bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanochemical Synthesis of a Cocrystal of Two Supramolecular Hydrogen-Bonded Aggregates of 1,3,6,8-Tetraazatricyclo[4.3.1.13,8]undecane (TATU) with 4-tert-Butylphenol Bearing Different Hydrogen Bonding Interactions
Authors: Rivera Augusto , Rojas Jicli José , Ríos-Motta Jaime , Bolte Michael
Published: July 2018

The synthesis and single crystal structure of a new cocrystal, which is composed of OHphenolic∙∙∙OHphenolic∙∙∙Naminalic supramolecular heterosynthons assembled from 4-tert-butylphenol and the macrocyclic aminal TATU, is presented. This cocrystal was prepared by solvent-free assisted grinding, which is a commonly used mechanochemical method. Crystal structure, supramolecular assembly through hydrogen bonding interactions as well as the physical and spectroscopic properties of the title cocrystal are presented in this paper.
Morphological and Genetic Diversity of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in the Karakoram Mountains of Northern Pakistan
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad Arslan , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Mueller Markus , Gailing Oliver , Khan Asif Ali , Buerkert Andreas , Wiehle Martin
Published: July 2018

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a dioecious, wind-pollinated shrub growing in Eurasia including the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan territory). Contrary to the situation in other countries, in Pakistan this species is heavily underutilized. Moreover, a striking diversity of berry colors and shapes in Pakistan raises the question: which varieties might be more suitable for different national and international markets? Therefore, both morphological and genetic diversity of sea buckthorn were studied to characterize and evaluate the present variability, including hypothetically ongoing domestication processes. Overall, 300 sea buckthorn individuals were sampled from eight different populations and classified as wild and supposedly domesticated stands. Dendrometric, fruit and leaf morphometric traits were recorded. Twelve EST-SSRs (expressed sequence tags-simple sequence repeats) markers were used for genotyping. Significant differences in morphological traits were found across populations and between wild and village stands. A significant correlation was found between leaf area and altitude. Twenty-two color shades of berries and 20 dorsal and 15 ventral color shades of leaves were distinguished. Mean genetic diversity was comparatively high (He = 0.699). In total, three distinct genetic clusters were observed that corresponded to the populations’ geographic locations. Considering high allelic richness and genetic diversity, the Gilgit-Baltistan territory seems to be a promising source for selection of improved germplasm in sea buckthorn.
A Method for Measuring the Weak Value of Spin for Metastable Atoms
Authors: Flack Robert , Monachello Vincenzo , Hiley Basil , Barker Peter
Published: July 2018

A method for measuring the weak value of spin for atoms is proposed using a variant of the original Stern–Gerlach apparatus. A full simulation of an experiment for observing the real part of the weak value using the impulsive approximation has been carried out. Our predictions show a displacement of the beam of helium atoms in the metastable 23S1 state, Δw, that is within the resolution of conventional microchannel plate detectors indicating that this type of experiment is feasible. Our analysis also determines the experimental parameters that will give an accurate determination of the weak value of spin. Preliminary experimental results are shown for helium, neon and argon in the 23S1 and 3P2 metastable states, respectively.
Numerical Analysis to Determine Reliable One-Diode Model Parameters for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Velilla Esteban , Cano Juan Bernardo , Jimenez Keony , Valencia Jaime , Ramirez Daniel , Jaramillo Franklin
Published: July 2018

With the aim to determine the photo-generated current, diode saturation current, ideality factor, shunt, and series resistances related to the one-diode model for p-i-n planar perovskite solar cells, reference cells with active area of approximately 1 cm2 and efficiencies ranging between 4.6 and 12.2% were fabricated and characterized at standard test conditions. To estimated feasible parameters, the mean square error between the I-V curve data of these cells and the circuital model results were minimized using a Genetic Algorithm combined with the Nelder-Mead method. When considering the optimization process solutions, a numerical sensitivity analysis of the error as a function of the estimated parameters was carried out. Based on the errors behavior that is showed graphically through maps, it was demonstrated that the set of parameters estimated for each cell were reliable, meaningful, and realistic, and being related to errors lower than 9.1 × 10−9. Therefore, these results can be considered as global solutions of the optimization process. Moreover, based on the lower errors obtained from the optimization process, it was possible to affirm that the one-diode model is suitable to model the I-V curve of perovskite solar cells. Finally, the estimated parameters suggested that the average ideality factor is close to 2 when the fill factor of the I-V curves is higher than 0.5. Lower fill factors corresponded to ideality that was higher than 3, linked to lower efficiencies, and high loses effects reflected on lower shunt resistances. Lower ideality factor of 1.4 corresponds to the best performing solar cells.
Lightning Impulse Withstand of Natural Ester Liquid
Authors: Haegele Stephanie , Vahidi Farzaneh , Tenbohlen Stefan , Rapp Kevin J. , Sbravati Alan
Published: July 2018

