bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endovascular Temporary Balloon Occlusion for Microsurgical Clipping of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms
Authors: Kienzler Jenny C. , Diepers Michael , Marbacher Serge , Remonda Luca , Fandino Javier
Published: June 2020

Based on the relationship between the posterior clinoid process and the basilar artery (BA) apex it may be difficult to obtain proximal control of the BA using temporary clips. Endovascular BA temporary balloon occlusion (TBO) can reduce aneurysm sac pressure, facilitate dissection/clipping, and finally lower the risk of intraoperative rupture. We present our experience with TBO during aneurysm clipping of posterior circulation aneurysms within the setting of a hybrid operating room (hOR). We report one case each of a basilar tip, posterior cerebral artery, and superior cerebellar artery aneurysm that underwent surgical occlusion under TBO within an hOR. Surgical exposure of the BA was achieved with a pterional approach and selective anterior and posterior clinoidectomy. Intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (iDSA) was performed prior, during, and after aneurysm occlusion. Two patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and one patient presented with an unruptured aneurysm. The intraluminal balloon was inserted through the femoral artery and inflated in the BA after craniotomy to allow further dissection of the parent vessel and branches needed for the preparation of the aneurysm neck. No complications during balloon inflation and aneurysm dissection occurred. Intraoperative aneurysm rupture prior to clipping did not occur. The duration of TBO varied between 9 and 11 min. Small neck aneurysm remnants were present in two cases (BA and PCA). Two patients recovered well with a GOS 5 after surgery and one patient died due to complications unrelated to surgery. Intraoperative TBO within the hOR is a feasible and safe procedure with no additional morbidity when using a standardized protocol and setting. No relevant side effects or intraoperative complications were present in this series. In addition, iDSA in an hOR facilitates the evaluation of the surgical result and 3D reconstructions provide documentation of potential aneurysm remnants for future follow-up.
Investigation of the Surface Properties and Wear Properties of AISI H11 Steel Treated by Auxiliary Heating Plasma Nitriding
Authors: Yan Hongzhi , Zhao Linhe , Chen Zhi , Hu Xuan , Yan Zhaojun
Published: June 2020

This paper presents an auxiliary heating method to maintain a uniform specimen temperature and precisely control nitriding temperature during plasma nitriding. The surface properties and wear properties of AISI H11 steel treated by auxiliary heating plasma nitriding are investigated. Firstly, the specimens with different diffusion layers and different hardness levels are fabricated through changing the plasma nitriding temperature. Secondly, the surface properties of the plasma-nitrided H11 steel specimens are characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer, metallographic microscope and microhardness tester. The results show that the surface hardness of the plasma-nitrided specimen is almost twice as high as that of the untreated specimen. The thickness of diffusion layer increases with the increase of nitriding temperature. However, the surface hardness firstly increases and then decreases with the increase of the nitriding temperature. Finally, the wear properties of untreated and plasma-nitrided H11 steel specimens are investigated under different friction conditions. The results show that the plasma-nitriding method can significantly improve the wear resistance of AISI H11 steel. The friction coefficient fluctuations of the plasma-nitrided specimens are all lower than those of the untreated specimens. In addition, the wear rates of the plasma-nitrided specimens rise along with load, and reduce along with the sliding speed and friction temperature.
The Utilization of Carbon Dioxide to Prepare TiCxOy Films with Low Friction and High Anti-Corrosion Properties
Authors: Gao Kaixiong , Wang Zhaolong , Jia Qian , Zhang Bin , Mou Zhixing , Zhang Junyan
Published: June 2020

Recycling carbon dioxide (CO2) for weakening the greenhouse effect is still an outstanding question. Although many chemical methods have been designed for CO2 conversion, they is still a need to develop new ways for CO2 recycling. Plasma methods were employed to convert CO2 into energy molecules, with the addition of H2, H2O and so on. Non heavy elements, like Ti, Cr, Si and Mo and so forth, were employed to take part in a reactive process, which might be very interesting for special scientific interest. In this work, magnetron sputtering method was used not only for igniting the plasma but also for providing Ti elements involved in reactions, via the selected Ti target. One can confirm that the TiCxOy films were successfully grew via sputtering a Ti target in CO2 atmosphere with Ar as dilute gas, which proved that CO2 is a key player in the matter of the involvement of excited CO2+, CO+, CO3− and so on, in the growth process reacting with Ti ions. The TiCxOy films exhibit the highest hardness (20.3 GPa), lowest friction coefficient (0.065) and the best corrosion resistance. The growth of the TiCxOy films are not only a new strategy for consuming CO2 but also a good way for reusing it for preparing TiCxOy films with high hardness for anti-corrosion and reducing friction. Moreover, reducing CO2 emissions via energy saving (through reducing friction and corrosion resistance) and recycling existing CO2 are both important for mitigating the greenhouse effect.
Development of Robust Chitosan–Silica Class II Hybrid Coatings with Antimicrobial Properties for Titanium Implants
Authors: Gouveia Zach , Perinpanayagam Hiran , Zhu Jesse
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop robust class II organic–inorganic films as antibacterial coatings on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) implants. Coating materials were prepared from organic chitosan (20–80 wt.%) coupled by 3-glycydoxytrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) with inorganic tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). These hybrid networks were imbedded with antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and coated onto polished and acid-etched Ti6Al4V substrates. Magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13CMAS-NMR), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and the ninhydrin assay, confirmed the presence and degree of covalent crosslinking (91%) between chitosan and GPTMS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) identified surface roughness and microtopography on thin films and confirmed homogeneous distribution of elements throughout the coating. Cross-hatch and tensile adhesion testing demonstrated the robustness and adherence (15–20 MPa) of hybrid coatings to acid-etched titanium substrates. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cultures and their biofilm formation were inhibited by all hybrid coatings. Antibacterial effects increased markedly for coatings loaded with AgNPs and appeared to increase with chitosan content in biofilm assays. These results are promising in the development of class II hybrid materials as robust and highly adherent antibacterial films on Ti6Al4V implants.
Evaluation of High-Temperature Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Based on Climatic Conditions
Authors: Mu Yan , Fu Zhen , Liu Jian , Li Chen , Dong Wenhao , Dai Jiasheng
Published: June 2020

