bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Children Estranged from Language: Fernand Deligny, in His Time, and against Lacan
Authors: Krtolica Igor , Sibertin-Blanc Guillaume
Published: July 2019

After working as a special education teacher for children labeled ‘severely retarded and ineducable’ at the Armentières asylum (1939–43), and after his participation in La Grande Cordée (The Great Cord) – a chain of alternative ‘open hosting centers’ for juvenile delinquents (1948–62) – Deligny began the Cévennes network (1967–86) where he created an environment amenable to autistic children. The aim of this ‘attempt’ was to take into account all of the consequences of autistic children's estrangement from the universe of language by constructing a living environment based on the positivity of this world-outside-language, rather than in any effort to compensate for alleged deficiencies. The unique nature of this attempt should not prevent us from situating it ‘in the context of his century.’ First, we contextualize this attempt within its historically concrete conditions, meaning in relation to the pedagogical and psychiatric institutions Deligny confronted, as well as, notably, Maud Mannoni's school at Bonneuil. Then, we situate Deligny in relation to Lacanian psychoanalysis, which defined the subject's formation through its access to the symbolic or to language, and for which autism represented the failure of this symbolic structuring. In this article, we take measure of the effects of these demarcations by examining Deligny's complex relationship with Lacan.
Planting Density and Fertilization Evidently Influence the Fiber Yield of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Deng Gang , Du Guanghui , Yang Yang , Bao Yaning , Liu Feihu
Published: July 2019

Hemp is one of the most important green (i.e., environmentally sustainable) fibers. Planting density, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) significantly affect the yield of hemp fiber. By optimizing the above main four cultivation factors is an important way to achieve sustainable development of high-fiber yield hemp crops. In this study, the effects of individual factors and factor × factor interactions on the yield of hemp fiber over two trial years were investigated by the central composite design with four factors, namely planting density, nitrogen application, phosphorus application, and potassium application rate. The influences of these four test factors on the yield of hemp fibers were in the order nitrogen fertilizer (X2) > planting density (X1) > potassium fertilizer (X4) > phosphate fertilizer (X3). To obtain yields of hemp with high-quality fiber greater than 2200 kg ha−1, the optimal range of cultivation conditions were planting density 329,950–371,500 plants/ha, nitrogen application rate 251–273 kg ha−1, phosphorus application rate 85–95 kg ha−1, and potassium application rate 212–238 kg ha−1. This study can provide important technical and theoretical support for the high-yield cultivation of hemp fiber into the future.
A Review of the Soil Seedbank from a Weed Scientists Perspective
Authors: Schwartz-Lazaro Lauren M. , Copes Josh T.
Published: July 2019

Despite efforts to eliminate weeds, they continue to thrive. Weed persistence is reliant upon the soil seedbank. Knowledge of the soil seedbank is continually expanding, but with the rising threat of herbicide-resistant weeds in agriculture, weed scientists have, in the past, focused their management tactics to more short-term solutions that tackle the aboveground problems, rather than long-term solutions. This article summarized the soil seedbank dynamics of weed seeds and derives management options, from a North American weed scientists’ perspective, that (i) favor the depletion of the seedbank, (ii) favor the germination of the seedbank, and (iii) reduce the possibilities of seed produced by the seedlings that germinated to return the soil. These options can potentially deter herbicide resistance and are successful in the short term for reducing field weed infestations, but are likely to take many years to affect recruitment to the weed seedbank, including recruitment of weed species with a high risk for resistance. The natural longevity of the seedbank suggests that alternative or additional weed management tactics are required to reduce the store of weed seeds in the active seedbank.
Planting Density Tolerance of High-Yielding Maize and the Mechanisms Underlying Yield Improvement with Subsoiling and Increased Planting Density
Authors: Yu Xiaofang , Zhang Qi , Gao Julin , Wang Zhigang , Borjigin Qinggeer , Hu Shuping , Zhang Baolin , Ma Daling
Published: July 2019