Due to the low biodegradability of mineral oil, intense research is conducted to define alternative liquids with comparable dielectric properties. Natural ester liquids are an alternative in focus; they are used increasingly as insulating liquid in distribution and power transformers. The main advantages of natural ester liquids compared to mineral oil are their good biodegradability and mainly high flash and fire points providing better fire safety. The dielectric strength of natural ester liquids is comparable to conventional mineral oil for homogeneous field arrangements. However, many studies showed a reduced dielectric strength for highly inhomogeneous field arrangements. This study investigates at which degree of inhomogeneity differences in breakdown voltage between the two insulating liquids occur. Investigations use lightning impulses with different electrode arrangements representing different field inhomogeneity factors and different gap distances. To ensure comparisons with existing transformer geometries, investigations are application-oriented using a transformer conductor model, which is compared to other studies. Results show significant differences in breakdown voltage from an inhomogeneity factor of 0.1 (highly inhomogeneous field) depending on the gap distance. Larger electrode gaps provide a larger inhomogeneity at which differences in breakdown voltages occur.
Possible Interactions and Interferences of Copper, Chromium, and Arsenic during the Gasification of Contaminated Waste Wood
Authors: Al-Badri Shurooq Badri , Jiang Ying , Wagland Stuart Thomas
Published: July 2018

A considerable proportion (about 64%) of biomass energy is produced from woody biomass (wood and its wastes). However, waste wood (WW) is very often contaminated with metal(loid) elements at concentrations leading to toxicity emissions and damages to facilities during thermal conversion. Therefore, procedures for preventing and/or alleviating the negative impacts of these elements require further development, particularly by providing informative and supportive information regarding the phase transformations of the metal(loid)s during thermal conversion processes. Although it is well known that phase transformation depends on different factors such as elements’ vaporization characteristics, operational conditions, and process configuration; however, the influences of reaction atmosphere composition in terms of interactions and interferences are rarely addressed. In response, since Cu, Cr, and As (CCA-elements) are the most regulated elements in woody biomass, this paper aims to explore the possible interactions and interferences among CCA-elements themselves and with Ca, Na, S, Cl, Fe, and Ni from reaction atmosphere composition perspectives during the gasification of contaminated WW. To do so, thermodynamic equilibrium calculations were performed for Boudouard reaction (BR) and partial combustion reaction (PCR) with temperature ranges of 0–1300 °C and 0–1800 °C, respectively, and both reactions were simulated under pressure conditions of 1, 20, and 40 atm. Refinement of the occurred interactions and interferences reveals that Ni-As interactions generate dominant species As2Ni5 and As8Ni11, which increase the solid–gaseous transformation temperature of As. Moreover, the interactions between Ca and Cr predominantly form C3Cr7; whereas the absence of Ca leads to Cr2Na2O4 causing instability in the Cr phase transformation.
Increase in Robustness against Effects of Coil Misalignment on Electrical Parameters Using Magnetic Material Layer in Planar Coils of Wireless Power Transfer Transformer
Authors: Pinon Pereira Dias Joao Victor , Miyatake Masafumi
Published: July 2018

Utilization of wireless power transfer in light rail transits is seen as one solution for electrification of lines. The main advantage of this supply system is the reduction of installation; moreover, the alignment between the transmitter coil in the track and the receiver coil in the train should be perfect in order not to affect the power transfer. To reduce the effects of misalignment on the input and output electric parameters of the system, a new planar core and coil design, called hybrid intercore coil, is proposed. The proposed design uses a magnetic material layer between the windings in the inner half of the coil to create a non-uniform magnetic field distribution, which makes the system more robust against the effects of coil misalignment on the system current and voltage. Simulations with finite element method software were conducted to compare designs. The results show that the proposed design is less susceptible to the effects of misalignment and is more efficient. Prototype cores were constructed to verify the simulation results. Measurements show a smaller input overcurrent and output overvoltage when operating in resonance mode. The proposed design reduced the effects of coil misalignment on electrical parameters.
Comprehensive Design and Analysis of a State-Feedback Controller for a Dynamic Voltage Restorer
Authors: Roldán-Pérez Javier , García-Cerrada Aurelio , Rodríguez-Cabero Alberto , Zamora-Macho Juan Luis
Published: July 2018

Voltage sags result in unwanted operation stops and large economical losses in industrial applications. A dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is a power-electronics-based device conceived to protect high-power installations against these events. However, the design of a DVR control system is not straightforward and it has some peculiarities. First of all, a DVR includes a resonant (LC) connection filter with a lightly damped resonance. Secondly, the control system of a DVR should work properly regardless of the type of load, which can be linear or non-linear, to be protected. In this paper, a digital state-feedback (SF) controller for a DVR is proposed to address these issues. The design and features of the SF controller are studied in detail. Two pole-placement alternatives are discussed and the system robustness is tested under variations in the system parameters. Furthermore, implementation aspects such as discretization not commonly addressed in the literature are described. The controller is implemented in its incremental form. A decoupling system for the dq-axis dynamics that takes into account system delays and the load current is proposed and analytically studied. The proposed controller is compared with two other alternatives found in the literature: a Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) controller and a cascade controller. The effect of the load connected downstream a DVR is also studied, revealing the potential of the SF controller to damp the resonance under light load conditions. All control system developments were tested in a 5 kVA prototype of a DVR connected to a configurable grid.
Evaluation on Tensile Behavior Characteristics of Undisturbed Loess
Authors: He Shixin , Bai Haibo , Xu Zhiwei
Published: July 2018

