bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Dot Solar Cells: Small Beginnings Have Large Impacts
Authors: Ganesan Abiseka , Houtepen Arjan , Crisp Ryan
Published: October 2018

From a niche field over 30 years ago, quantum dots (QDs) have developed into viable materials for many commercial optoelectronic devices. We discuss the advancements in Pb-based QD solar cells (QDSCs) from a viewpoint of the pathways an excited state can take when relaxing back to the ground state. Systematically understanding the fundamental processes occurring in QDs has led to improvements in solar cell efficiency from ~3% to over 13% in 8 years. We compile data from ~200 articles reporting functioning QDSCs to give an overview of the current limitations in the technology. We find that the open circuit voltage limits the device efficiency and propose some strategies for overcoming this limitation.
Design of Wing Root Rotation Mechanism for Dragonfly-Inspired Micro Air Vehicle
Authors: Jang Jae Hyung , Yang Gi-Hun
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a wing root control mechanism inspired by the drag-based system of a dragonfly. The previous mechanisms for generating wing rotations have high controllability of the angle of attack, but the structures are either too complex or too simple, and the control of the angle of attack is insufficient. In order to overcome these disadvantages, a wing root control mechanism was designed to improve the control of the angle of attack by controlling the mean angle of attack in a passive rotation mechanism implemented in a simple structure. Links between the proposed mechanism and a spatial four-bar link-based flapping mechanism were optimized for the design, and a prototype was produced by a 3D printer. The kinematics and aerodynamics were measured using the prototype, a high-speed camera, and an F/T sensor. In the measured kinematics, the flapping amplitude was found to be similar to the design value, and the mean angle of attack increased by approximately 30° at a wing root angle of 0°. In the aerodynamic analysis, the drag-based system implemented using the wing root control mechanism reduced the amplitude of the force in the horizontal direction to approximately 0.15 N and 0.1 N in the downstroke and upstroke, respectively, compared with the lift-based system. In addition, at an inclined stroke angle, the force in the horizontal direction increased greatly when the wing root angle was 0° at the inclined stroke angle, while the force in the vertical direction increased greatly at a wing root angle of 30°. This means that the flight mode can be controlled by controlling the wing root angle. As a result, it is shown that the wing root control mechanism can be applied to the MAV (micro air vehicle) to stabilize hovering better than the MAV using a lift-based system and can control the flight mode without changing the posture.
Experimental Study of a New Precast Prestressed Concrete Joint
Authors: Yan Xueyuan , Wang Suguo , Huang Canling , Qi Ai , Hong Chao
Published: October 2018

Precast monolithic structures are increasingly applied in construction. Such a structure has a performance somewhere between that of a pure precast structure and that of a cast-in-place structure. A precast concrete frame structure is one of the most common prefabricated structural systems. The post-pouring joint is important for controlling the seismic performance of the entire precast monolithic frame structure. This paper investigated the joints of a precast prestressed concrete frame structure. A reversed cyclic loading test was carried out on two precast prestressed concrete beam–column joints that were fabricated with two different concrete strengths in the keyway area. This testing was also performed on a cast-in-place reinforced concrete joint for comparison. The phenomena such as joint crack development, yielding, and ultimate damage were observed, and the seismic performance of the proposed precast prestressed concrete joint was determined. The results showed that the precast prestressed concrete joint and the cast-in-place joint had a similar failure mode. The stiffness, bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation were comparable. The hysteresis curves were full and showed that the joints had good energy dissipation. The presence of prestressing tendons limited the development of cracks in the precast beams. The concrete strength of the keyway area had little effect on the seismic performance of the precast prestressed concrete joints. The precast prestressed concrete joints had a seismic performance that was comparable to the equivalent monolithic system.
Medial Collateral Ligament Deficiency of the Elbow Joint: A Computational Approach
Authors: Rahman Munsur , Cil Akin , Stylianou Antonis P.
Published: October 2018

Computational elbow joint models, capable of simulating medial collateral ligament deficiency, can be extremely valuable tools for surgical planning and refinement of therapeutic strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of varying levels of medial collateral ligament deficiency on elbow joint stability using subject-specific computational models. Two elbow joint models were placed at the pronated forearm position and passively flexed by applying a vertical downward motion on humeral head. The models included three-dimensional bone geometries, multiple ligament bundles wrapped around the joint, and the discretized cartilage representation. Four different ligament conditions were simulated: All intact ligaments, isolated medial collateral ligament (MCL) anterior bundle deficiency, isolated MCL posterior bundle deficiency, and complete MCL deficiency. Minimal kinematic differences were observed for isolated anterior and posterior bundle deficient elbows. However, sectioning the entire MCL resulted in significant kinematic differences and induced substantial elbow instability. Joint contact areas were nearly similar for the intact and isolated posterior bundle deficiency. Minor differences were observed for the isolated anterior bundle deficiency, and major differences were observed for the entire MCL deficiency. Complete elbow dislocations were not observed for any ligament deficiency level. As expected, during isolated anterior bundle deficiency, the remaining posterior bundle experiences higher load and vice versa. Overall, the results indicate that either MCL anterior or posterior bundle can provide anterior elbow stability, but the anterior bundle has a somewhat bigger influence on joint kinematics and contact characteristics than posterior one. A study with a larger sample size could help to strengthen the conclusion and statistical significant.
Selectable Markers and Reporter Genes for Engineering the Chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Esland Lola , Larrea-Alvarez Marco , Purton Saul
Published: October 2018

