bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation on Seismic Response of the Filled Joint under High Amplitude Stress Waves Using Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM)
Authors: Huang Xiaolin , Zhao Qi , Qi Shengwen , Xia Kaiwen , Grasselli Giovanni , Chen Xuguang
Published: December 2016

This paper numerically investigates the seismic response of the filled joint under high amplitude stress waves using the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM). A thin layer of independent polygonal particles are used to simulate the joint fillings. Each particle is meshed using the Delaunay triangulation scheme and can be crushed when the load exceeds its strength. The propagation of the 1D longitude wave through a single filled joint is studied, considering the influences of the joint thickness and the characteristics of the incident wave, such as the amplitude and frequency. The results show that the filled particles under high amplitude stress waves mainly experience three deformation stages: (i) initial compaction stage; (ii) crushing stage; and (iii) crushing and compaction stage. In the initial compaction stage and crushing and compaction stage, compaction dominates the mechanical behavior of the joint, and the particle area distribution curve varies little. In these stages, the transmission coefficient increases with the increase of the amplitude, i.e., peak particle velocity (PPV), of the incident wave. On the other hand, in the crushing stage, particle crushing plays the dominant role. The particle size distribution curve changes abruptly with the PPV due to the fragments created by the crushing process. This process consumes part of wave energy and reduces the stiffness of the filled joint. The transmission coefficient decreases with increasing PPV in this stage because of the increased amount of energy consumed by crushing. Moreover, with the increase of the frequency of the incident wave, the transmission coefficient decreases and fewer particles can be crushed. Under the same incident wave, the transmission coefficient decreases when the filled thickness increases and the filled particles become more difficult to be crushed.
Mechanical Fatigue Behavior of Flexible Printed Organic Thin-Film Transistors under Applied Strain
Authors: Sekine Tomohito , Kumaki Daisuke , Tokito Shizuo
Published: December 2016

We report on the mechanical fatigue behavior of printed, organic, thin-film transistors (OTFTs) based on a polymer semiconductor, investigated by repeatedly applying strain to the flexible OTFT devices and assessing their electrical characteristics after 60,000 bending cycles. As part of our investigation, we established that the rates of reduction in source/drain currents in the OTFT device depended on bending directions. Our improved understanding of the mechanical fatigue behavior of the flexible printed OTFT devices provides valuable insights into their employment in practical flexible electronics applications.
Microstructural Evolution of Dy2O3-TiO2 Powder Mixtures during Ball Milling and Post-Milled Annealing
Authors: Huang Jinhua , Ran Guang , Lin Jianxin , Shen Qiang , Lei Penghui , Wang Xina , Li Ning
Published: December 2016

The microstructural evolution of Dy2O3-TiO2 powder mixtures during ball milling and post-milled annealing was investigated using XRD, SEM, TEM, and DSC. At high ball-milling rotation speeds, the mixtures were fined, homogenized, nanocrystallized, and later completely amorphized, and the transformation of Dy2O3 from the cubic to the monoclinic crystal structure was observed. The amorphous transformation resulted from monoclinic Dy2O3, not from cubic Dy2O3. However, at low ball-milling rotation speeds, the mixtures were only fined and homogenized. An intermediate phase with a similar crystal structure to that of cubic Dy2TiO5 was detected in the amorphous mixtures annealed from 800 to 1000 °C, which was a metastable phase that transformed to orthorhombic Dy2TiO5 when the annealing temperature was above 1050 °C. However, at the same annealing temperatures, pyrochlore Dy2Ti2O7 initially formed and subsequently reacted with the remaining Dy2O3 to form orthorhombic Dy2TiO5 in the homogenous mixtures. The evolutionary mechanism of powder mixtures during ball milling and subsequent annealing was analyzed.
Properties of Mechanically Alloyed W-Ti Materials with Dual Phase Particle Dispersion
Authors: Lukáč František , Vilémová Monika , Nevrlá Barbara , Klečka Jakub , Chráska Tomáš , Molnárová Orsolya
Published: December 2016

W alloys are currently widely studied materials for their potential application in future fusion reactors. In the presented study, we report on the preparation and properties of mechanically alloyed W-Ti powders compacted by pulsed electric current sintering. Four different powder compositions of W-(3%–7%)Ti with Hf or HfC were prepared. The alloys’ structure contains only high-melting-point phases, namely the W-Ti matrix, complex carbide (Ti,W,Hf)C and HfO2 particle dispersion; Ti in the form of a separate phase is not present. The bending strength of the alloys depends on the amount of Ti added. The addition of 3 wt. % Ti led to an increase whereas 7 wt. % Ti led to a major decrease in strength when compared to unalloyed tungsten sintered at similar conditions. The addition of Ti significantly lowered the room-temperature thermal conductivity of all prepared materials. However, unlike pure tungsten, the conductivity of the prepared alloys increased with the temperature. Thus, the thermal conductivity of the alloys at 1300 °C approached the value of the unalloyed tungsten.
Mathematical Modeling of the Concentrated Energy Flow Effect on Metallic Materials
Authors: Konovalov Sergey , Chen Xizhang , Sarychev Vladimir , Nevskii Sergey , Gromov Victor , Trtica Milan
Published: December 2016

