bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Extracellular Matrix in Development and Cancer Progression
Authors: Walker Cameron , Mojares Elijah , Del Río Hernández Armando
Published: October 2018

The immense diversity of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins confers distinct biochemical and biophysical properties that influence cell phenotype. The ECM is highly dynamic as it is constantly deposited, remodelled, and degraded during development until maturity to maintain tissue homeostasis. The ECM’s composition and organization are spatiotemporally regulated to control cell behaviour and differentiation, but dysregulation of ECM dynamics leads to the development of diseases such as cancer. The chemical cues presented by the ECM have been appreciated as key drivers for both development and cancer progression. However, the mechanical forces present due to the ECM have been largely ignored but recently recognized to play critical roles in disease progression and malignant cell behaviour. Here, we review the ways in which biophysical forces of the microenvironment influence biochemical regulation and cell phenotype during key stages of human development and cancer progression.
Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Implantable Antineoplastic-Treatment Protocols in an Optimal Mouse Model for Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Targeting
Authors: Pantshwa Jonathan M. , Rhoda Khadija , Clift Sarah J. , Pradeep Priyamvada , Choonara Yahya E. , Kumar Pradeep , Du Toit Lisa C. , Penny Clement , Pillay Viness
Published: October 2018

The present study aimed to design and develop a nanocomposite drug delivery system employing an antineoplastic-loaded antibody functionalized nanomicelle encapsulated within a Chitosan–Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)–Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (C–P–N) hydrogel to form an in situ forming implant (ISFI), responsive to temperature and pH for cancer cell-targeting following intraperitoneal implantation. The optimum nanomicelle formulation was surface-functionalized with anti-MUC 16 (antibody) for the targeted delivery of methotrexate to human ovarian carcinoma (NIH:OVCAR-5) cells in Athymic nude mice that expressed MUC16, as a preferential form of intraperitoneal ovarian cancer (OC) chemotherapy. The cross-linked interpenetrating C–P–N hydrogel was synthesized for the preparation of an in situ-forming implant (ISFI). Subsequently, the ISFI was fabricated by encapsulating a nanocomposite comprising of anti-MUC16 (antibody) functionalized methotrexate (MTX)-loaded poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-poly(aspartic acid) (PNIPAAm-b-PASP) nanomicelles (AF(MTX)NM’s) within the cross-linked C–P–N hydrogel. This strategy enabled specificity and increased the residence time of the nanomicelles at tumor sites over a period exceeding one month, enhancing uptake of drugs and preventing recurrence and chemo-resistance. Chemotherapeutic efficacy was tested on the optimal ovarian tumor-bearing Athymic nude mouse model and the results demonstrated tumor regression including reduction in mouse weight and tumor size, as well as a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in mucin 16 levels in plasma and ascitic fluid, and improved survival of mice after treatment with the experimental anti-MUC16/CA125 antibody-bound nanotherapeutic implant drug delivery system (ISFI) (p < 0.05). The study also concluded that ISFI could potentially be considered an important immuno-chemotherapeutic agent that could be employed in human clinical trials of advanced, and/or recurring, metastatic epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The development of this ISFI may circumvent the treatment flaws experienced with conventional systemic therapies, effectively manage recurrent disease and ultimately prolong disease-free intervals in ovarian cancer patients.
Analysis of the Risk Management Process on the Development of the Public Sector Information Technology Master Plan
Authors: Andrade de Freitas Sérgio Antônio , Canedo Edna Dias , Santos Felisdório Rodrigo César , Leão Heloise Acco Tives
Published: October 2018

The Information and Communication Technology Master Plan—ICTMP—is an important tool for the achievement of the strategic business objectives of public and private organizations. In the public sector, these objectives are closely related to the provision of benefits to society. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) actions are present in all organizational processes and involves size-able budgets. The risks inherent in the planning of ICT actions need to be considered for ICT to add value to the business and to maximize the return on investment to the population. In this context, this work intends to examine the use of risk management processes in the development of ICTMPs in the Brazilian public sector.
Transformative Si8R8 Siliconoids
Authors: Akasaka Naohiko , Ishida Shintaro , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: October 2018

Molecular silicon clusters with unsubstituted silicon vertices (siliconoids) have received attention as unsaturated silicon clusters and potential intermediates in the gas-phase deposition of elemental silicon. Investigation of behaviors of the siliconoids could contribute to the greater understanding of the transformation of silicon clusters as found in the chemical vapor deposition of elemental silicon. Herein we reported drastic transformation of a Si8R8 siliconoid to three novel silicon clusters under mild thermal conditions. Molecular structures of the obtained new clusters were determined by XRD analyses. Two clusters are siliconoids that have unsaturated silicon vertices adopting unusual geometries, and another one is a bis(disilene) which has two silicon–silicon double bonds interacted to each other through the central polyhedral silicon skeleton. The observed drastic transformation of silicon frameworks suggests that unsaturated molecular silicon clusters have a great potential to provide various molecular silicon clusters bearing unprecedented structures and properties.
The Effect of Statin Added to Systemic Anticancer Therapy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials
Authors: Jang Hyun Joo , Kim Hyeong Su , Kim Jung Han , Lee Jin
Published: October 2018