This study examined the planting density tolerance, grain yield improvement potential, and mechanisms of high-yielding spring maize varieties under increasing planting density and subsoiling. We planted two high-yielding spring maize varieties with a high or low tolerance to high planting densities (LM33 and XD20, respectively) at five different densities (D1: 60,000 plants ha−1, D2: 75,000 plants ha−1, D3: 90,000 plants ha−1, D4: 105,000 plants ha−1, and D5: 120,000 plants ha−1) using two tillage methods (35-cm subsoiling and 15-cm traditional rotary tillage). The response characteristics used to compare the performance of the two maize varieties under different planting densities and tillage methods included root characteristics, canopy physiology, yield, and yield components. The results show that: (1) Under rotary tillage, with the increase of planting density from 75,000 plants ha−1 to 90,000 plants ha−1, yields of high-yielding spring maize varieties improved. However, when the planting densities were beyond 90,000 plants ha−1, the yields stopped increase, or even decrease. Subsoiling increased the planting density by 15,000 plants ha−1, enhanced the highest yield by 1080 kg ha−1–1940 kg ha−1, and raised the yield gain by 11.17–30.72%. (2) Under rotary tillage, the functional indexes of the roots and canopy of high-yielding spring maize decreased as planting density increased, and the largest reductions of root dry weight, leaf area index (LAI) of post-anthesis, light transmission percentage (LTP) of ear leaves, bottom leaves LTP, and dry matter accumulation all occurred between D2 and D4. The largest decline of high tolerance variety emerged between D3 and D5, and the extent was smaller than the low tolerance variety. (3) Compared with rotary tillage, subsoiling reduced the extent declines in root dry weight, root length, and root surface area; delayed the attenuation of LAI and the relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) determined in leaves; and improved the LTP of ear layers and bottom layer during the late growth stage. The post-anthesis populations dry matter accumulation of XD20 and LM33 increased by 7.07% and 13.18%, respectively. In addition, subsoiling significantly increased the number of kernels/spike and 1000-grain weight as the planting density increased. Meanwhile, the planting densities at which dry root weight, population LAI, ear leaf LTP, bottom leaf LTP, and dry matter accumulation arose the largest reductions was raised to 15,000 plants ha−1. The effects of subsoiling in the high density-tolerant variety were more pronounced than the low density-tolerant variety.
Combining Ability for Agromorphological and Physiological Traits in Different Gene Pools of Common Bean Subjected to Water Deficit
Authors: Arruda Isabella Mendonça , Moda-Cirino Vânia , Koltun Alessandra , Zeffa Douglas Mariani , Nagashima Getúlio Takashi , Gonçalves Leandro Simões Azeredo
Published: July 2019

Water stress is one of the main limiting factors for common bean crops, negatively affecting grain yield and seed quality. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the inheritance of agromorphological and physiological traits related to drought tolerance in order to identify promising combinations. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with a partial diallel scheme between three drought-tolerant genotypes (IAPAR 81, BAT 477, and SEA 5), and nine cultivars widely grown in Brazil (BRS Estilo, IAC Alvorada, IPR Campos Gerais, IPR Uirapuru, IPR Nhambu, BRS Esteio, IPR Garça, BRS Radiante, and DRK 18), in a randomized block design with four replicates. The plants were grown in pots with substrate under 80% of pot capacity until they reached the stage R5, when water supply was restricted to 30% for 20 days in the pots under stress treatment. A wide variability for the agromorphological and physiological traits was observed. Water deficit reduced plant performance for most agromorphological traits and altered their physiological metabolism. Additive and non-additive effects are involved in the genetic control of the majority of agromorphological and physiological traits both under water stress and control (well-watered) conditions. The parental genotypes BAT 477 (group I) and IAC Alvorada, IPR Uirapuru, and BRS Esteio (group II) may be included in breeding programs aiming at improving drought tolerance in common bean since they present high positive general combining abilities for agromorphological traits. The crosses IAPAR 81 × IPR Campos Gerais, and SEA 5 × BRS Radiante resulted in the best combinations considering grain yield per plant and total dry biomass, when cultivated under water deficit.
The Effects of the Combination of Oral Lactoferrin and Iron Injection on Iron Homestasis, Antioxidative Abilities and Cytokines Activities of Suckling Piglets
Authors: Hu Ping , Zhao Daoyuan , Zhao Fangzhou , Wang Jing , Zhu Weiyun
Published: July 2019

Iron deficiency is considered a common nutritional problem for suckling piglets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the combination of oral lactoferrin and iron injection on iron levels, antioxidant ability and cytokine activity in suckling piglets. A total of sixty suckling piglets taken from six sows (10 piglets per litter) with a similar parity were chosen. The lactoferrin (LF) group was orally administrated with lactoferrin solution (0.5 g/kg body weight per day) for a week, the CON group was orally administrated with the same dose of physiological saline. Each piglet (all groups) was given 100 mg of iron dextran (FeDex) by intramuscular injection at the third day of age. Six piglets (n = 6) from each group were euthanized on days 8 and 21. The oral lactoferrin improved the iron level of suckling piglets by increasing the concentrations of serum hemoglobin and hepatic iron on day 8. Gene expression of lactoferrin receptor (LFR) was significantly increased in the LF group piglets on day 8, while duodenal protein expression of the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) was significantly reduced in the LF group on day 8. In addition, oral lactoferrin enhanced serum T-AOC activities and duodenal SOD activities on day 21. The LF piglets had a significantly increased serum concentration of IL-10 on day 8. These results indicated that a combination of oral lactoferrin and iron injection is a more effective method of improving the iron level by up-regulating the expression of the LFR gene, enhancing the antioxidant ability and modulating the cytokine activity in the suckling piglets.
Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil Regarding Cultivar, Harvest Year and Crop Stage
Authors: Borges Thays Helena , Serna Adriana , López Luis Carlos , Lara Luis , Nieto Rosa , Seiquer Isabel
Published: July 2019