Numerous processes take place in materials under the action of concentrated energy flows. The most important ones include heating together with the temperature misdistribution throughout the depth, probable vaporization on the surface layer, melting to a definite depth, and hydrodynamic flotation; generation of thermo-elastic waves; dissolution of heterogeneous matrix particles; and formation of nanolayers. The heat-based model is presented in an enthalpy statement involving changes in the boundary conditions, which makes it possible to consider melting and vaporization on the material surface. As a result, a linear dependence of penetration depth vs. energy density has been derived. The model of thermo-elastic wave generation is based on the system of equations on the uncoupled one-dimensional problem of dynamic thermo-elasticity for a layer with the finite thickness. This problem was solved analytically by the symbolic method. It has been revealed for the first time that the generated stress pulse comprises tension and compression zones, which are caused by increases and decreases in temperature on the boundary. The dissolution of alloying elements is modeled on the example of a titanium-carbon system in the process of electron beam action. The mathematical model is proposed to describe it, and a procedure is suggested to solve the problem of carbon distribution in titanium carbide and liquid titanium-carbide solution in terms of the state diagram and temperature changes caused by phase transitions. Carbon concentration vs. spatial values were calculated for various points of time at diverse initial temperatures of the cell. The dependence of carbon particle dissolution on initial temperature and radius of the particle were derived. A hydrodynamic model based on the evolution of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in shear viscous flows has been proposed to specify the formation of nanostructures in materials subjected to the action of concentrated energy flows. It has been pointed out for the first time that, for certain parameters of the problem, that there are two micro- and nanoscale peaks in the relation of the decrement to the wavelength of the interface disturbance.
MEMS Gyroscopes Based on Acoustic Sagnac Effect
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Luo Hao , Chen Buyun , Tao Jin , Feng Zhihong , Zhang Hao , Guo Wenlan , Zhang Daihua
Published: December 2016

This paper reports on the design, fabrication and preliminary test results of a novel microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device—the acoustic gyroscope. The unique operating mechanism is based on the “acoustic version” of the Sagnac effect in fiber-optic gyros. The device measures the phase difference between two sound waves traveling in opposite directions, and correlates the signal to the angular velocity of the hosting frame. As sound travels significantly slower than light and develops a larger phase change within the same path length, the acoustic gyro can potentially outperform fiber-optic gyros in sensitivity and form factor. It also promises superior stability compared to vibratory MEMS gyros as the design contains no moving parts and is largely insensitive to mechanical stress or temperature. We have carried out systematic simulations and experiments, and developed a series of processes and design rules to implement the device.
Single-Sided Digital Microfluidic (SDMF) Devices for Effective Coolant Delivery and Enhanced Two-Phase Cooling
Authors: Park Sung-Yong , Nam Youngsuk
Published: December 2016

Digital microfluidics (DMF) driven by electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) has recently been attracting great attention as an effective liquid-handling platform for on-chip cooling. It enables rapid transportation of coolant liquid sandwiched between two parallel plates and drop-wise thermal rejection from a target heating source without additional mechanical components such as pumps, microchannels, and capillary wicks. However, a typical sandwiched configuration in DMF devices only allows sensible heat transfer, which seriously limits heat rejection capability, particularly for high-heat-flux thermal dissipation. In this paper, we present a single-sided digital microfluidic (SDMF) device that enables not only effective liquid handling on a single-sided surface, but also two-phase heat transfer to enhance thermal rejection performance. Several droplet manipulation functions required for two-phase cooling were demonstrated, including continuous droplet injection, rapid transportation as fast as 7.5 cm/s, and immobilization on the target hot spot where heat flux is locally concentrated. Using the SDMF platform, we experimentally demonstrated high-heat-flux cooling on the hydrophilic-coated hot spot. Coolant droplets were continuously transported to the target hot spot which was mitigated below 40 K of the superheat. The effective heat transfer coefficient was stably maintained even at a high heat flux regime over ~130 W/cm2, which will allow us to develop a reliable thermal management module. Our SDMF technology offers an effective on-chip cooling approach, particularly for high-heat-flux thermal management based on two-phase heat transfer.
Plasma Polymerization of SnOxCy Organic-Like Films and Grafted PNIPAAm Composite Hydrogel with Nanogold Particles for Promotion of Thermal Resistive Properties
Authors: Chou Chin-Yen , Chen Ko-Shao , Lin Win-Li , Ye Ying-Cian , Liao Shu-Chuan
Published: December 2016