Tensile strength is one significant parameter involved in tensile fracture in soil mechanics. In this paper, a stress-controlled, uniaxial, direct-tension test apparatus was developed to investigate the tensile properties of soils. A limited number of investigations have examined the impact of anisotropy and loading interval on the tensile strength of undisturbed loess. The deformation and strains generated were also examined during the tests. It was revealed that anisotropy was an important factor affecting tensile strength of undisturbed loess, and the effect of loading interval on tensile strength significantly depended on water content. It was negligible while the water content was below the plastic limit. However, when the water content was above the plastic limit, the loading interval not only affected the tensile strength, but also the failure displacement and stiffness response of the soil. Two patterns of tensile fracture were summarized and discussed. Moreover, an empirical constitutive relation was proposed to describe the stress-strain relationship of undisturbed loess and its robustness was validated by the experimental data.
Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples
Authors: Chen Youqing , Naoi Makoto , Tomonaga Yuto , Akai Takashi , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Takagi Sunao , Ishida Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2018

A better understanding of the process of stimulation by hydraulic fracturing in shale gas and oil reservoirs is necessary for improving resource productivity. However, direct observation of hydraulically stimulated regions including induced fractures has been difficult. In the present study, we develop a new approach for directly visualizing regions of shale specimens impregnated by fluid during hydraulic fracturing. The proposed laboratory method uses a thermosetting resin mixed with a fluorescent substance as a fracturing fluid. After fracturing, the resin is fixed within the specimens by heating, and the cut sections are then observed under ultraviolet light. Based on brightness, we can then distinguish induced fractures and their surrounding regions impregnated by the fluid from other regions not reached by the fluid. Polarization microscope observation clearly reveals the detailed structures of tortuous or branched fractures on the micron scale and interactions between fractures and constituent minerals. The proposed experimental and observation method is useful for understanding the process of stimulation by hydraulic fracturing and its relationship with microscopic rock characteristics, which is important for fracturing design optimization in shale gas and oil resource development.
Preferences of Tourists for the Service Quality of Taichung Calligraphy Greenway in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Wan-Yu , Chuang Ching
Published: July 2018

This study explores preferences for a set of attributes that characterize the recreational value of Calligraphy Greenway, the most notable greenbelt in Taichung City, Taiwan. As an urban green space, the Calligraphy Greenway has its own recreational attributes and visitors’ preferences. This study uses the choice experiment method to determine visitors’ preference levels for five major attributes to improve the recreational quality. On average, each visitor visited there 9.15 times in the past year and spent 2.37 h per visit. Of the five recreational attributes, satisfaction with recreational activity opportunities had the highest score and satisfaction with cultural landscape resources had the lowest score. The importance is ranked in the order of recreational service quality, total recreational cost, environmental landscape resources, cultural landscape resources and recreational activity opportunities. Considering difference of groups, female visitors were more concerned with cost and activities but male visitors were more concerned with service quality and natural/cultural landscape resources. Local visitors were more concerned with cost and activities but non-local visitors were more concerned with environmental/cultural landscape resources. Both were concerned with service quality. Based on the results, this study makes the following recommendations: cultural landscape resources and quality of recreational services and facilities should be improved and more complete interpretative educational guidance should be provided to increase visitors’ willingness to visit. Additionally, it is suggested to set up various districts to cater for preferences of different visitor groups.
Internet of Nano-Things, Things and Everything: Future Growth Trends
Authors: Miraz Mahdi , Ali Maaruf , Excell Peter , Picking Richard
Published: July 2018

The current statuses and future promises of the Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Everything (IoE) and Internet of Nano-Things (IoNT) are extensively reviewed and a summarized survey is presented. The analysis clearly distinguishes between IoT and IoE, which are wrongly considered to be the same by many commentators. After evaluating the current trends of advancement in the fields of IoT, IoE and IoNT, this paper identifies the 21 most significant current and future challenges as well as scenarios for the possible future expansion of their applications. Despite possible negative aspects of these developments, there are grounds for general optimism about the coming technologies. Certainly, many tedious tasks can be taken over by IoT devices. However, the dangers of criminal and other nefarious activities, plus those of hardware and software errors, pose major challenges that are a priority for further research. Major specific priority issues for research are identified.
A Watermark-Based In-Situ Access Control Model for Image Big Data
Authors: Guo Jinyi , Ren Wei , Ren Yi , Zhu Tianqing
Published: July 2018

