bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agglomeration Control during Ultrasonic Crystallization of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Authors: Gielen Bjorn , Jordens Jeroen , Thomassen Leen , Braeken Leen , Van Gerven Tom
Published: February 2017

Application of ultrasound during crystallization can efficiently inhibit agglomeration. However, the mechanism is unclear and sonication is usually enabled throughout the entire process, which increases the energy demand. Additionally, improper operation results in significant crystal damage. Therefore, the present work addresses these issues by identifying the stage in which sonication impacts agglomeration without eroding the crystals. This study was performed using a commercially available API that showed a high tendency to agglomerate during seeded crystallization. The crystallization progress was monitored using process analytical tools (PAT), including focus beam reflectance measurements (FBRM) to track to crystal size and number and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to quantify the supersaturation level. These tools provided insight in the mechanism by which ultrasound inhibits agglomeration. A combination of improved micromixing, fast crystal formation which accelerates depletion of the supersaturation and a higher collision frequency prevent crystal cementation to occur. The use of ultrasound as a post-treatment can break some of the agglomerates, but resulted in fractured crystals. Alternatively, sonication during the initial seeding stage could assist in generating nuclei and prevent agglomeration, provided that ultrasound was enabled until complete desupersaturation at the seeding temperature. FTIR and FBRM can be used to determine this end point.
Recent Progress in Computational Materials Science for Semiconductor Epitaxial Growth
Authors: Ito Tomonori , Akiyama Toru
Published: February 2017

Recent progress in computational materials science in the area of semiconductor epitaxial growth is reviewed. Reliable prediction can now be made for a wide range of problems, such as surface reconstructions, adsorption-desorption behavior, and growth processes at realistic growth conditions, using our ab initio-based chemical potential approach incorporating temperature and beam equivalent pressure. Applications are examined by investigating the novel behavior during the hetero-epitaxial growth of InAs on GaAs including strain relaxation and resultant growth mode depending growth orientations such as (111)A and (001). Moreover, nanowire formation is also exemplified for adsorption-desorption behaviors of InP nanowire facets during selective-area growth. An overview of these issues is provided and the latest achievement are presented to illustrate the capability of the theoretical-computational approach by comparing experimental results. These successful applications lead to future prospects for the computational materials design in the fabrication of epitaxially grown semiconductor materials.
Ultrathin Nanocrystalline Magnetic Wires
Authors: Chiriac Horia , Lupu Nicoleta , Stoian George , Ababei Gabriel , Corodeanu Sorin , Óvári Tibor-Adrian
Published: February 2017

The magnetic characteristics of FINEMET type glass-coated nanowires and submicron wires are investigated by taking into account the structural evolution induced by specific annealing all the way from a fully amorphous state to a nanocrystalline structure. The differences between the magnetic properties of these ultrathin wires and those of the thicker glass-coated microwires and “conventional” wires with similar structures have been emphasized and explained phenomenologically. The domain wall propagation in these novel nanowires and submicron wires, featuring a combination between an amorphous and a crystalline structure, has also been studied, given the recent interest in the preparation and investigation of new materials suitable for the development of domain wall logic applications.
Complex and Fractional Dynamics
Authors: Tenreiro Machado J. , Lopes António
Published: February 2017

Complex systems (CS) are pervasive in many areas, namely financial markets; highway transportation; telecommunication networks; world and country economies; social networks; immunological systems; living organisms; computational systems; and electrical and mechanical structures. CS are often composed of a large number of interconnected and interacting entities exhibiting much richer global scale dynamics than could be inferred from the properties and behavior of individual elements. [...]
Development of Middleware Applied to Microgrids by Means of an Open Source Enterprise Service Bus
Authors: Rodríguez-Molina Jesús , Martínez José-Fernán , Castillejo Pedro , Rubio Gregorio
Published: February 2017

The success of the smart grid relies heavily on the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and interoperability among the hardware elements that are present as part of either the smart grid itself or in a smaller size deployment, such as a microgrid. Therefore, establishing an accurate design for software architectures that guarantee interoperability and are able to abstract hardware heterogeneity in this application domain, along with a clearly defined procedure on how to implement and test a solution like this, becomes a desirable objective. This paper describes the requirements needed to design a secure, decentralized and semantic middleware architecture for microgrids and the procedures used to develop it, so that the mandatory software components that have to be encased by the solution, as well as the steps that should be followed to make it happen, become clear for any designer, software architect or programmer that has to tackle similar challenges. In order to demonstrate the usability of the ideas put forward here, two successful pilots where middleware solutions were created according to these principles have been described.
Application of Liquid Hydrogen with SMES for Efficient Use of Renewable Energy in the Energy Internet
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Jun , Chen Lei , He Jifeng
Published: February 2017

