bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Fuel Consumption for Continuous Descent Approach Based on QAR Data
Authors: Ye Lisha , Cao Li , Wang Xuhui
Published: August 2019

Fuel savings are a significant aspect for evaluating the current and future technologies of civil aviation. Continuous-Descent Approach (CDA), as a representative of new concepts, requires a method for evaluating its fuel benefits. However, because of unavailability of the practical operational data, it is difficult to validate whether the previous fuel consumption mechanisms are suitable. This paper presents a unique method for quantifying potential fuel benefits. This permits an easy evaluation for the new procedures without modelling before implementing field tests. The proposed method is detailed in this paper. It derives from the inherent mechanical characteristic of aircraft engine, and utilizes historical flight data, rather than modelling, to predict fuel flow rates by matching flight conditions from Quick Access Recorder (QAR) data. The result has been shown to predict fuel consumption for conventional descent with the deviation of ±0.73%. To validate such method, a case study for our designed CDA procedure is presented. Fuel consumptions in baseline scenarios are estimated to analyse the variable impacts on fuel consumption. The estimated fuel benefits are consistent with the results in the previous field tests. This analysis helps support Air Traffic Management decisions on eventual field test by reducing the validation time and cost.
Investigating Commuting Time Patterns of Residents Living in Affordable Housing: A Case Study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Wu Jingxian , Yang Min , Rasouli Soora , Cheng Long
Published: August 2019

The phenomenon of affordable housing emerges in Chinese cities to meet low-income residents’ living needs in the city. Because affordable housing projects tend to be located far away from the city centre, their residents tend to face long commuting times to go to work. Although several studies have analysed commuting travel times, none have considered the commuting pattern of residents living in these affordable housing projects. This study employs a decision tree classifier to examine the commuting time patterns of affordable housing residents, fusing the data from the 2010 Nanjing Household Travel Survey and supplementary data collected through Google maps. Results show that attributes of the built environment and distance to work are the factors mostly influencing commuting time patterns of affordable housing residents in Nanjing. The availability of a subway service, job type, household car ownership, job location, travel mode choice, and departure time have logical but varying effects on commuting trip duration. These results provide a better understanding of these residents’ commuting patterns and provide urban planners insights about the effects of their affordable housing policies on travel behaviour.
Subjective Air Traffic Complexity Estimation Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Andraši Petar , Radišić Tomislav , Novak Doris , Juričić Biljana
Published: August 2019

Air traffic complexity is usually defined as difficulty of monitoring and managing a specific air traffic situation. Since it is a psychological construct, best measure of complexity is that given by air traffic controllers. However, there is a need to make a method for complexity estimation which can be used without constant controller input. So far, mostly linear models were used. Here, the possibility of using artificial neural networks for complexity estimation is explored. Genetic algorithm has been used to search for the best artificial neural network configuration. The conclusion is that the artificial neural networks perform as well as linear models and that the remaining error in complexity estimation can only be explained as inter-rater or intra-rater unreliability. One advantage of artificial neural networks in comparison to linear models is that the data do not have to be filtered based on the concept of operations (conventional vs. trajectory-based).
Effectiveness of Automatic Section Speed Control System Operating on National Roads in Poland
Authors: Ziolkowski Robert
Published: August 2019

Driving speed remains within the most important factors in road safety, and speed not only affects the severity of a crash but is also related to the risk of being involved in a crash. Inappropriate speed is responsible for more than a third of all fatal accidents occurring on roads. In Poland the problem of speeding drivers is widely present. Hence, effective speed management and enforcement of speed limits on existing roads plays an important role. Possible solutions for rural roads are very limited and are focused mainly on administrative speed limitations and speed cameras enforcement. However, due to their limited effectiveness new solutions are still being sought. High expectations are associated with the automatic section speed control system that has recently been introduced in Poland. The aim of this paper is to examine the efficiency of the automatic section speed control system on the basis of speed surveys collected on chosen national roads where the system for sectional speed control was first implemented. Conducted comparisons and statistical analyses included driver’s average speed, speed percentiles, the number of speeding drivers as well as speed heterogeneity. To evaluate the efficacy of the sectional speed system, speed measurements were also conducted on fourteen, similar in geometry and functional characteristics, reference national roads located in Podlaskie voivodship in Poland without any specific speed enforcement.
Seroprevalence of HCV and HIV Antibodies in Tuberculosis Confirmed Patients in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojo-Bola O. , Fagbuyiro T. , Korode T. O. , Adebowale A. A. , Omisakin C. T.
Published: August 2019

