bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific and Generic Immunorecognition of Glycopeptide Antibiotics Promoted by Unique and Multiple Orientations of Hapten
Authors: Burkin Maksim A. , Galvidis Inna A. , Eremin Sergei A.
Published: April 2019

Conjugation chemistry does not always provide adequate spatial orientation of hapten in immunogens for the best presentation of generic or individual epitopes. In the present study, the influence of unique and multiple orientations of immunizing hapten on the immune response repertoire was compared to select generic recognition system. The glycopeptides, teicoplanin (TPL) and ristomycin (RSM), were conjugated to BSA to produce immunogens with unique and multiple orientations of haptens. Polyclonal antibodies generated against TPL conjugated through a single site were of uniform specificity and demonstrated selective TPL recognition, regardless of the coating conjugates design. The sensitivity (IC50) of 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for TPL varied little within the 3.5–7.4 ng/mL, with a dynamic range of 0.2–100 ng/mL. RSM was coupled to BSA through several glycoside sites that evoked a wider repertoire of response. This first described anti-RSM antibody was selective for RSM in homologous hapten-coated ELISAs with IC50 values in the range 4.2–35 ng/mL. Among the heterologous antigens, periodate-oxidized TPL conjugated to gelatine was selected as the best binder of generic anti-RSM fraction. The developed ELISA showed group recognition of glycopeptides RSM, TPL, eremomycin, and vancomycin with cross-reactivity of 37–100% and a 10–10,000 ng/mL dynamic range. Thus, multiple presentations of immunizing hapten help expand the repertoire of immune responses and opportunities for the selection of the required fine-specificity agent.
Plasma-Derived Graphene-Based Materials for Water Purification and Energy Storage
Authors: Natter Nikolas , Kostoglou Nikolaos , Koczwara Christian , Tampaxis Christos , Steriotis Theodore , Gupta Ram , Paris Oskar , Rebholz Claus , Mitterer Christian
Published: April 2019

Several crucial problems, such as rapid population growth and extended demands for food, water and fuels, could lead to a severe lack of clean water and an energy crisis in the coming decade. Therefore, low-cost and highly-efficient technologies related to filtration of alternative water supplies (e.g., purification of wastewater and water-rich liquids) and advanced energy storage (e.g., supercapacitors) could play a crucial role to overcome such challenges. A promising class of solid materials for these purposes is exfoliated graphene, and more specifically, its nanoporous forms that exhibit large specific surface areas and pore volumes. In the current work, two plasma-exfoliated graphene-based materials with distinctive morphological and porosity features, including non-porous and low-specific surface area platelets versus nanoporous and high-specific surface area flakes, were tested as filters for water purification purposes (i.e., decolourization and deacidification) and as electrodes for supercapacitors (i.e., ion electrosorption). The findings of this study suggest that a nanoporous and large specific surface area graphene-based material promotes the water purification behaviour by removing contaminants from water-based solutions as well as the energy storage performance by confining ions of aqueous electrolytes.
Association between Dietary Salt Intake and Progression in the Gastric Precancerous Process
Authors: Thapa Susan , Fischbach Lori A. , Delongchamp Robert , Faramawi Mohammed F. , Orloff Mohammed
Published: April 2019

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Studies investigating the effect of salt on gastric cancer have mainly used self-reported measures, which are not as accurate as sodium/creatinine ratios because individuals may not know the amount of salt in their food. Using data from a prospective cohort study, we investigated the effect of salt intake on progression to gastric precancerous lesions. Salt intake was estimated by urinary sodium/creatinine ratios, self-reported frequencies of adding salt to food, and total added table salt. We repeated the analyses among groups with and without Helicobacter pylori infection. We did not observe a positive association between salt intake, measured by urinary sodium/creatinine ratio, and overall progression in the gastric precancerous process (adjusted risk ratio (RR): 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76–1.15). We did observe an association between salt intake and increased risk for progression to dysplasia or gastric cancer overall (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.96–1.81), especially among those who continued to have H. pylori infection at the five-month follow-up (adjusted RR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.12–2.09), and among those who had persistent H. pylori infection over 12 years (adjusted RR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.09–2.05). Salt intake may increase the risk of gastric dysplasia or gastric cancer in individuals with H. pylori infection.
ROS Production and Distribution: A New Paradigm to Explain the Differential Effects of X-ray and Carbon Ion Irradiation on Cancer Stem Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Wozny Anne-Sophie , Vares Guillaume , Alphonse Gersende , Lauret Alexandra , Monini Caterina , Magné Nicolas , Cuerq Charlotte , Fujimori Akira , Monboisse Jean-Claude , Beuve Michael , Nakajima Tetsuo , Rodriguez-Lafrasse Claire
Published: April 2019

