bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition, Sources, and Distribution of PM2.5 Saccharides in a Coastal Urban Site of China
Authors: Xiao Mengxin , Wang Qiongzhen , Qin Xiaofei , Yu Guangyuan , Deng Congrui
Published: July 2018

The characteristics of biogenic aerosols in an urban area were explored by determining the composition and temporal distribution of saccharides in PM2.5 in Shanghai. The total saccharides showed a wide range of 9.4 ng/m3 to 1652.9 ng/m3, with the averaged concentrations of 133.1 ng/m3, 267.5 ng/m3, 265.1 ng/m3, and 674.4 ng/m3 in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The saccharides include anhydrosaccharides (levoglucosan and mannosan), which were higher in cold seasons due to the increased biomass burning; saccharide alcohols (mannitol, arabitol, sorbitol); and monosaccharides (fructose, glucose), which were more abundant in warm seasons and attributed to the biological emissions. Through positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis, four emission sources of saccharides were resolved, including biomass burning, fungal spores, plant decomposition, and pollen. Moreover, the process analysis of high concentrations of leveglucosan was conducted by backward trajectory and fire points. We found that concentrations of anhydrosaccharides were relatively stable under different pollution levels, while saccharide alcohols exhibited an obvious decrease with the concentration of PM2.5, indicating that biomass burning was not the core reason for heavy haze pollution. However, high level PM2.5 pollution might inhibit the effects of biological activities.
From Big Data to Deep Learning: A Leap Towards Strong AI or ‘Intelligentia Obscura’?
Authors: Strauß Stefan
Published: July 2018

Astonishing progress is being made in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and particularly in machine learning (ML). Novel approaches of deep learning are promising to even boost the idea of AI equipped with capabilities of self-improvement. But what are the wider societal implications of this development and to what extent are classical AI concepts still relevant? This paper discusses these issues including an overview on basic concepts and notions of AI in relation to big data. Particular focus lies on the roles, societal consequences and risks of machine and deep learning. The paper argues that the growing relevance of AI in society bears serious risks of deep automation bias reinforced by insufficient machine learning quality, lacking algorithmic accountability and mutual risks of misinterpretation up to incrementally aggravating conflicts in decision-making between humans and machines. To reduce these risks and avoid the emergence of an intelligentia obscura requires overcoming ideological myths of AI and revitalising a culture of responsible, ethical technology development and usage. This includes the need for a broader discussion about the risks of increasing automation and useful governance approaches to stimulate AI development with respect to individual and societal well-being.
A Pilot Study Investigating a Novel Non-Linear Measure of Eyes Open versus Eyes Closed EEG Synchronization in People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Controls
Authors: Blackburn Daniel , Zhao Yifan , De Marco Matteo , Bell Simon , He Fei , Wei Hua-Liang , Lawrence Sarah , Unwin Zoe , Blyth Michelle , Angel Jenna , Baster Kathleen , Farrow Thomas , Wilkinson Iain , Billings Stephen , Venneri Annalena , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios
Published: July 2018

Background: The incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD) is increasing with the ageing population. The development of low cost non-invasive diagnostic aids for AD is a research priority. This pilot study investigated whether an approach based on a novel dynamic quantitative parametric EEG method could detect abnormalities in people with AD. Methods: 20 patients with probable AD, 20 matched healthy controls (HC) and 4 patients with probable fronto temporal dementia (FTD) were included. All had detailed neuropsychology along with structural, resting state fMRI and EEG. EEG data were analyzed using the Error Reduction Ratio-causality (ERR-causality) test that can capture both linear and nonlinear interactions between different EEG recording areas. The 95% confidence intervals of EEG levels of bi-centroparietal synchronization were estimated for eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) states. Results: In the EC state, AD patients and HC had very similar levels of bi-centro parietal synchronization; but in the EO resting state, patients with AD had significantly higher levels of synchronization (AD = 0.44; interquartile range (IQR) 0.41 vs. HC = 0.15; IQR 0.17, p < 0.0001). The EO/EC synchronization ratio, a measure of the dynamic changes between the two states, also showed significant differences between these two groups (AD ratio 0.78 versus HC ratio 0.37 p < 0.0001). EO synchronization was also significantly different between AD and FTD (FTD = 0.075; IQR 0.03, p < 0.0001). However, the EO/EC ratio was not informative in the FTD group due to very low levels of synchronization in both states (EO and EC). Conclusion: In this pilot work, resting state quantitative EEG shows significant differences between healthy controls and patients with AD. This approach has the potential to develop into a useful non-invasive and economical diagnostic aid in AD.
Air Regeneration of Ethanol-Laden Pellet NaY-SiO2 and Pt/NaY-SiO2: Effects of Air Flow Rate on Pt Morphology and Regeneration Efficiency
Authors: Yeh Cheng-Yang , Chen Yi-Ting , Chen Nan-Yu , Chang Jen-Ray
Published: July 2018

