bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cybernetics and the 4D Smart City: Smartness as Awareness
Authors: Rönkkö Emilia , Herneoja Aulikki , Oikarinen Essi
Published: April 2018

The complexity of urban challenges obliges us to seek smarter paths for urban development and increase our awareness of urban dynamics in a more holistic manner. Stemming from the discipline of architecture and urban planning, this concept paper outlines an idea of a cybernetic urban management for anticipatory governance of smart cities. A cybernetic system absorbs information from different sources, such as buildings that are aware of their energy efficiency, a city aware of its traffic flows, and citizens who are aware of the affordances of urban life. Defined as context-aware cyber-physical social systems, smart cities of the future are planned and managed with increasing awareness of the manifoldness of physical, experiential, and virtual life. The benefits of a cybernetic urban management could, for instance, be related to dynamic service network planning with a real-time view to service network efficiency. This in turn could lead to better services for citizens, resource efficiency, and better allocation of financial resources. Cybernetic management and smart city production necessitates a shared view of urban processes that is not dedicated only for the eyes of a few experts but is widely accessible and supports information exchange and dialogue among city authorities, decision-makers, and citizens.
Synthesis of Polydimethylsiloxane-Modified Polyurethane and the Structure and Properties of Its Antifouling Coatings
Authors: Zhang Zhan-Ping , Song Xiao-Fei , Cui Li-Ying , Qi Yu-Hong
Published: April 2018

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) could be used to improve the antifouling properties of the fouling release coatings based on polyurethane (PU). A series of polydimethylsiloxane-modified polyurethane coatings were synthesized with various PDMS contents, using the solvent-free method. The effects of PDMS content and seawater immersion on the chain structure and surface morphology were investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Based on the measurements of contact angles of deionized water and diiodomethane, surface free energies of the coatings were estimated according to the Owens two-liquid method. The PDMS-modified polyurethane exhibited lower surface free energy and a lower glass transition temperature than polyurethane. The presence of PDMS increased the degree of microphase separation, and enhanced the water resistance of the coatings. The optimum amount of PDMS reduced the elastic modulus and increased the ductility of the coating. The presence of PDMS benefited the removal of weakly attached organisms. Panel tests in the Yellow Sea demonstrated the antifouling activity of the PDMS-modified polyurethane.
Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Coating on Alkali Treated TiO2 Nanotubes Surface for Improvement of Biocompatibility
Authors: Park Jung-Eun , Jang Yong-Seok , Bae Tae-Sung , Lee Min-Ho
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study is to enhance the bioactivity of pure titanium using multiple surface treatments for the application of the implant. To form the biofunctional multilayer coating on pure titanium, anodization was conducted to make titanium dioxide nanotubes, then multi-walled carbon nanotubes were coated using a dipping method after an alkali treatment. The surface characteristics at each step were analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. The effect of the multilayer coating on the biocompatibility was identified using immersion and cytotoxicity tests. Better hydroxyapatite formation was observed on the surface of multilayer-coated pure titanium compared to non-treated pure titanium after immersion in the simulated body fluid. Improvement of biocompatibility by multiple surface treatments was identified through various cytotoxicity tests using osteoblast cells.
Mechanical Durability of Engineered Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Anti-Corrosion
Authors: Sebastian Divine , Yao Chun-Wei , Lian Ian
Published: April 2018

Engineered superhydrophobic coating for anti-corrosion applications is a subject of great significance at present. However, the use of superhydrophobic coatings for anti-corrosion applications is hindered by the mechanical durability in many cases. There is a need for an understanding not only of how to fabricate such surfaces, but also of the corrosion resistance and mechanical durability of those coatings. This review discusses recent developments in the mechanical durability of superhydrophobic coatings primarily used for anti-corrosion. First, superhydrophobicity is introduced with an emphasis on different wetting models. After that, this review classifies the nanofabrication methods based on the material and methods of surface functionalization. Furthermore, the testing procedures used for the measurement of corrosion and mechanical durability are presented. Finally, the mechanical durability and anti-corrosion performance of the developed superhydrophobic coatings are discussed.
Analysis of Sn Concentration Effect on Morphological, Optical, Electrical and Photonic Properties of Spray-Coated Sn-Doped CdO Thin Films
Authors: Kathalingam A. , Kesavan K. , Rana Abu ul Hassan Sarwar , Jeon Joonhyeon , Kim Hyun-Seok
Published: April 2018

Tin-doped cadmium oxide (Sn:CdO) transparent thin films with different Sn concentrations were deposited on glass and p-silicon substrates by the chemical spray method at 250 °C. Different concentrations of stannic chloride were used to prepare Sn:CdO thin films. The prepared doped and un-doped CdO films were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, optical absorption, and electrical analyses to characterize their structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties, respectively. XRD analysis demonstrated the growth of polycrystalline and cubic CdO with preferential orientation along the (111) plane. Sn-doping shifted the XRD peaks slightly towards a higher Bragg angle and increased the band gap of CdO thin films. Variation in doping concentration also affected the morphology of the films. Optimum Sn-doping increased the electrical conductivity of CdO thin films. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, the photoresponse analyses of the fabricated un-doped and doped n-CdO/p-Si heterostructures were performed for the first time in this study.
Comparative Study on the Sand Bioconsolidation through Calcium Carbonate Precipitation by Sporosarcina pasteurii and Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hsu Chun-Mei , Huang Yi-Hsun , Nimje Vanita Roshan , Lee Wen-Chien , Chen How-Ji , Kuo Yi-Hao , Huang Chung-Ho , Chen Chien-Cheng , Chen Chien-Yen
Published: April 2018