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a model alga of increasing interest as a cell factory for the production of valuable compounds, including therapeutic proteins and bioactive metabolites. Expression of foreign genes in the chloroplast is particularly advantageous as: (i) accumulation of product in this sub-cellular compartment minimises potential toxicity to the rest of the cell; (ii) genes can integrate at specific loci of the chloroplast genome (plastome) by homologous recombination; (iii) the high ploidy of the plastome and the high-level expression of chloroplast genes can be exploited to achieve levels of recombinant protein as high as 5% total cell protein; (iv) the lack of any gene silencing mechanisms in the chloroplast ensures stable expression of transgenes. However, the generation of C. reinhardtii chloroplast transformants requires efficient methods of selection, and ideally methods for subsequent marker removal. Additionally, the use of reporter genes is critical to achieving a comprehensive understanding of gene expression, thereby informing experimental design for recombinant applications. This review discusses currently available selection and reporter systems for chloroplast engineering in C. reinhardtii, as well as those used for chloroplast engineering in higher plants and other microalgae, and looks to the future in terms of possible new markers and reporters that will further advance the C. reinhardtii chloroplast as an expression platform.
Novel Magnetically-Recyclable, Nitrogen-Doped Fe3O4@Pd NPs for Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling and Their Application in the Synthesis of Crizotinib
Authors: Zheng Kai , Shen Chao , Qiao Jun , Tong Jianying , Jin Jianzhong , Zhang Pengfei
Published: October 2018

Novel magnetically recyclable Fe3O4@Pd nanoparticles (NPs) were favorably synthesized by fixing palladium on the surface of nitrogen-doped magnetic nanocomposites. These catalysts were fully characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The prepared catalyst exhibited good catalytic activity for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions of aryl or heteroaryl halides (I, Br, Cl) with arylboronic acids. These as-prepared catalysts could be readily isolated from the reaction liquid by an external magnet and reused at least ten times with excellent yields achieved. In addition, using this protocol, the marketed drug crizotinib (anti-tumor) could be easily synthesized.
Dynamic Fracture Mechanism of Quasicrystal-Containing Al–Cr–Fe Consolidated Using Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Li Ruitao , Wang Zhiyong , Li Zhong , Khor Khiam , Dong Zhili
Published: October 2018

The potential applications of quasicrystals (QCs) in automotive and aerospace industries requires the investigation of their fracture and failure mechanisms under dynamic loading conditions. In this study, Al–Cr–Fe powders were consolidated into pellets using spark plasma sintering at 800 °C for 30 min. The microhardness and dynamic failure properties of the samples were determined using nanoindentation and split-Hopkinson pressure bar technique, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to analyze fracture particles. The dynamic failure strength obtained from the tests is 653 ± 40 MPa. The dynamic failure process is dominated by transgranular fracture mechanisms. The difficulty in the metadislocation motion in the dynamic loading leads to the high brittleness of the spark plasma sintered (SPSed) Al–Cr–Fe materials.
Assessment of Leachate Production from a Municipal Solid-Waste Landfill through Water-Balance Modeling
Authors: Beck-Broichsitter Steffen , Gerke Horst H. , Horn Rainer
Published: October 2018

Mineral temporary capping systems of landfills are required to accomplish the long-term coverage prerequisites or to use them as a basis layer prior to later permanent sealing. Such a capping system for a municipal waste landfill in Rastorf (Northern Germany) was developed and tested for its sealing capability on the basis of observed and simulated water balance components for the period between 2008 and 2015, considering observed local weather data and complemented by the Hydraulic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP 3.95 D) model. The modeling results of this case study could be improved by the correction of previously used global solar radiation data due to the consideration of exposure and inclination angle of landfill surface areas. The model could positively be validated by comparing observed and simulated outflow (surface runoff and lateral drainage) data with R2 values ranging between 0.95 and 0.99, as well as for the leachate rates with R2 values of 0.78–0.87. The statistical-empirical HELP model was found useful in predicting the leachate generation of a temporary landfill capping system for specific soil and site conditions, even if only a restricted set of observed data was available.
Constructing the ‘Right Image’: Visibility Management and the Palestinian Village of Susiya
Authors: Bratchford Gary
Published: October 2018

