bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparisons among Machine Learning Models for the Prediction of Hypercholestrolemia Associated with Exposure to Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium
Authors: Park Hyejin , Kim Kisok
Published: July 2019

Lead, mercury, and cadmium are common environmental pollutants in industrialized countries, but their combined impact on hypercholesterolemia (HC) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of various machine learning (ML) models to predict the prevalence of HC associated with exposure to lead, mercury, and cadmium. A total of 10,089 participants of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2008–2013 were selected and their demographic characteristics, blood concentration of metals, and total cholesterol levels were collected for analysis. For prediction, five ML models, including logistic regression (LR), k-nearest neighbors, decision trees, random forests, and support vector machines (SVM) were constructed and their predictive performances were compared. Of the five ML models, the SVM model was the most accurate and the LR model had the highest area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.718 (95% CI: 0.688–0.748). This study shows the potential of various ML methods to predict HC associated with exposure to metals using population-based survey data.
Benthic Diatom Communities in Korean Estuaries: Species Appearances in Relation to Environmental Variables
Authors: Kim Ha-Kyung , Cho In-Hwan , Hwang Eun-A , Kim Yong-Jae , Kim Baik-Ho
Published: July 2019

In the Korean Peninsula’s southern estuaries, the distributive characteristics of epilithic diatoms and the important environmental factors predicting species occurrence were examined. The collection of diatoms and measurements of water quality and land-use were performed every May between 2009 and 2016, with no influence from the Asian monsoon and snow. Throughout the study, 564 diatoms were classified with first and second dominant species of Nitzschia inconspicua and N. perminuta. Based on diatom appearance and standing crops, the 512 sampling stations were divided into four groups by cluster analysis, and two regions, namely the West and East Sea. Geographically, G1, G2, G3, and G4 were located in the East Sea, Southeast Sea, West Sea, and Southwest Sea, respectively. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) results indicated that environmental factors, such as turbidity, electric conductivity (EC), and total phosphorus (TP), significantly influenced the distribution of epilithic diatoms. A random forest model showed that major environmental factors influencing the diatom species appearance included EC, salinity, turbidity, and total nitrogen. This study demonstrated that the spatial distribution of epilithic diatoms in the southern estuaries of the Korean Peninsula was determined by several factors, including a geographically higher tidal current-driven turbidity increase and higher industrial or anthropogenic nutrient-loading.
A Comprehensive Study of Project Risks in Road Transportation Networks under CPEC
Authors: Alam Sajjad , Yin Zhijun , Ali Ahmad , Ali Sikander , Noor Abdul , Jan Nadeem
Published: July 2019

The China–Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) is a collection of different ongoing projects including transportation, infrastructure, the Gwadar seaport, oil pipeline, and internet connection zone projects. The Chinese government has adopted a development strategy for infrastructure growth and investment in Pakistani and Asian territories through the CPEC project. Transportation is considered the backbone of the CPEC. In addition to the CPEC project is the linked “belt and road initiative” (BRI) project, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and is a harbinger of the future in Asia, as well as in European countries. However, uncertain situations, such as a lack of proper planning, security, and political stability, hinder the growth and development of infrastructure. Three corridors of the CPEC road transportation network, namely, the eastern, the western, and future central alignment, have been examined through a master supposition group using the Delphi technique, which has never been applied to the road transportation network in the CPEC plan. The review is designed to draw master conclusions and demonstrate an outcome for round one and two in the present work. Round one and two investigate the impact of stakeholder support, politicians’ roles, terrorism, security situations, poverty, and economic crises. Using the Delphi technique within the host country hinders the construction of the road network. The results obtained through the appraisal have justified the present potential endeavor.
SfM-MVS Photogrammetry for Rockfall Analysis and Hazard Assessment Along the Ancient Roman Via Flaminia Road at the Furlo Gorge (Italy)
Authors: Vanneschi Claudio , Di Camillo Marco , Aiello Eros , Bonciani Filippo , Salvini Riccardo
Published: July 2019

Rockfall events represent significant hazards for areas characterized by high and steep slopes and therefore effective mitigation controls are essential to control their effect. There are a lot of examples all over the world of anthropic areas at risk because of their proximity to a rock slope. A rockfall runout analysis is a typical 3D problem, but for many years, because of the lack of specific software, powerful computers, and economic reasons, a 2D approach was normally adopted. However, in recent years the use of 3D software has become quite widespread and different runout working approaches have been developed. The contribution and potential use of photogrammetry in this context is undoubtedly great. This paper describes the application of a 3D hybrid working approach, which considers the integrated use of traditional geological methods, Terrestrial Laser Scanning, and drone based Digital Photogrammetry. Such approach was undertaken in order to perform the study of rockfall runout and geological hazard in a natural slope in Italy in correspondence of an archaeological area. Results show the rockfall hazard in the study area and highlights the importance of using photogrammetry for the correct and complete geometrical reconstruction of slope, joints, and block geometries, which is essential for the analysis and design of proper remediation measures.
Decomposition of Repulsive Clusters in Complex Point Processes with Heterogeneous Components
Authors: Song Ci , Pei Tao
Published: July 2019

