bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Modern Virtualization Methods on Timing Precision and Performance of High-Speed Applications
Authors: Kirova Veronika , Karpov Kirill , Siemens Eduard , Zander Irina , Vasylenko Oksana , Kachan Dmitry , Maksymov Sergii
Published: August 2019

The presented work is a result of extended research and analysis on timing methods precision, their efficiency in different virtual environments and the impact of timing precision on the performance of high-speed networks applications. We investigated how timer hardware is shared among heavily CPU- and I/O-bound tasks on a virtualized OS as well as on bare OS. By replacing the invoked timing methods within a well-known application for estimation of available path bandwidth, we provide the analysis of their impact on estimation accuracy. We show that timer overhead and precision are crucial for high-performance network applications, and low-precision timing methods usage, e.g., the delays and overheads issued by virtualization result in the degradation of the virtual environment. Furthermore, in this paper, we provide confirmation that, by using the methods we intentionally developed for both precise timing operations and AvB estimation, it is possible to overcome the inefficiency of standard time-related operations and overhead that comes with the virtualization. The impacts of negative virtualization factors were investigated in five different environments to define the most optimal virtual environment for high-speed network applications.
Development of a Simple Method for Labeling and Identification of Protein Binders in Art
Authors: Ooi Su Yin , Salvador Cátia , Martins Sergio , Pereira António , Caldeira Ana Teresa , Prates Ramalho João P
Published: August 2019

Easel paintings are assets with an important historic and cultural value. They usually possess a multi-tiered structure, composed of different layers some of which may present protein binders, making it important to identify these materials for restoration and conservation purposes. We propose the identification of different protein binders by a new fluorescent labeling method employing a coumarin based chromophore, C392STP (sodium(E/Z)-4-(4-(2-(6,7-dimethoxycoumarin-3-yl)vinyl)benzoyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzenesulfo-nate). The method was optimized using commercial proteins and was further tested on proteins extracted from hen’s egg yolk, white bovine milk, and rabbit skin glue. To model more realistic conditions, paint models of easel paintings were prepared. The paint models were made with hen’s egg yolk, white bovine milk, and rabbit skin glue, mixed with different pigments and submitted to artificial aging. Then the extracted proteins from the paint models were labeled with C392 which allowed a sensitive and selective identification by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of the different protein binders used. As a final test, three 19th century easel paintings, from the Italian painter Giorgio Marini, were analyzed. The results show the potential of the proposed method for the identification of protein binders present in easel paintings.
Awareness of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Use of Hearing Protection among Young Adults in Jordan
Authors: Alnuman Nasim , Ghnimat Talha
Published: August 2019

Action to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is necessary, especially because many causes of permanent hearing loss are preventable. The aim of this study is to identify and raise awareness of the effect of loud sounds on hearing and effective ways to protect ears among young adults in Jordan. Using non-probability and convenience sampling, 245 students (113 female and 132 males, aged 21.5 years ± 2.18) from three universities participated in the study and filled the questionnaire completely. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions targeting hearing health. The answers were analyzed statistically, and comparisons were made using the t-test. Hearing loss was regarded as an important issue by 64.1% of the participants. Among the participants, 58% already suffered from at least one hearing symptom, even though only 9.8% used earplugs to protect their hearing. After receiving information on noise-induced hearing loss, 56.3% were likely or somewhat likely to use earplugs in the future (p < 0.01). This indicates that education and knowledge have a strong influence on student attitudes. It is obvious that the awareness of noise-induced hearing loss among adults in Jordan is very low. The authorities, policymakers, media, and educational institutes should recognize their responsibility in raising the awareness of the danger of loud music among young adults.
Deciphering GRINA/Lifeguard1: Nuclear Location, Ca2+ Homeostasis and Vesicle Transport
Authors: Jiménez-González Víctor , Ogalla-García Elena , García-Quintanilla Meritxell , García-Quintanilla Albert
Published: August 2019

The Glutamate Receptor Ionotropic NMDA-Associated Protein 1 (GRINA) belongs to the Lifeguard family and is involved in calcium homeostasis, which governs key processes, such as cell survival or the release of neurotransmitters. GRINA is mainly associated with membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, endosome, and the cell surface, but its presence in the nucleus has not been explained yet. Here we dissect, with the help of different software tools, the potential roles of GRINA in the cell and how they may be altered in diseases, such as schizophrenia or celiac disease. We describe for the first time that the cytoplasmic N-terminal half of GRINA (which spans a Proline-rich domain) contains a potential DNA-binding sequence, in addition to cleavage target sites and probable PY-nuclear localization sequences, that may enable it to be released from the rest of the protein and enter the nucleus under suitable conditions, where it could participate in the transcription, alternative splicing, and mRNA export of a subset of genes likely involved in lipid and sterol synthesis, ribosome biogenesis, or cell cycle progression. To support these findings, we include additional evidence based on an exhaustive review of the literature and our preliminary data of the protein–protein interaction network of GRINA.
Disproportionate Effect of Sub-Micron Topography on Osteoconductive Capability of Titanium
Authors: Saruta Juri , Sato Nobuaki , Ishijima Manabu , Okubo Takahisa , Hirota Makoto , Ogawa Takahiro
Published: August 2019