The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are related to its chemical composition and the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant compounds (pigments, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and phenolic compounds) and antioxidant properties of EVOO from the same region comparing different cultivars (Hojiblanca and Arbequina), harvest year and crop stage. Antioxidant properties of oils were studied before and after a gastrointestinal digestion process, by in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) and antioxidant markers in Caco-2 cells (reactive oxygen species production). The content of bioactive compounds measured was significantly affected by cultivar and harvest year (except for carotenoids) and by the crop stage (except for coenzyme Q10). Higher amounts of coenzyme Q10 were observed in Hojiblanca than in Arbequina EVOO. Total phenol content and antioxidant properties were also different depending on cultivar and harvest year and the in vitro digestion process strongly improved antioxidant marker values. Antioxidant potential in bioaccessible fractions was mainly related to the content of coenzyme Q10 and phenolic compounds in EVOO. Chemometric analysis showed that the oils were clearly classified by cultivars, harvest and crop stage, according to the chemical composition and antioxidant activity analyzed in the present study.
LOX-1: Regulation, Signaling and Its Role in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kattoor Ajoe John , Goel Akshay , Mehta Jawahar L.
Published: July 2019

Atherosclerosis has long been known to be a chronic inflammatory disease. In addition, there is intense oxidative stress in atherosclerosis resulting from an imbalance between the excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and inadequate anti-oxidant defense forces. The excess of the oxidative forces results in the conversion of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) to oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), which is highly atherogenic. The sub-endothelial deposition of ox-LDL, formation of foamy macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, and deposition of collagen are central pathophysiologic steps in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Ox-LDL exerts its action through several different scavenger receptors, the most important of which is LOX-1 in atherogenesis. LOX-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that binds to and internalizes ox-LDL. This interaction results in variable downstream effects based on the cell type. In endothelial cells, there is an increased expression of cellular adhesion molecules, resulting in the increased attachment and migration of inflammatory cells to intima, followed by their differentiation into macrophages. There is also a worsening endothelial dysfunction due to the increased production of vasoconstrictors, increased ROS, and depletion of endothelial nitric oxide (NO). In the macrophages and VSMCs, ox-LDL causes further upregulation of the LOX-1 gene, modulation of calpains, macrophage migration, VSMC proliferation and foam cell formation. Soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1), a fragment of the main LOX-1 molecule, is being investigated as a diagnostic marker because it has been shown to be present in increased quantities in patients with hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease. LOX-1 gene deletion in mice and anti-LOX-1 therapy has been shown to decrease inflammation, oxidative stress and atherosclerosis. LOX-1 deletion also results in damage from ischemia, making LOX-1 a promising target of therapy for atherosclerosis and related disorders. In this article we focus on the different mechanisms for regulation, signaling and the various effects of LOX-1 in contributing to atherosclerosis.
Phenol-Rich Feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) Extracts Protect Human Red Blood Cells from Mercury-Induced Cellular Toxicity
Authors: Tortora Fabiana , Notariale Rosaria , Maresca Viviana , Good Katrina Vanessa , Sorbo Sergio , Basile Adriana , Piscopo Marina , Manna Caterina
Published: July 2019

Plant polyphenols, with broadly known antioxidant properties, represent very effective agents against environmental oxidative stressors, including mercury. This heavy metal irreversibly binds thiol groups, sequestering endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione. Increased incidence of food-derived mercury is cause for concern, given the many severe downstream effects, ranging from kidney to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the possible beneficial properties of Feijoa sellowiana against mercury toxicity were tested using intact human red blood cells (RBC) incubated in the presence of HgCl2. Here, we show that phenol-rich (10–200 µg/mL) extracts from the Feijoa sellowiana fruit potently protect against mercury-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. Peel and pulp extracts are both able to counteract the oxidative stress and thiol decrease induced in RBC by mercury treatment. Nonetheless, the peel extract had a greater protective effect compared to the pulp, although to a different extent for the different markers analyzed, which is at least partially due to the greater proportion and diversity of polyphenols in the peel. Furthermore, Fejioa sellowiana extracts also prevent mercury-induced morphological changes, which are known to enhance the pro-coagulant activity of these cells. These novel findings provide biochemical bases for the pharmacological use of Fejioa sellowiana-based functional foods in preventing and combating mercury-related illnesses.
Graphene-Based Membranes for CO2/CH4 Separation: Key Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Goh Kunli , Karahan H. Enis , Yang Euntae , Bae Tae-Hyun
Published: July 2019

Increasing demand to strengthen energy security has increased the importance of natural gas sweetening and biogas upgrading processes. Membrane-based separation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) is a relatively newer technology, which offers several competitive advantages, such as higher energy-efficiency and cost-effectiveness, over conventional technologies. Recently, the use of graphene-based materials to elevate the performance of polymeric membranes have attracted immense attention. Herein, we do not seek to provide the reader with a comprehensive review of this topic but rather highlight the key challenges and our perspectives going ahead. We approach the topic by evaluating three mainstream membrane designs using graphene-based materials: (1) nanoporous single-layer graphene, (2) few- to multi-layered graphene-based stacked laminates, and (3) mixed-matrix membranes. At present, each design faces different challenges, including low scalability, high production cost, limited performance enhancement, and the lack of robust techno-economic review and systematic membrane design optimization. To help address these challenges, we have mapped out a technology landscape of the current graphene-based membrane research based on the separation performance enhancement, commercial viability, and production cost. Accordingly, we contend that future efforts devoted to advancing graphene-based membranes must be matched by progress in these strategic areas so as to realize practical and commercially relevant graphene-based membranes for CO2/CH4 separation and beyond.
Detection of a Semi-Rough Target in Turbulent Atmosphere by an Electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-Model Beam
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Zhao Yuefeng , Liu Xianlong , Cai Yangjian
Published: July 2019