To investigate potential implications of microbial activity on sand bioconsolidation and subsurface environments, two ureolytic strains, Sporosarcina pasteurii and Bacillus subtilis were tested for the production of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Laboratory experiments with monoculture S. pasteurii (column 1) and coculture S. pasteurii-B. subtilis (column 2) were conducted to determine urea and calcium chloride reactivity and volumetric carbonate formation. Both columns were able to consolidate sand, whereas, column 1 induced greater CaCO3 precipitation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed two columns with different mineralogy with calcite, and vaterite formation. Column 1 showed rhombohedral and trigonal crystals morphology, whereas column 2 developed the prismatic calcite and the spherulite vaterite crystals might be due to the differences of the micro-environment caused by the urease expression of these bacterial species. These results indicate the possibility of using those crystals to cement loose sand whereas, highlighted the importance of combining these techniques to understand the geomicrobiology found in the subsurface environments.
Electrodynamics in Organic Dimer Insulators Close to Mott Critical Point
Authors: Pinterić Marko , Rivas Góngora David , Rapljenović Željko , Ivek Tomislav , Čulo Matija , Korin-Hamzić Bojana , Milat Ognjen , Gumhalter Branko , Lazić Predrag , Sanz Alonso Miriam , Li Weiwu , Pustogow Andrej , Gorgen Lesseux Guilherme , Dressel Martin , Tomić Silvia
Published: April 2018

Organic layered charge-transfer salts κ -(BEDT-TTF) 2 X form highly frustrated lattices of molecular dimers in which strong correlations give rise to Mott insulating states situated close to the metal-to-insulator phase boundary. The salts κ -(BEDT-TTF) 2 Cu 2 (CN) 3 and κ -(BEDT-TTF) 2 Ag 2 (CN) 3 have been considered as prime candidates for a quantum spin liquid, while κ -(BEDT-TTF) 2 Cu[N(CN) 2 ]Cl has been suggested as a prototypical charge-order-driven antiferromagnet. In this paper, we summarize and discuss several key results, including some not reported previously, obtained in search to clarify the competition of these two ground states. The origin of anomalous dielectric response found at low temperatures in all three salts is also discussed. We conclude by pointing out the relevant new insights into the role of frustration and random disorder in the suppression of magnetic ordering and formation of the spin liquid state.
Online Internal Resistance Measurement Application in Lithium Ion Battery Capacity and State of Charge Estimation
Authors: Bao Yun , Dong Wenbin , Wang Dian
Published: April 2018

State of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) are two significant state parameters for the lithium ion batteries (LiBs). In obtaining these states, the capacity of the battery is an indispensable parameter that is hard to detect directly online. However, there is a strong correlation relationship between this parameter and battery internal resistance. This article first shows a simple and effective online internal resistance detection method. Secondly, the relationship between the measured internal resistance and the LiBs capacity is established by linear fitting. Finally, the capacity through internal resistance conversion is applied in SOC estimation. The estimation results show that this method can effectively enhance the SOC estimation accuracy regardless of temperature change and battery degradation.
Blood Volume Pulse Extraction for Non-Contact Heart Rate Measurement by Digital Camera Using Singular Value Decomposition and Burg Algorithm
Authors: Tayibnapis Iman Rahmansyah , Yang Yeon-Mo , Lim Ki Moo
Published: April 2018

Conventional photoplesthymograph (PPG) measurements for heart rate (HR) determination require direct contact between the patient and the PPG device sensor. When using the conventional method, it is possible for users to suffer undesirable skin irritation, discomfort and soreness. Thus, the development of non-contact PPG has been investigated with various technologies and methods. One of the technologies that able to measure PPG in a non-contact way and at low cost is using digital cameras such as webcams. Various filters have been implemented to do non-contact PPG using digital cameras. This paper proposes a non-contact PPG filter system utilizing singular value decomposition (SVD) and Burg’s algorithm. The main role of SVD is for noise removal and as PPG signal extractor. As for the Burg algorithm, it was utilized for estimating the heart rate value from the filtered PPG signal. In this paper, we show and analyze an experiment for HR measurement using our method and a previous method that used independent component analysis (ICA). We compare and contrast both of them with HR measurements acquired by a commercial oximeter. The experiments were conducted at various distance between 30~110 cm and light intensities between 5~2000 lux. The estimated HR showed 2.25 bpm of mean error and 0.73 of Pearson correlation coefficient. The optimal distance between the mirror and user for HR measurement was 50 cm with medium light intensity, around 550 lux.
Investigation of a Resonant dc–dc Converter for Light Rail Transportation Applications
Authors: Lin Bor-Ren
Published: April 2018

