bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Tryptophan/Large Neutral Amino Acids Ratio in Domestic Dogs Is Affected by a Single Meal with High Carbohydrates Level
Authors: Gazzano Angelo , Ogi Asahi , Torracca Beatrice , Mariti Chiara , Casini Lucia
Published: April 2018

Aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma ratio between l-tryptophan (TRP) and five large neutral amino acids (isoleucine + leucine + phenylalanine + tyrosine + valine) (5LNAAs) after a single meal with high carbohydrates level. Five female Labrador Retrievers were involved. Each dog was fed three different meals: M1 (a mix of puffed rice, minced meat and olive oil), M2 (puffed rice and olive oil) and M3 (commercial dry food usually consumed) once in the morning per day for 30 days. Blood was collected right before the first meal (t0) and after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 24 h. Plasma amino acids’ concentrations were measured using an HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography) method with fluorimetric detection. Plasmatic TRP concentrations showed no significant difference between M1, M2 and M3 samples at any sampling time. M2 led to a decrease in 5LNAAs levels and consequently led to a significant higher TRP/5LNAAs ratios in the 6 h period after the provision of carbohydrates, compared to both M1 and M3. In addition, the mean TRP/5LNAAs ratio was significantly higher in M2 than in M3 at t8 and t10. These results indicate that meal composition affects TRP/5LNAAs ratio and possibly, TRP bioavailability.
Investigation into the Effects of the Variable Displacement Mechanism on Swash Plate Oscillation in High-Speed Piston Pumps
Authors: Fang Xu , Ouyang Xiaoping , Yang Huayong
Published: April 2018

High-speed, pressure-compensated variable displacement piston pumps are widely used in aircraft hydraulic systems for their high power density. The swash plate is controlled by the pressure-compensated valve, which uses pressure feedback so that the instantaneous output flow of the pump is exactly enough to maintain a presetting pressure. The oscillation of the swash plate is one of the major excitation sources in the high-speed piston pump, which may cause lower efficiency, shorter service life, and even serious damage. This paper presents an improved model to investigate the influence of the variable displacement mechanism on the swash plate oscillation and introduces some feasible ways to reduce oscillation of the swash plate. Most of the variable structural parameters of the variable displacement mechanism are taken into consideration, and their influences on swash plate oscillation are discussed in detail. The influence of the load pipe on the oscillation of the swash plate is considered in the improved model. A test rig is built and similarities between the experiments and simulated results prove that the simulation model can effectively predict the variable displacement mechanism state. The simulation results show that increasing the volume of the outlet chamber, the spring stiffness of the control valve, the action area of the actuator piston, and offset distance of the actuator piston can significantly reduce the oscillation amplitude of the swash plate. Furthermore, reducing the diameter of the control valve spool and the dead volume of the actuator piston chamber can also have a positive effect on oscillation amplitude reduction.
Application of Mastic Asphalt Waterproofing Layer in High-Speed Railway Track in Cold Regions
Authors: Liu Song , Yang Jun , Chen Xianhua , Yang Guotao , Cai Degou
Published: April 2018

Freeze-thaw damage is a typical distress incurred in road and railway engineering in cold regions. Concrete waterproofing layer is commonly used in high-speed railway tracks to prevent the penetration of surface water, however, it cracks easily under thermal stress, especially in cold regions. Recently solutions have been proposed to increase the waterproofing layer’s cracking resistance by using asphalt layers. Nonetheless, the use of emulsified asphalt as well as dense-graded asphalt mixture were not effective enough. To improve the effectiveness, in this study, mastic asphalt was designed for application as the waterproofing layer on the subgrade surface of high-speed railway tracks in cold regions. The overall performance of mastic asphalt was preliminarily evaluated by laboratory tests, then a 200-m test section was constructed for field validation in northeastern China as part of a new high-speed railway line, and water content sensors were placed inside the subgrade to monitor the performance of the mastic asphalt waterproofing layer (MAWL). The subsequent field investigation and monitoring data during the two years operation showed that MAWL dramatically outperformed the conventional concrete waterproofing layer in terms of waterproof performance. Plenty of serious cracks were found in the conventional concrete waterproofing layer, but only a limited number of local cracks were observed in MAWL. As a result, MAWL keeps the water content of subgrade at a stable level. In addition, MAWL showed relatively high stability during the two years investigation period, and no obvious deterioration was observed in the test section.
Influence of Cold Fronts on Variability of Daily Surface O3 over the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Area in Texas USA during 2003–2016
Authors: Lei Ruixue , Talbot Robert , Wang Yuxuan , Wang Sing-Chun , Estes Mark
Published: April 2018