Regeneration process and adsorbent performance were investigated by a fixed-bed adsorber at 300 °C. Surface species, zeolite structure, and Pt morphology were characterized by FT-IR, XRPD and EXAFS, respectively. Performance test results indicated that ethanol adsorption capacity of Pt/NaY-SiO2 is about 2.5 times that of NaY-SiO2. After regeneration, adsorption-capacity loss is 2.5 and 43%, respectively, for Pt/NaY-SiO2 regenerated at superficial velocity of 13.2 (PtR(HF)) and 5.3 cm/min (PtR(LF)); in contrast, it is 8 and 21%, respectively, for NaYR(HF) and NaYR(LF). The appearance of absorption bands in the CH stretching region (υCH) of the IR spectra characterizing the regenerated NaY-SiO2 suggested that the adsorption-capacity loss for NaY-SiO2 was mainly caused by the deposition of carbonaceous species formed in regeneration, which cannot be burned off readily at 300 °C. In contrast, no υCH bands have been observed for the IR spectra of PtR(HF) and PtR(LF), indicating that Pt helps to burn off carbonaceous species. However, Pt agglomeration was observed in TEM and EXAFS for Pt/NaY-SiO2(LF). The appearance of a υCO band at about 2085 cm−1 of the IR spectra characterizing PtR(LF) suggested that Pt agglomeration was induced by CO adsorption. The growth of Pt particles decreases the ethanol adsorbed on Pt together with the conversion of ethanol to ethoxides and aldehyde, leading to a decrease of adsorption capacity.
Chlamydomonas Basal Bodies as Flagella Organizing Centers
Authors: Wingfield Jenna Lynne , Lechtreck Karl-Ferdinand
Published: July 2018

During ciliogenesis, centrioles convert to membrane-docked basal bodies, which initiate the formation of cilia/flagella and template the nine doublet microtubules of the flagellar axoneme. The discovery that many human diseases and developmental disorders result from defects in flagella has fueled a strong interest in the analysis of flagellar assembly. Here, we will review the structure, function, and development of basal bodies in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a widely used model for the analysis of basal bodies and flagella. Intraflagellar transport (IFT), a flagella-specific protein shuttle critical for ciliogenesis, was first described in C. reinhardtii. A focus of this review will be on the role of the basal bodies in organizing the IFT machinery.
Resilience in Children: Developmental Perspectives
Authors: Masten Ann S. , Barnes Andrew J.
Published: July 2018

Advances in developmental resilience science are highlighted with commentary on implications for pediatric systems that aspire to promote healthy development over the life course. Resilience science is surging along with growing concerns about the consequences of adverse childhood experiences on lifelong development. Resilience is defined as the capacity of a system to adapt successfully to challenges that threaten the function, survival, or future development of the system. This definition is scalable across system levels and across disciplines, applicable to resilience in a person, a family, a health care system, a community, an economy, or other systems. Robust findings on resilience in childhood underscore the importance of exposure dose; fundamental adaptive systems embedded in the lives of individuals and their interactions with other systems; developmental timing; and the crucial role of healthcare practitioners and educators as well as family caregivers in nurturing resilience on the “front lines” of lived childhood experience. Resilience science suggests that human resilience is common, dynamic, generated through myriad interactions of multiple systems from the biological to the sociocultural, and mutable given strategic targeting and timing. Implications for pediatric practice and training are discussed.
Current Core Competencies Trend of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in China—A Concurrent Comprehensive Evaluation and Active Learning Study of Newly Listed Chinese Stocks from 2015 through 2017
Authors: Du Xiaoping , Deng Lelai
Published: July 2018

With plenty of stocks newly listed in the Chinese stock market everyday, it becomes more and more important for managers and governess to examine the trend of core competencies for these companies. Since most companies of newly listed stocks are small to medium-sized enterprises, existing methods are not capable enough to evaluate their competitiveness. To provide an understanding for the trend of core competencies in the Chinese market, this article conducts a concurrent comprehensive evaluation and active learning methodology to analyze the newly listed stocks in SSE (Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index) and SZSE (Shenzhen Stock Exchange Component Index) from 2015 through 2017. There is an evidence that Number of Market Makers, Equity Financing Frequency and Executive Replacement Frequency are three main core competencies from 2015 through 2017. Authors contend that their findings in this paper question the quo of core competencies for small to medium-sized enterprises in the Chinese market.
A Novel Technique to Improve the Online Calculation Performance of Nonlinear Problems in DC Power Systems
Authors: Xu Qingshan , Wang Yuqi , Cao Minjian , Zheng Jiaqi
Published: July 2018

The power system is a nonlinear complicated system. For power system analysis problems, they are mainly based on nonlinear equations. In practical systems, the calculation speed of a specific problem is very important. For most classical power system analysis methods, their one-time calculation speed with enough accuracy is difficult to be further improved after decades of research. However, if we see many-time calculations of different analysis functions as a whole, the new breakout may be made. This paper aims to present a novel foundational technique to improve the many-time calculation performance of power system problems. With the technique in this paper, the analysis of grid topology, bus types and line parameters can be separated, and the speed of online calculation of some problems can be improved by more than 10 times faster without any sacrifice of accuracy. This paper points out why the holistic speed of many-time calculations has the potential to be largely improved. The concept of a linear relationship based nonlinear problem (LRBNP) is proposed, which is critical to this technique. The detailed theory derivations are carefully performed. The proposed technique also shows a new way to understand the power systems. Finally, the verification of the derived formulas is performed.
Distributed-Memory-Based FFT Architecture and FPGA Implementations
Authors: Nash J. Greg
Published: July 2018