The interaction of an electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model beam with a semi-rough target located in atmospheric turbulence was studied by means of a tensor method, and the corresponding inverse problem was analyzed. The equivalent model was set up on the basis of a bistatic laser radar system and a rough target located in a turbulent atmosphere. Through mathematical deduction, we obtained detailed information about the parameters of the semi-rough target by measuring the beam radius, coherence radius of the incident beam and the polarization properties of the returned beam.
Seismic Retrofit of Steel Truss Bridge Using Buckling Restrained Damper
Authors: Sosorburam Purevdorj , Yamaguchi Eiki
Published: July 2019

Buckling Restrained Bracings (BRBs) are widely used to improve the seismic behavior of buildings. They are employed for bridges as well, but their application in this respect is limited. BRBs can also be used as a function of the individual damper rather than the structural component or the bracing, in which case the device may be called a Buckling Restrained Damper (BRD). Yet, such application has not been explored much. There are quite a few bridges designed according to the old design codes in Japan. Their seismic resistance may not be satisfactory for the current seismic design codes. Against this background, the behavior of a steel truss bridge under a large seismic load was investigated by nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis. Some members were indeed found to be damaged in the earthquake. Retrofitting is needed. To this end, the application of BRD was tried in the present study: a parametric study on the seismic behavior of the truss bridge with BRD was conducted by changing the length, the cross-sectional area, the location and the inclination of BRD. The effectiveness of BRD was then discussed based on the numerical results thus obtained. In all the analyses, ABAQUS was used.
Digital Engagement in a Contemporary Art Gallery: Transforming Audiences
Authors: Harding Clare , Liggett Susan , Lochrie Mark
Published: July 2019

This paper examines a curatorial approach to digital art that acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between the digital and other more traditional art practices. It considers some of the issues that arise when digital content is delivered within a public gallery and how specialist knowledge, audience expectations and funding impact on current practices. From the perspective of the Digital Curator at MOSTYN, a contemporary gallery and visual arts centre in Llandudno, North Wales, it outlines the practical challenges and approaches taken to define what audiences want from a public art gallery. Human-centred design processes and activity systems analysis were adopted by MOSTYN with a community of practice—the gallery visitors—to explore the challenges of integrating digital technologies effectively within their curatorial programme and keep up with the pace of change needed today. MOSTYN’s aim is to consider digital holistically within their exhibition programme and within the cannon of 21st century contemporary art practice. Digital curation is at the heart of their model of engagement that offers new and existing audience insights into the significance of digital art within contemporary art practice.
Correlation of Near-Inertial Wind Stress in Typhoon and Typhoon-Induced Oceanic Near-Inertial Kinetic Energy in the Upper South China Sea
Authors: Li Juan , Xu Jiexin , Liu Junliang , He Yinghui , Chen Zhiwu , Cai Shuqun
Published: July 2019

The correlation of near-inertial wind stress (NIWS) in typhoon and typhoon-induced oceanic near-inertial kinetic energy (NIKE) in the upper South China Sea (SCS) is investigated through reanalysis data and an idealized typhoon model. It is found that the typhoon-induced oceanic near-inertial currents are primarily induced by the NIWS, which may contribute to about 80% of the total NIKE induced by typhoon. The intensities and distributions of NIWS in most typhoons are consistent with the magnitudes and features of NIKE. The NIWS and the NIKE along the typhoon track have positive correlations with the maximum wind speed of a typhoon, but there is an optimal translation speed for NIWS, at which the wind energy of the near-inertial band reaches its maximum. In the idealized typhoon model, a cluster of high-value centers of NIWS appear along the typhoon track, but there is only one high-value center for the near-inertial currents. The maximum NIWS arrives about 15 hours prior to the maximum near-inertial current. The distribution of NIWS is apparently asymmetric along the typhoon track, which may be due to the smaller eastward component of wind energy.
Nanostructured Fe-Ni Sulfide: A Multifunctional Material for Energy Generation and Storage
Authors: Zhao Chen , Zhang Chunyang , Bhoyate Sanket , Kahol Pawan K. , Kostoglou Nikolaos , Mitterer Christian , Hinder Steve , Baker Mark , Constantinides Georgios , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Rebholz Claus , Gupta Ram K.
Published: July 2019