Although conventional radiotherapy promotes the migration/invasion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) under normoxia, carbon ion (C-ion) irradiation actually decreases these processes. Unraveling the mechanisms of this discrepancy, particularly under the hypoxic conditions that pertain in niches where CSCs are preferentially localized, would provide a better understanding of the origins of metastases. Invasion/migration, proteins involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and expression of MMP-2 and HIF-1α were quantified in the CSC subpopulations of two head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines irradiated with X-rays or C-ions. X-rays triggered HNSCC-CSC migration/invasion under normoxia, however this effect was significantly attenuated under hypoxia. C-ions induced fewer of these processes in both oxygenation conditions. The differential response to C-ions was associated with a lack of HIF-1α stabilization, MMP-2 expression, or activation of kinases of the main EMT signaling pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrated a major role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the triggering of invasion/migration in response to X-rays. Monte-Carlo simulations demonstrated that HO● radicals are quantitatively higher after C-ions than after X-rays, however they are very differently distributed within cells. We postulate that the uniform distribution of ROS after X-rays induces the mechanisms leading to invasion/migration, which ROS concentrated in C-ion tracks are unable to trigger.
Upregulation of Complement Factor H by SOCS-1/3–STAT4 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Yoon Yeon-Hee , Hwang Hyeon-Ji , Sung Hye-Jin , Heo Sun-Hee , Kim Dong-Sun , Hong Su-Hyung , Lee Kang-Hoon , Cho Je-Yoel
Published: April 2019

Complement factor H (CFH) is a fluid phase regulator of complement proteins and functions to prevent complement attack and immune surveillance. CFH is known to inactivate therapeutic antibody-dependent complement-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. We found that CFH was highly expressed in human lung cancer cells and tissues. To investigate mechanisms of CFH upregulation, we searched for a CFH transcription factor and its regulatory factors. First, signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) expression patterns coincided with CFH expression patterns in lung cancer tissues. Knockdown of STAT4 led to decreased CFH secretion from lung cancer cells. STAT4 bound directly to the CFH promoter, as demonstrated by luciferase reporter assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, suggesting that STAT4 is a transcription factor for CFH. In addition, a low level of suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1/3, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, was observed in lung cancer cells and its transfection decreased CFH protein levels and promoter activity. Unexpectedly, the low level of SOCS-1/3 was not due to epigenetic silencing. Instead, differential methylation was found on the regulatory region of STAT4 between normal and lung cancer cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that CFH is upregulated by constitutive activation of STAT4, which is accounted for by SOCS silencing in lung cancer cells.
Connecting Exosomes and Connexins
Authors: Gemel Joanna , Kilkus John , Dawson Glyn , Beyer Eric C.
Published: April 2019

Intercellular communication is accomplished by passage of ions and small molecules through gap junction channels in directly contacting cells or by secretion and response to transmitters, hormones and extracellular vesicles in cells that are distant from each other. Recent studies have suggested that there may be overlap of these processes; specifically, small extracellular vesicles may contain subunit gap junction proteins, connexins. We isolated and analyzed extracellular vesicles secreted by cultured microvascular endothelial cells. These vesicles had a diameter of ~120 nm. They contained four exosomal proteins (flotillin-1, CD63, CD81 and Alix) and the gap junction protein, connexin43. They did not contain an endoplasmic reticulum protein (Grp94) or an adherens junction protein (VE-cadherin). Secretion of vesicles was increased by treatment of the cells with staurosporine. Our data confirm that the gap junction protein, connexin43, can be secreted in vesicles with the properties of exosomes. Although the role of vesicular connexin is not clearly known, we speculate that it might participate in docking/fusion of the exosomes with the recipient cell, transmission of vesicular contents, or cellular signaling.
Exosomal miRNAs as Novel Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers for Cancer Chemopreventive Agent Early Stage Treatments in Chemically Induced Mouse Model of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zhang Qi , Du Meijun , Xiong Donghai , Wang Yian , Mohammed Altaf , Lubet Ronald A. , Wang Liang , You Ming
Published: April 2019

Background: Chemopreventive agent (CPA) treatment is one of the main preventive options for lung cancer. However, few studies have been done on pharmacodynamic biomarkers of known CPAs for lung cancer. Materials and methods: In this study, we treated mouse models of lung squamous cell carcinoma with three different CPAs (MEK inhibitor: AZD6244, PI-3K inhibitor: XL-147 and glucocorticoid: Budesonide) and examined circulating exosomal miRNAs in the plasma of each mouse before and after treatment. Results: Compared to baselines, we found differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs after AZD6244 treatment (n = 8, FDR < 0.05; n = 55, raw p-values < 0.05), after XL-147 treatment (n = 4, FDR < 0.05; n = 26, raw p-values < 0.05) and after Budesonide treatment (n = 1, FDR < 0.05; n = 36, raw p-values < 0.05). In co-expression analysis, we found that modules of exosomal miRNAs reacted to CPA treatments differently. By variable selection, we identified 11, 9 and nine exosomal miRNAs as predictors for AZD6244, XL-147 and Budesonide treatment, respectively. Integrating all the results, we highlighted 4 miRNAs (mmu-miR-215-5p, mmu-miR-204-5p, mmu-miR-708-3p and mmu-miR-1298-5p) as the key for AZD6244 treatment, mmu-miR-23a-3p as key for XL-147 treatment, and mmu-miR-125a-5p and mmu-miR-16-5p as key for Budesonide treatment. Conclusions: This is the first study to use circulating exosomal miRNAs as pharmacodynamic biomarkers for CPA treatment in lung cancer.
Photocatalytic Liquid-Phase Selective Hydrogenation of 3-Nitrostyrene to 3-vinylaniline of Various Treated-TiO2 Without Use of Reducing Gas
Authors: Mekasuwandumrong Okorn , Chaitaworn Saknarin , Panpranot Joongjai , Praserthdam Piyasan
Published: April 2019

