Their Dental Application
Authors: Sakagami Hiroshi , Watanabe Taihei , Hoshino Tomonori , Suda Naoto , Mori Kazumasa , Yasui Toshikazu , Yamauchi Naoki , Kashiwagi Harutsugu , Gomi Tsuneaki , Oizumi Takaaki , Nagai Junko , Uesawa Yoshihiro , Takao Koichi , Sugita Yoshiaki
Published: December 2018

The present article reviews the research progress of three major polyphenols (tannins, flavonoids and lignin carbohydrate complexes), chromone (backbone structure of flavonoids) and herbal extracts. Chemical modified chromone derivatives showed highly specific toxicity against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, with much lower toxicity against human oral keratinocytes, as compared with various anticancer drugs. QSAR analysis suggests the possible correlation between their tumor-specificity and three-dimensional molecular shape. Condensed tannins in the tea extracts inactivated the glucosyltransferase enzymes, involved in the biofilm formation. Lignin-carbohydrate complexes (prepared by alkaline extraction and acid-precipitation) and crude alkaline extract of the leaves of Sasa species (SE, available as an over-the-counter drug) showed much higher anti-HIV activity, than tannins, flavonoids and Japanese traditional medicine (Kampo). Long-term treatment with SE and several Kampo medicines showed an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in small size of clinical trials. Although the anti-periodontitis activity of synthetic angiotensin II blockers has been suggested in many papers, natural angiotensin II blockers has not yet been tested for their possible anti-periodontitis activity. There should be still many unknown substances that are useful for treating the oral diseases in the natural kingdom.
Membranes with Intrinsic Micro-Porosity: Structure, Solubility, and Applications
Authors: Zhou Haoli , Jin Wanqin
Published: December 2018

Microporous polymer membranes have been widely studied because of their excellent separation performance. Among them, polymers of intrinsic micro-porosity (PIMs) have been regarded as a potential next-generation membrane material for their ultra-permeable characteristics and their solution-processing ability. Therefore, many reviews have been reported on gas separation and monomers for the preparation of PIMs. This review aims to provide an overview of the structure-solubility property. Different structures such as non-network and network macromolecular structure made of different monomers have been reviewed. Then their solubility with different structures and different separation applications such as nanofiltration, pervaporation, and gas/vapor separation are summarized. Lastly, we also provide our perspectives on the challenges and future directions of the microporous polymer membrane for the structure-property relationship, anti-physical aging, and more.
Proton Irradiation Effects on Hardness and the Volta Potential of Welding 308L Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Jiang Baolong , Peng Qunjia , Jiao Zhijie , Volinsky Alex A. , Qiao Lijie
Published: December 2018

308L welding duplex stainless steel has been irradiated at 360 °C with 2 MeV protons, corresponding to a dose of 3 dpa at the maximum depth of 20 μm. Microhardness of the δ-ferrite and austenite phases was studied before and after proton irradiation using in situ nanomechanical test system (ISNTS). The locations of the phases for indentations placement were obtained by scanning probe microscopy from the ISNTS. The hardness of the δ-ferrite had a close relationship with the vacancy distribution obtained from the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) Monte Carlo simulation code. However, the hardness of the austenite phase in the maximum damage region (17–20 μm depth) from the SRIM simulation was decreasing sharply, and a hardness transition region (>20 μm and <55 μm depth) was found between the maximum damage region (17–20 μm depth) and the unirradiated region (>20 μm depth). However, the δ-ferrite hardness behavior was different. A hardness of the two phases increased on the irradiated surface and the interior due to different hardening mechanisms in the austenite and δ-ferrite phases after a long time high-temperature irradiation. A transition region (>20 μm and <55 μm depth) of the Volta potential was also found, which was caused by the deeper transfer of implanted protons measured by scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy.
Wireless-Powered Chemical Sensor by 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Energy-Harvesting Metamaterial
Authors: Lee Wonwoo , Jung Yonghee , Jung Hyunseung , Seo Chulhun , Choo Hosung , Lee Hojin
Published: December 2018

