bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo anti-carcinogenic property of a formulated citrus peel extract
Authors: Suzawa Michiko , Guo Limin , Pan Min-Hsiung , Ho Chi-Tang , Li Shiming
Published: August 2018

Background: Cancer is one of the two leading fatal diseases humans face. Synthesized drugs available for cancer intervention have many limitations in applications and effectiveness and are often associated with serious of side effects, which can further damage the patients’ quality of life.  Recently, the development of natural-product-based and therapeutically sound anti-cancer agents have gained popularity in the fields of functional and medical foods, which may exhibit advantages of minimal toxicity and multiple active molecular components. Citrus peel or its extract has been reported to have potent pharmacological activities and health benefits because of abundant flavonoids present in citrus fruits, particularly in the peels. Results: The results of these studies demonstrated the efficacy of Gold Lotion (GL), an extract of multiple varieties of citrus peels that contains abundant flavonoids, including a high percentage of polymethoxylflavones (PMFs), which can protect against skin cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer in mice.  These results are clearly promising and warrant a human trial with GL in future studies. Summary: Briefly, these data have demonstrated that GL is efficacious in preventing and treating cancer in several model systems. This review summarizes the results of currently available data regarding the in vivo anti-cancer activity of GL, and identifies opportunities for subsequent human clinical trials to assess preventive and therapeutic effects in the near future.Keywords: gold lotion, citrus peel extracts, skin cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer
Comparison of Nitrogen Bioaccessibility from Salmon and Whey Protein Hydrolysates using a Human Gastrointestinal Model (TIM-1)
Authors: Framroze Bomi , Savard Patricia , Gagnon Diane , Richard Véronique , Gauthier Sylvie F
Published: August 2018

Background: The TIM-1 system is a computer-controlled multi-compartmental dynamic model that closely simulates in vivo gastrointestinal tract digestion in humans. During digestion, the compounds released from meal matrix by gastric and intestinal secretions (enzymes) are progressively absorbed through semipermeable membranes depending on their molecular weight. These absorbed (dialysed) compounds are considered as bioaccessible, which means that they can be theoretically absorbed by the small intestine in the body.Methods: Salmon protein hydrolysate (SPH), whey protein hydrolysates extensively (WPH-High) or weakly (WPH-Low) hydrolysed, non-hydrolysed whey protein isolate (WPI) and mixtures of WPI:SPH (90:10, 80:20) were digested in TIM-1 using the conditions for a fast gastrointestinal transit that simulate the digestion of a liquid meal in human adults. During digestion (2 hours), samples were collected in intestinal compartments (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and in both jejunal and ileal dialysates to determine their nitrogen content. All the products were compared in terms of kinetics of nitrogen absorption through the semipermeable membranes (bioaccessible nitrogen) and nitrogen distribution throughout the intestinal compartments at the end of the 2 hour digestion.Results: After a 2 h-digestion in TIM-1, SPH was the protein substrate from which the highest amount of nitrogen (67.0%) becomes available for the small intestine absorption. WPH-High had the second highest amount (56.0%) of bioaccessible nitrogen while this amount decreased to 38.5–42.2% for the other protein substrates. The high nitrogen bioaccessibility of SPH is consistent with its richness in low molecular weight peptides (50% < 1000 Da).Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that SPH provides a higher proportion of bioaccessible nitrogen to a healthy adult compared to all forms of whey proteins, including extensively hydrolysed whey protein hydrolysate. The substitution of non-hydrolysed WPI by small amounts of SPH (10–20%) improved slightly its nitrogen bioaccessibility, making the mixture particularly suitable for applications such as medical foods that require rapid protein uptake and where the use of extensively hydrolysed whey protein is unfeasible due to its undesirable organoleptic properties.Keywords: Salmon protein hydrolysate, Whey protein, Nitrogen bioaccessibility, TIM-1
Noncontact Guide System for Traveling Continuous Steel Plate Using Electromagnet and Supplement of Permanent Magnets for Suppressing Vibration
Authors: Bessho Takahiko , Ishihara Sora , Narawa Yasuhiro , Yamaguti Ryo , Narita Takayoshi , Kato Hideaki
Published: August 2018

In a plating process, the steel plate is conveyed 20–50 m in the vertical direction for drying, during which it is negligibly supported by rollers and other mechanisms. This produces plating without uniformity owing to the generation of vibration and other factors, which prevent the increase in productivity. We have developed a noncontact guide system for a high-speed traveling elastic steel plate in which electromagnetic forces are applied by actuators at the edges of the plate to control the plate’s position. In this study, we investigated the vibration phenomenon when changing the steady current value of the electromagnet used for controlling the position. In addition, we conducted mode analysis of the steel plate to enable stable control even at low steady current values and verified whether stable guide can be provided by using it together with a permanent magnet. As a result, by arranging the permanent magnets, stable guidance was possible even at a low steady current value. In addition, it became clear that vibration damping performance is also improved.
Nitrogen Recovery and Loss from Kentucky Bluegrass Fertilized by Conventional or Enhanced-Efficiency Urea Granules
Authors: Schlossberg Maxim J. , McGraw Benjamin A. , Sebring Ryan L. , Hivner Kyle R.
Published: August 2018

