bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Atmosphere Processing of Lead-Free Piezoelectric Sodium Potassium Niobate-Based Ceramics
Authors: Haugen Astri Bjørnetun
Published: July 2019

K0.5Na0.5NbO3-based ceramics, a promising group of lead-free piezoelectrics, are challenging to sinter dense while avoiding alkali evaporation. This work explores hybrid atmosphere processing, a new approach where reducing atmospheres is used during heating to avoid coarsening from alkali carbonates and hydroxides, and oxidizing atmospheres is used during sintering to avoid alkali evaporation. Discs of Li0.06(K0.52Na0.48)0.94Nb0.71Ta0.29O3 with 0.25 mol% Mn (KNNLTM) were sintered in air, N2, 9% H2 in N2, or 9% H2 in N2 during heating and air during sintering (hybrid atmosphere processing). The highest density was obtained by sintering in 9% H2 in N2, but resulted in high alkali loss and decomposition of the surface, followed by low piezoelectric response. However, with the hybrid H2/air processing it was possible to both avoid surface decomposition and leakage currently associated with alkali evaporation during sintering in H2, and to obtain a denser, more phase-pure and small-grained KNNLTM ceramic with a higher piezoelectric response than obtained by sintering in air or N2.
Key Generation for Hardware Obfuscation Using Strong PUFs
Authors: Enamul Quadir Md Shahed , Chandy John A.
Published: July 2019

As a result of the increased use of contract foundries, intellectual property (IP) theft, excess production and reverse engineering are major concerns for the electronics and defense industries. Hardware obfuscation and IP locking can be used to make a design secure by replacing a part of the circuit with a key-locked module. In order to ensure each chip has unique keys, previous work has proposed using physical unclonable functions (PUF) to lock the circuit. However, these designs are area intensive. In this work, we propose a strong PUF-based hardware obfuscation scheme to uniquely lock each chip.
Phase Stability and Morphology of Gel Grown Crystals: The Case of CdCl2-bpp Polymeric System
Authors: Lo Presti Leonardo , Moret Massimo , Rizzato Silvia
Published: July 2019

A phenomenological study is carried out on a complex two-component diffusion-reacting system in gel, that is, the Cd-1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (Cd-bpp) coordination polymer. The latter can exist in three solid forms, which exploit a 1:1 correspondence among the Cd/bpp ratio, the crystal structure and the crystal morphology (1/2: bipyramids; 2/3: needles; 1/3: plates). The aim was to clarify the role of key physicochemical variables (reactant concentrations, composition of the solvent and density of the transport medium) in determining the chemical nature and the morphology of the final crystallization products. The gel method was tested in a variety of different crystallization configurations, including single and double diffusion techniques. The density of the gel primarily affects the morphology of the synthesized crystals, with denser media favouring the needle-like 2/3 Cd-bpp species and diluted ones the 1/2 Cd-bpp bipyramidal one. However, higher densities of the gel are generally associated to strained crystals. The solvent composition is also important, as for example the 1/2 Cd-bpp bipyramids require at least a minimum amount of ethanol to appear. We demonstrated that in gel the strict “equality” stoichiometric criteria for metal-to-ligand ratios can be sometimes eluded, as non–equilibrium concentrations can be locally attained. In this respect, the crystallization geometry was proven to act as a key tool to influence the crystallization output, as it determines the direction and magnitude of the concentration gradients. Finally, the use of U tubes to perform one-pot screenings of a large part of the crystallization space is discussed.
Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance Spectroscopy: Tautomerism and Structure of Functional Azoles
Authors: Larina Lyudmila I.
Published: July 2019

The Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance spectroscopy data of functionalized azoles (imidazoles, triazoles and corresponding benzazoles) are reviewed and critically discussed. The possibility of studying the tautomerism of azoles by the NQR method is considered.
Performance Based Abstraction of Biomimicry Design Principles using Prototyping
Authors: Rovalo Erin , McCardle John
Published: July 2019

A key challenge faced by biomimicry practitioners is making the conceptual leap between biology and design, particularly regarding collaborating across these knowledge domains and developing and evaluating design principles abstracted from biology. While many tools and resources to support biomimicry design exist, most largely rely on semantic techniques supporting analogical translation of information between biology and design. However, the challenges of evaluation and collaboration are common in design practice and frequently addressed through prototyping. This study explores the utility of prototyping in the unique context of biomimicry by investigating its impact on the abstraction and transfer of design principles derived from biology as well as on cross-domain collaboration between biologists and designers. Following a survey exploring current practices of practitioners, in depth interviews provided detailed accounts of project experiences that leveraged prototyping. Four primary themes were observed: (1) Approximation; (2) The Prototyping Principle; (3) Synthesis and Testing; and (4) Validation. These themes introduce a unique abstraction and transfer process based on form-finding and collaborative performance evaluation in contrast to the widely accepted semantic language-based approaches. Our findings illustrate how designers and engineers can leverage a prototyping skillset in order to develop boundary objects between the fields of biology and design to navigate challenges uniquely associated with the biomimicry approach.
Phenotypic Correlations among Growth and Selected Wood Properties in White Spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) †
Authors: Mvolo Cyriac S. , Koubaa Ahmed , Beaulieu Jean , Cloutier Alain , Defo Maurice , Yemele Martin-Claude
Published: July 2019