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HCV and HIV antibodies in TB confirmed patient attending the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. A total of 500 tuberculosis confirmed patients were selected by random sampling. Their blood samples were collected and assayed for HCV and HIV antibodies using Clinotech diagnostic Anti-HCV detection test and Abbot determine HIV ½  in conjunction with Chembio HIV ½ STAT-PAK assay kit respectively. Out of 500 TB patients tested, 10(2.0%), 21(4.2%) and 3(0.6%) tested positive to HCV, HIV, and HCV/HIV antibodies respectively. Age group 36-45 was the most prevalence of HCV, HIV, and HCV/HIV antibodies with P-value 0.000, 0.000 and 0.002 respectively. The associated risk factors were alcoholism 14 (45.2%), being the highest identified risk factor, followed by previous unprotected sex, multiple sex partner, previous blood donor, previous transfusion, tattoos, and history of the Sexually transmitted disease being the least risk factor 3 (9.68%). The degree of disparity in regards to HCV, HIV and co-exists of HCV/HIV antibodies between 302 male and 198 female that participated were not statistically significant. (P-value 0.531, 0.549,and 0.824 for HCV, HIV and HCV/HIV antibodies respectively).These findings confirmed that both HCV and HIV can co-exist in TB patients, and may increase the risk of antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity, if overlooked, there will be a greater risk for TB patients, and these infections will continue to spread through the associated risk factors. However, in managing the TB patients, there is a need to screen for Anti- HCV, as it has been for HIV antibody.
The Pattern of Cancer Cases in the Rest of Cross River State Not Covered by the Calabar Cancer Registry between 2004 and 2013
Authors: Ebughe G. A. , Inyama M. A. , Ugbem T. I. , Ushie D. E.
Published: August 2019

Aims: This study aims to find out the prevalence of cancer in the different age groups in the rest of Cross River state not covered by the Calabar cancer registry.

Study Design: Descriptive retrospective study involving a trend analysis of the cancers incident in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, and persons from the rest of Cross River State not covered by the Calabar cancer registry. Such cases as occurred between 1st of January 2004 to December 31st, 2013 were included.

Place and Duration of Study: The Department of Pathology, University of Calabar Teaching hospital; between April and May 2019.

Methodology: A trend analysis of cancer cases from the rest of Cross River State outside the range of the Calabar cancer registry over the period was studied.

Results: Nine hundred and forty-one (941) cases of cancer were seen outside Calabar in Cross River State, within January 2004 and December 2013. Mean age was 49.18 ± 18.9 years, ranging from 1 to 100 years, and female: male ratio was 1: 0.97. The commonest age range cancer occurred is 40 to 64 years overall, 40 to 64 years in males and 40 to 64 years in females. The commonest cancers sites were breast cancer (21.9%), prostate (21.3%), lymphohematopoietic (9.2%). The commonest cancers in males were prostate (43.1), lymphohematopoietic (12.9%), soft tissue (11.4%). In females' breast 41.1% and cervix, 15.9% were the dominant sites. Cancer in the 0 to 17 age range was remarkably similar and was dominated by lymphohematopoietic sites, soft tissue, eye and urinary system. Cancer in the older ages 65 years and above is overwhelmingly dominated by prostate 60% followed by breast 18%.

Conclusion: Cancer in the rest of Cross River State is dominated by breast, prostate and cervical sites. This is like the GLOBOCAN estimates for Nigeria.
Energy Efficiency “Example of Adana Yüreğir Wastewater Treatment Plant (Turkey)”
Authors: Şahin H. H. , Yelmen B.
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study is to analyze the design and operating parameters for Yuregir Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) of Adana Metropolitan municipality and to make a comparison of the economic analysis system. The data of Yuregir WWTP regarding the amount of treated wastewater (m3/month-1), the amount of produced gas (m3 month-1), the energy withdrawn from the grid (kWh month-1), and the electricity generated from the generator (kWh/month) were obtained for the year 2017. With such data, the relations of the amount of treated wastewater and energy, the amount of produced gas and energy, and the energy generated and drawn from the grid were examined. It was observed that the average amount of wastewater treated and produced gas at the facility were 2 517 831 m3 month-1 and 134 596  m3 month-1 while the generation of electricity from the generator and energy recovery as energy efficiency were 317 166 kWh/month and 49,72%, respectively. Based upon the calculations made, it was observed that the energy consumption unit was reduced when the organic loading removal was increased at the Yüregir WWTP.
University Teachers’ Perception of Quality in Higher Education in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Dire Dawa University
Authors: Woldeamanuel Melaku Masresha , Goshu Belay Sitotaw
Published: August 2019

This article empirically assesses perception of quality in higher education in Ethiopia.  The data was collected from one higher educational institution where the staffs are graduates of 31 different universities in Ethiopia. The information used in this study was obtained through administration of questionnaires. The main participants are the academic staff of the University. The total number of staff that participated in the research was 365. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 365 teachers (302 male and 63 female) and seventeen classrooms were observed and twelve group discussions carried out with participants of Ethiopian educational roadmap. Data were analyzed by both descriptive statistics of percentages and inferential statistics of, t-test, correlation and one way ANOVA. Results indicated that teacher’ valued input indicators of quality of education more than process and output indicators. Output indicators received the lowest rating. Teachers’ practice also indicated that they apply process indicators in a reasonable manner. The results of relationship between practices of teaching learning processes revealed that, as teachers’ perception toward quality teaching learning process increases their practice of elements of constructivism also increases.
Kinetics of Enhancement for Corneal Cross-linking: Proposed Model for a Two-initiator System
Authors: Lin Jui-Teng
Published: August 2019

Aims: To derive kinetic equations and analytic formulas for efficacy enhancement of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in a 2-initiator system.