Easy handling and low unit N cost make prilled urea (46-0-0) a popular fertilizer. While incomplete recovery of granular urea applications by turfgrass is documented, field evaluations of NH3 volatilization mitigation by coatings or bioinhibitor efficiency enhancements are limited. Meanwhile, NH3 emissions reduce air quality and contribute to nutrient loading of water resources. Our objectives were to quantify 3- and 6-d ammonia emission and 9-week turfgrass recovery of unincorporated granular fertilizer application to turfgrass. In 2014 and 2015, commercial urea-N fertilizers were broadcast over a mature Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L. ‘Midnight’) lawn at 43 kg ha−1. Treatments included conventional urea and three enhanced-efficiency fertilizers; a blended fertilizer with 25% of its urea-N supplanted by polymer- and polymer-/sulfur-coated prills, or two stabilized urea fertilizers both amended by N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and dicyandiamide (DCD) inhibitors. Using a 51% ‘trapping-efficiency’ flux chamber system under the field conditions described, 23.1 or 33.5% of the conventional urea-N was lost as NH3 over the respective 3- or 6-d period following application. Alternatively, dual amendment by NBPT and DCD resulted in approximately 10.3 or 19.6% NH3-N loss over the respective 3- or 6-d periods, and greater fertilizer-N recovery by the turfgrass over the 9-week experiments.
Optimized Multiport DC/DC Converter for Vehicle Drivetrains: Topology and Design Optimization
Authors: Tran Duong , Chakraborty Sajib , Lan Yuanfeng , Van Mierlo Joeri , Hegazy Omar
Published: August 2018

DC/DC Multiport Converters (MPC) are gaining interest in the hybrid electric drivetrains (i.e., vehicles or machines), where multiple sources are combined to enhance their capabilities and performances in terms of efficiency, integrated design and reliability. This hybridization will lead to more complexity and high development/design time. Therefore, a proper design approach is needed to optimize the design of the MPC as well as its performance and to reduce development time. In this research article, a new design methodology based on a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) for non-isolated interleaved MPCs is developed to minimize the weight, losses and input current ripples that have a significant impact on the lifetime of the energy sources. The inductor parameters obtained from the optimization framework is verified by the Finite Element Method (FEM) COMSOL software, which shows that inductor weight of optimized design is lower than that of the conventional design. The comparison of input current ripples and losses distribution between optimized and conventional designs are also analyzed in detailed, which validates the perspective of the proposed optimization method, taking into account emerging technologies such as wide bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN).
Identification and Characterization of an Anomaly in Two-Dimensional Video Disdrometer Data
Authors: Larsen Michael L. , Schönhuber Michael
Published: August 2018

The two-dimensional video distrometer (2DVD) is a well known ground based point-monitoring precipitation gauge, often used as a ground truth instrument to validate radar or satellite rainfall retrieval algorithms. This instrument records a number of variables for each detected hydrometeor, including the detected position within the sample area of the instrument. Careful analyses of real 2DVD data reveal an artifact—there are time periods where hydrometeor detections within parts of the sample area are artificially enhanced or diminished. Here, we (i) illustrate this anomaly with an exemplary 2DVD data set, (ii) describe the origin of this anomaly, (iii) develop and present an algorithm to help flag data potentially partially corrupted by this anomaly, and (iv) explore the prevalence and quantitative impact of this anomaly. Although the anomaly is seen in every major rain event studied and by every 2DVD the authors have examined, the anomaly artificially induces less than 3% of all detected drops and typically alters estimates of rain rates and accumulations by less than 2%.
A Precisely Flow-Controlled Microfluidic System for Enhanced Pre-Osteoblastic Cell Response for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Babaliari Eleftheria , Petekidis George , Chatzinikolaidou Maria
Published: August 2018

Bone tissue engineering provides advanced solutions to overcome the limitations of currently used therapies for bone reconstruction. Dynamic culturing of cell-biomaterial constructs positively affects the cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we present a precisely flow-controlled microfluidic system employed for the investigation of bone-forming cell responses cultured on fibrous collagen matrices by applying two flow rates, 30 and 50 μL/min. We characterized the collagen substrates morphologically by means of scanning electron microscopy, investigated their viscoelastic properties, and evaluated the orientation, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacity of pre-osteoblastic cells cultured on them. The cells are oriented along the direction of the flow at both rates, in contrast to a random orientation observed under static culture conditions. The proliferation of cells after 7 days in culture was increased at both flow rates, with the flow rate of 50 μL/min indicating a significant increase compared to the static culture. The alkaline phosphatase activity after 7 days increased at both flow rates, with the rate of 30 μL/min indicating a significant enhancement compared to static conditions. Our results demonstrate that precisely flow-controlled microfluidic cell culture provides tunable control of the cell microenvironment that directs cellular activities involved in bone regeneration.
Neurite Growth and Polarization on Vitronectin Substrate after in Vitro Trauma is not Enhanced after IGF Treatment
Authors: Bergen K. , Frödin M. , Von Gertten C. , Sandberg-Nordqvist A. -C. , Sköld M. K.
Published: August 2018