Considering that generally frequency instability problems occur due to abrupt variations in load demand growth and power variations generated by different renewable energy sources (RESs), the application of superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) may become crucial due to its rapid response features. In this paper, liquid hydrogen with SMES (LIQHYSMES) is proposed to play a role in the future energy internet in terms of its combination of the SMES and the liquid hydrogen storage unit, which can help to overcome the capacity limit and high investment cost disadvantages of SMES. The generalized predictive control (GPC) algorithm is presented to be appreciatively used to eliminate the frequency deviations of the isolated micro energy grid including the LIQHYSMES and RESs. A benchmark micro energy grid with distributed generators (DGs), electrical vehicle (EV) stations, smart loads and a LIQHYSMES unit is modeled in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The simulation results show that the proposed GPC strategy can reschedule the active power output of each component to maintain the stability of the grid. In addition, in order to improve the performance of the SMES, a detailed optimization design of the superconducting coil is conducted, and the optimized SMES unit can offer better technical advantages in damping the frequency fluctuations.
Fourier, Wavelet, and Hilbert-Huang Transforms for Studying Electrical Users in the Time and Frequency Domain
Authors: Puliafito Vito , Vergura Silvano , Carpentieri Mario
Published: February 2017

The analysis of electrical signals is a pressing requirement for the optimal design of power distribution. In this context, this paper illustrates how to use a variety of numerical tools, such as the Fourier, wavelet, and Hilbert-Huang transforms, to obtain information relating to the active and reactive power absorbed by different types of users. In particular, the Fourier spectrum gives the most important frequency components of the electrical signals, and the wavelet analysis highlights the non-stationarity of those frequency contributions, whereas the Hilbert-Huang transform, by means of the Empirical Mode Decomposition, provides a more complete spectrum of frequencies.
Data-Reconciliation Based Fault-Tolerant Model Predictive Control for a Biomass Boiler
Authors: Sarkar Palash , Kortela Jukka , Boriouchkine Alexandre , Zattoni Elena , Jämsä-Jounela Sirkka-Liisa
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a novel, effective method to handle critical sensor faults affecting a control system devised to operate a biomass boiler. In particular, the proposed method consists of integrating a data reconciliation algorithm in a model predictive control loop, so as to annihilate the effects of faults occurring in the sensor of the flue gas oxygen concentration, by feeding the controller with the reconciled measurements. Indeed, the oxygen content in flue gas is a key variable in control of biomass boilers due its close connections with both combustion efficiency and polluting emissions. The main benefit of including the data reconciliation algorithm in the loop, as a fault tolerant component, with respect to applying standard fault tolerant methods, is that controller reconfiguration is not required anymore, since the original controller operates on the restored, reliable data. The integrated data reconciliation–model predictive control (MPC) strategy has been validated by running simulations on a specific type of biomass boiler—the KPA Unicon BioGrate boiler.
Development of a General Package for Resolution of Uncertainty-Related Issues in Reservoir Engineering
Authors: Xue Liang , Dai Cheng , Wang Lei
Published: February 2017

Reservoir simulations always involve a large number of parameters to characterize the properties of formation and fluid, many of which are subject to uncertainties owing to spatial heterogeneity and insufficient measurements. To provide solutions to uncertainty-related issues in reservoir simulations, a general package called GenPack has been developed. GenPack includes three main functions required for full stochastic analysis in petroleum engineering, generation of random parameter fields, predictive uncertainty quantifications and automatic history matching. GenPack, which was developed in a modularized manner, is a non-intrusive package which can be integrated with any existing commercial simulator in petroleum engineering to facilitate its application. Computational efficiency can be improved both theoretically by introducing a surrogate model-based probabilistic collocation method, and technically by using parallel computing. A series of synthetic cases are designed to demonstrate the capability of GenPack. The test results show that the random parameter field can be flexibly generated in a customized manner for petroleum engineering applications. The predictive uncertainty can be reasonably quantified and the computational efficiency is significantly improved. The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF)-based automatic history matching method can improve predictive accuracy and reduce the corresponding predictive uncertainty by accounting for observations.
Efficiency Analysis of the Main Components of a Vertical Closed-Loop System in a Borehole Heat Exchanger
Authors: Sáez Blázquez Cristina , Farfán Martín Arturo , Martín Nieto Ignacio , Carrasco García Pedro , Sánchez Pérez Luis , González-Aguilera Diego
Published: February 2017

In vertical closed-loop systems, it is common to use single or double U-tube heat exchangers separated by longitudinal spacers. In addition, the helical-shaped pipe is another configuration that requires lower drilling lengths but it is less used. The aim of the present research is to study the influence of these components on the total efficiency of a borehole heat exchanger (BHE). Thus, the differences between using single/double U-tubes (with or without spacers) and helical pipes are analysed in terms of efficiency. Through different laboratory tests, a small vertical closed-loop system was simulated in order to analyse all these possible configurations. The grouting materials and the temperatures of the ground were modified at the same time in these tests. Regarding the heat exchange process between the ground and the heat carrier fluid, it must be highlighted that the best results were obtained for the helical-shaped pipe configuration. Some of the improvements offered by this heat exchanger typology with respect to the vertical configuration is that a lower drilling depth is required even it requires a larger diameter. This leads to significant economic savings in the performing drilling process. Finally, it is also worth noting the importance of using spacers in vertical U-tubes and that no improvements have been found regarding the use of single or double configuration of U-tubes. Thanks to the laboratory results derived from this study it is possible to establish the optimum behaviour pattern for the entire vertical closed-loop systems.
Temporal Variability of Soil Respiration in Experimental Tree Plantations in Lowland Costa Rica
Authors: Raich James
Published: February 2017