The decomposition of a point process is useful for the analysis of spatial patterns and in the discovery of potential mechanisms of geographic phenomena. However, when a local repulsive cluster is present in a complex heterogeneous point process, the traditional solution, which is based on clustering, may be invalid for decomposition because a repulsive pattern is not subject to a specific probability distribution function and the effects of aggregative and repulsive components may be counterbalanced. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a method of decomposing repulsive clusters in complex point processes with multiple heterogeneous components. A repulsive cluster is defined as a set of repulsive density-connected points that are separated by a certain distance at a small scale and aggregated at a large scale simultaneously. The H-function is used to identify repulsive clusters by determining the repulsive distance and extracting repulsive points for further clustering. Through simulation experiments based on three datasets, the proposed method has been shown to effectively perform repulsive cluster decomposition in heterogeneous point processes. A case study of the point of interest (POI) dataset in Beijing also indicates that the method can identify meaningful repulsive clusters from types of POIs that represent different service characteristics of shops in different local regions.
Novel Markers of the Metabolic Impact of Exogenous Retinoic Acid with A Focus on Acylcarnitines and Amino Acids
Authors: Ribot Joan , Arreguín Andrea , Kuda Ondrej , Kopecky Jan , Palou Andreu , Bonet Maria Luisa
Published: July 2019

Treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), the carboxylic form of vitamin A, lowers body weight in rodents by promoting oxidative metabolism in multiple tissues including white and brown adipose tissues. We aimed to identify novel markers of the metabolic impact of ATRA through targeted blood metabolomics analyses, with a focus on acylcarnitines and amino acids. Blood was obtained from mice treated with a high ATRA dose (50 mg/kg body weight/day, subcutaneous injection) or placebo (controls) during the 4 days preceding collection. LC-MS/MS analyses with a focus on acylcarnitines and amino acids were conducted on plasma and PBMC. Main results showed that, relative to controls, ATRA-treated mice had in plasma: increased levels of carnitine, acetylcarnitine, and longer acylcarnitine species; decreased levels of citrulline, and increased global arginine bioavailability ratio for nitric oxide synthesis; increased levels of creatine, taurine and docosahexaenoic acid; and a decreased n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio. While some of these features likely reflect the stimulation of lipid mobilization and oxidation promoted by ATRA treatment systemically, other may also play a causal role underlying ATRA actions. The results connect ATRA to specific nutrition-modulated biochemical pathways, and suggest novel mechanisms of action of vitamin A-derived retinoic acid on metabolic health.
Ionizing Radiation Increases the Activity of Exosomal Secretory Pathway in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells: A Possible Way to Communicate Resistance against Radiotherapy
Authors: Jabbari Nasrollah , Nawaz Muhammad , Rezaie Jafar
Published: July 2019

Radiation therapy, which applies high-energy rays, to eradicate tumor cells, is considered an essential therapy for the patients with breast cancer. Most tumor cells secrete exosomes, which are involved in cell-to-cell communication in tumor tissue and contribute therapeutic resistance and promote tumor aggressiveness. Here, we investigated the effect of clinically applicable doses of X-ray irradiation (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Gy) on the dynamics of the exosomes’ activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Survival and apoptosis rate of cells against X-ray doses was examined using MTT and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Whereas, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the X-ray-treated cells were detected by fluorometric method. The mRNA levels of vital genes involved in exosome biogenesis and secretion including Alix, Rab11, Rab27a, Rab27b, TSPA8, and CD63 were measured by real-time PCR. The protein level of CD63 was examined by Western blotting. Additionally, exosomes were characterized by monitoring acetylcholinesterase activity, transmission electron microscopy, size determination, and zeta potential. The result showed that in comparison with control group cell survival and the percentage of apoptotic cells as well as amount of ROS dose-dependently decreased and increased in irradiated cells respectively (p < 0.05). The expression level of genes including Alix, Rab27a, Rab27b, TSPA8, and CD63 as well as the protein level of CD63 upraised according to an increase in X-ray dose (p < 0.05). We found that concurrent with an increasing dose of X-ray, the acetylcholinesterase activity, size, and zeta-potential values of exosomes from irradiated cells increased (p < 0.05). Data suggest X-ray could activate exosome biogenesis and secretion in MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent way, suggesting the therapeutic response of cells via ROS and exosome activity.
bHLH–PAS Proteins: Their Structure and Intrinsic Disorder
Authors: Kolonko Marta , Greb-Markiewicz Beata
Published: July 2019