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that statins have anticancer properties and act in an additive or synergistic way when combined with anticancer therapy. We conducted this meta-analysis of randomized, controlled phase II or III trials to evaluate the effect of statins added to systemic anticancer therapy in patients with solid cancer. A systematic literature search was performed to identify all randomized trials that were designed to investigate the effect of statins in patients with cancer using PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (up to August 2018). From eight randomized controlled trials, 1760 patients were included in the pooled analyses of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for grade 3–5 adverse events (AEs) and overall response rate (ORR) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The addition of statin to anticancer agents did not significantly increase the incidence of grade 3–5 AEs (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.81–1.29, p = 0.78). However, the combination of statin and anticancer agents did not improve ORR (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.77–1.20, p = 0.72) compared with that of anticancer therapy alone. In addition, statins added to systemic anticancer therapy failed to prolong PFS (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.90–1.10, p = 0.92) and OS (HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.76–1.11, p = 0.52). In conclusion, this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials does not support clinical benefits of statins added to systemic anticancer therapy in patients with solid cancer.
An Experimental Characterization for Injection Quantity of a High-pressure Injector in GDI Engines
Authors: Tsai Wen-Chang , Zhan Tung-Sheng
Published: October 2018

The high-pressure (HP) injector is a highly dynamic component requiring careful voltage and pressure input modulation to achieve the required fuel injection quantities of gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines. Accurate fuel injection curves are a key influence for this technology, and therefore, will require an accurate estimation of fuel flow rate to be realized. In order to be driven to rapid response with respect to solenoid valve coils, HP injectors typically require to be designed to be capable of rapid response in GDI engines. In this paper, the design and analysis of the proposed injector drive circuit are presented. Next, the effects of total pulse width, injector supply voltage, fuel system pressure, and pulse width modulation (PWM) operation on fuel injection quantities of an HP injector are measured for achieving robust performance and stability in the presence of bounded errors of the GDI injectors due to total pulse width, injector’s supply voltage, fuel pressure and PWM operation. Additionally, the fuel injection quantities of the HP injector are measured by tuning the parameters of the injector drive circuit with the PWM operation. These are defined as the fuel injection curves. Finally, experimental results are provided for verification of the proposed injector drive circuit.
Analysis of Forming Limits in Sheet Metal Forming with Pattern Recognition Methods. Part 2: Unsupervised Methodology and Application
Authors: Jaremenko Christian , Affronti Emanuela , Maier Andreas , Merklein Marion
Published: October 2018

The forming limit curve (FLC) is used in finite element analysis (FEA) for the modeling of onset of sheet metal instability during forming. The FLC is usually evaluated by achieving forming measurements with optical measurement system during Nakajima tests. Current evaluation methods such as the standard method according to DIN EN ISO 12004-2 and time-dependent methods limit the evaluation range to a fraction of the available information and show weaknesses in the context of brittle materials that do not have a pronounced constriction phase. In order to meet these challenges, a supervised pattern recognition method was proposed, whose results depend on the quality of the expert annotations. In order to alleviate this dependence on experts, this study proposes an unsupervised classification approach that does not require expert annotations and allows a probabilistic evaluation of the onset of localized necking. For this purpose, the results of the Nakajima tests are examined with an optical measuring system and evaluated using an unsupervised classification method. In order to assess the quality of the results, a comparison is made with the time-dependent method proposed by Volk and Hora, as well as expert annotations, while validated with metallographic investigations. Two evaluation methods are presented, the deterministic FLC, which provides a lower and upper limit for the onset of necking, and a probabilistic FLC, which allows definition of failure quantiles. Both methods provide a necking range that shows good correlation with the expert opinion as well as the results of the time-dependent method and metallographic examinations.
Magnetostrictive Properties of Mn0.70Zn0.24Fe2.06O4 Ferrite
Authors: Bieńkowski Adam , Szewczyk Roman
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the results of measurements of magnetostrictive properties of Mn0.70Zn0.24Fe2.06O4 ferrite for power applications. Frame-shaped samples were used for measurements to guarantee a uniform magnetizing field and magnetostrictive strain distribution. Magnetostrictive hysteresis loops were measured by semiconductor strain gauges. The results indicate that the magnetostrictive characteristic of Mn0.70Zn0.24Fe2.06O4 ferrite is non-monotonic and magnetostriction changes have opposite signs for higher values of the magnetizing field.
Thermal Energy Storage and Mechanical Performance of Crude Glycerol Polyurethane Composite Foams Containing Phase Change Materials and Expandable Graphite
Authors: Gama Nuno Vasco , Amaral Cláudia , Silva Tiago , Vicente Romeu , Coutinho João Araújo Pereira , Barros-Timmons Ana , Ferreira Artur
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to enhance the thermal comfort properties of crude glycerol (CG) derived polyurethane foams (PUFs) using phase change materials (PCMs) (2.5–10.0% (wt/wt)) to contribute to the reduction of the use of non-renewable resources and increase energy savings. The main challenge when adding PCM to PUFs is to combine the low conductivity of PUFs whilst taking advantage of the heat released/absorbed by PCMs to achieve efficient thermal regulation. The solution considered to overcome this limitation was to use expandable graphite (EG) (0.50–1.50% (wt/wt)). The results obtained show that the use of PCMs increased the heterogeneity of the foams cellular structure and that the incorporation of PCMs and EG increased the stiffness of the ensuing composite PUFs acting as filler-reinforcing materials. However, these fillers also caused a substantial increase of the thermal conductivity and density of the ensuing foams which limited their thermal energy storage. Therefore, numerical simulations were carried using a single layer panel and the thermal and physical properties measured to evaluate the behavior of a composite PUF panel with different compositions, and guide future formulations to attain more effective results in respect to temperature buffering and temperature peak delay.
Effect of Hydroxyapatite Formation on Titanium Surface with Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Loading through Electrochemical Deposition on MG-63 Cells
Authors: Huang Huei Yu , Manga Yankuba B. , Huang Wan-Ning , Lin Chung-Kwei , Tseng Ching-Li , Huang Haw-Ming , Wu Chia-Yu , Wu Chi-Chang
Published: October 2018