We examined phenotypic relationships among radial growth-related, physical (i.e., related to wood density), and anatomical (i.e., related to tracheid dimensions) wood properties in white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), in order to determine the strength and significance of their correlations. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to establish if all of the properties must be measured and to determine the key properties that can be used as proxies for the other variables. Radial growth-related and physical properties were measured with an X-ray densitometer, while anatomical properties were measured with a Fiber Quality Analyzer. Fifteen wood properties (tracheid length (TL) and diameter (TD), earlywood tracheid length (ETL) and diameter (ETD), latewood tracheid length (LTL) and diameter (LTD), ring width (RW), ring area (RA), earlywood width (EWW), latewood width (LWW), latewood proportion (LWP), ring density (RD), intra-ring density variation, earlywood density (EWD), and latewood density (LWD)) were assessed. Relationships were evaluated at intra-ring and inter-ring levels in the juvenile wood (JW) and mature wood (MW) zones. Except for a few cases when mature tracheid diameter (TD) was involved, all intra-ring anatomical properties were highly and significantly correlated. Radial growth properties were correlated, with stronger relationships in MW compared to JW. Physical properties were often positively and significantly correlated in both JW and MW. A higher earlywood density coupled with a lower latewood density favored wood uniformity, i.e., the homogeneity of ring density within a growth ring. Managing plantations to suppress trees growth during JW formation, and enhancing radial growth when MW formation starts will favor overall wood quality. In order, RW-EWW-RA, TL-ETL-LTL, and RD-EWD-LWP are the three clusters that appeared in the three wood zones, the whole pith-to-bark radial section, the juvenile wood zone, and the mature wood zone.
The Role of Streamside Native Forests on Dissolved Organic Matter in Forested and Agricultural Watersheds in Northwestern Patagonia
Authors: Becerra-Rodas Constanza , Little Christian , Lara Antonio , Sandoval Jorge , Osorio Sebastián , Nimptsch Jorge
Published: July 2019

Streamside native forests are known for their key role in water provision, commonly referred to as buffers that control the input or output of nutrients from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems (i.e., nitrogen or carbon cycle). In order to assess the functional role of indigenous forests along streamside channels, we measured 10 parameters associated with DOM (Dissolved Organic Matter) at 42 points in 12 small catchments (15–200 ha) dominated by native forests (reference, WNF), forest plantations (WFP) and agricultural lands (WAL) in which the land cover portion was calculated in the entire watershed and along 30 and 60-m wide buffer strips. We found that watersheds WFP and WAL were statistically different than WNF, according to DIC concentrations (Dissolved Inorganic Carbon) and the intensity of the maximum fluorescence of DOM components. Using linear models, we related streamside native forest coverage in buffer strips with DOM parameters. The increase of streamside native forest coverage in 60 m wide buffer strips (0–100%) was related to lower DIC concentrations (0.89 to 0.28 mg C L−1). In watersheds WFP and WAL, the humic and fulvic-like components (0.42 to 1.42 R.U./mg C L−1) that predominated were related to an increase in streamside native forest coverage in the form of a 60 m wide buffer strip (0–75%). This is evidence that streamside native forests influence outputs of detritus and lowered in-stream processing with concomitant downstream transport, and functional integrity and water quality. We propose that DOM quantity and quality may be a potential tool for the identification of priority areas near streams for conservation and ecological restoration in terms of recovery of water quality as an important ecosystem service. The results of this study are useful to inform policy and regulations about the width of streamside native forests as well as their characteristics and restrictions.
Transcriptome Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes Related to the Growth and Development of the Jinghai Yellow Chicken
Authors: Chen Fuxiang , Wu Pengfei , Shen Manman , He Mingliang , Chen Lan , Qiu Cong , Shi Huiqiang , Zhang Tao , Wang Jiahong , Xie Kaizhou , Dai Guojun , Wang Jinyu , Zhang Genxi
Published: July 2019

The growth traits are important traits in chickens. Compared to white feather broiler breeds, Chinese local broiler breeds have a slow growth rate. The main genes affecting the growth traits of local chickens in China are still unclear and need to be further explored. This experiment used fast-growth and slow-growth groups of the Jinghai Yellow chicken as the research objects. Three males and three females with similar body weights were selected from the two groups at four weeks old and eight weeks old, respectively, with a total of 24 individuals selected. After slaughter, their chest muscles were taken for transcriptome sequencing. In the differentially expressed genes screening, all of the genes obtained were screened by fold change ≥ 2 and false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05. For four-week-old chickens, a total of 172 differentially expressed genes were screened in males, where there were 68 upregulated genes and 104 downregulated genes in the fast-growth group when compared with the slow-growth group. A total of 31 differentially expressed genes were screened in females, where there were 11 upregulated genes and 20 downregulated genes in the fast-growth group when compared with the slow-growth group. For eight-week-old chickens, a total of 37 differentially expressed genes were screened in males. The fast-growth group had 28 upregulated genes and 9 downregulated genes when compared with the slow-growth group. A total of 44 differentially expressed genes were screened in females. The fast-growth group had 13 upregulated genes and 31 downregulated genes when compared with the slow-growth group. Through gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, many genes were found to be related to cell proliferation and differentiation, muscle growth, and cell division such as SNCG, MCL1, ARNTL, PLPPR4, VAMP1, etc. Real-time PCR results were consistent with the RNA-Seq data and validated the findings. The results of this study will help to understand the regulation mechanism of the growth and development of Jinghai Yellow chicken and provide a theoretical basis for improving the growth rate of Chinese local chicken breeds.
The Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) Genome
Authors: Taylor Rebecca S. , Horn Rebekah L. , Zhang Xi , Golding G. Brian , Manseau Micheline , Wilson Paul J.
Published: July 2019

