bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is High Folic Acid Intake a Risk Factor for Autism?—A Review
Authors: Wiens Darrell , DeSoto M.
Published: November 2017

Folate is required for metabolic processes and neural development. Insuring its adequate levels for pregnant women through supplementation of grain-based foods with synthetic folic acid (FA) in order to prevent neural tube defects has been an ongoing public health initiative. However, because women are advised to take multivitamins containing FA before and throughout pregnancy, the supplementation together with natural dietary folates has led to a demographic with high and rising serum levels of unmetabolized FA. This raises concerns about the detrimental effects of high serum synthetic FA, including a rise in risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some recent studies have reported a protective effect of FA fortification against ASD, but others have concluded there is an increased risk for ASD and other negative neurocognitive development outcomes. These issues are accompanied by further health questions concerning high, unmetabolized FA levels in serum. In this review, we outline the reasons excess FA supplementation is a concern and review the history and effects of supplementation. We then examine the effects of FA on neuronal development from tissue culture experiments, review recent advances in understanding of metabolic functional blocks in causing ASD and treatment for these with alternative forms such as folinic acid, and finally summarize the conflicting epidemiological findings regarding ASD. Based on the evidence evaluated, we conclude that caution regarding over supplementing is warranted.
Intrinsic Activity of MnOx-CeO2 Catalysts in Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Delimaris Dimitrios , Ioannides Theophilos
Published: November 2017

MnOx-CeO2 mixed oxides are considered efficient oxidation catalysts superior to the corresponding single oxides. Although these oxides have been the subject of numerous studies, their fundamental performance indicators, such as turnover frequency (TOF) or specific activity, are scarcely reported. The purpose of the present work is to investigate the effect of catalyst composition on the concentration of active sites and intrinsic activity in ethanol oxidation by the employment of temperature-programmed desorption and oxidation of isotopically-labelled ethanol, 12CH313CH2OH. The transformation pathways of preadsorbed ethanol in the absence of gaseous oxygen refer to dehydrogenation to acetaldehyde followed by its dissociation combined with oxidation by lattice oxygen. In the presence of gaseous oxygen, lattice oxygen is rapidly restored and the main products are acetaldehyde, CO2, and water. CO2 forms less easily on mixed oxides than on pure MnOx. The TOF of ethanol oxidation has been calculated assuming that the amount of adsorbed ethanol and CO2 produced during temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) is a reliable indicator of the concentration of the active sites.
Application of Machine Learning Models in Error and Variant Detection in High-Variation Genomics Datasets
Authors: Krachunov Milko , Nisheva Maria , Vassilev Dimitar
Published: November 2017

For metagenomics datasets, datasets of complex polyploid genomes, and other high-variation genomics datasets, there are difficulties with the analysis, error detection and variant calling, stemming from the challenges of discerning sequencing errors from biological variation. Confirming base candidates with high frequency of occurrence is no longer a reliable measure because of the natural variation and the presence of rare bases. The paper discusses an approach to the application of machine learning models to classify bases into erroneous and rare variations after preselecting potential error candidates with a weighted frequency measure, which aims to focus on unexpected variations by using the inter-sequence pairwise similarity. Different similarity measures are used to account for different types of datasets. Four machine learning models are implemented and tested.
A Qualitative Evaluation of Clinical Audit in UK Dental Foundation Training
Authors: Thornley Peter , Quinn Alyson
Published: November 2017

Clinical Audit (CA) has been recognized as a useful tool for tool for improving service delivery, clinical governance, and the education and performance of the dental team. This study develops the discussion by investigating its use as an educational tool within UK Dental Foundation Training (DFT). The aim was to investigate the views of Foundation Dentists (FDs) and Training Programme Directors (TPDs) on the CA module in their FD training schemes, to provide insight and recommendations for those supervising and undertaking CA. A literature review was conducted followed by a qualitative research methodology, using group interviews. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using NVIVO, a Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis tool. CA was found to be a useful tool for teaching management and professionalism and can bring some improvement to clinical practice, but TPDs have doubts about the long-term effects on service delivery. The role of the Educational Supervisor (ES) is discussed and recommendations are given for those supervising and conducting CA.
Applications of the Chaotic Quantum Genetic Algorithm with Support Vector Regression in Load Forecasting
Authors: Lee Cheng-Wen , Lin Bing-Yi
Published: November 2017

Accurate electricity forecasting is still the critical issue in many energy management fields. The applications of hybrid novel algorithms with support vector regression (SVR) models to overcome the premature convergence problem and improve forecasting accuracy levels also deserve to be widely explored. This paper applies chaotic function and quantum computing concepts to address the embedded drawbacks including crossover and mutation operations of genetic algorithms. Then, this paper proposes a novel electricity load forecasting model by hybridizing chaotic function and quantum computing with GA in an SVR model (named SVRCQGA) to achieve more satisfactory forecasting accuracy levels. Experimental examples demonstrate that the proposed SVRCQGA model is superior to other competitive models.
Wind Turbine Loads Induced by Terrain and Wakes: An Experimental Study through Vibration Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Castellani Francesco , Buzzoni Marco , Astolfi Davide , D’Elia Gianluca , Dalpiaz Giorgio , Terzi Ludovico
Published: November 2017