This article focuses on the Palestinian Bedouin village of Susiya in the West Bank of the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the multi-agency efforts to save the village after the Israeli Civil Administration issued a full demolition order to all existing structures in 2012. By analysing a range of creative visual responses to the demolition order, including social media campaigns and video appeals, the paper examines the problematic nature over who and how to produce the ‘right image’ of the village and its struggle. Based upon fieldwork and interviews undertaken between 2013–2014 with activists and community workers, I identify how in an effort to overcome the separation between audience and distant spectator, a number of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Human Rights Organisations (HROs), acting on behalf of the village, ultimately weakened rather than strengthened the representation of the villagers.
The Extremely High Adsorption Capacity of Fluoride by Chicken Bone Char (CBC) in Defluoridation of Drinking Water in Relation to Its Finer Particle Size for Better Human Health
Authors: Herath H. M. Ayala S. , Kawakami Tomonori , Tafu Masamoto
Published: October 2018

The ingestion of fluoride-contaminated water causes serious health issues in people all over the world. In the current study, the adsorption of fluoride onto chicken bone char (CBC) was investigated as a defluoridation technique. Finer-sized CBC with a diameter of 106–212 µm was used to investigate the fluoride adsorption capacity onto CBC. Results revealed that finer-sized CBC yielded an unusually high fluoride adsorption capacity of 11.2 mg/g at the equilibrium fluoride concentration of 10 mg/L. The study shows that CBC can be utilized in the defluoridation of drinking water and that finer-sized CBC enhances ion exchange to perform a higher adsorption capacity.
Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Changes of Land Use and Land Cover over South-Western African Basins and Their Relations with Variations of Discharges
Authors: Obahoundje Salomon , Diedhiou Arona , Ofosu Eric Antwi , Anquetin Sandrine , François Baptiste , Adounkpe Julien , Amoussou Ernest , Kouame Yao Morton , Kouassi Kouakou Lazare , Nguessan Bi Vami Hermann , Youan Ta Marc
Published: October 2018

West African basins play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the region. They are mostly trans-boundary and sources of different land use practices. This work attempts to assess the spatio-temporal land use and land cover changes over three South Western African basins (Volta, Mono and Sassandra basins) and their influence on discharge. The land use and land cover maps of each basin were developed for 1988, 2002 and 2016. The results show that all the studied basins present an increase in water bodies, built-up, agricultural land and a decline in vegetative areas. These increases in water bodies and land use are as a result of an increase in small reservoirs, of dugouts and of dam constructions. However, the decline in some vegetative clusters could be attributed to the demographic and socio-economic growth as expressed by the expansion of agriculture and urbanization. The basic statistical analysis of precipitation and discharge data reveals that the mean annual discharge varies much more than the total annual precipitation at the three basins. For instance, in the entire Volta basin, the annual precipitation coefficient of variation (CV) is 10% while the annual discharge CV of Nawuni, Saboba and Bui are 43.6%, 36.51% and 47.43%, respectively. In Mono basin, the annual precipitation CV is 11.5% while the Nangbeto and Athieme annual discharge CV are 37.15% and 46.60%, respectively. The annual precipitation CV in Sassandra basin is 7.64% while the annual discharge CV of Soubre and Dakpadou are 29.41% and 37%, respectively. The discharge varies at least three times much more than the precipitation in the studied basins. The same conclusion was found for all months except the driest months (December and January). We showed that this great variation in discharge is mainly due to land use and land cover changes. Beside the hydrological modification of the land use and land cover changes, the climate of the region as well as the water quality and availability and the hydropower generation may be impacted by these changes in land surfaces conditions. Therefore, these impacts should be further assessed to implement appropriate climate services and measures for a sustainable land use and water management.
Influence of Precipitation Forcing Uncertainty on Hydrological Simulations with the NASA South Asia Land Data Assimilation System
Authors: Ghatak Debjani , Zaitchik Benjamin , Kumar Sujay , Matin Mir A. , Bajracharya Birendra , Hain Christopher , Anderson Martha
Published: October 2018

Accurate meteorological estimates are critical for process-based hydrological simulation and prediction. This presents a significant challenge in mountainous Asia where in situ meteorological stations are limited and major river basins cross international borders. In this context, remotely sensed and model-derived meteorological estimates are often necessary inputs for distributed hydrological analysis. However, these datasets are difficult to evaluate on account of limited access to ground data. In this case, the implications of uncertainty associated with precipitation forcing for hydrological simulations is explored by driving the South Asia Land Data Assimilation System (South Asia LDAS) using a range of meteorological forcing products. MERRA2, GDAS, and CHIRPS produce a wide range of estimates for rainfall, which causes a widespread simulated streamflow and evapotranspiration. A combination of satellite-derived and limited in situ data are applied to evaluate model simulations and, by extension, to constrain the estimates of precipitation. The results show that available gridded precipitation estimates based on in situ data may systematically underestimate precipitation in mountainous regions and that performance of gridded satellite-derived or modeled precipitation estimates varies systematically across the region. Since no station-based data or product including station data is satisfactory everywhere, our results suggest that the evaluation of the hydrological simulation of streamflow and ET can be used as an indirect evaluation of precipitation forcing based on ground-based products or in-situ data. South Asia LDAS produces reasonable evapotranspiration and streamflow when forced with appropriate meteorological forcing and the choice of meteorological forcing should be made based on the geographical location as well as on the purpose of the simulations.
Fusion of SAR and Multispectral Images Using Random Forest Regression for Change Detection
Authors: Seo Dae Kyo , Kim Yong Hyun , Eo Yang Dam , Lee Mi Hee , Park Wan Yong
Published: October 2018