Rangifer tarandus, known as caribou or reindeer, is a widespread circumpolar species which presents significant variability in their morphology, ecology, and genetics. A genome was sequenced from a male boreal caribou (R. t. caribou) from Manitoba, Canada. Both paired end and Chicago libraries were constructed and sequenced on Illumina platforms. The final assembly consists of approximately 2.205 Gb, and has a scaffold N50 of 11.765 Mb. BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs) reconstructed 3820 (93.1%) complete mammalian genes, and genome annotation identified the locations of 33,177 protein-coding genes. An alignment to the bovine genome was carried out, indicating sequence coverage on all bovine chromosomes. A high-quality reference genome will be invaluable for evolutionary research and for conservation efforts for the species. Further information about the genome, including a FASTA file of the assembly and the annotation files, is available on our caribou genome website. Raw sequence data is available at the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), under the BioProject accession number PRJNA549927.
The CaAP2/ERF064 Regulates Dual Functions in Pepper: Plant Cell Death and Resistance to Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Jin Jing-Hao , Zhang Huai-Xia , Ali Muhammad , Wei Ai-Min , Luo De-Xu , Gong Zhen-Hui
Published: July 2019

Phytophthora blight is one of the most destructive diseases of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) globally. The APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factors (AP2/ERF) genes play a crucial role in plant response to biotic stresses but, to date, have not been studied in the context of Phytophthora resistance in pepper. Here, we documented potential roles for the pepper CaAP2/ERF064 gene in inducing cell death and conferring resistance to Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici) infection. Results revealed that the N-terminal, AP2 domain, and C-terminal of CaAP2/ERF064 protein is responsible for triggering cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana). Moreover, the transcription of CaAP2/ERF064 in plant is synergistically regulated by the Methyl-Jasmonate (MeJA) and ethephon (ET) signaling pathway. CaAP2/ERF064 was found to regulate the expression of CaBPR1, which is a pathogenesis-related (PR) gene of pepper. Furthermore, the silencing of CaAP2/ERF064 compromised the pepper plant resistance to P. capsici by reducing the transcript level of defense-related genes CaBPR1, CaPO2, and CaSAR82, while the ectopic expression of CaAP2/ERF064 in N. benthamiana plant elevated the expression level of NbPR1b and enhanced resistance to P. capsici. These results suggest that CaAP2/ERF064 could positively regulate the defense response against P. capsici by modulating the transcription of PR genes in the plant.
Satellite Pre-Failure Detection and In Situ Monitoring of the Landslide of the Tunnel du Chambon, French Alps
Authors: Desrues Mathilde , Lacroix Pascal , Brenguier Ombeline
Published: July 2019

Recent studies using satellite data have shown a growing interest in detecting and anticipating landslide failures. However, their value for an actual landslide prediction has shown variable results. Therefore, the use of satellite images for that purpose still requires additional attention. Here, we study the landslide of the Tunnel du Chambon in the French Alps that ruptured in July 2015, generating major impacts on economic activity and infrastructures. To evaluate the contribution of very high-resolution optical satellite images to characterize and potentially anticipate the landslide failure, we conduct here a retro analysis of its evolution. Two time periods are analyzed: September 2012 to September 2014, and May to July 2015. We combine Pléiades optical images analysis and geodetic measurements from in situ topographic monitoring. Satellite images were correlated to detect pre-failure motions, showing 1.4-m of displacement between September 2012 and September 2014. In situ geodetic measures were used to analyze motions during the main activity of the landslide in June and July 2015. Topographic measurements highlight different areas of deformations and two periods of strong activity, related to the last stage of the tertiary creep and to anthropic massive purges of unstable masses. The law of acceleration toward the rupture observed in June and July 2015 over the topographic targets also fits well the satellite observation between 2012 and 2014, showing that the landslide probably already entered into tertiary creep 2.5 years before its failure.
Tsunami Modeling and Satellite-Based Emergency Mapping: Workflow Integration Opportunities
Authors: Ajmar Andrea , Annunziato Alessandro , Boccardo Piero , Giulio Tonolo Fabio , Wania Annett
Published: July 2019