Following traumatic brain injuries (TBI), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is cortically widely upregulated. This upregulation has a potential role in the recovery of neuronal tissue, plasticity, and neurotrophic activity, though the molecular mechanisms involved in IGF regulation and the exact role of IGF after TBI remain unclear. Vitronectin (VN), an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule, has recently been shown to be of importance for IGF-mediated cellular growth and migration. Since VN is downregulated after TBI, we hypothesized that insufficient VN levels after TBI impairs the potential beneficial activity of IGF. To test if vitronectin and IGF-1/IGFBP-2 could contribute to neurite growth, we cultured hippocampal neurons on ± vitronectin-coated coverslips and them treated with ± IGF-1/IGF binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2). Under same conditions, cell cultures were also subjected to in vitro trauma to investigate differences in the posttraumatic regenerative capacity with ± vitronectin-coated coverslips and with ± IGF-1/IGFBP-2 treatment. In both the control and trauma situations, hippocampal neurons showed a stronger growth pattern on vitronectin than on the control substrate. Surprisingly, the addition of IGF-1/IGFBP-2 showed a decrease in neurite growth. Since neurite growth was measured as the number of neurites per area, we hypothesized that IGF-1/IGFBP-2 contributes to the polarization of neurons and thus induced a less dense neurite network after IGF-1/IGFBP-2 treatment. This hypothesis could not be confirmed and we therefore conclude that vitronectin has a positive effect on neurite growth in vitro both under normal conditions and after trauma, but that addition of IGF-1/IGFBP-2 does not have a positive additive effect.
Sex: A Significant Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Pinares-Garcia Paulo , Stratikopoulos Marielle , Zagato Alice , Loke Hannah , Lee Joohyung
Published: August 2018

Males and females sometimes significantly differ in their propensity to develop neurological disorders. Females suffer more from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, whereas males are more susceptible to deficits in the dopamine system including Parkinson’s disease (PD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Despite this, biological sex is rarely considered when making treatment decisions in neurological disorders. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sex differences in the healthy and diseased brain will help to devise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies optimal for each sex. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the available evidence on sex differences in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders regarding prevalence, progression, symptoms and response to therapy. We also discuss the sex-related factors such as gonadal sex hormones and sex chromosome genes and how these might help to explain some of the clinically observed sex differences in these disorders. In particular, we highlight the emerging role of the Y-chromosome gene, SRY, in the male brain and its potential role as a male-specific risk factor for disorders such as PD, autism, and ADHD in many individuals.
A Mitochondrial Encoded Messenger at the Nucleus
Authors: Yong Cheryl Qian Ying , Tang Bor Luen
Published: August 2018

Mitochondria–nucleus (mitonuclear) retrograde signaling via nuclear import of otherwise mitochondrial targeted factors occurs during mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), a mechanism that counters mitochondrial and cellular stresses. Other than nuclear encoded proteins, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded peptides, such as humanin, are known to have important pro-survival and metabolic regulatory functions. A recent report has indicated that another mtDNA-encoded peptide, the mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c), could translocate into the nucleus upon stress induction. In the nucleus, MOTS-c binds to DNA and regulates the transcription of stress response genes in concert with other transcription factors. This is the first clear example of a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) acting in the nucleus to affect transcriptional responses to stress. Thus, MOTS-c may bear some characteristics of a ‘mitokine’ factor that mediates mitohormesis, influencing cell survival as well as organismal health and longevity.
Antisolvent Sonocrystallisation of Sodium Chloride and the Evaluation of the Ultrasound Energy Using Modified Classical Nucleation Theory
Authors: Lee Judy , Yang Shanshan
Published: August 2018

The crystal nucleation rate of sodium chloride in ethanol was investigated by measuring the induction time at various supersaturation ratios under silent and ultrasound irradiation at frequencies between 22 and 500 kHz. Under silent conditions, the data follows the classical nucleation theory showing both the homogeneous and heterogeneous regions and giving an interfacial surface tension of 31.0 mN m−2. Sonication led to a non-linearity in the data and was fitted by a modified classical nucleation theory to account for the additional free energy being supplemented by sonication. For 98 kHz, this free energy increased from 1.33 × 108 to 1.90 × 108 J m−3 for sonication powers of 2 to 15 W, respectively. It is speculated that the energy was supplemented by the localised bubble collapses and collisions. Increasing the frequency from 22 to 500 kHz revealed that a minimum induction time was obtained at frequencies between 44 and 98 kHz, which has been attributed to the overall collapse intensity being the strongest at these frequencies.
Intrinsic Computation of a Monod-Wyman-Changeux Molecule
Authors: Marzen Sarah
Published: August 2018