The principal objective of this study was to determine if there is consistent temporal variability in soil respiration from different forest plantations in a lowland tropical rainforest environment. Soil respiration was measured regularly over 2004 to 2010 in replicated plantations of 15- to 20-year-old evergreen tropical trees in lowland Costa Rica. Statistically significant but small differences in soil respiration were observed among hours of the day; daytime measurements were suitable for determining mean fluxes in this study. Fluxes varied more substantially among months, with the highest average emissions (5.9 μmol·m−2·s−1) occurring in September and low emissions (3.7 μmol·m−2·s−1) occurring in January. Three of the six tree species had significantly increasing rates of soil respiration across 2004–2010, with fluxes increasing at an average of 0.09 μmol·m−2·s−1 per year: the three other species had no long-term trends. It was hypothesized that there would be a tradeoff between carbon allocation aboveground, to produce new leaves, and belowground, to sustain roots and mycorrhizae, but the relationship between canopy leaf fall—a surrogate for canopy leaf flushing—and soil respiration was significantly positive. The similarities observed among temporal trends across plantation types, and significant relationships between soil respiration, soil water content and soil temperature, suggest that the physical environment largely controlled the temporal variability of soil respiration, but differences in flux magnitude among tree species were substantial and consistent across years.
Utilization of Scatterplot Smoothers to Understand the Environmental Preference of Bigeye Tuna in the Southern Waters off Java-Bali: Satellite Remote Sensing Approach
Authors: Setiawati Martiwi , Tanaka Tasuku
Published: February 2017

The southern waters off Java-Bali were recognized as spawning and potential fishing ground for tuna species. However, few studies have been conducted on this area. In this paper, the environmental preference of bigeye tuna was assessed based on catch data and three main environmental satellite data; namely; sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface chlorophyll (SSC), and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). Then, the relationship between bigeye tuna catches and environmental satellite data was analyzed by using a simplified method of the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) which is called scatterplot smoothers. This method is the forerunner of GAM and has not yet been applied for fisheries analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate its performance for/in analyzing bigeye tuna habitat preference. The result indicated that SST, SSC, and SSHD had a high correlation with the bigeye tuna’s spatial patterns. Furthermore, spatial patterns of bigeye tuna preference display typical characteristics of low SST, low SSC, and low positive SSHD as well as areas with extreme SSHD values, which are almost the same results as those identified with GAM analysis in the same study area.
Elaborated Action of the Human Primosome
Authors: Baranovskiy Andrey , Tahirov Tahir
Published: February 2017

The human primosome is a 340-kilodalton complex of primase (DNA-dependent RNA polymerase) and DNA polymerase α, which initiates genome replication by synthesizing chimeric RNA-DNA primers for DNA polymerases δ and ϵ. Accumulated biochemical and structural data reveal the complex mechanism of concerted primer synthesis by two catalytic centers. First, primase generates an RNA primer through three steps: initiation, consisting of dinucleotide synthesis from two nucleotide triphosphates; elongation, resulting in dinucleotide extension; and termination, owing to primase inhibition by a mature 9-mer primer. Then Polα, which works equally well on DNA:RNA and DNA:DNA double helices, intramolecularly catches the template primed by a 9mer RNA and extends the primer with dNTPs. All primosome transactions are highly coordinated by autoregulation through the alternating activation/inhibition of the catalytic centers. This coordination is mediated by the small C-terminal domain of the primase accessory subunit, which forms a tight complex with the template:primer, shuttles between the primase and DNA polymerase active sites, and determines their access to the substrate.
Neighborhood Factors and Fall-Related Injuries among Older Adults Seen by Emergency Medical Service Providers
Authors: Lee Sungmin , Lee Chanam , Rodiek Susan
Published: February 2017

Falls are serious health problems among older adults, and are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries treated by emergency medical services (EMS). Although considerable research has examined the risk factors of falls at the individual level, relatively few studies have addressed the risk factors at the neighborhood level. This study examines the characteristics of neighborhood environments associated with fall injuries reported to EMS providers. A total of 13,163 EMS records from 2011 to 2014 involving adults aged 65 and older in the city of San Antonio (TX, USA) were analyzed at the census tract level (n = 264). Negative binomial regression was used to identify significant census tract-based neighborhood environmental variables associated with the count of fall injuries in each census tract. Adjusting for exposure variable and the size of the census tract, neighborhoods with higher residential stability, captured as the percent of those who lived in the same house as the previous year were associated with decreased count of fall injuries. Neighborhoods with higher residential density and having a higher vacancy rate were associated with increased count of fall injuries. The study highlights the importance of stable and safe neighborhoods in reducing fall risks among older adults, which should be considered a prerequisite for promoting age-friendly environments.
Neighborhood Environment and Falls among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Nicklett Emily , Lohman Matthew , Smith Matthew
Published: February 2017