The dynamic stability of a rutting test does not optimally reflect the high-temperature stability of asphalt mixtures. In this study, a rutting test was performed over a long duration (4 h) at different temperatures (40, 50, 60, 70 °C) for three asphalt mixtures, namely, matrix AC-16, SMA-16, and modified AC-16 asphalt mixtures. Subsequently, the temperature rutting rate was obtained after considering the annual temperature conditions of Guangdong and Beijing in China. Because the conditions of the rutting test were different from that of the actual pavement, the rut depth was calculated using a modified temperature rutting rate. This modification considered four factors: wheel trace distribution, temperature, pavement thickness, and loading rate. The calculation of the temperature rutting rate considered the climatic conditions and utilized the rutting deformation data from hour 1–4 of the rutting tests, during which the asphalt mixture was in a stable creep period. Thus, the high-temperature stability of the asphalt mixture was reflected more scientifically by the temperature rutting rate than the dynamic stability. The high-temperature rut-resistance of the asphalt mixture was found to improve significantly after the introduction of two additives (anti-rutting agent and lignin fiber). The modified formula for rut depth can realistically predict the annual rutting depth for three asphalt mixtures in a one-way driving pavement.
Origin of Structural Change Driven by A-Site Lanthanide Doping in ABO3-Type Perovskite Ferroelectrics
Authors: Xu Lan , Wang Zujian , Su Bin , Wang Chenxi , Yang Xiaoming , Su Rongbing , Long Xifa , He Chao
Published: June 2020

Lanthanide doping is widely employed to tune structural change temperature and electrical properties in ABO3-type perovskite ferroelectric materials. However, the reason that A-site lanthanide doping leads to the decrease of the Curie temperature is still not clear. Based on the reported Curie temperature of lanthanides (Ln) doped in two classic ferroelectrics PbTiO3 and BaTiO3 with A2+B4+O3-type perovskite structure, we discussed the relationship between the decrease rate of Curie temperature (ΔTC) and the bond strength variance of A-site cation (σ). For Nd ion doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (Nd-PMNT) ferroelectric crystal as an example, the internal factors of the dramatic decline of the Curie temperature induced by A-site Nd doping were investigated under a systematic study. The strong covalent bonds of Ln-O play an important role in A-site Ln composition-induced structural change from ferroelectric to paraelectric phase, and it is responsible for the significant decrease in the Curie temperature. It is proposed that the cells become cubic around the Ln ions due to the strong covalent energy of Ln-O bonding in A-site Ln doped A2+B4+O3 perovskite ferroelectrics.
Migration, Distribution, and Crystallization of NaCl and Na2SO4 Solutions in Three Different Media
Authors: Zhao Jing , Luo Hongjie , Huang Xiao
Published: June 2020

Salt damage is one of the most common and serious diseases in silicate cultural relics. In this research, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (low-field NMR), automatic high-speed X-ray microtomography imaging, polarized light microscopy, and ultra-depth of field microscopy were applied to investigate the migration, distribution, and crystallization of NaCl and Na2SO4 on the surface of hydrophilic media, glass capillaries, and porous SiO2 materials, respectively. The results show that these two salts have different crystal growth behaviors in the same medium. NaCl grows in a granular form on the surface of hydrophilic medium and generally crystallizes outside the glass capillary tube, whereas Na2SO4 grows in a circular ring and always crystallizes inside, and some bubbles can be seen clearly in the hydrophilic medium. Meanwhile, different from NaCl, which is mainly concentrated on the upper surface of SiO2 sample, the migration of the Na2SO4 solution is distributed in the whole sample, and crystals accumulate on the interior of the sample surface. The different crystallization behaviors of salts are speculated to be related to damage conditions such as efflorescence and mural blisters in silicate cultural relics.
A Stress Orientation Analysis Framework for Dislocation Glide in Face-Centred Cubic Metals
Authors: León-Cázares Fernando Daniel , Rae Catherine Mary Fiona
Published: June 2020