In this study, a new type of temperature sensor device was developed. The circular electrode of the thermally sensitive sensor was modified with tetramethyltin (TMT) and O2 plasma to form a thin SnOxCy conductive layer on the electrode surface. The nano-Au particles (AuNPs) were subjected to O2 plasma pretreatment to form peroxide groups on the surface. The thermally sensitive sensor made by mixing the treated AuNPs with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) solution and then applying UV-induced grafting polymerization of the NIPAAm-containing solution onto the electrode substrate. The composite hydrogels on the electrode introduce thermo-sensitive polymeric surface films for temperature sensing. Using the ambient environment resistance test to measure the resistance, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of AuNPs mixed with NIPAAm hydrogel was found to be 32 °C. In common metallic materials, the resistance increased during environmental temperature enhancement. In this study, at ambient temperatures higher than the LCST, the electrode resistance decreases linearly due to the shrinkage structure with AuNPs contacting the circuit electrode.
Cinnamaldehyde Ameliorates Cadmium-Inhibited Root Elongation in Tobacco Seedlings via Decreasing Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Production
Authors: Ye Xie-Feng , Xue Yanfeng , Ling Tianxiao , Wang Yong , Yu Xiao-Na , Cheng Changxin , Feng Guosheng , Hu Liangbin , Shi Zhiqi , Chen Jian
Published: December 2016

Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is natural plant-derived compound that has been highly appreciated for its medicinal properties. However, little information is known about the regulation of plant intrinsic physiology by CA. To address these gaps, physiological, histochemical, and biochemical approaches were applied to investigate CA-facilitated cadmium (Cd) tolerance in the roots of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) seedlings. Treatment with CdCl2 at 20 μM for 72 h resulted in the significant decrease in root elongation by 40.39% as compared to control. CA alleviated Cd-inhibited root elongation in dose- and time-dependent manners. The addition of CA at 20 μM induced significant increase in root elongation by 42.58% as compared to Cd treatment alone. CA abolished Cd-induced ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulation, lipid peroxidation, loss of membrane integrity, cell death, and free Cd2+ accumulation in roots. CA blocked the Cd-induced increase in the endogenous H2S level through the down-regulation of d-cysteine desulfhydrase (DCD) expression. H2S scavenger hypotaurine (HT) or potent H2S-biosynthetic inhibitor dl-propargylglicine (PAG) were able mimic the action of CA on the blockade of Cd-induced H2S accumulation, cell death, and growth inhibition. Enhancement of the endogenous H2S level with NaHS (H2S donor) abrogated all the beneficial capabilities of CA, HT, and PAG. Collectively, these results suggest that CA has great potential to confer plant tolerance against Cd stress, which is closely associated with its capability to inhibit Cd-induced H2S production. This study not only provides evidences for the regulation of plant physiology by CA but also sheds new light on the cross-talk between CA and H2S in physiological modulations.
Modeling of the Bioactivation of an Organic Nitrate by a Thiol to Form a Thionitrate Intermediate
Authors: Sano Tsukasa , Shimada Keiichi , Aoki Yohei , Kawashima Takayuki , Sase Shohei , Goto Kei
Published: December 2016

Thionitrates (R–SNO2) have been proposed as key intermediates in the biotransformation of organic nitrates that have been used for the clinical treatment of angina pectoris for over 100 years. It has been proposed and widely accepted that a thiol would react with an organic nitrate to afford a thionitrate intermediate. However, there has been no example of an experimental demonstration of this elementary chemical process in organic systems. Herein, we report that aryl- and primary-alkyl-substituted thionitrates were successfully synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding lithium thiolates with organic nitrates by taking advantage of cavity-shaped substituents. The structure of a primary-alkyl-substituted thionitrate was unambiguously established by X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Direct Arylation Strategies in the Synthesis of π-Extended Monomers for Organic Polymeric Solar Cells
Authors: Nitti Andrea , Po Riccardo , Bianchi Gabriele , Pasini Dario
Published: December 2016

π-conjugated macromolecules for organic polymeric solar cells can be rationally engineered at the molecular level in order to tune the optical, electrochemical and solid-state morphology characteristics, and thus to address requirements for the efficient solid state device implementation. The synthetic accessibility of monomers and polymers required for the device is getting increasing attention. Direct arylation reactions for the production of the π-extended scaffolds are gaining importance, bearing clear advantages over traditional carbon-carbon forming methodologies. Although their use in the final polymerization step is already established, there is a need for improving synthetic accessibility to implement them also in the monomer synthesis. In this review, we discuss recent examples highlighting this useful strategy.
The Influence of Anionic Initiator on the Selected Properties of Poly-N-Isopropyl Acrylamide Evaluated for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Gola Agnieszka , Knysak Tomasz , Musial Witold
Published: December 2016