The basic helix–loop–helix/Per-ARNT-SIM (bHLH–PAS) proteins are a class of transcriptional regulators, commonly occurring in living organisms and highly conserved among vertebrates and invertebrates. These proteins exhibit a relatively well-conserved domain structure: the bHLH domain located at the N-terminus, followed by PAS-A and PAS-B domains. In contrast, their C-terminal fragments present significant variability in their primary structure and are unique for individual proteins. C-termini were shown to be responsible for the specific modulation of protein action. In this review, we present the current state of knowledge, based on NMR and X-ray analysis, concerning the structural properties of bHLH–PAS proteins. It is worth noting that all determined structures comprise only selected domains (bHLH and/or PAS). At the same time, substantial parts of proteins, comprising their long C-termini, have not been structurally characterized to date. Interestingly, these regions appear to be intrinsically disordered (IDRs) and are still a challenge to research. We aim to emphasize the significance of IDRs for the flexibility and function of bHLH–PAS proteins. Finally, we propose modern NMR methods for the structural characterization of the IDRs of bHLH–PAS proteins.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Multiple Biotic Stress Resistance in Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat
Authors: Bhatta Madhav , Morgounov Alexey , Belamkar Vikas , Wegulo Stephen N. , Dababat Abdelfattah A. , Erginbas-Orakci Gül , Bouhssini Mustapha El , Gautam Pravin , Poland Jesse , Akci Nilüfer , Demir Lütfü , Wanyera Ruth , Baenziger P. Stephen
Published: July 2019

Genetic resistance against biotic stress is a major goal in many wheat breeding programs. However, modern wheat cultivars have a limited genetic variation for disease and pest resistance and there is always a possibility of the evolution of new diseases and pests to overcome previously identified resistance genes. A total of 125 synthetic hexaploid wheats (SHWs; 2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD, Triticum aestivum L.) were characterized for resistance to fungal pathogens that cause wheat rusts (leaf; Puccinia triticina, stem; P. graminis f.sp. tritici, and stripe; P. striiformis f.sp. tritici) and crown rot (Fusarium spp.); cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera spp.); and Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor). A wide range of genetic variation was observed among SHWs for multiple (two to five) biotic stresses and 17 SHWs that were resistant to more than two stresses. The genomic regions and potential candidate genes conferring resistance to these biotic stresses were identified from a genome-wide association study (GWAS). This GWAS study identified 124 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) for multiple biotic stresses and 33 of these were found within genes. Furthermore, 16 of the 33 MTAs present within genes had annotations suggesting their potential role in disease resistance. These results will be valuable for pyramiding novel genes/genomic regions conferring resistance to multiple biotic stresses from SHWs into elite bread wheat cultivars and providing further insights on a wide range of stress resistance in wheat.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Induced Alterations in The Root Proteome of Two Rice Cultivars
Authors: Tang Jichao , Sun Zhigui , Chen Qinghua , Damaris Rebecca Njeri , Lu Bilin , Hu Zhengrong
Published: July 2019

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for plants and a key limiting factor of crop production. However, excessive application of N fertilizers and the low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) have brought in severe damage to the environment. Therefore, improving NUE is urgent and critical for the reductions of N fertilizer pollution and production cost. In the present study, we investigated the effects of N nutrition on the growth and yield of the two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, conventional rice Huanghuazhan and indica hybrid rice Quanliangyou 681, which were grown at three levels of N fertilizer (including 135, 180 and 225 kg/hm2, labeled as N9, N12, N15, respectively). Then, a proteomic approach was employed in the roots of the two rice cultivars treated with N fertilizer at the level of N15. A total of 6728 proteins were identified, among which 6093 proteins were quantified, and 511 differentially expressed proteins were found in the two rice cultivars after N fertilizer treatment. These differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in ammonium assimilation, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, signal transduction, energy production/regulation, material transport, and stress/defense response. Together, this study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism of nitrogen fertilization in cereal crops.
Numerical Fatigue Analysis of a Prototype Francis Turbine Runner in Low-Load Operation
Authors: Unterluggauer Julian , Doujak Eduard , Bauer Christian
Published: July 2019

Depending on a dynamical energy market dominated by the influence of volatile energies, the operators of hydro-power plants are forced to extend the operating range of their hydraulic machines to stay competitive. High flexibility towards low-load, a rising number of start-ups and fast response times are required for better control of the electrical grid. The major downside of these operating regions is that pressure pulsations, which are induced by the means of flow phenomena, lead to higher fatigue damage regarding the runner. Therefore, site measurements in combination with numerical methods can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the runner lifetime. This paper presents a numerical approach to understand the critical operation zones and access fatigue damage, including steady state, unsteady and transient computational fluid dynamic (CFD) one-way coupled with a transient finite element method (FEM).
Effect of the (Nd,Dy)-Double Doping on the Structural Properties of Ceria
Authors: Artini Cristina , Gigli Lara , Carnasciali Maria Maddalena , Pani Marcella
Published: July 2019