Causal states are minimal sufficient statistics of prediction of a stochastic process, their coding cost is called statistical complexity, and the implied causal structure yields a sense of the process’ “intrinsic computation”. We discuss how statistical complexity changes with slight changes to the underlying model– in this case, a biologically-motivated dynamical model, that of a Monod-Wyman-Changeux molecule. Perturbations to kinetic rates cause statistical complexity to jump from finite to infinite. The same is not true for excess entropy, the mutual information between past and future, or for the molecule’s transfer function. We discuss the implications of this for the relationship between intrinsic and functional computation of biological sensory systems.
Symmetry, Outer Bounds, and Code Constructions: A Computer-Aided Investigation on the Fundamental Limits of Caching
Authors: Tian Chao
Published: August 2018

We illustrate how computer-aided methods can be used to investigate the fundamental limits of the caching systems, which are significantly different from the conventional analytical approach usually seen in the information theory literature. The linear programming (LP) outer bound of the entropy space serves as the starting point of this approach; however, our effort goes significantly beyond using it to prove information inequalities. We first identify and formalize the symmetry structure in the problem, which enables us to show the existence of optimal symmetric solutions. A symmetry-reduced linear program is then used to identify the boundary of the memory-transmission-rate tradeoff for several small cases, for which we obtain a set of tight outer bounds. General hypotheses on the optimal tradeoff region are formed from these computed data, which are then analytically proven. This leads to a complete characterization of the optimal tradeoff for systems with only two users, and certain partial characterization for systems with only two files. Next, we show that by carefully analyzing the joint entropy structure of the outer bounds for certain cases, a novel code construction can be reverse-engineered, which eventually leads to a general class of codes. Finally, we show that outer bounds can be computed through strategically relaxing the LP in different ways, which can be used to explore the problem computationally. This allows us firstly to deduce generic characteristic of the converse proof, and secondly to compute outer bounds for larger problem cases, despite the seemingly impossible computation scale.
Evaluation of Composite Burn Index and Land Surface Temperature for Assessing Soil Burn Severity in Mediterranean Fire-Prone Pine Ecosystems
Authors: Marcos Elena , Fernández-García Víctor , Fernández-Manso Alfonso , Quintano Carmen , Valbuena Luz , Tárrega Reyes , Luis-Calabuig Estanislao , Calvo Leonor
Published: August 2018

We analysed the relationship between burn severity indicators, from remote sensing and field observations, and soil properties after a wildfire in a fire-prone Mediterranean ecosystem. Our study area was a large wildfire in a Pinus pinaster forest. Burn severity from remote sensing was identified by studying immediate post-fire Land Surface Temperature (LST). We also evaluated burn severity in the field applying the Composite Burn Index (CBI) in a total of 84 plots (30 m diameter). In each plot we evaluated litter consumption, ash colour and char depth as visual indicators. We collected soil samples and pH, soil organic carbon, dry aggregate size distribution (MWD), aggregate stability and water repellency were analysed. A controlled heating of soil was also carried out in the laboratory, with soil from the control plots, to compare with the changes produced in soils affected by different severity levels in the field. Our results shown that changes in soil properties affected by wildfire were only observed in soil aggregation in the high severity situation. The laboratory-controlled heating showed that temperatures of about 300 °C result in a significant reduction in soil organic carbon and MWD. Furthermore, soil organic carbon showed a significant decrease when LST values increased. Char depth was the best visual indicator to show changes in soil properties (mainly physical properties) in large fires that occur in Mediterranean pine forests. We conclude that CBI and post-fire LST can be considered good indicators of soil burn severity since both indicate the impact of fire on soil properties.
Over- and Underyielding in Time and Space in Experiments with Mixed Stands of Scots Pine and Norway Spruce
Authors: Drössler Lars , Agestam Eric , Bielak Kamil , Dudzinska Małgorzata , Koricheva Julia , Liziniewicz Mateusz , Löf Magnus , Mason Bill , Pretzsch Hans , Valkonen Sauli , Wellhausen Klaas
Published: August 2018

Pine-spruce forests are one of the commonest mixed forest types in Europe and both tree species are very important for wood supply. This study summarized nine European studies with Scots pine and Norway spruce where a mixed-species stand and both monocultures were located in an experimental set-up. Overyielding (where growth of a mixed stand was greater than the average of both monocultures) was relatively common and often ranged between 0% and 30%, but could also be negative at individual study sites. Each individual site demonstrated consistent patterns of the mixing effect over different measurement periods. Transgressive overyielding (where the mixed-species stand was more productive than either of the monocultures) was found at three study sites, while a monoculture was more productive on the other sites. Large variation between study sites indicated that the existing experiments do not fully represent the extensive region where this mixed pine-spruce forest can occur. Pooled increment data displayed a negative influence of latitude and stand age on the mixing effect of those tree species in forests younger than 70 years.
A Methylcellulose Hydrogel as Support for 3D Plotting of Complex Shaped Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds
Authors: Ahlfeld Tilman , Köhler Tino , Czichy Charis , Lode Anja , Gelinsky Michael
Published: August 2018