The aim of the study was to monitor the influence of increasing initiator concentrations on the properties of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (polyNIPA) nanoparticles obtained via surfactant free precipitation polymerization (SFPP). In all studied systems P-001 to P-1, the same amount of monomer was used, and increasing amounts of potassium persulphate (KPS). The course of each reaction was monitored by measuring the conductivity of the whole system. The resulting composition of products was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance within Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) measurements. The hydrodynamic diameters with polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) were measured in aqueous dispersions of the synthesized polymers in dynamic light scattering (DLS) device (λ = 678 nm), and were found to be for P-1: 20.33 nm (PDI = 0.49) and −7 mV, for P-05: 22.24 nm (PDI = 0.39) and −5 mV, for P-01: 50.14 nm (PDI = 0.49) and −3 mV, for P-005: 62.75 nm (PDI = 0.54) and −3 mV and for P-001: 509.4 nm (PDI = 0.61) and −12 mV at 18 °C, respectively. Initiator concentration affects the size and ZP of particles. The hydrodynamic diameter decreases with initiator concentration increase, whereas the time of the reaction decreases when the initiator concentration increases. This fact is reflected in the observed values of conductivity in the course of the performed reaction. Evaluated volume phase transition temperature in the range of 32 °C enables further research of the nanoparticles as thermosensitive drug carriers.
Literature Survey and Further Studies on the 3-Alkylation of N-Unprotected 3-Monosubstituted Oxindoles. Practical Synthesis of N-Unprotected 3,3-Disubstituted Oxindoles and Subsequent Transformations on the Aromatic Ring
Authors: Kókai Eszter , Simig Gyula , Volk Balázs
Published: December 2016

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the base-catalysed C3-alkylation of N-unprotected-3-monosubstituted oxindoles. Based on a few, non-systematic studies described in the literature using butyllithium as the deprotonating agent, an optimized method has now been elaborated, via the corresponding lithium salt, for the selective C3-alkylation of this family of compounds. The optimal excess of butyllithium and alkylating agent, and the role of the halogen atom in the latter (alkyl bromides vs. iodides) were also studied. The alkylation protocol has also been extended to some derivatives substituted at the aromatic ring. Finally, various substituents were introduced into the aromatic ring of the N-unprotected 3,3-dialkyloxindoles obtained by this optimized method.
Anti-Neuroinflammatory ent-Kaurane Diterpenoids from Pteris multifida Roots
Authors: Kim Jung , Seo Ji , Oh Won , Sung Sang
Published: December 2016

Activated microglia are known to be a major source of cellular neuroinflammation which causes various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. In our continuing efforts to search for new bioactive phytochemicals against neuroinflammatory diseases, the 80% methanolic extract of Pteris multifida (Pteridaceae) roots was found to exhibit significant NO inhibitory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 microglia cells. Three new ent-kaurane diterpenoids, pterokaurane M1 2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), 2β,16α-dihydroxy-ent-kaurane 2,16-di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10), and 2β,16α,17-trihydroxy-ent-kaurane 2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (12), were isolated along with nine other known compounds from P. multifida roots. The chemical structures of the new compounds were determined by 1D- and 2D-NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and CD spectroscopic data analysis. Among the isolates, compounds 1 and 7 significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells reducing the expression of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and the level of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. These results suggest that ent-kaurane diterpenes from P. multifida could be potential lead compounds that act as anti-neuroinflammatory agents.
Promising Inhibitory Effects of Anthraquinones, Naphthopyrone, and Naphthalene Glycosides, from Cassia obtusifolia on α-Glucosidase and Human Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases 1B
Authors: Jung Hyun , Ali Md , Choi Jae
Published: December 2016

The present work aims to evaluate the anti-diabetic potentials of 16 anthraquinones, two naphthopyrone glycosides, and one naphthalene glycoside from Cassia obtusifolia via inhibition against the protein tyrosine phosphatases 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase. Among them, anthraquinones emodin and alaternin exhibited the highest inhibitory activities on PTP1B and α-glucosidase, respectively. Moreover, we examined the effects of alaternin and emodin on stimulation of glucose uptake by insulin-resistant human HepG2 cells. The results showed that alaternin and emodin significantly increased the insulin-provoked glucose uptake. In addition, our kinetic study revealed that alaternin competitively inhibited PTP1B, and showed mixed-type inhibition against α-glucosidase. In order to confirm enzyme inhibition, we predicted the 3D structure of PTP1B using Autodock 4.2 to simulate the binding of alaternin. The docking simulation results demonstrated that four residues of PTP1B (Gly183, Arg221, Ile219, Gly220) interact with three hydroxyl groups of alaternin and that the binding energy was negative (−6.30 kcal/mol), indicating that the four hydrogen bonds stabilize the open form of the enzyme and potentiate tight binding of the active site of PTP1B, resulting in more effective PTP1B inhibition. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate that C. obtusifolia and its constituents have potential anti-diabetic activity and can be used as a functional food for the treatment of diabetes and associated complications.
Dysregulation of Cell Death and Its Epigenetic Mechanisms in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Wu Haijing , Fu Siqi , Zhao Ming , Lu Liwei , Lu Qianjin
Published: December 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease involving multiple organs and tissues, which is characterized by the presence of excessive anti-nuclear autoantibodies. The pathogenesis of SLE has been intensively studied but remains far from clear. Increasing evidence has shown that the genetic susceptibilities and environmental factors-induced abnormalities in immune cells, dysregulation of apoptosis, and defects in the clearance of apoptotic materials contribute to the development of SLE. As the main source of auto-antigens, aberrant cell death may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of SLE. In this review, we summarize up-to-date research progress on different levels of cell death—including increasing rate of apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy and defects in clearance of dying cells—and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms, especially epigenetic modifications, which may provide new insight in the potential development of therapeutic strategies for SLE.
Fenofibrate Therapy Restores Antioxidant Protection and Improves Myocardial Insulin Resistance in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome and Myocardial Ischemia: The Role of Angiotensin II
Authors: Ibarra-Lara Luz , Sánchez-Aguilar María , Sánchez-Mendoza Alicia , Del Valle-Mondragón Leonardo , Soria-Castro Elizabeth , Carreón-Torres Elizabeth , Díaz-Díaz Eulises , Vázquez-Meza Héctor , Guarner-Lans Verónica , Rubio-Ruiz María
Published: December 2016