In this work, we investigate the effect of TiO2 properties on the photocatalytic selective hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene (3-NS) to 3-vinylaniline (3-VA). The P25-TiO2 photocatalysts were calcined at 600–900 °C using different gases (Air, N2, and H2) and characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, XPS, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy. In the photocatalytic hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene in isopropanol, the selectivity of 3-vinylaniline of the treated TiO2 was almost 100%. A linear correlation between the 3-NS consumption rate and PL intensity was observed. Among the catalysts studied, P25-700-air, which possessed the lowest PL intensity, exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity due to the synergistic effect that resulted from its high crystallinity and the optimum amount of anatase/rutile phase content, leading to the reduction of the electron-hole recombination process.
Influence of Sn Content, Nanostructural Morphology, and Synthesis Temperature on the Electrochemical Active Area of Ni-Sn/C Nanocomposite: Verification of Methanol and Urea Electrooxidation
Authors: Barakat Nasser A. M. , Ali Abdelkareem Mohammad , Abdelghani Emad A. M.
Published: April 2019

In contrast to precious metals (e.g., Pt), which possess their electro catalytic activities due to their surface electronic structure, the activity of the Ni-based electrocatalysts depends on formation of an electroactive surface area (ESA) from the oxyhydroxide layer (NiOOH). In this study, the influences of Sn content, nanostructural morphology, and synthesis temperature on the ESA of Sn-incorporated Ni/C nanostructures were studied. To investigate the effect of the nanostructural, Sn-incorporated Ni/C nanostructures, nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning a tin chloride/nickel acetate/poly (vinyl alcohol) solution, followed by calcination under inert atmosphere at high temperatures (700, 850, and 1000 °C). On the other hand, the same composite was formulated in nanoparticulate form by a sol-gel procedure. The electrochemical measurements indicated that the nanofibrous morphology strongly enhanced formation of the ESA. Investigation of the tin content concluded that the optimum co-catalyst content depends on the synthesis temperature. Typically, the maximum ESA was observed at 10 and 15 wt % of the co-catalyst for the nanofibers prepared at 700 and 850 °C, respectively. Study of the effect of synthesis temperature concluded that at the same tin content, 850 °C calcination temperature reveals the best activity compared to 700 and 1000 °C. Practical verification was achieved by investigation of the electrocatalytic activity toward methanol and urea oxidation. The results confirmed that the activity is directly proportionate to the ESA, especially in the case of urea oxidation. Moreover, beside the distinct increase in the current density, at the optimum calcination temperature and co-catalyst content, a distinguished decrease in the onset potential of both urea and methanol oxidation was observed.
Comparative Study of the Characteristics and Activities of Pd/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts Prepared by Vortex and Incipient Wetness Methods
Authors: Banerjee Anil C. , Golub Kristina W. , Hakim Md. Abdul , Billor Mehmet Z.
Published: April 2019

5 wt% Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by a modified Vortex Method (5-Pd-VM) and Incipient Wetness Method (5-Pd-IWM), and characterized by various techniques (Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), N2-physisorption, pulse CO chemisorption, temperature programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD)) under identical conditions. Both catalysts had similar particle sizes and dispersions; the 5-Pd-VM catalyst had 0.5 wt% more Pd loading (4.6 wt%). The surfaces of both catalysts contained PdO and PdOx with about 7% more PdOx in 5-Pd-VM. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated presence of PdO/PdOx nanocrystals (8–10 nm) on the surface of the support. Size distribution by STEM showed presence of smaller nanoparticles (2–5 nm) in 5-Pd-VM. This catalyst was more active in the lower temperature range of 275–325 °C and converted 90% methane at 325 °C. The 5-Pd-VM catalyst was also very stable after 72-hour stability test at 350 °C showing 100% methane conversion, and was relatively resistant to steam deactivation. Hydrogen TPR of 5-Pd-VM gave a reduction peak at 325 °C indicating weaker interactions of the oxidized Pd species with the support. It is hypothesized that smaller particle sizes, uniform particle distribution, and weaker PdO/PdOx interactions with the support may contribute to the higher activity in 5-Pd-VM.
Hydrogen Production from Glycerol Photoreforming on TiO2/HKUST-1 Composites: Effect of Preparation Method
Authors: Martínez Fabián M. , Albiter Elim , Alfaro Salvador , Luna Ana L. , Colbeau-Justin Christophe , Barrera-Andrade José M. , Remita Hynd , Valenzuela Miguel A.
Published: April 2019