We investigated the impacts of cold fronts on area-wide peak O3 and regional backgroundO3 mixing ratios on a daily scale over the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area of southeasternTexas during the O3 seasons (April–October) of 2003–2016. Back trajectories showed that an 18h timelag existed between arrival of cold fronts in the HGB area and onset of a predominately northerlyflow. Cold fronts showed increasing effects on both peak and background O3 over the HGB area.Compared to no front days, average peak O3 mixing ratios during the cold front 1st days, coldfront 2+ days, and post frontal days increased 0.7, 5.9, and 9.0 ppbv, respectively while averagebackground O3 increased 2.9, 6.8, and 8.6 ppbv, respectively. The change in wind direction fromsoutherly to northerly was the most important factor causing increasing O3 levels. Wind directionshifts caused variation of other meteorological factors (i.e., wind speed, precipitation, temperature,cloud cover, and relative humidity) and tended to overshadow their effects on O3 over the HGB area.On a long-term and large-scale view, cold fronts over the HGB area could be regarded as interruptionsin the cleansing effects of predominantly marine southerly flow from the Gulf of Mexico.
Different Hemodynamic Responses of the Primary Motor Cortex Accompanying Eccentric and Concentric Movements: A Functional NIRS Study
Authors: Borot Lénaic , Vergotte Grégoire , Perrey Stéphane
Published: April 2018

The literature contains limited evidence on how our brains control eccentric movement. A higher activation is expected in the contralateral motor cortex (M1) but consensus has not yet been reached. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare patterns of M1 activation between eccentric and concentric movements. Nine healthy participants performed in a randomized order three sets of five repetitions of eccentric or concentric movement with the dominant elbow flexors over a range of motion of 60° at two velocities (30°/s and 60°/s). The tests were carried out using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer with the forearm supported in the horizontal plane. The peak torque values were not significantly different between concentric and eccentric movements (p = 0.42). Hemodynamic responses of the contralateral and ipsilateral M1 were measured with a near-infrared spectroscopy system (Oxymon MkIII, Artinis). A higher contralateral M1 activity was found during eccentric movements (p = 0.04, η² = 0.47) and at the velocity of 30°/s (p = 0.039, η² = 0.48). These preliminary findings indicate a specific control mechanism in the contralateral M1 to produce eccentric muscle actions at the angular velocities investigated, although the role of other brain areas in the motor control network cannot be excluded.
Raman Microscopy for Classification and Chemical Surface Mapping of Barrier Coatings on Paper with Oil-Filled Organic Nanoparticles
Authors: Samyn Pieter
Published: April 2018

The creation of functional papers requires a specific deposition of chemical moieties at the surface. In particular, water-repellent barrier coatings can be formed by the deposition of (poly(styrene-co-maleimide) nanoparticles filled with different vegetable oils. The analysis of coated paper surfaces by dispersive Raman spectroscopy allows for statistical classification of different coating types and chemical mapping of the lateral surface distribution of the coating components. The Raman spectra were used to quantify the amount of free oil and imide content. The partial least squares model with three principal components (PC) could differentiate between the type of oil (degree of saturation in PC-1), coating thickness (cellulose bands of paper substrate in PC-2), and organic coating phase (styrene, imide in PC-3). The chemical surface maps with average intensities indicate coating inhomogeneities for thin coatings located near the organic coating components, while the presence of free oil acts as a natural binder in between the organic phase and provides a more homogeneous coating. Depending on the type of oil, a higher amount of free oil coincides with lower imide content at the surface. The surface coverage of polyunsaturated oils overlaps relatively well with the areas of organic coating components, as the oil is largely encapsulated. The surface coverage for mono- and unsaturated oils is rather complementary to the organic phase as there are larger amounts of free oil. The latter is confirmed by single wavenumber maps and image processing constructing composite chemical surface maps.
Anti-Corrosion Characteristics of Electrodeposited Self-Doped Polyaniline Films on Mild Steel in Low Acidity
Authors: Wu Jhen-Wei , Wang Tzong-Liu , Lin Wen-Churng , Lin Hung-Yin , Lee Mei-Hwa , Yang Chien-Hsin
Published: April 2018

Without the addition of inorganic acids, 2,5-Diaminobenzenesulfonic acid (DABSA) molecules form an acid environment, and are then electrochemically copolymerized with AN monomers to generate a self-doped polyaniline (SPAN) film on mild steel substrates. These SPAN deposition films are employed to test the protection efficiency for mild steel in a corrosion environment of HCl and NaCl, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization were used to determine the charge transfer resistance (Rct) and corrosion current (Icorr), respectively. The above two parameters Rct and Icorr are combined to evaluate the protection efficiency of SPAN film on mild steel. Experimental results show that the SPAN thin film with the AN/DABSA ratio of 8.8 has the optimal corrosion resistance in 1 M HCl and 1 M NaCl aqueous solutions, respectively.
P-T Phase Diagram of LuFe2O4
Authors: Poienar Maria , Bourgeois Julie , Martin Christine , Hervieu Maryvonne , Damay Françoise , Garbarino Gaston , Hanfland Michael , Hansen Thomas , Baudelet François , Bantignies Jean Louis , Hermet Patrick , Haines Julien , Rouquette Jérôme
Published: April 2018