3D plotting is an additive manufacturing technology enabling biofabrication, thus the integration of cells or biologically sensitive proteins or growth factors into the manufacturing process. However, most (bio-)inks developed for 3D plotting were not shown to be processed into clinically relevant geometries comprising critical overhangs and cavities, which would collapse without a sufficient support material. Herein, we have developed a support hydrogel ink based on methylcellulose (mc), which is able to act as support as long as the co-plotted main structure is not stable. Therefore, 6 w/v %, 8 w/v % and 10 w/v % mc were allowed to swell in water, resulting in viscous inks, which were characterized for their rheological and extrusion properties. The successful usage of 10 w/v % mc as support ink was proven by multichannel plotting of the support together with a plottable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) acting as main structure. CPC scaffolds displaying critical overhangs or a large central cavity could be plotted accurately with the newly developed mc support ink. The dissolution properties of mc allowed complete removal of the gel without residuals, once CPC setting was finished. Finally, we fabricated a scaphoid bone model by computed tomography data acquisition and co-extrusion of CPC and the mc support hydrogel.
Surface-Attached Poly(oxanorbornene) Hydrogels with Antimicrobial and Protein-Repellent Moieties: The Quest for Simultaneous Dual Activity
Authors: Kurowska Monika , Widyaya Vania Tanda , Al-Ahmad Ali , Lienkamp Karen
Published: August 2018

By copolymerizing an amphiphilic oxanorbornene monomer bearing N- tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) protected cationic groups with an oxanorbornene-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macromonomer, bifunctional comb copolymers were obtained. Varying the comonomer ratios led to copolymers with PEG contents between 5–25 mol %. These polymers were simultaneously surface-immobilized on benzophenone-bearing substrates and cross-linked with pentaerythritoltetrakis(3-mercapto­propionate). They were then immersed into HCl to remove the Boc groups. The thus obtained surface-attached polymer hydrogels (called SMAMP*-co-PEG) were simultaneously antimicrobial and protein-repellent. Physical characterization data showed that the substrates used were homogeneously covered with the SMAMP*-co-PEG polymer, and that the PEG moieties tended to segregate to the polymer–air interface. Thus, with increasing PEG content, the interface became increasingly hydrophilic and protein-repellent, as demonstrated by a protein adhesion assay. With 25 mol % PEG, near-quantitative protein-adhesion was observed. The antimicrobial activity of the SMAMP*-co-PEG polymers originates from the electrostatic interaction of the cationic groups with the negatively charged cell envelope of the bacteria. However, the SMAMP*-co-PEG surfaces were only fully active against E. coli, while their activity against S. aureus was already compromised by as little as 5 mol % (18.8 mass %) PEG. The long PEG chains seem to prevent the close interaction of bacteria with the surface, and also might reduce the surface charge density.
Fused Particle Fabrication 3-D Printing: Recycled Materials’ Optimization and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Woern Aubrey L. , Byard Dennis J. , Oakley Robert B. , Fiedler Matthew J. , Snabes Samantha L. , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: August 2018

Fused particle fabrication (FPF) (or fused granular fabrication (FGF)) has potential for increasing recycled polymers in 3-D printing. Here, the open source Gigabot X is used to develop a new method to optimize FPF/FGF for recycled materials. Virgin polylactic acid (PLA) pellets and prints were analyzed and were then compared to four recycled polymers including the two most popular printing materials (PLA and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)) as well as the two most common waste plastics (polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP)). The size characteristics of the various materials were quantified using digital image processing. Then, power and nozzle velocity matrices were used to optimize the print speed, and a print test was used to maximize the output for a two-temperature stage extruder for a given polymer feedstock. ASTM type 4 tensile tests were used to determine the mechanical properties of each plastic when they were printed with a particle drive extruder system and were compared with filament printing. The results showed that the Gigabot X can print materials 6.5× to 13× faster than conventional printers depending on the material, with no significant reduction in the mechanical properties. It was concluded that the Gigabot X and similar FPF/FGF printers can utilize a wide range of recycled polymer materials with minimal post processing.
Intuitionistic Falling Shadow Theory with Applications in BCK/BCI-Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Song Seok-Zun , Lee Kyoung Ja
Published: August 2018

Intuitionistic falling shadow is introduced, and applied to B C K / B C I -algebras. Falling intuitionistic subalgebra and falling intuitionistic ideal of B C K / B C I -algebras are introduced, and related properties are investigated. Relations between falling intuitionistic subalgebra and falling intuitionistic ideal are discussed. A characterization of falling intuitionistic ideal is established.
Ruthenium on Carbonaceous Materials for the Selective Hydrogenation of HMF
Authors: Cattaneo Stefano , Naslhajian Hadi , Somodi Ferenc , Evangelisti Claudio , Villa Alberto , Prati Laura
Published: August 2018