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation promotes oxidative stress which increases the risk of cardiac dysfunction in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and favors local insulin resistance. Fibrates regulate RAS improving MetS, type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. We studied the effect of fenofibrate treatment on the myocardic signaling pathway of Angiotensin II (Ang II)/Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) and its relationship with oxidative stress and myocardial insulin resistance in MetS rats under heart ischemia. Control and MetS rats were assigned to the following groups: (a) sham; (b) vehicle-treated myocardial infarction (MI) (MI-V); and (c) fenofibrate-treated myocardial infarction (MI-F). Treatment with fenofibrate significantly reduced triglycerides, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), insulin levels and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in MetS animals. MetS and MI increased Ang II concentration and AT1 expression, favored myocardial oxidative stress (high levels of malondialdehyde, overexpression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4), decreased total antioxidant capacity and diminished expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD2 and catalase) and inhibited expression of the insulin signaling cascade: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PkB, also known as Akt)/Glut-4/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In conclusion, fenofibrate treatment favors an antioxidant environment as a consequence of a reduction of the Ang II/AT1/NOX4 signaling pathway, reestablishing the cardiac insulin signaling pathway. This might optimize cardiac metabolism and improve the vasodilator function during myocardial ischemia.
Spectroscopic Studies on the Molecular Ageing of Serum Albumin
Authors: Chudzik Mariola , Maciążek-Jurczyk Małgorzata , Pawełczak Bartosz , Sułkowska Anna
Published: December 2016

Pathological states in the organism, e.g., renal or hepatic diseases, cataract, dysfunction of coronary artery, diabetes mellitus, and also intensive workout, induce the structural modification of proteins called molecular ageing or N-A isomerization. The aim of this study was to analyze the structural changes of serum albumin caused by alkaline ageing using absorption, spectrofluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The N-A isomerization generates significant changes in bovine (BSA) and human (HSA) serum albumin subdomains—the greatest changes were observed close to the tryptophanyl (Trp) and tyrosyl (Tyr) residue regions while a smaller change was observed in phenyloalanine (Phe) environment. Moreover, the changes in the polarity of the Trp neighborhood as well as the impact of the ageing process on α-helix, β-sheet content, and albumin molecule rotation degree have been analyzed. Based on the spectrofluorescence study, the alterations in metoprolol binding affinity to the specific sites that increase the toxicity of the drug were investigated.
Inhibitory Effects of Viscum coloratum Extract on IgE/Antigen-Activated Mast Cells and Mast Cell-Derived Inflammatory Mediator-Activated Chondrocytes
Authors: Yoo Jae-Myung , Yang Ju-Hye , Kim Young , Yang Hye , Cho Won-Kyung , Ma Jin
Published: December 2016

The accumulation and infiltration of mast cells are found in osteoarthritic lesions in humans and rodents. Nonetheless, the roles of mast cells in osteoarthritis are almost unknown. Although Viscum coloratum has various beneficial actions, its effect on allergic and osteoarthritic responses is unknown. In this study, we established an in vitro model of mast cell-mediated osteoarthritis and investigated the effect of the ethanol extract of Viscum coloratum (VEE) on IgE/antigen (IgE/Ag)-activated mast cells and mast cell-derived inflammatory mediator (MDIM)-stimulated chondrocytes. The anti-allergic effect of VEE was evaluated by degranulation, inflammatory mediators, and the FcεRI signaling cascade in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells. The anti-osteoarthritic action of VEE was evaluated by cell migration, and the expression, secretion, and activity of MMPs in MDIM-stimulated SW1353 cells. VEE significantly inhibited degranulation (IC50: 93.04 μg/mL), the production of IL-4 (IC50: 73.28 μg/mL), TNF-α (IC50: 50.59 μg/mL), PGD2 and LTC4, and activation of the FcεRI signaling cascade in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, VEE not only reduced cell migration but also inhibited the expression, secretion, and/or activity of MMP-1, MMP-3, or MMP-13 in MDIM-stimulated SW1353 cells. In conclusion, VEE possesses both anti-allergic and anti-osteoarthritic properties. Therefore, VEE could possibly be considered a new herbal drug for anti-allergic and anti-osteoarthritic therapy. Moreover, the in vitro model may be useful for the development of anti-osteoarthritic drugs.
Achiral Molecular Recognition of Aromatic Position Isomers by Polysaccharide-Based CSPs in Relation to Chiral Recognition
Authors: Shibata Tohru , Shinkura Satoshi , Ohnishi Atsushi , Ueda Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2016