In order to overcome the insufficiency of single remote sensing data in change detection, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical image data can be used together for supplementation. However, conventional image fusion methods fail to address the differences in imaging mechanisms and cannot overcome some practical limitations such as usage in change detection or temporal requirement of the optical image. This study proposes a new method to fuse SAR and optical images, which is expected to be visually helpful and minimize the differences between two imaging mechanisms. The algorithm performs the fusion by establishing relationships between SAR and multispectral (MS) images by using a random forest (RF) regression, which creates a fused SAR image containing the surface roughness characteristics of the SAR image and the spectral characteristics of the MS image. The fused SAR image is evaluated by comparing it to those obtained using conventional image fusion methods and the proposed method shows that the spectral qualities and spatial qualities are improved significantly. Furthermore, for verification, other ensemble approaches such as stochastic gradient boosting regression and adaptive boosting regression are compared and overall it is confirmed that the performance of RF regression is superior. Then, change detection between the fused SAR and MS images is performed and compared with the results of change detection between MS images and between SAR images and the result using fused SAR images is similar to the result with MS images and is improved when compared to the result between SAR images. Lastly, the proposed method is confirmed to be applicable to change detection.
Use of Psychotropic Drugs among Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Denmark: A Nationwide Drug Utilization Study
Authors: Rasmussen Lotte , Bilenberg Niels , Thomsen Ernst Martin , Abitz Boysen Sidsel , Pottegård Anton
Published: October 2018

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a considerable use of psychotropics. Leveraging nationwide registry data, we aimed to describe the use of psychotropics among children and adolescents with ASD in Denmark. Use of melatonin and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication increased from 2010 to 2017, while there were limited changes in use of antidepressants and antipsychotics. Thirty percent of the identified children used psychotropics in 2017 most commonly ADHD medication (17%) and melatonin (13%). Methylphenidate, sertraline and risperidone were most often prescribed. Most children filled more than one prescription and, across drug classes, at least 38% received treatment two years after treatment initiation. Use of psychotropics followed psychiatric comorbidities. Comorbidities did not affect age at treatment initiation. Use of psychotropics varied according to age and sex with limited use in the youngest children. In summary, psychotropic drug use has increased in children with ASD mainly due to an increase in the use of ADHD medication and melatonin. In accordance with previous studies, use seems to follow comorbidities. The long treatment duration underlines the need to investigate long-term effects of psychotropic drug use in children with ASD.
The Comparative Associations of Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Estimates of Muscle Quality with Physical Performance and Metabolic Parameters in Older Men
Authors: Harris-Love Michael O. , Avila Nilo A. , Adams Bernadette , Zhou June , Seamon Bryant , Ismail Catheeja , Zaidi Syed H. , Kassner Courtney A. , Liu Frank , Blackman Marc R.
Published: October 2018

Estimates of muscle tissue composition may have greater prognostic value than lean body mass levels regarding health-related outcomes. Ultrasound provides a relatively low cost, safe, and accessible mode of imaging to assess muscle morphology. The purpose of this study was to determine the construct validity of muscle echogenicity as a surrogate measure of muscle quality in a sample of older, predominantly African American (AA) participants. We examined the association of rectus femoris echogenicity with mid-thigh computed tomography (CT) scan estimates of intra- and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), basic metabolic parameters via blood sample analysis, muscle strength, and mobility status. This observational study was conducted at a federal medical center and included 30 community-dwelling men (age, 62.5 ± 9.2; AA, n = 24; Caucasian, n = 6). IMAT estimates were significantly associated with echogenicity (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). Echogenicity and IMAT exhibited similar associations with the two-hour postprandial glucose values and high-density lipoproteins values (p < 0.04), as well as grip and isokinetic (180°/s) knee extension strength adjusted for body size (p < 0.03). The significant relationship between ultrasound and CT muscle composition estimates, and their comparative association with key health-related outcomes, suggests that echogenicity should be further considered as a surrogate measure of muscle quality.
A Quantitative Assessment of the Annual Contribution of Platform Downwearing to Beach Sediment Budget: Happisburgh, England, UK
Authors: Payo Andres , Walkden Mike , Ellis Michael A. , Barkwith Andrew , Favis-Mortlock David , Kessler Holger , Wood Benjamin , Burke Helen , Lee Jonathan
Published: October 2018