Titanium micro-scale topography offers excellent osteoconductivity and bone–implant integration. However, the biological effects of sub-micron topography are unknown. We compared osteoblastic phenotypes and in vivo bone and implant integration abilities between titanium surfaces with micro- (1–5 µm) and sub-micro-scale (0.1–0.5 µm) compartmental structures and machined titanium. The calculated average roughness was 12.5 ± 0.65, 123 ± 6.15, and 24 ± 1.2 nm for machined, micro-rough, and sub-micro-rough surfaces, respectively. In culture studies using bone marrow-derived osteoblasts, the micro-rough surface showed the lowest proliferation and fewest cells attaching during the initial stage. Calcium deposition and expression of osteoblastic genes were highest on the sub-micro-rough surface. The bone–implant integration in the Sprague–Dawley male rat femur model was the strongest on the micro-rough surface. Thus, the biological effects of titanium surfaces are not necessarily proportional to the degree of roughness in osteoblastic cultures or in vivo. Sub-micro-rough titanium ameliorates the disadvantage of micro-rough titanium by restoring cell attachment and proliferation. However, bone integration and the ability to retain cells are compromised due to its lower interfacial mechanical locking. This is the first report on sub-micron topography on a titanium surface promoting osteoblast function with minimal osseointegration.
Impact of Information Sharing and Forecast Combination on Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods Demand Forecast Accuracy
Authors: Yang Dazhi , Zhang Allan N.
Published: August 2019

This article empirically demonstrates the impacts of truthfully sharing forecast information and using forecast combinations in a fast-moving-consumer-goods (FMCG) supply chain. Although it is known a priori that sharing information improves the overall efficiency of a supply chain, information such as pricing or promotional strategy is often kept proprietary for competitive reasons. In this regard, it is herein shown that simply sharing the retail-level forecasts—this does not reveal the exact business strategy, due to the effect of omni-channel sales—yields nearly all the benefits of sharing all pertinent information that influences FMCG demand. In addition, various forecast combination methods are used to further stabilize the forecasts, in situations where multiple forecasting models are used during operation. In other words, it is shown that combining forecasts is less risky than “betting” on any component model.
Network Anomaly Detection by Using a Time-Decay Closed Frequent Pattern
Authors: Zhao Ying , Chen Junjun , Wu Di , Teng Jian , Sharma Nabin , Sajjanhar Atul , Blumenstein Michael
Published: August 2019

Anomaly detection of network traffic flows is a non-trivial problem in the field of network security due to the complexity of network traffic. However, most machine learning-based detection methods focus on network anomaly detection but ignore the user anomaly behavior detection. In real scenarios, the anomaly network behavior may harm the user interests. In this paper, we propose an anomaly detection model based on time-decay closed frequent patterns to address this problem. The model mines closed frequent patterns from the network traffic of each user and uses a time-decay factor to distinguish the weight of current and historical network traffic. Because of the dynamic nature of user network behavior, a detection model update strategy is provided in the anomaly detection framework. Additionally, the closed frequent patterns can provide interpretable explanations for anomalies. Experimental results show that the proposed method can detect user behavior anomaly, and the network anomaly detection performance achieved by the proposed method is similar to the state-of-the-art methods and significantly better than the baseline methods.
Characterization and Photophysical Properties of a Luminescent Aluminum Hydride Complex Supported by a β-Diketiminate Ligand
Authors: Ito Shunichiro , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: August 2019

Aluminum hydrides are versatile compounds utilized as reducing agents, precursors of aluminum complexes, and as catalysts for polymerization reactions. However, their photophysical properties have been overlooked, although several luminescent aluminum complexes have been utilized conventionally for emitting layers in modern light-emitting devices. Herein, we report the synthesis and photophysical properties of a luminescent β-diketiminate dihydride complex through the reaction between lithium aluminum hydride and the corresponding ligand. The obtained compound exhibits crystallization-induced emission (CIE) properties at room temperature and long-lifetime phosphorescence at 80 K. Our experimental and theoretical investigations suggest that low-energy molecular vibration could play an important role in the realization of the CIE property.
Nickel Metalloregulators and Chaperones
Authors: Higgins Khadine
Published: August 2019

Nickel is essential for the survival of many pathogenic bacteria. E. coli and H. pylori require nickel for [NiFe]-hydrogenases. H. pylori also requires nickel for urease. At high concentrations nickel can be toxic to the cell, therefore, nickel concentrations are tightly regulated. Metalloregulators help to maintain nickel concentration in the cell by regulating the expression of the genes associated with nickel import and export. Nickel import into the cell, delivery of nickel to target proteins, and export of nickel from the cell is a very intricate and well-choreographed process. The delivery of nickel to [NiFe]-hydrogenase and urease is complex and involves several chaperones and accessory proteins. A combination of biochemical, crystallographic, and spectroscopic techniques has been utilized to study the structures of these proteins, as well as protein–protein interactions resulting in an expansion of our knowledge regarding how these proteins sense and bind nickel. In this review, recent advances in the field will be discussed, focusing on the metal site structures of nickel bound to metalloregulators and chaperones.
Exposure to Non-Native Tropical Milkweed Promotes Reproductive Development in Migratory Monarch Butterflies
Authors: Majewska Ania A. , Altizer Sonia
Published: August 2019