Coupling metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with inorganic semiconductors has been successfully tested in a variety of photocatalytic reactions. In this work we present the synthesis of TiO2/HKUST-1 composites by grinding, solvothermal, and chemical methods, using different TiO2 loadings. These composites were used as photocatalysts for hydrogen production by the photoreforming of a glycerol-water mixture under simulated solar light. Several characterization techniques were employed, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC). A synergetic effect was observed with all TiO2/HKUST-1 composites (mass ratio TiO2/MOF 1:1), which presented higher photocatalytic activity than that of individual components. These results were explained in terms of an inhibition of the charge carrier (hole-electron) recombination reaction after photoexcitation, favoring the electron transfer from TiO2 to the MOF and creating reversible Cu1+/Cu0 entities useful for hydrogen production.
Hepatitis C Virus Genetic Variability, Human Immune Response, and Genome Polymorphisms: Which Is the Interplay?
Authors: Lapa Daniele , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Del Porto Paola
Published: April 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the main cause of chronic hepatitis, affecting an estimated 150 million people worldwide. Initial exposure to HCV is most often followed by chronic hepatitis, with only a minority of individuals spontaneously clearing the virus. The induction of sustained and broadly directed HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, together with neutralizing antibodies (nAb), and specific genetic polymorphism have been associated with spontaneous resolution of the infection. However, due to its high variability, HCV is able to overwhelm the host immune response through the rapid acquisition of mutations in the epitopes targeted by T cells and neutralizing antibodies. In this context, immune-mediated pressure represents the main force in driving HCV evolution. This review summarizes the data on HCV diversity and the current state of knowledge about the contributions of antibodies, T cells, and host genetic polymorphism in driving HCV evolution in vivo.
Time- and Kellgren–Lawrence Grade-Dependent Changes in Intra-Articularly Transplanted Stromal Vascular Fraction in Osteoarthritic Patients
Authors: Tran Tung Dang Xuan , Wu Chi-Ming , Dubey Navneet Kumar , Deng Yue-Hua , Su Chun-Wei , Pham Tu Thanh , Thi Le Phuong Bich , Sestili Piero , Deng Win-Ping
Published: April 2019

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent disorders in elderly population. Among various therapeutic alternatives, we employed stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a heterogeneous cell population, to regenerate damaged knee cartilage. OA patients were classified on the basis of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and x-ray-derived Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade. They were treated with SVF and followed-up for 24 months. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index were used to determine treatment efficacy. Cartilage healing was assessed using the MRI-based Outerbridge score (OS) and evaluation of bone marrow edema (BME) lesions, while a placebo group was used as a control. Time- and KL-dependent changes were also monitored. We observed a decreasing trend in VAS score and WOMAC index in the SVF-treated group up to 24 months, as compared with the placebo group. Besides, a significant increase and decrease in Lysholm and OS, respectively, were observed in the treatment group. Compared with the values before treatment, the greatly reduced WOMAC scores of KL3 than KL2 groups at 24 months, indicate more improvement in the KL3 group. Highly decreased BME in the treated group was also noted. In conclusion, the SVF therapy is effective in the recovery of OA patients of KL3 grade in 24 months.
Targeting Hedgehog (Hh) Pathway for the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Terao Toshiki , Minami Yosuke
Published: April 2019

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, containing the Patched (PTCH) and Smoothened (SMO) multitransmembrane proteins, is the main regulator of vertebrate embryonic development. A non-canonical Hh pathway was recently observed in numerous types of solid cancers and hematological malignancies. Although acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common and lethal myeloid malignancy, the chemotherapy for AML has not changed in the last three decades. The Hh pathway and other intracellular signaling pathways are important for the tumor cells’ cycle or therapeutic resistance of AML cells. In this article, we will review the current trends in Hh pathway inhibitors for treating AML.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with High Flow Rate Can Effectively, Safely, and Quickly Reduce Plasma Ammonia and Leucine Levels in Children
Authors: Aygun Fatih , Varol Fatih , Aktuglu-Zeybek Cigdem , Kiykim Ertugrul , Cam Halit
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are the most frequently used treatment modalities for acute kidney injury. CRRT is currently being used for the treatment of several non-renal indications, such as congenital metabolic diseases. CRRT can efficiently remove toxic metabolites and reverse the neurological symptoms quickly. However, there is not enough data for CRRT in children with metabolic diseases. Therefore, we aimed a retrospective study to describe the use of CRRT in metabolic diseases and its associated efficacy, complications, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the records of all patients admitted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for CRRT treatment. Results: Between December 2014 and November 2018, 97 patients were eligible for the present study. The age distribution was between 2 days and 17 years, with a mean of 3.77 ± 4.71 years. There were 13 (36.1%) newborn with metabolic diseases. The patients were divided into two groups: CRRT for metabolic diseases and others. There was a significant relationship between the groups, including age (p ≤ 0.001), weight (p = 0.028), blood flow rate (p ≤ 0.001); dialysate rate (p ≤ 0.001), and replacement rate (p ≤ 0.001). The leucine reduction rate was 3.88 ± 3.65 (% per hour). The ammonia reduction rate was 4.94 ± 5.05 in the urea cycle disorder group and 5.02 ± 4.54 in the organic acidemia group. The overall survival rate was 88.9% in metabolic diseases with CRRT. Conclusion: In particularly hemodynamically unstable patients, CRRT can effectively and quickly reduce plasma ammonia and leucine.
Temperature Variability Differs in Urban Agroecosystems across Two Metropolitan Regions
Authors: Egerer Monika H. , Lin Brenda B. , Kendal Dave
Published: April 2019