Field and numerical investigations at Happisburgh, East coast of England, UK, sought to characterize beach thickness and determine geologic framework controls on coastal change. After a major failure of coastal protection infrastructure, removal of about 1 km of coastal defence along the otherwise protected cliffed coastline of Happisburgh triggered a period of rapid erosion over 20 years of ca. 140 m. Previous sensitivity studies suggest that beach thickness plays a major role in coastal recession. These studies were limited, however, by a lack of beach volume data. In this study, we have integrated the insights gained from our understanding of the Quaternary geology of the area, a novel non-intrusive passive seismic survey method, and a 3D novel representation of the subsurface source and transportable material into a coastal modelling environment to explore the role of beach thickness on the back wearing and downwearing of the cliffs and consolidated platform, respectively. Results show that beach thickness is non-homogeneous along the study site: we estimate that the contribution to near-shore sediment budget via platform downwearing is of a similar order of magnitude as sediment lost from the beach and therefore non-negligible. We have provided a range of evidence to support the idea that the Happisburgh beach is a relatively thin layer perched on a sediment rich platform of sand and gravel. This conceptualization differs from previous publications, which assume that the platform was mostly till and fine material. This has direct implication on regional sediment management along this coastline. The present study contributes to our understanding of a poorly known aspect of coastal sediment budgeting and outlines a quantitative approach that allows for simple integration of geological understanding for coastline evolution assessments worldwide.
Lubrication Performance of Engine Commercial Oils with Different Performance Levels: The Effect of Engine Synthetic Oil Aging on Piston Ring Tribology under Real Engine Conditions
Authors: Nikolakopoulos Pantelis G. , Mavroudis Stamatis , Zavos Anastasios
Published: October 2018

To further improve efficiency in automotive engine systems, it is important to understand the generation of friction in its components. Accurate simulation and modeling of friction in machine components is, amongst other things, dependent on realistic lubricant rheology and lubricant properties, where especially the latter may change as the machine ages. Some results of research under laboratory conditions on the aging of engine commercial oils with different performance levels (mineral SAE 30, synthetic SAE10W-40, and bio-based) are presented in this paper. The key role of the action of pressure and temperature in engine oils’ aging is described. The paper includes the results of experiments over time in laboratory testing of a single cylinder motorbike. The aging of engine oil causes changes to its dynamic viscosity value. The aim of this work is to evaluate changes due to temperature and pressure in viscosity of engine oil over its lifetime and to perform uncertainty analysis of the measured values. The results are presented as the characteristics of viscosity and time in various temperatures and the shear rates/pressures. This paper also includes a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, applying the experimental results in the piston ring tribology problem.
Adaptive System for Steering a Ship Along the Desired Route
Authors: Borkowski Piotr
Published: October 2018

An adaptive ship steering system along a preset track is an example of an intelligent system. An optimal linear quadratic regulator (LQR) regulator with a symmetric indicator of control quality was adopted as the control algorithm. The model identification was based on the continuous version of the least squares method. A significant part of the article presents the proof of the stability of the proposed system. The results of the calculation experiments are provided to confirm the effective and correct working of the system.
Importance of Magmatic Water Content and Oxidation State for Porphyry-Style Au Mineralization: An Example from the Giant Beiya Au Deposit, SW China
Authors: Bao Xinshang , Yang Liqiang , He Wenyan , Gao Xue
Published: October 2018

The Beiya Au deposit is the largest Cenozoic Au deposit in the Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan porphyry metallogenic belt. Numerous studies document that high water content and fO2 are vital factors for the generation of Au mineralization. In this belt, only the Wandongshan and Hongnitang districts are considered to be of economic importance, while the other districts, such as Bailiancun, are barren. So in order to reveal the importance of water content and oxidation state for Beiya porphyry-style Au mineralization, the amphiboles and zircons compositions are used to evaluate the physicochemical conditions (e.g., pressure, temperature, fO2, and water content) of the Wandongshan ore-fertile porphyries and Bailiancun ore-barren porphyries observed in the Beiya Au deposit. The results show that the water content of the Wandongshan parent magma (≤4.11 ± 0.4 wt %) are slightly higher than those of the parent magma at Bailiancun (≤3.91 ± 0.4 wt %), while the emplacement pressure of the Wandongshan parent magma (31.5–68.6 MPa) is much lower than that of the parent magma at Bailiancun (142.3–192.8 MPa), indicating that the Wandongshan magma reached water saturation earlier. In addition, the Wandongshan porphyries crystallized from more oxidized magma (average of ΔFMQ = +3.5) with an average temperature of 778 °C compared to the Bailiancun porphyries (average of ΔFMQ = +1.5) with a mean magmatic temperature of 770 °C. The Ce4+/Ce3+ ratio of zircon in the Wandongshan ore-related intrusions (average Ce4+/Ce3+ of 62.00) is much higher than that of the Bailiancun barren porphyries (average Ce4+/Ce3+of 23.15), which further confirmed Wandongshan ore-related magma is more oxidized than the Bailiancun barren magma. Therefore, melts that are more enriched in water and with a high oxidation state will be more fertile to form an economic porphyry-style Au system.
Acylphloroglucinol Derivatives from Garcinia multiflora with Anti-Inflammatory Effect in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Cheng Lin-Yang , Tsai Yun-Chen , Fu Shu-Ling , Cheng Ming-Jen , Sung Ping-Jyun , Chung Mei-Ing , Chen Jih-Jung
Published: October 2018