The crystallographic properties of the Ce1−x(Nd0.63Dy0.37)xO2−x/2 system (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) were studied by means of synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and compared to the ones of Sm-doped ceria. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of substituting Sm3+ by a mixture of a smaller and a larger ion that ensures a more pronounced Ce4+/dopant size mismatch while having the same average ionic size as Sm3+. Two main findings came to light: (a) the compositional region of the CeO2-based solid solution widens up to x ranging between 0.4 and 0.5, and (b) the cell parameter is larger than the one of Sm-doped ceria at each composition. Both effects are expected to play a significant role on the ionic conductivity of the material. The results are discussed in terms of disorder and cation-vacancy association.
Selected Lyrics of Bontok’s “Antoway, Ayoweng, and Chag-Ay” Songs: An Initial Stylistic Assessment
Authors: Fagsao Jonnelle D.
Published: July 2019

Most of the studies of Bontok songs in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines have focused on the need to preserve an aspect of the “Ifuntok” (people of Bontoc) society, but the major aim of this paper first proposes an understanding of the Tokwifi’s “Antoway”, Bacwaden’s “Ayyoweng”, and Khensay’s “Chag-ay”, commonly regarded as songs of the Bontoks during wakes and funerals, taking into consideration its intrinsic potential on literary themes and musicality. This paper then organizes the framework of Prototype and Relevance Theory and applies it to the selected songs found in the three collections. It attempts to express how prototype and relevance theory can improve not only a thematic analysis of the selected songs, but also the extra-textual interpretations that can be drawn from them. In doing so, it adds to the contemporary thoughtful understanding of Bontok indigenous tradition, as they are deceptively eliminated of the impression of the past, recontextualized in today’s literature and music curriculum, and associated in contemporary free issues and concerns in the Bontok community.
Phase Change with Density Variation and Cylindrical Symmetry: Application to Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Fyrillas Marios M. , Ioannou Yiannos , Papadakis Loucas , Rebholz Claus , Matthews Allan , Doumanidis Charalabos C.
Published: July 2019

In this paper we introduce an analytical approach for predicting the melting radius during powder melting in selective laser melting (SLM) with minimum computation duration. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the suggested analytical expression in determining the melt pool geometry for SLM processes, by considering heat transfer and phase change effects with density variation and cylindrical symmetry. This allows for rendering first findings of the melt pool numerical prediction during SLM using a quasi-real-time calculation, which will contribute significantly in the process design and control, especially when applying novel powders. We consider the heat transfer problem associated with a heat source of power Q ′ ˙   ( W / m ) per unit length, activated along the span of a semi-infinite fusible material. As soon as the line heat source is activated, melting commences along the line of the heat source and propagates cylindrically outwards. The temperature field is also cylindrically symmetric. At small times (i.e., neglecting gravity and Marangoni effects), when the density of the solid material is less than that of the molten material (i.e., in the case of metallic powders), an annulus is created of which the outer interface separates the molten material from the solid. In this work we include the effect of convection on the melting process, which is shown to be relatively important. We also justify that the assumption of constant but different properties between the two material phases (liquid and solid) does not introduce significant errors in the calculations. A more important result; however, is that, if we assume constant energy input per unit length, there is an optimum power of the heat source that would result to a maximum amount of molten material when the heat source is deactivated. The model described above can be suitably applied in the case of selective laser melting (SLM) when one considers the heat energy transferred to the metallic powder bed during scanning. Using a characteristic time and length for the process, we can model the energy transfer by the laser as a heat source per unit length. The model was applied in a set of five experimental data, and it was demonstrated that it has the potential to quantitatively describe the SLM process.
Validating an Operational Flood Forecast Model Using Citizen Science in Hampton Roads, VA, USA
Authors: Loftis Jon Derek , Mitchell Molly , Schatt Daniel , Forrest David R. , Wang Harry V. , Mayfield David , Stiles William A.
Published: July 2019

Changes in the eustatic sea level have enhanced the impact of inundation events in the coastal zone, ranging in significance from tropical storm surges to pervasive nuisance flooding events. The increased frequency of these inundation events has stimulated the production of interactive web-map tracking tools to cope with changes in our changing coastal environment. Tidewatch Maps, developed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), is an effective example of an emerging street-level inundation mapping tool. Leveraging the Semi-implicit Cross-scale Hydro-science Integrated System Model (SCHISM) as the engine, Tidewatch operationally disseminates 36-h inundation forecast maps with a 12-h update frequency. SCHISM’s storm tide forecasts provide surge guidance for the legacy VIMS Tidewatch Charts sensor-based tidal prediction platform, while simultaneously providing an interactive and operationally functional forecast mapping tool with hourly temporal resolution and a 5 m spatial resolution throughout the coastal plain of Virginia, USA. This manuscript delves into the hydrodynamic modeling and geospatial methods used at VIMS to automate the 36-h street-level flood forecasts currently available via Tidewatch Maps, and the paradigm-altering efforts involved in validating the spatial, vertical, and temporal accuracy of the model.
Opportunities and Limitations for Achieving Land Degradation-Neutrality through the Current Land-Use Policy Framework in Kenya
Authors: Gichenje Helene , Muñoz-Rojas José , Pinto-Correia Teresa
Published: July 2019