The high-pressure behavior of LuFe2O4 is characterized based on synchrotron X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction, resistivity measurements, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy studies. The results obtained enabled us to propose a P-T phase diagram. In this study, the low pressure charge-ordering melting could be detected by synchrotron XRD in the P-T space. In addition to the ambient pressure monoclinic C2/m and rhombohedral R 3 ¯ m phases, the possible P 1 ¯ triclinic phase, the monoclinic high pressure form Pm and metastable modulated monoclinic phases were observed; the latter modulated monoclinic phases were not observed in the present neutron diffraction data. Furthermore, the transition to the Pm phase which was already characterized by strong kinetics is found to be favored at high temperature (373 K). Based on X-ray absorption spectroscopy data the Pm phase, which could be recovered at atmospheric pressure, can be explained by a change in the Fe-local environment from a five-fold coordination to a distorted 5 + 1 one.
Airflow Dynamics over a Beach and Foredune System with Large Woody Debris
Authors: Grilliot Michael J. , Walker Ian J. , Bauer Bernard O.
Published: April 2018

Airflow dynamics over beach-foredune systems can be complex. Although a great deal is known about the effects of topographic forcing and vegetation cover on wind-field modification, the role of large woody debris (LWD) as a roughness element and modifier of boundary layer flow is relatively understudied. Individual pieces of LWD are non-porous elements that impose bluff body effects and induce secondary flow circulation that varies with size, density, and arrangement. Large assemblages of LWD are common on beaches near forested watersheds and collectively have a degree of porosity that increases aerodynamic roughness in ways that are not fully understood. A field study on a mesotidal sandy beach with a scarped foredune (Calvert Island, British Columbia, Canada) shows that LWD influences flow patterns and turbulence levels. Overall mean and fluctuating energy decline as flow transitions across LWD, while mean energy is converted to turbulent energy. Such flow alterations have implications for sand transport pathways and resulting sedimentation patterns, primarily by inducing deposition within the LWD matrix.
Spore Acquisition and Survival of Ambrosia Beetles Associated with the Laurel Wilt Pathogen in Avocados after Exposure to Entomopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Avery Pasco B. , Bojorque Verónica , Gámez Cecilia , Duncan Rita E. , Carrillo Daniel , Cave Ronald D.
Published: April 2018

Laurel wilt is a disease threatening the avocado industry in Florida. The causative agent of the disease is a fungus vectored by ambrosia beetles that bore into the trees. Until recently, management strategies for the vectors of the laurel wilt fungus relied solely on chemical control and sanitation practices. Beneficial entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are the most common and prevalent natural enemies of pathogen vectors. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that commercial strains of EPF can increase the mortality of the primary vector, Xyleborus glabratus, and potential alternative vectors, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, Xyleborus volvulus and Xyleborus bispinatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). Our study provides baseline data for three formulated commercially-available entomopathogenic fungi used as potential biocontrol agents against X. crassiusculus, X. volvulus and X. bispinatus. The specific objectives were to determine: (1) the mean number of viable spores acquired per beetle species adult after being exposed to formulated fungal products containing different strains of EPF (Isaria fumosorosea, Metarhizium brunneum and Beauveria bassiana); and (2) the median and mean survival times using paper disk bioassays. Prior to being used in experiments, all fungal suspensions were adjusted to 2.4 × 106 viable spores/mL. The number of spores acquired by X. crassiusculus was significantly higher after exposure to B. bassiana, compared to the other fungal treatments. For X. volvulus, the numbers of spores acquired per beetle were significantly different amongst the different fungal treatments, and the sequence of spore acquisition rates on X. volvulus from highest to lowest was I. fumosorosea > M. brunneum > B. bassiana. After X. bispinatus beetles were exposed to the different suspensions, the rates of acquisition of spores per beetle amongst the different fungal treatments were similar. Survival estimates (data pooled across two tests) indicated an impact for each entomopathogenic fungus per beetle species after exposure to a filter paper disk treated at the same fungal suspension concentration. Kaplan–Meier analysis (censored at day 7) revealed that each beetle species survived significantly shorter in bioassays containing disks treated with EPF compared to water only. This study demonstrated that ambrosia beetles associated with the laurel wilt pathogen in avocados are susceptible to infection by EPF under laboratory conditions. However, the EPF needs to be tested under field conditions to confirm their efficacy against the beetles.
Optimal Control Analysis of a Mathematical Model for Breast Cancer
Authors: Oke Segun Isaac , Matadi Maba Boniface , Xulu Sibusiso Southwell
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a mathematical model of breast cancer governed by a system of ordinary differential equations in the presence of chemotherapy treatment and ketogenic diet is discussed. Several comprehensive mathematical analyses were carried out using a variety of analytical methods to study the stability of the breast cancer model. Also, sufficient conditions on parameter values to ensure cancer persistence in the absence of anti-cancer drugs, ketogenic diet, and cancer emission when anti-cancer drugs, immune-booster, and ketogenic diet are included were established. Furthermore, optimal control theory is applied to discover the optimal drug adjustment as an input control of the system therapies in order to minimize the number of cancerous cells by considering different controlled combinations of administering the chemotherapy agent and ketogenic diet using the popular Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Numerical simulations are presented to validate our theoretical results.
Genome-Wide Comparison Reveals a Probiotic Strain Lactococcus lactis WFLU12 Isolated from the Gastrointestinal Tract of Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Harboring Genes Supporting Probiotic Action
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Luan , Kim Do-Hyung
Published: April 2018