Background: North American monarchs (Danaus plexippus) are well-known for their long-distance migrations; however, some monarchs within the migratory range have adopted a resident lifestyle and breed year-round at sites where tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is planted in the southern coastal United States. An important question is whether exposure to exotic milkweed alters monarch migratory physiology, particularly the ability to enter and remain in the hormonally-induced state of reproductive diapause, whereby adults delay reproductive maturity. Cued by cooler temperatures and shorter photoperiods, diapause is a component of the monarch’s migratory syndrome that includes directional flight behavior, lipid accumulation, and the exceptional longevity of the migratory generation. Methods: Here, we experimentally test how exposure to tropical milkweed during the larval and adult stages influences monarch reproductive status during fall migration. Caterpillars reared under fall-like conditions were fed tropical versus native milkweed diets, and wild adult migrants were placed in outdoor flight cages with tropical milkweed, native milkweed, or no milkweed. Results: We found that monarchs exposed to tropical milkweed as larvae were more likely to be reproductively active (exhibit mating behavior in males and develop mature eggs in females) compared to monarchs exposed to native milkweed. Among wild-caught fall migrants, females exposed to tropical milkweed showed greater egg development than females exposed to native or no milkweed, although a similar response was not observed for males. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that exposure to tropical milkweed can increase monarch reproductive activity, which could promote continued residency at year-round breeding sites and decrease monarch migratory propensity.
Multidiscipline Stroke Post-Acute Care Transfer System: Propensity-Score-Based Comparison of Functional Status
Authors: Wang Chung-Yuan , Hsien Hong-Hsi , Hung Kuo-Wei , Lin Hsiu-Fen , Chiou Hung-Yi , Yeh Shu-Chuan Jennifer , Yeh Yu-Jo , Shi Hon-Yi
Published: August 2019

Few studies have investigated the characteristics of stroke inpatients after post-acute care (PAC) rehabilitation, and few studies have applied propensity score matching (PSM) in a natural experimental design to examine the longitudinal impacts of a medical referral system on functional status. This study coupled a natural experimental design with PSM to assess the impact of a medical referral system in stroke patients and to examine the longitudinal effects of the system on functional status. The intervention was a hospital-based, function oriented, 12-week to 1-year rehabilitative PAC intervention for patients with cerebrovascular diseases. The average duration of PAC in the intra-hospital transfer group (31.52 days) was significantly shorter than that in the inter-hospital transfer group (37.1 days) (p < 0.001). The intra-hospital transfer group also had better functional outcomes. The training effect was larger in patients with moderate disability (Modified Rankin Scale, MRS = 3) and moderately severe disability (MRS = 4) compared to patients with slight disability (MRS = 2). Intensive post-stroke rehabilitative care delivered by per-diem payment is effective in terms of improving functional status. To construct a vertically integrated medical system, strengthening the qualified local hospitals with PAC wards, accelerating the inter-hospital transfer, and offering sufficient intensive rehabilitative PAC days are the most essential requirements.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment. A Back to the Drawing Board Project or High Expectations for Low Unmet Needs?
Authors: Drosos Alexandros A. , Pelechas Eleftherios , Voulgari Paraskevi V.
Published: August 2019

Despite the significant progress in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) therapeutics, there are several reports in the literature claiming that the size of unmet needs in RA is large. In the era before biologics, there was indeed a significant number of patients who did not achieve low disease activity (LDA) or disease remission due to limited therapeutic choices in the doctors’ armamentarium. Treatment wise, great progress has been achieved over the last decades with the discovery and introduction in therapeutics of new molecules, such as the biological (b) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and the targeted synthetic (ts) DMARDs. Today, with such a plethora of conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs, tsDMARDs, and bDMARDs, why are we unable to successfully treat RA patients? What is wrong? However, a new drug for RA does not mean it is necessary to switch to a new treatment. It is very easy to change and switch therapies when the patient complains about pain and stiffness. In this setting, it is obligatory to rule out other comorbidities and disorders that may be the cause of the pain first. Thus, clinicians must have a deep knowledge of the drug therapy and be able to adjust the treatment when needed. A minute clinical examination must be carried out on every visit with close monitoring of the patient. A treat-to-target (T2T) approach and the application of the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) recommendations and strategies should minimize the unmet needs.
Risk-Aware Machine Learning Classifier for Skin Lesion Diagnosis
Authors: Mobiny Aryan , Singh Aditi , Van Nguyen Hien
Published: August 2019