Satellite-based Emergency Mapping (SEM) mechanisms provide information for emergency response in relation to different types of disasters, including tsunamis, based on the analysis of satellite imagery acquired in the aftermath of an event. One of the main critical aspects of a SEM service is the timeliness in providing relevant information in the hours following the event. The availability of a relevant post-event image is crucial; therefore, satellite sensors need to be programmed as soon as possible. The integration of a tsunami alerting system, like the one offered by the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), can be highly beneficial in a SEM mechanism for streamlining and accelerating the satellite programming task and for generating first damage estimates. The GDACS tsunami model is validated using tidal gauge data and a post-event field survey. Tsunami model outputs are then exploited to automatically identify areas of interest to be used for immediate satellite acquisition triggering. Three alternative operational integration approaches are proposed, described and discussed, taking as use case the tsunami that struck the central Chilean coast after the 8.3 magnitude earthquake on 16 September 2015.
Introduction to “Re-Mapping Cosmopolitanism”
Authors: Barker Jennifer , Zorn Christa
Published: July 2019

Debates about the concept of cosmopolitanism have flared up repeatedly in the twentieth and twenty-fist centuries, not so much as a set or coherent theory, but rather as an alternative model of thinking in opposition to excessive nationalist ideologies; or, more recently, as an intervention into hegemonic global strategies [...]
Areal Interpolation Using Parcel and Census Data in Highly Developed Urban Environments
Authors: Liu XiaoHang , Martinez Alexis
Published: July 2019

Areal interpolation is routinely used when spatial data are unavailable at desired geographical units. While many methods are available, few of them were developed specifically for and tested in highly developed urban cores. Even fewer studied subpopulation or population characteristics. This paper explores both issues using parcel map and decennial census data as ancillary information. Using census blocks as intermediate zones, the method first disaggregates source-zone data to intermediate zones, then disaggregates data to parcel level in intermediate zones intersecting target zones, and finally aggregates intermediate-zone and parcel-level estimates to obtain target-zone estimates. Compared to areal weighting and residential proportion, the proposed method is significantly more accurate. All three methods perform the best on population count, and worst on spatially clustered subpopulations such as black/African American population. Quotient variables are more difficult to interpolate than count variables. The research demonstrates the utility of parcel and decennial census data for areal interpolation in highly developed urban cores, and calls for future research on subpopulation and population characteristics.
Effects of Diet Quality and Temperature on Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Development
Authors: Florez-Cuadros Melina , Berkebile Dennis , Brewer Gary , Taylor David
Published: July 2019

The effects of diet quality and temperature on the development time and size of stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), was evaluated. Both development time and size varied relative to diet quality and temperature, and their effects were additive. Diet quality and temperature made similar contributions to the variance in size whereas temperature was responsible for >97% of the variance in development time. Regression analysis predicted the shortest development time, egg to adult, to be 12.7 days at 32 °C and 70% nutrients. Egg to adult development varied curvilinearly relative to diet quality and temperature on the degree day 10 (DD10) scale taking 261 DD10 at 30 °C and 50% nutrients. The thermal threshold was 11.5 °C with a thermal constant of 248. Very few stable flies developed to adult on the poorest diet (12.5% nutrients) and adults emerged from fewer than 1% of the puparia at 35 °C. The heaviest pupae (15.4 mg) were produced with the 100% diet at 15 °C and adults had a higher probability of emerging successfully from heavier puparia. The length of the discal-medial cell of adult wings had a cubic relationship with puparia weight and peaked at 21 °C. Egg to pupariation survival was predicted to peak at 27 °C and 71% diet whereas puparia to adult survival peaked at 24 °C and 100% diet. Diet quality and temperature had no effect on sex ratio and the rate of development did not differ between the sexes. Female stable flies were ≈5% larger than males. Composite metrics for egg to pupariation and egg to adult fitness were developed. The optimum for puparia fitness was 29 °C and 78% diet quality and for adult fitness 25 °C and 83% diet quality. Diet accounted for 31% of the variance in pupal fitness and 24% of the variance in adult fitness whereas temperature accounted for 17% and 20%, respectively.
Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Clinic in Evaluating Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection Patients for Fecal Microbiota Transplant: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Shin Jae Hyun , Chaplin Ashley S. , Hays R. Ann , Kolling Glynis L. , Vance Sheila , Guerrant Richard L. , Archbald-Pannone Laurie , Warren Cirle A.
Published: July 2019

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDIs). We assessed the benefits of a multidisciplinary C. difficile clinic for screening FMT eligibility in patients with rCDI. Patients seen at the University of Virginia Complicated C. difficile Clinic (CCDC) underwent comprehensive evaluation for possible FMT. Patients were eligible for FMT if there was history of greater than two episodes of rCDI. Patients were evaluated for the outcome after evaluation in the clinic. A total of 113 patients were evaluated: 77 were eligible for FMT, of which 25 patients did not undergo FMT. The rate of recurrence at three months and all-cause mortality were 4.5% and 7% for patients who received FMT and 16.7% and 12.5% for eligible patients who did not receive FMT. There were 36 patients who were not eligible for FMT, with two or fewer recurrences and a recurrence rate of 8.8% and all-cause mortality of 6%. One in three patients screened for FMT had a nutritional deficiency diagnosed, with zinc deficiency being most common (20%). Additional diagnoses, including inflammatory bowel disease, were made during the evaluation. FMT is a highly effective treatment for rCDI, most notably in patients with multiple recurrences. A systematic approach for evaluating patients with rCDI helps identify patients who benefit most from FMT and those who have other conditions.
The Polymorphisms of the Peroxisome-Proliferator Activated Receptors’ Alfa Gene Modify the Aerobic Training Induced Changes of Cholesterol and Glucose
Authors: Maciejewska-Skrendo Agnieszka , Buryta Maciej , Czarny Wojciech , Król Pawel , Spieszny Michal , Stastny Petr , Petr Miroslav , Safranow Krzysztof , Sawczuk Marek
Published: July 2019