Our previous study has shown that dietary supplementation with Lactococcus lactis WFLU12 can enhance the growth of olive flounder and its resistance against streptococcal infection. The objective of the present study was to use comparative genomics tools to investigate genomic characteristics of strain WFLU12 and the presence of genes supporting its probiotic action using sequenced genomes of L. lactis strains. Dispensable and singleton genes of strain WFLU12 were found to be more enriched in genes associated with metabolism (e.g., energy production and conversion, and carbohydrate transport and metabolism) than pooled dispensable and singleton genes in other L. lactis strains, reflecting WFLU12 strain-specific ecosystem origin and its ability to metabolize different energy sources. Strain WFLU12 produced antimicrobial compounds that could inhibit several bacterial fish pathogens. It possessed the nisin gene cluster (nisZBTCIPRKFEG) and genes encoding lysozyme and colicin V. However, only three other strains (CV56, IO-1, and SO) harbor a complete nisin gene cluster. We also found that L. lactis WFLU12 possessed many other important functional genes involved in stress responses to the gastrointestinal tract environment, dietary energy extraction, and metabolism to support the probiotic action of this strain found in our previous study. This strongly indicates that not all L. lactis strains can be used as probiotics. This study highlights comparative genomics approaches as very useful and powerful tools to select probiotic candidates and predict their probiotic effects.
Plasma Homocysteine, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 Levels in Patients With Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome, Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma, and Normotensive Glaucoma
Authors: Türkcü Fatih , Köz Özlem , Yarangümeli Alper , Öner Veysi , Kural Gülcan
Published: April 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12, and folic acid in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG), pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS), PEXS plus normotensive glaucoma (NTG).Material and Methods. In total, 24 patients with PEXG, 35 patients with PEXS, 18 patients with PEXS plus NTG, and 35 control subjects were enrolled into study. Their Hcy levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured by a competitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.Results. Higher plasma Hcy levels and lower folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were found in all 3 patients’ groups compared with the control group (all P<0.001, expect for folic acid in the PEXG group, P=0.03). Although plasma Hcy levels in the PEXG and PEXS groups were similar, the PEXS plus NTG group had significantly higher Hcy levels compared with these groups (P=0.019 and P=0.032, respectively).Conclusions. Our study showed that there was an association between hyperhomocysteinemia and PEXS either with or without glaucoma. The patients with PEXS plus NTG had higher plasma Hcy levels than the patients with PEXS or PEXG and the healthy controls. The treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia by taking low-cost vitamin B12 and folic acid preparations may prevent additional vascular problems.
Association Between Erectile Dysfunction and Asymptomatic Cardiovascular Damage in Middle-Aged Men
Authors: Dženkevičiūtė Vilma , Petrulionienė Žaneta , Šapoka Virginijus , Kasiulevičius Vytautas
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. It has been proposed that the same cardiovascular risk (CV) factors predispose middle-aged men to the development of both coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction (ED). Moreover, several recently published studies have identified ED as a possible early marker of CV disease. The aim of this particular study was to evaluate the association between ED and early asymptomatic heart and vascular damage in middle-aged men with CV risk factors. Material and Methods. In this case-control study, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was employed to assess the erectile function of the study participants and to allocate them either into the ED group (N=21; mean IIEF score, 18.15 [SD, 2.54]; mean age, 48.2 years [SD, 4.4]) or the control group (N=24; mean IIEF score, 23.45 [SD, 0.99]; mean age, 46.8 years [SD, 3.1]). Additionally, pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, pulse pressure, carotid intima media thickness (IMT), and atherosclerotic plaque count were determined, and echocardiography was performed in every subject. Results. The mean IMT and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of both carotid arteries in the ED group were significantly higher when compared with controls (598.57 vs. 535.54 mm·10–3, P=0.03, and 107.26 vs. 98.67 g/m2, P=0.04, respectively). Using multiple regression analysis, an independent association between the IIEF score and the LVMI was found (P=0.002). No significant differences in the results of pulse wave velocity, atherosclerotic plaque count, and other laboratory tests were found between the 2 study groups. Conclusions. The study suggests that ED is associated with a higher LVMI and may be an early marker of CV disease.
Resources of Residents for Potential Transition from Long-Term Care to Community
Authors: Spirgienė Lina , Routasalo Pirkko , Macijauskienė Jūratė
Published: April 2018