A new class of fast Fourier transform (FFT) architecture, based on the use of distributed memories, is proposed for field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Prominent features are high clock speeds, programmability, reduced look-up-table (LUT) and register usage, simplicity of design, and a capability to do both power-of-two and non-power-of-two FFTs. Higher clock speeds are a consequence of new algorithms and a more fine-grained structure compared to traditional pipelined FFTs, so clock speeds are typically >500 MHz in 65 nm FPGA technology. The programmability derives from the memory-based architecture, which is also scalable. Reduced LUT and register usage arises from a unique methodology to control word growth during computation that achieves high dynamic range, along with inherent systolic circuit characteristics: simple, regular, uniform arrays of processing elements, connected in nearest-neighbor fashion to minimize wiring lengths. The circuit goal was to maximize throughput and minimize the use of the FPGA LUT and register logic fabric. Comparison results from seven different designs, covering a spectrum of functionality (fixed-size, variable, floating-point and variable non-power-of-two FFTs), different FPGA vendors (Intel and Xilinx) and different FPGA types, showed increases in throughput per logic cell up to 181% with an average improvement of 94%.
Pronounced Antagonism of Zinc and Arsenate on Toxicity to Barley Root Elongation in Soil
Authors: Guzman-Rangel Georgina , Montalvo Daniela , Smolders Erik
Published: July 2018

Zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) occur as mixed contaminants in soil and the interactions between them remain unclear. Here, we investigated a Zn2+ and H2AsO4− mixture interaction and their effects on plant growth. Three different soils were spiked with ZnCl2 and NaH2AsO4, each dosed singly or in combination. The soils were leached to remove excessive salt and were aged (>7 days), before toxicity testing using a 5-day root elongation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In the single treatments, the 50% inhibitory effect concentrations in the soil (EC50, total measured concentration) were 2000–3800 mg Zn kg−1 and 96–620 mg As kg−1, depending on the soils. The mixture analyses based on the total concentrations showed overall and significant Zn–As antagonism in two soils, either based on the concentration addition (CA) or independent action (IA) model, whereas no significant interactions (either CA or IA) were found in one soil, which had the lowest content of Fe-oxides. The soil solution composition showed a decreased As concentration upon the addition of ZnCl2 at an equal soil As total concentration; however, the reverse was not found, in line with the cation–anion electrostatic interaction or formation of ternary surface complexes on Fe-oxides. The data revealed that the Zn–As antagonisms (total concentrations) are partially related to the increased Zn immobilizing As in soil.
An Evolutionary Mechanism for the Generation of Competing RNA Structures Associated with Mutually Exclusive Exons
Authors: Ivanov Timofei M. , Pervouchine Dmitri D.
Published: July 2018

Alternative splicing is a commonly-used mechanism of diversifying gene products. Mutually exclusive exons (MXE) represent a particular type of alternative splicing, in which one and only one exon from an array is included in the mature RNA. A number of genes with MXE do so by using a mechanism that depends on RNA structure. Transcripts of these genes contain multiple sites called selector sequences that are all complementary to a regulatory element called the docking site; only one of the competing base pairings can form at a time, which exposes one exon from the cluster to the spliceosome. MXE tend to have similar lengths and sequence content and are believed to originate through tandem genomic duplications. Here, we report that pre-mRNAs of this class of exons have an increased capacity to fold into competing secondary structures. We propose an evolutionary mechanism for the generation of such structures via duplications that affect not only exons, but also their adjacent introns with stem-loop structures. If one of the two arms of a stem-loop is duplicated, it will generate two selector sequences that compete for the same docking site, a pattern that is associated with MXE splicing. A similar partial duplication of two independent stem-loops produces a pattern that is consistent with the so-called bidirectional pairing model. These models explain why tandem exon duplications frequently result in mutually exclusive splicing.
The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Heart Rate Variability in Physically Inactive Adults
Authors: Alansare Abdullah , Alford Ken , Lee Sukho , Church Tommie , Jung Hyun Chul
Published: July 2018

Physically inactive adults are prevalent worldwide. This study compared the effects of short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on heart rate variability (HRV) in physically inactive adults as a preliminary study. Thirteen physically inactive male adults (27.5 ± 3.80 years) were randomly assigned to HIIT (N = 7) or MICT (N = 6). The HIIT program consisted of 20 min of interval training with cycling to rest ratio of 10/50 s at ≥90% HRpeak, while the MICT program consisted of 40 min of continuous cycling at 60–75% HRpeak. Both groups completed eight sessions of training within two weeks. Time and frequency domains of HRV were measured for 20 min with Actiwave-Cardio monitor (CamNtech, UK). The number of R-R interval and inter-beat interval (IBI) were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in both HIIT and MICT programs following eight sessions of training. A significant interaction effect for group by time was found in the lnLF/HF ratio (p < 0.05) where it was only improved in the HIIT group from pre- to post-test. The HIIT program is superior to MICT in improving HRV in physically inactive adults. The HIIT program can be applied as a time-efficient program for improving cardiac-autoregulation.
RFAmyloid: A Web Server for Predicting Amyloid Proteins
Authors: Niu Mengting , Li Yanjuan , Wang Chunyu , Han Ke
Published: July 2018