Metamaterial Sensors show significant potential for applications ranging from hazardous chemical detection to biochemical analysis with high-quality sensing properties. However, they require additional measurement systems to analyze the resonance spectrum in real time, making it difficult to use them as a compact and portable sensor system. Herein, we present a novel wireless-powered chemical sensing system by using energy-harvesting metamaterials at microwave frequencies. In contrast to previous studies, the proposed metamaterial sensor utilizes its harvested energy as an intuitive sensing indicator without complicated measurement systems. As the spectral energy-harvesting rate of the proposed metamaterial sensor can be varied by changing the chemical components and their mixtures, we can directly distinguish the chemical species by analyzing the resulting output power levels. Moreover, by using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi source, we experimentally realize a prototype chemical sensor system that wirelessly harvests the energy varying from 0 mW up to 7 mW depending on the chemical concentration of the water-based binary mixtures.
Employment of L. paracasei K5 as a Novel Potentially Probiotic Freeze-Dried Starter for Feta-Type Cheese Production
Authors: Terpou Antonia , Mantzourani Ioanna , Galanis Alex , Kanellaki Maria , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia , Bekatorou Argyro , Koutinas Athanasios A. , Plessas Stavros
Published: December 2018

In the present study, a novel potentially probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei strain, previously isolated from dairy products, was evaluated as a starter culture of Feta-type cheese production. Targeting industrial applications, the starter culture was applied as a ready-to-use freeze-dried culture that was either free or immobilized. The immobilized biocatalyst composed of Lactobacillus paracasei K5 cells absorbed within delignified wheat bran prebiotic carrier. All produced cheeses were compared with cheese manufactured by renin enzyme. Several parameters that affect acceptability, quality and shelf-life of Feta-type cheese were investigated, including microbial populations, physicochemical characteristics and cheese volatiles through 90 days of ripening and storage. Survival of L. paracasei K5 remained in high levels (≥6.0 log cfu/g) after the 90th day of cheese production, as recorded by combining microbiological enumeration and strain-specific multiplex PCR analysis. The use of the freeze-dried novel starter culture (free or immobilized) enhanced the aromatic profile of Feta-type cheeses. Finally, the use of the potentially synbiotic immobilized biocatalyst further improved aromatic characteristics of produced cheese and decrease of possible spoilage or pathogenic microorganisms. These findings indicate the potential industrial use of freeze-dried L. paracasei K5 as starter culture for the production of good-quality functional Feta-type cheese.
The Microbial Communities of Leaves and Roots Associated with Turtle Grass (Thalassia testudinum) and Manatee Grass (Syringodium filliforme) are Distinct from Seawater and Sediment Communities, but Are Similar between Species and Sampling Sites
Authors: Ugarelli Kelly , Laas Peeter , Stingl Ulrich
Published: December 2018

Seagrasses are vital members of coastal systems, which provide several important ecosystem services such as improvement of water quality, shoreline protection, and serving as shelter, food, and nursery to many species, including economically important fish. They also act as a major carbon sink and supply copious amounts of oxygen to the ocean. A decline in seagrasses has been observed worldwide, partly due to climate change, direct and indirect human activities, diseases, and increased sulfide concentrations in the coastal porewaters. Several studies have shown a symbiotic relationship between seagrasses and their microbiome. For instance, the sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon cycles are important biochemical pathways that seem to be linked between the plant and its microbiome. The microbiome presumably also plays a key role in the health of the plant, for example in oxidizing phyto-toxic sulfide into non-toxic sulfate, or by providing protection for seagrasses from pathogens. Two of the most abundant seagrasses in Florida include Thalassia testudinum (turtle grass) and Syringodium filliforme (manatee grass), yet there is little data on the composition of the microbiome of these two genera. In this study, the microbial composition of the phyllosphere and rhizosphere of Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme were compared to water and sediment controls using amplicon sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The microbial composition of the leaves, roots, seawater, and sediment differ from one another, but are similar between the two species of seagrasses.