A high efficiency dc–dc converter is studied for light rail transportation applications on DC microgrid systems. The adopted structure includes two series-connected resonant circuits with single isolated transformer from input 750 V to output 48 V. Two half-bridge resonant circuits and one voltage balance capacitor are used to reduce voltage rating of active devices and to realize split voltages balance. Two series resonant circuits are connected with input-series by single transformer to reduce primary root-mean-square currents. Therefore, power devices with low voltage rating are selected in studied circuit to reduce power loss on sower devices and transformer winding of the isolated transformer. Frequency control approach is adopted to adjust load voltage under different voltage condition and current variations. Since the equivalent resonant tank of the studied circuit is activated under inductive load, active devices are easily operated at zero-voltage switching over wide voltage and current operation range. The feasibility of the studied circuit has been verified with a 1 kW prototype.
Fundamental Material Properties of the 2LiBH4-MgH2 Reactive Hydride Composite for Hydrogen Storage: (I) Thermodynamic and Heat Transfer Properties
Authors: Jepsen Julian , Milanese Chiara , Puszkiel Julián , Girella Alessandro , Schiavo Benedetto , Lozano Gustavo A. , Capurso Giovanni , Bellosta von Colbe José M. , Marini Amedeo , Kabelac Stephan , Dornheim Martin , Klassen Thomas
Published: April 2018

Thermodynamic and heat transfer properties of the 2LiBH4-MgH2 composite (Li-RHC) system are experimentally determined and studied as a basis for the design and development of hydrogen storage tanks. Besides the determination and discussion of the properties, different measurement methods are applied and compared to each other. Regarding thermodynamics, reaction enthalpy and entropy are determined by pressure-concentration-isotherms and coupled manometric-calorimetric measurements. For thermal diffusivity calculation, the specific heat capacity is measured by high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry and the effective thermal conductivity is determined by the transient plane source technique and in situ thermocell. Based on the results obtained from the thermodynamics and the assessment of the heat transfer properties, the reaction mechanism of the Li-RHC and the issues related to the scale-up for larger hydrogen storage systems are discussed in detail.
Smart Hybrid Micro-Grid Integration for Optimal Power Sharing-Based Water Cycle Optimization Technique
Authors: Makeen Peter , Swief R. A. , Abdel-Salam T. S. , El-Amary Noha H.
Published: April 2018

Micro-Grid (MG) with hybrid power resources can supply electric loads independently. In case of surplus power, the neighborhood micro-grids can be integrated together in order to supply the overloaded micro-grid. The challenge is to select the most suitable, optimal and preferable micro-grid within a distributed network, which consists of islanded MGs, to form that integration. This paper presents an intelligent decision-making criteria based on the Weighted Arithmetic Mean (WAM) of different technical indices, for optimal selection of micro-grids integration in case of overloaded event due to either unusual increase in consumed power or any deficiency in power generation. In addition, overloading is expected due to excess increase or decrease in weather temperature. This may lead to extreme increase of load due to increase of air conditioning or heating loads respectively. The proposed arithmetic mean determination based on six multi-objective indices, which are voltage deviation, frequency deviation, reliability, power loss in transmission lines, electricity price and CO2 emission is applied. This work is developed through three main scenarios. The first scenario studies the effect of each index on the integrated micro-grid formation. The second scenario is the biased optimization analysis. In this stage, the optimal micro-grids integration is based on intentionally chosen multi-objective index weights to fulfil certain requirements. The third scenario targets the optimal selection of the multi-objective indices’ effectiveness weights for power system optimum redistribution. The sharing weights of each index will be optimally selected by Water Cycle Optimization Technique (WCOT) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) addressing the system optimal power sharing through optimum micro-grids re-formation (integration). WCOT and GA are simulated using MATLAB (R2017a, The MathWorks Ltd, Natick, MA, USA). The developed work is applied to a distributed network which consists of a five micro-grid tested system, with one overloaded micro-grid. The three modules are utilized for multi-objective analysis of different alternative micro-grids. Both WCOT and GA results are compared. In addition, it is investigated to find and validate the optimum solution. Final decision-making for optimal combination is determined, aiming to reach a perfect technical, economic and environmental solution. The results indicate that the optimal decision may be modified after each individual index weight exceeds a specific limit.
Seed Dispersal, Microsites or Competition—What Drives Gap Regeneration in an Old-Growth Forest? An Application of Spatial Point Process Modelling
Authors: Gratzer Georg , Waagepetersen Rasmus Plenge
Published: April 2018