Climatically similar regions may experience different temperature extremes and weather patterns that warrant global comparisons of local microclimates. Urban agroecosystems are interesting sites to examine the multidimensional impacts of climate changes because they rely heavily on human intervention to maintain crop production under different and changing climate conditions. Here, we used urban community gardens across the California Central Coast metropolitan region, USA, and the Melbourne metropolitan region, Australia, to investigate how habitat-scale temperatures differ across climatically similar regions, and how people may be adapting their gardening behaviors to not only regional temperatures, but also to the local weather patterns around them. We show that, while annual means are very similar, there are strong interregional differences in temperature variability likely due to differences in the scale and scope of the temperature measurements, and regional topography. However, the plants growing within these systems are largely the same. The similarities may be due to gardeners’ capacities to adapt their gardening behaviors to reduce the adverse effects of local temperature variability on the productivity of their plot. Thus, gardens can serve as sites where people build their knowledge of local weather patterns and adaptive capacity to climate change and urban heat. Climate-focused studies in urban landscapes should consider how habitat-scale temperature variability is a background for interesting and meaningful social-ecological interactions.
Deposition of SiOxCyHz Protective Coatings on Polymer Substrates in an Industrial-Scale PECVD Reactor
Authors: Gosar Žiga , Kovač Janez , Mozetič Miran , Primc Gregor , Vesel Alenka , Zaplotnik Rok
Published: April 2019

The deposition of protective coatings on aluminised polymer substrates by a plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition PECVD technique in a plasma reactor with a volume of 5 m3 was studied. HMDSO was used as a precursor. Plasma was sustained in a capacitively coupled radiofrequency (RF) discharge powered by an RF generator operating at 40 kHz and having an adjustable output power up to 8 kW. Gaseous plasma was characterised by residual gas mass spectrometry and optical emission spectroscopy. Polymer samples with an average roughness of approximately 5 nm were mounted into the plasma reactor and subjected to a protocol for activation, metallisation and deposition of the protective coating. After depositing the protective coating, the samples were characterised by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The combination of various techniques for plasma and coating characterisation provided insight into the complex gas-phase and surface reactions upon deposition of the protective coatings in the industrial-size plasma reactor.
Convolutional Neural Networks for Crystal Material Property Prediction Using Hybrid Orbital-Field Matrix and Magpie Descriptors
Authors: Cao Zhuo , Dan Yabo , Xiong Zheng , Niu Chengcheng , Li Xiang , Qian Songrong , Hu Jianjun
Published: April 2019

Computational prediction of crystal materials properties can help to do large-scale in-silicon screening. Recent studies of material informatics have focused on expert design of multi-dimensional interpretable material descriptors/features. However, successes of deep learning such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) in image recognition and speech recognition have demonstrated their automated feature extraction capability to effectively capture the characteristics of the data and achieve superior prediction performance. Here, we propose CNN-OFM-Magpie, a CNN model with OFM (Orbital-field Matrix) and Magpie descriptors to predict the formation energy of 4030 crystal material by exploiting the complementarity of two-dimensional OFM features and Magpie features. Experiments showed that our method achieves better performance than conventional regression algorithms such as support vector machines and Random Forest. It is also better than CNN models using only the OFM features, the Magpie features, or the basic one-hot encodings. This demonstrates the advantages of CNN and feature fusion for materials property prediction. Finally, we visualized the two-dimensional OFM descriptors and analyzed the features extracted by the CNN to obtain greater understanding of the CNN-OFM model.
Advanced Backstepping Trajectory Control for Skid-Steered Duct-Cleaning Mobile Platforms
Authors: Jeong Wootae , Jeon Seungwoo , Jeong Dahae
Published: April 2019

