bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Test on Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) Modified Asphalt Based on the Different Evaluation Methods
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Hainian , You Zhanping , Gao Junfeng , Irfan Muhammad
Published: January 2019

To uniform the evaluation indicators of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) modified asphalt, the SK70# and SK90# matrix asphalt were modified by different SBS modifier dosage in this study. The test methods in China and Superpave were used to test the performance of each SBS-modified asphalt respectively, from which the appropriate evaluation index of SBS-modified asphalt was determined. The results showed that the addition of SBS modifier improved the high temperature performance and lowered the temperature sensitivity of asphalt binder, while it increased the viscosity of asphalt binder in high temperatures. Due to the variability that appeared in the results of the penetration test by the swelling of SBS-modified asphalt, the penetration test was not recommended to evaluate the performances of SBS-modified asphalt. The softening point of SBS-modified asphalt with the modifier dosages of 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6% increased 5.7%, 12.8%, 22.5% and 26.4% respectively compared to the matrix asphalt for SK70# matrix asphalt, and increased 21.2%, 26.3%, 33.6% and 46.6% respectively compared to the matrix asphalt for SK90# matrix asphalt. The effect of SBS-modifier on the softening point of SK90# matrix asphalt is significantly better than that of SK70# matrix asphalt. The improvement effect of SBS modifier on low temperature performance of matrix asphalt decreased with a decrease in test temperature. When studying the influence of the SBS modifier on the low temperature performance of asphalt binder, it was recommended to use the bending beam rheometer (BBR) test to evaluate the low temperature performance of SBS-modified asphalt.
Development and Validation of Aerodynamic Measurement on a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine in the Field
Authors: Wu Guangxing , Zhang Lei , Yang Ke
Published: January 2019

Aerodynamic measurement on horizontal axis wind turbines in the field is a challenging research topic and also an essential research method on the aerodynamic performance of blades in real atmospheric inflow conditions. However, the angle of attack is difficult to determine in the field due to the unsteadiness and unevenness of the inflow. To study the measuring and analyzing method of angle of attack in the field, a platform was developed based on a 100 kW wind turbine from the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics (IET) in China in this paper. Seven-hole probes were developed and installed at the leading edge to measure the inflow direction, static and total pressure at the near field. Two data reducing processes, sideslip angle correction, and induced velocity correction, were proposed to determine the effective angle of attack based on the inflow data measured by probes. The aerodynamic measurement platform was first validated by the comparison with wind tunnel results. Then some particular aerodynamic phenomenon in the field were discussed. As a result, the angle of attack varies quasi-periodically with the rotation of the rotor, which is caused by the yaw angle of the inflow. The variation of angle of attack induces dynamic response of a clockwise hysteresis loop in lift coefficient. The dynamic response is the main source of a dispersion of instantaneous lift coefficients with a standard deviation of 0.2.
Heat Stress Pattern in Conditioned Office Buildings with Shallow Plan Forms in Metropolitan Colombo
Authors: Rajapaksha Upendra
Published: January 2019

This paper critically evaluates indoor overheating of multilevel office buildings in Colombo—a tropical warm humid city. The work questions the building morphological characteristics on thermal performance and indoor climate, thus the levels of Building Energy Indices (BEI) of air conditioned buildings. Pattern of heat stress on buildings due to building characteristics and its relationship to the BEI were identified. A study of 87 multilevel office buildings contributed to identify two critical cases in shallow plan form with similar morphological characteristics such as wall-to-window ratio, aspect ratio, orientation, occupant and equipment density, and façade architecture. A comprehensive thermal performance investigation on these two critical cases quantified the heat stress patterns on their facades and thus indoor thermal environments. Indoor air temperature during office hours in 3 m × 3 m multizones across the depths and lengths in these two buildings showed deviations up to 10.5 °C above the set point temperature level (24 °C). Findings highlight the severity of heat stress on air conditioned indoor environments and the need to address this issue for energy sustainability of urban office buildings in the tropics.
Plasma Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptors and B7-2+ Extracellular Vesicles in Blood Correlate with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Disease Severity
Authors: Hagiwara Shin-ichiro , Hasdemir Burcu , Heyman Melvin B. , Chang Lin , Bhargava Aditi
Published: January 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are composed of bilayer membranes that are released by different cell types and are present in bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, and bile. EVs are thought to play a key role in intracellular communication. Based on their size and density, EVs are classified into small, medium, or large EVs. Cargo composition in EVs reflects physiological changes in health and disease. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) exhibit visceral hypersensitivity and mood disorders. Stressful episodes often precede disease symptoms in IBS patients. Stress-induced symptoms include, but are not limited to, abdominal pain and mood swings. Perceived stress responses are mediated by two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 and 2 (CRFRs). CRFRs belong to the Class B secretin receptor family of GPCRs. Here, we show that CRFRs were present in human and murine plasma, and in EVs purified from mouse serum. CRFRs were present in plasma from IBS patients and healthy controls. EVs secreted from immune cells influence both adaptive and innate immune responses via exchange of EVs between different immune cell types. B7-2 (CD86), a plasma membrane antigen-presenting protein, is present on EVs secreted from dendritic, B-, and mast cells, whereas CD9 is present on EVs secreted from dendritic and intestinal epithelial cells. We found that plasma CRFR levels positively correlated with B7-2+ EVs (R = 0.8597, p < 0.0001), but no association was seen with CD9+ EVs. Plasma CRFRs expression negatively correlated with IBS severity scores. Our data suggests that plasma EVs from immune cells carry CRFRs as cargos and influence cell-cell communication in health and disease.
Integration of Transcriptome, Proteome, and Metabolome Provides Insights into How Calcium Enhances the Mechanical Strength of Herbaceous Peony Inflorescence Stems
Authors: Zhao Daqiu , Tang Yuhan , Xia Xing , Sun Jing , Meng Jiasong , Shang Jiali , Tao Jun
Published: January 2019