When large images are used for big data analysis, they impose new challenges in protecting image privacy. For example, a geographic image may consist of several sensitive areas or layers. When it is uploaded into servers, the image will be accessed by diverse subjects. Traditional access control methods regulate access privileges to a single image, and their access control strategies are stored in servers, which imposes two shortcomings: (1) fine-grained access control is not guaranteed for areas/layers in a single image that need to maintain secret for different roles; and (2) access control policies that are stored in servers suffers from multiple attacks (e.g., transferring attacks). In this paper, we propose a novel watermark-based access control model in which access control policies are associated with objects being accessed (called an in-situ model). The proposed model integrates access control policies as watermarks within images, without relying on the availability of servers or connecting networks. The access control for images is still maintained even though images are redistributed again to further subjects. Therefore, access control policies can be delivered together with the big data of images. Moreover, we propose a hierarchical key-role-area model for fine-grained encryption, especially for large size images such as geographic maps. The extensive analysis justifies the security and performance of the proposed model.
Multidiscipline Integrated Platform Based on Probabilistic Analysis for Manufacturing Engineering Processes
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Liu Kai , Liu Jian
Published: July 2018

Researchers from different disciplines, such as materials science, computer science, safety science, mechanical engineering and controlling engineering, have aimed to improve the quality of manufacturing engineering processes. Considering the requirements of research and development of advanced materials, reliable manufacturing and collaborative innovation, a multidiscipline integrated platform framework based on probabilistic analysis for manufacturing engineering processes is proposed. The proposed platform consists of three logical layers: The requirement layer, the database layer and the application layer. The platform is intended to be a scalable system to gradually supplement related data, models and approaches. The main key technologies of the platform, encapsulation methods, information fusion approaches and the collaborative mechanism are also discussed. The proposed platform will also be gradually improved in the future. In order to exchange information for manufacturing engineering processes, scientists and engineers of different institutes of materials science and manufacturing engineering should strengthen their cooperation.
Hybrid Approach with Improved Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing for Thesis Sampling
Authors: Johnson Shardrom , Han Jinwu , Liu Yuanchen , Chen Li , Wu Xinlin
Published: July 2018

Sampling inspection uses the sample characteristics to estimate that of the population, and it is an important method to describe the population, which has the features of low cost, strong applicability and high scientificity. This paper aims at the sampling inspection of the master’s degree thesis to ensure their quality, which is commonly estimated by random sampling. Since there are disadvantages in random sampling, a hybrid algorithm combined with an improved genetic algorithm and a simulated annealing algorithm is proposed in this paper. Furthermore, a novel mutation strategy is introduced according to the specialty of Shanghai’s thesis sampling to improve the efficiency of sampling inspection; the acceleration of convergence of the algorithm can also take advantage of this. The new algorithm features the traditional genetic algorithm, and it can obtain the global optimum in the optimization process and provide the fairest sampling plan under the constraint of multiple sampling indexes. The experimental results on the master’s thesis dataset of Shanghai show that the proposed algorithm well meets the requirements of the sampling inspection in Shanghai with a lower time-complexity.
Quality Measures of Mixing in Turbulent Flow and Effects of Molecular Diffusivity
Authors: Nguyen Quoc , Papavassiliou Dimitrios V.
Published: July 2018

Results from numerical simulations of the mixing of two puffs of scalars released in a turbulent flow channel are used to introduce a measure of mixing quality, and to investigate the effectiveness of turbulent mixing as a function of the location of the puff release and the molecular diffusivity of the puffs. The puffs are released from instantaneous line sources in the flow field with Schmidt numbers that range from 0.7 to 2400. The line sources are located at different distances from the channel wall, starting from the wall itself, the viscous wall layer, the logarithmic layer, and the channel center. The mixing effectiveness is quantified by following the trajectories of individual particles with a Lagrangian approach and carefully counting the number of particles from both puffs that arrive at different locations in the flow field as a function of time. A new measure, the mixing quality index Ø, is defined as the product of the normalized fraction of particles from the two puffs at a flow location. The mixing quality index can take values from 0, corresponding to no mixing, to 0.25, corresponding to full mixing. The mixing quality in the flow is found to depend on the Schmidt number of the puffs when the two puffs are released in the viscous wall region, while the Schmidt number is not important for the mixing of puffs released outside the logarithmic region.
Non-Gaussian Distributions to Random Walk in the Context of Memory Kernels
Authors: Dos Santos Maike A. F.
Published: July 2018

The investigation of diffusive process in nature presents a complexity associated with memory effects. Thereby, it is necessary new mathematical models to involve memory concept in diffusion. In the following, I approach the continuous time random walks in the context of generalised diffusion equations. To do this, I investigate the diffusion equation with exponential and Mittag-Leffler memory-kernels in the context of Caputo-Fabrizio and Atangana-Baleanu fractional operators on Caputo sense. Thus, exact expressions for the probability distributions are obtained, in that non-Gaussian distributions emerge. I connect the distribution obtained with a rich class of diffusive behaviour. Moreover, I propose a generalised model to describe the random walk process with resetting on memory kernel context.
Peer-Punishment in a Cooperation and a Coordination Game
Authors: Albrecht Felix , Kube Sebastian
Published: July 2018

