bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Solar Still Performance Using Vacuum Pump and Geothermal Energy
Authors: Danish Syed Noman , El-Leathy Abdelrahman , Alata Mohanad , Al-Ansary Hany
Published: February 2019

Improvement in the performance of a solar still is investigated with the integration of a geothermal cooling system and a vacuum pump. Geothermal cooling is simulated to provide a cold, effective underground water temperature, which could reach 15–25 °C below ambient. Cooling is achieved by circulating water underground. As a result of this circulation, the cold fluid from the ground flows into a counter flow shell and tube heat exchanger. A vacuum pump is used to keep the solar still at a certain vacuum pressure. The sizes of the geothermal system and solar still are designed in such a way that the water outlet temperature from the ground and its flow rate are capable of condensing the entire vapor produced by the still. An analytical model was developed and then solved using the Newton–Raphson method for solving non-linear equations. A prototype was built to validate the analytical model. The results were in close agreement. A 305% increase in daily water productivity resulted from the proposed enhancements. After experimental validation, the effects of various parameters such as vacuum pressure, ambient temperature, and wind speed on the yield of geothermal solar still were examined. It was found that the increase in vacuum pressure enhanced performance, whereas the increase in wind speed had a detrimental effect on the yield of the solar still. A higher ambient temperature increased the yield of the solar still. Finally, the design of the heat exchanger for condensing the distilled water using geothermal cooling water was also investigated in terms of the increase in UA (the product of overall heat transfer coefficient and the area of heat exchanger) with inlet cooling geothermal water temperature.
The Dark Septate Endophytes and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Effect on Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. Seedling Growth and their Potential Effects to Pine Wilt Disease Resistance
Authors: Chu Honglong , Wang Chunyan , Li Zhumei , Wang Haihua , Xiao Yuguo , Chen Jie , Tang Ming
Published: February 2019

Pine wilt disease (PWD), a worldwide threat to pine forests, has caused tremendous damage to conifer forest in the world. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between symbiosis functions of root associated fungi and pine wilt disease. In this study, we assessed the influence of seven ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) and five dark septate endophytic fungi (DSE) on the growth traits and root morphology as well as the correlation of these parameters to the cumulative mortality and the morbidity rates in Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.showed the lowest cumulative mortality rates. We propose that the ECMF/DSE symbiosis enhanced the resistance of pine wilt disease via mitigation the dysfunction of water caused by PWN infection. Our research provided evidence that inoculation of ECMF/DSE could be a potential way for pine wilt disease prevention. To find highly efficient fungi for pine wilt disease management, more ECMF and DSE species should be tested.
Sequence Expression of Supernumerary B Chromosomes: Function or Fluff?
Authors: Dalla Benetta Elena , Akbari Omar S. , Ferree Patrick M.
Published: February 2019

B chromosomes are enigmatic heritable elements found in the genomes of numerous plant and animal species. Contrary to their broad distribution, most B chromosomes are non-essential. For this reason, they are regarded as genome parasites. In order to be stably transmitted through generations, many B chromosomes exhibit the ability to “drive”, i.e., they transmit themselves at super-Mendelian frequencies to progeny through directed interactions with the cell division apparatus. To date, very little is understood mechanistically about how B chromosomes drive, although a likely scenario is that expression of B chromosome sequences plays a role. Here, we highlight a handful of previously identified B chromosome sequences, many of which are repetitive and non-coding in nature, that have been shown to be expressed at the transcriptional level. We speculate on how each type of expressed sequence could participate in B chromosome drive based on known functions of RNA in general chromatin- and chromosome-related processes. We also raise some challenges to functionally testing these possible roles, a goal that will be required to more fully understand whether and how B chromosomes interact with components of the cell for drive and transmission.
Stratigraphy, Petrography and Grain-Size Distribution of Sedimentary Lithologies at Cahuachi (South Peru): ENSO-Related Deposits or a Common Regional Succession?
Authors: Delle Rose Marco , Mattioli Michele , Capuano Nicola , Renzulli Alberto
Published: February 2019

Several central Andean pre-Columbian sites struck by hydrogeological disasters due to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events are reported in the literature. The mainstream explanation for the decline and demise of Cahuachi (pampa of Nazca, south Peru) implies the damage and burial of such a ceremonial center as a consequence of two catastrophic river floods, which occurred around 600 CE and 1000 CE, respectively. Therefore, geological studies at Cahuachi are mandatory with regard to both the correlations of ENSO-related deposits (“event-strata”) among different Peruvian sites and the assessment of the millennium-scale climate variability. In particular, the latter is crucial to evaluate the environmental and economic consequences due to the incoming fluctuations of ENSO. In this paper, stratigraphic, grain-size distribution, and petrographic investigations on a sedimentary section exposed close to one of the main temples of Cahuachi are reported. They represent the first test for the current mainstream explanation. The preliminary finding indicates that the studied stratigraphic interval may belong to the common regional succession of the pampa of Nazca rather than the ENSO-related deposits described in the literature. However, further geological research will be necessary to unravel this issue in more detail.
The Making of a Terrorist: Imagining Combatants’ Points of View in Troubles Literature
Authors: Callan Stephanie
Published: February 2019