The spatial structure of trees is a template for forest dynamics and the outcome of a variety of processes in ecosystems. Identifying the contribution and magnitude of the different drivers is an age-old task in plant ecology. Recently, the modelling of a spatial point process was used to identify factors driving the spatial distribution of trees at stand scales. Processes driving the coexistence of trees, however, frequently unfold within gaps and questions on the role of resource heterogeneity within-gaps have become central issues in community ecology. We tested the applicability of a spatial point process modelling approach for quantifying the effects of seed dispersal, within gap light environment, microsite heterogeneity, and competition on the generation of within gap spatial structure of small tree seedlings in a temperate, old growth, mixed-species forest. By fitting a non-homogeneous Neyman–Scott point process model, we could disentangle the role of seed dispersal from niche partitioning for within gap tree establishment and did not detect seed densities as a factor explaining the clustering of small trees. We found only a very weak indication for partitioning of within gap light among the three species and detected a clear niche segregation of Picea abies (L.) Karst. on nurse logs. The other two dominating species, Abies alba Mill. and Fagus sylvatica L., did not show signs of within gap segregation.
Biochar Can Be a Suitable Replacement for Sphagnum Peat in Nursery Production of Pinus ponderosa Seedlings
Authors: Dumroese R. Kasten , Pinto Jeremiah R. , Heiskanen Juha , Tervahauta Arja , McBurney Katherine G. , Page-Dumroese Deborah S. , Englund Karl
Published: April 2018

We replaced a control peat medium with up to 75% biochar on a volumetric basis in three different forms (powder, BC; pyrolyzed softwood pellets, PP; composite wood-biochar pellets, WP), and under two supplies of nitrogen fertilizer (20 or 80 mg N) subsequently grew seedlings with a comparable morphology to the control. Using gravimetric methods to determine irrigation frequency and exponential fertilization to ensure all treatments received the same amount of N at a given point in the growing cycle, we successfully replaced peat with 25% BC and up to 50% PP. Increasing the proportion of biochar in the media significantly increased pH and bulk density and reduced effective cation exchange capacity and air-filled porosity, although none of these variables was consistent with resultant seedling growth. Adherence to gravimetric values for irrigation at an 80% water mass threshold in the container revealed that the addition of BC and WP, but not PP, required adjustments to the irrigation schedule. For future studies, we encourage researchers to provide more details about bulk density, porosity, and irrigation regime to improve the potential inference provided by this line of biochar and growing media work.
Implications of Landslide Typology and Predisposing Factor Combinations for Probabilistic Landslide Susceptibility Models: A Case Study in Lajedo Parish (Flores Island, Azores—Portugal)
Authors: Silva Rui Fagundes , Marques Rui , Gaspar João Luís
Published: April 2018

The main objective of this study is to better understand and quantify the consequences for landslide susceptibility assessment caused by (i) the discrimination (or not) of landslide typology and (ii) the use of different predisposing factor combinations. The study area for this research was Lajedo parish (Flores Island, Azores—Portugal). For the landslide susceptibility modeling, 12 predisposing factors and a historical landslide inventory with a total of 474 individual landslide rupture areas were used as inputs, and the Information Value method was then applied. It was concluded that susceptibility models developed specifically for each landslide typology achieve better results when compared to the model developed for the total inventory, which suffers from a bias caused by the strong spatial abundance of one landslide typology. A total of 4095 susceptibility models were tested for each typology, and the best models were selected according to their goodness of fit. The best model for both falls and slides has seven predisposing factors, some of which do not correspond to the factors that have the best individual discriminatory capabilities. The number of expected and observed unique terrain conditions for each model allowed us to conclude that with the successive addition of predisposing factors, there is an inability of the territory to generate new observed unique terrain conditions. This consequence was directly related to the inability to increase the goodness of fit of the computed models. For each landslide typology, the predictive capacity of the best susceptibility model was assessed by computing the Prediction Rate Curves and the Area Under the Curve.
Reliable Predictors of Arsenic Occurrence in the Southern Gulf Coast Aquifer of Texas
Authors: Venkataraman Kartik , Lozano John W.
Published: April 2018

Arsenic contamination of groundwater in the Southern Gulf Coast Aquifer of Texas is a critical public health concern as much of the area is rural in nature with decentralized water supplies. Previous studies have pointed to volcanic deposits as the regional source of arsenic but no definitive or reliable predictors of arsenic maximum contaminant level (MCL) exceedance have been identified. In this study, we have studied the effect of various hydrogeochemical parameters as well as soil and land-use variables on arsenic MCL exceedance using logistic regression (LR) techniques. The LR models display good accuracy of 75% or higher but suffer from a high rate of false negatives, highlighting the challenges in capturing the spatial irregularities of arsenic in this region. Despite not displaying high statistical significance, pH appears to be an important variable in the LR models—its effect on arsenic exceedance is not clear and warrants further investigation. The results of the study also show that groundwater vanadium and fluoride are consistently the only significant variables in the models developed; the positive coefficients for both these elements indicates a common geogenic source for arsenic, fluoride and vanadium, corroborating the findings of earlier studies.
Disability-Adjusted Life Years for Cancer in 2010–2014: A Regional Approach in Mexico
Authors: Murillo-Zamora Efrén , Mendoza-Cano Oliver , Ríos-Silva Mónica , Sánchez-Piña Ramón Alberto , Higareda-Almaraz Martha Alicia , Higareda-Almaraz Enrique , Lugo-Radillo Agustin
Published: April 2018