Background: PPARα is a transcriptional factor that controls the expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, including fatty acid transport, uptake by the cells, intracellular binding, and activation, as well as catabolism (particularly mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation) or storage. PPARA gene polymorphisms may be crucial for maintaining lipid homeostasis and in this way, being responsible for developing specific training-induced physiological reactions. Therefore, we have decided to check if post-training changes of body mass measurements as well as chosen biochemical parameters are modulation by the PPARA genotypes. Methods: We have examined the genotype and alleles’ frequencies (described in PPARA rs1800206 and rs4253778 polymorphic sites) in 168 female participants engaged in a 12-week training program. Body composition and biochemical parameters were measured before and after the completion of a whole training program. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that PPARA intron 7 rs4253778 CC genotype modulate training response by increasing low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and glucose concentration, while PPARA Leu162Val rs1800206 CG genotype polymorphism interacts in a decrease in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) concentration. Conclusions: Carriers of PPARA intron 7 rs4253778 CC genotype and Leu162Val rs1800206 CG genotype might have potential negative training-induced cholesterol and glucose changes after aerobic exercise.
‘Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others’: The Hierarchy of Citizenship in Austria
Authors: Lazarus Suleman
Published: July 2019

While this article aims to explore the connections between citizenship and ‘race’, it is the first study to use fictional tools as a sociological resource in exemplifying the deviation between citizenship in principle and practice in an Austrian context. The study involves interviews with 73 Austrians from three ethnic/racial groups, which were subjected to a directed approach to qualitative content analysis and coded based on sentences from George Orwell’s fictional book, ‘Animal Farm’. By using fiction as a conceptual and analytical device, this article goes beyond the orthodox particulars of citizenship to expose the compressed entitlements of some racial/ethnic minorities. In particular, data analysis revealed two related and intertwined central themes: (a) “all animals are not equal or comrades”; and (b) “some animals are more equal than others”. All ‘animals’ may be equal in principle, whereas, in practice, their ‘race’ serves as a critical source of social (dis)advantage in the ‘animal kingdom’. Thus, since citizenship is a precondition for possessing certain rights that non-citizens are not granted, I argue that citizenship cannot only be judged by whom it, in theory, excludes (i.e., non-citizens), but also by how it treats the included (i.e., citizens) on the basis of their ‘race’. I conclude that skin colour is a specific aspect of the hierarchy of citizenship in Austria, which reinforces that ‘some animals are more equal than others’.
Use of Plasmapheresis and Immunosuppressants to Treat Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in a Patient with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Sattar Yasar , Susheela Ammu Thampi , Ullah Waqas , Usman Norina , Zafrullah Fnu
Published: July 2019

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease characterized by small-to-medium vessel vasculitis due to Central Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (C-ANCA). GPA commonly involves the lungs and the kidneys. Among the pulmonary manifestations, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DHA) is a rare presentation of GPA that can present with hemoptysis leading to acute onset of anemia and hemodynamic instability. An active diagnostic workup including serologic titer of C-ANCA, imaging, intensive care, and aggressive immunosuppression is the key to DAH management. We report a case of DAH secondary to GPA that presented with hemoptysis leading to severe anemia, initially resuscitated symptomatically and started on plasmapheresis with pulse steroids and cyclophosphamide. Timely diagnosis and management led to a remarkable recovery of the pulmonary symptoms and imaging findings of DAH.
TRP Channels Expression Profile in Human End-Stage Heart Failure
Authors: Dragún Martin , Gažová Andrea , Kyselovič Ján , Hulman Michal , Máťuš Marek
Published: July 2019

Objectives: Many studies indicate the involvement of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the development of heart hypertrophy. However, the data is often conflicted and has originated in animal models. Here, we provide systematic analysis of TRP channels expression in human failing myocardium. Methods and results: Left-ventricular tissue samples were isolated from explanted hearts of NYHA III-IV patients undergoing heart transplants (n = 43). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to assess the mRNA levels of TRPC, TRPM and TRPV channels. Analysis of functional, clinical and biochemical data was used to confirm an end-stage heart failure diagnosis. Compared to myocardium samples from healthy donor hearts (n = 5), we detected a distinct increase in the expression of TRPC1, TRPC5, TRPM4 and TRPM7, and decreased expression of TRPC4 and TRPV2. These changes were not dependent on gender, clinical or biochemical parameters, nor functional parameters of the heart. We detected, however, a significant correlation of TRPC1 and MEF2c expression. Conclusions: The end-stage heart failure displays distinct expressional changes of TRP channels. Our findings provide a systematic description of TRP channel expression in human heart failure. The results highlight the complex interplay between TRP channels and the need for deeper analysis of early stages of hypertrophy and heart failure development.
Characterization of the Fouling Layer on the Membrane Surface in a Membrane Bioreactor: Evolution of the Foulants’ Composition and Aggregation Ability
Authors: Yan Linlin , Li Ruixue , Song Yu , Jia Yanping , Li Zheng , Song Lianfa , Zhang Haifeng
Published: July 2019