Plastic deformation in metals is heavily influenced by the loading direction. Studies have explored its effects on multiple mechanisms by analysing individual dislocations, but there is currently no systematic way of rationalising the cooperative behaviour of the different slip systems for arbitrary stress tensors. The current study constitutes the foundation of a new orientation analysis framework for face-centred cubic crystals by introducing “stress orientation maps”, graphical tools to simultaneously analyse the effects of loading orientation on the stress state of the a 2 ⟨ 1 1 ¯ 0 ⟩ { 111 } and a 6 ⟨ 112 ⟩ { 111 } slip systems in a comprehensive, yet intuitive way. Relationships between the Schmid and Escaig stresses are described from geometrical constraints of the slip systems in the crystal structure, linking the dislocation behaviour on a slip plane with the stress tensor via a one parameter description. The case of uniaxial loading along different orientations within the fundamental sector of the unit cell is explored to describe the physical basis, properties and capabilities of this framework. The stress normal to the slip plane is then considered in the analysis via an extension of the Mohr’s circles. The orientation dependence of two twin nucleation mechanisms from the literature are examined as examples of how the stress orientation maps can be used.
Unexpected Synthesis, Single-Crystal X-ray Structure, Anticancer Activity, and Molecular Docking Studies of Certain 2–((Imidazole/Benzimidazol–2–yl)thio)–1–arylethanones
Authors: Al-Warhi Tarfah , Said Mohamed , El Hassab Mahmoud , Aljaeed Nada , Ghabour Hazem , Almahli Hadia , Eldehna Wagdy , Abdel-Aziz Hatem
Published: June 2020

In connection with our research program concerning development of novel effective benzimidazole-based anticancer candidates, herein we describe a new unexpected synthetic route to obtain a series of 2–((imidazole/benzimidazol2–yl)thio)1–arylethanones endowed with promising anti-breast cancer and Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitory activities. Contrary to expectations, products for the reaction of 2–mercaptoimidazole/benzimidazole 2a,b with β–keto esters 6a–c were unambiguously assigned as 2–((imidazol/benzimidazol2–yl)thio)1–arylethanones 10a–f based on NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses. In vitro anticancer activities for herein reported imidazole/benzimidazoles 10a–f were assessed through a cell-based assay against human breast cancer T4–7D and MCF–7 cell lines. Benzimidazoles 10d–f exerted better anti-proliferative action towards T4–7D and MCF–7 cell lines than their corresponding imidazole counterparts 10a–c. Furthermore, a molecular docking study suggested CDK2 kinase as a potential enzymatic target for benzimidazoles 10d–f, and investigated their possible binding pattern and interactions within CDK2 active site. Thereafter, benzimidazoles 10d–f were in vitro examined for their CDK2 inhibitory action, where they exerted good activity. Finally, several key ADME and druglikeness properties were predicted by the SwissADME online tool. Interestingly, benzimidazoles 10d–f were found to have no violations in all druglikeness rules (Veber, Lipinski, Ghose, Muegge, and Egan). In addition, they had neither PAINS nor structural alerts (Brenks). In conclusion, benzimidazoles 10d–f demonstrated not only a promising anticancer activities but also an acceptable ADME and physicochemical properties especially benzimidazole 10e.
The Influence of Annealing Temperature on the Structural and Optical Properties of ZrO2 Thin Films and How Affects the Hydrophilicity
Authors: Méndez-López A. , Zelaya-Ángel O. , Toledano-Ayala M. , Torres-Pacheco I. , Pérez-Robles J.F. , Acosta-Silva Y.J.
Published: June 2020

Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) thin films were prepared by the sol-gel dip coating technique, in combination with annealing at different temperatures in air atmosphere, with the final goal of studying the water wettability of the surface. The annealing effects on the structural and optical properties of the ZrO2 films were investigated to check the characteristics of the material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of ZrO2 annealed at 450 °C and 550 °C show the formation of tetragonal phase, with layers constituted by nanoparticles with average particle size of 21 nm and 25 nm, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra revealed the presence of vibrational modes associated to ZrO2. Photoluminescence (PL) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) spectroscopy was used for optical properties. All deposited ZrO2 thin films presented a high optical transparency, with an average transmittance above 70% in the visible range (400–700 nm). The hydrophilic properties of ZrO2 films were characterized by means of the measurements of the contact angle. When the sample was annealed at 550 °C, the hydrophilicity reached the best behavior, which was explained as an effect of the structural and morphological change of the films.
The Role of Chemical Substitutions on Bi-2212 Superconductors
Authors: Cabassi Riccardo , Delmonte Davide , Abbas Muna Mousa , Abdulridha Ali Razzak , Gilioli Edmondo
Published: June 2020

We present a study on the correlation of the superconducting critical temperature (Tc) and structural morphology with a chemically substituted high-temperature superconductor (HTS) (Bi,Pb)-2212 via Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and d c magnetometry. The elements Zn, Y, Ti, and Nd are incorporated within the bismuth cuprate structure at amounts that extend the ranges currently found in literature.
River Capture and Freshwater Biological Evolution: A Review of Galaxiid Fish Vicariance
Authors: Waters Jonathan M. , Burridge Christopher P. , Craw Dave
Published: June 2020