We elicit individual-level peer-punishment types in a cooperation (social dilemma) and a coordination (weakest link) problem. In line with previous literature, we find heterogeneity in peer-punishment in both environments. Comparing punishment behavior across the two environments within subject, we observe a high degree of individuals’ punishment type stability. However, the aggregate punishment demand is higher in the weakest-link game. The difference between the two environments is driven by subjects whose behavioral types are inconsistent rather than by a change in the punishment demand of those who punish in both environments.
Multimodal 3D DenseNet for IDH Genotype Prediction in Gliomas
Authors: Liang Sen , Zhang Rongguo , Liang Dayang , Song Tianci , Ai Tao , Xia Chen , Xia Liming , Wang Yan
Published: July 2018

Non-invasive prediction of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genotype plays an important role in tumor glioma diagnosis and prognosis. Recently, research has shown that radiology images can be a potential tool for genotype prediction, and fusion of multi-modality data by deep learning methods can further provide complementary information to enhance prediction accuracy. However, it still does not have an effective deep learning architecture to predict IDH genotype with three-dimensional (3D) multimodal medical images. In this paper, we proposed a novel multimodal 3D DenseNet (M3D-DenseNet) model to predict IDH genotypes with multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. To evaluate its performance, we conducted experiments on the BRATS-2017 and The Cancer Genome Atlas breast invasive carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) dataset to get image data as input and gene mutation information as the target, respectively. We achieved 84.6% accuracy (area under the curve (AUC) = 85.7%) on the validation dataset. To evaluate its generalizability, we applied transfer learning techniques to predict World Health Organization (WHO) grade status, which also achieved a high accuracy of 91.4% (AUC = 94.8%) on validation dataset. With the properties of automatic feature extraction, and effective and high generalizability, M3D-DenseNet can serve as a useful method for other multimodal radiogenomics problems and has the potential to be applied in clinical decision making.
Tree Belts for Decreasing Aeolian Dust-Carried Pesticides from Cultivated Areas
Authors: Zaady Eli , Katra Itzhak , Shuker Shimshon , Knoll Yaakov , Shlomo Sarig
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the function of tree belts in reducing the aeolian transport of dust particles carrying pesticides. The study examined the importance of the buffer zones created by commonly planted trees (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Pinus halepensis (pine) and Ceratonia siliqua (carob)). The methods include analyzing the quantity and the chemical composition of pesticides carried by aeolian dust particles from the intensively cultivated fields and orchards, where pesticides were applied, towards the tree belts nearby. Eighteen different chemicals used as insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, were found both in the agricultural fields and in the adjacent tree belts, suggesting an important function of the trees. This ecological service has rarely been taken into consideration by management policies of tree plantings in farmland areas. To integrate this service into agriculture, especially in the case of agricultural fields and orchards, which are adjacent to populated areas, planting tree belts should be positively considered as a means for reducing aeolian dust and air pollution, mainly in order to reduce leakage of pesticides, which are a cause for significant health concerns.
The “Centrality of Sepsis”: A Review on Incidence, Mortality, and Cost of Care
Authors: Hajj Jihane , Blaine Natalie , Salavaci Jola , Jacoby Douglas
Published: July 2018

Sepsis is a serious and fatal medical condition that has overburdened the US healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of published literature on severe sepsis with a distinct focus on incidence, mortality, cost of hospital care, and postdischarge care. A review of the nature of postsepsis syndrome and its impact on septic patients is also included. The literature review was conducted utilizing the PubMed database, identifying 34 studies for inclusion. From the evaluation of these studies, it was determined that the incidence of sepsis continues to be on the rise according to three decades of epidemiological data. Readmissions, mortality, and length of stay were all higher among septic patients when compared to patients treated for other conditions. The cost of treating sepsis is remarkably high and exceeds the cost of treating patients with congestive heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. The overall cost of sepsis is reflective of not only the cost of initial hospitalization but also the postdischarge care costs, including postsepsis syndrome and cognitive and functional disabilities that require a significant amount of healthcare resources long term. Sepsis and its impact on patients and the US healthcare system is a current quality-of-life and cost-burden issue that needs to be addressed with a greater focus on preventative strategies.
An Analysis of Reported Dangerous Incidents, Exposures, and Near Misses amongst Army Soldiers
Authors: Schram Ben , Orr Robin , Rigby Timothy , Pope Rodney
Published: July 2018