Multifunctional materials for energy conversion and storage could act as a key solution for growing energy needs. In this study, we synthesized nanoflower-shaped iron-nickel sulfide (FeNiS) over a nickel foam (NF) substrate using a facile hydrothermal method. The FeNiS electrode showed a high catalytic performance with a low overpotential value of 246 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) to achieve a current density of 10 mA/cm2, while it required 208 mV at 10 mA/cm2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The synthesized electrode exhibited a durable performance of up to 2000 cycles in stability and bending tests. The electrolyzer showed a lower cell potential requirement for a FeNiS-Pt/C system (1.54 V) compared to a standard benchmark IrO2-Pt/C system (1.56 V) to achieve a current density of 10 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the FeNiS electrode demonstrated promising charge storage capabilities with a high areal capacitance of 13.2 F/cm2. Our results suggest that FeNiS could be used for multifunctional energy applications such as energy generation (OER and HER) and storage (supercapacitor).
Hydroquinone-Based Anion Receptors for Redox-Switchable Chloride Binding
Authors: McNaughton Daniel A. , Fu Xiaochen , Lewis William , D’Alessandro Deanna M. , Gale Philip A.
Published: July 2019

A series of chloride receptors has been synthesized containing an amide hydrogen bonding site and a hydroquinone motif. It was anticipated that oxidation of the hydroquinone unit to quinone would greatly the diminish chloride binding affinity of these receptors. A conformational switch is promoted in the quinone form through the formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the amide and the quinone carbonyl, which blocks the amide binding site. The reversibility of this oxidation process highlighted the potential of these systems for use as redox-switchable receptors. 1H-NMR binding studies confirmed stronger binding capabilities of the hydroquinone form compared to the quinone; however, X-ray crystal structures of the free hydroquinone receptors revealed the presence of an analogous inhibiting intramolecular hydrogen bond in this state of the receptor. Binding studies also revealed interesting and contrasting trends in chloride affinity when comparing the two switch states, which is dictated by a secondary interaction in the binding mode between the amide carbonyl and the hydroquinone/quinone couple. Additionally, the electrochemical properties of the systems have been explored using cyclic voltammetry and it was observed that the reduction potential of the system was directly related to the expected strength of the internal hydrogen bond.
Tribological Performance of CF-PEEK Sliding against 17-4PH Stainless Steel with Various Cermet Coatings for Water Hydraulic Piston Pump Application
Authors: Nie Songlin , Lou Fangli , Ji Hui , Yin Fanglong
Published: July 2019

To improve the abrasion resistance performance of the critical tribopairs within water hydraulic piston pumps, tribological characteristics of the stainless steel 17-4PH and 17-4PH coated with Cr3C2-NiCr, WC-10Co-4Cr, Cr2O3 and Al2O3-13%TiO2 sliding against carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) composite under water-lubricated condition were experimentally studied using a pin-on-ring test bench with different working conditions. It has been demonstrated by the experimental results that the tribological behaviors of CF-PEEK/cermet coatings tribipairs were better than that of CF-PEEK/17-4PH tribopair under water lubrication. However, the Cr3C2-NiCr coating could be damaged under high rotational speed. Due to the reaction film produced by the Al2O3-13%TiO2 and water, the CF-PEEK/Al2O3-13%TiO2 material combination exhibits more excellent tribological behaviors than other tribopairs lubricated with water, and could preferentially be used in water hydraulic piston pumps.
High-Energy X-Ray Compton Scattering Imaging of 18650-Type Lithium-Ion Battery Cell
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Honkanen Ari-Pekka , Tsuji Naruki , Jalkanen Kirsi , Koskinen Jari , Morimoto Hideyuki , Hiramoto Daisuke , Terasaka Ayumu , Hafiz Hasnain , Sakurai Yoshiharu , Kanninen Mika , Huotari Simo , Bansil Arun , Sakurai Hiroshi , Barbiellini Bernardo
Published: July 2019

High-energy synchrotron X-ray Compton scattering imaging was applied to a commercial 18650-type cell, which is a cylindrical lithium-ion battery in wide current use. By measuring the Compton scattering X-ray energy spectrum non-destructively, the lithiation state in both fresh and aged cells was obtained from two different regions of the cell, one near the outer casing and the other near the center of the cell. Our technique has the advantage that it can reveal the lithiation state with a micron-scale spatial resolution even in large cells. The present method enables us to monitor the operation of large-scale cells and can thus accelerate the development of advanced lithium-ion batteries.
Effect of Type I Antifreeze Proteins on the Freezing and Melting Processes of Cryoprotective Solutions Studied by Site-Directed Spin Labeling Technique
Authors: Perez Adiel F. , Taing Kyle R. , Quon Justin C. , Flores Antonia , Ba Yong
Published: July 2019