A wind turbine is a very well-known archetype of energy conversion system working at non-stationary regimes. Despite this, a deep mechanical comprehension of wind turbines operating in complicated conditions is still challenging, especially as regards the analysis of experimental data. In particular, wind turbines in complex terrain represent a very valuable testing ground because of the possible combination of wake effects among nearby turbines and flow accelerations caused by the terrain morphology. For these reasons, in this work, a cluster of four full-scale wind turbines from a very complex site is studied. The object of investigation is vibrations, at the level of the structure (tower) and drive-train. Data collected by the on-board condition monitoring system are analyzed and interpreted in light of the knowledge of wind conditions and operating parameters collected by the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA). A free flow Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation is also performed, and it allows one to better interpret the vibration analysis. The main outcome is the interpretation of how wakes and flow turbulences appear in the vibration signals, both at the structural level and at the drive-train level. Therefore, this wind to gear approach builds a connection between flow phenomena and mechanical phenomena in the form of vibrations, representing a precious tool for assessing loads in different working conditions.
Network Intrusion Detection through Discriminative Feature Selection by Using Sparse Logistic Regression
Authors: Shah Reehan , Qian Yuntao , Kumar Dileep , Ali Munwar , Alvi Muhammad
Published: November 2017

Intrusion detection system (IDS) is a well-known and effective component of network security that provides transactions upon the network systems with security and safety. Most of earlier research has addressed difficulties such as overfitting, feature redundancy, high-dimensional features and a limited number of training samples but feature selection. We approach the problem of feature selection via sparse logistic regression (SPLR). In this paper, we propose a discriminative feature selection and intrusion classification based on SPLR for IDS. The SPLR is a recently developed technique for data analysis and processing via sparse regularized optimization that selects a small subset from the original feature variables to model the data for the purpose of classification. A linear SPLR model aims to select the discriminative features from the repository of datasets and learns the coefficients of the linear classifier. Compared with the feature selection approaches, like filter (ranking) and wrapper methods that separate the feature selection and classification problems, SPLR can combine feature selection and classification into a unified framework. The experiments in this correspondence demonstrate that the proposed method has better performance than most of the well-known techniques used for intrusion detection.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Cellulose Acetate Fibers
Authors: Sultana Quazi , Hasan Md , Iqbal Sakib , Shabib Ishraq , Mitra Aniruddha , Khan Mujibur
Published: November 2017

Cellulose acetate (CA) fibers were reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%. Yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, fracture strain and toughness of the nanocomposite fiber increased up to 1.5 wt. % of the carbon nanotube (CNT) loading, however, further inclusion (2.0%) of MWCNTs in CA decreased the mechanical properties. Experimental properties were also compared with analytical predictions using a Shear lag model for strength and the rule of mixture for modulus. A solution spinning process, coupled with sonication, mixing, and extrusion, was used to process the CNT-reinforced composite fiber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the cross sections of neat CA and CA-MWCNT fibers showed the formation of voids and irregular features. The enhanced interconnected fibrillation in the CNT-reinforced CA samples resulted in improved mechanical properties, which were observed by tensile testing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed the area under the curve for C–H bonding after the inclusion of CNT. There was no significant shift of wavenumber for the inclusion of MWCNT in the CA matrix, which indicates that the sonication process of the CNT-loaded solution did not degrade the CA bonding structure.
Sequencing and De Novo Assembly of the Toxicodendron radicans (Poison Ivy) Transcriptome
Authors: Weisberg Alexandra , Kim Gunjune , Westwood James , Jelesko John
Published: November 2017

Contact with poison ivy plants is widely dreaded because they produce a natural product called urushiol that is responsible for allergenic contact delayed-dermatitis symptoms lasting for weeks. For this reason, the catchphrase most associated with poison ivy is “leaves of three, let it be”, which serves the purpose of both identification and an appeal for avoidance. Ironically, despite this notoriety, there is a dearth of specific knowledge about nearly all other aspects of poison ivy physiology and ecology. As a means of gaining a more molecular-oriented understanding of poison ivy physiology and ecology, Next Generation DNA sequencing technology was used to develop poison ivy root and leaf RNA-seq transcriptome resources. De novo assembled transcriptomes were analyzed to generate a core set of high quality expressed transcripts present in poison ivy tissue. The predicted protein sequences were evaluated for similarity to SwissProt homologs and InterProScan domains, as well as assigned both GO terms and KEGG annotations. Over 23,000 simple sequence repeats were identified in the transcriptome, and corresponding oligo nucleotide primer pairs were designed. A pan-transcriptome analysis of existing Anacardiaceae transcriptomes revealed conserved and unique transcripts among these species.
Human Organ Tissue Identification by Targeted RNA Deep Sequencing to Aid the Investigation of Traumatic Injury
Authors: Hanson Erin , Ballantyne Jack
Published: November 2017