Occupational health and safety incidents occurring in the military context are of great concern to personnel and commanders. Incidents such as “dangerous incidents”, “exposures”, and “near misses” (as distinct from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities) indicate serious health and safety risks faced by military personnel, even if they do not cause immediate harm. These risks may give rise to harm in the future, if not adequately addressed, and in some cases the incidents may cause latent harm. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the rates and patterns of incidents of these types reported by full time (ARA) and part time (ARES) Australian Army personnel. A retrospective cohort study was performed using self-reported incident data from the Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation and Reporting (WHSCAR) database over a two-year period. Data were analysed descriptively. Of 3791 such incidents, 3636 (96 percent) occurred in ARA and 155 (4 percent) in ARES personnel, somewhat consistent with the proportions of total army person-years served in each (ARA 93 percent; ARES 7 percent). In ARA, 84 percent of these incident types were exposures, 14 percent near misses, and 2 percent dangerous incidents. In ARES, 55 percent of incidents were exposures, 38 percent near misses, and 7 percent dangerous incidents. Soldiers at the rank of ‘private’ experienced the highest rates of these incident types, in both ARA and ARES. Driving gave rise to more near misses than any other activity, in both populations. Exposures to chemicals and sounds were more common in the ARA than ARES. The ARES reported higher proportions of vehicle near misses and multiple mechanism dangerous incidents than the ARA. The findings of this study can usefully inform development of risk mitigation strategies for dangerous incidents, exposures, and near misses in army personnel.
A Comparison of Dependence across Different Types of Nicotine Containing Products and Coffee
Authors: Fagerstrom Karl
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Few studies have compared the dependence to different tobacco and nicotine products. Even less is known about how it relates to dependence on other common drugs, e.g., caffeine. In this study degree of dependence was compared between snus, cigarettes, nicotine replacement (NR), electronic cigarettes and coffee. Methods: A random sample of Swedish citizens belonging to an internet panel were contacted from September to October 2017. The responders were asked among other related things about their use of snus, NR, traditional cigarette or e-cigarette use and coffee consumption. The indicators of dependence used were: (A) the Heavy Smoking Index, (B) The proportions that used within 30 min after raising in the morning, (C) rating the first use in the morning as the most important and (D) Stating that it would be very hard to give up entirely. Results: Significantly fewer coffee drinkers started use within 30 min of awakening compared with all other products. The first use of the day was found to be more important for snus users compared with other products. On HSI there was no difference between snus and cigarettes. Snus and cigarettes were rated as being more difficult to give up than NR and coffee. Conclusion: Dependence to traditional cigarettes and snus seem to be relatively similar while NR was rated lower and coffee lowest. Since the prevalence of caffeine use in all forms is so much more prevalent than nicotine there might be more persons in the society heavily dependent on caffeine. Implication: Tobacco products are likely more dependence forming than NR products and coffee although there might be more people dependent on caffeine. The addiction to coffee or caffeine is seldom discussed in the society probably because of the little or no harm it causes. Funding: The Snus Commission in Sweden (snuskommissionen) funded the data collection. No funding used for the analysis and writing of manuscript.
Legionellosis Associated with Recreational Waters: A Systematic Review of Cases and Outbreaks in Swimming Pools, Spa Pools, and Similar Environments
Authors: Leoni Erica , Catalani Federica , Marini Sofia , Dallolio Laura
Published: July 2018

Legionella spp. is widespread in many natural and artificial water systems, such as hot water distribution networks, cooling towers, and spas. A particular risk factor has been identified in the use of whirlpools and hot tubs in spa facilities and public baths. However, there has been no systematic synthesis of the published literature reporting legionellosis cases or outbreaks related to swimming/spa pools or similar environments used for recreational purposes (hot springs, hot tubs, whirlpools, natural spas). This study presents the results of a systematic review of the literature on cases and outbreaks associated with these environments. Data were extracted from 47 articles, including 42 events (17 sporadic cases and 25 outbreaks) and 1079 cases, 57.5% of which were diagnosed as Pontiac fever, without any deaths, and 42.5% were of Legionnaires’ disease, with a fatality rate of 6.3%. The results are presented in relation to the distribution of Legionella species involved in the events, clinical manifestations and diagnosis, predisposing conditions in the patients, favourable environmental factors, and quality of the epidemiological investigation, as well as in relation to the different types of recreational water sources involved. Based on the epidemiological and microbiological criteria, the strength of evidence linking a case/outbreak of legionellosis with a recreational water system was classified as strong, probable, and possible; in more than half of the events the resulting association was strong.
Sexual Violence against Women in Germany: Prevalence and Risk Markers
Authors: Hellmann Deborah F. , Kinninger Max W. , Kliem Sören
Published: July 2018

Previous research has repeatedly shown that gender-based violence affects a considerable proportion of women in any given population. Apart from providing current estimates of the prevalence of sexual violence against women in Germany, we identified specific risk markers applying an advanced statistical method. We analyzed data from a survey of N = 4450 women representative of the German population, conducted by the Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony in 2011. Lifetime prevalence for experiencing sexual violence was 5.4% for women aged 21–40 years (five-year prevalence: 2.5%). Non-parametric conditional inference tree (C-Tree) analyses revealed that physical and sexual abuse during childhood as well as being divorced, separated, or widowed was the most informative constellation of risk markers, increasing the five-year prevalence rate of experienced sexual violence victimizations up to 17.0%. Furthermore, knowing about the official penalization of marital rape was related to a lower victimization risk for women without a history of parental violence. Possible explanations for these findings as well as implications for future research are critically discussed.
Effects of Bisphenol A and 4-tert-Octylphenol on Embryo Implantation Failure in Mouse
Authors: Tran Dinh Nam , Jung Eui-Man , Ahn Changhwan , Lee Jae-Hwan , Yoo Yeong-Min , Jeung Eui-Bae
Published: July 2018