Calcium phosphate ceramics used in dentistry and orthopedics are some of the most valuable biomaterials, owing to their excellent osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and osseointegration. Osteoconduction and osteoinduction are critical targets for bone regeneration, and osseointegration is essential for any dental implantations. In this study, a hydroxyapatite (HAp) hybrid coating layer with the sequential release of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) was deposited onto an etched titanium substrate by electrochemical deposition. The resulting release of BMP-2 from Ti–HAp was assessed by immersing samples in a simulated buffer fluid solution. Through coculture, human osteosarcoma cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity were assessed. The characteristics and effect on cell proliferation of the hybrid coatings were investigated for their functionality through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cell proliferation assays. Findings revealed that −0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) exhibited the optimal HAp properties and a successfully coated HAp layer. XRD confirmed the crystallinity of the deposited HAp on the titanium surface. Ti-0.8 V Ti–HAp co-coating BMP sample exhibited the highest cell proliferation efficiency and was more favorable for cell growth. A successful biocompatible hybrid coating with optimized redox voltage enhanced the osseointegration process. The findings suggest that this technique could have promising clinical applications to enhance the healing times and success rates of dental implantation.
Reliability of X7R Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors During High Accelerated Life Testing (HALT)
Authors: Hernández-López Ana María , Aguilar-Garib Juan Antonio , Guillemet-Fritsch Sophie , Nava-Quintero Roman , Dufour Pascal , Tenailleau Christophe , Durand Bernard , Valdez-Nava Zarel
Published: October 2018

Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) are essential components for determining the reliability of electronic components in terms of time to failure. It is known that the reliability of MLCCs depends on their composition, processing, and operating conditions. In this present work, we analyzed the lifetime of three similar X7R type MLCCs based on BaTiO3 by conducting High Accelerated Life Tests (HALT) at temperatures up to 200 °C at 400 V and 600 V. The results were adjusted to an Arrhenius equation, which is a function of the activation energy (Ea) and a voltage stress exponent (n), in order to predict their time to failure. The values of Ea are in the range of 1–1.45 eV, which has been reported for the thermal failure and dielectric wear out of BaTiO3-based dielectric capacitors. The stress voltage exponent value was in the range of 4–5. Although the Ea can be associated with a failure mechanism, n only gives an indication of the effect of voltage in the tests. It was possible to associate those values with each type of tested MLCC so that their expected life could be estimated in the range of 400–600 V.
Closing the Circle of the Lanthanide-Murexide Series: Single-Molecule Magnet Behavior and Near-Infrared Emission of the NdIII Derivative
Authors: Huang Gang , Calvez Guillaume , Suffren Yan , Daiguebonne Carole , Freslon Stéphane , Guillou Olivier , Bernot Kevin
Published: October 2018

Up to now, even if murexide-based complexometric studies are performed with all 3d or 4f ions, the crystal structures of the light-lanthanide derivatives of the lanthanide-murexide series are unknown. In this work, we report the crystal structure of the NdIII derivative named NdMurex. Contrary to all known complexes of the 3d or 4f series, a dimeric compound was obtained. As for its already reported DyIII and YbIII parents, the NdIII complex responsible for the color-change behaves as a single-molecule magnet (SMM). This behavior was observed on both the crystalline (NdMurex: Ueff = 6.20(0.80) K, 4.31 cm−1; τ0 = 2.20(0.92) × 10−5 s, Hdc = 1200 Oe) and anhydrous form (NdMurexAnhy: Ueff = 6.25(0.90) K, 4.34 cm−1; τ0 = 4.85(0.40) × 10−5 s, Hdc = 1200 Oe). The SMM behavior is reported also for the anhydrous CeIII derivative (CeMurexAnhy: Ueff = 5.40(0.75) K, 3.75 cm−1; τ0 = 3.02(1.10) × 10−5 s, Hdc = 400 Oe). The Near-Infrared Emission NIR emission was observed for NdMurexAnhy and highlights its bifunctionality.
Price and Treatment Decisions in Epidemics: A Differential Game Approach
Authors: Di Liddo Andrea
Published: October 2018