In recent years, a novel skid-steered duct-cleaning mobile platform was developed to remove dust accumulated on the inner surface of an air-ventilation duct with its rolling brushes. During the cleaning process, the irregular brushing pressure acting on the upper arm makes it difficult to control the platform through the duct path. In fact, the repulsive external force due to the brushing pressure is not directly measurable or computable because of the nonlinear deformation of the brush. In addition, dynamic uncertainties in platform motion can occur during reciprocating motion of the upper arm. Therefore, a model-based trajectory-tracking controller is required to control the mobile cleaning platform by considering irregular external forces. The robustness of the developed controller based on the adaptable PD(Proportional-Derivative)-backstepping method has been proposed and evaluated through numerical analysis and experiments. For the turning motion in a narrow space, a skid-steered platform model considering wheel slippage has been also implemented. The result shows that tracking control can be successfully achieved under various conditions of frequencies in brushing-arm motion and torque limitation of the traction motors.
Thermal-Hydraulic Performance Analysis of Twin-Pipes for Various Future District Heating Schemes
Authors: Khosravi Milad , Arabkoohsar Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Future energy systems will come with a 100% share of renewable energy and high integration of energy systems. District heating and cooling systems will be undeniable parts of the future energy systems, as they pave the bed for high-efficiency, low cost, and clean production. District heating systems may come into a wide range of designs in the future. Currently, most of the world’s district heating systems are based on the third generation design while everything in this framework is on the verge of a transition to the fourth generation. A large number of technologies for the future district heating systems has been proposed so far, among which low-, ultralow- and variable-temperature systems seem more of qualification. This study employs computational fluid dynamics to make a comprehensive examination of the compatibility of regular twin-pipes with various potential district heating schemes for future energy systems. The results show that both low- and ultralow-temperature systems could efficiently use regular twin-pipes commonly used in the third generation district heating systems, though the insulation of the pipe could be proportionally strengthened based on a techno-economic trade-off. In contrast, the results show that the thermal inertia of the pipe does not allow the variable-temperature district heating system to effectively operate when the transmission pipeline is longer than a limited length. Therefore, a regular heat distribution network may not be an appropriate host for a variable-temperature district heating scheme unless decentralized heat production units come into service.
Liquid Phase Selective Hydrogenation of Phenol to Cyclohexanone over Electrospun Pd/PVDF-HFP Catalyst
Authors: Abutaleb Ahmed , Lolla Dinesh , Aljuhani Abdulwahab , Shin Hyeon Ung , Ali Mohammad Ashraf , Yousef Hassan Aymen Ahmed , Maafa Ibrahim Mohammed Hassan , Chase George G.
Published: April 2019

Cyclohexanone is an important industrial intermediate in the synthesis of materials such as nylons, but preparing it efficiently through one-step hydrogenation of phenol is hindered by over-reduction to cyclohexanol. Using an efficient catalyst can enhance the selectivity of cyclohexanone at high phenol conversion. In this study, catalysts comprised of palladium nanoparticles supported on electrospun PVDF-HFP (polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) nanofibers were prepared using the electrospinning technique. The catalysts were characterized using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and drop shape analyzer (DSA). The prepared catalysts were used to hydrogenate phenol into cyclohexanone in a batch reactor. The Pd/PVDF-HFP catalyst showed a very high product selectivity and high phenol conversion. The conversion of phenol achieved was 98% with 97% cyclohexanone selectivity in 7 h using 15 wt% of palladium (0.0021 moles) relative to phenol (0.0159 moles). The turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) values calculated were 7.38 and 1.05 h−1, respectively. This paper presents original research in heterogeneous catalysis using novel electrospun nanofibers. Multiphase hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone over electrospun Pd/PVDF-HFP catalyst has not been reported by any researcher in the literature. This work will also provide a research window for the application of electrospun polymeric nanofibers in multiphase reactions.
A Comprehensive Approach from Interfacial to Bulk Properties of Legume Protein-Stabilized Emulsions
Authors: Félix Manuel , Romero Alberto , Carrera-Sanchez Cecilio , Guerrero Antonio
Published: April 2019

The correlation between interfacial properties and emulsion microstructure is a topic of special interest that has many industrial applications. This study deals with the comparison between the rheological properties of oil-water interfaces with adsorbed proteins from legumes (chickpea or faba bean) and the properties of the emulsions using them as the only emulsifier, both at microscopic (droplet size distribution) and macroscopic level (linear viscoelasticity). Two different pH values (2.5 and 7.5) were studied as a function of storage time. Interfaces were characterized by means of dilatational and interfacial shear rheology measurements. Subsequently, the microstructure of the final emulsions obtained was evaluated thorough droplet size distribution (DSD), light scattering and rheological measurements. Results obtained evidenced that pH value has a strong influence on interfacial properties and emulsion microstructure. The best interfacial results were obtained for the lower pH value using chickpea protein, which also corresponded to smaller droplet sizes, higher viscoelastic moduli, and higher emulsion stability. Thus, results put forward the relevance of the interfacial tension values, the adsorption kinetics, the viscoelastic properties of the interfacial film, and the electrostatic interactions among droplets, which depend on pH and the type of protein, on the microstructure, rheological properties, and stability of legume protein-stabilized emulsions.
Assessment of Piezoelectric Sensors for the Acquisition of Steady Melt Pressures in Polymer Extrusion
Authors: Costa Sónia , Teixeira Paulo F. , Covas José A. , Hilliou Loic
Published: April 2019

Piezoelectric sensors have made their way into polymer processing and rheometry applications, in particular when small pressure changes with very fast dynamics are to be measured. However, no validation of their use for steady shear rheometry is available in the literature. Here, a rheological slit die was designed and constructed to allow for the direct comparison of pressure data measured with conventional and piezoelectric transducers. The calibration of piezoelectric sensors is presented together with a methodology to correct the data from the inherent signal drift, which is shown to be temperature and pressure independent. Flow curves are measured for polymers showing different levels of viscoelasticity. Piezoelectric slit rheometry is validated and its advantage for the rheology of thermodegradable materials with viscosity below 100 Pa·s is highlighted.
An Application of the Sonine–Letnikov Fractional Derivative for the Radial Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Ozturk Okkes , Yilmazer Resat
Published: April 2019