Background: Falls present a major challenge to active aging, but the relationship between neighborhood factors and falls is poorly understood. This study examined the relationship between fall events and neighborhood factors, including neighborhood social cohesion (sense of belonging, trust, friendliness, and helpfulness) and physical environment (vandalism/graffiti, rubbish, vacant/deserted houses, and perceived safety walking home at night). Methods: Data were analyzed from 9259 participants over four biennial waves (2006–2012) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative sample of adults aged 65 and older in the United States. Results: In models adjusting for demographic and health-related covariates, a one-unit increase in neighborhood social cohesion was associated with 4% lower odds of experiencing a single fall (odds ratio (OR): 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–0.99) and 6% lower odds of experiencing multiple falls (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.98). A one-unit increase in the physical environment scale was associated with 4% lower odds of experiencing a single fall (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99) and with 5% lower odds of experiencing multiple falls (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–1.00) in adjusted models. Conclusions: The physical and social neighborhood environment may affect fall risk among community-dwelling older adults. Findings support the ongoing need for evidence-based fall prevention programming in community and clinical settings.
MicroRNAs: New Insight in Modulating Follicular Atresia: A Review
Authors: Worku Tesfaye , Rehman Zia , Talpur Hira , Bhattarai Dinesh , Ullah Farman , Malobi Ngabu , Kebede Tesfaye , Yang Liguo
Published: February 2017

Our understanding of the post-transcriptional mechanisms involved in follicular atresia is limited; however, an important development has been made in understanding the biological regulatory networks responsible for mediating follicular atresia. MicroRNAs have come to be seen as a key regulatory actor in determining cell fate in a wide range of tissues in normal and pathological processes. Profiling studies of miRNAs during follicular atresia and development have identified several putative miRNAs enriched in apoptosis signaling pathways. Subsequent in vitro and/or in vivo studies of granulosa cells have elucidated the functional role of some miRNAs along with their molecular pathways. In particular, the regulatory roles of some miRNAs have been consistently observed during studies of follicular cellular apoptosis. Continued work should gradually lead to better understanding of the role of miRNAs in this field. Ultimately, we expect this understanding will have substantial benefits for fertility management at both the in vivo or/and in vitro levels. The stable nature of miRNA holds remarkable promise in clinical use as a diagnostic tool and in reproductive medicine to solve the ever-increasing fertility problem. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the involvement of miRNAs in follicular atresia, discuss the challenges for further work and pinpoint areas for future research.
Advances in Molecular Imaging of Locally Delivered Targeted Therapeutics for Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Tosi Umberto , Marnell Christopher , Chang Raymond , Cho William , Ting Richard , Maachani Uday , Souweidane Mark
Published: February 2017

Thanks to the recent advances in the development of chemotherapeutics, the morbidity and mortality of many cancers has decreased significantly. However, compared to oncology in general, the field of neuro-oncology has lagged behind. While new molecularly targeted chemotherapeutics have emerged, the impermeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) renders systemic delivery of these clinical agents suboptimal. To circumvent the BBB, novel routes of administration are being applied in the clinic, ranging from intra-arterial infusion and direct infusion into the target tissue (convection enhanced delivery (CED)) to the use of focused ultrasound to temporarily disrupt the BBB. However, the current system depends on a “wait-and-see” approach, whereby drug delivery is deemed successful only when a specific clinical outcome is observed. The shortcomings of this approach are evident, as a failed delivery that needs immediate refinement cannot be observed and corrected. In response to this problem, new theranostic agents, compounds with both imaging and therapeutic potential, are being developed, paving the way for improved and monitored delivery to central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. In this review, we focus on the advances and the challenges to improve early cancer detection, selection of targeted therapy, and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, brought forth by the development of these new agents.
The Interplay between Inflammation, Coagulation and Endothelial Injury in the Early Phase of Acute Pancreatitis: Clinical Implications
Authors: Dumnicka Paulina , Maduzia Dawid , Ceranowicz Piotr , Olszanecki Rafał , Drożdż Ryszard , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata
Published: February 2017