We consider a pharmaceutical company that sells a drug that is useful in the treatment of an infectious disease. A public authority buys the drug to heal at least a portion of the infected population. The authority has an overall budget for all health care costs in the country and can only allocate a (small) part of the budget to the purchase of the drug. The government chooses the amount of drug to be purchased in order to minimize both the number of infectious people and the perceived cost of the operation along a given time horizon. This cost can be modeled through a linear or quadratic function of the monetary cost (as generally happens in the literature) or through a specific function (blow-up) that makes the budget constraint endogenous. The pharmaceutical company chooses the price of the drug in order to maximize its profit and knowing the budget constraints of the buyer. The resulting differential game is studied by supposing the simplest possible dynamics for the population. Two different games are proposed and their solutions are discussed: a cooperative game in which the two players bargain for the price of the drug and the quantity is purchased with the aim of maximizing the overall payoff and a competitive game in which the seller announces a price strategy to the buyer and binds to it; the buyer reacts by choosing the quantity to be purchased. In the case of linear or quadratic costs, the solution provided (for budget levels is not high enough) that the government spends the entire budget to purchase the drug. This drawback does not occur when the blow-up cost function is used.
Rheo-Diecasting of Wrought Magnesium AZ31 Alloy and the Effect of Injection Velocity on Microstructure and Tensile Strength
Authors: Jin Zelin , Xing Bo , Tang Chengli , Feng Junyan , Su Na , Li Yuandong
Published: October 2018

Wrought Mg AZ31 alloy was near-net-shaped by semisolid rheo-diecasting. Parts with 42% and 61% solid fraction were produced at different injection velocities. The impact of injection velocity on the microstructure and the tensile strength of samples have been investigated. Results indicated that the shape factor and the particle size of primary α-Mg in the microstructure decreased with the increase of injection velocity, and the morphology of both secondary α-Mg and eutectic α-Mg + Mg17Al12 mixture were refined with the increase of injection velocity. The surface liquid segregation in the sample closely relates to the injection velocity and the solid fraction of slurries, and it decreased with the increase of injection velocity and the decrease of the solid fraction. Cold shut, crack, and gas porosity were the main internal defects that rely on the injection velocity. The tensile strength of the samples decreased with the increase of injection velocity, and the best value of 201 and 192 MPa was obtained at 0.5 m/s and 1 m/s for the sample with the solid fraction of 0.61 and 0.42, respectively. This work demonstrated a predominant effect of internal defects on the property of the rheo-diecasting (RDC) product than the microstructure; thus, defect reduction should be preferentially considered in the optimization of the RDC process.
Synergism of Mild Heat and High-Pressure Pasteurization Against Listeria monocytogenes and Natural Microflora in Phosphate-Buffered Saline and Raw Milk
Authors: Allison Abimbola , Chowdhury Shahid , Fouladkhah Aliyar
Published: October 2018

As many as 99% of illnesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes are foodborne in nature, leading to 94% hospitalizations, and are responsible for the collective annual deaths of 266 American adults. The current study is a summary of microbiological hurdle validation studies to investigate synergism of mild heat (up to 55 °C) and elevated hydrostatic pressure (up to 380 MPa) for decontamination of Listeria monocytogenes and natural background microflora in raw milk and phosphate-buffered saline. At 380 MPa, for treatments of 0 to 12 min, d-values of 3.47, 3.15, and 2.94 were observed for inactivation of the pathogen at 4, 25, and 50 °C. Up to 3.73 and >4.26 log CFU/mL reductions (p < 0.05) of habituated Listeria monocytogenes were achieved using pressure at 380 MPa for 3 and 12 min, respectively. Similarly, background microflora counts were reduced (p < 0.05) by 1.3 and >2.4 log CFU/mL after treatments at 380 MPa for 3 and 12 min, respectively. Treatments below three min were less efficacious (p ≥ 0.05) against the pathogen and background microflora, in the vast majority of time and pressure combinations. Results of this study could be incorporated as part of a risk-based food safety management system and risk assessment analyses for mitigating the public health burden of listeriosis.
Multimodal Ligand Binding Studies of Human and Mouse G-Coupled Taste Receptors to Correlate Their Species-Specific Sweetness Tasting Properties
Authors: Assadi-Porter Fariba M. , Radek James , Rao Hongyu , Tonelli Marco
Published: October 2018

