bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Nanobody-Based Molecular Tracers for Nuclear Imaging and Image-Guided Surgery
Authors: Debie Pieterjan , Devoogdt Nick , Hernot Sophie
Published: January 2019

Molecular imaging is paving the way towards noninvasive detection, staging, and treatment follow-up of diseases such as cancer and inflammation-related conditions. Monoclonal antibodies have long been one of the staples of molecular imaging tracer design, although their long blood circulation and high nonspecific background limits their applicability. Nanobodies, unique antibody-binding fragments derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies, have excellent properties for molecular imaging as they are able to specifically find their target early after injection, with little to no nonspecific background. Nanobody-based tracers using either nuclear or fluorescent labels have been heavily investigated preclinically and are currently making their way into the clinic. In this review, we will discuss different important factors in nanobody-tracer design, as well as the current state of the art regarding their application for nuclear and fluorescent imaging purposes. Furthermore, we will discuss how nanobodies can also be exploited for molecular therapy applications such as targeted radionuclide therapy and photodynamic therapy.
Analysis of Bio-Based Fatty Esters PCM’s Thermal Properties and Investigation of Trends in Relation to Chemical Structures
Authors: Ravotti Rebecca , Fellmann Oliver , Lardon Nicolas , Fischer Ludger J. , Stamatiou Anastasia , Worlitschek Jörg
Published: January 2019

As global energy demand increases while primary sources and fossil fuels’ availability decrease, research has shifted its focus to thermal energy storage systems as alternative technologies able to cover for the mismatch between demand and supply. Among the different phase change materials available, esters possess particularly favorable properties with reported high enthalpies of fusion, low corrosivity, low toxicity, low supercooling, thermal and chemical stability as well as biodegradability and being derived from renewable feedstock. Despite such advantages, little to no data on the thermal behavior of esters is available due to low commercial availability. This study constitutes a continuation of previous works from the authors on the investigation of fatty esters as novel phase change materials. Here, methyl, pentyl and decyl esters of arachidic acid, and pentyl esters of myristic, palmitic, stearic and behenic acid are synthesized through Fischer esterification with high purities and their properties are studied. The chemical structures and purities are confirmed through Attenuated Total Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, while the determination of the thermal properties is performed through Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analysis. In conclusion, some correlations between the melting temperatures and the chemical structures are discovered, and the fatty esters are assessed based on their suitability as phase change materials for latent heat storage applications.
Interpretive Structural Modeling and MICMAC Analysis for Identifying and Benchmarking Significant Factors of Seismic Soil Liquefaction
Authors: Ahmad Mahmood , Tang Xiao-Wei , Qiu Jiang-Nan , Ahmad Feezan
Published: January 2019

Seismic soil liquefaction is considered as one of the most complex geotechnical earthquake engineering problems owing to the uncertainty and complexity involved in soil parameters, seismic parameters, and site condition factors. Each one of these parameters contains a variety of factors that trigger liquefaction and have varying degrees of importance. However, estimating accurate and reliable liquefaction-induced hazards requires identification and benchmarking of the most influential factors that control soil liquefaction. Seismic soil liquefaction factors were identified by Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach and analyzed through Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and the Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) methodologies. The ISM model presented the relationships between fifteen seismic soil liquefaction factors and their benchmarking position from higher to lower-level significant factors in hierarchy. MICMAC is used to examine the strength of the relationship between seismic soil liquefaction significant factors based on their driving and dependence power. This research characterizes the identification and benchmarking of the seismic soil liquefaction factors and their relationships. The results show that the factors—duration of earthquake, peak ground acceleration, drainage condition, and standard penetration test (SPT) blow counts—influence seismic soil liquefaction directly and soil type is the governing factor that forms the base of the ISM hierarchy and consequently triggers seismic soil liquefaction. The results provide a more accurate way of selecting significant factors for establishment of seismic soil liquefaction potential and liquefaction-induced hazards risk assessment models.
Interface Characterization within a Nuclear Fuel Plate
Authors: Smith James , Scott Clark , Benefiel Brad , Rabin Barry
Published: January 2019

To predict the performance of nuclear fuels and materials, irradiated fuel plates must be characterized efficiently and accurately in highly radioactive environments. The characterization must take place remotely and work in settings largely inhospitable to modern digital instrumentation. Characterization techniques based on non-contacting laser sensing methods enable remote operation in a robust manner within a hot-cell environment. Laser characterization instrumentation can offer high spatial resolution and remain effective for scanning large areas. A laser shock (LS) system is currently being developed as a post-irradiation examination (PIE) technique in the hot fuel examination facility (HFEF) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The laser shock technique will characterize material properties and failure loads/mechanisms in various composite components and materials such as plate fuel and next-generation fuel forms in high radiation areas. The laser shock-technique induces large amplitude shock waves to mechanically characterize interfaces such as the fuel–clad bond. As part of the laser shock system, a laser-based ultrasonic C-scan system will be used to detect and characterize debonding caused by the application of the laser shock. The laser shock system has been used to characterize the resulting bond strength within plate fuels which have been fabricated using different fabrication processes. The results of this study will be to select the fabrication process that provides the strongest interface.
Radio Planning Considerations in TETRA to LTE Migration for PPDR Systems: A Radioelectric Coverage Case Study
Authors: del Rey Carrión Diego , Juan-Llácer Leandro , Rodríguez José-Víctor
Published: January 2019