Knowing when a machine learning system is not confident about its prediction is crucial in medical domains where safety is critical. Ideally, a machine learning algorithm should make a prediction only when it is highly certain about its competency, and refer the case to physicians otherwise. In this paper, we investigate how Bayesian deep learning can improve the performance of the machine–physician team in the skin lesion classification task. We used the publicly available HAM10000 dataset, which includes samples from seven common skin lesion categories: Melanoma (MEL), Melanocytic Nevi (NV), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Actinic Keratoses and Intraepithelial Carcinoma (AKIEC), Benign Keratosis (BKL), Dermatofibroma (DF), and Vascular (VASC) lesions. Our experimental results show that Bayesian deep networks can boost the diagnostic performance of the standard DenseNet-169 model from 81.35% to 83.59% without incurring additional parameters or heavy computation. More importantly, a hybrid physician–machine workflow reaches a classification accuracy of 90 % while only referring 35 % of the cases to physicians. The findings are expected to generalize to other medical diagnosis applications. We believe that the availability of risk-aware machine learning methods will enable a wider adoption of machine learning technology in clinical settings.
Systemic Sclerosis Serum Steers the Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Toward Profibrotic Myofibroblasts: Pathophysiologic Implications
Authors: Manetti Mirko , Romano Eloisa , Rosa Irene , Fioretto Bianca Saveria , Praino Emanuela , Guiducci Serena , Iannone Florenzo , Ibba-Manneschi Lidia , Matucci-Cerinic Marco
Published: August 2019

Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is characterized by life-threatening progressive multiorgan fibrosis orchestrated by profibrotic myofibroblasts originating from different sources. Because recent data demonstrated that the majority of myofibroblasts in a murine scleroderma model arise from adipocytic progenitors through the adipocyte-myofibroblast transition process, we sought to determine whether the SSc microenvironment may affect the differentiation potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC). Normal human ADSC from three donors were treated with serum from SSc patients (n = 6), serum from healthy individuals (n = 6), or recombinant human transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) as positive control of myofibroblastic phenotype induction. ADSC were subjected to in vitro adipogenic differentiation for up to 21 days in the presence of different stimuli followed by lipid content quantification. In selected experiments, adipocytic and mesenchymal/myofibroblast marker gene and protein expression levels were assessed by Real-Time PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence after administration of different stimuli for 72 and 96 h, respectively. Cell contractile phenotype was assayed by collagen gel contraction assay. Likewise stimulation with TGFβ1, SSc serum was able to significantly inhibit the adipocyte differentiation of ADSC as testified by a strong decrease in red-colored lipid droplets after 21 days of adipogenic induction. Treatment of ADSC either with SSc serum or TGFβ1 resulted in the acquisition of a myofibroblast-like phenotype characterized by a reduced expression of the adipocytic markers perilipin and adiponectin, a significant upregulation of the mesenchymal/myofibroblast markers α-SMA+ stress fibers, S100A4 and type I collagen, and an ability to effectively contract collagen gels. In SSc, the pathologic environment may favor the differentiation of ADSC into profibrotic and contractile myofibroblast-like cells. These findings strengthen the notion that the generation of myofibroblasts from ADSC may be relevant in SSc pathophysiology potentially representing a new target for the prevention/treatment of multiorgan fibrosis.
Nonlinear Stress-Strain Model for Confined Well Cement
Authors: Li Yan , Lu Yunhu , Ahmed Ramadan , Han Baoguo , Jin Yan
Published: August 2019

The cement sheath is the key for providing the zonal isolation and integrity of the wellbore. Oil well cement works under confining pressure, so it exhibits strong nonlinear and ductile behavior which is very different from that without confining pressure. Therefore, for the accuracy of the simulation and the reliability of well construction design, a reliable compression stress–strain model is essential for confined well cement. In this paper, a new axial stress–strain model for confined well cement is developed based on uniaxial and triaxial test data, examinations of failure mechanisms, and the results of numerical analysis. A parametric study was conducted to evaluate and calibrate the model. The model is simple and suitable for direct use in simulation studies and well design. Results from this study show the nonlinear compressive behavior of confined well cement can be predicted using the traditional uniaxial compressive strength test measurements.
Non-Intrusive Inference Reduced Order Model for Fluids Using Deep Multistep Neural Network
Authors: Xie Xuping , Zhang Guannan , Webster Clayton G.
Published: August 2019

In this effort we propose a data-driven learning framework for reduced order modeling of fluid dynamics. Designing accurate and efficient reduced order models for nonlinear fluid dynamic problems is challenging for many practical engineering applications. Classical projection-based model reduction methods generate reduced systems by projecting full-order differential operators into low-dimensional subspaces. However, these techniques usually lead to severe instabilities in the presence of highly nonlinear dynamics, which dramatically deteriorates the accuracy of the reduced-order models. In contrast, our new framework exploits linear multistep networks, based on implicit Adams–Moulton schemes, to construct the reduced system. The advantage is that the method optimally approximates the full order model in the low-dimensional space with a given supervised learning task. Moreover, our approach is non-intrusive, such that it can be applied to other complex nonlinear dynamical systems with sophisticated legacy codes. We demonstrate the performance of our method through the numerical simulation of a two-dimensional flow past a circular cylinder with Reynolds number Re = 100. The results reveal that the new data-driven model is significantly more accurate than standard projection-based approaches.
Understanding the Evolution of Tree Size Diversity within the Multivariate Nonsymmetrical Diffusion Process and Information Measures
Authors: Rupšys Petras
Published: August 2019