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease with varied severity, ranging from mild local inflammation to severe systemic involvement resulting in substantial mortality. Early pathologic events in AP, both local and systemic, are associated with vascular derangements, including endothelial activation and injury, dysregulation of vasomotor tone, increased vascular permeability, increased leukocyte migration to tissues, and activation of coagulation. The purpose of the review was to summarize current evidence regarding the interplay between inflammation, coagulation and endothelial dysfunction in the early phase of AP. Practical aspects were emphasized: (1) we summarized available data on diagnostic usefulness of the markers of endothelial dysfunction and activated coagulation in early prediction of severe AP; (2) we reviewed in detail the results of experimental studies and clinical trials targeting coagulation-inflammation interactions in severe AP. Among laboratory tests, d-dimer and angiopoietin-2 measurements seem the most useful in early prediction of severe AP. Although most clinical trials evaluating anticoagulants in treatment of severe AP did not show benefits, they also did not show significantly increased bleeding risk. Promising results of human trials were published for low molecular weight heparin treatment. Several anticoagulants that proved beneficial in animal experiments are thus worth testing in patients.
Antidepressant Effects of Aripiprazole Augmentation for Cilostazol-Treated Mice Exposed to Chronic Mild Stress after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Yu , Kim Ha , Hong Ki , Shin Hwa , Choi Byung
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the effects and underlying mechanism of aripiprazole (APZ) augmentation for cilostazol (CLS)-treated post-ischemic stroke mice that were exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS). Compared to treatment with either APZ or CLS alone, the combined treatment resulted in a greater reduction in depressive behaviors, including anhedonia, despair-like behaviors, and memory impairments. This treatment also significantly reduced atrophic changes in the striatum, cortex, and midbrain of CMS-treated ischemic mice, and inhibited neuronal cell apoptosis, particularly in the striatum and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Greater proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells was also observed in the ipsilateral striatum of the mice receiving combined treatment compared to mice receiving either drug alone. Phosphorylation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) was increased in the striatum, hippocampus, and midbrain of mice receiving combined treatment compared to treatment with either drug alone, particularly in the neurons of the striatum and hippocampus, and dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. Our results suggest that APZ may augment the antidepressant effects of CLS via co-regulation of the CREB signaling pathway, resulting in the synergistic enhancement of their neuroprotective effects.
Evidence of a DHA Signature in the Lipidome and Metabolome of Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Ghini Veronica , Di Nunzio Mattia , Tenori Leonardo , Valli Veronica , Danesi Francesca , Capozzi Francesco , Luchinat Claudio , Bordoni Alessandra
Published: February 2017

Cell supplementation with bioactive molecules often causes a perturbation in the whole intracellular environment. Omics techniques can be applied for the assessment of this perturbation. In this study, the overall effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on cultured human hepatocyte lipidome and metabolome has been investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in combination with traditional techniques. The effect of two additional bioactives sharing with DHA the lipid-lowering effect—propionic acid (PRO) and protocatechuic acid (PCA)—has also been evaluated in the context of possible synergism. NMR analysis of the cell lipid extracts showed that DHA supplementation, alone or in combination with PCA or PRO, strongly altered the cell lipid profile. The perfect discrimination between cells receiving DHA (alone or in combination) and the other cells reinforced the idea of a global rearrangement of the lipid environment induced by DHA. Notably, gas chromatography and fluorimetric analyses confirmed the strong discrimination obtained by NMR. The DHA signature was evidenced not only in the cell lipidome, but also in the metabolome. Results reported herein indicate that NMR, combined with other techniques, represents a fundamental approach to studying the effect of bioactive supplementation, particularly in the case of molecules with a broad spectrum of mechanisms of action.
Role of Cortico-Cancellous Heterologous Bone in Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell Xeno-Free Culture Studied by Synchrotron Radiation Phase-Contrast Microtomography
Authors: Mazzoni Serena , Mohammadi Sara , Tromba Giuliana , Diomede Francesca , Piattelli Adriano , Trubiani Oriana , Giuliani Alessandra
Published: February 2017

This study was designed to quantitatively demonstrate via three-dimensional (3D) images, through the Synchrotron Radiation Phase-Contrast Microtomography (SR-PhC-MicroCT), the osteoinductive properties of a cortico-cancellous scaffold (Osteobiol Dual Block—DB) cultured with human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (hPDLSCs) in xeno-free media. In vitro cultures of hPDLSCs, obtained from alveolar crest and horizontal fibers of the periodontal ligament, were seeded onto DB scaffolds and cultured in xeno-free media for three weeks. 3D images were obtained by SR-PhC-microCT after one and three weeks from culture beginning. MicroCT data were successively processed with a phase-retrieval algorithm based on the Transport of Intensity Equation (TIE). The chosen experimental method, previously demonstratively applied for the 3D characterization of the same constructs in not xeno-free media, quantitatively monitored also in this case the early stages of bone formation in basal and differentiating conditions. Interestingly, it quantitatively showed in the xeno-free environment a significant acceleration of the mineralization process, regardless of the culture (basal/differentiating) medium. This work showed in 3D that the DB guides the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs in xeno-free cultures, in agreement with 2D observations and functional studies previously performed by some of the authors. Indeed, here we fully proved in 3D that expanded hPDLSCs, using xeno-free media formulation, not only provide the basis for Good Manufacturing Practice (preserving the stem cells’ morphological features and their ability to differentiate into mesenchymal lineage) but have to be considered, combined to DB scaffolds, as interesting candidates for potential clinical use in new custom made tissue-engineered constructs.
Transcriptional and Behavioral Responses of Zebrafish Larvae to Microcystin-LR Exposure
Authors: Tzima Eleni , Serifi Iliana , Tsikari Ioanna , Alzualde Ainhoa , Leonardos Ioannis , Papamarcaki Thomais
Published: February 2017