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) protect organisms living in subzero environments from freezing injury, which render them potential applications for cryopreservation of living cells, organs, and tissues. Cryoprotective agents (CPAs), such as glycerol and propylene glycol, have been used as ingredients to treat cellular tissues and organs to prevent ice crystal’s formation at low temperatures. To assess AFP’s function in CPA solutions, we have the applied site-directed spin labeling technique to a Type I AFP. A two-step process to prevent bulk freezing of the CPA solutions was observed by the cryo-photo microscopy, i.e., (1) thermodynamic freezing point depression by the CPAs; and (2) inhibition to the growth of seed ice crystals by the AFP. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments were also carried out from room temperature to 97 K, and vice versa. The EPR results indicate that the spin labeled AFP bound to ice surfaces, and inhibit the growths of ice through the bulk freezing processes in the CPA solutions. The ice-surface bound AFP in the frozen matrices could also prevent the formation of large ice crystals during the melting processes of the solutions. Our study illustrates that AFPs can play an active role in CPA solutions for cryopreservation applications.
Database for Gene Variants and Metabolic Networks Implicated in Familial Gastroschisis
Authors: Salinas-Torres Víctor M. , Gallardo-Blanco Hugo L. , Salinas-Torres Rafael A. , Martínez de Villarreal Laura E.
Published: July 2019

Gastroschisis is one of the most prevalent human birth defects concerning the ventral body wall development. Recent research has given a better understanding of gastroschisis pathogenesis through the identification of multiple novel pathogenetic pathways implicated in ventral body wall closure. Deciphering the underlying genetic factors segregating among familial gastroschisis allows better detection of novel susceptibility variants than the screening of pooled unrelated cases and controls, whereas bioinformatic-aided analysis can help to address new insights into human biology and molecular mechanisms involved in gastroschisis. Technological advances in DNA sequencing (Next Generation Sequencing), computing power, and machine learning techniques provide opportunities to the scientific communities to assess significant gaps in research and clinical practice. Thus, in an effort to study the role of gene variation in gastroschisis, we employed whole exome sequencing in a Mexican family with recurrence for gastroschisis. Stringent bioinformatic analyses were implemented to identify and predict pathogenetic networks comprised of potential gastroschisis predispositions. This is the first database for gene variants and metabolic networks implicated in familial gastroschisis. The dataset provides information on gastroschisis annotated genes, gene variants, and metabolic networks and constitutes a useful source to enhance further investigations in gastroschisis.
Coexisting Attractors and Multistability in a Simple Memristive Wien-Bridge Chaotic Circuit
Authors: Song Yixuan , Yuan Fang , Li Yuxia
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a new voltage-controlled memristor is presented. The mathematical expression of this memristor has an absolute value term, so it is called an absolute voltage-controlled memristor. The proposed memristor is locally active, which is proved by its DC V–I (Voltage–Current) plot. A simple three-order Wien-bridge chaotic circuit without inductor is constructed on the basis of the presented memristor. The dynamical behaviors of the simple chaotic system are analyzed in this paper. The main properties of this system are coexisting attractors and multistability. Furthermore, an analog circuit of this chaotic system is realized by the Multisim software. The multistability of the proposed system can enlarge the key space in encryption, which makes the encryption effect better. Therefore, the proposed chaotic system can be used as a pseudo-random sequence generator to provide key sequences for digital encryption systems. Thus, the chaotic system is discretized and implemented by Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) test and Approximate Entropy analysis of the proposed chaotic system are conducted in this paper.
A Comprehensive Fault Diagnosis Method for Rolling Bearings Based on Refined Composite Multiscale Dispersion Entropy and Fast Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Zhang Weibo , Zhou Jianzhong
Published: July 2019

This study presents a comprehensive fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings. The method includes two parts: the fault detection and the fault classification. In the stage of fault detection, a threshold based on refined composite multiscale dispersion entropy (RCMDE) at a local maximum scale is defined to judge the health state of rolling bearings. If the bearing is in fault, a generalized multi-scale feature extraction method is developed to fully extract fault information by combining fast ensemble empirical mode decomposition (FEEMD) and RCMDE. Firstly, the fault vibration signals are decomposed into a set of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by FEEMD. Secondly, the RCMDE value of multiple IMFs is calculated to generate a candidate feature pool. Then, the maximum-relevance and minimum-redundancy (mRMR) approach is employed to select the sensitive features from the candidate feature pool to construct the final feature vectors, and the final feature vectors are fed into random forest (RF) classifier to identify different fault working conditions. Finally, experiments and comparative research are carried out to verify the performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can detect faults effectively. Meanwhile, it has a more robust and excellent ability to identify different fault types and severity compared with other conventional approaches.
Use of Smartphone Applications in English Language Learning—A Challenge for Foreign Language Education
Authors: Kacetl Jaroslav , Klímová Blanka
Published: July 2019