Transitioning a Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) network to a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network in public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) systems is a path to providing future services requiring high radio interface throughput and allowing broadband PPDR (BB-PPDR) radio communications. Users of TETRA networks are currently considering how to deploy a BB-PPDR network in the coming years. This study offers several radio planning considerations in TETRA to LTE migration for such networks. The conclusions are obtained from a case study in which both measurements and radioelectric coverage simulations were carried out for the real scenario of the Murcia Region, Spain, for both TETRA and LTE systems. The proposed considerations can help PPDR agencies efficiently estimate the cost of converting a TETRA network to an LTE network. Uniquely in this study, the total area is divided into geographical areas of interest that are defined as administrative divisions (region, municipal areas, etc.). The analysis was carried out using a radio planning tool based on a geographic information system and the measurements have been used to tune the propagation models. According to the real scenario considered, the number of sites needed in the LTE network—for a specific quality of service (90% for the whole region and 85% for municipal areas)—is a factor of 2.4 higher than for TETRA network.
Skill-Testing Chemical Transport Models across Contrasting Atmospheric Mixing States Using Radon-222
Authors: Chambers Scott D. , Guérette Elise-Andree , Monk Khalia , Griffiths Alan D. , Zhang Yang , Duc Hiep , Cope Martin , Emmerson Kathryn M. , Chang Lisa T. , Silver Jeremy D. , Utembe Steven , Crawford Jagoda , Williams Alastair G. , Keywood Melita
Published: January 2019

We propose a new technique to prepare statistically-robust benchmarking data for evaluating chemical transport model meteorology and air quality parameters within the urban boundary layer. The approach employs atmospheric class-typing, using nocturnal radon measurements to assign atmospheric mixing classes, and can be applied temporally (across the diurnal cycle), or spatially (to create angular distributions of pollutants as a top-down constraint on emissions inventories). In this study only a short (<1-month) campaign is used, but grouping of the relative mixing classes based on nocturnal mean radon concentrations can be adjusted according to dataset length (i.e., number of days per category), or desired range of within-class variability. Calculating hourly distributions of observed and simulated values across diurnal composites of each class-type helps to: (i) bridge the gap between scales of simulation and observation, (ii) represent the variability associated with spatial and temporal heterogeneity of sources and meteorology without being confused by it, and (iii) provide an objective way to group results over whole diurnal cycles that separates ‘natural complicating factors’ (synoptic non-stationarity, rainfall, mesoscale motions, extreme stability, etc.) from problems related to parameterizations, or between-model differences. We demonstrate the utility of this technique using output from a suite of seven contemporary regional forecast and chemical transport models. Meteorological model skill varied across the diurnal cycle for all models, with an additional dependence on the atmospheric mixing class that varied between models. From an air quality perspective, model skill regarding the duration and magnitude of morning and evening “rush hour” pollution events varied strongly as a function of mixing class. Model skill was typically the lowest when public exposure would have been the highest, which has important implications for assessing potential health risks in new and rapidly evolving urban regions, and also for prioritizing the areas of model improvement for future applications.
Wine-Derived Phenolic Metabolites in the Digestive and Brain Function
Authors: Zorraquín-Peña Irene , Esteban-Fernández Adelaida , González de Llano Dolores , Bartolomé Begoña , Moreno-Arribas M. Victoria
Published: January 2019

Wine, and specifically red wine, is a beverage with a great chemical complexity comprising a particular combination of phenolic compounds which are directly associated with its health-promoting properties. Wine polyphenols could induce changes in the composition of intestinal microbiota that would affect the production of physiologically active phenolic metabolites modifying the content and phenolic profile at the systemic level. In addition, in the human population, it seems that different “metabotypes”, or patterns of metabolizing wine polyphenols, exist, which would be reflected in the different biological fluids (i.e., plasma, urine and feces) and tissues of the human body. Moreover, wine polyphenols might change the composition of oral microbiota by an antimicrobial action and/or by inhibition of the adhesion of pathogens to oral cells, thus contributing to the maintenance of oral health. In turn, polyphenols and/or its metabolites could have a direct action on brain function, by positively affecting signaling routes involved in stress-induced neuronal response, as well as by preventing neuroticism-like disorders (i.e., anxiety and depression) through anti-inflammatory and epigenetic mechanisms. All of this would condition the positive effects on health derived from moderate wine consumption. This paper reviews all these topics, which are directly related with the effects of wine polyphenols at both digestive and brain level. Further progresses expected in the coming years in these fields are also discussed.
Role of Rhodopsins as Circadian Photoreceptors in the Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Senthilan Pingkalai R. , Grebler Rudi , Reinhard Nils , Rieger Dirk , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte
Published: January 2019