Study Design:  Modeling the kinetics of CXL.

Place and Duration of Study: Taipei, Taiwan, between between January 2019 to June, 2019.

Methodology: Coupled rate equations are derived for two initiators system for a type-II process, consisting of a primary initiator (PA), and a co-initiator (PB) as an enhancer, having 3 cross linking pathways: Two radical-mediated (or electron transfer) pathways, and one oxygen-mediated (or energy transfer) pathway. For a type-II process, the triplet state T* interacts with the co-initiator, PB, to form the primary radicals R’, and an active intermediates radical, R, which could interact with the substrate [M] for crosslink, or be inhibited by oxygen [O2], or bimolecular termination. Rate equations, based on lifetime of triplet-state and oxygen singlet-state, are used to analyze the measured results in a rose-Bengal system with an enhanced initiator.

Results: Additive enhancer-monomer of arginine added to a rose Bengal photosensitizer may enhance the production of free radicals under a green-light CXL. D2O may extends the lifetime of oxygen singlet state and thus improve the efficacy. Our formulas predicted features are consistent with the measured results.

Conclusion: Efficacy may be improved by enhancer-monomer or extended lifetime of photosensitizer triplet-state or oxygen singlet state.
Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) Model for the Analysis of Frequency of Monthly Rainfall in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Adams Samuel Olorunfemi , Mustapha Bello , Alumbugu Auta Irinew
Published: August 2019

The Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model is proposed for Osun State monthly rainfall data and the analysis was based on probability time series modeling approach. The Plot of the original data shows that the time series is stationary and the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test did not suggest otherwise. The graph further displays evidence of seasonality and it was removed by seasonal differencing. The plots of the ACF and PACF show spikes at seasonal lags respectively, suggesting SARIMA (1, 0, 1) (2, 1, 1). Though the diagnostic check on the model favoured the fitted model, the Auto Regressive parameter was found to be statistically insignificant and this led to a reduced SARIMA (1, 0, 1) (1, 1, 1)  model that best fit the data and was used to make forecast.
Ypt/Rab GTPases and their TRAPP GEFs at the Golgi
Authors: Lipatova Zhanna , Segev Nava
Published: August 2019

The conserved Ypt/Rab GTPases regulate the different steps of all intracellular trafficking pathways. Ypt/Rabs are activated by their specific nucleotide exchangers termed GEFs, and when GTP bound, they recruit their downstream effectors, which mediate vesicular transport substeps. In the yeast exocytic pathway, Ypt1 and Ypt31/32 regulate traffic through the Golgi and the conserved modular TRAPP complex acts a GEF for both Ypt1 and Ypt31/32. However, the precise localization and function of these Ypts have been under debate, as is the identity of their corresponding GEFs. We have established that Ypt1 and Ypt31 reside on the two sides of the Golgi, early and late, respectively, and regulate Golgi cisternal progression. We and others have shown that whereas a single TRAPP complex, TRAPP II, activates Ypt31, three TRAPP complexes can activate Ypt1: TRAPPs I, III, and IV. We propose that TRAPP I and II activate Ypt1 and Ypt31, respectively, at the Golgi, whereas TRAPP III and IV activate Ypt1 in autophagy. Resolving these issues is important because both Rabs and TRAPPs are implicated in multiple human diseases, ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases.
MicroRNA‐9 exerts antitumor effects on hepatocellular carcinoma progression by targeting HMGA2
Authors: Xu Xiangang , Zou Haibo , Luo Lanyun , Wang Xiankui , Wang Guan
Published: August 2019

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRs or miRNAs) may contribute to the initiation and progression of various types of human cancer and may also constitute biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, the specific function of miR‐9 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear, and the mechanisms that underlie HCC are incompletely understood. Here, we report that miR‐9 expression was significantly decreased in clinical tumor tissue samples, as well as in a cohort of HCC cell lines. In addition, it was demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐9 suppressed the proliferative and migratory capacity of HCC cells and impaired cell cycle progression. Furthermore, high mobility group AT‐hook 2 (HMGA2) was verified as a downstream target gene of miR‐9 using a luciferase reporter assay. Quantitative RT‐PCR and western blotting implicated HMGA2 in the miR‐9‐mediated reduction of HCC cell growth. In vivo, transfection with miR‐9 mimics down‐regulated the expression of HMGA2, thus leading to a dramatic reduction in tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. These results suggest that miR‐9 may exert critical antitumor effects on HCC by directly targeting HMGA2, and the miR9/HMGA2 signaling pathway may be of use for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with HCC.
Impact of organ motion on volumetric and dosimetric parameters in stomach lymphomas treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Uchinami Yusuke , Suzuki Ryusuke , Katoh Norio , Taguchi Hiroshi , Yasuda Koichi , Miyamoto Naoki , Ito Yoichi M. , Shimizu Shinichi , Shirato Hiroki
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Interplay effects may influence dose distributions to a moving target when using dynamic delivery techniques such as intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of organ motion on volumetric and dosimetric parameters in stomach lymphomas treated with IMRT.