Molecular analysis of the RNA transcriptome from a putative tissue fragment should permit the assignment of its source to a specific organ, since each will exhibit a unique pattern of gene expression. Determination of the organ source of tissues from crime scenes may aid in shootings and other investigations. We have developed a prototype massively parallel sequencing (MPS) mRNA profiling assay for organ tissue identification that is designed to definitively identify 10 organ/tissue types using a targeted panel of 46 mRNA biomarkers. The identifiable organs and tissues include brain, lung, liver, heart, kidney, intestine, stomach, skeletal muscle, adipose, and trachea. The biomarkers were chosen after iterative specificity testing of numerous candidate genes in various tissue types. The assay is very specific, with little cross-reactivity with non-targeted tissue, and can detect RNA mixtures from different tissues. We also demonstrate the ability of the assay to successful identify the tissue source of origin using a single blind study.
Polyphenol-Rich Lentils and Their Health Promoting Effects
Authors: Ganesan Kumar , Xu Baojun
Published: November 2017

Lentil (Lens culinaris; Family: Fabaceae) is a potential functional dietary ingredient which has polyphenol-rich content. Several studies have demonstrated that the consumption of lentil is immensely connected to the reduction in the incidence of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancers and cardiovascular diseases due to its bioactive compounds. There has been increasing scientific interest in the study area of lentils as the functional food due to its high nutritive value, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds. These polyphenols and the bioactive compounds found in lentil play an important role in the prevention of those degenerative diseases in humans. Besides that, it has health-promoting effects. Based on the in vitro, in-vivo and clinical studies, the present review focuses to provide more information on the nutritional compositions, bioactive compounds including polyphenols and health-promoting effects of lentils. Health-promoting information was gathered and orchestrated at a suitable place in the review.
A Practical Guide to Implementing Population Newborn Screening (NBS) for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
Authors: Gaspar H.
Published: November 2017

This review should be seen as a practical tool, one which we hope illustrates potential routes to follow when seeking to implement or lobby for severe combined immunodeficiency newborn screening (SCID NBS) at a national or regional level. Experience has shown that there are country- and region-wide variations in terms of awareness of the need for SCID NBS and the processes required to demonstrate and prove the importance of SCID NBS. This guide therefore aims to share experiences and equip readers with evidence while also directing them to key further reading and resources that provide support, data, and existing frameworks that are relevant to making the case for mandatory NBS for SCID.
Big Data in the Era of Health Information Exchanges: Challenges and Opportunities for Public Health
Authors: Baseman Janet , Revere Debra , Painter Ian
Published: November 2017

Public health surveillance of communicable diseases depends on timely, complete, accurate, and useful data that are collected across a number of healthcare and public health systems. Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) which support electronic sharing of data and information between health care organizations are recognized as a source of ‘big data’ in healthcare and have the potential to provide public health with a single stream of data collated across disparate systems and sources. However, given these data are not collected specifically to meet public health objectives, it is unknown whether a public health agency’s (PHA’s) secondary use of the data is supportive of or presents additional barriers to meeting disease reporting and surveillance needs. To explore this issue, we conducted an assessment of big data that is available to a PHA—laboratory test results and clinician-generated notifiable condition report data—through its participation in a HIE.
Experimental Analysis for the Use of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate as a Soluble Metal Cutting Fluid for Micromachining with Electroless-Plated Micropencil Grinding Tools
Authors: Arrabiyeh Peter , Bohley Martin , Ströer Felix , Kirsch Benjamin , Seewig Jörg , Aurich Jan
Published: November 2017

Microgrinding with micropencil grinding tools (MPGTs) is a flexible and economic process to machine microstructures in hard and brittle materials. In macrogrinding, cooling and lubrication are done with metal cutting fluids; their application and influence is well researched. Although it can be expected that metal cutting fluids also play a decisive role in microgrinding, systematic investigations can hardly be found. A metal cutting fluid capable of wetting the machining process, containing quantities as small as 0.02% of the water-soluble fluid sodium dodecyl sulfate was tested in microgrinding experiments with MPGTs (diameter ~50 µm; abrasive grit size 2–4 µm). The workpiece material was hardened 16MnCr5.
Tailoring Nutritional Advice for Mexicans Based on Prevalence Profiles of Diet-Related Adaptive Gene Polymorphisms
Authors: Ojeda-Granados Claudia , Panduro Arturo , Gonzalez-Aldaco Karina , Sepulveda-Villegas Maricruz , Rivera-Iñiguez Ingrid , Roman Sonia
Published: November 2017