Two new acylphloroglucinol derivatives, 13,14-didehydroxygarcicowin C (1) and 13,14-didehydroxyisoxanthochymol (2), have been isolated from the stems of Garcinia multiflora, together with seven known compounds (3–9). The structures of new compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by MS and extensive 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. Among the isolates, 13,14-didehydroxy-isoxanthochymol (2) and sampsonione B (3) exhibited inhibition against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB activation in macrophages at 30 μM with relative luciferase activity values (inhibitory %) of 0.75 ± 0.03 (24 ± 4%) and 0.12 ± 0.03 (88 ± 4%), respectively. Additionally, sampsonione B (3) reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in murine RAW264.7 macrophages and did not induce cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells after 24 h treatment. Compound 3 is worth further investigation and may be expectantly developed as an anti-inflammatory drug candidate.
Carotenoid-Chlorophyll Interactions in a Photosynthetic Antenna Protein: A Supramolecular QM/MM Approach
Authors: Guberman-Pfeffer Matthew , Gascón José
Published: October 2018

Multichromophoric interactions control the initial events of energy capture and transfer in the light harvesting peridinin-chlorophyll a protein (PCP) from marine algae dinoflagellates. Due to the van der Waals association of the carotenoid peridinin (Per) with chlorophyll a in a unique 4:1 stoichiometric ratio, supramolecular quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations are essential to accurately describe structure, spectroscopy, and electronic coupling. We show that, by enabling inter-chromophore electronic coupling, substantial effects arise in the nature of the transition dipole moment and the absorption spectrum. We further hypothesize that inter-protein domain Per-Per interactions are not negligible, and are needed to explain the experimental reconstruction features of the spectrum in wild-type PCP.
Meliacarpinin-Type Limonoids from the Bark of Melia toosendan
Authors: Hu Yalin , Heng Li , Xu Rong , Li Junhe , Wei Shanshan , Xu Deran , Luo Jun , Li Yi
Published: October 2018

Three new meliacarpinin-type limonoids, toosendanes A–C (1–3), along with three, known meliacarpinins (4–6) were isolated from the bark of Melia toosendan. Their structures, along with their absolute configurations, were elucidated, based on detailed analyses. These included HRESIMS and 1D/2D-NMR, modified Mosher’s method, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Limonoids 2 and 3 showed moderate inhibitory activity on LPS-activated, RAW 264.7 macrophages.
Synergistic Effect of Laccase and Sugar Beet Pectin on the Properties of Concentrated Protein Emulsions and Its Application in Concentrated Coconut Milk
Authors: Chen Pusen , Chen Wenxue , Jiang Shan , Zhong Qiuping , Chen Haiming , Chen Weijun
Published: October 2018

Concentrated coconut milk (CCM), a raw material from coconut products, is extremely unstable because of its high oil content (>30%). In this study, three model emulsions—primary emulsions stabilized by coconut proteins only, secondary emulsions stabilized by the conjugation of sugar beet pectin (SBP) and coconut protein, and laccase-treated secondary emulsions—were prepared to investigate the effects of different factors (coconut proteins, coconut proteins + SBP, laccase-treated emulsions) on the stability of model emulsions and the application of this method to real CCM. The stability of the emulsions was evaluated based on their interfacial tension, zeta potential, particle size distribution, rheological properties, and the assembly formation of SBP and coconut protein at the oil–water interface. Results showed that addition of SBP or laccase can increase the viscosity and reduce the interfacial tension of the emulsion, and the effect was concentration dependent. Zeta potential of the emulsion decreased with the increase of protein (from −16 to −32 mV) and addition of SBP (from −32 to −46 mV), and it was reduced when laccase was added (from −9.5 to −6.0 mV). The secondary emulsion exhibited the narrowest particle size distribution (from 0.1 to 20 μm); however, laccase-catalyzed secondary emulsions showed the best storage stability and no layering when the laccase content reached 10 U/100 g. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that protein was adsorbed on the oil–water interface and SBP distributed in the continuous phase could undergo oxidative crosslinking by laccase. These results show that the stability of the concentrated emulsion can be effectively improved by adding SBP and laccase.
Curcumin Inhibits Age-Related Vascular Changes in Aged Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Takano Kenichiro , Tatebe Junko , Washizawa Naohiro , Morita Toshisuke
Published: October 2018