Light profoundly affects the circadian clock and the activity levels of animals. Along with the systematic changes in intensity and spectral composition, over the 24-h day, light shows considerable irregular fluctuations (noise). Using light as the Zeitgeber for the circadian clock is, therefore, a complex task and this might explain why animals utilize multiple photoreceptors to entrain their circadian clock. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster possesses light-sensitive Cryptochrome and seven Rhodopsins that all contribute to light detection. We review the role of Rhodopsins in circadian entrainment, and of direct light-effects on the activity, with a special emphasis on the newly discovered Rhodopsin 7 (Rh7). We present evidence that Rhodopsin 6 in receptor cells 8 of the compound eyes, as well as in the extra retinal Hofbauer-Buchner eyelets, plays a major role in entraining the fly’s circadian clock with an appropriate phase-to-light–dark cycles. We discuss recent contradictory findings regarding Rhodopsin 7 and report original data that support its role in the compound eyes and in the brain. While Rhodopsin 7 in the brain appears to have a minor role in entrainment, in the compound eyes it seems crucial for fine-tuning light sensitivity to prevent overshooting responses to bright light.
Annatto (Bixa orellana) δ-TCT Supplementation Protection against Embryonic Malformations through Alterations in PI3K/Akt-Cyclin D1 Pathway
Authors: Mohd Mutalip Siti , Rajikin Mohd , Ab Rahim Sharaniza , Mohamed Noor Khan Nor-Ashikin
Published: January 2019

Protective action by annatto-derived delta-tocotrienol (δ-TCT) and soy-derived alpha-tocopherol (α-TOC) through the regulation of the PI3K/Akt-cyclin D1 pathway against nicotine-induced DNA damage is the focus of the present study. Nicotine, which has been widely reported to have numerous adverse effects on the reproductive system, was used as a reproductive toxicant. 48 female balb/c mice (6–8 weeks) (23–25 g) were randomly divided into eight groups (Grp.1–Grp.8; n = 6) and treated with either nicotine or/and annatto δ-TCT/soy α-TOC for seven consecutive days. On Day 8, the females were superovulated and mated before euthanization for embryo collection (46 h post-coitum). Fifty 2-cell embryos from each group were used in gene expression analysis using Affymetrix QuantiGene Plex2.0 assay. Findings indicated that nicotine (Grp.2) significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the number of produced 2-cell embryos compared to the control (Grp.1). Intervention with mixed annatto δ-TCT (Grp.3) and pure annatto δ-TCT (Grp.4) significantly increased the number of produced 2-cell embryos by 127% and 79%, respectively compared to Grp.2, but these were lower than Grp.1. Concurrent treatment with soy α-TOC (Grp.5) decreased embryo production by 7%. Supplementations with δ-TCT and α-TOC alone (Grp.6-Grp.8) significantly increased (p < 0.05) the number of produced 2-cell embryos by 50%, 36%, and 41%, respectively, compared to control (Grp.1). These results were found to be associated with alterations in the PI3K/Akt-Cyclin D1 genes expressions, indicating the inhibitory effects of annatto δ-TCT and soy α-TOC against nicotinic embryonic damage. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt in studying the benefits of annatto δ-TCT on murine preimplantation 2-cell embryos.
Bio-Molecular Applications of Recent Developments in Optical Tweezers
Authors: Choudhary Dhawal , Mossa Alessandro , Jadhav Milind , Cecconi Ciro
Published: January 2019

In the past three decades, the ability to optically manipulate biomolecules has spurred a new era of medical and biophysical research. Optical tweezers (OT) have enabled experimenters to trap, sort, and probe cells, as well as discern the structural dynamics of proteins and nucleic acids at single molecule level. The steady improvement in OT’s resolving power has progressively pushed the envelope of their applications; there are, however, some inherent limitations that are prompting researchers to look for alternatives to the conventional techniques. To begin with, OT are restricted by their one-dimensional approach, which makes it difficult to conjure an exhaustive three-dimensional picture of biological systems. The high-intensity trapping laser can damage biological samples, a fact that restricts the feasibility of in vivo applications. Finally, direct manipulation of biological matter at nanometer scale remains a significant challenge for conventional OT. A significant amount of literature has been dedicated in the last 10 years to address the aforementioned shortcomings. Innovations in laser technology and advances in various other spheres of applied physics have been capitalized upon to evolve the next generation OT systems. In this review, we elucidate a few of these developments, with particular focus on their biological applications. The manipulation of nanoscopic objects has been achieved by means of plasmonic optical tweezers (POT), which utilize localized surface plasmons to generate optical traps with enhanced trapping potential, and photonic crystal optical tweezers (PhC OT), which attain the same goal by employing different photonic crystal geometries. Femtosecond optical tweezers (fs OT), constructed by replacing the continuous wave (cw) laser source with a femtosecond laser, promise to greatly reduce the damage to living samples. Finally, one way to transcend the one-dimensional nature of the data gained by OT is to couple them to the other large family of single molecule tools, i.e., fluorescence-based imaging techniques. We discuss the distinct advantages of the aforementioned techniques as well as the alternative experimental perspective they provide in comparison to conventional OT.
Plasma Zonulin Levels as a Non-Invasive Biomarker of Intestinal Permeability in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Demir Esra , Ozkan Hanise , Seckin Kerem Doga , Sahtiyancı Berrak , Demir Bulent , Tabak Omur , Kumbasar Abdülbaki , Uzun Hafize
Published: January 2019