Background and Objective. Transition from long-term care to the community can have positive effects on residents’ health and quality of life and promote the feelings of happiness, safety, and independence. The aim of this study was to examine residents’ resources for potential transition to the community after residing in long-term care facilities. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in 8 long-term care institutions for older persons of Kaunas county. The study population comprised 252 residents. The items contained in the interRAI Long-Term Care Facility assessment instrument were used to evaluate a consistent positive outlook, social activities, and discharge potential. Cognitive impairment was measured using the Cognitive Performance Scale. Activities of daily living were measured using the Activities of Daily Living Hierarchy Scale. Results. More than 10% of the residents exhibited no cognitive impairment. One-third of the residents preferred to transition back to the community from their long-term care facility. Twothirds expressed that they had familiar surroundings, which could be assumed to increase their feeling of safety at home. Social activities prevalent among residents included taking care of plants and walking outdoors. About 40% of the residents were physically independent in the activities of daily living. In spite of these resources, no residents were involved in a discharge process due to the lack of established nursing and social care services and transitional care plans. Conclusions. With well-organized community services, some residents in long-term care facilities may have enough resources to live in the community.
Typhoid Fever Diagnosis in Endemic Countries: A Clog in the Wheel of Progress?
Authors: Ajibola Olumide , Mshelia Mari , Gulumbe Bashar , Eze Anthonius
Published: April 2018

Typhoid fever causes significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries, with inaccurate estimates in some countries affected, especially those situated in Sub-Saharan Africa. Disease burden assessment is limited by lack of a high degree of sensitivity and specificity by many current rapid diagnostic tests. Some of the new technologies, such as PCR and proteomics, may also be useful but are difficult for low-resource settings to apply as point-of-care diagnostics. Weak laboratory surveillance systems may also contribute to the spread of multidrug resistant Salmonella serovar Typhi across endemic areas. In addition, most typhoid-endemic countries employ serological tests that have low sensitivity and specificity making diagnosis unreliable. Here we review currently available typhoid fever diagnostics, and advances in serodiagnosis of S. Typhi.
Optimization of Graphite Morphology in Mottled Nihard Cast Irons Inoculated with Feb and Manufactured by Centrifugal Casting
Authors: Asensio-Lozano Juan , Álvarez-Antolín Jose Florentino , González-Pociño Alejandro , Del Río-López Benito
Published: April 2018

The present research was focused on the identification of manufacturing factors that have an active influence on the graphite phase formation in Nihard cast irons inoculated with FeB, constituting the outer layer of duplex work rolls. These rolls are used in the finishing stands of hot-strip steel mills where the following are desired: (a) between 2.5 and 4 vol % of graphite; (b) homogeneous graphite distribution across the layer section; and, (c) a reasonable high number of graphite particles across the layer. The research methodology that followed consisted of the application of a saturated design of experiments (DOE), with seven factors, eight experiments, and resolution III. The analyzed responses obtained by quantitative metallographic techniques were: the volume fraction of graphite, Vv; the number of counts per unit area of graphite, NA; and the graphite morphology across the layer thickness. Increasing the addition of FeB from 6 to 10 kg/T reduced the graphite volume fraction and the count number, but had no influence on its morphology. However, an increase of the liquidus temperature from 1225–1230 to 1250–1255 °C, and an increase in the amount of SiCaMn added to the ladle from 0.3 to 0.6 kg/T produced the desired compact graphite morphology.
Vibration Fatigue Damage Accumulation of Ti–6Al–4V under Constant and Sequenced Variable Loading Conditions
Authors: Lin Jiewei , Li Weidong , Yang Shuo , Zhang Junhong
Published: April 2018

This study aims to investigate the effect of loading factors on damage accumulation under variable amplitude vibration (VAV). Vibration fatigue experiments are conducted under both constant amplitude vibration (CAV) and VAV loading cases. The effects of loading sequence, loading amplitude, stress difference, and cyclic ratio on damage accumulation are analyzed. It is found the damage accumulation rate is strongly affected by the loading sequence: the fatigue lives can be ranked in descending order as the one-way low-high loading, the constant loading, and the one-way high-low loading. The effect of stress difference on damage accumulation is not significant, while the damage accumulation varies a lot according to the cyclic ratio of the two-level loading blocks and the fatigue life could be extended by increasing the lower loading cycles. Comparing with linear and double linear damage rules, models based on nonlinear damage rules have apparent advantages in predicting accuracy in VAV conditions, in which the nonlinear continuous damage model has the best compromise between availability and precision.
Flow Injection Analysis with Direct UV Detection Following Electric Field Driven Membrane Extraction
Authors: See Hong Heng , Mamat Nor Akma , Hauser Peter C.
Published: April 2018

A method for on-line matrix elimination to enable selective quantification of ultraviolet absorbing analytes by a flow-injection analysis procedure is described. Selectivity is achieved by electric field driven extraction across a polymer inclusion membrane. The method was demonstrated on the example of the determination of naproxen from spiked human urine. Membranes of 10 μm thickness were employed which consisted of 7.5 mg cellulose triacetate as base polymer, 5 mg of o-nitrophenyl octyl ether as plasticizer and 7.5 mg of Aliquat 336 as cationic carrier. Ten μL of sample was introduced into a continuous stream of background solution consisting of 100 µM aqueous NaClO4 with a flow rate of 2 μL/min while applying a voltage of 150 V to the extraction cell. The target ion was electrokinetically transported across the membrane and enriched in 1.5 μL of a stagnant acceptor solution. This was subsequently pumped past a flow-through UV detector for quantification. The method showed a linear range from 5 to 200 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9978 and a reproducibility of typically 7% (n = 8). The detection limit of the method for naproxen was 2 µM.
Effect of Laminating Pressure on Polymeric Multilayer Nanofibrous Membranes for Liquid Filtration
Authors: Yalcinkaya Fatma , Hruza Jakub
Published: April 2018