The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were used to estimate the regional (state of Colima, Mexico) cancer burden in 2010–2014. The years of life lost (YLL) were estimated with mortality data and years lived with disability (YLD) using incidence data. The DALYs were calculated as the arithmetic addition of YLL and YLD. Sex and cancer site-specific estimations were made and DALY rates were used to identify the leading causes of disease burden. Data from 2532 deaths were analyzed and, for all malignant tumors combined, 18,712.9 DALYs and 20,243.3 DALYs were estimated in males and females respectively. The overall contribution of YLL in DALY estimates was higher among females (93.7% vs. 87.4%). Age-standardized DALY rates (and 95% confidence intervals, CI) per 100,000 inhabitants were used to rank the leading causes of disease burden and, among males, malignant tumors from the prostate, lower respiratory tract, and colon and rectum accounted the highest rates (45.7, 95% CI 32.7–59.3; 37.6, 95% CI 25.7–49.9; and 25.9, 95% CI 16.0–36.1 DALYs). Breast, cervix uteri, and lower respiratory tract cancer showed the highest burden in females (66.0, 95% CI 50.3–82.4; 44.4, 95% CI 31.5–57.7; and 20.9, 95% CI 12.0–30.0 DALYs). The present study provides an indication of the burden of cancer at the regional level, underscoring the need to expand cancer prevention, screening, and awareness programs, as well as to improve early diagnosis and medical treatment.
Differentiating Medicated Patients Suffering from Major Depressive Disorder from Healthy Controls by Spot Urine Measurement of Monoamines and Steroid Hormones
Authors: Wijaya Chandra S. , Lee Jovia J. Z. , Husain Syeda F. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , McIntyre Roger S. , Tam Wilson W. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder. Currently, there is no objective, cost-effective and non-invasive method to measure biological markers related to the pathogenesis of MDD. Previous studies primarily focused on urinary metabolite markers which are not proximal to the pathogenesis of MDD. Herein, we compare urinary monoamines, steroid hormones and the derived ratios amongst MDD when compared to healthy controls. Methods: Morning urine samples of medicated patients suffering from MDD (n = 47) and healthy controls (n = 41) were collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure five biomarkers: cortisol, dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin and sulphate derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS). The mean urinary levels and derived ratios of monoamines and steroid hormones were compared between patients and controls to identify potential biomarkers. The receiver operative characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of potential biomarkers. Results: Medicated patients with MDD showed significantly higher spot urine ratio of DHEAS/serotonin (1.56 vs. 1.19, p = 0.004) and lower ratio of serotonin/dopamine (599.71 vs. 888.60, p = 0.008) than healthy controls. A spot urine serotonin/dopamine ratio cut-off of >667.38 had a sensitivity of 73.2% and specificity of 51.1%. Conclusions: Our results suggest that spot urine serotonin/dopamine ratio can be used as an objective diagnostic method for adults with MDD.
Correction: Renzaho, A.M.N., et al. The Synergetic Effect of Targeted Resource Transfers for Families, Child Sensitive Social Protection Programs, and Capacity Building for Effective Social Protection on Children’s Nutritional Status in Nepal. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 1502
Authors: Renzaho Andre , Chitekwe Stanley , Chen Wen , Rijal Sanjay , Dhakal Thakur , Dahal Pradiumna
Published: April 2018

The authors wish to add the following corrections to their paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [1]. [...]
Glucose Gel as a Potential Alternative Treatment to Infant Formula for Neonatal Hypoglycaemia in Australia
Authors: Barber Raenee L. , Ekin Amy E. , Sivakumar Pushparani , Howard Kay , O’Sullivan Therese A.
Published: April 2018

Infant formula is often used as a treatment for neonatal hypoglycaemia in Australia; however, there are concerns that this may jeopardise mother-baby bonding and breastfeeding. Successful use of glucose gel as an alternative treatment for hypoglycaemia has been reported. We wanted to investigate in a pilot study whether the use of glucose gel has the potential to quickly and safely restore normoglycaemia in the infants of diabetic mothers in an Australian setting. Infants with asymptomatic hypoglycaemia were treated with glucose gel (n = 36) and compared to a historical group of infants which had been treated with infant formula (n = 24). Within 15 min of the first treatment, the gel group had a mean blood glucose level (BGL) of 2.6 mmol/L, and 2.7 mmol/L 30 min after the second treatment. This was lower than the BGL after the first treatment for the formula group, which rose to a mean of 2.8 then to 3.2 mmol/L after the second treatment (p = 0.003). In successfully treated infants, administration of the gel resulted in normoglycaemia within 30 min. The likelihood of special care nursery admission was not significantly different between the groups, although we had a small sample size, and our findings should be interpreted with caution. These pilot results provide support for further investigations into the use of glucose gel as an alternative treatment to infant formula.
In Silico and In Vitro Analyses of LncRNAs as Potential Regulators in the Transition from the Epithelioid to Sarcomatoid Histotype of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM)
Authors: Singh Anand , Heery Richard , Gray Steven
Published: April 2018