Diet-related adaptive gene (DRAG) polymorphisms identified in specific populations are associated with chronic disorders in carriers of the adaptive alleles due to changes in dietary and lifestyle patterns in recent times. Mexico’s population is comprised of Amerindians (AM) and Mestizos who have variable AM, European (EUR) and African genetic ancestry and an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. Nutritional advice based on the Mexican genome and the traditional food culture is needed to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies. Therefore, we aimed to provide a prevalence profile of several DRAG polymorphisms in the Mexican population, including Central West (CW) Mexico subpopulations. Geographic heat maps were built using ArcGIS10 (Esri, Redlands, CA, USA) software, based on the published data of the MTHFR C677T (rs1801133), ABCA1 Arg230Cys (rs9282541), APOE T388C (rs429358)/C526T (rs7412), LCT C-13910T (rs4988235) polymorphisms and AMY1 copy number variation (CNV). Also, new data obtained by allelic discrimination-real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for the MTHFR, ABCA1, and APOE polymorphisms as well as the AMY1 CNV in the CW Mexico subpopulations with different proportions of AM and EUR ancestry were included. In the CW region, the highest frequency of the MTHFR 677T, ABCA1 230C and APOE ε4 adaptive alleles was observed in the AM groups, followed by Mestizos with intermediate AM ancestry. The LCT-13910T allele frequency was highest in Mestizos-EUR but extremely low in AM, while the AMY1 diploid copy number was 6.82 ± 3.3 copies. Overall, the heat maps showed a heterogeneous distribution of the DRAG polymorphisms, in which the AM groups revealed the highest frequencies of the adaptive alleles followed by Mestizos. Given these genetic differences, genome-based nutritional advice should be tailored in a regionalized and individualized manner according to the available foods and Mexican traditional food culture that may lead to a healthier dietary pattern.
In the Land of the Dammed: Assessing Governance in Resettlement of Ghana’s Bui Dam Project
Authors: Asiama Kwabena , Lengoiboni Monica , Van der Molen Paul
Published: November 2017

Resettlement resulting from dam construction has raised several concerns due to the negative aftermath impacts. In Ghana, the construction of three hydroelectric dams resulted in large-scale resettlements. Given the little experience that Ghana has in resettlements, it is necessary for a robust monitoring structure for resettlements. However, this was not available in the last resettlement undertaken for the Bui Dam Project. This paper aims at developing an assessment framework for monitoring resettlement activities on customary lands from a good governance perspective. Based on four good governance principles, transparency, public participation and inclusiveness, equity and rule of law and accountability, a good governance assessment framework is built and applied to the Bui Dam Project using a case study approach. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussion with the key actors of the resettlement project. It was first found that the planning stage of the resettlement came out with a robust plan that was to prevent the impoverishment of the affected persons. However, in the implementation of the resettlement, not all good governance principles were adhered to. In conclusion, it was found that by deconstructing the resettlement process with a good governance framework, the problematic areas of the resettlement can be effectively differentiated between the planning and implementation phases.
Salt-Assisted Ultrasonicated De-Aggregation and Advanced Redox Electrochemistry of Detonation Nanodiamond
Authors: Gupta Sanju , Evans Brendan , Henson Alex , Carrizosa Sara B.
Published: November 2017

Nanodiamond particles form agglomerates in the dry powder state and this poses limitation to the accessibility of their diamond-like core thus dramatically impacting their technological advancement. In this work, we report de-agglomeration of nanodiamond (ND) by using a facile technique namely, salt-assisted ultrasonic de-agglomeration (SAUD). Utilizing ultrasound energy and ionic salts (sodium chloride and sodium acetate), SAUD is expected to break apart thermally treated nanodiamond aggregates (~50–100 nm) and produce an aqueous slurry of de-aggregated stable colloidal nanodiamond dispersions by virtue of ionic interactions and electrostatic stabilization. Moreover, the SAUD technique neither has toxic chemicals nor is it difficult to remove impurities and therefore the isolated nanodiamonds produced are exceptionally suited for engineered nanocarbon for mechanical (composites, lubricants) and biomedical (bio-labeling, biosensing, bioimaging, theranostic) applications. We characterized the microscopic structure using complementary techniques including transmission electron microscopy combined with selected-area electron diffraction, optical and vibrational spectroscopy. We immobilized SAUD produced NDs on boron-doped diamond electrodes to investigate fundamental electrochemical properties. They included surface potential (or Fermi energy level), carrier density and mapping electrochemical (re)activity using advanced scanning electrochemical microscopy in the presence of a redox-active probe, with the aim of understanding the surface redox chemistry and the interfacial process of isolated nanodiamond particles as opposed to aggregated and untreated nanoparticles. The experimental findings are discussed in terms of stable colloids, quantum confinement and predominantly surface effects, defect sites (sp2–bonded C and unsaturated bonds), inner core (sp3–bonded C)/outer shell (sp2–bonded C) structure, and surface functionality. Moreover, the surface electronic states give rise to midgap states which serve as electron donors (or acceptors) depending upon the bonding (or antibonding). These are important as electroanalytical platforms for various electrocatalytic processes.
Solution of Inhomogeneous Differential Equations with Polynomial Coefficients in Terms of the Green’s Function
Authors: Morita Tohru , Sato Ken-ichi
Published: November 2017