Objective: We aimed to compare the levels of plasma zonulin, a non-invasive biomarker of increased intestinal permeability, between pregnant subjects, with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), at 24–28 gestational weeks. The eighty-five consecutive pregnant subjects that presented to our hospital’s obstetrics outpatient clinic and were diagnosed with GDM, for the first time by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), formed the GDM group; 90 consecutive subjects that were not diagnosed with GDM by OGTT, formed the control group. The diagnosis of GDM was made by an OGTT performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of gestation, and in compliance with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Plasma zonulin levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The Plasma zonulin level was significantly higher in the GDM group than the control group (p < 0.001). A correlation analysis showed that plasma zonulin level was positively correlated to body mass index (BMI), creatinine, fasting plasma glucose, baseline, first hour, and two hours glucose levels and the OGTT, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Our findings suggest that zonulin may be a non-invasive biomarker involved in the pathogenesis of GDM. Further large-scale studies are needed on this subject.
NDs@PDA@ICG Conjugates for Photothermal Therapy of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Maziukiewicz Damian , Grześkowiak Bartosz F. , Coy Emerson , Jurga Stefan , Mrówczyński Radosław
Published: January 2019

The growing incidence of cancer is a problem for modern medicine, since the therapeutic efficacy of applied modalities is still not satisfactory in terms of patients’ survival rates, especially in the case of patients with brain tumors. The destructive influence of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on healthy cells reduces the chances of full recovery. With the development of nanotechnology, new ideas on cancer therapy, including brain tumors, have emerged. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is one of these. It utilizes nanoparticles (NPs) that can convert the light, preferably in the near-infrared (NIR) region, into heat. In this paper, we report the use of nanodiamonds (NDs) conjugated with biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) and indocyanine green (ICG) for glioblastoma cancer PTT therapy. The obtained materials were thoroughly analyzed in terms of their PTT effectiveness, as well as their physicochemical properties. The performed research demonstrated that NDs@PDA@ICG can be successfully applied in the photothermal therapy of glioblastoma for PTT and exhibited high photothermal conversion efficiency η above 40%, which is almost 10 times higher than in case of bare NDs. In regard to our results, our material was found to lead to a better therapeutic outcome and higher eradication of glioblastoma cells, as demonstrated in vitro.
Functional Assessment for Clinical Use of Serum-Free Adapted NK-92 Cells
Authors: Chrobok Michael , Dahlberg Carin I. M. , Sayitoglu Ece Canan , Beljanski Vladimir , Nahi Hareth , Gilljam Mari , Stellan Birgitta , Sutlu Tolga , Duru Adil Doganay , Alici Evren
Published: January 2019

Natural killer (NK) cells stand out as promising candidates for cellular immunotherapy due to their capacity to kill malignant cells. However, the therapeutic use of NK cells is often dependent on cell expansion and activation with considerable amounts of serum and exogenous cytokines. We aimed to develop an expansion protocol for NK-92 cells in an effort to generate a cost-efficient, xeno-free, clinical grade manufactured master cell line for therapeutic applications. By making functional assays with NK-92 cells cultured under serum-free conditions (NK-92SF) and comparing to serum-supplemented NK-92 cells (NK-92S) we did not observe significant alterations in the viability, proliferation, receptor expression levels, or in perforin and granzyme levels. Interestingly, even though NK-92SF cells displayed decreased degranulation and cytotoxicity against tumor cells in vitro, the degranulation capacity was recovered after overnight incubation with 20% serum in the medium. Moreover, lentiviral vector-based genetic modification efficiency of NK-92SF cells was comparable with NK-92S cells. The application of similar strategies can be useful in reducing the costs of manufacturing cells for clinical use and can help us understand and implement strategies towards chemically defined expansion and genetic modification protocols.
Fenofibrate Augments the Sensitivity of Drug-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells to Docetaxel
Authors: Luty Marcin , Piwowarczyk Katarzyna , Łabędź-Masłowska Anna , Wróbel Tomasz , Szczygieł Małgorzata , Catapano Jessica , Drabik Grażyna , Ryszawy Damian , Kędracka-Krok Sylwia , Madeja Zbigniew , Siedlar Maciej , Elas Martyna , Czyż Jarosław
Published: January 2019