In this study, the characteristics of membrane foulants were analyzed with regard to morphology, composition, and aggregation ability during the three stages of transmembrane pressure (TMP) development (fast–slow–fast rise in TMP) in a steady operational membrane bioreactor (MBR). The results obtained show that the fouling layer at the slow TMP-increase stage possessed a higher average roughness (71.27 nm) and increased fractal dimension (2.33), which resulted in a low membrane fouling rate (0.87 kPa/d). A higher extracellular DNA (eDNA) proportion (26.12%) in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) resulted in both higher zeta potential (-23.3 mV) and higher hydrophobicity (82.3%) for initial foulants, which induced and increased the protein proportion in the subsequent fouling layer (74.11%). Furthermore, the main composition of the EPS shifted from protein toward polysaccharide dominance in the final fouling layer. The aggregation test confirmed that eDNA was essential for foulant aggregation in the initial fouling layer, whereas ion interaction significantly affected foulant aggregation in the final fouling layer.
Mixed Matrix Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)-Copper Nanofibrous Anti-Microbial Air-Microfilters
Authors: des Ligneris Elise , Dumée Ludovic F. , Al-Attabi Riyadh , Castanet Erwan , Schütz Jürg , Kong Lingxue
Published: July 2019

Membranes decorated with biocide materials have shown great potential for air sanitization but can suffer from biocide agent leaching by dissolution in water. In order to tackle the diffusion of biocide metal ions from the fiber matrix, composite nanofiber membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) cross-linked with copper (II) acetate have been successfully engineered via sol–gel electrospinning, providing a stable mean for air bactericidal microfiltration. The novelty lies in the bonding strength and homogeneous distribution of the fiber surface biocide, where biocide metals are incorporated as a sol within a polymer matrix. The electrospinning of bead-free composite nanofibers offered over 99.5% filtration efficiency for PM2.5, with a theoretical permeance above 98%. The PVA/copper nanofiber membranes also showed satisfactory anti-bacterial performance against the gram-negative Escherichia coli within 24 h, making them promising materials for the remediation of airborne bacteria. The mechanical and chemical stability of the engineered nanocomposite electrospun nanofiber webs added to the natural biodegradability of the materials, by offering ideal low-cost sanitary solutions for the application of air disinfection in both indoor and outdoor fitting a circular economy strategy where advanced materials are redesigned to be sustainable.
Comprehensive Properties of a Novel Quaternary Sn-Bi-Sb-Ag Solder: Wettability, Interfacial Structure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Wang Kaipeng , Wang Fengjiang , Huang Ying , Qi Kai
Published: July 2019

Sn-58Bi eutectic solder is the most recommended low temperature Pb-free solder but is also limited from the interfacial embrittlement of Bi segregation. Since the quaternary Sn-38Bi-1.5Sb-0.7Ag solder provides a similar melting point as Sn-58Bi eutectic, this paper systematically investigated the properties of this solder from wettability, bulk tensile properties, interfacial microstructure in solder joints with a Cu substrate, interfacial evolution in joints during isothermal aging and the shear strength on ball solder joints with effect of aging conditions. The results were also compared with Sn-58Bi solder. The wettability of solder alloys was evaluated with wetting balance testing, and the quaternary Sn-38Bi-1.5Sb-0.7Ag solder had a better wettability than Sn-58Bi solder on the wetting time. Tensile tests on bulk solder alloys indicated that the quaternary Sn-38Bi-1.5Sb-0.7Ag solder had a higher tensile strength and similar elongation compared with Sn-58Bi solder due to the finely distributed SnSb and Ag3Sn intermetallics in the solder matrix. The tensile strength of solder decreased with a decrease in the strain rate and with an increase in temperature, while the elongation of solder was independent of the temperature and strain rate. When soldering with a Cu substrate, a thin Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound (IMC) is produced at the interface in the solder joint. Measurement on IMC thickness showed that the quaternary Sn-38Bi-1.5Sb-0.7Ag had a lower IMC growth rate during the following isothermal aging. Ball shear test on solder joints illustrated that the quaternary Sn-38Bi-1.5Sb-0.7Ag solder joints had higher shear strength than Sn-58Bi solder joints. Compared with the serious deterioration on shear strength of Sn-58Bi joints from isothermal aging, the quaternary Sn-38Bi-1.5Sb-0.7Ag solder joints presented a superior high temperature stability. Therefore, the quaternary Sn-38Bi-1.5Sb-0.7Ag solder provides better performances and the possibility to replace Sn-58Bi solder to realize low temperature soldering.
Laser Shock Peening: Toward the Use of Pliable Solid Polymers for Confinement
Authors: Le Bras Corentin , Rondepierre Alexandre , Seddik Raoudha , Scius-Bertrand Marine , Rouchausse Yann , Videau Laurent , Fayolle Bruno , Gervais Matthieu , Morin Leo , Valadon Stéphane , Ecault Romain , Furfari Domenico , Berthe Laurent
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the first extensive study of the performances of solid polymers used as confinement materials for laser shock applications such as laser shock peening (LSP) as opposed to the exclusively used water-confined regime up to now. The use of this new confinement approach allows the treatment of metal pieces needing fatigue behavior enhancement but located in areas which are sensitive to water. Accurate pressure determination in the polymer confinement regime was performed by coupling finite element simulation and experimental measurements of rear free-surface velocity using the velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR). Pressure could reach 7.6 and 4.6 GPa for acrylate-based polymer and cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), respectively. At 7 and 4.7 GW/cm 2 , respectively, detrimental laser breakdown limited pressure for acrylate and PDMS. These results show that the pressures produced were also as high as in water confinement, attaining values allowing the treatment of all types of metals with LSP and laying the groundwork for future determination of the fatigue behavior exhibited by this type of treated materials.
In Vivo Tracking of Tissue Engineered Constructs
Authors: Gil Carmen , Tomov Martin , Theus Andrea , Cetnar Alexander , Mahmoudi Morteza , Serpooshan Vahid
Published: July 2019