Microcystins are cyclic heptapeptides that constitute a diverse group of toxins produced by cyanobacteria. One of the most toxic variants of this family is microcystin-LR (MCLR) which is a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and induces cytoskeleton alterations. In this study, zebrafish larvae exposed to 500 μg/L of MCLR for four days exhibited a 40% reduction of PP2A activity compared to the controls, indicating early effects of the toxin. Gene expression profiling of the MCLR-exposed larvae using microarray analysis revealed that keratin 96 (krt96) was the most downregulated gene, consistent with the well-documented effects of MCLR on cytoskeleton structure. In addition, our analysis revealed upregulation in all genes encoding for the enzymes of the retinal visual cycle, including rpe65a (retinal pigment epithelium-specific protein 65a), which is critical for the larval vision. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis confirmed the microarray data, showing that rpe65a was significantly upregulated at 50 μg/L and 500 μg/L MCLR in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with the microarray data, MCLR-treated larvae displayed behavioral alterations such as weakening response to the sudden darkness and hypoactivity in the dark. Our work reveals new molecular targets for MCLR and provides further insights into the molecular mechanisms of MCLR toxicity during early development.
Splicing and Polyadenylation of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 mRNAs
Authors: Wu Chengjun , Kajitani Naoko , Schwartz Stefan
Published: February 2017

The human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) life cycle can be divided into an early stage in which the HPV16 genomic DNA is replicated, and a late stage in which the HPV16 structural proteins are synthesized and virions are produced. A strong coupling between the viral life cycle and the differentiation state of the infected cell is highly characteristic of all HPVs. The switch from the HPV16 early gene expression program to the late requires a promoter switch, a polyadenylation signal switch and a shift in alternative splicing. A number of cis-acting RNA elements on the HPV16 mRNAs and cellular and viral factors interacting with these elements are involved in the control of HPV16 gene expression. This review summarizes our knowledge of HPV16 cis-acting RNA elements and cellular and viral trans-acting factors that regulate HPV16 gene expression at the level of splicing and polyadenylation.
Visualizing 3D Terrain, Geo-Spatial Data, and Uncertainty
Authors: Dübel Steve , Röhlig Martin , Tominski Christian , Schumann Heidrun
Published: February 2017

Visualizing geo-spatial data embedded into a three-dimensional terrain is challenging. The problem becomes even more complex when uncertainty information needs to be presented as well. This paper addresses the question of how to visually communicate all three aspects: the 3D terrain, the geo-spatial data, and the data-associated uncertainty. We argue that visualizing all aspects with a high degree of detail will likely exceed the visual budget. Therefore, we propose a visualization strategy based on prioritizing a selected aspect and presenting the remaining two with less detail. We discuss various design options that allow us to obtain differently prioritized visual representations. Our approach has been implemented as a tool for rapid visualization prototyping in the context of avionics applications. Practical solutions are described for a use case related to the visualization of 3D terrain and uncertain weather data.
Structural Study of Mismatched Disila-Crown Ether Complexes
Authors: Reuter Kirsten , Dankert Fabian , Donsbach Carsten , Von Hänisch Carsten
Published: February 2017

Mismatched complexes of the alkali metals cations Li+ and Na+ were synthesized from 1,2-disila[18]crown-6 (1 and 2) and of K+ from 1,2,4,5-tetrasila[18]crown-6 (4). In these alkali metal complexes, not all crown ether O atoms participate in the coordination, which depicts the coordination ability of the C-, Si/C-, and Si-bonded O atoms. Furthermore, the inverse case—the coordination of the large Ba2+ ion by the relatively small ligand 1,2-disila[15]crown-5—was investigated, yielding the dinuclear complex 5. This structure represents a first outlook on sandwich complexes based on hybrid crown ethers.
Economic Impact of the Introduction and Establishment of Drosophila suzukii on Sweet Cherry Production in Switzerland
Authors: Mazzi Dominique , Bravin Esther , Meraner Manuela , Finger Robert , Kuske Stefan
Published: February 2017

First detected in Switzerland in 2011, the invasive Drosophila suzukii, spotted wing drosophila, has caused recurring costs for growers of berries and fruit. Recommended management approaches rely on a set of methods, tailored to suit crop requirements under the prevailing local conditions. Control of D. suzukii represents a substantial economic burden for growers, in terms of material, equipment, new infrastructure and extra labour. However, those growers who invest wisely to deliver unblemished produce are rewarded with high payoffs. We present insights from a growers’ survey conducted in 2015 and 2016 to gauge the impact of the introduction and establishment of D. suzukii on Swiss sweet cherry production. The surveyed growers (111 in 2015 and 298 in 2016) observed the recommended surveillance, sanitation and control measures. The use of insecticides (78% and 79% of respondents in 2015 and 2016, respectively) and the harvest of all fruits (93% and 59% of respondents in 2015 and 2016, respectively) were the most widespread methods used to reduce damage. Nearly one-third of the respondents set up enclosure nets. Our economic evaluation of different scenarios provides a quantitative indication of the potentially incurred costs. We argue for enhanced stakeholder involvement to raise the acceptance of integrated pest management practices, and to inform research and outreach by providing insights into the motivations and barriers to adoption.
Development of Capillary Loop Convective Polymerase Chain Reaction Platform with Real-Time Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Chou Wen-Pin , Lee Chien , Hsu Zong-Jyun , Lai Mei-Hui , Kuo Long-Sheng , Chen Ping-Hei
Published: February 2017