Taste signaling is a complex process that is linked to obesity and its associated metabolic syndromes. The sweet taste is mediated through a heterodimeric G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) in a species-specific manner and at multi-tissue specific levels. The sweet receptor recognizes a large number of ligands with structural and functional diversities to modulate different amplitudes of downstream signaling pathway(s). The human sweet-taste receptor has been extremely difficult to study by biophysical methods due to the difficulty in producing large homogeneous quantities of the taste-receptor protein and the lack of reliable in vitro assays to precisely measure productive ligand binding modes that lead to activation of the receptor protein. We report here a multimodal high throughput assay to monitor ligand binding, receptor stability and conformational changes to model the molecular ligand-receptor interactions. We applied saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (STD-NMR) complemented by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy (IF) to characterize binding interactions. Our method using complementary NMR and biophysical analysis is advantageous to study the mechanism of ligand binding and signaling processes in other GPCRs.
Time-Dependent Degradation of Polyphenols from Thermally-Processed Berries and Their In Vitro Antiproliferative Effects against Melanoma
Authors: Diaconeasa Zorița
Published: October 2018

Polyphenols are natural occurring micronutrients that can protect plants from natural weathering and are also helpful to humans. These compounds are abundantly found in fruits or berries. Because of berry seasonal availability and also due to their rapid degradation, people have found multiple ways to preserve them. The most common options are freezing or making jams. Polyphenol stability, during processing is a continuous challenge for the food industry. There are also multiple published data providing that they are sensitive to light, pH or high temperature, vectors which are all present during jam preparation. In this context the aim of this study was to assess phytochemical composition and bioactive compounds degradation after jam preparation. We also monitored their degradation during storage time and their in vitro antiproliferative potential when tested on melanoma cells. The obtained results revealed that when processed and stored in time, the bioactive compounds from berries jams are degrading, but they still exert antioxidant and antiproliferative potential. Prior to LC-MS analysis, polyphenolic compounds were identified as: flavonoids (anthocyanins (ANT), flavonols (FLA)) and non-flavonoid (hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA) and hydroxybenzoic acids (HBA)). The most significant decrease was observed for HCA compared to other classes of compounds. This variation is expected due to differences in constituents and phenolic types among different analyzed berries.
Modelling Adaptation through Social Allostasis: Modulating the Effects of Social Touch with Oxytocin in Embodied Agents
Authors: Khan Imran , Cañamero Lola
Published: October 2018

Social allostasis is a mechanism of adaptation that permits individuals to dynamically adapt their physiology to changing physical and social conditions. Oxytocin (OT) is widely considered to be one of the hormones that drives and adapts social behaviours. While its precise effects remain unclear, two areas where OT may promote adaptation are by affecting social salience, and affecting internal responses of performing social behaviours. Working towards a model of dynamic adaptation through social allostasis in simulated embodied agents, and extending our previous work studying OT-inspired modulation of social salience, we present a model and experiments that investigate the effects and adaptive value of allostatic processes based on hormonal (OT) modulation of affective elements of a social behaviour. In particular, we investigate and test the effects and adaptive value of modulating the degree of satisfaction of tactile contact in a social motivation context in a small simulated agent society across different environmental challenges (related to availability of food) and effects of OT modulation of social salience as a motivational incentive. Our results show that the effects of these modulatory mechanisms have different (positive or negative) adaptive value across different groups and under different environmental circumstance in a way that supports the context-dependent nature of OT, put forward by the interactionist approach to OT modulation in biological agents. In terms of simulation models, this means that OT modulation of the mechanisms that we have described should be context-dependent in order to maximise viability of our socially adaptive agents, illustrating the relevance of social allostasis mechanisms.
Effect of ZrO2 Nanomaterials on Wettability and Interfacial Characteristics of Al-19Cu-11Si-2Sn Filler Metal for Low Temperature Al to Cu Dissimilar Brazing
Authors: Jung Do-Hyun , Rajendran Sri Harini , Jung Jae-Pil
Published: October 2018

Dissimilar Al 3003 and Cu tubular components were successfully brazed without interface cracking using ZrO2 nanomaterials reinforced with Al-19Cu-11Si-2Sn filler. The filler was initially cast using an induction furnace and processed into ring form for brazing. Al-19Cu-11Si-2Sn filler with coarse CuAl2 and Si phases (43 and 20 μm) were refined to 8 and 4 μm, respectively, after the addition of 0.1 wt. % ZrO2 and shows significant improvement in the mechanical properties. ZrO2 nanomaterials’ induced diffusion controlled growth mechanism is found be the responsible for the refinement of CuAl2 intermetallic and Si particles. The wettability of Al-19Cu-11Si-2Sn-0.1ZrO2 increased to 78.17% on Cu side and 93.19% on the Al side compared from 74.8% and 89.9%, respectively. Increase in the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and percentage elongation were noted for the brazed joints. Microstructure of induction brazed joint with 40 kW for 6 seconds using Al-19Cu-11Si-2Sn-0.1ZrO2 filler shows thin interfacial CuAl2 intermetallic compound along the copper side and inter-diffusion region along the aluminum side and their respective mechanism is discussed. The tensile strength of the joints increased with increasing the nanomaterials addition and shows a base metal fracture. Analysis of fractured samples shows the effectiveness of ZrO2 reinforced filler in crack propagation through the filler.
Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Photonic Crystals for Optical Chemo- and Biosensing: Fundamentals, Advances, and Perspectives
Authors: Law Cheryl Suwen , Lim Siew Yee , Abell Andrew D. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Santos Abel
Published: October 2018