Geological processes can strongly affect the distribution and diversification of freshwater-limited species. In particular, a combination of geological and biological data has suggested that Earth history processes can drive vicariant isolation and speciation in non-migratory freshwater fishes. Here, we synthesise recently published geological and freshwater phylogeographic data to illustrate that changes in river drainage geometry are important drivers of galaxiid diversification, both in New Zealand and elsewhere. Major river capture events have led to the isolation and divergence of unique and geographically-restricted lineages, including taxa that are now of prime conservation concern. The parallel phylogeographic effects of drainage shifts have been verified by observations of concordant patterns in co-distributed species. Broadly, this study highlights the dynamic interplay between physical and biological processes in geologically active settings.
Widespread Occurrence of a Rarely Known Association between the Hydrocorals Stylaster roseus and Millepora alcicornis at Bonaire, Southern Caribbean
Authors: Montano Simone , Reimer James D. , Ivanenko Viatcheslav N. , García-Hernández Jaaziel E. , van Moorsel Godfried W.N.M. , Galli Paolo , Hoeksema Bert W.
Published: June 2020

Among symbiotic associations, cases of pseudo-auto-epizoism, in which a species uses a resembling but not directly related species as substrate, are poorly documented in coral reef ecosystems. In the present study, we assessed the distribution of an association between the hydrocorals Stylaster roseus and Millepora alcicornis on about 50% of coral reef sites studied in Bonaire, southern Caribbean. Although previously thought to be uncommon, associations between the lace coral S. roseus and the fire coral M. alcicornis were observed at both the windward and leeward sides of Bonaire, mainly between 15 and 25 m depth, reaching a maximum occupation of 47 S. roseus colonies on a single M. alcicornis colony. Both species’ tissues did not show any signs of injuries, while an in-depth inspection of the contact points of their skeletons revealed that both partners can partially overgrow each other. How it is possible that S. roseus is able to settle on the stinging tissue of Millepora as well as how, by contrast, the latter may facilitate the lace coral by offering a certain degree of protection are questions that deserve further investigations.
Ensembles of Atoms, Ensembles of Species: Comparative Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Bowler Michael G.
Published: June 2020

The methods of statistical physics are exemplified in the classical perfect gas—each atom is a single dynamical entity. Such methods can be applied in ecology to the distribution of cosmopolitan species over many sites. The analogue of an atom is a class of species distinguished by the number of sites at which it occurs, hardly a material entity; yet, the methods of statistical physics nonetheless seem applicable. This paper compares the application of statistical mechanics to the distribution of atoms and to the vastly different problem of distribution of cosmopolitan species. A number of different approaches show that these distributed entities must be in some sense equivalent; the dynamics must be controlled by interaction between species and the global environment rather than between species and many uncorrelated local environments.
Comparison of A Cable-Based and a Ground-Based System in Flat and Soil-Sensitive Area: A Case Study from Southern Baden in Germany
Authors: Schweier Janine , Ludowicy Christian
Published: June 2020

The results of this study showed that the application of cable-based systems in flat terrain must not necessarily be more cost intensive than its application in other terrains. In recent years, criteria other than purely economic ones have been taken into account in forest management decisions, with the aim of avoiding ecosystem damage and promoting better ecosystem services. Since precipitation in winter is becoming more intensive and weeks with frozen soils are becoming rare, one option might be the use of cable-based instead of ground-based extraction systems. Both vary in terms of economy and flexibility. Thus, it is important to make reliable estimates of potential costs and benefits before an operation is conducted. The aim of this study was to analyze a cable-based and a ground-based extraction system that could be applied to a forest stand in a flat and soil-sensitive area. The study, based on a cable-based operation, was conducted in a mixed forest stand that was vulnerable to traffic. Furthermore, we modeled an alternative operation focusing on a ground-based system, addressing the soil vulnerability by considering manual felling, processing, and use of a combi-forwarder for extraction. In the cable-based system, yarding productivity was high (20.3 m3ub/PMH15) due to several reasons, such as a high share of larger dimension timber, the fact that heavy timber was partially de-limbed and processed motor-manually in the stand, the fact that a mini forestry crawler was used for pre-winching the material and finally due to the experience of the operators. Resulting costs for harvesting and extraction were on average €27.8/m3ub. In the ground-based system, costs were on a comparable level (€28.30/m3ub). In our case, the application of a cable yarder in flat terrain was a good alternative and should be considered in future forest management to support environmentally friendly operations and allow independent planning of the operation.
Effects of Twenty Years of Ungulate Browsing on Forest Regeneration at Paneveggio Reserve, Italy
Authors: D’Aprile Davide , Vacchiano Giorgio , Meloni Fabio , Garbarino Matteo , Motta Renzo , Ducoli Vittorio , Partel Piergiovanni
Published: June 2020

