bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between post-diagnostic use of cholera vaccine and risk of death in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Ji Jianguang , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: June 2018

Recent evidence suggests that cholera toxin might have multiple functions regarding the ability to regulate the immune system. However, it is unknown whether subsequent administration of cholera vaccine might affect the mortality rate in patients with prostate cancer. Here we report that patients in Sweden, who were diagnosed with prostate cancer between July 2005 and December 2014 and used cholera vaccine, have a decreased risk of death from prostate cancer (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40–0.82) as compared to patients with prostate cancer but without cholera vaccine use, adjusted for a range of confounding factors. In addition, patients using cholera vaccine show a decreased risk of death overall (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41–0.69). The decreased mortality rate is largely consistent, irrespective of patients’ age or tumor stage at diagnosis. In this population-based study, we suggest that subsequent administration of cholera vaccine after prostate cancer diagnosis might reduce the mortality rate.
Crossmodal association of auditory and visual material properties in infants
Authors: Ujiie Yuta , Yamashita Wakayo , Fujisaki Waka , Kanazawa So , Yamaguchi Masami K.
Published: June 2018

The human perceptual system enables us to extract visual properties of an object’s material from auditory information. In monkeys, the neural basis underlying such multisensory association develops through experience of exposure to a material; material information could be processed in the posterior inferior temporal cortex, progressively from the high-order visual areas. In humans, however, the development of this neural representation remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated for the first time the presence of a mapping of the auditory material property with visual material (“Metal” and “Wood”) in the right temporal region in preverbal 4- to 8-month-old infants, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Furthermore, we found that infants acquired the audio-visual mapping for a property of the “Metal” material later than for the “Wood” material, since infants form the visual property of “Metal” material after approximately 6 months of age. These findings indicate that multisensory processing of material information induces the activation of brain areas related to sound symbolism. Our findings also indicate that the material’s familiarity might facilitate the development of multisensory processing during the first year of life.
A distributed algorithm to maintain and repair the trail networks of arboreal ants
Authors: Chandrasekhar Arjun , Gordon Deborah M. , Navlakha Saket
Published: June 2018

We study how the arboreal turtle ant (Cephalotes goniodontus) solves a fundamental computing problem: maintaining a trail network and finding alternative paths to route around broken links in the network. Turtle ants form a routing backbone of foraging trails linking several nests and temporary food sources. This species travels only in the trees, so their foraging trails are constrained to lie on a natural graph formed by overlapping branches and vines in the tangled canopy. Links between branches, however, can be ephemeral, easily destroyed by wind, rain, or animal movements. Here we report a biologically feasible distributed algorithm, parameterized using field data, that can plausibly describe how turtle ants maintain the routing backbone and find alternative paths to circumvent broken links in the backbone. We validate the ability of this probabilistic algorithm to circumvent simulated breaks in synthetic and real-world networks, and we derive an analytic explanation for why certain features are crucial to improve the algorithm’s success. Our proposed algorithm uses fewer computational resources than common distributed graph search algorithms, and thus may be useful in other domains, such as for swarm computing or for coordinating molecular robots.
Simulating polaron biophysics with Rydberg atoms
Authors: Płodzień Marcin , Sowiński Tomasz , Kokkelmans Servaas
Published: June 2018

Transport of excitations along proteins can be formulated in a quantum physics context, based on the periodicity and vibrational modes of the structures. Numerically exact solutions of the corresponding equations are very challenging to obtain on classical computers. Approximate solutions based on the Davydov ansatz have demonstrated the possibility of stabilized solitonic excitations along the protein, however, experimentally these solutions have never been directly observed. Here we propose an alternative study of biophysical transport phenomena based on a quantum simulator composed of a chain of ultracold dressed Rydberg atoms, which allows for a direct observation of the Davydov phenomena. We show that there is an experimentally accessible range of parameters where the system directly mimics the Davydov equations and their solutions. Moreover, we show that such a quantum simulator has access to the regime in between the small and large polaron regimes, which cannot be described perturbatively.
Expression of human mutant cyclin dependent kinase 4, Cyclin D and telomerase extends the life span but does not immortalize fibroblasts derived from loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
Authors: Fukuda Tomokazu , Eitsuka Takahiro , Donai Kenichiro , Kurita Masanori , Saito Tomomi , Okamoto Hitoshi , Kinoshita Kodzue , Katayama Masafumi , Nitto Hiroshi , Uchida Takafumi , Onuma Manabu , Sone Hideko , Inoue-Murayama Miho , Kiyono Tohru
Published: June 2018