Metronomic agents reduce the effective doses and adverse effects of cytostatics in cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, they can enhance the treatment efficiency of drug-resistant cancers. Cytostatic and anti-angiogenic effects of fenofibrate (FF) suggest that it can be used for the metronomic chemotherapy of drug-resistant prostate tumors. To estimate the effect of FF on the drug-resistance of prostate cancer cells, we compared the reactions of naïve and drug-resistant cells to the combined treatment with docetaxel (DCX)/mitoxantrone (MTX) and FF. FF sensitized drug-resistant DU145 and PC3 cells to DCX and MTX, as illustrated by their reduced viability and invasive potential observed in the presence of DCX/MTX and FF. The synergy of the cytostatic activities of both agents was accompanied by the inactivation of P-gp-dependent efflux, dysfunction of the microtubular system, and induction of polyploidy in DCX-resistant cells. Chemical inhibition of PPARα- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent pathways by GW6471 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, respectively, had no effect on cell sensitivity to combined DCX/FF treatment. Instead, we observed the signs of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) deficit and autophagy in DCX/FF-treated drug-resistant cells. Furthermore, the cells that had been permanently propagated under DCX- and DCX/FF-induced stress did not acquire DCX/FF-resistance. Instead, relatively slow proliferation of DCX-resistant cells was efficiently inhibited by FF. Collectively, our observations show that FF reduces the effective doses of DCX by interfering with the drug resistance and energy metabolism of prostate cancer cells. Concomitantly, it impairs the chemotherapy-induced microevolution and expansion of DCX/FF-resistant cells. Therefore, FF can be applied as a metronomic agent to enhance the efficiency of palliative chemotherapy of prostate cancer.
Effect of Early Management on Pain and Depression in Patients with Pancreatobiliary Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Woo Sang Myung , Song Mi Kyung , Lee Meeyoung , Joo Jungnam , Kim Dae Hyun , Kim Jong-Heun , Han Sung-Sik , Park Sang-Jae , Kim Tae Hyun , Lee Woo Jin
Published: January 2019

Background: The present study assessed whether early palliative care (EPC) targeting pain and depression and automated symptom monitoring could improve symptoms in patients with advanced pancreatobiliary cancer. Methods: Patients diagnosed with pathologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic or biliary tract cancer who had cancer-related pain (brief pain inventory (BPI) worst pain score >3) and/or depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression Scale (CES-D) >16) were randomized within 8 weeks after diagnosis to receive EPC or on-demand palliative care (n = 144 each). EPC included (1) nursing assessment of pain and depression, (2) pain control based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, (3) depression control by psychoeducation and/or consultation with a psychiatric specialist, and (4) patient education. The primary end points were ≥50% reductions from baseline to week 4 in pain and depression scores. Results: The proportion of patients in the EPC and usual care groups with ≥50% reductions in pain (29.5% vs. 25.2%; p = 0.4194) and depression (30.8% vs. 36.8%; p = 0.5732) scores from baseline to week 4 did not differ significantly. The proportion of patients with BPI worst pain score ≤3 was significantly higher (51.1% vs. 38.9%, p = 0.0404) and the reduction in pain intensity score significantly greater (1.5 vs. 1.0 points, p = 0.0318) in the EPC than in the usual care group. At 4 weeks, patients in the EPC group reported significant increases in global health status, role of functioning, nausea and vomiting, and pain scores on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) general questionnaire. Conclusions: Although the primary outcome was not met, this trial indicates that EPC may improve early pain relief in patients with advanced pancreatobiliary cancers.
Release Behavior of Benzimidazole-Intercalated α-Zirconium Phosphate as a Latent Thermal Initiator in the Reaction of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Shimomura Osamu , Sasaki Suguru , Kume Kaori , Kawano Shintaro , Shizuma Motohiro , Ohtaka Atsushi , Nomura Ryôki
Published: January 2019

The intercalation compound of benzimidazole with α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) was evaluated as a latent thermal initiator in the reaction of glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) and hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride (MHHPA). No reaction occurred at 60 °C after 1 h. Upon increasing the temperature to 140 °C, the conversion reached 97% after 1 h. The deintercalation ratio of Bim from the intercalation compound of benzimidazole with α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP·Bim) was measured in the reaction of the GPE-MHHPA system. The deintercalation ratio increased upon increasing the temperature, reaching 97% at 120 °C after 1 h. The storage stability at 25 °C and 40 °C in the reaction of GPE-MHHPA was tested and was found to be maintained for 14 days at 25 °C. The intercalation compound of α-ZrP·Bim can effectively serve as a latent thermal initiator in the reaction of GPE-MHHPA.
Effect of Electronic Conductivities of Iridium Oxide/Doped SnO2 Oxygen-Evolving Catalysts on the Polarization Properties in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Ohno Hideaki , Nohara Shinji , Kakinuma Katsuyoshi , Uchida Makoto , Uchida Hiroyuki
Published: January 2019

We have developed IrOx/M-SnO2 (M = Nb, Ta, and Sb) anode catalysts, IrOx nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on M-SnO2 supports with fused-aggregate structures, which make it possible to evolve oxygen efficiently, even with a reduced amount of noble metal (Ir) in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. Polarization properties of IrOx/M-SnO2 catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) were examined at 80 °C in both 0.1 M HClO4 solution (half cell) and a single cell with a Nafion® membrane (thickness = 50 μm). While all catalysts exhibited similar OER activities in the half cell, the cell potential (Ecell) of the single cell was found to decrease with the increasing apparent conductivities (σapp, catalyst) of these catalysts: an Ecell of 1.61 V (voltage efficiency of 92%) at 1 A cm−2 was achieved in a single cell by the use of an IrOx/Sb-SnO2 anode (highest σapp, catalyst) with a low Ir-metal loading of 0.11 mg cm−2 and Pt supported on graphitized carbon black (Pt/GCB) as the cathode with 0.35 mg cm−2 of Pt loading. In addition to the reduction of the ohmic loss in the anode catalyst layer, the increased electronic conductivity contributed to decreasing the OER overpotential due to the effective utilization of the IrOx nanocatalysts on the M-SnO2 supports, which is an essential factor in improving the performance with low noble metal loadings.
Molecular Mechanisms Related to Hormone Inhibition Resistance in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mollica Veronica , Di Nunno Vincenzo , Cimadamore Alessia , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Cheng Liang , Santoni Matteo , Scarpelli Marina , Montironi Rodolfo , Massari Francesco
Published: January 2019