Weak stem mechanical strength severely restrains cut flowers quality and stem weakness can be alleviated by calcium (Ca) treatment, but the mechanisms underlying Ca-mediated enhancement of stem mechanical strength remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed a comparative transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analysis of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) inflorescence stems treated with nanometer Ca carbonate (Nano-CaCO3). In total, 2643 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 892 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected between the Control and nano-CaCO3 treatment. Among the 892 DEPs, 152 were coregulated at both the proteomic and transcriptomic levels, and 24 DEPs related to the secondary cell wall were involved in signal transduction, energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and lignin biosynthesis, most of which were upregulated after nano-CaCO3 treatment during the development of inflorescence stems. Among these four pathways, numerous differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) related to lignin biosynthesis were identified. Furthermore, structural observations revealed the thickening of the sclerenchyma cell walls, and the main wall constitutive component lignin accumulated significantly in response to nano-CaCO3 treatment, thereby indicating that Ca can enhance the mechanical strength of the inflorescence stems by increasing the lignin accumulation. These results provided insights into how Ca treatment enhances the mechanical strength of inflorescence stems in P. lactiflora.
Addressing Marginality and Exclusion: The Resettlement Experiences of War-Affected Young People in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Buccitelli Andie (Saša) , Denov Myriam
Published: January 2019

Accessing meaningful forms of support can be an onerous experience for young people resettling from war-affected contexts. In addition to facing linguistic and financial barriers in this process, these young people negotiate care systems that are often structurally and culturally insensitive to their unique needs, values, beliefs, and intersectional experiences of oppression. Drawing on interviews with 22 young people from war-affected areas living in Quebec, Canada, this paper critically examines how dominant cultural norms and social relations in Quebec’s health, social and educational services network shape their experiences in seeking care, healing and belonging. Alternative care systems and approaches, as proposed by the participants, are then explored. The findings emphasize the need for spaces and care services where war-affected young people’s identities and lived realities are validated and represented.
Entropy Generation Analysis and Thermodynamic Optimization of Jet Impingement Cooling Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Ries Florian , Li Yongxiang , Nishad Kaushal , Janicka Johannes , Sadiki Amsini
Published: January 2019

In this work, entropy generation analysis is applied to characterize and optimize a turbulent impinging jet on a heated solid surface. In particular, the influence of plate inclinations and Reynolds numbers on the turbulent heat and fluid flow properties and its impact on the thermodynamic performance of such flow arrangements are numerically investigated. For this purpose, novel model equations are derived in the frame of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) that allows calculation of local entropy generation rates in a post-processing phase including the effect of unresolved subgrid-scale irreversibilities. From this LES-based study, distinctive features of heat and flow dynamics of the impinging fluid are detected and optimal operating designs for jet impingement cooling are identified. It turned out that (1) the location of the stagnation point and that of the maximal Nusselt number differ in the case of plate inclination; (2) predominantly the impinged wall acts as a strong source of irreversibility; and (3) a flow arrangement with a jet impinging normally on the heated surface allows the most efficient use of energy which is associated with lowest exergy lost. Furthermore, it is found that increasing the Reynolds number intensifies the heat transfer and upgrades the second law efficiency of such thermal systems. Thereby, the thermal efficiency enhancement can overwhelm the frictional exergy loss.
Artificial Neural Network Based Reinforcement Learning for Wind Turbine Yaw Control
Authors: Saenz-Aguirre Aitor , Zulueta Ekaitz , Fernandez-Gamiz Unai , Lozano Javier , Lopez-Guede Jose Manuel
Published: January 2019