This study focuses on the stochastic differential calculus of Itô, as an effective tool for the analysis of noise in forest growth and yield modeling. Idea of modeling state (tree size) variable in terms of univariate stochastic differential equation is exposed to a multivariate stochastic differential equation. The new developed multivariate probability density function and its marginal univariate, bivariate and trivariate distributions, and conditional univariate, bivariate and trivariate probability density functions can be applied for the modeling of tree size variables and various stand attributes such as the mean diameter, height, crown base height, crown width, volume, basal area, slenderness ratio, increments, and much more. This study introduces generalized multivariate interaction information measures based on the differential entropy to capture multivariate dependencies between state variables. The present study experimentally confirms the effectiveness of using multivariate interaction information measures to reconstruct multivariate relationships of state variables using measurements obtained from a real-world data set.
An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Protective Effects of Solanum lycopersicum Seed Essential Oil on Diabetes-Induced Testicular Injuries
Authors: Kermani Javid , Goodarzi Nader , Bakhtiari Mitra
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can effectively influences male reproductive performance. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of Solanum lycopersicum essential oil (SL) on diabetes-induced testicular injuries. Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 8 in each group). 1: control; 2: diabetic; 3: diabetic + 30 mg/kg of SL essential oil; 4: diabetic + 90 mg/kg of SL essential oil; 5: diabetic + 270 mg/kg of SL essential oil extract. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Testicular changes were assessed quantitatively using stereological method followed by measuring antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and the serum testosterone level. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and Bcl-2expression were also evaluated in the tissue samples. Results: Diabetes resulted in significant deleterious changes in the structure of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes and testosterone levels, and increased lipid peroxidation. The expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated in diabetic testis and resulted in enhanced apoptosis. Following 8 weeks of treatment with SL essential oil, there were noticeable improvements in the structural changes of testis and the restoration of antioxidant defense and testosterone levels in testicular tissue, especially at higher doses. Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings reveal that the essential oil of Solanum lycopersicum has potent antioxidant properties and can attenuate the adverse effects of diabetes on male reproduction.
Microstructural Changes and Impact Toughness of Fill Pass in X80 Steel Weld Metal
Authors: Bai Fang , Ding Hongsheng , Tong Lige , Pan Liqing , Wang Li
Published: August 2019

Multi-pass welding is used in high-pressure and thick-walled pipes in natural gas and oil pipelines. When a welding layer of a welded joint is subjected to different welding thermal cycles, its microstructure and properties change, thereby affecting the overall welding performance. In this study, the temperature and microstructural variations of the fill pass 2 (FP2) in the entire welding process were investigated by combining the thermal cycle with the cascade welding method. The original FP2 and FP2 after double thermal cycles had the worse deformation ability by tensile test. The toughness of FP2 improved after a single thermal cycle, decreased after double thermal cycles, and improved again after triple thermal cycles. The content of martensite–austenite (M–A) constituents and the average grain size of FP2 in the cascade samples were inversely proportional to FP2 toughness. Massive M–A constituents and their unique distribution at the inter-critical temperature were harmful to weld metal toughness. Controlling the size and fraction of M–A constituents can improve weld metal toughness.
Thermodynamics and Agglomeration Behavior on Spinel Inclusion in Al-Deoxidized Steel Coupling with Mg Treatment
Authors: Cao Lei , Wang Guocheng , Yuan Xinghu , Jin Pengliang , Sridhar Seetharaman
Published: August 2019

There are many types of non-metallic MgAl2O4 inclusions observed in Al-deoxidized steel coupling with Mg treatment, including single-particle MgAl2O4, agglomerated MgAl2O4, and MgAl2O4-MnS. Thermodynamic calculation shows that MgAl2O4 precipitates in the liquid phase. The phase transformation follows liquid + Al2O3 + MgAl2O4 → liquid + MgAl2O4 → liquid + MgO + MgAl2O4 → liquid + MgO with the Mg content increasing when the Al content is a constant in molten steel, and it is in agreement with the experimental results for the formation of MgAl2O4 in molten steel. The calculation results of various attractive forces between two particles show that the cavity bridge force plays a dominant role in the agglomeration process and results in the agglomerated MgAl2O4. The lattice mismatch calculation result shows that MgAl2O4 can provide effective sites for MnS nucleating in steel.
The Zinc-Rich Corner of the Fe-Si-Sn-Zn Quaternary System at 450 °C
Authors: Wang Xinming , Chen Xiaqi , Su Xuping , Yin Fucheng , Li Zhi
Published: August 2019