Management of metastatic or advanced prostate cancer has acquired several therapeutic approaches that have drastically changed the course of the disease. In particular due to the high sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to hormone depletion, several agents able to inhibit hormone production or binding to nuclear receptor have been evaluated and adopted in clinical practice. However, despite several hormonal treatments being available nowadays for the management of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, the natural history of the disease leads inexorably to the development of resistance to hormone inhibition. Findings regarding the mechanisms that drive this process are of particular and increasing interest as these are potentially related to the identification of new targetable pathways and to the development of new drugs able to improve our patients’ clinical outcomes.
Hybrid Carbon Nano-Fibers with Improved Oxidation Resistance
Authors: Al-Ajrash Saja M. Nabat , Lafdi Khalid
Published: January 2019

Hybrid Carbon-Silicon Carbide (C-SiC) nano-fibers were fabricated while using a mixture of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and silicon (Si) nanoparticles as precursors. The microstructure of the material was examined using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy as a function of processing temperature and holding time. A complete transformation of Si to SiC occurred at 1250 °C. However, for heat treatments below 1000 °C, three distinct phases, including Si, C, and SiC were present. The effect of microstructural changes, due to the heat treatment, on oxidation resistance was determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the char yield showed exponential growth with increasing the carbonization temperature from 850 °C to 1250 °C. The holding times at higher temperatures showed a significant increase in thermal properties because of SiC grain growth. At longer holding times, the SiC phase has the function of bothcoating and reinforcing phase. Such structural changes were related to fibers mechanical properties. The tensile strength was the highest for fiber carbonized fibers at 850 °C, while the modulus increased monotonically with increasing carbonization temperature.
Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution in a Membrane Photoreactor Using Suspended Nanosized Au/TiO2 and Au/CeO2
Authors: Marino Tiziana , Figoli Alberto , Molino Antonio , Argurio Pietro , Molinari Raffaele
Published: January 2019

Photocatalysis combined with membrane technology could offer an enormous potential for power generation in a renewable and sustainable way. Herein, we describe the one-step hydrogen and oxygen evolution through a photocatalytic membrane reactor. Experimental tests were carried out by means of a two-compartment cell in which a modified Nafion membrane separated the oxygen and hydrogen evolution semi-cells, while iron ions permeating through the membrane acted as a redox mediator. Nanosized Au/TiO2 and Au/CeO2 were employed as suspended photocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen generation, respectively. The influence of initial Fe3+ ion concentration, ranging from 5 to 20 mM, was investigated, and the best results in terms of hydrogen and oxygen evolution were registered by working with 5 mM Fe3+. The positive effect of gold on the overall water splitting was confirmed by comparing the photocatalytic results obtained with the modified/unmodified titania and ceria. Au-loading played a key role for controlling the photocatalytic activity, and the optimal percentage for hydrogen and oxygen generation was 0.25 wt%. Under irradiation with visible light, hydrogen and oxygen were produced in stoichiometric amounts. The crucial role of the couple Fe3+/Fe2+ and of the membrane on the performance of the overall photocatalytic system was found.
Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Pediatric Solid Tumors
Authors: Croteau Nicole J. , Heaton Todd E.
Published: January 2019

Metastatic disease and the complications of treating metastatic disease are the primary causes of mortality in children with solid malignancies. Nearly 25% of children with solid tumors have metastatic disease at initial diagnosis and another 20% develop metastases during or after treatment. The most common location of these metastases is the lung. The role of surgery in metastatic disease depends greatly on the histology of the primary. In general, tumors that are refractory to adjuvant therapies are most appropriate for pulmonary metastasectomy. This article will summarize the indications for metastasectomy in pediatric solid tumors and discuss the ongoing debate over the technique of metastasectomy in osteosarcoma.
Association between Access to Electronic Devices in the Home Environment and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children
Authors: Pfledderer Christopher D. , Burns Ryan D. , Brusseau Timothy A.
Published: January 2019