This article analyzes portrayals of paramilitary fighters in Irish literature from the Troubles (1968–1998). While the conflict between Protestant loyalists and Catholic nationalists has provoked many literary responses, most focus on noncombatants. This article reads Edna O’Brien’s novel House of Splendid Isolation (1994) and Anne Devlin’s story “Naming the Names” (1986), two texts that succeed in portraying paramilitary characters as complex individuals who are not wholly defined by their violent acts, but each reaches a limit of imagination as well. In House of Splendid Isolation the paramilitary character Mac chooses silence over justifying himself to a hostile audience, and in “Naming the Names” the stream of consciousness style becomes increasingly fragmented, suggesting the paramilitary narrator is on the verge of a breakdown. As a result, both characters remain enigmatic, with aspects of their motives and thinking not fully intelligible. Both texts show that it is a struggle for a noncombatant to understand a paramilitary’s point of view, but these texts make readers want to engage in that struggle.
Impact of Sports Mass Media on the Behavior and Health of Society. A Systematic Review
Authors: Pilar Puertas-Molero , Rafael Marfil-Carmona , Félix Zurita-Ortega , Gabriel González-Valero
Published: February 2019

The presence of sport in the media has grown exponentially over the last few decades. As a result, the influence of the media on the concept of physical activity within society and the collective and individual values it purports is indisputable. The mass media tends to follow a specific pattern when representing sport, this includes broadcasting of sport competitions and presentation of elite athletes as contemporary legends. A broad range of teaching and research opportunities are available in the field of media education. For this reason, we conducted a systematic review of international studies (Web of Science and Scopus) published between 2007 and 2018, focusing on the effects and influence of sports content on the audience. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement provided a framework for the analysis of included papers. The study incorporated an initial sample of 313 research articles that discussed the importance of emotional factors with regards to perceptual processes. Furthermore, links with various behavioral indicators were identified, such as competitiveness, violence, self-improvement linked to effort, stereotypes of beauty and health care.
Novel Approaches for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Van Bulck Michiel , Sierra-Magro Ana , Alarcon-Gil Jesus , Perez-Castillo Ana , Morales-Garcia Jose A.
Published: February 2019

Neurodegenerative disorders affect around one billion people worldwide. They can arise from a combination of genomic, epigenomic, metabolic, and environmental factors. Aging is the leading risk factor for most chronic illnesses of old age, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. A progressive neurodegenerative process and neuroinflammation occur, and no current therapies can prevent, slow, or halt disease progression. To date, no novel disease-modifying therapies have been shown to provide significant benefit for patients who suffer from these devastating disorders. Therefore, early diagnosis and the discovery of new targets and novel therapies are of upmost importance. Neurodegenerative diseases, like in other age-related disorders, the progression of pathology begins many years before the onset of symptoms. Many efforts in this field have led to the conclusion that exits some similar events among these diseases that can explain why the aging brain is so vulnerable to suffer neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the current knowledge about these diseases by summarizing the most common features of major neurodegenerative disorders, their causes and consequences, and the proposed novel therapeutic approaches.
The Composition of Hyperacute Serum and Platelet-Rich Plasma Is Markedly Different despite the Similar Production Method
Authors: Kardos Dorottya , Simon Melinda , Vácz Gabriella , Hinsenkamp Adél , Holczer Tünde , Cseh Domonkos , Sárközi Adrienn , Szenthe Kálmán , Bánáti Ferenc , Szathmary Susan , Nehrer Stefan , Kuten Olga , Masteling Mariana , Lacza Zsombor , Hornyák István
Published: February 2019

Autologous blood derived products, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are widely applied in regenerative therapies, in contrast to the drawbacks in their application, mainly deriving from the preparation methods used. Eliminating the disadvantages of both PRP and PRF, hyperacute serum (HAS) opens a new path in autologous serum therapy showing similar or even improved regenerative potential at the same time. Despite the frequent experimental and clinical use of PRP and HAS, their protein composition has not been examined thoroughly yet. Thus, we investigated and compared the composition of HAS, serum, PRP and plasma products using citrate and EDTA by simple laboratory tests, and we compared the composition of HAS, serum, EDTA PRP and plasma by Proteome Profiler and ELISA assays. According to our results the natural ionic balance was upset in both EDTA and citrate PRP as well as in plasma. EDTA PRP contained significantly higher level of growth factors and cytokines, especially platelet derived angiogenic and inflammatory proteins, that can be explained by the significantly higher number of platelets in EDTA PRP. The composition analysis of blood derivatives revealed that although the preparation method of PRP and HAS were similar, the ionic and protein composition of HAS could be advantageous for cell function.
In Vitro Assessment of Bioactive Glass Coatings on Alumina/Zirconia Composite Implants for Potential Use in Prosthetic Applications
Authors: Baino Francesco , Minguella-Canela Joaquim , Korkusuz Feza , Korkusuz Petek , Kankılıç Berna , Montealegre María , De los Santos-López M. , Vitale-Brovarone Chiara
Published: February 2019