This paper introduces a novel data driven yaw control algorithm synthesis method based on Reinforcement Learning (RL) for a variable pitch variable speed wind turbine. Yaw control has not been extendedly studied in the literature; in fact, most of the currently considered developments in the scope of the wind energy are oriented to the pitch and speed control. The most important drawbacks of the yaw control are the very large time constants and the strict yaw angle change rate constraints due to the high mechanical loads when the wind turbine angle is changed in order to adequate it to the wind speed orientation. An optimal yaw control algorithm needs to be designed in order to adapt the rotor orientation depending on the wind turbine dynamics and the local wind speed regime. Consequently, the biggest challenge of the yaw control algorithm is to decide the moment and the quantity of the wind turbine orientation variation to achieve the highest quantity of power at each instant, taking into account the constraints derived from the mechanical limitations of the yawing system and the mechanical loads. In this paper, a novel based algorithm based on the RL Q-Learning algorithm is introduced. The first step is to obtain a model of the power generated by the wind turbine (a real onshore wind turbine in this paper) through a power curve, that in conjunction with a conventional proportional regulator will be used to obtain a dataset that explains the actual behaviour of the real wind turbine when a variety of different yaw control commands are imposed. That knowledge is then used to learn the best control action for each different state of the wind turbine with respect to the wind direction represented by the yaw angle, storing that knowledge in a matrix Q(s,a). The last step is to model that matrix through a MultiLayer Perceptron with BackPropagation (MLP-BP) Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to avoid large matrix management and quantification problems. Once that the optimal yaw controller has been synthetized, its performance has been assessed using a number of wind speed realizations obtained using the software application TurbSim, in order to analyze how the introduced novel algorithm deals with different wind speed scenarios.
Discriminating Wet Snow and Firn for Alpine Glaciers Using Sentinel-1 Data: A Case Study at Rofental, Austria
Authors: Heilig Achim , Wendleder Anna , Schmitt Andreas , Mayer Christoph
Published: January 2019

Continuous monitoring of glacier changes supports our understanding of climate related glacier behavior. Remote sensing data offer the unique opportunity to observe individual glaciers as well as entire mountain ranges. In this study, we used synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data to monitor the recession of wet snow area extent per season for three different glacier areas of the Rofental, Austria. For four glaciological years (GYs, 2014/2015–2017/2018), Sentinel-1 (S1) SAR data were acquired and processed. For all four GYs, the seasonal snow retreated above the elevation range of perennial firn. The described processing routine is capable of discriminating wet snow from firn areas for all GYs with sufficient accuracy. For a short in situ transect of the snow—firn boundary, SAR derived wet snow extent agreed within an accuracy of three to four pixels or 30–40 m. For entire glaciers, we used optical remote sensing imagery and field data to assess reliability of derived wet snow covered area extent. Differences in determination of snow covered area between optical data and SAR analysis did not exceed 10% on average. Offsets of SAR data to results of annual field assessments are below 10% as well. The introduced workflow for S1 data will contribute to monitoring accumulation area extent for remote and hazardous glacier areas and thus improve the data basis for such locations.
Assessing Damage to Archaeological Heritage in Criminal and Administrative Proceedings
Authors: Rodríguez Temiño Ignacio
Published: January 2019

The economic assessment of damage to movable and immovable objects considered part of archaeological heritage is a matter of increasing interest, both at the legal level and in terms of government management. The primary reason for this interest is the urgent need to agree on a sound and reliable approach to economically quantifying not so much the cultural value of the damage caused as the civil liability for having caused it in those cases in which it was produced by a harmful human act. Assessment methods require a broad consensus to be considered reliable. The lack of consideration given to this matter has only made the absence of such a consensus more acute. This paper offers a mainly Spanish case-based analysis of the most common valuation methods for both movable and immovable archaeological objects. With regard to movable objects, it examines the problems involved in both the exclusive use of an object’s market price as its cultural value and the lack of justification for the chosen valuation system, concluding that current methods are insufficient. This insufficiency, also perceived by the authors of the expert reports used in the analyzed proceedings, has been dealt with arbitrarily. With regard to immovable object, it concludes that the systems currently used to assess the damage to sites are likewise insufficient, despite having been legally acknowledged in some cases. This paper will thus examine the methods used in environmental assessments—whose parallels with archaeological heritage are clear—and proposes that they be adapted for this purpose.
Semantics-Constrained Advantageous Information Selection of Multimodal Spatiotemporal Data for Landslide Disaster Assessment
Authors: Zhu Qing , Zhang Junxiao , Ding Yulin , Liu Mingwei , Li Yun , Feng Bin , Miao Shuangxi , Yang Weijun , He Huagui , Zhu Jun
Published: January 2019