This study examined the association between access to electronic devices in the home and cardiorespiratory fitness in children. Participants were children aged 8–12 years from a local elementary school (n = 106, mean age = 9.7 + 1.1 years, male = 50). Child access to electronic devices was measured with a 37-item parent-reported questionnaire. Estimated maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 Peak) was calculated from The Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) using a validated algorithm. The association between access to electronic devices in the home and cardiorespiratory fitness was explored by employing hierarchical ridge regression, using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, controlling for the covariates of sex, age, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Controlling for sex, age, and BMI, the number of electronic items in a child’s bedroom was significantly inversely related to the estimated VO2 Peak (b = −1.30 mL/kg/min, 95% C.I.: −2.46 mL/kg/min, −0.15 mL/kg/min, p = 0.028) and PACER laps (b = −3.70 laps, 95% C.I.: −6.97 laps, −0.41 laps, p = 0.028) However, the total number of electronic items in the home and total number of electronic items owned did not significantly relate to the estimated VO2 Peak (p = 0.847, 0.964) or the number of PACER laps (p = 0.847, 0.964). Child health behavior interventions focused on the home environment should devote specific attention to the bedroom as a primary locus of easily modifiable intervention.
Effect of a DC Stray Current on the Corrosion of X80 Pipeline Steel and the Cathodic Disbondment Behavior of the Protective 3PE Coating in 3.5% NaCl Solution
Authors: Wang Xinhua , Wang Zuquan , Chen Yingchun , Song Xuting , Yang Yong
Published: January 2019

The influence of a direct current (DC) stray current on the corrosion and cathodic disbondment of X80 steel coated with a polyethylene (3PE) coating in 3.5% NaCl solution was studied by immersion experiments, electrochemical tests, three-dimensional microscopy, and a surface analysis. The results showed that the potential of the X80 steel sample shifts under the direct current. After 100A/m2 DC interference was applied, the potential of the sample in the anode region positively shifted from –0.68 to –0.43 V. At the same time, the sample in the cathode region negatively shifted to –1.45 V. Under the DC anode action, the X80 steel corrosion exhibited no passivation and followed Faraday’s law of electrolysis, in which the corrosion rate is proportional to the current density. Three-dimensional (3D) digital microscopy showed that, as the DC current increased, the depth of the corrosion pit also increased (gradually), indicating a higher corrosion degree. The sample in the cathode region only underwent a hydrogen evolution reaction, which caused cathodic disbondment of the coating. The stray current had a critical current density for the coating disbonding: the coating delamination area reached its maximum and then remained unchanged.
Thermal Spray Coatings of Al, ZnAl and Inconel 625 Alloys on SS304L for Anti-Saline Corrosion
Authors: Yung Tung-Yuan , Chen Tai-Cheng , Tsai Kun-Cao , Lu Wen-Feng , Huang Jiunn-Yuan , Liu Ting-Yu
Published: January 2019

Stainless steel 304L (SS304L) has been selected as the material for canisters for spent fuel storage from three nuclear power plants in Taiwan. A crucial issue is extending the spent fuel storage safety standards of the canisters. The anti-saline corrosion abilities of three thermal spray coatings (i.e., Al, ZnAl, and 625 Inconel alloys) on the SS304L were evaluated by immersion in 3.5 wt % aqueous NaCl and with 0.025 g/cm2 NaCl deposition at 80 °C and 80% relative humidity (RH) for 1000 h. The pristine thermal spray coatings were examined using the pull-off adhesion test to understand the adhesion strength, and Vickers hardness was measured for the mechanical properties of the three coatings. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to identify the porosities of the coatings. Furthermore, the surfaces of the specimens before and after corrosion were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The composition and distribution of the oxide layers formed on the coating surfaces during corrosion were evaluated. Electrochemical measurement was also performed with the polarization method to quantify the corrosion property of the three thermal spray coatings. The results showed that the corrosion rate of Al coating was lowest from the Tafel analysis after the 1000 h corrosion test in 3.5% aqueous NaCl. In contrast, the corrosion rate of Inconel 625 was lowest after 1000 h of the NaCl deposition corrosion test in a controlled environment. Therefore, the ZnAl thermal spray coating is a potential protection layer, keeping in mind economic considerations, of SS304L for anti-corrosion in saline environments.
Hygroexpansion and Surface Roughness Cause Defects and Increase the Electrical Resistivity of Physical Vapor Deposited Aluminum Coatings on Paper
Authors: Lindner Martina , Heider Julia , Reinelt Matthias , Langowski Horst-Christian
Published: January 2019

Aluminum coatings, which are applied by physical vapor deposition (PVD), have to be virtually defect-free in barrier applications for the packaging industry. When aluminum is applied to paper, hygroexpansion and substrate roughness can impair the aluminum coating. Neither effect is easy to detect by microscopy, but both can manifest as an increase in electrical resistance. Here, we quantified the effect of substrate paper hygroexpansion and surface roughness on the effective resistivity ρEFF of aluminum coatings. The sheet resistance of aluminum coated onto four different rough paper surfaces was measured via eddy currents at different relative humidity (0%–95%). The mass of aluminum per unit area was determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). We calculated ρEFF based on the measured resistance and aluminum mass per unit area, combined with a value for aluminum density from the literature. The substrate roughness was proportional to ρEFF. Relative humidity correlated with the moisture content of the paper substrate according to the Guggenheim, Anderson, and De Boer (GAB) equation, whereas the moisture content showed a linear correlation with hygroexpansion. At relative humidity of up to 50%, hygroexpansion was linearly correlated with the increase in ρEFF, which is related to the mechanical straining and deformation of aluminum. At higher humidity, aluminum started to crack first on rough substrates and later on smooth substrates. The increase in ρEFF was larger on rough substrates. The findings highlight the need for information about substrate roughness, humidity, and hygroexpansion when eddy current measurement results are compared, and will help to ensure that aluminum coatings, applied by PVD, are defect-free.
Relationship Processing–Composition–Structure–Resistivity of LaNiO3 Thin Films Grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition Methods
Authors: Kuprenaite Sabina , Astié Vincent , Margueron Samuel , Millon Cyril , Decams Jean-Manuel , Saltyte Zita , Boulet Pascal , Plausinaitiene Valentina , Abrutis Adulfas , Bartasyte Ausrine
Published: January 2019