The particular solutions of inhomogeneous differential equations with polynomial coefficients in terms of the Green’s function are obtained in the framework of distribution theory. In particular, discussions are given on Kummer’s and the hypergeometric differential equation. Related discussions are given on the particular solution of differential equations with constant coefficients, by the Laplace transform.
Effect of Hydrogen on the Elastic and Anelastic Properties of the R Phase in Ti50Ni46.1Fe3.9 Alloy
Authors: Sapozhnikov Konstantin , Torrens-Serra Joan , Cesari Eduard , Van Humbeeck Jan , Kustov Sergey
Published: November 2017

The linear and non-linear internal friction, effective Young’s modulus, and amplitude-dependent modulus defect of a Ti50Ni46.1Fe3.9 alloy have been studied after different heat treatments, affecting hydrogen content, at temperatures of 13–300 K, and frequencies near 90 kHz. It has been shown that the contamination of the alloy by hydrogen gives rise to an internal friction maximum in the R martensitic phase and a complicated pinning stage in the temperature dependence of the effective Young’s modulus at temperatures corresponding to the high-temperature side of the maximum. Dehydrogenation of the H-contaminated alloy transforms the internal friction maximum into a plateau and minimizes the pinning stage. The internal friction maximum is associated with a competition of two different temperature-dependent processes affecting the hydrogen concentration in the core regions of twin boundaries. The amplitude-dependent anelasticity of the R phase is also very sensitive to hydrogen content, its temperature dependence reflects the evolution of extended hydrogen atmospheres near twin boundaries.
Transmission of Bacterial Endophytes
Authors: Frank Anna , Saldierna Guzmán Jessica , Shay Jackie
Published: November 2017

Plants are hosts to complex communities of endophytic bacteria that colonize the interior of both below- and aboveground tissues. Bacteria living inside plant tissues as endophytes can be horizontally acquired from the environment with each new generation, or vertically transmitted from generation to generation via seed. A better understanding of bacterial endophyte transmission routes and modes will benefit studies of plant–endophyte interactions in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. In this review, we provide an overview of the transmission routes that bacteria can take to colonize plants, including vertically via seeds and pollen, and horizontally via soil, atmosphere, and insects. We discuss both well-documented and understudied transmission routes, and identify gaps in our knowledge on how bacteria reach the inside of plants. Where little knowledge is available on endophytes, we draw from studies on bacterial plant pathogens to discuss potential transmission routes. Colonization of roots from soil is the best studied transmission route, and probably the most important, although more studies of transmission to aerial parts and stomatal colonization are needed, as are studies that conclusively confirm vertical transfer. While vertical transfer of bacterial endophytes likely occurs, obligate and strictly vertically transferred symbioses with bacteria are probably unusual in plants. Instead, plants appear to benefit from the ability to respond to a changing environment by acquiring its endophytic microbiome anew with each generation, and over the lifetime of individuals.
C–O Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Carbonate Minerals in the Nonsulfide Zinc Deposits of the Middle East: A Review
Authors: Mondillo Nicola , Boni Maria , Joachimski Michael , Santoro Licia
Published: November 2017

Zinc nonsulfides are well represented in the Middle East, with occurrences in Turkey, Iran, and Yemen. Their genesis can be constrained by using carbon and oxygen isotope systematics applied to carbonate minerals. The δ13C ratios of smithsonite and hydrozincite in Iran and Turkey are comprised in the typical interval of supergene Zn carbonates (−0.4 and −7.1‰ V-PDB). The oxygen isotope geochemistry is more complex. Oxygen isotope compositions of smithsonite of the Hakkari deposit (Turkey) (δ18O from 24.2 to 25.6‰ V-SMOW) point to precipitation temperatures between ~4 and ~18 °C, corresponding to a normal weathering environment at these latitudes, whereas δ18O of smithsonite from other Middle East deposits (Angouran in Iran, Jabali in Yemen) point to the precipitation from low- to medium-temperature hydrothermal fluids. The C–O isotopic compositions of hydrozincite from the Mehdi Abad, Irankuh, and Chah-Talkh deposits can be only partially compared with those of smithsonite, because the oxygen isotopes fractionation equation for hydrozincite-water is not known. A comparison between the geochemical characteristics of all Zn-nonsulfide ores in the Middle East indicates that, even though several mineral deposits are derived from supergene weathering processes, other ones have been deposited from fluids associated with magmatic activity (Angouran, Iran) or with hydrothermal systems (Jabali, Yemen). This suggests that it is not possible to apply a common interpretative model to the genesis of all nonsulfide deposits in the Middle East.
Fluorine in Chinese Coal: A Review of Distribution, Abundance, Modes of Occurrence, Genetic Factors and Environmental Effects
Authors: Yang Ning , Tang Shuheng , Zhang Songhang , Huang Wenhui , Chen Ping , Chen Yunyun , Xi Zhaodong , Yuan Yue , Wang Kaifeng
Published: November 2017