We report the use of Ru catalysts supported in the activated carbon (AC) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) for the selective production of liquid fuel dimethylfuran (DMF) and fuel additives alkoxymethyl furfurals (AMF). Parameters such as the reaction temperature and hydrogen pressure were firstly investigated in order to optimise the synthesis of the desired products. Simply by using a different support, the selectivity of the reaction drastically changed. DMF was produced with AC as support, while a high amount of AMF was produced when CNFs were employed. Moreover, the reusability of the catalysts was tested and deactivation phenomena were identified and properly addressed. Further studies need to be performed in order to optimise the stability of the catalysts.
Oxidation of Cefalexin by Permanganate: Reaction Kinetics, Mechanism, and Residual Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Qian Yajie , Gao Pin , Xue Gang , Liu Zhenhong , Chen Jiabin
Published: August 2018

The oxidation of cefalexin (CFX), a commonly used cephalosporin antibiotic, was investigated by permanganate (PM) in water. Apparent second-order rate constant of the reaction between CFX and PM was determined to be 12.71 ± (1.62) M−1·s−1 at neutral pH. Lower pH was favorable for the oxidation of CFX by PM. The presence of Cl− and HCO3− could enhance PM-induced oxidation of CFX, whereas HA had negligible effect on CFX oxidation by PM. PM-induced oxidation of CFX was also significant in the real wastewater matrix. After addition of bisulfite (BS), PM-induced oxidation was significantly accelerated owing to the generation of Mn(III) reactive species. Product analysis indicated oxidation of CFX to three products, with two stereoisomeric sulfoxide products and one di-ketone product. The thioether sulfur and double bond on the six-membered ring were the reactive sites towards PM oxidation. Antibacterial activity assessment indicated that the activity of CFX solution was significantly reduced after PM oxidation.
Berberine Inhibits Human Melanoma A375.S2 Cell Migration and Invasion via Affecting the FAK, uPA, and NF-κB Signaling Pathways and Inhibits PLX4032 Resistant A375.S2 Cell Migration In Vitro
Authors: Liu Jia-Fang , Lai Kuang Chi , Peng Shu-Fen , Maraming Pornsuda , Huang Yi-Ping , Huang An-Cheng , Chueh Fu-Shin , Huang Wen-Wen , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: August 2018

Many studies have demonstrated that berberine inhibited the cell migration and invasion in human cancer cell lines. However, the exact molecular mechanism of berberine inhibiting the cell migration and invasion of human melanoma A375.S2 and A375.S2/PLX (PLX4032 induced resistant A375.S2) skin cancer cells remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-metastasis mechanisms of berberine in human melanoma cancer A375.S2 cells and A375.S2/PLX resistant cells in vitro. Berberine at low concentrations (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 μM) induced cell morphological changes and reduced the viable cell number and inhibited the mobility, migration, and invasion of A375.S2 cells that were assayed by wound healing and transwell filter. The gelatin zymography assay showed that berberine slightly inhibited MMP-9 activity in A375.S2 cells. Results from western blotting indicated that berberine inhibited the expression of MMP-1, MMP-13, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, RhoA, ROCK1, SOS-1, GRB2, Ras, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Jun, p-FAK, p-AKT, NF-κB, and uPA after 24 h of treatment, but increased the PKC and PI3K in A375.S2 cells. PLX4032 is an inhibitor of the BRAFV600E mutation and used for the treatment of cancer cells harboring activated BRAF mutations. Berberine decrease cell number and inhibited the cell mobility in the resistant A375.S2 (A375.S2/PLX, PLX4032 generated resistant A375.S2 cells). Based on these observations, we suggest that the potential of berberine as an anti-metastatic agent in melanoma that deserves to be investigated in more detail, including in vivo studies in future.
Effects of Caffeine on Myocardial Blood Flow: A Systematic Review
Authors: Van Dijk Randy , Ties Daan , Kuijpers Dirkjan , Van der Harst Pim , Oudkerk Matthijs
Published: August 2018

Background. Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants worldwide. It is a well-recognized antagonist of adenosine and a potential cause of false-negative functional measurements during vasodilator myocardial perfusion. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence regarding the effects of caffeine intake on functional measurements of myocardial perfusion in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched using a predefined electronic search strategy. Participants—healthy subjects or patients with known or suspected CAD. Comparisons—recent caffeine intake versus no caffeine intake. Outcomes—measurements of functional myocardial perfusion. Study design—observational. Fourteen studies were deemed eligible for this systematic review. There was a wide range of variability in study design with varying imaging modalities, vasodilator agents, serum concentrations of caffeine, and primary outcome measurements. The available data indicate a significant influence of recent caffeine intake on cardiac perfusion measurements during adenosine and dipyridamole induced hyperemia. These effects have the potential to affect the clinical decision making by re-classification to different risk-categories.
Impact of Mosquito Age and Insecticide Exposure on Susceptibility of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) to Infection with Zika Virus
Authors: Knecht Heidi , Richards Stephanie , Balanay Jo , White Avian
Published: August 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Vector–virus interactions influencing vector competence vary and depend on biological and environmental factors. A mosquito’s chronological age may impact its immune response against virus infection. Insecticides, source reduction, and/or public education are currently the best defense against mosquitoes that transmit ZIKV. This study assessed the effects of a mosquito’s chronological age at time of infection on its response to ZIKV infection. We exposed young (6–7 d post-emergence) and old (11–12 d post-emergence) Ae. albopictus to a sublethal dose of bifenthrin prior to oral exposure to blood meals containing ZIKV (7-day incubation period). Old mosquitoes experienced a significantly (p < 0.01) higher rate of mortality than young mosquitoes. Significantly higher ZIKV body titers (p < 0.01) were observed in the old control group compared to the young control group. Significantly higher (p < 0.01) ZIKV dissemination rates and leg titers (p < 0.01) were observed in old bifenthrin-exposed mosquitoes compared to old control mosquitoes or young bifenthrin-exposed or control mosquitoes. Hence, bifenthrin exposure may increase the potential for virus transmission; however, the degree of these impacts varies with mosquito age. Impacts of insecticides should be considered in risk assessments of potential vector populations.
Programmable Adaptive BVT for Future Optical Metro Networks Adopting SOA-Based Switching Nodes
Authors: Martín González Laura , Van der Heide Sjoerd , Xue Xuwei , Van Weerdenburg John , Calabretta Nicola , Okonkwo Chigo , Fàbrega Josep M. , Svaluto Moreolo Michela
Published: August 2018