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy, with extremely poor survival rates. At present, treatment options are limited, with no second line chemotherapy for those who fail first line therapy. Extensive efforts are ongoing in a bid to characterise the underlying molecular mechanisms of mesothelioma. Recent research has determined that between 70–90% of our genome is transcribed. As only 2% of our genome is protein coding, the roles of the remaining proportion of non-coding RNA in biological processes has many applications, including roles in carcinogenesis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process thought to play important roles in MPM pathogenesis. Non-coding RNAs can be separated loosely into two subtypes, short non-coding RNAs (<200 nucleotides) or long (>200 nucleotides). A significant body of evidence has emerged for the roles of short non-coding RNAs in MPM. Less is known about the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this disease setting. LncRNAs have been shown to play diverse roles in EMT, and it has been suggested that EMT may play a role in the aggressiveness of MPM histological subsets. In this report, using both in vitro analyses on mesothelioma patient material and in silico analyses of existing RNA datasets, we posit that various lncRNAs may play important roles in EMT within MPM, and we review the current literature regarding these lncRNAs with respect to both EMT and MPM.
Kruppel-Like Factor 15 Is Critical for the Development of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Patel Sheila K. , Ramchand Jay , Crocitti Vincenzo , Burrell Louise M.
Published: April 2018

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events and is often present in patients with hypertension. Treatment to reduce blood pressure and regress LVH is key to improving health outcomes, but currently available drugs have only modest cardioprotective effects. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of LVH may lead to new therapeutic targets in the future. There is now compelling evidence that the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) is an important negative regulator of cardiac hypertrophy in both experimental models and in man. Studies have reported that loss or suppression of KLF15 contributes to LVH, through lack of inhibition of pro-hypertrophic transcription factors and stimulation of trophic and fibrotic signaling pathways. This review provides a summary of the experimental and human studies that have investigated the role of KLF15 in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. It also discusses our recent paper that described the contribution of genetic variants in KLF15 to the development of LVH and heart failure in high-risk patients.
Noncoding RNA:RNA Regulatory Networks in Cancer
Authors: Chan Jia Jia , Tay Yvonne
Published: April 2018

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute the majority of the human transcribed genome. This largest class of RNA transcripts plays diverse roles in a multitude of cellular processes, and has been implicated in many pathological conditions, especially cancer. The different subclasses of ncRNAs include microRNAs, a class of short ncRNAs; and a variety of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), such as lincRNAs, antisense RNAs, pseudogenes, and circular RNAs. Many studies have demonstrated the involvement of these ncRNAs in competitive regulatory interactions, known as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, whereby lncRNAs can act as microRNA decoys to modulate gene expression. These interactions are often interconnected, thus aberrant expression of any network component could derail the complex regulatory circuitry, culminating in cancer development and progression. Recent integrative analyses have provided evidence that new computational platforms and experimental approaches can be harnessed together to distinguish key ceRNA interactions in specific cancers, which could facilitate the identification of robust biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and hence, more effective cancer therapies and better patient outcome and survival.
Incorporation of Synthetic mRNA in Injectable Chitosan-Alginate Hybrid Hydrogels for Local and Sustained Expression of Exogenous Proteins in Cells
Authors: Steinle Heidrun , Ionescu Tudor-Mihai , Schenk Selina , Golombek Sonia , Kunnakattu Silju-John , Tutku Özbek Melek , Schlensak Christian , Wendel Hans Peter , Avci-Adali Meltem
Published: April 2018

The application of synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) exhibits various advantages, such as expression of desired proteins in cells without genomic integration. In the field of tissue engineering, synthetic mRNAs could be also used to modulate the protein expression in implanted cells. Therefore, in this study, we incorporated synthetic humanized Gaussia luciferase (hGLuc) mRNA into alginate, chitosan, or chitosan-alginate hybrid hydrogels and analyzed the release of hGLuc mRNA from these hydrogels. After 3 weeks, 79% of the incorporated mRNA was released from alginate hydrogels, approximately 42% was released from chitosan hydrogels, and about 70% was released from chitosan-alginate hydrogels. Due to the injectability, chitosan-alginate hybrid hydrogels were selected for further investigation of the bioactivity of embedded hGLuc mRNA and the stability of these hydrogels was examined after the incorporation of synthetic mRNA by rheometric analysis. Therefore, HEK293 cells were incorporated into chitosan-alginate hydrogels containing mRNA transfection complexes and the luciferase activity in the supernatants was detected for up to 3 weeks. These results showed that the biodegradable chitosan-alginate hybrid hydrogels are promising delivery systems for sustained delivery of synthetic mRNAs into cells. Since chitosan-alginate hybrid hydrogels are injectable, the hydrogels can be simultaneously loaded with cells and the desired synthetic mRNA for exogenous protein synthesis and can be administered by minimally invasive local injection for tissue engineering applications.
Vortex Structure and Kinematics of Encased Axial Turbomachines
Authors: Pelz Peter , Taubert Paul , Cloos Ferdinand-J.
Published: April 2018