Amyloid is an insoluble fibrous protein and its mis-aggregation can lead to some diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Creutzfeldt–Jakob’s disease. Therefore, the identification of amyloid is essential for the discovery and understanding of disease. We established a novel predictor called RFAmy based on random forest to identify amyloid, and it employed SVMProt 188-D feature extraction method based on protein composition and physicochemical properties and pse-in-one feature extraction method based on amino acid composition, autocorrelation pseudo acid composition, profile-based features and predicted structures features. In the ten-fold cross-validation test, RFAmy’s overall accuracy was 89.19% and F-measure was 0.891. Results were obtained by comparison experiments with other feature, classifiers, and existing methods. This shows the effectiveness of RFAmy in predicting amyloid protein. The RFAmy proposed in this paper can be accessed through the URL http://server.malab.cn/RFAmyloid/.
The Nefarious Nexus of Noncoding RNAs in Cancer
Authors: Anastasiadou Eleni , Faggioni Alberto , Trivedi Pankaj , Slack Frank J.
Published: July 2018

The past decade has witnessed enormous progress, and has seen the noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) turn from the so-called dark matter RNA to critical functional molecules, influencing most physiological processes in development and disease contexts. Many ncRNAs interact with each other and are part of networks that influence the cell transcriptome and proteome and consequently the outcome of biological processes. The regulatory circuits controlled by ncRNAs have become increasingly more relevant in cancer. Further understanding of these complex network interactions and how ncRNAs are regulated, is paving the way for the identification of better therapeutic strategies in cancer.
A MicroRNA Perspective on Cardiovascular Development and Diseases: An Update
Authors: Islas Jose Francisco , Moreno-Cuevas Jorge Eugenio
Published: July 2018

In this review, we summarize the latest research pertaining to MicroRNAs (miRs) related to cardiovascular diseases. In today’s molecular age, the key clinical aspects of diagnosing and treating these type of diseases are crucial, and miRs play an important role. Therefore, we have made a thorough analysis discussing the most important candidate protagonists of many pathways relating to such conditions as atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and congenital heart disorders. We approach miRs initially from the fundamental molecular aspects and look at their role in developmental pathways, as well as regulatory mechanisms dysregulated under specific cardiovascular conditions. By doing so, we can better understand their functional roles. Next, we look at therapeutic aspects, including delivery and inhibition techniques. We conclude that a personal approach for treatment is paramount, and so understanding miRs is strategic for cardiovascular health.
LOD for Data Warehouses: Managing the Ecosystem Co-Evolution
Authors: Khouri Selma , Bellatreche Ladjel
Published: July 2018

For more than 30 years, data warehouses (DWs) have attracted particular interest both in practice and in research. This success is explained by their ability to adapt to their evolving environment. One of the last challenges for DWs is their ability to open their frontiers to external data sources in addition to internal sources. The development of linked open data (LOD) as external sources is an excellent opportunity to create added value and enrich the analytical capabilities of DWs. However, the incorporation of LOD in the DW must be accompanied by careful management. In this paper, we are interested in managing the evolution of DW systems integrating internal and external LOD datasets. The particularity of LOD is that they contribute to evolving the DW at several levels: (i) source level, (ii) DW schema level, and (iii) DW design-cycle constructs. In this context, we have to ensure this co-evolution, as conventional evolution approaches are adapted neither to this new kind of source nor to semantic constructs underlying LOD sources. One way of tackling this co-evolution issue is to ensure the traceability of DW constructs for the whole design cycle. Our approach is tested using: the LUBM (Lehigh University BenchMark), different LOD datasets (DBepedia, YAGO, etc.), and Oracle 12c database management system (DBMS) used for the DW deployment.
An Advanced View on Baculovirus per Os Infectivity Factors
Authors: Boogaard Bob , Van Oers Monique , Van Lent Jan
Published: July 2018

Baculoviruses are arthropod-specific large DNA viruses that orally infect the larvae of lepidopteran, hymenopteran and dipteran insect species. These larvae become infected when they eat a food source that is contaminated with viral occlusion bodies (OBs). These OBs contain occlusion-derived viruses (ODVs), which are released upon ingestion of the OBs and infect the endothelial midgut cells. At least nine different ODV envelope proteins are essential for this oral infectivity and these are denoted per os infectivity factors (PIFs). Seven of these PIFs form a complex, consisting of PIF1, 2, 3 and 4 that form a stable core complex and PIF0 (P74), PIF6 and PIF8 (P95) that associate with this complex with lower affinity than the core components. The existence of a PIF complex and the fact that the pif genes are conserved in baculovirus genomes suggests that PIF-proteins cooperatively mediate oral infectivity rather than as individual functional entities. This review therefore discusses the knowledge obtained for individual PIFs in light of their relationship with other members of the PIF complex.
A Novel Approach: Combination of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM)
Authors: Rakhshbahar Mohammad , Sinapius Michael
Published: July 2018