Conservation of the genetic resources of endangered animals is crucial for future generations. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is a critically endangered species, because of human hunting, hybridisation with other sea turtle species, and infectious diseases. In the present study, we established primary fibroblast cell lines from the loggerhead sea turtle, and showed its species specific chromosome number is 2n = 56, which is identical to that of the hawksbill and olive ridley sea turtles. We first showed that intensive hybridization among multiple sea turtle species caused due to the identical chromosome number, which allows existence of stable hybridization among the multiple sea turtle species. Expressions of human-derived mutant Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and Cyclin D dramatically extended the cell culture period, when it was compared with the cell culture period of wild type cells. The recombinant fibroblast cell lines maintained the normal chromosome condition and morphology, indicating that, at the G1/S phase, the machinery to control the cellular proliferation is evolutionally conserved among various vertebrates. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the functional conservation to overcome the negative feedback system to limit the turn over of the cell cycle between mammalian and reptiles. Our cell culture method will enable the sharing of cells from critically endangered animals as research materials.
Heroin Abuse Results in Shifted RNA Expression to Neurodegenerative Diseases and Attenuation of TNFα Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Mei , Xu Yu , Wang Huawei , Shen Zongwen , Xie Zhenrong , Chen Fengrong , Gao Yunhong , Chen Xin , Zhang Ying , Wu Qiang , Li Xuejun , Yu Juehua , Luo Huayou , Wang Kunhua
Published: June 2018

Repeated administration of heroin results in the induction of physical dependence, which is characterized as a behavioral state of compulsive drug seeking and a high rate of relapse even after periods of abstinence. However, few studies have been dedicated to characterization of the long-term alterations in heroin-dependent patients (HDPs). Herein, we examined the peripheral blood from 810 HDPs versus 500 healthy controls (HCs) according to the inclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, significant decreases of albumin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels were identified in HDPs (P < 0.001) versus HCs coupled with an insignificant decrease in BMI. Meanwhile, RNA-sequencing analyses were performed on blood of 16 long-term HDPs and 25 HCs. The results showed that the TNFα signaling pathway and hematopoiesis related genes were inhibited in HDPs. We further compared the transcriptome data to those of SCA2 and posttraumatic stress disorder patients, identified neurodegenerative diseases related genes were commonly up-regulated in coupled with biological processes “vesicle transport”, “mitochondria” and “splicing”. Genes in the categories of “protein ubiquitination” were down-regulated indicating potential biochemical alterations shared by all three comparative to their controls. In summary, this is a leading study performing a series of through investigations and using delicate approaches. Results from this study would benefit the study of drug addiction overall and link long-term heroin abuse to neurodegenerative diseases.
A new quantitative 3D approach to imaging of structural joint disease
Authors: Turmezei T. D. , Treece G. M. , Gee A. H. , Houlden R. , Poole K. E. S.
Published: June 2018

Imaging of joints with 2D radiography has not been able to detect therapeutic success in research trials while 3D imaging, used regularly in the clinic, has not been approved for this purpose. We present a new 3D approach to this challenge called joint space mapping (JSM) that measures joint space width in 3D from standard clinical computed tomography (CT) data, demonstrating its analysis steps, technical validation, and reproducibility. Using high resolution peripheral quantitative CT as gold standard, we show a marginal over-estimation in accuracy of +0.13 mm and precision of ±0.32 mm. Inter-operator reproducibility bias was near-zero at −0.03 mm with limits of agreement ±0.29 mm and a root mean square coefficient of variation 7.5%. In a technical advance, we present results from across the hip joint in 3D with optimum validation and reproducibility metrics shown at inner joint regions. We also show JSM versatility using different imaging data sets and discuss potential applications. This 3D mapping approach provides information with greater sensitivity than reported for current radiographic methods that could result in improved patient stratification and treatment monitoring.
The joint influence of competition and mutualism on the biodiversity of mutualistic ecosystems
Authors: Gracia-Lázaro Carlos , Hernández Laura , Borge-Holthoefer Javier , Moreno Yamir
Published: June 2018

In the past years, there have been many advances –but also many debates– around mutualistic communities, whose structural features appear to facilitate mutually beneficial interactions and increase biodiversity, under some given population dynamics. However, most approaches neglect the structure of inter-species competition by adopting a mean-field perspective that does not deal with competitive interactions properly. Here, we build up a multilayer network that naturally accounts for mutualism and competition and show, through a dynamical population model and numerical simulations, that there is an intricate relation between competition and mutualism. Specifically, the multilayer structure is coupled to a dynamical model in which the intra-guild competitive terms are weighted by the abundance of shared mutualistic relations. We find that mutualism does not have the same consequences on the evolution of specialist and generalist species, and that there is a non-trivial profile of biodiversity in the parameter space of competition and mutualism. Our findings emphasize how the simultaneous consideration of positive and negative interactions derived from the real networks is key to understand the delicate trade-off between topology and biodiversity in ecosystems and call for the need to incorporate more realistic interaction patterns when modeling the structural and dynamical stability of mutualistic systems.
Ruminant and chicken: important sources of campylobacteriosis in France despite a variation of source attribution in 2009 and 2015
Authors: Thépault Amandine , Rose Valérie , Quesne Ségolène , Poezevara Typhaine , Béven Véronique , Hirchaud Edouard , Touzain Fabrice , Lucas Pierrick , Méric Guillaume , Mageiros Leonardos , Sheppard Samuel K. , Chemaly Marianne , Rivoal Katell
Published: June 2018