Forest ecosystems are threatened by different natural disturbances. Among them, the irruption of large herbivores represents one of the most alarming issues. Several local-scale studies have been carried out to clarify the mechanisms governing ungulate–forest interactions, to understand the effect of wild ungulates overabundance, and to apply conservation plans. However, information at large scales, over long periods of observation and from unmanipulated conditions is still scarce. This study aims to improve our knowledge in this field by using repeated inventories to investigate: the types of damage produced by ungulate populations on young trees, the drivers that stimulate browsing activity and its consequences on the specific composition of seedlings and saplings. To reach these goals, we used data collected during a twenty-year monitoring program (1994–2014) in the forests of Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Nature Park (Italy). We applied descriptive statistics to summarize the data, GLMs to identify the drivers of browsing activity and Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) ordinations to investigate the changes in specific composition of young trees across 20 years. We detected increasing browsing activity from 1994 to 2008 and a decline in 2014. Ungulates browsed preferentially in mature stands, and fed mostly on seedlings and saplings under 150 cm of height. The analysis of the environmental drivers of browsing pressure on the smallest size classes of plants suggests that foraging behavior is influenced by snowpack conditions, ungulate density and seasonality. Moreover, results underline the fact that ungulates feed mostly on palatable species, especially European rowan, but can also use unpalatable plants as emergency food under high competition levels. nMDS results suggest that rowan seed dispersion might be promoted by deer movements, however, saplings of this species were not able to exceed 30 cm of height because of heavy browsing. This bottleneck effect led to the dominance of unpalatable species, mostly Norway spruce, reducing diversity during forest regeneration. If prolonged, this effect could lead to a reduction of tree species richness, with cascading effects on many parts of the ecosystem, and threatening the resilience of the forest to future disturbances.
Something Wicked Westward Goes: Fanny Van de Grift Stevenson’s Californian Uncanny
Authors: Pritzker Robyn
Published: June 2020

This essay offers a first critical reading of American author Fanny Van de Grift Stevenson’s short story “The Warlock’s Shadow” (1886), asserting that the tale appropriates historical traumas in order to navigate, and transgress, boundaries of genre and gender. The strangeness of the text’s Central Californian setting, to the narrator, precipitates a series of Gothic metamorphoses, and “The Warlock’s Shadow” engages with this transformation via a concept that this essay defines as the “Californian Uncanny”. The latter framework is a result of the specific, layered indigenous and colonial identities of post-Gold Rush California coming into contact with the unstable subjectivities of the Gothic genre. “The Warlock’s Shadow” manifests the Californian Uncanny primarily through the relationship between the home, the environment, and the “unassimilable” inhabitant. Stevenson’s text illustrates, through these images, the ways in which late-nineteenth-century American Gothic fiction has allowed the white feminine subject to negotiate her own identity, complicating the binary distinctions between Self and Other which underpin American colonialism both internally and externally. The phenomenon of the Californian Uncanny in “The Warlock’s Shadow” reflects these gendered and geographical anxieties of American identity, confronting the ghosts of the nation’s westernmost region.
Medium-Term Artificial Intelligence and Society
Authors: Baum Seth D.
Published: June 2020

There has been extensive attention to near-term and long-term AI technology and its accompanying societal issues, but the medium-term has gone largely overlooked. This paper develops the concept of medium-term AI, evaluates its importance, and analyzes some medium-term societal issues. Medium-term AI can be important in its own right and as a topic that can bridge the sometimes acrimonious divide between those who favor attention to near-term AI and those who prefer the long-term. The paper proposes the medium-term AI hypothesis: the medium-term is important from the perspectives of those who favor attention to near-term AI as well as those who favor attention to long-term AI. The paper analyzes medium-term AI in terms of governance institutions, collective action, corporate AI development, and military/national security communities. Across portions of these four areas, some support for the medium-term AI hypothesis is found, though in some cases the matter is unclear.
Airway Mycosis and the Regulation of Type 2 Immunity
Authors: Knight John Morgan , Wu Yifan , Mauk Kelsey , Weatherhead Jill , Anvari Sara , Kheradmand Farrah , Corry David B.
Published: June 2020

Filamentous fungi of the Aspergillus genus and others have long been linked to the induction of type 2 immunity that underlies IgE-mediated hypersensitivity responses. This unique immune response is characterized by the production of the allergy-associated T helper cell type 2 (Th2) and Th17 cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-13, and IL-17 that drive IgE, eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness and other manifestations of asthma. Proteinases secreted by filamentous fungi promote type 2 immunity, but the mechanism by which this occurs has long remained obscure. Through detailed biochemical analysis of household dust, microbiological dissection of human airway secretions, and extensive modeling in mice, our laboratory has assembled a detailed mechanistic description of how type 2 immunity evolves after exposure to fungi. In this review we summarize three key discoveries: (1) fungal proteinases drive the type 2 immune response; (2) the relationship between fungi, proteinases, and type 2 immunity is explained by airway mycosis, a form of non-invasive fungal infection of the airway lumen; and (3) the innate component of proteinase-driven type 2 immunity is mediated by cleavage of the clotting protein fibrinogen. Despite these advances, additional work is required to understand how Th2 and Th17 responses evolve and the role that non-filamentous fungi potentially play in allergic diseases.
Absorption and Tissue Distribution of Siphonaxanthin from Green Algae
Authors: Li Zhuosi , Zheng Jiawen , Luo Xiaolin , Manabe Yuki , Hirata Takashi , Sugawara Tatsuya
Published: June 2020