The Sonine–Letnikov fractional derivative provides the generalized Leibniz rule and, some singular differential equations with integer order can be transformed into the fractional differential equations. The solutions of these equations obtained by some transformations have the fractional forms, and these forms can be obtained as the explicit solutions of these singular equations by using the fractional calculus definitions of Riemann–Liouville, Grünwald–Letnikov, Caputo, etc. Explicit solutions of the Schrödinger equation have an important position in quantum mechanics due to the fact that the wave function includes all essential information for the exact definition of a physical system. In this paper, our aim is to obtain fractional solutions of the radial Schrödinger equation which is a singular differential equation with second-order, via the Sonine–Letnikov fractional derivative.
Centaurus A: Hard X-ray and High-Energy Gamma-Ray Light Curve Correlation
Authors: Davids Isak Delberth , Böttcher Markus , Backes Michael
Published: April 2019

Centaurus A, powered by a 55 million solar mass supermassive black hole, has been intensively monitored in all accessible wavelength ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, its very-high energy gamma ( γ ) ray flux (TeV photons), obtained from H.E.S.S. is relatively faint, hampering detailed light curve analyses in the most energetic energy band. Yet, the extensive long-term light curve data from Fermi-LAT and Swift-BAT (hard X-rays) allows for cross-correlation studies. We find a hint that X-ray emission from Centaurus A precedes the γ rays by 25 ± 125 days. If this lag is real and related to a γ γ absorption effect in the broad-line region (BLR) around the central source, we can constrain the size of the BLR using light-travel time arguments. These are first results of extended light curve correlation studies between high-energy γ rays and X-rays from Centaurus A.
A Geophysical-Geochemical Approach to the Study of the Paleogene Julian—Slovenian Basin “Megabeds” (Southern Alps—Northwestern Dinarides, Italy/Slovenia)
Authors: Ogata Kei , Pogačnik Željko , Tunis Giorgio , Pini Gian Andrea , Festa Andrea , Senger Kim
Published: April 2019

The Paleogene “megabeds” of the Julian-Slovenian Basin are regional, basin-wide deposits, produced by catastrophic carbonate platform collapses. They record the emplacement of a bipartite slide mass behaving as a cohesive blocky/debris flow in the lower part, and as a grain to turbulent flow in the upper part. Several types of primary (sedimentary) soft sediment deformation structures testify fluid overpressure conditions during emplacement. Such structures are identified within a brecciated, fine grained matrix that encloses and intrudes slide blocks and clasts, characterized by NE-, NW- and SW-directed paleo-transport directions, indicating a depositional setting close to the basin margins. Here we present an updated review of some representative megabeds, exposed in the open-pit quarry outcrops of Anhovo (SW Slovenia). In particular, we here discuss new interpretations based on X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), thermo-gravimetry (TG) and electric resistivity tomography (ERT). Our results indicate that basal marly clasts of the megabeds are markedly different from the uppermost draping marls, suggesting two different coeval sources. The relationships with the underlying successions are strongly erosive, with deep localized scouring of the substrate and amalgamations between different megabeds, and the depositional units inside individual megabeds, supporting the geochemical differences.
A Joint Sedimentation-Flood Retention Assessment of a Small Water Reservoir in Slovakia: A New Hope for Old Reservoirs?
Authors: Valent Peter , Výleta Roman , Danáčová Michaela
Published: April 2019

The intensification of agricultural production brings problems related to water erosion, even to the upper parts of river basins. Soil particles that have eroded from unprotected agricultural land are often deposited in small water reservoirs, the efficiency or function of which might be compromised. This study presents an analysis of changes in the retention capacity of a small water reservoir over a period of 8 years. Within the study, a detailed bathymetry of the reservoir was conducted using an acoustic Doppler current profiler. The results, when compared to a 2008 geodetic survey, showed that the retention volume of the reservoir was reduced by only 2%, which was also confirmed by mathematical modeling. The possibility of strengthening the reservoir’s role in flood protection was also investigated. A flood wave with a return period of 100 years was estimated using a design storm approach. A simple numerical model was proposed to transform the flood wave through the reservoir by considering four different scenarios of the elevation of the initial water level. The model, which is based on a water balance equation, uses simple hydraulic relationships to control the discharge through the reservoir’s outflow objects. The results demonstrate that by reducing the initial water level, significant improvements in terms of the flood peak’s attenuation and a longer time to peak values could be achieved.
The Potential of Specialized Media in Public Health: Analysis of Health-Related Content in Sports Newspapers
Authors: Lopez-Villegas Antonio , Catalan-Matamoros Daniel
Published: April 2019