Although abundant spatiotemporal data are collected before and after landslides, the volume, variety, intercorrelation, and heterogeneity of multimodal data complicates disaster assessments, so it is challenging to select information from multimodal spatiotemporal data that is advantageous for credible and comprehensive disaster assessment. In disaster scenarios, multimodal data exhibit intrinsic relationships, and their interactions can greatly influence selection results. Previous data retrieval methods have mainly focused on candidate ranking while ignoring the generation and evaluation of candidate subsets. In this paper, a semantic-constrained data selection approach is proposed. First, multitype relationships are defined and reasoned through the heterogeneous information network. Then, relevance, redundancy, and complementarity are redefined to evaluate data sets in terms of semantic proximity and similarity. Finally, the approach is tested using Mao County (China) landslide data. The proposed method can automatically and effectively generate suitable datasets for certain tasks rather than simply ranking by similarity, and the selection results are compared with manual results to verify their effectiveness.
Lactoferrin Induces the Synthesis of Vitamin B6 and Protects HUVEC Functions by Activating PDXP and the PI3K/AKT/ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Li Huiying , Wang Yizhen , Yang Huaigu , Liu Li , Wang Jiaqi , Zheng Nan
Published: January 2019

As a nutritional active protein in foods, multiple studies of the biological activities of lactoferrin had been undertaken, including antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibiosis, and antiparasitic effects, while the mechanism related with its protection of cardiovascular system remained elusive. In the present work, the effect of lactoferrin on the viability of HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) was detected to select the proper doses. Moreover, transcriptomics detection and data analysis were performed to screen out the special genes and the related pathways. Meanwhile, the regulation of lactoferrin in the functional factors thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) was detected. Then, the small interfering RNA (SiRNA) fragment of the selected gene pyridoxal phosphatase (PDXP) was transfected into HUVECs to validate its role in protecting HUVECs function. Results showed that lactoferrin inhibited the expression of TXA2 and activated expression of PGI2, as well as activated expression of PDXP, which significantly up-regulated the synthesis of vitamin B6 (VB6) and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT)/ extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2 pathway. For the first time, we revealed that lactoferrin could induce the synthesis of VB6 and protect HUVECs function through activating PDXP gene and the related pathway.
Cardiotonic Steroids—A Possible Link Between High-Salt Diet and Organ Damage
Authors: Paczula Aneta , Wiecek Andrzej , Piecha Grzegorz
Published: January 2019

High dietary salt intake has been listed among the top ten risk factors for disability-adjusted life years. We discuss the role of endogenous cardiotonic steroids in mediating the dietary salt-induced hypertension and organ damage.
Region-Specific Neuroprotective Features of Astrocytes against Oxidative Stress Induced by 6-Hydroxydopamine
Authors: Asanuma Masato , Okumura-Torigoe Nao , Miyazaki Ikuko , Murakami Shinki , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Sendo Toshiaki
Published: January 2019

In previous studies, we found regional differences in the induction of antioxidative molecules in astrocytes against oxidative stress, postulating that region-specific features of astrocytes lead region-specific vulnerability of neurons. We examined region-specific astrocytic features against dopaminergic neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as an oxidative stress using co-culture of mesencephalic neurons and mesencephalic or striatal astrocytes in the present study. The 6-OHDA-induced reduction of mesencephalic dopamine neurons was inhibited by co-culturing with astrocytes. The co-culture of midbrain neurons with striatal astrocytes was more resistant to 6-OHDA than that with mesencephalic astrocytes. Furthermore, glia conditioned medium from 6-OHDA-treated striatal astrocytes showed a greater protective effect on the 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress than that from mesencephalic astrocytes. The cDNA microarray analysis showed that the number of altered genes in both mesencephalic and striatal astrocytes was fewer than that changed in either astrocyte. The 6-OHDA treatment, apparently up-regulated expressions of Nrf2 and some anti-oxidative or Nrf2-regulating phase II, III detoxifying molecules related to glutathione synthesis and export in the striatal astrocytes but not mesencephalic astrocytes. There is a profound regional difference of gene expression in astrocytes induced by 6-OHDA. These results suggest that protective features of astrocytes against oxidative stress are more prominent in striatal astrocytes, possibly by secreting humoral factors in striatal astrocytes.
Functionalized Polymeric Materials with Bio-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides for “Active” Packaging
Authors: Agrillo Bruna , Balestrieri Marco , Gogliettino Marta , Palmieri Gianna , Moretta Rosalba , Proroga Yolande T.R. , Rea Ilaria , Cornacchia Alessandra , Capuano Federico , Smaldone Giorgio , De Stefano Luca
Published: January 2019

Food packaging is not only a simple protective barrier, but a real “active” component, which is expected to preserve food quality, safety and shelf-life. Therefore, the materials used for packaging production should show peculiar features and properties. Specifically, antimicrobial packaging has recently gained great attention with respect to both social and economic impacts. In this paper, the results obtained by using a polymer material functionalized by a small synthetic peptide as “active” packaging are reported. The surface of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), one of the most commonly used plastic materials in food packaging, was plasma-activated and covalently bio-conjugated to a bactenecin-derivative peptide named 1018K6, previously characterized in terms of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. The immobilization of the peptide occurred at a high yield and no release was observed under different environmental conditions. Moreover, preliminary data clearly demonstrated that the “active” packaging was able to significantly reduce the total bacterial count together with yeast and mold spoilage in food-dairy products. Finally, the functionalized-PET polymer showed stronger efficiency in inhibiting biofilm growth, using a Listeria monocytogenes strain isolated from food products. The use of these “active” materials would greatly decrease the risk of pathogen development and increase the shelf-life in the food industry, showing a real potential against a panel of microorganisms upon exposure to fresh and stored products, high chemical stability and re-use possibility.
Human Brain Endothelial CXCR2 is Inflammation-Inducible and Mediates CXCL5- and CXCL8-Triggered Paraendothelial Barrier Breakdown
Authors: Haarmann Axel , Schuhmann Michael , Silwedel Christine , Monoranu Camelia-Maria , Stoll Guido , Buttmann Mathias
Published: January 2019