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been one of the principal techniques of molecular biology and diagnosis for decades. Conventional PCR platforms, which work by rapidly heating and cooling the whole vessel, need complicated hardware designs, and cause energy waste and high cost. On the other hand, partial heating on the various locations of vessels to induce convective solution flows by buoyancy have been used for DNA amplification in recent years. In this research, we develop a new convective PCR platform, capillary loop convective polymerase chain reaction (clcPCR), which can generate one direction flow and make the PCR reaction more stable. The U-shaped loop capillaries with 1.6 mm inner diameter are designed as PCR reagent containers. The clcPCR platform utilizes one isothermal heater for heating the bottom of the loop capillary and a CCD device for detecting real-time amplifying fluorescence signals. The stable flow was generated in the U-shaped container and the amplification process could be finished in 25 min. Our experiments with different initial concentrations of DNA templates demonstrate that clcPCR can be applied for precise quantification. Multiple sample testing and real-time quantification will be achieved in future studies.
3D Printing of Cytocompatible Water-Based Light-Cured Polyurethane with Hyaluronic Acid for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Shie Ming-You , Chang Wen-Ching , Wei Li-Ju , Huang Yu-Hsin , Chen Chien-Han , Shih Cheng-Ting , Chen Yi-Wen , Shen Yu-Fang
Published: February 2017

Diseases in articular cartilages have affected millions of people globally. Although the biochemical and cellular composition of articular cartilages is relatively simple, there is a limitation in the self-repair ability of the cartilage. Therefore, developing strategies for cartilage repair is very important. Here, we report on a new liquid resin preparation process of water-based polyurethane based photosensitive materials with hyaluronic acid with application of the materials for 3D printed customized cartilage scaffolds. The scaffold has high cytocompatibility and is one that closely mimics the mechanical properties of articular cartilages. It is suitable for culturing human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) and the cells in this case showed an excellent chondrogenic differentiation capacity. We consider that the 3D printing hybrid scaffolds may have potential in customized tissue engineering and also facilitate the development of cartilage tissue engineering.
Carrier Compensation Induced by Thermal Annealing in Al-Doped ZnO Films
Authors: Koida Takashi , Kaneko Tetsuya , Shibata Hajime
Published: February 2017

This study investigated carrier compensation induced by thermal annealing in sputtered ZnO:Al (Al2O3: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt %) films. The films were post-annealed in a N2 atmosphere at low (1 × 10−23 atm) and high (1 × 10−4 atm) oxygen partial pressures (PO2). In ZnO:Al films with low Al contents (i.e., 0.25 wt %), the carrier density (n) began to decrease at annealing temperatures (Ta) of 600 °C at low PO2. At higher PO2 and/or Al contents, n values began to decrease significantly at lower Ta (ca. 400 °C). In addition, Zn became desorbed from the films during heating in a high vacuum (i.e., <1 × 10−7 Pa). These results suggest the following: (i) Zn interstitials and Zn vacancies are created in the ZnO lattice during post-annealing treatments, thereby leading to carrier compensation by acceptor-type Zn vacancies; (ii) The compensation behavior is significantly enhanced for ZnO:Al films with high Al contents.
High Energy Storage Density and Impedance Response of PLZT2/95/5 Antiferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Li Bi , Liu Qiuxiang , Tang Xingui , Zhang Tianfu , Jiang Yanping , Li Wenhua , Luo Jie
Published: February 2017

(Pb0.97La0.02)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 (PLZT2/95/5) ceramics were successfully prepared via a solid-state reaction route. The dielectric properties were investigated in the temperature region of 26–650 °C. The dielectric diffuse anomaly in the dielectric relaxation was found in the high temperature region of 600–650 °C with increasing the measuring frequency, which was related to the dynamic thermal process of ionized oxygen vacancies generated in the high temperature. Two phase transition points were detected during heating, which were found to coexist from 150 to 200 °C. Electric field induced ferroelectric to antiferroelectric phase transition behavior of the (Pb0.97La0.02)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 ceramics was investigated in this work with an emphasis on energy storage properties. A recoverable energy-storage density of 0.83 J/cm3 and efficiency of 70% was obtained in (Pb0.97La0.02)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 ceramics at 55 kV/cm. Based on these results, (Pb0.97La0.02)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 ceramics with a large recoverable energy-storage density could be a potential candidate for the applications in high energy-storage density ceramic capacitors.
Tensile Properties Characterization of AlSi10Mg Parts Produced by Direct Metal Laser Sintering via Nested Effects Modeling
Authors: Palumbo Biagio , Del Re Francesco , Martorelli Massimo , Lanzotti Antonio , Corrado Pasquale
Published: February 2017