Pathogen source attribution studies are a useful tool for identifying reservoirs of human infection. Based on Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) data, such studies have identified chicken as a major source of C. jejuni human infection. The use of whole genome sequence-based typing methods offers potential to improve the precision of attribution beyond that which is possible from 7 MLST loci. Using published data and 156 novel C. jejuni genomes sequenced in this study, we performed probabilistic host source attribution of clinical C. jejuni isolates from France using three types of genotype data: comparative genomic fingerprints; MLST genes; 15 host segregating genes previously identified by whole genome sequencing. Consistent with previous studies, chicken was an important source of campylobacteriosis in France (31–63% of clinical isolates assigned). There was also evidence that ruminants are a source (22–55% of clinical isolates assigned), suggesting that further investigation of potential transmission routes from ruminants to human would be useful. Additionally, we found evidence of environmental and pet sources. However, the relative importance as sources varied according to the year of isolation and the genotyping technique used. Annual variations in attribution emphasize the dynamic nature of zoonotic transmission and the need to perform source attribution regularly.
Development of a computer-aided tool for the pattern recognition of facial features in diagnosing Turner syndrome: comparison of diagnostic accuracy with clinical workers
Authors: Chen Shi , Pan Zhou-xian , Zhu Hui-juan , Wang Qing , Yang Ji-Jiang , Lei Yi , Li Jian-qiang , Pan Hui
Published: June 2018

Technologies applied for the recognition of facial features in diagnosing certain disorders seem to be promising in reducing the medical burden and improve the efficiency. This pilot study aimed to develop a computer-assisted tool for the pattern recognition of facial features for diagnosing Turner syndrome (TS). Photographs of 54 patients with TS and 158 female controls were collected from July 2016 to May 2017. Finally, photographs of 32 patients with TS and 96 age-matched controls were included in the study that were further divided equally into training and testing groups. The process of automatic classification consisted of image preprocessing, facial feature extraction, feature reduction and fusion, automatic classification, and result presentation. A total of 27 physicians and 21 medical students completed a web-based test including the same photographs used in computer testing. After training, the automatic facial classification system for diagnosing TS achieved a 68.8% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity (and a 67.6% average sensitivity and 87.9% average specificity after resampling), which was significantly higher than the average sensitivity (57.4%, P < 0.001) and specificity (75.4%, P < 0.001) of 48 participants, respectively. The accuracy of this system was satisfactory and better than the diagnosis by clinicians. However, the system necessitates further improvement for achieving a high diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.
Low-affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor (CD271) Heterogeneous Expression in Adult and Fetal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Barilani Mario , Banfi Federica , Sironi Silvia , Ragni Enrico , Guillaumin Salomé , Polveraccio Francesca , Rosso Lorenzo , Moro Monica , Astori Giuseppe , Pozzobon Michela , Lazzari Lorenza
Published: June 2018

Human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are isolated from a plethora of tissue sources for cell therapy purposes. In 2006, the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) published minimal guidelines to define MSC identity. Nevertheless, many independent studies demonstrated that cells meeting the ISCT criteria possessed heterogeneous phenotypes and functionalities, heavily influenced by culture conditions. In this study, human MSC derived from many adult (bone marrow and adipose tissue) or fetal (cord blood, Wharton’s jelly, umbilical cord perivascular compartment and amniotic fluid) tissues were investigated. Their immunophenotype was analyzed to define consistent source-specific markers by extensive flow cytometry analysis and real-time qRT-PCR. CD271+ subpopulations were detected in adult MSC, whereas NG2 was significantly more expressed in fetal MSC but failed validation on independent samples coming from an external laboratory. The highest number of CD271+ adult MSC were detected soon after isolation in serum-based culture conditions. Furthermore, heterogeneous percentages of CD271 expression were found in platelet lysate-based or serum-free culture conditions. Finally, CD271+ adult MSC showed high clonogenic and osteogenic properties as compared to CD271− cells. To conclude, in this phenotype-function correlation study CD271+ subpopulation confers heterogeneity on adult MSC, confirming the need of more specific markers to address MSC properties.
High frequency abrupt shifts in the Indian summer monsoon since Younger Dryas in the Himalaya
Authors: Ali Sheikh Nawaz , Dubey Jyotsna , Ghosh Ruby , Quamar M Firoze , Sharma Anupam , Morthekai P , Dimri A P , Shekhar Mayank , Arif Md. , Agrawal Shailesh
Published: June 2018

In order to quantify the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) variability for a monsoon dominated agrarian based Indian socio-economy, we used combined high resolution δ13C, total organic carbon (TOC), sediment texture and environmental magnetic data of the samples from a ~3 m deep glacial outwash sedimentary profile from the Sikkim Himalaya. Our decadal to centennial scale records identified five positive and three negative excursions of the ISM since last ~13 ka. The most prominent abrupt negative ISM shift was observed during the termination of the Younger Dryas (YD) between ~11.7 and 11.4 ka. While, ISM was stable between ~11 and 6 ka, and declined prominently between 6 and 3 ka. Surprisingly, during both the Medieval Warm Period (MWP) and Little Ice age (LIA) spans, ISM was strong in this part of the Himalaya. These regional changes in ISM were coupled to southward shifting in mean position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and variations in East Asian monsoon (EAM). Our rainfall reconstructions are broadly in agreement with local, regional reconstructions and PMIP3, CSIRO-MK3L model simulations.
Post-translational modifications in DNA topoisomerase 2α highlight the role of a eukaryote-specific residue in the ATPase domain
Authors: Bedez Claire , Lotz Christophe , Batisse Claire , Broeck Arnaud Vanden , Stote Roland H. , Howard Eduardo , Pradeau-Aubreton Karine , Ruff Marc , Lamour Valérie
Published: June 2018