Chromatographic separation of several sets of aromatic position isomers on three cellulose- and one amylose-based chiral stationary phases was performed to evaluate the potential of a polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phase (CSP) in the separation of isomeric or closely similar molecules, and to understand the interaction mechanism of this type of CSP with analytes. Their ability of molecular recognition was quite outstanding, but the selection rule was particular to each polysaccharide derivative. In the series of analytes, cellulose tris(4-methylbenzoate) and tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) exhibited a contrasting selection rule, and the recognition mechanism was considered based on the computer-simulation of the former polymer.
Synthesis of Alkyl Aryl Sulfones via Reaction of N-Arylsulfonyl Hydroxyamines with Electron-Deficient Alkenes
Authors: Bin Yunhui , Hua Ruimao
Published: December 2016

Alkyl aryl sulfones were prepared in high yields via the reaction of N-arylsulfonyl hydroxylamines with electron-deficient alkenes. These reactions have the advantages of simplicity, easily available starting materials and mild reaction conditions.
SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 Expression Patterns in Medulloblastomas: Relevance to STAT3 Activation and Resveratrol-Suppressed STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Li Cong , Li Hong , Zhang Peng , Yu Li-Jun , Huang Tian-Miao , Song Xue , Kong Qing-You , Dong Jian-Li , Li Pei-Nan , Liu Jia
Published: December 2016

Background: Activated STAT3 signaling is critical for human medulloblastoma cells. SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 are known as the negative regulators of STAT3 signaling, while their relevance to frequent STAT3 activation in medulloblastomas remains unknown. Methods: Tissue microarrays were constructed with 17 tumor-surrounding noncancerous brain tissues and 61 cases of the classic medulloblastomas, 44 the large-cell medulloblastomas, and 15 nodular medulloblastomas, which were used for immunohistochemical profiling of STAT3, SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 expression patterns and the frequencies of STAT3 nuclear translocation. Three human medulloblastoma cell lines (Daoy, UW228-2 and UW228-3) were cultured with and without 100 μM resveratrol supplementation. The influences of resveratrol in SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 expression and SOCS3 knockdown in STAT3 activation were analyzed using multiple experimental approaches. Results: SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 levels are reduced in medulloblastomas in vivo and in vitro, of which PIAS3 downregulation is more reversely correlated with STAT3 activation. In resveratrol-suppressed medulloblastoma cells with STAT3 downregulation and decreased incidence of STAT3 nuclear translocation, PIAS3 is upregulated, the SHP2 level remains unchanged and SOCS3 is downregulated. SOCS3 proteins are accumulated in the distal ends of axon-like processes of resveratrol-differentiated medulloblastoma cells. Knockdown of SOCS3 expression by siRNA neither influences cell proliferation nor STAT3 activation or resveratrol sensitivity but inhibits resveratrol-induced axon-like process formation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that (1) the overall reduction of SHP2, SOCS3 and PIAS3 in medulloblastoma tissues and cell lines; (2) the more inverse relevance of PIAS3 expression with STAT3 activation; (3) the favorable prognostic values of PIAS3 for medulloblastomas and (4) the involvement of SOCS3 in resveratrol-promoted axon regeneration of medulloblastoma cells.
Progress Confirmed for Pharmaceuticals in 2016
Authors: Vanden Eynde Jean Jacques
Published: December 2016

As explained in the editorial written 12 months ago [1], 2015 was considered as a transition year for our journal.[...]
Design and Biological Evaluation of Delivery Systems Containing Bisphosphonates
Authors: Aderibigbe Blessing , Aderibigbe Isiaka , Popoola Patricia
Published: December 2016

Bisphosphonates have found application in the treatment of reoccurrence of bone diseases, breast cancer, etc. They have also been found to exhibit antimicrobial, anticancer and antimalarial activities. However, they suffer from pharmacological deficiencies such as toxicity, poor bioavailability and low intestinal adsorption. These shortcomings have resulted in several researchers developing delivery systems that can enhance their overall therapeutic effectiveness. This review provides a detailed overview of the published studies on delivery systems designed for the delivery of bisphosphonates and the corresponding in vitro/in vivo results.
Of Cyborgs and Brutes: Technology-Inherited Violence and Ignorance
Authors: Bertolotti Tommaso , Arfini Selene , Magnani Lorenzo
Published: December 2016

The broad aim of this paper is to question the ambiguous relationship between technology and intelligence. More specifically, it addresses the reasons why the ever-increasing reliance on smart technologies and wide repositories of data does not necessarily increase the display of “smart” or even “intelligent” behaviors, but rather increases new instances of “brutality” as a mix of ignorance and violence. We claim that the answer can be found in the cyborg theory, and more specifically in the possibility to blend (not always for the best) different kinds of intentionality.
Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization of Acrylonitrile under Irradiation of Blue LED Light
Authors: Huang Zhicheng , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: December 2016