Methods

Ten patients who had been treated with IMRT for stomach lymphomas were enrolled. The clinical target volume (CTV) was contoured as the whole stomach. Considering interfractional uncertainty, the internal target volume (ITV) margin was uniformly 1.5 cm to the CTV and then modified based on the 4DCT images in case of the large respiratory motion. The planning target volume (PTV) was created by adding 5 mm to the ITV. The impact of organ motion on the volumetric and dosimetric parameters was evaluated retrospectively (4D simulation). The organ motion was reproduced by shifting the isocenter on the radiation treatment planning system. Several simulation plans were created to test the influence of the beam‐on timing in the respiration cycle on the dose distribution. The homogeneity index (HI), volume percentage of stomach covered by the prescribed dose (Vp), and D99 of the CTV were evaluated.

Results

The organ motion was the largest in the superior‐inferior direction (10.1 ± 4.5 mm [average ± SD]). Stomach volume in each respiratory phase compared to the mean volume varied approximately within a ± 5% range in most of the patients. The PTV margin was sufficiently large to cover the CTV during the IMRT. There was a significant reduction in Vp and D99 but not in HI in the 4D simulation in free‐breathing and multiple fractions compared to the clinically‐used plan (P < 0.05) suggesting that interplay effects deteriorate the dose distribution. The absolute difference of D99 was less than 1% of the prescribed dose.

Conclusions

There were significant interplay effects affecting the dose distribution in stomach IMRT. The magnitude of the dose reduction was small when patients were treated on free‐breathing and multiple fractions.
Blood transcriptomic biomarker as a surrogate of ischemic brain gene expression
Authors: Ramsay LeeAnn , Quillé Marie‐Lise , Orset Cyrille , de la Grange Pierre , Rousselet Estelle , Férec Claude , Le Gac Gérald , Génin Emmanuelle , Timsit Serge
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Blood biomarkers for cerebral tissue ischemia are lacking. The goal was to identify a blood transcriptomic signature jointly identified in the ischemic brain.

Methods

A nonhuman primate model with middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarction was used to study gene expression by microarray during acute ischemic cerebral stroke in the brain and the blood. Brain samples were collected in the infarcted and contralateral non‐infarcted cortex as well as blood samples before and after occlusion. Gene expression was compared between the two brain locations to find differentially expressed genes. The expressions of these genes were then compared in the blood pre‐ and post‐occlusion.

Results

Hierarchical clustering of brain expression data revealed strong independent clustering of ischemic and nonischemic brain samples. The top five enriched, up‐regulated gene sets in the brain were TNF α signaling, apoptosis, P53 pathway, hypoxia, and UV response up. A comparison of differentially expressed genes in the brain and blood revealed a significant overlap of gene expression patterns. Stringent analysis of blood expression data from pre‐ and post‐occlusion samples in each monkey identified nine genes highly differentially expressed in both the brain and the blood. Many of these up‐regulated genes belong to pathways involved in cell death and DNA damage repair.

Interpretation

Common gene expression profile can be identified in the brain and blood and clearly differentiates ischemic from nonischemic conditions. Therefore, specific blood transcriptomic signature may represent a surrogate for brain ischemic gene expression.
Model Placental Barrier Phenotypic Response to Fluoxetine and Sertraline: A Comparative Study
Authors: Arumugasaamy Navein , Gudelsky Alana , Hurley‐Novatny Amelia , Kim Peter C. W. , Fisher John P.
Published: August 2019

Medications taken during pregnancy may significantly impact fetal development, yet there are few studies that rigorously assess medication safety due to ethical concerns. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drug increasingly being prescribed for depression, yet multiple studies have shown that taking SSRIs during pregnancy can lead to preterm birth and potential health concerns for the baby. Therefore, a biomimetic placental barrier model is utilized herein to assess transport profiles and phenotypic effects resulting from SSRI exposure, comparing fluoxetine and sertraline. Results show that the placental barrier quickly uptakes drug from the maternal side, but slowly releases on the fetal side. Phenotypically, there is a dose‐dependent change in cell adhesion molecule (CAM) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) secretions, markers of cell adhesion and angiogenesis. Both drugs impact CAM secretions, whereas sertraline alone impacts TGFβ secretions. When evaluating cell type, it becomes clear that endothelial cells, not trophoblast, are the main cell type involved in these phenotypic changes. Overall, these findings further the understanding of SSRI transplacental transport and drug‐induced effects on the placental barrier.
Multifunctional Nanocomposites with High Strength and Capacitance Using 2D MXene and 1D Nanocellulose
Authors: Tian Weiqian , VahidMohammadi Armin , Reid Michael S. , Wang Zhen , Ouyang Liangqi , Erlandsson Johan , Pettersson Torbjörn , Wågberg Lars , Beidaghi Majid , Hamedi Mahiar M.
Published: August 2019