Type 2 DNA topoisomerases (Top2) are critical components of key protein complexes involved in DNA replication, chromosome condensation and segregation, as well as gene transcription. The Top2 were found to be the main targets of anticancer agents, leading to intensive efforts to understand their functional and physiological role as well as their molecular structure. Post-translational modifications have been reported to influence Top2 enzyme activities in particular those of the mammalian Top2α isoform. In this study, we identified phosphorylation, and for the first time, acetylation sites in the human Top2α isoform produced in eukaryotic expression systems. Structural analysis revealed that acetylation sites are clustered on the catalytic domains of the homodimer while phosphorylation sites are located in the C-terminal domain responsible for nuclear localization. Biochemical analysis of the eukaryotic-specific K168 residue in the ATPase domain shows that acetylation affects a key position regulating ATP hydrolysis through the modulation of dimerization. Our findings suggest that acetylation of specific sites involved in the allosteric regulation of human Top2 may provide a mechanism for modulation of its catalytic activity.
Effect of Rare Earth Elements on the Morphology of Eutectic Carbides in AISI D2 Tool Steels: Experimental and Modelling Approaches
Authors: Zelič Klemen , Burja Jaka , McGuiness Paul John , Godec Matjaž
Published: June 2018

The morphology of the eutectic chromium carbides in the microstructure of as-cast AISI D2 tool steel was modified by adding small amounts of rare-earth elements (REEs) to the melt. As a result of these REE additions the eutectic carbide morphological type was changed from lamellar to globular. Similar phenomena have already been reported for various tool steels, but no complete theoretical explanation has been provided. Here, we propose a new model that is derived from first-principles thermodynamic calculations based on the phase-field modeling of the eutectic reaction. Using this new approach, where the decomposition of the phase-boundary surface-energy term is divided into the isotropic and anisotropic parts, we were able to account for the transition from a lamellar to a globular eutectic morphology in REE-modified AISI D2 tool steel.
In vitro inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation by the autophagy-related lipid droplet protein ATG2A
Authors: Hong Yun , Li Sirui , Wang Jifeng , Li Youming
Published: June 2018

Clinical studies have found that moderate intake of retinol or oleic acid can enlarge the lipid droplets of hepatic stellate cells and suppress their activation. However, the link between lipid droplets and cell activation is unknown. This study compared the dynamics of lipid droplet-associated protein expression between activated and reverted stellate cells. Reversion of the activated human stellate cell line LX-2 and inhibition of primary mouse stellate cell activation were induced by retinol or oleic acid, which resulted in larger lipid droplets and the downregulation of cell activation markers. Quantitative proteomics and immunoblotting were performed to compare lipid-droplet protein profiles between activated and reverted LX-2 cells. Compared to expression in activated cells, 50 lipid-droplet proteins were upregulated, whereas 28 were downregulated upon reversion. ATG2A was significantly enriched in lipid droplets of retinol/oleic acid-treated LX-2 cells and quiescent primary stellate cells. Reduced expression of α-SMA, increased expression of perilipin-3, enlarged lipid droplets, and suppression of autophagic flux were observed in ATG2A-deficient LX2 cells. Lipid-droplet protein profile changes during the reversion of activated stellate cells might provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms linking lipid droplets to liver fibrosis. ATG2A could represent a potential new drug target for hepatic fibrosis.
Discovery of Arabidopsis UGT73C1 as a steviol-catalyzing UDP-glycosyltransferase with chemical probes
Authors: Zhou Yiqing , Li Weichao , You Wenjing , Di Zhengao , Wang Mingli , Zhou Haiyan , Yuan Shuguang , Wong Nai-Kei , Xiao Youli
Published: June 2018

A strategy for rapidly mining biological parts from plants for synthetic biology utilizing natural product-derived chemical probes has been reported.
Comparison of the effects of selenomethionine and selenium-enriched yeast in the triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Zhong-Hao , Wu Qiu-Yan , Chen Chen , Zheng Rui , Chen Yao , Ni Jia-Zuan , Song Guo-Li
Published: June 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that exhibits multiple pathogeneses and heterogeneity.
Label-free tracking of nanosized graphene oxide cellular uptake by confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Eliášová Sohová Marianna , Bodík Michal , Siffalovic Peter , Bugárová Nikola , Labudová Martina , Zaťovičová Miriam , Hianik Tibor , Omastová Mária , Majková Eva , Jergel Matej , Pastoreková Silvia
Published: June 2018