Automated processing techniques such as automated fiber placement (AFP) or automated tape laying (ATL) are well known nowadays. However, there is still a lot of potential for these methods to achieve better results, especially for large and complex composite structures. In this experimental work, the gap effect with the Automated Fiber Placement is shown and a solution to overcome this drawback is presented. The gaps are particularly apparent on complex and/or double-curved surfaces and reduce the mechanical properties of the composite structure. In order to cover the unavoidable weak area of this effect, a plurality of fiber composite layers are laid on top of one another in order to increase the mechanical properties of components. This in turn makes the components heavier and more expensive to produce. In this new method, the gaps are detected by profile sensor after placement of the tape on the mold. The gaps are filled with the aid of a 3D printer with carbon continuous-fiber reinforced plastics. By combining the 3D printing and AFP technology, composite parts can be manufactured in a more homogeneous manner. Subsequently, the components are produced faster, cheaper and even lighter because of the avoidance of the additional layers.
Effect of Low Depth Surface Texturing on Friction Reduction in Lubricated Sliding Contact
Authors: Kasem Haytam , Stav Ori , Grützmacher Philipp , Gachot Carsten
Published: July 2018

Laser surface texturing is an interesting possibility to tailor materials’ surfaces and thus to improve the friction and wear properties if proper texture feature sizes are selected. In this research work, stainless steel surfaces were laser textured by two different laser techniques, i.e., the direct laser interference patterning by using a nanosecond pulsed Nd:YAG laser and additionally by an ultrashort pulsed femtosecond Ti:Sa. The as-textured surfaces were then studied regarding their frictional response in a specially designed linear reciprocating test rig under lubricated conditions with a fully formulated 15W40 oil. Results show that dimples with smaller diameter lead to a significant reduction in the coefficient of friction compared to the dimples with a larger diameter and surfaces with a grid-like surface pattern produced by direct laser interference patterning.
Multi-Scale Stress Wave Simulation for Aggregates Segregation Detection of Concrete Core in Circular CFST Coupled with PZT Patches
Authors: Chen Hongbing , Xu Bin , Mo Yilung , Zhou Tianmin
Published: July 2018

In this study, the numerical investigation of the detectability of concrete aggregate segregation in circular concrete-filled steel tubulars (CCFST) based on piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) measurement is performed. The stress wave propagation in the concrete core of circular CCFST excited with a surface-mounted PZT actuator is studied with multi-scale and multi-physical field coupling analysis. The piezoelectric effect of PZT patches and its coupling effect with CFSTs are considered. Numerical concrete modeling technology is employed to construct the concrete core composed of randomly distributed aggregates with and without aggregate segregation at different levels, mortar, and an interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The effects of the random distribution of elliptical aggregates, aggregate segregation, and the existence of ITZ in the concrete core on the wave fields in the cross-section and the corresponding voltage response of the embedded PZT sensor are discussed. An evaluation index based on wavelet packet analysis on the output voltage response is defined, and its sensitivity to concrete aggregate segregation is systematically investigated. The multi-scale and multi-physics coupling simulation results indicate that concrete aggregate segregation in the concrete core of CFST members can be efficiently detected based on the stress wave measurement with a PZT sensor.
Inhibition Effect of Three-Dimensional (3D) Nanostructures on the Corrosion Resistance of 1-Dodecanethiol Self-Assembled Monolayer on Copper in NaCl Solution
Authors: Hu Shuai , Chen Zhenyu , Guo Xingpeng
Published: July 2018

A novel and simple method to improve the corrosion resistance of copper by constructing a three-dimensional (3D) 1-dodecanethiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM) in 3.5% NaCl solution is reported in this study. Several drops of 1% H3PO4 solution are thinly and uniformly distributed on copper surface to form a 3D nanostructure constituted by Cu3(PO4)2 nanoflowers. The anticorrosion properties of 1-dodecanethiol SAM on copper surface and on copper surface that is treated with H3PO4 solution were evaluated. Results demonstrated that 1-dodecanethiol SAM on bare copper surface exhibits good protection capacity, whereas a copper surface that is pretreated with H3PO4 solution can substantially enhance the corrosion resistance of 1-dodecanethiol SAM.
Single Pass Laser Process for Super-Hydrophobic Flexible Surfaces with Micro/Nano Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Kwon Hyuk-Jun , Yeo Junyeob , Jang Jae Eun , Grigoropoulos Costas P. , Yoo Jae-Hyuck
Published: July 2018