Chemokines (C-X-C) motif ligand (CXCL) 5 and 8 are overexpressed in patients with multiple sclerosis, where CXCL5 serum levels were shown to correlate with blood–brain barrier dysfunction as evidenced by gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Here, we studied the potential role of CXCL5/CXCL8 receptor 2 (CXCR2) as a regulator of paraendothelial brain barrier function, using the well-characterized human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3. Low basal CXCR2 mRNA and protein expression levels in hCMEC/D3 were found to strongly increase under inflammatory conditions. Correspondingly, immunohistochemistry of brain biopsies from two patients with active multiple sclerosis revealed upregulation of endothelial CXCR2 compared to healthy control tissue. Recombinant CXCL5 or CXCL8 rapidly and transiently activated Akt/protein kinase B in hCMEC/D3. This was followed by a redistribution of tight junction-associated protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and by the formation of actin stress fibers. Functionally, these morphological changes corresponded to a decrease of paracellular barrier function, as measured by a real-time electrical impedance-sensing system. Importantly, preincubation with the selective CXCR2 antagonist SB332235 partially prevented chemokine-induced disturbance of both tight junction morphology and function. We conclude that human brain endothelial CXCR2 may contribute to blood–brain barrier disturbance under inflammatory conditions with increased CXCL5 and CXCL8 expression, where CXCR2 may also represent a novel pharmacological target for blood–brain barrier stabilization.
Temperature-Mediated Variations in Behavior and Mortality Caused by Non-Repellent Insecticides in Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Quarcoo Franklin Y. , Hu Xing Ping , Appel Arthur G.
Published: January 2019

Behavioral symptoms and mortality associated with intoxication with insecticides fipronil and indoxacarb were determined in field-collected eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), and Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Behaviors and mortality were evaluated at three temperatures (16, 22, and 28 °C) and three concentrations of fipronil (0.5, 1, and 5 ppm) and indoxacarb (50, 75, and 100 ppm). LT50 (median lethal time to kill 50% of the termites) values declined with increasing concentrations and temperatures for both fipronil-exposed eastern and Formosan subterranean termites, whereas these values were not always the highest at 16 °C for indoxacarb-treated termites. The greatest change (reduction) in LT50 values occurred for both species between 16 and 22 °C at the lowest concentration of each insecticide. Intoxication and moribundity were the most frequently observed behaviors for fipronil-exposed termites, whereas intoxication, ataxia, and moribundity were observed for most concentration and temperature combinations for indoxacarb-exposed termites. The inherent toxicity of fipronil was higher than that of indoxacarb. The higher presence and duration of intoxication behaviors may positively affect the performance of indoxacarb against subterranean termite colonies.
Real-World Database Examining the Association between Sjögren’s Syndrome and Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Chang Geng-He , Chen Yu-Cheng , Lin Ko-Ming , Yang Yao-Hsu , Liu Chia-Yen , Lin Meng-Hung , Wu Ching-Yuan , Hsu Cheng-Ming , Tsai Ming-Shao
Published: January 2019

Objective: To investigate the risk of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) among patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Method: A total of 18,723 patients diagnosed with SS between 1997 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Moreover, 59,568 patients without SS were matched to patients with SS at a 1:4 ratio on the basis of sex, age, urbanization level, income level, and the comorbidities of rhinitis and nasal sepal deviation. Patients were followed up until death or the end of the study period (31 December, 2013). The primary outcome was the occurrence of CRS. Results: The cumulative incidence of CRS was significantly higher in patients with SS than in those without SS (p < 0.001). The adjusted Cox proportional hazard model showed that patients with SS had a significantly higher incidence of CRS (hazard ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 2.22–2.84; p < 0.001). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses demonstrated SS was an independent risk factor for CRS. The dosage of intranasal corticosteroid spray used was not different between the SS and non-SS groups. Fewer patients with CRS in the SS group underwent sinus surgery (82/407 (20.2%)) than those in the non-SS group (179/667 (26.8%)) and this finding was statistically significant (p = 0.013). The number of operations did not differ significantly between patients with CRS in the SS and non-SS groups. Conclusions: SS is an independent risk factor for CRS. Our study extends the disease spectrum and prompts physicians to be aware of potential CRS occurrence after SS.
P-S-N Curve Description of Laser Metal Deposition Ti-6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V Titanium Alloy after Duplex Annealing
Authors: Wang Tianshuai , He Xiaofan , Wang Xiaobo , Li Yuhai
Published: January 2019