Graphene oxide (GO), a partially oxidized two-dimensional allotrope of carbon, is an attractive nanocarrier for cancer diagnostics and therapy.
Assessment of the performance of triphenylphosphine for the voltammetric determination of elemental sulphur in cosmetic products
Authors: Salamanca-Neto Carlos Alberto Rossi , Scremin Jessica , Fatibello-Filho Orlando , Clausen Débora Nobile , Sartori Elen Romão
Published: June 2018

Indirect determination of elemental sulphur in soap bars and anti-acne cream based on the decrease of triphenylphosphine oxidation current.
Highly sensitive detection of nucleic acids using a cascade amplification strategy based on exonuclease III-assisted target recycling and conjugated polyelectrolytes
Authors: Bao Biqing , Pan Yanrui , Gu Bingbing , Chen Jia , Xu Yu , Su Peng , Liu Yunfei , Tong Li , Wang Lianhui
Published: June 2018

A ratiometric and cascade amplification strategy that combines the signal amplification and effecitive FRET property of CPEs with the Exo III-assisted target recycling method has been developed for DNA detection.
Formal water oxidation turnover frequencies from MIL-101(Cr) anchored Ru(bda) depend on oxidant concentration
Authors: Bhunia Asamanjoy , Johnson Ben A. , Czapla-Masztafiak Joanna , Sá Jacinto , Ott Sascha
Published: June 2018

[Ru(bda)(L)2] incorporated into the MIL-101(Cr) metal–organic framework catalyzes water oxidation faster than a homogenous reference, with the number of active catalysts depending on oxidant concentration.
PyA-cluster system for the detection and imaging of miRNAs in living cells through double-three-way junction formation
Authors: Ro Jong Jin , Lee Ha Jung , Kim Byeang Hyean
Published: June 2018

Herein, we describe an extended version of a fluorescence probe for detecting miRNAs through the novel application of a PyA-cluster system.
Interlayer coupling and electric field tunable electronic properties and Schottky barrier in a graphene/bilayer-GaSe van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Phuc Huynh V. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Hoi Bui D. , Nguyen Chuong V.
Published: June 2018

In this work, using density functional theory we investigated systematically the electronic properties and Schottky barrier modulation in a multilayer graphene/bilayer-GaSe heterostructure by varying the interlayer spacing and by applying an external electric field.
Time-resolved FTIR study of light-driven sodium pump rhodopsins
Authors: Chen Hui-Fen , Inoue Keiichi , Ono Hikaru , Abe-Yoshizumi Rei , Wada Akimori , Kandori Hideki
Published: June 2018

Light-driven sodium ion pump rhodopsin (NaR) is a new functional class of microbial rhodopsin. Present step-scan time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the K, L and O intermediates of NaRs contain 13-cis retinal with similar distortion.
Diruthenium(ii)-capped oligothienylethynyl bridged highly soluble organometallicwiresexhibiting long-range electronic coupling
Authors: Saha Roy Sourav , Sil Amit , Giri Dipanjan , Roy Chowdhury Sabyasachi , Mishra Sabyashachi , Patra Sanjib K.
Published: June 2018

Highly soluble diruthenium(ii) organometallic molecularwireswith thienylethynyl π-conjugated bridges have been synthesized by varying the chain length to access long-range electronic communication.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and cytotoxicity studies of titanacalix[4 and 8]arene complexes
Authors: Miller-Shakesby David M. , Nigam Shubhanchi , Hughes David L. , Lopez-Estelles Enrique , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Cawthorne Christopher J. , Archibald Stephen J. , Redshaw Carl
Published: June 2018

The molecular structures and cytotoxicity of titanocalix[4 and 8]arene complexes are reported.
Impact of protease and amylase treatment on proteins and the product quality of a quinoa-based milk substitute
Authors: Jeske Stephanie , Zannini Emanuele , Cronin Michael F. , Arendt Elke K.
Published: June 2018

Plant proteins are often characterized by low solubilities and impaired functionalities e.g. emulsifying properties.
Exopolysaccharides from olive brines could reduce the adhesion of ETEC K88 to intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Zhu Yanan , González-Ortiz Gemma , Jiménez-Díaz Rufino , Pérez-Trujillo Míriam , Parella Teodor , López-Colom Paola , Martín-Orúe Susana María
Published: June 2018

Exopolysaccharides produced during green olive fermentation reduce the attachment of ETEC K88 to IPEC-J2 cells, suggesting their potential in the prevention or treatment of diarrhoea.
Application of chiral bi- and tetra-dentate bispidine-derived ligands in the copper(ii)-catalyzed asymmetric Henry reaction
Authors: Rossetti Arianna , Landoni Stefano , Meneghetti Fiorella , Castellano Carlo , Mori Matteo , Colombo Dugoni Greta , Sacchetti Alessandro
Published: June 2018

Rationalized bispidinone-based ligands were reacted with copper(ii) salts, which afforded effective catalysts for asymmetric Henry reactions.
Synthesis of two new gem-fluoronitro containing tetranitroadamantanes and property comparison with their nitro and gem-dinitro analogues
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ling Yi-Fei , Wang Gui-Xiang , Zhang Lin , Luo Jun
Published: June 2018