Siphonaxanthin has been known to possess inhibitory effects against obesity, inflammation, and angiogenesis. However, little information on its in vivo bioavailability and biotransformation is available. To assess the bioavailability and metabolism of siphonaxanthin, its absorption and accumulation were evaluated using intestinal Caco-2 cells and Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Siphonaxanthin was absorbed and exhibited non-uniform accumulation and distribution patterns in tissues of ICR mice. Notably, in addition to siphonaxanthin, three main compounds were detected following dietary administration of siphonaxanthin. Because the compounds showed changes on mass spectra compared with that of siphonaxanthin, they were presumed to be metabolites of siphonaxanthin in ICR mice. Siphonaxanthin mainly accumulated in stomach and small intestine, while putative metabolites of siphonaxanthin mainly accumulated in liver and adipose tissues. Furthermore, siphonaxanthin and its putative metabolites selectively accumulated in white adipose tissue (WAT), especially mesenteric WAT. These results provide useful evidence regarding the in vivo bioactivity of siphonaxanthin. In particular, the results regarding the specific accumulation of siphonaxanthin and its metabolites in WAT have important implications for understanding their anti-obesity effects and regulatory roles in lipid metabolism.
Firing Performance of Microchip Exploding Foil Initiator Triggered by Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Controlled Thyristor
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhu Peng , Xu Cong , Zhang Qiu , Yang Zhi , Shen Ruiqi
Published: June 2020

In this paper, microchip exploding foil initiators were fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical system scale fabrication methods, such as magnetron sputtering, photolithography, and chemical vapor deposition. A small-scale capacitor discharge unit based on the metal-oxide-semiconductor controlled thyristor was designed and produced to study the performance of the microchip exploding foil initiator. The discharge performance of the capacitor discharge unit without load and the effect of protection devices on the metal-oxide-semiconductor controlled thyristor were studied by the short-circuit discharge test. Then, the electric explosion characteristic of the microchip exploding foil initiator was also conducted to study the circuit current, peak power, deposited energy, and other parameters. Hexanitrostilbene refined by ball-milling and microfluidic technology was adopted to verify the initiation capability of the microchip exploding foil initiator triggered by the metal-oxide-semiconductor controlled thyristor. The results showed that the average inductance and resistance of the capacitor discharge circuit were 22.07 nH and 72.55 mΩ, respectively. The circuit peak current reached 1.96 kA with a rise time of 143.96 ns at 1200 V/0.22 μF. Hexanitrostilbene fabricated by ball-milling and microfluidic technology was successfully initiated at 1200 V/0.22 μF and 1100 V/0.22 μF, respectively.
Airfoil Selection Procedure, Wind Tunnel Experimentation and Implementation of 6DOF Modeling on a Flying Wing Micro Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Shams Taimur Ali , Shah Syed Irtiza Ali , Javed Ali , Hamdani Syed Hossein Raza
Published: June 2020