Optical sensors are a class of devices that enable the identification and/or quantification of analyte molecules across multiple fields and disciplines such as environmental protection, medical diagnosis, security, food technology, biotechnology, and animal welfare. Nanoporous photonic crystal (PC) structures provide excellent platforms to develop such systems for a plethora of applications since these engineered materials enable precise and versatile control of light–matter interactions at the nanoscale. Nanoporous PCs provide both high sensitivity to monitor in real-time molecular binding events and a nanoporous matrix for selective immobilization of molecules of interest over increased surface areas. Nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA), a nanomaterial long envisaged as a PC, is an outstanding platform material to develop optical sensing systems in combination with multiple photonic technologies. Nanoporous anodic alumina photonic crystals (NAA-PCs) provide a versatile nanoporous structure that can be engineered in a multidimensional fashion to create unique PC sensing platforms such as Fabry–Pérot interferometers, distributed Bragg reflectors, gradient-index filters, optical microcavities, and others. The effective medium of NAA-PCs undergoes changes upon interactions with analyte molecules. These changes modify the NAA-PCs’ spectral fingerprints, which can be readily quantified to develop different sensing systems. This review introduces the fundamental development of NAA-PCs, compiling the most significant advances in the use of these optical materials for chemo- and biosensing applications, with a final prospective outlook about this exciting and dynamic field.
10,12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid-Driven Weight Loss Is Protective against Atherosclerosis in Mice and Is Associated with Alternative Macrophage Enrichment in Perivascular Adipose Tissue
Authors: Kanter Jenny E. , Goodspeed Leela , Wang Shari , Kramer Farah , Wietecha Tomasz , Gomes-Kjerulf Diego , Subramanian Savitha , O’Brien Kevin D. , Den Hartigh Laura J.
Published: October 2018

The dietary fatty acid 10,12 conjugated linoleic acid (10,12 CLA) promotes weight loss by increasing fat oxidation, but its effects on atherosclerosis are less clear. We recently showed that weight loss induced by 10,12 CLA in an atherosclerosis-susceptible mouse model with characteristics similar to human metabolic syndrome is accompanied by accumulation of alternatively activated macrophages within subcutaneous adipose tissue. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether 10,12 CLA-mediated weight loss was associated with an atheroprotective phenotype. Male low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (Ldlr−/−) mice were made obese with 12 weeks of a high-fat, high-sucrose diet feeding (HFHS: 36% fat, 36% sucrose, 0.15% added cholesterol), then either continued on the HFHS diet with or without caloric restriction (CR), or switched to a diet with 1% of the lard replaced by either 9,11 CLA or 10,12 CLA for 8 weeks. Atherosclerosis and lipid levels were quantified at sacrifice. Weight loss in mice following 10,12 CLA supplementation or CR as a weight-matched control group had improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels, yet only the 10,12 CLA-treated mice had improved en face and aortic sinus atherosclerosis. 10,12 CLA-supplemented mice had increased lesion macrophage content, with enrichment of surrounding perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) alternative macrophages, which may contribute to the anti-atherosclerotic effect of 10,12 CLA.
Consuming Genistein Improves Survival Rates in the Absence of Laxative in ΔF508-CF Female Mice
Authors: Lord Ryan , Fairbourn Nathan , Mylavarapu Charisma , Dbeis Ammer , Bowman Taylor , Chandrashekar Archana , Banayat Tatum , Hodges Craig , Al-Nakkash Layla
Published: October 2018