Fatigue tests were conducted on standard smooth laser metal deposition (LMD) Ti-6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V titanium alloy specimens under three constant-amplitude stresses. The mixed failure behaviors and the influence of internal pores on the fatigue life were discussed in detail. The double-peak characteristics of the fatigue life distribution have been observed, and a bimodal lognormal distribution (BLG) with five variables can be used to describe the fatigue life variation. A parameter estimation method based on the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method was proposed to estimate the BLG distribution parameters, and the Newton–Raphson algorithm was used to solve the nonlinear equations derived from the likelihood functions. A P-S-N curve description of LMD titanium alloy was established based on the BLG and verified by fatigue life data obtained from a fatigue test.
Structural and Mechanical Properties of Ti–Co Alloys Treated by High Pressure Torsion
Authors: Straumal Boris B. , Korneva Anna , Kilmametov Askar R. , Lityńska-Dobrzyńska Lidia , Gornakova Alena S. , Chulist Robert , Karpov Mikhail I. , Zięba Paweł
Published: January 2019

The microstructure and properties of titanium-based alloys can be tailored using severe plastic deformation. The structure and microhardness of Ti–4 wt.% Co alloy have been studied after preliminary annealing and following high pressure torsion (HPT). The Ti–4 wt.% Co alloy has been annealed at 400, 500, and 600 °C, i.e., below the temperature of eutectoid transformation in the Ti–4 wt.% Co system. The amount of Co dissolved in α-Ti increased with increasing annealing temperature. HPT led to the transformation of α-Ti in ω-Ti. After HPT, the amount of ω-phase in the sample annealed at 400 °C was about 80­85%, i.e., higher than in pure titanium (about 40%). However, with increasing temperature of pre-annealing, the portion of ω-phase decreased (60–65% at 500 °C and about 5% at 600 °C). The microhardness of all investigated samples increased with increasing temperature of pre-annealing.
Bioreactor-Scale Strategies for the Production of Recombinant Protein in the Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Vandermies Marie , Fickers Patrick
Published: January 2019

Recombinant protein production represents a multibillion-dollar market. Therefore, it constitutes an important research field both in academia and industry. The use of yeast as a cell factory presents several advantages such as ease of genetic manipulation, growth at high cell density, and the possibility of post-translational modifications. Yarrowia lipolytica is considered as one of the most attractive hosts due to its ability to metabolize raw substrate, to express genes at a high level, and to secrete protein in large amounts. In recent years, several reviews have been dedicated to genetic tools developed for this purpose. Though the construction of efficient cell factories for recombinant protein synthesis is important, the development of an efficient process for recombinant protein production in a bioreactor constitutes an equally vital aspect. Indeed, a sports car cannot drive fast on a gravel road. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive snapshot of process tools to consider for recombinant protein production in bioreactor using Y. lipolytica as a cell factory, in order to facilitate the decision-making for future strain and process engineering.
An Overview of Significant Achievements in Ruthenium-Based Molecular Water Oxidation Catalysis
Authors: Kamdar Jayneil M. , Grotjahn Douglas B.
Published: January 2019

Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are becoming increasingly disfavored as long-term energy options due to concerns of scarcity and environmental consequences (e.g., release of anthropogenic CO2). Hydrogen gas, on the other hand, has gained popularity as a clean-burning fuel because the only byproduct from its reaction with O2 is H2O. In recent decades, hydrogen derived from water splitting has been a topic of extensive research. The bottleneck of the water splitting reaction is the difficult water oxidation step (2H2O → O2 + 4H+ + 4e−), which requires an effective and robust catalyst to overcome its high kinetic barrier. Research in water oxidation by molecular ruthenium catalysts enjoys a rich history spanning nearly 40 years. As the diversity of novel ligands continues to widen, the relationship between ligand geometry or electronics, and catalyst activity is undoubtedly becoming clearer. The present review highlights, in the authors’ opinion, some of the most impactful discoveries in the field and explores the evolution of ligand design that has led to the current state of the art.
Fully Printed Zinc Oxide Electrolyte-Gated Transistors on Paper
Authors: Carvalho José Tiago , Dubceac Viorel , Grey Paul , Cunha Inês , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Clausner Andre , Zschech Ehrenfried , Pereira Luís
Published: January 2019

Fully printed and flexible inorganic electrolyte gated transistors (EGTs) on paper with a channel layer based on an interconnected zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle matrix are reported in this work. The required rheological properties and good layer formation after printing are obtained using an eco-friendly binder such as ethyl cellulose (EC) to disperse the ZnO nanoparticles. Fully printed devices on glass substrates using a composite solid polymer electrolyte as gate dielectric exhibit saturation mobility above 5 cm2 V−1 s−1 after annealing at 350 °C. Proper optimization of the nanoparticle content in the ink allows for the formation of a ZnO channel layer at a maximum annealing temperature of 150 °C, compatible with paper substrates. These devices show low operation voltages, with a subthreshold slope of 0.21 V dec−1, a turn on voltage of 1.90 V, a saturation mobility of 0.07 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an Ion/Ioff ratio of more than three orders of magnitude.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Glutathione, Garlic Derivatives, and Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Rodrigues Camila , Percival Susan S.
Published: January 2019