Wetting has been studied in various fields: chemical industry, automobile manufacturing, food companies, and even life sciences. In these studies, super-hydrophobic surfaces have been achieved through complex steps and processes. To realize super-hydrophobicity, however, we demonstrated a simple and single pass laser process for the fabrication of micro/nano hierarchical structures on the flexible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) surface. The fabricated hierarchical structures helped increase the hydrophobicity by augmenting the surface roughness and promoting air-trapping. In addition, we employed a low-cost and high-throughput replication process producing numerous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) replicas from the laser-processed PTFE film. Thanks to the anti-adhesive characteristics of PTFE and the elasticity of PDMS, the structure perfectly transferred to the replica without any mechanical failure. Moreover, our designed mesh patterns offered the possibility of large area applications through varying the process parameters (pitch, beam spot size, laser fluence, and scan speed). Even though mesh patterns had relatively large pitch (190 μm), we were able to achieve high contact angle (>150°). Through pneumatically deformed structure, we clearly showed that the shape of the droplets on our laser-processed super-hydrophobic surface was spherical. Based on these outcomes, we can expect our single laser pulse exposure process can overcome many drawbacks and offer opportunities for advancing applications of the wetting phenomena.
Recovery of Gallium from Corundum Flue Dust by Two-Stage Alkali Leaching, Carbonation, Acid Leaching and Solvent Extraction Process
Authors: Wen Kang , Jiang Feng , Zhou Xiangyang , Sun Zhaoming
Published: July 2018

Flue dust generated during the process of manufacturing corundum is a carrier of critical metal gallium. In this study, a process of alkali leaching-carbonation-acid leaching-solvent extraction was developed to recover and enrich gallium from corundum flue dust. Over 93% of the gallium in corundum flue dust could be recovered through a two-stage alkali leaching process, which consists of 120 min of concentrated alkali leaching in NaOH solution and a subsequent 30-min dilute alkali leaching (after dilution), with an alkali-to-ore mass ratio of 1.2:1. Liquid to solid ratios in two alkali leaching stages were 1.5:1 and 8:1, respectively. The carbonation process was employed to remove high-level Si in alkali leachate. After carbonation and HCl leaching, over 96% of gallium in the NaOH leachate could be dissolved into acid solution. After extracting gallium from the HCl leachate using N235 as extracting agent, 1% NaOH solution was used to strip gallium from the organic phase. The extraction and stripping efficiency of gallium was over 99% and 97%, respectively.
Anti-glycation, Carbonyl Trapping and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Chrysin Derivatives
Authors: Hwang Seung Hwan , Kim Hyun Yong , Zuo Guanglei , Wang Zhiqiang , Lee Jae-Yong , Lim Soon Sung
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was searching anti-glycation, carbonyl trapping and anti-inflammatory activities of chrysin derivatives. The inhibitory effect of chrysin on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) was investigated by trapping methylglyoxal (MGO), and MGO-conjugated adducts of chrysin were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The mono- or di-MGO-conjugated adducts of chrysin were present at 63.86 and 29.69% upon 48 h of incubation at a chrysin:MGO ratio of 1:10. The MGO adducted positions on chrysin were at carbon 6 or 6 & 8 in the A ring by classic aldol condensation. To provide applicable knowledge for developing chrysin derivatives as AGE inhibitors, we synthesized several O-alkyl or ester derivatives of chrysin and compared their AGE formation inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and water solubility characteristics. The results showed that 5,7-di-O-acetylchrysin possessed higher AGE inhibitory and water solubility qualities than original chrysin, and retained the anti-inflammation activity. These results suggested that 5,7-di-O-acetylchrysin could be a potent functional food ingredient as an AGE inhibitor and anti-inflammatory agent, and promotes the development of the use of chrysin in functional foods.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pyrimidine-oxazolidin-2-arylimino Hybrid Molecules as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Romeo Roberto , Chiacchio Maria A. , Campisi Agata , Monciino Giulia , Veltri Lucia , Iannazzo Daniela , Broggini Gianluigi , Giofrè Salvatore V.
Published: July 2018

Pyrimidine-1,3-oxazolidin-2-arylimino hybrids have been synthesized as a new class of antibacterial agents. The synthetic approach exploits a Cu(II)-catalyzed intramolecular halkoxyhalogenation of alkynyl ureas, followed by a Suzuki coupling reaction with 2,4-dimethoxypyrimidin-5-boronic acid. Biological screenings revealed that most of the compounds showed moderate to good activity against two Gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) and three Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, K. pneumonia) pathogenic strains. A molecular docking study, performed in the crystal structure of 50S ribosomal unit of Haloarcula marismortui, indicated that pyrimidine-oxazolidin-2-arylimino hybrids 8c and 8h exhibited a high binding affinity (−9.65 and −10.74 kcal/mol), which was in agreement with their good antibacterial activity. The obtained results suggest that the combination of pyrimidine and oxazolidone moieties can be considered as a valid basis to develop new further modifications towards more efficacious antibacterial compounds.
High-Resolution PTP1B Inhibition Profiling Combined with HPLC-HRMS-SPE-NMR for Identification of PTP1B Inhibitors from Miconia albicans
Authors: De Cássia Lemos Lima Rita , T. Kongstad Kenneth , Kato Lucília , José das Silva Marcos , Franzyk Henrik , Staerk Dan
Published: July 2018