Genistein is a naturally occurring isoflavone found in soy. Genistein has been shown to increase the open probability of the most common cystic fibrosis (CF) disease-associated mutation, ∆F508-CFTR. Mice homozygous for the ∆F508 mutation are characterized with severe intestinal disease and require constant laxative treatment for survival. This pathology mimics the intestinal obstruction (meconium ileus) seen in some cystic fibrosis patients. This study tested whether dietary supplementation with genistein would reduce the dependence of the ∆F508 CF mouse model on laxatives for survival, thereby improving mortality rates. At weaning (21 days), homozygous ∆F508 mice were maintained on one of three diet regimens for a period of up to 65 days: normal diet, normal diet plus colyte, or genistein diet. Survival rates for males were as follows: standard diet (38%, n = 21), standard diet plus colyte (83%, n = 42) and genistein diet (60%, n = 15). Survival rates for females were as follows: standard diet (47%, n = 19), standard diet plus colyte (71%, n = 38), and genistein diet (87%, n = 15). Average weight of male mice fed genistein diet increased by ~2.5 g more (p = 0.006) compared to those with colyte treatment. Genistein diet did not change final body weight of females. Expression of intestinal SGLT-1 increased 2-fold (p = 0.0005) with genistein diet in females (no change in males, p = 0.722). Expression of GLUT2 and GLUT5 was comparable between all diet groups. Genistein diet reduced the number of goblet cells per micrometer of crypt depth in female (p = 0.0483), yet was without effect in males (p = 0.7267). The results from this study demonstrate that supplementation of diet with genistein for ~45 days increases the survival rate of female ∆F508-CF mice (precluding the requirement for laxatives), and genistein only improves weight gain in males.
Effect of Resveratrol, a Dietary-Derived Polyphenol, on the Oxidative Stress and Polyol Pathway in the Lens of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Sedlak Lech , Wojnar Weronika , Zych Maria , Wyględowska-Promieńska Dorota , Mrukwa-Kominek Ewa , Kaczmarczyk-Sedlak Ilona
Published: October 2018

Resveratrol is found in grapes, apples, blueberries, mulberries, peanuts, pistachios, plums and red wine. Resveratrol has been shown to possess antioxidative activity and a variety of preventive effects in models of many diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate if this substance may counteract the oxidative stress and polyol pathway in the lens of diabetic rats. The study was conducted on the rats with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes. After the administration of resveratrol (10 and 20 mg/kg po for 4 weeks), the oxidative stress markers in the lens were evaluated: activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as levels of total and soluble protein, level of glutathione, vitamin C, calcium, sulfhydryl group, advanced oxidation protein products, malonyldialdehyde, Total Oxidant Status and Total Antioxidant Reactivity. The obtained results indicate that the administration of resveratrol to the diabetic rats shows antioxidative properties. It is not a result of antiglycaemic activity but resveratrol probably directly affects the antioxidative system. Resveratrol did not affect the polyol pathway in the lens of diabetic rats. Our results may indirectly indicate benefits of consumption of foods as well as dietary supplements containing resveratrol in diminishing oxidative stress in lenses of individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus.
Anthropometric Status among 6–9-Year-Old School Children in Rural Areas in Hai Phong City, Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Ngan T.D. , Orellana Liliana , Le Tuyen D. , Gibson Rosalind S. , Worsley Anthony F. , Sinclair Andrew J. , Szymlek-Gay Ewa A.
Published: October 2018

A double burden of malnutrition in Vietnamese children has emerged as a key challenge: childhood undernutrition remains a public health concern while childhood overweight/obesity has gradually increased. This study aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of undernutrition and overnutrition among 6–9-year-old primary school children in rural areas of Vietnam, and (2) identify sociodemographic factors associated with undernutrition and overnutrition in this population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in October 2016 in 2334 children from eight primary schools in rural areas in Hai Phong City, Vietnam. Anthropometric and demographic data were collected. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, wasting, and anthropometric failure was 8.0%, 5.1%, 5.3%, and 11.9%, respectively. Up to 22.1% of children were affected by overweight/obesity, and 31.0% by abdominal overweight/obesity. Low maternal education was associated with higher odds of underweight and anthropometric failure, whereas overweight/obesity or abdominal overweight/obesity were more likely in boys and children of mothers with a high education level. This study provides evidence for a double burden of diseases among primary school children in rural areas in Hai Phong City. Future interventions for the prevention and control of childhood undernutrition and overweight/obesity should take into account child sex and maternal education level.
Effect of Educational Interventions on Understanding and Use of Nutrition Labels: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moore Sally G. , Donnelly Judy K. , Jones Steve , Cade Janet E.
Published: October 2018

The potential for nutrition labels to impact on population health is dependent on consumer ability to understand and use this information. Consumer understanding of this information varies across sociodemographic groups and with different label design formats. Labeling legislation requires consumer education on how to use nutrition labels, and recent mandatory changes to the Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) are underway to improve comprehensibility. This review aimed to evaluate if educational programs can improve understanding and use of nutrition labels. Database searches were performed to identify interventions which delivered education on nutrition labels with outcomes measuring aspects of comprehension or use. A total of 17 studies were selected for review, including nine randomized and eight cohort studies. The majority of studies were conducted in the United States Study participants included school aged children, older adults, and those with diabetes within a range of intervention types involving taught sessions or web-based education. Whilst outcome measures were heterogenous, all studies reported a statistically significant improvement in one or more outcomes of participant understanding or use of nutrition labels. Aspects such as general nutrition knowledge, health literacy, and program delivery format warrant attention in future research. Education which optimizes comprehension and use of nutrition labels may have the potential to improve the impact of this information on dietary health.
Regional Absorption of Fimasartan in the Gastrointestinal Tract by an Improved In Situ Absorption Method in Rats
Authors: Kim Tae Hwan , Paik Soo Heui , Chi Yong Ha , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Lee Da Young , Lim Jun Young , Chung Seung Eun , Song Chang Ho , Jeong Hyeon Myeong , Shin Soyoung , Shin Beom Soo
Published: October 2018