Achieving the stable osteointegration of prosthetic implants is one of the great challenges of modern orthopedic surgery. The fixation of ceramic acetabular cups of hip joint prostheses is usually achieved using a metal shell provided with screws or pegs that penetrate into the host pelvic bone. The deposition of bioactive coatings on the implant surface to be put in contact with bone could be a valuable strategy to promote a more “physiological” osteointegration. In this work, bioactive glass porous coatings were manufactured on the top of alumina/zirconia composite implants by two different methods, i.e., sponge replication and laser cladding. The coated samples underwent immersion studies in Kokubo’s simulated body fluid (SBF) to assess in vitro bioactivity and were found to exhibit an excellent hydroxyapatite-forming ability, which is key to allow bonding to bone. Biological tests using mesenchymal stem and osteoblast-like cells revealed the good biocompatibility of both types of materials. Furthermore, a higher level of mineralization was induced by the sponge-replicated coatings at 10 days. Overall, these results are highly promising and encourage further research on these materials.
Modifying Adhesive Materials to Improve the Longevity of Resinous Restorations
Authors: Zhou Wen , Liu Shiyu , Zhou Xuedong , Hannig Matthias , Rupf Stefan , Feng Jin , Peng Xian , Cheng Lei
Published: February 2019

Dental caries is a common disease on a global scale. Resin composites are the most popular materials to restore caries by bonding to tooth tissues via adhesives. However, multiple factors, such as microleakage and recurrent caries, impair the durability of resinous restorations. Various innovative methods have been applied to develop adhesives with particular functions to tackle these problems, such as incorporating matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, antibacterial or remineralizing agents into bonding systems, as well as improving the mechanical/chemical properties of adhesives, even combining these methods. This review will sum up the latest achievements in this field.
Role of the Angiotensin Pathway and its Target Therapy in Epilepsy Management
Authors: Krasniqi Shaip , Daci Armond
Published: February 2019

Despite extensive research on epileptogenesis, there is still a need to investigate new pathways and targeted therapeutic approaches in this complex process. Inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, neural cell death, gliosis, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction are the most common causes of epileptogenesis. Moreover, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) affects the brain’s physiological and pathological conditions, including epilepsy and its consequences. While there are a variety of available pharmacotherapeutic approaches, information on new pathways is in high demand and the achievement of treatment goals is greatly desired. Therefore, targeting the RAS presents an interesting opportunity to better understand this process. This has been supported by preclinical studies, primarily based on RAS enzyme, receptor-inhibition, and selective agonists, which are characterized by pleiotropic properties. Although there are some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that interfere with RAS, the main targeted therapy of this pathway contributes in synergy with AEDs. However, the RAS-targeted treatment alone, or in combination with AEDs, requires clinical studies to contribute to, and clarify, the evidence on epilepsy management. There is also a genetic association between RAS and epilepsy, and an involvement of pharmacogenetics in RAS, so there are possibilities for the development of new diagnostic and personalized treatments for epilepsy.
Balancing mTOR Signaling and Autophagy in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhu Zhou , Yang Chuanbin , Iyaswamy Ashok , Krishnamoorthi Senthilkumar , Sreenivasmurthy Sravan Gopalkrishnashetty , Liu Jia , Wang Ziying , Tong Benjamin Chun-Kit , Song Juxian , Lu Jiahong , Cheung King-Ho , Li Min
Published: February 2019

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and life span. mTOR signaling is a central regulator of autophagy by modulating multiple aspects of the autophagy process, such as initiation, process, and termination through controlling the activity of the unc51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) complex and vacuolar protein sorting 34 (VPS34) complex, and the intracellular distribution of TFEB/TFE3 and proto-lysosome tubule reformation. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a serious, common neurodegenerative disease characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the accumulation of Lewy bodies. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that mTOR and autophagy are critical for the pathogenesis of PD. In this review, we will summarize recent advances regarding the roles of mTOR and autophagy in PD pathogenesis and treatment. Further characterizing the dysregulation of mTOR pathway and the clinical translation of mTOR modulators in PD may offer exciting new avenues for future drug development.
BmK AEP, an Anti-Epileptic Peptide Distinctly Affects the Gating of Brain Subtypes of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wu Ying , Zou Xiaohan , Tang Qinglian , Zhao Fang , Cao Zhengyu
Published: February 2019