The 450 °C isothermal sections of the Fe-Si-Sn-Zn quaternary system with Zn composition fixed at 70 and 93 at.% were determined experimentally using optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Five four-phase regions were identified in the 70 at.% Zn section, whereas no four-phase region was found in the 93 at.% Zn section. The liquid phase was found to be in equilibrium with almost all phases in the two sections, including the FeSn, FeSi, FeSi2, Γ1, δ, ζ, and α-Fe phases. The solubility of Sn in the ζ, FeSi, and FeSi2 phases was rather limited; however, the maximum solubility of Si in the FeSn phase was 0.5 wt.%. No quaternary compound was found in the study.
A RISC-V Processor with Area-Efficient Memristor-Based In-Memory Computing for Hash Algorithm in Blockchain Applications
Authors: Xue Xiaoyong , Wang Chenzedai , Liu Wenjun , Lv Hangbing , Wang Mingyu , Zeng Xiaoyang
Published: August 2019

Blockchain technology is increasingly being used in Internet of things (IoT) devices for information security and data integrity. However, it is challenging to implement complex hash algorithms with limited resources in IoT devices owing to large energy consumption and a long processing time. This paper proposes a RISC-V processor with memristor-based in-memory computing (IMC) for blockchain technology in IoT applications. The IMC-adapted instructions were designed for the Keccak hash algorithm by virtue of the extendibility of the RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). Then, a RISC-V processor with area-efficient memristor-based IMC was developed based on an open-source core for IoT applications, Hummingbird E200. The general compiling policy with the data allocation method is also disclosed for the IMC implementation of the Keccak hash algorithm. An evaluation shows that >70% improvements in both performance and energy saving were achieved with limited area overhead after introducing IMC in the RISC-V processor.
Positioning Error Analysis and Control of a Piezo-Driven 6-DOF Micro-Positioner
Authors: Lin Chao , Zheng Shan , Li Pingyang , Shen Zhonglei , Wang Shuang
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a positioning error model and a control compensation scheme for a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) micro-positioner based on a compliant mechanism and piezoelectric actuators (PZT). The positioning error model is established by means of the kinematic model of the compliant mechanism and complete differential coefficient theory, which includes the relationships between three typical errors (hysteresis, machining and measuring errors) and the total positioning error. The quantitative analysis of three errors is demonstrated through several experimental studies. Afterwards, an inverse Presiach model-based feedforward compensation of the hysteresis nonlinearity is employed by the control scheme, combined with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback controller for the compensation of machining and measuring errors. Moreover, a back propagation neural network PID (BP-PID) controller and a cerebellar model articulation controller neural network PID (CMAC-PID) controller are also adopted and compared to obtain optimal control. Taking the translational motion along the X axis as an example, the positioning errors are sharply reduced by the inverse hysteresis model with the maximum error of 12.76% and a root-mean-square error of 4.09%. In combination with the CMAC-PID controller, the errors are decreased to 0.63% and 0.23%, respectively. Hence, simulated and experimental results reveal that the proposed approach can improve the positioning accuracy of 6-DOF for the micro-positioner.
3D Printed Lab-on-a-Chip Platform for Chemical Stimulation and Parallel Analysis of Ion Channel Function
Authors: Aschenbrenner Daniel , Friedrich Oliver , Gilbert Daniel F.
Published: August 2019

Functional imaging has been a widely established method for the assessment of ion channel function in vitro. Conventional infrastructure used for in vitro functional analysis of ion channels is typically proprietary, non-customizable, expensive, and requires a high level of skill to use and maintain. 3D desktop printing, which is employed in the rapid prototyping field, allows for quick engineering of alternatives to conventional imaging infrastructure that are customizable, low cost, and user friendly. Here, we describe an ultra-low-cost microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device manufactured using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) for in vitro functional imaging of ion channels that can quickly and easily be reconstructed using three-dimensional (3D) desktop printing. The device is light weight (<5 g), small (20 mm × 49 mm), and extremely low cost (<EUR 1). We simulate fluidics within the printed channels and assess the suitability of the engineered chamber to generate homogeneous mixtures during solution exchange. We demonstrate the usability of the 3D printed microfluidic device in a case study using Fluo-4-loaded human embryonal kidney-derived (HEK293) cells, recombinantly expressing the capsaicin receptor, transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1), as a model system. In the case study, we confirm its applicability to solution exchange for chemical stimulation and parallel functional time-lapse fluorescence microscopy-based calcium imaging. We assess the suitability of ABS for culturing HEK293 cells inside the microfluidic LOC, based on qualitative analysis of microscopic transmission light images of ABS-exposed HEK293 cells and confirm the previously reported biocompatibility of ABS. To highlight the versatility of the 3D printed microfluidic device, we provide an example for multiplication of the shown concept within a 3D printed multichannel microfluidic LOC to be used, for example, in a higher throughput format for parallelized functional analysis of ion channels. While this work focusses on Ca2+ imaging with TRPV1 channels, the device may also be useful for application with other ion channel types and in vitro models.
Low Conductivity Decay of Sn–0.7Cu–0.2Zn Photovoltaic Ribbons for Solar Cell Application
Authors: Chen Kuan-Jen , Hung Fei-Yi , Lui Truan-Sheng , Hsu Lin
Published: August 2019