In the new century, electrospun nanofibrous webs are widely employed in various applications due to their specific surface area and porous structure with narrow pore size. The mechanical properties have a major influence on the applications of nanofiber webs. Lamination technology is an important method for improving the mechanical strength of nanofiber webs. In this study, the influence of laminating pressure on the properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers/laminate was investigated. Heat-press lamination was carried out at three different pressures, and the surface morphologies of the multilayer nanofibrous membranes were observed under an optical microscope. In addition, air permeability, water filtration, and contact angle experiments were performed to examine the effect of laminating pressure on the breathability, water permeability and surface wettability of multilayer nanofibrous membranes. A bursting strength test was developed and applied to measure the maximum bursting pressure of the nanofibers from the laminated surface. A water filtration test was performed using a cross-flow unit. Based on the results of the tests, the optimum laminating pressure was determined for both PAN and PVDF multilayer nanofibrous membranes to prepare suitable microfilters for liquid filtration.
Cucurbit[n]uril (n = 6, 7) Based Carbon-Gold Hybrids with Peroxidase-Like Activity
Authors: Zhang Liangfeng , Zeng Yan , Liu Simin , Liang Feng
Published: April 2018

Despite the combination of molecular recognition and local electric field enhancement endowing cucurbit[n]uril-capped metallic nanoparticles, indicating great potential in a variety of areas, prior work has paid little attention to carbonizing cucurbit[n]uril on the surface of gold nanoparticles, which may propose new carbon-gold hybrid materials with interesting applications. In this work, we developed a simple and cost-effective method to prepare carbon-gold hybrids by carbonizing cucurbit[n]uril modified gold nanoparticles. The as-prepared cucurbit[n]uril based carbon and carbon-gold hybrid materials have shown to possess peroxidase-like activity. All cucurbit[n]uril based nanomaterials exhibited high catalytic activity over a pH range 2–6 and more tolerant to high temperature (up to 60 °C) when compared to natural horseradish peroxidase.
Cerebral Blood Flow Measurements in Adults: A Review on the Effects of Dietary Factors and Exercise
Authors: Joris Peter J. , Mensink Ronald P. , Adam Tanja C. , Liu Thomas T.
Published: April 2018

Improving cerebrovascular function may be a key mechanism whereby a healthy lifestyle, of which a healthy diet combined with increased physical activity levels is a cornerstone, protects against cognitive impairments. In this respect, effects on cerebral blood flow (CBF)—a sensitive physiological marker of cerebrovascular function—are of major interest. This review summarizes the impact of specific dietary determinants and physical exercise on CBF in adults and discusses the relation between these effects with potential changes in cognitive function. A limited number of randomized controlled trials have already demonstrated the beneficial effects of an acute intake of nitrate and polyphenols on CBF, but evidence for a relationship between these effects as well as improvements in cognitive functioning is limited. Moreover, long-term trans-resveratrol supplementation has been shown to increase CBF in populations at increased risk of accelerated cognitive decline. Long-term supplementation of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may also increase CBF, but related effects on cognitive performance have not yet been found. Significant decreases in cerebral perfusion were observed by commonly consumed amounts of caffeine, while alcohol intake was shown to increase CBF in a dose-dependent way. However, the long-term effects are not clear. Finally, long-term exercise training may be a promising approach to improve CBF, as increases in perfusion may contribute to the beneficial effects on cognitive functioning observed following increased physical activity levels.
Pharmacists’ Attitudes and Practices Regarding Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination in Pregnancy and Surrounding Newborns
Authors: Echtenkamp Christine A , Lampkin Stacie J , Hassan Amany K
Published: April 2018

Background: Bordetella pertussis or whooping cough is a serious and vaccine-preventable illness. Despite widespread vaccination in the pediatric population, pertussis still infects approximately 100,000 infants each year in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine gaps in pharmacists’ understanding, attitudes, practices, and barriers surrounding the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination recommendation for patients who are pregnant or planning to come in close contact with infants. Methods: This study was a descriptive, exploratory electronic survey. The survey assessed three major areas; the role of the pharmacist in Tdap vaccination, perceived barriers to vaccination, and understanding the recommendations. Results: A total of 225 pharmacists responded to the survey. Pharmacists who responded to this survey agreed that pharmacists should have a role vaccinating the public and individuals expecting to come into contact with a newborn, (88.5% and 86.9%) respectively, but fewer agreed that pharmacists should have a role vaccinating pregnant women against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (77%, p < 0.001). Based on the responses to case scenarios, only 22.5% and 30.6% of respondents understood the recommendations. Numerous barriers to vaccinating pregnant women were identified. Conclusion: While most pharmacists surveyed felt they should have a role in vaccinating pregnant women and those expecting to come in contact with a newborn, there are barriers to implementing this practice. Future efforts should focus on further evaluating identified gaps and developing programs for pharmacists that emphasize the significance of vaccinating these patients to reduce the burden of pertussis in infants.
The Thin Blue Line of Theodicy: Flannery O’Connor, Teilhard de Chardin, and Competitions between Good/Good and Evil/Evil
Authors: Whatley Sue
Published: April 2018