The family of two‐dimensional (2D) metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, are among the most promising electrode materials for supercapacitors thanks to their high metal‐like electrical conductivity and surface‐functional‐group‐enabled pseudocapacitance. A major drawback of these materials is, however, the low mechanical strength, which prevents their applications in lightweight, flexible electronics. A strategy of assembling freestanding and mechanically robust MXene (Ti3C2Tx
) nanocomposites with one‐dimensional (1D) cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from their stable colloidal dispersions is reported. The high aspect ratio of CNF (width of ≈3.5 nm and length reaching tens of micrometers) and their special interactions with MXene enable nanocomposites with high mechanical strength without sacrificing electrochemical performance. CNF loading up to 20%, for example, shows a remarkably high mechanical strength of 341 MPa (an order of magnitude higher than pristine MXene films of 29 MPa) while still maintaining a high capacitance of 298 F g−1 and a high conductivity of 295 S cm−1. It is also demonstrated that MXene/CNF hybrid dispersions can be used as inks to print flexible micro‐supercapacitors with precise dimensions. This work paves the way for fabrication of robust multifunctional MXene nanocomposites for printed and lightweight structural devices.
Realizing Room‐Temperature Resonant Tunnel Magnetoresistance in Cr/Fe/MgAl2O4 Quasi‐Quantum Well Structures
Authors: Xiang Qingyi , Sukegawa Hiroaki , Belmoubarik Mohamed , Al‐Mahdawi Muftah , Scheike Thomas , Kasai Shinya , Miura Yoshio , Mitani Seiji
Published: August 2019

The quantum well (QW) realizes new functionalities due to the discrete electronic energy levels formed in the well‐shaped potential. Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) combined with a quasi‐QW structure of Cr/ultrathin‐Fe/MgAl2O4(001)/Fe, in which the Cr quasi‐barrier layer confines Δ1 up‐spin electrons to the Fe well, are prepared with perfectly lattice‐matched interfaces and atomic layer number control. Resonant peaks are clearly observed in the differential conductance of the MTJs due to the formation of QWs. Furthermore, enhanced tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) peaks at the resonant bias voltages are realized for the MTJs at room temperature, i.e., it is observed that TMR ratios at specific and even high bias‐voltages (Vbias) are larger than zero‐bias TMR ratios for the MTJs with odd Fe atomic layers, in contrast to the earlier experimental studies. In addition, a new finding in this study is unique sign changes in the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) depending on the Fe thickness and Vbias, which is interpreted as a signature of the QW formation of Δ1 symmetry electronic states. The present study suggests that the spin‐dependent resonant tunneling via the QWs formed in Cr/ultrathin‐Fe/MgAl2O4/Fe structures should open a new pathway to achieve a large TMR at practically high Vbias.
The BMP‐SMAD pathway mediates the impaired hepatic iron metabolism associated with the ERFE‐A260S variant
Authors: Andolfo Immacolata , Rosato Barbara Eleni , Marra Roberta , De Rosa Gianluca , Manna Francesco , Gambale Antonella , Iolascon Achille , Russo Roberta
Published: August 2019

The erythroferrone (ERFE) is the erythroid regulator of hepatic iron metabolism by suppressing the expression of hepcidin. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II (CDAII) is an inherited hyporegenerative anemia due to biallelic mutations in the SEC23B gene. Patients with CDAII exhibit marked clinical variability, even among individuals sharing the same pathogenic variants. The ERFE expression in CDAII is increased and related to abnormal erythropoiesis. We identified a recurrent low‐frequency variant, A260S, in the ERFE gene in 12.5% of CDAII patients with a severe phenotype. We demonstrated that the ERFE‐A260S variant leads to increased levels of ERFE, with subsequently marked impairment of iron regulation pathways at the hepatic level. Functional characterization of ERFE‐A260S in the hepatic cell system demonstrated its modifier role in iron overload by impairing the BMP/SMAD pathway. We herein described for the first time an ERFE polymorphism as a genetic modifier variant. This was with a mild effect on disease expression, under a multifactorial‐like model, in a condition of iron‐loading anemia due to ineffective erythropoiesis.
Modification of regenerated cellulose membrane by impregnation of silver nanocrystal clusters
Authors: Vakili Mohammad Reza , Gholami Mehrdad , Mosallaei Zahra , Ghasemi Abdol Madjid
Published: August 2019

Regenerated cellulose forms a very important class of basic material with diverse applications because of its hydrophilicity and insolubility in water. Thus, one of the applications of regenerated cellulose is used to fabricate membranes. However, short operational lifetime is one of the disadvantages of the regenerated cellulose. In this research, surface modification of the cellophane membrane was carried out by silver nanoclusters. Silver colloids were formed in situ by chemical and photochemical reduction, and then, silver particles were deposited uniformly onto the surface of the cellophane membrane. The maximum amount of silver deposition was found to be 2.55% by weight in this modification. The modified and unmodified membranes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis to indicate silver nanocrystalline cluster particles on the modified membrane. SEM images indicate well‐dispersed silver particles with an average size of 0.65 μm on the membrane. XRD patterns showed that the size of the silver crystals was 3.9 nm. The surface properties of modified and unmodified membranes were studied by the contact angle. Water absorption, oxidative resistance, salt permeability, and thermal stability were investigated. This study revealed that the modified membrane is more resistant against the oxidative cleavage than the unmodified one moreover, the salt permeability increased after the treatment. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48292.
Fabrication of ZnO‐functionalized polypyrrole microcomposite as a protective coating to enhance anticorrosion performance of low carbon mild steel
Authors: Satpal Sudhakar , Bhopale Abhijit , Deshpande Pravin , Athawale Anjali
Published: August 2019