To date, the fields of biomaterials science and tissue engineering have shown great promise in creating bioartificial tissues and organs for use in a variety of regenerative medicine applications. With the emergence of new technologies such as additive biomanufacturing and 3D bioprinting, increasingly complex tissue constructs are being fabricated to fulfill the desired patient-specific requirements. Fundamental to the further advancement of this field is the design and development of imaging modalities that can enable visualization of the bioengineered constructs following implantation, at adequate spatial and temporal resolution and high penetration depths. These in vivo tracking techniques should introduce minimum toxicity, disruption, and destruction to treated tissues, while generating clinically relevant signal-to-noise ratios. This article reviews the imaging techniques that are currently being adopted in both research and clinical studies to track tissue engineering scaffolds in vivo, with special attention to 3D bioprinted tissue constructs.
Programmable Electrofluidics for Ionic Liquid Based Neuromorphic Platform
Authors: Boldman Walker , Zhang Cheng , Ward Thomas , Briggs Dayrl , Srijanto Bernadeta , Brisk Philip , Rack Philip
Published: July 2019

Due to the limit in computing power arising from the Von Neumann bottleneck, computational devices are being developed that mimic neuro-biological processing in the brain by correlating the device characteristics with the synaptic weight of neurons. This platform combines ionic liquid gating and electrowetting for programmable placement/connectivity of the ionic liquid. In this platform, both short-term potentiation (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP) are realized via electrostatic and electrochemical doping of the amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (aIGZO), respectively, and pulsed bias measurements are demonstrated for lower power considerations. While compatible with resistive elements, we demonstrate a platform based on transitive amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (aIGZO) pixel elements. Using a lithium based ionic liquid, we demonstrate both potentiation (decrease in device resistance) and depression (increase in device resistance), and propose a 2D platform array that would enable a much higher pixel count via Active Matrix electrowetting.
Improved MRD 4H-SiC MESFET with High Power Added Efficiency
Authors: Zhu Shunwei , Jia Hujun , Wang Xingyu , Liang Yuan , Tong Yibo , Li Tao , Yang Yintang
Published: July 2019

An improved multi-recessed double-recessed p-buffer layer 4H–SiC metal semiconductor field effect transistor (IMRD 4H-SiC MESFET) with high power added efficiency is proposed and studied by co-simulation of advanced design system (ADS) and technology computer aided design (TCAD) Sentaurus software in this paper. Based on multi-recessed double-recessed p-buffer layer 4H–SiC metal semiconductor field effect transistor (MRD 4H-SiC MESFET), the recessed area of MRD MESFET on both sides of the gate is optimized, the direct current (DC), radio frequency (RF) parameters and efficiency of the device is balanced, and the IMRD MESFET with a best power-added efficiency (PAE) is finally obtained. The results show that the PAE of the IMRD MESFET is 68.33%, which is 28.66% higher than the MRD MESFET, and DC and RF performance have not dropped significantly. Compared with the MRD MESFET, the IMRD MESFET has a broader prospect in the field of microwave radio frequency.
Comparison of Various Chromatographic Systems for Analysis of Cytisine in Human Serum, Saliva and Pharmaceutical Formulation by HPLC with Diode Array, Fluorescence or Mass Spectrometry Detection
Authors: Wróblewski Karol , Petruczynik Anna , Tuzimski Tomasz , Przygodzka Dominika , Buszewicz Grzegorz , Kołodziejczyk Patrycjusz , Tutka Piotr
Published: July 2019