Two new fluorinated tetranitroadamantanes were synthesized and their physical properties were compared with their analogues on the basis of experimental and calculated results.
Investigation of the reaction pathway for synthesizing methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) from H2S-containing syngas over K–Mo-type materials
Authors: Lu Jichang , Liu Pan , Xu Zhizhi , He Sufang , Luo Yongming
Published: June 2018

The reaction pathway for synthesizing methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) using H2S-containing syngas (CO/H2S/H2) as the reactant gas over SBA-15 supported K–Mo-based catalysts.
A one-pot, multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of novel 2-alkyl substituted 4-aminoimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazines
Authors: Lim Felicia Phei Lin , Tan Lin Yuing , Tiekink Edward R. T. , Dolzhenko Anton V.
Published: June 2018

A highly selective, one-pot, three-component synthesis of novel 2-alkyl-substituted 4-aminoimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazines has been developed.
Pyrophosphorylation via selective phosphoprotein derivatization
Authors: Marmelstein Alan M. , Morgan Jeremy A. M. , Penkert Martin , Rogerson Daniel T. , Chin Jason W. , Krause Eberhard , Fiedler Dorothea
Published: June 2018

An important step in elucidating the function of protein posttranslational modifications, such as pyrophosphorylation, is gaining access to site-specifically modified samples for biochemical characterization.
Nanocomposites of carbon nanotubes and photon upconversion nanoparticles for enhanced optical limiting performance
Authors: Chen Kun , Su Wenhong , Wang Yue , Ge Huan , Zhang Kun , Wang Yangbo , Xie Xiaoji , Gomes Vincent G. , Sun Handong , Huang Ling
Published: June 2018

In situ decoration of UCNPs on the sidewall of CNTs generates obviously enhanced optical limiting performance in the NIR region.
Preparation, electronic structure of gadolinium oxyhydride and low-energy 5d excitation band for green luminescence of doped Tb3+ ions
Authors: Ueda Jumpei , Matsuishi Satoru , Tokunaga Takayuki , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: June 2018

Partially coordinated hydride ions cause lower energy shifting of Tb3+:5d and upper energy shifting of valence band top.
EXTraS discovery of a peculiar flaring X-ray source in the Galactic globular cluster NGC 6540
Authors: Mereghetti Sandro , De Luca Andrea , Salvetti David , Belfiore Andrea , Marelli Martino , Paizis Adamantia , Rigoselli Michela , Salvaterra Ruben , Sidoli Lara , Tiengo Andrea
Published: June 2018

We report the discovery of a flaring X-ray source 7″ from the center of the globular cluster NGC 6540 obtained during the EXTraS project devoted to a systematic search for variability in archival data of the XMM–Newton satellite. The source had a quiescent X-ray luminosity on the order of ~1032 erg s−1 in the 0.5–10 keV range (for a distance of NGC 6540 of 4 kpc) and showed a flare lasting about 300 s. During the flare, the X-ray luminosity increased by more than a factor 40, with a total emitted energy of ~1036 erg. These properties, as well as Hubble Space Telescope photometry of the possible optical counterparts, suggest the identification with a chromospherically active binary in the cluster. However, the flare luminosity is significantly higher than what is commonly observed in stellar flares of such a short duration, leaving open the possibility of other interpretations.
Properties of cold and warm H I gas phases derived from a Gaussian decomposition of HI4PI data
Authors: Kalberla P. M. W. , Haud U.
Published: June 2018

Context. A large fraction of the interstellar medium can be characterized as a multiphase medium. The neutral hydrogen gas is bistable with cold and warm neutral medium (CNM and WNM respectively) but there is evidence for an additional phase at intermediate temperatures, a lukewarm neutral medium (LNM) that is thermally unstable.

Aims. We use all sky data from the HI4PI survey to separate these neutral H I phases with the aim to determine their distribution and phase fractions f in the local interstellar medium.

Methods. HI4PI observations, gridded on an nside = 1024 HEALPix grid, were decomposed into Gaussian components. From the frequency distribution of the velocity dispersions we infer three separate linewidth regimes. Accordingly we extract the H I line emission corresponding to the CNM, LNM, and WNM. We generateed all-sky maps of these phases in the local H I gas with − 8 < vLSR < 8 km s−1.

Results. Each of the H I phases shows distinct structures on all scales. The LNM never exists as a single phase but contributes on average 41% of the H I. The CNM is prominent only for 22% of the sky, contributes there on average 34% but locally up to 60% of the H I and is associated with dust at temperatures Tdust ~ 18.6 K. Embedded cold filaments show a clear anti-correlation between CNM and LNM. Also the smoothly distributed WNM is anti-correlated with the CNM. It contributes for the rest of the sky 39% with dust associated at temperatures Tdust ~ 19.4 K.