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an intracellular enzyme responsible for deactivation of the insulin receptor, and consequently acts as a negative regulator of insulin signal transduction. In recent years, PTP1B has become an important target for controlling insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In the present study, the ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Miconia albicans (IC50 = 4.92 µg/mL) was assessed by high-resolution PTP1B inhibition profiling combined with HPLC-HRMS-SPE-NMR for identification of antidiabetic compounds. This disclosed eleven PTP1B inhibitors, including five polyphenolics: 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-4,6-di-O-galloyl-β-d-glucopyranose (2), myricetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-(2″-galloyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (5), mearnsetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (6), and kaempferol 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (8) as well as eight triterpenoids: maslinic acid (13), 3-epi-sumaresinolic acid (14), sumaresinolic acid (15), 3-O-cis-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid (16), 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid (17), 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl 2α-hydroxydulcioic acid (18), oleanolic acid (19), and ursolic acid (20). These results support the use of M. albicans as a traditional medicine with antidiabetic properties and its potential as a source of PTP1B inhibitors.
An Impact Mapping Method to Generate Robust Qualitative Evaluation of Community-Based Research Programs for Youth and Adults
Authors: Olfert Melissa D. , Hagedorn Rebecca L. , White Jade A. , Baker Barbara A. , Colby Sarah E. , Franzen-Castle Lisa , Kattelmann Kendra K. , White Adrienne A.
Published: July 2018

Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) is an evaluation approach that has traditionally been used in community settings to visually map the impact of programming and community interventions. This manuscript utilizes the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) to inform REM and to better highlight the changes and impact between various levels of a community, following a childhood obesity prevention intervention. The addition of in-depth qualitative analyses makes this approach particularly useful for the evaluation of interventions with a research–community partnership focus. The objective of this study was to describe a CCF-informed REM approach with detailed protocol, training, and application to the community-based, childhood obesity prevention intervention, iCook 4-H, which targeted youth and adult pairs. This protocol includes the steps required to prepare for REM sessions of, ideally, six youth and adult pairs, one facilitator, and one or two evaluators/note takers. REM sessions typically begin with an icebreaker and appreciative inquiry activities that inform the REM mapping process that follows. In-depth qualitative analysis of the notes and map images captured during REM sessions ensure the rigor required for research-related interventions. Researchers, community members, and participants can use CCF-informed REM collectively as a robust evaluation tool to demonstrate, through visual mapping, the positive effects of community-partnered research programs.
Highly Efficient and Reusable Montmorillonite/Fe3O4/Humic Acid Nanocomposites for Simultaneous Removal of Cr(VI) and Aniline
Authors: Lu Haijiao , Wang Jingkang , Li Fei , Huang Xin , Tian Beiqian , Hao Hongxun
Published: July 2018

Recyclable nanomaterials are in great need to develop clean technology for applications in the removal of water contaminants. In this work, easily separable montmorillonite/Fe3O4/humic acid (MFH) nanocomposites were fabricated through a facile hydrothermal route. It was found the adsorption ability and stability of MFH was significantly enhanced due to the synergistic effects between montmorillonite, Fe3O4 nanoparticles and humic acid. The MFH nanocomposites are highly efficient and recyclable as they can remove at least 82.3% of Cr(VI) and 95.1% of aniline in six consecutive runs. The adsorption mechanism was investigated by analyzing the kinetic parameters of pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models and describing the equilibrium isotherms of Langmuir and Freundlich models. Results indicated different adsorption mechanisms of Cr(VI) and aniline by MFH. The readily synthesized MFH nanocomposites can act as effective and practical materials for environmental applications.
Impact of a Pilot School-Based Nutrition Intervention on Dietary Knowledge, Attitudes, Behavior and Nutritional Status of Syrian Refugee Children in the Bekaa, Lebanon
Authors: El Harake Marwa , Kharroubi Samer , Hamadeh Shadi , Jomaa Lamis
Published: July 2018

This study evaluated the impact of a 6-month school nutrition intervention on changes in dietary knowledge, attitude, behavior (KAB) and nutritional status of Syrian refugee children. A quasi-experimental design was followed; Syrian refuge children in grades 4 to 6 were recruited from three informal primary schools (two intervention and one control) located in the rural Bekaa region of Lebanon. The intervention consisted of two main components: classroom-based education sessions and provision of locally-prepared healthy snacks. Data on household socio-demographic characteristics, KAB, anthropometric measures and dietary intake of children were collected by trained field workers at baseline and post-intervention. Of the 296 school children enrolled, 203 (68.6%) completed post-intervention measures. Significant increases in dietary knowledge (β = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.89), attitude (β = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.08, 1.30), and body mass index-for-age-z-scores (β = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.41) were observed among intervention vs. control groups, adjusting for covariates (p < 0.05). Compared to the control, the intervention group had, on average, significantly larger increases in daily intakes of total energy, dietary fiber, protein, saturated fat, and several key micronutrients, p < 0.05. Findings suggest a positive impact of this school-based nutrition intervention on dietary knowledge, attitude, and nutritional status of Syrian refugee children. Further studies are needed to test the feasibility and long-term impact of scaling-up such interventions.
New ABCC2 rs3740066 and rs2273697 Polymorphisms Identified in a Healthy Colombian Cohort
Authors: Bustos-Cruz Rosa Helena , Martínez Luis Rafael , García Julio César , Barreto George E. , Suárez Fernando
Published: July 2018

Multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRP) 1 and 2 belong to the ABC (ATP-Binding Cassette) transporters. These transport proteins are involved in the removal of various drugs and xenobiotics, as well as in multiple physiological, pathological, and pharmacological processes. There is a strong correlation between different polymorphisms and their clinical implication in resistance to antiepileptic drugs, anticancer, and anti-infective agents. In our study, we evaluated exon regions of MRP1 (ABCC1)/MRP2 (ABCC2) in a Colombian cohort of healthy subjects to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to determine the allelic and genomic frequency. Results showed there are SNPs in our population that have been previously reported for both MRP1/ABCC1 (rs200647436, rs200624910, rs150214567) and MRP2/ABCC2 (rs2273697, rs3740066, rs142573385, rs17216212). Additionally, 13 new SNPs were identified. Evidence also shows a significant clinical correlation for polymorphisms rs3740066 and rs2273697 in the transport of multiple drugs, which suggests a genetic variability in regards to that reported in other populations.
Bunimovich Stadium-Like Resonator for Randomized Fiber Laser Operation
Authors: Silveira Beatriz , Gomes André , Becker Martin , Schneidewind Henrik , Frazão Orlando
Published: July 2018

A silica resonator was demonstrated for random laser generation. The resonator consisted of a conventional microsphere fabricated in an optical fiber tip through electric arc discharge, and modifications to its geometry were carried out to create asymmetry inside the silica structure. The resulting Bunimovich stadium-like microsphere promotes multiple reflections with the boundaries, following the stochastic properties of dynamic billiards. The interference of the multiple scattered beams generates a random signal whose intensity was increased by sputter-coating the microstadium with a gold thin film. The random signal is amplified using an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) in a ring cavity configuration with feedback, and lasing is identified as temporal and spectral random variations of the signal between consecutive measurements.
Poly(propylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate) vs. Poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate): Two Examples of High Gas Barrier Bio-Based Polyesters
Authors: Guidotti Giulia , Soccio Michelina , Lotti Nadia , Gazzano Massimo , Siracusa Valentina , Munari Andrea
Published: July 2018

Both academia and industry are currently devoting many efforts to develop high gas barrier bioplastics as substitutes of traditional fossil-based polymers. In this view, this contribution presents a new biobased aromatic polyester, i.e., poly(propylene 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate) (PPTF), which has been compared with the furan-based counterpart (PPF). Both biopolyesters have been characterized from the molecular, thermo-mechanical and structural points of view. Gas permeability behavior has been evaluated with respect to 100% oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen at 23 °C. In case of CO2 gas test, gas transmission rate has been also measured at different temperatures. The permeability behavior at different relative humidity has been investigated for both biopolyesters, the thiophen-containing sample demonstrating to be better than the furan-containing counterpart. PPF’s permeability behavior became worse than PPTF’s with increasing RH, due to the more polar nature of the furan ring. Both biopolyesters under study are characterized by superior gas barrier performances with respect to PEF and PET. With the simple synthetic strategy adopted, the exceptional barrier properties render these new biobased polyesters interesting alternatives in the world of green and sustainable packaging materials. The different polarity and stability of heterocyclic rings was revealed to be an efficient tool to tailor the ability of crystallization, which in turn affects mechanical and barrier performances.
A Multicellular Vascular Model of the Renal Myogenic Response
Authors: Ciocanel Maria-Veronica , Stepien Tracy L. , Sgouralis Ioannis , Layton Anita T.
Published: July 2018

The myogenic response is a key autoregulatory mechanism in the mammalian kidney. Triggered by blood pressure perturbations, it is well established that the myogenic response is initiated in the renal afferent arteriole and mediated by alterations in muscle tone and vascular diameter that counterbalance hemodynamic perturbations. The entire process involves several subcellular, cellular, and vascular mechanisms whose interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we model and investigate the myogenic response of a multicellular segment of an afferent arteriole. Extending existing work, we focus on providing an accurate—but still computationally tractable—representation of the coupling among the involved levels. For individual muscle cells, we include detailed Ca2+ signaling, transmembrane transport of ions, kinetics of myosin light chain phosphorylation, and contraction mechanics. Intercellular interactions are mediated by gap junctions between muscle or endothelial cells. Additional interactions are mediated by hemodynamics. Simulations of time-independent pressure changes reveal regular vasoresponses throughout the model segment and stabilization of a physiological range of blood pressures (80–180 mmHg) in agreement with other modeling and experimental studies that assess steady autoregulation. Simulations of time-dependent perturbations reveal irregular vasoresponses and complex dynamics that may contribute to the complexity of dynamic autoregulation observed in vivo. The ability of the developed model to represent the myogenic response in a multiscale and realistic fashion, under feasible computational load, suggests that it can be incorporated as a key component into larger models of integrated renal hemodynamic regulation.