The present study applied Sn–0.7Cu–0.2Zn alloy solders to a photovoltaic ribbon. Intermetallic compounds of Cu6Sn5 and Ag3Sn formed at the Cu/solder/Ag interfaces of the module after reflow. Electron probe microanalyzer images showed that a Cu–Zn solid-solution layer (Zn accumulation layer) existed at the Cu/solder interface. After a 72 h current stress, no detectable amounts of Cu6Sn5 were found. However, a small increase in Ag3Sn was found. Compared with a Sn–0.7Cu photovoltaic module, the increase of the intermetallic compounds thickness in the Sn–0.7Cu–0.2Zn photovoltaic module was much smaller. A retard in the growth of the intermetallic compounds caused the series resistance of the module to slightly increase by 9%. A Zn accumulation layer formed at the module interfaces by adding trace Zn to the Sn–0.7Cu solder, retarding the growth of the intermetallic compounds and thus enhancing the lifetime of the photovoltaic module.
Administration of a Postbiotic Causes Immunomodulatory Responses in Broiler Gut and Reduces Disease Pathogenesis Following Challenge
Authors: Johnson Casey N. , Kogut Michael H. , Genovese Kenneth , He Haiqi , Kazemi Steve , Arsenault Ryan J.
Published: August 2019

With the reemergence of poultry diseases such as necrotic enteritis following the restriction of in-feed antibiotics, the search for antibiotic alternatives has become critically important. Postbiotics are non-viable bacterial products or metabolic byproducts from probiotic microorganisms that have positive effects on the host or microbiota. These are a promising alternative to antibiotics. Here, we describe the mechanism of action of a postbiotic in the context of a Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) challenge model. By using performance measurements and a peptide array kinome analysis, we describe the kinotypes and signal transduction changes elicited by the postbiotic with and without C. perfringens challenge. The postbiotic improves lesion scores, C. perfringens counts and mortality compared to challenge groups without the postbiotic, and it improves weight gain in the most severely challenged birds. The postbiotic predominantly affects the innate immune response and appears immunomodulatory. In the context of infection, it reduces the proinflammatory responses and generates a homeostatic-like response. This postbiotic is a viable alternative to antibiotics to improve poultry health in the context of C. perfringens pathogen challenge.
Novel Antibiotics for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Positive Microorganisms
Authors: Koulenti Despoina , Xu Elena , Yin Sum Mok Isaac , Song Andrew , Karageorgopoulos Drosos E. , Armaganidis Apostolos , Lipman Jeffrey , Tsiodras Sotirios
Published: August 2019

Increasing multidrug-resistance to Gram-positive pathogens, particularly to staphylococci, enterococci and streptococci, is a major problem, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. In recent years, only a small number of novel antibiotics effective against Gram-positive bacteria has been approved. This review will discuss the current evidence for novel branded antibiotics that are highly effective in the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections by Gram-positive pathogens, namely ceftobiprole, ceftaroline, telavancin, oritavancin, dalbavancin, tedizolid, besifloxacin, delafloxacin, ozenoxacin, and omadacycline. The mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, microbiological spectrum, efficacy and safety profile will be concisely presented. As for any emerging antibiotic agent, resistance is likely to develop against these highly effective antibiotics. Only through appropriate dosing, utilization and careful resistance development monitoring will these novel antibiotics continue to treat Gram-positive pathogens in the future.
Dritsite, Li2Al4(OH)12Cl2·3H2O, a New Gibbsite-Based Hydrotalcite Supergroup Mineral
Authors: Zhitova Elena S. , Pekov Igor V. , Chaikovskiy Ilya I. , Chirkova Elena P. , Yapaskurt Vasiliy O. , Bychkova Yana V. , Belakovskiy Dmitry I. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Zubkova Natalia V. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Bocharov Vladimir N.
Published: August 2019