Conclusions. The CNM in filaments exists on small scales. Here the observed anti-correlation between LNM and CNM implies that both, filaments and the surrounding more extended LNM, must have a common origin.
Time domain reflectometry model: analysis and characterization of a chafing defect in a coaxial cable
Authors: Kameni Abelin , Loete Florent , Pichon Lionel
Published: June 2018

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies of a chafing soft defect realized by partially milling coaxial cables. The approach is based on the time domain reflectometry technique. The numerical model consists in solving Maxwell’s equations while an incident Gaussian pulse is injected on the faulty line. The experimental time domain measurements are performed with a vector network analyzer. To get the experimental results comparable to the numerical ones, a process to denoise the measured impulse responses is proposed. The reflection coefficients obtained are compared to those given by a classical approach based on a chain matrix model to show the impact of 3D numerical modeling in studying soft faults.
Study of Flow Induced Noise in Vertical Inline Pump Using Lighthill Analogy
Authors: Christopher Stephen , Yuan Shouqi , Pei Ji , Cheng G Xing , Yiyun Wang
Published: June 2018

The pump user demands for specification along with noise and vibration magnitude for extreme operating conditions apart from best efficiency flow. In order to predict the noise level in pumps, the entire unit of pump has to be considered for acoustic evaluation. Hence, the full three dimensional model of vertical inline pump which consists of inlet pipe, impeller, and volute casing is considered for detailing the flow induced noise using Lighthill analogy. The performance characteristics of pump are well matched between experimental and computational results and the overall sound power level at best efficiency flow using computation was compared with empirical relations and found to be agreed well. The streamline patterns along the inlet pipe shows the effects of recirculation and return flow at partload condition and confirm that the utilization of flow passage is not well streamlined even for nominal flow rate. Further, the detailed study of inlet pipe cross sections reveals the nature of different noise sources such as dipole and quadrupole sound levels along with Proudman source power level. The intensity of turbulence and vortices in flow passage is predicted well using quadrupole source and Proudman sound power levels.
Estimation of Effective Thermal Conductivity of Two-Phase Material for Hollow Circular Model
Authors: Kumar Sahu Prateek , Netam Nisha , Chandra Shah Lal
Published: June 2018

Two-phase materials are commonly used in engineering application because of its various properties like strength, thermal conductivity, durability and toughness etc. Effective thermal conductivity (ETC) of two-phase material is the fundamental property to predict its thermal performance. Various geometry (spheres, cylinders, irregular particles) have been considered by researchers for calculating ETC of two-phase materials. Due to complex structure, hollow circular cylinder geometry is not reported yet. In this paper, two-dimensional periodic two-phase system, with hollow circular cylinder shape is considered for calculating ETC. In present work unit cell approach method is used to derive collocated parameters model for estimation of ETC. Hollow circular cylinder model with Ψ = 0.2 gives good result for estimating ETC with average percentage error of 6.46%.
Evaluation of critical blockage ratio and pulse length in a pulse detonation engine using CFD and MATLAB
Authors: Srikrishnan S. , Dash P. K. , Jayakumar V.
Published: June 2018

A Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) is a new invented propulsion device that takes advantage of the pressure rise inherent to the efficient burning of fuel-air mixtures via detonations. Detonation initiation is a critical process that occurs in the cycle of a PDE. A practical method of detonation initiation is Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (DDT), which describes the acceleration of a subsonic deflagration created using low initiation energies to a supersonic detonation. The DDT process is not well understood due to a wide range of time and length scales involving complex chemistry, turbulence and unsteady pressure waves. This paper discuss about the effects of blocking ratio in the augmentation of detonation pressure and velocity inside a cylindrical tube of diameter 0.0254m and a length of 1 m. The blockages are rectangular in shape placed at 2/3rd distances of the length of the tube and the heights of the blockages are varied in terms of the diameter of the tube as 1/4th, 1/3rd, ½, 2/3rd and 3/4th the diameter of the tube. The setup is then analyzed in MATLAB using the physics of Friedlander’s equation, which formulate the decay time duration of pressure across the tube length, with and without the blockage. Further, a 2D CFD analysis through ANSYS Workbench is conducted which gave the effective blocking ratio in a rectangular type of blockage placed at the 2/3rd position of the length of the tube and the results are compared. For variable pressures ranging from 1 MPa to 100 MPa input, the effective pulse length is around 0.25 seconds after which the decay of pressure and temperature attain the critical limit. Also it is found that the maximum feasible velocity occurs for an inlet pressure of 10 MPa and 2/3rd height of the blockage where the corresponding outlet velocity is 4692m/s and outlet total pressure being 10.542 MPa.
Numerical Estimation of Notch Stress Intensity Factors of Sharp V-Notches
Authors: Karim Hussain Mirzaul , Murthy K.S.R.K.
Published: June 2018

In the present work a simple and efficient least squares method is implemented for accurate estimation of notch stress intensity factors (NSIFs) of sharp V-notches. Finite element (FE) stress components near a notch tip is used in the present method for determining the NSIFs. Pure mode I and mixed mode (I/II) examples are considered for numerical investigations. The mixed mode stress components are disintegrated into opening mode and shear mode stress components to separate out the mode I and mode II singularities. Thereafter, least squares method is implemented to calculate mixed mode NSIFs. The present method is easy to incorporate in existing standard finite element codes. The results obtained by the present method are found to be in good agreement with the published data.
Effect of material properties on optimal radial strain gage locations in sharp V-notched configurations
Authors: Paul Pranjol , Krishna Murthy K.S.R. , Chakraborty Debabrata
Published: June 2018