A statistical approach for the characterization of Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes is presented in this paper. Design of Experiments (DOE) and ANalysis of VAriance (ANOVA), both based on Nested Effects Modeling (NEM) technique, are adopted to assess the effect of different laser exposure strategies on physical and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg parts produced by Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). Due to the wide industrial interest in AM technologies in many different fields, it is extremely important to ensure high parts performances and productivity. For this aim, the present paper focuses on the evaluation of tensile properties of specimens built with different laser exposure strategies. Two optimal laser parameters settings, in terms of both process quality (part performances) and productivity (part build rate), are identified.
Long-Term High-Temperature Stability of Directionally Grown [Bi2Ba2O4]p[CoO2] Rods
Authors: Diez Juan , Madre María , Torres Miguel , Rasekh Shahed , Sotelo Andrés
Published: February 2017

[Bi2Ba2O4]p[CoO2] thermoelectric ceramics have been successfully grown from the melt using the laser floating zone method, followed by a thermal treatment at 700 °C under air between 0 and 1532 h. The microstructural, thermoelectric, and mechanical properties were evaluated as a function of the thermal treatment length. Microstructure has shown that as-grown samples are composed of thermoelectric grains, together with a relatively high amount of secondary phases. Thermal treatment decreased the number and amount of secondary phases, producing nearly single-phase samples after 384 h. Consequently, the thermoelectric properties evaluated through the power factor showed a slight increase with the thermal treatment length, mainly due to the decrease of electrical resistivity, while the Seebeck coefficient was nearly unchanged. On the other hand, flexural strength was practically constant after 24 h thermal treatment.
Experimental Parametric Model for Indirect Adhesion Wear Measurement in the Dry Turning of UNS A97075 (Al-Zn) Alloy
Authors: Trujillo Francisco , Sevilla Lorenzo , Marcos Mariano
Published: February 2017

In this work, the study of the influence of cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut) on the tool wear used in in the dry turning of cylindrical bars of the UNS A97075 (Al-Zn) alloy, has been analyzed. In addition, a study of the physicochemical mechanisms of the secondary adhesion wear has been carried out. The behavior of this alloy, from the point of view of tool wear, has been compared to similar aeronautical aluminum alloys, such as the UNS A92024 (Al-Cu) alloy and UNS A97050 (Al-Zn) alloy. Furthermore, a first approach to the measurement of the 2D surface of the adhered material on the rake face of the tool has been conducted. Finally, a parametric model has been developed from the experimental results. This model allows predicting the intensity of the secondary adhesion wear as a function of the cutting parameters applied.
Mn‐Containing Paramagnetic Conductors with Bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT‐TTF)
Authors: Benmansour Samia , Sánchez‐Máez Yolanda , Gómez‐García Carlos
Published: February 2017

Two novel paramagnetic conductors have been prepared with the organic donor bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT‐TTF = ET) and paramagnetic Mn‐containing metallic complexes: κ′‐ET4[KMnIII(C2O4)3]∙PhCN (1) and ET[MnIICl4]∙H2O (2). Compound 1 represents the first Mn‐containing ET salt of the large Day’s series of oxalato‐based molecular conductors and superconductors formulated as (ET)4[AM(C2O4)3]∙G (A+ = H3O+, NH4+, K+, ...; MIII = Fe, Cr, Al, Co, ...; G = PhCN, PhNO2, PhF, PhCl, PhBr, ...). It crystallizes in the orthorhombic pseudo‐κ phase where dimers of ET molecules are surrounded by six isolated ET molecules in the cationic layers. The anionic layers contain the well‐known hexagonal honey‐comb lattice with Mn(III) and H3O+ ions connected by C2O42- anions. Compound 2 is one of the very few examples of ET salts containing ET2+. It also presents alternating cationic‐anionic layers although the ET molecules lie parallel to the layers instead of the typical almost perpendicular orientation. Both salts are semiconductors with room temperature conductivities of ca. 2 x 10-5 and 8 x 10−5 S/cm and activation energies of 180 and 210 meV, respectively. The magnetic properties are dominated by the paramagnetic contributions of the high spin Mn(III) (S = 2) and Mn(II) (S = 5/2) ions.
On Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions to the Fuzzy Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Solaymani Fard Omid , Aliabdoli Bidgoli Tayebeh , Rivaz Azim
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we introduce a new metric on the space of fuzzy continuous functions on time scales by using the exponential function, e γ ( t , t 0 ) , where γ > 0 is a constant. Then, we provide some conditions to prove an existence and uniqueness theorem for solutions to nonlinear fuzzy dynamic equations. Furthermore, we present three different examples including a practical example to illustrate the main results.