In the present work, PPy, ZnO, and polypyrrole/zinc oxide (PPy/ZnO) microcomposites (1, 2, and 5 wt%) were prepared and their properties have been tuned for anticorrosion applications on low carbon mild steel. The synthesized products: ZnO, PPy, and composites were characterized by various sophisticated analytical techniques such as XRD, FTIR, Raman, FESEM, EDX, UV–VIS, TGA, and BET. The band frequencies observed at 480 and 588 cm−1 in FTIR spectrum correspond to stretching vibrations of Zn‐O and N‐H bonds, respectively, broadening of the bands in the composites indicate strong interactions between ZnO and PPy matrix. The potentiodynamic polarization study of PPy and PPy/ZnO composite was carried out in 3.5% NaCl solution to investigate the corrosion resistance efficiency. PPy/1 wt% ZnO (Icorr = 190 nA) composite coating on low carbon mild steel was observed to exhibit best corrosion protection property compared to PPy (121 μA), 2 and 5 wt% ZnO (242, 295 nA) composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48319.
Study on the ablative properties of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer/silsesquioxane insulation materials
Authors: Hao Huijuan , Zhou Xuyuan , Shen Zhaohong , He Jiyu , Yang Rongjie
Published: August 2019

Octaphenylsilsesquioxane (OPS), polyphenylsilsesquioxane (PPSQ), and octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVP) have been incorporated into ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) in order to study their effects on the ablative properties of the respective EPDM composites. The results show that PPSQ and OVP serve as effective ablative additives for EPDM composites. The linear ablation rates of EPDM composites with 4.4 wt % OVP or PPSQ were reduced by 21 or 16.5%, respectively, compared with the control sample. Moreover, OVP and PPSQ also improved the flame retardancy and suppressed smoke emission. The heat release rate of EPDM composite with 4.4 wt % OVP was measured as 90.6 kW m−2, 17% lower than that of the control sample, and the same amount of PPSQ reduced the total smoke release from 1946 to 1497 m2 s−1. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed EPDM/OVP composite to leave a higher residual mass than the calculated value. Besides, scanning electron microscopy, cone calorimetry (CONE), and BET tests showed that the chars formed during the ablation of EPDM composites containing OVP and PPSQ had better structural stability and thermal stability owing to the fact that they were denser and more homogeneous. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48365.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) hybrid syntactic foams with hollow glass microspheres and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes
Authors: Ozkutlu Merve , Dilek Cerag , Bayram Goknur
Published: August 2019

The study aims to produce poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based lower density syntactic foams with hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) and to improve their mechanical properties by the addition of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) while maintaining the thermal properties of the neat polymer. First to understand the effect of POSS addition, PMMA–POSS composites with octaisobutyl and octaphenyl POSS were produced through extrusion. Higher relative flexural and impact strengths were obtained with POSS addition to PMMA. Obtaining more enhanced properties with octaphenyl POSS, PMMA‐HGM‐POSS hybrid syntactic foams were prepared with this additive. In general, the specific flexural strength and modulus of the PMMA syntactic foams were improved with the POSS loading, while the lower density and thermal properties of the PMMA syntactic foams were maintained. PMMA hybrid syntactic foams with 15 wt % HGMs and 0.25 wt % POSS exhibited 37.6% improvement in the specific flexural modulus with respect to the neat PMMA. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48368.
Yellow resistant photosensitive resin for digital light processing 3D printing
Authors: Cheng Qingkui , Zheng Yan , Wang Tao , Sun Dongli , Lin Runxiong
Published: August 2019

Digital light processing (DLP) has been studied and developed in the field of three‐dimensional (3D) printing in recent years due to its fast curing rate and high resolution. To reduce the cost and viscosity of the resin system, the aromatic polyurethane acrylates (PUAs) were used as oligomer. The matrix resin called PUH2consists of oligomers (PUA, bisphenol A polyoxyethylene ether dimethyl acrylate) and active diluents (hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate). However, the photosensitive resin containing aromatic isocyanate groups was easily yellowed under ultraviolet light. In this article, we developed a resin for DLP 3D printing with yellowing resistance, excellent mechanical properties and high heat resistance. The optimal ratio of 3DP‐PUH2resin was PUH2/TPO/RYOJI‐292/dye/nanosilica = 100/5/0.4/0.01/0.1, and its viscosity was 500 cp, which is suitable for DLP 3D printing. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48369.
Investigation on structure and characteristics of alpaca‐based wet‐spun polyacrylonitrile composite fibers by utilizing natural textile waste
Authors: Al Faruque Md Abdullah , Remadevi Rechana , Razal Joselito , Wang Xungai , Naebe Maryam
Published: August 2019