Compared to unhealthy UV or γ-ray and high-energy-consumption thermal external stimuli, the promising light emitting diode (LED) external stimulus has some outstanding technological merits such as narrow wavelength distribution, low heat generation and energy consumption, and safety for human beings. In this work, a novel reversible addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization system for acrylonitrile (AN) was developed under the irradiation of blue LED light at room temperature, using 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) as a novel radical initiator and 2-cyanoprop-2-yl-1-dithionaphthalate (CPDN) as the typical chain transfer agent. Well-defined polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with a controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution was successfully synthesized. This strategy may provide another effective method for scientific researchers or the industrial community to synthesize a PAN-based precursor of carbon fibers.
Rapid and Effective Removal of Cu2+ from Aqueous Solution Using Novel Chitosan and Laponite-Based Nanocomposite as Adsorbent
Authors: Cao Jie , Cao Han , Zhu Yuejun , Wang Shanshan , Qian Dingwei , Chen Guodong , Sun Mingbo , Huang Weian
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a novel method for preparing nanoparticle-polymer hybrid adsorbent was established. Laponite was dispersed in distilled water to form Laponite nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were pre-adsorbed by 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulfonic acid (AMPS) to improve their dispersion stability in chitosan solution. The nanoparticle-polymer hybrid adsorbent was prepared by copolymerization of chitosan, acrylamide, acrylic acid, AMPS, and Laponite nanoparticles. Four adsorbents were obtained and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller adsorption (BET). Additionally, the uptake capacities of Cu2+ using different samples were studied. Compared to the adsorbent without chitosan and Laponite components, the maximum uptake of the hybrid adsorbent increased from 0.58 to 1.28 mmol·g−1 and the adsorption equilibrium time of it decreased from more than 75 min to less than 35 min, which indicated that the addition of chitosan and Laponite could greatly increase the adsorption rate and capacity of polymer adsorbent. The effects of different experimental parameters—such as initial pH, temperature, and equilibrium Cu2+ concentration—on the adsorption capacities were studied. Desorption study indicated that this hybrid adsorbent was easy to be regenerated.
Gamma-Irradiation Effects on the Spectral and Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) Properties of Conjugated Polymers in Solution
Authors: S. AlSalhi Mohamad , Prasad Saradh , Devaraj D. , S. Abo Mustafa Ziad
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we investigate the effects of gamma (γ) radiation on the spectral and mplified spontaneous emission (ASE) properties of two conjugated polymers (CPs) viz., poly [2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH–PPV) (CPM) and poly{[2-[2′,5′-bis(2″-ethylhexyloxy)phenyl]-1,4-phenylenevinylene]-co-[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene]} (BEHP-co-MEH–PPV) (BMP) in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Gamma irradiation strongly affected the photophysical properties of these CPs. To explore these changes, gamma radiation, in the range of 2–50 kGy, was used to maintain the temperature at 5 °C constant for all doses at a dose rate of 12.67 kGy/h, using a 60Co gamma ray. The ASE profiles of the CPs in THF were obtained under the high power excitation of a Nd:YAG laser (355 nm), pre- and post-radiation. The result revealed a dramatic blue shift of the fluorescence and the ASE spectra after gamma irradiation. This shift in the luminescence and ASE spectra could be a response to the conformational disorders such as gamma irradiation-induced polymer crosslinking, which was verified using Raman spectra, FTIR, and swelling experiments. This could be the first report on the effect of gamma radiation on the ASE properties of conjugated polymers.
“This World Is Not My Home”: Richard Mouw and Christian Nationalism
Authors: Pattillo-Lunt Aaron
Published: December 2016

American evangelicalism has often been punctuated by dual commitments to the United States and to God. Those commitments were strongest within politically conservative evangelicalism. Though representing a solid majority among professing evangelicals, conservatives could not speak for the movement as a whole. Politically progressive evangelicals, beginning in the 1960s, formed a dissenting opinion of the post-World War II revival of Christian nationalism. They dared to challenge American action abroad, noticeably during the Vietnam War. Their critique of Christian nationalism and conservative evangelicals’ close ties to the Republican Party led them to seek refuge in either progressive policies or the Democratic Party. A third, underexplored subgroup of evangelicalism rooted in reformed theology becomes important to consider in this regard. These reformed evangelicals sought to contextualize nationalism in biblical rather than partisan or political terms. This goal is championed well by Richard Mouw, resulting in a nuanced look at evangelical Christians’ difficult dual role as both citizens of the Kingdom of God and the United States.
Transatlantic Abolitionist Discourse and the Body of Christ in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim’s Point”
Authors: King Joshua
Published: December 2016