Adaptive Sliceable-Bandwidth Variable Transceivers (S-BVTs) are key enablers for future optical networks. In particular, those based on Discrete MultiTone (DMT) modulation and Direct Detection (DD) can be considered a flexible solution suitable to address the cost efficiency requirement of optical metro networks. In this paper, we propose to use a cost-effective S-BVT option/implementation in optical metro networks adopting switching nodes based on Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) technology. Bit loading (BL) and power loading (PL) algorithms are applied to the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) modules, to maximize the performance and/or the capacity as well as enhance the flexibility and adaptability of the system. Our analysis considers switching nodes based on SOAs with and without filtering elements and fiber spans of 25 km. We present the results up to 100 km, with and without SOA-based nodes. Firstly, we analyze the adaptive BVT transmission using the Margin Adaptive (MA) BL/PL algorithm at a fixed bit rate of 28 Gb/s. The possibility of controlling the SOAs current is a key factor to face the transmission impairments due to the fiber and the filtering elements. We also analyze the system considering Rate Adaptive (RA) transmission at a fixed target Bit Error Rate (BER) of 3.8 × 10−3, showing that a maximum capacity above 34 Gb/s can be achieved for a single span of 25 km. Although the cascading of filtering elements still constitutes a limiting factor, we show that an improvement of the net bit rate performance can be obtained thanks to the combined use of BVT and SOA technology at the switching nodes, resulting in a promising approach for designing future optical metro networks.
The Rediscovery of POSS: A Molecule Rather than a Filler
Authors: Blanco Ignazio
Published: August 2018

The use of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) for making polymer composites has grown exponentially since the last few years of the 20th century. In comparison with the other most commonly used fillers, POSSs possess the advantage of being molecules. Thus, this allows us to combine their nano-sized cage structures, which have dimensions that are similar to those of most polymer segments and produce a particular and exclusive chemical composition. These characteristics linked with their hybrid (inorganic–organic) nature allow researchers to modify POSS according to particular needs or original ideas, before incorporating them into polymers. In this present study, we first start with a brief introduction about the reasons for the rediscovery of these nanoparticles over the last 25 years. Starting from the form of POSS that is most widely used in literature (octaisobutyl POSS), this present study aims to evaluate how the reduction of symmetry through the introduction of organic groups favors their dispersion in polystyrene matrix without compromising their solubility.
Polyurethane/Red Mud Composites with Flexibility, Stretchability, and Flame Retardancy for Grouting
Authors: Zhang Chunjing , Shuai Bo , Zhang Xuefeng , Hu Xinxin , Zhang Hui , Jia Yuanheng , Yang Zhengpeng , Guan Xuemao
Published: August 2018

Flexibility, stretchability, and flame retardancy are of ever increasing importance in constructing grouting materials. Herein, a simple and effective strategy to make organic-inorganic composite grouting material in a “flexible, stretchable, and flame retardant” way was based on the excellent synergistic interactions among polyurethane prepolymer, red mud, polyethylene glycol, and trimethylolpropane. The resultant polyurethane/red mud composite grouting material with three-dimensional network structure presented a favorable flexibility, desirable compressive strength of 29.2 MPa at 50% compression state, and a good elongation at 15.1%. The grouting material was mainly composed of amorphous polyurethane and crystalline red mud, and its probable formation mechanism was reaction of prepolymer with H2O, polyethylene glycol and trimethylolpropane under vigorous stirring in the presence of catalyst. Furthermore, the grouting material possessed favorable thermal stability, flame retardancy and repairment performance for roadway cracks. This work may open a simple and convenient avenue for the massive engineering application of red mud and preparation of flexible organic-inorganic hybrid grouting material.
Efficient Determination of Slip-Link Parameters from Broadly Polydisperse Linear Melts
Authors: Valadez-Pérez Néstor E. , Taletskiy Konstantin , Schieber Jay D. , Shivokhin Maksim
Published: August 2018