The composite alpaca/acrylic fibers were auspiciously produced through a wet spinning technique to reduce the consumption of petroleum‐based polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and to enhance the thermal stability and moisture properties of the fibers. The waste alpaca fibers were converted into powder using a mechanical milling method without applying any chemicals. Alpaca powders were then blended with the PAN dope solution in different weight ratios of alpaca: PAN (10:90, 20:80, and 30:70) to wet spin the composite fibers. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that all the composite fibers possess the functional groups of both alpaca and PAN. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the presence of typical carbonyl carbon (CO) and nitrile carbon (C≡N) peaks of protein and PAN, respectively. The differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis revealed the enhanced thermal stability of alpaca/PAN composite fibers. The moisture properties of the composite fibers were subsequently found to increase with the incorporation of alpaca, more than three times that of pure PAN fibers. These results revealed a potential green pathway to producing composite acrylic fibers with improved thermal and moisture properties by applying textile waste materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48370.
Kinetic thermal behavior of nanocellulose filled polylactic acid filament for fused filament fabrication 3D printing
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Ji Chencheng , Sun Jianzhong , Yao Qian , Liu Jun , Saeed Rana Muhammad Yousaf , Zhu Qianqian
Published: August 2019

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) with thermoplastic filaments is the most popular 3D printing technology. The continuous polymer filaments undergo a series of thermal processes, including heating, melting, cooling, and solidification. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the thermal behavior of polymer filaments. The present study aims to provide a fundamental study of the thermal decomposition behavior and the isothermal melting crystallization behavior of nanocellulose filled polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. The influences of nanocellulose contents on the thermal decomposition properties such as onset temperature (137onset), the temperature at 20‐wt % conversion (Tα20), and the temperature at the peak decomposition rate (Tp) were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of nanocellulose contents on the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the melting temperature (Tm) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Effects of nanocellulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG) incorporation on the thermal decomposition activation energy, isothermal melting crystallization rate, and semi‐crystallization time are also investigated. The addition of nanocellulose improves the thermal stability of PLA filament, whereas the addition of plasticizer PEG decreases the thermal stability. TGA and DSC kinetic analyses indicate that nanocellulose alone or together with PEG could drastically increase the crystallization rate and shorten the semi‐crystallization time. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48374.
Graphene incorporated poly(vinyl chloride) composites prepared by mechanical activation with enhanced electrical and thermo–mechanical properties
Authors: Li Qinghua , Shen Fang , Zhang Yanjuan , Huang Zuqiang , Muhammad Yaseen , Hu Huayu , Zhu Yunpeng , Yu Cong , Qin Yuben
Published: August 2019

This study reports the improvement in electrical and thermomechanical properties of pristine poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by the incorporation of graphene (GN) resulting in GN/PVC composites 137 mechanical activation (MA) using dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as dispersant. Microstructure, electrical, and thermomechanical properties of GN/PVC were systematically investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and particle size distribution analysis revealed that high‐energy ball milling destroyed the structure of pristine PVC and GN, without any visible agglomeration of GN in the resulting GN/PVC composites. At 0.13 wt% GN loading, the surface resistivity of GN/PVC composites was less than 3 × 108 Ω/square, meeting requirements of commercial antistatic PVC materials. Moreover, GN/PVC composites showed enhanced mechanical properties, thermal stability, and glass transition temperature than pristine PVC. Credited to enhanced thermomechanical and electrical properties of the newly designed GN/PVC composites, they could be deemed as potential alternative to classical PVC‐based antistatic materials in targeted applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48375.
Electrical conductivity of carbon black/single‐wall carbon nanotube/low‐density polyethylene ternary composite foam
Authors: Yan Yongsi , Iqbal Asma , Wu Chun , Wang Yucheng , Li Guan , Qi Rongrong
Published: August 2019

In order to obtain high electrical conductive low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) foam, carbon black (CB), single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT), and LDPE (CB/SWCNT/LDPE) ternary composite foams were successfully fabricated by chemical compression molding method. The electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, microstructure, density, and crystallinity of the foam were studied in detail. It can be found that CB and SWCNT have synergistic effect. For the CB/SWCNT/LDPE composite foam which containing 19 wt % CB and 0.05 wt % SWCNT, its density is only 0.082 g cm−1 and the electrical conductivity can reach at 2.88 × 10−5 S cm−3, which is far more than 15 orders of magnitudes of pure polyethylene and 4 orders of magnitudes times higher than sample which CB content is 19 wt %. It is noteworthy that ultralow concentration of SWCNT could drastically improve the electrical conductivity and reduce the density of LDPE foams. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48382.
Preparation of electrospun nanofibrous polycaprolactone scaffolds using nontoxic ethylene carbonate and glacial acetic acid solvent system
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ullah Ismat , Zhang Wancheng , Ou Hao , Domingos Marco , Gloria Antonio , Zhou Jinge , Li Wenchao , Zhang Xianglin
Published: August 2019