This essay explores the concept of theodicy in Flannery O’Connor’s works of fiction. O’Connor’s fiction complicates the subjects of good and evil, moving the reader through what seem to be competitions not only between good and evil, but also between actions of good and actions of evil. Characters align themselves with one force, then another, in a constantly fluctuating system, and there is no traditional pattern of Christian warfare that we would expect orthodox Catholic writing to produce. Sometimes, evil brings about the resolution of the narratives, and sometimes actions of good fail to redeem. It is only through the theology of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin that we may have a full understanding of O’Connor’s Christian vision. For O’Connor, Teilhard’s system of a dynamic eternity, which is in the process of unification, gives a greater understanding of our human reality, as it is a world where evil is used at the service of the Divine. It serves her fictional goal as well, as it allows her to rescue violence and evil from its power for despair.
Volatility Is Log-Normal—But Not for the Reason You Think
Authors: Tegnér Martin , Poulsen Rolf
Published: April 2018

It is impossible to discriminate between the commonly used stochastic volatility models of Heston, log-normal, and 3-over-2 on the basis of exponentially weighted averages of daily returns—even though it appears so at first sight. However, with a 5-min sampling frequency, the models can be differentiated and empirical evidence overwhelmingly favours a fast mean-reverting log-normal model.
Design and Performance of a 1 ms High-Speed Vision Chip with 3D-Stacked 140 GOPS Column-Parallel PEs †
Authors: Nose Atsushi , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Katayama Hironobu , Uehara Shuji , Kobayashi Masatsugu , Shida Sayaka , Odahara Masaki , Takamiya Kenichi , Matsumoto Shizunori , Miyashita Leo , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Izawa Takashi , Muramatsu Yoshinori , Nitta Yoshikazu , Ishikawa Masatoshi
Published: April 2018

We have developed a high-speed vision chip using 3D stacking technology to address the increasing demand for high-speed vision chips in diverse applications. The chip comprises a 1/3.2-inch, 1.27 Mpixel, 500 fps (0.31 Mpixel, 1000 fps, 2 × 2 binning) vision chip with 3D-stacked column-parallel Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and 140 Giga Operation per Second (GOPS) programmable Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) column-parallel PEs for new sensing applications. The 3D-stacked structure and column parallel processing architecture achieve high sensitivity, high resolution, and high-accuracy object positioning.
Presentation Attack Detection for Iris Recognition System Using NIR Camera Sensor
Authors: Nguyen Dat Tien , Baek Na Rae , Pham Tuyen Danh , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: April 2018

Among biometric recognition systems such as fingerprint, finger-vein, or face, the iris recognition system has proven to be effective for achieving a high recognition accuracy and security level. However, several recent studies have indicated that an iris recognition system can be fooled by using presentation attack images that are recaptured using high-quality printed images or by contact lenses with printed iris patterns. As a result, this potential threat can reduce the security level of an iris recognition system. In this study, we propose a new presentation attack detection (PAD) method for an iris recognition system (iPAD) using a near infrared light (NIR) camera image. To detect presentation attack images, we first localized the iris region of the input iris image using circular edge detection (CED). Based on the result of iris localization, we extracted the image features using deep learning-based and handcrafted-based methods. The input iris images were then classified into real and presentation attack categories using support vector machines (SVM). Through extensive experiments with two public datasets, we show that our proposed method effectively solves the iris recognition presentation attack detection problem and produces detection accuracy superior to previous studies.
How the Demographic Composition of Academic Science and Engineering Departments Influences Workplace Culture, Faculty Experience, and Retention Risk
Authors: Griffith Eric E. , Dasgupta Nilanjana
Published: April 2018

Although on average women are underrepresented in academic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) departments at universities, an underappreciated fact is that women’s representation varies widely across STEM disciplines. Past research is fairly silent on how local variations in gender composition impact faculty experiences. This study fills that gap. A survey of STEM departments at a large research university finds that women faculty in STEM are less professionally satisfied than male colleagues only if they are housed in departments where women are a small numeric minority. Gender differences in satisfaction are largest in departments with less than 25% women, smaller in departments with 25–35% women, and nonexistent in departments approaching 50% women. Gender differences in professional satisfaction in gender-unbalanced departments are mediated by women’s perception that their department’s climate is uncollegial, faculty governance is non-transparent, and gender relations are inequitable. Unfavorable department climates also predict retention risk for women in departments with few women, but not in departments closer to gender parity. Finally, faculty who find within-department mentors to be useful are more likely to have a favorable view of their department’s climate, which consequently predicts more professional satisfaction. Faculty gender and gender composition does not moderate these findings, suggesting that mentoring is equally effective for all faculty.
On the Estimation of the CO2 Emission, Economic Growth and Energy Consumption Nexus Using Dynamic OLS in the Presence of Multicollinearity
Authors: Månsson Kristofer , Kibria B. M. Golam , Shukur Ghazi , Sjölander Pär
Published: April 2018