Dritsite, ideally Li2Al4(OH)12Cl2·3H2O, is a new hydrotalcite supergroup mineral formed as a result of diagenesis in the halite−carnallite rock of the Verkhnekamskoe salt deposit, Perm Krai, Russia. Dritsite forms single lamellar or tabular hexagonal crystals up to 0.25 mm across. The mineral is transparent and colourless, with perfect cleavage on {001}. The chemical composition of dritsite (wt. %; by combination of electron microprobe and ICP−MS; H2O calculated by structure refinement) is: Li2O 6.6, Al2O3 45.42, SiO2 0.11, Cl 14.33, SO3 0.21, H2Ocalc. 34.86, O = Cl − 3.24, total 98.29. The empirical formula based on Li + Al + Si = 6 apfu (atom per formula unit) is Li1.99Al4.00Si0.01[(OH)12.19Cl1.82(SO4)0.01]Σ14.02·2.60(H2O). The Raman spectroscopic data indicate the presence of O–H bonding in the mineral, whereas CO32– groups are absent. The crystal structure has been refined in the space group P63/mcm, a = 5.0960(3), c = 15.3578(13) Å, and V = 345.4(5) Å3, to R1 = 0.088 using single-crystal data. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern (d, Å (I, %) (hkl)) are: 7.68 (100) (002), 4.422 (61) (010), 3.832 (99) (004, 012), 2.561 (30) (006), 2.283 (25) (113), and 1.445 (26) (032). Dritsite was found as 2H polytype, which is isotypic with synthetic material and shows strong similarity to chlormagalumite-2H. The mineral is named in honour of the Russian crystallographer and mineralogist Prof. Victor Anatol`evich Drits.
Melt Inclusions in Plagioclase Macrocrysts at Mount Jourdanne, Southwest Indian Ridge (~64° E): Implications for an Enriched Mantle Source and Shallow Magmatic Processes
Authors: Li Wei , Tao Chunhui , Zhang Wen , Liu Jia , Liang Jin , Liao Shili , Yang Weifang
Published: August 2019

Plagioclase ultraphyric basalts (PUBs) with up to 40% millimeter-sized plagioclase crystals, were sampled from the Mount Jourdanne volcanic massif (~64° E) in the Southwest Indian Ridge. The geochemistry of the host glass, the glassy melt inclusions and their host plagioclase macrocrysts (An60-69) are used to reveal the mantle heterogeneity and to discuss the origin of Mount Jourdanne PUBs. The melt inclusions trapped in plagioclase display low MgO and high SiO2 contents and show rare earth element (REE) patterns resembling enriched mid-ocean ridge basalts (E-MORB). Together with their positive Sr and Eu anomalies, these features indicate that they were derived from an enriched mantle source, likely a refertilized peridotite or a pyroxenite. In contrast to some 61–67° E basalts, there is a lack of negative Eu anomalies in the PUB host glasses, precluding large amounts of plagioclase crystallization from their parental magma. Petrographic observations and the general chemical similarity between melt inclusions and melts equilibrated with the clinopyroxene cores in regional gabbros and/or troctolites suggest that these plagioclase macrocrysts originate from gabbroic mush within the lower crust. The density contrasts allow the effective segregation of plagioclase prior to their incorporation into the host magma. We propose that these plagioclase macrocrysts were entrained when a new batch of magma passed through the crustal mush zone, and resulted in the formation of the PUB. Eruption of Mount Jourdanne PUBs requires a minimum ascending velocity of 5 m d−1 for the host magma, which is not as high as the eruption rate for typical MORB samples. It is likely that the PUB host magma erupts during a period with reduced magma supply, whereas eruption of aphyric lavas correspond to the fast volcanic formation of the Mount Jourdanne massif.
Mineralogical and Environmental Geochemistry of Coal Combustion Products from Shenhuo and Yihua Power Plants in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Northwest China
Authors: Wu Peng , Li Jing , Zhuang Xinguo , Querol Xavier , Moreno Natalia , Li Baoqing , Ge Dongfeng , Zhao Shihua , Ma Xiaoping , Cordoba Patricia , Shangguan Yunfei
Published: August 2019

The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of feed coals and coal combustion products (CCPs) from the Shenhuo and Yihua Power Plants in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, were studied by means of proximate analysis, Power X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM-EDX), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-AES). The environmental geochemistry of CCPs was evaluated by Al-normalized enrichment factor as well as European Standard EN-12457 leaching test. Two feed coals have the characteristics of low sulfur content, medium to high volatiles matter yields, medium moisture content, super low to medium ash yield, medium to high calorific value and low mineral content. The main crystalline facies in fly ash and slag are quartz and mullite, with a small amount of calcite, and some unburned carbon. Hematite, SrSO4 and barite also can be observed in fly ashes by SEM. Typical plerophere occurs in fine fly ash rather than the coarse fly ash. The concentration of most trace elements in CCPs falls within the lower concentration range of European fly ashes. With respect to the partitioning behavior of trace elements during coal combustion, S is highly volatile, and Mg, Na, Zn, B, Co, As, Nb, Zr, Cu and K also show certain volatility, which may to some extent emit to the atmosphere. Furthermore, leaching experiments show that leachable concentrations of most of the potentially toxic elements in CCPs are low, and the CCPs fall in the range between inert and nonhazardous landfill material regulated by the 2003/33/EC Decision.
The Tale of Greenlandite: Commemorating the Two-Hundredth Anniversary of Eudialyte (1819–2019)
Authors: Sjöqvist Axel S.L.
Published: August 2019

Twenty years before the discovery of the mineral eudialyte, a red garnet-like mineral from Greenland was distributed among mineralogists and chemists in Europe. Furthermore, the first chemical analyses of the Greenlandic mineral reported 10 percent by weight of zirconium oxide. It was given the name greenlandite, and after the discovery of eudialyte many have wondered whether greenlandite could actually be eudialyte. Two-hundred years after the original definition of eudialyte I have tried to find out.