BmK AEP, a scorpion peptide purified form the venom of Buthus martensii Karsch, has been reported to display anti-epileptic activity. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are responsible for the rising phase of action potentials (APs) in neurons and, therefore, controlling neuronal excitability. To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for its anti-epileptic activity, we examined the influence of BmK AEP on AP firing in cortical neurons and how BmK AEP influences brain subtypes of VGSCs (Nav1.1–1.3 and Nav1.6). BmK AEP concentration-dependently suppresses neuronal excitability (AP firing) in primary cultured cortical neurons. Consistent with its inhibitory effect on AP generation, BmK AEP inhibits Na+ peak current in cortical neurons with an IC50 value of 2.12 µM by shifting the half-maximal voltage of activation of VGSC to hyperpolarized direction by ~7.83 mV without affecting the steady-state inactivation. Similar to its action on Na+ currents in cortical neurons, BmK AEP concentration-dependently suppresses the Na+ currents of Nav1.1, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6, which were heterologously expressed in HEK-293 cells, with IC50 values of 3.20, 1.46, and 0.39 µM with maximum inhibition of 82%, 56%, and 93%, respectively. BmK AEP shifts the voltage-dependent activation in the hyperpolarized direction by ~15.60 mV, ~9.97 mV, and ~6.73 mV in Nav1.1, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6, respectively, with minimal effect on steady-state inactivation. In contrast, BmK AEP minimally suppresses Nav1.2 currents (~15%) but delays the inactivation of the channel with an IC50 value of 1.69 µM. Considered together, these data demonstrate that BmK AEP is a relatively selective Nav1.6 gating modifier which distinctly affects the gating of brain subtypes of VGSCs.
Implementing Mobile Games into Care Services—Service Models for Finnish and Chinese Elderly Care
Authors: Merilampi Sari , Koivisto Antti , Leino Mirka , Pombo Nuno , Felizardo Virginie , Lu Jue , Poberznik Anja , Virkki Johanna
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this paper was to create service models for cognitively stimulating mobile games and incorporate them into Finnish and Chinese elderly care. The implementation involved the use of two different mobile games as part of the everyday lives of older adults in care homes in Finland (3 months) and China (6 months). Although a large number of publications examine serious games in elderly care, there are rather few publications related to the practical implementation within the elderly care processes. In general, rehabilitation orientated games should incorporate entertainment (motivation) and relevant therapeutic content (rehabilitation) in order to be effective. Regardless of the game design, successful implementation of the games in elderly care is paramount to benefit the end user. In this paper, two mobile games were investigated as a case study. To investigate the therapeutic content of the games, the game outcomes (game scores and time stamps) were automatically recorded to facilitate analysis of the participant’s progress during the trial. To investigate motivation, user feedback was collected through observation of the game trials and by interviewing the nursing staff and the participants (test group). The gaming service implementation was designed in collaboration with the nursing staff and researchers, according to an experimentation-driven approach, in which the service model ideas were tested by the professionals before piloting. In both countries, the players and the nursing staff found the games showed potential as self-managed rehabilitation tools. Other significant effects of gameplay were enhanced recreation and self-managed activity level. Despite cultural differences, the gaming experience was amazingly similar and improvements in game scores were also observed during the trial in both countries. The biggest difference between the pilots was the implementation process, which led to the development of two different service models that are reported in this paper. In Finland, the games were embedded into the care practices and the nursing staff were responsible for the piloting. In China, the games were independent of the care process and an external service provider (the researcher) managed the piloting. The findings imply that service design in different cultures should be carefully considered when implementing new digital services.
Characterization of the 12S rRNA Gene Sequences of the Harvester Termite Anacanthotermes ochraceus (Blattodea: Hodotermitidae) and Its Role as A Bioindicator of Heavy Metal Accumulation Risks in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alajmi Reem , Abdel-Gaber Rewaida , AlOtaibi Noura
Published: February 2019