Airfoil selection procedure, wind tunnel testing and an implementation of 6-DOF model on flying wing micro aerial vehicle (FWMAV) has been proposed in this research. The selection procedure of airfoil has been developed by considering parameters related to aerodynamic efficiency and flight stability. Airfoil aerodynamic parameters have been calculated using a potential flow solver for ten candidate airfoils. Eppler-387 proved to be the most efficient reflexed airfoil and therefore was selected for fabrication and further flight testing of vehicle. Elevon control surfaces have been designed and evaluated for longitudinal and lateral control. The vehicle was fabricated using hot wire machine with EPP styrofoam of density 50 Kg/ m 3 . Static aerodynamic coefficients were evaluated using wind tunnel tests conducted at cruise velocity of 20 m/s for varying angles of attack. Rate derivatives and elevon control derivatives have also been calculated. Equations of motion for FWMAV have been written in a body axis system yielding a 6-DOF model. It was found during flight tests that vehicle conducted coordinated turns with no appreciable adverse yaw. Since FWMAV was not designed with a vertical stabilizer and rudder control surface, directional stability was therefore augmented through winglets and high wing leading edge sweep. Major problems encountered during flight tests were related to left rolling tendency. The left roll tendency was found inherent to clockwise rotating propeller as ‘P’ factor, gyroscopic precession, torque effect and spiraling slipstream. To achieve successful flights, many actions were required including removal of excessive play from elevon control rods, active actuation of control surfaces, enhanced launch speed during take off, and increased throttle control during initial phase of flight. FWMAV flew many successful stable flights in which intended mission profile was accomplished, thereby validating the proposed airfoil selection procedure, modeling technique and proposed design.
Capturing Human Perceptual and Cognitive Activities via Event-Related Potentials Measured with Candle-Like Dry Microneedle Electrodes
Authors: Yoshida Yuri , Kawana Takumi , Hoshino Eiichi , Minagawa Yasuyo , Miki Norihisa
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate capture of event-related potentials (ERPs) using candle-like dry microneedle electrodes (CMEs). CMEs can record an electroencephalogram (EEG) even from hairy areas without any skin preparation, unlike conventional wet electrodes. In our previous research, we experimentally verified that CMEs can measure the spontaneous potential of EEG from the hairy occipital region without preparation with a signal-to-noise ratio as good as that of the conventional wet electrodes which require skin preparation. However, these results were based on frequency-based signals, which are relatively robust compared to noise contamination, and whether CMEs are sufficiently sensitive to capture finer signals remained unclear. Here, we first experimentally verified that CMEs can extract ERPs as good as conventional wet electrodes without preparation. In the auditory oddball tasks using pure tones, P300, which represent ERPs, was extracted with a signal-to-noise ratio as good as that of conventional wet electrodes. CMEs successfully captured perceptual activities. Then, we attempted to investigate cerebral cognitive activity using ERPs. In processing the vowel and prosody in auditory stimuli such as /itta/, /itte/, and /itta?/, laterality was observed that originated from the locations responsible for the process in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and magnetoencephalography experiments. We simultaneously measured ERPs with CMEs and NIRS in the oddball tasks using the three words. Laterality appeared in NIRS for six of 10 participants, although laterality was not clearly shown in the results, suggesting that EEGs have a limitation of poor spatial resolution. On the other hand, successful capturing of MMN and P300 using CMEs that do not require skin preparation may be readily applicable for real-time applications of human perceptual activities.
Development of Artificial Cell Models Using Microfluidic Technology and Synthetic Biology
Authors: Kamiya Koki
Published: June 2020

Giant lipid vesicles or liposomes are primarily composed of phospholipids and form a lipid bilayer structurally similar to that of the cell membrane. These vesicles, like living cells, are 5–100 μm in diameter and can be easily observed using an optical microscope. As their biophysical and biochemical properties are similar to those of the cell membrane, they serve as model cell membranes for the investigation of the biophysical or biochemical properties of the lipid bilayer, as well as its dynamics and structure. Investigation of membrane protein functions and enzyme reactions has revealed the presence of soluble or membrane proteins integrated in the giant lipid vesicles. Recent developments in microfluidic technologies and synthetic biology have enabled the development of well-defined artificial cell models with complex reactions based on the giant lipid vesicles. In this review, using microfluidics, the formations of giant lipid vesicles with asymmetric lipid membranes or complex structures have been described. Subsequently, the roles of these biomaterials in the creation of artificial cell models including nanopores, ion channels, and other membrane and soluble proteins have been discussed. Finally, the complex biological functions of giant lipid vesicles reconstituted with various types of biomolecules has been communicated. These complex artificial cell models contribute to the production of minimal cells or protocells for generating valuable or rare biomolecules and communicating between living cells and artificial cell models.
Heavily-Doped Bulk Silicon Sidewall Electrodes Embedded between Free-Hanging Microfluidic Channels by Modified Surface Channel Technology
Authors: Zhao Yiyuan , Veltkamp Henk-Willem , Schut Thomas V. P. , Sanders Remco G. P. , Breazu Bogdan , Groenesteijn Jarno , de Boer Meint J. , Wiegerink Remco J. , Lötters Joost C.
Published: June 2020

Surface Channel Technology is known as the fabrication platform to make free-hanging microchannels for various microfluidic sensors and actuators. In this technology, thin film metal electrodes, such as platinum or gold, are often used for electrical sensing and actuation purposes. As a result that they are located at the top surface of the microfluidic channels, only topside sensing and actuation is possible. Moreover, in microreactor applications, high temperature degradation of thin film metal layers limits their performance as robust microheaters. In this paper, we report on an innovative idea to make microfluidic devices with integrated silicon sidewall electrodes, and we demonstrate their use as microheaters. This is achieved by modifying the original Surface Channel Technology with optimized mask designs. The modified technology allows to embed heavily-doped bulk silicon electrodes in between the sidewalls of two adjacent free-hanging microfluidic channels. The bulk silicon electrodes have the same electrical properties as the extrinsic silicon substrate. Their cross-sectional geometry and overall dimensions can be designed by optimizing the mask design, hence the resulting resistance of each silicon electrode can be customized. Furthermore, each silicon electrode can be electrically insulated from the silicon substrate. They can be designed with large cross-sectional areas and allow for high power dissipation when used as microheater. A demonstrator device is presented which reached 119.4 ∘ C at a power of 206.9 m W , limited by thermal conduction through the surrounding air. Other potential applications are sensors using the silicon sidewall electrodes as resistive or capacitive readout.
On the Feasibility of Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging of Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasound Transducers (CMUT) by Using Inkjet-Printed Redistribution Layers
Authors: Roshanghias Ali , Dreissigacker Marc , Scherf Christina , Bretthauer Christian , Rauter Lukas , Zikulnig Johanna , Braun Tanja , Becker Karl-F. , Rzepka Sven , Schneider-Ramelow Martin
Published: June 2020

Fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP) is an interesting platform for Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor packaging. Employing FOWLP for MEMS sensor packaging has some unique challenges, while some originate merely from the fabrication of redistribution layers (RDL). For instance, it is crucial to protect the delicate structures and fragile membranes during RDL formation. Thus, additive manufacturing (AM) for RDL formation seems to be an auspicious approach, as those challenges are conquered by principle. In this study, by exploiting the benefits of AM, RDLs for fan-out packaging of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUT) were realized via drop-on-demand inkjet printing technology. The long-term reliability of the printed tracks was assessed via temperature cycling tests. The effects of multilayering and implementation of an insulating ramp on the reliability of the conductive tracks were identified. Packaging-induced stresses on CMUT dies were further investigated via laser-Doppler vibrometry (LDV) measurements and the corresponding resonance frequency shift. Conclusively, the bottlenecks of the inkjet-printed RDLs for FOWLP were discussed in detail.
Investigation on Inertial Sorter Coupled with Magnetophoretic Effect for Nonmagnetic Microparticles
Authors: Du Jiayou , Li Long , Zhuo Qiuyi , Wang Ruijin , Zhu Zefei
Published: June 2020

The sizes of most prokaryotic cells are several microns. It is very difficult to separate cells with similar sizes. A sorter with a contraction–expansion microchannel and applied magnetic field is designed to sort microparticles with diameters of 3, 4 and 5 microns. To evaluate the sorting efficiency of the designed sorter, numerical simulations for calculating the distributions of microparticles with similar sizes were carried out for various magnetic fields, inlet velocities, sheath flow ratios and structural parameters. The numerical results indicate that micro-particles with diameters of 3, 4 and 5 microns can be sorted efficiently in such a sorter within appropriate parameters. Furthermore, it is shown that a bigger particle size and more powerful magnetic field can result in a greater lateral migration of microparticles. The sorting efficiency of microparticles promotes a lower inlet velocity and greater sheath flow ratios. A smaller contraction–expansion ratio can induce a greater space between particle-bands. Finally, the micro particle image velocity (micro-PIV) experiments were conducted to obtain the bandwidths and spaces between particle-bands. The comparisons between the numerical and experimental results show a good agreement and make the validity of the numerical results certain.
Thermodynamic Constraints on REE Mineral Paragenesis in the Bayan Obo REE-Nb-Fe Deposit, China
Authors: Liu Shang , Ding Lin , Fan Hong-Rui
Published: June 2020

Hydrothermal processes have played a significant role in rare earth element (REE) precipitation in the Bayan Obo REE-Nb-Fe deposit. The poor preservation of primary fluid inclusions and superposition or modification by multiphase hydrothermal activities have made identification of physico-chemical conditions of ore-forming fluids extremely difficult. Fortunately, with more and more reliable thermodynamic properties of aqueous REE species and REE minerals reported in recent years, a series of thermodynamic calculations are conducted in this study to provide constraints on REE precipitation in hydrothermal solutions, and provide an explanation of typical paragenesis of REE and gangue minerals at Bayan Obo. During the competition between fluocerite and monazite for LREE in the modelled solution (0.1 M HCl, 0.1 M HF and 0.1 M trichloride of light rare earth elements (LREE) from La to Sm), all LREE would eventually be hosted by monazite at a temperature over 300 °C, with continuous introduction of H3PO4. Additionally, monazite of heavier LREE would precipitate earlier, indicating that the Ce- and La-enriched monazite at Bayan Obo was crystallized from Ce and La pre-enriched hydrothermal fluids. The fractionation among LREE occurred before the ore-forming fluids infiltrating ore-hosting dolomite. When CO2 (aq) was introduced to the aqueous system (model 1), bastnaesite would eventually and completely replace monazite-(Ce). Cooling of hot hydrothermal fluids (>400 °C) would significantly promote this replacement, with only about one third the cost of CO2 for the entire replacement when temperature dropped from 430 °C to 400 °C. Sole dolomite addition (model 2) would make bastnaesite replace monazite and then be replaced by parisite. The monazite-(Ce) replaced by associated bastnaesite and apatite is an indicator of very hot hydrothermal fluids (>400 °C) and specific dolomite/fluid ratios (e.g., initial dolomite at 1 kbar: 0.049–0.068 M and 0.083–0.105 M at 400 °C and 430 °C). In hot solution (>430 °C) that continuously interacts with dolomite, apatite precipitates predating the bastnaesite, but it behaves oppositely at <400 °C. The former paragenesis is in accord with petrography observed in this study. Some mineral pairs, such as monazite-(Ce)-fluorite and monazite-(Ce)-parisite would never co-precipitate at any calculated temperature or pressure. Therefore, their association implies multiphase hydrothermal activities. Pressure variation would have rather limited influence on the paragenesis of REE minerals. However, temperature and fluid composition variation (e.g., CO2 (aq), dolomite, H3PO4) would cause significantly different associations between REE and gangue minerals.