At present, hardly any younger person can imagine life without mobile technologies. They use them on a daily basis, including in language learning. Such learning supported with mobile devices is called mobile learning, which seems beneficial especially thanks to the unique features of mobile applications (e.g., interactivity, ubiquity, and portability) and teachers’ encouragement and feedback. The purpose of this review study is to explore original, peer-reviewed English studies from 2015 to April 2019 and to determine whether mobile applications used in the learning of English as a foreign language are beneficial and/or effective. The methods are based on a literature review of available sources found on the research topic in two acknowledged databases: Web of Science and Scopus. Altogether, 16 original journal studies on the research topic were detected. The results reveal that mobile learning is becoming a salient feature of education as it is a great opportunity for foreign language learning. Its key benefits are as follows: the enhancement of the learner’s cognitive capacity, the learner’s motivation to study in both formal and informal settings, the learner’s autonomy and confidence, as well as the promotion of personalized learning, helping low-achieving students to reach their study goals. Although mobile learning seems to be effective overall, it is desirable to design, plan and implement it with caution, according to students’ needs, and to deliver multiple language skills in authentic learning environments.
An Energy Efficient Task Scheduling Strategy in a Cloud Computing System and its Performance Evaluation using a Two-Dimensional Continuous Time Markov Chain Model
Authors: Zhao Wenjuan , Wang Xiushuang , Jin Shunfu , Yue Wuyi , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: July 2019

With ongoing energy shortages and rises in greenhouse emissions worldwide, increasing academic attention is being turned towards ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of cloud computing. In this paper, we present a performance analysis and a system optimization of a cloud computing system with an energy efficient task scheduling strategy directed towards satisfying the service level agreement of cloud users while at the same time improving the energy efficiency in cloud computing system. In this paper, we propose a novel energy-aware task scheduling strategy based on a sleep-delay timer and a waking-up threshold. To capture the stochastic behavior of tasks with the proposed strategy, we establish a synchronous vacation queueing system combining vacation-delay and N-policy. Taking into account the total number of tasks and the state of the physical machine (PM), we construct a two-dimensional continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC), and produce an infinitesimal generator. Moreover, by using the geometric-matrix solution method, we analyze the queueing model in the steady state, and then, we derive the system performance measures in terms of the average sojourn time and the energy conservation level. Furthermore, we conduct system experiments to investigate the proposed strategy and validate the system model according to performance measures. Statistical results show that there is a compromise between the different performance measures when setting strategy parameters. By combining different performance measures, we develop a cost function for the system optimization. Finally, by dynamically adjusting the crossover probability and the mutation probability, and initializing the individuals with chaotic equations, we present an improved genetic algorithm to jointly optimize the sleep parameter, the sleep-delay parameter and the waking-up threshold.
Pedestrian Detection with Lidar Point Clouds Based on Single Template Matching
Authors: Liu Kaiqi , Wang Wenguang , Wang Jun
Published: July 2019

In the field of intelligent transportation systems, pedestrian detection has become a problem that is urgently in need of a solution. Effective pedestrian detection reduces accidents and protects pedestrians from injuries. A pedestrian-detection algorithm, namely, single template matching with kernel density estimation clustering (STM-KDE), is proposed in this paper. First, the KDE-based clustering method is utilized to extract candidate pedestrians in point clouds. Next, the coordinates of the point clouds are transformed into the pedestrians’ local coordinate system and projection images are generated. Locally adaptive regression kernel features are extracted from the projection image and matched with the template features by using cosine similarity, based on which pedestrians are distinguished from other columnar objects. Finally, comparative experiments using KITTI datasets are conducted to verify pedestrian-detection performance. Compared with the STM with radially bounded nearest neighbor (STM-RBNN) algorithm and the KDE-based pedestrian-detection algorithm, the proposed algorithm can segment gathering pedestrians and distinguish them from other columnar objects in real scenarios.
Isolation and Characterization of Microalgae from Diverse Pakistani Habitats: Exploring Third-Generation Biofuel Potential
Authors: Alam Muhammad Maqsood , Mumtaz Abdul Samad , Russell Megan , Grogger Melanie , Veverka Don , Hallenbeck Patrick C.
Published: July 2019

Production of microalgae as feedstock for biofuels must deal with a number of challenges including constraints imposed by local conditions. One solution is to use indigenous strains adapted to local climatic conditions. The present report describes the isolation, identification, and characterization of 32 microalgal strains from different ecological habitats: desert freshwater channels, northern region, and saline regions of Pakistan. The effects of temperature on algal growth rates, biomass productivity, and lipid content were determined through growth at 12, 20, and 35 °C for 15 days under 2% CO2 Responses to temperature varied among species with 20 °C being the optimum temperature in general, although, exceptionally, the best overall growth rate was found for strain S29 (0.311 d−1) at 12 °C. In some cases high biomass productivity was observed at 35 °C, and, depending upon the strain, the maximum lipid content was obtained at different temperatures, including 12 °C. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis showed that the major fatty acids present were palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. Oleic acid (C18:1) was the predominant fatty acid, with the specific FAME profile varying with strain. Thus, there is a rich diversity of microalgal strains native to Pakistan, some of which, characterized here, could be suitable for biodiesel production or other biotechnological applications.
On the Use of Causality Inference in Designing Tariffs to Implement More Effective Behavioral Demand Response Programs
Authors: Ganesan Kamalanathan , Tomé Saraiva João , Bessa Ricardo J.
Published: July 2019