This paper introduces shrinkage estimators (Ridge DOLS) for the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) cointegration estimator, which extends the model for use in the presence of multicollinearity between the explanatory variables in the cointegration vector. Both analytically and by using simulation techniques, we conclude that our new Ridge DOLS approach exhibits lower mean square errors (MSE) than the traditional DOLS method. Therefore, based on the MSE performance criteria, our Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that our new method outperforms the DOLS under empirically relevant magnitudes of multicollinearity. Moreover, we show the advantages of this new method by more accurately estimating the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), where the income and squared income are related to carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, we also illustrate the practical use of the method when augmenting the EKC curve with energy consumption. In summary, regardless of whether we use analytical, simulation-based, or empirical approaches, we can consistently conclude that it is possible to estimate these types of relationships in a considerably more accurate manner using our newly suggested method.
A Performance Analysis Model of TCP over Multiple Heterogeneous Paths for 5G Mobile Services
Authors: Song Jiayang , Dong Ping , Zhou Huachun , Zheng Tao , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen
Published: April 2018

Driven by the primary requirement of emerging 5G mobile services, the demand for concurrent multipath transfer (CMT) is still prominent. Yet, multipath transport protocols are not widely adopted and CMT schemes based on Transport Control Protocol (TCP) will still be in dominant position in 5G. However, the performance of TCP flow transferred over multiple heterogeneous paths is prone to the link quality asymmetry, the extent of which was revealed to be significant by our field investigation. In this paper, we present a performance analysis model for TCP over multiple heterogeneous paths in 5G scenarios, where both bandwidth and delay asymmetry are taken into consideration. The evaluation using large-scale simulation and field experiment shows that the proposed model can achieve high accuracy in practical environments. Some interesting inferences can be drawn from the proposed model, such as the dominant factors that affect the performance of TCP over heterogeneous networks, and the criteria of determining the appropriate number of links to be used under different circumstances of path heterogeneity. Thus, the proposed model can provide a guidance to the design of TCP-based CMT solutions for 5G mobile services.
Models for Green Supplier Selection with Some 2-Tuple Linguistic Neutrosophic Number Bonferroni Mean Operators
Authors: Wang Jie , Wei Guiwu , Wei Yu
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we extend the Bonferroni mean (BM) operator, generalized Bonferroni mean (GBM) operator, dual generalized Bonferroni mean (DGBM) operator and dual generalized geometric Bonferroni mean (DGGBM) operator with 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers (2TLNNs) to propose 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers weighted Bonferroni mean (2TLNNWBM) operator, 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers weighted geometric Bonferroni mean (2TLNNWGBM) operator, generalized 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers weighted Bonferroni mean (G2TLNNWBM) operator, generalized 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers weighted geometric Bonferroni mean (G2TLNNWGBM) operator, dual generalized 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers weighted Bonferroni mean (DG2TLNNWBM) operator, and dual generalized 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers weighted geometric Bonferroni mean (DG2TLNNWGBM) operator. Then, the MADM methods are proposed with these operators. In the end, we utilize an applicable example for green supplier selection in green supply chain management to prove the proposed methods.
A New Sampling Plan Using Neutrosophic Process Loss Consideration
Authors: Aslam Muhammad
Published: April 2018

The theory of classical statistics assumes crisp, certain, and clear observations/parameters in engineering applications. However, in such engineering applications, due to their complex functions, it may not possible to obtain clear or crisp values of certain parameters. So, there is a chance of obtaining indeterminate, imprecise, vague, and incomplete parameters. In this situation, neutrosophic statistics can be applied, which is the generalization of classical statistics. This is reduced to classical statistics when no parameters are found to be indeterminate, imprecise, vague, or incomplete in actual practice. In this paper, we design a new sampling plan using the neutrosophic approach for the process loss function. The neutrosophic non-linear problem is given and applied to determine the neutrosophic plan parameters of the proposed sampling plan. A table is given and discussed with the help of factory data.
Framing the Future with Bacteriophages in Agriculture
Authors: Svircev Antonet , Roach Dwayne , Castle Alan
Published: April 2018

The ability of agriculture to continually provide food to a growing world population is of crucial importance. Bacterial diseases of plants and animals have continually reduced production since the advent of crop cultivation and animal husbandry practices. Antibiotics have been used extensively to mitigate these losses. The rise of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, however, together with consumers’ calls for antibiotic-free products, presents problems that threaten sustainable agriculture. Bacteriophages (phages) are proposed as bacterial population control alternatives to antibiotics. Their unique properties make them highly promising but challenging antimicrobials. The use of phages in agriculture also presents a number of unique challenges. This mini-review summarizes recent development and perspectives of phages used as antimicrobial agents in plant and animal agriculture at the farm level. The main pathogens and their adjoining phage therapies are discussed.