Termites are social insects of economic importance that have a worldwide distribution. Identifying termite species has traditionally relied on morphometric characters. Recently, several mitochondrial genes have been used as genetic markers to determine the correlation between different species. Heavy metal accumulation causes serious health problems in humans and animals. Being involved in the food chain, insects are used as bioindicators of heavy metals. In the present study, 100 termite individuals of Anacanthotermes ochraceus were collected from two Saudi Arabian localities with different geoclimatic conditions (Riyadh and Taif). These individuals were subjected to morphological identification followed by molecular analysis using mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequence, thus confirming the morphological identification of A. ochraceus. Furthermore, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine the genetic relationship between the acquired species and other termite species with sequences previously submitted in the GenBank database. Several heavy metals including Ca, Al, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ba, Cr, Co, Be, Ni, V, Pb, Cd, and Mo were measured in both collected termites and soil samples from both study sites. All examined samples (termite and soil) showed high concentrations of metals with different concentrations and ratios. Generally, most measured metals had a significantly high concentration in soil and termites at Taif, except for Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mg, and Ni showing significantly high concentrations at Riyadh. Furthermore, termites accumulated higher amounts of heavy metals than the soil at both locations. The mean concentrations of the measured metals in soil samples were found to be in the descending order Ca ˃ Al ˃ Mg ˃ Zn ˃ Fe ˃ Cu ˃ Mn ˃ Ba ˃ Cr ˃ Co ˃ Be ˃ Ni ˃ V ˃ Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Mo, while it was Ca ˃ Mg ˃ Al ˃ Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Cu ˃ Mn ˃ Be ˃ Ba ˃ Pb ˃ Cr ˃ V ˃ Ni ˃ Cd ˃ Mo ˃ Co in termite specimens. The mean concentrations of the studied metals were determined in the soil and termite specimens at both locations. In addition, the contamination factor, pollution load index (PLI) and degree of contamination were calculated for all studied metals in different samples, indicating that both studied sites were polluted. However, Taif showed a significantly higher degree of pollution. Thus, the accurate identification of economically important insects, such as termites, is of crucial importance to plan for appropriate control strategies. In addition, termites are a good bioindicator to study land pollution.
Delayed Antibiotic Therapy and Organ Dysfunction in Critically Ill Septic Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Hwang Sung Yeon , Shin Jikyoung , Jo Ik Joon , Park Jong Eun , Yoon Hee , Cha Won Chul , Sim Min Seob , Shin Tae Gun
Published: February 2019

Background: We investigated the effect of antibiotic timing on outcomes based on changes in surrogate markers of organ failure, including platelet, serum bilirubin, serum creatinine levels, and the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective observational study of critically ill septic patients who presented to the emergency department (ED). The study period extended from August 2008 to September 2016. The primary outcomes included changes in platelet, serum bilirubin, serum creatinine levels, and the P/F ratio (δ-platelet, δ-serum bilirubin, δ-serum creatinine, and δ-P/F ratio were calculated as values measured on Day 3; values measured at ED enrollment). A multivariable linear regression model was developed to assess variables related to outcomes (δ-platelet, δ-serum bilirubin, δ-serum creatinine, and δ-P/F ratio). Results: We analyzed 1784 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The overall 28-day mortality was 14% (n = 256/1784). On multivariable linear regression analysis, the hourly delay in antibiotic therapy was significantly associated with a decrease in δ-platelet count (coefficient, −1.741; standard error, 0.740; p = 0.019), and an increase in δ-serum bilirubin (coefficient, 0.054; standard error, 0.021; p = 0.009). In contrast, it was not associated with δ-creatinine (coefficient, 0.008; standard error, 0.010; p = 0.434) or the δ-P/F ratio (coefficient, −0.797; standard error, 1.858; p = 0.668). Conclusion: The hourly delay of antibiotic therapy was associated with decreased platelet count and increased serum bilirubin concentration in critically ill septic patients during the first three days of ED admission.
An Improved Method to Estimate the Probability of Oil Spill Contact to Environmental Resources in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Li Zhen , Johnson Walter
Published: February 2019

The oil spill risk analysis (OSRA) model is a tool used by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to evaluate oil spill risks to biological, physical, and socioeconomic resources that could be exposed to oil spill contact from oil and gas leasing, exploration, or development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Using long-term hindcast winds and ocean currents, the OSRA model generates hundreds of thousands of trajectories from hypothetical oil spill locations and derives the probability of contact to these environmental resources in the U.S. OCS. This study generates probability of oil spill contact maps by initiating trajectories from hypothetical oil spill points over the entire planning areas in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GOM) OCS and tabulating the contacts over the entire waters in the GOM. Therefore, a probability of oil spill contact database that stores information of the spill points and contacts can be created for a given set of wind and current data such that the probability of oil spill contact to any environmental resources from future leasing areas can be estimated without a rerun of the OSRA model. The method can be applied to other OCS regions and help improve BOEM’s decision-making process.
Microstructure Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel Clad Plate
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Liyuan , Zhang Boyang , Zhang Qingdong
Published: February 2019

In this study the microstructure and mechanical properties of stainless steel clad plate are researched. Due to element diffusion (Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn), a 20 μm thick diffusion layer is formed between stainless steel and carbon steel clad plate. The diffusion layer has a stable mechanical performance without obvious grain microstructure, and its internal mechanical properties show a graded change in the thickness direction. This is beneficial to a strong bond between stainless steel and carbon steel and the stable transition of mechanical performance in the thickness direction, as well as further carbon diffusion changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties near the diffusion layer of clad plate. Carburization stainless steel with a thickness of 150 μm is formed in the stainless steel side and decarburization carbon steel with a thickness of 80 μm is formed in the carbon steel side.
Magnetoelectric Transducer Designs for Use as Wireless Power Receivers in Wearable and Implantable Applications
Authors: Rupp Tyrel , Truong Binh Duc , Williams Shane , Roundy Shad
Published: February 2019