This paper models the kinematics of the vortex system of an encased axial turbomachine at part load and overload applying analytical methods. Thus far, the influence of the casing and the tip clearance on the kinematics have been solved separately. The vortex system is composed of a hub, bound and tip vortices. For the nominal operating point φ ≈ φ opt and negligible induction, the tip vortices transform into a screw. For part load operation φ → 0 the tip vortices wind up to a vortex ring, i.e., the pitch of the screw vanishes. The vortex ring itself is generated by bound vortices rotating at the angular frequency Ω . The hub vortex induces a velocity on the vortex ring causing a rotation at the sub-synchronous frequency Ω ind = 0.5 Ω . Besides, the vortex ring itself induces an axial velocity. Superimposed with the axial main flow this results in a stagnation point at the tube wall. This stagnation point may wrongly be interpreted as dynamic induced wall stall. For overload operation φ → ∞ the vortex system of the turbomachine forms a horseshoe, i.e., the pitch of the screw becomes infinite. Both hub and tip vortices are semi-infinite, straight vortex filaments. The tip vortices rotate against the rotating direction of the turbomachine due to the induction of the hub vortex yielding the induced frequency Ω ind = − 0.5 Ω / s with the tip clearance s.
Component-Specific Preliminary Engine Design Taking into Account Holistic Design Aspects
Authors: Hendler Marco , Lockan Michael , Bestle Dieter , Flassig Peter
Published: April 2018

Efficient aero engine operation requires not only optimized components like compressor, combustor, and turbine, but also an optimal balance between these components. Therefore, a holistic coupled optimization of the whole engine involving all relevant components would be advisable. Due to its high complexity and wide variety of design parameters, however, such an approach is not feasible, which is why today’s aero engine design process is typically split into different component-specific optimization sub-processes. To guarantee the final functionality, components are coupled by fixed aerodynamic and thermodynamic interface parameters predefined by simplified performance calculations early in the design process and held constant for all further design steps. In order not to miss the optimization potential of variable interface parameters and the unlimited design space on higher-fidelity design levels, different coupling and optimization strategies are investigated and demonstrated for a reduced compressor-combustor test case problem by use of 1D and 2D aero design tools. The new holistic design approach enables an exchange of information between components on a higher-fidelity design level than just simple thermodynamic equations, as well as the persecution of global engine design objectives like efficiency or emissions, and provides better results than separated component design with fixed interfaces.
Octahydro-1H,5H,7H-dipyrrolo[1,2-c:1′,2′-f][1,3,6]oxadiazocine-5-thione
Authors: Aitken R. Alan , Ali Karamat
Published: April 2018

A minor byproduct in the reaction of (S)-prolinol with thiophosgene in the presence of triethylamine is identified as a novel tricyclic dipyrrolidino-1,3,6-oxadiazocane-2-thione, the first example of such a ring system, and a representative of the uncommon, but useful 1,3,6-oxadiazocanes. A mechanism is proposed for its formation.
Preparation and Characterization of PVA Alkaline Solid Polymer Electrolyte with Addition of Bamboo Charcoal
Authors: Fan Lidan , Wang Mengyue , Zhang Zhen , Qin Gang , Hu Xiaoyi , Chen Qiang
Published: April 2018

Natural bamboo charcoal (BC) powder has been developed as a novel filler in order to further improve performances of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based alkaline solid polymer electrolyte (ASPE) by solution casting method. X-ray diffraction patterns of composite polymer electrolyte with BC revealed the decrease in the degree of crystallinity with increasing content of BC. Scanning electron microscopy images showed pores on a micrometer scale (average diameter about 2 μm) distributed inside and on the surface of the membranes, indicating a three-dimension network formed in the polymer framework. The ionic conductivity was measured by the alternating-current (AC) impedance method, and the highest conductivity value of 6.63 × 10−2 S·cm−1 was obtained with 16 wt % of BC content and mKOH:mPVA = 2:1.5 at 30 °C. The contents of BC and KOH could significantly influence the conductivity. The temperature dependence of the bulk electrical conductivity displayed a combination of Arrhenius nature, and the activation energy for the ion in polymer electrolyte has been calculated. The electrochemical stability window of the electrolyte membrane was over 1.6 V. The thermogravimetric analysis curves showed that the degradation temperatures of PVA-BC-KOH ASPE membranes shifted toward higher with adding BC. A simple nickel-hydrogen battery containing PVA-BC-KOH electrolyte membrane was assembled with a maximum discharge capacity of 193 mAh·g−1.
Polymeric Micelles of Biodegradable Diblock Copolymers: Enhanced Encapsulation of Hydrophobic Drugs
Authors: Hussein Yasser H. A. , Youssry Mohamed
Published: April 2018