Inhibiting the onset of arteriosclerotic disease, which has been increasing due to the westernized diet and aging, is a significant social challenge. Curcumin, a type of polyphenol, has anti-oxidative effects and anti-inflammatory action and is expected to treat and to have prophylactic effects on different diseases. In this study, we examined the effects of long-term administration of curcumin on vascular aging and chronic inflammation—the causes of arteriosclerotic disease. Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD) or 0.1% curcumin-mixed HFD (HFD + Cu) until 80 weeks old (n = 20 for each group). After the breeding, we examined the expression of antioxidant enzymes, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), oxidative stress, vascular aging, and inflammatory changes in the aorta. In the HFD group, oxidative stress increased with decreased sirt1 expression in the aorta followed by increased senescent cells and enhanced inflammation. Whereas in the HFD + Cu group, HO-1 was induced in the aorta with the suppression of oxidative stress. Additionally, it was shown that sirt1 expression in the aorta in the HFD + Cu group remained at a level comparable to that of the 8-week-old mice with suppression of increased senescent cells and enhanced inflammation. Consequently, disorders associated with HFD were resolved. These results suggest that curcumin might be a food with a prophylactic function against arteriosclerotic disease.
Sciences of Observation
Authors: Fields Chris
Published: October 2018

Multiple sciences have converged, in the past two decades, on a hitherto mostly unremarked question: what is observation? Here, I examine this evolution, focusing on three sciences: physics, especially quantum information theory, developmental biology, especially its molecular and “evo-devo” branches, and cognitive science, especially perceptual psychology and robotics. I trace the history of this question to the late 19th century, and through the conceptual revolutions of the 20th century. I show how the increasing interdisciplinary focus on the process of extracting information from an environment provides an opportunity for conceptual unification, and sketch an outline of what such a unification might look like.
A Novel Framework for Parameter and State Estimation of Multicellular Systems Using Gaussian Mixture Approximations
Authors: Dürr Robert , Waldherr Steffen
Published: October 2018

Multicellular systems play an important role in many biotechnological processes. Typically, these exhibit cell-to-cell variability, which has to be monitored closely for process control and optimization. However, some properties may not be measurable due to technical and financial restrictions. To improve the monitoring, model-based online estimators can be designed for their reconstruction. The multicellular dynamics is accounted for in the framework of population balance models (PBMs). These models are based on single cell kinetics, and each cellular state translates directly into an additional dimension of the obtained partial differential equations. As multicellular dynamics often require detailed single cell models and feature a high number of cellular components, the resulting population balance equations are often high-dimensional. Therefore, established state estimation concepts for PBMs based on discrete grids are not recommended due to the large computational effort. In this contribution a novel approach is proposed, which is based on the approximation of the underlying number density functions as the weighted sum of Gaussian distributions. Thus, the distribution is described by the characteristic properties of the individual Gaussians, like the mean and covariance. Thereby, the complex infinite dimensional estimation problem can be reduced to a finite dimension. The characteristic properties are estimated in a recursive approach. The method is evaluated for two academic benchmark examples, and the results indicate its potential for model-based online reconstruction for multicellular systems.
Effects of Probiotic (Bifidobacterium longum 35624) Supplementation on Exercise Performance, Immune Modulation, and Cognitive Outlook in Division I Female Swimmers
Authors: Carbuhn Aaron F. , Reynolds Shelby M. , Campbell Clark W. , Bradford Luke A. , Deckert Jake A. , Kreutzer Andreas , Fry Andrew C.
Published: October 2018

Our aim was to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation (Bifidobacterium longum 35624; 1 billion CFU·d−1) on exercise performance, immune modulation, and cognitive outlook in collegiate female athletes during six weeks of offseason training. Seventeen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate female swimmers participated in this two-group matched, double-blind, placebo controlled design. Via stratified randomization, participants were assigned to probiotic (B. longum 35624; n = 8) or placebo (n = 9) groups. Pre, mid, and post-training, all participants completed exercise performance testing (aerobic/anaerobic swim time trials and force plate vertical jump) as well as provided serum (cytokine and gastrointestinal inflammatory markers) and salivary immunoglobulin A samples. Recovery-stress questionnaire for athletes (RESTQ-Sport) was administered at baseline and conclusion of each week. Data were analyzed by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) by time point with the respective baseline values of each dependent variable being the covariate. No significant differences in exercise performance and biochemical markers were observed between groups following offseason training. Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-sport) values in B. longum 35624 group had significantly higher (i.e., more desired; p < 0.05) values in sport recovery (weeks five and six) than placebo. Probiotic supplementation in collegiate female swimmers did not affect exercise performance or immune function throughout offseason training, but did indicate alterations in cognitive outlook.
Innovation and Exporting: A Study on Eastern European Union Firms
Authors: Bertarelli Silvia , Lodi Chiara
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates how firm-level innovation and productivity affect the export propensity in manufacturing firms in seven Eastern European Union countries. With respect to innovation activities, we analyze the complementarity between pair-wise product, process and non-technological (organizational and marketing) innovations when the objective function is represented by the exporting probability of a firm. Analyzing CIS2008 data, we find that productivity always has a positive and significant impact on the exporting propensity of firms. Furthermore, complex innovative firms, when large in size and/or from medium high–high technology sectors, can take advantage in terms of a higher attitude to export than non-innovators and simple innovators. By considering these results, governments have to introduce policies that can induce firms, especially small and medium ones, to implement complex innovations. This is fundamental in order to be more productive and more competitive.
Numerical Simulations of Transverse Oscillations of a Finely Structured Solar Flux Tube
Authors: Kuźma Błażej , Murawski Kris
Published: October 2018