Glutathione and aged garlic extract are sulfur-containing products that play important protective and regulatory roles within the immune system and in oxidative processes. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous, gaseous, signaling transmitter, has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of inflammation. Recent studies have shown that sulfur-containing compounds from garlic have beneficial effects in attenuating outcomes associated with cardiovascular disease and inflammation by a mechanism that may be related to the H2S signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize the main functions of glutathione (GSH), garlic derivatives and H2S and their role in the immune response and impact on health and disease.
Recent Trends and Advances of Silicon-Based Integrated Microwave Photonics
Authors: Maram Reza , Kaushal Saket , Azaña José , Chen Lawrence
Published: January 2019

Multitude applications of photonic devices and technologies for the generation and manipulation of arbitrary and random microwave waveforms, at unprecedented processing speeds, have been proposed in the literature over the past three decades. This class of photonic applications for microwave engineering is known as microwave photonics (MWP). The vast capabilities of MWP have allowed the realization of key functionalities which are either highly complex or simply not possible in the microwave domain alone. Recently, this growing field has adopted the integrated photonics technologies to develop microwave photonic systems with enhanced robustness as well as with a significant reduction of size, cost, weight, and power consumption. In particular, silicon photonics technology is of great interest for this aim as it offers outstanding possibilities for integration of highly-complex active and passive photonic devices, permitting monolithic integration of MWP with high-speed silicon electronics. In this article, we present a review of recent work on MWP functions developed on the silicon platform. We particularly focus on newly reported designs for signal modulation, arbitrary waveform generation, filtering, true-time delay, phase shifting, beam steering, and frequency measurement.
Strength in Numbers: Combining Multi-Source Remotely Sensed Data to Model Plant Invasions in Coastal Dune Ecosystems
Authors: Malavasi Marco , Barták Vojtěch , Jucker Tommaso , Acosta Alicia Teresa Rosario , Carranza Maria Laura , Bazzichetto Manuele
Published: January 2019

A common feature of most theories of invasion ecology is that the extent and intensity of invasions is driven by a combination of drivers, which can be grouped into three main factors: propagule pressure (P), abiotic drivers (A) and biotic interactions (B). However, teasing apart the relative contribution of P, A and B on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) distributions is typically hampered by a lack of data. We focused on Mediterranean coastal dunes as a model system to test the ability of a combination of multi-source Remote Sensing (RS) data to characterize the distribution of five IAS. Using generalized linear models, we explored and ranked correlates of P, A and B derived from high-resolution optical imagery and three-dimensional (3D) topographic models obtained from LiDAR, along two coastal systems in Central Italy (Lazio and Molise Regions). Predictors from all three factors contributed significantly to explaining the presence of IAS, but their relative importance varied among the two Regions, supporting previous studies suggesting that invasion is a context-dependent process. The use of RS data allowed us to characterize the distribution of IAS across broad, regional scales and to identify coastal sectors that are most likely to be invaded in the future.
Comparative Experimental Study of a High-Temperature Raman-Based Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor with Different Special Fibers
Authors: Laarossi Ismail , Quintela-Incera María Ángeles , López-Higuera José Miguel
Published: January 2019

An experimental study of a high temperature distributed optical fiber sensor based on Raman Optical-Time-Domain-Reflectometry (ROTDR) (up to 450 °C) and optical fibers with different coatings (polyimide/carbon, copper, aluminum and gold) is presented. Analysis of the distributed temperature sensor (DTS) measurements determined the most appropriate optical fiber to be used in high temperature industrial environment over long periods of time. To demonstrate the feasibility of this DTS for an industrial application, an optical cable was designed with the appropriate optical fiber and it was hermetically sealed to provide the required mechanical resistance and isolate the fiber from environmental degradations. This cable was used to measure temperature up to 360 °C of an industrial furnace during 7 days.
Child Protection and Social Inequality: Editorial
Authors: Bywaters Paul , Featherstone Brid , Morris Kate
Published: January 2019

In the UK and internationally, reducing inequalities in health and education has become accepted across the political spectrum as an essential component of government policy [...]
Climate Resilient Urban Development
Authors: McEvoy Darryn
Published: January 2019

A combination of population growth, unprecedented rates of urbanization, and a changing climate, is leading to complex resilience challenges for Governments and societies around the world [...]
An Adaptive Signal Control Method with Optimal Detector Locations
Authors: Zhu Senlai , Guo Ke , Guo Yuntao , Tao Huairen , Shi Quan
Published: January 2019