The aim of the present study was to assess the regional absorption of fimasartan by an improved in situ absorption method in comparison with the conventional in situ single-pass perfusion method in rats. After each gastrointestinal segment of interest was identified, fimasartan was injected into the starting point of each segment and the unabsorbed fimasartan was discharged from the end point of the segment. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein to evaluate the systemic absorption of the drug. The relative fraction absorbed (Fabs,relative) values in the specific gastrointestinal region calculated based on the area under the curve (AUC) values obtained after the injection of fimasartan into the gastrointestinal segment were 8.2% ± 3.2%, 23.0% ± 12.1%, 49.7% ± 11.5%, and 19.1% ± 11.9% for the stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and large intestine, respectively, which were comparable with those determined by the conventional in situ single-pass perfusion. By applying the fraction of the dose available at each gastrointestinal segment following the oral administration, the actual fraction absorbed (F′abs) values at each gastrointestinal segment were estimated at 10.9% for the stomach, 27.1% for the duodenum, 40.7% for the small intestine, and 5.4% for the large intestine, which added up to the gastrointestinal bioavailability (FX·FG) of 84.1%. The present method holds great promise to assess the regional absorption of a drug and aid to design new drug formulations.
River Systems and the Anthropocene: A Late Pleistocene and Holocene Timeline for Human Influence
Authors: Gibling Martin R.
Published: October 2018

Rivers are central to debate about the Anthropocene because many human activities from antiquity focused on channels and floodplains. A literature compilation for the onset of human modification of rivers identifies six stages that represent key innovations focused in the Near East and adjoining areas: (1) minimal effects before about 15,000 cal yr BP, with the use of fire and gathering of plants and aquatic resources; (2) minor effects from increased cultivation after about 15,000 cal yr BP, with plant and animal domestication after about 10,700 cal yr BP; (3) agricultural era after about 9800 cal yr BP, with legacy sediments, widespread fire use, the first dams and irrigation, and mud-brick manufacture; (4) irrigation era from about 6500 cal yr BP, with large-scale irrigation, major cities, the first large dam, urban water supplies, expanded groundwater use, river fleets, and alluvial mining; (5) engineering era with embankments, dams, and watermills after about 3000 cal yr BP, especially in the Chinese and Roman empires; and (6) technological era after about 1800 CE. Anthropogenic river effects were more varied and intense than commonly has been recognised, and they should be considered routinely in interpreting Late Pleistocene and Holocene fluvial archives.
Sacred Places and Sustainable Development
Authors: Halafoff Anna , Clarke Matthew
Published: October 2018

Religious beliefs are not only profound, some of them are also pervasive, persistent and persuasive. It follows that the cultural and religious experiences of communities often play a central role in determining their worldviews and the ways in which they understand their own circumstances. These worldviews, it follows, can thereby assist in providing narratives for community development in places that have particular meaning to these communities and individuals within them, and thereby enhance the long-term success of such initiatives. One often-overlooked aspect in research up until recently is the role that these often sacred places can play in sustainable development. This paper undertakes a study of development spaces situated in sacred places, in this case of a women’s Buddhist monastery on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, devoted to gender equity. It begins with an overview of research pertaining to religion and development, religion in contemporary societies, and sacred places, and concludes with an analysis of the case study data that recognizes the need to consider the significance of sacred places, and narratives attached to them, in sustainable community development.
Measurement of Core Body Temperature Using Graphene-Inked Infrared Thermopile Sensor
Authors: Chaglla E. Jorge S. , Celik Numan , Balachandran Wamadeva
Published: October 2018

Continuous and reliable measurements of core body temperature (CBT) are vital for studies on human thermoregulation. Because tympanic membrane directly reflects the temperature of the carotid artery, it is an accurate and non-invasive method to record CBT. However, commercial tympanic thermometers lack portability and continuous measurements. In this study, graphene inks were utilized to increase the accuracy of the temperature measurements from the ear by coating graphene platelets on the lens of an infrared thermopile sensor. The proposed ear-based device was designed by investigating ear canal geometry and developed with 3D printing technology using the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software, SolidWorks 2016. It employs an Arduino Pro Mini and a Bluetooth module. The proposed system runs with a 3.7 V, 850 mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that allows long-term, continuous monitoring. Raw data are continuously and wirelessly plotted on a mobile phone app. The test was performed on 10 subjects under resting and exercising in a total period of 25 min. Achieved results were compared with the commercially available Braun Thermoscan, Original Thermopile, and Cosinuss One ear thermometers. It is also comprehended that such system will be useful in personalized medicine as wearable in-ear device with wireless connectivity.