Sports-specialized newspapers are one of the print media with the highest number of readers in Spain. However, little is known about the health coverage in this type of print press. The aim of the study was to analyze any health-related material in sports newspaper coverage and describe the main characteristics. This is an observational and cross-sectional study, performed in relation to the three most read daily Spanish sports newspapers (MARCA, AS, SPORT). A descriptive analysis was conducted to assess the health-related materials selected after a careful search over a period of 30 days. During this time, a total of 815 units of analysis were identified. On average, 14.79% (n = 645 pages) of the full content (n = 4362) included health-related material. The Liga BBVA section was the most frequent to contain health-related content by a significant margin (p = 0.01). The main covered topics were injuries to soccer players (52%), doping (21%), and other diseases in athletes or their relatives (8.6%) with no significant differences (p = 0.10). Photographs (87.4%) were the most frequent visual material used in the health content, followed by infographics (12.6%). Press releases were the most frequent source of information (58%). Spanish sports newspapers include a high proportion of health-related material, especially in terms of providing detailed descriptions of athletes’ sport injuries, mainly related to soccer.
Organizational Cynicism and Its Impact on Organizational Pride in Industrial Organizations
Authors: Durrah Omar , Chaudhary Monica , Gharib Moaz
Published: April 2019

Organizational cynicism has been a topic of discussion and debate among employees and top management. The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship between organizational cynicism and organizational pride. Precisely, the objectives are to identify and measure organizational cynicism among employees in industrial organizations; to determine and measure the degree of organizational pride among employees in industrial organizations and to study the effect of organizational cynicism on the organizational pride of employees in industrial organizations. In this empirical research, the study population was employees of industrial organizations of Oman. Using a purposive sampling technique, nine industrial organizations from Oman were picked. With the help of structured questionnaire, data from 350 respondents was obtained. Structural equation modeling was used through Amos version 25.0 for data analysis. The results reveal that the two dimensions of organizational cynicism (affective cynicism and behavioral cynicism) have a significant and negative impact on emotional pride, while cognitive cynicism does not significantly effect emotional pride. The study results indicate that the one dimension of organizational cynicism (affective cynicism) has a significant impact on attitudinal pride, while the rest of the other dimensions (cognitive cynicism, behavioral cynicism) do not have a significant effect on attitudinal pride. The limitations and implications of the research are also discussed.
Cigarette Smoking among Economically Disadvantaged African-American Older Adults in South Los Angeles: Gender Differences
Authors: Assari Shervin , Smith James L. , Zimmerman Marc A. , Bazargan Mohsen
Published: April 2019

The current study aims to explore gender differences in the risk of cigarette smoking among African-American (AA) older adults who live in economically disadvantaged urban areas of southern Los Angeles. This cross-sectional study enrolled 576 older AA adults (age range between 65 and 96 years) who were residing in Service Planning Area 6 (SPA 6), one of the most economically challenged areas in southern Los Angeles. All participants had cardiometabolic disease (CMD). Data were collected using structured face-to-face interviews. Demographic factors (age and gender), socioeconomic status (educational attainment and financial difficulty), health (number of comorbid medical conditions and depressive symptoms), and health behaviors (current alcohol drinking and current smoking) were measured. Logistic regressions were used to analyze the data without and with interaction terms between gender and current drinking, depressive symptoms, and financial difficulty. AA men reported more smoking than AA women (25.3% versus 9.3%; p < 0.05). Drinking showed a stronger association with smoking for AA men than AA women. Depressive symptoms, however, showed stronger effects on smoking for AA women than AA men. Gender did not interact with financial difficulty with regard to current smoking. As AA older men and women differ in psychological and behavioral determinants of cigarette smoking, gender-specific smoking cessation interventions for AA older adults who live in economically deprived urban areas may be more successful than interventions and programs that do not consider gender differences in determinants of smoking. Gender-tailored smoking cessation programs that address drinking for AA men and depression for AA women may help reduce the burden of smoking in AA older adults in economically disadvantaged urban areas. Given the non-random sampling, there is a need for replication of these findings in future studies.
Longitudinal Change of PTSD Symptoms in Community Members after the World Trade Center Destruction
Authors: Rosen Rebecca , Zhu Zhaoyin , Shao Yongzhao , Liu Mengling , Bao Jia , Levy-Carrick Nomi , Reibman Joan
Published: April 2019

The World Trade Center (WTC) Environmental Health Center (EHC) is a treatment program for community members with exposure to the 9/11 terrorist attack and its physical and emotional aftermath. Compared to the general responders program, the WTC EHC is diverse with equal gender distribution, representation of many races and ethnicities, and a wide range of social economic status. Patients in the WTC EHC were initially enrolled for physical symptoms, most of which were respiratory, however a large portion of the enrollees scored positive for probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this paper we identify patient characteristics associated with probable PTSD. We also determine the characteristics associated with the longitudinal change of PTSD symptoms, including persistence and remittance, using the widely used Posttraumatic Check List-17 (PCL) cut-off value of 44, as well as changes in PCL total score and symptom cluster scores in patients of Low and High PTSD symptom severity. Few patients with elevated scores achieved a score below 44. However, longitudinal improvement in PCL score at follow-up was identified for patients with High PTSD scores (PCL > 57.5). Changes in PCL symptom clusters differed between those with High and Low PCL scores. These data suggest improvement over time in PCL score that differs depending on the severity of the score and variable responses in the PCL symptom clusters.