A simple yet reliable and powerful methodology using only one strain gage has been recommended for appropriate determination of notch stress intensity factor (NSIF) for sharp V-notched configurations subjected to mode I condition. The methodology is supported by strong theoretical postulates, and it permits the gage to be pasted prominently apart from tip of the notch thus avoiding various problems associated with singularities. Unlike the conventional methodologies, the recommended strain gage methodology also proposes optimal radial strain gage locations which are beneficial in appropriate determination of NSIFs. A FEM based numerical approach is adopted for obtaining optimal radial gage locationsa priorifor the aforesaid configuration. The optimal radial gage locations are observed to be influenced by parameters viz. the notch angle, the ratio of notch length to width of the plate and also material properties. Results were already published by the authors to establish that the optimal radial gage locations are influenced by the notch angle and the ratio of notch length to width of the plate. In this conference paper, a case is studied with a completely different material to check whether material properties influence the graphical trends of results or not.
A Pioneering Tactic for Sustainable Waste Management: Design of a Cost-Effective Recycling Machine
Authors: Agarwal A.
Published: June 2018

In this paper we discussed the new design, fabrication and testing of a mechanical can crusher taking into deliberation the force analysis and ergonomic factors that will enable people to use this mechanical can crusher especially in Botswana rural areas. The process of crushing cans is of vital importance as it saves a percentage of space for can disposal and also makes it easier for these cans to be transported to recycling centers or landfill areas. The methods and processes used to bring this project to life include welding, cutting, bending, drilling and assembly operations. This project study is mainly about generating a new concept of a mechanical can crusher that is compact to transport from one location to another and makes can crushing easy and fascinating to the general public so as to promote people buy into crushing in Sub-Sahara market. Even though there are numerous sorts of the mechanical would crusher be able to as of now in presence, this model provides a more practical usage than previous one with the desired mechanical advantage of 10, machinability to crush the entire cans to 25% of their original size and 100% efficiency for the entire rounds.
Diagnostic System to Determine Lining Condition
Authors: Yemelyanov Vitaliy , Yemelyanova Nataliya , Nedelkin Alexey
Published: June 2018

The paper presents data on the problem of diagnosing the lining condition at the iron and steel works. The authors propose and describe structure of specialized computer system to diagnose critical lined equipment. The relative results of lining condition diagnosing by the basic system and proposed specialized computer system are presented. To automate evaluation of lining condition and support in making decisions regarding operation mode of the lined equipment, the specialized software has been developed.
Experimentation and simulation process of friction stir welding for lightweight similar and dissimilar materials
Authors: M Variavel. , R Pugazhenthi. , V Jayakumar.
Published: June 2018

The emerging trends in advanced robust manufacturing trend need light and medium weight materials with higher strength for different purposes. The aluminum and copper alloys are the major construction material for different causes in aerospace, railway and shipbuilding industries. Joining of dissimilar material during built-up structures is one of the tough tasks of the manufacturer; joining of similar and dissimilar material can be effectively made in the Friction Stir Welding (FSW). In this research article made an attempt to find an optimal process parameter for lap joining process in FSW for Al 5052, Al 6061 joining with copper. The finite element simulation model of the lap joint designed, analyzed and simulated with consideration of various spindle speed of CNC machine, an optimal speed condition found and which is applied in during the manufacturing. The fabricated workpieces were tested and the results were compared with the simulated model result, it shows that the fabricated dissimilar materials workpieces are superior to the simulated results especially in tensile load conditions.
Evaluation of mechanical properties of friction stir welded commercially pure aluminium
Authors: Suresh Kumar S. , Ravisankar B. , S Vishnu Chandar. , Dhivakar Raviram R.P.
Published: June 2018

In this study, friction stir welding (FSW) of commercially pure aluminium is carried out. The main defects existing in this process are cavity, irregular material flow due to unsuitable selection of welding parameters. In this study, to reduce the defects by selecting suitable parameter and welding quality determined by mechanical testing methods and non-destructive testing methods. Welding is done with preheating the base metals and without preheating the base metals and their effects are analyzed with similar parameter. The parameters considered for this work are spindle rotational speed (rpm), tool travel speed (mm/min) and axial force (kN). The experimental results are evaluated by Destructive Test and Non-destructive test methods. The characterization study is performed by Optical microscope and Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM).
Optimization of WEDM process during machining of Al-Al2O3 composite using Taguchi based Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Mohan Singla Aaryan , Sharma Shubhang , Kaul Akshay , Rajyalakshmi G.
Published: June 2018

Aluminium ceramic (Al-Al2O3) is used comprehensively all over the world. In this paper, input parameters on Al-Al2O3 workpiece are applied to investigate the MRR and surface roughness by the process of wire electrical machining (WEDM).Four varying input parameters (Ton, Toff, Wf and Cs%) were tabulated for nine samples using L9 orthogonal array design technique whereas keeping wire tension as constant. Tool wear is calculated as the change in initial thickness and final thickness after cutting operation using screw gauge. The surface roughness is found using surface roughness tester.Minitab is used to plot the graph between input parameters against various output parameters. To find the impact of process parameters, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) is used .