Fluorine, a hazard that is associated with coal, has resulted in serious environmental issues during the production and utilization of coal. In this paper, we provide a detailed review of fluorine in Chinese coal, including the distribution, concentration, modes of occurrence, genetic factors, and environmental effects. The average concentration of fluorine in Chinese coal is 130.0 mg/kg, which is slightly higher than coal worldwide (88.0 mg/kg). The enrichment of fluorine in Chinese coal varies across different coal deposit regions, and it is especially high in Inner Mongolia (Junger coalfield, Daqingshan coalfield) and southwest China (coal mining regions in Yunnan, Guizhou province). The fluorine distribution is uneven, with a relatively high content in southwest coal (including Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing, and Sichuan provinces), very high content in the coal of North China (Inner Mongolia) and South China (Guangxi), and is occasionally found in the northwest (Qinghai). Fluorine occurs in various forms in coal, such as independent minerals (fluorine exists as fluorapatite or fluorite in coal from Muli of Qinghai, Taoshuping of Yunnan, Guiding of Guizhou, and Daqingshan of Inner Mongolia), adsorption on minerals (fluorine in coal from Nantong, Songzao of Chongqing, Guxu of Sichuan, and Shengli, Daqingshan, and Junger from Inner Mongolia), substitution in minerals (Wuda coal, Inner Mongolia), and a water-soluble form (Haerwusu coal, Inner Mongolia). The enrichment of fluorine is mainly attributed to the weathering of source rock and hydrothermal fluids; in addition to that, volcanic ash, marine water influence, and groundwater affect the fluorine enrichment in some cases. Some environmental and human health problems are related to fluorine in coal, such as damage to the surrounding environment and husbandry (poisoning of livestock) during the coal combustion process, and many people have suffered from fluorosis due to the burning of coal (endemic fluorosis in southwest China).
Silybin, a Major Bioactive Component of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaernt.)—Chemistry, Bioavailability, and Metabolism
Authors: Bijak Michal
Published: November 2017

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments. The main component of S. marianum fruit extract (silymarin) is a flavonolignan called silybin, which is not only the major silymarin element but is also the most active ingredient of this extract, which has been confirmed in various studies. This compound belongs to the flavonoid group known as flavonolignans. Silybin’s structure consists in two main units. The first is based on a taxifolin, the second a phenyllpropanoid unit, which in this case is conyferil alcohol. These two units are linked together into one structure by an oxeran ring. Since the 1970s, silybin has been regarded in official medicine as a substance with hepatoprotective properties. There is a large body of research that demonstrates silybin’s many other healthy properties, but there are still a lack of papers focused on its molecular structure, chemistry, metabolism, and novel form of administration. Therefore, the aim of this paper is a literature review presenting and systematizing our knowledge of the silybin molecule, with particular emphasis on its structure, chemistry, bioavailability, and metabolism.
Structure-Based Design of Potent and Selective Ligands at the Four Adenosine Receptors
Authors: Jespers Willem , Oliveira Ana , Prieto-Díaz Rubén , Majellaro María , Åqvist Johan , Sotelo Eddy , Gutiérrez-de-Terán Hugo
Published: November 2017

The four receptors that signal for adenosine, A1, A2A, A2B and A3 ARs, belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). They mediate a number of (patho)physiological functions and have attracted the interest of the biopharmaceutical sector for decades as potential drug targets. The many crystal structures of the A2A, and lately the A1 ARs, allow for the use of advanced computational, structure-based ligand design methodologies. Over the last decade, we have assessed the efficient synthesis of novel ligands specifically addressed to each of the four ARs. We herein review and update the results of this program with particular focus on molecular dynamics (MD) and free energy perturbation (FEP) protocols. The first in silico mutagenesis on the A1AR here reported allows understanding the specificity and high affinity of the xanthine-antagonist 8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). On the A2AAR, we demonstrate how FEP simulations can distinguish the conformational selectivity of a recent series of partial agonists. These novel results are complemented with the revision of the first series of enantiospecific antagonists on the A2BAR, and the use of FEP as a tool for bioisosteric design on the A3AR.
The Study of Thermal, Mechanical and Shape Memory Properties of Chopped Carbon Fiber-Reinforced TPI Shape Memory Polymer Composites
Authors: Wang Zhenqing , Liu Jingbiao , Guo Jianming , Sun Xiaoyu , Xu Lidan
Published: November 2017