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) land degradation neutrality (LDN) scientific conceptual framework underscores that LDN planning and implementation should be integrated into existing planning processes and supported by an enabling policy environment. Land-use planning, which requires the integration of different policy goals across various sectors concerned with land-use, can be an effective mechanism through which decisions with respect to LDN can be coordinated. Using Kenya as a case study, we examined current policy instruments that directly or indirectly impact on the use of land in a rural context, to assess their potential to implement LDN objectives. The qualitative content analysis of these instruments indicated that they are rich with specific legal provisions and measures to address LDN, and that there are a number of relevant institutions and structures across governance levels. However, the main shortcoming is the disjointed approach that is scattered across policy areas. Key policy improvements needed to support effective implementation of LDN include: a national soil policy on the management and protection of soil and land; a systematic and coordinated data collection strategy on soils; mobilisation of adequate and sustained financial resources; streamlined responsibilities, and governance structures across national, regional and county levels.
Computed Tomography-Based Characterization of the Fatigue Behavior and Damage Development of Extruded Profiles Made from Recycled AW6060 Aluminum Chips
Authors: Koch Alexander , Wittke Philipp , Walther Frank
Published: July 2019

The possibility of producing profiles directly by hot extrusion of aluminum chips, normally considered as scrap, is a promising alternative to the energy-intensive remelting process. It has to be taken into account that the mechanical properties depend on the quality of the weld seams between the chips, which arise during the extrusion process. To estimate the influence of the weld seams, quasistatic and cyclic investigations were performed on chip-based profiles and finally compared with cast-based extruded profiles. In order to gain comprehensive information about the fatigue progress, different measurement techniques like alternating current potential drop (ACPD)-technique, hysteresis measurements, and temperature measurements were used during the fatigue tests. The weld seams and voids were investigated using computed tomography and metallographic techniques. Results show that quasistatic properties of chip-based specimens are only reduced by about 5%, whereas the lifetime is reduced by about a decade. The development of the fatigue cracks, which propagate between the chip boundaries, was characterized by an intermittent testing strategy, where an initiation of two separate cracks was observed.
Three-Dimensional Free Vibration Analysis of Thermally Loaded FGM Sandwich Plates
Authors: Burlayenko Vyacheslav N. , Sadowski Tomasz , Dimitrova Svetlana
Published: July 2019

Using the finite element code ABAQUS and the user-defined material utilities UMAT and UMATHT, a solid brick graded finite element is developed for three-dimensional (3D) modeling of free vibrations of thermally loaded functionally gradient material (FGM) sandwich plates. The mechanical and thermal material properties of the FGM sandwich plates are assumed to vary gradually in the thickness direction, according to a power-law fraction distribution. Benchmark problems are firstly considered to assess the performance and accuracy of the proposed 3D graded finite element. Comparisons with the reference solutions revealed high efficiency and good capabilities of the developed element for the 3D simulations of thermomechanical and vibration responses of FGM sandwich plates. Some parametric studies are carried out for the frequency analysis by varying the volume fraction profile and the temperature distribution across the plate thickness.
Improvement of the Concrete Permeability by Using Hydrophilic Blended Additive
Authors: García Calvo José Luis , Sánchez Moreno Mercedes , Carballosa Pedro , Pedrosa Filipe , Tavares Fabiano
Published: July 2019

Crystalline hydrophilic additives are increasingly used as efficient methods for reducing water permeability in concrete. Their effectiveness in hindering water penetration has been proven in different cementitious materials, although scarce information has been reported concerning their action mechanism. In the present work, the efficacy of a hydrophilic blended crystalline mix (Krystaline Add1) as a water-reducing additive has been confirmed. Furthermore, an extended study about how the presence of the additive influences both the fresh state and the hardened state properties is presented. Finally, characterization techniques such as Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Back-Scattered Scanning Electron Microscopy (BSEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) have been used for deducing the mechanism of the additive. No significant deleterious influence on the concrete properties due to the addition of the additive has been detected. In fact, the additive seems to have provided a positive influence on the concrete given that a slight reduction in the w/c ratio for similar consistency has been detected, with the subsequent improvement of the compressive strength values. Its effectiveness as a water permeability reducing additive has shown encouraging results having reduced the water permeability by approximately 50% during testing. The action mechanism of the studied additive seems to be related to hydration reactions in the presence of water, producing new solid amorphous phases in the concrete bulk.
A Refined Simple First-Order Shear Deformation Theory for Static Bending and Free Vibration Analysis of Advanced Composite Plates
Authors: Nguyen Hoang , Hong Tran , Vinh Pham , Quang Nguyen , Thom Do
Published: July 2019