Miscarriage due to blastocyst implantation failure occurs in up to two-thirds of all human miscarriage cases. Calcium ion has been shown to be involved in many cellular signal transduction pathways as well as in the regulation of cell adhesion, which is necessary for the embryo implantation process. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDs) during early gestation results in disruption of intrauterine implantation and uterine reception, leading to implantation failure. In this study, ovarian estrogen (E2), bisphenol A (BPA), or 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), with or without ICI 182,780 (ICI) were injected subcutaneously from gestation day 1 to gestation day 3 post-coitus. The expression levels of the calcium transport genes were assessed in maternal uteri and implantation sites. The number of implantation sites was significantly low in the OP group, and implantation sites were absent in the E2, ICI and EDs + ICI groups. There were different calcium transient transport channel expression levels in uterus and implantation site samples. The levels of TRPV5 and TRPV6 gene expression were significantly increased by EDs with/without ICI treatment in utero. Meanwhile, TRPV5 and TRPV6 gene expression were significantly lower in implantation sites samples. NCX1 and PMCA1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased by OP and BPA in the implantation site samples. Compared to vehicle treatment in the uterus, both the MUC1 mRNA and protein levels were markedly high in all but the BPA group. Taken together, these results suggest that both BPA and OP can impair embryo implantation through alteration of calcium transport gene expressions and by affecting uterine receptivity.
Remote Sensing and Geospatial Technologies in Public Health
Authors: Faruque Fazlay S.
Published: July 2018

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Regulation of Neuronal Na,K-ATPase by Extracellular Scaffolding Proteins
Authors: Liebmann Thomas , Fritz Nicolas , Kruusmägi Markus , Westin Linda , Bernhem Kristoffer , Bondar Alexander , Aperia Anita , Brismar Hjalmar
Published: July 2018

Neuronal activity leads to an influx of Na+ that needs to be rapidly cleared. The sodium-potassium ATPase (Na,K-ATPase) exports three Na+ ions and imports two K+ ions at the expense of one ATP molecule. Na,K-ATPase turnover accounts for the majority of energy used by the brain. To prevent an energy crisis, the energy expense for Na+ clearance must provide an optimal effect. Here we report that in rat primary hippocampal neurons, the clearance of Na+ ions is more efficient if Na,K-ATPase is laterally mobile in the membrane than if it is clustered. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and single particle tracking analysis, we show that the ubiquitous α1 and the neuron-specific α3 catalytic subunits as well as the supportive β1 subunit of Na,K-ATPase are highly mobile in the plasma membrane. We show that cross-linking of the β1 subunit with polyclonal antibodies or exposure to Modulator of Na,K-ATPase (MONaKA), a secreted protein which binds to the extracellular domain of the β subunit, clusters the α3 subunit in the membrane and restricts its mobility. We demonstrate that clustering, caused by cross-linking or by exposure to MONaKA, reduces the efficiency in restoring intracellular Na+. These results demonstrate that extracellular interactions with Na,K-ATPase regulate the Na+ extrusion efficiency with consequences for neuronal energy balance.
Classification and Genome-Wide Analysis of Chitin-Binding Proteins Gene Family in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and Transcriptional Regulation to Phytophthora capsici, Abiotic Stresses and Hormonal Applications
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Luo De-Xu , Khan Abid , Haq Saeed ul , Gai Wen-Xian , Zhang Huai-Xia , Cheng Guo-Xin , Muhammad Izhar , Gong Zhen-Hui
Published: July 2018