As the size of biomedical implants and wearable devices becomes smaller, the need for methods to deliver power at higher power densities is growing. The most common method to wirelessly deliver power, inductively coupled coils, suffers from poor power density for very small-sized receiving coils. An alternative strategy is to transmit power wirelessly to magnetoelectric (ME) or mechano-magnetoelectric (MME) receivers, which can operate efficiently at much smaller sizes for a given frequency. This work studies the effectiveness of ME and MME transducers as wireless power receivers for biomedical implants of very small (<2 mm3) size. The comparative study clearly demonstrates that under existing safety standards, the ME architecture is able to generate a significantly higher power density than the MME architecture. Analytical models for both types of transducers are developed and validated using centimeter scale devices. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standards were applied to the lumped elements models which were then used to optimize device dimensions within a 2 mm3 volume. An optimized ME device can produce 21.3 mW/mm3 and 31.3 W/mm3 under the IEEE and ICNIRP standards, respectively, which are extremely attractive for a wide range of biomedical implants and wearable devices.
Mode-I Fracture Behavior of CFRPs: Numerical Model of the Experimental Results
Authors: Barile Claudia , Casavola Caterina , Gambino Benedetto , Mellone Alessandro , Spagnolo Marco
Published: February 2019

In the last decades, the increasing use of laminate materials, such as carbon fibre reinforced plastics, in several engineering applications has pushed researchers to deeply investigate their mechanical behavior, especially in consideration of the delamination process, which could affect their performance. The need for improving the capability of the current instruments in predicting some collapse or strength reduction due to hidden damages leads to the necessity to combine numerical models with experimental campaigns. The validation of the numerical models could give useful information about the mechanical response of the materials, providing predictive data about their lifetime. The purpose of the delamination tests is to collect reliable results by monitoring the delamination growth of the simulated in situ cracking and use them to validate the numerical models. In this work, an experimental campaign was carried out on high performance composite laminates with respect to the delamination mode I; subsequently, a numerical model representative of the experimental setup was built. The ANSYS Workbench Suite was used to simulate the delamination phenomena and modeFRONTIER was applied for the numerical/experimental calibration of the constitutive relationship on the basis of the delamination process, whose mechanism was implemented by means of the cohesive zone material (CZM) model.
Durability of the Bond between CFRP and Concrete Exposed to Thermal Cycles
Authors: Liu Shuai , Pan Yunfeng , Li Hedong , Xian Guijun
Published: February 2019

The bond between carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and concrete is significantly and adversely affected by thermal cycles in air and water. In the present study, the effects of thermal cycles in air or water on the bond performance between CFRP and concrete were examined. A single-lap shear test was adopted to evaluate the performance of the CFRP–concrete bond. A number of 270 thermal cycles in air increased the interfacial fracture energy of the CFRP plate– and CFRP sheet–concrete by 35% and 20%, respectively while 270 thermal cycles in water reduced the interfacial fracture energy of the CFRP plate– and CFRP sheet–concrete by 9% and 46%, respectively. Thermal cycles in water caused the failure mode to change from concrete cohesive failure to primer–concrete interfacial debonding. The failure modes of CFRP–concrete exposed to thermal cycles in air still occurred in concrete. A reduction factor for the CFRP–concrete structure for thermal cycles in water was proposed.
Synergistic Anti-Candida Activity of Bengazole A in the Presence of Bengamide A
Authors: Jamison Matthew , Wang Xiao , Cheng Tina , Molinski Tadeusz
Published: February 2019

Bengazoles A–G from the marine sponge Jaspis sp. exhibit potent in vitro antifungal activity against Candida spp. and other pathogenic fungi. The mechanism of action (MOA) of bengazole A was explored in Candida albicans under both liquid culture and surface culture on Mueller-Hinton agar. Pronounced dose-dependent synergistic antifungal activity was observed with bengazole A in the presence of bengamide A, which is also a natural product from Jaspis sp. The MOA of bengazole A was further explored by monitoring the sterol composition of C. albicans in the presence of sub-lethal concentrations of bengazole A. The GCMS of solvent extracts prepared from liquid cultures of C. albicans in the presence of clotrimazole―a clinically approved azole antifungal drug that suppresses ergosterol biosynthesis by the inhibition of 14α-demethylase―showed reduced cellular ergosterol content and increased concentrations of lanosterol and 24-methylenedihydrolanosterol (a shunt metabolite of ergosterol biosynthesis). No change in relative sterol composition was observed when C. albicans was cultured with bengazole A. These results eliminate an azole-like MOA for the bengazoles, and suggest that another as-yet unidentified mechanism is operative.
Characterization of 14Cr ODS Steel Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Zhao Qian , Qiao Zhixia , Liu Yongchang , Yu Liming , Huang Yuan , Guo Qianying , Li Huijun
Published: February 2019

Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) steel with a composition of Fe-14Cr-2W-0.2V-0.07Ta-1Al-0.3Y2O3 was fabricated by mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). All of the investigations were performed on the as-SPSed ODS sample without further heat treatment. The microstructure, particles, and tensile properties of the ODS sample were analyzed. According to the results, both submicron-sized and micron-sized grains existed in the microstructure, showing a bimodal structure. The nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed in the matrix, and the nanoparticles in the ODS sample were mainly Y-Al-O composite oxides. Two kinds of Y-Al-O nanoparticles were identified: Y3Al5O12 particles with body-centered cubic structures and Y4Al2O9 particles with monoclinic structures. The size of the nanoparticles ranged from 2 nm to 61.5 nm, and the average size of the nanoparticles was 11 ± 2.7 nm. Except for the nanoparticles, large M23C6 particles that were detrimental to the ductility of the ODS sample were also identified. These large M23C6 particles possessed a long strip or rod-like morphology, and were generally distributed along the grain boundaries. The generation of cracks generally occurred in the region where the large M23C6 particles were located during the tensile test. The as-SPSed ODS steel possessed a ductile/brittle mixed fracture mode according to the fracture surfaces analysis.
Study of the Cu-Ni Productive Suite of the Pechenga Structure on the Russian-Norway Border Zone with the Use of MHD Installation “Khibiny”
Authors: Zhamaletdinov Abdulkhai
Published: February 2019

The tracing of current-conducting channels of the Pechenga structure from Russian to Norwegian territory was the main task of this research. The study was carried out in the framework of the Soviet-Norwegian cooperation “Northern Region” to estimate the prospects for discovery of Cu-Ni deposits in northern Norway. In addition to previous publications of technical character, the emphasis here is on geological description. Experimental measurements have been performed in the field of the “Khibiny” dipole and with the use of DC electrical profiling. The “Khibiny” dipole consists of 160-ton aluminum cable flooded in the Barents Sea bays on opposite sides of the Sredny and Rybachy peninsulas. Measurements were implemented as in the mode of single pulses generated by 80 MW magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) generator “Khibiny” (“hot” launches) and in the accumulation mode of rectangular current pulses of 0.125 Hz frequency generated by a 29 kW car generator (“cold” launches). From results of measurements, it was concluded that the most promising potential for Cu-Ni deposits Pil’gujarvi formation of the Northern wing of the Pechenga structure is rather quickly wedged out in Norway, while the conductive horizons of the Southern part of Pechenga, which have a weak prospect for Cu-Ni ores, follow into Norway nearly without a loss of power and integral electrical conductivity.
Preparation and Evaluation of Novel Transfersomes Combined with the Natural Antioxidant Resveratrol
Authors: Wu Pey-Shiuan , Li Yu-Syuan , Kuo Yi-Ching , Tsai Suh-Jen Jane , Lin Chih-Chien
Published: February 2019

Resveratrol (tran-3,5,4′-trihydroxystibene, RSV) is a kind of polyphenol which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergy, and anti-cancer properties, as well as being a scavenger of free radicals and preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, it is quite unstable in light, heat, and other conditions, and decays easily due to environmental factors. For these reasons, this study used a new type of carrier, transfersome, to encapsulate RSV. Transfersome consists of phosphatidyl choline (PC) from a liposomal system and non-ionic edge activators (EA). EA are an important ingredient in the formulation of transfersome; they can enhance the flexibility of the lipid bimolecular membrane of transfersome. Due to its ultradeformability, it also allows drugs to penetrate the skin, even through the stratum corneum. We hope that this new encapsulation technique will improve the stability and enhance the permeability of RSV. Concluding all the tested parameters, the best production condition was 5% PC/EA (3:1) and 5% ethanol in distilled water, with an ultrasonic bath and stirring at 500 rpm, followed by high pressure homogenization. The optimal particle size was 40.13 ± 0.51 nm and the entrapment efficiency (EE) was 59.93 ± 0.99%. The results of antioxidant activity analysis showed that transfersomes were comparable to the RSV group (unencapsulated). During in vitro transdermal delivery analysis, after 6 h, D1-20(W) increased 27.59% by accumulation. Cell viability assay showed that the cytotoxicity of D3-80(W) was reduced by 34.45% compared with the same concentration of RSV. Therefore, we successfully prepared RSV transfersomes and also improved the stability, solubility, and safety of RSV.
Solid-State Reactions for the Storage of Thermal Energy
Authors: Doppiu Stefania , Dauvergne Jean-Luc , Palomo del Barrio Elena
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the use of solid-state reactions for the storing of thermal energy at high temperature is proposed. The candidate reactions are eutectoid- and peritectoid-type transitions where all the components (reactants and reaction products) are in the solid state. To the best of our knowledge, these classes of reactions have not been considered so far for application in thermal energy storage. This study includes the theoretical investigation, based on the Calphad method, of binary metals and salts systems that allowed to determine the thermodynamic properties of interest such as the enthalpy, the free energy, the temperature of transition, the volume expansion and the heat capacity, giving guidelines for the selection of the most promising materials in view of their use for thermal energy storage applications. The theoretical investigation carried out allowed the selection of several promising candidates, in a wide range of temperatures (300–800 °C). Moreover, the preliminary experimental study and results of the binary Mn-Ni metallic system are reported. This system showed a complex reacting behavior with several discrepancies between the theoretical phase diagram and the experimental results regarding the type of reaction, the transition temperatures and enthalpies and the final products. The discrepancies observed could be due both to the synthesis method applied and to the high sensitivity of the material leading to partial or total oxidation upon heating even if in presence of small amount of oxygen (at the ppm level).
Label-Free Electrochemical Aptasensor for Sensitive Detection of Malachite Green Based on Au Nanoparticle/Graphene Quantum Dots/Tungsten Disulfide Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Qin Xiaofei , Geng Liping , Wang Yan
Published: February 2019