A refined simple first-order shear deformation theory is developed to investigate the static bending and free vibration of advanced composite plates such as functionally graded plates. By introducing the new distribution shape function, the transverse shear strain and shear stress have a parabolic distribution across the thickness of the plates, and they equal zero at the surfaces of the plates. Hence, the new refined theory needs no shear correction factor. The Navier solution is applied to investigate the static bending and free vibration of simply supported advanced composite plates. The proposed theory shows an improvement in calculating the deflections and frequencies of advanced composite plates. The formulation and transformation of the present theory are as simple as the simple first-order shear deformation. The comparisons of deflection, axial stresses, transverse shear stresses, and frequencies of the plates obtained by the proposed theory with published results of different theories are carried out to show the efficiency and accuracy of the new theory. In addition, some discussions on the influence of various parameters such as the power-law index, the slenderness ratio, and the aspect ratio are carried out, which are useful for the design and testing of advanced composite structures.
Solvent-Free Preparation of 1,8-Dioxo-Octahydroxanthenes Employing Iron Oxide Nanomaterials
Authors: Rajabi Fatemeh , Abdollahi Mohammad , Diarjani Elham Sadat , Osmolowsky Mikhail G. , Osmolovskaya Olga M. , Gómez-López Paulette , Puente-Santiago Alain R. , Luque Rafael
Published: July 2019

In this study, 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes were prepared employing a simple, effective and environmentally sound approach utilizing an iron oxide nanocatalyst under solventless conditions. The proposed iron oxide nanomaterial exhibited high product yields, short reaction times and a facile work-up procedure. The synthesized catalyst was also found to be highly stable and reusable under the investigated conditions (up to twelve consecutive cycles) without any significant loss in its catalytic activity.
A CNN-BiLSTM Model for Document-Level Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Rhanoui Maryem , Mikram Mounia , Yousfi Siham , Barzali Soukaina
Published: July 2019

Document-level sentiment analysis is a challenging task given the large size of the text, which leads to an abundance of words and opinions, at times contradictory, in the same document. This analysis is particularly useful in analyzing press articles and blog posts about a particular product or company, and it requires a high concentration, especially when the topic being discussed is sensitive. Nevertheless, most existing models and techniques are designed to process short text from social networks and collaborative platforms. In this paper, we propose a combination of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) models, with Doc2vec embedding, suitable for opinion analysis in long texts. The CNN-BiLSTM model is compared with CNN, LSTM, BiLSTM and CNN-LSTM models with Word2vec/Doc2vec embeddings. The Doc2vec with CNN-BiLSTM model was applied on French newspapers articles and outperformed the other models with 90.66% accuracy.
Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis of the Tentacles and Mucus of Anthopleura dowii Verrill, 1869
Authors: Ramírez-Carreto Santos , Vera-Estrella Rosario , Portillo-Bobadilla Tobías , Licea-Navarro Alexei , Bernaldez-Sarabia Johanna , Rudiño-Piñera Enrique , Verleyen Jerome J. , Rodríguez Estefanía , Rodríguez-Almazán Claudia
Published: July 2019

Sea anemone venom contains a complex and diverse arsenal of peptides and proteins of pharmacological and biotechnological interest, however, only venom from a few species has been explored from a global perspective to date. In the present study, we identified the polypeptides present in the venom of the sea anemone Anthopleura dowii Verrill, 1869 through a transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of the tentacles and the proteomic profile of the secreted mucus. In our transcriptomic results, we identified 261 polypeptides related to or predicted to be secreted in the venom, including proteases, neurotoxins that could act as either potassium (K+) or sodium (Na+) channels inhibitors, protease inhibitors, phospholipases A2, and other polypeptides. Our proteomic data allowed the identification of 156 polypeptides—48 exclusively identified in the mucus, 20 in the tentacles, and 88 in both protein samples. Only 23 polypeptides identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were related to the venom and 21 exclusively identified in the mucus, most corresponding to neurotoxins and hydrolases. Our data contribute to the knowledge of evolutionary and venomic analyses of cnidarians, particularly of sea anemones.
Mannose-Specific Lectins from Marine Algae: Diverse Structural Scaffolds Associated to Common Virucidal and Anti-Cancer Properties
Authors: Barre Annick , Simplicien Mathias , Benoist Hervé , Van Damme Els J.M. , Rougé Pierre
Published: July 2019