Providing a price tariff that matches the randomized behavior of residential consumers is one of the major barriers to demand response (DR) implementation. The current trend of DR products provided by aggregators or retailers are not consumer-specific, which poses additional barriers for the engagement of consumers in these programs. In order to address this issue, this paper describes a methodology based on causality inference between DR tariffs and observed residential electricity consumption to estimate consumers’ consumption elasticity. It determines the flexibility of each client under the considered DR program and identifies whether the tariffs offered by the DR program affect the consumers’ usual consumption or not. The aim of this approach is to aid aggregators and retailers to better tune DR offers to consumer needs and so to enlarge the response rate to their DR programs. We identify a set of critical clients who actively participate in DR events along with the most responsive and least responsive clients for the considered DR program. We find that the percentage of DR consumers who actively participate seem to be much less than expected by retailers, indicating that not all consumers’ elasticity is effectively utilized.
ASFORESEE: A Harmonized Model for Economic Evaluation of Forest Protection against Rockfall
Authors: Accastello Cristian , Bianchi Ettore , Blanc Simone , Brun Filippo
Published: July 2019

Gravitational hazards, such as rockfall, constitute a major risk in mountainous areas, threatening dwellers, goods, and infrastructures, and ultimately posing a challenge to their development. Ecosystem-based solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR), such as protection forests, can play a significant role in mitigating these risks by integrating the protective structures currently adopted, which are often costly and could entail higher environmental impacts. This study develops an economic model called ASFORESEE (Alpine Space FORest Ecosystem Services Economic Evaluation) to assess the protective service forests provide against rockfall within a standardized framework adopting a precautionary approach. The Replacement Cost approach was adopted, measuring the protection effectiveness, the need for protection of the stakeholders and defining a harmonized method for the design of the defensive structures. Applying the model to a case study in the Italian Alps, the results show the forest has a relevant protective effect able to fulfil the stakeholders’ needs, with a value of 30,440 € ha−1, equal to 950 € ha−1 year−1, within the 25-year timespan considered. ASFORESEE could feasibly be adopted in other mountainous contexts, due to its harmonized structure reliant on minimal assumptions. Its adoption would foster the acknowledgment of the forest role and to further support the inclusion of Eco-DRR in local risk management plans.
Composite Performance Evaluation of Basalt Textile-Reinforced Geopolymer Mortar
Authors: Le Chi Hiep , Louda Petr , Le Van Su , Volesky Lukas , Kovacic Vladimir , Bakalova Totka
Published: July 2019

Basalt fiber is a novel type of inorganic fiber which is produced from the extrusion of natural vocalnic basalt rocks through their melting process at high temperature. So the quality and strength characteristics of basalt fiber depend mainly on both the quality of raw material and manufacturing processing. Basalt fabric-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCM) are a novel composite and an extensive scientific investigation is still ongoing for geopolymer composite. Based on three types of basalt textile with respect to various net sizes, the aim of this paper is to evaluate the flexural performance of basalt textile-reinforced geopolymer composite through the four-point bending test. The specimens of rectangular form with the dimension of 400 × 100 × 15 mm3, reinforced with one to four layers of each type of basalt textile, were produced. They were then tested at the age of about 40 days after casting. On the other hand, the number of the specimens reinforced with four layers were considered to assess the mechanical strength of the specimens at longer periods of ageing time (60, 90, 150, 180 days). The experimental results showed that with the increasing number of reinforcing layers, the specimens significantly improved the mechanical strength, except for those reinforced with basalt textile of big net size. The specimens reinforced with basalt textile of big net size had no impact on post-crack mechanical strength, however, it helps to arrest the catastrophic brittle failure of the specimens; the failure of these specimens is due to localization of first crack. When the specimens were exposed to the further ageing times, the mechanical strength of the specimens were decreased over time. All the reinforced specimens have the same failure mode by flexural failure due to the rupture of fiber yarn in matrix, and no debonding of fiber yarn or a gradual peeling process of mortar matrix happened during testing.
Convective Drying of Fresh and Frozen Raspberries and Change of Their Physical and Nutritive Properties
Authors: Stamenković Zoran , Pavkov Ivan , Radojčin Milivoj , Tepić Horecki Aleksandra , Kešelj Krstan , Bursać Kovačević Danijela , Putnik Predrag
Published: July 2019

Raspberries are one of Serbia’s best-known and most widely exported fruits. Due to market fluctuation, producers are looking for ways to preserve this fresh product. Drying is a widely accepted method for preserving berries, as is the case with freeze-drying. Hence, the aim was to evaluate convective drying as an alternative to freeze-drying due to better accessibility, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness of Polana raspberries and compare it to a freeze-drying. Three factors were in experimental design: air temperature (60, 70, and 80 °C), air velocity (0,5 and 1,5 m · s−1), and state of a product (fresh and frozen). Success of drying was evaluated with several quality criteria: shrinkage (change of volume), color change, shape, content of L-ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity. A considerable influence of convective drying on color changes was not observed, as ΔE was low for all samples. It was obvious that fresh raspberries had less physical changes than frozen ones. On average, convective drying reduced L–ascorbic acid content by 80.00–99.99%, but less than 60% for other biologically active compounds as compared to fresh raspberries. Convective dried Polana raspberry may be considered as a viable replacement for freeze-dried raspberries.