In the light of recent CRISP/SST observations we aim to study transverse oscillations of a finely structured flux tube. With the use of PLUTO code, we numerically solve ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations in three-dimensional Cartesian geometry. With a pressure signal we generate a finely structured magnetic flux tube that consists of a central strand and four off-central strands. This flux tube is perturbed by a periodic driver in the azimuthal component of velocity. This driver results in transverse oscillations that propagate upward along these strands. The central strand experiences torsional Alfvén waves, while the off-central strands exhibit fast magnetoacoustic kink oscillations. The latter are guided by the off-central strands, which are regions of depression in Alfvén speed.
A meta-barcoding census of freshwater planktonic protists in Appalachia – Natural Tunnel State Park, Virginia, USA
Authors: Cahoon A. Bruce , Huffman Ashley G. , Krager Megan M. , Crowell Roseanna M.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of our study was to survey the freshwater planktonic protists within an inland natural preserve in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province of the Appalachian Region using metabarcoding. Microbial eukaryotes are essential primary producers and predators in small freshwater ecosystems, yet they are often overlooked due to the difficulty of identification. This has been remedied, in part, by the cost reduction of high throughput DNA sequencing and the growth of barcode databases, making the identification and analysis of microorganisms by way of metabarcoding surveys in complex ecosystems increasingly feasible. Water samples were collected from five sites at the Natural Tunnel State Park in Scott County, VA (USA), representing three common bodies of water found in this region. Samples were initially collected during a Bioblitz event in April 2016 and then seven and fourteen weeks afterwards. Metabarcode analysis of the 23S and 18S genes identified 3663 OTUs representing 213 family level and 332 genus level taxa. This study provides an initial barcode census within a region that has a reputation as a temperate biodiversity “hotspot”. The overall protist diversity was comparably high to other temperate systems, but not unusually high; the microalgal diversity, however, was higher than that reported for other temperate regions. The three types of water bodies had their own distinctive protist biomes despite close proximity.
Physical Simulation of Solid Liquid Mixture Stability in Molten Aluminum
Authors: Luo Hong Jie , Liu Ying Le , Zhang Li , Liu Yi Han , Liu Can
Published: October 2018

Mixing behaviour is a very important process for preparation of aluminum foam by foaming in melt route due to the dispersion of foaming agent, thickening agent or stabilizing agent being added into the liquid metal. However, some unfavourable factors, such as active chemical properties, easy oxidation and evaporation, no fixed shape and opacification of liquid metal at high temperature, result in it is very difficult to observe the melt stirring and changing process. The mixing behaviour of molten aluminium matrix composite was simulated on the basis of water-based system. In addition to visual observation of the mixing effect, gray histogram was introduced to analyse the dispersion of solid particles in aqueous solution quantificationally. The whole experimental procedures were recorded by MV-Capture industrial camera and the intercepted image information was converted to digital information, i.e. standard deviation originated from the gray histogram. The results showed that the stabilization of aqueous solution can be characterized by the obtained digital information and the physical simulation can provide guidance for the fabrication of metal foams.
The Sound Absorption Properties Comparison of Metal Foams and Flexible Cellular Materials
Authors: Liang Li Si , Wu Xiao Lei , Ma Na Ni , Du Jin Jing , Liu Man Bo
Published: October 2018

The third octave sound absorption coefficient testing is conducted to compare the sound absorption properties metal foam and flexible cellular materials, by using sound absorption tester with the method of trasfer function sound absorption tester with the method of trasfer function. The sound absorption mechanisms are discussed by changing the parameters of sound absorption structure, such as the thickness of matrix materials and the thickness of cavity. The results show that pearl wool and glass wool exhibited excellent sound absorption properties. The peak value of sound absorption coefficient for pearl wool reaches to 0.991, and for glass wool, 0.985. The average sound absorption coefficient for pearl wool is 0.729, and for glass wool, 0.679. Among of three metal foams, the foamed aluminum material exhibited optimum sound absorption properties, and is superior to flexible sound absorption materials. The peak value of sound absorption coefficient reaches to 0.993, and the average value reaches to 0.781. This can be attributed to the flow resistance, porosity, thickness, cavity and structure factor, which influence the sound absorption of open cell materials.