In recent years, solution electrospinning has attracted the interest of researchers due to the possibility to design nanofibrous scaffolds with large surface area to volume ratios. Polycaprolactone (PCL), because of its biocompatibility and easy processability, has been widely used to develop electrospun structures for tissue engineering. However, the use of organic solvents and the poor PCL solution stability still hinder the development of the solution electrospinning process. The relatively benign glacial acetic acid (GAC) as a solvent of PCL was used to fabricate microfibrous fibers or beaded fibers. Thus, ethylene carbonate (EC) as a nontoxic assistant solvent was added to the PCL/GAC solution to successfully fabricate electrospun nanofibrous PCL scaffolds. The stability of the PCL/GAC/EC solution system was demonstrated as the viscosity, which showed no significant change during 48 h. The ultrafine PCL fiber diameter decreased as EC concentration was increased from 0 to 9 vol% and started to slightly increase when EC concentration increased beyond 9 vol%. MTT assay evidenced that MC3T3‐E1 cells on the nanofibrous PCL scaffolds exhibited a better enhancement on cell proliferation. In summary, EC was added in PCL/GAC to establish a stable and low toxic solution electrospinning system, which provides promising strategy in tissue engineering field. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48387.
Efficient Preparation of Large‐Sized Rings of Single‐Stranded DNA through One‐Pot Ligation of Multiple Fragments
Authors: Sui Zhe , Liu Mengqing , Wang Weinan , Chen Hui , Wang Guoqing , An Ran , Liang Xingguo , Komiyama Makoto
Published: August 2019

Circular single‐stranded DNA (c‐ssDNA) has significant applications in DNA detection, the development of nucleic acid medicine, and DNA nanotechnology because it shows highly unique features in mobility, dynamics, and topology. However, in most cases, the efficiency of c‐ssDNA preparation is very low because polymeric byproducts are easily formed due to intermolecular reaction. Herein, we report a one‐pot ligation method to efficiently prepare large c‐ssDNA. By ligating several short fragments of linear single‐stranded DNA (l‐ssDNA) in one‐pot by using T4 DNA ligase, longer l‐ssDNAs intermediates are formed and then rapidly consumed by the cyclization. Since the intramolecular cyclization reaction is much faster than intermolecular polymerization, the formation of polymeric products is suppressed and the dominance of intramolecular cyclization is promoted. With this simple approach, large‐sized single‐stranded c‐ssDNAs (e.g., 200‐nt) were successfully synthesized in high selectivity and yield.
Gender Differences in the First Impressions of Autistic Adults
Authors: Cage Eilidh , Burton Holly
Published: August 2019

Prior research has shown that less favourable first impressions are formed of autistic adults by non‐autistic observers. Autistic females may present differently to autistic males and could engage in more camouflaging behaviours, which could affect these first impressions. However, research has not yet tested for gender differences in the first impressions of autistic adults. In the current study, non‐autistic observers (n = 205) viewed either 10‐sec video clips or text transcripts in the context of a mock job interview by 10 autistic females and 10 autistic males, matched to 10 non‐autistic females and 10 non‐autistic males. They then rated each stimulus on personality traits (e.g., awkwardness) and behavioural intentions (e.g., “I would start a conversation with this person”). Non‐autistic observers were blind to diagnostic status of the individuals in either modality. Results showed that first impressions were less favourable overall of autistic adults in the video modality. Furthermore, autistic females were rated more favourably than autistic males in the video modality across most traits—but autistic females were also rated less favourably than both non‐autistic females and males. Some judgements were also made in the text modality, whereby more favourable first impressions were made of autistic males on the basis of speech content. Understanding the first impressions that both autistic females and males make has important implications for diagnostic services and employment prospects. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1495–1504. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

We found that non‐autistic people formed more negative first impressions of autistic people, and this was influenced by gender of the person being evaluated. Autistic women were judged more favourably than autistic men; however, both autistic women and men were rated less positively than non‐autistic people, with large differences between judgements of autistic females in comparison to non‐autistic females. The findings have implications for clinicians and employers who may make rapid judgements based on someone's gender.
Biosynthesis and antibiotic activity of silver nanoparticles using different sources: Glass industrial sewage‐adapted Bacillus sp. and herbaceous Amaranthus sp
Authors: Bahrami‐Teimoori Bahram , Pourianfar Hamid R. , Akhlaghi Mahdi , Tanhaeian Abbas , Rezayi Majid
Published: August 2019

Synergistic effects of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) with commonly used antibiotics have encouraged the exploration of novel biological entities, including bacteria and weed plants. The present study for the first time reports the capability of an extracellular fraction of Bacillus sp. isolated from effluents of a glass‐manufacturing unit to biosynthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) without hazardous materials. Besides, the biosynthesis of AgNPs using an aqueous extract of herbaceous weed plant (Amaranthus sp.), as a low‐cost natural source, has been addressed in this study. Our findings confirmed the fabrication of microbial and plant‐sourced AgNPs, being thoroughly characterized by UV–vis, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. Further, biological activities of the plant‐ and bacterium‐derived AgNPs were investigated against several pathogenic bacteria, in combination with streptomycin. The antibacterial effectiveness of the antibiotic coated with 400 µg/disk of AgNPs increased over 50% toward all the pathogenic bacteria. The data presented here demonstrate that both industrial wastewater‐adapted Bacillus sp. and wild‐growing Amaranthus sp. are efficient natural sources with excellent capabilities for creating biologically active AgNPs, which would be of considerable interest for circumventing bacterial resistance to current antibiotics.