A label-free electrochemical aptasensor was fabricated to sensitively determine malachite green (MG) based on Au nanoparticles/graphene quantum dots-tungsten disulfide nanosheet composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (AuNPs/GQDs-WS2/GCE). A facial strategy for the self-assembly of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on tungsten disulfide nanosheets (WS2) was developed to fabricate 0D/2D nanocomposites. As-prepared GQDs-WS2 hybrids exhibited significantly enhanced electrocatalytic properties, and were first used as electroactive materials to construct electrochemical aptasensor. The AuNPs/GQDs-WS2/GCE was prepared through depositing Au nanoparticles on the surface of the GQDs-WS2 film, which acted as the electrochemical sensing matrix to covalently immobilize the aptamers of MG via the Au–S bond. In this label-free proposal, the aptasensor was applied to detect MG by monitoring voltammetric signal resulted from electrochemical oxidation of the MG captured by the aptamer. Under the optimized conditions, the aptasensor showed a wide linear range from 0.01 to 10 μM for MG detection with a low detection limit of 3.38 nM (S/N = 3). The method was applied to determination of MG in spiked fish samples and gave satisfactory results.
Co-Encapsulation and Co-Delivery of Peptide Drugs via Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Ma Rie , Feng Teng , Zhang Qian , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Chau Ying
Published: February 2019

Combination therapy is a promising form of treatment. In particular, co-treatment of P3 and QBP1 has been shown to enhance therapeutic effect in vivo in treating polyglutamine diseases. These peptide drugs, however, face challenges in clinical administration due to poor stability, inability to reach intracellular targets, and lack of method to co-deliver both drugs. Here we demonstrate two methods of co-encapsulating the peptide drugs via polymer poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polycaprolactone (PEG-b-PCL) based nanoparticles. Nanoparticles made by double emulsion were 100–200 nm in diameter, with drug encapsulation efficiency of around 30%. Nanoparticles made by nanoprecipitation with lipid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) (POPG) were around 250–300 nm in diameter, with encapsulation efficiency of 85–100%. Particles made with both formulations showed cellular uptake when decorated with a mixture of peptide ligands that facilitate endocytosis. In vitro assay showed that nanoparticles could deliver bioactive peptides and encapsulation by double emulsion were found to be more effective in rescuing cells from polyglutamine-induced toxicity.
Intensity Data Correction for Long-Range Terrestrial Laser Scanners: A Case Study of Target Differentiation in an Intertidal Zone
Authors: Tan Kai , Chen Jin , Qian Weiwei , Zhang Weiguo , Shen Fang , Cheng Xiaojun
Published: February 2019

The intensity data recorded by a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) contain spectral characteristics of a scanned target and are mainly influenced by incidence angle and distance. In this study, an improved implementable method is proposed to empirically correct the intensity data of long-distance TLSs. Similar to existing methods, the incidence angle–intensity relationship is estimated using some reference targets scanned in the laboratory. By contrast, due to the length limit of indoor environments and the laborious data processing, the distance–intensity relationship is derived by selecting some natural homogeneous targets with distances covering the entire distance scale of the adopted long-distance TLS. A case study of intensity correction and point cloud classification in an intertidal zone in Chongming Island, Shanghai, China, is conducted to validate the feasibility of the improved method by using the intensity data of a long-distance TLS (Riegl VZ-4000). Results indicate that the improved method can accurately eliminate the effects of incidence angle and distance on the intensity data of long-distance TLSs; the coefficient of variation of the intensity data for the targets in the study intertidal zone can be reduced by approximately 54%. The classification results of the study intertidal zone show that the improved method can effectively eliminate the variations caused by the incidence angle and distance in the original intensity data of the same target to obtain a corrected intensity that merely depends on target characteristics for improving classification accuracy by 49%.