Background: Identification and quantitative determination of cytisine, especially in biological samples and pharmaceutical formulations, is still a difficult analytical task. Cytisine is an alkaloid with a small and very polar molecule. For this reason, it is very weakly retained on reversed phase (RP) stationary phases, such as commonly used alkyl-bonded phases. The very weak retention of cytisine causes it to be eluted together with the components of biological matrices. Objective: Comparison and evaluation of various chromatographic systems for analysis of cytisine in different matrices—serum, saliva and pharmaceutical formulation—by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array (DAD), fluorescence (FLD) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection. Methods: The analyses were performed using HPLC in reversed phase (RP), hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and ion exchange chromatography (IEC) modes. Different sample pre-treatment methods were tested: Protein precipitation (with acetone, methanol (MeOH) or acetonitrile (ACN), and solid phase extraction (SPE) using cartridges with octadecyl (C18), hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced copolymer (HLB) or strong cation exchange sorbents (Strata X-C). Conclusion: Significant differences were observed in retention parameters with a change of the used chromatographic system. The various properties of stationary phases resulted in differences in analyte retention, peaks’ shape and systems’ efficiency. The weakest retention was observed using RP systems; however, the use of the Polar RP phase can be an alternative for application in green chromatography. In the strongest retention was observed using a strong cation exchange (SCX) phase. The most optimal systems were chosen for the analysis of cytisine in the pharmaceutical preparation, serum and saliva after sample pre-treatment with the new SPE procedure. Due to the sensitivity, the use of HPLC-DAD or HPLC-FLD is the most optimal for drug analysis in pharmaceutical preparations, whereas HPLC-MS is suitable for analysis of cytisine in biological samples.
Comprehensive Chemical Profiling and Multidirectional Biological Investigation of Two Wild Anthemis Species (Anthemis tinctoria var. Pallida and A. cretica subsp. tenuiloba): Focus on Neuroprotective Effects
Authors: Orlando Giustino , Zengin Gokhan , Ferrante Claudio , Ronci Maurizio , Recinella Lucia , Senkardes Ismail , Gevrenova Reneta , Zheleva-Dimitrova Dimitrina , Chiavaroli Annalisa , Leone Sheila , Di Simone Simonetta , Brunetti Luigi , Picot-Allain Carene Marie Nancy , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi , Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Menghini Luigi
Published: July 2019

Ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (MeOH), and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria var. pallida (ATP) and A. cretica subsp. tenuiloba (ACT) were investigated for their phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant, and key enzyme inhibitory potentials. All extracts displayed antiradical effects, with MeOH and aqueous extracts being a superior source of antioxidants. On the other hand, EA and MeOH extracts were potent against AChE and BChE. Enzyme inhibitory effects against tyrosinase and α-glucosidase were observed, as well. We also studied Anthemis extracts in an ex vivo experimental neurotoxicity paradigm. We assayed extract influence on oxidative stress and neurotransmission biomarkers, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serotonin (5-HT), in isolated rat cortex challenged with K+ 60 mM Krebs-Ringer buffer (excitotoxicity stimulus). An untargeted proteomic analysis was finally performed in order to explore the putative mechanism in the brain. The pharmacological study highlighted the capability of ACT water extract to blunt K+ 60 mM increase in LDH level and 5-HT turnover, and restore physiological activity of specific proteins involved in neuron morphology and neurotransmission, including NEFMs, VAMP-2, and PKCγ, thus further supporting the neuroprotective role of ACT water extract.
Plants are Capable of Synthesizing Animal Steroid Hormones
Authors: Tarkowská Danuše
Published: July 2019

As a result of the findings of scientists working on the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroids in the plant and animal kingdoms over the past five decades, it has become apparent that those compounds that naturally occur in animals can also be found as natural constituents of plants and vice versa, i.e., they have essentially the same fate in the majority of living organisms. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the occurrence of animal steroid hormones in the plant kingdom, particularly focusing on progesterone, testosterone, androstadienedione (boldione), androstenedione, and estrogens.
Magnetic Accumulation of SPIONs under Arterial Flow Conditions: Effect of Serum and Red Blood Cells
Authors: Hennig Till L. , Unterweger Harald , Lyer Stefan , Alexiou Christoph , Cicha Iwona
Published: July 2019

Magnetic drug targeting utilizes an external magnetic field to target superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and their cargo to the diseased vasculature regions. In the arteries, the flow conditions affect the behavior of magnetic particles and the efficacy of their accumulation. In order to estimate the magnetic capture of SPIONs in more physiological-like settings, we previously established an ex vivo model based on human umbilical cord arteries. The artery model was employed in our present studies in order to analyze the effects of the blood components on the efficacy of magnetic targeting, utilizing 2 types of SPIONs with different physicochemical characteristics. In the presence of freshly isolated human plasma or whole blood, a strong increase in iron content measured by AES was observed for both particle types along the artery wall, in parallel with clotting activation due to endogenous thrombin generation in plasma. Subsequent studies therefore utilized SPION suspensions in serum and washed red blood cells (RBCs) at hematocrit 50%. Interestingly, in contrast to cell culture medium suspensions, magnetic accumulation of circulating SPION-3 under the external magnet was achieved in the presence of RBCs. Taken together, our data shows that the presence of blood components affects, but does not prevent, the magnetic accumulation of circulating SPIONs.