Precision control of resistivity/conductivity of LaNiO3 (LNO) films is essential for their integration as electrodes in the functional heterostructures. This becomes possible if the relationship between processing parameters–composition–structure–resistivity is determined. LaNiO3 films were deposited by three different chemical vapor deposition methods using different precursor supply systems: direct liquid delivery, pulsed liquid injection, and aerosol generation. The possibilities to ameliorate the efficiency of precursor evaporation and of film growth were studied. The relationship between deposition conditions and composition was determined. Detailed analysis of the epitaxial growth of LNO films on cubic and trigonal substrates and the influence of the rhombohedral distortion on the microstructural quality was done. The resistivity of LaNiO3 films, grown by chemical vapor deposition, was mainly defined by microstructural defects and La/Ni composition. The high epitaxial quality LaNiO3/LaAlO3 films with nearly stoichiometric La/Ni ratio presented low resistivity, which was very close to that of bulk LaNiO3. Their annealing in oxygen atmosphere had little effect on the resistivity, which suggests a minor presence of oxygen vacancies in the as-grown films.
Reduction Potential Predictions for Some 3-Aryl-Quinoxaline-2-Carbonitrile 1,4-Di-N-Oxide Derivatives with Known Anti-Tumor Properties
Authors: Miller Eric M. , Brazel Cody J. , Brillos-Monia Krystina A. , Crawford Philip W. , Hufford Hannah C. , Loncaric Michael R. , Mruzik Monica N. , Nenninger Austin W. , Ragain Christina M.
Published: January 2019

The ability for DFT: B3LYP calculations using the 6-31g and lanl2dz basis sets to predict the electrochemical properties of twenty (20) 3-aryl-quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives with varying degrees of cytotoxic activity in dimethylformamide (DMF) was investigated. There was a strong correlation for the first reduction and moderate-to-low correlation of the second reduction of the diazine ring between the computational and the experimental data, with the exception of the derivative containing the nitro functionality. The four (4) nitro group derivatives are clear outliers in the overall data sets and the derivative E4 is ill-behaved. The remaining three (3) derivatives containing the nitro groups had a strong correlation between the computational and experimental data; however, the computational data falls substantially outside of the expected range.
Position Certainty Propagation: A Localization Service for Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Sobehy Abdallah , Renault Eric , Muhlethaler Paul
Published: January 2019

Location services for ad-hoc networks are of indispensable value for a wide range of applications, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs). Each context requires a solution that addresses the specific needs of the application. For instance, IoT sensor nodes have resource constraints (i.e., computational capabilities), and so a localization service should be highly efficient to conserve the lifespan of these nodes. We propose an optimized energy-aware and low computational solution, requiring 3-GPS equipped nodes (anchor nodes) in the network. Moreover, the computations are lightweight and can be implemented distributively among nodes. Knowing the maximum range of communication for all nodes and distances between 1-hop neighbors, each node localizes itself and shares its location with the network in an efficient manner. We simulate our proposed algorithm in a NS-3 simulator, and compare our solution with state-of-the-art methods. Our method is capable of localizing more nodes (≈90% of nodes in a network with an average degree ≈10).
Bismuth-Based Oxyborate Piezoelectric Crystals: Growth and Electro-Elastic Properties
Authors: Chen Feifei , Cheng Xiufeng , Yu Fapeng , Wang Chunlei , Zhao Xian
Published: January 2019

The non-centrosymmetric bismuth-based oxyborate crystals have been extensively studied for non-linear optical, opto-electric and piezoelectric applications. In this work, single crystal growth and electro-elastic properties of α-BiB3O6 (α-BIBO) and Bi2ZnB2O7 (BZBO) crystals are reported. Centimeter-sized α-BIBO and BZBO crystals were grown by using the Kyropoulos method. High resolution X-ray diffraction tests were performed to assess the crystal quality. The full-width at half-maximum values (FWHM) of the rocking curves were evaluated to be 35.35 arcsec and 47.85 arcsec for α-BIBO and BZBO samples, respectively. Moreover, the electro-elastic properties of α-BIBO and BZBO crystals are discussed and summarized, based on which the radial extensional and the face shear vibration modes were studied for potential acoustic device applications. The radial extensional mode electro-mechanical coupling factors kp were evaluated and found to be 32.0% and 5.5% for α-BIBO and BZBO crystals, respectively. The optimal crystal cuts with face shear mode were designed and found to be (YZt)/−53° (or (YZt)/37° cut) for α-BIBO crystal, and (ZXt)/±45° cut for BZBO crystal, with the largest effective piezoelectric coefficients being in the order of 14.8 pC/N and 8.9 pC/N, respectively.