Trans-l,4-polyisoprene (TPI) shape memory polymer composites with different chopped carbon fiber mass fractions were prepared to study the effects of different chopped carbon fiber mass fractions and temperatures on the TPI shape memory polymer composites in this paper. While guaranteeing the shape memory effect of TPI shape memory polymers, the carbon fiber fillers also significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the polymers. The thermodynamic properties and shape memory properties of TPI shape memory polymers were studied by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) test, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test, thermal conductivity test, static tensile test, mechanical cycle test, thermodynamic cycling test and shape memory test. Furthermore, the tensile fracture interface of TPI shape memory polymer composites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results show that when the chopped carbon mass fraction fiber is 8%, TPI shape memory polymers have good shape memory properties and the best mechanical properties.
Novel Isocyanate-Modified Carrageenan Polymer Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Application Adsorbent Materials of Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Papageorgiou Myrsini , Nanaki Stavroula , Kyzas George , Koulouktsi Christina , Bikiaris Dimitrios , Lambropoulou Dimitra
Published: November 2017

The present study focused on the synthesis and application of novel isocyanate-modified carrageenan polymers as sorbent materials for pre-concentration and removal of diclofenac (DCF) and carbamazepine (CBZ) in different aqueous matrices (surface waters and wastewaters). The polymer materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The effects on the adsorption behavior were studied, and the equilibrium data were fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) was determined by Langmuir–Freundlich model and was ranged for iota-carrageenan (iCAR) from 7.44 to 8.51 mg/g for CBZ and 23.41 to 35.78 mg/g for DCF and for kappa-carrageenan (kCAR) from 7.07 to 13.78 mg/g for CBZ and 22.66 to 49.29 mg/g for DCF. In the next step, dispersive solid phase extraction (D-SPE) methodology followed by liquid desorption and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) has been developed and validated. The factors, which affect the performance of D-SPE, were investigated. Then, the optimization of extraction time, sorbent mass and eluent’s volume was carried out using a central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimized conditions, good linear relationships have been achieved with the correlation coefficient (R2) varying from 0.9901 to 0.995. The limits of detections (LODs) and limits of quantifications (LOQs) ranged 0.042–0.090 μg/L and 0.137–0.298 μg/L, respectively. The results of the recoveries were 70–108% for both analytes, while the precisions were 2.8–17.5% were obtained, which indicated that the method was suitable for the analysis of both compounds in aqueous matrices.
Effect of Glycerol Pretreatment on Levoglucosan Production from Corncobs by Fast Pyrolysis
Authors: Jiang Liqun , Wu Nannan , Zheng Anqing , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Ming , Zhao Zengli , He Fang , Li Haibin , Feng Xinjun
Published: November 2017

In this manuscript, glycerol was used in corncobs’ pretreatment to promote levoglucosan production by fast pyrolysis first and then was further utilized as raw material for chemicals production by microbial fermentation. The effects of glycerol pretreatment temperatures (220–240 °C), time (0.5–3 h) and solid-to-liquid ratios (5–20%) were investigated. Due to the accumulation of crystalline cellulose and the removal of minerals, the levoglucosan yield was as high as 35.8% from corncobs pretreated by glycerol at 240 for 3 h with a 5% solid-to-liquid ratio, which was obviously higher than that of the control (2.2%). After glycerol pretreatment, the fermentability of the recovered glycerol remaining in the liquid stream from glycerol pretreatment was evaluated by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results showed that the recovered glycerol had no inhibitory effect on the growth and metabolism of the microbe, which was a promising substrate for fermentation. The value-added applications of glycerol could reduce the cost of biomass pretreatment. Correspondingly, this manuscript offers a green, sustainable, efficient and economic strategy for an integrated biorefinery process.
Proposal of a Sustainable Circular Index for Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Azevedo Susana , Godina Radu , Matias João
Published: November 2017

Recently the circular economy has increasingly received attention worldwide due to the recognition that the security of the supply of resources and environmental sustainability are crucial for the prosperity of all the countries and businesses. G20 countries are stimulating the development of frameworks that enhance the circular economy and generally more sustainable production and consumption modes. In this context, this paper aims to suggest an index to assess the sustainability and the circularity of manufacturing companies. With this tenet, a Sustainable Circular Index (SCI) is proposed based on a five-phase framework. This index could support managers in assessing their level of sustainability and circularity and in implementing some practices that could improve the performances of their companies regarding these two topics. This index represents an important benchmarking tool for manufacturing companies to assess their sustainable and circular behavior and represents a guideline for managers.
Evaluation of Wet Digestion Methods for Quantification of Metal Content in Electronic Scrap Material
Authors: Das Subhabrata , Ting Yen-Peng
Published: November 2017