We investigate the ability of a coarse-grained slip-link model and a simple double reptation model to describe the linear rheology of polydisperse linear polymer melts. Our slip-link model is a well-defined mathematical object that can describe the equilibrium dynamics and non-linear rheology of flexible polymer melts with arbitrary polydispersity and architecture with a minimum of inputs: the molecular weight of a Kuhn step, the entanglement activity, and Kuhn step friction. However, this detailed model is computationally expensive, so we also examine predictions of the cheaper double reptation model, which is restricted to only linear rheology near the terminal zone. We report the storage and loss moduli for polydisperse polymer melts and compare with experimental measurements from small amplitude oscillatory shear. We examine three chemistries: polybutadiene, polypropylene and polyethylene. We also use a simple double reptation model to estimate parameters for the slip-link model and examine under which circumstances this simplified model works. The computational implementation of the slip-link model is accelerated with the help of graphics processing units, which allow us to simulate in parallel large ensembles made of up to 50,000 chains. We show that our simulation can predict the dynamic moduli for highly entangled polymer melts over nine decades of frequency. Although the double reptation model performs well only near the terminal zone, it does provide a convenient and inexpensive way to estimate the entanglement parameter for the slip-link model from polydisperse data.
Machine Learning Using Hyperspectral Data Inaccurately Predicts Plant Traits Under Spatial Dependency
Authors: Rocha Alby D. , Groen Thomas A. , Skidmore Andrew K. , Darvishzadeh Roshanak , Willemen Louise
Published: August 2018

Spectral, temporal and spatial dimensions are difficult to model together when predicting in situ plant traits from remote sensing data. Therefore, machine learning algorithms solely based on spectral dimensions are often used as predictors, even when there is a strong effect of spatial or temporal autocorrelation in the data. A significant reduction in prediction accuracy is expected when algorithms are trained using a sequence in space or time that is unlikely to be observed again. The ensuing inability to generalise creates a necessity for ground-truth data for every new area or period, provoking the propagation of “single-use” models. This study assesses the impact of spatial autocorrelation on the generalisation of plant trait models predicted with hyperspectral data. Leaf Area Index (LAI) data generated at increasing levels of spatial dependency are used to simulate hyperspectral data using Radiative Transfer Models. Machine learning regressions to predict LAI at different levels of spatial dependency are then tuned (determining the optimum model complexity) using cross-validation as well as the NOIS method. The results show that cross-validated prediction accuracy tends to be overestimated when spatial structures present in the training data are fitted (or learned) by the model.
Application of Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Arrays for Excitation of a Slow Antisymmetric Lamb Wave
Authors: Kazys Rymantas J. , Vilpisauskas Almantas , Sestoke Justina
Published: August 2018

Air-coupled excitation and reception of ultrasonic guided waves is already used for non-destructive testing and evaluation (NDT & E). Usually for air-coupled NDT & E purposes the lowest zero-order antisymmetric Lamb wave mode A0 is used, because it is most sensitive to internal defects and thickness variations. The velocity of the A0 mode is reduced with a reducing frequency and at low frequencies may become slower than the ultrasound velocity in air. Such a wave is named a slow Lamb wave. The objective of this research was the development and investigation of an air-coupled excitation method of the slow zero-order antisymmetric Lamb wave based on application of a piezoceramic ultrasonic array. We have proposed to excite the A0 mode by a planar air-coupled phased array with rectangular elements. The array is matched to the wavelength of the A0 mode in the film. Performance of such an excitation method was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Two excitation methods of the array were analysed: when all array elements were excited simultaneously or one by one with a proper delay. In order to reduce crosstalk between array elements via the air gap, we have proposed an optimization procedure based on additional shifts of electric excitation impulses of the array elements. For experimental verification of the proposed approach a prototype of the air-coupled eight element array made of Pz-29 piezoceramic strips was manufactured. Experimental validation confirmed the possibility of exciting the slow A0 Lamb wave mode through the air gap in thin plates and films.
Inequalities in US Child Protection: The Case of Sex Trafficked Youth
Authors: Werkmeister Rozas Lisa , Ostrander Jason , Feely Megan
Published: August 2018

This article demonstrates how structural social work theory and critical consciousness development can be used to help facilitate a transition from a deficit model approach to an inequities perspective in a child welfare system that was working to improve the identification of and services for domestic minor sex trafficked youth (DMST). The response of Connecticut’s child welfare system to the issue of DMST is provided as an example of how a child welfare systems could apply an inequities perspective to a population involved in and at risk for exploitation. Structural social work theory helps illustrate how neo-liberalist social structures in the United States perpetuate and maintain social inequity based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status for youth at risk for DMST. Through critical consciousness development, youth can be recognized as victims of intersecting forms of oppression, rather than criminals. These theories can be combined to increase individual awareness of the risks and oppression of youth across the population, and to identify how child welfare services can be leveraged to decrease inequities and improve child well-being.