To date, a number of mannose-specific lectins have been isolated and characterized from seaweeds, especially from red algae. In fact, man-specific seaweed lectins consist of different structural scaffolds harboring a single or a few carbohydrate-binding sites which specifically recognize mannose-containing glycans. Depending on the structural scaffold, man-specific seaweed lectins belong to five distinct structurally-related lectin families, namely (1) the griffithsin lectin family (β-prism I scaffold); (2) the Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin homolog (OAAH) lectin family (β-barrel scaffold); (3) the legume lectin-like lectin family (β-sandwich scaffold); (4) the Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)-like lectin family (β-prism II scaffold); and, (5) the MFP2-like lectin family (MFP2-like scaffold). Another algal lectin from Ulva pertusa, has been inferred to the methanol dehydrogenase related lectin family, because it displays a rather different GlcNAc-specificity. In spite of these structural discrepancies, all members from the five lectin families share a common ability to specifically recognize man-containing glycans and, especially, high-mannose type glycans. Because of their mannose-binding specificity, these lectins have been used as valuable tools for deciphering and characterizing the complex mannose-containing glycans from the glycocalyx covering both normal and transformed cells, and as diagnostic tools and therapeutic drugs that specifically recognize the altered high-mannose N-glycans occurring at the surface of various cancer cells. In addition to these anti-cancer properties, man-specific seaweed lectins have been widely used as potent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-inactivating proteins, due to their capacity to specifically interact with the envelope glycoprotein gp120 and prevent the virion infectivity of HIV-1 towards the host CD4+ T-lymphocyte cells in vitro.
Hypocalcemia and Vitamin D Deficiency amongst Migraine Patients: A Nationwide Retrospective Study
Authors: Patel Urvish , Kodumuri Nishanth , Malik Preeti , Kapoor Amita , Malhi Princy , Patel Kulin , Saiyed Saleha , Lavado Liseth , Kapoor Vinod
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives: Inadequate vitamin D and calcium intake have been linked to many health issues including chronic headaches. Some studies suggested an association between low vitamin D levels and increase the risk of frequent headaches in middle-aged and older men; however, no single study reported the role of these deficiencies in migraine patients. We aimed to investigate the association of hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency with migraine hospitalizations. Materials and Methods: A population-based retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) (years 2003–2014) in migraine hospitalizations was performed. The prevalence, demographic characteristics and All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups severity/disability association were compared in patients with hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency to those without deficiencies, using ICD-9-CM codes. Weighted analyses using Chi-Square, paired Student’s t-test, and Cochran–Armitage trend test were performed. Survey logistic regression was performed to find an association between deficiencies and migraine hospitalizations and deficiency induced disability amongst migraineurs. Results: Between years 2003 and 2014, of the total 446,446 migraine hospitalizations, 1226 (0.27%) and 2582 (0.58%) presented with hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency, respectively. In multivariable analysis, hypocalcemia [Odds Ratio (OR): 6.19; Confidence Interval (CI): 4.40–8.70; p < 0.0001] and vitamin D deficiency (OR: 3.12; CI: 2.38–4.08; p < 0.0001) were associated with markedly elevated odds of major/extreme loss of function. There was higher prevalence (3.0% vs. 1.5% vs. 1.6%; p < 0.0001) and higher odds of migraine among vitamin D deficiency (OR: 1.97; CI: 1.89–2.05; p < 0.0001) patients in comparison to patients with hypocalcemia (OR: 1.11; CI: 1.03–1.20; p = 0.0061) and no-deficiency, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated a significant association between hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency with migraine attacks and deficiency induced loss of function among migraineurs. Early preventive measures may reduce the disability in migraineurs.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Children with ASD
Authors: Martínez-González Agustín Ernesto , Andreo-Martínez Pedro
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired communication, social interaction disorder, and repetitive behavior. Dysbiotic gut microbiota (GM) could be a contributing factor to the appearance of ASD, as gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are comorbidities frequently reported in ASD. As there is a lack of reviews about the role played by GM in the GI symptoms of ASD, this work aimed to carry out a systematic review of current studies comparing the GM of children with ASD and GI symptoms with those of healthy controls in the last six years. Materials and Methods: The systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. The databases chosen were Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO, and the keywords were (gut* OR intestine* OR bowel* OR gastrointestinal*) AND (microbiota* OR microflora* OR bacteria* OR microbiome* OR flora* OR bacterial* OR bacteria* OR microorganism* OR feces* OR stool*) AND (autistic* OR autism* OR ASD*). Results: A total of 16 articles were included. Ten articles performed correlations analysis between GI symptoms and ASD. Among those 10 articles, 7 found differences between the GI symptoms present in children with ASD and healthy controls. The most common GI symptom was constipation. Among the seven articles that found differences, three performed correlations analysis between GI symptoms and gut microbe abundance. Candida, Prevotella, Streptococcus, and Veillonella showed higher and lower abundance, respectively, in children with ASD and GI symptoms in more than one article. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinomyces, Dorea, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratios showed abundance discrepancies. Conclusions: It is still too early to draw a conclusion about the gut microbes involved in GI symptoms of ASD. Future research should consider the relationship between ASD behavior, GM, and GI symptoms in a multidisciplinary way and homogenize sample characteristics.
In-Depth Bioinformatic Study of the CLDN16 Gene and Protein: Prediction of Subcellular Localization to Mitochondria
Authors: Rouka Erasmia , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Hatzoglou Chrissi , Zarogiannis Sotirios G.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives: The defects in the CLDN16 gene are a cause of primary hypomagnesemia (FHHNC), which is characterized by massive renal magnesium wasting, resulting in nephrocalcinosis and renal failure. The mutations occur throughout the gene’s coding region and can impact on intracellular trafficking of the protein or its paracellular pore forming function. To gain more understanding about the mechanisms by which CLDN16 mutations can induce FHHNC, we performed an in-depth computational analysis of the CLDN16 gene and protein, focusing specifically on the prediction of the latter’s subcellular localization. Materials and Methods: The complete nucleotide or amino acid sequence of CLDN16 in FASTA format was entered and processed in 14 databases. Results: One CpG island was identified. Twenty five promoters/enhancers were predicted. The CLDN16 interactome was found to consist of 20 genes, mainly involved in kidney diseases. No signal peptide cleavage site was identified. A probability of export to mitochondria equal to 0.9740 and a cleavable mitochondrial localization signal in the N terminal of the CLDN16 protein were predicted. The secondary structure prediction was visualized. Νo phosphorylation sites were identified within the CLDN16 protein region by applying DISPHOS to the functional class of transport. The KnotProt database did not predict any knot or slipknot in the protein structure of CLDN16. Seven putative miRNA binding sites within the 3’-UTR region of CLDN16 were identified. Conclusions: This is the first study to identify mitochondria as a probable cytoplasmic compartment for CLDN16 localization, thus providing new insights into the protein’s intracellular transport. The results relative to the CLDN16 interactome underline its role in renal pathophysiology and highlight the functional dependence of CLDNs-10, 14, 16, 19. The predictions pertaining to the miRNAs, promoters/enhancers and CpG islands of the CLDN16 gene indicate a strict regulation of its expression both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally.
Modeling the Angle-Specific Isokinetic Hamstring to Quadriceps Ratio Using Multilevel Generalized Additive Models
Authors: Sousa Lucas A. , Soares André L. A. , Lima Ahlan B. , Paes Roberto R. , Nakamura Luiz R. , Carvalho Humberto M.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives: This study considered the use of a generalized additive multilevel model to describe the joint-angle-specific functional hamstring to quadriceps ratio (H:Q ratio) in the knee, using all of the available truly isokinetic data within the range. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy male basketball players aged 15.0 (1.4) years (average stature = 180.0 cm, SD = 11.1 cm; average body mass = 71.2, SD = 14.9 kg) years were considered. All players considered had no history of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury at the time of testing or during the 6 months before testing, and had been engaged in formal basketball training and competition for 5.9 (2.4) years. Moments of force of the reciprocal concentric and eccentric muscular actions for the knee extensors and flexors assessed by isokinetic dynamometry at 60°∙s−1 were used. Results: Maximum moments of force were attained at different angle positions for knee extension. For knee flexion, it was apparent that there was an ability to maintain high levels of moment of force between 30° and 60° in the concentric muscular action, corresponding to the concentric action of the hamstrings. However, for the eccentric knee flexion, corresponding to the quadriceps action, there was a marked peak of moment of force at about 55°. The functional H:Q ratio for the knee extension was non-linear, remaining higher than 1.0 (i.e., point of equality) from the beginning of the extension until approximately 40° of the knee extension, leveling off below the point of equality thereafter. On average, the functional H:Q ratio for the knee flexion did not attain 1.0 across the range of motion. The functional H:Q ratio for the knee in the present sample peaked at 20° and 80°, declining between these angle positions to below 0.50 at about 0.54. Conclusions: Estimating the form of the non-linear relationship on-the-fly using a generalized additive multilevel model provides joint-angle-specific curves and joint-angle-specific functional H:Q ratio patterns, allowing the identification and monitoring of strength development, with potential implications for injury and performance.
Effect of Frictional Conditions on the Generation of Fine Grain Layers in Drawing of Thin Steel Wires
Authors: Stolyarov Alexey , Polyakova Marina , Atangulova Guzel , Alexandrov Sergei , Lang Lihui
Published: July 2019