Recent advances in the electronics sector and the short life-span of electronic products have triggered an exponential increase in the generation of electronic waste (E-waste). Effective recycling of E-waste has thus become a serious solid waste management challenge. E-waste management technologies include pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and bioleaching. Determining the metal content of an E-waste sample is critical in evaluating the efficiency of a metal recovery method in E-waste recycling. However, E-waste is complex and of diverse origins. The lack of a standard digestion method for E-waste has resulted in difficulty in comparing the efficiencies of different metal recovery processes. In this study, several solid digestion protocols including American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)-D6357-11, United States Environment Protection Agency Solid Waste (US EPA SW) 846 Method 3050b, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave digestion methods were compared to determine the metal content (Ag, Al, Au, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Pd, Sn, and Zn) of electronic scrap materials (ESM) obtained from two different sources. The highest metal recovery (mg/g of ESM) was obtained using ASTM D6357-11 for most of the metals, which remained mainly bound to silicate fractions, while a microwave-assisted digestion protocol (MWD-2) was more effective in solubilizing Al, Pb, and Sn. The study highlights the need for a judicious selection of digestion protocol, and proposes steps for selecting an effective acid digestion method for ESM.
Smart City Platform Development for an Automated Waste Collection System
Authors: Popa Cicerone , Carutasu George , Cotet Costel , Carutasu Nicoleta , Dobrescu Tiberiu
Published: November 2017

Nowadays, governments and companies are looking for solutions to increase the collection level of various waste types by using new technologies and devices such as smart sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud platforms etc. In order to fulfil this need, this paper presents solutions provided by a research project involving the design, development and implementation of fully automated waste collection systems with an increased usage degree, productivity and storage capacity. The paper will focus on the main results of this research project in turning the automated waste collection system into a smart system so that it can be easily integrated in any smart city infrastructure. For this purpose, the Internet of Things platform for the automated waste collection system provided by the project will allow real time monitoring and communication with central systems. Details about each module are sent to the central systems: various modules’ statuses (working, blocked, needs repairs or maintenance etc.); equipment status; storage systems status (allowing full reports for all waste types); the amount of waste for each module, allowing optimal discharging; route optimization for waste discharging etc. To do that, we describe here an IoT cloud solution integrating device connection, data processing, analytics and management.
Occurrence of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Fruit and Vegetables from the “Land of Fires” Area of Southern Italy
Authors: Esposito Mauro , De Roma Antonella , Cavallo Stefania , Diletti Gianfranco , Baldi Loredana , Scortichini Giampiero
Published: November 2017

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-concentrations dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) (PCDD/Fs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in fruit and vegetables collected in farms located in the well-known “Land of Fires” area of Southern Italy, in an effort to learn more about the environmental pollution of this high-risk area due to illegal waste dumping and uncontrolled burning near cultivated fields. Concentrations were in the range 0.011–2.26 ng g−1 for the six “indicator” non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs), and 0.0009–0.096 pg WHO toxic equivalent (TEQ) g−1 for the sum of dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) and PCDD/Fs. Lacking maximum limits for these contaminants in fruit and vegetables, the concentration values found were compared with the action levels set out in the EU Recommendations. These levels were never exceeded in the examined samples. In the present study, the highest mean value for PCDD/Fs + DL-PCB corresponded to apricots, olives, and nuts, while the lowest values were observed in endive and green beans. The results showed also that NDL-PCB levels in apricots were much higher than in any other food, suggesting that they can accumulate PCBs: this fruit might be proposed as a “sentinel” of the presence of these contaminants in the environment.
Combined Proteomics/Genomics Approach Reveals Proteomic Changes of Mature Virions as a Novel Poxvirus Adaptation Mechanism
Authors: Grossegesse Marica , Doellinger Joerg , Tyshaieva Alona , Schaade Lars , Nitsche Andreas
Published: November 2017

DNA viruses, like poxviruses, possess a highly stable genome, suggesting that adaptation of virus particles to specific cell types is not restricted to genomic changes. Cowpox viruses are zoonotic poxviruses with an extraordinarily broad host range, demonstrating their adaptive potential in vivo. To elucidate adaptation mechanisms of poxviruses, we isolated cowpox virus particles from a rat and passaged them five times in a human and a rat cell line. Subsequently, we analyzed the proteome and genome of the non-passaged virions and each passage. While the overall viral genome sequence was stable during passaging, proteomics revealed multiple changes in the virion composition. Interestingly, an increased viral fitness in human cells was observed in the presence of increased immunomodulatory protein amounts. As the only minor variant with increasing frequency during passaging was located in a viral RNA polymerase subunit and, moreover, most minor variants were found in transcription-associated genes, protein amounts were presumably regulated at transcription level. This study is the first comparative proteome analysis of virus particles before and after cell culture propagation, revealing proteomic changes as a novel poxvirus adaptation mechanism.
A New Whooping Cough Vaccine That May Prevent Colonization and Transmission
Authors: Brennan Michael
Published: November 2017

This article is a Letter to the Editor. The major purpose of this Letter is to highlight the development of a new genetically altered whooping cough vaccine. Recently a baboon model has been used to show that this next generation pertussis vaccine can prevent colonization, as well as disease, and elicit antibodies against major pertussis antigens. Two phase I clinical trials have been performed, showing that this new vaccine is safe in humans, and a phase II trial will be performed in the US in 2018.