Despite renewed interest in roles played by Christianity in the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (EBB), few scholars have discussed her treatment of the body of Christ—understood as both the figure of Christ and his body of followers—in her antislavery poem, “The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim’s Point”. This article argues that “The Runaway Slave” reworks portrayals of the body of Christ in transatlantic abolitionist print culture. It examines the poem in its original context of publication in the 1848 issue of The Liberty Bell, the Boston-based antislavery annual. As EBB would have known from earlier issues of the annual that she received before writing her poem, its contributors—primarily though not exclusively privileged northern whites—represented themselves as messianic martyrs whose Christ-like suffering would liberate slaves. EBB’s poem challenges this self-glorifying rhetoric, in part by making a refrain out of words from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s well-known poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. This refrain indicates that the symbols used by Liberty Bell authors to portray themselves as messianic martyrs might, to those they labor to liberate, seem perversely bound up in slavery and the color binary used to justify it. “Runaway Slave” further suggests that the Liberty Bell’s messianic rhetoric, like the slave system itself, parodies Christ’s sacrifice of himself for the good of others. In both cases, wittingly or not, whites seek to turn the bodily agony of blacks to their benefit, whether ethical or economic. Stressing that such parodies of the crucifixion only perpetuate racial violence, the poem pursues what we might call a post-secular vision of Christ’s body, suggesting that people can through love act as members of Christ outside of any official church body. EBB’s poem nevertheless risks trading in the abuses it critiques—a risk, the material history of her poem indicates, of which she might have been aware.
Environmental and Energy Performance of Ethanol Production from the Integration of Sugarcane, Corn, and Grain Sorghum in a Multipurpose Plant
Authors: Donke Ana , Nogueira Alex , Matai Patricia , Kulay Luiz
Published: December 2016

Although in the last 40 years only sugarcane has been harnessed for the production of ethanol in Brazil, corn production has grown strongly in certain areas, and may serve as a supplementary feedstock for ethanol production in integrated plants during the sugarcane off-season. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental and energy performance of ethanol production from sugarcane, corn, and grain sorghum in a Flex Mill in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A life cycle assessment was carried out to survey the production of ethanol from each individual feedstock, and the integration of two of these to increase production during a one-year period. Results indicate that the environmental and energy performance are greatly influenced by agricultural activities, highlighting the importance of sugarcane cultivation. Still, there was an increasing trend of Climate Change impacts, Human Toxicity (carcinogenic) and Ecotoxicity, as well as reduced impact of Photochemical Oxidant Formation and Energy Return on Investment (EROI) as the proportion of ethanol from starchy sources in integration scenarios increases.
Optimal Retention Level for Infinite Time Horizons under MADM
Authors: Bulut Karageyik Başak , Şahin Şule
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we approximate the aggregate claims process by using the translated gamma process under the classical risk model assumptions, and we investigate the ultimate ruin probability. We consider optimal reinsurance under the minimum ultimate ruin probability, as well as the maximum benefit criteria: released capital, expected profit and exponential-fractional-logarithmic utility from the insurer’s point of view. Numerical examples are presented to explain how the optimal initial surplus and retention level are changed according to the individual claim amounts, loading factors and weights of the criteria. In the decision making process, we use The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods as the Multi-Attribute Decision Making methods (MADM) and compare our results considering different combinations of loading factors for both exponential and Pareto individual claims.
Experimental Investigations of a Precision Sensor for an Automatic Weapons Stabilizer System
Authors: Korobiichuk Igor
Published: December 2016

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations of a precision sensor for an automatic weapons stabilizer system. It also describes the experimental equipment used and the structure of the developed sensor. A weapons stabilizer is designed for automatic guidance of an armament unit in the horizontal and vertical planes when firing at ground and air targets that are quickly maneuvering, and at lower speeds when firing anti-tank missiles, as well as the bypass of construction elements by the armament unit, and the automatic tracking of moving targets when interacting with a fire control system. The results of experimental investigations have shown that the error of the precision sensor developed on the basis of a piezoelectric element is 6 × 10−10 m/s2 under quasi-static conditions, and ~10−5 m/s2 for mobile use. This paper defines metrological and calibration properties of the developed sensor.
Reverse Engineering and Security Evaluation of Commercial Tags for RFID-Based IoT Applications
Authors: Fernández-Caramés Tiago , Fraga-Lamas Paula , Suárez-Albela Manuel , Castedo Luis
Published: December 2016

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a distributed system of physical objects that requires the seamless integration of hardware (e.g., sensors, actuators, electronics) and network communications in order to collect and exchange data. IoT smart objects need to be somehow identified to determine the origin of the data and to automatically detect the elements around us. One of the best positioned technologies to perform identification is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which in the last years has gained a lot of popularity in applications like access control, payment cards or logistics. Despite its popularity, RFID security has not been properly handled in numerous applications. To foster security in such applications, this article includes three main contributions. First, in order to establish the basics, a detailed review of the most common flaws found in RFID-based IoT systems is provided, including the latest attacks described in the literature. Second, a novel methodology that eases the detection and mitigation of such flaws is presented. Third, the latest RFID security tools are analyzed and the methodology proposed is applied through one of them (Proxmark 3) to validate it. Thus, the methodology is tested in different scenarios where tags are commonly used for identification. In such systems it was possible to clone transponders, extract information, and even emulate both tags and readers. Therefore, it is shown that the methodology proposed is useful for auditing security and reverse engineering RFID communications in IoT applications. It must be noted that, although this paper is aimed at fostering RFID communications security in IoT applications, the methodology can be applied to any RFID communications protocol.
Correction: Lim, S., et al. Millimeter-Wave Chemical Sensor Using Substrate-Integrated-Waveguide Cavity. Sensors 2016, 16, 1829
Authors: Memon Muhammad , Lim Sungjoon
Published: December 2016

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