The process of drawing thin carbon steel wires through conical dies is used as an experimental method for determining the effect of frictional conditions and die angle on the generation of fine grain layers in the vicinity of the friction surface. In this study, a quantitative criterion for determining the thickness of fine grain layers is proposed. The criterion is based on the coefficient of anisotropy that characterizes the shape of grains. It is shown that fine grain layers are generated under all frictional conditions investigated, but the thickness of the layer depends on these conditions and die angle.
Thermomechanical Fatigue of Lost Foam Cast Al–Si Cylinder Heads—Assessment of Crack Origin Based on the Evaluation of Pore Distribution
Authors: Wagner Martin , Mösenbacher Andreas , Eiber Marion , Hoyer Martin , Riva Marco , Christ Hans-Jürgen
Published: July 2019

In automotive cylinder heads, thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) leads to crack initiation within the critical loaded sections. This effect becomes even more relevant in lost foam cast cylinder heads since its system-dependent porosity shows a significant influence on the lifetime under TMF loading. This work covers the identification of a criterion for crack initiation in order to provide the basis for an effective quality control with improved statistical safety by nondestructive testing. Specimens extracted from lost foam cylinder heads were investigated by uniaxial TMF tests, X-ray micro computer tomography (μCT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Due to pore analyses on a global and local scale, it is concluded that pore networks are crucial for crack initiation. Thus, a tool for computation of pore accumulations from μCT data containing interaction criteria by Murakami was developed in order to assess the crack origin. The consideration of pore accumulations significantly improves the predictive accuracy compared to the consideration of single pores.