The adaptive traffic signal control system is a key component of intelligent transportation systems and has a primary role in effectively reducing traffic congestion. The high costs of implementation and maintenance limit the applicability of the adaptive traffic signal control system, especially in developing countries. This paper proposes a low-cost adaptive signal control method that is easy to implement. Two detectors are installed in each vehicle lane at an optimal location determined by the proposed method to detect green and red redundancy time, based on which the original signal timing is adjusted through a signal controller. The proposed method is evaluated through case studies with low and high volume-to-capacity ratio intersections. The results show that the proposed adaptive signal control method can significantly reduce total traffic delay at intersections.
Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Sustainability Measures: A Systems Approach for Policy Prioritization
Authors: Lavers Westin Alexandra , Kalmykova Yuliya , Rosado Leonardo
Published: January 2019

Decision makers are tasked with defining and implementing measures that can meet established environmental targets. However, it is not always clear how effective the measure(s) will be in meeting the specified goals and which measures should be prioritized for implementation. To fill this gap, we have developed a method for testing planned actions to estimate potential impact on targets. The method can be performed at any scale, e.g., at the national, regional, or city level. The approach considers several factors, including the total consumption of an area, region-specific consumption-based environmental hotspots, the decision makers, the reduction targets and related measures, as well as multiple impact types. We present the method using the example of the municipality Gothenburg, Sweden. In collaboration with local authorities in Gothenburg, we co-created scenarios that bundle proposed measures intended to make progress towards their climate target of 3.5 tons carbon dioxide equivalents per capita. We then quantified how measures related to two known environmental hotspots, fuel and electronics, may affect climate change impact levels by the target year of 2035. The scenarios indicate that despite targeting known high-impact product types in Gothenburg, the efforts lead to only 14% of the reduction needed to meet the specified goal.
On Distributed Denial of Service Current Defense Schemes
Authors: Kotey Seth Djane , Tchao Eric Tutu , Gadze James Dzisi
Published: January 2019

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are a major threat to any network-based service provider. The ability of an attacker to harness the power of a lot of compromised devices to launch an attack makes it even more complex to handle. This complexity can increase even more when several attackers coordinate to launch an attack on one victim. Moreover, attackers these days do not need to be highly skilled to perpetrate an attack. Tools for orchestrating an attack can easily be found online and require little to no knowledge about attack scripts to initiate an attack. Studies have been done severally to develop defense mechanisms to detect and defend against DDoS attacks. As defense schemes are designed and developed, attackers are also on the move to evade these defense mechanisms and so there is a need for a continual study in developing defense mechanisms. This paper discusses the current DDoS defense mechanisms, their strengths and weaknesses.
Metabolic Syndrome and Air Pollution: A Narrative Review of Their Cardiopulmonary Effects
Authors: Clementi Emily , Talusan Angela , Vaidyanathan Sandhya , Veerappan Arul , Mikhail Mena , Ostrofsky Dean , Crowley George , Kim James , Kwon Sophia , Nolan Anna
Published: January 2019

Particulate matter (PM) exposure and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) are both significant global health burdens. PM exposure has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MetSyn and cardiopulmonary diseases. Individuals with pre-existing MetSyn may be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of PM exposure. Our aim was to provide a narrative review of MetSyn/PM-induced systemic inflammation in cardiopulmonary disease, with a focus on prior studies of the World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed Fire Department of New York (FDNY). We included studies (1) published within the last 16-years; (2) described the epidemiology of MetSyn, obstructive airway disease (OAD), and vascular disease in PM-exposed individuals; (3) detailed the known mechanisms of PM-induced inflammation, MetSyn and cardiopulmonary disease; and (4) focused on the effects of PM exposure in WTC-exposed FDNY firefighters. Several investigations support that inhalation of PM elicits pulmonary and systemic inflammation resulting in MetSyn and cardiopulmonary disease. Furthermore, individuals with these preexisting conditions are more sensitive to PM exposure-related inflammation, which can exacerbate their conditions and increase their risk for hospitalization and chronic disease. Mechanistic research is required to elucidate biologically plausible therapeutic targets of MetSyn- and PM-induced cardiopulmonary disease.
Ask Diana: A Keyword-Based Chatbot System for Water-Related Disaster Management
Authors: Tsai Meng-Han , Chen James Yichu , Kang Shih-Chung
Published: January 2019

This research developed a keyword-based chatbot system, Ask Diana, for water-related disaster management. Disaster management has been considered difficult and tedious due to the complex characteristics of disaster-related data. To deal with this problem, this research developed a chatbot system with a water-related disaster database, a user intent mechanism, and an intuitive mobile-device-based user interface. With such a system, users are able to access important data or information they need for decision making by directly asking the proposed chatbot or operating the image-based menus. The system was validated through a usability test and a six-month field test. The results demonstrated that Ask Diana can help related personnel access disaster data intuitively and develop corresponding response strategies efficiently.