Chitin-binding proteins are pathogenesis-related gene family, which play a key role in the defense response of plants. However, thus far, little is known about the chitin-binding family genes in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In current study, 16 putative chitin genes (CaChi) were retrieved from the latest pepper genome database, and were classified into four distinct classes (I, III, IV and VI) based on their sequence structure and domain architectures. Furthermore, the structure of gene, genome location, gene duplication and phylogenetic relationship were examined to clarify a comprehensive background of the CaChi genes in pepper. The tissue-specific expression analysis of the CaChi showed the highest transcript levels in seed followed by stem, flower, leaf and root, whereas the lowest transcript levels were noted in red-fruit. Phytophthora capsici post inoculation, most of the CaChi (CaChiI3, CaChiIII1, CaChiIII2, CaChiIII4, CaChiIII6, CaChiIII7, CaChiIV1, CaChiVI1 and CaChiVI2) were induced by both strains (PC and HX-9). Under abiotic and exogenous hormonal treatments, the CaChiIII2, CaChiIII7, CaChiVI1 and CaChiVI2 were upregulated by abiotic stress, while CaChiI1, CaChiIII7, CaChiIV1 and CaChiIV2 responded to hormonal treatments. Furthermore, CaChiIV1-silenced plants display weakened defense by reducing (60%) root activity and increase susceptibility to NaCl stress. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that CaChi genes primarily contribute in response to biotic, abiotic stresses and metabolic/catabolic process within the biological process category. These results exposed that CaChi genes are involved in defense response and signal transduction, suggesting their vital roles in growth regulation as well as response to stresses in pepper plant. In conclusion, these finding provide basic insights for functional validation of the CaChi genes in different biotic and abiotic stresses.
The Analysis of Variants in the General Population Reveals That PMM2 Is Extremely Tolerant to Missense Mutations and That Diagnosis of PMM2-CDG Can Benefit from the Identification of Modifiers
Authors: Citro Valentina , Cimmaruta Chiara , Monticelli Maria , Riccio Guglielmo , Hay Mele Bruno , Cubellis Maria Vittoria , Andreotti Giuseppina
Published: July 2018

Type I disorders of glycosylation (CDG), the most frequent of which is phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2-CDG), are a group of diseases causing the incomplete N-glycosylation of proteins. PMM2-CDG is an autosomal recessive disease with a large phenotypic spectrum, and is associated with mutations in the PMM2 gene. The biochemical analysis of mutants does not allow a precise genotype–phenotype correlation for PMM2-CDG. PMM2 is very tolerant to missense and loss of function mutations, suggesting that a partial deficiency of activity might be beneficial under certain circumstances. The patient phenotype might be influenced by variants in other genes associated with the type I disorders of glycosylation in the general population.
The Role of the Nuclear Factor κB Pathway in the Cellular Response to Low and High Linear Energy Transfer Radiation
Authors: Hellweg Christine E. , Spitta Luis F. , Koch Kristina , Chishti Arif A. , Henschenmacher Bernd , Diegeler Sebastian , Konda Bikash , Feles Sebastian , Schmitz Claudia , Berger Thomas , Baumstark-Khan Christa
Published: July 2018

Astronauts are exposed to considerable doses of space radiation during long-term space missions. As complete shielding of the highly energetic particles is impracticable, the cellular response to space-relevant radiation qualities has to be understood in order to develop countermeasures and to reduce radiation risk uncertainties. The transcription factor Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB) plays a fundamental role in the immune response and in the pathogenesis of many diseases. We have previously shown that heavy ions with a linear energy transfer (LET) of 100–300 keV/µm have a nine times higher potential to activate NF-κB compared to low-LET X-rays. Here, chemical inhibitor studies using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) showed that the DNA damage sensor Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and the proteasome were essential for NF-κB activation in response to X-rays and heavy ions. NF-κB’s role in cellular radiation response was determined by stable knock-down of the NF-κB subunit RelA. Transfection of a RelA short-hairpin RNA plasmid resulted in higher sensitivity towards X-rays, but not towards heavy ions. Reverse Transcriptase real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that after exposure to X-rays and heavy ions, NF-κB predominantly upregulates genes involved in intercellular communication processes. This process is strictly NF-κB dependent as the response is completely absent in RelA knock-down cells. NF-κB’s role in the cellular radiation response depends on the radiation quality.
Tackling the Antibiotic Resistance Caused by Class A β-Lactamases through the Use of β-Lactamase Inhibitory Protein
Authors: Eiamphungporn Warawan , Schaduangrat Nalini , Malik Aijaz Ahmad , Nantasenamat Chanin
Published: July 2018

β-Lactams are the most widely used and effective antibiotics for the treatment of infectious diseases. Unfortunately, bacteria have developed several mechanisms to combat these therapeutic agents. One of the major resistance mechanisms involves the production of β-lactamase that hydrolyzes the β-lactam ring thereby inactivating the drug. To overcome this threat, the small molecule β-lactamase inhibitors (e.g., clavulanic acid, sulbactam and tazobactam) have been used in combination with β-lactams for treatment. However, the bacterial resistance to this kind of combination therapy has evolved recently. Therefore, multiple attempts have been made to discover and develop novel broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitors that sufficiently work against β-lactamase producing bacteria. β-lactamase inhibitory proteins (BLIPs) (e.g., BLIP, BLIP-I and BLIP-II) are potential inhibitors that have been found from soil bacterium Streptomyces spp. BLIPs bind and inhibit a wide range of class A β-lactamases from a diverse set of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including TEM-1, PC1, SME-1, SHV-1 and KPC-2. To the best of our knowledge, this article represents the first systematic review on β-lactamase inhibitors with a particular focus on BLIPs and their inherent properties that favorably position them as a source of biologically-inspired drugs to combat antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, an extensive compilation of binding data from β-lactamase–BLIP interaction studies is presented herein. Such information help to provide key insights into the origin of interaction that may be useful for rationally guiding future drug design efforts.