Polymeric micelles are potentially efficient in encapsulating and performing the controlled release of various hydrophobic drug molecules. Understanding the fundamental physicochemical properties behind drug–polymer systems in terms of interaction strength and compatibility, drug partition coefficient (preferential solubilization), micelle size, morphology, etc., encourages the formulation of polymeric nanocarriers with enhanced drug encapsulating capacity, prolonged circulation time, and stability in the human body. In this review, we systematically address some open issues which are considered to be obstacles inhibiting the commercial availability of polymer-based therapeutics, such as the enhancement of encapsulation capacity by finding better drug–polymer compatibility, the drug-release kinetics and mechanisms under chemical and mechanical conditions simulating to physiological conditions, and the role of preparation methods and solvents on the overall performance of micelles.
Study on Flake Formation Behavior and Its Influence Factors in Cr5 Steel
Authors: Fan Junkai , Chen Huitao , Zhao Wu , Yan Liang
Published: April 2018

A flake is a crack that is induced by trapped hydrogen within steel. To study its formation mechanism, previous studies mostly focused on the formation process and magnitude of hydrogen pressure in hydrogen traps such as cavities and cracks. However, according to recent studies, the hydrogen leads to the decline of the mechanical properties of steel, which is known as hydrogen embrittlement, is another reason for flake formation. In addition, the phenomenon of stress induced hydrogen uphill diffusion should not be neglected. All of the three behaviors are at work simultaneously. In order to further explore the formation mechanism of flakes in steel, the process of flake initiation and growth were studied with the following three coupling factors: trap hydrogen pressure, hydrogen embrittlement, and stress induced hydrogen re-distribution. The analysis model was established using the finite element method, and a crack whose radius is 0.5 mm was set in its center. The cohesive method and Bilinear Traction Separate Law (BTSL) were used to address the coupling effect. The results show that trap hydrogen pressure is the main driving force for flake formation. After the high hydrogen pressure was generated around the trap, a stress field formed. In addition, the trap is the center of stress concentration. Then, hydrogen is concentrated in a distribution around this trap, and most of the steel mechanical properties are reduced. The trap size is a key factor for defining the critical hydrogen content for flake formation and propagation. However, when the trap size exceeds the specified value, the critical hydrogen content does not change any more. As for the crack whose radius is 0.5 mm, the critical hydrogen content of Cr5VMo steel is 2.2 ppm, which is much closer to the maximum safe hydrogen concentration of 2.0 ppm used in China. The work presented in this article increases our understanding of flake formation and propagation mechanisms in steel.
Marine and Freshwater Feedstocks as a Precursor for Nitrogen-Containing Carbons: A Review
Authors: Ilnicka Anna , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P.
Published: April 2018

Marine-derived as well as freshwater feedstock offers important benefits, such as abundance, morphological and structural variety, and the presence of multiple elements, including nitrogen and carbon. Therefore, these renewal resources may be useful for obtaining N- and C-containing materials that can be manufactured by various methods, such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal processes supported by means of chemical and physical activators. However, every synthesis concept relies on an efficient transfer of nitrogen and carbon from marine/freshwater feedstock to the final product. This paper reviews the advantages of marine feedstock over synthetic and natural but non-marine resources as precursors for the manufacturing of N-doped activated carbons. The manufacturing procedure influences some crucial properties of nitrogen-doped carbon materials, such as pore structure and the chemical composition of the surface. An extensive review is given on the relationship between carbon materials manufacturing from marine feedstock and the elemental content of nitrogen, together with a description of the chemical bonding of nitrogen atoms at the surface. N-doped carbons may serve as effective adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from the gas or liquid phase. Non-recognized areas of adsorption-based applications for nitrogen-doped carbons are presented, too. The paper proves that nitrogen-doped carbon materials belong to most of the prospective electrode materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies such as fuel cells, air–metal batteries, and supercapacitors, as well as for bioimaging. The reviewed material belongs to the widely understood field of marine biotechnology in relation to marine natural products.
Effect of Fish Collagen Hydrolysates on Type I Collagen mRNA Levels of Human Dermal Fibroblast Culture
Authors: Sanchez Ana , Blanco Maria , Correa Begoña , Perez-Martin Ricardo I. , Sotelo Carmen G.
Published: April 2018

Fish discards and subproducts may represent an important source of raw material, not only for the food industry, but for other different kind of industries, such as the nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. Collagen, which is mainly obtained from animal skins, is an important structural protein in the animal kingdom having many different applications. It is well known that fish skins constitute a significant subproduct in the fishery industry, especially in the case of some species, where fish skins may represent up to 20% of the total body weight of fish. Peptides from collagen hydrolysates have been described to be useful for preventing skin aging and osteoarthritis, however, the mechanism for these biological activities is not well known. Fibroblasts are the main cell types involved in the collagen synthesis, and in the present work, human dermal fibroblasts have been exposed to the treatment of collagen peptides of two different molecular weight ranges. Results show that higher molecular weight collagen peptides produce higher synthesis of collagen type I mRNA and, therefore, it may suggest that prior molecular weight selection may be an important step to maximize the effect of collagen hydrolysates on collagen type I synthesis by dermal fibroblasts.